Snap

Days like this, I sure wish there's an on and off switch for unwanted emotions. These bouts of melancholy and despair gets in the way of my positive outlook in life, I will admit that.

Please don't let my demons win.

Big Kitty Sitting Pretty

Too bad we didn't get to feed 'em chickens just like we did when I first came here in '09.

Zoobic 2010.

Milk Tea

Maligayang Pasko 2010!

Raising Hope

My current TV series addiction. Hilarious Grandma V and Grandpa Burt, odd Maw Maw and dorky Dad, but Hope, Hope is too precious for words.

6th Month!

Today marks my sixth month back into the workforce after being unemployed a day short of six months. Wow, what's with me and number 6?! Anyway, I'm glad how everything turned out. I love my current job, my small albeit, very efficient team and quirky teammates. Dealing with deadlines, editing/proofreading, change of schedule, meetings with our US bosses, helping fellow NPIS improve their work and handling extra work and responsibility -- I'm thankful for them all. I didn't realize it in me that I have a future to excel at something lol. It's not writing, don't fret.

More than anything, 6 months = regularization woot!

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Photo taken by Diana Liban.

Boracay!

Finally, my outstanding date with Boracay came. I was supposed to spend it with a friend but she has to call it off due to health restrictions, so, naturally, I have to ask the Cheese. I'm super thankful because it was not easy for him to get out of the office, look for someone willing to swap with his current schedule at a time when overtime and absolutely-no-absence policy was being imposed. I thank Bathala!

I'm a Boracay virgin so my perception of the island and what it's supposed to be were solely based on what my friends and other people's stories, what I read on blogs and what I've seen on the telly.

Well, I've seen better beaches. I admit though that the proximity of lodges/hotels/restaurants/bars/stores and whathaveyou's amazed me. Everything is within a 10-meter radius. If you ran out of water or need some meds for an upset tummy, you can always run to the nearest [drug]store. No one can argue that food or bar choices are limited because there are tons of stores to choose from, or spots, stalls, everything!

I'd like to commend the local government for one thing. A spotlessly clean port, beach and shoreline. I was having a mini fit with all the fees we were paying for upon arrival (environmental, terminal and another I forgot!) but seeing as they take good care of the place (as only fitted), maintaining its world class quality, I'd have to say that at least the money's going somewhere (which is a rarity in Philippine system so please don't judge me haha).

For that observations alone, you have my respect Boracay. I, we had so much fun. Until next time!

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PS: I got too lazy to do photo collage on paint manually (photoshop be darned!) so I resorted to an online photo collage maker. Keber na.

Still a Great Game, Azkals!

It's about time we be recognized for our potential excellence in football. Forget basketball, let's leave 'em to NBA and those mighty Argentinians and Slavic boys. Football is for us. All signs say so.

Despite everything, I am so proud of you Azkals. No, Neil, you have nothing to apologize this time. That was a great goal from Gonzales and I acknowledge a great goal when I see one even if it comes from the other side. The referee, however, with his effing impossible calls is another story.

Now let's build that world class stadium, dammit!

Stress Drilon Wednesday!

What a fabulous (yes, sarcasm) news to greet me on my first day in the office after a vacation. Such a BV Wednesday I was so stressed the whole day sa mga problemang NPI related. It wasn't my fault pero inako ko na para wala nang mahaba pang usapan. Dumagdag pa ang napakababang sweldo na mali-mali pala, buti na lang naagapan.

Dahil dyan napa-tsaa ko, napa-update ng Lakbayan page at napa-blog ulit sa wikang Filipino.

My Lakbayan grade is B-!

How much of the Philippines have you visited? Find out at Lakbayan!

Created by Eugene Villar.

So Long Siargao!

Til we meet again. Sana by that time, marami na para hindi na ko mag-isa. ;)

FLYING SOLO

This has officially become an annual tradition. Please pray for me. Ikaw nang bahala sa akin Bathala.

Later Manila.

The alley-oop that made the difference

I like this Rondo-KG photo, may kurot sa puso. Hehe. Congrats on your 9th consecutive win, don't break the winning streak now!

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photo courtesy of nba.com

Merengues Got Trashed!

EPIC, EPIC GAME. Too bad I wasn't able to watch this soon-to-be-classic El Clasico game of all time. 5-0 man! Super intense game where the Galacticos are obviously frustrated with the turnouts no wonder there were so many physical contacts, bludgeoning and unnecessary fouls thrown.

Haynaku, the look [of horror] on Mourinho's face as the events unfold, Ronaldo's what-the-eff-is-going-on-here face and you, yes you Sergio Ramos. I loathe you. As if hurling Messi didn't satisfy you enough, you come and shove Puyol's face with such force and nudged Xavi's chin too! Pambihirang patis!

