Trail Keeper

My Memories, Sweet!

2011-10-22T10:32:00.000+08:00

My Little Family

Scrap booking is one of the many favorite hobbies I have as I was a teen. But now scrap booking has become more meaningful now that I have my own family. I love to take pictures and videos of Jake. But printing photos, cutting papers, glue stains, rummaging the whole shelf for magazines sentenced for scrapping, and cleaning-up-the-mess afterwards has become quite a hassle for a full time mom with a four-month old who needs my attention 24/7. Scrap booking Jake's pictures were crossed from my to-do list.

But by some sweet luck, I received a mail from My Memories and got this cool, digital scrap booking software that gave me back the notion that scrap booking is still FUN and now, easier because I don't have to clean up afterwards. My Memories Suite is just so Sweet! And to share my luck, I will be giving away one My Memories Suite software! Read on guys to know more.

Screenshots of the My Memories Software

The My Memories Suite is a digital scrap booking software that is fun to use, anyone can use it with ease! I am now reviving my old photos and making it into a scrap book that I can print one of these days and show off to everyone. But it's not just that, I can create other stuff from this software too! I can create personalized calendars, DVD for sound & videos (yes you can add music to your photos and turn it into slides) greeting cards, invitation cards, posters, and whatever you can think of! But here's the best part, if you are lucky enough, you can get a My Memories Suite FREE! Just visit their website at http://www.mymemories.com to choose a digital pack you like best and comment below what you have chosen. I will chose the winner randomly and announce it as soon as I have chosen!

The very first page I made using My Memories Suite

The images above are the pages I have created using the My Memories Suite. I'm positively going to use this suite in creating Jake's birthday invitations, and anything I can come up with. Scrap booking is so much fun!

If you want to learn more about the suite, feel free to visit any of these links:

Blog http://blog.mymemories.com/
Facebook http://www.facebook.com/mymemoriessuite
Twitter http://twitter.com/#!/mymemoriessuite
Youtube http://www.youtube.com/user/MyMemoriesSuite

I hope to choose a lucky one soon!

Cheers!

♥ minimomster

Top 10 Reasons Why There Couldn’t Be a Filipino-American US President

2011-09-29T00:02:00.000+08:00

By David Letterman

10. The White House is not big enough for in-laws and extended relatives.

9. There are not enough parking spaces at the White House for 2 Honda Civics,
2 Toyota Land Cruisers, 3 Toyota Corollas, a Mercedes Benz, a BMW , and
an MPV (My Pinoy Van).

8. Dignitaries generally are intimidated by eating with their fingers at State dinners.

7. There are too many dining rooms in the White House – where will they put
the picture of the Last Supper?

6. The White House walls are not big enough to hold a pair of giant wooden
spoon and fork.

5. Secret Service staff won’t respond to “psst… psst” or “hoy.hoyhoy!”

4. Secret Service staff will not be comfortable driving the presidential car with a Holy Rosary hanging on the rear view mirror, or the statue of the Santo Nino on the dashboard.

3. No budget allocation to purchase a Karaoke music-machine for every room in the White House.

2. State dinners do not allow “Take Home”.

AND THE NUMBER I REASON WHY THERE COULDN’T BE A FILIPINO-AMERICAN U.S. PRESIDENT IS…

1. Air Force One does not allow overweight Balikbayan boxes!

Before September Ends

2011-09-27T01:40:00.003+08:00

It's been five months since my last post, and little have I blogged about what's been happening in my life. This time I was forced to be in MIA status (Missing-In-Action). By now, I guess (and hope) that most probably know that I have entered a new stage in life, something bound of bigger responsibilities and a more thrilling rollercoaster ride; motherhood.

Yes, I am a mother now, and very much happy about it myself. Last May 22nd, I gave birth to a very healthy and handsome boy. His name is Jake. You can read more about my motherhood stories as well as my son's development at my new blog called Minimomster Me. Click the link to see.

I have been so busy being a mom that it took time for me to get back to my online world. Right now I am balancing most stuff when I can; being a full time mom and part time blogger...more like 1/4 blogger.

During Labor

The image above, was me at the clinic, and I was having labor though I looked like as if I didn't. Hours later I was taken to the hospital to undergo an emergency cesarean section. I had an Abruptio Placentae (or rather I had the symptoms; bleeding when I wasn't even dilated yet and painful contractions) and in the Fetal Electrocardiogram, Jake's heart rate was dropping fast for every contraction I was having that it became a fetal distress and it was life threatening to Jake. Much thanks to our Creator, me and Jake became completely fine after the 2-hour operation.

Jake at home

Me after giving birth to Jake

And if there are any of you wondering what I looked like when I was pregnant, well here's a picture I'd like to share to you.

taken from my handset...obviously.

Right now, Jake is four months old and very active. I will post more about him in the Minimomster blog. So that's about it for this update intended post. Laters!

The Buzzard, The Bat, and The Bumblebee.

2011-04-04T23:03:00.000+08:00

If you put a buzzard in a pen six or eight feet square and entirely open at the top, the bird, in spite of his ability to fly, will be an absolute prisoner. The reason is that a buzzard always begins a flight from the ground with a run of ten or twelve feet. Without space to run, as is his habit, he will not even attempt to fly, but will remain a prisoner for life in a small jail with no top.

The ordinary bat that flies around at night, a remarkable nimble creature in the air, cannot take off from a level place. If it is placed on the floor or flat ground, all it can do is shuffle about helplessly and, no doubt, painfully, until it reaches some slight elevation from which it can throw itself into the air. Then, at once, it takes off like a flash.

A Bumblebee if dropped into an open tumbler will be there until it dies, unless it is taken out. It never sees the means of escape at the top, but persists in trying to find some way out through the sides near the bottom. It will seek a way where none exists, until it completely destroys itself.

In many ways, there are lots of people like the buzzard, the bat and the bee. They are struggling about with all their problems and frustrations, not realizing that the answer is right there above them.

The Parable of the Pencil

2011-04-01T12:54:00.003+08:00

The Pencil Maker took the pencil aside, just before putting him into the box.

"There are 5 things you need to know," he told the pencil, "Before I send you out into the world. Always remember them and never forget, and you will become the best pencil you can be."

"One: You will be able to do many great things, but only if you allow yourself to be held in Someone's hand."

"Two: You will experience a painful sharpening from time to time, but you'll need it to become a better pencil."

"Three: You will be able to correct any mistakes you might make."

"Four: The most important part of you will always be what's inside."

"And Five: On every surface you are used on, you must leave your mark. No matter what the condition, you must continue to write."

The pencil understood and promised to remember, and went into the box with purpose in its heart.

Now replacing the place of the pencil with you. Always remember them and never forget, and you will become the best person you can be.

One: You will be able to do many great things, but only if you allow yourself to be held in God's hand. And allow other human beings to access you for the many gifts you possess.

Two: You will experience a painful sharpening from time to time, by going through various problems in life, but you'll need it to become a stronger person.

Three: You will be able to correct any mistakes you might make.

Four: The most important part of you will always be what's on the inside.

And Five: On every surface you walk through, you must leave your mark. No matter what the situation, you must continue to do your duties.

Allow this parable on the pencil to encourage you to know that you are a special person and only you can fulfill the purpose to which you were born to accomplish.

Never allow yourself to get discouraged and think that your life is insignificant and cannot make a change.

A Faith Returned

2011-01-17T06:36:00.001+08:00

No More Runaway Trains to Ride

For the past 21 years I have run my life in chaos. I am an extreme happy-go-lucky being. I decide right on the spot without thinking thoroughly of the consequences or just believing that I know and understand the consequences when in fact I don't. I had my mind on the "now" and never thought of "tomorrow". But I guess know how to be solely responsible for my misbehaviors. I guess I can be disciplined enough in the aspect of cleaning up after my own mess.

I looked back upon my years and noticed one thing I had in myself that I should not have, I doubted myself. I keep on counting myself too short and tried to be happy with whatever my laziness could reach. I did not do my best and I certainly did not exert maximum effort. Series of events that happened to me-- and I've noticed that ALL OF IT boils down to the same lesson I am supposed to learn, and it was obvious but refused to accept. I was stubborn and believed my ways, beacuse I thought I believed in myself. Now I just see that I believed in my weakness. I believed in my pride. I believed in the frail part of me, I was too scared to let myself be broken that I pacified too much on that weak part of me that I never allowed myself to fight for what I deserved. I was wasting my life away.

I guess I have left God with no choice but to pull out his Ace of Cards to make me realize I was doing everything the wrong way. It was in a form as a result of my own selfish deeds. It is life changing for I will never be the same again and I will never allow myself to be that way again. It is the greatest responsibility known to all mankind that I never even imagined myself handling so soon. And yes, I have learned. I learned the hard way and oh was it painful. That was one good knock on the head that brought me back to my senses...or have brought me to a new sense.

I have had enough of escaping and certainly had enough of pretending (to be strong). It's about time that I should really be strong. No more running away, and no more excuses.

I've experienced and learned far more than the people of the same age group I belong to. And sometimes far more than the people who are supposed to be ahead of me. I must not think less of myself anymore, I am far more blessed with riches that can never be taken from me, and these are the experiences, knowledge and lessons I have learned. The friends that I have and the family I am supposed to care and fight for. I must stop doubting myself, God wouldn't have given me these challenges if I couldn't handle it. This is meant for me, which makes me stronger, and uniquely different from everybody else.

It's about time I get what I deserve, do what I know I can do and allow myself to be broken, scraped and eventually to be healed. More scars means thicker skin, less fragile. Stronger.

I am more than who I think I am...and God must've reminded me that.

Happy Birthday Mama!

2010-12-18T15:15:00.001+08:00

Today is the day that a special person in my life was born, without her, I will be nothing.

Happy Birthday to the wonderwoman of my life, my mom, Leuvy. I hope God will always bless you and continue sustaining your needs. I miss you and I love you mom. I'm sorry for everything that I've done to make you cry, I didn't know what I was really doing then. Maybe it was because I didn't understand well, maybe I saw you as someone just like me. But I was wrong, you are not just any ordinary lady I know, you are my mother and I am now aware how I've taken you for granted most times. Once I was part of you, and I will always be. I am sorry if sometimes I am so dense that unintentionally I hurt your feelings.

You are amazing mom. To be able to raise me and my sister very well, please do not doubt yourself as a mother for you have done well. You have provided us much more than what we needed, you have ensured us our future, a better life. Thank you for sacrificing a lot for us. You have been through a lot, and you are simply wonderful mom. I'm sorry if I sometimes shout back at you or speak hurtful words, I am really sorry if I have not been the best daughter, I'm sorry for not understanding, I am sorry for all I've done. Now I understand what you mean by "I only want the best for you" and many times I have misunderstood.

But I really do love you mom and I thank you for bringing me into this world. I wish you happiness in life, because you deserve it, more than anyone else.

Right now I have nothing to give you, I have no riches and I am sure that is not what you want either. Probably, the only gift that I can give you now is to prove to you that I can also be independent and matured just like how you were, but I can never be really like you. I can only be another woman inspired by you. Yes mom, I do look up to you all the time, I admire you so much, and I am proud of you. I'll be stronger than before ma, and I'll strive hard to live my life to the fullest.

Maybe what I can do to make you happy is to show you that I can be mature, and think of the future. I will become stronger so that you can not worry too much about me, and probably once I've reached my goals and happiness in life, maybe you'll smile. I am not perfect mom, but I will try my best to become settled and stable.

Thank you for raising us well, Thank you for everything you've done and sacrificed for us.

I thank the Lord for you being our mother.

Happy birthday ma, and with all my heart, I really love you ma.

Crisostomo Ibarra and Padre Damaso, in the modern society.

2010-11-24T21:56:00.004+08:00

And Again, the country is suffering from Social Cancer.

I just saw this video from FreeThinkers and I'll say this is actual and very true. I'll share my thoughts later on this post. First, let's have a small description of what Pro-Life and Pro-Choice parties are supporting.

Pro-life describes the political and ethical opposition to elective abortion, and support for its legal prohibition or restriction. Those involved in the pro-life movement generally maintain that human fetuses and, in most cases, embryos are persons, and therefore have a right to life. On the issue of abortion, pro-life campaigners are opposed by pro-choice campaigners, who generally advocate for women's reproductive rights.

Pro-choice describes the political and ethical view that a woman should have the choice to continue or terminate a pregnancy. This entails the guarantee of reproductive rights, including access to sexual education, to safe and legal abortion, and to contraception and fertility treatments. Individuals and organizations who support these positions make up the pro-choice movement.

My country-- Philippines, is an extreme conservative Catholic country (oh not really, c'mon. I've much more conservative countries.). The battle between two parties are still very rigid and quite a delicate issue to be brought up that only the mature and old enough citizens are willing to engage in such subject. And since, I will admit that majority of the Filipino did not undergo proper education (I've witnessed how public schools are run here and it is really a pitiful welfare.) I doubt that most masses will address the issue open mindedly especially when the Church are brainwashing the less educated people. I AM NOT GENERALIZING CATHOLIC CHURCHES-- But I do have witnessed some who do brainwashing. How? You'll later see in this topic, please continue reading.

The RH Bill (the bill that these parties are battling over) is the House Bill No. 5043 (Reproductive Health and Population Development Act of 2008) is AN ACT PROVIDING FOR A NATIONAL POLICY ON REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH, RESPONSIBLE PARENTHOOD AND POPULATION DEVELOPMENT, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. Click this Link to see the full context of this bill.

On the other side-- I have nothing against the Pro-Life parties, infact I am anti-abortion too. BUT The PRO-LIFE party here is against the RH bill because they claim that is it about murdering and disrespecting the fetal rights. They say it is an act of killing, they say it legalizes abortion When in FACT IS NOT what the RH Bill is about, I think they should read it all over again and contemplate on it. THE RH BILL DOES NOT SUPPORT ABORTION. It prevents abortion and will educate people of being responsible of handling such.

here are some examples and in the exact context of the RH Bill that states that it does not support abortion clearly:

SECTION 3

Guiding Principles. – This Act declares the following as basic guiding principles:

m. While nothing in this Act changes the law on abortion, as abortion remains a crime and is punishable, the government shall ensure that women seeking care for post-abortion complications shall be treated and counseled in a humane, non-judgmental and compassionate manner.

SECTION 4

g. Reproductive Health Care

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

7. Elimination of violence against women;

12. Reproductive health education for the youth.

I think that the RH bill is needed in our country because I can see a lot of jobless parents having dozens of children and then their kids are on the streets begging for loose coins, and these children sometimes die without reaching adulthood. This law, will implement family planning and educate people by using the natural methods or contraceptives. And again, abortion is not a contraceptive method if I have to say that again to the Church here. The bill mentioned post-abortion complications which refers to miscarriage or in medical terms-- spontaneous abortion. These are unwanted abortions that happens to a pregnant woman from conception up to her second trimester. 15% of miscarriages happen during their second term and these needs medical attention and management for there may be fetal tissues left that can lead to infection and a sure death of the bearer.

The RH Bill is a solution to the over population, and the spread of diseases in our Country. It empowers women's right and equality just like the law in the states The FMLA of Family and Medical Leave Act of 1933 and The Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978 That prohibits discrimination based on pregnancy and additional protection against discrimination.

These following images are from the leaflets that the church is giving away. And be ready to laugh with what they have to say. (Click to enlarge)

The church is saying that the RH Bill will lead to death. I wonder in which terms? when I've read the Bill it actually aids people in nurturing the newborn and educating the people and giving them protection from violence..

They say that contraceptives causes abnormalities and dangers the health. How the hell will condoms cause abnormalities? It does not interfere with the genetic construction of an embyro. And beside, the RH bill also stated that the couple or any individual MAY CHOOSE what form of contraceptive he/she will use may it be artificial or the natural methods

They say the use of contraceptive such as condoms causes cancer, heart attack and stroke. I really hope they have a universal based study and statistical data to support that because condoms were initially created to prevent one from infecting and being infected. And what does a condom have to do with heart attack and stroke? err...heart attack from extreme pleasure? lol.

They say contraceptives causes psychological disorders. I don't think so-- and if it does that's why there is a Reproductive Health education to educate people about sex, their health, and their life. The bill will just enlighten the people but the choice is still with the people.

I am a Catholic myself, and having attended a few Mass, I've witnessed myself how they address the RH Bill with lies. Once I have heard the priest here say --"If you are having intercourse with a man wearing condoms you are like having sex with the devil". That was an eye-popper for me and I tried my best not to laugh. I guess that was the last day I attended the Catholic church. Sometimes, they exaggerate way too much than needed to the point that they Lie, and they brainwash. But please before you react-- again, I AM NOT GENERALIZING THE WHOLE CATHOLIC COMMUNITY. I just stated a church that I have been in.

Now about the video I shared, the people who were RH Bill supporters were invited by church itself. They were handed pamphlets saying that "eveyone is cordially invited" to hear what the church has to say about the RH Bill. Even though they were obviously wearing DAMASO tshirts (that indicates you are an RH Bill supporter.) So when they went there, they were stopped and a Lady which was the executive director of Pro-Life Philippines Miss Marita Wasan told them that they could wait outside until the mass was over and they will let them inside because they are open for conversation. Oddly the church was tightly closed because the priest didn't want them to hear what he was preaching about. funny eh? Then they followed and waited patiently and silenty. Not protesting or doing any scandals. And then later, Mr. Eric Manalang comes and yells at them to go away, with other people brushing them off and even randomly dodging the cameras. I think it is them who needs to be educated about the RH bill and to be taught proper manners too. They are so dark ages and medieval.

Eric Manalang tells them that they are Satan and their mothers should have aborted them. "You tell your mother to Abort you" was the exact line. Ironic for a man who is against abortion isn't it? Eric Manalang who said that line is the President of the Pro-Life Philippines by the way. Really Ironic.

Reminiscing

2010-11-21T17:07:00.000+08:00

Life seems carefree and worry-less when your a kid. The only thing you worry about are little wounds and night time when mother calls you to clean yourself, brush your teeth and head to bed. Then the day starts again when you wake up, it's play time again. You never worry about anything and just do things as you please, it was simple.

I have been a kid for too long. Right now, I have a lot of growing up to catch on, and a lot responsibility to shoulder. No I'm not sad or either bitter about it. I just want to say, that I am happy and everything in my life has left me with a lesson learned. But still, there's the kid in me that will always be there, as long as that kid is there, I can always smile, have fun and take everything lightly.

Fresh Talent

2010-11-19T11:18:00.000+08:00

Meet Maddi Jane, an eleven year old with a nice voice.

I like her voice because it sounds natural and fresh, she sounds very much herself unlike a few singers nowadays who try to imitate other singers, or try to sound like someone mature.

Watch her video and find out why I like her :)

Ang Pambansang Manok

2010-11-14T15:20:00.003+08:00

It's one of the rare days in Philippines that you'll see, there would be no traffic congestion, no noise pollution that everything is utterly quiet, towns almost turned into ghost towns because there are too few of people who are in the streets, and an amazing 0 crime record for a day. And when does this happen?

It happens when Manny Pacquiao has a fight.

LOL. But seriously, it was utterly peaceful that I couldn't even hear a tricycle on the street. Everything was so quiet. And almost everyone is at home watching Manny's fight.

Who is he anyway?

