What's Eating Elaine Today?!?

January 10, 2010

2010-01-10T09:06:00.000+08:00

It's 2010, and I have not been posting my thoughts for quite a long time. And plenty a-thoughts have gone by unsaid.

These past few days, however, have been quite a rollercoaster ride for me. A ride I've never wanted nor would ever want to take again. Last time I felt this way was on the eve of my Birthday. Sigh.

Why do I feel so gullible? Why do I always give my all, my everything? I know I should leave some for myself, but I never do. Now, I'm left with nothing. I just wish my Mom was here so I could have a sounding board for what I'm feeling.

Sigh... What to do, what to do?!?

September 27, 2008

2008-09-27T20:32:00.000+08:00

I am sooo good!!! I am sooo damn good!!!

What can I say?!? After staying up until 4:00AM trying to figure out how to make this darn wireless router work... We're now a Wi-Fi Hotspot!!!

After what seemed like ages that we were disconnected with the entire WWW, we finally got reconnected through Globe Broadband. The tech people from Globelines came over yesterday afternoon and installed our new DSL Connection. Because I was just sooo happy we're connected again, I forgot to ask the Tech People about how to go about connecting the Modem to the Wireless Router. But, then again, they said the connection was Plug-and-Play, so I just dismissed it.

Anyhoots, I tried to connect the Modem to the Router, just like we used to when we had our old ISP, but I wasn't able to connect to the 'Net. Hmmm... I sent an SMS to my brother so he can configure this darn thing. When he came home, we were stumped coz we couldn't get the darn thing to work. He finally gave up after about an hour, and I tried to fix it using my Dad's laptop... As a last ditch effort (it was already 3:30AM!!!), I called up Globelines Tech Support for some help, but since I can connect to the 'Net directly from the Modem cable, they said it might be a problem with the Router.

Since D-Link doesn't have Tech Support in the Philippines, I had to shoot an email to Singapore with our Router problem. After sending the email, I just had to give up. My shoulders were already killing me, and telling me to lie down.

Fast forward to about 9:30PM today. I finally opened my email to find a response from the D-Link Tech Support with instructions on how I can troubleshoot the Router. I called Globelines again to ask whether they use PPPoE (don't ask me what that means, I don't know either!), Static IP (again...???) or Dynamic IP (duh!). After I got my info, I tried it and... VOILA!!! We're WIRELESS!!! Woo-hoo!!!

Now... If I can only make this darn PC to work faster...

September 11, 2008

2008-09-11T00:26:00.000+08:00

My Birthday officially ended about 4 and a half hours ago, and yet I haven't felt like it was really that special. I think, only the beginning of my birthday was the one worth remembering.

Last September 9 was the 40th Day of Tito Pat Lubaton's passing. In the Filipino Catholic culture, we observe it with prayers, the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass & some fellowship (aka. Breaking Bread, aka. Feasting, aka. Eating). Since Tito Pat's family is like my own, I decided to drop by after school, to remember Tito Pat & just show the family my support.

After dinner, my Parents wanted to go home & rest for the day. Chi-Chi, Tito Pat's eldest daughter, and a very good friend of mine, asked my Parents if I could stay longer, and told them that she'll just bring me home. I didn't mind, since I loved catching up with them anyway, and I was looking forward to chatting with Tatee (my Best College Buddy & one of the closest people in my heart, who also happened to be Tito Pat's youngest daughter --- Yan Tatee ha! Youngest!!!) over the net (Tatee lives in Singapore now).

As the night wore on, all of the guests have gone, Tatee already logged off, the late night news was done, and the rain pounded heavily on the roof, I still found myself in the Lubaton residence, just chatting with Chi, Bong, Dennis, Gerard & Tita Cindy. At about 11:45PM, I asked Chi, if it was ok for her to bring me home already, since I had a very early class the next day. Chi went to her Parents' bedroom to, what I assumed was, tell Tita Cindy that I was leaving. I was wondering what kept Chi, when I saw Dennis looking over my shoulder with some confusion. I looked back and I saw Chi holding a Red Ribbon Cake with candles lit!

The Lubatons gave me an impromptu Birthday Celebration right smack at Midnight! To think that the get-together was really just to remember Tito Pat, and not my Birthday. Somehow, I felt that Tito Pat was giving me one last gift for me to remember him by. He wanted me to celebrate the start of my birthday with him and his family. I was so touched! No one had ever given me a cake in such a very long time. And what gave it more meaning, was that Tita Cindy, and her kids, tried to forget their loss for a few minutes to celebrate my life. No one, other than my family, has ever done that for me. I feel blessed. I feel loved. I feel special.

When I got home, I felt at peace. I forgot about my "Birthday Blues" for a while, and I suddenly found it easy to sleep (which is a first!). Unfortunately, I was roused by the sudden clanging of our door bell, announcing that the Water Delivery Service has arrived to fill our tanks. I had to wake my cousin up, while I tried to go back to sleep, which seemed like an impossible feat. I tried in vain, until it was time for me to go to school. I had a big breakfast, and went on my merry way.

The rest of my day was spent in school (for about an hour and a half), in the Internet Shop, trying to be like a Gymnast & balancing on narrow elevations to avoid the floods, and walking around the Mall of Asia with my Mom.

I wanted to go home early, since I wanted to catch up on my sleep, but since the traffic outside was horrendous, my Mom just told me to go with her to the Prayer Meeting, so that someone can also keep her awake while she drove. We got some Starbucks Coffee before we went into Sanctuario De San Antonio for the Community Mass.

I really did not want to go to the Community Mass since I was already tired and had a terrible headache. But I think the Lord had other plans. There was a part of the mass when I really felt the Lord touch me. I started to tear up, but I was able to control myself. I wiped away the tears, and just relished in the experience.

Since my Birthday has already gone to a close, I'd just like to thank everyone who remembered. Though the numbers have dwindled (as did my age! Hahahaha!), I still appreciate the thought. Love you all. And now, I have to sleep since I only have an hour left before I have to wake up. Thanks again!!!

September 9, 2008

2008-09-08T21:33:00.000+08:00

Tomorrow is my Birthday. The day I hit the big 2-9. I should be happy, nay ecstatic, but why is it that I feel positively bummed out?!? It's not the age thing, or my love life (or lack thereof). I just don't feel... Happy.

It has been that way for a couple of years now. If you guys back track on my past birthday blogs, I'm always bummed out on my birthday for some odd reason. I now have a name for it. I call it my "Birthday Blues." I don't exactly know why, but maybe its because I feel that the previous year has been wasted on nothingness, or that I fear that my new year would be just as bad, or even worse.

Another thing that pesters me is that I feel very out of touch with my friends. Since we all have different lives now, I find it scary that I may find myself alone on my Birthday. Yes, text messaging, Friendster messages & comments, and even Facebook or Multiply Guestbook messages may come, but a hug still beats all of that Technology Crap.

I also feel quite deprived nowadays, which may be the added stress to my "Birthday Blues" episode this year. I am definitely not the materialistic type, and I generally depend on the good graces of other people for my new clothes (my brother just bought me a new H&M shirt from his recent trip to Macau), School & Duty Stuff (hand-me-down books & Stethoscope from my Sister, an old Sphygmomanometer from my Mom), School Bags (from my siblings), and allowance (from my Aunt in the US & my parents). I don't have a swanky laptop, or iPod, or even a Digital Camera. I just make do with my trusty Sony Ericsson K610i, which my brother got as a free gift from Globe, and our very old (and very slooooowww...) Desktop Computer without Internet (which is, unfortunately, busted at the moment). I am not complaining, nor am I planning on doing so... Its just that, sometimes, I really, desperately want to have one, or some of those "luxuries" just to make my life a bit more interesting.

But right now, I'm settling for an enrollment in the Applied Medical Sciences Program of Power Memory so that I can remember everything I learned much easier. I told my Mom that it is my ONLY wish for my Birthday. I'm even bargaining with her about me paying half of it, and the rest will be her Birthday & Christmas gift for me. I just hope she'll give in.

I really cannot wait to graduate and pass the Nursing Board Exams so that I can start working & earning for myself again. This time around, I have a well-laid plan for my earnings. Just one more year, Elaine... Just one more year...

June 8, 2008

2008-06-08T08:29:00.000+08:00

Its been forever since I updated my BLOG. All I can say is that, the time I spent away from my BLOG is the same amount of time I have been toxic in school.

That, and well... A few note-worthy events...

My cousins from SFO, DeeDee, Paul & Kristine, came to the Philippines to attend the Anniversary of Banal Na Pag-Aaral (BNP), which they are a part of. Paul & Kristine stayed at our place after their BNP Anniversary Event in Amadeo, Cavite, while Deedee went back to Bulacan, where her Mom's family stays. I had a great time with them, and thankfully we were on a week-long school break when they came.

Another note-worthy event was the Lunch-Buddies Dinner. Nurse Gwadz, our very "Imported" friend, was in the Philippines for a visit and since she had a very hectic schedule, we only had time for Dinner in Greenbelt 3. Jopay Agustin, Tin Racho, Gwadz & her Boyfriend (Gwadz! I forgot his name!!! Sorry!!!), and I had dinner at the Thousand Cranes Shabu-Shabu Restaurant on GB3's 2nd Level. We shared 1 Beef & Seafood Pot and a lot of Sushi! Hahaha! Though the Shabu-Shabu Pot was only good for 1 person, it fit the 5 of us!!! Diet?!? Hahaha! It was really nice to see old friends again. We got to catch up on what's up with each one of us... Even if Tin was late! Hahaha!

Anyway, school's been tough these past few days, especially with the Final Exams. I had a really bad time on my Metabolism & Oxygenation Exams. I was so bummed, that I couldn't sleep well that night. The next day, I spent the whole morning studying for my Surgery Finals, with my eyes struggling to stay open.

I just got my Surgery Grade, and Thank God! I passed!!! Now, I'll just have to sit at the edge of my chair, anxiously awaiting Judgment Day for both Metabolism & Oxygenation!!! Counting down 'til Tuesday!!! Huhuhu!!! I hope I pass!!!

April 27, 2008

2008-04-27T11:06:00.000+08:00

Last night was the first time, in another very looong time, that I went to mass. I had to go with my Mom to Church since we'd be having dinner after. I could've just easily walked to the nearby Jollibee to wait out the Mass, but I found myself walking into the Church and sitting beside my Mom on the pew.

Eventhough the Mass was in Tagalog (which usually & most definitely gets me confused & distracted), I found myself finishing it without much ado. I must admit, though, I was distracted by this very cute baby infront of me. she was just sooo cute! I wanted to squish her! Hehe.

Back to my Church Experience. During Homily, the Priest talked about being alone and being lonely. He said that lot of people nowadays feel lonely or alone at a much younger age than before, causing a lot of lives cut short by suicides, etc. He also said that a lot of men do not want to go into the Priesthood because they think they would be alone -- meaning not having a family of their own, being uprooted from their families & growing old alone. It is not so, according to him. He said that you will never be alone because God is with you all the time. This made me think...

Maybe that is why, even though I am almost always alone, I don't really feel all that sad. In fact, I think clearly alone. I only feel sad when I think of events, people or things that I've lost touch with. I guess I'm just really the loner type. But I feel a sense of calm when I'm alone. i guess it's because God is the one that fills the void that needs to be filled. That is why I rarely feel alone.

So, that was my Church experience. I'm not saying that it will or will not happen again (my going to Church, that is), but I just wanted to share one of the very rare occasions that I felt at ease in Church.

Moral of the story: You are NEVER alone. God is always with us.

April 22, 2008

2008-04-22T11:19:00.000+08:00

I'm pissed off right now. I came to class about 5 minutes late, but I managed to catch up with the lecture. Unfortunately, some of the stupid Generics (First Coursers) decided they're too good to listen to the Lecture and talked like mad with voices competing with that of our Professor's. It was very distracting, really.

After about 20-30 minutes into the Lecture, our Professor finally had enough of those Generics. He got really mad and, understandably, told off those unruly students. After losing track of the flow of his lecture, our Professor decided to cancel our class for the day.

A lot of us felt shortchanged. Just because those idiots didn't want to listen, we would all suffer. I just spoke to our Professor & asked if I could attend his next class at 6PM so that I would not lose time & money in lectures that I did not receive. Right now, I'm just killing off time so that I can attend the class.

I am not studying this hard so that I can lose precious lecture time no thanks to students who do not even care.

Anyway, that's my day so far. I just want to vent. I'm going to the Library next so that I can read the lecture in advance. See y'all!

April 21, 2008

2008-04-21T12:30:00.000+08:00

Today was the Official First Day of Summer School. Last week's classes were cancelled since enrollment was still ongoing, and it would be unfair to the new enrollees if they missed the lectures.

Anyway, my first class is Medical & Surgical Nursing (Oxygenation & Fluids). It was cool since I learned a lot about how the blood is oxygenated and how exactly Oxygen that we inhale turns into Carbon Dioxide when we exhale. Cool process really.

However, I guess because I didn't get much sleep & had allergic rhinitis when I woke up, I felt very sleepy in the middle of the class. I fought my hardest to stay awake, and thankfully, I won! I'm really very interested in what I can learn from my classes, so I try to read in advance also. Unfortunately, we won't get our Syllabus until tomorrow, so I'll be reading blind.

I really don't mind if I don't get to have a long vacation in the next 2 years. That will follow, when I finally work as a Nurse. There's still retirement, anyways. Hehehe! No, really. I don't mind. As long as I can go to the beach at least twice a year's fine with me. I can do all my R&R at home, infront of the TV! Hahaha!

Lately, my migraine's been acting up. Hopefully, I don't get it as bad as I had before. I want to watch what I eat again, but it's hard to do that when everyone else in your house eats just about everything! Hehe. Now I'm craving for a nice juicy burger! Lol!

Anyway, I gotta go pick up my Mom from her Review so that we can go home together. We'll see how everything swings this summer. See y'all!

April 14, 2008

2008-04-17T10:47:00.000+08:00

Today is the 1st Day of Summer School, and I cannot believe that I've been taking up Nursing for a year already. Truly, time flies fast. It was almost exactly a year ago that I quit working and started a life that I have left behind for over 7 years... a poor, non-earning, full-time student.

It is in looking back that I realize that I've learned so much: in both academics & life.

I've learned that Nurses should'nt be treated any differently than Doctors. They are not the "maids" or "helpers" in the Hospital to cater to your every whim. They bring the care factor in the healing process. Although there are thousands, or even millions, of students taking up Nursing, only a very few are meant to be REAL Nurses. I hope that I am one of them. It would be such a great honor to be a REAL Nurse.

When I first decided to get out of the workforce and finally stopped earning, I was genuinely afraid. I had been used to having my own money, going out whenever I felt like it, eating at great restaurants & spending not less than PhP500 a meal, & basically leaving the house with no less than PhP1500 in my wallet. Suddenly, I had to budget a meager PhP250 a day for everything I needed. Sometimes I would even have only PhP200, considering that my transportation costs would be around PhP150 a day. I felt lost. I felt poor. I was desperate.

About 6 months into my "state of poverty" I learned to, somehow, live with it. I began to adjust my lifestyle to my means and just stuck with the basics. I foregone my Postpaid Cellphone Line and got a Prepaid one, I ate in the School Canteen or cooked my own Lunch to save money. I also wrote my notes in Pad Papers, whcih I would compile later on, to save on Notebooks. I didn't go out much anymore, I didn't have any gimmicks, heck! I haven't even been to the Cinemas for the longest time!!!

But that doesn't mean I don't have a life... I do. It's just more simpler now. I enjoy hanging out with my classmates in McDonald's, Isetann or Jollibee just to talk. We also hang out in the library, testing each other during quizzes or exams. When I want to kill time, I walk around Isetann to cool off.

I learn a lot from my classmates. Most of my friends in school are older than I am, so I get to see the world in a more mature light. They help me live a simpler life & I enjoy it tremendously. And... It didn't matter if we didn't have much money, too! Hahaha!

I also made a huge turn around academically. When I was in High School & College, I was a free-spirit. I never really cared much about school. I slacked off a lot and for me, as long as I passed & didn't get a Red Mark in my High School Report Card or was still within the 24 Units allowable failures in College, I was happy. Now, I try & strive to be one of the best in every class that I have. So far, my lowest grade is a 2.5 (equivalent to 79-81%) in Anatomy & Physiology. It was acceptable enough for me considering that the highest grade that was given in that Subject was a 2.0 (equivalent to 85-87%).

I am quite proud of my achievements thus far, and to think that I never resorted or relied on kissing anyone's behind (particularly my Professors'). I got my grades solely on sheer hard-work and perseverance. Although I do feel bitter about those whose grades were "padded" because they tooted the Professor's horn rather well. It shows a disgusting lack of integrity on their part. I do applaus those Professors, though, who stand righteous and treat each student fairly, rewarding only those who truly deserve to be rewarded, regardless of anyone trying to become their "pet."

During our Hospital & Community Duties, I try not to be complacent. I do not want to be or consent to be mediocre. I give to our duties as much as I give to my Class Lectures. I would rather die than be unprepared.

See all those changes in me? Those, I think, are my greatest achievements so far. And it only took a year to happen. What more on this coming school year? I am praying and hoping for the best. I am looking forward to another year of learning and realizations. I just hope I could squeeze in a trip to the Beach at least once! Or maybe even twice! Hehehe!

April 10, 2008

2008-04-10T14:50:00.000+08:00

I know I've been very slack with my blog posts lately. I've been concentrating on school stuff, and I must say it was well worth it... I was exempted from our Final Exams in Maternity Nursing & I am in the Top 10 (#6 to be more precise) in our Pediatric Nursing Class.

What can I say? I'm so proud of myself! I love to outdo myself, and I'm just finding out that I can do really well in school if I just work hard for it. My goals right now are to have no grades below 1.75 in each subject (except for the 2.5 I got in Anatomy on my 1st Summer of Nursing School, where I placed 3rd in class). This semester, the lowest grade I got was a 1.5. Whoop!

Anyway, I just wanted to drop in and let you guys know what's happening. Hopefully, this summer, I can have more time to drop a short entry or something. That's it for me right now. I'll be back again... Soon!

February 14, 2008

2008-02-14T18:24:00.000+08:00

Valentine's Day is just another day for me... Just another day of going through the daily routine of my life. And the only major event of my Valentine's Day was my Pediatric Nursing Midterm Exam. A major event, yes... yet a very disappointing one at that. I studied very hard, yet all the questions were like foreign language to me.

Enough dwelling on the Exam... I guess I just have to let it be.

Back to my lackluster Valentine's Day. I really hate days like these... They say Love is in the Air... Pray tell! Where does this air circulate? I seem to have never felt its breeze. These days leave me wondering if there is really something seriously wrong with me.

Am I scarred? Am I that horrendously uninteresting? Is my Mom the only real person who loves me? Do I have a warning sign on my forehead that says "Stay Away!!!"? What is wrong with me? Am I really that unattractive?!?

Depressing, I know.

I console myself with the thought that guys here in the Philippines can't handle me. That men here aren't ready for me. That they are intimidated of me. But why?

Sometimes, in my frustration regarding the state of my love life, or lack thereof, I'd think that maybe... just maybe... I might be better off liking women as well. But my better judgment & my heart tells me otherwise. Not that I have anything against same sex partners. I respect their choices & their happiness. Its just that I was not built that way. It just gets so frustrating sometimes.

I'd really like to be able to feel that warm, tingling feeling at the pit of my stomachabout someone. To hold that someone's hand & to find comfort in the silence between us. But alas! I guess the good Lord has something better planned for me. Maybe I just have to wait on the Lord's plans for me & pray that He can give me enough strength & patience to wait on Him.

What I think is more depressing than my lack of a love life, is that I seem to have lost the friendships that I have formed in the past. Not that I blame them. I could be quite lazy & busy to keep in touch with any of them, and in the event that I do, I find that the gap between each of us has become as wide as the Pacific. Sometimes, I even find myself thinking about why & how we became friends & what we had in common, in the first place.

Latest case in point: The Sissies. The last 2 times I've been out with them seemed like going out with complete strangers. To think that some of us were quite inseparable just a mere 2 years ago. Sad thing is, I miss those times. Especially the times when Kari & I had those long heart-to-heart talks about anything & everything. Now, it seems like I hardly know her anymore. The Kari I knew then may seem like a meek child on the outside, but a deep soul on the inside. Now, we hardly even talk. When we see each other, we only have superficial exchanges followed by loud, noisy nights out, that I do not even enjoy. Then, absolutely nothing. We used to have a nice little bond, and I even considered her as a Best Friend. Now, we've been reduced to mere acquaintances. Tsk... Tsk... Tsk...

Another friendship that I feel that I've been cheated out of was the one I shared with my neighbor & fellow BLD Youth member, Iya. I can still remember the heartbreaking sunrise chat we shared at Shangri-La Mactan. The late night picnic at the Parking Lot of the Alabang Town Center. I used to share with her everything about my life & found comfort in her words of wisdom & her unconditional friendship. Now, I don't even know where she is, or what her number is. It's been years since I last heard her voice... I truly miss her.

In the end, I think, I am only going to be saved by the love that is given to me by a very few people who gave a damn... a very select few in my family who saw beyond the exterior... who saw me beyond the superficial... who saw the REAL me... who made me feel like I am doing something right in my life.

So, on this day of celebrating the gift of Love & Friendship, I want to say Thank You & I Love You to my Mom & Ate Mhin. I feel that my life has meaning & purpose because of your unconditional love, support & words of encouragement. I know that the Lord knows the prayers in my heart for the both of you. On days like these, when I feel abandoned & unloved, I remember the love you gave me, & I feel complete.

And to the 2 little ones who own my heart: Matthew & Luisa... Always know that Ninang Elain will always love you both no matter what. I miss you both sooo much & my heart aches that I can't hug, kiss & play with you like before. I promise that my love for the both of you will never change even if we're miles apart! Mwah!

February 4, 2008

2008-02-04T18:24:00.000+08:00

Even though I know I shouldn't, I still feel bad that Pabok was sent home without any warning. I couldn't look him in the eye nor bear hearing my Dad tell him that he's going home on the very day that he thought he was going to accompany my Dad. Nakakaawa talaga. My heart bleeds for him.

Somehow, I want to blame Dave for unjustly judging Pabok of stealing his iPod Shuffle. What if he just misplaced it & just forgot about it? Had he just given it to me, I would've been much happier. It was only a gift naman & he didn't buy it. Besides, he's got a lot of MP3 Players na naman. How many does a guy need, anyway?

Also, Dave doesn't have sufficient proof that Pabok really did steal his iPod Shuffle. Provided that he caught Pabok breaking into his room & going through his things & finding out that Pabok brought his digital camera to school, it's still not right to accuse the kid of stealing without sufficient proof.

Maybe in the future, when I have money, I'll send him & Michelle to school. I really want to help them out. I really pity those kids. Their lives got screwed up royally because of their Mom. She really does not deserve to have any children. She only thinks of herself. Now, she's totally paranoid, and is a certified nut case. I hope that their Dad can take care of the 2 kids better than if they were with their Mom.

