Bahay Ni Badong

Organized Mess

2010-03-01T11:44:00.002+08:00

Ever heard of the Free Association technique? Well, it’s a very simple activity of spontaneously expressing our thoughts or ideas, in which each one is allowed to lead to or suggest the next. We usually do it with single words (e.g., Red --> Apple --> Fuji--> Japan, and so on), but mine’s a longer version. It’s a really fun psychological exercise. It allows one to explore the unconscious, and at the same, it’s a good way of working out those brain cells. By the way, thanks to Encarta Encyclopedia for that definition. Now lemme start from that…

1. I love Encarta. I can’t get enough of it. I’ve always been a scavenger of all sorts of information, and Encarta is just one of those that can appease that vicious hunger of mine. Unfortunately, it doesn’t contain everything I need to know. Thank goodness there’s Wikipedia.

2. I’m proud to announce that I contributed something for Wikipedia! Haha! So I was leisurely reading through some information about my school and I noticed that the list of publications in the institution is incomplete. The missing link happened to be my department’s periodical. So like an overexcited imp, I immediately clicked on the “Edit” button and started typing. Sounds superficial, but it was a great feeling for me. You only have a few chances in life and once you had one, just embrace it fully.

3. I’ve not totally liked the film One More Chance and I don’t know why. They say it’s the best John Lloyd-Bea movie to date, but for me, Close To You remains as my favorite. And I hate to admit that I’m considering watching I Miss You Like Crazy. Fudge. Do I have an unconscious obsession for JL and Bea? And I thought I despise JL, for some reason. Insecure? LOL. But I like him when he performs with the Kanto Boys, though.

4. I love the Backstreet Boys. They’re simply the BEST. BOY. BAND. EVER. I remember I was first year high school when one of my friends ridiculed me in front of another friend just because I enjoy listening to boy bands. Then yesterday while I was checking on my Facebook account, I saw a wall post from him saying, “BSB hangover! I’m currently listening to their old songs, hehe.” Friggin’ hypocrite.

5. I believe I’ve already flayed Jejomar Binay for his hypocrisy. That bastard, criticizing Bayani Fernando’s posters late last year, saying it was a form of premature campaigning. But look who’s got his TV ads running way before the campaign period starts. Seriously, that guy doesn’t deserve to win.

6. Talk about winning, I’m suddenly reminded of Ana Ivanovic. Thanks to those who voted and for those who haven’t yet, kindly check out my previous post. Your efforts will be well appreciated. Hope she does well not only in FHM but in her professional competitions as well.

7. Another competition that I’m so absorbed is American Idol. Some say that this season is the weakest but it doesn’t matter. I love Didi Benami! Her style reminds me so much of Megan Corkrey’s. I wonder what’s up with her lately. Need to check on her.

8. I’m currently cyber-stalking Kim Yu-Na, that lovely figure skater from South Korea who won the gold medal in this year’s Winter Olympics. I love skating! I love winter! I love ice! I love South Korea! But I hate K-Pop. To death. Seriously, I am so fed up listening to them it makes me wanna barf.

9. Same thing with cakes. For the past six days, I had four more-than-enough servings of cake. Last Wednesday and Thursday, my good friends and I gorged over a half-roll cake from Goldilocks. And for the record, I did it with a different set of friends. And then yesterday, we celebrated my aunt’s birthday. And you guessed it right, more servings of cake for me. The fourth was today at breakfast. What a life.

10. Life is beautiful, don’t you agree?

I Need Help. Srsly.

2010-02-24T20:13:00.002+08:00

Just need to say this real quick. Please, please do vote for this gorgeous goddess right here in FHM’s top 100 sexiest women in the world. By the way, her name’s Ana Ivanovic, lest you don’t know. I could go all day praising her divine beauty and immaculate body, but it is also important to take note that this lady of near perfection is a well-loved humanitarian. She’s in fact UNICEF’s ambassador for Serbia. Clearly, her beauty emanates from the inside out. So go ahead and vote! It only takes two clicks. You can see her profile and cast your votes by clicking this . Common, guys!

Photo courtesy of Sports Illustrated .

Sorry, I Love You

2010-02-11T04:18:00.002+08:00

I’m sorry.

There, I said it. Again.

Do you even remember how many times I have uttered those words to you? Yeah, I know, it’s just too numerous to mention one by one. Countless as the stars they are, but you know them all. And you know the odd thing about you? You ALWAYS forgive me. It doesn’t matter how little or how monstrous my shortcomings are. I even denied you before, remember? But it seemed so insignificant to you. You are always there, waiting. Waiting for me to turn to you. You’re just unbelievable, really.

Your love and kindness simply emanates in everything around me. Yet I always break your heart. And you know how many times I cried because of that. Yes, I did cry A LOT because of you. But the amount of teardrops I shed cannot seem to drown my transgressions away. I always lose myself. I always forget about you. In my mind there is this enduring battle between knowing what’s right and doing the opposite. I cannot seem to win.

And I know that you know how my guilty conscience eats me up big time. Ever since I’ve truly known you, I realized my ‘guilt meter’ is always on a high. It sucks, you know. Of all the feelings in the world, it’s the one I hate most — being guilty about you. Yet why do I always hurt you? Why do I always fail you? It’s making me mad. And heck, you are still so crazy about me it’s so mind-boggling. I’m not even deserving.

I love you. I am truly, madly, deeply, crazily, deliriously in love with you. Help me become a better me. Help me, please.

Again, I’m sorry. I’m really sorry. My God, please forgive me.

P.S. And really, I’m sorry for not using capital Y all throughout this article or else my readers would immediately recognize I’m talking to You. Er, it’s the surprise factor, as you probably know.

P.S. 2. Happy Valentine’s Day lovely peeps!

Blues

2010-01-19T19:36:00.004+08:00

I don’t know if I said this already but, I love Titanic. Like, it’s my favorite film of ALL TIME (don’t ask me why, I really don’t know either).

Unless you live in a far-flung planet like Pandora, you’d know that it is also the highest grossing film of ALL TIME. At $ 1.8B, the movie has been standing loftily at the top of the rankings for 13 friggin’ years. It seemed unsinkable there. The closest competition was The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King at $ 1.119B. It’s not even close, really. And then came Avatar.

I’ve never been a fanatic of sci-fi which explains the lack of zest for this James Cameron blockbuster. Then one day, one friend nudged me and said, “Uy, malapit na raw ma-beat ng Avatar yung record ng Titanic, ah!” I was like, “No way!”

So I researched about it, and found out that Avatar is only a little over the 1 billion mark. I heaved a sigh of relief but then I realized it was just three weeks after its release. Holy crap [and as of this writing, it has garnered a mind-blowing $ 1.6B gross. And it’s not even released in other parts of the world yet!]

Trying to kill my curiosity, I borrowed a (take note) Blu-ray DVD from my cousin and watched it. Surprised myself, I kinda liked it. No, I totally liked it. It was highly imaginative with a very good mix of drama and adventure though I wasn’t really crazy about the plot. And for 162 minutes or so, I swear I had a massive loathing for blue, my favorite color. Nevertheless, it stopped me from questioning the success of the film. But it is still far from toppling Titanic at the summit of my list.

So why am I writing this? Wala lang. Mahirap lang sigurong tanggapin ang katotohanan na may bagay na hindi kayang maiiwasan. Na mayroon at mayroong hihigit pa sa bagay na pinaka-natatangi sa’yo.

OK, for a follow-up prediction: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (either the first or the second part) WILL be the next highest grossing film of all time. Mark my words.

***

At para naman magkaroon ng relasyon sa title yung post ko, eto ang isang awitin mula sa Switchfoot. I love this song. Dapat ikaw rin.

[I just checked now (Jan 26, 2010) and it's official -- Avatar is now the highest grossing film of all time. Haay buhay.]

Sayang

2010-01-11T20:35:00.002+08:00

I could’ve been graduating with honors. If not for that solitary 2.75 grade I received, I could’ve been marching down with a medal wrapped around my neck.

I was first year then. And a lost soul was I. I was still on that phase where having a firm conviction about one’s self if a rarity, where conforming begets acceptance, where being radical is kewl, where not being good is better.

I didn’t want to take school that seriously. For me, being GC (grade conscious) sounds cheesy. Having my high school motto, “Grades do not measure intelligence” encrusted upon my chest, I decided to live my college life in the most carefree manner as possible.

When Demand Exceeds Supply

I hated my Economics in college. It’s not the subject per se; the abhorrence emanates more from the professor than any other. She was old, batty, balding, and inconsiderate and a worshipper of the numbers 3 and 5. She will trample you with tons of requirements yet you barely understand what she teaches (if she does). She was so full of demands that my supply of patience went zero.

I put up a silent rebellion against her. I never recited. I slept in her class. I passed hastily done assignments. I cursed her every time her shadow crosses our room. I hated her. Then she gave me a 2. 75. I cursed her once more.

It took time before I realized what that grade means – adios Mr. cum laude. I know I could’ve done better than to rant about her. But I didn’t do it. Had I not blew my cool I wouldn’t be feeling sorry for myself. But heck, it’s time to move on now. I really wanted to say more about this but I guess I’ll just let it be this way.

Indeed, grades don’t always measure intelligence but they reflect one’s discipline.

[Mega thanks to Aneng for the inspiration for this post.]

2010 Predictions

2010-01-01T19:20:00.000+08:00

This is a revelation: I am a seer. Yes, I possess powers normal beings fail to have: ESP. You know those instances when a vivid picture of a situation suddenly flashed in your mind and right then and there, as if on cue, it happens? Or a sudden surge of instinct tells you what card will be dealt next while playing tong-its? I have those. Most of the time.

And now another year has just kicked off, my mind started barfing visions of the events that will transpire in the next 365 and ¼ days. Here are my startling predictions:

1. Marian Rivera will be dumb (as in mute).

2. There will be an antidote for MELASON (yes, I’m a KJ).

3. Aljur and Kris will finally learn how to act.

4. The EB Babes will finally learn what synchronicity means (mind you, I like the EB Babes, hehe).

5. Manny Pacquiao will have a straight vision (I mean, you know, he’ll concentrate on boxing alone).

6. Ana Ivanovic will win a Grand Slam. <3

7. BF will be the next veep.

8. Jojo Binay will come out of the dark and will realize what hypocrisy means.

9. PGMA will fall in a manhole.

10. Manholes will fill the Palace.

11. Ladies who leave their hair untied while riding a jeepney will be burned at the stake.

12. Spitting in public will earn you a one-way ticket to Muntinlupa.

13. There will be no more pickpockets on footbridges.

14. People will learn how to dispose their trash properly.

15. There will be no more floods.

16. The Philippines will be a first world country.

17. Badong will soon find where his missing properties are.

18. Badong and his group will have passing marks in their thesis defense.

19. Badong’s thesis will be hailed as the most outstanding thesis in the land.

20. Badong will IMMEDIATELY find a job (after bumming for four months).

21. Badong will have lesser grammatical errors.

22. Badong will make it to the headlines (not as a criminal, hopefully).

23. Badong will lessen his parenthetical remarks (I’ll try).

24. Badong will not be corny (I’ll really try).

25. Badong will –

Fine! Fine! I’m a fraud. I’m no Nostradamus or a Madam Auring (thankfully). You can now stab me zealously. This article simply sprang forth because of the absurdity of the predictions from these self-proclaimed psychics I see on TV. Just consider this particular prediction: Prepare for an intensity 6 earthquake that will hit the Philippines especially the Metro Manila area during the third quarter of the year. Mmm-kay. PREPARE for an earthquake. That sounds practical. Should I tie our furniture items to the wall come July? Ridiculous.

This is a revelation: I am a liar. But call me a visionary instead.

On Leave

2009-12-27T20:07:00.002+08:00

First thing, I wanna greet you lovely people a belated Happy Christmas! The bountiful festivities had been overwhelming for me (especially my tummy) that I wasn’t able to respond to your thoughtful greetings. You guys rock.

Now, this post was totally unplanned. I was actually considering lengthening my hiatus up until the turn of the year but I deemed making one last entry to give credits to the year that has been (or at least in a few days time).

You see, this year has been totally AWESOME for me. I cannot point my finger on what made it so; it’s just that every aspect of my life had been simply…awesome. I cannot even remember the negatives that happened to me (save for that recent footbridge incident, but that was almost suppressed in my psyche).

But right now I wanna give some kudos to my new and enduring blogging friends. You know who you are, guys. Thank you for keeping up with this lousy blogger. Till next year!

At this point, let me be one of the first to say, “Happy New Year!”

How Cholo and Jodi Almost Made Me Cry

2009-12-12T11:45:00.003+08:00

LOL.

I have never seen an entire episode of the local adaptation of Stairway To Heaven, not even if I was a semi-regular viewer of the original thing. But since I have this strong fetish for tragic endings (especially on love stories), I bothered to take some time to catch the last few moments of its final episode aired last night.

Tragic endings.

I simply love sad endings as much as happy ones. I scavenge for stories that conclude with goodbyes or better, death. It all started with Jack and Rose, and then amplified hugely by Jamie and Landon. Here comes my emo side. Gah.

Now back to Stairway To Heaven. I actually assumed the ending would verge on being cheesy to trashy, but I was pleasantly surprised that it wasn’t that dreadful. Had Rhian Ramos acted better, I think the ending would be a grand slam. My eyes almost welled up. Just almost.

So I was really getting into Jodi’s death scene (with Jodi bidding goodbye and Cholo telling her to hold on just for a couple more seconds) then the maddening voice of Regine Velasquez suddenly played on the background. Hate that part right there. Worse, a CGI-ed ‘stairway to heaven’ materialized and some glorious rays of sunlight and floating orbs to match. Er, what was that, seriously? I almost felt like a heavenly being would descend to fetch Jodi up, or a sea creature would emerge from the vastness of the sea to strangle Cholo down back to Atlantika.

I cried of laughter.

On Time

2009-12-02T19:38:00.001+08:00

I don’t usually wear a watch as it makes me very uncomfortable. Save for those instances that it was presented to me in gift wrap, I never really had much use of this useful, little contraption. I pretty much rely on my handy dandy phone to keep me updated of the time.

So just imagine my agony yesterday morning when my phone’s battery suddenly went off while I’m waiting for a jeepney to work. Thirty minutes or so of waiting for a PUV with a vacant space was sheer torture, especially if you have no sense of time at all. Add another thirty minutes or so of being stuck in traffic almost took away my sanity. At that point I know I’m going to be late. No, I wasn’t worried about being reprimanded by my superiors. It’s just that I detest not beating the clock.

Filipino Time

I hate being late. Have I said it already? I simply hate it. And I abhor people who are always late. Especially those who are even PROUD of it.

Have you encountered such lowly beings? I sure know a few of them. Setting up a meeting time with those imps would be a futile effort as proven by these instances:

Mr. Punctuality: OK, so we will meet tomorrow at 7 AM. SHARP.

Mr. Tardiness: Alright. But I’ll probably arrive at 8 so don’t expect too much.

Seven? I normally wake up at around that time. But yeah, sure! Seven!

Sure thing! I’ll leave the house tomorrow at 7 AM. SHARP. *grins*

Know what’s irritating in those situations? It’s when those beings cheerfully proclaim to the world that punctuality is not in their dictionary. Like they deserve a medal of valor or something. Like it makes them cute. Fudge you.

No, I’m not being self-righteous here. As stated above, I’m not always Mr. Punctuality, but only on three kinds of situations:

1. I slept too much;

2. I don’t feel like going to my appointment and;

3. Friggin’ traffic jam.

*4. (Bonus) I know I would be dealing with Mr. /Ms. Tardiness (Baaad!)

Please, don’t blame it on Filipino Time. The sustained existence of this habit results from people’s conscious recollection of the deed. There is Filipino Time because people think that there IS Filipino Time. There are tardy people because they think that there WILL be tardy people.

Bato- bato sa langit ang tamaan wag magalit.

On Constipation

2009-11-23T19:25:00.002+08:00

This reminds me of an article written by our high school paper’s editor-in-chief. Constipation – not that pesky digestive problem – is when nothing, nada, nil, not even an iota of idea or inspiration would emerge to push you to continue nor even start writing. In other words, writer’s block. For the past few weeks I’ve been straining every neuron in my brain to produce anything, just ANYTHING worth reading. Epic fail. Well, almost.

Is the world running out of interesting things to write about? Am being less observant?

They say one way to counter this problem is to write about it. So that’s exactly what I’m doing now. And it’s helping me, but not fully. I mean, how can I start writing if I am downright uninspired? Or am I just too idle initiate? I don’t know.

Two-Ball

And now for the real thing. Honestly, I have constipation – that pesky digestive problem. Again. Now what really causes this sh*t? It’s seriously giving me a HARD time.

Now I need fiber as much as I need inspiration.

Why I Would Never, Ever Cross A Footbridge Again

2009-11-04T20:47:00.000+08:00

It was the last day of my OJT for this week. Thank you very much. I have all the eagerness in the world to go home today so I can have that well-deserved rest for tomorrow’s big day at school. All seemed well during the jeepney ride to Cubao, but for some twisted reason, our effin’ jeepney driver (Bless him) dropped us at the other side of Aurora Blvd, which meant my friend and I had to use one of those acrophobic, wild pink footbridges.

