Anything Goes

Kuala Lumpur Trip, Sept. 10-14, 2011

2011-09-27T05:28:00.000-07:00

I am a nature tripper by heart, yet I decided to have city tour outside my country. It was vacation anyway due to Korean holiday. I was initially rooting to revisit my mom in Japan, though it seemed I won`t be able to enjoy my stay, not to mention the expensive travel fare. Then a friend of mine had been dying to go back to Singapore, though she had been there a couple of times before due to her previous job. I got an invite to join her and her friends, but some things were trying to prevent me from coming. Until in the end, I made up my mind to travel alone again just like what I did last year.

I was hoping that a long-distant cousin still lived in Thailand, but she has already moved to Australia. Malaysia came next to my list since it was not going to be so expensive and no visa required. It took me few months before I settle into my final plans of going there. I just felt secured since my godmother and her family lives in Kuala Lumpur.

I was planning just to be on my own. I wanted to savor the freedom of traveling and doing whatever I want, without any restriction. I am the boss. However, I ended up taking her invitation to stay with her. She was giving me a good offer and it would appear rude not to accept it. I just insisted to have an overnight stay in a hotel. It felt good whenever I can prove to myself that I can also arrange a real grown-up plan like this one – arranging my own accommodation and transfer service, and booking my plane ticket.

I almost got an initial sightseeing tour on my way to hotel. I was the only passenger inside the van and the Indian driver was so kind giving me information of the tourist spots that I could see on my left and right. He even gave me tips if I want to explore the city. In my hotel, I immediately swam (alone) because I thought it would be dark outside soon. Time won`t be enough if I want to go out. Unfortunately, they were actually having a long daytime. I should have explored at least one destination.

My godmother fetched me an hour after my checkout. I was about to have another check in because I thought she would never come. But then she came right through the door when the receptionist was about to process my request. Request cancelled. We had lunch at the food court inside a mall located on the first few floors of Petronas Tower. We headed to Batu Cave after taking few pictures. The last stop for that day was a store that looked like Greenhills, 168, or St. Francis in Manila. It was where I got the key chains and a few stuff at a very low price.

When I arrived at their apartment, her husband had been consistently funny and welcoming. Her son was just there in front of his laptop. I noticed that all three of them were always busy in front of their own computers like almost the entire day. It`s how they spend their ordinary day at home. I just locked myself inside my room and simply be with them if it`s time to eat. It was awkward to stay in the living room if you have got nothing to do.

I had my own spiritual moment and fully used the quiet opportunity to reflect with the help of a booklet I got from our altar. One thing that I don`t like about staying in someone else`s house is that you`re not free to do whatever you desire. I was clueless of their wake up time and I couldn`t go out while they were asleep since the door was locked. I was awake early in the morning and good thing my hunger was bearable. This happened for two days. If I think someone`s already outside, I would then go out. The embarrassing thing was they thought I was still asleep until noon; they`re just waiting for me to come out before we could all eat. Plus I dislike worrying about some things. In the hotel, I can freely mess up. In my godmother`s home, I should keep the room clean, I volunteered to wash the dishes one time, and I made sure I left no trash inside my room.

Another awkward moment was the moment of silence during the tour. I didn`t know if it`s because of her menopausal stage or she`s not just in the mood to be jolly. She appeared annoyed, too whenever she and her husband had a petty argument over things that I consider funny. I had to keep my mouth shut and refrain from doing anything. I felt relieved whenever they open a small conversation. They were kind enough to give me a free tour using their car. It was almost like a two-day halfway city tour with free delicious meal. I also felt like a child, especially when they paid for my entrance fee at the KL tower. It`s not that I wasn`t thankful, but I was supposed to pay for it. I think it`s too much for them to pay for that and I at my age, I should be the one giving them a treat instead.

One might say that I was lucky. Yea, I was but at some point, I felt that I had to give self-imposed restrictions. I really wanted to go inside the bird park and take a walk and learn more about Muslim culture by entering a mosque. I was excited way back in Manila to try wearing their Muslim clothes, though there’s a warning of its unpleasant smell. Those were the things that I wasn`t able to enjoy. I simply had a road trip and took pictures. Yet, it was still okay to be with them since I learned things, not just about Malaysia, but I was also able to practice again how to behave and deal when I’m with someone else.

2011-06-10T12:08:00.001-07:00

Eight hours of work. Five days a week. I do nothing but to sit in front of my computer and do my daily, weekly, ad monthly evaluations. My butt is more often than not, glued on my computer chair, while my fingers are busy typing. On the weekend, I could still not spare myself from not sitting again on my most-valued chair and enjoy facebooking and tweetering.

My lifestyle seems to be a very inactive one. Perhaps it is, though I see to it that I go somewhere at least twice or once a month. Any outdoor activity will do as long as you can count it in in the category of active lifestyle. My body and soul feel relaxed whenever I am away from my daily routine; with only friends and activities to keep me company. However, an overnight getaway is undoubtedly fast, and I will find myself again doing the same daily routine.

Though my job is always the same, I love my job. There is no question about it. However, the procedure that it requires me to do makes my muscles and bones demand for a bit of stretching. And it feels good whenevr I do that. Less than 10 seconds of stretching in my cubicle is already a rewarding one. But then, I try to aim to have at least an hour of stretchings and a couple of warm up or yoga exercises every week.

ChiO2 machine, yoga mat, mellow music in the background, and a quite atmosphere. That is all what I need to give my body a favor. Bought ChiO2 machine few months ago to relax myself. I need it to at least calms my scoliotic back. ChiO2 experience hasn`t given me anything special yet, but knowing that it already do something for my body is already okay. Eventually, I expect to feel improvement.

Every inch of my inner body is now prepared for a more complex stretchings; thanks to that machine. I normally use my stored yogilates knowledge if I want to tire myself. It is the kind of tiredness that gives you health benefits. I like it. I really like it. My body aches after an overnight sleep. My whole body aches for a day or two, but it also feels good at the same time.

I wouldn`t be able to learn those stuff if it wasn`t for a friend who also likes to try different activities. We love exploring and experiencing all the good stuff out there. Yoga sounds cool. Not many people could try it. I have always been a yoga fan, but wasn`t able to try it until my friend invited me to have few sessions. It`s actually yogilates, combination of yoga and pilates. What you will after the session is the same feeling that you`ll have after water therapy and a staying at a hot herbal pool. Great!

Though two months seem to be ages, I am longing to allow my muscles to be stretched again. My muscles seem to be getting less flexible and they need tuning up.

The Exclusive World of the People I Call Friends

2010-09-26T19:31:00.001-07:00

A not-so-demure friend and used to be the source of entertainment back when we were in high school. Her mouth is unstoppable and her voice is in its maximum volume the moment she expresses herself. That could grab the attention of anyone sitting or standing close to us. Green jokes, humiliating descriptions, and loud opinion are the normal things that you can hear from her. Some get annoyed by her being noisy, but her close friends would simply laugh at her usual erratic behavior. She used to be a rival’s friend at school, thus she used to be so mean to me. Out of the blue, she suddenly shifted her friendly embrace to the normal and less competitive (in a not so stupid sense) group of people. Despite her war-like attitude towards me, I highly value the times wherein she gives support whenever I need a cheering squad the most. Her concern and assistance are as sincere as her war-like approach.

She used to be one of the affluent students in our class. The bad boys at school usually hit her with humiliating jokes at their most merciless method. I once saw her face turned into a pitiful aura after those rascals had bullied her. Anyway, being the only person considered as the “banker” in our group, others would love to milk some free stuff from her. That seemed to irritate her in some instances but her friends kept on bugging her sometimes. Of course that’s only part of the joke, though that sometimes-moment hit her below the belt. Despite her getting tired of this kind of money-joke, she remained generous as much as she can if you are really in need of help. She gave me a notebook which I treasured so much and I’ll forever appreciate her offer way back in high school, of letting me rent her computer and printer at a very low price.

She is not new to both financial and family problem. Yet, she remained strong. When we were practicing a dance number in their humble abode, I noticed how warm she could be when entertaining a visitor, or even her friends. Same thing happened when we were having a drinking session at their other house. She’s not ashamed of who and what she is and simply minds her own business. Despite her personal challenges, fashion and strength are what she always wears. We are not very close, though we are part of the same high school group. But one day, we were on the street outside our school, she learned that I had stain on my skirt due to monthly girl thing. Her reaction and message “Gaga ka!” was fully absorbed by all of my senses. That sounded like a concern-like tone to me.

She is one of the people whom I used to end up having a small argument with. Stupid not to deny, but we used to argue about nonsense petty topics. She’s not very good at her academics. Cosmetics inside her grooming kit instead of more school books were the things that you can find in her bag. Had been into several relationships, bore children and stopped schooling- perfect instances that would normally make anyone thinks that she had ruined her life. But they’re wrong. When I saw her when she was preggy, her aura was calm and happy as if what’s happening to her was no big deal. She’s simply enjoying what comes along and goes on with the flow of life. Now, she has earned a degree, managing her own business, raising her children, and values her husband-to-be. I had no idea how sincere she could be until the funeral of my father. She’s the first one to respond to drop by in the middle of the night. We talked. We simply talked while puffing cigarettes. That was a nice talk.

He is the only guy in our group. The cleverest among us, but not a stupid bookish, though. A responsible lad that values his education so much and now, he is killing himself with his work. He knew even before what he wanted to achieve and fate has been so kind to him, giving him a degree and a license and putting him in not just a prestigious, but well-known company. He knows his priority and that is to settle his strength-sucking mind-draining responsibilities at work. That consumes most of his time, or apparently, more than of his time. Yet, he still is the same humble honor student when we were in high school. He is a true friend - ready to give way if possible, just to make someone happy. Every time I look at that certificate I got from an interschool essay writing competition in Ateneo, I feel guilty. I shouldn’t have won the last place if he had submitted his entry. I am still certain that he intentionally kept his entry – for me? I guess. I never considered that entry as a winning piece, but I am glad that the judges at least got to notice the content.

Music was the one that brought us together, that was during the time of Backstreet Boys and Hanson and Moffats. She is considered to be the quietest, spendthrift, and artistic in our group. Cash flows into her hands and buys whatever she desires – all that she wants and not just her needs. She’s happy every after purchase and doesn’t care if someone would borrow her stuff and would not bother to return it after ten years. When no one borrows her unnecessary stuff, you can just find it scattered in every corner of their apartment. Easy-go-lucky, that’s how she is. She’s ready to share her blessings anytime, though. She knew since 5th grade what I have always wanted. On my birthdays, she’d never missed wrapping things that she perfectly knew I would treasure – Moffats poster with a mini-magazine about them during our high school days, then rabbits on my debut. She even gave our friends a clue on what to give me as a birthday present – her sister gave me an Ariel mug which I am using until now. Maybe it’s because we’re so close before, until her current love life has changed everything. Her heart is content with her current life, regardless of how difficult and pathetic others might perceive it. She is still the same girl blessed with few genes of sanity, and that’s what we love the most about her.

