I Am Bummed Out...

Because I have been nauseous for the past couple of days...
Because I am tired and the dark circles around my eyes are proof that yes I am really really tired...
Because I was called "churchy" by someone...I thought I could brush off the bothered feeling I had...turns out I was wrong...call me all the names you want, "snob", "anti-social", "masungit", "mataray", but please don't ever EVER call me "churchy" for the simple reason that I am not...The term churchy for me connotes an imposition of ones beliefs and values, and again, I never do that. I have my values but I always respect other people's values and belief system. So yes, if you want to bum me out and piss me off, call me "churchy" and you might not see the light of day. Hahaha!...The thing that bums me all the more was the fact that the person who called me churchy was someone I really really liked...He, of all people would call me churchy?!? Hah! I know I am being "pikon" about the whole thing (I even cried over dinner and I really had my moments hehehe)...but I don't effing care...this is my blog...Hahaha!

Despite me being bummed out, I do not want to end this post on a sour note.

I am thankful for Kanin Club's heavenly turon...a must try and a winner...
I am thankful for friends who take the time to go out with me and listen to my inanities...
I am thankful that I got home safe despite my physical challenges within the day...

I hope everyone enjoys the coming weekend!

Six Years

Today marks my 6th year with the company. This is probably why I felt nauseated and throwing up.:p Enough said...

For Osangga

Since I stopped blogging at the other networking sites I maintain accounts in, I am posting my reply to Osang's note right here and hopefully, some of you might want to do the same for me:p Hahahaha!

To Osang:

How well do you know me? Comment on this note with your answers! Tag friends and see who knows the most about you!

1. Where you and I met? - at the ISS office International Research Division, 28/F, Philamlife Tower:p

2. How long have you known me? 6 years this march 17

3. The last time we saw each other? last February

4. Your first impression of me upon meeting/seeing me? sweet...pa-sweet hahahaha!!! eto...popular oh-ha:p

5. Am I funny? yeah...fo shoo hahahaha!

6. What's my favorite music? willy garte...aegis...hahahahaha!!!

7. Would you call me preppy, average, sporty, punk, hippie, glam, nerdy, snobby, or something else(what)? hippie na punk:p

8. Have you ever hugged me? countless of times

9. If there was one good nickname for me, what would it be? bugnot:p kabatak (dahil antisocial ka na rin :p)

10. If you and I were stranded on an island, what would I bring? your personal journal...so that we would have something to make chika about hihihihi

11. Where do you think I will be in 20 years? in the US with your family...maybe with 5 kids (para di sayang yung balakang mo:p)...magka county na tayo nun sa San Diego yiheeee! hahahaha

12: Will you re-post this so I can fill this out for you? Eto na nga:)

My Pick-Me-Uppers

I have replied already to the thread my sister started the other day in her blog about pick-me-uppers. I said that in addition to the ones she has posted like music, coffee, and chocolates, I added in there my daily fix of Chico & Delamar's Top 10, and my chat sessions with Big Bob.

Now I want to share my favorite pick-me-uppers with my very own visuals:p Feel free to share what yours are...

Top Most Row (L-R): Mango Tapioca of North Park, a new pair of shoes, Big Bob's window popping out

2nd Row (L-R): Georgetown Cupcakes, my laptop (Ford), UCC's Japanese Halu-Halo

3rd Row (L-R): a nice view of the moon although my camera failed to capture it, memories and pictures with good friends I have not seen for quite a while, Boudin's famous Clam Chowder on sourdough (yum!!!)

Bottom Row (L-R): a nice and heavy breakfast, fresh flowers, ROYCE chocolates

Saturday in Binondo

To make up for the very hectic schedule at the office which I came up with for Taketoshi last week, I asked him if he wanted to do anything on Saturday just so he could experience what it is like to be outside of Makati. Taketoshi, being the nice guy that he is, simply said that whatever available tour there is which would not require us to go outside of Metro Manila (because I thought of driving him to Tagaytay) should be good.

Having heard him say that, the Binondo Wok Tour came to mind. I looked it up and managed to find Old Manila Walks. I also thought of the Intramuros Walk. Unfortunately, it was not available on Saturday. On Thursday, I called Ivan Dy, the main contact person for the Binondo Wok Tour and asked for particulars on this tour. He got my contact details so that he could send me the tips and specifics. After depositing the fee on Friday, we were all set for Saturday.

