A Blogger's Life

Pre-birthday Resolutions

2010-12-05T20:49:00.008+08:00

Why I love doing resolutions is beyond me. Truthfully, I am a cynic when it comes to these things called "resolutions", be it for New Year or Christmas or birthday because these things are more often than not, not accomplished. Believe me, I am perfect example of that. But what I do understand is that it makes me feel proud and comfortable when I am doing it. It is like doing my laundry or the dishes or even cleaning my room, I always feel energized and inspired afterwards. It is therapeutic for me, like what bookstores or Churches do to my well-being. I savor these moments when I can think and list down the things I want done in my life. It makes me happy because it is like having a purpose. Although I have not been living aimlessly but still, a little more direction will not hurt.
So for my birthday, I am doing a list. Yes, a list, hehe. It is not for any reason but only to have something to remind me when I am slacking. Like what Han JiEun said to Lee YoungJae in Fullhouse, do not live life carelessly. I am dividing it into sub-categories so here it goes.
SCHOOL
1. Books that cost a thousand each shoud be read in its entirety. Definitely not an easy job but still possible, with a bit of sacrifice (no Kdrama for a while?).
2. Cases assigned need to be digested. I have a long list of Civil Law cases from first semester that I have not even downloaded till now. And the list is still growing.
3. Be early in classes. Even if first period professor is a cousin.
4. Equality in all subjects. I need to read for all subjects and not just the major ones.
5. Brush up on legal writing styles and techniques and say goodbye to feature writing.
WORK
1. Punctuality, hehe. I wake up later and later these past weeks because the early morning cold breeze makes sleeping heaven on earth.
2. Do my 'to dos' and not leave them as they are.
PERSONAL
1. Save! In order to have travel money. And drama money. And pampering money. And tuition fee money. And the list never ends so I wil stop.
2. Settle insurance/credit card/phone bills on time. And grab on discounts or offers or give-aways when they are offered. Seriously, I lost so many bonus points in my credit card because I just let it expire.
3. Watch all available Kdramas/Tdramas/Jdramas/American series and all other movies first before hoarding again. And finish every drama started before starting another. And stop cheating by watching the last few episodes of a drama started. The last part would be hard because this has become a habit.
4. Read more books, aside from Law books, that is. Also, the Time magazines and the Readers Digest.
5. Quality time with the family and friends.

I think this would be all for now. It may be short but it spells discipline and sacrifice. And faith, of course.
Ah, I plan to make a bucket list, too. See, I am fond of making lists.

Ciao!
:)

A Park Yongha Tribute

2010-07-05T21:46:00.005+08:00

Yes, because I do love the man, despite having seen him only from one drama and from numerous pictures I downloaded from the internet. And also because I will forever cherish and remember him as the silent yet observant PD Lee Kyungmin in one of my favorite Korean drama of all time, On Air. Yongha-shi, I may never know what went through your mind when you took your own life but I do hope that you paused for a while and thought of all those who loved you, even if those people, myself included, haven't met you even once. I pray that you are at peace now, wherever you are and that you are comforted with the knowledge that so many people shed more that a liter of sad tears on your passing.
I will forever miss you, Yongha-shi.
Rest well.
Be a star that shines.
Thank you for the chance to see your brilliance as an actor.
Annyeoung!

:(

The KL/SG Trip Part 1

2010-06-27T13:37:00.002+08:00

First of all, thank you to Denise, Ella, Tata and Mama Kaye for the chance to be with them on this trip. Though it has been years since I last spent time together with all of you, I never felt awkward being with you on this fun-filled, memories-filled and adventure-filled getaway. Let me come again with you guys next time, haha. :)

So okay, we left Manila on June9, at 9pm. I was at the NAIA already at around 3pm since I came from Bicol and the last flight to Manila was at 1:30pm. I still worked that morning so my mother brought my luggage to Naga airport (which is actually in Pili) and met me there. It was a bit sad being in an airport alone, since almost everyone has someone with them but I have my phone (for wifi and music) and my Civil Code to keep me company. Yup, you read it right. That Civil Code book was one lucky book who went with me to Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, haha. I was super excited for the trip but was also really worried about missing 5 days of school. Needless to say, I only read about 5 pages of that book while I was there and honestly couldn't remember anything. And it was a thick book at that and added to my luggage weight (which later on got me worried but I'll talk about it later). Mama Kaye arrived first, then Denise and finally the twins, Ella and Tata (I think of them as twins because they are always together, being neighbors and all). All four of us (except Tata) were using Voyager luggages, not that it matters, I just want to write it. We paid our travel tax and terminal fees (which costs nearly 2,500) and had our dinner. We didn't have any problems at the Immigration so that was a relief, not that we're worried anyway, well, we were but not much. We waited till boarding time and finally, the flight. It was my second time of flying out of the country ( I went to Macau and Hongkong last October 2009) so I wasn't that scared or anything but still I prayed. It rained that day so I was thinking that it would be turbulent but good thing, it wasn't. I got a bit impatient because it was a 3hour flight, I couldn't really sleep because it was uncomfortable and cold and I was restless/worried for some reason. But when the co-pilot announced that we were landing, my energy went up, obviously. Being in another place and anticipating the things that can happen can do that to you. We arrived in Kuala Lumpur at midnight, their airport was big and nice and their Immigration officers were kind enough. We boarded a bus that would take us to KL Sentral and to our hotel, which was near that station. I sat with Ella, and we just talked during the travel, mostly of Taiwanese/Korean actors,dramas and music. The best thing about travelling with friends that you have the same interests with are these moments, because you can just talk about your interests while on a bus or a train or a plane and you'll never get bored. You'll get tired of talking, I know, but you'll never get bored at all. Our hotel, My Hotel @Sentral (which is highly recommended), was a bit small but suited us very well. The receptionist was considerate when we checked in and had no MYR (Malaysian Ringgit) to pay for the rooms. We didn't exchanged that much money yet since the airport exchange was unfavorable, per our computation. So he allowed us to rest first then pay later that day. And so with our luggages, we rode the elevator to the 4th floor and to our rooms ( I roomed with Ella and Tata at Room 406 while Denise and Mama Kaye was in Room 410, determined via jackenpoi at NAIA while having dinner) to rest. For like four hours since call time was at 9am. Oh, allow me to describe our room. It has two beds, a queen and a single, a flat TV (which had 5 channels, and suffering from the World Cup fever since everything was World Cup shows), a hot and cold shower room, a mirror in the center and a working airconditioner. It was a simple room but I loved it the first time I entered it and missed it the minute I closed its door for the last time.

And now for the Kuala Lumpur activities.

Day 1, June 10, Thursday - Running Errands

We laughingly called this day the "errands day" since we were doing errands, for the most part of the day. After having breakfast at KL Sentral ( I had a croissant, coffee and eggs) and exchanging money, we bought tickets for the Genting Highlands which we will visit the following day, Friday. It costs MYR48, and includes the bus fare, the cable car ride, the resort entrace fees and the buffet lunch (which was so sumptous but more on that later). After securing our tickets to the Genting Highlands, we then went to Bukit Jalil, also for tickets but this time for our travel to Singapore on Saturday (the bus station moved to another place, so we spent more time for this errand). Since it was already lunchtime, we had lunch at one of Bukit Bintang's malls and it was a good, good lunch at that ( I forgot the name of the place but we took pictures). It was a shopping haven but we weren't in the mood yet to buy so we left the place to go to Pasar Seni, where the Central Market, with the souvenirs are located. There, we hoarded on KL tshirts, keychains, batik, and other souvenir items. We also met a Filipina who gave us discounts on our purchases. Also, we bought magazines that has Super Junior, Fahrenheit (because Ella and Denise love them) and lots of other Asian actors in it, but obviously, one we cannot understand because it was in Chinese. But who cares, all for fan-girling! With 2 or 3 bags in hand, we proceeded to KLCC Suria for some more shopping and to look at the Petronas towers, of course. Such a huge mall, with so many people, locals and tourists alike. I only bought a Vincci sandals at Suria since I was carefully spending, haha. We ate dinner, another delicious one at that, and stared and took pictures of the Petronas before returning to the hotel. What can I say? The Petronas towers at night just gave me the weirdest feeling ever. It might be that I have fallen in love with it but looking at it, I was very happy, it's true. It was very pretty. While taking pictures, we met a family of foreigners ( I don't know their nationality, though) and we took pictures with their pretty daughter. I think that finally seeing the Petronas towers made my day complete. For dinner, we had KFC that tasted so ordinary (the KFC fries was not the same as our KFC fries, sad). We walked to the nearest station (though we doubt it was the nearest since we walked for quite a while) that would take us to KL Sentral again and to our hotel. We paid our hotel bill, while the World Cup fever was still on. The day ended with me worried if my bag can still accomodate the things I bought.

(to be continued)

:)

Rain, Rain!

2010-05-03T16:38:00.008+08:00

Finally, here comes the rain! :0

I am quite happy about this for I was never and never will be a summer person because I am not very good in hot temperature. Although I have many happy memories of summers, I also have my fair share of summer disasters and what tops it is that I always have some kind of skin irritation on areas exposed to the heat whenever the hot weather comes. And mind you, for a girl, especially, it is not something to be happy about. Besides, I dislike sleeping with only the air from the electric fan cooling me. I want the night breeze through my windows and these past days, that is just so hard to feel.

So I am jumping because it's raining! Get on with the mud and the dirty shoes, haha.

:O

Petty Frustrations

2010-04-19T18:03:00.002+08:00

I am feeling way overwhelmed with so many things going right now. Work is never-ending and so energy-consuming that I am finding it really hard to concentrate these past days. It doesn't help that I am so excited about a lot of things and I am always distracted doing stuff that I should not be doing. Hay, I do need a break, a loonngg one, not just the Sunday I usually have. I want to watch a lot of good korean/japanese dramas that are airing right now, to read law books ahead and to plan my Kuala Lumpur/Singapore trip this coming June. There are just so many good korean dramas these days that I am so much excited to watch them. There's the ChaeRim and Siwon Oh My Lady, which is funny and so reminiscent of Full House which is like my first ever and most favorite kdrama. Then, Prosecutor Princess with newest hottie Park ShiHoo and Kim SoYeun, which I wanted to see because it's a legal drama/comedy. And lastly, Cinderella's Sister with Moon GeunYoung, which is topping ratings with its excellent plot and superb acting. Really, I wish I can watch all of this soon. I am so much impatient looking only at pictures and reading recaps. Waah!!!

Why am I so listless lately? Waah, I need motivation to work!

One Fine Weekend

2010-04-12T17:32:00.004+08:00

Eventhough Friday was a holiday, I went to work because I want to have a two-day rest before work claims me again. It has been ages since I last had a two-day weekend to myself. It's not because I am a workaholic, I just don't have a choice. I'm not complaining, though. It pays the bills, haha. But seriously, I am thankful for the work that I do right now. I know that not everyone is blessed to be working and the least I can do is be grateful. And so I am.

Okay, on to the fine, fine weekend. It was eventful, for me anyway. The best thing I think I did was visit my old high school and inquired on law course enrolment. The admission office was very kind enough to accomodate us and wow, the feeling of being encouraged. It makes me so happy to be back in school, come June. I just hope that feeling stays with me all throughout my schooling, haha. I was so inspired and was so excited that I just had to text friends about it. I promise to do my best. And as much as possible, I want to do it on my own, meaning, no financial help from my parents. I want to send myself to school, something I've been meaning to do for quite a long time now. God, I do pray I can do it, hehe. I will be enrolling first week of May. Classes may start mid-June, hopefully after I came back from my KL/SG trip. I don't want to miss my first day of law school because I was out of the country vacationing, hehe. :)

Also, got great finds from our ukay-ukay session. I love Mickey shirts and jackets! I don't know why I was buying jackets when it's summer but I just couldn't resist Mickey. Will be back by next weekend again. It's such a treat to be buying things at a super bargain price plus the quality is really not bad at all. I always love going to ukay-ukay, I don't know why but it makes me happy. Maybe because I know I am getting so much worth of the money I am letting go but for whatever, it's like something therapeutic for me, a stress-reliever. Bookstores and churches also do that to me.

What I love most of two-day rest days is the chance to read again. I'm near finished with the Anne Tyler book I'm reading (titled Ladder of Years) and loving it. The story is about a 40-something married woman who left her family, unintentional and unprepared, with only the clothes on her back and some change in her pockets and went on to find herself. With all the everyday mundane things of trying to keep house, raising children and even husband, Delia (the heroine) just wanted some time for herself. Not everybody understood her, of course. But when one is feeling helpless and unappreciated, there is nothing one wouldn't try to have some meaning back in one's life. And so there is a Delia in everyone and while reading it, I find myself agreeing to what she did. If only to be herself again and not be someone else's mother or wife or sister. I'm excited to finish it and start on another Anne Tyler book that I have or just pick randomly on my shelf. I miss reading, really. For these past months, I was just glued to the TV/DVD watching either American series or my Asian dramas, haha. I wonder if I can still do this when I start school. Oh well, I will find time, for sure.

Was randomly reading on the net on how to apply for a Japan visa and was a bit disappointed and worried. Haha, they're strict but what to do? I am definitely going there, if not next year then the next. Who cares, as long as I can step on that holy land of kawaii guys and anime, haha. :) But first things first, KL and SG this June then I'll worry about Japan after.

Hope this work week goes well.

Happy working everyone!

:)

Ending the Hiatus

2010-04-09T12:30:00.018+08:00

Finally, haha.

I have to say I miss blogging and all the good things that come with it. Good things, I mean, the chance to express myself and the opportunity to put in writing my ideas and thoughts and by this, putting into perspective a lot of stuffs, too. When you have so many things to think about, usually you go into this state of confusion and restlessness and that just makes me feel really bad. Take this from a girl who usually talks to herself when things get a little too hectic and stressful. Believe me, it does help writing about all those things that goes into your mind and heart.

Since I last blogged when I turned 27, and that was like more than a year ago now, of course so many things have happened already. For one, I am already 28 and I daresay, proud of it, haha. I am happy, I am doing the things I love doing and I am living pretty much the way I want to. Besides, I am already back home, to where I belong. It took several years for my transfer here but the waiting paid off. I can now go home and sleep in my own bed every night. Nothing beats being home, and I can fully testify to that, having lived away from home since 2002. Being home just gives you the feeling of being safe, that someone always got your back. And I wouldn't trade that for anything. Still, you long for some things that you have when you were living away from home. I miss watching basketball live at Araneta/Cuneta Astrodome and being with my basketball friends. I miss seeing foreign artists and their concerts. I miss the fast-paced life and the busy Makati streets when I was still in SGV. I miss a lot of things, a lot of people and I will continue to miss them but life goes on, its true. As I tell myself time and again, especially when nostalgia sets in, this is where I belong and this is where I ought to stay.

I had my first travel abroad too, last October 2009, to HongKong and Macau. I went with Hazel and Tunsky, and my office bestfriends. It was a great holiday, a first for us all. We went to HongKong Disneyland and Ocean Park, saw the architecture in Macau and the grand casinos. By June this year, I'll be off to Kuala Lumpur and Singapore with my basketball friends. And I'm keeping my fingers crossed for a Japan trip by 2011, with Yam. Travelling is really fun, and I intend to do as much of it as possible. Of course, being frugal and money-wise comes with it but when you set your foot on a new territory, everything is just so worth it.

I have so many plans for this year and one of it is enrolling in Law School by June. I put this off for so many years now so I am much happy that I can finally put it into action. I know that it will definitely be hard at first but I do intend to finish it. I have to manage my time and my finances as well. I am planning to buy a car, too, not brand new though since I cannot afford that this time. I have to learn driving, too. Yes, it would be a busy, busy year for me.

All in all, everything is great. Work is good, friends too, although a lot of them are already married or living abroad, haha. It takes too long before we can get together since scheduling is really hard. But on occasions that matter, friends are there. And no matter the time or the distance, nothing is changed, conversations are still easy to come by, the jokes come out naturally and the bond is never broken. During these times I feel that I am very lucky to have friends who, literally, almost grew up with me. We shared so many years of friendship together that I cannot imagine growing up without them. And definitely, we will all be friends till we have gray or maybe white hairs.

I'll be keeping in touch!

Ciao for now!

Year 27

2008-12-06T23:53:00.009+08:00

First week of being 27.

Thank you, dear Lord, for giving me the best kind of 26 years. It was the best since despite everything bad or sad that happened, I am still here, living and enjoying life. Take each day as it comes. Enjoy the things I love doing. Spend quality time with family and friends. Travel. Learn and explore. Read books. Love. Yup, I will definitely be one happy 27 year old. I have another year to make memories, to take pictures and to build relationships. Aja Aja Fighting!!!!

So anyway, even if I had to go to the office on my birthday and on a Saturday, too, since it was still "closing time", we also had a little celebration there. We bought some merienda for the whole group, took pictures and had fun, even if some were still stressed out by the deadlines they have to meet. Ate She came with Ulrich and we all went to meet Mama Edz afterwards. We were supposed to attend a debut party somewhere in Lipa but decided not to since it was already late in the afternoon and the weather was cold and we were not in any mood to socialize, except with each other's company. So then, we went to Paseo de Sta Rosa, just me, Yam, Mama Edz and her cute nephew Matthew. Had delicious pizza and pasta at Yellow Cab then strolled along Paseo. While we were at National Bookstore, I got hold of Twisted 8, Jessica Zafra's book (one of my favorite local writer) and was about to buy it when Mama Edz did me the favor. Thanks Mama dear for buying me that book! I would definitely treasure it. It was to complete my collection of Jessica Zafra's Twisted books which I bought and read in 2006. Sometimes, I think that Jessica Zafra is like my soulmate. I dunno, she just writes the same thoughts that I have. And we both adore cats. Possible, right? Anyway, i do love reading her works. Last Sunday, Yam and I watched Twilight and fell inlove with Edward Cullen and Bella Swan. I even forgot to eat my popcorn for I was so into the movie. I cried because Edward and Bella are just too sweet and perfect for each other that I cannot help but be both sad and happy that they found each other. I dunno. There was just something about the movie that made me sad, in a way. It can be the gloomy setting or just the thought that Edward and Bella would be facing a lot more difficulties later on, just by being together. But I love them together. Edward may not be the typical "pretty boy" but he sure has charisma. Even if everytime he's on screen, I was expecting blood from his mouth, haha!! And Bella was so pretty and tough that I cannot help but admire her. And she really, really suit Edward perfectly. I loved it when they kiss. The chemistry is so strong that it radiates. Really. I am DEFINITELY buying the books! Soon!Soon!

Before we went to see the movie, Yam and I had dinner at Tokyo, Tokyo and just happened to hear Arashi's Wish playing at the place. Arashi in the Philippines, YEY!! When we went to No Curfew to look for a watch, jpop was also playing, so that's DOUBLE YEY now, haha!! I think it would be good if everyone can appreaciate other foreign music. JPOP songs are really catchy and meaningful (yes, i do look for translations of the lyrics). And then we shopped or clothes and other necessities. We have three company Christmas parties to attend to, on the 12, 16, and 17 . Aside from that, an SGV cluster reunion on the 22nd too. Plus lots of other activities like the outreach with my basketball friends on the 13th, which happens to be the same day we plan to enjoy at Klownz with some office friends,Chinkydoodles post-wedding reception in Manila on the 14th and the Purefoods basketball game on the 21st, which I will watch with Al and maybe Rosie. Hay, I just wish I'll have the energy to be present in all of this. But since the Christmas break is really long, maybe I would just relax by then. I do hope so.

Nona called to greet me and we talked about my Singapore visit by middle of next year. I asked her to find me the cheapest air fare possible and she said she'll looked into it. Haha!! And while I am there, I was supposed to treat them to meals and all which I agreed to but thinking about it now, I think it's really unfair since I would be the one visiting so they should take good care of me while I am there. Right? I am going to email her about it later. I am really excited about this trip since it would be my first time abroad. I know, I know. I am 27 already and it would be just now that I would be able to travel. But that was not because I don't want to. It's just that it is only at this time that I can be able to save up and well, indulge myself. So, 2009 would be for Singapore and hopefully HongKong and Macau, too. By 2010, Ate Gigi and I already set that year to go to Korea and breath at least the same air that our favorite actors and actresses do. We'll go visit the places we only watched on dvds and have fun and more fun. I am going to have to be so frugal starting January since it would be impossible to start now because it's the giving season. See? I would be a jetsetter soon, haha!!

I was home in Bicol last week of November because of a meeting. I love this kind of official trip since I can go home for free. Travelled by day so I can rest before the early meeting on the next day. My brother took me to the bus terminal at Turbina since I brought home all my books which I accumulated after frequenting BookSale in all SM malls. It was really heavy. The travel was okay. There was this cute little boy who kept talking to me but he was very nice and adorable and said goodbye to me, too, when I got off my stop so it was okay. The meeting went well, I think. I got to meet people I only talked to on the phone. It was held at Villa Caceres Hotel and funny it may be, but I got lost getting there. Anyway, Hazel and I also had dinner at the new Biggs place. We got to talk about her pending wedding plans and why she doesn't want to get married by next year. I told her since she's hesitating, then it is the best time for her to do it. I dunno if she gets the idea though. She wants to travel and do things she worries she may not be able to do once married. Of course, the usual jitters. Well, hopefully she'll not regret any decision she makes. Shei-shei will also get married by next year. I received that news while grocery shopping at SM last Monday. I'm happy for her since I know she's been through so much in that relationship. Enough with wedding news. Mama and I also got to decorate the house for Christmas, even if my father opposed the idea for reasons he only knew. Bought groceries for them and treated my mother to a meal at a restaurant she likes and saw ninang and cousin Yayan and got to talk for like more than an hour, haha!! I didn't get to enjoy the Christmas decors since I was off to Laguna that same night. But I think it would look good on our house. I wasn't able to do much since I had work but I was able to rearrange my books and my cd/dvd collection. I just noticed that whenever I am home in Bicol, I always sleep a lot. Maybe because it is HOME, yes. It is where the heart is, as they say.

Still busy at work but everything is fine. Tomorrow, we will start practicing for our dance presentation on Friday. It's nothing extraordinary though, since it's not a competition. Good thing we were not asked to join the competition this year for the Sta Rosa Plant Christmas Party. Spared us the humiliation, really!I am excited for this year's party since it would be the first time Ate Gigi and I will see each other after our love for korean dramas made us friends. Like I said, it's one of life's greatest happiness to find a friend who shares the same interest as you. She's addicted to Golden Bride right now, particularly Song Chang Ui. I told her i'll go search what other projects he did so she can moon and sigh over him. She's just like me when I was watching Golden Bride. Totally addicted. Even if I have to lose sleep watching it, I don't regret even a minute, hehe!!

Some random thoughts:

- I'll be going home to Bicol on the 24th, with Jimboy. So that I have someone to carry my bags, haha!

- our gift certificates are already here. OUR VERY FIRST!!! Excited to go home so that Mama and Papa can enjoy it, too.

- I love the Sue Miller book I am reading right now, The World Below. I am just halfway through it but, very inspiring and really interesting.

- I am so liking the song EVERYTHING by LIFEHOUSE. I love the lyrics and the whole package. Great, great song. And GooGoo Dolls' Black Balloon, too. Listening to them makes me feel good.

-Sad news yesterday about 20-year old GMA artist Marky Cielo who died in his sleep. He seem to be a good guy so I pray that he will rest in peace.

- HEROES rules!! I love this series so much but cannot continually watch since I haven't properly watched it from the start. Yam does and I just happen to catch some episodes here and there. But I definitely heart Hiro Nakamura and not just because he's Japaese but because he's too adorable!

- still on asian drama hiatus. After On Air, I just cannot find the energy to watch another drama. I'll just rest, maybe, for now. Still have a lot to watch. I ought to finish everything before the next batch comes, very soon.

- I am sleeping in jogging pants now and with socks since it's really cold, especially in the early morning. BRRR!!!

I am off to dreamland now!

CIAO!!!

Drama World

2008-11-24T22:58:00.008+08:00

So okay, I have been meaning to write and gush about two of the latest (and recently added to my favorite kdrama list) dramas that I finished, which I did with so much sadness because it has to end. Why do I want the best dramas to go on forever? I do miss them, the cast, the characters and just everything about it. I watched and searched every video of them, even if I don’t understand a single word of it. I just have to see them. I guess I haven’t moved on yet since I don’t want to start another drama this time. But as I told myself time and again, I need to get over it because there are plenty of dramas out there, waiting for me to watch them. This is me, I exaggerate the things I love doing. But this is really true; I do love watching Asian dramas. I have been into it since 2004 so it’s not an overnight thing. I have collected quite a number now and I don’t think I would stop anytime soon. It makes me really happy.

The dramas are both from SBS, one shown in 2007 and the other one early this year. The first drama is GOLDEN BRIDE, with Song Chang Ui and Lee Young Ah leading. This is a story about a half-Vietnamese, half-Korean girl who gets herself married to a guy who’s psychologically troubled due to a past experience. Her purpose was just to go to Korea to find her father who abandoned her and her mother 20 years ago. She will look for him to get him to meet her mother, who’s going blind soon. But that’s just the main story, since there are a lot of twists and connections that I wouldn’t write about because I may not do justice to it. But this is one very good drama and even if it was acted awkwardly at first, it eventually became very interesting and fun to watch, especially when the main characters of Jin Joo and Jung Woo finally loved each other very much, after so many pains and hardships. It’s a story of a girl’s journey to find her roots, and winning against all disappointments and hurts to finally find love, family, forgiveness, happiness and success. It was very inspiring, how Jin Joo overcame her insecurities and self-pity to be a woman worthy of her very smart and very promising husband. I just love Lee Young Ah and Song Chang Ui here. They just have the perfect chemistry, very suited to their husband and wife roles. They do look very loving and comfortable with each other. I love their bedtime talks, their embraces, their kisses, their way of comforting and encouraging each other and just everything about them being a couple. They are perfect for each other!! And I’m sure I am not the only one wishing for them to get together in real life, haha!! I did read that they were rumored to be dating but I guess that was just it, rumors. But I love them together, really, really!!! I recommend this drama for everyone who loves family-themed stories, with just the right amount of love, comedy and twists. And mind you, I cried so often that my eyes hurt. There were so many touching moments in all the 64 episodes. This was a long drama but very, very, very worthy. 10/10 for me. (credits to Soompi for the picture)

The second one is ON AIR, which gave Kim Ha Neul a best actress award in one of Korea’s drama awards recently. This stars SONG YOON AH, PARK YOUNG HA, KIM HA NEUL AND KIM BEUM SOO. This takes on the story behind drama-making in Korea, which features Song Yoon Ah as the very talented but a bit arrogant scriptwriter, Park Yong Ha as the newbie but talented director as well, Kim Ha Neul as the very popular and in demand actress and Kim Beum Soo as the newly bankrupt talent manager who will later on become Kim Ha Neul’s character manager. I was actually not very eager to watch this since I didn’t follow this while it was being shown and even if I knew that this drama got very good ratings, I don’t know much about it. But good thing, Yam decided to start on it and while she was watching and I was doing my laundry, I got hooked. I actually finished it before she did. This was very funny at some point, especially Song Yoon Ah’s character Suh Young Eun. I love everything about her, how she loves her only son, how she defends her scripts, how she treasures her friends, how she works really hard and how she falls in love. It just seem so natural for her to fall in love with her director, Lee Kyung Min. Not that director Lee wasn’t lovable, especially being played by the super cute Park Yong Ha. But for scriptwriter Suh to, who’s a divorcee, it was hard to love again but she did with director Lee. And I just love how they showed the development of their relationship, though at some point, I do think director Lee liked the actress played by Kim Ha Neul. But in the end, it went beyond the physical, not that scriptwriter Suh was not pretty. She actually was very pretty. And though she pretends to be tough on the outside, she’s really very adorable and cute. I love that scene when she silently cried when they were negotiating for money to save the drama, right after Cherry went missing. And when she cried in her room, I also cried, along with her assistant Da Jung. I dunno, I just felt really sad for her. She loves her work so much and she takes pride in it but she has to give way, for her manager-friend and especially for director Lee. I replayed that scene when director Lee told her to stop crying because it’s painful for him too. How could that not be love? And Song Yoon Ah cried so beautifully that I can’t help but cry, too. And director Lee, what I can say? He’s just perfect. Park Yong Ha is Lee Kyung Min and Lee Kyung Min is Park Yong Ha. Just perfect. And he is way too cute. I love his eyes, his smile and his dimples. I probably fell in love with him for all I know, haha!! He’s my current obsession. And Song Yoon Ah, one great actress. She actually speaks very good English and is well loved in Korean showbiz. She’s very beautiful for someone who’s 35 already. They should get together, too, Park Yong Ha and her. If that happens, I would be like the happiest in the world, haha!! I love them, truly. Watching On Air was like watching 21 episodes of behind-the-scenes. You don’t have any choice but to enjoy and love it to pieces. Now I know why it was one of the best dramas of 2008. The four casts were all very good and got their characters meaning across. The very pretty and rich actress but is lonely, the kind and gentleman talent manager, the tough but actually vulnerable scriptwriter and the smart and compassionate director. Yes, just like Golden Bride, everyone should watch this, if only for the sheer entertainment in it. I love it and will probably love rewatching it years from now. I give it all ten of my fingers and maybe my toes, too, haha!! (credits to crunchyroll for the picture)

There, I do hope everyone will get the chance to enjoy these dramas as much as I did. Do try watching it. It’s worth every minute.

Going to watch Hotelier, one of Song Yoon Ah’s earlier dramas for now. I leave some pics.

Ciao!!!

Feeling blessed

2008-11-23T22:35:00.002+08:00

It’s really here now, the yuletide season. You can feel it in the cool air, especially at night and early morning, the giant Christmas trees and the parols on the streets and of course, the numerous tiangges everywhere. Last week, Ate Anna and I went to Balibago Complex and bought some Christmas decors for our apartment. It made our apartment really pretty, with the lights and all. Ah, Ate Anna is living with us now, so that makes us three Bicolanas together. Innay left to live with her sister to help take care of her nieces. It was sad when she left but we still see her in the office, though. We were together for more than a year, too, and in that time, we bonded really well. She left us a letter because we weren’t here to see her off for I was in Bicol to attend Mel’s wedding last November 8. When I got back, the apartment felt empty, literally and figuratively, since she had the most number of stuffs (especially shoes) among us three. And when I saw her letter, I just cried. I will definitely miss living with her. Although she was loud and everything I wasn’t, you can talk seriously with her about life and everything else. She was fun to live with, too, with all her funny stories and mostly “double-meaning” talks. She told me not to cry for she knows that I cry about everything. I just have a really hyperactive tear ducts and I get touched so easily by simple acts of humanity. That is me. Anyway, thanks Innay for the time you spent with Yam and me. I will truly, truly treasure all the memories we shared in our Blue House.

So, last November 8, I was in Bicol to attend Mel’s wedding. It was one happy occasion; the wedding was perfect in Cathedral, including the reception program at Starmark Royale. Milrose and I were running late, as usual, since we still did our hair and make-up at the salon. We were knocking on the hotel room reserved for Mel so we could change to our dresses but it turned out that they already left. We ended up changing in the comfort room. Yes, some things really don’t change. I did the second reading and gained praises from an elderly woman who said that I did really well. Thank you. There were only me, Milrose, Pobi, Don and Morris from Peppingz. Our other friends are either abroad or missing in action. It was fun, though, even if we were incomplete. Mel was thankful that at least we came. I think she didn’t expect that anyone from the group would show up, well except, those part of the entourage. But we did, and she was really happy. Her husband teaches Accounting at Ateneo and I think he will make Mel happy for the rest of their life together. I couldn’t do much but pray for them. Next in line would be Jojo and his girlfriend by December 30 in Albay, and Milrose and Don by March next year. Yes, everyone is getting married. I know, I know.

Since we already received our bonus, I bought a sofa for our house. Mama and I met after Mel’s wedding and did some shopping. The Naga City supermarket just suffered a fire a day before and some parts were still closed from the public. There was also no electricity so we were rushing to buy bags and slippers that some officemates wanted. The best part was, Mama and I were still able to do some “ukay-ukay”, hehe!! By Sunday, we heard mass at 6am and bought stuffs in the market then visited Ate and other relatives in the cemetery. I wasn’t able to come home last November 1, that’s why. I felt like crying again whenever I visit Ate. Also, a dear cousin died last year, too. And I cried when I lighted a candle and offered a prayer for her. I didn’t saw her again after I left to work in Manila in 2002. She was very close to me when she was just starting school. I taught her and some of our cousins, too, during summer vacations. I do pray that she’s at peace now. I will miss you, Beh.