There are other members of Sindikato whom I used to share lunch at Aling Banang as well as crazy laughter with. Just like the girl who likes to party and who once invited us to their humble but expensive abode in Cavite for a drinking and smoking session that I truly miss (hey, it’s the bonding, not that vices). She never forgets to say Hi and doesn’t get annoyed if we’re too preoccupied to reply.

There is also my anak-anakan with her bf. Her mother never fails to warmly accommodate us even we were in elementary. No doubt, she came from a decent humble family and soon which I hope, she’ll be having her own. She used to be a chubby, studious girl who has become a responsible, blooming lady in love with someone. That someone has been part of our group even before he realized he likes her. Now, both of them add laughter during the bonding moment that happens once in a blue moon.

If I remember it correctly, we got close the moment we learned that we both like Moffats. It’s during our P.E and we were on stage of our so called gymnasium. Since then, we became close. The chemistry’s just perfect. She also happily gave me Moffat stuff which she used to own. Moreover, her family never fails to open their house to the not-so-blessed with Math skills students. No space to practice? Nothing to worry, their house is 10-cartwheel away from our school. Her family seems to be our extended family and it’s always oozing with hospitality and kindness. Though you can’t expect anything from her when it comes to lakwatsa, she’s there if she could to respond to an important even in each of our lives. She was also there in my father’s funeral, together with our friend.

Lastly, she is not our friend but one she used to be our target every summer vacation. Students used to dislike her right minus wrong and erasure means wrong method. Everything has changed when we went to their house to submit our project. We were having fun calling out “Aling Esther” on their street, without knowing that it would be start of our warm relationship with her. She is now our nanay; Nanay Eg as what we call her. She is one of our high school teachers that our group will always love.

Barbaric Filipinos - Epal Pag Nagtravel Ka

2010-09-25T03:55:00.000-07:00

This one is also part of my diving trip to Puerto Galarza with I, Me, and Myself. However, this part of my trip is very infuriating to the maximum level. Philippines is an archipelago full of nature’s wonders and its people are oozing with hospitality. No doubt this is true, but the latter is not applicable to all Filipinos. I think the Department of Tourism is busy selling Philippine tourism to foreigners and they forgot to warn the potential tourists to beware of the barbaric vendors, dispatchers, drivers, and the ones who “assist” people with their tour. These barbaric people do not only bother foreigners but also their fellow countrymen. It is just that the former are their favorite victims.

I am not saying that all Filipino vendors, drivers, and the other aforementioned individuals are clothed with barbaric personality inside and out from head to toe. In fact, there are some public utility drivers, vendors, etc. who are so nice, kind, and honest even without the presence of money. They are like the Japanese workers who in general, are very loyal and dedicated to their work. They do their job well and they are happy to assist their clients/customers. No tip, they say thank you with a genuine smile because people patronize their service/goods. With tip, they are so much grateful for the little blessing.

However, more often than not, I encounter drivers and vendors who usually sell pasalubong at the different terminals in various provinces and they are bringing humiliation to their fellow men. I’ll tell you some of my encounters with these barbarians.

I was at the airport, it was January. A man whom I thought was there to help the balikbayans and tourists with their baggage offered me help. After “helping” me, he simply said something which also meant that I was obliged to give him a tip. Clueless and as a first time traveler via plane, I thought it’s normal. Then I realized at home I shouldn’t have done that. Apparently, it’s improper because his voice was soft and he’s reaching for my ear to whisper his “tip request.”

My second time at the airport came. I refused to accept help. I can wait for my baggage to come out from that machine. After I settled my baggage in the cart, I headed to the short queue to the exit. A lady guard was giving the final inspection. The queue was really short, so I wonder what’s keeping the guard long enough to check each person’s belongings. It’s my turn. She pretended to check the stickers on my belongings. She stopped after seeing my huge teddy bear. She then silently scanned the paper she’s holding, though she wasn’t really scanning. It’s not her business to ask how much my stuffed toy was, but she did. I answered I don’t know. For the final hirit before letting me out, she said Merry Christmas. I didn’t hear it at first because her voice was soft as if she’s telling me a secret. She said it again, this time a little louder. I responded “ah” in a dismayed tone with an annoyed facial expression. The bitch realized she couldn’t squeeze any amount from me and so she let me out. It’s funny because the women behind me were making direct parinig that the lady guard was asking for money that’s why the queue was moving in a very slow pace.

Not so long ago, I went to Pampanga with friends to visit our colleagues in a compound where they were staying for a month. We had a foreigner in our group – husband of one of our colleagues and also our trainer. The vendors went with their traditional selling technique inside the bus and the moment they caught a glimpse of the foreigner in our group who was sitting at the very last row on the right most corner, they were like Flash and started bugging our friend for a couple of minutes, forcing him to buy their goods. It’s okay to sell, it’s their job. However, being rude and annoying the passengers aren’t proper anymore.

We were walking and trying to find a spot where we can wait for our boss to fetch us. The tricycle drivers were suddenly energized as if they had taken hundreds of Enervon tablets, asking the foreigner only, to ride on the tricycle and I was pretty sure their rate was about to increase ten times. I didn’t know if they knew the poor foreigner was with us. On our way home from a grocery store cum duty free, our colleagues also came with us and they were on a tight schedule. We found a jeep outside and asked the driver if he’s leaving soon. He rudely say “bayaran nio na lang yung kulang. Me foreigner naman kayong kasama.” Obviously, he had mistaken him for a tourist. He had no idea that the American guy was also earning peso. In some countries that I know, they don’t treat foreign visitors like that.

And now the circumstances that inspired me to write this was when I went to Puerto Galera for the second time. I was in Batangas pier and as usual, the moment you get off from the bus, vendors and dispatchers are there blocking your way asking where your next destination is. You wouldn’t even have the chance to remember your plans all of the sudden because of their kakulitan and their faces are always close to yours. A man asked me. I ignored him at first. He followed me and tried again. Thinking now that he’s a roro agent, told him I was going to Muelle. He tried to get my bag without even without asking if I wanted him to carry it for me. I refused. He looked tablado. He then continued to talk but I wasn’t listening. He brought me to a ticket booth which I was already familiar with. He then immediately grabbed my ticket and walked fast towards the terminal fee booth. He again took the terminal ticket and walked fast towards the exit. It wasn’t where I was supposed to go. Until things became clear as he headed to a stall full of goods. I shouted that I won’t buy anything. He said, “parang tulong mo na. Tinulungan naman kita.” Fu** sh*t!

Since I was not carrying any food, I considered buying. I asked if there’s any sweets and he rudely responded, “kung ano lang nakikita mo jan yan lang.” He then began to pick something and was ready to bag it. What the! I ignored. I found what I wanted. I said I’ll get two shing-alings instead. He said I should make it three to avail discount and was already bagging “my purchase”. I firmly said I’ll get only two and by that time, I was starting to get pissed off. I was ready to snatch my tickets and make a scene if he would refuse to give them back or if he would insist giving me three goods. He seemed dismay anyway, removed one pack of shing-aling, gave them to me and still accompanied me to the entrance gate where passengers should wait for the roro.

Back to Batangas pier; I was heading back to Manila. Found three buses, the bus in the middle was not good-looking inside and out - but the buses on its left and right were. Unfortunately, the bus that I didn’t want to board on was the only one which could take me to a convenient jeepney terminal going to the city where I live– but I was wrong. Super duper, very wrong!

The decaying feature of the bus was a very perfect match with the decaying squatter and next to barbaric-like attitude of the driver and conductor. Passengers had asked them if they were bound to go to certain places and they said yes. The signage was also clear. Both of the devilish idiots didn’t care about the proper drop off point of the passengers. None of the less than 20 passengers got off the bus at the exact place. They were busy talking about the things that their office should do in the most mayabang tone. It’s as if the company wouldn’t want to lose them and must follow their demands. The driver was throwing bad words to every bus and car that blocked his way, as if they had to automatically give way because his bulok bus was going to pass through. Two men plus I were the remaining passengers. The first man was supposed to get off in Ortigas, but the conductor suggested that he should get off at other place and gave lame excuses. Hello! He should have said they were not planning to take specific routes when he was asking for our drop off points. He planned to be in Cubao instead. There were two of us who were targeting Farmers. We were like ten walks away but the driver didn’t want to take a halt. The first man got so mad that he and the bullshit conductor began to argue. He said anyway, they were taking a U-turn so they could still drop us at Farmers.

Traffic was heavy. I was already seeing Jollibee, but they were on the wrong lane. The devil driver in his mayabang na kala-mo-king-sino tone shouted, “Dito na kau bumaba! Kung hindi ibabalik ko kayo sa Alabang!” I heard them using the excuse that they were keeping away from the no unloading area and now they were asking us three to get off the bus in the middle of EDSA! I was suppressing the infuriating emotion that had started to build earlier. I stood and used an annoyed and masungit tone as I talk to the driver and to the conductor. However, what’s more irritating was the clear fact that I couldn’t find an ID and it’s impossible to take note of the plate number so that I could report them. It’s so much frustrating, too because I knew that I can’t do anything because they had all the means to take me anywhere. And as natural barbarians, they could do anything to injure me and no one could rescue me. The big guy who had an argument earlier already shut up. Ako pa kaya! I was so bad but I made a wish na mabangga sana sila!

Why Do I Write?

2010-08-20T12:08:00.000-07:00

I like writing because I simply want to. But this happens once in a blue moon, meaning if my brain cells are badly pushing me to put into words the thoughts that they (or I) have. Haven’t had any professional writing experience and training, though. I wish I had. I had an innocent dream of becoming a writer, but I was harshly told that taking up any writing-related course’s a meaningless decision.

Anyone can write but only few can produce good articles. Can I put myself on the average level? Simple language is the only thing I know.

I write for pleasure. Can’t consider it as a talent that runs through my veins. I write because it’s one of interests, that’s all. Can’t write when not in the mood. Since I think my writing style is not that bad, I am glad that I can somehow earn from it, too.

Now I have three reasons why I write:

1. For pleasure

2. To earn

3. To learn

If you’re a writer, you are also a reader. Reading other people's articles helps me a lot. That allows me to add up something new to my vocabulary bin and those well-written articles serve as my grammar reviewer as well.

Some people write for the benefit of others, either to inform their readers about anything or to simply entertain or inspire them with a good story. This one is my ultimate goal, albeit it’s clear to me that it has to remain out of the spot light for heaven knows when. For the mean time, magsusulat muna ko kung feel ng brain cells ko.

