Exchanging Lines

It finally dawned on me...I not that annoyed. Just a few lines. It sucks. I'm a sucker. I can't help it. Probably the Love Life Quiz is true..I am kind.

What am I talking about? Ask me.

",) ItsReallyALotLikeLove

Carpool, etc.

I had a free ride yesterday from QC to Makati. Well, everyone knows about the 10-hr work week. One of its advantages is that you get to go home with the rest of your officemates. I gathered all my guts and ask Ricky that I'd tag along with the rest of the people that get a ride from him. Aside from saving energy and help the environment, I got to save some

money too. Hehehe.

We were a noisy bunch inside the van. Poor Ricky, naging designated driver.

Today, I was supposed to go with some of my officemates in Nagcarlan and Laiya to have some joyriding/swimming. As much as I want to join them some things hinder me. One, I have to be ready at 530 AM. What? It beats the 6 AM time I wake up during regular office hours. Second, I will be the designated muse since no other female worker is going. That is what I get for being single, unattached and nothing to do on a Friday. Not that I don't trust the guys. I know I am in safe hands but the fact that I won't have any girl-bonding during the trip...Well, I will still get to see Nagcarlan on May and I've been to Laiya a few years back.

I have a new pair of glasses today. While waiting for my glasses, I roamed around Robinsons. Man, it was so hard with a blurred vision. I think I made the right decision of not buying that shirt and undergarments---I might have chosen a hideous style. One thing for sure, I covet that Diesel shoes. Too bad, it wasn't on sale.

Stephenie's gone. So long, Ulong! Well, she is one remarkable lady. She might be voted off but that won't stop me from watching Survivor.

And I thought I have nothing to write about for today.

::currently watching:: Bubble Gang
::currently reading :: Girls' Night Out
::song in my head :: Cherish by Madonna

Horoscope talks, etc...

April 27

This is what my horoscope yesterday reads:
Control is apt to be a big theme for you and the people who surround you today, Shirley. You will likely find that there is such a brutal dispute over who is holding the reins that once someone finally gets a firm hold of them, he or she is apt to take the situation to the extreme. There is an aggressive tone to things that will not be easily ignored. Be careful of whom you associate with on a day like this.

I don’t actually believe in horoscopes, and for the fun part of it, I still read my horoscope emails which I subscribed to. This is one of the few times that it did come true. Had a harassing day at work, and one of the bosses somewhat "denied" me. Well, he denied having read an important email from the US Embassy and I was the one being "interrogated" why the mail didn't get through the right channels. Ma! ko sa kanila! A mild dispute ensued (me excluded) and yes, good thing, I was careful of whom I associated with.

The next day, he apologized and admitted receiving that email in the first place (I forwarded it to the rest of the Board with his name in BOLD CAPS in the first list of recipients), kaya wala syang lusot. Talk about saving face! I was happy he admitted his mistake. Well, I'm glad I have a boss like that. Sa iba pa yan, panindigan na nila na ikaw ang palpak...

***

TGIF, April 29

Current movie in mind: "Coyote Ugly"

Current book: Marrow (not that good though)

Song in my head: "MY Boo"

Feeling: tired...and ready for gimmick...San? Di ko alam!

***
A lot of malls have their 3-day sale now, so I'm expecting a horrendous traffic all over. Good thing, I usually take the MRT (only takes me less than an hour, from Makati to QC)...but sometimes, the jeepney ride from my office to Mantrade station is such a pain, esp. on a Friday (sweldo weekend at that) and sometimes on a Monday. So here I am again, ranting...

And I'm still here in the office, on a Friday night! Corny! Haven't opened my emails for the past 2 hours because I was running all over the office...deadlines! Aargh! I'm just so tired to even move a muscle right now (except my finger muscles).

***

GMA declared LATE (well, better late than never) a non-working holiday for May 2, to celebrate Labor Day. A long weekend for me, thank God. Wish I can go on an out-of-town trip, pero mukhang malabo mangyari. Well, we're stuck in Manila for this. Good thing, we'll check in Hyatt tomorrow. Mmmm...such bliss!

My officemate is going to Vigan for her first-time trip there. I got excited for her...God, I miss Vigan! Empanada. Royal bibingka. Antiques. Calesa. Aling Rowilda. Tinupig. Bagnet. Longanisa. Cafe Leona (miss their Vietnamese buffet). Might as well plan for a trip of my own.

***

Constantine is out...huhuhu! And so my AI days are over. Constantine Maroulis is so good, but I guess his song was his Achilles' heel last night.

The top 5 who are still in the running: Vonzell, Bo, Carrie, Anthony and Scott. Scott sometimes gets OA when he's not called at the top bottom. It was really a shock when Constantine was among the bottom 3. Emotional Paula even cried and hugged Constantine's mother. Huhuhu...

The rocker in me persuades me to continue watching AI. At least, there's still Bo to cheer on!

***

It's the last day of FH tonight. What will happen to Jessie and Justine?

I'd better go home now, so I can still catch that kilig telenovela...(Hey, I'm not addicted to it. But the last few episodes were really so funny and kilig)...Anybody who got a copy of the whole show?

***

Ta-ta for now! Ciao! Happy weekend everyone!

Present tense

Thoughts in random

Currently reading – none at the moment. On my reading list though:
1. Love Etc.
2. If Success Were a Game, These are the Rules
3. 7 Habits…(to review)
4. Marrow
Song on my head – a Mandy Moore song (don’t know the title though)… “I’m not a yo-yo, not a thing you let go.” (Corny!) Excited about – best friend bonding - our weekend getaway at Hyatt Hotel
Wishing for – a May 2 holiday (for a longer weekend)
Dreaming of – another Boracay escapade (but this time, me kasamang ka-holding hands)
One vivid dream (literally) – None I can remember though (ang gulo ko!)…I’ve had dreamless sleeps for the past few days
Dreading for – Love’s 10-day sojourn in Caraga (I’ll be all alone at home again…waaah!)
Contemplating on – a trip abroad (either to work or for vacation)
Craving for – inihaw na tuna belly, Chocolate Kiss’ chocolate cake, Genmanchai green tea
Next movie/s in line – “A Lot Like Love”, “Star Wars III”, and “Eternal Sunshine…” (on video)…and Indiana Jones reruns (on video)
PC desktop wallpaper – Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (office PC), Boracay Gold Crown pic taken by Love (home PC)
Working on – solicitation for sponsors for our 4th of July Picnic event, confirmation of embassies / vet organizations for the Memorial Day, emails for the Board and members, new AAP brochure, RH- blood request, etc…and the list never ends!
Feeling – sluggish, too tamad, restless (one of those days which I feel I’ve worked too hard for the past 3 days, and I have to work more! Arrgh!)

