Happy Beerday

It is exactly 1:39 P.M. in Perth. Just like here. Today is Sam's birthday. Sam Frank Edwards of Lockeridge. The dinkum (Aussie word for real) mate of mine. I sorta met him four years ago in a very crowded and Indian-filled room at ninemsn. We hit it off pretty well. Since then, we communicated regularly - chat, email, phone calls. No sparks kahit he looks like Scott Speedman of Felicity.


I was attached. He wasn't. Not a good thing. I was detached, he got a bedmate. Bad timing. He was in KL, I was in Pinas. Near yet so far. I was in KL, he was in Melbourne. No more Malaysia field works.


Why do I speak so fondly of him? Not because it's his birthday. Because he is a grouse friend even after kegs of sixers and endless rantings in between. He never left the room even though the server's too slow. As the two of us put it, we were like old friends who don't need to talk to know everything. Our silence, even across the equator, speaks a lot.


To my dear friend, cheers to a good life! More beers ahead, mate! Happy birthday!

",)lobster

First Day Funk

Blame it on Parokya and Rexona. This is not about first day of school. But something similar - my first day at work in a new office. OF course, I am still in an "on call" basis but staying inside the Big O for almost a day was a new experience. I do handle International Affairs but as luck puts it, I didn't do remotely related to my concern. Well, except for meeting the Japanese rep for JICA. Start of networking na.

Like the first day of school- you tend to make up some names you want people to call you. That is-if your name really sucks or you want a change of image. As for me, I am now known as Belle. Hey, what else is new? I used to be called by that name during the short-lived graduate studies. I know, my nick is sort of kakaiba so I settled for a safer one. Belle. From love to beauty. What else is new? hahaha Just kidding.

Vacation is over. I got a message from Sam. Man, he is turning 27 (or is it 26?) Nice to hear from him again after a very long time. Another person I could easily open up to. My lovelife (or its non existence) is his forte. Could he be the ka-Ashton ko in A Lot Like Love? Wishful thinking, eh?

As of now, I'll just raise my hand...salute the prof...classmates high five...erase the board...dunno the answer. Sing it!

::i am not into:: ym anymore

::thinking abt :: hk disneyland

::addicted to :: newmanila trivia

",)lobster

Please join us! For ticket reservations, call me! We also have raffle draw for a chance to win airlines tickets to New York as well as hotel, dining and spa certificates. Join us for charity! Email me! 

Movies in my Mind

There are certain movies which can make you sing "...there is always something there to remind me."
Star Wars Episode 4 and 5 / Scream 1 - During my college years, I watched them with you know, the-one-who-got-away...Or so I thought. He was good riddance actually.
Shrek 2 / Identity / The Grudge / The Village - Save for the last movie, these are weird choices. They were sort of a compromise. Pyke hates romantic comedy, and I loathe Good thing, there was always something in-between. As to "The Grudge", I was just forced to watch it. Toshio is now a private joke, trying to scare the hell out of me.
Terminator 3 - The last movie we watched with Rayson before he left for SG. A sad movie for me, since after watching, we hugged him goodbye outside Megamall for his trip to SG the next day.
Amelie - In my attempt to learn French, I bought a VCD copy of this fantastic movie. While I watched this, I was talking with him.
The Firm - I watched this movie alone, imagine! On its first day of watching. I was once a TC fanatic!
The Notebook - A mushy one, with a mushy "date", hehehe...Yes, I was the chaperone, hehehe...Wishful thinking, Mel!
Moulin Rouge - With Tita Cora and Benny in Robinson's Galleria. Well, I just reaffirmed my love and devotion to my Ewan in this movie.
The Eye / The Ring 0 - The ultimate Scream showdown with WNG. Grabe, I had no choice but to watch them too. I was outvoted!
Van Helsing - My first movie in Greenbelt 3, reserved seating. Date with Glen (she now has a constant movie date, so she doesn't need me na). It was worth the P150 we paid.
Meet the Fockers - One of the freebies we got from having a friend who works at Araneta, hehehe. Our (Mikey, Lalaine, Baby, Lovella and Ellaine) first movie at Gateway. From then, Love and I are now Gateway regulars.
The Faculty - Love told me to include this, hehehe...her first-ever movie premiere experience.
Romy and Michelle's High School Reunion - our ultimate bestest friend bonding movie. We watched it in Greenhills Theatre, advanced screening.
See? Movie-watching is more than that, it's actually an experience, with the person/s you've watched them with as well as the fantasy which you have escaped into.

