Clarisse: Part Two

Wake Up Call

2011-02-24T17:12:00.003+08:00

I stumbled upon a nice entry from thresca, which I can very well relate to. I always make a note to myself to appreciate everything (whether small or big) that comes my way. And I'm guilty that sometimes I take the small and simple things for granted. I should carry this list with me everyday so it could serve as a reminder for me.

If I had my life to live over

I would have talked less and listened more.

I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained and the sofa faded.

I would have eaten the popcorn in the “good” living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace.

I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather rambling about his youth.

I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.

I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage.

I would have sat on the lawn with my children and not worried about grass stains.

I would have cried and laughed less while watching television, and more while watching life.

I would have gone to bed when I was sick, instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren’t there for the day.

I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn’t show soil or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.

Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I’d have cherished every moment, realising that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.

When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, “Later. Now go get washed up for dinner.”

There would have been more “I love you’s” and more “I’m sorry’s”

but mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute, look at it and really see it and never give it back.

- Erma Bombeck

Splurge or Save

2010-09-04T15:02:00.004+08:00

I want to splurge on a gold and black watch...

and on a super fast i7 laptop...

But my instincts tell me to just put it in the bank instead. Wah!

Down Memory Lane

2010-08-30T13:17:00.001+08:00

I’ve been sorting through a pile of pictures for our wedding avp. Seeing my childhood and teenage pictures brought me back down to memory lane. I can’t believe how different I looked back then. Baggy jeans, loose t-shirts, short puffy hair, sandals with socks, and flowered leggings with socks on top…oh my! And I thought I was cool before. Aside from having a laugh trip, it has made me realize that there were certainly a lot of beautiful and happy (some extra special) memories I’ve had throughout the years. There are some that I will never forget. I miss being an innocent kid where the world seemed just like a one big playground to me. I miss being a giddy teenager with numerous crushes on nerdy looking boys. I miss being in college where the world seemed like mine to take; with countless escapades and adventures to boot.

Ten years from now, I’ll probably look back and say the same thing again. I’ll probably laugh my socks off again when I see myself clad in today’s style (read: mini dresses and floral prints. Who knows what the style will be in the future?). Once in awhile, it’s nice to look back, trace back one’s path and see how much one has grown and changed (for the better I hope). It’s always a nice feeling to know that one has gone a long way and has achieved significantly.

DFA Rocks!

2010-08-27T15:46:00.001+08:00

I had my passport renewal today at the new DFA building in Macapagal. I just have to share my experience; it’s a good one. =) I initially had my appointment scheduled on October through my travel agent. It was supposed to be the next earliest schedule available. I decided to check and try out DFA’s online appointment system in hopes of getting an earlier schedule. And I did manage to get an August appointment. I’ve heard of horror stories regarding passport renewals at the DFA. I heard people have to wait an average of 3-5 hours. They said there were a lot of people, long queues and fixers everywhere. I was actually prepared for the long hours wait at the DFA today. I brought water, a book, newspaper, and my ipad. I got there early, more than an hour ahead of my appointment. Luckily they allowed me to go in. Usually they only let you in 30 minutes prior to your schedule. I breezed by Step 1 (Documents) and Step 2 (Cashier). I made sure I came with the complete requirements to avoid having to fall in line again. Step 3 (Enrollment) also went by fast even if the ticket number I got was 100+. At this point, I actually didn’t mind waiting since there was good air conditioning with a sufficient seating area. Surprisingly it only took a couple of minutes before my number was called. There were about 75 personnel in the enrollment processing section which made the waiting very short. After taking my picture, fingerprints, and digital signature, I was done! I can’t believe it only took 3 steps to finish my passport renewal. It took me no less than an hour to complete everything. Furthermore, what makes me really happy is the fact that I did everything on my own. I didn’t have to go through fixers or through “special connections” or pay extra just to get an easy passport renewal. I was really surprised at how well-improved the DFA is now. They had a new, clean, well conditioned building and a fast efficient staff. I wish all the government agencies (special mention: LTO and airport) have the same efficient process and facilities. DFA's really a first! If only government officials start spending taxpayers’ money in the right places and pay attention to improving all the country’s facilities, then we’ll already be a great nation ten years from now! Diba?

Forever21 in Manila

2010-07-07T10:28:00.001+08:00

Last Thursday, we were lucky enough to get invites for the pre-opening of Forever21 in SM Megamall. Aside from a lot of models, artistas, and who’s-who, the main man himself Henry Sy, Sr. was there. I was thinking of getting a picture with him, but I was too dyahe to do so. He was smiling and he seemed very pleased with the turnout. I have to give props to him. He’s a genius in his own right. I wish I could be as successful like him someday.

I was not able to do any major shopping though because I thought I was coming back. I was only able to buy a few items, which I now regret. I just learned that Forever21 had a very long queue on its opening day and continues to be so until to this day (not sure what the situation is during weekdays though). You have to line up and wait for your turn to enter the store. What the?! I guess it’s because a lot of the stuff from the girl’s section are really low-priced and affordable. You get good fashionable stuff with a very good price tag on it. That’s really hard to resist. Maybe the “craze” will eventually die down. I think everyone’s just too excited and thrilled at the thought of having something so popular and nice available locally at a very affordable price. When Gap and Banana Republic opened in Manila, it didn’t create as much buzz as Forever21 did. So my guess is maybe it’s because of the price. I could just imagine if H&M will open in Manila. That’s going to be another story altogether. Although personally if my wallet had the choice (hehe), I would still prefer Zara. It’s pricier but it’s definitely a level higher, quality-wise and fashion-wise. I’m not even sure if both should even be compared. I hope Zara makes their sales more frequent and at BIGGER discount.

Shiny Happy People

2010-06-04T09:36:00.001+08:00

It's a common belief that positive thinking leads to a happier healthier life. As children, we're told to smile, and be cheerful, and put on a happy face. As adults, we're told to look on the bright side, to make lemonade and see glasses as half full. Sometimes reality can get in the way of our ability to act the happy part though.

Ask most people what they want out of life and the answer is simple - to be happy. Maybe it's this expectation though of wanting to be happy that just keeps us from ever getting there. Maybe the more we try to will ourselves to state's of bliss, the more confused we get - to the point where we don't recognize ourselves. Instead we just keep smiling - trying to be the happy people we wish we were. Until it eventually hits us, it's been there all along. Not in our dreams or our hopes but in the known, the comfortable, the familiar.

-Grey's Anatomy

Everything Good List

2010-05-31T21:56:00.002+08:00

Starting today, I'm going to surround myself with only the good and positive. There's so much to like and love, and I haven't been doing exactly that lately with all that has transpired last week. But today's a different day. It's a brand new week which equals to a fresh new start. =)

In no particular order,

-June 1 (Happy 2 Years to my one and only!)
-Vampire Diaries
-free Citibank movie tickets (we've definitely saved a lot on this promo...)
-yummy McDonald's hotcake and coffee
-SM bringing H&M and Forever21 to Manila
-Zara's current season (there's so much to buy!)
-decorating and fixing the house with Dolfo
-smooth sailing wedding preps
-dinner celebrations
-Europe hangover
-my new e72 phone
-finding the right red dress
-jogging and cooking nights with Dolfo
-positive month end figures
-paydays
-UCC coffee
-Vieux Chalet's yummy toasted pizza
-occasional rains (to beat the sweltering heat)

How?

2010-05-29T14:50:00.002+08:00

When is it proper to speak up and defend a person without getting in trouble? Do you wait for the right time or do you go at it immediately? And should you, to begin with, take up on a fight that’s not even yours? Here’s my take…when it’s an adults only issue, the best way to go is to keep mum and let them handle their own situation. Even if you’re itching, dying to speak your heart out, you’ll just have to keep it to yourself. Word of caution though, you’ll need lots of willpower and tons of patience to do this. Because when the bully continues to provoke, it will become increasingly difficult to hold back and not get involved. So how do I go about this then?

***

I’m amazed at how some people can willingly pretend as if everything’s fine when clearly it’s not. People do it for a variety of reasons. I guess it’s because most people love to keep appearances because that’s what makes them look (and feel) good. Some people on the other hand, want to maintain status quo, fearful of rocking the boat. I don’t know how I fit in all of this. Do I suck it up and play along or do the exact opposite? I strongly feel the need to stay true to myself. I can’t pretend to like a person whom I truly detest. I can’t find it in my guts to smile and do small talk if I know this person will just stab me in the back. Frankly, I just don’t want to have anything to do with someone who’s not even worth my time and effort. Being civil, maybe I can do. But from its definition in dictionary.com, being civil is even an understatement.

—Synonyms
7, 8. respectful, deferential, gracious, complaisant, suave, affable, urbane, courtly. Civil, affable, courteous, polite all imply avoidance of rudeness toward others. Civil suggests a minimum of observance of social requirements. Affable suggests ease of approach and friendliness. Courteous implies positive, dignified, sincere, and thoughtful consideration for others. Polite implies habitual courtesy, arising from a consciousness of one's training and the demands of good manners.

So how do I go about this too?

Love, Love, Love

2010-05-23T22:20:00.004+08:00

Too many negativity today. Gosh! Or was it too much alcohol? Hmnn…too much alcohol can really bring out some of the worst qualities of a person. It turns you into a ~~greedy~~ green-eyed monster. If you want to see the true colors of a person, give him/her lots of alcohol. You’ll see what I mean. It’s a painful sight, close to pathetic, almost amusing but not quite; pitiful if I must say so. Drinkers really have to put in mind that having too much to drink doesn’t give you an easy ticket to barrage people with your angst and insecurities. Geesh get over it and face it like a man. Haay, why don't we just make love and not war? To quote Kris Aquino, "love, love, love". Isn't that a whole lot better? Love, love, love.

7 more months and counting..