Manny Pacquiao, is a Filipino professional boxer and politician. He is an eight-division world champion, the first boxer in history to win ten world titles in eight different weight divisions. He is also the first boxer in history to win the lineal championship in four different weight classes. He was named "Fighter of the Decade" for the 2000s by the Boxing Writers Association of America (BWAA). He is also a three-time BWAA and The Ring "Fighter of the Year" in 2006, 2008 and 2009.

Currently, Pacquiao is the WBC Super Welterwieght World Champion, WBO Welterweight World Champion (Super Champion)and is rated as the number 1 pound-for-pound best boxer in the world by several sporting news and boxing websites, including The Ring, Sports Illustrated, ESPN, NBC Sports, Yahoo! Sports and About.com.

Aside from being a boxer, Pacquiao has participated in acting, music recording, and politics. In May 2010, Pacquiao was elected to the House of Representatives in the 15th Congress of the Philippines, representing the province of Sarangani. He is the only active boxer to become a congressman in the Philippines.

So I think that's a handful of information from his own Wikipedia page. Lol. So I'm not totally blogging about him, but well yeah I do have that Filipino Pride. I mean, there's a handful of Filipinos to make it to a world record and one of my favorites is Lea Salonga. (Sorry Charice, you're really adorable but I really prefer Lea's voice prowess.) About Manny, well he started a humble beginning. Loosing a few fights back then before he became unbeatable. Every time Manny has a fight, it is quite expected he'd win.

I'm not against him or against anything, but I'm not a supporter either. I'm just amazed that he-- could bring all the Filipinos together around the world, be at peace and boost the Filipino morale. It's quite a feat to be able to do all those things in one day-- and Manny has done that couple of times already. It's amazing that once in Philippines, there was a day that has 0 crime rate, everything is so quiet and organized and everybody seemed to agree with each other and everybody is proud to be a Filipino. And it is something, that the President of the Philippines cannot do. Funny isn't it?

Congratulations Manny Pacquiao! You deserve your eighth crown! :)

MIA

2010-11-13T23:48:00.002+08:00

I guess every net savvy person uses the term MIA, if they've been away from updates and stuff. Well, MIA is an acronym for Missing In Action. Which I have been in a while.

Here's a recent picture of me at the Sweet Surrender event at Sitio Isabella in Valley golf. My sister brought me along to be her photographer. It was a fine dining event showcasing lots of pâtisserie and yummy pastries. I've got loads of pictures of food but I'm afraid I'll just end up with a hungry stomach when I see the pictures again.

So what have I been doing lately?

THESIS - finally, over and done with. And ending up with a GWA of 1.8 (where 1 is the highest) and I am just so relieved that I'm almost done with college. The hardship is over. See, like what I always say to myself-- nothing lasts forever, even worries don't last. I guess there's where I get my super lax attitude. But then again I was so happy during my defense, the panel mentioned that he liked the related studies part. I also learned a lot from my own thesis, that the menu is the window to the whole concept of the restaurant and opens up other important factors to be noted in business planning especially in food and beverage industry. I'm actually loving my field in food & beverage, marketing, advertising and business management. I have learned quite a handful but still I want to learn more. I probably want to go study after taking a break from college. First, I gotta concentrate on more important things.

SLEEP - I've been catching on all the lost sleep I had during the previous semester. I sleep more than the average needed for a day. But that's what semestral holidays are for, to relax, unwind and... rest. lol.

And the rest will be on the next post. =p this is just an update anyway. :)

Cheers! :)

Breathe, Relax, and Believe.

2010-09-18T14:34:00.000+08:00

It has been long since I last received an award and that was way back in High School as Best in talent, Best in Sports Wear, Ms. Freshmen and Ms. AFCS (four consecutive years) and then another was recognition as part of the student council. (Will try to retrieve pictures once I've found them) When I was young, I first joined a contest and that was about Declaiming.

Being so naive, I never had the pinch of being competitive in me. I didn't care about competitions and how they should be. I don't even have the slightest idea what the hell declaiming was about. My mom, who didn't want me to mess up and look pathetic, trained me rigidly. Mom is one of the most strict teachers I've ever met. Training days were hell days for me back then, I always end up and cry and I couldn't understand why mom was stern and never was lenient on me. Declaiming was not as simple as acting, and it's not just about memorizing a whole story and narrate it to people. You have to be the story yourself. And for the first competition I joined, I went home with the award as the first placer, champion, winner or whatever you call it. I remember making the judges cry with the story, my mom wrote herself.

It is just now that I realized, that very moment when I had the tough training with my mom was the moment I was carving my character and my persona as a contestant. She taught me not just how to declaim but to believe in myself and make the people believe in me. Confidence, strength and perseverance was what she taught. And I am ever thankful to my mother who shaped me into who I am now. And after that, I had always won declaiming competitions, drawing, and others. I have never went home empty handed.

After High School somehow, it had stopped. And my interests differed too. I got interested in music. But there was a downfall where I had start doubting myself. Four years in my college, I stopped joining competitions until now. It's my last year, heck I wasn't even serious when I joined the cosplay competition. Cosplay is where I get to dress up any Japanese/Cartoon character and pretend to be them, internalize their character. I cosplayed as Another Blood from Demonbane without the intention of winning the top prize, all I wanted was to NOT FAIL the college of HRM where I belong and my friends who pushed me into joining. Click here for reference pictures. Guess what, I brought home 1st Runner up. It feels good.

For four years, me and my band have been joining competitions here and there. But, we fail epically. LOL. We spend so much time rehearsing, our strength and wallets get drained all the time. Until we gave up and split ways, I think it's only Dhelle and me who is still into it but honestly I myself almost lost the appetite for music-making. Just an hour before the competition, Dhelle dragged me and made me play guitar while She and Angel will sing. We just laughed, "hayaan niyo na, trip lang to" we weren't even that serious when we joined. It was just, all guts and happy-go-lucky attitude. Then they both went straight home after the event. I stayed longer until the end of the event.

When they were announcing the winners, they called in the band who won 3rd place. FORTUITY band, I think I lagged for a minute. I was thinking to myself, hey, isn't that our band? then they called in three times. Until I finally stood up, flabbergasted and laughed. It's us.

We actually won? When we didn't have practice at all. I was staring at our certificate, this is... our very first award. We couldn't be any happier. I couldn't be any happier myself. It was just then when I was about to give up on playing guitar. I don't believe that I'm good at it, even until now I don't. But I guess it's the character that adds up to it that wins the crowd. Sometimes, we are so close to success when we decide give up. But now, we have this. Everything feels much better and hopes are restored.

To everyone, don't give up! We never know when things are for the better, sometimes our hardships are blessings in disguise to shape us up for the things to come, for the things we deserve.

Ciao! <3

Charlie's Top Overhaul : Day One

2010-09-07T21:38:00.000+08:00

Have you ever felt stranded, pressured, helpless, nervous and frightened? That's how I felt when Charlie (car) broke down. I was speeding at a provincial highway going up a hill when the car suddenly lost power, and slowly died at the middle of the highway. I was rolling back down so I pulled the handbrake because the brakes wont work and turned the distress signal to alert the vehicles behind me. I quite did it fast or else the car behind me could've hit me right on. I signalled them to overtake. I thought I just need to start the car, but it wont start until I gradually caused a commotion and severe traffic.

I panicked. Some drivers opened their windows and mocked at me. When they don't even have an idea of what happened. Without asking, they discriminated me. One yelled "tangina mo ang bobo mo magdrive!" and a lot of times I heard "Ay kaya naman pala, babae kasi nagda-drive kaya tatanga tanga talaga yan."

What do they have against female drivers? By mocking at me, does it make them better drivers? They are the men, they are supposed to be gentlemen and help me out, am I not right? It is obvious that I needed help, but I received the contrary. I didn't know what to do, if I could only pull the car away from the middle of the street but I couldn't. Thankfully there was one who went down his car and helped me. Checked the car, but since we need to get it out of the highway first he just assumed I ran out of gas and he called out to other people to help me move the car.

I called my brother, and instructed me to do some stuff like to Choke the car, (carburettor) to check if its sucking up air then we'll know what's wrong with the car. It's not sucking in air, so he instructed me to bring the cellphone near the engine so he can hear the sound it makes while I try to start the car. I asked Lyn to hold the phone for me, and I start the car. Then kuya Romy told me, that my timing belt was broken. (Until now I'm so amazed. He knew what was wrong with the car) Then a mechanic came. Kuya Joseph, he was the one who adjusted the clutch and all the adjusting I need with my car. He choked the car, opened the gasket, and there it was-- timing belt was broken. So he went home, used their car to tow Charlie to their place which was a auto repair shop. (And they have lots of cars there too). It was so near where I got stranded, it was just walking distance.

replacing timing belt, broken rocker arm and oil seals.

We all called it a night and retired for the day. I was run out by all the pressures including my thesis and school obligations. So the next day I woke up and went straight to the repair shop. Timing belt broke because of old age. It was bound to happen since the car was old the engine never had proper maintenance. Rocker arm broke and oil seals, gasket heads, and valves need to be replaced. Before this incident happened, I was originally planning to top overhaul Charlie. But things got so busy I had set it aside. I was thinking, it was a blessing in disguise. If I had changed the gasket stuff, and then the timing belt was bound to die soon, then I could've spent MORE, and double damages. The first top overhaul would be put to waste. So it's really timing, that the timing belt broke at the right timing. lol.

top overhaul

I was lucky. One of they guys said at the repair shop. "See that car?" He pointed at a car, a lancer too yet and older model. It was wrecked and the front was hardly recognized. It has been there for months already. He said that could've happened to me, I could have been anywhere when it happened. I could be in a express highway, or steep roads and I never would've known that my engine died and things unimaginable could have happened to me. I couldn't imagine any better place. The mechanic also said, you are lucky. All drivers fear having the timing belt broken. They said, "yan ang kinatatakutan ng lahat ng mga driver. Kasi kapag naputol nga naman yan, problema talaga. Sakit sa ulo. Mabuti ikaw, ngayon palang naranasan mo na kagad. Wala ka ng pro-problemahin niyan." Another one said timing belts are unpredictable, unlike the other parts of the car, it's the one you really wouldn't know when it will break. At least now that it has been replaced and top overhaul has been done, I'll be safe and confident taking my car anywhere.

get well and be home soon! :)

I am thankful that God has protected me, and everything fell into place. God really works wonders. I hope Charlie gets done soon. I can't wait to take him around again, and this time without the uneasy feeling that I've always had. =)

The Crescent Moon

2010-09-06T01:16:00.177+08:00

Me : Did I park the car well? hmm.

Let me tell you where I have been today. On some days of the month my sister visits a restaurant or a tourist spot for her reviews and I'll be her *ehem* driver and take her to where she needs to go. So today, we went to The Crescent Moon Cafe in Antipolo. (Yeah I do make it sound as if I'm not from Antipolo, hehehe)

Somewhat looks like a Japanese home

That's the outside view of the restaurant. It looks simple and very homey. I actually like it there because it's away from the noise of the highway streets. They have man-made falls and the sound it makes mixed with the gentle rustles of the trees and slight breeze, priceless. It's totally relaxing. With screen walls, fresh air from trees flows freely inside the restaurant.

glowing fish? They look like heavenly creatures!

This scene is quite so familiar with the old photos I had in Ehsan Ria condominiums in Kuala Lumpur, it's were my Mom used to stay before she moved to the international house. Here are reference pictures from my old Friendster account click here to see. But they had smaller koi fishes. These are big, see that one on the picture above? That fish is bigger than the whole of my arm. But I am fond of koi fishes, see my post here when I oil painted my imaginary koi fish. I'm fond of animals generally. The owner took care of these fishes and said that they were around twelve years old already. Wow, longest fish years I've heard, after when my Guppy fishes died when they were only one week old. LOL. nah! I never had a fish pet before. Only furry friends (hamsters, rabbits, dogs) and one amphibian, a turtle that I set free because I couldn't bear seeing him caged in a...water bucket.

The Crescent Moon's signature appetizer.

The Crescent Moon has been running for almost a decade and is quite my kind of place to be having lunch at when I have the luxury of time. And yes of course, if my pockets are ready. But don't worry the food there is not gonna hurt your wallets. Trust me. And everyday is a surprise, it's the kind of restaurant that will remind you of days when you go home and ask your Mom "Mom, what's for lunch?" They don't serve the same thing everyday, it's always new like how our Mothers cooked back at home. You never know what you're gonna have but for sure its something delicious.

Here are my favourites from today's set.

Alagaw leaves for appetizer. You create your mix, you'll have several saucers with different ingredients to create you own Alagaw lumpia and ensalada style, then top it with it's delicious sauce created from panucha or Coco Honey and ground peanut. Alagaw leaves served here are guaranteed fresh.

Carbonara with fresh ground parsley, you can really taste how fresh the parsley is. And the fish fillet with cream cheese on top is simply palatable. It think it's called Cream Dory Fish.

My favorite is the pumpkin soup mixed with coconut meat. It's pumpkin soup with a twist! I was nearly halfway finishing my bowl when I remembered I was supposed to take picture of it, so you'll see the bowl on the picture above is half full.

My most favorite of all was the Braised water spinach with fried tofu sprinkled with sesame seeds. Locally it is called Kangkong at Tokwa. It is my favorite because first, Kangkong or water spinach is my favorite vegetable, especially when it is cooked adobo style or in Sinigang. Tofu or Tokwa is something I always love to have during dinner even as a child. I remember when I was young I used to ask my Mom for fried tofu with soy sauce and minced fresh shallots for dinner. Now I feel hungry again.

The drink is lemon grass tea, if you're not fond of too-sweet drinks, then this is just right for you. It's not too sweet, just a hint of sweetness and the rest are perfect for quenching thirst and dispelling after tastes.

food to be taken seriously : do not disturb me

Among the many restaurants my sister has been to, this is restaurant got my taste. The dishes they served are sophisticated in taste and it's something I'd like to have again. Hopefully I'll have them on my next visit. But aside from the food, what I liked most is the place that reminds me of our home, filled with trees and nature, quiet and breezy. In their backyard, I saw this small fenced area with a little pond I came near to it and was surprised when turtles popped out from the water. There were 8 of them and unlikely from a turtle who's shy, these turtles actually go near you. So cute.

I love this place, first because of the food. Second, the place is just serene and very close to nature. And then, it's a place where it feels like home, Reminds me of home, and the story how the restaurant started is filled with loving family stories. You wont see any signs that it's trying too hard to compete with other restaurants, it is simply best on it's own.

If you would like to check out this place, find your way to Antipolo (and if you are familiar with the Rizal Capitol or Ynares please start at that landmark) From Ynares keep right and go straight, then you'll pass by Unciano Medical Hospital on your right and just a few meters away you'll see Shopwise on the left side and then an intersection. Just go straight ahead and keep right, landmarks you'll see on your right are National bookstore, Shell Gasoline station and Gems Hotel or Hap Chan Restaurant. Continue on the same road, keep right then you'll see Jetti Gas station and Milagros Subdivision (you're almost there) When you can see Robinsons Subdivision on your far left, slow down and look for a road on your right side and ask if it is Ascencion rd. or ask where the Crescent Moon Cafe, (landmarks are hardware shops beside the road) then turn right on that road and look for The Crescent Moon sign left side of the road. And you're there!

If my instructions seem to confuse you, you can just contact these numbers for further information.

The Crescent Moon Cafe
Ascencion Road, Barangay Dalig
Antipolo City
Mobile: 09175232356
Phone: 658-3866

Cheers!

Marriage. A Must Read.

2010-08-26T17:18:00.005+08:00

Thursday, August 5, 2010

When I got home that night as my wife served dinner, I held her hand and said, I've got something to tell you. She sat down and ate quietly. Again I observed the hurt in her eyes. Suddenly I didn't know how to open my mouth. But I had to let her know what I was thinking. I want a divorce. I raised the topic calmly.

She didn't seem to be annoyed by my words, instead she asked me softly, why?

I avoided her question. This made her angry. She threw away the chopsticks and shouted at me, you are not a man! That night, we didn't talk to each other. She was weeping. I knew she wanted to find out what had happened to our marriage. But I could hardly give her a satisfactory answer; she had lost my heart to Jane. I didn't love her anymore. I just pitied her!

With a deep sense of guilt, I drafted a divorce agreement which stated that she could own our house, our car, and 30% stake of my company.

She glanced at it and then tore it into pieces. The woman who had spent ten years of her life with me had become a stranger. I felt sorry for her wasted time, resources and energy but I could not take back what I had said for I loved Jane so dearly. Finally she cried loudly in front of me, which was what I had expected to see. To me her cry was actually a kind of release. The idea of divorce which had obsessed me for several weeks seemed to be firmer and clearer now.

The next day, I came back home very late and found her writing something at the table. I didn't have supper but went straight to sleep and fell asleep very fast because I was tired after an eventful day with Jane.

When I woke up, she was still there at the table writing. I just did not care so I turned over and was asleep again.

In the morning she presented her divorce conditions: she didn't want anything from me, but needed a month's notice before the divorce. She requested that in that one month we both struggle to live as normal a life as possible. Her reasons were simple: our son had his exams in a month's time and she didn't want to disrupt him with our broken marriage.

This was agreeable to me. But she had something more, she asked me to recall how I had carried her into out bridal room on our wedding day.

She requested that every day for the month's duration I carry her out of our bedroom to the front door ever morning. I thought she was going crazy. Just to make our last days together bearable I accepted her odd request.

I told Jane about my wife's divorce conditions. . She laughed loudly and thought it was absurd. No matter what tricks she applies, she has to face the divorce, she said scornfully.

My wife and I hadn't had any body contact since my divorce intention was explicitly expressed. So when I carried her out on the first day, we both appeared clumsy. Our son clapped behind us, daddy is holding mommy in his arms. His words brought me a sense of pain. From the bedroom to the sitting room, then to the door, I walked over ten meters with her in my arms. She closed her eyes and said softly; don't tell our son about the divorce. I nodded, feeling somewhat upset. I put her down outside

the door. She went to wait for the bus to work. I drove alone to the office.

On the second day, both of us acted much more easily. She leaned on my chest. I could smell the fragrance of her blouse. I realized that I hadn't looked at this woman carefully for a long time. I realized she was not young any more. There were fine wrinkles on her face, her hair was graying! Our marriage had taken its toll on her. For a minute I wondered what I had done to her.

On the fourth day, when I lifted her up, I felt a sense of intimacy returning. This was the woman who had given ten years of her life to me.

On the fifth and sixth day, I realized that our sense of intimacy was growing again. I didn't tell Jane about this. It became easier to carry her as the month slipped by. Perhaps the everyday workout made me stronger.

She was choosing what to wear one morning. She tried on quite a few dresses but could not find a suitable one. Then she sighed, all my dresses have grown bigger. I suddenly realized that she had grown so thin, that was the reason why I could carry her more easily.

Suddenly it hit me... she had buried so much pain and bitterness in her heart. Subconsciously I reached out and touched her head.

Our son came in at the moment and said, Dad, it's time to carry mom out. To him, seeing his father carrying his mother out had become an essential part of his life. My wife gestured to our son to come closer and hugged him tightly. I turned my face away because I was afraid I might change my mind at this last minute. I then held her in my arms, walking from the bedroom, through the sitting room, to the hallway. Her hand surrounded my neck softly and naturally. I held her body tightly; it was just like our wedding day.

But her much lighter weight made me sad. On the last day, when I held her in my arms I could hardly move a step. Our son had gone to school. I held her tightly and said, I hadn't noticed that our life lacked intimacy.