Next year, I'll make sure to not miss any of the El Clasico games for a first rather secondhand experience of it.

Congratulations Barca! Blaugranes el fantastico!

And Another One!

Eto na ang regalo nya sakin sa Pasko (no more Nalgene haha) bilang sya naman ang pumilit sakin na mas mataas na phone model na ang bilhin ko imbes na N1616 lang. Maraming salamat! Sana magtagal sya sakin +_+ May jinx ako sa mga sun phone ko huhu.

And while we're at it, happy 26th na rin! :p

Brady Red/White Christmas Party

Isang seryoso...

at syempre, isang kalokohan!

Hindi makumple-kompleto NPI/SEO team kainis!

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photos nicked from Diana's.

More Loot!

E-Business and Creative Services Group Christmas exchange of gifts. This is my loot and I got all I asked for (thanks to Bubbles/Miss Paula from HR). YAY!

First Christmas Gift Came in Today!

From my officemate...

Who quite knew me well, at least when it comes to my huge appetite for food haha.

Thank you! Kinilig ako sa tuwa :)

My 2010 Christmas Wishlist

*I'm hoping to get my lost earphones be replaced by the same brand but I know that it's so expensive so kahit Phillips or Sennheiser earphones na lang will do as long as the music quality is good (at di yung tunog lata), I'm okay with it.


*12 (Silent Comics) by Manix Abrera. Have always been a fan of his works. Support Pinoy artist! (500 pesos at National Bookstore)


*I need my own small water bottle. Lugging around a 1-liter Nalgene is so inconevenient! I want the blue one preferably pero kung wala, I'll have purple, green or pink in that order haha.
*Been asking for this one for quite some time now. I do hope I get one huhu.


*Pocket solar charger. This is a very useful gadget promise!


*Illusion lens. Pa-cute lang sa P&S nyaha.


*Long, thick socks. Any color will do.

*Para lang maiba hehe. Pero okay lang kung Safeguard soap ibigay sakin.


*Tide powder para sa paglalaba ko! :D



*Still waiting for this book to complete my Jessica Darling series books.


*More domestic and international travels (Cebu, Puerto Princesa, Davao, Indonesia and HK-Macau, etc. to push through without so much hassle, schedule and financial wise)

That's for the material stuff. For not so materialistic wishes, I wish for

* Good health
* Good health and long life for my grandmothers
* More confidence in handling my small team
* For all Filipino kids to be properly educated
* Calamity-free Philippines
* Boston Celtics in the playoffs
* Inner peace, World peace
* Ampatuan case to be solved
* Selfless politicians
* For Mykonos to come out safely in this world.
* To see my friends more often
* More years and adventures with my Cheese

Tawangan Trail: The Road Less Traveled

Road number two to Pulag was an extreme adventure I dare not try again. I thank the Lord I and 14 of my friends came out alive, all in one piece. The general feeling of heaviness, wetness, coldness, hunger and fatigue were clearly showing on our faces and tired bodies. But despite the bleak and rainy weather, the gazillion leeches that fed on us and that terrible, terrible ride to Brgy. Tawangan, I am so glad humor and friendship conquered 'em all.

On a Deathly Hallows High

I reckoned it's not a great idea to read the book before watching its film version because I ended up spoiling the movie for myself counting the bits of details where they changed some details in the movie as opposed to what's to be found in the book.

But other than that, I have nothing against this film. The bleak and gray color was apt. It just makes me freaking sad every time I think that it'll be over soon. And ooh, that Tales of the Three Brothers was pretty brilliant!

Prepare for Harry Potter spam!

Who knew? But darn right!

Deathly Hallows will always have that heavy-on-the-shoulders effect on me.

LOL

Dobby owned that scene

Why not Won Won

YES!

So fetch!

Still No Taker/s

Last time I heard it has reached more than half a billion already. By golly! If I win the Lotto I could give each Filipino a million peso and there would still be plenty left for myself. I'll retire early, invest on a business that will sustain me (and my family if I ever get to have any) for until who knows when, bring Oasis (yes they will also get back together haha), Radiohead and Coldplay here in the Philippines and backpack around the world. Yes, backpack still but at least I can afford things now that I can't in my previous traveling life haha.

But I'm getting waaay ahead. I only made a bet once and never got to do it again. Still, dreaming about winning tons of money is super fun. Everyone's entitled to it.

To whomever will get to win the most coveted Lotto jackpot, I hope you use it wisely and only for the best and right intentions.

