My Journey On The Road of Life

2007-02-25T02:44:00.000+08:00

Very Apt Indeed!

Blogging can get really addicting, like that pringle's ad "once you pop, you can't stop"... hmmm not to mean anything naughty ;p. I was just trying to browse thru my horoscope on friendster when it suddenly hit me. THERE IT IS!!! Like a screamer... in plain black and white:

Friendster Horoscope February 25, 2007

The Bottom Line
Romance is supposed to be fun -- if yours isn't fun now, it's time to take a break.

In Detail
Romance is supposed to be fun, not a chore -- right? So if you're grimly working on getting closer to someone right now, stop what you're doing. The stress isn't good for you. Arguments, missed dates, conflict -- these aren't merely obstacles to moving your relationship forward. They may be signs that now is not the time for the two of you. Step back from the relationship and give the other person time to realize how much he or she misses you when you're not around.

Hmmm... you think it's time to stop all these nonsens b.s.?!?

For Jenny and ONLY For My Jenny!

2006-11-07T17:06:00.000+08:00

Hey girl!!! I miss you so much! We got so many things to talk about... But first, what happened? Why single? So the wedding's postponed now or really cancelled?!

This may sound selfish but I kinda am happy that I don’t have to compete anymore for your attention haha. Can you be single for the next couple of years hahahaha, im thinking of moving to Texas if it’s okay with you hahaha. ; )

About your post #8. "I got no plans for Christmas yet. Any (cheap) suggestions?" How about we meet up? My family is planning to spend Christmas in Phuket, Thailand, you wanna join us? Dali let’s go! I know that's cheap for you, sus, you earn green money y'know! =p

Master Noel is getting married next year, February 3, you have to be there. Gosh, I am excited for him, not that I am inggit or anything, to be honest I can't really see myself married yet at least for a couple of years ;) haha, it's just that he's the first person to get married among my closest of closest friends... Anyway, let's talk! ASAP!

Extreme Ups and Downs

2006-10-29T11:37:00.000+08:00

Wow! It's been ages. I can't believe I have not been blogging my emotions out. Probably because i've become too keen on something... or should i say someone? Hmmm...

Nothing really significant comes in mind, these are just random thoughts that I'd like to jot down just so I'll have another irrelevant post (which is by the way, long overdue) here in my blog.

Grrrr, it's efffing freezing where I am right now. People told me to bring summer clothes, and now where did it bring me? I ended up borrowing the boys' baggy clothes. Fudge, I pee like every five seconds. I hate it! My skin's cracking up because it's too dry... shet. But it's all good.

*currently listening to Breathe by Telepopmusik*

P.S. I'm not sure how to forget about the past seven months, but we'll see how everything goes. I hope and I pray this roller-coaster ride ends soon.

Forgive me, I need to post this

2006-07-27T14:35:00.001+08:00

Anything Less Than Mad Love Is A Waste Of Your Time by Leah S. Casta

One of the most recently released movies that have perhaps hit home (cringe!), so to speak, is the low-budget "Dream for an Insomniac" starring Ione Skye and Jennifer Aniston. The lead actor used to be a child star but unfortunately, the movies which catapulted him to fame have already slipped my mind. Try to rent a copy of this movie not because of the talent of those who starred in it but because of the dialogue.

One of those lines which bore a hole in my heart was, and I quote (not verbatim, though):

"I don't want to be sixty years old and married to my second-best choice, wondering what ever happened to the one who got away."

This is just one of the two great lines in that movie. I'll tell youwhat the other one is later.

Meantime, let me concentrate on this line-the line that sends chills down your spine once you decide to spend more than five seconds thinking about it.

Have you ever wondered what it must feel like married to the one you settled on? This truly gives me great feelings of anxiety.

It might be difficult to accept the word "settle" because it conjures up images of quasi- happiness and half-hearted glee.

Yes, there is some sort of satisfaction and perhaps, some feeling of security that can be derived from such a partnership but I wonder, could there be anything more?

To settle is to ultimately accept what is within reach, what is available, what is there. To settle is to convince one's self that the decision about to be made is inevitable, realistic, and safe.

To settle is to risk not ever being truly happy because one decides to adopt the worst type of bahala na attitude on life's greatest challenges. And settling is a sorry consequence of the passage of time. Yes, time can be the balm that soothes open, painful wounds in one's heart but it can also be that dark force that manipulates one's mind into thinking and believing that the choice one has made is the best choice... the only choice.

What time does, and I'm sure you'll agree, is it lodges one's mind and heart in a cage with the door partly open -- with the promise of a better life losing its appeal over the reality of the present, the convenient, and the routine.

Time also pressures one into selecting a suitor or spouse because 'wala nang iba' (there is no one else) and 'nagmamadali na ako' (I'm in a hurry) and there, 'puwede na rin.' (I'll make do).

The wickedness of "settling" is not one way. It also eventually hurts the one who was chosen because in all respects, the truth will surface. You no doubt realize that you just wasted each other's time and emotions. But then again, if your spouse chose you not because he or she "settled," then forget about the win-win situation you were gunning for.

Frankie (Ione Skye) delivered that line when she was deciding whether or not to do everything possible to win David Shrader's really think it wise to split up with his girlfriend of three years on a limb. Very much unlike you and me, Frankie is very a typical of the Rules Girl. She went for David, bared her soul, and tried to convince him that he will only be happy with her. She then gave him the other great line in the movie to make him leave his girlfriend for her.

"Anything less than mad, passionate love is a waste of my time."

In the end, David left his girlfriend for Frankie and they lived happily ever after. Wow. Many times, in my not too colorful past, I almost gave in to the urge to tell the boy I liked what I felt for him. In all those times, I opted otherwise for fear of my mother's wrath and, of course, embarrassment in case of rejection. I am scared of losing my precious dignity and pride in case he tells me that he only sees me as a friend. I'm sure you got through these exercises in your psyche too. Sometimes, our hearts win out over our brains when our certainty over the outcome is great. I try to espouse The Rules and very rarely make the first move. More often than not, I wait for the guy to call. Now you know that I'm one of those who walk the avenues of life on a sidewalk-never off it.

Now, I'm starting to believe otherwise. I see the beauty in sharing your feelings with the one you love -- not because you expect something in return but because life cannot be lived otherwise. It is a great, big step for an otherwise conservative, 'torpe' girl like you and me but if you think about it, it's the only way to go.

Richard Paul Evans' bestseller after The Christmas Box-The Locket- tells us the story of a woman who fell in love with a soldier when they were both very young. They shared their feelings with each other and were very happy.

Eventually, he went off to war and she married somebody else, thinking he wouldn't return to her. Years passed and they lived their separate lives-he married and had a family while the woman's husband and son eventually succumbed to illnesses and died. She decided to wait for her soldier's wife to die before she came back to him -- because she didn't think it was right to complicate his life. The wait took more than sixty years until she eventually found the announcement of his wife's death in the obituary. By this time, the woman was already 80 and could barely walk. Sadly, by the time she managed to find her soldier to tell him she loved him, he was already senile. The woman eventually died a few days after seeing her soldier and perhaps going through the most heart-wrenching experience in her life. She was too late.

The morals of the stories I have mentioned above are similar and almost connected to each other. Perhaps another book theme that we can tie into these is that line from The Bridges of Madison County -- "This kind of certainty comes but once in a lifetime."

I am of the belief that each person is given the chance to find his one true love as he goes about his life. Sometimes, the opportunity is not too obvious, especially for those who are content with their situation and therefore are not seeking "greener pastures." These times, the chance is often passed up.

The luckier ones are those who are probably more clear-minded and in touch with their emotions because they can easily recognize what is staring them in the face. Whether this chance is passed up or not, I know that the feeling one gets when this chance is still within reach is one of certainty. Yes, it is also accompanied with feelings of danger, of risk, and of possible pain but compensating for this is that inexplicable "sureness," that sense of profound happiness that has never been derived anywhere else but from that one person who just happened to pass by in your tidy little life.

I call true love a gift because of its rarity. It does not happen everyday. If you pass it up the first time, try not to be too arrogant to look away when it comes by the second time. You may ask me "how will I know if this is my true love?" My answer to that is this: true love is that strong, awesome feeling that scares the hell out of you but always makes you unbearably happy. It doesn't go away, no matter how much you will it to.

More than anything else, you'll know in your heart when you meet him that he is the one. He doesn't become the one the same way that soulmates do not become soulmates later in life. With him, you are damn certain that you are not settling. With him, you know that youwill be sixty years old and never wondering about the one that got away because he never did. He's right there holding your hand.

------------
As-i... as-in... assh*le! ;) Cryptex, anyone?

Something The Lord Made

2006-07-04T23:39:00.000+08:00

SHOWTIMES
Today at 11:00 pm
Sat, 8 Jul at 3:30 pm
Sun, 16 Jul at 10:35 pm
Mon, 24 Jul at 2:00 pm
Tue, 25 Jul at 4:45 am
Fri, 28 Jul at 11:00 am

SOMETHING THE LORD MADE is a moving story of men who defy the rules and start a medical revolution. Their patients are known as the "blue babies" - infants suffering from a congenital heart defect that turns them blue as they slowly suffocate.

Alfred Blalock (Alan Rickman) and Vivien Thomas (Mos Def) make a brilliant team. But even as they race against time to save one particular baby, the two occupy different places in society. Blalock is the white, wealthy head of surgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital. Thomas is black and poor, a skilled carpenter whose dream of going to college and becoming a doctor was ruined by the Great Depression, although he was naturally gifted with the intuition and dexterity of a great surgeon.

Even as they save lives and invent a whole new field of medicine, social pressures threaten to tear them apart. Ultimately, however, Thomas finds his dreams coming true in unexpected ways.

Something the Lord Made premieres Sunday, May 30 at 9 p.m. ET/P.

Credits: (Dr. Alfred Blalock), Mos Def (Vivien Thomas), Kyra Sedgwick (Mary Blalock), Gabrielle Union (Clara Thomas), Charles Dutton (William Thomas), Mary Stuart Masterson (Dr. Helen Taussig). Casting by Lynn Kressel, C.S.A. and Pat Moran, C.S.A. Music Supervisor Evyen J Klean. Music by Christopher Young. Editor Michael Brown, A.C.E. Production Designer Vincent Peranio. Director of Photography Donald M. Morgan, ASC. Co-Producer Irving Sorkin. Produced by Julian Krainin, Mike Drake. Executive Producers Robert W. Cort, David Madden, Eric Hetzel. Based in part on the magazine article "Like Something The Lord Made" by Katie McCabe. Written by Peter Silverman and Robert Caswell. Directed by Joseph Sargent

Keys Me

2006-06-23T04:34:00.000+08:00

Today isn't so bad after all!

Check this out... laughed my heart out.

Bad Trip!

2006-06-23T03:37:00.000+08:00

Warning: This isn’t me talking, I think it's the caffeine.

I just have to vent. Sorry.

Earlier today, while crossing a 10-minute thoroughfare from Glorietta to Greenbelt (which we all know won’t really take 10 minutes), someone pissed me off.

Coming from the basement parking of Glorietta, I signaled in advance that I intend to go straight. As I let a couple of cars illegally ‘pushed me over’, I got irritated that more and more cars would like to abuse me. “Hell no!”, I thought. I couldn’t let everyone pass, I am not THAT kind. Besides, these people did not have the right of way, they needed to wait for their turn.

When my turn finally came, a feeble man wearing yellow and green (which really looked like a fashion disaster to me) made me halt. I didn’t know what for and so I signaled, ‘what for?’. He wouldn’t budge, so I gestured my incomprehension which made him step aside and lean on my left window. So I asked verbally “What’s wrong?” But I didn’t get anything. Nada. Zip! I asked again, “What’s the problem?” He didn’t say a word.

Anyway, I explained what I think my ‘violation’ at that time – that I got stuck because of those fecking bastards that when I finally got through, the lights suddenly changed to red but I made it clear that I did not beat the red light. Honestly, it was still on yellow and everybody knows that it is PERFECTLLY LEGAL to go through a yellow light especially when stopping will cause accident/s. Ideally we’re supposed to stop on yellow but what if you’re already moving when it turned from green to yellow? And the main point here is that, I DID NOT INTENTIONALLY BEAT ANY FECKING RED LIGHT. To no avail, the eejit did not even open his mouth. He simply stared the effing whole time. What was I suppose to do? Wait there forever? I can’t read minds!!! I got so pissed that I ran away from him.

I am not proud of what I did, I am now getting guilty… but of what?

Ranting

2006-06-17T23:03:00.000+08:00

I know I'm a sucker for soundtracks... well it doesn't really have to be pulled out from a movie. An example of this would be Narda by Kamikaze, I used to hate it but little by little, it grew on me. Now I'm liking it a lot (both versions actually). I remember Jeff and I talked about music making up the mood. For us though, we don't really hang on to the context of the song, our mood is dependent on the situations occured when that specific song was a 'hit' or uso should I say.

Like this song by Rhett Miller, it started playing in my head over and over again when I saw Scrubs the other day...

"I'm dressed all in white and I remember the night

You came on to me and opened up my heart

I was hollow then till you filled me in

Now I'm empty again I should have never let it start"

This song is Come Around, and yep, this is the famous "am I gonna be lonely for the rest of my life?" thingy... siyet!

Now, this utterly bitter song by Up Dharma Down (going back to OPM) is another threat albeit the accompanying nice and jazzy melody and rhythm huh?

it started with... "di mo lang alam, naiisip kita,

baka sakali lang maisip mo ako."

and ended with "oo, malas mo,

ikaw ang natipuhan ko,

di mo lang alam,

ako'y iyong nasaktan."

-get the whole lyrics from the black orchid-

Tsk, tsk, tsk... this is what I get from my LL (literature) college classes.

My Simple Life

2006-06-02T00:10:00.000+08:00

I am now twenty-five. Before, I used to have this notion that at this age, I am someone big or at least have done something big.

As time passed by, aspirations become harder to reach. I used to be way too idealistic and now I’ve become too grounded (and I have experiences, life’s lessons & hardships to thank for that).

For me, I see things ahead of me easier than what I used to want. Before, I used to want a palace on a hill but now, I am okay with a nipa hut in a bukid (not to be taken literally, of course). I want to be able to finish my current "post-graduate" degree and use that when I finally leave home and start on my own. Independence has always been my thing ever since I was younger. I want to be able to work in an environment which does not feel like work when I start getting on my “own” life - - meaning miles away from my family. You see, I don’t have anything against living with my family, it’s just that I am not totally on my own if I have to obey my parents’ rules since I am still under their roof.

I want to be able to own a condo unit doesn’t matter how small or how metropolitan it is… I just want it clean, cozy and very ‘homey’. I want to be able to live with someone I truly love and to wake up everyday with this significant other and share my everything. I want to be able to sincerely enjoy time with friends and family (including relatives) as well. I pray that I (or any of my loved ones) won't be able to face crimes or anything related to that. I just want a simple life, as simple as it can get. I wanna be the first person to go before anyone does.

You think I can do that in 5 years? I sure hope so… is it too much to ask for?

P.S. (after exactly 18 minutes)
I picked up a copy of Lifestyle Asia, April ish (which reminded me also that I want the current issue of Philippine Tatler), browsing through the pages, seems obvious that I am not TOTALLY ready to give up that kind of life. Not just yet.

I think I can compromise. Yeah?

I remember my boss from ABS-CBN telling me “Why don’t you be a trophy wife?” It didn’t sound like an inquiry to me; it was as if she was directly suggesting me to do it. I wish I can!

6-2006

2006-06-01T20:53:00.000+08:00

Wow! It's June already... exactly a year ago. Whew! T-O-U-G-H is how my past year has been. It's beyond tough to be frank about it. I never really looked forward to anything since last year happened and doesn't change a thing.

Life is shitty... and that's all I can say for now = /

j'ai rêvé de grand-père

2006-05-30T22:52:00.000+08:00

I am going around a nice wooden-plaque kitchen, very modern. The rest of my family was with me, plus one. We were getting ready for a meal, I'm not sure if lunch or dinner but we were pretty busy. Suddenly, I realized the fifth person was my grandfather and I jokingly said aloud "Here we go again, don't be too hyper lolo!" After a split second another realization came up, I asked my sister "Wait, lolo died already right?" Then my sister replied re-approvingly "Yeah..." And then I started crying, sitting in the middle of the kitchen, starting to get scared. Then my mom said "C'mon, don't scare her too much" and before I knew it, lolo started to walk towards me and I cried harder and harder each time I feel him getting nearer... then suddenly I felt his embrace and nothing has ever felt so real like the hug he gave me, it felt so physical. Then I started shedding tears in reality. I openend my eyes, it was exactly 6 o'clock in the morning.

