Hey you!

If you're within the circle and you know that's something's not right that is happening around you, what would you do? Would you take an action about it? Would you take the initiative to confront the things that's making not just you but everybody else seem uncomfortable? It doesn't need you to talk to the others, it just take one look to see what's really happening. Sorry, girl, but I can't stop it. I may not have the right to say nasty things about you, but you as well doesn't have the right to make things uncomfortable for your friends. Think about what you're doing now. Think about what's it's causing everybody else. If you really know me, do you think it's right for me to confront them. Or just be nonchalant about it? Do I have the right? Hell, yeah. I always have the right if something's making me uncomfortable. It may be their life to run only if they try not to be so obvious about it, I wouldn't mind at all. I won't really care. And I don't think anyone would mind at all. I'm really a bitch, am I? :D

Mizunderstood

Honestly, I did or still am a bit puzzled. Your actions remains a puzzle to me. For something that may really mean different to you but to us, at least to me, it's like re-reading the last chapter of your life. I tip toed and tried to really stretch my hand for you *yoga ito* to reach it out but I guess I don't have that "factor" you were looking for. At a distance, I am observing. Few had tried to do the same thing as I did but I guess none of us fits the description. I don't know why it matters to me. Maybe because there's a reason I alone can't explain. I guess this is what muggles called "concern". I just hope that I'm wrong and being bitchy the way I really am.

Thoughts

How often do we met someone, had fun with them for a few moments and bid adieu after a few months of realizing you're really enjoying that person's company? Was it how ironic life could get? When you were having a hard time finding bliss to few who's gonna be around for a long time and enjoying so much with another who won't be able to stay for so long. Or was it just because you're truly having fun for now because you haven't had the time to really know the person? Which one you'd rather be? You're truly missed, your royal highness :)

Happy Birthday, Bebi!

Wohoooooooooo! Feeling spcial day din ang araw ko hehehe. We went to Raku Zen lunchtime. Libre nya ko hehehe. It was a good place to eat but really expensive. We ordered their special lunch promo of $12 which is not bad because it can be shared by two people, with sushi, rice, tori karaage and unlimited glass of hot green tea. But when the bill arrives, $25 inabot. Only additional we had was the strawberry ice which was frozen with vanilla ice cream inside. But food-wise, it was all worth it. It's just not the everyday kind of meal because of the price. After work, I changed into a dress to surprise rommel and although I know that he's expecting it, I was glad that he enjoyed the food at The Oriental. We had dinner which I reserved few days ago. We were there at a little past 8. It wasn't as romantic as Swissotel or the Four Seasons BUT I will definitely recommend this place to my friends. This was the most sulit buffet we've ever been to. Although the main course was kind of limited to asian food like indian and thai, you'll get too much satisfaction from the other things they served. They have barbeque, sushi and sashimi, oysters, shrimps, salad, unlimited supply of fruits and dessert, choco fountain, waffle with ice cream, and the best part is, unlimited supply of coffee which was a really good coffee. Hayyy, just thinking back about it makes me hungry again and craving to go back in there. The service was really tops of excellent. They took a picture of us together and a minute later they gave the envelope card to ffg as their birthday present to him. And they served a small cake which I ask them to, foc. We were super happy with the food and the service. Bondat kami when we got out around 11. Almost 2 and a half hours of eating and eating. Waaahhhh, sira diet. We went to clarke quay, afterwards to meet joey. After half an hour of walking around and trying to find a good seat, we manage to find a good one at the kandi bar, smoking area. Huhuhu, back to yosi ulet ako. I asked Joey to try the mojito drink which was served with mint leaves, rum and lime. Sweet and Sour combination which I'm glad he like naman. I ordered white and bebi had bottle of beer. Before we finishes up our glasses, petit frere and Nadia came and then Kaoutar. We went to Taboo afterwards inspite of Rommel's super no hehehe. He gave in after everyone look at him with a puppy eyes look hehe. It was my first time to be there and at first, I was kind of hesitant and shocked hehehe. It's the first time in my life that I've ever been to a bar with 95% men and not a single one looks at me. The first time I've danced like hell with a guy and no one took advantage. Ang saya! The music is reaallllyyyy good and everyone was so nice. BUT, I don't think I'll be back that soon. Hehehe. I think I'm getting old that the thing I love the most which is dancing slowly deteriorates in front of me. I'd rather have a glass of wine now at Que Pasa than go to louder places. I'd rather have a cup of coffee and people watch or talk to my friends than look at them amidst of a very loud place but couldn't talk to them in a soft voice. Well, I guess that means, I've had enough of my gimik days. Time to move on to a more of an "auntie" ambiance hehehe. Went home a little past 3.

Bebi's Birthday Eve

After the movie, we went to the Loof, which by the way, is my first time, to celebrate the eve of my bebi's birthday. On our way, I was so ecstatic to see Kaoutar that I think I over reacted calling her name in a higher note to which I think really scared her at first hahaha. I was just excited to see her because I was still high from the fun times we had during my hen night. At the loof, it was so cozy and the drinks are not that expensive. As long as it won't rain, it will be so fun to hang out there. We toast for Rommel's birthday, game him my gift and call it a night after few hours. I am so blessed with someone who doesn't ask for more. I am blessed with someone who's so happy receiving a gift from me even if you know that it's not what he really wants. *maybe because he knows that if i gave him that gift it will make me rob a bank first hehehe* This is the first time that I think I didn't plan anything special or surprise for him. Due to deficiency in the finance department, I was limited to few choices of making his last birthday as a single a truly memorable one. And from this, I learned that no matter what my gift costs, to him it's always special. From now on, I'll buy cheap ones na lang hehehe.

Happy Birthday, Bebi! Aylabyu to bits!

The Simpsons

Homer Simpson must save the world from a catastrophe he himself created. First scene pa lang, it was soooooo funny na. Though, I admit that I hate watching itchy and scratchy scenes because I hate gory stuff and I don't find it funny when a head is being literally ripped off. And yes, even if it's in cartoons. BUT, I find Simpsons so funny. It eases my tension just laughing and laughing. Of course, it's not just Homer's stupidity that's making it a blast, each character contributes to the hit of the show. Each have something uniquely different and funny. Don't worry, there's nothing cheesy I can relate it to a real life. Haven't met any family like that. Wonder how it feels to know someone who is a good wife with a brilliant daughter like Liza, a crazy, attention seeker son like Bart, a baby who does crawl and shows in her own little ways that she's smart but never said a word for years that I've been following this show, and a can't-find-anything-good husband like homer. Or a neighbour like the flanders and a community like springfield with lots of crazy people. I don't know why it's so funny. You have to find out for yourself to fully appreciate it. What's making it funny and all. I was sooooo glad that I share the same interest with Rommel and what's more with my friends Joey and Halil.

Last Thursday . . .

The last few weeks, I've been too busy to blog. I've missed documenting some happy moments that came my way but at least I got pictures that will help me remind of those things. When I find the time to upload it, I will definitely post it here. Well, I don't know how you look at it, but in my opinion, I blog because I want others not to just know things that's happening to me and somehow reach out to friends who I rarely talk to, but to somehow, maybe, they would see their self in a position where I am and somehow try to learn something. Who knows, right? Anyway, just this week, petit frere along with Nadia and Rommel, planned a party that's so different from the ones we had in the past. It's a celebration of three birthdays with a them - a hollywood theme where everyone will be dressed up in formal attire. At first, I'll admit, I was like, wtf???, though I know that dressing up is my most favorite part, it still occurs to me that I'm dressing up for a birthday party, in our house! And at first, I thought none of our friends will come since it's not the pinoy style to have this kind of party. I give in since I don't have the right to say no, anyways. So, since wednesday, I've been spending my lunch hours and after work searching and searching for a cheaper dress. I forgot, that I'm living in Singapore. The cheapest elegant dress here you can get is about hundred bucks. Thursday night, finally had the courage to accept the fact that I'm really spending money for this occassion. *nag-share naman si ffg hehehe, whew!* I tried on few dresses and found one that's really simple yet elegant dress. But wasn't that excited about wearing it. It makes my tummy looks so big and I don't feel that comfortable in it. As I was waiting for ffg to see the dress that I've chosen, I've found one dress that exacly matches what I have in mind. Though, it's again in black, I think black dresses are elegant and really safe in matching any accessories and shoes and any occassion. After buying the dress, we went to Plaza Sing for dinner, then went to the Cathay to meet Joey and Halil to watch "The Simpsons". This one has to be on a different post. Basta it's so funny that there wasn't any minute that we weren't laughing. Katawa talaga. Well, super funny because all four of us were a die hard Simpsons fan talaga. I have to ask those who will tell me "Who was homer again? But it was really funny." Mga ganyang efek hehehe. I have to stop at this post, and continue with the others since the rest are all that special to post separately than writing it into one long post. I don't want to get blamed when your boss calls you and ended up laughing so hard because you're already cross eyed. Ngek, so korni. Believe me, it's funnier if I deliver it in tagalog. Err, what the hell nyehehehe. Be back for the next post!

