Takipsilim

Kiddies, apparently, ABS-CBN has bought the rights of Twilight and they are making a soap out of it. Takipsilim. I got the link from Perezhilton -- yes, we have once again infiltrated the site!

Very sad. Will the Twilight fans swarm over this? Personally, it's a no.

Takipsilim

Kiddies, apparently, ABS-CBN has bought the rights of Twilight and they are making a soap out of it. Takipsilim.

Very sad. Will the Twilight fans swarm over this? Personally, it's a no.

The Good and the Bad

The world rejoiced upon seeing the news that OBAMA has been elected as president of the United States. After 8 years of the Bush administration, Americans clamored for CHANGE. And hopefully, Obama can deliver to that promise.

On the flipside, while the whole world was celebrating the Obama win, California has voted to ban same-sex marriages (Proposition 8). This is another landmark setback to equal civil rights for all.

It is ironic that California carried Obama whose campaign is centered on change and hope, but also closed the doors to same-sex couples who just want the same civil rights given to them as any man-woman couple.

Iisa Pa Lamang Lines

Alam mo bibinyagan na lng kita ng bagong pangalan 'Mrs. Katherine Maperang-mapera y Huthutera Byuda de Impostora!

Katherine: Ikaw lang ang alam kong may kakayahang pumatay ng tao, Isadora!
Isadora: Well, I'm flattered!

Bakit ako magrereport sayo? Anong palagay mo sakin, reporter?

Ba't ang daming bobo? Ang bilis naman nila manganak!

Isadora: Masahol kapa sa dumi ng putik!
Katherine: Kung ako ay putik, ikaw ang imbornal... o say mo? Mas madumi yun kesa sa tae!!

Lola Aura: Magkaka-patayan tayo, Isadora!
Isadora: Dahan-dahan ka dyan sa wini-wish mo. Baka magkatotoo!!

Hindi ako defensive... . offensive ka lang!

Talaga nga namang may pakpak ang balita at my tenga ang lupa. O talagang chismosa ka lang?

Perfect ako pero nagkakamali rin...

Lola Aura: Ilan bang paso ang kailangan mo, Isadora?
Isadora: Haciendera ako at hindi hardinera, Aura! At isa pa, isa ka lang dumi sa akin.
Lola Aura: Tandaan mo, balang araw, ang duming ito ang makakapuwing sa yo!
Isadora: Eh di magshe-shades ako!

Isadora to Rolando: Aalis ka ba dyan (dahan-dahang hinuhugot ang baril sabay tutok)? O babarilin ko yang bad trip mong mukha??

Isadora: School, school, school. Puro ka na lang school. Kita mo namomroblema nga ako eh! Ikaw talaga napaka-selfish mo!
Sophia: Ma, may mga tao!
Isadora: Naku, lintik na! -- ay, si Aura lang pala... kaya ko 'to!

Ang Hacienda Amadesto hindi pang kawang gawa... gusto mo ba talaga palitan si Rosa Rosal?

Sophia: Mommy, tama na. Hindi ako bulag.
Isadora: Oo, alam ko. Hindi ka bulag. Pero sana pipi ka nalang kasi
naririndi na ako sa mga pinagsasasabi mo.

(Maid is about to leave Isadora)
Isadora: Pagkatapos kitang binaba sa bundok mo at pinatikim ng corned beef, lalayasan mo ako?

Isadora: Oh aren't you excited to see me?
Scarlett: Excited? Alam mo bang mas excited pa akong magpunta ng dentista at mag pa root canal kesa ang makaharap ka?"
Isadora: Ikaw naman, nagpapaka-funny. Kung ang lahat ng bulok na ngipin ay kasing ganda ko, o di wala ng bibili ng toothpaste. I'm so witty!

Isadora: Anak, dapat mag-English ka!
Batang Sophia: Mommy, bakit ko naman kailangang mag-English! Nakakaintindi naman sila ng Tagalog!
Isadora: Ano ka ba? Lahat ng mga mayayaman dito sa Maynila, nag-e-English! Remember, isa kang Castillejos, kaya dapat mag-English ka rin!
Batang Sophia: Ayaw ko Mommy!
Isadora: Haay naku! Kapag sinabi kong mag-English ka! Mag-English ka!

Isadora (to S): Anak, dapat magpa-party ka! Isa kang Castillejos - mayaman, maganda, sosyal!

Katherine: Hindi ba't pareho lang tayong nakikinabang sa mga yaman ni Martin!
Scarlett: Anak ako! Dugo't laman!
Katherine: Anak ka lang. Asawa nya 'ko. Lahat ng pag-aari ni Martin, pag-aari ko na ngayon.
Scarlett: You're just a GOLD DIGGER IN RED!
Katherine: DAMN YOU!
Scarlett: SAME TO YOU, ANAK. Same to you.

Scarlett: Ano ba 'yan! Nagsi-swimming ka lang naka-diamonds ka pa!
Katherine: Siyempre, DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER… LIKE ME!!!

Estelle (to R): You're in love with somebody else, and THAT SOMEBODY ELSE IS NOT WORTH IT, RAFAEL!

Isadora (to K): Wow! Ang ganda-ganda mo na ngayon Katherine. ANG SARAP MONG PATAYIN!

Isadora (to K): Ahhhhh… Mataray ka na ngayon ah, di naman bagay.

Isadora (to K): Kung gaano ka katayog lumipad, ganun ka rin kabilis lalagapak. OUCH!!!

Katherine (to M): Senior Vice President ako ng kumpanyang ito. Ako ang legal wife ng may-ari ng kumpanyang ito, tauhan lang kita! At higit sa lahat, madrasta mo ako! Kaya layuan mo ako. Get out of my sight! Leave! Now!

Scarlett (to K): Look who's here, my favorite step-mother. Ang dating gold digger in red, isa na ngayong MERRY WIDOW IN BLACK!

Scarlett: Kung sa bagay mas bagay sayo yang itim, kakulay ng budhi mo!
Katherine: Bakit ka nga ba nakaputi? PARA PAGTAKPAN ANG MAS MAITIM MONG BUDHI?

Katherine: Ako bang pinariringgan mo? Kung ayaw mo sakin, simple lang naman eh. Di umalis ka!
Scarlet: Ako pa talaga ang pinalayas mo? Kahit saan tayo makarating, sampid ka lang! At ako ang tunay na Dela Rhea!
Katherine: Bakit? Sino bang nagsabing "mixed breed" ka?
Scarlett: Ikaw ba, totoong nagdadalamhati ka? Kasi napansin ko, kaya mong mag-biro. Kaya lang ang corny mo! Anyway, gusto ko lang malaman mo na lahat nang 'to, hindi 'to permanente. Lahat nang iyan, babawiin ko iyan sa 'yo!
Katherine: SIGE! MAGLARO TAYO! AGAWAN NG YAMAN! Pero kung ako sa'yo, kakabahan ako, kasi ako sanay sa hirap. Eh ikaw?