I love you so much Lolo and I know you are consoling me. I know you see everything that I do and I am very sorry for all my misdeeds. I know you're always guiding your family and I just want you to know that your love is strongly felt. Thank you so much for always guiding us. I love you so much lolo... I love you.

Phair Matters

2006-05-23T00:40:00.000+08:00

The sickeningly effervescent "Extraordinary" possesses all the characteristics such as the usual grungy guitars, the bouncy melody, and plenty of layered, sugary vocals by Phair, which, despite sounding catchy as hell, are some of the most insipid lyrics she has ever sung ("I am extraordinary/If you'd ever get to know me/I am extraordinary/I am just your ordinary average everyday sane psycho supergoddess"). - Pop Matters

Extraordinary by Liz Phair
Listen to her here

You think that I go home at night. Take off my clothes, turn out the lights. But I burn letters that I write. To you, to make you love me.

Yeah, I drive naked through the park. And run the stop sign in the dark. Stand in the street, yell out my heart. To make, to make you love me.

I am extraordinary, if you'd ever get to know me. I am extraordinary, I am just your ordinary average every day sane psycho. Supergoddess! Average every day sane psycho.

You may not believe in me. But I believe in you. So I still take the trash out. Does that make me too normal for you? So dig a little deeper, cause you still don't get it yet. See me lickin' my lips, need a primitive fix. And I'll make, I'll make you love me

See me jump through hoops for you. You stand there watching me performing. What exactly do you do? Have you ever thought it's you that's boring? Who the hell are you?

Finally Decoded

2006-05-17T22:54:00.000+08:00

You haven't read it yet? Read the reviews.

The Da Vinci Code… “Intrigue and menace mingle in ONE OF THE FINEST MYSTERIES I’VE EVER READ. An amazing tale with enigma piled on secrets stacked on riddles.” - Clive Cussler

…and that’s all there is to it…a tale… just like what Hans said “it’s only fiction.”

I never really shown interest on the novel when it first came out several years ago. Unlike Harry Potter, which I usually wait for several months in advance just to get the next copy, I simply ignored The Da Vinci Code’s presence. This copy I have now is actually an inheritance from a special friend who long-time ago tried to convince me to read it (its pages are already yellow-ish). Not until the trailer of the movie version came out, I never really had the urge to finish the prologue part.

Last Sunday, coming from a night-long Mother’s Day celebration, I tried reading the prologue part again… yep for the nth time! And that lead on several hours of non-stop adventure. I couldn’t put the book down. The next day, I started reading about the gruesome scenes of the novel, which sent chills through my spine the whole time. Having graduated from an Opus Dei University, I really felt guilty reading the book. I started sending SMS to sensible people regarding what I felt. The negative aura didn’t vanish for the whole day. I even had nightmares that same night.

On my second day, I was kinda torn whether to return the book on my dusty shelf or to continue reading despite what I’m feeling. The rebellious side of me won.

Today is my third day…I finished the book and I’m sure glad I did. There’s nothing really alarming about the book, if your faith is rock solid, that is! Any religious sect for that matter need not be troubled for everything in the book sounds fiction-ish. Nothing more. Nothing less.

I’ve got a day left before the movie comes out, I’m really looking forward to watching it. Not just to check whether which one is better (the movie or the book)… I wanted so much to sightsee Paris especially the Louvre. I am definitely going back to Paris!

Strike Two

2006-05-17T18:55:00.000+08:00

I'm currently raving on M.Y.M.P.'s rendition of this song...

From the very first time I rest my eyes on you, boy
My heart said follow through...
But I know, now, that I'm way down on the line,
But the waitin' feel is fine.

So don't treat me like a puppet on a string,
Cause I know how to do my thing.
Don't talk to me as if you think I'm dumb;
I wanna know when you're gonna come.

Ya, see...

I don't wanna wait in vain for your love;
I dont wanna wait in vain for your love;
I dont wanna wait in vain for your love...

Cause summer is here, I'm still waiting there,
Winter is here, I'm still waiting there.

Like I said...

It's been three years since Im knockin' on your door,
And still I can knock some more...
Ooh boy, ooh boy, is it feasible?
I wanna know now, for I to knock some more.

Ya see, in life I know there's lots of grief,
But your love is my relief;
Tears in my eyes burn, tears in my eyes burn
While Im waiting - while Im waiting for my turn.

Ya See?! I dont wanna wait in vain for your love;
I dont wanna wait in vain for your love...

No, I... I dont wanna wait in vain for your love, oh!
It's your love that I'm waiting on,
It's my love that you're running from...

Confessions of a Frustrated Runaway

2006-05-13T23:18:00.001+08:00

by Zara Q.
2bU! Contributor, Philippine Daily Inquirer
May 10, 2006

I have lots of reasons to run away from home, and my mother is on top of the list.

She always gets on my nerves, probably much like the way I get on hers. So, it's no surprise that we butt heads more often than not. When I was a kid, a fight between my mother and me usually meant she'd be blowing off an infinite amount of steam, and I'd be in a corner trying very hard not to cry.

But as I grew up, the one-sided scolding sessions gradually turned into two-way shouting matches, complete with angry waterworks and all that melodrama. She could be pretty unreasonable and get mad over the most trivial things, and I'd start to feel the need to defend myself. I'm not proud of it, but there were times when I simply couldn't take it anymore.

After very fight, I would wonder what I'd done or didn't do for her to tream this way. I'm smart, talented, well-liked and well-rounded. I have no vices, nor have I done anything to make her ashamed of me. I excel in practically anything and everything I do. Modesty aside, most parents would be contented to have a kid like me.

But not my mother. She's never quite satisfied. She always managers to find something to scold me for, even though I've done so many things she claims she's proud of. And whenever that happens, she never fails to make me feel like I'm not doing enough.

Oftentimes, the stress at home gets so bad that I feel like I'm nothing but a big burden to her, financially and emotionally. Don't get me wrong, I try my hardest not to be. But whenever she's in a bad mood, she goes on and on about how much she's sacrificed for me and she makes sure I never foget it.

She may be right, but the thing is, I'm being reminded about it much too often that sometimes I'm literally beginning to wish I'd never been born.

It doesn't take much to pelase her, but it doesn't take much to disappoint her, either. It gets to a point that I just don't know what to do anymore. This is when the idea of running away becomes the sanest option for me.

I think it'd be easier for her if I just left. Less expenses, less tension therefore less headaches. But something always stops me from packing my bags. My stubborn pride prefers to think it's more of a financial reason than anyting else. I have no money, no job and no place to go to (well, none where I can't be tracked down sooner or later, anyway).

But my heart knows what the real reason is, and it's only during this one special day every year that I overcome my pride and accept that reason for what it is.

Despite the frequent emotional outbursts, I know that my mother loves me with heart. All those times she had called me selfish and I had believed her to be totally wrong, I realize now that she's been right all along. If I go ahead with my plan, I'll be running away not from my mother, but from my own feelings of guilt, from the problems I'm supposed to face head on. Running away will just prove that I'm not the model dauther I've always prided myself to be.

My mother never means to hurt me or make me feel about myself. This special occasion reminds me that she just wants me to be everything I can be, because she believes in me. She's given up so much, yet I've given her so litte in return. The least I can do is to prove to her, to myself and to everyone else that I'm worth all the trouble she's gone through in raising me.

Sure, we may fight and say hurtful words to each other, but I know we'll evenutally work things out. After all, we always do.

I still have lots of reasons to run away, and I can probably think of more. But I just have one reason not to do so, and in the end, it's always enough to make me stay.

... so much Ma, with my whole heart. Happy Mother's Day!

Stitches and Burns

2006-05-11T00:56:00.000+08:00

This reminds me so much of those happy days at Pearl Farm... our happy days! You're probably reading this, are you sure you want to get on with it? It's so funny (and alarming) how paradoxical this is... read on, you might get it while you're singin' along... =/

You sure you still want me?

I'd sing this for me...
---
Stitches and Burn
By Fra Lippo Lippi

People say that I'm a fool well I don't know
At least I found out what it takes to be strong
I was dreaming all day long, a drifting cloud
With eyes wide open I would choose not to see

Now I don't want to see you any more
Don't want to be the one to play your game
Not even if you smile your sweetest smile
Not even if you beg me darling please.

Say good morning to the world I hope you like it
Take good care of all those things that we had
I've been looking for a way for too long now
Seems like everything must come to an end.

Time after time nothing that I can do
Knowing your ways and loving your ways
But not getting through at all
Day after day leaving the past behind
Coming to terms with stitches and burns... learning to fly again

Baby Months

2006-05-10T23:52:00.000+08:00

This goody is, as usual, from KV's loot... thanks girl! =)

Read on...
-------------------

JANUARY BABY: Pretty/handsome. Loves to dress up. Easily bored. Fussy. Seldom shows emotions. Takes time to recover when hurt. Sensitive. Down-to-earth. Stubborn.

FEBRUARY BABY: Abstract thoughts. Loves reality and abstract. Intelligent and clever. Changing personality. Attractive. Sexiest out of everyone. Temperamental. Quiet, shy, and humble. Honest and loyal. Determined to reach goals. Loves freedom. Rebellious when restricted. Loves aggressiveness. Too sensitive and easily hurt. Gets angry really easily but does not show it. Dislikes unnecessary things. Loves making friends but rarely shows it. Horny. Daring and stubborn. Ambitious. Realizing dreams and hopes. Sharp. Loves entertainment and leisure. Romantic on the inside not outside. Superstitious and ludicrous. Spendthrift. Tries to learn to show emotions.

MARCH BABY: Attractive personality. Sexy. Affectionate. Shy and reserved. Secretive. Naturally honest, generous, and sympathetic. Loves peace and serenity. Sensitive to others. Great kisser. Easily angered. Trustworthy. Appreciative and returns kindness. Hardly shows emotions. Tends to bottle up feelings. Observant and assesses others.

APRIL BABY: Suave and compromising. Funny and humorous. Stubborn. Very talkative. Calm and cool. Kind and sympathetic. Concerned and detailed. Loyal. Does work well with others. Very confident. Sensitive. Positive attitude. Thinking generous. Good memory. Clever and knowledgeable. Loves to look for information. Able to cheer everyone up and make them laugh. Able to motivate oneself and others. Understanding. Fun to be around. Outgoing. Hyper. Bubbly personality. Secretive. Boy/girl crazy. Loves sports, music, leisure, and traveling. Systematic. Hot but has brains.

MAY BABY: Stubborn and hard-hearted. Strong-willed and highly motivated. Sharp thoughts. Easily angered. Attracts others and loves attention. Deep feelings. Beautiful physically and mentally. Firm standpoint. Needs no motivation. Shy towards opposite sex. Easily consoled. Systematic. Loves to dream. Strong clairvoyance. Understanding. Sickness usually in the ear and neck. Good imagination. Weak breathing. Loves literature and the arts. Loves traveling. Dislikes being at home. Restless. Hardworking. High-spirited.

JUNE BABY: Best personality. Absolute pleasure to be around. Loves to make new friends and be outgoing. Great flirt. More than likely has a very attractive partner. A wicked hottie. More than likely that you have a massive record collection. Great choice in films and may one day become a famous actor/actress.

JULY BABY: Fun to be with. Secretive. Difficult to fathom and to be understood. Quiet unless excited or tensed. Takes pride in oneself. Has reputation. Easily consoled. Honest. Concerned about people's feelings. Tactful. Friendly. Approachable. Emotional, temperamental, and unpredictable. Moody and easily hurt. Witty and sparkly. Spazzy at times. Not revengeful. Forgiving but never forgets. Dislikes nonsensical and unnecessary things. Guides others physically and mentally. Sensitive and forms impressions carefully. Caring and loving. Treats others equally. Strong sense of sympathy. Wary and sharp. Judges people through observations. Hardworking. No difficulties in studying. Loves to be alone. Always broods about the past and the old friends. Waits for friends. Never looks for friends. Not aggressive unless provoked. Loves to be loved. Easily hurt but takes long to recover.

AUGUST BABY: Outgoing personality. Takes risks. Feeds on attention. No self control. Kind hearted. Self confident. Loud and boisterous. VERY revengeful. Easy to get along with and talk to. Has an "everything's peachy" attitude. Likes talking and singing. Loves music. Daydreamer. Easily distracted. Hates not being trusted. BIG imagination. Loves to be loved. Hates studying. In need of that "someone." Longs for freedom. Rebellious when withheld or restricted. Lives by the "no pain, no gain" caring. Always a suspect. Playful. Mysterious. "Charming" or "beautiful" to everyone. Stubborn. Curious. Independent. Strong willed. A fighter.

SEPTEMBER BABY: Active and dynamic. Decisive and haste but tends to regret. Attractive and affectionate to oneself. Strong mentality. Loves attention. Diplomatic. Consoling, friendly, and solves people's problems. Brave and fearless. Adventurous. Loving and caring. Suave and generous. Usually you have many friends. Enjoys to make love. Emotional. Stubborn. Hasty. Good memory. Moving, motivates oneself and others. Loves to travel and explore. Sometimes sexy in a way that only their lover can understand.

OCTOBER BABY: Loves to chat. Loves those who love them. Loves to takes things at the centre. Inner and physical beauty. Lies but doesn't pretend. Gets angry often. Treats friends importantly. Brave and fearless. Always making friends. Easily hurt but recovers easily. Daydreamer. Opinionated. Does not care to control emotions. Unpredictable. Extremely smart, but definitely the hottest AND sexiest of them all.

NOVEMBER BABY: Trustworthy and loyal. Very passionate and dangerous. Wild at times. Knows how to have fun. Sexy and mysterious. Everyone is drawn towards your inner and outer beauty and independent personality. Playful, but secretive. Very emotional and temperamental sometimes. Meets new people easily and very social in a group. Fearless and independent. Can hold their own. Stands out in a crowd. Essentially very smart. Usually, the greatest men are born in this month. If you ever begin a relationship with someone from this month, hold on to them because their one of a kind.

DECEMBER BABY: The most good-looking person possible... better than all of these other months! Loyal and generous. Patriotic. Competitive in everything. Active in games and interactions. Impatient and hasty. Ambitious. Influential in organizations. Fun to be with. Easy to talk to, though hard to understand. Thinks far with vision, yet complicated to know. Easily influenced by kindness. Polite and soft-spoken. Having lots of ideas. Sensitive. Active mind. Hesitating, tends to delay. Choosy and always wants the best. Temperamental. Funny and humorous. Loves to joke. Good debating skills. Has that someone always on his/her mind. Talkative. Daydreamer. Friendly. Knows how to make friends. Abiding. Able to show character. One guy/girl kind of person. Loveable. Easily hurt. Prone to getting colds. Loves music.

What Flavor Margarita Are You?

2006-05-05T10:35:00.000+08:00

i can't wait for tonight...Temple here we come!

You Are a Lime Margarita

Realistic and grounded, you have the energy to tackle any obstacle that stands in your way. Hyper and driven, you despise lazy behavior of all kinds... especially lazy drunks too tired to dance!

What Flavor Margarita Are You?

Playing the game I can't win

2006-05-04T00:06:00.000+08:00

11:46pm
May 3, 2006
Wednesday night

Bingeing on Skyflakes

…and the flirting officially ends… tonight!

And YES! I am bingeing on skyflakes because I am on a diet. Why? Because I was supposed to go out and enjoy this Friday at Temple with him plus two. And he cancels!!! So there goes the binge-ing… and tomorrow will be a different story.

I am officially ending it tonight. Which means no more antsy texts, ooops, I think it’s best to have no text-exchanges at all. (probably a text or two if it’s regarding school or leakage, *wink*) It just won’t work out. He’s totally the opposite of SO. And I am starting to see the “gap” if you know what I mean. I hate to say it but Hans and the magic ball were right all along.

I also feel that it is unfair for everyone, including himself. I know we’re playing the same game but hey, it is still unfair for him even if he doesn’t care. Just a reminder, I knew from the very beginning that this is just a scam – for me at least. This is the sole reason why I need to stop right now, just like that line from Steve Perry "...hear me calling, stop before you start falling… heed my warning, you’ve been wrong before, don’t be wrong anymore”.

There goes the summer fling.

