Of Night's Word and Whisper

Hope for Everyone! I want YOU to join in!

2009-02-24T22:46:00.012+08:00

I've never been an activist, and I am rarely one to champion causes. I mostly try to avoid sob stories and tragic laments of others, because (a) the stories tend to be too predictable like the sob stories that make it to 'Wowowee,' (b) I can't tell if they're scamming or ripping me off like the street beggars that make the daily rounds at traffic-prone intersections, and (c) I feel helpless and inept when my contribution only alleviates (not solves) problems.

But I am making an exception this one time.

I'm supporting a cause that brings hope to kids - to enlighten them through education, to uplift them through livelihood skills training, and to (literally) light their way through technological empowerment. It's called the Samsung Hope project, and I invite everyone to join me in this program supporting less privileged youths.

The program works like this: Samsung has already committed a large donation to three (3) beneficiaries - ATRIEV, Don Bosco Foundation, and Knowledge Channel. However, Samsung is giving away the jackpot (more or less a cool million or so) to the beneficiary that garners the most number for "pledges" or votes in the Samsung Hope website. It doesn't ask much anyway; just your time and your pledge. I strongly suggest getting to know their causes before moving forward. (Just google it, hehe)

So where do you sign up? Click the image below, and begin your own journey of giving.

www.samsunghope.org

Steps:
1. Go to URL: http://www.samsunghope.org
2. Click "Add your pledge."
3. Choose the foundation you wish to express your support.
4. Select a balloon design, and write any message on it. Fill in the necessary details, and submit!

Would love your help, and the kids definitely need your support. So share the love and vote, er, pledge!

Another one bites the dust (sorta)

2008-12-21T22:16:00.003+08:00

I never thought I'd see the day when the company's biggest advocate would be leaving before me. Dang, he's one very lucky dog! I hope that advocate will be happier advocating that other company.

Me, on the other hand, while sharing the joy of Advocate's fortune, is commiserating our new team condition. If we were battered this year, we expect next year to be even more abusive. It doesn't help that we're starting the new year with muted morale. Come to think of it, I started my odyssey with this unit in pretty much the same condition - low morale and lacking in people. How long will this last?

In a way, the Advocate's exit confirms how messed up things are... to an extent. It sorta validates my jump-out-my-skin feeling the whole year round. Hopefully, the new year would produce new opportunities. I look forward to them most eagerly.

Of Big Mouths and Flapjacks

2008-10-23T23:56:00.002+08:00

Sometimes I say things carelessly. There was a time I called someone 'bitch' in jest, but that person took it seriously. It's a good thing that my apology and explanation behind using the term were accepted. Yesterday, I made the mistake of letting my mouth go loose. It ticked somebody off, and that person wouldn't get off my case until I had thoroughly explained my careless utterances. "Sorry" didn't cut it either. Sigh, me and my big mouth. No wonder silence is golden. Lesson learned: I shouldn't be too comfortable around anyone (except those I can really trust).

***

VERDICT: Tried it for lunch today. It's a good breakfast food place. Not worth a splurge (no extra value for money) - there's nothing off about the interior aesthetics and food quality (in fact, it's good), but portion & quality of service does not justify the cost.

INTERIORS: The place is brightly colored with lots of natural light to illuminate the resto interiors. Blown up pictures of sample menu items also help whet the appetite, which adds to the cheery charm to the place. I recommend dining indoors, and dine outdoors only when it's cool, because there are no fans or mist sprayers outside to alleviate the heat.

SERVICE: Currently, it's on soft opening mode, which could explain why service sucks. By service, I mean the service crew may be courteous, but they are not alert or attentive. The service style itself is unusual for a all-day breakfast food place (like Pancake House, Country Waffles, Heaven n Eggs, Grams Diner, etc.) in that it's semi-self-service. Other restos of this kind offer full waiter service. Here, you order and pay at the counter, then seat yourself and wait to be served your order.

FOOD: Good but not spectacular. They've got a good pancake recipe. It's not too sweet nor too flat. It tastes rich and fluffy, and bland enough to enjoy it with one or more syrups. (I had chocolate and maple with mine.) I've also sampled the omelet, and it tasted fresh and vibrant - similar to the fresh cooked breakfast omelets served in hotel buffets. It's a plus that you can choose the fillings of your omelet, such as cheese, bacon, ham, etc. (Choose one, choose some, or choose all, hahaha!) Portion-wise, the meal is not large, but it fills the tummy. However, my breakfast philosophy is to stuff myself in the morning when I can, so I feel there should be a bigger serving (especially when the price is above average). One more BOO! for no waffles. Pancakes and waffles go hand-in-hand; I don't know why this place serves pancakes but no waffles.

PRICING: Above average. I think you need a minimum of P150 to enjoy a meal. The plain pancakes are at 195. So are the french toast and omelets. And those menu items are the basic ones, the more fancy ones are, of course, more expensive. Still, I've got to ask - what am I paying more for? It's definitely not the service. So it must be the food, but the portioning is not big enough and food is not to die for. Surely not variety due to limited menu. Flapjacks has to offer more to justify the price.

Just plain bad luck...

2008-08-24T00:28:00.002+08:00

I should be excited at the prospect of frequent travel. That's kinda what I was looking for to spice up my life and expand my world.

This month has a heckuvalot of that. Travel, travel, travel. But I can't enjoy a single trip, all because I'm getting sick. The spirit may be willing to travel, but the body has the bad luck to feel weak. It makes the whole thing uncomfortable.

I just arrived from CDO-Cebu trip Friday night. It will be my first time to travel to Singapore, and my flight is in just 14 more hours. And all along, I have been in pain (still am too) and feeling lightheaded some of the time. To think, I'm still gonna fly in this condition to Cebu next week after I return from Singapore. This just blows. I really deserve a vacation after all this, if only to recover.

Dad's Ten Rules of Dating

2008-08-17T19:41:00.002+08:00

Something I pulled from my sister's blog. It's something worth sharing to all little girls with uber-caring daddies :-)

------------------------------

Rule One: If you pull into my driveway and honk you'd better be delivering a package, because you're surely not picking anything up.

Rule Two: You do not touch my daughter in front of me. You may glance at her, so long as you do not peer at anything below her neck. If you cannot keep your eyes or hands off of my daughter's body, I will remove them.

Rule Three: I am aware that it is considered fashionable for boys of your age to wear their trousers so loosely that they appear to be falling off their hips. Please don't take this as an insult, but you and all of your friends are complete idiots. Still, I want to be fair and open minded about this issue, so I propose this compromise: You may come to the door with your underwear showing and your pants ten sizes too big, and I will not object. However, in order to ensure that your clothes do not, in fact come off during the course of your date with my daughter, I will take my electric nail gun and fasten your trousers securely in place to your waist.

Rule Four: I'm sure you've been told that in today's world, sex without utilizing a "barrier method" of some kind can kill you. Let me elaborate, when it comes to sex, I am the barrier, and I will kill you.

Rule Five: It is usually understood that in order for us to get to know each other, we should talk about sports, politics, and other issues of the day. Please do not do this. The only information I require from you is an indication of when you expect to have my daughter safely back at my house, and the only word I need from you on this subject is: "early."

Rule Six: I have no doubt you are a popular fellow, with many opportunities to date other girls. This is fine with me as long as it is okay with my daughter. Otherwise, once you have gone out with my little girl, you will continue to date no one but her until she is finished with you. If you make her cry, I will make you cry.

Rule Seven: As you stand in my front hallway, waiting for my daughter to appear, and more than an hour goes by, do not sigh and fidget. If you want to be on time for the movie, you should not be dating. My daughter is putting on her makeup, a process than can take longer than painting the Golden Gate Bridge. Instead of just standing there, why don't you do something useful, like changing the oil in my car?

