Nightmare before Christmas

Just what is it about this holiday that makes people so damn...nuts, to be more polite.

no sleep for two days, hectic work before charging to the airport two hours before my flight and i get left behind because the lines OUTSIDE the TERMINAL is really sucky. I get to the checking counter and they say it's MY FAULT!???!! WTF!???!

So now i'm spending the holidays in Manila, gratefully invited to join my friend's family for the Xmas dinner. It's a bummer, especially having to hear your mom so sad over the phone.

I know this is christmas and everybody's rushing but seriously, how hard is it to prioritize passengers who need to be boarding on time? Why are there lonng lines outside the terminal when they could have easily made 5 or so lines for passengers who are travelling at around the same time interval (a line for those leaving at 5am, etc.)

What's worse is that partner airlines who occupy the same terminal seem to have mo interest in looking out for their passengers --- just because it's airport security doesn't mean it's not your business or concern, y'know! It's like you're staying in your room and therefore, anything happening outside your room is none of your concern --- for all you care, you may be getting robbed or someone's hurt :-P (and please, none of that sappy, insincere spiel you give out to passengers --- it really sucks enough that we get the bad news, it's worse when you deliver it oh-so-insincerely).

While i wish everybody the best of the holidays, i really hope this concern reaches to the people of the new Centennial terminal. Your lack of concern as well as your indifference to your customers are truly anti-holidays! Also, to those people in the checking counter of Air Phils. who refused to give a damn, well, i do hope your manners and customer service will be better someday within this century -- your counterparts in the other regions have been more helpful than you are here.

That said, merry freakin' christmas.

quickies

saw a burst of fireworks earlier. i was bathed by the earthy glow that these fireworks showered upon its viewers. A lovely display, even lovelier to stare at from the ground floor. :-) such a sight to see!

+ + +

Quick coffee and conversation with my besty and her equally lovely BF. it's really great to catch up, even for just a quick chika! Miss ya gurl! hope to hang with you soon! :-D

+ + +

Yey! Got a postie from Herbkins all the way from Aussie land! Thanks boo! Looks like you had loads of fun from the trip, and you look great! have a happy christmas!!! Miss ya here!

+ + +

Funniest vandals in UP =)

F.A. Wall:
"nobody cares"
somebody answered:
"not even the carebares?"
then another:
"not even kier?"
then:
"not even zoren?"
lastly:
"not even zorro?" <---(anlabo, pre)
all written by different people.


AS:
AS chairs:
"push button to eject seatmate"

"push button to eject urself"

“push button to kill teacher.”

"push button to eject teacher"
....reply: "it's jammed! We're doomed!"


AS cubicle:
"Donate your bulbol here.." tapos may chewing
gum
na pagdidikitan. ...

AS chair :
“you know bobo? bobo is you!”

AS 1st floor CR:
“if you forget the past, then you porget the
purious..”

AS 1st floor CR uli:
“ Im a simple gay “
tapos me sumagot
“sira! Dapat ‘Im simple and gay!’ Taga peyups ka
ba? duh! “
tapos me sumagot ulit (with matching arrow pa na
nakaturo dun sa reply)
“sira ka rin! yung simple is used as an adjective
tapos yung gay is used as a noun. kaya ok lang
yung simple gay nya!”


CHEM:
Chem chair:
“push button to spray acid on prof’s face.”

Another chem chair:
“You Boron!!!”


BIO:
Bio chair:
"Push cadaver to haunt teacher.”


FO Santos:
“SA MGA NAGTATAPON NG BASURA DITO...
bawal.”


ENG’G:
Sa Men's CR, facing the urinal:
"Hawak ko saking mga kamay ang kinabukasan
ng bayan!"
Reply:
"the future you are holding is very small."


GAB (UP Mla):
sa likod ng armchair sa isang room sa GAB:
“takas ng ward 7”

sa math building, sa likod ng isang “teacher’s
chair” sa 3rd floor:
“BABALA: asawa ni babalu”

sa math 3rd floor, sa isang upuan uli.
"you'll NEVER find what you're looking for"
May nag-reply:
"find x."

sa math 3rd floor, sa isa pang upuan uli.
nakasulat sa armchair:
“F*CK DA WORLD! “
ta's may sumagot:
“F*CK U TOO!
--WORLD—“

3rd floor math cr:
"kaibigan, pagkapatos mong umihi, paki PLUS mo
naman, hehehe."


UPIS
sa loob ng music room.
“maam _______(music prof) boses palaka! “
tas may sumagot
“nakarinig ka na ba ng boses ng palaka “
tas may sumagot uli
“weh “
tas may nag-react uli
“oo, sabi kokak!kokak!”


VINZONS:
Wall ng vinzons
"Do not steal. The government hates competition"

men's cr sa Vinzon’s:
"remember: the hands that clean this toilet are
the same hands that cook your food."

men's cr waaaay above the urinal:
"if you can reach this, the fire department wants
you!"


NIGS:
sa isang upuan:
"f*ck nigs!"
may nagreply:
"who's nigs?"


MAIN LIB
Sa isang lamesa ng main lib, filipiniana section:
“UP STUDENTS HAS BECOME PATETHIC"
tapos may sumagot...
"mali pang grammar at spelling mo, halatang di ka
taga UP"

KALAI:
nietzsche-"god is dead"
God- "Nietzsche is dead!"


SC:
sa labas ng PNB:
“in case of emergency break ass and push butt”

sa girls’ CR:
“Bawal ang vandal Dito!...
Mommy said: First Aid Terramycin”

sa girls’ CR uli:
“My boyfriend and I had sex and now I’m pregnant”
Reply:
“Pray to God”

Manny brings it all together....

In some churches, attendance was low because the usual parishioners had stayed home to see the fight.

Police said Metro Manila was virtually crime-free while the fight was in progress. In one area, a traffic enforcer abandoned her post so she could watch the bout in a nearby mall. (read the rest of the article here).

Good to know that Manny can actually prevent crime ;-)

CONGRATULATIONS, Manny Pacquaio! You totally rock!

drinking spree

drinking spree
Originally uploaded by wanderlust_junkie.

roughly around this time last year i was in NY checking out the sights with my friend Hazel. I still can't believe that was just a year ago, it seems like ages now that i think about it... dang, how time flies!

Anyway, this was taken while we had our 10 minute intermission --- watching The Phantom of the Opera at the Majestic was quite an experience! The red wine didn't come cheap (freakin' $10 a glass) but i guess it was pretty good :-P

The musical was well, interesting. Most parts made me want to sleep (i guess it was just because there was just too much A/C, or i was just really tired from all that walking) but those parts wherein they were singing those memorable sad songs, i was crying buckets like there was no tomorrow. LOL. Hazel was nice enough not to laugh at me when the lights hit. awwwww... miss you girl!

i miss NY.

salted Sunday Afternoon swimming party!

perils of the late night shift

Had to end my shift earlier than i anticipated last night. After a feverish day picking up some more donations, i ended late at work and severely dizzy. *sigh* that'll teach me not to stay up all day and night :-P My head was pounding, inspite the 1000mg dosage of Ponstan in my body. F*ckin A, this sucks.



i woke up in cold sweat earlier. After lunch of vegetables, i still found myself feeling queasy and light headed. Dammit, this hyperacidity will be the death of me.




After a consultation, i read up on my prescribed "bland diet". Fudge, cut down on chocolate, coffee and sweets. So much for the munchies and my favourite things... *sigh* The good news is that i can still take soy milk, which gives me a loophole for my caffeine intake. Fudge, now i'm down to just two of those a day and no more nicotine sticks (just as well, i suppose). Hmmm. I feel better yet more scared after reading all that. I wonder how long will this bland diet last or how long will i last. For now, we'll see...



+ + +

ode to friendships

Get Your Own! | View Slideshow

Bowling for Guimaras!

Bowling for Guimaras With Photo Exhibit and Petition Signing, a Fund Raising and Awareness Campaign on November 5, Star Mall Bowling Center, 1PM (Star Mall is beside MRT Shaw Station)

Bring your family and friends, and together, let us show the world that we care. Please confirm by November 4,12 noon. Please text 0921 8208013 for confirmation or for any questions.

P200.00 will get you one free game, shoe rental for the entire day, and a Remember Guimaras t-shirt - and of course, the chance to help the people of Guimaras.

Special prizes awaits the winners with the best bowler receiving a spa certificate ( 1 hour massage, unlimited use of sauna, jacuzzi, shower and steam room).

This event is organized by ADD UP! Volunteers, Inc.and supported by the Center for Environmental Awareness and Education and YPNET.

(This event is part of a series of events to spread awareness and gather support for our cause.Please watch out for other events in the future.)

ADD UP! Be Counted!

