Major Mission in 2010

The year 2009 has been amazing for me. I graduated on time, had the funnest college life I could ever live, saw lots of good movies, had so much laughter, we were spared from the great flood, friends who were affected by the flood are alive and okay. It was a year filled with blessings.

I will make this 2010 count. It's gonna be more amazing, more fabulous and more meaningful than 2009. Dapat naman ganun eh. Each year must exceed the year before. We must strive to improve ourselves - in general, or at least one aspect of it.

Now I dunno which aspect I should work on. Love life is always on my list but then again waiting and hoping is the best I can do. Social life, yes? Keep in touch with the friends I have. Try to meet new people at random places. But not the pick-up girl sort of meeting ok? The 'common friend' works best for me. It's kinda hard to be comfortable with other people who are total strangers. A common friend kinda dissolves those worries to a certain extent.

Giving back is also on my list. I started 'giving back' last December when I gathered my friends for a little outreach project (as blogged earlier). I thanked those who came and Weng sent a very heartwarming reply. She said it was also her way of giving back for the many blessings she received this 2009- graduating, getting a job she really enjoys, and having the opportunity to work on her dreams.

More than just doing outreach stuff, what I really wanna do, as in MAJOR, is to get a scholar. If there's one thing I appreciate about my horrible application in a certain company, it was meeting this doctor who declined to take part in WWF (World Wildlife Fund). Okay side story...

I was an applicant and we were sent to do field works with their employees. To my horror, we walked around the Makati persuading (pressuring) people to enroll in the WWF program where they charge a certain amount from your credit card each month which serves as your donation to help save the world. Now we entered this beautful modern clinic somewhere in Makati (can't recall actually) and the two employees I was with approached the doctor. The conversation went something like this.

Employee1: Hi Sir! We're from the WWF (not true!) and we're here to do a survey (echos lang!) regarding the Earth hour.

Doctor: Oh, I know this. So basically you're asking me for money?

Employee2: Uuuhm, yes, something like that.

Doctor: I'm sorry but I'm involved in a foundation that sends kids to school. I think the bigger problem we have in this country is that a lot are stupid. I'd rather spend my money in educating people.

And in my mind I wanted to say YOU GO GIRL! (he was kinda gay btw hahaha) But yeah, I wanted to hug him, applaud him and do a fabulous walk out. Of course I didn't. But I did walk out the clinic with an evil grin. HAHAHA

So back to my main story. I talked to mom about enrolling in World Vision but we realized we can just build our own foundation of some sort, and handpick our scholars. (You can't choose a scholar in World Vision. They assign you to a kid.) You may ask why I want to pick my scholar. If I had a choice, I want a scholar from a minority group- an aeta, or whatever minority group.

Because they need to cope up with the times. I know they wanna keep their roots and traditions. That's totally fine. But it wouldn't hurt if they knew how to read or do simple math. It would greatly help them when they trade with lowlanders. With education, they can put into writing whatever traditions they have. Not only will it be preserved but they can also share it with outsiders so others can appreciate their culture more. Basic literacy will also allow them to vote wisely and become a significant influence in their local area. Hindi na sila babalewalain at pagsasamantalahan. In return, they can also give back to their community by teaching their fellow tribesmen what they learned in school.

Then again, I'm not closing my doors to non-indigenous people. As long as the kid has a dream and is really really needy, I'd gladly help.

I'm not earning much right now. SERYOSO. I'm so sure most of my friends (if not all) are earning more than me but I am blessed. And if I can spend a few thousands for bags and shoes, I can definitely shell out a few more for a kid's future.

I hope you do the same too. Not exactly sending a kid to school. Generally, just giving back. It's also for good karma you know.

Cheers to the amazing year that's coming to an end and to the even more amazing year that's about to start!

Will post my other 2010 stuff soon. :)

*photo from lenses.wordpress.com

Another Want

Meet Prada. PHP 33,587.40

And Gucci. PHP 33,345.77

Both at saksfifthavenue.com

KALOKA!

It's fine though. I believe in delayed gratification. At least I try to. hahaha

I still have a lot to work on before I can give myself these bags. All I can afford right now are Longchamp totes. :))

With or without these, (I'm pretty sure it's without haha!), it's still a happy happy Christmas!

Let's see in 2010 k?

My first Christmas Project!

First of all, for the nth time, I'd like to thank everyone who took part in this project. Including those who showed interest even if they weren't able to make it. Your interest really inspired me to push through with the project.

Second, to those who made it- Issa, Andy, Punky and Wenggay. You guys are superb!

Third, to those who donated stuff. Sir Nestle for the five boxes of shampoo, to Claude for the many baby stuff, to Aleli for the diapers, to Punky for the cleaning stuff, to Weng for the Nestle products and to Andy for the cotton goods.

Anyway back to the day of the visit. Imagine my horror when our only carpool backed out that morning. I was panicking but I told my friend it was fine. I really couldn't blame her coz it was for academic reasons. I prayed, prayed so hard that today will be smooth despite the lack of transpo. That we'd find a cab who can take us there.

While getting dressed, another friend said she can't make it but will meet me to drop off her donations. I got sad coz I was hoping we could catch up during the visit but I said it was fine. I was also frantically texting Issa to tell her about the lack of car, and then asked if she could get me lunch at McDo. She then told me she'll try to ask a cab to take us to the orphanage. I told her to offer a maximum of 500 pesos 'kontrata' trip. I was that desperate to get a transpo for us.

Minutes later, Issa messaged me saying she got a cab who agreed to take us there for 250 pesos ONLY! And she didn't have a hard time talking to the driver.

