MISSION (hospital) : DEATH

I ran some errands for my mom today, just to send out some invites to some doctors in various areas. So i went to this particular hospital, but since it's Saturday, the doctor wasn't in. Naturally, i asked if can just drop it off. But no, the woman at the information assistance desk told me to go to the other building just to drop it off because the secretary wasn't there. So i did,, hoping to drop it off at the nurses' station at least since the doctor has several patients there anyway. Once there, i had to endure another rant by another doctor (some busybody who just started ranting ---she wasn't even the one i asked!) who told me to go back to the building i came from because, as she put it, "it's not done this way".

WTF!?!

Going back, i fell down a flight of stairs (This was not intentional on my part, btw, no matter how many people say i'm a klutz) The stairs were steep, and that rubber edge isn't as safe as it shoudl (it tripped a couple of people on the way up). Ironically, this was in a hospital where, instead of helping a wounded, dazed girl, the nurses stood by and idly watched.

Now i have a puncture wound the size of a 1-peso coin, not to mention some gashes on my left leg (not exactly a must-have for school), which reminds me of the numerous times in my childhood that i scrape dand cut myself in various forms and ways. In a kinda bizaare way, it's fascinating to see how easily the human skin can be marred, brusied and scraped, yet still grow back to the way it was before.

During the course of the whole incident, i was not only snubbed by the very people who should be taking care of me (i was bleeding down my leg in the middle of a hospital but nobody cared --- they looked at it and walked away! GEEZ!), i was actually reprimanded for not coming in on the appropriate day. What the hell is wrong with these people?!?

I really cannot understand why there are some people who, obliged and committed by their hippocratic oath to help, think that they are GOD and cannot easily do other tasks (they feel that this is "beneath them") --- i mean, how hard is it to accept the darn invite, and give it to the secretary/doctor on monday? HOw hard is it to just write a quick note on the invite so that anyone who is in the office can be notified to which doctor this should be sent over to? And lastly, WHY THE HELL would you blame the darn messenger for not knowing the hospital schedule?! I DO NOT work at the hospital so how should i know? Why do you have to give people shit about something they don't even know?

GEEZ.

This bureaucracy within the system sucks big time, especially when it's run by a couple of idiots who think time is not of the essence (it's a friggin' hospital! My office is more time efficient than this place). Cue, Mr. T:

"I pity the fool who ... gets their hospitalization here!!!"

it's all political

With the buzz of all tha scandal that shrouds the government today, it's a wonder how we as a nation are taking it all in with a smile (still).

The spoof TIME cover posted on Piercingpens made me sputter out a laugh, one which died almost too fast.

Now, with the mother of all tapes surfacing, the future is getting bleaker by the second. I'm finding less reasons to smile.

I for one am getting tired of the same old schtick. We did this in Erap's time, we did this every other damn president we elected. Every time we get an offical elected, there will always be scandal and opposition, which leads me to wonder why the HELL do we still elect these bad politicians anyway.

I wonder, just what is it in the Presidential position that people desire? The never-ending headache of solving people's problems in an ungodly and impossible deadline? (like everything else, we want instant gratification) Is it the never-ending flashbulbs of cameras at your face, the scandalous rumors and intrigue that hound your every move? Really, who WANTS that?!?

Show me a politician who's never done a bad deed and i'll show you a dead man.

I think we're better off with a Parliament. Democracy is getting us nowhere because everybody wants to lead everybody else.

dysfunctionality

the perfect family
the couple
the kid with a winning smile
envied
with those held hands
that romantic gaze
the blue ribbon pinned down
but behind the smile
sadness lurks within
those entwined fingers
will break away as soon as no one's watching
those gazes will soon turn away
that smile will falter
when no one's watching...

and then he said...

i will see you wherever you go.

back in the hood

Why is it that whenever i'm NOT in Manila, people seem to call or text in droves to meet up!?!!??? It's just sad and kinda annoying. People whom you have tried constantly to get it touch with over the past few weeks miraculously free up your sked just when you're leaving or just left. *sigh* I guess with my luck, this should be a normal thing already.

+ + +

These days the main issue is money. It's more so a matter of need than want, actually. With all the shit i'm facing at the homefront, it's a miracle i still haven't broken down (had a mini-breakdown a few hours ago, but nothing to really report on). Once again, kudos to the wonderful, amazingly STRONG person that is my mom. You are one heck of a woman, mom, don't let anyone ever convince you otherwise!!! (love you!)

+ + +

I guess this is the last vestiges of phase two of transition... you have to undergo the bad to appreciate the good and all that jazz. But really, do you have to? That only merits recognition to a certain amount of injustice,but if prolonged so you can end up being the scapegoat (worse yes, the jackass who just takes it all in)...

+ + +

I dunno, these days i am just disillusioned and depressed over certain ideals and things i can't seem to fix. It's hard enough seeing the damage, but it's even worse when you don't even know how to fix it, or even help out... :-(

digital

digital
Originally uploaded by bunnie_lette.

My entry for IllustrationFriday's theme

presenting... kate's dresses!

presenting... kate's dresses!
Originally uploaded by bunnie_lette.

yep, we love Kate Torralba's lovely creations! Prior to Cha's fab bday (celebrated on a whimsical, almost fairy-tale like night at Antonio's),the four of us bought these creations with the intention of wearing it to a special event. Good thing we did! :-)

The rain (slight drizzle as we spent the night eating,drinking and having fun) was a very nice companion, lending its pitter-patter to the tropical paradise which enveloped the restaurant. With lotsa wine, amazing mojitos and a fab dinner (not to mention some pretty interesting "questions and answers") we bid salud to the birthday gurl, Charita! :-)

Cha,You are one inspiring, amazing woman! Mwah! wishing you much love, success and happiness!!

Ibalik ang psychicpants!!!

Ibalik ang psychicpants
Originally uploaded by paolomanalo.

the crowd has spoken!

+ + +

Ode to the keys

So long, you've done your job.
Your service has ended.
You unlocked many a time the door to my haven,
freed me from the frustration of work,
guarded me from the terror of the night.
Your comforting clink
in the darkness will be sadly missed,
as well as your cool touch.
One
last
time
i turn you,
to set myself free of a home i once dwelled in...

Ultramagnetic countdown

(thanks to Kitty for the countdown!)

TEN things about me
10- I’m a sucker for romance.
9- I love geeky stuff.
8- I get tired of people who never keep their promises.
7- I enjoy coffee and conversations.
6- I smoke occasionally.
5- I’m stubborn, determined and at times, very OC.
4- I’m neurotic when i'm stressed.
3- I read tarot cards.
2- I am loopy most of the time.
1- I hate incomptetent know-it-alls.

NINE Places I've Visited in 'Pinas
9- Banawe
8- Cebu
7- Zambales
6- Baguio
5- Vigan
4- Boracay
3- Pangasinan
2- Capiz
1- Coron, Palawan

EIGHT Things I want to do before I die
8- get my name and work in one of those designer books
7- win an award
6- get paid a lot of money.
5- travel the world
4- get married
3- pay for my brothers' college education
2- repay my mom for everything she did for me
1- be with the one i love

SEVEN Ways to win my heart
7- be sweet.
6- be sincere.
5- be honest.
4- have a great sense of humor.
3- be decisive.
2- be smart.
1- love me for who i am, not for what i may be.

SIX Things I believe
6- Coffee is good for you.
5- Every person is inherently good.
4- mornings are overrated.
3- friendship is like love, it needs to be nurtured and sustained.
2- love has to have magic.
1- love takes effort from both people to make it work.

FIVE Things I'm afraid of
5- not being able to do my best.
4- disappointing (and failing) myself
3- Disappointing (and failing) others
2- that there is no inherent good in each person.
1- Knowing I could have done something to avoid anything bad happening.

FOUR of my Favorite Items in my bedroom:
4- fluffy pillows
3- my bed
2- my cellfone
1- my sweetie

THREE Things I do everyday
3- work, work, work
2- check email
1- learn (or try to learn) something new

TWO Things I am trying not to do right now:
2- let stress get to me
1- allow myself to get frustrated

ONE Person I want to see right now:
1- him.

Duality

As Psychicpants said,"There are only two types of Filipinos: one who leaves for the States, and the other who leaves for the States with a visa".

I'm just glad to be the latter.

best buds!

awww.... best buds!
Originally uploaded by bunnie_lette.

Yesterday i met up with Zsa and Mitzy, to celebrate a belated birthday celebration. Zsa's actual birthday was last Friday, but due to schedule conflicts, we weren't able to meet up.

Anyhoo, this "ladies lunch" was a bit of a double-celeb, since i'm officially a bum starting this week, and my bosses at China Star gave me a wonderful surprise of gift certificates --- hence, a free meal not only to commemorate that, but also to have a great time with Zsa!

Our time was quite short since she was also meeting some more people (and Mitzy and i watched Madagascar) but i was reallyhappy to meet up with her since she's been so bogged down with her review (Law Bar is on September!).

