Just My Cup Of Coffee

Can You Handle The Truth?

2012-01-26T20:00:00.000+08:00

What is it about the truth that always makes people cringe?
What is it about audit that puts people up on their guards & at their defensive stances?
What is it about this lady that they so love to dish their dirts about?
And just what is it about the truth, as they claim, that this auditor, seemingly wields that puts a many uncomfortable in their own skins & at their own functions?

I can sum it up in one word:
Fear.

People fear the probability of a loss,
Which I can very well say is, usually, tied to the exposure of one’s misconducts & malpractices.
Yep, it is true…
People hate having their secrets exposed as much as they loathe those individuals who know only to speak of the truth.
Funny isn’t it?
That while they can never be upfront & tell it to you straight-out that they’re displeased with the truth you’ve told,
They hold it against you who can.

Too bad that some people feel and look at it that way.
And it’s such a loss.
Coz the practice of the audit profession is on the improvement of systems & processes;
And in providing value to management.
Definitely,
We, auditors, are no personal assailants & we are not hired to be spies or personal investigators,
Unless of course, there is fraud involved in the process.

So the question now is,
Is there any?
I refuse to comment….
How about,
You tell me.

Nothing to say?
Then hear this:

If you look at it,
It’s a perfectly normal state of mind….
Fear….
And I can definitely understand that we all have our own interests to protect,
But jeez,
Some individuals can be just way too overboard.
And I believe,
It is that same fear that has driven some into ways and means that do not befit their status or reputation.
And it’s such a shame,
Coz there never was a level playing field for this contender.
Tell me,
How can one single individual become a threat to an entire congregation related by blood or that associated by trait?
Unless they really do consider the individual to be THAT good & THAT capable.
If so,
Then wow!
That just made someone mighty damn proud!

I ponder upon all these questions now….
Now that I’ve bidden my adieu to the company that has, I believe, in more ways than one, made my shell a bit thicker, helped my mind to get a little bit more sharper, and made me that much stronger;
And I’ve come to realize a few things:

The truth will, almost always, hurt.
But it will soon be a lot worse…
If there’s no one to play the devil’s advocate, or the bad guy in situations such as this.
And when that time comes,
My fear is,
Can they handle the truth?

The Reason I Blog

2012-01-06T19:47:00.000+08:00

I had always loved writing.
Even back when we were still kids in school, I loved the way my classmates would cry out every time our teacher gives us seatworks or assignments that had anything to do with written compositions.
Yes, I was THAT weird.
Always thrilled at the thought of an essay test or a written school work, while most of the kids around me loved to tinker with decorative art and drawings.

And oh, speaking of the latter,
How I hate ‘em!
I hated drawing sessions and all those art activities!
Coz not only was I devoid of any artistic sense of style, my fingers could doodle endlessly but come out with still plain sticks and stones as complete figure characters!
What a bummer huh?
Isn’t it just weird that a hand that could scribble beautifully (according to those who’ve seen my penmanship) could have such a lousy diagramming skill?
Can’t have ‘em all, as they say.

But I digress.

The reason why I’ve always loved putting down my thoughts on paper,
Is ‘coz of the fact that it has always been easier for me to express myself, my thoughts and my feelings in writing, than by communicating it via spoken words.
You know, I wasn’t a very articulate kid then,
And neither am I now, actually.
Perhaps, the culprit is in the manner that I was raised.
Wasn’t really encouraged to speak my mind.
Not only that, but I’ve met a handful of mean teachers who’d shot at me if and when I try to reason with them or anything.
So, I guess the only outlet that I had for releasing whatever’s inside of me at a point in time is through scribbling.
And thus my love for the write-ups.

Up until my collegiate years, I’ve kept a small journal with me, but sad to say,
With all the residence transfers that I’ve had had in the past, I couldn’t seem to locate that diary anymore.
And after that, when the corporate world came knocking at my doors,
I sort of forgotten about my love for this silent communication channel.
That is, until some 8 years back when I chanced upon a not-so-acquainted-acquaintance’s blog being featured in Inq’s YOU BlogAddict.
Only then did I learn that there’s such a thing as an online journal, or a weblog, as we call it now.
And the rest, of course, is history.

So here I am, 8 years from where I started this online journal thingie (which I thought would've worn out in just a couple of months’ blog postings),
I didn’t even realize that I’ve accumulated more than 500 entries already!
And I can’t believe that am here blogging, still!

I guess I grew fond of my webbie.
‘Coz it is here, in this blog space, and upon reading through my posts, that I got to understand myself,
To know and see through my emotional spells & complexities;
To relive the things that brought me to tears, scared me out of my wits, grossed me out from the insides, induced me to anger & had me in fits of laughter;
All of which were to eventually plant the seeds for my growth into a much, much better person (I sure hope so).

Then of course,
I enjoy being of help to others,
Being a source of inspiration for some,
And a source of distraction for still some others as well *lol*

But you know what’s really kept me blogging through these years?
It’s having you guys aboard,
And making my life in this wired world a pleasant, wonderful experience!
Till the next post!
=)

Racism In The Wake Of The Sendong Tragedy

2011-12-22T14:22:00.000+08:00

We all know about the tragedy that struck Cagayan de Oro and Iligan provinces last December 16-17;

Tropical storm Sendong came as swift as a thief in the night

And wiped out homes, villages, localities, and more sadly, lives.

Some thousands of bodies ended up dead in its aftermath;

With countless more still unaccounted for as of the date of this entry.

And while those who have luckily escaped death’s hold have their lives with them,

They have nothing more with them:

No homes to return to,

No belongings to own,

And mayhap,

No family members to give what little comfort there might be.

It’s such a painful time for the entire country,

Especially now that Christmas is so very near.

As such,

Donations have been pouring over from all across the nation,

And yes,

Even from abroad.

And while we all know that donations (as huge as they could get) won’t exactly help rebuild every victim’s lives,

It will sustain much, and give some level of comfort to the victims….

That they are not alone in their grief,

And that they are not alone in their rebuilding efforts.

So it came as a surprise when I’ve read a certain article in the blog news (I’m not going to mention the article though) and its subsequent viewer comments against a particular race;

Who these people believe aren’t doing much in the wake of the Sendong tragedy.

It’s sad hearing about such negative wordings / comments.

That even in the spirit of willingly giving to those in need,

There’s still those who make comparisons about which particular race / sect in the community that gave more.

And the negative vibes doesn’t just end there.

These people had the nerve to generalize the race as being opportunistic in a land that is not their own.

Very sad.

And as much as I would’ve loved to dish out my thoughts on these people,

No,

I’m not letting myself be like them,

And neither am I stooping down to a racist’s level.

In my opinion,

It’s not right to make racist comments and criticize a particular race for not giving or for giving less!

Who knows,

The race that they’re so mean to,

Have given way beyond what’s necessary, as they chose to do things silently, without any ostentatious display!

I mean,

Let it be.

If anyone wants to give or not, let them do so at their own will.

Now,

If you’re obliged to give more, then do so, but,

Don’t compare what you’ve given to those what others have willingly extended likewise!

It’s already a tough time for the country,

So any type of help, be it great or small, counts a lot already, don’t you think?

So stop those racist comments and way of thinking,

And try to bring about better vibes for our countrymen in need!

Looking Fab At, Gasp, 34!

2011-12-11T21:45:00.000+08:00

Turned another year older, and wiser, today.

But I’m lucky to say that I still have my youth,

And do not look a day past mid-20s

Haha.

Seriously,

I have the Lord to thank for that.

And good genes,

And a little more effort (of course) in taking care of myself.

This year has been a fashionable year for me;

What with me taking up fashion styling,

And actually getting to do some real styling work!

That,

Plus the fact that I started a new blog; a fashion blog,

That I still maintain up to now (and hopefully in more years to come too)!

I’ve been featured in some fashion weblogs,

And have been privileged enough to get invites to Philippine Fashion Week!

It’s super nice, this year.

That while it’s not exactly what I wanted all in all,

It’s still like icing on the cake =)

So here’s a big big shoutout to the Lord for giving me another year of blessedness,

And to my mom, who has always been very supportive of me, even through my ups and downs.

I couldn’t have been here, fabulous, at this age without you both!

What A Girl Wants....And Needs

2011-11-26T15:46:00.000+08:00

Is to find a guy who….

Thinks she’s as hot and beautiful,
In an oversized sweatshirt and jeans,
Just as she is in a minidress
Coupled with 3 inch heels.

Tells her she looks gorgeous,
Even without makeup on.
And is proud to show her off,
Sweats, wrinkles and all.

Calls back when she hangs up on him,
To whisper “I’m sorry, babe” when she goes grim.
Understands her perennial mood swings,
And accepts her with no attached strings.

Endeavors to respect those who are important to her
Even if they reflect none of her.
Values the things that she holds dear
When they may be of nothing dear.

Stays awake just to watch her sleep,
And cuddles her in his arms when fear emerges with a leap.
Stays by her side unconditionally,
When others on her side leave her eventually.

Holds her hand in front of his friends,
To tell them that she’s not one of his trends.
Constantly reminds her of his love for her,
And just how lucky he is to be with her.

Subtracts unfavorable events from her past
To add good ones that’ll last.
Multiplies to her much of his joys,
While dividing much of her sorrows.

Understands the complexity
Of her individuality
And allows for her freedom
When it needs to be

Is strong enough
To stand his ground
And be the man
Worthy of her hand.

This may not be what every girl wants,
But this is what this girl needs =)

Wolf In Sheep's Clothing

2011-11-06T10:44:00.000+08:00

A soft voice.
Such sweet smile.
She traverses the halls,
With head bowed low.

Gentle in ways,
Careful in words
Picturesque of
A kind-hearted soul.

But what you see,
Ain’t what lies beneath.
What she truly is,
Will soon be revealed.

Meek as sheep,
That, she may appear.
But take caution my dear,
Coz she is a beast.

She’ll take advantage,
And that is certain
So be wise & vigilant
Of the wolf behind sheep’s clothing.

There's Always A Good In The Bad

2011-10-29T09:34:00.049+08:00

I attended Veejay Floresca’s show in Philippine Fashion Week 2012 alone this year.
Actually, a former styling classmate of mine and I were supposed to meet up that night
So that we could watch the show together.
But things turned out differently than what I expected.
First, I got caught up in a 3-hour traffic.
Yes.
I drove out of the house around 6PM for a show that’s scheduled at 9:30PM.
I was expecting a little bout of traffic, maybe a 1.5hours delay,
But no, I got to the SMX Convention somewhere between 8:50 – 9:00PM!
Oh my poor feet!
Then to make matters worse, the queue to the entrance was exagge!
And I couldn't find my classmate!
Goodbye good front seats,
As I took the 5th (or was it the 6th) row.
Oh well, at least I got seated still.

I chose a seat at the farthest end of the 6th row (where the runway ends)….
Just the perfect place to get some decent photos
As the models will take a bit more time to pose for the photographers.
So ok, I’m all set….but very much alone in a room full of small groups.
Luckily,
This gorgeous girl approached me
And asked if the seat beside mine has already been taken.
I said no,
And everything else after that was just memorable.

Looking back to that evening,
I can’t help but really believe that there’s always something good for every bad that happens.
I mean,
If not for that gruesome 3-hour traffic that I (particularly my feet) had to endure,
The long queue which led to distant seats,
I never would’ve met the gorgeous face that is Cindy.
And if not for her,
I don’t think I’d ever come close to being introduced to Veejay himself!

Such a wonderful experience,
A blessing in disguise, isn't it?
=)

Here's a pic of the gorgeous Cindy that I got to meet in PFW 2012:

And here's my pic with the talented designer, Veejay Floresca.

Thank you once again Cindy for introducing me to VJF & for taking this photo for me!
=)

Mystyle | StyleBible.ph

2011-10-27T16:11:00.000+08:00

Black and red. A bold statement, especially if you consider the sheerness of the top and it’s almost open back! Not exactly my usual style preference, but since it’s Philippine Fashion Week, I decided to make a bolder statement this year by going with sheer bold cuts, strong colors and yes, even sexy textures (snakeskin clutch, that’s you!) Toned down the bold & sexy references with some lovely pink heels and some monochromatic accessories.

This is what I wore, by the way, to Veejay Floresca's show in Philippine Fashion Week last Oct. 25, 2011. And guess what, I'm StyleBible's Mystyle Look of the Day today (Oct. 27, 2011)! Cool!!!

You can follow the feature by clicking the link below:

Mystyle StyleBible.ph

Don't Make It Hard, Ladies

2011-10-19T21:40:00.000+08:00

If you don’t love the guy who’s courting you,
Don’t make things difficult for him.
Be honest & let him move on.

In the same way,
If you love the guy you’re dating,
Don’t make it hard for yourself.
Tell him & strike a chance at a relationship.

This is what I often tell my friends who ask me if I am for or against a long courtship period before saying ‘Yes’ and stepping into a “In A Relationship” status.

I don’t know about you,
And of course, this is simply my opinion,
But I see no point in going through all that pretenses
I mean,
Don't we all try to hide our not-so-pleasant attributes & camouflage our true colors during the courtship period?
Come on, let’s be honest,
Aren’t we all at our best behaviors,
And then we simply slide away into our normal selves when we are already in a bf-gf status?
Yes, we do.
So what’s the use of having an extensive courtship period?
It just prolongs the false pretenses & shadows the reality.
Which we don’t really need in the long run,
‘Coz if we are really, seriously, considering spending the rest of our lives with a particular person,
We would want to get to know the true person as early on as possible,
And we want to be honest, right from the very beginning.
So the lesser time we go through all that make-believe crap,
The more time we have for getting to know each other’s quirks & traits...
To finally know if we really are meant for each other.