I drove to office.... jumped out of the car swiftly without locking the door. I was afraid any delay would make me change my mind...I walked upstairs. Jane opened the door and I said to her, Sorry, Jane, I do not want the divorce anymore.

She looked at me, astonished, and then touched my forehead. Do you have a fever? She said. I moved her hand off my head. Sorry, Jane, I said, I won't divorce. My marriage life was boring probably because she and I didn't value the details of our lives, not because we didn't love each other anymore. Now I realize that since I carried her into my home on our wedding day I am supposed to hold her until death do us apart.

Jane seemed to suddenly wake up. She gave me a loud slap and then slammed the door and burst into tears. I walked downstairs and drove away.

At the floral shop on the way, I ordered a bouquet of flowers for my wife. The salesgirl asked me what to write on the card. I smiled and wrote, I'll carry you out every morning until death do us apart.

That evening I arrived home, flowers in my hands, a smile on my face, I run up stairs, only to find my wife in the bed - dead.

My wife had been fighting CANCER for months and I was so busy with Jane to even notice. She knew that she would die soon and she wanted to save me from the whatever negative reaction from our son, in case we push thru with the divorce.-- At least, in the eyes of our son--- I'm a loving husband.

I found this story while I was browsing the internet and it somehow touched my heart. I wanted to share this with you with all hopes that it too, will touch your heart the same way it did to me.

The small details of your lives are what really matter in a relationship. It is not the mansion, the car, property, the money in the bank. These create an environment conducive for happiness but cannot give happiness in themselves. So find time to be your spouse's friend and do those little things for each other that build intimacy. Do have a real happy marriage!

If you don't share this, nothing will happen to you. This is not a chain spam letter. You are not obliged to Share this. But If you do, you just might save a marriage. Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.

A CHRIST-CENTERED MARRIAGE IS A MARRIAGE THAT IS SURE TO LAST A LIFETIME.

So then, they are no longer two but one flesh.

Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate.

- Matthew 19:6

By Ramon E. Mendoza

Manila's Finest, Very Disappointing. Manila 823

2010-08-24T08:46:00.003+08:00

Our Sincere Condolences to the families who lost their loved ones.

Monday, August 23, 2010. A group of tourists from Hong Kong and some Filipinos met their terrible fate. According to Yahoo News at least seven were killed. A retired Police officer Rolando Mendoza who was armed with an M-16, held these tourists in a bus as hostage. It took the Police 12 hours to end up in an epic failure, by nightfall everything went beyond their control. Hostage taker was killed and civilians were killed. It is simply tragic and amazingly stupid on the part of the police.

I do not understand why it has to take them half a day of negotiation to achieve nothing. If I were to ask, Filipino police are complete bunch of brainless idiots who could not think of nothing else but arrogance and corruption. Oh yes they are great in corruption. The BEST example of corruption you will see in the Philippines aside from the former Presidents. They were only against ONE INSANE MAN, and they were unbelievably incompetent that they could not handle just one man. So what was the negotiation for? They could've just given them what the hostage taker wanted for the sake of the civilians safety and dealt with the criminal afterwards when civilians are safe. But no, they had to be "action stars", there had to be bloodshed to make it dramatic with these unfit policemen to feel like heroes where now, in my opinion are the criminals themselves. Were they really thinking of the people's safety or were they thinking of their image? Now, I completely doubt the training that the SWAT team undergoes. Or maybe they never had training? All they did was pay their way into it, because that's what they are experts at --doing monkey business. Forgive me for my rudeness but I am totally ashamed and at rage with the Philippine Police.

As for the hostage taker, it's amazing that he proved ONE person can make a difference. Just one person, and the whole nation has to suffer for his deeds. I could not blame him alone. Rolando Mendoza was agitated and emotionally disturbed. It was the police's duty to take control of him. But it was otherwise. Mendoza is now dead as well. Bless his soul, may he find peace despite of what he did.

The Philippines is experiencing a slow death. I read somewhere in Facebook that 500 trips to Philippines from Chinese were cancelled, and 800 more from Europe. And Philippines was tagged by CNN as the worst country to go to. (As said by someone I saw on a CNN page) Here, Philippines who was once a great country, the first in Asia who ever developed is now speeding it's way down to the rubbles. I am addressing these not just to the government but to everyone of us, FILIPINOS, PLEASE DO SOMETHING. Do not add up to the humiliation that is already there.

What happened about the hostage taking earlier is a concoction of successive stupidities. Everything has to take part. You cannot blame one person. It is a series of mistakes from different parties which resulted a great disaster. It has been done, and cannot be undone. What to do? LEARN from it. NEVER LET IT HAPPEN EVER AGAIN. We must stop blaming, there is nothing that can be solved by blaming . To the government, do something immediately. We should learn from this and make sure that THIS WILL NEVER HAPPEN AGAIN. As I've seen, hostage taking has been abused in our country --something must be done about this. And our officials unfortunately are not fit to handle this situation. They are not educated enough. Government, please educate the people. This is something we must do. People have died and there is nothing we can do to bring them back. It's sad that they had to die for us to open our eyes. Please Filipinos, open your eyes. We do not need to blame anymore, we must face what happened and come up with a SOLUTION that will END these happenings from reoccurring.

And to the families who have lost their loved ones, we are terribly sorry. In behalf of my country and my country men, we are terribly sorry and we are saddened about your loss.

和誰的家庭失去了親人，我們非常抱歉。我们很抱歉. 我們的政府和警察的錯。我們都希望看到立即採取行動將得到伸張。靈魂的人誰死安息。

These are some of the replies I got from few people on twitter.

cfsalex 昨日恰好是中國的中元節（鬼節），希望槍手和冤死者的魂魄都能得到安息。 RT @yuicacha: 我們的政府和警察的錯。我們都希望看到立即採取行動將得到伸張。#manila823#ManilaHostage#HongKong

lihuafang It’s not your fault, it's your gov's duty. Police didn't do their job. RT @yuicacha: we're terribly sorry for what happened.#ManilaHostage

cfsalex 要抱歉的是police，要向受害者抱歉，也要向菲律賓納稅人抱歉。大家不分國籍，對菲律賓POLICE的處理過程非常不滿。It's not yr fault. RT @yuicacha: #manila823 我們很抱歉 :( #Manila#ManilaHostage

dotRocco @yuicacha The world is already there. We're all just going to have to deal with it. With everything.

May the people who died in this tragedy rest in peace.

References:
http://ph.yfittopostblog.com/2010/08/24/aquino-offers-condolences-to-hostage-victims’-family/
http://ph.news.yahoo.com/rtrs/20100824/tap-oukwd-uk-philippines-hostage-hongkon-2728bc1.html
http://ph.yfittopostblog.com/2010/08/23/ex-policeman-hijacks-bus-load-of-children-adults/

Purpose

2010-08-19T14:09:00.004+08:00

We always complain about time, about what we have and we don’t have, and we complain about our lives. We always question, why is this happening to me? Or why am I not like them? Why is my life like this? We ask these questions most of our entire lifetime and at some point, we will never get to know the answer.

Of course we all want to be happy. Easier said than done, with all the negativities and trials we have, with all the experiences we’ve gone through and those to come, being happy could be such an undertaking. I could not say that that is the sole purpose in our lives, but the least it is what I know. Even serving God is also part of being happy right?

How do we know we’ve reached the pinnacle in our lives? We will know it by the moment it happens to us, but it doesn’t stop there. Learn to anticipate that there are always something greater to come; Greater trials and greater rewards, in different forms. Because life doesn’t just stop at that point in your life, life will end the moment you stop living.

I believe I’ve reached a lot of pinnacles in my life so far, and I’m not stopping especially now that I’ve seen my progress and the things that I’ve learned for the past 21 years of my life. I’ve learned that for every great pain you have, there is always happiness of same intensity to equal that pain. I’ve learned that mistakes aren’t always mistakes. I’ve learned that mishaps aren’t always misfortunes; it could be a blessing in disguise. Failures aren’t always failures; some in some way or another you are a winner if you learn to accept that you have failed. Life is an oxymoron on general terms. It doesn’t need to be explained to be understood. It is something that you will know by heart.

Have I found my happiness? I’d say yes I have and it has been with me in various forms that I didn’t even know yet. My happiness came in different times, different moments and in forms I wasn’t able to understand during that time. It happened when I learned to say No—and I learned how to free myself. I found it when I let myself fall and fail, because with that I learned my capacities and understood myself better of what I can do, and how to limit myself. I found it when I first shed my tear, how wonderful it is to be comforted by someone who truly cared. I found it not when I first fell in love but when I first broke my heart, because after that I met someone who loved me enough that it mended my broken heart and taught me not to be afraid to fall in love again. I found my happiness when I accepted the fact that I cannot be together with the person I loved the most, at least I felt how it is to be loved at a great extent. That there is someone who gave everything he could and did not ask for anything in return. That there is someone out there, who went beyond the limits and for me to be able to reciprocate those deeds, was satisfying enough. The fact that I know I am loved, I couldn’t ask for anything more.

Why is this happening to me? Why am I so unfortunate? Why is my life like this? --I do not ask these questions anymore. My life is not perfect, in fact it is not too well right now but I have stopped asking questions. I don’t know how to put it into words but I have found the answers to questions I have been asking myself all my life. I could say that at this point of my life, I am finally content and I want to go on living. I’ve found my happiness and it doesn’t make me say I am ready to die now. It makes me say—that I don’t want to die now; I want to live. Because after I’ve found this happiness I’ve realized that life is so beautiful and to continue living is so wonderful.

To all, do not be saddened by unfortunate events. Always remember that everything is temporary and equilibrium exists. For every great sadness and pain, there should be great happiness to equal that pain. Never find something that you will be ready to die for—it is pointless. Find something that you will live for; life will be more meaningful when you’ve found that purpose.

My Insights

2010-08-16T06:32:00.003+08:00

It's been four years since I last participated in this sort of event, a feeding program for hapless children. This year, we fed little children from a public school here in Antipolo, my home town. The feeling wasn't really much different from the feeding program we conducted in a slum in Cogeo couple of years ago. Though before we had problems with transportation because the location was quite hard to find.

Senora Dela Paz Elementary School

The picture above is the façade of the school territory. I couldn't take a shot of the whole school because it was exactly beside the highway and I couldn't move away from my place any further. It doesn't look like a school, well what do you expect from public schools in the Philippines. Really sad to say but they have the worst situations you can imagine a school would have. Each classroom containing 40 to 80 students and most of them doesn't even have their own seat. Students sit on the floor. One book can be shared by three to four students, sometimes there is no book at all. Worst, no classrooms available.

The Children busy coloring their color books while waiting

We held the event at the school's covered quadrangle. The tables and chairs were moved out of their classrooms and brought to the quadrangle. We bought a lot of color books and crayons to be given away to the children, most of the children used them while waiting for us to set up the and prepare the food and other stuff needed during that time. The children were well behaved enough, though there are some especially the older ones who are ill-mannered. They would actually go and steal some stuff. Prizes and game paraphernalia were placed at the stage so that they will be out of reach by the children. But a few would climb up the stage just to get one when they could've just asked. We had lots to be given away, they don't need to be sneaking behind our backs to get some. Later on we noticed our balloons was decreasing in number, and few students were bringing balloons to their own rooms. I guess it can't be helped.

games and give aways

We prepared some games for the children and it seemed that they enjoyed, well of course much more when everyone had a prize to take home. It was fun on our part as well to see innocent children with minds like sponges ready to absorb whatever they are taught. I just hope that they are taught well not just by the school but most of all by their parents.

standing in line for their share :)

The children wasn't much of a headache, like I said earlier they were well behaved. After the programme it was time to go home. Okay so I'll get to the point where I wanted to share my observations, and I believe that this is important.

We all grew up being taught of good manners and right conduct. Before we even hit puberty we must have at least a decent behaviour and courteousness towards others.What I noticed during the event, is that there is no problem with the students OR the school facility. Yes they maybe unknowingly suffering because of the lack of seats, books and stuff but really--when it comes to learning you don't need much. (But then again this topic goes to the government, where the hell do our taxes go? why are these children still suffering? Can they explain why the government officials can buy rest houses abroad and NOT a chair for a single student.)

After the event, of course we were all tired. Students (we) woke early in the morning to prepare the food. And not just food for few but food for a number of people! brought the food (and other stuff too) from our college to their place. We haven't had our lunch yet because we wanted the event to start at exactly the time it should start. We don't want the little children to be starving since we promised them food right? Before the programme actually ended, the president of the parent's community announced that if they could stay for a while and help us clean for a bit and return the tables and chairs back to the classrooms. You know what these mothers did? stood up, raised their brows, turned their backs and walked away. Gave us the look of pride. As if they were telling us "what you did is not enough. we are poor, you are obliged to pity us and give us what we don't have" (like, wtf.)

I REALLY hate to say this but these are common to the Filipino--they have CRAB MENTALITY. No wonder our country seems to continuously sink. They were walking away, when another announcement came-- the nursing students will be giving away free vitamins for the children. Guess what? they walked back and patiently waited for it.

What hurts the most was THERE WAS NO SIGN OF APPRECIATION, even for the smallest. Instead, they gave us an unsatisfied look. After they got the vitamins, they all left. So it was still us the college students who carried the tables and chairs back to the classrooms, cleaned the whole quadrangle and all the cleaning up. We just wanted a little help from them since we were tired already. But no. They even frowned at us. They left without even saying thank you. :(

I have witnessed a number of times children nowadays act inappropriately, no respect to elderly and lack of proper conduct. I have been wondering where they get these, but seeing the niece of a friend of mine who also studies in a public school (with the same situation) She still retains her manners and doesn't get affected by her classmates' improper conduct... so I have come to realize that these behaviour doesn't really come from the school, or the teachers or peers. It's from their own home. How their parents think and act reflects on them.

I worry about the children. I see a 5 year old cussing his own brother. I see a sixth grade student talking to his teacher as if he is talking to a person of the same age he is. I see children who doesn't care about their future, or what they want to become. I see highschoolers engage in premarital sex before they even have enough knowledge of what they're getting into. I see teenagers getting pregnant at the age of 15. Children who smoke even before they get into highschool. Who are these children going to be next? the next tricycle driver? a prostitute? a drug addict? an addition to the endless list of unemployed citizens?

The teachers at school won't even reprimand them when they behave so ill. What are their parents teaching them? Or how are the parents behaving to make them act this way? Are they using poverty as an excuse to behave improperly? Do the parents know what they do affects their children?

We always say that the future is in the hands of the children today. But with the kind of children we have today, what future will we have?

And it goes back to us, we do not leave things to the children alone. We must be there to mold them into better persons. They don't grow up by themselves. They need guidance. It's really saddening to see the government not do anything about this despite the fact that we are paying our taxes for the betterment of the country. As I say, it's not the children alone who needs education but the adults as well. If they could give them free seminars about parenting, family planning, livelihood education programs and so on and so forth. The government can give them work. There are so many things that could be done! We should mold these children, and we should prepare the place for them to grow. These children did not ask to be brought to this world, so it's our responsibility isn't it?

This is the time we should stop blaming, and believe that we can do something. Change starts from us. Stop saying, "mahirap lang kasi kami" (we are just poor) Yes you are poor, but do you want to remain helpless? wouldn't you want to help yourself too? Wouldn't you want to strive for a better life?

My mom wasn't rich to begin with. As a matter of fact, we are not rich up to now. But with all her hardwork, look where she is now. She made it, she was able to support me and my sister. It is possible for everyone of us if we just learn to keep a positive attitude and to persevere. Stop blaming others for things that cannot be undone instead think of something that can be done, and do it.

If we want change, then we should make the change.

One Week Challenge

2010-07-23T08:43:00.001+08:00

It's Day 5 of Being home alone. My sister is in Malaysia hoping to find fortune there :P but she'll be back this Sunday where I will go and pick her up. I haven't done much lately but to eat, sleep, read, type, etc. With this lifestyle I'm sure to gain weight (eating as much as my regular diet) But no, I'm not getting fat. I'm still as skinny as ever.

I get tired going out and I just want to stay at home, I'm not like what I used to be before that I'd do anything just to get out of the house. I have been much a house buddy ever since I started working. It could also be because I have outgrown the need or feel that I always want to be somewhere else, always out of the house, always at the mall or some friends' house. Yeah, maybe. So I went to our local grocery store to add more supply at home so that I won't be needing to go out often, I can just grab a snack. And I found some Bananas..

Fresh yellow bananas. Saging in Tagalog, Pisang in Bahasa. But whatever they call it, I love to eat these.

But don't you think they're a little too big? LOL

Have a great weekend everybody! :)

Beauty & Butter : Pamper Yourself in Style

2010-07-22T02:31:00.005+08:00

Back then, when people hear the terms like foot spa, manicure, pedicure, facial and so on and so forth-- There is a some sort of typecast that these form of services are usually availed by (women) beautiful grown ups and if your still in your adolescent 'era' or when you are a guy then it's not necessary for you to avail these. But then again, who says so? There isn't actually a law that prohibits teens/men from getting this pampering services.

Photo Courtesy of Miss Lynx

I went to Beauty & Butter in SM Megamall to try these services; Foot spa and Nail Art. The salon is different from other salons. It doesn't have the 'too-girlish' interior. I would describe it as something 'scenic' because it will surely catch your attention especially with the salon's facade and it's lovely choice of eye-catching colors. When you look at the place, it's a place that even men can stay. Part of the fun here are that the pamper-specialists are called 'buttercups'. I think it's adorable.

Photo Courtesy of Miss Lynx

The place is so, "pop", light and youthful. It makes people who go there feel young. And with their style, even teenagers will want to visit this place often. hey I'm no teenager but I feel like one when I was here. There was even a karate black-belter dude who had his footspa there.

my stubby legs getting soaked with the salon's magic ingredients.

According to one of their buttercups, the unique thing about Beauty & Butter is that they have products (such as their nail polishes) that are specially made for the salon. :)

I was afraid at first that I might get hurt with the foot spa but later on it was actually soothing. I tried the mint by the way. The buttercups are professionals with regards to pampering customers. Even the pedicure, no ouch! I would recommend Beauty & Butter for those who are going to have their first time pedicure or manicure. I could actually just relax, rest and just watch movie with the big flat screen they have, or maybe just play with the iPad that they have on the salon.

This is a part where we can say Art is everywhere, they can be on your nails.

After the foot scrub, they wrapped my feet with a towel (I also like the way they wrapped the towel, it's still artsy. Just that my hands were busy for the nail art so I wasn't able to get a picture.) Then they started the nail art on my puny little digits.With short stubby nails, I thought having a nail art was pointless. But-- they were able to come up with a pretty design. I therefore conclude, nail art is for everyone! :) I think maybe little kids would want to try, no manicure needed just the nail art. The kids would surely have fun, they can have any design they want! And here's some samples of designs that they have.

cool isn't it?

I'm sure you'd want to have these on your nails.

These are not the usual stickers, beads and other stuff most salons use to do a nail art, these are actually hand painted. Yes, no machines. These are painted on your nails with fine brushes, and acrylic paint. The prices usually range from PhP600 - PhP800 and above, it varies upon the design. But just look at it, it's all worth it!

and there's more and more designs to choose from!

and here's my buttercup Aisa who did my nail art.