Anyhoo, it was great to ctach up and chill with Zsa (we should do it again!!!) Reminds me of the good ole' days... naks! So Zsa, Happy Birthday again! mmwah! tc gurl, YOu Rock!!!

Gloomy bear meets Polo Bear

Gloomy bear meets Polo Bear
Originally uploaded by bunnie_lette.

two of my fave bears enjoying a quiet time together!

i envy them. NOt a care in the world...

+ + +

rodent wars

The following paragraphs are a result of lack of sleep, great irritation of saidissue, and utter boredom. Please bear with me.

Since my last post, i have been tackling the issue of how to properly take out a mouse. Now, before you guys make some weird assumptions, let me make this clear:

I keep my house as CLEAN as i can. (Ask my roomies how OC i can get over this) Itis unfortunate, however, that we live in a location that has a humidity that transcends everything else, a tropical area which is a welcome area to all types of rodents and cockroaches, and yes, the ever-irritating system drilling of our Water company outside the gate.

My mouse encounters have happened before, with a lot of bad nedings. Out tried and tested flypeper traps have been gnawed at, giving trapped mice access to freedom when they become persisitent in their endeavor. Other mouse devices , like the traps, have been scoffed at, rarely touched. The chalk thing (which supposedly works for both mice and roaches) are merely scratches on the wall.

This all led me to re-examine the elements. The problem, i ultimately found out, was location. STrategic places where these creature usually tread should be the areas on which the flypapers should be situated. So hence, with all the moving i'm doing, i also re-situated my said traps. The results? Easy as pie, mouse in the house.

on to other things...

Sorry aboutthat. I catch myself slumping back into my depressed mode again... which is why i should really stop posting such crap online. Hence, i turn to better issues (?) like current movies, work-related rants and yes, encounters of the mouse species.

I think i've expounded my love for the conclusion of Star Wars' current trilogy a little too much, so i'll turn over to another much-awaited movie release: Batman Begins. I'm anticipating said movie for two main reasons:

On a purely physical interest, I am madly awaiting how much hotness Christian Bale can muster into this new movie with his portrayal of the "winged" hero. Not really a big fan of the leading lady (the Joey gal from Dawson's Creek??!? Are you FRIGGIN' kidding me!?!) but i do hope she won't destroy everything with her whining (the one thing she does best) and erratic acting.

Secondly, the movie is a welcome treat after those pathetic follow-ups (Batman movies after the Tim Burton ones). With an amazing trailer and a fantastic plot, hopefully, this will be a movie that will make up for those horrendous movies. Batman Begins makes me anticipate its opening day. Ooh, la-la!

Ok, back to catching that damn mouse who's been eluding me since this morning... ARGH!

take me away to paradise...

I keep reading and re-reading your mail. Often times i wonder how you are, and if like me, you miss me like crazy, so crazy you wind up staring into space for a long period of time. It sucks, this time apart. Then again, I hate the idea of regret for either of us, especially if it's about us...

Bartender, another whiskey sour please.

burning the midnight oil

Somehow the whole idea of change has kept me up --- from the worries about pending deadlines, moving day, even turnovers have kept me from sleeping soundly. I worry about these needlessly (after all, after i get out of my job, who cares, right?) and i think i'm going crazy.

My friend Noni thinks i'm crazy because i'm responsible. Shit, i'm beginning to think he's right -- i tend to go paranoid over stuff because i can't shake the idea off myself that it's my responsibility to know and be up to date with the changes happening. Like work, for example. The murals are technically not in the area of my responsibility, but since i know the supplier, i tend to think of protecting the supplier from any mistreatement they may get from the company, as well as try to not let the image of our company go to garbage.

*sigh*

Anyway, stuff like that keep me worrying more than i should and come to think of it, it's nobody's fault but mine, really. (nice, lette. haha) I just wish i can give myself a break without feeling guilty about it.

Lordy. i need a distraction. Bad.

+ + +

Last Song Syndrome playlist

WHITE FLAG
-Dido-
I know you think that I shouldn't still love you or tell you that.
But if I didn't say it well I'd still have felt it,
where's the sense in that
I promise I'm not trying to make your life harder
Or return to where we were but

I will go down with this ship and I won't put my hands up and surrender
There will be no white flag above my door,
I'm in love and always will be

I know I left too much mess and destruction to come back again
And I caused but nothing but trouble,
I understand if you can't talk to me again
And if you live by the rules of "it's over" then I'm sure that that makes sense but

I will go down with this ship and I won't put my hands up and surrender
There will be no white flag above my door,
I'm in love and always will be

And when we meet, which I'm sure we will
All that was there, will be there still
I'll let it pass, and hold my tongue
And you will think, that I've moved on....

I will go down with this ship and I won't put my hands up and surrender
There will be no white flag above my door,
I'm in love and always will be

I will go down with this ship and I won't put my hands up and surrender
There will be no white flag above my door,
I'm in love and always will be

I will go down with this ship and I won't put my hands up and surrender
There will be no white flag above my door,
I'm in love and always will be

+ + +

Luv
-Travis-
What's so wrong
Why the face so long
Is it over?
And where you going that
you no longer belong here?
And distance tells you that
distance must come between love
Where have you been, Luv?
When the mistake we made
Was in never having planned to fall in love, Luv
Singing this song
Singing along
Makes it easier for me to see you go
But in doing so
In letting you go
It only serves to show me
that I'm still in love with you
Singing this song
Singing along
Makes it easier for me to see you go
But in doing so
It only serves to show me
that I'm still in love with you
So what's so wrong
Why the face?
So long!
Are you changing?
And where you been to that
you no longer remember?
And distance tells you that
distance must come between love
Where have you been, Luv?
It's just the chance we took
Having never ever planned to fall in love, Luv
It's just the chance we took
Having never ever planned to fall in love, Luv
It's just the chance we took
Having never ever planned to fall in love, Luv
Luv

+ + +

I Love You Anyways
-Travis-
You were on my mind
Inside the cinema
You looked so beautiful
I almost had to go
And when I got outside
I thought of you again
I think you should be framed
In some Fine Art gallery
I know you'd disagree with me
But I love you anyways
And should I climb high my
Dreary city walls
They make me feel so small
Oh let me fade away
This city's so cold & old
Forever rain or snow
I'd really love to come and go
Oh won't you go stay with me
I know you'd disagree with me
I just know you'd disagree
But I love you anyways
You were on my mind
Inside the cinema
You looked so beautiful
I almost dried an eye
And when I got outside
I caught the 44
It dropped me outside my front door
Forgot what I'd been living for

reconnecting

The past couple of days have been, quite hectic with both work and personal concerns. I catch myself crossing paths with people i haven't hung out in a long time, friends i've always wanted to chill out with again, even acquaintances whose amazing personalities leave me wanting more.

A "meet up coffee" with Jac and her bro Carlos at The Coffee Bean led me to an unexpected "catching up time" with Aileen and Edel. The time went by pretty fast, with us chatting about all sorts of girly stuff as well as a brief discussion on current faves. Granted, it was accidental, but we shared a couple of laughs as well as got updated on the latest Fullbright happenings ;-)

A "grub meet" with Noni turned out to be a record pizza dinner at Il Ponticello's (fast and yummy!) which was loaded with lotsa chikka, fun quips and yes, the ever-present, So what's new? query. Noni's fun character as well as his sweet side was ever present (too bad i had no extra ticket for Star Wars3 --- sayang! bwai ako!) which made the impromptu dinner at Valero an adventure of its own.

Star Wars with Mary and Jac got the whole "girl vibe" going, which led me to believe that friendship is something that just doesn't happen overnight, nor does it sustain without some effort. And believe me, with our schedules, it's GREAT that we put effort into meeting up, even for as petty as "some movie". Luv ya gurls!

Coffee at The Bean with Jac turned out to be a great discussion of "behavioral sciences", bridal details and the latest in Barbie. What can i say? My friend is perky, fun and yes, LOVES Pink with a passion. (Kinda like me, hehehe) She is one wonderful girl, who inspires me to just go for it (she's been through so many tough stuff that it's a wonder how she stays so perky inspite that). Some things too --- like Juna, for the nth time, gets my vote as her fiance. you rock,man!

A "stop-over meet" at Sonic's place turned out to be a techie-meets-nerd discussion on the fine details of Episode 3, Animal Planet and the wonders of FTP (thanks, jays! take care and get well soon!) I met his monkey (literally!!!) who was cute, sweet and shared his mango with us (he offered). As for Jays, it'sgreta to see him again! :-)

Finally, a quick bite at good ole' Ababu got me reconnecting with Anton, with relationship, opening a new business and pretty much just chillin'. Just like old times, huh? :-)

+ + +

I love how life gives us opportunities to cross paths with people, and interact with them. I love how our uniqueness makes it all the more interesting.

+ + +

darth vader --- sssshhhwing!!!

darth vader
Originally uploaded by bunnie_lette.

I love Jollibee Kiddie Meal for this!