When it rains, it pours

May mga oras na gusto mong tumakbo palayo sa mga bagay na nagbibigay ng bigat sa mundong ginagalawan mo pero hindi mo alam kung saan ka tutungo. May mga panahon na ang isa o dalawang suliraning nakalagay sa tig-isang balikat mo ay di pa sapat ang bigat at madadagdagan pa. May mga pagkakataong gusto mo ng sumuko pero ang pagsuko ay di kayang intindihin ng mga taong nakapaligid sayo. Ang pagiging mahina ang nakikita nila sa katauhan mo hindi ang mga sugat na pilit mong nilalabanan. Haayyyyy, ang drama. Lord, bigyan mo pa ko ng lakas at tibay. :(

Hen Night

It was held at our place in Aljunied. Hosted by my very beautiful sweet friend, Kaoutar. I just knew her from Vinh and been together on few parties but we both felt like we're really connected. Such a sweet gal, I must say and it was so sad that she'll be leaving singapore soon and go back to holland. Anyway, the party was sooooooooo fun. It was only Sangeeta, Nadya, Fiona, Kaoutar and me and it feels like there were too many of us enjoying and dancing the night away. When I got home from orchard, they asked me to change into my swim wear and asked me to wear a sarong. I felt like a hawaiian hehehe. They put make up on me, tied my hair, made me pretty for the night. It was so great. I didn't know being the star in a hen night was so much fun hehehe. They ordered pizza *flavored super mega spicy and tuna*. I like the tuna pizza and not bad for a first time "weird" flavor of pizza hehehe. We finished up 3 bottles of wine, and were dancing like crazy to every song played. Saya. And it was the first time I ever felt so drunk with wine. Maybe I just hit my limit and had too much. But it doesn't matter. We really did enjoy the night. Around 10, we went out to hit the bars. We went to Taboo first but didn't go in as the cover charge was too pricey. Sayang. It was a gay bar pa naman and I've never been in a gay bar hahaha. While we were walking, Kaoutar was really funny telling every person we met that I'm getting married and tells them to pose for a picture with me and give me kiss. And since we were in the gay area, as soon as she tells them that I'm getting married, she would ask them first if they're gay. Hahaha. One of the girls needed to go to the loo so we went inside a bar where there are a lot of ladies around. Nadya, Kaoutar and me dances with the pole when we saw it. The girls in the bar were all game and dances with us. *wild night hahaha* I recognize the other girl's accent as noypi. When we went out of the bar and said our goodbyes to the girls, I saw the bar's name was paro paro. Hehehe. Sus! We didn't had drinks so yeah we went in there just to dance while our other girl is in the loo. From there we went to Insomnia. No drinks but no one asks us to place our order. We were in the middle and dancing. My feet was starting to hurt but it was all ok. Kaoutar tells the cute singer, PJ, to congratulate me. Goodness hehehe public announcement. Yaiks. But fun hehehe. All the girls find PJ so hot. Maybe it's the wine, though I admit he was kinda cute hehehe. After the set, we went out and walked across the street and bought a bottle of water for a dollar and twenty which was being sold at seven dollars in insomnia. Buti na lang mga lumen mga kasama ko hehe. From there we went to Brix in Orchard and went back to Insomnia again when we found out that there is also a cover charge of $25 dollars. This time, there were only four of us minus Nadya since she have to go home. I kinda felt tired and was so sleepy. But too embarass to ask them if we could all go home. Kaoutar, being my nice girl, noticed how tired I am and told the rest if we could go home. She's soooo sweet. I love you girl :) She and Sangeeta went home with me to finish off the pizza. Unfortunately, I'm getting old that I feel the tiredness easily no matter how hard I tried not to. Kill-Joy, inis. I bid them goodnight and thanked them and hit the bed in less than a minute. It was really a fun night and I can't thank my gurl Kaoutar enough. It was the sweetest anyone has ever done for me. Muah! I'm going to miss you girl! Luv yah! And no we're not gay's or lesbians hehehe. Hmmm, are we??? Nadya was also sweet and I didn't know that she's so fun to be with. She was so quiet when we met her when she's still with Ally. And we never had the chance to party with her 'till now. It was a great pleasure meeting them. Though there's gap between our ages *2 years only? hahaha*, you can't seem to know by the way we make fun. Unfortunately, we can't show all the pictures as they were too "fun" hehehe. I'll be posting few as soon as Kaoutar sends me the pictures.

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

As his fifth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry approaches, 15-year-old Harry Potter is in full-blown adolescence, complete with regular outbursts of rage, a nearly debilitating crush, and the blooming of a powerful sense of rebellion. It's been yet another infuriating and boring summer with the despicable Dursleys, this time with minimal contact from our hero's non-Muggle friends from school. Harry is feeling especially edgy at the lack of news from the magic world, wondering when the freshly revived evil Lord Voldemort will strike. Returning to Hogwarts will be a relief--or will it? There were a lot of good movies shown in the cinema this month, and most of them were too good to miss. It was already past 9 when ffg and I met at suntec for dinner at kenny rogers (both coming from work waaaaa) and the best way for us to relieve stress is to watch a movie so we decided to go to Cathay after dinner. Good thing there's still good seats left so we grab it. HP is not as exciting as reading it, they still managed to do a very good movie and I really love it. Though there were part of it that will bore you if you haven't watch the HP2 or read it. But for the enthusiasts, seeing it in flesh and not just imagining the things happening to Harry, is really something. It gives more life to the story or almost close to it. And my, they've all grown up so fast. Now I can't wait to see my favorite funniest and wackiest family on big screen. - The Simpsons!!!

Die Hard 4.0

On the July 4th holiday, an attack on the vulnerable United States infrastructure begins to shut down the entire nation. The mysterious figure behind the scheme has figured out every modern angle -- but he never figured on an old-school "analog" fly in the "digital" ointment: John McClane. No mask. No cape. No problem. Yippie kai yay. Oooohhhh, I so loved Bruce Willis. No matter how good or not so good the movies is, as long as it's his movie, I will definitely watch it. Well, aside from the fact that both me and ffg were solid movie addictus. Justin Long did a pretty good job being funny and scared at the same time. He's perfectly fit for the role and he's really adorable. Saw him first at the TV series, Ed, Crossroads and Jeepers Creepers. I love Maggie Q here. She's so pretty and oh so sexy. But i'm just beginning to get tired of hollywood films with asian women who were mostly sexy and pretty and knows how to kick some ass and die in the end. Just my two cents hehehe.

First Week High

Been busy and neglecting my blog for quite a while. But I will try to keep up, promise. From the parties and food trips and movies, I promise to try to remember them one by one and blog them. It's also for my own sake so I can look back to all the happy moments in my life, spending it with people who make me smile. But this one particular topic I want to blog about is how I survive my first two weeks at my new work. This was one company which didn't make it on my list of "want-to-work" place, but life is really ironic. Now that I'm here, I'm praying so hard to stay here for a long time hopefully, at least a year maybe? Hehehehe. I was given a workplace that was so far different from my first job here in singapore, was surrounded by those I really dreaded to be around with, but found myself not complaining about it. At least not bad for my first two weeks of stay there. Maybe because I really love what I'm doing now. Of course, I thank God for this another blessing. I have just a little bit of complain hehehe. Most of the people were too busy to say hi to a newcomer? Hehehe. Not that I want them to welcome me big time, it's just what most would expect if you know that 1/4 of the population is the same race as you. Oh well, maybe there's always an exception. Good thing ffg's working in suntec so at least 2 days out of 5, I'm not by myself. And now, mame ces and I talked about eating together every wednesday. I was so happy to see her again :)

Friday Night Out

I was so happy to finally brought along my friends at one of my favorite places to hang out here in singapore. We were suppose to go and try the Swiss-German restaurant in Bukit Timah, Stammtisch, but when we called for reservation, it was closed for the month of july. So we went to Que Pasa instead, and end up having the best time. Only four of us made it to our usual get together fridays. Kulet, Ami, Cuz and Me. We ordered beef stew, yummy pizza, mini burger and sausage, lime juice for kulet and a glass of wine for cuz and me. It was so funny that we're the only table that's so full of food hahaha. All of us were hungry and finish up all the food. It was so great that they liked it there. And of course, a dinner wouldn't be complete without a cuppa brewed coffee. Went to coffee bean along orchard for a coffee. It was a bit late when we headed home. We were so unmindful of the time because we're all having a good time. We talked about it of course, because this kind of "trip" is a bit heavy on our pockets so we agreed to have this luxury *hahaha* at least once a month. Well, let's see. As what most people say, once you've tried a gourmet coffee, you wouldn't want to go back to a kopi-c or kopi-o. :D Anyway, it's only on fridays that we get to meet up and catch with what's happening to each one of us. And even if I am so mindful of my budget and promised not to spend too much, which I already did in shopping area, I can't pass on this because being with friends and laughing so hard about any joke is priceless. Tsisi!

Christina Aguilera Concert

*It's been a busy day so pardon me for the long post.* I made a money out of my trash collection. I've sold out my Harper's Bazaar magazines through yahoo auctions. All 19 of them. Though it's not that a huge amount, still, Im so happy that I made a few bucks out of the things that I so wanted to throw away for so long. Truly, a man's trash is another's treasure. Few minutes after, the uncle came to fix our washing machine. Finally, after two weeks! Tons of laundry is already waiting hehehe. During our late lunch, vinh told us about his lost handphone. Sad. He felt depressed. :( We went to Sentosa afterwards for the MND Family Day. Never miss a year of it from the day I started working in hadaba. We went there too late to enjoy the games, or the heat of the sun though so we just took our souvenir from Kulet, peek at the oh-so-famous cafe del mar (we have to go back there really to enjoy cafe del mar at night. seems like a really cool place to hang out), did a little bit of walking, and after an hour, we were on our way back home, leaving ami and the rest for the Christina Aguilera concert. We arrive at the Kallang Stadium at 30 minutes late. We just arrive exactly on time Christina show up. No show band or anything. It was by far the earliest one that started. Usually it's an hour after before they show the artist. Anyway, we really did enjoy the concert. I used to admire her for her fashion sense and her powerful voice but I never was a fan. But now, I proudly announce, that from now on, I am a huge fan of hers. She got a real powerful voice. Great performer. Each song, she added something to her outfit to make it a little different from the one's she's wearing previously. All her backup singers, dancers and musicians, seems to be enjoying and not just performing. You can see that she's really enjoying what she's doing. Basta, words isn't enough to describe vividly how this concert of hers rocks. I enjoyed each concert that me and ffg went to but this one is really the best of them all. We didn't actually notice that it's been an hour and a half already. Whe she said goodbye, I felt like please please at least one more song. If she will do another concert here in Singapore, I'll make sure that we'll be down near the stage. I got a few shots out of my camera phone, it's not good but it will do. We're seated on the farthest but they have a big screen that shows closely all that's happening on the stage. We bought a cd at hmv afterwards. Good thing it's still open. And in my opinion, CD's doesn't do justice to Christina's voice. It was really good hearing it live. She's beautiful, she's got a really good body, and very very talented. So far, from her album "Back to Basics", my favorites were, "Oh Mother", "Hurt", and "The Right Man". After the concert, we were still high on Christina's notes, we went to Que Pasa for a glass of wine, beef stew and pizza. And yes, we were that hungry as we didn't had a chance to take our dinner. Today's High: A concert that really rocks, and a bottle of wine

7 Random Things

I've been tagged by mami s. I must post the rules, 7 random things about me and then tag others to do the same. Sound fair enough, right? These are the rules… each player starts with 7 random facts about themselves on their Blog. People who are tagged need to blog 7 facts about themselves and post the rules as well. At the end of their blog list 7 people you are tagging. Let them know that they are tagged by leaving them a comment. 1. I love drinking coffee. Back then it was only cappuccino. But with cuz's influence, i now enjoy and appreciate the goodness of a brewed coffee. 2. I have this thing for organizing things. I want everything to be in order that there are times that I get disappointed when things didn't go as planned. 3. When I was in elementary and high school, i've owned slum book each year. And I have a diary! It's a good thing, there's blogging now. 4. I don't hate pasta or chocolates. I'm not just a big fan of it. 5. I love watching Travel and Adventure channel. I love traveling. I love going to places that I've never been to. 6. I adore kids. I don't know if I just want to have one. But since I was a kid, I love taking care of babies. They have the sweetest smile that took away your problems for a minute. 7. I love bags than shoes. I love dressing up. I love going into signature shops even if i don't buy one hehehe. I love looking at the models and admire the way they dress up and walk. I love fashion even if the fashion hates me. Now, I will tag Bebit, Joey, Novyta, Khendz

Kahilingan

"for a lot of times in your life you asked for that "time". where you'll be able to rest and sleep, catch up with all the things you wanted to do. now that you had it in your hand, why can't you feel the blessings of it? because you worry too much about a lot of things. now all you ask is to take back that busy-ness in your life. because that would mean so much not just to you but to your family. that you don't deserve to rest because if you do, it will cause too much chaos. yes, we have to be really careful for the wishes that we asked for. better asked for blessings that He know is best for us."