On our way to Binondo, I realized that it was not that difficult to get there. Finding parking space might be challenging but finding your own way was not that bad. This is what a map is for:p Anyway, Taketoshi and I got there earlier than expected since I had to give an allowance had we gotten lost. We tried to walk around the area but then Eng Bee TIn's shop was calling out to me. We went in, looked around and then bought some hopia. There was also some free taste going on which at that time were peanut balls. It looked weird because it was like your usual squidball submerged in hot water. At first I was scared to try it, but then I did not have anything for breakfast so I tried anyway. To my delight, it actually tasted good. After looking around some more and securing my purchases, we just decided to go inside the Binondo Church (also known as Basilica de San Lorenzo Ruiz) for some pictures and to seek shelter from the sweltering heat.

It was actually cool talking to Taketoshi about things other than governance issues and JVAS policies. I learned a lot of things about him and from him. After waiting for what seemed like half an hour (since we were very early), we noticed a bunch of people gathering in the lobby of the church. There the tour guide stood with several people who will be joining the tour. I was really excited about this because what better way to spend the day than exploring new territories and getting to try out everything it has to offer along the way?

From the church entrance, our group crossed the street to stop at Plaza Calderon dela Barca where the tour guide (not Ivan Dy) gave a very brief et interesting history as to how Binondo came to be. The next stop was this store where tablea was being sold, LA RESURRECCION CHOCOLATE. We were asked to sniff on packs of tablea and it was realy so good, moreso for a chocoholic like me;) I am quite familiar with tablea because my family used to receive supply from our dear Lola Madre. I learned though that there are two ways of drinking tsokolate tablea. One is tsokolate-E (espresso?) and the other is tsokolate-A (watered down). I was not able to take a picture of the establishment since my batteries started conking out on me.

Our next stop was the Eng Bee Tin Mezzanine Fire Fighters Cafe. It is under renovation but the ambiance would definitely tell you that this is a firefighter's cafe, which was established by one of the owners of Eng Bee Tin. This was located on the 2nd floor of one of the buildings. They served us Kiampong rice, fishball soup, and their signature iced coffee. According to the tour guide, this cafe serves traditional hokkien fare and not the usual chinese fare that we are familiar with. I really loved the fried rice garnished with peanuts and garlic and the fishball soup. Gastronomically heavenly I am telling you!!! Taketoshi liked it as well. I was almost done with the fried rice when I remembered I should have taken a picture of it. But heck I was too hungry to even care. I am sure there are pictures out there taken by some other tourist who had the presence of mind to take a picture before devouring the fried rice. If this is how peasant food tastes like, deng!!!

After that hearty meal (I was supposed to ask for a second serving of rice since it is an eat-all-you-can tour, pero nadyahe ako bigla haha!!!), we stopped by a chinese drugstore. The owner was kind enough to give us free candies. Yay! Then the tour guide emerges from the store with two dried lizards on a stick. It is supposed to be a medication for asthma. There are two lizards because of the yin and yang roots of Chinese traditional medicine. The dried lizards on a stick will serve as the "tea" bag as you dip them in hot water. Very interesting yet scary at the same time. There is no way I am drinking the essence of geckos!!!

After the drug store, we made our way to Dong Bei Dumpling. It was your typcal hole-in-the wall food stop. It probably could seat around 20 people max. However, the dumplings they serve are so good, you would want to keep coming back for more. We were served with the fried stuffed pancakes and two types of dumplings. one was plain pork dumpling and the other one was pork with chives dumpling. The pancakes and dumplings (the pork with chives) were hands-down winners! They were served with a special dipping sauce and every bite is worth savoring. I noticed that the wrap of the dumpling was so thin and fine that you actually see through the stuffing. However, it is strong enough to hold everything together and the dumplings here are boiled in water. The beauty of cooking dumplings this way is that you can let the dumplings stand for so long and the dumplings will not dry up, unlike when you steam it. At Dong Bei, they actually make the dumplings in front of you so you can be assured of its freshness.

After a very satisfying dumpling-session, we were led to the Santo Cristo de Longos Shrine. This, according to the guide, exemplifies the Chinese peple's adaptability since it demonstrates how Christianity meets Chinese culture. There was a cross adorned with flowers, and there were incense signifying how distinctly Chinese the shrine is.

We then went to the fruit street, which is Salazar Street. This is where I used more of the action sampler my dear sister EA gave me. I managed to kill time taking pictres here since some of our companions had to get something from one of the establishments. We chatted, took pictures, chatted some more and then off we went to the next food stop. We had fried siopao (which did not look fried at all) and Binondo's answer to Krispy Kreme, bichu-bichu. I liked the fried siopao's bun, as it was oh so soft. The filling was all right, maybe beacuse I was used to Asado or Bola-Bola kind. The bicho-bicho is a different story though. It was deep fried, crispy on the outside, yet inside the bread was soft, the kind that melts in your mouth and it was surprisingly light. After deep frying it, the manong drizzled it with sugar. Y-U-M-M-Y!!! I just had a piece since I had to make room for the remaining food stops. Bicho-bicho reminded me of something like Spain's churros. Taketoshi, being the light-eater that he is, was surprisingly adventurous and tried out all the fare made available to him.

