enjoying the chika...
TRESE Book 7 launch at MIBF 2019
7 years ago
Tuesday, July 19, 2005
current read
Bought myself a copy of the book whilst i was in CostCo ($16) Haven't read it yet, but i plan to do so before my tita leves the US for Manila so i can give it to my brother...
Monday, July 18, 2005
the weekend warriors
(pictures coming up soon)
Friday saw me in downtown with my cousin Justin, where we checked and toured 7th and 6th st. We got lost somewhere in Grand, and ended up in the Public Library. It was our "downtown LA" tour day, where we rode the Metro to the city from Long beach (yay!) and took the "scenic route" (a.k.a., got lost) around grand to look for 6th. Lucky for us, nobody tried to mug us (although some homeless guy scared the bejezus out of me my leaping into my path for no reason).
We checked out the APERTURE exhibit happening at the Getty Wing, an extraordinary sight of images taken by well known artists and photographers spanning about 5 decades. It's amazing to see these images, especially theones i only used to read and see through books. I could hardly contain myself when i saw the actual Andy Warhol print --- aww man! This is just so fabulous...
After grabbing a bite from Mcdonalds (compliments of a kid's meal!), we decide to check out the MOCA exhibit --- no Basquiat yet(darn!), but they did have the Byrne Collection , which was around 50 or so works of various artists including Steve McQueen, Andy Warhol and M. Kersels. Fave pieces? Kersels' Pink Constellations, a surreal video series which totally boggled my brain, as well as McQueen's Drumroll --- although the latter reminded me so much of another friend's thesis vid.
We wentback home thru train again, and managed to drop by and check out downtown Long Beach and its interesting array of pop --- from street performers (jazz singer and such) to some petty hip and happening bars along Pine. Too bad we couldn't try out the ferris wheel! Perhaps next time...
+ + +
Saturday was kind, as i went to Downtown LA alone for the first time. Learning from my mistake yesterday, i went down 7th, which took me closer to 6th and Grand. Didn't have a cellphone though, so i had to use the good ole' payfone to get in touch with River. We got to meet up and decided to kill time and chat at the local coffee shop by 7th and Figueroa. Yes, saturdays make downtown LA seem so nice ---less crowds, more streets. and it's kewl to just hang and chill... too bad CBTL was closed though :-P Anyhoo, we caught up on stuff, from living here and reminiscing Manila...it's so cool to talk to River again, and kinda surreal to have this kind of chat in LA --i felt like we were just in Katipunan! :-P Go figure...
Jeff and Onel joined us after "5 minutes" and we decided to check out The Standard for some drinks. Unfortunately, that place was kinda ritzy and well, needed a dress code. So we ditch it, met up with Abie and Harold and proceeded the convoy to Glendale. Once there, we hung out at Chuwy's (tama ba?) to dine and drink. On the ride there, Abie, River and I chat up to catch up, and like me, they were feeling the whole "surreal" vibe ---yes, ladies, we are in LA, we are all together, and we ARE going out! :-D
A pitcher of margarita, a double round of cadillacs, lotsa food and conversation --- pratically elements of a fun night sans the planning! We stayed there drinking and laughing, and it was really great to get to know everybody. We headed over to a nearby convenient store to get some coffee and ended up chillin' at the nearby 711 to see the paraks cruise by. Unfortunately, unlike Manila, LA's nightlife is cut too early by the 2am curfew (what a buzzkill!) Still, it was a pretty fun night, and i'm pretty sure everyone had fun. :-) Kudos to the homeboys --- Onel, Jeff and Harold for showing us a pretty kewl time! :-)
Friday saw me in downtown with my cousin Justin, where we checked and toured 7th and 6th st. We got lost somewhere in Grand, and ended up in the Public Library. It was our "downtown LA" tour day, where we rode the Metro to the city from Long beach (yay!) and took the "scenic route" (a.k.a., got lost) around grand to look for 6th. Lucky for us, nobody tried to mug us (although some homeless guy scared the bejezus out of me my leaping into my path for no reason).