The New M-E

2006-04-26T23:34:00.000+08:00

I got this from girltalk and the moment I started reading the first line... I knew that it's talking about me. Welcome the new h-e-i-d-i! Don't get it wrong, I am not a man-hater and will never be ; )

-----------
PARA SA MGA TANGANG LALAKE AT MAGAGANDANG BABAE TULAD NATIN

Before, hinahabol kita pero di mo ako pinapansin. Tapos isang araw nawala ako, hinanap mo ako at tinanong, "Bakit ka nagsawa?" Ngumiti ako, "Hindi ako nagsawa. Natauhan lang." Pwede mo kong lokohin pero wag kang magpapahuli sakin. Pwede mo kong palitan pero siguraduhin mong mas mahal mo siya sakin. Pwede mo kong iwan pero siguraduhin mong kaya mo. Kasi pag ako sobrang nasaktan, wala ka nang babalikan.

Ang Boys? Pag trip ka, magpapakilala. Kaibigan kuno hanggang pumorma na. Tapos pag nahulog ka na, ayun, goodbye na dahil sawa na sila. Pero dapat walang iiyak at smile lang tayo. Punyeta, anong silbi ng karma? I fell in love and got hurt but I didn't shed too much tears nor did I ask him to love me again. Instead, I stood up proudly and said, "Ganyan talaga ang magaganda! Hindi bagay sa t****!" Simple lang para hindi ka masaktan. Kapag minahal ka, mahalin mo din. Kapag ginago ka, gaguhin mo rin. Pero kapag umiyak ka, t**** ka! Ginago ka na nga, iiyakan mo pa? Pag iniwan ka ng mahal mo, wag mo siyang sisihin! Kausapin mo siya ng harap-harapan at sabihin mong, "Ingat, t**** ka pa naman!"

Masakit pag iniwan ka ng mahal mo. Pero wag kang magagalit ng husto. Kahit papano may pinagsamahan naman kayo, diba? Kaya for the last time yakapin mo siya at ibulong mo, "Gago, kukulamin kita!" Girls, talo daw sayo sa mga boys? Papayag kayo? Sige, pag niligawan tayo, sagot agad. Pag iniwan tayo? Ok lang. Kapag sinabi nilang, "Uy, ex ko." Alam niyo sagot diyan? "Ay, ambisyoso."

If the one you love doesn't love you back, don't get depressed. Just think about it for a while, maybe cry a bit then wipe your tears and say, "Ang weird naman niya. Di siya pumapatol sa magaganda!" You only got one life so live it well., one heart so take good care, one soul so keep it pure. One boyfriend? What a waste! Make it two or more! Sayang ganda natin! Pag sinabi sayo ng mahal mo na ayaw na niya sayo, hayaan mo lang. Wag kang iiyak at magpapakagago! Imbis na iyakan mo siya, ngitian mo lang at sabihin mo ang ganito, "So, pano? Bye na!Naghihintay na ang kapalit mo!" Who cares about break-ups? Oo nga, masakit. Makirot sa puso. Pero tandaan mo: a break-up isn't only an end to a relationship. It's also a beginning of a new one and an end to a living hell called "ex".

The Art of Letting Go

2006-03-29T18:21:00.000+08:00

The Art of Letting Go

Why do we have to part while the love is still there? Why do we have to suffer? Why do we have to cry when somebody bids goodbye? Why do beginnings have an end? Why do we have to meet only to lose in the end?

There are questions left unanswered, words left unsaid, letters left unread, poems left undone, songs left unsung, love left unexpressed, promises left unfulfilled... but i believe it is best to leave things unsaid.

In a relationship, one of the hardest things to do is saying goodbye and letting go. It is as hard as breaking a crystal because you'll never know when you will be able to pick up the pieces again. More often than not, they who go, feel not the pain of parting: it is they who stay behind that suffer, because they are left with memories of a love that was meant to be, a love that was.

At the beginning and at the end of a relationship, we are embarrassed to find ourselves alone. Unfair as it may seem, but that's the way love goes. That's the drama, the bittersweet and the risk of falling in love. After all, nothing is constant but change. Everything will eventually come to its end without us knowing when, without us knowing how, without us even knowing why. And we must forget not because we have to but because we have to.

In letting go, sorrows come not as a single spy but in batallion. It seems that everywhere you go, everything you do, every song you hear, every turn of your head,every move of your body, every beat of your heart, every blink of your eye and every breath you take always reminds you of him. It's like a stab of a knife, a torture in the night. Funny how the whole world becomes depopulated when only one person is missing. Just imagine, there are billion people on earth and yet it seems you feel lonely and empty without the other.

I don't know if it's worth calling an art, but letting go entails special skills sparkled with a considerable space and time. Time heals all wounds but it takes a little push on our part. Acceptance plays a part. Not all love stories end with "...and they live happily ever after."

Sometimes we have to part because of circumstances beyond our control. We have to suffer if it would mean happiness for others. We have to cry to temporarily let go of the pains. Every beginning has its end like every dawn has its dusk. It's something we can't control, something
we had to live up.

It's finally over. But life has to go on. Goodbye doesn't always mean forever. There will always be a place and time where questions will be answered, words will be spoken, letters will be read, poems will be recited in the night, songs will be sung in harmony, love will be expressed in solitude and promises will be fulfilled. Somewhere. Somehow. Someday.

On Men

2006-03-26T00:19:00.000+08:00

On Men

Whoever said it's raining men?!? Probably in quantity but never in quality... geesh!

If a man wants you, nothing can keep him away. If he doesn't want you, nothing can make him stay.
Stop making excuses for a man and his behavior. Allow your intuition (or spirit) to save you from heartache.
Stop trying to change yourself for a relationship that's not meant to be.
Slower is better. Never live your life for a man before you find what makes you truly happy.
If a relationship ends because the man was not treating you as you deserve then heck no, you can't "be friends". A friend wouldn't mistreat a friend.
Don't settle. If you feel like he is stringing you along, then he Probably is.
Don't stay because you think "it will get better." You'll be mad at yourself a year later for staying when things are not better.
The only person you can control in a relationship is you.
Avoid men who've got a bunch of children by a bunch of different women. He didn't marry them when he got them pregnant, why would he treat you any differently?
Always have your own set of friends separate from his.
Maintain boundaries in how a guy treats you. If something bothers you, speak up.
Never let a man know everything. He will use it against you later.
You cannot change a man's behavior. Change comes from within.
Don't EVER make him feel he is more important than you are... even if he has more education or in a better job.
Do not make him into a quasi-god. He is a man, nothing more nothing less.
Never let a man define who you are.
Never borrow someone else's man.If he cheated with you, he'll cheat on you.
A man will only treat you the way you ALLOW him to treat you.
All men are NOT dogs.
You should not be the one doing all the bending...compromise is two way street.
You need time to heal between relationships...there is nothing cute about baggage... deal with your issues before pursuing a new relationship.
You should never look for someone to COMPLETE you... a relationship consists of two WHOLE individuals...Look for someone complimentary ... not supplementary.
Dating is fun...even if he doesn't turn out to be Mr. Right.
Make him miss you sometimes...when a man always know where you are, and you're always readily available to him - he takes it for granted.
Never co-sign for a man.
Don't fully commit to a man who doesn't give you everything that you need.
Keep him in your radar but get to know others.

Drama

2006-03-23T00:23:00.000+08:00

Drama

"There are 6,742,818,241 people in the world. Six billion souls. Some are running after their dreams. Some are scared. Some are evil at war with good. Some are good struggling with evil. 6 billion people in the world. Sometimes, to make it through the day, you only need ONE"

-One Tree Hill

I'm One PROUD Cuz

2006-03-13T23:42:00.000+08:00

I'm One PROUD Cuz

To all car fanatics (like me)... I just want to share this link:

http://hondatuningmagazine.com/features/0604ht_ekcivic/#

My cousin's car made it on the cover of Honda Tuning Magazine...this car is really unbelievable, it's part of the next Fast and the Furious film

You'll Find a Boyfriend Within 3 Months

2006-02-22T19:56:00.000+08:00

You'll Find a Boyfriend Within 3 Months

Maybe you need a bit more time to get over an ex Or maybe you need a confidence boost to talk to new guys either way, you'll find a boyfriend in time... As long as you keep getting out there and meeting new guys

When Will You Meet Your Next Boyfriend?

Still Standing

2006-02-22T00:06:00.000+08:00

Still Standing

Who would've thought that I'd last this long? I know, it only started but I am proud to say that I am surviving... barely there, just hangin' on. The company of friends, I admit, lessens the pressure. It actually makes the waiting time less painful and makes the whole experience fun. It's really a good thing I have this ticker fickle to remind me and gosh, how time flies! I hope it remains that way though.

I just am thankful for everything that had occured. It's been slow and damp but at least I am still lucky, thank God.

I offer a prayer to all those who have been in distress with the ULTRA incident.

Another for the victims of the landslide in Leyte... Please God, help us!

Ticker Fickle

2006-02-08T23:06:00.000+08:00

Ticker Fickle

http://tickers.TickerFactory.com

Here's my ticker scale before my vacation, finally... yipee!!! Long stays in bed, shopping and R&R galore... here I come!!!

And I guess I have to make another one (or a couple more) before my Aussie and Vegas trips. I'd say this is a nice way to make things go faster, at least there's something to look forward to. Thank God =)

Wedding Predictor

2006-01-25T12:11:00.000+08:00

Wedding Predictor

I know I had one post regarding this same crap. I was just probably too lazy to look for it and now I'm posting a new one. I suddenly got curious when my wedding date will be but to no avail, I couldn't find my old post. So anyway I took another test and here's the result:
------------------------------------------
Heidi, you're a Total Opening Very Soon!

Social Factors Emotional Factors Sexual Factors
CONGRATULATIONS, and make sure to put Tickle on the guest list! Start making your plans now. We have calculated your responses according to our scientific formula and harmonized the results to the Venutian lunar calendar. If you are not already attached, keep in mind that all men who cross your path may be grooms in disguise.

YOU WILL BE MARRIED BY:

Saturday, August 16, 2008
A number of different factors influenced your result. Check out the details below.

Social Factors
On the social front, you are pretty serious marriage material. As you read this, forces beyond your control are aligning to put you on the altar with Mr. Right. It's you, girl. Your number is up, and someone out there is just dying to pop you the question. There's no need to book a flight to Vegas, but you might want to start thinking about your wedding gown.

Emotional Factors
Emotionally, you seem to be fairly ready for marriage. You show strong signs of being a contender, and you've got what it takes to make the plunge. Maybe any hesitation is just a small case of the "jitters." In any case, for Mr. Right, it's practically a done deal. He's just waiting for the right moment, so sit back and let it happen.

Sexual Factors
You have very few sexually motivated reasons for avoiding marriage. Of course, the carefree single life can pose a strong attraction, but you probably prefer the thought of devoting yourself to one person. It's true that there are a lot of unsolved mysteries out there, but once you've found the right person, it's time to close shop. Congratulations on having the strength and security to know what's right for you.

------------------------------------
I like what the 'predictor' is telling me. But as far as I remember the first time i took this test, my wedding date was supposed to be next year, 2007. Hmmm... oh well. =p

New Year. New Life.

2006-01-02T20:55:00.000+08:00

New Year. New Life.

I thought the recent holiday season would just pass by without me feeling the Christmas vibes. I was wrong. Spent both Christmas and New Year days with my cousins and it was really enjoyable. I am not quite sure though if it were because of my nieces and nephews or because of my 'kulit' cousins, but as a whole it turned out really fun. Without them we would’ve sobbed through the night or stared at each other or just went straight to bed, who knows? Hehe. I can’t wait to spend the holidays with them again. Gawd… these nieces and nephews of mine grow so fast. I remember my older relatives saying the same thing to me, I can’t believe that I am NOW saying the same crap. Sheesh, how fast time flies.

Today, another relative visited me. I missed Miles, he's another niece by another close cousin and he's going to be a 'kuya' soon. Wow, Miles is growing up so fast too... can't I freeze time even just for a while? It's just so confusing how a person wants so much to move fast forward and yet at the same time wants to freeze good times... ahem! ahem!

unSure

2005-12-09T12:04:00.000+08:00

unSure

When shopping, I follow a single rule that when I am not sure whether to buy this or that, I'd let it go... no matter how unique or nice the quality. The presence of uncertainty made me realize that it's not worth going through the trouble, besides it's just shopping anyway, doesn't have to be brain-racking. If I see a pair of shoes (or something) that I really want then there's no turning back because sometimes when I come back it's gone.

Way back in college, I had Ethics as one of electives. In any other philosophy class that I had, there's a simple rule my professors would emphasize... (oh yeah even my Health teacher in High School would make kulit about this) "...don't act on a doubtful conscience, whenever you have doubts think about it several times...a hundred or even a million times first before you act on it..."

In general it's true. Both of my examples above will save us all from future trouble.

But what happens if emotions come into the scene? It's a lot harder than everyone thinks... yup, easier said than done!

my CRIBS babies

2005-12-05T17:49:00.000+08:00

my CRIBS babies

my favorite tres marias: tricia, lea and kate

I just can't get enough of my babies... although it's not as easy as it seems to take care of more than eight babies all at once but the time you spend with them, the laughter, their sweetness, the contagious innocence, it's all worth it!!! I want to share the joy with you... visit www.cribsphilippines.org to know more! ; )

A Boxful of Wishlist

2005-11-18T20:53:00.000+08:00

A Boxful of Wishlist

This is a mini-project that I am currently facilitating. It was actually an inspiration from above and yes, i give full credits to Him. I was spending my time inside C.R.I.B.S. doing the usual when I thought that there must be some other way I can help these orphans. I thought, what the heck, why not let other experience what I am feeling now.

It was supposedly just myself but then I realized it would be better to invite people for the benefit of more children. And so I wrote letters, asking donation, the typical donation request letter you'd encounter during this time of the year. I was thinking, should I go through it and risk my ego and be rejected? WHAT THE HECK?

I started distributing the letters, I felt elated. When I asked for my parents' help, I didn't know they have their usual meetings tonight, so my mom asked me to explain what's the letter all about. I suddenly got cold, extempo speech ata itech! After quite some time, it felt good to know that I was supported by my parent's CFC (Couples For Christ) unit / cluster or whatever they call it. =) I pray that it would be successful. These are for my babies in the orphange... and I am missing them.

To all those who want to donate, you may find their wishlist at http://www.cribsphilippines.org. Anybody is more than welcome to donate stuff or give service to these children. See yah there!
-------------------------------------------

I finally watched GOF yesterday. All I can say is that it gave justice to the book. It is now my most favorite HP book among the six that are out. Can't wait for the seventh, but what's going to happen now after all these are done? There's no more to look forward to. Why, o why?

Anticipation

2005-11-07T20:53:00.000+08:00

Anticipation

i got two friggin' weeks before The Goblet of Fire launches. shucks, would you believe...i can't wait!!! i know it sounds weird for a 24 year old to be such a huge fan (i am indeed a fan of both books and the film format). i remember my dad pointing out to the poster of harry potter the moment it came out on the streets, then followed by a smirk "i dont like the concept of the movie, it's too dark"... then i replied "...i like it exactly the way it is."

two hundred sixteen hours to go... arrrgggh! the waiting time is killin' me!

My New Home

2005-11-04T02:57:00.000+08:00

i realized my blog needed a "lift" and so at 2:57 in the wee hours of the morning, i decided to change my layout. i must say i am very much in love with it. it's more simple, less drama...

although i need to tweak it more because it somehow disabled the 'comment' function. so for now, please use my tagboard while i figure out a way for my comment boxes to come back c",) ciao!

Scrubs

2005-11-04T00:16:00.000+08:00

it is another medical related tv series that i watch on thursday nights. it's actually another favorite, second to House, which brings medical life to another level - sarcasm.

tonight's episode is rather shocking because it wasn't heavy on medical terms at all. in fact, it was about decisions, its consequences, responsibility, reasons and to my surprise, relationships...

i couldn't help but agree with what the doctors said about relationship:

"couples who think they're right for each other also experience hardships like everybody else. what makes them get through it unlike broken relationships is that they don't let those obstacles let them down. nobody said that relationships are easy. you don't give up."

sheesh. easier said than done. albeit true.