For me it was a miracle. Call me exage but I think my prayers were answered right at that moment.

The four of us- Issa, Weng, Andy and I made our way to the orphanage. The taxi driver was very nice. And he knew where we were going. Amazing.

We arrived at the orphanage on time. The nuns and helpers greeted us happily. And then we started playing with the kids. The kids were very sweet. They kept hugging us. It was very heartwarming.

I chatted with one of the nuns and asked about the kids. They're temporarily staying at the orphanage until they recover from their illness. These kids are from the poorest families in the slums of Manila. Some were abandoned. Some had drug addict parents. The nuns really feels sorry for the kids. Sister said they tried to provide livelihood for the parents of the kids but nothing succeeded. She said the parents were contented in their way of life- begging other people for alms to feed their family. It's really sad to hear because these kids could have a good future if their parents sacrifice a little more.

Anyway, I just really pray that there will be hope for the children.

Here are the photos.

Issa carrying Kim. Leleng hugs her.

Punky and Nina.

us!

I hope you can join us in our next project. yay!

New Wishlist

Yes, I have a new material wishlist hahaha

1. Book: The Tropical House - Cutting edge design in the Philippines

I'm hoping Joop gets me this book but he's hesitant coz it's worth Php1995. haha

2. Book: 100 cities of the World (by Falko Brenner) Php 795 (I think I'll ask this one from Joop instead of the one aforementioned.)

3. Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse and Breaking Dawn books - in original covers (not the movie cover) What better way to feel 'in love' than read and reread the Twilight series? haha

4. Kimmy Dora original DVD - I just loooove Eugene Domingo.

5. Travel with my family (this was in my original list)

SUPER KADUPER LAPIT NA NG PASKO! Merry Christmas everyone!

Bahay kubo...not.

Found out today that the Cullen house in Twilight is different from the Cullen house in in New Moon.

TWILIGHT

This is the Hoke House

NEW MOON

The vampires' living room.

Wala lang. I find myself missing Jacob Black this past few days.

First three photos from nhit-shis.org

Last photo from vulgarmoon.blogspot.com

Crime Scene

If you're following me on twitter, you probably read that a few days ago a bottle of lotion went missing here at home. I concluded it was just one of those 'may nagmumulto sa akin' moments when things go missing and will show up the morning after.

"Been around the house sooo many times and still can't find that huge bottle of lotion."

You also probably read that last night I was crying. Let me tell you why. (Tweets are in bold, to give a clearer picture of the events.)

I decided to pack my stuff for Iloilo because my room is a wreck you can't even walk straight because almost all our stuff is in here. The renovation started yesterday instead of the planned schedule so I had to shove all our office stuff in my room. Anyway, so while packing, I decided to take out the bags I'll be needing then I noticed I was missing one traveling bag.

I tried to clear my bag rack (it's actually the second level of the double deck) to check and recheck if It just fell on the sides or got squished under my pile of bags. But no, it wasn't there. I was crying all night, desperately scouring the house of the possible places where I might have left the bag. Even if in my mind, it has always been in one single location in my room.

"I'm calm now but I can't wait to find the culprit.

Sasabunutan ko, sisigawan at papalayasin. Yes, as in like the teleserye."

"Okay joke lang. Maybe that's too harsh. Pagagalitan ko lang."

I couldn't sleep. I was so mad. (WHO COULD DO THIS TO ME?!) I was angry because I couldn't think of a suspect. Until I remembered that two days ago (when the bottle of lotion went missing) I absentmindedly left the house open when I went to the clubhouse to pay the homeowner's fee. That day it was only my aunt's maid who was here. I didn't want to accuse her of anything. Because she seems like a good person. And it'd be embarrassing to accuse someone and then find out you're wrong diba? I fell asleep around 4 AM maybe because I got so tired of crying. But at 9 am, I heard my aunt supervising the clearing here at home, and the renovation started again so I got up to talk to my aunt (with my bagong gising hair and crappy sleeping clothes). I told her what happened so she decided to do a surveillance. I called my mom to tell her what happened.

Minutes later my aunt was shouting, calling my name. And when I got to their maid's room, THE BAG WAS THERE. The maid tried to defend that she bought in from the palengke. JUSKOLORD PALENGKE?! My auntie continued to scour the maid's stuff, then I found my lotion! NOT JUST ONE BOTTLE, BUT TWO BOTTLES. Then my dad's stash of soaps were there, our stock of shampoos. Lots of stuff. I was...tulala because I cannot believe she could do that. I have been so good to her. I give her merienda when I have pizza delivered here. I treat her well. I don't even order her to do stuff for me coz she's not my maid. She's the maid at the other house. And may pahabol pa. I found one of my dresses under the stack of clothes. WHAT THE HELL DIBA???

But I never got to the point of screaming at her. I was just there standing while my aunt kept asking "Bakit mo nagawa yun?" My hands and feet were cold, my breaths were deep, I was frustrated. I told her "Hindi naman ako galit. Nakakainis lang na pinagkakatiwalaan ka namin. Eh kung karpintero nga pinagkakatiwalaan namin, ikaw pa. Kung kailangan mo ng tulong, humingi ka ng tulong. Pwede mo naman hingin tong mga to."

She was crying. She asked sorry. I've forgiven her. But she can never bring the trust back. I'm disappointed. I trusted her. I didn't even want to accuse her at first. But we all know our actions have consequences. She'll probably lose her job. She will just finish her December term and will be sent back to the province where she came from. It's so frustrating. How I trusted her and treated her right. It's frustrating for that trust to be broken.

I called my mom again to tell her what we found out. I cried on the phone out of frustration. "Nakakainis talaga. Nakakinis." I said to my mom.