We checked out the APERTURE exhibit happening at the Getty Wing, an extraordinary sight of images taken by well known artists and photographers spanning about 5 decades. It's amazing to see these images, especially theones i only used to read and see through books. I could hardly contain myself when i saw the actual Andy Warhol print --- aww man! This is just so fabulous...
After grabbing a bite from Mcdonalds (compliments of a kid's meal!), we decide to check out the MOCA exhibit --- no Basquiat yet(darn!), but they did have the Byrne Collection , which was around 50 or so works of various artists including Steve McQueen, Andy Warhol and M. Kersels. Fave pieces? Kersels' Pink Constellations, a surreal video series which totally boggled my brain, as well as McQueen's Drumroll --- although the latter reminded me so much of another friend's thesis vid.
We wentback home thru train again, and managed to drop by and check out downtown Long Beach and its interesting array of pop --- from street performers (jazz singer and such) to some petty hip and happening bars along Pine. Too bad we couldn't try out the ferris wheel! Perhaps next time...
+ + +
Saturday was kind, as i went to Downtown LA alone for the first time. Learning from my mistake yesterday, i went down 7th, which took me closer to 6th and Grand. Didn't have a cellphone though, so i had to use the good ole' payfone to get in touch with River. We got to meet up and decided to kill time and chat at the local coffee shop by 7th and Figueroa. Yes, saturdays make downtown LA seem so nice ---less crowds, more streets. and it's kewl to just hang and chill... too bad CBTL was closed though :-P Anyhoo, we caught up on stuff, from living here and reminiscing Manila...it's so cool to talk to River again, and kinda surreal to have this kind of chat in LA --i felt like we were just in Katipunan! :-P Go figure...
Jeff and Onel joined us after "5 minutes" and we decided to check out The Standard for some drinks. Unfortunately, that place was kinda ritzy and well, needed a dress code. So we ditch it, met up with Abie and Harold and proceeded the convoy to Glendale. Once there, we hung out at Chuwy's (tama ba?) to dine and drink. On the ride there, Abie, River and I chat up to catch up, and like me, they were feeling the whole "surreal" vibe ---yes, ladies, we are in LA, we are all together, and we ARE going out! :-D
A pitcher of margarita, a double round of cadillacs, lotsa food and conversation --- pratically elements of a fun night sans the planning! We stayed there drinking and laughing, and it was really great to get to know everybody. We headed over to a nearby convenient store to get some coffee and ended up chillin' at the nearby 711 to see the paraks cruise by. Unfortunately, unlike Manila, LA's nightlife is cut too early by the 2am curfew (what a buzzkill!) Still, it was a pretty fun night, and i'm pretty sure everyone had fun. :-) Kudos to the homeboys --- Onel, Jeff and Harold for showing us a pretty kewl time! :-)
Sunday, July 17, 2005
random bursts
another round of coffee and conversation.
how scintillating.
+ + +
i always wonder why i always seem to get the short end of the stick.
+ + +
In commuting, the length of time in travelling is always equal to the length of time spent in the actual destination. *sigh*
+ + +
You can never be too lonely. Until you spend time in L.A.
how scintillating.
+ + +
i always wonder why i always seem to get the short end of the stick.
+ + +
In commuting, the length of time in travelling is always equal to the length of time spent in the actual destination. *sigh*
+ + +
You can never be too lonely. Until you spend time in L.A.
Saturday, July 16, 2005
romanticism, et al.
you can never compete with something in the past, with memory. we love what we can't have. and we cant have what we love.
-wong kar-wai
+ + +
Remedium amoris.-- The cure for love is still in most cases that ancient radical medicine: love in return. (Nietzsche)
Thanks to Led for these posts at his myspace account...i just had to repost it cos it's soo darn good!)
+ + +
we always want what we can't have.
-wong kar-wai
+ + +
Remedium amoris.-- The cure for love is still in most cases that ancient radical medicine: love in return. (Nietzsche)
Thanks to Led for these posts at his myspace account...i just had to repost it cos it's soo darn good!)
+ + +
we always want what we can't have.
Friday, July 15, 2005
into the weekend...
It's amazing how one day can be so boring at one moment, and so interesting the next...
