Two-Zero-One-Two

I bet you read the title with a tune in mind? Haha I kid!

Each time the year comes to and end, I write my thoughts, plans, and goals. It serves me many purposes. One, so I can keep track of how I'm spending my year. Two, someone might read it and will help me achieve some of them, and three, so I have something to look back when it's almost year-end again.

The year 2011 has been so good to me. I can say it was a year well spent. :) So here goes my random ideas on how I'll make 2012 count.

I will travel (like I always do each year). Travel, domestic or international, gives you time to breathe, think and rethink, and reconsider your plans and priorities in life. You discover a lot about yourself and your travel buddies too. Mau and I will push the 'Bawal Maarte Trip of a Lifetime' this summer. We were supposed to do it last summer but she got a job after grad and had to start working immediately. Now that she's got the hang of her job and is pretty much settled in her new place, I think we can go visit Ifugao this Summer 2012. *crossing my fingers and toes*

I'm also thinking about throwing a party for myself. I've never thrown parties. My friends know that. I'm just the dinner and hang out type of person but this year, I really wanna celebrate me! I originally want a kiddie party. I wanted one for the longest time. The other night I was watching Becky Nights (their guest was an oracle) and I think I want a different party for my 23rd. I want a party with cocktails, fortune tellers and face painting, and body shots. Sounds like fun right? CHAR!

I will work harder. The year 2011 has seen a shift in my work outlook. Definitely there's so much room for improvement. Hopefully more opportunities come so I can learn more. I also hope I commit less mistakes at work because it's hard to undo errors in my position. #sohelpmeGod

Make more friends. This year's been amazing. I met a lot of people and I really want to continue that this year. More than meeting people, I want to make a connection with them. It's nice to know people from different fields. Makes life more interesting. :)

Stay connected. I will make time for 'old' friends. I love meeting up with my friends because they make me laugh, they understand me, and they don't judge. New friends are nice and I love it. But sometimes you just want a real conversation and say what's on your mind without having to explain yourself.

Invest. I'm doing this first thing when I get back to Manila. Gonna buy myself some stocks. Weee! Did you know you can start a stock portfolio with 5k only? But I haven't really gone through the process so I'll share this once I've processed my account. :)

Make healthier choices. Gosh! I was on a 'healthy' track until summer happened. So much drinking and everything just went downhill from there. CHOS! I went back to jogging but ended up getting a knee injury, and then a foot injury. After that, I never attempted to go back to jogging. This year I wanna do pilates or continue hiphop. I really enjoy dancing. Although right now I think I need to focus on my upper body. Need to tone these arms!!! Good thing I emptied the fridge in Manila before flying to Iloilo. When I get back, I'll hoard carrots, apples and dalandan to make fruit juices.

Lastly, I will continue to improve myself. I am a work in progress. We all are. And maybe this year, I just need to focus on being my best self. They say you gotta be your best to attract the best. I will stop earning the respect of people/ "friends" who take me for granted, I will not entertain negatrons in my life, I will defend my rights and air my grievances. I will be the nightmare of crappy employees because bad service has no place in this country. I will help people in any way I can. I will touch lives of people whenever I get a chance. Enough with the 'search for The (elusive) One'. Not that I don't wanna meet him. I KNOW YOU KNOW I DO! But I've entrusted that magical moment to the Universe, to Papa God, To Destiny. The 'search' will have to sit at the back of my mind first. My conscious efforts will all be for myself and the people around me. Because a positive environment will send positive vibes. Gora lang sa mga good vibes kyeme!

Speaking of good vibes…How can I forget my new year wishes for the people I love? Here goes!

1. That people, especially those in power will be selfless so that this country can finally move forward.

2. That our transportation system will be improved so that our roads will be safer and less congested.

3. That we all understand why we are where we are. If you love it, keep excelling. If you don't, you know what to do. Have courage to do it.

4. That there will be more awesome teachers so students (young and old) stay inspired.

5. And lastly, I will keep wishing this until we have all been granted. That we may find the love we all deserve to have.

So here's to a 2012 full of adventures! May we all enjoy the journey and come out as better people at the end of the year. I know 2012's gonna be awesome. That's my prediction. Now it's up to each of us to make it true.

HAPPY NEW YEAR GUYS!

Thank you, 2011

"I will make 2011 unforgettable. I will make it awesome. I'll make it count. "

I wrote that in 2010. Looking back, I can say I actually achieved it. There's so much I am thankful for and I will try to enumerate them here.

New friends. :) I've met so many new people this year! Really.

Kitty, Nano, Ayi, Bebs, Lei, Jobelle - I 've never known this much H.E. (Home Economics) people back in my college days! We're pretty much contemporaries in UP but I only met them this year, through my friend Mau.

Then there's the athletes crowd - Anto, Franco, Casey, Cis, Goy, Jed, Step, Enzo, Pon.

Football classmates - Kuya Jam and Ate Jeng. I love these two so much! They brought me along during the Diliman FC vs Stallions match in Makati. Felt like a spoiled little sister. hihi

Delish people - Bambi, Babes, and Gil. I spent so much time (and money) at Delish during the summer that I actually know the names of their servers. Too bad Babes isn't there anymore. I hope she's doing well.

Moonleaf friends - Adrian, Thysz, Ate Jam, Ate Juvie, Ate Rose, Kuya Moy, Kuya Nick. I have yet to ask the names of the other awesome people in Moonleaf but promise, I'll ask! (Ang bilis kasi nila dumami!)

Friends of friends, now my friends - Berns and Jojo from the Fine Arts group. Dave and Jeff from my Yesterday club loves.

Old friends. :) I love how we've matured but managed to stay crazy together.

Non-BA college friends: Mau, Ana,Carms, and Kara. Kara is in med school and I only got to see her once this year but the three, I see them pretty much each week since they moved to Maginhawa. I have a strong feeling we'll be seeing Kara more often this 2012 though. Her brother, Joel might start playing for UP this football season so yay!

GNO - Jen, Ja, Fa. I love these girls so much. We all dream of our respective The One's. And we're excited for each other. Right now we're just enjoying the journey. I don't know how GNO started but I'm sure it was pretty random. :)

Yesterday club - my 'young' crowd. 96% of this group is from the batch one year younger than mine. The remaining 4% represents me and Emm. HAHA! I love them. They're so wholesome but not really. They're hilarious and jologs! They're mature and immature at the same time. HAHA

Wonder Girls - we haven't met up this 2011 because we're never complete. We stay in touch through twitter though. We should make up for it this 2012.