The next food stop was the fear factor segment of the tour. The tour guide asked for volunteers to try out the next offering. Turns out, the star of the fear factor segment was the Tea Egg. Apparently, eggs were marinated in tea for three days and cooked in it as well. The star-anis injects a very different flavor to the egg. I asked Taketoshi how it tasted like and the way he described it was(please do not quote me on this)...It's good. Something like the roast pork, only there is no pork but just the egg. It's sweet and salty at the same time. In short, parang inasadong itlog siguro:) I managed to take a photo of Taketoshi and his egg. I was just too glad he enjoyed it.

After the Tea Eggs, we made our way to the last stop. We traversed Ongpin Street with its traditional chinatown shops and restaturants. There is also the Carvajal Alley Market, one of the more famous sidestreets (esquinita) in Binondo. At last, the final stop!!! We went inside Uy Su Bin Building (an art deco building) to get to New Po-Heng Lumpia House. We were served with half a spring roll each but it was so filling (and refreshing) that it was more than enough to cap off a great food tripping experience. The lumpia was different because it has a seaweed flavor to it. It was sweet, salty, slightly bitter and all the flavors you an imagine come to play in this dish that is usually dismissed as very ordinary. We ate the lumpia with peanut sauce and hot sauce and it was really good. After some picture taking, we said our goodbyes and headed back to the car which I parked near the church.

Taketoshi said that it was good that he did not need to grab dinner anymore since he still had to pack. He needed to hit the bed early since he had to catch a 7 am flight the next day. I drove him back to his hotel, said our goodbyes and I headed home. I was tired but all too happy having shown someone around and I finally got to do one of the things I really wanted to do in a long while. Exploring the places I usually take for granted is one of my life-long goals and the Binondo Wok Tour is a fitting start.

TGIF

Funny how I started to type on the title field for this blogpost and came up with TGIF, only to find out it is already 12:04 am of Saturday. Hahaha!

I am just ever grateful that this week is finally over. I have no idea how I managed to get through the entire week. Tons of meetings, classroom-type of training...but like what I told Mama when we were having dinner earlier, God is really gracious

As I sit on Beau (my chair) right now, I remember having told someone I might call and I will try to irritate the hell out of him. I am saddened by the fact that I failed to do so...but then I am having a lightbulb moment now...I still might be able to do it...

Happy weekend everyone!

Gee!!! My Hair...

When I woke up this morning, I decided to take a picture of myself to see how wild my hair has become. The effect of rebonding has started to wear away and the best way to measure it is to see how my hair looks in the morning.

You see the tendrils that are all curled up? These just get worst in the afternoon because at the office, I no longer have the time to comb and fix my hair. So I come in to work, all fixed up somehow looking like this...

Notice how the tutyangs start showing up, and I have not even gotten out of the car yet. Hahahaha! Anyway, this is just not about me being vain or anything, because in all honesty, I really could not care less how I look like, so long as do not have a breakout, and my hair is all neat and in place then I am all right (My clothes have to be appropriate too.). I am just trying to build up and put emphasis on my hair because something really creepy happened to me in the elevator which involved my supposed crowning glory.

Sometime this afternoon, I needed to get my caffeine fix so I went down to the 9th Floor, walked to where the side of Dunkin was and got some brewed coffee. Since Dunkin served their coffee scalding hot, I was really careful with it as I walked towards the elevator lobby. As I was not wearing my eyeglasses at that time, I did not notice the people inside the elevator. Besides, I do not like looking at other people's faces in such a confined space. But what was evident was one of the people in the elevator kept his stance quite close to me despite the available space inside. Then I felt it...he sniffed and smelled my hair!!! I knew it was a mistake when I decided to let my hair down while I waited on my order of coffee. I did it because I saw my silhouette and the curly hair was distracting me because it was weird seeing it that way while the ponytailed part was "contained". So I said, "Heck, if you are going to have your own mind and decide to be wild, then I'll let you be."

