Simponized Schments

I'm not really sure if I've posted an entry yet with a picture of a Simpsonized Schments. I made one from scratch a few months ago, but now there's a website ( Simpsonize Me ) where you can upload an actual picture of yourself and they will Simpsonize it. It's pretty cool! Here's how I turned out...

Training Day: Takas na Blog

Takas na blog. Whilst my teammates are away. In training today, and I can feel my tummy expanding from the fried chicken and embotido lunch. *burp*

Weekend was pretty busy! Saturday was a five hour beading session at the kids' Casa Maria home. I taught Ate Love the basics of earring making and together, we made 91 pairs! I'm pretty psyched about our December bazaar at AAV. I've been absent from the bazaar scene for a few years now, and I have to admit that I miss the hustle and bustle of the tiangge. Anyway, Saturday evening, I got some study time. Hung out at the Java Man in BF, where I tried to fight the urge to order dinner (which I lost to my grumbling stomach). The fun started at 11, after my study time and on my way to Tides with Rommel, Tonton, Mark, and Issang. The bar was closed because of the liquor ban so we had to get drinks on our own! We ended up drinking at the auxiliary house till about 330AM. Mark as super kulit and drunk! Thanks to my now evolving mixing skills. Hehe.

Sunday we went to Pampanga for a triple birthday celebration. Von, Iya, and Tita Guste! Again. Food and lamon aplenty. We went to Razon's to have some halo-halo. No trip in Guagua would be complete without paying homage to Razon's. Hehe. Pictures can be found at our Tanquilut Family Blog.

Monday was all about sleeping, trick or treating, and some more eating. Issang and I went to the parlor. I got a protein hot oil treatment for my now shoulder-length hair. I wasted no time of course, answering Sentence Correction review questions on my reviewer. A filling dinner at Conti's, and a quick trip to Ruins. Argh. Not looking forward to the following day. I know at least two hundred emails were sitting in my inbox. Must. Not. Read. Them.

Random thoughts from the weekend...
** Slowly expanding thighs. Eating is taking its toll. I can feel my thighs filling in again. Argh. So much for the weight I lost last year. Dengit. I'm not sure if I can pinpoint it to a bad eating habit. I don't think I eat much. Although that could be a debatable topic. I'm thinking about going back to my coffee and YB diet. Haha. Not good for my stomach.

** Lotsa horminal stuff going on, aisde from putting on weight, my moods have been rallying back and forth. From the happy side to the sad/cranky side. Som much is going on and so many things scheduled. My birthday's coming soon (in a few days in fact) and I'm trying to shut out the numbers 2 and 8 from my mind. It's a challenge to be involved in so many things. My November 16 exam, applying to B-schools, R7.3 PRAM and implementation, Bazaar, Christmas Parties to organize... Although busy, I can't help but feel lonely still.

** Right now, I have two friends who are the cusp of a budding romance. One of them is a girl who I shall shroud in mystery with the nickname, "Young Blood Writer. She and I have shared countless conversations about our random musings as single ladies. I recommended "He's Just Not Into You" to her, hoping to share the wisdom of letting go comprise and delusion. She's kissed so many frogs and hopped on to so many ponds. Just recently, she YM-ed me, updating me about a guy who she recently met. She was pleasantly surprised to find that he was everything she'd been looking for: Similar interests, a sense of humor, and the type who she could bring anywhere. Here he was. The one who will reveal why she had to kiss so many frogs and hop on to so many ponds. This was a nice reminder that all is not in vain. They're still out there.

Liquor Ban

Last Saturday, it slipped my mind that the liquor ban will take effect Sunday midnight. We went to Tides at 11:30pm, but the manong there said they were closed. Dengit. I had taken a mental note of the ingredients Carl had guessed for the famous red tide drink. We went to Ralphs and got a bottle of Alize. Then to 7-11 for some dark rum and chips. And finally to a sari-sari store for some Four Seasons in a can.

Turned out pretty well! I was Ms. Bartender, and I made a total of about 4 "red tide"s. All Geocanigas here! Issang, Mark, Rommel, Ton, and I made some tolerable noise in the auxiliary house. Everyone took turns saying something about their love lives (My contribution to that conversation was, "same old, same old").






We finished at around 3:30am. Rommel was hungry so we had tapsilog at Don Galo, about seven minutes away from our house. Mark was super makulit. Apparently, he's had a lot of "red tide" and was surfing the tipsy wave. Hehe.

IT IS legal to drink at home. But we could not help looking over our shoulder when we heard a weird noise by the gate. Hehe.