Besides,
It’s already so damn hard to conceal our true feelings,
So why make it doubly hard by complicating matters & letting guys feel the exact opposite of what we feel
(i.e, we pretend to like them when we really don’t, just because we don’t want to hurt their feelings; or, that we don’t have a thing for them when we really do, just so that we won’t look too desperate),
And then go worrying & crying should they persist or give up at what they do.

So let’s skip through with it all and be honest.
And make things a lot more easier for ourselves, shall we?

Soiled Carwash

2011-10-09T16:03:00.000+08:00

Just what is it with the weather
That it seems to like pouring itself down on me whenever I have my car washed?!
And that is about 99.9% of the time, if you wanna know.
And consider this……to think that it is always sunny and bright when I bring my auto into the washers!
Pffffttt!!!

Couldn't Care Less

2011-09-25T08:02:00.000+08:00

I’m through with individuals (and friends alike),
Who do NOT have the courtesy of replying to messages;
Email or text messages whatsoever.

Doesn’t it just exasperate you when you send a message, then, don’t get even the slightest feedback?
Kinda insulting, don’t you say?
Either they don’t answer,
Or they just don’t bother.

Anyway,
So I’m here sitting and fuming;
Trying to fend off the rather inviting (and sure satisfying) move of lashing out & skinning ‘em disrespectful b*tches & b*stards,
When the thought struck me:
Why the hell should I waste my energy & efforts into such kinds of people?!
Why the hell should I allow myself to flare up or hold grudges that are evidently detrimental to my health?
It’s not as if ‘em people are gonna ever CARE if I die from some kind of a heart problem caused by them, in the first place!
Pfft.

Yup.
I think I know what’s to be done now….

I may not like being one of ‘em,
But I believe it’s just RIGHT that I should no longer give a damn sh*t about ‘em too.
Fair enough, huh?

Leather & Spice - How You Wear It - Mystyle | StyleBible.ph

2011-09-08T16:02:00.001+08:00

My style was approved and uploaded by StyleBible today. Yey! That's 2-in-a-row this week! Thank you, StyleBible!

To go to the gallery, click on the following link:

Leather & Spice - How You Wear It - Mystyle StyleBible.ph

PS. They made it their "Look of the Day" today (September 12, 2011)! Yey! How cool is that, right?

Swan Lake on StyleBible's Mystyle Gallery

2011-09-05T18:09:00.000+08:00

Just found out that my style was approved and uploaded by StyleBible to their Mystyle Gallery! Yey!!!

To go to the gallery, click on the following link:

Swan Lake - Mystyle Gallery

Thanks, StyleBible!!

My Style's Up On Manila Streetstyle!

2011-08-29T17:14:00.000+08:00

Super happy to see my photos up on Manila Streetstyle’s page.

Thank you for the feature, Manila Streetstyle!

For more details, please click on the link below:

www.manilastreetstyle.com/pearl-of-the-orient

JUST WHY??!!

2011-08-19T23:18:00.000+08:00

It irks me when people ask for help,
And then subsequently fails to respect your time, effort, inputs & resources!
Need I remind that I wasn't the one who asked for help
And that I'm not even being paid for any of it?!

God, just why do YOU continually grace me with these kinds of people in my life?!

Those Good Ol' Days

2011-08-07T15:29:00.000+08:00

Am feeling a sense of nostalgia today.
You know those longings that we sometimes have for people/things/events past?
I see some heads nodding uh-huh now.
But before I ask for your tales of those good ol’ days,
Let me share with you mine.
It’s not much,
In fact, it’s quite trivial to what most of you may have for a recollection…
It’s the games we used to play as kids.
Yes.
Can you still remember games like, patintero, piko, sipa, tumbang preso, taguan, and touch-cue?
Well, I do.
In fact, I used to love playing the game patintero, all day and night, rain or shine, that my mom would sometimes have to drive some monstrous blows down my tush with the use of her trusty bamboo stick just to force me to quit.
Aye, that’s how addicted I was to that game.

And how about those cute lil antics of ours in bahay-bahayan?
Haha.
That too I recall.
I remember picking gumamelas, bounganvillas, sticks and stones to use as cooking materials,
While gathering abandoned ol’ newspapers & empty big carton boxes to use as makeshift houses.
Oh the ingenuity of young minds!
Oh the happiness of youth!
Where had all those years gone?

Today as I sit beside the window of our lounge area, overlooking some kids on our building down below playing touch-cue,
I can’t help but feel a bit envious….
Ahhh, it seems I haven’t outgrown my love for those kiddie games huh?
Well, who has anyway?

Temptation

2011-07-20T17:55:00.001+08:00

For the married ladies out there…
If you think that with marriage,
Your partner’s sexual urges can be contained & satisfied,
Then you are misguided.
Coz believe me,
Some gents just can’t rein in on their sexual urges.
And then, to make matters worse,
There are some women who are willing to make themselves available,
Yes, even to illicit affairs.

So how do you prevent it?
You can’t, actually.
Well, not entirely that is.
Coz you don’t own the minds, thoughts & actions of your spouse & of those women.
But you can, influence it, the least.
How?
By being the best wife to your hubby…
And that includes making sure that he gets what he needs;
(Yes, that includes personal space & the freedom to do whatever it is that he needs done without you breathing down his neck every so often)
And then throw in some of what he wants as well,
Every once in a while.
That way,
He’ll feel terribly guilty….
Even at just the thought of cheating on you.
Hehehe.
Oh, better hope though that he has a conscience.
Coz if not,
Then poor you….
You’ve really married the wrong guy.

Am In The Mood

2011-07-08T21:39:00.000+08:00

For tears.
Don’t feel like blogging the sh*t though….
All I can say for now is that everything seems to be going haywire on me these days =(

40 Years From Now

2011-07-03T22:06:00.000+08:00

I bore witness to an old couple of about late 70s of age enjoying their mall lunchout the other day.

They listened and talked like good ol’ pals;
Shared meals together;
Had so much laughter together;
Helped each other out when their memories failed them during their story-telling moments;
And took good care of one another,
As they left the establishment hand in hand.

Looking at them that day,
I could only wish,
That I will have that kind of a relationship when my turn comes.

The CITI Never Sleeps

2011-06-16T18:14:00.000+08:00

That’s the byline of Citibank.

But in my opinion,
I think they should, sleep, that is.
Or at least,
Their Citiphone Officers should.
‘Coz
I can’t believe
That the Citiphone Officer
Who computed for my total dues in relation to my request to cancel the card
Failed to give me the correct amount!
Thus,
Causing me much inconvenience!
Nakulangan ata sa tulog kaya nagkamali e!

On the other hand,
It’s kinda funny to think that its Customer Representative
Did a lot better with the computation!
Yep.
I think Citibank should ask its Customer Representative to teach their Citiphone Officer counting & summing methodologies.
Haha!

Seriously though,
They should be happy that I’m a good client,
And that I paid whatever difference there was in their erroneous computation!
When others would probably insisted that the Citiphone Officer should shoulder for such discrepancy.
But unfortunately,
Citibank doesn’t know how to value their clients.
Not only did they made it hard for me to cancel my card,
They had certain charges that I was not informed about,
And they didn’t even had the courtesy to return my call when I specifically requested them to….
Considering it was their error / fault.
No,
Don’t even expect an apology.
If a simple request for a return call cannot be made,
How much more having that particular Citiphone Officer apologize to you?!
Asa pa!

But anyway,
I’ve cut the ties between me and the bank already.
I don’t need a lousy service provider,
When there are so many good ones around.

Now if Citibank doesn’t improve their service & efficiency,
I reckon there would be many others like me who would simply opt to cut ties with it.
After all,
Who needs a headache, a heartache, and that pocket-ache
When times are hard & economy’s bad, right?
I mean,
It’s very much practical to simply drop and lose that card that doesn’t give you the benefits you expect.
You’ve still got about 4 of them left anyway.
=D

Got YOH-FROZen?

2011-06-11T21:53:00.001+08:00

Got you frozen there with that question ei?

No,
I’m not talking about your brain freezing up right here,
But rather,
Have you tried YOH-FROZing?
Well if you haven’t,
It’s high time you should.
After all, the company that pioneered the frozen yogurt craze here in the country is celebrating its 6th this year!
6 years of doing your health a big, big favor,
In over 17 branches nationwide!
And today,
Officially launched its 18th branch!

I was privileged enough to have been invited to take part of the said event held earlier in its newest branch here in the metro…
Banawe, QC (beside Chicken Charlie)
And all I could say is, wow!
Really.

Yeah yeah.
I know.
For those who know me, you might say that I’m biased.
But in all frozen-yogurt-delight honesty,
No sugarcoating right there.
I love the product offers
(just so many wonderful yogurt delights to satisfy your different tastes, preferences &/or cravings)
I love the crew
(cheerful and respectful)
And yes,
True to my styling & aesthetic nature,
I loooove the interiors!
(comfy & definitely eye candy)
In short,
It’s a complete yogurt froz-ing & dining experience!

And with the company’s innovative & continuing improvement initiatives,
Rest assured that you’ll be seeing & loving a lot more from them soon.
After all,
We just can’t hide our delights on 3 of their latest product additions!
I can’t disclose the facts just yet,
As I’m not the proper authority to do so,
But trust me,
You’ll simply love it.

So what are you waiting for?
Do your health a flavor (I mean, favor),
And rush to your nearest Yoh-Froz outlet / branch!
You know you want to.
Coz after all,
I'm such a good writerthat I can convince you, right?
Haha!
Not the real point.
But really,
Who doesn’t want a little sweet fix without that disgusting load of calories, right?
So go ahead and indulge…
You can definitely eat your heart out without bursting your seams & overloading the scales in the process
=)

I hope I’ve got YOH-FROZen to the idea there =)
Haha!

For more details, you can visit their webpages:
http://www.yohfroz.com/
htt://www.yohgurtfroz.com

Or you can like them in Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/iloveyohfroz

GIFT-ed

2011-06-07T16:25:00.000+08:00

I came home the other night to a surprise.

Mom handed me a small jewelry box,
And in it sat a diamond ring!
It’s not usual for parents to gift their daughters with diamond rings,
Unless it’s for dowry purposes, that is.
So it really came as a surprise for me,
That my mom had one custom-made for me!

It kinda looks like an engagement ring,
But trust me,
I am nowhere near an engagement.
So I guess,
Mom is feeling frustrated with having to wait for that day to arrive,
So,
She just gifted me with one.
Haha!

But whatever reason there might be,
I am super happy to be a gift-ed child.
Haha.
After all,
Diamonds are a girl’s best friend, right?
Thanks, mom!

Wrong Message

2011-05-29T10:09:00.000+08:00

This week had me making 2 text messaging faux pas.

Yes, 2!
I’ve never been this careless in all my cellphone handling years before!
Ugh!
So embarrassing.
Definitely.
And so awkward.
????
Awkward???
Yeah, I mean,
Could you just imagine sending a text message to the wrong person;
And not just any wrong person,
But that person being the guy / girl you’ve been trying to avoid,
Or that someone you’ve told yourself never again to bother with ‘coz they don’t want you to do so in the first place?
Yep.
That kind of awkward
=(

Tell me,
Just what would you do if you suddenly realized (a little bit too late) that you’ve picked and pressed the wrong name in your contact list?
Would you just ignore it and pretend like it didn’t happen?
Or do you wait until the other person tells you that you’ve sent the wrong message?
Or would you,
Like me,
Send out a second message saying that you’ve gotten it wrong?

Whichever way you do,
It’s like sending an implicit message that you are a negligent person,
Or worse,
That you want some attention
=(

Sigh.
Just why do these guys have to have the same names?!
I think I should rename everyone in my contact list with a certain classification now…
So that I won’t get confused with my similarly-named contacts again.
Haha!
I’m so getting paranoid.
But really,
Who wants to be sending the wrong message (literally & figuratively) over, right?
=)

Good Quality Hard Work

2011-05-21T18:10:00.000+08:00

I received a call earlier this week from a previous employer

Offering me a job post in their newly-formed real estate corporation.

The call came as a surprise,
As I’ve been out of their employ for close to 7 years now.
And although this isn’t the first time that I’ve received calls from previous employers requesting for my help,
It still felt so nice to be considered for a position:
That you’re at the top of their list of people to hire or contact, whenever they have a new business venture.
It just goes on to prove how much they appreciated your efforts back when you were still connected with them.
And it also shows just how good quality hard work gets you noticed, and remembered, for a very long time.

Happy working, people!

Occupied!

2011-05-03T21:19:00.000+08:00

These days,

I have a full 6-day work week.
2 days to help my mom run her small business.
3 days to do corporate auditing for my relatives’ business.
And a day for anything fashion styling related.

My Sundays?
Well, it’s reserved for my friends & badminton activities.
And yes, a little bit of shopping as well =)

So for those few gents who’ve asked me what I do for a living,
Then instantly assumed that I have not a thing to do at all when I simply said I help out here & there,
And then just drop me like a hot plate,
Well, I have this to say to you:
I am FULLY OCCUPIED.
And I don’t have the time,
Won’t allot any time for the likes of you!

Of Missing & Of Realizing

2011-04-15T15:16:00.001+08:00

It feels weird to be missing someone you’ve never expected to miss….
And for me, particularly,
It’s like having this realization of what I dare not admit.

60th

2011-04-08T07:24:00.001+08:00

I can’t say this enough:

I am so blessed to have a wonderful mother.
And I so hope & pray that I get to keep her with me for a loooooong loooong time.

Happy 60th, mommy!
Wishing you great health, much happiness and contentment through more years to come!
Love you much!

