To celebrate our 16th month of togetherness, Leo and I had dinner at Old Swiss Inn over at Makati Avenue. My officemates have good things to say about the place so I asked Leo whether we could have dinner there tonight. Being the accomodating boyfriend that he is, he readily agreed.
We immediately fell out of place upon entering the place. Most of its patrons were foreigners and "old" foreigners at that. I think we're the youngest people there (excluding a group that was seated beside us who had teenagers with them--fil-am teenagers at that). We ordered soup (which was really delicious) and neptune fondue.
Over-all, there's nothing extraordinary about the place. Maybe we chose the wrong fondue, but it was nothing different than the shabu-shabu that you would have at Tongyang's. Heck, I'll be more full in Tongyang's.
Our bill was over a thousand bucks and I don't think it was a thousand bucks well spent (we can pay the same amount at Italianni's, but that would mean barely getting out of our chairs due to the amount of food we could've consumed). You paid for the ambiance and that's it. Next time (if ever there's a next time), I'm getting the chocolate fondue--at least it's Toblerone chocolate.
Tuesday, June 28, 2005
Monday, June 27, 2005
Glory in FINMAN
Today was our first reporting for our Financial Management subject and it did not turn out the way we wanted it to be. We thought we were prepared, but as it turns out, we were toasted, fried, roasted and whatever applicable verb you can think of. Being the first group to present in a tough subject with a hard-assed teacher was against our favor. But hey, we learned our lesson and we resolved to do better next case. It was an eye-opener though. Never have I felt so flustered, frustrated or disappointed. I don't want to go through that again.
In the middle of our class, the cellphone of our professor and other classmates were beeping like crazy due to GMA's admission regarding the voice tapes. I'm really scared with what's happening to our country. It made me question why I'm in school when my country is going down to the drain. I could just give up and migrate to some foreign country and forget my roots, but that I can't do. In my 29 years of living, I've already compromised things that I used to think I will hold steadfast to, and I hope I can still hold onto this one.
In the middle of our class, the cellphone of our professor and other classmates were beeping like crazy due to GMA's admission regarding the voice tapes. I'm really scared with what's happening to our country. It made me question why I'm in school when my country is going down to the drain. I could just give up and migrate to some foreign country and forget my roots, but that I can't do. In my 29 years of living, I've already compromised things that I used to think I will hold steadfast to, and I hope I can still hold onto this one.
Sunday, June 26, 2005
More Quizzes...
Buffy huh?
This doesn't surprise me.
 |
You Are Buffy the Vampire Slayer"We saved the world. I say we have to party." What Superheroine Are You? Find the Love of Your Life (and More Love Quizzes) at Your New Romance. |
This doesn't surprise me.
Your Aura is BlueYour Personality: Your natural warmth and intuition nurtures those around you. You are accepting and always follow your heart. You in Love: Relationships are your top priority, and this includes love. You are most happy when you are serious with someone. Your Career: You need to help others in your job to feel satistifed. You would be a great nurse, psychologist, or counselor. What Color Is Your Aura? Take This Quiz :-) Find the Love of Your Life (and More Love Quizzes) at Your New Romance. |  |
Happiness is...
While Leo and I were having merienda at Pancake House Greenbelt last Saturday, I experienced a moment of happiness. It's just one of those fleeting moments. It made me realize how definitely low I have been these past few months. Moreover, it proved to me that I can still be happy again.
I don't whether it was the Belgian chocolates that bought for me the previous day, or the chocolate chip pancakes or the coffee which we were currently eating, but there it was. That sense of happiness.
Then and there, I knew that being happy is a decision and something that I should not wait for. My misery for the past few months made me appreciate how precious happiness is.
I can't say that I'm 100% recovered now. I can still feel the sadness, but I now know that it's my attitude and my mindset that will keep the depression at bay. Yes, problems are there and they will continue to be there, but it will be my decision whether I will let them affect me as adversely as it did in the past months.
Here's to being happy.
Happiness
(sung by Lea and Gerard Salonga)
Happiness is two kinds of ice cream
Finding your skate key, telling the time
Happiness is learning to whistle
Tying your shoe for the very first time
Happiness is playing the drum in your own school band
And happiness is walking hand in hand
Happiness is five different crayons
Knowing a secret, climbing a tree
Happiness is finding a nickel
Catching a firefly, setting him free
Happiness is being alone every now and then
And happiness is coming home again
Happiness is morning and evening
Daytime and nighttime, too
For happiness is anyone and anything at all
That’s loved by you
Happiness is having a sister
Sharing a sandwich
Getting along
Happiness is singing together when day is through
And happiness is those who sing with you
Happiness is morning and evening
Daytime and nighttime, too
For happiness is anyone and anything at all
That’s loved by you
I don't whether it was the Belgian chocolates that bought for me the previous day, or the chocolate chip pancakes or the coffee which we were currently eating, but there it was. That sense of happiness.
Then and there, I knew that being happy is a decision and something that I should not wait for. My misery for the past few months made me appreciate how precious happiness is.
I can't say that I'm 100% recovered now. I can still feel the sadness, but I now know that it's my attitude and my mindset that will keep the depression at bay. Yes, problems are there and they will continue to be there, but it will be my decision whether I will let them affect me as adversely as it did in the past months.
Here's to being happy.
Happiness
(sung by Lea and Gerard Salonga)
Happiness is two kinds of ice cream
Finding your skate key, telling the time
Happiness is learning to whistle
Tying your shoe for the very first time
Happiness is playing the drum in your own school band
And happiness is walking hand in hand
Happiness is five different crayons
Knowing a secret, climbing a tree
Happiness is finding a nickel
Catching a firefly, setting him free
Happiness is being alone every now and then
And happiness is coming home again
Happiness is morning and evening
Daytime and nighttime, too
For happiness is anyone and anything at all
That’s loved by you
Happiness is having a sister
Sharing a sandwich
Getting along
Happiness is singing together when day is through
And happiness is those who sing with you
Happiness is morning and evening
Daytime and nighttime, too
For happiness is anyone and anything at all
That’s loved by you
His Eminence Jaime Cardinal L. Sin, D.D.