Isadora: Gusto mo ikaw ang itali ko? Pa-sweet sweet ka pa diyan, ganid ka rin pala!
Katherine: Ang bigat naman ng salitang 'yon Isadora. Pero totoo, oo ganid ako! At gusto ko, ni singko walang matira sa'yo! Kaya manginig ka na Isadora, dahil uubusin ko ang lupang tinatapakan mo!

Katherine: Iba na ang sitwasyon ng ayon Isadora. Marami akong pera, kaya ko nang bilhin ang kahit na ano. Kahit ikaw, magkano ka ba?
Isadora: Hayop ka! Kahit kelan hindi mo ako mabibili, at hindi mo ako kayang bilhin!
Katherine: SABAGAY, AYOKO SA'YO! MUMURAHIN KA EH! Pero yung anak mo ibebenta mo ha?! Sige na! PROMISE, HINDI AKO TATAWAD Kahit used goods na, ok lang. Pag-isipan mo.

Katherine: Pagod ako. Huwag kang loloko-loko. Baka gusto mo IHAMPAS KO 'TONG BAG KONG MAS MAHAL PA SA'YO!
Isadora: SABAGAY, AKO RIN EH! PAGOD MAKIPAGHAMPASAN. Next time, ok? In fairness ah, ang ganda ng damit mo. Pahiram minsan ha?

Katherine (to S, parinig kay I): Pakisabi sa bisita mo, ayokong nangangamoy basura ang bahay ko.

Katherine: Anak ka nga talaga ni Isadora, nakuha mo lahat sa kanya. Mata-pobre, mayabang, at higit sa lahat, bastos!
Sophia: Don't you dare say bad things about my mother! KUMPARA SA'YO ANGHEL ANG INA KO!
Katherine: Anghel na may sungay!
Sophia: Oo, may sungay. PARA SUWAGIN KA! PARA MAUNA KA NA SA IMPIYERNO!
Katherine: Hmm… Matagal-tagal na kayong inaantay dun. IN FACT, BALITA KO, SI STANAS MISMO ANG SASALUBONG SA INYONG MAG-INA!

Lola Aura (to K): Panandaliang donya, habang buhay na busabos!

Scarlett: Mamamatay tao ka! You killed my father!
Katherine: KUNG MAY GUSTO AKONG PATAYIN, IKAW YUN SCARLETT!

Isadora (to Kumare): Haay naku Mare! Alam ko ang kuwento tungkol dyan. Bayaan mo at sasabihin ko sa'yo… PERO, BAWASAN MO MUNA NG 10,000 UTANG KO SA'YO!

Scarlett: Gusto kong makita na luluhod ka sa harapan ko at magmamakaawa ka na tanggapin kita ulit!
Miguel: KUMAIN KA NA. GUTOM LANG 'YAN!

Isadora: Oh aren't you excited to see me?
Scarlett: Excited? Alam mo bang mas excited pa akong magpunta ng dentista at mag pa root canal kesa ang makaharap ka?
Isadora: Ikaw naman, nagpapaka-funny. KUNG ANG LAHAT NG BULOK NA NGIPIN AY KASING GANDA KO, O DI WALA NG BIBILI NG TOOTHPASTE… I'M SO WITTY!
Scarlett: Ano ba talagang pakay mo? I'm sure hindi naman ang kapakanan ng dental industry ang pinunta mo dito di ba? BUSINESS? MONKEY BUSINESS?
Isadora: OO, AT NAPAKADISENTENG MONKEY BUSINESS! Politics.

Isadora: Ba't mo ko sinampal, biyenan mo ko!
Scarlett: Di lahat ng biyanan, pinagbibigyan! Di lahat ng biyanan pinapatulan! Para yan sa mga BIYENANG BAKULAW tulad mo!

Scarlett (to K): Tapos ka na sa gold digger in red. Tapos ka na rin sa merry widow in black. Ngayon, baka pwede ka ng DIRTY MISTRESS IN DIRTY BROWN.

Scarlett (to K): Same to you anak, remember? Pareho na tayong nasasadlak ngayon. DAMN YOU, DAMN ME. KARMA'S A BITCH AND SO ARE WE!

Isadora (nang maghihirap na): Hay, eto pala ang feeling ng hampas-lupa. Kaloka!

Isadora (nang mawala na ang mga ari-arian): Ito na kasi ang uso ngayon. Oh diba ang ganda? Very minimalist!

Katherine: Walang hiya ka Isadora! 'Pag napatunayan ko na may kinalaman ka sa pagkamatay ng tatay ko, papatayin kita! Papatayin kita!
Isadora: PWES PUMILA KA MUNA DHIL MARAMI NANG NAUNANG NANINIGIL SA AKIN! AT MAS NAKAKATAKOT SILA KAYSA SAYO!
Sophia: Shut up Katherine!
Katherine: Ikaw ang shumut-up dyan!

Mortgage Agent: Kayo po ba si Isadora Castillejos?
Katherine: Bakit?! MUKHA BA AKONG DEMONYO?!

Katherine: Hay naku Isadora! Si Miguel? Kawawa naman si Miguel. Walang kalaban laban kay Rafael. Talo na siya kay Rafael! Kaya kung ako sayo, sumuko ka na.. Dahil kung meron mang dapat lamunin ang kumunoy, ikaw yun
Isadora. Yun ay kung hindi ka isuka ng kumunoy na sinasabi mo…
Isadora: Hmmmm… Kagaya ng pagsuka sayo ni Estelle Torralba? Huwag ka ngang feeling Katherine! Dahil hindi kayo pwedeng magkatuluyan ni Rafael. At kahit si Rafael ang manalong congressman ng Amadesto, sigurado akong hindi ikaw ang mapipiling first lady…

Reporters: Ano ba ang mayroon kay Miguel Castillejos na wala si Enrique Torralba?
Isadora: Cuteness at kabataan!

Isadora: Alam mo naman ako, kung saan yung ligaya at sarap, nandun ako!

Isadora (to E, R, and Reporters): So… May the best and cutest congressman win..." – Isadora

Isadora: Masyado ka kasing pa-involved!

Isadora: Katherine... WHAT A BWISIT SURPRISE!

Scarlett: From now on, may bago na akong motto: NEVER SETTLE FOR SECOND BEST BECAUSE I AM THE BEST!

Isadora (to K): Scarlet was wrong about you, you're not a gold-digger. ... YOU'RE A LEECH! ALAM MO BA KUNG ANO ANG LEECH? Linta! Isa kang LINTA na kumakapit at umuubos ng kabutihan ng isang tao!

Secretary: Ma'am, di po talaga pwede. Wala po kayong appointment.
Isadora: Anong appointment? Hindi ko kailangan ng appointment. Gusto mong sapatusin kita dyan?!

Isadora: Alam mo Rafael, akala ko pa naman, matalino ka! Pero pagdating kay Katherine, BOBO KA! MAKAALIS NA NGA RITO AT DUMARAMI KAYO!

Isadora: Inday, pakisagot ang telepono!
Manag Elvie: Ma'am hindi po Inday ang pangalan ko, Elvie po…
Isadora: Ah ganun ba… PWES, INDAY! PAKISAGOT ANG TELEPONO! AT KAPAG HINANAP AKO PAKISABI, PATAY NA AKO!