2010-05-19T12:16:00.004+08:00

Dolfo and I are done with most of the wedding preps, for now. I can say it's been a fun, smooth, and stress free planning (with some minor bumps here and there) so far. *cross fingers* We can now both rest and relax in the next few months since we've already completed most of our suppliers. I'm sharing my wedding mood board with you. I really have no specific theme. I just want it to be ~~simple~~ , intimate, sweet, romantic, and elegant. I'm choosing pale blush pink, silver-greyish purple, with a touch of green. I hope it's a good choice and everything turns out exactly (if not as close as) the way we imagined it.

Good Luck to Us! God Bless the Philippines.

2010-05-10T12:12:00.001+08:00

A fair, truthful and successful May 10 election

To All Moms

2010-05-09T18:13:00.000+08:00

Image via likes

Do NOTHING.

2010-05-03T16:33:00.002+08:00

vi.sualize.us

Today's one of those long weekend holidays. And I'm absolutely doing nothing. I feel as if I should be doing something productive. Then I remembered about this magazine article I stumbled upon while having late lunch at Apartment IB a few months back. It left a strong impact on me, I decided to copy random excerpts from it on my iphone. I forgot to copy the magazine source though. Oops sorry!

I'm declaring today as my DO NOTHING day. :)

"Go bumbling. Wandering around without a purpose. Indulged by the poets of the 19th century in Paris. Children are good bumblers. Try making a deliberate effort to slow down your walking pace. You'll find yourself coming alive and you'll enjoy simply soaking in the day.

Idleness it seemed is not bad. It was noble. It was excessive busyness that caused all the problems.

Remind people of the forgotten simple pleasures of doing nothing.

Aristotle had praised the contemplative life, and monks spent a lot of time just praying and chanting. Guilt for doing nothing is artificially imposed on us by a calvinistic and puritanical culture that wants us to work hard. When you understand that it hasn't always been this way, it becomes easier to shake it off.

Declare at least once a day of the week as a do nothing day. Don't clean the house or do laundry; don't get in the car. Stay home and eat chocolate and drink wine. Be kind to yourself.

Indulge in contemplation, reflection, and that underrated pleasure, thinking without fear of disapproval."

I'm currently thinking of...

2010-04-19T22:08:00.004+08:00

PB Co.'s Peanut Butter Black Forest Sandwich. This is what happens to me for skipping dinner. It's making me think about food. Peanut butter, chocolate spread, white cream cheese, and cherries on white toasted bread. Yum! I know it sounds like an odd combination but surprisingly it tastes good. It's just so far from my place.

Slow Motion Videos

2010-03-25T22:26:00.003+08:00

I got these from Mo Twister's blog. This one is a Pedigree ad using slow motion video. It captures the reactions of the dogs so candidly and vividly. Nice concept. Watch!

Another slow motion video, "The new trend in sports videography is catching "special" moments in slow motion, high-definition. It brings the viewer to an even greater appreciation for athleticism and the harmony between athlete and task. Below is a 30 frame per second shot of some Australian dude surfing--simply amazing." -Mo Twister

IN: Green, OUT: Pink

2010-03-23T18:42:00.002+08:00

I have to agree with the new color scheme. Green is definitely looks better than pink. I like MMDA's new green campaign. They've put up "green awareness" posters all over the metro. I think it serves two purposes; literally it increases environmental awareness and figuratively it sort of gives, encourages everyone to have a positive outlook. This is why (aside from among many reasons) I am going to vote for BF.

Pink is out; MMDA going ‘Gibo’ green

“Green” and bear it, BF! Looks like Gibo’s color is taking over your formerly “rosy” turf.

Not only is the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) repainting various road structures from pink to green, but it is also putting up signs trumpeting its new choice of color.

Tarpaulins printed with slogans like “Green is Cool,” “Green Is Go,” Green Is Hope,” and “Green is Clean” would be mounted this week along major thoroughfares, especially along EDSA (Epifanio delos Santos Avenue), to formally launch the agency’s “Go Green Metro” program, MMDA Chair Oscar Inocentes said Monday.

“Green symbolizes environmental growth,” Inocentes said in a statement. “We would like the world to know that through the MMDA, Metro Manila is doing its share to conserve and protect our Earth, our environment.”

He sought the cooperation of the 17 Metro Manila mayors in promoting the agency’s “green ideology.”

The agency had initiated a metro-wide paint job on the pink street signs, foot bridges, sidewalk urinals and lane barriers installed during the term of then MMDA Chair Bayani “BF” Fernando, now an opposition vice presidential candidate.

Fernando’s pink motif—sometimes with a touch of blue—also extended to the facade of some private homes that line major roads and to the MMDA building itself on EDSA in Makati City.

No political brushstroke

In an interview last December shortly after he took over, Inocentes justified the color change, saying in Filipino: “Green is easier on the eyes, while pink is a color associated with gays.”

The MMDA chair denied speculations that the change was a political brushstroke in support of Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro, standard-bearer of the administration party Lakas-Kampi-CMD, whose campaign color also happened to be green.

He insisted that the similarity was just a “coincidence.”

A member of the ruling party, Inocentes earlier served as presidential assistant for political and judicial affairs with the rank of undersecretary under the Office of the President.

4,000 ficus trees

In the statement Monday, the MMDA chief said the agency would also plant at least 4,000 ficus trees on the center islands of primary and secondary roads all over the metropolis.

Ironically, the MMDA under Fernando considered trees planted on center islands and sidewalks as traffic hazards that obscure the view of motorists or hamper the movement of pedestrians.

Trees thus became a casualty of road-clearing and widening projects at the time.

Though his view had its own share of supporters, Fernando’s tree-cutting operations drew the ire of affected residents, environmental groups, and some lawmakers.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20100323-260311/Pink-is-out-MMDA-going-Gibo-green

Pyromusical at MOA

2010-03-20T12:07:00.004+08:00

Dolfo and I watched the fireworks finale last Sunday at Mall of Asia. There were a lot of people. We were lucky to get good seats, right exactly at the middle. Australia and Philippines were the last countries to compete that day. I liked the Philippines' fireworks display especially its grand finale. They used popular songs which went aptly with their fireworks. But they didn't win though. First place went to United Kingdom. Australia placed second, and third place went to Japan. This one's going to be in my to-do list again next year.

Be Nice

2010-03-17T14:52:00.002+08:00

I have to agree on what Michael Tan wrote in today's newspaper...I like.

By Michael Tan
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 21:28:00 03/16/2010

“EXCUSE ME, LOLO. EXCUSE ME, LOLO. . .”

It was my 4-year-old son, gently but firmly trying to interrupt my father, who was having a small argument with my mother.

My father finally paused, looked at my son and growled, “What?”

With all the confidence of a Supreme Court justice, complete with high chair, my son promulgated his order in his falsetto voice: “Be nice, Lolo. Be nice.”

That broke the tension and we all broke out laughing. I had to explain to my son that my father had raised his voice because my mother is hard of hearing, but that was difficult for him to grasp, so he insisted, as I do with him when he gets too rowdy, “Lolo, whisper, whisper.”

He’s repeated that “be nice” routine several times, with his grandparents when they argue with each other, or with the household help, and with me when I raise my voice scolding him.

Be gentle

It all began when I caught him several months ago calling someone “gago.” When I frowned, he responded right away, “Bad word?” And I replied, “Not bad word. It just isn’t nice.”

Since then I’ve been using the phrase, “Be nice” quite often, not just for “bad” words but also for assorted situations, like when he fights with other kids, or gets rough with pets.

I know it all sounds wimpy, but a “be nice” campaign is something we need badly in an increasingly mean world. When foreign friends visit, they always tell me Filipinos are so, well, nice and pleasant, and I ask where they’ve been. Inevitably, it will be to the higher-end tourist areas where people are almost forced to be nice. Sometimes I’m tempted to take them to lower-end shopping malls where they’ll see how people shove the elderly aside, or how vendors shout at you to move aside because you’re blocking their displays.

Last month when I boarded a plane and was trying to put a bag into the overhead bin, a man shouted at me, something about his Goldilocks bag being in the compartment. “Use another one,” he practically ordered me. I was tempted to argue that there was enough space for his precious cargo and my bag, but decided it’d be a waste of time, so I did take another overhead compartment.

A few minutes later, a burly American man boarded, opened the overhead with the Goldilocks treasure, shoved in his huge backpack, slammed the compartment door and took his seat. I could almost hear the Goldilock bag being crushed. Did the “nice” Filipino complain? Of course not. He was being nice.

We really need to learn to be kind for kindness’, and goodness’ sake.

We think that to get our way, we have to assert ourselves by being mean. I have fellow professors who will tell their students, “You’re wrong,” pausing to take a deep breath and then adding, “You’re absolutely wrong.” It doesn’t end there. I’ve even seen professors demanding an apology from the student for daring to contradict them.

Maybe I’m old-fashioned, but even if the student is absolutely wrong, I will still go: “I’m not sure about that. Can you check your sources again?”

I was amused the other week when I watched “Pilipinas Got Talent,” a local spin-off of “American Idol.” I know many people get a thrill watching Simon Cowell getting really mean with contestants. Mercifully, the local version has judges, including Kris Aquino, apologizing, “Sorry ha, pero...” to contestants before sending them off to oblivion.

I know, I know. . . what about our noontime shows where they have contests to make fun of people? Precisely. It’s because we are getting more and more of such entertainment fare that I worry about how we might lose all sense of “nice-ness.”

‘Nuno sa Internet’

Niceness is even more endangered now with the Internet. Look at the comments people post on e-discussion groups, and in response to YouTube videos. Blog writers can be especially vitriolic, confusing harsh and brash language with intelligence. I’ll admit, too, the temptation to be unkind is strong with columnists.

All this comes about, ironically, because both old and new mass media are built on respect for the freedom of speech. We’re all encouraged to speak our mind with few limitations. The Internet has opened more spaces, with even fewer rules—it’s almost impossible, under present laws, to sue a person for libel or slander if the offensive remarks are made on the Internet. It’s gotten so bad now there’s even a term for people who just roam the Internet trying to pick arguments and fights over the most trivial issues: “trolls.” (I call them Nuno sa Internet, playing on our traditional mythological nuno sa punso or grumpy creatures inhabiting anthills.)

