Speechwriter I Am Not

It takes skills. A lot of it. And I know I don't have it. I really didn't volunteer doing the job 'cause I know my limitation. If only speechwriting is like blogging. But the job fell on my lap since our resident speechwriter was not around (aka my boss). My golly, while staring at the monitor and the letter, I can't imagine what to write that I felt like crying. It was like taking an exam without studying. I tell you, it was the first time that I was in a situation that I really don't know what to do. Plus the fact that the speech will be delivered by the Secretary on a national forum. Another pressure!

Since there was no choice, I gathered all my knowledge in writing (man, I am the type who uses too many flowery words and shows too much emotion in my writing) and came up with ...a speech?! And it took me 2.5 hours to do it. That short span of time only shows that I ran out of things to write, not that I am good doing it. I hope that it gets passed through the public affairs office. All I know right now is that I'm better off blogging. (And I don't want to be in the same room while the Secretary is delivering the speech).

::i am hoping for:: a message

::looking forward:: to weekend

::i am glad that :: i am not that dark pala (only tanned)

",)lobster

To Katrina

This may be late, but I hope this is worth it
To my friend (and our blog fan) Katrina, our heartfelt condolences to you. We greatly feel for the loss of your Mama.
It was a shock, having received that message on our way home from a gimik last Saturday. I didn’t know what to say, reading your text more than twice. Then another text came from Wela, confirming my great fear that it did come from you and it was true. All our other friends echoed their condolences: Wilbert (texting from Taiwan), his wife Jessie, Novel and some other batchmates. Hang in there Kat. Wish I could hug that very moment, and I did ask Wela to do it for me.
Will check on you again next week. Hope everything’s bearable. Ingat!

`SF

Huling Hirit sa Tag-Init

Escape from very hot Manila. Ice cold water in the pool of Nagcarlan. A visit to the underground cemetery. Post Pahiyas in Lucban (the pansit habhab experience). Videoke all you want til 2 in the morning.

One of the best scenes in the movie "Wimbledon". Right after their early morning jog. Haaay, anybody up for a morning run? Peter Cole is so cute!  

Happy Sunday!

Seems like I’m in my top-10 countdown mode today.

For May 22, these are the reasons / happenings / actions why I’m happy:

• Mocha Javaccino. Javaman has now a branch in Robinson's East!
  
• Star Wars 3. Finally, I got to see this much-awaited movie. Big bonus: Ewan McGregor as Gen. Obi Wan Kenobi
  
• Lucban longanisa for breakfast, with Blugre durian coffee. After months of no coffee, this made me change my mind.
  
• Another Ewan-related happening. Saw the trailer of his upcoming movie "The Island"
  
• Waking up fashionably late - at 9 AM!
  
• Usual Sunday family telebabad - for 20 minutes
  
• Reading all his SMS sent thru YM. Re-reading, and re-reading, and re-reading. Can't get enough of those SMS! :-)
  
• Reading the Sunday papers. Not really cover to cover, I skipped the headlines to save me from depression.
  
• Nestle Yoghurt's Durian Divine. Simply divine!
  
• Cooked and ate the tastiest Pancit Habhab. Yummy!
  

See how simple my joys are! Simple, but oh-so fulfilling! This is the Life!!!

Star Wars 3: Love it or Hate it?

Here are my top 10 reasons (in random order actually) why you can either love/hate Star Wars, specifically its last installment – Epi3 “The Revenge of the Sith”:

(1) Those sappy lines
i.e. “You are beautiful. It’s because I’m in love.”
“I’ve missed you. It seems like we haven’t seen each other for a lifetime.”
(2) Chewbacca and the Chewies
(3) Yoda and his moves
(a spoiler…discontinue reading if you haven’t watched the movie yet) (4) Mace Windu killed by Anakin, and the killing of almost all Jedi Knights
(5) Count Dooku being killed too soon in the movie
(6) The sound of light-sabers
(7) MY Ewan as Obi-wan Kenobi and all his moves, drama, lines, everything!
(8) Hayden Christensen getting better with his portrayal as Anakin
(9) Natalie Portman doing nothing but emote, cry and kiss Anakin. A disappointment for me.
(10) Someone yelling at the moviehouse “Ay grabe! Kambal pala ang anak nila”

Grrr! Iho, you should reviewed Episodes 4 to 6! He didn’t know about what happened with Luke, Princess Leia plus Hans Solo.

Lesson learned: Never assume that everyone love watching Star Wars. Some were really forced into that habit. Nevertheless, May the force (bad or good) be with us all.

`SF

Holding Hands

On a fine Satruday night, Shirl and I happened to hang out at Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf in Gateway. It was our usual fare - magazines, genmanchai and sunrise and a stamp to my Coffee Bean Frequent Card. Out in the smoking area of Coffee Bean, I saw this couple. Well, your usual couple on a Saturday night in a cafe.

The guy was talking animatedly while girlfriend was quietly sipping her Figaro iced coffee (yeah, Figaro in Coffee Bean). Then comfortable silence ensued betweeen them. I was watching them intently now. And he held her hand. Nothing fancy. Then, the guy began talking again while girlfriend was looking at her mobile fone. Funny, they were not that PDA kind of couple but I can't just get my eyes off them. Something was pulling my attention to them. A sigh from me came after.

BF's hand on GF's lap. GF's hand on top of BF's hand. GF's fingers intertwined with BF's. GF playing with BF's hand. And I got teary- eyed. A feeling of longing. Another sigh.

Would you like to hold my hand?

::on my mind:: My Happy Ending ni Avril Lavigne
::so glad about:: My great tan
::can't wait for:: A Lot Like Love

Same old, same old

I had dinner with 2 of my HS friends – Wilbert and Novel. As with the usual reunions, it was all reminiscing and catching up on things. Wilbert just recently tied the knot with his girlfriend, Jessie – our friend whom we got close, thanks to her kindness and wise words (i.e. The Lord has prepared someone very special for each of us, that’s why it takes Him long to find someone who’s worthy for you). Novel, a.k.a. Superman / Crush ng Bayan in high school, is now taking his second course – Nursing. He’s in Manila for his internship at Orthopedic Hospital. Our other batchmates were busy with work, studies and the GF, so they missed this.

The 1 ½-hour dinner was kinda bitin, but we had to leave Almer’s Canteen since Novel had a 9:30 PM curfew in his dorm. (even earlier than my Ilang curfew in college, ang tindi talaga!) Over sizzling pork chop and liempo and unlimited sauce (one of the best I’ve tasted), we updated ourselves about our jobs, current goings-on/happenings, past flings, past adventures, latest chismis in ANHS Batch 93, love lives, etc, etc…

One realization: We're the same old us, as we used to be, 15 years ago. Well, except for a few pounds (lost or gained – you choose!), a title attached to Wilbert’s name and new significant others. Thanks guys for dinner! And let’s meet once again, together with the other boys in the gang.

