The Story of my Life

YDWTL @ 30 (Photo by James)

Ritchie welcoming the big 3 - 0

Animo La Salle!

work work work...

My last weekend was eventful. I want to tell you about it in detail, but I have 180 unread e-mails, 3 loan agreements to format and circulate, 1 mission travel to arrange and 4 bosses to assist. Talk about bunching huh?!

I also haven't recovered from lack of sleep. For the past few days, my sleeping hours range from 4-5 hours per day. My eye bags are looming, darker than ever. Top it with mucus-filled throat and congested nasal.

Haven't played badminton for two weeks. Hence, a bigger tummy and arms.

I will talk to you again. But first, I have to get rid of all these. Ciao!

ps. My french boss came to visit yesterday and my gaaadddd, I look like hell!

Got this from RR. Inggit ako so I'll post mine. hehe

...a hot coffee on a cold morning.
...a 15-minute drive to work.
...dreaming about Sabrina.
...cooking for my family.
...lazing in the beach while listening to good music.
...a good book.
...heckling with HB crew.
...reading friends' blogs.
...catching up with old friends.
...reminiscing blunders of friends over booze.
...watching an exciting badminton match.
...a good conversation.
...Kuya's funny antics.
...knowing you've done the right thing, no matter how difficult it was.
...a flowering plant you nurtured for a long time.
..."I love you, Anak" from Dade.
...hearing your favorite song on the radio.
...a wish come true.
...driving Dade to the bus station.
...seeing people happy because of a good deed you've done for them.
...the look on a child's face after opening a present.
...finding 100 peso bill in your old pants' pocket when you're out of cash.
...helping someone realize her dream.
...lending your umbrella to a colleague who's stranded.
...knowing that someone thinks of you.
...knowing someone misses you.
...having someone open the door for you when your hands are full.
...a friend who keeps you company when you're stranded.
...endless chatting with your bestfriend.
...an all-nighter.
...a day of sleep.
...a surprise visit.
...a sweet dream.
...a warm hug.
...another year to live.
...another year to explore places, meet new people and enjoy life.

"And in the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years."
-Abraham Lincoln

Things that are living in the pockets of your bag, jeans or jacket: travel and pay checks, old cigarette pack that just looks interesting, sugar lumps and all the stuff that has found home in your pockets. They are all the treasures our project is looking for! Our goal is not only bring all this objects into light but show the owner of them.

Been listening to this song over and over again. Love it even though it doesn't have any meaning to me. I just love listening to it.

After All
by: Peter Cetera and Cher


Well, here we are again
I guess it must be fate
We've tried it on our own
But deep inside we've known
We'd be back to set things straight
I still remember when
Your kiss was so brand new
Every memory repeats
Every step I take retreats
Every journey always brings me back to you

After All the stops and starts
We keep coming back to these two hearts
Two angels who've been rescued from the fall
After All that we've been through
It all comes down to me and you
I guess it's meant to be
Forever you and me, After All

When love is truly right
(This time it's truly right)
It lives from year to year
It changes as it goes
Oh, and on the way it grows
But it never disappears

After All the stops and starts
We keep coming back to these two hearts
Two angels who've been rescued from the fall
After All that we've been through
It all comes down to me and you
I guess it's meant to be
Forever you and me, After All
Always just beyond my touch
You know I needed you so much
After All, what else is livin' for?

After All the stops and starts
We keep coming back to these two hearts
Two angels who've been rescued from the fall
After All that we've been through
It all comes down to me and you
I guess it's meant to be
Forever you and me, After All

Someone wanted to sneak into my workstation last night hoping to leave this for me ...

Unfortunately, I worked late last night. The surprise that was supposed to be for me, backfired. It contained this cute creature...

Thanks to you. Now, I am officially a mouse collector (only the cute ones okay!?). hehehe

WARNING: EMO MODE SWITCHED ON

I'm nearing the end of my calendar days. In a few days, I'll be 29. When that day comes, I know I will receive greetings from friends, relatives and even acquaintances. Alongside these greetings are questions about my personal life and plans of marriage, worries about my ovary and how my biological clock is catching up on me. On that day, please keep these worries to yourself and let me celebrate adulthood worry-free. I am 29, I believe I have heard all that and I don't need to be reminded of them yet again.

But if you're really wondering why I haven't jumped into the bandwagon, or at the very least why I'm not in a serious relationship, allow me to feed your curious mind. (I'm after your boyfriend or husband. Mwahahahaha...Kidding!) The answer is pretty simple: I'm holding out for THE ONE. Of course, I've dated quite a few. But none of them has given that magical feeling or had me curling up cause I had butterflies in my stomach. Nor has anyone made me say YES, without a doubt, without questions.

I don't want to settle. Primarily because I know what I'm capable of doing when I'm not 100% with a guy. I don't want to be with a so-so guy because I want someone who rocks my world. Someone who makes me incredibly and undeniably happy. Someone I can live without but wouldn't want to. Someone who would always want to sit beside me because he always wants to stay close to me. And until I find the person that makes me smile up to my third molar, I will not wear that white dress. Understood?!

Sure I miss being with someone. But if it were merely for the sake of having someone to go with you to your friend's wedding, or to pick you up after a night of partying with girlfriends, or to bring you to your badminton game, and all other perks - I would not be wasting my time, nor the poor guy's time and effort.

I'm holding out for The One. I don't care if I'm 35 or 50. Yes the clock is ticking, and so what? Let it tick...until it freakin' breaks!

It's mom's birthday today. She would have been 57.

Loving, caring, compassionate. Full of wisdom. She taught me to explore. She taught me to try things, make decisions on my own. And if I fall, I have to get up and move on. She said it's in falling that we learn life's lessons.

I have a magnetic white board in my workstation. It serves as a locator for my bosses whenever I'm not around. It's also meant for them and others to leave important messages if they come and I'm out. This morning, I found this:

He/She was here...But I don't have a freakin' idea who he/she is. Could this be the doing of the girl they see around 8th floor? hhhmmmm...

"As we grow up, we learn that even the one person that wasn't supposed to ever let you down probably will. You will have your heart broken probably more than once and it's harder every time. You'll break hearts too, so remember how it felt when yours was broken. You'll fight with your bestfriend. You'll blame a new love for things an old one did. You'll cry because time is passing too fast, and you'll eventually lose someone you love. So take too many pictures, laugh too much, and love like you've never been hurt because every sixty seconds you spend upset is a minute of happiness you'll never get back. Don't be afraid that your life will end, be afraid that it will never begin."

A-Age: 28

B-Band: Daughtry

C-Career: blogger, chatter, slacker

D-Drink or Smoke: Every freaking day! Bwahahahaha...Kidding, cut down na ako. Now, it's every other day. mwahahaha

E-Easiest friends to talk to: Bespren Chel!

G-Gummy bears or gummy worms: Both

H-Have a boyfriend: A lot! hahaha

J-Junk food you like: Clover is the best!

K-Kids: I want to have 4! Two girls and two boys

L-Longest ride ever: 8hrs lang ata...

N-Names of your future kids: Sorry. Don't want to share this sacred piece of information.

O-One wish you have now: I want to wake up from this dream. Get real.

P-Phobias: Maniacs

Q-Favorite quotes: Bukas luluhod din ang mga tala!

R-Reasons to smile: Fridays, good conversations, surprises, flowers, people smiling back, small acts of kindness, a warm hug.

S-Sleeping hours: 10:30pm to 6:00am

T-Time you woke up today: 6:00am

U-Unknown fact about you: I peed in my pants when I got really drunk.