Productive Weekends

2010-08-20T12:02:00.000-07:00

(written last aug. 022, 2010)

I think it has been a month or two since my last climb. Honestly, I don’t feel like climbing anymore. I now get tired easily. Maybe I have to put the blame on my scoliosis which badly takes my normal body figure. But it doesn’t mean I have no plans of climbing again. Maybe it depends on my budget (since few weeks from now, I’ll be having my therapy). It also depends on what kind of people I’ll be climbing with. I want a relaxing and pressure-free climb. But, hey! Beach trip is going to be a lot better.

These past few weeks, I’ve been spending my weekends either at home with my laundry plus my EPH assignments or strolling anywhere with Len. We slightly abandon our weekly prayer meeting. Well at least, I still have something to do over the weekend.

Last month, Len and I had been at the Meralco Theater for a musical play. It’s been ages since my first and last play at Araneta. Legally Blonde was my second. I noticed that 95% of the people who patronize that kind of event are affluent. It’s relaxing anyway. The performances were great.

Next target after the play – yogilates. It’s a combination of yoga and pilates. I’ve been fascinated with yoga and was able to formally practice it just recently. I am looking forward to another weekend full of breathing exercises and stretching.

Somehow, I am still keeping myself busy and at the same time, having fun. My dorn therapy – coming soon!

I, Me, and Myself

2010-08-15T00:23:00.000-07:00

I am so much fond of numerology and astrology as well as finding the meaning of my own name. I have been studying the basic things of numerology, analyzing if my life path number and destiny number really define my personality.
According to numerology, the following are the things about the people with a Destiny number 5:

• Sense of liberation = true enough. I super value freedom and I just dislike being bossed by someone whom I consider as feelingero/feelingera or at least, someone whom I think is not worthy of my obedience, loyalty, and effort. I want to do things on my own, unless I will be the one to personally ask for assistance.

• Advance progress and are multitalented = honest, I haven’t discovered my talent yet, if ever I have one. Well I think I do if you can include slight laziness, day dreaming, and traveling in the category of being multitalented. In fairness to me, I know I can do several serious things, though they are either on the average or above average level only.

• Diplomatic and tactful = sensitive: other synonymous term and yes, maybe I am slightly sensitive.

• Physically and mentally active = I hate just sitting around despite my rare case of laziness. I want to be productive, doing things that I want (note: emphasis on the word “want”). Mentally active – yes! My mind is always full of things, both realistic and fictional.

• Travel frequently and enjoy freedom = a nature tripper here and just tell me where and when our next destination will be and my backpack will be ready one week in advance. Freedom! Freedom! Freedom! Let me do things on my own.

• Eloquence makes them persuasive and influential = maybe once in a blue moon. I once had this convincing power when I was in high school. Eloquence? I must be on my emotional state first.

• Interested in occult studies = I won’t deny that I am interested in witchcraft and stuff like astrology and numerology, of course. It is just ironic because I could not gather some of the basic info.

• Deeply want to master complex subjects = huh? Like what? Nah!

• Make friends easily = perhaps acquaintance, because friendship requires time. Good chemistry is also essential.

• Have enormous flexibility of characters = I should. My circle of friends is composed of heterogeneous individuals. I have to blend with them well.
For the people with Personality number 7:

• Seek religion and wisdom = I value Catholicism very much and on my spiritual side, I seek at least 1% of wisdom that King Solomon had in order to understand and to practice patience towards headache-causing people and situations.

• Hate doing physical work = do you mean few household chores? It’s a YES!

• Introspective, scientific and analytical = and I don’t think so. Overanalyzing things is not my forte.

• Are misunderstood sometimes = I don’t speak alien language; I wonder why they sometimes don’t get what I mean. Sometimes, I want to put the blame on my being poor at expressing my ideas in a simpler manner.

• Hardly see things from the viewpoint of others = this is a rare case. I let other people savor their opinion, but it doesn’t mean I always agree with their opinion.

• Love nature and peaceful ambiance = especially the sea! Lying on my hammock, on the beach, with bonfire at night, chatting: PERFECT! That’s why I joined an environmental group when I was in college - my passport to nature trips. Don’t you dare to throw a candy wrapper on the street. I swear, I’ll curse you.

• Love perfection, teaching, and spirituality = not that 100% perfectionist. I am an online teacher and I like teaching. I pray a lot, but not that showy.

• Individualistic, creative, dignified, serene, and tolerant = I choose blue when everybody chooses red. Creative if in the mood. I wear decency when in public which is normally mistaken as “kaartehan” by other people especially those with “bakya” personalities (people with class think that that behavior is normal). I savor a quiet moment at times, too – just I, me, and myself and my solo moment. Lastly, if you’re erratic and not my friend, I can deal with you for a long time. Besides, I am always free to curse you when you piss me off. But because I am not as evil as you, cursing rarely happens.

• Intuitive, magnetic, and versatile = Please allow me not to elaborate the first two. As for the last one, I can adapt to the new changes. As if I have a choice. Thanks to Who Moved My Cheese?

And as for the Soul urge number 2:
• Oversensitive = not over.

• Hate loneliness = at times I am a loner, but who wants to be lonely, anyway?

• Are psychic but can handle the situations tactfully = No that much.

• Love harmony but at the same time lack discipline = something I won’t deny.

• Docile in nature = in what department, love department? It’s not applicable as of the moment.

• Idealistic and imaginative, although their ideas are mostly fanciful and rarely pragmatic = what’s wrong with dreaming that you’re a mermaid? It’s my childhood dream. And what’s wrong with wanting the idea that you, too will meet your Edward Cullen? I still have other collections of these fanciful ideas.

• Are romantic and have strong of sexual urge = don’t get me wrong – everybody is! Well, though on a different level.

• Lack confidence because of which they are melancholic and are constantly in conflict with their own minds = Yeah, right.

Three-peat: Zambales Getaway...

2010-06-08T20:58:00.000-07:00

May 29, 2010, Friday, it was 11:00 pm, time to go home from work and I had to hurry. In a few hours, I must wake up because I had to meet Pinky at the Victory Liner in Caloocan. We – Pinky, JM, and I were going back to Anawangin.

It’s supposed to be a climb to Maculot. I asked Pinky last month to organize a climb since I've been dreaming to climb that mountain since college. Then on Friday night, it rained. Sudden change of plan. Pinky’s friend backed out. Pinky was in the hospital and was ready for a getaway and she couldn’t go back to Cavite. I also wanted a weekend trip. No more climb. Anawangin was the safest place to go.

Pinky’s other friends had their own reasons why they couldn’t join the next day’s beach trip. The most awaited day came. JM and I arrived first at the bus terminal. Few minutes later, Pinky showed up. The laughing trip began.

Perhaps JM wanted to regret his decision of joining us. He was being slightly bullied, being the only guy in the group. But he’s game for more fun. Breakfast at McDonalds after we bought tickets and our bus had already left when we came back. Had to wait for another hour.

We were in San Antonio municipal hall and the tricycle driver brought us to a bangkero who would be taking us to Anawangin. I was excited to help pitching the tent that JM had brought with him. However, we had to rent a tent because the one that we had was not complete. We all laughed at that hilarious instance.

It’s a blessing in disguise that we did not pursue with that climb. We could have ended up sleeping under a tree on a freezing cold night on top of the mountain.

It was a very relaxing getaway, with just the three of us. No pressure, full of hilarious things, pusoy dos, swimming at Capones the next day with super mini “rock climbing”. I also bought my own hammock. I've always liked the feeling of lying on a hammock.

Saturday night, time to share our personal stories. There was the bonfire created by JM while the three of us were on our own hammock, exchanging personal love stories (do I have an authentic one?). Sunday morning, great it was drizzling. And the cloud was just above our tent – only above our tent. I thought we could get a henna tattoo and could climb the nearby hill before we left. Maybe next time.

Capones was next. I thought we could go and see the light house. It could have been JM and Pinky’s first lighthouse experience at Capones. However, heading to the other side of Capones where the lighthouse could be found was not safe. Yet, we still enjoyed the cool water and the nice ambiance. The sea was a mixture of sea green and deep blue color and that side of Capones was really majestic. I envy JM for being such a good swimmer. Anyway, Pinky and I still managed to swim on a “deeper” part of the sea, behind a huge rock where fish could be found.

I didn’t want to leave yet. I still wanted to savor the serenity brought by the sea and the company of Pinky and JM. Hopefully, we could return and be pampered by the other coves in Zambales.

First Outing for the Year 2010: Len, Ams, and Eli on Potipot Zambales, Philippines

2010-04-23T03:31:00.000-07:00

Last January 22, I met my friends in Caloocan. It was Friday and we were taking the midnight trip going to Sta. Cruz, Zambales. An hour just before the scheduled trip, Len, Ams, I, and even the driver of the cab were all tensed. The driver was aware that I had to be in the bus terminal because the bus would be leaving in a few minutes. Len and Ams were trying to negotiate with the conductor, telling him that I was on my way there. When I arrived at the terminal, tension was at its peak and Len went looking for me and managed to see me “on time”. The bus was already crowded and the chance passengers were all staring at my seat which was the only vacant one. I stepped on the bus and only few seconds later, the driver entered. Whew! I made it.

At 4:00 am, we arrived in a town in Zambales. Only the moon and the copious stars were our source of light and nothing else. No one was in that deserted street but us. It’s as if we were in a horror film. Dogs from we didn’t know where started to bark fiercely. We wondered if we would need to run for our lives once a dog appeared to chase us. Instead of being stagnant, we decided to look for the resort in semi-total darkness and we just realized after a few steps that we were facing a huge dog. It started to move towards us when Len took another step. We froze dead at first but managed to walk back.

We found a spot where there’s a little amount of light. It was where we stood, clueless of what to do. There we were waiting for a solution to come, and it came! Few moments after, a tricycle came towards us and he knew our resort. What a blessing in disguise. At 5:00 am, we found ourselves, comfortably lying on the beds in Room number 5 in Sunbloom Resort. Few hours later, we were in Potipot, ready to explore, play, swim, boy hunt, and take pictures.

Back to Anawangin Cove

2010-04-23T01:56:00.000-07:00

Due to my longer break time the other day (though it was last week), I was on the petiks mode and was not in the mood to finish my weekly report. I decided to simply recall my third visit to Zambales and tried to write down the things that happened in my second Anawangin adventure.

We – Len, Ams, Pinks, and I finally had the chance to visit Anawangin cove last April 10 in which, Ams and I were second timers. Ams brought company – her Korean student Jayce together with her co-teachers JM and the lovers Euna and Brian. No one had expected that all of us would be getting along very well with each other. Thanks to pusoy dos maybe – the game that bonded us together.

I spent more time playing in the sea water than I did on my first visit on that cove last month. That’s the difference when you're with your close friends (who also happened to be girls) – you can act freely, go as insane as you like, chat comfortably, and ask for something libre.

I wasn’t able to join the kolokoys in their mini trek on my first Anawangin adventure because I was damn sleepy. On my second visit, we, except for the lovers, decided to explore what lies behind those growing pine trees. Pinky pretended to be a journalist who documented our “exploration” with her pink camera; JM and Jayce enjoyed the sight of the dry and hard huge dung as if it’s something unique; and I just savored that small walk and wished that I could also climb trees just like what Pinky also did.