I woke up to the blaring alarm of my phone. It's not exactly the earliest of mornings (try 8:45a.m.) but after sleeping for only 4 hours, it's giving me a headache. Still, i woke up and managed to help out in the chores of the day.
I get to chat with Clang, thru YM. We discuss about life, love and the ever burning question of casual sex. Huh? Say that again?!? He's pretty kewl to give a guy's point of view about the issue, and we tap into weird connections as well as infamous friends who have done it, are doin it and athe consequences of thus. Hmmm, sounds like a talk show issue... will have to check that out.
Funniest thing though, Clang is well, the last person i would have expected to have this conversation with. :-P
+ + +
Come noon, my tito's friends help me out by giving me some leads to temp jobs --- interesting to note that these guys, despite their appearance, have pretty cool connections in California. Nice.
Slight alarm goes off when one of them suggests i marry one of his comrades to get a green card. Yikes. :-P Uh, let's get into that when i am really desparate, shall we?
+ + +
I break in my "new" clogs (got it in a vintage store in Melrose) with my cousin by commuting to Long Beach Mall in Carson. Hot day, heavy clogs. My feet begin to hurt after taking about 15 mins, but since we're far from home, i try not to wince every time we take a step.
Toured the Staples area with Justin to check out the cool office stuff. If i was still working, this would be Mecca... all those office stuff and so many possibilities! Ooohhh.... (geek mode) I talk shop with a store assistant who, obviously, knows very little of paper. My cousin ends up pretty freaked out by how "professional" i sounded. Heheheh. See, it pays to know office jargon. :-P
We take a break by checking out some stores in the area. I never got to see Barnes & Noble again since A) I had no money to buy any books, and B) it was too far (try about a block of walking in shoes that are ready to rip your skin apart). *sigh*
Heading home we take the 101 bus which, for some reason, didn't even notice our stop request (freakin' weird). We had to walk to the bus stop and *gasp* wait for the 172 which came, unfortunately , late as usual. Killed time by taking inane pics of Justin and me waiting at the stop, nit to mention checking out people and cars as they pass by. Not bad to spend your 30mins. If only they had a bench and some shade though....
What have i learned from all of this? First off, Marriage is the last reasort you can go for if you wanna get a green card (especially if the guy is more than twice your age). Second, a book really comes in handy, as well as a camera. Third, never break in your shoes when there is a HUGE chance that you'll be walking a lot!
+ + +
Next stop, downtown LA....
I woke up to the blaring alarm of my phone. It's not exactly the earliest of mornings (try 8:45a.m.) but after sleeping for only 4 hours, it's giving me a headache. Still, i woke up and managed to help out in the chores of the day.
I get to chat with Clang, thru YM. We discuss about life, love and the ever burning question of casual sex. Huh? Say that again?!? He's pretty kewl to give a guy's point of view about the issue, and we tap into weird connections as well as infamous friends who have done it, are doin it and athe consequences of thus. Hmmm, sounds like a talk show issue... will have to check that out.
Funniest thing though, Clang is well, the last person i would have expected to have this conversation with. :-P
+ + +
Come noon, my tito's friends help me out by giving me some leads to temp jobs --- interesting to note that these guys, despite their appearance, have pretty cool connections in California. Nice.
Slight alarm goes off when one of them suggests i marry one of his comrades to get a green card. Yikes. :-P Uh, let's get into that when i am really desparate, shall we?
+ + +
I break in my "new" clogs (got it in a vintage store in Melrose) with my cousin by commuting to Long Beach Mall in Carson. Hot day, heavy clogs. My feet begin to hurt after taking about 15 mins, but since we're far from home, i try not to wince every time we take a step.
Toured the Staples area with Justin to check out the cool office stuff. If i was still working, this would be Mecca... all those office stuff and so many possibilities! Ooohhh.... (geek mode) I talk shop with a store assistant who, obviously, knows very little of paper. My cousin ends up pretty freaked out by how "professional" i sounded. Heheheh. See, it pays to know office jargon. :-P
We take a break by checking out some stores in the area. I never got to see Barnes & Noble again since A) I had no money to buy any books, and B) it was too far (try about a block of walking in shoes that are ready to rip your skin apart). *sigh*
Heading home we take the 101 bus which, for some reason, didn't even notice our stop request (freakin' weird). We had to walk to the bus stop and *gasp* wait for the 172 which came, unfortunately , late as usual. Killed time by taking inane pics of Justin and me waiting at the stop, nit to mention checking out people and cars as they pass by. Not bad to spend your 30mins. If only they had a bench and some shade though....