Contact Sarah Queblatin
Communications and Distributions Director
Center for Environmental Awareness and Education
3A Gilmore Heights, Granada corner Castilla Sts.,
Brgy. Valencia, Quezon City, Philippines,
landline: (+632) 721-7360
mobile : (+632) 917-8579489
fax: (632) 5333-712
email: sarah@ceae.org
http://www.ceae.org/
http://www.moonrisefilmfest.com/

blog things

You Are More Like Angelina Jolie

Bad girl with a heart of gold. You are smart, sexy, and strong willed. You aren't against stealing another girl's man... If he's better off with you!

Are You More Like Jennifer or Angelina?

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Your Reputation Is: Mystery Girl

You're the girl that everyone is trying to figure out. Men are attracted to your intriguing persona - and women want to copy it!

What's Your Reputation?

happee

thank you thank you.... :-)

will post pics and more memories later on. now i'm just reveling in the happiness. :-) thank you thank you thank you....

update for Guimaras Donation Drive

Hi All,

just want to share some articles which continually makes me realize that this disaster is far from over. Please go over it and pass it to friends and family. The more we know, the better we grow , ika nga. In this case, the more we know about the situation, the less far fetched the reality becomes. So let's try to make a difference. Listening is a step forward to this.

For peeps in the Manila area, we'll be shipping a new batch of donations by the second week of november, 2006. Deadline for donations will be on Nov. 4, 2006.

Donations are appreciated in kind : gloves (industrial/household) , masks (haz mat preferably), rubber boots (industrial/fishing), old clothes, canned goods/ noodles, medicine. Let us know if you need your donations to be picked up. For those who want to send them to us (Applicable for Metro Manila only) Please send donations to #12 Highland Drive, Blueridge A, Katipunan, Q.C.

Cash donations are also welcome. You may send them in through this or send it to us to be used for buying these donations for you. We also have a new account set up by Batas Kalikasan for the Guimaras effort . You can deposit cash donations to:

Metrobank PESO savings acct # 500-3-50004384-0 Ayala Acacia branch
payable to: Batas Kalikasan Foundation Inc.

We'd like to remind you guys to include your name and contact info with your donations so they can be properly addressed. For cash deposits, please send us through email your scanned deposit slips so we can reconcile it and send you a receipt. :-) Thank you again for your help!


:-) Lette

(many thanks to stella's sludge blog for the news and coverage --- keep it up, stella!)

http://sludge.wordpress.com/2006/10/26/coverup-not-cleanup-in-guimaras/

http://sludge.wordpress.com/nicks-ties-to-holcim/

http://sludge.wordpress.com/2006/10/25/we-need-to-see-action-mayor-says/

How many Disney films have you seen?

This is tedious but suprisingly fun :-P

Put a cross in the box if you have seen the film
and add up as you go along!
(This isn't sad at all. No, sir.)

[+ ] High School Musical
[ +] Holes
[+] Lizzie McGuire Movie
[ ] Cheetah Girls
[ ] Halloween Town High
[ +] Cadet Kelly

total so far : 4

[ ] Get a Clue
[ ] Motocrossed
[+] Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
[+] Pocahontas
[ ] Pocahontas 2
[+]Lady and the Tramp

total so far:7

[ ] Lady and the Tramp 2
[+] Cinderella
[] The Parent Trap (original)
[+] The Parent Trap (with Lindsay Lohan)
[+] The Little Mermaid
[ ] The Little Mermaid 2

Total so far: 10

[+ ] Mary Poppins
[ +] The Fox and the Hound
[ +] Dumbo
[+] Pinocchio
[+] Bambi

total so far: 15

[ +] Basil: The Great Mouse Detective
[+] The Rescuers Down Under
[+] Toy Story
[+] Toy Story 2
[+] Lion King
[+] Lion King 2

total so far: 21

[+] Peter Pan
[ ] Peter Pan 2
[+] Fantasia
[+ ] The Three Caballeros
[+] Alice in Wonderland
[+]Sleeping Beauty

total so far: 26

[+] 101 Dalmatians
[ ] 102 Dalmatians
[+ ] The Sword in the Stone
[+] The Jungle Book
[+ ] The Aristocats

total so far: 30

[+] Robin Hood
[ +] Oliver and Company
[+] Beauty and the Beast
[ ] Beauty and the Beast 2
[+] Aladdin
[+] Aladdin: Return of Jafar
[ ] Aladdin: The King of Thieves

total so far: 35

[+] Finding Nemo.
[+] Monsters, Inc.
[+] Hercules
[+] Mulan
[ ] Mulan 2
[+] Tarzan

total so far:40

[+] Lilo & Stitch
[+] The Hunchback of Notre Dame
[+] The Emperor's New Groove
[+] The Nightmare Before Christmas
[ +] Bed knobs and Broomsticks
[+] Pete's Dragon

total so far: 46

[ ] Remember the Titans
[+] Who Framed Roger Rabbit
[+] James and the Giant Peach
[+] Mighty Ducks
[+] A Bug's Life
[+] The Incredibles

total so far: 51

[ +] Goofy Movie
[ ] Extremely Goofy Movie
[+ ] Atlantis
[+] The Chronicles of Narnia
[+] Around the World in 80 Days
[+] Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen

total so far: 56

[ +] A Cinderella Story
[+] Pirates of the Carribean
[+ ] Pirates of the Caribean: Dead Man's Chest
[] National Treasure
[+] Princess Diaries
[+] Princess Diaries 2

total so far: 61

[+] Freaky Friday
[+] Honey I Shrunk the Kids
[+] A Muppet Christmas Carol
[+] Ice Princess

total so far: 65

Now post with the title "I've seen __ disney
movies"

end of the month

Much has happened over the past few days... recent earthquakes felt over the weekend, rains that seem to come out of nowhere, the never ending political bickering, the disasters that seem to sprout up left and right.

October ends this week, bring forth the christmas season (and my birthday) sooner than i hoped. I wonder if these things are a sign of more disasters to come.

+ + +

GUIMARAS DONATION DRIVE UPDATE:

We'll be sending another round of donations by the 2nd week of november. For those who want to send some donations, please let us know so we can pick them up :-) Donations in need are clothes, masks, gloves, rubber boots and medicine.

Deadline of donations for the coming shipment is on Nov. 4, 2006. Please contact cleanupoilspill@gmail.com. Please don't forget to send in your contact info.Thanks!

(FEEL FREE TO REPOST)

beginnings

A bit off for beginnings (it's the middle of the month, mid day of the week), but i figure what the hey.

It is both boredom and dire need of distraction that has led me to tinker with this space for the duration of this time today. I am a bit restless. This theme accurately portrays my mood for this night --- wintry, cold and a bit isolated from the world. Ahhh, la vie.

+ + +

Things are progressing more quickly than i anticipated. I murmured to my friend one night (squashed in somewhere during my ramblings) that i feel that celebrating my birthday is like jumpstarting a new era year that i am yet unwilling to own up to. Just when you get settled down to being 2+, you just have to start all over again and re-adjust.

It's not like i regret anything i've done at this point in my life --- far from it. I may not like all the paths i have taken, or the decisions ive made, but hey, they were MINE and i own up to them fully. This path which i am taking right now may not be the best for me, as others may remind me quite so often, but dammit, i'm having fun and yes, it IS my life, thanks a lot! (forgive me for being so defensive, some people just DON'T GET THAT). But anyway, i just feel like this age still has so much to offer and i feel i'm running out of time...

lost

A day's quiet for a time
like the calm before a storm
and it poured and rained
like there was no tomorrow
(and i still think that way, sometimes)
The silence s t r e t c h e s , s o c h i l l y,
s o s l o w l y
and rain falls as we barely speak

Refuge in the silence
and the restraint of words
afraid that i may say something
that shouldn't be
After all, it's just a night
And amid the sound of beat and bass
i strain to hear your voice
but i do not hear a word at all.

I get lost in the noise
and i try not to speak
for i know it will bring nothing but tears
yet again.

The Oil Spill Tragedy: Two Months After

Posted October 12th, 2006 by Stella Arnaldo
www.sludge.wordpress.com
By MA. GEOBELYN LOPEZ*
Panay News, Oct. 12, 2006

IT has been two months after the biggest oil spill knocked off the feet of the people of Guimaras and nearby provinces. The problem remains as MT Solar 1 is still 3,000 feet below the sea and continues to spew bunker fuel.

It is quite early for Petron Corp., Sunshine Maritime Development Corp., and even for the Arroyo government to suffer dementia and make it appear that things are getting better each day in Guimaras.

Two months are too short for them to simply forget the extent of damage brought by the oil spill. Amidst attempt to cover up the issue, the fact remains that the affected people suffer the brunt of the tragedy.