At 6:00 pm, we had to leave the cove. Manong boatman fetched us and we had no choice but to go to the boat. The sad part was, I hadn’t made up my mind yet whether to have that henna tattoo or not. I didn’t want to leave yet, too because I was still enjoying Am’s behavior towards the sea plant that she really finds super kadiri.
Then all aboard. The sun was about to set and so we made ourselves comfortable for a boat ride back to Ludwig Resort. Minutes passed by, we were still near the shore. The other boatman was struggling to make the motor work but all in vain. We needed SOS, thus another boat had to pull our boat. I found it weird because I am used to a noisy boat ride due to the roaring motor. That one was very quiet.

It’s like we had been in the sea for several hours. It’s hard to see anything or anyone in total darkness in the middle of the sea. Ams and Pinky were sound tripping, JM was in dream land, Len was slightly paranoid, while the lovers, Jayce and I were just silent.

At last, we set our feet on the sand where our resort stood. After taking a shower, with our hungry faces, we decided to dine out, so we walked for 30 minutes to look for a beach restaurant, only to find out that they were about to close. We had no choice but to drag our weak body for another 30-minute starving walk back to the resort. Thanks to Euna who managed to cook for all of us, and so we had our super late dinner at 11 pm.

We regained our energy, thus we spent the night playing the addicting and super fun pusoy dos the entire night that we still carried on the next day while waiting for Ate Inday, so that we could pay our bills and checked out.

God Works in a Mysterious Way – Even During My Modess Moment

2010-03-28T09:02:00.000-07:00

I had my first ever retreat at the age of 25 and that happened just recently. An accident – it’s how I call it. However, during the retreat, they kept on saying that our presence there was not a mere accident. It has been all in God’s plan. Apparently, He must have prepared something that could assist me during our batch’s grand reunion.

Yeah, being a part of Singles Discovery could be one of His plans. Well, I was planning to join the group or spiritual community in our parish where some of my aunties became members. But I always ended up being too lazy to inquire or to attend orientations – and this had happened for few years.

End of March came. I thought I would not be ale to have an out of town trip for April this year so I started texting some of my friends and asked them if they would like the idea of going somewhere on the coming weekends
[next month]. Len replied and told me that she and Pinky would be attending a retreat. I could join but could only be accommodated if there’s a spare slot for me. And there was.

That retreat bridged a gap between me and my late father whom I had silent but obvious conflict with for nearly two decades. It was when I finally let out all disappointments and angst. It was when I finally said I love you, I forgive you, and please forgive me, too – in the form of other person though. What a peace of mind I gained.

First prayer meeting came next and I just enjoyed the praise and worship part. A week after, our batch hosted a tribute party for our sponsoring class. It was also when I had this embarrassing Modess moment. But just what I have mentioned, maybe God has planned everything for me because He probably knew that I would be silently clamoring for assistance on that day. So he sent several blessing in disguise.

It’s my second day and it’s when I am having a waterfall-like physiological activity. Mel secretly approached me and whispered if it’s my girl thing day. I thought she was referring to the small spot on my shorts so I said it’s been there since that afternoon and that wasn’t serious. Damn! She was referring to bigger spots that have just appeared and I even left a slight mark on my mono-block seat!

Panic! Panic! I rushed out through the door while everybody was busy because it’s actually picture –taking time before packing up. No body seemed to notice me except for Len, Pinky, and the girls behind me who at least looked concerned about my ridiculous, pathetic, embarrassing, and cute situation. I headed to the ladies’ room to fix myself.

Good thing I already took one hanky-like souvenir before everything happened. I tied it around my waist to hide the show-attracting thing behind me. Grace approached me afterwards, with a white pants tucked in a native hat that she's holding. It was from Rica and I could use it. Great! Has the embarrassing show started to spread?

I refused to accept it at first because first and foremost, the pair of pants was white. Since she told me that it’s okay with Rica that I’ll be using it for a while, and the thought of walking on the street with spots on my clothes, I thankfully accepted it. I did not know if Grace asked for assistance from fellow ladies or if she just simply shared it with someone and there was a response of blessing – but whatever it was, I really appreciated what they did for me.

I can’t imagine myself lending newly-bought clothes to someone if same thing would happen. Yes, that pair of pants was absolutely new with a tag price still attached. I wonder if God allowed Rica to buy something like that from the mall before proceeding to the covenant house or God urged her to bring the pants with her for a reason. Did it happen for a purpose (and that’s for me to use it ^_^)?

Wow, well that’s inspiring. Those girls whom I haven’t shared anything personal yet offered me help - Grace, Rica, and even Maane who offered me to drop by at her house to get some shorts should I need one. Those ladies who simply asked me if I am okay made me smile also. But I am grateful, too that Len and Pinky were with me - they bought me pads.

And one thing - I was just supposed to bring the bag that I use in the office, but I changed my mind and took a spacious bag instead. Did angels did not give up yelling at me to bring it because I would be needing a bag like that to carry the stuff that I needed to keep because of the upcoming embarrassing situation?

Well, they said everything happened for a reason. After the reunion, something was able to sink in my mind. The decisions that you make or the things that happen to you will not simply affect you but could also affect someone. In Rica’s case for bringing that pair of pants – it really helped me.

I can’t give the pair of pants’ owner anything in return but only a gesture of gratefulness. Well, I think what happened to me was funny, too. I hope Grace, Len, and Pinky were able to have a little laugh, too. Bahala na si Lord bumawi sa kanila, heheh!

Anawangin Adventure

2010-03-17T00:12:00.000-07:00

What a sleepy Monday! I woke up early this morning because I was able to have a straight eight hours of sleep and was able to sleep early last night, too. Unfortunately, I felt so lazy and sleepy right after the moment I got up from bed until I finally drank a bottle of coke at around 3 pm in the office. Even if I needed to put the blame on the trip that I had this weekend, I would not do that because my recent out of town adventure was too precious to blame.

Though the trip was so complicated at first – with all the incomplete details and unsure accommodation that I would have to encounter once I arrive at the camp site in Anawangin – everything turned well, although none of the original plan happened.

Friday at 11 pm, I rushed out of the office to wait for the cab that did not come so I had to take another cab and I successfully arrived in Makati to meet Francis on time. I just got so lucky because their jeep got lost, otherwise all of his friends would end up waiting for me for an hour which would really be so embarrassing since I just asked Francis a favor (actually, it was Ella who did) so that I could join this Anawangin adventure..

There was no room for me in the passenger’s place so I had to stay in front between the driver and the mechanic. It did not bother me because I found it easy to sleep there. We arrived at 5 am in San Antonio municipal office which could have been 4 am if we had not got lost two or three times on the way to the town.

From the moment I arrived in their office in Makati up to the time that we needed to go back to Manila, there was no dull moment because these 17 boys whom I was joining were wacky from head to toe.

It’s Saturday morning and the boys started to pitch the tent. I was a little bit sleepy but I still wanted to stay awake. I had to find Ella because that’s the main part of the plan. I was supposed to stay with them but in the end, Francis’ group became my official group. Even if Francis and his group were so accommodating, I still felt a bit shy. But I had to muster all the guts that I had and simply enjoy the trip.

Though there were some OP moments, I still savored all my first times when the night came – first bonfire and hammock experience as well as the first time to sleep in a tent alone. I was not just able to see the lake there because I did not join the boys in their climb. Damn, I was so sleepy that afternoon and the hot temperature inside the tent did not bother me.

The next day, we headed to Capones for the light house experience. But prior to that, we had lunch first to the nearby island. This time, I fully savor the moment; maybe because we were about to go home. Albeit the sun’s heat was embracing us so well, we did not mind at all.

Thanks to Francis and Ella who became my life savers on that trip. Ella lent me her shoes when my rubber slipper left me in Capones. Good thing there’s no need to dip our feet in the water after that light louse moment. Ella also thanked Francis for “adopting” me. Great! That one really made me feel embarrassed. I owe everything (on that trip) to Francis and Ella, though.

I love this trip!

Echoseras in the Work Place

2010-01-07T02:08:00.000-08:00

Ang Mga Echosera sa Opisina

Kala ko noon sa eskwelahan lang uso yung nakakawindang na chismisan, tirahan, at inggitan. Nakakagulat nung malaman ko na normal lang din pala 'to sa mga opisina o saan mang lugar na pwede mong mapagtrabahuhan. Mas nakakawindang pag ganito dahil sa ang tatanda na ng mga tao sa workplace para sa ganitong behavior. Tsk...tsk...

Kala ko kasi mga teenagers lang yung pewedeng magpa-cute eh, yun pala pwede din yun madala hanggang pagtanda kapag hindi sila naging aware na me nakakaasar silang attitude. Nung inereklamo ko 'to sa tita ko, sabi lang nia, walang lugar na walang mambbuwisit sayo. Kaya good luck naman, di ba?

Sa una kong pinasukan, kala ko heaven na or jackpot. Ang ganda ng office, panalo yung place, walang pakielamanan sa suot at trabaho basta matatapos mo yung pinapagawa sayo. Kaso naman, kakaiba pala yung system doon. Nagkamali lang ako minsan, nagka-issue na ko ng bongga. Hindi man lang nila napansin ung bongga ko ding improvement after one month.

Isang buwan lang ako dun kaya hindi ko pa mafeel yung ibang negative feedback na na sinasabi sakin nung taong pinalitan ko dun. Sa isang factory naman sa Japan ako sunod na nagtrabaho ng di sinasadya. Kala ko mas okay kasi me mga kapwa pinay ka na makakasama sa trabaho. Anak ka ng pating! mas mabuti palang magisa ka na lng magtrabaho! Matapos ko maexperience ang sobrang cute na kabuwisitan sa trabaho dahil lang sa ibang (mga?) tao dun, doon ko naintindihan yung reklamo ng ibang matitinong pinay na nagtatrabaho sa Japan tungkol sa ibang pinay dun na chararat yung ugali. Hmphf!

Pagkatapos nito natanggap na ko sa isang kumpanya. Ayos naman nung una mga tao dun kaso me iilang tao pa din dun yung sadyang pangasar. Mababait naman yung mga nakasama ko and love ko naman sila dun pero dumating din sa punto na mas gusto ko na lang magsolo. Feeling ko mas naging okay kami nung mejo dumistansya ako sa kanila. Pero me mga bagong mukha pa din ang lumitaw na either magplastikan kami o magdedmahan na lng...pero di kami magkaaway...tipong wala lang...