Pipo & Pipa's Wedding

Philip and Phylis 16 June 2007 The Legends, Fort Canning Different cultures. Different beliefs. Different worlds. Naks pang telenobela ang quote. Huwala lang. I love attending weddings lang. It's the only place where you can see love overflowing from the eyes of all the guests. Happiness for the couple. Not just a reason to have a free meal or booze. Well, maybe for others hehehe. An intro lang since I never had the chance to take a photo of the couple because they kept on moving around. Di ko mahuli. Philip is a swiss who work with ffg. Phylis is a local who used to work with them din. We witness how they became a couple. The wedding reception was held at The Legends, Fort Canning. We arrive just in time for the cocktails. Ngek andaming swiss. Bulong ako kay ffg wag ako iwan hehehe anlalaking tao kasi. Baka matapakan ako. Tuwa ako bumabaha ng wines and sodas. Wish ko lang we can do this sa wedding din namin. The place is great. Food was a 8-course chinese cuisine dinner. Wine kept on pouring. There was a live band. Most of the guests stayed until almost 11pm. There's not much of a program except for the grand entrance, cake cutting and "yam seng" or toast for the couple. They showed avp of the usual chinese tradition where the groom will go the bride's place to fetch her but before this, he has to drink or eat whatever the family of the bride asked him to do hehehe. Funny din how you see traditions of different cultures. For the grooms side naman, a common swiss tradition for a stag party pala was the friends of the groom who'll be organizing the party will let the groom to be do the usual things he do. Like for Philip's case, he likes going to the gym, swimming and then partying. They did all these except, they asked him to do everything in girl's clothes. Yaiks hahaha. Bilib ako cause he was so cool about it. Everyone was laughing at the presentation. The night didn't end there. We went straight to MOS where the couple's friends reserved a place at Club 54. Naks VIP lane ito. There's drinks everywhere. Sana laging may wedding mga swiss hehehe. Here are some of the photos I got. Sensya na pangit reso. Im only using my N70 phone hehehe. Wala na ko digicam huhuhu.

The Arena

We took Sheryl, Oying's sister, who works for Star Cruise Libra, last night at boat quay for dinner. We had chilli crab, cereal prawn, sambal kangkong and fried rice. Sarap. After the dinner, we went around clarke quay to check for a place where we could have a drink. I accidentally bumped into Jhude and saw her there with her friends and hubby. Aba, buntis na gumigimik pa. We were surprised to see a lot of bars now in clarke quay. There's one called CLINIC, complete with hospital gurneys that double as lounge beds outside. We didn't get to see inside, though. Maybe we'll check it out next time. We went to Arena instead because the performers were all europeans - like spice girls. And yes, since Rommel's the one who's paying, he had the final say where to go. :D We saw our friends dennis and benjie there. It was a good place actually. Specially for guys hehehe since there were girls dancing in sexy outfits. Drinks were cheap. A jug of beer of housepour costs only $SGD18+++. Just don't order the screwdriver because you can't seem to taste the vodka at all. All the staffs were really friendly though. We did enjoy the night, and we hope that Sheryl did too. These were the only photos I got from my camera phone. Sheryl had a lot of pictures but unfortunately we weren't able to read her memory card on our computer.

Last Day in Manila

My flight is at 6 pm but we're all awake by 9am. My dad came by and we all went to Mall of Asia for lunch. It was complete sana but Kendz had to go to work :( We went to MOA with my big luggage in tow. Good thing daddy was there hehehe kung hindi naku kawalang poise kaya yun. And buti na lang din SM allow big luggages at their luggage counter to be left. We had our lunch at Bangus. Sarap grabe. All food were good. Nakaikot ikot pa kami ng konti and bought a CD of kasal kasali whatever hehehe. They insist on me to watch it so ayun hehehe. Went to NAIA after where we said our goodbyes. It wasn't that really sad because I know in 3 months I'll be seeing them again and this time it will be one of the grand moment in my life. I was happy that this was the first time my Dad went with us to see me off. :)

7th Day in Manila

It's my first time since I went to Singapore to work being here on a friday, at this grandiose church in Quiapo. Mom and I usually go to Quiapo church every first friday of the month and 9th of january, during the feast of Nazareno. Before we left home, I was waiting for a good news. I have asked Him a lot of things in my life that even one single thing, He never failed to give me. There may be few that wasn't given to me at the exact moment that I asked for it, He still gave it to me in some sort of way. God is really good. There may be ways that I've been tested to lose my faith and hope and blame Him for the things that happened in my life, but He made me stronger and made me hold on to what I believed in. He gave me my family, my Mom especially, and Rommel so I could have someone to lean on when I was about to give up and being weak. This is one of those usual times that He had proven to me His love for me. Just before we reached the church, He gave me another reason to give glory to His name. He gave me a reason to be happy and thankful being inside Quiapo Church once again and not just be there weeping and asking him for another grace. Even through the homily, it looks like He was also speaking to me. Im sorry for some readers if I have been boring you with this. I just can't help it. After mass, we went to Robinson's Manila for late lunch. We walked around and waited for the event stylist that we hired for the wedding. We signed the contract, pay the dp, went straight to wack wack after the call we got from our AE. We saw the beauty of pavilion B in action. From there, we went to Megamall, had dinner at jabee with bunso and called it a night.

6th Day in Manila

This day, aside from wedding related stuff - dry seal which we had it done in recto, mom and i just relaxed but still did some shopping in sm manila. It's really humid in manila so the best place to hang out is at the mall.

We went to Punchline @ Quezon Ave with the newly wed couple - Ronel and Mel, Kendz' new suitor, bunso, me and mommy. It wasn't that obvious how mom really did enjoy being there. She was really laughing so hard and loud with about any jokes those fantastic performer is saying. Very recommendable talaga to go there. JUST remember to seat at the back area hehehe. Baka mapagtripan ka.

6 days had passed and im already feeling the tiredness from running around but i enjoyed every minute of it especially that my mom is by my side :)

*I was suppose to go home today but managed to changed my flight to saturday instead. Monday pa sana but i think we need to pay extra na. Sunday naman was already full. At least I still have 1 more day to be with my famiy hehehe.

5th Day in Manila

Mommy and I went to Strabucks at Bluewave in Macapagal Ave to meet our Bridal Car Supplier, Don Robert. I didn't know he's still young hehehe. The plan of getting jaguar for my bridal car was changed to Mercedez Benz hehehe. I don't think it will matter what kind of car I'll be using hehehe. It's just one of the want-to-haves on my list. Though like many others, im also the kind of bride who wants all the good things happening on her wedding. But im also the kind who can live giving up a few things. Anyway, since my coordinator had an emergency with his father, we have to ask Robert to go with us to change my money since I didn't bring any peso. The downpayment is with Grace kasi. After handing the payment to Robert and signing the contract, since we're already in the Mall of Asia, we had lunch at Max's, both my and Mom's favorite. Sarap talaga to the bones hehehe. Naempacho ata kami hehehe. After the delicious lunch, we tour around Mall of Asia. I was able to buy my Dad's tie, our bible, unity candle, bear that our flower girls will be using, and a gift for our male principal sponsors. Ikot ikot lang, naubos na oras. We got home almost 7pm and called Edward Teng's office right away if I could still drop by to do my first fitting, which they said I can, yeyyy. I tried on the gown, and it was absolutely beautiful even without beads yet. Mom kept on teasing me that it wasn't pretty and it was too simple hehehe. Well, I like it the way it is though she's right that it's really too simple :) Im still thinking if i'll be posting the picture hehehe baka wala ng surprise. :)

4th Day in Manila

At 7 in the morning, I'm up again ready to take a bath. Daddy, Mommy and me went to a tailor shop near our place to have my Dad's measurements for the suit. For those who doesn't know yet, he wasn't "back" to our home yet. But he's always welcome to visit us. And yes, he will be there on my wedding day. So, after the measurements, we went straight to Ninong Luis shop in Cubao. We wanted to get him to be our principal sponsor for the wedding. After an hour, we went straight to Megamall, had lunch at Kenny Rogers and bought my Dad's shoes for the wedding. From Megamall, we went to Ate Minnie's place in pasig. It was weird being there without Nanay and Tatay (they were in London at the moment with ate che. susyal!). We had a second batch of lunch because ate minnie cooked something for us. Answeet :) We went to the market of pasig to check on the giveaways that she was telling us. It wasn't on our must-be-really-nice list so, anythign was fine. We got a "divisoria" aura of the giveaways which i really can't describe hehehe. It wasn't that bad but it wasn't that nice either. At least it was cheap hehehe. We said our goodbyes afterwards to ate minnie and her beautiful kids, reine and raissa. Went to Richmonde Hotel to check on the bridal suit room they have. It was cheaper than other 4-star hotels so we booked right away. They don't require any deposit naman eh. From there, we went to Glorietta to meet my 3 sisters to watch a movie. We bought 3 tickets of Shrek and 3 of Spiderman. Kukulit hehehe. We had dinner at chowking before the movie. This is one moment in our life that I really appreciate and thank God. Life has been hard for my famiy but we managed to survive little by little. It's bittersweet to have Daddy around. I see the happiness on my family's face maybe knowing that in a way just for today, our family's complete. It has a way of bringing back the past but today is what's important in our lives. And each time I go home, as much as possible, even if I know that my 2 sisters were already tired from work, I always plead with them that we get together even once having dinner and enjoying. Because, for me, one time sure makes a lot of impact :) A happy memory that forever I'll cherish.