BA blockmates - glad I saw some of them at Pat's annual bash before I left for Iloilo. We had too little time to catch up but it was great seeing them. I love my BA blockmates.

Football games - against Mongolia in Bacolod; versus Sri Lanka and Kuwait, and of course, THE Beckham game all in Rizal Memorial. Who would have thought I'd see Beckham in ze flesh?!

4. Concerts! I've seen just two this year. The Script and Maroon 5. I LOVED THE MAROON 5 CONCERT! It felt so surreal singing to She Will Be Loved, conducted by Adam Levine.

Twenty-five years of Mom & Dad. My parents just celebrated their silver anniversary. Thank you for making me part of this family, Lord. We're not a perfect bunch. Then again, perfect is boring. :))

Travel.

Hong Kong trip. First time I traveled out of the country with Fa. It was sooo tiring but fun! Ubusan ng tapang at pera!!! I really enjoyed the trip to Disney and Ocean Park. I'd love to go back to Disney. Not so enthusiastic about Ocean Park because the rides I tried were soooo scary, I don't wanna do it again! HAHA Once is enough.

Bacolod was crazy. My favorite part was the trip to Mambukal.It was a tiring hike but I enjoyed laughing and climbing the rocks.

Visitors! Some relatives came to visit this year. My Lola, Auntie Beng, Uncle John and my cousin, James were here last summer. And then Tito Gerry, Dad's brother, visited in June. It's always nice to have them around. Especially Auntie Beng and her family- she's fun and 'bagets' pa rin. I hope next year Kuya Totoy and his family can come over. I miss them. Last time they were here, I was a college freshman. I cut PE class to go to the mall with them. HAHA

Thank you for the patience so I can stick to my job. Had I quit when I failed the first time, I wouldn't have reached the point where I'd start to appreciate it. This 2012, I'll focus and work harder to understand my job so I can keep sharing my blessings with others. My dad always tells his people 'We have to help each other. Because if the business grows, you will grow with the business. It's not just your bosses who will benefit.'

This year was also the first time I played in the rain. I was at home one boring afternoon when it suddenly rained so strong so I just went to the garden and stood under the rain. I was shivering when I went back inside but I was so happy! hehe Yes, wala akong 'ligo sa ulan' moment nung kabataan ko.

And oh! One last first time memory. I sang in front of a crowd that I do not know! I am a 'suki' in videoke sessions but I've never sang in front of a crowd of 'strangers' until my 22nd birthday. I was at Delish with Nano and Mau, when they made me sing! I decided to go for it since the place wasn't so packed yet. In the middle of my second song (oh diba talagang kumanta ako ng isang set! hahaha), people started arriving- including some football friends. Embarrassing as it was, that night turned out amazing.By far the best birthday I've had!

I know my 2011 sounds boring in writing. This is also the reason why I didn't write as often. Words just fail me! haha

Here's to a 2012 filled with more awesome firsts, crazier repeats, and epic surprises!

5 THINGS!

LIMITING MYSELF TO 5 MATERIAL THINGS ON MY LIST! Why? Because I have been very blessed this year that I don't need so much. hehe I'm (really) trying to become a simple girl. Char!

Here goes!

1. MAC Mattenne lipstick in Deliciously forbidden - because it's a pretty shade of pink.

2. Body Shop lip and cheek tint - because powder blushes can get quite messy.

3. Shiq bag- in green

4. Moonleaf planner - because it's pretty. :)

5. Majolica Majorca lash expander mascara

Papasa na ba akong simple girl? Hahaha Kalokohan!

Merry Christmas everyone! I'll post my non-material wish list in a bit! :)

Love.

One day, a guy will ask me how much I love him. Here's what I'll say.

I love you enough for you to break my heart.

But not too much that it can never be mended.

-A.Garcia, Nov 2011

Been wanting to post this all week but my Internet is dead. Posting this from the office. :)

Just keep wishing :)

Farrah asked for our 11.11.11 wishes so she can include it in her wish lantern.

Here's mine.

Please grant my wish, universe! :)

For every BV, you get 5 times GVs!

Today's bad vibe: I really hate it when people don't value my time. Especially when they need something from me and think that they can have it anytime! Excuse me, So today I ditched a meeting because this person did not schedule it properly. He can't expect me to be the first one to text. I know he needs something from me. So if this meeting was important like he says so, he would have arranged it properly. Hello, hindi ako atat sa free lunch.

Five good vibes! :)

One.

Today I went to the bank. I hate going to this branch because the tellers are super mataray. But today, there wasn't much people so that made me relax. On my way out, the guard said 'Thanks, Ma'am!' with this huge smile.

Two.

There's an old, half-paralyzed man who lived in the village across ours. Every time I see him, he'd be waiting for an FX to SM.

Once there was a traffic policeman who helped him get in the car. Another time, there was a male nurse who assisted him too. I thought he was the old man's personal nurse but he did not ride with the old man so I figured he was just passing by.

While waiting for an FX after going to the bank across our village, I saw the old man again. He was alone. So I walked fast to get to where he is. He hailed a cab just as I reached his spot. Glad I was able to help him get in the car today. His right hand was shaking involuntarily and had to pull his right leg up to be able to sit properly. I closed the door for him. He gave me a nod and a thumb up as thanks.

Everything just felt better after.

Three.

When I got to the mall, I thought I'd get some criss-cut fries as 'baon' to the movie. The lady was busy frying my criss-cuts when this girl tried to call her attention because she wanted to buy fries too. Because I had a direct line of sight to the lady, I called her attention. When the girl finally placed her order, she looked at me and said thank you.

Four.

Tower Heist. Funny and good movie.

Five.

The skin care clinic I frequent just texted me their promos and oh my gosh I love it! Will grab some prepaid sessions to last me until January. :))

THANK YOU LORD. :)

It'll find you, eventually.

Trust top wedding videographer Jason Magbanua to make you believe in true love.

Cay and Melvin from Jason Magbanua on Vimeo.

P.S.

I was gonna post this link on Twitter but while watching the vid, I found out one of my good friends broke up with her boyfriend so I thought it would be too insensitive of me to do so.

Anyway, enjoy the video. :)

Online Shopping

There was a point in my life when I shopped online a lot. This was even before Multiply changed its focus from being a photo storage to an online marketplace.

