The BS Singers

Before the BSP party at the PICC, 19 December 2006. That's our new "casual" costume. Wait and see our "formal" attire. We'd put a light bulb to shame!

Look!

Attended Myke's and Dennis wedding yesterday...and I bought this Vergel de Dios gown at Robinsons' only Sunday evening...after trying on all the colors. I couldn't fit into a small size (one centimeter na lang, di pa masara, hmmmppphhh!) and the only one that fit was this royal blue empire-cut long gown. It was already nearing closing time, so I settled and hoped it'll turn out fine.

Sponsors: Ms. Marce for the make-up. Myself for the hair (which explains why I look like I just got out of a convertible). My sister for the picture. Pang friendster daw. Harharhar.



And then!!!! I landed with the boquet...rather, it landed on me. Actually, there was no boquet/garter-tossing. Just a trip-to-Jerusalem type of game.

No higher than this please!

Another Repeater

Mahal na kita frnd..sori. masaya na ko ngaun nasabi ko na mahal kita. kahit iwasan mo ko at lst nasabi ko..murahin m na ko kung yan gus2 mo ok lang sakin.hirap na hirap na ko itago damdamin ko. iloveu frnd..patawad gago ako.alam ko naman na d ako ang type m eh. gago lang talaga ako. sorry frnd..

Sorry Ding.hayaan m dna ko magttxt sau. maligaya na ko na nasabi ko ang gus2ng gus2 kong sbhn sau.BYE FRND AND IM VERY SORRY DIKO NAPIGIL SARILI KO.BYE PARE TKE CARE ALWAYS..SORRY SORRY SORRY TALAGA..

And here I was just saying last time that I've begun to breathe easier...

Repeat Performance

I have a "repeater" last night.

And to think I've begun to breathe easier, having rebuffed the last one with finality. Though he has again sent cutesy messages, at least, there are no more personal questions and I know he has accepted my decision.

Then here comes The Repeater. Asking me if he could go to our house. I knew it the moment he asked for directions to my place that this is going to be "The Declaration, Part II". When he did eventually asked if "Pwede ka na bang ligawan?" my mind was screaming and it took a lot of willpower not to reply "Bakit, ano ba ako, trese anos?" I told him that I am not in the market for relationships now (a blatant lie) and would rather we remain frineds. He said "Pangalawa ko na ito, diba?" and I felt the faint stirrings of pity in my heart.

This is actually the second time in one week that I have rebuffed an admirer. When it rains, it pours, yes. But during summer, it's as arid as Mars.

Blowing the Candles

It's 361 days to go before I celebrate my birthday again. Sigh. My special day came and went by like a blur. I woke up with a heavy head and a clogged nose (a now frequent event, it seems) to a dozen birthday greetings on my cellphone and was glad that I enrolled in UNLIMITXT the previous night.

My first chore for the day was to go to Chocolate Lovers to replenish my baking stock. After a brief rest and a quick lunch while stringing a lei for the party's Hawaiian dance, I proceeded to bake some bars and cookies to give to MSG, the Palarca family and some friends.

A brief rest again before an equally brief and hurried bath so I can have enough time to iron my hair and a self-pedicure. Before I knew it, we were running late for the Holy Mass. I had to drag my parents out of the house just so we could at least make it to the homily.

If there was one prayer answered, it was the one about the latest, J. From the start, I had prayed that he will realize that whatever feelings he might have for me will be unreciprocated. I always find it awkward to "spurn" men, because at the back of my mind, I feel guilty knowing that I'm rejecting them for the wrong reasons. But I want to remain true to myself, and I want to stop being self-centered and selfish. No matter how much I enjoy flattery, I don't want them to waste their time, effort and money on something they can not have.

I didn't have a real birthday party, nor a cake I can blow while making a wish...anyhow, I don't know if I'll be mumbling the same wish, since I don't think God still needs to second-guess it. Looking at all the things I have, all my family, friends and whatnots, I'm always grateful for these. I'm financially stable, and though still single, far from nursing a broken heart. I've all the shoes I can enjoy (and yet, acquiring more), and though I have no sense of smell more frequently than I have colds, my body is still functioning well and good. I am free, and alive and able. Some people have far less than these. I've no right to complain. =)

The Bag(s)

Were "delivered" by Mike after the first Friday Mass. MSG did send text messages apologizing for not personally giving me these. He also did say "more to come".

In fairness, they are pretty, though when he first mentioned they were for export and very pricey, I had envisioned jewel-encrusted bags only socialites have the moolah to buy.

I'm feeling quite guilty, because he's really been very nice and appreciative inspite of my lack of "whatever" for him. I know he spends his last few pesos buying cellphone loads to send me messages instead of saving up or buying food.

So, kindness for kindness, I promised to bake him a little something for Christmas.

Golden UFOs

And here are the golden UFOs. Thirty or so of these hang from the ceiling in various nooks of our small office. Of course, made from foil, some nylon and double-back tapes, and the cardboards from toilet tissue rolls.

With the addition of Cathy's multi-colored mini-parols, the office now looks so festive people comment "Ay, fiesta ang theme nila!"

Little christmas tree

Little christmas tree...
Oh tanenbaum, o tanenbaum...

Hehe. Having too much time (and tissue rolls?) on our hands, Jing and I decided to have a "recycled" Christmas. So, instead of buying a christmas tree, I made one from the cylindrical cardboards in tissue rolls. Covered them with green foil, stuffed them with more shredded green foil and glued them together. A little drunken gold foil star adds height and more glitter. Little snow flakes punched from paper and some gift-wrapped boxes completes the display. Hehehe.

While I sigh in dismay over my lack of any artistic merits, some of my colleagues actually found the little lopsided tree cute.

...coming up next, the golden UFOs

Fontana Pics

Iyos, Con2 and I were invited to tag along at Myke's despedida de soltera at Fontana, Subic last 25-26 November 2006. Let me just share some photos...

Myke and me, after the program. Both pretty in pink.

Clowning around with the Iyos, Con and Myke.

(PS: The pics were the reason for the "accident")

The Accidental Text Message

* Nakaka-awkward kasi. Ayaw ko ma misiterpret mo friendship natin. *

At least now I can breathe more easily. I may have hurt someone's feelings again, made too much of nothing and made a spectacle of myself for the nth time, but there's a relief that everything's in black and white. No expectations, no assumptions, no second-guessing.

I was running out of excuses not to answer his calls. I was getting tired of reviewing my replies to his text messages to see if anything in it might be misread. I was getting tired of being sarcastic during conversations because he might take it as interest.

I knew it was coming to that when he started being "makulet" (a pest) last Saturday, aasking so many questions of my what, whos and whereabouts. An accidental phone call from my un-locked mobile to his, his reaction to that (para akong T.A.N.G.A [I felt stupid]), and his unanswered call the next morning.

It's quite funny how accidents work themselves out. I didn't mean to send that text message as it was still raw and sounded too harsh. But once it was sent, I knew it was time to face it and speak my mind.

For whatever it was worth, he took it better than I expected. At least, that's what I want to believe. But no matter what he says about not expecting anything, I am certain things have changed as attested to by this morning's event.

Obssession

The more I "have" of you, the more I need to have more. Insatiable I guess. The cycle goes on viciously. Like an addiction I don't want to cure myself of. I am helpless against your seduction. Blind to all else but the attraction. I want more.

Drats. Kelan ba susunod na tiangge. I need new shoes. ^^ Someone commented during rehearsals that I probably have three thousand shoes. Shooo! Well, that's one fantasy in life, and I'm not even halfway there. The mere mention of shoes makes me wanna go out and check for new styles.

Senti

I don't know why but I'm not feeling specially perky today...hmm, parang ang sarap mag emote emote.

I ended up reading back issues of Fug Yourself. Then skipped and read my blog's archives. Yay, ang senti ko talaga. I managed to go over the first two months and here are some of my favorites:

*But the gloom of goodbye sometimes eclipses the sunshine of new beginnings. *

* I wonder what my dream meant. I've always believed dreams tell us something, a past unforgotten, a present unresolved and a future awaiting...The fact that it was so vivid excites me. *

* i was wrong
about so many things
about him
about us
it was all a joke
a dream at its best
now i close my eyes
and my doors
and wake from this
sleep *

Argh. What's happening to me? Birthday blues coming three weeks early???

In Defense of Myself

So I blow hot one minute, and cold the other, they may say. I beg to disagree.

