Pinoy Sunday at The Arena

Pinoy's passion for music has been renowned all over the world. Hundreds of artiste had been famous for sharing their talents in the field of music. And "lah-lah-land" is not an exception. "Pinoy Sunday" started this month of March at "The Arena" and has since been going on every sunday. A collaboration of two IT gwapitong programmers Ronald and John or much known as RonJohn Entertainment. Their goal is to spread that burning fervor in the name of music for all the pinoys in Singapore. It's an every sunday event held at "The Arena" from 4 to 9 PM wherein relaxation and music is one hell of a combination that pinoys would surely can't afford to miss. For only $12 for entrance fee with a bottle of beer and lots of fun, who would let this event pass even for just one sunday experience?

Among the 5 sundays since they started, I've been to the last two and I'll attest how fun it really was being there. There were pinoy bands playing sharing their musical talents and every now and then there would be "jammers" among the audience who would love to sing along just for fun :) And at the end of the night, a new phone would be given out to the best jammer! San ka pa?! From the bands to the audience to their own hosts, all were having a great time giving out a whole lot of fun to everyone. It's one tiring event especially for the organizers but I'll say they really pulled it off. Galing nyo Ulrik and Ronald! Hosting an event is not that easy either but Aslee did it. And I'm proud to say how my "kumare" did a great job at it. =) Lubusin ko na rin tong blog post na to. I'll try if I can get a short "interview" from the three before they even get famous.

Enjoy the interview piece!

Interview with Mr. John "Ulrik" Sangalang

Interview with Mr. Ronald "Ron" Punzalan

Interview with Ms. Annalyn "Aslee" Lee-Garillo

March 30, 2008 - Pinoy Sunday "90's Band Explosion"

featuring Guitarded:

Since Banda Fantastika, different bands of different genres have emerged almost one each event. I have selected few favorites and instantly got turned off by some. For this week's theme of "90's Band Explosion", Guitarded stands out for me and now on my list of favorite pinoy bands in singapore. I'm no groupie. I just want to appreciate talented people when I see one. I don't know if there were only three in that band but they really rock the arena down. The lady drummer with two guy guitarists were really awesome bunch. Better watch out for them :) Galing talaga.

I'll try my best to update you guys weekly of the happenings. For photos and complete information of the updates of Pinoy Sunday, go to their website :) I'm not paid to promote this event. I'm just helping out my friends :) Saka masulit man lang ang libreng entrance ko hehehe. Next time, I will be bringing my own camera so I could update you guys with some photos from the events.

Pinoy Sunday - Interbyu wif da Star "Aslee"

LOE: Being the host of "Pinoy Sunday", I've heard you have gained a lot of "fans" out there. What's it like being in the spotlight?
ASLEE: well, sa totoo lang, i feel 'hot'! as in mainit talaga sa stage kya nag-iinit kaming 3 lagi *hihihi*. i hosted the rock and shoot gig last time that was also held in the arena with john as the organizer. kya siguro at ease na ko to do it again, especially this time kasi puro pinoy na ang audience. although its nice to know that there are some foriegn guest as well. nung una kabado kasi di pa kami masyadong close ni ronald and si john naman e 'mahiyain' but when we were on the stage, everything just went naturally without awkwardness and inhibitions. and somehow, its also nice that ron and john are nice guys pagdating sa kin. *naks... expecting salary increase ehem ehem*

LOE: How hard can it be to host an all filipino event?
ASLEE: tingin ko mahirap sa umpisa ng show kasi kailangan mo break ung ice. kaya ginagawa akong pa-in ng 2 kumag na to *ron & john* pra magkalat sa stage pra ma-feel ng audience na ok lng magkamali at pumiyok hahaha! sympre kailangan mo din magbasa ng latest happenings pra nakaka-relate ako sa mga reactions ng tao tska may mapagusapan kami on stage during prep time ng mga bands. at sympre dapat wag magkakamali pag nagpapasalamat sa mga sponsors pra tuloy-tuloy pa din ang bumubuhay sa pinoy sunday. kailangan din mabilis mag-isip sabi nga ni ka-ronald pra makasunod sa mga punchlines. pwede din minsan maging slow ng sadya hehehehe!

LOE: Some may want to know this question. So, are you still single, available or complicated?
ASLEE: sa maniwala kayo't sa hinde, married na po ako and i have 2 handsome kids. riot sa bahay pag nagkasama sama kami ng hubby at kids ko hehe! pero pag nsa pinoy sunday ako, complicated status ko bwahahaha! kailangan daw kasi prang artista, di dapat ma-feel ng fans na wala na silang chance na makipag-close sa min. *hihihi..sna di to mabasa ni rak*

LOE: If they want to be your friend, would you allow anyone and how? I mean just to avoid someone stalking you right? Any friendster, facebook, multiply or YM?
ASLEE: you may view my profile at friendster as 'aslee garillo'. sa multiply, you may visit asleebebe.multiply.com. dito ako usually nag-upload ng pics and vids. if you wanna know what's my latest happenings, you may visit my blog at rockbebitrock.blogspot.com. pag di ka pa nakuntento, cge pwede mo kong email sa annalyn_lee@hotmail.com.

LOE: Any message for host-wannabe's out there? Because you know how much courage it takes for others to do one hell of a job like the one you're doing now, so any pointers will be a great help :)
ASLEE: the best is be yourself and get out of your comfort zone. pag naunahan ka kasi ng kaba at hiya, tutunganga ka na lng bigla sa stage at lost ka na! hehehe!!! try to be spontaneous pero wag din masyadong taklesa kasi sensitive din ang audience and viewers. important din that you wear something that you're comfortable with pra gumalaw galaw sa stage. conscious ka na nga sa sasabihin mo, conscious ka pa sa suot mo, you won't be able to perform well. at sympre pinaka importante, enjoy the show and the audience. =)

Pinoy Sunday - Interbyu wif da Star "John"

LOE: How did you know each other?
JOHN: Actually I met Ronald when I work at Nokia, unang kita ko pa lang sa kanya eh sabi ko na sa sarili ko... "Sya na nga" ika nga eh "Brother at first sight" hahaha.