Rule Eight: The following places are not appropriate for a date with my daughter: Places where there are beds, sofas, or anything softer than a wooden stool. Places where there is darkness. Places where there is dancing or holding hands. Places where the ambient temperature is warm enough to induce my daughter to wear shorts, tank tops, midriff T-shirts, or anything other than overalls, a sweater, and a goose down parka - zipped up to her throat. Movies with a strong romantic or sexual themes are to be avoided; movies that feature chain saws are okay. Hockey games are okay. Old folks homes are better.

Rule Nine: Do not lie to me. I may appear to be a potbellied, balding, middle-aged, dimwitted has-been. But on issues relating to my daughter, I am the all-knowing, merciless god of your universe. If I ask you where you are going and with whom, you have one chance to tell me the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. I have a shotgun, a shovel, and five acres behind the house. Do not trifle with me.

Rule Ten: Be afraid. Be very afraid. It takes very little for me to mistake the sound of your car in the driveway for a chopper coming in over a rice paddy near Hanoi. When my Agent Orange starts acting up, the voices in my head frequently tell me to clean the guns as I wait for you to bring my daughter home. As soon as you pull into the driveway you should exit the car with both hands in plain sight. Speak the perimeter password, announce in a clear voice that you have brought my daughter home safely and early, then return to your car - there is no need for you to come inside. The camouflaged face at the window is mine.

NOTE: This application will be incomplete and rejected unless accompanied by a complete financial statement, job history, lineage, and current medical report from your doctor.

NAME _______________________ DATE OF BIRTH ____________

HEIGHT ________ WEIGHT _________ IQ __________ GPA _________

SOCIAL SECURITY #_____________ DRIVERS LICENSE #____________

BOY SCOUT RANK AND BADGES________________________________________

HOME ADDRESS_____________________________________________________

CITY/STATE ____________________________ ZIP______

Do you have parents? ___Yes ___No
Is one male and the other female? ___Yes ___No
If No, explain: _______________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

Number of years they have been married _________________________________

If less than your age, explain:
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________

ACCESSORIES SECTION:

A. Do you own or have access to a van? __Yes __No

B. A truck with oversized tires? __Yes __No

C. A waterbed? __Yes __No

D. A pickup with a mattress in the back? __Yes __No

E. A tattoo? __Yes __No

F. Do you have an earring, nose ring, __Yes __No
pierced tongue, pierced cheek or a belly button ring?

(IF YOU ANSWERED "YES" TO ANY OF THE ABOVE, DISCONTINUE APPLICATION AND LEAVE PREMISES IMMEDIATELY. I SUGGEST RUNNING.)

ESSAY SECTION:

In 50 words or less, what does 'LATE' mean to you?
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________

In 50 words or less, what does 'DON'T TOUCH MY DAUGHTER' mean to you?
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________

In 50 words or less, what does 'ABSTINENCE' mean to you?
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________

REFERENCES SECTION:

Church you attend ___________________________________________________

How often you attend ________________________________________________

When would be the best time to interview your:

father? ____________

mother? ___________

pastor? ____________

SHORT-ANSWER SECTION:

Answer by filling in the blank. Please answer freely, all answers are confidential.

A: If I were shot, the last place I would want shot would be:

____________________________________________________________________

B: If I were beaten, the last bone I would want broken is my:

____________________________________________________________________

C: A woman's place is in the:

____________________________________________________________________

D: The one thing I hope this application does not ask me about is:

____________________________________________________________________

E. What do you want to do IF you grow up?

____________________________________________________________________

F. When I meet a girl, the thing I always notice about her first is:

____________________________________________________________________

G. What is the current going rate of a hotel room? __________________________

I SWEAR THAT ALL INFORMATION SUPPLIED ABOVE IS TRUE AND CORRECT TO THE BEST OF MY KNOWLEDGE UNDER PENALTY OF DEATH, DISMEMBERMENT, NATIVE AMERICAN ANTI TORTURE, CRUCIFIXION, ELECTROCUTION, CHINESE WATER TORTURE, RED HOT POKERS, AND HILLARY CLINTON KISS TORTURE.

__________________________________________________________________
Applicant's Signature (that means sign your name, moron!)

______________________ ________________________
Mother's Signature Father's Signature

__________________________ ______________________________
Pastor/Priest/ Rabbi State Representative/Congressman

Thank you for your interest, and it had better be genuine and non-sexual. Please allow four to six years for processing.

You will be contacted in writing if you are approved. Please do not try to call or write (since you probably can't, and it would cause you injury). If your application is rejected, you will be notified by two gentlemen wearing white ties carrying violin cases (you might want to watch your back)

Freaky piece of paper

2008-06-28T16:38:00.004+08:00

First, the ID came. It got me worried.

Now the contract has come, and I'm really freaked out.

There are times when I thought I could handle the it alone, but most of the time, I can't help but feel more "alone" than "handling it." There just isn't enough knowledge and experience to support the expectations put upon it.

And the contract... well, I'd love to tear it up, but too many voices are screaming against it. I resent it, knowing that the voices are indeed right. But it all feels so wrong... like I'm going to write on it with my blood.I feel so screwed. Can I get hit with lightning right now? Really. I want to get this done and over.

My Next Life After This

2008-06-03T23:22:00.003+08:00

I would love to die and be reborn as a Kobe cow in my next life. It may be a step down the karmic ladder, but it's the easiest lifestyle I know about.

Think about it: as a Kobe cow, you may be destined to end up on someone's dinner plate somewhere along the food chain; but, you are pampered with a lifetime of good food, stress-free lifestyle complete with hand massage and soothing living space. The best part is your death with be as easy on you as your lifestyle. Sure, there is very little meaning to your life other than feeding another lifeform upon your death, but you can't complain on how "happy" you lived your life.

Being a human is tough, I'm learning. Being a smart one is tougher. (And yup, I'm ranting how my job makes me feel so drained and confused. It's making the Kobe cow life look extremely attractive at this rate.)

I used to look down on cows. Moo time has always been a subject of much chuckles and tongue-in-cheek comments. Now I absolutely adore Kobe cows. So much I want to be one of them. >_<

...

If not, I want to be a panda. Hehe, Kung Fu Panda. The trailer was awfully funny and witty. Can't wait to watch the film!

My Love VisualDNA

2008-04-06T16:53:00.002+08:00

I love image quizzes. No brain cells required. In the VisualDNA personality test, it assesses you based on pictures with pre-designated psychological meanings that you have selected. Like it says, it maps out your "DNA" or your personality makeup from visuals of your choice - whether you picked them intentionally or subliminally. Though not a new concept, an interesting one nonetheless. I filled this one out a long time ago, and posted the results on my Multiply blog.

Inspired by ImaginI (the maker of the VisualDNA quiz), youniverse.com created a new one like it, called the "Love VisualDNA." Too late for the Valentine season though, but just in time for summer lovin'.

Being a dreamer and romantic, I answered it today, and had fun doing it. I turned out to be a Love Magnet, haha!

What's wrong with being quiet?

2008-02-19T23:19:00.003+08:00

It's something I'm always asked: "why are you so quiet?" I don't know. Must we keep talking all the time? Is it alright that I just listen? Because I don't say anything unless I have something to say. Why must people be uncomfortable with quietude?

I can make weird noises. That's something I can possibly do, but I bet it would just irritate. I think I have that kind of effect on people.

Better than me saying anything senseless and meaningless, I'd rather listen and take the whole world in. Better than contributing to the noise and the babble, I prefer to attempt making sense out of all of those. Better than speaking up on something that I have no knowledge of, I'd really like to learn what others can teach or inform me.

I like being quiet. I speak when needed anyway. I voice my thoughts when I feel the need to share them. I respond when I'm spoken to. It's not bad nor sinful to be silent. That's just the way I am. And I'm okay with it. If you ask me why am I so quiet, it's because I really have no idea what to say or talk about. I just feel it's pointless to produce sounds that don't lead anywhere, except "oh, I see," when really they don't.

