Radio Idol

After being off work for a week, I'm back in the office. I came back just last Friday evening. I was supposed to come back last Thursday night, but because of the heavy rains that flooded our village's streets, I couldn't get to work. So, I had to extend my Vacation Leave.

I did a lot of things during my Leave, but there are only a very few highlights to my week-long hiatus. Some of which I have already posted up here. But what I didn't share was what I did after the Dermatologist appointment!

After my Mom and I went to the Dermatologist on the day before my Birthday, I dropped myself off in Ortigas Center to audition for Radio Idol of Monster Radio RX 93.1. For those who don't know what Radio Idol is, it's the DJ Search of the hottest Radio Station in Manila, RX 93.1.

It was the last day of auditions, and I wanted to try it out, just for kicks. I was a lot apprehensive at first, but with some encouragement from my good friend, Eric, I went ahead.

Although I looked cool and composed on the outside, I was shaking like a Magnitude 7.8 earthquake on the inside. I was THAT scared!

Anyway, there were only 4 people auditioning ahead of me, so all the butterflies in my tummy started to flutter furiously. To alleviate my nervousness, I spoke with my fellow auditionee to pass the time.

When my time came, I wanted to faint! The guy who facilitated my Audition was the RX DJ, Rico Robles. He's just soooo H-O-T! He's definitely my type. And this made me more nervous! Jeeze!

The audition was more like an interview that was recorded. I was asked to introduce myself, where I came from, why I auditioned, etc. Then, Rico asked me to read a whole paragraph filled with tongue twisters! The paragraph was indecipherable! As in, It did not make any sense at all! It was so funny.

I left the audition relieved that I got it over with. And I was still alive and in one piece!

Nobody knew I went to the auditions. Only 2 people knew. My Mom and Eric. I didn't want anybody to know 'coz I felt embarrassed. Hehe!

Last Friday, September 16, a week after I auditioned, the station played my audition thing, along with 25 other auditionees. Although I didn't make the cut for the next stage, I felt relieved nonetheless. I didn't expect to get in anyways! At least, I can say that I tried! Lol!

That morning, before the auditions were played, my cousin, Aissa, found out that I auditioned, through another cousin who heard my name being announced on the radio as one of the auditionees. She totally flipped out when she learned that I auditioned! She listened to my audition, and we both laughed at the outcome ("Not Worthy!!!")! Hehehe! She did say, however, that I sounded quite nice on the radio.

Well, there's still a next year! Lol! Maybe I could muster up more courage to bring out my innate perkiness! Hahaha!

I am Elaine, and I want to be the Next Radio Idol!!!

My Birthday...

It was my birthday last Saturday, September 10, and I really had a blast. It was one of the best birthdays I've had, thus far. Save for some minor irritating events, it was so great!

First, I was able to see and play with my little bundles of joy, Matt and Auie. They're just so special... Awww... I was happy cradling Auie while the whole family was chatting away at the balcony of my Uncle's house. She was so peaceful that it made it a joy just to hold her. She wasn't fussy at all.

Matt was so sweet as well! He just made my day! He was cuddling with everyone and was very entertained by all the airplanes passing overhead. He's such a doll! He also enjoyed giving me butterfly kisses! Sweet! And, what's more heart-warming, was the way he'd kiss his little sister's head when he's near her. Awww...

My birthday lunch was like a feast! I had all my favorite food, thanks to my Uncle and Aunts! They served my Uncle's Paella (my Favorite!), Chicken Balls, Spring Rolls, Clam Soup, Salad, and my other favorite, Dinuguan, which my Aunt commissioned from her neighbor. My Mom and I also ordered some Chicken Cordon Bleu, Meatloaf and Pancit. For dessert, we had Coconut Sherbet, which we also ordered from our favorite caterer. Yum!

When everyone started packing up to go home at around 5:30PM, my brother came and asked me if I had anything planned for the evening. His clients, San Miguel Beer, had an event in Malate and he wanted to see if I'd like to go with him. Of course I wanted to go! It's rare to get into events like that anyways.