3rd Day in Manila

Vacations are meant for resting. But in my case, whenever I'm in Manila, I always see to it that I make use of all my time. If only malls were open at 6 in the morning, I would be the first one in line, having my breakfast at jabee or max's with my family. I never went to Manila and spend a day with my friends, and not because I don't like to. I never had more than 2 weeks of vacation in Manila. And since it's usually 3 days or a week at the most, I spend it all with my family.

So, for today, I woke up at 7 in the morning, which never happens in singapore, and was amazed to see my mom up and all set. We went to baste first to enroll bunso for her final year in accounting as she's taking her OJT. OMG, i didn't know that it feels different to see those digits in person than just sending the money to my mom. It's highway robbery! Hehe overreacting sorry. Anyway, it may be that expensive but at the end of each year seeing or hearing how my bunso was among the top of her class, it's all worth it. Thank God, final year na hehehe. It was really humid, and it's the first time that I've finished a bottle of mineral water in a few minutes.

From baste, we walk along Recto and checked on one store for invitation then we had our lunch at Goldilocks in Isetan. It was really heaven to see those food choices and always have the urge to order almost everything on the menu but settled for the chicken barbeque, porkchop steak and dinuguan. Mom had laing. We both had pineapple juice. Sarap! Yummmm! Grabe! Empatso ata kami. After lunch, Mom insist on me that we should check out the invitation supplier in recto who did bunso's invitation on her debut. Plan was to go to Unifair in Binondo for the famous supplier. But as we haggle, we managed to get a really affordable price per invite. And I was happy that they agreed to almost anything I specifically say. It was documented and a receipt was given to us though no contract was presented. Im just crossing my fingers and really praying that the invites would turn out ok. Im not expecting to get the best result. As long as it looks like an invitation, it's fine with me. Invitations and Giveaways were not really that important in our wedding. I mean, of course it should look ok, but as long as it is an invitation and it's something that has our name on it, it's fine. We are choosy on some things and we could let go of few. And something that will be thrown away after the wedding isn't something that we really want to spend much on. No offense to others. To each his own, right? :) Reality is, we've spend much on the big things hehehe kaya wala ng budget for the little things hihihi. Soooo, invitation - check!

From recto, we hailed a cab to divisoria on the lookout for possible giveaways. From tutuban mall, we walked towards Tabora. We were able to buy sinamay wine bags and butterfly for decorating the bag. I know that Divisoria is famous for almost everyone in manila. I wasn't aware that it will be a huge nightmare! Aside from constantly checking on your phone if it's still inside the front pocket of your pants, it was really crowded. When I say crowded, it's like rubbing your elbows to another person. Imagine being in the packed MRT in the morning only the sun's ironically smiling at you. Fun, huh! I forgot that the start of school is in June that's why every mom was outside bargaining for the ready made uniforms, variety of school supplies and school bags and vendors constantly making noise out of the big roll of plastic cover. But I did have fun because I was with my Mom. It was like the old days when she used to have me around whenever she goes to wet market. Alala ko pa those times that I am always excited going with Mommy buying new things for school. It doesn't matter if it's the cheapest notebook or if I'll be wearing something from Divisoria, as long as it's new, Im as happy as a bee. And spending the last few days of my school vacation removing the springs from my notebook and "sewing" it back, covering it with a plastic cover. Sharpening all my pencils and putting it in a pencil case. Putting every new school supplies inside my new but really cheap bag. From going down to the memory lane, we ride a jeep on our way home.

We went to the cake supplier at 6 pm, talk about the design and signed the contract.

2nd Day in Manila

RONEL and MEL's WEDDING
St. Pancratius, Paco park
City Garden Hotel

Mommy and I woke up early preparing for Nel's wedding. The wedding is at 3.30 pm but we have to go to the salon for hair and makeup and manicure and pedicure. Grabe the price of both mine and mom's Hair and Make-up, manicure, pedicure is only the price of my manicure and pedicure in singapore. We had beef shawarma for lunch hehe. Sarap! We were done past 2 na! We took a tricycle, good thing the salon is just near to our house. Bihis na then dali daling umalis and took a cab on our way to Paco Park. Forgot to wear my CL pa. When we arrived, we thought it was already starting. Ngek, groom wasn't even there yet. Then it hit me, this was my second and would be my last to be a bridesmaid. The first one was in 97 pa ata on my cousin's wedding. Buti na lang talaga umuwi ako hehehe. Mom was one of the Ninangs. The wedding was not that organized because it was only prepared by the couple, but when I see the happiness on my friend's face, nothing makes sense and seem important on that day. Their love for each other shows on their faces. Saya saya. The wedding ended past 8pm. We had fun taking wacky pictures hehehe. Congrats, Nel and Mel. May God bless both of you.

First Day in Manila

I was able to wake up early for the flight. Di naman excited hehehe. Check in early, had BK breakfast and went inside after. It's really different taking SQ than any other airlines. No long queues, you can check-in online if you don't have much luggage, you can choose your food and your seat online, systematic, and fast. Not to mention the FA's of SQ. They were all accomodating and provides really good service. This doesn't mean you can't do this on budget airlines right? FA's could be more "respectful" of the passengers. I had witnessed few experiences with budget airlines's FA's katarayans to some passengers. Although, I haven't experience it personally. Umbagin ko sila pag ako tinarayan nila hehehe.

I settled on my seat where the middle one is still unoccupied and the other with a pinay. The one who occupied the middle seat was an Indian. I said to myself, shoot, I hope wala syang amoy. I almost told the pinay na malas naman natin napagitnaan tayo and good thing I held my tongue. Turns out he speaks tagalog very fluently and been in and out of philippines for almost 16 years. Yes, I spoke to him because I'm not rude hehe. He said I'm really nice *righhhhttt* and that he can see the goodness in me *ngek*. When the plane landed, he asked for my no bec he said he wanted to treat me for a coffee just bec Ive been nice to him *yeah, right*. I told him, whenever I go to manila, Im always busy so I just asked him to give me his number. Hehe. That way, I did not just give away my number and save myself from headache, I have not been rude by acting violently. He may have pure intentions no. *ubo ubo* Eniwey, we arrived manila on time at past 1 but got out of the immigration at past 2. Super daming tao and naku ewan ko ba why it's taking so long for the immigration officers to stamped on the passports. I queued wrongly pa on the foreigners lane hehehe. Buti di ako pinagalitan. Saw my mom and bunso waiting for me :) We hailed a cab, went home and rested for a while then went to jabee for late late lunch. When you haven't tried jollibee for a long time and you're in front of the counter, lahat talaga halos gusto mo orderin eh. Kung pwede lang hehehe. Went to Divisoria afterwards. Bought few dresses for my sisters went home around 9pm. Grabe kakaikot lang ng divisoria yun ah. I had trouble sleeping because it was really humid. Had to take a bath with a COLD water which I've done like really really seldom??? Hehehe. I was preparing to go to bed when 'Nel arrives. He had dinner and we were teasing him that he's having wedding jitters hehehe. He went home past 1 in the morning and I dozed off to sleep after we consume half of the bottle of wine which Mommy got as a gift.

Manila, here i come!

My good friend Ronel is getting married on Sunday and for the past weeks, in as much pleadings and numbers of calls and sms i got from him, i decided not to go because cebupacific and jetstar's fare both gone up to SGD 500+++. Even if i love my friend that much, there's no way im spending that much just to go to manila for a few days vacation. Sorry 'nel hehehe. But last night when I got another sms from ronel again, i showed it to ffg, to which ffg said why not i use his miles. Woah! Singapore Airlines! It's been three years since the last time I take SQ to Manila. Of course I decline at first, medyo hinayang din ako kasi I'll be staying in manila for a few days lang. Ffg insist. Sayang daw dahil it will be expiring this month na. Wopeeeeeeee. Kahit biglaan, I give in hehehe. So, tomorrow, my flight will be at 9AM. Will be in manila and i'll be on leave from blogging until thursday. Yipeeeee! I'll be able to do some wedding stuffs din like invitation and kung ano ano pa. Tenchu ffg! You're the best! Muah! Btw, SQ's fare was SGD 599 including taxes. I paid only SGD 99 since his miles isn't enough for the whole trip. Alright!

=====

Went to Bugis to buy some chocolates to bring home to manila. Got dizzy. Bugis was really crowded. So went to McDo and rest while I was waiting for cuz. Thanks for the notebook from thailand cuz! Muahness. Good to see you again :) I miss our friday gimmick. :)

From Bugis, went to Starbucks city hall, and decided to drop by and meet the girls. Good thing i dropped by kahit sandali lang. It's good to see them again. Super saya pa rin and walang sawang kwentuhan at tawanan. Though ffg and I have to leave early, still, it's all worth it. Oh, and of course, tenkyu tenkyu tenkyu soooooooo muchhhhhhh Tin for the Hoodie! Will be posting the picture of the hoodie next time. Love love love it. Muah! Kat and Chard, super congrats! And to Jen and Fred, forgot to congratulate both of you! God bless!

From city hall, we went to sommerset to find some late late dinner. Then went to my happy place - Que Pasa. Had a glass of white, red for ffg, and the yummy yummy beef stew. Then went home and prepare my things to bring for tomorrow. Shucks, it's already 2 in the morning!

Stammtisch, Bukit Timah

From the cruise, we went home and rest a bit and went to Bukit Timah by 6pm to meet ffg's friends. Stammtisch is a swiss/german restaurant owned by a germany chef and is personally serving most of his customers. They brought us here so we could try the cheese fondue which is my first time to hear and try. When I asked Barbara, she said that the interior of the restaurant looks like a typical swiss restaurant. The place is really cozy and not like those fine dining restaurants.