Although I feel bad for him, I can't really do anything about it. I can only pray that he'll be able to reflect on the consequences of his actions, and find it in himself to change for the better.

On another note, what should've been a good get-together for my friend, Rachael's going away party, turned sour for me. Why, should you ask? Well, another friend, Anne, thought that she was being funny when she butts in and trashes at my every statement that I utter. I mean, I can bear it, and it could be funny at times, but dissing me the whole time?!?

She unambiguously stated that I'm absolutely clueless about girly stuff like make-up! To top it all off, she implied that I was a Lesbian, just because I do not have a love life. I mean, who cares?!? I'm happy with my life as it is. And to suggest otherwise, and putting malice to it, just rubs me off the wrong way. After she would lambaste me, she would casually laugh and say that she "loves" me & that she didn't really mean it... Blah, blah, blah. I mean, c'mon!

To think we were never really that close enough for her to suggest those things about me. Kari, maybe... But her?!?

If she thinks my lack of a Boyfriend is a sign of being gay or Lesbian, I'm so sorry to disappoint her, then. Is it my fault that I prefer to be more serious about my Schooling rather than partying the night away & lusting after every guy with a working penis?!? I know that these kids will never understand where I'm coming from. And just because I don't wear make-up all the time, doesn't mean I am a total moron about these things. I can do my own make-up, thank you very much. And yes, I do know what "Smoky Eyes" are and how to do them.

This is why sometimes I'd rather not hangout with them. They tend to be superficial sometimes. Too "right now" for my taste. I'm way past that. I prefer more quiet, subdued, mature, intellectual conversations rather than talks about Boys, MTV, sex, money & other superfluous nonsense. I'm past the clubbing phase, the Bar phase & the "Me, Myself & I" outlook.

That's why I appreciate my classmates now. They're more mature & more decent to talk to. Yes, they may be more "Jologs" and out of the social scene, but they are definitely, a better company.

I'm not trying to diss my other friends who like those things, its just that sometimes, some people try to change me into someone I am not and some people try to malign the person I am.

I don't have deep anecdotes or reflections on life, but somehow, my true self reveals itself more & more through my feelings. I just pray that the Lord will continue to bring me to where I'm supposed to go & who I'm supposed to be with.

January 3, 2008

2008-01-03T13:29:00.000+08:00

It's the 3rd day of the New Year, and so far... I dunno. It feels so darn bland. Nothing significant going on... At least in my life.

The only highlight of my Christmas Season was cooking & seeing my grown-up niece (Cheriz) & my cousins from my Mom's side last New Year's Day.

I just came back from a harrowing experience riding the Light Rail Transit (LRT) coming from my Duty in Caloocan. What usually takes 15-20 minutes, took almost 3 hours!!! Good thing we were able to get seats & were able to doze off during the long commute. It appears that the Railway system was affected by a Fire raging at the other end of the line, so all the trains were backed up. Had we been informed of the situation before we got our tickets, we could've just taken a Jeepney.

Anyway, I gotta make this short... This darn Internet Cafe I was unfortunate to enter does not have airconditioning & has a great abundance of mosquitoes. They do not even have printing services!!! For the love of God!!! Talk about desperation!!! I gotta look for another place to go online & do my research.

Happy New Years!!!

December 24, 2007

2007-12-24T18:26:00.000+08:00

It's Christmas Eve here in the Philippines, and we're spending it with in my Aunt's house, also here in Paranaque. My cousins are here, but unlike last year, the little ones (my nephew & niece) are far away. The quiet is something to get used to.

Our Noche Buena (Christmas Dinner) came very early. Instead of having it at 12 Midnight, we had our Noche Buena at 10:00PM. We had some Pancit Malabon, Barbecued Pork Ribs, Baked Salmon, Mango Salsa, Lettuce Lumpia, & I forgot what else we had... Hehehe...

Right now, we're preparing to open our gifts... Haaayyy... Christmas this year is truly a peaceful & quiet one.

So, from our family to yours...

HAVE A VERY PEACEFUL, BLESSED CHRISTMAS & A BOUNTIFUL & SAFE NEW YEAR!!!

December 20, 2007

2007-12-20T13:25:00.000+08:00

Its 5 days 'til Christmas, and yet I didn't see it coming... Call it POVERTY.

I just realized how being "in financial need" can take all the Holiday Spirit away. It sucks the fun out of the season. Well, I think I am not the only one in the Philippines to feel down & out this Christmas. Everyone's tightening their belts in hopes of saving up enough money for a decent Noche Buena (Christmas Dinner). Some haven't even started with their Christmas shopping (myself included)!

I thought I was on track with my Christmas Budget, until last Saturday. Well, I am not complaining, but I just never imagined that once before, I didn't care about money at all.

See, I went to a mini-reunion with my girl-friends from HSBC Fraud: Anne, Rachael, Camille & Karisa. We had dinner at Amoroma, which was very long overdue (Camille's been inviting us to eat there since we were in HSBC 2 years ago). For just a plate of Puttanesca, I spent 3 days worth of my allowance!!! That wouldn't have bothered me at all in the first 3 months of this year...

After dinner, we all decided to make most of our time together by going Clubbing at The Fort. I changed clothes & cracked open my tightly shut piggybank to get some money that'll get me by the rest of the evening.

We all went to Cuisine at the Embassy Bar to check out the scene. They were playing House Music, but nothing much was going on. It was even bordering on boring. So, we left (after a mid-priced drink with expensive tax & service charge) & went to Piedra.

We decided not to get drinks in Piedra anymore, since it was already quite late & we've already consumed 2 bottles of wine at dinner. Piedra was a whole new story. They played Hip-Hop/RNB Music, which I dig much better. They also had a more happening crowd. Everyone was dancing & not just standing around. The girls would tease me into taking the straps of my shirt down, but I'd always pull it back up. Hehehe. Fun, really.

All in all, I spent a week's worth of my allowance money in 1 night of partying. Tsk! Tsk! But I wouldn't trade it for the world! It's been forever since I've been with my Sissies, and I'd pay much more (if I can afford to) for another day with them. I miss talking to them everyday & bonding with them.

Those were the days...

In school, we just finished our 1st Community Rotation in Caloocan & it was ok. The highlight of my day was meeting John Andrei. He's soooo cute! He's a very healthy 4-month old baby boy who went to the Clinic to have his colds checked. I had a lot of pics taken with him 'coz he was just soooo... Ugh! He's just an Angel!

The worst thing about my day?!? I tell you... Nursing worries me sometimes... On our downtime at the Clinic, a patient sat beside me venting out her frustration at how long its been taking her to get her medicines from the Clinic. Turns out, she's got Pulmonary Tuberculosis!!! Aaaarrggghhh!!! I wanna see a Doctor, pronto!!! Oh Jesus!!! I hope I don't get contaminated!!!

So, that's the way it is right now... It's truly been a long time since I last posted anything, so I decided to post.

Just in case it comes & I am unable to swing by an Internet Cafe...

HAVE A BLESSED CHRISTMAS & A PEACEFUL & BOUNTIFUL NEW YEAR!!!

November 24, 2007

2007-11-24T12:08:00.000+08:00

To those who celebrate it... Belated Happy Thanksgiving!!! Hope you had a great turkey with yummy stuffing! Mmmm...

But to my bestest buddy, Tatee Lubaton... HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! I hope you had a fun time on your Birthday. Miss you so much, Tateekins! Much love! Mwah!

Today was the start of our REAL duty at the Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital, and it was a BLAST!!! I had a real good time, and it wasn't that hard at all!!!

We started our duty at 8:00AM in the Pediatrics Ward. We were given a tour by our Clinical Instructor, Mrs. Baltazar, and she subsequently, assigned us to Patients. We had to take their Vital Signs & assess their status. I was assigned to 6-day old Don-Ver Acosta.

Don-Ver was confined in the Pedia Ward straight from the NICU, after Birth to complete his medications, since he was a Preemie (Don-Ver was born 2 months premature). He was very tiny, but he had great Vitals. His heart was beating loud & clear, he's got normal breath rates & he was well behaved. He also sucked great when he was fed. Don-Ver is such a pleasant baby. He didn't fuss or cry when I was taking his Vitals, unlike the other babies in the ward.

I also met other babies & their Moms. Some of the babies that caught my attention were Baby Princess, Baby Mark Darelle, Baby Jasmine & the 3 other babies in Don-Ver's ward.

Princess is a year old with Down Syndrome. She was rail thin due to dehydration she got from her heart medication. She's also quite small for her age. She looked like she was only 6 or 7 months old. I guess it was because of the delayed development caused by Down Syndrome. She was hospitalized due to Pneumonia and Diarrhea. She's quite a flexible girl! She'd stretch her legs toward her mouth & she'd flail her legs as if she didn't have bones at all. She was reactive to all stimulation & she responds to you. Cute kid, really. Sad she got sick. We all hope she'll grow up well & we also hope she can recover from her heart problem.

Mark Darelle is 6 months old, but he's as big as a year old kid! He was also hospitalized because of Pneumonia. He fusses a lot, especially in the presence of Nurses. His mom, an 18-year old girl, said he's afraid of Nurses 'coz they gave him shots! Hahaha! I tolk her that we wouldn't be giving Mark Darelle shots any time soon! he was a very big baby! Cute too!

At first, I thought that Jasmine was a boy. She was wearing a grey & blue shirt, and she was bald. Her mom corrected us and told us that she was a Girl! Hahaha! She's got beautiful BIG eyes!!! She fussed a lot, but when we approached her & talked to her, she would settle down & smile sweetly. I think she's the complete opposite of Mark Darelle! She loves the Nurses! After we'd leave her area, she'd cry & fuss all over again! Cute kid! Jasmine was actually discharged a week earlier, but due to financial problems, they didn't have any money to pay for the hospital bills. Her family had to approach the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) so that they could pay for her bills. After our Lunch Break, Jasmine was finally discharged.

The 3 other newborns in Don-Ver's area were also quite memorable for me. The one right beside him was the one I'd call "Tisoy" because of his very fair skin. He was really cute! He just had some rashes due to the heat. The other baby in the ward near Don-Ver is the one I call "Yellow" because of his yellowish skin. Although he had yellowish skin, the mothers assured us that he didn't have Hepatitis or Liver problems. That kid was very fussy. The only way you could pacify him was if you'd carry him. And he's only a few days old!!! The baby assigned to my groupmate, Robbie, was also a cute baby. He's only a week old, but he had very cute facial expressions! He would wink & smile at Robbie & he would even smirk while sleeping!

Today was really something memorable! It took away the anxiety & disappointment of last week's postponed hospital duty. We learned how to plot the babies' temperature, heart rate & respiratory rate in the TPR Chart & we were able to interact with the mothers & the babies!

Tomorrow's another day, and we will be assigned to the babies who were just transferred from the NICU to the ward. These babies are more sick than the ones we just handled today. Hopefully, we can learn more tomorrow.

I'll be off to class in the next few minutes... I just wanted to share my great day! Hehehe! Here's to looking forward to tomorrow!!!

November 17, 2007

2007-11-17T07:36:00.000+08:00

I just came from my first day of Hospital Duty at the Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital. I woke up real early, because we had to be there before 7:00am for the Orientation & Duty. Well, nothing happened.

Turns out our school's Clinical Coordinator did not forward a "Communication Letter" to the Hospital regarding our Duty Schedule, etc. That, after having to wait 2 hours in a mosquito-infested room!!!

Now, we'll have to undergo make-up duty during the Holidays (December 26 & 27)! Darnit! To think I had to have my Duty Uniform rushed from the Tailor! All the panic, excitement & anxiety gone to the sewers!

Well, at least I can sleep in this weekend. Sigh...

November 08, 2007

2007-11-08T15:39:00.000+08:00

Wow! Its been a long time since I have posted anything here. Sorry. Hehe.

Finally, I was able to take a breather from school, even if its only for a few days. My supposed 3-day Finals Week, turned out to be a Week-Long hell of reviewing, endless reading & lots of papers to write. I also had to move back home since I'd get sick a lot the last few months. It would've been nice to be home, if not for all the temptations at home (and all the nagging!).

Nothing much has happened since the First Semester ended. The only highlight of my vacation was All Soul's Day... and it was a disaster! Well, not a total disaster, really, but it was not a very good experience.

First, I had to wake up early to take a bath and get ready. Then, I hadn't had anything good to eat before we left (which makes anyone quite grumpy!). Shortly after getting on the Expressway, the most horrible thing happened... There was a very disturbing sound emanating from our car's engine, everytime my Dad pressed on the Accelerator pedal, which got worse and worse after every 10 meters!

So we decided to get off on the next exit to find a mechanic. After finding a mechanic, who was open on a Holiday, we were a bit relieved. However, this relief would only last a few minutes. After 30 minutes of looking for the possible problem with our car's engine, the mechanic advised that it may take longer. And since we had to get to Malolos by Lunch to get together with our relatives from the US, my Mom, sister & cousin had to commute all the way from Meycauayan. Well, since we were already 2/3s of the way, it was okay. We left my Dad with the car and just brought our bare essentials with us.

The commute to Malolos was fine. We were able to take an airconditioned van to Malolos. We were able to arrive safely to my cousin's new restaurant where we met up with our relatives from Cali. We had a blast, coz the food was really great, and my Aunt was showing off the pictures of my new Nephew, Zion.

After Lunch, we broke off to go to the Cemetery to pay our respects to my Grandparents & Great-Grandparents. I think it was a great idea that we went to the cemetery the day after All Saint's Day, since it would be less congested. True enough, there were hardly any living people in the Cemetery. We were able to pray quietly & pay our respects, without all the chaos and commotion.

We also went to Atlag, where our Great-Grandparents' property was. We picked up another cousin and collected the rent from one of the tenants. We were able to go around Malolos, with the help of my Cousin's car. Thank goodness they were gracious enough to drive us around!

On the way home, we took another airconditioned van all the way to Quezon City where we rode the MRT to Makati. When we got to our Stop in Makati, we had to board a hellish bus, which had me, literally, hang on for dear life!!! This devil bus scared the bejeezuz out of me! I swear! By the time we got home, we smelled like traffic & pollution, but I was too tired to even think about it. I took a quick shower & dozed off.

Anyway, I have to run... I need to buy some charcoal so that we can cook dinner... Our gas ran out! Hahaha! Update you guys more later! Take care!

October 3, 2007

2007-10-03T11:14:00.000+08:00

It's already October, and I still do not have a decent BLOG entry! *Sigh*

Well, what can I say?!? It sucks not to have an Internet access at home, when your brain is buzzing with ideas. It also sucks when you don't have a Memory Card for your new Mobile Phone, so that you can easily transfer your pics to the computer.

I only have 2 weeks left before the Final Exams come up, and I am scared to my knickers! I was absent for a week from classes due to flu, now I'm cramming in all of my subjects just to get a decent grade. Thank goodness, I passed all of my Midterm Exams, while most of my friends flunk theirs. I guess I would be in a much better disposition after the Exams.

I will be spending my School Break looking for work so that I can at least have something to pay my bills with. However, I am quite nervous about finding a new group for my NCM 201 RLE. It will be the time when I do my Hospital Duty for Maternal & Child Care. Most of my friends prefer to do their duty on weekdays, while I prefer the weekends, to give way to work.

At home, I can't seem to relax. I don't know why. I also couldn't get myself to study. Very different from when I was staying in my Grandfather's place in Manila. There, I would fix my notes & study when I'm bored. But hey! I feel more secured and at peace when I'm at home.

Nothing much has been happening except for our Community Dental Mission last Sunday. It was the first time that I did not cringe at the sight of blood & needles. It was mighty muddy in the area, though. We discovered that the heavy rains brought about by Typhoon Hanna left the place flooded with 2 feet of murky, muddy water, just the night before. Well, it went really well, I'd say. We had about 80+ patients who availed of the free Dental Extractions.

After the Dental Mission, my classmates and I went to the 1st Nursing Expo in SM Megamall. I wanted to stay and listen to the Seminars, but, unfortunately, we had to go. We all barely slept the night before, only to wake up very early in the morning for the Dental Mission.

Well, that's it for now, I guess. I just wanted to let you guys know that I'm still alive, though quite harrassed. Hehe. See you guys again soon... Hopefully before my Final Exams!

September 27, 2007

2007-09-27T12:26:00.000+08:00

I'm in the school Computer Lab right now, trying to take advantage of Free Internet Access! Hahaha!

After I got sick, I had nothing to do but catch up on all my classes that I've missed the past week. I was only able to go back to school yesterday, since I don't have classes on Tuesdays. It was fun. Going back to school. I kinda miss the chaos.

Oh! Did I mention that I now go back home to Las Piñas everyday? After I got sick, my Mom got concerned that no one would be looking after me if I got sick living in my Grandparents' place in Manila, since no one's there but me & my cousins. She decided that it would be better if I stayed at home. At least I get to eat better food.

Since I'm on a strict No Pork, No Beef diet, our entire household is also in the same diet! Hahaha! Well, it's for everyone's good anyway. Dave's also got Hypertension now. All that eating out! Hahaha! The only one at home who doesn't have Hypertension would be Pam. We're all getting very fat, errrr... Healthy, kasi.

But hey! I've really lost a lot of inches. Most of my Jeans that were hard to wear before, are now very loose! I have to buy a new belt so that I won't lose my pants! Hahaha!

Anyway, I have to go for the meantime. I have to fix my schedules for next semester. I've got lots of other news to share, but I have to run. See ya! Toodles!

September 23, 2007

2007-09-23T09:24:00.000+08:00

Hi Guys! Please excuse the lack of updates. See, I just came from a week-long bout with the Flu & my parents decided to have our DSL Connection cut off for the meantime (They're trying to find a better deal).

Since my last post, there were some events that made my days really worth looking forward to. Last Tuesday, September 18, was the 20th Capping, Pinning & Candlelighting Ceremony of our School, and I was 1 of the 1,075 Candidates who were Capped. Though I was sick at the time, I made it. Unfortunately, I had a really bad relapse after the event, thus the week-long illness. I still have a really bad cough from the flu, but otherwise, I'm fine.

I got the flu from my Mom. See, she was feeling warm in their room, so she decided to crash with me at the Den (since I can't sleep in my own room). For several days, my Mom was my roommate. And since she was sick, I got the flu, too. Haaayyy... Now, my Dad has the flu as well! *Sigh*

Nothing much since. I tried to go to school last Friday, but on the way, I already felt faint & nauseous. By the time I finished my Exam for Microbiology, I had to seek out my other professor to ask if I could take the Quiz in advance since I didn't think I could hold out until 3PM. My professor told me that I looked very pale and that I looked like I was going to faint anytime, so she told me to just go home & rest. She excused me since it was evident that I was sick. I went home, still nauseated & faint. I tried to eat, just in case I was getting Hypoglycemic, but it did not work. I spent the rest of Friday & Saturday in Bed.

Today, I came to school, only to find that my teacher is not in class. I don't know where he is, and I tried to look for him in all the classrooms. I'll just call him later.

Anyway, I have to go. I'm not really feeling very well, and I still have to go home. Catch you guys again later. Ciao!

September 13, 2007

2007-09-13T12:17:00.000+08:00

It's been 3 days since my Birthday, and, hmmm... I dunno. I don't feel any older. Nor do I look any much older, either. Hahaha! One thing, though... My pants sure are a whole lot looser!!! Hahaha!

My birthday was very quiet. I had a day-off from school, which I have to make-up for tomorrow. Thank goodness my professors excused me from my classes.

I got up later than usual and ate the leftover Roasted Chicken that I asked my Mom to buy for my dinner. My Mom wanted me to go with her while she tended to her patient in San Lorenzo Village.

I had quite an eyeful! The house was exactly how I want my own house to be like! High ceilings with glass panel windows; minimal furniture in all the right places; a lap pool that you can see from plate-glass windows; Roman Shades; Loft; very light colors on the walls; marble flooring; and shiny wood accent walls. I enjoyed sitting in the dining room chair for 3 hours, just drinking in the sight. *Sigh*

After my Mom was done with her patient, my Dad picked us up & we met up with Pam at McDonald's Greenbelt. When Pam came, we headed to Don Bosco Church for the 6:00PM Mass (My 1st Mass in 2 years). Since my parents were assigned to pray-over the Prayer Leaders in their Homestead, we went to the BLD Secretariat and waited until it was time to pick Dave up from work. Since they weren't through yet, Pam & I left our parents in BLD & went to pick Dave up. We all went straight to Omakase Restaurant at Casa Susana in Alabang Town Center for dinner, after our parents were through with the Opening Prayers.

I had a blast! For months I have been craving for some Omakase Sushi Platters (SAR & JSC Platters to be precise!), and now I had my fill!!! Mmmm!!! I thought I was going to burst after we had dinner! Loooovvve it!!! I can't wait 'til my next birthday! Hahaha!

So that we can share the celebration with my cousins, we bought some Ice Cream & brought it straight home. My cousins gave me hand-made cards, which really touched my heart. They were really nice.

I'd like to take this chance to thank everyone who remembered my Birthday: Tonie Arrienda, Iris Malazarte, Owen Maddela, Tin Rocha, Jopay Agustin, Sheila Abendan, Marianne Chiong, Caloy Cosio, Mitzi Dela Cruz, Ate Mayet Alonzo, Mae Corpin, Glen Sandoval, Aissa Socorro, Ria Pineda, Ate Mhin Madriaga, Kari Yee, Tito Ray Corpin, Nicky Templo-Perez, Kuya Omar Corpin, Giselle Gabriel, Nikki Bumatay, Iya Salud, Tatee Lubaton, Zeb Zuniga, Corr Deliverio, Ate Tammy Alipio, Anna Cosio, Beng De La Cruz, Shobe Ramirez-Lu & KC Misa. Thank you for remembering my Birthday! God Bless you guys! Hugs!

September 09, 2007

2007-09-09T15:17:00.000+08:00

As promised, I found some time to post a more decent BLOG than the last few ones.

I was really busy with school, studying for the upcoming Midterm Exams. I haven't been home for almost 2 weeks, and I couldn't find time to even visit an Internet Cafe. The only time I am able to rest is when I'm home, reading my notes in bed.

In the past few days, we went back to Marikina to gather some more data for the Culminating Event that we were organizing for the community in October. This time around, it was not as stressful as our last Community Duty.

Classes have been weird these past few weeks due to the Typhoons that came one after another. Now, we don't really have enough information to study for our Midterm Exams. Well, it depends on what subject we're talking about. The subjects that are really relevant in Nursing are the ones that are, thankfully, not affected by the time lost due to the Typhoons.

This past week, I've only had 2 Midterm Exams: Fundamentals of Nursing & Chemistry. Our Health Care 2 & Community Health Nursing Professor decided not to have any Midterm Exams. My Nutrition & Microbiology Midterms will be in the coming weeks. So I still have more studying to do.