So we went home, got dressed and went to Gilligan's Island Grill in Malate, with our cousin, Aissa, in tow.

While at Gilligan's, Aissa and I just sat at the table watching the event start. It was the Enduro San Mig Light Bar Tour. When I looked at the table infront of ours, I noticed this girl. I thought I knew that person from my previous stint at PeopleSupport. She was a close friend, but we lost contact after I left PS. But I had doubts. I didn't want to embarrass myself on my birthday, so I called up my other friend, Karen, to ask for her number. When I got back to our table, the people on the table infront of us were already paying their tab, getting ready to go.

When I got Karen's SMS with our friend's phone number, I called her up immediately, as she and her companions were already walking to their car. I said, "Hey Flora! It's Elaine Corpin! Do you still remember me?" And she says, "Of course! How are you?" I said I was okay. Then, I proceeded to ask her if she was in the Malate area. She said she was, so I told her that I just saw her at Gilligan's and that I was at the table behind theirs! We had a laugh, and she said she'd love to go back , but she's already in the car. A few seconds later, she told me that she was already near the intersection where I was standing! I walked up to her car and we hugged through her window!

It was really nice to see Flora again! It had been a pretty long time since I saw her last. And what a day to see her again, too! On MY Birthday, of all days! WHo would've thought?!? I remember we used to go out for drinks until we got tipsy! Hahaha!

Anyway, my cousin and I were getting pretty bored with the event, so we decided to leave my brother and ask our friend, Patty, out for coffee. We drove from Malate, all the way to Quezon City to pick up Patty. We, then, went to Tomas Morato and settled at the Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf beside Ratsky's.

It has also been a while since I last saw Patty. We had a blast! We talked about the crazy love life of my cousin, and caught up with each other. We just talked over coffee, tea and chocolates. It was more fun than the time we spent at Gilligan's.

We stayed at Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf until about 1:00AM, because Dave, my brother, who joined us after his event in Malate, wanted to go home and take his contacts off already. Since it was already late anyways, we decided to head home.

All in all, I had a great birthday. Except for a few minor problems here and there, it was fantastic! And all these I did with my face peeling all over! Lol!

Just A Little Something...

Okay, this is just a little something that I am doing for one of my favorite cousins, who I have briefly mentioned in my past entries.

She was bugging me a while ago to greet her in my BLOG... So, here it goes...

A Big HELLO to...

AISSA FIDES KRISTA
CORPIN-SOCORRO

There, Aiss, happy now? Lol!

Love you, Fissan!

Vanity... Not My Favorite Sin

Have you guys seen "The Devil's Advocate?" It's the movie with Keanu Reeves, Al Pacino and Charlize Theron. It isn't my most favorite film, but it struck a cord in me. It was something that John Milton (Al Pacino's Character) mentioned.

"Vanity is definitely MY Favorite Sin."

Well, it ain't mine! That's for sure!

If you know me, you'd know that I am not one for washing my face, or putting on moisturizers, toners, creams, sunblock, and what have you. Ack! Not in my lifetime! I hardly even put any perfume on! I'm perfectly happy with the Johnson's Baby Cologne that I use everyday! It seems that I do not have a single drop of vanity in my body.

But today... The Day before my 26th Birthday, I'm forced to learn the ways of vanity. I had to take on a beauty regimen! Que Horror!

Let me tell you how this all happened... It's a very sad story, I tell you! So, read on...

I got up early today. Considering that I'm on leave, getting up at 8:30 AM is already early for me. In fact, way too early! I wanted to sleep until the sun is burning it's hottest, but alas! It was not meant to be.

My Mom woke me up and told me to get ready. We were going to the Dermatologist. Although my Mom is already a Dermatologist, she was being trained by another Doctor on some of the new procedures and services that could help expand my Mom's business. And I was gonna be her Guinea Pig!

