Not so great first month of 2008

I know it's too early to say that 2008 will suck. And perhaps I'm being extra cynical and pessimistic.

So far, 2008 has not been agreeable with moi. On top of my list for January is the cost to repair my laptop. 48 big ones. The silver lining was my external hard drive. I backed up most of my pictures so thank God.

Then there's all the drama and hassle of arranging this April's trip. My brother just told me about this terror teacher of his who's threatening to fail graduating students. Ugh. Mr. Whoever-you-are! Certainly NOT helping our planning!

Then here comes my Citibank Credit card bill, due mid-February. Remnants of Christmas, and I'm hell bent on starting to save after I settle my debts. No major source of worry though. I still need to treat myself to a good meal every once in a while.

More recently, I also received some news about someone super close to me. I was surprised. But this someone reassured me that he/she is very happy. I'm letting the news sink in. I'm trying to figure out the source of my discomfort. Maybe it's just the overprotective me. It's hard when you've been hurt before. But as he/she pointed out, the next step really is to move on. Haaay. I am happy for him/her though.

I'm just not feeling it. Maybe not just yet.

[Movie Shmovie] P.S. I Love You

Keysi said she enjoyed this movie, and so I wanted to see it! Two great things I enjoyed about this movie. First of all, GERARD BUTLER. Okie. So he's that uber macho guy from "300" with rock hard abs. He's also the Phantom from Phantom of the Opera. He was sizzling in this movie. Haha. Second thing I enjoyed, LISA KUDROW. Love her! Her character's like Phoebe (from Friends) reincarnated! My favorite scene is also Cel's favorite scene. Post videoke disaster. Holly and Jerry in the hospital. Holly looking just terrible! Funeeee... Love the broken nose and teeth. Haha! Anyway, this movie did not hold back on the sap. Sap fest. Classic chick flick. Me likey my own Irish guy. Raaaar.

[Movie Shmovie] Alvin and the Chipmunks

I saw this movie with my favorite kiddies (I am still in denial) about two weekends ago. I couldn't help but smile at the opening scene. The Chipmunks singing Daniel Powter's "Bad Day". Classic. Jason Lee as Dave Seville was pretty ok. Alvin, Simon, and Theodore were all adorable. I would have wanted more singing of popular songs though. Towards the middle, the story sort of dragged. I wanted more of an adventure, but the bottom line message is actually related to a very current issue (of what stardom does to kids).

Reunions left and right, front and center!

Friday evening, Aileen, Chae, Sid, Pesem and I met up at Greenhills to send off the queen of ABAP in our old (and obviously retired) ERP5 team. Chae will be leaving for the US on February 7, so we got together. First on the list of things to do then was to ask her why she didn't have a Multiply blog entry about "I Heart TheFirm*" Hehe. We were quite the defensive bunch. Hehe. Us three girls (sans-Sid) first had dinner at Le Ching Too (no trip to Greenhills in complete without it!), and then we had dessert at Via Mare. Tsismisan galore thereafter.






Later that evening, I saw "P.S. I love You" with Pesem, Cel, and Yas. My first movie experience in the Promenade Theater. The seats, I have to say, are the best! Super comfy! I'm no expert in orthopedics, but they're deng great. Movie itself was super sappy. I did shed a tear in a couple of scenes (I am a cry baby afterall). In the end, I had a couple of new realizations... Gerard Butler is hot and I want an Irish guy of my own. Hehe!

Saturday was a JB and family reunion. Late in the afternoon, I picked up Karina and we had merienda at Sango Japanese burger. It's this hole in the wall burger place in Mile Long, Makati. The burgers are good! And they served milkshakes! Best part of the afternoon though was laughing our arses off, making the other customers look (okie... the Schmenten cackle strikes yet again). Our latest genius hirit was born.







After merienda, I drove to Marikina. Suzie gave excellent directions to the Marikina Riverbanks Center. Tito Hermie celebrated his 50th beeday at the Boiler Room. A band played, we had games, and sang. My favorite moments... Tonton and Chacha's mala-videoke MTV interpretation of How Deep is Your Love, The Top of the World's winning performance, Tito Rolly singing videoke, and Lolo Pepe strutting his stuff in the dance floor. We all left Marikina past 1 a.m.






Sunday was mostly babsie day. I slept till before lunch time, had lechon paksiw, watched a lot of television. I swung by Casa Marias after church to have my fill of Ate Love's super awesome Baked Spaghetti! Ate Love gave into my request (thank you thank you!). Delish!! We talked about my search for the perfect boots and coat, how everything just "Fell into Flace". In the evening, I picked up Mariless and we went to Greenhills for our mini-GVS reunion with Monique! She's my best friend from grade school who now lives in the US. As usual, the resident comic and perv Carl was there (and Eldon, too). Inigo made a special appearance! He just had Chicken Pox. Fun times! My favorite moment though was Carl making his, "You're like my sisters" remark. Apparently, Mariless has heard this speech of his before. Haha.