LOE: How and when did you start planning this event?
JOHN: It started after my Rock n Shoot event na kahit papano eh naging successful with 650 guests. After a few months, the owner of The Arena started calling me and arranged a meeting about a plan to setup a Filipino event every Sunday. At first syempre natakot ako kasi ako na namang magisa eh, kinaya ko sa Rock n Shoot kahit less than 1 month preparation lang pero ung concept ng Pinoy Sunday is weekly. So nung una sabi ko mukang di ko kaya to, I need a partner na mapagkakatiwalaan at una ko talagang naisip eh si Bro Ronald. Nag text agad ako sa kanya and that day nakipag kita agad sya sa akin (ganyan nya ako kamahal) nyahahaha. From there sinabi ko ung plans and ung capital na kailangan and the rest is history....

LOE: Weren't you a little scared at first that this might turn out to be just one time event only?
JOHN: Oo naman !!! at first sabi ko sa sarili ko tumagal lang ng 1 month masaya na ko, but now we manage to survive ung crucial month and we are going stronger and stronger with lots of Filipino Group supporting us.

LOE: If yes, what inspires you to still go on?
JOHN: For me na-inspire ako to continue para magkaroon naman tyong mga Pinoy ng isang sosyal na lugar at event na pwede nating ipagmalaki na Pinoy and organizer, Pinoy and talents at Pinoy and crowds.

LOE: This event has drawn a lot of attention especially to those pinoys with really great talent and I've seen them singing their heart out or playing their instruments out there. Now the question is, this too will eventually attract some competition. What would be your stand on that?
JOHN: Nasa dugo na ng Pinoy yan eh, magaling tyong gumaya ng kahit na ano.. kung may karinderya sa kabilang kanto na ung pangalan eh "Luto ng Ina mo" na madaming tao lagi... for sure tatapatan yan ng isang karinderya na may pangalan na "Luto ng ina mo rin" na same ung putahe. Sa amin ok lang na may competition kasi at least may pag pipilian ung mga Pinoy, pero kung iisip natin sa sobrang liit ng Singapore bakit pa natin kailangan mag dalawang grupo ung pwede naman ung isa diba? kung pwede naman magtulungan at mag bigayan bakit kailangan pa na may competition?


LOE: I saw you both hosting along with Aslee, and looking at you three is like watching "punchline". You have that "funny" charisma in you. Do you have any plans of making this "Pinoy Sunday" event ala punchline style?
JOHN: Naku parang hindi mo ako kilala hehehe, natural na tlaga sa akin ung ganun at idol ko tlaga sina Tito, Vic and Joey hahahaha. Nasa plano na din namin yan, magkakaroon kame ng "Night of Laughter" ala punchline =)

LOE: Any "promising" additional things to our new event "Pinoy Sunday"?
JOHN: Naku sobrang dami, nakikita nyo naman every week may bago kaming pakulo so abangan na lang nila every week.

LOE: Tulad ng ibang interbyu kuno, any message for our kababayans out there?
JOHN: Continue to support and believe in Pinoy Sunday, ginawa po namin ito para sa mga Pinoy at para i-angat ang tingin ng ibang lahi at bansa sa atin na kaya nating magkaroon ng isang lugar at event na ganito.

LOE: Being the host of "Pinoy Sunday", I've heard you have gained a lot of "fans" out there. What's it like being in the spotlight?
JOHN: Isa line lang masasabi ko.. "Hi Fans" hahahaahaha

LOE: How hard can it be to host an all filipino event?
JOHN: Naku nung unang week namin nakatunganga tlaga ako sa stage, sabi ko kay Bro Ronald, "Bro hindi ako magsasalita ha? ikaw na bahala"... nung nagsasalita na sya bigla ba naman sinabing, "sa mga ibang detalye po eh sasabihin ni Bro John" ayun napasubo na ko !!! pero after that naisip ko na kailangan ko lang na maging ako, kya ko naisipan na kunin si Aslee kasi alam ko na kahit inaasar ko sya eh hindi yan pikon, kumbaga eh may nakita akong aasarin sa stage kaya naging at home na din ako =)

LOE: Some may want to know this question. So, are you still single, available or complicated?
JOHN: Sabi nga ni Aslee sa showbiz world dapat "open ka" hahahaha naku yare na naman ako pag nabasa ng commander-in-chief to !!!

LOE: If they want to be your friend, would you allow anyone and how? I mean just to avoid someone stalking you right? Any friendster, facebook, multiply or YM?
JOHN: Friendly naman kami then can always approach us, kahit labag sa loob ko pwede
din nila ako i-kiss kung gusto nila.. Ika nga eh "Trabaho lang walang personalan" (teka lalabas ba talaga to sa magazine? yare talaga ako hahaha)

LOE: Any message for host-wannabe's out there? Because you know how much courage it takes for others to do one hell of a job like the one you're doing now, so any pointers will be a great help :)
JOHN: Try nyo umakyat minsan at maki jam sa stage sa amin, open to hindi lang kami ung may karapatan sa stage... pero seriously, tama sila eh "be yourself is all that you can do", kasi pag lagi kang nag iisip kung ano ka dapat sa stage.. obvious na makikita ng tao na "pilit" eh.

Pinoy Sunday - Interbyu wif da Star "Ronald"

LOE: How did you know each other?
RONALD: John was introduced to me by one of my colleagues (isang taong wala rin pakialam sa mundo kung di magpatawa) in Nokia. We started our friendship during our Nokia days, 3 lang kami, pero masayang barkada. We had our first hand-in-hand service to singapore community, when John joined us in securing PGMA in her state visit in Singapore last 2007. Dun ko nakita how john like to serve (kahit libre- massage-hahahahaha) And the rest was history.