"The true genius shudders at incompleteness - and usually prefers silence to saying something which is not everything it should be." -Edgar Allan Poe. He had a wonderfully forthright way of saying things, with all its gore. While it may take some time to understand his words, he's still amusing and interesting.

For better or for worse, here I come

2008-02-03T16:14:00.000+08:00

I've been lagging quite a bit in posting entries here. Had a lot of work to finish in the past few months. Had to smoothen some paths leading to new opportunities. Had to do some mental adjusting to the changes.

Yep, there will be a lot of changing done this year.

First, the job. I have been officially unemployed for 2 days. I report for my next job tomorrow. What a vacation, huh? But then again, my last real month-long vacation was in 2003, when I was still in college. >.< Man, I need to be saved. I have mixed feelings of turning towards the workaholic side. On one hand, work is good - it pays well, and it keeps me occupied. On the other hand, I get stressed, but I get bored easily without it. Nevertheless, I hope I can live up to the expectations of my new job. I feel quite nervous about it. Oh, and you're curious about it, I'm in Intelligence. *wink wink*

Second, the body. Body image issues chronically haunt me, and my wardrobe is definitely not helping. Pants fit a little too snugly, and shirts don't hide the extra curves any more. I need to get back to my original 110lbs pre-xmas weight. I need to go back to the gym. (I had my account frozen for the past 2 months.) Need to work up that muscle mass again. Can't wait to get back into the BodyPump classes.

Third, the blog. Got a backlog of articles to write and upload. We'll be seeing a lot of post-dated entries in weeks to come. Sigh.

Fourth, the laptop. I named her "Moody," because she has days when she feels like working, and days she doesn't show you a thing at all. Her LCD's busted, but I'm not ready to replace it, since it's too damn expensive. (Think max of Php35k - that's a lot to blow on a single spare part!) I guess I'm delaying the inevitable, but until then, I'm milking Moody's LCD for all it's worth.

I hope this will be a good year. Besides, it will be the year of the rat soon - a good time to start a new job and make a fresh start. In I go with bated breath.

Another rant for the holidays

2008-01-04T17:53:00.000+08:00

It's been tested for two years straight. Never spend more than four days in Baguio; otherwise, tempers will shorten and people (particularly me) will become tenuously nastier.

I am a city girl by heart. I'm stimulated by the buzz and bustle of the city, as well as the luxuries of urban living. Not that I'm saying that Baguio is not urban, but rather the place I stay in (Lolo's house) lacks the amenities I enjoy in Manila: like hot showers and *important* entertainment devices (PS2, PC). Stressor #1.

In Baguio, I found myself spending hours watching cable or DVDs, munching on something, viewing the Baguio horizon, munching on something, reading newspapers, munching on something, strolling in some parts (La Trinidad strawberry farm, SM Baguio, Session Road, the public market), munching on something. Yup, I was always eating in Baguio, and it got me about 2-3 lbs heavier. Grrr. Stressor #2.

We also spent the Holidays in Baguio with my Tito. He's single, more than 60 years old, weathered a stroke twice and survived, and currently living the quiet life of the retired. No wonder he's a surly, old man. He's not easy to live with as he's moody and not very diplomatic. Stressor #3.

By the end of the Baguio ordeal, I was miserable and tired. I am so glad to be back in Manila. Mabuhay Manila! =P

Because I'm also idle at work

2008-01-04T17:15:00.000+08:00

*grabbed from Peppy's Multiply (Thanks dude)

1. What did you do in 2007 that you’d never done before?
Go to Boracay

2. Did you keep your new years’ resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
No. And yes - I'll try to be nicer this year

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
My cousins on mom's side always seem to be productive every year.

4. Did anyone close to you die?
Nope.

5. What countries did you visit?
None.

6. What would you like to have in 2008 that you lacked in 2007?
Work-life balance.

7. What date from 2007 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
May 24. A day of fresh and exciting possibilities, and start of a new life adventure.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Getting sucked in a multinational entity. Great way to end the year, actually.

9. What was your biggest failure?
... processing

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
I think I did... I must have at least once :/

11. What was the best thing you bought?
Comfy pair of Hush Puppies shoes.

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Dunno.

13. Whose behaviour appalled you and made you depressed?
Clients with no heart and no "common" sense to begin with.

14. Where did most of your money go?
Food.

15 What did you get really, really, really excited about?
The 300 movie - one of the very few films that both boys and girls love for very different reasons.

16. What song will always remind you of 2007?
None, really. To me, songs mark decades, not years.

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. happier or sadder? Happier, i guess
ii. thinner or fatter? MOOooOOooo...!
iii. richer or poorer? more liquid

18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Online gaming.

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Work on weekends.

20. How will you be welcoming the New Year?
Same as last year.

22. Did you fall in love in 2007?
Yeah, an ongoing adventure, it is.

23. How many one-night stands?
Nada.

24. What was your favourite TV program?
Blood+

25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
Nope.

26. What was the best book you read?
Fairy Tales still rock.

27. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Regina Spektor, Frou Frou.

28. What did you want and get?
New headset and new speakers.

29. What did you want and not get?
Nintendo Wii.

30. Favorite film of this year?
300.

31. What did you do on your birthday?
Party.

32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Spending Christmas and New Year in Manila.

33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2007?
Simple, uncomplicated, and comfortable. Open to modifications.

34. What kept you sane?
Ranting, and people willing to listen. Special thanks to those ears I have smoldered: Nenz, Jayjay, Jasmine, Affie.

35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Who cares about them?

36. Who is your real-person crush?
Affie! :D

37. What political issue stirred you the most?
Stupid Glori-antics.

38. Who did you miss?
None. Too painful.

38. Who was the best new person you met?
The person who will shake my hand come February, hehe.

39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2007.
Family politics suck.

40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
"So let go, jump in
Oh well, whatcha waiting for
It's alright
'Cause there's beauty in the breakdown"

Frustrated Sighs of Exaustion

2007-11-21T16:05:00.000+08:00

In my more than 3 years of working in the real world, I've never truly understood the term "dead-tired" till now. This isn't a comforting kind of tired - the kind that you would flop onto bed and drop off to sleep in an instant. This isn't an exhausted kind of tired - the kind that you are happy enough to sneak in a 10-minute power nap.

I've gone beyond that when I can't even enjoy power naps, because I can't even frickking fall asleep. This is not a happy kind of tired at all. So tired that I sleep late, wake up 3 hours later, and can't go back to sleep. Dizzy, woozy am I. I can't tell whether I will just topple over or slink down into a mushy heap.

I don't want to think. I'm too tired to rant out loud. I'm too tired to eat. I'm too tired to smile.

I don't wanna be cheery either. I just wanna be apathetic. To heck with niceties, they waste so much time and energy. I want to speak my mind without the euphemisms.

I don't want to me at all right now. I wish I were someone else somewhere else somehow, preferably in a better place. But no, I'm stuck being me. Me the cow. Yeah, on top of this, I feel like a cow. A dead-tired cow. Moo.

I just want to find my zen path to my happy place. I probably need a massage. A good, deep massage. And lots of fresh hot tea.

But before that, I have to go home. Maybe sleep. Or die trying.

I'm so dead-tired. *sigh* Signing off.

What makes you happy when you feel sad?

2007-10-11T14:54:00.000+08:00

Most of the time, I like to see the good side of things. Life seems easier and less complicated when I see the light more than the shadows. There are so many things that I am happy about - good family, good friends, good health, good food - simply because I feel lucky to have a good combination of these.

Still, it's not easy to keep up this sunny outlook. (This takes work too, you know!) And there will definitely be times when I will feel absolutely down and despondent, even reclusively so. Sometimes, I blame it on my monthly dip and rise of my hormones - the kind that turns women into aggressive amazons one moment and weeping willows the next. (It's a terrible thing hormones does to my mood and sanity. Personally, I find it irritating because the shifting moods that the hormones drive makes it difficult to maintain a "pleasing personality." It's also equally irritating when people don't cut me slack when I do lose a grip on that nice, cheery disposition. But then again, I can only pity the poor people whose heads I've bitten off once or twice before. Hehe.)