Going back to the guy who smelled my hair...what the hell was he thinking?!? When I told Pothead about what happened, he said "Baka may sipon lang at suminghot lang." But I really felt it since I got goosebumps on my forearms out of nowhere and I heard him sniffing in a different way which creeped the hell out of me. I should have told him off, but it happened all too fast which made me ask myself "Did that actually just happen?" I was the first one to get off the elevator and I never looked back. I was too annoyed and a little bit scared to even take a glance at him. Somehow, I blame my shampoo and conditioner, and the Blueberry Bavarian lotion I was using all day to moisturize my hand. My scent probably wafted through to him. But still, it is inexcusable to say the very least. So sa lahat ng mga kaparehas ko ng building, be careful since there is a perv on the loose.

If I Were an Album...

I got tagged by Ela and here is the result.

Artist/Band: Ulbus Glabra "Holgeri"

Album Title: They Think It's Thei Fault

Mga Eksena sa Spa

Mama treated me to a massage at the California Nails and Day Spa at the Midtown. Chivas and Sep were our therapists. They were both really nice. Chivas was assigned to Mama and Sep was assigned to me. Chivas was the funny one, while Sep was really nice.

We availed of their new offering, the Filipino Hilot. This massage has a fresh take on the traditional hilot, where you can derive a lot of pleasure from the pressure. They used Dagdagay sticks from our very own Ifugao tribe. Pressure was applied with remarkable precision on different points of our feet.

Sep asked us to undress and to just leave our underwear on. When she and Chivas left to give me and Mama some privacy, I dilly dallied since I did not hear the initial instruction. Besides, when I hear the word undress, it sort of makes me frazzled. After a couple of minutes, they still find me fully clothed and Sep gives me a smile.

Sep: Ayy hindi pa po kayo ready?
Me: Oh so we are supposed to take our clothes off.
Sep: Yes Ma'am, pati po bra.
Me: Can I leave mine on?
Mama: Virgin kasi!

I was so embarrassed that I only managed an awkward smile. Haaay!

In the middle of our session, Sep used the Dagdagay sticks on my feet to apply pressure. She rubbed one foot at a time and I was squirming on the massage table trying to contain my giggles because I am the most ticklish person you will ever know. Sep stopped since she did not want me to feel uncomfortable and stiff. I said it should be fine so long as she is not bothered by my squirming. She said she was fine with it and she just said that i should relax. I managed to contain my giggling but I had to breathe in a weird way then I heard Chivas go

Chivas: Ay si Ma'am mukhang may sapi!
Sep: Hah?
Chivas: Si Ma'am kakapigil sa tawa nya mukhang may sapi!
Sep: (starts to laugh herself) Ikaw talaga Chivas!!! Gusto matulog ni Ma'am eh ang ingay ingay mo.
I let out a snort as well. Haha!

I did want to get get some shuteye and I managed to. I fell asleep because the massage was really good.

When we were done, they served us with hot tea. They were very very nice and really good with their service. Mama and I plan to come back.

Post-Valentine Greeting

To redeem myself from my response to Tina's "Happy Valentine!!!" greeting last Thursday...which came off as a funny albeit bitter "Pffffttttt!!!" (with matching face hahaha!!!), I am posting one of my favorite songs (and what could actually be the soundtrack of my non-existent lovelife) The Real Thing by Kalapana. I dedicate this song to all my dear single girlfriends Tina, Che, Kathy, Dada, Dietz and Michelle. The song says it all and it is my prayer that that one person meant for you would find his way to you soon.

Here comes the night
Once again
I'll be feeling lonely
Oh, if only things could work out like you plan
Where can love be
Tell me why it's so hard to find somebody
Who will stand by me
And take the time to understand
And show me love again

I want the real thing
Or nothing at all
I need someone that I can be sure will catch me
If I should fall
Someone who'll be there when I call
Then I'll know that it's the real thing
I want the real thing
To hold me each night
Someone to love me over and over
Making the future bright
Oooohh someone who'll be there when I call
Just give me the real thing

Where is the moon?
Won't it smile
On just one more dreamer
Let your beams come down
And fill my empty room
Here comes the night
But if there's still a chance
That love can find me
I'll be here
Crossing my fingers

I want to know for sure
That I can feel secure
Knowing I've found an everlasting love
And once I get that under control
Then I won't let go

Facing the Inevitable

I have been nursing my cough and colds for the longest time now and I was never one to immediately go to the doctor if I feel something is a little off with me. However, I started to feel alarmed when last week, I have been having on and off fever for three consecutive nights. I also do not want to continue to tire out Mama at night when I have my coughing feats while she monitors my temperature as well. I never really liked going to the doctor but then I realized I had to when I felt pain creeping up my left ear as well as chest pains and headaches I cannot brush aside. I went to see my doctor as the weekend closed in because I wanted bronchitis and pneumonia to be ruled out. Thank God because my trusted pulmonologist Dr. Mateo said I had nothing to worry about and that it was just my asthma not being controlled. She ended up giving me three different steroids, an anti-asthma, and antibiotics for three days. I got myself an organizer for my medicine and it was quite funny as I got one from my Lola (daig ko pa si Lola since yung organizer ko ang laki hahaha!). I am due to be back at her clinic after three months. I really hope everything turns out all right since it will be very busy at work for the next 3-4 months.