`SF

Sad Songs Make Me Sing

For someone who is so darn happy most of the time, I have this pleasure of listening to sad songs. It doesn't make me blue but deep somewhere in me, I can relate. Songs that I didn't intentionally search, they just fell on my lap and ka-ching! masayang kantahin. The top 4 are:

Out of Reach by Gabrielle

"So confused My heart’s bruised Was I ever loved by you?

Out of reach, so far I never had your heart

Out of reach, couldn’t see

We were never met to be"

I never noticed this song until Ley pointed it out to me that with its good melody comes a heartwrenching message.

Ghost by Indigo Girls

"the Mississippi's mighty but it starts in Minnesota

at a place where you could walk across with five steps down

I guess that's how you started like a pinprick to my heart

and you came rush right through me and i start to drown...

...Now I see your face before me;

I would launch a thousand ships

to bring your heart back to my island

as the sand beneath me slips.

As I burn up in your presence

and I know now how it feels

to be weakened like Achilles with you always at my heels."

This song is on my mp3 list in the office. The first song of the day to perk me up. The voice of the singer comes echoing down to your nerves.

My Happy Ending by Avril Lavigne

"You were everything, everything that I wanted

We were meant to be, supposed to be, but we lost it

And all of the memories, so close to me, just fade away

All this time you were pretending

So much for my happy ending"

And it all started with the trailer of A Lot Like Love. The movie is a comedy, btw. As it became my LSS for the past couple of weeks, Shirl told me, "break up song yan, lam mo ba?" Oops...maybe I am not really into reading-between-the-lines-at-first-hear kind of person.

Last Kiss by Pearl Jam

"Oh, where oh where can my baby be?

The Lord took her away from me

She's gone to heaven, so I got to be good

So I can see my baby when I leave this world.

When I woke up, the rain was pourin' down

There were people standing all around

Something warm rollin' through my eyes

But somehow I found my baby that night

I lifted her head, she looked at me

and said "Hold me darling just a little while."

I held her close, I kissed her our last kiss

I found the love that I knew I would miss

But now she's gone, even though I hold her tight

I lost my love, my life that night."

Well, I don't really sing out of the blue this unless it is being played on the background. The first time I heard this song in a recorder (Shirl has a casette copy that has something to do with a benefit concert for Bosnia or something), I know that it is melancholic (?!). This is a real sad song.

Happy singing!

",) lobster

::i am excited about:: outing tomorrow!

::a reason to smile :: his message the other day

::a movie to watch :: amelie on video

Missing Superman

Last night, I was really psyched to watch the 2nd eppy of the 4th season of Smallville. At 810 P.M., the telly was already tuned to Ch.23. But alas, I still have to endure an hour with Rebel Billionnaire. It is The Apprentice with a twist. I had enough of reality tv for now (believe me! yet I still do watch re runs of TAR and Survivor). So after dinner, I decided to rest for awhile and catch up on my reading, which actually is just Preview magazine. Kaloka! Then all of a sudden...eyes were beginning to feel heavy and the bed was so inviting. I must be so tired. That was a miracle, I actually didn't sign in to YM when I had the chance! I reckon that it is pretty useless to sign in when you have no one to talk to. It seems everyone has bade adieu to IM-ing or in invisible mode. Not that I want to chat to everyone on my friends list. It is just that...oh well. I just miss chatting.

Back to Smallville (or else I might be misinterpreted that Superman is someone on my friends list), I am dying to see the reaction of Chloe. Poor Chloe...laging naaagawan. First, there was Lana then now, Lois. Lana is cute. Lois is something. Loudmouth, funny, no frills. The kind of girl, I think, not so many guys are into. I bet, most would still go for the sweet and demure Lana. As for Chloe, I think mag da moves na sya (which I think she did last night's eppy). Oh well. Remember her letter to Clark? It circulated for awhile in emails and a lot of girls can relate to it.

Clark..Clark..Clark (or Tom...Tom...Tom...)do you have a pinoy version? No wonder, I bought Cheaper by the Dozen last weekend. He is so darn charming. And the smile that can melt you (parang ice cream na natutunaw sa ilalim ng araw).

I really missed what happened last night. What is Lex's next move? Or Lionel's life in prison? What will happen to the Kent farm? Or will Clark learn about Lana's 'tattoo'? Later, I will tell you. I had my brother record it for me while I was in dreamland last night.

Domestic Bliss

Over lunch yesterday, we talked about domesticity. Domesticity, as in housekeeping, house repairs, and house moves. For the last part, I can say I’m the expert on this. In a span of 7 years, Lovella and I have been house-hopping (if there’s a term for that). First apartment was in Tandang Sora, QC (Carnation St., Banlat). That was our first taste of domesticity which waned after our 1-year there. Rhiza was with us that time, but had to move out since she couldn’t traffic going to UST. Memories there? Our seemingly conceited next-door neighbor who could't understand any words we wrote him in our notes posted in his door: "Pwede pakihinaan po ang volume ng component ninyo?"
Next, I had to move in with the Boss. No, don’t give me that impression. I moved in (Lovella followed too!) to our new home-office in Mariano Marcos St., San Juan. It was a lowly room in the “attic” (not really sure) at the back part of the house. After a year of having to endure no free weekends (still feels like I was working though I was in my room), no TV in the room, and being the spoiled employee I was, I decided to move out (and went on AWOL).
Third domicile was somewhere in Welcome Rotonda (No. 10 19 de Agusto, Galas, QC). It was just a cramped room on the second floor, with Noak’s ark below us whenever it rained (heavy or just a little downpour, didn’t matter). Grabe, we endured our stay there for almost 2 years.

Lastly, and our present abode is still somewhere in QC. We just can't leave QC, even if I have to take a 1 1/2-hour commute to the office (thanks to colorum FX, my trip to the office was lessened to an hour). Our humble abode is in a residential area, and it makes you feel very domesticated. Weekends are usually spent cleaning (sometimes), cooking homecooked meals and just hanging out. No. 14 Banuyo St., Proj3, QC has even served as a "haybol" to our friends and has become THE Party Place - birthdays, videoke sessions, inuman sessions, emote-an sessions, whatever you like. For now, we don't have plans of moving out. We'd rather have our own verandah and our lowly room all by ourselves. Ah, domestic bliss indeed.