I do wonder, at times, if I’m being unfair to children (my own and others’) when I urge them to be kinder in a world that’s becoming more and more unkind. Will they survive? I wonder.

I think so. I do explain to them that there are indeed people who are “gago” and “tarantado” and sometimes they should be called that—nicely (meaning with a smile). Seriously, I’m convinced he stands a better chance of surviving because quite simply, unkind people are a turn-off. Whatever your views are, you might initially catch people’s attention with mean remarks, but eventually they turn away, no longer interested in your views because you come through as too vexing, too toxic, to the spirit, too toxic.

Working for 25 years as an administrator in NGOs, UP and a foundation, has entailed dealing with the most difficult people imaginable, and I can say with confidence that kindness, or at least graciousness, doesn’t mean compromising on firmness and fairness. In fact, unkind people are shocked when you turn the screw on them with grace. Unkind people want to fight, and the best way to be “unkind” to them is to deny them that pleasure.

If a “be nice” admonition doesn’t work out, walk away, assuring yourself, “It’s his problem, not mine.” You might actually find yourself feeling sad for the person. That, too, is being kind.

Paris Love - Excited!

2010-03-10T14:27:00.004+08:00

source

Aside from Japan for its cherry blossoms, I would also love to go back to Paris. What I remembered most about this lovely city is its amazing architecture. There's nothing special, really. But I just like how simple and classic the buildings were. I love its chic European feel to it. I also remembered the first time I saw the Eiffel. Huge, massive, colossal...it was literally towering over you. It's definitely a must stopover when you're in the city. I also loved the fact that you don't need a travel guide to get around the city. You could just do the hop on hop off thing at your own convenience and experience French culture firsthand. There's also the arts and history side of France which I always find interesting (my History classes in high school and college did me well. Napoleon Bonaparte, anyone?). As for shopping, the household brands are definitely cheaper (but still not for my wallet though).

Efren Penaflorida

2010-02-18T12:24:00.004+08:00

Yesterday, I attended the quarterly meeting of McDonald's. One of the guest speakers was Efren Penaflorida, who was named 2009 CNN Hero of the Year. He was actually not a good speaker. But I think he still managed to inspire everyone in the room and put a lump in everyone's throat after he presented his cause, which was to bring education to the poor. He showed several videos in between his speech, which showed how he started his "pushcart education". His message was simple, he believed education is not a privilege but a right of each individual. We don't need to do big things to help. We can help in small ways. What's important is we have the passion to serve. I think he truly deserves the award. He clearly has the passion to serve and he has already helped a lot of kids.

Excerpt of his speech when he won the award,
“Our planet is filled with heroes, young and old, rich and poor, man, woman of different colors, shapes and sizes. We are one great tapestry…Each person has a hidden hero within, you just have to look inside you and search it in your heart, and be the hero to the next one in need. So to each and every person inside in this theater and for those who are watching at home, the hero in you is waiting to be unleashed. Serve, serve well, serve others above yourself and be happy to serve. As I always tell to my co-volunteers … you are the change that you dream as I am the change that I dream and collectively we are the change that this world needs to be.”

Hot Air Balloon Festival

2010-02-15T20:25:00.005+08:00

Dolfo and I went to Clark over the weekend to join in the 15th Hot Air Balloon Festival. The weather was really nice that day. I thought it was going to be a hot humid day. I brought lots of water, extra shirt, umbrella, shades; the works. Surprisingly it was an almost perfect weather-cool and breezy. Perfect na sana but they were unable to fly the hot air balloons due to strong winds, which meant our free ride has also been canceled. Tsk tsk. I will have to include this one again in my to-do list next year. Sharing with you a couple of pictures...

We went to eat at the much talked about C's afterward. Unfortunately it didn't met up to all the hype it's been making. I just don't know if they're not used to having big crowds or lacked preparation for the occasion, service was agonizingly slow. Food was not as great as well. The pizza was not hot anymore and our angus ribeye was overcooked. It became angus porkchops. Wah.

Happy Valentines!

2010-02-14T09:58:00.001+08:00

thelastdisco

Kung Hei Fat Choi

2010-02-13T23:42:00.000+08:00

A happy and prosperous Chinese New Year to all!

Craving for anything chocolate...

2010-02-09T16:15:00.002+08:00

Yum post!

via cathydahn

To Eat or Not to Eat

2010-02-06T16:16:00.002+08:00

via jaredhecht

2010-02-06T16:11:00.000+08:00

The Remedy - Jason Mraz

via todayslyrics

Meet Pug

2010-02-05T16:36:00.003+08:00

1773

I used to want a golden retriever for a pet dog. But they say retrievers are hard to maintain because they easily get smelly and are tick friendly. My second dog choice then would have to be pugs. Unlike the other toy dogs, pugs are not pa-cute because cute and lovable na talaga sila. I just don't know if they rate high on the hygiene scale though. I'm not serious on owning a dog just yet because I'm afraid I won't be able to give my full care and attention to it. Kawawa lang siya, so I'll stick to fishes instead...I just need to have a big big pond nga lang muna. Hehe

Creative Urge

2010-01-26T20:20:00.003+08:00

These days there are a million things that I want to do. I can't even remember when was the last time I felt this need of wanting to do and learn something new. I think it's a good sign; I'm inspired! Well not that I'm not because I always am, I just don't have the drive to do so. I don't know though if this "current state" of mine is temporary only. Maybe I'm just too caught up in the preparations I've been doing lately. I'm also continuously inspired by nice interesting websites that I've been stumbling upon; tremendously creative people I must say. If only time permits, I want to seriously take interior design classes. Maybe I watch too much design shows. Hello Nate Berkus, Jonathan Adler, and Kelly Wearstler! Hehe. I also want to take basic photography and graphic design lessons. I don't know which one to do first. Basta I want to be able to do something creative. I want to stir my creative juices, if there's any at all. And then there's still that ever pending plan of becoming a successful entrepreneur. Someday perhaps, when I already know what I'm going to sell. Hehe. I know the interior design, photography, and graphic design plans are attainable in the near term. I just don't know if I can do it with work and all. Wah!

From a German Song...

2010-01-24T13:40:00.002+08:00

via todayslyrics

Translation: "Just wanted to let you know that you’re the best thing that’s happened to me."

Lucky Day

2010-01-18T22:34:00.006+08:00

I caught a glimpse of a perfectly arched rainbow this afternoon, and it was just outside my room. It was raining earlier and jogging plans had to be scrapped. And then the sun came out. I was talking to Dolfo over the phone telling him that I can see the sun already. I actually first noticed the sun being extra yellow because it made the white building turn into a yellowish shade. I thought it looked odd. And then I saw the rainbow, a super nice one. It has to be the second nicest perfect rainbow so far on my list.

342 Days

2010-01-09T11:45:00.003+08:00

342 days before “the big day”. It still seems so far away, which means I still have plenty of time to worry and stress all I want. Hehe. Actually planning has been smooth and stress free so far. I’m still very much a Bridechilla. *cross fingers*. I hope the Bridezilla horror stories I always hear won't be applicable to me. I realized recently that I have to stop buying wedding magazines already. It’s getting to be addictive already because the more I read, the more ideas I have; the more ideas I have, the more confused I get. I’ve always wanted a simple, intimate, and elegant wedding. But there’s so much to consider. For one, I have a big family. Yes emphasize on the BIG please. Second, there are certain “protocols” that I have to follow, but certainly would want to do away with if given the choice. And lastly, aside from considering just about everything and everyone else, I also have to consider about us ensuring that both of us do not get lost in the process. Planning is ultimately not forgetting about us as a couple, which is the very reason why we are here in the first place. And here I thought, planning a wedding is just going to be a breeze. I guess with our culture, it’s nearly impossible. I’m not complaining though. Maybe people are probably just as excited as I am. So I’m taking everything in and making sure everyone’s a part of it, at the same time without sacrificing what we want. Hmnn..paano kaya yun? Hehe. I’ve psyched myself over and over again that no matter what happens, I will not sweat the small stuff. Stress, fret, and panic are absolutely no-no’s. After all this is just a one way ticket and I just want to be able to enjoy the ride before it’s over.

What's Your Biggest Day?

2009-12-20T23:41:00.000+08:00

"You'll never know the biggest day of your life is going to be the biggest. Todays you think are going to be big ones. They're never as big as you make them out to be in your head. It's the regular days, the ones that start out as normal. Those are the days that end up being the biggest. And today was the wedding...it was beautiful. Perfect. You'll never know the biggest day of your life is the biggest day, not until it's happening. You don't recognize the biggest day of your life, not until you are in the middle of it. Today you commit to something or someone, the day you got your heart broken, the day you meet your soulmate, the day you realize there's not enough time because you want to live forever. Those are the biggest days, the perfect days."

-Grey's Anatomy

2009-12-12T22:45:00.000+08:00

via tumblr-media

Speechless Happy

2009-11-12T23:59:00.001+08:00

28

2009-11-12T12:16:00.001+08:00

If I'm going to have a cake made for myself, this cake is it. But I'd probably add in bits (and lots) of fresh strawberries in the chiffon layer.

Via martha stewart

P.S. Happy Birthday Candice!

This Is It

2009-11-03T21:23:00.002+08:00

Yesterday I got to watch This Is It (Like You've Never Seen Him Before). I have to say that Michael Jackson is indeed a real legend. He really deserves all the respect and recognition (and more) that is due him. To tell you the truth I was not an avid MJ fan. I do listen to his songs but that was just about it. I always thought he was odd in his ways and have always wondered what all the fuss about him was. Not until recently when I watched This Is It. I must say I’m now an official Michael Jackson convert. The movie tribute gave me a glimpse of who he really was amidst all the controversies that constantly hounded him. I realized he’s every bit the performer he always was. You have to see the movie for yourself to understand why all the hype created about him is every bit justified and true. He’s a simple passionate man who breathes and lives music. He knows his music by heart, which can be seen through the record breaking hits made during his lifetime; a number of which have already become a classic in their own right. At 50, he still hasn’t lost that old magic and appeal that made him the superstar that he is today. It amazes me how he can still deliver a phenomenonal show and to think what I watched was only his rehearsals. No wonder he had that big an effect on everyone. His London concerts, which are all sold out would have been the greatest concerts of all times. It’s sad that it won’t push through anymore. We lost one great talent. RIP Michael Jackson.