On Family

"Blood means you’re related, it doesn’t mean you’re family." ~ Shawn Patrick Hunter, Boy Meets World

Coming from a dysfunctional family myself, I can't say that this particular line didn't hit home. In fact, I found it as a huge face slap, just not on mine. It becomes more of a reminder - no matter how society irritatingly assures you that your family will and always be your last defense against everyone and anyone - they too, can also be your greatest source of disappointment, grief, misery and sorrow.

But I got lucky. Despite a huge percentage of friends and acquaintances coming from the same background as mine, God gave me friends that I could absolutely hope for and aspire to have someday. He gave me friends with normal, happy family. He gave me friends with families that constantly remind me that not everything will turn out the same way as mine turned out.

I may have missed out on family solidarity, closeness, bonding and great experiences but I don't believe that it made me less of a person. What makes someone less of a person for me is a family who wouldn't stick with you in troubling times. By condemning, belittling and denouncing instead of helping, forgiving and assisting a relative in dire need of it, that person has already negated the meaning of family that I have always envision inside my head.

You're no longer a family if you've forgotten what family is all about.

Because it was never meant to be all about "you" or "me". It was and always will be about "us". An unselfish family member, that's all anyone in this world could ever hope and wish for.

PS:

Urban dictionary, for me, has the funniest explanation of what family means. Some can be hilariously true though. ;)

10

Yesterday, I finally laid my hands on my Messi Barca jersey (that I specifically requested to a friend upon finding out that she was in Barcelona during the famous Spain - Netherlands finals match-up) that took 5 months to arrive. No worries though, I have it now after all. 23 Euros be darned. YAY!

Pagbabalik Manabu

Reunion climb with my good 'ol mountain buddies at Mt. Manabu in Sto. Tomas, Batangas. A pretty easy climb that ended as a traverse climb. Thank God for a not-so-bad weather, great food and even greater friendship.

And so, the countdown begins...

13 days before HP7 Part 1. *cries*

Happy Halloween from Brady!

NPI/SEO team

Fluid Trainer

Even though I won in our toss coin bet, the Cheese won't yield. I suppose he has already made up his mind even before coming up with the idea of a toss coin as a decision maker. Somewhat a mere ploy to make me yield, instead of me doing the other way around.

Anyway, to make the long story short he gave away one of his Nike sneakers in order to buy me that shoes. But how?

He participated in Adidas' Refresh Your Gear promo. Donate an old athletic shoe and in return you'll get a hefty discount to any Adidas shoes of your choice. I insisted he get one since he badly needs to retire his ancient Nike Free already but of course he won't, asserting that there's nothing good at all in the store as opposed to his beloved brand. Tsk.

And that's how I got a brand new shoes that I don't have any immediate need of. But thanks anyway, they're actually really pretty!

Make or Break

Remembered that the Cheese was supposed to do a toss coin to close an undecided deal with me. Will remind him later. Now what do I really want to show up?

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Nicked from lumos-maxima.

DIY Stormtrooper Helmet

BoingBoing posted a twitter link that made my hear skipped a beat. I so admire you mister for your creativity and wit. I might try it mesself when I get the time!

On Dreaming Big

I want to travel to so MANY places but the problem is I've no idea how will I ever afford it. Well, I do have an idea and it's the most logical and sensible I can think of. By saving. I need to save a big chunk of money out of what I'm currently (and meagerly) earning, ditch unnecessary expenditures and stop purchasing things that I have no immediate and essential use of.

Discipline is the key.

If I want to achieve Bali and HK-Macau 2011, London 2012 and Machu Picchu 2014, I really, really, REALLY have to save. I need to manage my finances wisely and get rid of temporary urges. I need to follow that goal diligently. I need to focus on what I want to achieve.

So help me God.

Aside from the above mentioned goals, I also want to go to:

*Beijing - Great Wall of China
*Hanoi - Vientiane/Luang Prabang - Chiang Mai - Mandalay [northern Asian provinces backpacking]
*KK and KL
*Bangkok and Phuket - mainly because I have an unsettled business with Chatuchak and the beaches, oh the beaches
*An African safari
*Marrakech

and of course,

My very own holy grail: THE GREAT PYRAMIDS OF EGYPT.

I must stop with Egypt for now because the list will just go on and on and on...

Sabog Sunday Post

This post is brought to you by a restless me on a Sunday.

Coming from a birthday party, then crossing over to another last-minute humabol sa isa pang party left me with only an hour worth of sleep yesterday. It's not so bad really but if you have a running event to attend with only an hour worth of sleep then it's bad, bad, baaad.

It didn't help that the supposed running event turned out to be more of a parade, with banners, balloons, tarps, kids in NSTP uniform and all. So the 3k (at 3k na nga lang) run did not happen. More like 5k of walking. There were so many people it felt like the Millennium celebration all over again only it happened with people in their best running outfits (I am not counting the make-ups, na-ah) and I was part of it.