Stephan ordered a bottle of white wine for us and it was really delicious. I drink mostly red and the white in insomnia is really bad compared to what we've had here. It was gloriously good. Recommended for first timers hehehe. I heard from Stephan and ffg that the bottle was a bit expensive. Stephan paid for it, though. I think it was $70+. For the food, we ordered 2 sets of Cheese Fondue@SGD24+++ each set. For a group, the price is already worth it as it's heavy and you'll feel full after 5 to 6 dips of bread on the cheese. Im not much fan of cheese but this one I really loved it. Nicole suggested that the swiss way to eat fondue is to dip the bread into the Kirsch (Swiss drink which tasted like tequila - nicole ordered separately and asked me to try it) then dip into the cheese. Kirsch drink is only @ SGD 9+++. She and Stephan was also suggesting that next time we should try the Rivella, also a swiss drink which is like a soda. I heard they were selling it at SGD 5.50+++. I saw from most of the diners' table were pork knuckles. Hmmm, next time i'll order that. I hope I could bring my some of my friends here :) Of course we tried the sausages. Ffg and I had the grilled bratwurst sausage. A nicely browned foot long sausage with rosti potatoes and onion gravy with a bowl of salad for only $19 :) This is faarrrr better than the ones in Marche or the Vilage now. They get the meat and sausages from a Swiss Butchery, a gourmet butcher in Greenwood Avenue.

This is one experience I'll definitely blog about and let friends tried it. Although a bit expensive, one time experience is not bad. Sometimes it's good to try different kind from the usual that were having everyday.

To go there, we alight at the Newton MRT and took a cab to 6th avenue. The fare costs us only SGD 5+++. Although, you can take a bus 66, 170 which is 14 stops away from the Newton MRT. The address is 6th Avenue Centre #01-04 805 Bukit Timah Road. Dinner is from 6.30 to 10.30 and they are close on Mondays.

Four Blind Mice

Four Blind Mice is one of James Pattersons great books. It's full of suspense, will keep you guessing though some of the murder scenes are a bit graphic. I've finished the 400 page book in just one day because it's really that interesting and im so glad I took this book with me on our cruise.

The main plot revolves around a team of ex-Vietnam Ranger villains who are hired assassins with a twist. The wheels of justice move more quickly in the military than the rest of the civilized world, evidently.

Other good and must-read books from James Patterson's collections that I've read were:
- 3rd degree
- when the wind blows
- maximum ride
- the lake house
- sam's letter to jennifer


Alex Cross returns in the most harrowing case of his career—one that risks the life of his closest friend and partner, John Sampson.

Detective Alex Cross is on his way to resign from the Washington, D.C., Police Force when his partner shows up at his door with a case he can't refuse. One of John Sampson's oldest friends, from their days together in Vietnam, has been arrested for murder. Worse yet, he is subject to the iron hand of the United States Army. The evidence against him is strong enough to send him to the gas chamber.

Sampson is certain his friend has been framed, and Alex's investigation turns up evidence overlooked-or concealed-by the military authorities. Drawing on their years of street training and an almost telepathic mutual trust, Cross and Sampson go deep behind military lines to confront the most terrifying-and deadly-killers they have ever encountered. Behind these three highly skilled killing machines there appears to be an even more threatening controller. Discovering the identity of this lethal genius will prove to be Cross's most terrifying challenge ever.

On his visits home, Alex must confront another, more harrowing mystery: what's the matter with Nana Mama? As he explores the possibility of a new relationship with a woman who offers him new hope, Alex must also confront the fact that his beloved grandmother is only human.

The return of Alex Cross in Four Blind Mice also marks James Patterson's arrival at dazzling new heights of mind-bending suspense, explosive action, and lightning-fast plot twists. It is sure to be acclaimed as the best novel yet from the author the Associated Press says "writes thrillers as if he were building roller coasters."

A Moment in my life

There are moments in our life that shatters us and somehow made us change most of our perspective in life. We cry 'till there were no tears left hoping that it will lessen the pain or make that moment go away for a while. But God always gives us choices to make. To see things either in a way that could make us more miserable or still look forward with what could be in for us in the future. We may look back only if we're strong enough not to let this affect how we see things now. It's always difficult to be positive when you're hurting. I always say that. It's always intricate to put into action now what you've advised to others. It's not easy and it's never been.

I couldn't blog about what im facing now but im definitely looking at it optimistically. At least, that's what Im trying to do now. It's hard but I know this will pass. Im holding on to God's promise that He never intended us to get hurt. He might took away few things that matters to us, but you'll know that this may be for your own good. I hope I'll remain strong. I hope I won't let my weakness get into me.

The Phantom of the Opera

The plan of watching a play or opera in Esplanade has been long overdue. It remains a plan until Cuz Eram was nice enough to take care of the booking for us. So on the 3rd of May, all 9 of us, went to Esplanade. Went home, change on a nice dress (i love to dress up and this is one occassion that i don't want to miss hihihi), went to City Hall and meet ffg. Quarter to 8, we were already at the esplanade and calling cuz because they were still having dinner somewhere. It was a first time for me to watch an opera and honestly, I was never a fan. It was a fabulous experience, though. And it always give me great pleasure and excitement doing things the first time. *hope no one will interpret this in a 'green' way hehehe*. For a first timer, it was indeed great to start off with Broadway’s longest-running musical - The Phantom of the Opera.

The Esplanade Theatre's interior was really beautiful and very elegant. It has four levels and our seat was located on the fourth at the circle 3 with a clear view of what's going on on stage. They don't allow photos to be taken even on mobile phones but I managed to steal a few shots hehe. 10 minutes to 8, they were already closing the door, and the opera started at exactly 8pm. Neat! Never been to any show that started exactly the time they print it. Although cuz and the rest didn't managed to get on time, they were still able to watch the next scene. It was really different to watch it on stage than watchin it on a big screen. The musical started off slow, like a gentle giant waking up. It was really breathtaking. All the stage props were amazing. Candles rose out of the stage when the Phantom was rowing his boat with Christine in it. And it all looks so real. The dungeon was magnificently constructed, the shadows giving it an eerie and menacing look. The ballet dancers were splendid. The costumes are all colorful. The grand staircase at the Masquerade scene is really something. I didn't know or notice that they used mannequins until Novyta told me :) I was actually thinking where did they get those extras. I love the songs. It'll make you fall in love over and over again. The actors are great. Although there were scenes that I got a little bored, but hey it's my first time. It was one hell of an experience. It was really fab.

Andrew Lloyd Webber's THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA is the heart-wrenching story of the mysterious "Angel of Music" who lives beneath the Paris Opera House. The hideously disfigured Phantom falls in love with the young singer Christine, devoting himself to creating a new opera star while exercising a reign of terror over the Opera House's occupants.

The casts, as I've done my research on the internet and not wanting to shed that $25 bucks for the booklet, did a fantastic job. Brad Little being The Phantom, Rebecca Pitcher as Christine, John Bowles as Raoul, Ana Marina as Alternate Christine, John O'May as Firmin, Anders Sohlman as Andre, Pauline Du Presis as Carlotta, Jackie Rees as Madame Giry, David Rogers-Smith as Ubaldo Phangi, Nadia Komazec as Meg Giry, Andre Strijdom as Reyer, James Skinner as Passarino, David English as Auctioneer/Lefevre, Rouel Beukes as Joseph Buquet, Sebastian Zokoza as Don Attilio, Sean Andrews as Marksman, Ben Kaslauskas as Slavemaster (In 'Hannibal'), Matthew Overmeyer as Soldier, Chris Wright as Porter/Tin Soldier, Mons Botha as Princess/Mirror Bride, Sophie Viskich as Wild Woman (in 'Hannibal'), Jennifer West as Wardrobe Mistress, Hamlee Louw as Madame Firmin, Nomasande Webu as Innkeepers Wife (In Don Juan Trumphant), Simon Pryce as Lionman, Donna-Maree Dunlop as Gauloise, Deborah Annable, Sarah Bakker, Marianna Baltadano, Mietta Gornall, Catherine Leppingwell, Maggie Purr as the Ballet chorus of the Opera populaire, Sharyn Winney as Ballet swing, Kurt Hapt, David Sommerville, Deborah Caddy, Amy Holder as the Swings, and Sharyn Winney as Dance Captain.

The ending part was great. Audience shows their appreciation by giving the casts a round of applause from the time each cast was introduced, although no standing ovation :( But if i were to ask, I would give them much appreciation than just applauding. It was really beautiful and you can't say that it is an easy work. Oh, I just learned that Sarah Brightman used to play Christine. Wala lang. We took picture from my camera phone afterwards.

The first act lasted for 1 1/2 hour with an intermission of 20 minutes. It ended around 11 pm. After the show, we had dinner at the Gluttons Bay where we saw Brad Little having his dinner too. If it were only me and ffg, I'll come up to him and ask for his autograph. Sayang, dxo band was there with us nashy ako hehehe.


The show will still be aired until the 20th of May so you still have time to catch up. 

A Sad Goodbye

today is the day that you'll say goodbye. im so sorry that i can't be there to even see your beauty for the last time. now, there'll be no more "next time, i'll visit her" or any planning of some sort for me. is it our fault that we never make a way to see or visit you? but i know you'll understand. not that we don't want to see you, we regret that. we just thought that it's best to keep the shield around us so we won't be reminded of the pain of the past. i know you'll be happy now where you'll be going. bye 'la. totoo pala. those who've caused you pain were the ones that's so hard to let go of. maybe this sadness that i feel isn't just because you're gone. maybe this is because i was hoping somehow that before you go, someone will take the responsibility of saying sorry. maybe this is because i know that he's all alone now and no one will accept whatever things he do but you. maybe this is because i'll miss whatever memories you installed *atleast in me*.

i like to be nostalgic at times. reminisce the memories - the good ones - that is. reminds me of the things that makes me look forward to something even at a young mind. like the weekly visit to your house that daddy and i did back then. growing up in a very small lair, and almost everyday of nothing grand to eat, with a one peso in my pocket as my biggest treasure, going to your place is really one of the best ones that i always look forward too. you have the grandest house in mayon, with a garden and numbers of beautiful dogs. your air conditioned room with lolo's picture hanging on the wall. with beautiful headboard and martha-stewart-like pillows and bedsheet. of course, your kitchen that never runs out of anything to eat. and not just anything but those you only find in the rich people's kitchen. fruits at the dinner table. box of goldilocks cake that i only had a slice whenever there's a really special occassion. chocolates. juice. lechon. and whenever we visit you there, you always go out of your room and head to the kitchen to prepare these grand foods for us. i remember the time i kept a few chocolates in my pocket just to give it to my mom. you have this chair that's only meant for u, placed at the corner of the dinner table near the window where you can see your garden. and when it's time for us to go home, you always give me money even if it's only enough for me to buy candy for all my kalaro, aside from the food and supot ng makopa that daddy picked for me from your tree. i always keep a big one peso coin and give it to you in exchange of five pesos. whenever you have to go to albularyo's and daddy and i go with you, we don't eat at just any place. we always eat at aristocrat or maxs. and whenever you walk out of the house, you're always at your best. always wearing the shade of brown dress. the way you plant your kiss on my cheeks is something that reminds me of you. all my memries of you that i kept in my heart were those that made me smile and somehow make myself believe that i am really your apo. and whatever happens in the past years, i threw some of them. it's like now that you're gone, i felt like reminiscing what just happen months ago not decades ago. and i prefer it this way. i cried so much when i heard from mom that you're gone maybe because i've nurtured that memory inside me for a long time. you see, it's not just a memory with you in there, but memory filled of times that im bonding with daddy. it's one of the best times of my life :)

paalam 'la. i know you're happy where you are now.