Quite the busy weekend, I must say. But it's all good. Saturday I was able to submit our UK Visa requirements. Deng. I still had to give my pathetic excuse for a bank certificate to the travel agent. It felt good to hand everything over to them. I need to follow up on my next batch of COEs, and more bank certs for the two other embassies we'll be applying to. I still can't shake the apprehension off. I've been traumatized by my Canadian VISA experience I guess. One can never be too confident about these VISA things.

Excited!

Schmenten is pretty excited about her upcoming trip this April! Thank God for further reduction. Indeed, good things come to those who wait. I finally found the perfect boots. Slightly pointed and with a small heel. Then there's this brown suede jacket which Jan encouraged me to get. Perfecto! So I tried both of them on with my capri pants and a green scarf. Syempre may pictorial! Haha. Okie. Now I need to finalize all the VISA requirements!!

Breaking News: Heath Ledger Passes Away

OMG. I heard snippets of this news item on my way to the bathroom this morning. And I had to go online to check if it's true. Heath Ledger dies at 28.

Here's the Yahoo report about it:

NEW YORK - Heath Ledger was found dead Tuesday at a downtown Manhattan apartment, and police said drugs may have been a factor. The Australian-born actor was 28. Police said Ledger was naked in his bed with an unknown number of sleeping pills near the body.

Ledger had an appointment for a massage at a residence in the tony SoHo neighborhood, NYPD spokesman Paul Browne said. A housekeeper who went to let him know the massage therapist had arrived found him dead at 3:26 p.m.

A large crowd of paparazzi and gawkers began gathering Tuesday evening outside the building on an upscale block, where several police officers guarded the door. The medical examiner's office planned an autopsy on Wednesday, spokeswoman Ellen Borakove said.

While not a marquee movie star, Ledger was a respected, award-winning actor who took his craft seriously rather than cashing in on his heartthrob looks. He was nominated for an Oscar for his performance as a gay cowboy in "Brokeback Mountain," where he met Michelle Williams, who played his wife in the film. The two had a daughter, Matilda, and lived together in Brooklyn until they split up last year.

Ledger most recently appeared in "I'm Not There," in which he played one of the many incarnations of Bob Dylan ƒƒ‚‚ as did Cate Blanchett, whose performance in that film earned an Oscar nomination Tuesday for best supporting actress.

Ledger had finished filming his role as the Joker this year in "The Dark Knight," a sequel to 2005's "Batman Begins."

He's had starring roles in "A Knight's Tale" and "The Patriot," and played the suicidal son of Billy Bob Thornton in "Monster's Ball." He also played a heroin addict in the 2006 Australian film "Candy."

Before settling down with Williams, Ledger had relationships with actresses Heather Graham and Naomi Watts. He met Watts while working on "The Lords of Dogtown," a fictionalized version of a cult classic skateboarding documentary, in 2004.

Ledger was born in 1979 in Perth, in western Australia, to a mining engineer and a French teacher, and got his first acting role playing Peter Pan at age 10 at a local theater company. He began acting in independent films as a 16-year-old in Sydney and played a cyclist hoping to land a spot on an Olympic team in a 1996 television show, "Seat."

After several independent films, Ledger moved to Los Angeles at age 19 and co-starred opposite Julia Stiles in "10 Things I Hate About You," a teen comedy reworking of "The Taming of the Shrew." His movie career caught on soon after that, culminating with his Academy Award nomination for "Brokeback Mountain."

"Dark Knight" director Christopher Nolan said earlier this month that Ledger's performance as the Joker would be wildly different than Jack Nicholson's memorable turn in 1989's "Batman."

"It was a very great challenge for Heath," Nolan had said. "He's extremely original, extremely frightening, tremendously edgy. A very young character, a very anarchic presence that taps into a lot of our basic fears and panic."

My Weekend with the girls

[Music From the Baul] Nothing Lasts Forever

Second Maroon 5 song of the week. The concert is more than a month away. Here's a sad song. Actually, most of the songs in their new album are sad songs (unlke the songs from their first album).