Two months after, toxins remain present in the villages worst affected by oil spill. Urine and blood samples taken from the residents of Sitio Bagatnan, Panobolon, Nueva Valencia showed elevated levels of hydrogen sulfide when compared to tolerable limits. This is also evident in Brgy. San Isidro, Sibunag. Toxicologists test the drinking water of Brgy. Tando and found that aromatic hydrocarbons were present. Until now, potable water is not within the reach of the people of Brgy. Tando.

Two months after, livelihood for those who rely on fishing becomes more difficult. Before August 11, the fisherfolks used to earn at least P240 a day. Now, the fish are gone! Though the “cash for work” program of Petron has provided short-term remedy to the displaced fisherfolks, it has not sustained the need for livelihood of the people.

Workers are now gradually being laid off. No alternative livelihood is being put in place.

Others resort to charcoal making, but they know that to be in this work will further worsen the damage to the environment.

Two months after, we are still waiting for concrete, immediate, and appropriate assistance and rehabilitation programs for the affected people. And perhaps, we cannot afford to still wait until December for the siphoning off of the remaining bunker fuel to commence.

The oil spill tragedy in Guimaras is a good example of ningas cogon mentality of the national government, in collaboration with Petron and SMDC. While they are foot-dragging in their response, their own enthusiasm to be at their best to resolve the oil spill problem easily dies down. This is indeed lamentable!

Two months after the oil spill, the people of Guimaras, on the other hand, are getting empowered each day. Now they realized that these corporations are the actual culprits. They already felt the pain of being forgotten by the national government.

Eventually, Madiaas Ecological Movement believes, time will come when the people of Guimaras will unite and make their voices heard. And this is now a challenge for them – how they can be heard and attended to by the Arroyo government. The people are doing their part now.

*The writer is the Acting Secretary General of the Madiaas Ecological Movement – Panay.

To Petron with Love

Greenpeace returns barrel of bunker oil from Guimaras back to Petron
Tuesday, October 10 2006 @ 11:06 PM PDT
Contributed by: gpsea

Greenpeace surprised Petron corporation this morning by delivering a container drum of spilt bunker fuel gathered from the shores of Guimaras to the doorsteps of the company’s headquarters in Makati City. The move, Greenpeace says, is meant to highlight the company's irresponsible lack of urgency in retrieving the remaining bunker fuel which continues to spill out from the sunken MT Solar 1 tanker chartered by the oil giant.
The drum was hand-carried by Greenpeace activists who wore protective gear used for handling hazardous materials. In Petron’s courtyard, Greenpeace volunteers laid down a banner with a replica of Petron’s logo and the words “Petron, stop the spill now!”. The banner was trod on by three other activists who left black footprints leading to Petron’s door, in their wake. more>>

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How safe is Safe?

Civil defense exec grilled over NDCC report
By DAVID ISRAEL SINAY
Panay News Oct. 10, 2006

ILOILO City – In a press statement issued to the media yesterday, the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) announced that the level of hydrogen sulfide in Guimaras is now safe.

But how safe is safe?

Further questioning by the media on Deputy Administrator Dr. Anthony Golez Jr. of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) yesterday exposed NDCC’s statement as doubtful, to say the least.

During a media briefing at the Grand Hotel in downtown Iloilo, Golez failed to provide hard data to support NDCC’s assertion.

“I hope to give you accurate data. The national government’s concern is on human safety, security and protection,” Golez emphasized in his opening statement.

The NDCC press statement read: “the (hydrogen sulfide) levels indicated in the August 23 Department of Health (DOH) report is within normal although some areas had slightly elevated… levels…not harmful to human health.”

When pressed by reporters, however Golez was at a loss, especially when he was asked about NDCC’s own subsequent statement that contracted its earlier assertion.

“According to the (Department of Health), once all the debris are cleared, a post clearing test shall be done by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to finally check and verify the levels of the hydrogen sulfide,” the NDCC’s convoluted press statement further read. It added, “If said levels are found within acceptable safe standards then complete return of evacuees shall be recommended by the NDCC.”

How did the NDCC come up with its “safe” declaration when the DENR has yet to “check and verify” the levels of the hydrogen sulfide in Guimaras?

Golez groped for words.

In an unnumbered memorandum dated August 29, 2006 signed by DOH Secretary Francisco Duque Jr., the DOH-Manila in collaboration with the University of the Philippines – National Poison Management and Poison Center revealed high levels of hydrogen sulfide emissions, particularly in Brgys. Cabalagnan and La Paz, exceeding “the US Environmental Protection Agency – Provisional Remediation Goal (EPA-PRG) which is 0.00071 ppm (parts per million).”

Hydrogen sulfide is a highly toxic gas. Considered a broad-spectrum poison, it can poison several different systems in the body with the nervous system mostly affected. Inhalation of air containing high levels of hydrogen sulfide can cause death.

Also, the August 29 report disclosed high levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons – benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene – which levels exceeds more than a thousand times higher with the EPA-PRG standard limit.

Based on the unnumbered memorandum dated August 29, 2006, DOH immediately made a 100-meter buffer zone on the coastal barangays affected by Petron Corp.’s spilled bunker fuel oil when its chartered vessel, M/T Solar 1, sank off the Guimaras Strait on August 11, 2006.

+ + +

It's disheartening to hear that people may belittle the issue, or not even really give much thought on the HUGE impact and consequences of this disaster. We can only hope that true action can be done. This is not something we can just sweep unde rthe rug, folks. :-P

Accenture / VSSQ Donation Drive

It was a tiring weekend, but definitely worth it! We finally got to accumulate and pack the donations Accenture has generously given Guimaras last Saturday afternoon. It was exhilarating to see how much this message of concern has affected so many people, and action has been taken indeed, through generosity of time, money and effort. We know that the job is far from over, but times like these, we are given so much hope that we CAN make a difference, and we are, one step at a time. Thank you very much for your kindness!!

View more pics here.

Dearly Departing

Departure Area
Originally uploaded by paolomanalo.

Dear you,

so long have i not heard from you and once again you invade my present. I am perturbed, to put it lightly. Perhaps this too shall pass, along with the every-eccentric wave of emotion awashing me this time of the month. As the song palys on and on in the background, it's me , it's you... damn it.

Farewell seemed too hurtful, and goodbye was never an option, for here you are again, making me waste my time blogging this crap. Hello isn't exactly what i was going to say, there is so much to say instead of that. But is talking really the solution? Will it take us to where we want to be? I dare not even ponder on that.

So there, dear, i say it. how now, brown cow?

commemorating!

kits_buni
Originally uploaded by wanderlust_junkie.

What's dinner and breakfast at the same time? A spanking good time (sans yosi), with kits! had a late "breakfast"/dinner with her yesterday, when i was on my way home and she was on her way in to work. hahaha!

Kits has decided to move into a brand new adventure (check her blog!) so in honor of this, im posting this (naks, ok ba?) congrats girl! im really proud of you and your talents --- may you move into bigger and better things! ;-) love ya!

medyo bangag... slight lang

medyo bangag
Originally uploaded by wanderlust_junkie.

a quick shot at Uva with Mary after dinner --- got to chill with her amidst the almost instantaneous downpour last night. Having a solid 6 hour pickup of donations and almost little rest, i hungrily devoured my insalata while listening to her kwento of her weekend in the province. It was delish, literally and figuratively! Such a great time to catch up with friends and have a quick touch base with good food ...mmmm.. :-)

aftermath

The storm yesterday was quite a doozy, considering it brought down several billboards around the metro, flooded dozens of homes and left the well-lit metro struggling to find its way in the darkness.

My house and its fauna have been subject to some amazing changes, with 4 trees uprooted and blocking our entry way from the gate. More amazing is the huge tree blocking the gate from the outside.

Ok, from our view inside it looks like that abandoned garden from great expectations. Either that or some weird portion of the island from LOST. Suffice to say that classes and work have been suspended due to this catastrope...but then again, with all the power out, who wants to stay at home?

To keep myself from going out (Starbucks was full, as well as other stores who decided to stay open despite all this), i bonded with my housemates, who, like me, hated the fact that the storm just plain made everything boring. With cards, available stereos and boardgames on hand, we managed to go through the day without killing ourselves (or anybody in the house for that matter). (will post pics of the storm later).

Well, i'd never thought i'd be glad to get to work. But i am. With the major damage brought about by the recent storm, i must say being in a well-lit room with (almost) all the necesities one needs is such a welcome sight after experiencing a day without electricity, telephone line and food (yeah, i don't eat at home). So the weekend lies ahead, hopefully by the time saturday comes in there will be electricity. Oh joy.

Mother Nature sure does know how to get our attention :-)

rockin for a cause

If you ask me on a monday...

...well, it's lunch a few pics and lotsa catchin up! :-) It's like, excellent!!!