Right now, with my Mobile Phone temporarily disconnected, I feel out of touch. Actually, I feel crippled. It's so hard not to have a phone! And to think I am now sporting a new handset! Hehehe! See, my brother, Dave, availed of the Loyalty Rewards we have with Globe Telecoms. He opted for the new handset, while I decided to get the Bill Rebates. But since he's having a hard time learning a Sony Ericsson handset, he decided to give it to me, with the condition that I give him my Nokia 6260, which he would, in turn, trade with a Nokia 6300, along with his other phone. So, I have a new phone!!! Hehehe!

This past week, I also got sick. Actually, I got the colds & fever from my cousin, & roommate, Kristia. She had been sick since Sunday last week, and by Tuesday, I was already sniffing & blowing my nose the entire evening. Wednesday, on the day of my exams, I was already burning up with fever & still blowing my nose off. I forced myself to go to school so that I can attend my exams. It was very distracting, but I managed to finish my exams with ease.

Because of my colds, I also developed a mean cough, which lead to an Asthma attack last night. Up to now, my Chest is heavy & I can't seem to breathe well. I'm just ignoring it right now, but it's sooo hard to sleep at night when I'm having a hard time breathing.

Anyway, I'm not excited about my Birthday tomorrow since I just learned that I am in deep crap! Financially, that is. I learned that my Unbilled Charges for my Mobile Phone is a whopping PhP5000++!!! Whoa! Where in heaven's name am I going to get that much moolah?!? I initially thought it was because of my sister's extended conversation with my favorite cousin in New Zealand, but it was actually because of this Contest from Globe that my Mom encouraged me to join. Darnit! I will never join any SMS Contest ever again!

I also have to think about my Credit Card bills! Haaay! Sometimes, I want to go back to work so that I can pay all my bills & live normally again. It's really so hard to just depend on the very small allowance that I get for school.

Going back to School stuff. I'm going to be a candidate for the 20th Capping Ceremonies on September 18, along with my classmates. It's going to be held at the PICC Plenary Hall. Still, I am not that excited. Again, because of the same reason I stated above.

Anyway, to those who have greeted me in advance, thanks! Sorry if I can't reply to your SMS's yet, but be assured that I have received them.

I have to go. I'm still not feeling well. Maybe next time?!? Hehe.

September 04, 2007

2007-09-04T16:09:00.000+08:00

Just a short post for today. I have to get back to studying. I have Midterms this week, which would probably get extended well into the next week. *Sigh*

I was almost ripped off by this guy who's running the Internet Shop where I'm at right now. He was charging me PhP205 for printing only PhP180 worth! For a student like me, that's big enough money.

Gosh, I'm sooo busy with school, I can't even think straight. Maybe after my exams I can post more.

My Birthday's coming up. Hope something good's gonna come up as well. I miss my friends, but the sacrifices I have to make to pass my classes should be well worth it.

Well, I gotta run. Again, will post after my Midterms! That's a promise.

August 27, 2007

2007-08-27T21:28:00.000+08:00

It feels like a long time since I last posted anything here. To be more precise, it's already been 7 days and a few hours since my last post. It seems long because I've had a lot of things happen these past few days, and I just couldn't wait to Blog about it. As much as I would've wanted to share all of it right after it happened, I was unable to go online coz I couldn't find the time.

I wouldn't call it the "highlight" of my week, but it definitely was the most controversial & most stressful thing that ever happened to me. I'm proud to say that I had the resilience & forbearance to get a grip of my darker side.

As much as I would've wanted to bash someone's face in (and I could have, believe me!), I kept my cool & held back. The most extreme thing I did was to get on that person's face & bluntly told him off of his extremely arrogant, egotistic & obnoxious arse to the fullest extent of my voice!

Let me give you a not-so-brief history of why I had to get to that point.

Since Summer, I already had a group of friends from school. We were classmates & groupmates on all our classes. Since we had a class together this Semester that called for groupings, we were grouped together, save for one, who was clever enough to join another group. Unfortunately, I had to bear another Semester with the most obnoxious, invidious, abomidable, pompous loud-mouth in our group!!!

Without the agreement, or even the consent of the group, he proclaimed himself as the Group Head. We just let that pass since we knew that he needs to feed his over-sized ego. However, when it came to doing the Group Activities and papers for our class, he would have an ego trip & start bossing everyone around, to the point of threatening the members with expulsion from the group.

Last week, the injury I suffered during the Summer, the Muscle Spasms on my Neck & Shoulders, recurred & I could hardly get up from bed. I had to wear my Neck Brace, take my Muscle Relaxants & apply several medicated patches again, just to relieve the pain. I was in great inquietude.

After doing the Group's Initial Database & Second Level Assessment alone, using very limited information that the group gathered, I thought I can take a rest from the paper. Anyway, I spent 2 straight days scrunching my brain for words & information to place on the darned paper, scrambling for information on the format & trying to fill in the missing facts, so I think I deserved a break. But was I given that?!? Nooo...

Last Thursday morning, just as I woke up, I received a poorly constructed & grammatically deficient SMS from this Hitler of a person, demanding us to attend a Group Meeting that evening regarding our Initial Database & Second Level Assessment. Apparently, our Professor wanted us to add some more information based on the notes that he had provided.

I told him that I was sick, and though I will try to attend, I cannot commit my attendance. He cockily replied that "irregardless" of whether I am sick or not, I have to attend & stay until the whole thing is finished. I told him that I really cannot stay out very late since it will aggravate my condition & my Mom would not allow it, especially since the area where we'll be meeting is a depressed community. He, then, questioned why I had to follow my Mom's orders when I am already of age. He said we had to sacrifice and he would not even go to work the next day just to do the paper, and so would everyone else in the group. I told him that he & another member were the only 2 people who were working, anyways, so it wasn't a loss to the other members. He then, threatened to expel me from the group itself.

My blood pressure shot right up! I was infuriated! That little twit wanted to remove me from the group after I worked my arse off on the paper that just needed some tweaking! That was just not right. Uh-Uh... Dissing me like that will get you nowhere, and fast! I had to do something.

I sent an SMS to my Professor asking him if I can just work on my own. Anyway, I was already feeling very stagnant in the group. Being one of the very few in the group who can hold ground on their own (the twirp, not included), I know that I can function much better without him consistently harrassing us to do stuff, while he does nothing. My professor said we'd talk the next day (which never happened, by the way).

So, even though I was still not feeling better, I forced myself to go to school to meet the group. I had formulated questions to be asked to the Family we needed to re-interview so that I can get all the information we needed for the paper. Since I was still pretty much pissed off at that jerk, I barely spoke a word to him throughout.

When we finally got to the Site for the Interview, we started to ask questions, and I'd inject my questions as well. Imagine, to my bewilderment, infront of the Interviewee, he disses me by saying that I cannot ask my questions since he has a format! The gall!!! To think, when I read the questionnaire he was holding, it was still very incomplete! All the information he needed was already answered in the previous interview! Just so I wouldn't look like an uncivilized person infront of the Interviewee, I just kept silent, while my other groupmates started to calm me down.

After the interview, a couple of my groupmates & I started to vent out our annoyance & exasperation over the unprofessionalism of this impetuous prick. While he dragged one of my friends with him while he walked ahead of the group, we couldn't help but make sure that he hears how annoyed we were of him & the way he runs the group.

When we got to the Odeon Mall, just about a block from the Site, my friend said we all had to talk to get things over with. That's when I had to get ugly. I told him to his face that he is the reason why the group does not want to function. We are all sick & tired of his harrassments & threats, that we are not even afraid of getting booted out of the group anymore. And I told him flat out that he wasn't a big loss to the group if he left. Which was true! May lightning strike him if I was telling a lie! Hah!

To cut the story short, he left the group, to our delight. We just didn't show it, but we were more than happy! We wanted to celebrate! Good Riddance to Bad Rubbish!!! Really! Seriously.

Who wouldn't be happy?!? Imagine, he would have us meet every Sundays after class just to do the paper, but what does he do? He would pretend to be busy by cooking, talking on the phone for hours, going on the internet & checking on his emails & Friendster, or flirt with a guy from another group. Yet, he takes all the credit for the Group's work! The nerve! We skip going to Church, being with our families for this crap?!? Hah! To hell with him! Now, we can live in peace and harmony as a group.

I cannot begin to enumerate the new "Press Releases" he has been spreading about our group. He has never stopped bad-mouthing us to anybody who would listen, anyway, so, we just let him be.

And guess what?!? Although we had to start over with our Initial Database & Second Level Assessment from scratch, we were able to finish it in one sitting... Without HIM!! And the group had a lot of fun, too! We were having a blast doing our paper, that it did not seem like work. A far cry from what we were previously experiencing under the "tutelage" of this pompous jerk.

Now, I can say that I have a great group in school. We're all working hard & we are kicking some serious butts from here on out! Good luck to you, you egotistic schmuck! As you like to say, "I'll see you at the Board Exams!"

August 17, 2007 (Part Deux)

2007-08-17T08:27:00.000+08:00

Its another day without classes for Metro Manila students, as Typhoon Egay (International Code: Sepat) offically became a Super Typhoon, pulling the South-West Monsoon rains towards it's center, and gathering gusty winds at 250 kph.

Floods are definitely inevitable, since its been raining hard for a few days now. Though the rain has been sporadic, the volume of rainfall has been quite overwhelming, for the Metro's exhausted, clogged & out-dated drainage system. Some of the flooded areas have not seen dry pavements since before Typhoons Chedeng (International Code: Pabuk) & Dodong (International Code: Wutip) hit the Philippine Area of Responsibility last week. Some parts of Pampanga, Bulacan, Cavite & Metro Manila are still underwater.

One great thing about this weather is the increase in the water level of the Angat Dam, which means goodbye to the impending Water Crisis in Metro Manila. Goodbye to drought & water irrigation problems of our farmers. And most especially: Hello to more rest for us students!!!

Well, at least the National Disaster Coordinating Council decided to announce the suspension of classes as early as last night! Good one!

Okay... Time to eat my lunch, though it looks like nighttime outside.

August 17, 2007 (Part Deux)

2007-08-17T08:26:00.000+08:00

Floods are definitely inevitable, since its been raining hard for a few days now. Though the rain has been sporadic, the volume of rainfall has been quite overwhelming,for the Metro's exhausted, clogged & out-dated drainage system. Some of the flooded areas have not seen dry pavements since before Typhoons Chedeng (International Code: Pabuk) & Dodong (International Code: Wutip) hit the Philippine Area of Responsibility last week. Some parts of Pampanga, Bulacan, Cavite & Metro Manila are still underwater.

Well, at least the National Disaster Coordinating Council decided to announce the suspension of classes as early as last night! Good one!

Okay... Time to eat my lunch, though it looks like nighttime outside.

August 17, 2007

2007-08-17T08:03:00.000+08:00

Have you ever had an itch you just can't reach? The one that you just need to scratch so that you can be relieved? Well, I don't itch anywhere but that was the feeling I got yesterday...

See, since I've stopped working to become a full-time student, I have not had a decent Burger or Sushi. Sure, I've had my Mickey Dees & Jollibees, and my occasional Tokyo Tokyo Sushi, but still... Nothing compares to a freshly grilled 1/4 lb. all-meat pattie (done medium-well), topped with fresh lettuce, succulent tomatoes, a slice of American cheese, and tangy wasabi mayo, all on a nice, fresh Oat Bun. Or, an Omakase SAR Platter of Sushi. Aaarrrggghhh!!!

Anyway, so I finally got over the edge & I just HAD to have my Burger or Sushi fix. My Mom brought me to Alabang Town Center to stroll around and have her hair dyed at FIX Salon. I already ate my lunch at home so I wouldn't spend money on food anymore. When we got there, I still got some Chicken Wrap at Food Choices & even a Doughnut, but I couldn't shake the feeling of being hungry. I just couldn't stay still. I HAD to have my fix!

When it was finally time to go home, I begged my parents to stop over Gourmet's Palate so I can grab a Wasabi Burger. Then, I thought, I might have another bout of Hypertension if I ate a Burger. So, I decided to have the next best thing: A Grilled Chicken Sandwich! It still had the fresh veggies & a special sauce in the same Oat Bun, but without the guilt.

After I ate my Sandwich, I was happy. I was relieved! Heck! I was in Heaven!!! Even if I ate my sandwich at 6:30pm, I felt full right until this morning! Ahhh... Bliss...

Now, what do YOU crave for?!?

Belated Happy Birthday!!!

2007-08-09T09:29:00.000+08:00

I'd like to give a BIG Shout Out to my Beautiful Niece, Anna Luisa Madriaga...

BELATED HAPPY BIRTHDAY,

My Little Bonita!!!

Ninang Elaine Misses You Soooo Much!

I Love You, my Little Kiwi Munchkin!!!

Hope you'll grow up to be a Caring, Good-Hearted, Talented, Smart & God-Fearing Lady!

Take care of Mommy, Daddy & Kuya Matt!

August 9, 2007

2007-08-09T09:19:00.000+08:00

It's that time of the year again when the Government's incompetence is excruciatingly evident. (Sigh...)

Monday afternoon, it was already raining like mad out and there were already areas that were flooded to the gutter. Tuesday was the same, with more rain pounding overhead, plus loud winds roaring.

Yesterday saw the same weather conditions, and yet the Department of Education (DepED) still insisted that classes in ALL Levels (Elementary through College) should go through. There were already a lot of flooded areas (even up to the waist!), and yet they still wanted the kids to go to school! Only after a couple of Municipal & City Mayors and Schools started to announce their own decisions suspending classes in their areas, did DepED retract their announcement! That was already 7AM! And to think, some Public Schools were already having classes! Some students were already in the streets, forcing their way to school despite the strong winds & pelting rain!

Today's weather is significantly better than yesterday's, and they decided to announce the suspension of classes in ALL Levels! How ironic! They don't suspend classes when the weather's rough, but they announce postponement of classes when the sun's out and about!

There is really no coordination in our Government's system. The DepED should always take into consideration that there are low lying areas in the Metro that are easily flooded, and that the strong winds and heavy downpour make it very hard for the majority of the commuting public, especially Students & children, to tread. With the weather seemingly getting worse even at 3AM, they should already call off classes as early as that time! Not when you're already pressured by the tons of complaints you receive from disgruntled parents!

DepED should consult with the Departments of Public Works & Highways, Social Welfare, with the Municipal & City Mayors, the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) and the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), as early as the night before, if the winds and rain have been continuous. It had been raining for 2 days straight, and nothing!!!

Thanks to the President, there's no classes today, even if there's no rain or strong winds out. Every year, whenever storms & typhoons arrive, this problem persists. Why do they always have to wait for the weather to be significantly worse, with children already in schools, before they call off classes! Grrr!!! Learn from your mistakes people!!! And you wonder why there are a lot of children getting sick during the stormy season?!?

Anyway, more time to lounge in my PJs... Bliss!!!

August 5, 2007

2007-08-04T22:13:00.000+08:00

Its 2:00AM in Manila, and I'm not yet asleep... I don't even think I can sleep now...

Why?!?

I can't believe I just spoke to HappySlip herself... Christine Gambino!!! I was having problems with my PC's audio so I just tried to lip-read a very choppy live videostream from Stickam. Since I gathered from the Text Chats that she's taking in Calls over the phone, I whipped out our US VoIP & called the Toll Free Number for the Live Chat! After minutes of finger-numbing attempts to dial the number, I finally came through!!! And she remembered my email to her!!!

I was gushing the entire time! I was starstruck! Talking to THE HappySlip?!? What an experience!!! Like a dream!!! Woo Hoo! She now knows that she's gone big in the PI and may even think about coming here to do a Fans Day EB!!! Coolness!!!

Anyway, I gotta go... Not to sleep, though. Post more later...

August 3, 2007

2007-08-02T20:54:00.000+08:00

It's offically August 3rd in Manila, and I have been awake for over 19 hours already. Still, sleep has yet to dawn on me. I'm already having another bout of Allergic Rhinitis, still not even a hint of lethargy... Oh well, maybe in another half hour or so...

After weeks of postponement, our Community Duty finally pushed through today. Along with my groupmates, we took the LRT Line 2 to Marikina City (which, by the way, left me misty eyed) where we commissioned a Vehicle for Hire to bring us to our Site. It was another 10 or 20 minutes before we finally got to our destination: Brgy. Bagong Sibol, Marikina City.

It was a depressed area right along the banks of the Tumana River, behind the Fairlane Subdivision. Since we had to meet quite early, some of us barely had breakfast, and so, the task of finding safe & suitable food came into play. Good thing, in one of the very few concrete houses, they sold freshly cooked Purefoods Hotdogs for a very reasonable price of only PhP7.00 per stick. 1 Stick was quite enough for me, since I already took my breakfast at home.

When we finally convened at the Baranggay "Hut" (it was barely a "Hall"), we were tasked to interview families who reside in the Blocks assigned to us regarding their various Health Concerns & what improvements they would like to have done, in terms of Health Care Services. I paired up with one of my friends, Jamie, so that we could do the interview together. Jamie and I were able to speak with 4 Families who shared their concerns & needs.

In our interview with the families, I was left in awe of the efforts being done by the City Government of Marikina, under the leadership of Mayor Marides Fernando. Although they do not have regular check-ups or a nearby Health Center, their Emergency protocols can be relied on in times of need. I also noticed that they all seem to be very content & happy about the measures being done by their Mayor for the benefit of their Community's Health & well-being. How many Municipalities, Cities & Provinces can boast of such services?!?

Although I was a bit apprehensive at first, I felt at ease, after the first few questions were thrown. It also leaves a good feeling that you may also be able to help these families once you have gotten to know their needs better.

After Community, I had to run back to school to take my Prelims in Chemistry, which was surprisingly easy compared to my Microbiology & Community Health Nursing Exams. We were able to check it after the exam & I got 93%!!! Woohoo! All worth it!

Another great news was the Cancellation of Classes today, August 3, for the Last Day of Registration of the Baranggay Elections. Although it was supposedly only for students between 15-17 years old or High School & College Level Students, our school decided to call off the classes since there are also a lot of students in our school within that age bracket.

So now, I have 2 days off, and I am planning to spend it sleeping or in the Mall. Hah!

That's it for today... I'll update again later...

July 28, 2007

2007-07-28T15:36:00.000+08:00

It's been a long time since I last posted anything here, but it was not because I was lazy or anything, but because I had to study my arse off for our Prelims. I was supposed to have 6 Exams last week, but because some of my Professors opted to postpone their exams, I only had 2. It did not mean that I had to slack off, though. I still had to study real hard.

I found my NCM 200 Exam to be great. It was quite easy, with some exceptions. But my MicroPara exam?!? My goodness! I couldn't even remember a thing! One reason being that my professor does not teach. He merely reads off the book and asks us to go on 3 hour breaks. I should've just had that subject on Tutorial had I known! But, what the hey! I'd rather hack it than be a louse!

In other news, I've developed some rashes & allergies on my forearms upto my wrists. I also have traces of them on my nape and the back of my knees. It all started when I was washing my uniform last Wednesday. While I was washing my uniform, my wrists started to itch & I saw some red rashes starting to appear. I think it was the soap I was using. It was the first time I used Surf to wash my clothes, anyway.

The weather also contributed to my allergies, I think. See, I am allergic to my own sweat & since I've been feeling quite hot lately, my forearms itch from time to time. It was just last Thursday night that I noticed red spots on my forearm that were quite itchy. I knew they were allergy marks since I have them on an annual basis, especially during the Summer months. But now? On the rainy season?!? Weird... That's one reason I went home this weekend, despite the temptation of spending all my free time with Matt, Luisa & Ate Mhin before they leave for New Zealand.

These last 2 weeks, I really made sure I was able to spend some time with Matthew & Luisa. They're leaving for New Zealand on Monday, and I am quite distraught. Since I have a strong bond with the kids & Ate Mhin (their Mom), I am more than sure that I would miss them terribly. While Ate Mhin was walking me to the Bus Stop near her Mom's apartment, I wanted to cry, but I was able to contain it. Did not want for her to see my sadness.

The few days that I spent with the kids are really precious. I got to know their temperament more, and I made sure I get to keep great memories of the kids. Although I know that this is not the last time that I would be seeing Matt & Luisa, I know that it is going to be a very long time before I get to see them again. I hope they'd still remember me.

I have a trunk-full of memories & experiences with Matt & Luisa and going to their house. I even experienced taking the LRT Line 2!!! I've never taken that Line until I just had to visit the kids. I also learned how to commute going to Antipolo, and it was when I was going to go and visit them that I was crushed in a Car Accident. Ahh... Memories...

Anyway, I was able to watch some more HappySlip videos using my Sister's laptop. I just can't help but laugh at every video, even her Soap Opera series! Hahaha! If I were you, I'd hop on over there and watch, or, you could also go to my Videos page to see some of the HappySlip Videos! I swear you'll enjoy them!

Well, I guess I have to go. I just want to update you guys on what's been happening to me these last few days. I still have more to write, but they tend to slip from my mind... So, toodles!

July 19, 2007

2007-07-19T13:49:00.000+08:00

I just recently discovered the hilarious world of Happy Slip. Christine Gambino, the owner-slash-actress-slash-production team-slash-editor-slash-director of Happy Slip, is just simply priceless! She is a comic genius!!! Her humor may seem a bit like Rex Navarette's, but she does it on video! More visually stimulating! She acts all the parts & the characters look very funny, too!

I heard about Happy Slip through a news feature from TV Patrol World last night, I think. Since I had a lot of time on my hands today, I decided to drop by the Net Cafe to see what all the fuss is about on YouTube. And, boy was I right to spend my time here. Happy Slip is downright F-U-N-N-Y! I had an asthma attack just watching the videos! Hahaha!

I realized that I have not updated my "What I To Do Before I Die" list, but I am still thinking... I am also busy with school coz Prelim Exams are just a few days away.

I just realized that in about a week and a half, my babies, Matthew & Luisa, are leaving for New Zealand. Sad, sad, sad... I want to spend more time with them, but School beckons. Well, we'll have this Sunday to hang out. Looking forward to it.

I don't think that I've mentioned that I am a Candidate at our School's Capping & Pinning Ceremonies this September just yet. It's basically a "transitional ritual" where Nursing Students, who have undergone Pre-Nursing Subjects, will be inducted to Nursing Proper. Its just like a certification that you can already undergo Nursing Duties. I'm excited about this new endeavor, just as I was excited about graduating College. I already got my measurements done for my Gala Uniform, and all I have to do is submit my application tomorrow.

Anyway, I really have to go. It's running quite late, so, I gotta run along & study for my Long Exam in Microbiology tomorrow. Cheerio!

Things I Want To Do Before I Die (Part One)

2007-07-16T16:47:00.000+08:00

Somewhere out there (I forgot where exactly), I read about having goals in life. Not just your typical goals, like to finish school, get a good job, retire by age 30. Nothing like that... More like, the things you want to achieve or do before you die, such as visiting the 8 Wonders of The Ancient World, or something to that effect.

So now, I'm finally doing my own. Maybe I should do a hundred... Hmmm... Let's see if I can finish that in an hour... Hehehe.

