September 23, 2005

People's Impressions

by , in
Dear Me,

I was bloghopping when I came to
Jovee's site. I was wondering how other people perceived me; so I copied the text below and sent it to some people I know.

Give me the 1st 3 things that comes
to your mind that will describe me.
It can be negative or positive.
1.
2.
3.
Edit it then send it to me.
Do the same & know what people think of you.
Thanks :-)


Some of them had promptly replied.

  1. Alma Rose: gorgeous, smart, funny

  2. J-1: cute, bungisngis, sensitive/ma-pride

  3. Salva: intelligent, beautiful (inside & outside), frank

  4. Mariel: makulit, maharot, palatawa

  5. Sally Mae: mabait, pretty, makwento

  6. Pasky: patient, lovable, kind

  7. Jill: palaban/mataray na lowlah, mahilig mag-shopping na lowlah, kikay na lowlah

  8. Jheng: simple, kind, cheerful

  9. Marishka: never forgets to keep in touch, cool, loves pink

  10. Virgo: independent, sporty, thoughtful

  11. Kuya Zedrick: mahilig manlibre, mapagbigay, sexy ------> eto ang puro kasinungalingan. Loko kaw! =)

  12. Jary: malambing, thoughtful, makabalik sa talaan

  13. Jon: emotional, adventurous, unfulfilled

  14. Louise: reserved, warm, responsible

  15. Rafael A (colleague from DOST): cute, lovely, approachable

  16. Kuya Don: intelligent, pretty, beautiful ------> parang pareho din yun last 2 ah. Cousin nga kita. Hehehe.

  17. Tita Lyn (from UP Mla Acctng Dept): cute, smart, lovable

  18. Sandra Kaneko (colleague from Brazil Office): smart & open-minded, brave, gentle -----> supposedly 3 but she gave 4. Hehehe.

  19. Marinella (climb buddy from ATMC): jolly, nature-friendly, 'taglish'


I think it will be more interesting if the not-so-good side of me will be pointed out. That will sound more real and honest, though. =)
September 23, 2005

Political Musings

by , in
Politics in the Philippines? Before, I used to equate politics to the word dirty; now, politics is tantamount to CORRUPTION. I will not subscribe to the chant, "only in the Philippines." Corruption is embedded in all governments around the globe. The only difference is the degree to which a certain government 'adheres' to it. Here in the Philippines, corruption is deeply rooted in the system. Those who are in power want to have more of it and those who were stripped of it are still desperately trying to hold on to that little power. Greed precipitates corruption because power is the great factor in it. It is always been one of the reasons why any man delves in the darker, sinister side.

Sometimes I cannot help thinking where PGMA's administration is heading to. The mess in the Palace started when the jueteng scandal about the First Husband and the son broke out. Imagine, the First Family in hot water. The President was not involved in that scandal but she had her own. Should I say, she has her own scandal to face? Hers came like an ominous warning. The "Hello Garci" thing stirred the smoke and Her Excellency's admission inflamed the brewing smoke into a full-blown fire. The country was divided; either to accept her "I'm sorry" or to put her totally down for being so foolish to admit her fault. Each had a comment, a reaction. Some remarked that it was very honest and humble of her to claim her mistake and apologize for it. Others found it revolting and unbecoming since she is the incumbent president of the country. Soon, her appointed Cabinet secretaries filed their resignations one by one. With that, rallies everywhere and any kind escalated in numbers of occurence. It was believed (and still is) that she had lost the moral ascendancy to govern the country. Oh, it was chaos in Ayala Avenue-Paseo de Roxas for 2-3 weeks or so.

Calls of impeachment and her immediate, voluntary resignation resounded loudly everywhere from thereon. Take for instance the area I stay each day of the week. I work in Makati and the building that houses our office stands in the Paseo-Ayala streets. I was a witness to this - whether I was looking way down from the topmost floor of the building or walking amongst the rallyists while they set-up their platforms and stuff in the morning or I was leaving the building as my work has been dismissed for the day. I remember the grand anti-GMA rally held a few months ago. They were there very early in the morning, blocking the main streets of Makati to poor commuters like me. I did complain, yes but I believe that it is everyone's right to get involve in such activity. It was mid-morning when I went down to check. Going down there and be amongst the crowd brought flooding memories of my college years. I was not the hard-core activist that was usually marked upon UP graduates. I was not also one of the few pathetic ones that graduated from UP. I consider myself to be one of the 'mild' activists, if that is an accepted term. I wanted to hear how other people perceive the events unfolding in front of us all. People from all walks of life were there. I was not just sure if they were all there for the one and the same reason; but of course, I knew that all were not after the same thing. It was usually typical. Politicians, actors, actresses, singers, vendors, students, teachers, businessmen, slum people, yuppies, rich people, poor people, middle-class people and even the so-called popular 'uzis' were present. As I said, I was there for a while but I had seen and heard enough. I came across a bunch of college students standing near the sidestreet near the Aquino monument. I was curious so I asked why did they join the rally. This handsome hell of a guy stude remarked that their professor asked them to attend, listen and make a reactive report about it. Ok, I knew what university they were from. Then, I saw some rowdy high schoolers and did not hesitate to ask again. Hahaha. Their lazy teacher asked them to choose - whether to go to class or join the rally. Of course, what would one expect? Proof of their choice was their presence in the rally. Politicians and showbiz people were there - delivering their positions as one. Most of the yuppies that I saw were not actually interested in the rally. It was the fuss outside their buildings plus the street food being peddled that brought them out of their air-conditioned solace.