Happy nearing-vacation Thursday everyone!

`SF

Pushing 30

Today, April 28, is the 30th bday of Patrick Stephen Conde (oops, sorry Pyke, I revealed your deepest darkest secret)...And to make up for forgetting to greet him last year and some years before, I would like to write about this great buddy of mine.

Pushing 30 is not that bad at all, I tell you. Though I'm still a year away from that stage, I can feel the pressures now. Did I just say it's not that bad at all?!

Being 30 means what:

1. Be married to your GF / BF of 3 to 5 years. (Pyke, wag na mag inarte, at batiin mo na si Annie)...You love her so much that I sense that you two can't live without each other...Mushy, but true!

2. Be more career-oriented, i.e. earn more moolah and enjoy work at the same time (which usually doesn't happen at the same time)

I'd like to insert an Oprah quote here: "You can have all the things you want, but not at the same time."

3. Be more socially responsible (whatever that means).

4. Be partying harder! (yes, we all still deserve to have fun!) - Think movie marathons, drinking sessions (responsible social drinking, sumptuous dinners, late lunch-outs, coffee / tea experiences, concerts, etc - though more laid-back than the kids are having now. Still sounds like a party to me!

Sorry, this ain't a tribute to you after all. I'm actually ranting about myself here.

Now here's the real tribute: Thanks for being there, and for keeping up with me and my sometimes weird and nag-iinarte ways. Though our schedules never permit us to each other more often (we're on a 8AM-5PM/8PM-5AM timezone, but in the same country), I'll be always here for you. I'm just a QWERTY away from you. (i.e. text, email, or call me at home). Thanks for being my movie buddy, my "lait" king (this is your best trait, hehehe), my best guy buddy to date. More success to you and another step to climb high in that corporate ladder.

`SF

New Look

Bought a new pair of contacts. I'm preparing for an upcoming trip to CARAGA next week. I can't wait. But before doing that, Shirl and I are planning to spend our weekend at Hyatt. Some bestfriend bonding again like what we did last year. Last year, it was Richmonde Hotel. Yeah, I had a grand time reading Robert Langdon and his adventure while soaked in the bubble bath. Hehehe. I wonder who's gonna accompany me this time inside the bathroom. Probably Mike Gayle and Mr. Commitment.

I do hope that our Siargao trip will push through. If I have enuff cash, I might hire someone to teach me surfing. Yeah right. That will be my Blue Crush moment.
hmmm...

I was walking with Dors this evening on my way to McDo Visayas when she mentioned I should try wearing a different colored contacts. Probably blue or green. She even suggested that I should match the color with my uniform. What?! Orange eyes? Yellow eyes? Of course, she was kidding. Hmm, not bad. Especially if its the brown one. It might match my new hair color. Brown hair, brown skin, brown eyes. (Do I hear Destiny's Child on the background?)

It is a whole new world with my new contacts.

::currently reading:: cosmo, april ed.

::song in my head :: nothing. i can hear nuts entertainment on the BG

::so excited about:: grocery at cost u less with shirls

Guess Who?

"She's everything I am not. She's my other half. Without her, I'm not complete. ".

This is one kilig quote from the movie "Guess Who", one of the funny romantic comedy movies I've watched in a long time. I got to watch it over the weekend with Lovella - who else (skipped the swimming weekend affair this week, now I'm blaming myself...I feel so bloated -waaah!)...Well, we went lazy for a swim last Sunday, had hangover from last Friday's gimmick and were still so dead tired. Not tired to go to a mall, though.

Anyway, Guess Who is really a no-brainer. I mean, no puzzles for you to solve (over "The Interpreter"), no gory or thrilling/screaming scenes (unlike "Samara - The Ring2") and no ala-LOTR stunts (unlike "Ring of Nibelungs")...It was just that - simple, no brains-required movie. The story tells of a inter-racial relationship with ala-Meet the Parents theme. He is not Gaylord Focker or a nurse yet he isn't everything that the family is expected - he is unemployed, has white relatives (obviously), poor (in their world) and so white. Expectedly, the overprotective dad doesn't approve of Ashton's character at first, but well, just like any feel-good movie, it has a happy ending (with matching song and dance montage).

Ashton Kutcher (yes, that Mr. Demi Moore) plays the wacky White Guy (very cute, I may add) and the girl is Zoe Saldana (the bitchy ballet dancer in "Centerstage" - one of my fave movies too). His father-in-law-to-be is Bernie Mac (yes, from "Charlie's Angels") - who admittedly looks like my own father, hehehe...Only darker.

There are a lot of laugh trips in the movie actually. The dad is like a Pinoy Tatay who protectively guards his daughter and even sleeps with the white guy. Kilig moments consist of Ashton singing a song for the girl (ala-A Lot Like Love, but not that long scene), their patagong date in an old fortress and the stolen kisses every now and then. Am I giving away too much already? Better watch the movie yourself.

Get ready for an Ashton-fest...damn, lucky Demi! She ain't get punk'd...

`SF

Gardan. Pau d'Arco. Gentian Violet.

I have a terrible upper back ache. I don't know where I got this. Bad sleeping position? Or too much exposure to PC? This is way too distracting for me especially when I am at work. Parang naghahanap ako ng magandang pwesto. But then, ergonomically ok naman chairs namin. Hmm...probably that blasted a/c. I should bring a jacket tomorrow. I should have worn that Kate Hudson - How to Lose A Guy office work wear. tsk.tsk.tsk.

***

My head is killing me too. So much thinking done for the day. Thanks to the template I am working on and SPSS. I don't know how to arrange the data sa sobrang dami ng variables. Or probably this is caused by the green tea I bought from my officemate. Ayan kasi, from now on, I would just settle for Twinnings or Genmanchai of the Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf.

***

My mouth reeks of that dental medicine inserted in my tooth. I can smell( or is it taste) it. I am not yet done with my root canal session with Doc Agnes. Grabe, almost a month na to. This is what I have to go through just to have my pearly whites look ok. I need to fix this before heading off to Shirly's baluarte (CARAGA region) next week. Geez, baka di ako patuluyin sa Siargao nyan. Yipee!No more butterfly teeth!