Visit Rome and walk around the Piazzas while eating Gelato.
Attend the Love Parade in Berlin.
Eat REAL Authentic Japanese food to my belly's content!
Ride a Gondola in Venice during the Sunset, with the man I love.
Commission the Orange County Choppers to build me a Customized Chopper.
Learn & Master Wakeboarding.
Bungee!
Spend a week in any Aman Resort in Asia.
Visit the Louvre in Paris.
Learn how to Snowboard, and...
Snowboard in Switzerland.
Visit Princess Diana's "island" where she was buried.
Attend the Cannes Film Festival, or the Sundance Film Festival, or any other International Film Festival & watch ALL the Movies being shown.
Go on a Carribean Cruise.
Go on an Asian Cruise.
Go on a Mediterranean Cruise.
Learn how to Surf.
Hear Mass at the Vatican, with the Pope officiating.
Confess to the Pope.
Spend a week in Bora Bora (not Boracay!).
Become a Certified Diver.
Be a Licensed Pilot.
Sleep in the Ice Hotel.
Backpack around Europe, like Samantha Brown (Discovery Travel), and discover the Best little nooks & crannies.
Experience at least 3 Cultures other than the Filipino & American Cultures.
Own a Lambourghini Gallardo, or a Ferrari Spider.
Have a Home Makeover or a Plan made by the Ty Pennington & his crew.
Own a Beach Resort in Hawaii or in the Caribbean.
See the fabulous architectures of Florence.
Visit the Sagrada Familia Church.
Own the latest Hummer.
Own a Boxster, or Carrera S, or BMW Z3, or Corvette.
Buy my Mom a Mercedes Benz.
Build a house on the Beach.
Have an iPhone.
Learn 5 Different Languages.
Eat Red Hot Chili. Just the Pepper.
Wear a Bikini with Pride! Hahahaha!
Eat Authentic Italian Food til my eyes pop out!
Be more tech-savvy.
Organize an En Grande Reunion of ALL the Children, Grandchildren, Great-Grandchildren & Great-Great-Grandchildren of Leonardo & Rosario Vicente.
Adopt at least 2 children (even if I end up Single).
Run at least 15 miles without quitting.
Go camping more often.
Be a Camp Counselor.
Swim 25 laps of Butterfly Stroke non-stop.
Learn how to make my own CSS, HTML, etc.
Join a Reality Show (not those Bachelor types... Blech!).
Go to Mexico with my High School friend, Janet Guinto.
Get my own Starbucks Franchise...

Okay... That's it for now. I think I'm starting to forget all those other things I would like to do before I die. I know that some of the stuff I wrote above seem superficial & materialistic. But if you grew up wanting, you'd understand. Hehehe.

Welps, gotta go... Blog again later...

July 16, 2007

2007-07-16T10:37:00.000+08:00

I haven't been to school in 2 and a half days already. Not that I was absent, but because my Sunday class was called off & I was already able to take the long exam that was scheduled for today.

My "weekend" has been boring since it started. But, it started with a bang! Bang, meaning, I banged my toe under my Grandma's Recliner! My toe hurt like heck & started to bleed. I even thought it would die the same way as my other toe did when I rammed it under our very old Fan. Thankfully, it was minor.

All I did these past 2 days were sleep, sleep & sleep. I left most of my books in Manila, so I don't have anything with me today.

I guess the most talked about issue hereabouts is the death of Rod Strunk, the husband of veteran-actress Nida Blanca, who allegedly commited suicide at a Motel in Tracy, CA. There are mixed emotions everywhere: on the Net, on TV, in the streets... Strunk was allegedly the "Mastermind" of Nida Blanca's [still unsolved] murder, so it definitely dug up a lot of negative feedback from the people who were convinced of his guilt.

I think, guilty or not, we shouldn't judge him. It doesn't mean that, since he "committed suicide," he was haunted by Nida Blanca or his conscience. His family thinks his death was accidental & they believe him to the very end. No one knew what happened to him & what happened the night Nida Blanca died. I think, however, the only true justice that Nida Blanca will be able to receive will be the one that the Lord will give her. It's useless to wait for the courts to decide. They do not even have a grain of evidence against anyone. (No wonder I'd rather become anything but a Lawyer).

The Justice system here in the Philippines, very much like the Justice Secretary, is very old & very ineffective. Given the right amount, the Judges can be bribed. If you're poor, you will never find justice. You'll have to settle with Just-Tiis. If you do not have any strong ties with the "Powers That Be," you'll just lose. Everyone is judged by publicity & it works. No wonder our country is going nowhere. And fast.

Anyway, enough of that... It just ruins my day. Haaayyy...

I was reading Smart Parenting today. It was about Pregnancy in different stages of your life (20s, 30s & 40s). It left me a bit concerned, coz I am nearing my 30s (Gack!), and yet, I am still unattached. Not that I'm complaining! It's just that, according to the article, more complications may arise in pregnancies among women in their 30s & 40s. The ratios of genetic & chromosomal abnormalities among infants are getting narrower as the mother's age increases. Scary thought. But then again, if you have trust in God, He will make sure that your child will be healthy. Right? Oh Lord...

Haaayyy... Meaningless babbles... Shows how bored I am, right?!? Hahaha. Blog again later...

July 12, 2007

2007-07-12T13:55:00.000+08:00

I only have 12 minutes before I have to go...

Our Community duty was postponed today because our Professor got sick. It's a relief since I was up til late last night after watching Harry Potter & the Order of the Phoenix.

It was a nice movie, with some thrilling parts. I had to grab on to my classmate, Marianne for support. Hahaha!

Tell you more about it later. For now, I just dropped by to post...

See y'all later.

I Moved...

2007-06-14T17:42:00.000+08:00

Hey guys! I've moved my BLOG over to my Multiply site... Just follow this link to pick on my brain...

http://laineybaby.multiply.com

You can also check out some of my pics... Hehehe! See ya!

Life Goes On

2006-08-24T16:22:00.000+08:00

Well, I'm back after some time. And no, I'm not depressed. Hahaha! I think I'm actually learning! Hahaha!

What's going on with me right now? I'm with a new company (yet again!).

I'm now working at GE Consumer Finance. I'm happy there & I hope it'll be my last stint here in the Philippines. Not that I'm leaving or anything. I believe in what GE stands for & the work I am doing there.

What else is new? Hmmm...

I've been keeping touch with the friends that I share with my Sis these last few days. She's leaving for the US next week & if I don't stay in touch with these people, I may never get in touch with them again... Knowing my laziness when it comes to keeping in touch. My sister is my only point of contact with them.

I'm kinda giddy right now, I don't know why... Let me tell you a secret...

You see, I have there's this person that I used to admire. A person who's such a great big celebrity hereabouts. I used to be so enamoured of this person & so blinded by this person's seemingly funny, child-like, accommodating & witty charm.

However, as I grew to know this person more, my eyes were opened to this person's aloofness & indifferent nature. I started to think, and feel, that the time & money I spent following this person was really flushed out into the toilet, so it seems.

Thus, I drifted. I never gave that person much thought. I became very bitter towards that person, that the sound of a song this person sang made my blood boil. I always thought, this person did not deserve the adulation, admiration & praise of the people who highly regard him/her.

But, everytime I chance upon seeing that person, I find that the resentment in my heart slowly melts away. What a sissy, I know.

However, I do not let my guard down anymore. I have to protect the pride that I had so painstakingly had to rebuild because of how this person had shattered it. I act cool & indifferent infront of this person & my friends. But deep inside, I'm like Ice Cream on a hot summer day.

I don't know. That's why I hate going out with our friends. This person always gets in the picture somehow.

Anyway, life must go on...

Ups & Downs

2006-06-13T11:17:00.000+08:00

Well, what can I say? I am back, and you know what that means... I'm in one of my depressive moods again. Well, not much really. Some things make my days worthwhile.

My cousins from San Francisco, Paul & Kristine, are here in the PI & it always feels so good to have relatives around. Though we only spent about 4 days together. They went to Boracay with my Brother the whole week last week but I was able to hang out with them when they got back.

They went shopping while I drove them around. We had some good laughs at their adventures & mis-adventures in Boracay. We also went for a good massage the other night!

Kristine & I were able to talk before our bodies shut down at night (or should I say "MY body shut down?!?"). We'd exchange our deepest concerns & problems, & we'd give each other advises. To think, Kristine is only 20! She's also my Godchild through Confirmation. She also gave me this Prayer Booklet today, which really touched my heart.

We went to one of our Great-Aunts in Bulacan yesterday & we had a lot of fun. We had our bellies full & we enjoyed the books that Lolo Ponch had. We also enjoyed playing with Ate Tammy's baby, Chico. Chico's such a cute Red Poodle! He's so friendly & he loves to snuggle! We also played a few rounds of Billiards in their Pool Table.

After they leave on Thursday, it will be back to reality for me. Harsh Reality.

Well, what can I say?!? I never seem to learn. Damn! I trust people too much! I never should do that unless they're family.

Ever felt betrayed by people you think are your friends? Well, I've been there a whole lot of times and I never seem to learn from it. Dang! No details. Maybe next time. I really don't want to think about it anymore.

Let Go & Let GOD, Elaine!

Life's Simple Pleasures

2006-06-13T10:17:00.000+08:00

I was tagged by my good friend, Tin Racho. This actually made me feel better. Not really happy, but comforted. It made me know what is real from what is not.

It’s a great thing to be able to count your blessings, even the simplest ones.

Instructions: Name ten (10) of life’s simple pleasures that you like the most, then pick ten (10) people to do the same. Try to be original and creative and not to use things that someone else has already used.

1. Family. No matter what situation I am in, I can always turn to them for comfort & support. When I need a pick-me-upper, they're always there. Whenever I need a reality check, I know my Mom will always give me a heads-up.

2. Driving. It releases my stress. If I'm depressed, I'd go for long drives to forget.

3. Dinners With BLD Friends. I love having dinner with my BLD Friends. They never fail to make me feel that God still loves me despite my unworthiness. They also make me feel loved for who I am & they do not try to change me into someone I am not. Even the most cheapest dinners seem like Fine Dining when I'm with them.

4. My Bed. I find comfort in it. When I have problems, I cry myself to sleep & I never dream about my problems. When I wake up, my pillows hug me the way I needed to be hugged.

5. Bonding With My Cousins. I think that they make the greatest friends. We can talk about everything under the sun & still stick together. It's like a mini-support group. They support you, laugh with you, cry with you, sing crap with you & love you unconditionally. One thing is also sure... Our Memories will really live on forever!!! (We have no choice! Hahaha!)

6. Lounging In The Beach. I used to be a Swimming Pool person, but I find lying in the sand more relaxing & calming. It soothes my weary soul & washes away my worries.

7. Watching the Sun rise & set. It makes me feel peaceful. I find the beauty & power of God's love every time I watch the sun rise or set. It's so powerful.

8. When A Client Thanks Me. Whenever a client thanks me for helping them out, calling me an Angel or a Savior, it feels so good. Not that I am one, but the satisfaction of knowing that you are able to help out someone in need, justifies my work.

9. BLOGGING. I know I can always depend on my BLOG. I release all my anger, happiness, frustrations, excitement & loneliness here. After I release them, I feel unburdened. It's like talking to a good friend (Which I don't have right now). After I vent out, I feel relieved. I move on. My BLOG is my outlet.

The LAST but never the LEAST...

10. GOD. I know that I should pray more than what I do. And I know that I should put him first in my life. No wonder I'm always getting hurt, betrayed & let down... It's because I never put God first. I just realized it now, when my cousin & I talked about our respective problems. God has always been patient with me, though I shrug him off a lot. I do know, however, that no matter how much I shrug Him off, He will always be there to love & hold me whenever I need Him. I can run to Him anytime. And no other Pleasure is is more Simpler than that.

I'm not gonna tag anyone specifically, 'coz I don't know who'll respond. At any rate, whoever wants to get tagged... You're it!

The Sissies I'll Miss Most

2006-04-22T16:14:00.000+08:00

In my last post, I lamented on the 2 Closest Friends I have in HSBC, Camille and Karisa. Well, for those who are interested to know how my 2 Best Sissies look like, here they are.

Camzy, Kari & Me

The Day Before The Kari-Camille Project Took Off, & The Drama Began...

My Little Sissies Who I'll Miss The Most...

Since last Thursday, I've been in full depression mode. Those sleepless days, unexplained appetite loss, and profuse nausea & vomitting, finally took it's toll on me. Added with the fact that it'll be Kari's last day at work on Monday, I feel like I'm dying slowly inside.

I was unable to go to work on Thursday, and almost missed the Going Away Party for Camzy & Kari. If not for the video presentation I have prepared for them, I wouldn't really go to the party. I couldn't even get off bed! At the party, I couldn't eat or even drink, save for the Sprite that Madz gave me, so that I wouldn't get too dehydrated. I was running a temperature, too.

Next day, when I got to work, I was still groggy from the meds I took, and I lost any cohesiveness in my voice. I think it's because of too much vomitting that my voice got very hoarse. I eventually got the permission from my Supervisors & the office Clinic to go home.

Is this due to the severe depression I'm going through right now? I'm so depressed 'coz my time with my 2 Sissies are dwindling, and I am uncertain whether I'd be seeing them in the future. I will definitely miss these 2 because they have become closer to me than my own sister ever did. (Sorry, Pam!).

My mom's all like, "That's why I told you not to get too close to your friends." How could I not get close to them?!? Kari & I share a lot of things with each other that we don't even share with our other Sissies. We also have our work stations right beside each other, and have the same breaks & rest days. And Camille is someone who's so mysterious to me, and it really draws me to her as a good friend. She's also someone who I share breaks with.

Had I not developed this bond with them, I'd have given up on HDPP life.

I know that in God's time, I will heal, but the memories will still remain embedded in my heart forever.

I will miss you guys terribly...

Hating Goodbyes

2006-04-17T21:51:00.000+08:00

GOODBYE
SPICE GIRLS

No no no no
No no no no
No no no no

Listen little child, there will come a day
When you will be able, able to say
Never mind the pain, or the aggravation
You know there's a better way, for you and me to be

Look for a rainbow in every storm
Fly like an angel, heaven sent to me

Goodbye my friend
(I know you're gone, You said you're gone,
but I can still feel you here)
It's not the end
(I gotta keep it strong before the pain turns into fear)

So glad we made it, time will never change it - No no no

No no no no

Just a little girl, big imagination
Never letting no-one take it away
Went into the world, what a revelation
She found there's a better way for you and me to be

Look for a rainbow in every storm
Find out for certain, love's gonna be there for you
You'll always be someone's baby

Goodbye my friend
(I know you're gone, You said you're gone,
but I can still feel you here)
It's not the end
(I gotta keep it strong before the pain turns into fear)

So glad we made it, time will never change it
No no no no
You know it's time to say goodbye
No no no no

(Bridge)
The times when we would play about
The way we used to scream and shout
We never dreamt you'd go your own sweet way

Look for a rainbow in every storm
Find out for certain love's gonna be there for you
You'll always be someone's baby

Goodbye my friend
(I know you're gone, You said you're gone,
but I can still feel you here)
It's not the end
(I gotta keep it strong before the pain turns into fear)

So glad we made it time will never never ever change it

(No no no no)
You know it's time to say goodbye
(No no no no)
And don't forget you can rely

(No no no no)
you know it's time to say goodbye
(No no no no)
and don't forget on me you can rely

(No no no no)
I will help, help you on your way

(No no no no)
I will be with you every day
(No no no no)
I will be with you every day...

I have previously posted here that I have found a group of friends in my new workplace, and so far, I've been having a blast with all of them. They have made my stay at HDPP a very pleasant one. They motivate me to go to work everyday.

Now, 2 of these friends of mine are leaving to find themselves and to find brighter futures. Unfortunately, for me, these 2 turn out to be my most closest friends.

Karisa. Our Baby Girl. My Best Sissy. My Heart-To-Heart Partner. She's leaving for the US at the end of the month, uncertain whether she'd ever be coming back. She's aiming to find herself there. Though I am terribly heart-broken by her decision, I know it would, ultimately, turn out to be for her betterment. She's been a lot confused lately, and I know she needs this break so much. I just wish she would come back as a stronger, more independent person.

Camille. Our Most Independent & Intelligent Sissy. Just when we're getting a lot more closer, her family decides to put her back to the academe to finish Law School. She's already got 2 Terms of Law School under her belt, but she decided to find herself by plunging into the world of the Working Class. I certainly hope that her short endeavor with us, at HDPP, has led her to find more about herself than if she hadn't tried to work with us.

I would bet all my limbs that I would be going to a helluva deep depression, when these girls leave HDPP. They were the ones I shared breaks, long talks and thoughts with, for the last month and a half. Our bonds are the strongest I've ever had with anyone (besides my BLD Friends).

Kari & Camzy, I just hope you guys will always remember that you've got a friend right here who's always going to support and miss you. I'm always just a Phone Call, Text Message and Email away. I pray that you will find yourselves and your happiness in your new endeavors. Embrace it with open arms, and take it all in. Learn from your experiences and live your life to the full. Love you guys so much. I will miss you like crazy! God bless!

Just Some Trivial Stuff...

2006-03-26T04:14:00.000+08:00

Why am I not surprised?!? Read on...

You Belong in London

A little old fashioned, and a little modern.
A little traditional, and a little bit punk rock.
A unique woman like you needs a city that offers everything.
No wonder you and London will get along so well.

What City Do You Belong In?

I knew it!!!

You Are An Intro-Extrovert!

Sometimes you're social - sometimes you're shy
You've got a bit of an Introvert / Extrovert split going on
You enjoy all sorts of situations. Parties, small groups, and alone time.
Too much of one, and you'll long for the other. You need varity!
Chances are, you've got both serious and fun friends - and they don't get along.

Are You An Extrovert or Introvert?

You Are Independent Sexy

You drive men crazy with your "playing hard to get act"
Except, it's really not an act at all.
You're a strong, sexy woman with her own life and interests.
And that makes men even more interested in you!

What Kind of Sexy Are You?

You are a Romantic Realist

Okay, so you fall in the middle.
You know that love isn't like a greeting card...
Yet you can always find a greeting card to describe your feelings.

You are the best of both worlds
Girly yet independent, dreamy yet serious.
Almost any guy can find balance with you.

Are You a Romantic or Realistic?

And here I thought guys were just intimidated by me...

You Don't Have a Boyfriend Because You are Too Shy

When a guy gets to know you, he finds a great catch
Problem is... you're too shy for most guys to get to know.
From meeting someone to dating, you usually have your guard up.
And while you're just holding back, it makes you seem like you've got something to hide.

Why Don't You Have a Boyfriend?

You Are A Professional Girlfriend!

You are the perfect girlfriend - big surprise!
Heaven knows you've had enough practice. That's why you're a total pro.
If there was an Emily Post of girlfriends, it would be you.
You know how to act in every situation ... to make both you and your guy happy.

What Kind of Girlfriend Are You?

You are a Career Girl!

You may not be a CEO yet, but you're well on your way to success.
You take your career seriously, and you wouldn't stop working for any guy!
An independent woman, you pay for your own car, clothes, and housing.
And men appreciate that - at least, the ones as driven as you are.

What Kind of Girl Are You?

How true...

Men See You As Choosy

Men notice you light years before you notice them
You take a selective approach to dating, and you can afford to be picky
You aren't looking for a quick flirt - but a memorable encounter
It may take men a while to ask you out, but it's worth the wait

How Do Men See You?

You Are Most Like Miranda!

While you've had your fair share of romance, men don't come first
Guys are a distant third to your friends and career.
And this independence *is* attractive to some men, in measured doses.
Remember that if you imagine the best outcome, it might just happen.

Romantic prediction: Someone from your past is waiting to reconnect...

But you'll have to think of him differently, if you want things to work.

Which Sex and the City Vixen Are You?

Great Weekend!

2006-03-19T06:36:00.000+08:00

I just came from a really fun evening with some of my office buddies. It was really cool since we were all able to just hang loose and let our hair down.

We've been planning to have a "drinking" party for the longest time, and since this would be one of the last weekends we'd be able to spend together, we decided to make the most out of it.

Kari, our baby girl, offered to have the party at her house. We, then, subsequently offered to bring the drinks. Actually, only the girls brought the drinks! Anne brought about 4 2-Liter Sprite Bottles, Raych brought the Apple-flavored Vodka, and I brought the Tequila.

Good ole Boogie brought his beloved Jakie, whom we've heard so much about, and Raych also brought along her fiance, Richard.

The boys really brought nothing to the table except jokes and good laughs. Eugene was supposed to pay for the pizza, but Kari's parents beat him to it. Well, what the hey?!? They're like family... With Eugene falling for Kari, anyways. Lolz!

Carlo and Camille stood us up, but they have very valid reasons. Boogie also had to leave early, since he had to bring Jakie home before her Dad kills him.

Only Raych, Anne, Eugene, Richard, Kari and I were left, along with some of Kari's High School friends. We really made every minute count. We teased Kari and Eugene about 80% of the time, but we were also able to share a lot of stuff that we'd normally never talk about.

Of course, all of this happened over shots of Tequila and Vodka Sprites. Thank goodness none of us got drunk silly!

I really had fun! Now, I can't wait for our 1st official outing to Batangas right after our ISD Training the week after next!!! I'll bet it's gonna be far better!

The Philippine Government Service

2006-03-09T01:15:00.000+08:00

Please indulge me for ranting at this time. I just had the most "haaaarrrible" day today (March 8)!

Here's what happened. I had to finalize some requirements for work today, so as not to delay my 1st Paycheck (woohoo!). The last requirement I had to acquire was the Social Secuity ID, which, after 3 years, I haven't had the chance to get.

Last week, after fixing the Police Report for my car, my Dad and I drove to the Social Security Systems (SSS) Office in Alabang, which, to our dismay was closed for a City Holiday. So I just decided to go back there after a few days.

Last Friday, I decided to try my luck. Even though I hardly had any sleep, I went to their office to find an exhaustingly looooong line queueing. Before I had to spend a minute in that friggin' line, I asked the guard where I should go to get the Social Security ID. To my utter amazement, the arrogant guards, who must've thought they're Mr. Powerful, told me, in a rather "Are You Dumb" tone, that their ID Systems were down.

So, being the more mature (and financially abled) one, I took it in stride. As a follow-up, I asked if they knew when the ID System in their office would be fixed. With eyes almost rolling, he answered that he doesn't know! His attitude and demeanor was actually very much like those stereotypical "Mean Girls" and "Jocks" you'd meet in High School. Unfortunately, he's supposed to help you out.

Anyway, I decided to try out the other SSS Offices near our home. The nearest one (after Alabang) would be in Baclaran. So there I went, braving the traffic going to Baclaran (which perpetually suffers from intense traffic), only to find out that I did not reach the friggin' cut off time! Aaaaarrrgggghhhh!

Since I really want my requirements to be done and over with, I forced myself to go back to Baclaran, for one last hurrah! They open at 8:00AM, so I decided to stay in the office until 7:00AM (I get off at 5:30AM) and wait for the time to fly.