To avoid spattering rainwater on my pants, I cautiously walked my way across the wet, ill-illuminated overpass like a cat walking on a tightrope. I safely got thru. Yey. We immediately flagged down the first jeepney to Marikina that we saw and just when I was about hop on I noticed that my bag’s front pocket was open. Freaking out, I quickly scanned if my ancient phone and mp4 player were still present. Luckily, they were safely sitting there at the bottom. Sigh of relief. So feeling secured already, I groped for my pouch to get my fare. And I groped. And groped again. But the pouch wasn’t there. Aw, fudge. Now I’m dead.

Goodbye 1k. Goodbye memory cards (of my classmates. Ouch). Goodbye, movie tickets. Goodbye, BDO cash card. Good bye National Library card. Goodbye…

I’ve been often told my parents and peers that that particular pocket was not a safe place to put my valuables. But my stubbornness tells me otherwise.

On the positive side, I wasn’t harmed at all. That is something to be really thankful of. If I was robbed face-to-face I might have wet my pants. In addition, I get to follow my tight-fisted budgeting practices once more. It’s been a while since I last saved money, you see. Oh well, that's life.

Moral of the story: Don’t cross the EDSA-Aurora footbridge at night.

When You Live In A Haunted House…

2009-10-30T21:04:00.002+08:00

In the spirit of Halloween, kwentuhang nakakatakot muna tayo.

Have you ever had any ghostly experiences? Like have you ever seen one? Feel one perhaps? I’m not afraid to admit that I am a big scaredy cat myself. When I was a kid (sometimes until now), the dark always frightens me. Whenever we have to pass through a dark street or go inside a dim-lit room, I walk as fast as I could or close eyes so tight as if their sealed with epoxy, afraid of whatever I might see – or what might see me – in the absence of light. Ironically, I love everything that is terrifying. I love listening to scary tales, watching horror films, reading ghost stories. I live for those things.

Luckily, I’ve never seen a ghost face to face. But I had a lot of close encounters, if you may call it. And it all happened here, right inside the walls of our house.

I cannot say that our dwelling is truly ‘haunted’. For one thing, it’s relatively new (only a few years older than me) to be one. However, it’s dead quiet most of the time. And as paranormal experts assert, hushed spots are favorite thriving spots of these eerie entities.

One afternoon, I was watching TV in my room with the doors left open. My grandmother, whose room stands adjacent to mine, went out to go to the bathroom at the end of the hallway. After a few minutes, I heard her bedroom door opened once more, and there she was again, walking in the hallway, heading towards the bathroom…

There was also one time when my cousins, my sister and I were sharing ghost stories in my room. I was about to tell a story about my aunt’s room when my sister suddenly butt in and exclaimed, “Ay oo sa kwarto ni Tita! Dati nasa kwarto ako ni kuya, ako lang mag-isa dito sa taas, tapos narinig ko yung monoblock na upuan ni Tita na gumagalaw, parang may humihila!”. That creeped me out big time. It was exactly the same story I’m about to tell them…

And just recently, we celebrated my grandmother’s brother’s 40^th day of departure to the living world. A short ‘padasal’ was held in our house but I did not even bother. That very night, I had a terrifying yet sad dream about my dead relatives (at least those whom I know). They were in a hospital, all in their deathbeds, crying, begging me for help…

In between are stories of my dead grandfather turning off the TV that was left turned on, of one of our dead relatives sitting comfortably on the sofa at midnight, of feeling a heavy weight pressed on my shoulders while sleeping, and of the infamous moth flying around our heads every November 1 and 19 (my grandfather’s death anniversary).

The weird thing is, during those moments that I experienced them, I didn’t feel scared like I thought I would be. Maybe because it really takes a while before something sinks in to me. Like my mind is just too slow or too tired to react and tell me, “Hey stupid, that’s a ghost!”

Forgive me guys for sharing this generic topic. You see, I grew up watching Are You Afraid of the Dark? and had always fancied the idea of a group of friends surrounding a bonfire, telling frightening tales to each other.

This is the new Midnight Society. Do you have any tale to share?

Extra Challenge

2009-10-24T11:21:00.001+08:00

Busyness is next to haggardness, sabi nga ng kaibigan ko noong high school. Makailang ulit ko na ring nasabi dito sa blog na binabasa mo na sa loob ng ilang buwan ay mamartsa na sa entablado para kunin ang pinaka-mi-mithing diploma ang inyong abang lingkod. Sana lang po. Tiwala naman ako sa sarili ko na makakatapos ako, pero hindi ko lang talaga maiwasang mapraning, mangarag at magpaka-hilong talilong sa mga pinag-ga-gagawa (sana tama ang spelling) ko. Partikular na itong linggong ito. Halos hindi na naramdaman ang presensya ko sa blogosperyo dahil mismong pagtulog na ang isinisingit ko sa iskeydyul ko. Pero hindi naman lahat e paghihirap. Marami-rami rin akong natutunan sa mga nangyari sa akin nitong mga nakaraang araw. Sana lang ay tumimo at kumintal sila sa isipan ko ng mas matagal.

Enrolment

Puro pila, puro pila. Apat ang pila sa cashier. Dun ako humanay sa unang window. Nang mapansin kong mas mabilis ang pag-usad sa katabi kong pila, lakas-looob at garapalan akong umalis at nakisingit sa kaklase ko. Ang problema, ganun din ang ginawa ng iba. Oo nga’t mas mabilis ang kahera namin. Pero mas mabilis ang karma. Dahil pasimple ring nag-lipatan ang mga tao sa linyang siningitan ko, ayun, natubunan din ako. Naunahan pa akong magbayad ng kaklase kong nasa likuran ko sa unang linya.

Moral of the story: Always be faithful.

OJT

Huwebes ang itinakda kong araw ng pagha-hunting ng kumpanyang maaari akong mag-OJT. Miyerkules, iginugol ko ang buong gabi para sa paghahanda sa mga maaaring mangyari kinabukasan. Taimtim kong inaral at isinapuso ang mga dapat at hindi dapat gawin sa interbyu, pati na rin ang mga tanong na posibleng ibato sa akin. Binalak ko ring mag-review kung saka-sakaling biglang may itanong tungkol sa mga napag-aralan ko, pero tinamad ako. Sa kaba at pagod ko ay baka wala ring pumasok sa aking mumunting utak. “I can feel the pressure, it’s getting closer now…” sabi ng Paramore sa isip ko.

Kasama ang dalawa pang kaibigan, una naming pinuntahan kinaumagahan ang isang malaking ospital sa Quezon City (dahil sabi ni Jobstreet). Nangingig na inabot naming ang aming mga resume kay kuyang naka-blue at may braces at saka naghintay na tawagin para sa interbyu. Pero naghintay kami sa wala. Makalipas lang ang ilang minuto ay lumapit siya sa amin sabay sabing, “Kelan niyo pwedeng i-submit yung dalawang 1x1 picture, letter sa school na may pirma ng practicum adviser at X-ray?”

Nagtinginan kaming tatlo. Pasok na tayo? sabi ko sa isip ko. Walang effort.

Moral of the story: Believe in yourself. Wala lang.

Sa darating na Martes ay simula na ng bago kong pakikipag-sapalaran sa magulong mundo ng HR.

Badong Updated

2009-10-12T19:25:00.006+08:00

The past two weeks have been totally different for me. And with the current flow of events, it seems that this divergence will continue on for a little while. For instance, I’ve been on idle mode doing blog-hopping or even logging in on Facebook (since some of my close friends are still gravely affected by the flooding that they have no time to go online at all). And add the case of the rotating blackouts in Metro Manila that causes me even more sleepless nights. But apparently, it’s just a phase, so they say. I’m slowly returning to my usual self again. For now, here are some quick updates sa buhay ni Badong:

Blackouts

Yes, not brownouts. One thing that I’ve learned finally is the difference between black out and brownout. I know for a fact that the former refers to total electricity outage (the one Filipinos fondly call ‘brownout’), but I never seem to know the latter’s exact definition. The case is it completely slips out of my mind once electricity recommences and I only remember it once there’s another case of brown, err, blackout. And two straight nights of complete darkness seemed to engrave the task of researching in my cranial region so now I am proud to announce that ignorance is not my best friend.

New Header

I’ve been thinking of changing my header for so long now but my friend Procrastination tells me to do it some other time. And so I didn’t object. So for a while, I let other bloggers think that my blog’s name is Sino Si Badong? rather than Bahay Ni Badong. And I actually received two awards and one nomination under that mistaken blog name. Shame. At least it didn’t make the recognitions invalid.

PBA 3

I shamelessly nominated some of my entries in the Top Ten Posts of the Year category of the third Philippine Blog Awards. Luckily, two of them qualified as finalists.

“To see my name in the lists of nominees alone is a great honor already.” – [put actor’s/actress’ name here.]

It’s actually true, those things you see and hear on TV. Before, I thought it was a tad hypocritical of those people to say that they are totally happy to not win an award. That being nominated alone is a feat to cherish already. Of course, who wouldn’t want some recognition? Who wouldn’t want to bag those trophies, those medals home with them? Are they serious?

And then being put in their own shoes makes me realize that yes, they are serious.

When I saw my posts in the list of finalists I felt sudden surge of euphoria ran thru my spine. My initial reaction was, ‘SERIOUSLY?!’ And it’s also somewhat true that once you see who you’re competing with, you wouldn’t really expect that you could win. Nakakatakot, I said to myself when I read some of the entries. All of them are so well written and some are in fact done by pro-bloggers. But, it would also make me a big hypocrite if I say that I did not hope that I could win. Optimism doesn’t hurt, you know. It attracts positive vibes, too, hehe.

But I did not win. But it’s totally OK. I admit it’s heart-breaking, as I said who wouldn’t want some recognition? But then again, it’s a start. A sign for me to do well, to do better. And it’s not about the recognitions anymore, but a task for self improvement.

By the way, another loads of thanks to Kuya Nebz of Isla de Nebz and Mar of Taympers for telling me that I am one of the finalists. I don’t visit the PBA site that often, you see.

CTRL + S

Amidst the blackouts and the awards, I learned one valuable thing: Always remember to save your work every minute. You’ll never know when MERALCO will cut your electricity.

Surprise Visit

2009-09-28T09:06:00.001+08:00

Sigurado ako naranasan niyo ng maligo sa ulan. E ang mag-swimming sa baha? Ako oo! Dalawang beses pa.

Una, noong nasa elementarya pa ako. Ang saya-saya naming mapi-pinsan habang feel na feel naming inaanod kami ng tubig baha. Walang pakialam kesyo may mga lumulutang na mga ipis o kung anu-ano pang mga bagay na produkto ng tiyan ng tao at hayop. Pangalawa, heto at sariwa pa sa alaala ko. At siguradong habang buhay nang tatatak sa aking gunita.

Araw ng Sabado, nagising ako sa tunog ng ulan na walang tigil sa pag-patak sa bubong namin. May bagyo nga pala, sabi ko sa sarili ko. Sumilip ako sa bintana. Lampas talampakan na ang baha! Napangiti ako. Sa buong Marikina kasi, isa ang lugar namin sa mga bihirang bahain.

Pagkatapos mag-ayos at dumiretso ako sa kusina at tinulungan sa pagluluto ang Mama ko. Habang nagpi-prito ng tosino ay aliw na aliw naman akong pinagma-masdan unti-unting pag-akyat ng tubig sa labas.

Mga nasa limang pulagada na siguro ang lalim. Ilang minuto ang lumipas. Nasa binti na ng Tito ko. Ilang minuto pa ang nagdaan. Halos maabot na ang tuhod niya. Ilang sandali lang ay papasok na ang tubig. Hindi rin nagtagal at nangyari na ang kinatatakutan mg Mama ko. Dali-dali naming inangat ang mga gamit sa baba ng bahay, kasama ang washing machine na nakaligtaan naming meron pala kami.

Pero walang mababakas na pag-aalala sa aking mukha. Totoo nyan, naka-ngiti pa ako. Sabi ko nga, bihira lang kasing mangyari ang ganito.

Walang tigil ang pag-ulan. Wala ring tigil ang pagtaas ng tubig. Mabilis. Ilang minuto uli ang lumipas. Hanggang tuhod na ang tubig sa loob ng bahay. Hindi na namin alam kung ano pang pag-angat ng gamit ang gagawin namin. Pinabayaan na lang naming lumutang ang sopa.

Dahil basa na rin, lumabas kami ng bahay. Hanggang hita na ang tubig. Sa galak ay nakuha ko pang kumuha ng mga litrato.

Umakyat na sa bewang ko ang tubig.

Nawalan na ng kuryente.

Nag-patuloy kami sa pag-salba ng mga gamit.

Hanggang tyan ko na ang baha.

Nawala na ang tuwa.

Nanginginig na ang buo kong katawan. Pakiramdam ko lulan ako ng barkong Titanic at pinagma-masdan ang unti-unting paglubog nito.

Nagpasya na akong umakyat. Wala na rin kaming magagawa nung mga panahong iyon. Nakuntento na lang ako sa pagma-masid ng mga kaganapan mula sa terrace. Naaawa kong pinag-masdan ang mga pusang nilalamig sa bubong nga mga kapit-bahay, ang mga batang inililikas ng mga magulang. Isang kapitbahay ang dumaan sa tapat at nag-dala ng masamang balita – meron na raw namatay. Nalunod.

Muli kong binaling ang atensyon sa ulan. Hihinto rin yan maya-maya, sabi ko.

Lumakas ang hangin. Tumaas pa ang baha.

Hanggang sa dumilim. Naalala ko, wala nga pala ang Papa ko. Nandun sa kaibigan niyang nag-iisa at may sakit. Sabi ng Tito ko, hanggang balikat na raw ang tubig sa labas. Wala namang second floor dun sa bahay ng kaibigan ng Papa ko, naisip ko bigla…

Lumalim ang gabi. Hindi ko na alam kung gaano na kalalim ang tubig sa labas. Pumikit ako at nag-dasal. Di nagtagal, naramdaman ko na lang na uminit ang hangin. Tumigil na rin ang ulan. Tahimik akong nag-pasalamat at nahimbing.

Kinabukasan nagising ako sa sinag ng araw na direktang tumatama sa aking mukha. Tapos na. Sumilip ako sa bintana at nasambit ang, “PUTIK!”. Andyan na rin si Papa. Balik na uli ang lahat sa dati – o siya nga ba?

Buong araw kaming nag-ayos at nag-linis ng mga bakas na iniwan ni Ondoy, ang di inaasahang bisita. Bakas ang pagod sa mukha ng bawat isa. Bawat pag-buhos ng tubig at pag-kuskos ng namuong putik may kakambal na buntong-hininga.

Gabi na ng muling bumalik ang kuryente. Agad kong binuksan ang TV at naabutan ang mga balita tungkol sa nakalipas na bagyo. Libu-libo ang na-apektuhan. Hindi iilan ang nasawi. Marami pa ang kailangang tulungan. Muli akong napa-pikit. Sinabi ko sa sarili, maswerte ka pa talaga.

092389

2009-09-23T16:19:00.002+08:00

For almost a month now, I’ve been drowning myself with songs from the 90’s and early 2000’s. Those are the songs that I grew up listening to as a kid. Songs that never fail to give me that poignant, nostalgic sensation that I’ve always loved.

Sigh.

Backstreet Boys, Westlife, M2M, Alanis Morissette, Steps, The Moffatts, Hansons, Joan Osborne, Oasis, Aqua, Switchfoot and a whole lot of them others keep on repeating in my playlist. What the heck happened to them? These dudes and dudettes remind me of the old times when all I have to care about is…now what did I care about when I was a child? TV? Ah, how I miss those days!

It’s really wonderful going back to those memories. Makes you laugh about the silly things you did before. And makes you laugh harder after realizing how sillier you’ve become. Truly, maturity doesn’t correlate to age.

So what’s the story behind the drama? Hmm, nothing really serious. It’s just my birthday. Yeah, I’m twenty. Two-Zero. Bente. I feel ancient.

But mind you, I’m not on Emo mode right now. Not even depressed. Why should I? It’s my friggin’ birthday! I guess I’m just starting to feel more like an adult now, though still not psychologically ripe. I simply feel like I really AM an adult! I feel like I should take charge, be more responsible for my life, not that I am not before. But my excursions to the past prove I’m not ready. Not yet.

Another cause could be the fact that in a few months now I will be – guess I’ve said this before – bidding adios to the portals of my alma mater. Graduation. Before, I’m scared of entering college. But now I don’t think I’m prepared enough to leave it. But that’s how life goes. Everything has to end. But as Semisonic puts it, “Every new beginning comes from some other beginnings end.” Brilliant. I can’t wait for that new beginning.

Alright! So much for the drama. Just want to extend my super thank you to my uber amazing friends who gave me the best surprise ever. You really got me in my most vulnerable. Fudge you guys. You’re the ‘awesomest’ creatures of all! And now time for my birthday cake!

Offline

2009-09-15T19:17:00.001+08:00

Now that I’m counting only a couple of months till graduation, it’s not unusual for me to be exposed to a lot of tasks and responsibilities necessary for me to get that friggin’ piece of parchment called ‘diploma’. Stuff like studying for our exams, creating a unique, innovative, marketable product for Consumer Behavior, making a novel-based comic book for that effin’ World Literature, catching cockroaches, mosquitoes and all them disease-causing minute creatures for Microbiology and Parasitology, finding a reputable company where I can have my OJT, and most importantly, accomplishing our thesis which, until now, is only half-way done, and so forth (mind you, my major’s Psychology, though the subjects don’t reflect).

So yes, I’m exposed to a whole lot of stressors. But that was it. I’m only exposed, not really stressed. For I’m not doing everything I have to do to ‘feel the stress’. Some people blame it on my slothful tendencies. But me? I blame it on the Internet.