Nothing Lasts Forever
By Maroon 5

It is so easy to see
Dysfunction between you and me
We must free up these tired souls
Before the sadness kills us both

I tried and tried to let you know
I love you but I'm letting go
It may not last but I don't know
Just don't know

If you don't know
Then you can't care
And you show up
But you're not there
But I'm waiting
And you want to
Still afraid that I will desert you

Everyday
With every worthless word we get more far away
The distance between us makes it so hard to stay
But nothing lasts forever, but be honest babe
It hurts but it may be the only way

A bed that's warm with memories
Can heal us temporarily
The misbehaving only makes
The ditch between us so damn deep

Built a wall around my heart
I’ll never let it fall apart
But strangely I wish secretly
It would fall down while I'm asleep

If you don't know
Then you can't care
And you show up
But you're not there
But I'm waiting
And you want to
Still afraid that I will desert you, babe

Everyday
With every worthless word we get more far away
The distance between us makes it so hard to stay
But nothing lasts forever, but be honest babe
It hurts but it may be the only way

Tough we have not hit the ground
It doesn't mean we're not still falling,
Oh I want so bad to pick you up
But you're still too reluctant to accept my help
What a shame, I hope you find somewhere to place the blame
But until then the fact remains

Everyday
With every worthless word we get more far away
The distance between us makes you so hard to stay
Nothing lasts forever, but be honest babe
It hurts but it may be the only way

Everyday
With every worthless word we get more far away
The distance between us makes it so hard to stay
But nothing lasts forever, but be honest babe
It hurts but it may be the only way

Strike 3

I received an SMS from PowerMac today and my eyes almost popped out of their sockets:

Gud pm ma'am this is frm powermac center g'belt3 we just want to inform that ur unit has a logicalboard problem and need to replace a new 1 and your ur s out of warranty so 8 wud cost 48,416.94 plus labor charge of 1,500. pls do reply for confirmation. Tnxs.

Eyes popped. Heart racing. Blood draining from my face. I think I am cursed. If I get a new laptop, it will be my third in the last two years! O.M.G. I take good care of my laptop (or so I think!), and I don't use it as heavily as Rommel uses his! And to think he has this ancient HP laptop (reformatted several times, but never a hardware problem). Ugh. I wanted to cry. I think if it were Valentine's Day and I received this SMS, I would have. I opted to take a break from work.

So my options now...

(1) Get a second opinion. I just got off the phone with the very accommodating Sancho from Digital Hub and we talked about my poor laptop. I asked for the possible root causes of logical board problems and he mentioned something about Firmware updates, that the unit needs to be plugged into the power outlet as the updates happen.

(2) Purchase a new laptop. If the diagnosis is a 100% true and the damages irreparable, it seems but logical to get a new laptop. Things to consider... MOOLAH. I have none. It's quite ironic that this should happen now, when I've taken a new resolve to be wiser with my spendings.

Can't help but feel guilty. I feel like somehow I've been negligent. Yet again. Poohoo. Maybe that's something worthy of my tears.

[Music From the Baul] Won't Go Home Without You

I've always been a fan of Maroon 5 (and an admirer of Adam Levine). It took a couple of years after their first album before the guys came out with their second album. I think this song is one of my favorite from "It Won't Be Soon Before Long". Can't wait to hear them live this March.

Won't Go Home Without You
By Maroon 5

I asked her to stay
But she wouldn't listen
She left before I had the chance to say
Oh
The words that would mend
The things that were broken
But now it's far too late, she's gone away

Every night you cry yourself to sleep
Thinking "Why does this happen to me?
Why does every moment have to be so hard?"
Hard to believe that

It's not over tonight
Just give me one more chance to make it right
I may not make it through the night
I won't go home without you

The taste of her breath, I'll never get over
And the noises that she made kept me awake
Oooh
The weight of things that remain unspoken
Built up so much it crushed us everyday

Every night you cry yourself to sleep
Thinking "Why does this happen to me?
Why does every moment have to be so hard?"
Hard to believe that

It's not over tonight
Just give me one more chance to make it right
I may not make it through the night
I won't go home without you
Oooh

It's not over tonight
Just give me one more chance to make it right
I may not make it through the night
I won't go home without you
Oooh

Of all the things I felt I've never really showed
Perhaps the worst is that I ever let you go
Should not ever let you go, oh oh oh

It's not over tonight
Just give me one more chance to make it right
I may not make it through the night
I won't go home without you
Oooh

It's not over tonight
Just give me one more chance to make it right
I may not make it through the night
I won't go home without you
And I won't go home without you
And I won't go home without you
And I won't go home without you

Friday Random Thoughts

Tis the weekend!

** I wish I could have been more productive today. This morning, I had to do something for my Dad, in relation to our trip this April. I think I need to maximize my Starbucks planner. It is worth 24 drinks, all amounting to more than 2400 petots. Anyway, I still need to pay for my Globe Bill, finish my new year cleaning, and complete all requirements (for April and for Plan B).