Tis the season

On my way to Powerplant Cinema 6, I passed by this small place where they sell cute Halloween decor. Keyce! Remember the cute glowing snowmen we saw last year? Same stall!






I think people here in Manila celebrate Halloween more now than they did when I was younger. Before I left the office today, Jewel and I arranged the trick or treat goodie bags of the kids from Reitz. We prepared goodie bags for the Focus peeps too! i will not be in the office tomorrow though when they share their goodies. Training tomorrow! Hence the kapalmuks to stay up late. I'm actually just trying to catch Augmoc, as I know he's been meaning to talk to me (I have SK info!).

Anyway, tis also the season for HSBC core leaves. Figgy and P.I. invited me to join them see a movie tonight. Which we did. Rendition. Not so bad. Kinda reminded me of "The Manchurian Candidate", only less creepy. We spent almost two hours just talking in Seattle's Best. My Chai Tea Latte was too hot!



Busy day today. One email after another. Highlights of my day...

** Ceasar's Banofee Cake from Red Ribbon... Which disappeared from plain sight in about 10 minutes, leaving 5 satisfied peeps with a sugar rush.

** Filling the goodie bags with goodies. I miss my party planning ways and days.

Mark's Birthday Lunch at New Orleans Serendra

Last Sunday, despite the SMS warning messages about steering clear of Ayala-owned establishments, the family and Mark's new beau, went to have lunch at New Orleans Oysters and Ribs in Serendra. Mark recently celebrated his 28th birthday and he graciously treated us to a very filling lunch. I've always wondered about this resto. It's new and I've been wanting to try it out (Umuwi ka na kasi Keyce). I told Mark I haven't tried it before. We ended up feeling glad that we did! It was pretty awesome.




We ordered a lot! Rockefeller oysters, Lobster pasta, nachos... Yummy!





Here's the celebrant (and host) with girlfriend Pam.



And here are the happy eaters.

[Borrowed Blog Entry] A Letter From Carlo Cruz

It's been a couple of days since the Glorietta incident. I haven't had the chance to blog about it (since I've been meaning to write about my weekend). I don't know Carlo Cruz personally, but some of my friends do. Ericka's brother was part of Mr. Cruz's wedding entourage, and he was Daisy's blockmate back in college. It's pretty heart-wrenching, the story of Carlo and his wife Leslie. I grabbed this from Pesem's Blog . Everything in life is temporary. You never know what's going to happen next, or if they'll be a "next". Leave no stone unturned, say all that you have you say to the people you love. Let me know how much they mean to you before it's too late.

I wish all the casualties of the incident well, wherever they may be. I'm not sure if the investigators know that the ultimate cause of the blast was. If it was accidental, then I hope that those who own establishments make their place safe/r. If it was intentional, they're just plain cruel.

Anyway. Here's the letter.

A Letter from Carlo Cruz, whose wife perished in GLORIETTA


Good day everyone,

I wish I were writing under different circumstances.

I would like to inform you that my wife Leslie Cruz
was part of the casualties in the Glorietta 2 Mall
bombing in Makati City, Philippines. She was supposed
to have a minor out patient surgery at Makati Medical
Center at 230pm.

I had taken a leave from work to accompany her there.
We dropped off our daughter, Amber, at my parents
place in QC to babysit at around 10am. We then
proceeded to Makati and was there at 1230pm. Since she
had been fasting in preparation for her procedure, she
wanted to move around and listen to some music while I
grabbed a bite to eat. We parked at the basement of
Park Square 2, and headed for the Glorietta 2
entrance. We parted at the top of the escalator, she
turned right towards Filbar's while I went left
towards the restaurants. That was the last time I
would see her.

Around 120pm, she had called me so that we can meet at
the Glorietta 2 exit just in time to make her
appointment. As I made my way there from Glorietta 1
through the connecting hallways, and was about to turn
the corner, I heard 2 deep thumps and the shock-wave
from the blast hit me. At that moment my heart dropped
as I knew that the origin of the blast came from the
same place where we were supposed to meet. I tried
getting to where my wife was, but the dust was too
much and it was as if I was staring at a white wall.

I still tried to convince myself that she was able to
make it out, and that after ringing her mobile without
a response only meant that she dropped it in the
confusion. After 6 hours of searching from Makati Med.
to Ospital ng Makati, the blast site, and back again
to MMC - with the help of all the people I could get
hold of, that I was able to get confirmation in what
the state of my wife was.