My Fashion Styling Blog Is Now Up & Running!

2011-04-07T21:47:00.000+08:00

Hi Peeps!
I started a new blog a couple of days ago.
And it'll showcase,
As vain as it may sound,
My fashion self-centeredness and sensibilities :)

It's aptly called STYLE: JAZtified
And you can check it out HERE.

Cops. Traffic Enforcers. Who Needs Them?!

2011-03-25T19:05:00.000+08:00

In other countries,

It’s a relief to see police officers or traffic enforcers.
But here in our country,
It’s a different story.
It’s a pain and sometimes, a scare, when you chance by one.
Why?
Cause unscrupulous uniformed men exceed the good / honest ones by a large margin.
Much larger margin.

I’ve had multiple unpleasant experiences with cops / enforcers in my lifetime.
I’ve been bullied for grease money more than once;
Had asked for help (but to no avail) after someone pointed me with a knife and snatched my necklace & bracelet away;
And I’ve got flagged down for a violation I didn’t even commit, and got ticketed when I refused to give any “pang-merienda”.
So yes,
I think I can pretty much say that whenever I see a police officer / traffic enforcer coming my way,
That it’s not actually a relief for me,
But rather,
A scare and a real pain.

Today,
I witnessed another foul play on the road.
While waiting for an FX ride in Quiapo along with multitudes of passengers waiting for public transportation,
I’ve noticed about 2 police officers behind the place where most of us passengers were waiting,
As well as this candy vendor who sidelines for ‘kotong cops’
And gets money from public utility vehicles when they stop for loading/unloading, in exchange for 1-2 pieces of candy.

If you’re not from the area,
You wouldn’t think any of that candy vendor’s action as suspicious, right?
But I’m a regular in that particular area, so I know how these people work.
And I should say,
It’s a clever way of hiding illegitimate affairs.

So here comes a big bus halting in the middle of the road as swarms of passengers try to alight it.
And guess what?
I don’t see any police officer directing that bus to the side or ticketing it with an OBSTRUCTION violation!
But rather,
I see the candy vendor catching up with the bus conductor to slide him 2-3 candies in exchange for a P10 coin.
Grabe!

And then here comes an FX taxi pulling to the side to pick up a passenger,
And viola!
One of the cops stops the FX & asks the driver for his license.
I didn’t exactly hear the arguments,
But I think the FX driver had some pretty good connections,
So he was let off.

Now, knowing the area where I was standing is probably part of an unwritten NO LOADING / UNLOADING area,
I walked past it and several meters ahead to get my FX ride.
I sure don’t want my ride to get caught by these unscrupulous officers.
So when a ride shows up,
He pulled over to the side of the road,
And I hopped in, along with some other passengers.
But guess what happened next?
Another police officer came out of nowhere to block the way.
When the FX driver rolled down his window to ask for a leeway,
The police officer loudly barked “Give me your license!”
The FX driver continued to plead with him,
But the police officer shouted all the more “If you don’t give me your license, I’ll mark you with disobedience on top of your obstruction violation!”
Obstruction?
Er, hello!
The guy pulled over to the side of the road, and that’s obstruction?!
Well how about the bus?!
That that’s the right way of picking up passengers?!
Sheesh.

So, the driver didn’t have a choice but to surrender his license,
And then got out of the car to actually plead further.
He was able to get his license back shortly,
But he did have to put some grease money.
When asked how much he had to part,
He didn’t want to say,
But simply uttered some curse words against the police officer.
Some passengers actually told him that he shouldn’t have given the money,
But all he could say was that he couldn’t be inconvenienced with having to pay for a hefty violation ticket,
And for the hassle of having to stop driving for a day just to claim his license from the city hall.
Yep,
He can’t afford to lose a day’s income ‘cause his family depended on it.
Sigh.

Reflecting back,
I feel that we, the passengers, should have said something to the cop.
But I guess,
We all got a bit shocked when the police officer came barking & shouting so loudly at the driver.
It’s not as if the driver has committed such a violent crime that needed that sort of a handling, right?
But yes,
That cop was a really bad one.
And I feel that he’s the type who would use brute force just to get his way.

Poor drivers,
They have to deal with such on a daily basis.
I know I may not be a big fan of public utility vehicle drivers as they can sometimes be harsh on the road,
But I feel for those who drive carefully and obey the traffic laws but were just so unlucky to have been flagged down for illogical or unjust reasons.
I mean,
Obstruction? When you’re already at the side of the road?
Com’on!
And besides,
There isn’t any loading / unloading shed within the entire Quiapo stretch,
So that gives drivers much of the freedom to pick up / drop their passengers wherever safe, right?
Furthermore,
If the area really is a NO LOADING / UNLOADING zone,
Then, I believe those cops / traffic enforcers should instruct waiting passengers to clear the area,
And ask them to move to the loading / unloading site,
Instead of waiting on unsuspecting vehicles!
But alas,
It is what it is.
I just hope someone gets to notify such happenings to the proper authorities,
So that these unfortunate instances can be minimized.

As for the cops,
Well,
I have no good word to say at this point.
If they are as such unscrupulous,
Who needs them?!
Surely not I.

Styling Class Project: A Sample Spread For A Fashion Magazine

2011-03-06T13:19:00.000+08:00

Please note that mock credits were used in the picture.

The pic is actually for my fashion story weathering our storms.
Why the story?
Coz the fashion magazine issue was supposed to be for the month of June,
And as we all know,
June brings in a lot of rains & thunderstorms.
Now why the car & the hand gestures?
I took the literal storm to signify our personal storms in life.
Our so-called "hard & challenging" times.
And from there,
I created this scene where it shows that help (or a lending hand) is available even in our toughest times.

And yes,
You could still see fashion in that picture, right?

Special thanks to my friends Mel Chua & Chris Tan for helping me weather through this class project submission. It wasn't the best of all works, but we surely made do with what we have and can....at least to the best of our abilities (since none of us are familiar with the fashion industry until just recently).

Global Destiny Cable: In The Lead For Lousiest Service

2011-02-23T17:29:00.000+08:00

I hate it when people / companies screw up a communicated schedule, particularly yours.

Don’t you?

Here’s a timeline:

February 18 (Friday) 2:30PM

I made a call to Destiny Cable to schedule for the setup of an additional cable line for my place. I was told that they would drop by the place that same day. Wow, I was impressed. But unfortunately, the maintenance guy who handles the keys to the cable room at our condo building was on leave so I had to request for a Monday (February 21) schedule, if at all possible. I was told no problem. Agreed-upon schedule was between 4-5pm.

February 21 (Monday) 3PM

Rushed home from our store / business for the set schedule.

5:10PM

No cable personnel seen. Called up Destiny Cable to check if there’d be anyone coming over. I was told that the cable guys are delayed (obviously!) but that they would be at my place before 6PM.

6:30PM

Still no cable personnel. No answer when I tried calling their office.

February 22 (Tuesday) 9:30AM

Called up Destiny Cable. The personnel answering the line (Gian) didn’t bother to apologize even after knowing that they screwed up my schedule, but she said that the cable guys would drop by my place late afternoon. Stayed at home just for this purpose, while my mom had to maneuver around the store on her own.

6PM

No cable guys knocking at my door. No answer at their office line either.

February 23 (Wednesday) 8:50AM

Called up Destiny Cable. AL (a cable guy) answered the call and told me that he’d drop by my place and have everything in order a little after lunch. Again, I had to stay home for this.

2:50PM

No cable guys. Irritated, I called up the office and calmly gave them a piece of my mind. And you know what their reply was? “kasi po marami talagang ginagawa ang mga tauhan namin & di talaga namin matiyak ang schedule”!

WTF?! Are they the only ones who are busy and have tons to do?! That’s where scheduling & organizing comes in, right? Now if you can’t ascertain your schedule or can’t do your job, then, don’t commit in the first place! At least, I would’ve been forewarned and wouldn’t have wasted so much time!

I think I expounded further and told the personnel on the receiver (Gian) that I would charge them for all my lost income connected to all these screwed up schedule. Gian promised then that their cable guys would be at my place by 4PM, for sure.

3:30PM

2 cable guys arrive. Thank goodness, they made it! And they proceeded to check for the lines for my additional TV cable connection. But my happiness at their arrival would turn into disdain after I was told that the additional TV cable connection of P50 / month cannot be utilized in my case because the cable connection source is under 2 different unit numbers (my condo unit is a combined unit actually). Hence, I would have to be charged with P500 / month for the additional cable line. WTH!

NO WAY

! It’s just under 1 roof, and totally not my fault that I bought a combined unit. The point is, their P50/month promo states that as long as it is under one roof / house, additional requests for cable line connection would cost only P50/month. I mean, if they’re going to ask consumers to pay for another P500/month for just another connection, then, they’d have their consumers using unauthorized splitters without their knowledge & they would definitely be generating lesser income!

So when I told the guys that I won’t be having my additional cable line connection in that case, they asked me to hold, as they called up their office & cited my case. I didn’t get to hear their conversation, but a little while later they decided to hook my additional TV with the cable connection. But not after telling me that this so-and-so part(s) is already broken or damaged & thus needing new ones so that the cable reception would be crystal. Yes, I think you know where this is leading to, right?

In summary, the service charge was just P350. But I needed to pay P200 for materials (20ft. of cable wire) which I don’t think they actually used. And another P150 for that new screw that they said I needed. A total of P700. A ripoff considering the fact that all they had to do was to switch on a button in the condo building’s cable room. And oh, if I had my way, I wouldn’t have gotten that extra cable connection….but my mom wants that cable line in her bedroom so bad that I just had to. Sigh.

I wonder if their management knows about such a matter. Or maybe, their management, too, has such a lousy attitude towards other people’s time & resources. In that case, what a pity....

Courtesy

2011-02-23T13:48:00.000+08:00

As smart as they can be,
Kids,
These days,
Disappoint.

Now if I’d be blessed enough to have my own kids,
I’ll make sure to teach them some proper manners.
‘Nuff said.

The Start of Something New, and Good

2011-02-13T08:50:00.001+08:00

Have I told you yet that I’m enrolled in a fashion styling class?
Yes, I’m learning the ropes on how to style public personalities.
You know,
The type of work that Liz Uy, Pam Quinones, Rachel Zoe, Patricia Field and other much celebrated stylists are involved in.
And so far so good.
I mean,
I know I’ve always loved fashion & styling,
But I’ve never really took the chance to actually enhance whatever skills I have in this field.
That is, until now.
And I’m really glad I got into this class I have.
Apart from having a very talented and well-known mentor,
She’s extremely pleasant and easy to get along with,
And she definitely shares her expertise….no holds barred.

In this line of work in the fashion industry,
It’s rare to get opportunities as big as styling photoshoots, campaign ads, runway shows, concerts…etc.
Not a lot of people get to have chances / opportunities.
So I’m extremely grateful to have been given one,
On just our 3rd workshop session.

Last night marked my first (and hopefully more to follow) styling gig.
And although it was just backstage work, and,
Simply to assist my mentor style & dress some concert performers,
I’m ecstatic to have been given the chance to be part of something really BIG.
I say BIG,
Because the event was held in Araneta Coliseum.
Yes, as some of you might have already guessed it…
It’s Sarah Geronimo & Martin Nievera’s “What Love Is” concert!
Although I didn’t get to style the 2;
As we were tasked to style their guest performers; XLR8 & Pop Girls (our country’s take on the Kpop scene),
I did get to see them from a closer range than most,
And best of all,
I get to watch the concert for free!
How cool is that, right?

Really, I am truly blessed.
Ever thankful to the heavens above for allowing me to have the time & resources to do something that I love doing,
And ever thankful to my school (STI Center for the Arts – Designer Fashion Workshops) & my mentor (Ms. Millet Arzaga) for the opportunities shared.
Here’s hoping that this’ll be the start of something good for me this year :)

Lookbook Newbie

2011-01-26T20:48:00.003+08:00

After Looklet,
I sort-of got into the bandwagon that is Lookbook....
And for those of you who are still clueless as to what it is,
It's where pictures of real people wearing real clothes are shared on a daily basis.
And as it claims,
Lookbook is a collection of fashion consciousness all over the globe!

Now as if my vanity could need any more attention,
I started an account today.
And while I have yet to post new looks or
Just exactly what I'm wearing as of the moment,
You can,
If you are able to,
Already drop me a visit:
http://lookbook.nu/jazchan

And maybe,
You'd like to try it out for yourself as well :)

Precious Words, Precious Teaching

2011-01-20T21:10:00.002+08:00

Mom plans to cook for some people this coming Chinese New Year and she wants me to help her out.
But I tried dissuading her.
After all,
I’m still unhappy with those few.
I mean,
Why be nice to people who’ve never ever bothered to check up on you (unless it was you who made the first move to check with them)?

But mom,
Always the nicest & most forgiving person that I know,
Refused to hear any of my dissuasion.
In fact,
I think I’m the one who got persuaded.
No, I wasn’t given a sermon.
Nor was I forced to persuasion.
Mom just simply told me this:

“ I know you can be brutal and frank when you want to, and won’t even care what others might / will say of you or your actions, but remember that your attitude & character reflects just how much I, as a parent, have taught you. “

Then she continued….

“ I know I’ve taught you well, as much as I’m certain I have a good daughter. So please, don’t disgrace us, ok? ”

I don’t know about you,
But with words like that,
Who would want to disobey?

Playing Dress-Up: Androgenous

2011-01-18T16:14:00.004+08:00

Mom officially declared this day as my day-off at our store,

And my duty at home!

Yes, I work 2 jobs these days:

All-around-help at the store, and,

All-purpose-cleaner at home!