Cardinal Sin's death did not make me break out into sobs and tears, but it still saddened me greatly. It affected me because I'm a regular churchgoer at Villa San Miguel. Not many people can boast that they hear mass at the Cardinal's residence and they see him whenever he hears mass with us, especially when he still was of good health. He would sometimes grace us with his presence, especially during special occasions (Fr. Jun Sescon's -- his private secretary for seven years -- birthday or feastday, feastday of Villa San Miguel etc).
I served this morning and Fr. Jun celebrated the second mass. Fr. Jun has been a regular fixture at Villa San Miguel and he's the only priest that I have ever known to have lived there (other than Bishop Soc). He and I share the same service time at Villa. Other than the Cardinal's private secretary, he is also our spiritual advisor.
During Fr. Jun's homily, he described the goodness of Cardinal Sin and emphasized the generousity of the late Cardinal. He broke down in tears at the end of his homily and that made me cry as well. I don't need anyone else to tell me how generous he is. For the uninformed, Villa San Miguel is located at the edge of a barangay where mostly low-income people live. During the Cardinal's birthday, they hold medical or dental missions, and they give out gifts during Christmas. He opens his home to people for them to hear mass daily and weekly. Not many official residences do that.
At the end of the mass, he asked us to pay a visit and say our last farewells to the man who opened his house to us and who has gifted us with his generousity and hospitality. Being the obedient sheep that I am, I went to Manila Cathedral all by myself and fell in line. I waited for 45 minutes before I managed to say my goodbyes (in less than 5 seconds) in front of his casket. It was like saying goodbye to the Pope and my tears fell again.
Cardinal Sin is a great man. Not many people may agree with what he preached or said, but nevertheless, he did many great things. I will mourn his passing and for the loss of the Filipino Church.
=========================
Picture taken from http://www.btinternet.com/~m.shade/glove/images/sin2001.jpg
Sunday, June 19, 2005
I, DO, STILL by Rica Bolipata-Santos
I saw this article today at the Philippine Star. I painstakingly typed it from scratch because it's not available in their website. It's one of those rare times that we got the Philippine Star instead of the Philippine Daily Inquirer which I regularly read.
Anyway, hope you'll enjoy this article written by Rica Bolipata-Santos. It talks about marriage and the little things that somehow make it work.
I hope someday, I'll be able to experience those little things as well.
=======================
I, DO, STILL
by Rica Bolipata-Santos
I wake up and sense that the morning is still. Outside our bedroom window, nothing moves. Today is my ninth wedding anniversary. It feels very much like an in-between year. It is not the seventh, which saw us surviving the seven-year itch. And neither is it the tenth, the milestone of the first decade shared together.
I turn to my husband beside me. We sleep every night with our backs to each other. This is not something I worry about. Sleep is one of the reasons I believe in God. It is an ingenious invention. I don't like being disturbed so I don't like being held. After sex, I anticipate being taken by sleep, a different kind of orgasm.
I kiss his warm cheek and he smells like soap. He has faint stubble. He turns to me, opens his eyes and his arms and welcomes me in.
"Happy anniversary, dear," he says.
"Happy. Happy." I reply.
"Are the kids up yet?"
"Probably, it's already seven," I say, winding my legs around his. "The boys should be having breakfast by now. Mang Felix is taking them to school today."
"And you? What's your schedule?" he asks me.
"Just have class until four. I'll meet you for dinner at Shangri-La."
He kisses me on my temple, my eyes, my lips, and my necks, unwinds our legs and starts to go. "I should go to work soon so I can meet you early."
As I hear him prepare his morning ablutions, I am amazed at how the dynamics of our marriage have changed. Our anniversries have always been one-sided battlefields where I practiced psychological games and guerrilla tactics. Wars from past anniversaries would commence with me whining and demanding. I would plead and plead for him to take the day of, to go shopping, to cuddle all day. When I don't get what I want, I take out my secret weapon and launch a tantrum. I make a mental list of the trantrums I've had for each anniversary.
Year 1 - Tagaytay - Tantrum because he had an asthma attack and we couldn't have sex.
Year 2 - Shangri-La overnight - Tantrum because we couldn't afford to stay an extra night.
Year 3 - Home - Tantrum because we couldn't afford anything.
Year 4 - Manila Hotel dinner - Tantrum because I wanted to go home to breastfeed.
Year 5 - Via Mare - Tantrum because he was 30 minutes late.
Year 6 - Ilustrado - Tantrum because he had no love letter.
Year 7 - Philippine Plaza - Tantrum because I was pregnant.
Year 8 - Bangkok - Tantrum because he had a business meeting in the middle of our trip.
I accept with quiet grace that the need for romance was the culprit for all these tantrums.
I hear him in the bathroom and begin to identify sounds and patterns. Heavy shuffling on the floor means he's collecting water in the basin for heating. Clicking sounds signify flossing has commenced. Ragged coughing means he had a small asthma attack the night before (continuous coughing with chest thumping, however, would mean antibiotics at the end of the week). The water running at a steady pace tells me there is no rush. He can afford to take his time. He is certain to open the closet door three times (I sing to myself, one for the outfit, two for the socks, three for the tie and four to go, let's rock!). Tsk-tsking is a sign that there are no fresh hankies in supply.
He comes out of the bathroom and asks me what I'm thinking. I tell him the truth with a smile: "Nothing," He smiles back warmly and kisses me goodbye, "Enjoy the day. Don't be too hard on your freshmen! I'll see you tonight." He finally knows what "nothing" truly means. Now that romance has run out of fresh ideas, marriage has become a place of profound acceptance.
I hear the car back out of the garage. I remember how he used to speed away in anger at the end of a date gone awry. There is a certain stupidity to the equation of love plus youth. Threatening to walk away and driving away and speeding away and banging doors add to the drama and intensity of love. I am certain from where I am lying down that he is backing away calmly, careful that there are no children crossing our busy street. Becoming a father has taught him this.
And yet, I yearn for the roar of our younger years. I still want to be surprised by love sometimes. The steady rhythm of our days is filled with a love so quiet it is easy to miss. I know I am being foolish. His back turned to me at night completes my sleep. My quiet husband has taught me stillness.