So when are the times I feel sad?
a) When I feel like a cow (bloated and overweight). Even cows are lucky. They get milked. >.<
b) When I fail to keep a promise. My word is my bond. I'd hate to break it. Too bad the short First Lady doesn't feel the same way.
c) When things fail or go wrong because of miscommunication or non-communication. Pretty frustrating too. So many things can go to waste this way.

What makes me happy during these times?
a) Sheer absurdity. This is what most jokes are made off, at least the best ones.
a) An exhausting and interesting workout. I personally like the Body Combat and Body Pump classes at Fitness First, as they're both challenging, high-energy activities.
b) A good sports game (Note: as a player, not spectator)
c) An unexpected thoughtful gesture. It's always a natural high, not to mention a good ego boost, so I try to give as much of it as I get. There has been never been better advice than to 'pay it forward.'
d) A good conversation over warm drinks. Wonderful toasty feelings and another natural high.
e) A hard and tasty alcoholic beverage. Ah, only my good friends know what this does to me! LOL! *wink wink*

I wonder what makes other people happy when they feel sad. Do you know?

about muppet central

2007-09-05T19:37:00.000+08:00

The most amazing, happiest find I ever made in one of my lowest of moments is this! I virtually had muppets for breakfast and snacks while growing up in the 80s. Sesame Street, The Muppet Show, Fraggle Rock, Muppet Babies... I've seen them all! Not only were they entertaining and musical, they were really funny! Who needs babysitters when you've got the muppets?

Unlike the anime and the cartoons that we see today, these shows did not have to rely on much special effects and hyperboles. The real charm of the muppet shows lie in their humorous wit and creativity. Sure, they can lay it thick on the sarcasm, but hey, it didn't hurt or deprecate anyone. And who can forget their songs? From the educational songs of Sesame Street to the fanciful theme songs of the various creatures in the Muppet Show, each showed a flair for the musicale and the fancy. Remember the hilarious Manah Manah?
Speaking of music, did I mention this site had an online radio? Yes, indeed-y they do! For the past hour or so, I have been ebbing in and out of blissful waves of nostalgic tunes... and the best part it is all of them are MUPPET TUNES! WOOHOO!

For that most sensational, inspirational, celebrational, muppetational ear-candy experience back from your childhood days, check out www.muppetcentral.com and log into their radio station!

A Thing of Beauty is a Joy Forever

2007-05-27T15:33:00.000+08:00

Some of the most beautiful things in the world are usually unrepeatable and unforgettable. If you know where to find them, these beautiful things radiate with a charm that even their wielder's best qualities become apparent.

I feel the same about Earrings with Feelings. These earrings were woven with rich stories, bright ideas, and deep feelings in mind. Each pair is both a work of art and craftsmanship, and the wonderful thing about each pair is that they're special and unique.

Look into them. Perhaps these little trinkets can unlock and share with you their individual brand of allure, bringing you into their world of the unrepeatable and unforgettable.

Here is a sneak peek. Though the picture does not give justice to them, an actual look at the real things will. *twinkle*

Hurry, and click HERE for more details! As unique as these Earrings with Feelings are, they can only go to one person, so get on that clicker!

While procrastinating, do this!

2007-03-15T10:57:00.000+08:00

Here I go again, procrastinating. Tsk, tsk, very bad habit of mine. Oh well, here are some things that kept me entertained.

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.

I'm quite surprised this card came up. Is this a description of me based on the answers I've chosen? Or is this a portent of sorts?

I admit I am a dreamer, but woah - "visions and illusions, madness, genius and poetry"? And "if you have any past mental problems..." really cracks me up. Makes me sound like a lunatic. Haha, lunatic = lunacy = luna = moon! Now I see the connection! Lol! But not to me, though. :p Oh well.

.....

MAIM! BASH! BLUDGEON! CRUSH! This military death-droid doesn't take any shit. Got a problem? Violence is the solution. Parking ticket? Kill them. Post's late? Bear trap. Cold pizza? Tactical warhead. You're not sure if people respect or simply fear you, but if they get in your way, they're toast.

WHAT'S YOUR MALFUNCTION?

LOL! I can just imagine how I would be like were I pushed off the wrong end!

Chocolate Hangover

2007-03-12T11:53:00.000+08:00

Had my first taste of Max Brenner chocolate last Monday. What a way to get the week started. Ordered the wrong thing at the wrong time: wanted something thin and refreshing, and I was given something thick and cloying. With no idea of what I was ordering, I ordered an Italian choco drink thing with cream. Downed 1 glass of water per 1/4 cup of this chocolate drink. (In the first place, can I really call this a drink? It was more of melted chocolate candy to me.) By the time I reached halfway nto the cup, I was already getting choco-tipsy or dizzy. Lol!

After a long's day's work, wanted something refreshing. Anything to perk me up. I didn't have much of a caffeine fix the whole day. A cup of chocolate would probably give me that enough caffeine to call it a day. It seems I got more than I asked for. Drinking was not an option. This was a drink that I had to lick like candy. Just one dip of the spoon and it was already coated with a thick layer of chocolate. It was that rich. Sayang, walang churros. Ordered the blandest thing I can find in the menu - croissant. But knowing croissant was a somewhat oily and flaky sort of partner, I didn't expect it to cleanse the palate the way churros do. At least, it will dampen the rich choco flavor.

Result: I didn't finish my cup of choco. So sad. I wish I could take it home to use on home-cooked churros. Max Brenners would be a good place to be indulgent, because most items on their menu are so fantastically rich - in flavor, texture, or both. (I won't mention price, since that's already a given when it comes to branded served drinks such as this, Starbucks, CBTL, et al.) The chocolate is to die for, if the phrase 'death by chocolate' means anything. Urk! But, at least, the time it will take you to finish that luscious cup of choco gives you the opportunity to linger in the company of good friends, and enjoy them. But then again, I suppose this is something that females will enjoy more than males, knowing their penchant for chocolate. Haha!

What am I like?

2007-03-12T11:35:00.000+08:00

A friend sent me via email a curious quiz about personality: "What am I like?" Being a sucker for personality quizzes, I clicked on the link and took the quiz.

Turns out that I'm a RESOLVER. A quick summary of this type of personality profile:

Good at getting to the heart of a problem and quickly finding a solution

(True. I like it when people get to the point so I know what they're talking about. It makes it easier to think about making the problem go away. The less complications, the better.)

Make rational decisions using the facts available

(Dang, this is true, but mainly because I dislike being wrong, and presenting facts makes it difficult to prove me wrong. On the other hand, it makes it difficult for me to trust my intuition, since there are some things that you can't always prove on facts alone. I could be that dense, hehe.)

Think of themselves as understanding, stable, and easy-going

(True, true, and true. Me very nice person, hehe. I won't bite... unless provoked, that is.)

May focus on short-term results and lose sight of the big picture

(Sigh, this is my Achilles' heel sometimes, especially so in my line of work. I tend to get lost in the details and disregard the general objectives of the study. Frustrating when this happens though, since most of the time I know the answer to the bigger picture, but usually express it in short-term results.)

Other things I'd like to comment on:

"Resolvers like to take risks"

(To be more precise, I like to take calculated risks. I usually go for risky things when the reward contains an element of pleasure, i.e., the adrenaline rush, but only if the reward outweighs the risk. Other than that, I'm a wuss, hehe.)

"Under extreme stress, Resolvers could be prone to inappropriate, tearful outbursts."

(Now this is a very, very rare thing. I hate crying.)

"Resolvers are often drawn to hands-on jobs that require an analytical mind and careful organisation of large amounts of data."