V-Vegetable you hate: bitter corn and okra

X-X-rays you've had: Hand and chest.

Y-Yummy food: Kare-kare, pizza, pasta, salmon, my kaldereta and nilagang baka! Yes, I cook. May angal?

Z-Zodiac: Virgo

I tag Arle, Ritch, Meyj, Marie

...at Little Bianca's 1st b-day party
with the Tsinays (minus Meng and Ge) Kristine, Iris, Arle, Sons and Ai

Last weekend's music practice was not as productive as the previous weeks. It must be the smell of the lechon from the kitchen (Happy Birthday Padge!). So instead of last Saturday being the last of the series of practice, we will have to meet again this coming weekend.

We were recording Shalom when I made a blunder halfway through the song.

Group singing: (lyrics) Isang araw tinakwil ko si kuya...
and I go: (lyrics) Isang gabi madilim sa dagat....

They went on while I giggle at the back. After that last take, we took a break and dealt with the lechon.

One busy Friday morning at work:

Email subject: Mr. X's chair

Dear All,
Please let me know if you borrowed Mr. X's small
chair. It disappeared
from his room.

Staff A

Replies were:

Staff B: Sinong nag-uwi? Umamin na!
Staff C: Sorry hindi ko kayang iakyat sa MRT.
Staff B: Sa bank car kasya!
Staff D: Baka hindi lang niya napansin at inuupuan pala nya.
Staff E: Mwahahaha...Kakatawa naman iyun! Sa 'small' ng chair at sa laki nya, baka nga!

Email subject: The Case of the Missiong Chair SOLVED!

Nahanap ko na po yung "small" chair. Nayupi pala sa ilalim ng table
nya. Di nya napansin. May extra chair pala sa cluster nina Ms.
Y. Probably nakalimutan ibalik ng mga cleaners after they cleaned his
room.

Staff C: Hay naku Staff A, ang silya naglakad papunta kila Y dahil hindi na niya kaya ang torture pag umuupo si Mr. X.

Horoscope is defined as an astrologer’s description of an individual’s personality and future based on the position of the planets in relation to the sign of the zodiac under which the person was born. Find your sign and read your horoscope:

Capricorn
On Love: Mahirap talagang makipag-break
On Money: May darating ililibre ka sa labas
On Career: Patayin ang aircon at buksan ang bintana

Aquarius
On Love: Hay naku, di ka talaga marunong huminde
On Money: Magkakalimutan na naman sa bayaran
On Career: Masasatisfy mo silang lahat

Pisces
On Love: Nakikiliti sya kapag binubulungan mo
On Money: Sa susunod, huwag na humawak ng pera
On Career: Basta tawagin mo lang sir, masaya na `yon

Aries
On Love: Totoo diba, breast milk is best for babies
On Money: Lahat ng pusta mo matatalo
On Career: Bagal mo kasi, huli ka sa linya tuloy

Taurus
On Love: Kumaway kung kinawayan ka
On Money: Maghanap naman ng sinehang mura
On Career: Bukas ka na lang maglaba

Gemini
On Love: Bilib ka masyado sa napapanood mo
On Money: Barkada mo saksakan pala ng yaman
On Career: Hindi nila ma-gets pagpapaliwanag mo

Cancer
On Love: Vegetarian sya, ikaw di kumakain ng gulay
On Money: Kapag humingi, bigyan mo ng konti
On Career: Kasundo mo ang lahat ng mga magkaaway

Leo
On Love: Tatandang dalaga kung parating masungit
On Money: Mas magastos mag-renta
On Career: Mas alam mo pangangailangan mo

Virgo
On Love: Break na kayo kaya masaya ka na
On Money: Tanggapin ang sukling keyndi
On Career: Kahit nag-ko-compete kayo dapat friendly

Libra
On Love: Di ka na naawa, parati mong niloloko
On Money: Pera lang naman ang nawala pero araaaayyy!
On Career: Karamihan ng problema di nagtatagal

Scorpio
On Love: Hindi na sya naniniwala kay Santa
On Money: Bumili ng bagong antique
On Career: Ibang mundo ang napasukan mo

Sagittarius
On Love: Anghel sya, sinuka nga lang ng langit
On Money: Puro P100 iluluwa nag ATM para sa yo
On Career: Kahit anong gawin huwag matulog

Bwahahahaha...Hope it made your day!

You Are a Good Student of Men

You're pretty good at knowing what men are thinking But you're not dead on 100% of the time Let your guy off the hook sometimes... because you may be reading him all wrong!

You Aren't In the Best Of Moods

While you aren't full on depressed, things aren't going your way. You may be hurt, angry, frustrated... or all three. Not to worry - you'll be feeling fine in no time.

You Have Your Sarcastic Moments

While you're not sarcastic at all times, you definitely have a cynical edge. In your opinion, not all people are annoying. Some are dead! And although you do have your genuine moments, you can't help getting your zingers in. Some people might be a little hurt by your sarcasm, but it's more likely they think you're hilarious.

Appetizer
What is your favorite kind of pie?
I'm not a pie person. Does pizza pie count? hehehe

Soup
Name something that made you smile this week.
My officemate showed me her recent buy from Toy Kindom. She knows I'm into stuffed toys (I have a collection of beany bear from McDonalds, one of those is from her) and wanted to make me envious. She succeeded. But she, and one more officemate, ended up buying one for me too. I find that really sweet. :-) It made me happy for one whole day.

Salad
What do you do to cool off when the weather is hot and humid?
I take a shower. Drink. Watch a movie. I hit the beach!

Main Course
You receive $1,000 in the mail with a letter that says you can only use the money to redecorate one room in your home. Which room do you pick, and what do you buy to spruce it up?
The Living room. Last year, I had our kitchen renovated. My target this year is the living room, that is if I have the moola to do it. For the purpose of this feast, I'd still want to redesign our living room. I want to get a black leather sofa with silver framing. I want to put more lights. Cover one wall with a huge mirror to make it look bigger. I want a new set of curtains to go with the couch. I want to fill one wall of family pictures.

Dessert
Fill in the blank: My ____________ says _____________, but _____________.

My mind says I should work, but the rain is really hard and we've been told that we can go home.

This month is usually the start of our busy days at work. Everyone wants to get their project approved, which, to us, translates to overnight work. 7:00 p.m. is the new 5:00 p.m. The office is filled with people on a weekend. It's bunching. People are cramming. Loan agreements, project agreements, missions, and the best part of all....a heap of papers to file!

But this year, we're halfway through August and all I do is slack around, blog, download badminton videos, browse through my fav sites, take pictures, chat, sit here and pretend to be busy. I am getting tired of it. hehehehe...Believe me, it's tiring. As they say, ang hirap magpanggap!

So, pardon me for this senseless piece. I'm pretending to be busy and I need you to help me.

Did I tell you that I love surprises? If not, hear me...I LOVE SURPRISES. Grand or otherwise, I just love surprises. It makes me happy.

Yesterday, I've been bugging my office pals to give me that big-eyed creature. And after much negotiation and paglalambing, they agreed to get me one as birthday and Christmas gift. I don't mind. Hehehe. Mababaw lang ako.

This morning, I found that cuddly creature on my desk............with crap! Hahahaha...Now that's a silly surprise. I love you guys. You made me happy today. *blushes*

I forgot to mention, this photo was taken by Dyosa. Thanks Dyosa!

I'm so in the mood to bitch around today, had an early stint with someone in the chat room. He disappeared when he knew I was warming up.