This movie which concludes the old (new) trilogy has made up for the not-so-hot previous ones. What can i say? Superlatives come to mind (arguable with some of my friends), but all i can say is this: it was worth the 11:30p.m. sked. :-)

Hot points:
- amazing battle scenes
- yes, Anakin DOES transform formidably into Darth, which is THE coolest!
- Hayden Christensen not only shows he's an actor, he's HOT!
- the plot seamlessly ties the first (new) trilogy with the second (old) one.

(ok, stopping now before i turn into complete geek mode)

Thanks and Kudos to MAry, Jac, Carlos and MArk for the righteous decision to watch this movie so early into its run! Also, gracias to Noni for a scrumptious
dinner prior to said showing (Ponti's is THE BEST!)

Sleeping mode incoming, so May the Force be with Us!

ayt!

the clap of thunder...

...was a welcome sound to me and most of the people in heat-stricken Manila. Precisely at 5:58 p.m.,the hard rain splattered over the hot cement and made Manila well--- cool again.

Today was extremely hot --- from the weather to the extreme frenzy of opening day. Yep, today was the opening of out Greenhills outlet, the first inthe still-being-constructed mall across the theatre mall. Oh joy. Getting there at 9ish inthe am just to put up posters, fix some outlet items and well, pretty much critique the area wasn't exactly my idea of fun, but it had to be done.

How exciting was my day? Follow that with some supplier trouble, mural revisions and an endless afternoon of assembling letters and coupons and you've got yourself a --well, ok,--- interesting day.

So coming back from my first meeting in Morato, i was welcomed back into the Greenhills area by the intense pour, literally pouring over me as i raced to shelter (i nearly skidded unto the newly-polished floors of the mall,but that's another story).

With the thunderous "storm", traffic almost instantaneously developed, as if vehicles were dehydrated and ballooned with the moisture. Yup, too traffic to go anywhere, too wet to move around, too broke to buy dinner (yup, only had money for cab fare). Plus, my supplier meeting got cancelled so i'm there with nothing to do but wait the rain out. *sigh* I even tried to see if anybody could meet up and spend the time hanging, but to no avail. Oh well...

Thankfully, the rain stopped soon, and wonder of wonders, i got myself a cab that didn't give me bullshit about going to QC inspite of the traffic. :-) Thank god for small miracles!

+ + +

Somehow this wasn't the way i envisioned spending my lat two weeks with the company. Hmm. I need to get more rest...

+ + +

If only i could turn back time

U.P. lang ang may TOKI, sa buhay wala nito.
Pero nasasaiyo na yon kung nais mong pabaligtad
ang takbo ng buhay mo."

- Prof. Ryan Cayabyab from Commencement speech given on April 24,2005 before the Class of 2005, UP Diliman, Quezon City

Thanks to Berger for posting this up.

+ + +

Bakit nga ba nakakalito minsan ang buhay? ha?!?

+ + +

Reminiscing about the past will not do you any good. It's about doing something in the present that will change your future that counts.

+ + +

I don't want to think of you as the one who got away, i'd rather think of you as the one who's on indefinite leave.

garage_sale!!!

garage_sale003
Originally uploaded by bunnie_lette.

thanks for the folks who passed by and checked out (and bought!) the stuff.

The heat kept us from getting any new peeps to check the items during lunch and the afternoon, but lots more people came by by 3pm.

For those who missed out on it, we're scheduling another one sumtym soon (more stuff,books and other kitsch) so please come by.

beachin' in my dreams

coron_03
Originally uploaded by bunnie_lette.

GAWD, ANG INIT!!!!

sana nasa beachna lang ako ulit... *sigh*

Happy Bday Kitty and Juna!

Kudos to my galpal Kitty, who celebrates the big 2-5 today! :-)

Here's to a gazillion years of coffee and conversation, yosi breaks with Gudang Garams, chika galore and countless times of great friendship! Thanks for being such a great pal! :-) MMwah!

+ + +

Also extending my salutations to Juna, one of my best galpal's fiance. He is a guy who i know is THE best one suited for my galpal (naks!) He's sweet, caring and very fun to be with, not to mention smart and helluva conversationalist. Kudos and best of luck on your upcoming "transition"! You rock!

+ + +

Here we go again...

While the AFP tries to defend its recent expenditure, i raise my eyebrows. New infrastructure? Is it REALLY that beneficial?

Working in the area of Annapolis, i often come by the area which they are currently "renovating". I wonder how the officers who permitted this can ever justify that this will benefit everybody. The soldiers and other officers who will benefit it mainly will be those using the campgrounds on a daily and semi-daily basis. They can "jog better" and it's about time this thing is renovated anyway. However, the new article which questions, what about the Mindanao forces? brings back the argument of it being a benefit for all.

Would you rather give rice to those soldiers sacrficing their lives for the good of the country, or use it to renovate a slab of area on which limited soldiers can utilize?

Reading more about the current state of our armed forces in Time makes me all the more sadder. Our Armed Forces is not equipped with the proper sustainance, health benefits and weaponry that it should have. As far as corruption goes, i guess we are truly feeling the brunt of it from the past. How can we expect these people to defend us when we cannot even sustain them properly?

*sigh* Somebody tell these guys to rethink their priorities.

Happy Mom's Day!

i wish i can do something substantial enough to show you how much you mean to me.

You fed me, taught me, showed me the ropes --- you practically gave me life!

Thank you for being the best mom in the whole wide world! :-D

In this time of change, i see and feel the worries and dreams you have for me. I can only hope that i canmake you proud.

I love you MOM! :-)

GARAGE SALE moved to the 15th of May

GARAGE SALE at KAMUNING!!!

WHEN: Sunday, May 15, 2005
WHERE: 96 Kamuning Road, Quezon City

I'll be holding a garage sale with my friends at 96 Kamuning Rd., Quezon City (from EDSA, go through the strecth and it'll be on your left. From Morato, it'll be on your right) You won't miss us, we'll be by the street selling clothes, cds, books and what-have-yous. Interested parties may come in early to browse and buy through things.

Some of the items we'll be selling:

dvds for P35 - P45
vcds for P25 - P75
books for P50 - P200
(choice books include: Griffin and Sabine, Catcher in the Rye, Darwin Awards)
blouses and shirts for P25 and up
bags for P50 and up
shoes for P75 and up

See ya! :-)

"I think a change can do you good.."

...borrowing from the words of Sheryl Crow, change is a VERY big thing for me right now. So much is happening and i am just...overwhelmed.

I've resigned from my day job, started the sorting of my things, making plans of the move and yes, getting myself physically and psychologically psyched for my trip.

Yes, peeps, i am a-movin'. I've finally got my visa approval through and for about a couple of months, i will be seeing the other side of the world (yey!) Why resign? A difference of opinion? kinda. I don't really wanna think about work while i'm out of the country, so we decided i'm gonna be "on leave". permanently, or at least until i get back (It's nice to know that you have options)

Still back on the change subject, my mom and i decided to start off her "training consultancy", hence the family support and graohic work for her atop the usual workload. It's great to see her all excited about her "pet project" and kinda nice to be involved in the "family thing" again.

Now that i'm supposed to be "moving on", Taking time to meet up with friends and reconnect has become one of the top priorities i have for the next few weeks. It's great to hang out with old schoolmates, re-acquainted friends as well as just spend time to bask in all of the energy and bustle.*whew*

It's frightening.

I really hope i can get things done well, and fast.

Here's to another adventure...

+ + +

Advance Happy Mom's Day!!! Love you Momma! :-)

Garage Sale

GARAGE SALE at KAMUNING!!!

WHEN: Sunday, May 15, 2005
WHERE: 96 Kamuning Road, Quezon City

I'll be holding a garage sale with my friends at 96 Kamuning Rd., Quezon City (from EDSA, go through the strecth and it'll be on your left. From Morato, it'll be on your right) You won't miss us, we'll be by the street selling clothes, cds, books and what-have-yous. Interested parties may come in early to browse and buy through things.

Some of the items we'll be selling:

dvds for P35 - P45
vcds for P25 - P75
books for P50 - P200
(choice books include: Griffin and Sabine, Catcher in the Rye, Darwin Awards)
blouses and shirts for P25 and up
bags for P50 and up
shoes for P75 and up

See ya! :-)

karma chameleon

"...you come and go... you come and go, whoa-ho..."

Life is so full of surprising twists. Just when you thought you were done and over with something, the past comes back to haunt you. These days i am constantly reminded of certain things in my past, some of which may be better off not remembering. However, due to lack of emotional diversion, i find myself thinking of the what-ifs and could-bes of the situation, thus confusing myself even more and well, paint myself into a corner.

i try to not think of it as something open-ended, like the last time. After all, the new you is soo... different that i can hardly imagine myself talking to youthe same as before. Perhaps i crave the good ole days. Perhaps i seek refuge in something familiar, something that i can safely say, "home", in a sense.

Ah... i do not know anymore. The new turn in my life is leading me to more questions rather than answers. Do i miss you for who you are, or what you represent?

Argh.. My brain is begging me to stop tormeting myself.

Friendship manifesting Serenity

Had my tarot cards read tonight.