Happy Pills

2009-10-16T19:01:00.004+08:00

Stumbled upon this nice little cute packaging for a candy shop in Barcelona called Happy Pills. If only we could buy real HAPPY PILLS whenever we want to, then the world would be a much happier place.

via Lovely Package

The Things I Learned

2009-10-03T11:32:00.002+08:00

When you truly love someone, you would give and risk everything you’ve got. You go into a relationship with all your cards laid out in the open. Even with the possibility of getting hurt, you nevertheless brave the possible consequences. And despite being unsure of what’s to come, you just go right ahead and take the plunge all because, as cliché as it may sound, of love. Deciding to be in a relationship is not an easy feat. And deciding to stay in it is a serious commitment. That’s why you can’t go into something with only half of your cards open. You can’t go into it half baked and half sure or unsure. Loving someone is not about taking calculated steps. It’s not some chess game that you play trying to figure out your next move. It’s not about waiting for the so called perfect moment or right timing. But rather it’s about being IN the moment and enjoying it now; doing what you feel like doing or saying it now. When you decide to love, you decide to truly love the person and make him//her a part of your life. He/she becomes a part of you and everything else in your world. It’s not about half letting him/her in because you’re scared. Loving someone is actually letting go of fear; it’s about growing up. That’s what love is all about. People shouldn’t mistake change as a cause for alarm in a relationship. It’s actually a sign of growth, a sign of a progressing and deepening relationship. The first day you met isn’t and will not be the same as day 100 or day 365. It’s actually always nice to reminisce about the old times and see how much you’ve both improved, together. There are no grey areas when it comes to love. It’s as plain as black and white, yes or no, like or dislike. No amount of explanations, lame excuses, or justifications will ever be able to cover up or even sugar coat the obvious. It’s as simple as the saying, there are a lot of means when you want it bad and there are plenty of reasons to make when you don’t. When it comes to love, you love wholeheartedly and you tend to give too much of yourself without even noticing it. While there is no such thing as giving too much because there are no limits when it comes to love, too much becomes too much when it becomes a one way street and you wake up one day realizing you’ve almost lost your worth already. So when you love, you have to leave a little for yourself. Pain and hurts are inevitable in every relationship. But that’s one risk that you have to take, that someday the one you love the most will also be the one to hurt you the most. The thought of falling out of love and losing all the love for the person you’ve once loved is scary, unimaginable beyond words. That’s why you hope and pray to God that it will never happen. Lastly, love is about you and me. It has never been about anyone else, but us. Yes, US. It’s about continuing to love despite one's flaws and deficiencies. It’s about staying in for the long haul and not giving up.

EFFORT

2009-10-02T17:53:00.001+08:00

Effort...*

Effort is the essence of any relationship - friendly or otherwise. This is not to say that two people make an equal effort with each other all throughout their relationship. There is always give and take. However, when one has to constantly work on making the effort or they have to be reminded time and again to make the effort that’s when it becomes forced, which should not be the case. Until it doesn’t come to you naturally to make the effort towards something or someone, think of it as a sign reminding you that may be it’s not meant to be or not worth the effort you may be divesting into it.

(via hit-or-miss: shany)-http://hit-or-miss.tumblr.com/post/83166618/effort

Everything Good

2009-09-21T20:57:00.001+08:00

A long overdue Everything Good list. I think I need to do this more often so that I can be reminded of all the good stuff. Sometimes when things do not feel right, my everything good list somehow never fails to make it (and me feel) a little better. So here it goes,

-Saizen (or popularly known as Daiso, all Japanese goods at 85 pesos)
-'coffee outs'
-Starbucks heated ensaymada
-learning to finally bake the right (not yet perfect though) crust
-feel good music
-hot, fresh, and properly salted French Fries
-learning to cook without ruining the recipe
-fast problem-free work days
-cold skimmed milk + Hershey's chocolate
-looklet.com (I get to be a virtual fashion stylist minus the stress)
-getting a new camera! :)
-taking my first (multiple) steps to being healthy
-Brain Challenges in facebook
-having an UP and +++ market the whole week
-cute kids and adorable babies
-finding designer dresses at huge discounts (Guam!)
-attending weddings
-Saturday lunches
-sour cream Pringles mini
-sour cream flavored popcorn
-having a clean organized closet
-watching the new episode of One Tree Hill and Prison Break finale (it's been awhile since I've done TV marathons)
-having a good outfit day
-spa massages
-feeling light = no bloated feeling
-winning! Wait, I've haven't won yet. But that will surely feel good! Wish me luck this Saturday! Hehe

Feeling Old

2009-09-10T22:18:00.005+08:00

I'm in dire need of a new good pillow. A really super good one. I've been having these neck aches lately and it's been affecting my overall energy. It seems like my neck and shoulders are always screaming for a massage, even if I've just had one. I don't think my sleeping position has changed significantly though. And I don't think I'm currently stressed with anything either. So I don't know what's been causing my neck aches. I'm tempted to buy these expensive therapeutic pillows but I'm quite apprehensive with the idea of spending too much on a pillow, unsure that it will actually solve the problem. It's either the pillow or I'm going to have to attribute it to old people symptoms. The word old does not sound good at all. Old age signs are starting to creep in. Sometimes I feel like I have a 60 years old body. Along with body aches, my stamina and endurance aren't as fine as it was a few years ago. I also can't sleep as easily. Before I could sleep absolutely anywhere. Now I have a hard time doing so. I could list a few more but I would rather not. I'm still in denial because I want to be forever young.

Sing Your McDonald's Order

2009-09-08T22:05:00.004+08:00

Three words. Cool. Nice. Galing. I like it!

2009-09-03T19:21:00.002+08:00

“You can never really know someone completely. That’s why it’s the most terrifying thing in the world, really—taking someone on faith, hoping they’ll take you on faith too. It’s such a precarious balance. It’s a wonder we do it at all.”

— Libba Bray

The Little Wish

2009-08-25T22:50:00.002+08:00

via etsy

If there's any age that I would like to stay in forever, it would have to be in my 20s. I get to be a semi-adult. This is the only stage where it is perfectly acceptable (and understandable) to act like a silly kid and be a grown up the next minute. Sans for the quarterlife crisis, I would have to say that this is the best time to discover and experience the highs and lows of life, and just be the person you want to be.

Skip!

2009-08-09T19:35:00.003+08:00

Images via pixdaus and weheartit

Like and Want

2009-08-02T15:22:00.008+08:00

I Like
I really like Dove's Grapefuit and Lemongrass Bar. I love the smell. I feel clean and energized every time I use it. The soap also has tiny beads that makes it a bonus mini exfoliant. I like!

I Want
I want a Canon G10 or a Nikon P6000. Since Dolfo has the Nikon already, I'm opting for the Canon. I never bought a camera for myself. I was the type who would use cameras on special occasions only such as out of town trips or on big memorable events, not until recently when I became fond of Photoshop. I realized I need to start taking more pictures.

I want a Swatch watch, particularly these white watches above (and in large size please). I can say I was a Swatch kid. Fortunately, I was able to keep my old Swatches until now. I just don't know though if it's still working. Baka hindi na rin. Swatch is currently making a huge comeback with John Lloyd as its main endorser. Kaya gusto ko na rin! Hehe

Other random wants:
His and Hers bicycles
It's been awhile now since I rode a bicycle. My old bike has long been forgotten. And gone. I want a new one.

A Wallet
No brand in particular. I just need a good nice wallet. So far the perfect wallet has been eluding me. Hopefully there will be lots to choose from in Guam.

A Good Haircut
Ever since Alex Carbonell, I never really had a permanent hair stylist. I've been switching from one salon to another, and never really satisfied with the outcome. I'm tired of my hair style. I'm tempted to cut it really really short. But I'm scared it might not look good on me.

Random Thoughts on Life

2009-07-28T13:04:00.001+08:00

I caught My Sister’s Keeper over the weekend. It’s a sad poignant movie, and significant too especially having learned about the sudden death of a friend’s aunt. It brought back memories not too long ago when my two cousins also suddenly passed away. You can’t help but wonder why things have to happen the way they do. No one can't say for sure. Even if there are answers, no one would be satisfied with it. We have to come to terms with reality--with how short and uncertain life can be, and how we should make the most out of it. Now. We shouldn’t postpone and regret not having said or done the things that we want to say and do. Here’s the list that I promise (and hopefully) will do:

1. Live life well. Stay healthy (physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually).
2. Stop worrying. Pursue the things that you want to do.
3. Slow down, breathe, and enjoy the scenery.
4. Create meaningful relationships. Be with the people you want to be with and appreciate them.
5. Create meaningful things and share it.
6. Build happy memories together with your loved ones.
7. Love unconditionally.
8. Hold no resentment. Learn to forgive and forget.
9. Learn to accept, give, and let go. Stop chasing and fighting the tide.
10. Be thankful and grateful.

Rainy

2009-07-17T17:42:00.003+08:00

It’s been a rainy week. The rainy months have now officially begun. Yey! I love when it rains, save for the brownouts and floods. I don’t know why. Maybe it’s because of the cold cozy weather. It makes you want to stay in and sleep in. There’s also something about the sound of raindrops falling, minus the thunder that I can’t quite explain. As long as it’s not the scary kind of rain, I always get this comforting feeling every time it rains. Masarap lang sya. And then sometimes if I’m super lucky, I get to see a rainbow after. But then, experience tells me rainy weather also means not-so-good business for most. Wah! People coop up in their homes or offices (just like me), and thus spells for no benta which makes me not want to like rain days anymore. So now I’m hoping it stops raining already. Sun, please come out.

RAWR!

2009-07-07T22:10:00.001+08:00

Source

80/20 Rule

2009-06-29T21:35:00.004+08:00

via FFFFOUND!