Matapos yung isang taon at mahigit, lumipat ako ng ibang kumpanya. Isa o dalawang buwan yata ako dun. Doon maayos akong nagtrabaho pero hindi ka lang pala makukunsumi sa mga kapwa mo rank and file. Pwede ka din pala maasar sa minsang palpak na descision o napagkasunduan ng management na ikaw yung apektado. Hello, syempre di ka makakareklamo pag ganun, kaya swerte mo. Ito yung tipo na sasabihin mo sana ikaw na lang uyng nasa posisyon nila...toinks kaso hindi eh kya sorry ka na lng.

Bagong trabaho ulit. part time muna kasi parang nakakailang beses na yata akong palipat lipat ng trabaho. Awa ng Diyos, breaking the record isang linggo lang tinagal ko dun, heheh kaya wala ako ma-say pa. Me mas maganda kasing offer kaya umalis ako dun. Anyway, nakuha ko naman yung allowance ko at wala naman akong pending na trabaho.

Sabi ko ba magandang offer? Teka mali, kala ko lang yun. Mejo magulo kausap yung nakausap ko dun. Bukod sa hindi maganda yung chemistry ko at nung majority ng mga kasamahan ko dun, nagaadik din yata ung boss dun. Napakaunprofessional ng work dun at yung mga nakasama ko eh bato yata. Kaya pag nagkakasalubong ko yung iba sa kanila, dedma na lang. Tapos very subjective yung boss dun. Labo.

Di ko natiis at mukhang wala akong kinabukasan dun kaya naghanap ako ng bago nanaman malilipatan makalipas ang ilang buwan...mga isa, dalawa o tatlong buwan yata. Ayan, natanggap naman ako sa isa nanamang trabaho. At kahit bago pa lang ako dito, alam ko may mga dapat pa kong abangan.

To be continued na lang. Haba na eh...
Me Ang Mga Echosera sa Opisina part 2 pa.

Elika

2009-12-12T08:50:00.001-08:00

When I was googling my name, I found out that my name is no longer unique because there are also some people (or group) abroad who also carry the name elika. It gives me the reason to blog.

The only elika I know is the person who lives in me. I am also aware that Elika is a name of a place in a foreign country. I just often choose not to disclose my real name to the public. I give different name whenever a stranger asks for it. I don’t like the idea that other people might use it.

Unfortunately, elika is now one of the characters in Prince of Persia. It is also now a name of a music group. A fashion designer is using it as her identity, too. And I accidentally found a lady in London whose name is also Elika.

Now I have this absurd feeling that my name that I really treasure is becoming as common as Catherine, Joy, Rose, Lisa, and the like. Should this be an issue? Maybe I am just used to the fact that I get nice attention because of the name given to me, knowing that it isn’t as common as the others.

How to Avoid Committing (Again) the Top 10 Mistakes Single Women Make

2009-09-21T00:38:00.000-07:00

Who is he? Who is he? Who is this beautiful guy? Where is he?
How does he laugh? How does he cry? What’s the color of his eyes?
Does he even realize I’m here?

This is how the lyrics of the song that I am listening to goes. This song reminds me of something that taught me how to be wiser when it comes to dealing with a heart issue.

Being in love is what most of the girls commonly fantasized. They love to become a princess and be saved by a handsome prince or a knight in shining armor. I used to be one of these bevies who want to experience the kind of love story that Jordan Taylor mentioned in her Love Story debut single.

As early as 5 years old, I began to have crushes. It was also when I experienced being admired by a playmate and it was when I had my first (cheek) kiss. Every year of my elementary days won’t be complete without a flavor of the year. I usually went gaga when it comes to my crushes.

I still carried this insane behavior until my high school years. The only difference is, I became aware that I must drop the crazy behavior I had way back when I was in elementary. My giggling and stalking tactics became softer.

I think I was more matured when I reached college. I still had crushes but this time, in the most demure manner. I think I succeeded on this one because my entire college years passed by and I silently suppressed my admiration to a guy. It was also during this period of my life when I had one-way feeling for two different guys.

Since I was five, I have spent my days in day dreaming that someday I am also going to have my own love story. I will fulfill my dreams someday of being a damsel in distress being saved by my either knight or prince. Cheesy as it may seem but this was what I used to do.

As long as it is plausible to do, I usually do my best to get information and even memorabilia about the guy that I like. Sometimes, I could feel exhausted whenever I do this but I didn’t mind as long as I get what I want. And for years, I grew completely tired of chasing for the guy whom I wish would finally complete my dream love story.

Then one day, I had this chance to be on a date (that didn’t happen). To make the long story short, I got blindly hooked by his words and I fell into a trap that lasted for three months. I took the risk of having a commitment with him in the hope that he would put a period in my search of Mr. Right, despite the fact that something wrong would possibly happen if I say yes.

Our “relationship” seemed to be suspicious for those who witnessed this chapter of my life. But I was blind and deaf and my mind was so much clouded and I forced myself to ignore the red flags that swayed right under my nose. I also almost dropped my job just for this fictional guy. He already seemed to be my world.

Then one day, I was finally awakened and I realized that I had to stop this insane commitment that I had. I made my move to catch what’s really going on, although I was still hoping that my hunch was wrong. But it wasn’t. I felt blank for a few moments and went back to the office but I only pretended to work. I felt nothing, not even anger; just nothing.

After a couple of weeks, I finally admitted to myself that his identity was just a bluff. His name, his profile, everything about him was all stupidity and I was stupid, too for letting this kind of thing happened. Well, I was facing the consequences of the decision that I made. He was a fictional character that didn’t exist at all. I should have fallen in love with Prince Eric, because at least I knew that he existed even on Disney.

Time to move on. My life won’t stop just because of this instance. That person is not worthy of my further effort. His identity must be buried. I just entrusted his (or their) fate to karma. As for me, I have my own life to continue. I have personal dreams to pursue.

The new courage that I found after that was influenced by the author Michelle Hammond McKinney. I love her book and that inspired me on how to value myself first before anything else. Perhaps what happened to me was a real life’s lesson. I had a hands-on experience before the lecture. It would only be useless if I had read her book first before I had a bluff relationship with a bogus or not-existing guy, because I would only deny the content of her book due to the blissful moment I had in the trap where I used to be.

I did all the opposite things that are written in Michelle’s book. Perhaps that is why I used to feel that I am incomplete; that I needed a partner to become happy and complete. Thanks to her book that I learned the right path to take.

In random order:

1. I should not wait for a guy to complete me. I am the sole responsible for my happiness. When a guy enters the picture, then that is a bonus part.

2. I have to value myself first and the people around me would see me the same way.

3. I need to do the activities at present. I have to enjoy the current season of my life. Go to new places not because there could be potential partner out there but because it is simply where I want to go. Meeting him should be only a by-product.

4. My life needs to be attractive enough for people or even a dream life’s partner joins me. I learned that I attract whatever I am.

5. I do not need to be desperate. That will only make my life even worse. I won’t let myself anymore accept just anything without a value.

6. I should not be pressured if I am single or not. Either way is fun but both also have their own sad part. I have to enjoy the blessings that I have and share them.

7. Got inspired by her example of Ruth’s story from the bible. Ruth never wasted her time in searching for a partner. She only focused her energy on her current season and yet, she was rewarded by a healthy marriage.

8. If there is really someone out there for me, God will show his way to me if I am ready. God’s timing is always perfect. If there isn’t, life is so much beautiful to waste and to wait for someone whom you do not know yet or you do not know would come.

9. I learned that the right attitude is to let yourself become a prize to win. Men are supposed to treat women that way. This way, I am protecting my real value.

10. I do not need to hide my (next) relationship at least to my friends. They won’t be as blind as I may be because of love and so they could see better than I do. I will also teach myself to hear their counsel and use my head to analyze them.

I wish I could see Michelle Hammond McKinney and thank her personally and tell her how much practical and worthy is her book to me. Imagine that for years, I have been doing those aforementioned things. Now I could see the difference that I now try to practice those guidelines. I feel that I value what I have, what I am, and I am more determined to have a fruitful life, with or without a partner.

With those ten guidelines, I can now start working on how to avoid committing the top ten mistakes single women make. I wish to avoid being in the same trap again. I am so amazed by her book and so I patterned his post’s title to her book’s title.

I would not deny, that even if I am admitting the line “with or without a partner”, I still feel afraid that I won’t be able to experience a true happy married life. But I just have to trust God. Whatever He gives me is always better than what I ask for. He always gives me more than what I ask for, anyway. It is just a matter of courage, trust, and faith.

Determined to Write Despite the Limits of My Ability

2009-09-17T20:15:00.000-07:00

It is already 11 o’clock in the evening and I am not sleepy yet, though I have been yawning for several times since 9 in the evening. I am really always like this whenever my sleeping pattern gets disrupted. This happens if I simply stay at home. I could be awake until the next morning and won’t be able to get sleepy on the next night unless I’ll be able to go out and make myself exhausted by traveling.

It has been two weeks that I haven’t had a normal teaching schedule at work. I wonder why I only needed to teach for only two hours for almost three weeks straight and now I have been in a stagnant mode for three days already. I just have no idea if the admin would still remember that I need students and I need to teach for at least six hours to earn a decent amount for a day. Aside from that, I have no choice but to allow myself to earn eye bags because of my unhealthy sleeping pattern, too.

I just hate doing nothing at home. Well, my aunties and grandma keep on telling me that there are a lot of things to do at home. I would admit, I am not interested in doing those “a lot of things” unless I feel like doing those household chores. I would rather read a book or write something for my freelance job.

Without my book and without topics to write about, that’s the time that I wonder around our humble home and inspect every nook of it in search of something to do. However most of the time, I always find myself doing some other stuff though if reading and writing are both impossible for me to do.

I owe my books and the topics that I get from my freelance job a lot (I work as a freelance writer at Essays.ph by the way) otherwise, I would be sick of boredom. I take refuge in front of my computer whenever there is a set of topics that interests me in our cyber office. It is a great time to spend a blunt day in a productive way.

Speaking of writing, I never thought I would make writing as a way of earning. All I knew before was that I enjoy writing and expressing my nagging thoughts about a certain topic, but I write only when I need to. This means I only write if it is necessary, like submitting a term paper, reaction paper, report, entry to a competition, and the like. I knew by that time that I enjoy writing, but it was only when I was in high school when I realized that what I feel about writing is the what they call passion.

Alright then, I discovered that I have passion for writing, too. But I am not like the other writing-addicts who consider writing as their daily vitamins. In fact, I created a blog account but it has been ages since the last time I made another post. I am lazy enough to write whatever thoughts come to my mind.

I actually have a lot of unwritten thoughts and I could have created a decent book if I was able to write them all. Unfortunately, those thoughts easily go out of my mind in the same way that they easily knocked on my brain cells. I am just glad that I often find a good timing that I am able to extract more writing and creative juice from my brain whenever I feel like getting a topic from EPH's (short for Essays.ph) cyber office.

I remember when I first tried to look for a way where I can earn extra income aside from my fixed salary. It has been a year already when I tried my luck in looking for a homebased job. I knew nothing about it until I accidentally found an ad from a job-searching website where I can earn by writing.

