Whew. Just finished revising the poster for the master class/workshop. I feel stupid coz I didn't check on minor details, and then now I don't want to revise it anymore coz my eyes are hurting already! Like, I neeeeeeed sleep.

Anyway, so I'm inviting everyone interested in the event, see poster for details. The non-workshop performance will be at the Podium on the 8th, around 7pm if I'm not mistaken. Then the Baguio thingies will be at SM City Baguio on the 9th (?)... All's for FREE! So if you're not busy, come and try to watch them. I'd probably--as always--be at the reception table. *sigh*

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For the fun part of the post. (I need this as stress buster)

Hmm... Let's see, what would I want to say???

Crushie: Jacques Christophe Branellec!
Celeb Crush: Drew Arellano (still)
Status: Very much single and yet UNavailable
Tried to: get a tan
My sembreak goal: be 110 lbs (meaning: lose 10lbs!)
Always eating: Mongolian food at EAT
Always drinking: tea!!
Sad about: Luci going home (to Canberra *sniff*)
Glad about: Having veggies for dinner tonight
Confused on: when to enrol myself for French class
Craving for: yema!!
I need: a Foot spa/scrub; or a body massage

MY WANTS:
Car: Mazda3
Phone: okay parin saken ang 3310
Perfume Lewis&Pearl na purple padin
TechStuff: a Laptop?
hobby material(s): a wide angled lens cam
Girlie stuff: mm wala

I'm so tired and sleepy, better be resting now, and look forward to tomorrow--I'll be watching a flick with a friend. Yipee,, for the first time in like a century, I get to unwind... Which reminds me, somebody's dinner treat is long overdue. hehehehe.. Time to remind that somebody.

It's so hard when you miss someone yet you can't be with that person. Right now, I feel like all the time in the world won't be enough to give sufficient time to every single person that I love and want to be with.

Blogthings.com I went to this site because my friend posted this on Friendster so I decided to check it out. Now I know that my brain is 60% female and 40% male. A healthy mix, according to the site, I'm both sensitive and savvy; rational and reasonable, I tend to keep level headed; but I also tend to wear your heart on your sleeve. Right. And, the chances I'll go to hell is 14%...Whatever. Anyway, I don't really feel like making an entry today coz I'm busy working--yes, it's a Saturday, I'm at home, but still I'm working. *sheesh*

Spelling B-E-E. I never thought there's a spelling bee on national television. I was shocked--and then glued--to the TV set watching til the end since round 6. It's the 78th Annual Scripps Nat'l Spelling Bee which I catched on the ESPN Channel. On the sixth round, there were approximately 30 spellers, my instant fave was No.238 Samir... He's 11 (most spellers were older) and yet, he's so cool. He once spelled out a word correctly and yelled, "Thanks mom!", making the audience laugh. I knew at once that he's really intelligent and that he'd make it to the finals. Indeed! He ranked #2 (if I'm not mistaken).

Although I got some of the words (that's merely 3 or 4 words), it really amazed me how good they were on spelling... Astig.

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Is anybody having any problems reading my blog because of the colours? Please inform me if ever you do, coz I got a comment from my friend saying she's having a hard time reading a dark coloured font on a dark background. I told her that it may be due the the brightness/contrast of her computer monitor coz in mine it looks okay and read-able. So I was wondering whether which is the defective screen: hers or mine. Thanks for any comment.

Help wanted PLEASE. Hey people. I need help. See, I'm organizing something called like a Master Class. There's this aboriginal duo from Australia who plays music on indigenous instruments like didgeridoo (hope my spelling is correct) who's coming over the Philippines early July for the NAIDOC week. They'll be having a performance at the Podium, then they're off to Baguio to mingle with our own aboriginal/indigenous tribes and have a master class (short performance, a little discussion, jam sessions, Q&A).

Now, the task is for me to organize a master class here in Manila, and boy! I do have no idea on who to invite. Of course, initially I thought of the Conservatory(ies) of Music of UPD and UST, but hell, who else? Please drop me a line if you think of anybody else, be it an individual or a school organisation (like UP's Kontragapi) and schools that offer music as courses. Related courses (i.e., Anthro, Socio) would also be okay.

So far, I've only searched around La Salle--too bad their IS programs aren't related to Australia, Ateneo--I've got Socio stuff and PASN, Siliman University... Please help if you have a suggestion. Thanks.