***

I am in a rant-mode. Am I?

",)babybel

::currently reading :: Marrow - some Brit chick lit
::song in my head :: Ventura Highway by America
::so excited about :: Smallville and Siargao

Manic Monday, Part 2

Still here at the office now, getting ready for that dreaded (not really) Board Meeting tomorrow. New faces on the Board, that's what I have to bear with for the meantime. Hope there won't be another pain-in-the-a** Boss this time. Still making last-minute preparations, not my fault really, but theirs! Been waiting for their comments for my reports tomorrow.

Two events in a span of 2 months, meaning I have to juggle preparations for the two different evnets , one is a fun picnic for fund-raising which will last for 5 hours and another is a painstakingly by-the-rules diplomatic thing (requiring patience with the veterans, ambassadors, govt. officials, organization leaders, and what-not). Only to have that event for 45 minutes or less on May 30. Imagine, all those hours I have put into, with only 45-minute fame?! Not my fame, actually. Well, I'm only good as my last event here, so I'd better make the most of it then.

Despite all the hardships (no politicking in an American work environment), I can truly say that I am satisfied. Financially rewarding, it's not actually! I can earn more if I choose to work for a private company, not in an NGO. But hey, at least, at the end of the day, I can say that I have done something to the society. I have somewhat contributed to the betterment of this country, Naks, ang lalim!

Mabuhay ang Iskolar ng Bayan!

I'm not complaining. Now I know what it really means to "give something back to the society". Social agenda, NCI way. Thanks JIL for imparting that to us.

Your Love Life

Your Love Life by lpfloatsmyboat
Name/username/nickname:
favorite color:
best physical quality:	nothing really :(
best personality trait:	you don't follow the crowd
will you marry your bf/gf that you have now?	no
when will you get married?	January 23, 2016
your kiss is:	meaningful!
People date you because:	you're kind
Quiz created with MemeGen!

This is cute. Found this in one of the blogs I was browsing (nosy..nosy).Good thing I don't have an S.O. or he'll go ballistic pag nalaman niya ito. 2016...darn, di ba old na ako nyan..baka menopausal pa. hahaha This is Love in I-am-@-home -on-a-Monday. Blame it on my root canal-ed tooth. aargh...

Earth Jamming

It could have been a green environment but it turned bloody red. Tomas Morato was more that it usual self last Friday. A stage was set up just in front of Alfredo's (near the extinct Mundial--huhuhu). We were not that early since we had our sumptuous dinner of Persian fare was off Delta. There were sound checks and some AVP on stage. Shirl, Agnes and I were able to get a table in front of Suqui and immediately ordered 3 San Mig Lights to start our night.

Some performers bored the hell out of us. Some did leave a mark and made you want to seek them for their next gig. Hairy Dogs (is that with a double G?) is one although they advertised that they do birthday parties. Hmmm, maybe Shirl should invite them on her 29th bday bash. Is it world music? I dunno...their performance reminds you of that Mirinda commercial with the drums. And boy, it makes you want to dance.

Of course, True Faith was there. It was a riot since Med (was he drunk?) was so bibo. I really think that he is the long lost brother of Chot and Jun Reyes. When they sang Perfect, he intro-ed it with the tune of Hoobastank's Perfect. Alright. Enjoy too!

What was so annoying aside from some boring performers was the MTV VJ named John (with oh-so-walang sinabing Cheska Litton. Man, sana she continued with her Milo spiel sa PBA half time na lng) who paled in comparison to KC Montero. KC was all over and he is damn so good in live hosting. Just imagine this John hosting MTV Siesta--naku, you really want to take your siesta talaga. He was helpless when the AD asked him to >>streeetch<<.

Chin Chin Gutierrez performed. So were Pinikpikan, Fahrenheit (that guy who sang Wherever You Will Be can give Alex Band a run for his money. Keep it up, man! Just practice your spiels), Lou Bonnevie (she produced the concert), RJ and Friends, some hiphop group and alot more. But the reason- reasonS, I mean why I wanted to watch this gig are Brownman Revival and Parokya (and Bamboo sana).

After a long time, I saw Dino with his long hair. The Brownman guys have grown. It was like yesterday when I saw Dino at the backstage of World AIDS Day gig back in 1999 (Shirl was still in showbiz, thus the connection). I bet, Dino resigned from his day job at kinareer ang Brownman. Dino (and his music)- is the best company while chilling out in Bora. While staring at the frontman, I was trying to figure out Eileen's crush (aka Dennis, Dino's bro) among the musicians.

I guess I have never outgrown Parokya ni Edgar. Their music might not be mind boggling but hey, these guys absolutely entertain me. When I saw Dindin on stage, I climbed up a chair to have a better view and dance the night away. With fist up in the air (like I was singing UP Naming Mahal) and swaying to the tune of "Halaga" - it was heaven. I know, I don't dance to showbands's music. I might be some old school alterna-chick (grazie to Shirl).

And Halaga started it all..people were dancing, hip hopz and metal boys were jumping up and down, water being spalshed, one condom balloon up in the air then one San Mig Lite bottle flew. And another one followed. Ooops! gyera na to. We saw it all since it happened a meter or two on our left side. The rockers didn't start it--it was this old guy infront of us na napikon and started threatening the KIDS by raising the bottle. Then, he threw it...and that started the commotion with Chito's voice crooning Halaga on the BG. Mayday!Mayday! A guy was hit by the broken glass (officemate ko pa naman!) and there was blood all over his head. We stepped down and immediately looked for safer place. Malas lng, these rockers were at our back going to our direction too. In the end, we just paid our bill, saw Julia Clarete inside Suqui and went home.

One bloody Earth Day.

P.S. Bamboo wasn't around. We had 2 beers each and gobbled up a plate of fries and onion rings.

",)bel

A Date with Shin Chan

I found this organizer slash notebook in one of the drawers at home. Since Shirl and I decided that we make blogging a career, I decided that this lil organizer can serve as my "idea pad" (it is Earth month, need to recycle!). Honestly, I really don't do outlines or list down ideas since I am the person that writes long (and prefers to type on Notepad). Oh, the dramatics! I tend to forget what I am supposed to write if I would just jot down a word or phrase. Believe me. But then, when I am out of town or I have a spur-of-the-moment idea (light bulb on!), this will do.