Right now I can't even look at her. Not because I'm mad. I can't look at her 'coz I feel that every time we see each other, she will only be reminded of the wrong she has done.

Start today!

Was watching the movie My Big Love this afternoon. I've seen it a few times before but you know me, I never get tired of Pinoy movies. Anyway, I remember I promised my mom to get a blood test when I go home to Iloilo. When I was in high school, we take annual blood tests for the heck of it. Just for monitoring purposes coz my mom has hypertension. I always manage to be normal in all levels except uric acid which caused most of my kidney illness back then. But now I'm fine. But I have to admit, I've kinda forgotten to watch what I eat (haha it's obvious). Maybe because I've never really had a blood test in my whole college life. Therefore I don't have acid levels to remind me to watch it. I'd always think minsan lang naman, but then again, if you combine all that 'minsans', it makes a difference.

Anyhooo my point is, I gotta seriously watch it. I don't want to die young noh! So back to My Big Love, Sam was sooo fat, like 300 lbs. and then Toni was his personal trainer who has a five-step program to managing one's weight.

1. Goal setting.

2. Start today.

3. No shortcuts.

4. Motivate yourself.

5. Be happy.

My goal now is just to eat healthy. It's better to be realistic because I know myself. I know what I can and can't do. I can never promise not to eat pork. Because baby back ribs is one of my favorites. And funny I had to go visit Raisia's post on how she lost weight in law school. (No it's not stress, she ate healthy stuff!) I'm so glad to see she recommended cereals because I have a box of Mueslix that I eat when I find myself hungry late at night. I'm doing something right haha.

Okay enough of the writing and get working. And yes, I'm gonna take that blood test when I go home.

What's next?

Earlier Ruffa Gutierrez and Miriam Quiambao tweeted that there's a Tattler ball tonight and the theme was 20's. I always get confused which look is from which so I researched a bit and here they are. haha

10's

Reminds me of Titanic.

20's

Burlesque. Like the theme of Chuck Bass' bar. haha

30's

Movie Star glam

4o's

Remember the Thomasites? The first teachers in the Philippines? haha

50's

Grease-ish fashion

60's

Definitely Hairspray!

70's

Disco Fever!

80's

Big hair/ punk

AAAAND THE 90's! My favorite era! Where everything's in moderation.

Kids nowadays look skanky. When I was a kid, I'd go to church in a dress. Now these kids wear clothes that seemed like tinipid sa tela. On the other hand, teens look too funky- hoodies, eyeliners, chunky rubber shoes. It looks good yeah, if you're sosyal. Oh well, I guess that's how it is goes. Fashion evolves. Maybe...I'm just a little stuck in the 90's. HAHAHA

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY PAMANGKIN, the cutest baby ever,

JULIAN!

(Tune in my head: 'bulilit, bulilit, sanay sa masikip' hahaha)

I LOVE YOU TO BITS CUTIE PIE!

I can't believe it's been a year but I'm very happy! I'm excited to see him grow up but he's sooo cute I hope he doesn't grow up too soon. He's like my kid except I don't discipline him. I spoil him. hahaha But yes, like a mom, I've changed his diapers when he pees and poops (hahaha), put him to sleep, play with him, fed him, etc. And like a good ninang, I buy him, what else? SHOES! Awwwww I super love Julian!

Kwento kwento lang

Literally. haha I'm so stressed and I haven't really thought about things lately so I'll just kwento stuff.

ORPHANAGE VISIT

Yesterday Ana, Mau and I visited the orphanage in Binondo. It was all good except the part where the tricycle driver charged us 100 pesos for the ride from Ongpin to DelPan. I was so pissed but I believe in karma so Manong Driver, mamalasin ka rin one day. Or malay ko ba minamalas ka na kaya dinadaya mo na rin yung mga taong tulad namin.

The nuns were so accommodating. The Indian nun who showed me their grocery list even reminded me that we need not donate everything on the list. She said something like "Whatever you can give, even if it's a small thing, we are very grateful for the blessing." She kept repeating "That's very nice of you and your friends to help us here."

Anyway after the visit we made our way back to Quezon City. It was a very tiring ride because it was rush hour and well, Manila does not have the widest roads so it took us 1.5 hours to get from Quiapo to Trinoma.

STICKER-HAPPY

After dinner we went to Starbucks in the garden of Trinoma. I was telling my friends to give me their stickers if they don't have plans of getting a planner. Then this guy on the next table approached and said "excuse me, nagcocollect ka ba ng stickers?" Shempre I was surprised! In my mind I was thinking 'Shet maybe he's selling his stickers to me. SCALPER?! NO WAY!' So nag inarte ako and replied "Uhh, yeah...-ish." HAHAHAHA Then he said "You can have my sticker card. Pwede naman i-combine yung cards eh." So I accepted it and thanked him nicely. SOOO AWKWARD! Buti nalang cute siya. haha But minutes later, a girl arrived and left with him. haha oh well papel. Such a sweetie.

ORGANIC SOAPS

I purchased my organic soaps online and met up with the seller today at SM Fairview. Organic soaps don't come cheap. Each bar sells from Php95 to 125. I wanted to try these because I guess I just got bored with the commercial soaps (my staples are Johnson's citrus fresh, Safeguard white, Biolink papaya soap which all sell for less than 40 pesos each).

CHRISTMAS SHOPPING

I'm not halfway my Christmas shopping. I've only bought gifts for my Mom and Joop. Sooo hard to think of gifts! haha

RED RIBBON

If you love bangus, you have to try Red Ribbon's bangus ala pobre. Super yummy, super cheap! For Php 137, you get the bangus meal, a drink and a slice of cake for dessert. yehey!