Sad Moment :(

I received an SMS from my MOM asking me to call them and saying that my Dad's at home and that my Lola passed away. When I called them I was frantically crying and I can't help it. :( Every memory I had with her seem to came back in an instant and it's just so painful to know that it's been a very very long time since I last seen her, since my parents separated, we stopped seeing her too. This is the part where I really hate myself being away from home. Receiving bad news like this. First, it was my Inang then now my Lola. I know they're already old and maybe it's really time to end their suffering. I just feel really sad being away from them. Not seeing them at the last moment. It's too painful for me to bear :( May GOD take care of her.

Lola,
Im sorry that I may not be able to go to your funeral. I know you'll understand. This is really hard for me. To know that you're already gone and I can't do anything about it. I thought you'll still going to make it to my wedding. I thought you'll still see your first apo get married. You haven't even met Rommel. It's too painful for me to bear it now. When was the last time I see you? Back when you were still in Kanlaon? Yes, that time when my parents were still on the verge of separating. You were bed-ridden already that time. But you still manage to plant me that famous kiss of yours on me. You know the way you hold my face smelling my cheeks first before kissing me? I've got lots of memories that up to now I can still remember because they connect me to you and to my dad. It's funny because I just had a thought of you just last week because I was reading this novel about a grandmother and her apo and they were really close to each other. I lost my Inang a year ago. And now you. Just few months before my wedding. :( But Im sure you're happy now that you'll see Lolo again. I don't want to see you suffering from whatever sickness. It's just sad that I wasn't able to see you or say goodbye. I love you, 'la. Take care. Come at my wedding on september. If you see Inang, ask her to go with you too.
Love,
Me

Sam's Letter to Jennifer

My fondness of reading usually lies on the authors that hit the "best seller" portion of the bookstores but mostly i always read the novels of those i have a good first impression on. I got 5 or more novels from David Baldacci and James Patterson, my John Grisham's novels are complete, i got all of Mitch Albom's books. Ive few books of the same author and Im just saying that it's how my reading personality is. Although, it's not sensible to read a novel from the same author over and over again, you'll find it addicting to read one after another of the same author. It's like reading someone else's diary. Like for instance John Grisham who's well known for his courtroom drama stories, or Nicholas Sparks for his emotional love stories and a lot more. You'll get bored eventually because no matter how different their stories are, they always end up having the same plot. But it's normal. Because if you're an author you have to stick to a certain identity so readers will know you for what you write.

One of my favorite authors is James Patterson who's well known for his murder mysteries novels. I grab a copy of "Sam's letters to Jennifer" just because James Patterson wrote it not because of the summary of the story. And yes, im that fanatic. After reading it, I was totally amazed that he really can write love stories. Galing!

The book was about Jennifer who writes a column in a newspaper. Lost her husband, had miscarriage, and now that her grandma Sam is sick, she thought she was about to lose her too. When she's about to give up, she found hope. And Sam have found a way to talk to Jennifer even if she's in a coma.

I love the short, quick chapters that Patterson uses to keep the story flowing. I love the fact that scenes change quickly so that the reader never gets bored. And I love the characters that he has created: Jennifer, who needs love again so badly and is so scared to look for it again; Brendan, who loves so freely and completely with so much to lose; and Sam, who accepted what she could not change and found the strength to accept love when it was offered and never regret it. Sam's Letters to Jennifer is two beautiful love stories wrapped into one.

For One More Day

For One More Day by Mitch Albom is the story of a man who gets the chance to spend one more day with his mother, who died 8 years earlier. I bought it just last friday and was done with it by wednesday. Besides the fact that this book is only 197 pages long, you will be wrapped up from start to finish with the story that evolves around love and family. Mitch Albom was known for his books that doesn't need you to read so many pages and getting lost in the end. His was short but will really hit you straight right into the core of your heart. Mine, that is. This story will make you value more your family especially your Mom. It was for me, like the Five People You meet in heaven story. Still, it's as good as the first two. :)

There's always time in our life that we really screwed up so badly that we can't think of anything to straighten the mess up but to run away from it. I'm guilty about that. The thing is we can't run away from it. It's always best to face it no matter what because in the end everything will always be different from what you've had in that part of your life. It's only up to you to make that difference. It could make the matter better or worst depend on how you face it. Oh, I'm not good in anything about life. I'm still learning to swim and trying my very best not to drown. I guess with blogging, ive been leaving a few crumbs behind so when I look back, i'll know that at one point in my life, i look at my life straight and positive amidst of the chaos im into. But isn't it great that each day, you wake up to a brand new day not knowing what's in store for us, be it good or bad? That each day you tried your best to think of something different just to make things around you easier? I hope i'll be like this everyday. So I won't have to look back and think of the "woulda" and "coulda" in my life instead look forward to the brand new day.

And the things in my life that I so much hated doing but did it anyway for the sake of following my Mom *beside the fact that she's scary at that time not doing what she ordered you to do and the fact that im just a good kid hihihi*, none of it makes me regret where I am now. She had helped me make my life easier and without all the things she has done for me, I wouldn't probably see the goodness of my life even if im a product of a broken family. And the most important thing she'd ever done to me or to us, is standing up for us for about everything in this world even at times what she think is right for us makes us hate her. I lavyu mamee!

French Dinner ala Central Grove

Last night, my housemate Vinh prepared a french dinner for us. French were known to be so specific about their food. They like to spend much time preparing their food. I didn't know that French people doesn't like eating at fastfood like McDonalds. Vinh's personal reason was that it wasn't prepare the way food was prepared at the restaurants or hawker centers. He said his brother-in-law was worst. If it's american, he won't it eat it. If appliances are not european made, he won't buy it. I didn't know this kind of "culture", if you can call it, until I spoke to Vinh. Interesting.

Now to the dinner part. It broke my heart this morning when I learned that the pictures I painstakingly took last night wasn't in the SD card. I don't know what happen but everytime I took a picture, I viewed it afterwards. Oh well, what's lost is lost.

Our dinner started at about 10pm and we had smoked salmon for appetizer, french bread and a Wolf Blass 2003 White Wine. We forgot how long it has been there but the wine was still good. Though it wasn't advisable to keep wines for that long especially leaving it there lying around with poor temperature because some wines could taste like vinegar. That's why it is important for people who love wines to invest on a wine cooler. This is a good site for Proper Wine Storage. Half hour later, Vinh served us the "saumon en papilotte" or salmon on paper. For this he uses a foil instead of paper where he put the salmon, garlic, mushroom, pepper, salt, basil leaves and cream and baked it until it was cooked. It was really easy. After the salmon and salmon appetizer and main dish, we rested for a while. It was like eating in a restaurant! A 5-course at home! Vinh served the cheese, which french was really known for loving cheese so much. The day before, we asked him not to buy the really smelly cheese hehehe. Not yet anyway. He bought a square cheese instead and whew it was smelly. Yuccckkkk! I was the only one who wasn't going to try the cheese so I gave in. I took a bite *super small size*, closed my eyes and swallowed the cheese. Mmmmm, it's good hehehehe. I tried another one, this time much bigger than the first, waaaaaaa it's really good. Just don't smell it hehehe. He said it was like durian. Don't try to smell it first. Eventually you'll get used to the smell. Durian, a really big no. But with cheese, this is OK. By the time the dessert was served, all were already full. But we still did devour Vinh's amandine aux poires. Baked pear with egg, sugar, almond, butter. He put vanilla ice cream beside the sweet dessert and the taste complements each other. Yummy. We end up our meal with a cup of black coffee. Everyone was really full especially me. I end up vomiting on our toilet, hehehe.

Dinner was perfect. First housemates dinner since Ally's replacement, Edward, arrived. Yeyyyyy! Merci, monsieur Vinh. Tres Bon! Je ne parle pas francais. Hihihi.

Today's High: Learning something about french's culture and food. Bonding with housemates.

Life is so ironic

That, my friends, is my YM's status today.

"we may not fully understand the reason why some things happen and when it does, that we have to be strong and always be positive inspite of the pain we felt, but GOD never fail to put something good for you at the end of it all. He's the only one who knew that reason so when this painful moment knock into our door it is ok to be weak at times but always know that GOD never want to hurt us. It might be something that we encounter because of our own doing but it's always something that makes us stronger in the end. No better words can alleviate the pain but let's not forget that there's no mountain that is too high that we can't climb." 

Hapag ng Pagasa

Tonight, as we watched the Probe, they feature a certain painter, Joey Velasco who shows his outstanding paintings. One of the paintings was the "hapag ng pag-asa" where he painted the Last Supper replacing the apostles with the streetchildren. Normally my reaction to this kind of thing would be different. But his paintings are remarkable and shows nothing but pure love with Jesus' face beside an innocent child. He's truly an author and a painter. It's really a wonder how God works for people to see that there's more in life to be grateful. His talent is one thing. But the way he uses it in accordance to what GOD really wants is huge. 

Que Pasa

During my lets-party-all-night-long-every-week days, I'd go for more-noise-kind-of-party. I love dancing so much and partying all night during the weekends. I'll go on a ladies night on a wednesday and go home at 4 or 5 in the morning then sleep at most for 2 hours then come to work. I do smoke but occasionally. And that occasion is every week :) I think it's true that you'll get over the hype in time. I still do go out at times. But now, I can't stay in a bar with much noise and too much smoke that long. And so I hang out now *sometimes* to this kind of bars where you can relax and drink and dine and not much noise around. This may still count as clubbing or partying but socializing with friends sometimes is ok hehehe.