This notebook dates back to 2003. It is funny since were lots of things inserted between pages of this thing.. While trying to figure out what to do with the used pages, I discovered that:

• I adore Crayon Shin Chan and Lilo and Stitch so much. Man, the cover of this cuty organizer is Lilo and Stitch dancing the hula and the pages contain images of Shin Chan. There is even Shin Chan with his Action Man costume.
• There are only few movies I have seen during the first 6 months of 2003. I noticed that I have two regular movie buddies - Shirl and Rase. Last movie I listed down - Terminator 3.
• I have a penchant of writing down who emailed me when. I think these people are "of my interest."
• Taking a leave at work was not my thing. I hardly took a leave! I should be employee of the first 6 months. hehehe
• There was a guy I occassionally mentioned in the 'book yet I can't remember a thing or two about him.
• Receipts and more receipts from Mr. Kebab and Trellis. I wonder why...
• Budget. Budget. Budget. I have this habit of listing my budget for the month. As if nasusunod.
• 1x1's and 2x2's. For job applications perhaps?
• Things I should accomplished in 2, 3 and 5 years from 2003. Based on my timeline, I should be married next year and have gone to Italy by 2008.

I had a grand time browsing over it. It was a trip down memory lane and sometimes made you think, "what is the importance of *blank* calling me?" Well, at least, there used to be someone calling me.

I decided not to tear those used pages. For entertainment purposes. Maybe I should check out my 2001 datebook. That definitely contained a lot of "dates."

Manic Monday

Another Monday, another workweek ahead. Aargh! It still felt like Friday, and we were still in Morate for the Earth Day Jam (Love’s “report” on that will be posted in a little while).

Another toxic week ahead of me. Expected milestones for this week:

-Survive Board Meeting with our new set of 23 trustees (compared to only 15 last year). That means, 23 bosses you have to report to…Now, that’s tough, ain’t it?

- Bear the scorching heat of the sun, come Wednesday morning for our look-see at the Manila American Cemetery. My bosses love the sun, and they envy my tan actually...Hay naku!

- Regularly post my blogs (Love and I made an agreement that blog would be our part-time career (makes me relax and empowered to know that I can yack – and nag - all I want)

- Finish my articles (I now have a notebook of ideas) for www.dosamigas.blogspot.com. Topics range from MRT stories, coffee review, etc. I might be giving too much away, so stay tuned!

- Finish at least 1 of the 4 books I bought on sale last weekend (Trivia: Got them all for only less than P200 at Goodwill)…

- Survive work, work!!!

Wish it were 10 PM so I can chat with him already. How are you Paul?!

`SF

Moment Ko 'to!

I ran into a blockmate from K-3 1993 Masscom UP Diliman 4 days ago. I knew her name, her full name – Anne Marie Rodriguez. I smiled at her, and she smiled back, and even approached me. But the biggest surprise was, she spoke to me in Bicolano, which I could not reply. Uh, oh...she didn't recognize me at all. When she realized that I was not her kababayan, she kept guessing my name, but her guesses were all wrong. She couldn't even remember that I was her blockmate! Hay naku!
This incident made me realize that I'm not famous at all...as if! As a consolation, I'm reminiscing some of my MOMENTS in college:

During my freshmen year
- Saying that I’m from Butuan in Mindanao, and a couple of my blockmates asked if I’m a Muslim. How ignorant can you get?! Kawawa naman sila, limited to their Manila surroundings. For the latter years, I even managed to say Yes, just to send shivers in them. I don't know what's the paranoia all about.
- I was the last patient to check in at the UP Infirmary (some say it’s Infirma-tay) for food poising – almost making it on the headline page in PDI.

During the latter years in college
- Brief RADIO 1 stint as guest DJ over Monster Radio RX93.1
- I was everyone’s “ate” for almost 2 years at Ilang-ilang Residence Hall, working as a Resident Assistant in the dorm. The terror Ate, I can say.
- Getting a perfect score in Comm140. Moment ko ‘to: Our professor read the scores in front of the class. I could still remember the look of our GC (grade-conscious, A- student) classmate when my name was called along with her (trivia: she turned into a beauty queen, but we haven’t had news about her these days. Wonder what happened to her.)
- My French professor called me “Nerd!!!” after getting a perfect store in French 11. (But now, I can’t even remember the lessons, except maybe “Je m’appelle Shirly” or Je t’aime)…
- Tongues lashing for my impending 1-semester LOA because I was on the family way. Duh! How did it happen? Immaculate conception?! From then on, it actually became a joke of sorts.
- I bagged the best radio production (fade-in, fade-out, segue, cross fade, etc) in BC 102. Thanks to my training in XYZ Butuan as a guest newscaster, circa 1995.
- Did some hosting chores at IRH during our Open House
- I shared anecdotes to batchmates about my “rubbing elbows” with Chito, Basti, and other rock stars (Thanks to NU107, Marcelline and Rock Awards!)

These are the moments which made me, well, ALMOST FAMOUS. At least, they consoled me to think that, yes, I was indeed famous... (almost!)

`SF

Waiting for No One

I can't recall the last time I was still up at this holy hour and sitting infront of the pc. Not that I am waiting for someone. Nor I am macking/IM-ing any particular friend. Believe me, one can't see gudnytgirl in UP chan. No wonder I don't get that "+" anymore. hehehe

Just trying to feel the what it had been like every Saturday night a few months ago...I miss this. But then, my back and neck are killing me. I am calling it a day. Love signing off.

",)babybel

Friday, I'm Not In love

I have waited for this day for the whole week. It is Friday. I get to spend the whole day at home, thanks to the 4-day work week. As relaxing as it sounds, there is a kind of emptiness lurking around. Not the I am really sad but something like, I wish it were my birthday and I am having lunch at Gayuma feeling. Since it is not really possible and will never happen again, my Friday routine is predictable.

First in the agenda, trying to sleep again after my mobile fone singing Zouk. It was impossible since my body had adjusted to the before 6AM-I-should-be-awake thingy. Since I was able to decipher "konek d stars" of the day of Unang Hirit, I decided to be in semi-couch potato mode. So much for the weightlifting-kickboxing routine I had in mind. Time to pop in some VCD. Where's the popcorn? Pretty archaic...the menu for the day is the digitally remastered Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark. I'm trying to prepare myself for the 4th Indy movie, for sure. Harrison Ford really looks yummy.