What have i learned from all of this? First off, Marriage is the last reasort you can go for if you wanna get a green card (especially if the guy is more than twice your age). Second, a book really comes in handy, as well as a camera. Third, never break in your shoes when there is a HUGE chance that you'll be walking a lot!
+ + +
Next stop, downtown LA....
Thursday, July 14, 2005
the 100 things survey (for lack of anything to do)
01- I’m a hopeless romantic.
02- I love learning (ha! geek!)
03- I hardly remember dreams, unless they involve conversations with people.
04- Most of the time, people i talk to in my dreams i never see again for a loong time.
05- I smoke socially (usually in big groups)
06- I’m pretty outspoken when i'm pissed off.
07- I get bored easily, though most of the time i try not to show it.
08- I’m all about living for the moment.
09- I love meeting people and making new friends!
10- I hate stupid people who think they know better.
11- I used to have a cat named Pig.
12- I'm a closet wannabe singer.
13- I once won a dance contest with Roel (hahaha!)
14- I haven't eaten pork or beef in 4 years.
15- I ate a burger last weekend for the first time in 4 years.
16- I miss work.
17- I love soymilk.
18- I wanna go and live in New York one of these days.
19- While I think casual sex is a prime example of individuality and freedom, it doesn't really work if both parties aren't in that frame of mind.
20- I am good with directions (people think i was a cabbie in my past life).
21- I believe in keeping one's word.
22- I am learning how to play golf.
23- I would love to start working NOW. here.
24- I miss Manila and my so-called life there.
25- I want to get an apartment of my own near the beach.
26- I smoke sometimes because i'm just bored.
27- My cellphone is my lifeline (though it doesn't do much these days)
28- I facepaint children and adults for a living sometimes.
29- I'm also a childrens book illustrator.
30- I'm a kid at heart.
31- I love watching The Family Guy.
32- I think Stewie is the cutest most diabolical kid around!
33- I have a tattoo.
34- I love hanging out with friends and catching up.
35- I love the beach, but not the ocean.
36- I wanna get a new tattoo by the end of the year.
37- I always bring a pen and some paper wherever i go.
38- I am willing to try anything once.
39- Movies and music are very important to me.
40- I have had 2 piercings, both of which closed within a year (argh!)
41- I cannot live without ART.
42- I love getting love letters.
43- I like writing better than talking most of the time.
44- I look forward to the weekends.
45- I'm easily amused.
46- For some reason, my favorite day is friday.
47- I can't stay put in one place for very long.
48- It takes a whiel for me to get over something, esp. if it hurts me.
49- I love to smile.
50- i love a guy with a great sense of humor.
51- People who chew open-mouthed gross me out.
52- I'm not a morning person...
53- ...but wake me up the right way and i'll be happy as a bunny.
54- Halloween is my favorite holiday.
55- I always feel sad at Christmastime.
56- Pretentious people irritate the hellout of me (like that PR person of ours...)
57- I'm malambing...
58- ...and a Scorpio.
59- I would like to learn how to snowboard.
60- I sometimes believe in serendipity.
61- I love making scrapbooks!
62- I love to cook.
63- I don't know how to drive.... and i wanna learn.
64- I enjoy a warm hug from a good friend.
65- I have a need to be understood.
66- I don't like unresolved issues.... then again, don't we all?
67- Crushes give spice to my existence (hehehee)...
68- ... though I tend to fall too fast.
69- I want to fall madly in love!
70- I DON'T believe in love at first sight.
71- I love doing the "tourist" thing, it gives me a great excuse to be free.
72- I feel blessed to have a great family, and lotsa good friends.
73- I used to share an online journal with my bestfriends. (what ever happened to that??)
74- we are the FOURCORNERS --- that's ajo, me, pix and kitty!
75- I'm willing to try just about anything once.