After a day of fixing things, moving things and endlessly sorting things, we finally got the first floor done. Next stop, second floor!

An evening with friends, new acquaintances and old buddies, proved to be a relaxing way to spend Sunday despite the hauling and cleaning in the house. Met up with Clang, Karl and the rest of the peyups peeps (happy birthday Tin!) at Teriyaki Boy for dinner and conversation, which quickly turned to a frenzy of laughter, jokes and a helluva fun time. Met up with Carla and Haydz afterwards to check out the festivities in Eastwood. It was a "mystical weekend" which meant tarot card readers,fortunetellers, etc., hence, the tarot reading.

In college i got fascinated by the world of tarot, even dabbling in it myself. I was attuned to the child cards, which was a deck that featured childrens' book characters instead of the kinda morbid ones found in the traditional deck. The person i talked to had, fortunately, a lovely deck which featureed angels and lovely illustrations.He gave me two readings, one from his angel deck, and a couple more from his tarot deck.

Interestingly, the cards seem to enunciate the events happening so quickly in my life. As much as i don't want to rely too much on his advice, it's pretty uplifting to know that everything has options within one's reach. As for other issues, it give me relaxation to realize that life is pretty darn good these days, and can only get better...

:-) Thank you!

can you feel the love tonight...

can you feel the love tonight...
Originally uploaded by bunnie_lette.

... it's in Avilon Zoo!!!

Yes, that is Aiko and Jomari, the lovable lion and lioness at Avilon Zoo. For a measly P200 entrance fee, you get a two-hour guided tour along the 7-hectare zoo filled with amazing primates, lovable(?) reptiles, kewl mammals and lotsa amazing birds! The rided there may be rocky (as in, you'll feel like you're in the middle of nowhere) and far, but it's worth it. Come early, it's in Montalban (two towns away from the city).

:-)

logging off...

Things are somewhat crazy these days so i never really had the time to post anything new.

Friends are leaving, people have gone, and yes, everything else is moving on. With all the physical, emotional and financial issues, my mind draws a blank to what i am supposed to do next. My roomies are all leaving by tomorrow :-( Erin got married last Sat (yay! congrats gurl!), Yuma is off to another phase in her life and moved out (salutations!) and Lucee, since recently a graduate, decided it's high time to move back to the US of A (you go, girl!) Hence, my living room looks like a bodega with all the stuff that's all packed up in boxes. Little by little the other room is cleaned up, and from the looks of it, by tomorrow, the place will be as clean as a whistle.

Oh, i forgot to mention, my sweetie also left yesterday for the US of A, hence a double pile of stuff i have to go thru has landed smack amongst the boxes. He was so sweet to give me his stuff to sell for the garage sale (selected items) -- so this weekend is pretty much all about cleaning the apartment again. *sigh*

Inspite of all these distractions, i cannot seem to concentrate on anything...

I miss Jason.

Ode to my Sweetie

camboy_luv
Originally uploaded by bunnie_lette.

i wuv you!!

:-) see you very soon...

charlize

charlize
Originally uploaded by bunnie_lette.

cutie baby ni Mommy Jen! :-) wala lang, nakkatuwa i-post. Next up, pics from Avilon Zoo! :-D

Things to do this weekend!

Learn how to make and fly a kite! Join Haribon as we celebrate a belated Earth Day by flying Bird Kites!

WHEN: APRIL 24, SUNDAY, 2PM ONWARDS
WHERE: OPEN FIELD NEAR THE NBC TENT, THE FORT, TAGUIG

Put on your sunblock, wear a cap and rubbershoes and bring the whole
barangay! Workshops will be held on how to make simple kites...kite kits will be
sold for only Php 50.00! No entrance fee!

for more info, contact:
Anya Santos
Membership and Volunteer Programs Officer
Haribon Foundation for the Conservation of Natural Resources
Direct Line: (02) 920-7430
Trunk Line: (02) 433-3474
Cell: (0927) 760-0092
Website: www.haribon.org.ph

have a fun-filled earth day! Join th eactivities of WWF at Eastwood City this April 23-24, 2005

thank you!!!

:-) happee joy-joy! *dances for joy*

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Prayer and faith are very powerful tools. (now i believe...naks!)

Damnable Cable Car

I just want to rant out.

Recently we went to have a few drinks at Cable Car, Eastwood. Thing about this place is that Cable Car has been an establishment for years, with its first store in Makati. I would have thought that given that, things will go smoothly. After all, there is reputation at stake here.

Oh My GAWD. The service just sucks. Waitresses acted like they owned the place, and looked at us derisively when we asked for someone to get our order. The girl (she didn't have a name tag, for shame!) who took our order apparently didn't understand what we ordered because she kept on nodding and gave us a blank look. My companion ordered a absolut kurant tonic (with schweppes to be mixed ---kaya nga mixed drink eh!) but they gave him a so-called kurant tonic (na hindi naman, kasi me kulay yung drink--leche!) AND a bottle of Schweppes. They made us pay for two drinks, even though my friend explicitly explained what he wanted. Talk about a rip-off!

The Sex on the beach i ordered took them 20 mins to prepare, even though there wern't even that many customers. GAWD! We decided to cancel it, but as it turned out, since it was ordered, i can't be cancelled. Geez. After getting the drink (finally!) we hurriedly finished it to get the hell out of there. It was NOT good. I'm not an expert on drinks, but i do know when the drink is a bad one, adn this one lacked the right balance -- too little alcohol, too much mixer. Blech.

When the bill came --- THEY SHORTCHANGED ME! It lacked P5.00 (which is big deal if the service already bad, and you still have to pay the service charge. I had to go to the cashier and ask for my money. She even gave me a look that pretty much screamed she didn't care.

It felt like such a rip-off. Pity those people who work there never understood the meaning of service with a smile.

For people who go by the Eastwood joints, PLEASE, do not make the mistake of going into that establishment, unless you're in for poor service, shortchanging and yes, VERY bad drinks.

Stuff to Sell and to clean up...

Since it IS the end of April pretty soon (waah!) I have decided to clean house.

Upcoming garage sale! will update soon. Stuff includes books, clothes, magazines, plates, cds, furniture stuff, etc.

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FOR SALE
1 computer table (wooden) P250
1 computer table (steel) P450

*interested parties, please contact me thru email.

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*sigh*

As much as i want to be happy, i can't seem to muster enough enthusiasm for it.

I know i will miss so many things. I know i will cry. I know i will stare blankly into space (more so than i do now) and find myself weeping for utterly no reason. I know i will wonder silently (and out loud) why it's so unfair, why it has to be this way, why things turned out like this. I know i will never know.

But this i know:

I know that loving you was never a mistake, nor a regret i will say or think in the future. I know that as much as this hurts, it will get better. I know that even though it may seem like it's forever, there WILL be a next time...

I know that i will love you forever.

closer

closer
Originally uploaded by bunnie_lette.

ok, the movie wasn't so bad. really. The romantic drama between 4 people set in contemporary London is quite riveting, and as i watched it, i was amazed by how versatile everything was despite the fact that only 4 characters occupied the screen (makes me think of Goldie Hawn's Butterflies are Free) The story? Sad.Sad. and more sad...

I was never much into romantic dramas for the pure reason that it gave too much emphasis on love's tragedy. Closer, though its lines, characters and dialogue , provokes reactions that hit home to many audiences (a lot of people were sad and crying), reminded me too much about current problems as well as the tragic end which seem to loom on us all: lovelessness.

Ok, ok. blame it on my sullen mood today. But hell, all night i was up thinking about the damn movie and how much i hated this feeling it gave me afterward. I didn't like Natalie Portman's lolita-like persona because she was a bit teeny-boppery in some scenes, which mad eme think she was still 18, though supposedly she was in her mid-20s by then. Julia Roberts' character was a wuss (then again, she should be) but m,y annoyance with her was more because of her big mouth (never really did like it). Clive Owen's character started boorish, but then in the end, he was the one who was surprisingly the strongest of all the characters. I loved that. Jude Law was, well, surprisingly interesting.

I hate to think of myself, or anyone else, in a position these characters put themselves in. It's too sad. Lies and truth are intermixed and everything is a gray spot, which only muddles everyone even more. This is NOT the kind of love stry i want to watch.

"a love story for adults"... i guess it depicted a reality that is too common in the world today. But that only made me think: if this was it, what makes being an adult so much better than being a kid?

Reinvent

blink
Originally uploaded by bunnie_lette.

A little piece of work i doodled on a friday night for Illustration Friday's next word. :-)

thank God it's Friday...

Happy Birthday Mom!

It's my mamma's __th birthday (tee-hee!). I love you Mama! :-D

+ + +

Thursday was Murphy's Law raining down on me.

Thank God for friends, bowling and my sweetie. :-*

Now that it's friday, maybe i can have a good reason to smile.

+ + +

I feel the stress these days... may be the fact that everything seems to be happening all at once is finally wearing me down. (uh, duh!) But seriously, as inane as that may sound, i really wish i can just get up and get out of all the mess around me. I have never been a person who could stand too much shit going on, especially when it's directly (or even indirectly) affecting me. Right now, i am up to my neck with office depression (wanderlust calling Lette!), project paranoia (blame it on yesterday's stupid day), pre-separation anxieties, internal mulling and yes, classic schizophrenia (haha).