I applied for it since writing is one of the things that I know how to do. Besides, during those days, kidding aside but from 9am to 5pm, my officemate and I were pretending that we were busy doing a “work” because we were already done with our modules and we needed to pretend that we were busy, otherwise it will be a big issue in the office. We were just waiting for a new set of work that was actually months late. This happened when I was still working for the Koreans.

Then I got hired and unfortunately, it turned out to be a scam. Oh great nice one! But still I am thankful for that. If it wasn’t because of EPH, I would not be able to learn what scam was, what social network was all about, I would never learn how to create a blog (because it was where writers will be posting their articles), and I would never learn what book-marking was. And the journey must continue, anyway.

The moment I deleted everything that was associated with it, I immediately looked for a new one. I had to find a writing job so that I could have something to keep myself busy in the office. I didn’t know why I was eager to search for that kind of job. It was just like I felt like doing it. And then I found EPH by accident.

The URL read something like Essay.ph. I wondered if this was a legitimate one but I still applied. I didn’t even have an idea on how I should write for them but I still gave it a shot. If I am not mistaken, it took weeks or just a couple of days before I received a new message in my inbox at around 7 pm (I was currently reading my email) that tells me that I am an official EPH writer.

Thank goodness now that I found out it was a true existing company. At first I was scared of getting a topic because it was my first time to write in an EPH way. But I still gathered courage and claimed a slot in which I had no idea what were the topics about (the set of topics was about meta tag and internet marketing stuff). It was ironic because internet stuff is one of my weaknesses!

And let the writing begin. I wrote my first EPH articles in the office and I managed to finish them before 5 o’clock. My seatmate even offered to proofread my work. But hold it; my first set of EPH articles gave me a rattling cyber adventure! I wrote almost 3,000-word articles and when I was about to look for them again in My Docs, they weren’t there and it was almost 6pm (time to go home).

I started to panic because technical computer stuff is not my thing. I tried to look for them as much as I can and rummaged every folder that I know inside that computer screen. My heart was throbbing because I didn’t have a backup copy and how on earth will I rewrite them if my ideas were already gone and with the little time that was left before its scheduled submission. Oh my!

My other coworkers seemed to notice my jumpy behavior. It seemed that I could not hear anyone and the only thing that I was unconsciously doing was hoping for a miracle that I would be able to retrieve my articles. With an almost speechless and hopeless approach, I managed to tell my coworkers who happened to be IT graduates what happened. They offered help which I did not dare to refuse. I had no idea what they were clicking but good gracious, they found my articles!

That instance was not easy for me because I was pissed off (by that time) with my coworkers. But that panicky situation made me appreciate their presence and their concern (they knew I was doing “other work” and it’s not allowed, lol) because they even stayed to help me even if they were about to go home.

I felt like being drenched with cold water after I retrieved my articles and be able to submit them on time. I was already thinking of a disastrous outcome if I had not gotten my articles back. Whew!

Moving on, Essays.ph did not only gave me this rattling cyber adventure. I learned a lot of new things from it, I gained new acquaintances and friends, I finally opened a new bank account, and I was able to include EPH events in my list of tasks. It was also EPH who opened a door to another non-writing opportunity through the existence of its writers who became my friends.

I could consider my stay in EPH as a mini cyber adventure. In adventure, you get to encounter new things and you do not know what risk you may need to face. Your goal is to successfully reach the adventure’s finish line. My exposure at EPH allowed me to learn how to discover zipped file, and what SEO and keywords are. This could be a hilarious issue for my friends because they are aware of how slow I could get when it comes to SOME serious computer matters.

Moreover, I was given the chance to participate in some EPH fun events that I reluctantly tried to attend at first. My first EPH EB turned out to be nice, though. I even met a co-writer who actually lives not far from my home. I met the other EPH writers and found them to be bubbly. Because of Essays.ph, I was also able to see MOA for the first time.

I had fun observing my fellow writers as they playfully invade some areas in MOA. I also had fun listening to them as they enjoyed criticizing a videoke-restaurant whose videoke machine didn't work at all. Since I didn’t know where in Manila we were, I wondered how would I suppose to go home, toinks! Thank goodness a fellow writer offered a ride, otherwise I would be like a clueless stranger searching for the right place to get a cab. It was another (MOA) adventure if ever.

Another event took place after the EB and that was the Christmas party. I was able to get along well with the same people whom I met at EB. It was a fun party and I was happy to meet new sets of people who offered me sticks of cigarettes. The cigarette bonding continued for few more days in the EPH smoking thread. I love those threads that used to be active last year. They were special to me because I had the chance to chat with other fellow writers.

My EPH cyber adventure is not only limited in the world inside my computer screen. Because of those “outdoor” events, I had another opportunity to have fun. I managed to share some of my own out of town adventures with a fellow writer. There was this another fellow writer, too who enjoyed Twilight the way I did and it was the topic of our giggling chat for a few days. I also attended a networking seminar for the first time because of another fellow writer. All these things (and there are a lot more) happened because of my freelance job. I am glad to be part of a group who promotes more than just fun working environment.

No matter how contended I am at EPH, some people keep on telling me that writing for EPH is not a healthy job. I remember the words of my former coworker, “Hah?! Ganun kahaba tapos yun lang yung bayad? Di mo ko mapapasulat ng ganyan.” I wonder what they are complaining about. They write better than me and they could be probably finish good articles in less than 10 hours. They won’t lose anything if they have tried. I was never influenced by their negative reactions, though. This is where I enjoy writing. I dropped my other freelance job and focus my energy at EPH instead.

It has been almost a year since I became an official EPH writer. But aside from these happy moments, new learning, and the other non-writing opportunities, my tenure at EPH allowed me discover more of myself. This could be one of the highlights of my EPH cyber adventure. It was not so long ago when I learned the limits of my ability.

I dreamed of becoming a writer when I was in college. I was determined that I can do that. But when I resigned from my old job, I found out that I could not write for EPH everyday. I had to admit that writing would only best fit as my freelance job because my writing ability depends on my mood. That taught me not to look for a writing career anymore, unless the nature of the writing job would be different.

When I saw the works of the other real and pro writers that I knew, I realized my ability won’t pass the true writer’s standard. However, I have no plans of giving up my passion for writing. It feels great knowing that I could also earn from it. As I have mentioned, I like to write but only if I need to. Without EPH, I won’t have the chance to express my thoughts about my favorite wedding and vacation topic. It is only through EPH, too that I am able to scrutinize the careless grammar errors I commit when writing. No EPH, no further learning for me.

I may not be good at writing but it is one of the things that I love to do. And in everything I (love to) do, I give my best. I may sometimes carelessly write articles but EPH taught me to gain patience in proofreading my work. Before, proofreading was the last thing I would do after writing. I didn’t like the idea of editing my own final work and I didn’t know how to spot my own errors. I could only do that days after I wrote a certain article. EPH is my mentor who taught me the essence of proofreading.

I am happy if my articles receive good compliment and I learned to review my mistakes if I get a comment. I consider this as another method of my learning process. Perhaps I won’t get a drive to do and to learn all these if Essays.ph is just like the other online freelance writing job that I encountered.

As I continue my tenure at EPH, I know there is more to learn. It is a nice place to expose yourself to enhance and add something good to your ability. You’ll sometimes find various write ups in different threads and you will surely extract something new from there, whether it is a new word or a new idea. Reading my co-writers’ and the staff’s write ups fueled my desire to acquire further learning.

My eyes are getting heavy; it is already two in the morning. I know there is something more that I like to include but my mind is getting too sleepy to accommodate more thoughts. I know I also missed some thoughts because my fingers could not catch up with the fast pace dictation delivered by my silent thoughts. I know the last paragraphs are no longer fun to read because I was forcing myself to keep on writing. I was not able to write well since I am sleepy.

Well I guess I have to finish this entry. I am really sleepy. Mornyt!

Reminiscing on How The Secret Works

2009-03-07T05:05:00.000-08:00

It’s almost 3 o’clock in the afternoon and I am already done editing my kongrish essays. We are on the petiks mode right now because the Korean students are on a week vacation. Now, I am getting a little bored, yet I do not want to ask for additional essays ‘coz my eyes are really heavy. I wish to write something instead but there isn’t any appealing topic in my freelance job, so I am writing something here in my blog instead, though I am not sure of what to write about.

My ears are absently-minded listening to the OPM (band) and rnb music from my ipod while my fingers are busy typing whatever word my mind dictates. I know I have plenty of topics that I want to write. Those topics are actually finished. The problem is, they are all unwritten and I couldn’t retrieve them from my memory box at this moment, so I thought of writing something that would discuss my present confused thoughts with regards to work, love life, health, and personal dreams.

Though this is some kinda boring, which I would admit that it really is, this moment of creating an uninteresting entry is what saves me from boredom. At least I have something do while waiting for 6 o’clock to come, and off we go to my officemate’s house for an overnight and slight drinking session. Anyway, it’s Friday. Moving on, I think it’s better if I would begin (well, after this long introduction) with what keeps me busy.

I am currently reading The Secret and I am almost halfway done. I learned about that from my officemate last year during the baby shower of our other officemate in Cavite. I got curious on that book and I thought it was helpful, though I wasn’t that interested to have it immediately, since I wasn’t finish reading Of Cats and Kings and what I really wanted to have next was Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus.

Lately I have been reading articles from our local magazines which pertain to the power of faith and belief. They are also pointing out that positive thoughts can bring you into something good. Well, I am aware of that, but most of the time, I am overly consumed by my negative thoughts and attitudes. It’s so ironic.

The Secret is undoubtedly helping me push my positive thoughts to emerge, though there isn’t any result that would prove its effectiveness towards my personal life. I would like to agree on the way it discusses things that would lead me to my goals. As I read every quote, I tried to reminisce the circumstances which are related to those quotes and analyze if the quotes are applicable to those past events in my life, although I don’t give my full effort to walk back on my past that are already part of history. I want to focus more on what lies ahead. It is where I am going, anyway. It is surprising though that some of the things that I encountered before were the product of my thoughts, just as what The Secret is trying to clarify to its reader.

For years, I had been picturing myself exploring the world below the sea surface, trekking a mountain and seeing a splendid view on the peak of a mountain, working in a nice office, and being on an out of town trip with friends. After more than five years, I was able to experience all these. I guess The Secret is right. That alone gives me the hope and the idea of what to do to live my dream life. I don’t know how, I don’t know when this will come ‘coz that’s not anymore my job. The only thing that I need to do is to believe and live my life as if it is already my dream life.

That dream life is not limited to living in a nice house, having the best career, or staying elegantly beautiful (heheh). That dream life of mine includes what most of the young ladies would ask for – a relationship that leads to a healthy family life, good health, ability to do charity, etc. I am hoping that everything that is in my dream life would come in the perfect time. I want to believe that they are on their way, waiting for me to summon them through my thoughts that must call them consistently.