Haha!

Now that I've finished being Cinderella at home,

And still have ample sunshine left for a photo or two,

I played dress up, again.

This time, in men's wear.

Whatcha think?

The Work Of A Gracious God?

2011-01-16T14:40:00.002+08:00

You ever wonder why you’re put just exactly where you are?
I DO.
I still wonder why Someone UP THERE had mom & I move back to QC,
When this city has brought mom painful memories,
And is still bringing her a lot of heartaches,
And I,
Disappointments.

Is this what we deserved?
What wrong have mom & I done then?
I ask you,
Oh just and merciful God?
Isn’t it YOU,
Who have decided before us in what family we were to be born or raised?
It is so unfair.
Particularly for my mom,
To be brought into this world by brutal parents,
And then to be adopted into a family who couldn’t love and appreciate her as well!
I mean,
Why bother adopting if you’re not gonna love them the same way you do your own flesh and blood, right?

You say God gives us choices.
But what are they really, when HE still manipulate life to go as HE authored.
Because, to be honest,
We wouldn’t have chosen to be back in this part of the country.
Be physically closer to some people,
Yet so distant still.

So for the last season and this New Year,
I keep my distance.
No greetings on my end even while mom wanted me to do so.
She’s such a nice lady, my mom.
That even while she ain’t exactly considered / welcomed as part of their family,
She still has a soft spot for them.
But I’m tired of initiating.
I’m tired of wanting to feel like I (we – mom & I) belong in a family.
I don’t, anymore.
Congratulations.
You’ve pushed us,
No, rather,
Me,
Farther away.

Mom often states that the gods have been cruel upon us.
I say not.
‘Coz they made us tough.
Tougher still to be able to carry our burdens and life’s inequities.
Oh yes.
The gods, my God, is still gracious enough!

2011

2011-01-01T19:25:00.001+08:00

Happy New Year everyone!
Here’s to more cheers and blog posts for the year :=)

Christmas Day Date

2010-12-27T21:39:00.002+08:00

Mom set me up on a date last December 25.
Yes.
On Christmas Day.
Could you guys imagine that?
I mean, who gets on a date on one of the most important dates of the year?!
But anywho,
I did.
And may I say that it was the worst date I’ve ever had;
And it made this Christmas my worst in all my 33 years.
Why?
For a number of reasons.

First,
I never knew anything about the guy prior to that date.
Not even his name,
Even while I tried asking for it from the matchmakers.
This is so old-fashioned!
What the hell are we supposed to talk about during the meeting when you don’t have any background whatsoever?!

Second,
The meeting place was a house that’s partially turned into a Buddhist mini temple.
And again,
I was not made privy of this and was simply brought to the place.
Had I known of this,
It’ll be a no-show on my part.
Why can’t it just be in a coffee shop, huh?!

Third,
I was met at the meeting place with an entire congregation of mainland Chinese folks.
All from the side of the guy!
Hellooo!
I have only 1 chaperon (the matchmaker) with me.
Who, unfortunately, is from the guy’s side as well.
So technically speaking,
I was on my own.
It’s like me against a Chinese invasion!
Over nila ha!

Fourth,
I hated much of the questions asked of me.
It’s so bio-data-like.
Much more boring than an HR panel interview.
And I really don’t appreciate the fact that I’m bombarded by an entire congregation!
It should only be the guy asking the questions, right?

Fifth,
I hated the fact that they ridiculed my belief,
Christianity,
When I never so much as uttered a word against theirs.

Sixth,
The guy,
In all our 3.5hours – 4hours together,
Never uttered a single word!
But just stared at me!
Freaky!
And may I dare say that he’s not even easy on the eyes either.

Seventh,
I hate arrogance.
And the congregation had it.
Who cares if they freakin’ own a city?!
That doesn’t impress me much!
They’re not on the Forbes list, are they?
Haha.
No seriously,
I just don’t like people who brag about their so-called wealth.
A little modesty is good….at least in my opinion.

Eighth,
I seriously doubt the guy can converse with me in Filipino or English.
I can understand and speak Chinese alright,
But I sure don’t feel like getting stuck on one particular language.
So,
That’s another point against the guy.

Ninth,
I don’t particularly appreciate the fact that they had a fortune teller look at my features;
To confirm whether I’d be a good match for their guy.
Really hate.

Should I say more?
I think you’ve heard enough.
And I think you now know why I said what I said earlier…
That it turned my Christmas day ugly.
Sigh.
How unfortunate huh?

Double 3

2010-12-10T23:47:00.001+08:00

In just a couple of minutes,
I shall,
Officially,
Turn 33.
Another year older,
Yet another year wiser.
Sure I know I’ve grown older,
No thanks to that laugh line that just somehow appeared,
Yes,
This year.
Pfft.
Why can’t it have waited a couple more years before showing up?!
Sigh.
But anyway,
Have I grown another year wiser this year?
Well,
I sure hope I did.
After all,
That’s what matters the most, right?
That with all the added lines, wrinkles and all that unpleasant facial / physical changes that comes with an additional year in life,
We can proudly say that we’ve grown much more radiant and beautiful on the inside despite the cruel toll of time on our faces and bodies;
That we’ve grown ever more so mature and wiser in so many ways that only time and experience could afford.
Yes.
I think I’ve learned much through the patience of time and through the generosity of experiences good and bad,
And this year I had lots.
It’s like a double everything year for me.
And now,
Double the digit 3.

So,
Happy 33rd.
May this year find me a double in life.

Cosmopolitan Fun Fearless Female Campaign

2010-12-03T20:48:00.001+08:00

See yourself in Cosmopolitan's Global Fun Fearless Female Campaign!

Here's mine:
http://www.cosmofff.com/?u=fff_ccid_4cf8e4989239d1.95639046

Playing Dress-Up

2010-11-28T20:12:00.000+08:00

Out of boredom,
I played dress-up,
Borrowed our guest room’s wall and floors,
And took my own photo.

The following shots are what I usually wear to our store; my workplace.
Nothing formal and fancy.
Very casual, relaxed, and
Simply for comfort….
As I need to move around a lot and work.

*Cartoon Shirt from Greenhills flea market * Mint Green Tube Top from Amanda's Place

*Denim Shorts from Calliope * Denim Jeans from People Are People

*White Sandals from Greenhills flea market * Sneakers from Sketchers

Although occasionally,

I do opt for some casual chicness :)

* Black turtleneck from Zara * Mini Polka-Dot Dress from FAb

* Gray PrepSchool Dress from The Ramp * Black Knit Sweater from Mango

* Knee High Socks from Greenhills flea market * White Thumps from Sembonia (Singapore)

* Black Leather Knee High Boots from a thrift

shop in Hongkong

Photoshop

2010-11-24T18:18:00.002+08:00

Photoshop has been around for years now,
But it was only this week that I gave my techno-bobo self a try at it.
Yes.
I am so seriously out of loop from the rest of the world;
Where even grade school kids now seem to know how to edit a picture.

So what did I find out on my very first try?
That it’s as easy as ABC, even for someone as clueless as I am!
I mean,
Sure there are some areas wherein it’ll probably take me (a techno-engot chick) light years to figure out how it works,
But on the basic essentials of editing,
Well, it’s a simple cursor click to the buttons.
Makes me wonder now why it took me this long to actually try the technology out.
Fear of the unknown, perhaps?
Oh well,
Next time,
Imma get my hands immediately on those techie things introduced to the world!
For now,
Let me get back to my picture that needs a little bit of editing…
Have fun photoshop-ing, friends :D

In Clothing & Styling

2010-11-16T16:22:00.002+08:00

I’ve always been praised for the way I dress and style myself.
Well, except for makeup and hairstyling, that is.
Coz after all,
Hair and makeup takes more than just a discerning eye to whip up creative looks that do not actually turn people off.
So while I do know how to put on a fresh, natural face with a little makeup,
And stick bobs, pins & put my hair up in a bun,
I leave pretty much everything to the professionals when it comes to real makeup and hair styling.

Now when it comes to clothes and accessorizing,
I take orders only from myself.
‘Coz this is the part that I know each of us can actually do ourselves.
But then you ask,
So how do you do it?
And my reply would simply be:
I don’t know….I just simply know.
Hmm…how very helpful of me, huh?
Well,
I’m not trying to be haughty whatsoever,
But I think,
I might just be blessed in that aspect…..
To actually know what’ll work for me.
Take note there,
I said, for me.
And not for everybody else.
And while there were occasions wherein which I’ve actually made-over some people to the great delight of many,
Generally,
I style me and only me.
Never thought of it as a profession,
Although I’ve often times been told that I should.
Hmm…
Maybe, one of these days.
We’ll see.

But anyway, I digress.
I think clothing and accessorizing all depends on personal style and comfort zone.
Like for me,
I prefer clean casual sassy chic to sexy kitten or glam rock;
And actually look better at it, I think.
My bone structure and body shape contribute to my style on one hand,
And my preferences towards the non-too-revealing outfits on the other.
As they say,
You exude your best where you’re most comfortable.
And I honestly believe that.

So if you’re struggling with what’ll work best for you,
I suggest you figure out the style you really like and where you’d be comfortable in,
Then from there,
You experiment and practice!
Or if you’re really lost as to what style would really suit you best,
Then you go the other way around….
Experiment.
But practice is key….
Remember,
Once you find out the style for you,
It’s not the climax just yet.
You need to constantly drill yourself so you can style and stay at your best.

Have fun dressing up, y’all =)

Looklet

2010-11-10T09:18:00.000+08:00

As their website claims,
Looklet is the world’s first digital styling studio that allows you to create looks and themes on their models using their database of fashion wearables and accessories.
Sounds interesting, right?
Well,
Looklet has been around for a couple of years now,
But the craze is just starting to build up on us here in ‘Pinas (or so I think).
In fact,
I remembered signing up for it sometime early last year,
To which I created 2 simple looks,
And then simply signed off.
That is, until,
I had a go on it again last week,
When I saw a couple of my friends posting their creations in Facebook.
And my styling interest was once again resurrected.

It’s really a fun,
Especially if you experiment in on the load of different stuff that the site offers.
And it’s rewarding as well to see your creations being liked upon,
Or being picked as the site’s Look of the Day.
So what are you waiting for?

Check it out HERE.

Stuck On Neutral

2010-11-04T15:09:00.000+08:00

Some days I really feel like a caged hamster running continuously in one of ‘em pink wheels.

Treading, running
Moving not an inch,
Getting nowhere.

Sigh.
I'm so stuck on neutral...

Concept PhotoShoot With HG Studio

2010-10-18T19:52:00.008+08:00

I don't usually commend the photo studios that I go to,

But I just had to say this:

HG Studio,

You guys are sooooo damn good at your craft!

So good that you've turned me, a non-photogenic girl, into this:

Like much, you guys?

If so,

Why don't you sign up for your very own concept photoshoot with HG Studio?

I know you'll like it very very much.

Just like I did

Credits:

Makeup - Hazel Gonzales of HG Studio

Hair & Styling - Jhera Fadol of HG Studio

Photography - Doc. Alvin Agustin of HG Studio

Creatives & Editing - Cherry Hilao of HG Studio

Model & Stylist - Me!

Another Storm's Brewing

2010-10-17T18:43:00.000+08:00

Word has it that another super typhoon,
The likes of Ondoy,
Will be hitting the country next week.

oH my.

I don’t know if the country has well learned its lessons from Ondoy,
And is now more well equipped for the coming of Super Typhoon Juan,
But whatever state we may be in when it comes to disaster relief,
There’s still no substitute for damage prevention.
So let’s all be prepared, people.
Another big one’s coming,
And we better get going!

My First-Ever Concept Shoot

2010-10-13T19:17:00.004+08:00

My trip to the studio came up with this:

It’s actually a raw picture.

Unedited.
But already, it looks sooo editorial….
Like a spread in a fashion magazine!
Don’t you think?

Credits:
Location - HG Studio
Makeup – Hazel Gonzales of HG Studio
Hair & Styling – Jhera Lodaf of HG Studio
Photographer – Doc. Alvin Agustin of HG Studio
Editing and Layout – Cherry Hilao of HG Studio
Model & Stylist - Me!

Concept Shoot

2010-10-05T21:17:00.000+08:00

I’m not exactly a big fan of having my photographs taken,
And with good reason.
Yes, you may have guessed it right….
I don’t have any good angles.
Seriously,
I really don’t.
And I have my albums to prove it.
Haha.
But you know what’s more funny?
It’s seeing the surprised faces of those who get to see me in person after they’ve been made privy to my pictures and albums.
Then hearing these words being spoken to mom:
“I never knew you had such a beautiful daughter!”
But then adding “She isn’t that photogenic now, is she?!”
Hahaha!
Erm,
Was that supposed to be a compliment or what?
Or, should I be offended or not?
Hahaha!

Anyway, I digress.
I’m not a camwhore, definitely,
But I do treat myself to an occasional click of the shutters.
After all,
I want to remember how I look at each stage in life,
Beautiful or otherwise.
So every once in awhile,
I take a trip to photo studios and have my portrait pictures taken professionally,
Although it doesn’t make much difference, to be honest,
Coz as I’ve mentioned earlier,
I don’t have any good angles.
Sigh.

