Monday, December 31, 2012

My 2012

Before we left Baguio, we dropped by the Pink Sisters Convent to say short prayers. Being two days away from the new year and being the last time I'll be in church for this year, I prayed for my 2012. I prayed and thanked God--


--for the emotional strength He had given me. If not for that, I would not have survived the emotional rollercoaster I went through with my last relationship.

--for the guidance and strength through the heartbreak and all things nasty at my workplace.

--for family.

--for friends. I have lost some, made new ones, and rekindled with others who have drifted apart. Also, that they have greatly helped me during my lowest times. 

--for understanding a lot more things outside my norm. That I have learned and understood drinking, partying, and view it differently than the superficial. For being able to live life much lighter, and making the most out of it, rather than over thinking.

--for keeping me safe, everyday. Through my drunkenness, car problems, and that one time that I almost got hit by a motorcycle. And also on out of town travels.

--for giving me back my faith.

--for ending my year sweetly. I am sure there are no coincidences, and that everything is planned by Him. For giving me 'my 2012'. Thank you, Lord, for my Rich.

Friday, December 21, 2012

My Series 5 Work Laptop

My friends would always say, I must have been male in my past life. This is because I normally am not excited about glamming up, or shopping for clothes and make up. Gadgets and cars get me sooo hyped up like a typical guy. 

Just recently, I sought permission from my boss to request for a laptop, since I am doing double duty, and could be out of office (or out of town, sometimes) for meetings and what-nots. Being the generous and I-am-techie one, he personally called the president of our IT company and made his recommendation. I was just looking for something with nice keyboards and not so heavy like my last HP laptop

Samsung Series 5 Ultrabook
(Photo credit: akascope.com)

Well, my boss never settles for anything less. He ordered a Samsung Series 5 13.3" for me! I felt like a kid who'd want to jump up and down while our IT people were setting it up. It's so thin, I like the keyboard and it's just right for my aesthetic taste! My MacBook Pro craving vanished in an instant!

It was also upgraded to Windows 8. Quite frankly, it [the interface] looks nice, but I'm kinda getting lost. Well I'm sure it takes time. I kinda miss the Aero-theme-ness of Vista/Windows 7 though. The windows on the 8 aren't translucent--or am I just not figuring it out right? Anyhow,  that doesn't matter much anyway, I like sleekness and boxiness of everything on Windows 8 (I'm a sucker for clean lines).

However, I noticed that after upgrading to Windows 8, my touchpad no longer scrolls (using two fingers). I wonder who's solved this yet? I was trying to Google this and a lot of Windows 8 users are saying the same thing; can't even find a Control Panel option for it. Hmmm...help?

Thursday, December 20, 2012

Christmas Hugs

As they say, life is a series of ups and downs. After finding myself on the low side of life lately--and I'm speaking emotionally, psychologically, work-related, and even financially--a series of semi-unfortunate events lead me to where I wanted to be.

This just makes me look back and thank God for all the blessings, as well for the blessings in disguise. He has just made me happier, more relaxed, with a feeling of fulfillment more than ever. I believe in karma, good and bad ones. I feel like a school girl who was just given a brand new pink Barbie stroller and I just can't wait to go to school everyday--whereas the bullies just got detention.

Life's been looking up: I got a raise, a new and exciting role (in addition to what I was) at work, my family's been nothing but closer and more appreciative. And, I just, officially, became a girlfriend. Would love to gush about details here, but let me have it to myself to treasure and remember. It was a public declaration though, but relaying the story just won't give justice to it.

So cheers to having ups and downs, to new challenges, and for keeping people close to your heart. Happy holidays! Here's a Christmas hug from me to you!

Saturday, November 10, 2012

Back to Square One

I was happy. Then I wasn't. This week is just plainly unbelievable. I feel so judged and unaccepted. I do not have issues on acceptance by people who don't matter to me, but for people I love most, it does.

I was watching The Tourist a week or so back, and a line that Angelina Jolie delivers goes something like, "People have two sides. The good side and the bad side. When we love, we need to embrace both." Wording might be wrong, but you get the point.

I'm tired of making people understand who I am. How I am. How I can be. I just want someone who appreciates me for what I am, accepts that I may not be perfect, but is willing to also understand--to some extent--the way I see things. That everyone has his/her own way of seeing things, formulated from experience, and that it can vary from mine. After all, no two experiences are alike. That the actions we do, reactions that come out of our mouths, thoughts we think and theories we believe in can vary.

I'm so broken. I'm back to square one. Not again.

Monday, November 05, 2012

Slowly Believing

A lot of times we look back on things that hurt us, and we ask so many questions. Like, "Why did it happen?" "What could I have done," "Why  me," "Where did I go wrong?" Most of the time, we don't have the answers. And this is when we leave it up to fate. 

My 'fate' tattoo design.
I was NOT a believer of fate, so bad that I wanted it tattooed on my wrist: to remind me everyday that there are some things that are beyond our control. That there are some things that were bound to happen--to form us, shape us, and make us stronger and better. That nothing is by chance, and everything happens for a reason.

I can't believe how I'm saying all these right now, when a few months back I hear nothing but these fate talks from everyone. I didn't believe in fate because I used to believe in working hard for what you want, and not accept that it's "just not meant to be."

But now, more than ever, I believe--in a way--in fate. Even better, I have faith.


Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Just Live

At some point, I just wanna be private. My life, my rules, my happiness. Where nobody tells me what to do, and no effort in living up to people's expectations. No thinking of what others would think of my actions, decisions, choices, and thoughts.

On these days, I just wanna lie on the beach, watch the sun set. Take my own sweet time. Or pull out a blanket lie on the grass and stargaze. Get lost in the horizon. Not worry about tomorrow.

Because life is too short to be worrying about how to live it--or how to make the most out of it. Don't think about how, just live.

Live.
Laugh.
Cry.
Love.
Learn.
Enjoy.
Indulge.

Be crazy. Be spontaneous. Be creative. Be happy. Be everything you wanna be.

Monday, October 29, 2012

No Perfect Solution

You are like a dream,
Like a sweet movie scene--
A miracle from the heavens
Coz everything just made sense.

Our heartbreaks were terrible
And were just damn unbearable.
We may not have had the best
But let's just put our pasts to rest.

The only thing that matters now
Is not the what's, the why's nor how's,
But that we have grown stronger
And we're ready for something better.

I'm blessed that He's given me you
Someone so sweet, loving and true.
There's no perfect solution to happiness,
But with you, I'm willing to take my chances.

I love you more every day,
And it's a feeling I don't wanna go away.

---
For R.

Thursday, October 11, 2012

1st Travel Massive Manila

As they say, all good things come to those who wait. I say, good things come to good people. The karma--good ones. I'm so excited that I'll be taking on new responsibilities within our company. Something that could make my mind going, where my ideas might actually matter. The best part is that it's still related to the travel world. That being said, I have my first official event [to represent] next week!