My thoughts fly to the week before we were married. The thought comes to me quickly and without prodding. It is early evening and I am sitting in my mother's terrace in a blue skirt and a white blouse. This is my favorite skirt as it has tassels with small gold balls. It is silk as well, so it makes me feel very grown-up. In the garden, my fiance is with my nephew. He is identifying an airplane in he sky, something he can do even at night. He is an airline employee and knows flight schedules and patterns by heart. My family is amazed at his knowledge of airplanes. Then and there, I make a fool's bargain. I will not marry him until I see a falling star. He turns to look at me, and I am slightly heady with this sudden decision of mine.
"Rica, come here!" he says.
"Hurry, I have something to show you." I am not at all thrilled by the prospect of seeing Lufthansa Flight 745 on its way to Germany. My imagination is busy conjuring scenarious of betrayal. Phrasing lines, "Ma, I have to cancel the wedding." "It wasn't in the stars."
He lifts his arm towards me pleadingly, and I am not at all gracious when I finally stand. I walk to him slowly, enjoying the secret that I have the last card - that I can still walk away. He smiles at me indulgently and puts his arms around me. He lifts my chin to the sky and says, "The night is filled with falling stars." I see three that night.
I am hungry for such a moment. I do not know what is more grown up -- the knowledge that it is futile to ask for such things or the gratefulness that I no longer ask for such things.
In class today we talk about modes of exposition. My students report about love using different modes. Group one uses cause and effect. The title of their piece is "Love Really? What Effect Do it Have?" I am angered by the slip in subject-verb agreement. The rest of the essay is sullied by this mistake. I tell them their title is a metaphor for the ineffectiveness of their work. Group two uses classification and division. There is love for self, love for family and love for God. Jeesh...
I spend 30 minutes lecturing on the importance of development. How it can be used to twist an old topic. How, as a device, it allows the rader to see more. A student bravely asks me, "Ma'm, how do we know which mode of development to use?" The shadow in me wishes to answer, "Because if you're smart, you just know!" I find myself using my love story to answer this question.
"In the beginning my husband used definition to win me over. He said, 'This is not love, just a compelling need to be with you.' Later on he used comparison and contrast to explore this feeling. 'It's not the same feeling as my feeling for Maria when I was in high school.' The he used cause and effect with great impact. 'When I am not with you I cannot concentrate. But when I am with you all the more I cannot concentrate.'"
And finally, the piece de resistance! He used exposition with a dash of exaggeration! "Be my girlfriend or I shall die." The lecture ends with thunderous applause! Now we understand.
I walk back to my office with a stupid half-smile. Maybe romance lies in remembering. I take comfort in that and am even satisfied to be romanced by memory. The sea of students switching buildings is mesmerizing. I stand still and enjoy the invisible air moving around me. I allow myself a moment of reverence - for what, I do not know. Far away, I see a familiar figure but it is hazy as students cross my vision. It moves closer to me and I see it is my husband. There is both recognition and surpirse. He walks towards me with a bouquet in his hands. The crowd disappears just like in the movies.
"Nine sunflowers for my sun." The silence breaks as I hear the roar of my love.
***
Editor's note: Rica Bolipata-Santos is a faculty member of the English department of the Ateneo. She is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Creative Writing at the University of the Philippines.
Anyway, hope you'll enjoy this article written by Rica Bolipata-Santos. It talks about marriage and the little things that somehow make it work.
I hope someday, I'll be able to experience those little things as well.
=======================
I, DO, STILL
by Rica Bolipata-Santos
I wake up and sense that the morning is still. Outside our bedroom window, nothing moves. Today is my ninth wedding anniversary. It feels very much like an in-between year. It is not the seventh, which saw us surviving the seven-year itch. And neither is it the tenth, the milestone of the first decade shared together.
I turn to my husband beside me. We sleep every night with our backs to each other. This is not something I worry about. Sleep is one of the reasons I believe in God. It is an ingenious invention. I don't like being disturbed so I don't like being held. After sex, I anticipate being taken by sleep, a different kind of orgasm.
I kiss his warm cheek and he smells like soap. He has faint stubble. He turns to me, opens his eyes and his arms and welcomes me in.
"Happy anniversary, dear," he says.
"Happy. Happy." I reply.
"Are the kids up yet?"
"Probably, it's already seven," I say, winding my legs around his. "The boys should be having breakfast by now. Mang Felix is taking them to school today."
"And you? What's your schedule?" he asks me.
"Just have class until four. I'll meet you for dinner at Shangri-La."
He kisses me on my temple, my eyes, my lips, and my necks, unwinds our legs and starts to go. "I should go to work soon so I can meet you early."
As I hear him prepare his morning ablutions, I am amazed at how the dynamics of our marriage have changed. Our anniversries have always been one-sided battlefields where I practiced psychological games and guerrilla tactics. Wars from past anniversaries would commence with me whining and demanding. I would plead and plead for him to take the day of, to go shopping, to cuddle all day. When I don't get what I want, I take out my secret weapon and launch a tantrum. I make a mental list of the trantrums I've had for each anniversary.
Year 1 - Tagaytay - Tantrum because he had an asthma attack and we couldn't have sex.
Year 2 - Shangri-La overnight - Tantrum because we couldn't afford to stay an extra night.
Year 3 - Home - Tantrum because we couldn't afford anything.
Year 4 - Manila Hotel dinner - Tantrum because I wanted to go home to breastfeed.
Year 5 - Via Mare - Tantrum because he was 30 minutes late.
Year 6 - Ilustrado - Tantrum because he had no love letter.
Year 7 - Philippine Plaza - Tantrum because I was pregnant.
Year 8 - Bangkok - Tantrum because he had a business meeting in the middle of our trip.
I accept with quiet grace that the need for romance was the culprit for all these tantrums.
I hear him in the bathroom and begin to identify sounds and patterns. Heavy shuffling on the floor means he's collecting water in the basin for heating. Clicking sounds signify flossing has commenced. Ragged coughing means he had a small asthma attack the night before (continuous coughing with chest thumping, however, would mean antibiotics at the end of the week). The water running at a steady pace tells me there is no rush. He can afford to take his time. He is certain to open the closet door three times (I sing to myself, one for the outfit, two for the socks, three for the tie and four to go, let's rock!). Tsk-tsking is a sign that there are no fresh hankies in supply.