I know it’s not right, but I’m starting to notice that my whole life’s slowly being taken over by technology, especially the WWW. I feel edgy whenever I fail to go online to blog-hop, or check my Facebook and email accounts, or even get trivial updates on Yahoo! I go online more often than I should perform more essential duties. Internet addiction? Well, I hope I’m not there yet.

So, trying to break the habit, I had a self-imposed Internet-free day. That is one whole day of not clicking Google Chrome on my desktop and doing those things that I’m trying to, wanting to, and should do. And the outcomes were quite satisfying (Note that I got home yesterday at around 6:30 PM):

1. I was able to re-read and re-edit our thesis;

2. I was able to clear out the junkyard that is my room;

3. I was able to read several chapters of the book I’m trying to finish;

4. I was able to edit the uber TH (trying hard) music video I made; and

5. Again, I was able to make a blog entry!

So the attempt was an epic success. I felt thrilled by the thought that I could last a day without the Internet. And by 12:01 AM, I’m back to the online world again.

How Facebook Enhances Self-Esteem

2009-09-07T10:48:00.002+08:00

Now allow me talk about this whole new frenzy in the World Wide Web — Facebook. In the beginning, it appeared to be just one of those ubiquitous social networking sites teenagers addictively talk about. But apparently, FB serves more than just finding long lost friends or playing games or answering unbelievably stupid personality quizzes. Moreover, it boosts one’s self-esteem!

Friends For Sale

“I feel self-actualized because of Facebook, specifically with FFS,” says Jake, one of my friends.

One FB application I really don’t grasp the essence of at first is Friends For Sale (FFS). Now the idea is to buy your contacts and make them your ‘pets’. Doing so, it will increase their worth and at the same time, when another person buys your pet, your money will be returned with added bonus. It’s a win-win situation for both the owner and the pet, if you’re going to think of it.

So how does it enhance your self-esteem? you ask.

Take a look at the explanation above. When someone purchases you as his/her pet, your worth increases. So the more you get bought, the more you get a higher value. The more you feel you’re appreciated, accepted by many. The more you feel you’re popular. Sense of belongingness magnified.

I actually know a lot of people (which includes moi, hehe), who impose on others to buy them as a pet. And why not? If it satisfies their self-image. Their virtual self-image.

We live in a virtual world. Some live in a virtual life. Someday we will all be robots.

***

Honestly, I still don’t get FFS. And as of this writing, my worth is $22M. Shameful compared to my $400M friend. So does that mean I’m unpopular? I don’t think so. I’m priceless simply. My real worth cannot be translated to numbers.

Anyone who wants to add this friggin’ bastard on Facebook? It’s orleans.joel@yahoo.com. And oh, I almost forgot. Buy me as your pet.

A Short Greeting

2009-09-01T07:21:00.003+08:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!

Ha! I know it’s just the first day of the ninth month but for us Filipinos, it’s the first signal that Christmas is just around the corner. I’ve written here exactly a year ago about our unique habit of celebrating Christmas right on the very day “Ber” hits our calendars. So, allow me to be one of the first persons to greet you my dearest friends.

I also would want to take this opportunity to apologize to you guys. Been productive lately with tons of school work and Facebook-ing (Vajarl/JCCaduldulan, I know you feel with me. hehe), cutting my precious time posting blog-worthy entries and visiting your wonderful blogs my dear friends. Please bear with me. Also, please pray for yours truly to graduate on time! School’s a extremely fun but it’s so damn suffocating. Good thing there’s Christmas. Whoopee!

Aren’t you guys excited? Don’t ask me because it’s sure obvious. Spread the love!

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire. Jack Frost nipping at your nose…

UPDATED: Four-Point Plan for a Successful Miss Universe Campaign

2009-08-24T19:34:00.005+08:00

Ever wonder why Filipinos love beauty pageants? From the smallest barrio to the most prestigious competitions, from girls to guys to the in-betweens, from humans to animals and even lechon, believe me, walang pinalalampas ang Pinoy. However, recent years have shown that our dearest country isn’t having much luck on the most celebrated beauty contest in the world, the Miss Universe Beauty Pageant. So, trying to break the black drought, I propose four simple ways on how to have a successful Miss U campaign:

1. Naturalization of Venezuelans, Puerto Ricans, Brazilians, etc.

Admit it, but the competition has an obvious fetish for Latina beauties. Don't agree? Check Wikipedia. In our case, finding Latina-looking Filipinas could be a great option but when scarcity prevails, let the law take charge. We have a whole lot of Brazilians thriving in our country so make use of them!

2. Mandatory online voting for the Miss Photogenic Award.

One evident sign of the lack of unity in this lovely country is our failure to bag the highly coveted Miss Photogenic award for two consecutive years. That’s TWO CONSECUTIVE years of dearth preceded by a legendary THREE-PEAT. Common guys, make those fingers working! If we couldn’t make it in the top 15, then at least we are assured of a special award. Added exposure is very important.

3. Do it the Miriam way!

Now this goes to the delegate herself. Hold your head up high, toddle on the catwalk as if you’re a ghost floating on air and throw a banana peel you secretly hid behind your sash. Make sure to step on it. Then do the Miriam Quiambao move! See to it that you stand up as graceful as possible and at the end extend your arms to the crowd as if you’re saying “There you go, folks!” Two Miss USAs did it and it proved effective on them so why not give it a try? Audience impact din yon.

4. Use the ever reliable interpreter.

I know we Filipinos are very adept with using the international language, but just for this special event, let's pretend otherwise. For obvious reasons,it will benefit our representative big time. She will have ample time to think and give a very good answer as the question will be posed on her twice. Strategy!

Someday, the Philippines will conquer the universe.

Father or Brother?

2009-08-19T16:16:00.008+08:00

[Note: Long, religious post ahead. Hope you read it still.]

“I want to be a priest” I said. My closest friends stared at me in wide-eyed disbelief, eyebrows angled at 90°, and after doing a couple of somersaults, told me encouragingly, “Utot mo!!”

Their reaction did not take me by surprise, really. If you’re someone close to me, you’d know that I am anything but priestly. I only hear the gospel during the first Friday mass at school or during Christmas Eve. I don’t pray the rosary. And I only knew my Bible stories because of Flying House.

But it doesn’t mean that I am a man of little faith. In fact, I am a man with a lot of faith. And my self-imposed recollection in my room last Holy Week just magnified every bit of faith I have in my soul. I realized that God almost always gives me what I pray for. It’s my turn now to give back the glory and serve Him on a higher level.

That’s when the idea of priesthood entered my mind. Only with one big dilemma: I’m not sure if I can live up to a celibate life. I want to have a family of my own, of course.

Now that’s when the idea of converting my religion from Catholicsm to Born Again Christianity came into view. “If I can’t be Father Joel, then better be Brother Joel” I said to myself. And being surrounded by a lot of Christian friends, I somehow have the gist on how it is to be in their group.

I religiously followed Bo Sanchez’s blog, listened to Hillsongs music, and started reading the Bible by heart. For a time, I somehow thought I wanted to be a true Christian.

Then one day, one of my friends told me to read a particular book written by a Christian pastor. Interested, I obliged. I was enjoying reading the first few pages of the book, but for a certain reason, I felt the urge not to continue.

What I don’t like (not that I hate it) about some Christians is they sometimes try to impose on others that what they believe in is right. That the other religions are spreading falsehood among their men. That their OWN interpretation of the Bible is the RIGHT one and should be the one to believe in.

I know I’m not the right person to talk about religion but I can’t help but feel disconcerted. It’s not only an attack to my religion, but a personal attack on me, as well as the other followers of my religion.

Now please, don’t get me wrong, I’m not planning to start World War III here. Kristiyano ka man o Iglesya o kahit pagano, nire-respeto kita. I just want to get my message across: We all believe in ONE God. In the end it’s not about who’s got the better religion because there is NO such thing. This is not about religion. This is about FAITH. And faith is not something you impose on others. It’s something you find for yourself. Something you find IN yourself.

So what now, Father or Brother? I still don’t know. So help me God.

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Oh, My Nose is Bleeds!

2009-08-11T19:57:00.002+08:00

Noong unang panahon nagbibiruan kami ng mga kaibigan ko tungkol sa isa naming kaklaseng mali-mali ang grammar pag nag-i-Ingles. Ang lakas ng loob kong sabihin, “Haha! Wrong grammar naman siya!” Biglang sumagot ang isa kong kaibigan at sinabing, “Mali! Dapat grammatically incorrect.” Kabog.

Tayong mga Pilipino, ang lalakas manlibak ng kapwa lalo na sa pagsa-salita ng Ingles. Mamali ka lang ng pronounciation (Hep! Hep! It’s proNUNciation) o kaya ng gamit ng subject-verb agreement para ka ng lumabag sa batas. Kala mo kung sinong kay gagaling.

Meron din akong mga kilala (karamihan mga artista) na ang fluent mag-Taglish, pero kapag pinag-salita mo ng purong Ingles na nagkaka-buhul-buhol na ang mga dila. At kadalasan, sa kanila rin nagmumula ang mga matatalas na komento tungkol sa pagsasalita ng ibang tao.

Tulad nga ng nabasa niyo sa itaas, aminado rin akong gawain ko yun minsan (para kila Marvin at Jericho, please forgive me). Pero hindi, as in, HINDI perpekto ang Ingles ko (kaya nga pinili kong isulat itong entry na to sa Filipino). Sa katunayan, hindi na mawala sakin ang pagiging wrong grammar, este, grammatically incorrect kung minsan. Patunay nyan ay itong mismong blog na binabasa niyo.

Bakit nga ba ganon tayo? Sabagay, second language natin ang Ingles. At minsan na rin tayong naging pinaka-magaling sa paggamit nito. NAGING pinaka-magaling. Noon, kapag may nagtanong ng Ingles, merong sasagot ng purong Ingles din. E ngayon? Kapag may nagtanong ng Ingles, merong nino-nosebleed.

Hindi ko sinulat to para pangaralan ang ibang tao. Sinulat ko to para “sipain sa pwet” ang sarili ko. Ganyan na tayong mag Pinoy e, past time na natin ang manlait ng iba. Pero ang sa akin lang, sinisimulan ko ng baguhin ang ugali kong yon. Sabi nga, tignan mo muna ang sarili mo bago mo punahin ang ibang tao.

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Goodbye and Thank You

2009-08-01T08:10:00.006+08:00

I woke up today with high hopes for this brand new day. It was a little bit gloomy, though, as it has been raining for hours now. I turned on the Internet to check for some updates when I found this very depressing news: Corazon Aquino, Philippines president, dead at 76 (AP).

I stared in front of the monitor in wide-eyed disbelief. Tita Cory, the good, passionate, demure and strong-willed woman who once governed this country has now surrendered to her true master. Then I instantly knew the reason behind the gloomy weather. The heavens must have been mourning for her too.

A lot of public figures have retreated to their final resting place already but none of them had blown such an impact on me than Tita Cory. How could someone be so lovely, so full of heart and so gracious like her be gone? Siguro totoo nga yung kasabihan na “Kapag masamang damo, matagal mamatay”. Tita Cory is far from being one.

I want to keep this post short. And as a final salvo, I want to say, thank you President Corazon Cojuangco Aquino. THANK YOU.

Harry Potter and the Theater Imps

2009-07-17T06:48:00.006+08:00

Yes, this is intended to be a Harry Potter post but I decided not going to make a review about it. Let’s just say the movie was superb. Probably six times better than the previous one (Order of the Phoenix; Prizoner of Azkaban remains on top of my list). Instead, I want to tell you about the ‘theater imps’.

They hide themselves inside the cold, dark corners of every movie theater. They are the small, shrill voices you hear in the background that definitely ruin your watching stint. No, they are not ghosts nor are they supernatural beings. They’re completely human and they’re utterly irritating.

They are more likely to show up in novel-based movies. But they could also spread doom in practically any movie, provided they are highly anticipated. They often express their grudge over the distorted story-telling (“Oh, bakit yun na agad?” or “Ganito dapat yung sasabihin niya…!” ) but more often they will spoil the next scene (“Tapos ang mangyayari dyan…” or “Ayan na, ayan na!” ). And like an over-eager Lola Basyang, they will tell the rest of the story to their innocent member and devastate the moment of their neighbors.

Hey, theater imps, do you really think you’re cute? Fine, you loooove the book. You know every inch of the novel by heart. But do you honestly expect the producers to translate it to film word for word? Maybe you misinterpreted the word ‘adapted’ and thought it’s synonymous to ‘verbatim’? Or perhaps you’ve already seen the movie or read the synopsis and reviews beforehand. But do you really have to spoil it? If you couldn’t help your mouth, then please, help it. Fudge you.

So to the hardworking law-makers of this wonderful country, I propose you pass a law regarding illegal chit-chatting inside the theater. ‘Illegal chit-chatting’, to avoid ambiguity, refers to re-telling the story of a novel-based movie and spoiling the next scene in the movie he/she already watched. Law offenders will be required to recite the whole film verbatim. Failure to do so will put them to eternal damnation. What a lovely country this would be!

But then again, we are all guilty.

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Pieta

2009-07-02T19:09:00.004+08:00

Everyday is an exceptional day, isn't it?

This day seemed to be ending in a mediocre fashion already. I was on my way home, riding a Jurassic old jeepney. I was thinking how lackluster this day is when an unexpected sight caught my attention.

In front of me was a mother carrying her sleeping child on her lap. All is looking perfectly normal between them. Then at the drop of a hat, she started weeping silently while gently caressing her child’s forehead. I don’t know who they are. I have no speck of idea what their story is. But that plain and unforeseen sight moved me big time.

For some reason, mothers have always had some special connection to me. I could watch a girl or a child whimper and still be apathetic about it but not with a mother. Laging may kurot sa puso. If it was somebody else I saw my mind would’ve run haywire surmising the reasons for her weeping. But at that moment, no presumptions entered my mind. Just the thought of how powerful and unrestricted the love of a mother to her child is.

So why am I writing this? Mother’s Day is way behind the calendar and there’s still two months to go before my mom’s natal day. But do we really have to wait for a special day to tell our parents and make them feel how we value them?

Everyday is an exceptional day, so don’t waste it.

Bagyo, Baha, Buhol

2009-06-24T10:11:00.000+08:00

[Note: Kagabi pa talaga tong post nato kaso dahil sa nawalan kami ng Internet connection, ngayon ko lang siya na-publish.]

Saktong uwian na namin nang parang on cue na bumuhos ang napakalakas na ulan. Dahil atat nang umuwi, lakas-loob naming sinuong ang nangangalit na kalikasan, walang kamalay-malay na may bagyo na pala. Wala pang 5 mminuto at nandyan na ang ka-tandem niyang baha. At kapag nagsama na sila, isa lang ang kalalabasan – trapik.

Magta-tatlong oras na kong nakasakay sa dyip pero malayo pa ko sa dapat kong babaan. Wala naman akong reklamo sa trapik, pero nung nagsimula na kong murahin ng pwet ko, parang bigla kong ginustong maging chairman ng MMDA.

At para naman maibsan ang pagkabagot at para masabi kong worthwhile ang biyahe ko, sari-saring mga bagay na ang nagawa ko:

1. Matulog.

2. Picturan ang mga kasamahan kong tulog.

3. Maki-sing along kay Akon at Cris Brown na pinapatugtog ni Manong Drayber.

4. Gumawa ng mga sentences base sa mg plate number (ex. ILY = ‘I Love You’; UMD = Ur so Maarte, Duh).

5. Wag isiping baka hindi na mapanood ang Boys Over Flowers.

6. Wag isiping naje-jebs na (torture to).

7. Mag-isip kung paano isusulat ang article na to.

Pero sa huli, nauwi rin ako sa paglalakad.*buntong hininga*

So what did I learn today? One word: PATIENCE.

Naalala ko tuloy yung passage na natutunan ko nung high school: “…I asked for patience and God put into situations wherein I have to wait…”

At least ngayon masasabi ko na, patience is finally one of my virtues.

On Having Mild ADHD

2009-06-17T18:54:00.003+08:00

So now I’m diagnosing myself.

No legitimate Psychologist has ever diagnosed me but ever since the term ‘Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder’ (ADD for adults) lodged into my understanding, I hadn’t stopped thinking that I might have the disorder. For one thing, I manifest most of its symptoms, only less prominent. Besides, isn’t it grand to know that you are in the same boat as Albert Einstein, Leonardo Da Vinci, Benjamin Franklin, Michael Phelps, Tom Cruise and all them others who have the same affliction?

Here are just some of the telltale signs of ADHD/ADD and the reasons behind this suspicion. Take note of them; you might have it as well. :

1. Inattention/ Lack of focus
You cannot place me at the back or beside the window of the classroom for I tend to forget that there’s an authority figure in front. Time limits are my worst enemy, ‘coz I have this inclination to shift my attention every 10 minutes or so (guess how long it took me to finish this article). I cannot seem to settle on whether I’ll finish the task I’m doing or watch TV or do another task or do yoga or sketch pictures or play badminton inside my room. I call it multi-tasking, though.

2. Impulsiveness
I am the most unassuming person you’d probably meet. I do unexpected and clearly unprompted acts in the most unexpected situations, e.g., slightly pulling the hair or clothes of whoever’s walking in front of me. Even I do not know why the hell I do that. Giving nasty side comments while someone —whoever that someone is— is voicing out his thoughts or opinions is an equally nasty trait that I have, something that I’m really working on.