After I came back, my brother got sick. My mama was so worried that I had to make him stay here at our apartment to take care of him. Good thing, he has his health card, too, so his check-up and other tests were free. When I saw him, he looked so sick for he wasn’t eating well. I accompanied him to the doctor and afterwards, took him to Maxs to make him eat. I ordered sinigang na hipon and pinakbet for him. I bought him Gatorade, some fruits and yakult so as to avoid dehydration. He stayed two nights in our place and got well afterwards. I think he just needed someone to take care of him. When things such as this happen, I’m thankful that I still haven’t transferred to Bicol. It’s long overdue now, but at least, I can take care of my brother when he’s sick though I hope he doesn’t get sick anymore. It is really true that everything happens for a reason. I can still wait for that time when my boss could finally say that I can really go home for good. I’ve waited for more than two years now. I am very patient,yes.

Last November 14, we were at Ortigas for a funds review. Luckily, there was a tiangge at San Miguel Complex so we went there after the meeting and bought a lot of stuffs. I bought a San Miguel jacket, dresses for my inaanaks, a blouse for me and pouches for my friends. I saw a former SGVean, who now works with San Miguel, too. I feel like I belong there and it was a nice feeling. Being a San Miguel employee really has its perks. We then ate at Luk Yuen, in Megamall. Sir Joey was back for a few days from Indonesia and it was nice seeing him again and eating a meal with him, too. The food was plenty but it wasn’t really that good but it was okay. We all separated after the meal, me, Yam, Ate Anna, Kuya Agga and Jaime did some window-shopping still and I manage to buy a really cute jacket and slippers from Surplus Shop. I will make my brother pay for the jacket, though, as his birthday gift to me, hehe!! The three of us, Yam, Ate Anna and me slept through the ride back home. Hay, shopping is really tiring. But it was fun so no complains.

Anyway, I will be going home again by Wednesday for a meeting and will stay there till Sunday. Tomorrow, a representative from Deloitte-Singapore will conduct an interview of some Finance personnel (including me) about our work. I only have a vague idea about its purpose but I would just have to answer his questions. I do hope we could understand each other, hehe!

And we will have another VCR cluster (my cluster in SGV) Christmas party cum reunion on December 22, sponsored by our OFW alumni. Ane-ane will come home and Michelley and a lot of other Mommies, too. Sad that my favorite Mommy Joyce and Noki won’t be coming home this Christmas. But, I already confirmed my attendance. It would be great seeing old friends again after more than a year. I’ll be going home to Bicol by the 23rd and will come back to Laguna by next year, YEY!!! Starting December 24, it’s all holiday already, double YEY!!! This is like the best thing our president has ever done.

Tunsky celebrated her birthday last Thursday. I hope she had a great celebration. All the best, Tunsky dear. I love you always, sister!

I will talk about two of the best dramas I’ve watched recently by next time. They are both really, really good.

Ciao for now!!

Happy Yuletide!!!

deja vu?

2008-11-01T22:30:00.005+08:00

Feeling like my old life is coming back to me these past days. Old life, I mean, the life I was leading when I was still in Makati. Not in all aspects, though, just some bit of it. I'll tell you why.

Two things to be exact. Basketball and dramas. I had this thought last night when I was watching PBA on tv. Purefoods was playing against Air21 and they weren't actually winning. I was really feeling nervous and disappointed and sad all at the same time because I don't really want to see them losing. I do think that they deserve to win since they were working hard. Just seconds left before the game ends, Air21 was leading by 3 points, Purefoods has the possession. They donot actually have any choice but to shoot a 3, hoping that it would go in and have an extension. I think it was Kerby who took the shot and missed so I was actually near tears because they lost again. But no! James Yap got the rebound with like point-something on the clock and shoot a 3 on the side, and making a clean basket! Words don't make justice to what I was feeling last night after that hurried shot. I know, I know. It was just a basketball game. But, basketball was my life, for a time. And even now, I still love the game. Everyone jumped when the 3points got in, I even saw my good friend Au on tv, jumping in joy on the ringside. Kerby hugged James and everyone was all smiles. I was also smiling and crying and praying at once. I texted my friend Al and told her that I almost had a heart attack watching. The team shouldn't do those kind of heart-stopping game again, I almost died, haha!! So there, the game went into overtime and throughout that 5minutes, I kept my fingers crossed and prayed. And thank God, the team won it. I was able to breathe normally when the clock was like zero-zero. Hay, Purefoods! Despite everything, you are still number 1 for me, guys. James and Kerby were best players. Highlights of the game were: James was injured but still played and made 20+ points, including that buzzer beater 3, Topex had two technical fouls and was thrown out of the game, team manager Cap Alvin had one technical foul, too (to think that he never had one when he was still playing) and it rained technical fouls for the team for arguing the technical fouls called. Still, they made it through. The eliminations had just started so gear up guys, go the extra mile, work as a team, win and give us, your fans, something to make us happy.

Second thing, dramas. It's not that I wasn't even blogging or gushing about a drama I am watching for a long time. I am almost "always" has a drama to watch. What made me think back on my Makati years was those times when I follow a drama so religiously that I watch it even without subtitles. I did this thing for two dramas, My Girl and Goong. Remembering it now, I do think I am addicted, haha! But honestly, watching dramas makes me happy. I don't care what others say, I am a certified drama-addict. Right now, the HyeKyo-Hyunbin drama World Within just started. I have watched episode 1, have read the forums and have seen the pre-production pictures. And I love it!!I dunno, just like what everyone said on the forum, watching it gives you a different kind of feeling. I don't really understand what I was feeling when I was watching it. The lighting is really good, the acting is pretty much average but there is something there. I was feeling nostalgic, even sad? I dunno. Maybe because I miss seeing HyeKyo in a drama, too, since I do love her in Fullhouse. Hyekyo and Hyunbin's characters has a past, and I do think, even if time passed and they moved on, subconsciously, they still have feelings left for each other. I think it is also one of the reasons why I am feeling a bit sad. And that is why, I want to continue watching. Even if it means waiting for the episodes and the subtitles to come out. I am very patient when it comes to this stuff, haha!! And yes, I have already read on the Hana Yori Dango, Korean remake. I like the actor they chose to play Oguri Shun's Rui. He is quite cute. And the Doumyoji actor, too. There is something in him that makes him fit the role of Tsukasa. I might follow this drama, too. Just maybe.

Hay, life. Today is All Saints Day but people usually go to cemeteries to visit their dear departed loved ones on this day. I wasn't able to go home to Bicol since I would be going home next week so I plan to light a candle for my sister and other loved ones when I am there. I offered a prayer and lighted a candle for them here at home a while ago. My mother already texted me that they already left the cemetery with my grandparents, after staying at my sister's grave. I still cry for her and will always cry for her. We miss you, Ate and we love you so. Please be happy wherever you are.

I worked today, too, with Ate H and Kuya A. Mama Edz brought us lunch and it was delicious. I left the office at 5pm and slept. I was just planning a short nap but I woke up and it was already 9pm. I do love sleeping these past days.

Deshy have not been blogging lately so I guess she must be busy. Nona is in Singapore now, she already emailed me. I have to really save for my Singapore holiday next year, with her and Janny. Hopefully, she will find a good job there. Most probably, it would be a mid-year holiday trip for me. Excited, excited.

Happy Halloween!!!

Ciao!!

happy sunday..

2008-10-26T21:27:00.011+08:00

Today we attended the baptism of Ate She's baby boy Ulrich at Pulo Church. Me, Innay and Yam plus Kuya Agga were all godparents. Ge too, but she wasn't able to come since she wasn't feeling well. But she did said she will share with the gifts, haha! Anyway, it was a full-packed church, lots of babies to be christened and there were also lots of kids who asked for money from the people. It's a pity that there are a lot of them nowadays and they are still increasing. You have to wonder what their parents are doing, hay. But back to the occasion. Ulrich is really growing to be such a handsome boy, thanks to his quarter German blood. He got kissed a lot by us, haha! We took a lot of pictures, shared plenty of laughters and ate a lot in the reception, too. The private pool where it was held was good enough, the kids enjoyed swimming and the adults, like us, sang in the videoke. It was a happy gathering but sad for Ate She since Kuya Kent didn't make it since he was still somewhere in Qatar. Well, I do pray that Ulrich will grow up to be a wonderful boy. We always say that he's going to be in showbiz because he just looks so 'pogi'. Anyway, all the best baby Ulrich!!

I did myself a pampering yesterday. Had a facial, a pedicure and a threading of my eyebrows. Gah, it did hurt, a lot. I shed tears. I was scheduled to do all of it by next week but I don't think I can though, since it is the month-end closing again at work. But I will have my teeth cleaned next weekend. I'll be attending Mel's wedding on the 8th of November. Got the invitation already and it was yellow and smelled so good. I'm doing the second reading in the wedding mass. I already asked my mother to prepare the dress I bought and the shoes, too. I am pretty excited since I am going to see my good friends, well, what is left of them in Naga since almost everyone has gone abroad. The latest is Nona to Singapore. I don't even know if she's there na, she didn't answer my texts. I would have to find out via Friendster later. Still have to buy my weddig gift next weekend, too. I have already packed because I am excited to use the bag I bought in St. Francis the last time. I bought another one again, last Wednesday, when we attended the funds review. I am loving it since it is colorful and has a lot of pockets and all. Innay and I went shopping again and I got myself two blouses and the three seasons of Heroes and the third Gokusen. We got to spend time with our new pretty friend Jamie, too. I had the feeling that we accomplished a lot of things even if we spent a lot, haha!

So anyway, we didn't get to do our Enchanted Kingdom date yesterday since Ge had to work. We moved it to mid-November and I do hope we got to go. We've been planning this one for a long time now, plus a tequila-night party with just the four of us here in our apartment. It would be fun since it would be the first time we are doing this, if ever. Besides, Ge owes us a story about her latest lovelife which I actually donot look forward to hearing but I have no choice on the matter. So there.

Finally had the chance to watch PBA again, even on tv. Purefoods won the game against Ginebra tonight and PJ Simon was best player, yey!! I so miss basketball and I so miss my basketball days and my basketball friends, of course. And the best thing was that I saw Kuya Rey Evangelista as part of the coaching staff. You know that he retired last season and I was so sad since he still is able to play. That was why I was happy seeing him still part of the team. The team got some new players and even Topex Robinson is with them now. At least he was good tonight. Hopefully they would have a good season this time.

I finished another book yesterday, after spending the morning singing alone with our magic sing. It was Exclusive by Barbara Fischkin, loosely based on her and her husband's life story. It was about reporters in love and war. Very funny, mainly because her husband was one of a kind. I did enjoy reading it. I am reading another Kaye Gibbons book right now, On the Occasion of my Last Afternoon. Just started it so I cannot say much about it yet but it's a Gibbons book so it must be good. I want to start the Stephenie Meyer Twilight books, too but I have to buy copies, if ever. I am curious about it, just like everyone else. It has a movie, too. I don't want to be the only one left in the book world who hasn't read it yet, haha! But it would cost much so I am still thinking about it. The Harry Potter movie would come out soon, too and that is something to really look forward to. It was a sad fact that the HP books ended so I would have to content myself with the movies. I still love Ron Weasley to bits.

I am loving Paramore's songs these days. My brother introduced me to them. And Lifehouse's Everything is really, really good. Will post lyrics some time. Still on my Golden Bride marathon watching. I am definitely inlove with Lee Young Ah and Song Chang Eui. They make such a cute married couple! I am excited to finish it but sad as well. I always feel sad whenever the drama I am currently loving is nearing its end. But I still have a lot to watch so I won't have much time to pine.

Deshy celebrated her birthday on the 21st. I dunno if she received my greetings. But just the same, happy birthday Deshy girl!! Hope you had a grand celebration. Be safe and healthy and happy there in DC. Love you always!!

Ciao for now!

I leave pictures of the GB couple. Love them! (thanks Soompi..)

Oh by the way, there is a Hana Yori Dango, Korean version? Wow, really. Hmm, will have to read about it on Soompi. This is quite interesting.

quality time..

2008-10-19T14:34:00.005+08:00

I was dead tired when I arrived last night from the birthday party of my friend's baby girl in Tuy, Batangas. I was watching tv while eating and next thing I knew, I've fallen asleep. I was tempted to continue sleeping but I haven't washed up yet and the thought of the dust and smoke I probably accumulated while travelling made me get up. The travel was tiring because the place was really far but then again, my friend was happy to see me so I guess I shouldn't complain. She was asking me to stay overnight but I was uncomfortable so I declined. I didn't get to enjoy the party, though, since I only know quite a few guests and besides, it was a children's party, complete with clowns and cotton candy. At least I got to spend some time with my friend, whom I last saw in December 2007, during her baby's baptism. I think she's doing well in her new family. Her in-laws are kind and treat her well so I'm not that worried now. We don't really talk that much but as she said last night, the friendship is in the heart.

Oh well, I did a little shopping, too, while we were in Ortigas last Friday. Megamall was on sale so there were a lot of people but I managed to buy a new pair of doll shoes (it was in a kids store), two blouses, an overnight bag and Naruto keychains for my brother. We were supposed to eat dinner at MannHann but the place was being renovated so we ended up eating at Rai Rai Ken, just me, Mama Edz, Kuya A, Ate H and Ate Anna. The seminar was okay but the best thing about it was that we got to see Ge. She was looking good maybe because she said she's in love but it was complicated based on some things she shared. She still owe us the whole story though and we will probably hear about it this Saturday since we plan to go to Enchanted Kingdom for some bonding moments. The travel back home was long because we boarded the wrong bus and had to take a cramped jeepney to our destination. That's why the dust and the smoke. But all in all, it was fun being with my officemates. By Wednesday, I would be in Head Office again for a meeting. Hopefully, I wouldn't spend much by then. My finances are really suffering, haha!! Need to discipline myself or I'll end up broke again.

I am feeling lazy to go out later but I need to have a pedicure and my office bag repaired. Hay, i do hope I'll have the strength to get up after my sleep. I want to hear the Sunday mass, too.

Anyway, ciao for now!!

getting by...

2008-10-16T21:34:00.003+08:00

I've been sick during the weekend, just cough, fever and a little muscle pain. I guess I was overworked since we worked straight last week for the quarter closing. I already visited the pulmonary doctor last Tuesday and I'm still on medication till Sunday. Nothing serious, though. But being sick was really tiring. And sad, since I was alone in our apartment except when my brother visited to bring me food. So yes, my cousin and I cancelled our West Side Story watching and also my despedida get-together with my Meralco sisters. Ubai flew abroad today and I can only pray for her. Hay, time flies.

I'm feeling a little indigestion today, too. I feel bloated and all. Well, hopefully this will go away tonight since I have to be in Ortigas tomorrow for a tax seminar. It would be uncomfortable if my stomach continue to grumble. We're having a fiesta tomorrow since almost all of us are going so we have plans to eat out and shop since Megamall is on sale. I should buy something for Vane's baby Mikay since I will be attending her first birthday celebration on Saturday at Tuy, Batangas. I hope I can still remember the place though. Also, a wedding gift for my friend Mel, who will be tying the knot on November 8 so I would be going home to Bicol for it. Nona is taking the exams this month and will fly to Singapore by the 23rd, to be with Janny. Everyone is going, I tell you. But well, I chose to stay so I don't plan to have any regrets whatsoever.

I'll write about my latest drama obsession which is Golden Bride, next time. I have to wake up real early tomorrow.

Ciao!

rainy days and fridays...

2008-10-10T21:06:00.002+08:00

It was raining the whole day today, suiting the mood at the office. Today was Sir Joey's final despedida and it was really sad because we were already used to seeing him everyday at the office. Add to that, we were told that we are to leave the office that we shared for more than a year and transfer to the bigger room that is totally unfamiliar territory. Hay, life. I was crying for all these partings and goodbyes and I do feel worn out and really sad. I will miss all those little things that made our stay in that small room very memorable. I will miss the people that I have been with. But this is what was supposed to happen right from the start. I should have been prepared but sad to say, it still took me by surprise, that time goes by so fast. Hay, it would take some time getting used to but I do know that I will survive this. For now, i will just let myself be.

We had coffee, too at Beanstalk, in Crossing. It was just me, Innay, Kuya Rands and Sir Joey. The place was nice enough but it was not a time for laughter since it was inevitably the last coffee we will share with Sir Joey since he is to leave for Indonesia by next Tuesday. It was a very subdued moment and I was thankful since I was in no mood to talk. The drive to home was also spent in silence since I don't think there is anything that I have to say, too. He will be in my prayers always. I was near tears while we passed our Parian office and while Matchbox20 was playing in the car. There are so many memories with him and eventhough I am not sure when we will see each other again, I am thankful for all of it. If fate allows, I will see him again. For now, I can only wish him well.

I so miss a lot of people lately. I miss Mommy Joyce, Deshy and Mavsky, the barkada I left in Bicol and even my own brother. I don't really know what is happening to me but I do feel sad. It just that these past few months, I've seen and been in so many farewells. I do know it is just a phase so like I said, I let myself be.

Hm, tomorrow I'll be watching West Side Story with my cousin Ludy at Meralco Theater. It was already ages since we last bonded. I plan to watch basketball, too, on Sunday, if my favorite team Purefoods has a game. Also, since one of my Meralco sisters will be leaving for abroad too, I hope to treat them to something on Sunday, too. If their schedule allows. Well, I hope so.

I do need some cheering up these days.

My eyes are heavy from all the crying so I might as well rest for now.

Ciao!!

saying goodbye and moving on..

2008-09-23T22:11:00.002+08:00

Days went by really fast. One moment you are all happy and then, in an instance, you find yourself crying. You cry not just because you have friends who left and are leaving but also because of the lost time that you could have spent together with them. It is one of life’s ironies that one realizes how precious time is when it is already gone. I could cry forever thinking of maybe’s and what if’s but it could never bring back all that has been and all that could have been. Cliché as it may sound but so very true, though, that regrets won’t do me any good so I might as well look forward. Let go, let God, should be my mantra.

Last September 7, I was with Deshy, Mavsky, Tunsky and Czar at a seafood/dampa restaurant at Macapagal for a lunch date. It was also a sort of farewell/send-off thing for Deshy and Mavsky since they will leave for US this month. Well, actually, Mavsky already left last Sunday and I do pray that she reached New York safely. Deshy will be leaving by the 26th. I knew that I would cry eventually but we mostly avoided the topic during lunch. We reminisced our beginnings, those years when we were just starting in SGV. Mavsky, Deshy and me started living together in one place on June 2003 and separated only last September 2006. More than three years of being together made us more than just friends but almost like sisters. The guards in SGV called us three sisters every time we go to work together. Our humble beginnings were fun to talk about, the cooking of meals using only the rice cooker, Deshy’s laptop which served as our radio, too and when we finally bought a radio, it has these lights that turn on and off, like those in the disco. It was where we diligently listen to Chico and Delamar talk about anything under the sun, which serve as our day-booster. There were so many memories with them that was why when Deshy rode the taxi, I cannot help but cry my heart out. I will definitely miss her so. The lunch was sumptuous and even more so because the conversations were really entertaining. Before our lunch, Tunsky and I had this rare bonding moment, too at National Bookstore in Mall of Asia, where we got to talk while browsing for books and buying some, too. After lunch and still crying, Mavsky and I went to Cartimar to look at pet stores. I am planning to buy a cat to be my pet, too and I had the chance to embrace one when I was there. The cat was really disciplined and behaved that I was tempted to bring it home but it wasn’t on my budget so I didn’t. It was me and Mavsky’s bonding moment, too. I accompanied her to this store called Winterhouse, where we tried on jackets and winter clothes. Afterwards, we had dinner at their place and had the greatest time playing with Manzie, her sister’s little dog, whom I really adored. Dogs and cats, love them! Then came the time I am dreading the most, parting. I didn’t cry but was very close to it. But when I was on the bus going home, I couldn’t help but feel really sad. I will not be seeing them for years. And when I happen to be in Makati, I wouldn’t have anyone to eat snacks or have coffee with. But then again, they have been waiting for it so I am happy for them. I would just have to be content with the memories I have of them for now. There are still many years ahead and I am pretty sure, we can build memories still.

The office is also one of the saddest places to be this time, since two colleagues transferred to their new office and Sir Joey is in Indonesia for a week. I already cried when they told us that they were leaving last week but it is still a different matter to enter a room and find them not there. I was with them for two years and got used to their presence; talking to them, sharing stories with them, eating together and helping each other and so, not being able to see them everyday takes time getting used to. I know that we will eventually go separate ways but it is still sad. I just miss seeing them, that’s all. Hay, in time, I know, I will get over this sadness. Let me wallow in my sentiments, for now.

Since we anticipated these parting scenes, we all went out (Finance people) last August 29 at Rhythm’s Bar, El Cielito Inn. We already had a despedida party once there for Ate She, last February. We had a great night, drinking and eating and singing and dancing, too. We always have fun during these kinds of gatherings, well, we made sure we do because it is seldom that we all go out. Afterwards, we had coffee at Starbucks at Paseo de Sta Rosa and shared stories although the boys were preoccupied with the many ladies around but it was understandable since it is in their nature. Then the parking lot became our stage since we took pictures and played around while talking and laughing and just plain goofing around. It was fun, really. When we do go to our respective offices, these kinds of memories are worth remembering. It makes me smile just thinking about all of it.

Hay, life is definitely more subdued and melancholic these days. I am constantly near tears whenever I remember my friends. My tear ducts are working overtime, I tell you. But hey, that is the normal me, a crybaby and so sentimental.

Anyway, I still smile and I still do laugh. It is also second nature to me to be happy no matter how sad I was or am inside. At least I got my books and my dramas and my Internet to buoy me through these down times. I finished three books these past days; Alexandre Dumas classic The Count of Monte Cristo, which was really, really very good, Edmond Dantes is like the smartest and most patient man ever; two Kaye Gibbons book, A Virtuous Woman and her first novel, Ellen Foster, which were both good. I just started reading another Gibbons book, On the Eve of my Last Afternoon, which; based on the reviews, promise to be brilliant. I am a bit behind on my dramas, though since sleepiness always gets the better of me. Still have to finish the last episode for 3dads, 1mom and also more of Winter Sonata and Teppan Shoujo Akane. Honey and Clover is still on the shelf along with Robbers, On Air and Last Friends, all of which I am excited to watch. I have two dramas coming this week, Golden Bride, which is quite long, and Jotei, the drama that I was looking for for a long time now. As for the dramas to watch for, I only have like two in my list, which are Beethoven Virus, a kind of Nodame Cantabile plot and the HyeKyo-Hyunbin drama The World We Live In. I promise not to buy anything before I finish everything. I need all the self-control in the world to be able to do this, haha!

So, I am off Bicol by Friday for some work. Innay and Yam will come, too so we are planning a lot of activities while we are there. Hopefully, Monday is a holiday (Ramadan ends) so we can have a long weekend and more places to visit. It will be a fun, I am sure. Going home is always a great occasion.

There, I said enough already. I am sleepy now.

ZZZZZZZZZZZ…

Till next time.

Ciao!!

good thoughts...

2008-08-25T22:28:00.005+08:00

They say that August is the month when most accidents and bad things happen to people but I think I am doing fine. All is well, actually. I’ve been receiving lots of good news recently and I have been having many fun times with friends, too. Not too mention, indulging my impulsiveness for the nth time. But I am not complaining, though. It was an opportunity to be grabbed. Or so I say.

I have this feeling that I have been neglecting a lot of things lately. They are just random things actually but still, they are what make myself me. And so I resolve to indulge myself in the things I love, even for just these two short days since work will own my life again for the next days. I try to do as many tasks in my to-dos as possible, sort of like my energy booster for the coming days. It’s like I am spending all my days in front of my computer and is just too worn out to even read a book or watch one of my dramas at night. But enough of that. I got what I wanted, anyway. Well, sort of.

And so I watched the Korean drama 3 Dads, 1 Mom last night till my eyes surrendered. It stars one of favorite actresses Eugene and two of my favorite actors Jo Hyunjae and Jaehee (who are both serving in the compulsory 2 years military service in Korea now, waahh!!). Still have to finish it but I am enjoying everything about it. I laugh and I cry and I just love the four main characters, including the tall Shin Sungrok. They all interact well and all have great chemistry with each other. And Hyunjae is so cute and Jaehee is so adorable!! I cannot help but be in a fan-girly mood with them. I’ve watched some behind the scenes of them and loved them, truly. Great friendship is like the best thing in the world. And a baby can make bachelors childish, caring, sensitive and loving. The sort of person every woman wants for a life partner. Right.

I was able to move forward with my reading, too. I am currently reading one of my Kaye Gibbons book, this time it’s A Virtuous Woman. I think I wrote about the very first Gibbons novel I read, which I really loved. It was Charms for an Easy Life and this book was what made me search every Gibbons novel in every Booksale there is. I already have four of her novels and I just need time to read all of it. She’s really good, inspiring and all. I am done with the Bridget Jones novel and just have to find the movies because I want to see again how Colin Firth acted in it. I finished The Bridges of Madison County in one sitting, too, since it was really easy reading and very interesting. True love, really. It can make people do extraordinary things. I want the movie, too. And there was this line, said by Robert Kincaid, the photographer who seem not from this world, to Francesca Johnson, the married woman whom he loved: In a universe of ambiguity, this certainty comes only once and never again, no matter how many lifetimes you live. It could mean anything to anyone but for me it could only mean true love, despite the impossibility of them being together, they loved deeply. They were meant to be, too. Each of them searching for what the other has, and finding it. As what Robert Kincaid said, he knew why he came into the world; it was to love Francesca Johnson. The story was sad but very beautiful indeed. I don’t know if that kind of love still exists today, though. But for romantics like me, it doesn’t hurt to hope.

2008 really must be a lucky year for weddings and engagements. Know why? Because a lot of my friends are either getting married or getting engaged. Just last week, my good friend Deshy got engaged to her soul mate but as she said it’s going to be a very long engagement. She and Mavsky are off to US by September. No kolehiyalas left in SGV when they leave. Though I feel really sad to send them off, I know that they have been waiting for this opportunity for a long time now. And knowing it, I am happy for they are fulfilling their dreams now. I would be waiting for their every return. By November, my college friend Mel is tying the knot, too, with her teacher boyfriend. I should come home to Naga since I am part of the ceremonies, nope, not as a bridesmaid but as a mass reader. I already bought a dress to wear, too. Excited, yup. Come December too, my SGV friend Chinky will get married, too. The wedding will be in Cagayan de Oro and as much as I want to be there to attend, I don’t think I can. But there’s a post-wedding celebration in Manila so I’ll try to be there. I texted her last night to congratulate her and to wish her well. She was one of my Meralco sisters and though we didn’t spend much time together, we were close in a way. By next year, I think three of my friends are going to do it, too. All I can do for now is to attend and to wish them well. When it is my turn, I hope they will be there, too, haha!

The fun times I am talking about. Since Sir Joey is leaving for Indonesia by mid-September, we had this dinner/coffee bonding time with him last August 8 at PizzaHut and Starbucks, somewhere in South Super Highway. It was just the four of us, Yam, Innay, Sir Joey and me. It is sad that he is leaving since we are sure going to miss his shouting and singing in the office. We’ve gotten used to his presence, too. But then, it is an opportunity for career growth. If it were given to me, I’d take it, too. Besides, it’s a temporary thing. The dinner was nice. The coffee, too. We talked mostly about books and stuffs. It is rare these days to know of a guy who reads, especially Anne Rice novels. But I enjoy talking to him since we like the same things, too. I am missing someone when I talk to him, though. That someone shares the same interest as me, too but I think it is already too late. Anyway, we have been doing these kind of going out these days. We had dinner in Cabuyao and coffee and funny conversations in Roofdeck, too. When Dina visited us (she’s assigned in Cavite now), we had dinner and some singing and dancing in RSM restaurant, somewhere in Calamba. We are making the most of our time together since it would be soon when we will all transfer to our respective areas. We’ve been together for two years now and working in one room made us closer than ever. It is hard to say goodbye, I especially don’t want to be the one left. The memories will get us by, yup. But it still really sad.

For our bonding, Innay, Yam and me spent one weekend of fun and spending last August 16 to 18, in Manila. Innay wanted to experience Manila at night so we planned this weekend treat. Sad that Dina was not with us. We were in Trinoma on Saturday night and spent it shopping. We weren’t able to eat dinner since Innay and I were so engrossed on trying on blouses and everything. It was also raining hard when we went home to Yam’s in Quezon City. We were planning to go out that night but we didn’t so we just watch the Olympics and some random shows on tv till two in the morning. On Sunday, we enjoyed brunch together, sharing stories and laughter as we ate. Then we returned to Trinoma to buy some cds on sale and look for a book for Sir Joey. I bought three movie cds and two music cds but had no luck with the book. We were off to Mall of Asia next where we had a late delicious lunch at MannHann and then to SMX to watch the Pinoy Idol announcement live. We had tickets that was why we went. Even if I just watched that show once on tv, haha!! It was still fun, we got to hear Ely Buendia sing and the new vocalist of Rivermaya, too. I was rooting for JayAnn Bautista to win but she didn’t. For me, she was better than the winner. We went to Klownz next, a comedy bar in Quezon Avenue. We were lucky since there were a lot of guest comedians that night. There was Ate Gay, Teri Aunor, Kim Idol, Sugar, Betty La Fea and Osang but the highlight was Jose and Wally, who were really very funny and very good entertainers, too. There were these two uber cute brothers, too, who went on stage, courtesy of Ate Gay and Teri Aunor. We were laughing so hard, even if the jokes were all dirty and ‘green’, as they say. We were there till 3 in the morning. After the show, we were all really sleepy and tired. It was like all our energy went with the laughing. We woke up late Monday (it was a special holiday remembering Ninoy Aquino’s assassination) and reached our apartment around 6pm. Aside from being tired, we were also broke from all the spending but hey, it was fun. We said we would do it again. Definitely.

So okay, I will end this for now. I do hope I would have more time, not just to write but to do other leisurely things, too. I should make more time, ne?

Ciao!!

loves...

2008-07-27T23:05:00.015+08:00

Absolutely loving the second Bridget Jones novel that I am reading right now. Eventhough the Bridget Jones movies were released ages ago (did they make the second book into a movie, too? I am not that sure), the book is still really fun to read. And Mark Darcy definitely and truly loves her still. He gets all tongue-tied and embarassed when Bridget is around, to think that he is one hotshot lawyer. The Mark Darcy types are really adorable and honest that you just cannot help but fall in love with them. Bridget, though she tries to forget about him through her self-help books and rules of dating, cannot do so. And I am pretty sure they will still end up together. Even if I know about this, I still want to read how they will end up together. The journey to ending up together is more fun to read than the actual being together. I am so excited to finish this one. Bridget and Shazzer are off to Thailand for a holiday. Yey for the singletons!!!

Spent the day watching music videos of Taiwanese drama Fated to Love You on youtube. This is one drama I am eagerly waiting to watch. I am such a romantic to want to watch this typical stories. But I really don't care. I just have to watch this. I already love the actors and the story has such similarities to one of my best loved korean drama, Wonderful Life. The drama is still airing in Taiwan and receiving high ratings so it is definitely good. I just love stories which start from forced union to eventual love and affection. Even if the thing that brought them together was an accident, it blossomed into something true. Hopeless romantic, yup. The synopsis, sourced through dramawiki.

A really unfashionable working class girl Chen Xin Yi has the desire to tie down her handsome boyfriend to be with her. Due to certain reasons, her boyfriend gets her to go on a love cruise and she started to ponder on how to lose her virginity and tie down her boyfriend. Xin Yi ended up taking cold medicine which made her drowsy and went into Ji Cun Xi's room. Cun Xi is the sole male heir to his family's company and has been in love with his girlfriend, Anna, for a long time. He planned to propose to Anna on the boat but she didn't turn up on the cruise. An island owner added drugs into Cun Xi's drink and Cun Xi became disorientated and returned to his own room. Xin Yi and Cun Xi end up having a one night stand. Xin Yi later finds out that she's pregnant and Cun Xi's grandmother forces them to get married. Will a couple forced to marry for the sake of their unborn child find love with each other?