Ode to Best Buds

We may never hang out as much
as we did back then
We may have changed in so many ways
We may not have the boyfriends we had back then
We may have changed circles as we went
Our friendship sure hasn't
and i look forward to more years of friendship with YOU!
Kitty+Bunnie 4evah! Love ya girl!

busy bee

Amazingly, i'm back at my old office. Not for work, just to collect some checks (yay!) and clearance stuff (even more yay!) So while burning cds i try to catch up with this update.

+ + +


Had a pretty full day earlier. Fellow volunteer for the cause Archie and I commuted all the way to Pier 18 (that's the docks in Tondo!!) to meet up with the truck of Shopwise Araneta, who generously donated a sizeable amount of goods. After rounding up and checking the packing (as well as some photo op with the fellows who helped out) we got around to taking the jeep to Divi, from which we took the lrt back to QC.

It's been quite hot, literally. I'm just so glad that despite the hard work and effort, we see some of it paying off (a lot of responses, as well as great raves from people who got to know more about the oil spill). hehehe. Lots of thanks to the many people who, in their own little way, contributed to spreading thw ord and volunteering their time, effort, money and goods to this cause!!! KUDOS TO YOU GUYS!!!!

We're still a long way from rehabilitating the damage, but with more help and perseverance (as well as ACTION) , we can do it! :-) Please check out fellow blogs/sites for more updates:

http://www.greenpeace.org
http://www.sludge.wordpress.com
http://www.newsbreak.com.ph
http://www.inq7.net

+ + +

I think i am really loooking forward to the weekend now....

GOTTA READ THIS!!!

Cost to Guimaras: P9.2 Billion
(Newsbreak, September 25, 2006, Page 21)
vol. 6, issue 19

PETRON LOST what could have been millions in income from the 2.4 million liters of oil that sank with M/V Solar 1 near Guimaras. They’re spending more for the cleanup costs and assistance to affected residents. But it’s nothing compared to how much Guimaras lost and has yet to lose. Based on the initial estimates of Resource, Environments, and Economic Center for Studies (REECS), a group of environmental economists, the island will suffer an economic loss of almost P9 billion in the first year alone. This covers the cost of the lost environmental services and recreational and tourism values. This means that cleaning up efforts and related health services for the population, estimated to cost another P266 million, is only the tip of the iceberg.

The damage to the mangroves, coral reefs, seagrasses, and estuaries—which are fish habitats—would cost Guimaras P8.3 billion worth of services. The damaged area includes the Taklong Island Marine Sanctuary, which is an area of study for many marine biologists because of its rich marine biodiversity. According to a report by the World Wildlife Fund, the dugong, green sea turtle, hawksbill turtle, and several cetacean species are threatened.

According to the REECS report, 14 out of 36 resorts in Guimaras were affected by the oil spill. The tourism sector may lose an estimated P652.2 million this year because of the tragedy.

Following a formula used internationally in evaluating economic values of ecosytems, REEC’s estimates were based on the assumption that the affected areas are totally damaged. These exclude compensation for the residents who largely rely on the sea for livelihood. Nearby provinces also depend on the sanctuaries of Guimaras for fish. This can be proven and then quantified by looking at the ocean currents.

“Something else might come up that will impact on the livelihood, which is not seen as of now,” says REECS’s Noela Lasmarias. “Guimaras is a fragile ecosystem. Oil spill has unseen effects.”

“It could be more than [P9.2 billion],” says Rina Maria Rosales, also with REECS, which will take a six-month onsite study to look at the actual scope of damage.

If Guimaras will play its cards well, there’s a chance it will receive rightful compensation for its losses. Its case is similar to Alaska’s Prince Willian Sound, where the Exxon-Valdez oil tanker sank in 1989, spilling 10 million gallons of oil, also on a marine sactuary. Thanks to the international attention that sustained the case against the owners of Exxon-Valdez, the owners were made to pay US$1.1 billion in various settlements, $2.5 billion for the cleanup costs, and $5 billion for recklessness.

—Carmela Fonbuena

poster kids!

mary_n_lette
Originally uploaded by wanderlust_junkie.

i guess this is our picture for this year, huh? Mary and i usually get a picture done of us two usually in this order... this was taken this weekend when we skedaddled out of town to escape the rains and somewhat stifling workloads. Ahh, bliss. Got to check out Haribon's GuBAT exhibit, which featured Ang I.N.K.'s works (including mary's, yey!), buy P10 raw eggs (yes, it's the normal ones) and learn to play poker (for real). hahahaha!

haydz and zsa

haydz and zsa
Originally uploaded by wanderlust_junkie.

cheesin' for the cam!

Got to spend some QT with my high school classmatesd who are currently here in Manila. It's a bit disconcerting having all of us together again after so long, but it was great fun nonetheless. Zsa and Marj, fresh off their first exam for the bar, were relieved to get some free time off the books while Haydz and I were glad to be out and about again from our respective jobs. Over coffee, lunch and some more coffee we got a chance to catch up with what's been happening (5 years is a long time, y'know) as well as check out the interesting sites in cubao (yep yep!)

future lawyers to be

future lawyers to be
Originally uploaded by wanderlust_junkie.

marj and zsa, our high school buds who are currently taking the bar

high school buddies

high school buddies
Originally uploaded by wanderlust_junkie.

Zsa and moi, havin' a latte during her free day from the bar exams.

sideways

(i know recent blog posts have been about the guimaras oil spill, so pardon my sudden interlude into some personal thought)

+ + +

It has been quite a jumbled week, with so many issues to tackle, so many adjustments to make, so many celebrations to think about. In a span of a week i have seen help rise from what i thought to be a careless world, felt utter humiliation and happiness all at once. (ok, am i making sense? Let me reiterate).

A friend is leaving for greener pastures while another friend has already left.I wish them both much happiness and success in their future endeavors. It has been a wonderful friendship, one i hope will continue inspite the factors which may dampen its fire.

A friend seeks greener pastures while another is given a new term (and a new love!). I wish them the best and more success in their efforts and more creative zeal. :-)

A fate is defined while another has become doubtful. Lord give me clarity.

+ + +

I wish i can be more verbose about how i feel to you.

+ + +

donate direct! Updates of Guimaras Spill

Dear Friends,

Thank you for the support, volunteer work and donations we have received so far! It has been overwhelming to hear that people have come and heard out plea for help. The fight is still not over. Far from it, actually. But we hope that with what we have done and what we are still doing, we can overcome this tragic disaster and restore our rich resources to its former glory. We appeal to all filipinos to help out in every way they can.

In lieu of cash, we are readily accepting donations of fishing rubber boots, rubber gloves and masks for the volunteers and fisherfolk who are, as i type, working to clean up the damage, with no thought of their health. They go through the muck in sandals and slippers, with not even a mask to protect their lungs.

Our next shipping will be on Sept. 5, 2006. For those in the QC area, please send over donations to 12 Highland drive Blueridge A, Katipunan Q.C. Please contact the number below if you want to have your donations picked up instead. :-) Cash is also a good alternative, for those who shall donate this, we will be buying the much needed materials for you, and put the donation under your name.

Visayan Sea Squadron is under Batas Kalikasan Foundation, so you can deposit donations through their account. Please email cleanupoilspill@gmail.com a scanned deposit slip or details of the said transaction (including names of the donors if possible) for our database.

Account name: Batas Kalikasan Foundation, Inc.
Peso Account (savings) PhilAm Savings Bank (Ayala Alabang branch)
#2107-32863-6

Dollar Savings International Exchange Bank (Ayala-Alabang)
#018-10-1-01081-5

Please attach with your donations your name and contact number so we can update you on the progress (we cannot pay you for your help, but we can at least thank you through media releases of Visayan Sea Squad).

For further questions and other suggestions to help out, please contact through cleanupoilspill@gmail.com. You can also contact these numbers for more info and volunteer help:

Archie (0919 2253262)
Haydee (0928 2313193)

Again, thank you so much!

Lette (0915.785.4035)

P.S. thanks to INQ7's 2BU! section for posting up our plea for help! (kahit mali yung last name ko, heheh)

Every BOOT helps!

Guimaras folk evacuated from worst-hit areas

By Nestor P. Burgos Jr., Christine Avendaño
Inquirer
Last updated 02:58am (Mla time) 08/30/2006

Published on Page A1 of the August 30, 2006 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer

NUEVA VALENCIA, GUIMARAS -- Provincial officials have started to move out over 130 families living in two coastal villages worst-hit by the oil spill because of health risks.

+ ++

past articles regarding efforts of Visayan Sea Squadron:
http://newsinfo.inq7.net/inquirerheadlines/regions/view_article.php?article_id=11420
http://specials.inq7.net/theenvironmentreport/index.php?ver=1&index=1&story_id=13037
http://services.inq7.net/print/print.php?article_id=16738

+ + +

Donate and Help us Take Action. Every BOOT helps!