`SF

East Side Stories (Part 2)

*Red Mountain*

If Australia has its famous Blue Mountain, we have our own version of a colored mountain - the Red Mountain of Surigao del Sur. Blame it on the abundant iron deposits in the area. We passed arpund it on our way to Surigao City. It might be raining and fog was all over but what the heck! The view was spectacular. Due to vegetation, the mountain was also screaming UP Naming Mahal. Yes, the colors were actually deep red and green.

We didn't have a decent pose with it on the background since it was not a good idea to stop. We were on a very tight sked and the fact that the area was full of tulisans and holduppers.

*Trading Secrets*

There is nothing great than girl talk. Jang and I have been roomies/seatmates/travelmates for the whole trip. With someone lacking social skills like me, it took me around a day to warm up with her. And it all started with girl talk on boys eer...our exes. Funny, how someone you hardly know bares her story to you. And it was inviting enough, I did my share too. Trying to analyze what is wrong with men (old news), why they feel intimidated, why the two of us are still single at our age, among others.

Oh, and she shared something very important. Better than calendar, rhythm, withdrawal and 5 days before/after (her friend claims!). Interested? Buzz me and I'll provide you a copy. I actually placed it on my wallet in case of emergency.

*Clockwork*

We were like clocks. Tick-tock-Tick-Tock. From one place to another, we did our interviews. Either Alex or I were dropped off to a location for an interview while the other was whisked to another place. Then, We would be picked up again and whisked to another place. It was exhausting. Funny, sometimes. Enlightening, for sure. And very filling, given that almost all our interviewees offered us food.

Interview at Davisol

*Beach Hopping*

One of the highlights of the trip was spending the weekend on the beach. Since we covered coastal areas, it is but obvious that we would go swimming. Of course, Siargao was out of the picture. Same with Dinagat Island (which really pissed me off!).

Weekend was spent on Consuelo Beach. Not so white sand yet it was so fine. There was a sand bar and with the low tide, one can actually walk to the next island. We wanted to try skimming but skimboards for rent were not available in the area.

Casa Rica and General Island

We went boating and reached Casa Rica. On the opposite side was General Island which was just a few meters away. On white sand Casa Rica was a diving board. Yes, a makeshift diving board. Wooden, umuuga and kinda old. Like Extra Challenge, Jang, ALex and I challenged ourselves to climb that board and jump to the deep sea. Alex went ahead. It took him a couple of minutes. Then my turn. While at the top, it seemed that the world was turning. Nagkasubuan na. I walked and crawled and stood up and jumped. Liberating! As for Jang, Alex and I joked that we already knew what Paolo Bediones feel everytime he has to convince someone to do a task.

Wendy waiting for Peter Pan.

Our next beach was a Japanese-owned TJ Oasis resort. Not as nice as Consuelo thus, we didn't swim.

We were already settled that once we reached Cantilan, it was time to say adieu to the beach. But wait, our companion brought us to this nearby beach where a lot of kids were skimming and the waves were big (not surfing variety though). It was so inviting that we all rode the waves. We we like kids na nakawala sa hawla.

From far away, we could see Consuelo beach. Yep, we were on the opposite side of the island. The island we saw this morning. Coolness! We tried our hands (or feet) with skimboards but to no avail. Nagpapicture na lng kami.

*Enchanted*

The picture says it all. All I can say is that Jang and I changed clothes near the road. Very Blue Crush.

Enchanted River in Hinatuan

*Durian Party*

We started our trip with durian ice cream. Durian was our official scent in our vehicle (we brought it from Surigao del Norte to del Sur). Our nightly dessert. And when we reached Davao, we had durian-flavored coffee at Blugre. Sarap.

Don't know how to end this. Kaya, bigla na lang mawawala! :-)

'Lobster

One Frenzy Week

Frenzy crazy week. It’s another week for me. My first 3 days are pretty hectic for me, for sure! AAP marks a first as it celebrates its commencement in the Computer Literacy Program tomorrow afternoon, with 8 graduates. Quite a feat for AAP since majority of these kids didn’t even know how to use a mouse or a keyboard when they had their first day of class a month ago.
Had to do the emcee chores, as usual. The big bosses will be there, and so it’s gonna be fun. And a good way to strut our stuff. Some of our sponsors will be there. Pakitang-gilas, ikanga.
Yesterday, I had to survive a meeting at 8 am on a Monday. What a way to start your day,
really. Then, the rest of the day was frenzy!
Good thing, I had a dinner treat at A Veneto from Love. Thanks for the tossed salad, seafood pasta and cheeseburger pizza, Bestest Friend. Too bad, we didn’t get to see our crush there.
***

Survivor News. Got to watch the finale of Survivor Palau this evening. NYC firefighter (Ladder 109 of Brooklyn NY) Tom Westland won over ad executive Katie Gallagher for the $1M check and the Chevrolet car (forgot the model).
No more details here. Fellow blogger Lobster already did a full-blown account on this.
No more Survivor and TAR, for now. At least, there’s still AI (Go Bo!) and Extreme Makeover which I just came to love a few weeks ago.
***
Short and sweet. The meeting at the US Embassy this morning was short and sweet. 20 minutes, tops! It was even longer to get there from our office. The good thing was, I was a passenger in a XTC Jaguar. (The Big Boss kindly offered us a ride).
After the meeting, everything was settled. We’re all set for the US Memorial Day on May 30.
That’s how these guys have their meetings. We even have our board meetings for less than an hour. Compared to the local counterparts, no more chika-chika in the meeting. All business, business. Well, after, there was some small talk. But we did get to business efficiently.
Wish Pinoy execs can also do that. And no more 1-hour waiting please.
***
MRT postpones “inevitable” price hike. Well, this is good news. At least, I can still use my P100 MRT card for one whole week (weekend gimmicks included). I have learned the culture of MRT rides during my almost 2-year stint here in Makati. Though it’s an Erap legacy, MRT is still THE answer to that horrendous 2-hour commute from Makati to QC. MRT riding is also a culture, with the idiosyncrasies of fellow MRT commuters. (Have to do a separate article on this)

***
OK now, I’m going back to work, or else my Jaguar chauffeur-driven Boss would drive me nuts!

Tom the Man

I wasn't in the mood of going online last night. After watching the finale of Survivor, it was like my day is complete. Firefighter Tom Westman is now USD 1 million richer. Yipee! He is good, no doubt about it. And his gameplan? Honesty is the best policy. For an old man (compared to the young and buff ones), he was really a threat. It could be the firefighting skills...strength, endurance...

It was a surreal final immunity. Ian (who really looked geeky and yummy in the Reunion show) gave up IC on the 11th hour just to have his integrity intact (and probably able to sleep well). I admire him for that...he valued his friendship with Tom more than the million bucks. Di bale, he got the awesome Corvette naman.