Photo from TravelMassiveManila.com 

I have no idea what to expect, what goes on, or what I'm supposed to do there. But I'm trying my best to learn a lot and be productive. I have one week! Talk about information overload. Here you go. This is open to all travel enthusiasts and junkies. It does, uhm yeah, say free entrance and beer. 

Hope you could join. Wish I knew what to talk about and give you a brief background, but I'm just clueless at this point. So. There. See you there.

Tuesday, October 09, 2012

Earphones Mode...NR


Today my earphones had given up, worn out, as you can see. Well this is a good sign that Apple earphones last long. Usually, my earphones/headphones gets deemed useless especially when one side doesn't work anymore. 

Going nostalgic, (Over earphones? IKR!) this pair has served me well. I got it two years ago with my iPhone 4, has survived:
- jostling in public transpo commute
- rainy jogging nights
- drinking-by-my-heartbroken-self nights
- getting tangled up at the gym
- sleepless nights
- crazy dancing at home
- endless Dora the Explorer with Yanabee
- a LOT more.

Lately, it's been serving its purpose in the office. I use it when I don't want any loud voice interrupting my train of thought, or just to shun shitty officemates. I'm lost in my own world, so to speak. Speaking of them, they're still at it. One GM asked me how I'm holding up; I shrugged and said, "NR." (No reaction.) 

For yesterday, I am thankful to have prayed for strength to not pick a fight or make a big fuss about stuff that are so high school. Today, I'm thankful for the upbringing my parents gave me. Otherwise, I'd just be as cheap as they are.

Deep breaths. Music. Blogging. Dancing. I can do this. 

Monday, October 08, 2012

Small Minds

It's annoying how sometimes you see people who seem so confident and contented with themselves, but deep inside they're just the most insecure b's you'd ever know. How pathetic could people be to talk about others in a very degrading manner, just to feel good about themselves? Wake up! It doesn't pull you up--at all!

The quality of your life isn't measured by whether or not you ever purchased a pair of Louboutins in your life, or what car you drive. I pity you for feeling so triumphant telling somebody, "At least ako ugali lang pangit, e ikaw mukha mo." That's so backfiring on you. I'd take the good-hearted person anytime.

I cannot wait to be out of earshot. I cannot stand the pessimism, the negativity and all the mean things you say about everyone else. Maybe I don't care what you say about me; I don't need your approval to feel good about myself. But trash-talking other people just pisses me off--those you classify as low-lifes are way better than you are.

Like they say:
Great minds discuss ideas. Average minds discuss events. SMALL MINDS DISCUSS PEOPLE.


Friday, September 28, 2012

Wedding Planner

As I was wandering aimlessly at ROX while waiting for my friend to choose his bike, my high school classmate and UST jeep-mate Ken sent me a message on Facebook saying, "Tia, I need your help." Alarmed, I hit reply and asked him which number I should call. I ended up adding his Singapore mobile number on Viber and called him. 

Credits: http://weddingpicturessite.blogspot.com

It turned out that he's been planning on proposing to his girlfriend and wants me to coordinate his wedding. ME? Really? My jaw dropped and I was sort of speechless; I was like, "Why me?" I don't do it for a living, I have never coordinated any event nor wedding in my life. Okay, so maybe we had organized an exhibit way back college, but that was the whole class. I may have just coordinated my own 18th birthday, but that was easy because it was my day, and my say on everything.

For a split second I had mixed emotions: 
- Happy, for him, that he's gonna get settled with his girlfriend, who I like
- Overwhelmed with the trust he's giving me, to work on his special day
- Nervous, because I have no idea where to start
- Awestruck, that he came to me for this

Although I have no idea what to do, I said I'll help out. Maybe not in a way that it's entirely my event, but since he's in SG, it'd be difficult for him to coordinate with suppliers here, so okay I'll do that. 

Hmm. Is this a career change? LOL. That, we'll have to find out.

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Private

I have been blogging for less than a decade now, which would have been evident on my archive if it hadn't been hacked in '04. With the emergence of social networks starting off with Friendster to the now even-my-neighbor's-dog-has-one Facebook, the bloggers kinda lay low. It's still nice to blog though, it's like your own little space. Uhuh. I've talked about this

I remember back in June, wrecked from a breakup, I told my mom that I'm going out of town with a blog friend. She was like, "your what?" My sister started blogging too and kept asking for the link, which I never gave. You see, I don't tell people much that I blog.  I don't cross-post these somewhere for people to read. Unlike changing your Facebook statuses, blogging for me is very private. I don't have to see how many people have read my post, how many "likes" I get, or if I even get a comment or not. 

Yes, it's on the Internet; anybody can just bloghop and find it. But the chances are, these are people I don't know, who'd have no biases over me, no pre-conceived notion on who/what I am. Or maybe, they stumbled upon it because I wrote something that may help them, in any way. 

Like I said, it's my own little space. Somewhere I am free to dream, to rant about my worst days, to be silly and stupid, to be weak  when everyone expects me to be strong, and express anything my mind could think of, or my heart could feel. 

Friday, September 14, 2012

Yay! No Penalties!

A few months back, Cebu Pacific had one of its many seat sales; taking advantage of it, I booked myself and the then-boyfriend tickets to Bicol for the long weekend falling after Halloween. It's his family's hometown and also where his dad is buried. He hasn't visited for more than five years so I thought it'd be the perfect holiday to meet his folks there and for him to visit the grave.

After splitting up, I can't help but be pissed about doing so, wasting money for two roundtrip tickets that will not be used. CebPac happens to cost almost more than double, usually, if you are to rebook or reroute a promo ticket. All I can do is sigh and just leave it as it is. Maybe I'll go on my own, or maybe just consider it a loss--in accounting speak.

Just today, I received notice thru email that there was a schedule change to our return flight. This makes me eligible for: rebooking, rerouting, refunding or putting it in a travel fund--all without penalty! The heavens are so nice to me, and I immediately applied for a refund! 

How cool is that? Thank you Lord, you never forget me. 

Thursday, September 13, 2012

iPhone 5

So Apple just launched the latest installment of the iPhone line, the iPhone 5. And just like when they launched the iPhone 4, I didn't care much about the specs, I'm sure it's great. I'm sure its functionability is more than what I need, and since it's got iPod, Internet, email, a camera, and apps, I don't need to be itsy bitsy about which one's better. 

iPhone 5 says, "I'm sexy and I know it."
Photo grabbed from Apple.com 

And again, just like the iPhone 4, I will be buying it.. for its design. I remember vividly when the 4 was to arrive in Manila, I kept staring at this huge billboard along Meralco Avenue and can't help but muse that I sooo love the design, how sleek and symmetrical, and none of the curvy back that the predecessors had. (Note: I never bought an iPhone prior to the 4.)

Please come to Manila. Now. 