Donate Rubber Boots, Rubber Gloves and Masks!
Archie (0919 2253262)
Haydee (0928 2313193)
Lette R. Teodosio (0915.785.4035)

contact us at cleanupoilspill@gmail.com
you can also donate or pledge through projectsunrise.org
get updated through:
www.inq7.net
greenpeace.org
wwf.org.ph

Slick Approaches Negros --Oil Spill Update

AUGUST 28th - The Provincial Disaster Management Team of Negros confirmed today the presence of an oil sheen 18 to 20 kilometres from the coast of Ilog, Negros Occidental. A larger oil slick trails further behind. The sheen is also 10 kilometres from Himamaylan City, as confirmed by EARTH Rescue of Himamaylan.

+ + +

Here's hoping for a more positive note to this endeavor.

+ + +

We urge people to be more aware of the nature of this disaster. Ultimately, we all feel the effect. Please HELP. ACT NOW and TAKE ACTION. Remember, every bit helps!

update on Guimaras oil spill

Dear Friends,

The Visayan Sea Squadron, currently headed by Atty. Antonio Oposa, along with Senator Cayetano, Congressman Acosta and Congressman Roces recently assessed the damage along Guimaras last August 26, 2006. With heavy hearts and tearful eyes, they watch helplessly as oil slick and sludge slowly ate up what was left of the rich marine life that was carefully protected by Guimaras. Recent reports have confirmed that four coastal towns of Iloilo have already felt the effect of the oil contamination, namely Ajuy, Concepcion, Barotac Nuevo and Dumangas. A few more days and it will reach Eastancia and the northern area of Iloilo, where Panay's fishing port is located. It is this alarming rate that more efforts in prevention of its continuing spread is taken.

As i type, the oil spillage slowly encompasses the areas around Guimaras Island and is now moving up towards the north through Guimaras Strait, damaging Panay and Negros in its wake. Families dependent on their fishing livelihood are robbed of their means of living. Our rich seafood is contaminated, and we are slowly but surely killed with health problems resulting from this terrible environmental disaster. With 2 million liters of oil spillage each day leaking out to destroy what is left of our natural resources along in Guimaras, recent reports say it is the worst natural disaster our country is facing.

We encourage fellow filipinos to help out in the cause of preventing its spillage to reach further waters, and as much as possible, clean up the damage done. We appeal to all filipinos to help out and be more aware of the situation. We appeal to members of Congress, the Senate and other government officials to help us by thoroughly investigating this matter and TAKE ACTION.

It is for this cause that i am coordinating with them to create this donation drive. In lieu of cash, we are readily accepting donations of fishing rubber boots, rubber gloves and masks for the volunteers and fisherfolk who are, as i type, working to clean up the damage, with no thought of their health. They go through the muck in sandals and slippers, with not even a mask to protect their lungs. We also accept donations of hair and chicken feathers to create brooms needed to mop up the oil.

We thank our donors and volunteers for their generosity. As of this weekend, we have received donations bnoth in cash and in kind from the following:

-LV Fisheries (donations of fishing boots)
-Ms. Johanna Clavecilla (cash)
-Mango Comics (cash)
-Mr. Eugene Tan (donation of gloves)

Our first shipment of donations will be on the 30th of August, 2006. Due to those who were unable to send us donations during the week, we have extended our initial deadline to that date. You can still donate to us up until the 29th of August for the first shipment --- For those in the QC area, please send over donations to 12 Highland drive Blueridge A, Katipunan Q.C. Please contact the number below if you want to have your donations picked up instead. :-) Cash is also a good alternative, for those who shall donate this, we will be buying the much needed materials for you, and put the donation under your name. Please contact the individuals below on where to channel the cash donations if ever, since we don't have an account up yet. You can also send it in through the address given.We thank all those who have readily sent cash and the abovementioned donations, your efforts and willingness to help have given much needed hope to us and families affected by this disaster. Our next shipment shall be on the Sept. 5, 2006.

Please attach with your donations your name and contact number so we can update you on the progress .You can also contact these numbers for more info and volunteer help:

Archie (0919 2253262)
Haydee (0928 2313193)
Lette (0915.7854035)

You can also email us at cleanupoilspill@gmail.com.
You can also drop off donations (cash or kind) at the College of Fine Arts in UP-Diliman, Q.C. Please look for Jen Alfon-Adano (faculty)

For more information and updates, please check greenpeace.org, and projectsunrise.org .

an appeal for HELP

Dear Friends,

With 2 million liters of oil spillage each day leaking out to destroy what is left of our natural resources along in Guimaras, recent reports say it is the worst natural disaster our country is facing. As i type, the oil spillage slowly encompasses the areas around Guimaras Island and is now moving up towards the north through Guimaras Strait, damaging Panay and Negros in its wake. Families dependent on their fishing livelihood are robbed of their means of living. Our rich seafood is contaminated, and we are slowly but surely killed with health problems resulting from this terrible environmental disaster.

The Visayan Sea Squadron have started volunteer work to help out fishermen, residents and fellow ilonggos who have been badly affected. Atty. Antonio Oposa, a lawyer specializing on environmental law, is currently heading the organization. Yesterday, the group along with Senator Cayetano, Congressman Acosta and Congressman Roces assessed the damage along Guimaras. With heavy hearts and tearful eyes, they watch helplessly as oil slick and sludge slowly ate up what was left of the rich marine life that was carefully proected by Guimaras. A few more days and it will reach Eastancia and the northern area of Iloilo, where Panay's fishing port is located.

We encourage fellow filipinos to help out in the cause of preventing its spillage to reach further waters, and as much as possible, clean up the damage done. We appeal to all filipinos to help out and be more aware of the situation. We appeal to members of Congress, the Senate and other government officials to help us by thoroughly investigating this matter and TAKE ACTION.

It is for this cause that i am coordinating with them to create this donation drive. In lieu of cash, we are readily accepting donations of fishing rubber boots, rubber gloves and masks for the volunteers and fisherfolk who are, as i type, working to clean up the damage, with no thought of their health. They go through the muck in sandals and slippers, with not even a mask to protect their lungs. We also accept donations of hair and chicken feathers to create brooms needed to mop up the oil.

Our first shipment of donations will be on the 30th of August, 2006. Due to those who were unable to send us donations during the week, we have extended our initial deadline to that date. For those in the QC area, please send over donations to 12 Highland drive Blueridge A, Katipunan Q.C. Please contact the number below if you want to have your donations picked up instead. :-) Cash is also a good alternative, for those who shall donate this, we will be buying the much needed materials for you, and put the donation under your name. Please contact the individuals below on where to channel the cash donations if ever, since we don't have an account up yet. You can also send it in through the address given.We thank all those who have readily sent cash and the abovementioned donations, your efforts and willingness to help have given much needed hope to us and families affected by this disaster. Our next shipment shall be on the Sept. 5, 2006.

Please attach with your donations your name and contact number so we can update you on the progress .You can also contact these numbers for more info and volunteer help:

Archie (0919 2253262)
Haydee (0928 2313193)
Lette (0915.7854035)

You can also email us at cleanupoilspill@gmail.com.
You can also drop off donations (cash or kind) at the College of Fine Arts in UP-Diliman, Q.C. Please look for Jen Alfon (faculty)

For more information and updates, please check greenpeace.org, and projectsunrise.org

we need YOUR help!!!

we need YOUR help
Originally uploaded by wanderlust_junkie.

Help Out Guimaras --- NOW

THE Philippine Coast Guard said Monday it was racing against time to prevent a major environmental disaster as oil seeped from a tanker that sunk in heavy seas over the weekend and a spokesman said it could take more than a year to clean up the mess.The tanker, Solar I, was carrying two million liters (12,580 barrels) of bunker oil when it sank off the central island of Guimaras on Saturday.

+ + +

As much as i adhere to Greenpeace's statement, we have to act now, as individuals, as fellow filipinos. With the threat to our natural resources, a group of concerned individuals called the Visayan Sea Squad have started voulunteer work to help out fishermen, residents and fellow ilonggos who have been badly affected. Atty.Oposa, a lawyer specializing on environmental law, is currently heading the organization. It is for this cause that i am coordinating with them to create this donation drive. In lieu of cash, we are readily accepting donations of fishing rubber boots, rubber gloves and masks for the volunteers and fisherfolk who are, as i type, working to clean up the damage, with no thought of their health. They go through the muck in sandals and slippers, with not even a mask to protect their lungs.

Each week we will be sending over the accumulated donations to Iloilo to be distributed. For those in the QC area, please send over donations to 12 Highland drive Blueridge A, Katipunan Q.C. within the week. We send donations by Sunday each week. Please contact the number below if you want to have your donations picked up instead. :-) Cash is also a good alternative, for those who shall donate this, we will be buying the much needed materials for you, and put the donation under your name. Please contact me on where to channel the cash donations if ever, since we don't have an account up yet. You can also send it in through the address given. Please attach with your donations your name and contact number so we can update you on the progress (we cannot pay you for your help, but we can at least thank you through media releases of Visayan Sea Squad).