76- I love rollercoasters!and rides!!
77- I'm a groupie when it comes to my friends' bands.
78- I want to surf again!
79- I love swimming, but am afraid of the sea.
80- I'm a computer geek ...
81- ... and i love my nerdy friends (i'm a nerd too, kinda)
82- I play counterstrike and quake.
83- Most of my friends are guys.
84- I like living by myself...
85- ...but the rent sucks.
86- I wish i can fly sometimes.
87- I've had 8 roommates and transferred through 4 apartments since i started living out of my home.
88- I'm not your typical girly-girl... though i love pink.
89- Life is my teacher, the world is my classroom.
90- I was a tomboy when i was a little girl.
91- I'm wishing i can go out dancing again with friends.
92- People say my eyes are my asset.
93- people watching is one of my favorite hobbies.
94- I'm a secret couch potato.
95- I have sporadic bouts of enthusiasm for exercise and fitness.
96- I hate politics in the Philippines.
97- I'm a dark chocolate aficionado.
98- i love my mom.
99- I have 2 brothers.
100- I get stressed out over the weirdest things.
02- I love learning (ha! geek!)
03- I hardly remember dreams, unless they involve conversations with people.
04- Most of the time, people i talk to in my dreams i never see again for a loong time.
05- I smoke socially (usually in big groups)
06- I’m pretty outspoken when i'm pissed off.
07- I get bored easily, though most of the time i try not to show it.
08- I’m all about living for the moment.
09- I love meeting people and making new friends!
10- I hate stupid people who think they know better.
11- I used to have a cat named Pig.
12- I'm a closet wannabe singer.
13- I once won a dance contest with Roel (hahaha!)
14- I haven't eaten pork or beef in 4 years.
15- I ate a burger last weekend for the first time in 4 years.
16- I miss work.
17- I love soymilk.
18- I wanna go and live in New York one of these days.
19- While I think casual sex is a prime example of individuality and freedom, it doesn't really work if both parties aren't in that frame of mind.
20- I am good with directions (people think i was a cabbie in my past life).
21- I believe in keeping one's word.
22- I am learning how to play golf.
23- I would love to start working NOW. here.
24- I miss Manila and my so-called life there.
25- I want to get an apartment of my own near the beach.
26- I smoke sometimes because i'm just bored.
27- My cellphone is my lifeline (though it doesn't do much these days)
28- I facepaint children and adults for a living sometimes.
29- I'm also a childrens book illustrator.
30- I'm a kid at heart.
31- I love watching The Family Guy.
32- I think Stewie is the cutest most diabolical kid around!
33- I have a tattoo.
34- I love hanging out with friends and catching up.
35- I love the beach, but not the ocean.
36- I wanna get a new tattoo by the end of the year.
37- I always bring a pen and some paper wherever i go.
38- I am willing to try anything once.
39- Movies and music are very important to me.
40- I have had 2 piercings, both of which closed within a year (argh!)
41- I cannot live without ART.
42- I love getting love letters.
43- I like writing better than talking most of the time.
44- I look forward to the weekends.
45- I'm easily amused.
46- For some reason, my favorite day is friday.
47- I can't stay put in one place for very long.
48- It takes a whiel for me to get over something, esp. if it hurts me.
49- I love to smile.
50- i love a guy with a great sense of humor.
51- People who chew open-mouthed gross me out.
52- I'm not a morning person...
53- ...but wake me up the right way and i'll be happy as a bunny.
54- Halloween is my favorite holiday.
55- I always feel sad at Christmastime.
56- Pretentious people irritate the hellout of me (like that PR person of ours...)
57- I'm malambing...
58- ...and a Scorpio.
59- I would like to learn how to snowboard.
60- I sometimes believe in serendipity.
61- I love making scrapbooks!
62- I love to cook.
63- I don't know how to drive.... and i wanna learn.
64- I enjoy a warm hug from a good friend.
65- I have a need to be understood.
66- I don't like unresolved issues.... then again, don't we all?
67- Crushes give spice to my existence (hehehee)...
68- ... though I tend to fall too fast.
69- I want to fall madly in love!
70- I DON'T believe in love at first sight.