The typical purchase system would be you contact the seller and relay your order, seller will reply and provide payment details- deposit payment (bank deposit or Gcash)- seller ships order to your address. Some sellers accomodate meet ups too (this is perfect for items that need to be fitted like shoes or for bulk purchases with expensive shipping).

Just recently, Multiply relaunched itself as an online marketplace. Some online stores now accept payments via Paypal for an extra fee. I have a paypal account but I refuse to pay the extra fees so I still do bank deposits. hehe

I've had my share of difficult and sometimes, fake sellers (I once lost 1300+ to a fake store) but that's all in the past. I know better now.

Enough chit chat. I'd like to share my favorite online stores so you can enjoy online shopping too!

For pre-orders from the US or UK:

1. Barat Mode - http://baratmode.multiply.com/

I discovered Baratmode when they were just starting out in the online universe. The great thing about Baratmode is that they can pre-order from those indie-style online stores in the States. I once had glow in the dark drumsticks ordered as Christmas gift for my brother Joop. They also accept preorders from UK sites but I've never tried ordering since they have pretty much everything in the States.

Number of transactions with this store: Three

Talk to: Jean Guerrero

2. House of Flair -http://houseofflair.multiply.com/

House of Flair is one store I had a pretty recent transaction with. While a tad more expensive that other pre-order sites, they have one thing others don't offer: EBAY PRE-ORDERS! That's what I love about HoF. :) Plus free shipping throughout the Philippines.

Number of transactions with this store: Two

Talk to: Suyen Lopez

3. Rukia- http://rukia0814.multiply.com/

This store offers one of the best deals when it comes to pre-orders. It's usually the most affordable when I have items quoted from different sellers. I've only had one transaction with this store but I've inquired a lot of times. All my inquiries have responded to quickly and politely.

Number of transactions: One

Talk to: Shally Mateo

Baratmode, HoF, and Rukia also have on-hand items such as Urban Decay cosmetics (one of my favorite brands!), Sephora, Victoria's Secret, and ELF.

Footwear:

Order pretty boat shoes and espadrilles from https://www.facebook.com/EmmEnriquezII

Talk to: Emm Enriquez

You can never have enough shoes so grab another pair from from Skeddadle https://www.facebook.com/skedaddleshoes

Talk to: RC or Issa (Or visit them at the Global Pinoy Bazaar on Nov.5-6 at the Rockwell tent.)

They're very much legit so go!

For skin care items:

1. Khyrstal Beauty - http://khrystalbeauty.multiply.com/

Hands down, the best transaction ever. You see I was running out of glycolic toner (which is the best toner as it removes every last bit of makeup and grime on my face) so I decided to order last night, around 8 pm. Ms. Anne replied immediately to accommodate my order and said I can pay their rider once he delivers my goods the next day. This is they first time I had a 'cash-on-delivery' transaction. Although the rider arrived way later than I expected (around 7 pm), he was very nice and even explained he had a lot of deliveries and I was the last delivery for the day.

Ms. Anne also responded quickly and politely to all my questions and follow ups. But wait, there's more good news! This store offers the cheapest deals on generic derma products. I've purchased this toner from three different sellers (out of curiosity) and discovered they're the same stuff. Same packaging, just different prices.

2. Absynthe Bath and Body

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Absynthe-Bath-and-Beauty/164303820247128

Absynthe is one of the more expensive lines sold online. Their products are enriched with EMU oil that provide the skin with a ton of benefits. They're the only Asian member of the American EMU Association so yeah, go ahead. You can trust them. Their Rice bran + Emu soap actually cleared my skin drastically. My skin isn't the clearest yet but this soap definitely helped a lot. I've been putting argan oil on the tips of my hair too. My waves are more defined. :)

Talk to: Abs Yap

For affordable and authentic makeup:

1. JNLINK777 -

Items: Revlon lipsticks that cost half its mall price, Maybelline and Covergirl lipsticks for less than a hundred bucks each. Hoarded some lippies here one time! I shared this site to my kikay boss and her assistant and they've purchased a few times. haha They also have flat rate shipping wherever you are in the Philippines.

Talk to: Meg

http://www.ebay.ph/sch/jnlink777/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg=&_trksid=p3686

2. Pupay's Corner -

Items: Generic makeup brushes and best priced makeup palettes.

Talk to: Mabel

http://www.ebay.ph/sch/mnm091201/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg=200

3. Hoops and Loops https://www.facebook.com/hoopsandloops

Items: Urban Decay palettes and liners, OCC lip tars, MAC lipsticks

I actually haven't had any transaction with Hoops and Loops but my college friend Cheska of Weekend Pretty recommended this site. I have a lot of things listed already but I never purchase them because something always comes up and I end up spending my cash for something else. Best part here is that she sells UD 24/7 liners per piece! That's like 350-450 bucks per liner! TEMPTING RIGHT?! (When you pre-order each liner, you'll end up paying at least 850 per piece or you need to buy the whole set.)

For gadgets:

My brother Jom recommends kimstore.multiply.com and dbgadgets.multiply.com

I haven't purchased from either stores but I've been checking out their sites for years (I just don't have enough money to buy that LX5 or iPad 2 hehe). So much good feedback for both stores.

For bags, coinpurses, and kitschy gift items:

therapybags.multiply.com, connectthedots.multiply.com

That's about it! Hope this helps guys!

Jobs well done

This is Apple's homepage today.

Print screen from my Macbook.

My heart is saddened because an inspiring man passed away. But I believe his death rekindled 'passion' and served as a reminder to everyone that we CAN make our dreams come true.

Thank you for reminding me, Sir. I know from where you are right now, you are grinning and beaming with so much happiness. You prolly had no idea how HUGE an impact you made in this world. I mean, maybe you kinda knew. Sales reports can tell you that. But other than us using your inventions everyday, it's really your life story that inspired us.

Whenver I feel down and uninspired, maybe I should watch your Stanford speech. And then I won't have any excuse not to try again.

Rest in peace.

Oh, love.

I totally get the Matty vs Jake thing. Dream boy vs. the perfect (for you) boy. A lot of girls will go for the dream and hope that the perfect one, being perfect, will wait.

Awkward definitely hit the spot right there.

You guys have to watch! It's entertaining at the very least. And if you're a hopeless romantic like me...alam na.

Hear ye, hear ye!

Let me tell you about shoes made of real leather and why you should get one.