So, off we went to the far flung municipality of San Juan to the clinic of the Dermatologist-Mentor of my Mom. After waiting for about 2 hours, my stomach started grumbling. So I went out and grabbed me some grub. (Lol!) When I got back, I had to wait for another hour before my Mom called me into the Treatment Area.

The Doctor started to wash my face with a Cleanser and put some Cucumber slices on my eyes before starting the Steamer. Then, she proceeded to prick the pimples that populated my face. It wasn't as traumatic as I thought. I've gone through traumatic facials before, and it got me so scared. But this particular Doctor was very light-handed. I barely felt anything. Except maybe when she began picking on my 2 "problem pimples." That was... Eeeekkk!!!

Then, after everything, she gave me a skin care regimen that I have to follow for a few weeks. Ack! The horror!

It would've been okay if she told me to just wash my face with a certain soap, or put ice on my face to prevent swelling and to help in the peeling. But NO! She had to give me 3 different creams and 4 different liquid solutions that I have to apply on my face in the morning and in the evening! I can now hear reverberations that sounds eerily like the background music in every horror movie ever made!

Oh! The tragedy of having pimples! Why did I have to develop them at this age?!? I was doing perfectly well with my skin, until this year! Agh! What I have to do to remain pretty! (There goes my modesty, marching out the door!)

Wish me luck, everybody... I hope I can stick to this new routine!

I say... "VANITY... It's Definitely NOT My Favorite Sin!"

Overbreak!

I'm such a schlemiel! What a dork!

Why, you ask? It's funny, actually... Petty, even...

I was 38 minutes overbreak! Aaarrghh!

There goes my Schedule Adherence!

Darned my cellphone! You see, I use my cellphone as my alarm everytime I have a break, so that I could be aware of the time. Unfortunately, my cellphone died on me during my lunch break! Aarrrgghh!

What's worse is that I was asleep during that break, so when I woke up, I was shocked at the time! Jeeze!

Bad, Elaine! Next time, don't sleep when your cellphone is running low on batteries!

Well, there goes my Sched Adherence everyone... Say good-bye to it! Good thing it's my last day for the week. And I'm gonna be on leave! Yipee!!!

High School Life, Oh My High School Life...

A few posts back, I mentioned about having quite a problem connecting or catching up with the people from my past. This means the people from my previous work, from College, and more particularly, those from High School.

Before I begin, let me just forewarn you that the following post is angst-ridden. So please indulge me...

I have never been a very social person. I'm painfully shy and silent when faced with something new. But apparently, my diffidence comes off to people as being indifferent and unfriendly. It is because of this that I've lived a solitary life in High School.

High School at the De La Salle Zobel was the worst 4 years of my entire existence. I barely had any friends in High School, and thanks to my batchmates, I had Zero Self-Esteem. Oh the price I had to pay to transfer schools!

I hated my High School life. I hate it still. I know hate is such a strong word, but it is just the way I feel. I was dissed in all those 4 years, man! I never really felt welcomed in Zobel. Don't get me wrong, I liked my teachers. Yes, even the meanies! They were good to me. Thank goodness!

Why do I feel dissed? Why am I so bitter against these people? Hmmm... Why nga ba?

Well, first off, they were not very accommodating. Yes, I did encounter some friendly people, but some of the people they were friends with, weren't. So... Nothing.

Then, there were the annoying people, who were "Outcasts" of the batch. Though I was also an outcast, I wasn't as annoying as they were. I was more of the silent type. I'd keep to myself, for fear of being ostracized even more. I didn't mingle with them, but I didn't shun them, either.

I remember eating alone on the benches along the walkway to the canteen, or behind the Grade One Classrooms, near the playground.

Whenever Bro. Felix was in his office, I'd be greatly relieved. I'd eat in his office and play Cards with him and all those little kids mulling around his room. At least I wouldn't look like a stupid moron eating alone in full view of everybody.

I also remember being picked last in every group activity. I felt like a good ball-player that none of the teams wanted. I was only picked when they had no choice, and when no other people were available. Just great! Sometimes, I'd end up doing a group activity alone! Nice!