Let me get this straight. I'm not playing games. It's not okay with me that he's sending me "feelers". I think he's mistaken my chattiness, my being talkative with some sort of interest, or receptiveness. It's not. If he talks to me, should I stay quiet? Not answer his questions? Try not to laugh at the jokes he seem to so painstakingly collect?

I can't tell him directly that he's not my idea of Mr. Right, because he's not courting me (yet) but I want to nip whatever's next in the bud before IT blossoms into something monstrous and scary. Already, his text messages are getting scary, and I always hate it when they begin to ask me personal questions, what I'm currently doing, my whereabouts, so and so. Who are you, my mother?? I've already told him that the reason I don't reply to his text messages and won't receive his calls is because I am uneasy with them and I don't know how to react.

I don't want to be labeled mayabang, or feeling maganda or whatever. Although it's okay to admire people, and I do sometimes enjoy the bit of attention, but I don't want to be selfish and encourage them (ehem, plenty ba? hahaha) when I have nothing to offer but friendship. And so, hard as it may be, at the slightest innuendo of feeling, I say my harsh no (there's no "break it to me gently", broken is broken, it always hurt). I, too, hurt sometimes, because it also mean losing a friend. But I'd rather lay my cards on the table than be called a flirt , or worse, a tease.

Now, when I've said my piece, and they go on with their little dramas, then it's not my fault anymore. As MSG said, he's happy he's said his feelings, heartbroken afterwards, but grateful for the friendship that I give. Whatever response now to his messages that I send, at least he knows the bounderies.

As for the latest victim, another person to stay away from. More text messages to ignore. Sigh...I'm changing my number soon.

Whoa!

Whoa!!!!! Finally! Hallelujah!

Our last subject ended last yesterday. So now, we're dreading, nay, looking forward to the comprehensive exams next year.

Will I finally have enough time for more activities? Formally learn Korean, perhaps? Return to SGS music ministry? A return trip to Korea with a side trip somewhere else? Finally a love life? Nyahahaha.

Pardon for the blabbing, but finding myself suddenly with nothing to do but attend a despedida de soltera, a concert, one Christmas party after another and choir rehearsals, I'm in shock. Suddenly, I seem to have so many free time. I've almost completed my Christmas shopping, so now, the weekends loom empty before me.

Anyways, received also good news that chingu Louise and another friend will be visiting the Philippines in mid January for a biz trip. They'll be extending their stay for two days of tourism. Where to take them...hmmm. Any suggestions?

Guilty and Jumbo

Guilty again?

I refuse to give in to that guilty feeling. Though I may have had an inkling that this could happen, I am never an "assumptionist" to think that just because some guy talks to me means he's head over heels in love with me. Or that if he asks for my number that he's going to court me. Guillible me? Naive? Maybe. But I can't figure out what goes on while the wheels in a guy's mind are turning...

So, let him be. Not that I don't care that someone's probably getting hurt here, but I know this is beyond my powers. If I seem too chatty and Fate decides it's a come-on, that's not my problem anymore. I've done my part said my NO.

Anyway, here are a couple of pics taken at Jumbo Floating Restaurant where I met up with my sisters, brother-in-law and Nonok (sya lang ang may pangalan, dba?) this afternoon. It's my first time (yech, it's just several stones' throw away from BSP!) to step aboard (though I wasn't able to eat since I already had my lunch during class).



I'm actually spending most of my free days here in Taytay, to take care of Nonok so Nanay can rest for a day. No wonder my lovelife's zilch.

Ho! Ho! Ho!

Semi complete na ang aking Christmas shopping. Yehey!

I need only to wrap them up. And since I'm done early, I decided I don't want to just make some paper bags and put the stuff inside. Nor do I want some generic-looking box. Pretending to have some time on my hands, I bought some bright pink britol boards and made ...pillow boxes!

So when bonus time comes, I need only buy presents for my parents, Nonok and myself. Ho ho ho. It is truly liberating to be finished a month ahead, unlike last year when I had to stay up super late to finish wrapping the gifts.

Merry Christmas, y'all!

*Of course, I realize, one is never truly done with Christmas shopping. Halfway through this entry, I remember I need to include a dozen more names in my list.

Phobia

And so it happens once again...

I've unwittingly invited something I don't intend to entertain.

I should have seen this coming, but I chose to bury my head in the sand and pretend it was not what I feared. Now I'm facing it with no other choice but to brave it out and let the Fates have their way.

And I am sorry. In the end, I know there'll be wounds to heal..and they won't be mine.

Pinoy Dream Academy

Nothing to blog about.

I recently survived a nasty bout of cough, colds, and sore throat. Two days after recovering, I am down again with colds. My nose is so stuffed up I sound like Fran Dreischer (The Nanny).

Anyways. Finally was able to watch The Prestige last night. Loving Hugh Jackman as I do, I went home broken-hearted because he died in the end. I sympathized with his character and totally hated Christian Bale. So, even if it's just a movie, I'm screaming "It's so darn unfair!"...

BTW, now that Mich is out of PDA, I don't have much reason to watch PDA anymore. Well, I like Irish, and Ronnie and Yvan. But I figured Mich gives the show some eye candy. What I most like about the girl is her simplicity and her quiet dignity. That even if Ronnie's declaring his admiration, she doesn't act like a love-starved woman on a man-hunt, unlike two of her academates. She might be lacking in vocal prowess (she's an alto, for God's sake, don't let her scream her lungs out trying to reach high notes! Singing isn't just about who has the vocal chords like Mariah Carey!). I think that the judges are unfair in that aspect.

What also became irritating was that Chai got voted out while Rosita, ever the dark horse, was saved by the Teachers despite off-tune singing. Furthermore, she was out of the lowest four, while Irish, who did better despite being ill, landed on the bottom four, along with Mich, Davey and JayR. I've nothing against Rosita, and I'll be the first to admit that the girl is very entertaining, there's no boring moment with her around, but I don't agree with what Jim Paredes said, she internalized what the teachers have taught her, blah blah. I thought they were going to save Chai, being the number 1 in the midterm exams. But Rosita? Wasn't that Moi sighing in exasperation as Rosita failed to properly record her song? I'm not even going to remind who was the lowest scorer on the exams. I think PDA is slowly becoming too masa-protective. Perhaps, they should rename the contest Search for the Next Nora Aunor or something.

I've nothing against Yeng (well, aside from the fact that she's ugaling kalye and painosenteng malandi - Iyos said she's natural, and normal for an 18ner, I asked her, were you like that at 18? and she couldn't answer), she's talented, but what's with the big eyes when she sang You Oughta Know? For Pete's sake, it's not a horror show. Plus she reminds me a lot of Sheryn Regis and I absolutely abhor that girl.

Lastly, like Liezle, I like Ronnie. The guy is a looker. Plus he's a real nice guy when it comes to Mich. I do like screen romances, even if it's not real. At least the pair isn't as syrupy as Iya and JayR or Yeng and RJ.

I'm venting it out here coz PDA site (unofficial version) has been down for two days now.

My Week..Bow

Was down and out with the cold virus for the whole week (though of course it wasn't so bad that I can't go to work, teehee!). I must have overdone (kinarir!) my activities, what with work, going to Divisoria and then to Muntinlupa on Tuesday despite a slight fever, singing with the BSSingers at the AMLA event on Wednesday night despite the coughing and the usual late nights. I skipped the singing for the Oratorical contest on Friday since by that time, I can only open my mouth to cough, and nothing else.

That didn't prevent me from going to our colleague's birthday treat at Sulo Hotel. Buffet. Yum. Plus a cute magician. Hurray!

Saturday was the start of our class' LAST MMPA subject. Yippeee. I'm looking forward to living a normal life once I pass my compre exams. I may have to crack open my head to get some stuff inside for the exams, but geez, I'm looking forward to that compre like I'm waiting for Christmas...well, Valentines maybe. (With anticipation and dread)

My sister and I bonded for a while in Mega, looked for some stuff for Eone (pronounced Yowni, not E-1 like a robot) and had a food trip (with 2 scoops of BTC to "relieve" my cough and sore throat). Later, I'd wish we'd gone straight home and slept because Nonok seem to have a big S (as in sumpong). She'd sleep for a while, wake up and test her lung power, reject her milk and demand a dance number. Awww. Poor Nonok was really crying buckets of tears and it was unbearable to see her cry until she was hiccupping. We had to wake her Yaya and ask for help. Finally, she was able to sleep at around 5:30 am. My sis and I slept through the morning with her...and Woke up just in time to prepare for Nonok's first chirldren's party. Hehe.