(I must be in the right job! Market research is exactly that kind of job. Too bad it's really mentally stimulating and draining at the same time. Would love a job that offers the same mental stimulation without the drainage. If you know any, PLEASE DROP ME A LINE OR NOTE OR ANYTHING!!! I'm in the mood to try something new. *wink, wink*)

Killing the spontaneity of Christmas

2007-01-29T18:12:00.000+08:00

This should have been a topic of interest last month, but doing so would have been "spontaneous," and would have contradicted this post.

Christmas is really for kids. For believing in snow and Santa Claus. For indulging screaming laughter and splitting waistlines. For fun and frivolity. For funky dress codes and weird hair styles. In a word, Christmas is spontaneous, or supposed to be.

In my childhood days, I believed wholly in the spirit of Christmas. I loved to hear Christmas carols. My eyes twinkled with every glance at the lighted Christmas tree. Time danced before me, because waiting for Santa's presents sent shivers of anticipation down my spine. And the highlight of every Christmas season is ripping open presents with abandon and excitement. It was fun. Because it was spontaneous.

Then I hit the 'age of reason.' It's no specific age really; it has no number. But when it hits you, Christmas loses some of its sparkle. Presents lose their seductive appeal. The food looks the same as it did last Christmas. Christmas carols seem old and repetitive. You're more absorbed in navigating your relatives more than collecting presents from them. Everything moves so fast that you wonder how you ever enjoyed a Christmas holiday. And ripping presents open has evolved to the refined style of peeling them open. It is orderly. (My new word for "unnecessarily complex and boring," btw. Inspired by a parental unit. Sigh.) So much for fun and spontaneity.

The epitome of 'Christmas in the age of reason' happens yearly not in December during the Christmas season, but in January (or worse, in February) after the Christmas season. Because one parental unit demands that opening gifts should be 'orderly' (please note my personal definition above), the stage has to be set in order to carefully document such a momentous occasion. First and most important prop to prepare is the video camera, for without it, the gift opening event will not be made possible. Next is the atmosphere - mellow Christmas carol, proper lighting to get a clear visual of surroundings and presents, the be-decked Christmas tree complete with Christmas presents neatly arranged underneath. Next are proper placements, chairs, props, and positions of everyone must be in full and clear view of the video camera. Finally, there is the script everyone more or less follows: "This is a gift from [mention source of present], and it's a [open wrapper at this point, and state object inside wrapper]! [Have option to state positive ONLY comments] Thank you!" Part of the script is to smile and enthuse. Since I'm a bad actress, that part is difficult for me to do, unless under extreme duress from the parental kind. Damn, I really perform here.

Generally, this annual ceremony has desensitized my enthusiasm for Christmas. If I ever have kids, I'm not going to impose this kind of 'orderliness' on them, especially when it's Christmas time. Christmas should always retain part of its magic, and I want to keep it alive as long as I can, be it in the heart of a kid or the heart of the child-like. May Christmas always be simple, fun, spontaneous, and exhilarating!

Songs I don't mind hearing over and over again II

2007-01-03T16:49:00.000+08:00

One more set of songs I'd love to rave about. Whenever I make a new playlist, some of these songs almost always make it there, for whatever reasons - whether I'm moody, stressed, aloof, bubbly, restless, or elated. Here we go, for another shot at my favorite songs:

Ready, Steady, Go
by Larc-En-Ciel
'Are you ready?' starts this rather percussive, fast-paced song. It's like you're taunting your opponent before you start a competition. When >16bpm percussion comes in (well im estimating, I didnt really count the beats, lol!), then releases itself into the first stanza - its like revving a car, then letting go of the brakes, and off we go. Fits the title perfectly. I like this song because it challenges me, taunts me to do better. Helps sometimes when I do some really tough analyses and reports. This definitely makes it to my work (or workout, hehe) playlist.

The Second Star to the Right
for Disney's Peter Pan soundtrack
The way to Neverland is "the second star to the right and straight on till morning." This is where you'll never grow up and indulge every childhood fantasy. I love this song for reminding me that I can still be a kid if I want to. I just have to think happy thoughts. Though the song ends on sad note, because eventually we all grow up, one way or another, it urges us not to forget the feelings of childhood - of laughter, carefree moments, silliness, innocence, and fun.

Time to Say Goodbye
by Sarah Brightman and Andrea Bocelli
This song has elegance written all over it. It begins with strings on a march beat that steadily crescendoes towards each chorus then finales with a rich string and voice texture in the end. This is one song I'd love to sing to perfection, albeit softly. (Who can compete with Sarah Brightman and Andrea Bocelli anyway? A powerful combo to be sure.) I don't understand the song much (being in Italian), but the melody is addictive. It draws you ever so slightly till you're immersed in the grandeur of its sounds. Nice meditative (or interpretative dance) music.

Unlimited
by Nanase Aikawa for the Samurai 7 soundtrack
What strikes me as very interesting in this song is its fast, smooth, and steady percussion. The seemingly up-and-down-ness of the accompanying melody is only a plus. But for some reason, I like this song, despite not understanding the lyrics. I think, since I heard this on the Samurai 7 anime, I often associate the song with kickass martial arts action. Maybe that's the allure of the song. Still, whether or not you have seen the anime series, this is something worth listening to.

Wag na Wag Mong Sasabihin
by Kitchie Nadal
I had this as my LSS once. Tried to purge it from my head by listening to it exclusively the whole day. It worked, but surprisingly, I'm not fed up of listening to it now. It's a cute, unrequited-love kind of song. Really tugs at the heartstrings, especially the guitar wangs at the start.

With a Smile
by Eraserheads
Feel-good, happy kind of song, designed to cheer you up in even your darkest moods. The way this song starts out seems to reach you, a feathery touch on your shoulder, ever so lightly, and whisper sweet comforts. It feels your pain, but subtly, it shifts you, making you look toward a better, brighter side. You know, with a smile. :) Usually, when I'm alone and I feel nobody's there to be my sounding board, this song makes a good substitute. Though it may not be successful in bringing a smile to my face, it certainly takes away the frown. I love this song!

Last post of the year

2006-12-25T07:01:00.000+08:00

I want to end this year on a happy note. Learned quite a lot, earned my share of pleasure and pain, gritted against my frustrations, remembered my achievements fondly, laughed more, cried a bit, but on the overall I discovered (or uncovered?) more stuff about myself and my place in this world. Despite all this, I feel there is still more waiting for me out there, and I look toward it with a mix of trepidation and enthusiasm.

I've tried expanding my horizon this year, meaning more activities, more people, more exploration, more dynamism. Got into Ultimate, zips, work-related travel, pen-and-paper RPGs, (newfound enthusiasm for) shopping and pampering, and of course, blogging. There could be more, but I can't remember at the moment. They have enriched my life, and some have surprised me in the sense that they revealed a side of me that I didn't think I was suited for. (I was talking about shopping and pampering here. I mean, I wouldn't have thought that I would learn to love spa and facial treatments. Used to think these things were things of vanity, but really they're not. Never realised these things could make you feel so relaxed and generally good about yourself.)

While exploring is good and all, I realised that I never pursued them with a passion. I asked my friend, Crissa, what could shock her about me. She told me that since I had a wide variety of interests, she wouldn't be surprised if I tried something unconventional, like dying my hair blue. (But then again, I've always been talking to her about that for a looong time. Too bad I haven't done it yet - successfully.) She did suggest later on that I pursue something passionately, through and through; to focus on one thing to maybe competitive levels. I guess she's right, so this coming year, maybe I will try to channel my energies into one activity/ hobby. Since I've been feeling restless, I think it will be a physical activity - maybe Ultimate, zips, yoga, or combat arts. Damn, so much to choose from. >.< style="color: rgb(255, 255, 0); font-weight: bold;">MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL! Till next time. ;)

Quizzes to pass the time...