3. Difficulty following instructions
This is the part that I hate most: when people think I’m fat-witted whenever I find it hard to follow a certain instruction that has been repeated for several times. For the record, I am far from being stupid. Only on certain occasions, though.

4. Being unorganized and Forgetfulness
My room is close to looking like Ground Zero whenever I’m working on something like a school project or even writing an article for this blog. I also mastered the art of cramming for assignments, minor projects, and even reviewing for short quizzes; things like these, for some reason, easily escape my mind (except for instances that I really feel slothful doing them). I remember buying an organizer once but it didn’t work for long. I always forget that I have it in my bag.

5. Restlessness/ Fidgetiness
If Devon Sawa has Idle Hands, then I have Idle Feet. If my parents have no love for me, they might have amputated me a long time ago. It’s either because I can’t seem to stay firm on one place or I can’t seem to help my feet from doing…things. And seriously, I’m really, really worried that I might have ADHD/ADD…

Paranoid.

Face-Off: Promil Vs Nido

2009-06-09T05:01:00.002+08:00

Have you ever wished you were gifted?

Just recently, news spread about this boy who already managed to graduate college at the tender age of 11. Amazing kid, but then I started wondering how his college life went. At 11, I was still playing patintero on the streets and anticipating every Batibot episode on TV, but this kid was already studying about astrophysics and others that I might not even know how to pronounce. Surely his college mates wouldn’t want to play hide-and-seek with him? I just felt that his childhood was taken away by his intelligence.

In addition, we are all aware how these so-called ‘gifted children’ can be exposed to a lot of stress and pressure. They are like magnets that attract the public eye. They are expected to perform well in everything that they do, for their intellect is deemed as ‘faultless’; trivial blunders are enough reasons for derision. Just the mere fact that you are ‘smart’ seems to separate you already from the rest, so what more for them? Ang hirap maging matalino.

Remember the times when there was so much hype on the emergence of these gifted children in the Philippines? Back then I also wanted to be a gifted child myself (at some point I felt that I am, he-he). Modesty aside, I know I am blessed with a good brain and a couple of talents to go with it (simpleng yabang), but I wanted it at a higher level. Yung pang-Promil commercial! But seeing this kid just made me think otherwise.

I remember my 5-year-old self asking my Mom what brand of milk was used to feed me. Without dithering, she replied, “Sorry anak, Nido lang kasi pinainom namin sa’yo.” When she saw the disappointment on my then-innocent face, she quickly retracted and admitted that I was breastfed all the way. But either way, it doesn’t really matter to me now. I am unique and gifted in my own way. Mas maganda yata yung napupuri ka dahil sa natural na talento mo at hindi dahil sa epekto ng gatas na pinainom sa’yo.

Besides, does Promil really work?

Mga Gawain Sa Dilim

2009-06-04T12:44:00.004+08:00

Brown out.

Isa sa mga pinaka-ayaw ko sa lahat ay kapag brown-out. Pinaka-matinding dahilan ay dahil walang kuryente (obvious?), ibig sabihin, hindi ako makakapanood ng TV, hindi makakagamit ng electric fan, hindi makakapag-computer, hindi makakapag-radyo (buti na lang meron sa cellphone) at hindi makakapag-charge ng cellphone.

Kaya naman kapag mga bata, kanya-kanyang gawa ng paraan para maibsan ang pagka-bagot. Hindi syempre pwedeng mawala ang taguan. Da best yan lalo na ‘pag gabi at madilim! Syempre mas mahirp ang hanapan, kaso, kaso mas mahirap din ang maghanap ng tataguan.

At dahil nga madilim, kasama dyan ang kwentuhan ng nakakatakot. Mas nakaka-kilabot kasi ang ambience. At pagkatapos ng kwentuhan, tuloy naman sa ‘aswang-aswangan’ (wholesome an laro po ito!).

Nasubukan na rin namin ang maglibot sa buong village na para bang nagpi-People Power. Nag-karera na rin kami sa dilim. At kapag pagod na ang lahat, gagawa naman kami ng show mula sa mga anino ng kamay naming kinorteng mga hayop. At kapag wala pa ring kuryente, yung luha naman ng kandila yung pag-iinteresan. Hindi namin gusto ang brown out pero masaya kami.

Pero ngayon iba na. Mas boring na ang brown out. Ako, walang ginagawa kundi matulog. Yung mga dati kong kalaro naman, ayun nagtataguan pa rin kasabay ang pag-aaswangan’. Na-realize ko na kapag bata ka, mas naa-appreciate mo yung mga simpleng bagay sa mundo. *buntong hininga*

Pero hindi naman ako laging tulog kapag brown out (nakakapagod din kasi minsan matulog). Tulad ngayon, walang kuryente ¬¬¬(pesteng ulan yan), nakagawa tuloy ako ng post ng biglaan.

UPDATED: 10 Emerging Influential Blogs of 2009

2009-06-04T05:35:00.008+08:00

UPDATE: Alas, here's my complete and unadulterated list of the Top Ten Influential Blogs of 2009. This list was actually completed weeks ago but only I updated now, being the gifted crammer that I am. I was in fact, having second thoughts on posting this, 'coz whether I do it or not, these guys were already assured of the spot. And I guess I don't have to say 'Good luck' but 'Congratulations!'.

***

One of my newest blogger friends, Snow of Dear Bloggery, courteously asked yours truly to nominate her blog as well as others in Ms. Janette Toral’s list of the Most Influential Blogs of 2009. I’ve been reading Bloggery for quite some time now and I deem it worthy of my vote, thus, this post was made. Sadly, as much as I want to nominate Bahay Ni Badong (hehe) and some friend bloggers’ blogs, circumstances don’t permit me, as one criterion for nomination is that a blog must be conceived between May of 2008 up to the present. Sorry! For more information, just follow this link.

1. Writing To Exhale
2. Dear Bloggery
3. The Struggling Blogger
4. Barrio Siete
5. Zorlone
6. Jologs na Yuppie
7. Palipasan
8. Isla de Nebz
9. I Am Xprosaic
10 Kelvinonian

Special thanks to the following sponsors: Absolute Traders , My Brute Cheats, Business Summaries, Fitness Advantage Club, Events and Corporate Video, Events At Work, Dominguez Marketing Communications, Red Mobile, Budget hotel in Makati and Blog4Reviews.com.

Face-Off ver. 2 -- Bong VS Hayden

2009-05-20T12:20:00.000+08:00

[Note: Nerdy portions ahead.]

Time for another head-to-head match-up! This time, between the honorable Bong Revilla Jr. and the 'perverted' Dr. Hayden Kho.

This is so ridiculous, seeing Revilla almost red-faced with anger, complaining about Kho's alleged disrespect for women. Bong Revilla -- the sublime womanizer. Funny. Allow me to use psychology on this one but I think Bong's in a compromise situation called 'reaction formation' -- disguising one's motivation and conflict by believing that the motive is exactly the opposite of his real motive (Gaerlan). In this case, it's Bong battling with Hayden's misconduct towards women because he, himself is trying to battle his own unconscious desires. Forgive me for the geeky-ness.

Here's my point, if Bong wants to cancel Haydens' license, then why is he not pleading for the lifetime banning of Ethel Booba. Criselda Volks, Mahal and all them others who have been in this sticky situation before? Why, because he's a doctor and he's supposed to be an educated and respected person? Ang mga artista ba hindi?

I also heard that Katrina Halili's got the support of the activist group Gabriella. OK, I get the point. Katrina is the wretched one. But isn't what she did morally unacceptable? She (flirted) with the doctor while he's still in a relationship, for crying out loud. And she must not dare say, "Tao lang po ako." She had her --here foes the nerdy part again-- superego at the back of her mind but she let her id impulses overwhelm her. Hope you got that.

Say hello Absurdity.

Kris VS Adam: The Face-Off

2009-05-18T06:28:00.006+08:00

The votes have been cast and the competition had come down to the final two – Kris Allen, the underdog, and Adam Lambert, the drag queen. LOL. Seriously, I don’t think there’s any competition tougher than this (maybe even tougher than the Davids’ duel). So who do I think has the upper hand? Here’s my head-to-head match-up of the two:

ADAM LAMBERT
STRENGTHS: undoubtedly the best vocalist and the most confident performer on stage. Years of experience in the theater made him a seasoned talent on stage that he can eat Kris alive once he steps on the platform. He can interpret songs with authority and are uniquely Adam. He has had some of the best moments in the season, which includes Simon giving him an unexpected standing O. And he has this charisma that endears him to the viewers, making it easy for him to dig up throngs of fans.
WEAKNESSES: Weeks of watching him do the stuff he does make him predictable and almost boring. Sometimes unpredictability is so predictable, especially for him. Personally, I’m not a fan of his genre. I don’t think it’s marketable enough to make him last in the business. Besides, I’m not sure if I can last listening to his ear-splitting future album. And read: THEATRICAL. Which is quite unusual, seeing a ‘rock god’ (and I quote Kara) performing that way on stage.

KRIS ALLEN
STRENGTHS: Let’s go with the evident – good-looking. It’s obviously the first thing that people noticed and liked about him. He’s very cool to watch on stage; he quickly developed his confidence on the course of the competition. Like Adam, he’s had some of the best moments in the season, thanks to his genuine ad brilliant song interpretations (Heartless remians the best, so far). His big advantage is that his sound is much more relevant and marketable, which I think is more appealing to the younger viewers.
WEAKNESSES: comparing to Adam’s strengths, he’s a mere second placer.

At first, it’s painless to say that Adam is the top dog coming into the finale. But the show’s too fickle to be predictable. Anything could happen. A big part of the results will depend on the comments of Simon (admit it, he’s always right). Either he’ll pimp Adam up or use reverse psychology like he did to Cook. There’s also a big possibility that Gokey’s equally large fan base would start supporting Kris. And common, only one million votes separate the two. How exciting could that be?

***
And yes, my Nostradamic powers proved me right once again as two of my predictions came true: First, that the winner will be a guy (biologically speaking, he-he), and his name will start with the letter ‘A’ (Adam or Allen). Humirit pa talaga ako.

Ah, My Goddesses! -- Hottest Tennis Players

2009-05-13T10:34:00.023+08:00

Iv'e always had a notion that tennis players are the closest thing to heaven on earth. They're pretty, they hit hard, and they are red flamin' hot. So here's my own list of the hottest tennis players. Enjoy!

7. Elena Dementieva

6. Nicole Vaidisova

5. Maria Kirilenko

4. Dominika Cibulkova

3. Maria Sharapova

2. Daniel Hantuchova

1. ANA IVANOVIC

The hottest player EVER to walk on court. Sigh. I wanna fly to Paris now to watch her defend her French Open title. This is addiction.

A Letter from Someone I Call 'Special'

2009-05-08T08:15:00.006+08:00

"Badong",

How are you?

Funny that we always see each other everyday but I never get to ask you this simple question.

So, how are you?

I know you’re too busy with your summer job right now, leaving us with less time to talk and keep in touch with each other. Not that we have plenty of time before.

So when was the last time that we actually sit and bonded? I remember you were still in grades school then. You were very enthused about sharing your day in school. But how come everything changed when you reached high school? You became so aloof to the family. You were always locked up in you room. You rarely talked about your day in school unless we ask you. We don’ even know who your friends are. And you were the most hot-tempered person I know. There was a time when your father was teasing and tickling you and you reacted violently to that, smashing your cell phone on the floor. Naglalambing lang young tao.

But you’re not the only one at fault, though. I personally have a lot of shortcomings as well. I’m sorry if I always check on you. You can’t take that away from me. I’m your parent, and sorry if I’m a big time worrier. I’m sorry if I sometime fail to wake you up in the morning and if I sometimes ask you to take care of me. You know how bad my hypertension is. I hope I’m being a burden to you. I hope you’ understand tough that I’ve been a parent only once. I may be old, but I don’t know everything.

I miss you son. I miss your wacky stories. I miss your innocent smile. I miss your boisterous laugh. I miss you. Badly.

Well, this getting so melodramatic now. Anyway, you promised to buy me a cake for Mother’s Day. I’ll be waiting for that.

Mama

[Ayan, Ma, I put myself in your shoes. Now I understand better. Happy Mother's Day Mama! At para na rin sa lahat ng dakilang mga ina s buong mundo.]

PBA09o90p1no

Ako Mismo

2009-05-05T05:46:00.002+08:00

“Ayoko ko nang mag-reklamo.”

Yan ang mga linyang tumatak sa akin sa ad ng AkoMismo.Org . Sa maraming dahilan, perpekto ang linyang ‘to para sa’kin.

Hindi sapat na umpo lamang sa iasang tabi at hintayin ang pagbabago. Hindi rin sapat na lumabas lamang sa ga lansangan at sumigaw. walang magagawa ang pag-re-reklamo. Hindi hinihingi ang pagbabago, ginagawa. At hindi dapat gawin ng iilan lang, pero ng lahat.

Nasa sa’tin na mismo ang pagbabago. Nasa kamay mo. Nasa kamay ko. Ako mismo ang gagawa ng pagbabago.

If you want to be informed just visit AkoMismo.Org .

Bawal Ang Pork!

2009-04-29T06:46:00.002+08:00

The whole world is set on alert mode once again as the recent swine flu virus scare is slowly crawling across different parts of the globe. Schools had closed. Hospitals were jam-packed. Facemasks are in again. And other countries miles away from the virus’ epicenter are freakin’ out. All because of Porky Pig and his cohorts.

Now back to serious business. The Philippine government asserts that there is no cause for alarm yet. And I strongly believe that. And hopefully, there won’t be any. However, it would still be best if we set our defense mode before it could happen, if it will happen.

For the hog raisers, get your porkies vaccinated. If ever they’ll get the friggin’ virus, the most probable first victim will be you.

For the government, just continue what you’re dong right now. And always keep the public informed.

And for the people, be informed. Know everything about the sickness; it’s causes, symptoms, and most importantly the prevention. And do not compromise.

One last note: The last thing we should do is worry. We can still eat pork. But if you don’t want to, don’t fret! Just think of it as an extended Holy Week.

After the Day of the Earth

2009-04-23T06:53:00.003+08:00

Just a few quick thoughts on yesterday's special day.

I sincerely applaud the various organizations and government units that are continuously spreading awareness all over the globe regarding the changing climate and the desolating natural environment. Go check Greenpeace and EarthDay.Org and you will be overwhelmed by the myriad of activities, programs, news features and tips on how to save the ailing Mother Earth. The efforts are real and evident, but the results, I think, are barely tangible.

It’s given. People are aware, but the awareness seems to stick only on the mind, never reaching the affect. In simpler terms, people know what to do but they never do it by heart.

But I can’t blame them, though. There are a hell lot of issues that has to be thought of aside from being Captain Planet. Even I sometimes tend to have slips of mind and do things careless people do.

So how do we resolve the problem? I don’t know. Honestly, I don’t. Still, we can have Earth Hour everyday or Earth Day every week (or we can also have an Earth Month and an Earth Quarter and an Earth Year. :)) just as long as we put into our consciousness the things that must be done. Conscious effort, I think, is the key.

Sorry for posting this article yet not providing substantial solutions. Anyway, as what I learned from school, people (adults) learn better if they themselves think for themselves.

So what do you guys think?

Si Badong Bilang Estudyante

2009-04-18T12:12:00.005+08:00

Balik Taglish na naman ang blog ko.

Kagabi, habang nag-aayos ako ng isang drawer ay nakita ko ang mga lumang report cards ko mula kinder hanggang elementary. Hindi maiwasang maging nostalgic, kinuha ko ang maga 'yon at sinimulang basahin. Bukod sa nakaka-nginig na NI (Needs Improvement) na grade sa Christian Living noong kinder, higit na nakaka-sindak ay 'yong mga komentong natanggap ko mula sa aking mga pinakamamahal na mga guro. Ito ang top 10 sa kanila:

1. Minimize talkativeness.
2. Avoid being mischievous.
3. Iwasan ang laging nakikipag-away sa kaklase.
4. Makinig lagi sa guro. Ayusin ang pagsulat.
5. Sikaping matapos ang mga gawain sa takdang oras.
6. Magulo sa klase.
7. Maiwasan [sic] ang pakikipag-daldalan sa katabi upang maunawaan ang pinag-uusapan.
8. Dagdagan pa ang sipag at tiyaga sa pag-aaral.
9. Sikaping makilahok sa mga talakayan sa klase.

At ang pinaka-malupet..

10.

Kung personal mo akong kakilala malamang ay magugulat ka rin sa mga nakasulat sa taas. Pero ganyan talaga ako noon. Kahit ako mismo 'di makapaniwala.

Pero kung ano man ako ngayon, malayo 'yon sa taong minarkahan ng mga guro ko noon. Unang-una, hindi naman ako tamad mag-aral. Sa katunayan, gustung-gusto kong matuto. Gustung-gusto kong lamanan ang utak ko. Tamad lang talaga akong mag-klase. At hindi porke mistulang pinahiran ng ketchup ang report card mo, nangangaluhugang wala na ring laman ang ulo mo. Ang tagumpay ng tao, nasa kakayahan niyang bumangon sa mga pagkakamali at baguhin ang kanyang sarili.

The Neno's Award

2009-04-14T10:41:00.003+08:00

For the second time, Mokong a good blogkada of mine, gave me a very special award. Very flattering indeed. Salamat ng marami uli, Moks!