He comes out of the bathroom and asks me what I'm thinking. I tell him the truth with a smile: "Nothing," He smiles back warmly and kisses me goodbye, "Enjoy the day. Don't be too hard on your freshmen! I'll see you tonight." He finally knows what "nothing" truly means. Now that romance has run out of fresh ideas, marriage has become a place of profound acceptance.
I hear the car back out of the garage. I remember how he used to speed away in anger at the end of a date gone awry. There is a certain stupidity to the equation of love plus youth. Threatening to walk away and driving away and speeding away and banging doors add to the drama and intensity of love. I am certain from where I am lying down that he is backing away calmly, careful that there are no children crossing our busy street. Becoming a father has taught him this.
And yet, I yearn for the roar of our younger years. I still want to be surprised by love sometimes. The steady rhythm of our days is filled with a love so quiet it is easy to miss. I know I am being foolish. His back turned to me at night completes my sleep. My quiet husband has taught me stillness.
My thoughts fly to the week before we were married. The thought comes to me quickly and without prodding. It is early evening and I am sitting in my mother's terrace in a blue skirt and a white blouse. This is my favorite skirt as it has tassels with small gold balls. It is silk as well, so it makes me feel very grown-up. In the garden, my fiance is with my nephew. He is identifying an airplane in he sky, something he can do even at night. He is an airline employee and knows flight schedules and patterns by heart. My family is amazed at his knowledge of airplanes. Then and there, I make a fool's bargain. I will not marry him until I see a falling star. He turns to look at me, and I am slightly heady with this sudden decision of mine.
"Rica, come here!" he says.
"Hurry, I have something to show you." I am not at all thrilled by the prospect of seeing Lufthansa Flight 745 on its way to Germany. My imagination is busy conjuring scenarious of betrayal. Phrasing lines, "Ma, I have to cancel the wedding." "It wasn't in the stars."
He lifts his arm towards me pleadingly, and I am not at all gracious when I finally stand. I walk to him slowly, enjoying the secret that I have the last card - that I can still walk away. He smiles at me indulgently and puts his arms around me. He lifts my chin to the sky and says, "The night is filled with falling stars." I see three that night.
I am hungry for such a moment. I do not know what is more grown up -- the knowledge that it is futile to ask for such things or the gratefulness that I no longer ask for such things.
In class today we talk about modes of exposition. My students report about love using different modes. Group one uses cause and effect. The title of their piece is "Love Really? What Effect Do it Have?" I am angered by the slip in subject-verb agreement. The rest of the essay is sullied by this mistake. I tell them their title is a metaphor for the ineffectiveness of their work. Group two uses classification and division. There is love for self, love for family and love for God. Jeesh...
I spend 30 minutes lecturing on the importance of development. How it can be used to twist an old topic. How, as a device, it allows the rader to see more. A student bravely asks me, "Ma'm, how do we know which mode of development to use?" The shadow in me wishes to answer, "Because if you're smart, you just know!" I find myself using my love story to answer this question.
"In the beginning my husband used definition to win me over. He said, 'This is not love, just a compelling need to be with you.' Later on he used comparison and contrast to explore this feeling. 'It's not the same feeling as my feeling for Maria when I was in high school.' The he used cause and effect with great impact. 'When I am not with you I cannot concentrate. But when I am with you all the more I cannot concentrate.'"
And finally, the piece de resistance! He used exposition with a dash of exaggeration! "Be my girlfriend or I shall die." The lecture ends with thunderous applause! Now we understand.
I walk back to my office with a stupid half-smile. Maybe romance lies in remembering. I take comfort in that and am even satisfied to be romanced by memory. The sea of students switching buildings is mesmerizing. I stand still and enjoy the invisible air moving around me. I allow myself a moment of reverence - for what, I do not know. Far away, I see a familiar figure but it is hazy as students cross my vision. It moves closer to me and I see it is my husband. There is both recognition and surpirse. He walks towards me with a bouquet in his hands. The crowd disappears just like in the movies.
"Nine sunflowers for my sun." The silence breaks as I hear the roar of my love.
***
Editor's note: Rica Bolipata-Santos is a faculty member of the English department of the Ateneo. She is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Creative Writing at the University of the Philippines.
Saturday, June 18, 2005
Quizzes Galore
Ahhh....my dream city.
Hmmm..
You Belong in RomeYou're a big city girl with a small town heart Which is why you're attracted to the romance of Rome Strolling down picture perfect streets, cappuccino in hand And gorgeous Italian men - could life get any better? What City Do You Belong in? Take This Quiz :-) Find the Love of Your Life (and More Love Quizzes) at Your New Romance. |  |
Hmmm..
You are a Great GirlfriendWhen it comes to your guy, you're very thoughtfulBut you also haven't stopped thinking of yourself You're the perfect blend of independent and caring You're a total catch - make sure your guy knows it too! Are You a Good Girlfriend? Take This Quiz :-) Find the Love of Your Life (and More Love Quizzes) at Your New Romance. |  |
I Could Not Ask For More
Leo and I had a big fight last night. I don't know if it's major but my chest hurt and I could not cry. What made matters worse, we were fighting over text/phone. It was the wrong way to fight because you cannot properly express how you feel. I ended up writing an email and he responded.
We've somehow reached some sort of truce. We're not really breaking up and we still love each other, although there are some issues between us that we need to settle. We're meeting up tomorrow so we can talk things over.
It has been really a tough week. The fight was the perfect culmination to the worst week of my life. Anyway, the week is over and I should stop bitching and get on with my life.
It wasn't easy though. I learned early this week that my mom got married already, and then work and financial problems abounded. And then I had to contend with school. And then the fight last night. What a week!
But a very wise person in the form of my beloved aunt in England said, I should stop feeling sorry for myself and not let any of these things affect my work and other responsibilities. She further mentioned that instead of letting these events kill me, I should use them to shape my character and make me stronger. I'll surely try my best.
===================
"I Could Not Ask For More" is a song by Edwin McCain. After writing my latest email to Leo, I attached the MP3 of this song. Like any other couple, Leo and I have our issues but I'm still happy with our relationship and I could not ask for anyone more.