2006-12-22T21:29:00.000+08:00

Bored at the office. Good thing about unlimited internet access at the office is, well, everything - downloading mp3s and movies, checking fora, chatting, reading manga scanlations, etc. The possibilities are endless; unfortunately, my interests aren't. Pity that. Read the latest Naruto chapter, chatting's a bit slow, and fora and interest sites aren't updated yet, so I did some online quizzes - some confirmed what I pretty much knew, others revealed some things I didn't know myself. To highlight this, posted two quizzes below:

You scored as Verbal/Linguistic. You have highly developed auditory skills, enjoy reading and writing and telling stories, and are good at getting your point across. You learn best by saying and hearing words. People like you include poets, authors, speakers, attorneys, politicians, lecturers and teachers.

The Rogers Indicator of Multiple Intelligences
created with QuizFarm.com

Shows pretty much that I'm somewhat suited to my specialisation (communication and research), which requires, among many things, strong verbal/linguistic aptitude. But it can also show I like to talk or write a lot about myself or to myself (re: intrapersonal), consistent with introverts. As expected, I can't count much nor can I dance, so please don't torture you or anyone else who's watching by asking me to do any of the two. Lol!

Your Five Factor Personality Profile

Extroversion:
You have medium extroversion.
You're not the life of the party, but you do show up for the party.
Sometimes you are full of energy and open to new social experiences.
But you also need to hibernate and enjoy your "down time."

Conscientiousness:
You have high conscientiousness.
Intelligent and reliable, you tend to succeed in life.
Most things in your life are organized and planned well.
But you borderline on being a total perfectionist.

Agreeableness:
You have high agreeableness.
You are easy to get along with, and you value harmony highly.
Helpful and generous, you are willing to compromise with almost anyone.
You give people the benefit of the doubt and don't mind giving someone a second chance.

Neuroticism:
You have medium neuroticism.
You're generally cool and collected, but sometimes you do panic.
Little worries or problems can consume you, draining your energy.
Your life is pretty smooth, but there's a few emotional bumps you'd like to get rid of.

Openness to experience:
Your openness to new experiences is high.
In life, you tend to be an early adopter of all new things and ideas.
You'll try almost anything interesting, and you're constantly pushing your own limits.
A great connoisseir of art and beauty, you can find the positive side of almost anything.

The Five Factor Personality Test

Okay, this sounds a bit boring to me, though I like the part about being open to new experiences. I'm not really sure if this is a part of my personality, or maybe a manifestation of my age group (20-somethings). Either way, I think there are a few things here that are worth shaking up. (Or am I feeling this way because I am uber bored at the office, lol!) Can't wait to get home and WoW. Sigh.

A Paradox of Growing Up

2006-12-01T02:14:00.000+08:00

I'm going to turn 25 next year. I've learned that it's an age just as confusing and exciting as adolescence. You know, quarter-life crisis. It's a period when you're in between clinging to whatever remnants of childhood remains and accepting your place in the world as an official adult. I'm not yet sure I want to be an adult, because I'm having so much fun being a kid. Yes, I am old enough to earn my own money, but I can spend my my money any way I want without having to fulfill any obligations. I am selfish and carefree, and loving it. This is my time, and I will do things my own way.

For a long time, I've been rebelling against growing up and all its responsibilities and complexities. I like to play video games, and occasionally, sports. I stay up late. I pamper myself with luxury foods like waffles, gourmet sandwiches, and flavored coffees. I learned drinking liquor is actually fun (provided you've got the right people around you). I dress casually often - jeans + shirt. I usually shop for only me. I indulge myself a lot - as long as I have the purchasing power to do it.

But now, the signs of growing up, the signs of adulthood are showing. And each time they do, I do find myself shocked as well as fascinated. I feel at once elated and sad - elated because this is a new experience, but sad because it means I won't be able to go back. Every inch closer to adulthood means a path back to childhood gets narrower and narrower. It's like experiencing your first crush. The feeling alone is mind-blowingly pleasant and exciting, but it also means you can't go back to looking at the opposite sex the same way as you did when you were a kid. Though I'm glad to have felt this, I mourn for days when I could have done well without it.

The good thing about growing up is you finally understand more things, you gain new realizations, and you learn new things. That in itself is a novelty and is rarely repeated. For me, it's those firsts like commuting, using makeup, shopping for clothes, talking to different people (even strangers), etc. There are moments when I get those "so now I know how they feel" or "so that's is what it's like" thoughts. Bittersweet moments are these realizations, because I know I have stepped forward somehow, and I cannot step back.

What am I turning into now? I'm not even sure myself, but I actually feel glad I'm changing. It means I'm still alive. It means this world is still alive with me. It just sucks sometimes when the course of life forces you to change, to grow older, to act your age. I don't want to think about the future, but I have to. I don't want to care for another person (other than myself), but it happened and I can't stop it. I don't want to grow up, but I can't prevent it. I might as well enjoy the ride towards growing, but still some sadness lingers in the back of my head. Maybe I'm having the Peter Pan complex. Maybe a lot of us are. Life will keep moving on, and us with it. But damn, I wish it would take its time.

...

Oh, and on the side, I often wonder if my life could stop before I hit mid-life crisis. I've even thought about taking up dangerous activities like skydiving or maybe bungee jumping to up the chances of that happening. It's funny, because the answer to this blogthing quiz appropriately mirrors my sentiments on growing up:

Your Famous Last Words Will Be:

"I dunno, press the button and find out."

What Will Your Famous Last Words Be?

Damnation to Procrastination

2006-11-02T00:45:00.000+08:00

Music - Regina Spektor, Begin to Hope album
Mood - dour, anxious, stressed

Dammit! It's happening again. I have another report to make, and I'm taking my sweet time finishing it. The damnable thing about this little quirk of mine is that the report is due in few hours, and I'm estimating that I'm 50% done. ^@#%&*! Thinking about this report is killing me so much that I have been seriously been contemplating of quitting my job and finding a less mentally taxing one.

This is my job: talking and listening to people rant and rave about their lives. 'Yes Ma'am, I hear your life sucks because you got married with kids earlier than you intended, but we're not here to talk about that. I want to know why you liked this particular product.' Then I distill all those voices into a written report. And to make sure that any verbally challenged Gaston-like client (a.k.a. the pseudo-hotshot who deludes himself that he knows everything) gets my point, I put in a lot of pictures in the report.

But this is the clincher: I'm at the bottom of the corporate ladder, which makes me a loser. While I do most, if not all, the work, my boss gets the credit. And lately, I get the crawling suspicion that my boss doesn't trust me with more advanced responsibilities. I feel insulted actually. The only reason why I haven't quit a long time ago is because my dad told me that my only job at the bottom is support the top (i.e. make the boss look good in front of his boss), because I'll eventually get to my boss's position soon enough. That advice is wearing too thin for me. I show passion and enthusiasm for my work, I even bring it home with me. I aim for flawless execution to the littlest detail, but few take notice. And the few that take notice don't have any clout in the company. I maintain friendly relations with all my co-workers, but apparently, they prefer the hugs-and-snuggles type than professional camaraderie. To sum it all up, I'm probably a loser all the same as when I first joined the company. I felt I have changed and grown so much since I first started. Why can't they see that? I don't want to be brazen and point out to my boss my achievements. But the way things are going and how I feel about it, it looks like I must resort to this or quit.

I think quitting is my better option. I don't want a job that forces me to do homework; it's sucking the fun out of my life. With a master's degree in hand, I deserve better work. Not here, though. There are more opportunities to look to overseas. And I get the chance to start on a new slate, without having to contend with a culture that I don't feel affinity to. (Even though I've been in the Philippines for more than 10 years already, I am more puzzled and sometimes even rebellious rather than accepting of many aspects of Filipino culture.) I think it's now a good time for me to go beyond my comfort zone and look to greener pastures.

I used to be afraid to graze on greener pastures because I didn't think I was worthy enough. Now I am. I am the golden cow, dammit! I deserve to graze there, and I'm willing to jump over the fence to get there. I'm ready dude, hear me MOO!