As a part of accepting this, I am compelled to write the reasons why I love blogging and they are as follows:

1. To write.
2. To inspire (?)
3. To be famous. LOL.

So here are the rules:
The aims of this award:
•As a dedication for those who love blogging activity and love to encourage friendships through blogging.
•To seek the reasons why we all love blogging!
•Put the award in one post as soon as you receive it
•Don’t forget to mention the person who gives you the award.
•Answer the award’s question by writing the reason why you love blogging.
•Tag and distribute the award to as many people as you like.
•Don’t forget to notify the award receivers and put their links in your post.

Of course, my principal reasons for blogging are basically the same as you guys. If I'm going to write it all down, it will be just like any others. That's why I'm not giving this award to specific persons only but to everyone who shares the same passion for blogging.

Congratulations to you, dear blogger!

Renewal

2009-04-13T10:32:00.006+08:00

Alas, I'm back after 3 days of reflecting and communicating with the Lord.

Yes, I did it.

Evil as it may sound but since I was a pesky little kid, I hated Holy Week to death. It was downright BORING from beginning to end. That I am absolutely NOT proud of.

I've never given the occasion much respect till now. 'Coz I finally realized that I've never given much attention to how un-holy I became. I don't how it crossed my mind to do such intimate communication with the Lord. I seriously don't. Maybe God felt it was time to give me the necessary kick in the butt. And I'm thankful it happened soon.

I am renewed. Awakened. Replenished. And I know it will not be short-lived.

Happy Easter Monday everyone!

Three Big Reasons Not to Watch American Idol

2009-04-04T12:11:00.005+08:00

1. The show’s boring.

2. The show’s corrupt and biased.
3. There’s no more Megan. : (

First, I’d like to clarify that I am not sour graping about the latest results. Megan’s early departure was apparently anticipated by many so I practically prepared myself for it, refusing to read spoilers on the net.

Honestly, I’m starting to slightly lose interest on the show already. For some reason, I wouldn’t care much if Anoop gets eliminated next or if Gokey wins the whole thing. Everything is ‘Meh’ right now. Were the weekly themes plain boring? Were the contestants starting to get uninteresting? Two maybes.

Or maybe it was this feeling that I have that show’s outcome being perfectly weaved by the magic hands of the producers and judges. Go ahead Simon Fuller; let your British namesake dictate who will be in the final four. Fudge you. They could’ve saved Alexis before but for obvious reasons, they’re reserving that saving power either for Danny or Adam (I’m starting to be unappreciative about him as well). Sigh.

No wonder the show’s ratings continue to sag.

I told you I’m not sour graping.

I love you Megan! The character you showed last elimination night made me admire you more. You are very Megan-da inside and out. LOL.

Seriously, I will miss you.

Uber Amazing Blog Award

2009-03-30T10:50:00.003+08:00

Over whelming Thank You! to a very good blogkada of mine, Sherwin Calalang aka Mokong for giving me this wonderful tag/award! It's actually my first and it inspired me to do better. Salamat kaibigan!

Uber (synonym to Super) Amazing Blog Award is a blog award given to sites who:

a)inspires you
b) makes you smile and laugh
c)or maybe gives amazing information
d)a great read
e)has an amazing design
f)and any other reasons you can think of that makes them uber amazing

The rules of this award are:

* Copy the badge and put the logo on your blog sidebar or post.
* Nominate at least 5 blogs (can be more) that for you are Uber Amazing!
* Let them know that they have received this Uber Amazing award by commenting on their blog.
* Share the love and link to this this post and to the person you received your award from.
* Come back and comment here so that your link could be added to the master list of awardees.

I'd also like to give this award to five wonderful bloggers I know:
1. White of A Can of Coke
2.Solace
3. Nebz of Isla de Nebz
4. Lotus Flower of Ibanag in the City
5.Kcat of I Am Kcat

Earth Hour 2009

2009-03-26T14:50:00.007+08:00

I don't really have to reiterate what Earth Hour is, but for the sake of reminding everyone, I will. On March 28, 2009, starting 8:30 PM, wherever you are in the planet, you are encouraged to switch off your lights for an entire whole hour. No sweat, right? This, of course, is a part of the world's fight against the threatening global warming.

I have to admit, I wasn't able to participate last year due to one folly reason: I can't miss my favorite TV show. Fudge me. So now I'm making up for it 'coz I realized, I can't miss my chance of saving Mother Earth.

March 28. 2009, 8:30 PM - 9:30 PM.

Slumdog Millionaire (Destined to Love It!)

2009-03-20T19:45:00.010+08:00

Finally! I've been dying to watch the movie Slumdog Millionaire and fortunate was I that my friend has a (pirated) copy of it. Yipee!

As most of us probably know already, it's about a young guy who joined Who Wants To Be A Millionaire to find the girl he loves. He eventually won the game, as the questions posed on him were, for some twisted reason, all connected to his twisted life. But being an uneducated, (tea vendor) that he is, many suspected him to be a cheat. But in the end, the truth prevailed, he became 20 million Rupees richer, and he's with the girl he's destined to be with.

Love and Destiny.

Two of the loveliest words for me. Isn't it liberating to think that the one you truly love will always be with you no matter what because you are both written to be with each other? Ugh, I'm getting cheesy now. LOL. Although I have a slightly different take on destiny (I believe the WE make our own destiny), I still find it nice to think that there's a force that pulls us together and brings us to the one rightful for us. That everything was written right at the start.

After the film, I was left but smiling. I loved every bit of it (the dance number in the end was fun! haha). It just became number 2 (next to Titanic) on my list of all-time favorite movies.

Love India!

American Idol Season 8 - Top 13 Performance

2009-03-11T19:11:00.003+08:00

It's Michael Jackson week. Seriously. Not that I despise Michael Jackson (though he really scares me), but all this time the judges are telling the aspirants to veer away from doing his songs and now one whole night was dedicated for it. Huh?

Lil Rounds - “The Way You Make Me Feel”
Nice performance but nothing spectacular. She's very consistent but I still think she's a stereotype.

Scott MacIntyre - “Keep the Faith”
Still has this inspirational vibe within him. Way better than last week's. Way to go Scott!

Danny Gokey - “Pretty Young Thing”
I hate to say this, but I liked it. I still don't like him, though.

Michael Sarver - “You Are Not Alone”
Nice performance, I think. I agree with Simon saying he's not the best among the lot but he definitely has a big heart.

Jasmine Murray - “I’ll Be There”
Pitchy. Again. Trash her, please!

Kris Allen - “Remember the Time”
Far from being perfect but I liked it! Randy says it's very "Jason Mraz-y." Nice one.

Allison Iraheta - “Give in to Me”
The performance was good but still not liking her, though.

Anoop Desai - “Beat It”
Oh common. Beat It? Choosing that song alone is a disaster already! And Simon regrets making it a top 13! Harsh.

Jorge Nunez - “Never Can Say Goodbye”
It wasn't that bad for me but the judges felt otherwise. It doesn't matter to me anyway.

Megan Joy Corkrey - “Rockin’ Robin”
I like it. Screw the judges!

Adam Lambert - “Black and White”
Unbelievable. Period.

Matt Giraud - “Human Nature”
Hmm, it was just fine. I loved the vocals still.

Alexis Grace - “Dirty Diana”
Again, she rocked it out! Great, great performance from her. Way to go, Alexis!

Sigh. So two casualties will bid goodbye tomorrow night. Hope it's not Anoop! Dang! The judges threw him under the bus! Vote America! Vote!

American Idol Season 8 Semis Wildcard Round

2009-03-06T10:03:00.004+08:00

And going in to the top 12 are

Jasmine Murray
MEGAN CORKREY
Matt Giraud AND

ANOOP DESAI!

Surprise! Surprise! It's a Top 13!

For the individual performances:

1. Jesse Langseth- ”Tell Me Something Good”. It was OK for me. Nothing so spectacular. I like her voice but I totally agree with Simon calling her 'indulgent'. Haha.

2. Matt Girraud- ”Who’s Loving You”. Great vocals but he oversang it at some parts.

3. Megan Corkrey - “Black Horse and the Cherry Tree”. Love it. Love her.

4. Von Smith - “Sorry seems to be the hardest word”. Pitchy and BORING.

5. Jasmine Murray - “Reflection". Same as Von. Pitchy and boring. Anyway, she's in.

6. Ricky Braddy - “Supestition”. Wowowow. Nice vocals. But I don't think he would last if he goes in, which did not happen anyway.

7. Tatiana Del Toro - “Saving All My Love For You”. Again? I don't despise her, though. I think she has the talent.

8. Anoop Desai - “My Perogative”. A bit shaky but the hell I care?! This is so effin' awesome! Haha.

I don't know what's in the head of the judges for putting up a top 13. They could've just trashed Jasmine instead. Anyway, I still think last year's top 12 is way better than this year. Unless someone made something extraordinary a la David Cook and blow all of us away. Again, let's just see. But for the meantime, I'm gonna celebrate. Anoop and Megan are in!

American Idol Season 8 Semis Week 3 Results + Wildcard Line Up

2009-03-05T14:16:00.003+08:00

This weeks results were pretty much predictable with Lil Rounds, Scott MacIntyre and Jorge Nunez advancing to the top 12. Good job, guys! Speaking of Scott, I really think he deserves more than just sympathy votes. He's a really good singer (though his last performance was kinda off) and a really good person as well. I'm a fan!

OK, that's all for the winners, let me now go to the wild cards! Woohoo! And having another chance to prove themselves are

Von Smith
Jasmine Murray
Ricky Braddy
Tatiana Del Toro
Matt Giraud
Jesse Langseth
Megan Corkrey and
Anoop Desai

Anoop and Megan for wildcard! This is going to be exciting.

Drew Barrymore to Direct Eclipse?

2009-03-01T09:46:00.005+08:00

Rumor has it that Drew Barrymore is in talks with Summit Entertainment to be the director of Twilight's third sequel, Eclipse. Seriously?

As most of us already know, Ms. Barrymore first put her director's hat in the upcoming dramedy Whip It! starring Juno's Ellen Page. Some five years ago, she also made a TV documentary titled Choose or Lose Parents: The Best Place to Start. But does she have the expertise to pull-off Eclipse? I seriously don't think so.

Now what the hell is happening here? Aren't there any other better director's out there? Catherine Hardwicke is a good Indie film director. But take note: Indie. Chris Weitz, New Moon's captain butchered the Golden Compass and now there's Drew. Why not make Steven Spielberg direct the remaining sequels? LOL

Eclipse is set to take the movie screens June 30, 2010, just six months after the scheduled release of New Moon. Are they in a rush?

American Idol Season 8 - Semis - Group 2 Results

2009-02-27T21:42:00.002+08:00

Three straight days of being over productive (I shun using the word 'busy') caused me to miss the performances of the second group. I haven't watched it still but thankfully I was able to catch the replay of the results show. And from that I can only say one word: WHAT?!

But before my reactions, here are the names of those thru to the top 12

1. Allison Iraheta
2. Kris Allen
3. Adam Lambert

Now who the hell are Allison Iraheta and Kris Allen? Sorry, but I really have no idea about those two. And common America! What happened to the Corkrey fans? Aw, shoot. Again, I'm hoping she'll get thru the wild card round. Really hoping!

On a positive note: Adam Lambert. OMG. That's all I can say. Wonder what his vocal cords look like?

Next week's performers will be interesting for me 'coz I don't particularly have favorites from it. Hmmm, let's just see.

Want Something BIG?

2009-02-20T12:32:00.003+08:00

Forgive me, guys for the lame post; it's a pre-requisite for you to read this article (or not).

Since the second month of 1009 is already nearing its end, I hope it's not too late for me to say my expectation/s for this year of the Ox.

Actually, the biggest thing for me this year already happened -- I have a new girlfriend. Yes, I finally recovered. Getting over a past love (especially you first love) is probably one of the hardest things to do. That's why having someone to stay with you and help you heal from the wounds of the past is simply the best feeling you could ever have. Thank you, you know who you are.

Alright! Aside from my love life, another big thing that would happen to me this year is I'm finally having my OJT! Shucks! I'm uber excited but so damn nervous. Do I have enough faculties to do well? Hope so.

And last but not the least, another big thing to look forward to this year is, hopefully, winning Makoy's "BIg Mak Blog Contest" . This, according to him is "the BIGGEST blog contest for 2009."

So WHO WILL WIN AND WHAT ARE THE PRIZES?

GRAND PRIZE:

Winners for the first five grand prizes will be determined by points. The first five bloggers who have the highest points will win. Winners of the five grand prize are not eligible for the consolation and special prize.

1st prize, $110, 20K EC credits, 5 ad spots, Domain and Blog Hosting
$10 and 1000 EC Credits from Pinoy Blogger in Singapore
$10 and 1000 EC Credits from Pinoy Showbiz and Hollywood News
$10 and 1000 EC Credits from Make Money Online With Makoy
$10 and 1000 EC Credits from Makoy Pinoy Blogger
$10 from Life of a Filipina Blogger
$10 from Retarded’s Notebook
$10 from Blog de Manila
$10 from Sonnie’s Porch
$10 from PRC Board Exam Results
$20 and 1000 EC credits from Pinoy Ambisyoso
1000 EC credits from bum-spot
1000 EC credits from Diva Fabulosa
1000 EC credits from The Pinay Blogger
2000 EC credits from Nurturing Nigel
1000 EC credits from Shards of Thoughts
1000 EC credits from Pinay Mom Blogs
1000 EC credits from Michael Aulia
1000 EC credits from Forex Trading and More Online Opportunities
1000 EC credits from Fatherly Yours
2000 EC credits from Blog de Manila
500 EC credits from xoxjanellexox
500 EC credits from contest love
1000 EC credits from The Struggling Blogger
1000 EC credits from Sonnie’s Porch
1 month ad spots from Momma Wannabe
1 month ad spots from Health and Beauty Diva
1 month ad spots from Perkier Than You
1 month ad spots from Nurturing Nigel
1 month ad spots from Forex Trading and More Online Opportunities
Domain from Pinay Mommy Online
Blog Hosting from Mom's Hosting

2nd prize, $50, 15K EC credits, 5 ad spots, Domain and Blog Hosting
$10 from Free PSP Games
$10 from Gizmosync
$20 from The Cookmobile
$10 from Rhodilee
1000 EC credits from The Fitness Diva
1000 EC credits from Ramblings of a Work At Home Guy
500 EC credits from Palabuzz
500 EC credits from Gadget Way
2000 EC credits from The Nexus - Feed Your Brain
2500 EC credits from Random Thoughts
1000 EC credits from Jewellery Weblog
1000 EC credits from Indo Article Directory
1000 EC credits from 24patrol
1000 EC credits from Everything Has A Reason
1000 EC credits from In The Life Of...Mne
1000 EC credits from In My Kitchen
1000 EC credits from Blog Tactic
500 EC credits from Blog.pinoy2.com
1 month ad spots from contest love
1 month ad spots from The Struggling Blogger
1 month ad spots from The Nexus
1 month ad spots from Nita's Random Thoughts
1 month ad spots from Nita's Corner
Domain from SEO Friendly Blog Directory
Blog Hosting from Budget Blogging

3rd prize, $25, 11K EC credits, 5 ad spots
$15 from Tech At Hand Dot Net
$10 and 1000 EC credits from Raging Rev
2000 EC credits from Using My Right Hand
1000 EC credits from Raising Chickens
1000 EC credits from Acts of Random Kindness
1000 EC credits from SEO Blog
1000 EC credits from Gay
1000 EC credits from ways to earn cash
1000 EC credits from free stuffs to you
1000 EC credits from eastcoastlife
1000 EC credits from feRn's backyaRd
1 month ad spots from Thomas Travel Tales
1 month ad spots from Great Finds and Deals
1 month ad spots from Work At Home Jobs
1 month ad spots from Erlinda‘s Wandering Thoughts
1 month ad spots from CompTechGadgets.com

4th prize, $10, 10K EC credits, 4 ad spots
$10 from Online Job
1000 EC credits from prettystepdaughters
1000 EC credits from Marriage and Beyond
1000 EC credits from The Daily Planet
1500 EC credits from Seek No More
1500 EC credits from Nesting Buddy
1000 EC credits from Mariuca
2000 EC credits from Wonderful Things In Life
1000 EC credits from Life's Journey
1 month ad spots from Healthy Living and Lifestyle
1 month ad spots from Thomas Web Links
1 month ad spots from Bohol Paradise
1 month ad spots from Batuananons

5th prize, $5, 10K EC credits, 4 ad spots
$5 from Nikky Pals
2000 EC credits from Random Detoxification
1000 EC credits from Babette's Definitely Maybe
1000 EC credits from Everything PLUS the Kitchen Sink
1000 EC credits from One at a Time
1000 EC credits from So far, so good
3000 EC credits from A Taste of Both Worlds
1000 EC credits from A Singaporean in London
1 month ad spots from Filipino Online Community
1 month ad spots from twins happiness
1 month ad spots from there is happiness
1 month ad spots from Also Mommy

CONSOLATION PRIZE:

Consolation prizes will be selected in random using random.org.