My Dad and Uncle signaled me in from the ER of MMC. My
Uncle (who's a doctor) asked me to describe Leslie's
appearance to another group of doctors. I saw in the
eyes of one that the description made sense. Instead
of confirming it to me, they huddled together, then
brought me to a small examination room. It was only
through a digital camera that I was able to confirm
(and deny) that she was indeed gone.

I have so many regrets. I should have met her sooner.
I should have ran instead of a brisk walk. I should
have not chose to park where I did. I should have
braved the dust and went in the blast site. I should
have ...

Today's the 4th day. It is still terribly difficult to
breathe, let alone wake up realizing that your source
of strength, your best friend doesn't lie beside you
on your bed. That my deepest worry is when Amber
starts asking for her Mama.

I am glad that Amber's too young to understand the
loss and pain. In time I would like to tell her the
details of how her mother died, but more importantly I
would like to raise her as how her mother lived - a
loving person, strong willed, decisive, caring, and
nurturing. She has always cared for her family and
friends, and sacrfied her career for being a full time
mom and home maker.

As with all couples we had our ups and downs - none of
which I regret not going through. The sweet is never
as sweet without the sour. For almost 4 years of
marriage, we've finally hit our balance in life only
to be taken away in an instant. I have no regrets
about our marriage. She has loved me and Amber beyond
her capacity. I will always love her.

It is my first time to write to egroup as I've lurked
and watched emails being sent to and fro. All I want
now is that for each of the couples here is to cherish
each moment that we spend with our loved ones. Pretty
simple to say, very easy to take for granted.

Thank you all for the prayers. I would still like to
ask you to please include Leslie in them until her
40th day so that the path to God's kingdom is well lit
and she is no longer in the dark.

Sincerely,

Carlo Cruz

[Music from the Baul] Such Great Heights

Yes Paolo. I should be renaming my blog Musings and Lyrics. Hehe! I still need to make an entry about the fun and busy weekend. I ended up chatting and surfing last night. And sleeping past my bed time! Dengit. Whilst chatting with my all-American chat-pal Keyce, she told me about this nice song, "Such Great Heights" by the Postal Service. Previewed it in You Tube and next thing I knew, I was downloading five songs by the band. The video's pretty cool! They kinda remind me of Bloc Party. Plus Daft Punk.

Such Great Heights
By The Postal Service

I am thinking it's a sign
that the freckles in our eyes are mirror images
and when we kiss they're perfectly aligned
And I have to speculate
that God himself did make
us into corresponding shapes
like puzzle pieces from the clay

true, it may seem like a stretch
but its thoughts like this that catch
my troubled head when you're away
when I am missing you to death
when you are out there on the road
for several weeks of shows
and when you scan the radio
I hope this song will guide you home

They will see us waving from such great heights,
"come down now", they'll say
but everything looks perfect from far away,
"come down now", but we'll stay...

I tried my best to leave
this all on your machine
but the persistent beat it sounded thin
upon listening
and that frankly will not fly
you will hear the shrillest highs
and lowest lows with the windows down
when this is guiding you home

They will see us waving from such great heights,
"come down now", they'll say
but everything looks perfect from far away
"come down now", but we'll stay...

ES and Testing Team Building

[Borrowed Blog Entry] Life Most Ordinary

I nenoked this Jpeg file from Suzie's Blog. It's a nice thought about how sad and hard times are not permanent:



I still need to blog about my tiring but fun, beadful, and New-Orleans-cuisine-filled weekend. Might do that tonight.

I'm feeling kind of bloated and sleepy today. I can attribute the bloated feeling to all the food I ate last week and this weekend. Argh. The sleepy part I'm not so sure because I was in bed and snoozing at 11PM yesterday.

Tis the beginning of another new week! I am missing my weekly movie date! Waaah!

Hanging Out At the new Adelita Chioco

Ms. Adelita Chioco, a.k.a my great friend from college Lery Berry (Berry not her real surname), and I were supposed to go out yesterday. However, she was feeling a tad bit under the weather, so I just visited her. My "ailing-but-cute" friend.

For as long as I've known her (which is roughly 11 years now! OMG!), Lery has always been a resident of Adelita Chioco. Just recently, she and Tita moved out and into their new home close to Southville International School (still in BF).

This is the fist set of pictures taken of her new home, Lery said. Props to Our Home and Lery's impeccable taste for the lovely furniture. I am loving the curtains!




Just like old times. There was a Xavierville Royale condo-feel last night, while we were chatting over asparagus with salmon carpaccio (from her boylet). Tis a mystery, why Ler has not found a guy to call her jowa. I asked her, "Takot ka ba sa commitment?!", and she retorted, "The right guy has not come along yet." Hehe. My kinda answer.