The course I took up is more on the fields of Hospitality Industry so as a public service practitioner, I'm a sucker for good service. Staffs that do their job by being dynamic to the needs of a customer, and by having empathy, they know how to communicate and click with customers. They know what real service means. That's the most that I enjoyed in Beauty & Butter. And one big factor that I truly appreciate, they have genuine smiles, that I end up smiling as well.

here I am with the buttercups :)

I love the feeling of having a foot spa, I feel like my feet are refreshed, cool and soft. And most importantly, very clean. :p

With my yellow sweater, I 'belong' with the buttercups :)

If you're stressed out, and you want to try foot spa, I would definitely recommend you visit Beauty & Butter whether you're a teen or not, female or male. It's for everyone because everyone deserves to be happy. :) You can call 470-4239. Or visit the salons at 5F of SM Megamall; 2F Entertainment Wing of MOA; or 2F of SM San Lazaro. Have a great time pampering yourself! Everyone deserves it! :)

Do you remember your first Touch?

2010-07-15T14:13:00.000+08:00

Touch screen mobile phones are a growing rage in the market nowadays, from the basic music and multimedia handsets to smart phones. There’s sure to be a touch screen phone for everyone. My touch screen phone is The Samsung GT-C3510 Corby Pop or Samsung Genoa as commonly known in the Asian market. It is from the long line of Samsung Corby series that has successfully made its way to the market as Samsung C3510 Genoa.

The Ear Candy

The Genoa has an FM radio with a recording option; you can record exactly what you hear on the radio. Genoa has a video player that can support MPEG4, H.263 and it also has Music Player that supports MP3, AAC, AAC+, eAAC+, WMA, and AMR file extensions. It has a 3.5mm ear jack so you can use your favorite headphones without worrying about earphone compatibility issues. You can enjoy music with its 3D sound technology or the DNSe or Digital Natural Sound engine. You won’t have to hear crappy pain-in-the-ear sounds, and just modulate the volume by pressing on the volume keys on the left side of the handset. And also you can maximize your listening pleasure if you use headsets with a noise reduction feature; well that’s just a suggestion. Genoa has a 25 hour playtime so you can listen to music for as long as you want to!

Capture the Moment

If you’re really not concerned with high resolution images then this phone is perfect. The Samsung Genoa is a downgraded iteration of the Samsung Corby S3653. It has almost the same hardware specifications except for the Genoa’s 1.3 megapixel camera. But the image quality is not that bad, even the colors are vivid when taking pictures especially on well lit rooms and in daylight, the camera also has a night mode option. The camera has a digital 4x zoom and has basic image editors such as photo effects and white balance and has five different shot modes. It has a video recording feature and allows you to use a video messaging feature, so after you take a clip you can send it right away to your friends.

A Detailed Overview

The Samsung Genoa is one of the cheapest touch screen phones available on the market with a noteworthy quality especially when you’re into media centric phones. It has a simplified 3-page-expandable home screen (similar to Ubuntu Linux desktops) and widget tab that you can optimize and lets you navigate to access your favorite applications faster. It has a wide range of applications that will facilitate you in connecting to a massive world, from web surfing, social networking, instant messaging or just listening to music. It also allows you to use Google Search and check your emails! It can make quick links via the widget tab to your favorite social networking sites such as Facebook, Friendster, and Twitter that will make you get connected to your friends easily. Updating your status is literally one touch away! Isn’t that easy?

The Samsung C3510 is a Quad-band GSM (850/900/1800/1900 MHz) phone which means it is capable of global roaming. It has a 2.8-inch QVGA capacitive touch screen and a TFT technology display so it will show vivid images with its 262,144 colors. It has Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP that will let you experience a high quality of audio streaming from the phone to your Bluetooth headset.

Its phone book can store up to 1000 entries, and its inbox to 500 messages. It supports Java so you can download and run applications and games in this phone.

Other features

Genoa’s built in memory is 30MB but it can support a MicroSD of up to 8GB. The memory card slot is easily accessible unlike the other handsets wherein you’ll have to remove the battery to be able to insert/remove the memory card. The Genoa phone is 103.9mm in height, 55.4mm in width, 12.9mm thick and only 92 grams in weight, so it’s quite slim and lightweight that it won’t be bulgy when you have to put it in your pocket.

The battery supports up to 720 hours in standby mode and up to 10 hours talk time. On its call functions we have speakerphone, caller ID and a multiparty of up to 5. It also has an integrated mobile tracker system (that you have to activate by entering a new 8 digit PIN, on Mobile Tracker 2.0 located on Security tab under Settings). Every time a new SIM card is inserted in the mobile phone, two pre-selected phone numbers automatically receive a prompt informing on the contact number of the new user. Interesting enough, this process takes place without the knowledge of the new user of the handset. Lost and stolen phone will be easily tracked!

Who should have this Phone?

The Samsung Genoa targets the young buyers, probably from teenagers to young professionals. Think of it as a basic entertainment device turned into a touch screen phone. The Genoa cannot do much no matter how great I describe the handset; it also has its cons. The handset casing cannot be changed so from the out ward appearance it may look dull for those who wants something more sophisticated. The screen may sometimes be too sensitive so when putting it in your pocket, pouch, or in any place make sure you lock the screen first. And lastly it doesn’t have Wifi, but the Genoa uses the Edge type of mobile browsing so it’s quite fast enough to browse on some sites. Though charges may apply, you have to contact your service provider regarding surfing charges.

The Genoa is not a smart phone but has enough capabilities to support a youngster’s basic needs. It can play music at a high quality sound. It can record and play videos, take pictures and stay connected through the mobile web and of course, through SMS. This type of handset is perfect for teenagers, college students or probably an extra phone for the young professionals.

On the Purple Thumb

2010-06-30T14:02:00.002+08:00

Congratulations to President Benigno (NoyNoy) Aquino III

I know, I know I wasn't able to vote this year's elections but I sure will do on the next. I wasn't able to apply for a voter's ID since last year was so hectic. I'm not against Noy being the new president but atleast he has a clean record so let's just hope he won't be brainwashed by money.

I still strongly believe that corruption is not with the leader, it is with the followers. Here's my example, a teacher in a class doing everything for pupils to learn but unfortunately the students are a bunch of delinquents. Whatever the people in the class are will affect the image of the teacher. Even if it is not the teacher's fault. ~~But I'm not saying former president Gloria is not a corrupt, damn she is more evil than a witch and we hate her to death~~. Sorry for the sudden outburst. *clears throat* ehem. We shouldn't really rely on the president for everything to be done, mind you just being a leader of a group is hard how much more for a country that has thousands of people. Don't expect him to be pinpointing and sending out orders, we're not robots. Unfortunately, there are some Filipinos who love to be spoon-fed which is so frustrating.

My point is, if we want change-- we should be the one to change first. (I know it has been said A MILLION TIMES already but I mean it, it's really the people who should change.) How can you make a country better when you're just lying around there, being a bum and complaining your ass off and not doing anything? Tell me, what kind of a citizen are you? I see a lot of drunkards out there whining about the government, have they tried looking at themselves? This old man, is drunk everyday, jobless, and couldn't even send his children to school. He is able to work, but chose to be unemployed. So compared to a government official who's working hard and being able to support a family, who do you think is credible of complaining? Everything in this world right now is just choosing between the lesser evil.

I came across my friend's status in Facebook and she mentioned that she felt like watching news and keeping updated when before, she really didn't care about the country's status. And she mentioned, "she felt the change". I replied to her, 'you felt the change, because it is you yourself who changed. :)' and she seemed to agree with this idea.

We can never feel change if we do not make the changes in ourselves. How can you feel change if you're doing the same thing everyday? It's just a simple logic.

Happy Holiday everyone! :)

Charlie Gets New Brake Pads

2010-06-26T21:56:00.004+08:00

Charlie's a 96 Mitsubishi Lancer. A good car actually, Just a little more upgrading and fixing then he'll be good as new. And I'll be taking him to where I'll go. No plans of buying a new car, I was told and informed that it's not easy to sell a car and much much harder to buy another car. So we'll keeping good ole Charlie that has been with us for...a decade perhaps? He was already with us even before I got into my first year in High School. So our dear Charlie will just get a good "make over". lol

A few days ago, we had his brake pads changed and I was soooo surprised to see what the old brake pads looked like.

Do you see the difference? Here's a better (comparison) picture of the old, and the new brake pad.

See the amazing difference? The old one's totally used up! Sulit na sulit to say in tagalog. Also, a lot of stuff in the engine has been checked. The mechanic told me to take care of my car because the engine is still in good condition, it just needs maintenance (which I know I failed lah~ I had no money back then!). But I'm so happy and confident with Charlie now. I know he won't bring me down when I'm on the highway. :)

Yeah that's me driving. A stolen picture from my sister's camera.

I don't look too small in this picture right?

And here's a little something to LOL about...

what the hell is that banana peel doing on my dashboard?!

~~(how did it get there in the first place?)~~

So here I am trying my best to update! Thank you for reading my blog, I feel so appreciated and please do leave a comment. :) Have a great weekend guys! Ciao~<3

Family Time

2010-06-20T06:58:00.002+08:00

A family that eats together, grows together. lol :D

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYONE!

and also,

Happy Fathers' Day!!!

to my dad...

Thank you!
Thank you for everything
Thank you for the support you gave me, the love that I feel,

and for the helping hand. Thank you for being there when I needed help,

especially at the times that I couldn't stand on my own.

Thank you for being able to provide assistance.
Thank you for cheering me up when I am down,
even if I didn't tell you what I was going through,
yet you seem to understand me completely.
Thank you for listening to me,
Thank you for taking care of me.

Thank you for being a friend.

Thank You for being a father to me :)

Toy Spree!

2010-06-08T13:44:00.003+08:00

So payday has just passed, and obviously most of us are broke (again). But I still do have bit of my salary intact, I haven't bought anything for myself yet. I just don't feel like buying anything ('cos I'm eyeing on a new iTouch :p) and saving up for the things I want. Last night, I saw some cool stuff bought by my colleague. Yes childish most "adults" would say, but I found his collection cool.

Not a transformers fan but this Optimus Prime model is so cool.

Very very detailed.

and it transforms into this...

But wait there's one that's even cooler than this.

STAR FIRE.

that turns into...

a cooool (very detailed) jet.

and uhh... no we're not playing at work. It's during our free time. :p

I am just simply amazed with intricately detailed toys. I can't wait to see for more.

Cheers! ~<3

McDonald's Service Issues

2010-06-07T02:44:00.001+08:00

I was happy when I saw this on my screen after making MY FIRST McDonald's online delivery service. I knew I filled in all of the required information correctly so I waited for the call which was indicated on the confirmation message.

I waited.

2 minutes...

5 minutes...

10 minutes...

30 minutes...

Alright, nevermind about the order I made. I'm REALLY hungry. So I walked to the nearest McD's and ordered the food I wanted because I am SO friggin hungry. Came back home within less than 40 minutes. I asked my sis if there was a verification call, but still no call from the online crap. (So I could be nice enough to cancel it just incase it calls) 2 hours later, still no call.

McDonald's Online delivery is NOT RELIABLE. (though food is still great. hehehe)

that's all I can say. =D

Have a great weekend guys! Love for all~ <3

Things That Make You Happy

2010-06-03T04:00:00.002+08:00

They say I'm too small for a bass guitar.

But is that reason enough to stop me from playing one?

Life is beautiful. Sounds clichéd? But life really is, when you have someone to share it with. I used to think, I am a person who could stand alone, that I could do things by myself, and live on my own. When I was younger, I always had plans of leaving home for good. Very selfish isn't it? I thought I could live by myself. Guess what, I couldn't.

I guess every one of us faces a certain stage, where we never admit our weaknesses and accuse people who are trying to help us as the ones who pull us down. I have learned, that indeed they know better than we do. When I look back to the 16 year old Kate I used to be, I could laugh. She knew nothing about the world yet she claims it was unfair. Her world, was within a small glass ball. She could only see herself. She couldn't see what was outside the glass ball. It needed to be broken, for her to be free and have a taste of 'life'. I was given the freedom I wanted. And then I learned, that I failed to listen. I cannot live alone, I am yet too young to face the REAL world. But it's not too late.

As for me, life is an oxymoron. It can be a beautiful disaster. It is hard, but we make it enjoyable. We only get to live once right? So why not make the best out of it? Let's not be afraid. Don't be afraid to try something new. Don't be afraid to get left behind. Don't be afraid to be alone, because you are never alone. Never think of being helpless, unwanted and misunderstood. Be patient and let things fall accordingly for everything is temporary. Everything has and end, happiness does not last, it wears off at some point of time. Problems don't stay for long. Ever remember your childhood problems, do they still bother you now? they don't right? So stop worrying.

We ourselves have an end. Eventually, we die of old age. So how much more with the small stuff?

We were meant to live life to the fullest. We should love because we were given the capability to love. Return favors, and be grateful. A simple 'thank you' can mean the world to someone. All of what you have right now, are part of making your life all worth while.

Updates!

2010-05-25T13:48:00.038+08:00

Notice some changes in my blog? (duh) Yeah I updated the template! I found this cute template on Theme Craft. You might wanna try it too. They have a lot of cool blogger templates and it's easy to use it. Really, it's an idiot friendly way of uploading and using templates. Makes me want to cry whenever I remember those drastic codings I had to do just to be able to put up a good template wherein, I was never able to use. Wasted effort I know, right. lol.

I do have much to tell you but it's just that I only have a few minutes left because I have to go to work later. wait-- what's that, work? yes I am now working! that's why I said I'll be a certified "yuppie soon" (Yuppie - young professionals or 20 year old working peps) on my twitter account. :p I'll share more of these when I have MORE time. For now, the picture above is (obviously) a recent picture of me in the training room. I'm a Samsung Mobile technical support by the way, If you wanted to know what my work is. Since I am fond of mobile phones, I find this job enjoying, really. I'll tell you guys more about why I am working now, about my job and other recent happenings about my life.

Any plans? Yes I do have a plan of blogging about handsets. I'll make a review about mobiles, hopefully I'll be able to put up the new blog concentrated on Mobile phone reviews. Now, before I hit the publish post button, try looking this up 11 Hottest Mobile Phone Concepts. I don't know if these are real but there are few concepts I like such as the Kyocera Handset. Just check it out. Freaky handsets, but cool. Can't wait to see them in the market if they were real.

Ciao~ <3

Movie Hangout

2010-05-11T00:46:00.000+08:00

I know this post is soooo out dated. But better late than never! :) So last Saturday me, my sister and nephew and a friend went to the movies to watch...

Iron Man 2

The movie was fun! I am not a movie buff, and I don't know much about marvel stuff either. But I enjoyed the film. :) Too read more about the film check out my sister's blog, click HERE.

Good thing I was able to relax and release stress before my first day of work. After the movie we had late night dinner at eastwood city where we were so frustated because of the Liquour ban. Elections is on the 11th so selling of liquor was banned for two days, nationwide. Oh sadness, no beer. :(

Lyn - Macky - Kate - Jeff

Don't worry this picture was taken after the movie :) We stayed until the end of the credits to see the clip revealing what's in for the next iron man movie. And I'm not gonna be a spoiler. :)

That day was so nice, I was so happy. We arrived home around 4 am since we stayed at Leonardo's a look out point (overlooking) where we can see the whole of Manila while dining out. And there also we were able to order beer. The restaurants up here doesn't seem to mind the Liquor ban... oops. Anyway, I got myself drunk and you know why I did? Because I knew I was in safe hands. My sister was there, Jeff was there. What else could've happen to me? You wont see me get drunk like that with my friends. I definitely (and finally) released pressures. But the next day after I swear I won't ever do it again. Once is good. Not gonna do it twice, I just can't imagine the headache and the aftermath of it. But it was fun, can't wait to hang out with them again. But this time not gonna get myself intoxicated too much. :)

Tell Me

2010-04-29T01:32:00.005+08:00

There are nights

When I can't help but cry

And I wonder why

You have to leave me

Why did it have to end so soon

When you said that you would never leave me

Tell me

Where did I go wrong

What did I do to make you change

Your mind completely

When I thought

This love would never end

But if this love's not ours to have

I'll let it go with your goodbye

My Vigan Escapade

2010-04-26T14:14:00.005+08:00

Hi guys! It's been a while... again!

I went on a sudden vacation trip. I got kidnapped by Jeff and brought me to the beautiful place of Vigan in Ilocos Sur. I was in the heritage village of Vigan. Cool isn't it?

photo NOT mine. =D

Vigan at Night, So romantic isn't it?

The City of Vigan is a 5th class city in the province of Ilocos Sur, Philippines. It is the capital of the Province of Ilocos Sur. The city is located on the western coast of the large island of Luzon, facing the South China Sea. It is a World Heritage Site in that it is one of numerous Hispanic towns in the Philippines, and is well-known for its cobblestone streets, and a unique architecture that fuses Philippine building design, and construction with colonial European architecture. (thanks wikipedia!)

The pictures above are from the Heritage village of Vigan city. It is the most popular must-see tourist spot in Philippines. In Crisologo street, the only street lined up with souvenir shops and the road is closed that only Calesas can enter.

Me and Kuya Dutch. The host of the trip. We stayed at his home. :)

It was so nice of him to let us stay in his house and even took us for a trip around Vigan. He's Jeff's friend since highschool? I think. LOL. Kung pwede nga lang bigyan ng massage treat si Kuya Dutch kasi siya driver namin sa Vigan eh. Kaso hindi ako marunong at wala ako pera hahaha! next time nalang siguro. :)) Thanks kuya! and also, for lending me your gadgets for entertainment. :p Dutch is so nice, I call him dutch-ness. :D He and Jeff took most of the photos since I didn't have a camera. During my trip to Vigan I felt that I was so spoiled by them. :p He's like an older brother who spoils a little sister. And I salute his patience!

the Puerto Beach of Vigan

What's unique about this beach is that you can reach the farthest and still, the water is too shallow. Seriously this beach is frustrating, I asked Jeff to carry me on his back and take me to the deep part. But... the water level... is still on my waist. This is frustrating, we'll be miles away from the cottage but the water is still so shallow. lols.

nice fields right? Corn Farm :)

He's my financier (lol) and yayo and temporary 'boyfriend' on that trip. LOOOLZ.

More photos :)

St. Paul Cathedral

Baluarte Zoo

Me with the Reindeer :)

(yes it's a real one)

The Baluarte or fortress is a must-see attraction for first time visitors, and even for those who have visited Vigan before. It has a mini zoo with animals from other countries and others endemic to the Philippines. It is a private collection and is therefore continuously being improved. There are caged animals like lions and some are fenced and you can even touch them. The animals are familiar with people and they don't runway when you come near them. The animals here are free and well taken care of. The area is also neat.

Kitty likes the big Cats. :)

You won't find camels around Philippines. But I did :p

I don't have much pictures but there's more to see. A three day trip is too short. But Vigan totally rocks! I'm in for the next Vigan trip! :)

P.S. Maraming salamat din pala kay Pareng CHAVIT! :D yesh! special mention. baka daw kasi pagalitan si kuya Dutch-ness pag di ako nagpasalamat kay pareng Chavit eh. hahahaha!

Little Steps

2010-04-21T12:58:00.034+08:00

Little Dreams. Big Hopes.

