Simple Pleasures

In Memoriam of Our Old Home

2009-08-10T17:26:00.000+08:00

Stress for the past few weeks has gone up the notch eversince our landlady gave us a month's notice of vacating our rented flat. She needed to leave her parent's home due to some serious family issues and thus, she decided to go back to the house. Though we are sympathetic with our landlady's predicament, we had to face the fact that we have to find our new abode sooner than expected.

We found this particular flat a little over two years ago at the beginning of the real estate boom in Singapore. Also, This is the time when the Filipino population in Singapore increased due to EPEC, which alllows foreigners to stay in Singapore for one year while searching for a job. As such, the influx of foreigners increased the demand for rentals and tenancy in the island, which increased the property prices and rentals between 30-50%. Before, people claimed that you can rent a 3 bedroom flat in Woodlands below SGD 1,000 (approx Php 30,000). When we found our flat in Sembawang, it was SGD 1,300.

My friends wondered why we picked Sembawang, in the north part of the island that takes approximately 15 minutes for a commuter bus to arrive at our bus stop to the nearest train then an hour-long commute to get into the heart of the city. HDB flats (government developed buildings similar to tenements in FTI) in Sembawang are recently developed, quieter, peaceful and cheaper. We had viewed a couple of flats near city limites but never failed to disappoint us.

Choosing a flat is like a relationship. You have your own set of standards in choosing your own place to stay. If the one you viewed had failed to live up to your expectations, you would not probably want to have them. And then there are those what you call "exceptions". These ones you fell in love with despite of all the parameters you have set for yourself. And this is how it happened when we found our lovely place in Sembawang. Despite the lengthy commute, we fell in love with the place. The moment our agent took us inside the flat, I couldn't say anything but "I love this place." My friend, Charl, who eventually became my roomie, agreed with me.

And for the next two years, it served as our humble abode. Even with those lengthy commutes that made us late for work, we hardly complained. Our visitors, which are few, is always amazed how we found this place. It's a bright and spacious enough for two (then, three) of us. and as gratitude to our landlady, who chose us despite of bigger bids, we made sure we keep the flat clean and orderly. For this place that is worth a gem, it deserves a tenant that recognizes its value.

And after our two year love affair in this place, it is time to move again. We have found a smaller place in Hougang, which is slightly expensive but just 15 minutes away from where we work. Another journey begins for all of us but we will never forget our old home in Sembawang.

Neil Patrick Harris on SNL

2009-01-18T11:02:00.000+08:00

This the most awesome video I saw today. I thank JohnnyB for sharing. Facebook done wonders keeping people in the radar with new stuff and whatnots. Neil Patrick Harris is truly legen..... wait for it..... dary!!!!!! Enjoy!

Of Learning and Unlearning

2009-01-16T18:11:00.000+08:00

In times when your life has gone lightning speed, you needed to adjust yourself to keep up with the pace. You learn a lot of things. Learning is not supposed to be bad. It makes you more capable and do great stuff. And when people do great stuff, they feel good about themselves.

But there is such thing as the virtue of unlearning the things you have learned. It is like going back to basics. You need to know how to build and do things the old fashioned way. Not only you gain appreciation of the things why you had to do it the other way but it also open doors for other things which you can do.

I have always wanted to be a mobile person where I can work remotely anytime and anywhere. Technology in Singapore has enabled me to become the most mobile person I can ever be. I learned how to email through my PDA, retrieving my plane ticket through mobile internet, blogging in a coffee shop, reading e-PDFs in my laptop on my cab ride to work, answering customer queries while riding the train. But when my PDA got broken, I had the opportunity of unlearning being online all the time. Instead, I had to ensure the idea of being offline for a short period of time. This gave me time to think about myself and other finer things in life while in transit or out of office. I enjoy reading my books in a long train ride to work. I learn how to be patient. I learned not to be tense and jump at the next phone call from customer. I learned to pace myself being work and outside work.

It's never too late to unlearn. You better ask yourself, what is that one thing you want to unlearn.

Margarita Fridays!

2008-11-29T13:21:00.000+08:00

It has been long since my lips has touched a glass of margarita. The last time is when I was in Gerry's alabang with my high school friends having our usual Saturday night outs. I have never liked margarita because it has the bitter after taste of tequila, which is my least favorite among my preferred poisons.

Ever since I moved to Singapore, I made a conscious effort not to spend money to get myself wasted. This explains why I have dramatically changed my way of life. Gone are the days when I frequent watering holes and bars drinking with friends and be merry.

But three weeks ago when Charlotte gave her birthday bash to her very intimate and closest friends (which includes me), we went to Botak Jones and drink their house margaritas c/o Brewsky Jones, the in-house bar sitting in the same roof as Botak Jones. Jojo and I have been raving about Botak Jones because of it's dirt cheap. Where can you find good steaks valued less than 20 SGD and serving San Miguel Light on the side for 5SGD/each from a bucket of 4? Also, I have been curious to try their margaritas.

And true enough, we had our share of Brewsky Jones' Frozen margaritas. It was the greatest margaritas I have ever tasted. True value of money! The strong taste of tequila is not there either. I can even chug the whole pitcher if I want to. And from the moment, I have always been taking a trip down to Braddel for the past three Fridays and have my fill of those margaritas. It has been helping me de-stress after being in a stressful mode for the past few months. It is the only time for me to forget about work and other things that I hate which are too many to mention right now.

I think I have to re-institutionalize my drinking habit once more starting with Margarita Fridays.

How That IT Job Can Kill You

2008-10-02T08:33:00.000+08:00

I read an interesting article about "How IT Job Wears Your Body Down" and I decided to change the title a bit because I think IT Jobs can kill people. It may sound pessimistic but I feel that my job is killing me slowly, where I draw this pleasure of being the masochistic slave worker.

Maybe someday, I will need to switch jobs. Maybe I can take up waitressing jobs or cleaning building windows for my next career \but I need to recover from my future Musculoskeletal disorders.

To read this article, go to : http://www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/151763-1/how_that_it_job_wears_your_body_down.html

Near To Vomit Experience by Dashboard Trinkets

2008-08-27T14:13:00.000+08:00

I used to be a fan of little transparent glass trinkets given out during weddings or displayed in armoires. But after yesterday, I had a different experience with these "trinkets" after our cab ride from IMM. We rode this cab full of these not-so-little glass trinkets on the car dashboard and back panel behind the passenger's seat. Most of these trinkets has LED blubs to goes on-and-off similar to christmas lights, only powered by the car battery. Can you imagine the patience of this guy wiring all these trinkets? There is even a centerpiece, which looks like a mini version of the ball that falls off during new year in times square, hanging from the rear view mirror.

At first, I found it very cute to see something flashy. However, sitting inside the cab in the dark with all the lights flashing before me gave me a nasty migraine. Even looking outside the window, we can still all the little twinkling things within our peripheral vision. We patiently waited for the cab to arrive at our place and calmly talked to each other out of not throwing up inside the cab.

After the dizzying travel with the "carnival" cab, we criss-crossed our way through the lift, relieved to know that we have finally escaped the wrath of the dashboard trinkets.

Lesson learned: Do not underestimate the power of the trinket with LED lights powered by car battery. One alone can be deadly enough.

Marche

2008-08-22T21:14:00.000+08:00

Jojo and I went out for a date at Marche in Vivo city. It's been a while since we have gone out on a real date after Jojo moved to Sony for work and I became busy for Friday nightcaps.

We queued up at 815pm on an empty stomach. Fortunately, one waitress in her swiss maid dress was going around serving almond raisins and mini watermelon/orange coolers for waiting customers. Of course, Jojo and I indulged ourselves with the free food.

After consuming so many almond raisins for the past 40 minutes, we finally got ourselves a table. I immediately went to the Rösti stand to order my serving of Rösti with Chicken cheese sausage on the side. Jojo helped himself with a plate of savoury crepe with mushroom, ham and chicken.

We went back to our tables and ate our meals with gusto. I am guessing that either we were so happy to find ourselves eating after waiting for so long or the food is simply great. We can't seem to get enough that Jojo ordered some sirloin steak while I shared with him my four scoops of Mövenpick ice cream.

And while all of this is happening, I can't help gushing at the idea of being out on a date. It does pay to make an extra effort to make time for each other despite of spending almost each waking moment together. We agreed that we will do this more often to keep the "fire" alive and burning. What can I say? I love this guy for being so sweet.

Away For A Few Days And Back

2008-08-16T21:40:00.000+08:00

It has been a couple of days since I got back from Manila. Despite of my short-lived vacation, I am happy that I did fly up to see my family and Ate Desi who came all the way from Australia. I also met up with some of my very good friends and felt guilty that I never had enough time to visit some more of them. If I can only extend my 24 hours into days to make sure I have seen and reconnected to all family and friends I left behind.

While relishing the remain of my days in Manila, I can't help but miss the kind of life I had before going overseas. I met with Honey and Cha one Saturday and walked into a nail parlor to have my pedicure done, which I have done for the longest time. The one who did my nails just loved all the stories I've been telling her. For the first time in a long time, I felt so relaxed enjoying this laid-back lifestyle in Manila. I started remembering my old routines: usual dinner and gimmicks with friends, inuman on Friday nights, coffee on Saturdays, beauty day every other week, shopping, figuring out how to fill my schedule for weekdays and weekends. I miss how I took good care of myself and live that quality kind of life I have always enjoyed.

Living here on the other hand felt so different. For one thing, the kind of service that I get around here is not at par with the kind of experience I had in Manila. I never seem to connect with the people who does my nails, hair, food or whatever. My time is consumed mostly with work. I kept bring home proposals and demos to finish. I signed up to gym which I never go to because I never had enough time or energy to exercise. Acid churns in my stomach because of stress. Life here is entirely different than what I had back home.

But strange enough, I'm getting used to this kind of toxicness. I found this sense of self worth that has somehow left me satisfied and clamoring for more challenges. Manila maybe home sweet home but here in Singapore is somehow my self realisation of what I am capable with. And if I can prove to myself that I can make it in this city, I guess I can make it anywhere.

Aprub Na!

2008-08-05T15:40:00.000+08:00

I got an approval letter on my application for permanent residency in Singapore. Kahit wala nang pera sa bulsa, at least, I got something to celebrate that Singapore is giving me the opportunity to:

- Save up for my CPF (a better equivalent of SSS)
- Hopping jobs without worrying of my visa expiry
- Getting my folks to stay here longer
- Buy my own house when I have enough money in my CPF
- Buy my own car if my CPF allows it
- Give up OECs once and for all
- Get tax exemptions when I start making my own babies
- Upgrade my work pass but same fugly picture
- Look at my CPF contribution to cheer me up when I'm broke
- have my own NRIC that links to my every transaction, movement, etc.

Did I miss anything?

Wedding Random Thoughts #1

2008-07-22T08:06:00.000+08:00

Couple of ideas for my wedding. Jotting this down so I can look at this later before I completely forget:

2-in-1 wedding (catholic and christian)
looking at Fernbrook gardens located South of Manila (www.fernbrook.com)
Ball gown wedding dress is a must. A bit of beige because off-white is soooo 80s.
Corset or off-shoulder?
For the 2-in-1 wedding, refreshments will be served in between ceremonies
Definitely a morning wedding, as early as 6AM!!!!! Must be crazy planning for this but photos are best taken early morning.
Pastel colors for motif. Deep red is just too err sultry. Black is too depressing. Blue is sooo Shoemart.
Guest count of 150 pax. 50 from my side of the family. 50 from Jojo's side of the family. 50 for good friends.
Very flexible on the caterers but it would be nice to opt for sit down dinner to enjoy the highlights of the wedding. I would love to give a grand entrance on food alone similar to Chinese weddings in Singapore. Still have yet to decide whether I should play Moby or Yanni with some disco lights along with it.
No high heels please. Prefer Slip-ons with one inch high.
Weddings rings should be from Sookee's and in platinum. Things like this should last a lifetime.
No-gift policy. No money to pay over limit baggage for gifts alone. Probably cash gift policy with percentage to donate to religious communities.
I will have my hair up so I do not need to mess with my hair during the event.
On Hair and make-up artist, Regine's is ok-lah in my experience.
Should we invite friends from Singapore to fly in for my wedding?
Where can I rent a rolls royce for bridal car? I want to know this for trivial purposes. At least I get to ride in a limo once in my life.
I need to find out about acquiring marriage license in Philippines or if I need one when we marry first in Singapore.
Unique programs during reception. I do not want to usual program.

I Guess You'll Do

2008-07-13T06:23:00.000+08:00

Hilarious! Enjoy this clip as much as I did.

Warped

2008-07-08T10:02:00.000+08:00

So much have changed in ever since I've got here. After being sucked into my own world, I finally had the chance to reconnect with my dear friends and family whom I left in Manila and told me all these things that has happened.