** Speaking of this April's trip... I asked for the breakdown of expenses from my travel agent. The most shocking amount of them all... 20K petots for the VISA processing fee for the UK. CRICKEY! I checked the official ukvisa website and found out the tourist VISA processing fee (If I were to do it on my own) is roughly 65 pounds. Quite a long way from 20K! They did give us a discount with the tour and all. Perhaps that's where they're offsetting that amount. Anyway, Papa has asked me to check with Raja, to see how they'll be packaging the tour. Ugh. More legwork for moi.

** I'm starting this year with a new cautious attitude about spending. More will power, I must say. I've been able to resist getting boots and a yummy winter jacket from Zara. I finally enrolled in Metrobank's online banking, and I will soon be a slave to internet banking.

** More recently, I've been feeling uninspired. I don't want to lose faith in 2008. But I don't want to set my expectations too high either. A major announcement was made middle of this week, which caused the projector in conference room 8.45 to move. Hehe. Should be interesting how this change will playout in the project's fate.

** Tomorrow's my evening with the girls. Yssa, Ina, Camille, and I are going out for dinner and a movie. Love those girls. :-)

[Movie Shmovie] Sweeney Todd

I am on a movie watching streak! This week, Johnny Depp took me on a ride to the dark side with "Sweeney Todd, the Demon Barber of Fleet Street". Classic Tim Burton. I couldn't get the song, "I will have vengeance" out of my head. Lots of blood, spewing from slit necks. So what is the moral of the story? Violence and revenge are never ending. I'm not sure though if I can say this is my favorite Johnny Depp performance (worthy of an Oscar). But he does deserve a golden statue for all the work he's done in the past. Hope this'll be his ticket.

[You Choob Finds] How to Cook Adobong Manak

Thanks to Bebet for this video. I must say. I am impressed. This guy can cook. And make his own instruction video. Haha!



April, I swear, naalala kita dito.

And to all you TV addicts out there who miss watching Pinoy shows and movies, here's a secret website loaded with awesome stuff. Haha! Thanks to April!

The Police and A.I.

** The Police Reunites

... And will be performing in Singapore on February 4. Here's what impulsive Schmenten was thinking of doing (before the more practical and logical part of me convinced me to do otherwise): Book a flight to Singapore (the PAL flights are actually less expensive than the Cebu Pacific ones) and purchase tickets on SISTIC. Tis a once in a lifetime reunion concert and I'm not sure when it's going to happen again.

A short history of my obsession... The year was 1991. Sixth grade. Teoville West. The Torres records collection. Synchronicity II. Every Breath You Take. My Reggie Miller look alike crushie and my days of stalking. Haha. And then in high school, I met Risa H., a fellow Sting fan. She gave me a Rolling Stones magazine where Gordon Matthew Sumner was the cover. Then my first Sting CD. My first CD ever, actually. Soul Cages. Two concerts. More CDs.



When I found out the trio was going to Singapore, I was wide-eyed and super excited! And then I realized, a few days later, that I might not have a passport on the fourth of February (held hostage at the embassy). Of course, there's that tiny detail of finances. I ought to be saving it for our trip this April. Poo.

Anyway, lil ole me joined the Star TV contest for free tickets. Who knows right? :-)




** American Idol Season 7!

Best part of the half-episode I saw was the ending. Where that weird Star Wars fan who calls herself Princess Leia gave this big speech about how AI turns away from diversity and uniqueness. And then there's that montage of the peeps who got through the auditions. Nice. Pic below is the creepy stalker who made a song for Paula. Hehe.



I'm keeping my fingers crossed that Season 7 will be better than Season 6. I didn't even bother watching the season finale with Blake and Jordin. Season 5 (Taylor Hicks) and Season 4 (Carrie Underwood) rock! I hope that Season 7'll have the same magic.

Weekend Random Thoughts

Wow. My third entry for the day. Hehe. My random musings for this weekend...

** Macmacmac is backbackback in the PowerMac hospital. Yesterday, just before I started my first TSI, my laptop couldn't boot up. Yet again. Barely a week after I checked him out, he found his way back. Ugh. This is not a good sign. Must be a bigger problem. I love Macs with all my heart, but I couldn't help but be disappointed. Or guilty? Hehe. Now I'm back to squatting. Rommel's laptop is close to ancient, but it's still working though. Had a couple of virus attacks in the past, but I don't think it's ever had a hardware related problem. Now I have to wait yet again for some notication from the PowerMac center.

** Deadlines past. I received a brochure from the Stern School of Business (NYU), and the second round of application just closed. The third deadline is coming in a few weeks, and I don't even have half the requirements ready. To move or not to move. That still remains to be the question. I have two camps of MBA cheerleaders. The London/Indo chapter (Irene and Arief) and the Pasig chapter (Suzie and Paolo). I can hear them sighing in frustration now. Happy cheering errupts from my two Staying-in-Pinas camps. The Casa Maria chapter (Ate Love, Ina, and Iris) and the Prince Tower chapter (Karina).