I want to get out and move somewhere else, and start a "new" life. I want to move out of my apartment by the time my lease ends so i can have a semblance of starting anew without having to move to another country. I want to have a better job, or at least some form of order in my current one (something more ---creative?) I want to be able to be in the same country with my sweetie, or at least get the opportunity to visit.

I want to learn something new and be good at it. I want to be able to do something i want to do and have fun doing it, not just meet deadlines. I want to make money so i can enjoy it, not just pay for my bills. I want my life to matter.


And while we're at it, i want to be part of the JANE magazine staff. :-)

*sigh* Take it one day at a time...

Lordy.

We're at Salcedo!!!

salcedo02
Originally uploaded by bunnie_lette.

Starting beginning of this week, we're on dry run at our newest outlet. Please come by and check it out (and pardon the ongoing glitches!). See ya!

bowlin' to the Backstreet boys

Had some fun day yesterday (i think) After doing some long-awaited printing and taking crap from officemates who just won't shut up about my 'leave" (wow, you're so galing! Ang lakas mo sa kanila ha! --- geez!) i had to rush to the new branch to do some work negotiations with a scheduled installation gone awry.

Why, of all things, can't people give you decent and sufficient information? The planned installation resulted in fumes not suitable for our customers, hence, the need for a later sked. After much (and somewhat heated) arguments with the AE,i managed to get them to install on a later time that day to meet the next day deadline. *sheesh* They never said anything about sh*t like this when i signed up. GAWD.

I couldn't stay long since i promised Jason and Melissa we'll meet up in Eastwood, but i was a little edgy leaving the place without any assurances that everything will be ok. Thank goodness for Mary! She and i were able to catch up and dish on some recent happenings, as well as mull over some pretty interesting stuff. I missed her!

Caught a ride with her and her best friend (with her cutie kid!) goiong back to QC. They very nicely dropped me off at Eastwood (thank you again!) so it was sans the traffic (we took C5) and the money spent on cabfare. Once there, i practically raced to Sumthin' Fishy, where Jason and Melissa were starting off dinner. (The food's great, btw!)

It's more of catching up with us three, since we haven't seen Mel for ages (it seems). Once filled, we headed up to Paeng's for some bowling -- yup, that's right! It was our first time to try out the bowling center, and it was really pretty --- hot colored balls and clean lanes, what more can you ask for? Had a smashing game with "WooChile" and "Mel the Pin Slayah", and lovin' the graphics! :-) The music was awesome too, though it's kinda weird bowlin' to Goldfinger. Then again, it's waay better than listening to Backstreet Boyz. hehe.

Topped the night off with some cake and vcd. Yum.

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i wonder what i may have done to tick you off. I'm sorry? please?

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Dear God, please, please, PLEASE let me pass. thank you. Amen.

Thankful

... for my mom's awesome achievement in her education (next stop, PhD!!!)
... for a week-long vacation celebrated with family, friends and loved ones.
... for finally snorkelling! :-) (Scuba diving can be for another day...)
... a safe birth for my friend who was recently blessed with a baby girl (Congrats, Mami Jen!)
... for the kudos given to another writer friend from a recent literary review (Pao, you rock!)
... for a friend's educational achievement, a step closer to her dream of being a lawyer (asteeg, Zsa!)
... for fun and great times (still more to come!) with you...

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My galpal Kitty just recently renewed her blog. Check it out! :-)

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Just spent the early hours of today at Salcedo, where we opened the newest CBTL branch (dry run?). Was it fun? Only if you own it (hehehe), or live in the egenral area. It was nerve-wracking on my part, not to mention intense --- everybody was well, nervous. Highlights: the general area is a residency for the nouveau riche, the expats and the well-to-do of Makati, so we're hoping for good business and a good buzz. Also, it's closer to some of my friends' offices so it's a good hangout spot far from the crowds of Greenbelt. Lastly, well, it's finally open. hahahha. So check it out, k?

Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Salcedo branch is at the G/F 4 seasons Bldg., Tordesillas st. cor Toledo st.,Makati (near the playground/park area of Brgy. Bel-Air

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jason_lette_beachin'

jason_lette_beachin'
Originally uploaded by bunnie_lette.

need we say more?

CYC_beach

CYC_beach
Originally uploaded by bunnie_lette.

One of the many beaches you can easily check out when you're in Coron. Nobody knew what the CYC meant (we asked) but this gov't owned beach is a great spot for introductory scuba diving with its clear blue waters, amazing reefs and idyllic spot for family picnics and outings.


MORE TRAVEL INFO:
We stayed here for a couple of days --- pretty good service with big meals and a very welcoming service. They can arrange pick-up and send-off from pier or airport, plus they give good discounts/references to the places to go :-)

lette_snorkelin'

lette_snorkelin'
Originally uploaded by bunnie_lette.

I was too chicken to try my hand at scuba diving (blame it on those Jaws movies), but i finally got into snorkelling, even for a little bit. :-)

I'm not a very good swimmer, and i get scared shitless over the most inane things that may catch my eye, hence the lifesaver. But hey, it's pretty handy at floating :-P

kayangan_lake

kayangan_lake
Originally uploaded by bunnie_lette.

Coron, Palawan proved to be an amazing experience --- from lush greenery to scuba diving heaven (not for me though, heheh), amazing pristine beaches to intense lakes, the place has sooo much to offer.

Here in Kayangan Lake, the brochures didn't lie AT ALL whenthey said it was the cleanest lake there was this side of the world --- the blue clear waters amazed and scared me shitless (you can see the bottom, even though it was about 12 meters down, and that's just the shallow area). Amazing.

Mom's Graduation!

Mom's Graduation!
Originally uploaded by bunnie_lette.

Ok, ok... so many things have been happening for the past week and due to lack of time (and net access) i haven't had any updates. So here: a picture is worth a thousand words!

Mom's MA Graduation was timely --- not only was it a great excuse to get a well-deserved vacation, it was also legit enough for me to extend my days so i can spend time with her and the family to reconnect. Her grad from her degree was pretty intense too --- the program was a UNIVERSITY graduation, and a school which was celebrating its 100 years at that. Hence, not only was there a mass, but the program extended to a whopping 6 hours (2 hours late to start, plus they had to call EVERY name from EVERY college there was in the school), which made my mom's guests at home arrive there waay before she did.
Nonetheless, the celebration was pretty fun, with close family and friends hangin' to join in and lotsa people sending over either gifts or food. :-) Jason and i splurged on a lime green handbag my mom absolutely loved (yay!)

feeling singer!

gal_sing
Originally uploaded by bunnie_lette.

just a couple more hours to go and i will be back home... kaya hangga't kaya, sing na lang muna! ;-)

Crowded

Crowded
Originally uploaded by bunnie_lette.

a recent entry for illustration friday's CROWDED theme.

****

All of a sudden, i am weeping furiously.....

Putangina.

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SHOCKS

SHOCKS
Originally uploaded by bunnie_lette.

Whet your appetite for Aurelio Lopez' second batch of "horror-ku", as SamsDotPublishing releases "Shocks".

Coming out soon!

Check out http://www.samsdotpublishing.com for more details. :-)

MIA

So my office printer went kaput last week, and so, we had to bring it to the people who made it. Hence, printer-less, i am here at work, with about a dozen things to print on qeue, and nothing much to do.

Hahah. Thank God for blogging.

While working on stuff which need to be printed, i browse and occupy my time checking out websites, other blogs and thinking of ways to make my life more financially abundant. (No kidding, i am thisclose to being broke. damn that caffeine urge!)

*sigh* I have stocked my cubicle with enough books and magazines to distract me from the gnawing fact that my deadline is being pushed further down and will eventually pile up to a magnanimous size. Argh. I hate the anticipation of work i cannot handle.

I hate feeling helpless.

On a lighter note, I have recently "re-learned" the joy of reading. Almost everything in sight. Somehow, the past few days of not doing much has given me enough initiative to read almost anything --- books, magazines, coffee labels, even those dastardly ads along EDSA.

Some recommendations though: After reading Cook's Illustrated (it's a magazine), i am anticipating to do some QT in the kitchen and make those lovely food items! :-) Also, a quick read among my Sandman collections has gotten me hooked once again with the famous Endless. A close second to these are the usual Time and Newsweek staples, courtesy of 711. :-D

+ + +

Congrats on my sweetie for getting in USC! :-X mmwah!

Missing in Action

So my office printer went kaput last week, and so, we had to bring it to the people who made it. Hence, printer-less, i am here at work, with about a dozen things to print on qeue, and nothing much to do.

Hahah. Thank God for blogging.

While working on stuff which need to be printed, i browse and occupy my time checking out websites, other blogs and thinking of ways to make my life more financially abundant. (No kidding, i am thisclose to being broke. damn that caffeine urge!)