Once in a while I get this Gabriela instict in me that I want to smack men who think they're superior to women. Call me Gabriela Silang or whatever, but I just hate the fact that they think they can pull the wool over women, to me most of all. I've been fooled before which is precisely the reason why I'm so cheesed off when I meet men who think they can pull it on me again, and get away with it. *raises eyebrow and flips hair*

It's amazing how they can be loving and caring one day, then a complete jerk the next day. *sigh* I can be both too you know. But if I bitch on you at the start, I'll bitch on you the rest of the time. If I'm nice to you, I'm nice to you. Period. There's got to be some consistency! If you're an a*s, then you're an a*s. Period. (I like that period thing). I'm going in circles. Hahaha. There's just so many words coming out of my head about men.

Enough said. Enough ranting. Time to work.

After several attempts to update my blogskin, I finally found the one that suits my preference. This one has all the components I want in a template: comments page, a title for each entry, a unique page for each post and a menu bar that accommodates all that I want to put in.

Thanks to BlogSkins!!!!

Our English friend, Lucy, who's a bartender-slash-cousin of the owner, is back from a month(?)-long vacation. She wanted to meet up with friends so she invited everyone to Piedra for some drinking (on a rainy wednesday night). At Piedra, Lucy's cousin, a 15-yr-old, needed someone to show off to his sister. He needs money, and in exchange of that he needs to prove that he and his friends met girls in the bar. Lucy used to think I was 12 because I'm too small and skinny. Therefore, she saw me as the best candidate for the part. I didn't have to do anything. I just have to smile and shake her hand. So I agreed. As we walk to meet her sister, this teenager held my hand as if to show that "hey, we're together". It felt like I was molesting him so I let go. After the small talk with his sister, Iasked him again why he's doing this. He said: "My girlfriend is in Embassy waiting for me. She always pays the bill for us. Tonight I promised her that I'll pay. But I spent all my money on these shoes (points to his white sneakers). So I need my sister's money to pay off our bill." Kids stuff.

The deal is $50 for three girls.

I was going through my past posts and found this as draft. Never had the chance to publish it. I think it's worth posting. Sayang naman ang effort ko. hehehe. Wrote this sometime in 2005, a few months after my last "real" relationship. Medyo sad but uplifting for me. Read on...

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

When I read the review of Before Sunset, I was thrilled that I knew this movie will be comparable to the Notebook. Their thoughts about relationships were right. It's heartwarming to see two individuals, who felt strongly for each other, get back together after several years (was it 9 years?) of being apart. Somehow, you become hopeful of broken relationships. It would be nice to get back with the one you've always loved, the one you believe you're meant for. But, only and only if, there are no complications. Okay enough of this. Am not a here to critique the film.

I only want to share my thoughts on a particular part of the movie...

The conversation in the van is reminiscent of my past. When Celine (Julie Delpy) uttered her frustrations to Jesse (Ethan Hawke) why her ex-boyfriends get into serious relationships after breaking-up with her and how they turnout to be good partners when during her time, they were cruel, rude, lousy, ill-mannered, boring, selfish, immature (hehehe...okay. she didn't really mentioned those...inexaggerate ko lang, to fit me sentiments. =)

Yes, we have the same frustrations. After watching the film, it occurred to me that most of my exes, if not married, are in a serious relationship...and they found their true love right after me. So I asked a friend, is something wrong with me? Is this my curse? Why do I have to meet them at that bad part of their lives...why didn't I meet the grown-up man they all turned out to be?

Here goes the drama queen...

While at that thought, there was a tiny part in me that's envious of the women they ended up with. Not that I'd still want to be with these men. But because they didn't get hurt as much as I did while loving them. Because when she met him, he already knew the real meaning of LOVE.

After each relationship, they leave me shattered. Depressed. Lost. Hurt. I ask questions, I find meaning and reason in everything that happened. I rationalize things. I pick-up the pieces and move on. I forgive. Each person who walks out of my life teaches me something. I'm like a puzzle with a few missing pieces. Each person holds that missing piece and when he walks out, he leaves it but not in the spot where it should belong. They leave me to figure out its right spot. Then I begin to appreciate the figure that was completed by that missing piece.

It's a long and tiring process, particularly if you've been in and out of 7 relationships. But most of them, if not all, left me with something worth remembering. It made me the person that I am now. Less susceptible to superficial love. I realized, I was loving them too much for them to handle, too much that leaves me with nothing for myself. I make them my life. I compromise my values. I compromise my beliefs. I compromise too much. The more you give, the more receptive you are to pain.

At one point, I regret having met these people. I regret the decisions I made hastily. But seeing the puzzle complete made me appreciate the pain and sacrifices I had to suffer. The questions are few and the bouts with Misery-the-Bitch happens every so often (actually only as PMS). Life is better.

Realize that life is indeed full of contradictions. Sometimes it's crazy to be sane. You need to fall to fly. People suffer because you care. You have to learn to know the lesson. You have to give up because you are strong. You have to be wrong to make things right. Nonetheless, life's complexities are also life's source of beauty. We should cry to laugh again, fall apart to be whole again, and get hurt to love again.

I don't remember who brought it up, but all of a sudden Mon, Flow, Jom and I started talking about silly things we did in our previous relationships. Things that when you are younger, your friends think it is the sweetest thing you can do for your other half.

I used to write on chocolate wrappers and perfume boxes. I also wrote on foil wrappers and tissue papers. I felt more creative one time and wrote on a small piece of paper which I inserted in a cigarette wrapper ( I took out the tobacco with a pin, left the cig butt and slided the piece of paper where the tobacco used to be). As an alternative, I inserted that piece of paper into a vial and tied a ribbon around it to make it more presentable. One time, because I felt my overflowing love for this person, I filled one roll of cashier receipts with reasons why I love him.

I don't think I would ever think of doing the same things for my (future) boyfriend. Not because I would love him less or that I loved the first one better than him, but because now, I believe there are more ways of expressing our love for one person ---ways that are far greater than what a piece of paper can reveal.

Gaazzzz...I miss having a boypren. hehehe

"Pansinin ninyo ang ngiti nya,
ngiting nanganganyaya't
ngiting walang kahambing."

"Oh well, ganun talaga...
hitsurang lalaki...
pero lasang babae...
isang talulot na namumukadkad...
tuwing alas-12 ng tanghali.

Kapag ang lupang tigang
ay nadiligan
tiyak ngiti sa mga labi
ay mamamasdan."

"Hating kapatid ang turo ni inay
hatiin ang mamon pati ang monay
ensaymada, mocha roll dapat pantay-pantay
at wag lilimutin ang mga mahal sa buhay."

"Eto na si kaka, bubuka-bukaka."

"Naku kaka, ingat ka pagbukaka
baka makita ang ube halaya
malayo pa ang fiesta.

Sarang hamida!"

"Masakit,
makirot,
dahil makipot.

Lumusot,
nautot,
ako'y haliparot."

Chuva,
chenes,
eklavu
Vavayu...

is Mom's 5th year. Love you Mame! mwah mwah mwah *hugz*

The last time was funny. Second time is kinda alarming. If students continue to solve math problems this way, there'd be chaos in the planet.

My last trip was a blast! It was so much fun we hardly recognized the time. In fact, we felt we should have stayed longer to enjoy the site and the food. I've been to Cagayan de Oro several years back. But it was a business trip so I didn't have time to go around the city. I was not, in anyway, impressed with CDO so I never planned to go back. But when my friend told me her thrilling experience white water rafting, I had a change of heart. That's one of my motivation, second to Camiguin of course.

White water (actually, I don't know why they call it as such when the water is brown...yuck corny!) rafting takes about 2hours as you have to tackle 14 rapids. We were charged for Php700, inclusive of a sumptuous lunch and transportation to and from the river.