It's different hearing second hand news than witnessing the whole thing or even just getting the story first hand, in person. The feeling of disconnect is there embodied by the seas and lands the separates me from my home in Manila. I cannot help feeling detached, longing and hoping that a friend or family would pull me back and make me feel like I can relate the things happening in their lives.

------------

I was telling my best friend that even though you lived in a certain place for years, nothing beats the sense of familiarity when walking along the streets, lights and rhythm of home. Home is being stuck in traffic inside a pouring rain listening to my favorite tunes. Because home is how you connect your personal experience to the place you really belong. The lovely golden lazy afternoons. The dewy freshness of morning.

I can't wait to get home.

Thank God the Show is Over

2008-07-02T19:02:00.000+08:00

We have finally concluded our Sharepoint forum event yesterday. After one month of planning, preparation and execution, we managed to pull through one day of pure Sharepoint bliss. Thought it has been tiring for me, I'd say it is just as satisfying to see a lot of interest the customers on Sharepoint. It was also a chance for me to know the challenges customer's face today in this new product and how to maximize its capabilities.

We have taken home a lot of leads. We manage to arrange a lot of meetings also with some potential customers in the next two to three weeks. And I'm so excited to work on these opportunities and close a sale that I can call my own.

I am also thinking about doing some product development on top of our latest offerings. A consultant from another partner firm whom I had the honour to work with had suggested that we should consider creating core products which some of their partners had done on top of Sharepoint. However, my company is driven towards a different strategy to meet our numbers, sad to say). How I wish we had enough resources to do the product planning and road map to develop a product that sells. It is a waste to see talents wasting their time everyday chasing opportunities without any clear distinction of what we are supposed to do.

Francis and I started to talk about brainstorming for solutions that sells. My head has been flooding with ideas since yesterday. But I guess true solution selling is not how creative you can be but how you can crossover technology over functionality that works for customers. Having said that, I'd say we still need to do lot of homework, research and heart to make this happen. I also pray that we get enough support to make this all possible.

Just When You Thought You Know It All

2008-06-28T17:05:00.000+08:00

Just when you thought you knew everything you needed to know, you realize you knew little than what others already knew. In the race of being the best brain in the field, it felt like you were just getting started the race while others were already midway to the finish line. You stood there in awe like being wiped out by a giant wave despite of working hard day after day trying to learn how to tame it..... ride it ..... win it.

It frustrates me to lose on something I'm supposed to be good at. But I will never give up unless I die trying.

The Old Manila

2008-06-25T20:41:00.000+08:00

Thanks to Brian Gorrell for sharing.

Someone ate my linked in account!?!?

2008-06-24T21:27:00.000+08:00

For my existing contacts who arleady have me in Linked In, please add me again. My account seemed to have been consumed by the bottomless pit of bytes-eater. Linked in site cannot find my email address and says it did not even exist.

I would have been fine if the internet monster decided to feast on my facebook and friendster, but Linked In contains all my business contacts from MISNet, Thomson and Getronics. Now, I have to find them all again.

So please if you are so kind, add me within your network from De La Salle University, Thomson Financial and Getronics. If you need my email addy, please PM me.

Philippine Independence Day Photo Exhibit @ Suntec

2008-06-19T15:25:00.000+08:00

Nais kong magpasalamat sa mga dumalaw para sa aming pagtatanghal. Sa mga di makabili ng plane ticket papuntang Singapore, eto po ang kaisa-isang litrato ko na nabigyan ng pagkakataong itanghal kasama ng mga piling gawain ng aking mga kasapi sa Pinoygraphers.

Ang mag litrato ngayon ay naka-tanghal sa 7107 islands sa Marina bay at Philippine Embassy. Inaanyaya namin kayong dalawin at tangkilikin ang aming mga piling gawain ng Pinoygraphers.

Maraming salamat po!!!! Mabuhay ang Pilipinas

Tough Week

2008-06-13T15:32:00.000+08:00

For the past few weeks is nothing but buzzing with business. It should read busy-ness. And as I sit here resting until I buzz again to another task, I felt compelled to update this spot about what is happening in my life:

We won the Sharepoint Demo Shootout competition with Microsoft Singapore partners. Francis and I make a fantastic team when we did the presentation despite of having it put together in less than one week. Even if it is no biggie, I wouldn't mind having a 100 SGD voucher to use for the Great Singapore Sale (GSS)
As we go towards the end of Q2, a lot of prospects and opportunities have been cropping mostly internet and intranet projects from various industries. So I was busy with the Sales team chasing after them. I have created this insane addiction of browsing through GeBiz. Trust me, my hands are itching writing tenders to submit to nail one of these deals.
I'm certified Coca-cola zero junkie since early this week. It has enough caffeine to keep me going less the sugar.
Working on the booth presentation and POC for the Sharepoint Forum this July. Demo Blade servers are coming next week and I'm excited to get my hands on them. Waaah! Geek alert.
One of my IR photos is currently on exhibit at the Philippine Independence Day Celebration sponsored by the Philippine Embassy at Tropic Atrium in Suntec Convention Center. My photo is titled "El Nino". If you read this and currently in Singapore, please do find time to visit Pinoygrapher's photo exhibit tonight or tomorrow. If you are a real friend, please do check-out my photo entry.
Just got myself a DS-Lite which I have been playing for a month now. After so many months of waiting, I finally got my red DS Lite limited edition for a great deal of SGD 199. I finally got something to play during my 1-hour transit from home to office.
I haven't gone to the gym. Never made time for it after being so busy and tired from work. Wasted money on membership fee for non-usage. I need to motivate myself again but I forgot how.

Those are my updates so far. Sa uulitin

Musings on CLS and my Nikon D50

2008-05-26T21:23:00.000+08:00

Last weekend, I went to my first real outdoor model shoot. The ones I’ve been doing model shoots were during the workshop which I have to elbow through the other participants to get a good shot of the model. In this case, there is only a few of us. No competition. No elbows knocking me off guard. The subject was a 9 year old girl in a gothic theme. Personally, I find it cute and unique. A similar idea crossed my mind when I was thinking of doing concept portraiture to the point of renting costumes, if you know what I mean. How nice would it be to photograph a model in a festive costume, complete with a fruit basket hat?

I realized that I knew nothing about CLS aka Creative light system. I was not able to contribute anything on the lighting. Almin brought two flashes that works like a master-slave with built-in flash as trigger. Flo was using a strobe using a Velbon umbrella that works as a strobe and a functional umbrella. Arman was angel enough ( he is not paying me a single cent for this hehehe) to lend me his SB-800 to work as a trigger for the strobe.

As the shoot progresses, I feel like I'm hitting against the moon. The lighting is a bit off. I can't even change the position of the current lights out of respect of the other guys who are using it. I got a few selected photos that I can say is decent. Need further post processing to give further justice.

Also, I've been itching to buy a new camera since last week. I'm starting to feel limited with my Nikon D50. Not that I'm complaining but I feel frustrated of my camera's inferiority over Nikon’s recent offerings. The following are one of the things that D50 lacks compared with the latest cameras:

Low noise on high ISO.
Lack of wireless flash capabilities when I needed it.
Small LCD. LCD view is not similar to what I see in the monitor.
Color settings a bit off towards tungsten as my friend would put it.
Awkward menu. Need to scroll down to change metering , bracketing and AF.
It can only do max of 6 megapixels especially if I crop images taken from my street photography/paparazzi sessions. I can opt to zoom with my feet to properly compose my subject within the frame (without being noticed and losing the “moment”) or purchase expensive telephoto lens.

Having said all these things, I can always find a way to compensate to deal with my issues beyond camera’s capabilities. This requires some technical expertise to master my camera’s limitations. But I guess it is only a matter of time before I can finally decide to replace my D50 for good.

You've Been Hanging around With Computers for So Long when....

2008-05-12T15:41:00.000+08:00

Who amongst you have ever used a 5 1/4" floppy drive in school? I have used both low density and high density floppy disks. I even lock them by sticking a black sticker on the right hand side to prevent it from getting a virus.

I used to do some basic programming, word processing using Wordstar and spreadsheets using Lotus 1-2-3.

Back then, you have to know the commands to go around with MS-DOS. There was no Windows XP nor Vista. Windows 3.1 was just emerging and it definitely wowed me when I learned how to play solitaire with a mouse.

There was also a time when I used microprocessors to access my email and chat programs. Internet usage used to be text based using Lynx programs. Multi-user dungeons were the MMPORG games of today. Only it is command-line based gaming which requires a good pair of eyes, fast typing skills and a vivid imagination.

Monitors back then were either gray or green. If you manage to have colored monitor, sikat ka na. You can play pacman, Digdug, centiped and alleycat on those 386x machines when you are bored.

You would know when you have been hanging around with computers long enough when you tell all these stories and they would say "I never experienced those kind of things".

Looming Crisis

2008-05-11T20:29:00.000+08:00

The food crisis seems to be the next looming problem next to oil price hike. President Bush blames India and China for the shortage of food supply. Vietnam is cannot keep up with the demand of rice across Asia. For something closer to home, rice prices has increased roughly about close to 50%.

There are so many things that led to this consequence. With the consumer market ailing for lower prices on basic commodities whilst petrol price increase, farmers bear the burden to keep up with what the supply chain. From middle men who haggle prices before supplying the produce to the public who also had to consider cost buildup and margins, there is little left for them as income to continue their livelihood.

Another cause would be the increase of demand for bio-fuel which consumes our natural resource aside from food alone. Bio-fuel are by-products of corn and sugarcane. And as such, it requires enough land to keep a bio-fuel plantation. And given with such little land space for agriculture with increasing advancement on industrialization, our priority for generating food and fuel are divided. If we cannot feed people with what we have now, how can we feed now that we have to compete with bio-fuel industry.

Personally, it all boils down to scarcity on energy which the human population are largely dependent of. Without fuel, we cannot live our comfortable lives and the convenience that is available around us. And if we chose to conserve in our own little way, maybe we can still stand a chance to "postpone" the imminent until we find better solutions.

First thing is to conserve energy. Turn off electric appliances that are not used. Use power efficient appliances and fixtures. I am guilty of this but I try my best to turn off outlets when I see it before leaving the house.

You can also conserve energy but taking public transport. I like the way new SMRT marketing strategy which encourages people to take public transport more than taking out their cars that eats up petrol. Owning cars may indicate stature and success but what will that do if your gas guzzling machine can consume petrol more that it should.

If public commute is not possible, opt for fuel-economic cars. A lot of car manufacturers, particularly Asian brands, are producing cars that provide high mileage with less gas consumption.

Conservation is not for energy alone but also for food. At your local hawker, try to eat as much as you can finish even if it is going to cost you. I would usually ask to have my food servings reduced as I'd hate to leave unfinished food on my plate. I would think of a thousand hungry children who I can feed with it.

In our own little way, we can create a big change when done together. It’s time to get conscientious with what we do and maybe our children doesn’t need to suffer the things that we have took for granted.

Tanjong Rhu

2008-05-01T22:14:00.000+08:00

I never thought I'd live to see this spectacular view of the Singapore Skyline.

It all started when some of the members of Pinoygraphers went down to Tanjong Rhu to take this shot after the Singapore Flyer became active. I never got a chance to join them as I'm very occupied recently with my projects.

Another two Tanjong Rhu EBs has come and gone and I still haven't made it. I told myself one day I will go down there even if I had to go alone. Fortunately, Labor day is fast approaching and it falls on a Thursday. I finally got a chance to go out for a night shoot on Wednesday evening (my Fridays are for quality time with my hubby).

Worried on how to get there, I posted a question on how to get directions to this place. Luckily, someone was kind enough to post the basic directions there and Chairman Glenn gave me a helping hand to know exactly where I am going. They are truly dependable.

Also, Yhan was able to tag along. It felt good to be lost with someone than being lost alone. We took a cab from Aljunied station and look for the last bus stop of Bus 158. Using our sense of heuristics, we walked along Kallang river towards Sheares bridge and looked for the fence to climb over, as rumors suggested. When we hit the fence, we decided to walk around the perimeter for the fear of getting caught. We ended up lost while standing at the gate of Marina Bay Golf Course. This is when I decided to give Sir Glenn a call.

It was a good thing Sir Glenn was at the Millenia Tower, which was on the opposite side of the river. He can see us from where he is standing and helped us by giving us the correct directions. Knowing what to do, Yhan and I treaded back to where the fence meets the Kallang river walk. We went above the short fence and walked at the narrow pavement, of which a few inches more and we will meet the murky waters. We walked for 100 meters, crossed a wooden plank and walked around 200 meters more. We took some shots of the Sheares river while there is still some light left before sunset. Dark settled and we finally found the perfect spot for our night shoot.