I got to Baclaran at exactly 8:15AM, and the queue for the Information counter extended all the way to the building's facade! I had to wait for an hour just to get a form for the SS ID. Then, I had to go through another queue for the verification of my SSS Contributions and eligibility. That line cost me a good hour and a half. And the last line, the one for the Data Capturing and ID Photos, took another friggin' hour and a half! Aaaaaarrrrgggghhh!!!

I wouldn't mind, really, if only the SSS Employees were courteous and accommodating enough. But NOOOOO... They were snobby, snooty, disrespectful, discourteous, and rude. I really pity those old pensioners who braved the lines with me, only to get dissed by those people. No respect, really.

It's sad, but unfortunately, that is the reality of the Philippine Government Service here. It does not only happen in the SSS, but in ALL... I repeat, ALL, Government Agencies here. Darn them all!

I can't really wait for the chance when I can get away from this hellhole and all the bureaucratic crap they have!!! Forgive me, but its true. So sue me!

Back In The Workforce

2006-03-08T06:46:00.000+08:00

Yes, folks! I am back in the fold!

I am now with HSBC Electronic Data Processing Philippines! I'm actually on the 2nd week of Core Training and we'll be graduating from Core on Friday. Next week, it'll be all Processing! Oooohhhh!!!

I'm with the US Credit Card Fraud Process, and it really scares me a lot. But, then again, I am enjoying the company of my newfound friends.

Imagine that! Only 2 weeks in, and I already have a clique! Our clique is actually the most controversial one in our Tranche (Batch, in other words). Some think our group is obnoxious, loud and bratty. Well... It's not that far from the truth. Hahaha!

Just kidding, of course. I think we're just severely misunderstood. (So, what else is new, Elaine?!?)

Our group is composed by 3 Guys and 5 Girls. The main man, Boogie, was a former DJ and is the life of our group. He's a little hard at hearing (intentionally, I suppose), and is quite boisterous (which we ALL love about him). Carlo, or Conty, is the youngest in the group (though it's not very evident!). He's a funny dude, but is a bit more reserved than Boogie-Man is. The last man standing would be Eugene (or Enyong! Hahaha!). He comes from one of the Philippines' Main Political Clans. He's a crazy dude, that Eugene guy! He'd be very quiet, but when he butts in... Classic!!!

Besides myself, our group has 4 other girls. Anne is the main gal. She's got a lot of stories and a lot of experience to share. She's quite the female version of Boogie. Then, there's our resident foreigner, Rachael. Well, Raych isn't actually a foreigner. She's half-German and half-Filipino. She was born elsewhere, but grew up here. She's every bit Filipino, and is quite reserved (well, at least not with us!). We also have our Soon-To-Be-Lawyer, Camille. Now, she's the smart and silent girl! She kept to herself most of these 2 weeks. She only started to hang out with us in the latter part of last week. And... Our baby... Kari. She's the cutest, most naive girl I've ever known in my life! She's such a sweetheart, and that's why we're overly protective of her.

I'm sooo enjoying my time here so far. I love the way we've bonded over the greenest of things, and over the "Cancer Breaks." Even if Boogie and I are the only ones who don't smoke, we enjoy the chit-chats over smokes.

Well, hopefully our friendship will endure, though it seems like Kari and Camille would be leaving us soon. Here's to a few weeks more in Training together!

Wieners!!!

Hong Kong Pics Part 2

2006-03-07T18:51:00.000+08:00

At The Disney Fountain...

Mickey's At The Palm Of My Hand

Pam, Daisy Duck & Me

Me & My Pal, Goofy

With Mickey & Minnie

Trying On My Ears...

Hong Kong Pics Part 1

2006-03-06T00:37:00.000+08:00

Here are some of our pics from our recent trip to Hong Kong... Enjoy!

At the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila

In The Disneyland MTR from Sunny Bay

Mickey & I Welcome You To Disneyland!

Pam & Me In Tomorrowland

Literally Carrying The World On My Shoulders

Hong Kong Adventure

2006-03-05T05:02:00.001+08:00

As promised, I am posting the Hong Kong Adventure I had with my sister, Pam.

Everything started last year, when my Mom promised me a trip to Hong Kong for my birthday. Well, it took about half a year for that promise to be fulfilled, but it was worth the wait. My mom cashed in on her accumulated Mileage Points from Philippine Airlines and was able to get us free tickets to Hong Kong.

We were initially slated to leave last January 13, but my Mom had misplaced our tickets, which, we later found out, was left in Los Angeles! So we rebooked our flights for March 3-6. But due to some schedule discrepancies (with Me starting my new job and Pam starting her Board Exam Review), we had to reschedule our trip to an earlier date.

Due to the change in schedule, we were caught in a last minute race for a good hotel package. Unfortunately for us, all the hotels were already fully booked with only 2 days before our scheduled trip.

Since we were running out of time and were desperate for a place to stay, I consulted with my former Supervisor, Sheila, about getting hotel packages in Hong Kong when we get there. She said that it was relatively easy to get around Hong Kong without the Packaged Tours and most hotels accept walk-in guests. That eased my mind a bit.

But since Pam and I were arriving Hong Kong at 8:00PM, we needed a place to sleep, if only for the first night. Thank God my Dad was able to get a hold of his College friend, Tita Let Gallardo, who, along with her family, generously offered to share their home with Pam, and myself.

So, the next day, Pam and I made our last minute errands and went to the airport. Upon arriving in Hong Kong, I gave Tita Let a call from the Courtesy Phone at the Immigrations Area. She gave us clear cut instructions on how we can proceed to their home in Lam Tin.

Since Pam and I wanted to make the most out of our stay in Hong Kong, we grabbed a couple of brochures and maps from the Airport. We, then, proceeded to exchange some of our money (in Philippine Peso) to Hong Kong Dollars, just enough for us to get to Lam Tin.

We boarded the Double Decker CityFlyer Bus A22 to the Lam Tin MTR Station, where Tita Let would be meeting us. Pam and I took pictures at the Bus, while enjoying the drive through the City.

Upon arriving in Lam Tin, about 45-minutes later, we were met by Tita Let, who warmly welcomed us to Hong Kong. I gave her the Conti's Chicken Pie we brought for them as pasalubong, as we walked through the station to their home.

Tita Let and Tito Robi Gallardo, with their kids, Gabe and Mika, live in a quaint 3 Bedroom apartment in Sceneway Gardens. Like most Hong Kong homes, their apartment complex was just one of a cluster of high-rise apartments in Hong Kong.

Once we got settled in, I began making calls to ALL the hotels in Hong Kong, trying to find a room where we could stay with our parents in the next few days. As luck would have it, 98% of the hotels in Hong Kong were already Fully Booked. I stayed up until 4:30AM trying to find a hotel. I was finally able to get a reservation at the New Kings Hotel in Nathan Road, just a few steps away from the Yau Ma Tei MTR Station.

The next morning, with the Hotel predicament settled, Pam and I headed off to Hong Kong Disneyland for a day of fun and leisure. We went to the Mall right next to the MTR Station to have our money changed and proceeded to get the Tourist MTR Day Pass for each of us.

The Tourist MTR Day Pass allowed Pam and I to get Unlimited rides on the MTR (Hong Kong's Subway) for 24 Hours. It was great, since a One-Way ride on the MTR to Disneyland was about HK$23.00 per person from Lam Tin.

Pam and I arrived in Disneyland at around 10:45AM and we had a blast taking pictures from the MTR Station to the entrance of Disneyland! It was quite cloudy, but it didn't hinder us from enjoying the day. We spent most of the time taking pictures with the Disney Mascots, on the streets, near the rides, what have you.

Since it was near lunchtime, Pam and I had lunch at Tomorrowland's Starliner Diner. We just had the Kiddie Meals, since we were trying to save up our Money. In all fairness, the Meals were quite filling. We even had leftover Fries.

After Lunch, we headed down the Main Road where the Parade was already on its way. We took dozens of photos of the Disney Characters and their colorful floats! We even saw a number of Filipino Performers on the Parade!

To cut to the chase, Pam and I spent the whole day in Disneyland, most of the time, just having our pictures taken with the Disney Characters! Of course, we also rode the Space Mountain, The Many Adventures Of Winnie The Pooh, and we also got to watch Mickey's PhilharMagic Show! We also did our share of shopping and sight-seeing.

Pam and I left Disneyland, just as it was starting to rain. We decided, that since the day wasn't over yet, why not make a quick stop at the Mong Kok Night Market?!? We took the MTR and proceeded to Mong Kok to canvass the rates of some Electronics for Dave.

Electronic devices in Hong Kong are admittedly cheaper than they are back here in Manila, but then again, I'd rather get my Electronic Goods here and be able to go back to the supplier if it turns out to be damaged, than to risk learning that I purchased a defective iPod or iBook, and having nowhere to run.

Anyway, after we have gone through a number of Electronics Stores in Mong Kok, we walked a block to the Ladies Night Market, just to see what we can buy from there. We saw a lot of souvenir items that we can bring back to our friends, but none for us, really. We decided that it was better if we just buy from the Local Boutiques that were having a Sale at the time.

Since it was already about 8:30PM, we decided to check on our Parents at the New Kings Hotel. Pam and I got some dinner at KFC, and walked to the Hotel from the Night Market. My feet were already cramping up from all the walking when we got to the New Kings Hotel, where our parents were billeted in Room 605.

New Kings Hotel was quite sleazy, if you asked me. The rooms were excruciatingly small and cramped. The hallway was only as wide as 2 people standing beside each other. My Mom, being finicky as she was, was quite disgruntled. I told her that for HK$500.00 per Night it was the best we could get. The other hotels with availabilities had rooms for HK$960.00++ up to HK$1900.00++ per Night. Since we couldn't fit in anyway, we decided to stay with Tita Let's family for another night, while our Parents had a walk along Nathan Road to find another hotel.

When we arrived in Lam Tin, we told Tita Let and Tito Robi about what happened, and they were quite understanding about our little problem. They, once again, let us in to spend the night. Before I went to bed, tired as I already was, I called Mom and Dad at the hotel to find out if they were able to find a hotel. Mom said that they found an available room at the Evergreen Hotel, just a few blocks from New Kings Hotel. They would be able to view the rooms in the morning, so we will be able to know if we can fit in, or if the room was big enough for Mom's taste.

The next day, we finally bid farewell to the Gallardo Family, as Pam and I hauled our luggage to the MTR on our way to Yau Ma Tei. We met with our Parents at the New Kings Hotel in time for them to Check Out and move. We walked about 3 Blocks towards the Jordan MTR Station, to find the Evergreen Hotel.

It was a quaint little hotel, but it was quite cozy. We were billeted at Room 312, which was still small, for our Standards, but was big enough for the 4 of us. It had 2 Double beds and a Sofa-Bed. They also had free Internet Access on the hallway, where Pam and I spent some time checking our mail.

After settling in, Pam and I went our way. We were off to do some serious sight-seeing! Our first destination was Victoria Peak. We had to take the MTR to Hong Kong Island and walk to the Victoria Peak Tram. When we got to the Central Station, we were surprised to see a lot of Filipinos! Since it was a Sunday, it was the Rest Day of the Filipino Migrant Workers in Hong Kong. They all gathered at the Park near the Central Station. It was quite fun to see throngs of Filipinos lounging around on the Park, catching up with each other, etc.

As we were walking, Pam and I were in awe of the Hong Kong Financial District's Skyline. It was very beautiful. Better than the Makati Skyline! The buildings were quite Modern and had fascinating architectures. We couldn't help but take pictures!

As we neared the Victoria Peak Tram Station, we were astounded by the number of people in line for the tram! The queue extended out to the street, from the covered area of the Peak Tram Station! Since we really wanted to make our trip worthwhile and memorable, we decided to brave the long queue (filled with Local and Foreign Tourists). After a few minutes, we were finally able to get into the Tram.

The Tram's climb up to Victoria Peak had its moments, when we could see the Victoria Harbour, but most of the time, we only saw the brushes, rocks and buildings lining the slopes of the mountain. The Tram went up at a 45 Degree Angle which made it quite hard for us to keep our heads up. It was quite an experience, though.

Upon reaching the top, we were greeted by a Shopping Mall, of all places! Turns out, the Victoria Peak Observation Deck was ontop of the Mall. The new Victoria Peak Observatory was still under construction, so, people spent the time in the Mall. Pam and I went for short shopping spree at the Mall, buying some shirts for ourselves and some cute little toys for our niece, Luisa. After some shopping, we went to the Observation Deck to savor the sights of Victoria Harbour and the Hong Kong Skyline. We also took a lot of pictures there!

After about an hour and a half in Victoria Peak, we went back to the MTR Central Station. We decided to see the Hong Kong Convention and Exibition Center as well as the Golden Bauhinia. We took a short MTR Ride to the Wan Chai Station and walked to the HKCEC and the Golden Bauhinia Square. While walking, Pam and I chanced upon the Fountain at the Central Plaza's facade. It was quite enchanting, so we decided to take pictures near the fountain.

Once we were done with our Photo Op, we walked towards the HKCEC, where they were having a Fashion Exhibition. We walked around the block to find the Golden Bauhinia, which was a gift from China when Hong Kong returned to the Chinese Sovereignty. It was a pretty sight!

Next stop was the Tsim Sha Tsui area. Pam and I went down at the Tsim Sha Tsui MTR Station and walked towards the Avenue of the Stars at the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade. Pam and I enjoyed it there since the air was cool and the sights were breath-taking! We, again, took dozens upon dozens of pictures.

We decided to head back to the hotel, since it was already late in the afternoon. On the way back, Pam and I did some shopping at the Sogo Department Store where we were able to buy ourselves some shoes. Pam got herself some Diesel Sneakers, while I got a pair of Pony ones. Both were on sale!

When we finally got back to the hotel, our parents were already waiting for us, since one of my Dad's friends from the Rotary Club in Hong Kong wanted to bring us out for dinner. We ate at a restaurant just a stone's throw away from the Hotel. The food was quite filling, let me tell you that! And to think we didn't even eat any rice!

After dinner, we went our separate ways, again, with Pam and I heading back to the Mong Kok Night market to get some last minute souvenirs for our friends and some last minute shopping. I bought myself a pair of jeans from Giordano and some shirts from Baleno. We also got Dave some shirts from Giordano as Pasalubong.

That night, Pam and I started packing up for our trip back to Manila the next day. I was the last one to sleep, as I wrote down some directions for our parents.

Our flight was scheduled to leave at 1:05PM, so Pam and I left the hotel at 9:00AM. We boarded the CityFlyer Bus A21 at Nathan Road, just a few steps away from the hotel, to the airport. Since I hadn't gotten any breakfast, I decided to spend all my remaining Hong Kong Dollars on a Whopper from Burger King, while Pam browsed through the shops at the Airport.

We arrived Manila at 3:00PM, and were met by our Uncle at the Terminal. I was very tired from the trip as a whole, that I easily fell asleep when we got home. I woke up at 7:30PM, just in time to get ready for work.

Now... Work... That's another story.

For those who want to do their own sight-seeing in Hong Kong, here are some helpful websites you could browse through:

Hong Kong Tourism Board
Hong Kong Travel
CityFlyer Bus
Hong Kong MTR
Hong Kong Disneyland

The Peak
Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre
Avenue Of The Stars
Evergreen Hotel Hong Kong
Gallardo Family

Signing In From Hong Kong!!!

2006-02-26T21:29:00.000+08:00

Hey guys!

Just wanted to give you guys a short shout-out from Hong Kong!

I'm on my last night here in Hong Kong, where me and my sister have been "back-packing" for the last 3 days.

I'll be giving you guys a full run-down on our trip here when I get back to Manila.

I got to go now, for some last minute shopping at the Ladies Night Market in Mong Kok. See you guys when I get back!

The 2 Months That Were

2006-02-22T17:37:00.000+08:00

As promised, I am updating you guys on what's been happening to me in the past 2 months. And please, bear with me, coz this going to be a very long entry...

Anyway, it was a very crazy Christmas Season. There was the Office Christmas Party at the PICC Forum, then there was the Team Christmas Party at the office. As Christmas Parties go, there was food galore! Everyone had their fill.

January came, and I resigned from my job. Yes folks! I resigned. The effectivity of my resignation was last January 30th, but I took my Terminal Leave starting January 15. The reason for my resignation is another entry waiting to happen.

Before I even resigned, I've already submitted my Resume to a number of companies via email and online Job Markets. I spent almost a month going through interviews and Job Offers, one after another, that I'd get home and just fall flat on my bed!

I've gotten pretty good leads and tons of offers from good companies around the Metro. There were offers for Researcher Positions, Transcriber, Analyst, Team Lead, etc. But the salaries were not quite appealing. Nor were the benefits.

The best offer I got was from HSBC Electronic Data Processing Philippines (HDPP) in Alabang. They offered me a job as an Associate Fraud Specialist for their US Credit Cards Department. The pay is the highest I've ever been offered, and the location of the office is a close proximity from home. Now, why wouldn't I accept their offer?!?

I signed up with HDPP and will start on Monday, February 27 at 8:30PM. Think the Evening Shift sucks, right?!? Actually, it really doesn't matter. I'm used to sleeping at 4:30AM anyway.

After signing the offer from HDPP, everything went downhill. I was able to relax and breathe a sigh of relief (even if I ended up as the Official Cook and Dishwasher of the House!).

The highlight of my "vacation" was when my Babies, Matthew and Luisa, stayed in our house for 5 Days!

My cousin, Ate Mhin, and her husband were required to attend an Interview by the New Zealand Immigration Authorities in Bangkok last February 2. Since they had no one to look after their kids, they left them with the kids' most doting Godmother... ME!

I picked up Matt and Luisa, along with their Nanny, Juliet, from their house last February 1. Matt was excited to see me, that he started to call my attention everytime! He'd say "Iyang??? Iyang!!!" (Matt's words for Ninang, a Filipino Term for Godmother) whenever I'd get out of his sight. He's become so talkative, that guy!

Luisa, on the other hand, was contented with playing inside her stroller. She had gotten bigger from when I last saw her. She was also quite fussy, moving around a lot. She also got a lot prettier!

When we got to BF Homes, I felt quite hungry, so I brought the kids and Juliet to Jollibee, where we could grab a bite, and let Matt play in their Indoor Playground. Matt, initially ate half of my food, before I ushered him to the Playground. He played with the puzzles and met new friends.

When we got home, we were pretty tired from our trip and were completely sated with the food we just ate. A few minutes after we had settled in, Ate Mhin and Ernest arrived, and we proceeded to set up Luisa's Playpen.

The next day, I brought Ate Mhin and Ernest to the Airport for their flight to Bangkok. I got home just in time to comfort a crying Matthew. You see, Matt cries whenever he wakes up with nobody beside him. Actually, he cries even in his sleep. I explained to him that his parents went to fix their Immigration for New Zealand. Somehow, I think he understood. He stopped crying and walked to the kitchen, looking famished! Luisa woke up without a fuss. We just saw her playing around in her Playpen.

We spent the whole day playing! Whenever my Mom had patients, Matt would go to the Living Room to entertain them, while I held his sister. He such a precocious toddler!

Luisa... Now she's a handful! She gets all hyped up! Wanting to crawl around, stand up, etc. You couldn't keep her still. Unless, she's asleep, at least. But she's so adorable, you couldn't help but fuss over her! Most of the time, Pam took care of Luisa while she was studying.

I brought Matthew to Festival Mall the next day to buy him some slippers, since he did not like wearing his sandals at home. He'd get grumpy and pull on his sandals. Since we didn't want him to walk barefoot around the house, I got him some Batman Flip Flops at Robinsons. We walked around the store and he tried all the Motorized Cars and Kiddie Motorbikes in sight! A lot of the Sales Associates found him cute and he'd turn on his charm! He'd walk over to them with his irresistable smile and they all gushed!

We had a fun time at the Mall, we got some groceries, ate dinner, and got him on some of the Kiddie Rides. He was so happy! So was I.

Anyway, I hardly got any sleep when the kids were here, but it didn't matter. They gave me all the energy I needed. It's true what they say about babies. They take all your stress away with just one smile!

When it was time for them to go home, after Ate Mhin and Ernest came back from Bangkok, I felt awful. I was in withdrawal... I had a hard time letting go of the kids.

Thank goodness, the 2nd installment of Pinoy Big Brother was having its launch the same evening. It took my mind away from the depression I was feeling after the kids went home.

The week went by so fast. I didn't even notice that the days passed. I was able to see the kids again and I brought them to The Picture Company to have their portraits done... And they looked sooo cute! Love those kids to bits! Yes, it made a huge dent on my savings, but it was worth every penny!

Anyway, I best be going... Post some more again soon.

Quickie Picture Post...

2006-02-22T04:50:00.000+08:00

I know its been a long time since my last post, but it has been a pretty chaotic 2 months. I'll have to fill you guys in soon. I promise.

In the meantime, I'd like to share some pictures that I really treasure.

Enjoy!

Me & My Kids

With My Girls

My Precious Godchildren

He's Gotten To Be Such A Big Boy!!!

Matt Is Just Adorable!!!

Mr. Matthew Man

The Makings Of The Next Top Model

My Sweet Little Luisa

My Lovely Flower Pot

First Word

2005-12-12T06:34:00.000+08:00

I'm soooo ecstatic!

Last night, I witnessed a milestone in one of my babies' lives!

Luisa, my niece, spoke her first word at only Four Months and Three Days Old!!!

And her first words? "Mama!!!"

Wow!

This happened while we (the Philippine-based Corpin Clan) had our Christmas Party at Tita Fides' house. We were all gathered in the Living Room waiting for the games to start. Ate Mhin, Luisa's mom, was holding her while my sister was playing with Luisa. Then, just out of nowhere, Luisa said "Mama!"

We were all surprised! She's just turned 4 Months Old, but she already spoke her first word! She's just so advanced, that kid!

Actually, Luisa can already do things that babies aged 6 to 8 Months are doing! Luisa can already lift and hold her head. She can now roll on her belly, without any help. She's already trying to crawl. And... Most astonishing of all... She can already stand up (with support, of course)!!! Next thing I'll know, she'll be running around with her big brother, Matthew!

Well, I wouldn't really be so surprised if she does her Alphabets before reaching her 1st Birthday. Matthew can already identify the Alphabets and Numbers (from 1-10), imitate animal sounds (horses, monkeys, dogs, cows, cats, etc.), and he already communicates well. And that he can do at only a year old!

Sigh... I'm so proud of my little angels! They're so intelligent and advanced in their mental growth!

And I congratulate my Ate and her husband, Ernest, for feeding their kids with a lot of information and imagination!

I can't wait to see what other developments will happen in these next few days!

Down Memory Lane

2005-12-11T05:47:00.000+08:00

My Pretty friend, Tin, tagged me a long time ago, but I had absolutely no time to answer.

So now that I do have time, let me post my reply.