Nonok's first children's party (Aureen't 7th birthday at McDonalds). That's my ate Kikay and Eone
















Now, I have no voice. Well, I'm already an Alto, but I can pass for a sultry bedroom voiced, atop-a-piano alto. And definitely, I can't talk to anyone outside of a 3 feet radius. My throat still feels like I swallowed sand paper, and I'm onto my fifth big pack of Kleenex. I miss my Milo and coffee potion and still seriously eyeing the four pieces of chocolates on my table.

Bouncing Bouncing Bounce...

I'm like a ball
Bouncing bouncing bouncing
Off the wall
Off the earth, off the ceiling

I'm happy
Then I'm not
I miss him
And I'll be perfectly content to
Never hear from him again

From Boring To Predictable

My life may have taken a turn from boring to predictable. So predictable that I am on first name basis now with the FX driver. He's just about figured that I would be at Welcome, Rotanda at 6:45 a.m. and, if I am not lugging around a big backpack or sports bag, I am not going to go to the gym and would be out of the office gate by 6:45 p.m.

Scary huh?

And since he's been nice enough to not pick up a 10th passenger so he could accomodate me, I can at least be a litte nice to him. My mom warned me to take note of the FX's plate number and that he could be a bad element, but I believe I really have an innate sensor that triggers the warning signs with people. I've more or less escaped being a victim of hold-up and scams. Except of course for the perennial "utang between friends", some of which remain uncollected. But that is a different story altogether.

Just anything...

Dry times. Don't know where all the other people get their excitement from.

I wanted to busy myself with the SGS website, but seeing that it will be a one-person team, I decided to wait for more opportune time (read: more resources) to continue. So far, people have expressed that it would be a good idea, but no one has committed anything to it. I guess Apathy is the perennial problem of people, that's why we're stuck where we are.

Hmm. I really miss this person and just recently realized it. I've been trying to just "ignore" him and let him be, but I was happy when I talked to him recently. Guess my life's really gotten too arid that even a brief exchange counts as wonderful.

My sister and I are planning Eoni's baptismal on 22nd of October. I'm really getting obssesed with all those cute cupcakes and mini cakes. However, I think my sister's scrimping a little on the give-aways...But I'm still trying to get her to accompany me to French Kiss Patisserie on Sunday. I'm hoping it'll be yummy and cheap.

Back to the Real World

BSP Idol season again.

Time to get my old tape recorder and ehem ehem...

I did not join because, for the life (and pride of me), I can't sell my dignity for P15,000.00 bucks.

Sa halagang 15,000, papalait ako sa sambayanang BSP?

I know these things (panlalait) happens, even to the best of them. I know coz I might be the Eve of the Mapanglaits. All those queens of side comments and sarcasm were spawned from me. And since I am a firm believer of Karma...case closed.

There. Electricity was restored last Wednesday eve, but we're still telephone-less. My room's still ceiling-less and I have to make do with a bright lamp to get dressed every morning. At least there's TV and I can actually see shampoo and soap suds being rinsed off when I bathe.

MSG promised to make me a very beautiful, native bag. Ang pinakamagandang bag para sa pinkamagandang babae. (Don't throw up now, he's entitled to his opinion.) He's working at a factory which, he boasted, produces these divine bags made of banig and sells them to stars. Hmm. Let's wait and see.

Another guy I haven't even met personally but to whom I was introduced by a friend seven years ago thru the ever reliable text message, hinted of a possible thing. Uh oh. What is it with men, cellphones and boredom? I discussed at length with him my three concepts: friendship, play and commitment. This is making me feel like Inday with Dodong, the night-shift security guard. No, I am not going to give you my picture. What is this, a mail-to-order bride phone service?

Milenio

Signal number 3 and we're reduced to the Dark Ages. Great!

No kidding. Aside from having no electricity for 4 days (and 4 nights, and still counting!) there are no telephone lines in our area, save if you're a Bayantel user (paging PLDT customer service!)

I spent the better part of the weekend serving at SGS's Life in the Spirit Seminar, coz dad (miraculously!) is a participant. But the nights are spent in agony, twiddling my thumbs and looking for more ways than one to light a candle. I'm luckier than most because I can fall asleep relatively easier than anyone I know, so by the time my brain is ready to get addled from the heat, I would be counting sleep in la la land.

This is the reason why I cannot be a rural girl. Call me a snob, but I need electricity to function, never mind if I am so tipid with it. Even my mobile, which is supposed to be dependable in times of calamity, did a number on me and refused to scroll at the height of Milenio. To top it off, a portion of my bedroom's roof was destroyed, so my bed, the sofa bed and everything on top and underneath (boxes of Korean series CDs, photos) including Didi, got an underserved bath. Didi managed with a quick change of outfit (just about time, since he's dressed in a sando, now he's wearing a vest) but the rest had to be sun-dried like raisins.

I was asked to do some important work on Friday, (no nation can survive a website-less CB) and I caught sight of the shanties along Araneta Ave. Compared to my room, these structures managed to hold their own against the strong winds. Barely able to stand erect, and with old tires holding their roof together, the shanties were happily lit and the people who live in them were outside the streets as if no disaster has struck them. Well, compared to hunger, illiteracy and days of endless hopelessness, what could one storm be?

Anyway, aside from the weekend LSS, my highschool barkada and I had dinner at Little Asia along T. Morato and then later went Videoke-ing at IO to bid Weng goodbye. She'll be flying off to US of A to search for greener pastures, and then maybe some gree-eyed bull as well. Ahh, I maybe the last of the good girls to get off this forsaken country.

Ramdon Updates

• Water meter was stolen at 1:00 this morning by scumbags on motorcycles. The Theresian in me (austerity is the best policy???) is angered over the loss of all that clean, potable water. So much waste, when other parts of the nation and countries in Africa suffer from drought.
  
• Had only about two hours worth of sleep and am getting by with the help of my special conconction of extra strength Batangas coffee with Milo and tons of ice.
  
• Still no appetite
  
• Slowly completing the SGS website...now putting some graphics here and there. Badly need contributors, but people are turning a deaf ear to me. I wonder just how long I can keep up being a one-man website team.
  
• Still no assignments done for Development Administration subject. All I have are tons of reading stuff. INFORMATION OVERLOAD flashing madly.
  
• Seriously thinking about buying a SEK610. Have already gone and told dad he can have my SEK700i.
  
• Environmental Health and Safety something audit requires us to clean our tables and organize our filing cabinets by this coming Friday. Great. On top of the assignment due for DevAd, and Weng's despedida, and the SGS website, I have to sort out the whatnots on my table and in my cabinet...Jokingly quipped "Can I just tender my letter of resignation?"
  
• Seriously scolding myself for being such an "easy" girl to please...But am applauding my self-discipline and self-control. Way to go, ME!

No Burps

Eversince I lost my lunch last Monday night due to migraine and stress, I've not gained my appetite back. My only complete meal these past two days is breakfast which consists of a tetra pack of non-fat milk and a bowl of cornflakes. Lunch and dinner, not to mention merienda, are sad, depressive occassions to watch others eat and enjoy their meals...while I try to swallow mine without gagging.

I've long been dreaming of losing a few pounds (mainly off my ass and hips) but I miss food the same way I miss boys...I hate them when too much are around and I miss them when I can't have them.

Back to the Dreaming

Some nights ago I dreamed of Alphabet (read my "pink" blog for the story). In that dream, I know and he knows that he's already gone. He was wearing white, and had this peaceful smile, a charming laugh, actually. The dream was a bit hazy, but I can still remember that we talked for a while (though nothing about my thing for him), among the flowers and what seem to be his grave. It's strange how I can dream of him after all these years, and realize I've finally said my goodbye, just as maybe, the dream was also his way of saying goodbye. I know whereever he is now, he is at peace and happy.

Must Love (Not Eat) Dogs

I received a text message from MSG that they are currently skinning a dog for "pulutan". Ewwww. What the..???

You're out. Definitely, immediately, no-second-thoughts, not-even-friends out.

Hey, to each his own right? I mean, people have the right to eat whatever (even garbage) they want...but I love dogs. I don't think I can stomach people who'd kill one just to have pulutan. Maybe if the world is starving and there's nothing left to eat, I'd understand. But pulutan?

And he was so merry about it. Duh. When I was a kid, I once had a puppy named Lucky. I woke up one morning to find out that our neighbors (kins of my dad) had cooked Lucky...and even had the temerity to give me some. I must have cried for a week...and cursed those fellows to eternity.