Thursday, August 30, 2012

The Script - Nothing

The Script. They never cease to amaze me. They just have those lyrics that you can just relate to, not to count the melody that is sooo my genre. I love them. Here are the lyrics:



Am I better off dead?
Am I better off a quitter?
They say I'm better off now
Than I ever was with her
As they take me to my local down the street
I'm smiling but I'm dying trying not to drag my feet
They say a few drinks will help me to forget her
But after one too many I know that I'll never
Only they can’t see where this is gonna end
They all think I'm crazy but to me it's perfect sense

Chorus:
And my mates are all there trying to calm me down
'Cause I'm shouting your name all over town
I'm swearing if I go there now
I can change her mind turn it all around
And I know that I'm drunk but I’ll say the words
And she'll listen this time even though they’re slurred
So I dialed her number and confessed to her
I'm still in love but all I heard
Was nothing

So I stumble there, along the railings and the fences
I know if we're face to face then she'll come to her senses
Every drunk step I take leads me to her door
If she sees how much I'm hurting, she'll take me back for sure

(Chorus)

She said nothing
Oh, I wanted words but all I heard was nothing
Oh, I got nothing Oh, I got nothing
Oh, I wanted words but all I heard was nothing
Ohh, sometimes love's intoxicating
Ohh, you're coming down, your hands are shaking
When you realize there's no one waiting
Am I better off dead? Am I better off a quitter?
They say I'm better off now Than I ever was with her

(Chorus)

She said nothing
Oh, I wanted words but all I heard was nothing
Oh, I got nothing, I got nothing
Oh, I wanted words but all I heard was nothing
Oh, I got nothing, I got nothing, I got nothing, I got nothing

Monday, August 20, 2012

Pissed: Stackers Resorts World Manager

My family had agreed to have an early dinner at Resorts World today, and dad suggested we go to Stackers. It is located on the fourth floor almost directly across the cinema ticket booth. I wasn't very hungry so I was kind of just playing around with food and looking around observing people and what they ordered.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw a guy walking from the restroom area back to his table, and in a split second he just kind of disappeared. I tilted my head and saw that he slipped. The guy was about 5'10" or something, medium built, and definitely doesn't look lampa to me. Anyway, he was not just on his butt; I knew he slipped big time because he was on his elbows. Calmly, he got up, brushed his pants off, and shook his hands off of something liquid, I assume.

He then walked towards the manager, who was standing by where the orders are placed and delivered, and motioned that the floor was kinda dangerous and pointed to his pants by the back of his knee to show that it's now wet. I was observing if he will make a big deal out of it and was glad that it was as if he just FYI'd the manager. No complaints whatsoever. Good job.

Now what pissed me off was that the manager, by the name of Rommel Luna, looked at the area that he guy was referring to, and--right after the guy was out of earshot--exclaimed, "Kaya nga may 'Wet Floor' sign eh!" This ticked me off too much. In the service industry, you don't do that! Mind you, I was about 5 meters away and I clearly heard what he said! It is not only rude, but a big dismay for fellow customers at how unprofessional this manager can be. It was a Sunday and the place was full. In between the distance of the manager from myself, there are still a good five or so tables within radius who'd have heard of how he treated the situation.

I feel sorry for the guy who didn't even make a big fuss out of it (I didn't even hear in verbatim what he said) to be treated like that. Implying as if he was stupid or something, without him knowing, in front of other diners. I know morals are learned at home and through experience, but the management may want to consider briefing employees (and MANAGERS, for crying out loud!) on proper etiquette and professionalism in the service industry.

I am so complaining this person!!!

---

Update (12.08.29): I have emailed my complain to Stackers Burgers Customer Service and have received prompt reply from their deputy general manager. To anyone who needs the address, you may email feedback.ppl@gmail.com or text +63917-877-9909.

Friday, August 17, 2012

11 Weeks

More or less, I've been drinking almost everyday for about eleven weeks straight now. "Almost" means I take an alcohol break at least once a week--so that's 6 days a week on alcohol. I started doing so after the breakup turned really bad, and all I used to do was cry. I turned to alcohol because I didn't want to cry, and all I wanted is to immediately fall asleep once I get home. Wandering around the apartment sober, at that time, was just so difficult. 

Eventually, I learned the art of drinking. I enjoy conversations, new knowledge, meeting new people, going out of the comfort zone, observing people, and in due course, partying. I learned how to be carefree, plan less, be worry free, and to just go with the flow. Floating and learning a lot. I also developed my knowledge on how to be careful even when I'm drinking--crediting my increased alcohol tolerance, helping me act sane through bottles and shot glasses. 

04 Aug 2012: Seventh High, Bonifacio High Street

We may have started off on the wrong foot, but I am thankful for having my beer bud. He is very patient in accompanying me on alcohol days, we talk about anything under the sun, he pushes me to go out of my bounds at times. The best part being? No complications. He isn't aiming to be my boyfriend, I'm not aiming to be a girlfriend. We're just two people who like to hang out and learn on a daily basis. (I teach him food, he on drinks.) All the things he's made me do, I won't be able to do if I didn't trust him. 

Like, whatever drink he lets me try, I know he'd take me home in case I pass out, or pat my back if I throw up. He's made me dance to overcome the shyness, and now I dance like I don't care who's watching (he now can't keep up with the dancing, haha). He's placed me in situations that would have been so uncomfortable--like having me seated in a group guys I don't know--all to enhance my 'socialization' skills. He's taken me to all sorts of places: from the poshest super clubs in the Fort and RWM, to residential-garage-serving-beers in Guijo, even to a gay bar in Malate. He's taught me how to enjoy my nights, but still be able to go to work in the morning. He's taught me to observe and know which type of people to avoid.

Yes, it's a very different me. To some it may seem like a negative thing, but for me, it's a refreshing thing. Being out of my comfort zone is scary at first, but I'm having fun. It may just be a phase, but it's a phase I'm glad to have gone through well--safe and comfortable. 

Carpe diem.   

Thursday, August 16, 2012

Locked

Last Saturday, I attended my ex's mom's civil wedding in Manila. She has been a widow for quite some time and we are really glad that she's found someone to be with her. That being said, it also meant for me to see my recent ex, whom I haven't seen for three months, I think. I last saw him when I was still in my suicidal mode. 

People were teasing us that we'd get back together but I was just brush things off. I'm doing good, I looked great (compared three months ago) and I am in no way wanting him back nor hurting seeing his face. He was his sort of usual self, taking photos of me like he used to, and smoking together. At one point he had someone take a photo of us and ended up camwhoring like the old times.

Come Monday, he was already browsing through the photos and had sent me a photo taken from his Canon. I thought, this is by far the best photo we've ever had. It almost looked like...a prenup. On my way home, I found myself unable to concentrate driving. My mind was wandering far off, and with the rush hour traffic, I thought I may not make it alive. I swerve and turn at the nearest corner, found a parking lot and parked. It may have been my hormones, but after a few minutes I was crying. 