Puppies for Sale

2005-10-30T22:37:00.000+08:00

Puppies for Sale

A store owner was tacking a sign above his door that read 'Puppies for Sale.' These signs had a weird way of attracting children. And sure enough, a little boy appeared at the sign. "How much are you gonna sell those puppies for?" he asked. The store owner replied "Anywhere from $30-$50." The little boy reached into his pocket and pulled out some change. "I have $2.37, can I have a look at them? "The store owner smiled and whistled and out of the kennel came Lady, who ran down the aisle of his store followed by five teeny, tiny balls of fur. One puppy was lagging considerably behind. Immediately the little boy singled out the lagging, limping puppy and said "What's wrong with that little dog?" The store owner explained that when the puppy was born, the vet had said that the puppy had no hip socket and would limp for the rest of its life. The little boy got really excited and said "That's the puppy I wanna buy!" The store owner replied "No, you don't wanna buy that little dog. If you really want him, I'll give him to you." The little boy got quite upset. He looked straight into the store owner's eyes, pointing his finger and said, "I don't want you to give him to me. That little dog is worth every bit as much as the other dogs and I'll pay the full price. In fact, I'll give you $2.37 now and 50 cents every month until I have him paid for. "The store owner countered, "You really don't want to buy this puppy. He is never gonna be able to run, jump and play like other puppies! "To this the little boy reached down and rolled up his pant leg to reveal a badly twisted, crippled left leg supported by a big metal brace. He looked up at the store owner and said softly, "Well, I don't run so well myself, and the little puppy will need someone who understands."

IN LIFE, IT DOESN'T MATTER WHO YOU ARE, BUT WHETHER SOMEONE APPRECIATES YOU FOR WHAT YOU ARE.

A real friend is one who walks in when the rest of the world walks out.

Adamant

2005-10-29T22:46:00.000+08:00

A reminder for my so-called "maturity"... i wasn't a fan of this song before, now it suddenly sunk in:

Next In Line

what has life to offer me when I grow old
what's there to look forward to beyond the biting cold
cause they say its difficult, yeah stereotypical

what's there beyond sleep, eat ,work in this cruel life
ain't there nothing else round here but human strife
cause they say it's difficult, yeah stereotypical

gonna be conventional
you can't be so radical
so I sing this song to all of my age
for these are the questions we got to face
for in this cycle that we call life
we are the ones who are next in line
...we are next in line

what has life to offer me when I grow old
what's there to look forward to beyond this biting cold
cause they say it's difficult yeah, stereotypical

we gotta work
we gotta feel
let's open our eyes and do whatever it takes
we got to work, we got to feel
let's open our eyes and sing this song to all of our age

The Most Painful Part of Loving

2005-10-18T21:15:00.000+08:00

The Most Painful Part of Loving

.. is when promises are repeatedly broken and I'm tired of hearing the same old lines

.. is when "Sorry" just doesn't do its job anymore but look at me.. I'm still here

.. is when I've lost hope that you will change and yet, I still take the risk, blindly hoping that you will

.. is when you break my heart with your lies and all this time I tried so hard to be honest to you

.. is when I realized my love alone is not enough to save us but you think all we really need is to forget the past

.. is when forgetting the past might save us but it's not as easy as I would have wanted it to be

.. is when I honestly thought everything was going well and then there you go again and we're back where we started

.. is when I'm still so much in love but too late, it's time for me to let you go..

The O.C.

2005-10-17T13:24:00.000+08:00

The O.C.

This is for those addicted relatives of mine who introduced me to The O.C. especially for you Jirah! I miss you... see you soon in O.C.! c",)

Hilarious!

2005-10-17T13:12:00.000+08:00

Yesterday

2005-10-11T01:01:00.000+08:00

... was Sixty-seven!

Pre-Christmas Blues

2005-10-10T11:36:00.000+08:00

Last night, while my friend and I were at another laughfest inside this mall, we were suddenly stopped by the music all over the place. We were both silenced by it. After quite some time, I told him "nalulungkot ako...", and he asked why and then I replied "kasi sa mga Christmas songs eh". He agreed. "Ako rin!!!", he exclaimed, then I asked back... "bakit kaya?"

And here's an article from a columnist to answer why:
('hope this helps me big time...)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Shake Your Depression Off! (by Dero Pedero)

Did you know that the holidays, winter and the start of the year are the top depression months? Understandably, many people get depressed and lonely during the holidays when they have no one to connect with, or not enough money to splurge for the festivities. During the winter months, when the earth's axis is farthest from the sun, we get gray days and the lack of light dampens people's spirits. The start of the year, with its uncertainties and fears, likewise depresses most individuals.

We have to accept and live with it just as we have learned to live with the fickle weather. What is important is to soar above the depression and treat is as a challege to hurdle. If we don't conquer our depression, it can lead to depleted enegery, a dwindling zest for life, severe melancholy, loss of hope and even suicide.

What is one to do when major depression attacks?

POSITIVE SELF-TALK

At every secone of our waking hour, we are constantly talking to ourselves in our mind. We may not hear this internal conversation but it is there, happening continuously. This is how we arrive at evaluations, preferences, questions and decisions.

Positive self-talk is one of the most effective natural anti-depressants. We can help ourselves conquer depression by giving pep talks to ourselves in our minds. We can actually program our minds to react positively to any situation in life.

Here are some things you can say to yourself:

1) "I am special." In all creation, you are unique. God must have a special plan for you because He gave you the privilege of life. Your being special in God's eyes makes you important. Realizing this is of great help if you are losing confidence in yourself.

2) "I am lucky." You don't believe it? Blindfold yourself and try going around for an entire day without the benefit of eyesight. You will realize just how blessed and lucky you are! Meditate on the fact that while others are dying, you are totally healthy and alive.

3) "It will get better." Life is all about cycles and impermanence. Our experiences and emotions undergo incessant change. If you are really down, then, there is nowhere to go but up.

4) "Tomorrow will be another day." It certainly will be, so be reminded that each new dawn brings renewed hope. Someday you will look back at your present situation and laugh at why you were depressed in the first place.

5) "It's a beautiful world." All you have to do is to look around you and notice the grandeur and miracles that slip our consciousness daily. Find reasons to be grateful for, and compose a little prayer of appreciation and thanksgiving.

LIFT UP YOUR SPIRITS

With your mind properly conditioned to face any unpleasant situation or problem in your life, you can now lift up your spirits by pleasing your senses, indulging in interesting pursuits, and chossing who or what will surround you.

1) Change your environs even temporarily. Being in the same place for a long time can bore and cloud the mind. A change of scene is a welcome respite. Take a walk, see a movie, go on a mini-vacation. Or if you can afford it, travel!

2) Do something fun. What is fun for you -- engaging in sports, painting, singing, dancing, being with friends or shopping till you drop? When you do something you truly enjoy, you forget your problems, negativism and even your body aches.

3) Be with positive, encouraging and supportive people. Stay away from negative, selfish people who put you down. One of my favorite beauty tips that I give in my beauty seminar is this: If someone is making you feel ugly and unappreciated, leave him/her! Yes, go away and regain your beauty, self-esteem and self-worth!

4) Pamper yourself. Get a massage, a beauty treatment, surround yourself with aromatherapy scents, and stretch out in a bed of luxurious satin sheets. Treat yourself to all lucsious pleasures that you can affort, including glorious food.

5) Listen to a collection of your favorite feel-good music. Music soothes, relaxes, uplifts, energizes and brings back good vibes and fond memories.

6) Join a group with a cause. Fight for animal rights, social justice, against environmental pollution, illegal logging, etc. Standing up for something and being with others who share the same passion could be fun.

Everything Happens For A Reason

2005-10-08T01:47:00.000+08:00

This post is just a manifestation of what I am feeling right now after I have found out that there is this new Sch**ze girl in his life. It's not that I am complaining, in fact, it is also some sort of a closure for me, which is a good thing, mind you! "...i often wonder how it would'v been had i been straight forward with you... i kinda like to lean towards the side of it would have been great, seeing how well we got along as friends and all. something happens for a reason i guess, that's the only logic i can put into that equation" (january 7, 2004, 4:49AM) Damn right, he is!

Hmmm... who would've thought that this guy will end up with this whiny biatch from school who bullied me the first few weeks back in college. And to think people my age should be in stages past that already. (haha! bitter) Nah, never mind, I just wanted to share!

Anyway, here goes an article that hopefully will make me calm... hope it has some 'chamomile effects' with it:
---

Sometimes people come into your life and you know right away that they were meant to be there...to serve some sort of purpose, teach you a lesson or help figure out who you are or who you want to become. You never know who these people may be but you lock eyes with them, you know that very moment that they will affect your life in some profound way.

And sometimes things happen to you at the time that may seem horrible, painful and unfair, but in reflection you realize that without overcoming those obstacles you would never realize your potential, strength, will power or heart.

Everything happens for a reason. Nothing happens by chance or by means of luck.Illness, love, lost moments of true greatness and sheer stupidity all occur to test limits of your soul.

Without these small tests, life would be like a smoothly paved, straight, flat road to nowhere safe and comfortable but dull and utterly pointless.

The people you meet affect your life. The successes and downfalls that you experience can create whom you are, and the bad experiences can be learned from. In fact they are probably the most poignant and important ones.

If someone hurts you, betrays you or breaks your heart, forgive them because they have helped you learn about trust and the importance of being cautious to whom you open your heart.If someone loves you, love them back unconditionally, not only because they love you, but also because they are teaching you to love and open your heart and eyes to little things.

Make every day count. Appreciate everything that you possibly can, for you may never experience it again. Talk to people whom you have never talked to before, and actually listen. Let yourself fall in love, break free and set your sights high. Hold your head up because you have every right to.Tell yourself you are a great individual and believe in yourself, for if you don't believe in yourself, no one else will believe in you. Create your own life and then go out and live it!

Sa Bahay Ni Kuya

2005-10-02T22:29:00.000+08:00

Sa lahat ng 'housemates' sa loob ng bahay ni kuya, gusto ko talaga si Jason at si Franzen. Both have my admiration... they never fail to make me smile! I'd be more than willing to spend money on both... for them to be able to stay indoors... rock on Jason and Franzen!!!

Oh my!!! Nakita nyo yun?! (day 42, monday episode: oct. 3 '05) Uma kissed Sam... shucks, I knew it!!!

Click this PBB site for more updates! Enjoy! =P

Another night with Dr. House

2005-09-28T15:35:00.000+08:00

Tonight, he had a patient (a woman in her 30’s) which he diagnosed with an African Sleepness Syndrome or something to that effect. This patient suffered terribly from symptoms that of a breast cancer which in turn, they realized wasn’t the culprit. At first, Dr. House’s team was trying to look for the tumor or that single cell which hasn’t developed to be one. Eventually, with Dr. House’s ingenuity (as usual), she suspected either of them (husband or the wife) had an affair, which caused the syndrome (think HIV!). Investigative doctors did their job and both denied the accusation. Later on, the patient lost its consciousness and went into a coma, needless to say, she gotten worse. Trying to get the truth out of the patient’s husband, Dr. House needed to know if he really had an affair or not, otherwise she’d die the next day, right away. Straightforwardly, the husband said he loved his wife so much and he wouldn’t do such a thing. Dr. House asked his permission to go on with a treatment for the syndrome which is fatal in itself, 10% of the time. If the husband trusts his wife too much that he wouldn’t want to let her get on with the treatment, Dr. House just wanted to make sure.

You see, with the husband’s situation, it was tough making a choice. “Would I want her to get the treatment so she gets well despite the possibility that she cheated on me?” If you were him, what would you have done?

Well, just to end the episode, the husband gave permission to go on with the treatment and never left his wife’s side all throughout the recovering process. When the patient finally recovered… he left her, he just couldn’t bear the fact that she did cheat on him.

Sad. =(

Fast and Furious 3

2005-09-22T16:43:00.000+08:00

I attended this car show around Cal-State which I am not sure where exactly probably in Fullerton and I must say that I was awe-strucked. My kuya has always been a favorite in these car shows (even to his fellow Pinoys) that he insisted that I must be there. It was an open-area event and it was blazin' hot so I didn't stay long enough although I had a bit of time to check all the cars that were there (except of course from my kuya's barkada...). Here, lemme share the photos of the cars that I REALLY like: (sorry for the quality, took it from my phone's cam)

I think this one is a PT Cruiser by Chrylser

A Scion xB, man this one I wanna have! I think this one's Jordan's

A purple Nissan 350z, my dream car (next to x3 of course)!

Not sure what car this is, but i like its set-up

This Chevy Blazer is one of my favorites, yes it's Louis Vuitton in & out!

Another tiger Scion xB

Another Nissan 350z at its best =)

After looking at the cars, talked a bit with my kuya's barkada... we decided to leave which up to now i still regret doing. It turned out that he won a big trophy (I think a runner-up) and celebrated afterwards. After that, he had an offer for this car magazine, I forgot what mag but I heard it's huge in SoCal. Then he was invited to appear on this sports tv show (with his friends again) to talk about their cars. And still wasn't enough... his car is going to be included in the next THE FAST AND FURIOUS movie (the third one). Galeng!!! If I'm not mistaken, the filming is scheduled if not next week, soon... I am one damn proud cousin!

Hey Kuya Jovi, I've been asking for your autograph for ages... where is it now???

Twisted Sunshine

2005-09-21T19:42:00.000+08:00

This is for the love of my life... my air for breathing... my reason for living... as simple as that!

EVER AFTER
by: Bonnie Bailey

Click this if you wanna listen to the song!

Three years ago my journey began
Chasing down this cure, no plan in hand
Just your pulse, my racing guide in the dark
Just knowing with conviction from the start
The moment your eyes made an introduction
I felt my second violent breath of life
Flawless to the point of being godly
Yet I fell hard for your imperfections

And now we’re slightly weathered, we’re slightly worn
Our hands grip together eye to eye through the storm yet
I still believe in ever after with you

Coz life is a pleasure with you by my side
And there ain’t no current in this river we can’t ride
I still believe in ever after with you

Nothing compares to the good times
Feels like we’re floating when the rest have to climb
You made me believe in love and not the perfect kind
A real messy beautiful twisted sunshine
Emotions volcanic eruptions
We both still care so we’re still alive
Tunnel vision, determination
I want you I want to make it right

You are my twisted sunshine...

Which Is Which?

2005-08-25T10:21:00.000+08:00

Money doesn't come in easy as compared to what I used to have back home. Try living in a foreign land on your own and everything starts getting messed up. Especially if you're like me trying to figure out what the hell does 401K mean? Of course in relation with your earning capacity... I have no idea what it means.

While I was channel surfing today, I was amazed by this woman speaking about financial matters. Whether it's 401K or Roth IRA, i don't know exactly which to choose, moreso the difference of each but whatever she talked about for a couple of minutes made sense. She pointed out very straightforwardly that every individual should prioritize getting down on their credit debts and pay it off immediately and choose Roth IRA to the max over 401K. She also emphasized the importance of having your own home as opposed to just sticking with renting out an apartment. I know that's a no-brainer, is it not?

Anyway, if you want to know more about her financial fitness program, go to Suze Orman's website. You'll be amazed!

Exactly

2005-08-24T14:21:00.000+08:00

Listening to kiis fm is not exactly my idea of fun but i can get very emotional whenever i hear this... ='(

"Goin' Crazy" By Natalie

(click the link to view the video)

Ever since the day you went away
And left me lonely and cold
My life just hasn't been the same
Oh baby no
When I looked into your eyes
The moment that I let you go
I just broke down (down)

Baby if I ever get the chance to be with you again
I would sacrifice
'Cause the feelin that I feel within no other man
Would ever make me feel so right
It's nice to smile when I get your phone call at night
But I'd rather have you here with me
Right next to me
And I miss the way you hold me tight

I've got to let you know I feel so weak without your touch
I never thought that I could ever love a man so much
I've gotta let you know I think that we are destiny
For you I'd cross the world for you
I'd do anything...