71- I love doing the "tourist" thing, it gives me a great excuse to be free.
72- I feel blessed to have a great family, and lotsa good friends.
73- I used to share an online journal with my bestfriends. (what ever happened to that??)
74- we are the FOURCORNERS --- that's ajo, me, pix and kitty!
75- I'm willing to try just about anything once.
76- I love rollercoasters!and rides!!
77- I'm a groupie when it comes to my friends' bands.
78- I want to surf again!
79- I love swimming, but am afraid of the sea.
80- I'm a computer geek ...
81- ... and i love my nerdy friends (i'm a nerd too, kinda)
82- I play counterstrike and quake.
83- Most of my friends are guys.
84- I like living by myself...
85- ...but the rent sucks.
86- I wish i can fly sometimes.
87- I've had 8 roommates and transferred through 4 apartments since i started living out of my home.
88- I'm not your typical girly-girl... though i love pink.
89- Life is my teacher, the world is my classroom.
90- I was a tomboy when i was a little girl.
91- I'm wishing i can go out dancing again with friends.
92- People say my eyes are my asset.
93- people watching is one of my favorite hobbies.
94- I'm a secret couch potato.
95- I have sporadic bouts of enthusiasm for exercise and fitness.
96- I hate politics in the Philippines.
97- I'm a dark chocolate aficionado.
98- i love my mom.
99- I have 2 brothers.
100- I get stressed out over the weirdest things.
Wednesday, July 13, 2005
masa na lang ba parati?
Here it is: Please read this in its entirety, the author has a
point! (Thanks to Berger for putting this up in friendster) For those who cannot read Filipino, sorry, there is no english transalation that can sum up the frustration this letter entails....
Galing sa isang ordinaryong manggawa sa Pilipinas
Walang kwenta ang Pilipinas
By: jawbreaker. (isang ordinaryong office worker na ayaw nang
magbayad ng tax...ever!)
Walang katapusang corruption, walang kamatayang pangbabatikos,
pagbabatuhan ng tae at pagpapa-taasan ng ihi ng mga pulitiko sa
bawatisa, walang tigil na imbestigasyon ng kung ano-anong isyu
pero wala namang matinong resolusyon, walang puknat na
pag-aagawan ng kapangyarihan sa pagitan
ng mga partido, patuloy
na pagdami ng tamad at
tangang Pilipino, SILANG patuloy na
pakikipaglaban ng
ideolohiyang wala namang
silbi.
SINONG "SILA"? EH DI MGA CORRUPT NA
GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS AND
WORKERS, MGA TAMBAY NA PILIPINO NA ANG
LALAKI NG KATAWAN PERO HINDI NAMAN
NAGTRATRABAHO AT HINDI NAGBABAYAD NG TAX, MGA
MAYAYAMAN AT
ARTISTANG TAX EVADERS, PATI MGA
AKTIBISTA, NPA AT IBA PANG
IDEOLOGICAL GROUPS NA HINDI NAGBABAYAD
NG TAX PERO PANG-GULO!!!
Lagi na lang sinasabi ng mga pulitiko:
Ipaglaban ang masa!
Tulungan ang masa! Mahalin ang masa!
MASA LANG BA ANG TAO SA PILIPINAS?
SINO BA TALAGA ANG BUMUBUHAY SA BANSANG TO?
SAAN BA GALING ANG PANGPAGAWA NG MGA
TULAY AT KALYE? SAAN BA
GALING ANG PORK BARREL? SAAN BA GALING
ANG PERANG KINUKURAKOT
NILA?
KAMI NA MGA MANGGAGAWA AT MIDDLE CLASS
NA BAGO PA MAKUHA ANG
SWELDO BAWAS NA - KAMI ANG BUMUBUHAY SA
BANSA NA 'TO!!!!!!!!!
BAKIT YANG BANG MGA MASANG YAN NA LAGI
NA LANG SENTRO NG
PLATAPORMA NG MGA PULITIKO EH NAGBABAYAD
BA NG TAX cla???!!!!
KAHIT ISA SA MGA NAG-RA-RALLYING MGA
SQUATTER NA YAN, KAHIT
SINGKO HINDI NAG-RE-REMIT YAN SA BIR!