Isadora: Ano na namang gimik ito ha?!
Manang Elvie: Mam, aalis na rin po ako dito... ilang buwan na ding hindi niyo po ako sinesweldohan eh!
Isadora: Aba! Ang kapal ng mukha mo! Wala kang utang na loob ha?! So paano? Pera-pera na lang?! Hindi mo ba naisip na kinuha kita galing sa bundok, binihisan at nakatikim ka ng corned beef dahil sa akin ha?!
Manang Elvie: Eh wala na rin po akong makain dito....
Isadora:: Hoy, anong wala? Eh di ba, kayo ang umuubos ng grocery ko? Ha? Di ba? Kapal ng mukha nito, tapos ngayon magmamalaki- malaki ka na? Sige! Gusto mong lumayas sige... lumayas ka! Layas! Huwag ka nang babalik dito! Layas!

Scarlett: I'm not your cash cow anymore...

Isadora: Nakidnap si Katherine! (smile) Sabi na nga ba't tama ang horoscope ko. Today is my lucky day!

Miguel (to S): Lagi mong sinasabing karma's a bitch. Look at what happened… Na out-karma ka na, na out-bitch ka pa.

Isadora: Di pwedeng mawala sa akin ang Amadesto. Di pwedeng mapunta yun kay Aura! Anong gagawin niya dun? Home for the aged?

Isadora: Yes, I'm one in a million! I'm one in a million pesos!

Isadora (to Vernon, Jestoni Alarcon): Ikaw naman! Sa lahat ng kriminal ng kilala ko eh, ikaw ang pinaka-honest!

Isadora: Buntot mo, hila mo!
Lola Aura: Oo, may buntot ka nga! Buntot ni satanas!
Isadora: Oo tama ka! Kaya mag-ingat ka. Baka mahagip ka nito at tumilapon ka! Kasama ng apo mong haliparot!

Sophia: Ma, naputulan tayo ng kuryente.
Isadora: Sus, ito naman. Sabihin pa ba ang obvious?

Isadora: Gusto mo ipag-bake kita ng pizza? (Laugh) Wala tayong pizza. Ipagbubukas na lang kita ng de lata.

Isadora: Katherine Ramirez, Viuda de dela Rhea... Torralba? Hahaha. ILUSIONADA DE PRIMERA

Isadora (nagsindi ng kandila): Sa lahat ng mga namatay, ikaw lang ang pinagsindi ko Rolando..... .. Walang hiya ka, ang lakas mo sa akin! O siya, hanggang dito na lang Rolando at baka matunaw pa ako sa harap ng birhen. Rest in peace na lang.

Isadora: Hoy! Pati ba naman basura hahalughugin niyo!
Police: Maaring nandito ho ang pumatay kay Rolando Ramirez.
Isadora: Nandyan? Nandyan sa basura? KAKASUHAN KO KAYO NG HARASSMENT Kakasuhan ko kayo ng harassment, tsaka stupidity! Pati ba naman basura papatulan nyo!?

Scarlet: Misery loves company. You're Misery no. 1, and I'm Misery no. 2.

Isadora: Tumigil ka muna sa pag-aaral.
Sophia: Ma?! Pa'no 'yung education ko?
Isadora: Anong education? 'Yung nagtitinda nga ng kalamay diyan nakakatapos ng pag-aaral.

Katherine: Ikakasal na ako sa isang desenteng lalaki. Hindi na ako dapat nagpapa-eskandalo sa mga babaeng sinasapian ng asong ulol. dahil sa selos. Kung gusto mong magkalat ng rabies, wag dito!

Scarlet: Hahaha! Ako, parang asong ulol? Huwag kang mag-alala Katherine dahil hindi ako ang sasagpang sa iyo kung hindi ang mga preso sa correctional na gustung-gusto ang mga tisay na katulad mo. Hinihintay ka na ng selda mo.

Scarlet: Huwag kang mag-alala. Baka naman pwede mo pang gapangin 'to. Bakit hindi mo pakasalan ang piskal o kaya ang judge para ma-abswelto ka na naman? Or else ang dating gold digger in red, MAGIGING JAILBIRD IN ORANGE! Hahahaha! Nakakatakot! Hahahaha!

Isadora: Hay naku Katherine! WALA NA AKONG PANAHONG MAKIPAGBALAGTASAN NGAYON! TAPOS NA ANG LINGGO NG WIKA! DI KA BA NAABISUHAN?!

Isadora: Ako? Kelan ba naman ako naglaro ng marumi?

Scarlett (to K): Pagod na kasi akong makipag-agawan ng yaman… Ngayon, agawan naman ng mapapangasawa!

Scarlett: Gusto ko pang makipaglaro! BAHAY-BAHAYAN… YAMAN-YAMANAN… AGAWAN NG YAMAN… AGAWAN NG ASAWA…

Estelle: Nagbago na isip ko sa pagbili ng hacienda
Isadora: Sige na Mare… Presyong kaibigan naman… May kasama pang kabayo….
Estelle: EH TALAGA NAMANG MAY KABAYO DUN!

Estelle: At wala akong alam sa pagpapatakbo ng hacienda
Isadora: Mare tutulungan kita. MAY MGA SEMINARS AT WORKSHOP NAMAN… Pwede kitang samahan.

Isadora (to E): Mare baka puwede mo naman akong pautangin? Di ba close naman tayo!

Isadora (to E): Haay naku Mare! Mabuti pa kumain na lang tayo! Treat mo ako ha! AT GUSTO KO YUNG SA CLASS!

Estelle: Mare, ang dami mo nang nainom! Ngayon ka lang ba nakatikim ng wine na 'yan?!
Isadora: Ano ka ba Mare? Marami kaming ganito noong Pasko! IPINAMIGAY KO NGA LANG!

Katherine (to S): Hindi mo pa ba alam? Ako ang witness laban sa'yo? ANO PANALO NA BA AKO O GUSTO MO PANG MAKIPAGLARO?

Lola Aura: Lupa lang ba ang gusto mo? Ilang paso ang gusto mo?
Isadora: HACIENDERA AKO AURA, HINDI HARDINERA!
Lola Aura: Magumpisa ka ng matakot Isadora. Dahil kaharap mo na ang tunay na may dugong castillejos!
Isadora: At baket ako matatakot? Isa ka lang dumi sa paningin ko.
Lola Aura: Ang duming ito ang siyang pupuwing sayo...
Isadora: Kung gayon... EH DI MAGSHE SHADES AKO!

Isadora: Bakit mo naman ipinamimigay ang lupa sa mga yan? Baka wala nang matira sa akin!
Aura: Sila ang nagpakapagod diyan. Kaya may karapatan din sila dyan!
Isadora: Alam mo Aura hindi ka nag-iisip! Negosyo ang haciendang ito! ANONG GUSTO MO PUMALIT KAY ROSA ROSAL?

Scarlett: Walang hiya ka!
Katherine: Mas walang hiya ka!
Scarlett: Whore!
Katherine: Adultress!
Scarlett: Home-wrecker!
Katherine: Slut!
Scarlett: Black widow!
Katherine: Desperate housewife from hell!