Tom Westman: Survivor Palau Winner

Steph was there! And so was Bobby Jon! As Jeff Probst mentioned, Steph is one of the most popular and strongest girl in S history. Yeah right. And BJ? Hardworking. Tama lang talaga.

I got teary-eyed(over a TV show?)when Coby mentioned he adopted a baby...and he named it Janu. Ohhh...how sweeet. Survivor might bring out the worst in people but hey, some friendships and bonds are really formed out there.

For the next couple of months, there will be no bedimpled Jeff Probst in his khakis. Not even Phil Keoghan (of TAR

fame) and his amazing eyebrows. Rest muna from reality tv.

",)lobster

Random Thoughts: vEnUs & mArS

Found this from our entries in our WNG yahoogroups, and thought that this is for a much wider audience over the net:

Some thoughts to ponder: (SF)

Just when you thought that everything's fine, you painfully realize that it's not…
It is really not fair…in love or war…in life…in career…in blessings…in family life…but then, we just have to be thankful for this. Because unfairness makes us work harder for a fairer life…and makes us stronger…
Men are from Mars, women are from Venus…So true! They may say they love each other, but they're on different levels of love…he's just starting to show his feelings, while she's starting to think about their future together…men are more concerned with the present, womenthink beyond the present and hope for the future with their men…

And here was Love’s dramatic and philosophical reply to this:
1. [BITTER MODE] men are not only from mars...they are actually some unseen entities not worthy of any space in this galaxy. Okey, sige na nga...they are black holes in outer space. You know they exist and as much as we want to distance ourselves from them. They suck us into their dark world. Kumbaga, they are so damn attractive that we can't stay away from them. As they continue to suck us into their world, we tend to like the idea. Nasanay na. Then, all of a sudden, we feel we are in this dark dark world, comforting yet kakaiba. Pero unlike blackholes, sometimes men spit us out..like they have eaten a fistfulof crybaby candies. Wala lang. Men, sometimes you hate them, but most of the time, you luuve them. (biglang kambyo eh) hey, this is the first thing that came into my mind.. ang maging bitter, for a change.hehehe

2. [RATIONAL MODE] You can't have everything, laging me kapalit. As for men and women being different. TALAGA LNG. We think with our hearts. Men think with their brains only. Sa tingin nyo ba, capable ang lalaki mag multitask? Nah. i don't think so. Hehehe
3. [IN FAIRNESS] It is FAIR--in everything. Love, war, career, family, etc. It is how we view these things and our approach/strategy make Life, in general, fair or unfair. Yikes, maybe i had too much happy pills for the day!

Happy pills, anyone? We all ought to take these everyday.

`SF

Breathless...Let me count the ways

Not to be outdone, here’s my list for Breathless in 12 counts…
(In random; does not refer to one boylet only)

Winning a UFO Catcher prize intended for me
Scent of a bagong ligo, i.e. soap and shampoo
Sense of humor
Conversation about anything and everything under the sun
Good romantic comedy movie with a date
Towering height
That faraway sweet voice on the other side of the line
Kaka-kilig na one-liners
His pixilated image on cam
The epitome which is Ewan McGregor
Skinhead, but now with little hair
One-day old beard / goatee

I should be working now, but the lull in the office is so killing me. With the piles of paperwork on my desk, I’m just too tamad to do a bit of work.

++Song in my head: _______________
++Working on: program for the US Memorial Day, new blogs, request for blood from St. Luke’s, 4th of July sponsorships, preparations for tomorrow’s meeting at the Embassy
++Excited about: A free dinner treat at A Veneto (yummy!); late night chat (?), and a good night’s sleep

`SF

Breathless in 10 Counts

While in Butuan, we kept on singing Breathless...and yours truly, as usual, put it on a different level.

1. Scent of T or Estee Lauder's Pleasures for Men while stuck in an elevator/inside an A/Ced room/while riding a PUV
2. Good cheekbones
3. White undershirt
4. Very functional hands (all around ..luto, massage, butingting, opened a canned soda for you, papaypayan ka the whole time you're together [aka personal bentilador], etc.)
5. Arched eyebrows
6. Stare that can make you melt
7. Hearty laugh
8. Good sense of humor
9. Opens the door for you, cooks for you, puts food on your plate (I am not a damsel in distress and these things are new to me)
10. Taste and smell of beer

p.s. doesn't refer to only one person.

",)lobster

::song of the moment::breathless by corrs
::i am excited about ::aveneto dinner

East Side Stories (Part 1)

After my field work in the western part of Mindanao last February, my next assignment was to cover the eastern part of the island- the third to the last leg of our survey. Of course, everyone was excited. It was my first trip together with Ley and Alex in this project. The truth is, we did plan that it is the 3 of us for this work. So, last May 2, Alex, Ley and I together with Dors left Manila for Butuan in a very delayed flight.

As a sign of things to come, it was raining in Butuan. Well, after the oh-so-hot-hot weather in Manila, the rain was a welcome treat.

Since it was a holiday, the 4 of us toured the city. Went window-shopping at Gaisano and walked around. I met with Shirly's family while my colleagues were surfing the net. I met Shirl's mother, aunts and bros. O di ba, bongga? I even got to taste the famous Tita's siopao. I met Kat afterwards at Bayantel. After some chika chika, we had dinner in Aling Cora's courtesy of Kat's dad. Dyahe no?

*First Day*

Our first day started quite late. Went to Cabadbaran, Agusan del Norte to interview the biggies (major wood processing plants in the region). But before that, we attended a fiesta in a nearby barangay. Well, it must be the timing. We were in the province during the fiesta season.

The group splitted up. Dors and I interviewed a plywood plant manager. It was a good interview since the manager was more than willing to share the information about the plant operations. Man, we even learned where his kids and grand kids were at present.

*Nightlife in Bxu*

Dinner was at Weegol's with Mylene, Jang, Ernie, Alex, Ley, Dors and me. The food was ok and buko halo was so tasty. Since we finished dinner early, Big Joe's was our next stop. For 600 bucks, we got 3 rounds of beer/juice each and an order from the restaurant guaranteed us a microphone where we can sing to our heart's content. It wasn't our idea of videoke but it seems we didn't have another choice. After the perennial videoke piece "Buttercup", "Always Something there to Remind Me" and "Breathless", we capped the night with senti songs like Ocean Deep (eeewww!), Stay (of Lisa Loeb) and I Will Survive (another ewww?!).

*Song of the Trip*

If Huling El Bimbo is the summer song in Bora (Bonding in Bora Ala TAR and Do You Know What We Did This Summer?) Breathless was the LSS of the group for the next 14 days. Ready now, "Go on, leave me breathless...." Hmmm, reminds me of someone who used to make me feel that (Breathless in 10 Counts).