Now despite of that,
I have the audacity (can you believe this?!) to inquire with photo studios about doing portrait shots year after year.
So this year,
I inquired with this studio about their portrait packages,
But this time,
I wasn’t given the rates to portrait packages, but rather, introduced to concept shoots.
Say what?
Yep, believe me,
I don’t have any idea about what it was all about either.
But apparently,
It’s the latest craze in photography.
And there’s a reason why it’s a hit nowadays:
Coz it’s not your usual photo picture….stiff and lifeless,
But rather,
The entire opposite!
Concept shoots are fluid and interesting in the sense that it takes a little more thought than just going “shutter-snap-happy”,
But helps one to convey a message to those viewing your photos.
Yes.
And that means,
You get to collaborate with the studio personnel in coming up with your desired photo;
From the setting and emotion of the shoot,
To the clothes you’d be wearing on set and how your hair and makeup should be done…etc etc.
You get the picture?
No?
Well, let me put it in another way:
Take for instance you want your picture to turn out like the Russian spy Angelina Jolie in SALT.
So what do you and the studio have to do to reach that concept?
Probably you could have a backdrop in pitch black or have a scene in a tunnel setting,
With you, the spy, wearing a fake wig, a black bodysuit with boots, eyes looking to the side and loading a gun…
Whatever.
The point is,
You can be as creative as you want to get to that which you want to relay as a message.
So if you feel that your makeup should be pale with only a bloody red lips as a hint of color, and that you should be crouching low on the ground and pointing the gun,
It’s your call.
It’s your shot.
It’s your photoshoot.
And you can do whatever it is you feel like.
Yeah.
Fun, isn’t it?
So that is why I’m signing up for my own concept shoot in the next coming days.
I know it’s going to be bloody hard (impossible!) to get a good photo out of me,
But I don’t care.
I want the whole experience.
So that,
When I grow old,
I have something to reminisce and to look back onto.

So now,
I’m going to the drawing board and come up with a decent concept for my shoot.
Wish me well!

Teenage Dream

2010-09-23T17:30:00.000+08:00

Katy Perry’s song has been playing all over my head today.
And I think,
It is beginning to make me reminisce,
Though not, at any all, close to what she considers (in her song) as her teenage dream.
Hmmm….
Is that suppose to be good?
Or bad?
Well, whatever.
Point is,
It is giving me vivid thoughts of what I’ve always dreamed of back then as a teen.

So while the song Teenage Dream is talking about young love,
Falling in love and finding that missing puzzle piece in one’s life,
I had my own teenage dream version.
Actually,
I have 2 versions.
Hehe.
One is where I’m strutting ‘em catwalk in ‘em fabulous clothes;
And the other,
Is where I turn into a corporate success.
Ambisyosa ang loka, haha!
No.
I’m just a little bit weird (and lacking in ‘em romantic genes whatsoever!).
But some (or most) of you are too, you know.
Coz really,
Who ever thinks about getting laid by their boyfriends when they’ve only just passed puberty, right?!
Haha.

So anyway,
What has happened to those teenage dreams of mine?
Well,
I definitely didn’t become a runway model despite the overwhelming number and complexities of my stretches;
And no thanks as well to those growth balls that I took,
Which didn’t even do me a centimeter good.
Damn.
And yeah,
I am STILL so a frustrated model.
Pfft.

But the other dream?
I’ve lived,
And tired of it.
Slaved myself to reach the top,
And when I got to where I was as a top corporate audit executive (one of ‘em honchos),
It didn’t sparkle and fulfill as I’ve always thought it would.
Don’t get me wrong,
Coz I sure love the pay and benefits that I was getting,
But something about my work (or the company that I’ve been working for at that time) was totally off….
So much so that I constantly feel tired, stressed, and yes, frustrated even.
I don’t know.
Maybe I’m not cutout for the top honcho positions,
Or probably,
I’m just not happy or satisfied being an employee in an employee-employer relationship.
But who knows really.
And now,
I’m simply taking things at a much slower pace….
COO (Child of the Owner) isn’t such a bad idea, is it?
Haha.
Of course I’m kidding.
I’m slaving myself in my mom’s small business,
And mind you,
I don’t have much privileges despite the fact that I’m her daughter.
Yes,
Bodegera ako when my mother-boss wants me to.
Hahaha.

Now if only I could find another teenage dream to have,
Erm,
Teenage doesn’t seem to apply now, does it?
Well, how about a quarter-life adult dream?
Yes, that I need.
So I’m singing to the beat,
Only this time,
I think I’ll stay in line with Katy Perry’s lyrics.
After all,
I ain’t getting any younger :)

缘分

2010-09-18T09:25:00.000+08:00

我相信，
再这世界里，
个人总都有些不一样的缘分；
属于他们的对象。

有的一开始就正当正确的对象；
有些是拼命奋斗出来的缘分；
或许是老天爷赏赐的努力追求。

另外是些错过没可能完全的缘分
一早肯定不是一向的对象；
或许是上帝没予以的人间关系。

我们两人，
之间，
如何呢？

我想，
应该，
是一开始并不是什么缘分；
只是通过而已。

The Polite Way Of Getting Rid Of A Girl

2010-09-14T18:41:00.000+08:00

In today’s modern, techie world where everything seems to be less personal,
Halting text messages, replies, and discontinuing any form of cellphone communication to the other party,
Can actually be,
The most polite way of getting rid of someone.
That,
Then add something about being extremely busy with work,
And you got yourself off another load without coming off as too abrasive.
Yes, I should know this,
‘Coz someone managed to put me to the sidelines without totally upsetting me.
Of course,
I had those typical
“If a guy can’t give you an ounce of his attention, then maybe he doesn’t deserve yours” thoughts,
And I’ve gone through all those “what went wrong” notions all over my head,
But hey,
I’m glad the guy didn’t actually tell me to buzz off because he doesn’t like me one least bit, you know.
So yeah,
While it totally sucks,
It is, indeed,
The most polite way of getting rid of this girl.

Do You Like What You See (Read)?

2010-09-13T18:52:00.000+08:00

In earlier years,
People usually get introduced to one another in each other’s presence; face-to-face.
But nowadays,
You can get introduced to someone just by text messaging.

In earlier years,
People get each others’ contact number(s) AFTER they get introduced face-to-face,
And AFTER they, if I may say,
Like what they saw.
But nowadays,
It’s a whole new different story.
You can actually get dumped even way before you meet the other person.
How?
Well you’ll know, as they say.
Haha.
No, seriously,
You’ll know you’ve been disqualified as a hopeful when the other person simply stops texting.
And you go on wondering what the hell they didn’t like about you,
When it’s all just a couple of text exchanges.

In earlier years,
We call those individuals SHALLOW for looking only at physical appearances.
Nowadays,
We term those individuals ASSUMING for actually assuming the person that we are through a couple of text messages, even when they haven’t actually met us in person.

Isn’t it just bizarre?
I mean,
We don’t fancy having someone interested in us just because of our looks,
But we don’t like it either having someone who hasn’t even actually laid eyes on us dismiss us over a couple of text messages.
Gah.
This is getting to be a little traumatic, don’t you think?
And before we know it,
We’d be in an age where mental telepathy would replace all other means of introductions:
Do you THINK you’ll like what you’re about to see / read?!
Egads.
I hope I don’t end up single that long enough to actually experience that.
Hahaha.

For now,
Let me go lick my wound.
Coz apparently,
Someone didn’t like what he saw (read) in his phone inbox.
Ouch.

A Letter To God

2010-09-09T16:23:00.000+08:00

Dear Lord,

I know you hold my life in YOUR hands.
Definitely know that YOUR plans for me are always greater and far better than my own,
Or what I could possibly ever ask.
And I thank you for that.
I really really do.
But sometimes it seems,
Though I truly acknowledge that it is YOUR will that shall be done,
I feel uncomfortable, apprehensive and well, very sad.
I think anyone who’s not a keeper of their own life & destiny would feel thus.
I hope you don’t castigate me for saying this,
But it’s really hard not knowing what YOU want me to do,
Where YOU want me to be.
I’m totally clueless.
Wish I can be like those people who claim that they found YOUR will
And the answers to their questions & prayers through reading THE Daily Bread,
Or going through YOUR WORD.
Coz what I usually get is some form of inspiration or hope…
Never answers.
Don’t get me wrong,
Inspiration and hope are extremely beneficial for a tired soul,
But I can’t help but ask,
For how long can this exhausted soul keep her hopes up high when what she receives are empty words and solaces, time and time again?
Will it be too much to ask that YOU make evident, once in awhile, the things that YOU want me to do,
The steps YOU want me to take?
And though I know I have no right to question YOUR will,
Can’t I be made privy to the reason why I’m being admonished and penalized with constant worries and troubles?
Is it really to strengthen and to mold me into a better person?
I would love to believe that, I really do.
But I am losing what little faith I have,
And I’m afraid I’m ending up one bitter woman;
Much worse than I was before.
I know I’m not supposed to give in,
And I’m trying my damnest not to,
So please,
Hear the words that I speak,
Listen to the earnest pleas of this heart,
And answer my prayers
Make evident what it is that YOU want me to do….

Chances Are For Those Deserving

2010-09-03T17:10:00.001+08:00

I received a note from a guy.
No,
Make that 2 notes from the same guy,
Asking me to give him a chance at love,
And for him to prove his worth.

Not that I want to be rude,
But,
How can someone expect to be given a chance,
When they slur their words like a besotted fool, even on paper!
Com’on.
No lady wants to date a drunk, you know.

So ‘tis my advice:
If you want your chance,
Then be that man who deserves it.

And oh,
Please. Please.
Don’t go making any notes with a befuddled mind,
So it doesn’t end up sounding like a cross between jejemon & bekimon, ok?

Singapore Surprises

2010-07-16T20:37:00.003+08:00

I was given an unexpected treat by my mom this July….
An all-expense-paid trip to Singapore.
The only catch is that I’d be traveling with HER friends.
Yes.
All aged 50-so-years and above.
So goodbye quarter-life circle of friends,
And hello hello to a different set of barkada….
Oldies and the wrinklys.
Hahaha.
Initially,
I declined mom’s offer.
But since she already bought the plane tickets in my name,
I have no choice but to join the group.
Actually,
I think there’s a good reason why I was dragged into this ---
And it should be no surprise ----
Luggage carrying, porter services, plus many other assistance on-beck-and-call.
Ay caramba!
What have I gotten myself into?!!!
Hahaha!

So off we went to Singapore,
And lo and behold!
Another surprise for me!
The trip isn’t actually for FUN,
But rather,
We’re supposed to be attending this seminar of sorts….
Some multi-level marketing (MLM) / pyramiding system of selling special types of bed mattresses and lingerie that purportedly helps cure ailments and medical conditions!
And that’s not the only shock of my life.
There’s more!
Lingerie costs as much as a Php100K and bed mattresses some Php250K.
Great heavens!
Para namang ginto!

And the seminar cost?
Some SGD200+
To which I was told that I need to be paying,
Whether or not I’ll be attending the sh*t!!
Hello!!!
Why the hell do I need to pay for something that I wasn’t even informed of from the very beginning, and that I haven’t exactly consented to?
I mean,
All the while,
I know that I was going to SG for a tour.
My mom knows of it as such as well.
But what’s all these MLM stuff?!
Dangit! We were tricked.

Luckily,
I am not one of those people who succumb easily to such trickery.
I have my own tricks up my sleeve.
Hehehe.
So I was able to weave myself out of that seminar,
And tour Singapore on my own =)

I was pleasantly surprised about how clean and orderly their society is.
And I so love their transport efficiency….
When it says that the trains or the buses will be arriving in 2 minutes, they actually do….on the dot!
Can it get any more efficient than that anywhere in the world?
I don’t think so.

And the shopping?
Well,
It’s not exactly cheap….those luxury branded items.
But if there’s any comfort,
Singapore’s a shopping mecca for gadget & electronic freaks out there.
Great buys, definitely!
Especially when they have the Great Singapore Sale ongoing every July of each year.

Now another surprise came towards the end of our trip...
Our flight back to Manila was delayed for 4 hours due to bad weather in the Philippine archipelago.
A massive typhoon (Basyang's the name) was said to be bashing hard on the Luzon area,
So much so that flights to and from Manila are being delayed or cancelled.
Great. I think Singapore doesn't want us to leave just yet.
But we did leave SG past midnight....
Only to get stuck in a turbulent flight;
Scary,
Especially when our plane kept bobbing up & down
With lightning all over the place as we got to Manila skies!
And after rounding the lightning-invested skies for like, 30minutes,
Our plane captain finally decided to divert our flight to Cebu Mactan for an alternative landing.
Jeez.
What an adventure!

So, all in all,
I’ve had so much surprises in Singapore this one time than I’ve ever had in a year or two.
Good or bad,
I loved it nevertheless.
And I believe I’ll remember this unique experience for the rest of my life.

Available, But Not Interested

2010-06-16T18:13:00.002+08:00

This I seriously have to say to some folks,
And I hope it’s pretty clear and straightforward.
Or you think there’s a better way of telling people off?
If so,
Please do share.
Coz I am getting ticked with these frequent emails that I get in my inboxes that say practically nothing relevant.
And I’m really really beginning to dislike those checkup text messages in the middle of the night; rousing me from my sleep!

I mean it.
I’m single and I know for a fact that THAT puts me in the AVAILABLE category,
But man,
I am so not interested…
At least,
Not with you.

The Prodigal Daughter

2010-06-07T19:35:00.002+08:00

The younger son of a wealthy man once asked for his share of the family estate.
And taking the money,
He squandered away his entire fortune until one day he became so destitute that he even longed to eat the food of the pigs that he was tasked to feed.
Under the circumstances,
He came to his senses and remembered his father and the latter’s kindness even towards their servants.
Then recognizing his own foolishness,
He decided to return to his father to seek for forgiveness and mercy, and, potentially a job as a servant.
But his father, upon seeing his return, receives him with open arms and compassion,
And even asked their servants to prepare a feast for him.

This is the story of the prodigal son.