10 Years Ago...
My siblings and I went on our First Trip to the United States... Unaccompanied! Saw and reconnected with our cousins, got to go around the US (San Francisco, Los Angeles, Nevada, Illinois, Missouri, New Jersey, New York).

5 Years Ago...
Graduated from College (De La Salle University-Manila) and left for the United States for some R&R and some work on the side.

1 Year Ago...
Started working for American Express-Membership Travel Services. Had my first nephew, Jude Matthew. Started Blogging.

Yesterday...
Woke up. Cooked some Pork Chops. Watched some telly. Called my Mom in the US. Took a bath. Drove my brother to Makati. Drove me and my sister to the Reflections Concert of Regine Velasquez.

Today...
Ate dinner at ChowKing Vito Cruz with some of the RVF. Drove my friends to EDSA-Ayala. Picked-up my brother from The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf in Greenbelt 3. Drove ourselves home. Called my Mom in the US. Called my Cousin Liezl in the US (to ask for Chocolate Truffles! Hahaha!). Blogged. Will go to sleep. Will take a bath. Will pick-up some Meds my Mom was asking for. Will pick up my nephew and niece. Go shopping with my Babies, my Brother, my cousin, and the Nanny. Go to our Family's Christmas Party. Will take another bath. Will take my nephew, niece, cousin and the Nanny home. Will go to work.

Tomorrow...
Will go home and sleep! Bwahahahaha!

Reflections

2005-12-11T05:23:00.000+08:00

Just got back from Regine Velasquez's Concert, Reflections, a few hours ago. It was okay. It was one of the few times I had guffawed my arse off! Ai-Ai De Las Alas is really THE BOMB!

I won't say I didn't enjoy it. The music from the '80s was really refreshing. I loved the English songs, since I've grown up hearing them. I did, however, had a ho-hum time during the Filipino Medleys, since I am utterly unfamiliar with them. But, overall, it wasn't bad. Worth the PhP 1,500.00 I shelled out, and then some.

I must admit, I used to be a crazed Regine Velasquez groupie. Yes, my friends, a G-R-O-U-P-I-E. An over-zealous fan. Some of my friends even thought I was obsessed. (Well, they haven't met the RVF! Lol!). I was almost everywhere Regine was. Tapings, shootings, what not.

That was until a year ago. Some things are better left unsaid, but let me just say that it was worth everything I went through. It made me see what other "certified," "zealous," "devoted," and "fervent" fanaticals still refuse to see. They fail, nay, refuse, to realize that Regine Velasquez is just a person... A person, like all of us.

I still admire her tenacity, her drive, her willfulness in her career. She has withstood every single trial in her life, and has taken them in with a grain of salt. She continues to conquer her every endeavor and does not boast about it. Her inner humility is the flicker of light that keeps me in awe of her.

But she is not the only person I admire to have such qualities.

Because of everything that happened to me last year, I was able to see a broader perspective of life. Put focus on my priorities. I was able to develop more as a person.

Steve Green, a Contemporary Christian Artist, who has inspired me and my fellow Youth Ministry members, had a song, which is very appropriate with how I now view all the things, in the past year, that used to burden and hurt me. The song was entitled, The Refiner's Fire, and let me share with you the Chorus of the song that really touched my life.

The Refiner's fire
Has now become my souls desire
Purged and cleansed and purified
That the Lord be glorified
He is consuming my soul
Refining me, making me whole
No matter what I may lose
I choose the Refiner's fire

Maybe you guys are thinking, "What the heck does this have to do with Regine?"

Well folks, let's just say I was burned badly by being myself in the world of fanaticism. That burning, served as my "Refiner's Fire" -- God's Message to me. It made me see everything in a different light, and it gave me the hunger and drive to be a better person... A Better ME, outside of being a Groupie.

Now, I can say that I'm doing a little better at work; Blessed to have beautiful babies (Cousin Izabella, Nephew Matt and Niece Luisa) who I love; At peace with myself; Having personal plans that, with God's help, will soon unfold.

I don't have any regrets at all. I was being myself all the time. But I think, God wants me to be the same person, if not better, to other people. And I know, God will continue to mold and shape me, without removing who I really am.

Because God Loves ME for ME.

Love vs. Need

2005-11-27T00:43:00.000+08:00

Last Tuesday night, November 22, while I was forcing myself to sleep, something very trivial, yet almost philosophical, popped into my mind

I do not know what prompted my brain to bring out a dialogue from Claudine Barretto and Piolo Pascual's movie, Milan.

In one of the last sequences, Piolo Pascual bumped into Claudine Barretto on a bridge. Piolo's character begged Claudine's character to take him back because he needs her, then he proceeds to tell her that he loves her.

Claudine's character replied, tearfully, with these words: "Mahal mo ba ako dahil kailangan mo ako? O kailangan mo ako dahil mahal mo ako?" (English: "Do you love me because you need me? Or do you need me because you love me?").

It struck something in my consciousness that I left me wondering 'til the sun slowly rose outside my bedroom window.

Do you love somebody because you need them? Or do you need somebody because you love them? Hmmm...

I've thought long and hard to analyze what those words meant. Petty, I know, but I came to realize that each statement holds different meanings, with different emotional intensities.

When one says that he loves you because he needs you, it seems like that person basically NEEDS you more than he LOVES you. The love he has is based on his desire for you.

To me, it sounds pathetic. It's like the person is playing with your emotions, by consoling you with sweet words that soothes and warms your being, when, in reality, he just wants something from you. He may be getting something beneficial from you: love, material things, sex, whatever. It seems like a last ditch effort to gain your trust and affection, or to get you back. It's a desperate plea, using love as an
excuse.

On the other hand, when one NEEDS you because he LOVES you, it's like life means nothing to him without you. It's your entire being, your presence, that keeps him going. He feels inadequate, incomplete being apart from you. Loving you is what keeps him alive. In essence, his Love outweighs his yearning for you.

Romantic, isn't it?!? Sigh!

Personally, I'd like to find someone who would need me because he loved me. But common sense tells me that neither Love, nor Need, should take precedence over the other. There should be an equinimity between the two.

If you need the other person too much, you lose your sense of self and you would tend to become weak. Whilst excessive love, may lead to obsession, fixation and dependence.

In this world, there really is no such thing as Perfect Love or Perfect Need. However, I still believe that Perfect Love is best described in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8, which states that:

"Love is patient and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not arrogant; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails."

If we only heed what Perfect Love is, then, I guess we could achieve and find the Love that we all deserve. A love to be shared with someone who neither needs you because he loves you, nor loves you because he needs you.

Pretty Tin & The Case Of Grimace's Galis

2005-11-10T04:41:00.000+08:00

Last night, my sister, Pam, and I went to the 25th Birthday Party of our good friend (and fellow Blogger), Tin Racho. It was held at McDonald's St. Francis Square right behind SM Megamall.

As with any other McDonald's Party, it had a cute theme. Tin chose a Disney Princess Theme for her birthday. I don't really know why she chose to have a kiddie party for her 25th Birthday, but it was great fun!

I really loved the party since some of our friends from our BLD Youth days, who I hardly ever see these days, were there! Heck! Even Blog Addict Meggy Jelly was there with her hubby, the Miracle Bus Driver.

Just being with them was great enough. But add in some Parlor Games?!? Pure Riotous Fun! Imagine, grown men and women, scrambbling around like little kids, just for a little piece of goodie-bag item! It was hilarious!

And when Grimace arrived?!? We were like little kids, excited to touch and play with the Purple-Furred Mascot! Everyone whooped out their cameras and started flashing away! Kiddie Bliss!

While we were having fun with Grimace, our friend, MeggyJelly, started joking around the mascot... and she discovered something horrendous!

SI GRIMACE MAY GALIS!!! Hmmm... Has he been infected by the Asian Avian Flu due to his insatiable appetite for Chicken McDo? Que Horror!!! And his backside?!? Must've been a bad case of diarrhea or something! Man! He got brown stains all over thereabouts!

Just kidding! We think the Mascot costume was getting pretty old since there were already a few spots that lost the purple fur. And the material was also tearing up around his mouth and arms. I think it was Anna who told Grimace that she'd give him some Fabric Softener to smoothen and protect his fur!

But, of course, the center of attention was still on the Birthday Girl, Tin. She looked really great! We were quite awed by her look! It was the first time I saw Tin in a backless, plunging neck-line, halter dress! And here I thought she was conservative! Lol!

But hey! She's already 25! She can wear whatever she darn wants! Right, Tin?!? By the way, great singing there!

Just a few shout outs to our friends who were there: MeggyJelly, Marvin, Anna, Caloy, Gorgeous Gwadz, Beng, Richie, Jay... I really had a blast!

Below are just a few of the pics we took of this unforgettably fun event.

Again... Happy Birthday, Tin!

-= o O o =-

The Birthday Girl

Tin Singing...

Wishing For A...

Me and My Boyfriend, Grimace

Pam and Grimace

Grimace is a Chick Magnet!

MeggyJelly and Grimace

Mr. Universe Finalists?!?

Gorgeous Gwadz Showing Her Beautiful Back To Grimace

Baby Beng And Grimace

Grimace With The Kiddies

Ang GALIS Ni Grimace!

Kuliiiitttt!!!

Parlor Game Winners!

Marvin, Jopay & Moi

Anna, Pam & Beng

Me & The Gorgeous... Nurse Gwadz!

Dimsum Crazy!!!

2005-11-08T19:20:00.000+08:00

I must admit... I am Dimsum Crazy.

I've loved dimsum, since I could remember. I remember having Sunday Dinners at Maxim's Tea House in T.M. Kalaw and Roxas Boulevard (right across from the US Embassy) when I was a little kid. We'd order different types of dimsum, which would serve as our dinner. Our parents would order their own food, while we feast on Pork Siomai, Shrimp Dumplings and Beef Siomai.

As I grew older, I discovered other types of dimsum that caught my palate's fancy.

My first dibs on another form of dimsum, away from my usual Maxim's Siomai, were Mr. & Mrs. Teo's Boiled Dumplings and Kuchay Pie from my High School Cafeteria. They became my staple food in High School (since I was saving my absurdly small allowance). Though they came cheap, they were really good! Yum!

Then, I discovered Gloria Maris... Probably the Best Dimsum I have ever had! They had those rolling dimsum carts that go around the tables. I'd grab whatever caught my fancy. And their Shrimp Dumplings (Hakaw)?!? WOW! Just the thought makes my mouth water...

Then, my equal fascination with Japanese Food lead me to discover Gyoza, which, right now, makes me realize something... It tastes just like Potstickers!!! But, anyway...

When I went to the States, for a brief vacation, my cousins taught me the art of eating Potstickers! We'd buy frozen Potstickers from Costco and boil them. Mmmm... Good with soy sauce... And Chili... And Lime! Mmmm...!!!

Since I got back to the Philippines, I haven't had Potstickers. I've been looking high and low for frozen Potstickers, and couldn't find them! Then, one night, while contemplating on where to order food for delivery (it was a holiday, so almost everyone's closed), I chanced upon North Park Noodle House. I requested for a copy of their Menu via fax, then... Lo and behold! The most beautiful words popped on their Appetizer Menu... POTSTICKERS!

And I had a choice between Steamed and Fried! Being the steamed dimsum freak that I was, I ordered 6 pieces of Potstickers (along with some steamed rice and North Park's Aniseed Beef Tendon Stew).

When my meal came, I just couldn't control myself... It was love at first bite! I couldn't get enough of my Potstickers! I ended up completely ignoring the rice and Beef Stew! Lol!

Though it kinda hurts my pockets to buy from North Park, I just couldn't help myself. I'd order my Potstickers. Just this afternoon, I shared some with my Sister. We had a North Park Lunch at home.

Now... How can I make myself some??? Hmmm...

All Souls' Day Wish

2005-11-02T23:43:00.000+08:00

November 2 is marked as All Souls' Day in Catholic Calendars. It's supposed to be the day when we solemnly celebrate the lives of our departed loved ones. But since time immemorial, we observe this "tradition" during All Saints' Day (November 1).

It is during this season, which has been commercially known as Halloween, that people, continuously, talk about ghouls, ghosts, and those things that come bump in the night. TV Shows would also have specials that were designed to scare the crap out of anybody.

Last night, I got to thinking... If we could make wishes for our birthdays, why not make a wish that concerns our dearly departed?

I have always wished, since I was a kid, to see my Maternal Grandparents just for one day. My Maternal Grandparents died just 10 Months apart, back in 1988. It was quite a traumatic year for us, when they died.

Both of them had sudden deaths. My Grandfather died after suffering from a massive stroke in their house in Malolos, while my Grandmother was visiting us in Manila. After just a mere 10 Months, my Grandmother died at the Light Rail Transit Station, after suffering from a heart attack. Both were declared dead on arrival at the hospital.

I was only 8 years old when my Grandfather died, and 9 years old, when my Grandmother passed. I loved them both very much and I've since longed to see them once again. I want to know how they've been... How they've felt about everything that happened to us... How everything could've been a lot more different had they been alive.

But what I really want to do, most of all, is to hug them and kiss them both. I haven't touched them for 17 years, and life has been really cold and miserable without their touch and presence.

Just writing this entry makes my eyes water. I miss them so much. And celebrating All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day doesn't ease the pain.

If God could just grant me that one wish, I would be happy.

I miss you, Lolo and Lola. I love you. Until we meet again.

Random Facts

2005-10-27T00:01:00.000+08:00

I was tagged by my dear friend, Duke, with this pseudo-quiz.

It's actually not a quiz, but more of a means of sharing random facts about yourself that only a number of people know about. For me, it's more of a self-analysis. An introspection, if you will. There are things that even I do not know about myself.

Anyway, according to what Duke wrote, I have to put down 20 Random Facts about myself, then tag the same number of people as the number of minutes that it takes for me to finish this. And since I know I'm gonna take forever, I am tagging everyone on my Email and Blog List! Lol!

Time Start: 10:32 PM

1. I always thought that my blood type was A, until my Annual Physical Exam Result read Type O!

2. People say I am a very good writer. My only problem is, when I write something in English, some of my friends had to whip out a dictionary to understand the words. Same thing goes when I write something in Tagalog.

3. I have an excruciatingly LOW Self-Esteem. So low, that I don't even know if I am good at anything.

4. I have never been in a serious relationship. The only man in my life, right now, is my nephew... Matthew!!!

5. I hate slow drivers. On second thought, make that Filipino Drivers, in particular (save for the very few exceptions... like Myself! Lol!).

6. I get depressed when I think about my old friends who I haven't had a chance to talk with for a long time.

7. I secretly wanted to be an actress/singer.

8. Frogs, rats, bats, insects, ghosts, scary movies, snakes and reptiles scare the bejeezuz out of me!

9. I cover my eyes and ears, and sing as loud as I can, when I watch a scary movie (Much to the annoyance of my Siblings and Friends!)

10. I have always felt Unworthy of God's Love.

11. I'm a Certified Korean Wave Addict!

12. I have absolutely NO Sense of Fashion (ask my siblings about it!).

13. I'm torturously and insufferably shy (Which explains why I refuse to go into things and situations outside my comfort zone, and which explains why people tend to think I am arrogant, snobbish and aloof).

14. I tend to be very particular with grammar and spelling, when it comes to English.

15. Aside from Angelina Jolie, I've had crushes with the same sex, way back in Grade School (Exclusive Schools do that to you...)

16. Like Duke, I am Claustrophobic. I'd often wake up sweating and crying from a severely claustrophobic dreams!

17. I'd rather be in the office than be at home.

18. I always wished (and still do...) that my Maternal Grandparents were still alive.

19. I talk to myself, make little speeches, think about the future and make lists every chance I have alone.

20. I never had a close friend who considered me to be the same.

Time Finished: 11:00 PM (See! I told you it takes long for me!)

Now... For the people I want to tag... Get ready! Mwahahahaha!

1. Meels - My lawyer buddy.
2. Chie B. - My Bespren in the Bay Area
3. Mitzi - The Proud Ilocana
4. Binoy - The Pogi Boy!
5. Ambe - Wifred... loves (to be) Happy!
6. Eric H. - My High School Buddy!
7. Candido - CJ! Kyan Douglas' long lost Brother.
8. Sho - Madaming Hidden Random Facts itong taong ito! Reyna ng MTS!
9. Mona - Isa ka pa!!!
10. Zsazsa - My Manager...
11. Mommy Shee - J-Lo's long lost Sister!
12. Daisy - Ang Certified Heartbreaker ng MTS!
13. Annie - Ang girl na may pinakamahabang buhok sa buong MTS!
14. Aissa - My dear cousin...
15. Ate Candy - My very successful cousin... Libre naman dyan! *wink*
16. Ditch - Hey Ms. Annaliza!
17. Fritz - Aminin mo na... Mahal mo pa rin si Regine!
18. Iris - Bakluuuuurrr!
19. Duke/Kim - Since mahilig ka rin naman sa mga survey-survey...
20. Joremel - My Rocker Fissan! Rock On!!!
21. Melo - Kamusta na kaya ito?
22. Cristy C. - A friend from waaaayyy back in the day.
23. Stels - Ang dakilang addict kay Regine... Watch out for her on QTV!
24. Owen - A dear friend, I've lost touch with.
25. Sweet - One of my favorite singers
26. Vicky S. - My cool cousin from SF.
27. Tito Gene - The coolest Ninong! Ey! Where's my gift?

Okay... I ran out of other people to tag... So sue me! But if you get this, and your name isn't on the list, consider yourself tagged! You can go ahead and answer it and forward to your friends. Don't forget to forward it back to me so that I can also get to know you better.

Anyway, hope you guys get to answer as well. It'll be cool to get to know y'all better.

Take care and Enjoy!

Rainbow Brite

2005-10-24T04:02:00.000+08:00

You are Starlite!

You are full of talents that no one else seems to have! A gift of the gab is definitely among them... and an ego the size of Rainbow Land. That's only because really, you're perfect! Just try not to point it out so much. You're definitely a horse of a different color, any way you look at it!

Which Rainbow Brite character are you?
brought to you by Quizilla

-= o O o =-

As a kid, I remember loving Raibow Brite. My sister and I even had Raibow Brite Dolls and stuff.

Then, I stumble upon this quiz on Trina's BLOG. I just felt the urge to reminisce about the olden days, and see which Rainbow Brite Character best describes me. I always thought myself as Shy Violet, but it turns out I'm more like Starlite! Some of the Characteristics shown above are quite true, and many can attest to that.

Here's to seeing which of the Rainbow Brite kids represent my Friends...

Venting Out

2005-10-24T03:37:00.000+08:00

Since I haven't been blogging the past few weeks, I've acquired some angst and peevishness that's been wanting to explode. But since the site has been blocked by our Office's Servers, I didn't have any means of slowly letting them off.

Anyway, its been bothering me a lot these past few days, and right now it's at the homestretch. I really don't want it to reach the point of no return, so I decided to vent out a bit, despite the time (It's already past 3:00AM!).

I'll get things started with the less irritating up to the downright infuriating.

First off... Don't you just hate it when you're on your day off or on leave, after weeks of hard work and never-ending overtime, then your colleagues call you with some "Urgent" matter, which turns out to be something that they can very well manage themselves? That's just WRONG!

Well, I got 4 Missed Calls on my Mobile this afternoon, while I was taking a much needed nap, from a colleague who asked me to "urgently" call her up. I've kind-of learned my lesson not to make or take that call, especially if it's from that particular colleague. She'd always call on somebody when she receives a call from a client that involves a particular quotation or endorsement that she did not make or could not find. Then, you'd end up miserable for the entire time you're out of the office.

In short, I ignored the call back, and went on with my day.

Another "non-family" thing that's irking me at the moment, is the feeling of being deceived by someone who we have considered as a friend. It's a bit sad that all this time that we've tried to connect with her, being open to her, shared laughs, concerns and little triumphs with her, she wasn't being totally herself with us.

I take it as a personal blow, because I've tried to put myself out there to connect with her in any way I could, trying to befriend her and trying to find a little connection. Then, I find out that she's been putting up a front for about a year or so. Even the person closest to her in our small little group was shocked to find out something that she'd never admitted to him.

Now, she's completely dissociating herself from us, and if that's what she wants, I'd be more than happy to oblige. Whatever floats your boat, dear. It's just a shame to have wasted your year with our existence.

The next event, or should I say, people, that's getting under my skin are 2 of my relatives. My Uncle and my cousin.

I just hate freeloaders, don't you? I know I still live with my parents, but that does not mean I get everything for free. And in no means do I expect to "ride on" my parents' incomes. Well, that's what's ticking me off with these 2. They're practically living off my poor, ailing grandmother's good graces. Actually, not just hers, but almost everyone who'd unwittingly fall for their charms.

It's okay to ask help from your relatives once in a while, but of course, you'd have to prove yourself worthy of that help as well. But alas!

Thank goodness, my immediate family is independent and tough enough not to fall into parasitic relations with them. Though we still regard them as family, we don't give them any opening or opportunity to suck the living daylights out of us.

Though I shouldn't be too affected by their free-loading ways, I just feel so bad for my Grandparents and my Uncle and Aunt who've tried to help them out, but to no avail. If only they'd showed interest in becoming more independent and self-sufficient. But no... They continue to live off of the family. Even their own immediate family is getting pretty frustrated with the lack of enthusiasm and drive that my Uncle and cousin has been exhibiting.

I think the most infuriating thing that's been bothering me this week has been the flagrant exclusion that our relatives have been doing to my family. This isn't the first time it has happened, though. And I suspect that it wouldn't be the last. It's been going on for quite some time now. I don't know if it's a conscious thing, but it's so damn obvious, I wanted to scream!

My Aunt, who has been out of the country for 16 years, came back for a 2 week vacation. At first, a lot of plans were made for this homecoming, then, everything fell apart. Now, everything revolved around what my other Aunt would schedule for my Aunt from the US. Most of which, excluded my family.

If my Aunt and my Grandmother hadn't asked my sister and I for some help in acquiring a Rental Van, we wouldn't have been invited to go to Baguio with my Aunt.

Then, yesterday, there were talks of going to Tagaytay today, to bring my Aunt's best friend around. Though everyone talked about it, even inviting my other cousins, no one said an "inviting" word to us (My Siblings and Myself), even if it was quite obvious that we were free for the weekend.

What really rubbed me the wrong way was when they stopped over our house, just to wait for our other relatives before leaving for Tagaytay. No one even asked if we would be interested to go with them! My Aunt did ask if we were doing anything today, to which I answered to the negative, thinking it would be a subtle enough hint that we would like to go with them. But I think subtlety is ineffective for these people.

If I were the only one affected, I would've let this pass, yet again. But, unfortunately, my Sister was also affected. Since, like I've mentioned, it wasn't the first time they completely excluded my family from something, it prompted my sister to repeat what we always love to say in these occasions... "Sila-sila lang naman talaga ang magkaka-pamilya, eh!" (Translation: "They're the only ones who are related anyway.") But what can we do? I can only nod in agreement to the statement that says, "We cannot choose our Family."