For the meantime, I'm back in the 4 walls of my airconditioned office now, writing for work related stuff and sometimes AIDSing.

",)lobster

Pitong bagay sa buhay na natutunan ko sa U.P.

Hello everyone.
Just want to share some excerpts of Ryan Cayabyab’s commencement given last April 24 at the UP Diliman to Batch 2005.

Nakakatawa, but so true. This one drives home what it means to be in a university, wait, not university, but an institution AND a lifestyle that is purely and genuinely Peyups.

'Pitong bagay sa buhay na natutunan ko sa U.P'
1. Ang buhay ay parang IKOT jeep. Ang iyong patutunguhan ay siya ring iyong pinanggalingan.2. U.P. lang ang may TOKI, sa buhay wala nito. Pero nasasaiyo na yon kung nais mong pabaligtad ang takbo ng buhay mo.
3. Sa IKOT, puede kang magkamali ng baba kahit ilang beses, sasakay ka lang uli. Sa buhay, kapag paikot-ikot ka na at laging mali pa rin ang iyong baba, naku, may sayad ka.
4. Sa U.P., lahat tayo magaling. Aminin nating lahat na tayo'y magagaling. Ang problema dun, lahat tayo magaling!
5. Kung sa U.P. ay sipsip ka na, siguradong paglabas mo, sipsip ka pa rin.

6. Sa U.P., tulad sa buhay, ang babae at ang lalake, at lahat ng nasa gitna, ay patas, walang pinagkaiba sa dunong, sa talino, sa pagmamalasakit, sa kalawakan ng isipan, sa pag-iibigan; at kahit na rin sa kabaliwan, sa kalokohan at sa katarantaduhan.
At ang panghuli:
7. Sa U.P. tulad sa buhay, bawal ang overstaying.

P.S. To end his speech, Mr. C even commissioned the San Miguel Master Chorale at San Miguel Philharmonic Orchestra (majority of whom are UP grads also) to render a musical production of his new composition, "Salamat sa 'Yo, UP"
O di ba, ginawang concert ang speech. What a great and unique way (the first ever) to end a speech.
Sayang, I missed this occasion. It must be very heart-warming. Galing!

(NB. Thanks Ellaine dear, for forwarding this speech to me)

Back for Good

Good to be back home. After 14 days of on-the-road travelling, interviewing, eating grilled seafood and durian and kinilaw and a whole weekend at the beach. 2 weeks without blog, friendster and all time fave ym. I am back. Addict!

",)lobster

::song in my head:: avril lavigne's my happy ending

::dying to watch :: a lot like love

::excited about :: trip to nagcarlan this friday with officemates

Wanted: Boyfriend

Over dinner of Rodic’s tapsilog with Lioda last night, we talked about our jobs, families, common friends and of course, well, oh well, you guessed it right, lovelife. Both our non-existent, zilch lovelife (nill, zero, nada, waray, wala, etc, etc).

I jokingly said to her that I would post a wanted ad for her - Wanted: Boyfriend.

If I were to write that ad, it would go something like this:
Wanted: a presentable guy in their late 20s (preferably, but in early 30's OK) who's into computers, music and movies. Must be good with numbers, but can be also a creative writer. A good conversationalist AND a good listener. Charming, sweet, and a no-Mama's boy. Those with romantic antics up their sleeves are definitely most welcome. Engineers a big plus.

Am I giving away too much Liods? Sorry! I wonder who would respond to this ad? :-)

`SF

Friday, I'm in Love

I wish I can actually sing this TheCure song. But I can't.

Good thing, the work week is finally over. After all the harassing days (endless deadlines, interrupted work schedules, phone calls, wailing beneficiaries and what-have-you's), I can now put my mind off work. I look forward to another relaxing weekend ahead. For now, I don't have plans of reporting to the office, unless there's an emergency AGAIN.

Lovella is back from her Mindanao escapade tonight, and yehey! I now have a partner in crime sa gimik. Movie marathons ("In Good Company" and "Kingdom of Heaven"), Mr. K bingeing, grocery-shopping (how exciting!), ukay sales, Sunday swimming, endless talks, pag-e-emote, and what-have-you's. I finally have my kaututang dila once again.

Friday, I'm in love. Hopefully, tonight I will. Wonder if he'll sign in?

`SF

bLaH, BlAh, bLaH, BlAh...

Another manic Thursday. It’s almost the end of the week, I haven’t even noticed the days passed by before me. It was as usual a frantic week in the office. Despite the fact that our big boss is away for a business trip abroad, we’re still swamped with a lot of work. Some of our overbearing boss seems to think that we don’t have much work here, so she’s dumping all of the work! It’s crunch time once again! Thankfully, some of our contacts at the US Embassy are accommodating (though some are overbearing too!).

Another week has passed. Oh, I wish it were a Friday already.

Oh, by the way, Lovella will be back tomorrow evening from her 2-week CARAGA adventure. Taga-CARAGA ako, but sad to say, I haven’t been to some of the places she’s been to. Expect her blog this weekend then. (Yes, friends, there’s no internet in some parts of CARAGA, or even PC's for that matter).
***
In the news: (belated) New powerful Hollywood couple Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes. As if you didn’t know about it pa. Lucky Katie. And to think, she used to fantasize about Tom Cruise and wished she’d be married to him. Will that fantasy come true? We’ll have to wait and see.
***
American Idol news. And there were only four – Vonzell, Carrie, Anthony and Bo. And I think it will be a stiff competition. One of them will be saying bye tonight. Hmmm, I wonder who will that be? Hopefully, not Bo Bice. I’m rooting for that rocker, now that Constantine is long way gone.
***
It’s amazing! Child-less married couple Uchenna and Joyce Agu won the 1-million dollar stake in the 7th installment of “Amazing Race”. I’m impressed with Joyce when she had her head shaved for the Fast Forward (or was it Detour?) in one of the episodes. I still miss bros Brian&Greg and their funny ad-libs in the challenges.

Well, the online bets were right. Uchenna and Joyce won over the Survivor millionaires Rob and Amber. I still have to see this on tape though. Have to say bye to Papa Phil Keoghan for the meantime, while waiting for TAR8. Hope they will again come back to the Philippines, but I doubt it.
***
Rodic's dinner. I will have dinner with longtime friend and college roommate Lioda tonight. I’m quite excited about it, since I didn’t show up for our date the last time. Blame on emergency matters at the office (what else!).
Lioda and I go way back. I remember our nightly trips to SC to feed us while studying (nerd!), SM North escapades on a tight budget, and take note of this, sabay na umiiyak because we missed home. I got to learn the Waray language (though I’m out of practice now) and become an honorary Waray with my accent (kuhang-kuha ko daw) and maybe my attitude (?). See you tonight Liods! I wanna hear some of your stories. Stories of some boylets, perhaps?