FOOTWEAR

Found really cute and affordable oxford leather flats at Manel's. I didn't buy it coz I wanna finish my Christmas shopping first. I'll buy for myself last. hehe

I'm really loving the Christmas spirit! I just wish it's colder, like back in senior year, there was a certain month (or months) that I'd wear a jacket and socks to sleep! In school I was always in jeans and a jacket. It was even colder outside our air-conditioned classroom. Feeling ko winter! I really miss that time.

RENOVATIONS...AGAIN

Mom called me up two nights ago to tell me to shove all our stuff in the room before I leave because the house will be renovated again. This time it's gonna be the floor. The crazy cut marble floor will be replaced by uhh, probably huge granite tiles. It's not that I don't like but this is another waste of time. Our floor is as good as new. Really! No cracks at all. It's the only reminder that this house is 'old' (in a good way). And I hate it that they're changing it! My mom hates it too coz it's an unnecessary change and a waste of money.

GLOBE

I hate Globe for a crappy service! Weeks ago when dad and I traveled to Bicol, I was using mobile web to tweet and check my emails. I was aware of their two ways of charging mobile browing- the default is kb browsing which charges you per kilobyte sent, and then time browsing that charges Php 5 for 15 minutes. Of course I switched to time browsing (send TIME to 1111). Then I got a notification today that my bill is 2500! LIKE WTF?! I am sooo gonna get to the bottom of this and crucify them. hahahaha oveeeerr?! Ah basta, I hate Globe for cheating on their subscribers. Good thing the message they sent me about having switched to time browsing is still on my phone. Patay talaga kayo sa akin. haha

Anywaaaay, dapat good vibes na! Christmas is super near and I'm excited! For that I'll try to tweet about things that I love. Pang dagdag good vibes diba? This 'tweet what you love' was inspired by my friend since grade school Chris Orleans. haha

(Btw I watched New Moon again this afternoon shet. hahaha Will kwento my experience tomorrow.)

I JUST DIED AND WENT TO ABS HEAVEN :)

I love Edward but I'm for TEAM JACOB!

I can't wait for Eclipse!

* * *

The line at Eastwood cinemas was like a line for relief goods! But the movie was sooo totally worth it! Everyone was squealing in the cinema, especially the young girls. There were two occasions when a single voice stood out to react. As in she said "AWWWW" alone! The whole cinema laughed at her, whoever she is. hahaha Really really funny!

AMAZING!

As early as now, I really want to thank my friends who responded to my email. It is very heartwarming to know they're willing to help. I got twelve yeses in 24 hours and two more today. I mean that's a lot considering I only emailed a few friends for this project.

I'm so excited to do my ocular visit on Monday. Or maybe I should call them nalang. Bahala na. All I want is for this to be meaningful. Not only for me but for everyone who's coming.

Spread the love everyone!

Sharing the blessings

After reading this article, I sent an email to some friends asking for a Saturday visit to Alay ng Puso so spend time with the kids. I hope many will respond positively. (Two emailed me back minutes after.)

That lady is the lone caregiver in Alay ng Puso. Photo from Chuvaness.

But then again, big or small group, I'll push through with this project. I want to find a new meaning in life. A fresh outlook. Anything that can inspire. Maybe some of you are looking for that too.

Bakit magastos maging masaya?

If you're a material girl, that is. haha

I purchased a Longchamp as my Christmas gift for mom. I think it has eaten half of my salary. ghad. But then again, it's something I've always wanted to give to mom plus, I can borrow it when she's tired of it. I guess I just have to scrimp on my other gifts. hahaha

And then I found another bag for myself. How would you like your two loves combined? As for me, that'd be bags + flats!

I DIDN'T BUY IT, OF COURSE! (Wala na akong pera hellooooo?!) It's just an addition to my never-ending wishlist. haha

Gosh, I need to rush my Christmas shopping na! One month to go before I fly to Iloilo. I'm staying there for a month so I can attend Dinagyang. Yay! I'll also visit Bacolod. More on that in another post.

Happy Christmas shopping! :)

The price is right

How much are you willing to pay for a bag? What is the maximum amount you'd pay for any bag?

This is a pretty cluttered post but I assure you, the pieces will fit. haha

My friends know I love bags and when I'm bored, I kill time reading blogs on bags and checking websites of different brands of bags. And I also have bags in mind that I'd love to own one day. But I also don't believe in ULTRA HIGH-END BAGS. Owning a six-figure bag in a third world country is an insult to poverty. A pre-owned Hermes Birkin will cost you at least $6,000 (around Php 300,000) and could go s high as Php 2M. A Chanel or a simple Valextra bag will cost you about Php 150,000. Imagine how many classrooms that can build, or how much capital that is for a business (so you can create jobs), or how many scholars you can send to school.

Today I spent the whole afternoon reading Philippine Star. I'm amazed how Jaime Zobel de Ayala (JAZA) finds happiness in road trips and reading on his Kindle. Or Jose Mari Chan being very happy with his comics collection. I mean, they're really big people in their respective fields but they find so much happiness in the simplest things.

"...in life, one has to strive to be happy.” -Jose Mari Chan

So if my happiness are bags (and shoes, and watches haha Overrrr), I draw the line at 30k. A little allowance so I'd extend that to 40k tops! NOTHING MORE THAN THAT. Of course I won't afford that now. And the only way I'd own a bag worth more than 40k is when someone gives it to me as a gift. So goodbye Chanel 2.55. Ask my would-be husband to buy you for me. hahaha

P.S.