Happy Father's Day, Tay!

I actually don't have a clue of where or how to contact you these days, but let me say this, Happy Father's Day, Tatay Irving!

I remember both our good and dramatic times together. People say that we look alike. I'm Irving's girl version. Our ears are a giveaway. "Hindi maipagkakait na mag-ama", as what everyone would say.

Our good times were when I was in my grade school. You patiently cooked corned beef or meat loaf (our fave ulam), boiled eggs (mine was always super hard-boiled, while my brothers preferred malasado), cooked rice and hot choco / milk on the side. You patiently woke us up at 430 AM for us to review our lessons during periodical exams, helped us with our assignments, and wrote a mean essay in my history homework.

High school came and went, and you were always there for us. Despite the meager baon we got (compared to our classmates), you were a good provider - going the extra mile just to give everything we wanted. You were always proud of us. You would boast that all your children (yes, all 4 of us) were honor students, or got a prize for this contest, and that contest. And that your 2 sons are the best pingpong players, in tandem or individually. Wow, those are good times.

My college years were the dramatic times. Tinalo natin ang mga scenes sa MMK or even in Magpakailanman. There were some sampalan, hiyawan, sigawan and lots of iyakan. And oh, the confrontation scenes were the best. Tinalo pa ni Nanay si Sharon Cuneta. I just so wish that those didn't happen, but hey, they were blessings. These experiences made me what I am now. And you definitely made me what I am right now.

As they say, time heals all wounds, and Tay, mine are healed already. I don't usually say this, but I do miss our good times together. I wish you hapiness in your new life, and I hope I get to share the good times with you again, no matter how briefly.

`SF

Vacay and emoting modes

Speaking of that vacation mode, well, I really did have a vacation. I'm psyching up myself for the next 14 late nights (or so) at work. Grabe, all that hard work! Hope we can make money for this year's fund raiser. (You guys are invited to attend - July 2, IS Manila, 3 to 8 PM for the 4th of July Picnic. It's like the UP Fair, but with the expat touch -- food, mini-bazaar, classic car show, children's booths and activities, adults's games, live band, marhing band, costume parade, and fireworks! The works! Help us raise funds). Enough of work talk anyway.

***

It's been a long time since Lovella and I had our usual pillow talk. And what a pillow talk we had, Saturday morning and afternoon. With nothing better to do, we settled for that (had a terrible headache and "batok" ache too). Blame on the hot weather with occasional but bitin rains in the afternoons and early evenings. We were transported back to our Ilang days where we could talk nonstop. Topic of the day: our respective wedding invitations. And minsan, sinisingit ang mga past dates / crushes of decades past. We discussed who would be our respective bridesmaids, maids of honor (there would be reps from our elem, high school, college and work years), groomsmen, lector / commentator, reader, veil, cord, and whatnot's. The only one missing in the invitation is...Yes, you guess it right...the groom. Hahaha, how pathetic really! But we did have a blast doing that. The burst of colors is Love's color motiff (i.e. touch of red, orange, fushcia, pink, etc) and I will have my lilac wedding. Sounds creepy? Nah...it was just for fun. And you know, to better prepare us individually. Swerte ng future groom namin, he'll be doing less work on the wedding preps.

And then we slept, and had our respective dreams...Dreams of our faceless boylets, of dates, of weddings, of sweet moments, and whatnot's.

Hay grabe, iba talaga ang nagagawa ng walang ginagawa...

***

`SF

Quickie notes

It's been another week since I last wrote here. Guess inspiration didn't come easily to me now. Well, nothing really to say.

Been in a vacation mode since Friday - no work (except for the occasional text messages from the Boss/es and staff), no chat (he wasn't here since Friday, and waiting for him now), no to-do list, just go-with-the-flow weekend. I was supposed to go to the office yday, but my hypertension beats me. Blame it on the late Thursday night chat I had, or maybe the excitement of being "in the loop" again. Whatever it is, it's worth everything!