All I can do now is sigh and leave all these things to God. I know it would be un-Christian to retaliate, and the best way to release all these pent up frustrations is by airing them out. I'll try to sleep on them tonight, and maybe it'll be better tomorrow.

Another Test Run

2005-10-24T00:13:00.000+08:00

Okay... I made a few adjustments on my Blogger Settings since my last Email Post was not published on my BLOG .

So, this is just another Test Post using Blogger Email.

Email To Blog

2005-10-15T02:42:00.000+08:00

Alrighty... I'm just testing if this Email-To-Blog Feature of Blogger really works. Checking in after a few minutes...

Blog Addict

2005-10-05T01:16:00.000+08:00

I just discovered that a good friend of mine, Josephine, is a BLOG Addict! Lol! She even got her 2 Sisters into the habit now!

So, Jops...

WELCOME TO THE BLOGGING WORLD!!!

So guys, I invite you to check out her BLOG by clicking here! Have fun!

Updates...

2005-10-05T01:02:00.000+08:00

Okay, okay... I'm falling back into the habit again. Darnit! I've been procrastinating around making updates to my BLOG lately. I dunno why.

Anyway, let me just start off by gushing over my little angels again. Since my last entry, I've seen my babies 3 more times! First was last September 22, when I went to their house after work.

Matt was just so cute! He showed me how he's become a Big Boy! He'd dance (which was, basically, jumping up and down incessantly) and sing (in gurgles and screams) whenever he'd hear a fast song being played on the TV. He also ran around after his cousins, pulled my hand to go somewhere and behaved himself. He became more familiar and comfortable with me. He'd always try his charm with me (which, always works!) and snuggle up next to me when he wanted attention. Really cute!

Auie, or Luisa, on the other hand, has gained a little more weight. She's no longer as fragile as before, but is still precious, nonetheless. She's definitely showing her personality now. Like her parents, she's very headstrong. If she doesn't get what she wants, she'd scream her head off (not literally, though!). And it's definitely hard to put her down to sleep! But it's still so adorable the way she looks up at you with those big, expressive eyes, as if she's studying your features, down to the last details.

These kids are really worth every trip I make to Cainta (which is quite far from where I live). And I am quite honored and priveleged to be their Godmother. Yes, both Matthew and Luisa are my Godchildren! Luisa has just been dedicated last Saturday, October 1.

Speaking of going to Cainta, I met an accident last September 26 (Monday) on my way to Cainta to interview our prospective maid. My car got pinned between 2 Delivery Trucks along Amang Rodriguez Avenue in Pasig City (which is a shortcut to Marcos Highway).

You see, I was already at a Full Stop before the intersection of Amang Rodriguez and Ligaya Street, when I suddenly heard a BANG and felt my car lurch forward quite violently, which caused me to hit the Delivery Van infront of me. The rear bumper of my car was crushed, the trunk badly dented and damaged (I can't open it anymore), and the tail-lights cracked. That was just the rear-end damage. My front bumpers were forced into the front grills and into the engine from the impact to the metal bumper of the Delivery Van infront of me. Thankfully, I was able to get out of the accident unscathed, just shaken and confused.

We were already in the far side of Amang Rodriguez, towards Cainta, and the Traffic Enforcer who assisted, wanted us to go to the Philsports Arena Compound (ULTRA) where we have to file the Police Report. I was still shaking from the accident and I was very afraid and apprehensive about driving the car all the way to ULTRA, which was quite far from where we were, just to file the Police Report. I was scared that the car couldn't be driven that far after it had been damaged as bad as it had been. With the counsel of my cousin, I just decided to make arrangements with the 2 other drivers with regards to the settlement and payment for the damages. I made sure that the Traffic Enforcer signed all the documents, just in case I would need it.

I was able to get an Estimate for the Damages already, and it's going to cost around PhP 55,00.00 to repair the damages made to the car! My goodness! Fifty-Five G's! Good luck to that Driver who crushed my car!

At the Homefront, everything is far better now. We used to have a maid who was more like a Master than a Household Help! She refused to do the dirty work at home. She'd watch the TV day in and day out! When my Sister and I listed out the things she had to do (just the basics), she panicked and called my Aunt to tell her that she quit! She also had the audacity to shout at my sister and me when my Aunt came over to dismiss her. The nerve of that woman! My goodness! She stayed infront of the TV longer than the time she actually spent cleaning or just plain doing the household chores! Plus, she smoked in her room a lot, that when she left, the room stinked! It was definitely a good riddance to bad rubbish!

Just last Saturday, after Luisa's Dedication, we were able to hire a new maid. A referral from Juliet, the Nanny of Matthew and Auie. So far, I am very pleased with her performance at home. You can never see her idle. She'd find something to do. She'd rearrange things, fix the cupboards in the kitchen, sweep around the garden, wash clothes, anything! And we never had to tell her what to do at all! She had the initiative to clean around! Whenever I'd invite her to rest and watch some TV with me, she'd refuse and prefer to clean up! As a reward, I treated her out to a movie last Monday Night.

Today, I volunteered to do Overtime for a Colleague who is sick. I'm actually in pain at the moment. My lower back, around the hip area, has been experiencing sharp, piercing pain since I got out of bed. I can't walk, bend, or just plain move, without feeling intense pain. I already went to the Company Clinic to have a brief check-up. The Doctor-on-Duty just gave me a Pain Reliever to make things a little more comfortable for me while I work. He also advised me to go to Makati Medical Center tomorrow to have a Urinalysis to find out if I have an infection in my Urinary Tract. Hope I find the time, though.

See, I'm going to bring the car to the shop to have it fixed, and then, go to the Land Transportation Office to have the cars registered for the year. I haven't even gotten enough sleep yet, and I already have a fully packed day! To think I still have to go to work in the evening! Tough luck!

Well, that was essentially what happened during the 15 days that I haven't been updating my BLOG. Hopefully, I wouldn't take that long to update again...

Radio Idol

2005-09-20T03:56:00.000+08:00

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...

2005-09-12T16:24:00.000+08:00

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...

2005-09-09T22:37:00.000+08:00

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

2005-09-09T22:31:00.000+08:00

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!

2005-09-08T08:24:00.000+08:00

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...

2005-09-07T07:31:00.000+08:00

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

2005-09-06T03:16:00.000+08:00

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!

2005-09-05T21:12:00.000+08:00

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!

2005-09-03T09:49:00.000+08:00

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

2005-09-02T03:22:00.000+08:00

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.

--- o O o ---

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

2005-09-02T03:02:00.000+08:00

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.
___________________________

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!

Shelf Workout

2005-08-31T09:30:00.000+08:00

Last Monday, August 29, I went to Makro in Las Piñas to avail of the Last Day of the Buy One, Take One Promotion on the Bookshelf that my sister and I were eyeing.

We had previously went there to look at the shelves and get some groceries. To my chagrin, Makro (our local Price Club) does not accept Credit Cards. Well, at least NOT the Internationally accepted ones. Ergo, my MasterCard and Visa, were not of any help. Since I had very little cash at that time, we left Makro with only the essential groceries.

On Monday, since it was Makro's Last Day of selling that 5-Tier Bookshelf with 1 Door on a Buy One, Take One Basis, my sister insisted on lending me the money to buy the shelves. So, with only 3 Hours of Sleep to my credit, off I went to Makro.

My trip to Makro was fine, except for the long delay on the attendants' part and the wrestle to fit the shelves into the car.

I, literally, had to open all the doors, fiddle with the seats, wriggle in the confines of our Compact-sized car (Honda City), just to fit the shelves inside. Thank goodness the car parked next to mine left a few seconds before I got to my Parking Spot! I was able to utilize more space to ease my struggle with putting the Sheves into the car. It was like figuring out how to straighten a tightly jumbled and twisted bundle of wires!

And those shelves were not light, too!. Each box weighed about 32 kgs. (I exaggerate not!). Right after I was able to figure out how the Shelves could fit in the car, I was out of breath and sweating like crazy (and it did not help that it was a very hot day!).

When I got home, same thing. I had to maneuver my way about getting those darned boxes out of the car! And, I had to haul those things to my Second Floor Bedroom! Ack!!!

After I was able to bring the still-boxed-up Shelves to my room, I felt like I worked out extra hard! I plopped into my Mom's treatment bed and caught my breath. Good thing my Mom was going to the mall, so I decided that it would be the best way for me to relax.

Yesterday, after work, my sister and I decided to set-up the sheves and fix our room at the same time. We, practically, turned our room up-side down! We were able to dig up stuff that we didn't even know we had!

While we were successful in assembling the shelves ("Good Carpenters, you are!" - Yoda), I was also successful in cutting my hand and gashing my leg! Of course, let us not forget, the inevitable Asthma Attack! That's why I hate cleaning my room and setting up new furniture!

Anyway, my sister and I were able to settle things down at around 6:30PM. Although we haven't finished clearing everything out, we were content (and tired) enough with the outcome. Also, my sister had to scuttle off with my Mom and Brother to the mall.

After almost 24 hours awake, I was finally able to sleep at 7:00PM, after a very refreshing shower, only to wake up 4 Hours later, to get ready for work...

Presenting... My Babies!!!

2005-08-27T08:14:00.000+08:00

Mariel and Izabella

Matt at Mc Donald's

Auie

The kids that appear above are my kids.

No... I did not give birth to them. They're the kids I spoil rotten! Hehehe! Just kidding. They're the babies in our family, so basically they're not solely mine... They're everyone's! I just love calling them my babies, because in a way, they are!

Izabella is our youngest cousin. She was born 15 years after our then youngest cousin, Aissa, was born. So everyone in our generation doted on her. She was the cousins' baby. Now, whenever she couldn't get what she wants from her Ate Aissa, she asks from me, knowing that I can't refuse her. (I'm trying my darnedest to say "NO" now... Trust me!)

Matthew is my First Nephew (Wait! That Rhymes!), and the First Great-Grandchild of my Paternal Grandparents. He's now the Baby Boy everyone is fussing over. Due to the lack of Boys in our family (the ratio is 2 Girls is to 1 Boy), he's a very welcome addition to the Male Population of our family. And, he's also my Godson, so, I am a Parent-in-Waiting, so to speak. Lol!

Anna Luisa, or Auie, is the latest addition to our growing family. She's the baby sister of Matthew. She was born last August 8 (see my last post). I met Little Auie last Tuesday, August 23, when I visited them in their home in Cainta. I spent the whole day with her and Matt, and it was just amazing! I forgot that I didn't get a wink of sleep the whole day! I learned that I was the first in our family to meet Auie! And I'm so happy! I couldn't wait to see her kasi.

Mariel is our adopted cousin. Tito Dave and Tita Mildred are her Foster Parents. It's great because now we have more kids in the family! And, Izabella has a new playmate! Lol!

Anyway, those are my babies, and I can't wait to see them again!

3 New Princesses

2005-08-22T01:41:00.000+08:00

This past month and a half, 3 Little Princesses were born within weeks of each other. No, they're not from any Royal Family, but they're Princesses in their own right. Of course, these little girls were born to people who are very close to me, that's why I only counted 3. Otherwise, I know there were thousands of other baby girls born within those weeks.

The first little girl was born to my colleague and friend, Ash Cortez. She named her first baby, Thea Juliana. Thea came into the world on July 22 at around 11:07 AM.

Thea can be considered as a Miracle, since Ash was advised previously by her OB-Gyne that it is highly unlikely that she would get pregnant. You see, Ash has a very irregular cycle. We used to tease her about being pregnant, since it would take months at a time before she would get her next period. Well, our teasing turned out to be true before Ash left for Japan (for Greener Pasteurs). But, of course, she did not know it then. When Ash came back, after just 4 months in Japan, she discovered that she was already 4 1/2 months pregnant! As if it wasn't obvious with the bump on her belly!

It was truly a great blessing for her and her partner, Ronnie. Thea is also Ronnie's first baby girl (he has 2 sons from a previous relationship).

Next in line was Ishke Mikalah Malazarte. Mi-Yu, as she is fondly called, was born to one of my Closest Friends, Iris Malazarte, on July 29 at 7:45 PM. Iris is just 19 years old, but she is a fiercely independent woman.

Mi-Yu is also a very special baby. Besides being the first born of Iris, she is actually giving her mother the will to live and be strong. I wouldn't go into the details of Iris' dilemma, but she has been through a lot. And thank goodness! Mi-Yu is a beautiful, fair-skinned baby, in contrast to Iris' morena complexion! Joke!

Last, but certainly not the least... The MOST Special Little Princess (at least for my family), was born on August 8, via Ceasarean Section, to my cousin, Ate Mhin, and her husband, Ernest. YES... I have a new niece! Her name is Anna Luisa Corpin-Madriaga. She's the baby sister of my very handsome nephew, Jude Matthew.

It just seems like yesterday, when Ate Mhin gave birth to Matthew. Now, he's a year and 2 Months old, and is already a big brother! Wow! Time does fly fast.

The Corpin-Madriaga brood just got back from La Union last Friday, and I can't wait to see my new niece, and my booey, Matthew, who I heard now walks on his own! I might just visit them tomorrow after work. I will post pictures as soon as I have them.

Anyway, I just wanted to welcome these 3 Beautiful Princesses to this Cool and Crazy World that we live in. And I just wish that they would make the most of their lives and be the special little angels they are to their respective parents.

I Dunno...

2005-08-16T01:13:00.000+08:00

I've been out of it lately. Actually, I've been out of it for the past few months. You guys must be wondering what's up... Well, I'm in a state of utter discontentment.

I am not contented with my career, with my work, with my LIFE.

I'm so confused with what I want out of life, that it's affecting the way I view my day-to-day experiences. Doubt slowly creeps in everytime I think about what I want to do in my life.

I want to go into further studies, particularly in the Foreign or Diplomatic Affairs arena, but I am unsure of where it would take me. Would I be successful enough? What type of career would I get into, if I go into that particular field?

I'd want to study different languages, particularly Spanish, Korean, French and German. But would I be able to absorb these languages enough to use them?

I want to get my own pad and my own car... But I don't think I can afford it.

I have a lot of things that I want to do and have, but I doubt the possibility of them coming into reality.

Maybe it's the fear of the unknown, or it could just be procrastination. I dunno...

Survey Says...

2005-08-14T02:29:00.000+08:00

Another post, from Melissa's BLOG, is about to be personalized by yours truly, once again.

Meels posted her answers to a Survey sent to her by her friend. These kinds of Surveys actually aid in getting to know your friends and yourself. Well, that is unless you just fool around with the answers! Lol!

Anyway, here are my answers to the Survey Questions:

1. hows your heart lately?
** Still good. It's still beating. But if you want to romanticize the question, I think my heart is emitting faint beats.

2. did u ever cheat during exam?
** It's just normal for students to cheat once in a while. So, my answer would be a YES.

3. first boyband that made you go gaga?
** I never really went gaga over a Boyband. I do listen to them, but I don't obsess. I liked New Kids On The Block first. It was way back in 6th Grade. Don't ask me when that was.

4. how many pairs of shoes do u own?
** Right now, I have 3 good pairs of Rubbershoes/Sneakers that I use daily. I also have 1 unused pair of Black Heeled Loafers, 1 pair of Black Leather Ankle-Length Boots, 1 pair of Silver Sandals and 1 pair of Pink Sandals. Most of these are rarely used, as I'm more comfortable in Sneakers.

5. what CD's are u currently listening to?
** It's a mix of K-Pop Songs and MP3s from Meels.

Oddly enough, Question #6 is missing from this survey. Alright then... Moving along...

7. do u buy pirated CD's, VCD's or DVD's?
** CDs, nope. VCDs, I have no choice (Original Hallyu Movies and K-Dramas are extremely rare here in Manila). DVDs, I don't buy.

8. have you ever been suspended to school?
** Nope.

9. how many different faces can you make?
** I don't really count them. But I'd like to think that I have 1 for every emotion.

10. how many times do u brush your teeth in a day?
** At least 2x.

11. what perfume do u use?
** I don't use perfume. I use Baby Cologne because they smell fresher.

12. do u watch chinese shows?
** Chinese Shows, not so much. Korean Shows, mostly.

13. how about asianovelas?
** I love K-Dramas, especially Love Story In Harvard (Kim Rae-Won & Kim Tae-Hee), Loveholic (Kang-Ta & Kim Min Sun), Winter Sonata (Bae Yong-Jun & Choi Ji-Woo), Sweet 18 (Lee Dong-Gun & Han Ji-Hye), Stairway To Heaven (Kwon Sang-Woo & Choi Ji-Woo), and Full House (Rain & Song Hye-Gyo).

14. favorite cartoon character?
** I'd have to say... Eeyore. He's so cute. I also like Spongebob Squarepants!

15. can u drive?
** Yes.

16. favorite streetfood?
** Corn on a Cob (with Butter and lots of salt), and Quail Eggs (the ones covered in Orange-colored batter).

17. describe your room, what can we find inside it?
** I share a room with my sister, so we have 2 beds. There's also an assortment of tables and shelves with all my sister's stuff.

18. do u like to party?
** Sad to say, I don't.

19. do u still ask permission from your parents about stuff?
** Depends on what stuff.

20. how often do u change ur underwear?
** Everyday, at least twice, depending on the weather.

21. favorite radio station?
** Wave 89.1, RX 93.1, Magic 89.9, Joey @ 92.3

23. what song do u sing in the shower?
** I don't usually sing in the shower. I sing while driving.

24. whats the biggest difference you've made in the world?
** None, at the moment.

25. do u keep a diary?
** I find diaries too over-rated.

26. what do u do when u feel low about yourself?
** I sleep it off. I would also watch a movie or listen to Linkin Park's Hybrid Theory with the volume in full blast.

27. can you cook/bake?
** I'm known for cooking...

28. worst gift you had ever received?
** A can of Planter's Cheez Curls for Christmas!

29. are u facing a major problem right now?
** Financial, yes... I have to learn how to ask my brother to pay up the money he owes me!

30. hows your relationship with your parents?
** Don't ask. I've been interrogated enough.

31. are you in love?
** Unfortunately, not.

Anxiety & Stress Relief

2005-08-14T01:53:00.000+08:00

A good friend of mine from College, Melissa, is also a Blogger. As I was reading through her BLOG, I came across a Tag from her sister, which she answered. It was quite interesting, so I decided to answer it myself. Here it goes:

1. What are the things you enjoy doing even when there's no one around you?

Sleeping
Watching My Hallyu Movies and Dramas
Watching Movies in the Cinema
Going Around The Malls (Window Shopping)
Eating Out
Cooking
Driving
Singing
Talking to Myself
Daydreaming

2. What lowers your stress / blood pressure / anxiety level?

Sleeping
Watching Movies, Hallyu Movies and Dramas
Shutting Off My Cellphone
Going to the Beach or Out of Town

Those are just some of the things that, kinda, relaxes me for the time being. It piqued my interest because it made me look inside myself. I learned a bit from these questions as well.

You see, I've been on the brink in the last few months. I always lack sleep, or have restless sleep. Work has been driving me crazy, and the daily commute is just draining me. Not to mention the stress of going home to a house in disarray with no food and everyone nagging each other. Not that I have anything to contribute to changing this situation, but sometimes, I just feel like going somewhere far and just sleep the whole weekend away.

Since I've found ways of de-stressing myself through answering the questions sent to Melissa by her sister, I am thinking of getting away on my upcoming birthday. I just wish I knew where and how I can get away...

Il Mare

2005-06-30T18:17:00.000+08:00

I just recently bought a Video CD Copy of the Korean film Il Mare (Siworae), starring Jeon Ji-Hyun and Lee Jung-Jae. I was actually intrigued by the movie at first, since a lot of Hallyu Fans rave about the Movie, claiming that it is one of the BEST Hallyu Movies to date.

During the down time at work yesterday, I plopped the CD in my CD-ROM and started to play the movie. In just a matter of a few minutes, I found myself getting drawn into the movie plot.

The movie starts on Christmas 1999 with Kim Eun-Joo (Jeon Ji-Hyun) writing a Christmas Card to the future occupants of the house she was vacating. In her Card, she asked if they (the future occupants) could just forward her mail to her new address in the City. In the next scene, Han Sung-Hyun (Lee Jung-Jae) moves into the house that we saw Eun-Joo vacate earlier. He opens up the mailbox and sees the Card that Eun-Joo left.

Sung-Hyun finds the letter odd as it was dated on Christmas 1999. It turns out that Sung-Hyun is living in the year 1997. Sung-Hyun and Eun-Joo exchange several letters and find themselves in a friendship that transends space and time.

As the story unfolds, you could not help but feel the multitude of emotions that flow through the screen. It made me weep, laugh, smile and sigh. It was just so powerful.

I am not wondering why Hollywood has bought the rights to the movie, at all. The Hollywood version of Il Mare will star Keanu Reeves as Alex Burnham and Sandra Bullock as Kate Forster and it is slated to be shown in 2006. Production for the Hollywood version is already underway, and I cannot wait to see how Hollywood interprets this beautifully powerful movie. I just hope they do not butcher it with too much Hollywood Hype.

To those who are just starting to get into Hallyu, I strongly suggest you watch this film. It is excellent! On a scale of 1 to 10, I give it a 9.4! Watch it!

FAMAS Night

2005-06-28T17:33:00.000+08:00

Last Sunday, June 26, my brother, my parents and I went to the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) to witness the 53rd Filipino Academy Of Movie Arts & Sciences (FAMAS) Awards Night. It's a first for me to be Officially Invited to such big Entertainment Event. Hobnobbing with the stars, dressing up to the nines and enjoying the festivities was marvelous!

The highlight of my evening was chatting away with my good friend, one of the most talented actresses in the Philippine Entertainment Industry, Snooky Serna. Ate Cookie, as I call her, came in half-way through the Awards Ceremony and seated across the aisle from where we were seated. She was wearing a simple, yet beautiful Orange Gown. She presented awards for the Celebrity Clans.

It had been a long time since we last spoke, but it always seems like yesterday. We would always pick up where we dropped off. We've never talked about Showbiz stuff. We always talked about what was going on in our lives (except for the rumours going around about her and her family). It's always so refreshing to talk to her. She's just a sweetheart! She's so thoughtful and very accommodating, unlike most Celebrities nowadays.

We exchanged numbers and promises to see each other again once we have time. She might drop by our house soon to see my Mom for some treatments (my Mom's a Dermatologist). I just hope I can also make time when she swings by.

The FAMAS Night is a memory I would cherish, not because I saw a lot of Celebrities, but because it paved the way for me to see my Ate Cookie again. It's just so nice to see and talk to her again.

Caught In The Korean Wave

2005-06-24T09:48:00.000+08:00

In the last few months, I have been engulfed and overwhelmed by the Korean Wave. Those who know me, know that when I am passionate about something, I tend to go all out. And now, my idle time is used for my fascination for anything, and everything Korean.