[I got this from and op/ed in Manila Standard, if I'm not mistaken.] There are only 11 times in history where the 'F' word has been considered acceptable for use. They are as follows: =)

11. "What the f--- do you mean, we are sinking?"
--Capt E.J. Smith of RMS Titanic, 1912

10. "What the f--- was that?"
--Mayor of Hiroshima, 1945

9. "Where did all those f---ing Indians come from?"
--Custer, 1877

8. "Any f---ing idiot could understand that."
--Einstein, 1938

7. "It does so f---ing look like her!"
--Picasso, 1926

6. "How the f--- did you work that out?"
--Pythagoras, 126 BC

5. "You want WHAT on the f---ing ceiling?!"
--Michaelangelo, 1566

4. "Where the f--- are we?"
--Amelia Earhart, 1937

3. "Scattered f---ing showers my ass!"
--Noah, 4314 BC

2. "Aw, c'mon. Who the f--- is going to find out?"
--Bill Clinton, 1998

1. "Geez, I didn't think they'd get f---ing mad."
--Saddam Hussein, 2003

Birthday greetings goes out to my dear friend Luci who turned 20 today. The chocolates were awesome and I was just so glad that she liked my small present for her. *shy smile* We ate a lot today, like I had Starbucks for breakfast and ate the chocolates Luci brought, then had a huge bowl of Mongolian food from Eat, munchkin-likes from Mister Donut, a small Oreo cake--again from Eat. We also ate chicken curry that Merlie brought, and lotsa food from the Defence Section, then still had a cup of cookies and cream ice cream from Selecta. Feeling so full, I had to drink tea [I told ya I'm addicted!].

PMS-y. I'm so PMS-y these days. I can't understand why women have to suffer from this, and like, not be able to survive a month without these awkward days. I'm actually typing this up grumpily. *grr* It's like, I don't want to be rude, but I can't help but be rude! It's killing me.

Like yesterday, I saw this hatchback car along Roxas Blvd, and it's coloured blue-violet, and I'm like, "Why didn't the owner just pick blue or violet and not combine the two?" You see, it's really none of my business that the owner wanted blueviolet, but I'm like so affected and so grumpy about it. I hate these moments. I just HATE it so much.

climb every mountain

Okay, so this is kinda hilarious and a little rude. But I got this article from a back issue of the Philippine Tatler. Well based on experience these kind of people do exist. I've actually met one. Tsktsk.

The Top 10 List: Tips for Social Climbers

1. Read the book on etiquette and social manners by Emily Post. Also, it's important to know where you came from. Although you cringe when you remember the past, be proud of the fact that if you were once a fish vendor or a pole dancer--just look where you are now!

2. It pays to deposit in the right bank, and yes, there is a difference between a commercial and a private bank.

3. Make a list of all the right organizations and clubs that you can join. But listen, there's a difference between wanting to join and actually being invited and accepted

4. Get a make over special courtesy of Emphasis, Patrick Rosas and Dr. Vicki Belo for the best in hair, spa, make-up, slimming, and surgery techniques. Also, get a good fashion designer, one who has a name and a good reputation.

5. Go to a speech therapist to ensure your P's and F's are said correctly.

6. Although we do not recomment it because it opens a can of worms, some ladies who have made it in the past have used--and are still using--publicists. Be forewarned.

7. Learn a second or third language. Ilocano and Ilonggo do not count as foreign language.

8. If you are buying a house make sure it's in the right village. And if you are going to design it, please note that the over-the-top, gold gilded, heavy Victorian or Empire look, and a Lalique or Baccarat strewn house is totally out and screams nouveau riche!

9. Be authentic, which means buying the Vuitton bag from the Louis Vuitton boutique at Greenbelt 4, not Greenhills.

10. After all that, maybe it's good to get a good psychiatrist to help you deal with the rejections.

On current events
Why are the Filipinos mum about the president-wiretapped-etc. issue? Because we actually got used to the thought that every politician actually cheats to win. And, they say PGMA doesn't even deserve a 'People Power' event.

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T-monster
I used to hate drinking tea and didn't quite understand why the Chinese always want to drink tea before or after meals or even in between meals... But recently, I started liking it so I'm starting to replace my coffee sessions with tea sessions (except for a coffee-based Starbucks mocha frap!) I've been drinking a variety of tea already: green, black, ginseng, slimming and the latest I've tasted was a Vanilla flavored tea given by Luci. Starting to love tea. Is this a good or a bad sign??

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Destiny's Child
The trio's breaking up, but it's a good one. It just saddens me coz I'm just beginning to like their songs/music and then they're gonna be gone.

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My long weekend: a narrative (this post is as long as the long weekend)

I had lotsa fun, we had an overnight stay at the Holiday Inn (formerly Galleria Suites). I was so excited to take a dip in the pool coz I didn't have the chance to go swimming last summer. But... my siblings weren't as thrilled as I was, they didn't even bring swimwear! Hmmp. Anyway, I did swim even without them, and sun bathed. Yes, I did. Coz I wanted to have a deeper tan, but was quite unsuccessful because I went out like 4pm already. He-he. Still a little unsatisfied with my I'm-pampering-myself-coz-I-deserve-it-by-now thingie, I soaked myself in the tub for decades.