*sigh* I have stocked my cubicle with enough books and magazines to distract me from the gnawing fact that my deadline is being pushed further down and will eventually pile up to a magnanimous size. Argh. I hate the anticipation of work i cannot handle.

I hate feeling helpless.

On a lighter note, I have recently "re-learned" the joy of reading. Almost everything in sight. Somehow, the past few days of not doing much has given me enough initiative to read almost anything --- books, magazines, coffee labels, even those dastardly ads along EDSA.

Some recommendations though: After reading Cook's Illustrated (it's a magazine), i am anticipating to do some QT in the kitchen and make those lovely food items! :-) Also, a quick read among my Sandman collections has gotten me hooked once again with the famous Endless. A close second to these are the usual Time and Newsweek staples, courtesy of 711. :-D

+ + +

Congrats on my sweetie for getting in USC! :-X mmwah!

summer time blues

I guess i should have expected it.

For some time now i have been dodging the issue and concentrated on something else. Now, it dawns to me that being 24 (and close to 25 i might add), semi-dependent on family, unorganized and stress-filled to the bone almost every day is NOT the situation i wanted to put myself in. Ever. So with mounting frustration and perplexion, i try to rack my brains for things to do to sort out (literally and figuratively) my life before i hit the big 2-5.

First things first: Clean it up. My clutter has extended from unresolved issues and unanswered questions about the past into my material clutter. Too much baggae, so to speak. What to do? One thing: GARAGE SALE. So, kiddos of the Q.C. area (and the nearby peeps), please note an upcoming garage sale which will consist of shoes, bags, shirts, dresses, cds, books, some furniture and the like...not just my stuff but also a few friends'.

Secondly:Make moolah. Illustrator freelancer, at your service! I am open for short illustration work, check out my work! :-)

Lastly: Travel more. Only then can i truly experience life... hah! I am doing first two to achieve this goal. :-P An upcoming trip back to my hometown will (i hope) jolt me out of the routine i have recently succumbed to, as well as quench some of the wanderlust i've been feeling (it is summer, after all!)

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Am i getting older...

... or are there just too many assholes in the building?

For the past two days, i haven't been able to sleep well due to some boisterous noise coming from the room directly below us. Laughter (hysterical at that), shouts and giggly ditzy guys and gals shrieking their heads off till the early a.m. --- WTF!?! They're new, i guess, or they just have this "after school" thing going on. But really--- during HOly Week!?! They are, i presume, students form a christian based school, so i believe they know what holy week means. So why the HELL would they want to go shrieking into the night, forgetting all decency and just launch into a full blast laughfest without even thinking about the discomfort they give their neighbors?

I can take that kind of crap, really. I did that too, when i was in college. What i can't take is that crap incessantly into the night. Granted, these kids may be enjoying the summer days by partying, but must they continually shriek till 5am?

Even throughout the day, you can hear them talking --- talking! HELLO! Have you ever heard of talking quietly? It would be better if you just closed the windows to keep the noise in, but no! You just have to tell it to not just the people in the room, but to the entire Loyola Heights neighborhood. Well, i've got news for you --- WE DON"T GIVE A RAT's ASS ABOUT IT! Besides, must you keep you windows open, and constantly sing off-key to some sappy love song?!? ARGH. And enough of the Barbra Streisand singing already! Geez! The entire metro does NOT want to hear you sing!!!

I wish they would be more sensitive about what they do. After all, they live in a freakin' building. People who work use this time to either go out of town or get some much-needed rest (read: SLEEP) so that's just being inconsiderate on their part. Balang araw, pag nagtatarabaho na kayo, sige, tingnan natin kung ano gagawin nyo sa mga sitwasyon na yan...

Where is the reflection and all that jazz they teach you in school!? Geez... masyadong spoiled ang mga tao na yan...leche...

All we need is...

all we need
Originally uploaded by mcsister.

*cue Beatles' song*

Thanks to McSister, this pic depicts what i yearn for --- to see the actual street art, and more sublimely, the emotion to be shared by all mankind.

Thursday

Sabihin man nila na di ako Kristyano, wala akong kebs. Nasa Maynila ako ngayon, walang ginagwa kundi magtunganga sa tapat ng monitor. Di ako mapakali. Trabaho, trabaho, yun na lang ata inaalala ko ngayon. Nalulungkot ako dahil kahit ang buhay ko sa labas nito naapektuhan na. Maliit na bagay, napapalaki ko... argh. nakakapikpn.

Ewan ko ba, parang kabado ang loob ko sa mga naririnig kong balita... ilang araw lang, may isang ka-eskwelang namatay dahil pinagtanggol nya ang sarili nya at ang kanyang gf. Ngayon, narinig ko na ang kapatid ng isang matalik na kaibigan ay pinatay, binaril sa ulo, at ang suspek ay nawawala ngayon.

Hay ewan ko ba.

Talaga bang sa hirap ng buhay nagsisimula ito? O di kaya meron talagang masasamang tao sa mundo? Di man lang nila naiisip ang mga hinanakit na binibigay nila sa mga pamilya ng mga taong ito...

*haaay*

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Flowers for Merwin

Flowers for Merwin
Originally uploaded by psychicpants.

my sympathies and prayers to his family.

*silence, please*

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Mangogurl recounts her friend's untimely death.

sunday soccer

soccer_team
Originally uploaded by bunnie_lette.

The gang's all here!

Tried some soccer last sunday which resulted to some interesting play (try to defend your ball while being scared to death by an oppoent screaming his way towards you), cheers and dancin' on the field (how can you play with Nelly's music in the background?) and a couple of spills (my sprained ankle, is doin' fine, thanks), not to mention some newly-formed friendships.

Cha was such a kewl "soccer mom" with her gummi treats and support (complete with picture-taking -- thanks Cha!), Deb was fantastic as a teammate, my sweetie such a trooper (and an amazing goalie!) , Edel and Dave adding fun factors to the game and Aileen a great player!

The Sunday soccer peeps were one accomodating bunch, considering we kinda "joined" them on a whim. They were, from what i gathered, professionals whose love for the game unites them every sunday, and compels them to meet up at the field near Moro gym.

We even got to play with Silvio, this guy from Mauricius, who turned out to be pretty serious about the competition (kinda waned my fun level a tad after a while). For me, it was more about the fun of it all --- he kinda zapped that after some time playin'. Nonetheless, the competitive spirit jolted some of the more serious players into getting into the game and playin' more aggressively.

Can't wait til next sunday! :-)

Panelist for a day

I was recently a panelist for one of my former teachers' thesis presentation, along with two of the college's graduates, Lyra and Mark. Lyra is a freelance artist/painter, whose works you usually see in glossies and galleries. Mark, another visual communicator, teaches at the College and is freelancing as a graphic artist too.

Though it was kinda last minute, i was happy to go to the college and check out the recent work of 3rd year students. Being a panelist, you are given the power to mold the outcome of the students' grade. I was surprised i was invited, since my work experience doesn't really qualify me (i feel) to grade somebody else's. It's kinda flattering though, to be taken into consideration to viewing and reviewing works of students. I was both excited and nervous, and hoping not to sound too bitchy about stuff i didn't like.

The day went well, with 9 groups presenting, all with variety and different approaches to their creative solution. Most, i saw, didn't really think about the effectivity of their marketing and creative output, relying more on the novelty than the efecctiveness of reaching their audience through the medium. I was impresses, however, at the technology they utilized for presentation. Back in the day, we were toiling hard to create ours by hand. heheh.

Hmmm. How would i rate myself as a panelist? A little bit of the soft side, considering i was pretty careful on what i was saying. I remember the cutting words my panelist said when i was presenting before, and it stung. I just hope that i was able to impart opinions and suggestions which they will heed and take note of, rather than detest. :-P

Kudos to the students for their effort, though their presentation skills left much to be desired. A couple of groups had promise, with their research well done, yet their creative output still askew. The rest, well, let's just say that their presentation could have put more emphasis and oomph to their grade, but sadly, it lacked even that. Still, it is junior year. The promise and challenge of senior year looms ahead, so i hope that our recommendations would be taken note of when they do their final thesis.

On the good side, it was kewl to exchange ideas with Lyra, Mitzy and Mark. :-) Nice seein you guys! :-D

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Fight Club

Yesterday's big fight may have been a defeat, but it definitely united the country, even for just a day.

I'm not a big fan of boxing, but i am pretty impressed and supportive of Manny Pacquiao, whose size and humble background did not deter him from being one of the country's top boxers. It was painful to see him get outboxed by Morales because of the deep cut he got from the head butt. Sans cut, he would have easily defeated Morales (no offense to the guy, but man, Pacquaio just kept on hitting him like crazy, and hard too!) Though defeated, i am proud to see him leave, humbly conceding his defeat, yet proudly keeping his chin up, truly the champion that he is.

Iba talaga ang Pinoy. Asteeg!

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holy week

Semana santa is upon us.