The jar in the picture, It used to be a glass jar for tea, now it's empty and cleaned. I made it into a small bank. :) I am saving up. Whatever's left from my day will go to the small bank. I aim to save at least 1 thousand pesos every month, that's about 20 dollars. Because I have a dream to buy something I have always wanted. I saw this in a music shop last time, and I fell in love with it first touch, sound and everything. It is colored in dirty white with black rims, and is so perfect. And guess what, the price is attainable. I was used to seeing 4-sets around 20 thousand pesos. (online, and of course, we're paying for the "name".) When I saw this one, it's a 5 set and is only at 10 thousand pesos. (approx. 200 dollars) And it's actually better than the pearl drum set they are selling there for around 32 thousand (800 dollars). The one I saw is a off-white Maya 5 piece Drum set. It's a complete set. I had imagined if I had started saving since last year I might have bought one by now. That's why I'm starting to save up. Hopefully by next year (or If I'l just be so diligent in saving money by the end of this year I'll have my Christmas gift for myself!)

This is the closest image of what I want to save up for.

I know a lot of bands and studios here who use those brand. Talked to some professional musicians, they say it's not with the brand. It's with the musician. A branded instrument is pointless if the one holding it doesn't now how to make art out of it. All instruments are the same, they are just labelled to make them look better than the others when in fact they are all made out from the same materials. Very reasonable right? And, this is just my dream. I want to have that so I can finally stop pretending pillows as snares and tom-toms and books as cymbals. I don't have to beg other people to practice with me in a studio (since studios won't let you practice unless you are a complete band) and it gets expensive. So why not just save the money we're paying for the studio and buy my own set? *sigh* can't wait for this to happen. I already feel so frustrated. But I won't stop.

My Amateur Photography

2010-04-13T17:19:00.001+08:00

I was able to retrieve files from my memory card. Above, is a shot taken before my camera died. I had hopes in being a photographer. Look closely at the picture above, notice the little bee? It's nice isn't it. To be able to capture those evasive creatures. And I was only using a point and shoot camera that time. I was really really close to that bee, thankfully it didn't fly away. God's works are so wonderful.

see more at http://xacrifix.deviantart.com

Welcome Home BEATRIX!

2010-04-04T01:40:00.001+08:00

That's the PC I got from the best dad in the world! Plus the monitor from the coolest mom. What else can you ask for? :) This totally rocks. It has two Hard drives (200G & 250G), two DVD-RAM drives, 2G of RAM, a 2.4 ghz Core 2 duo, and much much more. I am so thankful for this gift :) The monitor is a 15' inch Acer LCD. Just right for our needs, we don't need a very big big flat screen. :)

I named my PC Beatrix, meaning bringer of joy. I tend to give names to important stuff to me, especially when it's special. (A lot of 'special' in it don't I sound redundant? haha!) Yesterday me and my sis bought a router too. So we can access the internet at the same time whenever we want to. :) no more waiting in line hahaha! Not gonna hear those-- " ate / kate pahiram ng PC saglit... saglit lang please? "

What made me amaze the most... is on the other drive there's a folder with 41,595 mp3's on it. LOL and WOW. I feel like a radio server already. hahaha! Isn't this great? :)

Cool Freaks of Nature

2010-03-26T02:58:00.002+08:00

So I got oddly addicted to Youtube lately that I've been watching weird stuff. This got my attention so I wanna share it with you guys. Here are series of videos about weird/newly discovered fishes or sea creatures.

there's this favorite of mine from the animal planet. the world's (current) largest fish alive. The Arapaima fish, a relative of the Arowana fish. (the common fish we see in aquarium on most houses here in Philippines, they believe arowana fishes bring goodluck.)

Since embedding was disabled, here's the link.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tRfN_y64RZY

cool eh? hehe. :D

ever wondered where could've the chinese mythical dragon would've been patterned from? I believe this is it.. the Oarfish. The LONGEST fish on the planet. The longest one seen alive was 17 meters. It is also a fish that can swim vertically. here are some videos I collected from Youtube.

a dead baby oarfish caught in Thailand. poor thing. :(

a dying oarfish caught on tape in Catalina Islands, 2006. I believe this fish remains were preserved in a museum.

Some oceanarium in Japan that has an Oarfish in a shallow tank. Notice it's dying probably because of lack in water pressure. Oarfishes are deep sea creatures.

a clip from a tourist in korea, featuring a dead oarfish.

enjoy watching! :)

The Best Things

2010-03-23T12:44:00.003+08:00

Sometimes, the best things in life doesn't come in grand packages, it doesn't need to be fancy. What's important is the thought, and the passion that you put all your heart into giving.

Sometimes, the most touching lines are in the simplest form. Yet you feel the care. The sentences need not to be filled with "profound" words. The simplest and most understandable can sometimes hit you straight at the heart.

Indeed the best things in life are for free. All love that we can give, the happiness we receive and sometimes sharing genuine smiles and laughter. These are the best things in life that can never be bought.

Oil on Canvas

2010-03-18T23:51:00.006+08:00

Finally, I finished my koi fish painting. I was extremely frustrated at first because it looked more like a 'bangus' (milkfish) than a koi, until I added the colors. :p It's my first oil on canvas painting so pardon for errors on shadows and strokes. I didn't study for it, it's all... imagination. So here is the finished work. I used my phone to take a picture of this, so sorry if it's kinda blurred.

Hope you guys like it. :) I'll get it framed soon. This painting is dedicated to my loved ones. :)

A Distant Memory

2010-03-15T00:37:00.006+08:00

How I wish the traffic would stop. The heat is already getting to my nerves and head is starting to ache. I can almost hear gong like sounds ringing on my ears. I hate the feeling of sweat running down my neck. I don't like sweating. Moments later, the bus started to move. At last, there is a bit of air.

It was quite a long ride to the station. Pretty far, since I live in a remote area and I have to take a bus to get to the train station. I'm supposed to meet my cousins today. Just to hangout on a regular weekend, it's also been a while since I last saw them.

"Can I sit here?"

I man's voice said. I looked up and it was a fair looking guy just about my age, wearing a faint yellow shirt. Great, my favorite color. I nodded quickly and returned to the window beside me watching us pass by views of the mountains. I wanted to see what the guy beside me looked like again, It's been a habit of mine to check on people's face. I might bump into them again someday, but it's just a crappy habit of mine. When I looked at him he was also looking at me. I showed a little bit of a shocked face, then he smiled. I looked away.

He was cute.

It's my stop. I stood up quickly and went to the door. I got down the bus and ran to a nearby shop to get some bite. I easily get hungry though I never gain weight. Lucky isn't it? Oh I love sandwiches. More of the lettuce please. After I finished my sandwich I went to the ticketing area to see a long line of people buying train tickets. I'm not in a hurry anyway so this should be alright, besides it's not that hot anymore.

While I was on the line, I looked to my left, to my surprise it was the guy from the bus. He looked at me and he seemed surprised too. We both had shocked faces for about two seconds. He smiled, I laughed a bit. He tried to talk to me, but it was my turn to the window. After I bought my ticket it was his turn to the window, I looked at him. Then proceeded to the platform. I waited for the train, along with other people. Looking around hoping to see that guy again.

I saw him.

He was on the other side of the platform. It was easy to spot him with his bright colored shirt. I think he saw me as well. We looked at each other and smiled. I saw his lips move, as if he was talking to me. He was far from me but I think I understood what he said.

"What's your name?"

"Sara."

I replied, with no voice. It was just a moment when I saw him reply, he said his name as well.

"Michael"

and the train came, blocking the view. I got in the train and rushed to the window, hoping to see him but I couldn't. There were so many people. So I sat down slowly, and looked outside the window, looking at the train station now disappearing from my sight.

I smiled to myself and said,

maybe there are things that only happen in our imagination.

One Hot Saturday Afternoon

2010-03-13T15:40:00.003+08:00

I guess my brain slows down wit heat. I get lazy easily when it's too hot, and it affects my mood. I don't feel like doing anything. I wanted to update my template, but then I got tired editing codes and stuff. I just chose another standard layout. :p

And, I just wanted to have that dancing furry thing on my blog. So there's that cute little stuff. dancing on this post. :D

Assuming

2010-03-07T02:10:00.003+08:00

Things aren't always what they seem.

We may think we know, think we understand. But we can only think,

we can only believe that we know better but in fact we don't.

It's always easy to point out at the mistakes of others, but never our own.

It's always easy to give advice to others but never to our own.

Easy to say we understand but we never really actually see what others are going through.

We only judge by what we see, we don't feel what others feel.

We feel the way we feel for the things that we see, NOT the way how others feel about it.

We are all different, we all have different perceptions.

People may not see things the way we see it.

or vice versa.

It has always been easy to assume,

that when a person smiles,

we all think that person is happy,

when in fact,

she's not.

HELP : MISSING

2010-03-02T00:21:00.002+08:00

name : Sandy
gender : undecided
body mass : undetermined
color : gold to brown

suspect teddy-napper : LYN.

gimme back me beer. I mean BEAR.

:D

When Internet is unavailable...

2010-03-02T00:07:00.004+08:00

I guess this is what boredom does to us siblings :D

My messy desk and an unfinished oil on canvas work. I still have that "albino" fish as Lyn described. I hope to have it done soon... I'm still thinking what color should I use.

It's supposed to be a KOI fish...lols

and the part where it took me hours to finish. Damn Lotus, I'm not even sure if it's a lotus flower anymore. All I know is that...it also looks like a lilly pad...oops! lilly pad is from a game I was playing :p (too much Plants VS. Zombies I guess...)

So... I HAVE NO INTERNET! hahaha! sorry for the rush post :p
I'm stealing wifi mwahahaha...

will update if I get to finish this oil on canvas thing.. if not, at least someday I'll finish it.
I'll finish it IN TIME... (not ON time though... HAHAHA >:p )

ciao!

Frustrated Drummer Wannabe

2010-02-12T07:49:00.007+08:00

these are pictures of me doing the drums. I know it's not really my forte. I am a guitarist but I don't know why I get so engrossed in wanting to be a drummer. Though I'm not good either but I am more than willing to learn. I just find drums so cool. I ended up looking at them, I really want to have one so I can improve myself. It's kinda hard imagining pillows as drums and snares and place books as cymbals. :)) So these are the very very best pick I found, and quite expensive too.

a Black Tama 5 set drums

Birch 5 set Pearl drum set.

REALLY CLASSY looking set.

Pearl, Wine Red 5 piece drumset.

now this is fierce!

It's not bad to dream. I know I haven't got any penny now. But someday I wish to have one of these. Dear God let it rain cash HAHAHA! Just kidding. :) Aren't they just lovely? :)

Not Much Variations

2010-02-07T02:14:00.000+08:00

Nasi Lemak

2010-02-04T01:43:00.002+08:00

The Malaysian cuisine I chose to prepare (and exerted quite an effort.) Though the chicken was not cooked so well, but it was delicious. I bet I can beat the 'nasi lemak' of the restaurant where Lyn went. hahaha! They should hire me, this is what a mouth watering Nasi Lemak should be. :)

Arbitrary

2010-02-01T20:07:00.008+08:00

Two of thailand dishes that we made last week. Would you believe we got another 100& grade for these two dishes? On top is the Roti and below is the Tom Yam Soup. It was really quite easy to prepare. And the tom yam was extra spicy. yum! it was perfect for inuman. :))

And this is the game I got addicted to. Plants vs. Zombies. :)) Sort of a stress reliever, and I swear I didn't notice the time flew so fast when I was playing this game. It's fun because I dont have to think so much. :p

and this was my stolen shot from today's seminar about being successful. But damn they can't even spell 'successfully'. :)) Where's credibility in that? hahaha! kidding aside, The speaker was downright boring as well, he was more of preaching. But thankfully that seminar was free. I would have revolted (exaggerating) if I had to pay for a seminar that sucked. :p Geez I've been so mean today. Hoping for a better day tomorrow :)

cheers!

college

2010-01-31T17:26:00.000+08:00

I found my old HRM ID cards. Do you see a pattern?

My P.O.V.'s on 2010 Presidential Elections

2010-01-28T02:52:00.004+08:00

I know I might receive a lot of bashing from this post but I am entitled to my opinion and somehow I want my opinions to be heard, it may serve as an eye opener or not but I want to voice out my thoughts regarding this years election.

I FIND SOME LEADING OFFICIALS FULL OF CRAP. :)
(an oh yes I will be naming some names here.)

Benigno "NoyNoy" Aquino III

Brief history : Benigno Aquino or Ninoy's death was pivotal to the downfall of a despotic ruler and the eventual restoration of democracy in the Philippines and his wife Cory Aquino was best remembered for leading the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution, which toppled the authoritarian regime of the late strongman Ferdinand Marcos and restored democracy in the Philippines. They were Philippine's Icon of Democracy.

and Noy Noy, is their son who just showed up at his mother's death. How unlikely. During his speech at his mother's wake, we were expecting a speech from him as a son's point of view of how Cory was like as a mother, and not as a political tool. But frustratedly, it is as if he used his mother's death as a discreet election campaign to win the people's sympathy. How pathetic. Why show up now, and USE his parent's shadow. Why can't he make a name for himself. I never heard of him until his campaign as president now. Why does he have to wait 'till his mother died and decide that Philippines needed a fine leader? Why didn't he do that way back if he really had the intentions? But my point is, I really dislike him using his parents' hard worked names.

Manuel "Manny" Villar

This one I don't need to cite a history or brief background. He was alright until this elections. He disgusts me the most. HE IS THE MOST ARROGANT candidate I've ever seen. And yes I will emphasize on the arrogant word. First off, the nerve he has to claim himself as "tunay na mahirap"! Yes he may be really really poor back then but must also know that money is NOT the solution to the Philippine crisis. He has the most irritatingly frequent number of TV commercials, at the longest allowed time, and a super show off. And to have that much commercials 24 hours everyday, my God he is wasting billions everyday just to PROMOTE himself when he could've had better use of that money. HE IS SO DESPERATE IN BUYING THE PEOPLE'S VOTES. Imagine how many people he could've really helped if he used the money for a better cause. And I forgot to mention, it is our tax he is using. Tax that we are the ones who are supposed to benefit from. With one million a day, how many roads he could've got fixed? how many shelters he could have provided? How many hungry mouths he could have fed? and guess what, he had a noon show where he GAVE 3 million to random children. IF he was really to help give education to children, why does he have to choose a few, and why does he HAVE TO AIR IT OUT ON TV? what a show off. Why is she showering money now?

When we were struck by calamities, THE PEOPLE NEEDED GREAT HELP. Where was he? Where were the other officials? soundless, sightless. With that money why not at least help out pay the country's debts? With that much money, they should have, could have and would have done much much better things.

And to all officials, why show off now, why only during elections? Why when there is no elections, where are you? out there watching Manny Pacquiao's fight when the congress is at session? How can you abandon your duties like that after your promises during the elections? And you are using our hard earned money. Shame on you pigs.

my verdict?

I want all election campaigns be banned so that all voting will be based on what they have done for the country during their term and not what they have shown off during elections. Corruption is everywhere, it's a fact. There is nothing we can do about corruption but at least we can play down. If there is no election campaign craps, it will be fair. And it would benefit us too, because they have to work during their term to earn our votes. An official maybe full of crap and corruption but at least he/she is doing his duties, doing something for the country. Our taxes will be put into good use rather than be wasted on election campaigns. Now which sounds better?

Be a smart voter, your not dumb. You're just blinded by their gimmicks. Don't be fooled by their propaganda. All running candidates will do everything to appear clean to the public. Don't base everything on what they say. Don't listen to what they say but study and analyze them, study their background and contributions to the country. Be rational. Think. Don't let the public affect your decision.

Peace out! Happy Elections. :)

Filipino Singers are Wonderful!

2010-01-23T01:29:00.002+08:00

Introducing miss Tiffany. Please watch the video. :) She's really great. I love her voice and her classical rendition of Beyonce's Sweetdreams.

I discovered her on a primetime show when I was hanging out at my classmate's house the other night. We were amazed with her voice. I got LSS with her cover. So I searched for her and found her on youtube. Cool. And I also found out she was filipina. awesome! :))

cheers! I love being a filipino! :)

One Step

2010-01-19T01:58:00.001+08:00

Yes, I want to run away every time.

Yes, I want to be far from where I am.

But I can't. It's not because I am forced to stay, it's because I have to stay.

Sometimes, I have to chose not the right or wrong but what is better. To choose what is more beneficial, what is the lesser evil and what I think would be moral.

There are things beyond reason. And to be mature, means to understand the incomprehensible.

Love Life

2010-01-16T22:53:00.001+08:00

Hanging out at the mall at the weekend. We're going to have a long week so isn't it just alright to unwind a little bit and do some stuff we won't be doing on a daily basis-- Like goofing around the department store. Yes it sounds so childish but it sure releases stress and tensions. Try having a little break from the standard and from worrying what people would think of you, anyway people wouldn't even bother remembering your face. Sometimes, it feels good to be free in a just a ample amount of time. We only get to live once, so we might as well do some ridiculous stuff that would make us laugh and smile when we are older and memories that will make us say-- yes, I have lived my life well. :)

Random

2010-01-04T08:31:00.001+08:00

I saw this in the wondermilk cupcake box... it doesn't look right, two girls and a line 'bite me'. lols.

Anyway, belated Happy New year! :)

Forgetting

2009-12-26T20:13:00.000+08:00

I used to be the one in the picture, the one he used as a wallpaper and screensaver for his phone. I used to be the one he thought of. I used to be the one he called, the one he wanted to see and the one he wanted to be with. It was my hand he used to hold. I used to be the one, used to be.

I saw him with his new girl; I never thought it would feel this way for I have always thought it didn’t matter to me. But surprisingly it did. I couldn’t look; I can’t understand how I feel. I don’t know if I want to cry or I want to smile. I couldn’t understand if I was hurt, for half I feel numb and half happy. But I never felt jealous.

I was happy that he was happy; that he finally found what he deserved. That he has found the one he was looking for. At the same time I couldn’t avoid thinking of thoughts if only I could’ve been better, smarter and more matured. If only I wasn’t too young, stupid and naïve. If only I knew what I was doing then.

But we were better before I came. And now we are better after I left. Maybe there are certain things that bring the worst out of one another, and maybe there are things not meant to be no matter how much you wanted, no matter how true your feelings were, there are just some emotions that cannot be reached out, that can never be understood.

Maybe we are better this way, maybe the memories I kept for so long is meant to be forgotten. It doesn’t matter if we learned or we regret from what we had. It doesn’t matter anymore. Maybe, it’s time for me let go and forget.

Maybe this is what we were supposed to be after all.

Movie Review : Avatar by James Cameron

2009-12-23T15:49:00.005+08:00

I was eyeing this movie last month, until I was able to watch it. (Thanks to my dearie who took me to the movies on the last day of school. :) I'm not good on citing reviews and such but I'll just tell what I think about the movie.

So what's my verdict? I like this movie. Cool. The graphics were'nt bad enough although the first part of the movie, some animations were obviously computerized but as the movie went on it became nicer and nicer. And I like those blue aliens. They are called navis.

The plot is very simple. Human race ran out of resources and is now stealing from the Planet Pandora. They earn the native's trust and then betray them and so on an forth... and also there are a lot of good lessons to be learned. We just need common sense to figure them out.

If you like mobile robots, or anything cyber techy that reminds you of spaceships and transformers, Avatar's got it. and If you like mythical creatures, castle ages, and anything like the elves in the forest... (I dunno If I'm describing it right) Avatar's got both worlds combined.

I like this movie. I'm gonna watch it again when I have time. :) So I'm gonna give it a 4.5 out of 5.0 :)

The Aftermath

2009-12-12T12:39:00.006+08:00

The 38th WCC Foundation Day.