Katherine: Ako na ang nagma-mayari ng Dela Rhea Foods! At gusto kong tawagin mo akong Ma'am!
Scarlett: At kanino ka naman nakakuha ng malaking pera? Wala kang pera! Sabagay, mukha naming kumabit ka na naman sa isang matandang mayamang madaling mamatay! ONCE A SLUT, ALWAYS A SLUT!
Katherine: Ang hirap kasi sa'yo, hindi mo kinikilala kung sinong babanggain mo! By the way, pagpasok ko, GUSTO KONG IPAGTIMPLA MO AKO NG KAPE. YUNG BLACK! YUNG VERY BLACK! SIMPAIT NG BUHAY NA IPAPATIKIM KO SAYO!
Scarlett: GOTO HELL!!! GO TO HELLL!!! GO TO HELLL!!!
Katherine: I'LL SEE YOU THERE!!!

Scarlett: Anong gusto niyong palabasin? Na mas magaling sa akin yang Katherine nay an?
Katherine (papasok sa pinto ng conference room): Oh yes!!!

Scarlett: ISA KANG PUTIK!!!
Katherine: Bago mo pansinin ang putik sa mukha ko, PANSININ MO MUNA YANG PUSALI SA MUKHA MO! ANG BAHO!!! NANGANGAMOY NA!
Scarlett: Ang naamoy mo ang labi ng tatay kong pinagmumultuhan ka dahil sa kababuyan mo!
Katherine: UMALIS KA NA SA TRONO MO, DAHIL NAGBALIK NA ANG TUNAY NA REYNA!

X-Mas Cup season!

'Tis the season! Today marked the start of the red cups of Starbucks. Smell that Toffee Nut Latte!!! I love it. I had my first cup of Toffee Nut Latte once again after a year of deprivation because it just comes out here in the Philippines every "red cup" season.

This year, we have 3 Christmas season drinks again: Toffee Nut Latte (love!), Praline Mocha, and Dark Red Cherry Mocha. I haven't tried the Cherry Mocha but according to Tanya, it's like Ben & Jerry's Cherry Garcia. We'll see... maybe I'll risk a cup in the next few weeks and skip my Toffee Nut Latte ritual. =) On a sad note, price increased even with regular drinks. Sighs. They increased 5 pesos. Waaah. Poor na me.

The Mugabe LV Quest

My friend Mugabe has been scouring the net for the second LV in her collection. I even got dragged to the actual Louis Vuitton boutique in Greenbelt to be able to touch the leather goods and see how it will look on her -- I also got to take another peak at the Damier Graphite bags. We ended up empty handed with no common item in mind. The issue was a conflict of ideas regarding this particular second purchase. I was telling her to get another Monogram Canvas bag to add to her collection since her first bag was already Monogram Canvas. Let’s just say we did not meet eye-to-eye in this idea because she wants something in a different kind of leather because she already bought a Monogram Canvas bag. I was aghast with the idea because I’m such a prude in these things and would want her to stick to one – a Monogram Canvas. I think it looks classier to have one line only or probably, build a good base in one line before jumping on another. I stick with the Damier leather and my next purchase (some time in the far, far future) will definitely be another Damier one.

Now, Mugabe has no bag idea yet. I have some options already for her but I think she will not go for it. I was hoping she will get either a Tivoli or a Batignolles Horizontal in Monogram Canvas.

Shindigs to Bailouts

There are so many things going on in my life right now that I unintentionally pushed my Internet life in the backseat. There are many changes and many overwhelming experiences that are really trying to push all of my buttons. I can already imagine myself one day cracking due to all the barrage of emotions being bottled up. To prevent any mishaps happening, I decided that I want deserve need a day off. It’s a good thing that tomorrow is a Japan holiday and there won’t be much action happening. Snaps for that.

Here’s a quick round up of things that have happened since Sept 25 (my last blog entry):
• Rain’s Bday Shindig. Sept 26 was an interesting day. After a very delightful dinner with the mySAP NEA team, I went to Rain’s party to celebrate 25 years of fabulousness. Of course, when I crossed the 25^th threshold, no exciting parties happened because I usually celebrate it quietly with good food and great company. Yes, I am boring that way. I am digressing; Rain’s party was really fun but it made the night better to be with friends and sharing a giggle and a roar of laughter.

• Volleyball championship game. We faced the Blue Dragons in the finals match for the Sportsfest in HP last Sept 27. It was an exciting match between two teams who really wants to get the crown. Like what Jeff Probst usually says in the final Survivor challenge, it’s just a matter of who wants it more. It seems that our friends from ITO want it more because after 5 close sets of volleyball, they emerged as the winner. It was disappointing to be defeated but I also feel a surge of exhilaration due to the amazing volleyball played that day. We were not that bitter with the loss because we knew that we gave everything. The sweat and bruises are proof that we did not hand the game easily but we really fought point-per-point. Good job ADSI Huskies! Until next year!

• Olegario-Chiu nuptials. I can’t remember the last wedding I attended, but I think this is one of the best weddings I’ve been to. I usually feel “forced” to be there mainly because it’s usually weddings within the family or weddings my parents need to attend. If my memory serves me correctly, this is the first wedding of a friend that I’ve attended. Krizel was very stunning that day, and Rolan looked very dignified – it was truly their day! Even if there was rain, it was nice that the rain stopped during the reception where there was really, really good food. I loved it. The travel to Tagaytay is another story that is very interesting but cannot be shared.

• Work, work, work. There are just so many things on our plate that it’s crazy. It’s not just work because of our project, but we are also doing some activities in support of our organization. Of course, this is on top of all our delivery work and a big, big thank you and hearty dinner is the only reparation we can get out of this. It drains me, but I am just focusing on the end and not the means. I hope it comes. Right now.

• Cubao. My father declared before that “Caloocan is the center of everything” – my parents were raised here. This is his line when I was trying to convince them that we have to move out of Caloocan and go somewhere closer to my workplace. That was 3 years ago. A week ago, after a million pleas, we have finally moved out of Caloocan and settled in an apartment in Cubao near Santolan Rd. The whole experience is very surreal and I never expected it to happen. I am happy that it just takes 15 minutes for me to reach my workplace. The only downside is that I have to transfer my DSL, Phone, cable, and I have to change the address to all of my bills, files, etc. A necessary pain, but I welcome it if it will make my life easier in the long run (I hope CMMI is that way too).

• “$700B Bailout”. This is my soubriquet to some things brewing in my life. I cannot disclose much of the details, but I just hope it gets signed for implementation.

Blue Eagle, the King!

Ateneo won Game 2 of the Finals for the UAAP Basketball season! Some of us in the office watched it in the e-Club and enjoyed the intensity of the game and also the Ateneo win! Of course, Lasallians were a bit disappointed, and there's no easy way to it but to just accept the loss and train harder for next season.

CONGRATS Ateneans! Thanks to the Blue Eagle team who showed great skill earlier! Go Ateneo! Mahal na kita Chris Tiu.