Soon after, the rest of the group found us and they started to setup to shoot this fantastic view of the city. Mosquitoes started to feast on our fleshy and rats scurried along the sides while capturing the night-scape into our cameras. The photo shoot lasted for 2 hours. We decided to pack-up and head back shutter happy and hungry. We walked back through the same way we used and reach the bus stop at 8:30pm. Waited forever for the bus to arrive. And when it finally arrived, we were welcomed with cool air-conditioning, cushioned seats, atmosphere for easy talk and anticipation of filling our stomachs soon. Upon reaching Geylang area, the gang decided to eat in a near Aljunied station and I decided to part ways to meet Jojo, who is waiting for me in Sembawang for a movie date.

Despite of getting almost lost, mosquitoes, fear of dropping our precious equipment in the water, guerrilla tactics and a long tiring walk from the bus stop, having this photo is worth the adventure. Kudos to Yhan for being game. Cheers to Jowena, Eman, Lesley and Arman for the company and the laughter.

MicroMinds rock and U2

2008-04-18T15:21:00.000+08:00

http://microminds.multiply.com/

Cuteness extreme. I love the San Mig Pendant. Aliw. I'm not sure if Singapore already has these hand-made micro clay collectibles but I did saw some micro foods made as keychains which I find it tacky.

********

Right now I'm hearing U2 "With or without you" from my colleague's desktop. Nostalgia kicking in. I need to float to somewhere now.

Sarah Geronimo In Motion Live in Singapore

2008-04-18T14:51:00.000+08:00

Before I continue, I want to be clear that I am not promoting her concert. I'm just a fan. Oo! I must admit that I have this secret admiration for the young diva even when I was in Manila. When she first started out, I thought she is one of those one hit wonders. But when she joined ASAP, she simply stood out from the rest of the brood. She puts out a simple, un-exaggerated but outstanding performance.

When I reached Singapore, I watch her sometimes on TFC especially during ASAP and Bituin Walang Ningning. I can't help to think of her as part of the Philippines that I miss.

And now she is having her concert on June 15 at Fort Canning. They just started to sell tickets at $88 for free-standing area and $150 for VIP seating. And me wants to watch it. Any joiners?

Click here to get more info about her SG concert.

Inspiration and Flickr

2008-04-15T19:37:00.000+08:00

My flickr account used to be the dumping site of photos that I think is worthy to be viewed in public. However, I have always wondered why I only get few viewers. It seems that I am seeking for any comments or affirmations from people who liked my photos. But I can tell that people might find it uninteresting (out of gazillion of wonderful photos posted in flickr) even if I personally find it interesting. Talk about loving your own.

Lately, I have been choosing my photos carefully. I am trying to build this habit of choosing, at least, one photo from my stock pile every 2-3 days and muster enough inspiration to post-process. Inspiration never comes when you force it. I would flick through my photo albums and see which photo can compel me to fix on Photoshop. Once i'm done, I would then upload the photo on Flickr and write the story behind it using some of the inspiration left in me.

I guess I need to be really "in the mood" to feel the photo and put an all-out effort to edit the photo, bring out the best that I can, put the story that brought the inspiration and even put tags to make it searchable for people to find it.

And now views are boosted. Even the ostrich butt gets more views than my lovely Sinulog shoot. Few people are starting to ask for my photo to be added their groups. Personally, I find it as a complement. I am happy to hear from other people liking my work and makes all the hard work worthwhile.

To see some of my work, go to http://www.flickr.com/photos/misaac226

Filipino News for your Entertainment Needs

2008-04-09T18:36:00.000+08:00

If any of you subscribed to filipino channel thru cable, it may have crossed your mind that every news you hear from the Philippines is rehashed bad news. I'm maybe exaggerating but I just couldn't ignore this observation while TV patrol is reporting about food crisis thru an interview with a common folk saying how hard it is to stretch their 300 pesos in the market place. Filipinos has the flair of rhetoric that piques the emotion of its fellowmen. I have seen these kinds of interviews so many times even when I was still in Manila. The only difference is, I did not really care back then than I have now because I have grown tired of it. Real time drama on daily news can be addicting as well as pathetic especially when it goes over and over again.

Sure they say they want to show the truth, but the truth has many sides of the story. But sadly, we only see certain sides of the truth. One example is the kudeta incident in Manila Peninsula last year. I was worried when I've seen the news but after talking to my friends and loved ones at home, they say it is just a farce. I do not know anymore if this is just a mere government’s deficiency to contain the situation or media’s efficiency to show their side of the story.

So my point is this: cut to the chase and give the facts straight. You are not helping the country but adding drama to the situation. News should not be entertaining, it should be informative and unbiased.

Bintan Here We Come

2008-04-05T15:51:00.000+08:00

I decided to book my travel voucher to a short weekend trip to Bintan Lagoon with Jojo. We are heading off the beach on the 26th of April. Expect some photos soon.

Soul Soup Ain't Making Me Happy Anymore

2008-04-02T18:22:00.000+08:00

The whole day dragged on with this sad, gloomy expression on my face. This is due to the fact that my internet rights has ceased on the client site (no owa, no ym, no yahoo mail, no silip in filsg) plus I have to file a report related to the project I am no longer working with and three of my co-workers are leaving the firm in one months time. I have also other things to be glum about but I'll keep that to myself.

The only time that pulled a smile on my face is talking to Dhez this morning to greet her for their wedding anniversary. When I put down the phone, I feel so sad missing her terribly. Jojo tried to cheer me up by taking me out for dinner at Soup Kitchen. But after finishing my Tokyo chicken stew, no soup left to keep me smiling.

Even retail therapy is no use either. We bought some essentials like kitchen towels and fruits for the week. Boohoo. That didn't cheer me up at all.

I just feel so useless nowadays. Crappy and useless. I wish I was just as busy as last year. Where is work to drown to when I need them?

Mortality

2008-03-27T15:56:00.000+08:00

Life is short as the old saying goes. I remembered this saying when I heard the news from Jojo that his family friend's daughter died four days after she was admitted to the hospital.

She is their pastor's daughter who has been playing the piano for their choir during their Sunday worship service. She is a lovely girl at the age of 20. One of the warmest people I have met when Jojo took me to his Church in Antipolo. Makulet. Friendly. Mahilig magcomment sa friendster. No sign of sickness at all.

This is why I was also struck by the news. I thought about Pastor Carding and Tita Wyett. I know how parents would feel about losing their child. My mom went through it when she lost my elder brother after struggling with Leukemia. It was heart breaking even for someone who has witnessed all the grieving.

She had low platelet count which led to organ failure. She had blood transfusion but it did not help at all. The diagnosis was not even identified yet when she died. Test results of the bone marrow test are only coming out by tomorrow. They were speculating it was leukemia that caused it. Jojo was thinking Malaria.

Life is short as the old saying goes. You will never know when death will come upon you and tells you that your time is up. At least, she had a good life. Yun ang nakashout out sa friendster niya. Funny coincidence.

Inspiration from a 50mm

2008-03-20T19:43:00.000+08:00

I've always wanted to take a shot at portraiture. After getting tired of making do with my kit lenses, I have pondered of buying my first portrait lens.

There are two types of portrait lenses that I'm choosing from: a 50mm and an 85 mm. Both lenses comes with f1.4 and f1.8. My first experience with a portrait lens is with a 50mm and I liked how creamy and bright the background even at night when you only have light fixtures in the room as source for ambient lighting. But an 85mm gives me more zoom and nice DOF while keeping some comfortable space between the camera and the subject.

As for the price, 85mm proves to be much more expensive than the 50mm but if I wanted wider angles, I can easily pick up a 50mm and maximize the aperture for poorly lit subjects.

The list of pros and cons goes on and on until I found a winner. Thanks to this flicker site of sweethobbes. Most of his photographs are taken using 50mm f1.4. He is using a Canon though which can have some technical difference with my Nikon but I believe the concept is all the same.

Also, Ken Rockwell approves of this. Even if there is no stark difference between its brother 50mm f1.8, I would rather get lenses that can do low-lit photography and daylight at the same time even it is worth 3 times the price of f1.8 (50mm f1.4 AF costs SGD 450++ btw).

Time to tighten the belt and save up for this baby.

Racist Old Lady

2008-03-15T18:43:00.000+08:00

I boarded a train at City Hall while reading a hard bound copy of the Seventh Scroll by Wilbur Smith. I moved towards the center of the car to save myself from the continuous inflow of passengers in the train. And as I excused myself to a throng of people while nimbly moving towards my spot where I intend to continue my reading quietly, an old lady screamed the following words:

"Your bible offends me!!!"

I didn't realize that those angry words was meant for me. As I stood on my spot reading my novel and still oblivious to what was really going on, she continued to rant against Christianity. She even used the name of her father to attest to her mockery. I can easily guess that she is a traditional Taoist, which nature is to pay homage to their ancestors.

People around her just shook their head in shame. They knew it is against human rights to show discrimination which Singapore is trying to uphold for its citizens who comes from different countries, races and even religion.

What's worse is that she even ranted that Christians do not act as Christians. I looked back and gave her "the" look but I never bothered to answer back. There I realized that she must have thought that the black hard bound book that I was holding must be the bible she abhorred. I stiffled a laugh and continued to ignore her.

Eventually, she decided to get off at Lavander station and continue to rant about the things she hated about Christians. As I took a recently vacated seat while being stared at by people, I held my chin up and said in my almost flawless Singaporean accent, "She thought I was holding a bible. She didn't know I was only reading a novel."

Sneak Peek at Visual Studio.Net 2008

2008-03-06T20:14:00.000+08:00

Signed up for a sneak preview of the face off between VS.Net 2008 and SQL Server 2008 with a special segment on Microsoft Performance Point.

Imagine this, multi-framework support, improved intellisense, WPF (windows presentation foundation) support for ASP.Net, improved Java-scripting debugging, better emulation for Mobile apps development (can even emulate PDA phones on empty battery) are one of the cool things to check out in VS.Net 2008.

Earlier on, there was a demo Performance Point which is a glorified user friendly interface for BI. As my colleague would put it, why bother pay for Performance point when you can actually do it with SQL Server Analysis services + Sharepoint. Also, the page loads very slow even for a demo machine.

I didn't make it to the SQL Server 2008 preview as I have to step out of the room to attend to something urgent. But I was told that T-SQL queries comes with intellisense. Hehehe. So is this goodbye to SQL Server Books Online?

What IT Show?

2008-03-06T19:15:00.000+08:00

Just came from the Singapore IT show in Suntec last night.

A few disappointments. Brand new PSP selling at SGD 280 + additional 2 games of at least 30 SGD each as compared to PSP dealers selling 299 SGD all-in. Also, Nikon booth is manned by Harvey Norman, which do not sell any lenses. D300 sells at SGD 2,999 (body only) as compared to the SGD 2,750 in other photography shops.

Quite happy to see the Creative booth is showing really good deals for the Zen Micro (for SGD 459 @ 60 GB) and Zen stone series (SGD 89 with built in speakers). Too bad I already got a Zen stone for myself.

Found good deals for Brother printers worth 99 SGD but there is no need for me to get any printers. I was told a spool of 10 light-scribe DVDs on the 6th level is selling a little less than 10 SGD. I have yet to wait this Saturday to go back and find out if there is really something worth buying in this show.

Itching To Shoot and Travel

2008-03-04T20:51:00.000+08:00

Revisiting my old travel photos and I'm yearning for new material. Recycling my unprocessed Ho Chi Minh photos makes me itch to travel again and take good photos.

Photography is my good excuse to travel. Now, If only I had the luxury to do both.....

Last weekend, my cousins are teasing me to go with them to New Zealand to see their sibling who has already settled there. They will see all the scenic spots including the ones shot for the LOTR movie. It would have been great if I can join them and further add my IR and HDR landscape set in my travel collection. But for now, I will just drool in envy while saving money on things that matters.

Uubusin ko muna ang mga scenic spots dito sa Singapore.

A Small Fish in The Global Sea

2008-03-04T18:48:00.000+08:00

I was talking to a friend from Manila and he told me that he turned down his offer in Singapore. He said it was like starting all over again. Given that he has established his contacts in Manila for possible business ventures and lucrative investments for his future gaming firm, I wanted to tell him that he can still find his niche on a bigger and global audience. But then I thought, what is the point of going out in the open sea when you already got everything that you have in the small pond.

Almost a year ago, I could have been happy with the things that I have accomplished but I felt that I wanted to see myself in the ocean full of things that I may never get to taste in Manila: experiencing the underlying currents of fast paced living; contributing for a goal that can affect people in a larger scale; making a thumbprint and create an impact to the very thing I've been working for; increasing my worth more than what I used to be.