There are more students who attended this event rather than last year, I may say. Probably because it was a 0nje-day event. All sports competition and the concert were held altogether in one day. (Though I only attended the concert). Our campus (Antipolo) had won several awards, so it was not bad at all. We were'nt losers, although last year we were the over all champion. were we? lols. The speaker asked why most track and field competitions were won by student from Antipolo Campus... some of us yelled 'kasi taga bundok'. I LOL'd. Maybe we were just good at running. Me? Don't ask me, I get exhausted easily, thanks for my asthma.

I grabbed the pics from a Nursing student studying at Quezon Campus, thanks to him I've had pics this year. I broke my camera so.. boo hoo for me.

I like this photo he took. I can't even remember when I did that "three" thingy. But it's a nice candid shot and I like it. I also viewed most his photos and he's a good photographer, he's got the eye and the camera. I love slr cameras. I'm gonna get mine d90 someday. lols

The band Moonstar88 was there, and the highlight- Parokya ni Edgar with Chito Miranda in his bad-ass attitude again. I've heard a lot of stories about him being an asshole and all, and I witnessed it myself. May topak nga siya when it comes to handling fans. Well, I'm no fan of parokya, yeah I listen to their songs but I'm no fan. Naalala ko lang yung mga younger classmates ko na gusto magpapic tapos bigla tumalikod si Chito. Nonetheless, the hell I care. :)

The event was, fun. But not like last year when it was fresher. I mean, last year moonstar88 was there, and this year they're here again. It could've been better if they had new set of songs but they sang the same songs they had last year, and only ONE new song we're not even familiar with. That part seemed predictable. And, it ended quickly. Kamikazee were more hyped, who was even entertaining the audience with his blurbs in every interval. With Parokya, their performance-- I've seen it before, nothing much new. Though the songs were still good. But you know, it lacked something, the thrill of seeing something new.

I enjoyed the event anyway. I won't deny that I was jumping like crazy and even got my head hit with flying bottles and bathed with bottled ice tea. Blame the other students who were throwing bottled water and C2 everywhere. It was riotically fun. (is there such a word as riotically? lol)

RIOT!!

Man Hating

2009-12-06T16:01:00.002+08:00

A few of my friend notice I had this man-hater feel whenever I talk about love and relationships. From experiences, yes I would love to hate and curse all of mankind. But I have brothers, cousins and friends who are men, who are really kind. So to be fair, being a man-hating bitch was scratched out of my system. But I just can't help but bitch out when I see my girl friends cry to me about their asshole boyfriends and I have had asshole boyfriends too. So I can relate and I know how they feel. But it's utterly pointless 'cause these pea-brained men won't be able to digest the thought and won't be able to understand. That's why they're assholes, because they're stupid. dammit I wish I could behead them.

All the girl does is to do everything to please them and make them happy so that they'll stay with them. The guy says they love them but LACK action. and what do they do? take their girls for granted. It's a perfect give and take relationship, the girl gives, the guy takes. How irritating can it get? At least a little effort to equal the girl's effort or at least show some APPRECIATION? How dense can these guys get.

and here I am writing a rant filled post, full of hate and angst. lol

Scarlet : Operation Success!

2009-11-03T21:27:00.004+08:00

I just came from cyberzone to pick up Scarlet. she's alive. though she has permanent amnesia-- all my files GONE. *sigh* It's allright, I'll start all over again. There's nothing I can do. The previous OS got corrupted and some of system registry was, whatever. lols

glad she's back and as cute as ever. mini. :) and I have my partition! har har har >:) so that whenever I need to reformat, all that needs to be reformatted is C: and my files which are saved in the partition are saved. nyahahaha. XD

Oh well. that's all for now. :p

Scarlet : Under Operation

2009-10-30T03:28:00.000+08:00

Scarlet (my laptop) is not functioning. dammit. Something went hayware with the OS, it gets stuck on start up and doesn't even reach the desktop. It boots but I can't even run command prompt, I need to reformat/repair the OS but even though I have the recovery disc with me, it's useless since that mini note does'n't have a cd rom. argh! such hassle!

What's sad is that if it doesn't restore or repair the problem I will have it reformatted and LOOSE all my hardworked files. (Now I really wanna say SHIT MY THESIS.) now lesson learned, I should've made that damn partition so that my files are safe. I trusted so much. But then again, it wasn't only me who was using that mini. My sis is borrowing it too. She was the last one who used it before it went hayware. All she claims is that when the power had gone out, my laptop did too. (It has battery oh come on how could it possibly just turn off like that?)

no point arguing. Scarlet needs to be fixed or else I'll be dead too. >_<

note to self : buy external dvd rom, the one that is attachable via usb thingy. and buy external hard drive so I can back up all my files.

Too Much to Ask

2009-10-29T22:02:00.005+08:00

I wanted to say I'm sorry, I'm not perfect I will never be. I feel bad, terribly. That no matter how hard I try, It is never enough. No matter how hard I try to make you notice It still wasn't enough. Am I asking for too much? I just wanted you to notice me smile. I just wanted you to feel me. To see me in my ups and downs. But You always seem to see me as someone who pulls you down. Someone negative, Someone who I am not. I'm sorry if I can never be who you wanted me to be. You say I am perfectly fine when I am being me but that is not how you make me feel, when I am being me, you make me feel like I shouldn't be. I always smile for your sake, but you only see the frowns. I look at you but you only see the tears. When I say something, you always believe that I meant it in a bad way but in fact I never did. You always seem to see something that is not me. You see somebody else. I wish you could see me, but it has been too much to ask already. If only I could wish enough. This not me, this is who you are making me.

Conversations

2009-10-28T23:48:00.004+08:00

I had lunch at the canteen today with some first year students. Makes me feel old, realizing how long I have been in the school and reminds me when I was a freshman. But it also feels nice to be looked up to and called "ate". These first year kids also reminded me of what I was when I was younger. Then bigla may isang girl nagtanong.

"Ate, bakit ganun ang mga lalaki, una nilang tinitignan ang physical appearance ng mga babae kaysa ugali..."

I said "hindi naman lahat, talagang mauuna mo naman talaga makita ang itsura ng tao bago yung ugali diba?" :p (I was trying to make common sense...lol)

"hindi ate eh, bakit yung iba yung boobs kagad tinitignan..."

I LOL'd. So I just said, "parang ganito lang yan, kung sa atin mga babae, mas una natin napapansin ang gwapo na dumadaan. diba pag may nadaan na guy una natin sinasabi 'uy may gwapo oh'. parang ganun nalang din sa lalaki, hindi rin naman boobs lang lahat ang nakikita nila. kapag may nakita ba tayo'ng lalaki eh nakikita ba natin kagad ugali? hindi diba? parang ganun lang din sa kanila.

Kikilalanin naman nila ang babae kapag natipuhan nila."

I remembered back in High School I asked the same exact words, but I got no answer. Seems now I have given myself an answer. :p so sometimes, I just have to wait patiently for answers. They're sure to come. :)

Desperado na ang Meralco

2009-10-23T07:53:00.004+08:00

Nakakabadtrip at nakakainis at nakakaloko. Pinadalhan kami ngayong araw ng Disconnection Notice galing sa meralco. Puputulan daw kami ng kuryente sa october 25, 2009 kung hindi kami makakapag bayad bago mag october 25. at alam niyo ba kung magkano ang unpaid bill namin?

PhP 37.70 lang! LANG!!!

ang meralco cainta branch tuwing saturdays ay hanggang alas dose ng tanghali lamang. tapos, may exam pa ako bukas ng umaga, mga 10am ako matatapos. tapos kung pupunta ako sa meralco galing sa school mga 11am na ako makakarating sa meralco, pagdating dun... kamusta naman ang pila diba?

pipila ako para sa 37 pesos... =__=;

ang laking sagabal ng !@#$%^&* 37 pesos na yan. Mahal pa pamasahe ko kesa sa bill na yan.

(ngayon ko lang napagtanto na hindi lang ako ang may toyo sa mundo.)

My Incomprehension

2009-10-21T18:44:00.001+08:00

This morning, I finished my final paper in partial fulfillment to my Phil. Literature subject. From the book we are using for this class, we have to pick one story/poem that has not been tackled up. (aba, sa kapal ng librong to ang dami ko choices.) I had quite a hard time choosing a story, so I played with the book, I made it's edge lay flat on the table and whichever page it opens up when I let loose of it's sides, if there's a story or poem in that page, that's the one I'll be using for my paper.

So it did, it opened to a exactly at the first page of a story. titled, Sounds of Sunday by Kerima Polotan-Tuvera. The story was about a husband and wife's separation due to their differences. Husband was too obsessed with gaining a high position in his work, earning huge amounts of cash even if it meant cheating, bribing and pimping. Whereas the wife preferred a simple living, an honest one just as long as they are happy. The husband bought all the goods for his wife and children. Things they never imagined to have. The husband loved his wife indeed, but he wasn't able to understand that it wasn't what she needed. The husband paid too much time and effort in his work. His pride was more important than his family. Their indifferences caused them to fall apart, the wife left him along with the kids and returned to her hometown where she lived independently. As a year passed by, in her loneliness, she met someone who had made her feel what she needed to feel.

Love, can last for as how long we want, if we want to. But it is easy to fall out of love too. I can barely understand how love works now, it is great and at the same time it is the only thing that can hurt you so much. It was also said, to forget a past love you need to find a new one. Easily said, but in fact it is true. How people fall so fast and fall apart at the same speed they fell in love.

Recently, I was viewing my late friend's ex boyfriend. He has married a new girl and they seemed to be happy. I bet my friend's happy for him too. Though, it hasn't been a year since my friend died, but I think it doesn't matter now. People can move on so quickly, and everyone deserves to be happy isn't it?

Just that, I still can't seem to understand how fast-paced everything goes now, how two years can feel like two days, and how someone you fell badly in love with seemed like a stranger the next day. That you felt you were loved and the next day you were forgotten. I guess, people are just hungry to be loved. And they'll search for it as much as they can, they will look for comfort and replace what was lost as soon as they could.

I guess, and maybe, I'm beginning to understand what 'No Man is an Island' means.

Gusto Ko Lang Magkwento.

2009-10-20T01:47:00.000+08:00

OMG. I said that to myself countless times and my sister was sort of in-shock with the reaction I had, especially when those tears fell uncontrollably. She didn't expect me to react that way, I didn't expect it either. I was too happy and I couldn't believe myself that I'd get to read AGAIN, something that was part of my childhood. (oo parang ang OA pero totoo talaga ang sinasabi ko! peksman!)

Back in my elementary days, when I used to slip a Culture Crash Comic book in my math book and pretend studying. (at ginagawa ko rin yun kapag kunwari nagrereview ako para sa exams. Peace tayo ma! :D) I used to do that everyday and never get tired re-reading my CCCom copies.

When I had my last copy, my cousin asked if he could have it for his birthday gift. I thought I could buy another copy so I gave him what he requested for. It was his birthday anyway. I didn't know it was the last I'll ever get to see a publication of CCCom. I looked everywhere and I seem not to find it. We didn't have internet back at home so there was no way for me to get updated. I thought-- damn, they're late for three months already. Later did it came to my mind that they had stopped the publication. I was broken hearted. (Oh nooo~ the only past time I have)

I took care of my copies, I had all of them complete. But years passed they became stored away in my memoir box. Then by bad luck, my copies of CCCom were ruined by the rain. :( I now only have three copies left. Culture Crash was the only local comic book I ever supported. I thought it was the last too (unless if my friend pursued her career then, :p) Yea I was bitter, but I had hopes. I attended conventions hoping to find signs of CCCom. But to no avail. I even planned cosplaying Clarissa (One Day Isang Diwa) or Mikaela. But my plans remained "plans" hahaha.

On the last CosMania that I attended, I saw a kubori kikiam cosplayer. I was pointing at that dick-looking mascot, but my sister didn't remember. "shet, si benjo yun ah, sa kubori kikiam ng culture crash!" I told my sis but she just nodded. (So, natahimik nalang ang lelang mo.) I went around and checked the booths there, baka may nagbebenta mga collectibles ng CCCom. Pero Wala. =( I went back to our booth and sold pancit nalang ulit. (yung mga nakaka alala sa violet haired na nagtitinda ng pancit sa pinaka dulo ng mga food booths. *ehem ehem* aysus feeling sikat naman ako), I also remembered Metro Comic Con, sa dinamidaming comics. Walang sign ng CCCom. Frustrated na talaga ako, I'll be graduating college soon. And CCCom was back in my elementary days. I just told myself, give up kate. CCCom's an epic memory nalang. It's one of Philippine's pioneer (anime inspired) comics... and it's been years. (Nagbabakasakali nalang ako may magbebenta sakin ng complete issues ng CCCom. promise I'll buy it!)

but my happy days are back :D I am now holding copies of Cat's Trail Rewind and Spotlight. :D

oh diba? parang sakto lang! kung kelan halos sumuko na ako sa paghihintay, bigla sila dumating! They caught my fall may tema! ang cheesy! (tanga ko lang di ako nagsearch sa net adik. hahaha may blog pala si Sir Elmer Damaso, the creator of CT.) yeah, I am a die hard fan. So I think pwede ko na istalk ulit si taga ilog. Especially now na kilala daw siya ng friend ko in person, taga binangonan daw? Salamat Emon at nakilala kita :D

P.S.

Sabog ako, galing ako sa OJT wala pa akong tulog dahil sa mga lintek na thesis at research paper at sobrang daming demands ng school. Hindi na matagalan ng utak ko mag english, at antok na ako. Nag aadik pa ako ngayon sa facebook at shemay, moderator pala ako sa chichiraku.org need ko na magparamdam! EXAMS NA BUKAS!!! waaaaaaaaaa!!

(binasa ko to ulit, ang daldal ko pala kapag bangag. T_T)

A letter to an Ex-Girlfriend

2009-10-17T15:40:00.001+08:00

I found this on mulitply. I would like to share this to everyone. It's a good read :)

- - - -

to the bloodsuckingleechthatwasmygirlfriend (i mean this in a good way):

My mom would always say to my dad, "kung mangangaliwa ka na rin lang, please naman, pumili ka ng mas matalino sa akin in some way, ha?" of course, she wouldn't say that in our presence, since that would obviously shock us kids, but still, the point remained valid.

In the days long gone (meaning when we were still together) I always wondered, if we were no longer together, who would you replace me with? who else would give you hugs, kisses, who else would comfort you whenever you feel down or lonely? who would put up with your crankiness, your mood swings, your sudden gushes of affection?

I could think of a lot of things the next guy would have to go through, and believe me, I don't really think he's prepared to take care of you (at least not as well as I do ;) ) the way you deserve to be treated... there was always a long list of candidates who were just waiting like vultures around the door for us to fall apart. but I couldn't see anyone among them who deserved to be with you...or anyone who could make you happy.

of course, I'm biased. I like to think that I was the perfect gentleman...ha! in a perfect world. whenever I think of all the times I made you cry, of all the lies you never found out about, of what I could have done instead of what I actually did, I really regret not making most of what we had together. it's not a wish to try again, mind you, but still...I could have done a lot better if I wanted to...

I think it's part of taking you for granted. You have someone, you automatically assume that you're going to have that person forever. It seems like forever sometimes, especially when that person is shouting at you because you didn't call her last night, or is slapping you because you were staring at some other girl's boobs,
or is berating you for not talking enough...but still, when it's all gone and over, you miss it. Even the worst moments with that person still matter to you somehow, because no matter how much you hated that person today, you always knew, deep down inside, that you loved her, and she loved you back...

Stuff like that seems so easy, just another part of the daily cycle of fights, apologies, and making out, oops, making up... it never crosses your mind that your time together is only temporary. It never lasts as long as you want it to...if I only knew that the time you spend together would be over tomorrow, would I have done things differently? would I have taken more time out to talk to you, to see you after class, to put up with your whining a bit more...?

I don't know. I'll never know, because, the time for doing so is past. and I can never take things back. and sorry to say, I wouldn't change things. I believe that we became better people, thanks to what we went through...

I learned so much from you (and I like to think the corollary is equally valid), and I've given and taken so much...we've molded each other's lives more intimately than anyone else could. whatever we've become is, in part, due to the time we shared together.

and that's why I want to say thanks. because I never did so properly. I never got the hang of gratefulness, another trait you often chided me about...but I'm trying to change for the better (emphasis on trying).

Thanks for honestly loving me during that time. Thanks for teaching me what it is to love someone, and be loved in return. thanks for all the hugs, kisses, useless trinkets that i still keep (unless I lost them). Thanks for all the times you screamed at me, cried just to make me feel bad, fought with me just because you felt like it. Thanks for being such a jealous girl, because that meant my attention was actually worth something...

Thanks for teaching me to value each and every moment with someone,
since we will never know when the time we can spend together will end...

Thanks for being the one who taught me these things.

do I love you? I guess I still do. "i love you" is something you mean for life, but not always in the same manner, nor the same magnitude. You'll always have part of me with you (whether you like it or not), because I owe you part of what I am today...and whatever I may tell the next girl, you'll still have a special place in my heart....(as the one who taught me how to handle the next girl---kidding! =) )

yours in faith,
speedy kuhol.

PS

anyway, the only reason I'm writing this is because your new boyfriend's a piece of shit, and I can't believe that you would replace me with a dick like him (although mine is obviously better) because that means we are both on the same level and I cant accept that fact that he'll only make your life miserable because he isn't actually worth your time and I believe that he is nowhere near who I am and who I became for you.

thanks.

The Calm, before the Storm

2009-10-16T03:26:00.000+08:00

I don't look that stressed yet but wait and see what'll I look after a stress packed week has gone by. Final Exams' next week. Yet I still have time to blog? Yeah, everything's been given easy to me. Yet I take it for granted. That's life isn't it? it's fair. :D

Nah Seriously, it's 3:34am already. I just finished making three term papers. I feel sleepy already but I am afraid to go to sleep. I am afraid I might oversleep and wake up only to know that I missed the first class and will be late on the next one. And alarm clocks doesn't work for me, at least. I fall asleep right away after a snooze them off.

Been busy in school today, we did the inventory. I hate looking for missing stuff especially when you don't know where to look for those friggin missing dessert spoon and fork. And cleaning! need to clean the whole kitchen. Those higher levels sure stock a lot of trashed and spoiled goods in the fridge. What a rat pack! But it was all worth the effort, Prof. Fuentes bought us two boxes of pizza and two 1.5L bottles of Sprite for our merienda. aww how sweet! It was also her despedida for us since she wont be in the campus anymore next semester. She said so. Oh well, need to adjust to the new faculty next semester.

Busy day ahead! Need to catch up some rest. :)

Me and My thoughts

2009-10-09T01:50:00.000+08:00

Time for a change, time to think things over. Am I happy? I can't seem to answer that question somehow, which tells that I am still human. Uncontent and yearning for something better in life. It was once said, that we humans will always look for something better. For a greener pasture. How do we know if there's a greener pasture? How do we know if there's something better?

There's something missing in my life. I don't know what it is, or what's been missing. But for the past years in my life I always had that empty space inside of me, that hasn't been filled until now. Related to my older post, It might be because I haven't found my sanctuary yet.

It's time for a change, it's time to stop shortchanging myself, and be selfish sometimes. I've always put others before myself that I end up unhappy because my efforts gone unrequited. I am tired of thinking about others' interest. It's time to make myself happy. I am tired of being taken for granted by the ones I love.

Like I used to say, your happiness shouldn't depend on somebody else, happiness comes from within. I need to find my happiness and inner peace. That's the only way for me to find my sanctuary.

It's time to make the ireversible change.