Twas Great

It was fun to watch the Atenel-La Salle game play out quarter-per-quarter in the Big Dome, but it makes it more fun when you actually win. ;-)

Animo Ateneo! It ends on Thursday!!! Ika nga ng isang banner doon, bonfire na 'to!!!!

Noisy Mind

Noisy Mind

Kathy shared with me an exercise she did when things just become too much. This needs to just let go of things and just write things out that plague your mind. I think I need that exercise right now.

------- 5:04 PM
My mind is a mess. There is just a lot of unnecessary noise flowing through my mind. I feel so restless that I can’t even stay at home where it is relaxing – Olympic games have been interesting even if it is Athletics. I mean, it is a friggin’ holiday – I do not have to think of anything at all! But no! I had to go to Trinoma because I feel that I am being choked at home – I think it’s the start of the holiday blues (there is a time in the year when I just go reflective, depressed). Things are becoming too overwhelming for me already, and the unfortunate thing is that I do not know why I feel this way. I can’t really pick any particular area of my life right now that will trigger this. I think all in all, life has been pretty nice to me on the outside. Maybe I just do not feel appreciate that today.

I really don’t know.

I felt so alone in the world. It is making my head hurt so much. I want to drown the noise with something. Anything will do! Maybe that’s why I want to escape. I want to just leave and get out of all the things and find a nice quiet place. The noise that I hear is something that I only hear. No one can understand because it is all in my head. This is just all me. This is just all in my head. It will clear up eventually, but at this moment, it is just unreasonable and plain unfair. Why me? Why can’t things be rosy? Why does it have to be shitty. Why?

There are so many things I want answered. There are so many things that I want. Period. And, the fact that I do not meet thing makes me feel unhappy. I am not happy. I know I can be better. I know this is not it. There has to be more.

5:09 PM -------

Coffee Bean@Trinoma

I was very productive today. Accomplished a lot with all the things that have been piling up in me Inbox. As usual, I spent it in Coffee Bean in Trinoma. I don't know what's with the place but here, I can concentrate and do all the things I yearn to do without feeling the pull of procrastination.

I remember months ago, I was here every week where I studied for my certification. I was able to do so many things then and it holds true until now. I love it here. For sure, I will frequently go here especially when things need to be done.

Missed a Moment?

I have been hearing AMAZING things about the 2008 Beijing Olympics opening celebration yesterday, 08-08-08. I missed this much-talked about extravaganza and just opted to sleep because I was really, really tired.

I can not find any available video in the internet. I wanna see this 3 hours. Help?

If not, did I just miss a quarter of my life because I missed last night's opening?

Too much?

It's 2:37AM and I realized that I have been spending too much for the past months. I did some major purchases and it really surprised me how I could easily buy things now compared to my hikahos days. August should be relatively cheaper and that should be the trend I need to work on until December when it is inevitably expensive.

And, why am I blogging at 2:40AM? I slept at 7PM and woke up at 12. I am going to sleep again. Tomorrow (or later), I go to Petron for whole day meetings. Lovely!

Silver and Fab

For the past few days, I felt this bubbling anxiety trying to throttle out of my system. It finally dissipated on July 28 when I decided to accept the reality of adding one to my age. I have finally turned 25 – my silver year in this world. There’s really nothing exciting that happened today, but for a change, I went to the office and not filed a leave. It was fun to be with people you really like and it makes you feel more positive about the reality of getting older. July 28 is just the bucket of water that just snaps you out of your reverie.

When I think of 25, one of the qualms that entered my mind is that I finally changed an age bracket. In surveys, I am not part of the 18-24 age group, but now the upper 20s. It’s quite a big leap personally that really shook me to the core. I am definitely older in writing, but I question my wisdom at this point. Is my 25-year worth of experience enough to push me further in life? Of course, a lot of people have traversed life with more or less experiences and they still thrive. It’s the big part of me that enjoys the safety confines of my comfort zone that screams about this issue actually. I want to move forward with big and important decisions that will alter my path in life, but I worry on the uncertainty of the direction it will lead. Will I succeed in the end? If there is a clear formula for it, that’s what I want but as usual, life cannot be boxed to a finite form. I am stuck with actions, decisions and hopes that what I do at the moment will be something I will not regret in the future.

I am scared shitless on what will happen, but I know that there is always something to look forward to. I know that a future is always present whatever I do or whatever history I have. Will it always be rosy? Definitely not, but all I can do is live the present and hope that it is for the best. On my silver year and every year after, all I want is just to be fabulous.

To the next 25!

PS: Thanks to all who greeted me a happy birthday! I heart you all!

The Dark Knight

I was able to watch The Dark Knight yesterday and I was truly mesmerized with the entire movie and also its characters. Hands down, Heath Ledger is the best Joker for me. He was evil/anarchy personified with no limits at all. Too bad he passed away because he was one of the better young actors. Christian Bale is still fantastic with his intelligent take on Batman and Bruce Wayne.

Even if the Joker just stole every scene he is in, I think this movie is about Harvey Dent and his humanity. Aaron Eckhart played his role really well, but the shift to Two Face is spectacular. I remember my Ph104 final question where Marcelle asked me about Two Face's conscience where his decisions are based on chance -- a flip coin. That's another discourse I will blog about next time perhaps.

I just realized that the last two movies I've seen has Morgan Freeman. First was Wanted (before I left for Korea), and now The Dark Knight. Both films top the summer movie list for me!

Newest Toy -- E71

Bought a new cell phone as an advanced happy birthday gift to myself (still accepting gifts though. The Nokia E71 is love. =)

Post-Mortem: Seoul, Korea

I am back in Manila from my 2-week Seoul, Korea trip. All I can say is that it's an experience to go there especially to someone who was not expecting it. Outside of the circumstances (work! ), maybe I could have enjoyed my stay there. But, throughout the trip, I felt displaced. Here are some of the items that I have done in my short trip.

• Like any place, I have to try Starbucks! I really, really love iced caramel macchiato! I was able to get my first Korean Starbucks fix in the Shinsegae mall just below the JW Marriott Hotel. Something notable is that it was the first time I used a reusable glass and not the usual disposable one. It was so cool and wanted to have on my own! I wonder where I can buy that?


• The subway system of Seoul is very complicated, but at the same time convenient. There are just a lot of stops and subway lines that you can choose from depending on your location. With the size of Seoul, I am not surprised of this intricate system. For this trip, it was fairly easy because the nearest subway station to my hotel is the Bus Express Terminal Station. It's location is very good since it is also near the bus stations when we needed to go to Chonan. For my tourist-y day, I was lucky that BET station is in the same line as Anguk station -- my destination. I think it is around 10 stops from mine.

• Changgyeounggung Palace was supposed to be the centerpiece for my touristy day. From Anguk station, it was a relatively short walk going to the place but luck was not on my side that day -- it was just a "guided tour day" -- meaning, you have to be in one of the tours to be able to get in AND the English and Korean tours just left. Dejected, I just decided to go to the nearby Jongmyo Shrine. It is the oldest preserved royal Confucian shrine which was built on 1394! Spectacular, isn't? The place was quite bare but you know that there is a lot of history in it.