I cried for, I think, about a couple of hours, inside my car, parked in pouring rain...how dramatic. I was getting pissed at myself for crying. Why am I crying? What am I crying about? I'm sure as hell don't want him back, but just the image of us looking great, as if no hurt ever happened--just kills me. And, you know that feeling when you just know that he loves you still? I felt that. It hurt me that he had all this love and yet he had to let me endure all that pain. He's probably indirectly turned me into something I'm very much not, at least three months ago. Because right now, I don't care, about anything, about anyone. Heck, I don't even care about myself, my career, or whatever. xx

Friday, August 10, 2012

Surfing for Eats

If you've been reading my blog for several years, you'd know what my answer is to this question: What's one thing/invention you're most thankful for? To the others who don't, my answer is "The Internet."

I mean, c'mon, who doesn't? Life just got a lot easier with it. You send emails almost real time even halfway across the world; in the era of snail mail, it takes a week or so. So much information can be Googled; I tweeted that we all used to turn to our radios during stormy weathers, but now we check Twitter for updates. I'm sure there are parts of the population who can live without a TV, radio, and newspapers nowadays. Calling overseas had also become more affordable with the emergence of VoIP services, and instant messaging with voice features, a.k.a. Skype.

Technology never runs out of ideas to make our lives more comfortable and within reach. Today I signed up for OpenTable. This website allows you to browse through restaurants (US mainly, but is expanding to other countries as well) by name or by area. The best part of it is having real-time restaurant reservations. You no longer need to call in one by one to check which restaurant can accommodate your party at a specific time. The bestest part, it's free for users!

So why am I so thrilled? For one, I'm in the Philippines, and I have very limited idea on restaurants in, say, Sonoma. Put the area in, date, time, number of party and, voila! It gives you a list of available timeslots, with brief descriptions about the restaurant, a photo, and price category.

Though the Filipinos are not used to making reservations for restaurants in general, we're getting there and I'm sure this feature will soon be available too. After all, we do have MunchPunch, which offers lists of restaurants and includes a menu too (if available). There's also the trusted ClickTheCity.

Yay for Internet! 

Thursday, August 09, 2012

Hell Weather and Bulalo

The past few weeks have been rainy, but the last few days had been hell. Heavy rains, strong winds, dark skies and even very low fog kept engulfing Metro Manila for hours on end. To top it all off, there wasn't a storm. No name to call it, unlike say, Ondoy a few years ago; or Katrina in the US several years back.

Last Tuesday, I woke up and felt I didn't want to go to work. My home is a studio apartment, I'm sorry but I don't measure well so I can't give the dimensions. It has all the necessities I have, nothing lavish, my most prized possessions would have to be my personal fridge and my TV. Still, I couldn't bear the thought of leaving my place for an entire day with the rain pouring like crazy, thinking I might come back and all these would have been floating. Okay so maybe I was overanalyzing, but hey, my landlady did say it was knee-deep flood inside my pad during Ondoy weather.

After a few more snoozes on my alarm clock, I finally received the work suspension SMS from our HR department. Nice! I have no plans on being the employee of the month and report for work and pretend like I'm busy anyway. I'm very sure my way from home to office isn't flooded, but still, it's bed weather, water's rising in Marikina River, and it's officially a no-work day as announced by the national government. By noon, I'm hungry. Beer bud's hungry too, so off we went. Don't tell my mother!


Photo credit: sinabawangmedyas.blogspot.com
There's this good bulalo (Filipino Beef Marrow Stew) place, R&J Bulalohan, that I have just discovered the previous Saturday, er, Sunday morning. After partyin' at 7th High on an Indulgence Saturday, my officemate Karen was craving for breakfast. There'd probably be no other breakfast place in the Fort but McDonald's so we went here. (Yes, in party dress, make up and heels!) It's open 24 hours! How cool is that? 

We ordered, of course, bulalo and fried tawilis. I can never be a food blogger since I don't know how to describe it, but it's good! Bulalo is not as good as if you're in Batangas, but probably good enough knowing you're in Manila: marrow and all. The tawilis--I'm not a fan of eating fishes completely (head and tails and all)--but this one I must say I really like. It comes with a plate of sliced tomatoes in fish sauce or something. Maybe next time I'll try other food items too.

This is typically low budget--semi open air, monobloc chairs, bamboo walls, faulty karaoke and all--which makes it even more encouraging. So for my beer bud and I's rainy day fix: a bowl of special bulalo, two cups of rice, fried tawilis and two bottles of soda...just about PHP 400! This is recommended to food lovers who aren't picky with location and ambiance. 

R&J Bulalohan is located along Boni Avenue in Mandaluyong. If coming from Pioneer side, it'd be on the left before you reach the roundabout, right across Mandaluyong Medical Center.

Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Playing Whoever

As much fun as it may seem, I do not play with anyone's feelings. I do not toy with them; I do not lead them on. Most of the time, I'm just being myself, enjoying another person's company. I am very clear about not being ready for anything, and that I am not looking for a 'someone.' 

I don't get it why some guys over analyze, or give meanings to everything. Let's turn the tables around: if a guy tells me, "I'm not ready for a relationship," I may get hurt by this and either walk away or stay. I would not demand for anything more, albeit what I'd probably want to happen. What I'll do? I'll wait. 

I also don't get the point of pressuring me to just take you and be your girlfriend even if I'm not ready for one. Won't that just equate to some fucked up relationship? Again, it's always been clear, I don't want anything else but to just hang out and have fun. There is no room for drama, no room for me to think of anybody else's feelings/disposition. 

So yeah, the last thing I'd like is someone asking me if I'm just 'playing' whoever, because I'm not. I never did, never tried, never even thought of it. To set things straight, I'm not even dating. I go out with friends, yes.  They may be guys, but I'm not after a boyfriend.

Monday, July 30, 2012

My Full Week

Social life. My friend Mina used to tease that I didn't have one. I had no idea how to go about it, but I learned---and continue to learn. I understand that socializing is not only over drinking. But it does relax people and get them talking. It was a very busy week for my social calendar...

MONDAY
Dinner with Joey + a couple of drinks over business talks. A little later, I arrive at my second home--Rue Bourbon--where my beer bud is waiting with shots. On this day, I also got my car back, but I'm sleepy and wasted so I didn't bring it home.

TUESDAY
Surprisingly, one of the GMs and an officemate said yes to having a drink, so Chicken & Beer it was. We were literally having, chicken and beer. Afterwards, Joey picked me up and then we had dinner at Army Navy nearby. Rain was on and off, and we walked my way through soberness so I can take my car home. And GOSH I so missed my car. I can't remember the last time I enjoyed driving my car. By 11p.m. the beer bud was thinking I was still in Fort; we ended up having drinks at my pad. 