That's right baby
I'm going crazy
I need to be your lady
I've been thinking lately
That you and me, yes we can make it
Just ride with me, roll with me I'm in love with you (baby)

That's right baby
Im going crazy
I need to be your lady
I've been thinking lately
That you and me, yes we can make it
Just ride with me, roll with me I'm in love with you (baby)

Break it down now I'll tell you what I feel
From the moment that I met you it's been so damn real
My heart seems to skip another beat every time we speak
Can't believe I feel so weak
Tell me that you really need me
And you want me
And you miss me
And you love me
I'm your lady
I'll be around waiting for you
Put it down be the woman for you

I'm falling so deep for you
Crazy over you I'm calling
Callin' out to you
What am I gonna do?
It's true no frontin'
It's you ain't no other
I can no longer go on without you
I'll just break down (down)

I've got to let you know I feel so weak without your touch
I never thought that I could ever love a man so much
I've gotta let you know I think that we are destiny
For you I'd cross the world for you I'd do anything

That's right baby
I'm going crazy
I need to be your lady
I've been thinking lately
That you and me, yes we can make it
Just ride with me, roll with me
I'm in love with you (baby) Look ma'

Let me talk for a minute
Got a feeling me and you ain't finished
Got the messages you left on my phone
Said you missed me gurl
To being alone now
Your world's turned upside down
Without me bein' 'round
Hold up now I'm not done
Sit back down
See I was going crazy for you (for you)

You were going crazy for me
I dont wanna fuss and fight no more
Don't leave me girl That's just not how it's supposed to be
Oh baby I'm crazy, you crazy, we crazy I want you back
You're my everything
That's right baby I'm going crazy
I need to be your lady
I've been thinking lately
That you and me, yes we can make it
Just ride with me, roll with me I'm in love with you (baby)

ellen

2005-08-24T13:14:00.000+08:00

By that name I mean two different people...

Let me talk about the first 'ellen' that I have in mind. I'm sure everyone knows Ellen Degeneres. If you don't, here's a bit of a clue - she is the voice of Dory (that blue fish with short term memory) from Finding Nemo. 'ellen' is a daytime talk show on NBC and admittedly, I wasn't a fan. Today I was channel surfing (a break from the usual TFC routine) I just suddenly found myself glued on TV and watchin this talk show. You know why? Because Vin Diesel was her guest and with that guy? - I am a super dooper fan, really. VIN DIESEL talked to Ellen on his humble beginning - being a bouncer and all that. *Sigh* That's all I can say.

The other Ellen I wanna talk about is my new found friend. Well, we've been friends since my MEGA days back then. We suddenly drifted apart then accidentally bumped into each other in Boracay last Holy Week and just recently reunited with her by visiting her in Chino Hills. I am just so thankful that she is around, I appreciate her helping me along the way. She made my stay very enjoyable - as we speak she is not only my shopping & clubbing girlfriend but she is my shoulder to cry on - right Ellen?!?! *wink* If you're reading this, I just want to thank you for your advises and kind words... enjoyed that whole day shopping at Ontario Mills huh? Looking forward for more clubbing & shopping galore probably around Rodeo drive next time (hah!)... and more of Janelle-sitting days!!! c",)

Proud To Be Pinoy!

2005-08-23T13:11:00.000+08:00

Today at exactly 10:11 pm, checking my mail (as usual), I've come across this letter from our high school yahoogroups courtesy of our class' very own Gloria Arroyo (hi dearie!):

Dear Guys,

Did you know that the Philippines’ coconut geotextile ( a.k.a. coconet) for soil erosion control has been chosen as one of the 12 finalists in Newsweek and BBC’s (British Broadcasting Corporation) World’s World Challenge?

The World Challenge is basically a competition/search designed at identifying groups or individuals all over the world whose projects have contributed great impact at grass roots level.

A documentary about Philippine Coconut geotextile or coconet industry will be shown on the BBC World cable channel on September 24 around 8:30 GMT and will also be featured in the August 29 special issue of Newsweek.

“The World Challenge” already offers a tremendous exposure and publicity to our flourishing Philippine coconut geotextile industry and to our Philippine coconut fiber exporters. But it would be great liberation for our country, which has been getting very bad publicity nowadays, to win this prestigious competition.

To vote, please open www.theworldchallenge.co.uk and click the picture of Philippine coconet.

Please help us campaign for more voters by forwarding this message to your co-worker, friends and relatives.

Thanks

Melvin SANDRA S.J. GOZUN
Chief, Trade and Industry Development Specialist
Resource Based Commodity Division
Bureau of Export Trade Promotio
Department of Trade and Industry
5/F New Solid Bldg. 357 Gil J. Puyat Ave., Makati City, Philippines
Tel. Nos.: +63(2)890-4725/ 890-4644Fax No.: +63(2) 890-4643

---

So what is Coconet all about you might ask? Well basically all I got from the BBC-Newsweek's website is that it does prevent landslides in the Philippines using waste coconut husks. Pretty impressive huh? I suggest you take your time to read more about it and vote! It won't take SO much of your time, I promise! ;) After all, it's good to be proud of being a Filipino, don't you think?

P.S. Speaking of being a Filipino, have you heard of the latest from Apol D of BEP (Black Eyed Peas), that song called Bebot? It's nice... download it from Limewire!

Someone I Surely Miss

2005-08-17T09:03:00.000+08:00

On a Friday morning, my mom made sure that I was okay with her accompanying me inside a conference room on 9th floor of ELJ Buidling around ABS-CBN's compound. I was going to be interviewed for my OJT that day. In front of this big guy (Hi Jovan!), I was answering all his questions just to get over with. At the end of the interview, he let me in to this wonderful world of Interactive Department (a.k.a. Pinoycentral). Then I met my team mates... I wasn't so sure if they liked me at that time (and vice versa, haha!) and so that was it.

Come Monday, I was with a different pool of TJ's and these weren't the same people I met last weekend. Hmmm... I didn't care but admittedly I was intimidated. Then there was (another) big guy seated beside me, typing furiously. Then a pretty lady (Hello Hazel!) hurriedly came in and suddenly stopped at the sight of me, taking over her seat which at that time I didn't know that there was a personalized seat, table, pc, marker, phone, etc... "Hay naku, ang kapal naman ng ibang tao jan, inangkin ang seat ko." Hazel said... talking to that big guy who was typing as the keys were getting deformed each stroke he made. And that was the start of our weird friendship.

Hazel and that big guy were the closest friends I had during my Interactive days... until Hazel left without even resigning and flew to Canada. That incident left that big guy and me alone...

This guy I am talking about is Jeff Zamora. Every day since Hazel took off, he dreaded coming to work, and every single day he complained (who wouldn't?) and that left us sharing the same sentiments hence, getting closer. Jeff is the type who'd say whatever he feels saying, even if it's way too harsh for your ears and I'd say that is the essence of a true friendship... just letting you know the truth even if it hurts (like hell yeah).

Now Jeff is a very successful yuppy who had two promotions already in a multinational company in Makati. I say his career took off and he never ever forgets me. He knows all my ups and downs and would always complain that I'd just remember him with my downs... *ang kapal* I miss him terribly. A friend like him is so rare to find that i am now teary eyed just remembering this guy.

I will see you soon Jeff... and this is going to be my belated happy birthday gift... hehe!

Just An Ordinary Day

2005-08-17T00:40:00.000+08:00

I am blogging which isn't supposed to be happening. I should be working now but couldn't get hold of myself. And besides, what for? I think there's no need to pretend that I do care about work after running out of h1b's...

Now I'm thinking, what's next? I honestly do not know. Dazed and lost, if only I have the answers to everything, things will be easier. I guess this is just what God wants me to have... whatever it is, I think there's no harm in going on with the program.

The World In One Click

2005-08-12T02:52:00.000+08:00

I have never felt this lonely in my entire life. I do not know exactly what I am missing out on but definitely there is some kind of space inside. Often than not, I keep thinking of random things, this time it's serious stuff. Probably because of age that I needed to be more "mature" this time around. Although sometimes, I can't help but feel scared. Fear that I may not be able to cope... in the "mature" world. I think I can never be ready for that world...

Everytime I feel this way... I go online and visit back the memories that used to be oh-so-happy. In one click, I was able to reminisce college days when I got back, virtually, inside and around my campus. I miss those days... those days when the only thing that I am bothered about was what to eat and how to study for the next big test.

Those innocent days...

Those light & breezy days...

I can't help but feel so sad. And the weirdest part about this is that... I do not know why.

*the end*

P.S. It's my sister's birthday today (in Manila). Hi Sheena... Happy Happy Birthday. I miss you so bad!!! Take things light and enjoy life to the fullest... Good luck with everything and you DO know that I'd always be around whenever you need me. I love you sister!!!

Cravings

2005-08-07T04:12:00.000+08:00

yummy... the only and perfect word that i can use to describe these srcumptuous treats. i think it's my ate Marie's fault that she introduced me to these, now i couldn't stop thinking about chocolate covered strawberries, ayan naglalaway na ako! i like the bigger ones i tried from Irvine, uhmmm... the best. Uh-oh, need to watch the extra poundage... syet.

hallo Weibchen

2005-08-07T03:54:00.000+08:00

Mädchen: "Well, these things like typing, scanning and filing don't require a brain surgery for you right?"

Me: "Yup. Uhuh." (*whisper* but someone needs a personality overhaul 'round here, don't yah think?)

Mädchen: "Good!"

Me: Or so you think bitch. I wanna get out of here, quick.

...think happy thoughts.
...happy thoughts.

People...

2005-08-03T13:30:00.000+08:00

...who know her, they think she's sweet they say how nice and neat i think she's mean and on her worst day it's gonna show then everyone will know how she can be she keeps her lights on when she's afraid bad thoughts keep her awake put them away cuz when i trip and fall she smiles and when i lose my grip and slip she'll point her finger and she'll laugh someday she'll get what she deserves... can't keep her eyes closed, that's when she'll see the things she'll never be, she's not ok people who know her, they think she's sweet they say how nice and neat, i think she's mean

...bad thoughts...

*skyflakes*

*for the nth time =D

The Real Orange County?

2005-07-22T10:09:00.000+08:00

I have been long intrigued by this television series called Laguna Beach. I learned about the existence of the show because of a friend from Chino Hills. Ellen has been a fan since day 1 and so she urged me to watch it with her. From the very beginning, I was never a fan of such 'telenovelas'. I do not know why. So anyway I tried watching it with her for the heck of it and so my suspicions were analyzed...

The show is all about a number of rich kids getting their lives complicated by simple situations that when you come to think of it, there's no need to make it that way. At very young ages, it seems to me that they are faced with problems which should not be considered to be one in the first place. They're making simple things complicated in the show, for crying out loud!!! Geesh, these young people should learn how to enjoy life since LIFE will EVENTUALLY get complex ON ITS OWN. As of this very moment, I am trying to think of a local show that can be compared to it. Let's say TGIS on GMA 7 before... that show was teen-oriented nevertheless fun but Laguna Beach is not. I do not know what's up these days that teenagers seem to have a knack for making things bigger even if it's not. Was I like that before??? Hmmmm...

Anyway, I know everyone has his / her own opinion and personally, Laguna Beach is heavy emotionally because for me, their problems weren't real.

Check This Out!

2005-07-21T12:43:00.000+08:00

Hey guys! In need of a good laugh? I'm not sure if it's gonna be one for you but click this and see for yourself! Word of advise? If you feel someone's messing with you, just hang up! =D

COOL

2005-07-16T01:06:00.000+08:00

by Gwen Stefani

It's hard to remember how it felt before
Now I found the love of my life...
Passes things get more comfortable
Everything is going right

And after all the obstacles
It's good to see you now with someone else
And it's such a miracle that you and me are still good friends
After all that we've been through I know we're cool

We used to think it was impossible
Now you call me by my new last name
Memories seem like so long ago
Time always kills the pain

Remember Harbor Boulevard
The dreaming days where the mess was made
Look how all the kids have grown
We have changed but we're still the same
After all that we've been through I know we're cool

And I'll be happy for you
If you can be happy for me
Circles and triangles, and now we're hangin' out with your new girlfriend
So far from where we've been I know we're cool

Another Pointless Post

2005-07-10T02:17:00.000+08:00

It's been a long time since I've written down what's really going on about my life. Today isn't so special, I just thought of jotting down my feelings and ideas (kwentos et al.) to make things easier... making it easier to move on...

Yesterday my family got together for Aaron's birthday. Everyone seemed to have a great time (uknown to the celebrator since he got a 2-year old world of his own). My dad kept on delivering his signature jokes (plus, plus) which gave us all stomach aches especially after that buffet... and guess what? Today my mom woke me up just to tell me that we're going to another buffet (for the nth time). So you guys just could imagine how much i gained after all that dieting and exercise i suffered before the wedding of my cousin.

I dread tomorrow... I dread later for it will be the start of my "REAL" life. I am so naive that I do not know what to expect. What comes to mind is Kuya Jovi's motto "Just go with the flow." I thought it's better that way than go against the tide, for sure it will take you away.

By the way, my sister finally admitted that she has an S.O. Well, whatever makes her happy... I am so naive I do not even know what to say nor think... hehe. =p I saw on TV earlier that Harry Potter and the Half-blood Prince is ready... shucks, too bad I lost my reservation stub for that. Di bale, I'd still wait for it.

The Only Hope For the Philippines

2005-07-09T14:55:00.000+08:00

by Father James Reuter, S.J.

By her own admission, GMA rightfully assessed that "over thelast decades,our republic has become one of the weakest, steadily leftbehind by its more progressive neighbors." Forty years ago, we wereonly second to Japan in economic stature, and way ahead ofSingapore,Hongkong,Malaysia, and Thailand.

Today, at our presentgrowth rate, it will take us 30 years to get to where Thailand is today.

1. A population of 160 Million;
2. Of those, 70 to 90 million (equivalent to our currentpopulation) will live below the poverty line;
3. Our national debt is estimated to be at US$200B (compared toUS$28B when Marcos fled, and US$53B today);
4. We will be competing, not against Thailand or even Vietnam,but against Bangladesh;
5. We will be the most corrupt nation in Asia, if not in theworld (we're already ranked 11th most corrupt nation byTransparencyInternational).

The signs are clear. Our nation is headed towards an irreversiblepath of economic decline and moral decadence. It is not for lack ofeffort. We've seen many men and women of integrity in and out ofgovernment, NGOs, church groups & people's organization devotethemselves to the task of nation-building, often times againstinsurmountable odds. But not even two people's revolutions, bloodlessas they may be, have made a dent in reversing this trend. At best, wehave moved one step forward, but three steps backward.

We need a force far greater than our collective efforts, as apeople, can ever hope to muster. It is time to move the battle to thespiritual realm. It's time to claim GOD's promise of healing of theland for His people.

It's time to gather GOD's people on its knees to pray for theeconomic recovery and moral reformation of our nation. Is prayerreally the answer? Before you dismiss this as just another ramblingof a religious fanatic, I'd like you to consider some lessons we can gleanfrom history. England's ascendancy to world power was preceded bythe Reformation, a spiritual revival fuelled by intense prayers. Theearly American settlers built the foundation that would make it themost powerful nation today - a strong faith in GOD and a disciplinedprayer life. Throughout its history, and especially at its major turningpoints, waves of revival and prayer movement swept across the land.

In recent times, we see Korea as a nation experiencing revival andin the process producing the largest Christian church in the world today,led by Rev. Paul Yongi Cho. No wonder it has emerged as a strong nationwhen other economies around it are faltering. Even from a purely secularviewpoint, it makes a lot of sense. For here there is genuine humbling andseeking of GOD through prayer, moral reformation necessarily follows.And this, in turn, will lead to general prosperity. YES, we believe prayercan make a difference. It's our only hope.

Today, we launch this email brigade, to inform Filipinos from allover the world to pray, as a people, for the economic recovery andmoral reformation of our nation. We do not ask for much. We only askfor 5 minutes of your time in a day, to fwd this email to your closefriendsand relatives.

This is the kind of unity which can make a big difference. Of course,if you feel strongly, as I do, about the power of prayer, you can be moreinvolved by starting your own prayer group or prayer center. We havetried people power twice; in both cases, it fell short.

Maybe it's time to try prayer power. GOD never fails. Is there hope?YES! We can rely on GOD's promise, but we have to do our part.If we humble ourselves and pray as a people, GOD will heal our land.By GOD's grace, we may yet see a better future for our children.

GOD bless and GOD save our country

One Big Eye-Opener

2005-07-08T01:00:00.000+08:00

Pardon the language... but it does make sense. Read on...

Galing sa isang ordinaryong manggawa sa Pilipinas
Walang kwenta ang Pilipinas
By: jawbreaker. (isang ordinaryong office worker na ayaw na magbayad ng tax...ever!)

Hindi ko na mapigilan ang sarili ko. Sukang-suka na ko sa mga nangyayari sa bansang 'to! Walang katapusang corruption, walang kamatayang pangbabatikos, pagbabatuhan ng tae at pagpapa-taasan ng ihi ng mga pulitiko sa bawat isa, walang tigil na imbestigasyon ng kung ano-anong isyu pero wala namang matinong resolusyon, walang puknat na pag-aagawan ng kapangyarihan sa pagitan ng mga partido, patuloy na pagdami ng tamad at tangang Pilipino, patuloy na pakikipaglaban ng ideolohiyang wala namang silbi. Ang gobyerno ng Pilipinas, talo pa ang septic tank na hinihigop ng Malabanan - saksakan ng dumi at napakabaho. Kaya hindi nakakapagtaka na ang Pilipinas ang isa sa pinakamahirap at corrupt na bansa sa mundo. Kasi lahat sila bulok, lahat sila walang kwenta. Lahat sila sugapa sa kapangyarihan at sa pera.