I took these all in stride. I didn't let it eat me alive. I didn't let it bother me much. All I knew was that I had to get through the day, and get on with life. And I did.

I was able to survive these tumultuous times by writing letters to my friends and cousins. Long letters at that. My binders were filled with pages of notes addressed to people outside the school. I wrote about good things and how much I've missed them. I never let them know how much distressed I was at school.

It also helped that I was already with the Bukas Loob Sa Diyos (BLD) Youth Ministry at that time. I was able to turn to God when I felt like giving up. I looked to Him in the silence around me, during those alone times at Lunch. I was living a dejected life, but I did not mind. I found the comfort and friendship I was looking for, from my Schoolmates, in God and in my friends in Community.

But having solace in God didn't come without a price, which I didn't mind paying. I was branded as a Goody-goody. I was the Bible-Bearing "Madre From St. Scho." (Nun from St. Scholastica's). It gave me a harder time in school, but I didn't care. My faith in God held me up.

I thought I would be able to graduate High School without shedding a solitary tear out of desolation. But one event really shook off the last ounce of Self-Esteem I had, and left me in a total mess. I remember the day clearly as if it was only yesterday.

It was our Senior Year Retreat. It was supposedly for the bonding of our Class. It was designed for everyone to make amends with their past and their present, in preparation for our futures.

Since it was an Overnight Event, we were asked to choose a roommate. There would be 2 people in 1 Room. Of course, your roomie has to be of the same sex (duh!). And unfortunately for the girls, there would be a room that would have to be shared by 3 people. During the room assignments, I was absent (due to stress-induced asthma), which left me no choice but to be the odd one out, as usual.

A few days before the Retreat, one of my classmates, let's call her C, approached me and asked if I already had a room to stay at during the retreat. I said no, and C quickly offered to take me in. I was relieved, knowing that I now had somewhere to sleep in during the Retreat. I wouldn't mind sleeping on the floor, as long as I had a room to sleep in.

On the day of the Retreat, we were given the keys to our rooms. C handed me the keys to our room and told me to go on ahead and settle in as they would be hanging out with their friends before they come up. I went to the room, placed my things neatly on the dresser and left enough space for C and our other roommate.

The day wore on with our activities and reflections. After the last activity, we all came up to turn in. Most of the class were still wide awake and jumping between rooms. I stayed in our room beacuse C and the other roomie did not have the keys.

A knock came to the door and it was C. She was already in her sleepwear. I didn't notice that her things and the other roomie's weren't in the dresser. I was in the middle of reading the Retreat Letters that my friends from the community gave me, when C came in.

She sat at the bed across from mine and gently spoke. She told me that they were bunking with our other classmates, a few doors down the hall. She said that some people told them something about me, but C didn't expound on it. It was enough for her and the other roomie to ask their friends if they could bunk with them.

With a calm and composed face, I said it was alright and that I understood. My heart wanted to explode right then and there. C apologized and subsequently left the room. I locked the door just as the tears started to roll down my face.

When I got back to bed, my body was already shaking violently with heavy sobs. Never in my life have I felt so betrayed and so humiliated. I broke down! I felt that no one could ever console me at that point. I wanted to go home badly. I sobbed through the pillows so that no one would hear through the thin walls.

Then, I remembered the letters I got. I mustered all my strength to pull them out and read them. As I read each one, I felt my body rocking the bed as I cried. Each letter, from my friends in Community, expressed the love, affection and appreciation I have never received from any of my Classmates. I cried long and hard, because I was bewildered at how these people, who I only see once a week, knew more about me, appreciated and loved me. And here were the people I spent everyday with, reducing me to such an abominable person, without even bothering to know who I really was.

Suffice it to say, my Senior Retreat did nothing for me but crush my spirits. Thank goodness it was almost the end of the school year when that happened, so I was still able to drag myself through the next few weeks. The love and appreciation of my friends from Community gave me enough strength and will to move on.