WEDNESDAY
This one is one for the books. I met with Mina and Dan to dine out with Sara, their Chinese expat. Had dinner at Cafe Juanita in Burgos Circle and made Sara try Kare-Kare, Adobo and something else. She doesn't drink so it's left to us three. As we passed by Distillery, we saw some Ericsson friends so we stayed for a bottle of Stella Artois. Mina was unfortunately tired from dragonboat training so she headed home. For reasons known to me and Dan, it was a bad day--so it's time to try something new to perk us up. We head 'home' to Rue, and go international. A picture is worth a thousand words, so here goes:

Hoegaarden, Tiger, Beck's, Leffe, Kwak and Paulaner

THURSDAY
Dinner at Just Thai with Rea--my travel agent--and Lori the CFO's assistant. Beer bud tagged along. After dinner, Lori heads home and the three of us were supposed to hangout at Rue, but ended up at Chicken & Beer with Ericsson peeps. There were I think about ten guys and then there was only Rea and I. The ultimate socialization test was when they separated the two of us to chat with two different groups. But I must say, I did okay. :) Afterwards, we hanged out at Rue again; had Rea try the ultimate 'Gunpowder.' (Search for it on YouTube.) It's also so refreshing to introduce her to my current favorite beer, Hoegaarden

FRIDAY
GM and some officemates treated for a couple of beers. Afterwards, I met some of their friends and hanged out at Basty's. This place happens to be on the ground floor of my building, but have never been to, so it's great to experience it. By 10:30pm, my dinner date has finally reached the Fort and picked me up from Net Quad. Dinner, then home. 

SATURDAY
I was supposed to meet my Sitel trainer Jyl for dinner, but the plan got cancelled as she had a doctor's appointment. Not a problem with me, it was raining and it's a weekend, what other better way but to be lazy? At 6pm my youngest brother calls me and declares he's coming over--from Navotas. Sensing urgency and problem/s, I said yes to meeting him at Megamall. Phoned my mom right after and true enough, it was a warzone at home. We had dinner at Secret Recipe; and though he didn't share much, I'm still glad he phone his Ate more than anybody else. I knew I was going out that night to party, but I offered my place to my bro if he needed a place to stay. However, he's set on watching the The Dark Knight Rises alone so off I go. Yes, family is always a priority. 

I was in my strike-anywhere-anyplace clothes as I didn't know where we're going. Weekends are usually spent from one bar to another, depending on music, crowd and what-not. The beer bud and I meet--where else--at my 'second home,' the only place I'll be comfortable walking in and waiting on my own. I think we went to 5 different bars (bar hopping!?) plus an early morning breakfast before we headed home. It was already before 5 a.m., and Milo 42K-ers were already sprinting Buendia.

SUNDAY
We were freakin' tired from Saturday night that we woke up at past noon. Hungry, we had a full lunch at the House of Minis, which is a stone's throw away from my place. I imagined my day to be quiet--not boring--so I set off to do my laundry and went back to reading Fifty Shades Darker on my iPhone. Out of the blue a friend invites me to go with to Laguna...at 7p.m. Instant road trip!

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Bratty Me and Guy Drama

Yesterday I was feeling like such a brat. I'm not sure if it's the hormones, or the natural cuddly me that I was seeking for some major spoiling. On a normal day, I am the most rational and practical person. On a brat day, however, there are no other reasons for me but "because I said so." 

We were scheduled to have pares dinner yesterday, but something came up so the beer bud took me out for lunch instead. Over lunch, I really wasn't buying any of his jokes and was staring at him like he's dead meat. Out of nowhere I said, "Bili mo kong Ray-Ban?" (Can you buy me a Ray-Ban?) He almost bought it, except for the condition that we had to go right then to the mall--tricky because I still have work. LOL. Before I headed back, he gave me chocolates, my 'happy hormones' food. And because of the chocolates, I've changed my mind about the Ray-Bans. I want a MacBook Pro instead. :)

***

Back at my desk and halfway through the Snickers bar, I still wasn't feeling any happier. This mood swing. Darn it. Of all the times that he could, the ex chose the brat day for drama. Tsktsk. Not a good thing to do. I already told him "It's a brat day." But still went on and on with his drama. BBM just got flooded; soon enough exclamation points were overflowing from my end. 

Since when had guys been into drama? There's this guy who's been meaning to take me out but it just so happened that he can't keep up with my schedule. No, I will not block off my calendar for an indefinite night. No, I will not adjust to your schedule. And no, I will not make it easier for you by getting nearer your proximity. It goes to say, if there's a will, there's a way. Lately all I want is a "Yes" or a "No." No buts, no ifs, no because/s. 

You see, I just don't need any drama right now. I have myself to look after, I am in no position to think about other people's problems, feelings and welfare right now. If you're not contented with your life, it's your problem. If you're not happy, then I really don't care. Do you feel like a loser? Maybe you are. Are your brilliant plans backfiring on you? I told you not to mess with me; not so brilliant, eh? You think you can get away with it? I'll leave it to karma. Trying to hurt me, make me feel guilty? I'm apathetic, you don't matter. 

I hate to break it to you, but not everything is about you.

Thursday, July 12, 2012

The Players: What Is It About Them?

We've heard it so many times; a nice girl or an intelligent lady gets hooked on a guy not the least bit as dedicated as she is. In the end, she may get heartbroken or probably be left hanging. The players. What is it about them? To my guy friends who never seem to get the girls, read on.

1. CONFIDENCE

This is not measured by how confident you are about your achievements; rather, this is about how confident you are when you approach a girl. We don't freakin' care if you graduated from where, really. We could somehow sense if this doesn't come naturally. I, in particular, appreciate guts. I'm not the friendliest face in town so I'm not commonly approached by guys, but in case there are people I come across and initiate a conversation--I most likely will talk to.


2. DETAILS

Flattery is so cliché. Stop telling a girl she looks pretty or hot--she probably is and that's why you're there in the first place. Too much flattery is a major fail too, it's so unnatural. We'd know you just want us to feel good. Go for details.

After a couple of nights out with some guy, he said, "You don't like earrings much, do you?" I smiled and thought, 'Wow, details.' And being keen on details does not only apply to physical details, but also in conversations--remembering things she mentioned in passing gets you another smile.


3. TALKING THE TALK

Photo credit: Romanceways.com
Now for the hard part: keeping the conversation going. Most ladies, especially in the Philippines, will be too polite to show you they're bored. Like most self-help tips on the Internet say, stop blabbing about you. We don't care how many charities you've donated to. We won't even know if it's just crap and you're just trying to appeal to our emotions. Be conscious enough which topics she is responding to. If you don't know something that she seems to be interested in, don't play the know-it-all. Ask!

I'm a badass when it comes to grammar and I was trying to intimidate one guy by correcting him every time he makes a grammar boo-boo. Instead of getting offended/intimidated, he actually admitted it's not his best point, and asked me about some of the common mistakes he normally make. I'm in awe at how warmly it was received, and the guts to admit, rather than try to overdo/impress.


4. SPENDING

Unfortunately, this does count. If a guy asks a girl out, it is but expected for him to pay. Even if the girl insists. If it was the other way around, offer to pay at least half. If you can afford it and if she doesn't insist, pay. :)

I can't quite explain why. Maybe it's because the ladies don't want to feel that she's 'buying' your time? Or because, in general, we are looking for someone financially stable to support us? I'm definitely an independent lady, but I somehow appreciate if the guy is paying, even if I know I can pay for all of it. Let me expound on this some other time.