PERO PINAPAKINGGAN BA KAMI NG GOBYERNO?
LAGI NA LANG OPINYON NG MASA ANG
INI-INTINDI NG GOBYERNO.
KUNG SINO ANG NAG-RA-RALLY, SA EDSA,
SILA ANG NASUSUNOD.
KUNG SINO ANG MAS MALAKAS SUMIGAW PERO
WALA NAMANG ECONOMIC
CONTRIBUTION, SILA LAGI ANG FOCUS PAG
MAY PROBLEMA.
SILA LAGI ANG BIDA.
KAMING MGA ORDINARYONG OFFICE WORKERS,
OFW'S, LABORERS AT IBA
PANG NAG-TRA-TRABAHO AT NAGBABAYAD NG
TAX - KAMI ANG
NAGPAPAKAHIRAP PARA BUHAYIN ANG
PILIPINAS. KAMI ANG MGA TUNAY NA
BAYANI NG BANSA!!!
Tuwing nakikita ko ang payslip ko,
nag-iinit ang ulo ko at gusto
kong maiyak sa inis. Napakalaki ng tax
na binabawas sa akin pero
ginagamit lang sa walang kwentang bagay
ang perang pinaghirapan
ko.
Lahat ng pagtitipid ginagawa ko para
suportahan ang sarili ko,
pamilya ko at ang bansang to. Ni hindi
ako makabili ng chicken
and spaghetti meal sa Jollibee kahit
gutom na gutom na ko.
Nag-tya-tyaga ako sa waffle na tig-P10,
o kaya pag may konting
pera, junior bola-bola siopao sa
Mini-Stop sa halangang P20.
Eh kung yung pera ko na pinapangbabayad
sa tax sa kin na lang
napunta, eh di sana nakakapanood pa ko
ng sine at least 2 beses
sa isang buwan. Nakabili na sana ako ng
bagong rubber shoes.
Nakapagpagawa na sana ako ng sarili kong
bahay.
Yung tax na binabayad ko, karamihan nun
derecho sa bulsa ng mga
corrupt na mga government officials at
workers. Habang hirap na
hirap akong i-budget ang pera ko, sila
naman nagpapakasarap sa
mga mansyon. SUV's at luxury cars pa ang
dina-drive nila,
samantalang ako sa pedicab lang
sumasakay!
PERA KO YANG PINAPAGPAPASASAAN NYO!!!!!
point! (Thanks to Berger for putting this up in friendster) For those who cannot read Filipino, sorry, there is no english transalation that can sum up the frustration this letter entails....
Galing sa isang ordinaryong manggawa sa Pilipinas
Walang kwenta ang Pilipinas
By: jawbreaker. (isang ordinaryong office worker na ayaw nang
magbayad ng tax...ever!)
Walang katapusang corruption, walang kamatayang pangbabatikos,
pagbabatuhan ng tae at pagpapa-taasan ng ihi ng mga pulitiko sa
bawatisa, walang tigil na imbestigasyon ng kung ano-anong isyu
pero wala namang matinong resolusyon, walang puknat na
pag-aagawan ng kapangyarihan sa pagitan
ng mga partido, patuloy
na pagdami ng tamad at
tangang Pilipino, SILANG patuloy na
pakikipaglaban ng
ideolohiyang wala namang
silbi.
SINONG "SILA"? EH DI MGA CORRUPT NA
GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS AND
WORKERS, MGA TAMBAY NA PILIPINO NA ANG
LALAKI NG KATAWAN PERO HINDI NAMAN
NAGTRATRABAHO AT HINDI NAGBABAYAD NG TAX, MGA
MAYAYAMAN AT
ARTISTANG TAX EVADERS, PATI MGA
AKTIBISTA, NPA AT IBA PANG
IDEOLOGICAL GROUPS NA HINDI NAGBABAYAD
NG TAX PERO PANG-GULO!!!
Lagi na lang sinasabi ng mga pulitiko:
Ipaglaban ang masa!
Tulungan ang masa! Mahalin ang masa!
MASA LANG BA ANG TAO SA PILIPINAS?