Before I leave the office, I usually stand in the corner of our pantry where it is really cozy and where I would look at the magnificent night view of Makati, Ortigas, and Mandaluyong. It feels so great whenever I do that. It is as if I am doing that in my own condo. I’m still wishing for a fairytale happy ending, too – whether I feel like a Victorian lady or a princess who would soon meet my knight in shining armor or its modern counterpart – handsome vamp in silver Volvo (thanks to Edward Cullen of Twilight), I would like to find myself soon (not in the future ‘coz that’s an indefinitely long period of waiting) enjoying the company of my perfect mate.

I am also hoping at my best that my spine’s irregular shape won’t bother me starting today. I honestly have no plan of undergoing another major surgery; but if that is really what my spine needs, I hope that everything will turn out to be fine – emotionally, physically, and financially.

My spinal problem is my top notched fear giver and confidence sucker when it comes to dealing with everything connected with the opposite gender. I just hope the guidance of John Gray, Rhonda Byrne, and the author of Michelle Hammond McKinney would help me exude my confidence, love and trust myself better than before, and be positive in everything I do. I hope that sooner or later, I would be able to bury all the negatives in me. I am perfectly aware that these authors could be a great help, especially if I already encountered even in the past, nice moments that almost lead to somewhat like Cupid and Psyche happy ending. I am positive the happy ending that I desire would come. I just need to learn the finishing touches to prepare myself for its coming.

Thank God ‘coz I guess I am able to compose an article with a theme today. It’s not just an article filled with sentences that go to nowhere. It’s now 4:30 and few more minutes and I could do another moment of fun, then tomorrow I am going to relax, and on Sunday, I’ll be on a spiritual business. I just want to give all those activities this weekend a slow pace; being overly active tires me sometimes. In that way, too, I will be able to condition my body and spirit to be able to attract more positive things.

Avoidance-Avoidance that Cannot be Avoided

2008-09-16T02:11:00.000-07:00

Avoidance-avoidance - I just forgot what category this should fall in my Intro. to BeS course. Anyway, in Behavioral Science lingo, it means you have two choices which appear unfavorable to you. And I think I am in this kind of situation. Or am I? I am stuck with my confused thoughts and idea causing me to be sick of the nagging echo in my mind that pushes me to get focused on one goal. But how can I focus if I don't not know what thing to focus on? Ridiculous as it may seem, but I am not sure what field I really want to stick right now. There are numerous factors that I would like to consider before I settle down into what I call a dream career.

What I really have in mind is to work in an admin setting just like in my first job. The place was wonderful (though commuting was a bit difficult), the office was great, I had my own cubicle and cabinet, though I wish I had my own phone too because I used to receive a lot of phone calls, the bosses don't mind whatever you are up to as long as you finish your work. I had freedom yet you have to be responsible. But the only problem is, there was a work-related issue that did not turn to be right. Anyway, it's history. Move on. That work environment is the one thing that drives me to work. It fills my desire and satisfaction of a real industrial setting. Now, I am here in a company, earning from one of my field of interests yet I can't find the key to contentment. Maybe because of the office (at least, I have heard we are transferring to a better one), or the kind of system or working environment that I am not in favor of(which cannot be avoided because they come NATURALLY in every jungle), or is it just me who does not know where to go.

I'm into two different conflicts now and neither of them gives me satisfaction. It does not complete my corporate fantasy. Still, I can't make up my mind where to go. I don't wanna leave just like that. If I do that, things are gonna be worse. My mind is clouded with a lot of what if's and other interests which confuse me even more. I'm still in search of something better but have to stay in where I am now because that is the smartest thing to do. At least in some ways, I have the benefits of less time-pressure and less-work matters. Look at the brighter side of life if everything seems so tiring to bear. I am productive, earning experience, and those are more
important. If things in my become better, then fine. If not, perhaps that is the only time when i should start thinking of solutions.

So to free my self from overflowing thoughts, I think all I have to do is to give my self a chance to focus on something. It's not easy to take a new road, not when you haven't gathered the necessary tools from a place where you are already familiar with. I guess if I have everything I need and growth is still stagnant, I need to take a new route leading to success.What make my mind so confused are the things that i want to accomplish; things that i want to experience. i am
aware that i cannot have them all at the same time (well, 'coz i don't have enough money) and things that are meant for me will come at the perfect moment.

-ber months are coming...

2008-08-15T01:56:00.000-07:00

"-ber" months are fast approaching and I can already sense the yuletide season breeze. It's not that I am excited about the coming season. I just want to enjoy the season's atmosphere. I haven't had two consecutive Christmas celebration because I was in Japan then. The Christmas decors were so fabulous yet they had a dull celebration for that moment in Japan.

I am really not into the typical Christmas party way of celebrating Christmas but I want to feel the season even more by hanging lovely decors and big Christmas tree. Too bad that is not possible in our house. Our annual Christmas reunion is becoming dull, too. I wouldn't wonder if one day the annual reunion will not exist anymore. I don't like the way they celebrate the season. And I don't think they have a spiritual motive for having a get-together. Adults are worried of money, they get unhappy if they lack of cash and kids are just expecting gifts. How sad. Someday, I pray, I'll be able to spend Christmas with my own family. I will celebrate it the way I want it to be: family will attend simbang gabi, have the noche buena, do the worthy gift-giving and the next day, visit the other relative to greet them. I want my children to learn that Christmas is not about receiving gifts, new clothes, happy-go-lucky party and ninong and ninang are not ATMs on Christmas season. I want them to know that it has a spiritual meaning and not just about the material celebration. I wish I could have my dream personal house. Far from the not-so-cute-to-be-with neighbors and surroundings. I'm gonna put up a big Christmas tree (well, if only I can afford it), decor it cheerfully and celebrate Christmas evening! An I also wonder when will I celebrate Christmas in my own home...

HR talks: It’s Not Your Priority to Make Friends at Work

2008-07-15T20:18:00.001-07:00

After the tiring job hunting, interviews and brain-draining exams, you have been hired to take the position that you desire. You have been introduced to your new officemates and they seem to be all nice. Well, that always happens at first. Days…weeks…months passed by and it seems that you are playing the role of the recipient of their below the belt jokes and inexhaustible work harassment. And it is likewise obvious that you are their favorite victim.

Will there be a time that their jokes might go beyond the limit? It is so stupid for them to think that you just SIMPLY have to get used to it. I don’t think so. You did not come to work to make yourself annoyed for the rest of your life, right? Time to take an action.

Maybe they are not numb not to feel that you have had enough of their bullshits. Or are they? They cannot blame you for setting a distance from them. What makes it more irritating is that they accuse you for being hindi marunong makisama because they are starting to notice that you don’t bother to join their happenings anymore. Well, you should not regret that if being with them means receiving nonstop jokes, whether offending or not.

There is nothing wrong with laughing at the jokes of others and joining happenings. Jokes or biruan is always part of the daily activities. You have to do that to alleviate the stress that grows into your veins. What seems not to be right is that when you find yourself being the center of laughter. It is not bad to defend yourself and set a limit to avoid being kawawa and always napagtatawanan or pinagtatawanan. No one has the right to put you in an embarrassing situation for life. Duh!

If this is your case, why the hell bother to be with them? If they are thick-skinned enough to annoy you and so narrow-minded not to be able to absorb your reasons and your case, better be alone. Do your job quietly. Just don’t forget to remind them not to mix personal stuff with work. Well, that is if they are professional enough to understand that. If not, for goodness stake they are hopeless. Anyway they have no option but to work with you, (laugh!)

As long as you are dealing with them properly at work, it is not anymore necessary to make them as your friends. They are your mere officemates. You may be labeled as “others” , that’s okay. At least you're not brooding yourself over their nonsense talks towards you and you have now a peaceful moment atwork. As long as you are not mad with each other, work continues. You will see that harmony at work can still be felt.

Remember that you have come to an organization to work AND NOT TO MAKE FRIENDS. If the chemistry blends well between you and your co-workers the better. If not, your goal is execute your job smoothly (as much as you can). They are not your only outlet of your social life. Give yourself a break. You can still join them for company activities while knowing how to limit yourself from being with them if they are starting to annoy you again..

You cannot run everytime this happens to you. Face it. Why care for those who don't care about you either. They are not worthy of your attention.

wala aq magawa kya ngtyp aq

2008-06-15T23:41:00.000-07:00

Gus2 q lng mgsulat s blog q dahil wala n aqng gnagawa d2 s nopisna. Pagchagaan n lng
poh basahin toh dahil txt typ ang pgkksulat nito. Mas komportble kc aq mgasulat s blog ngaun pag ganito. Mgddalawang linggo n kc kming walang ginagwa. Limang taon n kc ang nakakaraan mula ng matapos nmin ang npinapgawa smin ng manager nmin. Libre aq ngbbrowse s intrnet para mghanap ng trabaho s ibang kumpanya, o kya mgtake ng personality test, o mgbrowse ng qng anu ano. Ngbbasa n lng din aq ng harry potter, ung last buk nun.

Pinadalhan aq ng katabi q d2 s opisina ng manuscrpt nun kya nababasa q. YM lng din ng
YM. Aus!!

Kaso, me problema ngaun. Aus n sana at libre ang oras q. Me umaligid n Koreano s pc q
na d q alam qng bkit napagtripan nia n palitan ang monitor q. Ngingielam eh. Ayan, flat screen tuloy aq at s malas q, d q n mgagawa ang pagbbrowse o pgYYM o mgfrendster o face buk. S laki b nman ng screen kita nila ang ginagawa q. Maarte ang mga boss, ayaw nila makakita ng ganun. Anak k ng magaling nman tlga oh. Anu ngaun ang gagawin q? Titigian ang screen at hahawakan ang mouse s loob ng walong oras para kunwari me ginagawa? Hay!

Limang taon nadin ang nakalipas ng mgrequest aq ng bagong keyboard. Kaso wala daw ipapalit. Tapos ngaun, pinalitan ang monitor q ng flat screen n nakasagabal s mga gawain q na ayaw ng mga Koreanong boss. Nagbiro aq n sana dinamay n nila pati keyboard q. Akalain mpinalitan din! Pambihirang patis nman keyboard toh ng isang empleyado nmin. Nangonsensya pah. Kakahiya tuloy dun s me ari ng keyboard n kasalukuyan qng pinipindot. Bakit b kc naisipan to lahat ng Koreanong umaligid s pc q. Malala p, tapos n nga ung mga gagawin nmin kaya wala n qng ittyp. Anu p ang silbi ng keyboard? D q rin maeenjoy ang pgttyp dahil wala n q module or test n gagawin. Well, at least, nagagamit q s pagsulat s blog.