5. BEING AT PAR

Say, you like this high-maintenance girl. Then you be on the same level with her, at least for the first few times. If not, it may be too much of a hassle for her. For example, I have long skipped the public transpo. I dress differently on an everyday basis, and would need to dress differently if I'm taking the bus. You can't surprise me to pick me up and walk to the jeepney station wearing my flowy dress and heels. I know, arte. But, it does make me uncomfortable. In relation to #4, we'd probably take a cab if I know you can afford it, but will take the jeepney if I know it's gonna cost you half of your budget. But you have to understand that if either way someone will suffer, most likely it will be hard to spend more time with you. It's just too much of a hassle. You can always work your way through the conversation for me to maybe try something out of my box next time, but not all the time. If you can't quite keep up, then maybe she is indeed out of your league.

Or, let's do it the other way: you're a rich guy, you like a simple girl. You have to at least meet half way. Be rich without making her feel inferior or intimidated. From time to time, you take her to a nice place; make sure she knows beforehand so she's not caught off guard. Most of the time, you can meet halfway.


6. RESEARCH AND EXPERIENCE

The players would have had so many different dates. These people do not need a guide on where to go, what to eat, etc. Or, if the girl suggests the place, he would have Googled it for directions and reviews. There may be so little or no hint that he is not familiar with the place, making you both feel at ease. The best date? The ones who make reservations.

A few weeks back, someone asked me out. Dinner. I said yes on one condition: Thai Food. I have no idea on his culinary background and adventure but he just said, "Sure, no prob." A few hours before dinner, he met me at the office and we went to this Thai resto. I knew what I wanted, I've been craving for it for a week then. I was curious what he wanted. So we ordered, afterwhich I asked him if he likes Thai. He said he's never tried it before. Surprised? Not so. In the end, he did order a wonderful dish. He said he browsed through Our Awesome Planet, checked on the food, asked the waiter about their best seller.

Keep in mind though, not every girl would tell you what she wants or where she wants to go. Most of the time, it's up to you. So you have to kind of gauge what kind of girl she is before you bring her to a place. Where you take her may imply what you think of her. If you don't have the experience, make it up by research.


7. SKIPPING THE FORMALITY

Some may perceive this as a bad thing, but the players don't usually 'declare' their intent. There's no, "Pwede bang manligaw," lines. No drama in meeting the parents. Generally because, they're players. But this can apply too, in a no-play zone. Too much formality makes the girl uncomfortable. I do remember talking to someone about this, and these were my points for him:

  • If you like a girl, talk to her. Don't stalk. It would be creepy when you finally get to talk to her and you know all these things about her. Yes, I know I said research, but no stalking. Being friends on Facebook doesn't mean you're already friends with her. You can't be friends with her on Facebook and then formally ask her out over a Facebook message. Be cool and casual--in person.
  • Being someone always pushed over to the friend zone, he wants it out in the open--soon. He thinks that befriending the girl and then start with going onto the next level is a betrayal. Not so. Absolutely not. For one, if you do it too soon, apart from a blank stare, she'd probably avoid you. It is natural for friends to eventually like each other, so no harm in befriending. Lastly, if you tell her too soon, you won't get to know the real her. She'd be all too self-conscious about how she is around you--that's if she's even there.
  • Personally, I have said it over and again, I don't like the formal courtship thing. The purpose of courtship is to get to know each other. There's no need to label people as suitors. Skip the "Can I court you," line. At least for me, I'd rather have a good time than think about if I'm giving you wrong signals with every action I do. Maybe because I'm one of the guys, so the whole flower-chocolates-Romeo & Juliet-things aren't really making me swoon.
  • G, I can't remember what else I said. Help me out here :)


8. HARD TO GET

Isn't it by nature, we want something we don't have? The more challenging the girl is, the more pursuant the guy. The players know this too. How do they do it? They give you all the attention you want, they get you hooked, and then they make you miss them. Some may deliberately let you know that they're also spending some time with girl 'friends'. This creates that mindset on the girl that she has to act fast, otherwise, some other girl gets him.

No, I am not saying you have to threaten your date. I am saying, stop drooling over her. Not too much attention. If you're a dog who follows her around, gets what she wants in a snap, you are most likely going to the friend zone, or, suffer a very long courtship stage. This is because, quite frankly, she knows there is no competition, or nothing to take your attention off her. She can have all the time in the world with you. She's not eager to meet you this week for coffee because next month, you'd still be there.

---
All these being said, it's my time to play. :)

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

I Was Born a B*tch


I was born a b*tch. We just learned how to act and respond properly as we age. Society, manners and education dictate how, when, what to say/do/feel. But if pushed to the limits, people will go back to human nature: we are possessive, territorial and we kill for what we think is right and ours.

The same goes everyday. The world is still a jungle, after all, a war zone. Each of us is still a warrior inside. We would do all things necessary for self preservation, for survival.

So don't push me. The worst is yet to come, and I can make your life a living hell. 

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Out of My Shell

Can I just say that I'm happy I've been hitting "New Post" so often lately? I just missed it.

In relation to my previous post, I will try Just Thai today, in Burgos Circle. I'll see if I can take photos and write a short review. Loser food-blogger-wannabe. LOL.

---

I've just been chatting with a friend about breaking out of the shell--which is actually my Facebook status today. It made me think of how confined I have been, to what people see me as, what they expect me to be. Regardless of how I say and act 'rebellious' and stubborn to most people (especially my parents), there's always a core value in me that would be the same for a very long time. I cannot say that core values don't change, but it's something very hard to change. Not even sure where I'm getting at. I don't even have a blog post title at this point.

---

That being said, so how did I 'come out of my shell' lately?

For one, I've been partying. Some people may raise eyebrows, with the OMG-the-breakup-made-her-a-monster expression on their faces. But really, on my part, I think it's good. I cannot tell you how much of a culture shock I experienced not being able to walk through a multitude at The Distillery, nor how I felt like not being able to dance at Izumi. But like I said, it's breaking out. It's going outside your comfort zone and seeing or appreciating other things.

Two, talking with strangers. Yes, I may have practiced this before when I was still a flight attendant, elevator talks here and there; but culture-wise, talking to strangers is not that easy here in the Philippines. It's either you are interpreted as someone who fancies the other, or, you have a really bad intention. Thank God I'm a girl so the latter can't quite apply to me. So I talk, I don't even know how the conversations flow. At one bar, I started talking to the photographer. And just the other day, I mustered up the courage and knocked on my new neighbor's door (who had been there for just a couple of days), introduced myself as the girl living next door. I had to walk up to the door and back out for about three times.

Three, trusting people. Not good, I know. But I'm brushing up my skills on determining how trustworthy people are. Enough said. :)

Soon I will be trying more things. Maybe surfing. Or taking up street dancing. Or travelling alone. Or, as suggested by my beer buddy last night, travelling without bringing anything. Must be fun! If there's anything you feel like I have to try, let me know.