***

A Tribute to AAP Staff

I just like to give my thanks to our able AAP staff. With me are :

Agnes -our ever-dynamic and tough Social Welfare Officer; ang iba nyang ginagawa, di ko kaya, she's one tough lady but can easily crumble (esp. to matters of the heart, hehehe).

Kuya Danny - our Tatay, the ever dependable Accountant / Go-to guy / "Field" man. Our "muse", he's been with the AAP since forever :). Thanks Kuya Dan, for bearing with us, your "kids".

Evelyn - 'velyn! Pano na lang ako pag wala si Evelyn? :) My go-to girl. Ever-dependable and proactive too. She's been a good student so far. Thanks for all the hard work, guys! And let's continue to serve our beneficiaries, and be blessed with the help we impart to them. (NB: Napansin mo bang me height requirement sa office namin?) :-)

D' FoRcE

Now this, my friends, is the main reason why I'm happy today. Just got an email from EOnline and it features all trivia about Star Wars, and of course, some of those about Obi Wan Kenobi. What a way to start my day. Ewan Mc Gregor (my Mark Renton-Christian-Edward Bloom-Zip Martin/Catcher Block) on my PC. Haay....Can't wait for May 18 (yes, they have a special late night screening on that day, same time with the first day of US release). May the force be with us!

In the News

Another fare hike is set for the last week of May. Dagdag pahirap na naman to! Hay buhay! Mega-pagtitipid na naman ako nito. As if, kayanin pa ng budget ko. Starting May 26, jeepney fare will now start at P7.50, a 2-peso increase from what we're paying Manong Driver now.

Meaning, that would be an additional P100/week to my budget, which translates to prepare packed lunch to the office, no taxi rides from MRT Kamuning station, and all the other comforts. Hay, ang hirap!

***

“Time to move on”. Secretary Manuel Dayrit announced his resignation from the Health Department. Oh well, time to move on. Wonder how I can move on, if I can’t even stand the thought of not being with him. Kaka-emote…

I wonder who's the most qualified replacement for his post.

I will surely miss his TV PSA's with all his smiling and ever-poised delivery.

***

A new tax measure was finally approved by the bicameral committeee - Senate and House of Representatives. www.inq7.net reported that the tax measures increases corporate income tax to 35 percent from 32 percent, and gave Arroyo the power to hike value added tax (VAT) by two points to 12 percent next year under certain conditions.

It also ended VAT exemptions previously enjoyed by some industries such as power and electricity, and air and sea transport. The measure is part of a tax reform package endorsed by Arroyo in Congress and could raise revenues of up to 60 billion pesos by next year.

Raise revenues? Or more pork for them to chew on? GO figure!

***

On to Hollywood news: Jennifer Garner (yes, Sidney Bristow / Elektra) is 3 months on the family way. Swerte naman ni Ben Affleck. Poor Scott! Scott Foley (of the Felicity fame) was married to Jen, but they didn't have any kids. Bennifer are now engaged. Hope it won't be another Bennifer wedding-called-off fiasco though.

Grabe, I'm so updated esp. with showbiz chismis.

***

One more week to go, Star Wars na! Can't wait to Obi Wan Kenobi. Of course, sino pa nga ba?

But well, Star Wars won't end there. There's a plan now to widen its horizons and continually "haunt" us (in a good way) thru a TV series. The saga can't seem to stop. And George Lucas continues to count his millions.

***

This is my yackity yackity yack for the day...Ta ta!

M & M

M&M, that’s what I call two of my closest friends in high school. Marion and May. We go a long way back, back when we were still in grade school. Mga uhugin pa, kumbaga. Marion and I are second cousins, so we were playmates since we were 5 or 6 years old, though I got to play once in a blue moon. Blame it on my asthma attacks. May and I were "ration" girls when we were in Grade 5, and we had our share of crushes then. Ang aga lumandi, hehehe.

In the book “Friends of the Heart”, there are different kinds of friends. And I guess they are my touchstone friends. The book describes these friends as “friends of the memory, but with a special significance.” Well, May and Marion are my friends with whom I touch base regularly. Thanks to Sun and Smart’s unlimited calls, we get to talk. They are also the friends “whose lives I follow even though we may not see each other everyday or even live close together". I'm here in bustling Manila, May is Tanjay (Negros) and Ion is in BXU. We touch base regularly through Christmas cards or letters, phone calls or regular reunions (the last "reunion" of sort was about 5 years ago). These meetings serve the purpose of keeping us grounded, reminding us of who we’ve been and who we are and how we’ve changed. And yes, I've realized that I haven't changed at all. Hehehe...

M&M are also my Friends of the heart because they are unforgettable people, for whatever reason, stake a permanent claim in my heart. They are one of my chosen sisters – the ones who leave us pondering what we ever did to deserve them. Best of all, they feel the same way about us. Mutual admiration, eh?

At present, they are now mothers of 2 adorable kids. Working mothers as they are, they are still able to look lovingly after their kids and their husbands with much ease. And I envy them for that.

Realization is: wow, nahuhuli na talaga ako. But hey, I'm happily single. Not that ready for diapers, milk, and other responsiblities. ")

`SF

MaMa, NaNaY, MoMmY,InAy, et al..

Happy Mother’s Day, Nanay! Thank you for being the best to me and the 3 barako’s.

Happy Mother’s Day, Mama Nita. Thanks for the love, care and pag-aaruga, as ever.

I’m happy to have a Nanay and a Mama.

And to all the wonderful Mama, Nanay, Mommy, Mami, Mamu, Mom, Inay, etc, etc: Mabuhay po kayo. You are all our inspiration!

A bLoG Record

Wow, this is a record for dosamigas - 5 blogs (including this one) in just 1 day.
Guess I was just too tamad to do other stuff. And besides, some of these entries are long overdue. I now keep a little notebook, what i call "Scribbles note", full of ideas for blogs.
I even wrote the first few paragraphs but can't seem to finish it all. Not that inspired to write, or it was just the timing, and my laziness to even open my PC at home. Well now, I guess I'm the opposite of that - inspired (as if! inspired to write more about "safe" topics), have a lot of time to waste, and not that lazy.
Blog is therapeutic, I tell you!
Expect more to come, guys! And hey, thanks for reading. Please do post your comments / reactions / messages to us.

My Best Friend's Sojourn to the Unknown

Fellow blogger Lovella is on a far far away place these past few days, so to her followers, you might have to wait one more week to read her entries here.