I left my comfortable life to chase that dream. And like the other hopefuls trying to make it in this world, I am not the only one dreaming the same dream. Like them, I am just a small fish making its own way in this big ocean of opportunities. I still have a long way to go.

Stressed But Happy Birthday Girl

2008-02-26T06:20:00.000+08:00

I will never forget my first birthday here in Singapore.

I started my birthday at 12:30am in the morning working for my Indian counterpart on a site launch for my client. I was working, with my sleepy head almost hitting the keyboard, until 2am.

I woke up at 8am to rush to work in the morning, doing my usual routine of several phone calls and work to be done. I finished my slide presentation for some presales work in India .

In the afternoon, my boss suddenly called me to the office asking how things were going in my current projects. I thought it was the usual chitchat that bosses do to their subordinates but lo and behold, my team mates barged in the room with a birthday cake and singing happy birthday. I never thought this guys would even remember my birthday. My boss planned for it a week before. No wonder Jojo was asking if I will be in the office tomorrow. I better find a way to treat the boys out one of these days. I looooove the surprise!

Anyway......

At 6PM, when I was about to clock out, I got a call from my favorite client and conferenced me in with the other guys I used to work with for an EMERGENCY deployment for the same work I was doing this morning. It seems that the end-users has missed something after all the rounds of reviews, approvals and sign-offs. Argh! So I had to call Madi and tell him to go back to the office while I went back to my cubicle to open my laptop and start working again.

At 7:30pm, I got the sign-off from the project sponsor. I instructed Madi that I am moving back home but will continue to monitor the status with the end user. In the train, I kept track of my email and nagged my end-users, thanks to pocket PC technology. It can do wonders and even work as your mini office while on the move.

At 8:30PM, we reach Sembawang MRT. Jojo bought some chicken wings to go from Cavana for dinner while I was tapping away in my PDA before heading home. At quarter to 9pm, I got home. Charl was cooking the spaghetti for my birthday and took home an ice cream cake from Swensens. God bless her! I stopped working for 30 minutes to enjoy my birthday dinner with two of the dearest people in the world. Got my birthday song on video but I promised Charl I will never post it haha.

After that, I went back working. Even troubleshooted one of the Javascript code of this one Indian lady who is supposed to troubleshoot it for us. What happened to the chivalrous developers who is always two steps ahead of everyone? Madi and the boys were able to finish the deployment at 11PM. I feel sorry for them that they had to stay up waiting for my end-users to clean up the mess. I'll make it up for them someday.

So that's how my birthday went. The surprise and the dinner really made my day despite the stress.

Bad back on My First Day in the Gym

2008-02-20T20:05:00.000+08:00

The worst thing happened during the first time I worked out in the gym. I got a bad back during Body Jam class and the worse part is, we are still warming up when that happened.

I signed up for a beginner class for Body Jam in FF AMK and I'm soooo looking forward to sweat out and have fun. The instructor taught the moves which is fairly easy. We ran through the moves for about 30 mins without any effort. But when we started warming up and pushing some grooves, a very sharp pain shot out at my lower back and made me walkout of class in the middle of the mambo routine.

Maybe it was my 15 minute workout at the wave machine that caused it. I missed that machine so much that I decided to experiment on the effort between 8-18. Or maybe it was the forward bending in the body jam dance routine that made my back carry all those extra body weight. Or maybe it was just age catching up on me.

I better focus on improving my core. No body jam for me and start considering Pilates, Body Balance and Yoga. I'm also welcome for other non-back breaking suggestions.

U2 to Play in Manila

2008-02-19T19:54:00.000+08:00

I can't believe my eyes while I was reading Jared's tweeter posts for the past week. If U2 is set to play in Manila in October, I'm soooooooo going home to watch the concert.

i <3 U2.

http://www.u2tours.com/news/article.src?ID=1274

Back To Gym

2008-02-16T11:53:00.000+08:00

After realizing that my pants no longer fit my growing waistline, I decided to join the gym. I went to Fitness First AMK Hub to become a FF Plus member to get access of all FF Plus branches islandwide paying only SGD 28 membership fee and SGD 150 monthly charge.

My fitness goal is to lose 2 pounds a month which is a healthy way of losing weight. In six months, I should be 12 pounds lighter and fit back in my beloved jeans and slacks.

First 3 months is mainly cardio and some classes like Body Jam then Yoga and Pilates to improve my core. Once my body is able to take amount of workout, I can hit the free weights and even join the Body Pump classes.

Also, I try to walk as much whenever I go home from work. Also, I try to eat more greens in my diet.

Hopefull, I see some results soon.

Happy Valentines Singapore

2008-02-15T11:38:00.000+08:00

The waiter approached us as we are having our dinner in Swensen's two days before Valentines. "Hi! Would you like to book a seat for Valentines and avail of our Valentines dinner package.....", he said.

Valentines in Singapore is clearly a commercial holiday. All flower shop stack up their inventory and hike up the prices for as low as 2 SGD per stem. Dinner reservations are full on the date itself. Movie houses (mostly featuring romantic movies for the sake of valentines) are packed. Ladies are considered fortunate to tote a simple bouquet while riding the MRT.

I was not exactly expecting a spectacular valentines day given so much work to do. But Jojo bought me a bouquet of roses with a nice dinner at Toriq (Jojo, I will be your unagi-don for life.... hahahaha) with Francis. And to top it off, Charlotte brought home huuuuge strawberries and Jojo popped open some sparkling grape juice while we are watching an episode "Maging Sino Ka Man" in TFC.

It was the best Valentines day I ever had.

Welcome to Johor Bharu

2008-02-10T18:05:00.000+08:00

Jojo and my friends have embarked on a trip to Johor Bharu (aka JB) which is located about 30 min from where I live.

Prior to this trip, I was already hearing rumors of the shopping mecca of Singapore despite of its notorious thievery and pickpockets, who takes advantage of its ardent visitors. JB is so near that I can almost see the buildings from where I live (I can even make out the fireworks last CNY from my window view).

We met up at Woodlands interchange at 9AM and took the 950 bus to Kotaraya terminal. The bus had to make two stops to the Singapore and Malaysian immigration to stamp our passports before we reach Johore.

When we got there, the atmosphere is no different from Manila except that the air is a bit cleaner. We had to wear non-descript clothing to avoid attention from the pickpockets. We reached the City Square mall (which was just opening when we arrived) and we had our breakfast in McDonalds.

Food in JB has the same price in SG except that it is in Ringgit! A meal worth 7 SGD in Singapore costs about 7 RM in Malaysia. That is roughly 3.50 SGD using 2 SGD/RM as exchange rate.

After that, the shopping begins. I found a lovely sit strap for my inaanak-to-be in March, a wrist blood pressure reader for Lola Laling, a lady shaver (with the cap missing grrrr) and some consumables that we had to buy.

Jojo found some potential replacement specs similar to his former silouhette brand. Unfortunately, the price is just as expensive as in Manila.

Clothes and shoes are cheap here btw. I just had to stop myself from buying though. Vent out my frustration at Watson.

After going around the mall for half a day and feet already tired, we headed back to the Malaysia immigration and boarded the next bus into the city.

I am sooooo going back for those shoes and clothes. And this time, nobody is going to stop me. Haha!

3AM and Can't Still F*cking Sleep

2008-02-06T22:17:00.000+08:00

"Gong Xi Gooong Xi Goooooong...."

This silly hymn of the CNY still kept ringing in my mind.

Later at 9am, I am heading towards the nearest Shop N' Save to buy ingredients for the pasta, which i'm bringing to Claire's All Pinoy CNY Party. I still have yet to decide if I want to toss in the Del Monte Pinoy style spaghetti sauce, hot-dog and the corned beef that I have surreptitiously brought here for the sake of my taste-buds. Who can resist Pinoy style spaghetti (or should I say spa-ketchup).

I'm so looking forward to be in a roomful of Filipinos speaking the same language, laughing at the same old Pinoy hirits and jokes, eating all those glorious Filipino food, Magic sing (I hope there is one) and of course, good old times.

But hey, do not be mistaken that I'm so excited in the party that I cannot sleep. I just can't sleep. Period. Zombified maybe because I cannot do post processing on my truckloads of unprocessed photos. But my eyes are still open wide like it is still daytime.

Maybe I'll try to cook something in the kitchen or do laundry then maybe I will drop on the floor and fall asleep. *blug*

2AM and Wide Awake

2008-02-06T21:23:00.000+08:00

I spent the very first day of the new Lunar year wide awake posting and glossing through friend's photographs in the internet. Images painted things of what has happened during the past few years. This girl is engaged to this guy. My friend's cousin's officemate's dog's neighbor has gone to this place and that.

So much things has passed in their lives. And so was mine.

For those who didn't know, I am engaged to a wonderful man who I'm living with right now. It was so wonderful that my life has revolved around him and work whilst the world kept turning, missing the things that mattered: forgotten birthdays, postponed plans, promises made gone empty. It was a good thing I still got some good friends and family who have knocked me out of my senses to make me put my life in perspective.

So slowly, I am starting to pick up my so called senses, re-established contact with friends and get to re-balance my life. Family still have yet to be worked out given my slight reluctance of their recent comments about my aberrant decision of getting hitched. Mother thought I'm not the "family" type of person. I know domesticity is not one of my best traits. But I do believe that one I get that skill of balance work and personal life, house chores and a hubby to keep happy, I will be doing just fine. I just hope I know what i'm doing.

So far that is in my head right now. Need to sleep now before my eyes gone puffy for lack of sleep. Nyt!

A Bleak Beginning

2008-01-01T18:04:00.000+08:00

All hopefuls look forward to the New Year with renewed spirits of making it a better year for them. But I being the usual hopeful have lost hope, after seeing all the dues of the past year carried over to this New Year. And for that, my spirits were dampened as I listened to the firecrackers outside my house in Manila and dreading for tomorrow to come.

Cheers to another year of hard times and trials. Hurrah!

But as my good friend would put it, good times will come for those who have paid their dues. I know that one of these days, I will reap the hard work that I have sowed. By then, I can celebrate life once more and be thankful that I have been given this opportunity to work overseas and prove that I can withstand any obstacles.

Reminiscing Christmas At Home

2007-12-24T22:26:00.000+08:00

Christmas used to be my favorite holiday. I would prepare weeks before the big event for shopping lists, gift giving and never ending parties. It used to be one of the happiest time of the year to spend with my dear friends and loved ones.

But now, coming home in Manila for the holidays for the first time feels different. The fact that I'm broke for the holidays to afford buying gifts for my expectant inaanaks may have dampened my spirits. Also, all the initial holiday party has already gone before I arrived in Manila and I had to fit my schedule for family reunions, barkada get-together and meeting some friends, who I hope would have still remembered me.

I miss the old times. I miss the happy times when I go home 3am in the morning, drunk and happy. I miss the Friday group meeting every Friday in the bar for a round of drinks but those guys are gone already, living their own lives. I miss the high school barkada, chatting in circles about nonsense under the moon at 19 East. I miss the shopping spree in the tiangge with Dhez and Doodle and laughing out loud while being our own wacky selves. I miss the christmas hampers, paluwagan and 13th month pay while I was working in Thomson. I miss the gift giving with the WebDev team and the secret santas. I miss the hustle and bustle of the city due to the holiday season.

Yes, those were happy happy times. But now, things have changed and I cannot relive doing those happy things like I used to.

The only thing that kept the light of the holiday spirit in me is the things that matters the most for me: spending it with loved ones and dearest friends who I have missed after I was gone.

Sniff. Tahan na. Uhog mo tumutulo na.

Videoke Love

2007-11-04T11:31:00.000+08:00

It's been ages since I last belted a tune with a magic sing microphone. Ever since I came here in Singapore, I've been nothing but a mindless peon slaving my way to survive each day unscathed. But I still hold several fond memories of myself seductively singing to the tune of Careless whisper many times with my dear friends and even innocent victims, mimicking the likes of Madonna in the tune of Like a Virgin and La Isla Bonita and even dared myself to sing the songs of Mariah Carey and even Sarah Geronimo.

Yesterday has become a very interesting day for me as Jojo and I attended a supposedly surprise party of a friend's wife. We were feasting on food, which was conveniently delivered to cater for a party of 30, when someone picked up the magic sing microphone laying innocently on the table by one of the guests and initiated a night long singing galore with the tune of Manila by the Hotdogs.

In her futile attempt to sing a pinoy classic, I was itching my foot to come over and grab the microphone for her. However, the host of the party is Jojo's friend and I do not aim to embarrass my fiance for my sheer compulsion to show her how it is being sung.

Later that evening, we are all together in front in a group effort to sing Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen and even grabbed the mic for some songs that only I remember the tune. Of course, I still sang my usual favorites from George Michael and Madonna. Hindi ko talaga palalagpasin mga yun sa mga pagkakataon na ganito.