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Food All Around the World

Now on the second day of wearing our company uniform, it kinda made me feel like how it was when I was still a flight attendant. With the uniform--and a scarf!--I'm hoping this won't be a monotonous job. Meeting new people lately, at one point or another they just have to ask me why I quit being an FA. My answer has been repeated so many times that I can explain in my sleep. 

But it did make me think. Do I miss it? Yes. What do I miss about it?
  1. Shopping. Apart from having the money to shop with, you also get to be in places where 'imported' goods are made. Giving you the home court advantage when it comes to getting the best deals. 
  2. Seeing new places. This kinda grew out on me, because at the time that I quit, I have seen most of Asiana's destinations. Kinda envy them right now that new routes like Paris and Hawaii were introduced after I left. New places mean new subjects for photography too! And last but definitely not the least...
  3. Food. I'd forego shopping for diamonds, bags, whatever--for food. It is the only indulgence I really know. Visiting places for the real thing is just amazing. Here are the food items I miss, and somehow their counterparts and so-called "authentic" ones here are just far beyond comparison
  • Kimchi from Korea. Used to hate it, but it's a pain not to find good ones here. Only in good Korean restos.
  • Scones and clotted cream. Pair it with tea, and welcome yourself to the British land. My uncle Chris said these would make my hips huge, but I don't care.
  • Phad Thai (and street food) from the streets of Bangkok & Phuket. For some reason there are some things missing from Thai restos here. Or maybe I haven't tried that many.
  • Pho from Pho 2000 / Pho 24, Ho Chi Minh. Absolutely a lot better. The noodles are just so much different. (Okay I can never be a food blogger, because I can't explain.)
  • Seafood Chowders by the wharf. San Francisco. Biased with SF much?
  • Papa John's Pizza in Korea. I don't know why it doesn't taste the same here, nor in the US!
  • New York hotdogs. Central Park and all those onions.
  • Indian food with all the right mix of herbs and spices. New Delhi. 

Writing this is just mouthwatering. I'm hungry!

Monday, June 18, 2012

Communication 101

"If someone misunderstands you, it's your fault for not communicating right."

I have always remembered this line from way back college days. Not so sure if that was my Literature or my Humanities teacher who said so. And I think it's fairly right--unless the listener wasn't at all interested. Now that I'm single, it's time to re-practice these comm skills. Time to find people you like talking with, without much effort. Hah.

Over YM
Person 1:  Nahihirapan akong kausapin ka
Me: Hah...? Bakit?
Person 1: Ewan ko.
Me: Ahm. Baka di tayo same wavelength, wawa ka naman.
(Am I rude? LOL)

After drinks
Person 2: Ang galing mo magsalita no?
Me: *raising an eyebrow* Okay, punchline...
Person 2: No punchline.
Me: Punchline na.
Person 2: Wala lang, magaling nga. Choice of words, delivery, pronunciation.
Me: Ah, talaga. Thanks.
Person 2: Sus. Naniwala ka naman.
Me: In your dreams.

Okay, so I'm not really brushing up on my communication skills. Mostly on my condescending and the-hell-I-care conversation skills. HAHAHA! While most girls try to sweet talk, I don't. I never liked the pretentious talks of people in the getting to know stage. Boo! Hahaha! Will post more soon.

Monday, June 11, 2012

Humbled

My family picked me up yesterday from Pasig and headed over to Antipolo to hear mass. I have not been very vigilant about hearing mass for weeks now... When we got there I was starting to get impatient with the heat, and how there were so much human traffic. Come communion, as soon as I got back to my pew, I closed my eyes and prayed.

I prayed for forgiveness from God, for even considering committing suicide and for questioning Him about the trials I am going through. I prayed that he may forgive me for all the mistakes and mis-thoughts I've ever had over the past weeks. Prayed that he be fine, that may he find peace and happiness on his own; and that I may do too.  Thanked God for keeping me safe, for family and friends, and for keeping me strong. 

When I opened my eyes, I was already crying in church. Yana came up and gave me her towel. It's just overwhelming and humbling. 

Tuesday, June 05, 2012

Caliraya Thoughts

Reaching my lowest point after the breakup, my blog friend Abet invited me to watch the Second POC-PSC National Games (Dragonboat and Canoe-Kayak) in Caliraya, Laguna over the weekend. Not really sure what to expect, I didn't even have any idea where Lake Caliraya is. With nothing to do on a weekend but sulk, I said yes and packed.

I met so many new people, remembered a few; especially Abet's amazing Aqua Fortis team--a good variety of people. My resident gal pal for a couple of days, Mina, Allan (Mina's best friend and teammate), and a couple of sweet lasses, Gail and Ruth, were my constant companions. I also got to see this sport that Abet has been so passionate about, and now that he is team captain, it's a very different experience. It's so heartwarming to see people happy, excited and just enjoying what is there.

Watching them go about what they do, it's not just a sport, not just a competition. It's like family, working hard for a common goal. They cook, drink, laugh, joke around, argue, remind each other of what needs to be done, look out for each other, and cheer each one on. And this goes not only within the team, friends from other teams do the same. By the end of the event I felt like I was part of the team already; I was cheering at the top of my lungs, until the team went in to finish third. 

Aqua Fortis Team

The weather was unpredictable and for the first time since I was a little girl, I walked in the rain. It felt so good to be disconnected for a while--no mobile phones, no gadgets to think of. Just yourself. It's a very carefree thing that I almost never have the luxury to enjoy. Thanks to my sunburnt nose mixed with raindrops, no one noticed when I was in tears. It's overwhelming to be able to re-appreciate the simple things in life--and life in general.

It was also a time to rediscover my love for photography, traveling, and meeting all kinds of people. A shy person inside, I like people-watching/observing--how even the simplest scenery or the most common people can turn into beautiful photographs. 

Before we headed home, I sat by the lake where there was nobody else. I can only hear the ripples of Lake Caliraya and the light waves crashing by the shore mixed with the sound of the crickets. I thanked God for giving me a new perspective in life, for having good friends and meeting new ones, for all the happy times, and even the hardships that made me who I am. I'm grateful for getting through my lowest point which made me appreciate all my other blessings, especially my family and friends. I let my heart out, and just let go. Unlike most, my faith is shaky. But during that time, I just completely let everything go and let Him have his way.

Lake Caliraya, view from Lagos del Sol

In a heartbeat, my life was changing...as the waves crash. 

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

To AA, From CC

AA,

Though you'll never get to read this, I want you to know how much I miss you everyday. You ask me not to cry, you ask me not to dwell on it, nor drink and smoke. I say, this will only be for a few months, and a few months of 'wasted-ness' is worth it as this is for a year and a half of happy times with you. 

You are by far the best boyfriend I had--the care, the love and affection. I'm sorry that this didn't work out for you. I'm sorry that all the guidance I gave seemed as if I was a dictator in your life, manning what you should or should not be doing. I'm sorry you lost your identity and that you gave up things you loved for me, even though I never asked for it. I wish you'd find yourself again, and gain back the confidence you lost. 