I have a really long list of favorite Korean Actors and Actresses, who are not even minutely familiar to a great majority of my friends and family. They do not even know what movies or series these Actors and Actresses starred in! They get puzzled and disoriented when I start talking about them! Names like Choi Ji-Woo, Bae Yong-Joon, Park Yong-Ha, Kwon Sang-Woo, Kim Rae-Won, Kim Tae-Hee, Lee Byung-Hun, Song Seung-Hun, Moon Geun-Young, Kim Eugene, Song Hye-Gyo, Kim Seung-Soo, Lee Hyo-Ri, Yoon Jung-Hoon, Han Ji-Hye and Lee Dong-Gun, sounds alien to them... And those are just some of the Biggest Names in the Korean Wave that is currently sweeping across Asia.

The playlist in my computer includes a lot of K-Pop Music and OSTs from my Favorite K-Dramas.

I even learned how to read and write Hanggul (the Korean Alphabet). I know some words as well, mostly from the Korean Learning Websites. The K-Dramas and Movies I watch also help me learn more Korean Words. I am currently looking for a Language School that teaches Korean, so that I could be conversant in Korean.

Hopefully, I don't outgrow my K-Wave Phase, 'coz it really helps me get over the depressing silence I experience on a daily basis.

Hallyu is here to stay!

In Debt...

2005-06-17T17:09:00.000+08:00

A lot of things have changed in these past months, but one thing's for sure, I still don't have any money! Hahaha! Poor me! I still have not saved any of my earnings!

I don't know how I've managed to accumulate such a hefty debt! What it all boils down to, is my Gym Membership! Actually, its my Brother's Gym Membership that's costing me a lot of money!

You see, being the good, big sister that I am (Jeeze! Am I tooting my own horn or what?!?), I allowed my brother to use my card so that it will automatically debit his Gym Membership. Unfortunately, my brother does not pay me back. Okay, so he did pay me some, but he is still about PhP5000.00 behind in payments. And, poor me, I am left to pay for the interest charges, etc!

Another unfortunate incident, that is within the realm of my financial woes, is the loss of my wallet. Okay, so I've lost 2 wallets in a span of 3 months, but the thing that really bugged me, was the fact that the last wallet I lost had approximately US$500.00 in it! Bites, huh?!? What bites more is that it was stolen over the Holy Week in my LOCKED Drawer! I am slowly believing that people, nowadays, have zero conscience!

To try and forget the loss of my wallet, I went with my Parents and my Uncle and Aunt to Boracay. I had to drown my sorrows in the Pristine White Sands of Boracay! I just had to! But Boracay is another story...

Right now, I'm stressed out from work, and my brain is not functioning as well. Maybe after my Fontana Weekend, I could be de-stressed. *Sigh*

Lovin' The Smiths

2005-06-15T22:50:00.000+08:00

I just got back to the office from watching Mr. & Mrs. Smith for the second time, and I had another fantastic time!

Like what I've written previously, I have a certain fascination for Angelina Jolie (who in their right mind wouldn't?!?). I friggin' loved her! My fascination for that goddess has escalated to epic proportions! She's just... Arrggghh! Perfect!

I couldn't help but fall head over feet for her when she danced in that scene in Bogota, with Brad. She exudes sexiness beyond comprehension.

And her chemistry with Brad Pitt... ELECTRIC! It's more than electric... It's a burning, intensifying, Firebolt! It's more intense than that explosion that wrecked the Smith Home! Those who think otherwise, would be the densest people ever!

I wouldn't blame Brad if he really fell for Angie. The attraction and compatibility is obviously there. And Angie is a girl who's just beyond compare. She's got it all: Talent, Brains, Beauty and Heart.

I may be biased, but I don't care about the Brad-Angelina thing. Angelina is just a victim of malicious and vicious press, and she deserves more than that.

Love that Smith Couple...

On a scale of 1 to 10... They're a 9.99! (Gotta watch it again!)

No Pain... No Gain.

2005-02-04T18:45:00.000+08:00

So, the saying is true... No Pain, No Gain.

My lower body has been sore for the last 2 days, since the first day I worked out with my trainer, Ted. My butt feels painfully tight, my inner thighs make me want to scream in pain whenever I walk, and my triceps are just plain killing me!

Oh! The price of being unfit! Boohoo! But I hope, with some more patience, consistency, sacrifices and discipline, I can achieve my goal and have a perfect Summer! Lol!

Today, I noticed something different in me. I felt more comfortable on the Stairmaster the longer I am on that thing! I used to hate the Stairmaster with a passion, but today, I was starting to like it. Maybe with a few more sessions, I would be able to love it more.

I started working on my abs today. I can't believe how painful it is to do Leg-Lifts and Crunches the right way! Again, say it with me... "No Pain, No Gain!" A little more patience and discipline, Elaine... You wanted this!

Tomorrow, my mom and I are going swimming in the Gym. I will do my Cardio Marathon first, then swim with my mom. I am giving her a Guest Pass to the Gym to encourage her to workout as well. Hopefully, we could be gym buddies in the future, along with my Uncle and my Brother!

Here's to a New Year for Fitness!

Being Fit

2005-02-02T22:50:00.000+08:00

I just had my first One-on-One Session with my Personal Trainer today. I knew that I was not fit, but I didn't know how bad I was until I worked out today.

In just 30 minutes, I learned that my triceps and my shoulder muscles were not strong enough, and that my thighs need strengthening as well. Though these muscles were weak, I found out that my biceps were in good condition (though it could be in a much better shape).

I love my new gym. It keeps me very motivated, especially with my trainer. I also can swim in the heated pool upstairs! It's such a blast! I know I can hit my goals in the next few months because of all the motivation I've been getting.

Wish me luck! I will update you guys about how I'm doing, very soon!

Hmmm...

2005-01-25T18:51:00.000+08:00

Okay, okay... I've been a bit slack again with my BLOG Entries! Sue me!

I've been really busy after the holidays that I virtually didn't have enough time for myself. I sleep less than 8 hours every night and I have been bogged by my migraines.

Speaking of migraines, I finally had the courage to see a Neurologist, who diagnosed my condition and prescribed a series of medication for me to take. One of prescribed medicines is the drug, Celebrex, which has been studied to have caused serious side effects (like Hypertension, Stroke, Irregular Heartbeat, Convulsions, Heart Attacks, etc.) to those who have tried the drug. Why would I risk having all those side effects just to ease my migraine, right? So, instead of putting myself in further risk, I just chose to take the prophylactic medicine, which was the Primary medication prescribed anyway.

I'm now on my 21st day of taking Sibelium (the Prophylactic Drug I was talking about), and I am on the 21st day of being migraine-free. Although, I still get minor headaches, I do not have numbing ones anymore.

What else is new with me? Hmmm...

Well, I am on the road to self-discovery. I am also on the road to digging deeper into who I really am. It is a constant struggle, but I hope that in time, I will learn to embrace who I really am. I just hope everyone else will learn to embrace the REAL Me as well.

For now, that's all I could think of. I do promise, however, that I will be updating my BLOG more often than I have previously done. Just pray that I will have more time to do so. Wish me luck!

Christmas Greetings

2004-12-25T18:41:00.000+08:00

To Everyone who visits my BLOG...

I wish you and your families a Very MERRY CHRISTMAS and a Safe, Prosperous and Blessed NEW YEAR!

Love and Reincarnation

2004-12-23T17:12:00.000+08:00

Yesterday, my sister, Pam, picked me up from work since she was on her way home from accompanying our Grandmother. We had to pass by the Alabang Town Center to pick up some baked goodies that our Mom ordered from the Ilustrado. Since it was still quite early, I invited my sister to watch a movie at the Cinemas of the Alabang Town Center.

There are only 5 Cinemas at the ATC, so our choices were limited. I wasn't in any mood to watch The Polar Express or National Treasure, nor was I even minutely interested in watching Bridget Jones: The Edge Of Reason. I was left with no choice but to watch Nicole Kidman's Movie, Birth.

I admired and saw several movies of Nicole Kidman, and each time, she never ceases to amaze me. This movie is not an exception. It was one of her "different" movies. It wasn't as "Commercial" as Commercial Movies go. It had soul and depth. Most importantly, it made me think.

Could Love really transcend Time, Space and the After-Life? Could Love ever be that strong? Could one truly believe in a Love that Reincarnates through another person who can easily pass as your child? How would I handle such a situation? Would I choose to dwell in a previous, but enduring Love, or would I move on and Love another?

The movie was unlike any Dramatic or Romantic Movie I have seen. It was laced with a shady, dark mood. The usual heaviness of a Drama, and the etherealness of a Romantic Movie is shrouded by a sense of doubt, uncertainty, hesitancy and even absurdity. And yet you can definitely feel a slight tug in your heart, that urges you to believe that the Love between the Young Sean (Cameron Bright) and Anna (Nicole Kidman) is real. And that the Young Sean, is the REAL Reincarnation of Anna's beloved Husband, Sean.

Birth is also unlike most Commercial Movies that build up on the plot and follows this up with an explosive and definitive climax. Birth leaves you wanting more, concluding the film with an Open Ending, without giving a definite closure to the storyline.

My sister and I had different interpretations and views on the movie. We were even arguing on the ending, since we both had different evaluations on how the story closed.

The story, the plot and the questions still linger in my mind. The "What If's" still floats in my subconscious. Answers to the questions may forever stay unanswered, but who knows?

I Am Back

2004-12-23T16:10:00.000+08:00

Yes, folks! Elaine is back after almost 2 months on hiatus.

In these last few weeks, I haven't had a single inspiration or motivation that would urge me to write an entry. Nothing.

Of course there were lots of things that have happened to me since my last entry. It would be extremely odd if there weren't any. Work, obviously, kept me busy and sane. It takes up 85% of my time. The other 15% was spent sleeping or in the deranging traffic.

Some changes have happened during my absence from this BLOG. A change of Workspace at the office, a change on my Body Clock, a slight change of outlook in life... Slight changes that keeps me going without having the monotony of routine. Some are very petty, some even materialistically trivial.

There is, basically, nothing interesting to write about in my life right now, save for these menial changes, which are really insignificant to begin with.

My next entry will contain the inspiration and reason for my return to being a Blogger.

Easy Lasagna

2004-10-25T22:54:00.000+08:00

To those who tried my Easy Vermicelli, here's another recipe that you might like. I chanced upon it while I was craving for some Mouthwatering Pasta dishes.

I was hooked on the Greenwich Lasagna. It was one of the cheesiest and meatiest lasagnas I have ever tried in my life! It's also very tasty. It was not tangy, salty or bland... It was just right!

One day, I couldn't get a hand on an order of Lasagna. I started to research on how to cook lasagna the easy way.

Those in the know can attest that Lasagna is one of the hardest Pasta dishes to cook/bake. You have to prepare a cheese sauce, the meat sauce and, of course, cook the noodles! In addition to cooking, you have to bake the whole thing!

Well, I got just the recipe for you! It's easy in the sense that you need not slave for hours in the kitchen. But the cooking and baking is still there.

Here it is, folks! My own take on a very tasty, cheesy and delicious Lasagna!

- o O o -

LASAGNA

Ingredients:
Lasagna Noodles
1 Large Can Hunt's Spaghetti Meat Sauce (or you can also use Hunt's Italian Sausage Spaghetti Sauce)
1/4 kilo Ground Beef
1 Small Onion, chopped
1 Tetra Pack, All Purpose Cream
1 Container Magnolia Cottage Cheese
Quickmelt Cheese, grated
Mozzarella Cheese, grated

Directions:
1. Cook Lasagna Noodles according to package directions, until al dente. Drain, separate and set aside.

2. Saute Onions until transparent. Add Ground Beef and cook until the Ground Beef is golden brown. Add salt and pepper according to your taste. Drain the excess fat. Add the Spaghetti Meat Sauce and let it simmer for 5-10 minutes.

3. In a separate container, combine All Purpose Cream, Cottage Cheese, Quickmelt Cheese and Mozzarella Cheese. Mix until well blended.

4. Preheat oven to 345 Degrees Fahrenheit.

5. In a glass pan, layer the Sauces and Noodles in this order: Lasagna Noodles, Meat Sauce and Cheese Sauce, repeat as needed. Top with Grated Mozzarella Cheese.

6. Cover pan with Aluminum Foil and bake for 45 minutes-1 hour.

- o O o -

It's actually very easy. After you layer the lasagna noodles, the meat sauce and the cheese sauce, the only "work" you will do is putting the pan into the oven. That's it.

And this is my guarantee... Everyone will love it! My friends and colleagues loved my lasagna! It wasn't greasy (because I drained the fat), bland, sweet, or too spicy. The taste was just right because of the Canned Spaghetti Sauce. You really don't need to put additional spices because the Hunt's Spaghetti Sauce has just the right amount of spices.

You can also substitute some of the Cheeses with other economical Cheese Alternatives. You may use Kesong Puti, your regular grocery Processed Cheese, or whatever cheese you'd like (except Blue Cheese or sour cheeses, of course!).

Hope you like my new recipe. I will try to share more if time permits. Enjoy!

Kids, Issues & Being A Kid

2004-10-22T16:06:00.000+08:00

Wow! It's been more than 3 weeks since I last updated my BLOG! That's a long time! I'm so sorry, to those who frequent my BLOG. Nothing much was happening in the last few weeks, and I didn't want to fill my BLOG with all the drama and negative things that were happening in my life.

Well, now, I have lots of things to write. I have had a lot of things happen in the last week that I just can't wait to share. But of course, I have to edit out things that are quite sensitive... Hehe!

First of all, I saw my nephew again!!! Yep! He's such a looker! He's just such a darling! Matty is growing up so fast! He's only about 4 months old, but he's a big guy! He's a sweetheart! His big, beautiful eyes just glisten with innocence and love! I can't wait to see him again!

I saw Matty during our family's mini-outing in Laguna last Saturday, October 16. It was my little cousin, Izabella's, 6th birthday. It was one of those events where we would just hang out, pig out, go out, etc. We'd see relatives we hardly ever see, and just enjoy each other's company. It's just like those old times when the whole clan gets together. It's such a fun experience.

In addition to the event being a fun experience, I also had the chance to have some R&R. It's so nice to get away from the city and just enjoy the mountainside. Although there was much commotion around, I was so happy that I was able to take a couple of restful naps. It was pure bliss!

Another event last Saturday Evening, that I quite enjoyed, was the get-together of my friends from RV Land. It was so nice to see them again. I just love exchanging conversations with some of them. I love the cheerful and jovial banter we all share! The way we would joke around just livens up my spirits (though we already got there around 11:30PM!).

That event, however, did not end well. There was a really big issue that was brought up in the wee hours of the morning. All the hollering and bawling woke those who were already peacefully asleep (myself, included). That is the sensitive issue that I mentioned I was omitting. It's just complicated.

Anyway, the week went on with nothing but that issue as a Hot Topic of discussion among my friends, my sister and myself. I'm glad that, though the issue was quite sensitive and somewhat damaging to the group, the group gets together more often because of it.

Last night, most of our friends stayed over in our house, after the taping of Regine Velasquez's Soap Opera, "Forever In My Heart." They're all leaving, together with my sister, for Lucena City, where Regine Velasquez will be having a concert. It's a long drive from our place to Lucena (about 3-4 hours), but I am sure that they'll all have a great time, like we had this morning!

This morning was just the best! It was like being a kid again! You see, we lost our water supply this morning, and the only way we could bathe was if we did it in our backyard, under the Water Tank. And guess what? There were 6 of us taking a bath in our backyard!!! Picture little kids enjoying the water on an open Fire Hydrant or Garden Sprinklers... That was exactly how we looked like! Hahaha! It was fun! Of course, we were fully clothed while taking a bath (I wore my 2-piece bathing suit)! We have no plans of becoming exhibitionists, even if our perimeter walls were high enough to cover us from the streets! It was so fun!

I mentioned the taping of "Forever In My Heart." Well, I was also there. For those who don't know me quite well, I have a certain grievance against Regine Velasquez, which I do not care to elaborate. I might get reprimanded again by those people who hover around her. (There goes the Right of Free Speech, out the window and down the drain!!!)

Anyway, I went along with my sister, because I know our friends will be there and that we'll be able to rant about the issue again. It kinda helps release the building tension inside when we talk about it and rant some more. I really enjoyed that. We also got to see another friend who does not really hang out with us, but is still considered as a part of the group. It's just so nice to be with them again, though they were there for Regine.

I love being a kid. And being with my little cousins and some friends made me feel like one! Oh joy! Here's to being a kid for a time!

25 Going On 13

2004-10-04T01:46:00.000+08:00

My sister, Pam, and I just saw Jennifer Garner's movie, 13 Going On 30. It was a pretty hilarious movie, and it really made an impact on me.

I have had multitudes of experiences in my life that I wish, somehow, I could forget. Some things that I regret having experienced at all. I even found myself looking back on those specific instances that I wish never occured. I thought of how I could've handled things differently. How it would've affected my life, had I done things in another way.

But you can never undo what has been done. Unless you have those mystical Wishing Powder, like the one that Matt gave to Jenna, in the movie.

If I had a pack of that Wishing Powder, I would go back to my days in 6th Grade. I would've studied harder, rather than just hangout with my Bandmates. I would've been accelerated to High School. But then again, I wouldn't have met my First Boyfriend.

From the 6th Grade, onwards, I would've done things in a lot of different ways. Maybe, I would've been a more educated person. Maybe, I would've taken Law or another profession. Who knows?

So, I pray to God that I can get a hold of a working "Wishing Dust."

Buzz Off

2004-09-28T07:45:00.000+08:00

I had a great weekend just this week. I had nothing more to ask for, and I was content. Honestly, I was even quite relieved to have it over with. It was a tiring weekend, but it was well worth it. I was happy, and that was all that mattered.

But certain people just had to burst that contentment bubble I was in. People who want to ruin other people's day, just for fun.

First, one of my colleagues just had to share that he had a run-in with a ghost, here in our work area, just yesterday. And he knows I am petrified of those stories and experiences. To make matters worse, we were on Graveyard Shift!!!

After he told his story, another colleague just found it essential to rub in the ghost situation by joking about it. They already knew I was scared to my wit's end, and they just had to push my buttons. My Team Leader noticed that I was somewhat pissed, so we tried to talk about it during our weekly PEP Talks. I told her that I did not appreciate having people push the wrong buttons and just continue pushing, as if nothing was wrong with it. How INSENSITIVE can these people get?!?

And just about an hour, or so, ago, another colleague was simply very eager to push me over the edge with uncalled for sarcasm.

That person feels very comfortable in insulting me in jest. He likes doing that to everyone. Just because he thinks everyone likes the way he jokes around, he thinks I can appreciate it as well. At first, I didn't mind because I like this person. He was fun to be with. But as time wore on, his attacks became more sarcastic, more personal and more serious. At least his tone was.

So, how was I to interpret it? He also acted like he disliked me whenever he was around my presence. Since his tone and sarcasm became more serious, I had to perceive it to be a REAL attack. I am not, usually, a confrontational person, but I did try to assert my point.

Today, I just had enough. He was accusing me of unjustly picking the Graveyard Shift for next month.* Hello?!? I had to pick a shift the way everyone did... By drawing lots. Was it my fault I got the lot that said Graveyard Shift?!? How dare he accuse me of being unfair in something that was done at Random?!?

Add to that, everyone already noticed how quiet I was when they arrived. I was still tripping from the "Ghost Stories" from the night before, and he just had to flagrantly accuse me of something I did not do. The heck?!?

So, just to put his mind at ease, I circulated an email within our team about swapping my Graveyard Shift with another. After I sent the email out, he came out with HIS own email circulation saying something about being "mature" about taking jokes. He's talking about being mature?!? Why not talk about being SENSITIVE for a while, huh?!? Jeeze!

After all I've been through with his below-the-belt sarcasm and joking, I will not take any of his crap anymore. Unless he becomes more sensitive to others, his sarcasm is not welcome, be it in jest or not. I just hope, against hope, someone slaps him with the realization that not everyone appreciates his sarcastic remarks, even if they are done jokingly. Because, in the first place, everyone knows that jokes are really half meant!

___________________________

* Our team changes Shift Schedules every month.

Spectacular Spectacles

2004-09-23T23:59:00.000+08:00

Let me start this entry with my MSN Messenger Display Name: "My Future Is So Bright, I Broke My Glasses!"

That was my own OPTIMISTIC way of looking at this catastrophe.

If you know me well enough, you'd know that I am dependent on my Glasses.

I have had Myopia (Near-Sightedness) since my early years in Elementary. By the time I stepped into High School, I was extremely helpless without my Glasses. With the high negativity of my eyes' lenses, I'm essentially blind without my eyeglass.

And today, of all the days, the frame of my eyeglass broke. It was a 3-year old Titanium Frame, which I bought with my First Month's Salary from PeopleSupport. It was my bestfriend for 3 years. I read with it, drove with it, cooked with it, did basically everything with it, even slept with it! Every waking morning, it was the first thing I reached out for. I never open my eyes without my glasses on. The only time I would remove it is when I am in the shower.

The frame broke as I reached for it upon waking this afternoon. The left "arm" snapped off like a dried up twig! Along with the arm, the nylon thread, that held the left lens, also broke. It rendered my glasses utterly useless (except for the right side). For the first time, I panicked! I cannot drive to work without my glasses! I cannot FUNCTION without my glasses! I had to do something!

I remembered that my Aunt and I had agreed to meet to go to the grocery and buy stuff for my Birthday Outing (which was rescheduled from the Original Date) this weekend. I called her and told her the situation. She, then, drove me to SM Southmall to buy a new pair.

On our way to the Mall, I felt extremely dizzy. My eyes could not concentrate on one object. It was as if my eyes were on panic mode. It roamed around, trying to find one clear picture. But, unfortunately, the only objects that I could clearly see were the ones that were half an arm's length away. And the glare of the sun didn't help much. I became car-sick in less than 5 minutes!

Thankfully, I was able to find a great looking pair of eyeglasses from Executive Optical. It had black rims, which made me look more sophisticated and smart. Actually, it made me look like a sophisticated Jessica Zafra. Cool. What I liked most about the new frame was the Clip-On that came with it.

As great as it was, it also came with a great pricetag. Good thing, Executive Optical had a sale. I got it at 25% off, which brought down the price to PhP 2685.00. Still a bit pricey, but if it lasts me another 3 years, it would be well worth it.

I still had another problem. I had to buy lenses for this new frame. I had my eyes refracted while I bought my frames, so I was able to get the prescription. I had to canvass around the mall for the cheapest Ultra-Thin Lenses I could find. Of course, they also had to have my prescription.

Executive Optical sold Ultra-Thin Lenses for PhP 2300.00, but they did not have stocks for my prescription. And I needed them badly! The next best price was with Vision Express. They sold Ultra-Thin Plastic Lenses for PhP 2700.00, and they had available stocks for my prescription. They also were able to fit my lenses to the frame in less than an hour!

Although it made me PhP 5385.00 poorer, nothing will still compare with the great relief I felt when I wore my new specs! It's not because I looked better, but because I had clearer vision. I no longer had to squinch my eyes very hard to focus on things. I no longer had to bump into things and people while walking. AND, I no longer had to get car-sick.

I just wish that one day, I will no longer need eyeglasses to see things better.