My real happiness isn't really bags and shoes. Watches yes. But the first two, they're just my luho. My real happiness...has yet to arrive. ;)

KALOKA!

Lots of kalokas today!

CONGRATULATIONS TO MANNY PACQUIAO! MONEY MONEY MONEY PACQUIAO! hahaha Seventh title, why noooot?! Kaloka! I sooo bet he's gonna fight Mayweather Jr. next. But according to Julius Babao, it won't happen next year coz of elections. I love Pacman as a boxing hero but not as a singer, an actor, and definitely not as a politician. Hohum, it doesn't make him less of an icon anyway. hahaha

As if my post last night wasn't kaloka enough for me, I had another kaloka moment today. I tried to rebook my flight to Iloilo from Dec.17 to Dec.19 to allow me to attend the lantern parade and the batch party (in the works). OMG IT'S SOOO NOT GONNA HAPPEN. Rebooking would cost me twice the amount of the original ticket.HELLO?!

And lastly, this one really cracked me up! I was sooo determined to get that cappuccino wash on ebay so I signed up for an account and sent an inquiry. Juskolaaard I got a reply IN CHINESE! hahahaha I'm still determined to get that cappuccino wash so I'm hoping powerretail can do the purchasing for me. I HAVE NO IDEA HOW PAYPAL WORKS SO SCREW THAT. Or wait, any of you here purchase on ebay? help me please! hahaha

I just fainted (kidding)

Was checking out shoes online when I saw the Giuseppe Zanotti heels that I've always wanted...only, it wasn't a Zanotti.

Check this out...


SUPER CARBON COPY, DANG! The Zanotti heels (top photo) cost $325...The Urban Vibe heels cost $15. I WAS SOOOO SURE I'M GONNA BUY IT until I saw the biggest size available was 8.5. I'm a 9. boohoo.

Now I'm just excited to go to Trinoma next week to check out the new shoes in all the stores. HAHAHA

Robinson's Supermarket

Earlier today Dad and I went to Robinson's at Berkeley Square. It's along Commonwealth Avenue, near Power Up (if you've taken wall climbing for PE).

Anyhooo, I just want to share that the people of Robinson's Berkeley are sooo mabait! Like my dad couldn't find Reno liver spread in its usual space on the shelf. We asked and the shelf filler said "Dun po sa mga palaman" (points to the shelf). So I walk there and got the spread then back to the cart again. He even paused filling the shelves to check if I got it. When I thanked him he replied "Welcome po and thank you for shopping here."

Many times I passed by the seafood section and got as much 'good afternoons' from the man stationed there. Everyone whom I came across with in the aisles greeted me good afternoon. And finally when we were paying already, the bagger was alert to transfer our goods from the cart to the counter. Apparently he was also manning the package counter. Double duty, kaloka. After assisting people at the package counter, he came back to do his bagger duties and then brought the cart to the basement parking where our car was. After placing the last plastic bag in the car, Dad handed him 20 pesos as a tip but he declined saying "Ay sir, ok lang po, huwag na po. Balik nalang po kayo ulit dito."

Soooo cool diba? Talk about quality customer service! What amazes me is how they're so energetic and courteous the whole time. I know the management told them to be nice but the way they do it, it feels so natural! haha Unlike in SM Supermarket, it's not all the time that everyone's nice to you. Another amazing thing is that they actually say no to tips. I mean it's also additional income especially in these hard times. Let's say a bagger assists 3 customers with their grocery, each gives him 20. He gets an extra 60 pesos at the end of the day. That's enough to cover transportation and probably a small merienda. Amazing that they actually smile and decline nicely. Bilib rin talaga ako sa HR nila. I hope more supermarkets have that kind of people.

Yay to great customer service! :D

Exage

Exage talaga. I can't find the energy to write a decent post. I wanna post about my Bicol trip but I'm so lazy I opted to post photos on my Multiply account. I wish I can have my blogging energy back. 

My theory is... all my energy is on twitter. HAHAHA  It's just so much fun to tweet! Aside from seeing real time musings of my friends, I also I get so much updates there via TIME, Inquirer, and Julius Babao, showbiz feed and funny jokes from Ruffa Gutierrez, Mariel Rodriguez, Bianca Gonzalez and Pokwang, inspiration from Paulo Coelho and TheLoveStories,  pop culture and couture from Bryanboy and Tim Yap. 

I use twitter to a fault. As in minsan it's like a chatbox na between me and a contact. EXAGE I hate myself for doing it. I don't really log on to YM, nor do I post stuff on Facebook so this is the only chance I get to chitchat with them. 

Oh well, I'll leave you with this photo I took. Para naman worth it yung pag basa niyo ng post ko. HAHA

Barcelona Church in Gubat, Sorsogon

THIS IS REALLY IT!

Today the much awaited movie, Michael Jackson: THIS IS IT was released in the theaters of 99 countries all over the world.

Of course I tried to squeeze in time to watch it before I leave for Bicol even if I was alone. I'm used to watching movies alone anyway. hehe So I was there at the mall around 12:20 pm. Just enough time to grab a ticket. The movie starts at 12:45.

What's new though was the SUPER STRICT guards waiting there with the theater attendants. When I entered the theater, the attendant took my ticket, and the two guards scoured my bag (including the zipped pockets inside!) for cameras, PSPs and whatever gadget that can be used to record or take photos of the film. Well I didn't really mind coz they were very nice. And the MJ film will only be released for two weeks (with no assurance if they will release an original DVD). So the temptation of producing pirated copies is really really strong.

Inside, only the upper seats (deluxe) were allowed to be occupied. When the movie started, there were people squealing in excitement to a point that it was irritating. A lady even said "QUIET PLEASE" aloud because really, it's not like the theater is theirs.