***

I will be playing host to my high school friend who's visiting Manila for 3 days. Always the Mother Figure of our batch, I'm again playing the role this week. But hey, I'm not complaining. It's a nice feeling to take care of someone while s/he's here in Manila. Need to clean our house and do the groceries this morning. I'm also hosting a small get-together in the house tonight for my HS friends- our visitors Mitzi and Novel, and the regulars Wilbert and Armelo. Can't wait to see the new bride Jessie (W's wifey). At least now, I can report to her that "Hey, I think I found that guy whom you advised me about." Hope that's really true.
***

Thursday, June 16, had a quick lunch with a college friend (quickie since I had to rush from a meeting, then go back to the office to do stuff before my VL). Itago na lang natin sa pangalang...Nah, that would be a giveaway. Haven't seen her that inspired or happy. Or to be more precise, "maaliwalas" ang mukha. Basta, kita mo talaga na in love.

Well, I was speechless when she finally confessed / reaffirmed / confirmed na sila na. Finally! There have been quiet moments while we munched on our Oliver's Sandwich's Lean and Mean Toasted Sandwich. For the first time, I wasn't in my usual Dr. Phil mode because it did really happen. I saw it coming actually, pero iba talaga pag nandyan na pala.

I remember saying " And then, what will happen?" "Masaya ka ba?" "Handa ka ba sa ganyang setup?" And then I realize, hey, I ought to ask those q's to myself too!

Hers is a different story - a sad and happy story. Hey, friend. As Sheryl Crow says "If it makes you happy, then it can be that bad"...

***

Well I am Happy and it's not that Bad...and I think that's what really matters.

Trivia, Oz and kicks

Time check is 12:26 A.M. Good Sunday morning! It is so darn hot that I can't sleep. Add the fact that I can still taste the pizza and green tea we had for dinner. And I am having the fun of my life playing online trivia at newmanila channel. Yeah, I am back as an IRC regular after a month of hiatus.

***

How time flies. I can still remember that I used stay up this late to chat. Now, I am trying to beat the hell out of that guy in the trivia channel. As if! Memorized na ata nila mga sagot. It seems that I am past the chatting thing. I just bade goodbye to this chatmate since I don't enjoy chatting with him anymore. We basically don't share ideas. I miss someone I can talk to about anything. Someone who shares his passion for Stanley Kubrick's films and cricket. Yikes, it seems I miss someone from down under who plays amateur cricket, loves Kubrick's A Clockwork Orange and lives in Sydney. I wonder where the hell is he. 5 years na rin ang nakalipas.

***

A while ago, I was watching Shaolin Soccer (for the nth time!). I find Stephen Chow's antics funny. Ang babaw ko. He is not the Jet Li type pero everytime I watch him, it makes me want to take up martial arts. I still haven't mastered the flying kick. But I do a mean roundhouse and side kicks. hahaha I remembered way back, I was still in karate mode that I asked my sis to block me. Syet...I swiped her foot and off she went down. She was so mad at me at tinumba ko sya. I should have told her to keep her balance. Since then, I never ever asked someone to block me. Except for the almost side kick at Rayson's face last summer. That could have been a kodak moment.

Now, I just practice those kicks on air (or when Billy Blank's on tv) or when there is a nearby coconut tree standing infront of me. I used to do it when I was stuck in Aklan for 2 weeks a couple of years back. It was like Karate Kid without Pat Morita (eewww..how 80s). I wonder where is Ralph Macchio? hmm, but that is another story.

***

Time check: 12:48 A.M.

This is useless. I think it's time for me to sleep.

",)lobster

Stalker Mode

I don't deny it. I used to be a stalker. Not the scary stalker, though- just the subtle kind. Try figuring out who is this lucky person that I waited at the south gate of Araneta or the guy I followed all throughout Katipunan Ave when I saw his car pulled off the parking area of Shoppersville. My ultimate stalking move? Knowing RT's number (thanks to Shirl's connection) and called him (just once!) just to listen to his voice. Oh my - the wacky world of being obssessed..este infatuated.

I haven't done much full blown stalking for the last few years. Although I do apply it for my friends - Friendster or YM style. That's what Shirl calls "integrating technology." I remembered once that Friend L was doubting his bf. So, the very helpful me offered my other friendster account to trace who is unknown girl in my friend's bf's life. Yeah, we even printed the girl's profile. What about catching if someone is just in invisible mode or indeed online at YM? I mastered that technique that I even taught Shirl how to do it. Or sometimes, I do let my friends use my other YM ID to sign in. Nope, I don't do it for a fee.

The other day, though, I learned that someone is much of a stalker than I am. Agnes and I had a great time looking at the different profiles of ****'s friends. Yeah, she was trying to figure out who is the ex gf of her friend. It was tigbakan mode. Oh my, forgive me Lord.