[Music From the Baul] Built to Last

On my way home today, I heard this song over the radio. I would like to dedicate this song to Issang! Haha! May you and Agi have a relationship that's "Built to Last". It's kinda sappy. Hehe.

Built to Last
By Melee

I've looked for love in stranger places,
but never found someone like you.
Someone whose smile makes me feel I've been holding back,
and now there's nothing I can't do.

'Cause this is real, and this is good.
It warms the inside just like it should,
but most of all it's built to last.

All of our friends saw from the start.
So why didn't we believe it too?
Whoa yeah, now look where you are.
You're in my heart now.
And there's no escaping it for you.

'Cause this is real, and this is good.
It warms the inside just like it should,
but most of all it's built to last.

Walking on the hills that night with those fireworks and candlelight
You and I were made to get love right

'Cause this is real, and this is good.
It warms the inside just like it should,
but most of all it's built to last.

'Cause you are the sun in my universe,
considered the best when we've felt the worst
and most of all it's built to last.



The band's official website:
http://www.meleerocks.com/



Hmm... These guys are sort of an Emo band actually! The video's really cute! Pays homage to all those great romantic movies.

[Borrowed Blog Entry] Guru of Love Part 27

I am a blogger and a blog reader (for that, I recommend Google Reader to all you blog readers who'd like to organize the blogs you read). Here's a really nice entry I came across today. I've always been more of a petition sort of girl when it comes to prayers. And there have been a couple of things I've asked for (like clarity). Here's a nice view of how God answers prayers...

Taken from my cousin Issang's blog...

I remember the movie "Evan Almighty". Yung sinabi ni God dun: "If somebody prays for patience, would God give him patience? Or the opportunity to be patient? If he prays for strength, wouldn't God give him the opportunity to be strong?" (Or something like that)

Whenever I have the chance to pray (heehee sorry na, "have the chance" pa talaga), one of the things I pray for is my relationship with Agi. I often pray that He bless our relationship with more patience, understanding and love, and that tumagal pa kami. Napansin ko, I think for four consecutive weeks, Agi and I had to sort things out, discuss and fix things. Stuff like that. Pero here we are still together (Wow parang kanta! Haha!). I realized that God answered my prayer pala. Eto na nga yun. He's giving us the opportunity to be more patient, more understanding, and love each other more.

It's funny how God answers our prayers noh? =)

[Survey Shmurvey] What Tarot Card Are You?

You are The Moon

Hope, expectation, Bright promises.

The Moon is a card of magic and mystery - when prominent you know that nothing is as it seems, particularly when it concerns relationships. All logic is thrown out the window.

The Moon is all about visions and illusions, madness, genius and poetry. This is a card that has to do with sleep, and so with both dreams and nightmares. It is a scary card in that it warns that there might be hidden enemies, tricks and falsehoods. But it should also be remembered that this is a card of great creativity, of powerful magic, primal feelings and intuition. You may be going through a time of emotional and mental trial; if you have any past mental problems, you must be vigilant in taking your medication but avoid drugs or alcohol, as abuse of either will cause them irreparable damage. This time however, can also result in great creativity, psychic powers, visions and insight. You can and should trust your intuition.

What Tarot Card are You?
Take the Test to Find Out.

** Ay... There is some truth to this! Haha! Quite a lot actually. Especially this line, "All logic is thrown out the window." Love trumps!

4.5 Hours and Counting

Today, Schmenten rendered 4.5 review hours! Naks. Pretty good, if I do say so myself. Tis the second day of the week, and I've been hanging out at Santana Grove Sucat. I predict that I will soon have christened all the restos in said Grove. I am close to being a familiar face to the Manong Guard at Starbucks. The baristas still don't know my name. Yet. Haha.

It feels pretty good to be in the zone, reviewing. I think I started out frustrated because of my diagnostic test score (Below Average in Problem Solving and Data Sufficiency). I'm seeing some improvement in the questions I've been answering. Progress!

So serioso na ba to? Haha.

Can't help but feel sad in a way. I've put this off far too long, and starting it again feels like I'm back in square one. Before all the hoopla and confusion. I somehow feel the end being official. But then, anything could still happen. Okie. So iluwa na talaga ang Fita.

On a separate subject, I was chatting with Paui today and she was sharing how her bufra professed his love again to her. He was saying he was lucky to have somoene like Paui in his life. I was telling Paui, "Well, it's good that he KNOWS what he has." And she goes, "Oo naman. He's mature. The guys who don't know aren't." Hehe. There is some truth in that. Although Greg B. would easily say, "He's just not into you."