While walking in the Shrine area, I overheard a tour guide inform 2 Caucasian tourists that the bridge connection Jongmyo Shrine and Changgeyonggung Palace is opened and we can cross it for free. Of course, I grabbed the chance and walked to the bridge and to the Changgyeounggung Palace. It was originally the Summer Palace of the Goryeo Emperor but later became one of the Five Grand Palaces of the Joseon Dynasty. Once again, the palace was bare and there were not much things to see inside.

I will post the pictures I have on a separate album. But, for my Korea trip, that's a closed book for sure. If I go back there, I will try to be more adventurous and see more of Korea even if I get lost. Haha!

The Echo Trailer

Trailer of The Echo. Can't wait!

Firefox 3 Download Day

Why Jump?

I’m not known to be a risk-taker. I am comfortable taking safe and secure options rather than something that is bizarre yet creative. I’m very scientific in dealing with life. I need supporting pieces of evidence in order to prove a point or to make a decision. When I pick the food I want to eat, my decision is based on experiences I had with the limited food options I have. If it is not in the options, I would not even risk tasting something.

However, I think part of the process of growing up is taking risks. Like a young chick who needs to grow up and leave the nest, one would need to make the jump out of one’s comfort zone in order to expand your known limitations and soar. It will never be detrimental to you because whatever happens, you will gain something.

The irony is that even if I know that I should take risks, I don’t want to do it. I am compelled by my thought process to just stick with what I know – with what I have. Why challenge something that has proven its worth? What’s the point of trying to reach for the stars and dreaming that it is possible? What’s the point of testing the fates by deviating away to known options and try something different where in you can fail?

What is the point of jumping? Everything. All that have been amassed right now are because of people who dreamt. People who risked everything for something they thought can be possible. People who tried to test the realms of what’s possible and what’s not. We take risks because we want to challenge our boundaries and see what we can have.

Why should I learn to jump? It is the only way to achieve happiness. By jumping out of my comfort zone, I am expanding my horizons and my viewpoint also widens. I think my life can be more meaningful that way and I can see things that I did not see before and appreciate them. After everything, you will realize that when you jump, you will always end up somewhere. It can be good, which is excellent. On the other side, it can also be bad, and you can learn from it. There will always be something that will catch you when you jump and until there is life, the possibilities are endless.

It Tastes Different....

Today, I left the house for a change of scenery. Well, I think it’s already starting to be a tradition for my parents and I to go eat in Little Store for lunch and then I would go to the gym. However, something was off today in terms of the quality of the food I’ve eaten.

In Little Store, I usually eat Lumpia (without garlic) and Maki or Kiampung (sp?). The lumpia had a bitter aftertaste. I don’t know the source of it since lumpia is a mixture of various things put together to produce something exquisite –for me, that is. I think it was the seaweeds but I am not 100% sure. The Maki I ate was too sour on the other hand. I couldn’t force myself to eat that sour thing. I ordered Maki, not Hot and Sour Soup.

After going to the gym and discovering that I am now nearing the 150-pound mark, I found myself in Starbucks sipping my all-time favorite Iced Caramel Macchiato. HOWEVER, even that can go wrong. It tastes different. I think it is because of sugar-free vanilla. I thought the taste will not be really that different but this is bordering to blechness. It is not Caramel Macchiato. How unfair the world can be?!

Interlude: About Type A and Type B Personality

Take the exam --> http://discoveryhealth.queendom.com/type_a_personality_access.html

About Type A and Type B Personality

According to scientific literature, Type A behavior is characterized by an intense and sustained drive to achieve goals and an eagerness to compete. Personalities categorized as Type A tend to have a persistent desire for external recognition and advancement. They are involved in various functions that bring about time restrictions. Such personalities have a tendency to speed up mental and physical tasks with extraordinary mental and physical alertness. These characteristics make for super-achievers and high-powered people.

Type A individuals can get a lot done and have the potential to really move ahead in the world. But there is a high price to pay. Certain components of such a personality can inhibit happiness and even threaten health. For example, the goals that Type A folks set are often poorly defined and therefore hard to achieve—a perfect recipe for misery.

Type A is also characterized by a general discontentedness and the impulse to be overly critical and demanding, even contemptuous of imperfection, in the self and others. This focus on negative aspects and the accompanying bursts of hostility and impatience result in guilt, remorse and anxiety.

Type A personalities are motivated by external sources (instead of by inner motivation), such as material reward and appreciation from others. Type A folks experience a constant sense of opposition, wariness, and apprehension--they are always ready for battle. And anyone can imagine how this constant (and very exhausting) existence would deplete reserves of contentment and happiness and disrupt personal equilibrium.

Although the literature is somewhat inconsistent because of problems with the conceptualization and definition of Type A behavior pattern, it has been linked to higher risks of cardiovascular diseases. The risks seemed to be reduced with intervention aimed at reducing Type A behavior. Indeed, those with a high Type A score would be happier and healthier if they were to file down the jagged edges of their personality. By learning how to control the negative behavior patterns while preserving their drive, Type A people can be successful without sacrificing their emotional well-being.

Type B behavior is usually defined as the absence of Type A behavior. Type B personalities are relaxed and have a laid-back attitude and posture. They are friendly, accepting, patient, at ease, and generally content. They are at peace with themselves and others. They show a general sense of harmony with people, events, and life circumstances. They tend to be trusting. They focus on the positive aspects of things, people and events. Type B folks are self-encouraging, have inner motivation, are stable and have a pleasant mood. They are interested in others and accept trivial mistakes. They have an accepting attitude about trivial mistakes and a problem-solving attitude about major mistakes. They are flexible and good team members. The Type B person is able to lead and be led.

Results of Your Type A Personality Test

	Personality Type
Your score = 73

What does your score mean?

You seem to have a Type A personality. Type A personality is characterized by an exaggerated sense of time urgency, competitiveness, anger and hostility. People who share certain characteristics with you are often concerned with the acquisition of objects and generally dissatisfied with the world, including oneself. You don't know how and when to relax. People probably get tense around you, and they tend to feel threatened in your presence. Continuous stress and allowing unexpressed feelings to pile up are not good for your health. You should start learning how to relax, to let go, and enjoy life. Work on your communication skills. Try to take it easy and be lazy sometimes. It might be hard and it would take some effort, but you certainly know how to pick up a challenge.

Almost there...

April 30 is just a few days away and I am deathly anxious for that day to come. A big part of me is relieved that "the day" will soon arrive and I can finally have some free time to live life afterwards. It's a nagging voice in your head pressuring you to really do good. But at this point, I'm pouring all effort I can give and whether I succeed or fail, I really do not care anymore because either way, one thing is for sure, it is finally done... for now.

Let's see how things will turn out. It's gonna be either or . A few more days, Ryan. Hold on.

The Heat

After several months of not working from home, I opted to do it today. I think now that it is a poor choice because it is freakin' summer and the heat got to me. The end result was a lethargic Ryan who was not productive at all, unfortunately.