I had my share of these too but I just do search former crushes and classmates. After searching for Richie, Jona, Anti-social, Mike T. and crush kong pangit, I learned that my high school crush has common friends with my former flame. Probably, the two had played billiards together by this time. The city-state is a very small country with lots of Pinoy.

It is fun to do it once in awhile. There is that thrill of getting caught or discovering something. Right now, stalker mode is turned off. For some time.

WTO in My Mind

I never had international econ way back in college or during my short stint in grad school. And now, I am attending a WTO seminar. There are no graphs or equations - I am attending this seminar to represent the environment sector as opposed to being an economist supporting trade. Yesterday was enlightening. I got GATT/WTO 101 in one day. Gosh, kinarir ata ng speaker ang GATT 1994 and Doha Declaration. She can easily quote the Article # or Paragraph if you have an issue to dispute. Lesson of the day: Article XX of GATT 1994.

It is interesting to note that most of the participants are relatively young. There were the "pasaway" ones who come in late every session or always MIA. The WTO people and UNEP reps look very young - this is very opposite if one attends an FAO event. Ooops. Some are always bibo like the Asian subterrenean people (aka Pakistan, India and Bangladesh)--always commenting and asking questions.

Today, it was highly technical that I had a hard time pretending to be wide awake. WTF are technical barriers to trade? Good thing Mr. Presentor resembles a scruffy version of Topher Grace or else I was off to dreamland. I was also having a hard time listening to his Spanish-textured English. Kudos to Doaa for explaining hard-to-understand ideas.

Tomorrow is the big day. We'll be role playing. We'll be making negotiations--ala Uruguay, Seattle or Cancun Round. Hmm, will I be assigned as a defendant?plaintiff?or panelist? I think I need to review my notes.

",)lobster

Blah, blah, blush!

I’m still a bit groggy now. Groggy from a late-night gimmick. Met with some high school chums – Mylene and Novel who came from Butuan, and my buddies here in Manila, Wilbert and Armelo June. Thanks to Wilbert for his treat at Chili’s and the grilling session at Borromeo’s Grille. Wilbert hasn’t changed at all, bachelor or not, he’s still the same buddy that we all have – very honest, to a fault sometimes. But hey, his frankness and no-nonsense advises can sometimes make us think, “hey, that’s a good one.” Very philosophical indeed.
***
I’m supposed to finalize my paper now. Oh yes, I almost forgot that I still have to do some minor revisions on my “mini-thesis” for my DevCom master’s degree. After a lot of “crises”, I finally got the time now to focus on this. But of all days, I forgot to bring a soft copy of the revisions I did at home. Ay naku! The momentum is now long gone. There is still Sunday and Monday to work on it. Ningas kugon. Hay naku talaga! I’m into my bad-girl attitude now.
I now look forward to a vacation – movie marathon at Gateway, pig out at Pizza Hut Bistro or Taco Bell or Super Bowl of China or Figaro, Genmaicha at CBTL (where else?!), and just do anything not work-related, or school-related.
We’re contemplating on an early morning trip to Tagaytay tomorrow. Sana ‘di to drawing. We’re not architects after all.
***
Blush. That was my usual reaction when I saw my crush in my high school years. I wonder where he is right now? Itago na lang natin siya sa code na RB. My close friends know who this guy is. (Trivia: He was my first crush when I was still in Grade 5, until college. Loyalty is my most-possessed virtue).
But after all those years (almost 2 decades now), I don’t blush anymore. Sign of aging perhaps? Not blush, but jump, shout and do unthinkable things for him – whoever that is.

Twisting the 60s

It is the time of the year again. From last year's touch downs and racer backs, it is the time for jive and rockin' and rollin'. I am tone deaf and have no ears for music. Laging wala sa timing. And I don't know how I got into groovin and shakin for the past two years.

This year, it is our turn to do the twist, jive and creep walk. And those were the easiest steps. The lifts are deadly. For my partner, that is. I bet, he was cursing me while I practically grapple him. I just hope di kami magkakalat.

The costume is another thing. I don't mind the dancing in skirt. But the mini-est of the minis? Give me a swimsuit and a pool anytime of the day. I am not really complaining, right? It would be a priceless moment when my former officemates see me in a "I-can't-imagine-Love-can-wear-that" costume. Maybe I should wear a brown paper bag on my head. Maybe we could just re-enact Woodstock and the BoHo look.

Can't wait for D-day.