What free bus rides? What organized event?

I love you Pasig River but I am never going to attend another "world-breaking-record-event". Not anymore. I hate that MOA is so far and I hate that it didn't turn out the way a lot of people expected it to. It was so friggin' chaotic.

No wonder Manila isn't included in Nike Human Race key cities. Although it would be really, really cool if they include us in their list someday.

Thank God for Manny Pacquiao. That boyish grin. I don't regret screaming like an obsessed fan girl at all. He's PACMAN for cripe's sake!

PS:

101010 yo!

Edere, Eo Ire Itum, Ora et Labora

That's my new mantra in life. Let's make this work!

It SUCKS that I will miss this...

Goshdarnit!

Mac and Cheese turns 2

And who would have thought? I certainly didn't! But there, 24 solid months, 104.35 weeks, 730.48 days. There's nothing extraordinary about these statistics because I personally know a lot more people who've been together waaay longer than us. What makes it not ordinary is the fact that I actually made it this far but not without a handful of bumps in the relationship road of course. Believe me, I have forgotten the countless times I've hinted the Cheese of my not-going-to-stick-for-long acts that anyone is free to accuse me of being a bad girlfriend.

But times have changed. During rare moments of clarity, I look at him and think to myself "ayoko pa ring mag-asawa at magkapamilya, pero in all fairness, ang swerte ko at ikaw ang naging [unang] boypren ko."

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Photo by Kimi Fernandez taken at Ta Keo temple ruins, on our way down.

They're at it again!

Another one from the awesome, awesome OK GO boys with special participation of adorable canines. One take wonder indeed!

Bless the animals!

Yesterday, my friends and I went to Eastwood to participate at the Pet Blessing event held there. No, we were not the pet. Dimitri, the adorable 8-month old Shih Tzu is.

Naturally, there were so many animals that night, canines especially, a few felines, hamsters and birds. I was hoping to see a variety of animals like pet pigs, pet snakes, pet iguana etc., but there were none! There was however, a lot of Siberian Huskies. You know, the dog-pulling-sled kind, the ones we see only in movies. They were actually nice and lazy pala. Haha.

Of all the animals I saw in there that night the ones I like the most were the basset hound (with super long ears and droopy eyes) and the squeaky clean, imposing askals. Manila reprezent!

Notes from recently concluded SEA trip

Despite the last minute airline booboo we made (I honestly and wholeheartedly believed that our flight back to Manila was Saturday night, not Saturday early morning) that forced us to pack up and bid Bangkok an early goodbye - leaving us pasalubong-less and aching for the shopping sprees that we never got to finish - I must say that the whole trip was a success.

Aside from the occasional waiting time, our land trips via bus to 4 different cities went quite smoothly. Immigration was a breeze. There were no major problems encountered with our hotels/lodges. We weren't mugged nor charged insanely (and I thank my skin color for that, being an Asian in an Asian country has its perks). Overall, we were quite blessed to have dealt with nice people (cab drivers, tuk-tuk drivers, waiters/waitresses, tour guides and locals we ask for questions or directions from time to time).

Truth is, it was the only thing I kept asking for whenever we light an incense candle to every temple we visited. So I guess it worked!

Ta Keo trio photo c/o the guard on duty

Goodluck bracelet we got after being blessed by a Buddhist monk

To summarize:

Ho Chi Minh City is an exceptionally clean city. Shrubs and trees are perfectly trimmed. No garbages on alleys, streets or roads. Although the language barrier can be a bit frustrating most of the time, it's always going to be part of the challenge to any new place.

Phnom Penh reminded me a lot of a certain Philippine district. They also have active residents who make good use of their parks and baywalk. Siem Reap is populated by so many hotels and tourist buses that it's possible there are more tourists than Khmers (but that's just my foolish observation).

Bangkok offers so many food options to sustain any gastronomic desire. We practically lived off street foods but there were still hundreds of dishes to try. Food are cheap and so are dresses and shoes and shirts and skirts lalalala..

Wat Chai ruins, Ayutthaya, Thailand

As sentimental I am, I believe there's no need to pour out every little gushy and mushy feelings/thoughts I have over this trip. I'll spare everyone with my inconsequential babbles but this would be my only exception. I want to thank my partners - Kimi and JC - for the incredible, amazing and awesome days we had. It was very memorable for all the right reasons and I can't wait to go on other trips, whether in or out of the country, with you kahit ayaw nyo na kong makasama pa. I don't know if they felt the same way towards me, shared the same ecstatic joys or ayaw na pala nila ko kasama no haha? Sadyang mababaw lang ba talaga ko, pero basta sobrang saya lang.

O sya. Korni na.

Salamat kay Bathala sa lahat-lahat!