While encoding what Shirl asked me to do (I was so hungry after typing all those restaurants's addies!), I was sorta watching my second film (I was only listening and occasionally glancing at the small screen). Open Water. Shark Tale was more exciting, to be honest. Good thing, there was a power interruption. There is a reason to stop watching that crap. Films made by Charlie Kauffman could have been a better choice.

How time flies and it is time for lunch. Since I wasn't in the mood yet, I had lunch in my bed (aka sleep) and woke up at 1 PM in time for the real lunch. Protein shake and Survivor Palau. Yum! Yum! This is good about Friday...I get to see Survivor live! I can rave all about this reality tv endlessly but I'll save some space for that some other time. (wink!wink!)

Friday...I should be out with friends. Well, definitely..Shirl, Agnes and I are trooping to Morato later. For what? Watch MTV, you'll know. Now, what shall I wear for tonight? hmmm...

",)babybel

Wedding Date

Lovella actually raced me to post the quotable quote in this movie "The hardest thing in love...is having the courage to let the other person love you back". Some time in our lives, we get to experience this sadness of being in a one-way street, i.e. unreciprocated love. Look who's talking. I tell you, been there, done that.

Now here's another one: "It's better to fight with you, than make love with somebody else." - Now, that quote, well, I still have to find someone whom I can say that to.

Now, let me discuss this movie - "Wedding Date". I got to see the movie last Sunday with Bestest Friend Love (who was still suffering from a jet lag from her 1 1/2- hour trip from Zamboanga) but gladly went with me to watch this. I expected more lovey-lovey / lambing from the protagonists - Kat Ellis (played by Will and Grace's Debra Messing) and Nick something (played by Dermot Mulroney, Julia Robert's best friend in "My Best Friend's Wedding"). But boy, was I disappointed! I was in the mood for some mushy feel-good romantic comedy movies that time, but I was just at least 50% satisfied. I was somewhat bitin, actually! There were less K moments (except for...well, I really can't think of something right now)...You ask me scenes from that blockbuster tear-jerking AWTR (starring MM and SW) - you guess what movie - and I can at once give you a dozen scenes with matching soundtrack in that scene. Well, that's for another article.

So where was I? Oh, Wedding Date, the movie. Well, not many kilig moments, as mentioned. And I was also disappointed that the "development" of their relationship as an escort-client to happily-ever-after BF-GF was not actually highlighted. How did he fall in love with her? I mean, what particular incident made him/her decide that she/he is THE ONE?! Talk about cheesines....but this was what I was looking for! Hehehe...I'm such a hopeless romantic, I guess...Very hopeless!

How did the movie end? Very predictable. Of course, it's a happy ending, but still bitin pa rin...Need to watch a better, more kilig movie this week to satisfy my insatiable need for this stuff. Or might just pop my VCD of AWTR in our low-tech player...kilig and luha, what a combination!

`SF

Two-Cent Worth Of Advice On Love And Relationship

Got this email from Ellaine, which is very interesting. Would like to share this to everyone. Hope you'll learn a thing or two...Enjoy!

• The guy who loves his mom will be a good boyfriend. Why? Because if he has high respect for his mother, he will have high respect for women.
• Don't give everything away. Leave some things a mystery. Guys love conquest. If you already give your all, wala ng something to look forward to sa relationship nyo. And the guy will become kampante. Assure him of your love and faithfulness, but warn him too: "umayos ka diyan! You can lose me anytime...".
• BIG PAGKAKAIBA: What a girl needs most is love. What a guy needs most is respect. The most important thing for a girl is her heart. For a guy its his ego.
• Give your man his own time and space. Let him have his time for his friends, sports, family, self, and God. The relationship will grow old quickly if lagi kayong magkasama. Give him time to miss you and you'll see how he will love you more. If the guy naman is obsessed and just wants to be with you all the time, tell him you cant respect a "puppy" for long.Do things differently anytime. Para kahit matagal na kayo, there is always something fresh and new. Variety is the spice of life. Exciting baga?
• "Making love" is better than just "having sex". And true love "waits". Save your precious "gift" on your wedding night. Di nagiging tama ang mali, just because uso naman and everyone's doing it. Be iba.
• Discover something you both like to do and enjoy it TWOgether. Doon naman sa mga bagay na magkaiba ang hilig nyo, compliment each other by learning about it kahit konti. If you love someone, yung effort nyo to try will go a looooong way to understanding him later pag may disagreement kayo.
• Pray with holding hands. Sounds corny noh? Maybe, but its very powerful. Pag may takot sa Diyos ang boyfriend,mo, kampante ka na di ka nya lolokohin, because he knows God sees everything he does in secret. Ikaw na ang magkusa that before you part after date, with hold hands and eyes closed, pray to God to bless you two. Believe me it's effective. Kailanman, di corny ang magdasal.
• Never think "mababago ko sya pag kami na...". Only God can change a person, and only if the guy wants to. Even God cannot steer parked cars. Believe in "Magic". Kahit di minsan practical o walang logical na dahilan, o matrabaho, o sounds crazy sa iba, do sweet little things for the one you love kahit magmukha ka ng timang. The memories will be fun to recall later in life. The corniest song o gift o letter (aminin mo) ang lagging kabog!
• True love brings out the best in each other. Find something good in your boyfriend and nurture it, encourage it and syempre, ENJOY it.
• It's healthy to fight. Doon nyo lang maaayos ang mga differences nyo at natetest ang tatag ng relationship. Doon mo rin sya makikilala ng mabuti. It's called test of fire. Di mahalaga how dalas you fight. What matters is how often you make bati. Mas nakakatakot yung relasyong sobrang perfect at laging masaya. One big fight and that's it! And diba mas kilig yung malambing na... "uy, bati na tayo...".
• But don't overdo it (fighting, that is)...Kakapagod naman din na lagi na lang manuyo o magsori. Choose the battles na papatulan mo.
• The little issues, palampasin na. Don't sweat the small stuff.
• Daraan sa iba't-ibang stages ang love especially pag matagal na kayo. Grow with it. Don't expect him to be like nung una. 'Coz like a student, di na ituturo sa grade 6 yung lessons na pang-grade 2. Change WILL happen... You both will change and your love WILL change too. It's up to you na lang if the change will be for the better or for the worse. Life is about growth. Grow with it.
• When break up comes and it's time to say goodbye, don't doubt the love just because it didn't last. May mga bagay sa buhay na di man nagtatagal, it doesn't mean di na ito totoo. Some good things are just never meant to last forever. Okay lang yon. Bless the parting and move on.
• Expect tears, sorrow, sleepless nights and pain. As a quote goes: "it's when you hurt the worse that you love the MOST." Kung di ka willing masaktan, wag ka na lang magmahal.Life is a balance. And love is both holding on and letting go. Know when to fight for your man and when to let him go. God will guide you kung anong dapat gawin sa kung anong sitwasyon. So dapat mataas ang signal ng langit sa cellfone ng puso mo to know His wisdom.
• Do things right. Di totoong masarap ang bawal gaya ng sabi ng iba. Kasi may kabayaran yon later. Corny ang madali. Paghirapan mong gawin ang tama at totoo and one day ikaw din ang aani ng bunga nito.
• DATE IDEAS: A walk in the park, along the bay area watching the sunset, biking sa big, open spaces, stargaze at night sa ibabaw ng bubong, jog @ 5 am and wait for the sunrise, singing with a guitar (or a walkman) under a tree's shade sharing hopia and siomai (yikes!). Wag lagi sa mall.
• Involve nature. The best things in life pa rin ay free. Di kailangan gumasta ng malaki para sumaya o maging romantic. Be creative. Honesty is the best policy... ika nga ni Jimmy Santos. Pero laging nasa timing at paraan ng pagsasabi ang technique. Pag malumanay mong sasabihin sa kin na ipagpapalit mo na ako sa iba o papatayin mo na ko sa sobrang gigil, Gosh! Mato-touch pa ko! May lambing eh!
• Don't NAG. Sabi ng don't nag eh! Sabi ko don't nag, don't nag, don't naaaaaaggg!!!
• Yung effort, sa kahit anong gawain o effort mo ay laging 2 billion ganda points yan. Do little surprises every now and then. PARA SO HAPPY TWO-GETHER!!!