** SkyCable now sucks. Bye bye Solar channels. Hello not so great channels. I am not very happy with our cable TV provider right now. I find myself surfing through channels 8 to 56 to find something good to watch (surfing through channels 47-55 used to be enough). Crap. An upside to this though, is budding interest for the Discovery Channel and National Geographic.

** Errand Day on Tuesday. I SMSed by SMR today, asking if I can go take a vacation leave on Tuesday to do some errands. Schmenten needs to go to two banks, the Makati City Hall, maybe the Facial Care center, maybe school (to request for my Transcript of Records). I hope get all of my stuff done.

** Engagements, Weddings, and Children Galore. I've been catching up with some of my friends from high school and college lately. And on most of the headlines (chika headlines that is), Person X getting married, Person Y having another kid, Person Z getting engaged... I guess I'm currently at that age where such life altering events are happening. Most of the news I've been getting though are related to engagement. 2008 is a lucky year to be married, most couples figure. So how do I feel about all the engagements? Happy for my friends. Excited as well (Some are soliciting wedding advice from moi). At times a little sad (for moi). And then hopeful. My time may not be now, but I know "my time" exists. I've been called an idealist by a few people. Perhaps I am, but I do have my share of jaded moments. I guess I'm essentially an optmist. An optimist who needs to be a do-er for 2008.

[Movie Shmovie] National Treasure 2, Book of Secrets

My first movie for 2008! Nicholas Cage took me on another ride on the adventure train with his latet flick, "National Treasure 2, Book of Secrets". It's one of em movies perfect to see after a long week of work. It wasn't too heavy, had some laughs (mostly from Riley's witty remarks), and it got me excited. I was drooling at some of the European scenes. It was nice to see Helen Mirren on screen, with an American accent. Hehe. I think the storyline of the first National Treasure is a little more engaging than this second installment. Overall, I'm just happy to be watching a movie at all.

Too much of...

Too much of a good thing means "excess may do you harm". I think for 2007, I did a couple of things excessively and just this weekend, I continue to binge.

... sweets - Karina and I went to Greenbelt 5 yesterday and we discovered this store which sold sweet treats. The guy from Classic Confections said their Almond Crunch was a best seller last Christmas. So I tried one. Yummy! Almond Rocca deconstructued. Sort of. And so I bought one small bag. And while watching "Back to the Future Part 2" on Star Movies this afternoon, I watched the contents of the small bag disappear. Now I feel sick to my stomach, my throat's kinda dry, and I think my head will ache anytime now. Ugh. So hard to resist food. And lazing around.

...going out - A lot of people may say that I can't stay put at home. Always out, always on the go. Kinda true... Ok fine. Very true. Hehe. Lately, being on the go all the time is taking its toll on me. My calves are pretty sore, and my body is requesting for a massage.

...spending - Gotta start saving! Bills are mounting. I realized today how vicariously I've been spending my moolah. I have a pile of clothes I just recently bought, and I asked myself today why I bought them in the first place. I didn't really desparately needed them when I got them. I think all this practical thinking is out of my fear of my upcoming visa application. And maybe I'm getting a little wiser (out of being a little older).

Friday Lunch and Dinner

Today, I got my daily quota of girlie bonding.

Lunch time, Lea, Maja, and I went to Powerplant Mall and had career-and-love related conversations over two pasta dishes and a four cheese pizza. Pazzo just renovated and they changed their menus. I must say, the carbonara I used to love... no longer exists! In its place is this egg-based pasta dish which is... average. Hehehe.

Lea's getting married this March and she shared her two cents about life choices. We've all booked our flights to Davao (and I still have to pay Boom). I'm sure Lea will be cute as a button. Hehe.



The tisay pair! Hehe! Maja has a lot of great choices. And a couple of suitors and old admirers up her sleeve.




Dinner time, I met up with Lery and April. Our place of choice, Cafe Breton Westgate Alabang. April entertained us with her showbiz stories and her very candid (ahem) observations of people she knew and people didn't fancy very much. Ler and I were reeling with laughter when she told us about this yellow-teethed current flame of an ex. This girl practically knows everybody (and she has the pictures to prove it!).





I miss the condo girls! Maan Mina! When are we going to see you again?! 502 girls in the house!

I was touched when April and Lery told me they still kept the box I gave them several Christmases ago. The cover of the box had our pictures on them. April said she brought hers to New Zealand!

Some random thoughts for today...

** Rediscovering Multiply. April showed us a lot of her pictures from her Multiply site. And I was like, "Ay. Pede pala yun?" Yes. I will be joining the Multiply band wagon. I customized my site's theme, and I uploaded two new albums! Added a few contacts (like Friendster all over again).