Sorry PETA but I'm a leather lover. Real leather softens over time. That translates to a comfortable walk and and nice worn out look. Take note, not all leather are created equal. You will know this once you try different pairs on. Some leather may be stiff the first time you try them, but after a few days of use, it should soften and mold to the shape of your feet. Some pairs can go without a break-in period therefore no aching feet, and friction spots on your feet during your first few wears.

Synthetic leather gets brittle fast. You'll end up with cracked patches on your shoes. NOT CUTE. And most of the time, synthetic leather hurt! They're just not as soft. Sure you can buy three pairs of synthetic leather shoes for the price of a real one but trust me, they won't last long. You'll probably end up changing shoes each year.

Next time you hesitate buying a pair of leather shoes, do the math.

Divide the price of your pair by the number of times you expect to wear it in a year.

You may take it further by dividing the answer by the number of years you expect the shoe to last.

If you're willing to pay that amount each day to wear the pair, go ahead and get yourself those leather shoes!

With my pairs of leather shoes, I usually put it at 3 years for equation purposes. If they look good after 3 years, I still wear 'em. :) I have read that some people have their pairs for over 6 years. Super sulit nun hahaha!

Finally, I recommend the following brands. Hush Puppies (I've been wearing this brand since grade school; right now I have two pairs), and my most recent purchase Sebago. For men, my dad and my brother Joop love Florsheim, Hush Puppies, Sledgers, and Birkenstock (sandals).

They say good shoes take you to good places.

I say good comfortable shoes take you further! ;)

P.S.

FYI: Suede leather- synthetic or real, is generally soft. The difference would be on the thickness of the leather. Synthetic is usually thinner but both are difficult to clean and maintain. I wear my suede Hush Puppies flats only when it's not raining and I bring a foldable pair of shoes JUST IN CASE THE WEATHER IS SCHIZO. Been useful a couple of times!

Perfect!

Last night I made a last minute decision to attend the party that some August birthday friends organized.

I had a grand time laughing and catching up with everyone. Some friends brought their 'plus one' which made us singles discuss how we feel. A lot of us are okay but excited to fall in love. Some worry if they'll ever find one, and some just wanted to take things as they come.

Anyway, at mass earlier this evening, I just heard the perfect homily.

The reading said something like 'Ang nauuna ay mahuhuli, at ang nahuhuli ay mauuna.' (So the last will be first, and the first last.")

(read the complete gospel here)

Our parish priest, one of my favorites, Father Luciano shared a few stories in the homily.

He told us about his older sister who got married at the age of 26 but did not bear a child until she is 40. Another child just a few months ago. She is 44 now. She would cry to Father Luciano during the years that they were trying to get pregnant.

There is another woman who works at the parish. Father Luciano said 'Itong babaeng ito, mas matanda pa sa akin. Wala man lang kilalang naging boyfriend, ni crush wala. As in mula ulo hanggang paa, dalagang dalaga talaga. Akala namin at akala rin niya yun na ang tadhana niya. Eto ngayon, nagbakasyon sa Bicol. Siguro madaming bulag sa Bicol, nakaloko tuloy si ate. Ngayong November, ako ang magkakasal sa kanila.'

Yung mga nawawalan ng pag-asa, wag kayo susuko. Kasi hindi titigil ang Diyos, hahanapin ka niya para ibigay ang nararapat. Do not give in to the temptation of depression. Keep hoping. The Lord

I couldn't help but chuckle. I said to Joop 'Oh, magkaka boyfriend pa ako!' to which he replied 'Pag 40 ka na rin?' NAKAKAASAR! HAHAHA

But, yes Lord! I will wait. And while I'm at it, I'll work on being the person I want to be. And just enjoying the company of awesome people. :)

For more good read for the singles, here's one of my favorite blogs about life. http://everyday-isa.com/ Most of what she writes feel like my thoughts put into words. (Because I'm a better speaker than a writer.)

heart photo from blackmeetswhite.blog.com

HAPPY! Part 2

Dinner with my sibs, Julian, Sarah, cousins and Tito Gerry.

Me, Julian, Jom

All is well. :)

HAPPY! Part 1

I tried to delay deciding on wether I should show up at my masters program interview or not because it's an office day (Wednesday). I had to learn a new software, input some data to get things started, and really focus on finishing whatever needs to be done at the office. During the bus ride on my way home however, I realized I need to think about it already. Because I am such a girl, I changed my mind around 27 times during that bus ride. (No, I didn't count. I just feel like putting a figure out there. hehe)

I take the MRT from Magallanes to Trinoma every Wednesday. I'd rather be squished for 40 minutes (yes I timed it) than sit comfortably in a bus for 2 hours. If I'm lucky and arrive at the station before 4 pm, I am able to sit in the train. EDSA traffic is just horrible. Plus, the MRT is much more interesting than the bus. There are different people to observe, so much involuntary eavesdropping (and throwing thought bubbles about my take on the topic) haha. I'd take that over a boring, ass-flattening, classic FPJ or Vic Sotto-film viewing EDSA bus ride. (Provincial buses show pretty good movies though. I once rode a bus that showed Fast and the Furious 5 so I didn't have to watch it in the cinema.)

Sorry I have so much sub-kwentos. :) Aaaanyway! During the train ride, I didn't give the interview much thought because it was cramped, I was standing, and I was in a non-female coach. (The first four coaches of the train are exclusive for women, senior citizens and people with little kids. I hopped in a regular coach because I was rushing and didn't have time to run to the front.) When I got to the mall, I tried to distract myself by shopping. I ended up not buying anything even if I liked one shirt at Zara because I wasn't in the mood to spend. I mind was elsewhere.

I gave up and decided 'In case I change my mind at the last minute, I need to be pretty! (I know, I know, walang konek.) So I rushed to the FX terminal for a ride to SM Fairview where I can redeem my prepaid diamond peel session. I finished just in time for the mall's closing. When I got home, I picked two outfits just in case I want to go. I even washed my jeans.

Before I slept, I prayed to God to help me decide. I begged for an IN YOUR FACE sign. But anything will do, really. Told myself kung ano nararamdaman ko bukas ng umaga, yun ang desisyon ko. And then I went to sleep.