So naka-relate ka ba? San naman kaya? :-)

Lines to Remember v.1

I love you. And not in a friendly way, although I think we're great friends. And not in a misplaced affection, puppy-dog way, although I'm sure that's what you'll call it. And it's not because you're unattainable. I love you. Very simple, very truly. You're the epitome of every attribute and quality I've ever looked for in another person. I know you think of me as just a friend, and crossing that line is the furthest thing from an option you'd ever consider. But I had to say it. I can't take this anymore. I can't stand next to you without wanting to hold you. I can't look into your eyes without feeling that longing you only read about in trashy romance novels. I can't talk to you without wanting to express my love for everything you are. I know this will probably queer our friendship -no pun intended- but I had to say it, because I've never felt this before, and I like who I am because of it. And if bringing it to light means we can't hang out anymore, then that hurts me. But I could'nt allow another day to go by without getting it out there, regardless of the outcome, which by the look on your face is to be the inevitable shoot-down. And I'll accept that. But I know some part of you is hesitating for a moment, and if there is a moment of hesitiation, that means you feel something too. All I ask is that you not dismiss that -at least for ten seconds- and try to dwell in it. Alyssa, there is'nt another soul on this fucking planet who's ever made me half the person I am when I'm with you, and I would risk this friendship for the chance to take it to the next plateau. Because it's there between you and me. you can't deny that. And even if we never speak again after tonight, please know that I'm forever changed because of who you are and what you've meant to me, which -while I do appreciate it- I'd never need a painting of birds bought at a diner to remind me of.
- Holden, "Chasing Amy"

You can't lose something you never had. - Kate Hudson, "How to Lose a Guy in 10 DAys"

Young Allie: Why didn't you write me? Why? It wasn't over for me, I waited for you for seven years. But now it’s too late.

Young Noah: I wrote you 365 letters. I wrote you everyday for a year.

Young Allie: You wrote me?

Young Noah: Yes... it wasn't over, it still isn't over [kisses Allie]

-The Notebook

Carlos: You're crazy...

Nicole: ...and you're beautiful.

-Crazy/Beautiful

Customer: What do you have then?

Lil: Jim, Jack, Johnny Red, Johnny Black, and Jose; all my favorite men. You can have it any way you like it, as long as it comes in a shot glass.

-Coyote Ugly

When we are married, will you dance with me? I find dancing very agreeable. Why can you not say what is in your head?

- Ivy Walker, "The Village"

The hardest thing is loving someone and having the courage to let them love you back.

- Nick, "The Wedding Date"

",)alotlikelove

Love Actually...

Love actually...is all around...That's the summary of this story. Got to watch some snippets of it (for the nth time) over the weekend, and believe me, di pa rin ako nagsawa. I still cried over that Christmas monologue scene...and Carl saying goodbye to Laura Linney's character...or the "Both Sides Now" scene of Emma Thomspon...and of course, I can still relate to Plumpy, hehehe, still have to find my Prime Minister though...It's a mad mad world here in the office - 2 events coming up (Memorial Day and 4th of July picnic) plus a Board Meeting with 23 of the new Board members next week...So at least, I got some time off from this mad mad world...and do some emoting...for 5 minutes or so...and then, back again to reality - work, work, work! I badly need a vacation. Anyone up for one? (after July pa!)... `SF

North West, South West

My experience is also known as "Oops, I did it again" - that is travelling from the northwest part of Mindanao to the south western part. It was like Rule of Four without any riddle but the objective of finishing my field work and exit my way to home sweet home Zamboanga. I did this trip last year- travelling the Zamboanga Peninsula but with a companion. Now, I was left all alone when I reached Iligan City.

Waiting for Alex at the airport.

***
The City of Golden Friendship is a bustling city. Malls, malls and more malls! I managed to visit 4 malls in 4 hours! Thanks for Alex, he toured me around the place. We were like 'Day and Dodong on our day off. We even made tambay infront of the plaza since we ran out of things to do.

There was a different charm in CDO. Even with lots of people (it was Sunday) in the city, there was some kind of peace and laidback aura that emanate from every street corner. And yeah, lechon manok is the star of the city!
***
Iligan City was Alex's stop. The place connotes a mixture of Muslims and Christians. It really didn't look like a city except for the undeniable presence of MSU-IIT and several manufacturing plants (cement plants, to be exact!). Yet on the way to Kolambugan, all I saw were coastal communities and coconut trees.