If you're not the adventurous type, fear not because the Guides are well trained. During our batch, there were a total of 6 rafts. In one of those, there was a 7-year-old or less, and she enjoyed every bit of it. No tinge of fear on her face. Several weeks before us, they had a 10-month-old on board. If a child made it, what more for an adult like me? You just have to listen to your guide, do as you are told and you'll finish it with flying colors. If ever you get so unlucky and you're thrown out of the raft, your life vest will keep you floating. Promise, it's a piece of cake.

One thing that made it memorable for all of us was when our raft went under a rock formation. We were asked to back paddle, to back paddle is to put on brake, as we were moving too fast and was about to hit under that rock. But since we were enjoying the ride and we were too thrilled, the next thing we know Ritchie was doing ala matrix-bending backwards almost breaking his back bone. Wilson got scratches on his left hand. From then on, Ritchie started counting so we would all paddle.

After the white water rafting, which ended around 2pm, we went straight to Balingoan pier to catch the ferry to Benoni, Camiguin. Land travel to the pier took about an hour, but that's because we rented a van, it might take longer if you take the bus. The ferry ride took another hour, and from Benoni it took us an hour and a half to get to the resort, that's inclusive of all the stops we did to get food and drinks. By the time we reached the Paras Resort, we were all starving and exhausted. After dinner, it was good night to all.

Day 2 - Camiguin Island Tour

The next day was rainy, and my cold was getting worse, yes I was ill again. The night before our trip, I had fever but since I waited for this for so long, I can't just back out because of this pesky illness.

The hotel has a ready map for tourists who want to tour the island so after breakfast the following day we were off on our road trip. There were 9 destinations in the itinerary, most of which were hot/cold spring. The part I liked the most was the waterfall. We didn't get to swim though because the water was murky, because of the rain, and the fall was gushing. So we contented ourselves by taking pictures with the waterfall.

Lunch was super. We ate at Kinamot, a local version of Kamayan Restaurant. I love their Calamares and Halaan soup, and their sweet pineapple. One thing I love about these two provinces is their sweet pineapple, I don't get a lot of that in Manila, especially in ADB. Our pineapples are pale yellow, genuinely sour. hehehe

If you're planning to go to Camiguin, you have to allot 3 full days to see everything, that's exclusive of travel time. We were there for two nights and two days and we didn't get to see the nicest destinations in the island. What a pity. It would have been more fun if we have set foot on White Island, Mantigue Island and Mt. Hibok-hibok. The weather didn't cooperate and there wasn't enough time so we had to delight ourselves with what we could get.

We were back at the resort in time for dinner. Our objectives were to get to White Island, buy Pastel and catch the last ferry to CDO. We were planning our itinerary for the following day when I asked one of the waitresses for travel time:

Me: Miss, alam mo gaano katagal ang biyahe from here (resort) to pier?
Waitress: Mag-vavan po kayo Ma'am?
Me: Oo.
Waitress took a deep breath then clasped both hands.
Waitress: Hindi po ma'am eh.

While I was controlling my laughter, I could see Ritchie from my peripheral doing the same. When the waitress left, we all burst out in laughter. At some point there, we all thought she knew the answer. So if I answered "no, we're taking public transport" would she have answered differently? hahaha

We downed one bottle of Absolute Mandarin that night. As usual, Ritchie was the casualty. It's not obvious with the pictures, is it?

Day 3 - Bumpy ride

It rained again the next day so we were not advised to go to White Island. How sad...As I said, abot tanaw na hindi pa rin napuntahan. Towards noon, the rain stopped but the rest of the day was gutsy. Our boat ride to Camiguin was very bumpy. The ship was swaying intensely. The ship behind us had to re-route because it couldn't stand the wind. I was getting uncomfortable, imagining the worst things that can happen to us. I couldn't sleep because I could fall off from my seat. Some passengers were beginning to become restless, standing, walking back and forth. Then we saw a rainbow. Living in the city deprives us of natural wonders such as this. It was beautiful and we were pleased with the site. Our fears vanished and the next thing we know, we were back. Haaayyy...thank God for rainbows.

Day 4 - Last hurrah

We started our last day in CDO early, early as in 5:00am as I got a text from Cebu Pacific informing us that our 1:30pm flight is cancelled. It was a for-your-information message, no explanation why they cancelled, nor an option. When we called, the option they were giving us was to take a flight the next day. Wow! What a great option. When we agreed, but on the condition that they'll pay for all the expenses we'll incur for having to stay an extra day, they booked us on the 5pm flight on the same day. Which we all thought was a good schedule because then we don't have to rush. Case closed.

When we've all finished breakfast, we went to Macahambus park for another adventure - canopy walking and zip lining. We were charged Php250 for both. With Canopy walking, you have to walk on a 154-meter-bridge that is 174 feet above the ground. This one is a no brainer. Zip lining, on the other hand, is quite scary. You have to go back to your starting point zipping. I zipped first, when the guide let me go I screamed my lungs out! It was liberating.
After all this excitement came a text from Cebu Pacific. "Good am. Please be informed that your flight today 5J386 bound for Manila will resume today, same time of departure." Don't you just love how easy they change schedules? We took the flight, nonetheless. Hehehehe

After hoarding Pastel and ham, we left CDO with a smile on our faces and an experience we won't forget. We will be back, but next time we'll do pinoy rafting.

I'm back! I know I ought to tell you people what happened to my last trip but I still haven't recovered from my absence from work. In the meantime, you may view pictures in Multiply.

Will post soon. Ciao!

I'm off to a new place tomorrow, at the same time, I'll be scrapping one item in my list of things-to-do-before-I-die.

We're going to Camiguin!!! I've been hearing wonderful things about this place, and thanks to Cebu Pacific, I'm finally going to experience all of it.

We fly via Cagayan de Oro. While in the City, we'll take up white river rafting and canopy walking. I'm never the adventurous type but I guess when as you get older you want to experience all the things that makes life exciting. I hope I muster enough courage to go on with the task because once I'm there, there's no turning back. I will also make sure I bring home their yummy pastel for my friends and family to taste.

After river rafting, we'll proceed to Camiguin for the beach and to visit the famous tourist spots there. We have one full day to stay in Camiguin, I hope that's enough to get acquainted with the Island.

Wat out for gazillion pictures from me in Multiply.

A busy Saturday that was.

Badminton. My partner and I played three games and, even though I was warehoused, we won all of it. Woohoo!!! Thanks to my partner Joy who was excellent, as usual. Warehoused is a term in Badminton, which I heard from Mama Carms, that when translated to Filipino would mean the popular word binodega. When you are warehoused, it means that all of your opponent's shots were given to you because they consider you the weaker of the pair. Gaaazzzz...

Food-trip. Honestly, this is the part I looked forward to the most...eating at Mom and Tina's Bakery Cafe. For some reason, I'm craving for sweets these days. When I learned that diabetes was in the family, sweets suddenly lost its appeal to me. But for two weeks now, I've been having dessert every lunch and I always want something sweet with my coffee. Going back to cupcakes, the taste didn't fail me. I liked it better than Sonja's. Their's is not so sweet and far more affordable than that of Sonja's. To my delight, I brought home some so my family could taste it (I ate 2 of the 6 cupcakes I brought home).

Music Practice. YDWTL is coming up with a CD compilation of all Days music for the coming batch. But before all the singing, there was a feast of grilled meat (and Tofu). I ate, even though I wasn't hungry, because my mouth was watering with the barbeque and vinegar at sight. Anyway, we ran through each song in the Days songbook, including my favorite Lord I offer my life. There are other songs I love in the songbook, which I'd like to share with you, but I'm not really good at memorizing so I'll post that some other time. At break time, we would jam to the songs of Barry Manillow, Air Supply, and Chicago. Oh how I miss those songs.