A Sense of Belonging

2009-10-07T14:13:00.000+08:00

It's something akin to being at 'home'. It's deeper than family ties, it's hard to find like searching for a needle in a pond. It's something you might not notice, or something you've always had, something you might've taken for granted, or something you've never had.

I've always wanted to feel that I belong. As to where I am now, I know don't belong. I might have family, friends, similar physical appearances and even bear the same name as they do, but I don't feel like I really belong. I feel like I'm not part of it. I am not at ease. I have cousins, wide range of half brothers and sisters, relatives spread world wide, but I've never felt a strong connection, a bond. Something that would tie us together, something that meant really deep. It's as if if we take away our names then we can be as good as strangers who just met and became close. It's always been easy to blame another for your life's misfortunes. But it wouldn't do any help, it'll only make me more bitter. I'll just try my best to build my 'own' family, and that they won't have the same fate I had. I'll be making a place of my own, where I know I belong. To make my own sanctuary.

Nobody can ever feel the exact same way, we can relate to others, but not on a hundred percent degree. The pain of being told, or being mutually rubbed on your nose that you are outside of their circle. The hurt you will feel because of being excluded, uninvited. But then again, I can't be let down. Somewhere out there, there's someone who'll be hurt twice as much I am. There's someone who will shed the tears that I can't. I have to be strong for that someone.

I have been reminded that there people less fortunate that I am, and people who are more fortunate than I am. It keeps the balance. Hence, life is fair. So no matter what difficulty may came, I cannot cry and scream 'Life is unfair'. It's wrong. I have to open my eyes wider, to see that life had always been fair.

I may feel alone now, but it won't be forever. Someday, someone's gonna be there for me. Someday, I'll find a place where I know I belong. Someday I can smile and say, "I'm home".

:)

Welcome to my world

2009-10-07T00:17:00.000+08:00

Cosplay (コスプレ, kosupure), short for "costume roleplay", is a fan labor type of performance art in which participants don costumes and accessories to represent a specific character or idea. Characters are often drawn from popular fiction in Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, China, and the Philippines.

sources : the good ole' Wikipedia

The Art of Letting Go

2009-10-06T12:17:00.001+08:00

one of the reasons why people get so sentimental

it's because, memories are the only things that don't change when everything else does...

there are things in life that you can't hold on forever,
no matter how much you fight for it.

sometimes destiny isn't always good, it becomes playful.

when you met someone you learned to love, you thought that is was destiny who made your paths cross.

but what if making your paths cross is just a part of the game that playful destiny created?

making you realize in the end, that the person you thought that was destined for you wasn't really meant to stay.. but only destined to make you feel love and leave you when you've already fallen.

it's not easy to state a reason when you decide to leave your love.

Some might think it's just an excuse... some might not actually believe... some will blame you.. some might even mad at you...

what they don't see is the fact that... it hurts you even more to hurt someone who doesn't deserve to be hurt... especially when you can't actually state the reason why you have to leave...

You can never own something that was never yours... so let's stop gripping on the things we expect to last forever... Nothing lasts forever. forever is a lie, everything is transitory

So while you have something in your hand, put in mind that it's just borrowed... So that someday when it's gone, it won't take you eternity just to let it go...

when your feelings get strong for someone, its always wise to stop for a while and give your
heart a time to breathe. a time to use your mind to weigh the situation based on reason not on emotion because the saddest thing that can happen is when one falls in love while the other wants nothing more than friendship..

love can sometimes be magic... but magic can sometimes be an illusion...

There are times when I wish that I was limited to certain emotions so that i'll never have to
experience pain, never feel betrayed or disappointed, and never get my fragile heart broken...

But the same thing means that I'll never know how it feels to love and be loved in return... the thought of it kind of scares me... To have a heart that's whole but numb... or a heart thats broken but real.

Someday, we'll all be looking back to those days we learned to love, get hurt,cry, and fight.

maybe when that time comes, we'll be laughing at our dumb selves, realizing how stupid we were to stand up for things we knew weren't really meant for us.

But I guess learning takes time, and mistakes make one's journey fun.

Life is what we make it, Love makes the world go round.

So let's live, love, and take whatever pain it brings.. though it's hard to wait around for something that I know will never happen... it's harder to stop when I know it's everything I've always wanted...

but you know what?

I'm glad...

I'm glad it happened.

thank you for the love you gave to me.

Food Carving

2009-10-06T11:23:00.000+08:00

Here's some pics from the Food Carving seminar we had this semester. Just look at the pics, these were made by us. :D of course with our teacher sir Jose Bagayana who taught us how to carve fruits and vegetables. pretty cool huh?

this picture above with a huge flower like shape, it's made out from a watermelon. :)

this rose is made from 'singkamas' . Pretty hard to do since this veggie is so tough.

a phoenix made out of carrots. :D

two turtles made from squash and carrots for the head.

and variety of garnishes from different vegetables.

Catching up

2009-10-05T10:26:00.000+08:00

So my attempt of starting a new blog in a different address FAILED. I got too busy with school that I forgot the username and password. can't retrieve it either since I used a different email that I also forgot. Lesson learned, stick to what I have and be content. :D

Again, it's been like, four months since I last posted. and what, my last post was surely out of... okay let's just say I didn't have much to write about. I didn't have a life back then. but these four months that passed been sure hell a lot.

so where did I stop? June? so let's see what happened around July.

Girl's Day Out. KARAOKE!!! gawd I sang so bad. And we had unlimited fun at the timezone in Gateway mall. With purikura too but the purikura's too small I can't scan it. :)) too bad I didn't came on time to catch up with the cake they had at Red Ribbon. Oh well. It was fun really.

And then we had our Ichiraku Spookfest 2009, which seemed more like a slumber party lol. but the scary stories we shared were scary. lols. I remember Crono got the hell out of me by freaking me out. What did he do? well, I thought he wasn't there since he said he wasn't gonna make it. Me and Kana went outside to check on the terrace when this big black thing popped out of nowhere with a scray rawr~ and I was too surprised that I ended up screaming and running until I got inside the house. My heart was beating too fast and they had a good laugh. It was crono who scared me. (how the hell did he fit himself in the tiny corner without being seen? and he's a big guy. biggg guy.)

there's a ghost behind me!

too focused on the TV.
(we were watching "Begotten" and all of us were like,
wtf is that?)

and the 100 scary stories session.
we lasted till 3am and it was spooky.
NO lights, just candles and the cold night.

we girls ended up doing the infamous "Asian Poses"

there are a lot of photos I wish I could upload all of them.

and at end of month, it was Miel Gabriel my godson's christening. :)

welcome to the Christian world Gabbie :)

Oh my it's just a short post and now much time has passed, I'm gonna be late for school I gotta go. I'll catch up later, or when I get access to my school's wifi. Maybe I'll bring my laptop then.

Laters~

Flipping the Pages to the Next Chapter

2009-06-23T09:02:00.000+08:00

I decided to reorganize my life. Starting with minor stuff, such as my desk. It looks like a mess and cluttered, seriously unorganized. It was becoming an eyesore whenever I start thinking of how to become a responsible person. First, by taking care of my stuff and keeping it neat and organized. How can I be called responsible when I can't even handle smallest stuffs in my room. This is a start, I hope this isn't just for now. I hope I will be able to maintain it through the rest of my life. Changing is hard, but if for the better, then I'd work my ass on it.

Notice my desk was in total girly color, I wanted a cheery color, it makes me feel jolly. I was able to save that little bamboo that was given to me along with the dozen roses bouquet on my birthday. It nearly died! I have left the bouquet somewhere downstairs, two weeks when I noticed all the roses were dead and the bamboo was half alive. Poor thing, I placed it in a small ceramic pot. Now it's surviving, and growing too.

Then I found my original anime dvd collections, the classics. wow, they are old. hahaha! I remember my childhood how I was so addicted to these japanese creations, my world revolved around it. Though it was just a diversion. Well, I am an escape artist, certified. It was easy to escape reality back then. It's different now, it's not all the time I am a young rebellious high schooler who doesn't care about anything but myself. It's better to face things to get over and get done with it than forever escaping the same facts, it's running on circles and I'm not getting any younger. As time passes by, priorities change.

ToyCon 2009 & Ichiraku

2009-06-07T09:09:00.000+08:00

I was at the Toy Con 2009 :D

Finally getting the habit of attending cons, related to anime. :) for this year I guess my anime-life is productive. and I have more projects to go, I'm excited! Also, school is usually tiring but not as toxic as last year. :) A little positive outlook in life also helped, I just try to find the bright side.

Moreover, I was with my Ichiraku fellows! Though not as plenty as I expected, but most people I know were there and it was fun. :) Next con, COSMANIA! hope to see you guys there and I hope I'd finish my cos for the cosmania, I really hope so :) for more pics check out my multiply site :)

I'll be married at the age of . . .

2009-05-08T16:21:00.000+08:00

(just put an x next to the things that apply to you)

[x] I know how to make a pot of coffee.
-seriously of course I can.
[x] I keep track of dates using a calendar.
-but I'm human, I do forget stuff.
[ ] I own more than one credit card.
-I don't even have a job. lol
[x] I know how to change the oil in a car.
[x] I know how to do my own laundry.
[ ] I vote every election.
[x] I can cook for myself.
-especially when really hungry. XD
[ ] I think politics are exciting.
[ ] I balance my checkbook.
[ ] My parents have better things to say than my friends.
Total: 5

[ ] I show up for school/college/work every day early.
-yeah I show up for school everyday...though NOT early. hahaha!
[ ] I always carry a pen in my pocket/purse.
[ ] I've never gotten a detention.
-guilty. XD
[ ] I have never smoked a cigarette.
[x] I have never gotten completely trashed.
[x] I have forgotten my own birthday at least once.
[x] I like to take walks by myself.
[x] I've watched talk shows.
[x] I know what 'credibility' means without looking it up.
[x] I drink coffee at least once a week.
-I drink coffee everyday.
Total: 6

[x] I know how to do the dishes.
-lol, who doesn't.
[x] I can count to 10 in another language.
-In French and Japanese.
[ ] When I say I'm going to do something I do it.
[ ] My parents trust me.
-Not so sure about this part. hahaha!
[ ] I can mow the lawn.
-We don't have a lawn to be mowed.
[ ] I can make adults laugh without being stupid.
[ ] I remember to water the plants.
-that's our maid's job. But I do when I want to.
[x] I study when I have to.
-only during exams. lol
[ ] I pay attention at school/college.
-No I don't. lol
[x] I remember to feed my pets.
-Of course! Or else they wont let me sleep.
Total: 4

[x] I can spell 'experience' without looking it up
[ ] I work out on a regular basis
-uh me? work out? I don't think so.
[x] I clean up my own mess.
[ ] The people at Starbucks know me by name.
[ ] My favorite kind of food is take out.
[ ] I have gained weight since middle/high school.
[x] The first thing I do when I wake up is get caffeine.
[x] I can go to the store without getting something I don't need.
[ ] I understand political jokes the first time they are said.
[x] I can type quickly.
-certified.
Total: 5

[ ] I have realized that the weather forecast changes every hour.
-I live in the Philippines, the weather here changes every minute. lol
[ ] My only friends are from my place of employment.
[ ] I have been to a tupperware party.
-wtfh is that?
[x] I have realized that no one will take you seriously unless you are over the age of 25 and have a job.
-also if you don't anything sensible to say.
[ ] I have more bills than I can pay.
[x] All(most) my friends are older than I am
-most are boys too.
[ ] I can say no to staying out all night.
-Not so sure about that part.
[x] I use the internet every day.
-The internet has become a necessity.
[ ] My wardrobe hasn't changed in a while.
[x] I can read a book and actually finish it.
-finish what you've started.
Total: 4

Add up all the numbers.

My marriage age is 24?!

that's four years from now...noooo~

Birthday Swimming

2009-04-20T18:34:00.000+08:00

I'm twenteen years old. get it? twenTEEN.

teenage life is finally over. oh dear.
wonderin' what's next to come...

I feel ecstatic.
nervous.
clueless.
blank.

so here are few pics from the swimming we had
for our birthdays, me & Joana.

too bad Bholeng & Melissa wasn't there.

with guy friends Jr, Uvan (girl), Me, Wadz, Ju and Ton.

Heny, me & Uvan.

a few of us...

well the others were comfortably hangin' around
the other side of the pool.

Thankfully I didn't get a tan from staying out in the sun. I fear getting my skin burned, again. haha!

We had our swimming at Villa Concepcion resort, if I only had enough budget we might've opted the beach. Anyway, our summer vacation's quite long so we might try... hehehe....

Alright I got to go, it's getting hectic here.

I'll blog when things become peaceful
and I can have my thoughts cleared.

It's hard to blog when someone's nagging you around,
or when you're in a noisy atmosphere.

Oh well. See yeah 'round!

one dozen roses

2009-04-19T00:43:00.000+08:00

Happy 20th birthday to me.

:)

(thanks for the flowers...*wink*)

Ozine Fest 2009

2009-04-04T03:09:00.000+08:00

Ahh. The world of cosplay. Once I said I'd never enter...again? lol.
Going to the Ozine Fest 2009 wasn't part of my plan & schedule.
Never intended to be there in the first place.

Well, my bestfriend bought that kitty ears for me.
Since I was more of a Cat (from the name itself, KAT, KITTY)
Anything that's part of the feline family can be related to me.

So, what's up with the Ozine Fest? well, I didn't see much
expect for the 270 cosplayers wandering about the whole
SM Megamall, and that was only the number of
the registered cosplayers. Who know's they'd be 300 plus or so.
There were many people there.

Cosplay (costume play.) I don't need to define it here,
look it up! We're all lazy here.
Earlier there were bands, and booths
selling different paraphernalia and stuff.
All anime.

I'll tell you more tomorrow, I'm too tired
been standing and walking the whole day
made me realize I only sat twice for the whole day.
Glad I survived.
:)

The Pursuit

2009-04-03T01:32:00.000+08:00

I'm sitting comfortably on the stone
the place is perfect, my kind of perfect.
but when I looked somewhere else,
even though I am comfortable,
even though I think it's alright to be there...
I really shouldn't be there.
I'm supposed to be sitting on that bench.

The picture alone pretty much explains what I'm going through.

Oh unfair life, I'm getting used to it. Getting the hang of laughing things away. Indeed, laughter is the best medicine-- also applicable for wounded hearts. :)

but even though I shouldn't be there, I'm staying.

why?

because I am content.

No matter how many times I'll get hurt, No matter how many times I'll be wounded & scarred,
No matter how many bruises or stitches, No matter how many tears...

I'll never stop loving.

It's best feeling you can ever have, the best thing one can experience. The best I've ever had.

Getting hurt, getting terribly hurt, is just like the exact opposite of how happy you've been. The way I see things now, It's like a weighing scale, the amount of love should be equal to the amount of pain... If you didn't get hurt, you didn't love at all. Now when I think of it, life is not actually unfair, we just don't see the other side of it. Life is fair, it is balanced. Just that, we only see ourselves.

There are a lot of things I should be happy about, but often I take them for granted. I wish other people would see the way I see the world now. I see myself before, very much different to the person I am now.

I wish they would find happiness, the way I've found mine.

And after years of searching, searching for happiness. I've finally found mine, and it has been there all along... It was within me. :)

Just why?

2009-03-30T14:23:00.000+08:00

Sometimes I’d wish I had met you earlier. Sometimes I’d wish I had never known, and yes, the truth hurts more than I could accept.

It hurts trying to put into mind that I am bound to be where I am, my pride and guilt. When there’s a part of me, wanting to walk away, wanting to run away.

If I had only known better, If I had only waited. I have told myself these so many times already, but it never sinked in. I always fail myself, and I always end on the losing side.

I don’t know why should I stay when I am unhappy. I feel that I am obliged to stay where I am now, I feel that I have to stay, if it takes the rest of my life enduring more, growing pain.

I had always prayed that there’d be someone to listen to me, someone who would understand me. Yes, my prayer was answered. That someone came, but things didn’t turn out the way I expected. A sudden change of events.

Why him, Why now?

I’ve finally met someone who could understand me, who actually listens…and I felt much more alone than I’ve ever been my whole life.

Why does it have to be you?

My Baby

2009-02-08T23:00:00.000+08:00

huh, say what?

Oh.

My presence is missing for a year already?

Oh. You'll know why I was lost for a couple of
9 months or so...

It's because of...

HIM.

yeah that little guy,

My baby Gabbie.

Now don't tell me he's not adorable, cuz he's mine.

don't he just look like me?

alright just kidding :)

I'm his Ninang!

hehehe!

happy reunion with my buddies today :)

Tanga

2009-02-07T23:17:00.001+08:00

Nasa ika limang taon sa mababang paaralan ng ako’y mahumaling sa kaklase kong lalake.
hindi gaanong kagwapuhan, moreno, di katangkaran at makapal ang labi.

Madalas siyang dumaan sa aming bahay pagkatapos ng klase, upang maglaro, mag kuwentuhan at mag asaran. Gamit niya ang kulay asul kong bisekleta, nagduduyan sa lumang gulong na nakatali sa puno ng kamatsile at nililibot ang di gaanong malawak naming bakuran. Halos araw araw, ganoon lamang ang aming ginagawa.

Di nagtagal ay mas labis na kaming nagkukuwentuhan, ngunit pag dating sa klase’y di parin nagpapansinan. Sinasabayan niya ako pauwi, at hinahatid sa amin. Minsa’y nag uusap sa telepono ng kung anu-ano lamang.

Hindi ko tiyak kung ano ang kanyang pakay, hindi ko rin tiyak kung bakit madalas na kami magkasama.

Basta’t ako’y nahuhumaling na sakanya.

Isang gabi’y nadaan siya sa aming bahay, ala siete ng gabi. Pagkatapos kong maghapunan, siya’y nakatayo sa pinto at ako’y hinanap.

Nataranta ako.

Lumapit ako at tiniyak kung siya nga ito, oo siya nga. Anong ginagawa niya sa amin ng ganitong oras?

Dahan dahan siyang lumapit sa akin, sa dilim, na halos malapit na magdikit an gaming mukha.

Bigla siyang bumulong.

“Kate, may notes ka ba sa Filipino? Pwede pahiram naman.”

Natataranta parin ako. Dali dali tumakbo sa aking kuwarto, sa aking tukador at kinuha ang aking kuwaderno.

Nanakbo pabalik sa pintuan at iniabot ang kuwaderno. Hinihingal. Nakangiti. Di makapagsalita.

“Salamat.” Wika niya.

Ng siya’y nakaalis na, doon ko lamang lubos naisip…

na wala pala akong isinulat ni katiting sa pinahiram kong kuwaderno.

:)

You're Not Mine

2009-01-29T21:15:00.000+08:00

I had a dream about you
There you were standing beside me
And you looked at me
With wide brown eyes

I had a glimpse of you
Smiling at me cant you see
That’s why I only wish
That you could be mine

Oh no! Something’s there
Don’t you feel it?
Cant deny it
I feel it when you look at me
Even from afar
There you are
We know something’s there
But…

You're making me high
You're making me high
But you're not mine

Cant stop this feeling
Why cant I get rid of you
Cause when I see you staring
There we go again

When were together
Seems like though nobody’s there
You tell me everything
Don’t worry you got me baby

Oh no! Something’s there
Don’t you feel it?
Cant deny it
I feel it when you look at me
Even from afar
There you are
We know something’s there
But…

You're making me high
You're making me high
But you're not mine...