So I'm adding this in my "ideal guy" list of attributes: No dog/cat/rat eating please. I can bear goats and camels. Yes, maybe even a horse. I can occassionally stomack palakang bukid (frogs) and snake. But pets as food? No way, highway!

Fickle Fickle

First, I want to say sorry to someone. For the nth time, I couldn't help but do what I did, even with the full knowledge that he may misunderstand my actions again. I know it might lead him to believe there is a chance, but in my mind, he is also a friend, and just that. Nothing More. Time and time again, I tell myself not to be too friendly, but I've been one of the boys for too long.

Second. I've gotten tired. Of "listening" to him talk about his interests. His "Me, Myself and I" topics. He was once interesting, so full of knowledge and passion, and that seemed to be a good combination. But it soon became apparent that his interests were limited, and that anything out of that scope is stupid or dull for him. I admit I am not so intelligent, and I need to grab at some new ideas once in a while, but talking about "that stuff" is making me catatonic. Also, I am tired of opposing his ideas gently. Ah, my true sarcastic nature is screaming at me. I can't remain caged for long. I need fresh air.

Ahh. I need a fresh victim.

Kwentong Showbiz

Two nights ago, I had a dream. Richard Gomez was making Sandara Park cry, just because of a contest wherein Sandara had to gamble and sacrifice a very important thing which doesn't really affect RG. My part in this odd story is to comfort Sandy, who was really depressed. So there I was, mad at RG and trying to console a pretty girl.

If that wasn't showbiz enough, the other night, I dreamt I won a million bucks in a contest (hmm, maybe I've been watching too much Deal or No Deal) and then I went to Vicky Belo and asked her how much it's gonna cost me to trim down. Duh. But the striking thing in my dreams are numbers. Some time ago, I had this dream full of numbers...6, 35, 4, 2, 17... In my Belo dream, she made me sign my name in a notebook, and I noted I was second on the list. And I was sitting on a chair which tells you if you need to go on a diet or not. My chair says "-1" and I don't need to lose weight, while my friends' chair says "6" and that she needs to diet. Ha ha ha.

Talk about all my pent-up emotions. Wanting to win a million bucks (I'm a simple girl with simple dreams), my addiction to dieting and losing weight (looking great naked...), anything Korean, my dislike for RG (it's even in my subconscious!) and beating people in sodoku (duh). At least I haven't dreamt of babies for the past...two weeks. Geeze. My life is like a loaf of bread...kinda getting stale.

What else...hmm. Last night, I had this dream about a guy I've liked for so long but have no guts to even admit to my friends. In my dream I even wore his sleepers. And we didn't even talk. He remained as aloof and as distant as we perceive him to be. But he's actually nice to me in real life. Talk about suppressed emotions.

Meet Didi and Maggie

Maggie and Didi. Didi is my pink teddy courtesy of 100 SM advantage points and 100 bucks (a real deal!). Wardrobe not included. He replaced all the small stuff toys previously sharing space on my bed (save for ponchi and mr. bear)

Most of these creatures were kidnapped by Beige, the Evil Sister and kept prisoner by WFL, the wheeled monster parked outside the house.

And Maggie is Eoni's companion. Para naman di na sya mapagkamalang buboy. Gift from her beautiful fairy godmother.

Stairs Escapade

Sprained my right ankle last night because of my cell phone. Actually, I fell off a couple of steps as I was hopping and running my way down the stairs because I forgot my cellphone at the office and I was hoping the room is not yet locked. I was getting ready for gym session at the roofdeck and discovered I'd left my phone while charging the battery. Bad trip as I tripped when I missed a couple of steps at the fifth floor. I figured if I can still walk (even if I had to limp) it's not that bad. It was just a teensy bitsy painful when I put weight on it, so I managed to check our room at the 4th floor, discover it was locked, take two flights of stairs back to the roofdeck (6th floor) to get my ID, down again to 4th, take the elevator to ground floor, get the keys from security, elevator up to 4th and to the office, down to ground floor to return the keys, elevator up to 4th again, then two flights of stairs to the roofdeck. Whooo! Made it thus far, so I concluded I might as well continue with my cardio (Fit-Stride machine) and Abs/Muscle Toning. So far, so good.

But when I got home and rested my foot, it was swelling already. Nothing major, so I took an ice pack to it and imagined all sorts of scenarios if ever I have to go to Orthopedic Hosp. I was doing fine until my sister sat by my foot, move it, and managed to inflict additional injury. So now, I hob and limp around the office. And since I am hyperactive and can't sit still for long, it's quite an effort to try to be pacified for once.

It's actually not my first time to fall off the stairs here at BSP. The first time, I rolled down some steps right infront of the security guard. I was so embarrassed that I covered my face and rejected any offer to get me to the clinic. Just as I've begun to think I've gained some grace and poise, here comes this. Sigh.

The Answers are Obvious

i. "bakit ba palagi ka na lang ganyan?"
Galing no? I managed to be consistent.

ii. "ngayon ko lang na-realize..mahal pala kita"
You missed half of your life. Buti na lang, na-realize mo bago ka na-dead.

iii. "iwanan mo na sya. mas magiging masaya ka sa piling ko.."
Ano ko, si Kiko Matsing? Mahilig sa piling ng saging?

iv. "smile ka nga..cute mo kapag naka smile e.."
(Nasabi na sa akin ito..at ang naging sagot ko eh isang matamis na ngiti. Syemet, kinikilig pa rin ako hanggang ngayon)

v. "gawin mo naman yung homework ko sa math.."
Neknek mo...kokopya nga ako sa yo eh.

vi. "sino crush mo? ako diba?"
Yun lang ba ang kaligayahan mo sa buhay? Ang maging crush kita. Sure, madali lang akong kausap eh.

vii. "i am so blessed to have someone like you"
Thank God you realized that!

viii. "why does monday come before tuesday?"
M comes before T sa alphabet.

ix. "may ticket ako sa concert ng linkin park, wanna watch?"
Kasama ka?

x. "isa ka sa mga pinakaspecial na tao sa buhay ko..alam mo ba yun?"
(Again, another familiar question...hehehe. Kinikilig ulet ako) Sana di mo na lang sinabi, na-conscious naman ako.

xi. "nahuhulog na ata ako sayo.."
(Hmm, isa pang familiar statement) Di kita kayang saluhin.

xii. "i can't smile without you."
Bungi ka? or
Am I your mascot?

xiii. "thank you sa lahat lahat. pero..hindi ka siya.."
Hindi kasya? ang ano?

xiv. "wala lang"
Sinasayang mo oras ko eh.

xv. "ano cell number mo?"
(Nung huling tinanong sa akin to..ang sagot ko ay) Ayos modus operandi mo ha!

xvi. "can i have this dance?"
Sorry, hindi rin sya akin para ipamigay

xvii. "pwede ba manligaw?"
Dumilat ka, iho. Hindi tayo talo! o kaya
Paalam ka sa boyfriend ko...

xviii. "mahal ko pa din sya hangang ngayon.."
Eh anong problema?

xix. "you were everything, everything that i wanted"
Samahan mo ng necktie at eyeliner, si Avril ka na.

xx. "kelan mo ba ako sasagutin?"
Pag sawa na ako sa buhay ko

Acknowledgments: Irish (questions were copied from her blogsite)

Rubber Fingers and Jelly Knees

I arrived at the office this morning with a bad case of allergies and (tpok) took the only (medicien) medicine on my table...a 25mg iterax tablet. So for the past few hours or so, I've been trying to keep my eyes open wide enough(t) and my (slef) self perky enough (tp) to answer (mu) my (phpne) phone calls. I've given my colleagues (fari) fair warning that I'm gonna be daft for the rest of the day, a side effect of my folly.

Over lunch, I spilled my (dola) soda all over the table. Luckily, I was still (awere) aware (eniugh) enough to (avoiud) avoid (veing) being (dremnched) drenched by the liquid. I was able to brush my teeth after lunch, but, for the life of me, couldn't figure out how to work a comb over my wild mess of manes. I might (hav) have to go bruhahah for the rest of the day.

I'm writing my blog to remind myself later of the folly I've committed by drinking Iterax, when my doctor (specificalky) specifically told me to take it only at night. And also it might be (asmusing) amusing (top) to read my blog later and count the number of typo errors I've committed and out of impatience, (didn;t) didn't try to correct at all. I'm updating the website and have declared war with the keyboard, (whp's) which is giving me a grand hard time typing. I've to (retpe) retype at (leat) least thrice before I get anything correct.