Well, to keep you posted with what she has been doing, here’s a brief itinerary:

First stop, Butuan City – for the SOP courtesy call with the DENR’s Regional Executive director. Did some shopping at Gaisano. And well, finally, she got to go to our house and meet my brods, Nanay, Mama and Auntie. She even squeezed some time to have dinner with Kat (Kat, pasalubong nako!)

Next, she was in Cabadbaran, also part of Agusan del Norte. Well, this is business trip so I guess she’s doing some research of sorts.

Then she was in Surigao City (I was there as a stopover in Super Ferry but for a very brief period of time).

Friday, they are now SUDECOR in Surigao del Sur, and spent the night at a logging camp. Pretty exciting.
Next stop: Siargao! (not that sure though)

For the next few days, they’ll be traveling further north in Mindanao – Davao and some other unknown municipalities

Well, I’m envious she got to go to these places. It’s a shame, I’m the one from Caraga and I haven’t even to these places! (except my hometown of course). I resolve I’ll explore more of the region when I get home this Christmas break. I just wish I have the time, and the resources.

And here’s news too! She might get promoted (or transferred) to a more challenging post at FMB. Way to go, bestest friend.

`SF

Komiks @ Blue Room

Nah, not that Darna / Panday / Wakasan komiks. It's this humble resto in Malate. This is my belated food review on our Hyatt/Malate Saturday rendezvous.

For starters, we ordered their own version of the mushroom cream soup. I forgot though what it's called. The items in their menu have unique Pinoy names. Our main course was Manok ni San Pedro - chicken (lean, no skin) stuffed with ripe mango in creamy (as in sinfully creamy) sauce. Yummy! It went well with the garlic (lots of garlic) rice and Coke light. Next time, I'll try their Darna specialty or the mango / apple strudel .

Though pricey (total bill at P600), the eating, oops, the dining (para mas me class) experience was worth it. We were the only patrons that time. Turned out it was way too early (i.e. 9 PM) for the Malate crowd.

Next stop after dinner was Blue room. I opined it had such a name since it will drive your blues away while nursing a cold bottle of San Mig Light, or Colt, or even Red Horse (though I haven't tried the last one). Blue Room is a no-fancy, no-frills bar, with obviously something blue sari-sari all over the place. Their come-on to customers? A buy 1, take 1 for P65 promo - not bad! The music selection was great - from reggae, techno, mellow - a hodge podge of all musical genres (I even got to hear U2!) No food review since we just treated ourselves to a round of drinks and good music, and some people-watching on the side.

As we made our way out and into the streets of Malate, Love and I realized that we were a kill-joy, having to leave when the Malate nightlife has just begun.

We were Cinderella...but we were late by 20 minutes. Hmmm...I wonder where are my glass slippers now . Wishful thinking!

`SF

Which Song are You?

While writing this, I’m listening to some of my compiled Winamp songs. (confession: I have multiple windows open for the numerous blogs I’m writing) Randomly played, I’m inspired to write the significance / story behind / reminds-me-of-whom/what-story of each song:

Cold Summer Nights – Francis M – Reminds me of high school days. Had to buy a song hits magazine (shortcut: songhits) just to know the lyrics. FrancisM is an institution.
Ghost in You – Counting Crows – I think there’s a movie for this. Can’t remember what though. What I do remember is their Oscar-nominated “Accidentally in Love” from Shrek 2.
Thank You – Dido – Well, I was the one who introduced this song to Lovella and it became her ultimate fave.
Iris – Goo goo Dolls – I don’t have to listen to this song. I’d skip this. Only makes me think of…Hey, I need to get busy…
She Will Be Loved – Maroon 5 – My signature videoke song (it used to be “A Friend of Mine”), wishing I were the beauty queen of 18. And Adam is singing this to me.
If You Come Back – Blue – Reminds me of NCI days, the first few weeks of WNG pioneers: Mikey, Ellaine, Lalaine and myself. Thanks Enteng for introducing this song to us.
Baby, Don’t You Break My Heart – Vonda Shephard – An Ally McBeal classic. Well, the title says it all. Haaay…Need to skip this one too.
Complicated – Avril Lavigne – Agnes’ videoke song. Yes, it’s really complicated falling in love. ‘Nuff said.
Loser – Beck – NCI days too. During our Klik Clinic days in North Luzon schools, this was on high rotation before we usually start the internet sessions to keep the students awake.
Shoulda, Woulda, Coulda – Beverly Knight – Very Mikey! This song is for all my shoulda-woulda-coulda guys, a.k.a. the ones who got away
Sem Break – Eraserheads – Of course, the Kalayaan days. Ely Buendia was a god! Until Wolfgang, Razorback and the others came along. (that’s only my opinion, hehehe)
Can You Help Me – Usher – This song is so senti…and I love Usher. From now on, this will be HR on my playlist.

I guess 12 songs are enough (more than enough, I think).

A Date with Maria's Angels

Went to an orphanage yesterday with officemate Agnes to meet with some prospect beneficiaries and with their Executive Director. We were invited to their place for them to personally thank us for the sharing with them our “surplus” donations of deli, biscuits, cookies, milk and other food stuff. Thanks to our ever-kind sponsors, we got to share the extras with other NGO’s.

Bahay Maria shelters abandoned children – ranging from 4 months old to those who have been with them for years and now, are teenage college students. We were first introduced to the bunso in the group – a 4-month baby boy who was left in the hospital. No parents were identified. My heart cried out for this boy. Good thing, a childless couple is adopting him and bringing him to the States. Then, these 40 angels prepared a short program for us. As a thank-you, they did a musical number for us. I was really touched and moved to tears. With matching choreography (reminds me of my elementary and high school choir days), they sang their hearts out. They sang a Mary song (don’t know the title), “For You I Will” (you know how much I love you) and “Lean On Me” (…winter, spring, summer, or fall, all you gotta do is call). After that, I was requested to say a few words to them (naks, feeling guest of honor). Well, I think I did well (it was an impromptu one), and these kids are an attentive lot. I was just so overwhelmingly happy to know that I have done something for these unfortunate kids. We had smiles on our faces on the way back to the office, knowing that these angels are also one of the reasons why we have to keep on working.

As a long-term plan for myself, I MIGHT adopt one of these kids. When circumstances call for it, I might have to. Well, let’s just wait and see…

`SF

Freaky Friday

I woke up 40 minutes late than my usual wake up time, and I freaked out for a while. Aarrgh! It's a Friday and I needed to be at the FX station earlier than usual. 40 minutes late for me is actually 6:10 AM, so I still have at least 20 minutes to bathe, dress up and ride a jeep to the FX station. Good thing, I'm such a pro in taking a quick shower and dress up. Thank God, I made it on time with no queue of waiting yuppies in line for a ride. I arrived at 7:35 AM in the office. Not bad! Only 5 minutes late than my usual time-in.