It was a pathetic thing to bring slum people in such rallies; not because they believed in the cause but because they were lured to go. A promise of a couple of hundred bucks did the trick. Hahaha. I recalled an interview with this actor Rex Cortez. He claimed that the estimated number of people to crowd at the Ayala rally would be around 13-15 million people. Another wretched thing that I encountered was this uniformed man shouting to a passerby (who had no idea of whatsoever) handing him a coupon. Wondering what the paper was, the passerby handed it back to him. The uniformed man pointed to him to join a group near the monument for about a few hours and make sure that he would have the coupon signed by the group head. Later on, I learned that it was a cash coupon from the Office of Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay. My goodness.

Those were mere observations of mine and I might have contrued it incorrectly.

I do not want to join calls for PGMA to resign from her post as the President of this country. I do not think somebody from the hoard of wannabees and old 'trapos' are fit enough to be her replacement. No one is less evil, manipulative enough to be her successor.

-----------------------

Dear Me,

I had this written during the first week of August this year. I was supposed to finish this up but I just did not find the time to do so. Maybe when my schedules permit me so.
September 21, 2005

Song At The Moment: High By Speaks

by , in
Where I ever be...
I tried so hard to find sweet serenity
I'm still afraid
Just close your eyes and dream
And feel the pain away

**
Time won't flow
Everyone knows, when the pain fades away
Dreams won't die, tears in your eyes

#
You got to hold your head up high...
hiigghhh...yeheyey..yeheyehey..(2x)

Still some time,
God will give enough way
To change the state of mind
Trying to understand
It's not so hard to see,
that I'm just a man

(Repeat **)

So where I ever be
I tried so hard to find sweet serenity
Trying to understand
It's not so hard to see,
that I'm just a man

(Repeat ** and # till fade)

I can just drown myself in this song. I heard it last night and I heard it this morning while on my way to the office.
September 20, 2005

Choco Shop

by , in
Dear Me,

If we have coffee shop, do we also have a choco shop? I really have great cravings for the local choco which is called cacao. The hunt is over. I discovered this quaint choco shop called
Tsoko.Nut.

Hehehe. Here are my photos taken while I salivate over my tsoko batirol; while I devour my yummy favorite corned beef pandesal.








and the part where I really looked satisfied because my tummy's full. =)
September 15, 2005

These Past Month & A Half

by , in
Dear Me,

How did these days, weeks, months pass me by? Let me count the ways.

  • Dinners were shared with papi at the foodcourt of Enterprise, Wendy's at G4 & GB1, Tokyo Tokyo at Metropoint Mall, Goldilocks at Glorietta, McDo at Paseo Center. No fancy dinners at the moment.

  • Most of the time I took the shuttle/van (located at the Makati Stock Exchange parking lot) when going home because it offered the easiest, shortest and most convenient route.

  • I went along with papi to attend the regular monthly MFPI meetings not because I wanted to but I had to - the sports climb, BMC, etc. Usually, papi & I meet somewhere and have dinner first - like last time at Shakey's located at Robinson's Pioneer.

  • That I was really shocked and surprised that former Senator Raul Roco died. It was papi who texted me but I thought he meant the actor named Roco, not the Senator, though.

  • I had to attend to these 2 consecutive meetings without any idea of the purpose of the meeting during one drizzly Friday morning. But it felt great to see my beloved UP bustling with college students. I remembered the days.

  • If papi did not pick me up at the office, our meeting place were likely to be at Potato Corner in Glorietta, National Bookstore at Glorietta/SM MegaMall/Coastal Mall/Metropoint Mall. I chose these places so I wouldn't get bored waiting for papi (most of the, he is late).

  • When I was in the office, my usual visitors were account executives from various hotels. Good thing that I was not so busy because I had the time to ask questions and request for a lower corporate rate.

  • I got an international SMS from Freckles and that she would be coming to Manila by December this year. I sense another reunion with BWI peepz. Wonder if this will be the first time for me to join? Hehehe.

  • Papi loves me and wants me to be happy. Why? Oh, because of him, I was able to watch the 1st-4th seasons of 24, 1st season of Numbers, 1st season of Empire and 1st season of Jake 2.0.



  • I really could not help but get pissed off everytime I got excluded in a meeting I was supposed to be involved in - just like that MS Proj.

  • I attended the usual PEx Congo Grille event at El Pueblo but I was a little disappointed because only few people came and my close buddies were not there. Though there were some good friends, it would have been a lot more fun if they were there.