LOE: How and when did you start planning this event?
RONALD: even before, i was encouraging John to be my business partner. But during those times, he was not yet ready pa (kung baga sa coconut oil eh virgin pa eh" virgin coconut oil")...I think it was faye este fate that he finally joined forces with me (mala-skywalker ang dating). Super haba ang preparation namin for this PINOY SUNDAY. we started to talk on Feb 22, held a meeting with the arena management on Feb 25, finalized the arrangement on Feb 28, and then blasted the emails on Friday (feb 29) to our friends informing them that on 2nd of March a new entertainment will be born in Singapore " PINOY SUNDAY"

LOE: Weren't you a little scared at first that this might turn out to be just one time event only?
RONALD: For me, i wasn't scared! Dati na kase akong takot. kaya ubos na yung takot ko.hehehehe. Honestly, no. kase for me, in every battle, we have to be ready. Naka handa naman kami in every issue na darating. We always communicate and do brainstorming (kahit mga wala kaming brains-waaaa) And i also believe that nothing is permanent naman di ba? So if this didn't work..simple lang ang sagot hehehehe, wala kaseng permanente eh!

LOE: If yes, what inspires you to still go on?
RONALD: though my answer was no, definitely something has inspired me to do this concept. Yung maipakita naman natin dito sa singapore na kahit gaano kahirap ang buhay ng isang OFW, we are entitled naman to be happy..kahit 5 oras lang sa isang linggo! Show and share naman our talents sa mga taong di natin kilala. Kesa sa banyo ka lang kumanta, eh bakit di mo gawin sa "ARENA"...? pwede kang sumigaw, magwala, ipakita mo ang gusto mo sa mga pinoy na may pagmamahal sa talents ng kapwa nya pinoy! And that camaraderie spirit will make us proud and united, kahit magkakaiba ang paniniwala at organization natin. At dun tayo na iinspire, ang makita nating masaya ang lahat pagkatapos ng PINOY SUNDAY!

LOE: This event has drawn a lot of attention especially to those pinoys with really great talent and I've seen them singing their heart out or playing their instruments out there. Now the question is, this too will eventually attract some competition. What would be your stand on that?
RONALD: Is it a competition between the performing talents of Pinoy Sunday or Pinoy Sunday competing to another Sunday show? If it is a competition between performing talents of Pinoy Sunday, i don't think it would be nice, but i see it; healthy and normal naman. That's the reason why we have some events na may competition. For me, competition is ok, but just don't put it so personal at serious...hehehehe, di kase mga serious ang tao sa pinoy sunday eh. We are like barkadas, pa-cute lang at pa-effect pero hanggang dun lang. If they really want to compete, sali sila sa "bikini open competition" hehehehe, labas nila pusod nila dun! If it is Pinoy Sunday againts another Sunday show, waaaaaaaa. maawa naman sila..Isang channel na lang. Mahirap yata ang may channel 2 or channel 7? Honestly, wag na lang sana..we are breaking the united stand and voice of Pinoy talents isang venue lang. para di nakakalito..But if there will be another show that will come along with Pinoy Sunday, oks lang sa amin.Anyway, life is full of challenges naman di ba? pag may gabi, dapat may liwanag. kung may puti dapat may itim. Life should be balance. Kaya oks lang sa amin if someone will do the same concept of what we have started.

LOE: I saw you both hosting along with Aslee, and looking at you three is like watching "punchline". You have that "funny" charisma in you. Do you have any plans of making this "Pinoy Sunday" event ala punchline style?
RONALD: It was and it is still part of the plan.This coming may, i will be back in the philippines to find foreign talents. When i mean foreign it is "Bading" kase kami puro kami charing kaya kailangan namin ng tunay na bading-hahahahaha!. They really have that charisma to make us laugh.kaya nga "gay" di ba? Baka punuin ko ng bading yung eroplano papunta ng singapore (hahahahaha, saya siguro noh). Pero dahil nga the 3 of us are working it out as natural, yun bang para lang kaming nasa tindahan ni aling nena at nagkwekwentuhan ng kung ano-ano, nangyari nga yung di dapat mangyari. naging parang punchline na nga yung dating. but we have our plans na to bring someone who can also make us laugh. hehehehe hirap naman na lagi na lang tayo ang nagpapatawa hanap din kami ng magpapatawa sa amin.

LOE: Any "promising" additional things to our new event "Pinoy Sunday"?
RONALD: As the concept is parang sari-sari store, definitely, dapat maraming laman ang loob ng tindahan. At pag maraming pangtinda, dapat marami ring suki. We will definitely not stop in creating things that will make us Filipino happy and fully entertained. Kaya sari-saring gimmicks ang lalabas. Andyan na yung battle of the bands, hopefully kung walang maging hindrance, lalabas na rin yung "little ms. Pinoy Sunday", kasunod naman ang Mr. Dream boy of Pinoy Sunday! Halloween Costume Party sa Pinoy Sunday. And the good thing with the organizers of Pinoy Sunday is; we are open to suggestions / proposals naman.. Lalo na kung pakakantahin si " JOHN on Stage" payag na payag kami ni aslee nun.hahahahahhaha.

LOE: Tulad ng ibang interbyu kuno, any message for our kababayans out there?
RONALD: Let's support Pinoy talents. Maraming mga pinoy na magagaling at natural ang talents. Wala lang silang place to show it. Hirap naman kung naglalakad ka sa daan, bigla mong naisipang kumanta ng malakas? o kaya eh nag breakdance ka gitna ng kalsada?waaaaaaaa. At least, we have a place na pwede mong ilabas yung matagal mo ng galit sa mundo!!yung may manood naman sa ginagawa mo!hahahahaha..At higit sa lahat, let's enjoy our stay in a foreign land, we really don't know how long we will stay, but at least there is a place na minsan, naipakita mo ang tinatago mong galing sa harap ng mga pinoy ng hindi alam ng mga nanay at tatay mo,hahahahhaah!..

LOE: Being the host of "Pinoy Sunday", I've heard you have gained a lot of "fans" out there. What's it like being in the spotlight?
RONALD: hehehe, fans will definitely boost our spirits to perform better. Kaya lang for me, i just don't look on that level. gusto ko tropa lang o kaya eh kaibigan ang turingan. Kase i don't see any big difference naman yung andun ka sa stage at nasa baba ka lang at nanonood. Bakit? we make everything natural at hindi formal ang pinoy sunday. Means kahit yung mahiyain, mawawala yun pag na feel nya na ang event ay hindi bagay sa mga mahiyain! So hindi dumadami ang fans kung di talagang dumadami ang kaibigan. at yun ang nakakatuwa at nakakapagpasaya sa amin. On spotlight- talagang mainit! Gusto ko na ngang maghubad,hehehehe, pero lalagyan ko naman ng band-aid yung pusod ko!hahahahahaha. tapos dalawang takip ng coke yung ano ko? mata ko kase ang init talaga.nakakasilaw pa!