To everyone who sent in their warm thoughts and well wishes, thank you!

I Got Tagged!

I never took part in tagging activities in the blogosphere. However, as I am in the mood for one now (and out of kahiyaan to E), I am responding to the 25 Random Things About Me. Off the top of my head are the following:

1. I am wearing my yellow smurf statement shirt saying I'M GROUCHY.
2. I just had a very good breakfast from the JEEPNEY Deli.
3. I can cut my finger nails without looking at them.
4. I love dark chocolates.
5. I am now a Fango Facial junkie.
6. I am neck-deep in work but I am also learning to destress and let go.
7. I am blessed to have a family who's always there for me, and wonderful friends who always got my back.
8. I destress with a glass or two of sangria.
9. I love Larry's Bar's Choco-e Martini and strawberry shisha.
10. I can make my irises disappear as I roll my eyes, and can sustain it for a while. (Hahaha! Freaky I know!)
11. I own an action sampler which is a gift from my sister.
12. I have a lot of booze at home, and maybe I'll bring some to Osang's room this week.
13. I have yet to do tita's request.
14. I finally got the closure I was waiting for...on my birthday no less.
15. I learned that work is just work, and that at the end of the day, how you know and define yourself are the things that really matter.
16. I just learned that the adage "Keep your friends close and your enemies closer" can be true.
17. I like somebody a lot...shhhhh hahahah!
18. I have been dreaming in color lately (I vividly remember a blue hawaiian shirt).
19. I do not like guys (or anyone for that matter) with no sense of purpose or direction in life.
20. I have blueberry bagels expired in the fridge.
21. I envision myself settling somewhere else with my own family.
22. I miss my sister and papa, and I also miss the beach.
23. I miss my pencil collection.
24. I am looking forward to repainting the house and fixing up the spare room.
25. Currently, my dream destination is Santorini, Greece.

I am not one to tag people but if you want to answer this post, then by all means do so. I hope that you learned something new about me. :)

Day Off

No, this post is not about that show on QTV with Carmina Villaroel and Pekto:p Hahaha! It just so happened that I really really love the weekends now and I love spending time with Mama. I call our weekends our day off. Mama and I just usually go to the mall, the Midtown mall being our favorite go-to place. My favorite frozen yogurt is available there, and my aesthetician Ate Jo, Mon, and Jonel also work at Fix at the Robinson's Place, Manila. Too bad that when we moved to Paranaque, it takes twice as long to go there than when we were still in QC. But hey, we still go there whenever we can. We are still right at the withdrawal stage (hindi nga maka-withdraw eh:p).

This weekend dayoff took quite an unexpected turn since last night, when I got home, our water supply got cut. I called Maynilad and found out that we will not have water supply until tomorrow noon. I cannot not have water supply. I just can't!!! Immediately, I thought that Mama and I should just get out of there and check-in at some place where there's water. Hindi kami pwedeng magtiis na walang tubig kasi pareho kami magsusungit at mangangamoy. Hahaha! I immediately booked at the Intercon after some research. I remember that their newly-renovated rooms are reasonably priced based on the recent Christmas get-together my UP girlfriends and I had. Besides, the location is superb and it will be very convenient for us to meet up with Tita Baby and Tito Gen tomorrow, before Tita Baby flies back to the US.

Mama managed to get a hair treatment and I forced myself to get a facial (thanks to FVR, related story to follow). I got the Fango Facial at The Spa (at the old Greenbelt) which was just what I needed. Parang niliha yung mukha ko and I felt the mask tighten my skin, para talagang ni-vacuum pack yung mukha ko. I love it! Pia was my aesthetician and when I come back, she will be the one I will look for. Thanks Pia!

Mama and I met up at SM where she shopped for curtains and I got us some shawarma for dinner. Hehehe. Once we got back to our room, we decided to take pictures of us as requested by my dear sister EA (please bear with the poses and crazyness).

Singapura 2009

Every time I miss my sister, I just think that she is just a three-hour flight away and that I can just go visit her whenever the time (and budget) permits.