And that's not all, Jojo has just proven to be a formidable singer comparable to the likes of Ito Rapadas of Neocolours (thanks Charl and wikipedia for the info!) and Bryan Adams and even Hoobastank. Everyone cheered everytime he sings as he can even belt out a tune close to the real thing. Medyo nakapag duet kami sa Crazy for You ni Madonna but I sang the song just for him and that didn't call for a duet at all.

The night ended with a bit of sore throat, a stuffed belly and a fun night to remember with new found friends and a new singing buddy. :-)

Singabored Already

2007-10-03T20:39:00.000+08:00

After realizing that I have the evening free of conference calls and compulsive QA checks, I thought about what is the best way to spend my free time. So I asked Jojo what we can do that is enjoyable and inexpensive.

He suggested movies. I was looking for other alternatives.

He suggested having a nice dinner. But I am on a diet.

He suggested malling. But I don't want to tempt myself into shopping.

I suggested going to East Coast. He said it is too far.

I thought about the library but I feel guilty ignoring him and ogle about books again. It's like looking at another man.

We are running out of things to do already on a weekday. Tell-tale signs of a Singabored OFW worker?

So where did we end up? We ended up eating a steak and sausage dinner in Blue Mist in Amara and talked for the whole evening. Busted wallet and diet ha ha. It seems that the only way to get fun around here is if you spend for it and/or swallow it with your mouth.

Latest Readings

2007-10-01T05:31:00.000+08:00

A lot of books has been lined up for me to read:

Wilbur Smith - a colleague of mine has recommended and even lent me hardbound copies of two of his favorite novels Warlock and The Seventh Scroll. Since this is a different flavour than the fantasy and quirky chic literature that I've been perusing lately, I don't mind taking Epic African adventure novels and see if it is worth the read
Robin Cook - my heart stopped while I was reading one of his best-sellers Coma. The same colleague lent me this equally huge book Chromosome 6. So I might as well read also.
Susan Elizabeth Philips - my current addiction after the Sophie Kinsella's shopaholic series. What can I say, chick literature has always been my guilty pleasure.
David Eddings - After reading the first two books of his Elenium series, I have yet to find the third and final novel The Diamond Throne. Will Sparhawk save Queen Ehlana? I'm already on the edge my seat dying to know despite its predictable ending.

Try Writing Something Nice

2007-09-17T19:14:00.000+08:00

Whenever I read blogs online, I always hear nice stories of people who took time to write nice things that is happening in their everyday lives. Sometimes I wished I have that kind of optimistic outlook in life to inspire me to write my entries that way.

But sometimes I felt that writing in a happy tone bores me and I felt that entries won't even spark enough interest for readers to wonder what the writer was thinking. Either being happy sound so ordinary or I hardly had time to stop and live me life the way any happy human would.

So I have a plan. I should write something nice every single day. Even if it is includes a mish mash sort of mushy enough for your taste, I believe I can stir up a paragraph or two just to tell how my day turned out and the great things that I encountered during the day. Though my humor maybe warped to the point that martians can interpret it for you, lest be assured that this space will be getting more activity than my average hitting average for the past 4-5 months.

So guys, better watch this space soon.

Resignation to Reach Out

2007-09-01T08:18:00.000+08:00

As the old saying goes "what you don't know won't hurt you", I have always have been very selective of the things to say to people around me. I only say things that are shallow, harmless and totally presposterous. Though things we say reflects on how credible we are, I chose to hold my credibility as far as my profession is concerned but otherwise, everything I say can only be taken a grain of salt except for a very few people who I take seriously.

And why is that? I am far too serious in my life only to take more serious relationships at hand. Work has been extremely taxing that almost consumes most of my energy and I am even lucky to hold a few relationships whilst they complain about me being a workaholic. Given this case, I chose to detach myself to friends and family and only appear once in a blue in my cheerful, carefree self. I always wanted to be remembered as someone who is just as happy as everyone else. But maroon me in an island with any of them and a laptop, I would resort to be with a laptop than keeping a conversation.

My inability to keep a conversation and keeping loved ones in a loop has always been a challenge. I grew up with a career mom and a silent patient father and being in a middle of two brothers, I have always lived my childhood fending for myself. We hardly kept had a family life. People found me weird due to my inability to be "normal" due to my dysfunctional background. I'm more aloof than warm except if I am in the mood. I found it more convenient that putting that extra effort to connect with everyone.

A friend and my fiancee found my inept personal communication skills frustrating. I continuously fail to respond to their "need" to be needed and loved. And when they ail their frustration, I fail to respond correctly. All along I thought, I had enough EQ to be understanding and patient to people, yet I failed to respond and empathize to their emo needs.

The sad truth is that I am tempted to say what my former colleague used to say before : "I don't care because I'm not a carebear". However, I still have some compassion left in me to care inside my dense, insensitive core of my being. Yes, I am hurt too. I am hurt for being my old pathetic self. I guess am one of those losers who can express themselves more in blogs, IMs, tweets than saying it in person no matter how pathetic it sounds.

What will happen to me? I don't know. I cannot promise to be a better person but I will always try. However, if this just keep repeating by itself, I have no choice but to resign from any futile attempt to become a better person and will resort to a cell phone device, a laptop, internet connection and a life of lonely, single frigid person.

Pagsusunog Ng Kilay Ay Di Biro

2007-08-01T08:24:00.000+08:00

Kanina lang ako umaga nakauwi ng mga bandang alas-kuwatro ng madaling araw. Nangailangan akong manatili ng gabing iyon para tapusin ang documentation na matagal ko nang ginagawa.

Kaya mula nang alas-8 ng gabi kahapon hanggang alas-4 ng madaling araw kanina, nagta-type ako sa aking laptop habang tumutugtog ang "Dreamgirls" soundtrack ng halos apat na beses paulit-ulit.

Pilit kong rin na hindi pansinin ang mga guni-guning naglalaro sa aking paningin. Mahirap din minsan ang nag-iisa ka sa isang opisina na matataas ang mga dingding ng cubicles na aming pinaglalagyan ng aming mga makina at anik-anik. Buti na lang di ko pinili matakot kagabi kung hindi, di ko rin maabot ang 80% completion ng aking ginagawa.

Malaking pasasalamat ko sa mga kachat ko sa ym including Jojo na nagsusunog din ng kilay hehehehe. Kahit papaano, ang pagdadaldal nila ang nagpagising sa akin sa mga oras na iyon.

Sa aking pag-uwi, di rin biro ang kumuha ng taxi. Hindi lang dahil sa malayo ang tinitirhan ko kundi pati rin sa late-night charge ni pinapatong nila. Kaya kagabi, ang aking taxi fare ay umabot sa 35 SGD. Sa 35 SGD, makakalibre ka na ng dinner for 4 sa Pizza hut at Cafe Cartel o makabili ng magandang blouse o makanood ng sine ng tatlong beses. Malaki talaga kinikita ng mga taxi drivers dito.

Mamaya ulet, malamang magsusunog ako ng kilay. Sana matapos ko na.

Proven Facts About Life

2007-07-31T16:31:00.000+08:00

After four months in Singapore, I've learned that....

Arguing will reach into some sort of understanding. Because after spending considerable amount of energy, time and words, either you realize that either one of you are stupid enough to compromise.
Every every minute counts and you can't afford to lose it into something fruitless. Either you nail it and get it done or scavenge whatever you can find that is useful.
It pays to by upfront rather than beating down the bush. It is every pinoy's bad habit not to hurt other people's feelings but it doesn't help either dressing up the truth.
Every action has its own consequences, that is if you do something stupid... either you or someone else will have to pay for it.

Libre Lang Mangarap

2007-07-10T05:35:00.000+08:00

I wish I can see Europe before I'm 30.

I wish I know the feeling of having a 24 inch waistline.

I wish I have a million pesos in my bank account which took me forever to save.

I wish I can drive a car in a traffic free highway....yung ako lang talaga nagmamaneho.

I wish I can take very good shots with my DSLR camera without even trying and be able to post process just the same.

I wish I can raise my kids without needing to work.

I wish I can spew out great ideas and solutions like a machine. Kahit siguro pera para di ko na kailangan pang mag-isip.

Buti na lang libre lang mangarap. Hay......

Upuan sa MRT at Lotto

2007-07-09T21:08:00.000+08:00

Ang pag upo sa mrt ng rush hour ay parang pagtataya sa lotto. Sa sobrang daming taong sumasakay, malabo kang makajackpot ng upuan sa tren.

Meron ka din dapat pagpiliin pagsakay mo sa MRT. Una, pipili kung saang pinto ka lang pupuwesto. Tapos pagkapasok mo, pipili ka pa ng pwesto at sana kung sino man makatapat mong pasahero na nakaupo ay bababa sa bandang Yio Chu Kang or Ang Mo Kio para makaranas ka rin ng panandaliang ginahawa mula sa pagkakatayo mo. Kaso, pagmarami talaga kayong nakasakay na parang mga sardinas na sinaksak sa lata, huwag ka nang umasa pang makakaupo ka pa.

Ang kagandahan nga lang ng lotto, mas malaking posibilidad na makatikim ng konting panalo para makabalik-taya. Mas malaki pa ang chance kaysa makakuha ka ng upuan sa MRT.

Real Magic on IPhone.

2007-06-30T17:20:00.000+08:00

Oo nga! Magic nga!

How To Be Happy

2007-06-30T16:54:00.000+08:00

I got this from Che-Ann, Jojo's little sister. Here's to something inspirational.

----------------------------------------

A 92-year-old, petite, well-poised and proud man, who is fully dressed
each morning by eight o'clock, with his hair fashionably coifed and
shaved perfectly, even though he is legally blind, moved to a nursing
home today. His wife of 70 years recently passed away, making the move
necessary.
After many hours of waiting patiently in the lobby of the nursing home,
he smiled sweetly when told his room was ready.
As he maneuvered his walker to the elevator, I provided a visual
description of his tiny room, including the eyelet sheets that had been
hung on his window.
"I love it," he stated with the enthusiasm of an eight-year-old having
just been presented with a new puppy.
"Mr. Jones, you haven't seen the room; just wait."
"That doesn't have anything to do with it," he replied. "Happiness is
something you decide on ahead of time.
Whether I like my room or not doesn't depend on how the furniture is
arranged ... it's how I arrange my mind. I already decided to love it.
It's a decision I make every morning when I wake up. I have a choice; I
can spend the day in bed recounting the difficulty I have with the parts
of my body that no longer work, or get out of bed and be thankful for
the ones that do. Each day is a gift, and as long as my eyes open, I'll
focus on the new day and all the happy memories I've stored away. Just
for this time in my life. Old age is like a bank account. You withdraw
from what you've put in. So, my advice to you would be to deposit a lot
of happiness in the bank account of memories! Thank you for your part in
filling my Memory bank. I am still depositing."

Remember the five simple rules to be happy:

1. Free your heart from hatred.
2. Free your mind from worries.
3. Live simply.
4. Give more.
5. Expect less.

My First Idle Time In Singapore

2007-05-12T14:21:00.000+08:00

Today is actually my first idle time after one and a half months of pushing myself to work. Seriously, life has been hectic for me since I got here and I always find something pending for me to do. I was like a work horse.

But now when my baby project is about to close and just shy from two more launches next week, I have time in my hands at my disposal.

And the first order of business to spend my idle time with, watch Heroes online.

It has been weeks since I last watched the series. The last one I watched is before they went on a hiatus. I've been getting offers from a friend and my boss on two separate occasions of sending me a copy of episode 19. But instead of graciously accepting it, I snubbed at the opportunity, for the simple reason that I had more important things to do.

And now when I need my heroes fix the most, asan sila?!?! Joke.

Next order of business, watching telenovelas in the TFC channel. Though these episodes are replays from last night's primetime, Philippine drama never fails to amaze me. Now with the new telenovela of Claudine and Piolo, I think I have another reason to become a couch potato.

All this time, I was trying to boil water from the teapot for our drinking water. But I was so engrossed at watching, I completely forgot about it that when I got back after an hour, the water is about half of the kettle already.

Mahusay. Nasunugan ako ng tubig. Pathetic.

Now I have to find something else to do. Maybe cook dinner or clean my toilet.

Flying Back on Tuesday

2007-03-11T13:18:00.003+08:00

In 3 days, I will be officially an OFW.

Due to my uber speedy processing of my work permit/employment pass in Singapore, I was compelled to pay and rebook my ticket back to Manila from Sunday Midnight to Wednesday midnight.

Even my friends here were suprised to know that the in-principle approval letter and medical exam appointment was processed 3 days after my company passed it to Ministry of Manpower (MOM). Now I have to wait for the results on Monday and go to MOM to file for my Employment Pass card. Once I get it, I still have to go to the Philippine Embassy to process my medicard and Overseas Exit Certificate.