Weekend Recount

The long weekend was pretty fun! Weekend highlights...

** Thursday dinner and coffee with the ESS and Testing team. Yours truly paid homage to "The Buzz" by interrogating newbie. Mr. Eyeslashes, please send me the pics!

** Friday party prep! Tonton and I hit the Liquor section of Shopwise Sucat. 1 bottle of coffee mudslide, 1 bottle of Absolut Vodka, 1 bottle of Tequila, 1 small bottle of white rum, 1 small bottle of gin. And a couple of mixers. I later went to Galileo to buy bottles of Red sparkling semi-sweet wine (Lambrusco). Keyce and I ordered a bottle way back when, with our deli platter.

** Friday Surprise Sale! I was contemplating about where to kill time (and ahem, review). Because the Glorietta parking lot was full, I was forced (ahem, forced raw) to go to Powerplant Mall. I didn't really want to go (So many good memories!), but the banner "Weekend Sale" was a beacon of light. Haha. I actually just got one item (a cute shirt from David and Goliath) and the rest were gifts for beeday celebrants.

** Friday Crushie Sighting! Okie, so I was at Plant alone (cue music, "All by Myself"). I was just about to slump into not-so-pleasant mood, when I caught sight of an old college crushie. FBG, Fortunate Brother G. Another schtick on my Miguel hall of fame. Haha. Anyway, we've never shared a decent conversation. He was actually with his girlfriend (lucky git). Our eyes met and he waved and smiled at me! I swear, I had a huge smile on my face when he was out of sight. What a cutie. I remember them days back in college where our days were defined by seeing or smiling at our crushies. Haha. Good times.

** Friday party proper! Popsie celebrated his 57th birhtday last Friday and we had small get together. Tonton and I played bartender, attempting to recreate some of the drinks they serve in Central. I think I got tipsy from sampling the drinks I mixed! Sheryl and the family slept over, so we got a good dose of Iya.



** Saturday's for Kar Kar. Made pasta for Karina's party and heard anticipated mass before heading off to Somerset Millenium (same place where Beege had her bridal shower). I met three of Figgy's friends and Dino came over with Mau! Garsh. What a handsome boy! His eyes were glued on the TV ("The Mummy" was on). Dino half-scolded me for calling the mummies "monsters". The child-friendly term was "kalaban" (or enemies). Schmenten took a nap just when Macky arrived. We spoke with Maan twice!! We miss her sooo sooo bad. :( I updated her with the latest and she told me to stop eating Fita. Haha. At around 4am, we all finally called it a night. Mack, Karina, Irving, and I fit in the King sized bed.






** Sunday back at the Plant with Kar Kar. Return of the Judai to Powerplant Mall. Kar and I just hung out and walked around the mall. I bought a couple more presents for cousins and nieces and nephews.

** Sunday is Las Pinas Day. We saw the Gutierrezes off Sunday evening at their BF Almanza home. Augmoc looked pretty sad. Awww... Tita Babes promised to return this January. Sad lang. The Tanquiluts have been sort of complete these past few months, and it's nice to have everyone present. We will miss them! Then a quick trip to BF Resort for Zoie Eusebio's party. Ninang Ten was late (as usual). The ERP5 boys were there though. Zalggy, Greg, and RapRap.




At the end of the long weekend, I was wishing for an extra day. Wishing not to return to work. And wishing for a couple other things. Hehe.

[Music From the Baul] This Never Happened Before

The Lake House overload last weekend! First saw it at 11AM Saturday, then saw it again same day at 11PM. Chae was the one who first loved this song. Then while watching the scene where Alex and Kate danced (as strangers), I was reaching for my ipod to listen to it again). Nice, nice song. Simple lyrics. Nice melody. Very Paul McCartney. Currently sitting in the same bench as "Brighter than Sunshine", "Biggest Part of Me", and "The Luckiest". Songs I will be singing one day.

Just like "Bridges of Madison County", there's that certainty again. Of knowing what you feel. Of that undeniable connection. The clarity of it all. I recall Robert (Clint Eastwood's character saying), "This certainty comes just once in a lifetime."

Nice quote from Persuasion (by Jane Austen): "...there could have been no two hearts so open, no tastes so similar, no feelings so in unison, no countenances so beloved.”