I went window shopping and gift-hunting afterwards--at Robinson's Galleria of course. Felt so carefree and happy doing that, maybe partly because I was so comfortable. I had rubber shoes on, my mp3 player, and cute but comfy clothes. I think I was almost hopping my way through the mall. It's so much fun shopping alone coz you wouldn't have to worry whether or not your companion is tired, or bored, or hungry, or is already rolling his/her eyes coz you've been in the same store thrice already, stuff like that. (You might ask why I'm alone? Coz my parents went back to Navotas for a dinner celebration, my brother is meeting an ex-girlfriend or maybe he's girl hunting, Mika--my sister--is on the eat-sleep-eat routine, and the youngest--Miko--is [as expected] glued on the TV.)

After dinner, we (me and my siblings) went to catch the last full show of Mr & Mrs Smith. (My kuya emphasized on the 'last' part of the 'last full show', coz he actually chose the latest possible, just because.) It's been quite a while since I watched a movie that got me so glued, I didn't even notice I didn't move a bit for two hours! I must agree with Reizel that Angelina Jolie looks astonishing in that movie... So anyway the movie was finished by past midnight, and my parents were already at the hotel room. I suggested that we grab coffee or something... Asked where, I said, "uh, McDonald's?" And so, we went to the McDonald's store a few blocks from the hotel: McDonald's Emerald Avenue, which is open round the clock. (Miko and Mika didn't come with us coz they were glued on the TV set and sleepy, respectively). It was coffee and talk and hot chocolate and talk and talk and talk. I had fun! We finished around quarter to four in the morning!

The next morning, nobody wanted to avail of the complementary hotel breakfast buffet except for my dad (they'd rather sleep), so I decided to tag along... There wasn't much to eat though, unlike when the hotel was still Galleria Suites. After an hour we went back to the room and I slept. After check-out, we went to Market! Market! for lunch. It was my first time there and I must say that it would be fun shopping there. Lots of stuff for a good price. Cool.


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Suggested Links from this post:
+ PCIJ I think they have a downloadable copy of the alleged tapes in mp3 format.
+ Starbucks
+ Lipton One of the tea brands I love.
+ Destiny's Child
+ Holiday Inn Galleria
+ my mp3
+ Navotas
+ Mr&Mrs Smith
+ Movieworld
+ McDonald's
+ Market! Market!

long weekend

It's a long weekend. I knew this a month before, coz it's a public holiday in Australia on June 13, and since Pres Arroyo took back what she said before (that the 13th would be a regular working day), everyone gets to have a long weekend. *sheesh* Too bad, I wanted to do some personal stuff on Monday--like going to the university to accomplish some requirements--without having to absent myself from work. Unfortunately, I can't coz all offices including my school would be closed on Monday!! Hmp.

Anyway, it's not all bad though, we [my family] would be able to pursue our hotel-overnight plan which was long overdue. The icky thing is that we might just be in the middle of rallies and kudeta and all because of June 12 demonstrations and oust-the-president plans of some groups. I don't care, as long as they don't go bombing the hotel we'll be staying at, and also the mall coz we'll probably catching two flicks: A Lot Like Love (which me and my bro had long been promoting to our mom and dad), and Mr and Mrs Smith!

According to Luci, my friend at the embassy, there was this survey which Angelina Jolie won. It's seems like Ms Jolie would most likely be the woman that any straight woman would want to be with... Something like that. Yeah. Whatever.

my blogskin

I'm so proud of myself today. I was able to create my own blogskin in a matter of five hours! (Well at least for me that's an achievement) So welcome to MY blog! This is every inch MY idea so I'm really glad. ;) It's dramatic yet simple, and most of all, it's purple-y. By the way, the silhouette I used there (top right) is actually still me. *hummm* It's so nice. I still have a lot to add to this blogskin, but five hours straight may already be too much for a sick girl like me to handle today... Will do when I have more time.

You may be wondering why I suddenly was able to do this instantly, well, I went bloghopping last night and I saw some people have really neat blogskins--like Tin--so I went skin-hunting at Blogskins.com. There are lotsa awesome skins waiting to be downloaded but I really don't feel like using another person's design (like what I've done for quite sometime now), so I slept and started conceptualizing on what design I would make--believe it or not--in my dreams! So when I got up, I was so refreshed and focused. My dad actually asked my why I got up early when I won't be going to the office (because I was advised by my doctor to take a day's rest). I shrugged and turned on the computer. And... ta-da! Here it is! Enjoy.

I would appreciate comments, suggestions and whatevers for the betterment of my blogskin. Thanks.

Sad Yet Proud

These past few days had been a whirlwind of emotions and events. But inspite of everything--problems, distractions, whatever--I discovered one thing: I love and am proud of my family. I have proven that in everything and in every 'disaster' that may come, you could always stop, take a deep breath, and go back to where you belong. They're really the only ones who would accept you no matter what.

Anyway, this isn't all bad. Coz my family's half rejoicing for the news that soon a cute li'l baby will be an addition to the family, and my parents are soon to be grandparents. No one knows yet if it's gonna be a he or she, but just the same, this li'l angel will be very much welcomed by this family. *how nice* Eventhough they don't like the child's dad, it's okay, and still there's room for change.

What more could you ask for huh?! After all the tears, excitement comes next. =)