I haven't told my boss yet about my pending absence this Monday. In case some of you chanced upon being asked about my whereabouts, tell him I was out sick. Hehehehe!

Flying Back on Tuesday

2007-03-11T13:18:00.001+08:00

In 3 days, I will be officially an OFW.

Due to my uber speedy processing of my work permit/employment pass in Singapore, I was compelled to pay and rebook my ticket back to Manila from Sunday Midnight to Wednesday midnight.

I haven't told my boss yet about my pending absence this Monday. In case some of you chanced upon being asked about my whereabouts, tell him I was out sick. Hehehehe!

Things You Probably Didn't Know (Or Didn't Want To Know) About Me

2007-03-10T18:02:00.001+08:00

Got tagged by Krysty, so here goes...

Each player of this game starts off by making a weblog post, listing ten(10) weird things/habits or little known facts about himself/herself, then tagging six (6) other bloggers to do the same. No tagbacks.

1. I have an attention span of a 5 year old. Ask my closest friends.

2. I'm obsessed with making lists. I make list and attach them in my planners and almost everywhere because I want to constantly remind myself of things that I'm supposed to do.

3. I easily forget stuff. Talk to me about something and ask my again later after 30 minutes. Probably because of my short attention span that I never really paid to much attention.

4. I crack my fingers when I'm immersed into something. *crack crack*

5. I intentionally act stupid or naive most of the time but you have no idea what's going on in my head.

6. I like twisting my back with the chair. Feels good everytime I do that.

7. Chocolates and coffee makes me hyperactive and trust me, you don't want to see me when I'm hyperactive.

8. I exaggerate a lot.

9. I'm obsessed seeing how many hits I have in my blog and friendster by checking the visitor counter/"who viewed me" count everyday. Multiply's visitor counter sucks though.

10. I read 3-5 books at the same time. When I get bored with one book, I open another then shift back and forth. Good thing I get to finish some of them though.

This Is It

2007-03-08T09:51:00.001+08:00

I have finally accepted the offer with a company here in Singapore. I'll be starting on April 2 as an IT Consultant. I'm now waiting for my employment pass before I can officially start to work here.

I'm so excited to start with my new life here in Singapore. My friend and I are talking about plans of moving in together in a two bedroom apartment. I am starting to think about my daily route, the people I'm going to meet, the work that I'm going to do and the lifestyle I'm going to live. Speaking of lifestyle, I've seen the biggest National Library near Bugis Street and I couldn't believe my eyes how much books they have in all 8 floors that I fell in love with the place. I see myself stuck in there on weekends immersing myself with their wide collection of sci-fi/fantasy fiction and technical books.

The feeling of leaving my team, my friends, my family behind hasn't sinked in yet. Perhaps when I go back in Manila next week, I might cry a bucket full of tears. But like I said, there is no such thing as goodbyes.

Everything is Just a Phase

2007-03-05T09:32:00.001+08:00

I was hanging out with my long time friend Ros in her apartment in Bedok yesterday. While we were watching Wedding Crashers in her laptop machine, sipping white merlot and talking about the old times, I realized that I have tried almost everything and anything in my past 28 years of my life. Once, I've been cheerleader when I was first year high school. I tried playing basketball twice in high school intra-murals. I've tried cutting flag ceremonies under the glaring sun by staying in the library during my senior year. I've done almost every sport but only lasted for a few sessions.

I wasn't hooked with anything. I will try doing one thing then lose my interest then move on. I don't have a consistent habit that will last me until my hair has gone gray and teeth already fallen out. Heck! I may not be even blogging by then. An ex-boyfriend once said that he believes that everything he does is a phase. He once went into gym, tennis, martial arts. He said he would just be stuck in the habit then grow out of it, like it was just a phase for him.

What I don't understand is that there is no permanency in everything we do. I feel that in all the things we do is just temporary. Another friend of mine told me once when she was explaining why its fun to move out and find new flatmates in Singapore. She said that after certain number of years, there is a certain point of saturation when people grow tired of the things they used to do. We tend to look for something new that will excite us, like moving your stuff to a new room or rearranging them all over again.

It's complicated to fathom how people change their minds about everything. Maybe that's why we tend to make our lives more hard yet colorful.

Encounters of The Indian Kind

2007-03-03T13:23:00.001+08:00

I was walking home half past 3 in the morning after an impulsive window shopping spree in Mustafa at Farrer Park when an middle-aged Indian guy, inside a moving vehicle, slowly drove on the other side of the street and asking me to come with him.

At first, I ignored him. Maybe he was too drunk to notice I'm no prostitute.

Then he drove past, made a U-turn, went back and stopped beside me.

Indian guy in the car: "Come come."

Me: "No thank you"

Indian guy in the car: "Can I give you lift?"

Me: "No thanks. I live nearby."

Indian guy in the car: "Can we go some place else and have coffee?"

Me: "No thank you. Someone is expecting me home" *flashed my ring to show I'm married kuno* "I'm married"

At times like these, it is convenient to wear a ring that looks like a wedding band.

Encounters of The "AnapsKind

2007-03-03T13:13:00.001+08:00

Singapore And Alcohol

2007-03-03T12:07:00.001+08:00

If there is one thing I learned in Singapore, it is that alcohol is bloody expensive.

I was in Barfly last night with my cousin and a good friend when I decided to treat them out for drinks. When I saw the menu, I couldn't believe my eyes.

For a Carlsberg Draft, you get SGD8.50. In Philippine peso, that would be 250++ pesos, which is enough to buy you a case of San Miguel Pale Pilsen back home. The math itself keeps the buzz away.

And the beer sucks here. Carlsberg Draft is like a watered down version of the Czech beer I had in Tavern. It's like I drank soda in a Sprite bottle. Well, I have yet to try the Guinness before I get back to Manila.

So, if you are on a tight budget and you intend to go barhopping in Clark Quay, I wouldn't advice you doing mental mathematical calculations for converting forex rates from SGD to PHP. It removes the fun especially when you intend to go crazy in Singapore.

How To Write A Resignation Letter

2007-03-02T09:09:00.003+08:00

Ang hirap sumulat ng resignation letter. Nanlalamig kamay ko habang nagty-type ako sa PC ng barkada ko dito sa Singapore. Naiisip ko na kung ano irereact ng bossing ko pagnalaman niya at alam kong hahagilapin niya ako kahit kasalukuyang naka-leave ako.

Naiisip ko din ang mga taong iiwan ko. Mga maliligayang sandali sa opisina. Mga parties at mga inuman sessions na pinagtipunan. Mga drama sessions. Bull sessions. Mga kulitang walang humpay at pagkakaibigan na tunay.

Nag-aalala din ako sa trabahong iiwan ko. Though its not much, alam ko namang kayang kaya nila eh. Wala na nga akong ginagawa sa opisina kundi mangulit, mangharass, mambola at maglaro ng sudoku at DotA.

I know I am sacrificing a comfortable life here but my career growth is at stake. My work is done. It is time to move.

How To Write A Resignation Letter

2007-03-02T09:09:00.001+08:00

I know I am sacrificing a comfortable life here but my career growth is at stake. My work is done. It is time to move.

Heroes Personality Test

2007-03-01T20:28:00.001+08:00

Micah Sanders
You scored 58 Idealism, 33 Nonconformity, 50 Nerdiness

Can we play Scrabble tonight?Congratulations, you're Micah Sanders! You're good-natured, intelligent, perceptive, and naturally inclined toward technology. You're also quite innocent and loving. You've got a fondness for computers and Scrabble. Your best quality: You're extremely perceptive Your worst quality: You can be a little demanding at times

My test tracked 3 variables How you compared to other people your age and gender:

You scored higher than 60% on Idealism

You scored higher than 10% on Nonconformity

You scored higher than 73% on Nerdiness

Link: The Heroes Personality Test written by freedomdegrees on OkCupid, home of the The Dating Persona Test

Ideal vs Ideal

2007-03-01T20:02:00.001+08:00

I am torn between two ideals. One provides a vision so great that I want to be part of it. The other one offers the dream that I have been longing to taste it.

With the other one, I know I will learn a lot especially from people who promotes learning and develop Pinoy talent. Its partners are great people you can look up to. I forgot the names but man, partners doing code reviews is something. I am willing to take the pay-cut as long as I grow into a better IT practitioner. And with the kind of culture that I see, it is something that I will be very comfortable with: pure flow of ideas, open-mindedness and insatiable hunger for higher learning. I see this as a good career move if I intent to stay in Manila. Plus, Migs is there. I been wanting to learn from him and pick this guy's brains.

On the other hand, I'm attracted to the idea of living in a different country and embrace the culture that is different from my own. I want to work in a place that is entirely different from my work life in Manila and see how far I can go to test my limits. I was told that living and dealing business in Singapore is very different. And with that, I am curious. And with the money I will make, it is enough to support my family and hopefully save up for my Dad's treatment when the need arises.

Both choices offers the life that I want to live. And despite of weighing its cons, I am still having a hard time choosing. I wish the answer becomes clear this Friday and I'm praying that God won't make it hard for me to decide.

JLPT Results

2007-02-26T11:59:00.001+08:00

Guess what I got for my birthday? My score card from the JLPTs. And just as I expected, I didn't pass. I failed on the listening part of the exam. A whopping 35 out of 100.

Now I'm back to square one. Nihongo Elem 1 and 2 for me to prep once again for the December 2007 JLPTs.

Packing Procrastinator

2007-02-24T02:10:00.001+08:00

Ever since I have done travelling, I always have this bad habit of doing my packing on the night prior to my trip. I know some of you might think it is sound crazy but I would always stay late at night and even not sleep to finish packing. This always happen whenever I go on overnight out-of-town getaways or long out-of-the-country trips.

Days prior to my trip, I would usually think of the stuff I'm going to bring in my head and start listing them so I can just stuff in my luggage. Honestly, I hate to start packing days prior to my trip because I would always forget what I have already put inside. At least, packing them all together in one go keeps me track of the inventory of stuff in my suitcase.

It Doesn't Hurt

2007-02-23T02:22:00.001+08:00

It doesn't hurt if you cry a little. A little emotion doesn't make you less of a person.

It doesn't hurt if you complain a little. You can only do so much and anything more can break you.

It doesn't hurt if you express your opinions. Who knows you might have a bright idea tucked inside that head of years.

It doesn't hurt if you play the devil's advocate because there is always two sides on every coin.

It doesn't hurt if you love yourself a little. Simple pleasures can sometimes bring out the best in us.

It doesn't hurt if you hate a little. Shows that you have some principles inculcated in you.

It doesn't hurt to be human. We have our strengths and weaknesses and it is best that we know our boundaries and maximize what we can do to live the life we live.

Big Leap Of Faith

2007-02-22T10:21:00.001+08:00

In ten minutes, I'll be in a phone call from a guy who may possibly change my life. My nerves are tensed up and my palms are sweaty at this anticipation of things that I've been praying for the longest time.

And if all turns out a-ok after the call, I still need to consider the timing of the things that I have to do. Either I make it gracefully or break the ties that binds my ever sentimental soul.

Dear God, if this is meant for me then so be it. If not, I will patiently wait for the things to come whilst hoping that this deal is better than this one.

Strange Coincidence

2007-02-22T02:10:00.001+08:00

Is it just me or are there a lot of couples breaking up lately?

Why is there an increase in death toll amongst people in their twenties within 3-4 degrees in my network of friends?

Is it also strange why my favorite cab is always not available on request for pick-up these days unlike a few years ago?

And why most of the guys I get fixated with always starts with the letter "J"?

Why do I always end up sitting with an exhibitionist maniac in theaters when I least expected it?

Why are there things that aren't supposed to be connected to each other found its way of linking itself?

Weird!

First Bout of Birthday Blues

2007-02-20T08:11:00.001+08:00

As I laid down on my bed, trying to sleep whilst caffeine still running in my veins, something bigger than I has consumed my consciousness. I suffocated and gasped for air. My heart was racing. I couldn't scream. It's like seeing a invisible monster, out to get me and swallow me alive.

As it turns out, I was having an anxiety attack. I was stressing about my pending trip to Singapore, my deadbeat career, being single at almost 28 and never-ending family obligations. I haven't accomplished anything in the 5 year goal that I have set 7 years ago. I feel so stuck. My wings are clipped for me to prevent me to soar high. Instead, I'm like walking on a death march to a less ordinary life.

Then I snapped out of it. I'm just having a bad case of birthday blues.

Manny Pacquiao And Politics Part 2

2007-02-18T16:00:00.001+08:00

I overheard Manny Pacquiao on the radio while riding a cab going to work having his live phone interview in DZMM with Ted Failon and Korina Sanchez early last week about his interest in running as Congressman of South Cotabato. Below are the points discussed during the interviews:

Round 1

He was asked about his training for his upcoming fight this coming April if it will affect his campaign efforts. He said it won't as he will allocate a month to train for the event. Personally, I think he is spreading himself too thin. If one politician once had his arm casted for waving too much during campaigns, what more can Manny do to campaign with his next fight looming closer by the day?