PBB. It was the Big Night at the Big Dome. Flow, Camille, and I watched as they unfolded the order of the four remaining housemates. We speculated on who would be the winner based on the color and the design of their gown. Because in the past, the housemate who has the most elaborate gown turns out the winner. Flow said that maybe it's Wendy because her gown was black. Or Bea could be the winner because she wore a tube dress, while the other two girls were wearing haltered gown. When Gee-Ann was called as Fourth Big Placer, we were all disappointed. One friend sent a text saying "Edsa 3 na to, mukhang si Wendy pa ang mananalo." Then I started thinking what I would do if, indeed, she won. Hhmmm...

6:07pm. Usually, this time of the day on a Monday, people would find me sweating like crazy at the gym. Actually, I just came from the gym. But...I didn't drink Prime today so my memory failed me yet again. I forgot my rubbershoes. And I had to realize that after changing into my gym clothes. *sigh*

I have two pairs of rubbershoes (one for badminton and one for gyming), which I usually leave in the office. When I accidently bring home one, there's always one pair left. But today, when I badly need to go to the gym because my trip to CDO is coming and because I ate 4 cupcakes and 3 full meals in the last two days, I have no rubbershoes to sweat it all out.

Gaaazzz....what an annoyance.

Yes, that is Optimus Prime talking.

I've seen the much-talked about Transformers movie last Friday, and I give two thumbs-up to the genius Michael Bay for this spectacular movie.

When all kids of my generation were addicted to Transformers, I was watching Batibot, Sesame Street and TVJ movies (or Darna or any Tagalog movie). So whenever my friends talked about it, I sit quietly in my corner listening and wondering what's up with this movie. It gave me more reason to watch. So, when I knew the date it was coming, I booked Ching, my ever-reliable partner in crime, to watch it with me. On its second day in the silver screen, I was out there loving Optimus Prime.

The movie was awesome. It's action-packed that I hardly rested my back on my seat. I was nail-biting the whole time. Seeing cars transform into huge robots is amazing. I want to see which part goes where and every time they transform, I want to hit pause so I could see clearly. Hahahaha. I also loved that part Bumblebee played "Baby come back" as Mikaela walked out from Sam.

I can't wait for the second installment. But before that, I'd like to watch the first one for the second time.

ps. I think Megan Fox is hot.

I received several emails with this video or link attached to it. But because I've been busy working as travel agent I couldn't find time to watch it. Today, I got it again and I'm so glad I watched it.

I had goosebumps after. She's brilliant! She was really really good. I'm so glad Simon was nice to her.

Here's the video.

Never ever dare single women to drive to Tagaytay for coffee and dessert on a hot holiday afternoon. You don't know the power of these women.

Vicky: To Greenfields take Exit 41. Yan, dyan tayo!
(moving past Exit 40)
Ako: Hindi pa yan, Exit 40 pa lang eh. Yung next exit.
Reeya: Sure?
(moving past Exit 43)
Vicky: Lumampas na ata tayo. (voice fading)
Ako: Pwede naman tayong bumalik eh, ikot lang ng Cabuyao Exit. Mabilis lang yan. (defensive)

And this little mistake will haunt us forever and ever and ever...

* We never found Exit 41 and because of that, I will sue LTO or DOTC for misleading signages!!!!!

Things to remember when going to the movies alone:


1. Be on the lookout for suspicious-looking men. You wouldn't want to sit next to a weirdo. Hey, it pays to be careful!


2. Pick movies in guaranteed-seats-only cinema then get an aisle seat so in case you're seated next to a freak, you can easily runaway.


3. Buy enough chips and drinks to keep you munching the entire show.


4. Get in 5 minutes before the show so lights are dim. This was actually the part where I felt silliest. I got in 15 minutes before the show so I could watch the trailers of upcoming films, only to realize that the cinema is usually well-lit at this time. I didn't want people to recognize me and see that I'm by myself so I waited by the stairs, walking back and forth, until the lights go dim. The hell with trailers! I don't need to watch trailers. I was never really interested with trailers. While I was there walking back and forth, I saw a group making their way to the cinema. It'll be weird to be seen alone by the satirs, so I went to my seat fast, head down. On second thought, I love trailers! I hate missing trailers.


5. Be ready to laugh or cry by yourself. Jack Sparrow is hilarious so in between I couldn't help but burst with laughter and whenever I'd realize I was alone, I'd cover my mouth in embarrassment.

6. Bring a jacket. There's no human jacket at your disposal.

I made it and I'm so proud of myself!

Last week we had our much-awaited housewarming party for Meyri. And because it was her party, she had the license to say these:

HEZIL: So, bakit kayo naghiwalay?
MEYRI: Cultural differences.

So, ano ka? Chinese at sya Pakistani?

MAMA CARMS: Cler, have you ever had a boyfriend?
CLER: Of course naman Mama Carms.
MAMA CARMS: Gano kayo katagal?
CLER: Five years po. Parang 4th year high school to 4th year college kami.
MEYRI: 8 years kayo?!?!?!?!

So kailan pa naging 4+4 ang pag-count nun?

View pics at http://cafanlo.multiply.com/photos/album/29

Each player of this game starts with 6 weird things about themselves. People who get tagged need to write in their blog their own 6 weird things and state the rule clearly. In the end, you need to choose 6 people to be tagged and list their names. Don't forget to leave a comment that says you are tagged in their comments and tell them to read your blog.

I tag RR, mama carms, vicky, meyj, ritchy, and riz.

6 weird things about myself:

1. I always feel someone is following me. Whenever I'd walk up the first flight of stairs to my house, I always feel I'm being followed. I look back then run up. I only get relieved when I'm actually inside the house.

2. Toothbrush. I bring my toothbrush anywhere I go. Sometimes when I feel I ate too much, I brush my teeth regardless of where I am...in a mall, in a bar, anywhere.

3. I panic everytime I gain a pound. I'm a gym buff and every two weeks I get my weight and body fat. When the scale shows me an extra pound, I panic as I feel I gained a lot.

4. When I pray, I repeat the first line of my prayer at least three times. I start my prayer with Lord thank you for all the blessings, and whenever I'd be distracted I'd say it again regardless of whether I finished my last sentence or not.

5. I want to go on vacation alone. I've always wanted to go on a 3 to 4-day vacation by myself. It's one of the things I want to do before I die. But I still haven't found a place to go to. I'm actually thinking of El Nido or Shangri-La Mactan. I'd like to do a dry run in Tagaytay.

6. I secretly wished I won the last lotto jackpot and made plans on how to spend it. I wish I win in the lotto some other time. But I don't bet so that would be far off.

So this is how it feels.

I never understood what people felt when they said they've been called. I thought they were exaggerating. They magnify the situation to lure people into believing. But now I understand.

Camille asked me to be the next Log House, which means I will be Rector three batches from now. When I first heard about it, I was apprehensive and I wanted to decline again. But I thought, I owe myself and Jess some thinking time. It's a big responsibility but it is also an honor.

My thoughts were filled with doubts and questions...more so, of guilt. Jess has been calling me to serve Him and it didn't dawn on me until that night. He already called me when Paolo asked me to give a talk. Whenever I'd think about it, I couldn't help but cry because I know that He wants us to be closer. He's reaching out but I always push Him away. I know I'm getting cheesy here but really if you were there, if you were sitting beside me Saturday night, you'd understand. I felt ashamed of myself.