This Never Happened Before
By Paul McCartney


i'm very sure
this never happened to me before
i met you and now i'm sure
this never happened before

now i see
this is the way it's supposed to be
i met you and now i see
this is the way it should be

this is the way it should be for lovers
they shouldn't go it alone
it's not so good when you're on your own

so come to me
now we can be what we wanna be
i love you and now i see
this is the way it should be

this is the way it should be

this is the way it should be for lovers
they shouldn't go it alone
it's not so good when you're on your own

i'm very sure
this never happened to me before
i met you and now i'm sure
this never happened before (this never happened before)
this never happened before (this never happened)
this never happened before (this never happened before)

[Music From the Baul] Just For Now

Just for Now
By Imogen Heap

Just for now (x6)

It's that time of year
Leave all our hopelessnesses aside (if just for a little while)
Tears stop right here
I know we've all had a bumpy ride (I’m secretly on your side)

How did you know?
It's what I always wanted
You can never have too many of these
Will ya quit kicking me under the table
I'm trying, will somebody make her shut up about it?
Can we settle down please?

It's that time of year
Leave all our hopelessnesses aside (if just for a little while)
Tears stop right here,
I know we've all had a bumpy ride (I’m secretly on your side)

Bite tongue
Deep breaths
Count to ten
Nod your head
(sniff sniff)

I think something is burning
Now you've ruined the whole thing
Muffle the smoke alarm
Whoever put on this music
Had better quick, sharp, remove it
Pour me another
Oh, don't wag your finger at me

It's that time of year
Leave all our hopelessnesses aside (if just for a little while)
Tears stop right here,
I know we've all had a bumpy ride (I’m secretly on your side)

Get me outta here (x13)
Just for now
Just for now

In Closing

A day of conclusions, I must say.

Today marks the end of the work week for most of us. Holiday tomorrow! And thanks to our manager re-reading the SOW, us peeps from the Dev team are taking a day off with the rest of the country. Sweet!

It's 4AM and I just finished watching the last episode of Entourage Season 4. "The Cannes Kids". The guys take Medellin to Cannes and finally see what the movie's worth. I'm officially hooked! I think this show (and Adrian Grenier) has had a lot of airtime in my blog. Jereme Piven deserves the Emmy for his role as Ari. He's brilliant! I can't wait to see Season 5 (which will be airing 2008). I will miss my Vince :(



ESS and Testing team building today. We had dinner at Thai (at) Silk in Serendra and coffe at The Coffee Bean after. Dinner was good and filling. But People's Palace's still tops in my book for Thai food. Hehe. Schmenten the Inquisitor was present that evening, grilling Aisah, our new DBA. I should be doing this for a living, some people reckon. Pictures to follow.

We ended pretty early (before 11), so I met up with Karina after. We just hung out in Mandarin. We had a really great conversation about work, conflicts, speculations, the holidays. We asked ourselves why there seems to be a certain sadness about the holidays. We didn't really come up with a definitive answer. Perhaps it's because Christmas back when we were kids were simply the best of times. Every new Christmas makes us feel how much we've aged. I was telling Kar maybe it's because Christmas also signals that the end of the year is near. Alas. Another 12 months have passed. The best part of our conversation was perhaps when I shared my frustration. I think this means I need to stop eating Fita. I think I find difficulty in not being able to figure something out. Maybe I should just assume our speculations to be true. I thought the fourth time would've been the charm, but it turns out I'm a officially a victim of the curse of the namesake. Haha. Now for some closure. Chin up for 2008.

For Keysi

The Rock and the Fountain...



Keyce! I know you love this thing, and you know I don't like it very much. Hehe. Dude! I can't believe I survived six weeks without you. It feels longer than that though.

Serendra misses you too. There are three newly opened restos in Boni High Street. Clawdaddy, New Orleans Oysters and Ribs (or something like that), and Italianni's. It looks like i'm going to have to wait a couple more months before crossing those out of my list.

Grabe Keyce. I miss my fellow Kaladkarin girl. Wala kang katulad. Hurry home na!

Dinner with Balikbayan Pesem

Pesem surprised me with his arrival in Manila last week! Woohoo! No thanks to Moley for ratting him out. Mwahaha. And so, Pesem took us to dinner at Guava (Papaya?) Serendra. Great Fil food! Loved the Crispy Tadyang! Celgee, JP, Raymond, and Pesem's friend Kaye, joined us for dinner.




Pesem showed off his new SLR. Nice! Raymond gave free photo lessons, and we all picked up a few camera tricks. In this picture, his Greek nose was squished.



Coffee Break! We closed Krispy Kreme!