As we watched the movie, three more guards entered the theater and stood in the aisles. From time to time they'd walk through the aisles to check if anyone's recording anything. Really strict haha

Anyhooo, about the film. No, I won't post spoilers because there isn't any story to spoil really. I was pretty emotional to a point that I really really blamed MJ's physician. (Coz diba his death was diagnosed as an overdose.) If that concert happened, it would have been the greatest concert evaaaar.

Intrigues aside, MJ is a great great artist. I don't think anyone can surpass his contributions to the music industry. And he is soooo full of love. He spreads love through his music and his dance. The very same thing he tells his dancers and the people he works with. Spread the love, he says.

The best take away line for me was EVERYDAY, MAKE HISTORY.

I know he did.

BINGE!

Shoe binge, that is. No no, I did not go on another shoe spree. Well at least not yet. 

I discovered two Multiply sites that offer pre-orders for shoes that are made in Korea. The best part about it is THEY'RE SOOO CHEAP! Well not exactly 'sooooo' cheap but it's a pretty good deal considering that you can't find similar designs here. I WANNA GO TO SOUTH KOREA AND GO ON A SHOE BINGE!!!

Here are my favorites.

Php 940. 

I super love flats! They are kind to the feet. 

However the other night Farrah was telling me how she's getting used to heels. I love heels but there's such a great deal of effort to wear them. I reserve my heels for extra special occasions like formal parties, presentations and the like. Maybe one day the perfect pair of heels can change my mind. hahaha

I forgot how much exactly but I think it's at Php 1200+. Very Charles&Keith-ish right?

Php 1290 

This is my favorite. Do I buy it or not? gaaah!

For the sites, click here and here.

I also 'discovered' another shoe brand to love- J.Crew! The brand is more known for clothes that's why I only saw their shoes now. But the price is pretty steep (for my purchasing power at least hahaha!) I'll probably use their styles as reference.

I wonder when I'll stop loving shoes? But then again, they're easier to love than men. HAHAHA

It's Official!

Yes, yes! Royce is officially my favorite chocolate! I've loved chocolates all my life but this is THE bomb. I still love Cadbury white, Andes Chocolate Mints, Kinder Bueno and Almond Roca. But Royce is just too heavenly to resist.

I heard about Royce before but it wasn't available yet here in Manila. It was Sir Nestle who introduced Royce to me. Well not exactly just me. He brought home a box of Royce Nama for the class from a recent trip to Singapore. Imagine 20 little squares of chocolates sliced into tinier squares to feed a class of 60+. HAHA 

That's my little piece from Sir Nestle's pasalubong. 

And Fa's left foot. I think she was reporting her good and bad tv ad. haha

My next encounter with the chocolates was during a trip to Rockwell. I was waiting for Emm, Fa and Sherry so I decided to walk around. I stumbled upon the Royce store at the topmost floor. Of course I tried their chocolates. It's free anyway. haha

And finally, they day came when I had to give  in to temptation. Last Saturday I saw a new store in Trinoma and it was a Royce store. I was with Dianne and again, tried their chocolates. Super funny coz we wanted to try the others but we didn't have plans of buying so we just thanked them and walked away laughing.  And then days ago I was browsing blogs and found so many reviews on Royce. I've been fighting the urge to buy it because it didn't come cheap.

So yeah I totally gave in and bought a box last Thursday. I also took the chance of trying the ones I want because I was gonna buy anyway. HAHA KAPAAAAL! Anyhoo here's my Royce box.

That little sachet is the frozen gel and the silver one is sort of a 'cooling envelope' where they put the box.

Close up shot of the velvety chocolate and the tiny plastic knife that's in the box.

Fa and I call Royce an "insult to poverty". HAHA But when you think about it, oo nga naman. She mentioned last night in our brief ym conversation that they eat the Royce Chocolate Covered Potato Chips like nuts in the office. I can't even imagine buying the potato chips because I feel it's not worth the money. I'll keep trying it nalang sa free taste. HAHA

Now I'm just very worried because I only have 6 squares left in the box. hahaha I AM SOOO NOT GONNA BUY ANOTHER BOX SOON. I'll just get a pack of Andes when I finish the box. But I plan to try Machiavelli Chocolates (this is a Filipino owned brand btw) and Benoit (also locally produced by a Belgian who is married to a Filipina). We'll see if they can exceed Royce.

Have you eaten your favorite chocolate lately? Go ahead, reward yourself! yay!

Mental!

Went to the mall today to get a new flash drive and buy the chocolates I have been craving for in the last 3 days.

I had lunch at Sizzling Pepper Steak. Their beef pepper rice is good! I haven't tried Pepper Lunch yet (coz it's far hehe) but they're pretty much the rivalries when it comes to this type of restaurant. Check out this review.

Anyhooo, I then went around the mall as usual to check out what's new. I ended up buying a new shirt from Bayo. And then I passed by a new clothing store named MENTAL. Upon entering I was surprised because I was greeted by one of their attendants IN A DOCTOR'S UNIFORM! As in the type they wear in mental hospitals- white, long like a trench coat, with a priest-ish collar. Super mental! 

Written on the walls were counting sticks. The clothes rack were metal shelves and the seats were wheel chairs! Freaky in an amazing way! haha

That store really made my day. I didn't buy anything but it had a very cool concept. Oh, their clothes were wearable to- some were just normal blouses, the others were crazily draped, cut and layered pieces that reminded me of Chuvaness. haha

Another mental thing I did was...I bought a box of Royce White Nama chocolates! I have been craving about it for 3 days and I knew no other dessert can replace my craving. I had to buy it. And that craving cost me Php 580. Crazy chocolates. But now that I'm enjoying every bite of the little squares, I think it's worth it so... yay!