LOE: How hard can it be to host an all filipino event?
RONALD: look it as a challenge. but make it natural, then you will find it na hindi naman pala ganun kahirap. Mahirap lang syang tingnan pero pag natural lang ang gimmick mo, nagiging madali na sya. Iniisip ko na lang na jumijingle ako sa pader then suddenly nabuwal yung pader tapos yung kabila ng pader eh may handaan pala na maraming tao (hahahahahaha), then say ko, excuse me po, eto po yung sorpresa ng bagong kasal sa inyo!Sabay buntong hininga ng malalim at magtatanong ng ganito? Itutuloy ko pa po ba yung pag-ihi ko? hahahahaha! Dapat meron ka rin talagang baon na gimmick, or nagbabasa ka rin ng mga informative books, para kahit papaano di naman mukhang engot pag dating sa stage.

LOE: Some may want to know this question. So, are you still single, available or complicated?
RONALD: Sabi nga dito sa singapore pag may order ka at gusto mong iuwi, packet lah! I am already packet or take away.hahahahahahaha!

LOE: If they want to be your friend, would you allow anyone and how? I mean just to avoid someone stalking you right? Any friendster, facebook, multiply or YM?
RONALD: No man is an island. sa tagalog mahirap kaibigan ang anino lang. hehehehe, oks lang to have some new friends. They can invite us sa mga party or events nila lalo na pag may malalaking Premyo!hahahaha! i don't have personal friendster account, but pinoy sunday has. they can email me at : pinoytalents@pinoysunday.net

LOE: Any message for host-wannabe's out there? Because you know how much courage it takes for others to do one hell of a job like the one you're doing now, so any pointers will be a great help :)
RONALD: Make it natural. wag maging OA at syempre dapat flexible ka! mahirap din ang pikon..baka maipalo mo yung mic sa kausap mo!waaaaaaaaa!

Senti ulit

One of the many reasons why my adoration for travelling intensifies as time goes by is that feeling of being free. In a strange place where you could be yourself, without taking much effort to be accepted, without taking much time to rethink about the things you wanted to do, without a care in the world how you look and how you dress and of course without thinking of the thousand responsibilities in your life. You're just there to enjoy. Well, for some like me may think how travelling requires a lot of money. Of course, how would you think you'll get to another place without spending money for your fare and food and lodging? :) But I also realized you don't need to be extravagant to attain that "short time" freedom you've been craving for. You can go someplace else where it's not that pricey.

Haayyy, with all the tribulations i'm facing now and about to face, i couldn't ask for more but to be away for a moment and regain my strength. Just a few days off to breathe a fresh air.

On Absolution

Kahapon sa mass, sabi sa homily ni Father minsan daw parang mas madali pa humingi ng forgiveness kay God kesa sa mga mahal mo sa buhay. Parang andami mo daw kailangan gawin at dadaan ka sa katakot takot na kaba bago mo masabi dun sa taong gusto mong hingan ng kapatawaran na nagsisisi ka. Kay God magpray ka lang at syempre you have to mean na hindi mo na nga talaga gagawin, yung absolution makukuha mo kaagad. Naisip ko minsan bakit nga ba ganun? Is it because mas madali magsalita pag hindi mo kaharap yung hinihingan mo ng kapatawaran? Or is it because, deep in your heart you know that God will still forgive you as He always does? Pero bakit nga rin ba ang tao minsan mahirap magpatawad? Baka kasi there's pain and heartache and insecurities and pride na pwedeng matapakan once absolution would be given as easy as that. And God doesn't have any of those worldly traits to hinder the love He could give even if we've sinned for a million times. Naisip ko sana ganun din ako kadali magpatawad sa tao. Sana kahit yun lang yung only trait na ibinigay sa tin siguro wala ng war o gutom or hinanakit. Pero kung meron naman nito posible ding may mga taong umabuso? Minsan hirap ding magwish ng mga bagay na ang nakikita mo lang is yung kung ano gusto mong makita without really knowing what it could cause or bring you.

With this, hindi ko alam kung ano natutunan ko. Sana lang bigyan ako ni God ng strength to accept the things I cannot change and accept the things that people could do to me. Minsan naman I tried to be lucid as much as I can syempre with God's guidance.

Just in time din, my colleague and his wife gave me this "My Daily Bread". Sobrang thankful ako :) Siguro sabi ni God sa dami daw ng mga librong nabasa ko na at sa kapal ng mga librong yun now's the time to read something about Him naman. :)

Earth Hour

Earth Hour is an international event that asks households and businesses to turn off their lights and non-essential electrical appliances for one hour on the evening of 29 March at 8 pm local time until 9 pm to promote electricity conservation and thus lower carbon emissions.

It is promoted by World Wide Fund for Nature Australia (WWF), an environmental lobby group, and the Sydney Morning Herald. The first Earth Hour was held in Sydney, Australia between 7:30 pm and 8:30 pm on 31 March 2007. The 2007 Earth Hour is estimated to have cut Sydney's mains electricity consumption by between 2.1% and 10.2% for that hour, with as many as 2.2 million people taking part. A second Earth Hour, in 2008, is planned to be an international event held in Sydney, many partner cities, and individuals around the world participating.

What love is

Back when we were still young, even if at a young age my naive mind doesn't know the meaning of envy, I think I felt it that time when all eyes in our school were on you alone. We used to be together at times but the limelight is on you with your kabibuhan, long pretty curls and sweet angelic face. Compared to my bob cut straight hair that makes me look like a boy I was only notice by few just because i'm on the honor roll. I was a cry baby but you were not. You're always smiling and saying hello to almost everyone. You look so cute and very smart in your uniform even if I'm wearing the same one as you. But I wasn't the typical kontrabida type. Because I, too, was enthralled by your presence. Wherever we go, I always took care of you.