ANAK NG TETENG! !$#%Q!&!* @!!!!! KAHIT KRISTIYANO AKO, HINDI KO MAPIGILANG MAGMURA AT HILINGIN SA DIYOS (MINSAN NGA PATI SA DEMONYO) NA MAMATAY NA SILANG LAHAT AT I- BBQ SILA NG HABANG-BUHAY SA IMPIERNO. SINONG "SILA"? EH DI MGA CORRUPT NA GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS AND WORKERS, MGA TAMBAY NA PILIPINO NA ANG LALAKI NG KATAWAN PERO HINDI NAMAN NAGTRATRABAHO AT HINDI NAGBABAYAD NG TAX, MGA MAYAYAMAN AT ARISTANG TAX EVADERS, PATI MGA AKTIBISTA, NPA AT IBA PANG IDEOLOGICAL GROUPS NA HINDI NAGBABAYAD NG TAX PERO PANG-GULO!!! MAMATAY NA KAYO!!! Lagi na lang sinasabi ng mga pulitiko: Ipaglaban ang masa! Tulungan ang masa! Mahalin ang masa! PUNYETA! MASA LANG BA ANG TAO SA PILIPINAS? SINO BA TALAGA ANG BUMUBUHAY SA PUNYETANG BANSANG TO? SAAN BA GALING ANG PANGPAGAWA NG MGA TULAY AT KALYE? SAAN BA GALING ANG PORK BARREL? SAAN BA GALING ANG PERANG KINUKURAKOT NYO? KAMI NA MGA MANGGAGAWA AT MIDDLE CLASS NA BAGO PA MAKUHA ANG SWELDO BAWAS NA - KAMI ANG BUMUBUHAY SA WALANG KWENTANG BANSA NA 'TO!!!!!!!!! BAKIT YANG BANG MGA MASANG YAN NA LAGI NA LANG SENTRO NG PLATAPORMA NG MGA PULITIKO EH NAGBABAYAD BA NG TAX???!!!! F**K YOU! KAHIT ISA SA MGA NAG-RA-RALLYING MGA SQUATTER NA YAN, KAHIT SINGKO HINDI NAG-RE-REMIT YAN SA BIR! PERO PINAPAKINGGAN BA KAMI NG GOBYERNO? LAGI NA LANG OPINYON NG MASA ANG INIINTINDI NG GOBYERNO. KUNG SINO ANG NAG-RA-RALLY, SA EDSA, SILA ANG NASUSUNOD. KUNG SINO ANG MAS MALAKAS SUMIGAW PERO WALA NAMANG ECONOMIC CONTRIBUTION, SILA LAGI ANG FOCUS PAG MAY PROBLEMA. SILA LAGI ANG BIDA. KAMING MGA ORDINARYONG OFFICE WORKERS, OFW'S, LABORERS AT IBA PANG NAG-TRA-TRABAHO AT NAGBABAYAD NG TAX - KAMI ANG NAGPAPAKAHIRAP PARA BUHAYIN ANG PILIPINAS. KAMI ANG MGA TUNAY NA BAYANI NG BANSA!!!

Tuwing nakikita ko ang payslip ko, nag-iinit ang ulo ko at gusto kong maiyak sa inis. Napakalaki ng tax na binabawas sa akin pero ginagamit lang sa walang kwentang bagay ang perang pinaghirapan ko. Lahat ng pagtitipid ginagawa ko para suportahan ang sarili ko, pamilya ko at ang punyetang bansang to. Ni hindi ako makabili ng chicken and spaghetti meal sa Jollibee kahit gutom na gutom na ko. Nag-tya-tyaga ako sa waffle na tig-P10, o kaya pag may konting pera, junior bola-bola siopao sa Mini-Stop sa halangang P20. Eh kung yung pera ko na pinapangbabayad sa tax sa kin na lang napunta, eh di sana nakakapanood pa ko ng sine at least 2 beses sa isang buwan. Nakabili na sana ako ng bagong rubber shoes. Nakapagpagawa na sana ako ng sarili kong bahay. Yung tax na binabayad ko, karamihan nun derecho sa bulsa ng mga corrupt na mga government officials at workers. Habang hirap na hirap akong i-budget ang pera ko, sila naman nagpapakasarap sa mga mansyon. SUV's at luxury cars pa ang dina-drive nila, samantalang ako sa pedicab lang sumasakay! P****** INA! PERA KO YANG PINAPAGPAPASASAAN NYO!!!!!

Yung tax na binabayad ko, pinapangsuporta sa mga mahihirap. Saan ba galing ang pera pangpagawa ng housing at pagtulong sa mga mahihirap, di ba sa mga manggagawa na nagbabayad ng buwis! Pero karamihan ng mahihirap, kung umasta kala mo inaapi sila ng sobra. SA TOTOO LANG NO, KAYA ANG MGA MAHIHIRAP LALONG NAGHIHIRAP KASI MGA TAMAD! Ang daming mga tambay sa kalye na walang trabaho pero ang laki ng katawan. Eh kung sila ba nagkargador sa pier eh di sana may pera sila. TAPOS WALA NA NGANG PERA, ANAK PA NG ANAK! PUNYETA! LALO NYO LANG PINAPADAMI ANG TAMAD AT TANGA SA MUNDO!!!!! Naaawa ako sa mga batang pakalat-kalat sa kalye at namamalimos. Imbes na nag-aaral, dumadagdag lang sila sa bilang ng mga future criminals sa Pinas. Hindi ako magtataka na yung batang nakita kong namamalimos sa Cubao, pagkatapos ng ilang taon cellphone snatcher na.

YUNG MGA MAGULANG NAMAN DYAN, COMMON SENSE LANG! HIRAP NA HIRAP NA NGA KAYO SA BUHAY, MANGDADAMAY PA KAYO NG IBA?! PAPARAMIHAN NYO PA LAHI NYO! Palibhasa walang mga trabaho at walang pinagkaka-abalahan, kaya nagkakalabitan at nagsusundutan na lang maghapon, magdamag. Sa totoo lang, nakakabilib. Kasi kahit sa ilalim ng tulay o sa kariton lang, nakakabuo pa rin ng bata! Ibig sabihin, maabilidad ang mga Pinoy. Kung gugustuhin, gagawan ng paraan. Kahit sa makipot, mabaho at maduming lugar - SOLVE! Isa pang mga grupo ng tao na nakakainis, yung mga aktibista, NPA at kung ano-ano pang ideological political groups. Sabi nila, mahal na mahal nila ang Pilipinas kaya pinagpalalaban nila ang kanilang mga adhikain.

PUNYETA! EH HINDI RIN KAYO NAGBABAYAD NG TAX! ANG KAKAPAL RIN NG MGA MUKHA NYO! MGA IPOKRITO! MAHAL DAW ANG PILIPINAS AYAW NAMAN MAGBAYAD NG BUWIS! BAKIT MAY BIR COLLECTOR BA SA GITNA NG MENDIOLA AT EDSA?! MAY TAX COLLECTION BA SA BUNDOK?! WALA DIN NAMAN KAYONG MGA TRABAHO! KUNG MAY TRABAHO TALAGA KAYO, HINDI KAYO MAG-RA-RALLY DAHIL SAYANG ANG SWELDO NYO PAG ABSENT KAYO! PAANO NYO MAIPAPAKITA ANG PAGMAMAHAL NYO SA PILIPINAS KUNG WALA NA KAYONG GAWANG MATINO KUNDI MAG-RALLY AT MAMUNDOK??!!! ISA PA YANG MGA MAYAYAMAN AT MGA ARTISTA, NA NANGDADAYA AT HINDI NAGBABAYAD NG BUWIS. ANG KAKAPAL NG MUKHA NYO! ANG DAMI NYO NA NGANG PERA NANGDADAYA PA KAYO SA TAX!!!! HINDI NYO NAMAN MADADALA SA IMPIERNO YANG MGA KAYAMAN NYO. MASUSUNOG LANG DUN YAN. KAYA LALONG BUMABAGSAK ANG NEGOSYO DITO SA PILIPINAS, KASI MGA NEGOSYANTE MANDARAYA. PATI SHOWBIZ INDUSTRY, BAGSAK NA DIN. KARMA ANG TAWAG DYAN. MGA BALASUBAS KASI. Sana magkaron ng POLITICAL AND NATIONAL CLEANSING. Alisin (mas maganda kung patayin na lang) ang lahat ng pulitiko at political families sa puwesto. Tibagin ang lahat ng mapanirang organizations at grupo. Itapon sa malayong isla o kaya i-pwersa ng hard labor ang mga sobrang tamad na mga Pilipino. Ihiwalay ang mga bata sa kanilang mga tamad at tangang magulang upang makapag-aral sila at maturuan na maging mabuting tao at mamamayan. Magkaron ng bagong lider na walang political ties at utang na loob sa kahit sino. At higit sa lahat, dapat tax payers lang ang pwedeng bumoto! Kung kinakailangang magka-giyera para magtino ang mga Pilipino, ayos lang. Masyado na kasing matigas ang ulo ng mga tao dito.

Gusto ng kalayaan, pero hindi naman handang panagutan ang responsibilidad ng pagiging malaya. Meron daw pinaglalaban na prinsipyo at adhikain pero takot namang mamatay para dito. (Sa mga nakaka-alam sa anime na Gundam Wing, yan ang inspirasyon ko sa new Pinas hehe. I love you Zechs! I love you Treize!) Hangga't hindi nagkakaron ng radical change, patuloy na walang kwenta ang Pilipinas at patuloy na magiging tanga ang majority ng mga Pilipino.

Sa dami ng nag-mi-migrate na Pilipino sa ibang bansa, dadating ang panahon na minority na lang ng population sa Pilipinas ang may utak. Yung mga magagaling na Pilipino, malamang maubos na. Sobra na kasi silang na-fru-frustrate at na-de-depress sa mga nakikita nila. Ilang taon pa at aalis na rin ako sa Pilipinas. Wala kong balak na magkaron ng pamilya sa isang bansa na hindi pinapahalagahan ang kontribusyon ng mga taong tunay na bumubuhay dito. Kawawa naman ang magiging anak ko kung dito sya mabubuhay. Sa totoo lang, broken hearted ako. Minahal ko din ang bansang ito. Pilit kong pinagtatanggol kahit bulok. Nakarating na ko ng ibang bansa, pero pinili kong bumalik. Pero ngayon, ayoko na. Suko na ko. Sayang lang ako sa bansang to. Simple lang naman ang hiling ko. Gusto ko lang mabuhay ng tahimik at maayos. Gusto ko na kahit paano eh maipagmalaki ang Pilipinas. Pero wala eh. Doomed to be jologs ang bansang to. Alam ko marami pa ang umaasa at naniniwala sa pagbabago. Good luck and God bless! Sana tama kayo at mali ako.

Got Taggged

2005-07-05T12:44:00.000+08:00

I just recently visited KV's blog and guess what? Just got tagged!!! :)

List five songs that you are currently digging. It doesn't matter what genre they're from, whether they have words or even if they're any good, but they must be songs you're really enjoying right now. Post these instructions, the artist and the title of your five songs. Then tag five other people to see what they're listening to.

1. Mariah Carey - We Belong Together
2. Gwen Stefani - Hollerback Girl
3. Nelly - Over and Over
4. Black Eyed Peas - Don't Funk With My Heart
5. Nina Sky - Move Your Body

Now I need to tag 5 different people... Jenny, Nicole, Marie, Jeck & Jeff!!!

What Does Your Birthdate Mean?

2005-07-04T22:00:00.000+08:00

Your Birthdate: March 15

With a birthday on the 15th of any month, you are apt to have really strong attachments to home, family and domestic scene.
The 1 and 5 equaling 6, provide the sort of energy that makes you an excellent parent or teacher.
You are very responsible and capable.

This is an attractive and an attracting influence.
You like harmony in your environment and strive to maintain it.
You tend to learn by observation rather than study and research.

You may like to cook, but you probably don't follow recipes.
This number shows artistic leanings and would certainly support an talents that may be otherwise in your makeup.
You're a very generous and giving person, but perhaps a bit stubborn in ways.

What Does Your Birth Date Mean?

The Bridesmaids

2005-06-24T18:57:00.000+08:00

I got this pic from Sugar's friendster account. Actually she owed me more pics from that night's photo op. Over all, I think that the wedding was really grand and touching at the same time. Here are our serious and not-so-serious pics. That's Sugar, my cousin, the other bridesmaid.

Hey Honey, wherever you are, Sugar and I miss you already... magparamadam ka!!!!

Something To Be Happy About

2005-06-15T07:50:00.000+08:00

Hilton Waterfront Beach Resort, Huntington Beach

What? My Kuya Dondi's Grand Wedding

Where? Hilton Waterfront Beach Resort
21100 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach, CA 92648

When? June 18, 2005 (this coming Saturday)

I am finally leaving today. Honestly, I am very excited about this trip. It's not only because of my cousin's wedding but because it's a BIG reunion in itself. Yey, i'll be seeing my fave cousins again, and most especially those cute nephews and nieces. I can't wait to see all of them, although everyone's so busy for Saturday, I heard that right after we arrive in LAX, we'll go straight to a dinner party. Too bad we'll be missing the rehearsals for the wedding since they'll be holding it a little bit earlier before we arrive... too bad, I need to know my part in the entourage, I don't wanna end up being the laughing stock. It's bad enough that I missed the bridal shower = / HMPH! Yikes, everyone's gonna be there... LIKE EVERYBODY, all of the Aguinaldo clan. How cool is that?!? =p

Melodrama

2005-06-14T18:05:00.000+08:00

HALE is one of those things that makes me proud to be Pinoy... I'm loving 'em right now! Their song will always be my reminder for the rest of my life.

The Day You Said Goodnight by HALE
Take me as you are,
Push me off the road
The sadness, I need this time to be with you
I'm freezing in the sun;
I'm burning in the rain
The silence; I'm screaming, Calling out your name.

And i do reside in your light
Put out the fire with me and find
Yeah you'll lose the side of your circles
That's what i'll do if we say goodbye.

To be is all i gotta be
And all that i see
And all that i need this time
To me the life you gave me
The day you said goodnight.

The calmness in your face
That i see through the night
The warmth of your light is pressing unto us
You didn't ask me why
I never would have known oblivion is falling down.

And i do reside in your hear
Put out the fire with me and find
Yeah you'll lose the side of your circles
That's what i'll do if we say goodbye.

To be is all i gotta be
And all that i see
And all that i need this time
To me the life you gave me
The day you said goodnight.

If you could only know me like your prayers at night
Then everything between you and me will be all right.

To be is all i gotta be
And all that i see
And all that i need this time
To me the life you gave me
The day you said goodnight.

She's already taken,
She's already taken
She's already taken me
She's already taken,
She's already taken
She's already taken me.
The day you said goodnight.

Rock On!!!

Everyone's Thin

2005-06-14T13:24:00.000+08:00

Have you seen Kelly Osbourne lately?

You see, how thin she is right now?!?! Wow, inggit ako! Along with the IT girls like Lindsay Lohan, Nicole Richie and some local girls like Sunshine Dizon and that Startstruck girl Yasmin, shucks, they're all miraculously thinner overnight! How did they do it? SHARE. =p

Thinking Out Loud

2005-06-12T00:11:00.000+08:00

Have you ever heard silence where you can't hear anything even your own self thinking?

Have you ever felt so scared that you wouldn't know what to do because you are so damn overwhelmed and confused at the same time?

Have you ever felt so numb but aware of the blood pumping in and out of your heart, to your veins all over your body?

Have you ever thought of grabbing a scissor and cut that pumping thing inside your skin just to end the confusion?

Have you ever felt so lonely that if you succeed in ending this so-called life, no one will ever know that you just did... and why...?

Have you ever felt so stupid like no one is there to listen and even if they do, they won't care?

Have you ever experienced being so trapped that even Superman or any other super hero with their amazing gadgets and super hero strength cannot help you?

Have you ever felt so tired of your existence?

I DO.