A Little Better Today

Feeling a little better today. Monday early morning was just one of those days. I think it's probably because of my upcoming 28th birthday and the forthcoming holidays. Yesterday, while I was driving home, I overheard Christian Bautista singing "Pasko Na Sinta Ko". Please. Give me a knife already so I can stab myself. Hehe.

Shout outs to my Blog friends who have been super sweet! Rochness! Kahit wala kang load, the thought lang na you wanted to SMS me. Salamat! Thanks for making me laugh. Paui! We will take ATC by storm when you come home. Outlet!! Suzie!! I love you and Adam Sandler to pieces. Haha!

I've always had a difficult time dealing with changing routines or routines which have gone for good. I'm just a girl. I like constancy and consistency. There's a comfort in knowing that there are people and things you can depend on. But as the saying goes, "Nothing is constant but change." Before the end of the year, I am looking at accomplishing a couple of things. I've been riding the easy wave lately. I've never been confrontational. But I think I will manage my way around it somehow! 2007 will end all the commas. Definititive periods await me!

I think I should continue reminding myself, "Ang lahat ng paghihirap ay may hangganan." I have lots of things and people to be thankful for. Thanks Kar for reminding me.

Weekend Random Thoughts...

Much to the dismay of my supposedly studying self, I spent most of the weekend beading, hanging out, and sleeping. Hehe. I did review a little last Friday. I don't know what it is about weekends that lure me into forgetting my to do list. For example, on my to do list yesterday... Errands, maybe organize my shoe cabinet, my clothes cabinet, enroll the Titas and the Lolas in Mabuhay Miles, have Lola and Yssa's VHS tapes transferred to into DVDs, review, hear anticipated mass. I ended up doing zilch. Most of the time, I'd like to kick myself for being so tamad. Maybe it's because I can't say no to the kids. Then again, it might be the procrastinating, commitment phobe in me.

Random weekend kwentos and thoughts...

** I just had to smile at Camille's comment when I told her about my plans in the coming year. "Sana hindi ka pumasa," she said without flinching. Ate Lovely also said, "Kaya mo bang hindi makita ang mga anak mo (Ina and Iris), for two years?!" Waaaah... Not helping!

** BF Paranaque rocks. Haha. The cousins and Tita Marison hit Tides Bar Saturday evening, and for 1000 petots, we devoured BBQ, sisig, chicken tenders, and four pitchers of mixed drinks. Sulit. I've been eyeing the Churritos Cafe beside Central.

** I've been single all my life. Lately though, I've been feeling more alone. Since Keyce left, I've been without a movie and lamon buddy. Never really realized how much having someone to hang out with means to me. I was chatting with Keyce earlier today and I could feel the tears welling in my eyes when I was telling her how much I missed having her around. Stardust is coming up this Wednesday, and I saw a new restaurant I wanted to try. But I don't really have anyone I can go with. And I've always loved movies and trying new restaurants. Then again, the void really is having someone to do these things with. It's that constancy. Okie. Dramatic moment over.

[Music From the Baul] Breakaway

On our way home from Tito Mar's birthday party, I heard this song. I've always liked this, but hearing it now is a little different. It's difficult to "Breakaway", but then when you do, what's waiting for you might be bigger than you imagined. Lately, I feel as though I'm making excuses not to breakway. But then, unlike the song, I feel like I do belong here. Haaay.

Breakaway
By Kelly Clarkson

Grew up in a small town
And when the rain would fall down
I'd just stare out my window
Dreaming of what could be
And if I'd end up happy
I would pray (I would pray)

Trying hard to reach out
But when I tried to speak out
Felt like no one could hear me
Wanted to belong here
But something felt so wrong here
So I prayed I could break away

[Chorus:]
I'll spread my wings and I'll learn how to fly
I'll do what it takes til' I touch the sky
And I'll make a wish
Take a chance
Make a change
And breakaway
Out of the darkness and into the sun
But I won't forget all the ones that I love
I'll take a risk
Take a chance
Make a change
And breakaway

Wanna feel the warm breeze
Sleep under a palm tree
Feel the rush of the ocean
Get onboard a fast train
Travel on a jet plane, far away (I will)
And breakaway

[Chorus]

Buildings with a hundred floors
Swinging around revolving doors
Maybe I don't know where they'll take me but
Gotta keep moving on, moving on
Fly away, breakaway

I'll spread my wings
And I'll learn how to fly
Though it's not easy to tell you goodbye
I gotta take a risk
Take a chance
Make a change
And breakaway
Out of the darkness and into the sun
But I won't forget the place I come from
I gotta take a risk
Take a chance
Make a change
And breakaway, breakaway, breakaway

** I was going to add the video, but when I previewed it in YouTube... It was not that good. Hehe. Sort of told Kelly Clarkson's rise to stardom, interspliced with scenes from Princess Diaries Part 2.