I am also currently watching Winter Sonata. Honestly, even if everyone was saying how good this drama was, I couldn't get myself to watch this first because I am not a Bae YongJun and Choi Jiwoo fan and second because I felt it is such an old drama. But thanks to a new found drama friend, I am now on episode 8. And guess what? I am liking it. The first love theme and how one cannot forget it appeals to me, in some unexplainable way, I dunno why. I am not sure I even have the experience to tell, haha! But it is a good drama, beautifully acted and the sceneries are wonderful. I can understand now why there was this hype about it before. And I am happy to have a new friend with whom to discuss my drama feelings and opinions. Do you know that it is a very happy feeling finding someone who shares the same interest as you? Thanks Ate Gigi. We will definitely have more time to discuss our dramas. I still have a lot to watch and I am always being sidetracked by a lot of random things. But I 'll finish all of them before the next batch comes by August. Still have to finish:

- Honey and Clover - temporarily stopped watching it because I just felt so sad for the girt who is inlove with Mayama, who is my newest Japanese crush with real name of Osamu Mukai, why does she have to love someone who's inlove with another? That's the question.

- Teppan Shoujo Akane - because I started on Honey and Clover but will finish eventually because I adore Takashi Tsukamoto's character.

Yesterday, I had my picture taken for my company ID and did some shopping, yey! I bought a lot of blouses because everything was on sale so I actually saved a lot. Plus, I have a new Kenneth Cole Reaction watch! It's really pretty and I am not regretting the high price. It will be my gift to myself for my hardwork. Again? Anyway, I also bought cds of movies I actually wanted to watch but didn't: The History Boys, Just My Luck, Eragon and Sunshine. These will add to my to watch list of dvds I bought when I was in Ortigas last week: Juno, 27 Dresses, 10,000BC and Hairspray. I don't even know when I will have the time to watch all these. Just as well, I wouldn't get bored with all of these just waiting at the sides.

And so, for real life. I got back from Bicol last Monday and I think everything went well with the audit. Nona, Milrose, Don and I had dinner at Steak Avenue in Magsaysay, a restaurant owned by AJ Dee, as I was told. Three of my friends-couples are planning to get married next year. Yup, everyone is getting hitched. Anyway, I told them that if I am the only one left in Bicol when the wedding comes ( because everyone is going abroad, too), I don't want to be the only one wearing a gown so I will not form part of the entourage but will only be a guest. It is no fun when your friends are not with you on such occasions. I slept over at Nona since Janny had some audit questions for his new work in Singapore. Talked for a long time while watching cable TV, too. I think Nona feels sad now that Janny is in Singapore but she will go there soon anyway so I just pray that she'll be able to endure it. I feel bad for her, though. On Saturday afternoon, my Mama and I went grocery shopping, attended a christening party (well, we only ate and run) of her co-teacher's grandson and bought a closet for my room. We had a little family get-together on Sunday, after hearing our thanksgiving mass. My grandparents came and also some cousins. It was fun. I was off to Laguna Sunday night and saw Onyo at the bus terminal. Good thing because my bag was a bit heavy with all the pasalubongs I bought. Hay, I am waiting for that day when I won't have to go back and forth to Bicol. That Chris Daughtry song still hasn't come true. Waiting, waiting still.

Last Thursday, during Yam's birthday, we had a karaoke night at Complex. It was just me, Yam, Yannie, Ate Anna and Sir Joey. We had this long week celebration of a lot of different things and these was one of them. It was really fun singing and dancing at the same time, even if Yannie got drunk and started throwing up, haha!! We will definitely to it again. Sir Joey has this idea that we will all go out every Friday. I dunno if we can, though but well, I just wished Ge was with us but she's assigned in Cavite now that is why we miss her so. Anyway, some pictures of
that night.

Oh by the way, I just learned that Deshy got promoted to Director during SGV's 62nd anniversary so CONGRATS, Deshygirl!! You certainly deserve it!Treat!Treat!! It was a good thing you update your Tumblr regularly, unlike moi, haha!! And Noki will celebrate her birthday on the 30th. I wonder what she and Mommy plans to do to celebrate. Anyway, all the best, Noki dear.

There, have said enough already. There's this talk that there would be a nationwide transport strike tomorrow, in time for GMA's State of the Nation Address. We will know tomorrow if it's true then.

So, goodnight!! I am off to dreamland...

coming home...

2008-07-16T23:04:00.006+08:00

Yey, I am off to Bicol tomorrow morning! I will be there for some work and of course, some fun time with friends and family. My mama and I already have plans to celebrate some good news with dear family members that is why I am excited. Add to that, I would finally see our newly renovated house and my own room. Yup, it is the first time that I am having my own room. It was always shared with my sister and my brother when we were growing up. I have all sorts of plans to decorate it and I do hope I would be able to come home soon to start on it. It would cost much, I know, but definitely worth it.

So okay, just got back from a meeting in Head Office and though I just listened to people reporting (I was the first to report), I felt so tired. Meetings always do that to me. Good thing I was with my ate's and kuya's so it was still fun. I bought movies to watch again and after window shopping, we all ate at MannHann-Megamall. It was the second meal i ate for the day that made me so full. During lunch, our boss treated us to Chowking en route to Head Office and it was lauriat, haha!! Anyway, we saw Giselle Sanchez with her daughter and she was so pretty. Then when we passed Comic Alley, they had this Seigaku-uniform-wearing mannequin (Seigaku as in Prince of Tennis) in their entrance. I wanted to take a picture with it but they said I was too childish, hay!

Still loving my Smartbro. I already finished two movies in crunchyroll (thanks, webmaster!!); Rainbow Song with Hayato Ichihara and Ueno Juri and Smile, a touching movie, a Japanese Mighty Ducks, but it was okay since i LOVE Mighty Ducks!! Rainbow Song was the movie I was supposed to order from Yesasia since i have to watch every Hayato movie, no matter what. It was a personal vow, haha! That was why crunchyroll's an angel. It was a sad movie but great movies are sad movies, right? I would always like Hayato, with his mature acting and everything. And Juri of the Nodame fame was really brilliant, plus her character in the movie was a very good filmmaker. I love the concept of the movie that they made, The End of the World. It was very short but it has the twist that made it perfect. But it was a lost love and it made me sigh. Hay. Anyway, i was also able to chat with Mommy Joyce and organize my Friendster photos into albums, update myself with what's happening with my friends and read on stuffs. It's very fun, really.

I got the Bridget Jones' books also and loving every time spent reading it. I have already finished the first one and is now reading The Edge Of Reason. Hugh Grant and Colin Firth were always mentioned in the book so that may be the reason why they were chosen to be the actors when it was made into a movie. I do think there is a Bridget Jones in every woman, be it Bridget's worries and fears of not getting a boyfriend or not getting slimmer. She seems so real and true that anyone can identify with her. I am just glad that she has found Mark Darcy. He seems to really, really care about Bridget, without any pretense, unlike that Daniel Cleaver. Anyone would want to find a Mr Darcy, too, and that includes me, haha!!

I did a little self-pampering last weekend by having a facial, a pedicure and a manicure plus a rebond. I didn't feel guilty about splurging on these since I've worked so hard for them, with the endless overtime and weekend work. The rebond took five hours and it is already three days that I haven't washed my hair. So sorry for the smell, haha!! It was when I finished the first Bridget book while my hair was being tortured by chemicals and heat. Hay, the price we pay to beautify but it is okay now so no regrets.

There, I am feeling sleepy now. Have to zzzzzzz...

Good night!

Ah, tomorrow's my bestfriend's Hazel's birthday so happy birthday, Zhel!! AjaAja!!

in the comforts of home..

2008-07-06T22:10:00.005+08:00

Here i am at home,enjoying the quiet and comfortable time to blog. Finally got that prepaid internet that i have been planning to get ever since it was advertised. Just bummed around the house all day and online, making my eyes and my head hurt but hey, this is really, really fun. I already watched tons of videos in youtube, updated my email, uploaded pictures in friendster and did lots of other things. The best thing about this is i don't have to worry how i look and i can laugh all i want and i can even talk to myself, haha!!Yay, the wonders of technology. It can really make internet-dependent people like me, very happy.

So okay, I watched Kungfu Panda last June 14 and just got to tell how much I love the movie. It was everything one can ever hope for from an animated film; the encouragement, the hope, the funny lines and moves, the love and friendship and the soundtrack. It made me love it more because they played the Kungfu Fighting song sang by Sam Concepcion, whom I really like, even if he’s just under 20, he’s still too cute. I watched it with Tunsky and Divinesky at Mall of Asia. We were there for some bonding moments, which rarely comes these days. It was an awesome day, for sure. We had lunch at Congo Grille and had a not-so-nice experience (something to do with some creature found in the soup) but aside from it, it was very good, especially the sisig, yum. We then watched Kungfu Panda and had coffee at Seattle’s Best, after going around the mall trying to find a coffee shop that faces the bay. When it was already sunset, we walked along the bay (where lovebirds abound), took some pictures and watched the fireworks display. We were together for like 7 hours, telling stories, catching up on each other’s life and making plans. We are going to Korea, for sure. We planned it when we were all in SGV still, forgot about it and then decided to take on it again. It seemed much more possible now that we talked about it again. I would sure love visiting the place with them. It would be a blast, for sure; if the day we spent together was any indication. It was wonderful being with them and just living the moment. Hay, I would surely miss this kind of get-together when I’m in Bicol na.

It was storming three weekends ago and Innay and me were stuck at home. Good thing she didn’t went home to Lipa for the weekend. I went to bed at around 11 in the evening after feeling sleepy watching It Started with a Kiss 2 and everything was quiet, no rain, not even a drop. Then, I don’t know what woke me up but I was awake by 3:30am and the storm was raging. The wind was really strong and you know what was the first thing that came to my mind? My laundry hanging outside! So, I got up and even if my knees were shaking from fear because the wind and the rain were at their fullest, I got my dripping laundry inside. If I were a minute late, I wouldn’t have seen them again because they were just hanging on the line. Innay slept through the whole thing but I cannot seem to sleep again worrying if our door might break because of the wind, though I know that I was just being paranoid. Because I cannot talk to her, I texted my mother and told her about the storm, at 4am. Of course she was asleep and didn’t reply until 6am. The lights went out and I readied the candles all the while praying that it would stop soon. Good thing it did and that was when I came back to my warm bed, after mopping our wet floor and securing the candles and matches. Hay, it was truly scary. The weather was better the whole day but we cannot go out so Innay and me ate what was available. I had the good sense to buy bread the night before and some bananas so we ate that for breakfast at 10am. Afterwards, we cannot do anything so we watched dvds in my computer, Chronicles of Narnia, where she drooled over Prince Caspian while I, over Peter and Aslan, haha! We ate lunch at 4pm, instant noodles and egg sandwich for both of us and then watched Sex and the City movie, where we laugh our hearts out and learned lessons, too. I love Carrie and Samantha. Their friendship was really inspiring. It would be really great to have friends whom you can go out with and who will be there when you’re feeling low. I especially love that time when Carrie went to Miranda’s place at New Year’s Eve, to be with each other because they both feel sad being alone. It was a good watch and a happy ending, too. Friendship is really great, whether you are 15 or 50. It’s what makes life truly meaningful.

Last June 27, Sir Joey, Yam, Innay and me had that rare bonding moment. It was rare since we never go out with just the four of us. I didn’t think we would push through with the idea anyway because it was just the four of us but off we went to Paseo de Sta Rosa for some good time. Innay was craving for some Japanese and so we ate at Oyaku but i ended up eating all the sushi and the sashimi since she cannot bear to take another bite of it. After dinner, we enjoyed the live band at the Paseo grounds while drinking some light alcoholic drinks. We weren't able to talk much since the band was loud and it was never really a place for talking, what with all the half-drunk men around. We were feeling sleepy (yup, it was past our bedtime) and so we decided to go home. But no, Sir Joey has other plans and since he was driving us home, we cannot complain. And so, we ended up in Rafters, a disco/live band place where they were having an R&B night. I didn't have the energy to go dancing so I stayed in my seat, together with Yam, and just watched the couples dancing to some slow songs (which we found really corny) and enjoyed the live band, which was really good. It was already early morning when we went home and though we were dead tired and we smell of smoke, it was still a fun night. Next time we go out, i'll definitely get on that dancing shoes.

I've been online since this morning and i learned quite a lot of things already, some made me happy and some made me think. Though i wouldn't want to dwell too much on it. Lots have changed for those friends i seldom see and talk to nowadays but it's always a happy feeling knowing that they are all doing great in life. I pray them all the best, of course. Someday, i know, we will see each other again and reminisce the days before. Hay, life.

The file I am attaching for my email to Tunsky and Divinesky is taking forever. I'm sleepy already.

ZZZZZZZZZZ.......

midyear blogging

2008-06-09T15:27:00.001+08:00

It’s six months before Christmas comes again and even if I know that it’s too early to think about it, it just goes to show that time really flies so fast. Hay, I don’t even have the time to write about things anymore. I dunno if it’s the lack of time or inspiration or it’s just me being my old lazy self again. It would be probably all three of them plus the fact that I still don’t have an internet at home and for that, don’t ask me why. Anyway, for the meantime, I was able to kick the laziness away and will try to figure out how to best tell about all the things that happened, not that anyone cares that much anyway. Blogging about stuffs is just my way of thinking and reminiscing and treasuring the memories that comes everyday.

Flashback to more than two months ago. We (Yam, Innay, Ge and Me) were in Baguio during the Holy week to combine the much needed R&R and some reflection, not that we did much of those two anyway while we were there. It was always shopping, either for food, silver or ukay-ukay, and going to and from places and trying to visit as much tourist sites as possible in the three days we were there. It wasn’t easy going there since we spent almost 6 hours waiting for bus tickets and eventually not getting any and finally finding a van, where we cramped ourselves. Yes, all for reaching Baguio. We met six kindred spirits, as well, where we shared the place we stayed on and even if something bad happened later on (they didn’t pay what they owed us), it was still worth it. We shared, not just the house with them, but also pictures, laughters, stories and of course, memories. We might not meet later on but as they say, we’ll always have Baguio. The time we were there was also a good bonding moment for us four. Though we were so busy loving the place and all it offers, we were happy to be in Baguio together. And for our next destination, we plan on Hongkong. That’s why we are trying really hard to save for that. I don’t think we are succeeding, haha. I’m keeping my fingers crossed, anyway.

Last May 23, we also had an overnight Finance outing and as the name suggests, it was just we from Finance. We had no company outing because times are difficult, according to Miguel. And so before the rainy season starts, we had this summer activity at a private pool in Calamba. But I guess we were already too late because it rained hard while we were going there but still, it didn’t ruin the mood. There were lots of foods that we even brought leftovers for lunch at the office and dinner at home. The water was very warm and so soothing and relaxing that even if I’m not much into swimming (because of the hassle of changing clothes and all), I did. I slept at around 2am, after much singing and a little dancing. It was work the following day and as much as I tried to be functional, I wasn’t. We went home at 3pm and after taking a bath, I was in dreamland already. But it was good that we did it since even if there wasn’t that much talking, it was enough that we were all together. Pretty soon, we’ll all be going to our different offices because of the clustering happening in the company. That’s why it was well worth it.

And speaking of work, everything is going right for me, too. I was ready to leave the company by this month because I was told that I cannot be assigned permanently in Bicol and for that I decided to give it up. I was thinking that if I stayed I wouldn’t be able to really come home. I have other plans as well aside from really wanting to be with my family and friends. So, I told my boss about it and though she didn’t like it, she agreed. But I believe that it was God’s will because after they had a meeting with our big boss, I was informed that it was decided on that I can work in Bicol already. Yey!! It was what I wanted for so long and it finally came. I cried, not just because I was happy and thankful but also because a lot of people lobbied for me. And so I told myself I have to do more and give back their kindness. It felt nice, the feeling of importance and belongingness. It makes the work much, much easier. Though there’s no final date yet for my transfer to Bicol, it will be anytime soon now. Like what Chris Daughtry sings, I’m coming home to the place where I belong.

I was in Bicol, too, last April 14 for another week of SAP training and implementation. I rode with my big bosses going to Bicol and enjoyed the travel because of the stories, the music and the food, haha! We had breakfast at Tapa King- Turbina, stopped for a buko drink at Quezon, loved the fresh fish at lunch in a seaside restaurant and the pancit served by our toll partner in his resort in Pasacao. I was able to meet Sir Kevin from SMITS again and Tere, April and JL. It was work but it was not since we so enjoyed learning from each other. We toured them around the city and though I wasn’t able to come in their sightseeing, it was nice knowing that they loved the sights and the places Bicol is known for. I love coming home after work, buying something in Naga for my Papa and Mama and walking the streets in the city, the same streets I walked on while growing up and studying. A lot had changed already in Naga and there are lots of new buildings and stores that just show that it’s prospering. But Bonings Trading is still there and Master Square, where we buy things for school, the old public library near the plaza where I did some research during high school (research on poets, if I was not mistaken), the Emily theater, where I and my friends used to watch movies like the first Lord of the Rings and American Pie, Laarni’s in Barlin where I and Nona rent pocketbooks and Archie comics after classes in Ateneo, and McDonalds in Bichara Complex where Shivalry bonded well while eating burgers and fries, courtesy of SheiShei. I remembered all of these while I was downtown and couldn’t help but be sentimental. Anyone could be nostalgic after being away for years. I want to come back and never leave again for such a long time. I would love to explore the streets again, visit the same places I frequent while I was there and experiencing the same feelings all over again. And then coming home. I am really just a simple probinsiyana, even if I lived and breathed the Makati life for more than three years. Not that I’m complaining since the life I lived in Makati was one of the best things that happened to me. It gave me career opportunities, meaningful experiences and friends I would treasure forever. But at the end of the day, it is still family that matters most.

So, while I was in Bicol last April, I had dinner with Hazel at a hotel, her treat this time, since I treated her to dinner, too, the other time I went home. She’s planning to get married by next year already and she’s worried leaving me alone. I told her I am okay and that she doesn’t have to worry about my lovelife. There is someone I like and I just had to have the right opportunity and timing. But first I have to see him again. All the time I was in Bicol, I didn’t saw him, even by chance except for that one time, which I don’t want to think about, just because. He’s still the one I like, after all these years. I don’t even know why. Or maybe I know, just a little. I had dinner and coffee with Peppingz, too at Chili Peppers and Starmark. I was the odd one since everyone came with his or her partners but that was just the way it is, haha. Jan and Nona took me home again in their car, with Milrose and Don since we ended the stories and the rewind of our high school and college days way past midnight already. One doesn’t notice the time when one is having fun, so they say. It is sad hat Nona didn’t make the CPA board exams this time but there are other times still so she just has to try again. She’ll make it, I know. My Mama and I were also able to visit Tet and personally congratulate my new lawyer cousin. He passed the bar exams at 26 and that made me envious, haha. I would definitely enroll by next year so I can finish it before I turn 30. Didn’t I promise that to myself? I most certainly did. Visiting Progress Homes was always a happy occasion, even when we were just kids. We used to spend summer and Christmas vacation there. When I finally come home, it would be nice to do it again, even if on Sundays only.

And just before I end the long stories, I would surely talk about the things that keep me going, haha. Dramas and books, of course, though these past few months, I haven’t been finishing much. For my book count, I finished Five Fortunes by Beth Gutcheon, and loved it. Women power mixed with diets, politics and lovestories. I love reading women overcome tragic experiences like rape, death of a partner, divorce and yes, getting fat since it inspires me to be strong, too and never lose hope, even if haven’t experience those sad things, well, except maybe for the fat thing. It was such a good treat that I was turning tables in Booksale looking for a Gutcheon novel but no luck. I’m reading a Jane Hamilton book right now, The Book of Ruth and liking it, too. It’s told from a first person point of view, of Ruth and how her experiences made her the way she is. There is sadness in it but I am much sure that Ruth would win it, in the end. For dramas, let me enumerate and comment a little. I was able to finally finished Tatta Hitotsu no Koi and it was okay. Kame and Ayase Haruka were good, especially Ayase. She can be funny like in Hotaru no Hikari and serious in Tatta. I’ve become her fan already, after watching only two of her dramas. I’m done with Nurse Aoi, with Ishihara Satomi, whom I adore. The drama was just perfect with all the information, intrigue, comedy and love story, of course. Koyama makes a good pair with her, though I prefer her with Hayato Ichihara. I wonder how Hayato is now. Anyway, I also watched a Kanata Hongo drama (he’s the Echizen Ryoma of Prince of Tennis Live which I watched countless times) with three other cute guys, titled Himitsu no Hanazono. It was about four brothers writing girl animes and their girl editor. I love it not just because Kanata was there and he gave such good acting but also because the lead girl Kayo ended with the eldest brother, whom I find really cute. I have other dramas in line like Maki’s Teppan Shoujo Akane and one with Fukada Kyoko. Right now, I am addicted to Slam Dunk and loving the Sakuragi-Rukawa interaction. Sakuragi looks like my brother in the near-bald haircut, really. It’s a very old anime that I remember watching a little while I was still in high school but never got the chance to watch fully. That’s why I’m doing the watching now and enjoying every minute of it. If I can’t watch PBA now then I’ll watch anime. According to my friend Dobby Al, it’s better watching it than PBA, what with the performance of our favorite team going downhill. But it’s sad that I don’t have the Interhigh games since according to Mimi, my drama source, it flopped in Japan so it was just continued in the manga. Too bad. But I am still lucky since the National Tournament for Prince of Tennis is still going on, the OVA I mean. I can still watch Seigaku battle it out with other tennis clubs. And Echizen Ryoma playing against the freshman that is the same height as him, haha. I really have to buy that prepaid internet soon so I can enjoy watching it at home.

There, I’m finally done. I would try to write more often, promise.

Ciao for now!

making lists....

2008-03-28T22:11:00.009+08:00

Music: There for Me – Josh Groban with Sarah Brightman

Since I don’t want this post to be extra long due to the overdue-ness (if there’s such a word) of everything, I’m going to make lists. Yes, the laziness got the better of me again. Still, read on, if you’re interested, anyway.

The stuffs I did:

Valentine’s day date with the girls (yes, because noone was man enough to ask us, harhar!) at SM-Sta. Rosa – ate at Rai Rai Ken, shopped for blouses and books and these we did because we didn’t want to watch My Bestfriend’s Girlfriend standing

Monterey meatshop count at SM-Sta. Rosa with Dina – finally able to watch My BF’s GF while sitting and eating waffles with Quickly taro, surfed the Net after, laughed at pictures of shoplifters (sorry but they were really funny!) and nearly died of hypothermia inside the meat storage (brrr!!)

Distributors meeting at Avenue Plaza Hotel, Naga – free ticket home plus an overnight stay at Naga’s newest hotel, which actually was really 5-star. It was work but not really. The wi-fi was tops, the room perfect and so was everything. The best part was that I got to be with Mama and Papa again.

Despedida for Ane-ane at Aveneto, Trinoma – another dear friend leaving, this time to Curacao. We gathered once more to send our best wishes and also our tears. We will miss you so,Ane-ane. Do take care.

Bonding moments with Deshy – spent the night and early morning watching cable tv, Nodame Cantabile special on youtube, magic sing-ing, eating delicious homemade cooking, talking about plans and stuffs and just being with each other. I’ll crash in your apartment again, Deshygirl. It felt like home to me.

Watched Game 5 of the PBA finals – which Purefoods lost that night and they lost game 7, too so, no victory party plus I cried buckets for them. Just because. But I got to spend time with Al and Rosie and some new friends so I’m not complaining.

Home again in less than a month – did some work at Pili, mixed pleasure by visiting the popular surfing place CWC twice and saw lots of cute foreigners, had dinner with Hazel and spent a Friday night with barkada at Magsaysay. Great friendships, it doesn’t change, no matter the time or distance.

Dramas I watched:

Hotaru no Hikari – she ended up with the Manager, of course. And that made me happy, yey!

H2 – baseball with a lovestory. I’m an Ishihara Satomi fan and I’ve always enjoyed sports dramas. Plus the other lead guy was really cute.

Waterboys 1 – because Eita was in here. And besides, I love the theme song.

HanaKimi – though Oguri Shun has that special place in my heart, I love Ikuta Toma here. This drama was really Ikemen Paradise, cute guys everywhere. Their cheer-dance performance was really a must-watch. And Shun-kun kissing two guys, those were really funny.

Galileo – a genius physicist and a rookie cop solving mysterious cases. I love how Yukawa-sensei showed he cared about the lead girl, even if no I-like-you was said. It was there, for sure.

9 ends 2 outs – Jungjin oppa just got cuter and cuter as he age. Two friends who were meant to be. The friendship story was really touching and inspiring. The OST is addicting.

Hello Miss – Lee Jihoon and Lee Dahae looked good together even if there was little chemistry between them. I especially enjoyed the love story of the brother and the model, they were destined.

Capital Scandal – just perfect! I’ve always wanted to watch Be Strong GeumSoon because of Kang Jihwan but it was never subbed. But this drama was heaven-sent with its one-of-a-kind plot, great visuals and great acting, of course. Han Jimin was so adorable. And the Ji-Ji couple looked so good together! I love the bicycle scene. And Han GoEun was such a great actress that I’ve become a fan. One of the best dramas, so far.

My Lucky Star – Taiwan drama with Jimmy Lin and Hana, a Korean girl. I never did know that Jimmy Lin is in his 30s already because he looks so much younger. Hana is really pretty and acts real well, too. And the actor-character is really cute, too.

Over the Rainbow/Witch YooHee – cheated my way out of these dramas, hehe!! I watched the ending but not the whole series. Anyway, I was disappointed that Hwanhee’s character didn’t end up with the girl I want him to end up with but anyway, it’s done. I was in episode8 of Witch YooHee but as much as I love JaeHee and Yul, the drama was boring me, sorry.

Currently watching: Tatta Hitotsu no Koi with Kame and Ayase Haruka and of course, Yuta Hiraoka plus a bit of Yukan Club with Jin and Taguchi of KATTUN and Yu of Kanjani8, one of my fave Johnny’s group

To watch: Beautiful Life with KimuTaku, Robbers with JangHyuk and Lee Dahae, Hong GilDong with Kang Jihwan and Sung Yuri, Ai No Uta, and It Started with a Kiss 2 with Ariel Lin and Joe Chen

Books I’ve read:

The Shipping News by Annie Proulx – inspiring and all. This was made into a movie with Kevin Spacey. I told my friends about the pullover/cardigan joke and we all had a good laugh about it.

Charming Billy by Alice MCDermott – the life people lead when they cannot move on. It’s unfair for those present in your life to think and dwell in the past. But in the end, time heals.

Currently reading: Five Fortunes by Beth Gutcheon

Quotes I want to share (because they made me think and because they were really true):

“ The greatest weakness of most humans is their hesitancy to tell others how much they love them while they are alive.”

“You won’t full enjoy a swing unless you raise your feet from the ground. You won’t fully enjoy a boat ride unless you remove the ropes knot from the riverbank. Your dog won’t fully enjoy his dog-life unless you remove the chain on his neck. Logic? Never limit yourself when it comes to happiness.”

“If I really believe in God’s constant love for me, then I must also hold on to the truth that the best years of my life are still ahead of me and not behind me.”

Well, summer finally came. It’s now hot and all. We were in Baguio last holy week, just me, Innay, Dina and Yam. We all had a good time and came back renewed because after all, it’s the Holy Week. Will write about it next time.

Life is good and so must be all of us.

Ciao!!

My newest addition to the best couple..

a little late kind of welcome..

2008-01-27T19:21:00.002+08:00

January 26, 2008
Music: Konayuki – Piano Version

It’s another new year so, have a wonderful 2008 everyone! January’s almost over na and as usual, lots have happened already. I haven’t blogged for such a long time that I’m lazing over writing about the stuffs that happened. But since it’s always a nice feeling remembering those happy moments, I will try to put all my effort into this entry.

So okay, first stop. December 6, the day I turned 26. Yup, that old. Thank you friends for remembering, for the extra sweetness and for being especially nice to me on that day, hehe! And for playing Josh Groban all day at the office. Thank you, thank you. I had dinner with Yam at RaiRai Ken then begged her to come watch Batanes with me. Yes, still has the F4 plague. It was a nice movie, touching, too, though I was complaining for only 1 hour and some minutes of Ken Zhu. Halfway through the movie I was already asking Yam when will Ken come out. And when he did come out, he was pale and dirty and unconscious. Anyway, it was okay. As expected, he’s older and more manly now unlike the Ken in F4. I just can’t stop saying how big or voluptuous or whatever Iza was in that movie. As in, she’s large! We celebrated my birthday with a salo-salo at the office and got myself a pair of Havaianas slip-ons as a gift. And of course, lots of pictures. I couldn’t remember exactly how I was feeling that day but I think I was happy and of course, I might have been a bit sentimental. I dunno. Birthdays always makes you think about your life, what you have been doing the past years and what you will be doing in the years to come. I’ve set some goals with myself and hopefully, I would be able to do all of it.

December 12 was a reunion of sorts with some friends. I met with my basketball buddies at MannHann-Megamall for dinner with Kuya Rey. We feasted on delicious food and had a combined post and pre-birthday celebration, too. Conversation with Kuya Rey was never awkward despite him being a known basketball player. It was a good feeling, sharing, not just a meal, but also stories with each other. Al and Rosie gave me a Snoopy&Lucy pillow for my birthday, which I hug while sleeping nowadays. It was also the day for VCR Cluster’s Christmas Party at Gerry’s Grill, Park Square. I dragged Al to the party so that we can go home together to Laguna for I was not prepared for a sleepover. Good thing she came (thanks much Al!). I was kind of hoping that our partner-in-charge will not be there but lucky me, she was even the one to open the door and to welcome me (thanks Boss VCR!). I just don’t know what to say to her after everything. But she was really very nice and that was why I was grateful. Honestly, until now, I am really happy for she was my big boss. I was able to hug my Meralco sisters and former Mommies and clustermates and the warm feeling of belonging was still there. I realized that no matter where we are now, we would always be part of VCR cluster. That despite time and distance, there is still a place for us in the group. I would never, ever regret being part of the cluster. So thanks dear clustermates, past and present. You made my travel to and from Laguna very much enjoyable and memorable. Even if I reached my place at 1 in the morning, hehe!

And we turned Japanese for our kolehiyalas annual get-together last December 16. We met at Mall of Asia and ate to our hearts delight at Sakae Sushi. Tunsky left early for a church activity but it was okay for at least we were able to celebrate together. I felt like crying when I saw her since it was like a year ago when I last saw her. Time pass by quickly when you are with friends, really. We window-shopped a little then had coffee at Gloria Jean, just me, Deshy and Mamay. Afterwards, I met with Mommy Ems to get my ticket to Bicol from Philtranco, but unfortunately, they weren’t issuing it yet. Good thing we had the same plan to buy gifts for inaanaks at Landmark then afterwards, we heard the simbang gabi mass at Greenbelt chapel and had a late dinner at Shakey’s. It was just like the old times. I had difficulty finding a bus home but it was okay. I reached home at 1 in the morning, again, haha! But it was worth it. Bonding moments with friends will always be worth the trouble.

The following week, we were busy trying to make our bodies dance gracefully for SMFI’s Christmas Party on the 21st. We wouldn’t have tried that hard if it was just an intermission number but nope, they entered us (Finance) in the contest and their expectations were high. And so, we looked for a choreographer, designed and shopped for our costumes and literally sweat like cows practicing for 3 days. The results? Never mind, haha! We took home 1000 bucks and had merienda delivered just this month to celebrate our effort. But it was a wonderful experience. I’ve always loved dancing. When I have more free time, I will take on dancing lessons, for sure. The party was fun, we took lots of pictures and met lots of people but I was feeling really tired and just wanted to go home. The day after, we had our own Christmas celebration at Finance. We had a raffle and got myself a 500 worth of gift check from SM. We joined Poultry Finance’s party, too for the delicious food and the singing, haha! Had to stay late at the office finishing reports and other stuffs for I was going home to Bicol the following day, yey!!!

The morning of the 23rd, I was off to Tuy, Batangas for Vavane’s baby Cybel’s christening. I promised Hazel I would be there as Shivalry’s representative. And I wanted to see Vavane, too since the last I saw and hug her was during her wedding last 2006. I didn’t got lost, thank God. My bestfriend looked good and so is her baby girl, who mostly got her features from her father. I’m quite sure that Vavane’s happy with her new family but as always, I cried when we hugged before I left. We both did. I’m always praying that she’s happy. It’s sad that I couldn’t see her often and talk to her like what we used to do when we were in high school. But she’s always in my prayers. And I love her forever.