When I woke up, I delayed checking the time because if it was before or around 11 am, it means I have enough time to go to my interview. Anything past that, I'll end up haggard coz I'd be rushing. I gave up trying to go back to sleep. When I checked my watch, it was just 10:48. Ohgaaad. But I didn't take that as the sign. The big sign was how I felt and at that point, I felt heavy (okay, please don't take that literally!), I felt lazy. So I said 'okay I'm not going. If I need to drag my ass to leave this room, then my heart isn't totally into this.'

I assembled baked macaroni for lunch. (Yes, assembled because all I had to cook was the pasta.) I decided I'd eat in front of the TV. I checked the time, it was only 11:20- still enough time to change my mind. Just when I was about to take my first bite, it started to rain. It was a strong downpour. I instantly knew it was the in your face sign I begged for. If you know me, I hate the rain. It dirties my shoes, it causes traffic, and if super strong, my roof would leak. So I don't leave the house when it's raining.

Thank you Lord. :)

Little Miss Undecided

Last August 18 I took an exam as part of the application process for the masters program in Art Studies. For the longest time I wanted to study the arts so I can be its 'ambassador'. But it took them so long to inform applicants about the exam. And when they did, it was just three days before the date. The long wait and short notice made me rethink about going.

Well, I showed up anyway.

But after that exam, I knew instantly I was doomed. It was so difficult, I was clueless, and I could not fulfill the requirements of the essay (such as a 300 to 600 word essay for each question). My essays were at the average, 190 words. I was that clueless. I ranted to friends and even on twitter how I wanted to excuse myself and never come back to the exam room because I had nothing to write on my test paper!

Almost all my plans were based on the assumption that I was going back to school next semester. But that difficult exam made me shift priorities. Days after the exam, I started focusing real hard on work. I really exerted extra effort to understand the system and fix the inefficiencies. I want to have a smooth work system so I can look forward to working and earning and then investing and spending my money! I told myself I can always be an advocate of the arts. Since I'm not enrolling, I'll just focus on work, travel, and good shoes. I was personifying my new mantra 'ALWAYS MOVE FORWARD' to the letter.

Fast forward: Imagine my surprise when last Friday I received an email that I passed the exam and am up for interview.

My tweet right after reading the email.

Thing is, I DID NOT FEEL EXCITED AT ALL! I am happy, yes! Coz at least I'm not so dumb after all. But all I had was that 'Uy, seryoso pumasa ako? Nice!' - feeling. And then I knew I was in trouble.

I hate to admit this but I had other motivations for going back to school. One, at the time I was so into the idea, I just wanted to escape work. I wanted to rebel and tell my bosses 'you can't keep me here!' Two, I thought that whatever it is that I was afraid of doing back in college, I can do now. The third one, I'll keep to myself. I had the perfect reason why I wanted to study the arts- to push for arts and culture. I had the wrong motivation. Pushing for the arts was not enough. All all these is against 'moving forward'. It's like I'm buying time to 'extend' college.

But I came to realize that what I did not do in college, I cannot do now as 'pang bawi'. That I cannot keep making decisions based on temporary things and temporary people. I don't want to escape work anymore.

As of this writing, I feel like if I show up at the interview, it's only because I'd like to finish what I started with no intention to enroll. If I don't show up, wala lang. Maybe I'll line up for a cheer dance ticket or get a massage.

I don't want to let down the people who believe in me. Then again I cannot decide based on how others will think of me.

I'm disappointed. I feel like I never wanted anything so bad that I'd kill for it. Love, maybe. Can't really tell coz I have never been madly in love.

Yesterday Bianca Gonzales wrote 'my name is bianca, traveler, and i collect tumbling shots. i dream to tumble in many, many more places. :)

what is your passion, and what is your dream? :)'

Guess what? I can't answer it. Can you help me? Can you tell me what I'm good at? Coz I feel like I'm that girl who can do a little bit of everything, and have no expert skill to trade for if my life was on the line.

l

I wish I had more time to discover myself. You know, the kind of time where you're not just delaying the things you're supposed to do like papers, read things for work, run errands. That kind of time when you're not worried about having to pay your credit card and house bills, or what to cook for lunch and then dinner, or the mountain of soiled clothes waiting to be washed.

(Segue: You see when you're tasked to take care of meals, you're making lunch while thinking what to cook for dinner. Your brain is never really 'present'. Anyway...)

I wish I had more time to go to places and take pictures. I miss taking pictures. Never really got to sharpen my skills because I haven't got the time and the subject.

More time to hangout with friends who have good taste in music. I personally just get my music from whatever's playing on the radio when I commute, from tweets of friends or from youtube links people post on Facebook. Probably half the songs on my iTunes have not been played. This is why I do not own an iPod. It's never gonna be updated. I don't scour the Internet for new sounds, I don't know a lot musicians. That's why I like it when friends share 'underrated music'. (So please keep sharing!) Wish I had 'indie music' friends. HAHA

More time to watch movies. I'm not really into old movies. It makes me sleepy. I like the action-packed (Hollywood) films, a little drama and films in foreign languages. I have a few waiting to be viewed. If only I'm in the mood to read subtitles. :))

Okay I must end here. This is pointless ranting. I just want to post this so I can document my thoughts and have something to look back. :)

Hong Kong and Me

I'm back from a tiring but fun weekend in Hong Kong! Fa and I booked it randomly one night when Cebu Pacific announced a seat sale.

That's our view of Nathan Road from our window.

Anyway, I will not dwell on the details of the trip but rather, I'd like to list the things I discovered about myself during the trip.

1. I finally found my 'biggest' fear. It's getting lost (especially when you do not speak the local language). Weeks before the trip, I prepared out our itinerary, making sure I listed every turn and block we should not miss. I also had multiple copies of maps in my bag during the trip just in case we lose one. I guess that's the Taurus in me. I hate unfamiliarity. But I'm trying to push myself. Now I leave room for getting lost. It makes life interesting.

At Lan Kwai Fong, Central.

Sports cars are a common sight. High rollers, why not!

2. Found out I snore! Fa told me I was snoring during the plane ride back to Manila. HAHAHA I think it only happens when I'm dead tired and when I'm not in prone position.

3. I (still) want a new career. Not as an Art Studies student and teacher anymore. I've long accepted I failed the entrance exam. hehe Now I want to work in Disney! I want to be a performer there. haha I realized this when we watched the Lion King Festival. You see Lion King is my favorite (Non-princess) Disney movie. I'd watch it every weekend on VHS back when I was a kid (alternating it with Power Rangers sometimes). I knew in my heart I could sing those songs! Heck, I know them by heart. I know it's not the most glamorous job but it looks fun, exciting, and light! Disney is our version of Neverland!