Kaso, pinalitan rin lng nila ang pc at monitor q, sana dinamay n nila ang cpu qng sira din.
Warak ung isang side, pero d nman nakakapekto s system. Wala nga lng sound device ky
a d aq makapakinig s you tube ng music man lng. Anu b yan! Alam m b n napaganda ng lunes na toh para s mga empleyado s kumpanyang mpinagttrahuhan q. Ang dami kc late. Nasense ng koreanong ceo kaya aun, binggo! Anyway, d q na Ikukuwnto, sayang ang pagod ng mga daliri q. d nman importante un. Gusto q lng me magawa dahi; ala una y media p lng at wala tlga aq magawa. Hanggang alas seis p ang hihintayin q bago makauwi. Gud luck nman. BUit n lng at feel g utak q ang maglabas ng mga salita na pinadadaloy s mga daliri q patungo s keys ng keyboard para maityp. Bihira lng ang ganito. Yung me sariling trip ang utak at mga daliri q. Sakto nman s panahon. Minsan, ang mga paa q ang me sariling trip. Bigla n lng cla makakaisip ng maglakad ng malau. Minsan ang mga mata q, gusto nila manuod ng sine. Teka, napunta n tau s mga trip ng bahagi ng kata wan q. Okey lang, pampahaba n din toh ng sinusulat q.

(interruption)

Nag pm ung katabi q eh. Ngsend din ng file ung isang kasama q sa d2 s opisina kaya naudlot ang pagttyp. Teka, wala n din aq maicp ityp. Anu pb masasabi q? Anu ang ikukuwento q? Madamdamin kwento ng buhay q? Wag! Maepal un. Lablayp q kya? Wag! Walang kalutaylutay. Buhay s trabaho? Wag din. Baka qng anu lng ang masabi q dun. Heheh. Grabeh, nauubusan n q ng sasabihin. Ung inaantay qng pictures na sinend skin ng ofism8 q mejo sampung taon ang
aantayin bago maopen. 581 mb ang size nia. 13.5 p lng ang naoopen ngaun. San kp?

(interruption)

Inayos q lng una saglit ung usb q. sabog kc ung content. Wala n q maicp malagay dito s page na toh. Pro ngeenjoy p ang mga daliri s pagsalat at pagpindot s bago qng keybord. NAiingit aq s dlawang ktabi q. me mga pasak ang tenga nila. Naririnig q ung music. Wala nman aq nun eh. CD player lng ang meron aq. Alangan nmang dalhin q pa un eh jurassic ang size. Wag n lng. O siya, wala n q maicp malagay. Unless hahayaan q n lng pumindot mag1 ang mga daliri q. Hanggang s susunod n wala ulit aq magawa at nsa mood magicp ang utak q at mgtyp ang mga daliri q. Geh…

insane moment story telling

2008-06-15T04:11:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a fun moment for cbb editorial and it depatment. Most of them were videoke maniac! Just before lunch time, they did not allow a minute to pass without someone playing with the microphone and do justice with a song lyrics. Some rocked the four walls of the condo unit with a mighty force of rock song, some of them soothed the atmosphere with old love songs, others brought back the old days of the 80s and merrily do the jamming! And there was a ne person who was not that much fond of singing because she was asleep when heaven threw a voice talent on earth, sang a very inspirational christmas carole and a boyband's hit single! Hahahah!! In between those singing moments was a funny, sometimes greeny jokes with teasing moments that strengthens their bonding even more.

Lunch break! Most of them enjoyed the delectable viand prepared for them by one of the IT employee's wife. Well, actually, the whole gang paid for it. Thanks so much for the effort of the fantastic woman. Did you also add caring effort and a smile to the ingredients in the viand? (hahah! sounds like emo!!)

Now the most awaited moment for all, the climax of the day, (well I don't know if everyone else was as excited as this young lady who made an inspirational christmas carole to feel the water with chlorine!) swimmming time! It seemed that no one wanted to swim at first. Only this water maniac young lady immediately dove into the pool. But later, all of them were in the water. They somehow went back to a happy childhood and played a game in the pool. Even their Korean visitor joined the fun! The crisp laughing traveled in the air, the enjoyable chasing outside the pool disturbed the tiny insects crawling nearby, and the happiest breath-taking game of breathing under water bubbled up the warm spirited moment. The last game's rule was to stay under water. The first one to go back to the surface has to face a shooting consequence - he or she must pass between the legs of the others under water. Whoohooo!! This continued until the only one person won the game. The young water maniac lady won the game with a price of being teased even more. Oh no...

The sun was setting, the moon was rising, stomachs were growling, and the night swimmimg moment was huming. The occasional silence between them all started to pull them from the pool. And so it happened. Everyone was in shower, had their dinner, occasionally sang and waited for pizza until 10 o'clock in the evening. And the time came for them to go home.

Wait, I am forgetting the most important part of that bonding day of the cbb people!! It's the picture picture time!! Of course! The day won't be complete without the clicking sound of the camera and the posing effort of the whole lot. And thanks to their Mommy's photography flaming talent, cbb's editorial manager, who managed to intellectually take the pictures. The pictures were all artistically candid.

The night must have ended happily. But because that seemed to be the last day when all of them could be with their caring Mommy, all of them gave her a hug, uttered touching words except for one. She might appear to be cold but she was actually fighting back a pang of loneliness inside her. It was not just her thing to show a tear in public, unless it is super uncontrollable, or to show a negative emotion. She wanted to appear stiff otherwise she'll carry it in her conciousness for quite a long time. Believe me, she'll miss their Mommy. Well at least she'll just be transferring to a new office. Technology can still bridge their communication, anyway.

Each of them later on took their own way home. And they would see each other again by Monday. First day of the week and start of the more days without their Mommy. But normal atmosphere must still continue...

Pera o Pakikisama (money or cooperation?)

2008-06-14T23:39:00.000-07:00

Pera o pakikisama? Which is more important? I graduated and am now working as writer. I could say everything is doing well. The people around me are all fun to be with. There was never a dull moment at work. Well, although there are times that the crowd becomes annoying, but I guess it's just a normal part of routine. On the other hand, the pay and job security are bit threatening. Though I am not that much in need because I am not obliged to carry on the expenses at home, I don't think my pay is going to be enough for me to save something for a future need. I am also concern of the career that I want to establish yet I cannot foresee a clear promising job security in the company I am working for. Is it worthy of my patience? Right now, I really have no idea.

Kinda loner, that's what I am, yet, I enjoy being in a happy crowd. Believe me. I may appear to be passive but I like the feeling of having a group to belong. Laughing at the jokes, playing with the group, learning while on a brainstorming, having someone to walk with when going home. The working relationship is no doubt running smoothly. These people that I am working with is one of the reasons why I do not want to leave. The other lame reason, if you tend to ask, is that I am hoping to have a good future in the company, that I can still wait and I can still expand my salary to meet all my luxurious wants. Going back to my officemates, as I have said, they are also the reason why at this point in time, I am having a second thought of applying for a new job, or transferring immediately to it if ever hired.

But an acquaintance told me, together with other lot, I should not stick to that idea because I will not be probably the reason why they choose to stay in that company or I may not be their concern when they plan to leave. Too bad. Should be thinking of what could I become in a better environment. These people cannot feed me or give me the financial need that I deserve. But I am having an inner conflict with this pakikisama thing. I may not appear to be emotionally affected when someone who is already close to me leaves. I just do not want to exude sad emotion. I want to stay positive even though i am screaming and struggling to weep deep inside. I am so much attached to these people which can block the passage to my own success.

Realizing all these, a wise mind must still dominate. A person works because he/she needs to earn. Making friends is just a bonus part. The priority is to work and achieve the personal goal. It may be hard but it is the right thing to do. It is not bad to set aside first other people whom you are not sure about if they care for you to reach for the flag of success. They have their own personal things too anyway and they might set you aside also if they need to. Anyway, technology can make you stay connected with each other.

To earn to have the means to live is what should be your main priority. Pakikisama is just another thing to consider. You can do pakikisama anytime. Mind your personal matters first before you can extend your time to others. Am I hearing a violent reaction in here? Hmmm...

it is not selfishness

2008-06-14T23:37:00.000-07:00

I don't think anyone has the right to call you selfish just because you prioritize yourself
first before thinking of the need of others.

You don't want to share your favorite toy to your playmates because they might break it.
Do they know that your reason for not sharing it is because your mom gave it to you as a present
and you value it so much?

You don’t want to lend a paper or a pencil to your classmates because you may run out of your
own supply.
Do they know that you're doing your best to be thrift to have enough money to buy for your school needs because you are helping your parents with their little financial problem?

Are they also aware that when you are the one who is in need of supplies because they already
seized yours, you got no one to ask for help? How can they help you if they are the ones who need help? Duh!!

You don’t want to bequeath your childhood stuff to your little cousins because you treasure them so much.
Do they know that you’ve been keeping them well because important people gave them to you and you may want your own children or at least a special person to have them instead?

You don’t want to share your food during lunch because your mother put some effort in preparing it for you because she knows that it is your favorite.
Do they know that you do not eat the kind of food that they have? Everyone has their own likes and dislikes anyway.

And you don’t want to help someone whom you perfectly know will only abuse you?
Do they know that these people are so much contented on the fruits of their being irresponsible and you are making a big fool out of yourself by helping them out?

And the worst is that the help that they might get from you will not bear a positive product.

Do you think these actions are ground for a person to be called selfish?

Simple situations, yet big accusation.
Why don’t they just be reasonable and mind their own business?

melodic marine experience

2008-06-14T23:30:00.000-07:00

World beneath the sea surface. It is unusual. Unique. Breathtaking. Feel the blue cold water freely touching your body as you relaxingly glide to explore Poseidon's world. It seems that you are part of their world. Innocent sea creatures do not mind you as you swim with them. So harmless. Just don't disturb them and they will not bother you either. Experience their world. Marine life is so amazing. Corals...fishes... The zebra-looking sergeant major, colorful parrot fish, blue and white starfish, funny clown fish and a lot more!! As if you are in the other world. Well, it is not really yours anyway. So breathe, relax and enjoy the experience.

What is the worth of doing such thing? Is it worthy of my money, my effort and my time? For me and for those people whose interest is the same as mine would say yes. But for others whose lives only revolve around their own world would think of such wonderful experience as a waste of time. How pathetic. Too bad they do not know how nice it is. It's cool. Being under water relaxes your entire body and your inner most being. It gives you the moment not just to savor your precious freedom from the burdensome world above the sea surface but also t So what more ifo pamper yourself with an exquisite sight. The calm water and everything around it becomes your temporary haven. It washes away your worries the way it washes away the sand in the shore. It is not a waste of time. It is not a waste of money and effort. Once you are out of the water, the soothing experience remains which keeps you floating with ease. The tranquility gained from it penetrates in your body and lasts long enough to make you realize that you want more.
Do not mind those people who think what you are doing sucks. The experience is one of the best. Believe me. It is how nature works. Always breath-taking. (Breathe in, breathe out relaxingly)...