We've somehow reached some sort of truce. We're not really breaking up and we still love each other, although there are some issues between us that we need to settle. We're meeting up tomorrow so we can talk things over.
It has been really a tough week. The fight was the perfect culmination to the worst week of my life. Anyway, the week is over and I should stop bitching and get on with my life.
It wasn't easy though. I learned early this week that my mom got married already, and then work and financial problems abounded. And then I had to contend with school. And then the fight last night. What a week!
But a very wise person in the form of my beloved aunt in England said, I should stop feeling sorry for myself and not let any of these things affect my work and other responsibilities. She further mentioned that instead of letting these events kill me, I should use them to shape my character and make me stronger. I'll surely try my best.
===================
"I Could Not Ask For More" is a song by Edwin McCain. After writing my latest email to Leo, I attached the MP3 of this song. Like any other couple, Leo and I have our issues but I'm still happy with our relationship and I could not ask for anyone more.
Tuesday, June 14, 2005
Three things from Mindy
3 things from Mindy
3 names you go by: (other than the obvious "Sunshine")
1. Shine - used by most of my officemates and family members
2. Sunny - used me high school friends and playful friends
3. Sushi - used by other family members
3 physical things you like about yourself:
1. my legs (no need to shave)
2. my skin (no pimples!)
3. my hands
3 physical things you don't like about yourself:
1. my weight
2. my stomach (look at those bilbils!)
3. my thighs
3 parts of your heritage:
1. Noypi! (Pinoy! Pinoy ako!)
2. Chinese (my paternal aunts/uncles call each other "Ache, Ditse, Sangko, Dikong")
3. Spanish?
3 things that scare you:
1. cockroaches
2. being forgotten
3. moomoo
3 of your everyday essentials:
1. cellphone
2. currently, my cellular lip therapy (damn allergies!)
3. scrunchee
3 things you are wearing right now:
1. slippers
2. pajamas
3. scrunchee
3 of your favorite songs:
1. bo bice's rendition of don't let the sun go down on me
2. edwin mccain's i could not ask for more
3. rivermaya's you'll be safe here
3 things you want in a relationship:
1. respect
2. commitment
3. communication
3 physical things about the preferred sex that appeal to you:
1. chest
2. can give a really big hug
3. voice
3 of your favorite hobbies:
1. reading
2. watching movies/tv
3. spending time with my SO
3 things you want to do really badly right now:
1. study and do my school papers -- but still procrastinating about it
2. finish reading the narnia series
3. lose weight
3 careers you have considered/ are considering:
1. CSI
2. teacher
3. secretary
3 places you want to go on vacation:
1. europe
2. bohol
3. palawan
3 kids’ names you like:
1. chloe (siyempre, that's my niece!)
2. samantha
3. jose maria
3 things you want to do before you die:
1. visit europe
2. make peace with my parents and accept their current other halves
3. try an extreme sport
3 ways that you are stereotypically a girl:
1. i love make-up, until my derma forbade me from wearing them until she determines what causes my allergy
2. i have more skirts than pants in my wardrobe
3. i love dangling earrings
3 ways that you are stereotypically a boy:
1. i hang out with mostly guys (even all the officers in our department, except for one, are all guys)
2. i (used to) play RPG
3. i play videogames
3 celeb crushes (depends on the last movie i've watched) :
1. orlando bloom
2. christian bale
3. joel torre (his eyes! his eyes! i'm going to melt!)
3 people that i would like to see take this quiz now:
1. ri (although she might be busy with her new job)
2. tita norrie (although she might be busy preparing for her trip and her new house)
3. cessna (although she might be busy with her new baby)
3 names you go by: (other than the obvious "Sunshine")
1. Shine - used by most of my officemates and family members
2. Sunny - used me high school friends and playful friends
3. Sushi - used by other family members
3 physical things you like about yourself:
1. my legs (no need to shave)
2. my skin (no pimples!)
3. my hands
3 physical things you don't like about yourself:
1. my weight
2. my stomach (look at those bilbils!)
3. my thighs
3 parts of your heritage:
1. Noypi! (Pinoy! Pinoy ako!)
2. Chinese (my paternal aunts/uncles call each other "Ache, Ditse, Sangko, Dikong")
3. Spanish?
3 things that scare you:
1. cockroaches
2. being forgotten
3. moomoo
3 of your everyday essentials:
1. cellphone
2. currently, my cellular lip therapy (damn allergies!)
3. scrunchee
3 things you are wearing right now:
1. slippers
2. pajamas
3. scrunchee
3 of your favorite songs:
1. bo bice's rendition of don't let the sun go down on me
2. edwin mccain's i could not ask for more
3. rivermaya's you'll be safe here
3 things you want in a relationship:
1. respect
2. commitment
3. communication
3 physical things about the preferred sex that appeal to you:
1. chest
2. can give a really big hug
3. voice
3 of your favorite hobbies:
1. reading
2. watching movies/tv
3. spending time with my SO
3 things you want to do really badly right now:
1. study and do my school papers -- but still procrastinating about it
2. finish reading the narnia series
3. lose weight
3 careers you have considered/ are considering:
1. CSI
2. teacher
3. secretary
3 places you want to go on vacation:
1. europe
2. bohol
3. palawan
3 kids’ names you like:
1. chloe (siyempre, that's my niece!)
2. samantha
3. jose maria
3 things you want to do before you die:
1. visit europe
2. make peace with my parents and accept their current other halves
3. try an extreme sport
3 ways that you are stereotypically a girl:
1. i love make-up, until my derma forbade me from wearing them until she determines what causes my allergy
2. i have more skirts than pants in my wardrobe
3. i love dangling earrings
3 ways that you are stereotypically a boy:
1. i hang out with mostly guys (even all the officers in our department, except for one, are all guys)
2. i (used to) play RPG
3. i play videogames
3 celeb crushes (depends on the last movie i've watched) :
1. orlando bloom
2. christian bale
3. joel torre (his eyes! his eyes! i'm going to melt!)