I didn't ask for signs but He gave several that Weekend to help me decide. Until now, I am still in awe. Overwhelmed. Humbled. Honored. The feeling is inexplicable. He is so great! I know you won't believe me if I tell you that He talked to me. But He really did. He made His presence felt in several ways. That's what I find amazing about the whole experience. I wasn't expecting anything. I was just absorbing the feeling. I was waiting for the idea to consume me until I give in so that it'll be easier to decide. But He sent me something because He knew I don't have a very wise heart. =)

When I'm in Days, I don't really listen to Talks. But last Saturday, for some reason I sat on Theo's talk. Which I later found out that he's talk was about "The arlt of christian decision-making". He said in his final statement that if we let fear counquer us or stop us from doing something, we won't be able to appreciate the beauty of it all.

Then at the Grand Mass the priest said that Days is, for staffers, a renewal of their commitment to the Basta Ikaw Lord (BIL) statement. Have you been true to your commitment? Direct hit! This one struck me the most. I haven't proven anything to Him and He is giving me that opportunity.

When Father was blessing Rector and Vice Rec, he said for those who are generous, the Lord gives back to them 10-folds.

And then yesterday, when I read last Saturday's entry in Our Daily Bread the message was: Jesus I will learn from You, Obey You day by day; I'll be your faithful follower and serve You on the way.

I was, and still am, scared of the responsibility. When my rectorship comes, I don't know if I'll be effective. But I realized all my friends believe in me. The Core believes in me. There has been an outpouring of support from Dazers since Sunday. How can I turn my back from all of them? He gave this to me for a reason. A reason that I may not understand now, but I know someday I will. I'm so scared of what will happen but I will leap because I know He'll catch me.

Basta Ikaw Lord!

It's official! My brother is getting married.*sigh*

Yeah, yeah. I know I wrote about that a lot of times already. But during those times it wasn't out in the open yet, which means no one in the family knew but me. Last Sunday, he told dade about it, and soon it will leak out to our relatives.

Actually, he proposed twice to his girlfriend. Sigurista. hehehe. First was in 2005 but there was no bling involved. The first time he told me, I kept saying "Oh no! Oh shit!". He asked why, nothing big it just means I have to fix my finances. Oh yes dear! You have to quit making unnecessary expenses because all those bills have no place else to go. It's not really that big is it?

Last December, he made the real proposal. He showed me the ring before he did and it was beautiful. There was no grand display of fireworks or cheesy dialogues during the proposal, it was all natural...no preservatives, no MSG (Sorry. Sorry. Got carried away). It was very spontaneous which is all right by me (sa`yo nagpropose? hehe). What matters is that they love each other and that they promise to take care of each other for the rest of their lives.

Now that it's out , my relatives will focus on my brother and they'd stop bugging me about getting married. Yahoo!!! Breather! Breather!

Last week Rector Paolo asked me to give a Talk at the upcoming YDWTL Weekend. I declined without hesitation. In my heart and in my mind, I knew I wasn't ready for such responsibility. Not yet.


Giving a Talk demands a lot of things from the person giving it. It takes a lot of courage to open up to people you hardly know. You share your life with them hoping that somehow they can learn something from your experiences. And as you do this, you relive the events of your life. You go through it all over again. You fee the joy, the pain, the sorrow and everything else that went with it. You go back to the past and then back to the present. They you try to understand what makes you a better person today. Which do you have more? hope, love, faith, courage or wisdom? Whatever it is, you have to believe that you've become a better person. You have to make your listeners believe that someone better came out of it because that's where they'll get their strength from.


I was going to talk about having a brave heart. I'm not sure why they picked me but I know, for sure, the talk is not for me. I don't know what people see in me that make them think I have a brave heart. I've had so many obstacles in my life but that doesn't mean I survived it all. I have this invisible bag where I put everything in. I carry this bag with me everywhere I go. It's weighing me down and I don't know if I can stand still in the next blow of the wind. I can't talk to them like this.

Pardon my dramatic post...My dad is sick. He's been sick for more than 3 years. Last night I found out that one of his kidneys stopped working. People would tell me "you have to be strong for him". Tell me, how do you do that? How can you be strong for someone? I really want to know because that's the only thing I can do for him now.

A peek at Grey's Anatomy's Season Finale:

Meredith: If you want to break up with me so you can see other women, just do it. Don't tell me you met another woman. Just end it, if that's what you want.

Derek: I can't.

M: Sure you can. This is how it goes. Meredith, I don't want to see you anymore. Meredith, I don't love you anymore.

D: Meredith, I do love you. Don't you see? Don't you understand? You're the love of my life. I can't leave you. But you're constantly leaving me. You walk away when you want, you come back when you want. Not everyone, but you're friends know that you'll leave me. So I'm asking you, if you don't see a future for us, if you're not in this, please, just end it because I'm in it. Put me out of my misery.

***

Cristina: I can do this, I just had a momentary freak but now I'm fine. I can do this.

Burke: But you don't want to do this. I'm up there waiting for you to come down the aisle and I know you don't want to come. I know you don't want to come but you'd come anyway because you love me. And if I loved you, if I loved YOU. Not the woman that I want you to be or the woman that I hope you'll become, but YOU. If I did I wouldn't be up there waiting for you. I'd be letting you go.

C: I'm wearing the dress. I'm ready and maybe I didn't want to before but I want to now. I really think I want this.

B: I really wish that you didn't think, I wish you knew.

***

Calling on GA fans, please lend me your Season 3 copy.

This one is too good to pass up. I've forwarded copies of this to as many people as I can and I'm posting it here hoping to touch more people.

May it move you to cause change even in the simplest way you know possible. Not every one of us has such radical minds or resources to effect change, but there are some things we can do. So, when you cast your vote please make sure to elect the spirit that will beat the tracks.

My hat's off to you Mikaela Fudolig for your courage and wisdom far better than most of us.

TAKE NOT THE ROAD LESS TRAVELED
by Mikaela Irene Fudolig
BS Physics, Summa Cum Laude
Speech at the Commencement Exercise, UPD
22 April 2007

One of the things that strike me as being very "UP Diliman" is the way UPD students can't seem to stay on the pavement. From every street corner that bounds an unpaved piece of land, one will espy a narrow trail that puts the corner, or leads from it. Every lawn around the buildings sports at least one of these paths, starting
from a point nearest to the IKOT stop and ending at the nearest entry to the building. The trails are beaten on the grass by many pairs of feet wanting to save a fraction of a meter of traveling, no matter that doing so will exact some cost to the shoes, or, to the ubiquitous slippers, especially when the trails are new.

What do these paths say about us, UP students?

One could say that the UP student is enamored with Mathematics and Pythagoras, hence these triangles formed by the pavement and the path. Many among you would disagree.

Others could say that the UP student is naturally countercultural. And the refusal to use the pavement is just one of the myriads of ways to show his defiance of the order of things. This time, many would agree.

Still, others will say that the UP student is the model of today's youth: they want everything easier, faster, now. The walkable paths appeal to them because they get to their destination faster, and presumably, with less effort. Now that is only partly true, and totally unfair.

These trails weren't always walkable. No doubt they started as patches of grass, perhaps overgrown. Those who first walked them must have soiled their shoes, stubbed their toes, or had insects biting their legs, all in the immovable belief that the nearest distance between two points is a straight line. They might even have seen snakes cross their paths. But the soiled footwear, sore toes, and itchy legs started to conquer the grass. Other people, seeing the yet faint trail, followed. And as more and more walked the path, the grass gave in and stopped growing altogether, making the path more and more visible, more and more walkable.