The finale of Lion King.

No photo op session with the cast. :( We were led out of the hall right after the show.

That's about it I guess. I've been singing Disney songs since I got back last Sunday. Nakakaloka! If this does not wane off, I guess I really want to be in Disney. HAHA There's actually an audition for performers in HK in September 18. That would be very impractical though because: 1) I do not have money to book myself a ticket, 2) I am not prepared. I do not have an audition piece. I can sing, yes! But to set myself apart from the rest of the hopefuls, I should also prepare a spiel and maybe a dance number! HAHA CAREEEER! And 3) Maybe this is just a phase. Punky plans on auditioning too. She's an awesome dancer and has lots of friends who are now performers at Disney. Pretty cool noh? Punks suggested we wait for the Manila auditions. Last year they held one here, in partnership with Ballet Philippines, if I remember it right.

Anyway, one last photo I'd like to share.

The Abyss at Ocean Park taken from the highest point of the Ferris Wheel.

We rode the Abyss. Basically it takes you to the highest part of the tower at top speed and after a few seconds of anticipation, you are released and left practically free falling. You stop a few meters above the ground, go up again by a few meters, and then fall again. THAT WAS THE CRAZIEST 30 SECONDS OF MY LIFE.

*All my photos were taken using my Xperia Mini pro. I didn't bring my SLR since it was too heavy to lug around everywhere.

I WANNA BE SELFISH, JUST THIS ONCE.

Taking a risk isn't always about diving into a situation. It's also a risk not to dive. One risks not knowing what could be. However, I find myself making wrong decisions whenever I decide to dive into situations. Following my heart led me to do things, while not wrong, would have been better executed differently.

I know deep inside, I still want to take a chance. I still want to see where such decision will lead us, or maybe just me. It is obvious that odds are against me. We cannot be. Because he is tied in a world so different from mine. He's a rockstar in his own right. I'm just another girl, like many others, who'd kill to be the one who to prove he deserve to be taken care of.

I guess I'm over-thinking again. I'm thinking way ahead and waaaay beyond reality. So I will take the risk of running away. Maybe running away will make me better. I wouldn't know. It's my first time to run away. All I know is that I must choose for myself, and not because of temporary fancy. I don't know where this will take me but my guess is it's somewhere without him.

And my other guess... I'm okay. :)

You have no idea how much I want...

to be with you.

♥

Ang bonggang sales talk

Fa and I were checking the bazaars in Eastwood when we stopped by one stall selling beauty products.

Ate sales lady: Hi Ma'am try niyo po sunblock namin. Gawa po sa katas ng kamias.

*squeezes a small amount on my left hand and rubs it*

Ate: Ma'am compare niyo po sa isang kamay niyo. Pumuti po!

Me: Organic ba yan?

Ate: Opo, best seller rin po namin toh.

Fa joined me at the booth.

Me: Mare, try mo toh. Sunblock na galing sa katas ng kamias.

*Ate repeated the same demo on Fa.*

Me and Fa talking: 'Ang bango ha!'

Ate continued her sales talk: Ma'am may soaps rin po kami. Ito po *shows black soap* sinusupply namin sa ABS-CBN, sa talents ni Boy Abunda. Tapos na TV na rin po kami ma'am! Kilala niyo si Gretchen Fullido? Bumili rin po siya nito. Na feature na rin kami sa show niya.

Fa and I looked at each other.

Me: Aaaah, Gretchen Fullido?

Sabay alis sa booth.

HAHAHA

***

GOTTA LOVE KALOKA MOMENTS WITH FA. :))

♥

You know it's for keeps when your friend drops you off some place, and then when you change your mind and tell her you're dying and you wanna leave, she comes back for you even if she's on her way home already.

I love you mare! If you didn't come back and listen to me for 5 minutes, that night would have been a disaster.

Just another drive home.

Farrah and I were driving along Katipunan. I was telling her about my crazy craving for Moon Leaf milk tea and she said something like...

Mare, ang puso, parang tiyan. Kumain ka man ng sandamakmak ng siopao, kung siomai naman ang gusto, eh never masa-satisfy.

Her statement didn't have any of the siomai-siopao banat, I just stated it that way to make it clearer. haha

TRUE THOUGH. Be it puso or tiyan.

Hey you, twenty-two!

I'm a year older! Usually a 'huhuhu' would follow this but I don't see why I should sulk about this. I'm wiser, happier, and crazier. This year's been awesome so far- including my birthday.

Ever since I was a kid, I never celebrated my birthday the way other kids do. I'm a summer celebrator so I can't invite my classmates. I can't hold parties in school too. Back then, we'd hold parties at home. My mom would invite the kids from the barong-barong at the back of the house that we were renting.

In high school my parents would give me money so I can treat my friends to lunch. That's totally fine with me. I get awkward when people hover and sing happy birthday and watch you smile and blow the candles.

In college, the only time I took my friends out for my birthday celebration was on my 18th.

This year was a liiiittle different. Like I've tweeted countless of times, I've been hanging out in the Maginhawa area a lot lately. I love it so much there that I helped three friends to find an apartment so I can crash anytime! haha

My birthday was a Monday so working friends are not available. I had no plans at all except that we have dinner and drinks so the three of us can catch up. I arrived at Pino before Nano and Mau did so I sat there at their al fresco area all alone. Thirty minutes later, they arrived and Nano did a grand entrance by singing happy birthday on his own, out loud for everyone else to hear. KALOKA! haha

After dinner we walked to Delish for drinks. It was a quiet Monday at Delish. Monday is their reggae night but that night, they had a new duo performing. We had weng-weng pitcher for starters. We got another pitcher- Kamikazee this time. A little later Babes, one of our favorite waitresses at Delish, came out from the kitchen with a small cake with a huuuuge cake. Mau, Nano and I have this inside joke about cakes and candles so I immediately figured out what was gonna happen. All I can say is pinagpawisan talaga ako sa surprise nila! hahahaha Crazy people talaga.