I'm a fan of this principle, "vital few and trivial many".

Focus 80 percent of your time and energy on the 20 percent of you work that is really important. Don't just "work smart", work smart on the right things.

Let Go First and Then Get

2009-06-23T20:44:00.002+08:00

Photoshop is getting to be quite addictive...used another one of Ray Bradbury's quotes.

On Taking Risks

2009-06-13T16:31:00.003+08:00

It's About

2009-06-08T21:12:00.002+08:00

Via weheartit

Rant

2009-06-03T16:50:00.005+08:00

My sister and I got into a heated argument with another customer yesterday at Office Warehouse. I rarely get into fights, especially with strangers. But yesterday really tested my patience. I had to speak up because the girl was just plain mean.

I lined up at the cashier to pay. I told my sister who was at the other line to queue up with me. The girl behind me suddenly went irate. She accused my sister of cutting her in line. My sister explained to her that we were going to pay everything together. 2 liquid paper and a box of staple wires. 3 small items only, 1 transaction. That’s it. And guess what the girl said?

Girl (irritated): Well, hurry up! You’re taking my time!
Me: Did we take up your time? Did we let you wait for an hour already? Wala pang 1 minute!
Girl: Yes! I’ve things to do. My Dasma house is waiting.

Ummm…what did she say again? I got lost there for a minute. Did she really say 'My Dasma house is waiting' or am I just dreaming?

Me: I don’t care where you live! Who the hell cares?!

Then the girl goes on about why the Philippines isn’t progressing...blah blah blah. Typical right?

Sister (sarcastic tone): Sorry ah, Filipinos lang kami eh. Taga QC lang kami.

At this point, everyone was already snickering at the girl. Obviously, her comments did not earn her sympathy votes from the people at the store. She was just plain demeaning and too feeling. She probably did not expect us to speak up. I really hate people who feel they’re way above than the rest even if they aren’t. Just because you’re a “balikbayan” and speak English, it doesn’t warrant you to feel superior and act as if you own the place. You brag only when you really have the right to do so. Else, you’ll only end up looking like a fool.

One na Tayo!

2009-06-01T23:48:00.002+08:00

Images via vi.sualize.us

Dreaming Big

2009-05-27T20:12:00.006+08:00

We need to be reminded of this once in awhile, and say Yes I can!

Images via deviantart & ffffound!

No More

2009-05-19T22:36:00.006+08:00

"Learning to let go should be learned before learning to get. Life should be touched, not strangled. You’ve got to relax, let it happen at times, and at others move forward with it.”

— Ray Bradbury

Guess what I did?

Images via peacelovebellavita and icanread

I'm almost there. Still got a few more to unload.

Serenity Prayer

2009-05-18T18:59:00.005+08:00

One of my favorite prayers...

The Serenity Prayer

God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.

(Note: This is the shorter version.)

ESC

2009-05-16T14:16:00.006+08:00

via Source

I want to hit the escape button and run away. If only that would be possible..

2009-05-13T22:42:00.002+08:00

“I don’t pretend to know what love is for everyone, but I can tell you what it is for me; love is knowing all about someone, and still wanting to be with them more than any other person, love is trusting them enough to tell them everything about yourself, including the things you might be ashamed of, love is feeling comfortable and safe with someone, but still getting weak knees when they walk into a room and smile at you.”

- Unknown

Roses

2009-05-10T21:19:00.013+08:00

purple and white

I like fresh nice flowers, particularly roses. I like having them in my room or wherever. If I have time and money to buy fresh flowers every week, I would. I find it therapeutic putting and arranging them together. Thanks to Dolfo. I'm getting better at it. Hehe. Every time he surprises me with flowers, it never fails to put a smile to my face. I've collected quite a few "flower pictures" already, using my iphone. Sharing some with you.

red and fuschia

pink and the last rose standing

fuschia, my favorite rose color

peach / orange and pink

P.S. Happy Mothers Day to all mothers! Thank you for taking good care of us. We love you! Mwah! :)

Heart Maps

2009-05-06T20:48:00.009+08:00

My sisters and I have been regularly having these "love" discussions. And I found some images that says it all.

Perhaps we all felt this way at some point(s) in our lives...

If only we could have our own heart maps, then we wouldn't be as lost and confused with love...

Images via unexcitable & salie_sd

Just a Thought...

2009-04-30T22:08:00.009+08:00

Everything doesn't have to be all prim and proper...

...sometimes we also need to be crazy. It's what keeps us sane after all.

pictures from disney clip art & deviantART

SIMPLIFY

2009-04-29T22:55:00.002+08:00

I am having this strong urge to SIMPLIFY…

My definitions:

-figuring out how to get things done in an easier and shorter process
-finding ways to make complicated things/persons/situations uncomplicated
-summoning up all my willpower to throw away all the excess baggage
-detaching myself from all the superficiality and triviality of life
-learning how to find meaning and contentment in the little things
-taking a break (or quitting) from the rat race
-un-learning how not to do things over the top (such as over-want, over-begrudge, over-analyze, over-need, and the list goes on.)

Earth Day

2009-04-22T21:03:00.002+08:00

Happy Earth Day! :) So much attention has been put into saving the environment. There’s Earth Hour, Earth Day, Miss Earth Pageant, recyclables fairs, and other various green campaigns almost everywhere. The message is overwhelmingly loud and clear. We need to start cleaning our act NOW.

Today’s generation (myself included) is more environmentally conscious now. If there should be anyone who needs to play an active role in saving the earth, it has to be our generation. After all it will be our children and grandchildren’s lives that will be at stake here. We wouldn’t want to leave them with an ailing planet now, do we?

I’m making a conscious effort now in doing my share…small steps for now. But then if you think about it, with just a tiny effort coming from each one of us, you could just imagine how many small steps that will add up to! I say, probably (more than) enough to save the Earth.

On Being Nice (or Not)

2009-03-27T10:55:00.003+08:00

I feel that we can’t be too nice because nice people get eaten up alive. Some people like to play bully and take advantage because nice people don’t really speak out that much. Nice people are cool headed people who seldom fight and wage war, unlike their opposites who usually go straight to war with full battle gear in tow. But there comes a point when one realizes that being nice sometimes ain’t gonna cut it out. I’m actually all for nice. But sometimes one also has to put a little mean streak and let themselves be heard and fight for what they stand for. Yes even if it would mean going to battle. I personally would rather give it a fight then not do anything at all.

It will all ultimately depend on the situation though. There is no black or white here. Sometimes you have to be nice and sometimes certain situations call for you to be a little mean. In the end, one has to find the right balance which is the real trick here, because some people tend to overdo one over the other. There are times when some people are too nice and some are just over the top with their meanness. Finding a middle ground for nice and mean is fairly simple that is, know when to speak up. Know when to put your fist down and say, enough already! On the other hand, also know when to keep that sharp tongue and temper in check. Know when to keep yourself from bursting into a volcano or from waging WWIII. As they say, learn to choose your battles wisely. Stop, sit down, and reflect whether the battles you are fighting for are even worth your energy and time in the first place. Try to keep things in perspective and don’t let every little trivial thing (or persons or situations) get to you. As one of my friends would put it, “Laging talo ang pikon.”

Childhood Momentos

2009-03-15T16:27:00.007+08:00

I found some old pictures while rummaging through my stuff over the weekend. It was fun to reminisce the good 'ol days. One of my unforgettable childhood memories was when my mom would dress us up with matching outfits and hairdos.

Postcard Moments

2009-03-15T15:58:00.017+08:00

1. Summer season - Boracay, Philippines

2. Golden Pavilion Temple / Kinkaku - Kyoto, Japan

3. Eiffel Tower - Paris, France

4. Leaning Tower of Pisa - Pisa, Italy

5. Beginning of Spring season - Orlando, Florida

6. Louvre Museum - Paris, France

7. Mt. Fuji - Honshu, Japan

8. Spring season - Melbourne, Australia

9. The Grand Canal - Venice, Italy

10. The Colosseum -Rome, Italy

11. St. Basil Cathedral - Moscow, Russia

12. St. Peter's Basilica - Vatican, Italy

Horoscope for the Day

2009-03-03T20:45:00.002+08:00

My horoscope always gives good advice. Ang galing talaga.

"If the doorknob doesn't want to turn today, dear Scorpio, don't force it. You will only succeed in breaking the key in half. Perhaps you just need to try another door. If things don't flow smoothly into place, then they probably weren't meant to be. Life shouldn't have to be a struggle. Our job is to be happy. Remember that the next time you find yourself in a long line, view the situation as a relaxing period of rest."

Neat Facts About McDonald's

2009-02-11T22:19:00.004+08:00

I took a picture of the new traymat of McDonald's. Most of us (excluding myself) normally don't pay attention to the tiny details when we eat out. All we care about is to satisfy that hunger or craving we have. And most likely, majority of the population also don't even pay attention to the traymats. Nevertheless, I think this is a good idea in sharing "insider" information to customers. It actually kinda makes you feel that you're being taken good care of. Seriously. With biases aside.

Wishes

2009-02-08T16:34:00.010+08:00

I make wishes all the time. I wish on both the silly and serious things. I make wishes not only for myself, but also for the people I love. And yes, I still believe that wishes do come true. You just have to believe and wish, hard enough.

I wish for rainbows.
I wish for happy, candy sprinkled days.
I wish for peace.
I wish for colorful dreams.
I wish for crazy beautiful memories.
I wish for love.
I wish for bear hugs.
I wish for angel kisses.
I wish for stars.
I wish for rain.
I wish for clean air.
I wish for comfort.
I wish for heaven.
I wish for breathtaking landscapes.
I wish for good health.
I wish for merry go rounds and ferris wheels.
I wish for luck.
I wish for inspiration.
I wish for good sleep.
I wish for fairy tales and happily ever afters.
I wish for romantic dates.
I wish for nice weather.
I wish for endless energy.
I wish for surprises.
I wish for completeness.
I wish for change.
I wish for security.
I wish for freedom.
I wish for bliss.
I wish for a clean Earth.
I wish for sunshiny mornings.
I wish for creativity.
I wish for time.
I wish for success.
I wish for positivity.
I wish for Superman.
I wish for Batman.
I wish for unwavering faith.
I wish for stability.
I wish for passion.
I wish for good times.
I wish for perfect moments.
I wish for you and me, together forever.