So now, the Bicol holiday. I think I might have slept the whole day of the 24th then went to hear the Christmas mass with my mother and cousins at 10pm. Ate Noche Buena at Manay Del’s house, spent some time with my cousins from Manila then slept again. I woke up late and didn’t go out on Christmas day and tired my eyes out rewatching (for the nth time!) my favorite movies: Clueless (Cher and Josh are just the cutest couple!), Dirty Dancing:Havana Nights (I’ll pick Diego Luna anytime of the day), Cutting Edge (toepick!toepick!) and my Christmas movie of all time, While You Were Sleeping. I think (again) that I may have slept early since it will be work the following day. I rode the bus to Pili with Mama and felt a bit sad since I cannot do it often with her in the future since she already retired from teaching. Though I’m not even sure when I will be transferred to Pili. Anyway, it was a joy working closely with the people in the Pili office. They were all very nice and happy people. Ah, I even went to Iriga to count pigs for Monterey, hehe!! Yup, pigs. And though it was really smelly, it was also fun. Sleeping piglets are really cute.

I got to spend some time with Hazel, too. Tang should have joined us but as usual, a no-show. She treated me to dinner at Red Platter then afterwards, we got Vavane’s baby christening pictures developed. It was the only time Hazel and I saw each other last December since she was going to spend New Year at her boyfriend’s house in Alabang. But it was okay. Nothing’s changed between us. Bestfriends are best friends no matter the time or distance. We’ve been together for 13 years now and know what I realized? That the years did not change the bond that we formed while trying to grow up and survive in high school. I remember that thing that happened in junior high. We were able to get through it and though Shei-Shei might have drifted apart, the four of us are still together. Shivalry will always be Shivalry. In the years to come, I know we will have more memories together still. And it would be one of the greatest things in life.

I wasn’t able to bond with my college barkada, except for Nona and Janny. I felt really bad not attending Janny’s birthday party on January 1. It’s already a tradition for the barkada to eat together at Janny’s place come January 1. But it was raining hard that day so I just stayed home. It was also the day my brother and I will return to Laguna. Anyway, I will try to make amends soon since there might be a chance for me to come home for a month by either February or March for some work. Yey!I’m really praying that my transfer will be soon now. Please, please. Nona, Janny and I were together on the 31st at Labo, Camarines Norte for Kuya Vico and Ate Leah’s baby AC’s christening. Good thing Janny brought a car since it was so far. But the place was really pretty. Tall, green trees and all. The food was delicious, too, hehe!!

New year’s eve was a happy occasion since we were complete. My mama and papa, nanay and tatay and my brother, who came on the 30th from Laguna. It was a rainy new year’s eve but it was still one memory to remember. I tried my best not to feel sentimental or sad or something that night. And even now. I just want to make the most out of everything. So many resolutions came to my mind that eve (lots are still popping in my mind till this day that I have to list it down now) and I’m giving all the discipline and patience I have to do it. I just want to live well. I donot know how to best do it but I will try with the little I know right now. I am sure I have lots to learn still and I’m willing, too. I just want to be with the people I love, to live happily and peacefully with everyone, too. A bit hard, ne? Even so, I’ll definitely try.

It’s work and all work these days again. But I’m going home earlier these days since I want to have more time to myself. I want to read my books, to watch my dramas, to write my thoughts and to email my friends more often. Yup, one of the many resolutions. I took a leave from work, too last January 11 to be with Mommy Joyce and Noki. They came home from the US for the holidays. It was one of my happiest days ever, to hug and to talk to Mommy and Noki again after so many months. Just thinking about them makes me cry. I miss them so. We had lunch at MannHann, with my Meralco sisters and Sir Gilbert, Ms Che and Ms Terry. It was a good feeling being back in Meralco, talking to the same people I’ve talked to during all those years I’ve been in audit. It was touching since they remembered us, Mommy and me. And they were all still very nice. Thank you, Sir Gilbert for the time. And Meralco people, for the kind words and for all the memories you’ve given me (us). You will all be remembered. We went to SGV too, and we were even allowed to see our dear clustermates (thank you, dear security guards). I was really happy seeing the 11th floor again, where I had all kinds of memories. It was a bit sad, too, to see fewer familiar faces. I wanted to see some old friends but they weren’t there na. But still, there was Ms Fe and Ms Len and the RPS people. And of course, the VCR cluster. It was enough. Ah, we saw Mr Joseph (thanks Mavsky!) pala. I was complaining to Noki that I didn’t even see the people I want to see. He looked the same but a bit fuller,though. And he’s doing volunteer work now. I can say that he must be really happy. Sometime soon, I want to do it, too. I remember being really happy and content and touched when I did the Gawad Kalinga work before. Mommy and Noki treated us all to dinner at Masas, in Greenbelt. Too bad Ms Vivian couldn’t make it. Afterwards, we had coffee at Starbucks, then the stories and the laughter. Hay, I was really very happy that day. I slept at Noki’s, with Mommy. And then came the parting. But I didn’t cry when I hugged Mommy and Noki goodbye. Their flight was the following day at 6am. Maybe it would be two years till I will see them again. I woke up at 4am on that Sunday and cried my eyes out. Thank you, Mommy and Noki, for coming home and spending time with me, with us. I’ll wait for your return home again. Till then, take good care of each other. Love you both.

So, there. Quite a novel already. I’ll end this for now.

I’ll leave pictures.

Ciao!

* birthday dinner with yam in RaiRaiKen-SM, Sta Rosa

*dinner with basketball friends at MannHann-SM,Megamall

*VCR cluster Christmas party at Gerry's Grill, Park Square

*yes, the dance party picture

*Mommy and Noki's dinner treat at Masas, Greenbelt

a little bit of everything...

2007-12-01T20:54:00.000+08:00

Music: Sailing – Christopher Cross

Finally finished reading the book I started like two months ago. It’s Cavedweller by Dorothy Allison and I love it, as usual. The ending was really inspiring. It’s about hope and family love and forgiveness. Makes me want to start anew, with a clean slate and all. Hay, good books really can do wonders. I’m halfway through another book, Shipping News by Annie Proulx. This novel was a winner of the Pulitzer Prize and I think it was made into a movie, too, with Kevin Spacey (I’m not that sure, though). Also, I did a little self-pampering two weeks ago and I brought home two books from Booksale again, one was an Oprah Book Club and the other one a winner of a distinguished book award. It was a bargain waiting for me. It was my “me-day” so I had a haircut (plus a hot oil stuff to keep my hair conditioned), a facial, a pedicure and had my teeth cleaned. It was a gift for myself for all the overtime and the stress I get from work. Besides, we received our bonus already so I have a bit of money to spend. But the money’s all tied to something already so I don’t think I will have any more spending spree anytime soon. And my Christmas list is growing but I wouldn’t want to use my credit card too much so I promise myself I will be more frugal. But really, it takes all my self-control not to buy those pretty shoes and blouses I see. Well, I have to, if I want to have enough funds for my Christmas shopping. Hay, life.

I’ve watched quite a lot of dramas these past months, too. When was the last time I talked about them? Hmm, I can’t remember now. But I will try to make the best possible comments about them here. I had fun watching them, anyway. It’s the least I can do. So here’s the list:

1. Liar Game – with Matsuda Shota (Hana Yori Dango) and Toda Erika (Death Note). I learned of this series from Jerilee’s blog, which I frequent for recommended dramas. Thanks Jerilee, by the way. I love every drama you suggested, and I even joined your fanlistings. And yay because I found one of my favorite actors in Matsuda Shota. I just love his acting and his height and his looks! He has come a long way already from being one of the F4 in HYD and he’s getting better and better. The drama’s about this super honest girl, Kanzaki Nao (Erika) who got herself involved in the liar game wherein the players will try to cheat each other for money. Of course she’s bad in the game because of her too-honest ways that’s why we have Akiyama (Shota) to rescue her. I love them both and their pairing is meant to be. They have this chemistry on screen that just made the drama watching really enjoyable. And yes, being too honest is not that bad. It can change other people hearts and characters for the better, too. Right now, I’m patiently waiting for Shota’s drama Jotei. I am sure I wouldn’t be disappointed.

2. Dance Drill – a cheerdancing drama. I love their performance at the end of the series. It made me want to get on my feet and dance, too. I’ve always liked this kind of dramas/movies; not giving up on something despite the odds. Like Center Stage and Billy Elliot. I am not familiar with the casts but they were all good. Ah, one of the main casts in this drama is the lead actress for Jotei, Shota’s drama. So there, a connection.

3. Proposal Daisakusen – with Yamapi and Yuta Hiraoka, one of my Japanese crushes. Yamapi plays a guy who’s inlove with his bestfriend for such a long time but hasn’t told her about it. But she’s getting married and he wished he could turn back time to make everything right. Good for him, he was given the chance. One thing I didn’t like about this drama was the way Yamapi say, “alleluia, chance”. It’s so corny and gay. But anyway, that’s just me. The ending was unexpected, too. I thought they wouldn’t end up together since the bestfriend was already married but the groom gave her up. Quite the hero, actually. I remembered the same from Sweet Home Alabama. All in all, the drama was good. I like the OST and of course, Yuta. Never mind Yamapi, lots already adored him, hehe!

4. Hanayome to Papa – with Ishihara Satomi and Taguchi Junnosuke. This is a father-daughter relationship drama. The title says “father of the bride” so you might have an idea of the storyline. Ishihara Satomi is one of the prettiest Japanese actresses ever and I love her. I first saw her in Waterboys 2 (with Hayato) and I liked her ever since. She acts really well, too. The sweetest thing about this drama was the way the father came to love the man his daughter loves. The transition from disliking anyone that comes close to his precious daughter to treating him like his own son was both funny and touching. Taguchi was quite good though I didn’t find him that cute. I shed tears, of course. It wouldn’t be me if I didn’t. This kind of dramas touch the heart coz they do happen in real life. And one more thing, weddings, be it real life or dramas, always, always makes me cry.

5. First Kiss – where do I start? I love, love this drama!!! Two of my most loved actors are here, Inoue Mao and Yuta Hiraoka. You know Yuta? I just adore him! Mao and Yuta already worked together in Chekerracho, where Yuta played the guy friend who loved Mao’s character. Anyway, this series is about a terminally ill girl who will undergo a difficult heart operation, where there’s a 50-50 chance of survival. To make the most of her time, she went to Japan to be with her older brother, who she hasn’t seen in 10 years. Mao’s character has this attitude and you would really want to give her a piece of your mind. But you’ll understand her character because she’s about to die. Her brother wants to give her the best summer memories and so a lot of things happened and I cried more than a liter of tears over it. But the best thing, of course, was the way he taught Mio (Mao) about love. Touching, heartwarming and everything else. One of the best dramas I’ve watched, so far. And not just because Yuta was in here. This was really a very good watch.

And speaking of Yuta, I have to devote one paragraph for him, really. I like, like him. I’ve seen him in a number of series and movies already and I just like him, period. I don’t even know why I like him so much coz he’s not really that cute. But I love his smile (even with his crooked teeth), his height and his way of speaking. I even love the characters he plays. He was in Swing Girls with Ueno Juri, in Nana, in PropoDai, and in Chekerracho (which dvd I bought from YesAsia). I’m even getting Waterboys and Tatta Hitotsu no Koi because Yuta is there. And I’m excitedly waiting for March2008 because he has a movie with Erika Toda (Presents). I’ve seen the trailer and come what may, I will definitely watch it.

6. Yamada Taro – with two of Arashi’s boys, Nino and Sho. You know I adore Arashi so much but you know that I love Ohno-kun the most. I try to be updated on what’s happening with the boys as often as I could. And that’s why I have this drama. Even though I think Nino and Sho are both too old to play high school kids, they weren’t bad at acting it. Especially Nino coz he’s a bit on the short side, hehe! The friendship between Nino’s and Sho’s characters was unexpected but true nonetheless. And Nino’s leading lady is really cute and funny. Ah, the story is about this really smart boy who studies in an exclusive school where the rich kids go. Everybody thinks that he’s super rich but it’s the opposite. What’s good about Yamada-kun is that he doesn’t hide his status nor is he ashamed of being poor. What his family lacks in wealth, they make up with their love for each other so even with less food to eat, they are happy. And it’s really touching. Family dramas always are. I still have to watch the last two episodes, though. I read somewhere that Riida will guest star. Now that is what you call perfect, haha.

I still have plenty in my to-watch list. And I promise myself that before I make my next purchase, I have to finish everything else first. Right now, I’m enjoying watching Hotaru no Hikari. I’m rooting for the manager and Hotaru, of course. Though the way the story is going right now, she might just end up with the Teshima guy. But all romantics would definitely go with the manager. They’re just meant to be. After Hotaru, I have to continue with 9 ends, 2 outs, a Korean drama with SooAe and Jung Jin oppa, whom I love. And speaking of Kdramas, I finished rewatching Goong just last weekend. And I still love, love it. Shin and ChaeGyung forever! I was so inlove with this drama before when it was shown in Korea that I downloaded and watched it raw after every episode and read the subtitles when it was out. And I never regretted it. I love it so much! Eventhough the main cast were all new, they were really great in here. I think I might rewatch this again sometime. Yoon EunHye is one of the best actresses ever and I just love her. I have HanaKimi, with Shun and Maki, which I have to finish, too. And HelloMiss with DaHae and Lee Jihoon. And the still “waiting-for-my-return” dramas like Witch YooHee and Over the Rainbow. I’m watching Slam Dunk too, but have to park it to watch those dramas listed above. But I will always be a Rukawa-Hanamichi relationship fan. Their interactions are just too funny and sweet at the same time, hehe. Ah, I finished up to episode 9 of Veronica Mars season 3, too. I know that S3 has 15 episodes but I still haven’t found episodes 10 to 15. I’ve seen clips though and it seems that Logan and Veronica didn’t get together again and that is just too bad because they are meant to be together. Anyway, I think it’s called moving on.

So, moving on. I met with my SGV friends (Deshy/Czar/Janey/Meanne/Ubai) last November 16 and we had snacks at Tsoko-Nut. The ‘tsokolate’, which is their specialty, was really good. As usual, the stories and the laughter came naturally. Czar was planning a cluster Christmas party with all the cluster alumni from all over the world. When I last opened my email, there was a thread about it and I was laughing so much from all the comments from former clustermates. I felt nostalgic and excited at the same time. Remembering those times with them made me feel sad. It would be really nice to see them all again. Hopefully, I can come to the party. I was able to renew my PRC license, met with Ms Baby for my Sunlife insurance and met with Ashley, too, for our drama exchange before I went to SGV. There was a big Christmas tree already in the lobby and the guards and the elevator guys still knew me. I saw Ms Gaile, too and I wasn’t able to say much and just hugged her many times. I was feeling sentimental again and felt like crying when I saw my friends. I still miss my SGV life and my friends. I think it’s true what our seniors were saying before that many SGVeans who resigned come back not because of anything else but just because they miss the SGV life. I think it’s a bit true with me. But I don’t think I will ever come back. I don’t want to be the one to cry when everybody leaves. I will be really sad then. I was meant to be just an SGVean for 3 years and 9 months. But I will never, ever regret being an SGVean. Despite everything, being in SGV was the most memorable, the most wonderful and the most fulfilling experience ever. I think I would still work with SGV in my next lifetime. I wouldn’t want to miss the friendships I made and the memories I had while I was there. SGV gave me many wonderful persons whom I really, really love and for that I am forever grateful. Really.

Mommy Joyce and Noki are coming home this holidays, too. I don’t know about Bobby or Joyie’s plans but I pray they can come home, too and hopefully we can all meet. I miss them so much. I haven’t the time to email Bobby or Joyie but I hope they would understand. I’m just a busybee, that’s all. I’m excited to see Mommy already. I think I will surely cry. I plan to go home to Bicol on the 23^rd since I still have to attend baby Cybel’s (Vane’s baby girl) baptism and the Purefoods barkada outreach on the 22^nd. Hay, I just hope I can have the time to do all that. But I promise Hazel I will come for the baptism since she and SheiShei cannot make it. I will be Shivalry’s representative. I have to buy a ticket home as early as next week since it’s the peak season. I’m looking forward to Christmas and New Year celebrations with family and friends in Bicol, yey!

I’m also having dinner with some of my basketball buddies on the 12^th. It’s just a simple get-together to catch up with what’s happening with each other. I still have to prepare my Christmas gifts for everybody. Hay, I should budget my weekends well for gift preparation and wrapping. I already have an idea on what to give for my friends. I just need to do it, hehe! Anyway, starting next week, it would be very busy already with party schedules and all. The kolehiyalas still haven’t set a date for our annual Christmas celebration. Tunsky texted me the other day to tell me the most important news, that Rain has a Clear shampoo commercial, hehe! That’s Tunsky and me. She’s doing well, I pray. I haven’t seen her for almost a year now. She has lots to tell, I’m sure. Our company Christmas party is on the 20^th. We are asked to dance again during the celebration. So, another embarrassing moment for us. In Finance, we will have it on the 21^st. Even though our office in Parian doesn’t have any Christmas spirit, we compensate it for our Christmas spirit, hehe. So, we will have raffles and other stuffs to celebrate it.

There were typhoons these past weeks too, so the weather was rainy and cold, the water freezing sometimes that we need to boil water for bathing. But thank God, it went away before it can do any serious damage to lives and properties. It’s really good to sleep and just laze in bed during this time. I just want to bury myself in my blanket and sleep the day off. But of course I cannot do that.

There, I think I’ve said too much already.

Happy Holidays everyone!

Ciao!

making memories..

2007-10-28T15:46:00.000+08:00

Music: Ever the Same – Rob Thomas

Life has been normal, with changes here and there. I haven’t had the time to blog about the little things for the lazy me just got lazier these past weeks. I am like Hotaru, the girl in the latest jdorama I’m watching. Bumming in the house is all I do during weekends. But it feels really good, waking up and sleeping in odd hours, eating any food I can find in the house, reading the newest book in my list and watching my dramas. Yes, I do love staying at home during weekends. I am a weekend bum in every sense of the word. Haha.

Still, time did not stop when I was off in my own world. And when I woke up, the real world stuffs were there infront of me. Hay,life. It is so hard to turn it the way I want it to be. But whatever, I still try. You do, too, I guess.

It’s been like two months since I last wrote about things. Two months and the stories already piled up. Some things I forgot but otherwise, my memory’s good. I can still share the feelings and the memories of the past few months. Well, I hope I can. So, read on.

The real life stuffs come first, I suppose. Ate Mommy, one of my dearest officemates, who has been together with me for a year, left for Canada, with her family. Sad, eh? Yup, I am really sad. When we hugged for the last time, I couldn’t stop myself from crying. I am sure going to miss her. She was the one who planned my first birthday party in SMFI last year and it made me feel really welcome. Though we’ve gotten close only months before, she’s like the older sister that I miss having. We’ve shared countless life stories, problems, and feelings to make it worth knowing her. I would surely miss sharing my office table with you in Parian, Ate Moms. Thanks for all the wonderful memories. Don’t worry, we’ll keep in touch. For now, just take care of yourself and your family. And I pray that you’ll have a good life there. Until we meet again.

I think it’s one of life’s ironies that parting makes a friendship stronger, in a way. When we learned that Ate Moms was really leaving, we squeezed as many quality-bonding moments with her as possible. We had dinner at Carvajal and shared coffee and laughter at Starbucks, Paseo de Sta Rosa. And during the despedida party, we sang our hearts for her favorite songs. And though it is really sad saying goodbye, the friendship is still there, no matter the distance. We don’t know when we will meet again, but we all promise that whenever life leads all of us, there’s always that memories we made as friends during the one year that we were together. But it’s still sad, ne?

And still on goodbyes, some of my good friends in SGV are also off to greener pastures, as they say. Well, almost all of them will eventually fly off to somewhere, in time. And it’s a good thing, something to be happy about. We, the kolehiyalas, had a sort-of slumber-celebration-send-off party at Deshy’s place last August. We were celebrating Mavsky and Ane-ane’s promotion, send-off party for Ane-ane since she already signed a contract to work abroad and just plain bonding with the girls (minus Tunsky since she was sick coming from a Puerto Galera holiday). We pig out on Deshy’ s yummy spaghetti (first try at cooking), pizza, barbeque, chips and drank tequila while singing our own versions of our fave songs on the magic sing. And of course, the endless stories and the laughter. It doesn’t seem like things had changed between all of us. We still talk just about anything and laugh at the silliest things we do, like the turtle dance we choreographed that night. And at 3am, sleepy and groggy but still trying to have a conversation just so we can not miss out on something that happened since we all last talked. I think that what makes the friendship sweeter. Even if we seldom do these get-togethers now, we still manage to have that bond as if we are all still together everyday in SGV. Just like before. How great can that be? It makes me really happy being with you girls. Truly. Then the next morning, we were off to Mall of Asia. It was my first time being there and it was really huge. I think I only saw like 1/16th of the whole mall. But there’s always a next time. We had lunch at Rai Rai Ken with Czar and Michelley then played bowling. Another first for me but I think I did pretty well. I will definitely try it again. I left earlier with Ane-ane since I’m still going home to Laguna. It was sad leaving them but the happiness of spending time with them again was more than enough. We can always make time.

Last September 1, we were at Caliraya Recreation Center, somewhere in the mountains of Laguna for some R&R with Sales and Operations. It was such a good place to relax and for a while, we left all our work worries at bay. There was a man-made lake, cottages, a hotel and lots of trees. We rode a banca for like 5 minutes to take us to the place. After lunch, we played games as part of the team-building activities. I think our team won overall since we won 2 out of 3 games. There was the obstacle relay (won), the volleyball using the largest ball on earth (not really true but for a fact, the ball was really big) and the wooden caterpillar (won). There was also the mudslide but I didn’t try it. Dinner was a feast but we didn’t get to enjoy the bonfire and the singing since we were all having headaches and the air-conditioned cottage was heaven to sleep in. We explored the place in the early morning and took pictures. After breakfast, we bought souvenirs and had free time for ourselves while our bosses had their meeting. We left the place at 11am and had lunch at Gallery 88 in Pagsanjan. A former designer named Ernest Santiago who worked with the elite owns the place. There were magazines for customers to read with articles praising the uniqueness and the taste of the food the place offers. I also found hardbound magazines on the 100 Best TV Show, 100 Best Movies and the 100 Best Actors/Actresses in America. The food was really good especially the pako (fern) with kesong puti salad as appetizer and equally expensive. We even had a take-out since we were still going to work even if it was a Sunday because it was the month-end closing. But never mind that, the experience was quite memorable. Besides, it was free. Haha.

I got to talk with Mommy Joyce over YahooMessenger. She was at work then but she was able to reply to my messages. I was so happy to finally have a real conversation with her, even if it was only through YM. I miss Mommy so. She said that it would be better if I can go work in US, too. She already passed my resume to some firms in Maryland and I did some readings on those firms already. The winds have changed, I guess. I am finally open to the idea of working abroad, if anyone would have me. My friends were really excited when they learned that I am trying it out. I don’t know. I am entrusting everything to the Lord. I did my part already and if it’s the will of God, then, it will come to me, ne? My mother is okay with it; she said I should try it. And I think it would benefit my family, too, if everything falls into place. But I am still waiting. It’s all God’s will, anyway. But it’s really nice looking at friendster pictures of some SGV friends who are already abroad. I know that it’s not perfect there but their faces showed happiness. And somehow it inspired me. I, too, have to try it, at least. Right? Mommy and Noki are coming home this Christmas and I have to be prepared to meet them. I wouldn’t want to be scolded, hehe! Seeing them again after more than a year is something to really look forward to.

Ah, the Christmas air is here already. When September 1 came, we played Christmas songs at the office to jumpstart the yuletide season. I think I would still be here in Laguna by December. If the news is true, we will transfer office at the start of the new year. Would it be Bicol or Lucena? I’m praying it would be in Bicol since that is my goal. The clustering is finally happening. Though we had the usual difficulties at the start of the pilot run, I believe things are in place now. It just needs some fine-tuning then it’s all set. Workload, I can manage. Superiors are okay; they’re understanding and open-minded. Co-workers, except for the usual exemptions, are easy to work with. All in all, it’s a good working environment. So yes, I’m not complaining.

My brother is doing well too, in his work. He has a new phone for which he’s paying monthly installment from his salary. We’re praying that he will become a regular employee soon so that he can enjoy other company benefits and privileges. Though he plans to look for a better job, I think he enjoys the one he has right now. But sad to say, he wouldn’t accept a training offer in Japan when it comes. It would mean, according to him, staying in the company and missing out on better opportunities outside. He has a point, yes. So I would have to say goodbye to my planned Japanese magazine and cd purchases. If I really want to, I would just have to go to Japan by myself, which is like what I most wanted to do. The effects of watching too much jdoramas, I say.

I went home to Bicol last September 28. I did the inventory count in Pili for the quarter-end closing. I left Laguna at Thursday night, with Ge seeing me off at the Turbina terminal (thanks Ge, really appreciate it) and went back Sunday night. I reached Bicol at 3am, the bus guy waking me up since I just had fallen asleep. I wasn’t able to nap earlier since they were showing Blood Diamond on dvd and I couldn’t not watch Leo. But why does he have to die? My brother partly told me the story before and he already implied that one of the main casts would die but I didn’t expect it to be Leo. Too bad. But it was a good movie, inspiring and all. And Leo was way too good. He has come a long way from when I first loved him in Romeo and Juliet. I even watched The Aviator for him, even if I went home with a headache from trying to understand the movie (I didn’t, though). So, my father fetched me and the three of us had breakfast before I slept the morning off. When I woke up, I watched tv and rewatched some dvds, including Fullhouse. I don’t know why I love that Korean series so much that no matter how many times I rewatch it, I never get tired of it. Maybe because it was the very first kdrama that I watched and owned. And I would forever be a Bi-Kyo shipper. Saturday was all work and Sunday was with Mama, doing ukay-ukay and buying pasalubong after Church. I saw my grade school teacher and she was really happy of what I am now that she even hugged me. I couldn’t even remember her name and had to ask my mother for it. Haha! The bus back to Laguna was freezing me to death that I promised I would really bring a blanket next time aside from my bonnet, my scarf, my socks and my jacket. In this way, I can sleep with my teeth not feeling as if they will fall off anytime.

To pamper myself, I spent some hard-earned cash (as they like to say) and treated my hair to a rebond. The price I have to pay for a beautiful hair? To sit for like 7 hours, hungry and sweating since the salon’s aircon was not working and to have my hair tortured by the hot iron. But yes, it was worth it. Now I don’t have to worry about how my hair looked like a bird’s nest when it dries. And it looks okay even if I don’t comb it often. Besides, I finished a good book (Vinegar Hill, an Oprah Book Club book which I bought on sale, of course) within those 7 hours. So it’s one book less off my to-read list plus a beautiful hair, not bad actually.

We have a new housemate today. She hauled all her stuffs from her previous home to our place via sacks and we had a good laugh about it. I didn’t help much since I wasn’t feeling well since last night. It’s my stomach that’s acting up again. It seemed I ate something bad when we were at head office yesterday. Yup, we were at Ortigas for our funds review, just me, Kuya Agga, Kuya Rands and our boss. It was okay, though I was feeling sleepy the whole afternoon. I’ve got to meet some new people from North Luzon Finance and got to talk to them, too. Some bad news about yesterday was the bombing in Glorietta, in Makati, that killed 8 people and wounded quite a lot. It seemed like it was a terrorist attack and I worried about my friends in Makati. Good thing they’re all okay. Sad that it happened this time when it’s near Christmas already. Well, I hope that everything will be fine. After our funds review, we went to St Francis Square and Megamall. My not feeling well was actually good since I didn’t spend anything even if everything was on sale. I was feeling nauseous that even the smell and the thought of food make me want to throw up. I only bought concert dvds of Michael Buble and Coldplay just so I can have something to remember the trip. It’s not very often that I go to Manila nowadays. I feel nostalgic everytime, remembering how my life was before I made the decision to leave it. Hay, sometimes I miss everything, too.

I’ve made a list of the things I should accomplish before the year ends. It was quite a long list and I only have two months to do it. I like doing lists since it gives me a purpose. Even if sometimes it just stays like that, a list, haha!! Here it is, just sharing:

- burn Yam’s favorite Korean and Japanese songs
- write cards for the kolehiyalas and friends
- do the Christmas list
- HSBC online registration
- compile blog entries
- get cds from Ashley (my Chekerracho cd, Fantasy Couple and Tokyo Juliet)
- work on the US application
- IAS books from Mavsky
- Print pictures (lots of them)
- cover books
- watch unfinished dramas (quite a lot, too)

So there. I feel happy just making that.

Dramas and books next time.

Ciao for now!

a harry potter tribute..

2007-08-12T17:35:00.000+08:00

July 27. 2007
Music: Wonderful Days – Pull Tab to Kan

It would take a little while for me to get over the fact that I have finished reading the last book of the Harry Potter series. I’m still really sad that I’ve reached the end of it. There’s nothing left to look forward to, except for the movie adaptation. Oh my, I’m really, really sad!

July 21:I was overflowed with excitement to know that I have my own copy of the book. I know it’s exaggerated but I think every HP followers experienced the agony of waiting and welcomed the date to finally read about the ending despite the sadness of it being the last one. I was beside myself with excitement when Yam gave me the book (I asked her to buy me the book since I didn’t go to the mall). Even the dedication made me sad. Why, oh why did it have to be the last? I was ready to cry but I didn’t expect that I would cry so hard. My tears flowed and my heart ached. There were so many deaths. It made me realize that it really wasn’t a children’s book anymore, it’s an adult book about life’s unfairness and cruelties that even magic cannot prevent. I cried so hard that my eyes were swollen. I thought I was prepared to read of death but I was not. I thought that I already cried my best when Dumbledore died but I did not. Mad Eye Moody and Dobby, why? You made me so sad that I still cannot move on. Dobby, who was so kind and willing to help and sacrifice his little self and Mad Eye, who would always be the best member of the Order of the Phoenix. I cannot control my tears even if it was already 3am and I should be asleep. And thank you Harry for determinedly digging Dobby’s grave with your own hands. I didn’t expect that Dobby’s death would affect me much but it did. I cried the hardest when he died. His sacrifice and selflessness were worthy of my tears. I love you, Dobby! I will surely miss you! And Fred, Tonks, Lupin and Snape? It was so unfair that all of you left, too. What will become of the Weasley twins business when you’re gone, Fred? Percy and your family will miss you so. You shouldn’t have left now that Percy had a change of heart. I was sad for Tonks and Lupin for they wouldn’t see their son grow up. I’m sure both of you would have been great parents, if you had the chance. It would probably make you smile to know that Teddy grew up to be a decent man, close to the Weasley’s and the Potter’s. Finally, Severus Snape. I so blame you for making me so sad. When you gave Harry your memories and took us all back in time, it made me want to hug you. You’ve been loyal all throughout. And you love Lily so whole-heartedly, even if she saw you only as a friend. You’ve given up a lot to protect her son even if you hated the son’s father. It must have been painful to watch the one you love being happy with the person you hate. But your love never failed. And it made me really love you, too. Thank you for the life you have given to protect the boy-who-lived, for loving steadfastly and for dying for the greater good. It’s really sad that you have to leave, too. But if it would make any difference, I’m one of the millions who didn’t believe that you’ve become a Death Eater again and killed Dumbledore. I kept my hopes in you for I believed that you are one of Dumbledore’s Army. And I am right. Thank you, Snape. You made it all interesting. You will be truly missed.

Oh but I love the nineteen years later! Thank you JK for including that epilogue. I’ve reread it countless times already. Thank you, thank you that you’ve written about their lives after the death of Voldemort. But when I read that epilogue, I know that there wouldn’t be a chance for another book about what happened after Voldemort’s death. That epilogue completed it all already. I love how Harry and Ginny have three kids and Ron and Hermione has two and their kids are all bestfriends. And I was touched beyond compare that one of Harry’s kids was named Albus Severus. And Harry told his son that he was named after two Hogwarts headmasters and one was from Slytherin and was probably the bravest man he knew. It is the most wonderful thing to remember what Snape has sacrificed. I love Snape and I am sad that my appreciation for him came too late. Well, but that’s life. You miss something/someone when they are no longer around.