I therefore conclude that taking sedating antihistamines is (equalt) equal (yo) to splurging on a liter of tequilla minus the hangover, of course.

Ahh, Ruby, our bananacue and (turonm) turon girl is (jhere) here. Everyday, we await her like lovers wait for (theri) their beloved. I need my sugar fix today more than ever, if only just to keep my jaws from locking together.

I'll correct this post later. Meanwhile, have fun trying to make some sense (o) of me.

Basic Instinct

It took a while for the whole thing to sink in. Imagine some almost-impossible idea happening just minutes after you've thought about it. My instincts were right again...

I've always doubted my instincts. Sometimes, my firsts are not the right ones, and I'm make choices based on them and I'll get into horrible messes.

But that time, there were no choices no make. Just my "spider" sense tingling. A sense of foreboding. I knew it was going to happen even as I tried to ignore it. Knew it was just a matter of looking the right way, a matter of timing. Madam Fate was again going to play her not-really-dirty-but-still-not-quite-amusing joke on me.

The timing was perfect. Who'd have guess that coincidences such as this exist in the real world?

Math Made [Very] Easy

I'm a math major, so it was really fun figuring these out...

Well, I think he should earn points for at least, following instructions.
Oo nga naman, di kasi marunong maghanap eh.
Ah, yes, cancel lang numerator at denominator...

What great logic! I'm impressed!
It was quite obvious, wasn't it?

Almost Mishap

Had my first real driving experience last Sunday night...well, outside of driving school, that is. And using our car. On the way home from my sister's place, my dad let me drive from D. Tuazon/Q.Ave to our house near Mayon/Retiro. Just a bit of a kilometer, if my estimates are right.

Well, nothing untoward at first. Got the "bite" (that "just right" mix of clutch and gas on the first gear) like a pro. Hmm, slow build-up of speed, though admittedly, my mind was quite blank tha I can't coordinate gear shifting and clutch. Hahaha. The mishap almost happened on the left turn from D. Tuazon to Calamba.

I slowed down on the second, not bothering to shift to first...but I was apparently going faster than I imagined. It would have been okay but but I did not notice another car crossing from the same street I was going to enter. My dad, mom and sister were all yelling different things, which by now I have no memory of (ah, selective amnesia, I love you) and I was so totally blank I did not even hit on the brake. I had enough presence of mind to steer the car on it's left turn without hitting the gutter or the car. That, in itself, was a miracle because on any other given day, I'm still getting to know steering wheels.

Anyway, I didn't even panic...which, I repeat, is the blessing of a blank mind. But I think my dad would now think a thousand times before letting me drive again. And my sis would probably not be riding with me for the longes time.

The World's Shortest Fairy Tale

Once upon a time, a guy asked a girl "Will you marry me?"

The girl said, "No" and the girl lived happily ever after and wentshopping, dancing, drank martinis, always had a clean house, never had to cook, stayed skinny and farted whenever she wanted.

The End

Thanks to Jing O. who sent me this very inspiring fairy tale.

Meet My 'Nanak

This is me and my little "nanak", Eoni, my buboy, on her first month birthday. I took a leave from work, paid mega bucks to get my license application without much hassle (spell fixer) except for the written test, and made sure all that bad weather wouldn't make me catch colds or cough or any virus that would prevent me from cuddling my little niece. She's gained some weight, but is still pretty much "sipsip" kay Ninang.

Little things I've learned from Eoni:

1. Baby's breath is an awesome thing. It's smells sweet and is very warm.
2. Baby's feet are vey cute and soft.
3. Changing diapers...poo poo and all.
4. Shifting position without putting the baby down. Left arm to right arm to left shoulder to right. All in a fluid motion so baby won't wake.

Yamashita Getting Her Driver's License

Tomorrow, I'm taking a day off to get my non-pro driver's license. Big deal, huh? Yeah. It kinda is. It doesn't help that I've been dreaming at night that I'm such a pro driver and I can execute a perfect U-turn on a narrow street. Plus, the few times I tried driving/backing my dad's car was a disaster. Swell, I still don't know which is correct: Clutch first before Break (as per Instructor #1) or Break first before Clutch (for gears higher than 1st, as per Instructor #2). For sure, it is quite obvious that Instructor #1 is a clutch driver and I may have developed the same habit (God forbid!). I'm nervous about the practical driving exam tomorrow.

After getting my license, I'm going to Eone's first month celebration. This deveoted tita-ninang just bought her prized godchild a stroller...and it might as well be my last credi card purchase for this billing period. ^^

Oh, and I did try getting my Japanese name via a link in Cherry's website (http://rumandmonkey.com/widgets/toys/namegen/969/)...So my Japanese name is (don't hold your breath now)...

Yamashita Itoe. Yamashita is suppose to mean "under the mountain" and Itoe is "bless with love". Get over it, wiseass. I'm not taking this seriously. If I did, I'd start asking my grandparents where they hid the golden buddah.

Weekend News

Good news: No MMPA class

Disaster: Still bad with driving lessons. Don't know how to turn wheels during reverse. Panicked. Argh! Two more hours to go and still haven't figured that one out yet.

Good news: Was able to buy bassinet for Eoni. And Addidas rubber shoes (40% off).

Disaster: Had to endure 2 hrs. of bus ride to Taytay yesterday. Sore backside. Ears ringing from all that revving.

Thunderstorm Ramblings

"It's easy to betray a man when the memory of his face has faded." I got this from an Iris Johansen Book, the Lion Bride.

Well, I'm not exactly betraying him, because there is nothing to betray. But I'm realizing that as the days pass and the lack of communication continues, the "yearning" is also fading. I no longer look for him, wanting to talk to him, or know whatever little new tidbit there is in his life. The mermory of his face has faded.

On other fronts:

Weather: Still bad. I can see Manila Bay from here and it's a scary sight. If I'd been courageous enough, I'd go to the roofdeck and take pictures. But as I have left my camera at home, and the wind is strong enough to blow me away, I'd rather stay safe and cozy at my little nook here at the office, where I have a good view of the storm outside.

Gym: Postponed yet again due to bad weather. Still in need of serious thigh workouts.

Diet: Can't give up rice. No way. The days of Atkins are over. Slowly going back to my oatmeal breakfast.

Boys: Nil. make that NIL

Studies: 4 more subjects to go.

Driving: 5 more hours to go.

Life in general: I'd give it 3 stars (out of five)

Bad Weather Induces Boredom

This morning, I almost drowned due to the bad weather...Hehehe. An exaggeration, of course, but I did manage to get to work dripping and looking like I drowned. The FX I was riding broke down and I had to get off in the middle of a lonely MH del Pilar and wait for another FX. It didn't help that my umbrella (which I hurriedly bought for a measely 50 bucks at Star Mall last Saturday before heading off to Patty's, hehehe) was small and couldn't hold its own against the strong winds...Ahh, and the office guard had the temerity to ask me, with a big, big Cheshire cat grin: "Nabasa kayo, ma'am?" (Did you get wet, ma'am?) Err, no...I just came from my bath. Duh.

Of course, as usual, work was suspended at 1 pm, but we were allowed to go home at only around 2 pm. I decided to ignore the temptation to go to the mall and spend whatever moolah I've left (Yehey!) and got free ride care of Cathy. Hehehe. Slept until dinner time...I was telling Rhandz in my letter that "ah, what I wouldn't give for more nap time"...Got my wish!

So now, bored at home. Did some time with my Korean vocabulary lessons. Slowly getting the hang of typing hangeul. Memory still poor. Craving for some ice cream. Yech!

Anyhow, the bad weather is bed-inviting. But I have to resist if I want to sleep peacefully throughout the night...The bed looks to cozy though....

Patty's Birthday and Eoni's 1st Meeting with Ninang

Finally! I resurrected and made a (brief) appearance at Patty's d-day. I came from class and had to rush to Quiapo to buy a 1Gb memory stick for the camera, which I will use to take pics of my loveable little niece the next day.

So, it was a reunion (of sorts) for the TEC. Hehehe. Long gone were the days of Amber's pichi pichi and b-b-que and pancit (typical GT fares). We had spagetti and hotdogs and cakes. What I missed most was the chikka and the warmth of my TEC buds.

And here's a pic of a fully-clothed Eoni. Mouth closed. All cleaned up. Without the umbilical cord.