And similarly,
I share the same story.
For the past decade or so,
I have strayed far away from my Heavenly Father….
Got too preoccupied with worldly activities and possessions that,
I haven’t been in constant fellowship with Him and His family.

But over the weekend,
During a retreat,
I was able to reconnect with Him and His family.
And it felt so good.
Really good.
For the prodigal daughter that I was,
I’m happy to be back in my Father’s arms again.

Too Happy Too Soon

2010-05-27T19:36:00.000+08:00

I got a surprise call from my condo building admin office yesterday.
Something about someone from the filming industry selecting my unit as a potential film site.
It’s actually for an upcoming film starring Toni Gonzaga & Robin Padilla.
Yes.
Shock mode.
You’re on.

I couldn’t believe it myself.
But the Production Manager really requested for a schedule to view my unit to which I agreed.
Of course,
Who would want to skip an opportunity like this, right?
And you know what?
He really really liked my place!
As in he found it totally to his liking & satisfaction,
And *swak na swak* as they say in Filipino, to the filming requirements!
I was in a super happy moment,
Especially when he mentioned the price they’d be paying us for each day that they’ll be using my condo unit!
Goodness!
Not only that,
I get to hang around the set with all the crew, the director & the actors or actresses involved in the project!
Cool.
Hmmm…
I wonder if they need an extra in the film nho?
Hahaha.
Me and my wishful thinking.

So we went down to our building’s admin office to check on their restrictions,
And found none.
Well, not exactly,
As the film producers need only to pay some couple of thousands as permit fee,
Which isn’t exactly a problem as the film producers are well aware of such an arrangement (pretty standard in the filming industry).
So there,
I was sleeping on cloud nine yesterday.
And today.
Until,
I received another call from our building admin informing me that they can’t allow said shoot pala because, take note of this:
The building doesn’t have any specific passageways for the filming wires and cables!
Well, hello??!
What about doors, windows, stairs, corridors?
Aren’t those considered passageways?!
Yes, I know what you’re thinking there.
Our admin is a total airhead.
And I couldn’t agree more.

But then she also mentioned about causing much inconvenience to tenants should all those wires and cables pass through the normal openings (e.g. corridors).
I guess her mind isn’t as simple as we thought.
At least she’s looking after the tenants of the building.
One point for her.
But dammit!
The building is in dire need of publicity and additional influx of revenues!
How the hell can they earn that much money in just 2-3 freakin’ days?!
I swear,
Some people just really don’t know how to manage a biz.
And then there are just some people who have nothing better to do than to envy other people’s opportunities and complain incessantly about every little thing when they aren’t even paying their monthly dues!
Pfft.

And you know what I hate the most?
It’s saying yes and then no when one should’ve been certain of the answer because they’re the one in charge and in the know of the limits & restrictions!
Minus one to building admin.
Which brings us back to…
Yes.
You said it.
0 points.
Hindi mapagkakatiwalaan.
Sigh.

So now,
After being thrown up into cloud 9 for a day,
I’m literally smashed down unto utter disbelief, anger and frustration.
Sigh.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned,
It’s that one can’t be too happy too soon….

And They Call Themselves "Christians"

2010-05-15T09:58:00.000+08:00

Mom & I are both spiritual persons.
However,
We grew up having different religious orientations:
I’m Christian, while she’s Buddhist.
But despite of it,
We get along just fine.

Of course it wasn’t a smooth sail in the beginning…
We often times got ourselves into heated arguments,
And many times,
We attacked the religion of that the other,
Thus building more & more friction and hatred against each other.
It’s a good thing though that we came to our senses and realized that,
There’s really no need for us to fight….
Coz we can have the best of both worlds;
Learn from these 2 different religions of ours
To integrate them into each of our respective beliefs
And appreciate what we each hold dear.

I know it sounds weird for some (most) of you,
But it works for me & mom.
To me,
She’s a paragon of humility and kindness even through others’ scorn & aggression.
Qualities I still haven’t learned…
Coz I only know so much as to mirror back what I’ve been shown.
I could never be kind & forgiving of those who step on me,
And to those who’ve betrayed my trust.
I don’t sound so Christian, do I?
Yeah, I know.
Got a long way to go in that respect.
But at least,
In my own way,
I’m showing mom that not ALL Christians are like some that she knows….
Mata-pobreng social climbers & gold diggers
Who like to force their beliefs & practices down people’s throats; and,
Who likes concluding that their religion is the ONLY path to salvation.
And oh,
Did I tell you already that these people are so very unaccepting of poor non-Christian believers??
Yes.
I think that’s one of the reasons why mom keeps hesitating from hearing & accepting the Good News:
She has yet to see a Christian who really cares about her & who understands her without any attached strings (monetary or otherwise).
And really,
I feel for her.
Life hasn’t been good to her at all:
While others may have the comfort and protection of a family,
She has none to back her up through the most critical times.
She has to raise this daughter, alone….
Not an easy task there considering that she is illiterate & poor.
But instead of being kind to her,
Those that call themselves Christians would look at her like she’s dirt underneath their Jimmy Choo’s!
How ironic, huh?

I still remember those faces….
The smirks they gave when mom, who was poorly dressed, was introduced to them.
And yes,
I remembered as well,
How they all pretended not to know her & ignored her totally during another ‘fellowship’ gathering.
And then should I add,
How some people whom she loved & cared for the most could simply push her farther and farther away through the years?!
I don’t wish to elaborate,
But this I wanna say (as much as I hate to say):
I am so disappointed with the way some Christians are!

I do understand now why mom ain’t taking a liking to Christianity…
The ones she knew are 假情假义
While her small circle of Buddhist friends are far freakin better Christians than those who claim themselves to be.
Coz they truly show their care & concern (whether or not you have one hefty bank account to show),
Take time to check up on us every now and then (despite their hectic scheds & personal family demands),
And consistently helped us through trying times.
True,
The ones who’ve hurt my mom before may have changed by now,
But it remains to be seen.

To be honest,
If acts of believers determine which religion is true or far better,
Then I’d probably be one proud Buddhist.
Hahaha
But of course,
I know better.
It’s not correct to look and associate people with their religion or vice versa.
All religions point toward the good…
But we, the followers, are imperfect beings,
And naturally, as imperfect beings, we all have setbacks…
Some of us may find it acceptable or bearable the least,
While others irked and offended.
It may bring out the best in us,
Or the worst in us.
So if we are to look simply on the acts of followers,
Then we might get misled,
And confused even,
Coz I assure you,
All religions have good & bad followers,

So now,
Where do you think you should put your faith onto?
Definitely not on those that call themselves Christians,
But on a supreme being whom we all refer to as our GOD ALMIGHTY.

Election 2010

2010-05-10T21:17:00.002+08:00

The Philippines will be having a first today.
Coz for the first time in its history,
Computers and computer-aided technologies would be utilized.
Out with the manual election process,
And in with automated elections.
The only question is,
Will it be successful?

After the recent drama of defective flashcards & tantrum-packed PCOS (Precinct Count Optical Scan) machines,
Everyone’s speculating of an election failure.
Though I seriously do not hope for one,
I am one of the many pessimists who fear for the worst.
And my fears aren’t exactly unfounded:
Coz with the lack of I.T technical support,
The possibility of a system security sabotage,
Then with machine testing done rather haphazardly during the last few weeks before election date;
Plus an obvious lack of preparation and training as teachers and poll watchers grapple for information;
The COMELEC has yet to develop any contingency backup plan!
Oooh scary!

Now while a friend of mine reported that he only took about 30 minutes for the entire voting process (from line queues to filling up of ballots to feeding into the PCOS machines),
Most I’ve heard took hours and hours of waiting time.
I, myself, went to the precinct twice.
Yes, twice.
Coz the first time I arrived,
I waited for an hour past just to be told that my precinct’s PCOS machines are down and would have to be pulled out.
Nice.
I knew I shouldn’t have woken up early today.
Hahaha.
By the second time I dropped by my voting precinct in the early afternoon,
The line (and the heat) became so unbearable that both my sweat and my patience just evaporated.
And when I thought I was already getting nearer to the end of the line,
The machines, yet again, did the most thinkable….
It conked out.
Pfft.

So yeah,
I didn’t get to exercise my vote.
For the first time in my election years,
I wasn’t able to vote.
Great,
Another first.

Now as I sit on my couch watching the poll results slowly unfold while blogging about this experience,
I can’t help but doubt the stats pouring in...
Especially when I see that, out of the blue, someone far behind in the surveys just got himself in the top 2 position!
Oh gawd.
I seriously hope for a quick stat results transmission...
I don’t suppose I could wait any longer for the country’s new leaders to be proclaimed, tonight.
Yes.
That’s probably the only good thing about this automated elections....
Quick count.
Let’s hope for the best!

Summersaulting Bohol

2010-05-07T21:19:00.005+08:00

It’s summer.
What better way to spend it than to travel, right?
And in my case,
It was Bohol.

Went for a 3days-2nights affair with some peeps from my badminton circle.
Ladies got outnumbered 2 to 5.
But we’re fine.
It’s a refreshing break from the usual ----
Where the male species, usually, is dwarfed by the population of the female form.
And yes,
We love love loved the attention!
Hahaha.

Speaking about attention,
We got immersed in Amorita Resort’s captivating landscape and exquisite facilities that,
We, the group,
Didn’t seem to wanna leave the resort.

Well, except for visiting The Chocolate Hills,
Which wasn’t so chocolait-y when we were there;

The Old Baclayon Church;

The Blood Compact Site;

And the Man-Made Forest, that is.

Oh,

And the Tarsiers.
Who could ever forget them?
Super cute!
Love at first sight!
Hahaha.

Of course
No travel with friends is ever complete without fun and laughter.
And we had lots!
Especially during our Bohol Bee Farm adventure.

We tried out many of its organic produce:
From lemongrass-flavored ice cream on cassava cones,
To corn coffee and malunggay spreads.
And well,
We practically hoarded the pure honey stocks of their store,
Just before one friend asked “How do they make the bees?”
Hahaha.
Sure sure.
We all know how bees make bees….
Pretty much like all other species, right?
Hahaha.
But just to set it straight,
My friend actually wanted to say honey,
But for some reason,
It ended out as bees.
Hmm…
Perhaps he got stung by one when we were closely examining their make-shift hive.
Hehehe.
Stung by a bee or not,
One of our boys definitely got stung and fell madly in lust to the pretty ice cream saleslady,
That he had about 4 big scoops of those organic-flavored ice cream just so that he could be near the girl and get her name.
Tsk tsk tsk.
Boys will be boys talaga!
I guess I could say that we didn’t leave Bohol empty-handed…
That while most of us had some pasalubongs,
One had an extra:
A girl’s name in tow.
Hahaha.

Indeed,
It was a wonderful summersaulting trip!
Couldn’t wait for our next!

Losing Weight The Hell Nino Way

2010-04-27T09:15:00.001+08:00

Whoever said you needed to workout and hard to lose weight?
Nowadays,
It’s relatively easy.
No fees, no pills, no diet, no exercise!
Simply stay out where and when the sun’s out and voila!
Watch yourself sweat those extra pounds and inches off!

And that’s not all!
Coz for every trial session you have with Hell Nino,
You get to have perfectly toasted burnt-bronze skin!
Who wants a tanned skin when it’s so last decade?
Toasted is the new tan these days,
So who needs those costly tanning salons when there’s the Hell Nino way?!

Guaranteed unsafe, but effective!

So what are you waiting for?
Hurry!
Offer is valid only while the season lasts!
=P

*Read & believe at your own risk!

Strength In Tears

2010-04-19T22:02:00.002+08:00

No one likes to shed tears in public.
Tears denote weakness, they say.
But I did.
And to some of you,
I might be a little too weak.
But before you dismiss me,
Please hear what I have to say.

I’ve been waiting for the release of my condo title since early February 2010;
That was the supposed schedule given to me by the Register of Deeds here in Quezon City.
2 months have passed now,
But still, I have yet to get my hands on ‘em.
Reason for the delay?
Automation…
No kidding.
The agency went live January 2010,
And just like most other government agencies that tried to computerize their operations and processes,
It has been,
Still is,
A major pain in the ass of anyone doing transactions with ‘em.
You see,
The usual timeframe for the release of titles before computerization came into the picture was,
2 days to 1 week.
But now,
Thanks to automation,
It has been shortened.
No,
Not the waiting period,
But rather,
One’s patience.
Why?
Because it could take months before the titles are released!
Imagine that!

Back when everything’s manual,
Processes seem to be a whole lot more efficient.
But now,
Everything’s in discord and totally chaotic.
And not only that,
You pay some 2grand for that dysfunctional system with what they regard as an I.T. fee!
Sigh.

Then,
Imagine my utter disbelief upon knowing that,
After 2 freaking waiting months,
My title hasn’t even started 1st base on a field of 19.
Entry encoding, man,
How long does it take to encode one (1) freakin’ entry?!
To make matters worse,
No one seems to wanna take responsibility.
They all point to the EDP system as the culprit!
Ok fine.
The EDP system may have some issues,
But isn’t the system only as good as the people working them?
I mean,
If there’s a glitch in the system,
Shouldn’t it be reported, analyzed and resolved immediately?