I'm looking forward to a great weekend. Happy weekend/sembreak everyone! :)

Mornings

I miss my mornings. I've been waking up late for the longest time. The only time I got up early was when my dad was here and we had to go to the office. But other than that, I always wake up at 11 or 12 noon. 

Today it was even crazier. Last night I watched 500 Days of Summer and slept at 2 am. I set the alarm at 10 am so I can visit the supermarket and buy my food supply in preparation for the coming typhoon. Hours later my alarm went off and I just couldn't get up. I rolled in my bed and fell asleep. Later I heard the kitchen door open- my tito arrived! I decided to stay in my bed and pretend to be asleep until he leaves. That was like 1 pm already. I was starving. hahaha Anyway bottom line, he left, I was able to go to the supermarket at grab late lunch at Tokyo Tokyo.

I feel so bad for losing my mornings. I would have wanted to be more productive. My dad wakes up at 6 am everyday. Every time I get up, I find him outside sitting and just looking at the birds. He's done with his things to do and the rest of his morning is for thinking. His afternoons are dedicated to TV, naps and TV again. Sometimes he works again the whooole afternoon. But it happens only when it's crunch time.

TOMORROW, I SWEAR I AM GONNA WAKE UP at 10 am at the latest. And I have to keep that until it becomes normal. I'll only oversleep if I was out the night before or if I have no work to do. 

In other thoughts... I have decided not to come to the Plansem of ABAM. I'm afraid to travel north because there's a typhoon. haha I am dedicating my weekend to 'me' time and marehan time. I hope plans push thru! 

Happy sem break to my student friends! :)

I remember the feeling :)

I super miss being in college. Today I was more than glad to attend the 177 final presentation. I went with Aldren because I didn't wanna enter the room alone. Then I met Ian, he graduated October of 2007 and now works in Magnolia. He brought three boxes of Magnolia beverages too. A lot of people from the higher batches were there. Super overwhelming. 

Sir treated the alumni to lunch at ChocoKiss. We were surprised when he gathered us for lunch. He joined us for an Ikot ride to Bahay ng Alumni. While in transit, he showed us his new 'baby', the bread business he recently put up in Cagayan de Oro. The brand is called Pan Time (fun time) haha. Very cute! It's available in major supermarkets (Robinsons), schools and other channels in Cagayan and will be available here in Manila next month. I am just so thrilled about his new business. Super inspiring.

Edge, Ram and Peter joined us at Chocokiss but they left to meet up with the rest of MSV after. But it was really nice seeing them. Parang college lang talaga. haha

When we got back to CBA, we had a pictorial by the steps. Of course, per group with Sir and finally with the alumni. Steeps, Bobit and Major joined the afternoon group of alumni along with people from batch 1 whom I do not recognize anymore. haha

Anyhoo, back to the presentations, here are some good stuff that were presented.

Cream Silk

Tagline: You are the Universe

I wasn't able to watch this group (because they were the first presenters!). But when I entered the room, they gave me a pink balloon with a little card which had 'You are the Universe' written. Over dinner they showed me their tv ad, super sweet ad, I love it.  I found out in that they gave all the ladies pink and white balloons like what I received also.

RC Cola

Tagline: Lagi mong ka-trip!

True to their tagline, ang lakas talaga nila mang trip. They are the only group who actually moved the whole class into a different room for a change of atmosphere. They did a super goood job in shifting RC from a cheap brand to a cool brand. Yay! And their tv ad was really good I'm so sure everyone in the room was smiling. And as a bonus, Sean Tiu reported with the group in fluent Filipino! Everyone was cheering for him because he doesn't really speak Filipino. He's very fluent in English which made some of his words slang but nonetheless great effort. 

Sting

Tagline: Astig Ka Ba?

This was presented by 5 boys, all in a super hyper mode all throughout the report- somehow we thought they drank liters of Sting before reporting. Very good delivery of report, very executable campaigns and they really owned the "Astig" image.

Dunkin Donut

Tagline: Pasalubong ng Bayan (retained the current tagline)

To quote Sir Acedera "If we count the number of wows, this group probably got the most wows today." And I tell you, they really had WOW ideas, it was so exciting. They had witty traffic signs "DONUT BLOCK THE DRIVEWAY, PAPUNTA SIYA NG DUNKIN DONUT" and "DONUT DELAY, HINIHINTAY NA NI BUNSO AND DALA KONG DUNKIN", amazing donut MRT cards and "mouth" machines (I dunno what they're called haha), etc. Really really refreshing, and funny approach to the brand. They even chose Santino (as in the teleserye kid) as their endorser.

Rankings are as follows: Tied at 3rd are Cream Silk and Dunkin, second is RC Cola, top team is Sting.

Sir had to convene the alumni outside to check if we were all on the same page about our verdicts. We had unanimous choices for the top 3 groups but we differed in the order. It was purely chikahan because it had no bearing since the grades were combined inputs from Sir and the class.

I still remember last year, we had no gifts, no notebooks from Sir, no stuffed toys for the winners. But it's all good. It's very flattering to be part of the class because you really see how the class evolves as batches pass. At the end of the announcement of winners, Sir Ray asked for final words or comments from the alumni. Jeff Garma from batch 1 proposed a round of applause for Sir Ray for investing so much time and dedication in creating a class like this. It was the sweeeeeetest, most flattering and most fulfilling gesture we could have given Sir. Too bad for the students next sem, he won't be teaching because he wants to focus on his bread business. When things are stable he will definitely come back to teach. So I'd like to think that the great applause is our pabaon to him for the duration of his break from teaching.