"We all get at least one good wish a year, over the candles of our birthday. Some of us throw in more, on eyelashes, fountains, lucky stars, and every now and then one of those wishes come true. So what then? Is it as good as we’ve hoped? Do we bask in the warm glow of our happiness or do we just notice we’ve got a long list of other wishes waiting to be wished? We don’t wish for the easy stuff. We wish for big things. Things that are ambitious, out of reach. We wish because we need help and we’re scared, and we know we may be asking too much. We still wish though because sometimes they come true.

But what if you don’t have anything to wish for? What if you have everything you could ever want? Then wish that nothing changes."

-From Grey's Anatomy

Why Every [super]WOMAN Is Beautiful

2009-01-31T10:52:00.005+08:00

Why Every Woman Is Beautiful
anonymous

Her heart loves
a rollercoaster ride.
She cries. She laughs.
She falls in love.
Sometimes, cautiously.
Oftentimes, recklessly.
a constant marathon.
Her mind is on
Running. Running. Away.
Changing pace.
Turning around.
But never stopping.
Her dreams keep on flying.
They may not reach the sky
but will never ever take a dive.
Her hands touch
other people's lives.
Constantly.
As if that is the reason
for their being.
But most of all,
every woman is beautiful
because she is both steel
and cotton candy
and everything in between.

Got this from the Belle de Jour planner that Krizia gave me. I think it sums up nicely the very essence of a true woman.

Back to Earth

2009-01-04T21:39:00.006+08:00

I feel as if I’ve just come out of a long hibernation. With all the festivities coming to an end, it’s now time to go back to the real world again. Time to work hard and also, workout harder (to shed those extra holiday pounds I’ve gained). The transition from vacation mode to reality mode can be hard sometimes. It’s so easy to drown in a world where you don’t have to worry about anything. I wake up each morning with nothing on my mind, save for relaxing and chilling and eating. I momentarily forget the busy life I have. My momentary bliss as I would like to call it. How I wish I could permanently freeze time and stay in this kind of world forever. But as the cliché goes, nothing lasts forever. It doesn’t really sound as bad at all. I’m actually looking forward to getting back to my old regular routine. I’m recharged and excited to get back to the things that I usually do, even the most mundane included. While it's nice to indulge, I’m afraid I would get complacent and idle if I'm rewarded with too many long breaks. The recent respite I have is more than enough to give me the pick-me-upper I need. I know there will still be lots of breaks in the future and yes I am definitely looking forward to that occasional abroad trip. But for now I am already contented to start sweating it out, figuratively and literally! That is I already need to start working and start doing my workouts.

Cold Manila

2008-12-17T22:18:00.001+08:00

I am loving the weather right now. I can’t remember the weather being this cold. Not that it’s cold cold, but in Manila standards, I guess you could consider it already is. I wish we could have this kind of climate all year round. I think the temperature is around the 20+(C) degrees range and probably lower pa in some areas. They say it’s going to last until February. Yey! I know there probably is a global warming alert sounding off somewhere already. Honestly, it’s a bit weird to be suddenly experiencing this cool weather. All my life, I can’t recall Manila being this cold or was I just too young (or too old?) to remember? Hehe While this is definitely a big plus especially to people like me who have lived most of their lives in tropical (read: hot and humid) weather, I’m just kind of scared to know that something odd is also happening to our planet. I think the global recession came as a blessing in disguise na rin. The economic slowdown will help our environment breathe. We can finally give our environment the much needed break it needs now. As much as I love cozy weather like this, I don’t think I would want to experience a snowy Christmas in Manila next year or any year for that matter. That would be really strange.

My Little Piece of Cake

2008-11-12T23:42:00.000+08:00

I didn't have a big cake. I only had a slice for my birthday. It's okay, I'm still eating my cake.

Happy Birthday to my beloved twin sister too. :)

Gross National Happiness

2008-11-10T22:13:00.003+08:00

Some excerpts of the article:

'Gross National Happiness', or GNH, is Buddhist Bhutan's unique approach to national development, and a pursuit that many in the remote country say has been vindicated by the ongoing economic meltdown in the outside world.

"The whole world is going towards materialism, and the more they get the more they want. But they're still not happy. They don't need to copy us, but they should take a look at other ways."

Bhutan has been pursuing GNH for the past few decades: it was conceived by the country's last king, and the new monarch -- 28-year-old Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, who was crowned on Thursday -- says it will remain a policy centrepiece.

According to a pilot survey conducted earlier this year by Bhutan's Gross National Happiness Commission -- previously the national planning commission -- 68 percent of Bhutanese could be classed as being happy.

Read the whole article here.

I think I'm going to apply for a Bhutanese citizenship. I want to be a part of that historic 68%, not an easy feat especially in this day and age of ours.

The Slow Revolution or The Slow Movement

2008-10-06T22:52:00.005+08:00

My friend Nicole emailed this to me. I could relate to this video.

"It is important to remember that when you talk about slow, it's not an extremist movement. It's not a fundamentalist movement. It's not about going back to the old days and doing everything at a snail's pace. I can't think of anything worse than swapping the cult of speed for the cult of slowness. Speed is great. It's about relearning the lost art of shifting gears. It's about understanding that there are moments to be fast and moments to be slow. It's about trying to do everything not as fast as possible, but as well as possible."

Scorpio Reading

2008-10-02T21:48:00.003+08:00

I like what is written in my horoscope today. This however doesn't mean it accurately depicts my current state. I just happen to like what it says. This could actually be a good piece of advice that one can give to whomever.

"Your heart is in the right place today, dear Scorpio, so feel free to share your good mood with others. Keep things simple and straightforward. Try not to complicate any issue with unnecessary garble. Streamline your thoughts and actions. You will find that you can be much more efficient when you cut out those aspects of your life that are not pertinent or absolutely necessary. Follow your heart at all times."

I Like!

2008-09-04T20:25:00.014+08:00

Nike Zoom Victory +
-I'm lusting for a new pair of gym shoes. So love the neon green and black combo.

Pepper Steak Lunch
-DIY fast food steakhouse at an affordable price. I like!

Project Runway
-Since Nate Berkus and Top Design came into my life (hehe), my secret wish was to be a good interior designer. And then came Project Runway, now I wish I can also make mean designer worthy clothes. Wish lang naman...

Twilight Saga by Stephenie Meyer
-Good read. Almost addictive. I can't wait for the motion picture.

Aldo's Enterprise Mid-Heel Wedge
-I've been on a lookout for a shoe wedge. I finally found it! Yey!

Warrior of the Light

2008-08-27T20:49:00.005+08:00

I like Paulo Coelho's Warrior of the Light. It's about accepting failure, embracing life, and rising to your destiny as the book cover says. It gives me the extra strength and inspiration every time I read it. It's a good read especially for those who are in doubt and troubled. Here are a few excerpts that I particularly like,

*****************

When somebody wants something, the whole Universe conspires in their favor. The Warrior of the Light knows this.

For this reason, he takes great care with his thoughts. Hidden beneath a whole series of good intentions lie feelings that no one dares confess to himself: vengeance, self-destruction, guilt, fear of winning, a macabre of joy at other people's tragedies.

The Universe does not judge; it conspires in favor of what we want. That is why the Warrior has the courage to look into the dark places of his soul in order to ensure that he is not asking for the wrong things. And he is always very careful about what he thinks.

*****************

For the Warrior there is no such thing as an impossible love. He is not intimidated by silence, indifference, or rejection. He knows that behind the mask of ice that people wear, there beats a heart of fire.

This is why the Warrior takes more risks than other people. He is constantly seeking the love of someone, even if that means often having to hear the word "no", returning home defeated and feeling rejected in body and soul.

A Warrior never gives in to fear when he is searching for what he needs. Without love, he is nothing.

*****************

"The Warrior knows he is free to choose his desires. And he makes these decisions with courage, detachment and - sometimes - with just a touch of madness."

His Love Concert

2008-08-01T18:16:00.012+08:00

I watched Gary V.'s His Love The Repeat concert last night at Music Museum with Dolfo. It was 3 hours long. If it weren't for the seats we got, it would have been a great show. Since we decided to watch the concert last minute, there weren’t any good tickets left. We had to settle for balcony instead. The view from the balcony was actually okay. It was the seats that weren’t. It got a little uncomfortable after a few hours of sitting. Nevertheless it was an entertaining concert overall. His 2 sons and daughter also performed with him. I wished I was born with their talent. These past months, I was able to watch a number of concerts and I must say that Gary V.’s concert tops my list, next to Air Supply. Hala I’m turning into an oldie. Hehe Anyway sulit talaga because Gary V. sang all of his greatest hits. He’s been in the industry for more than 24 years, so imagine how many songs that was. Galing nya talaga.

Wish Bear

2008-07-28T21:38:00.002+08:00

This is what I bought last week :),

A glittering glow in the dark Care Bear. I wouldn’t have known about it if it weren’t for Candice. She had one and I couldn’t resist buying one for myself. Toys ‘R’ Us didn’t have a lot of choices though. I was lucky they had Wish Bear. I got the last one. I could tell it was waiting for me. Hehe Care Bears hold fond childhood memories for me. Aside from Barbies and playing house, I would pretend I was a Care Bear. My cousins and I would even have our own Care Bear group and do the “Care Bears stare!”. I can’t remember now how I became Wish Bear. It just kinda stuck. I bought anything with Wish Bear on it. A friend even gave me Wish Bear socks. And yes, I do wear them still. It’ll be cool to collect all the Glow-A-Lot bears and line them all up in a dark room. The saleslady at Toys ‘R’ Us mentioned their stockroom was filled with glow in the dark Care Bears and it really had a nice effect.