1st consolation - 5,750 EC credits, 4 ad spots
5000 EC credits from fragileheart's journal
750 EC credits from Girls Are Made of Sugar & Spice
1 month ad spots from That Blog 4 Me
1 month ad spots from Travel Blog
1 month ad spots from Gay
1 month ad spots from What's Up, Los Baños

2nd consolation – 5,500 EC credits, 3 ad spots
1500 EC credits from PolitEkon
1000 EC credits from The iPhone Photographer
1000 EC credits from Contest Whiz
1000 EC credits from nameSherry
1000 EC credits from Thoughts and Obsessions
1 month ad spots from prettystepdaughters
1 month ad spots from Seek No More
1 month ad spots from Moolah Musings

3rd consolation – 5,000 EC credits, 3 ad spots
1000 EC credits from Sherry Rambling
1000 EC credits from Heart Random
1000 EC credits from iLUVcontest
1000 EC credits from Shopping
1000 EC credits from Online Games
1 month ad spots from The Ruby Posts
1 month ad spots from Mommy Emotes
1 month ad spots from Blessings and Beyond

4th consolation – 5,000 EC credits, 2 ad spots
1000 EC credits from Juegos de Escape
1000 EC credits from Google Stalker
1000 EC credits from Fantasy Baseball Team Names
1000 EC credits from Niacin Benefits
1000 EC credits from Fish Oil High Blood Pressure
1 month ad spots from Micah Izabel
1 month ad spots from Johann David

5th consolation – 4,000 EC credits, 2 ad spots
1000 EC credits from Fendi Bags For Sale
1000 EC credits from Abhishek Deshpande
1000 EC credits from Fantasy Baseball Team Names
1000 EC credits from Niacin Benefits
1 month ad spots from winziph
1 month ad spots from Winziph

6th consolation – 4,000 EC credits, 2 ad spots
1000 EC credits from Fish Oil High Blood Pressure
1000 EC credits from Ivory Tasks
1000 EC credits from Posh Thoughts
1000 EC credits from Pink Thoughts
2 weeks ad spots from Multiply Themes and Layouts
2 weeks ad spots from Journal of Journey

7th consolation – 4,000 EC credits
1000 EC credits from Moolah Musings
1000 EC credits from The Ruby Posts
1000 EC credits from Mommy Emotes
1000 EC credits from Blessings and Beyond

8th consolation – 4,000 EC credits
1000 EC credits from Micah Izabel
1000 EC credits from Johann David
1000 EC credits from Programming The Life
1000 EC credits from NetBucks

9th consolation – 4,000 EC credits
1000 EC credits from Health Assistant
1000 EC credits from Daily Fun Horoscope Bites
1000 EC credits from Idiot Box
1000 EC credits from The Path to the Pegasus Letter

10th consolation – 4,000 EC credits
1000 EC credits from Praning's Shoutout
1000 EC credits from Warfreak's Rantings
2000 EC credits from Manilenio

Special Prize – Blogging From Home book by Janette Toral

The contest is up until March 15, 2009 so you guys could still join! Hope this year would be BIGGER and BETTER for all of us!

American Idol Season 8 - Semis - Group 1 - Results

2009-02-19T11:21:00.003+08:00

Blah. Last night's performances were so epic failures that I didn't even bother make a decent review about it. In a nutshell, the show revolved around terrible song choices and --this truly sucks--Danny Gokey. Nah. I admit he's a good singer and all but he is just soooo overrated. Tatiana Del Toro was a surprise. Admit it, guys! She sang well, though there were a couple of off parts. Another surprise for me was Alexis Grace. I wasn't able to see her auditions that's why I have little interest on her but last night was a blast for her! She rocked it out! It affirmed my belief that the name of this year's winner will start with letter 'A'. LOL

Going back to this post's original purpose, here are the results:

Entering the Top 12 are

1. Alexis Grace

2. Michael Sarver

3. Danny Gokey

Shoot! Anoop didn't make it! What an epic mistake! I really hope he makes it as a wild card.

Next Week’s group: Megan Corkrey, Kris Allen, Mishavonna Henson, Matt Breitzke, Allison Iraheta, Matt Giraud, Jasmine Murray, Kai Kalama, Jesse Langseth, Adam Lambert, Jeanine Vailes and Nick Mitchell.

Go Megan! Go Adam!

American Idol 8 Top 36: My Top Picks

2009-02-12T19:12:00.008+08:00

Alas, after the grueling and intense Hollywood week comes the TOP 36. Here's the full and confirmed list:

Adam Lambert
Alexander Wagner-Trugman
Alexis Grace
Allison Iraheta
Ann Marie Boskovich
Anoop Desai
Arianna Ayesha Afsar
Brent Keith
Casey Carlson
Danny Gokey
Jackie Tohn
Jasmine Murray
Jeanine Vailes
Jessica Langseth
Joanna Pacitti
Jorge Nunez
Junot Joyner
Kai Kalama
Kendall Beard
Kristen McNamara
Kris Allen
Lil Rounds
Matt Breitzke
Matt Giraud
Megan Corkrey
Michael Sarver or Tristan
Mishavonna Henson
Nate McGee
Nick Western or Hendrix
Ricky Braddy
Scott MacIntyre
Stephen Fowler
Stevie Wright
Taylor Vaifanua
Tatiana Del Toro
Von Smith

Did your bets make it to the cut? Luckily, my top four bets were safely in. Here's what I gotta say about them:

1. Megan Corkrey

I hate it that she wasn't given much exposure during the past episodes. She might not be the best female vocalist pout there but she really has a very interesting style. Smooth and relaxing, something I truly like.

2. Ann Marie Boskovich

Like Megan, she's also not among the early front-runners but isn't she so damn pretty? And don;t you just love her name? Ann Marie Boskovich. Sounds like Ana Ivanovic. LOL. But mind you, this young lady CAN sing.

3. Anoop Desai

From India with pride. One of the most interesting contestants to watch out for. He's geeky-ness and coolness synergized. And I totally LOVE his voice! Pretty much having the same tone as mine. OK, that was corny.

4. Adam Lambert

For me he's the total package. Marketable looks and mad, MAD VOCALS! Man, this guy can rock out! And he's got himself in the in the spotlight right away as he happens to be, well, gay (Ha! Lots of my female friends went berserk with the news).

Oh-la-la. Idol 8 really is catching up on my expectations now. Based on my remarks, it's plain obvious that I think the boys will be the dominant forces in the competition once again. I know it's still way too early to tell, but I'll stick firm to this -- BOYS RULE!

Post-Aussie Open Thoughts

2009-02-06T12:35:00.011+08:00

So the first Grand Slam event of the year has just finished. Well, not really. The Australian Open concluded days ago so bare with me for being such a terrible blogger and posting this entry waaay too late.

- Kudos to Serena Williams for bagging her 10th Grand Slam title after breezing thru nemesis Dinara Safina in straight sets, 6-0 6-3. That's two Grand Slams in a row for her! Now she's elevated her spot to number 7 in the list of female players with the most number of GS titles.

- I'm not a fan of Safina but I really feel for her loss coz I felt that this was her chance to finally break out of the tag of being 'Marat Safin's sister'. Sorry for her, but Serena's just a man with a pair of ovaries. She could maul Rafael Nadal in straight sets if she will! LOL. There are lots of chances left, though. So good luck with her.

- Rafael Nadal once again proved his dominance over his arch rival, the greatest player of all time, Roger Federer in another thrillling five-set victory, 7-5 3-6 7-6(3) 3-6 6-2 . The wedgie-pulling Spaniard, who, btw, sports a new wardrobe (a shirt with sleeves), grabbed his 6th GS title, his 2nd away from the French Open. Uh, so whats so spectacular about that? LOL. Congratulations. It was a well-deserved victory.

- Roger Federer cried! Dang it! I bet lots of others who watched it did too. Imagine, he was so close to tying up with Pete Sampras' record of 14 slams but he blew it away with a series of errors. That hurts.

- And another heartbreak! Ana Ivanovic slips to number 8 in the WTA rankings after getting booted out in the third round. Double ouch! Apparently, a lot of points have been deducted from her since she's a finalist of last year's season. I only hope this won't affect her defense of her French Open crown. An overflowing wishes of good luck to you!

- And speaking of slips, Maria Sharapova's shoulder injury had taken a toll on her as she slides down the rankings to number 17, her lowest rank in five years! A lot of get well soons for her!

Just the first month of the year has passed and a hell lot of things had already happened. Whew! To Roger Federer and Ana Ivanovic, my hopes are high! Good luck to you, guys!

Four Studes Busted for Blogging

2009-01-15T19:24:00.000+08:00

One benefit of blogging is that it serves as an avenue for the author's random rants, raves, thoughts and frustrations. Thru it, we can freely express almost everything that we want to say. Sadly, some poeple may have seemed to enjoy this freedom beyond their limits.

Lats night's late news said that four students from Quezon City Science High School got a 10-day suspension after criticizing their school's administration, especially thier principal. Taking the asssault too seriously, the mocked head mistress gave the students what she thinks they deserve.

Just a thought: I just noticed that, ironically, science high school students are in fact the ones who get involved in those explosive 'crimes'. Remember the mercurious nitrate poisoning in Philippine Science High School? Also, in my case, 6 of my batchmates from Marikina Science High School almost got expelled in our SENIOR YEAR after breaking certain laws. Interesting.

Going back, I completely understand the side of the offenders. I mean, we live in a society where freedom of expression is highly valued. Especially if you have the gift if the pen, you feel like you could easily express whatever's on your mind. And with the students' age where angst is overwhelming, doing somehting like what they did is not uncommon.

In fact, I also made an entry here expressing my rage and disappointment towards one of my professors. However, I did it with extreme cautiousness, refusing to name-drop at all. It's not that I'm scared that she'd read it ( I doubt that she reads blogs), but it's more of still respecting her as a person. It's enough for me to release the demon inside me without hurting anyone.

Still, it's a different story. But then again, we must remember: Indeed, writing is a freedom. But freedom IS responsibility.

American Idol 8: On Expectations and Addiction

2009-01-12T15:31:00.005+08:00

Has it been a year already? A mere two months had lapsed since the two Davids (Archuleta and Cook) released their respective febut albums and here's America's and probably the world's favorite talent show again, spearheading the search for the next big thing. Now get ready to be idolized.

This 8th season of American Idol is definitely a must-see. Last season is unquestionably the most succsessful season of the show, with most of the finalists potential and deserving winners. Had Brooke White auditioned in season 6, she could have won that thing (Love you Brooke!). And Ramielle Malubay could fave eclipsed the achievement of Jasmine Trias in season 3. Ha! Such a bias. But anyway, with David Cook raising the bar several notches up, much is expected to this year's would-be finalists.

A lot of changes will be seen as well. First is the addition of Kara DioGuardi as a fourth judge. So what impact will she bring on the show? If three is a crowd, then will four be pandemonium? There will be no 'Idol Gives Back' due to the continuing economic crisis. There will be 36 semi-finalists instead of 24. And the Wild Card round returns. And probably the most anticipated of all is, what would be Paula's new blunder? Well, let's just watch to that.

P.S.

I hate it. I've been LSS-ed by David Cook's version of 'Always Be My Baby' for more than a month and now that the 'Idol' mania is looming in the horizon again, I can;t help but be LSS-ed again. Talk about addiction. Sigh.

'Para Kay B' -- Better Than 'Twilight'?

2009-01-10T09:55:00.004+08:00

I never thought that I'd sink my teeth into love stories. THat was before I found the Twilight series, and apparently, my new fancy for this genre won't end there. And now my latest kick -- 'Para Kay B (O Kung Papaano Dinevastate ng Pag-ibig ang 4 out of 5 Sa Atin)'.

Created by no less than The Ricky Lee (the man behind the immortal lines from equally immortal Filipino movies such as 'Himala' and 'Anak'), 'Para Kay B' is not your ordinary love story. Written in an unconventional manner, it covers the stories of five different women, all trapped in the vile intricacies of love. All stories are different, and by the end, all will turn out to be interconnected to each other. And all stories part of the bigger picture, the main story behind the stories. Confused? Ask Ricky Lee. Only a genius knows how to do it. If you can't, just purchase the book. P250 is nothing compared to this literary master work.

Here is a story of sheer substance, going beyond the boundaries of chick-flick mushiness. The characters here are so real, you'd feel like they're right in front you, like they're persons you actually know. The spontaneity and colloquialism of the language and the sensitivity of the scenarios plus Lee's fresh style simply make this read irresistible.

'Para Kay B' will make you laugh hard, raise your eyebrows, shed a painful tear and most importantly, fall in love. Yikes!

A Rainy New Year's Eve

2008-12-31T13:04:00.004+08:00

Oh yes, just a few hours from now before we bid adios to 2008 and officially welcome the new year! Hell yeah! This has been a wonderful year since a lot of memoraable things happened to me (e.g., I had my first job and I started blogging!). And what makes this year even more memorable is that we probably will have to celebrate the turn of the year with umbrellas on our heads. It's been friggin' raining since this morning! No wonder I wasn't woken up by the sound of our neighbor's firecrackers like the usual. But as of this moment, I can see a faint glow of sunlight breaking outside. Seems like my friends' 'Sun Dance' is working perfectly. Keep it up guys!

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!

'Takipsilim': The Pinoy Version of 'Twilight'

2008-12-26T11:00:00.006+08:00

To all Filipino Twilight fans out there. Did you know that there are rumors circulating around the Web about a Pinoy version of this frenzied novel? Seriously. According to my cousin, ABS-CBN was able to buy a franchise of it for a whopping US $ 1 million and the working title is, well, 'Takipsilim'. So creative! Duh. And guess what, Shaina Magdayao and Rayver Cruz will star as the lead casts. Kill me now, PLEASE!

So after the Filipino-translated Rihanna hit songs comes this awful idea of having a Filipino version of 'Twilight'. Good luck with that.

But if you want to express your rage about the idea, you are very much welcome to visit this link http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/say-no-to-twilight-filipino-version and make a petition!

Spread the word, guys! Stop this effin' madness NOW!

Here's a mock cover fans made for this silly bullcrap. Funny. Haha.

Twilight: Remix

2008-12-14T10:56:00.002+08:00

Wow. It's been a long time since I sat on a swivel chair and poised my fingers on a keyboard. I've been soooo preoccupied lately with tons of school works especially rehearsing for our department's annual event called 'Bombshell of Talents' (pretty lame, huh?).

It's actually our section's first time to join the said event so we try to make it as flamboyant as possible. So incorporating all the talents that we have, our section decided to make a spoof of the ever-so-popular Twilight and named it, yes, it's on title, Twilight:Remix. And who else should play the role of Edward Pollen but yours truly, the one who brought the whole Twilight craze in school. Sucks. I'm really not a good actor on stage. Usually I'm the one who's behind the stage, either a script writer or a director. But I guess I now have to prepare myself to be thrown tomatoes on the face. Sigh. Anyway, it's really not that hard since my Isabella Kwan would be my close friend, Angelica. In school, we're like the co-ed Jose and Wally, so we'll just try our best to make this farce an even farcical one.

Wish me luck, guys!

And the Race is Down to Three

2008-12-01T10:08:00.006+08:00

Oh, what a heartbreak loss! Just when everybody predicted who will be the top three teams to race for the million came an unexpected setback from the mother-and-son tandem of Toni and Dallas. Cruel. They're actually my favorite team this season; such a humble pair. But good stuff doesn't always go along good people. Oh, well.

Now we're left with three of the most irritating teams: Nick and Starr; Dan and Andrew and; Ken and Tina. They're such a pain in the ass especially the exceedingly self-righteous Tina. This is such a weak season.

So who do you think will win the race? I hope it's not Nick and Starr. I don't know. I just don't like their tandem. Dan and Andrew? Uhm... Well, right now, I'm actually rooting for Ken and Tina, no matter how irritating the woman is. I just don't like Nick and Starr, that is.

Movie Review: Twilight

2008-11-27T14:45:00.006+08:00

So it was undoubtedly one of the most anticipated movies of the year. The question now is: Is Twilight really worth the wait?

I've been reading the series for so long now so I'll try not to let any cloud of infatuation for the book cloud my judgments. First, the main disappointment in the movie is its lack of technical efficiency. The camera angles and movements were poor, snappy and shaky. The flashback scenes were horrible; very "TV quality". The special effects were not so special as well. It was so obviously low-budgeted I almost felt like I'm watching an indie flick.

Since this is just an adaptation, I expected a lot of "should be" moments. I just felt like the movie was too...rushed. Fast paced. I mean, the book was I think fast-paced itself but it appeared much faster when translated into film. Some scenes were not well-emphasized (especially in the earlier parts).

On the plus side, I don't think the movie was that disastrous. There were also scenes that I enjoyed so much, like how the Bella-Edward moments were developed. The modified scenes were not that off as well. I would be a lot harder if they strictly followed what's on the book and I guess the alternative scenes fit better.

Again, like what I've said in the last 2 Harry Potter films, you will fully appreciate the movie unless you read the book first. My friend May, who had not read a single line from the book at all loved the film so I guess it's not that bad for Twilight virgins. Or was she just too mesmerized by Robert Pattinson? LOL

If there's one thing that's redeeming about the film is when they played Leave Out All the Rest during the credits. Seriously love that song. And guess that made it all OK.

My final rating: 3.75 out of 5.

The Biggest Joke in the World

2008-11-02T10:45:00.010+08:00

I’m a big fan of funny reads. From joke books to comic strips to humorous satires…everything that stimulates my funny bone. You name it, I’ve probably read it. Little did I know that the biggest joke of all will be featured on TV. And guess what, I found it on the news.

So I was watching the night news when I almost fell off my seat because of a particular headline. It read: 5-ANYOS NA BATANG NAIWAN SA TAXI, IDINULOG NG DRIVER SA GMA NEWS! Kewl. LOL

Now seriously, what are he chances that you’ll leave a sleeping child at the back of a taxi? My, were the people the child was with that tired. And can someone please explain this to me: Does the cab driver really have to bring the child to a TV station? Surely he’s not another case of temporary amnesia to forget that easily where he dropped his last passengers. So what for? A good 15 seconds of fame? To proclaim to the world about his good deed?