I'm sorry that I think way too mature for you and you felt the pressure mounting on you to be on the same level as I am. Know that I intended nothing bad; I had nothing but support for you. I am unhappy when you are frustrated with work, family, or anything, and my advice seemed too imperative for you. You may have felt that I didn't feel proud of you, but ask all my friends and listen that I had nothing but good words for you. Support was everything I gave, but you felt otherwise. I was only pushing you because I knew you can, and that success will complete you.

It hurts that you can't give this another chance; it hurts even more knowing that you were very much willing to reconcile with your exes in the past even after you caught them cheating. I'm hoping that you will regain your trust in women, that there is at least one person who loves you enough not to cheat on you.

I don't know how to be strong, all my friends are wondering why I'm not. I used to be, but when I met you, you became my strength. Now I feel like a pillar-less building. 

When the time comes that you're lost or not sure which path to take, I will always be here ready to help you out. I will be invisible for quite sometime; for the meantime, I just need to blend in and be unnoticeable. 

Though I would like to hold on to your promise of coming back once everything is sorted out, I also know that life is not always as we planned. And one day you may find someone who can do so much more than what I have. 

To end this, I just wanna say that I hope you never forget me. That there's one person who loves you unconditionally to set you free and let you do your own thing, prepare for the future...even if she knew that that future may not include her. Thank you for everything. 

Love always,
CC

Friday, May 18, 2012

Everybody Hurts Sometimes

So I'm so wasak right now. I'm turning to music, as I always do.

"How many times can I break 'til I shatter / Over the line can't define what I'm after..."  - Shattered, O.A.R.

"Never thought not having you here now would hurt so much / Tonight I've fallen and I can't get up / I need your loving hands to come pick up / And every night I miss you..."  - Tonight, FM Static

"It's all ending / I gotta stop pretending who we are / You and me, I can see us dying...are we?" - Don't Speak, No Doubt

"If you're on your own in this life / The days and nights are long / When you think you've had too much of this life to hang on / Well everybody hurts / Everybody cries / Everybody hurts sometimes"  - Everybody Hurts, REM

"U got it, U got it bad / If you miss a day without your friend / Your whole life's off-track / You know you got it bad when you're stuck in the house / You don't wanna have fun / It's all you think about"  - U Got It Bad, Usher

"Please don't turn your back / I can't believe it's hard just to talk to you / But you don't understand"  -Perfect, Simple Plan

"Here comes the rain again, falling from the stars / Drenched in my pain again, becoming who we are"  - Wake Me Up When September Ends, Green Day

I only think of you and it's breaking my heart / I'm trying to keep it together / But I'm falling apart"  - We Belong Together, Mariah Carey


Note: I may be hibernating from blogging, like how I'm hibernating from Facebook right now. Maybe. Please save nasty comments to yourself, I don't really need them right now. 
xoxo


Thursday, May 10, 2012

When You Say "Why Me?"

A couple of nights ago, I was home alone sulking and was trying to watch TV to divert my attention. I even watched Justin Bieber's "Never Say Never" documentary/movie to keep my mind off things. After Bieber's story, I had to find something else because HBO was showing Salt--which I've seen several times. I surf through channels and end up watching Reel Time on GMA News TV.

So the lady had operations and radiation treatments during pregnancy and now, with the help of different mothers, feeds her baby with other people's breastmilk. Quite touching story; commending those other mothers. She goes to say:

"Nagtanong din ako sa Dyos, 'Bakit ako?' pero humingi rin ako ng tawad sa pagtatanong ko. Syempre, Dyos lang naman ang nakakaalam ng dahilan kung bakit ka binibigyan ng mga ganitong pagsubok. Sino naman ako para kwestiyunin diba?" 

(Translation: "I even asked God, 'Why me?' but I also asked for forgiveness for asking. Of course, only He knows the reasons why He gives us these trials. Who am I to question him?")

It just made my eyes well up all the more.

Friday, May 04, 2012

Mis-sent Globe Bill

With nothing much to do on a five-hour ride to Baguio, I checked my emails. I am subscribed to Globe Telecom's e-statements and receive both my bills through email. The PDFs are encrypted and password protected with the format (last name) + (last 4 digits of mobile number.) 

As soon as I viewed the PDF file, it got me wondering how I could have a credit of more than five hundred pesos, whereas I always pay my bills exactly to the last centavo. Browse, browse, browse... I realized it was not my plan. Scroll up. Holy smokes! It isn't even my bill! Outrageous. I immediately thought of contacting the account holder stated on the bill since I have his mobile number and name. Sent him an SMS telling him I'll be complaining about it through email and would like to cc him. The next day, he did reply, though I think he might have called the hotline already for his own version of complaints. 

It's just unbelievable that they can make a mistake like that. It poses several threats to the safety and security of not only the account holder but to his contacts:
  • Recipient knows the name, mobile number, and address of the account holder. With this information, it is easy to look up most of other information you need.
  • You can probably even stalk the person. Or become an unwanted texter.
  • The recipient can also 'scam' the contacts (since all calls are itemized for postpaid bills) by introducing himself as the account holder...you get the point.
By this year alone, that's strike two for Globe Telecom. Bad. Very bad.


Thursday, May 03, 2012

If You Don't Know BNWT, It's Time to Get Buffaloed!

I can't believe I haven't blogged about Buffalo's Wings N' Things! (Or maybe I have? But I'm too lazy to check on it.) Just to let everyone know, I am NOT a fan of buffalo wings. One is because I don't like the wing part because it's too dry--I'm a dark meat girl. Second is I feel so bad that they had to murder the wings with those red tabasco-ish sauce and drench them, like they do at Don Henrico's. They should have just fried it like Max's and it would have been edible.

And then I met Buffalo's Wings N' Things. My first time was because a friend was friends with one of the managers at the Ortigas Home Depot branch, and we had to meet there. Initial reaction: Gawd, why a Buffalo Wing place, of all places?! So we ordered, and have forever changed my thoughts on the 'murdered' ones.

BWNT offers servings per half pound, which is good for one person like me, one pound or triple sampler (1.5pound). Good part is that you get to choose the 'fire' level, you can choose flavors per half pound of wings. I always go for Rookie, the least spicy. Odd for someone who eats fire-red Korean food. Maybe I just don't like tabasco that much. They have about six variations of the spiciness level: Rookie, New York's Finest, Firehouse Classic, Nuclear, Armageddon--forgive me if I forgot something--plus a couple or so of non-spicy choices something like Garlic Parmesan and Honey BBQ(?)

But, for me, the BEST part is that the wings are not soaked with the sauce. It is served, hot, crispy and have just added the sauce on top! I always add Bleu Cheese especially when I don't order their Dirty Rice. They do not serve plain rice, just NY Dirty Rice which the boyfriend says is too Mediterranean for his nose.

One Pound of "Rookie" wings, Bleu Cheese on the side, and a cup of NY Dirty Rice.

They also serve nachos, fries, burgers and beer! Don't the wings just go well with the beer? I'm heading over the the BNWT Quezon City branch tomorrow for drinks with friends. This is definitely a place worth sharing with your friends!