Don't laught at these:

U fel cguro wat i'm fell w/u? Yon ang 22o.

Wer frnd and 2be strng ha! Never changes.

Because these are real, true messages I recently received.

Meet the Newest Kapamilya...

On this corner...weighing 6 pounds...
Measuring 19 inches in length and 46 cms head diameter...
Wearing nothing but her birthday suit
And wailing...
Truly her mother's child...

Marygwen Hermione Obillo Nalzaro.

Finally, after two days of labor which ended in a c-section...Eoni was born. July 2, 2006.

When the entire world was anxiously waiting for the (delayed) telecast of Pacquiao vs. Larios Mano- a- Mano, we were rooting for another [soon to be] heavyweight champion.

So, cheers! To my parents - they're brand new and true grandparents now.

To me and my dongsaeng - we're new aunts! he he he

To my unni - Well, you're now a mother.

And to Kuya Jing - now, you've got yourself another "Wheng"...

Things to look forward to...

Eoni (my first niece!) would be coming soon this July!

My driving classes (Saturdays and Sundays of July for a total of 10 hours). Driving confidence that would allow me to zip to Tagaytay on weekends with family.

Finishing my MPA course end of this year, of bad case scenario, first quarter of 2007.

Travel to another Asian country - Bangkok, Thailand or Vietnam...or maybe a Winter Korea???

Another BS Singers concert? Hmm, let's cross our fingers, shall we?

Losing weight. Ahh, the eternal, ever-present resolution on my new year's list.

Mastering the Korean language.

PS: In one of Patty's posts, she shares the good effect of kissing (passionate) on losing weight...and since I've been slaving my (big) butt off at the gym lately and not seeing any improvements (except for my newly acquired biceps...give me Pacquiao anytime!), I'm seriously considering the idea...Hmm, but first, we shall have to select a kissing partner...that will be quite hard...Maybe I better stick to my gym and diet torture aka regimen.

Questions...

Have you ever wanted something you don't really intend to keep?
Have you ever reached for something and when it's within your grasp, you realize it's not what you wanted all along?
Have you ever dreamed of something and then got scared when it slowly materializes?
Have you ever ran a race for a goal and suddenly wanted to run backwards and lose?

It seems that lately, I've been building a sandcastle. I know it's not for keeps, and I know it's just that, a sandcastle...I have doubted I could build it, now, the sandcastle is taking shape. And I have mixed feelings about finishing it because I know the tides will just wash it away again anyway...and I know I can't take it with me. I know the sandcastle belongs to no one, and I have no one to show it to, as well. And it's not for a sense of fulfilment, but just the thrill. Was it a waste of time? Am I foolish to doubt myself now that it's here?

And then, as always, there's this "come-here-go-away" me. I am flame. I didn't mean to invite the moth, but my ego flirted with it and now, it's too near and I won't have it burned. It's never my intention to hurt anyone, but I can't turn moth away either. How can I tell it to stay a distance from my flame?

Numbers Game

Was tagged by Patty...I've prepared mine days ago but couldn't post much, so I've to update it... here goes:

10 FIRSTS

1. first best friend: Hmmm, kinda hard since I wasn't the friendly type in school...maybe Tina, who was first my busmate before we became friends in elementary..
2. first screen name: ElectricFun
3. first pet name: Pogi, a white puppy
4. first piercing: my ears when I was a baby
5. first crush: Jonathan Knight ng NKOTB (Patty, pano ko aangal e rivals tayo)
6. first school: NFWC (Forgot what it stands for...)
7. first house location: Loyal Bulusan, Sta Mesa Heights resident ako
8. first kiss: Do I really need to answer this one?
9. first thing bought with your savings/allowance: I've been saving since I can remember...maybe a Christmas gift for my dad
10. first perfume: Poison

9 LASTS
1. last time you smoked: a few months back, after a very very "gluttonic" bonding with my female colleagues. just one cig. swear!
2. last food you ate: Dinner...ahhh, rice, tuna and KIMCHI!
3. last car ride: Do FX taxi count?
4. last phone call: This afternoon at the office
5. last song you listened to: Alone Again...theme ng Ally McBeal
6. last words you said: "Pa-internet!"
7-9: sorry, Patty's list was just up to here.

8 HAVE-YOU-EVERS
1. dated a best friend: Almost!
2. been arrested: Hopefully never.
3. been on TV: I'm not quite sure...maybe during the Bench and Jerry event...
4. eaten sushi: yes. happen to be one of my favorite Japanese food
5. cheated on your BF/GF: is flirting cheating?
6. been on a blind date: Never
7. been in love: Who haven't?
8. cried in public: Unfortunately, frequent

7 THINGS YOU ARE WEARING
1. Red shirt
2. An old 10-year old shirts that would be better off as a rag
3. Slippers
4. Pair of earrings
5. Ring6. Underwear
7. A smile

6 THINGS YOU HAVE DONE TODAY
1. Went to MPA class
2. Bought more scrapbook paper at National Bookstore
3. Went on line to research on Research Management
4. Did one page of my Korean scrapbook
5. Decided to buy the Sony W30
6. Tried on my new pink shoes

5 FAVORITE THINGS
1. My books
2. My shoes
3. My cellphone
4. My MP3 players
5. My clothes

4 PEOPLE YOU TRUST THE MOST
1. God
2. Mom
3. Dad
4. My sisters (obvious ba, am family-oriented)

3 THINGS YOU WANT TO DO BEFOREYOU DIE
1. Travel
2. Have Kids...the natural way...husband a must
3. Own a library

2 CHOICES
1. vanilla or chocolate: chocolate
2. hugs or kisses: errr...depends...

1 PERSON YOU WANT TO SEE RIGHT NOW?
1.) Him...(identity withheld for the meantime)

Tagging: Mau, Eve, Beige, Mai, Iris

If Boredome Could Talk

...it would go like this...

Arggghh!

Back to the vicious cycle of warm, humid nights, long-almost endless days and boring nothingness. There's not much to do, hence not much story to tell.

It's been more than a month since our Korea adventure and I'm dying to get out and see new places again. I guess "anywhere but here" would be a good place to escape to. But then, I have to shave off some more moolah off my money tree to get anywhere...Sigh, how come our Western counterparts can afford to travel with just their two years worth of wages? My two years' savings would basically cover...a taxi ride to the airport and back. Duh. Oh, okay, plus some noodles for chow.

Anyway, scrapbooking my adventure to Seoul is going painstakingly slow. I've sat two days on it already and just discovered I missed printing about three pictures of our second day (the one near Hoehwa Station) , lost my GyeongbukGung admission ticket, and don't have any idea at all about scrapbooking. Now I have backaches to add to my long list of discomforts. And to think I still have Singapore 2002 to do after this. Yikes!

Blah Blah Yak Yak

It's a long weekend before the school year 2006-07 officially starts.

Because today, 12 June, is Philippine Independence Day. Yes, believe it or not, we actually celebrate it, not that it means anything at all - we're still pretty darn hooked up with addictive Hollywood and our Caucasian idols. We still think fellow Filipinos are indios and not worth as much as our fairer conquistadors.

Anyway, since it's Independence Day...let's see how I can personalize it...

I've finally knocked some sense into me. I'm fairly grounded and don't give a fig about what people might say, but I found I have too much self-love to just wait around for something I don't really need at all, but just fancies at the moment. Well, actually, the moment just passed and so now, hmmm...next flavor please. So now, Ms. Independent me can be anything at all, anytime, without worrying that I don't know anything about the topic at hand.

I've also finally decided to keep committed to the dancing ministry. I don't know why, but however much it demands of me, inspite of the hurts and disappointments I get because of it, I can't seem to give it up. Dancing is my first love, and there's joy in the knowledge that I just don't dance for the heck of it. I dance to worship, and I worship by dance. Other people think of it as corny and foolish, but if they see our moves now, they might be tempted to join.

It brings to mind the Pentecost 2006 event. Pride is a sin, but I can't help it, our dancers were so blessed. Even though hours before the event started, we were so harrassed and demoralized (and I was crying like a baby, wanting to wipe my nose on Elmer's shirt because, darn, the guys didn't offer any hanky at all - where's a gentleman when you need him?) because of some techinical problems, I am so happy that people were imitating us. They took pictures of us and thanked us for dancing. We may not have been as "precise" and as synchronized as the other community's dancers were (think synchronized swimming) but we were equally anointed and more blessed. we were not on stage like the hunky-macho-gwapito-pint-size-all-male dancers but the people were looking at us, watching us, smiling at us.