Fervent is my province's belief in holy week that as early as today most private workplaces are being dismissed and families are clamoring to go back home to visit and spend the week lying around and well, praying i guess. I never had that fervent drive in my family, as we usually just take it as a week for doing house chores and catch up on what's happening with each other. Sadly, this holy week i'll be stuck in the metro for some personal R&R.

Waitaminute --- what R&R?!

Hahaha. Seems like i'm expecting work to bug me even during the two-day holiday (Maudy Thurs & Good Fri) since we'll be opening a new outlet. (I envy my boss who's somewhere in Thailand soaking some sun) So today, at work, i have decided to delineate a plan of action to spend my holy week in a not-so-boring manner. That said, here are tentative plans so far:

* Catch up with freelance work (my so-called book project with my cuz, semi-in the works)
* Watch Sopranos season5 in DVD (whoo-hoo! finally, i can enjoy it all night long without having to wake up early the next day)
* Sleep (Lord knows i need it it)
* Meet up with some old acquaintances
* Have a DVD/ food fest with Mango gurl and the peeps
* Spend some Qt time with my sweetie (plan upcoming trip?)

Hmmm... sounds like i have enough to keep me occupied for the next two days. kewl.

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I do feel bad though. I won't be able to attend my lolo's death anniversary on Sunday. :-( *Sigh*

Sometimes i wonder if this job is worth it --- i seem to missing out on some things and pretty important ones too. Right now i want to spend more time with Jason, who's leaving pretty soon, as well as my grandmother, who's going back to the States in April. Not only that, my mom is graduating from her two MAs and though i can be there for the event, i won't be there fro her birthday. I miss celebrating with her.

Ahh... so many changes happening all at once. I wonder what the next level would be for me?

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Pop culture and the age thing

Bits and pieces i've come to read and enjoy (thanks y'all!)

Psychicpants' interesting bird tales leaves me wanting more

Mangogurl is giving me the munchies with all that food talk.

Reading Jordan's musings and observations makes me wanna commute more.The Red Wine story, in particular, just made me wanna eat at Max's just for the people. heheh

Herbkin's freelancing has made me miss not having a 9-7 job.

ahh well.

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Got into a recent YM conversation with Lucee, and we got to discussing the whole age thing. She recently turned the big 2-5, so she was kinda lamenting how old she sounds. I mentioned to her the odd-even scheme which goes:

Odd number ages have a way of sounding older than they should, while even numbers make one, even someone so old, sound so young, or younger than they should be. For example, a person sounds so much older if he/she is 25/27/23, as opposed to someone who just turend 20/22/24 (the even numbers have a better ring to it, i think)

Perhaps it's all psychological, but we've noticed a weird quirk from people who react to that, like: Ay, 25 ka na!?! Talaga? (Really? You're already 25?) Tell them you're 24, and they will go "Aww, that's great!24! wow!" or something to that effect. hehehe.

Weird.

moi part deux

moi
Originally uploaded by bunnie_lette.

not that anybody has seen me recently, but during the trip back from Banaue, i lost my glasses (see pic)

See, these glasses are a pretty essential part of my being -- not only are they needed to see things clearly, but these frames are somewhat of a trademark for me. Ok, so they look catty and stuff, but to my sweetie, they are part of who i am.

When i lost them, i had to get a new pair, which turned out to be frames NOT like these. Sad, sad, sad. MY sweetie and I were both kinda disappointed that our local optometrist did not have the pair we wanted. *sigh* To my sweetie's dismay, i purchased a new pair, with different frames.

So anyway, this gave us both a somewhat awkward feel with the new frames --- i felt weird because i had to get used to it (i got a higher grade for these too) and my sweetie had to deal with me having a different set of lens. Made him feel like he was dating a totally different person, he says, which only heightened my dismay of not being able to wear my old glasses.

So, where does this post end up, you might ask? I'm getting to that (pardon the sidestories) My sweetie passed by the doctor's office last week and saw my --our-- glasses! He immediately got hold of the doctor to reserve it for us to pick up. My sweetie then surprised me by picking it up himself and giving it to me the other day... such a lovely surprise indeed! :-) Now we both feel like a new couple reunited after some time (hahaha)!

(insert sappy stuff here)

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Thanks again sweetie! :-) wuv u...

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pluggin'

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf launched their summer drinks today!

So far i've only tried their Berry'd Treasure, this concoction of berry juices and vanilla powder. It tastes a lot like strawberry ice cream. There's also the Malibu Dream, which is a combo of strawberry and banana.Hmm... The other ones are Blueberry pomegranate Ice and latte. The latte is pretty good, though the BP Ice takes some getting used to. I keep wondering what the hell a pomegranate is...

Anyway, if you're curious, or just sweltering from the heat, try one today. :-)

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Care for some Summer art fun? Check out the Raya School and get with the program! Starshuffler is teaching! :-)

Somehow...this reminds me of a Travis song.

window
Originally uploaded by coolmel.

Picturesque in your view
the colors ring rich and true
and though i may not show thee
the piquant red entices me

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*giddy* Oh well.

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Rants and Raves:

Congrats to my momma, who just got the highest score in her class for her MA finals. You go, Ma! :-D
WHOO-HOO!

I'd like say a prayer for all those who are lost and somewhat in denial of their failure as friends --- but do it some more and it will be YOU who will need a prayer...

In everything, there is Karma, which leads me to believe that everything will be "righted out" --- one way or the other.

UP Survey Shmurcey (thanks, Jovan!)

Got this from Starshuffler's recent post. Heheheh nakaka-miss bigla ang UP...


1. Ano'ng Student Number mo? 97-something *heheeh*
2. Nakapasa ka ba or waitlisted? Passed
3. Paano mo nalaman yung upcat results? Had my brotehr double-check and see if myname was there (he was in Manila already) after i got my snail mail acceptance letter.
4. First choice mo ba ang UP? All the way!
5. Alam mo ba UPG score mo? i wish i did...
6. Ano yung first choice mo na course? Bachelor of Fine Arts
7. Second choice? Mass Comm --- Journalism
8. Ano course mo ngayon? Graduated from VisComm
9. May plano ka mag shift? nope
10. chinito/chinita ka ba? nope (though most peple say i look like one)
11. Nakapag dorm ka na ba? yes, but only till 2nd year high school --- rented an apt with my bro for college
15. Naka Uno ka na ba? yep
16. 3? average grade i would get for a mediocre piece of work
17. Highest grade: 1
18. Lowest: Got a 5 for a project once :-( Then again, i think more than a half of teh class did, since the teacehr was pretty tough :-P
19. Worst experience sa UP: feeling the subtle discrimination from teachers because you came from CFA (weird, noh?)
20. Lagi ka bang pumapasok sa klase? yeah, generally.
21. Anong org mo? Tried to join a sorority, but deferred since it felt weird. Joined a photography org though.
22. May scholarship ka ba? uh, i would have if i took up a science course :-).
23. Ilang units na ang naipasa mo? i forgot, but enough to get me to graduate.
24. NANGANGARAP KA BA NA MAG-CUM LAUDE? Yes, much to my mother's disappointment, i wasn't able to (tanginang STS na yan!)
25. Kelan ka magtatapos? tapos na po...
26. Fave prof: Sir Mel Silvestre, Cesar Hernando, Ma'am Mitzy Reyes, Ma'am Joy Mina Ilagan. Sa Ibang clase, Si Sir Eli Guieb, Brenda Fajardo
27. Worst teacher: i seriously can't remember...
28. Fave subject: Materials class and Thesis (weird noh?)
29. Worst subject: STS. Super walang kwenta maliban sa bonding with group mates. <--- yup yup yup!
30. Fave landmark: hallways ng FA dati na painted pa ng iba-t ibang orgs (burado na ngayon).
31. Building: Bartlett Hall
32. Paboritong kainan: the batchoy place near FA, at tsaka kina Manong Fishball!
35. Lagi ka sa lib? sa FA libe lang, usually
36. Nakapag infirmary ka ba ng minsan kang nagkasakit? yes, for a doctor's appointment
37. May crush ka sa campus? dami...
38. BF/GF? hmmm...
39. May balak ka bang mag masters or phd? i wish i can finish my MA
40. Ano-ano naging PE mo? Swimming, Australian Games (hehehe), bowling at PE 1.
41. Kamusta naman yung block section nyo? Ok lang. Still keeping in touch with some people :-)
42. Nakapanood ka na ba ng graduation sa UP? college grad lang...
43. Memorize mo a ang Alma Mater Song? nope, nada.zilch.
44. Nakaperfect ka na ba ng exam? Oo. Sayang lang di ko tinandaan kung ano. Minsan lang 'yun eh.
45. Anong gusto mo sa UP? Character-building experience ang UP.<-- you said it!
45.Anong ayaw mo? Ayaw ko ng gulo at mga kups na teachers.plus, the equipment/facilities aren't enough.
46.Maganda ba ID pic mo? nope. i squint in mine.
47.May ginawa ka bang illegal sa campus? Uhm... baka meron na, hindi lang ako aware. Hahaha...

my apologies...