After the candle blowing ceremony, they made me sing in front. I couldn't pick a song so the singer Joyce picked 'Get me' by Oleta Adams for me to sing. WHAT IS HINDI KO ALAM? HAHA! I know the song but it was so hard to sing with a live accompaniment. The song ended up to be an instrumental version. hahaha This next song I though I must redeem myself. I picked the classic Buttercup, followed by California Girls. OHA? HAHAHA! I told Joyce and Marie (the pianist) that California Girls will be the last but I saw familiar faces at the door and recognized them immediately. I whispered to Joyce 'Isa pa. Tulungan mo ko kantahin ha, ayoko mapahiya. Anjan yung crush ko.' HAHAHAHA!

Taking inspiration from Caroline of Vampire Diaries, I picked Eternal Flame. OH MY GOD. KINARIR KO NA TALAGA. haha While I was singing, I could see Mau inviting their group over to our table. When I was done singing, they were already seated at our table. WHAT IS HAPPY BIRTHDAY DIBA? I think we shared four buckets of beer and three plates of potato parmesan and onion rings.

I cannot recall everything we talked about but football was a huge chunk of it. It was fun. Really. I couldn't feel my cheeks. I had office on Tuesday but I couldn't care less. That night was perfect as it is.

My wish this year is nothing new. It's always been on my Christmas list, but is always ranked last. I've always thought my other Christmas wishes are more important. Just this once, I'm being selfish. I'm claiming this wish and it's all I ever want to have at this point.

***

A few days ago Mau and I were talking about missing someone so baaadly. I said 'Nafifeel ko na talaga teh, malapit na. Magkikita na kami sa May 16. ITAGA MO SA BATO.' Oh my God. Nagkatotoo. May bonus pa. Ang saya!

This year has been awesome so far. LOOKING FORWARD TO THE NEXT MONTHS! :D

P.S. SORRY, NO PHOTOS! :)

All iz well.

So far I have three trips booked this year.

First is the Batac-Banaue-Sagada adeventure in mid-May. Second is a spur of the moment booking for Hong Kong with Farrah because last night Cebu Pacific announced a seat sale. And third is a trip to Bacolod with the BA girls for Masskara in October.

That, and the upcoming Maroon 5 and Incubus concerts - I wonder how I'll get by. I definitely have to increase the amount I allot for my secret account. You see my secret account funds my travels, gadget purchases and big expenses that aren't part of my day to day necessities (aka bags and shoes).

I should be worried but surprisingly I'm not worried at all. I just have this feeling that everything will be provided for at the right time. Of course there's my salary. I just have to stop buying clothes, lessen my cab rides and avoid pricey restaurants. And then my birthday! I'm used to not getting gifts for my birthday but I hope my parents give me a some dough. Lokohin ko nga pandagdag sa Sagada funds ko. haha! Them being here allow me save so much money too! Lola is also coming sometime June. Maybe she has some dollars for me. HAHAHA KAPAL KO!

I guess I just have to make do with whatever funds I can come up with. This will test the 'money can't buy happiness' shizz. We'll see!

Awesome movie alert!

Have you guys seen the movie 3 Idiots? If not, please do yourself a favor and watch it.

I highly recommend it if

1) soul searching ang drama mo,

2) feeling mo may Quarter life crisis ka,

3) may gusto kang gawin pero lagi kang takot sumugal,

4) kung marami kang oras at wala kang magawa.

5) Lahat na yan, at marami pang iba.

Kidding aside, you seriously have to watch this movie. Don't worry if it's 2.5 hours long. You won't even notice it. It's smart, well written and easy to relate to real life so go go, download!

I wanna be a billionaire.

Had I won that 750 million peso lotto draw, my plan was to build a students' center in UP. It'll house the orgs that will qualify certain standards. And then every certain period (say two years), orgs will be reevaluated. ABAM, of course gets its own space. haha

The center will have wireless internet, their own awesome cafeteria, meeting rooms, game rooms, event halls, the works! Pretty much like this office of Skype (photos from Interior Design ideas). The event halls will be available to other orgs too so they can hold their big events in campus.

Qualified orgs get their ID cards and will need to have it scanned (yes, hi-tech itetch!) before using meeting rooms. CCTVs will be installed all over the building to make sure no vandalizing and theft happens. And if it happens at all, we cant track em down.

Cleaners are assigned per day and per area. The cafeteria will have a 'clean your table before you leave' policy. No overnights allowed. The center will also have its set of officers who will lead projects that are socially relevant and will contribute to the academe and the society in general. The student center will also have a board of directors- composed of members of the alumni community, sponsors and professors who will evaluate projects, act as guardians to members, and ultimately, gather support to sustain the students center.

Non compliance to the house rules will lead to cancellation of membership to the students center and a one term ban from application.

HAHA OKAY, I'M GETTING TOO SERIOUS. TALAGANG NAPAG ISIPAN KO NA DIBA?

I still want to do this. Only it'll take a little longer and if I become a billionaire at all.

Oh what money could do. :)

Just because.

So much has happend since I last posted but it's too much that I cannot even find the energy to write about it. It's basically just me spending so much time out with different groups of friends, meeting new people, and hanging out a little too much in Maginhawa Street. It's practically my second home in the last two weeks.

Anyway, earlier this evening I was blog-hopping and had a random thought. I cannot wait for the day that I'm so rich that my only must do in life is wake up and breathe. Hahaha Ang labo. And when that day comes, I'd love to send my friends little gifts on random days just because.

I like and miss doing things just because I feel like doing it. The I-don't-care-what-people-think sort of randomness. It makes me feel more human. More alive. But I hate to say that I'm such a chicken when it comes to randomness. Ever since work got serious, I've been more serious, more calculative, more careful with the things I do. I'd have to think and rethink decisions, even the minor ones. I just miss living life the way I think it should be lived.

I remember telling myself after the Japan quake that in this day and age, nothing is certain and I should start living my life as I envisioned it. Where'd all my guts go now?

*Photo from tumblr.com

We find reasons to be happy with what we have.

Today was my brother's graduation. It was also our scholar's graduation.

Some days ago, my brother Joop's batch went out of town to some monastery for a retreat before their high school graduation. When he came home, he told my mom (who told me) about the highlights of the retreat. In the retreat, each of them were given the chance to speak. One classmate, a girl, cried while saying 'Buti pa kayo, makakapag aral sa Diliman, sa Ateneo, sa Maynila, kami walang pangpa-aral sa college...chuchuchu" I didn't get the whole story but the bottom line was she had to settle for some pipitchugin provincial college and will need to work to send herself to school.