For further questions and other suggestions to help out, please contact through honeylette@gmail.com or through mobile 0915-785-4035. We are also in the process of setting up donation areas where you can drop off your donations (will give more notice on this soon).

You can also contact these numbers for more donation info and volunteer help:
Archie (0919 2253262)
Haydee (0928 2313193)

A million thanks. It's a struggle to clean up this mess. But with everyone helping out in any way, we can clean this up.

dreaming of bora...

bora!!!!
Originally uploaded by wanderlust_junkie.

:-)

game!!!

play
Originally uploaded by wanderlust_junkie.

pffft.

i hate not being able to sleep. especially on a rainy night like this.

dammit.

+ + +

love the new pic.

back in the day...

back_in_the_day02
Originally uploaded by wanderlust_junkie.

Pika posted this a few hours ago, and i was relaly surprised... grabe, ang payat ko dati!!! SHYET!!!!

+ + +

I guess todayis the perfect time to reminisce, since i'm feeling miffed and pretyy pissed off (still)... *sigh*

+ + +

somebody kill me please.

Mightier Than the Sword

Mightier Than Sword
Originally uploaded by bullish1974.

Dear You,

You sure as hell think you're the best there is. Amazing. You may think that just because you are in that position, you can easily dismiss people, be bossy and be as bitchy as you can be. I don't think so. I know i shlould be angry with the way you treat me, no, treat people...but i just pity you.

I feel sorry for you that your zero social life and non-existent sex life has been replaced by chismis and work. I feel bad that that is the only way you can feel life, be passionate and "live" out your existence.

You might think you have won the "battle" just because i'm leaving. But i feel like i won. I feel better, actually, for not stooping to your level and spread rumors about you. I feel good that i didn't have to resort to angry shouts of confrontation with you. I feel great that after one more week, i won't have to see you prancing about, walking around like it's part of your daily duties in the office (it's not....SERIOUSLY.) One more week then i won't have to see your ugly mug smiling that plastic smile and ruin my whole day. :-)

everybody's changing and i don't feel the same...

i guess i never really thought about drastic changes until this week. I feel some regret, of bridges to be burned (somehow), of the uncertain changes and the looming future. But i guess all this is part of transition. I wish somehow that things would be different, that everything will be the same when tomorrow (today) comes in. But it never is.

I know that whatever happens tomorrow, well, is inevitably what i want in the end. I really hope that things will be for the better.

+ + +

For you my friend, I wish for you to be happy, in the distant land.I hope that you will find what you seek, in the land of the rolling hills and the cold billowing winds. I pray for your good health, a peaceful existence and happiness, in what form it may come to you. I shall miss your company, our "dates", and finding happiness in the little things in life. I want want for you you to be happy. God bless and ingat sila sayo!!! hehehhehe ;-)

reviews, rants and the rainy week

The weekend was lovely. home time work. Cuddle snuggle time watching the rain fall as the afternoon comes. Lovely morning me time, drizzling rainy weather enough to cuddle under the sheets and just blissfu;lly be unaware of the outside for a few hours. House cleaning to the max. Secret smiles and challenges (where's your secret kiliti?) Coffee and more coffee. Yummmy sandwiches and hot hot soup. Mmmmm. Playing SIMS in real life. Text twist marathon. CSI marathons and a cryfest over Jerry Maguire. Ahhh.

It's monday and it's raining and i went to work without an umbrella or a good coat. Also, i tried brewing my own coffee at home, to save expenses. Needless to say, i'm pissed.The week hasn't even begun and already i'm wishing it's the weekend.

I just hate this feeling. I hate waking up in the morning already knowing that this will not be a good day. But then again, stranger things have happened, and maybe it will turn out better than i imagine. That is the dream...

+ + +

Lady in the Water

Excellent.

What i thought to be a nighmarish disappointment (remember The Village? Not that it wasn't an interesting twist, but i really didn't dig the fact that the hoax was the twist) was actually a wonderfully retold (?) bedtime story mixed so beautifully inot the current scene.

I watched it because of Paul Giammati (Sideways) and Bryce Howard (The Village), but mostly because the trailer was artfully made and revealed exciting parts without revealing anything of the movie's twist (very much like any of Shyamalan's previous works). Yes, and because it was his movie.

I love his cast of actors who have beautifully made each role memorable --- from Giamatti's Heep, to Bryce's ethereal muse, even to the seemingly mundane and non-obtrusive presences of the supporting cast --the guardians, the potheads, even the chinese mom.

I love how he makes fun of writing manuals and how-tos. Even as the scenes take place, you see how he incorporates the what-should-be-done and what-to-expect guidelines of each writer, juxtaposing each one with something completely "adlib". He even get to kill a critic (wow, is that ever fun to watch --- revenge with artistic license!). Now that's a killer (literally).

I especially love how he mixed bedtime stories of age-old tradition and apply it into the mundane reality of today, mixing it to create a completely different story altogether without having to sacrfice any of the elements.

So what's the verdict? Despite its cliffhanging ending (as always), the story presents a lovely medley of reality, belief and well, really looking deep into one's self. And for that i'm happy.

+ + +

saGuijo: "Guijo Jazz"
feat; THE RADIOACTIVE SAGO PROJECT, SOUND, SALINDIWA, QUAIL QUARTET!
August 3, 2006
10PM @ 7612 Guijo St., San Antonio Village, Makati City
Live and glowing hot jazz, funk and soul.

See ya there!

+ + +

undoing 7-11

watch me as i sit here entranced by your words. It's hard to believe that such a simple combination of numbers can mean so much to people (like in Mudraks! LOL)

+ + +

It's a good weekend, i think. Apart from the rendevouz at MOA with the store, it was a fun filled weekend, with good friends and new acquaintances making it all happen. A night with party. Conversations with wine. picture taking of Ninja devil duckie in semi-bondage (devil duckie, you're the one!). An otherwise interesting brunch, get-together at a coffee shop and a one feature film which made me rethink motherhood. Top it off with some chill time at home amidts the rain, and a night of music and housemates (literally). Ahh. The weekend is indeed something.

+ + +

I miss you but not really. Maybe it's just the rain.

our pyramid of want wants et al.

Got this from bf Pao(are we or aren't we?LOL) --- ang kyyyuuuttt!!!! Makes me smile despite the sad weather (mmm...it's bed weather though...)

+ + +

Sci-Fi/Fantasy conventions are a thing of the past for me, but last sunday's romp amongst the harry potters and trekkies made me my sunday a bit more interesting indeed. (check out mor epics from Pao's site, quick!) Got to meet up with some old college pals (true artists that they are, came dressed as their fave characters --- i feel like it's lantern parade all over again) as well as see my friend's band play. Hmmm. Not a bad evening, we got to see semi-naked star troopers running around the hall for free (disturbingly like the Oble run, i tell ya ---is it december already?)

And, even though Pao's global frequency disguise never grabbed awards (or recognition), it still made a splash, somehow. hehehe

+ + +

D.I.Y.

Lather. Rinse. Repeat.

Ready.Steady.Go.

Fall. Rise Up. Go ahead. Do what you wanna do. So will I.

+ + +

If all else fails, learn the lesson. Then move on.

Speak Up. Make your point.

Do your thing. No sense waiting.

+ + +

Keep on smiling despite the hypocrisy.

See, everybody's doing it, why can't you?

Smile and laugh that funny laugh.

Make them think everything is ok.

Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.

+ + +

Repeat. repeat. repeat the experience.

Ready. Steady. Go.

De-Virginized

boundaries crossed / burning bridges realized /lessons learned from goodbyes? / tengga galore / split personalities / carbo loading and some more brownies / missed look-sees, reunion of sorts / saturday evening shenanigans / crazy eights that never seem to stop / lunch date! / virgin labfest 2 de-virginized / i have seen Ang Hubad na Katotohanan! / merienda with wits and humor, peppered with some stargazing / sci-fi fanstay convention, anyone? / i had a date with an agent from Global frequency, mind you! / dinner with new friends a.k.a. cohorts! / breadtalk! / fun company all around / the past revisited once again.../ the world is too small, indeed.

Whateveritakes, baby!

WHATEVERITAKES video launch
Thursday, July 13, 2006
6 Underground
8pm

+ + +

See ya there!

Week End

Chickahan with galpals / coffee galore and late night talks @ The Coffee Bean / blast from the past!!! / phone calls of the weird kind / saturday morning cartoons! / Little Britain, anyone? / random phone calls and eskapo moves / shoppin' with Donna girl / Italliani's and mushroom formaggio /late night malibogs @ the BigSky / camwhorin' once again... / early a.m. munchies @ Cafeteria

hopeful

... how can you beat a system that refuses to acknowledge its problem?