Barge from Kolambugan, Lanao del Norte to Ozamis City, Mis. Occidental

***

Interview sa bansohan (minisawmill) owner in Misamis Occidental

Gold Seen. Oro + Kita. The literal transalation of Oroquieta City. This was my first official stop. Rustic. No big malls or fastfood chains (or did I miss it?). Very provincial and quiet. And since I stayed at the PENRO which was located in the provincial capitol - I wasn't able to do some sightseeing. All I did the night I arrived was practice my Bisaya (for the interview) and watch the telly.

My survey went well. I was able to reach other municipalities of Misamis Occidental (thanks to my counterpart!) and finished half of my quota in 1 day! How lucky can I get, eh?
***
I know Ozamis since we had neighbors in the province who hails from this place. I only had a short stay but this was the place I think I gained kabarkada. Based on my experience, all of my counterparts turned out to be almost my uncle or aunt but in this case, Mercy and I were almost of the same age! Well, I had forego the "po" and "opo" for awhile. Hehehe

Sad to say, I wasn't able to reach my quota since most of the tree farmer respondents were located up in the boondocks. They didn't allow me to hike up for some hours. Too bad. :(

***
Home sweet home, here I come! Well, that was before a 4 hour bus ride from Ozamis to Pagadian and an all alone "walang poise" - unA/Ced 8 hour drive from Pagadian to Zamboanga . Whew! What a trip. The casualties? free foundation courtesy of the long, winding and dusty road of the Zamboanga Peninsula,a deep wound (make that a peeled skin on my left thumb) and a very dugyut travelling bag. Travelling in a native bus was a whammy, tavelling alone was a killer. Thank goodness for SMS. Shirl was available for me to disturb. Hehehe

Trip to my hometown via Rural Transit: Ozamis City to Pagadian City to Zamboanga City.

There was really something different with my trip. Aside from trying to stay awake and alert (I do am afraid that some bad guys will appear from nowhere, you know), there were funny moments - mostly remarks from the driver whenever he saw some unusual happenings on the road. I found it funny when he commented about the carabao crossing the highway (it was like a chicken crossing the street!). Too bad, it won't tickle your funny bone when if translate it to Filipino/English. Oh yeah, we almost had an accident. We were already on the "Bitukang Manok" when the pick-up infront of us skidded that we almost crsuhed it! The guy on the other vehicle probably thought that it was easy maneuvering the very long and very winding road---yeah right. Think that part in the Bicol National Park!

Thank God, our driver had presence of mind that he prevented the bus from colliding with the pick-up or worse, falling off the ravine.
***
Spending time with the family. It was great. Got to see my grandmothers again. And some of my cousins. And my uncle. What is new? I guess the guys in our family were all sporting the semi-kalbo look. From my older uncle to my uncle-priest to my cousin to my youngest brother. The in- thing?

I only got to see one friend- Jen. We only had a few hours - more of a borrowed time from Ateneo. Hahaha...we had a long lunch and I got to taste the fried ice cream. At last! As usual, we did some sharing yet less of reminiscing. I wonder who will get married first...
***
Oops, I did it again. And it was not so bad. Not so bad.

Mike Gayle's The Legendary GF

(This is a long overdue article, having finished reading this book more than a month ago. Just didnt have the right inspiration, and the time, to fully write it)

Aggi is William Kelly's legendary girlfriend - that kind of GF whom Will can't just let go even though it's over for both of them. This story has a lot of "emoting" moments. Makes you realize that some men are also thinking hard, and "emoting", just like us girls!
William is one nice character - an English teacher, leads a boring life, has 20-something-life crisis, a film fan and has 3 other girls at his disposal.
So who did he end up with? Is it a.) the legendary GF - Aggi; b.)the best friend who's always there for her - Alice; c. the one-night stand - Martina; or d. his "phone pal" who's just a dial away - Kate?

It's for you to find out. Grab that book now (oh, National Bookstore has bundled all his 3 books for the price of 2 - including his other bestsellers "Turning 30" and "Mr. Commitment")


For the meantime, I'd like to share with you some quotable quotes in the book:

"It's not you, it's me. I've changed. I thought I could be the person that you wanted me to be. For a while, it was what I wanted too. I wanted to feel love like it is in the movies and you gave that to me and for that I'll be forever grateful."
(the ultimate break-up line)

"...but we both knew it was a recipe for disaster: take two consenting adults, a bottle of wine or two and a few 'just hold mes' and before we knew it Plato would take the night off and leave us to deal with the disastrous consequences of two friends settling for second best."
(the ultimate no-you-just-can't-fill-that-void line)

"...I won't phone you again. I've got what I wanted"
"And what was that?"
"To topple you off that pedestal I put you on...and baby, you're gonna come crashing down!"
(the ultimate I'm-finally-over-you line)

My Me Time

It's actually been a long time since I had this time.

Thankfully, I had one of a ME-TIME yesterday - April 16

And just what was me time for me?

1. Waking up at 10 AM and just lounging around until i felt hungry pangs
2. Eating late breakfast / merienda consisting of fries and sundae float at McDonald's (well, i wasn't able to catch their breakfast specials) *Very important: Not a good thing to do, i realized.
3. Going to ukay-ukay and found some fab finds (finally, my search for that perfect skirt is finally over).
4. Doing some groceries, and buying some "sinfully" bawal stuff like potato chips, chocolates, etc...
5. Walking back to the house, leisurely walking the stretch of Molave St.
6. Watching TV - as in gossip TV
7. Heading to the salon for that much-needed foot spa and manicure (ahhh..heavens)
8. Having early dinner (i.e. wanton noodles and siopao bola-bola) at Chowking
9. Hearing mass
10. Arranging stuff in my room
11. Channel surfing (nothing good on TV on a Saturday night!!!)
12. Going to bed at 9 PM (can you beat that?!)

And oh, I forgot to mention 2 looooooonnnnggggg baths in 1 day. And for once, no internet for today! (Now that's something new)

Wow, sounds pretty hectic huh?