Okay, I procrastinated long enough. And I feel better now that my frustrations are now out in the open. And so now, I Begin to Hope for better things to come...

Songs I don't mind hearing over and over again

2006-10-28T03:08:00.000+08:00

I'm no music expert, but I do have some things to say about music I love. Most of the time, it's just the feeling I attach to these songs that make me like them a lot. Like say, for j-pop songs, I don't entirely understand the lyrics, but the feeling I get from the tune is vivid and memorable; thus I like hearing more of them. I'm sure anybody could relate to a tune, no matter how foreign the lyrics are. The response can be instinctive - the tap of the foot, the sway of the body, the bob of the head, and even humming. I'm like that. I feel that I am open to various music genres, just as long as they 'click' with me. There are no borders to what I've yet to hear - loud or soft, instrumental or lyrical - whatever (though I draw the line at songs at ear-piercing sounds).

Below is a list of some of my favorite songs that I can remember from the top of my head. I think it's good to give these songs due praise, since they really rocked my world and affected me in some deep, emotional way. Not that I'm a sap or anything.

All the Small Things
by Blink182
Hearing this song gets my head bobbing instantly; it's kinda like a gut reaction. Haha! It sounds upbeat and funny. It sounds like it was made in the spirit of good fun, or rather, making fun of others. If you'll watch the video, you'll notice that it makes a parody of the Backstreet Boys and their groupies. It's a rockin nice no-brainer song.

Aozora no Namida
by Hitomi Takahashi for the Blood+ soundtrack
The best thing I like about this track is how the sounds build up to a climax in the chorus. Listening to this, I imagine myself running wild, running down everything in my way, then leaping over a cliff's edge into a deep pool of clear water. Though I don't understand much of this song, it's like it's telling me to rip free from myself and just let go. Yeah, that would be nice. A cool, kickass-bad-girl kind of track, this one is.

As the World Falls Down
by David Bowie for the Labyrinth soundtrack
The most romantic and nostalgic song I've ever heard. This song was played during the 'Cinderella' ballroom scene of Jennifer Connelly and David Bowie in the 80s fantasy movie, The Labyrinth. It's romantic because it's slow and flows whimsically with bell sounds mixed with piano and guitar. It's like you're floating on the dance floor. I say it's nostalgic because it captured perhaps my last carefree childhood memories or at least the feelings I associate with them. PLUS, David Bowie is absolutely dreamy. Even though he's like 50+ years old now, he's still hunk material to me! *sigh*

Ashita no Kyou to Onaji Mirai
by Gomen the Hitman for the Otogizoushi soundtrack
Acoustic guitar chords dominate this rather optimistic-sounding track. It has a 'clean' sound to it; not too many instruments and voices. I guess this contributes to its optimistic feel, like tomorrow's gonna be a day as good as today, maybe even better.

Blackbird
by the Beatles
Another 'clean' and optimistic-sounding song - one acoustic instrument and one voice. It makes me feel that things can get better, if given the chance to 'fly' or 'see,' as the song goes.

Bring Me to Life
by Evanescence
This song is a call for help. I find this particularly comforting when I'm uber stressed and very anxious. It's for the moments when I feel my life force being sucked dry by demands of my job, and I'm desperate to escape the distressing situation. The forlorn voice of Amy Lee calls and reaches out for the surface of the living world, which is just within her reach. Somehow, I feel I am that voice, desperately inching towards the safety of homebase.

Digital Love
by Daft Punk
This is a cute falling-in-love song, but then again, I watched the video before I listened to the song. This came from Daft Punk's album where the videos were all rendered in olde anime style (ala Macross). It was about a guy dreaming about the unreachable (like say, the girl), but with luck on his side, he got the chance to play knight-in-shining-armor to this dream girl. If he did have a successful rescue, I don't know. It was supposed to be continued in Daft Punk's other videos, which I have yet to watch. >.<

Forrest Gump theme
composed by Alan Silvestri for Forrest Gump soundtrack
"Stupid is as stupid does" is an enigmatic reply to incredulous questions like 'Are you stupid or something?' ME LIKEY, HAHA! Maybe me use it as a lame excuse for stupid mistakes. Anyway, back to the song. Although I don't share the history of Golden Age America, I already sense the strains of nostalgia and poignance throughout this musical piece. Perhaps because it sounds 'clean' and simple to me - steadily paced single piano notes and faint violins in the background supporting the notes - does this piece sound at once both sad and optimistic. If this song had lyrics, it would talk about the circle of life, about how things must end and how life must go on despite the inevitability of the life cycle, just like in the movie.

Promises
by the Cranberries
Heavy, abrasive chords guiding a low, seething voice. I'd call this an angry song for promises made and not kept. This would qualify as an angsty song to me, expressing frustration and a need to retaliate for wrongs done. I think this song would be a great addition in the Underworld soundtrack, since it works a lot on the themes of betrayal and retaliation.

Rainbow
by ROUND TABLE feat. Nino for ARIA the Movie soundtrack
Again, another song I barely understand, but can feel well just the same. I never watched the movie, but I'm a big fan of ROUND TABLE songs, ever since I heard Let Me Be with You track. Their songs are usually on the light, bubbly, jazzy side, which really perks me up. But this song is somewhat laid-back and well, nostalgic, in the sense that you feel you're looking back on the good times you've experienced.

To be continued...

On the 9th day, there was light

2006-10-09T18:32:00.000+08:00

It's been three days now since we power has resumed at home. THANK GOD!

I've been lapping up the experience of sleeping in a warm, fluffy bed without sweating or swatting some imaginary mosquito. I've been logging in 10 hours of sleep per day during the weekend - the longest I've had in a long time. Warm showers are back. The comfort of white noise - whirring fans, the drone of the TV report - has returned. Everything is back to normal. *sigh*

When Typhoon Milenyo landed in Manila, I was heading home from Pampanga. I arrived to see Manila turned into a warzone - plunged in darkness and debris everywhere. It was eerie. Only a week before, everything was sunny and bustling. Now, it was dark and confusing.

DAY 1
I arrived in Manila, Thursday night. Only a few bright beacons of light shone from small gas stations and convenience stores. Even the malls' lights were strangely muted. Almost the entire city was black, and I went home praying that it was spared from the blackout. Apparently, divine intervention does not extend to my home. It was out of light and running on candle power. I went to sleep thinking that maybe going to office will give me a reprieve from the heat and darkness.

DAY 2
All classes and work are suspended for the day. WTF?!? Normally, I'd leap for joy and spend the whole day with the PC, but no power still and no fun to be had. I had to get out of the house, or I'd go crazy of the boredom. Went to Greenhills to meet Crissa and Jayca. (I am amazed that Promenade Mall is still freezing cold despite being run on generators.) Later, went from mall to mall. Didnt care where I was going, as long as it isn't my DARK, POWER-LESS home.

DAY 3
It was Saturday. First place I went to was the office - just to get my phone charged. (The wonderful thing with my W800 phone is its long battery life! And during these emergency sitches, it's greatly appreciated. I had it fully charged on Thursday, and it was still hanging on to dear life on Saturday. Oh, how I love my phone!) Riza wanted to get her eyebrows threaded... a well-deserved pampering oh her part. I got one too, thinking I needed the pampering after all the stress of having no power. Anyway, spent the rest of the day in the Podium, just to enjoy the cold air and a little shopping (good thing Podium stores are on sale mode, eh?). Returned home at 11pm. Power was restored to neighbouring streets, wont be long before ours comes back. Went to sleep feeling somewhat optimistic.

DAY 4
Sunday. The worst day of this weeklong tragedy. What's worse than having no power and nothing to do? It's having no power, nothing to do, AND no car to get you outta there! Our car had the supreme good timing of conking out on us, because its alternator gave way (or at least that is what the mechanic told us). This is nuts. Is this bad karma? What did we do to deserve this? I was sure I was nice to everyone in the past few weeks.