    This was taken in 2004.


  • Hehehe. Because I am a sucker for books, I finally decided to get a Laking National Card. =)

  • I slept late till the wee hours of the morning and woke up in the afternoon during Saturdays. Sleep was such a relaxing luxury.

  • I had been telling Mamu for the nth time to leave home for Cavite during Saturday mornings and not the afternoons because she would be wasted by the time she reached Papa's house.

  • Papi climbed Mt. Talamitam (again) but without me. I did the chick-emote. *me grins* It worked. =)

  • That the first time I rode the bus after the fare increase, I was so shocked to pay a freaking 45 pesos from the usual 25 pesos. My goodness. That was twice the usual fare. I tried to take different bus liners for a week and they only charged me between 35-38 pesos. I would never ride Philippine Corinthian buses from now on.

  • I won 2 movie premiere tickets of Must Love Dogs which was shown at GB3. A question was posted and I made unconventional answers. To get the tickets, papi & I met Jenn at Fuzion Cafe but since Jenn was a little late because of traffic, we played at Timezone first. I thought Papi would not come with me because he was taking the graveyard shift. He did and he was late for work. But you know what? He did enjoy the movie because he was laughing hilariously. *evil grin*

  • I missed doing major groceries' shopping at the supermarket. All I can afford right now is buying the essentials without forgetting my Gardenia bread and my favorite bacon spread + sour-cream flavored Pringles.

  • I got a salary increase but it did not feel like it was. It was not enough.

  • I am really a book sucker. I recently bought James Patterson's Along Came A Spider at NBS Glorietta; Mario Puzo's Dark Arena at NBS Metropoint.



  • It was 2 Friday nights already that I did not sleep a wink; I was too preoccupied and energized to do the laundry, clean the house, wash the dishes, mop the floor, clean my room, cook food. It was only Saturday afternoon that I was able to finish everything. Mind you, I pride myself everytime I feel like this. I get something worthwhile done.

  • Papi and I went to Robinson's Galleria one Saturday afternoon for the mere purpose of buying a new pair of formal shoes for myself since my project schedule (hotel-based) is about to start. Papi was the one who guided me through each shoe shops at the mall. *lolz* He knew me to be very choosy and for all he expect, it would take us eons before I find a comfortable and likeable pair. Fortunately, after 3-4 shops, we nailed it at Janylin. With the mission accomplished, we wandered at the ladies' department store. Hehehe. I was able to buy a new pink blouse from Meg. Papi was tempting me to buy the gypsy skirt but I said not that day. I told him to wait and be surprised. Hehehe. From the ladies' dept store, we skimmed through the toy section.

    We just had a good time checking the toys and I asked papi where was the miniature model of the military chopper that I saw in the 24 series which Jack Bauer usually rides in. After which, we slowed down and had chit-chat at Starbucks with our own favorite frappes and bread/croissants. The next thing we knew we were about to go home but we tracked in at Bratpack and bought a pair of The North Face (TNF) shirts each. Mine were baby tees - one was pink, the other orange.

  • My pc was really playing tricks with me. The first time it got busted, got well, the next, busted again. I just wonder what the h*** is wrong with it.

    Luckily, I had set aside the plan of having a broadband internet connection from PLDT.

  • I was cooped up at Dusit Hotel for 6 days straight.

  • Papi and I checked out the new Starbucks Insular branch beside my office building. I ordered caramel frappe and him, a grande rhumba. I could not remember now who ordered empanada and the other one; though we shared both. Hehehe. I then realized that I was starting to shift from mocha to caramel frappe. Talk about reducing weight & added calories. *toink*

  • Also, papi got a surprise for Sakura, my dog. He bought him a sack of dog food. Sakura only fed on it if I was the one preparing it for him. She shooed and snobbed away when my mom did it for her. That dog!

  • I watched Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants. The movie made me realized something: I did not exactly grow up in tight bond of friendship with any girls. I envy the type of closeness that Carmen, Tibby, Lena and Bridget shared. I just grew up; thankful that there were friends who came along.

  • Sir Elmer of MFPI flew to Tokyo during the 4th week of August to climb Mt. Fuji. It reminded me of my memorable visit at Tokyo and the snow-capped view of the famous Mt. Fuji. *kainggit*

  • One time, papi & I passed by Digital Exchange at Glorietta to check new cellphones and the PDA I was pinning on.

  • I almost bought a new pair of kikay shoes at Landmark but there were 2 problems: a) I was at a dilemma either to choose pink or blue; b) Since I was undecided because of the color, I searched for another design and when I found it, the size did not fit me at all. I promised myself I would have a new pair soon. Come what may.

  • Papi brought a VCD copy of Jennifer Love Hewitt's TV series Ghost Whispers. I liked it. I wondered how it really felt having the 6th sense, you know? Would it be that bothersome or a blessing at the same time. What would it feel like helping a lost soul trapped in our world find his way past the living? It would be refreshing to help someone like that but how would the living people around us be able to accept that? Just a thought. Oops, this series is showing this September in the US.