Cleaning

2008-07-25T18:38:00.003+08:00

I’ve embarked on a personal mission to fix and clean my room, and maintain everything in its proper place (which is rarely the case as things start to get messy again after a few days). I have been postponing it ever since I can remember. I don’t know what has gotten into me, but these past couple of weeks I actually have started on it. I just discovered I’ve accumulated a lot of stuff over the years; some are of sentimental value while some are just plain basura. Hehe. I actually find cleaning therapeutic. Not only do I get to tidy up my space, I also get to reminisce about the good ol’days after uncovering long forgotten stuff that I’ve kept since I was a kid. It was nice to go back to my sticker book and stationery collection. Yes! May ipangmamana na ako sa mga anak ko. Hehe. I also kept a lot of letters and cards from friends. Reading it again made me nostalgic. I used to remember the days when my friends and I would write and exchange letters. Uso pa ang penpals dati. Now I don't get letters anymore. Cleaning also lets me become Santa Claus for a day and give away clothes, shoes, and other “butingting” (I don’t know the English term for this). While almost everything has a sentimental value to me, it was time to let go of some. After all I am aiming for a clutter free life (literally and figuratively.)

The sudden urge to get organized has already gone beyond the confines of my room. I’m also trying to be organized with my everyday life as well. And I’d like to think I’m making a lot of progress. I found a systematic and more effective way of getting things done quickly. I’m also slowly able to filter out the junk from the useful and the urgent from the not so urgent. As a result of which I have more time now to do extra stuff. Learning to get rid (or clean off) all the unnecessary excess has helped me think clearer and has made most of my days happier, easier, and lighter.

Where the Hell is Matt?

2008-07-17T18:55:00.002+08:00

Also dubbed as Dancing with the Universe, I must say this video created a big impact on me. Go and watch it.

"This one is no YouTube vanity trip. This one is different. This one feels important, necessary, and artistic; it's a concrete manifestation of the change that the world's leaders have been preaching at a time when the human race could use a little pick-me-up, a little jig in its step. This one is a high-definition television commercial for hope."

"Pretty cool, huh?" said Matt Harding, when it was suggested to him that, for the first time in history, someone — he — got the entire planet dancing together to the same song. - Jim Walsh

Today's Hula

2008-07-12T10:27:00.004+08:00

I like what it says in my horoscope today. Totoo, I think I need to get out of the house. Light conversation and good-hearted banter...sounds good to me. :)

Happy to be Twenty Seven

2008-07-12T10:00:00.003+08:00

I’m turning 27 in a couple of months. In a few years, I’ll be 30, and a few more years after that I’ll be long gone from the calendar. I’ll be 40 and before you know it, I'll be 50 then 60 (and still counting), and probably be old enough to be a grandma. You get the picture. I don’t know if it’s at this point in one’s life that one starts getting conscious of how old old one is. Call it denial or whatever, I honestly don’t feel old for my age. I don’t know if it’s the lack of responsibility or the lack of major life changing experiences or the lack of freedom, I just don’t feel old or at least I don’t feel like I’m getting old at all.

The way I see age, it’s not some running number that one has to keep track of. It’s more of a state of mind. We shouldn’t see age as a hindrance to our goals. It’s not about being too old or too young. There is never the right time to do and start things. It’s all about doing it now, living in the present, in the moment. Rather than counting, we should celebrate our being twenty or thirty something, whatever age we’re currently in. More than anything else, age is a gift. Some of the most priceless values come with age. One can never find true wisdom, inner peace and strength, and freedom without going through age. In this day and age, to be able to reach 50 is actually a privilege. To reach 90 is a blessing, a miracle even. So when your birthday comes along, be grateful and thankful you’re turning a year older. It means you’re given another shot at life. Another year. Lucky you.

Today's Headline

2008-07-09T20:48:00.004+08:00

Grabe! Sobrang dami ng tao sa MRT! I hope one day, we'll be able to find ~~a way~~ ways to cope with the rising oil price. Or better yet I hope there will come a time we won't be needing oil anymore. I know it sounds crazy and impossible. Wala, wishful thinking lang.

The world needs to come up with a solution faassst, because it is really in serious trouble.

On Living Life and Being

2008-06-23T23:39:00.003+08:00

I used to have a long list of the things that I want to:

BE,
learn,
do,
continue,
and finish.

But then I realized it’s impossible to accomplish everything. Not in this lifetime anyway. I used to want a lot. I wanted a full and happening life, thinking that it was what I needed to give my life a sense of purpose. I wanted to be this and that. I wanted to do this and that. I wanted to be here and there at the same time. I wanted to be out there, fully maximizing everything I’ve got. My dreams (or so I thought) were all over the place. I didn’t know where to start. I then discovered I wasn’t superwoman pala.

Sometimes we get too consumed with being conquerors of the world that we forget the real meaning of our whole being, with our being here. Now. We are hell bent on living the perfect life that eventually, our priorities and values get distorted. We pursue, do, and want the wrong things for the wrong reasons without even noticing it. We want to have and do more, even when we already have more than enough. It seems like we’re not easily satisfied anymore. Kulang na lang we overthrow the One up there.

I do still have my list with me and yes, it’s still getting longer. But I’m not too worried anymore if I don’t accomplish everything in it. I’m taking it slow because I want to savor and take in life as much as I can. I’ve discovered that you don’t have to do much to actually see and feel the beauty of life. It’s the small little things that make life beautiful and special in itself. As Tom Cruise would say in Vanilla Sky, “It’s the small things, there’s nothing bigger.”

My Diet Plan

2008-06-21T17:41:00.002+08:00

Friends say I don’t tell stories that much about myself. I give off the impression that I’m pretty much a close book. Not that I have a lot to share anyway. Hehe. And it’s not that I’m trying to be secretive or mysterious; I guess I just prefer to keep everything low-key. I like to leave a little something for myself and enjoy whatever little “privacy” it gives me. I relish the fact that I have these little silly secrets (not the deep dark secrets type though if that’s what you’re thinking) that not everyone knows about. I also feel that sharing too much can sometimes lead to trouble or biases. But then that’s just the way it is. People will always have something to say, good or bad. You can expect that some will be happy for you and some won’t be. Some will have their opinions which may or may not what you want to hear. This doesn't mean you shouldn’t listen to what people would have to say. You just have to know what to pick out from all that are being said and use it in the most constructive way possible.

I’m sticking to a low information diet for now though. I’m trying to cut down on the things that I hear and see. I don’t need to know everything anyway. Just like they say, what you don’t know won’t hurt you. Right? I’m also finding a way to filter out the useless from the useful. Just like what my friend mentioned to me the other day, I’m going to put on these imaginary horse blinders so that I will be able to stick to my route and so that I won’t be bothered by the nonsense that I come into contact with. As long as it doesn’t directly impact my being, then I won’t bother with it. I’ve now made it my personal goal to be positive, happy, and unaffected as much as possible. And I’m definitely sticking to my "low or no info diet" plan with all the willpower I got. You should try it, it’s hunger free and healthy.

On Signs & Giving Up

2008-06-02T20:52:00.004+08:00

I always have this habit of asking for signs whenever I’m unsure about something. Recently I asked for three signs—unusual and hard to find signs. I wasn’t really thinking about it much. I have actually forgotten all about it. Not until the week after when I got all three. It just popped out right at me without any warning at all. It was strange, weird in a good kind of way.

All three positive signs in a span of just a week. I don’t know if you can call it a coincidence. The signs I got were supposed to help me answer everything. I told myself that if I got the signs, I was going to follow its outcome, no more questions asked. And now that I got it, it’s ironic how I ended up doing the exact opposite. Ang gulo ko talaga minsan.

**********

When we have something valuable, we never let go. We hold on to it and keep it as long as we can. But sometimes it’s beyond our control when circumstances call for us to do otherwise. While we want to fight for it, a part of us is also scared (and sometimes tired) to do so. When we are constantly faced with doubts, we eventually begin to question whether it is indeed meant for us. Choosing to let go does not mean we’re weak because it’s no mean feat to give up something that we hold close to our heart. It takes a lot of courage to end something that has already become a part of us.

Letting go also does not always mean we don’t want it anymore. Sometimes it’s also a matter of the circumstances that we’re surrounded in…sort of like being with the right person but at the wrong time or being at the right time but with the wrong person, whichever you fancy. Perhaps we should never close our doors just yet because maybe some things (or person) are just not meant for us, for now. But we’ll never know when destiny will give us another chance and we’ll get to have it again. This time it’s going to be better, and it's going to last a lifetime.

Mommy Day

2008-05-11T20:55:00.003+08:00

Got this from a text forwarded by a friend,

"This Mother's Day, we just don't remember the woman who delivered us to this crazy yet wonderful world,
but we shall also express our appreciation to the world's most beautiful lady
who didn't recognize the words 'sleep' and 'tiredness'
when we had our childish tantrums,
to the one who first taught us to say 'thank you',
to the one who always stood up against our critics
even when we were wrong but never forgets to correct us,
to the one who almost finished anything we started,
to the one who always reminds us that we have to be strong
yet honest to admit when we're weak
and to the one who always believes that she has the most good looking son or daughter. Hehe

Let's make her day special by having this kind of appreciation not only today but everyday as we face life's prepared struggles and treasured victories.

MOTHERHOOD: a constant testament that love can be indeed conditional.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY TO YOU, YOUR MOTHER, GRANDMOTHER, WIFE, AUNTIE, SISTER, and DAUGHTER."

Happy Mother's Day Ma! :)

Word of the Day: Forever

2008-05-10T17:03:00.003+08:00

Forever is a big word. It sounds scary even. There are just a lot of things to think about and consider when it comes to the big ‘C’. It does get a little tiring at times having to think about all the what-ifs scenarios, making sure you’ve got all the bases covered and that everything’s going to be alright. Sometimes it surprises you even at how some of your thoughts can get so silly and absurd, outrageous even. Hey you got to be creative with your ideas right? Hehe When forever starts popping up in your mind, your mental brakes start to automatically kick in. You stop, pause for a moment and think how you’re going to go about it. As much as you want to be positive and optimistic, doubts inevitably start to show up. Your fears and insecurities hound you nonstop. Sometimes the pressure of personally wanting to make everything right can take its toll, add to that the external circumstances that make it complicated and at times overwhelming.