I used to go to emerald hill with friends but usually at Ice Cold Beer only. They are selling 3 beers for 20 dollars. They also sell San Mig Light :) It is way cheaper than going to other bars. I usually come to ICB just for the chicken hehehe. It's good. And the pizza too. When a friend of mine invited me for a wine at Que Pasa and tried their tapas or beef stew with the bread, my thought was that Ill go back there next week. Since I am not much of a beer person, Que Pasa has been my favorite place now. Im not a wine expert. All i know is i can drink one and tell the difference of what's good and what's not on my taste buds. I first started with a cabarnet sauvignon and with its fruity taste, since then it's the only one I always take whenever I go out. Only then when we brought vinh's sister and brother in law to Que Pasa that Ive known that wines are known for the places they were made not by the flavor of it. He was french and his father owns a winery in france. The first bottle he ordered was really good. Forgot where it's from but it costs about 100 bucks per bottle. It's not strong and has a fruity taste. And meant for the ladies who doesn't want to taste the alcohol. Maybe next time, I'll try to write down the kinds of wine Ive tasted and blog about it :) Oh in Que Pasa, you can order wines per glass and it's not always by the bottle. It's cheaper though to order a bottle if there are 6 persons sharing. You can get the $60 bottle so it'll be like $10 each only. Their glass is at $13 for the one on their "bottle menu". I was actually thinking of copying this idea for our wedding hehehe. If you get the premium ones, expect to pay more moolah of course. And don't forget to order the tapas, it's the best to go along with your wine. Yum!

The ambience outside is ok too. A bit bright Ill say. But inside is really cosy. It's like you're being transported to a winery. The wall is decorated with really big bottles of wine and an old place feeling. The other side was the wall filled with empty bottles of wine. Ive never been to their "upper deck", though. Try it once :)
for me to hangout especially when you're a wine lover.

Ally's Farewell

Ally, our housemate, left today for Hong Kong. He got a better job and a better pay, I guess. It was really sad to know that whenever you find the right and perfect housemate saka naman aalis. BUT living in a foreign land is like that. People come and go in your life. Hmp, I don't want this to be really dramatic pero I'm really sad to see him go. It is one the many reasons why I opt for a guy to live with us. It's much more sentimental and too emotional if i ever get close to a girl. Higher expectations pa. We'll really miss you, Ally! *sniff*

So, last night, we had a farewell dinner for Ally at the Tapas Tree in Clark Quay. At first, it was suppose to be 4 of us only. Then it became 9. Ally brought her sister - kiki, Vin invited 3 friends - Kaoutar, Bertrand, SiWei, Lorena. United Colors of Benetton! Ally and Kiki from Mauritius. Vin, Bertrand and SiWei from France, shempre noypi, kami ito, and Kaoutar from Holland *she said she's a moroccan*. Everyone had a blast. All of us enjoyed the night, i think i did. All we do was laugh at *mostly* Vinh and Rommel's jokes. A fabulous evening.

We had sangria, bread with butter, calamare, salmon, squid (something), gambas and seafood paella! Sarap! The food is great! After our dinner, Si Wei has to go back home and the rest of us went to Que Pasa in Emerald Hill. Oh yeah, everyone's feeling a little spanish-y, ole ole! We had one bottle of Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon which is a little strong but gets ok once you consume half of your glass. Went home afterwards to drink and drink and drink some more! We finished around 2 in the morning since most have to work. Vinh, Ally, Rommel and me was left in the living room talking about anything. Too bad we never do this thing often. We have to find a reason to do things like this with friends when you really don't need to. And Im glad we had the dinner farewell. We get to meet another set of friends and we truly appreciate each other as housemates. Maybe we could visit Ally either in Hong Kong or Mauritius :) See you, Ally!

I did enjoy the company of Kaoutar. She's really pretty but she's way cool to be with. And we love taking pictures of all the detail of the events hehehe. She said Im her soulmate because finally she found someone with much enthusiasm when it comes to photos. I always tease her after our pictures were taken, she was like "how is it? how is it?". And she's so funny how she can relate with Vinh and Rommel's green jokes. Lucky you, Vinh!

Today's High: reminiscing last night's blast
Today's Low: saying goodbye to a good housemate/friend, stuck with what im doing at work

Malacca Road Trip

We nearly had 3 hours sleep and yet we managed to wake up on time without rushing. We thought of getting breakfast at McDonalds in Bugis but sadly, it was still closed even if the sign says that it opens at 7 in the morning. We were there quarter past 7. Haaayyy. We cross the street and found one hawker who just started to open. We had beehon. Miss ko tuloy beehon sa hdb huhuhu. Went to Lavender MRT to meet the rest of the group. Luckily for us, we weren't the last ones to arrive hehehe. Call time is at 8am and the bus leaves at exactly the same time. 30 Minutes before 8 everyone was there except Ami. Naku si ami talaga. We did managed to come on time na rin.

On board the bus to Melacca, we slept until it stops for the stopover for our brunch. The travel time i think was more than 2 hours. Malaysia's food is really cheap compare to Singapore. Just don't expect the toilets to be as clean as Singapore. No tissue and all of them had the squat bowls. After 20 minutes of quick brunch, the journey continues for another 2 more hours.

We reached malacca central a little past 12. All of the teksi (malay term for a cab) was calling us and quoting us 50 ringgit for an hour travel to A Famosa. Good thing Boss had been there and thought it was waayyyy expensive but I reckon he was kinda hesitant too if it was the real price. We had lunch muna *kain na naman* at a chicken rice resto. And we had a taste of Malacca's famous Chicken Rice Ball - a golf-ball size flavoured rice ball best served with steamed chicken meat dipped in sesame oil and sauce. It is one of the many delicacies found locally. For almost 7 years of my stay in Singapore, though I am not one of those chicken rice lovers, I haven't found any store selling rice balls. I wonder why not a single store copied it. I found on the net a few of the popular ones that sells chicken rice balls in Melacca are to be found near Jalan Hang Jebat or Jonker Street. Few restos like Hoe Kee Chicken Rice at No. 4 Jalan Hang Jebat, Chop Chong Hwa at Lorong Hang Jebat and Famosa Chicken Rice Ball Restaurant at No 28-30 Jalan Hang Kasturi. We didn't have the luxury of time to check out all the interesting places in Melacca since we only had 4 hours to check out the place so we went straight to the Fort A Famosa. (famous in portuguese)

We managed to find a bus going to the town for only 15 minutes and at a price of 1 ringgit each! That's about 50 cents (singapore dollar). Highway robbery compare to what the taxi driver offers of an hour drive at 12.50 ringgit each per person. Grrrr!

When we reached the place, it was like we've been transported to someplace else. There's so much to see but we didn't managed to see everything. We didn't get to see the inside of the Christ Church or the Stadhuys that houses the historical museum. We did went up the hill to see the breathtaking scene of St. Paul's Church. Ubos oras lang taking pictures pero we never get the chance to contemplate on the beauty of the place. I'll ask ffg to go back to this place again because I felt like there's so much of this place to see. It was far different from other places Ive been in Malaysia. It felt safe although it's still safer to be vigilant of your things. But here, I don't felt threaten at all of getting robbed. Not there's too much to robbed from me hehehe. We had a lot of fun though taking pictures and fooling around. But it's really hot and you'll need a lot of evian face mist, water, face towel, tissue, wet wipes, sunglass, hat to protect your face and sun protection. I didn't managed to apply sun protection at least for the face huhuhu.
Sayang ang likas papaya hahahaha. After only two hours of checking out the place, we went back to the Melakka Central. Had a yummy meal at A & W. Sarap! Chicken, Rootbeer float, yummy! Wish ko lang Singapore will have A & W restaurant na.

We board the bus at exactly 6pm and took long hour drive going back to Singapore. After more than 4 hours drive, we're finally home again. We had coffee at Starbucks sa Bugis muna minus Bebit, Rak, Isa and Kyuti. I ordered fries for myself and Yanah. Ffg craved for a soup so he had one that he bought across the bugis. At almost 10 minutes close to midnight, we call it a day. We took the MRT home, had shower and dozed off.

For this trip a few helpful tips I could give:
1. Info about the place => Malacca
2. We paid (SGD) $32 for return trip to Malacca taking a bus at Lavender.
3. We have extra 70 ringgit (about $35 singapore dollars) from our previous trips to Malaysia, so we didn't exchange any money for the trip. If you'll be there just for a day without any hotel to spend to, I think 50 ringgit is enough for 2 person for the whole day meal.
4. Light carry only but be sure to bring tissue, wet wipes, evian's face mist, water, face towel, crackers, sun protection, hat, sunglass and an extra shirt.
5. Pictures from our lumix => Rhonny's Lumix
6. Pictures from Boss' Evolt => Boss' Evolt - Scenery
6. Pictures from Boss' Evolt => Boss' Evolt - Pitibifor

What I like now

. . . is to rest and just lay in our bed and sleep all day
. . . is to have at least 2 more weeks to finish all my things to do at work so I won't have to do overtime which ive been doing for the past few days
. . . is to have money magically appear before me so I can send it over to my family and pay my bills
. . . is to have at least a week spared to do my laundry, fix our messy room, get things done from my list of to do's, and sort my wedding magazines
. . . is to trade my iPod Nano with an iPod Video *hehe*
. . . is to travel anywhere for at least a week

i sigh a deep breath wanting to get things done with just one blink of an eye. i close my eyes and say a silent prayer to give me strength. to be patient. to get more love. the things i want are always the easy way. i guess the best thing to ask is to be contented with whatever is in front of me and just ask for happiness to do whatever it is that i need to do. may it be the hardest thing or the easiest one.

at the ground floor where i work is a pre-school and every morning, i get to see those happy little faces with their naiveness and eagerness to learn. and then i look back. i've been in IT for exactly nine years now. seven of which ive been doing programming, thinking of best possible solutions to whatever problems thrown at us. im not saying that i never enjoyed it. i did. but for that long time and seeing how these kids look up to their teachers makes me think what if i change my career? i love being around kids. i love playing games that's nonsense to most. i love the feeling of someone looking up to me. i love when anything i say matters and felt like it was always a good thing if it came from me. i know it wasn't easy as well to be a teacher. kids these days were different. am i suitable for this?

other part of me really wanted to be a model. i know it wasn't as glamorous as i see it. but i just like to think that i am. kahit sa dreams lang. but at least, i don't need to think solution for someone's problem. oh well.

i guess things are just getting monotonous. waking up in the morning, taking a bath, taking mrt then bus to work, go home, eat dinner then sleep. well, i still love my life. i have a lot of good things to look forward to. haaayyyy.