  • I was supposed to man our company booth at an exhibition at WTC during the 4th week of August but since I had to attend to chemical industry-related projects, I was spared from the task. Good thing that I was able to pre-arranged the documents required in our participation in the event.

  • It was my sister's birthday and my father arrived. Well, this was one of those times that I miss my family being together. =)

  • I came back to the office from a workshop at the hotel one Monday night. My 2 officemates spoke of the "bad things" happening in the office.

  • After the long stay in the hotel, I spent 2 weeks on being out in the field, visiting chemical plants.

  • It was a Tuesday. I did something horribly stupid. Curse boredom and my sleepy brain. I sent an SMS to the wrong person, to my boss. *what a blooper*

  • Because of the shame and guilt, I could not go back to the office unless she had left the building premises. I even took undertime, lying about going to UP. Luckily, I did not have any pending work to do and my boss said ok. Nyuknyuk.

  • That undertime made me walk from Dusit Hotel to SM Makati. Since Papi's shift was 6am-2pm, I texted him. While waiting for him, I checked the ladies shoes' section. I could not find any kikay shoes I like. I checked the blouses and the pants afterwards. After an internal battle, I decided to buy only the blouses I fitted except for the pants (though it suited me fine). Buying them all at the same time was too much. And so, I acquired 2 new blouses, one was a printed purple and the other a pink 3/4-sleeved with a knitted flower at the left top. I just did not want to think how much it cost. I was already done with the mini-shopping and papi was still nowhere to be found. I forced myself to stay away from that area and wandered along. I came upon this native craft shop offering our very own products. I was thinking of buying something for our consultant but decided against it. While on my way out, I saw at my right a charming shop that offered choco batirol. I was already thinking of something. When I saw papi, I invited him to dine there at Tsoko.Nut. From the shop's name, I was right to deduce that they offer the local cacao as a chocolate drink. I ordered the cacao drink batirol type and papi's was that of banana spritz. Their pandesal with corned beef was really yummy. Check it out, you will not regret it. After the filling snack at Tsoko.Nut, I told papi that I wanted to check out the Manila International BookFair at the World Trade Center. It was the first day and ran till the 4th of September. Compared to last year's, I only bought a few titles this year. Most of the books that were on display, well, I had bought them last year.

  • I attended the BMC lecture last July at UA&P. Sir Elmer opted for the practicum climb to materialize during the first Saturday of September. So we did trek up Mt. Manalmon in the course of one day. Our assembly point was at the Baliwag bus station in Cubao at 6:30 in the morning. I thought I would be late so I took a cab. I asked the cab driver to drop me off at the 7-11 convenience store nearby. I bought some chips, bread, Gatorade & C2. I bumped with one of the guys from the group. We were thinking if were going to buy a packed lunch from Chowking. I called papi and he requested me to buy for him and JR. I bought something for myself, too. Papi & JR met up with me at Chowking and afterwards we headed back to the bus station. We boarded the bus and off we went. I had a few good hours of slumber in the bus.

    The trek was just fine, saved for the mud and a few slips. It was a new experience to ride on a raft just to cross the river. Another experience was to wade in the breast-high river just to cross again. The boys had a fun time crossing the river via a hanged cable wire. I wanted to try but I thought my legs would give up on me. Hehehe. Sir Elmer taught us some new things on the trail and reminded us of the old things that we knew. I had fun learning about the compass. Hehehe. While at the peak, it was awesome. It was low but the view was nice. I cherished bathing in the heavy rain as well. In fact, I was praying for the rain to fall harder. Hehehe.

    On the way back to Manila, papi & I got off at SM West since it was raining and our shoes were wet. I saw that there was a Bo's Coffee Club so we made ourselves comfortable there. I had hot cafe latte and papi ordered something cold. Nyak.

  • Papi flew to Cebu for quite a week the next day to attend his grandpa's burial and to be with his sister on her birthday. Happy Birthday, Virgo! =)

  • I was supposed to join the other Manila-based BWI peepz in a get-together organized by Sir Willy in his Golden Horizon Resto. Unfortunately, I could not due to a prior commitment.

  • My left contact lens was such a bothersome one Monday morning that I had to remove it afterwards. It was already Thursday when I was able to acquire a new one and for just one piece it cost me 925 pesos. Fortunately, I had it at 750 pesos. Curse my long nails.

  • I was in a chemical plant that I was able to finish my letter to someone. I had another someone hand-delivered it to her.

  • The next day, I opted for a leave and stayed home and watched the following: The Empire series (it was touching with a sense of history); Man of the House (this was the 2nd time that I watched it) and the last one was Racing Stripes (you want animal talk, watch this).

  • It was almost past 7 in the evening when I reached Makati after the visit in a chemical plant in Laguna. I met with Jon and Jary at Glorietta. They were having dinner at Burger King when I arrived. I told them about my SMS stupidity. I gave the Ghost Whisperer's VCD to Jon (he likes Jennifer Love Hewitt) per papi's intruction. Jon handed me these boxer shorts and to have them fitted by Papi.