WNG

Of course, my WNG friends. It's for you to find out what that means. Here's a clue though, more than 50% of the group is single. So I guess misery loves company. Nah, we're not miserable at all. I miss our bonding sessions together - emoting, eating, boy-hunting (this applies for Mike esp.), chika-chika and planning for a date which actually never happened (oops, sorry Lalaine dear)...Notice our pic here, very colorful eh? Same with our lives, though loveless...Meet (from left to right) Lalaine (now a Dhubai beauty), moi, Ellaine, Mikey (our muse), Love and Baby...Hello super friends. Wanna meet up soon?

Super friends

It's April 15, sweldo weekend, TGIF! And guess what? I'm still stuck in the office. No work actually involved here, I'm just maybe too lazy to go home early tonight. Listening to Rivermaya right now while printing flyer invitations to our May 30 event (oops, work pa rin pala inaatupag ko)...Always a career woman :-)

I plan to pay tribute to all my friends, past and present. I started the thread of course, with my bestest friend Maria Lovella Segayo. Then, RL (parang di nyo pa alam kung sino sya sa buhay ni Lovella)...and then more to come.

My friends way back in elementary (our Butuan Central Elem. School) are still keeping in touch. Di ba Kat? And so with my high school friends, i.e. Sunners. I didn't really have an exclusive barkada in high school (M&M was counted one group, but we were just 3) but I was friends with almost everyone. I was never part of the Barricades, nor the all-girl barkada, but I'd like to pride myself in saying that I belonged to a mini-Pectin group, hehehe...Only Emmy, Armel, Hazel, Janus and Marvs knew what that meant.

College came and well, Lioda was there. My first roommate in college, when I shared "crying" moments since we were both away from home. Jet was the perennial "blockmate". There were also Glen, Toni, Armi, Claire, Bev, Carrots and Hannah, and short-term roommates, Ginee, Ruby and Ivy (during the summer) - my roommates during my almost 4 years in Ilang.

Well, more of that in my next post...It's almost 8 PM and I still have to catch FH on TV (hehehe...)

Gotta go...Please buzz in...Ciao!

SF and RL

One of my best guy buddies, so far...Hopefully, we can visit him soon in Singapore so he can treat me and Lovella to dinner and some sightseeing. Hi Rase, musta na si J? Bati kayo ngayon? :)

Missng my bestst frnd

One of our best "enhanced" pics in Bora...I miss my bestest friend now. She's in the province while I'm still here at work (on a Friday night at that!!!)...Miss our movie marathons, non-stop talking and laughing, pigging out, emoting, etc, etc...Sana Sunday na...

Addicted

Let me see..I can't help it. I am indeed addicted. I am stuck in the middle of nowhere here in Ozamis but I still managed to sneak in a few minutes to log on to blogger and blog some minutes away. Next to Friendster (yeah, not yahoo or gmail since I don't get messages from mistahcokelight in those sites) this is the website to check. It might be the narcissistic tendencies in me...you know, reading the stuff I wrote eons ago that brings shudder (or kilig) yet doesn't want to delete it. Or probably looking at our nice pictures from where-is-that-again? or maybe..just maybe...someone did write a comment. Oh yeah, that would make my day.

My time is up. GTG. This is nonsense. I just miss chatting. Buzz me, will ya?!

",) babybel

Posing Like a Turista

Can you guess where I am? It was one hot Saturday morning and surprise, surprise! You didn't find me and bestest friend in SM or Robinson's...we were in Manila! At the Manila Park (correct name - who cares?) near the Central Post Office. Think of that Regine-Richard movie...dang, I forgot the title. But I can't forget the K-moments. :-) It was one of our destinations in our Manila tour that day...
Maligayang Araw ng Kagitingan!

Weekend Water Affair

Our weekend pool - Ateneo Grade School Swimming Pool...Our once-a-week (hopefully, twice a week next time) affair with the waters. Love is in her usual water babe manner, while I am in my usual "deep water" fear manner (need to overcome that though)...A fun way to spend summer, it's the next best thing to Bora, for now!

Eternal sunshine

Eternal sunshine of the spotless mind. That's what everyone is wishing for, especially when get bitten by the love bug, time and time again.
I sometimes wish I were Clementine - carefree, loving, adventurous, spontaneous. But I still have to find my Joel Barish
Short-term goal though: have to buy the video for this so I can watch it all over again, at mag-emote, hehehe.
OK, ok! back to work again..More of my mushy stuff next time...Dang, I hate Mondays, makes you wish for a long weekend.
-Stef

"a fevered dream of love, one you'll remember vividly, with profound pleasure"

Beauty in Bora

Bora sunrise...At this moment, I wish i were there, and not strapped to my desk :-(

A Belated Pic

AAP Christmas Party with Amb. Francis Ricciardone and AAP Board - Dec. 11, 2004, Church of Holy Trinity, Forbes Park, Makati City

Shirl and Love @ Fort Santiago

http://www.flickr.com/photos/79959350@N00/8882754/
Originally uploaded by shirlove.

Shirl and I in Fort Santiago last April 9. Forget malling and movies...it was all about history and culture and some picture taking.

Surviving and Amazing

This week is kinda sad for reality buffs like me. The brothers had one amazing exit from the Race and caveman Bobby Jon bade goodbye in his quest to be the ultimate Ulong survivor.

Although the brothers were not as eye candyies as the Wonder Twins or good racers as Reichen and Chip...the two provided laughter and snickers and LOLs to audiences with their antics and hirits. "Thank you, Yoda!" they said to the bushman in the Africa leg. What about, "Go home and give mom a hug" adlib while reading the next clue. I bet, Phil was also disheartened that the two arrived last. But what an exit they had...wearing their swimming shorts with scarf and shades and ski caps while stepping on the map. Oh well...

Brian and Greg (www.cbs.com)

BJ, JC lookalike...Bobby Jon. He never won against fireman Tom. But he was the hardest male worker in the Ulong tribe. How ironic it is that he who made fire for the tribe, lost the ultimate IC at tribal council which was..what else? make fire to light his torch. Aaargh..But then, Steph deserves the win.

There might be less "eye candies" in the two shows but still I love to watch to who will kick who and who will be Philiminated. Darn, I am such a sucker for reality tv.

One Good Trip

Merely 5 minutes in one vehicle. From Sikatuna to Kalayaan.

Lauan-Pantranco (or was it Lauan-Quiapo?)

Who could have thought that we'll be riding the same PUV

that early Friday morning? What a way to start my day.

Small talk, kamustahan and intro to my bestest friend.

Just 5 minutes. One good trip to make my day.

Ang bait tlga ni Lord.