Looking Forward

2005-06-10T20:57:00.000+08:00

5 days to go... ; )

Devotion to St. Jude

2005-05-31T14:24:00.000+08:00

It wasn't long ago when I started my novena to St. Jude. Among all the saints, the Church honors St. Jude to aid all those who are in desperate need. Ever since I have learned about this, way back in college, I have always approached St. Jude and he never failed me.

A couple of weeks ago I started my 9-day prayer to St. Jude. Pray this novena, 9 times a day for 9 consecutive days and your prayer will be heard:

Prayer to St. Jude Thaddeus
Most Holy Apostle, St. Jude Thaddeus, faithful servant and friend of Jesus, the name of the traitor who delivered your beloved Master into the hands of his enemies has caused you to be forgotten by many. But the Church honors you, and I invoke you as the special advocate of those who are in trouble and almost without hope. Help me to realize that through our faith we triumph over life's difficulties by the power of Jesus who loved us and gave his life for us. Come to my assistance that I may receive the consolation and succor of heaven in all my needs, trials, and sufferings, particularly (here make your request) and that I may praise God with you and all the saints forever.

St. Jude, apostle of the Word of God, pray for us.

St. Jude, follower of the Son of God, pray for us.

St. Jude, preacher of the love of God, pray for us.

St. Jude, intercessor before God, pray for us.

St. Jude, friend of all in need, pray for us.

St. Jude, pray for us, and for all who invoke your aid.

The last time I needed the intercession of St. Jude, I can't help but notice that he started helping me out already on my second day. Things were getting better on my second day of novena. I think the secret really is your faith and another trick: try your best, as in with all your might, not to sin.

Yesterday, I met with a friend for our weekly lakwacha. Although we talked about going to St. Jude Church before we met, we ended up visiting three more churches. I recommend all these churches to all those who want to reflect and to have good & peaceful conversation with God:

1. Before meeting Jeff in Galleria, I decided to drop by UA&P's chapel. When I was in college, this place was my sanctuary. Every prayer I had was heard and i think Blessed JoseMari Escriva helped lift my prayers to God.

2. St. Jude Church is located inside Malacañang Complex. To be honest, I wasn't aware that such church existed, I just heard from a lot of friends that there is such church. Jeff and I even got lost on our way there because I don't know my way around Manila. You can take me to Quezon City, Ortigas, Makati and even farther South but not Manila. What I found interesting the most is the candle-lighting. There were candles of various colors for certain prayer you have like yellow candle for family, pink for love, white for enlightenment, blue for career, green for money, etc... I took all the colors, a set of 9 colored-candles, and lit them all at the same time and put them on one container. Jeff and I decided to buy another set so we can light them up in a different church.

3. Jeff and I wanted to go to Shangri-la and just stroll around but surprisingly we got lost again. Although I knew already where I was going, I didn't know why I took a different turn, yun pala we ended up in another church, the Mt. Carmel Church in New Manila. I've heard from Kris Aquino that two of their millionaire winners both came from Mt. Carmel and prayed. We got lost for a reason NOT TO BE MILLIONARES but to pray, so we stopped by and offered prayers again.

4. Lastly, we went to St. Claire Church along Katipunan. Back in the days, I used to offer a dozen eggs and write letters to God through St. Claire. Today, we brought out our candles and lit them up, offer prayer and even more prayers.

Yesterday's pilgrimage was not planned at all but at the end of the day, although it was tiring, I felt like I unloaded a big chunk of unknown something. I didn't pray for anything specific but I felt light afterwards.

Topic Of The Week

2005-05-26T01:14:00.000+08:00

Don't tell me you haven't heard about the latest chism about BAYO. Well, then let me share this to you. My opinion about this topic is that BAYO's side should be heard first before we make any judgement. You see, they are probably in deep shit right now for allegedly stealing intellectual property but it doesn't give us (the consumer and mere spectators) the right to call them names and throw even more far-fetched accusations. Read on and tell me what you think...

--------------
From Zach Yonzon, Mango Press

Hello friends, ang ganda ng bayo kids ano? Pati yung mga display ng bayo. Kaso, we are very disappointed to inform you that BAYO has been RIPPING OFF illustrators from japan for their designs. And most of these illustrators are artists who contributed to a book and web compilation from Delicatessen. The title of the book is MONDOFRAGILE: MODERN FASHION ILLUSTRATORS FROM JAPAN (available at Powerbooks). If you check out www.mondofragile.com (plus links to each artists' sites), you'll see that:

1. TADAHIRO UESUGI's untitled artwork for a japanese magazine (top shot of a girl in a bikini sun bathing)was traced and used for bayo's summer window displays (with fake grass background) without him knowing it

2. YUKA MAEDA's black-outlined little girls are on BAYO KIDs shirts, without her permission and

3. EMMA.MORI's big-eyed vector girls and animals are used in BAYO's display ads, the little deer on their tag now? that's EMMA's, not BAYO's.

I had a talk with a socialite-celeb who was part of BAYO's research team, who did speculate na hindi nga siguro nag paalam ang BAYO sa mga Japanese illustrators na ito. They have an artist who traces/copies it for them.

Also, if you check out EMMA.MORI's site (google: BAYO PHILIPPINES EMMA) you'll see this:--hi! your illustrations are the cutest i've ever seen! unfortunately, a clothing brand here in the Philippines named BAYO seems to be using your drawings for their children clothing line(t-shirt and bag logos). Do they have your permission?--hello!! i don't know BAYO...I look BAYO's web. I was very much surprised. My illustration was being used without my permission. This is a crime. It it here so that it warns BAYO soon. thanks!!! (check Emma Mori's website)

I think early this year pa ito na post. Diba nakakahiya? Tapos maglalabas pa ang BAYO ng shirt na: YOUNG TALENTED FILIPINA, but they ripped off other artists!it's not an excuse anymore to say na 'di ko alam eh,' 'i didn't know these were not original.' Come on. We're in a globalized economy. They have a website. they're an established clothing line. They should have checked first, it's their responsibility.and i think it's ours too-to be responsible buyers. Especially since we're artists too. We dont want other people riping off our artwork and claiming it as theirs so they can sell a few shirts without giving us the heads up. These corporations should give the artists their due, and respect. We have a thing called intellectual property rights, we should protect it. alam kong magaganda ang damit sa BAYO, pero for now, please keep out of their store until they fix this. BAYO was on such a good roll with Leah Salonga, and now they stoop to this? It's really sad. Whether you're an artist in the Philippines or Japan, or kahit saan, dapat magpapaalam muna sayo ang mga gagamit ng works mo.

-----------------
And this other post I got from Girl Talk.

I learned about this BAYO incident from pinoyexchange.com. From the forum, it claims that BAYO ripped off its designs from japanese illustrators without their permission. We don't know yet if these claims are substantiated, hence the question mark in my topic; however, it's good that people are aware of these issues so they can be more adamant and vigilant in researching about it, and also so that we're more informed about the companies we patronize.

If this is true, then this is just so sad. Bayo, should this issue be for real, should rectify its actions and clear its name first. I like Kamiseta more than Bayo, but I bought some stuff from Bayo too, so I'm also kinda disturbed by this issue. I hope this gets cleared soon.

Click the BBS button left side of the screen (referring to Emma's website) there are posts there about the supposed plagiarism of BAYO and Emma's reaction. She said she already contacted the Philippine/Japanese embassies and awaiting their response.

--------------------
I'm not sure if what I'm about to say will make sense but let me try: people here in the Philippines don't make a big fuss about certain people getting avatars, icons, images from other sites without linking or asking permission from the orignal site. How come these simple things are more negligible? Should there be any difference when some random person does it as compared to a big company such as BAYO? I just noticed these people who make accusations, point fingers and judge right away are the same people who have those avatars or images which they just got without linking them back.

Anyway...

Every corner of the world wide web, there is something to be found about this certain topic. It's starting to be a global issue and it's quite alarming, although a lot are still not aware of this locally. I just hope that BAYO fix / clear this out immediately, if not sooner... when? To save what's left of their name.

Not My Usual Self

2005-05-25T03:08:00.000+08:00

That's me, the last character... what can I say? I'm too bummed to be normal. It's 3:13 in the morning and yeah, you guessed it right, I can't sleep.

.I think it's because I am craving for Gerry's sisig tonight
.and a box (a dozen of different variety) of Go Nuts Donuts
.but I need to get in shape because I decided to fly back to LA
.really? should I go or should I stay?
.i quit my diet and my fitness regimen last Saturday and have exactly 3 weeks to look good in that gown
.sh*t! Now, I'm craving for In 'N Out (cheeseburger and fries, with coke please) and that blueberry bagel by Sara Lee
.I am faced and bothered with so many issues right now
.probably because I am totally messed up!

Hmmm... we all have times like these right?

Boredom Leads You to Blog!

2005-05-09T02:19:00.000+08:00

Isn't it obvious that I am THAT BORED? I took one of those quizzes today and to tell yah frankly, it's quite alarming...

You Are 45% Normal
(Somewhat Normal)

While some of your behavior is quite normal...
Other things you do are downright strange
You've got a little of your freak going on
But you mostly keep your weirdness to yourself

How Normal Are You?

My S.O.

2005-05-08T00:17:00.000+08:00

I love Dave sooo much!!!

Is it?

2005-05-05T18:49:00.000+08:00

I got this idea from KV's blog, i just had to check what interests me too... but is it true?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Libra and Pisces
These affectionate, creative and artistic people take to each other immediately. In some ways they are alike - both are sentimental and affectionate, and both want to impose their dreamy ideals on life. But Pisces is looking for emotional support, reassurance, and constant attention, and won't find that with Libra.

Libra wants romance and harmony, but runs away from responsibility of any kind. Pisces senses that Libra's commitment is often insincere and that their charm is shallow.

Libra may be too emotionally controlling for Pisces. Both Signs can be guilty of not making a definite decision, often wavering and considering too many options, thus resulting in no action at all. They both like the good things in life, but Pisces is too idle about making money and Libra is too extravagant about spending it. Libra has numerous outside interests and feels stifled by Pisces. Not a recommended match.

Pisces and Pisces
The passivity and acceptance of the Pisces nature could make this a very easy match. However, Pisces can be too easygoing, perhaps naive, and is quickly affected by any surrounding negative energy. Two Pisces together can become lazy and bring out the best and worst in each other.

They can be oversensitive, unable to set limits for themselves or others, and reluctant to face problems or challenges. Emotionally, intellectually and physically they are so in tune that this should make them inseparable but in reality just the opposite is true. Sometimes they will spend time trying to please the other and at other times the secretive side of their natures will clash and lead to conflict.

Each one of them needs what the other does not have. Both of them are weak-willed, dependent, and emotionally draining. They have a tendency to sink into self-pity and negativity, and they accentuate each other's confusion, self-indulgence, and confused thinking. Each will not like the dependency of the other and will long for a stronger sign as a partner to push them in the right direction. Not a match to be recommended.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Well? What's the verdict? I think it is true. Too bad, I don't have to worry about these, coz they're both gone ='( There goes my love life... down the drain... it'll be 100 years before i'll be ready for the next ONE.

In Case You Don't Know

2005-05-02T14:55:00.000+08:00

I just wanna say that I am the type of person who DOESN'T take crap from people...

... take it or leave it!

Urgh!

2005-05-01T19:31:00.000+08:00

Steps To Take To Avoid Getting Hurt In A Relationship by Jennifer Good
« on: April 02, 2005, 06:32:41 PM »

The biggest fear when it comes to a relationship is whether or not a certain person will leave you hurt, heart broken or otherwise affected. What I've found though is that many people open themselves up for potential hurt by not following a few common sense rules. It seems that the desire to be around someone who is interested in you, even if you are "settling" by being with him or her, is worth the risk. If you find yourself in, or afraid of these types of situations, keep in mind the following tips. They just might help you avoid a future hurt.

Find Out Where You Stand
The unknown is a powerful force. It can drive you crazy, make you doubt yourself and potentially destroy a relationship. Don't let this happen to you! Make sure you know where you stand in your relationship. In the same respect, make sure you continually let your partner know where they stand as well. You'll both be happier, and you'll have an easier time of communicating to each other.

Don't Play Mind Games
The person you are involved with, or about to be involved with, is another being -- just like you. Playing mind games is just another way to increase your chances of getting hurt in the end. Personally, I feel that if you are willing to play mind games with a person, then you don't respect that individual enough for a relationship anyway. So do that person a favor and let him or her go.

Don't Sleep With Someone You Don't Know Very Well Yet
This may seem obvious, but for many people it is not. I've heard countless requests for advice which involve a person not sure where they stand with a certain person, yet they've been involved intimately with them. Now they are faced with a potential loveless affair, are completely unhappy, and are being driven by the fear of the unknown. No matter what the urge is, if you are interested in someone for more than just a fling, don't do it until, at the very least, you are clear about the other person's feelings for you. You can avoid many future downfalls by following this tip!

Be Honest With Each Other
Your honesty, or lack thereof, can either build or destroy your relationship. Be honest with your partner about everything, and expect the same from your partner. Too many times, I see people who have let their partner lie to them about everything, cheat on them, and worse -- yet, they continue to be with them all "in the name of love."That type of love is no love at all. It is clinging to the fact that being with someone, even though they are hurting you, is better than being alone. It is fine, and perfectly reasonable to have strong feelings or affection towards someone, but it is altogether something else when you allow yourself to stay in a relationship that has a negative effect on you.

Don't Settle
If you know that a person isn't right for you -- go find someone who is. Don't wait to see if the relationship could turn into something better. You'll only find yourself a few years down the line in the same, or in an even worse, situation than you are in now. If you find yourself nit-picking about too many of your partner's traits early in your relationship, think forward to how much these "traits" will bother you after a few years.

A relationship is 50% your responsibility, and 50% your partner's. Sometimes those numbers change depending on the situation. If you find things going down the wrong path, speak up and do something about it. Don't let it slide, thinking that things will get better. Proclaimed ignorance is not an excuse. This is YOUR life, don't be afraid to do things that will make it better.---My sentiments exactly! =/

Staying SINGLE

2005-05-01T03:45:00.000+08:00

Thesis Statement:
BEING WITH SOMEBODY is GOOD but BEING SINGLE just might be BETTER.

SINGLE means you have the time to grow and be the person you want to be. Sometimes, it is harder to grow when you are too close to someone. Trees are planted far apart so they can spread their branches and become strong as they mature.

SINGLE means learning to live by yourself. However, that is no more difficult than learning to live with somebody else. Single means freedom. You are free to spend time with your friends, meet new exciting people or work late on an interesting project,to spend the day in beach with a good book or simply with a person who has read one.

SINGLE means learning not to need that "someone" to make your life meaningful but learning to live with that someone because you want to be with him/her.

SINGLE means that sometimes you will wonder why you will bite your lip and feel wistful and wonder if being in arelationship is better. Ironically, yet quite happily single is feeling good about being in control of your life. It is liking and respecting who you are and why you are.

SINGLE is realizing that being in a relationship is not necessarily better, it is merely different.

SINGLE means that there could be something wonderful around the corner and you can take advantage of it.

SINGLE means you are free to love again.You must be proud to say that I am SINGLE and SATISFIED...
------------------
Wala lang, it's just one of those days when I shout for freedom. Freedom from someone who thinks so much of what other people might say... from someone who's so pretensious of the real deal. Arrrrrrghhhhh, it's 3:48am and I can't even sleep, this day sucks. Big time!

Belated Happy Birthday Jennykins!

2005-04-26T22:07:00.000+08:00

Shet! I am so sorry for the late greeting... no excuse, I just wanna say HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY to the one who has always been there for me no matter what...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JENNIFER LYNN ARRANZ LORENZO!

You know that whatever happens, even if you're mad at me right now for forgetting your birthday, I still love you girlfriend! ;)

Habeus Papam

2005-04-22T09:18:00.000+08:00

Oh yeah, finally, we have a new pope! Would you like to send him your prayers or your wishes? Try emailing the Holy Father =)

E-mail Savvy: Benedictxvi@vatican.va

VATICAN CITY, APRIL 21, 2005 (Zenit.org).- Newlyelected Pope Benedict XVI already has an e-mail address. The address which was just announced by the Holy See's internet office is benedictxvi@vatican.va. The address in Italian is benedettoxvi@vatican.va. Benedict XVI is following in the footsteps of his predecessor John Paul II, who, thanks to a portable computer, on Nov. 22, 2001, promulgated online the postsynodal apostolic exhortation "Ecclesia inOceania."John Paul II also used e-mail to receive messages fromthe faithful worldwide.
------------
Make your prayers heard, make our new pope a channel to the One above!