  • I joined a meeting with our consultant together with the safety officers at the corporate office of Petron Corporation. I did not actually expect them to be that interested with our project. But I was wrong. In fact, they were very positive about it. Translated: it meant huge!

  • I know I live by the moment, through my cravings for something. So, when it comes to food of any type, I usually satisfy my appetite for it. So, for the past few weeks, I had been munching Tomi. Yummy.

  • I missed checking out the Philippine Travel Mart Expo as well as the Asia Food Expo. It has been an annual habit of mine to attend these 2 expositions along side with the Manila International BookFair.

  • Since I had been reporting less in the office, I had to be reminded of filing my OT slips, OB/LOA forms.

  • At the last minute, I decided to join the group at JR's place (to celebrate his birthday) last Saturday. It was already past 8 in the evening when we (I was with papi, Marlon & Angel) reached Cavite. So who were there? Aside from JR and his family and the 3 people I was with when I came there, I saw Carol, Ryu, Richard (my, I was really surprised to see you ha =) and John. Of course, there was chit-chat, laughing, kodakan, planning, jokes, music jamming. It was fun. By the way, I loved the taste of inihaw na tahong. Also, for the record, I felt a little whoozy after 6 shots of tequila. It had been a long time.

  • Last Monday, I was stuck for 1 and 1/2 hours standing in front of the Makati Stock Exchange seeking shelter against the heavy downpour and the strong wind. I was about to cross the street when the rain fell...like it was forever. It never stopped even for a second. Thinking that I would be standing there forever, I made a mad dash to the other side and hopped in at McDo. I bought my favorite meal for take-out and waited at the shed for a bus ride.

    Whew! It took me forever to ride one. I had to stand at the bus because there were few ones passing by. Fortunately, I was able to grab a seat later on. I changed seats twice because it was so cold. I was shivering cold, even praying that somebody will sit beside me. Somebody did but after an hour.

  • Because I woke up with a head ache and a coldness enveloping me, I decided to take a half-day off. I reported for work in the afternoon and my travel to the office was a whiz. Before heading to the office, I dropped by at the Fresh Break convenience store along Ayala Avenue and bought 2 asado siopaos. Hehehe. I love siopaos, you know. Upon entering the office building, I headed straight to BPI to pay my credit card debt before I fail to pay it again.

  • There was this someone from Holiday Inn Clark Hotel who called me up regarding hotel privileges for members. Well, she went blah-blah, like this, like that. She was so eager to present her packages that I did not even have the second to cut her out; to tell her that I was not interested. I just told her that I would be leaving the company soon but it did not stop her. Did I have any plans of going overseas? Then, I could still use my privilege card. All perks at a whopping 6,000 pesos.

  • Papi & I failed to attend the MFPI meeting at Pioneer Grill due to the heavy, nonstop rain. Even at the last minute, we were considering of going there but the rain prohibited us. So while waiting for the rain to stop, we checked the toy sections of Landmark and SM Makati. It was in SM Makati that papi was able to buy this chopper and car models for his officemates who will be celebrating their birthdays this month. Guess where we headed afterwards? Since I was still full and my diet schedule digressed again, I told him that I wanted to eat light. We tried Tsoko.Nut again. Mine was the same order as last time and papi had the banana spritz again for his drink and he had the chorizong hubad with rice. Same comment as before, masarap pa din! Anyway, we decided to go home and we were already in the bus when we noticed that the rain stopped.

  • For the past 2 consecutive nights, I had been watching the first few episodes of the 1st season of Jake 2.0.

  • I had been avoiding the calls made by the gym where I was planning to work-out. Arnold was pushing me to do it soon but I just could not because of my erratic work schedules.

  • I have a new violet umbrella, which was bought yesterday.

  • Ok, I think this is enough. =)
September 14, 2005

Spark & That Ooh Feeling

by , in

Dear Me,

Whenever I check my email, I make sure that I forward to good friends a nice message or two. I came across this one, "Saan ba nakakabili ng Spark?" Translated, where can one buy a Spark? Written in Tagalog, I was pretty caught up in the story. Hmm. It started up with the narration where friend1 asked friend2. There was this decent guy who wooed friend2 no end but friend2 did not feel anything for him at all. There was no spark. So she asked friend1 where can she buy a spark.

So what is a spark? The article carried a definition. "Ano ba ang spark? Ito iyong kuryente na nararamdaman mo kapag kasama mo ang isang tao. Iyong nanlalambot ang tuhod mo. Iyong parang nauutal ka at ayaw gumana ng motor skills mo. Iyong kahit na anong gawin at sabihin niya, o kahit wala siyang ginagawa o sinasabi, kinikilig ka na. Kung hindi mo naman siya kasama, nangingiti ka kapag naiisip mo siya. Ang tawag dun... spark. Magic. Kilig. Kuryente."