** VISA woes. Ugh. All these VISA requirements are making me realize how important saving is. Most of my friends have been playfully (and seriously) scolding me for squandering my earnings for the past few years. Dengit. I'm kinda apprehensive about how the embassies will assess my background. I've a stable job though, and I hope that will be enough (plus my US visa golden ticket).

[Music From the Baul] My Moon and My Man

Tere gave me a CD of her musical discoveries last Christmas and included is one song by Feist. She's a Canadian singer-songwriter who also sang "1 2 3 4", a song I know is most likely in my iPod as well.

Anyway, this song's cute, and the video's interesting. Check it out!

My Moon and My Man
By Feist


My moon, my man
So changeable and
Such a loveable lamb to me

My care, my coat
Leave on a high note
There's nowhere to go but on

Heart on my sleeve
Not where it should be
The song's out of key again

My moon's white face
What day and what phase
It's the calendar page again

Take it slow
Take it easy on me
And shed some light
Shed some light on me please
Take it slow
And shed some light
Shed some light on me please

My moon and me
Not as good as we've been
It's the dirtiest clean I know

My care, my coat
Leave on a high note
There's nowhere to go
There's nowhere to go

Take it slow
Take it easy on me
And shed some light
Shed some light on me please
Take it slow
And shed some light
Shed some light on me please

My moon my moon my man
My moon my moon my man
My moon my moon my man
My moon my moon my man

2008 in the Horizon

I will go on record here. 2008 will be my year. I will make it my year.

Naks. Such big words. Such high hopes. I do anticipate a lot of major events. And maybe a couple of changes. Hehe. I'm looking forward to all of them! I'm 28 and 2 months old. I'm not too excited about turning 29 though. The big 3-0 scares me a little. That's about two years away, so I won't think about it much for now.

Anyway! So far... here's what's happening in 2008...

Weddings!

Fabulous girls are getting hitched this year!

This March, Lea will become Mrs. Jesse Lucas! D Gang will be flying to Davao to attend the momentous event! We booked our tickets and we're expected to be in Davao City Friday evening (March 7) and we return to Manila on the 9th. Whopeee! D Gang hasn't gone on an out of town trip in a while, and I think it'll be fun! Although my travel companions are mostly pairs. Boom and Marian. Jan and Tom. (Maybe) Mike Pangs and Pia. Baka pedeng humabol pa sa pairing. Hehe.

Then this September, Jan Sy will become Jan Sy-Sing. The wedding date's the lucky date on the Chinese Lunar Calendar (08-08-08). We're all pretty excited to see Jan walk down the aisle (and to check out Mrs. Sy's reaction of course!).

This November, it's the Tan-Locnen wedding. Yasmin and her baboyfriend Al (I think it is out of sheer love for Yas that Al lets her call him this). I've been giving Yas free wedding advice. Syempre, she has her usual, "Ang mahal!" side comments. Today, she shared what she and Cel talked about, delegating the wedding coordinator tasks to her friends. Pesem will catch the doves, Mike will check for any bombs and counterfeit money. She dreams of a simple yet organized wedding. I just want to see Yas get all sappy and emotional! Haha!

Course, there's the Dela Rama-Villanueva wedding (no definite date as of yet). They found the perfect church and i'm just itching to start the more in depth wedding planning. Haha. Hey guys! You know where to find me. Just holler!

Vacay!

This vacay is looong overdue. Two years to be exact. My brothers and I are planning a trip this April, to celebrate their graduation. Tonton from college and Rommel from law school. I'm currently up to my elbows with all the VISA requirements, and let me tell you. It ain't hassle-free! As I am employed, I need to present payslips, my ITR, bank statements, vacation leave forms, certificate of employment... Argh. I'm actually apprehensive about the VISA. I'm crossing my fingers that it'll be a breeze. I'm pretty excited about the trip though! I started shopping for boots. There's this super nice jacket I saw in Zara.

I'm also excited about being away from the office for almost a month! Mwahahaha!

Wild Cards

(As I am typing, Coldplay's "Warning Sign" is playing in the background. Is this a sign?!)

Irene and I exchanged the most interesting and brutally honest emails. 2007 left me with so many things still hanging in the air. Whichever way I go, I think 2008 will be a year of major changes. I pray for being smitten, certain, committed, and uncompromising.

Oooh. And one last thing. Maroon 5 concert this March! That should be good. I've waited 3 years for those blokes to go to Manila.

*****

Here's how us born in the Year of the Sheep (1979) will do in the year of the Rat (2008)...

From the Chinese Astrology website

Sheep Ratings
42% (5 favorable and 7 unfavorable months)

After what was probably a very favorable, Pig, year this year might seem like a disaster. It is important, however, for you to understand that you are still looking at five, favorable months. There will thus be plenty of opportunities if you do not get down and let negative emotions get the best of you. Your natural inclination is most likely to follow your heart, but you will do much better this year if you can let your head dictate your actions.