So that concludes the Harry Potter book series. It finally ended.

And this is where my Harry Potter story begins. I was still in college when I got acquainted with the book; I think it was in year 2000. A guy friend was reading it and told me it was interesting and that it was already gaining immense popularity abroad. I wouldn’t want to be left out so I began reading it, too. We only borrowed from someone he knew since we both don’t have money to buy the book, hehe!! We’re in college, that’s why, and we only have enough allowance for a day. Anyway, I read the first four books by just nagging my friend to let me read it before he does since I read faster than him. Good thing he indulged me in my requests. Besides, I was not really friends with the owner of the book that I didn’t have the guts to borrow it personally from her. But anyway, I was hooked. Who wouldn’t? It was very entertaining, even if the main characters were eleven-years old. You could tell that they will eventually grow up and it was exciting to be there with them when they do. Right from the start I was rooting for a Hermione and Ron pairing. I just love the opposites attract concept, the Paceys and Andies, the Rory and Jess of the world. And I love Ron because he makes me laugh. And Hermione for always being right and being a mother to her two friends. Their friendship is an inspiration, becoming stronger through the years. I am sure everyone wants that kind of bond with friends, the kind that endures. And it was also about the century old tale of good versus evil, with every reader knowing that the good will eventually triumph. Still, I (and everyone else, I suppose) want to be there when that happens. From the fifth book to the seventh, I was able to buy my own copy on the first day it is released (I am now employed, thank you) but I always remember my friend and the batchmate who owned the first four books, for without them, I couldn’t have known about these.

I now have the complete series and I’m saving the books for my future children to read. I wouldn’t want them to miss something wonderful. Besides, they would be reading the story of the boy who lived, which made history.

Thank you, JK. And Harry, Hermione and Ron and everyone else in the wizarding world. You made the wait, the money, the eyebags, the tears, the smiles and the heartaches all worthwhile.

all in one go

2007-07-22T16:36:00.000+08:00

Wonderful Days – Pull-Tab to Kan (Prince of Tennis OST)

Yup, have lots to tell. It’s been ages since my last update. Many things have happened already, as usual. Time is flying really fast and I’m growing old and I still wonder what am I doing with my life? For real.

Like, one of my best friends got married on July 7 and on her birthday, too. I went home to Bicol for it and was the maid of honor. Literally. I was arranging and rearranging her gown throughout the ceremonies so it wouldn’t look bad in the picture. But it was fun. I was with my highschool/college barkada and it felt like what it used to be when we are all together. It felt like, yes, home. Though we weren’t able to talk much, it seemed that no time or distance came between all of us. The conversations seemed just like a continuation of an interrupted talk a minute ago and not months of not seeing each other. It felt really nice being with them again. Too bad some of them were not around for the wedding. But just the same, it was a success. I’m excited for the pictures already! The wedding was at 6pm, we ate at around 9pm and the program lasted a little past 10pm. The place for the reception was really grand and the atmosphere was well, yeah, romantic. It’s perfect for a great beginning for the newlyweds. And congratulate me because I delivered my best wishes without crying. Though I was teary-eyed during the processional in the church. The music was just so good! Josh Groban’s You’re Still You is also my wedding song! I loved this song ever since I first heard it years ago. And the song that Raoul and Christine sang in the Phantom of the Opera was just as touching. Weddings always make me cry. I was thinking of our friendship history and all our memories together. It was the love for basketball and books that made us friends, Nona and I, during our junior year in high school. We’ve been best friends ever since. I know something would change now since she’s already married but I’m sure we’re going to stay friends forever. Hay. I’m so much of a crybaby. It was a happy occasion. If I wasn’t so tired because I traveled from Laguna the night before, I would have stayed late with my friends. It wasn’t everyday that a friend would be married but I was so already dead on my feet by 11pm. An hour later, I was in dreamland already, sleeping like a log in one of the hotel rooms my friends paid for. Lucky me. Anyway, I pray that Nona and Jan will have a very happy and blessed life together. They deserve to be happy for they have been through a lot. So, cheers! May the love be with you both, for always!

I’ve already watched the fifth movie of the Harry Potter series with Yam at SM, on its first day of showing. Good thing Yam agreed to come with me for if not, I would have watched it alone. Though I was going to watch it with or without her anyway. I couldn’t be stopped. Still, it was a good thing she came because movies are meant to be watched with someone. Wouldn’t it be boring to talk about the movie with myself? So, thanks Yam for coming. As you said, you’re not a HP fan but still you came. And thanks for not laughing when I said I felt like crying when Sirius and Harry hugged. Of course I couldn’t tell you right then that it was because Sirius will die later on. The movie was, hmm, quite good. I did not expect anything so I wasn’t disappointed. It was enough for me seeing Harry, Ron and Hermione again. Add to that, I love Luna’s character and her voice and her hair. She has that silent strength in her. She’s the one thing perfect about the movie! And Ron’s so tall already but really, I had difficulty understanding his dialogues. His accent’s so thick! But I love you Ron, anyway. Since it’s been four years already since I read the book, I have already forgotten some things. But I did enjoy the movie. I think it was by a new director again. I have the seventh book now and will start on it later. I still got the book on the day it was released internationally, for the third time now, since book 5. But, waah! It would be the last one, I’m so sad. I am pretty much sure that I will cry. After book 7, the waiting for the last 2 movies will start again. Would they do the movie adaptation? Hope so. I’m keeping my fingers crossed.

I’m still not over my love for Prince of Tennis. Still rewatching my favorite episodes and still find every funny thing funny. Really, I love this anime so much that I even bought one of its OST cds, posters, stickers and some other things. Never mind my budget. I’m always, always getting over it anyway. But I’m happy about it. I’m indulging myself on these things coz I know I will get over it eventually and I want to have the best memories of them. The Seigaku guys are just so funny and lovable that they seem real to me. I love how they all have their distinct personalities yet have the greatest friendship ever. The cutest player for me would be Eiji because he’s got that easy-go-lucky personality as well. He’s one of my personal fave. The other one is Fujiko, the tennis prodigy, because he’s always smiling and is really smart. Of course it’s a given that I love Ryoma. And also his father, Nanjirou, though he reads those “kinds” of magazines. But I liked watching the father and son scenes so much that I looked forward to each of them. They’re just too kawaii!! Right now, it’s the national championships. I’ve watched till episode 13 and I think it’s still a long match. But I can wait. And I do need to mention that I’m addicted to that song that Atobe with Sanada, Kamio, Kirihara, Ibu, Sengoku and Oshitari (they’re collectively known as Pull-Tab to Kan) sang during the welcome party for Tezuka. It’s Wonderful Days and I do feel wonderful every time I hear it. I’ve watched every mv made in Youtube and I love it so! I have that song now and it’s been playing ever since. I bought a lot of animes but I’m not in the mood for any of them right now. It’s still all about tennis.

So far I have finished just a few dramas these days. I’m still not yet done with the kdrama, Over the Rainbow, but I like it so far. I’m just not in so into it. And the fact that kdramas are longer and seem to drag makes me lazy, too. But I’ll finish it; I’m OC about it. I’ve watched another Ryo drama, Gambatte Ikimasshoi (translated as Give it Your All or similar thing), with Anne Suzuki, one of my favorite actresses. I love it!! Ryo’s just so good with this kind of roles, the brooding guy who likes his friend but cannot tell her about it. But in the end, he just has the sweetest way of letting her know. Really Ryo, I love you as Haruto, as Shota and as Sekino. I just love you, period! It’s also a friendship drama and as usual, my tears flowed. We all should give it our all, too, ne? I have finished three KimuTaku’s series too and I liked it all. There’s Hero, Goodluck and Engine. I liked Hero the most since it was about public prosecutors and their quest for justice. They’re smart and they’re compassionate. It was inspiring and I do resolve to continue my law school plan when I finally get home to Bicol. Yes me, I get inspiration from watching these dramas. Anyway, Goodluck’s more like Attention Please thought the roles were reversed. In Goodluck, the girl (Shibasaki Kou in Orange Days) was the mechanic and KimuTaku’s a pilot while in Attention Please, Ryo was the mechanic and Aya, the cabin attendant. But they’re both good. And Engine was about a semi-retired racecar driver and his interaction with the kids in his father’s orphanage. This drama was the most touching and I was crying so much. Kids are just so lovable! Ueno Juri was in this drama. She’s Nodame in Nodame Cantabile, a series that I really adore. And speaking of which, I already have my own copy and have rewatched the whole thing last weekend, hehe!! Right now, I started on kdrama Witch YooHee with Han GaIn, JaeHee and Kim JungHoon (Yul in Goong) but I stopped watching it since nothing much happens and I don’t feel much chemistry between the actors. But since I like Jaehee and Yul, I’ll keep on watching it. Ah yah, I have Jun’s drama Bambino, too but haven’t got the time to start on it yet. Also, Hello Miss with Lee DaeHee and Lee JiHoon still to come. Hay, have lots to watch but with so little time. Anyway, gambatte to me!

Have bought some books, too and I’m happy about all of them. Know why? Because I got it all on sale. There’s Amy Tan’s Kitchen God’s Wife (a mother-daughter book, of course) that made me appreciate my Mama more; How to Make an American Quilt (was made into a movie with Wynona Ryder) which taught a lot of lessons on relationships; Cavedwellers (still to read) which is another mother-daughter book and Charms for the Easy Life, which I’m reading right now and enjoying much and yes you’re right, it’s about mother-daughter relationship, too, plus women power. I’m setting it as a goal to finish at least two books every month and not frequent the bookstore until I’ve finished every single unread book I have right now. In this case, I can also save my pockets from getting all torn because of my impulsiveness. But a good book on sale is an exception to the rule. Really.

I am having a hiatus over my J-idols/K-idols and j-pop/k-pop world. Not that I’m not listening to any of them anymore or watching videos in Youtube but I haven’t frequented the websites I usually go to for infos and updates due to lack of time. Been really busy that I cannot even pause to write or think about what’s happening. The next thing I know, it would be Christmas and another new year again. Waah! Where have all the time gone? I haven’t done anything yet with my life. I wonder how my favorite persons in J-world/K-world are doing? I need to get back on track, hehe! I don’t want to be left out. I think there’s a new Nino series airing right now and I’ve already seen a little of Hana Kimi, the jdrama with my all-time favorite, Shun-kun. It’s about this girl who disguised herself as a boy in order to enter an all-boys school, where her idol, an athlete (Shun-kun), is studying. The girl is Horikita Maki (Nobuta) and she’s as cute as a button. I like her acting. It would be funny to watch the boys making fun of her and treating her as one of them. I’m definitely going to watch this.

Real life talk. Mommy Joyce wrote to me and I still owe her a really long letter. I haven’t got around writing the letter I tasked myself to do. I really can’t stop myself from crying every time I remember and miss her. How long has it been already? Almost a year now since the last time I saw Mommy and hugged her and heard her talk. But I’m happy to know she and Noki are doing well. I cannot do anything for them but pray that they’re always safe. I think they will come home this Christmas and I promise to meet them, with a lot of tissues with me. Reunions, like weddings, always, always make me cry. Bobby, too, wrote. He visited here and left a comment, a long one. But thanks Bobby. You know me well to say that this is what I call a life, haha!! I do miss you. I know you’re having a blast there. But promise me that you’ll always be safe and careful there. And eat healthy ha.

My transfer to Bicol is not yet decided on. I dunno when it will become final. I do hope it would be soon since I really want to be with Mama and Papa at home. My parents are now on that stage that I learned in my Sociology class, the empty-nest stage, the stage where the kids leave home. They only have our 5 dogs and the ever-increasing number of cats that I cannot name all of them. My brother and me are both working in Laguna now. I am with San Miguel Foods and him with Terumo Philippines. I think he’s enjoying the work because of the pay since he can buy the things he wants. I let him because he worked for it but of course I nag him to save and budget his money well. I wouldn’t be a big sister if I don’t nag. We see each other on weekends because he sleeps here in our apartment and plays Age of Empire endlessly in my computer. When he received his first pay, we shopped at SM and I bullied him to treat me for dinner. He did but I still ended up paying half of what we ate at Pancake House because he forgot to budget his house rent. But, as they say, it’s the thought that counts.

Work is okay but it’s getting tough now because of some people-issues. There are just people who can’t function well without creating problems for other people. It doesn’t concern me directly but it involves people who I am close to and people who I respect and like. That’s why I look forward to that day when I can go home to Bicol and just do my work as far away from those kinds of people as I can. It would all come back to them later on, every single thing that they did wrong. I don’t mean to sound so self-righteous about it since I am no angel but those kinds of people do deserve their karma. It’s making me sad that the once good relationship turned out bad. But it cannot be helped. You really cannot please everybody.

Anyway, I am just living everyday as it comes and I do my best to be happy. I’m still far from the life I planned to live when I left SGV last year but I’m going there. I’m still not closing my mind on law school. I will pursue it, no matter what. Help me to pray that I will be able to come home to Bicol soon because that’s where everything will start. My life is there, regardless of what my well-meaning friends say. Even if don’t heed your advices, it is very well appreciated and welcomed. I will do my best to not disappoint all of you. Promise.

Yay, it’s good that I ended up in high spirits. So, ciao for now!

:)

some good news..:)

2007-05-13T10:06:00.000+08:00

May 6, 2007
Music: When You Say You Love Me – Josh Groban

(wrote this at home..)

Two things were finally made clear these past weeks; one that affects me and the other one affect my brother. And yes, they were good news. I’ll go first, naturally. We at Finance spent two days at El Cielito Inn for the orientation on the planned company reorg. I now have an idea of what will happen to me and what I learned made me glad. I’ll be going home to Bicol soon, I guess after the two months pilot run, which will start next week. I was able to meet the people I’ll be working with, including my boss, who’s really nice. But of course, I feel sad since I’ll be leaving my various ate’s and kuya’s here in Finance. We’ve bonded really well and we have so much fun together. I will surely miss them. Though it wouldn’t be for another two months or so, I’m already feeling sad. But I’ve always prayed that I would be able to go home soon and thank God, it’s sort of final already. So I can say, hello Bicol!!! I’m finally coming back!!!

Well, my brother, after giving up the hope of getting a job and after deciding to review and take the board exams later this year, finally received a call from Terumo Philippines for a job offer. This he got last Thursday, after he stayed here with me till Wednesday to wait for the call. So, he traveled Wednesday night to Bicol then traveled again Thursday night because his medical exam was last Friday. He slept two nights in a bus. Tough. But I think he passed the medical exam. We prayed that he passed so he can finally start on the 16^th. He’ll be on the usual probationary status for 6 months. It’s a good company, Japanese owned. He also has a chance to go to Japan for trainings and stuffs. I already asked him to buy me magazines and cds when his chance comes, haha!! Thank you, Dear Lord. I pray that everything will turn out well for him. He and a classmate (who also works in Terumo) will still take the board exams this year but they will only do self-review. My mother borrowed a lot of review materials from her former students for my brother. Well, I pray it would also have a positive result.

So, my brother and I are going home to Bicol this coming Friday for the elections. Yup, it’s election time. Though I don’t have much confidence in it, I will still exercise my right. I just hope that the people who will sit in those government seats will be human enough to really help and carry out those plans they’ve been singing during these campaign months. It’s really frustrating that these politicians appear as angels only on election time and turn into devils when they are elected. Grrrr. I don’t care about me but please help those poor people on the slums, those homeless kids and those who are dying because they don’t have any to buy medicines. I wonder if those traditional politicians who do nothing are able to sleep at night. I hope their conscience won’t let them. Hay, dear Lord, have mercy on us Filipinos. Please guide all voters to vote responsibly.

Enough of those negative vibes.

I’m excited to go home. I haven’t been home since January. I will be able to see my Mama and Papa, our cats and the kittens and our dogs and the new puppies. Yey!! I pray I’ll be able to see all my friend’s, too, even if I only have 3 days to spare. I wonder if Nona and Jan already set a date for their wedding. Hmm, I would have to find out. I just hope they set it on a date when I can go home. I wouldn’t want to miss it.

I started watching the anime Bleach and I’m loving it. Plus the soundtrack’s really good. When I first heard the opening song, I thought it sounded familiar. It was by Orange Range, that’s why. They sang the songs in Chekeraccho, the Hayato movie that I loved. And the ending song changed in Episode 14 or 15, I guess. It was a rap song but it’s really so good. Sakuraki Ichigo is really cute, with his orange hair and his attitude. I was hoping he’ll fall for Tatsuki but I’m sure he likes Rukia. Anyway, the plot is about this boy who got to be a death god after the real death god, who is Rukia, got injured. Rukia is like 2000 years old and lives in Soul Society. She transferred her death god powers to Ichigo then she entered into a faux body so she can still guide Ichigo on his new role as a death god. Well, a death god fights Hollows, who are evil souls and these Hollows eat Plus (good) souls and sometimes kills humans, too. It has the concept of heaven and hell and some other beliefs similar to Christianity. I’m already on the part where Ichigo finally became a death god on his own, after his Rukia-given powers were removed because Rukia was finally discovered by those Soul Society people. I’m enjoying it because of the other characters, too, like Kon and Ishida. And there’s this cute black speaking cat. But I still have a long way to go but I’ll definitely finish it.

And I was able to find a copy of the Waterboys movie where Tamaki Hiroshi was one of the casts. And Satoshi Tsumabuki, too. It was so funny. And they were so young. Tamaki (his mole was fake, I guess) would be 20 then and Satoshi 19 since the movie was in year 2000. And the conductor Stressman in Nodame Cantabile was there, too as their synchro coach. And Saotome, the coach in Waterboys 2, was just a student then. So, all the Waterboys series/movie use the same theme song since in the Hayato series that I watched, it was also the song. But it’s a good song so no complaints.

Bobby celebrated his birthday last April 29. I dunno how he’s doing right now in New York but I pray that he’s okay. I will write him a long letter. I miss talking to him. I miss Mommy and Noki, too. Hope they are all doing well. I haven’t been in touch with them for quite some time already. Hay, I wonder how they are doing there.

I’ll go write those letters now.

Ciao!

summer and life

2007-04-22T17:01:00.000+08:00

Music: Tell Me That You Love Me – Terry Gibbs

Yesterday was our company outing. It was held in Praferosa Resort, a private pool somewhere in Laguna (I’m not sure where it was exactly, hehe!). We initially didn’t want to go (we had our valid reasons) but then, we were expected to come and it would create talks if we didn’t show up. We woke up real early so we can ride the service car (it’s a jeep, actually) going to the resort. It was quite a long travel and my, the dust and the smoke from the traffic! But anyway, the place was picture-nice. There were “bahay-kubos” and tree houses and a wooden swing, where I made sure I sat on. The pool has a not-too scary-high slide and the water’s warm/hot, according to those who swam (we didn’t). There were four rooms reserved for the employees and the three of us camped on one of it, hehe! If we could just the stay inside the room for the rest of the day, we would. It was air-conditioned and has a large bed and a cable tv. But we couldn’t. And we were hungry. We ate a delicious fried breakfast: bangus with achara, egg and rice. We took some pictures and we sang. It was okay to sing since there weren’t much people yet so we ruled the videoke, hehe! When people were coming, we retreated to our room and watched tv and slept till lunchtime. We were hoping to catch Music Station on Animax but it wasn’t on yet. So we watched the soundtrack channel and saw this song from Coach Carter (with Faith Evans) and some clips from the movie and not from the movie. Some scenes were like the life of Coach Carter’s players after high school. Yam said it might be for the video of the song only. But I was really happy seeing those Coach Carter’s players again. We went out again for lunch and there were so many people already, from sales and from other satellite plants. We ate a hearty and delicious lunch of inasal na manok (chicken), inasal na tilapia (fish), talong (eggplant) and manggang hilaw (green mango) with bagoong, lechon (pork) and buttered tahong (seafood) and ripe mangoes for desert. There were also balut and red egg but we were already so full we cannot eat it. There was still singing afterwards and some dancing, too. And of course, drinking men. We were already planning to escape after lunch but nobody’s going home yet so we stayed. We returned to our room to watch tv and escape the heat outside. We can still hear the singing outside and you could tell some people were near drunk already. Anyway, at 4pm, I hitched a ride home. I was the only one returning to our apartment since Yam and Ge both went to their real home. So how was it? Hmm, despite spending more time in the room, I actually enjoyed it. Though I didn’t talk much except to those people I’m comfortable with and that’s only a few. You know me, I don’t much like crowds and large gatherings where I can only count the persons I really know. But one good thing about large crowds, though, is that I can escape it without much notice. I think it would take time before I can comfortably talk to most of them. But it was a fun event. I enjoyed the singing and the dancing. And the food, too. Maybe next outing I can really mingle. We’ll see.

Last Thursday, we attended Kuya Agga’s son first birthday at McDonalds. All Finance people went and some brought their kids since it was a children’s party. There’s always something about children’s party that gets to you. You know, you can’t help but remember your own childhood and then, you thought of how would it be when you have little kids of your own. Next thing you know, you’re planning how your own child’s birthday party would be. I’m weird, ne? I’m far, far from getting married. But I know I want to have kids of my own, too. And have birthday parties, too. It is such a happy occasion seeing little girls and boys dancing and getting dirty, trying to eat spaghetti on their own. Next Saturday, it would be Ate Helen’s son 7th birthday and yes, it’s at McDonalds, too, though in a different place. I think we’re going to that party, too, hehe!!

We explored Waltermart after the children’s party and found treasures. There was this store called JapanHome, where I dragged Yam on. They were really from Japan, yey!! So I love everything Japanese now, not just dramas. Everything was for P88. So, I bought these yellow slippers with spikes (it’s something for the health) and an air freshener for our room. There were a lot of cute little something, like colored pens and pencil cases and Naruto key chains that I know Deshy and Mavsky would love. Yam bought something to put her personal stuffs on. We promised to return there and buy more when we have the budget. Our purchases were all out of impulse. We just had to buy something from there. Ah, but the real treasure was the book I bought from Book Sale. My own copy of “Snow Falling on Cedars” by David Guterson!! And I got it for only P40!!! I’ve read this book before since I borrowed it from Deshy, but I was always looking for it in book sales since I love, love the book. And it was even made into a movie with Ethan Hawke, who I adore, ever since Dead Poets Society. And Reality Bites, my favorite movie of all time, has him, too. And I learned too, while searching the net, that Anne Suzuki was in the movie as the young Hatsue, I think. I like Anne Suzuki. She was in this series with Nino (Stand Up), with Jay Chou in Initial D and a movie called Hana to Alice, which I watched even without subs (I know, I know). And speaking of books, I’ve finished “Gringa” and l liked it much. I didn’t expect to like it when I started reading it but it was good. I’m happy for Abby since I think Tonio did love her, if love was the right word. She has been through a lot and she deserves to be happy and be loved. Right now, I’m reading something by Linda Goodman (Star Signs). It’s about how astrology can help you achieve good health and happiness. I’m taking notes as I read since I know it will come in handy sometimes. I’m not a fan of astrology but it wouldn’t hurt to be informed.

I know everybody knew about the Virginia Tech killings. I’ve followed the story in the newspapers since we don’t have tv in our apartment. So sad. There’s just too much violence in the world. I’m sad for those who died and for their families. I know how it feels to lose someone close to your heart. But to die so pointlessly is more painful, I guess, to those who were left behind. I feel sorry for that Korean guy who did it but even sorrier for all Koreans, especially those in America, for I know they would be looked down upon. If that guy felt that he needed to be the savior of the human race, he could have done something that wouldn’t involve killing innocents. But then, I know, it’s too late for that now. Lives were already claimed. All I can offer is a prayer that all those who are suffering can find hope and peace with the Lord. And that these things wouldn’t happen again. We have too much of it already in the world.

Haven’t been watching dramas right now. I’m strictly following my bedtime of 10pm so I won’t be sluggish in the mornings due to lack of sleep. Besides, it’s good for the skin and the mind, hehe!! But that doesn’t mean I’m losing interest in my dramas. I’m still into it. I’m just enjoying real life for now. There’s much going on right now and I wouldn’t want to miss it.

I plan to go home to Bicol in May for the elections. And besides, I miss home. My brother finally decided to review and take the board exams for mechanical engineers this year. Please help him, dear Lord. I pray he can make it. Another friend is getting married but I’ll talk about it when it’s more definite. I already cried when she told me. She’s one of my bestfriends. I’m happy-sad since I know things would change once she’s married but I do know that getting married would make her really happy. I need to find a gown to wear soon. Everybody’s getting married. Do I sound worried? Haha!!

Ciao!

tagaytay bonding moments

2007-04-22T16:56:00.000+08:00

April 16, 2007
Music: Goong OST

(wrote this at home...)

Last Sunday (April 15), my roommates and I went through our plan to go Tagaytay for some R&R. We were supposed to go there last April 9 but our schedules did not permit us. Anyway, we woke up later than we expected and had the time of our lives enjoying our breakfast. It felt good waking up on a day without work and with something to look forward to. There was no rush and it felt really nice to do your routine without worrying about the time. So, off we went.

It was so hot!!! Tagaytay was supposed to be cold since it’s a “highland” but it was scorching hot!! Good thing I didn’t bring my jacket. But the air was cooler compared here in Laguna but the sun was the same. Well, we were to blame too, because we reached the place at noon, so what do we expect? But it was still a bit disappointing. Nonetheless, we were happy to be there. We rode a tricycle going to Picnic Grove since jeepneys were scarce. We saw the view of Taal Lake and we joked about renting a boat to go near it. But we all know we’ll never have the courage to do so. We reached Picnic Grove and instantly felt out of place. There were mostly families, with their picnic stuffs with them and tourists with large bags and cameras. The three of us only have our personal bags and we don’t even have our cameras. It wasn’t even our first time being there and yes, we should have known better. Oh well.

We ate mixed rice for lunch at a mini-resto and made full use of the lady’s clean, personal CR since we don’t want to use the public one. The lady’s nice enough to allow us to use it. Afterwards, we walked a little and found an empty cottage overlooking Taal Lake, where we sat down and took pictures using our cellphone’s cameras and told stories. We noticed that time seemed to move so slow because we thought we did every possible thing to do but it was just 1pm. And the heat made us sleepy but we cannot lie down. At around 2pm, we braved the heat and walked the eco-adventure trail, where the highlight was the hanging bridge (Yam was afraid of it). I was, too, but acted as if I’m not. When we reached the end of the trail, we were like Nagase and Tegoshi’s characters in My Boss, My Hero, shouting “water”! We can smell the sun on our skin and hair and on our clothes and we all longed for a cool shower but the day was far from over.

We bought refreshments and rested a bit then explored the souvenir shops. They were all selling the same things and though we know this, we still entered and window-shopped in every stall. We plan to buy t-shirts but couldn’t find what we liked. We were able to find the shirts at a souvenir shop outside Picnic Grove and we all bought the same style. And we’re all going to wear it during our company outing, haha!! At around 3pm, we reached Tierra de Maria, an inner peace and healing center, where there is a 50-foot statue of Mama Mary. We threw coins in the wishing well and had our wishes. There was this parrot who greeted us with “kumusta po? (how are you?)”, “kumain ka na?(have you eaten?)” and “anong pangalan mo?(what’s your name?)”. We prayed inside the chapel and we bought rosaries and a cross necklace before leaving the place. It was a solemn experience and I want to bring my mother there, someday.

Next on the plan was to meet Yam’s friend, Eden. Her house was near the Lourdes Church, where we plan to hear the Sunday mass. Good thing we had an hour to spare before the 5pm mass so we were able to rest and refresh ourselves at Eden’s house (I fell asleep on their sofa, hehe!) We met Eden’s parents and her siblings and they were all very nice. After the mass, we ate dinner at Chowking with Eden. I bought some souvenir food from a little boy since I feel sorry for him. He should be enjoying his summer vacation but he was earning his living. Sad reality. At around 7pm, we’re homebound. Tagaytay was still as busy and it could have been really nice if we could stay longer since the air was cooler and the night lights were real pretty but it was another work week ahead so we had to go.

We reached our place and couldn’t feel more excited on taking our showers. I still did my laundry after my shower, though and I slept a little later than usual. But though it was tiring, it was still fun. We would love to visit Tagaytay again, maybe during the cooler months. Maybe in December, so we can really feel the cold. We’re planning to go to Baguio next, just the three of us, but we would have to save money for that.

So there. I already have a story to tell about my roommates to my friends. The three of us have been living in our apartment for half a year already and it was (still is) really nice being with them. I wouldn’t like any other roommates. I’ve been very blessed with friends to share a place with. First, it was with Mavsky and Deshy (when I was still working in Makati) and then, with Yam and Ge, here in Laguna. I’ve made a lot of memories with Mavsky and Deshy (and I miss them so) and I’m making memories with Yam and Ge now. I’m really blessed, thank God.

Ciao for now!

oh!happy days!!

2007-04-14T18:52:00.000+08:00

Hi there! Been quiet for a while for I have been busy with a lot of stuffs. They weren’t that important though but I was still so involved with it. They were things I love doing, that’s why. Let me tell you about it.

So okay, there’s my drama life, as always, hehe!! It wouldn’t be me if I don’t talk about it. Ash and I were able to meet last March 30 and it was really nice talking to her again about yah, dramas. We chatted while having merienda at McDonald’s. It’s always a pleasure talking to someone who love the same things you do. Swear, we couldn’t stop gushing about how cute our fave Korean and Japanese actors are, hehe!! Yup, that’s me and Ash. Our conversations are mainly about these things. But once in a while, we do squeeze real life in our talks. Only once in a while, though. But that’s okay. We’re friends in every sense of the word. Even if we were brought together by such a trivial thing as asian dramas.

So anyway, I brought home with me five dramas to watch. Sitting on the bus going back to Laguna, I was already devising a schedule for my watching. Can’t wait to start on it, really. And so I started on it the first chance I got. (Fast forward now, I’m down to my last drama. I was planning to finish it during the holy week break but I got sidetracked. I’ll tell you about it later) I’ll just enumerate it and comment.

1. Taiyou no Uta (Jdrama) – with Erika Sawajiri. About a girl with a disease called XP, wherein the body has no defenses against UV rays. Naturally, the girl cannot go out in the sun without the risk of being burned or dying. And so she sleeps during the day and lives her life at night as a songwriter/singer/guitarist. Erika is Aya in 1 Litre of Tears, a series that I just love, love. She’s a great actress, pretty too. Taiyou made me cry towards the end, the sadness of leaving the people you love. But unlike 1 LoT, I recovered 15 minutes after finishing Taiyou. When I finished 1 LoT, I was sad for two weeks and was living in a daze thinking of Aya and Asou. That bad.

2. Cloud Staircase (Kdrama) – with Han Jihye and Shin Dongwook. About this guy who’s got the brains but not the money to pursue a medical career. But he was fortunate to learn from a genius doctor in a small island. He performed surgery on Han Jihye without a doctor’s license. And that’s punishable by law everywhere. But he cannot let the girl die. So, he lived the lie. He worked for the hospital owned by Han Jihye’s family. They fell in love amidst usual opposition. But he has other motives. Shin Dongwook’s good, I mean, he can act. It got dragging towards the middle (Kdramas have this problem) but I finished it anyway. It was a good series, good acting from the cast. Dongwook looked like HyunBin when he had that mustache. Cutie.

3. Hana Yori Dango 2 (Jdrama) – need I say more? I was sooo excited to watch this. Not because of Doumyoji and Makino but because of Rui. Oh well, I love Makino and Doumyoji, too but Rui? I love, love. Oguri Shun-kun is second to Hayato as my best actor. This series did not disappoint. The story is too typical but it cannot help but be enjoyable. Lots of good, funny and romantic scenes. I laughed so hard when Makino was trying so hard to make Doumyoji remember her by reenacting some of their moments together. And that cabin scene? Sweet! No wonder Hanadan fans were so happy, hehe!! But the last scene at the Ebisu Tower is my fave. Makino and Doumyoji are so meant for each other! Inoue Mao-chan and Jun should get together in real life, hehe!! But from the various videos I watched and downloaded, they really are good friends. And that makes me really happy. And Rui, don’t worry. If Makino cannot love you as you love her, I’m sure lots of girls are willing to do that for you. Me included.