Does one really need a spark in a relationship? In my own perspective, yes. Believe me, it doesn't matter how old we may be but the spark plays a great factor in a relationship. I was once in a relationship that did not involve any flicker or sparkle so in such a short time, I called it quits. It was so hard for me to do because the guy had been so nice with me. The relationship was only a convenience for both of us. I also believe that feeling the spark should be mutual for both sides. Nothing works one-way.

That SPARK in the relationship will motivate you to go on and pursue anything in this life with your partner. Just think about being with someone who doesn't even bring smiles in your life. Do you think you can pursue the oher plans in your life when in fact you're burdened with the thought of being someone who can't even pull out a grin from your face?

I was so surprised to receive a deluge of emails afterwards. Oh, Pinoy! When it really comes to love and the like, we really do have something to say. Let me post some of them.


"napaisip din ako...
but in the end i also believe na kailangan ng spark...
hehehe." ----- atty. f


"From seeds of envy in the heart,
Spring up noxious weeds of hate;
So help me, Lord, to love the one
Whom I find hard to tolerate." ----- jovee


"Intended ba sa akin ito. But anyway, whether it is intended for me or not, what
I know is it made some sparks on me. :) Even if I am already middle aged, it
made me kilig, some kind of magic dawned on me... I'm just kidding... But
sorry, I will not delete this message. It will always remind me of
kilig/sparks... Saan nga ba makakabili ng maraming sparks? :-)))))" ----- rafael


"Hindi nabibili ang spark.(You can't buy the spark).
The energy must be in tandem. One offers it the other
feels it. You just need to be patient and keep on
looking. Sooner or later, you'll meet someone who
will make you sparkle." ----- sir paul


"I absolutely agree with u ma'am ivan.....
It may not bring a lot of food on the table but,
it will make your life a bearable one.
I had this girlfriend back in my college days, she is older than me,
but, by golly, we had "it" in our relationship...
we didn't see each other during the day,
so when the day's end, we talked for hours and hours...
we loved to share our experiences, our hardships, our frustrations.
we even talked about movie stars... hehehehehehehehe.
we have problems but it seems , we were able to handle it well.
I can say is, it was perfect...but there's nothing perfect in this world,
we have to part ways....(that's another story).hehehehe..
Anyway, all i can say is, try to be spontaneous with your relationships....
and add a lot of humor...." ----- sir joel


"You remember the movie, "Sleepless in Seattle"? I hope you saw it.
Words like, "love is magic" ! "our love is made in heaven" !
Those are some words that were used in the movie.
Movies like Notebook, makes me fell in love.
As they say, you don't measure your success or failure,
by the number of times you fall,
but by the number of times you rise from that fall.
That also goes when you fall in love.
It is better to have loved and lost than never to have love at all !
Love is magic ! You have to feel it to be in love.
If you dont feel it try and try again.
Who knows one day soon, someone will knock your door,
and that someone brings magic in you. You will never know.
If only all the people of the world will know the significance of loving,
maybe we will all live in peace and harmony.
When husbands and wives are fighting,
have they not thought that at one time or another,
they have loved each other?
For heaven sake, can they just love each other,
instead of fighting. It takes to kiss someone to feel that he or she is loved.
I wish I can tell you more about love is magic.
Keep on loving...." ----- fernando


"Hi! This is rather interesting. I got hit, big time. =)
Kay Ex ko pa rin nararamdaman ang spark eh... tsk tsk...
Modesty aside, kahit naman sha eh,
I feel may spark pa rin shang nararamdaman...
tsk tskkk...
Which brings me to the next question,
saan nakakabili ng anestisya?
Yun kelangan ko eh. hheheeh..."
Well, we belong on the same side.
I personally prefer that I feel a certain spark with the other person.
I don't know, it can be kidstuff, but I like the feeling of "kilig"
- that electrifying feeling when
you see your "crush" or your "boyfriend." ----- mick-ay


"as for me, you've got to give the guy a
chance even if there's no spark at all.
who knows, in a process, there might be "miracle".
but place him on probation period ( probably, a month or 2 )
because in a relationship there should be a spark on it. di ba?
but don't push things! kung wala, wala talaga!!!
if that wasn't meant for you, no matter how hard you try.
it wont let it happen." ----- liezl



And this is the funniest comment ever...

"Naapektuhan si C sa mail mo kahapon. Text sa akin
at isip siya maigi, bakit di daw niya ramdam yung spark sa akin?
Talagang gwapo lang daw ako. Hehehe. Joke." ----- JHerry


There are lots of other comments. Some even deviates to the adult thing. Anyway, there is a kind of SPARK can never be bought elsewhere. Besides, I don't need to look for it coz I know I have it already. All I have to do is make sure that I sustain it well so it won't die out.
September 13, 2005

A Poem To Share

by , in
Dear Me,

For the past few months, I had a very engaging interaction with the people from BWI. From politics, culture, food to love and friendship - these were the topics where we all have something to say. Varying views and perceptions abound but respect and understanding were expressed in place.

In the course of the exchanges, I gained another friend named Irene who have the heart to share these good words with me and the rest of the group.