Sheep Career
Your management may be pressuring you this year to work even more. You can find spots for advancement and make progress on your work if you stay diligent with the tasks at hand. The biggest drawback to your year is the pressure on you, and your inclination to say yes and take on more work than you can handle. Be rational about your workload and don't be scared to say no if the load is too much to bear.

Sheep Relationships
For the single Sheep, the Year of the Earth Rat could lead to the blossoming of true love. You may find that temptation to date more than one person falls on you in more than one instance. However, existing relationships could be problematic. Be careful not to be overly trusting or you'll wind up hurt later. At the same time, be wary of rumors and gossip, as they will lead to unnecessary arguments.

Sheep Health
Work could be the drain on you, and the more you are inclined to overwork yourself, the more likely you will be to experience increased stress levels and exposure to illness. While this advice is always good, it is even more so this year under the influence of the Earth element. Do your best to not get down on yourself when things don't go your way. Overall, the year should be one of good health if you take the typical steps towards proper maintenance.

Sheep Wealth
Your finances should be looking up this year. Earth years are good years for saving and planning which bodes well for those that keep a conservative mindset. You may be due for a surprise during one of your down months that could turn out to be unpleasant. Make sure you've tucked away enough to cover the costs associated with an unexpected accident or maintenance

Some Random Pics

Took a few pictures these past few days of a few random stuff.

Here's a billboard along EDSA, close to the MRT track. Filipinos heart Jollibee, and it makes me smile when we have balikbayans who crave for Jollibee goodies. Anyway, I like this print ad.



Starbucks coffee the best. My grade school friends and I were talking last Sunday and they were all saying how the coffee at Gloria Jeans or Seattle's Best is better. Of course I was first to contest. I heart Starbucks. And the Green Clover and Aloe scent (barely seen in this picture) I've been making tipid these past few months.



Fireworks at MOA! It's pretty awesome to watch a fireworks display up close! Donde esta Pyro Olympics?



Saw this sign in MOA last Saturday (when I was there with Pesem and Issang). Coudn't resist. My favorite name in lights.



I cleaned out my closet last week and I found a couple of shirts I've stashed away for safe keeping (actually, more for sentimental reasons). Anyway, I came upon these three interesting shirts.

This gray one's the shirt we got from our PDP training in St. Charles Illinois. O.M.G. The shirt will officially turn 7 years old this July.



Lapagayo was a huge deal back in college. Colorful and whimsical. So where are my lapagayo shirts from way back when? Still inside my closet but in my pambahay pile. Hehe. This orange shirt's been with me for almost ten years now.



This blouse I also love. I got it waaaay back freshman year in college, the summer before school started. Kamiseta SM Southmall I think. This blouse is super soft, and kinda old! It's turning 12 years old this May.

Macmacmac is backbackback

Power Mac Service Report reads:

CHECK THE UNIT, THE UNIT BOT UP TO THE SYSTEM... TRY TO SHUTDOWN THE UNIT, OPEN IT THE UNIT WONT TURN ON.. USED PRAM THE UNIT BOOT UP... ENCOUNTERED INTERMITTENT BOOTING UO... NEED TO USED PRAM TO BOOT UP THE UNIT... RESET THE MEMORY OF THE UNIT... STILL OBSERVING THE UNIT, UNIT IS WORKING PROPERLY...

READY FOR RELEASE

Yey! Macmacmac is back in my arms. He and I were apart (including the days I couldn't boot him up) for more than 2 weeks! Almost 3 I think. I've missed him!

40 Year End Questions

1. What did you do in 2007 that you'd never done before?
Review and take the GMAT

2. Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
Haha. Same as last year. Nope. Still need to start saving and getting fit.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Ate Mylene, Tita Gina, and Precious. Beautiful baby girls!

4. Did anyone close to you die?
Yes. Lola Pacing. She was well into her eighties and she had the big C. But she lived a long, happy, and fulfilling life.

5. What countries did you visit?
Thailand and Indonesia. I was a millionaire in Jakarta!

6. What would you like to have in 2008 that you lacked in 2007?
Certainty and commitment.

7. What date from 2006 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
Hmm... No specific date comes to mind.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Finally getting off my arse to review and take the GMAT.

9. What was your biggest failure?
Finally taking my GMAT (without doing a practice test), and getting my not-so-impressive score.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Still my skin asthma. Allergies. Hyperacidity.

11. What was the best thing you bought?
My Samsung phone. 3 MP camera, Music Player, Micro SD slot. Best of all, it's pretty. Oh, and countless dinners and lunches from Manila's finest restaurants.