4. My Boss, My Hero (Jdrama) – with Nagase Tomoya and Tegoshi Yuya. Funny, funny series. I laughed so hard I’m ashamed, harhar! Nagase’s like Jim Carrey. But why does he always have to open his mouth like that? Anyway, I think this was one of the most successful dramas shown in Japan. It’s about a gang leader who was sent by his father to high school since he was so dumb. He needs to graduate so he can be boss of the Kantou Sharp Fang group. He’s 27 but pretends to be 17. And so he learned a lot about high school, about youth, about love and friendship, and about leadership. And Tegoshi’s so cute. I wish he would grow taller, though. I love how Jun (Tegoshi’s character) loves his childhood friend, Hikari. And Hoshino’s cute! And so adorable despite his tough look.
And that’s it. I already started on my fifth drama, Over the Rainbow with Kim Okbin and Hwanhee. Will write about it when I’m done. I’m just on episode 2, though.

So, I did say that I got sidetracked. And I’m very much happy about it. Yey!!! I was able to watch my must watch jdrama, NODAME CANTABILE!!!!! I’m so happy, happy!!! I finished watching it through the internet and thank God for crunchyroll’s website that I was able to see it. Gosh, I so enjoyed it! I love Chiaki and Nodame so, so much!! They’re my fave couple now. Opposites do not just attract but they fall in love too and can be the sweetest couple ever!! I love that hug by Chiaki, with the sunset in the background and Nodame’s so happy face. Love them!!! The drama’s based on a manga about two piano students. And I love the performances. The classical pieces they played were all so good. I’m already listening to some Beethoven and Bach right now. Weird, ne? Tamaki Hiroshi plays Chiaki. It was my first seeing him in a drama but he’s really cute. He’s 27. I love his walk and the way he dresses (I later read that he was a model). And his smile, too. And Nodame. Ueno Juri plays her. Great actress, pretty smile, very charming. And she’s just 21. I cannot imagine anyone being Nodame. I think she won an award for her role. She’s too good. I love her, too. They do look good together. I still want to have my own copy of the series, though. I want to rewatch the orchestra performances. They gave me goosebumps, hehe!! Really great!!!

I was also able to watch the Taiyou no Uta movie, with Yui and Takashi Tsukamoto. I’ve always wanted to watch this and thank God again, for crunchyroll’s website. It was sad but good, too. But I don’t think there was much chemistry between Yui and Takashi. Still, they were good. And I love Goodbye Days, Yui’s song.

And another thing that got me so excited was that there was a 1 Litre of Tears special! Really! I nearly jumped in my seat when I read about it. I know it would be sad (I saw the trailer and was crying already) and I might be sad again for days to come but I do want to watch it. I will watch it. Will do anything to watch it. I love this series so, so much. And I memorized Konayuki already. And I’ve got tissues. So, I’m ready. Please dear Lord, let there be a friendly uploader in the net. Arigato!!!

On to other stuffs. Work is okay, it’s the same everyday. I’m not bored though coz everyday there’s something new to learn. And it’s satisfying to realize that you’re learning with each new day that passes. But there’s still not news on when I can go home to Bicol for good. I dunno. I’m just praying that it would be soon. I miss home. Oh, my brother was here for a week for some job interviews and exams. Sad to say, he’s unfortunate. But he wants to review and take the board exam this year. Mama told me that maybe he realized that it’s really hard to find work by just being a college graduate. He needs to be licensed for an edge. I pray that he’ll do well, too, in his career. Another family story; a cousin finished his law degree with honors! Yey!! I already reserved his books but he will still attend bar review classes so he might still use it. Besides, I dunno if I can enroll this June since I’m still here in Laguna indefinitely.

Finally finished “ A Thousand Acres (Jane Smiley)” and “Where the Heart Is (Billie Letts)”. I both love it. The first book was sad but inspiring. I love how the main character, Ginny, was able to free herself from the monotonous life she’s living and do the things she wanted very much to do. We can all take a lesson or two from her on freedom. The second book is a bit funny but very heart-warming. It made me realize that there are still good, helpful people out there, no matter how ugly the world is right now. I sure want to watch Natalie Portman as the heroine, Novalee Nation. I will have to look at video store for it. Right now I’m reading “Gringa (Sandra Scofield). The story’s interesting as well as historical since the setting is in turbulent Mexico during the 1960s. It was like here during martial law when there were student demonstrations and human rights violation everywhere. But it’s also about the heroine’s struggle within herself. More like a self-discovery kind of story but it’s interesting so I keep on reading.

I miss basketball, though, and my basketball friends as well. I was not able to go to some planned activities and I do think I’m growing apart from them. Only text messages keep us in touch. The team’s not even winning their games. I think the Giants are down in the team standings. And I feel bad for them. Yam and I are planning to watch live again, maybe during the semis, when it’s more likely that the teams will play harder and better to win. I’ve been rewatching my fave sports movies like Coach Carter and Remember the Titans. I’ll never get tired of them. It doesn’t matter how many times I watch them, I still cheer for them. And I have added another favorite: Glory Road with Josh Lucas. It’s a true story, too, about the basketball team of Texas Western who went on to win against the Kentucky players, which includes Pat Riley. And what’s even more controversial was that the players of Texas Western were mostly black. It was unheard of during those years. But it was really inspiring and I love it.

My friend, Crissy, is leaving for US in May. She will be with her husband there. I don’t know if I’ll be able to see her before that because I don’t know when I’ll go home to Bicol. Still, I’m hoping I can. Anyway, I know she’ll be okay coz she’s with her hubby. I pray the best for both them. But it’s still sad. I’ll miss her.

Going to rest now.

Ciao!

Ueno Juri and Tamaki Hiroshi as my fave couple Nodame and Chiaki!!! Love!!!! (thanks to the uploader on her blog for the pic!)

pics..

2007-03-18T18:34:00.000+08:00

just to break the monotony..:)

Christmas 2006

lazy sunday..

2007-03-18T18:17:00.001+08:00

March 18, 2007
Music: True Love – FINKL

Thank God, it’s not that hot today. It’s actually a bit gloomy but no sign of rain, though. Good thing, since Yam and I are going out later this afternoon for Church and a little relaxation. Tomorrow’s another long and busy workweek since there will be big bosses coming for a sort of operations review. Hope everything will be okay. Oh well, I’m sure it will. Everybody’s working really hard in preparations.

Feeling happy since I finished my long letter to Mommy. Will send it via email later. I was crying when I started writing it. I miss her so much. What triggered the tears were the pictures I was looking at, the happy moments from the 3 years we worked together. She was not just my mentor and boss, she was my Mommy. And she still is. And always will be.

Hmm, was watching the tdrama, Tokyo Juliet, last night. I was on the 8th episode. I dunno, it sort of bored me. But it was also good. It’s just that I think there’s something lacking. The lead actress is Ariel Lin, the girl from It Started With A Kiss (which I really loved) and the lead actor is a member of a group called Fahrenheit. I think the guy is quite new to acting coz I really don’t feel anything when he’s acting. Oh well, I’m not an expert on this. But I will finish watching it since the OC me will not permit watching series halfway, hehe!! Ah, but last week I finished another tdrama, Smiling Pasta, of which the lead guy really looked like Kim Jaewon. Everybody knows I love, love Kim Jaewon so naturally, I enjoyed the series very much. Besides, the story’s quite like Fullhouse (which I really loved) so that’s why even if I didn’t sleep at all, I don’t regret it a bit. He’s really cute, especially when he smiles. Really.

Ash and I already set a temporary date for our drama exchange, hehe!! It’s at the end of this month, during our month-end inventory count since I can leave work earlier than usual. Excited, excited. Why? Because Hana Yori Dango 2 will be watched after our date. I asked her to burn me a copy, that’s why. I’m really so excited to watch it. I’ve waited so long already, hehe! I will lend her my yesasia- purchased dvd of Mao-chan and Hayato’s (the ever cutie Japanese boy!) movie, Chekeraccho, kdrama Fantasy Couple. Jdrama Attention Please and tdrama Smiling Pasta. See? Asia’s well represented, hehe!!

I finished rewatching Season 1 of La Femme Nikita. Most of the episodes I watched way before, while I was still in high school, I think. But know what? I still cried in those episodes where I cried before. The separation with Gray, especially. Waah!! I still feel sad for Nikita, really. She just doesn’t fit in Section One. Good thing there’s Michael, but he’s ever so cold though he cares a lot. I started with Season 2 already and I told Mimi (another drama friend) to try find me Seasons 4 and 5 since I only have till Season 3. Again, the OC me will not permit watching series halfway.

I still haven’t finished reading A Thousand Acres but I already have my next book ready, Where the Heart Is by Billie Letts. It was made into a movie, too, with Natalie Portman, if I’m not mistaken. But I cannot start it unless I finish the other book first. Yah, the OC me.

Need to go prepare my things now. Have to go out soon. Ciao!!

Love, love this series:

nino's letters from iwo jima..

2007-03-18T18:02:00.000+08:00

March 5, 2007
Music: Flavor of Life – Utada Hikaru

(Note: Wrote this at home, too..)

So, I finally got to watch Nino’s film last week and it was shown exclusively in Glorietta 4 and Greenbelt cinemas. Thank heavens, I saw the movie sked in the newspaper! But I really believe I was meant to watch it since it was our month-end inventory count and I can leave work at 2pm. I couldn’t be stopped anyway, even if it meant traveling to Makati, hehe! But it was worth it so…

Yam went with me since she likes Nino, too. We left the office at 3pm and reached Glorietta at 4:30pm. We were late for the 4pm sked so we bought tickets for the 6:45pm slot. We had time to spare so we ate merienda-dinner at Aveneto’s, my favorite Italian place. We initially wanted to eat at Shakey’s but we couldn’t find what we wanted to eat in the menu so we left and it was a good thing since the oil and garlic pasta in Aveneto’s was way too yummy. Afterwards, we window-shopped a bit, browsed a little in Powerbooks (they’re already accepting reservations for the 7th Harry Potter book, yey!!) and bought each a pair of shoes from a Korean store, whose store assistants were from Bicol, hehe!! We bought popcorn for pasalubong and entered the cinema 20 minutes early. I thought there wouldn’t be a line but there was and they were mostly foreigners, some Americans and some Japanese. I know they weren’t there for Nino but I couldn’t help but feel proud and happy for Nino. Most of them maybe, were just there out of curiosity but at least they came to watch.

It felt good watching a movie in the big screen again, hehe!! I don’t remember exactly what movie I last watched in the big screen but I’m quite sure it was still last year. There were a lot of vacant seats but it was Thursday and not exactly a movie-day so it’s understandable. Oh, Ryan Gosling has a new movie but I didn’t catch the title but he’s so cute! I would just have to research it on the net. Then finally it started.

Nino looked so young but very effective as the happy-go-lucky, full of complaints but rather sensitive Saigo! And despite it being a war film, there were a lot of funny moments, mostly Nino’s scenes. I liked his friend who died from the honorable dysentery (he just disappeared and we later learned he died, sad) and Shimizu, the kicked-out soldier from the elite military school. I cried when the horse that Nishi loved so much died. It was on this scene that I really cried though there were many more scenes where I had tears in my eyes. It was funny when they were all wearing belts that their loved ones made for them to supposedly protect them. It was sad that they were all fighting with all they’ve got but knowing that help would never come and they will all eventually die. I cried for the soldiers who surrendered to the Americans but were instead shot to death because of one trigger-happy soldier. I especially loved Nishi and his second-in-command Ohkubo. For Nishi was so kind, so wise and so unselfish to heal the injured young American soldier and to think of his subordinates first before his welfare. And Ohkubo, for his loyalty and bravery (besides he’s cute!). I came to the movie knowing that Nino will live (since I read from a blog I frequent that he will) but I still felt happy for him that he will get the chance to se his daughter and his wife. Overall, it was a very good movie. It taught us the same lesson war movies do; that whatever principles and ideas wars represent, always, there will be mothers who will lose their sons, wives who will be separated from their husbands and friends/brothers/comrades who will never get to tell their stories to each other. And peace, still, will be something elusive. And as the young American mother told his son in a letter and as what Nishi read to his subordinates, “always do the right thing because it is the right thing;” I pray that everyone will be able to. So we can all live in peace with one another, neh?

Yes, in my untrained eye, the movie deserved the best foreign language film given by the Oscars. And not just because Nino was there. I don’t think they will be given the award if they don’t deserve it, anyway.

Ah yah, Nino’s hometown in the movie, where he and his wife lived and where they had their bakery, was called Ohmiya. I’m sure Nino smiled when he read about it. Riida might have, too.

We waited till we saw Nino’s name in the credits before we left the cinema. His name was next to Ken Watanabe’s.

I slept through most of the travel back home. We reached our place at around 11pm.

I slept with the feeling of accomplishment. It was one of my “to dos” to watch Letters from Iwo Jima, even if I have to buy the dvd from Yesasia (assuming they will release one). Good thing, it was shown here. Thank God! And Ayala cinemas, hehe!!

Ciao for now!

love so sweet and everything else..

2007-03-18T17:27:00.000+08:00

(Note: Wrote this at home and only blogging now thus the date..:)

February 26, 2007
Music: Goodbye Days – YUI

Been well and happy these past days. Who wouldn’t be? Work’s good and I’ve been able to meet deadlines plus I am now able to go home at 5pm, hehe!! I just bum around the house and share stories with my housemates and sometimes sleep for an hour or two before eating dinner. I’m into one of my healthy diets again; just don’t ask me if it’s working. I’m just doing my best. J I’ve finished playing Mystery (Prime Suspects) though I was not able to solve the final test but Yam did it for me. Yay! But it’s sad since I won’t want to play it again unless I’m really, really bored and have nothing else to do. Anyway, I have lots of games to play in my laptop so I guess I wouldn’t have to worry.

Yah, life is good. It’s summertime already and though it has been really warm, there’s still a cool breeze at night and we love to keep our windows open so it can come in and it feels really nice. God is really good! I just wish it would stay until summer’s end so the heat can be more tolerable. Besides, it’s hard to sleep on a warm night.

Have lots to tell but I dunno where to begin. so okay, I’ve bought a lot of dvds again, listened and downloaded quite a few videos and loving every minute I spent watching and rewatching them, hehe!! It’s the typical me to spend time and money on stuffs I (and only I) care about (that’s an exaggeration, of course). A lot of people (mostly girls) love what I love, too. And we are all over the world, actually. Here they are:

1. La Femme Nikita – Seasons 1-3 – I think very few people really knew my obsession for this spy drama. I even wrote USA Network to tell them about it and I got a picture of the cast (in black and white) and a thank you note as a reply. I even wanted to be a spy just so I can be like Nikita but I was in high school then and believed it to be possible. But anyway, I love Peta Wilson as Nikita and Roy Dupuis as Michael that they are my best couple ever. I would have to look for the remaining seasons so I can have the complete series. But I don’t think they’re selling it, though. Sad…

2. Prince of Tennis Movie – Greatest find, so far. The movie’s that good for me that I already rewatched it four times. Kanata Hongo is like the cutest boy in Japan. And Captain Tezuka is next cutest, if there is such a thing. I read in Youtube that he’s half-Spanish that’s why the foreign look. And Kanata is just 16 years old. But I like the whole cast. They all look good playing tennis and being high school boys. I’m buying the anime, promise. Thanks to another blogger (for her blog) coz that’s where I got to learn about this wonder.

3. Lots of Korean movies – I’ve already laughed, cried, giggled, and been scared watching some of the movies in the dvd set. I loved “The Host”, which I finished at 3am on a work week (and I need to wake up at 6am for work). The theme is very Western but it’s a family-themed movie that’s why I was hooked. And the ahjussi that played the uncle was cute. J Oh, and Bae Doona really looked like Shin Minah. I loved the ending song in “Daisy” plus Jung Woosung’s gorgeous, really. Jenny and Juno was like, bleh, but it was still fun to watch. I would have to rewatch “The King and the Clown” since I was doing my laundry when my housemate was watching it and I was not much into it. There was this sad movie that I don’t know the English title but from the limited Korean I know, it must have been “I Love You, It’s Okay” (Saranghanika, Gwaenchana). The lead guy was really good but it was the first time I saw him. “Dasepo Naughty Girls” (with Kim Okbin), “Chulsoo and Younghee” and this no-English title again “Yeogosaeng Sijipgagi” were, for the most part, interesting to watch. Still have a lot to finish but I’ll do it when the mood suits me. I dunno when since right now I only want to watch Prince of Tennis, hehe!!

4. Arashi and Love so Sweet – My current addiction!! Swear, this song and Arashi’s performance (which I downloaded from generous communities, arigato!) makes me really happy to be alive, hehe!! The song’s just so beautiful to listen at even if I don’t understand it. Arashi at its best! I’m always smiling watching them sing and dance. Nino’s moves were so gay, hehe!! Still, he’s the cutest boy in Arashi. Jun was really serious about his singing and that made him really beautiful to watch. Sho was giving picture perfect smiles and Aiba-chan looked really tall. And Riida’s effortless dancing and singing made him still number 1 Arashi for me. I just love Ohno-kun. Love him, love him. J Go watch the performance in Youtube. It’s worth every second, promise.

5. Utada Hikaru’s Flavor of Life – From Hana Yori Dango 2 series, great song. It has great vocals and great melody that’s why it is so great to listen to. And even if it’s not from HYD 2, I would have still loved the song. But then again, it was in a HYD 2 video that I first listened to it.

6. Yui’s Goodbye Days – How I wish they’re selling the Taiyou no Uta movie in Yesasia already! I really want to watch it, seriously. It stars Yui and Takashi Tsukamoto, who’s really cute. For the meantime, I downloaded this song from that movie (arigato uploaders!) just because I loved it. It’s a sad song, though, just like the movie. But sometimes we all need to cry so this is my dosage.

That’s about it for my finds.

Oh, I’m done with Ryo & Aya’s Attention Please. It was overall good. I cried a little, as usual. Ryo & Aya looked good together. For a while, their picture was my wallpaper, hehe! How is it the Ryo looked best when he’s only half-smiling? I’ve watched the AP Special in Youtube sans subtitles so I was interpreting the story on my own. Never mind, what was important was that Shota (Ryo) followed Misaki (Aya) in Hawaii. I think that explains everything about their relationship. Hope I’m at least near the point, hehe!

Next-in-line dramas: My Boss, My Hero, Cloud Staircase, Taiyou no Uta and Over the Rainbow. I still have to meet Ash for the cds, though but I dunno when we can meet. She has some Xman clips for me, too. Something to laugh about. I’m thinking of buying some Taiwanese dramas but yes, I’m still thinking about it. Tdramas are not really on top of my list. They’re a bit shallow-themed for me. Sorry, no offense. Oh, Hayato Ichihara (my first favorite Japanese actor) has a new movie, Rainbow Song. You bet I’ll buy it when it’s on Yesasia, hehe!! Hayato’s really good with this kind of serious movies. And his side profile is really handsome (he’s my wallpaper now). He just turned 20 last Feb6. Still a boy, though, but nonetheless a really good actor. I wouldn’t have liked him if he’s just a pretty face, anyway.

On to the real world: my contract was extended till the finalization of the reorganization. Well, that was what the HR Manager told me. I was also told that my return home to Bicol might be this April already. As much as I would miss my life here in Laguna, I do want to go home. Really want to. And I want to start law school by this year, too. I decided to stay in this job since I like it so far and it pays the bills,hehe! I just realized that I was able to manage my finances well this time than when I was in my former work. To think that I was earning more, then. That’s why I will give myself a pat in the back.

Mommy Joycie celebrated her birthday last Feb19. I was planning to email her but I never got the chance. I told Mavsky to greet her for me, though. I’m going to mail her a really long letter soon. I miss her and Noki so. Sometimes I can hear the way she calls me. I miss our conversations. And her embraces. And I feel really sad. Dear Mommy, I hope you had a great birthday. Sorry if I’ve been too busy to write you. I’ll make it up to you both. Do take care there. I so miss you both. I love you.

I’ll take a rest for now.

Ciao!

i'm back!!

2007-02-18T18:54:00.000+08:00

It's a brand new year and I am so outdated..:) I wanted to write so much about the so many things that's been happening these past days but I don't feel up to it and the lazy me is never going away. Time flies really fast and it's already February. Hmm, the next thing we knew, it's another brand new year. Anyway, what have I been up to? :)

Hmm, it's still the usual stuffs. Work, friends, drama stories, study plans, family and such. Some days ago, I started to write about my year 2006 in review but I haven't the chance to finish it, hehe!! You know almost everybody would want to write about the year that was, about the people they met, experiences they gained, lessons they learned and dreams they reached. And I am one of those. Unfortunately, inspiration deserted me. But anyhow, it doesn't change the fact that 2006 was one of the most memorable year for me. For one, I've left SGV and found a new home in San Miguel. It wasn't easy leaving a job I've come to love for almost 4 years but I did it because I wanted to pursue my other dreams. Add to that, I miss my friends there everyday and it's really, really sad. :( Though I enjoy my new work, it’s still takes time getting used to. I guess I'm really lucky since my officemates are really fun and really nice. They are my new family now. Still, SGV was one of the best things that happened to me. The firm nurtured me and taught me a lot of what I know now. From a newly-passed CPA from the province, the firm provided me with the best environment to grow professionally. And for that, I am forever grateful. I still miss my friends there everyday but I can say I have finally moved on. :)

Christmas 2006 was fun. I had my first Christmas party in San Miguel and being new, we were tasked to dance for the party. We practiced really hard for 3 days. It was pretty good, hehe!! :) the last time I danced on stage was when I was in grade school. There was a video but I haven't seen it yet. Or rather, I chose not to lest the embarassment. We also celebrated a children's party in Finance during our "kris kringle" revelation day. I got our boss and I gave her an angel lampshade. I got the vcd of the 4th Harry Potter movie, thanks to Ate Mel. :) I spent my Christmas eve at my cousin's in Makati and Christmas day in another cousin in Pasig. It was sort of a family day since some of our cousins from Bicol and Batangas were there. :) By December 28, I was on my way to Bicol for the year-end inventory and for the new year celebration, too. God was really good to me because I was able to get good seats in nice buses on the day of my travel. I was able to meet the people in Bicol plant and the tolling partner and they were really nice to me. I even had dinner in Triboo Grill in Naga with the Manager. December 30 was Ateneo's Alumni Homecoming and my friends and I were able to attend though we spent more time in the new café inside Ateneo, as recommended by our Accounting teacher, than in the program. We talked with Obet and learned that, indeed, he's married. Oh well, best wishes, Bet! You owe us one because you never told us you're getting married. After leaving Ateneo, we went to East and West (a bar) and sang and ate till around 2am. I slept at Nona's, as usual. And yes, Pepping'z are still still together. :) New year's eve was with the family. There's something really sad and sentimental with each new year that passes and comes. Despite the noise, I was feeling sad. The feeling comes with not knowing what's in store for us in the days that will come. I'm praying really hard that God would let us stay together long enough for us to not regret when the time comes for us to leave each other. I want to repay them for everything that they have done for me. :) By night of January 1, I was on my way back to Laguna for work. And the rest, as they say, is history, hehe!! :)

Mommy Joyce called last month and when I heard her voice, I cried. She wouldn't be able to know how much I miss her and Noki. I pray that they're doing well in Maryland. I miss her so much. She's like my Mommy. She taught me a lot and given me so much to be thankful for. I know we will see each other again and until that day, do take care Mommy and Noki. I love you both! :)

I was able to get my last pay from SGV, thanks to Mavsky and all my friends who helped me. I don't think I deserve all the kindness they have given me and I hope someday, I'll be able to return the favor. To my Meralco sisters, thanks! I owe you guys a lot already. Sorry for the trouble. :) I went to meet Mavsky and the kolehiyalas in SGV. Saw a lot of friends, batchmates and clustermates. Busy season is in the air already in SGV when I went there. Godbless guys! AjaAja!!! :) Mavsky, Ane-ane, Deshy and me ate at Pancake House and it was like the old times. I miss these girls so. :( I got Mommy's gift and it's something that I really love. Lot's of cute cats, in my planner, wall calendar and desk calendar. And it's made in Korea! Thank you Mommy! You've always known what would make me really happy. I'm using the planner now and when I have nothing else to do, I look at the cat pictures and smile. Ah, I still have to name all of them. And they're all going to have Japanese names. Nani? Because I'm Japanese right now, that's why. :)

So, I bought a Toshiba laptop last January 30. You know that I've always wanted to get myself one and finally, it's here. I think I got a good deal since it already has a licensed Microsoft XP Home Edition installed, a DVD rom and lots of good stuff inside. I'm still exploring it, though. But thank God, I have one already. :) I just need to be frugal for the next six months. No new blouses, no dvds, no books and mags for now. :) Ah yah, I still have to know when's the release of the 7th Harry Potter book. If it's anytime soon, I have to reserve a copy. I haven't been reading that much these days. So far, I've finished only 3 books for the past 4 months. I loved reading the Divine Secrets of the Yaya Sisterhood and it's prequel (or sequel?) of sorts, Little Altars Everywhere. I love mother-daughter relationship books, just like Amy Tan's. And Grisham's The Street Lawyer, which was really good. Right now, I'm reading Jane Smiley's A Thousand Acres, which I bought from Naga. Yup, it's family-themed again. :) I also bought a lot of magazines already. I dunno but I just love reading features on people achievers and new places these days. My fave so far is Manual magazine. Though it's more on society features, they are really witty and funny and at the same time, informative. Don’t worry, I only buy the back issues so I can have 3 issues for only 100 pesos, hehe!! :)

Okay, drama talk! :) Since I already have my laptop, I was able to renew my acquaintance with the drama world, harhar!! :) I already finished the Korean drama, Fantasy Couple, with Han YeSeul and Oh JiHo. It was funny and touching and overall good but it didn't leave that much impression on me. But I really enjoyed watching it. It's about a super rich and super bratty woman who met an accident and lost her memory and was taken care of a man she hated in her no-amnesia self. He convinced the woman she's his girlfriend so that she can take care of his 3 nephews and do the household chores since she owe him money he needed so much since he's middle class. And of course, they fell in love and it's the cutest thing in the movie, hehe!! :) Han YeSeul's had really cute expressions and Oh Jiho's dimples were really cute. :) Right now, I'm watching the Jdorama, Attention Please with Aya Ueto and Ryo Nishikido. It's a story of a girl who wants to be a cabin attendant but her personality's unsuitable so she'll meet a lot of criticisms but in the end, I know she'll become one (I'm just on episode 3). I wanted to watch this because of Ryo but seeing Aya in an Azumi video with Oguri Shun-kun, I wanted to meet her. I should see every girl paired with Shun-kun, that's why. :) Speaking of Shun-kun, season 2 of Hana Yori Dango is already airing and Ash told me it's really good. Waaahh!!I want to watch, too but Youtube did not allow it. Anyway, I would just have to wait for it to finish. At least I won't feel the agony of waiting for the episodes. I just love Shun-kun and Hanazawa Rui!!:) I have My Boss, My Hero, too and from Ash, Over the Rainbow and Taiyou No Uta. I'm so excited to watch all of these already!! :) Yam (one of my housemates) and I watched the Korean movie Shadowless Sword last week and I cried. It was sad towards the ending. My tears just flowed for the two leads. They didn't have the chance to be happy with their love. I thought the lead actor was familiar and I was thinking where I saw him but I just realized he's in Damo when the credits came and saw his name, Lee SeoJin. How can I forget the dimples, hehe!! He's quite cute, really. :) We still have a lot of movies to watch since Yam bought the 12-in-1 dvd set. All Korean movies and Lee JunKi's The King and the Clown is one of them. Excited, excited!!

I think I wrote enough already. I would have to write more frequently so that my posts wouldn't be an enumeration of my activities and stuffs, hehe!!

Ciao for now, then!!

:)

in the 1/3 of my life...

2006-12-07T20:01:00.000+08:00

finally have the chance to blog again though it's quite late in the night already..:) had dinner with my officemates at max's a while ago, a post-birthday treat..yah, i turned 25 yesterday and though i was away from my family yet again, i was really happy..:) we celebrated it at the office last tuesday and i got a bear i named finny (from finance, hehe!!) and a card (i've always love a card on my birthday)..i was so touched i cried, as usual..thank you, dear officemates and friends! you've made my birthday so much fun..:)

here are some of our pics:

a lot of friends greeted me, some made me cry coz i miss them so much and they gave such touching messages..my sister also came to greet me, in her own way..i did cry a lot, for a lot of different reasons but it was still a happy birthday..i'm 25 and it's a brand new year for me to fulfill my dreams, to be of help to others and to do God's will..i just pray i'll be able to accomplish what God has designed for me..i'll do my best, though..:)

another storm hit bicol last week..it was so sad coz a lot of people died and have lost their livelihoods and their homes..it would take a lot of time before they can lead normal lives again..peppingz amigos will try to help by giving noodles and stuff to the victims in albay..good thing jan and nona initiated the project..hope it would be able to help feed those who have nothing to eat..right now, all i can do is pray for them..it's sad but then again, life must go on..:( i'm still thankful that mama and papa and jimboy and all our other relatives were okay..there were damaged properties but it can be rebuilt..what is important is that no life was lost because of the typhoon..i still pray a merry christmas for everyone..bicolanos are God-fearing, i am pretty sure everyone will recover, in due time..:) hay, so what have i been busy with lately? aside from work, which i enjoy so far, i haven't been pursuing any interests..it's still the same old stuffs, hehe!! :) i do like japanes anime a lot these days..i have a lot already that i still haven't watched..there's full metal alchemist, cooking master boy, yakitate japan, bleach, shaman king and ouran high school host club..i was planning to buy prince of tennis but it cost a lot so i would just wait for the dvd9 version..:) i even bought shonen jump, a manga, that i loved reading..there was two episodes of naruto that i loved coz i laughed so much..:) i still have some japanese movies to watch..ah, i was able to watch the dvd of chekeraccho that i bought from yesasia..hayato and inoue mao-chan are aso cute together!!LOVE them so!! the dvd also had autographs of the actors so i'm quite contented with my purchase..:) i'll buy inoue mao-chan's other movie, grave of fireflies and the movie taiyou no uta, if it's available at yesasia by next year..i'm excited for these two dvds..:) bobby called me the other day...i miss talking to him so much..he has lots to tell but i think he needed to rest..he's been busy with work and his nightlife, hehe!! i just hope he's eating healthy and not drinking too much..:) mommy and noki are okay, i guess and joyie, too..i'm always praying for them for it's the only thing i can do for them since they're so far..i do miss them so...:( hmm, sunday's vavane's wedding..hazel, sheila and me will meet at alabang on saturday afternoon then go to batangas together..she's the first one to marry..i'm sure i will cry but i'll do my best not to..:) hazel told me not to cry since it will ruin my make-up so i'll hold the tears till i can..:) be happy vavane!!i love you!!:)

so, i think this it...:) i'll try to update more frequently.. ciao!!

updates, at last...

2006-11-11T16:31:00.000+08:00

hi there!

haven't been blogging for quite some time now..i've been too caught up with my new work in a new place that's why i haven't the chance to write..anyway, i'll try my best to put as much details as i can remember with what's happening with me.. bear with me! :)

okay, first stop..new work..:)

i'm now with san miguel foods, inc - feeds business as a finance analyst..what do i do? hmm, i'm in-charge of the accounting side of bicol feedmill plant since the finance part of its operations is centralized here in sta rosa laguna (yup, i'm in laguna now) plus i have other tasks assigned to me but that's just a minor addition..anyway, in my one month and a week stay here, i've been having a blast, hehe!!:) what i mean is, i'm actually having a good time..i enjoy the company of my officemates (though there are also controversies but i think it's but natural) and i love our apartment (i share it with two of my officemates)..we don't go out that much but we have our own definition of fun and bonding moments, like cooking and eating merienda together, sharing stories over coffee and just joking around..:) it's easy to get along with all of them that's why i'm content of being here..we're bonding so well that it would be sad when the time comes that we will separate, me back in bicol and the others to other offices where they will be assigned..i think this would happen early next year..but that's neither here nor there so i won't dwell much on that right now..:) about our apartment, it's quite big and we have a bathtub that we don't have the time to use, haha!!! i share it with ge and yam, my officemates..i love it because it's not just a room but a house unlike the one i live with before when i was in makati...deshy would have love living there..it's in the second floor of a large building that is called blue house and what's best about it is that it's a minute away from the office..but we still get late, thrice already, hehe!!:)

i'll share pictures of us during our first "gimik" last oct23 at gimikeros, balibago..it was fun! :)

i still miss sgv, though and my clustermates..i miss deshy and mavsky and ane-ane..:( and my meralco sisters and bobby..and mommy and noki so much i always cry..sometimes before i go to sleep, i think of them..there was this one day when i was really feeling sad, i miss mommy so much that i cried..i called mavsky because i wanted to talk so someone familiar..hay, it would take time before i can finally miss them and not cry..i hope they're always okay..:)

hmm, what's next? ah, okay, my drama stories..:) haven't been watching that much since i don't have a laptop yet and i left all my unwatched dramas at home..ah yah, i'm planning to buy a second-hand laptop soon..then, i asked ash to burn me two dramas again, hehe!! one jdorama and one kdrama, highly recommended by ash herself..the jdorama's taiyou no uta, with erika sawajiri as the lead (aya in 1LoT) and the kdrama's over the rainbow with kim ok bin (from hanoi bride with dongwook oppa)..i'll probably get it by end of november..i'm quite excited already, hehe!! :) and my yesasia dvd purchase was already delivered but it's still with mavsky since we haven't seen each other yet..it's chekeraccho, with hayato (the cutest japanese actor for me!!!) and my fave actress, inoue mao (from hana yori dango) and speaking of hyd, there's a second season already and it would be out by next year..something to look forward to...:) i've finished quite a lot of dramas while i was in bicol and i love all of them..there's nobuta wo produce which i really love because of the extraordinary friendship between shuji, akira and nobuta..no wonder it was the best drama in 2005..it was really touching! i love kame there and pi and horikita maki..they were really good..:) i have a lot of catching up to do in my drama watching..i really think i'm being left behind, hehe!! :)

some random stuffs (since it's late already and i'm still here in the internet shop) ..