There was also one time when her mother came to the school one random day and begged (even the security guards) to help them coz they didn't have money. Since she wasn't a familiar face, the security guards asked her who she knew in the school. The daughter confirmed that the woman was her mom. They had nothing at all. One teacher even said to the girl 'Kuha ka lang ng food mo sa canteen, ipalista mo lang (lagi) sa akin.'

It tugged my mom's heart (and mine too). Since last year, Mom and Dad have been bugging Joop on who among his batch mates need assistance in college. Their choices never passed Joop's standards. There were a handful of students who we think might need help. But with further research, we found out most of them have a parent working as domestic helpers or relatives who already offered to send them to school. Finally, when Joop heard and told us about this girl's dilemma, we knew she'd be our scholar.

It wasn't easy to find her though! The next days after their retreat, she never showed up in school! Not even their grad ball. Friends said she just stayed at the dorm. I bugged my mom (because Joop hates it when I nag him) to look and look and look for the girl. (See, I'm a nagger, sheeesh.)

Today wasn't any different. In the car on our way to school for Joop's graduation, I reminded mom again 'Ma, hanapin mo yung girl ha!' And we did find her. It took my mom and dad the whooole graduation ceremony. They waited for her name to be called and then remembered her face. While the students and 'stage parents' were busy taking photos, mom approached the father of the girl.

Here's their story. They hail from Silay in Negros, she has four other siblings, only the dad and two sibs made it to graduation (yun lang pera nila). They arrived from Silay this morning, will be staying at the school dorm for the night and then going back to Silay. I met the father too. Very polite. And very thankful. I actually wanted to thank him for working so hard to send his eldest daughter to school- even if it's far from their province and despite the difficult life they have.

My dad's theory is that the father is a sakada or a sugarcane farm worker. Silay is an azukarera (sugarcane farm) town so that's pretty logical.

My mom, so funny. She didn't want to talk to the girl coz she might end up in tears! Oh, we also found out she's an UPCAT passer so yes, we're sending her to UP. I don't remember the course but her campus is the one here in Miag-ao. She just needs to fix things because I believe confirmation of slots ended last March 18. UP is pretty considerate when it comes to these cases though.

That's about it. She may not be MY scholar but I'm glad my family has a scholar. She prolly thinks we're a blessing to her but she is, as much, a blessing to us. Today, I am reminded to be appreciative of where I am and what I have. I am reminded that I have no reason to complain. Whatever reasons I have, they are reasons to be thankful, and reasons to keep dreaming, and keep working hard so I can share my blessings.

I have faith in this girl. She is her family's hope. I know she'll do great.

Hey there Champions!

CONGRATULATIONS

UP MEN'S FOOTBALL TEAM!

Step Permanes and Goy Valmayor a few moments after the final whistle.

Fallen Tigers provide a dramatic background for Coach and ex-Azkal Anto Gonzales, and #8 Jed Rances.

Photo by Ana Gagarin.

The team with some of UP's football alumni.

Awarding photo by RN Bautista, our 'classmate' in football games. haha

Step Permanes - Most Valuable Player, Deo Segunial - best defender, and

Jinggoy Valmayor- Rookie of the Year and Best Striker

Photo from Ma'am Eloi Hernandez @eloindigoart

SO PROUD OF THEM. I've seen the whole of Round 1, watched a few games in Round 2 (because I had to fly out for Dad's bday and the Azkals game) and I made sure I'm in Manila for the finals. Our boys definitely deserved this victory.

Happy birthday Suyen!

It's Suyen's birthday. Suyen owns House of Flair on multiply. I love shopping on Multiply but I've never had the chance to shop from Suyen's store because something always comes up whenever I decide on pre-ordering stuff. Anyway, she's giving out a Urban Decay black palette for her birthday. Urban Decay is my favorite brand when it comes to makeup so I'm taking my chances here.

If you wanna join, click HERE and read how! Yay!

REPOST

I'm reposting a part of an old post just because.

When people tell you 'stop looking for love, love will find you', do you actually believe it? Like what if it's all you've ever dreamt of and wanted? Cliche, I know. But if this is your kind of dream, it's not any different from dreaming of becoming a superstar, a hero, or a billionaire. In fact yours is the simplest of all dreams- all you wanna do is to fall in love. You can't just turn your back at your dream and wait for it to come to you. You need to constantly find reasons to work your way to that dream. I dunno what your dreams are, but mine is that we all find the love we all deserve. But I can only dream for all of us. It's up to each of you find it.

Lord knows I'd tell the world if I could. But telling everyone else except you wouldn't make a difference so why bother? Maybe one day I get to let you know. Maybe I won't.

Chronicling my Thursday

Thursday- took my friends to dinner at Chocolate Kiss. WE HAD THE LAUGH OF OUR LIVES! They had this guitar and violin duo playing good music for us. This is another reason why I love ChocoKiss. And the kuya waiters are just cool. They've been there since I was in my freshman year. Love it. I hope they're still there when I go on a date/s- whenever that is. hahaha

We moved to Cantina after. We had margarita grande, weng-weng and finally Zombie tower. I'm telling you guys, zombie is a traitor ok? It tastes soooo good- like four seasons juice but after your first glass, the alcohol will kick in. CRAAAAAAZY!!!

WE LAUGHED SOME MORE.

We proceeded to McDonald's so have fries and sober up.

I shake my head at the 'kids' who were vomiting in McDo's sink and in the ladies' comfort room. But it's good to see that they had sober friends to make sure they're uhh, safe. It did enter my mind a few times that maybe they tried to drink after watching the latest episode of Glee. HAHAHA

The irony here is that of all days, my artsy friends didn't bring a camera that the night. Then again, some best nights I've had with friends don't have photos to document it. Just laughter- lots of it.

JUST SAYING.

Teenage Dream

Because I'm so happy, I'm writing a note to my crush. :)

I can't remember the last time I got so kilig- the happy kind of kilig ha? As in the teenager type of kilig. It's nice pala. hahaha Nice to get jitters just because you passed by your crush and tried to smell him. hahahahahaha (ok ok, ako na talaga ang feeling 16 years old.) So papanindigan ko na. Here goes!

Dear G**,

You were in Bacolod, I was there too. I must admit that I did mention your name a few times- in between jokes an during the game- imagining you were there. Turns out you were just at the section next to ours. I guess it just wasn't time for us to meet. Maybe I'll get to tell you this story of how we were at the same place but not together, or maybe I won't. But for now I'd like to think that one day, soon I hope, we'll be more than just familiar faces at the pitch. ♥