Earlier, I was able to browse through my blog entries during my college days and I realized how I have changed so much. Gone were the days where I have an opinion regarding almost everything. I was able to easily put thoughts in my blog and it has been an organic and cathartic experience. It helped me put out thoughts that plagued my mind and I can look back on those thoughts and assess how much my way of thinking has changed in the span of months or years.
Maybe it's time again to sit down and put my thoughts and opinions in public space. Okay, probably not in the next few days. May seems to be a good month to start. Let's see where this goes.

Volleyball Shoes

I know what I need to buy next -- volleyball shoes. The last pair I owned were bought during my high school days when I was playing seriously in school. After that, college happened and I only played during my 2 P.E. volleyball classes. It's not as serious as grade school/high school (3 times a week!) Now in HP, we have been playing the game twice a month and I think buying a new pair of volleyball shoes will be a good investment. I looked at some items with Kathy in Mizuno and also started reading reviews in the internet. After this month, maybe I can buy a pair.

tl.wikipedia.org

Kathy was amused that there is such a thing as a Tagalog Wikipedia. Yes, it exists and I've contributed to it during my college days. I would usually find the English text and I would translate that to Tagalog and post it in wikipedia.

It still needs a lot of work and there are only a few people who contributes in building the tagalog wikipedia. So, if you have the free time, do write your wiki entries in Tagalog. Visit tl.wikipedia.org.

Pushing Limits

I'm in the moment that I am pushing my limits and challenging myself. I am not sure if I will end up on top or I will be a casualty in this crazy idea. However, I do need to determine what can I do further. I've been wallowing in my comfort zone for quite some time and sometimes, I think, is this all I can do right now? This will surely change the tide for the next few weeks, but I will surely survive -- scarred or not.

Notes from Puerto Galera

I got back from my 3-day vacation in Puerto Galera yesterday. It was uber fun and definitely something that I want to do it again!

Some notes:
- Christa's Tito Danny's van rocked!!! Aircon was cold!

- 3 days of inihaw. I think I will not eat liempo for the next few days.

- The boat ride to Galera was super bad!!! =( A lot of people vomited. Gross.

- MJ (masa juice) - that's how we called the sangkatauhan there in Puerto Galera. Grabe, there were so many people especially Saturday! Friday was ok coz the crowd is manageable. Saturday was MW (masa world).

- Quotable Quote from a masahista in a very heavy accent, "Si Glori Arroyo, hinakot na lahat ng tao sa Maynila!"

- Mikko Bar is the place to be. Mabuhay ang Mindoro Sling! I should have taken a pic of my puke (the English word, not the Tagalog one)

- Go Birdies!!!! Itaguyod ang sangkatibuhan ng mundo. Pero the best ang volleyball game ng trannies vs discreet-kuno. The trannies won!! Woo-hoo! =)

- Banana boat!!! Manong vs. HPers. Guess who won?

- Drunk Texting and Drunk Calling: the best way to let it out!!!

- 9F!!!!!!!!!!

- Can I touch your horn? *sizzle*

- What happens in Puerto Galera stays in Puerto Galera! *wink wink*

When do we do this again???

American Idol Top 9

The Top 9 of the American Idol performed yesterday. And as usual, elimination was held today. Bottom 3: Ramiele, Kristy, Brooke!

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..
...
....
.....
Boot: Ramiele! This is unfortunate! =( I guess the Filipino votes did not succeed this time.

Not Doing Enough

Sometimes I feel that I am not doing enough. It touches all things that I am doing at the moment and it frustrates me because it is like you know what you need to do but you just do not get the drive to actually do it. The annoying part is that there are no external impediments barring me in fulfilling them but I just don't. It sucks and I think I need to just organize things and attack them one-by-one. The pyramids were built one block at a time -- let's take that learning from history.

Lucky Luzon resident hits P249-M lotto jackpot --> It's not me. :-(

Lucky Luzon resident hits P249-M lotto jackpot
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/storypage.aspx?StoryId=113537

One bettor got very lucky Sunday night, when he or she correctly guessed the six-digit winning combination in the Superlotto 6/49 draw for the more than P249-million jackpot.

Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) spokesman Larry Cedro said that the lone winner placed his or her bet in somewhere in the Luzon area.

The winning combination was 47- 32-1-46-15-29.

The jackpot, pegged at P249,005,120.40, is the biggest lottery jackpot in PCSO history.

Sunday night's lotto jackpot surpassed the October 2002 Superlotto 6/49 cash haul, when six people shared the P202-million prize.

Cedro said that the volume of sales for Sunday's draw reached more than P180 million.

Super Lotto is drawn Thursdays and Sundays.

Gian Villaflor

One of my batchmates from La Salle Green Hills just passed away due to heart attack. Gian Villaflor and I were class mates during grade school. I can not remember the particular grade, but I knew him and I know that he knew me as well. He was friendly and very makwela. It is such a loss for the world because he has a lot of potential to do many extraordinary things.

It also reminds us how easy for life to just go out. There is no physical immortality and we can just be gone anytime with no reminder whatsoever. May Gian Villaflor rest in peace.

Public Service: For those who know Gian closely, his remains are in St. Peter's Church on Quezon Avenue. He will be cremated on Thursday, 8AM.

progress!

I was able to study a lot today! Snaps for me. I covered around 4 topics in the first file that I am reviewing and I am off to the 2nd file by tomorrow! I am so happy that I was able to focus today and covered a lot of items. I wish everyday is like today.

Ok, maybe not. Since I was happy that I was able to read so much today, I did some shopping. I think I mentioned weeks ago that I bought a new bed. Well, the bed was supposed to arrive today. However, my QA aka "my dad" rejected the delivery because the goods were scratched and they were missing some parts. They will come back tomorrow with new stuff. Hopefully, no more damages!

Anyway, I bought some new items for the bed. I bought two new pillows and linens for my bed. My parents were actually complaining about the cost and we do have some extra linens and lots of pillows at home. I just reasoned out that it's a new bed and it needs new pillows and linens. The swipe of the card won eventually. =)

Afterwards, I finally succumbed to my craving. I've been whining to Kathy that I want some crepes. Last week, I ate one from Krazy Krepes (sp?), but this week we indulged in Cafe Breton! It was good, but overpriced. I miss the crepes in Marche in Singapore. Haha! I told my parents that I want to do a day trip to Singapore to just splurge with my favorite food: chicken rice, Delifrance chocolate eclairs, Dan Ryan's ribs, Marche's mushroom soup + mango crepe. I think that will be the perfect day. Maybe a stroll along Orchard Road will make it better. =) Dreams, dreams, dreams....

I'm excited for April and May to come.

Umbridge II

Na-mention ko na ba today na
ayaw ko talaga sa kanya?
...because I CAN.

What will you do with 200M?

What will you do with P200M? The March 27 6/49 lottery draw might exceed this pot prize already. News can be found in this link.

Umbridge

You must not tell lies...
...because I can.

Mt. Olympus Scandal -- shhh...

There's a brewing scandal in the very young alta de sociedad of Manila. It is just about to hit the fan with names like Tim Yap and Celine Lopez being dragged in a domestic issue between two men -- post-breakup.