The persistence of the paths pays tribute to those UP students who walked them first - the pioneers of the unbeaten tracks: the defiant and curious few who refuse the familiar and comfortable; the out-of-the-box thinkers who solve problems instead of fretting about them; the brave who dare do things differently, and open new opportunities to those who follow.

They say how one behaved in the past would determine how he behaves in the future. And as we leave the University, temporarily or for good, let us call on the pioneering, defiant, and brave spirit that built the paths to guide us in this next phase of our life.

We have been warned time and again. Our new world that they call "adulthood" is one that's full of compromises, where success is determined more by the ability to belong than by the ability to think, where it is much easier to do as everyone else does. Daily we are bombarded with so much news of despair about the state of our nation, and the apparent, perverse sense of satisfaction our politicians get from vilifying our state of affairs. It is fashionable to migrate to other countries to work in deceptively high-paying jobs like nursing and teaching, forgetting that even at their favored work destinations, nurses and teachers are some of the lowest paid professionals. The lure of high and immediate monetary benefits in some low-end outsourcing jobs has drawn even some of the brightest UP students away from both industry and university teaching to which they would have been better suited.

Like the sidewalks and pavement, these paths are the easiest to take.

But, like the sidewalks and pavement, these paths take longer to traverse, just as individual successes do not always make for national progress. The unceasing critic could get elected, but not get the job done. The immigrant could get his visa, but disappear from our brainpower pool. The highly paid employee would be
underutilized for his skills, and pine to get the job he truly wants, but is now out of his reach. And the country, and we, are poorer because of these.

Today, the nation needs brave, defiant pioneers to reverse our nation's slide to despair. Today, we must call upon the spirit that beat the tracks. Today, we must present an alternative way of doing things.

Do NOT just take courage, for courage is not enough. Instead, be BRAVE! It will take bravery to go against popular wisdom, against the clichéd expectations of family and friends. It will take bravery to gamble your future by staying in the country and try to make a prosperous life here. It might help if for a start, we try to see why our Korean friends are flocking to our country. Why, as many of us line up for immigrant visas in various embassies, they get themselves naturalized and settle here. Do they know something we don't?

Do NOT just be strong in your convictions, for strength is not enough. Instead, DEFY the pressure to lead a comfortable, but middling life. Let us lead this country from the despair of mediocrity. Let us not seek to do well, but strive to EXCEL in everything that we do. This, so others will see us as a nation of brains of the highest quality, not just of brawn that could be had for cheap.

Take NOT the road less traveled. Rather, MAKE new roads, BLAZE new trails, FIND new routes to your dreams. Unlike the track-beaters in campus who see where they're going, we may not know how far we can
go. But if we are brave, defiant searchers of excellence, we will go far. Explore possibilities, that others may get a similar chance. I have tried it myself. And I'm speaking to you now.

But talk is cheap, they say. And so I put my money where my mouth is. Today, I place myself in the service of the University, if it will have me. I would like to teach, to share knowledge, and perhaps to be an example to new UP students in thinking and striving beyond the limits of the possible. This may only be a small disturbance in the grass. But I hope you'll come with me, and trample a new path.

Good evening, everyone.

Every morning, I make it a point to leave the house before 7am to avoid heavy traffic along EDSA. During this time, the drive from my house to Ortigas is a breeze. I would encounter slight traffic in Cubao but it's smooth sailing the rest of the way. This particular morning, at 10 minutes before 7am, traffic was moving slowly 100 meters from the foot of Quezon Avenue flyover. At 10 before 7am, there's already a long queue of cars on EDSA. My usual 20 minutes drive became 45 minutes.

There were no accidents, no stalled vehicle, no road under repair...just a long convoy of cars carrying banners of some Patrylist running for office. They were motor-cading along EDSA...during rush hour, on a work day. How can these people be so inconsiderate? I would understand a motorcade on EDSA, but come on when everybody is rushing to work. Duh?!

What's more irritating is that it was a looonnnggg convoy. I drove side by side with them from Quezon Ave. up until Ortigas flyover. And just when I thought I was moving with the lead, I heard on the radio that he/she also saw the convoy at Magallanes. The kicker of them all is that when I was in Quezon Ave, I also saw the convoy running on the opposite direction. What do these people want to prove?

Question, are campaign vehicles exempted from Color Coding? Because I thought I saw two cars in that convoy who aren't supposed to be on the road today. I had to check my memory. 1-2 off the road on Mondays, therefore 3-4 off the road on Tuesdays.

I hope they don't get voted in.

Things you should know about me...

1. I’m a cry-baby.
2. I love stars and moon.
3. I love full or crescent moon.
4. I’m addicted to Badminton
5. I'm most comfortable when I’m wearing shorts, plain shirt and flipflops.
6. I’m a shopaholic.
7. Being late is a major turn off for me.
8. I love my coffee black (with sugar). Latte is my second pick.
9. When I travel, I don’t fail to bring along Cams (Canon Ixus) and Sabrina (Ipod Nano) – they’re my travel companions.
10. I hate waiting.
11. I'm friendly.
12. I hate being shouted at.
13. I love my mom. I never stopped loving her.
14. I’m super malambing to the point that some guys misinterpret it as flirting.
15. I can be a brat.
16. I love to travel.
17. Bora is my summer getaway.
18. No time for bullshit. I’d rather that you be straightforward.
19. I dislike pretentious people.
20. Dirty nails are a turn off.
21. I love Kurant.
22. I could eat pizza and pasta the whole day and not get tired of it.
23. I can cook Nilagang Baka, Sinigang, Kaldereta, Pesto, Spaghetti and Carbonara.
24. My brother loves my Spaghetti and I love that he loves it. :-)
25. I have low pain threshold.
26. I cry every time I watch If Only and A Walk to Remember.
27. In my entire life, I’ve only cheated once (to my partner that is).
28. I’m a runaway bride.
29. When I miss my dad, I hug him so tight and stay beside him for most of the day.
30. I enjoyed watching Wowowee when I was in the hospital. The things you enjoy when you're bored.
31. I’m a procrastinator.
32. I always want my glass full.
33. I have 15 pairs of shoes, but I only get to use 4.
34. I’ve only been out of the country once…I’m going out again this October (to Bangkok).
35. I have three bestfriends…but Michelle has been more in touch than the other two.
36. I’m a gym buff.
37. I’m saddened by the fact that my brother’s getting married and moving out of the house.
38. I’m touchy.
39. I like hugging people, it’s my way of showing my love for them love.
40. A man in a slightly fitted polo, jeans and leather shoes appeals to me. :-)
41. I want my man to always smell good.
42. I’m moody and overly sensitive.
43. I love tulips and carnation.
44. I'd prefer dry over wet season.
45. I like Go Nuts better than Krispy Kreme.
46. I’m currently watching Prison Break, Heroes, Grey’s Anatomy and Ugly Betty.
47. I think I will be a strict mom.
48. I’m very protective of my friends.
49. I think my life's mission is to listen to my friends who are broken-hearted.
50. I'm scared of looking out the window at night.
51. I love surprises as much as I love surprising people.
52. I always look forward to my birthday because it's my day. I enjoy the perks I get because it's my birthday.
53. I get hyperacidic with soda.
54. I hardly eat pork.
55. I love the beach.
56. My idea of a beautiful day is hanging out at the beach, feeling the warmth of the sun while savoring a delectable fruitshake.
57. Kare-kare is irresistible.
58. I don't have a credit card. Yiheee!!!!
59. I took my MBA in 2002, but I haven't taken my OCE which is the only requirement I need to graduate.
60. I have a crush...But I won't tell who it is. =P
61. I've been single for almost two years and I'm getting used to it. hahaha
62. I'm a couch potato.
63. I want to stop smoking.
64. I miss my mom.
65. My dream local getaway is Amanpulo.
66. I'm not the type who runs after a lost love.
67. If you don't like me, I don't like you either.
68. Give me a jigsaw puzzle and I'll finish it in less than a week.
69. I listen to James Ingram, Barry Manilow and Air Supply when I was young.
70. I think it sucks that women can't go after who they really like.
71. I value respect.
72. I'm so afraid of hurting/disappointing the people who love me.
73. Because I'm used to being single, I tend to drive my suitors away.
74. I'm a cynic, which sometimes affects my judgement of what is real and otherwise.
75. I am friends with my exes. Is that bad?
76. I believe that HE has one big plan for us and that things happen for a reason.
77. I love Paulo Coelho. His books enrich my soul.
78. I love singing for HIM.
79. I've always wanted to go on vacation alone. But I still haven't found that perfect place to go to. I think all of us owe it to ourselves to have that time alone.
80. I love my Kenzo perfume.
81. I'm very trusting to my friends.
82. I can't eat and read at the same time.
83. I wanted to become a flight attended but they said I am short by 3 inches. hehehe
84. I don't think I will ever have the abs I want no matter how hard I try.
85. I love my family.
86. I'm OC when it comes to my clothes.
87. I despise people who doubt my character.
88. My childhood friends (mostly boys) treat me as one of the boys. But when I introduced my boyfriend to them, they become very protective. Threatening to hurt the guy if he cheats on me.
89. I used to down 7 bottles in one night and go home as if nothing happened. If I do that now, I won't be able to make it home safe.
90. I want to start diving but I'm constraint financially.
91. Happiness is a state of mind.
92. I give my 100% to the one I love.
93. Depression is my PMS.
94. I can't drink without smoking.
95. I think Spiderman 3 is funny.
96. I mean what I say.
97. I'm easy to please.
98. I laugh at the silliest jokes.
99. When I say I will be there, I will be there.
100. I'm all these and a lot more.