Sweetest Moment

When things are unexpected
Or moments are not planned
When you don't have to be at your best
Or wear something finest
Relish the moments
Capture them in your heart
You'll never know
When this will happen again

Trying to be good on a Good Friday

Good Friday in Singapore is a no-work holiday, thank God. But for us it wasn't a holiday at all. We did what we always did every year - the "Visita Iglesia" or Church Visitation, which was a Holy Week Tradition in the Philippines. When I was a kid, every Holy Thursday my Mom would always drag us to 14 different churches and say a prayer to each Stations of the Cross. It was one of the many things that we religiously do with Mommy every year aside from going to Quiapo Church every last friday of the month and every year of the 9th of January celebrating the fiesta ng Quiapo. Of course, back then, it was just something that I do because I was always looking forward to the "reward" of a meal sa Jollibee afterwards. When I got to Singapore, wala ng Jollibee to look forward too, wala ng makulit na mommy who would drag you to go with her even if you're still half-asleep. But I still manage to continue the tradition with ffg (and i thank god so much for giving me someone like him). Now were here in Singapore, We do this on a good friday since this is the only day that was declared as a holiday. And since there's not much Catholic churches to go around or are near to each other. So we end up visiting 7 churches and pray two stations of the cross for each. As my mom would always say, this is somehow the closest we could get to feel what Jesus have gone through. It's not all, but at least a little part of it. Now I understand the importance and meaning of it in my life. I just can't imagine if we really walk all the way to all 7 churches without food and water at all. And each prayer to each station helped me reflect on the mistakes that Ive done. As for the churches, we started at Toa Payoh's Christ the King then Novena Church, then St Bernadette at Zion Road near Great World City, then Sacred Heart at Tank Road near Clark Quay, then Church of Sts Peter and Paul at Queen Street near Bugis, then St Joseph Church at Victoria Street, then last was Cathedral of the Good Shepherd where we usually go every sunday. It was tiring but worth it. We had dinner at Magic Wok at City Hall afterwards. Sobrang hungry hehehe. Then we went to DXO (ooopppsss, don't worry we didn't go there to parteehhh) to get the Rivermaya's concert tickets given to us by Ryan. Galing front act sila :) We had banana tempura or "maruya" *super thanks ami for introducing this to me hehehe* and kofi then went home after.

So, if you have plans of doing Bisita Iglesia the next year, better do it around 3pm as most of the churches closes at 6 or 7. And for your info here are the list of churches => http://www.veritas.org.sg/cdir.php

Life..... the way others see it

I was reading Bianca's blog and certainly agree about what she write about life. I truly admire the way Bianca looks at life even at a young age. For those who doesn't know Bianca, she's now enjoying her life being a celebrity *of course in the philippines* after her few months stay sa Bahay ni Kuya (Big Brother's House) - one of the many reality shows. 'Niwey, here's what a friend of hers said, "everyday i wake up, and just to be alive and free is such a blessing. everything else is a bonus. if we appreciate life like that, suddenly we're so thankful for what we have and not sad about what we don't have." So true, right? There are times that I felt so weak because I always felt like Ive been deprive of the things or power that I can use to be able to help my family. That I always lack of the things I need to be able to surpass a dilemma in my life without wanting to run in a far away place and leave things behind. The thing is, I always look at the holes in my life, the things that I don't have in my hand to be able to fill up that holes, not trying to do things or solve problems just because Im focusing on what other people have that I dont. And stumbling upon things like this, simple lines like this, awakes me somehow. I won't give up. Never. Thanks Bianca. You may not know me or any other people in the world that were able to read your blog, but you have helped a lot of people with just few minutes of sharing what you know and what your everyday life like. I am not one of those who admires celebrities just because they are famous. I admire people for what they are and how they see life. I judge people by the way they construct their first few sentences.

Sabado Nights

We went to Orchard to settle the payment for the ring *yipeee* then went to Cathay to book 11.30 pm movie (Breaking and Entering). Obvious ba na movie addictus talaga kami? Even if we're on a tight budget at the moment, watching movie will always be part of our routine. Iba pa rin pag big screen. For us, this is our stress-reliever. Went to Marina, bought a screen protector for our new member - Mr. Lumix and a casing, then watched a fashion show. Hunky mga models hehehe kakalaway nyahahhaha. Went to Gluttons Bay afterwards to have dinner and see Barbie Almalbis perform at the Mosaic Festival. Pero before Barbie's performance, we saw this band (Sasha Bach) performing that we later on found out that they're from Denmark. Galing! First time ko makawitness ng band na puro puti hehehe. Galing ng drummer *cute pa hihihi*. Parang snow patrol dating wohoooo. Saya saya! *borrow lang cuz hihihi*

Today's High: Wedding Ring paid na yipee, watching concert, watching movie
Today's Low: Tumataba daw ako waaaaaaa

The pursuit of Happyness

We had a voucher for two tickets at Cathay Cinema stashed for some time now. Well, two weeks hehehe. So last night we used it to watch The Pursuit of Happyness. Shempre pa as expected, it will be a miracle if I got out of a sad movie without crying. It was a good movie that could make you laugh, cry and think how important it is to be determined and persevere happiness in life even if it looks so impossible to achieve. This is a true story of Christopher Gardner who struggles to make ends meet. Watch it na lang. It also shows how someone could be so passionate about getting things way impossible to reach for his son. Kaiyak talaga :(

Life is really difficult. For each day, you'll find a dilemma and make things work but yes, it always has been better and you were able to get few things done. Though there were some that you can't help but let go because it's not meant to happen, but in the end you tend to forgot about it after few months. With God's help and the love you have for your family. Being weak in the midst of it doesn't mean you're weak. Just never learn to give up. *san nanggaling yun?*

Ok back to the movie, Will smith's real-life son, Jayden is adorable :) He can act at a young age. Cutie talaga :) And he act so natural.

The pursuit of Happyness was mispelled intentionally. It was seen from Chris Gardner's son's day care to which the teacher explained that it was a poster made by the children.
Teacher: The most important thing is the real happiness students feel while creating the poster, never mind the spelling. That, inspires Chris Gardner to pursuit the happiness.


Today's High: everything is possible. just be ready for the consequences bec there are times that it's really not meant to be

Today's Low: life is so messed up that it's really impossible to straight things out without you trying hard to achieve it

God's countless blessings

Talk about God's blessings! For 6 years, God had blessed us for so many things. Particularly ffg, since he joined the company, there were times that he had been winning prizes from his company's raffle draw. It's not just luck. It's God's blessings to us though we know that we don't deserve any of it. His grandest was our trip to Hawaii back in 2003 and we were really really happy and thankful about it. Few weeks ago, for their post Chinese New Year event, he won a hamper. Last week, for one event, a cocktail party, he went home with an iPod shuffle - door gift lang yun ha! Then just last saturday, for their IT Dinner and Dance, he won a Panasonic Lumix digital camera! It has been ages that we were talking about replacing our old reliable Fujifilm digital cam (also won from a raffle hehehe) but couldn't find the "extra" money amidst our wedding related expenses. Though I was able to buy a samsung digital camera for my family at the IT show (pampalubag loob for getting ditched by my friends - mangiwan ba?!?!), we were still thinking if we could get ourselves one. But thanks to God, that didn't happen. We were able to replace our old digital camera at no cost :) Yipeee!

Life's worth

Last wednesday, when we attended the 6.30 pm mass at Good Shepherd, i think it was the very first time it struck me the true meaning of Ash Wednesday and the Lenten season. I knew why placing ashes on the foreheads means so much and i knew it was a sign of humility before God, a sign that you have made public confession of your sins, in simple words it is a day of reflection on what needs to change in our lives as a devoted Christian. It is the beginning of a forty-day liturgical season called Lent. We, christians know about it since we were young as it has been told either by our parents or at school. While listening to the homily, it just struck me how sinful I've become. How I've been lost to the right path of life. How I've done so many bad things that if it were to be confessed to ordinary people like me, i will be arbitrated. And then what the priest said, made me think why couldn't I do fasting this time? I had enough reason to do it now, not just following the meaning of it but living the real essence of it. You know what i mean? Blogging about it doesn't mean im bragging about it. I just want to at least have a memoir to go back to if there'll be another time in my life that i'll get lost again. I am now abstaining from something that I know I can't live without. I know it can't and it won't change the way things were before I committed those sins, but it's my way of showing God how sorry I am for hurting Him and hurting those people I love. I just hope that by this way that I've seen the error of my ways, I will never find the path again and make the same mistakes. It's hard to live your life doing the right things when those things seem to be dragging you to the wrong end rather than the right one. *hinga malalim*

Today's High: Was able to do few steps from my workload. It has been making me miserable for the last few days for not solving a very simple dilemma.

Today's Low: Attended a 2 and a half hour meeting which spells B-O-R-E-D!

Adjustments

When you've worked in a company for six years, that feeling of being slightly "siga" was there. You're confident with the things you do and all you need is to meet that deadline. You know the path you're walking into. You know how to deal with every single boss whom you think needs anger-management and with attention-grabbing syndrome. You know every single rule. You've come to deal with the fact that you're working in a company that as strict as a school - that is working at exactly 8.30 until 6.00 and follow the rules, no internet access or any privileged, no internal email (talking bout myself only), agent that doesn't pay your CPF and no wandering around during office hours. I abide by the rules. I got comfortable sitting in a wooden chair and lounging at a "papag". But now that I've chosen to increase a few bucks from my last salary and wanting to gain experience and learn different things from what I currently do, that feeling of idiocy and people belittling my capacity (I guess it's just my feeling) is now on. I have to do major adjustments again like what I did 6 years ago. Or was it just a month ago? Can't explain with all the blessings Im facing now. Can't explain how blessed I am with colleagues who are nice and helpful, with my work schedule that I can come to work past 9 or close to 10 and go home at past 6, with the internet connection that i've been dreaming to have for the longest time. Gain a few friends. Im just hoping that I can do whatever it is "the bosses" asked me to do. And meet the deadline! Yes! That's my wish. Happy thoughts, happy thoughts.