When graduation came, I was more than elated... I was relieved! I did not have to see any of my persecutors again and they would not be able to undermine me anymore. I can now start a new life in College.

In all fairness, there were a handful of my Batchmates who were very kind to me and even became my friends. The people from Zobel who made my brief stay bearable, still remain special to me (though they may not know it), and I thank them with all my heart. The least I can do, is to acknowledge their generous spirit and their unconditional friendship. So I say thanks to Frederick Halcon, Janet Guinto, April Yu, Gerrie delos Reyes, Dominique Tuazon, Bjorn Buenaventura, and Clemens Sabitsana. There are some more people who were nice to me in those 4 years, but the names escape me at the moment.

Honestly, if I didn't have a relationship with God at that time, I would have given up a long time before. But the Lord gave me the strength, resolution and courage to face my every day. He held me up, when I felt that I couldn't go through anymore. He shielded and toughed me up, so that I wouldn't get hurt. And I survived a harsh Self-Esteem ravaging, because I had the Lord to back me up.

Now, I am stronger because of all this. I no longer am the passive, mousy outcast who lets everyone sideswipe me. Not anymore. Lol!

Looking Forward

I have so much to look forward to this week.

First, my Birthday is coming up on Saturday. Yipee! On the down-side, though, I'll be adding another year to my age. Honestly, I'd rather stay 25 forever. It's a nice solid number. Easy to remember.

My birthday is worth looking forward to, not only because I'll celebrate it, but because I'll be seeing my babies again! Whoopee!

According to my Ate, Auie has grown a bit since I last saw her. And Matthew lost some weight, too. Aww, poor Matty. I heard he's having some problems adjusting to his new baby sister as the time passes. Note to Self: Remember to shower Matt with more attention.

I'm also looking forward to a nice long break. Starting September 9, the day before my birthday, I will be on Leave from work. I'll be back on September 16. Ahhh... I can almost hear Jason Mraz singing... "And We Sleep All/We Sleep All Day/Sleep All/We Sleep All Day Over..."

But after 6 days off work, I will be going back to face it again. Back to Reality. Not that I dislike work or anything. It's just that it bores me to death sometimes. So, I have to make the most out of my vacation.

Which reminds me... My mom's bringing me to another Cosmetic Dermatologist to have my face cleaned on Friday. Not that I need it much. She's also bringing me in to get a Diamond Peel Treatment! The heck?!? Lol!

A Survey... Yet Again!

I have just logged out of Friendster, where I got this rather interesting Survey from my friend, Duke (or Kim, or smokinflip).

In want of better things to do, since I am awake anyways, I decided to fill it out. And... Read on...

--- o O o ---

01. Your Name? ~ Elaine
02. Hobbies? ~ (At the moment) Sleeping, Surfing the Net, Driving, Discovering New Places to Eat.
03. Gender? ~ Female
04. School? ~ DLSU-Manila
05. Height? ~ 5'4"
06. Zodiac Sign? ~ Virgo

~~ Okay... Where did #7 go?!?
08. Address? ~ Parañaque City
09. Email Address? ~ Ask me personally...
10. Hair? ~ Long, Tied-Back
11. Eye Colour? ~Dark Brown
12. Hair Colour? ~ Naturally Black
13. Right or Left Handed? ~ Righty
14. Status? ~ Single, but Happy.
15. Siblings? ~ 1 Sister, 1 Brother, 1 Half-Brother
16. Last 4 Digits of your Mobile Number? ~ 7748
17. When's your Birthday? ~ September 10 (Hint! Hint!)

=====================
*Have you...*
=====================

~~ Uhh... Where's #18-#20?!?
21. Tried smoking? ~ Yes.
22. Drink alcohol? ~ Yes.
23. Been hurt emotionally? ~ Yes.
24. Kept a secret from anyone? ~ Yes.
25. Been on stage? ~ Yes.