Anyway, no pictures yet...as if I can post them here...blog seems to be having a tech glitz these days...so just check my flickr account for picture updates....

Yawn

Hmmm. For lack of anything to post, I'll just say that lately, I'm getting used to sleeping at 1 am and waking up at 5:30. I have to knock some sense into my stubborn noggin' sooner or later, before I keel over.

Luckily, food keeps me awake for the better part of office hours. But until when...that is the question.

Arggghhh!

Tama ba namang magparamdam?

It is so weird, once a guy you think of as a good friend suddenly starts to make subtle gestures of wanting to be more...Like text messages of "what if I'm in love with you" and such...

I am beginning to feel guilty (again) and embarrassed...that maybe I led him to think "IT" could happen. IT = US = NO WAY.

Oh, Wolverine, Hugh Jackman, Brad Pitt and Jang Dong Gun...where are you guys?

Back to Earth...

The past couple of weeks have been devoted to dance practices. Nyt gym sessions have to give way to rehearsals for Pentecost 2006.

And finally, now, some rest and well-deserved treats...if ever I can get out of the house. I'm so totally spaced out and tired with all the preparations for Pentecost. Plus, the weather is a drag. One moment it's raining, then it's warm and humid like ... well, like Manila, I guess.

I'm now planning my next get-away. I think this is going to be quite an expensive obssession...travelling. Plus the scrapbooking that will follow...teehee!

So now, back to earth for Dhing, the space girl. Next week, we'll start with Subject No. 8, if ever PCU will deign to settle their mind on what subject and professor...Back to the choir and the gym and to Korean telenovelas.

---------------------

Ok, so I admit, i'm totally "crush"-ing this guy. So what!

--------------------

It's funny, but I had a slight "tampo" with someone who doesn't even matter that much (romantically that is). Just wanted to make him feel that I have the upper hand...He he. How bad can I get?

Korea, Day 5

This is our last "day" in Korea since we'll be flying home on the 12th of May. We needed to shop for souvenirs and pasalubongs as well as check out the ever-famous Namdaemun (Great South Gate).
We woke up early, meaning to be out by 9am...a bit apprehensive that someone "unwanted" might want to join us. Thankfully, he was quiet and distant.

We took the subway this time. Our feet couldn't take another long walk...On the way, Jed and I talked about what happened the previous night.

Namdaemun turned out to be like, again, Divisoria...the Ilaya, Tabora etc. part. Compared to DDM, Namdaemun was busy, noisy, crowded and cheaper...or perhaps, it was because it's daytime.
I bought several small items for pasalubong...mostly bookmarks for my colleagues and Ginseng Tea for my dad. Still apprehensive about losing my luggage at an alien airport, I didn't want to buy anything too pricey. Furthermore, the clothes were pretty much the same as in Manila, so I wasn't tempted to buy anything. Jed, however, is a jacket/coat addict, so with her haggling skills, managed to buy some clothes and slacks.

We had lunch at a little side-steet restaurant. This time, we weren't so adventurous, so we opted for good ol' kimbap and the only ramyeon we could read...it turned out to be spicy.

We got a little lost on our way home, since we couldn't remember which way we came from. So we asked for directions from a passer-by and she told us Seoul Station was just around the corner. Seoul Station is pretty impressive. From afar, it resembled Manila City Hall..teehee.

We rested for a while, packing our things, trying to fit everything in our luggages. Jed and I have become a bit sad...knowing that it was our last day.

We were to meet Louise and Julia (remember her colleague who also visited us last year?) at the CoEx Mall at 6:30, and Louise said the subway trip is around an hour long. So after a brief rest, off again!

Seoul's CoEx Mall is to the Philippines' Glorietta. It was the only mall we were able to visit, actually. He he. The internet says it's suppose to be the largest underground shopping and entertainment mall. Having extra money now to spend (because I haven't bought anything for myself yet) I bought a shirt at Giordano...because of Jang Dong Gun. I was hesitant to ask if they give out posters...but what the heck, it was our last day...but they don't have posters to give...sigh. Disappointed...

Jed and I visited the Bandi & Lunis Bookstore and spent almost an hour getting lost there. Woah! I love this bookstore. By the way, books are less expensive in Korea than in Manila, and the quality is better, too. I bought a book to help me with my Korean grammar (I wish they were selling miracles, too!).

We met Julia and Louise outside the mall and had samgyetang (chicken soup, made of ginger and chicken stuffed with rice, Seoul's version of our arroz caldo). After dinner and a short stop at a cd store to buy Bambie's cds, we had dessert (yogurt ice cream) at Red Mango. It was getting quite late and we had to pack out stuff and sleep early, so after a series of goodbyes and several pictures beside DaeJang Geum's Lee Young Ae's milk ads, we took the subway back to Anguk-Dong. We took pictures of the most memorable subway station and said our silent goodbyes to the police (one was quite a looker, actually...). Jed and I were feeling a bit sad so after a while, we went out again to stroll at Insadong, check if Missa's still open and if there's still sweets sold on the streets. It being almost 10 pm, Insadong was lonely but still charming...and I could remember that on our first day, it was filled with students, tourists and what-have-yous.

I had ice cream to perk me up and Jed had milk, on the way home. We stopped by the small grocery store in front of SEBPs to buy ramyeon, wishing we had visited a sauna or public bath. There were so many things we still wanted to do, but time was really not enough. And here Louise was saying five days in Seoul is toooo long.

We had a brief chat with new comers in the dorm before we had to call it a night, and I couldn't help but feel wishful that I could be like them...work for two years and then take a vacation anywhere...Sigh...

Korea, Day 4

Wednesday night, we called up Louise to ask if plans to go to Icheon would push through. She had promised us that she'll accompany Jed and me to an out-of-town trip.

Surprise, surprise, she said she'll be taking us to Nami Island instead, where Winter Sonata was shot. To those who still live in the Dark Ages, Winter Sonata "launched" the Hallyu (Korean wave) with Choi Ji Woo and Bae Yun Jung riding the waves...I still haven't seen this sad series, so "toink" me later.

Anyway, Jed and I woke up early on Wednesday since we'll be meeting Louise at Anguk-Dong Station, exit no. 1. It was drizzling a bit outside and we had no umbrellas, but the weather was still fantastic compared to humid Manila. There was a store in Anguk-Dong station selling umbrellas, but it was expensive (for our budget) at 5000 won, so we decided to skip it and pray the weather would clear up soon.

We almost missed Louise again, because we were waiting at the wrong exit...How the..!! Anyway, we called her up at her mobile and met up at the right exit.

After a short stop at a convenience store, we rode a subway to Cheongnyangni where we bought train tix to Chuncheon. The trip was well worth the two-hour ride mainly due to the scenes of mountains and lakes. I took pictures here and there while catching up on old times with Louise. Jed, on the other hand, slept. ^^

A short taxi ride from Chuncheon train station brought us to Naminara Republic dock where we took a ferry boat to Naminara Island. Naminara wasn't what I expected. First, I have never seen Winter Sonata so I was kinda expecting a rural setting. But it was beautiful. Even teeming with students on field trips and ladies on a herbal-gathering conference, the place had the serenity and peace of a secret garden.

After visiting the UNICEF-funded book exibit (where there was a little booth for the Philippines), taking pictures of a diorama of Louise' hometown, watching the so-called National Folk Dance Group of Egypt (which we seriously doubted was really the national folk dance group of any country, the way they were dancing), buying souvenirs from the shop and taking pictures of kimchi houses, we walked off to a pretty secluded spot by the lake. It was so picturesque that Jed and I couldn't help ourselves but take pictures. I felt like a professional photographer. You could point your camera anywhere and just click and it would be a wonderful picture. Anyway, we sat there for a while, contemplating the beauty of the surroundings, eating peanut butter oreos and chocolate chip cookies while students riding bicycles passed by. Occassionally, a speed boat and jet ski would roar by and we'd wave.