Welcome to the World of Absurdity.

Name Game

2008-11-02T10:35:00.000+08:00

It’s been two years now since I last visited our departed loved ones. Aside from idleness, it’s probably because I like the idea of scaring myself out of my wits because I know I’ll be one of the few who will remain at home. Wonder why my parents tolerated this. He-he.

I do remember still, aside from scavenging semi-melted candle waxes and forming them into balls, one favorite activity my cousins and I usually do is rummaging through the entire cemetery, searching for the most ridiculous names there are.

It’s funny, looking back at those memories, but then again, I find myself guilt-stricken. I couldn’t believe I could make fun of people (dead people) because of the peculiarity of their names. Shame on me!

Perhaps the reason why I’ve acted like that is because, modesty aside, our family was blessed with a fine surname: Orleans (that’s French, btw he-he) But you know what’s funny? I’ve realized as I was writing that my family name is no less than unusual than the ones I make fun of. Search for it in the phone book and you will only find a handful.

Having a surname like ours (though not laughter provoking) also has its own downsides. One very common instance is when people moronically ask me whether I’ve got foreign roots or something. Duh. Do I look like I do? I don’t even have the fair skin to match. Half- Indian siguro pwede pa. besides, none of my family members knew where the hell we got that surname. LOL

Well, it just shows that, whenever you’re blessed with something, be it material things, looks or even a name, it is still best to keep your mouth shut.

Shirts of Pride

2008-10-27T15:10:00.004+08:00

I've been really wanting to buy either a 3 Stars &a Sun or a Team Manila t-shirt for months now but I guess I have to sacrifice a little bit more since I definitely need a serious prioritizing of my expenditures. For those who don't know, those two brands I've mentioned are the 'in' thing right now for they produce shirts and other clothing items whose designs showcase the national emblems of the Philippines and everything that is Pinoy.

It's very amusing and undoubtedly uplifting seeing youngsters like me sporting these patriotic shirts. It's like showing to the whole world how proud you are of your own race; that being a Filipino is something to be grateful of.

I just hope that it goes beyond being just a fad. I hope that every Filipino who wears these clothes live up to what their shirts say. I hope that nationalism doesn't end in fashion, but with passion. The kind of passion that will eventually lead to the transformation of the society where we all exist.

"I am a [Filipino]. I am a HERO."

Into The Twilight

2008-10-26T03:20:00.000+08:00

I hate to admit it, but I am one of those who had never, as in NEVER, went trick-or-treating before. Apparently, it's rarely practiced her in the Philippines, except in some elite subdivisions but since I only dwell in a small, serene village, I bod goodbye to the thought a long time ago.

And because I'm quite old to engage in such (if there'll be a chance), I think I'll just settle for another favorite Halloween activity: Halloween parties!

I do admit, though that I am a virgin as well when it comes to Halloween parties. One reason is that, yep, it's seldom performed by typical Filipinos and second, modern Halloween parties are frequently held in bars and other 'nocturnal' establishments, making it more impossible for me to attend one. But my hopes are still high. Probably after graduation, I, together with some friends, would finally be able to wear our most splendid costumes and party the night away! Woohoo!

And speaking of costumes, I already have a fixed image of what I'm going to look like at the event: Edward Cullen of Twilight.

Alright! Alright! I know many ladies would react violently to this and I'm sure it would be a tall order for me. Edward's too perfect anyway so I'll just settle for Dracula then. LOL.

Good Ol' Days

2008-10-21T03:17:00.000+08:00

A few days from now our high school batch will be celebrating it's second grand reunion (Yep, that's how badly we miss each other.). Sadly (and quite despairingly), I won't be able to attend the event due to some friggin' school agendas. Besides, the reunion will be held in a bar and hell no do I drink. Also, most of my close friends can't go as well; can't risk being out-of-place in a sea of hard partying people. It's still sad, though. Big time. I really miss those guys. We shared a lot of memories (good and bad) with each other and I can just imagine the overflowing nostalgia and...joy as we relive those memories together. :(

Fast forward to 2021. So what would it be like 15 years after graduation? Probably most of us have a stable job and have established a family by then. Some might even be comfortably enjoying their position as a high-ranking official in a prestigious company (I'm probably one of them. LOL.). Maybe our reunion will now be held in a grand hotel with us wearing ties and gowns. That only means we have to excel and be well-established for us to attend the event. Because by that time, the reunion is not intended to celebrate but to intimidate. Sad.

I hope that won't happen to us.

Baby Talks

2008-10-18T05:04:00.000+08:00

So it was a boring Thursday night and I was scanning thru the channels of my newly fixed TV (Yey!) when I came across probably one of the most interesting episodes of Oprah. It was one of those replayed episodes shown on local TV here in the Philippines (I think it was originally aired November of last year). It features four incredible stories about life and science but what fascinated me most was their cover about this 'special baby language'.

The invited guest was Priscilla Dunstan, a woman who claims to have been blessed with a 'photographic memory' for sounds which she eventually used to develop her theory on baby language; that these angelic little creatures actually produce different sounds to relay various messages to people. Interesting.

My interest even went maximum when she discussed about the five general sounds that babies produce: the 'neh' sound which refers to hunger; the 'owh' sound which they make when they're tired and sleepy; the 'heh' sound which signals discomfort; the 'eair' sound for lower gas, &; the the 'eh' sound when they want to say, 'I wanna burp, Mom!'. They even showed super adorable babies making those actual sounds! I was soooo..amazed (it's an understatement)! My jaws were left hanging till the end of the entire segment. It was so unbelievable...but true.

I seriously want a baby now! LOL.

Cheesy

2008-10-15T10:50:00.000+08:00

Last Sunday, I was able to catch a few parts of a special presentation of the wedding ceremoniesof two celebrities here. I don't know how to put it but I seriously felt so..inspired by the young couple. It's really weird for I got so absorbed imagining myself to be on that very special day, wearing a nice, well-cut suit, waiting for the most beautiful girl as we walks down the aisle and professing our love for each other. I don't know if it's normal for guys like me to feel like this, but I simply couldn't help myself (I'm actually having second thoughts till now whether I'm going to post this or not). It's really cheesy, you know. But it's the kind of cheesiness that makes me smile incessantly and blush so wildly. LOL.

The on;y problem is: will she be willing to exchange vows with me? Instantly I realized, love is not always about red roses and happy endings.

Gosh. I said I hate emos.

Losing a Bestfriend

2008-10-11T04:20:00.000+08:00

I went home today elated because it’s the last day of the semester only to find out one of the biggest upsets of my life: my TV broke down. I felt I could’ve died.

I know that it would happen anytime soon for it felt like it’s been suffering on its deathbed for weeks now. What I didn’t expect that it would happen this soon. I was just watching my favorite show last night but when I went up my room today, I couldn’t turn it on! Poor buddy, I should’ve brought you to our friendly technician the moment your symptoms appeared. I’m sorry.

I was totally devastated. It seemed like my whole world crumbled right before my very eyes. I didn’t realize till then how much of a couch potato I am. It felt like my life depended (almost) on my TV. My best techno buddy.

The good news is, he will be reincarnated by tomorrow. Good luck. See you soon, bud.

An Open Letter to the Devil's Advocate

2008-10-09T03:11:00.000+08:00

So it's Goodbye now for us. Finally.

I cannot say that time flies fast 'coz each class we have with you was dragging, every bit of second spent (wasted?) was sacrifice. Every time you enter the room you out us all in a defensive mode, anticipating the shrapnel-like tirades about our awful 'mistakes'. Mistakes that you just made all up. And if we ever have one, it's the only thing that you'd see.

Instead of providing us the essentials, you shower us your 'destructive criticisms', which will all boil down to one thing -- WE LEARN NOTHING. Heck, as if you teach us something.

You are the mother of ironies. You regard yourself as a mentor yet you don't understand how we, students feel. You talk about Psychology yet you act as if you haven't got a speck of idea of how our minds work. So didn't learn anything now?

It's sad. 'Coz I give teachers (though you seriously don't deserve to be called such) my deepest admiration but knowing someone like you? I think i'll have a second thought in generalizing.

You are nothing. You impulsive, self-indulgent hag.

The Best Stress Reliever

2008-10-03T14:54:00.000+08:00

Being a typical college student, it’s inevitable for me to be put under a lot of stress (especially during the last weeks of the term!). So, trying hard to avoid it, I tried every possible way that I know to do so: exercising in between breaks, listening to Sarah Brightman and Andrea Bocelli all day, doing my own style of yoga. They help up to some extent. But just yesterday, amidst the pile of paper works scheduled to be finished, I, inadvertently, discovered the best stress reliever of all -- texting.

Ah yes, texting. The Philippines in fact has been dubbed as the texting capital of the world due to the millions of text messages being sent everyday. Many thanks to the Unlimited text service of local Telecom companies, all you need is at least 20 bucks worth of load and you’re off to send countless messages to anyone around the country.

However, I am not one of those who are so into this texting thing. I usually avail the Unlimited service once a week, typically when I have nothing else to do, very unlikely to many who avail it almost everyday. So it was quite surprising (for me and for my friends) that I was able to find time to reload in the middle of cramming. But what surprised me more is how I was able to find respite in this supposedly tedious and callusing effort. It became my instant Stresstabs. Just perfect.

But it is not texting per se that truly brings comfort, it’s merely a tool. What does the magic is COMMUNICATION. It brings this certain feeling that embraces you when you finally siphoned off all the demons rumbling inside you and knowing that there are persons ready to listen about your rants and frustrations about the world. When all the world is pressing you, it is gratifying to know that there’s someone who is willing to carry the burden with you.

O,h I love my friends! Even though they stress my fingers.

Stressed Out

2008-10-01T07:28:00.000+08:00

Ah, the hell weeks are back again. It's just a week to go before the end of the term but here we are still cramming and trying to accomplish a mountain pile of requirements.

For this week we've got a pre-final examination covering ALL of the topics that we've (or should have) learned, a research paper and a written report to submit. And adding to my burden are my *oh I don't wanna curse* group mates who are so cooperative that they could've just given me all the workload. And oh, I almost forgot, I still have to finish my Humanities notebook 'coz that's a big part of my final grade. Gosh, does our professor think he teaches high school students?

And of course, next week will be the time that I dread most. It's actually the most ironic week of all. At first, a feeling of excitement and relief will burgeon you 'coz obviously, it's the remaining days of the whole semester. But heck, imagine your last week jam-packed with 4 major examinations, 2 additional reports and another written report. How I envy the worms. I could've just died.

I've always believed that I have mastered the art of cramming back in high school (our batch had the reputation of cramming over almost everything). But I seriously got myself wron. College is a lot more seriuos business.

I badly need inspiration right now. Seriously.

The New Meaning of Blue

2008-09-27T05:39:00.000+08:00

Blue no longer relates to sadness and depression anymore as the Ateneo Blue Eagles are soaring high with immaculate exaltation after lording over their arch rival the De La Salle Green Archers yesterday and eventually snatching the 2008 UAAP Men's Basketball Championship, a title that has eluded them for six years.

I know, I know, this is so yesterday, but can you blame me? I really can't get over the euphoria that was yesterday. I've been an Ateneo fan ever since I can remember -- watching their every game, regaling wiht their triumphs, weaping over their most painful defeats. I even took their rivalry with La Salle by heart, if you may ask (haha). This feat seriously means a lot for me as well.

GO ATENEO!

OK Archers, you can turn green with envy right now. Haha.

Frustrated

2008-09-25T22:45:00.001+08:00

I hate it! Why, of all the episodes of UAAP, does today;'s match the one I have to miss? It's Game 2 of the finals , for crying out loud! And it's not just an ordinary finals, coz if it is, I wouldn't react this way. It's an Ateneo-La Salle finale! C'mon. it's like the greatest rivlary in Philippine sports history. It's the biggest sporting event of the year, next to the Olympics! I'm totally devastated right now. Screw this Chemistry Departmental exam!

But for now, I’ll just keep my fingers (and toes) crossed. GO ATENEO! ONE BIG FIGHT!

I Hate Emos!

2008-09-25T01:30:00.000+08:00

Before I thought the saddest part of one's birthday is when you celebrate it on your own. But I realized, it's actually when all the world seems to remember it but alll the while, only one person is enough to make that day truly special. And that person didn't even bother.

Gosh, this is soooo emo..

A Very Happy(?) Birthday

2008-09-24T01:04:00.000+08:00

Just a few hours ago I turned 19. Yes, it's my birthday. So what's the big deal? I'm 19! For heaven's sake.

Well, there's nothing totally wrong 'bout being 19. Actually, I can still imagine myself almost jumping out of excitement for my 18th birthday last year 'coz finally, I can do those things normal 17-year-olds and below cannot (e.g., voting). But now, knowing that I only have one year left before I say bye-bye to my teenage life, I can't help but dread this day. I don't know if you guys also feel or have felt like this before, but being called a twentysomething? sounds very ancient to me.

But on second thought, better be old than dead, right? I'll just accept the fact that people grow old. And of course, with age comes maturity, Sometimes.

Hmmm. I wonder what flavor of cake will I eat tonight. Yum-yum!

Intrigue, Drama and Romance in Survivor Philippines

2008-09-21T01:25:00.000+08:00

Here is some of my views vis-à-vis the first week of Survivor Philippines:

As expected, a lot of changes in episode patterns were seen, focusing more on the castaways and the life and issues revolving around the tribes. On the first day alone, bonds were formed, real attitudes were shown and characters were tested. So much drama and so much emotion prevail.

One surprising highlight in the series is the early – as in EARLY – re-shuffling of the tribes. It happened on the third day, just before the Immunity Challenge kicked off. Old alliances were immediately broken and new posses were hastily yet carefully formed. And what’s even more surprising is that after the tribe switching, fresh romance instantly blossomed. Talk about active hormones.

But you know what made this franchise even more unique? It’s where the castaways base their votes on. It’s very noticeable even in other reality shows here. Instead of voting off the person whom they feel threatened of or whom they consider as the weakest link, people base their votes predominantly on two things: looks and social status.

The first one is given. People will always have a strong bias to people whom they are attracted to. The other one is something that really gets my ire.

I don’t know, probably Filipinos are generally sympathetic so they’d rather choose those who belong to the lower ranks of the society than those whom they refer as “already has a future”. For crying out loud, if that’s what’s on their frame of mind, why not ask the producers of these shows to just pick those who belong to the slum areas who are more ‘deserving’. Thankfully, people learn to grasp the real essence of these shows during the latter stages.

My overall rating: EXCEEDS EXPECTATIONS.

Superheroes

2008-09-21T01:05:00.000+08:00

Everyone knows how miserable life is in the Philippines right now. With the Philippine Peso breaking records in terms of all-time lows, with crime and poverty continuously spreading like wildfire, and with corruption slowly becoming a permanent element of the state, there seems to be o cure for this ailing third world country. No wonder why there are some who seemed to have had enough and decided to search for ‘greener pastures’. Others do that as well, not to stay there for good, but to look for an elusive high-paying job that they cannot grab here. They are the Overseas Filipino Workers or simply OFWs to which we proudly call as ‘mga Bagong Bayani’ (Modern Heroes).

And why not, considering all the sacrifices they made like living in a foreign country and being away from their family, enslaving themselves and ignoring the threats of discrimination and the bitter truth, even death, they truly are worthy of one’s admiration.

There is one major problem, though, and it is something that I think most people (especially the ones involved) fail to see.

Let me first share this to you: One night as I was watching the news, my full attention was suddenly caught by this woman being featured regarding the Peso’s declining value. Apparently, she’s a relative of an OFW she was gleaming at the camera, wearing a smile that reaches her earlobes then she made this devastating remark, “Of course the weak Peso-Dollar exchange rate is such a big advantage for us, for one thing, it will increase the value of my husband’s salary.” I couldn’t believe my ears! Unbelievable. She said it with so much pride and conviction as if money is the only valuable thing for her. The problem is that people would rather let others suffer as long as they continue to live in affluence. This is the root and also the fruit of all this depression – people doesn’t seem to care but them.

The issue now here is not whether you’re in relation to an OFW or not, nor whether you’re a Filipino or a foreign blood. The real issue now here is us – ALL of us. And how we are all accountable for whatever’s happening to the society where we exist.

People, let us be reminded: the roots of real change springs from within us. It is only ourselves who can MAKE it; it can never be brought by one person alone. We cannot continue living in a world of superheroes; there’s no Superman to save us times of despair. Only us. After all, we can all be superheroes in our own rights.

Me? Authority?

2008-09-18T03:09:00.000+08:00

What Your Black Umbrella Says About You

When faced with adversity, you respond with authority. You don't let problems faze you.

You are naturally powerful and commanding. People look to you to take charge.

You are elegant and classy. You know how to always say and do the right thing.

While you stand out, you also fit it. You thrive in a variety of situations.

On a rainy day: you carry on as normal - a little bad weather isn't going to get in your way!

The Umbrella Test

Survivor Philippines Kicks Off Today

2008-09-16T04:32:00.000+08:00

Alas, after years of waiting the Philippines has finally come up with its own version of the US reality show Survivor which will start airing today at GMA 7. I am so overwhelmed with excitement right now for two big reasons: First, I am such a fan of the show. Big time. It's actually the main culprit why I can't seem to control myself from watching each and every reality show that I come across on TV. Talk about addiction. Second, unlike the original and the other franchise series, Survivor Philippines will be shown on a daily basis, which means expect a lot of deviations in terms of its episodes.