Last December, I booked myself a flight to Singapore as an advanced birthday treat to myself. It was a good excuse as well to visit my sister whom I have not seen in four months. Mama was supposed to come with me but then she will be there in July with Papa.

The minute I saw my sister at the airport, I shouted her name "EA!!! EA!!!" and for more melodramatic effect, she came running towards me and started crying. All my defenses went down the drain when I heard her crying, so while I was shush-ing her, tears rolled down my cheeks as well. Hahaha!

It was a jampacked four days yet it was surprisingly relaxing. We ate at the old Town White Coffee, Aston's, Tori Q, MOS Burger (my fave!), and the takeout section at the new Jurong Mall. Went to Chjimes for a nightout and I got to meet up with old friends too. As a birthday gift, EA treated me to Cinderella, where Lea Salonga played the title role. I had a great time although I was a bit tired. I even got hit on by someone who asked for my number (well it was more of the auntie getting my number, hahaha) while my sister and I were having brunch one morning.

Given how I love my sister and how much I miss her to death, what some people call Singa-bore might just as well be my second home.

Birthday Post

Dear God,

I thank You for my third decade. Never did I imagine that I will make it this far considering how my health has deteriorated in the past couple of months.

I thank You for my family, my mama, my papa, my dear sister ea, my dear cousins jeri and jeo, my tita mia and tito jing, my lola, my tito oweng and tita liz, and cousin jec, my tita baby and tito gen, and cousin alex for always being there for me, in good times and in bad. They have seen me shine and they have seen me at my darkest hour but they always believed in me. They are the reasons why I am the way I am and why I am right where I should be. I thank you for surrounding me with people who keep me sane and grounded as they love me unconditionally.

I thank you for wonderful friends who never forget and have always stayed at my side throughout the years. Thank you for Michelle, for being my soul sister, secret keeper, and dream sharer. With her, I can be myself without being judged. Thank you for Ela, for bringing the extra zest and kick in what could be my outrageously ultra normal life. I am grateful for our ocassional chats and banters because these are a welcome respite to what could be a very stressful workday. Thank you for my college friends, Ren, Tina, Kathy, Da, Yas, Pola, and Che because they always got my back. I know I can run to them when something's troubling me. I thank you for Eric and Dietz as well. You brought them into my life for a reason. Thank you for Osang, a real friend I found at the office. They say one seldom finds genuine friendship at the workplace, but in her I did. Thank you for Yong as he always brings laughter in my life. Thanks for Cha, despite our petty fights. I consider her family and she's always been there for me. I thank you for Maan, Kai, Khaye, Paulynne, Kat, Pia, Tati, Kevin, and Paz. Their friendships I treasure despite the distance.

I thank you for all the trials I have been going through, those that I have surpassed, and those that I have yet to go through. I know that through these, you are turning me into someone precious, like a diamond that has to go through fire to achieve the right cut, carat, and clarity.

I thank you for my job which I still love to do. I ask for You to continuously guide me so that I will continue to make the right choices, no matter how difficult they are.

Always help me be a better person, as I start a new decade. May I always be a light to others as I try live my life in Your name.

Your Loving Daughter,
Ana

Finally!!!

Finally, I got to make my wireless router work. It's been a while since I have posted anything on this blog and on any other online account I maintain for that matter.

Finally, I got to change the look of this blog and the very essence of it. Why I changed it, is only something I would know of. Let's just say that I have been going through some rough patches lately and that I find and derive inspiration from the theme of the movie Bruce Almighty. I changed the URL and I changed the look since I want my former blog template to take a more positive turn. (Nakikisabay na rin sa theme ni Obama na change:p Incidentally it is the US President-Elect's inauguration)

Finally, I will get the chance to thank the people who truly matter to me and who stood by me in good times and in bad. These people have touched my life in more ways they can ever imagine. Mama, Papa, EA, Tita Mia, Lola, Tita Baby, Tito Gen, Tito Eric and family, Tito Oweng, Tita Liz, Jerome, Jeri, Yong, Kevin, Ela, Joey, Chelle, Maan, Tatiana, Osang, Jenny, Tina, Che, Kathy, Dada, Pola, Renren, Rizza, Kat, Pia, and Paulynne...thank you for making life bearable and fun. Having all of you in my life makes me feel so blessed and humbled. I thank the good Lord for blessing me with all of you.

Finally, some pictures that will sum up the year that was. I have come full circle last year. I loved, lost, moved forward, learned a LOT of lessons both personally and professionally, and I probably even soared. These experiences did come at a price, but each was well worth it. There are things I have done in 2008 I do not want to repeat in 2009, dreams I intend to fulfill, and difficult decisions I expect to make this year.