I can't really explain much about issue that have been bugging me the past week. Suffice to say, it has rendered me depressed beyond anything i have ever felt before, which may have attributed to my not updating anything in my life right now.

I spent my time being morose and sad, seemingly eternally damned with this feeling of loss and inevitable anguish over my recent demise (those who heard my story, you know what i'm talking about). It led me to think of drastic solutions and inevitable options if this is not repaired ASAP.

Friday gave me some sliver of hope, when i talked to the man upstairs. Meeting old friends and galpals also cheered me up, which made my weekend start better that i expected. I felt somehow emancipated from all this worrying, but monday will bring me my bane or boon (whichever is the result).

Wish me luck.

I Want Want You You!

I Want Want You You!
Originally uploaded by paolomanalo.

One of my recent discoveries while browsing through the grocery aisle... Want Want milk! :-D Picture courtesy of Pao M.

Sonnet: The Mirror Projects

(read this, actually had this read to me by the author --- ganda nya, hehhe)
by Paolo Manalo

Pictures of ourselves taking pictures of ourselves
What's this exercise for, posterity?
But there's no future for us in these frames.
I look to the past: these two so happy
They only see their own poised reflections
Smiling back at them. There are no distractions
From family and friends. But do they see it?
Nothing is missing. Teka, pasingit.
Kung sobrang bagay ang two bakit one
Ka na lang? Ang pictures di sinungaling
Pero ang truth, di nagtatagal ang fun.
You had it, enjoyed! Wala na, get going.
Hirap sa iyo, mahilig sa drama.
Salita nang salita, 'la namang 'wawa

super-Max

FUCKIN' A.

A no brainer to figure out i enjoyed this movie. why? Because it was on IMAX.

It was not a premiere, but the night was crowded with celebs (thanks to the GMA-sponsored evening, i guess) and hobnobbing was all around us prior to the screening. Needless to say,i was sorta bemused by all the damn cameras and chitchat around me. Thank God for grounded and semi-jaded friends whom you can always count on to put in a little reality perspective :-)

The 20 mins of Superman on 3D is a bit daunting at first but once you get the hang of those glasses, man, it's spectacular, to say the least. I guess the 3D imagery really made all the difference for me, since the plot was kinda slow and the scenes, well, i was already expecting that twist... a little too unsubtle in the end, i think. (for those who haven't watched it, well, you'll get it when you see the movie) :-P

But yes, the movie itself was pretty great (Brian Singer is GOD) with its amazing effects, lovely cinematography and the oh-so-hot cast they managed to round up. Kudos to Parker Posey, who played my favourite cast member, Kathryn (a.k.a Kitty!) --- she really is such a talent. Also much admiration goes to Brandon Routh (i now remember his name!), the Chistopher Reeve look-alike they got to fill in those shoes. Ooh lala. I was a little put off by Spacey's Lex, but then again, with a double life sentence and some intense 5 years of grudges, who wouldn't go a little batty? :-P It was a surprising change from the character Gene Hackman played from the earlier Superman movie.

But the big thing for tonight was, Inspite some cheesy parts and lines in between, the whole experience of watching Superman on Imax --- it was truly worth the 3 freaking hours (losing sleep in the process ---it's 4 in the freakin' morning and i'm still writing this!) I was able to check out two things tonight:

1. MOA is friggin' big.

2. IMAX can be a pleasurable experience indeed. Hehehe.

life without Camwhoring

So my brother now has my camera.

Not exactly a loss since i got back my ipod mini from him (he held it hostage so i can give back the camera), but i do miss having my camera around. No more camwhoring, imprmptu photoshoots and on the fly clicking. *sigh*.

Then again, maybe i should get a new camera instead. *grins* yey.

+ + +

On another note, i'll be watching Superman Returns on Imax in a few hours. Hmmm. Wonder if the effects will be a lot better on 3D...

+ + +

I think i may be developing an ADD syndrome this late in my life. Seems to me nothing can hold my attention for that long. Yargh. Is this a sign of regression or old age?

Use the Force

modern quotes

Ang buhay ay parang bato, it's hard.

Better late than pregnant.

Behind the clouds are the other clouds.

It's better to cheat than to repeat!

Do unto others... then run!!!

Kapag puno na ang salop, kumuha na ng ibang
salop.

Magbiro ka na sa lasing, magbiro ka na sa bagong
gising,
'wag lang sa lasing na bagong gising.

When all else fails, follow instructions.

Ang hindi marunong magmahal sa sariling wika,
lumaki sa
ibang bansa.

To err is human, to errs is humans.

Ang taong nagigipit...sa bumbay kumakapit

Pag may usok...may nag-iihaw

Ang taong naglalakad nang matulin... may utang.

No guts, no glory... no ID, no entry.

Birds of the same feather that prays together...
stays together.

Kapag may sinuksok at walang madukot, may
nandukot.

Walang matigas na tinapay sa gutom na tao.

Ang taong di marunong lumingon sa kanyang
pinanggalingan ....
ay may stiff neck.

Birds of the same feather make a good feather
duster.

Kapag may tiyaga, may nilaga. Kapag may taga,
may tahi.

Huli man daw at magaling, undertime pa rin.

Ang naglalakad ng matulin, late na sa appointment

Matalino man ang matsing, matsing pa rin.

Better late than later....

Aanhin ang palasyo kung ang nakatira ay kuwago,
mabuti pa
ang bahay kubo, sa paligid puno ng linga.

Kapag maikli ang kumot, tumangkad ka na!

No man is an island because time is gold.

Hindi lahat ng kumikinang ay ginto.. muta lang yan.

Kapag ang puno mabunga...mataba ang lupa!

When it rains...it floods.

Pagkahaba haba man ng prusisyon .. mauubusan
din ng kandila.

Ang buhay ay parang gulong, minsan nasa
ibabaw, minsan nasa vulcanizing shop.

Batu-bato sa langit, ang tamaan... sapul.

Try and try until you succeed... or else try another.

Ako ang nagsaing... iba ang kumain. Diet ako eh.

Huwag magbilang ng manok kung alaga mo ay itik.

Kapag maiksi na ang kumot, bumili ka na ng bago.

If you can't beat them, shoot them. (Nalundasan)

An apple a day is too expensive.

An apple a day makes seven apples a week.
(really expensive)

sarbey seyz

+Sadness+

What does it take to make you cry your heart out :
- heartbreak. depression.

How many times have you done that :
- a lot of times

Where do you cry :
- anywhere i feel like it

Do you hate crying :
- not really

Do you like it when others cry :
- not really

Do you think tears make eyes look pretty :
- no

Who looks good when they cry :
- i dont really go around finding that out

How else do you express sadness :
- walking it off

Are you sad all the time :
- not really

+ Anger +

What does it take to make you mad :
- nitpicky sh*tty stuff

What do you do when you're angry :
- walk it off, scream out

How short is your temper :
- let's just say it doesn't take much to get me pissed

How long does it take you to calm down :
- as long as there's a solution im good

What's the worst thing you've done when you were
mad :
- bitch slapped somebody

Do you freak out when others are angry :
- yeah sometimes

Has anyone ever recommended anger
management to you :
- nope

What's the worst thing someone's done to make
you mad :
- become a lyin' cheatin' a-hole

Do you anger people :
-sure

+ Joy +

How often are you happy :
- not really sure

What makes you happy :
- it's the small things that count

What do you do when you're happy :
- smile

Do happy people make you mad :
- sometimes

What's the worst thing someone can do while
they're happy :
- flaunt it to unhappy people and not care

Ever been so happy you were dying to tell
everyone :
- yeah

Ever been so happy you cried :
- yup

Do you smile a lot :
- yes, maniacally

Kiss people a lot:
- hmmm. maybe.

Who really makes you happy :
- can't think of anybody right now.

Do you like doing things for people when you're
happy :
- yeah.


+ Fear +

What do you do when you're scared :
- get the hell out.

What scares you :
- the evil people

Do you like scaring people :
- not really

Do you like the trill of being frightened :
- i guess

Does fear accompany anger in your case :
- hmmm. sometimes

Ever been so scared you couldn't breathe :
- yeah

How often do you panic :
- when i screw up.

What's the one thing that scared you more than
anything else EVER :
-can't recall

What do you do to calm your nerves :
- sleep.

Do rollercoasters scare you :
- no

+ What do you do +

When the emotion suck :
-walk it off

When the emotion rocks :
- ride it through!!

When there's no emotion :
-do something else

+ Would you rather +

Never feel again :
-no

Feel loneliness or anger for the rest of your life :
- anger. loneliness makes you go crazy

Be happy forever and never experience bad
times :
-y not?