=====================
*Favourites*
=====================

26. Color? ~ Black, Blue, Pink, White, Beige.
27. Food? ~ Japanese, Mexican, American, Italian, Filipino

~~ Once again, another number is missing! Oh well...
29. Number? ~ 7, 13, 25
30. Cartoons? ~ Totally Spies, Kim Possible

~~ What the?!? Can't the Author of this Survey count?
32. Song? ~ My Dream (by Eugene), Byul (by: Yoon Gun), Passion (by: Jewelry), Bring Me To Life (by: Evanescence), Thousand Cranes (by: Hiroshima), My Memory (by: Ryu), Shimnyeoni Jinado (by: Song Seung Hun), All or Nothing (by: O-Town), You Ought To Know By Now (by: Angela Bofill), In The End (by: Linkin' Park), Weak (by: SWV), Tattooed On My Mind (by: D'Sound), Take My Heart Back (by: Jennifer Love Hewitt), My Boo (by: Usher feat. Alicia Keys)

33. Movie? ~ My Sassy Girl, Il Mare, Daddy Long Legs, Everybody Has Secrets, So Close, My Little Bride, Windstruck, Love So Divine
34. Subject? ~ Literature, Debate, Criminal Law, Civil Law, Art, Creative Writing

=====================
*Right Now*
=====================

~~ Jeeze, Louise! Another number gone!
36. Wearing? ~ Blue Tank and Black Shorts
37. Hairstyle? ~ Tied in a Loose Bun
38. Looking At? ~ The growing pile of used tissue infront of me.
39. Thinking Of? ~ If I should cook dinner or not.
40. Listening To? ~ The sound of the rain and the cars passing by.

=====================
*Do You Believe In...*
=====================

41. Love? ~ Maybe.
42. Faith? ~ Yes.
43. Yourself? ~ Sometimes.
44. Ghosts? ~ Nope.
45. Angels? ~ Yes.

=====================
*In The Last 24 Hrs...*
=====================

46. Worn Jeans? ~ No.
47. Cleaned Your Room? ~ No.
48. Cried? ~ No.
49. Met Someone New? ~ Nope.
50. Last Person You Talked To On The Phone? ~ A Client from SG.

=====================
*Love Life*
=====================

51. Do You Believe In Love? ~ Yes.
52. Have A Secret Admirer? ~ I don't know. Isn't that why it's called a "Secret?"
53. Do You Wanna Get Married? ~ Someday.
54. Do You Plan On Having Kids? ~ Yes, of course. If God wills it.
55. How Old Do You Want To Be When You Get Married? ~ You can never say how old you'd be. You may get disappointed when that age passes without getting married. When the right time comes, it will just happen.
56. How Old You Wanna Be When You Have Your Child? ~ Again, you can never tell. Ideally, though, before I hit 35. I still got 9 Years and 5 Days left.
57. How Many Kids Do You Want? ~ At least 2. A Boy and a Girl.
58. Would You Have Kids Before Marriage? ~ It doesn't really matter, but, ideally, I'd like to have them after getting married.
59. Do You Have A Crush? ~ Aren't Crushes for Teens? I've outgrown Crushes, though I still admire gorgeous men!
60. What Do You Want Most In A Relationship? ~ Understanding and Complete Trust.