3 people that i would like to see take this quiz now:
1. ri (although she might be busy with her new job)
2. tita norrie (although she might be busy preparing for her trip and her new house)
3. cessna (although she might be busy with her new baby)
Monday, June 13, 2005
Movie of the Year (or month. The year is not over yet) -- Batman Begins
Leo and I are movie freaks. Leo likes intelligent movies, while I just watch movies to be entertained. Don't expect me to immediately understand the underlying stories that a movie tells. More often than not, Leo has to explain pertinent points to me. But nevertheless, we both enjoy movies.
A date for us is not complete without watching a movie. There was a time wherein we watched four movies in one weekend. And we (he) don't mind paying a premium fee just to watch a movie in comfortable surroundings--i.e. nice comfortable seats, spacious legroom and a quiet audience. Yes, I'm one of those anal people who "shushes" people who talk over 1 decibel in a moviehouse. Actually, I don't "shush" them. I just give them an "evil" look. Leo and I frequent Greenbelt 3, Greenbelt 1, Powerplant, Eastwood and Shangri-la cinemas because of the really good theaters. In terms of seats, legroom and movie crowd, they all pass our stringent requirements.
A few months ago, we tried watching at Market! Market! You don't have to wonder why it's in my "Not Recommended" list. Our mistake was, we watched a Chinese Kung-fu movie at a C-D crowd mall (Kung-Fu Hustle). We had the misfortune to seat beside a bunch of teenagers who LOUDLY gave a blow by blow account of what was happening in the screen to his seatmate! For crying out loud! They're BOTH watching the movie. Why do they have to broadcast what the people in the screen are doing? "Wow, pare! Ang galing nung Kung Fu! Kita mo yon, pare?! Patay sila doon sa bida, pare!"
I know I sound snobbish, but I place high value with regards to my movie watching experience. Noisy people is a pet peeve of mine (especially those who doesn't turn off or keep their phones in silent mode while in the cinema).
Which brings me to our movie experience today with Batman Begins.
Leo got a text a few days ago from Globe saying that the first 400 Gentexters who will line up at Glorietta 4 today will be able to watch a special screening of Batman Begins. Since we're not to argue with free tickets, and being a day of no work and classes, Leo and I planned on lining up to watch Batman Begins.
Leo picked me up early, and after having lunch and foot spa, we proceeded to Glorietta 4. It was only 3 pm then. Since it was too early for the booth people to be there, we decided to walk around the mall and return by 5 pm (according to the text message, the Gentext booth will start issuing tickets by 6 pm).
By 5 pm, there was already a line snaking around Glorietta 4. We took our place in the line and stood there waiting for the booth people to get organized. They started issuing tickets at around 6:30 pm and we reached the booth sometime after 7 (Leo and I are nos. 56 and 57 respectively). I dutifully presented my Gentext card and the girl in the booth DOUBTED that I was a Globe subscriber since I did not have the Globe broadcast message. That somehow irked me because it was obvious that these people have no idea what they are doing (they're "talents" and not actual Globe people). In the first place, I have no broadcast message because I turned my Alerts off and she has no reason of doubting my subscription because my mobile phone's network SIM specifically says, and I quote, "Globe Telecom-PH". Apparently, a broadcast message has more weight than a valid Gentext card and my phone showing the Globe network. Man, what kind of convoluted reasoning is that? Anyway, the booth-girl must be feeling that I was starting to get pissed so she backed off and gave me my ticket, saying that my Gentext card is still valid. Duh!
We got inside the theater at around 730 pm and the movie started at 8 pm. So all in all, we waited for 3 freaking hours just to watch Batman Begins in advance, whereas it will be shown in cinemas on Wednesday. Yes, we saved around Php300 in movie fees, but I don't think it's worth the 3 hours that we fell in line just to get the tickets. I could have been more productive in those three hours! But heck, who am I to argue with free tickets? Besides, I was with my lovidoods. Nothing much lost there. However, I'm not looking forward to doing this again.
BATMAN BEGINS
(SPOILERS?)
Though I have complained about the whole process of getting a ticket, I have no complaints whatsoever with regards to the movie. It's a very exceptional movie and the actors, the director and especially the scriptwriter really managed to put things very well together. There was actually character development and it somehow emphasized on Batman as a normal human being and not someone who was blessed/cursed with supernatural powers. He did not get his powers from a lightning strike, spider bite, a glowing stone or an explosion. He got his powers from simply training his body to be more than natural. He overcame his fear and became fear itself.
The story explained a lot of things which the previous Batman movies failed to do. Like where Bruce got his "toys" and costume. His stuff actually looked like he made them and not manufactured by a toy company. There's no campy yellow background on the logo and instead, everything's all black. And watch out for the Batmobile! It's the best among the previous Batmobiles (you can never go wrong with a souped up Hummer). As Lt. Gordon said (superbly played by Gary Oldman, although I wish he has more scenes), "I'm gonna get myself one of those."
I have no complaints about the movie. But I was again cursed on having a seatmate who talks a lot. Fortunately, she saw my "evil stare" and kept her mouth shut for the rest of the movie.
I also had an asthma attack after leaving the mall. The cinema was freezing cold and when we got out of the cinema, the humidity and heat struck me full on the face and I literally bent over when the breath left my lungs. Instead of orginally walking back to Greenbelt 1 (all the other exits are closed. It was after all, 1030 pm), Leo and I took a taxi back. It was a bad attack because I was wheezing and I really could not breathe. Damn weather.
Oh well, Batman Begins is a movie which I won't mind seeing again. Christian Bale is the best Batman there is. I have no complaints whatsoever (heck, he doesn't need a scuplted suit to show his physique. You should watch out for scenes when he gets out of bed and starts doing push ups. Those biceps! Those abs! That back! *drool*)
A date for us is not complete without watching a movie. There was a time wherein we watched four movies in one weekend. And we (he) don't mind paying a premium fee just to watch a movie in comfortable surroundings--i.e. nice comfortable seats, spacious legroom and a quiet audience. Yes, I'm one of those anal people who "shushes" people who talk over 1 decibel in a moviehouse. Actually, I don't "shush" them. I just give them an "evil" look. Leo and I frequent Greenbelt 3, Greenbelt 1, Powerplant, Eastwood and Shangri-la cinemas because of the really good theaters. In terms of seats, legroom and movie crowd, they all pass our stringent requirements.