Why the change in format? Well, I can only come up with two possibilities. The first one is so that it can adapt to Philippine primetime TV since soap operas and other primetime shows here are being shown daily. The other one is to be able to compete with GMA's rival channel's franchise of another US reality show, Big Brother (though the latest season has already ended a couple of months ago). That's simply where Philippine TV revolves -- competition that is.

I can only assure you one thing. This is going to be one helluva trip.

The Catcher in the Rye

2008-09-12T06:23:00.000+08:00

Just finished reading the J.D. Salainger classic The Catcher in te Rye and, not surprisingly, I liked it. Totally. Unlike most of the novels that I’ve read, this one is something that I can most appreciate probably because of the spontaneity of the scenarios and the language. Being ostracized before due to its overwhelming profanity and angst, I find the book, well, inspiring. It’s in fact the most inspiring novel that I’ve read so far, if you may ask. Just forget about proper language usage, or complex plot twists, or even a protagonist to fantasize of, you won’t find those here. Instead, what you will stumble upon is the author’s views and thoughts about the human condition, the society to which one evolves, and the concept of getting up and moving on that would make you stop, think and probably utter, “Hey, that’s right.” The novel was simply put and very genuine which is one thing that I liked most about it.

During the early part of the novel the narrator and protagonist mentioned, “What really knocks me out is a book that, when you’re all done reading it, you wish the author was a terrific friend of yours and you could call him up whenever you feel like it.” And truly, Salinger made me feel that way.

Five-peat for FedEx

2008-09-10T11:39:00.000+08:00

Yes, he did it again. Roger Federer and his tennis racket once again proved to the world that he's still the best person to play the sport of tennis by smashing number 6 seed Andy Murray in the final of the 2008 US Open with a score of 6-2, 7-5, 6-2.

Not only did he grabbed his fifth US Open title, he also made history for being the first person to catch 5 consecutive titles in two grand slam events (Wimbledon being the other one).

He still hasn't regained the top spot but it's definitely just an inch away.

Way to go FedEx!

To Ana Ivanovic

2008-09-04T04:53:00.000+08:00

I know you've been through a lot lately. Being world's number one? Man, that's no joke. All eyes are fixed on you. Criticisms flock here and there, it's the world against you. You against yourself. And I completely understand that.

Yes, let's admit it, though you definitely have the makings of being a top seeded player, let's just say you reached that spot where you are right now by default, with Justine Henin's early retirement and all. So suddenly you're there, to the spot everyone's dying to get. Only quite abrupt. Earlier than expected. And now you're pressured to excel, to do better than everyone else.

But you're just human. You're not perfect. You have flaws. People have to understand that. You have to understand that. So don't feel depressed or anything just because you're not performing well lately. It's not entirely your fault. Anyway, you're still the reigning French Open champion. That's a big leap. Use it to your advantage. Make it inspire you and not weigh you down. And c'mon, you're not even in your best form yet. Just imagine what you can do if you're in top shape. Jankovic and the rest must be shaking right now.

Remember this: You are great. And nobody can make you believe otherwise except you.

P.S.

This also goes to the great Roger Federer. I know you've had a pretty rough year as well. But I guess nobody would dare disagree if I say that you are still by far the greatest person to ever – ever-- hold a racket. Show that butt-tugging Spaniard what he deserves. Way to go for both of you!

First Day of Christmas

2008-09-02T04:57:00.002+08:00

Today's September 1. There's nothing so significant about this date except that for us Filipinos it's officially the start of Christmas!

Oh yes, it's the 'Ber' months once again. I haven't even gotten over last year's celebration and here we go again preparing to give gifts to our dear ones (save for those compulsory 'exchange gift' ceremonies in school or at work). Oh well, Christmas has always been my favorite season of all. I don't know, I just love the peaceful and engaging vibe it carries whenever it arrives. As if there are no problems in the world, like we didn't suck at the Olympics or as if there hasn't been any turmoil in Mindanao.

But times do change, though. During these past few years, I've noticed that the celebrations intended to remember Christ's natal day had slightly decreased in 'intensity' (here in our neighborhood at least). As if every thing's delayed.

If the cool Christmas breeze which usually comes weeks before December is a student, it could have been expelled for tardiness and absenteeism. Seriously, I cringe at the idea that it's the Christmas season yet I wake up in the morning all sweaty. But once it gets cold, it really is cold. Urgh,that global warming!

The carolers seem to be not in the mood for jamming as well. Sometimes three songs is enough (including the infamous We Wish You A Merry Christmas which has become sort of a requirement for some reason) for them to shout 'Namamasko po!'. I don't know, maybe they're just saving their golden voices for tomorrow's gig.

Christmas lights are also making their own disappearing act. Save for our neighbor who puts Christmas lights even on their dog house, people seem to be content putting up one one set of these decorative doodads. Maybe they're just being safe and they don't want to get caught on fire. But most probably it's because of their blowing electric bills.

But despite all these, it is still undeniable that, for so many reasons, Christmas is still the most joyful time of the year. There are the colorful Christmas lanterns, the snowmen (without the snow), the puto-bumbong, the tyangge along the Marikina River, the gifts!, Noche Buena, Santa Claus, and of course, World Peace who visits so rarely. This sounds trite already but I seriously wish it's Christmas everyday.

Wanna be one of the first to greet you this -- Have a Happy Christmas!

Ang Plastik Mo!

2008-08-28T07:11:00.000+08:00

Well, this is something that popped out of my silly mind just recently. I realized, even if everybody, as in everybody stops using plastic bags in their evryday lives, but if the plastic manufacturing industries doesn't ceases, nothing will happen at all! For crying out loud, just imagine what will these manufacturers do to their wasted products. Surely they will not use them as fetilizers, right? What should be done is not to stop using plastics but to extinguish all of those plastic manufacturing companies! But I guess that would be a tall order. Hey, I made a point, right?

Parting Ways

2008-05-31T00:34:00.000+08:00

So today’s my last day at work. Great. No more waking up at 3 in the morning. No more 10-minute talks with Koreans. No more bloody English. No more evaluations. No more TDRs (Teacher’s Daily Report). No more monthly reports. No more stress. Finally.

Dang. I’m surely going to miss this job.

Haay…

Now back to PUP.

Things You Don't Have To Know But You Have to

2008-05-31T00:28:00.000+08:00

Here are some interesting facts I got from Brain of Brian.

» The average chocolate bar has 8 insects' legs in it. [Hershey’s, anyone?]
» More than 2,500 left handed people are killed. [Thank God I’m right handed.]
» It is estimated that at any one time, 0.7% of the world's population are drunk. [Mga kapit bahay ata namin yun.]
» One thing that humans do more than anything in their entire life is sleep. Most Americans sleep more than 6-8 hours a day, which is on average around 24 years of ones life! [Paano pa kaya si Sleeping Beauty?]
» The average human eats 8 spiders in their lifetime at night. [Go Web! FLYYY!]
» Banging your head against a wall uses 150 calories an hour. [Anong sinabi ni Belo at Calayan dito?]
» Odds of being killed by falling out of bed - 1 in 2 million. [Sa kutson na lang kaya ako matulog?]
» Termites eat through wood 2 times faster when listening to rock music. [Rakenrol!]
» The average talker sprays about 300 microscopic saliva droplets per minute, about 2.5 droplets per word. [Yung teacher ko sa History nung High School 10 droplets per syllable!]
» Right handed people live, on average, nine years longer than left handed people. [Really thank God I’m right handed!]
» It has been calculated that in the last 3,500 years, there have only been 230 years of peace throughout the civilized world. [:(]

Huli Ka!

2008-05-29T03:54:00.000+08:00

Minsan sa buhay ng tao talagang may dumarating na kamalasan. Bigalan. Di inaasahan. Bigla n lang bubulaga sa harap mo at para ka ng binuhuhsan ng malamig na tubigdahil hindi mo maisip na mangyayari ‘yon.

Haay.. .

Sa kaso ko, ‘yun ay ang mahuli ng TC (Team Captain) ko na nag-bubukas nitong Multiply na ‘to at makitang nag-sasaksak ng USB sa hinayupak na PC na ‘to. Akala ko talaga sa aking pag-pasok ngayong araw sa korap na opisinang ‘to e bubungad sa ‘kin ang isang naghe-hello na Memo. Awa ni Buddha, hindi naman. WOOHOO!
Kaya nga nababasa niyo pa ‘to e. TUT.

Marami Ka Pang Kakaining Bigas!

2008-05-21T01:32:00.000+08:00

Alas! After months of relentless voting America has finally reached what it has been dying to get in the first place—a David-David finale. So much was the hype for these two guys to the extent that people actually place bets online! That, I must say, is plainly overrated.

If you are a wise voter, choosing the next Idol would just be a piece of chocolate cake. AI is a talent show and it must remain as such. So to all Americans who are reading this (as if) and also to my kababayan, you are now free to cuddle and vote for David Archuleta that is if you are a cutie little girl that belongs to an age group of 12 years and below. Of course moms are also encouraged vote! Surely he reminds you of your teenage son, right? TUT.

I don’t know why people are making such a big fuss about the competitions between the two. As what I can see, the people are simply being misled by his looks and age and not solely on his talent. Undoubtedly, DA has talent. BIG talent. That is if you compare it to others of his age. But comparing him to DC? C’mon, it’s like comparing a newly born pug to a fully-grown bulldog. No match. There’s no basis for comparison at all (save for the first names)!

Just imagine: advance DA’s age to 25 years but suppose his vocals and way of performing remains the same, do you think he will be as impressive as he is right now? Do you think his failing falsetto and horrible dance moves would appeal too much on Randy? Definitely not! Dog, he might not even be a fan!

I know some might react differently to this and probably say, “Of course DA will still improve! Just give him another 4 years or so and he will sweep DC off the floor!” well, yeah, that can be. Unfortunately, we are not talking about the future here. We are dealing with the present, with what they are and what they can offer NOW.
DA needs a lot of catching up to do if he wants to compete against the greatness of DC.

On AI

2008-05-09T00:58:00.000+08:00

On predictions

Consistent with my clairvoyant powers, it did not came as a big surprise to me that David Cook had a hard time last night on American Idol. Particularly giving him a pretty hard press was Randy Jackson. I don’t know dog, but Randy’s really been critical with all the contestants this season (save for little Archuleta; he’s a fan, dog). I’m not sure if he’s imply not satisfied with their performances or if he sees something special with these bunch of newbies. But either way, criticisms all equate to improvement, if taken constructively.

On eating my words

“You did not beat the competition. You crushed the competition.” These words from Simon Cowell directed towards David Archuleta should have gotten the ire of me but surprisingly it did not. Apparently, the competition he was referring to was DC, who, despite delivering solid performances last night seemed to share an uneasy, awkward moment for the entire show (blame it on Randy, guys…hehe). On the other hand, DA did not totally wowed me, but I can’t agree more that he really did out sung The Great DC.

[Hey, DC was pressured, man. Besides, he was the first one on stage. Noticed that show-starters are almost always part of the bottom group?]

On reminders

Before the show ends host, Ryan Seacrest reminded the voting public of the nostalgia that was in the past seasons. Mentioning the names of Tamyra Gray and Chris Daughtry, he reminded the people that it is not enough to be confident about your bets. One can never be so sure. So vote for David Cook!

Grave Talk

2008-05-08T00:11:00.000+08:00

I was a bit preoccupied doing other pointless stuff these past few days so it was gravely shameful to admit that I have little idea of what’s going on this country for quite a while now. Finally last night, I decided to watch the entirety of 24 Oras to refresh my awareness. I was expecting to hear usual stuff like rice shortages or another MMDA demolition job but I was thinking frivolously. It was far worse than I expected. The following are of grave impact to me:

· Oil price hikes (Again?). This topic was actually brought up by one of my Korean students yesterday and I almost cursed him for doing so. Of all the news have I been hearing everyday, this is one of those that have less importance to me. I don’t have a speck of an idea on oil trading or this controversial Oil Deregulation Law. What the hell do I care about oil prices? Why should I give a damn when I don’t even have my own car yet? It was just then that it finally sank into me why it is one of the root causes of the corrosion of this economy. And that I am gravely embarrassed of.
· Inflation rate had shot up to 8.3% this month. Talk about economics here. I actually have veeery minimal knowledge of this subject (that I am not embarrassed to admit) -- thanks to my carcinogenic professor—but as far as I know, inflation is the general large increase in the prices of goods and services. And 8.3% as compared to last month's 6.4%? That only means the prices are enjoying their stay there on top of the bar graph with our mothers’ purses suffering.
· MERALCO’s Systems Loss Charges. Now what the funk is this? I’m sorry but as what my simple mind comprehended it, this über egoistical electric company will now start putting up charges on the ‘lost’ money we, people are not even accountable for. I don’t give a damn whether it is acceptable by the law or not for in the end it will remain UNFAIR. Not to mention the plethora of taxes imposed on electricity alone. PoTAXteng buhay to…

Unfortunately I can do nothing right now save to throw rants and get peeved by our condition. I cannot totally blame the malfunctioning government for everything. Whose fault is it anyway but us? Who put that wicked liliputian in the high seat in the first place? WE did! For the reason that we though of her as the ‘lesser evil’ back then. What we forgot to consider is no matter how ‘less’ of an evil she is, she will always remain EVIL. It is our impatience that caused us our misery and now we have to bear the grave consequences.

Will It Be David Cook's Time to Leave?

2008-05-03T04:18:00.000+08:00

I’m a bit worried ‘bout David Cook for next week’s episode of American Idol. As what Seacrest mentioned, next week’s theme would be Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame. At first anyone would think that DC will have a big edge above everyone else ‘coz it definitely is his niche. However, there’s this BIG possibility that it would turn out to be otherwise. Chances are his performance would be too overrated. C’mon, it’s rock ‘n roll, no wonder all eyes and all ears will be tuned in to DC, wondering if he would be able to pull away from the stalwart marks that rock legends left before us. How will he be able to do something different to something that he makes to be different? I don't know. Only he knows It is now his duty to create the most unexpected of all the unexpected. Talk about pressure!

Well, all I can say is good luck DC! People of America: vote WISELY!

Ironic -- Moronic

2008-05-01T01:35:00.000+08:00

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is now implementing stricter measures regarding the distribution of the so-called ‘access cards’ that is supposed to be used in order to purchase the apparently cheaper NFA rice. This is to avoid all the long lines and unfair mass purchasing of NFA rice that leaves the ‘poorest of the poor’ empty-handed at the end of the day. On the other hand, if you can remember, this brilliant government had once claimed that there must be no need for worrying since there is no rice shortage here in the Philippines.

Ah. Now that makes sense to me.

What's Your Name's Hidden Meaning?

2008-04-29T04:25:00.000+08:00

What Joel Means

You are fair, honest, and logical. You are a natural leader, and people respect you.
You never give up, and you will succeed... even if it takes you a hundred tries.
You are rational enough to see every part of a problem. You are great at giving other people advice.

You are well rounded, with a complete perspective on life.
You are solid and dependable. You are loyal, and people can count on you.
At times, you can be a bit too serious. You tend to put too much pressure on yourself.

You are friendly, charming, and warm. You get along with almost everyone.
You work hard not to rock the boat. Your easy going attitude brings people together.
At times, you can be a little flaky and irresponsible. But for the important things, you pull it together.

You are relaxed, chill, and very likely to go with the flow.
You are light hearted and accepting. You don't get worked up easily.
Well adjusted and incredibly happy, many people wonder what your secret to life is.

What's" Your Name's Hidden Meaning?

I'm 1113

2008-04-28T13:38:00.001+08:00

I'm # 1113

WOAH

2008-04-24T02:18:00.000+08:00

An Aston Martin V12 Vanquish

This is the car Edward Culllen used to bring Bella to the prom in the film adaptation of Twilight. And man, this is definitely one of the most handsome cars that I’ve seen ever!

Into the 'Twilight' Zone

2008-04-24T02:01:00.000+08:00

The official book cover of Twilight

To all booklovers there, go check this baby out! It’s one of my current favorites now and I guarantee you it’s worth the bucks. This is one love story like no other!

Now boys can have an excuse to read love stories.

Earth Day

2008-04-22T21:27:00.000+08:00

It’s Earth Day today!
Be aware. Be active. Be potent.

Change the world. Make it a better place.

Gotcha!

2008-04-21T23:54:00.000+08:00

The fish will always be caught through its mouth.

Upon the declaration of her Tita Anna’s decision to leave the PBB house, Kuya’s little pet imp, Josef, openly wept in front of the other housemates. Apparently, according to fatso, the main reason behind this devastatingly irritating bogus weeping is he is sooo concerned about her aunt’s physical and emotional well-being. Yeah, and I'm George Clooney.

Aha! But here’s the catch. During last Saturday’s episode, where he was allowed to talk to his father regarding the matter, Josef overtly expressed his rants about his Tita Anna’s decision. He almost—almost—condemned her aunt for not considering all the hardships he had partaken just to get inside the big yellow house, for thinking only of herself and not his own sake. So he really is concerned—not for her aunt, but for his own goodwill.

The truth, though impliedly stated, was already revealed. And it came straight from the big fish’s mouth.

Last Song Syndrome

2008-04-18T03:57:00.000+08:00

Kapag ikaw ba na-LSS sa kantang hindi mo naman narinig ang tawag pa rin ba don LSS?