Years have gone by so fast. Everything went by like a blur only leaving me memories of that past with you. Over the years, I forgot who you've become. I always treat you delicately as I have on that part of my memory. I forgot how fast we've grown. Our favorite things have change. Now, I don't even know your favorite color or your favorite food or your favorite artist. Or what type of music you like. Or what makes you happy and what makes you sad. It crushes my heart everytime I realize your current friends know you better than I do. It's painful on my part to know there are things in your life that I do not know. As much as I want to, I couldn't wish to turn back time and just stay with you so I'll be able to know those things in your life. Because there are things in my life that I had to do. And you know very well that you are one of the reason why things had to happen that way.

Believe it or not, it hurts me so much to know that you've been through tough times without me by your side. But can you see how ironic life is? We have been given that chance to be together again after years of not telling each other stories, now under some circumstances, you have to go away again. Life has done you some injustice to go through its rough times. There may be some things that you choose to do but blaming you is something I couldn't do. I couldn't even turn my back on you now that you needed someone to understand you when I know that most wouldn't do. Now I know what it feels like to love someone unconditionally. You have brought me to that state. I should have cared for you now but I can't because we have to do things as we were suppose to do. I'm sorry that your life has to turn out like this. I did my best to sort it out for you but I guess there are things in life that we don't have any control of. Everything has its own reasons. God has plans. Just always remember how much ate loves you.

Being strong

In life, there are times that one felt like the load on their shoulders were too light that they were still able to see the zillion blessings granted upon them. Either it's too light to notice or it's just too damn big for them to focus on the other blessings in their life that it's already blocking their sight and all they see is that load.

Lord, please make everyone who's hurting to be strong.

Sentiments

From time to time, you will had that moment in your life when you feel like your heart is too small to contain either such pain, anger or love. You wonder why emotions like these are too extreme just thinking about it and you don't have any idea of how you could surpass this moment.

Well, if it's love, you still can't give out everything right? It will either be too much for your partner to handle or your partner will eventually get used to it and then we never know, abuse it. Too cynical, maybe. But I think this is what we're suppose to be facing in each day that we live. Too much of anything is always a danger.

If it's pain, believe it or not, no words could soothe that. Even an equal amount of love couldn't eradicate what pain had brought you. But living in this world make you forget about a lot of things, and that includes pain. So you wouldn't wallow in the past and make it a hindrance to welcome a new life or new beginning that may come your way. Time is the only factor that could tell you when pain have lessen, but never the fact that it has been erased.

when was the last time . . .

you've cried so hard you feel like your heart's going to explode?

you said it will all be alright when all you really feel is so much agony?

something so good in the eyes of another felt so untimely in your own eyes?

you pray almost every minute just to thank HIM for every blessing you've receive insted of throwing him questions why you have to endure much pain?

you've taken things lightly as you were expected to be?

it's hard to take the path where you know you'll always feel so much pain and not knowing what's in the end of that path you're taking. it's even harder how few people have taken the easy way in life, taking few slashes of consequences of their actions but still remain unharmed in the end and worst not even remembering how their happiness for a few minutes causes so much agony to those who didn't do anything but to love them and wished nothing but their happiness.

Time will come that these will pass and we will be able to look at the bright side of things. For the meantime, let me yield back to utilizing how much my tear glands can come up with liters of that salted liquid thing.

Quod me nutrit me destruit

Why's of Life

There are million things in life that you always seek for the reasons why it happen in the first place. Why it happens when you're asking GOD not to let it happen. Why when you thought that all seems to be finally taking its place that's when unexpected things happen. And funny how these things were always the ones that hurts much. And that the only way out to get over it is be brave and be strong and be positive no matter how f@*^*#@ it hurts. "i always wonder how this heart so small and yet can feel so much pain . . ."

Things I want in my life

If only I have the guts and money and resources and time, I would do things that could make me feel the ecstacy of having to do things that doesn't complicate a lot of things. But fullfilling much of what I have in mind would require one to be born with a golden spoon or maybe even if I were, I wouldn't have these things as a dream rather I'll be dreaming something bigger than this I guess. We humans will never be contented with anything. We always aspire for something and we always look up or forward. Maybe because that's what keeping us alive. The hope and having that motivation to achieve something is what's making us woke up early in the morning, facing the everyday life and sometimes braving through the storm. Goal #1: Waking up early, taking the train and bus devotedly every single day isn't so much appealing at all. But the notion of learning something new at work each day give me the strength to go on. That somehow, I knew how at the end of each month's hardwork and every now and then stress, I will be taking home some earnings that have helped not only myself but my family of 4 helping my siblings to finish their degree, and pay my bills. I feel matured and very well capable of living my life on my own, not depending on my parents inheritance like some well off kidz. Though I am not good in handling my finances due to lack of it I guess, I am still praying to God not to give me more of what I asked for rather give me enough to make ends meet where I would still be able to learn something. And I was so looking forward to the day that I will see myself saving for a rainy day. That's my numero uno goal. I know it will take years and years to do that, but at least I have something to look forward to and strive hard to be better in what I only knew best - pretending to know everything. Goal #2: This was realized the moment that world map I have in my hand only register in my mind that the place I lived in wasn't the only existing one in this world. When I saw one book in a bookstore titled 100 places to go before you die. I thought it will be ridiculous and very much impossible to dream as much as 100 places or countries. So I began dreaming with baby steps. I aim for 25 countries. I knew back then that it was impossible but little by little it was realized. And I thanked GOD endlessly for that. Now, I'm still aiming for it. To complete that number. It doesn't matter if it happens now or never. What matters to me is that hope that maybe time will come that I will be able to complete that. It gives me satisfaction just thinking of it. :) This goal has became now a reason why I came to think of my third goal. Goal #3: With that passion and love for travelling and lack of budget in the finance department, I channeled my eagerness in watching tv and reading books. Then it began to drawn on me how each book that I've finished had turned into a desire to write my own novel about the places I've been suddenly emerged. I wanted to be the medium to those who can't afford to travel. Although a lot have been doing this lately, I still dream of becoming one of them. Seeing my name in a book on my favorite bookstore on one of their best seller shelf is something that inspires me to read more and more books. :) Goal #4: And by reading more and more books, i do not mean to just borrow one from the library. I wanted to have read something and keep them forever. So I dream of having my own mini library and a bookstore of my own. With full of novels of my favourite authors and hard to find titles. Full of comic books that will take me back to my childhood days even if I turned gray and old. Haayy, ok back to reality. Wow, it somehow puts me in the mood to be wanting to live at least the full years I've lived my life now. Putting an end to some mistakes I've done. Learning valuable hundred lessons from it and taking the other way the next time I come across it. And writing more about the things that are inside my head. I'm not intelligent or one who does know everything. I'm still trying to learn more and more each day. And by writing, I have something to look back to in case in the future my memory fails me. I thanked of course GOD for each day that I lived and for every chances I get.