61. Horror or Action? ~ Action.
62. Kiss or Hug? ~ Both.
63. Summer or Winter? ~ Summer.
64. Sunny or Rainy? ~ Rainy.
65. Chocolate or Vanilla? ~ Vanilla.
66. Hanging Out or Chillin'? ~ Chillin'.
67. Music or TV? ~ Music.
68. Hamburger or Pizza? ~ Big, Fat, Juicy Burgers!
69. Smile or Laughing? ~ Laughing.
70. Sleeping or Eating? ~ Sleeping.
71. McDonald's or KFC? ~ KFC. Finger-lickin' Good!
72. Silver or Gold? ~ Platinum!
73. Sunset or Sunrise? ~ Sunrise.
74. On The Phone or In Person? ~ In Person.
75. Diamonds or Pearls? ~ Diamonds. They're a girl's best friend!
76. Adidas or Puma? ~ Nike.
77. Football or Golf? ~ Football.
78. Local or International Artist? ~ Doesn't Matter.
79. Sneakers or Boots? ~ Sneakers.
80. Jack Daniels or Chivas Regal? ~ Absolut.
81. Dunhill or Marlboro? ~ None.
82. Clubbing or Live Music? ~ Live Music.
83. Johnny Depp or Brad Pitt? ~ Brad Pitt ('coz he's got Angelina Jolie!).
84. Angelina Jolie or Kate Hudson? ~ ANGIE!!! Do you still have to ask me that?!?
85. Epic or Romantic Comedy? ~ Romantic Comedy.
86. Sexy/Naughty or Kind/Plain? ~ Kind/Plain.
87. BMW or Mercedes? ~ Beamer!!!
88. Hiphop or Pop? ~ Pop.
89. Montreal or Toronto? ~ Toronto. Got relatives there!
90. Long Haired or Bald? ~ Bald.
91. Ice Cream or Candies? ~ Ice Cream.
92. Beach or Mountain? ~ Beach.
93. Pepsi or Coke? ~ Coke.
94. DVD or Cinema? ~ DVD.
95. Nokia or Ericsson? ~ Sony Ericsson.
96. 311 or Hoobastank? ~ Hoobastank.
97. Asia or America? ~ US.
98. Tattoo or Piercing? ~ Tattoo.
99. American Idol or Canadian Idol? ~ American Idol (Bo Bice, baby!).
100. Asking or Answering? ~ Answering.

To my friends who are reading this... TAG! You're It! Go ahead and answer the Survey!

UBFHAI Sucks!

For the benefit of those who do not know what UBFHAI means, it's the acronym for United BF Homeowners Association, Inc. It's basically the Group of people running our Village (BF Homes). They, supposedly, take care of the Security, Maintenance, Utilities and the Peace & Order of our community.

Unfortunately, due to the incompetencies and greed of the people running the UBFHAI for the last few years, our community is on the brink of chaos.

Just last week, through the ruling of the Courts, the Parañaque Gates of our Village were opened to the Public. This was the result of a long battle between the Merchants/Business-Owners and the UBFHAI Officers.

You see, the UBFHAI Officers made life and business a living hell for these mere Business-Owners, who line the Commercial Area of BF Homes, by asking exorbitant fees for Stickers and for each Delivery made by their Suppliers! And that was just the tip of the iceberg. More and more non-isolated cases against the UBFHAI Officers emerged, which prompted the majority of Business-Owners to file a complaint with the Office of the Mayor and the Courts as well.

Now that the ruling of the Court has been released, in favor of the Merchants and Entrepreneurs, the Parañaque City Government has taken over the gates of BF Homes, at least the ones under their jurisdiction. To "protect" the interest of the other Homeowners not covered by the Parañaque City's jurisdiction, check-points and guard-rails were put up at the border of the areas under Las Piñas. This meant unnecessary traffic for the streets and areas surrounding these Check-Points. Our street included.

What used to take me just 5 minutes, from the Commercial Hub of BF Homes to our house, now took me 30 minutes because of the traffic. And since our house stands at one of the main thoroughfares in the Village (with 1 of the Check-Points a mere 10 meters from our house), the traffic going home was horrendous! To add insult to injury, some of the annoyed and inconvenienced drivers being held-up by the delays start honking their horns for long periods of time. The noise pollution, that used to be nil in our parts, have filled the air.

Personally, I really find it extremely inconvenient. As most of you know, I work on the Graveyard Shift, and sleep during the day. This meant that my already short and restless sleep, has become far more shorter and more restless, with all the ruckus going on outside. And the dirt that comes through the windows? Terrible!