- jan passed the cpa board exam last october..really happy for him..:)
- will watch the purefoods game tomorrow at araneta against welcoat..really pray we'll go home smiling, hehe!!yah, hope they'll win..:)
- vavane is getting married, december 10..i gave her my measurement already for my gown..i'll be incharge of the cord, according to her..i am sure i will CRY during the wedding..:)
- i still love ARASHI and KANJANI8 so, so much...:)
- haven't been to the movie for like 2 months now..waaahh, i'm so outdated!!!
- veronica mars has a new season..hail to LoVe!!!i'll just wait for the dvd for season3..:)

that's it for now..it's not much but it will do..:)

ciao!!

here in bicol na..

2006-09-20T14:33:00.000+08:00

we (my brother and i) reached home at around 5am..we missed the 7:30pm bus schedule so we rode the 9:15pm schedule..this was because mommy ems and i came from taguig for noki's despedida..i was able to saw mommy, sishe, ms gaile and mavsky before i went home..i cried, as expected..:( but i am hopeful that i will see them again but i still feel sad..and i do miss the office and my friends and clustermates..:( i am still really sad and i think it would take time before i can adjust..anyway, life must go on..:)

so, first thing i did was unpack some of my stuffs and till now, i'm still not done..unpacking is not easy for someone so sentimental like me..i'm always crying..:( but i managed somehow since my oc-self is not comfortable with the mess..we tried the dvd player, too to check if it can really play all file format and it seems like it really can..haven't been watching that much drama since mama is always lecturing me on sleeping early, hehe!! :) so, i spend my saturday sleeping though i should have been at crissy's for lunch since it was fiesta..i woke up with a headache so i decided not to go..we went to church on sunday, then ate lunch at lola tess' (mama's co-teacher) at calauag..i met nona at 3gx (internet shop)..she was researching for her mba project (she's studying in ateneo) and i offered to help her since i don't have much to do anyway..jan came, we looked through some dvds (jan bought naruto) and inquired in some computer store (since i'm planning to buy a laptop) then we went to crissy's..lelel, milrose and don came, too, then we took some pictures with lelel's new camera..at 6pm, i heard mass again, this time in basilica, with crissy, jan and nona..there were so many people and it was really not fun walking..we had dinner at max's..we saw ate leah (nona's sister who's getting married by sept 28th) with her soon-to-be..:) i went home at around 9pm and rode (for the first time) our motorcycle (with my bro driving)..it was okay, though i was a bit scared..

we went to tet's by monday..i gave my resume to nona since she said there might be an opening in their company for an auditor..it's a micro-finance type of company and it's pretty stable..:) itchie and i talked a lot about law school (since he's graduating already) and korean dramas, haha!!:) it was fun being with cousins again and i'm quite happy since i will be able to attend jobyn's graduation next year in ateneo since i 'll be here in bicol by then..:) i met up with nona again to get the reading materials for her class..we ate at geewan then went grocery shopping at robertsons then i went home..i watched stand-up (jdorama) till 2am..nino is so cute!!shun-kun, too..it was really funny..:)

didn't go out yesterday..spent the day cleaning cabinets and some of my sister's stuffs..i chanced upon her diary during her last months..there wasn't any indication that she was sick in all her entries..it was mostly about her crsuhes and school and her wishes..i was rarely mentioned, though but it was okay..and in those entries that i was mentioned, i cried..she called me 'dear darling sister' and described me as sometimes 'angel' and sometimes 'devil'..i also read some of her letters from her friends and i just couldn't help but think what it would have been like if she was still here with us..she would probably be a teacher by now and laughing and enjoying life like i do..i wonder if she'll like watching korean and japanese dramas, too like i do..i bet she will since we do like the same things..anyway, i know wherever she is, she's happy..

today, mama and i went to pili (san miguel foods) to give my resume..i was interviewed by the manager (i guess) but then i would still have to go to manila for an interview with the finance manager and the work would not be in naga..but there is a big chance that i will be able to transfer here after 1 year in laguna..hmm, i really want to work in san miguel so i might still try it..they'll call me for the interview sked so i would just have to wait..:) we (mama, jimboy and me) ate lunch at red platter..papa didn't come so we bought him take-out..papa and jimboy are supervising ninong toting's house construction in concepcion so they're quite busy..

and i'm still here in the internet shop..:)

i miss my friends in makati and the office..i really need to find something to do now so i won't feel sad anymore..and i miss my basketball friends, too...:( i would have to email them so they won't forget about me..

oh, i finished stand-up last night and watched till episode 3 of great teacher onizuka..stand-up was really a good story of friendship and growing up..i laughed so much! :) gto is very good, so far..i like the lead actor, sorimachi takashi..he looks like song seunghun (korean actor)..and his way of teaching is really unconventional but effective..and shun-kun is there, too..he wasn't as tall as he is now but well, that drama was in 1998..still, he's CUTE!!! :)

in this picture, he really looks like song seunghun..

i have a lot of dramas to watch, still.. good thing i am able to control myself from buying new dramas..there are a lot of good dramas finishing in japan and some in korea so i'll just wait for that..:)

i already know how to count in japanese, YEY!! i would have to exert more effort in learning the verb part but it's really hard..i don't understand it a bit..will try, though..:)

miss my jpop songs, arashi and kanjani8..:( will have to get a laptop so that i can get my files from mavsky..youtube is not working in this internet shop so i'm not really happy..:(

i still have to talk about the dramas i've watched but i'll reserve that next time..i'm not much into fan-girl mood right now..

so, ciao!!!

:)

dinner with the kolehiyalas..

2006-09-14T00:50:00.000+08:00

so, we finally had the dinner that was supposed to be done last saturday..this time we ate at aveneto pizzeria in glorietta..i wanted italian tonight, that's why..:) everybody came so it was really fun..my and tunsky was the first to come then i was next..i was so busy wrapping my books and packing it that i ran late but it was still fine..then berns and then the 3 sgv girls, deshy, mavs and anne..we ask czarmel (mavs bf) to come since we need someone to eat the leftovers (we call him the "janitor fish") and to take pictures of us, haha!! but seriously, i wanted him to be there, too since he's a friend..

it didn't feel like my last dinner with them before i go home to bicol..it was like an ordinary girls night out..but i liked that feeling since it wasn't emotional or something (though at some point i was feeling melancholic)..we had so much fun taking pictures and videos and laughing on various things..like the name of berns secret admirer (he gave her flowers and signed his name as "me ever") to the different ways of how to fake a smile..it was all documented (videoed by deshy but i like the sound of "documented"; very auditor-like, haha!!)..they gave me a scrapbook of our times together and my other favorite things like basketball and my korean "friends"...it's really very nice..it also has two cds of birthday greetings (way back in 2004) and a picture presentation, all made by mavs, the expert, plus their messages, of course..:) thank you dear friends, i'll treasure it forever!!

some pictures of tonight..:)

lazy days...

2006-09-11T23:16:00.000+08:00

this week would be my last here in manila..i'll be going to bicol this friday night with my brother..yes, after more than 4 years here (counting my CPA review days), i'm going home for good.. i dunno what's waiting for me there and right now, i'm just praying for the best..so, i wouldn't talk about it right now..:)

so anyway, i've been staying at home a lot these days..i only go out when there's a need for me like when i have to meet my friends for dinner or so..i've been reading a lot and sleeping at odd hours or just bumming around our room, haha!!! i cannot watch my dramas since i don't have my laptop anymore..i finished all jessica zafra's twisted books and really, they all made me laugh..she's very good that even the serious issues like politics will make you laugh..and her movie/book reviews are very insightful aside from it being funny..:) and just a while ago, i finished my second amy tan book "joy luck club" (a parting gift from joyjoy who's in australia now) and yes, i cried again..the ending was just so touching..:( i will definitely watch the movie when i have the chance since i have it anyway..the story is about the lives of four chinese-american women and their daughters.. so far, i love the two amy tan's books that i've read (i read bonesetter's daughter) and i'll buy her other novels soon.. i love how she tells a mother-daughter relationship..you cannot help but think of your mom while reading and also reflect about the kind of relationship you have with her..i just don't like family-themed dramas but also books..they're just so true..:)

last saturday, my office bestfriends (the kolehiyalas) planned to have our last dinner together before i go home..so we set it at 8pm and we'll eat at masas-greenbelt...i already reserved us a table but unfortunately, they weren't able to come except tunsky...tunsky started acting all weird i.e. she wouldn't go out until the rain stopped, which was like never during that night..and the rest of the girls started texting me excuses why they're late..so okay, i began to think that maybe they're planning something and that they're all together somehow..when it was clear that we couldn't make it to dinner together since it was already almost 11pm, they called us to apologize and to reschedule the date..it was okay with me since i couldn't be angry at them for i later learned that they were making me a scrapbook at anne's house..:) but tunsky and i still had dinner at kitchen and had coffee at starbucks..we were joking that if another hour passed and we're still together, we would eventually marry each other since we were together for almost 5 hours already, haha!! not that we were complaining..we were happy to be together just sharing stories and people watching..the rest of the girls came at around 1am already..we bought them pastries from starbucks since they haven't had dinner yet..poor friends!:( but we will have dinner this wednesday so it's okay..:) and i saw my scrapbook already and i loved it though it's not yet finished.. i love these girls so!! :)

the internet shop's closing now so i'd talk about my dramas and other stuffs next time..:)

so, ciao for now!

:)

good times and good stuffs..

2006-09-04T16:45:00.000+08:00

everyone should go watch "devil wears prada" with anne hathaway and meryll streep..it is so GOOD!! :) i watched it last friday with my roommies mavs and deshy at greenbelt and we were all smiles leaving the movie house..i can relate to the whole story, really..it's about choosing what is really important to you and what is only superficial..andy (anne's character) got this job as an assistant to the (in)famous editor-in-chief of a fashion magazine and everybody was telling her that any girl would die to have her job..so, although she was having difficulties (she was asked to find the unpublished harry potter book, duh?) and her relationship with her friends and boyfriend were on the rocks, she told herself she'll just stay for one year for it will be a nice touch in her resume..but, personal beliefs cannot be sacrificed so in the end, she left..all throughout the movie, i was like, wow! this is me and my roommates and my officemates..we are all 'andy' and sooner or later, we will all face the crossroads of choice..well, i crossed mine already that's why i'm leaving the firm and pursuing my other goals..but really, it was our lives being played out in that movie..anne hathaway is ME in that movie, harhar!!! :) seriously, everyone should watch it..it will teach a lesson or two in making life's choices..:)

and, there is a movie that is especially made for me, to cater to my fan-girl self..it stars 3 of my most loved actors (in order): leonardo dicaprio, mark wahlberg and matt damon..i was silently screaming with fan-girl excitement when i saw the trailer, haha!! something to look forward to..i wish i can watch this before i go home to bicol because i know it would take months before this movie will be shown there..yah, it's a province..:)

we had that roommates bonding thing last friday, too..:) deshy bought her monthly cosmo magazine and we looked through the pictures of some of manila's eligible bachelors..some were really cute but others were, err, normal, hehe!! there were just some funny write-ups for some guys and we had a great time making fun of them (bashing actually!) there was also this new type of that "thing" that men use (i cannot bear to write it down here, sorry) introduced in the mag and we had some laughs and embarassing discussion on that thing, too..:) and mavs bought a 'manga' from national bookstore for her lil sister and i read it, too..i forgot the title but i remember the characters, kotarou and misha..it was my first time reading a 'manga' and it was in the original japanese style, too..the story was short but it was funny so i liked it..:)

i bought a lot of dramas and animes to bring home to bicol that is why my budget's so strained that its about to break, hehe!! :) it would take me till the end of the year to finish all of it, i guess..but never mind, i'm actually very happy having it..:) i have these animes: full metal alchemist, yakitate japan, cooking master boy and secret lovers and i have these jdoramas (from ash): orange days, mukodono, hero, great teacher onizuka, goodluck, stand-up, kurosagi, nobuta wo produce, waterboys2 and kamisama (with takeshi)..yah, they're all japanese..but i still have my korean dose: dr gang (with jang donggun) and great expectation (with kim jaewon)..:) i might as well stop buying dramas for now because i just realized all my money's been ending up with these dramas..like whaatt???!!! if only i could eat them after i watch them, i'll be a very happy person..:)

so okay, last thursday was my last day in sgv..sad, sad..:( i emailed my batchmates, my training buddies, engagement team members and some friends and they all wished me luck..mr joseph called and i was all broken voice and teary-eyed..during lunch time, i was actually trying very hard not to cry..but i still cried but i made it to the bathroom, just in time..i kissed my laptop goodbye and thanked it for all the memories we had together and cleaned my area (though not thoroughly, hehe!)..i would be coming back, though, so it's not really the goodbye of all goodbyes..i still have some stuffs to settle before i really go home..:)

my fingers were hurting after i wrote so many letters (of goodbyes) to my friends last night..and i still have to write a lot more..and to wrap the farewell gifts and to shop for some more..and to pack my stuffs..i'm not even sure i can carry everything home..i have accumulated so many things during my 3 years and 9 months stay here..the books and the cds will definitely bring trouble, they're heavy!! good thing my brother is coming to help but he already told me to buy him shoes as a payment so i dunno if it's still a good thing..:) but whatever, at least i wouldn't be alone..

ah, i finished 'snow falling on cedars' last weekend, too..it was very good..no wonder it got that pen/faulkner award..the story-telling is really interesting..it started with the trial but it was able to tell the story of the people of san piedro island, the struggles, the issues and the events that shaped them..touching, too..at least it ended in a hopeful note with ishmael finally accepting (though hard) that hatsue cannot be his anymore and that he needs to get a life instead of living in the memories of their 'cedar' years..i really want to watch the movie (and not just because ethan hawke is ishmael) but also because i know it must be really good, with the snow and all..:)

i heard my first christmas song, too..YAY!!! it's christmas time again!!! it's the -ber month now, so christmas songs wil definitely be played..:) my first christmas without me being sad of coming back to manila after the holidays...but it's still bitter-sweet, coz i'll miss my friends here..:(

i miss my arashi and kanjani8's songs..:(

anyway, ciao for now!

mwah!

contented..

2006-08-28T13:11:00.000+08:00

friday was bobby's last day here in sgv..we didn't actually had the chance to talk since he was busy with all the last-minute to-dos but i was able to give him the "lil something" i bought for him plus a short letter..i managed not to cry that's why i'm proud of myself..:) besides, i already cried buckets before so maybe the tears are all gone now..anyway, he'll be off to new york by october 1 and god knows when i will see him again..:( but take care, bobby! i wish you well, always..:)

since jpop rules my world right now, i went off to netopia again to download arashi's pvs and kanjani8's songs..thank god for the generous uploaders (himitsu et al), i was able to get FTO, the whole album and been listening to it ever since..oh, i like KANJANI8 a lot!!!and that subaru's guy really has the best voice ever..his voice is so cool.. i can go on listening to him for hours..he's not an eye candy but he can SING!! :) my faves from the FTO album are carnival, osaka rainy blues, osaka romanesque (subaru=LOVE) and oh!enka..:) i was tempted to buy the album from yesasia but luckily i chanced upon himitsu for the download, arigatou!!!:)

and i had the best friday night ever since i was able to watch the first 3 episodes of hayato's water boys2!!!thanks youtube!! you're the greates gift ever given to net addicts!!! :) and i'm getting the series from a friend this week and so my life is complete..for now, harhar!! hayato is like the cutest japanese boy ever and i like him tons!!! i'm also getting his movie all about lily chou chou and chekeraccho from yesasia..:) see? i don't like him, really..and he has the cutest girl-pair in water boys2..her name's ishihara saitomi (?) and she's real pretty..:) and so i ended my friday (more like early saturday am) reading the subs for eps 4-12, haha!! i just cannot wait to find out how it will end..but, i'll still watch and rewatch it, definitely..

hmm, saturday..i only have one to-do and that was to get a rebond..yah, after 8 months, my hair got another treatment..this time, i availed of the milk rebond since the manager/stylist was nagging me to get it..so, okay fine, do it then..the result was actually not bad and i like it so far..it just bothers me that i cannot tie it up yet since it's still new..anyway, i stayed in the salon for 5 long hours..i brought my book, snow falling on cedars and was halfway through it when my hair was done..i slept the night off listening to kanjani8's songs (yeah,yeah!)..:)

mavelle and i bummed around the house and laughed so hard watching "friends" on her laptop..it was around 5pm when we had our breakfast/lunch/dinner at chowking and it was raining, too (no connection whatsoever!)..we bought some stuffs from shopwise then returned home..i heard mass at 8pm and watched "friends" again..oh, i also checked the subtitles of the dvd of MiSa (kdrama) which i bought..thankfully, the subs were good..this is one drama that i really, really love though it made me miserable for more than a week after i finished watching it..:) and i rewatched "win a date with tad hamilton" and realized why i love topher grace so much..he's just so cute as pete, especially when he's singing barry white..:) and the last thing i heard was subaru/kanjani8 singing funky town osaka..

woke up early since i had a dentist appointment at 9am..having your mouth opened for almost an hour was no easy job..well, all for clean teeth..:)

still listening to kanjani8..LOVES!!!

ciao!

loves and tears..

2006-08-23T00:38:00.000+08:00

still in my sad state..:(

anyway, will hype this post with some of the things i did these past days..i was feeling lazy to post though a lot of things already happened, with me mostly crying my eyes out..can't help it..my tear glands are hyperactive..well, it's quite understandable..i'm counting my days here in manila..i'm leaving the life i built here for almost 4 years..yesterday, i was packing some of my stuffs and i was bawling like a baby..luckily, i was alone in the room..gosh, i didn't expect leaving will be this hard..whenever i enter the office, my eyes already feel heavy with so many unshed tears..i'm worried that any time, i will just burst into unexplained tears..yes, i'm such a crybaby and i'm not ashamed to admit that..it's really very hard..i'm leaving the bestfriends i made here..all i will bring in bicol will be memories..god knows when we'll all meet again and do the stuffs we all used to do..i love these people so much and it's really hurting me..sob! :(

i try really hard not to be emotional but i think being emotional is second nature to me..i can't do it!! i was at netopia a while ago, downloading some japanese songs (since i really love them right now!) and while waiting for it, i chanced upon this clip in youtube about aiba's letter to his fellow arashi members (aiba's my new fave right now) and you guessed right, i cried..:( well, arashi was crying, too, so naturally, since i'm a crybaby myself, i cried with them..but it was really touching and it made me love them more..yes, i LOVE ARASHI!!! i'll post aiba-chan's letter here (thanks to jdorama.com for the translation)..imagine aiba-chan with his voice cracking and trying really hard (but not succeeding) not to cry..

To everyone in Arashi,

I've written down my feelings towards Arashi here. It's been 5 years since we debuted and we've gone through a lot of things since then. Hard times, sad times, fun times, we were always together. Lately we've been taking on separate work one by one : when I see the result of everyone's individual work, I really feel happy inside. To me Arashi isn't just full of good friends, but it is also full of good rivals too.

It's just that now that I think about it, I've given everyone a lot of trouble, haven't I ? Those few days when I was hospitalized because of my lung, I couldn't stop thinking about everyone else. But I couldn't work and had to have you guys cover for me.

JUN : Oi !

And the scar that was left behind on the right side of my chest from the surgery, even now, it gives me courage every time I see it. I really want to thank all of you. Normally I would feel embarrassed and never be able to say these things, but I am going to take advantage of this moment to say it now.

- MatsuJun, thank you for putting Arashi into consideration more than anyone else.
- Nino, thank you for always observing the atmosphere in the group and rallying everyone up at the perfect moment.
- Sho-kun, thank you for being able to put 5 completely different people together and uniting us so well.
- And lastly, Leader. Ohno-kun, although you rarely ever fulfill your duties as a leader, I'm still thankful towards your existence and always being there to help me out. You're very reliable, Leader !

From now on, the 5 of us have to continue to gather our strength and work hard together. We will definitely fulfill our dream to be at the top like we've always said we will. It's great to be in Arashi.
~*~*~*~*~*~ End of Letter *~*~*~*~*~

HOST : Leader, How do you feel?
LEADER : Ah! He surprised me
HOST : Really? Matsujun?
MATSUJUN : Ah~ It was great
HOST : Nino?
NINO : Our Aiba falls sick easily. And he's always worried about this. That's why he always feels like he's troubling us. But we don't think it that way because we are Arashi.
HOST : Sakurai?
SHO-KUN : During the period of time when he was sick, I think the one who feels the worst is him. I thank him for telling us how he feels during that period of time.
NINO : To Arashi, this has been a wonderful summer. Thank you everyone!

then, i also watched the "it started with a kiss special" on youtube..i finished this drama last weekend and i really love it! ariel lin is like the cutest taiwan actress ever and i like her acting better than rainie yang in devil beside you..and joe cheng is way too cute, too..i'll love this drama forever..it's about family ties, too..you know me, i love family dramas..:) so, at the end of this ISWAK special, they all gave short speeches about what they feel about the drama..and when the director talked and it was really touching, i cried with them, too..ariel lin was crying and so are the rest of the cast present..i love all of them, too!! good thing, there's a sequel in 2007! i look forward to this..:) that's one thing that made me smile despite my gloomy state of heart..:) and so i share pictures..

last sunday, i watched the annual PBA draft at market, market with some of my basketball buddies (al, chel, jena, rosie, mitch and fritz)..i thought we could get a nice view of the activity but no, there was a large number of people who came to watch, too..sad! we couldn't even get a good glance at the rookies who were drafted..we contented ourselves by just hearing the names and occasionally jumping..but anyway, it was still a fun afternoon with friends..we even got our pictures taken with kuya rey (evangelista) who was in a suit, harhar!! :) excited for the next basketball season but also sad since i can only watch it on tv now..:(

and, i got my jessica zafra's twisted books signed by no other than the author herself..:) she was in sgv last aug 16 to talk about blog ethics and i brought all the books i have of her and have it autographed..she's really a very good speaker and she look nice, too.. i like her bangle-like earrings..:) and she knows how to write inversely..i mean, you can properly read her handwriting by facing the book in the mirror (i dunno how you call that but yes, it's inverse writing for me)..great, no? i just finished reading the second twisted book last night and it was really funny, as usual..love her books very much..:)

i bought a new white-strapped watch from timex..and yes, it was on sale..i wouldn't have bought it if it was not..:) and i got myself a new moss green jacket, a blue flowery blouse and a long-sleeve blue shirt..i was my impulsive self last sunday so that's it..

i really love arashi's kitto daijoubu PV..it's so GENKI!!:) jun dances like a girl, really..and aiba-chan is so cute..i was watching it for the nth time during the weekend..and yes, the ISWAK ost is to die for, too..really nice songs especially "say you love me" and that song by ariel lin..addicting!!:) and i also love kanjani8's osaka romanesque..that subaru guy's got a cool voice despite the hairdo..plus ryo's part of the group, too..JPOP's nice, really!

so there, i'll write more about life (other than jpop) next time..

oh, aiba-chan's picture for you (thanks uploader!)..kawaii!!! inoue mao-chan likes him, too..:)

for bobby..

2006-08-22T23:50:00.000+08:00

i'm feeling really sad right now thus the blue color..anyway, just got back from dinner and movie with bobby, jen and venus..it maybe our last dinner together since bobby will be leaving for new york by october and me, i'm going home to bicol by sept 15..it's sad, with friends leaving each other and going separate paths in life..:( we all couldn't help but cry..we've been together for almost four years now..we all started working for the same client in 2002 and that's when our bond was formed..that bond became stronger through the years..bobby and me, especially..i really think he's my soulmate..we both like the same stuffs and even if we don't talk or see each other often, we manage to remain bestfriends..he's that someone i can talk to about everything, without worrying that he might think ill of me or something..he's my bestfriend..:) i'm really, really sad because we'll part ways soon..i'm going to really miss all our crazy talks about boys, about our plans, about books and dramas and really just about anything..hey bobby, i don't know if i told you this already but i really love being your friend..i'm happy to know you..i'm really going to miss you..:( thanks for the book and the message and everything that you have given me (friendship and trust especially) though it made me cry buckets..:( don't worry, someday, we will concoct potions and produce magic that will get us through mazes, through mirrors or even paintings..let's look forward to that day..until then, just take care of yourself..i only want you to be really happy..i pray that you'll find whatever that is that will make you really happy..if not, i'm always here for you..i'll cry rivers, but yes, just like what you said, we'll always have our memories..

aja aja bobby!!!

i'll be here when you come back..

:)

turning japanese..

2006-08-10T01:44:00.000+08:00

having a hiatus over my korean dramas since i'm into jdoramas and everything japanese these days, haha!! :) the songs (only REMIOROMEN's songs)i listen to, the dramas i watch, the blogs i frequent, the websites i browse, the pictures i download, the books i read and the blog posts i write are all, yes, JAPANESE-related..well, this is so typical of me..when i am into something, i'm really into it and everything i do is for it..take for example my love for kdramas..right now, i've accumulated thousands of pictures and other downloaded stuffs about all the kdramas i've watched..i wouldn't even think of how much i've spent buying all those dramas and how many sleepless nights i had since anyway, i had fun watching all of it..:)

you probably already know how i love 1 litre of tears and remioromen so for this post, i'd talk about the rest of my japanese-LOVE, as i call it..:)

first, ARASHI - hmm, this is a 5-member, pop/r&b/hiphop group with matsumoto jun (doumyoji tsukasa in hyd and sawada shin in gokusen 1) as 1/5..i love their song "wish" which was part of the ost of hyd..i never really paid attention to them as a group since i only know matsujun but since i was searching all over the net for something of jun, i naturally stumbled upon ARASHI..not that i'm complaining, i actually, really love the 5 of them instantly after browsing other blogs on them and reading (and laughing really hard) some interview transcripts (thanks!)..they are all so adorable and lovable!! :) like i understand now why a lot of female fans love them so..from the 5, my favorites are jun, nino and ohno..jun: because, he just had me at doumyoji, haha!!; nino: because despite his aloofness, i think he's a really nice guy inside and ohno, he's just too cute to be true and i don't mean physically, it's just the way he acts and speaks that's childish but really cute..:)

first pic - nino and jun, two of my favorites..(nino does look like francis m.); second pic - ARASHI and i actually know them by name now, haha!! (that's ohno embraced by sho with nino smiling but not looking at the camera and that's jun behind nino with his arm in aiba's shoulders) did i got it right? i think so!! :)

second, hanadan or mao-chan and jun-kun, in particular - i so love these two from hanadan..they're just perfect for each other as makino and doumyoji..:) so, i was pretty much dancing when i saw this website (thanks gem!) with lots of pictures from mags and behind the scenes of the drama..they're so kawaii, ne?.. :)

and how can i forget, HAYATO!!! it's so rare to find pictures of him in the internet but i managed to found some at some site (thanks!)..remember HAYATO? he's in that movie that i bought (and it's not even on sale) just because i saw his name on it, hehe!! he's still a boy, though, only 19, i think..but anyway, from the lil i saw of his acting, i'd say he's pretty good aside from him projecting an "i'm-a-bad-boy" kind of image..i liked him this much that i pre-ordered his movie "chekeraccho" at yesasia and i'm counting the days till october 4 for its release..so hurry october!! and as added bonus, inoue mao is in that movie, too..now, how cool is that? YEY!!!:)

so there, just some of my japanese LOVE..i think i'll have lots more days from now..:)

oh, i've got lots of jdoramas lined up that i'm really excited to watch: nobuta wo produce (with yamapi who's so cute!!), stand up (since oguri-kun is there), attention please (it's ryo so i have to watch this), kamisama mou suhoshe dake (takeshi!!) and kurosagi (with yamapi again!)..^_^

bye for now!!

remioromen rocks!!!

2006-08-08T19:32:00.000+08:00

the last time i was so crazy about a band or a song was way back in high school, yes, eraserheads and their song alapaap, to be more particular..now, there's only 2 songs in my playlist sang by the same artist and what more? i don't really know what those songs mean....why? tada! because it's JAPANESE!!! yes, i'm so into REMIOROMEN right now..they're called japan's matchbox twenty, if that's any indication of how good they sound..:) well, i love them so much, first, because they sang aya-haruto's theme konayuki in my favorite jdorama, 1 litre of tears; two, i got goosebumps and teary-eyed when i watched them sing konayuki live (only in youtube) with the vocalist almost crying the words out and three, well, they looked cute to me, harhar!! :)

info, info (from dramawiki): REMIOROMEN is composed of Fujimaki Ryota (guitars and vocal), Maeda Keisuke (bass) and Jinguuji Osamu (drums)..they're all in their late 20's (26-27 yo)..they debuted in 2003 and so far have released 3 albums..:) i'm tempted to buy their album from yesasia and i just needed a lil encouraging still, hehe!! :) i LOVE their song konayuki and the graduation song, march 9, which was also in 1 litre of tears.. i also saw their video of taiyou no shita in youtube and it was GOOD!!! definitely, definitely tempted to buy their album..gah, i'll have to learn japanese to appreciate their songs more..but the band's worth it anyway..

sob! i couldn't find any good pictures of the band..but here's a few anyway..

the band and the vocalist in the middle..he sings konayuki really well, he looked like he will cry any moment..:)

ciao for now!