Here is the first one:


Frances "Ivan" - here is a nice poem I found for you, I think you might like it....Irene.

My Friend, My Love
- K. Brook -

It began as all fires do,
a spark soon ignited into a blaze of warmth and colourful delight.
You held my hand, became my friend,
earned my trust and my future once again looked bright.

Loneliness turned to hope,
emptiness filled up with dreams.
Hunger was satisfied,
and the darkness lit by love's moonbeams.

Tears no longer hit the ground,
they fall on your loving shoulder.
I feel younger,
as our love grows older.

When sorrow leaves me wilted as a sun-parched rose,
your comfort is a river that flows and flows.
The sun's light, the morning dew,
they are all the beauty that is you.

When passion ebbs,
as tides do,
love fills the wake,
and carries us through.

Your strength is as the oak,
but if it is my need you bend like the willow.
My heart is filled,
like a lucky sail with wind to billow.

Harsh cold winters,
wet springs, blissful summer heat, and the fall of time,
They'll weather my spirit,
with grace and peace, your hand in mine.

Our love's sweet creations, joyous children,
blessed am I thanks to God and you.
What greater beauty could shed light,
on the love that came from two.

Love's sweet reflection,
laughing, growing, thriving, learning.
Words cannot express what my heart feels,
how strong my love is burning.

When God took one home,
I felt my heart would never again see the sun.
But you, my love, walked with me, through the sadness,
and together we share the memories that keep our family one.

The lines of age will etch their mark on us
and time will take the strength from our bodies.
But love's brush will paint for us a picture of such beauty,
That a hundred lifetimes could not remove their glory.



And here is the second one...

"UNENDING LOVE"
Rabindranath Tagore

I seem to have loved you in numberless forms,
numberless times...
In life after life, in age after age, forever.
My spellbound heart has made and remade the necklace of songs,
That you take as a gift,
wear round your neck in your many forms,
In life after life, in age after age, forever.

Whenever I hear old chronicles of love,
it's age old pain,
It's ancient tale of being apart or together.
As I stare on and on into the past,
in the end you emerge,
Clad in the light of a pole-star,
piercing the darkness of time.
You become an image of what is remembered forever.

You and I have floated here on the stream that brings from the fount.
At the heart of time, love of one for another.
We have played along side millions of lovers,
Shared in the same shy sweetness of meeting,
the distressful tears of farewell,
Old love but in shapes that renew and renew forever.


When she sent me this, the topic revolved about love. Love seems to be the kind of topic that everyone or anyone has something to share. Some may sound serious and solemn, holding it sacred. Others tend to make things funny and humorous. Oh, just like Sir Eugene. Hehehe. Of course, I have something to tell as well. In fact, I told them about the bad thing that happened during one weekend papi and I went out to attend his side of the family's baptism. I recounted the sad part of the day where he said some sad things concerning the relationship. I realized that I wouldn't feel so bad if I really wasn't taking this relationship seriously. From the exchanges, I realized a few things and I thank the for that.
September 12, 2005

Random Things That Make Me Smile

by , in
Dear Me,

Staying at the Dusit Hotel for quite a week got me bored to the roots of my hair. I even brought some of my tasks in the office but they were not satisfying enough to relieve me of the dullness around me.

So, I came up with this. I thought of writing one to lighten up my mood. =) I came up with 20 items.


  1. glorious sunrise & sunset
  2. the familiar & relaxing sight of Baywalk early in the morning
  3. a new book
  4. accomplishing an article of any topic I like
  5. sight of fresh green grass wet with dew
  6. a baby's innocent smile
  7. finishing a project indicating success
  8. papi's kiss in the forehead
  9. a Starbucks' mocha or caramel frappe treat
  10. DVD/VCD copies of CSI Miami, 24, NCIS, Without A Trace, Numbers, Alias, Joey
  11. watching sappy movies with papi
  12. the sight of a young person helping an elderly cross a busy street
  13. barbecue-flavored french sticks from Potato Corner
  14. sharing a hearty laugh with my siblings
  15. seeing papi's chinky-eyed smile
  16. New York cafe's oreo-cream frappe
  17. the thought that it's Friday & that tomorrow I can sleep late
  18. a bar of my favorite chocolate
  19. seeing my mom's & dad's smile of contentment
  20. papi's tight hug
September 12, 2005

Awit Ng ATMC

by , in
Dear Me,

Gusto ko lang i-post itong 2 awit na madalas ihataw ng
ATMC sa tuwing aakyat kami ng bundok.



Ipinadala kanina ni
Arnel (JR) yung lyrics kanina. Eto yung mga kanta, parehong galing sa banda.