Another freaky Friday. Traffic in Makati will be horrendous today. The roads in Ayala will be closed for traffic because of the Araw ng Makati celebrations. Well, talk about being festive on this day. Wish it were a holiday though. During my Curricula days, when Pasig celebrated its anniversary (for its name or when it was declared a city, no idea at all), we all had our day off. And well, Curricula has a lot of vacation time...Wish I can do that now.

Freaky Friday since I'd be home alone and no date on a Friday night. Arrgh! Guess I have to settle on catching up on my reading or sleep. Ang sarap nga talaga matulog!

Happy weekend everyone! Have a nice one!

`SF

bLoG, BLog, blog

Blogging keeps me sane right now. Be it reading other’s blog, or emoting to write my own, it’s an escape AND relief like no other. It’s my lunch break, a welcome respite from the ever-hectic “corporate struggle”.

Now, I don’t have to worry about the moderator’s approval on my articles since I myself do the editing. My dream would be to have our blog or an article featured in Youngblood, or even a section in the Inquirer’s YOU section, specifically YOU Blog Addicts.

As Mel would say it, Blog is our excuse of broadcasting our own deepest darkest secrets, so long locked in a pink diary / red notebook. And yes, he is so true. Blog is about ranting about our angsts / miseries / disappointments in mi vida loca, or raving about that fave places, persons, and what-nots. Sometimes they’re even trivial, but at least we can freely voice out what/how we feel at the moment.

Thankfully, we do have our followers already. Thank God for our ever-supportive friends, and those we meet in the future. And please do keep on reading, and enjoy!
Cheers!

`SF

Alone in Tagum

Nothing beats staying in a hotel room on a twin share accomodation alone. Add an occassional power interruption and a pinch of noises just outside the room, it makes one sleep early. Not because I am afraid but dead tired doing the rounds of interview. Again! And this is the last time I am going to do it. The project is in its finals stages.huhuhuh

Tagum City reminds me of Ipil grown large. Its outskirts, however, seem like Zamboanga. Well, that is if one is in the Sta. Maria-San Roque area. It really looks like home except that the trikes are larger (bulkier version of Butuan's trikes) and all people converse in Bisaya. It has two malls but I've only seen one located at the National Highway (sounds like NE Mall in Nueva Ecija).

What I like about the city is the long stretch of highway. No rotunda or long winding road. Just one straight road and the rest are little eskinitas.

Even the far off place is still a city. But then, I am in Davao- known for cities with large areas (evwith all those coconut plantations).

I do hope I can catch up with Lynneth here. She's a friend who used to be my classamte in Ateneo grad. She did finish her studies at USF in California while I took an AWOL. As for now, its time to savor cable tv in my room.

The "NOW" moments

Currently reading – Reader's Digest, May2005 issue
Cover: Be Happy NOW! - now, that's an interesting read

Song on my Head – Le Ann Rime’s “Life Goes On” (…Life goes on, you made me strong)

Excited about – For now, my weekend home alone

Drinking - 7-11's pineapple juice

Wishing for – quiet moments with myself, for myself, all by myself

Dreaming of – sand, sea, beach! Siargao…Camiquin…Butuan!

One vivid dream - a recurrent one - house on fire....Wonder what that means

Dreading for – growing old ALONE (yikes, that’s still light years away)

Contemplating on – going to the province for a vacation

Craving for – Starbucks Mocha Frappuccino, Java Man's Javaccino (am I going back to coffee?)…For a change, I might!

Next movie/s in line – War of the Worlds (Tom Cruise), Eternal Sunshine (again and again!)

Working on – fixing a broken heart…writing letters to sponsors…soul-searching…

Feeling – numb...

And now your turn please... Share us your thoughts


`SF

Over egg pie and lemon lime green tea

Green tea is now my refuge. Refuge from stress, depression, loneliness and of course, heartaches.

Over egg pie and Higgins and Burke lemon lime green tea, I finally got the courage to read his email. No, I didn’t cry buckets like the last time, but I felt there’s a certain hallow inside.

Well, it ended (again) and this time, we both knew better.

For now, I’d better finish this cup and maybe go find a Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf for my fix of Genmaicha tea.

`SF

Empty Chair

We were in Blue Room nursing a pair of San Mig Lights. Reggae music on the background with a muted Jeepers Creepers 2 on Star Movies. And there was this empty chair. How we wish that someone was sitting between us.

There was never a space before. There was always one of the Authorities keeping us company. Or one of our girlfriends during girl-bonding time. But that night, we both know who used to occupy that vacuum.

He was sucked out of 'Pinas and was transported to the land of concrete lion sprouting water in its mouth. Greener pasture. We were happy for him, actually. Yet his presence was missed..in a dark room filled with almost deafening music. Three of us inhaling cig smokes from fellow customers while exchanging corny jokes, contemplating the meaning of life (char! "What about you?") and sharing you-know-whats.

It will be an empty chair until next summer. Maybe. Maybe not. We don't know. Que sera sera.

",) bel

Lost in Fire Exit

9th floor. Fire exit. Very CSI-ish if Shirl and I were found lifeless in the paint-smelled hollow walls of the fire exit of the Hyatt Hotel in Manila.

Since the pool was just a floor below us, we decided not to use the elevator to save energy. When we reached the 8th floor fire exit...there was no door handle for us to pull that steel door. Uh-oh, smells like trouble. Then, we went a floor lower...still no luck until we reached...3rd floor! We were sweating like we've run a marathon. And with our swimsuits, so to speak!

Literally, naligo kami sa sarili naming pawis. When we saw the signage TO MARKET CAFE and an open door..there were not only 2 sighs of relief. It was like angels singing "alleluia! alleluia!" or Archimedes shouting "Eureka!" naked. (Di ba he was in a pool that time?)

We looked like lost chickens. I tell you. Good thing, the door leading to the cafe was not the kitchen door since it would be so humiliating. 2 swimsuit-clad ladies (ok, shirl had her skimpy blouse and shorts on while i had my board shorts and wonder-of-wonders a tankini top) inside a hotel kitchen. Hahaha. What a sight it could have been.

And our almost-getting-a-tabloid-headline moment was over. We then hopped on to the elevator to the pool area. So much for conserving energy. Sorry, Mother Earth. And so our weekend getaway began: swimming, long bubble baths, "home" spa, Malate gimmick, late cable TV, endless food binge, and buffet breakfast...Aaahhhh! This is the life!

::song in my head ::Love Moves by Julia Fordham

::currently reading::Twisted 7 by Jessica Z.

::agenda tomorrow::be at the airport by 7.15 A.M.

`ALotLikeLOVE/SF