Wait, I just remembered... this gets worse. This day absolutely sucks because we have no power, we have nothing to do, we have no car to get us outta there, AND you get invaded by giant ants... AT NIGHT, WHEN THERE IS NO LIGHT! ARGGGHHHH!!! That was a nightmarish night. We came home from picking up dinner from a nearby resto (Jade Palace - Chinese place along Shaw Blvd. with decent dimsum). I placed the food in the kitchen, when I felt this crawling sensation on my leg. I stomped hard to kinda flick it off. Then, I got this paranoid feeling that I wasn't alone in the kitchen. I pointed my flashlight to the floor. It was like looking at a ant-y wallpaper, AND THEY WERE EVERYWHERE - the kitchen, the front area, the living room, the dining room. These aren't your ordinay household ants; these were 1/2 inch long wood ants! I don't know what it was like to be bitten by them, nor do I want to know. Spent the next 3 or more hours stomping and burning ants. DIE ANTS DIE!!! Needless to say, sleep that night was unpleasant. Often drifted in and out of sleep, just to flash a light and check if any of them ants had invaded my bed.

DAY 5
Monday. I've never been gladder for a Monday than this. Got to feel the cold air of the AC on my face, light on my head, whirring sounds everywhere, AND NO ANTS! WOOT! Proof that life still goes on. Spent the whole day ranting to my officemates of my miserable Sunday night. Went home 10pm. Light still hasn't reached my side of the barangay. WTH is taking Meralco so long? All they need to do is fix the frikking post and re-connect the frickking wires! I mean, the neighbours had already removed the fallen trees from the area. Half the job was already done for the Meralco people! Rant, rant, rant...

Still saw a few wood ants and killed them, but at least they weren't the horde I saw yesterday.

DAY 6
Feeling a whole lot better after the rant. Actually felt damn cheerful today, but I can't tell if all the giggling came from being happy or being miserable. Lost hope that Meralco will ever come within the week. They're slow and overworked. And they are taking their frickking sweet time getting HERE! Grr... and the rant goes on.

DAY 7
I am beginning to accept my situation, and react to it more cheerfully. I must be going crazy, but hey, I will ride this wave of liveliness as long as it runs. Candles, batteries, and rechargeable lamps are all selling like hotcakes. If we managed to get any of the three, we were certainly lucky (or stupid to buy it at such a high price, urk!).

DAY 8
Still no light... it must be at the end of the tunnel. And as if to seal our neanderthal-like state, my mom bought a charcoal-powered (seems oxymoronic to me) clothes iron/ press. LOL! Incidentally, this is also the 8th day in a row we've had fast food dinners. INC, super-sized me. Oh no!

DAY 9
Woke up this Friday morning and still no light, still no fan. Meralco finally made its presence felt in our neighbourhood, and by night time, we finally had power. By this time, I ran out of steam, and I actually felt grateful more than angry that the power has finally been restored. TGIF! I will have no problem enjoying the weekend.

I'm glad this whole Milenyo ordeal is over. Never do I want to go through the whole thing again... or if it does, hopefully there won't be any ants in it. Brrr!

And back to our previous program...

Passively seeking thrills

2006-07-21T11:27:00.000+08:00

July. Long time from Feb, my last blog. Will save stories on my hiatus for another time - not in the mood. -_-

I'm getting bored and restless lately. Too much time on my hands and no idea on how to use it. Already been through hours on WoW and some movie marathons, and still I crave for something more. So I did some crazy things in the past month that I thought I'd never have enough time to do. I got into zips, fitness training, and "art" film viewing.

ZIPS! (a mild version of the uber-cool art, POI!)
I first read about zips in the newspaper about a freestyle camp - freestyle zipping and other freestyle sports, an event promoted by Levi's to promote their engineered jeans. The pictures looked pretty cool. The actual thing looked even better when I passed by the event in G4. Pretty! *makes googoo eyes*

Funny that Patty mentioned the website, and funnier that some of my IMC classmates are the instructors! I was glad that I wasn't going into this new thing alone. So I checked their website to learn more about zips, and the moment I saw the Poi pics, I was hooked. I bet playing with fire has never been this fun.

So far, I've been through 2 sessions, and I can't wait till the next lesson. I feel like Naruto wanting to learn a new jutsu! ^-^v

WANTED: fitness training
If there's one sport I really want to get into, it's Ultimate Frisbee. I don't care if I run around like a dog panting after a flying disc. That's the fun part!

Problem is my stamina sucks. A LOT. A 1 - 3 minute sprint is all I can handle. After that, all I'm running on is willpower rather than body fuel, hehe. I now have a new long-term goal: build stamina. play ultimate. YEAH!

Still, it wouldn't hurt to still play despite my low stamina. Now to find the willing warm bodies, hmmm...

"Art film" viewing
Jasmine is into art films. Actually, she's into anything that's virtually "underground," or at least, was once considered such. She was into bohemian fashion, alternative music, coffee culture, and Tokien-ism long before they became mainstream. I guess the times are catching up with her now, hmmm...

Anyway, the latest film she's been raving about was "Wild Orchid 2." At first, I thought it was a porn film, but she claims it isn't. It's an "art" film. Fine, so she convinces me to get "cultured." I think "culture-shocked" is a more accurate word. I haven't seen so many boobs in my life! And she tells me this isn't a porn flick. *rolls eyes* Still, the film was enjoyable enough for me to want to see how the story ends. Mediocre story, good climax buildup, ho-hum ending.

Next up: My fave sound tracks

Little regrets and small aspirations

2006-02-22T19:24:00.000+08:00

WIsh I had this on my Word document right now. Procrastinated last week, and now reaping punishment BIG TIME!

Like any other writer, I needed inspiration to write down my thoughts, my ideas, my very soul. Nah, I needed an excuse not to write my report. It is so absolutely boring. I mean market research is interesting and cool. (Why? Because I feel like a god reading people's minds and predicting what they will say and do. Hehe.) BUT PLEASE, give me something that captures my interest! I'm looking for spice and zest; not pain and whining. My own life has enough of that. (I'm whining here, aren't I? Oh well.)

I've also learned that I'm somewhat predictable, or maybe I know myself too well. Very few of what people say about me suprises me, and I'm disappointed. Maybe I was looking for something that would distinguish me from me. Huh? Was that right? Lol. Oh, well. Here's your chance to prove me wrong. If you think you know me a little bit well (another contradiction here, but one I'm willing to pass), click this: Window to Myself, and answer what you can. Don't worry; it's no big I.Q. test or something like that.

If there's anything I want to develop as a writer, it's to write something that won't make me sound too robotic and make the reader (that's you) feel like an idiot loser. "..." Looks like I failed here... maybe. Bah, I'll make it up in my next blog post.

Till next time.

Boredom rears its ugly head

2006-02-16T17:16:00.000+08:00

Wee, new blog post! Blogging is getting easier with each new blog I post. And because I hate to repeat myself more than twice, click HERE. This leads to my other blog entry; actually my FIRST (maybe, second... uh, whatever) blog entry.

[corny]
I'd like to dedicate this blog to my officemates: Jasmine, Misty, Karla, Riza, and Darwin for being present in the office as I type up this blog. They would certainly find it amiss if they did not find their names mentioned here. *wickedly laughs*
[/corny]

That little plug was inspired by Misty, hehe. The sitch is that all of us here (that's left in Quali) got kinda bored, and we started sharing each other's blogs. Misty's blog was especially interesting to Riza and Jasmine, coz Misty mistakenly omitted their names when she thanked people who she works with in Quali. Of course, Riza and Jasmine wouldn't let Misty live it down without a little comment to her blogsite. Something like, "Hi Misty. We're your officemates, Riza and Jasmine. We sit next you, and you missed us, blah..." Lol!

...

I'm still bored. I don't like making my report. It's not exciting.

And there's no Relic session tonight. Not exciting. Need to Wow.

Right. I'm going home. NOW.