Different Strokes, Same Folk

Just before hitting the sack, I chatted with Keyce. Called her "brua", being the Kapampangan that I am. And she shared she will be doing some retail "theraphy" this weekend. Hehe! Another Kapampangan-inspired booboo. We've made some conclusions today. Bato na murky ang water. Hahaha! Tried a different style, but ended up with the same results. I wonder when we'll ever be on the same page, or if we're actually on the same book in the first place.

Macky and Kar attribute the new me to Irene's influence. Perhaps I've grown tired myself of how I've handled the whole thing. I don't feel so bad though. Probably because I've gotten used to it.

No biggie.

My Friday Night Highlight

Vincent Chase is my guy! Haha! I didn't realize I missed two episodes of "Entourage" until I saw Ari was back was Vince's agent. Whatever happened to Amanda? Oh well! Adrian Grenier is eye candy and I love his smile. Seems like an easy-going guy. I've always liked him. Since he played Melissa Joan Hart's love interest in "Drive Me Crazy". What's not to love?



Anyway, I am sooo tempted to read the episode guide for season 4. I think my EQ might be higher than I think! So note to self. Should I visit Ruins for Season 4? Watching the show on HBO is actually pretty fun! Something to look forward to every Monday. Although I don't know when Season 4 will begin on HBO Asia. Darnit.

Found out today from my diagnostic test that I'm pretty good at Reading Comprehension, Sentence Correction, and Critical Reasoning. Also found out how terrible I am at Problem Solving and Data Sufficiency. Crap. Apparently, Schmenten is a right-brainer. I've never been good at math.

Must Haves

Karina and I realized we needed to bring back our once-a-week meeting. We've been delinquent these past few weeks because of work, balikbayans, and other stuff. Although I was on my way home from work (and ready to hit the books), I took a detour to Makati. Kar and I had dinner at Alexa's Deli, one of our favorite places in Salcedo Village. Small place. Bottles of wine and a other deli stuff on display. Hehe. Although I had the option to get the cheese platter (I've been craving for some wine and cheese lately), I opted for the Chicken Pork Adobo. Hehe. I've been quite fond of adobo these past few days. Sarap eh. Classic (just like Karina's 2 MP Canon digicam and her iPod mini).



Okie. So realizations on Must Haves today...

** Weekly meeting with Karina. Just to unload. Just to share. Just to laugh. Sarap lang. Hehe. In all our conversations, we end up talking about our crushies from ten years back and missing Maan. Awww.... Karina reminded me of how much I cried (Drama Queen that I am) when Maan left for the US. I was sharing with Karina how difficult it is to be left behind (as highlighted by Keysi's departure), and she was smugly telling me, "Now you know how I feel! Di ko ma kailangan i-explain sa akin yan." Hehe.

** Must have friends with different views and takes on life and situations. It's good to have different perspectives. Karina and Irene, as classic examples. I truly value both their opinions and thoughts. Makes you think about things you may not have considered on your own.

** Must have not such a dramatic view of things and situations. I think I was simply too expectant last year (and a good half of this year). Looking back at my old blog entries and my January 2007 iPod playlist, I was just praning and to serious. i think I have a lighter attitude now. And I think that's working better for my sanity. Hehe.

** Must have commitment. Haha. Okie. Now this is a work in progress. How does one commit when there are so many options available? Can I commit to covering all my bases instead? Haha. I can hear Irene saying perhaps it's time to move parking lots. Wait lang, Bau.

Photos By Eyeslashes

Beadaholics take on Quiapo

Sunday, the Tanquiluts (Tito Mar, Tita Alda, and Yssa) and I went to Villalobos Street in Quiapo, kuta ng mga beads! Mwahaha! It's like a flower-holic going to Dangwa for the first time. Wow.

Beads aplenty! Wall to Wall beads! The lady who taught us beading was not kidding about being a beadaholic. Once you start, it's just hard to stop.




A few steps down Villalobos street is the famous Quiapo Church. It was drizzling that afternoon, but I was able to get a picture of the church. Thank you camera phone. Not so shabby.



Schmenten had thoughts of the Monday holiday in her head while she beaded the evening away. Darnit. After our trip to GJ's (where I discovered how bad at math and how excellent at reading comprehension I am), I spent the next two hours making earrings.