Much as we would like to live there, we needed to return to the real world. The real world, however, was a ferry boat ride away, and we had to fall in line behind throngs of school children equally excited as us. Some of them were very precocious, warming up to tourists like us, dying for a little english conversation. The confident ones would try to grab as much attention as possible, while the more bashful ones would just look on and laugh. On the ferry boat, I took pictures of some of them as they tried to imitate Rose and Jack in Titanic. They were very eager and took pictures of me as well..."Pretty, pretty". I absolutely adore these kids! They have good taste! ^^


We rode a taxi and a bus to Chuncheon and had dakgalbi. By this time, we were famished and in bad need of nutrition. It was also close to 5 pm and we neither had a proper breakfast (just a piece of toast for me and I barely finished it. I was used to a hearty rice-viand-chocolate drink fare at home) nor a decent lunch (I wouldn't call a pack of cholocate cookies "lunch"). The lady (Eonni, Louise insisted, and not Ajumma, because it wasn't too polite to call a someone "old lady") who served us was very warm and even Louise was surprised that we get nice treatment from Koreans. Jed and I told her that so far, everyone we've encountered had been gracious and kind to us... so maybe the story about Koreans being unfriendly was just a myth.

We strolled around, but after a while, it became apparent that no amount of thrills would encourage our tired bodies to go further. I got a little shut-eye on the train-ride while Jed and Louise teamed up. It was blissful two-hour ride and I felt well-rested after that. We got a little mixed-up at the subway station but still managed to arrive home.

It was too early to call it a day (10 pm), so after a brief rest, Jed and I managed to summon our last ounce of strength to hurl ourselves out of bed. We decided to check out Dongdaemun Market. Jed invited Benye and he tagged along.

Spring nights in Seoul are like December nights in Baguio for me. It was chilly that I was almost glad for the long long walk to Dongdaemun. Almost. I wondered what masochistic tendency made me want to check out Dongdaemun after an entire day walking in Nami Island.

It was like Tutaban cluster mall, only a tad more organized. I had nothing particular in mind to buy, maybe a few souvenirs for family back home...But even in it's "cheap" bargain mode, it was pricier compared to goods sold at home.

Benye offered to buy me a bag. He said I could choose any type I wanted and he'd buy for me. This made me feel kinda weird, and I of course refused. He was sort of offended and wasn't a good company for a while until he paid for some purchases Jed and I made. While Jed was looking for shoes, he asked me a rather shocking question that led to a very uncomfortable situation the rest of the night.

Anyway, the trip to DDM was okay, except that some of the shops were closed. We were actually disappointed that there wasn't too much attraction. We got a bit lost on the way home (which added to my "misery") and was glad to call it a day then.

Backtrack ... Korea Day 3

Our itinerary: Changdeokgung and Deoksugung Palace, squeeze in some museums and tea with Henry at around 7 pm.

Woke up early...actually, I wasn't able to sleep much. I woke up sweating at dawn. My tummy was again funny...like I was on a roller coaster. Nervous stomach. Nervous??? About what?

Our first on the list, Changdeokgung, was just a 5-minute walk away from the Seoul Backpackers where we were staying. But you have to be on a guided tour to get in, and the next one (English) was at around 10:30. We decided to take the 3:30 tour instead, and head off to Deoksugung first.

Walking by now has become our mode of transportation, as we felt everything was within walking distance anyhow. We were armed with maps and guides and the knowledge that a Tourist Information Center was just around the corners...

We passed by Myeongdong Cathedral so we stopped there first to say the rosary. The Cathedral was splendid! Inside, there were flat-screen monitors and songbooks (in Korean) in every pew. What was notable also was the lack of "luhuran" or kneeling pads...We took pictures outside and lighted a candles by the "garden". Jed and I were trying to recall if Love So Divine (first few scenes) was shot here...

Anyway, I stopped to take some pretty pictures of flowers by the steps...Seoul in springtime is full of colors!

Then off to Deoksugung Palace. Sadly though, there wasn't anything new to see. All the structures looked the same inside and outside. As expected, the place was crowded, teeming with students on field trips and tourists. Some more pictures here and there...Jed got frustrated that the museum was closed, it would have made up for the lack of other attractions in the palace grounds.

We wanted to visit another palace, but it was already past lunch hour and we couldn't ignore the fact that we need really proper sustainance. We wanted to go to Seoul Museum of History, though so we decided to grab lunch on the way. We deciced to test the small "restaurants" in the district, ordered kimchi rice and sniffed our way through lunch. The kimchi was spicy! But it was also my first time to eat raw radish...actually, it was my first time to eat radish. Hehehe. In fairness, it didn't taste bad. It was kinda sweet.

Then off to the Seoul Museum of History. Entrance fee here was cheaper than the palaces, and it was bigger than expected. However, taking pictures inside was prohibited (though I managed to snap a few before I learned of this sad fact). The most impressive pieces were the excavated traditional clothes and the mummy (of a little boy, Jed said) on display.

Changdeokgung Palace was another story. The Palace grounds was breathtaking. It was worth the 3,000 won entrance fee, if only for the serenity due to the absence of school children running around and tourists swarming the area. My favorite spot was the secret garden and the Lotus Pond (I'm still unsure of the name...). Our tour guide spoke good english, Jed said she could be a flight attendant. We managed to strike a conversation with her and take photos.

We decided to head home and rest for our evening tea with Henry. I had planned to grab some internet time, but fell asleep once my back hit the bed. ^^

We went to Insadong and tried porridge at a small side street restaurant "Gr___". The food reminded me of my mom's porridge/arroz caldo. I think I was missing traditional Filipino fare. After dinner, we went to a tea house where we had "exotic" flavored tea (Mine was cinnamon, jed's was pear and Henry had five something...). We compared palms and some intelligent conversation (I think my only contribution here was my listening skill) Then off to a nearby Buddhist temple. It was closed, but we were able to see the many unlit lanterns prepared for Buddha's birthday.





By the time we got home, I was ready to plunge into blissful sleep. Ahhh, bed!

Skip to Now...

And we're back...Jed and I arrived on a 4:30 pm Cathay Pacific plane yesterday. And Jed's luggage, along with several others, were again left in Hong Kong. Fortunately, HK to Manila trips are frequent, so we just waited for an hour to get her bag. ^^

Miss Seoul already. Today's MPA class was cancelled due to bad weather, and now I wish I didn't have to go home yesterday. Wish I could have stayed just another day to roam around and say annyeong to the policemen at the station we frequently pass by...Or buy street-made candies and sweet at Insadong...Or try my luck in haggling at Dongdaemun...Or try drinking soju at night with Jed, feasting on tokkpogi sold along the tent-lined streets of Insadong...Sigh...I'm still kinda in my Korean mode. I still go.."chamkaman" whenever I want to take a pause...or bow and smile at older people I meet on the streets.

I've many stories, but unfortunately, so very limited internet time. Hopefully I'll get to provide some of my adventure tales with pictures to make them more interesting.

Korea Day II

Got our luggages at around 8 am. Finally, clean clothes! My beloved toothbrush!

Had breakfast at the hostel. Chalked up a conversation with Henry, the German guy. Last night, we made friends with Benye, the guy from Madagascar. Also, at around 1:30 am, Japanese tourist Yoko came to check in, and we opened the door thinking it was our luggage...so we had to turn her away and refer her to the nearest hotel...To our infinite relief, she's back, well-rested. ^^ None the worse for wear.

Went to 경복궁 (Gyeongbokgung Palace) and was able to watch the ceremony of the changing of the royal palace guards. Had some pictures taken, too. The insides of the palaces (or the many buildings inside the palace) were splendid!






Visited the museum, where we had more pictures taken...I almost lost Jed in the chaotic mix of students (Jed and I think it's field-trip day) and tourists. Bought souvenirs at the museum.







Home to rest..just a few blissful minutes of putting up our dead-tired feet and trying out the free internet to send chikka messages to our families. Oopps, had to call Louise, too. We agreed to meet at Baskin's near exit 4 of Hyehwa Station. Rather than take the subway, we asked the tourist info center for directions, and was advised to take bus number 150. He also gave us a piece of paper to give to the bus driver. That helped a lot...But then, there were two Baskins at that place, and Jed and I waited at the wrong one. I could die of embarrassment when Unni reminded me of exit 4. Miane, chingu!



We had dinner with Louise and Unni Yun Jeong (Louise's best friend who works at Russ - lucky lucky girl!) at a traditional Korean restaurant with traditional Korean music and the works. Then they took us up to Mt. Namsan Tower for a spectacular view of Seoul...365 degrees! Brr, cold weather!



The Namsan Tower...and the two tourists who went "oohhh and ahhh" at the top.



It was also the first time of Unni Yun Jeong to come up Mt. Namsan. Chingu Louise was at first apprehensive about going to Mt. Namsan at night.

Home at around 12. My feet were alien to me!

Hay, This is life!

For more pics, visit my flickr site...