You'd think that the gates were the only Problem... Think again! The last few days, we've been having a struggle with water. We thought we were the only ones having this problem, since our Pressure Pump and Overhead Tanks had been damaged a few weeks ago, but lo and behold! The WHOLE Village was experiencing the scarcity of the Water Supply! To put it more accurately, the whole village did not have water!

As it turns out, our trusty UBFHAI Officers have not been paying the Electric and Water Bills for the Waterworks of our Village. Now, the Manila Electric Company and the Water Supplier has cut the services provided for the Waterworks, leaving the poor helpless homeowners without water! Now we have to rely on our trusty Water Delivery people to provide us with at least 2 days worth of Water!

I just hope our good Mayor would be able to iron this out for us and make these unscrupulous people of UBFHAI personally responsible for their underhanded ways of running our Village... and FAST!!!

Just One Of Them Days

Below is one of the Entries I have saved to finish at a later date, but, was never able to. This one was dated June 7th. I believe, it was one of those utterly frustrating days at work. But, nevertheless, I'd like to share it.

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I have, finally, broken MY Record for not updating my BLOG. It's been 4 Months and 5 Days since I last made an update.

I've been pretty much hanging on to my wits' end, constantly dealing with people with rambling accents, and ceaselessly aggravated by irresponsible idiots who still think we do our work haphazardly, when they did not even give us any quality training!

Have you people heard of the quote: "For much has been given, much is required?!?"

You guys gave us shit to work with, yet we give you the best service we could provide. We had to work doubly hard so that we don't look like stupid morons when we deal with your clients! So deal with it!

Next time you want us to do good, give us the training we deserve!

Anyway, enough of the banter. I just had to let it out.

Keeping Touch

I just got off the phone with my Bespren, Chie. It's been a long time since we last spoke or even heard from each other. The last time I spoke to her was when my Mom was in Reno, with Chie's family. And my Mom's been in the Philippines since November 2004!

Anyway, Chie is the ONLY Best Bud in the Bay Area that I have who is not related to me.

"I Came. We Met. We Conquered."

I think that would best describe the times I spent with her. It was like gaining a sister, the same age as I am. It was so cool. I had a really good time in the US because of her.

When I came back to the Philippines, we kept in touch. Usually sending random Text Messages or Emails, and occasional Phone Calls. But, as the time flew by, and work took more of our time, the communication lines between us gradually dissipated.

Although the communication was all but severed, I knew, deep in my heart, that Chie would always be my Bespren. A person who would always be special to me, and would one day be the Godmother of my children.

I have been mulling about calling her for the past few days, but I was worried that we might not have enough things to talk about. I was also anxious that we might not be on the same page as we were before. I don't really know what happened, but I was, for the lack of better terms, "inspired" to call her.

As soon as I got settled, from an Over-Time at the office, I called her on her mobile. At first, she thought I was someone else, but when I told her who I was, she was surprised. Then, the line got cut. Darnit! Lol! What a way to spoil the shock!

So, I called her back. She asked me where I was and did not believe me when I said that I was still in the Philippines, since the number reflecting on her Caller ID was a US Number. (Thanks to Modern Technology, our family has a Land Line with a Legit US Number, which we could use in making and receiving Unlimited Calls from the US.)

It took some time to convince her that I wasn't in the US, but she gave in. We catched up on the relevant things and such. It was quite a relief that things turned out fine, depite my numerous hesitations. I found that though we may not be in the same page, we were still in the same chapter. With a little more catching up, we can offset the space and be on the same page once more.

Here's where the challenge lies. Although I am the type of person who would be thoughful of the present, I find it hard to keep in touch with the past, particularly with the People from my past. Which now inspires me to write another entry... Maybe later... Lol!

Anyway, I just hope that through this newly rekindled communication, we could bring back all the times we've lost.
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Hey Chie! I really had a blast talking to you. Salamat talaga! You have no idea how much I've missed you and all those times we spent together in Cali. Hopefully, we could see each other soon, and when that day comes, the World ought to be prepared for us! Right, Nikki Baker?!? Lol!