Staying in Singapore

This is just something that many of us not know, *there may be others like who are ignorant about certain things hehehe*. So I've thought of blogging about it.

We were about to go to ICA this morning to "validate" my sisters EPEC (Employment Pass Eligibility Certificate) which she applied online. EPEC is a kind of pass that lets you stay in Singapore for about a year while looking for a job. You can apply online for this. Good thing hawsmeyt Tita Abby told me about her friend's experience re: EPEC. That we don't need to go to ICA to do this. Wow! Galing. So here's what we found out.

* Once EPEC aplication was approved, they will be sending you this piece of certificate with your particulars and the reference no of your EPEC. *All the while, I thought this was already the EPEC pass and we'll just go to ICA to have her passport stamped with something*

* Go online to submit your application with the EPEC particulars and the DE (Disembarkation Card) particulars.

We haven't go through it as we'll wait for a week before her 1-month stay in singapore. Promise I'll update this post once we were done with this thing.

But here's another thing, through that link, you don't need to go down to ICA to apply for a SOCIAL VISIT PASS for your parents, spouse or children. You can do it online, pay online and then that's it! I am blogging this as I've had a lot of friends who went to ICA just for this. This is the e-service for getting extension or applying for the SOCIAL VISIT PASS. Galing noh?

Hope this helps or at least added info on you as what it's done to me :) Enjoy!

Whatabawt?

It will never happen for people to stay in love forever but it's best if you find the right one worth taking that risk for.

Ayan, may topic na ulit ako. Back to blogging ulit. Pardon my long post. =)

For years kasi, I've been haunted with that same question that Juno asked her dad. I, too, was wonderin' why can't two people just stay in love forever? And not having a divorce after years of being together and suddenly realizing you're "not in love" anymore with the other person whom you've sworn to love till death do you part. Or finding yourself falling for another and then putting all the blame on your broken-hearted wife or husband or anyone or anything but yourself. Or suddenly realizing that you still have a lot of things on your life that you wanted to do on your own. I don't understand why things get so complicated when it comes to relationships and love. And I know that no matter how hard I tried not to be in that kind of situation, it will happen and only God knows when. Maybe this phase in life is something that everyone must go through. That's why I was wonderin why can't we just skip this phase and stay in love forever and totally eradicate the notion of having a divorce so you can do things in your own terms? Life and relationship and love were not the ones that are complicated. Individuals are.

After watching Juno last night, I guess the story crawled up into my skin. I dreamt of the first person that made me doubt about love and its complexities. Of how in that dream he was trying so hard to make it all up to us. I woke up trying to find the relevance of that reverie and found it easier to ignore it than think about it all day. Huwala lang.

It's not about laying judgment on those who have done it or playing the empathy game to those who have been hurt. It's about finding the answer to my 15 year old question and finding the ways of avoiding history repeats itself at least for this part. But I guess, sometimes these things can't be avoided. At least for now, it's calming to think that for 9 years, and after that, whatever happens, I am still and will always be thankful that it may or may not happen to me, I know that God gave me that someone worth taking that risk for. And one of us may stray along the way, which I really hope not, I guess the best thing to do for now is to live each day as if you're just starting to get to know each other. Finding love and be hurt is frightening. But finding love alone is exhilarating. So yeah, you may get hurt, but at least find someone really worth taking that risk for.

Juno

Juno is a whip-smart teen confronting an unplanned pregnancy by her classmate Bleeker. With the help of her hot best friend Leah, Juno finds her unborn child a "perfect" set of parents: an affluent suburban couple, Mark and Vanessa, longing to adopt. Luckily, Juno has the total support of her parents as she faces some tough decisions, flirts with adulthood and ultimately figures out where she belongs.

my thoughts
When it comes to rating - may it be a movie or book - I guess it all comes down to that saying "to each his own". Some things may be good for others but it doesnt work for me and vice versa. When I saw Juno on the movie house days before, i wasn't that interested as I've read some reviews that it wasn't good. But oscars changed my mind. So we did watched it.

First, Ellen Page was so natural and her role was so her age and totally different from her role in Narnia or X-Men. Although, in all movies she did well. It's so hard not to shed a tear in this movie, at least for me. Guess being emotional in certain part of your life makes you vulnerable to movies like this which maybe to some are just an ordinary story. I just like the part where Juno asked her dad, "Dad, why can't two people just stay in love forever?". Her dad's reply is a bulls-eye. Not on exact wordings coz I really cant remember them hehehe but a bit of his explanation was this. It will never happen for people to stay in love forever but it's best if you find the right one worth taking that risk for. Winner si dad-ee!

Movie Rating: 5 sweet popcorns and a box of tissue
Watched Where: GV Plaza Sing

Sister A in Singapore - Day 3

Woke up early and heads up to changi airport. Habiga's flight is at 9.40. Went home afterwards, and took a nap. We went out only in the afternoon and went straight to Vivo City in Harbourfront. I was savoring every moment we had and I was so thankful that we had this kind of chance to bond together after all those wasted years of me spending my time here in singapore and my family back in manila. It's something that people like us cherish and considered as blessing as this is one really rare occasion. And if God permits, we will be having more time to bond and fight just like we used to do when we were still young. Maybe fewer fights =) First stop in Vivo City was the first stop we had when we went there and when the time I lost my Treo. Well, at least now, it won't be the only memory I have going to the Candy Empire. And I was right bringing her there. She was so happy to see all those kinds of candies and chocolates. Who won't be? It's like disneyland of candies :)

From Vivo, we went to Chinatown. Walked around and took pictures then stopped for a cone of turkish ice cream which was really good. You know how sticky ice creams are when it melts in your hand right?