Miss Independent

2009-01-27T15:59:00.000+08:00

Wish you were here
to listen to me
too far away
though you're close to me
cause I need you
I need you to stay with me

I close my eyes
and I think of you
The feeling is strong
but your love is gone
still I need you
I need you to stay with me

Two people together
Two hearts as one
We will go on forever
Life is a lullaby

When I see you
I feel complete
but it cant be true
cuz you don't love me
but I need you
I need you to stay with me...

one, two, three, and

I close my eyes
and I realize
life must go on
for me to be strong
I don't need you
Don't need you to stay with me!

Two people together
Two hearts as one
They will go on forever
Life is a lullaby.

Yiahoo's 1st Death Anniversary

2008-12-14T15:17:00.001+08:00

Yiahoo Cacha
November 2006 - December 11, 2007

It's my dear pet Yiahoo's 1st death anniversary!

Alright I know, as you all say "it's just a dog". I'm sorry but this is how I love, irregardless human or not. When I love, I give my hundred percent. I love this dog and he still continues to live in my heart.

Oh boy, it's been a year already. I miss you so damn much, there's not been a day that I did not think of you. There's a lot of things you missed, but I'm happy now don't worry. :) (since no one steals my chocolates and sneaks into my room to sleep on my bed anymore! hahaha! Just kidding!)

We all miss you here. Go and steal all the chocolates you want up there but be a good poodle and don't bully puppies alright?

I miss you!

Pangarap at Tagumpay

2008-12-13T15:34:00.000+08:00

Ang pangarap, bago makamtam o mapagtagumpayan ay kailangan pagsikapan. Kailangan sumabak sa pagsubok at dito masusubok ang iyong tiyaga, pasensya at pagsusumikap. Sa buhay ng isang tao, may mga pangarap na akala mo ay di maaring makamtam, pero sa totoo lang ay walang imposible. Basta may dedikasyon at pagmamahal sa ginagawa, lahat ay maaring matupad. Ang pangarap ay di basta ipinagkaloob ng Diyos na matupad, sinusubok niya tayo kung tayo ba ay nararapat sa pamamagitan ng mga balakid na maglalabas ng ating pananalig at paniniwala sa kanya.

Sa bawat hirap na dinaranas ng isang tao upang makamit ang pangarap at tagumpay, marami ding bagay na natututunan, mga pagkakamali na nagpapatibay at nagpapaunlad sa kanyang pagkatao, kaya kung di man agad makamit ang kagustuhan, di dapat mawalan ng pag asa, sa halip, dapat ay lalong magsumikap, itama ang maling nagawa at matuto upang di magkamali ulit.

Marami pa akong dapat itama at marami pang dapat gawin upang maisakatuparan ang aking mga pangarap, ngunit kahit anong mangyari, ako ay nagsusumikap, magtitiyaga at mananalig sa Diyos upang makamtan ko ito sa tamang paraan at panahon.

On Saturday (Nov. 15) my doctor will check how small (hopefully) the hole in my heart is... please pray that I'd be qualified for the transcatheter procedure (that is if the hole is less than 2cm and the gadget would have walls to stick on in my heart) and that I'd fully recover.
ang dami ko pang gustong gawin and honestly, I've never known how short life could be until I got sick.

I hope this would also serve as a wake up call for those who are taking their lives forgranted... there are people like me na kailangan muna magkasakit before marealize na dapat alagaan ang sarili and gawin dapat ang best in everything you do for you'll never know when it's "your time". treasure your health, life, family, friends, and everybody else that you love; you don't know what you've got till it's gone.

Let's all pray that things would turn out fine. Thank you for reading this!

God Speed!

-----

This was written by my dearest friend Charmaine E. Marvive before she passed away on December 11th 2008 at the age of 22. I just wanted to share to everyone her letter, until now I still want to cry whenever I read her letter and look at her pictures.

As a very sickly person myself, I experienced a life and death situation as well before I started taking care of myself. Thank God I had a chance, but there's no assurance I might get that chance again. Who knows if my next attack would take me totally. Life is indeed short.

Please don't take your lives for granted, no matter how hard a situation is, it will pass and you will overcome it and succeed just as long as you keep holding on, and remain strong. Life is very beautiful. Live life to the fullest for we are only allowed to live once. Once it's our time, there's no turning back. Do everything you can so that in the end, you won't have regrets.

Let people you love feel how much you love them, treasure your friends and family, value them and appreciate them. You will never know if it will be the last you'll be able to see or even talk to them.

I remember a line from my favorite song...

"If there's someone you know, and you are loving them so, but taking them all for granted. You may lose them one day, someone takes them away and they don't hear the words you long to say..."

If you are still alive, it's never too late. Do what you must do while you still have time. If you've made mistakes, you can still correct them. If you have enemies and if you've hurt someone, ask for forgiveness. Say thank you to everyone you know, let them know they are appreciated even for the littlest thing they do.

and most... forgive yourself, love yourself, and never pity or hate yourself.

Have a blessed day everyone, smile! :)

A time for you...

2008-12-12T12:43:00.000+08:00

her name's Charmaine E. Marvive

She's my friend since high school, a really really smart girl. She's much more free spirited than I am, and totally outgoing and confident. I admire her confidence and how she speaks her mind. She loves to sing, damn she has a nice voice. She loves music, she loves hanging out, she loves to read books as well. She's a very open minded person. A homebody, Sensible, faithful, dedicated and she has no pretensions.

She loves to smile, she's a very bubbly girl, she makes me laugh effortless. She understands my dilemmas and dramas, as well as I understand hers. She like to be spoiled especially by her loved ones, and when she loves, she gives her one hundred percent, everything she could give she will just to show how much she loves you.

She's a very strong girl, she has lots of burdens, she had undergone trials heavier than you could imagine, but I never saw her frown. She kept that bubbly smile, brighter than the sunlight, an infectious smile. She always appeared as a happy person to everyone, she is.

My dear friend, I'm glad you've been a part of my life. I'm glad you've been a special friend to me, I'm glad we've shared wonderful times together, the laughter and the chikahan and the kalokohan. I'm glad to have met you. Thank you for letting me be a part of your life, thank you for the care you've shown me, thank you for the listening ear, the shoulder to lean on and a caring hand. Thank you for being like a sister to me, I will miss the times you call me baby sister.

Wherever you are, I know you are at peace. All your struggles have ended, all your pains are now gone. I will smile, like you told me to, and I will always remember the memories you left. I know you are now in God's arms. I will miss you my dear sis. I love you so much!

No! Don't leave me!

2008-11-22T09:50:00.000+08:00

Please give me a second chance, I promise to take more care of you, I promise to pay more attention to you! my dear lungs! don't die~ lol~

I got a second chance in life. Cool. :)

Well that's how I feel after almost dying from suffocation. I couldn't think properly that time (since when did I... hahaha!) and I ran out of emergency medicines, my prescribed inhaler doesn't work anymore, I was alone at home, and much more misfortune. Dad came, found me right on time and brought me to the nearest hospital. I was given immediate medical care.

and voila! I am alive! fully alive~ *flyleaf song on the background*

my new life saver

So after that the doctor examined me and diagnosed that my recent asthma attacks was a result of stress and my erratic sleeping schedule. Talk about stress, don't tell me I'm more stressed than my sister? omg! and I'm only 19! much more to that, I was prescribed with new and a whole lot more EXPENSIVE medicines. geez, it reached to a total of (more than) 3,000.oo Pesos and that's just for a week of medications.

First Aid

*sobs* it so costly to remain alive. You guys out there, especially the EMO, stop trying to kill yourselves because you actually don't know what youre doing. Please value life and love it. It's just a matter of positive thinking. You whine too much about your broken hearts. You just need to sort out your priorities, well I'll talk about it later.

The Ancient and the Modern

So, I was becoming a little bit fond of my new life saver. My new inhaler. though it's totally has much more strong effect than my old one and I feel drugged after one shot, err I mean relieved. AND it's in my favorite color. Purple. oh how cute! I wonder if they had a yellow colored one or a green. and it's smaller than my old one. Which led me to imagining designs for inhalers, should companies make designs for them you know, like a collector's edition or something. hahaha! I was thinking and anime designed inhaler, oh well. talk about merchandize I'm totally nuts.

I guess I'm just drugged. Taking 6 medicines and 1 shot a day makes me go high. And I just had my medications right now, so you can see. I actually feel a little shivery but doc said it's normal when you've taken medications for asthma. Nonetheless I feel so drugged. hahaha!

I am sOo high~

Slipped away

2008-10-29T11:02:00.000+08:00

I dunno but these ridiculous stamps made me laugh my ass off. lol

Survived the boring Semestral break... wait, what break?
Next week will be start of classes, argh. I wish I'll have more friggin' time to update, my blog is sooo~ outdated. geez. :(

Let's Sing in Chorus

2008-10-14T04:14:00.001+08:00

Finally I've tested my Fender Starcaster Chorus Pedal. It makes such sweet sounds, perfect for blues. And don't just my bandmates envy me so much. mwahaha *evil laugh* Here's a pic of the sweet thing, and it's in yellow. My favorite color. Seems like it was meant for me. cool. :D

Features
• Chorus Effect Pedal
• Ideal for Performance, Practice
• Features: Portable Design
• Also Features: On/Off Switch, Chorus Function
• For use with Guitars
• 1/4" Inputs ; 1/4" Outputs
• Protective Qualities: Black Velveteen Rubber Padding, Rugged Case
• 8 x 4 x 2.5 "; 2.0 Lb.

This pedal is a gift from Jeff, came all the way from New York. Thanks Jeff. =)

When it all pays off

2008-10-11T04:03:00.000+08:00

The Defense for Business Plan on TQM Subject was finally finished.

Was given the highest possible grade.

*giggles*

Months of sleepless nights and hard work finally came to an end.

Cheers for me and Jho Ann (my groupmate) who stayed with me through out the whole process of making a good business proposal and feasibility reports.

now these dark lines under my eyes are soooo meaningful. lol

Do I think I can?

2008-10-08T03:48:00.000+08:00

Do you have what it takes to be a leader?

I remembered that whole day game on our subject Total Quality Management. Boy, was I totally trashed after all that running back and forth outside the school campus back to the seventh floor. And the school elevator wasn't working that time. argh it killed my legs man. Bruised and wounded my hands with all those games. they sure did kill me physically and mentally.

So there were lots of activities given, they actually appeared like simple parlor games and kiddie games but actually it was more like a test, psychological thingy. I really don't know how to explain it well. With those games, you'll find out if you are a leader, a good follower, or simply a pain in the ass. I think it's common, everybody knows these kind of stuff, like I mean most schools even companies do these stuff, on outings and etc.

So I think I wont have to tell what games my teacher gave us, but I was so happy when my team won first place! hurray! All the wounds and being physically beaten were paid off when I heard we were first place. and Mind you I was the leader of the group, I was so scared I'd bring the whole team to wrecks. Good teamwork, Good leadership said the teacher.

I think we won solely because we abided by the rules, and the concept of "strong foundation" we made regarding establishment protection and stuff... Our 'business' may be small but we're indestructible. mwahahaha! *evil laugh* But good thing my team listens, it's hard to do your part when nobody listens to you, and they were pretty much cooperative. =)

but I still don't feel very much like a leader, I still wanna bum around and do nothing. lol

Kath's Back

2008-09-30T14:27:00.000+08:00

and soon, I'll be one of them...again.

Put on your brake lights

We're in the city of wonder
Ain't gonna play nice
Watch out, you might just go under
Better think twice
Your train of thought will be altered
So if you must falter, be wise
Your mind's in disturbia.

Alright I think this is getting overboard. I'm having and LSS (Last Song Syndrome) and it's driving me nuts. I'm writing my business plan for my TQM subject and then suddenly this song pops into my head, and it's been two days already. Rihanna, you're disturbing me. XD lol! I'm not really into RnB songs but this one-- I don't know, it's kinda stuck onto my head. Argh!

So what's up aside from my crazy school activities? hmmm... nothing really... aside that I'm gaining weight AGAIN, and so here goes my vanity. *sigh* I hope this term ends soon, I don't know but I feel like in a hurry to finish college. (I've always been eversince primary chool, so what's the difference? lol)

I'm havin' a holiday! hurray! atleast I can take some rest and regain my health, I'm happy I'm recovering quite fast. Oh and much thanks to my friends who paid me a visit when I was sick. That was so sweet of you guys, thanks for the company. :)

and to Jeff, my sweet nephew (gawd do I really have to do this? joke lang!), thanks for the gift! you rock! hehehe =p

Going insane

2008-09-24T10:08:00.000+08:00

currently super busy with school.

the following pictures are evidences of students
diagnosed to have lost their sanity due
to excessive studying, pressure and stress.

UPCOMING FINAL EXAMS!

and hopefully,
we're all gonna survive this term.

I'll update as soon as the semester ends!

wish us luck!
(and have a brain check afterwards)

Tired, but Proud!

2008-09-04T13:27:00.000+08:00

Finally the day that we've been waiting for has arrived. The cocktail party. okay so what does my being Chef have to do with it? lol. We're gonna cook foods, finger foods, side dishes, etc. You can't just serve people drinks only right? And they're alcoholic drinks, you definitely need food specially when you're getting intoxicated. blah... blah... blah...

I was supposed to be one of the bartenders at the bar, but I prefer being in the kitchen. It's more fun there. Specially at the part where we call "Survival of the fittest" it's simply, LOL. Just imagine we can't touch what we have prepared for the menu. We can't go out of the kitchen either. So where do we get our food? =p I won't tell but it's really fun and now I wouldn't wonder why people working in the kitchen gain the extra pounds easily, it's the abundance of food! the kitchen-- is ultimately BUSY and at the same time HEAPS of fun and has an ABUNDANT supply of food.

I didn't have much idea what went on the bar since I was in the kitchen the rest of the day. The feedbacks we got from customers were satisfactory (since they got drunk cuz they ordered too much cocktails thus we'll be serving mocktails instead next function.) and our professors were happy as well, they said we weren't bad managers for first timers. Although there were some errors during the event but we pulled it off anyway.

I love wearing that Chef coat. I feel, proud of myself. I wish I could wear it more often. I feel good about myself when I was wearing it.

At the end of day I feel so tired and haggard, with the feet that's killing me since we are not allowed to sit inside the kitchen. Yes, I was standing the whole day. You really haven't done much, but you feel you've accomplished a lot. It's a happy feeling. Nothing can compare to the feeling that you have succeeded, done something good, and what you've done has been appreciated and given credit.

especially when someone tells you they're proud of you. :)

Someday, I'm gonna be called Chef. *wink*

From a Lazy Blogger

2008-08-28T00:43:00.000+08:00

I don't know what to post anymore, my mind's dried up with all these thesis and extensive feasibility studies. And not just one but heaps of painstaking thesis from different subjects. Our lecturers sure knows how to keep our asses workin. Well, it'd better be for the good of course.

Enough about school. I wanted to share these,

I found these pictures on my hard drive (yes I was doing some clean up again), these where taken when my Godfather visited Philippines just about a month ago. The pics were taken in Caleruega, Tagaytay. One of the coolest place in the Philippines, when I say cool it's also because the weather there is really cool even in summer.

I remember that day, at least my Godfather enjoyed his short trip to Tagaytay, he was a nature lover and we think we brought him to the right place. He was enjoying taking lots of pictures. (All the while I was enjoying the food, hahaha! Just kidding!) I couldn't do much talking that day-- I was having a bad sore throat due to stress from school. Godfather even noticed that I looked so stressed and was worried. :( But later that noon I was able to talk about some stuff... well, a little. sigh~

These are just some of the many photos that I have found, pics were taken by my tita Dhea and husband, and some from tito Gerry (the one with the red shirt, really funny guy. lolz)

They kept teasing me the whole day, even godfather! They keep telling me that my wedding should be held in Tagaytay, and that I shouldn't forget them. Forget you? guys, I already sent out the invitations for my wedding, haven't you received it yet? I want you to be there on my wedding day which is very near! lol. We had fun. Oh the good times. :)

Note: I call him godfather, it's because when I was at their place his wife ma'am Rannie (which now I also call godmother) said that they wanted to adopt me as their daughter, later on they adopted me as goddaughter instead. and the story went on and on~ lolz. They're really nice people you know, not to mention that I love godmother Rannie's cooking. :)

Oh I miss them already. (and MAKES ME MISS MY MOM EVEN MORE!!!)

If you wanna know more about Caleruega I'll just give you the official website, here's the link Caleruega.

It's actually located in Nasugbu, Batangas. But it's easier if you just say Tagaytay. err...whatever. Can't explain anymore. I'm getting lazy to talk. lolz.

Visit the place, I recommend it. Take it from me, I'm in the tourism industry. =p

Take Me Back, Oh Villa Escudero

2008-08-24T19:50:00.000+08:00

We just had our trip to Villa Escudero, an interesting two hour drive South from Metro Manila brings you to one of the Philippines most popular get aways, Villa Escudero, where Philippine culture and history comes to life.

Welcome to Villa Escudero

Villa Escudero is a working coconut plantation founded in 1872. In 1980 the Escudero family opened the plantation to the general public. Since then Villa Escudero has developed a worldwide reputation as a focal point to experience Philippine culture and history in a beautiful rural setting.

rafting in the lake

It was actually a stormy day (again, just the same as we were in Baguio and in the Imperial Suites). It was raining cats and dogs that morning on our way to Quezon Province. I had actually lost my excitement that morning due to the bad weather. But as we reached Laguna, the rain had lessened until it became clear. The storm has passed.

after storm

Villa Escudero gives you this very Filipino feel, almost everybody there carries a guitar and there's someone there with a very lovely voice singing Tagalog songs, which I could not understand very well.

wonder what's inside the tanke de guera?

Everyone I know knows why, my Tagalog is only for communicating and I could not speak the real Tagalog. They were singing deep Tagalog, I couldn't understand much but I could get the meaning and I know it was beautiful songs. How I wish I could hear them again, the singer had a very nice voice too.

I didn't take as much photos for I was busy enjoying the rafting, and swimming at the lake, and I was too scared to get my camera wet or I might drop it in the water and such. The water was cold, and I was enjoying the natural coolness of it. Though we couldn't help but goof around and scare ourselves that there were water snakes & crocodiles, but there weren't any. Well why would they let us swim at the lake if there were.

The food there was excellent. There were lots of inihaw, and delicious Filipino cuisines. How I love our food. Sweet sago for dessert, and kare kare with bagoong were my favorite. inihaw na manok, baboy at iba pa. I also loved the baka I just forgot what the dish was called. hahaha! how can I call myself Filipina I can't even remember some Filipino cuisines, all I know is that they are delicious and I love them!

After that we took a lot of pictures by the falls, you know what's nice about it? Is that you can dine beside the falls. They have tables & chairs set so you can dine comfortably while enjoying the ambiance and beautiful Filipino setting. Ang sarap mag kamay! Tapos sa dahon pa ng saging, tapos ka sasarap pa ng mga inihain. Yum!

We being ourselves so you can very much expect that we would goof around every time we can, and every opportunity we see. What can you expect? that's how we entertain ourselves, and removes tfe pressure we get from the heavy school work load and duties once in a while.

I couldn't say much anymore about Villa Escudero, but it is a very interesting place, very natural and very beautiful. It's a nice place to be when you want to have lunch by the falls, and relax and do the rafting on the lake, it a place to be if you want to unwind and release yourself from the stresses of city life. Oh please! take me back to Villa Escudero!