~mga belyas ng 60s~

June 7, 7PM

2 work days have passed. And a lot of things have transpired already. At work, and nothing else. What else is new in that, anyway?

Still have to write my review on “A Lot Like Love” but the inspiration to do so isn’t there. Ashton is so cute in the movie, that it makes me revisit his old movies, pre-Demi. Amanda Peet is lovable too, with her oh-so toothy smile. And I love her outfits too! (ang babaw no?!). The moral of the story: Love is well, a lot like it…ang labo ba? Basta, if you’re meant to be, you will be meant to be, after all those years, the haircut, the wardrobe changes, career advancements, and the love affairs in between. Actually, this movie is a cross between “When Harry Met Sally” and “Four Weddings and a Funeral”. As to why, you have to find it out for yourself.

Well, I’m inspired after all, I get to write this short review after all. I guess I have some time to kill too!
***
Just killing time here, waiting for my 730 dinner with Bambi and Lovella. It’s been quite a while since I last saw Bams. Wonder what’s her news now? Is she getting married na kaya? Any latest chismis kaya? We’ll find out soon.

My scheduled dinner for the day was postponed. Hope to see Aves and her fiancé before they go back to Geneva (yes, the Swiss Geneva!). If not, well, best wishes, Avril dear. Obviously, I can't be there on your wedding.

Hopefully, Lioda and I can catch up on things too, during our next dinner. I have my “Legendary Girlfriend” book ready for her.
***

Today is Wela’s bday. Mrs. Buntis, I dearly call her now. Wela has been my classmate and friend since grade school, and we’ve been in the same school since then. Now, she’s happily married to a guy who has patiently waited for her. Hmmm…I wonder if I can find that kind of guy.
Happy birthday, Mommy Wela!

-SF

I have a lot of things in mind right now, that I dunno how to start this blog.

Another work-week. How have you all been?

Spent a restful Sunday yday (no malls, no gimmicks for us)...just a long late afternoon nap for me, and a Kramer vs Kramer on video early morning (The other day, I watched Rain Man)...I'm now a Dustin Hoffman fan! No work to worry about (I did bring some work with me, but I didn't work on it). Just a simple plain weekend - early mornings with Sunday papers on hand, nonstop TV, lounging in bed, telebabad with Nanay and brods, reading mags cover to cover, etc. etc...And oh, I even watched sappy TV, i.e. showbiz-oriented shows in the PM. It's been a long time since I did that.

Well, you know the news already - Kris is getting married (huh, tough luck?!) and Juday is hooked with Ryan (good choice actually)...

In the meantime, I have to say bye to the weekend, and look forward to under-pressure, busy/hectic mad, mad work week ahead. Hope you have a good week, everyone!

-SF

New Guy on the Block

I stayed til late night just to watch a replay of the UEFA Champions League Finals. Blame it to...

Viva Liverpool FC!

",)lobster

Lounging at DIA

Well...well..well, I have the Mabuhay Lounge all by myself. I am too early for my flight to Manila. I am pretty excited to go back home. I had my rounds of Davao City yesterday afternoon and this morning. Gosh, I even got lost on my way to Magsaysay Park/Durian Park. I think I was on my way back to Davao del Norte already since I passed through many residential houses and and then, there were vacant lots. Huhuhu. I just followed the map! (well, still need to practice more on map reading) I did reach Magsaysay and even managed to have a late breakfast at Luz Kinilaw. One thing I didn't do during my stay here...I didn't eat durian. Of course, I had my share of durian pie and pastillas, but the real thing? Nada. It is not enjoyable eating the fruit alone. I was tempted to join the lolos this morning having their dose of the forbidden fruit but I was so full with the breakfast I had- chicken barbecue and 1 big plate of rice. If only I could have that big plate of rice pabalot. hehehe

Well, it is Jet Li on the screen - The One since I also saw that black guy (I forgot his name). Maybe I should go back inside. The PAL guy might be glaring at me.

",) lobster

It’s been a week since we last posted here. Busy, busy. Lovella is still in Davao, and will be back this PM. And I’m still in the work rut, working for one event after another. Walang pahinga. Just finished US Memorial Day (which was not bad at all) - http://usembassy.state.gov/posts/rp1/wwwhmain.html
Now, I’m working on the 4th of July picnic stuff.
Quite hectic huh? Wiwi nga lang pahinga eh!
Dying to write another decent blog soon, but time/energy/inspiration do not permit me to.
I wanna go on a vacation!

`SF