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Arief! Hehe! For being a supportive beau to Irene. For charming her friends, for meeting up with her family and me, and for his Christmas surprises.

And Irving! For eating more Fita and for his palaban hirits. Haha! Tama yan.

13. Whose behaviour made you appalled and depressed?
Peeps from my project who are waaaay over their heads with the politics and scheming to get ahead.

14. Where did most of your money go?
ZARA pa rin. Gas and ePass.

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Harry Potter Book 7. How excited was I? I got out of bed before 6. Dragged Suzie to Fully Booked Serendra. And finished the book in less than 2 days.

16. What song will always remind you of 2007?
Umbrella by Rihanna. Ella Ella Ella Ehh Ehh Ehh
Papaya. Made popular by Edu Manzano.
Europa by Santana. Sexy Time!

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
Too laid back and carefree. Still confused but somehow enlightened.

18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
Saving.

19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Spending.

20. How will you be spending Christmas?
Spent it playing caterer. Then with family. And friends.

22. Did you fall in love in 2007?
No.

23. How many one-night stands?
Wala nga eh.

24. What was your favourite TV program?
Entourage! Hands down.

25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
Can't think of anyone.

26. What was the best book you read?
The only book I read from cover to cover. Harry Potter, Book 7!

27. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Phoenix ("If I Ever Feel Better"), Imogen Heap ("Just for Now"), Postal Service ("Such Great Heights"), Bloc Party ("This Modern Love" and "So Here We Are")

28. What did you want and get?
A year of change (Changes I didn't like though. Hehe.)

29. What did you want and not get?
A Birthday/Christmas unlike any other.

30. favorite film(s) of this year?
Transformers, Hairspray, Blades of Glory

31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
Same as 2006: Dinner with my family (post beeday) and dinner with closest friends. I'm 28. Dengit.

32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Having tangible proof that it's all worth it.

33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2007?
Prints, cool graphic tees from David and Goliath, cheapo flats from Greenhills, and lotsa Zara.

34. What kept you sane?
JologzBitchin girls and gals with our occasional night outs and overnights. Karina's open ears. Macky's spot-on impersonations, Erik's hirits, Bibay's Vs (hahaha!), Maan's voice of reason, Irene's follow-your-dreams speeches and cajoling. Lamon and venting sessions with the best lamon buddy in the world Keysi. Filling out post its of our kabarokan with Mike ("Throubleshooter", "Mengo Store", "Jay Lino", and many others). Ceasar, Angelo, and Pasqui, Focus clowns! Long distance calls from Yas (sometimes teary, sometimes weary, but often humuorous). And finally, my babies, Ina, Iris, Yssa, Ate Love, and Ate Gret (sige na, babies na rin kayo!). Fills my heart with joy.

35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Adrian Grenier

36. What political issue stirred you the most?
All the nonsensical political chorva.

37. Who did you miss?
Maan, Keyce, and Irene.

38. Who was the best new person you met?
Mr. Lopez's business partner. Hahaha! Sana magkita kami again.

39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2006.
Be fair to yourself. Know what you deserve.

40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
From Music and Lyrics' "Way Back Into Love"
"I need inspiration
Not just another negotiation"

My 40 Year End Questions from 2007. Always nice to look back and see how things have (not) changed.

Goodbye 2007 and Hello 2008!

GVS Reunion at Central (Sort of)

Of all the days of the week, Cathy Levanza-Cipriano picked Sunday to have our grade school reunion. At Central BBQ Boy Grill. Of all the times I've been here with the GVS crew, Rosan is surprisingly absent.

Anyway, it's always good to see familiar faces... and faces I haven't seen for quite a long while! Edgar, Howie, and Doris were present! I haven't seen Doris since... grade school graduation! Which is like... 16 years ago. Heck. That's a high school graduate.

Of course, we reminisced about those good ole days when we were the prince and princesses of the Dark Blue bus. Couldn't help but remember old flames and classmates. Cathy reminded me of the time when I "sold" her to one of her suitors in exchange for 2 Sweet Valley High paperbacks.

Mariless was explicitly telling Vanessa to make use of her extensive network for some match making. Us single girls aren't getting any younger, and she has taken the proactive route to make things happen.

Carl still had a dirty mouth (mind, heart, body, soul). Edgar kept bringing up Shirome.





Most surprising part of the evening was the revelation of this budding romance. Howie and Doris (grade school friends who reconnected a few months ago through a common friend) are dating. Soooo cute!




Howie showed us his masterpiece of a tattoo. Wow. Michael Scoffield eat your heart out.




Cathy kept making comments about her being "manang" because she's married and has a son (the cutest baby boy). She also shared that she and Randy are considering going back to Manila for good. This of course, excited all of us. More reunions in the pipeline!