:)

i wanna go home..:(

2006-08-04T22:52:00.000+08:00

a lot are saying i will probably not push through with my plans of leaving sgv, saying that my reasons are not valid enough and that i will not be permitted by our partner-in-charge..i dunno, i'm pretty much decided to leave..i mean, they wouldn't exactly know how i feel, right? it's my decision and it's not as if i just thought of this yesterday..they wouldn't know that i cry alone in the bus whenever i'm going back to manila after a vacation or that i feel so sad missing a lot of important events by being here..will they understand that advancing in my career is not my primary motivation? i believe that i have stayed long enough here already and that it's time for me to be with my family..i've been away for so long and i want to come home already..i just want to be home..:( i've been praying for this moment for a long time now so i just hope they all would understand..i don't want to be missing mama and papa , my brother and all my friends if i can be with them..i'd rather be there than be here feeling all miserable and homesick..

please do understand..i need to do this for myself..

sgv's 60th year..:)

2006-08-01T22:18:00.000+08:00

our firm celebrated its 60th year last friday, july 28 at the world trade center in roxas, manila..this was the first time that we were required to wear formal, understandably, since it's the 60th year and there was this big celebration, complete with a red carpet entrance that we were not able to experience since we were late, harhar!! well, it was raining and it was hard to find a taxi so there..we came at around 8pm, just in time for the announcements of the promotions, which is actually the highlight of the whole night..:) unluckily, there weren't any tables available for us and as expected, we were not able to eat properly since it was a set table but since we didn't have any table, well, you got the idea..:) anyway, we compensated the lack of food with lots of pictures..our cluster's really camera-loving people, hehe!! ^-^ after the party, we proceeded to diamond hotel's sky lounge to celebrate the promotion of one partner..the place was really beautiful..there was a band cum stand-up comedian who supplied us with laughs, songs and green jokes till 3am..:)

some worthy-of-being-mentioned stuffs:

-our partner-in-charge was one of the partners who sang sgv's song, "the power of one" on stage and we were cheering our hearts out for her, as in..
-one of the sycip awardees was someone i talked to before..yah, okay so that's not really a big deal but since he's from another group here in sgv and his area is like floors below us, our chances of talking to each other is so remote..but, since he's one of the auditors of a supplier of my favorite client so that's our connection..imagine, i'm actually happy for him, hehe..i mean, he must be really good and hardworking to merit that prestigious sycip award..:)
- deshy was promoted to associate director and to think she didn't plan to attend the party in the first place..congrats deshy!!:)
-a clustermate, dennis (we call him denise) sang "love always finds a way" in the "sgv idol", a singing contest invented by the gay singers of the band..the price was an overnight stay for two in the hotel but jaydee, a friend from the tax group won..he sang "bed of roses" and was off-keyed four times but the audience loved his performance thus, the win..:)
- lala, another clustermate, danced on-stage..great moves, by the way, hehe!!! ^-^
- we ate lots of potatoes..it seems like the only food served to us..and i drank four seasons plus mavelle's ripe mango shake, which she didn't like (thanks mavsky!)..

so, anyway, pictures for you:

with my very good friend, bobby..:)

the kolehiyalas, my office-sisters (there's just the four us left..)

with mommies joyce and gaile and noki..it's like a wedding reception, harhar!!

the camera-loving cluster..:)

it was a real fun night for us..sad to say, it's my last anniversary party in sgv..but anyway, it was still a good night to remember in later days..:)

random:

- i rewatched hana yori dango last sunday..this drama will be forever my favorite..i love makino tsukushi and doumyoji tsukasa..kawaii!!

- bought all 3 seasons of OC since i read somewhere about seth and summer being such "shipper" couple and me such a "shipper" lover will not miss out on this, hehe!!

- got a dvd of dr gang, with one of my fave korean actors, yang dong gun (he's not cute but he definitely knows how to act) and also goong, which i was addicted to when it was showing in korea..:)

- last monday, we received an umbrella (i got a yellow one for obvious reasons) and a teddy bear (who i named haruto, hehe!!) as souvenirs for the 60th anniversary of the firm..cute!!

- bought a new black bag from kimbel..it's a shoulder bag which can also be used as a body bag..you just have to adjust the straps..:)

ciao for now!

mwah!!

happy birthday ate!!!

2006-08-01T20:45:00.000+08:00

happy birthday, 'te! :)

you would have been 26 if you were here with us..sad that i cannot wish you a happy birthday personally but just the same, i pray that you will hear my greetings, wherever you are..in my heart, i know that you are happy and smiling and healthy up there..i hold on to that dream i had of you when i was doubting and wondering whether you are okay, days after you left us..in that dream, you were smiling peacefully, closed in an embrace with a person whom i am sure was God..i dunno how i was sure that it was God but then, when i saw Him in that dream, i never thought of Him as anyone other than God..and in that moment, i know you are taken care of and that you are happy..still, i wish you're here with us..i have lots of things and stories to tell you..i miss all our talks together, especially during brownouts when we were still in college..those dreams we have of travelling to places, of buying clothes and of building a big house for mama and papa..i miss taking care of you..i miss seeing you at home after i came home from school...i just miss you being here..:(

i pray that you know that we do love you and that we do miss you everyday..we may be busy with life but always, we think of you and pray that you're doing well, in the place you are in right now..

do stay happy, 'te!

i'm looking forward to that day when i can see you and hug you once again..

we love you!

real stuffs this time..:)

2006-07-27T22:47:00.000+08:00

okay, so now let's talk about real life..:) i'll divide this post in parts for a little order though i know i'll still ramble about unrelated stuffs anyway..^-^

basketball

purefoods chunkee giants, yes, my favorite team in the pba, won the pba all-filipino cup championship last friday, july 21, 2006 at around 10:07 in the evening at araneta coliseum..:) and yes, i was there, shouting my head off (and crying, too) with my basketball buddies at the upper b section..we were not able to get lower box seats but that's okay coz our pocket's happy since the ticket just cost P50, harhar!! :) it was my first live championship game and gosh, the feeling's unbelievable..i was too happy that i even cried..i've wanted the team to get this championship coz they were denied of it last conference against the same team..i thought i will not cry again but i did, but thankfully, it was happy tears..i don't want to sound "mayabang" but right from the start, i knew the team will finish the series that night..it was just the right moment, with almost all who watched the game cheering for the team, even giving standing ovation after every good shot from james or kerby and after every shot block by marc..you can just feel it in the air..it was the night that they will get the crown, 4 years after their last championship..and god was so good to give the team the trophy that they all worked hard for..i was crying when they were crying and hugging each other..it was sweeter for papa jun since it's his first championship after being in the league for 13 long years..:) and eugene, too, who was still in wheelchair and undergoing rehab in US for his bad fall during the elimination round..it was the best night of being a purefoods fan..:)

last tuesday, i attended the victory party at the san miguel office in ortigas..it was storming but well, i wouldn't miss my first victory party, too, hehe!! :) i was with my basketball friends, of course..:) we ate, talked and took pictures with the players and watched the various videos about the team championships, starting from 1990 till this year..cap alvin still got the loudest cheer whenever his name was mentioned..and undeniably, he's still the most good-looking purefoods player ever..:) it was a fun night and i pray i'll get to attend more victory parties for the team in the coming years..ah yah, i even got a hug from cap alvin before going home..:)

some pics:

me and my basketball friends, with rich and pj, two of the cutest guys in the team..:)

from left: coach ronnie, rich, pj, jondan (he's injured, acl-something), roger, cap alvin and marc (i dunno what he's doing with a pose like that, must be something danica taught him, joke!) they're all pretty good-looking and very nice guys, too ..:)

with the championship trophy and everyone who made it possible: players, coaching staff, utility and many others..:)

work and life in general

i'll be leaving sgv in a month..:( after 3 years and 8 months of working here and i'm leaving..i've though about this for a long time already and finally decided that this is the right time to do it..i'm actually very sad leaving my friends behind and the life i've created for myself here..:( i don't even know what will happen after..all i'm sure is that i want to be with my family in bicol more than anything else and maybe do something fo myself this time..:) i'll be enrolling in law school come june 2007 and will really study hard..law school has been one of my dreams ever since and leaving sgv is the first step to doing it so that makes me a little happy..just a little since the life i built here would not be easy to forget..i'm sure i'll miss my life here forever ..but this is something that i must do..i wouldn't want to have regrets later on, with my family and with myself..yes, this is really true, i'm leaving sgv..to all the friends i've made (this sounds like a song): the kolehiyalas, my mommies, my batchmates, my training groupmates, my clustermates and all others, you all know that you are all the main reason why i stayed 3 years and 8 months here in sgv..the sleepless working nights and the seemingly endless busy season were all bearable, fun and memorable because of all of you..:) i could have packed my bags and gone awol if not for all your presence..you didn't have to do anything for me but by just being there, i was able to go on despite the weary mind, body and spirit..:) thanks everyone! i will miss you all months from now..sob!sob!!

enough for the sad story..last saturday, me, tunsky, mavelle and czar attended a worship concert at the cap building..:) i haven't been attending a prayer and worship concert for a long time now that was why when mr joseph (an sgvean friend) invited us, i was excited to attend..the worship concert was for the "ang lingkod ng panginoon-makati" 13th anniversary, for which mr joseph is a member-organizer..the band was called middle c and the concert was aptly called "burst forth" from a bible verse meaning bursting forth with the love for god..:) it was very nice and touching and i'm glad i braved the rains to attend it..i have many things to be thankful for and by singing and dancing for the lord is just one way to say it..:)

the concert ended at around 10pm and we then had coffee at the nearby starbucks..:) there weren't any customers around so we own the couch near the glass window..i bought hazel a starbucks tumbler for her birthday and for the free drink, i had the coffee jelly frap or something (i love coffee jelly!!)..:) i don't exactly remember what we talked about but it was a nice bonding moment though we didn't stay that long..:)

drama talk

so, 1 litre of tears do deserve one post coz it's that good..till now, i only play konayuki and it's been 4 days already since i finished the drama..last tuesday, i rewatched episode 9, during that aya-haruto moment and yes, i cried still, as in..:) i will never, ever get over this drama, swear..i didn't even cried this much when i watched "i'm sorry, i love you"..that was the drama when i really cried my heart out but yes, i even cried more with 1 litre..it's really living up to its title, i tell you..:)

anyway, i also finished gokusen 2 last weekend..i didn't cry that much though, compared with the first gokusen..but the lead guy in gokusen 2 was really cute, he's akanishi jin and there's this tall guy named nayami mocomichi, who's also very cute..the other one, kame-something was not that good-looking and he's very thin, so i was really bothered by his appearance..but it was still a good drama and it was also funny at times..:)

i found this while browsing another blog (thanks!)..:)

akanishi jin is the larger pic on the left side of yankumi (with the eyeglasse; she's the teacher) and kame (the thin one) on the right..the other cute guy is the smaller pic on top of kame's pic..:)

okay, will end this post for now..i've said enough already..:)

ciao!

:)

the best jdorama ever...

2006-07-26T16:46:00.000+08:00

watching 1 litre of tears was like the best experience ever..never mind the puffy eyes and the runny nose, this jdorama is the best in its genre, forever..:) i cried buckets, yes, maybe 1 litre, too..it was sad but also hopeful and the love/friendship between aya and haruto was so heart-warming, so pure and so strong..(sigh!) i have goosebumps just thinking of aya's story and i still feel sad and teary-eyed remembering those moments in the drama..:( everyone should watch this drama and be influenced by the courage and hope that aya brought to a lot of people, like me..:)

a short synopsis: aya is a 15-year old high school girl, academically good and a basketball player, too..she was diagnosed with spinocerebellar atrophy (medical terms are not my forte) a rare disease that will leave a patient bedridden, unable to perform any activity, even speaking..worse, this disease has no known cure..her disease was progressing fast that in such a short time, she was in a wheelchair and was transferred to a school for the disabled..her acceptance of her condition was very mature for someone her age..though she questioned why she has the disease, she never gave up on life, continuing to do things and enjoying life, as much as possible..she was constantly writing in her diary till she was unable to hold a pen..she inspired many people by her writings..after her death, her diary was made into a book and sold millions..and the book was made into this drama and well, i'm writing about it now here..

i love this drama, not just because of aya and haruto, but also because of aya's family..i never knew i will cry so much in those family scenes..i was crying hard during their last christmas together at their home..the gift-giving and aya's letter to her siblings..well, i was remembering my sister while watching this drama..:( i never had the chance to say a lot of things to her before she left us almost 8 years ago now..i can only say it to her in a prayer these days and hope that somehow, she will be able to hear it..aya's family proved that even if everybody abandoned you, your family will always be there to give you strength..i love aya's okaasan..although i know she was hurting too, she was so strong when it comes to aya..she was the one who constantly encouraged aya during those times that aya was about to give up..such a loving mother..if everyone has a mother like her, nothing will ever go wrong in the world..:)

and of course, haruto..:) how can a guy be so aloof yet so sweet at the same time? i love him, truly..he was indifferent to aya at first but you could see that he admire her, her honesty, her determination, her courage..:) their first meeting was one of the best scenes in the drama..it's the entrance exam in one of the best high school and haruto decided to skip it..he went to get his bike and was about to tear his id when the bicycles in the line all fell down..he saw a girl who slipped and got injured on her knee..she said sorry and got up to help in arranging the bicycles, all the while limping..it rained this time and the girl, limping still, got her bag and limped towards school..haruto was about to go the other direction but decided to let the girl ride in his bike..yes, the girl was aya..:) she fell asleep in the bus and got off at the next stop and ran towards school since she was already late..haruto accompanied her to the nurse to get her knee bandaged..this time, the teacher allowed them to take the exam..haruto was never meant to take it but because of aya, he was given another chance..they both passed and they became classmates, even chosen as class representatives..:) and that's where one of the best friendship/love stories began..

i love all their scenes together, thanks to the song that always play in those scenes..:) my favorite was haruto's confession in episode 9 (by this time aya was confined in a wheelchair and has difficulty speaking already)..the things he said was the sweetest ever..and his uncertain smile when he said "i like you, maybe, probably.." to aya is so adorable..:) right that moment i know i will love ryo nishikido (haruto) forever!!! (switch to fan girly mode) :)

konayuki by remioromen is the song in all aya-haruto's scenes and i've been playing it ever since..:) it's that good and it's not even a ballad..it's alternative but it's just perfect for all aya-haruto's moments..:)

i'll post the lyrics here and the translation..it's really a sad song..

Konayuki
Remioromen

Konayuki mau kisetsu wa itsumo surechigai
Hitonami ni magiretemo onaji sora miteru no ni
Kaze ni fukarete nita you ni kogoeru no ni

Boku wa kimi no subete nado shitte wa inai darou
Sore demo ichiokunin kara kimi wo mitsuketa yo
Konkyo wa nai kedo honki de omotterun da

Sasai na iiai mo nakute onaji jikan wo ikite nado ikenai
Sunao ni narenai nara yorokobi mo kanashimi mo munashii dake

Konayuki nee kokoro made shiroku somerareta nara
Futari no kodoku wo wake au koto ga dekita no kai

Boku wa kimi no kokoro ni mimi wo oshiatete
Sono koe no suru hou e sutto fukaku made
Orite yukitai soko de mou ichido aou

Wakariaitai nante uwabe wo nadete ita no wa boku no hou
Kimi no kajikanda te mo nigirishimeru koto dake de tsunagatteta no ni

Konayuki nee eien wo mae ni amari ni moroku
Zaratsuku asufaruto no ue shimi ni natte yuku yo

Konayuki nee toki ni tayorinaku kokoro wa yureru
Sore demo boku wa kimi no koto mamoritsuzuketai

Konayuki nee kokoro made shiroku somerareta nara
Futari no kodoku wo tsutsunde sora ni kaesu kara

We always miss each other in the season of fluttering powdered snow
Though we're lost in the crowd, we're looking up at the same sky
And blown by the wind, we both feel the same chill

I'm sure I don't know everything about you
But still I found you out of a hundred million people
I have no proof, but I truly believe that

We can't spend time together without quarrelling over little things
If we can't be honest with each other, happiness and sadness are empty

If the powdered snow had made our hearts white
Would we have been able to share our loneliness?

I want to press my ear against your heart
And descend quietly into the depths where that voice leads me
Let's meet there once again

I'm the one who said I wanted us to understand each other, but just brushed the surface
When just by holding your cold hand we're connected

With eternity before it, the powdered snow seems too fragile
It stains the surface of the rough asphalt

Powdered snow, sometimes I'm unreliable and my heart is swayed
But even so I want to keep protecting you

If the powdered snow has made our hearts white
It will enfold our loneliness and return it to the sky

it's a nice song and reading the translation makes me appreciate it more..i'm sure when you watch the drama and hear this song, you'll understand why i love it so..:)

ok, so enough for 1 litre of tears..i'm really glad i watched this..cliche maybe, but this drama really changed me..and i found another japanese guy to adore in ryo!! (hayato is still number 1 for me)

will write about real stuff next time..

ciao!!

edit - pictures: :)

ryo nishikido as asou haruto..:) kawaii, no? that dog certainly looked like the dog in the drama..

erika sawajiri as ikeuchi aya..she's really pretty but i'm a bit disappointed since she has lots of pictures wearing only bikinis in the net..i dunno, it's so different from her 1 litre image..oh well, that's just me talking..:) still, she was very effective as aya that i cried everytime she cried in the drama..great actress ..:)

happy thoughts and more..

2006-07-16T20:36:00.001+08:00

for this post, i'll talk about some happy thoughts and stuffs and add some, too..:)

want to share this funny article i found while browsing soompi (a godsent for all kdrama addict, like moi)..this really made me laugh coz all of it are true..:) and if you're not a kdrama lover, don't read since i'm sure you wouldn't relate..well, if you really insist, then go on..swear, it's really funny...:)

50 THINGS YOU CAN LEARN FROM KDRAMAS

1) Hot, rich, younger men love fat, older vulgar women.
2) If you have a best guy friend, he is in love with you. And secretly you are too.
3) You and your boyfriend will always playfully chase each other on an ice rink, at the beach, or in the leaves. And you'll laugh for no reason and your boyfriend will hit you "playfully" but the force of his push will have you flying across the room. But it's okay. Cuz you're still laughing like a crazy person.
4) Brothers/cousin/uncles-nephews will always love the same girl.
5) You're allowed to make u-turns wherever you want in Korea. And there is never traffic on the side you want to u-turn to.
6) There is a super quick payment device that allows you to pay a bill quickly enough for a guy to run immediately out of a restaurant after his angry girlfriend storms out.
7) Everyone has cancer.
8) If you're sick, all you need is an IV to make you feel lots better.
9) There is vomit and urine all over Seoul at nights.
10) Fighting at a pojangmacha with a random stranger is merely part of a normal night's event.
11) Soju must cost 10 cents. Everyone drinks it everyday all the time, especially the poor people.
12) If you're rich, you're a jerk.
13) If you're poor, you're an angel.
14) Women sleep and wake up with a full set of makeup on.
15) You're not studying hard enough unless you get a nosebleed.
16) If you have a nosebleed, you most definitely have cancer. And you have no money to pay for the surgery that will save your life. And your liver is missing. We're not sure where it went, but it's making your cancer progress faster.
17) If you work in a sool jeep, you have massively curly hair and wear flashy colors from the early 90's.
18) You always order orange juice or coffee at a cafe. And you never drink it. EVER.
19) You will always call your boyfriend by his job title. Or simply sunbaenim. Never his name. Never. He doesn't have one.
20) If you TRULY love each other, you must die together in the end. Frozen outside instead of finding shelter like sane people. Just frozen....
21) You go to America, you come back miraculously successful. You go to England, you come back amazingly fashionable. You stay in Korea the only thing that changes is your hairstyle.
22) And if you come back with no apparent reason then it's because you have cancer.
23) Everyone always goes to the same hospital no matter where they are.
24) If you stand out in the rain for more than five minutes, you'll end up with a fever and vertigo and people will rush you to the hospital to get some magic IV. And instead of taking an ambulance or driving they'll race you on their back.
25) Even if you're poor and can't eat, you never wear the same clothes twice.
26) If you play a poor kid, you always have dirt on your face and your hair is always messy.
27) If you're saving someone from being hit from a car, you'll push them out of the way and wait for the car to hit you instead. Couldnt be more true, they're like a deer in headlights.
28) Everyone has a long lost sister/brother/twin. Usually one they didn't know about.
29) If you don't want to answer your phone, you can't just turn it off. The batteryneeds to be taken out.
30) All korean men can drink hard, smoke long, sing well and play piano. Usually all at the same time. And at the same restaurant that has a piano that they let anyone use.
31) If you're in a relationship, you must at one point leave and have your lover tearfully come RIGHT before you board the plane (vice versa applies as well. You can be the chaser). 60% of the time you see each other, the other 40% you're roaming around in circles and pass each other about six times, but miraculously never see them.
32) If you're getting off a plane, you're ALWAYS wearing sunglasses. ALWAYS.
33) All guys wear hideous tracksuits zipped up to their neck. Even if all they're doing is jumproping.
34) Girls will always storm off because they're mad and the guy will stoically grab them by the arm and swing them back- and by magic, not dislocate their shoulders.
35) Guys always look like they're 6 feet tall, even if they're only 5'10. Thank you camera angles.
36) Guys like to wear foundation, eyeliner and sometimes a smudge of lipliner.
37) You always get stuck in an elevator with someone who makes you feel uncomfortable. Even if there are six different elevators, you'll always be stuck in the same one with that bastard you hate (or just fought with).
38) Unless you're fabulously rich, your in-laws will always hate you.
39) So will your sister-in-law.
40) Your brother-in-law might be pining away for you.
41) There are only 2 ways to kiss. You either press your lips against theirs with your mouth completely shut, and just press away for a very long and uncomfortable time. OR you devour the other person and suck out their soul. In both instances, the world spins.
42) A guy will always get the right size ring, even if you're never held hands.
43) People stare off into space and ponder a lot. They'll just stop in the middle of the road and watch a leaf on a tree for a good three minutes, and just ponder.
44) You'll get pregnant the first time you have sex.
45) You'll get pregnant if he kisses you on the forehead.
46) Hell- you'll get pregnant if you hold hands.
47) If you overcome great obstacles to be together, one of you must die. Probably due to cancer.
48) One korean man can kick the butts of 6 gangstas. Especially when they all stand in a circle and attack the guy one by one. Then when each of them get their butts OWNED, they wise up and attack the guy at the same time. Then the guy will get pulverized and bleed out onto the dusty concrete floor of the empty warehouse they've found to fight in. There will be a fire in a trashcan somewhere. And the girl will have watched this the entire time, screaming in horror. Instead of calling 119, she'll just watch and cry. But it's okay. Cuz the next day the guy will be fine with a few random bandages and a few face scars. But never a black eye.
49) It ain't a real fight unless the gangstas fight dirty with a stick or switchblade.
50) If you study in the states (preferably Harvard), you are one of the top students and can speak perfect English (as assumed by the reactions of those around you). Why the rest of the world OUTSIDE of the TV can't understand a single word uttered out of your melodramatic mouth is beyond me.

after reading this, it made me realize that i have watched like tons of kdramas already..hehe!!of course that's an exaggeration but come to think of it, i've come a long way already in the field of korean dramas..and yes, i'm kind of proud of myself, harhar!!!:)

anyway, so purefoods is in the pba finals and they are just one game away from the championship of the all-filipino cup..YEY!!!!! i'm going to watch this wednesday, no matter what happen..james got the MVP award and mark got the most improved player trophy and member of all-defensive team plus kerby and roger got into the mythical first 5 team..great accomplishments for the players as well as for the team..i'm really proud to be a purefoods fan..:) i'll continue to pray that they'll get the championship this wednesday coz i will be there..:)

another great news, lee dong wook oppa will be coming here in manila!!! double YEY!!! gorgeousness to the max, hehe!! i really love him in my girl with lee da hae..they're perfect for each other, reel or real...) i'm still not sure whether it's july 20, 27 or august 14 but whatever, i just hope i can get a glimpse on him on national tv..gosh, i'm so excited for this already, hehe!!!

and, i just learned that veronica mars' 3rd season will start airing this september..i did my math and probably will have the complete season in dvd by january next year...another thing to get excited about..i so miss LoVe..:) and too bad, they didn't get any single nomination in the emmy's..gah, they definitely deserve one, if only for logan and veronica's epic love..:) yah, i love them so..
by next week, i will also own two new jdoramas, courtesy of ash..:) they are gokusen 2 and 1 litre of tears..swear, i'm going to use so many tissues again by watching these dramas..they're certified tear jerkers,as in..:) but anyway, they're also certified good dramas so the tears will be very much worth it..excited, excited!!!
my bestfriend hazel will celebrate her birthday tomorrow..i know you wouldn't be able to read this, zhel, but just want to say that i love you so..despite the distance and the lack of constant communication, you're always in my prayers..i pray only the best for you and that you'll find the happiness you deserve..thanks for all our memories together..i'll make it up to you soon!! padangat ko ika!!!mwah!!:)
so i'm off!!
ciao!!
:)

i'm inlove with SPRING WALTZ!!!

2006-07-16T14:18:00.000+08:00

totally, totally inlove with spring waltz!!!:) it's really that good, whatever the ratings said when it was aired in korea..and the OST is to die for, especially "one love" by loveholic..so good!!! i'm actually listening to it right now and all those scenes from the drama keeps flashing in my mind..i love it!! jae ha and eun young = real LOVE!! i watched all 20 episodes in 2 days and i would have finished it in one sitting even if i don't sleep but i wouldn't want to look like a zombie..:) i'm just so inlove with the story and jae ha and eun young and the OST..:) i've never been this crazy over a drama and a drama couple since fullhouse and my girl..hayy, it's really that good..spring waltz is the last installment in the season dramas (remember: winter sonata, autumn story, summer scent) and it's the first one that i watched out of those four..and i'm glad i did since i would have missed one of the best kdramas ever (well, at least in my opinion)..it's about two childhood friends who got separated and met again after 15 years and fell inlove..the story's not that simple though but you got the picture..i was giggling for all those sweet scenes between jae ha and eun young and shrieking "they're so cute"..:) yah, i'm a romantic!! :) but true, every kdrama lover and a romantic should watch this..my favorite part would be the "playing the piano" scene which was captured in the video..gosh, they're so cute together!!! real LOVE!!:) plus the austria scenes are really beautiful..i would love to go there someday during winter..and the spring scenes in that korean place were also beautiful..:) the lead actress (han hyo joo) is really beautiful..she's quite young, just 19, i believe but she did well for her first lead role in a drama..she looks like a lot of korean actresses but she looks more like han ji min for me..there are scenes where she resembles song hye kyo or kim tae hee but yah, i see more of han ji min in her..and the lead guy's (suh do young) so cute!!! he's my age (born:april 14, 1981; his birthday is the same as my younger brother) he looks like orlando bloom and he's so tall!! gosh, i love tall guys, really!! and he smiles really cute..though he looks quite thin but i love lanky guys, too, hehe!! :) they do look perfect for each other..i'm so into the fan-girly mood right now..bear with me, i'm just so inlove with this drama..:)

so pictures..at least you can have an idea what i'm so crazy about, hehe!!:)

the lead stars - han hyo joo & suh do young..they look so good together, right? :)

so i decided to just write about spring waltz for this post..will talk about other stuffs for my next post..:)

ciao for now!!

and for the last time, i so love SPRING WALTZ!!!

lots of stuffs..:)

2006-07-10T18:54:00.000+08:00

hmm, not blogging for a long time sure is troublesome..for one, i couldn't even know what to write about since a lot of stuffs have already happened..two, i don't normally want to reminisce about what i felt about that time since it has been long gone and what i feel now reminiscing about it would most likely be different than before and third, i do have short-term memory loss, sometimes, haha!!! ^-^ but since i usually blah-blah about random stuffs, it wouldn't matter much now, right? :)

so, stuffs i've been doing these days...

- watched game 2 of the finals between purefoods (my team!!) and red bull last friday at cuneta astrodome, with rosie, al, au and kring..it was so much fun since we won, yey!!! it was nice watching a live game again and feeling the energy and the excitement of cheering your fave team towards a win..thank god we went home, all smiles..:) we had pictures (will post some when it's available) and i was especially happy that we took one with quinito henson..he's my favorite sportscaster ever since i started watching pba..and he looked so happy in the picture that we took..:) watching the game made me realize how i miss my basketball buddies..haven't seen them since february, i believe..but once finals is over, we will surely plan a gimik..:) hopefully, we'll all be able to attend a victory party with the team..please, please, dear lord, help purefoods win this championship..:)

- finally got to watch sweet spy, a korean drama last week..it stars nam sangmi, dennis o'neill and lee joohyun..:) it was so good and nam sangmi is so pretty!!!:) i love lee joohyun, though..but dennis oh is not that bad for a first-time actor..he's korean-american that's why he only spoke english in the drama and smiled his cute smile all throughout the 20-episodes, hehe!! but he's really not that bad..i actually enjoyed the drama and there's awesome chemistry between him and nam sangmi..:) the drama is about a widowed policewoman (nam sangmi) who accidentally got hold of a pen containing top secret information when she apprehended dennis oh for a traffic violation and the story took off from there.. and yes, dennis oh is the international spy..:) i did cry during the last episode since i felt really sad for nam sangmi's character..the drama still ended in a hopeful note since there was an indication that dennis' character survived..anyway, i would still recommend this to anyone who's into kdrama..

cute, cute pictures!!!:)

lee joohyun for you..ain't he cute??! and he's really funny and sweet, too..:)

dennis o'neill and very pretty nam sangmi...:)

- i bummed around the house last saturday and sunday, sleeping the day off and watching my dramas..hayy, life!!!:) i finished gokusen 1 (yes, i watched japanese dramas, too) and used too many tissues..i was crying in all 14 episodes..:) well, knowing me, that's very normal..but it was so touching..teachers are really great!!! this is about a first-time teacher and a girl at that (yankumi) becoming the homeroom teacher to the rowdiest batch of high school kids, section 3-D..these kids are troublesome and not academically good but yankumi turned them into the most selfless, compassionate bunch who value their friends and parents more than anything in the world..touching, right? lots of lessons to learn from this drama..loved it!!! this drama has matsumoto jun and oguri shun, who were also in hana yori dango...i already asked ash to burn me a copy of gokusen 2, hehe!!! i'm ready to cry again..:)

- started on damo last night, too..i got till episode 3..this one is with ha jiwon and those two guys that i don't know yet but are pretty cute, too..the story's quite sad already and i really think i'll be crying when i resume my watching, maybe over the weekend..it's a historical drama, about a lady detective who was separated from his brother and became like a servant to a family who has a son born to a mistress mother and a magistrate and she grew up with him and loved him..but yes, there's no future for them due to the status thing..it's making me sad already..:( i think this was one of the best korean dramas ever made so i'm going to watch it no matter what..:)

- bought two hardbound books from powerbooks today since they were on sale, hehe!! my sale-loving self couldn't resist it..one nora roberts (three fates) and one ken follett (hornet flight)..i was holding an iris johanssen book but if i bought it, i would probably have to skip dinner, hehe!! :) i started on the nora roberts book already and would probably finish it by wednesday, at most...she's one of my fave romance-suspense author..:) i love her books and read and bought mostly all of her works..i'm done with bob ong's stainless longganisa over the weekend, too..it was insightful and idealistic still, but i love it..:) i only need to buy the first two bob ong's books then my collection of his works would also be complete..next stop, jessica zafra's twisted..:)

- my ears are hurting already listening to josh groban's closer cd but i couldn't stop, love it, love it!!! :) all of the songs are great!!! i especially love oceano, when you say you love me, remember when it rained and of course, you raise me up..makes me want to study spanish..i love josh groban!!!! i got this cd last christmas but it's only now that i really appreciate how great it is..i'm listening to when you say you love me right now..so good!!! :) "..when you say you love me, the world goes still, so still inside and when you say you love me, for a moment, there's no one else alive.."

- i'm planning to resign this august..i haven't given my resignation yet since i still have to finish something..it's not really a spur of the moment decision..i've been thinking a lot lately and i decided that i want to spend more time with mama and papa and jimboy and my friends there, too..i missed a lot of important events by being here..i don't regret though, since this is where i learned a lot in my career..but i think i've reached that point where i'm no longer that happy doing what i do..i think it's about time i do something for myself and not worry too much of the clients who demand most of my time..i pray it wouldn't be too hard explaining to my partner-in-charge and that she would understand for i don't want to leave sgv with hard feelings..:)

- saw rolly, a college friend, a while ago at mcdonalds..he used to work here in sgv but he's now with isla lipana and he's newly promoted to senior..he's going to kuala lumpur for a 2-week training next week on sarbannes-oxley, i think..nice, no? i'm happy he has that chance..it's always a good thing to hear college friends going places and achieving things..who would have thought that we were once just students struggling and trying hard to learn all those accounting stuffs? sometimes i miss those times when we were together in one classroom, doing our best not to fail but still finding time to goof around..i only have the chance to talk about it to friends right now...hay, sad..time flies really fast..:(

- anyway, i've gotten into a really serious mood..that's me, alright..i've always been sentimental and a crybaby..well, you should have known that by now..:)

- nona and onyo had their birthday last friday..:) wasn't able to call them coz my prepaid credit was already used up, hehe!! but i did text them..basta, you're always in my prayers and you both probably know that i do love you..:)

- once in a while, i still miss logan and veronica, hehe!! and when i do, i watched logan's epic declaration with the song of mike doughty in the background..i love that song, really..hmm, would probably resume my search for the veronica mars ost..hope odyssey or music one is selling it by now..:) lots of series to watch still: grey's anatomy season 2, lost, numbers and without a trace..i like to watch prison break, too, since it's really interesting plus the lead guy's cutie!!! :) and, naruto, a japanese anime and 1 liter of tears with ryo nishikido..if only i had the time to watch all these, hehe!! :)

well, it's quite long already..:)

ciao!!and do take care!!!