A few months ago, we tried watching at Market! Market! You don't have to wonder why it's in my "Not Recommended" list. Our mistake was, we watched a Chinese Kung-fu movie at a C-D crowd mall (Kung-Fu Hustle). We had the misfortune to seat beside a bunch of teenagers who LOUDLY gave a blow by blow account of what was happening in the screen to his seatmate! For crying out loud! They're BOTH watching the movie. Why do they have to broadcast what the people in the screen are doing? "Wow, pare! Ang galing nung Kung Fu! Kita mo yon, pare?! Patay sila doon sa bida, pare!"
I know I sound snobbish, but I place high value with regards to my movie watching experience. Noisy people is a pet peeve of mine (especially those who doesn't turn off or keep their phones in silent mode while in the cinema).
Which brings me to our movie experience today with Batman Begins.
Leo got a text a few days ago from Globe saying that the first 400 Gentexters who will line up at Glorietta 4 today will be able to watch a special screening of Batman Begins. Since we're not to argue with free tickets, and being a day of no work and classes, Leo and I planned on lining up to watch Batman Begins.
Leo picked me up early, and after having lunch and foot spa, we proceeded to Glorietta 4. It was only 3 pm then. Since it was too early for the booth people to be there, we decided to walk around the mall and return by 5 pm (according to the text message, the Gentext booth will start issuing tickets by 6 pm).
By 5 pm, there was already a line snaking around Glorietta 4. We took our place in the line and stood there waiting for the booth people to get organized. They started issuing tickets at around 6:30 pm and we reached the booth sometime after 7 (Leo and I are nos. 56 and 57 respectively). I dutifully presented my Gentext card and the girl in the booth DOUBTED that I was a Globe subscriber since I did not have the Globe broadcast message. That somehow irked me because it was obvious that these people have no idea what they are doing (they're "talents" and not actual Globe people). In the first place, I have no broadcast message because I turned my Alerts off and she has no reason of doubting my subscription because my mobile phone's network SIM specifically says, and I quote, "Globe Telecom-PH". Apparently, a broadcast message has more weight than a valid Gentext card and my phone showing the Globe network. Man, what kind of convoluted reasoning is that? Anyway, the booth-girl must be feeling that I was starting to get pissed so she backed off and gave me my ticket, saying that my Gentext card is still valid. Duh!
We got inside the theater at around 730 pm and the movie started at 8 pm. So all in all, we waited for 3 freaking hours just to watch Batman Begins in advance, whereas it will be shown in cinemas on Wednesday. Yes, we saved around Php300 in movie fees, but I don't think it's worth the 3 hours that we fell in line just to get the tickets. I could have been more productive in those three hours! But heck, who am I to argue with free tickets? Besides, I was with my lovidoods. Nothing much lost there. However, I'm not looking forward to doing this again.
BATMAN BEGINS(SPOILERS?)
Though I have complained about the whole process of getting a ticket, I have no complaints whatsoever with regards to the movie. It's a very exceptional movie and the actors, the director and especially the scriptwriter really managed to put things very well together. There was actually character development and it somehow emphasized on Batman as a normal human being and not someone who was blessed/cursed with supernatural powers. He did not get his powers from a lightning strike, spider bite, a glowing stone or an explosion. He got his powers from simply training his body to be more than natural. He overcame his fear and became fear itself.
The story explained a lot of things which the previous Batman movies failed to do. Like where Bruce got his "toys" and costume. His stuff actually looked like he made them and not manufactured by a toy company. There's no campy yellow background on the logo and instead, everything's all black. And watch out for the Batmobile! It's the best among the previous Batmobiles (you can never go wrong with a souped up Hummer). As Lt. Gordon said (superbly played by Gary Oldman, although I wish he has more scenes), "I'm gonna get myself one of those."
I have no complaints about the movie. But I was again cursed on having a seatmate who talks a lot. Fortunately, she saw my "evil stare" and kept her mouth shut for the rest of the movie.
I also had an asthma attack after leaving the mall. The cinema was freezing cold and when we got out of the cinema, the humidity and heat struck me full on the face and I literally bent over when the breath left my lungs. Instead of orginally walking back to Greenbelt 1 (all the other exits are closed. It was after all, 1030 pm), Leo and I took a taxi back. It was a bad attack because I was wheezing and I really could not breathe. Damn weather.
Oh well, Batman Begins is a movie which I won't mind seeing again. Christian Bale is the best Batman there is. I have no complaints whatsoever (heck, he doesn't need a scuplted suit to show his physique. You should watch out for scenes when he gets out of bed and starts doing push ups. Those biceps! Those abs! That back! *drool*)
My supposed IQ
Thanks to Ri for this link.
This just proves that I'm a klutz when it comes to numbers and really good when it comes to words. Wonder how I ended up in Finance. Should've taken up a Liberal Arts course in college.
This just proves that I'm a klutz when it comes to numbers and really good when it comes to words. Wonder how I ended up in Finance. Should've taken up a Liberal Arts course in college.
| Your IQ Is 110 |
 Your Logical Intelligence is Exceptional Your Verbal Intelligence is Genius Your Mathematical Intelligence is Average Your General Knowledge is Above Average |
Wednesday, June 08, 2005
Go Forth and Multiply
"As for you, be fruitful and increase in number; multiply on the earth and increase upon it." - Genesis 9:7 (New International Version)
It looks like my married siblings are taking the abovementioned Bible passage to heart. I received news this morning that my other sister is 1 1/2 months pregnant! One after the other, they're having babies!
She's due on January. Eight months after Nessie, my sister-in-law, gave birth to Baby Chloe. By that time, we'll have a new baby to spoil. Although we'll have difficulty spoiling the baby since my sister does not live with us anymore. They do however visit, once a week.
My twin sister is cajoling her husband to try to come home as soon as possible so she can become pregnant as well.
Of course, I'm ecstatic for all of them. Although a part of me is also wanting to have what they have. I'm not even sure if I will be blessed with such a gift. Let's just wait and see.