MINSAN by Eraserheads

Minsan sa may Kalayaan
Tayo nagkatagpuan.
May mga sariling gimik
At kanya-kanyang hangad sa buhay.
Sa ilalim ng iisang bubong,
Mga sikretong ibinubulong.
Kahit na anong mangyari,
Kahit na saan ka man patungo.
Ngunit ngayon,
Kay bilis maglaho ng kahapon
Sana'y huwag kalimutan
Ang ating mga pinagsamahan.
At kung sakaling gipitin ay
Laging iisipin na
Minsan tayo ay naging tunay na
Magkaibigan.
Minsan ay parang wala nang bukas
Sa buhay natin.
Inuman hanggang sa magdamag
Na para bang tayo'y mauubusan.
Sa ilalim mg bilog na buwan
Mga tiyan nati'y walang laman.
Ngunit kahit na walang pera
Ang bawat gabi'y anong saya.
Minsan ay hindi mo na alam ang nangyayari,
Kahit an anong gawin
Lahat ng bagay ay merong hangganan.
Dahil ngayon,
Tayo ay nilimot ng kahapon.
Di na mapipilitang buhayin
Ang ating pinagsamahan.
Ngunit kung sakaling mapadaan,
Baka ikaw ay aking tawagan
Dahil minsan tayo ay naging tunay na
Magkaibigan.


Eto pa yung isa:

BRING ME DOWN by Rivermaya

is it unfair
would you be aware
if i might
catch you in a stare

now tell me if it's okay
if i walk past your door today
i'm runnin out of happy things to say

but i don't need a funny line
'coz nobody laughs at a castle
that's crawling down
with ev'ry word you
ev'ry game you
ev'ry hate

come on now tell me
would it be a better day for you
if you bring me down?

you got your coat and tie
and you're lookin so cool
in front of the tv camera
all that just to tell us we'll be gone

now tell me is it all okay
if i tell you you're fuckin gay
don't anyone have a happy thing to say

but i don't need a funny line
'coz nobody laughs at a castle
that's crumbling down
with ev'ry word you
ev'ry game you
ev'ry hate

come on now tell me
would it be a better day for you
if you bring me down?

kill me a little
kill me a little every day
is it unfair (is it unfair)
to be aware (come on kill me)
if i might ever catch you in a stare

but i don't need a funny line
'coz nobody laughs at my castle
that crumbles down
with ev'ry word you
ev'ry game you
ev'ry hate

come on now tell me
would it be a better day for you
if you bring me down

why don't you tell me
would it be a better day for you
if you bring me down

bring me down
bring me down
bring me down

Iba yung feeling kapag naririnig kong kinakanta ang mga ito habang umaakyat, gabi man o araw. Nakakagaan ng pakiramdam pati na rin ng load. Nakakawala ng gutom, paod, inis - yung mga hindi magagandang pakiramdam. Maliban doon, pinapatibay nito yung friendship at bonding ng grupo.
September 09, 2005

Go, Pinoy Mountaineers, Go!

by , in

Latest news about our Pinoy Mountaineers...

No turning back for Philippine mountaineers
First posted 05:43am (Mla time) Sept 09, 2005
By Jasmine W. Payo
Inquirer News Service

AMID the biting cold and gale-force winds, veteran mountaineer Leo Oracion knew there was no turning back.

As one of only three Filipino climbers left to scale the punishing Mt. Muztagh Ata along the Pakistan-China border, Oracion admitted he just wanted to get it over with.

"It was very difficult because of the weather conditions," said Oracion. "At that time, I was only thinking of putting the flag and taking a picture. I had no time to look around or even enjoy the moment because of the strong winds."

But that fleeting moment on August 25 still proved to be a historic feat for the Philippines. At 7,546 meters (24,758 feet), it was the highest peak any Filipino mountaineer has ever climbed.

Only Oracion reached the summit. As the weather grew harsh, he had to ask fellow climbers Karina Dayondon and Erwin Emata to turn back.


Getting dangerous

"They were almost at the peak but I had to tell them to turn around because the weather was changing," said Oracion. "It was getting dangerous."

Too dangerous, in fact, that lives were lost in previous expeditions. During his lone ascent, Oracion saw the bodies of two Germans who were reported lost three days earlier.

Dayondon, the only Filipina in the seven-member team, confessed that there were times she felt scared.

"I tried not to think about the height," she said. "My focus was just to climb the summit. I didn't want to get too nervous."

Not used to the alpine environment, the Filipino climbers all ended up with frostbites and other illnesses. Member Ariel Ambayec suffered a mild stroke.

"He cannot move and he was suffering," said expedition leader Regie Pablo, who asked Oracion, Emata and Dayondon to continue the climb. "Almost all of us had frostbite in our feet but mine was the worst. I also lost 10 kilograms. But it was all part of high-altitude mountaineering."

The team also included Levi Nayangahan and team physician Ted Esguerra.


Real test

The climb, though, was just all part of training. The real test will come when they scale Mt. Everest, the world's most famous and highest peak, in 2007.

Art Valdez, leader of the First Philippine Mt. Everest Expedition Team, was very proud of his members' recent success.

"The Philippine team was the least in number, least equipped and had the least time to acclimatize in the mountain," said Valdez. "They were also carrying their own loads compared to the other nationalities who had porters. Despite all these handicaps, it's a testimony of the Filipino's toughness and dogged determination."

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