Apparently, a particular DJ Montano has borrowed money from his then-Aussie-BF Brian. They broke up and now drama. It's thrilling to read Brian present stories and straighfroward attacks to this so-called "Gucci Gang". From homewreckers to coke addicts, it's all there. If you want to take a peek, go to this blog.

Long day + New Multiply Look

Friday was one of the longest days at work. I was already in the office by 1:30 PM and I ended up finishing up for work at Saturday, 7:30 AM. It was the last day of my 1st and 2nd level support for my project and it was also the last day of the month so everyone was quite high strung. As long as I am done, right? I already aligned that March will just be EMEA for me except if they need consultation at the wee hours of the night. That's good enough for the rest of the month.

I fell asleep at 7:45 AM yesterday and ended up sleeping until 1:30 PM. I still felt tired but I couldn't sleep anymore. So, I cleaned up and just decided to finally fix the channel lineup of the television since my mom was already complaining about missing channels. It was because of SkyCable's rechanneling so I had to add some new ones and removed the static ones. By 4:00 PM, I was again asleep and the next time I woke up, 3:30 AM. My body clock is screwed up again. Woo-hoo.

So what do you do at 3:30 AM? I got to update my flickr account, and then I updated my multiply layout as well. I found a very classy Starbucks theme! It's so cool. I'll try to take a very nice Caramel Macchiato picture that I can use as the banner. Tee-hee.

Oh well, I still do not know what the plan is today. I am not sure if we are still going for the Batangas trip. If not, I will be lounging in Starbucks once again to study! =)

feeling

I wanted to post a looong entry detailing what's going on in my life so far. But I deleted it. Everything can be summed up to...

...I am freaking tired.

Motor City: Spice City!

I spent 24 hours in Detroit. I have never imagined that of all places, I would stay in Detroit, by choice. I read a few weeks ago that Detroit is one of the most miserable places in the US so that startled me a bit. Maybe because I did not stay in downtown Detroit (but I did pass by 8 Mile Road, Eminem anyone?) but I stayed at Auburn Hills which is around 50 miles away from the airport. There should be a logical reason why I would stay in Detroit, drive 50 miles away from the airport where I could have either stayed at Minneapolis, or stayed at the fabulous Westin Detroit Metro Airport Hotel. Two words: Spice Girls.

It was serendipity that my layover in Detroit is also the same day as the concert of the Spice Girls at the Palace of Auburn Hills. It was an A-M-A-Z-I-N-G concert!!! I super love it to death mainly because they all sang the Spice classics and the whole place was singing along with the girls. I can’t pick a particular favorite but 2 Become 1, one of my favorite songs, was really poignant and everyone was dancing with Stop so that was cool. There were a lot of guys in the audience and they were having fun as well. Maybe they are just being polite to their girlfriends or they are also a Spice Girl deep inside. Haha! For me, the blah-est moment was Headlines which hasn’t warmed up to me. Oh well, seeing the girls live is worth all the troubles! It’s just a shame that I can’t bring in my camera because it’s a “professional” one. I should have brought my P&S which I left back home in the Philippines. I also bought some paraphernalia which was so overpriced. I got the program for $20 and a shirt for $35! Super expensive, but the memory of attending the Spice Girls Reunion Concert is definitely priceless for me and this picture sums it all… truly mission accomplished!

Other than that, I think I have accomplished many things in this trip. I fulfilled some shopping in the Great Lakes Crossing. Aeropostale is still love and I hope that we get one in the Philippines soon. I was able to buy all the things that I had to buy including those who asked me to buy stuff for them – except Monte’s magazines. Sorry, Monte!

I am so excited to go back home. It’s just a few hours away and it’s definitely thrilling to know that fact.

No Spice Girls in Asia, Africa and South America

This sucks...
-----------------

TheSpiceGirls.com says:

01 February 2008
IMPORTANT TOUR ANNOUNCEMENT

Sadly the tour needs to come to an end by the end of February due to family and personal commitments for Emma, Geri, Mel B, Melanie C and Victoria. It was announced in June that, as well as the Europe and the US, the girls planned to visit Australia, China, South Africa and Argentina. Due to the phenomenal demand for tickets in the UK and the US along with the touring logistics for such a massive production it was not possible to fit everything in. As the girls return to normal family life and the kids go back to school they are reviewing all the options, who knows what the future might bring!

The girls said: “We’ve had such an amazing time over the last 3 months. It’s been incredible being back together and seeing our fans again. We want to thank everyone who came to see us. It was all so mad the first time round, so we’ve really been able to appreciate it properly this time. There have been so many highlights and good times that we know it will be hard to be apart after Toronto. Really sorry if we didn’t get to see you this time round. We all have other commitments in our lives now but who knows what will happen next.”

Detroit and the SC Primaries

The plan landed at the Detroit airport around 10:00 AM earlier. It has been a smooth ride and made it extraordinary when I got upgraded to business class during the Manila-Nagoya leg of my flight. That’s always good in my books. However, the beef with broccoli served during dinner time was really bland. It was not that good. I checked in to the hotel and learned that my room got upgraded to a suite. Snaps for me!

What have I done today? I just stayed in my hotel room and rested – not by choice since that’s the only thing I could do. The only place I can eat at was the Dema restaurant which sells $15 burgers. Madness! So, I walked through the terminal and got a bagel with cream cheese from Caribou Coffee – the only place I can buy not-so-pricey food.

Cooped up in my hotel room, I just watched CNN and realized it was the South Carolina Primaries. For the past few weeks, I’ve been really interested in American politics especially with this unique activity of nomination. I am definitely for the Democrats and I might kill myself if Huckabee gets the position in the White House. I totally ignored the Miss America pageant and opted to watch the CNN updates. It was a landslide win for Obama and I got excited with that fact. Among the Democratic candidates, I believe in the cause of Obama. I think I am a sucker for candidates who preach hope and change. In the 2004 presidential elections, I supported Raul Roco and now, Obama. Between Clinton, Edwards and Obama, he has the charisma and the flair to inspire people and probably, unite them. I find him forward-thinking. Of course, the bickering with Hillary Clinton is quite a turn off, if I can vote, I’m definitely putting down Obama.

Fine, a part of it was that Oprah said so.

Paused

I am traveling once again to Puerto Rico for the project go-live. It has been one heck of a ride and I am thrilled that we are going to the final stretch of the project. I am already looking past February and on to a new adventure. I am not sure if it's going to be better but I am hoping that it will turn out okay.

So, for the next three weeks, my life in Manila will be paused and I will depend on the news and chikas that I will be hear through the grapevine. February is an exciting month with many things happening. All we can do is just wait for things to play out.

MacBook Air: World's Thinnest Laptop.

I am drooling like crazy because of Steve Jobs! OMG! MacBook Air rocks and I want one for my self. It weighs 3 friggin' lbs! OMG! OMG! OMG!

Diane is convincing me to get one but I told her I will get one if she gets one.

Here is a pic I got from Perez's site.
PS: I should be saving. Guys, convince me not to buy this thin, lightweight, eco-friendly, beautiful laptop............

Round New Hampshire: Hilary!

Surprising almost everyone, Hilary won the primary in New Hampshire. This makes the road to the US Elections extremely exciting.