I’ve worked for a number of enterprises in the past.
Most of ‘em also have had some challenges during their transition period from manual to computerized system recording and processing.
I mean,
It’s relatively understandable to encounter glitches and bugs in the system,
But being indifferent and unconcerned towards correcting those errors isn’t.
And that is what bothers me in QC-LRA.
It’s hired helpers are totally indifferent,
If not totally insufficient.
Would you believe that they have I.T. hired helpers that aren’t even I.T. graduates,
But rather,
Seamen?!
Oh yes,
They do.
No wonder they can’t solve one single data entry trouble!
Ampf!
That’s just the minority.
While the majority is / are:
Too lazy to report any deviation or glitch to its system developer;
Too busy with their own little stuffs to actually acknowledge that there is indeed a major problem at hand;
Too insensitive to the needs and concerns of their clients;
And they show no respect, at all, for precious precious time!

Sigh.
Tell me,
If you were in my shoes,
Won’t you feel so angry and depressed about the entire situation?
So much so that it’s either you:
Verbally abuse those in need of some teaching to,
Or,
Just like me,
In the hopes of curbing my own temper outburst,
And of minimizing my tendency to hurt others through verbal attack,
Sit down in one corner of the room & let the tears do all the talking?

It was quite an embarrassment, to be honest.
‘Coz everyone started looking,
Probably thinking that I lost my mind or so.
But tears, I’d say, have a way of touching others.
And that is why I was more than tolerated….
Attention gave way to sympathy and to more attention;
With some others even getting angry & cursing on my behalf.
It’s kinda rewarding that,
After looking like a goldfish with a case of sore eyes,
People stood up for you.
And that much of the agency immediately went to work (or at least, they led me to believe that they did) on my pending title.
Hahaha.
No seriously,
The EDP system encoding challenge tied to my condo title may not necessarily be resolved in the meantime,
And I might not necessarily get hold of my title soon,
But at least,
The agency is now well aware of the situation,
As opposed to indifference.

Hell yeah.
There is strength in tears.

The Corrupt Choice

2010-04-07T20:47:00.002+08:00

Why is it that government employees here in the country,
A majority of them,
If not all,
Are regarded as corrupt individuals and total scumbags?

Because they are.
And I have no qualms saying it.
Coz I’ve had a handful of unfortunate experiences with these people (should they even be called people still?) who are absolute waste of our taxpayers’ money!

A process that takes only a day,
Could take an eternity when you’re met with one.
And no,
Not that they are undermanned or have too much work to do,
They just have too much to do.
Yeah.
Like,
Reading the dailies,
Having a sip of coffee,
Gossiping with their colleagues,
Running to the johns,
Ordering their snacks and pre-ordering their lunches,
Doing their make-up and redoing their touch-ups,
Filing their, no, not documents, but rather, well-manicured nails,
Chitchatting their way over the phone,
Texting while reading some corny internet joke,
Focusing in on the computer screen….for games, not work,
And yes,
Giving your endless hours of waiting time only a second of their time.
Oh boy,
Do they really have so much to do?
Yep, and at the rate they’re going,
We could all be dead and reincarnated for who-knows-how-long by the time they get to merienda.
And oh,
Did I mention that they need to be GREASED too?
The more grime the better!
It’s their own version of the Dead Sea Spa, I tell you.
Hahaha.

And while the saying,
Let he who has no sin cast the first stone apply to us all,
I still can’t help but pick up this stone, throw, and blog.
If there’s any justification at all for my misdemeanor,
I think it’s the fact that I, only pick out the rotten tomatoes.

Not that I like to be sarcastic about them,
But doesn’t it feel nice (and just that bit satisfying) to stab them behind their backs,
And ruin their integrity the way they ruin our schedules and lives?
No, I correct that…
You can’t ruin their integrity any more than they’re compromised now.
So let’s just go back to where we left off…
Again,
Doesn’t it feel great to lash out behind their backs and wish them the worst of every possible maladies & untoward events one could ever imagine?
Uh-huh.
You could say that again.

But on a serious tone,
What do you really think of these government employees?
Do they really like what they’re doing?
Or perhaps,
Their job doesn’t pay that much to enable them to live comfortably and thus, the need for some sideline?
Well, I’m sure they haven’t met an unemployed person who would gladly take on any job or any pay.
They, always the malcontents, should be happy to have a job, I say.
And not just any job, but one where the public entrusts you with it.

But then again,
Maybe the unethical actions are an offshoot of a corrupt environment?
Like,
They say that when you put a good tomato in together with a bunch of rotten ones,
It gets bad as well.
Is this true?
What I mean to say is,
If a morally-sound individual is introduced to a corrupt environment,
He’ll get to become one of them scumbags?
I don’t know.
But I always think that it is one’s choice to become bad or good.
We’re not exactly like tomatoes…
We can’t simply be subjected to an environment and expected to stay there as is.
We have brains and we are mobile.
We choose what we want.
We choose who or what we’re going to be.

So what do you now think of the choice made by our government employees?
Your guess is as good as mine.

Can You Hear Me?

2010-04-03T13:01:00.000+08:00

32 years passed.
For 32 years I’ve thus far waited.
Like Sleeping Beauty awaiting for her Prince Charming; that one special kiss,
I’ve longed to be awakened from my dreams.

It’s funny to think that, I,
Up to this age,
Still dream,
Still hope for that same happy ending that fairytale stories tell.

In my dreams you exist.
In my dreams you sweep me off my feet.
But as good as my dreams of you have always been,
It’s not enough.
It will never be enough.

Now that I said that,
Do you think that I’m asking too much?
Please,
Tell me that I’m not.
Because I’m certain,
That dreams can never compare to reality.
That you,
Can’t possibly be just a dream.
I know,
Deep down I know,
That you truly exist,
And that you,
Belong in my world.

Great At Friendship, Bad At Intimacy

2010-03-16T20:20:00.002+08:00

That, I am.
It’s really not a wonder why I have many friends (men & women alike) in my network,
Yet so little,
Er, I think NONE,
Is the more proper adjective to use here -----> romantic prospects.
Coz the moment a guy (or a lesbo) manifests whatever romantic intentions he (she) has for me,
I take a serious ‘about-face’.

It’s true.
Just like a sizzling hotplate dropped into a sink full of iced water,
I can fizzle out on that friendship way faster than you can say the word ‘chutzpah’.
It’s really nothing personal,
I guess I was just asleep when the world was showered with lessons on romantic social skills.
Hahaha.

That,
Or probably,
As I seriously would like to believe,
That I haven't met my love interest, YET.
Which is which?
Well,
I prefer you answer the latter, of course =)

The Typical Kay-Siaw

2010-03-04T19:38:00.003+08:00

If you’re Chinese, you’d know this.
介绍
Pronounced as Jie Shao in Mandarin, and,
Kay-Siaw. Gai-Xiao, or,
Whatever pinyin it may be in Fookien.

It’s basically what Filipinos term as “pakilala”
And what other nationals would refer to as “setting someone up on a date”.
Normally,
The mechanics goes something like this:
Boy and girl gets introduced by a common friend / acquaintance,
And the two take it from there.
Simple, right?
Yes.
That’s supposed to be the case.
But not for everyone.
Coz you see,
If you’re in a traditional Chinese circle,
Kay-siaw is rather complicated, as it not only involves 2 single individuals being introduced to one another,
But it’s a whole family affair!
And trust me,
You won’t find it delightful if you’re those 2 poor souls being introduced to one another.
I mean,
Kay-siaw should supposedly be as simple as bringing 2 people together and introducing them to one another.
And from that moment on,
The one introducing them to each other fades into the background,
And completely disengages him/herself from the whole idea….
Meaning,
He or she shouldn’t meddle into the affairs of the introduced.
In Filipino,
Walang pakialaman.
But that’s not usually the case…
Especially when the one making the introductions is, well, biased.
And you have parents with medieval attitudes toward dating and marriage.

I, unfortunately,
Am blessed with both.
Not only do I get to be acquainted with a bunch of meddling individuals,
I have a mom who is so eager to have me wed that she’s selling me off like a cupcake that’s about to expire.
No, make that,
A mom who is THAT eager that she’d practically just give me, her daughter, away!
Pfft.
Imagine that!

Sigh.
I have no qualms about the whole kay-siaw thing.
Let me make that clear.
But please.
No parents.
No 3rd parties whatsoever.
And no meddling!
Should the guy I’ve been introduced to and I decide to have only as much as a friendship,
Then let it rest at that.

Now if the guy is too insecure and still needs to be told and coached on what to do, or chaperoned around even after the introductions are made,
Then for his sake,
Don’t subject him to such an embarrassment…
He ain’t ready.
And I, definitely,
Won’t ever be ready for him.
Sorry.
This lady's not your typical kay-siaw.

Bohol-Bohol

2010-02-18T20:34:00.002+08:00

Bohol
Hmm…
As much as I am pretty excited to be having a trip to this scenic place,
For some reason,
I am starting not to like the word….
Especially when you say it twice.
Bohol. Bohol.
Buhol. Buhol.
Sounds like trouble, doesn’t it?

Yep.
I am really having a terrible feeling about this Bohol trip of ours.
First,
We couldn’t find coach seats that could accommodate our preferred flight sched.
Then, when we were able to find a travel agency who could get us the flights that we wanted,
The travel agent goes on to give us wrong quotations to the resort accommodations that we suggested.
Yes.
Imagine that.
For us to be notified of the error when we have already booked our requirement.
And that’s not all,
Did I fail to mention that the travel agent failed to confirm with the resort beforehand,
So much so that we won’t get to have the garden villa that we wanted?
Uh-huh…
Yep, you got it…
Every gawddamn garden villa of the resort has already been booked!
Pfft.
Fine.
We’ll just go deluxe then.
So when do we need to pay?
Ah…
Ermm…
Wait….
How many again are we?
6?
No,
7.
No, no, no.
6 adults.
No, wait…..
Wait….
Really now, I say,
Is it that damn difficult to word out a:
“Yes, I’m joining”
Or a,
“No, I can’t”??
Goodness gracious,
How hard can it be to decide?
So like,
After an eternity,
The 7th person finally backs out.
What-in-the-world??!!!
And around goes my eyes.

You know what I’m thinking right now?
I would so like to skin the person who invited this guy.
But hell,
That would mean reshuffling our room arrangements & blowing our budgets.
Pfft.

So now that we’ve finally settled with the number of participants and the arrangements,
I sure hope nothing comes up again on tomorrow’s payment agenda,
As well as on the actual trip itself.
Otherwise,
I’ll really think that the word Bohol’s all jinxed.

Fugly Attitude

2010-02-09T17:35:00.002+08:00

Bear with me,
But I am really finding it difficult to understand and to forgive,
Fugly individuals with fugly attitude.
Hello!
As if they have the “k” to act and be so bitchy.
Pfft.
Di na nga kagandahan,
Wala pang personality!
Pfft.
Can somebody, please, show them a mirror,
Coz from where I stand,
It doesn't look good....
They don't look and don't exude anything pretty.

Lazy Sunday Afternoons

2010-01-31T19:22:00.002+08:00

While most people like the carefree do-nothing feel of a Sunday afternoon,
Like, watching TV, having a leisurely walk in the park, or perhaps, bumming around the house,
I don’t.
Coz you see,
I hate having nothing productive to do.
Don’t get me wrong.
I could surely need that extra nap time,
And I love love love a day and any form of rest.
But sometimes,
It just gets to me.
Loneliness, that is.
And I hate that feeling.
Especially when you start missing that someone who’s still missing in your life.
Sigh.

Moved Out

2010-01-14T20:55:00.002+08:00

Yep.
They’re gone.
Cleared out.
Moved out.

That’s what you would catch me or my store neighbors say,
All day,
Every single day,
For the past month and so.

It’s super damn tiring…
Hearing yourself repeat the same lines over and over again.
But what choice have we got,
The NBI Clearance Center never did give any formal public announcement of its transfer.

Yes.
You read that perfectly right.
The main clearance center of the NBI in Carriedo Plaza, Quiapo has moved!
So anyone of you planning to get your NBI clearances, better take heed of its new location:

5th Floor, Victory Central Mall
Monumento

No hoax here.
So please take note.
I’m sure you don’t wanna waste your time and transpo allowances in going to Quiapo only to find out that it has already moved, right?
Actually,
The NBI Clearance Center in Carriedo Plaza, Quiapo (its home for the past 5 years) had already moved to its new spot in Monumento since December last year.
But it’s just so weird that it never made notice of its relocation…
Considering the gargantuan number of people who get clearances each day,
As a necessity in their job employment and overseas travel.
I don’t know if it’s just a mental lapse of theirs to have forgotten to make public its relocation,
Which, by the bye, went quickly as a snap (I so wonder why when it usually takes months or years even for any government office to formalize any shift in operations, more so site transfers?),
Or if it was their intention to withhold such vital information.
We’ll never know.
But what I’m sure of is that…
Most of the people who went to our building to get their NBI clearances done as their practice before,
Call it plain stupidity and absurdness;
Not mental lapse, oversight or intentional withholding of what is supposed to be public information.
And yes,
Some of them have matching cusses and well, more cusses to go with it.
Well,
You can’t blame them.
After all,
Some of them came from the provinces & had little pocket money to spare.
That,
And couple the fact that,
There are, unfortunately, so many unscrupulous vendors outside the building that continue to sell envelopes, ballpens & CEDULAs,
And misleading people into thinking that the NBI Clearance Center is still where it’s at.
Pfft.

So again,
Anyone of you having to process your NBI Clearances sometime soon,
Please go to the address I stated above.

I’m making this public announcement because I feel for those who have to travel some good distance and for those who have little on their pockets.
We sure don’t wanna waste their time and resources, now do we?
So please spread the word.

And to the NBI,
I am so doing you a favor.
Imagine if store owners in Carriedo started charging you with a dime (yes, even just a dime),
For every person who came to the building (where your NBI clearance processing center used to be located in) who asks for the way going towards the NBI Clearance Center,
I’m pretty sure that they (or, we) would be thousands richer by the end of each day.
Hahaha.