I'm sorry sweetie...

i wuv u!

weekend before the hooplah

Work has been hectic these days -- lotsa planning, lotsa projects and oh yeah, we open a new cafe in lessthan two weeks. Technically, our new outlet will open during Holy Week.

WTF!?!

The whole concept of Holy Week for a lot of Filipinos is sacred --- a time to regroup with the family, hence the almost manic struggle to book tickets and flights out of the city to go back to the province from which you came from; a time off work, which means people who are from the city head off somewhere OUTSIDE the metro; a time to purge one's self of anything but the death of our Lord, which is pretty much applicable to my grandparents' era and all those die-hard believers of the faith; for the rest of the country, it is two days' paid vacation of sleeping in and watching 7th Heaven episodes and/or Bible Story movies on T.V. (lucky for those who have cable, they have a better selection)

For me though, it looks like the beginning of the end. Sure, lots of responsibility means trust and all that. Unfortunately, that means not being able to go home to spend time with my family, as well as time to be stuck in the metro (which, btw, turns almost into a ghost town --- really weird)

Oh well. Might as well enjoy the ride. I am happy i'll be spending it with Jason, which is great. Also, since this will be time off the office, i can catch up with all those movies i missed in DVD format, not to mention sleep all day (cue Jason Mraz's song,please!)

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Met Jason, Melissa and Mitzy at the Ayala Museum earlier. They had to attend a short alumni homecoming of Fullbrighters in the country, which ended pretty early, so they decided to go to the museum. I was stuck in traffic on my way to a travel agency (i just needed to get something before meeting with them) so i was in a rush, had a bit of a problem breaking change for the cab too, all the while enduring the hot hot heat (summer na!!!).

MINI RANT: What is wrong with cab drivers these days?! Seriously, I had the worst time getting to Makati earlier because not only did we endure the heat, we had to experience it through traffic. I guess it's just my luck to get a cab that has no window tint... oh well. Anyway, for some reason, he did not have change. So it boiled down to a 5-minute staring cotest on who should give what. The fare was P160, but i only had 2 P100 bills and a P20 bill. In the end, he accepted the P120. The second ride i got (from the travel agency, which was a couple of blocks away from the museum) also gave me a cab driver who had no change. I was so steamed --- does he expect me to pay him a full P500 for a lousy P40 ride?!? In the end, i had him stop in front of a coffee shop, in which i had to buy something to break my bill. *sigh* At elast i got to buy Jason something sweet to eat :-P

Anyway, i was really grateful that they managed to wait up for late ol' me.They were with a couple of Filipino Fullbrighters, Gino and JV, who were just the sweetest people! :-) We checked out the latest exhibit (a collection of Filipino works bought by Singapore, among which was a work done by my former professor in Modern Art, Ma'am Brenda), the dioramas(a staple in the museum) and bought some interesting items at the museum shop. It was cool to check it out since JV wa sa teacher (he gave a pretty interesting tour of the dioramas) and Gino was a designer (he explained the Spanish clothing display, as well as the ornate religious items). We topped off the trip with lunch at Kitchen, which had some ample servings of great food and shabby chic interiors. It was a very nice way to spend a Saturday (sans the cab ride fiasco and hot hot heat --- oh yeah!)

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a little bit of inspiration

Milton Glaser speaks of graphic design. (omg, i am soo jealous of Melvin for having him as a teacher!!!)

Thanks for the link, Berger!

Adarna!

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It's amazing how the month seems to fly by...

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2046

"Love is a matter of timing... what good will it do if you met the right one too early or too late?" -2046


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My timing always sucks. Maybe this time i'm on time...

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waking up

i had the most horrible dream earlier. Of course, now that i try to recall it, i can't. But it was pretty bad, considering i woke up in tears and heaving. It was weird, considering i had a good night, as well as a good night's sleep. Maybe coffee and alcohol really don't mix.

Oh well.

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To recap the interesting night, i met Jason at the "usual place" (read: the gym) after work, where we stayed for two hours working out. Did i say working out? I meant using the machines while watching TV. hehehe

The perks of going to the gym is, mainly for me, the tv sets and dozen channels of cable Tv you can watch. I was so glued to watching a replay of Twister that i ended up being on the bike for more than a half hour. hehehhe. It was great though, i was burning calories while enjoying myself (of course, i was straining my neck..)

Nway, we managed to have a cup of joe ( Jason's ritual at the gym lounge) before heading off to The Meatshop for some beer and bbq (for them). Met up with Melissa, Mitzy, Dave, Dino and Hirosh who were already seated and waiting anxiously for the BBQ. It was pretty great, just chillin' having sum BBQ (Grilled squid for me --- rapsa!) and talkin'. Mary and Christel also stopped by, though Christel was there mainly for business --- we have a project together. Nway, it was pretty great that we were able to chill (I think we bought the place out with our more than a dozen beers, and almost 25 sticks of BBQ)

A short nightcap of coffee and cookies at CBTL Morato with Mary, Dino, Hirosh and Jason --- we met up with Lucy and Edel there , who were studying for finals (?) busily staring into their papers. It's great to see them again! The place was so crowded last night though, so we sat outside (patio). A little chat about places to go to, dentist appointments and some language issues, after which we called it a night. Kewl.

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There's nothing more calming than him saying "it's ok, baby, it's just a dream".

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endings and beginnings

Happy Birthday, Lolo!

Today is my lolo's birthday. I miss him. Tonight my family will celebrate his birthday at the eldest sister's house. I wish i can be there. I miss my lolo so much. He passed away last year, a few days after celebrating his birthday.

I love you lolo.

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I just read that Generationrice is finally closing its rad site (oh no!). I feel sad. After 5 years, it had a great run...

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Going over the site, i came across a poem i wrote for them during the time my lolo was in the hospital (he's a diabetic). Even now, i still become overcome with the emotions i felt when i was writing that -- it was a little too personal i guess.

I never really spent that much time with my lolo growing up since they were based in the US that time and would only be here for the holidays. Still, i always remember his advice on life, passed on constantly by mom to me:

+ read books
+ intelligence is your best asset --- beauty fades through time
+ simplicity in life is best --- money may give you material things, but if you're stupid, you're not worth anything

Or something to that effect. He usually says it in dialect (more to the point). I remember him always praising me or my cousins whenever we excel in our studies. His greatest happiness was to see a member of his family happy in what he/she does, manifested in the excellence/progress of his career/work.

He was always the soft-spoken yet candid guy i would happily show my grades too, always ready to tell me a story (usually war stories) or revel in the "love story" he and my lola had during the war. I love his smile and seeing tthe excitement in his eyes whenever he talks. I love the soulful gaze he gives my lola everytime he is with her, how he holds her hand like he will never let go.

I love how excited he gets when he plans to go to the beach, and how much more excited he gets once he is there. I love how he enjoys the beach, spending time talking with Tatay Mel, or just walking along the shore. I love how despite his misgivings and distractions, he shows my mom in small ways that he loves her, like holding her hand and hugging her whenever he spends time with us.

I miss my lolo...

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week starters

Had a small gathering with Ligaya and the IC peeps at the IC last night, along with the Fullbrighters. It's sweet, they gave her a semi-surprise party complete with songs, cake and lotsa food (yum!) Although i haven't been able to sopend that much time with her, it was great to hang out with her that one weekend at Zambales.

Right now i guess she's on her way to Cebu to say goodbye to her relatives before she heads back to The Netherlands. Anyway,Have a safe trip, Ligaya! :-)

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It's amazing how time flies.

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Change is so apparent these days... a good friend is moving on to a new chapter in his career, a friend recently left the country, and a couple more will be leaving by next month. Me? No plans yet, but i do hope my travelling plans will materialize soon...aside from that, my family is loving on to the next chapter in their lives too, as my mom begins to think about teaching after she graduates from her MA degrees (yup, she finishing two) and my brother is getting a great break in his work. My younger brother will be starting college soon too--- wow, has it really been that long?

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We will be celebrating my lolo's first death anniv by the third week of March (Holy week at that), so in a way this is a physical manifestation of my lola's transition progress. She has, from what i gather, been quite docile throughout the proceedings of the planning, though i feel that she may be feeling the loneliness too much. I miss my lolo. I can remember the numerous times i've seen them together, all those years, still strong despite problems and difficulties. It's not very hard to see how much they love each other. I wish i can find a love as strong as theirs, and as deep.

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Watching In Good Company last night. Quite a good movie, not at all what i expected. It gave me some things to think about too. It gives you quirks of advertising, marketing and ultimately, the doubts and questions of what makes life meaningful. Topher Grace said in In Good Company, "i want my life to mean to me as your life means to you. I want my life to mean something". It's funny that in our search for meaning in life we muck it up with a lot of expectationss, and vague wants and objectives. Oftentimes we do not know what we want (as you get older (or more mature? haha) you tend to look into more things which give you more questions rather than answers). In the end, you want something simple, straightforward.

So what do i want? I do not know yet. I can definitely identify myself with Topher's character (like him, i feel my life may peak at 25 and go downhill from there). But yup, i do want my life to mean something. Now if i can only figure out what that something may be... :-P

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