This one's not! Totally different and really good though a bit pricey but at least my sister got entertained by "mr turkish surbetero". From Chinatown, we stopped for snack at McDonalds then went home. It's still early and I was guessing that I'm not really getting any younger. I get easily tired from walking. Eh ultimate lakwatsera kaya ako! People do really change :)

Soon as we got home, i cooked buttered shrimp and had a CSI marathon.

Sister A in Singapore - Day 2

We went to Orchard and had dinner in Jologz at Lucky Plaza. Then went to Carrefour, Plaza Sing. Dunno how our weekend will be since habiga will be in manila 'till next sunday for business trip.

Sister A in Singapore - Day 1

After much stress and heart wrenching drama, she finally made it to Singapore.

Took half-day leave and went to Singapore 30 minutes earlier before the display changed from "CONFIRMED" to "LANDED". I wasn't totally relieved until I had seen her getting her luggage. This time, I know no one will prevent her from coming to Singapore. So ecstatic to see her! She said she didn't have any problems in the Singapore Immigration and the officer didn't even bother to ask her. It seems to me that our own country and 'kababayans', *if you can still call them that*, are the only ones who has a problem in seeing other people take a step ahead of them or I'm guessing that they were just envious of other people who can afford to take a vacation in other countries or had the opportunity to work abroad or they really just want some bribe. Sad to say, that's how system works in the philippines.

As soon as the we're done with our super mega late al-tang (breakfast and lunch) at popeye's, sis A was so excited to see our place. On our way, I can see the excitement in her face. I guess it's the same way I've felt on my first time here in Singapore. When we reached our place and seeing our room, she exclaimed "wow, parang hotel". I was glad she liked it. And hoping that the rest of my family will see our place before our contract ends :)

We called home and our mom was so happy that my sister's finally here. Hmmm, naipasa na kaya nya sa kin ang isang sakit ng ulo nya? We went to Orchard agad after I asked her if she wanted to rest. Lakwatsera talaga! We waited for kuya and then we had dinner at Food Republic. Western food muna. Unti untiin natin hehehe.

Thank God that she finally made it. I just hope and wish that she'll soon find a job. Cross-fingers!

Jumper

A genetic anomaly allows a young man to teleport himself anywhere. He discovers this gift has existed for centuries and finds himself in a war that has been raging for thousands of years between "Jumpers" and those who have sworn to kill them.


Watched it last night at The Grand Cathay at 11.15pm. Funny, I just realized it was "anakin" who's playing the david as a jumper at the last part where he called diane lane mom hihihi. Better watch it! I had a feeling now what would they be doing for the 2nd book of the Golden Compass :)

If you had this kind of power, which place would you "jump" in first? Me? Of course, Europe where else???

Rate: 5 sweet popcorns!

That Bitch!

Last week's last 4 days was anything but pure rest and lazying around. I was so glad that at least once a year, we get the chance to feel rest like this. And last friday was suppose to be one of our happiest days but turns out to be one of the saddest and stressful days. My sister A was already at the airport, checked-in her baggage, paid her travel tax and airport tax and was queueing at the immigration when I got an sms from her and from my mom who luckily has the patience to wait, that the immigration officer *bitch* didn't allow her to go. Her f****ng reason was that her return ticket (via Tiger) is not the same as her ticket going to singapore (via Jetstar) and they don't know if the Tiger ticket is for real since according to her a lot have been using fake tickets. Why not checked it with the airlines then? I booked her that ticket since it's really cheaper and when i say it's cheaper it's not that cheap to waste that amount of money. She has the EPEC, two valid tickets and God knows why she wasn't allowed to go. In other words, after cursing and reaching the highest level of stress, my sister didn't managed to catch her flight inspite of her pleading and humiliation and money and effort. That conniving son-of-a-b****! Pardon my words. I was just really pissed off. Imagine if I have done this post at that exact moment, I don't know what words I would utter. Sigh!

Anyway, I know I was that mad at that time but I wasn't strong enough not to cry bucket of tears. Partly, it's my fault that my sister had to endure that kind of embarassment. I've been trying to save few bucks and this is what happens. But I didn't know that they had this kind of policy. Been doing it for years. Never heard it happen to anyone. Apparently, this has been their policy for years. I've talked to someone from Jetstar and they said that they don't have any issue if their customer uses any other airlines for their return ticket. I was soooo sad that day. But we just thought that hopefully and maybe there's something bigger for us to thank to. When that happens, I'll send that bitch a cake as a thank you.

You know how sometimes, people do everything they can to crushed other people's dreams and they do it with great delight holding that power granted upon them. I have never had a pleasant experience with any immigration officer in the philippines. I always felt a mixture of hatred and fear everytime I leave the country seeing their straight faces looking tough and asking questions with a palpable hint that you are working outside the country not as a professional. Even so, whatever that person is working as, i thought that people who queue at that line deserves some respect. You've got to learn to respect those kababayans who's trying so hard to be away from their families just to make a living by serving people of not their own race. And at this point, as I see it, you are the one working for us and not the other way around. I'm sorry but I never saw that kind of snooty attitude on immigration officers of other countries. They, who are some had that impression of being a racist. They do not have a friendly facade, all right, but at least they don't show what power they have. I just wish there would be a chance that people itself will change. It's hard to keep peace when people around you doesn't have the same kind of aspiration as you have.

Hong Bao Moment

Every year here in singapore, as they celebrated CNY, one of the traditions is the River Hong Bao. Typically like a "perya" in the philippine's provinces. We went there last saturday as we already run out of things to do at home besides watching tv or movies. Enjoy din. Full rest. Feel na feel ang holiday. We went there around 9pm and it was still full of people. Para kaming nagdedate sa perya. Alala ko tuloy yung peryaan sa bulacan noon. Pahirapan kaming magpaalam na magpipinsan pero pag naman pinayagan may allowance pang kasama. Dun namin imimeet mga barkada ng pinsan ko na crush na crush ko noon hihihi.