Two for the Road

I need to write about this just to get it out of my system. I have never cussed in my life the way I did this evening. A cab driver earned my ire when he hit my left side mirror. I would have let it slide had he been apologetic and showed some respect and remorse. He was not even on the right lane and was actually trying to cut me!!! The nerve of that dumbass. I asked him to get out of the cab so we could talk like civilized adults. He went straight to my side mirror, felt it for scratches then said "Wala namang tama eh. Ikaw kasi mashado kang madikit!". That made me snap and I cussed the hell out of him. He strode back to his cab and drove away. I followed him and drove like a devil until I got the operator's number and reported the incident. I also reproted it to the LTFRB. It somehow made me feel better so now I am letting it go, but with a few chest pains to boot. Hahaha! Oh dear God, help me be a better person.

Yesterday was different though. I made my first traffic violation: SWERVING. Fortunately for me, I chanced upon a kind traffic police officer. He already had a ticket ready, and was pointing the directions to the Guadalupe main office of the MMDA when I said, "Boss, di ko po maaasikaso yan, busy na po ako next week eh. Bayaran ko na lang po yung penalty. How much is it gonna cost me?" to which he replied "500 ma'am." It was an ooopppsss moment because I did not have any cash apart from the 70 pesos I had in my wallet. I said "Boss paano po yan? Wala na po ako cash pero willing po talaga ako magbayad ng penalty." He could have said it is my problem not his but all he said was, "Okay Ma'am, I'll take care of this. Wag nyo na lang po uulitin." and just like that, I was off the hook. There is still goodness in this world I guess, despite the existence of some dumbass cab drivers.

Out Sick and Finding Ways to Make Me Feel Better

The pictures I chose for this post are proof of my successful attempt to feel better. These pictures, in one way or another, made me smile and reminded me of really really good times. I never fail to miss the people in these pictures as well as the places I took pictures of. I have a lot more pictures. Too tired and worn out to look for and post them though. Maybe next time.