Nada

2005-04-17T17:50:00.000+08:00

It's 2:36am, and i can't sleep. I'm surfing the net and the same time watching Disturbing Behaviour on HBO for the nth time. I just realized the girl who played the older sister from Gingersnaps is in this movie too. It's cool. Medyo OA lang ng konti si Katie Holmes. Anyway, I had a busy week. I am surprised that Ayala Center contacted me already, it isn't one week yet from the time I submitted the requirements, they said to wait for a month... galeng ah? Last night was a blast, it was the first time I went out with my high school friends since I went home from LA. It was Bel's birthday dinner in her house at La Vista... four-one people weren't really represented well because it was just Hanny, Mon, Lea (and By) and I who were there, the rest of the guests were Bel's friends outside high school. It was fun though coz THEY were fun to be with, considering we just met that night, they cut loose and held the videoke mic tight! It was the first time I saw people my age sing 'Sex Bomb', 'Boom-shaka-lak' and 'My Way' with all their might... hahaha. It was purely laught trip! It was a good thing I was able to drive myself home because I was kinda tipsy already when I was rooting for my new idol singers (Bel's friends)... hehe.

*gotta have copies of our photo op that night... hmmm...

Although last night I fell asleep around the same time as now (2:30 to 3:00 in the morning?) I woke up early because my family wanted to go out and have some family bonding. So we went out to watch a movie in Shangri-La, we saw The Wedding Date, i wasn't expecting much but it was okay. I have to agree with what Marie said from her blog. The whole movie was just okay but this line caught my attention "I'd rather fight with you than make love with someone else." THAT was nice =)

That's just my story for now, nothing new, same old stuff. I am starting to get sleepy, thank blog for serving its purpose! 'Till nex time! CIAO.

New Tactic On Rape Case

2005-04-12T12:49:00.000+08:00

>> Subject: new tactic on rape case>> i got this from my high school yahoogroups... please be careful...
--------------
Hi everyone, I am not sure when did this happen but it is best to be careful and safety comes first.

As below:
She was just discharged from the hospital. Yesterday after office hours, I heard from my sister-in-law that there is a new way to rape women. It happened to one of our good friends. The girl left the office after working hours and saw a little child crying on the road. Feeling pity for the child, she went and ask what happened. The child said, "I am lost. Can you take me home please?" Then the child gave her a slip and tell the girl where the address is. And the girl, being an average kind person, didn't suspect anything and took the child there. And there when it arrived the "child's home", she pressed the door bell, yet she was shocked as it the bell was wired with high voltage, and fainted. The next day when she woke up, she found herself in an empty house up in the hills, naked. She has never even get to see the face of the attacker. That's why nowadays crimes are targeted on kind people! Next time if the same situation occurs, never bring the child to the intended place. If the child insist, then bring the child to the police station. Lost children are best sent to police stations. Please send this to all your female friends. (my extra note: guys, please tell your mom, your sister, your wife and your girlfriends too!)

I Drive Myself Crazy

2005-04-10T23:44:00.000+08:00

That song from N'sync comes into mind... it's been a day since Dave left for Anaheim. Yesterday, coming from the last minute shopping I locked myself in the den and busied myself with internet the whole day until before I got to watch Six Feet Under then fell asleep. I didn't feel like doing anything (excpet for browsing the same websites over and over again on the net) so I was just inside the four corners of my parent's office and occasionally stared at the ceiling. Today, we went to hear mass and had lunch in this specific mall and hurriedly went home coz my parents had to go somewhere... from that time on, I wasn't doing anything. I miss Dave so bad... I've been trying to fall asleep but I can't. I even got colds and practically barking and sneezing the day through... I toss and turn... I can't do nothing without Dave. It may sound unhealthy but that's how it is for me. Sad... but true. ='(

Anyway, off topic... for those who've been waiting for book 6 of J.K. Rowling's enthralling Harry Potter series... you can reserve a copy at Fully Booked at Power Plant Mall for Php500. I got mine reserved last month. (thanks to Dave for always being updated when it comes to books) It'll be out this July.

Really Now?

2005-04-10T09:12:00.000+08:00

Fortune Teller

We have looked into the crystal ball and here is your fortune:

"You are conservative and aggressive. You have a lot of love and friendships in your life. The year will go very well for you and you will discover that you fall in love with someone totally unexpected. You will have a friend who completely confides in you and would do anything for you, but you may not realize it."

Googlism

2005-04-09T17:24:00.000+08:00

"If you want to know if you're an idiot, geek, moron, stupid, funny, classic, workaholic or rich: Use Googlism. - Internet-Explained.com

***i came across KV's new blog, this is for you just in case you don't know yourself well enough...

Random Thoughts

2005-04-09T14:03:00.000+08:00

Dave's leaving today and we won't be seeing each other for two whole weeks ='( We just got home from a crammed shopping for the last minute stuff he needs abroad. Shoot, I wanted to go to the states with him but I have my ticket booked on June already, my parents are always ahead of time when it comes to scheduling. I think I even have a ticket booked for Hong Kong for this December, exag! Sometimes my folks just decide by themselves, without asking us first... oh well...

We have seen the schizo movie Hide and Seek last night at Power Plant, and it was an interesting movie... I never could've guessed what's going on (for those who haven't seen it, go and watch it!!!) but nothing beats Sixth Sense! I was never a movie addict until I met Dave, now every movie I want to see is all scheduled haha! I am now waiting for Guess Who? with Bernie Mac and Ashton Kutcher, I've seen the trailer already back in Chinese Theater in LA, it was hilarious. I know they're having a sneak preview on April 11 and on the 12th but since Dave's not around, I'll just wait 'till he comes back. It's a good thing that I have a busy week ahead of me, I've made appointments with some business people already which I hope will be productive so I won't get bored.

Lerler and I went out last Thursday, it was a fun girl-bonding day for us. We spent our day at Nail Spa in Shangri-La talking about nonsense and reminiscing our yesterdaysss. I invited our other high-school friends but they're all busy, makes me a bit sad coz it just made me realize that I'm getting older... =( I wanna spend time with my friends more coz honestly sometimes, loneliness creeps in making me feel Six-Feet-Under depressed... I think I need to go out more.

Get Well Soon Jeff!

2005-04-03T17:37:00.000+08:00

I just got home from Medical City. Jeff had an operation last Friday, he had an appendicitis and it was so sudden that I didn't know of the operation until yesterday. Well, it was actually a recurrent pain of his but he would just ignore it. He had no time for himself, he would work, work and work. Arrrgggghhh, and i hated that. I've been telling him to stop for a while and have it checked but he wouldn't. Just now, I asked him to have his headaches checked and he would make up excuses that those were not serious etc. etc... here we go again! Jeff please, take care of your health... please!!!

Screw You Murad

2005-03-28T19:48:00.000+08:00

What kind of a promoter are you? No one is expecting you to kiss ass... just give Manny Pacquiao's fair share!

The Ten Most Important Things

2005-03-28T19:17:00.000+08:00

1 LOVE The special feeling that makes u feel all warm and fuzzy.
2 RESPECT Treating others as well as u would like to be treated.
3 APPRECIATION To be grateful for all the good things that life has to offer.
4 HAPPINESS The full enjoyment of each moment. A smiling face (and a fine soul)
5 FORGIVENESS The ability to let things be without anger.
6 SHARING The joy of giving without thoughts of recieving.
7 HONESTY The quality of always telling the truth.
8 INTERGRITY The purity of doing what's right, no matter what (even no one's watching)
9 COMPASSION The essence of feeling another's pain, while easing their hurt.
10 PEACE THE REWARD FOR LIVING THE 10 MOST IMPORTANT THINGS.

I got this from Girlie's blog... thanks Girlie for this, I just got inspired and I need this on my blog to keep me that way =)

The Past 3 Weeks

2005-03-28T12:01:00.000+08:00

Hmmmm... wow i have not blogged for three f*ckin weeks... what's up with that?

Since, now that I find myself doing lesser things than usual and now that I realized I have fixed the television on Queer Eye, I said to myself why not blog? It's been a long time since I flew back home because I needed to attend to a lot of stuff... I was very busy indeed.

By the way, for you guys out there who might wanna ask about my mom's health, she's better now. Thank you for all your prayers, she has recoverd which means I'm going back to the states sooner than expected. Yey! Just last week we spent our time together in Boracay but to be honest i really didn't enjoy it because of the limitations we had in relation with my mom's health. Although celebrity watching was nice (haha OR pathetic), it could've been better.

Yun lang for now... I miss Jenny though... Hi Jennykins!

Next week, Dave's the one who's going to the states. Sayang nga coz we planned it out already, supposedly he's going to visit me, which is impossible now, he's still going coz he needs to go around universities he's planning to take MBA in. He already had arranged tours with UCLA, UC Irvine and Cal State in Long Beach, super sayang I wanna go with him and attend the classes... arrrrrgggggh! Anyway, I hope next time we can go together... probably at Jenny's wedding?! =p

Caught Up

2005-03-03T12:31:00.000+08:00

I thought from all the things that had happened last year, confusion will spare me. Now, I felt like nature is in conspiracy to cook something up for me and make me feel this way again. I have never felt so stressed out in a matter of second. Probably because it's just now that stress (with a capital S) coupled with tension and anxiety finally sink in. My mom's sick and I am miles away from her. I have to make decisions, hopefully the right one and fast... At first, it wasn't a big deal that she was rushed to the hospital (she didnt make it a big deal) because she said everything was okay and in control. The second time was suspicious already because the interval from her last visit in ER was just 2 days. Everyday I get more and more worried, most worried when she tried to hide her real disposition. I'm torn between my career and the love of the family but of course anybody in her right mind will choose the latter part. The irritating part is that my mom wouldn't let me know what's really happening so that I won't get worried, but the more she hides it from me, the more I get stressed out. Arrrrgggh! I hate this, I love my mom and terribly miss my family. I just wish things will go my way if not in the near future... eventually.

It's March!

2005-03-02T03:24:00.000+08:00

Wow, it's officially March! How many days have i waited for this month to come! Suddenly for some strange yet unexplained reason, it gave life to my boring existence. I can smell spring, I can feel something good is going to happen. It's not only that my birthday is within the month, I have so many things to look forward to starting today:

March 4: The Pacifier movie (Vin Diesel, my husband is in it!)

March 10: Dave and I will celebrate 5 years together (although we're miles apart)

March 15: I'm turning 24, yaiks! I'm old!

March 18: Jenny will be visiting me here in California! I hope her visit pushes through though coz I can't wait to spend a girl-bonding weekend in Vegas with her. I miss her so much.

March 25: Clubbing with my cousins

March 31: Start of countdown (of Dave's visit in April)

Hmmm... I thought I had more plans than that. I think I just forgot some of it, but anyway, basta I'm feeling good about this month. I always did since I was a kid waiting for summer vacation to start. And also, I wanna plug my husband's movie, watch The Pacifier coz it's not his usual role to be comedic. Wala lang, cute nya kasi. (Ate Abeng, Tita Let... he's not GAY!!!) ; )

*babaw stuff*

My Idol

2005-02-25T14:15:00.000+08:00

Marla Olmstead, an abstract impressionist from New York, has a backlog of 60 requests for her paintings. At her current prices, that is well over a million dollars in potential business. She has been painting for about three years and has turned out less than twenty paintings, so she is going to be very busy for some time. Marla paints for about an hour, three mornings a week, and most of her paintings are taller than she is like this one:

She has been featured in Time magazine, Art & Antiques Magazine, the NY Times, In Touch Magazine, in addition to hundreds of other newspapers and magazines.

She has also been featured on The Today Show with Matt Lower and Katie Couric , CBS Sunday morning with Bill Geist , Inside Edition, NPR weekend edition, as well as 60 Minutes Weekday Edition.

Gaby Wood, of the Observer (UK), visited Marla and interviewed Anthony Brunelli, the artist and gallery owner who discovered Marla and hosted her first exibition in August, 2004.Anthony says, "We've had calls from all over the world. We have a waiting list of 60 people who want to buy her work. Do you know,' he asks, as a hint of tension creeps into his voice, 'how long it's going to take her to do 60 paintings?'

Gaby captured another interesting tidbit from Marla's mother and father:
"It's hard to watch her paint,' Laura Olmstead tells me, cringing slightly, 'because we feel in our hearts that some of her best work has been painted over.' Mark laughs in agreement. 'She'll paint something we think is gorgeous, and then she'll just paint over it. And we'll go, "Grrhhh!"' I think they are doing a creditable job of shielding Marla from exploitation. I've exchanged emails with Laura Olmstead, and she is the complete antithesis of a showbiz mom. Marla is not only talented, she chose great parents.

Read the rest of Gaby's article and check out Marla's new paintings.

You can see why this diminutive artist has inspired other mothers to encourage their children's talents. I am sure there are other young artists out there with similar talents. We seem to live in interesting times...

By the way, I forgot to mention... Marla's only four years old!

T.G.I.F.

2005-02-19T06:05:00.000+08:00

It's two o'clock in the afternoon and my boss just went ahead to pick up his daughter! Weeeeeh (not that I don't like my boss, I do like him but his presence makes me a bit jitterish) it's an early off for me and rest of the office. I just wanted to share the excitement coz also on Monday, it's President's Day and well yeah, it's a holiday plus I have an appointment on Tuesday which is also another no-work day for me. I wish it's like this every single day... hehe.

Two weeks from now, Lydia will be saying goodbye. She wanted somewhere in sales, somewhere she can deal with people. Good for her, it's a career shift for her and I really think she has lots of potential, being a graduate of USC and being just talented and witty in almost all aspects. Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that Lydia's the clown of the office, her absence makes everyone forget to talk. Yup, she's a nice person and she will definitely be missed. From all the things I've learned from her, this is the best "Don't forget to goof off!" Happy days are over, but as what she said, she's just a phone call away.

Missing Bun

2005-02-17T06:02:00.000+08:00

Oh yeah, it's just been more than a month and I'm missing Dave so much :( I got this from him through e-mail, just thought of sharing this with you:

Taken from The Perfect Person by J. M. Whitaker
"People change, no matter how hard they try not to. As you grow older you mature, and with each new level of maturity come different ideas, different needs and wants. The person who was perfect for you at twenty could be the person you hate when you're thirty-five. You have to find some one who will grow with you, change with you, laugh with you and cry with you. A person who fills in where you lack, a person whom you can fill in for when they are lacking.

But what about the perfect person, you ask? They do not exist. Even Malia was not perfect because the perfect girl in my dreams was supposed to stay with me. There are no perfect people, only people who are perfect for each other..."

La lang, just something to reflect on.

It's sunny today, which means it's also a bit hot and it's a good thing because for the past few days / weeks, it's been raining hard, and yeah it was realllly cold. damn! The weather people were wrong, it's not gonna rain (I hope!), I am looking forward to more sunny days because it brings out best in me.

Stress

2005-02-15T07:52:00.000+08:00

The continuing distresses and conflicts of modern life take their toll on our bodies. In fact, stress can lower our resistance to disease. Therefore, it makes sense to be proactive in our efforts to overcome stressful situations, rather than just reacting to these events. We need to become more prevention-oriented rather than intervention-oriented.
To a large degree, every one of us has the ability to control his (her) actions consciously. Every day we make conscious and unconscious choices. By becoming aware of our choices, we can ensure that they serve to relax us and reduce our level of stress.
Listed below are a few thoughts for you to consider:
A. There is no outside emotional stress; there is only my subjective response to a situation, which I can learn to control.
B. I will do one thing at a time.
C. I will do the best I can about a situation and then I won't worry about it.
D. I will express my feelings honestly to other people.
E. I will think and live positively, committing myself to the highest I can be.
F. I will be aware of my own needs, rather than those inspired by competition.
G. I will not feel closed in, but I will realize that there are always options.
H. By keeping in touch with my body and its needs, I will choose to be well.
I. I will live in the here and now.
As it has been said, "A loving person lives in a loving world, a hostile person lives in a hostile world." - Dr. Self Help

Travel Asia

2005-02-10T14:51:00.000+08:00

I wanna experience Asia through the eyes of a traveler, I am eyeing on Thailand, Korea, Taiwan, Vietnam, Malaysia, India, Hong Kong, China and Singapore. I haven't been in all of these places so there's no harm in re-visiting some of the countries I have been before but this time it's going to be different coz I have one thing in mind - business.

Glam Eyewear

2005-02-09T15:51:00.000+08:00

Available in all leading optical shops
(*retail optical shops, Philippines)