Round 2

He was asked about legalities on his contract pertaining to his commercial endorsements to be shown during his fight in April as opposed to the ad ban policy mandated by Comelec. He said one company has agreed that they will not show his commercials and will instead support his election campaign. Heck! That is one company. What about the "other" commercial endorsements. I remember there are quite a mouthful once uttered in one breath. Ted pointed out one incident back then when he signed two contracts from two different promoters at the same time. How can he be so sure these companies will let him off the hook this time?

Round 3

He still have until by late March to decide whether he wants to run for Congress or a Mayoral position in Gen Santos city. As Ted asked him why he is considering to run for Congress instead of being Mayor, he said that being mayor of GenSan, one has to focus on the needs of the people and the city whereas there are lesser "pains" being congressman since you only pass laws in Batasan. But as Ted Failon pointed out, being congressman will still have similar burdens as being mayor. People will still run to you for help on charitable causes nevertheless.

He was even asked the difference between the legislative and the executive and as usual, he doesn't even know what it means. Korina has to explain to him what it means. If only airtime would have allowed it, she should have given him a crash course on Philippine Political System for idiots.

KO by points favoring Ted Failon/Korina Sanchez

He made a futile attempt to make a speech of his people crying for change. He wanted to help the government facilitate changes in his hometown to make things better.

However, Ted Failon made a low-blow when he mentioned that Manny once said that he united the country when he wins every fight but his intent to run for politics will create division among his countrymen because there will be competition against his opponent running for the same position, of whom I feel may have a better experience in dealing with politics.

Towards the end of the interview, Manny Pacquiao didn't dominate well during the interview and instead eaten alive by journalists who knew better than supporting someone who is clueless about politics.

Related Articles: Manny Pacquiao And Politics?

Promise?

2007-02-18T13:00:00.001+08:00

My friend and I were crossing the street towards "Esquinita" to grab a quick drink before our rendezvous in a nearby club in Timog when a car stopped by.

Guy in car: "Sa Esquinita kayo?"

My friend: "Oo"

Guy in car: "Sama kami sa inyo"

My friend: "Sige"

Guy in car: "Promise?"

My friend: "Promise."

*car drove away to look for parking*

My friend: "Kilala mo ba yun?"

Me: "Hindi. Kala ko ba kilala mo yun?"

My friend: "Hindi eh."

Me: "Ayos."

Napick-up kami ng wala sa oras. Ok lang. Masaya naman eh.

What Drives You?

2007-02-17T13:12:00.001+08:00

An interesting question was thrown my way during one of the interviews I had before:

"What drives me to wake up every morning and do the things I do?"

I have forgotten what I had said that time. But now when I start to rethink what motivates me to do the things I do these days, I couldn't think of a straight answer.

Maybe if I'm doing things differently probably waking up in a pit of crocodiles, I'll be compelled to fend for myself to keep myself alive.

But seriously, it will take inspiration to keep me going or, at least, doing that one thing I love doing. That will drive me to reach new heights. Inspiration could be anything. A beau. My team. A challenge. A project. A new learning opportunity.

Things that I love to do? It could be anything. Standing in front of people and make them laugh would be a very satisfying career but my jokes are not in the same caliber as the ones you hear at your local comedy bars. So I resort to coding, blogging, photography, sports or anything that I always do every single day.

So tell me, what drives you?

My 5 seconds of Stupid Notoriety

2007-02-17T12:13:00.001+08:00

One wrong move made in front of 600 people during our song number "Limang Dipang Tao" and I am marked for life.

What's worse? People, who I don't really know personally, has come up to me demonstrating that signature "para" move Tangina! My fans pa ako.

I felt like I was in grade school doing school plays. Ano ba itong pinasok ko? Buti na lang leave ako ng Friday.

Missing Three Marathons and A Busted Diet Plan

2007-02-17T11:49:00.001+08:00

Tomorrow will be the Takbo Para sa Kalikasan Run by DZMM and I'm not there.

On the 25th, it will be the Philippine Marathon run and I'll be in La Union for surfing lessons.

On the 11th, it will be the Adidas run and I'm still in Singapore by then.

And as of today, I gained almost 3 lbs since last month. Probably muscle mass but I'm just as equally frustrated. Even though I have gone stronger from strength training 2x a week, I still need to lose 20 stubborn pounds.

Starting next week until I leave for Singapore in March, I have to burn 1000 kcal daily. I have to if I intend to reach lose at least 10 lbs by March 25th.

Single On Valentines

2007-02-14T02:33:00.001+08:00

Mary Rose and I went to Manila Penn last night for our impromptu Valentines date. She needed a friend to unload her woes and I needed company to keep myself from being lonely. The thing about being alone is that sometimes you had no choice but to be alone and there are times that you cannot choose the company you want to keep. Luckily, Mary Rose is fun to be around and I missed her a lot.

We walked in "The Bar", where it was free from those sickeningly-sweet couples commemorating Valentines. We drowned ourselves in alcohol, coffee, cigarettes, ice cream and each other's woes. Perhaps some patrons in the bar could have been mistaken us as a lesbian couple. I fed her potato chips in memory of what we did in Puerto Galera 5 years ago: I fed her lunch while she was trying to beat a foreigner male friend in chess, whom she was making pacute. And all the while, he thought we were uhm.....a couple.

Hell no! I am straight and a great lover of men even though some of them are scum enough to deserve a kick in the arse. Seriously.

Sometimes, I miss having single friends to tag along with and hang out with in bars and restaurants. I would usually hang out with them 4-5 times a week that the bartender already knows my usual and call me by my first name. Nowadays, they are either married and/or with kids. I am already running out of people I can drag around.

But for Mary Rose, despite her being a single mother raising her 2 month kid, I'm glad she took some time out with me. Thanks to her, my valentines day didn't turn out to be bad at all.

On Keeping Ties With The Ex

2007-02-10T03:17:00.001+08:00

I had this interesting reply on my post "It's Over" in 43things.com about "Getting Over Someone" as a priority list.

----------------------------------------------------------

It sucks. You will never be able to be friends afterwards. I did it and
she hurt me and now I can't have anything to do with her as I'm trying
to heal. I removed her email, phone number, everything. She begged lets
be friends. You can't do it.

----------------------------------------------------------

Having read that with an entirely different mindset, I'm glad to say that I have gone past it. Honestly, I miss the friendship more than the relationship. Yes, I have been a sissy for 5 months crying and grieving. Loss needs to take its natural course in order to recover from a heartbreak.

Now I am relieved with the fact that I can face him, drink a beer with him, share stories and not being his girlfriend. Though some of my friends are against the idea of me getting friendly with an ex who used to be my best friend, there are some things that you just cannot give up.

Bike Maintenance 101

2007-02-10T02:51:00.001+08:00

Found this link from the MTBabes mailing list, something quite useful on how to maintain your bike.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/other_sports/cycling/get_involved/4250522.stm

God I miss the trail. I need to work on my confidence training. I still haven't biked the whole Barangay BF alone.

New CubaoX and Bellini's Expansion

2007-02-07T22:25:00.001+08:00

Despite of the misapprehensions reported on this blog regarding the whole CubaoX closing down, I still relieved to find out that Bellini's, one of my favorite italian restaurants, is still operational and looking at the possible expansion while the location is being renovated to give way to Manhattan Garden City, an Araneta Group & Megaworld Condo Project.

Four of the artsy vintage shops namely Chucky Far Flung, Future Prospects, Bespoke and Kuquada were the only ones that has been closed due to rumored irreconcilable differences with matching "sulsol" hoobaloo between the new management and its store owners.

As long as Bellini's and that customized boots shop is still there, I got no complaints.

Where Did My Money Go? (AKA Scammed by One of those Government Cooperatives)

2007-02-05T23:59:00.001+08:00

I just learned this morning that my investment in a cooperative, initiated by a group of employees of the Office of The Press Secretary, has 1.8M pesos worth of funds unaccounted for. All transactions were put on hold for audit and further investigation

Upon hearing the news, I was almost close to tears. I was close to invest some savings for our supposed wedding plans with my ex-fiance, otherwise I could have cried a river. I should be glad I'm already out of an almost binding pact and a potential embezzlement scam.

Now I'm no longer sure if I will be able to get my money back. My ex-fiance wanted to pay me for the amount that I have invested. I'm also not sure if he is telling me the whole story as he said that the news was just released a week ago.

I'm just so disappointed that my money went poof. Mamatay sana kumurakot ng pera ko.

Late for the Animo Run

2007-02-04T16:41:00.001+08:00

My phone was ringing like a singing madman. I fumbled around half-asleep until I found it. The call was from Mia telling me there are already in Mall of Asia waiting for the race to start. I cussed under my breath and asked for the time. It was already quarter to 6 and I was still in bed in my pajamas.

I quickly jumped out of the bed and grabbed top and shorts for the marathon run. Dad stepped out of their bedroom and noticed the commotion I'm making. "Where are you going?". "To the marathon and I'm so late", I said. He said he will dressed up to take me there. Mom woke up as well and also decided to join Dad for the ride.

I arrived in Mall Of Asia at 6:15am, 15 minutes after the race started. It was a good thing I already stretched in the car. When my dad dropped me off near the Start line, I darted towards it and ran off like I was really late for an important meeting.

While running, I have bumped into some of my colleagues who also joined for the run. I said me hellos and continued running. I intend to catch Mia and run along with her. A passed a couple more of my colleagues who are just taking it easy. In between the 2km and 3km mark, my stomach start to hurt so bad that I walked. It was nothing related to a sidestich but more of like pre-menstrual pains I have during the first day of my monthly cycle. It eventually wavered off and I ran again.

On the last turn towards the finish line, I tried to make a strong finish. But it was still around 200 meters away, so I walked for 30 seconds and ran off again.

The time when I clocked in the finish line is 45 minutes. Minus 15 minutes for being late, I finished the whole 5k in 30 minutes and no sign of Mia.

After surrendering my number, I walked to the parking lot and looked for her. Mia was seated with two of our officemates and she was surprised to see me. She said I was fast. She was sitting for about 10 minutes after I showed up. I told her, "That happens when you are late."

Worst Bar Pick-Up Lines

2007-01-27T13:02:00.001+08:00

Here are another installment of the Worst Pick-Up Lines. Unlike the previous one, these ones are typically used in a bar scene, some of which already happened in real life but I'm not telling which ones:

Go behind the counter and offer every guy in the bar for a blow job. For those who doesn't know it, it's a shooter drink which contains a mixture of Irish Creme and Bourbon or Vodka.
Just sit next to a drunk guy really really close because the alcohol will compensate for your lack of good looks.
If a guy shows a picture of his baby, you say "Wow! You make very good babies."
Approach a guy and make a mistake as someone you already know. Goes along the lines of the "Do I know you?" pick-up line. Then apologize and introduce yourself. To pull this off, you should be really drunk to get that genuine confused look and the guy should look like somebody you really know.
Spill a drink on a drunken guy's lap and say "I'm so sorry, can I fix it up for you?"
Sprawl yourself on the bar table next to the guy you are eyeing the whole evening and say, "Can you take me home with you?"
If the guy is drinking with a broken heart, whisper to his ear and say, "I know what you need? A rebound."

Disclaimer: If you wish to utilize any of these lines, I am not responsible for any events that will transpire thereafter. Thus, use them at your own risk.

Blogging Live From Cebu

2007-01-20T20:42:00.001+08:00

I am now in an internet cafe in Ayala Cebu after an exhaustive overnight trip from Bohol with my backpack and luggage beside me as I type. It was a marathon of sightseeing if you ask me but it was worth every penny. The only sad thing is that my Nikon D50 battery went dead in the middle of the Loboc cruise. Hay! Oh well.

Post for more updates soon.

Out of Blog Reply

2007-01-18T23:59:00.001+08:00

Good day!

I will be out on a vacation in Panglao on the 19th of January then off to our regional meeting in Cebu on the 21st to the 24th with no access to any blogging software namely Multiply, Livejournal and Blogger.

I need to have a life outside my virtual world and visit the places I need to visit before I die and probably find my beau in a form of a dark, aboriginal boatman who can double as my personal sex slave. Though I know it is a far fetch fantasy for me to meet my match made in heaven, I still welcome any form of social interaction outside my rat hole.

If you wish to reach me, you know where to find me. If you happen to be in Alona Kew from the 19-20th and in Shangri-la Mactan from the 20th-24th of January, I'll be checking in under the name of Monica Isaac. Look me up in the front desk and I'm happy to hear a message or two from you and will try to decide if I want to reply back unless it's an invitation for a drink since I can't say no to free beers or any alcoholic beverages enough to haul me back to my hotel room with a golf cart.