Bangkok Chronicle

I am back after three days of being missing in action. Where have I been people might wonder...I just got back from a three-day break with my family in Thailand, Bangkok to be more precise. I had a great time if only for the fact that this was the first time in quite a while (as in really really long time) that I went on a trip with the entire family. When I travel, it's either just me and a friend (or sometimes a group of friends) or me and my sister. But this time, it was different. It's actually quite refreshing to travel with them and this time I got to take care of them. From checking in, to boarding, up to queueing at the immigration, I was in charge. And it felt really good knowing that my parents trusted me in those situations. Apart from sight-seeing in the temples, the floating market, the flashy cabs (in hot pink, purple, red, and yellow-green) and tuktuks, and the crazy shopping, I would say without a doubt that Manila is still lovelier than Bangkok. The loveliest parts of Bangkok were concentrated in Historical Rattanakosin. In there were the Wat Phra Kaeo, Wat Arun Ratchawararam, Wat Pho (where the biggest reclining buddha can be found) among the many other beautiful temples. We did not get to walk around the Grand Palace but we saw it from outside and it truly was majestic and beautiful. I can only imagine what it's like inside. But going back, I would say again that Manila is lovelier than Bangkok. For one thing, I appreciate the effort we Filipinos give in speaking English and that we really are a bunch of warm and friendly people. While I was there, I had a tremendously hard time communicatiing with people. Case in point: Sister and I went to Swenssen to try their ice cream. We ordered four scoops (two chocolate peanut butter, one plain sticky chocolate, and one rhum raisin...yummy!!!) one for each of us (including our parents) to go, for take out. When our orders arrived, it was in four separate cups but sans the cover. I asked for a cover since we ordered it to go. What did they do? They got the three scoops and put it in one plastic platter which appears to be a cover, to my dismay. Everything went downhill from there. Hahaha! Imagine my embarrassment when I had to take a 10-minute walk from there to our hotel. By the time we got to our parents' room, the ice cream was already melted. One thing I noticed though, was there were no flies swarming in Bangkok despite the not-so-clean surroundings. I wonder why...Pollution level is almost the same as what we have here in Manila. And don't get me started with the traffic. Although we went by foot for most of the time going to our destination (read: shopping centres), I experienced it to and from the airport most especially when we were in downtown Bangkok. Our tour guide, Mr. Heing advised us to just walk from our hotel since it was conveniently located near the shopping malls. He also taught us how to just ignore the tuktuk drivers who were notorious for bringing you where THEY want and not where you actually would like to go. Shopping in Bangkok was great in the sense that you really have a lot of choices as a shopper and it is cheaper (well somehow). The Platinum Mall for instance, is a one-stop fashion centre. It has six levels with just clothes and shoes in it. Beside it is the Computer City, a one-stop shop for the techies and geeks which has about five levels. Boot copies of your favorite movies could be found in here, as well as the latest in computer software and hardware. The highlight for me was the part where my sister and I explored Siam. We initially walked and explored with our parents but Mama and Papa were too tired to continue walking with us, aside from the fact that they were scheduled to watch a show and experience Bangkok's night life that time. Me and my sister were very persistent to get to Siam since she wanted to see the Siam Ocean World which was located at the basement of The Siam Paragon. It was really tiring since we had to pass through the Isetan (a shopping center on its own), the Central World Plaza (a very big shopping center as well and I liked and really nice), and a walkway very similar to what we have to get to Greenbelt only the stretch was longer. It was all worth it though. The walk was tiring but never stressful. And when we got to the Paragon, I was floored. Hahaha! Pucci, BV, Jimmy Choo among other designers were housed in that very upscale mall. I felt sad and sorry that we would be gone by the time the 70 percent sale would be on for most of the shops. Yet relief flooded me as well since I was be able to walk away unscarred (naks! well financially at least hehe). After our Ocean World adventure, my sister realized that we were too tired to walk all the way back to our hotel and that taking the cab was not an option since we were afraid to be ripped off and that we did not want to deal with difficult drivers. So we braced ourselves to take the Sky Train which eventually turned out to be a really good experience. My belief in myself that I was good in interpreting maps was reaffirmed:p There really was no need to be afraid as long as you know how to read, interpret, and ask when in doubt. I had a slight boo boo though. Hahaha! While my sister and I were trying to get a shot of The Paragon which will include me (read: a headshot with The Paragon on the background), the guard in the train station blew his whistle on us since I was about to be hit by the train while I ducked for a shot. Silly me, I was looking the opposite way for any oncoming trains. I forgot that this was a right-hand drive country and everything was the opposite in terms of my orientation. Teehehe. But I couldn't care less. They don't know us...or me anyway. Hahaha. But it would have been shocking, me being hit by a train and getting killed on the spot, all because of a headshot. Tsk tsk tsk. It would have been a rather apt though not-so-good end to a trip that didn't start well either. On our flight out to Bangkok, my tinted moisturizer was confiscated at the airport as well my Benetint. After fussing over the cologne which I had in my purse and transferred to our checked in luggage, I forgot I had those essentials in my purse as well. After overcoming the sadness and the sense of loss I felt, I shed a few tears out of frustration because I felt really stupid to not have remembered they were in my purse too. But nothing will beat what I got from the flight attendant when we were about to board. SInce I just finished crying then, I was wearing my old trusty pair of shades to cover my puffy eyes. Then the flight attendant, after I presented my boarding pass says..."The shades ma'am, for eye check." It could not have come at a better time. Hehehe. I attached some pictures for your amusement. (Pictures from top to bottom: 1. airport structure; 2. the Biggest Reclining Buddha; 3. a view at the Central World Mall; 4. Seahorses in Siam Ocean World; 5. Me and Me-an at the Central World Complex; 6. Me camwhoring in our hotel room; 7. family shot in one of the temples; 8. a buddhist columbarium; 9. just outside one of the temples we visited; 10. Me and Me-an camwhoring again; 11. an interesting signage...fresh...alive...scary:p; 12. hot pink cab)

Happy New Year!!!

That this blog has been neglected, is an understatement to say the least. It sucks I know but hey, I won't allow this to stop me from wishing everyone a Happy 2007!!!

My last post was in August?!? What have I been doing the past few months you might ask? A lot of things actually. Family and I moved to a new place, had to settle in, shop for things to fill the place, and a lot other things. Grabeh! The year 2006 went by in a blur with all its craziness, changes, dramas, highs, and lows. But all in all, it was a good year for me and my family. The past year wasn't all that rosy but it ain't that bad either. In fact, when the clock struck at 12 midnight to signal that the new year has arrived, all I ever thought of was how grateful I am for the life I have, filled with family, friends, and love(cheesy na kung cheesy!!! hehe). I did come up with a list of what I intend to do more of and what I want to rid myself of this year. You know me, I am a work in progress. I will keep the list to myself though (para di mausog). But I do hope that all of us would have a great year ahead and that each of us would be inspired to be better persons that we ought to be.

Happy new year everyone!!!