Right now I'm nauseous, groggy, I have a congested nasal and I'm taking two different types of medicine for some weird illness that I don't freaking know where I got.

God send me relief.

Pain and sorrow go hand in hand with true love.
For love is never ideal but real.
So don't even wonder what heartaches are for...

Remember City of Angels?

"When it hurts, its real."

As some of you know, I sold Kit October of last year. It was difficult parting with him as he has been with us for more than a decade already. He was our first. My brother was even teary-eyed when he was taken. He took several shots of him before he left which I've kept with Cams ever since. *sigh*

I've been commuting since then. Taking the train, cab or FX, depending on my mood (and budget). I've had frustrating rides with the MRT, and at some point I cursed it. But it has proven to be the fastest and cheapest way to work and so when I'm in a rush (and low in budget), I still take the train. A good 8-hour sleep is a precondition when riding the train. Otherwise, you'll be thrown out of the platform or suffer from dead toes the rest of your life.

Without a ride, my gimmicks have been limited and I've become more dependent on my friends who have cars...which makes me very uncomfortable. I don't like asking favors from them to pick me up or bring me home and even if they offer, it still makes uncomfortable. Not because of pride, but because I know that I live far from them and I don't want to hassle them by driving me home. So when I'm not riding with anyone of them, I take the cab...even in the wee hours of the morning, even when I'm drunk--not a very safe thing to do in Metro Manila.

When my brother's not using his car I get to use it, which only happens when the car is off the road (Mondays). That's already a lot of help as I usually bring my week's gym stuff on Mondays and its hard commuting with a big bag like that. But he's planning to get married soon and move out immediately after. Hence, a carless household.

And so I acquired Krugger. He's quite old but he looks a lot younger for his age. There are some repairs needed but they are very minor. He's okay from my point of view and so I believe...it's going to be a smooth ride from now on.

I finally managed to change my template. I've used that old template ever since I started blogging and I've grown really tired of it. I've always wanted a new look, but I have no idea how to work around it. But today, for lack of urgent and important things to do, I did it!

I got bitten. Yes, you read it right. I got bitten by some dirty mosquito which caused me a week in St. Luke's.

I was in Manila the entire Holy Week. Went out a couple of times for coffee and badminton. But for the most part, I was just at home watching my DVDs and binging on whatever I can grab from the fridge. It was a quiet weekend, uneventful and reflective. On Sunday, I heard mass and went straight back to my DVDs. But at around 10pm, I began to chill and my head began throbbing. My temperature was 39.

As a child, I was never sickly. My illnesses vary from colds and cough and mild fever, nothing serious that required confinement. So now that I'm all grown up, I've always wondered how it felt to be "really" sick; to have doctors monitoring you on a daily basis. It's true what they say, be careful what you wish for. :-)

Because I wasn't sickly, I thought that the fever would be gone in the morning. But that morning is probably the weakest morning I've had in my entire existence...Okay, let's exclude the times I was hung over (they don't count)...I woke up all sweaty but still with high fever. So I told myself, this is official. I am sick and unfit to work.

I played doctor and shifted from Biogesic and Advil, hoping to relieve my headached and fever. No change. With the advise o f Dr. Pia Cruz (thanks to you Pia! You are my angel.), I decided to bring myself to the ER. After some lab tests, they discharged me on account of UTI. Gave me some antibiotics to treat the infection. As soon as I got back, I noticed I had rashes in my forearm. I ignored it thinking that i might disapper the next day.

Come next day, my fever was at 39.5. I was beginning to wonder whether it was the antibiotics kicking in or there's more infection going on inside. More importantly, I was worried about the 1520 white blood cell count in my CBC. The normal range is 4800-10000 and mine was far from normal. At 6pm, there was no sign of progress. My fever was still at 39.5 and my rashes have settled in quickly.

I went back to ER looking more groggy. The second CBC showed my platelet dropped from 175,000 to 100,000, just a day after my first visit. My fever was up to 39.9, the highest of them all. They had to confine me on account of suspected dengue. A day after, my attending physician informed me that I have, indeed, an infection and that the platelet drop may be caused by dengue.

The sound of dengue cause my mind to panic. I was never the type to text friends to pray for myself. But this one is rather serious and I believed I need all the prayers I can get. I wasn't ready for a serious illness like this. I only wanted to have a "feel" of the hospital bed, enough to make me enjoy it. hehehe

I've heard a lot of horror stories about dengue. A lot of my cousin had it when they were younger and they all required blood transfusion. The thought of someone else's blood being transferred to me scares me. What if he was sick or infected? What if my body rejects the blood? Gggaaahhh...Torture. Will I bleed as other dengue patients? Horror!

And because my platelet was dropping, they had to take blood sample from me every 4 hours. The lowest on account is 28,000. The nurses advised me to drink lots of water as it would help increase it. So one night, as I was trying to sleep, I told myself..."Water pala ha. Maghanda kayo bukas. Lulunurin ko kayo sa water." I was losing my sanity. My prayer was "Lord, tama na po. Na-experience ko na po pano ma-ospital. Okay na ko."

The next day, my temperature improved but the platelet was neither going down nor up. I was on stand-by. Watchful for bleeding episodes. Luckily there was none. Last Saturday, platelet count started going up. Hurrah! There's progress. One more day and I was out.

Back in the real world. As I told my friends, ang pagbabalik. Parang walang nangyari, except that I lost weight. hehehehe...music to my ears.

I'm well, but not 101%. Thanks for all those who prayed.