I will post anything that is visually enticing and/or verbally stimulating as soon as I get back on the 25th. I'm sure I will have a lot of inspiration to write about by then.

Thank you for visiting and have a nice weekend.

Kind regards,

monicai

Where Do We Go From Here?

2007-01-13T03:34:00.003+08:00

Lately, there has been a number of people who have left the company if not the country and somehow I feel sad for my loss of good friends I can hang out with and called on to when I just need someone to talk to.

As you know last year, my best friend Dhez has left for the States to be with her family. After that, music buddy Dennis will follow suit in LA after finding a greener pasture where he can chew some top grade american grass. Then followed by my friend and colleague, Mike, who will be moving on to another company by end of this month.

On the family side, a cousin has already moved to Singapore for work and another cousin will be migrating to New Zealand with his family for a better life in April. And another cousin on the mum side is moving to Butuan where her husband's business is based.

People has moved on, seeking a better life but what about me? Should I wait until nobody else is left here?

Five years ago, my mindset is the same as the rest of these guys who have moved on to another country. But now after experiencing a real life and real people who has always been there through thick or thin, I think I am starting to take root and not considering of taking the big move to another country.

However my Mom has been nagging me on migrating elsewhere but I am still reluctant to take that big step. Life is always better here at home. But should my life stop here? What if I am meant to do other things? To be honest, I cannot imagine my life here in the next five years given the lack of opportunities and my disappointment in the system. Our system is run by thieving politcians vested in power to indulge in their own interest: remain in power for personal gain. And what is stopping me from keep my bile within the confines of my own gut is that I will never find the people I have grown to love and hang out with even the toughest times when I needed them the most.

So given my indecisiveness, I have entirely relied on fate to let things happen on me. If an opportunity comes, I'll take it.

But waiting can be tiring sometimes.

A friend of mine told me that things will not happen if I didn't want to make it happen. And there is a certain truth about that. If I make things happen and take my fate in my own hands and decide where I want to go, maybe I will get elsewhere except here.

So where should I go from here?

Where Do We Go From Here?

2007-01-13T03:34:00.001+08:00

People has moved on, seeking a better life but what about me? Should I wait until nobody else is left here?

So given my indecisiveness, I have entirely relied on fate to let things happen on me. If an opportunity comes, I'll take it.

But waiting can be tiring sometimes.

So where should I go from here?

In The Land of Opportunity Comes The Life of Sadness

2007-01-12T01:19:00.001+08:00

Here are some of the reasons why I think OFWs still gets sad in the land of great opportunities where the pasture is greener than our lush mountains in our country:

Homesickness

As the old adage say, "There is no place like home". Any Filipino would always look for things that they got used to having it around that reminds them of home. Home pertains to comfort and familiarity. Being in another country, you have to be accustomed to the plethora of cultures that surrounds it and most of them could be alien enough if not downright weird. Having said that, the first thing that comes in your mind is home where its comfortable, pleasing to the senses and no need to adjust on the distinct pungent smell of your alien surroundings.

Long Distance Relationships

A friend of mine sent me a lengthy letter narrating her recent heartbreak with her bf in Manila. Maintaining long distance relationships are never easy. It takes a lot of love, commitment and money to ride out the problems and doubts the comes between couples. Imagine the expensive long distance calls to keep each other happy.

I am not a fan of LDR as this is borne out of my pessimism to love in general. But seriously, if couples are meant to be together then why try so hard keeping it when far apart. If they want to be together, then go together. Don't leave the other one behind. Get married or live together. I don't care. Just don't be stupid enough letting distance get the best of your relationship.

Food

This is somewhat related to homesickness. I remember another friend who couldn't eat well in other countries because she doesn't like the way their food tastes. The way we cook food in our country is different with the way food is being prepared in foreign lands not to mention its lack of unique ingredients that can only be found in the Philippines. Again, one have to adjust your taste buds with the variety of food available in order to nourish yourself otherwise, you will die of malnutrition early enough before the kids in streets will.

Language

There is always comfort in talking in our own language. But being in another country, you have to make an effort to execute perfect english and/or other language to be understood. Iba pa rin talaga na may nakaka intindi lang sa iyo kahit minumura mo na siya.

Family

I find it admirable of people to think for the sake of their own family than themselves. Sacrificing your own happiness for the future even if you can't watch your kids grow and other little things that makes living your life worthwhile. There is a big difference between making a life and making a living. It is just so sad that our country cannot keep their country men here for the lack of opportunities to support themselves and their families.

***

If I only have a magic wand, I wish to make a world without suffering and sacrifices so that everyone doesn't have to be hurt and sad. But I'm no fairy Godmother. I'm just a lone dreamer only wishing for a better place for everyone.

Dreaming Of You

2007-01-11T00:54:00.001+08:00

I was holding you beside me in bed like the way we used to. I can hear your voice and laughter ringing in my ears. I listened intently to see if it was really you. For a moment, I really thought you were really here.

Then I woke up. Bad trip! Sana di na lang ako nagising just to be with you a little bit longer kahit sa panaginip lang.

Ethics Between Call Center Agents and Clients: Is There Such Thing?

2007-01-09T02:24:00.001+08:00

If you are a call center agent, I advice that the items I am posting here are based on that events that transpired this afternoon. Thus, I'm not speaking for everyone in general.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

A day has never passed without receiving a call from agents offering free credit cards, insurance, hotel memberships, products from home shopping or anything profitable that can be sold on the phone. And each day, I politely decline that either I'm not that interested nor entitled to provide such information whenever asked for referrals.

But this afternoon, I rushed off towards my cube to answer my ringing phone only to get a call from an agent insisting to get information of who among my co-workers on a certain floor in the building I am working in doesn't have a credit card yet. Finding the situation unscrupulous to divulge such information, I asked her why she is interested to get such information and that I am not in the liberty to answer such a question because of the confidentiality agreement I signed to comply with our company's business code and ethics.

She raised her voice saying that there is no such thing. How could she answer that way if she is trying to squeeze information out of me. I, the client, doesn't want to divulge information that would implicate assets in the company, including its data, resources and such. And how could she say that if she has no idea how our policies works here: She is just a mere outsider trying to get in to extract information from an insider like me. This surmounted to my increasingly foul mood much to my chagrin.

I retaliated saying that there is such thing and that I signed one myself. Again, she is still adamant that such a thing doesn't exist. To think that she claims she was the one who processed my credit card last year, she would have at least gotten the hint of angry reluctance in my voice.

She should have politely ended our call but her stubbornness has lead me to become nasty. I swear to God I have never been confrontational and nasty for the longest time. I have called her stupid and "bobo" for not getting the very clear message I am trying get across.

Now, here is the clincher: She said, "Baket si Sir [a co-employee name] and Sir [another co-employee name] hindi naman ganyan, pero kayo ganyan (mataray) kayo." My God! I have always thought name dropping happens only to people who get tangled up with the law.

And I told her this: "Because you caught me in a very bad time and I'm in a very foul mood and obviously I have no time for this." Before she reacted, I slammed down the phone.

The phone rang again after I darted off from my cubicle to get back to what I was previously doing. A co-worker answered it for me instead and put down the phone saying that we don't have time this. I asked him what does she want this time. And he said, "She is asking why am I being so unethical."

Maybe I crossed the line when I called you stupid and bobo because you never really understood what I said. And seriously, isn't it unethical enough for a call center agent to answer back to their previous client because I was trying to hold back information when it is supposed to be my responsibility to protect the interest of my co-workers even for just a credit card offering? You should have tried getting it from some random mister in the company and left me in peace instead.

More Blessings That Comes My Way

2007-01-05T00:18:00.001+08:00

This morning I received an email from Employee Relations that I have Php 1000 worth of Starbucks gift certificates waiting to be claimed because of my Christmas party theme suggestion. Wow! A thousand bucks worth of free coffee. I feel so blessed.

During the same Christmas Party, I also won a digital camera. Even though I don't really need it because I can't part with my point-and-shoot cybershot and my newly acquired D50, I was delighted to sell it to a happy Olympus owner.

I am so blessed being single because I get to spend more time with my family, friends and myself. I gained a lot of perspective about what I want to do in life and get a better control of myself.

After seeing my retirement fund this morning, I was so happy to see that my savings are going somewhere. Also, the savings I had from my yearly paluwagan reaped its benefits and paid off some of my outstanding debts.

I am happy to have work in my hands waiting to be done. it is better than not doing anything at all.

I am so happy with all of my friends who has been with me through thick and thin. I know I was quirky and weird and I'm glad you guys are able to stick around when I go on a schizo mood.

I am happy that I still able to get someone to like me, even for just a couple of days. Hahahaha!

I am glad I can still make people laugh. A smile means that I still create an impact on people and make them chuckle.

My New Baby: Nikon D50

2007-01-04T23:49:00.001+08:00

I finally got a new DSLR for myself: a second-hand Nikon D50. My friend Charlotte, sold me her camera after using it for her photography hobby. The whole deal is inclusive of tripod, camera bag, kit lens and everything that comes in the box.

Why Nikon D50?

The first time I laid my hands on this baby, I fell in-love with it and told my friend that I will own one someday. Looks like it did came true. The grip is just right as compared with Canon 350D that I used to co-own with an ex. Also, I find the colors more vivid than Canon but that is just me.

It seems like I'm going to be fixated with this in the meantime while trying to figure out how this thing works. Kung sino man may user manual nito, pahiram naman o.

Also, sama niyo naman ako sa mga photo shoot ninyo. Pretty pleeeaaassseee!!!!

Even the Happiest Faces Bear The Saddest Soul

2007-01-04T23:15:00.001+08:00

Behind the cheerful, come-what-may, happy go lucky exterior of a man lies a soul weeping and grieving of the misery the befalls him. Even with the saddest eyes, he cracks up a joke and make everyone laughing out loud with his crazy stories. People around him adores him because he soothes the senses, after all,.laughter is always the best medicine.

Sometimes, we stimulate a happy environment to makes us happy. If we see everyone laughing their arses off, masaya na rin tayo. But why do we have to go all the way to do such a thing? I think nobody wants to be with a miser and would rather hang out with the joker? Everyone would love someone who can lift their spirits high and make them enjoy the moment. But deep inside, we love the attention that satiates our deep need to be loved and accepted if not for the temporary need to forget our pain and sorrow.

So my friend, keep up what you are doing if that what makes you temporarily happy. But always remember that it is also okay to weep sometimes.

New Year Resolutions

2007-01-02T23:18:00.001+08:00

1. Stay single until the right one comes along - I have to learn the art of waiting for the right guy to come along, that is if he will ever show up.

2. Learn how to drive - essential skill that needs to be learned in no time

3. Get certified at least once - Since I have free certifications, I might as well use it.

4. Lose 20 lbs more - Even though I already lost a lot, I still need to target on achieving my ideal weight.

5. Travel and see the world - With travels already scheduled during the first half of the year, this one is pretty well covered.

6. Smile more, frown less - Yes, I have been a bitch lately worse than an old spinster. I should smile a lot.

7. Come in terms with God - Only a matter of time until I find my way back to the light.

8. Continue soul searching - I still don't know what I want to do in life, there are a lot of options for me out there, but will I ever have the guts to take the leap and seize it?

9. Learn to choose my battles - I should simplify my life limiting to the things that I really need.

10. Find a good dermatologist - For Kakikayan reasons.

11. Go out with friends as often as possible - No use being a monk inside my own house. I deserve to party sometimes.

Auto-Pilot

2007-01-02T22:48:00.001+08:00

In times when your heart refuses to feel anymore, you can always go on auto-pilot. You can switch off being human for once and do what you have to do Like a robot doing everything systematically, it gets the deed done without feeling anything even the feeling of satisfaction getting it done.

Because when you feel, you get confused. When you get confused, you fuck up. And when you fuck up, hell breaks loose. Who ends up crying now?

As my friend would say, it is you who choose what you feel. He is right.

So I just sit for a few minutes, close my eyes and shake it off. So when I open my eyes, I walk on like nothing ever happened.

The Year That Was

2006-12-31T15:24:00.001+08:00

Today is the last day of the year and its time to reflect of the events that has transpired for this year. The following are the things that has happened in my life this year and most of them will most likely remain in the past:

I lost 30 lbs after working out in the gym for 7 consecutive months

I have fallen and lost in love with one of the people I thought who was worthy. I still don't have any regrets but wishing that someone would put a bullet in his head for being such an ass.

I have gone to Laiya, Boracay, Baguio and Laguna for a time out from my usual routine.

I have ridden a bike again and got over my phobia after my accident two years ago.

A very dear friend has left for the States