It looks like my married siblings are taking the abovementioned Bible passage to heart. I received news this morning that my other sister is 1 1/2 months pregnant! One after the other, they're having babies!
She's due on January. Eight months after Nessie, my sister-in-law, gave birth to Baby Chloe. By that time, we'll have a new baby to spoil. Although we'll have difficulty spoiling the baby since my sister does not live with us anymore. They do however visit, once a week.
My twin sister is cajoling her husband to try to come home as soon as possible so she can become pregnant as well.
Of course, I'm ecstatic for all of them. Although a part of me is also wanting to have what they have. I'm not even sure if I will be blessed with such a gift. Let's just wait and see.
Tuesday, June 07, 2005
Different Seasons
People have their favorites months and hated months in a year. Some would love summer, while others would love Christmas. To his her own.
For me, I love the summer months. I could do without the heat, but summer reminds me of beaches and I happen to love beaches (even if I haven't been to one this recent summer). I love summer more than Christmas. Maybe I've become too jaded already that I've equated Christmas with sky-rocket spending (I already have 10 godchildren and counting. It does not help that my birthday falls a mere 3 weeks before Christmas).
But my most hated month of the whole year is June. Ever since I started working for my current employer, I've observed that June is the worst month for me. It's the time when I start to harbor thoughts of moving to another company. It's also the time wherein I'm really stressed about work and my life. This year, add finances to that list. I think I've already failed the Debt Burden Ratio. It's time I find a higher paying job so I can fund my debts. It's really embarassing. I'm a credit person and my finances are shot. I need help.
It's not that I have banks running after me. I make sure that I pay my bills on time so the collectors will leave me alone. But my dispensable income is quickly shrinking. I don't know whether I have a spending problem or I have a saving problem. Whatever it is, it's really turning into a BIG problem.
For me, I love the summer months. I could do without the heat, but summer reminds me of beaches and I happen to love beaches (even if I haven't been to one this recent summer). I love summer more than Christmas. Maybe I've become too jaded already that I've equated Christmas with sky-rocket spending (I already have 10 godchildren and counting. It does not help that my birthday falls a mere 3 weeks before Christmas).
But my most hated month of the whole year is June. Ever since I started working for my current employer, I've observed that June is the worst month for me. It's the time when I start to harbor thoughts of moving to another company. It's also the time wherein I'm really stressed about work and my life. This year, add finances to that list. I think I've already failed the Debt Burden Ratio. It's time I find a higher paying job so I can fund my debts. It's really embarassing. I'm a credit person and my finances are shot. I need help.
It's not that I have banks running after me. I make sure that I pay my bills on time so the collectors will leave me alone. But my dispensable income is quickly shrinking. I don't know whether I have a spending problem or I have a saving problem. Whatever it is, it's really turning into a BIG problem.
Thursday, June 02, 2005
Q&A from Friendster
What was the last food that you ate?
-- inihaw with eggplant
Who was the last person you went out with?
-- my officemates (last Tuesday at Krocodile with my boss and staff)
Kelan ka last nag-cry
-- last Monday
What was the last thing that you said before
answering this?
-- "i'm supposed to do my assignment"
Kelan ka last naging heart-br0ken?
-- depends on what you mean by "heart-broken". hearts can be broken not only by boyfriends but by friends/relatives as well. if it's romantic love, then my heart was last broken years ago. if it's by friends/relatives, then a few weeks ago. is it possible to break my own heart?
Who was your last bf/gf?
-- i can't remember my life prior to leo
When was the last time you went to the church?
-- Last Sunday
Kelan ka last nag-attend ng b-day party?
-- officemate
Who was the last person you talked to?
-- sister-in-law and my niece
Kelan ka last nag-in0m ng alak?
-- christmas yata
When did you last brush your teeth?
-- minutes ago
When did you last take a bath?
-- this morning
When was the last time you said 'iloveyou'?
-- this evenng
Sino last person na na-miss m0?
-- boyfriend ko
Sino last mo nakaaway?
-- certain people at work
Saan ka last tumambay?
-- festival mall alabang
Last person you texted?
-- leo
When was the last time you smiled?
-- when i left the side of my niece
Kelan mo last hinawakan fone m0?
-- before taking a shower
When was the last time you sm0ked?
-- I DON'T SMOKE.
Ang last tv show pinanuod m0?
-- AFV
What was the last movie that you watched?
-- hide and seek (?) the one starring robert de niro and dakota fanning
When was the last time you ate at mcd0?
-- last saturday morning at alabang
Last thing na ginawa mo before answering this?
-- answered emails
-- inihaw with eggplant
Who was the last person you went out with?
-- my officemates (last Tuesday at Krocodile with my boss and staff)
Kelan ka last nag-cry
-- last Monday
What was the last thing that you said before
answering this?
-- "i'm supposed to do my assignment"
Kelan ka last naging heart-br0ken?
-- depends on what you mean by "heart-broken". hearts can be broken not only by boyfriends but by friends/relatives as well. if it's romantic love, then my heart was last broken years ago. if it's by friends/relatives, then a few weeks ago. is it possible to break my own heart?
Who was your last bf/gf?
-- i can't remember my life prior to leo
When was the last time you went to the church?
-- Last Sunday
Kelan ka last nag-attend ng b-day party?
-- officemate
Who was the last person you talked to?
-- sister-in-law and my niece
Kelan ka last nag-in0m ng alak?
-- christmas yata
When did you last brush your teeth?
-- minutes ago
When did you last take a bath?
-- this morning
When was the last time you said 'iloveyou'?
-- this evenng
Sino last person na na-miss m0?
-- boyfriend ko
Sino last mo nakaaway?
-- certain people at work
Saan ka last tumambay?
-- festival mall alabang
Last person you texted?
-- leo
When was the last time you smiled?
-- when i left the side of my niece
Kelan mo last hinawakan fone m0?
-- before taking a shower
When was the last time you sm0ked?
-- I DON'T SMOKE.
Ang last tv show pinanuod m0?
-- AFV
What was the last movie that you watched?
-- hide and seek (?) the one starring robert de niro and dakota fanning
When was the last time you ate at mcd0?
-- last saturday morning at alabang
Last thing na ginawa mo before answering this?
-- answered emails
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