There were rides for the kids, and for the people who sadistically paid big bucks for a ride that either make you barf or make you dizzy like hell. There were displays of wires that look like animals in which year you're born to, of course the gigantic image of a chinese character that showers small pieces of paper at certain times which locals patiently waited to and open their umbrella upside down so they can catch hundreds of it *they said that if you put one in yoru wallet you'll be lucky and you won't run out of money*, stalls selling chinese pieces, and of course food! During these times, I will be acting now like a 12 year old kid asking rommel to buy me a muah chee or a cotton candy or a corn in a cup! It's fun but a bit tiring. Enjoy the photos!

Rule the World

Rule the World Take That You light the skies, up above me A star, so bright, you blind me, yeah Don’t close your eyes Don’t fade away, don’t fade away- Oh Yeah you and me we can ride on a star If you stay with me girl We can rule the world- Yeah you and me we can light up the sky If you stay by my side We can rule the world- If walls break down, I will comfort you If angels cry, oh I’ll be there for you You've saved my soul Don’t leave me now, don’t leave me now Oh Yeah you and me we can ride on a star If you stay with me girl We can rule the world Yeah you and me, we can light up the sky If you stay by my side We can rule the world- Ooooooooh [Rule The World lyrics on http://www.metrolyrics.com] All the stars are coming out tonight They're lighting up the sky tonight For you, for you All the stars are coming out tonight They’re lighting up the sky tonight For you, for you- Ooooooooh Yeah you and me we can ride on a star If you stay with me girl We can rule the world Yeah you and me, we can light up the sky If you stay by my side We can rule the world All the stars are coming out tonight (oooooooh) They’re lighting up the sky tonight For you, for you- All the stars are coming out tonight They're lighting up the sky tonight For you,for you- All the stars, are coming out tonight They're lighting up the sky tonight For you, for you- All the stars, are coming out tonight They're lighting up the sky tonight For you,for you-

Stardust

Since there's no open mall to go to, we stayed home the whole day watching movies and eating and lazying around. And I finally saw Stardust after days and days of asking friends if they have the movie or asking the lady from Gramophone if it's already on sale. I've read the book since day 1 it was shown in the movies. I've thought of trying to read the book first and when we decided to watch it, it was already over and I've forgotten about it until rommel told me he had watched it in the plane and that it was really good. So that kept me on the lookout for the movie and bless my housemate for giving me this site.

The movie is really really good though nothing will change how much I love the book it’s based on. And now I can really say that the movie is really different from the book. An adaptation of the stardust book if I may say. It's like having one story with two different twist.

If you have watched the movie and haven't read the book then go on read this post. But if you haven't, you may stop now.

Babylon candle wasn't given to Tristan by his mother along with the letter and he didn't met Yvaine by "falling" from the sky literally. He walk across the wall with the help of his father. Robert de Niro's character wasn't in the book at all though a captain and a ship was mentioned but not of a funny character as de Niro's. He was hilarious and I really love him! Septimus or the 7th prince didn't died the way he died in the movie, he was bitten by the witch's snake when he was trying to burned down her house. The arrival of the unicorn and how it died was also different. Lastly, the last part of the movie where Tristan return to his town was really not the way the book tells it.

Both the movie and the book are good and comparing it is really difficult. It's both a masterpiece. Eye-Luv-It! Neil Gaiman is truly a master of his work. I think everyone should WATCH the movie and READ the book.

I have the book, just let me know if you want to borrow it :)

Oh, and by the way, i sooooooo love the soundtrack. Rule the World by Take that. Rommel does too. He can now play it in his guitar. Lovely!

Stars: Claire Danes, Robert De Niro, Michelle Pfeiffer, Sienna Miller, Charlie Cox
A young man named Tristan (Charlie Cox) tries to win the heart of Victoria (Sienna Miller), the beautiful but cold object of his desire, by going on a quest to retrieve a fallen star. His journey takes him to a mysterious and forbidden land beyond the walls of his village. On his odyssey, Tristan finds the star, which has transformed into a striking girl named Yvaine (Claire Danes). However, Tristan is not the only one seeking the star. A king's (Peter O'Toole) four living sons - not to mention the ghosts of their three dead brothers - all need the star as they vie for the throne. Tristan must also overcome the evil witch, Lamia (Michelle Pfeiffer), who needs the star to make her young again. As Tristan battles to survive these threats, encountering a pirate named Captain Shakespeare (Robert De Niro) and a shady trader named Ferdy the Fence (Ricky Gervais) along the way, his quest changes. He must now win the heart of the star for himself as he discovers the meaning of true love.

The Final Cut

We rented this movie from Gramophone in Cathay and it was really a good movie though I think may be far from reality. I remember last time when I told rommel while we were in a vacation in another part of the globe, that if we could only tap the side of our eyes and it will automatically record all those things that you see. Hmmm, well this movie is somewhat similar though this you are not given a choice to choose which part in your life you wanted to record. Someone will be doing it for you only after your death.

Stars: Robin Williams, Jim Caviezel, Mira Sorvino
In a world where people are implanted with a chip that records their lives, one man has final cut on the recorded history of his clients. Alan Hackman is the best “cutter” in the business, his ability to grant the corrupt absolution of the sins of his clients, has put him in high demand. However, his talent for viewing life without emotion has shaped him into a cold distant man and has made him unable to experience life in the first person. He believes he is a “sin eater” and his work provides him with the ability to absolve the dead of their sins. While cutting a Rememory for a high-powered colleague, Alan discovers an image from his childhood that has haunted him his entire life.

Note to Self

When you're caught off guard with something and you have no idea how to respond to it, sometimes it's better to think things over for as long as it takes so you won't end up on the other side that you don't want to place yourself into. 

Negative Desires

A disciple said to his teacher:

‘I have spent a large part of my day thinking things I should not think, desiring things I should not desire, and making plans I should not make.’

The teacher invited his disciple to go for a walk with him in a forest near his house. On the way, he pointed to a plant and asked if the disciple knew what it was.

‘It’s deadly nightshade,’ said the disciple. ‘The leaves can kill you if you eat them.’

‘But they cannot kill you if you merely look at them. In exactly the same way, negative desires are entirely harmless unless you give in to them.’

(c) Paulo Coelho