Any Employer's Plight

2010-01-10T11:56:00.002+08:00

The workers you hire…
Even while you treat them well,
They give you much migraines and heartaches!
Then they leave you without any notice whatsoever,
And you have yourself a major trouble….
There’s nobody to do what needs to be done.
Erm,
Well, technically, you have yourself.
But can you take over their work while doing yours?
Of course, you say.
Hah!
That’s just what you hope.
You seriously cannot take on the workloads of 3.
Even if your mind wills it,
I can assure you that your body would resist it after a couple of weeks;
Consider yourself lucky if you could get past a few days of exhaustion without catching anything as a sniffle or a cold;
And a superwoman if you can get past a month without any physical or mental trauma.

Am on my 3rd week of employee-less days,
But I don’t feel my immune system could withstand more.
After fighting off the exhaustion, colds & flu symptoms for 2 weeks,
I’ve finally fallen ill to fever yesterday.
Sigh.

Just what I hate in being an employer….
Whether you like it or not,
You NEED workers if you want YOU and your BIZ to stay in business.

What A Way To Start The Year

2010-01-04T20:33:00.002+08:00

Angry.
Real pissed.

This I say to you,
SA-10,
You cumbersome, inconveniencing menace:

If you don’t trust your creditor,
Simply change ‘em.
Or better yet,
Don’t be a debtor at all.

I’m saying this because,
Some of us have TONS to do than to listen to your arguments, stomach your wild accusations, and explain to you, one by one, the details of our billing statement,
Which you, should be so knowledgeable yourself,
Since you, yes you, were the one who placed and received the orders.

If you seriously think that we like putting dummy transactions in our bill,
Be informed that,
You are in ‘Pinas & not in your deceitful, lawless nation (wherever in the universe that is).
I have more interest in receiving your meager payment THAN jacking up the bill but then receiving none.
Gets?
Or should I start insinuating to others, that you, as a seller to your very own customers,
Include dummy transactions in your billings?
Tsk tsk tsk.
Careful careful.

Advance Greetings!

2009-12-23T12:05:00.002+08:00

Haven’t been blog-active lately.
And while I do apologize to the few who regularly drop by my site to check for this & that updates of everything that goes around in my world,
I am rather happy to be preoccupied with something other than blogging.
Yes, it’s still a someTHING
(Though I really really wish that it was a someONE that I am so preoccupied with, hahaha)!
But anyways,
I’m dropping my greetings in advance,
Just in case I’m blog-off again during the holidays….

A very blessed Christmas and,
An extremely prosperous and New Year to all!
=)

Officially Out Of The Calendar

2009-12-11T06:14:00.000+08:00

32!
Yes,
I turn 32 today.
And yes again,
I’m officially OUT of the calendar.
But no worries for me,
As I’m still so WITHIN the lotto’s number bracket.
Haha.
Kidding aside,
I’m happy to be alive for 32 years….
Extremely grateful for being blessed all these 32 years of my life here in this world.
Life throughout all these years….
May not exactly be what I’ve always wanted, planned or imagined,
But it’s not so bad either.

I know that for each year of my life that passed;
On this very same day each year that passed,
Ever since I started blogging some 5 years back,
I have always written about what I’ve learned and have realized as a person who lived to that particular age.
And this year,
I’m making no changes to my routine of 5 years.
Still going to blog about how important it is for me to have realized that…

A woman is most beautiful in her 30s (yes, of course, I’m biased) =)
And while most others may disagree with me, fashion is anything that works and rocks for you.

They say that it takes courage to shut up and to walk away from a fight, but I say it takes a hell lot more to be able to speak out without causing a fight.

People oftentimes say things they don’t really mean when they’re hurt, angry or annoyed, so don’t presuppose and go judging that the person saying such thing(s) is bad…..they’re just having some rotten day, just like the rest of us oftentimes do.

You know what they say…. that words, when spoken, cannot be taken back. So choose your words wisely and edit / delete those that shouldn’t be said. You don’t need a lifetime of regret and of mending broken relationships.

Though it’s not exactly a feat worthy of discussion, people learn quickest and seem to be nicer and helpful when they’re struck by calamity, tragedy & distress. (No, I don’t fancy any of those striking us 365 days a year, but I sure do hope for some people to be that much wiser and nicer each and every day).

People and things don’t usually go the way you want them to, so don’t stress yourself out on what is beyond your control….

That you can’t really repay what your parents have done or sacrificed for you; and that, a lifetime is still too short to love and honor them *sigh*
Makes me wish that time could stand still,
So I don’t need to worry about aging
Or the fact that I won’t have my beloved ones with me for as long as I want them to.

That life, despite how shitty it can get, offers you second chances.

Or third, fourth even =)

That while money may seem to be oxygen these days, there are still some things it can’t buy…..
And yes,
Me inclusive =)

Wish me happy 32 years!

A Spinning Wheel

2009-12-03T19:46:00.001+08:00

That’s what LIFE really is.
You never stay at the same spot,
Be at the same circumstance for long.
And I’m glad….
After almost a 2-year rocky, shaky cycle,
We’re now back on a smooth roll.

So those of you on the rougher surface of the wheel,
Don’t lose hope.
You shall too,
Soon,
Revolve to a better section.
=)

It's Beginning To Look & Feel A Lot Like Christmas

2009-11-16T19:57:00.001+08:00

I just love waking up to the cool weather of December.
And I so so love seeing Christmas decors, brilliant twinkling lights up on show every night.
Only,
It’s not just December, yet.
Still have about 2 weeks to go before the month actually hits town.
But nevertheless,
It really is beginning to look, and feel, a lot like Christmas.
People are more cheerful,
And much much nicer too!
And I like.
=)

Gentlemen's Agreement

2009-11-09T18:04:00.000+08:00

When money is at stake,
There’s really no such thing as gentlemen’s agreement.
That,
We learned today.

It’s depressing,
Especially when you believed that the other party to the agreement would honor their words.
But blame it on us,
We’re too naïve.
We really should’ve asked for something more concrete, more tangible.
But what’s done is done….
I guess, next time, we just have to be less trusting.
That,
Or we really need to be a lot more prudent from now on.

Debt-Free

2009-11-06T14:31:00.000+08:00

It really is such a wonderful feeling,
Being rid of a debt.

No more worries of creditors calling and showing up on you any time of the day.
And most importantly,
You get to sleep and rest well at night,
At long last.

So if I were you,
Settle your dues and be debt-free ASAP.
It really does wonders for your mind and body =)

Learning With Every Goodbye

2009-11-03T21:16:00.000+08:00

(For a friend who's seeing darker days….)

After a while you learn the subtle difference between holding a hand and chaining a soul,
And you learn that love doesn't mean leaning and company doesn't mean security,
And you begin to learn that kisses aren't contracts and presents aren't promises,
And you begin to accept your defeats with your head up and your eyes open, with the grace of a woman, not the grief of a child,
And learn to build all your roads on today because tomorrow's ground is too uncertain for plans and futures have a way of falling down midflight,
After awhile you learn that even sunshine burns if you get too much, so you plant your own garden and decorate your own soul instead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers,
And you learn that you really can endure
That you really are strong and you really do have worth,
And you learn and learn...
With every goodbye you learn.

Please be ok.....

White Hairs

2009-10-16T23:17:00.000+08:00

My mom has always been a strong and capable woman….
Physically,
She is someone who hardly ever gets sick,
Or if she ever does,
Has quite an amazing pain threshold.
Likewise,
When it comes to her mental and emotional state,
She is resilient and is very much capable of picking the right alternatives and choices, ALL THE TIME!

With that,
I haven’t been one to worry ‘bout my mom.
In fact,
It has been etched on my mind that,
She’ll always stay as energetic, strong & capable as I have always known her to be.
Her image of strength and vitality is, I guess, my security blanket….
Something that says:
She’ll always be there, my mom, and that I, won’t ever be alone.

But today,
For the first time in years,
As I watch my mom sleep,
I noticed that a lot more white hairs have grown out of her head than before….
Gone now was her jet-black hair,
To be replaced by patches of silvery white threads.
And that scared me.

For the first time in years,
I’m coming to realize that,
Though it’s hard to accept that,
She’s already coming to her graying years.

My mom,
Yes,
IS getting old.
And soon,
I might need to face the fact that I won’t have her with me for as long as I want her to be…..

Pandemonium Before The Storm

2009-10-02T22:29:00.002+08:00

While much of the country has yet to recover from the onslaught of tropical storm Ondoy,
Satellite forecasts of PAGASA shows yet another major weather disturbance to hit the nation.
This time it’s super typhoon Pepeng.
Yes,
You read it right.
It’s a SUPER.

But long before it is forecasted to hit the country,
Pandemonium has broken loose as masses flock towards groceries and supermarkets,
Hoarding shelve displays and stocks of canned goods, packed noodles, breads, biscuits and such other food items,
And causing the counter queue to take, like, almost forever.
I should know.
Coz it took me almost an hour just to reach the cashier!
And I only have a couple of purchases on hand (some toiletries and household essentials), mind you!

And as if that’s not enough,
I heard 2 women arguing about who saw what item first!
Uhm,
No.
I didn’t stayed around too long to listen to their unnecessary verbal jabs;
Though I expect,
It probably was a good fight brewing.
Haha.

Seriously,
If I only knew that I’m going to be met with such inconvenience,
I wouldn’t have gone to the stores today.
But really,
Just what is it that spurred this sudden panic buying?

Is it the peril of the incoming storm?
Or are we under an attack or war of some sort that I’m not even aware of?
And given that we are,
I don’t suppose it merits all these panic buying.
I mean,
It’s good to be prepared.
But there’s a hell LOT of difference with being prepared and with being overreacting.
And I think it’s only fitting to mention,
That one’s panic buying and hoarding of items could put another in dire need.
And if that’s really going to be the case,
Kawawa naman yung mga talagang nangangailangan ng mga food items….
Mauubusan lang at walang mapagbibilhan dahil may mga swakaw na nagpupundar lang sa kani-kanilang mga bahay.
Pfft.

The Aftermath of Ondoy

2009-09-27T21:54:00.000+08:00

*pics grabbed from my cousin's & friend's FB pages

So much rubble.
So many casualties.
Handful of lives lost.
Countless still to be salvaged.

So shocking, so troubling,
This aftermath of the storm.
The worst might be over for some of us;
Us ones who have been fortunate enough to be sheltered warm and dry in shacks that withstood the perils of the mighty winds, continuous rains, and rising flood waters of Ondoy,
And us ones who are blessed enough to have our loved ones right beside us to see us through our worries and fears.
But for the many others who are not so fortunate enough,
The nightmare lives on.
So many displaced.
So much losses.
Starting over, a seemingly impossible challenge.

But you know what?
Nothing’s impossible.
At least,
Not in this country.
The outpouring of assistance, love and support,
Be it in whatever form,
Is really something other parts of the world have yet to witness of their own.
You cannot NOT be touched,
Even as you simply watch and read the news, internet and TV coverages as opposed to experiencing it LIVE.
I say,
If those images and stories can stir my heart even as I am simply here at home in front of the TV and computer,
What more would it be if I was OUT THERE?!
Am sure it’ll totally break my heart.
And it’ll break yours as well.

Young and old,
Rich or poor,
Friends or foes,
Everyone has their arms outstretched.
Everyone is helping everyone in any way they can.
From prayers to provisions of food and basic commodities,
To cash donations,
To voluntary relief and rescue efforts,
Nothing seems to be too precious to share.

So please,
Join me in my prayers for those in need.
And let us ask the Lord for strength….
For them that needs rescue,
And for those who are risking their lives to rescue others.

And please,
Join me in reaching out….
Help should NEVER be in shortage at this time.
We all have something we can part for them in need.

Manila Becomes Waterworld

2009-09-26T18:14:00.003+08:00

*All pics taken from my cousin Josh's ireport.

The last time I’ve seen or experienced this type of flooding was probably about…hmmm…2decades ago!
I know that this type of a scenario isn’t exactly unusual in certain areas here in Metro Manila;
Like some places in Malabon and Navotas, to name a few,
Which happens to be pretty much flooded all through-out the year,
But to be seeing waist-high or chest-high floodwaters on areas that usually do not get past ankle level-high,
Is really horrifying.
And what’s really bothering is,
Tropical storm Ondoy has yet to weaken as of this time!
It’s still blowing and raining like crazy out in the open.
And yes,
Probably inside some of our shelters as well, as drips and leaks threaten to cause madness to us citizens at home,
And making us scramble for containers, pails, pots, pans and whatever there is that could contain those roof or ceiling secretions from spilling further into the floorings.
At times like these,
You could only look up your roofs, ceilings, walls and sigh,
What a waste of precious paint, gypsum or hardiflex boards!
Don’t you just wish you could shout and order the storm to take a “time-out” from its huffing, puffing & spewing fury?
Yeah.
We’re on the same boat, you people inside your houses.
Sigh.
But on the other hand,
Don’t you feel comforted and somewhat blessed by the fact that,
At least,
You’re sheltered, dry and warm.
Unlike some unfortunate others who have to stay up on their roofs,
Wet, cold, and hungry,
Because flood waters have surged into their homes, threatening their lives?
And those,
Still stuck out on the road,
Like my beloved mom,
Treading and braving the treacherous flood waters?
All needing immediate rescue and relief operations.
Aye.
We’re still lucky.

Please.
Join me in my prayers….
Let’s pray for some reprieve from the storm….
Let’s pray for those in need that they may have the strength to withstand all of this….
And let’s pray for the safety of those selfless men & women of the rescue and relief operations as they brave the storm and help those in need.