I guess that’s just the way it is when you value something. It seems like every little detail gets magnified 100 times than usual. Sometimes even a simple matter can suddenly become complicated to you, not because it IS complicated but because of wanting to make everything super perfect. No, it doesn't mean we're pessimistic or OC, maybe all it means is that you care and give a damn. A whole lot. When we see a good thing with potential, we hold on to it dearly. We find ways to make it work. We make sure everything will go smoothly, not necessarily perfect. While we can’t help but not worry, we need to put aside all doubts and stop analyzing too much. We need to be in the moment and just enjoy it while it lasts (forever or not forever), and let the tide bring us to wherever. Sometimes all it takes is to bring one foot out the door and muster the courage to keep ourselves from looking back. That’s all it takes, one foot! Easy isn’t it? Not!

Heart Wishes

2008-05-02T20:59:00.004+08:00

Make a wish and place it in your heart. Anything you want. Everything you want.

Do you have it? Good.

Now believe it can come true. You’ll never know when the next miracle is going to come, from the next smile, the next wish come true. But if you believe that it’s right around the corner and you open your heart and mind to the possibility of it, to the certainty of it, you might just get that thing you’re wishing for.

The world is full of magic. You just have to believe in it. So make your wish.

Do you have it? Good.

Now believe in it. With all your heart.

(One Tree Hill)

A Bad Case of Murphy's Law

2008-04-03T21:43:00.001+08:00

It’s funny how sometimes we want to give ourselves a hard time even if we really don’t have to. Living is really simple. It’s us who makes it so complicated at times. Isn’t it ironic how we always can’t have what we want, and when we do get what we want, we suddenly don’t want it as much? We burden ourselves in looking for that one perfect opportunity when it’s already staring right at our face, but we just want to look the other way. I guess we all have a little bit of that “you and me against the world” syndrome still going on. We want the thrill and excitement that goes with it; the rush that we get from wanting and chasing after a love, love here being a thing, career, person, or what have you. Even if it could be easily given to us in a silver platter, we still choose to turn it down and get it ourselves do or die. It’s as if we can’t claim something if it’s wasn’t hard earned or given its due fight. That’s why perhaps we are never completely satisfied or 100% happy with life. We always gravitate towards the things we don’t have or can’t have when in fact, the things we have (and can have) is already more than enough. We just don’t realize it. Sadly most of than not we begin to realize only its worth when it’s completely gone from our lives. :(

Sure Ka Na?

2008-03-15T22:43:00.002+08:00

How can you be totally sure about a person? Is it just feeling right about it? Or does it have to come with the complete package? I wish I knew. I don’t want to make guesses anymore. Even if my gut feel says it’s right, I can’t help but think otherwise. It’s hard not to entertain doubts especially when experience tells that everything isn’t as rosy as it may seem. You get your hopes high and it suddenly bites you painfully in the ass. Some can make you feel as if you’re the only person in the world only to find out you’re just one of the many. Some can also make you feel special and then they go AWOL on you, complete with their disappearing act, no notice or explanation whatsoever. While some are just too complicated to figure out, either they’re a hybrid of the first two or a completely different thing altogether. Your heart most often than not, always ends up in pieces, broken. That’s why I understand why some people are fickle when it comes to love. It’s difficult to commit and trust a person especially when you’re totally uncertain. So how can you be sure? The things is, you can never really be sure. In the end, it’s a matter of figuring out what it is that you really WANT and risking your fragile heart for it. Even if it may not guarantee you a happily ever after and even if it may not leave you heartache and tears free, hey at least you went after something that you really (so badly) want right?

Good Things

2008-03-06T22:19:00.004+08:00

-home cooked meals (shabu-shabu, sinigang na bangus, steak - yum!)
-fresh flowers
-catching a rainbow and watching it fade
-Cashmere Mafia (women power!)
-Big Shots (gives you a clear male's perspective)
-getting more than 8 hours of sleep
-feeling good about everything
-seeing everyone all in a happy mood
-Cibo's potato chips (I'm getting addicted to it. Bad. Tsk tsk)
-authentic dimsum (xiao long bao currently tops my list)
-Mochi cream desserts from Japan
-grocery shopping
-not getting easily affected
-Neyo live! :)
-getting back to baking and cooking (I'm trying!)
-catching up with an old friend
-good long conversations over coffee (and beer)
-smelling good and people who smell good too (hehe)
-nice genuine compliments
-Body Combat
-R&B music
-worry free days
-things going well according to plan
-things unexpectedly going well according to plan
-nice little surprises
-friends (I thank God for them)
-people who are willing to help you
-getting my desk and things organized (and clutter free)
-Aveeno (really really swear by this product)
-cocoa butter (smells yummy!)

Leaps of Faith

2008-02-26T23:16:00.002+08:00

It’s hard to decide when you’re faced with a lot of options. I’m starting to think that maybe having a lot of choices isn’t such a good idea after all. While the opportunities may be endless, things can become a tad complicated. The narrowing down and selection process is tough. It becomes harder and harder to pick. Honestly I really don’t know what I exactly want. It seems like I’m never completely satisfied. Today I want this and tomorrow, it’s a different thing. And I’m scared that one day it will all be too late and I won’t have anything to choose from anymore. But I’m much more scared to make the wrong mistake and not be able to get out of it. It’s not that I have difficulty in committing to a certain thing or person. I can commit if I want to. It really has to do more with the available options being not that concrete and 100% foolproof. I’m not completely sold on it…just yet. I know risks should be taken. As much as I hate to leave my comfort zone, maybe it’s exactly what I need to do now. I’ve always backed out every single time. It’s high time I just take the leap, big leaps to the unknown and hope (*cross fingers*) that everything will work out fine. It's now or never. Ang dali sabihin diba? Hehe

Break the Rule and the Ruler

2008-02-19T21:28:00.006+08:00

It can be suffocating at times to be in a culture governed by all these rules and norms. The do’s and don’ts seem to be never ending. I’ve lost track of it already. I don’t even know anymore what’s the proper and un-proper thing to do. People can be very critical. You do something that’s out of the norm and “unexpected”, you instantly get questioned about it and get talked about it even.

I have nothing against rules and norms. It only becomes a problem for me when people take it too seriously and expect you to follow suit too. When people start dictating and imposing it on you, THAT’S when it becomes a problem for me. We’re all programmed differently. As such we all have our own different set of rules and beliefs to live by. What I think is right or proper may not be for another, and yes, while what I think may not necessarily be the right one, it’s still MY rules. It may not work well for you, but hey it works for me. We ought to respect one another for that. We shouldn’t act all knowing and be all judgmental just because someone is not like us. Reality check, you are different. I am different. WE ARE ALL DIFFERENT. I’ve used the word different so many times in this paragraph alone, I think you get my point already. Hehe

Honestly I couldn’t careless anymore. I will bend the rules if I want to. My words and actions may not please everyone, and I sure as hell can’t please everyone. It's not my job to make everyone happy. If I will have to worry about what every single people will think and say about me then I would probably go crazy. What I say and do may or may not be according to the “rules”, but as long as I’m not stepping on anybody’s pretty toes, then I think there shouldn’t be any problem to it at all.

The Week That Was

2008-02-09T00:12:00.000+08:00

The past week turned out to be a good one for me. My sister and I attended a 3 day convention at Subic. I thought it was going to be the usual boring stuff but it ended up more than what I initially expected. I don't know if it has something to do with the activities they had prepared, but the whole thing somehow reaffirmed how much I like my job. I'm happy where I am now and with what I am doing now. The best highlight though would have to be meeting Will. Babaw ba? Hehe. I've always been a big fan of his in PBB. Oo na jologs na kung jologs. Hehe. I actually can't believe I would be standing right next to him and have my picture taken with him. At long last!! Haha Of course it sucks to know I'm one of the hundreds of girls going gaga over him. Boohoo.

I also got to spend some time with my bestfriends in HK. To quote the guy I met at the convention, "UBE!". Read: the Ultimate Bonding Experience. Sounds baduy ba? :) We've been planning it for so long, it was already long overdue. This year it finally pushed through. Krizia and I stayed over at Jane's. We got a glimpse of Jane's fast paced and busy HK life. As Krizia would put it, it's so fast you can't even cross the street. You're not even halfway through the street and the pedestrian light starts to blink already. You have to keep up with the locals' pace. They walk super fast. The trip was a fun experience. Nothing beats a good vacation coupled with good company as well. I hope we can make it a yearly thing. Thailand next year, girls?

Ang Secret Ko

2008-01-27T21:26:00.000+08:00

After reading The Secret, I’ve been trying to have a positive mantra on just about everything. I can’t say it is entirely fool proof. Yes I still have my share of down offbeat days, but I think I’ve managed to keep a generally happy disposition since 2008 started. It’s really a matter of changing one’s frame of mind. You attract good things by being positive. I know it’s no mean feat to be sunshiny and cheerful all the time. We’ll inevitably come across sucky situations and or sucky people who will shatter the optimism we’ve so painstakingly built. The trick here is not to get easily affected by it. For the lack of word, huwag mong patulan. It will take all your willpower not to. But it’ll be worth it. You’ll thank yourself for not doing so in the end.

I think part of THE secret is to stop being in control all the time. I guess we’re all control freaks in some way or another. I am guilty as charged. However I’m slowly learning to loosen my grip on things. I’m slowly unloading the excesses that I don’t need as well. Life has been pounds lighter and more peaceful. I know my life can never turn out perfectly, the way I exactly want it to be. As much as you want it so badly, if it ain’t for you then you just have to leave it at that. Let things be. I decided I don’t want to look for the answers anymore unless it presents itself to me. Hehe I won’t overanalyze the why’s and how’s anymore. As my friend would say, “Come what may.” That's what I'm absolutely going to do. I am going to embrace fate in all its glory.