He's cooking up a facebook group for BA 177 where we can share new ads, crazy ideas, and inputs - all batches. I'm excited! All thanks to the inspiration and knowledge from Sir Ray, we will never stop learning. :)

As a side note, I found this on facebook. Really funny I thought I'd fit my post title too. hahaha

"Hindi porke’t madalas mong ka-chat, kausap sa telepono, kasama sa mga lakad o ka-text ng wan-tu-sawa eh may gusto sayo at magkakatuluyan kayo. Meron lang talagang mga taong sadyang friendly, sweet, flirt, malandi, pa-fall o paasa."

Happy weekend guys! :)

THE Awwwww Moments :)

I just got home from a dinner with some BA friends. I really missed going out with them. Jave was getting emo he reminisced about how we'd drive to Eastwood to eat or watch a movie after class. Sweeeet! I remember we had merienda at Jack's Loft then watched 300. I really wanna remember all the fuuun college memories I had with everyone. I firmly believe college is a part of my life that I don't want to forget. Except feasib. ahahaha

And then today I just witnessed the most kilig 'look' on a guy's face when he saw his female friend appreciate the same thing he likes. Super awwww! EEEH I'M NOT DROPPING NAMES but I swear I fainted deep inside. hahaha

Sayang Kyle arrived when we already dispersed to go home. hahaha Mali eh. Katawa!

I really hope the weekend plans push thru. I'm so bitin kanina. I'm sure we all have a lot to talk about. Like college secrets that we can now reveal because it's so passe already. hahaha

Another awww moment was when I saw the current photos of my engaged crush (haha giveaway), in my mind "Isn't he lovely?" He is such a family guy he actually skipped a school engagement to be with his family abroad. I mean that's really nice he's happy but it just seems soooo fast (?). Sometimes my friends and I would joke about him not waiting for us. hahaha But still. It doesn't change the fact that he's such a sweetie even to his family. I am tempted to post a wacky photo but nevermind. haha

What are your awww moments in college? Share naman! :) Keep making memories y'all! mmmwah!

Been thinking a lot lately :)

Ohmygosh looong and rainy afternoon today. I tried to wake up at 9 am but I was sooo sleepy and it was a cold morning so who could resist a few more minutes of sleep right? At 10:30 I finally forced myself to get out of the bed. I was still sooo sleepy my eyes were still shut while preparing hot water for my coffee. I know you know the feeling because I'm pretty sure you've been through this. :))

It started raining while I was preparing to go to Comelec. I really really wanna go and register because my conscience will haunt me in the next 6 years if I don't do my responsibility as a citizen. OMG, I had to ride a jeep from our village to get to Quezon City Hall because there are no buses or fx that cover that route. (I've mentioned a few times on this blog that I don't ride jeeps except when I'm in the UP campus because it's sooo hard to breathe in jeepneys.) In fairness to the rain, it lessened the amount of dust particles I inhaled during the ride. haha

Meters away from the Comelec building, I can already see the line! OMG I wanted to faint. hahaha Because last week when I went there (the day we were sent home haha), there was barely any line. I was even able to sit on their bench. So there I was, getting wet because of the rain and sweat, asking random people what each line was for. I was able to submit my forms pretty fast but I had to wait along with so many people to be called back for our assigned schedules. It began to rain again so some of us had to seek shelter under the narrow part of the building which had a roof. Beside me was a mother and her 3 month old baby. There were old people, students, regular employees who probably took the day off to register. 

Those minutes of waiting really made me see how much the Filipinos want change. People stand there in looong lines just so they can make sure they do their part in changing the country. But I believe there's more than enduring long lines now and placing our thumb marks on the 10th of May. We have to help ourselves too. Like the trash that clog the water system of NCR. We can't just expect garbage contractors, the local government and the environmental advocates to clean that up. We need to stop littering in the first place. I hope people who live near the esteros realize how much they can do to change even just the trash problem here in Manila. Or the people who don't pay proper taxes. They can't just use up and earn from our resources and not give back to this country. 

Sometimes I think that those people who don't genuinely care for our country should just leave. I know it's a harsh comment but why should our country take care of someone who doesn't care for her?

And this population dilemma? IT HAS TO STOP. I thought there are only 88 million Filipinos. But no. We've reached the line of 9. Read this article. Stop making babies if you can't feed and send them to school! One class in UP (I think it's Econ) explains overpopulation this way. It seems like poorer families have more children compared to those who live a comfortable life. And why is this? Because they think of their children as assets who will make lives better for them in the future. So more children=more assets=more improvement in their lives. NOT! Because before their children become assets, they start as liabilities that parents need to spend on and take care of until they are ready to make money and improve their family's life. But that's sooo not gonna happen because if they can't eat three times a day, how can they possibly send their children to school, how will the children learn and will they ever gonna get a decent job to improve their standards of living? Only outliers can contradict this trend.

Also, according to the documentaries I've seen, families in far flung areas or provinces have many children because they have no other past time. They don't have televisions, no books to read, no internet, no radio and some don't even have electricity. Nothing really keeps them preoccupied. So when nighttime comes, all they do is some cuddling and you-know-what's-next. Then, surprise! A baby bump! 

These little problems we have, when combined, create a huuuuge problem. If each person throws a candy wrapper, then 92 million wrappers can accumulate and kill fish, or clog our rivers. If we control the population, if we pay our taxes right, if we don't cut trees, if we follow traffic rules, if we care a little more, and if we do things right, I'm pretty sure we'll be in a better place in no time.