Be alone :
- I don't think i can do that :-p

Be with everyone you know :
- sure

+ Who +

Cheers you up more than anyone else :
- hmmm.secret hahha

Angers you more than anyone else :
- secret din. pero alam nya yan

Scares you more than anyone else :
- hmmm.a lot of folks.

Makes you think about your emotions more than
anyone else :
- certain people i'd rather not mention

Makes you really care about how they feel and
what they think :
- people i care about

the bride and her cohorts...

the bride and her cohorts
Originally uploaded by wanderlust_junkie.

this was an impromptu pictorial at the reception with my cousins and soon to be cousins in law. (Can you tell which ones are my true blood cousins? LOL)

This is just about a quarter of the expected number of girl cousins i have (mom's side) since the others weren't able to make it. And yes, these are only the girls. I wasn't kidding when i said we'll be like a village... LOL

Reyes-Lopez Nuptial

the happy couple
Originally uploaded by wanderlust_junkie.

Congrqats to the happy couple! A perfect wedding, complete with amazing arrangements, spectacular designs and a picture perfect ending.

Ahh, l'amour!

Lunch with Mom

Had the opportunity amidst the hullabaloo of everything to spend some QT time with my mom, and we got to have lunch at this chinese resto (not so good food, weird service). Despite the unappetizing meal, we had loads of fun catching up and well, pretty much chillin'. We also got to do some window shopping (though we did get to buy beads we liked, hehe). It's these rare moments that make me really happy knowing i got to go home for a while.

wedding countdown

So i'm back in the province for a couple of days for my cousin's wedding.

The good notes of this whole shebang? Aside from the leave (yey), i get to regroup and reconnect with my cousins, as well as their friends (who agree to help out). I also get to meet the newer members of the clan (younger cousins i have yet to introduce myself to), as well as get to chill with friends in between. Oh yes, and my dress. hahahah.

Haay, naku.

Now what? I've gone through so much the past few hours it's so hard to begin. By this time, half of my relatives from my mom's side has come forth and started what i call the pre-reunion reunion. That means my aunts and uncles from outside the province have started to arrive, and yes, everybody's being briefed about the upcoming event, from the Ilonggo dinner we'll all be having the day before the nuptials, to the event itself. I still have to settle a score with my aunt (the bride's mom) regarding my dress (i didn't follow the orange dress code, see). Plus, the coordination with the program (that's my cue) and our parts in the mass are meticulously monitored to be perfection by my aunts. Oh, the pressure... The body count? So far, it's 8 auncles and aunts(not counting the spouses) and 16 cousins (first cousins). And this is just the girl's mom's family, this is not counting the father's side :-P There's still the remaining bros and sis coming by friday, as well as the groom's family heading down here. Haaaaay, dios me. I feel like a huge baranggay fiesta is coming up this Saturday.

I wonder how i'll survive this....

the so-called vacation

Yesterday...

...got to leave early (yey!) to go to my gown fitting in Makati. Kate was still wasn't done with my tulle skirt when we got there so got to chill in the CBTL Salcedo outlet with my Mcnuggets (late, late lunch) and iced tea. Finally got to try on my gown after half an hour. I'm really, REALLY lovin' it! :-) Sooo Excited!!!

Got the call from the folks that dinner will be late, so ddecided to chill at the Convergys outlet to meet up with bestfriend Kits and Maree for ice blendeds and cheesecake. Had a talkfest after days of OT (all three of us!) --- a great way to catch up! Had a wonderful surprise of meeting up with Larryboi, PaoPao and a new friend, Karen! :-D It's been so long since we got to see each other, it's such a great night!. The time passed easily and i got picked up later on for dinner two hours later. I wish i had my caMera! Damn. Still, there's gonna be a next time...hopefully... :-)

+ + +

Today... still working my ass off so ican leave here at 7pm sharp. I really wish they can approve those designs already...

+ + +

It's another long weekend, and i should be glad. Then why the hell do i feel like i'm heading off to hell?

The past few days have been hellish since i've been working my ass off to finish near-impossible deadlines (some of which are still to be approved) and trying to bear with the pressures of ongoing and upcoming issues (yet to unfold). Yargh... Ngarag galore.

By next week i'll be off to emcee and participate in my cousin's wedding (the first cousin to get hitched, so the pressure's on now!) as well as work with my mom on some family projects. I was hoping that this so-called vacation leave would be indeed a vacation, but apparently it's not gonna be that way. Being provinciana is really as bad as one seems, at least for my part. Yes, i love the family closeness, the endearing clannish protection i get from my family and relatives, but since this is such a BIG event, i'm guessing it'll be one of THOSE things i'd rather be in while high on Valium. Looks like my family's gonna ask those nosy (when are you gonna get hitched?" questions, as well as try to match make me with the "marrigeable" men they know. Oh the pain... not to mention the office will be calling (i'm giving them two days into the long weekend before they start bugging) about stuff i should have done before i left (um, ok.i gave notice that i'll be gone during this time BEFORE i even started working). Oh well. Blame it in the perfectionist and closet OC in me.

+ + +

Back in the day...

...when i used to have a life. When staying up late never meant being stuck in your cubicle until 3am working. When social interaction never had papers and deadlines in between. When meeting up was over alcohol, not coffee. ahhh life.

weekends

"here's my chance to just take the time
just relax and try to unwind... something's stressing me everyday
gotta get away...play some music,unplug the phone, chill for real cos' i'm now at home....gotta get away..."

-Lashell Griffin

+ + +

Some of my favourite finds during the week:

Pandora gives me some refreshing music choices, not to mention great insights on 'dem artists. LOL.

My lovely "wapak!" black heels, a find in the marikina shoe expo, which give me height (3 inches more) and a lotta conversation starters.

McDonald's milkshakes!!! They're back and blessed be, the outlet five minutres away from my office is finally open AND selling them. oh happy day!

twisted's last gig

Big Sky got into rocking mode last thursday (may 25) when Twisted Halo launched their video (also making this gig their last, sadly). Joining in the fun were Sugarfree, Cambio and Sandwich.

(I should post more pics, heheh. Having drunken men sing their hearts out is way fun to take pics of) Till then, i'll be posting this. I think it's really sad.Too bad, indeed. TH will be missed in the scene.
But hell, their farewell gig was one heck of a night ;-)

just peachy...

i'll miss you psychicpants!

we will be together, together in electric dreams!

best buds' postcard-y

Shanghai Baby

The shirt still had his smell. Burying my face in it made me realize what it is to lose happiness.

x factor

cubao x
Originally uploaded by curious_kitty.

into the dark night
under the flickering light
i await our reunion
in thoughts
in dreams

medicated

I've been taking medicine for the past few days for a bug that just won't go away, so my body's reacting to it by becoming all mood swing-y. I feel awful for the people who by chance (or not) see me in my state of chaos and emotional upheaval.

Disclaimer: I don't normally cry over the silliest things, thank you very much. As much as i hope to control my random rants and tearfests, i can't, and that's what frustrates me.

Case in point: A few days back, i got home in this depressed mood i can't seem to shake off. Once i got home, i just lost it. Seeing my housemate, i started crying for no apparent reason. He didn't provoke me to cry, nor was i at any point having any reason to just turn on the waterworks. i just started crying. What's worse is seeing that look on his face when i did. (Guys normally don't react to girls crying and if they do, it's usually awkward and silly, which turned out to be the case for this one) Yikes. A girl he thinks is just too "cowboy" actually crying for no reason. *sigh*

I love being a woman, i really do. There's nothing to it in the world. Just give me more stability when it comes to hormones and meds, please?

friday i'm...

... freaking out.

triple shot espresso based coffee drinks are definitely the way to go when calming one's nerves. *sigh* i hate traffic. i really do. Thank god i don't have a car, i may get into an early heart attack.

+ + +

Bear with me, it's a ranting day. I hate the fact that people seem to be making it their priority to get things done the last minute --- like, i've been at Ortigas since last night and nobody had the efficiency or the decency in that place to tell me they will be needing some collaterals for their event TODAY. Like, oh yeah, i'm psychic ---i don't even know you guys have an event! *sigh* SOPs be damned, huh? :-P

+ + +

Di na naman tayo nagkita kagabi. sorry ha. tanginang schedule yan i miss you. kinda.

+ + +

I seem to be stuck in some weird episode of the twilight zone. Tell me when to wake up please.

+ + +

I don't know anymore what i feel. Am i just too jaded to feel anything for anyone, or am i just resistant? I feel bad for not being able to reciprocate any sort of emotion (well, the appropriate one anyway) as well as make you feel that i don't think you are worth my time.

+ + +

I missed you Haydz! I'm so glad we met up last night for coffee and some dinner (well, kinda). Thanks for the bag, i'm lovin' it!!!! (we definitely need to meet up and chat again...)