SINO BA TALAGA ANG BUMUBUHAY SA BANSANG TO?
SAAN BA GALING ANG PANGPAGAWA NG MGA
TULAY AT KALYE? SAAN BA
GALING ANG PORK BARREL? SAAN BA GALING
ANG PERANG KINUKURAKOT
NILA?
KAMI NA MGA MANGGAGAWA AT MIDDLE CLASS
NA BAGO PA MAKUHA ANG
SWELDO BAWAS NA - KAMI ANG BUMUBUHAY SA
BANSA NA 'TO!!!!!!!!!
BAKIT YANG BANG MGA MASANG YAN NA LAGI
NA LANG SENTRO NG
PLATAPORMA NG MGA PULITIKO EH NAGBABAYAD
BA NG TAX cla???!!!!
KAHIT ISA SA MGA NAG-RA-RALLYING MGA
SQUATTER NA YAN, KAHIT
SINGKO HINDI NAG-RE-REMIT YAN SA BIR!
PERO PINAPAKINGGAN BA KAMI NG GOBYERNO?
LAGI NA LANG OPINYON NG MASA ANG
INI-INTINDI NG GOBYERNO.
KUNG SINO ANG NAG-RA-RALLY, SA EDSA,
SILA ANG NASUSUNOD.
KUNG SINO ANG MAS MALAKAS SUMIGAW PERO
WALA NAMANG ECONOMIC
CONTRIBUTION, SILA LAGI ANG FOCUS PAG
MAY PROBLEMA.
SILA LAGI ANG BIDA.
KAMING MGA ORDINARYONG OFFICE WORKERS,
OFW'S, LABORERS AT IBA
PANG NAG-TRA-TRABAHO AT NAGBABAYAD NG
TAX - KAMI ANG
NAGPAPAKAHIRAP PARA BUHAYIN ANG
PILIPINAS. KAMI ANG MGA TUNAY NA
BAYANI NG BANSA!!!
Tuwing nakikita ko ang payslip ko,
nag-iinit ang ulo ko at gusto
kong maiyak sa inis. Napakalaki ng tax
na binabawas sa akin pero
ginagamit lang sa walang kwentang bagay
ang perang pinaghirapan
ko.
Lahat ng pagtitipid ginagawa ko para
suportahan ang sarili ko,
pamilya ko at ang bansang to. Ni hindi
ako makabili ng chicken
and spaghetti meal sa Jollibee kahit
gutom na gutom na ko.
Nag-tya-tyaga ako sa waffle na tig-P10,
o kaya pag may konting
pera, junior bola-bola siopao sa
Mini-Stop sa halangang P20.
Eh kung yung pera ko na pinapangbabayad
sa tax sa kin na lang
napunta, eh di sana nakakapanood pa ko
ng sine at least 2 beses
sa isang buwan. Nakabili na sana ako ng
bagong rubber shoes.
Nakapagpagawa na sana ako ng sarili kong
bahay.
Yung tax na binabayad ko, karamihan nun
derecho sa bulsa ng mga
corrupt na mga government officials at
workers. Habang hirap na
hirap akong i-budget ang pera ko, sila
naman nagpapakasarap sa
mga mansyon. SUV's at luxury cars pa ang
dina-drive nila,
samantalang ako sa pedicab lang
sumasakay!
PERA KO YANG PINAPAGPAPASASAAN NYO!!!!!
Tuesday, July 12, 2005
reminiscing with san mig strong ice!
ok, ok... checking out old pics was definitely a road down memory lane... now that i'm in the US, these fellow drinkers are here too! So, nasan ka na Roo? Kelan tayo inuman ulit???
Haay.... i miss San Miguel Strong Ice!!!
Haay.... i miss San Miguel Strong Ice!!!
weekend highlights
* having coffee and breakfast with a good friend
* enjoying an In and Out burger for the first time
* beachin'
* movie watchin' with friends
* learning the rudiments golf at the driving range
* watching grown men bicker about showbiz
* learning that yes, life has its awkward moments
* knowing that your friendship is valued
* reminiscing with photos and stories
+ + +
The coffee cools as we sit and talk,
and barely do i feel the heat
All is see is you
and the way you speak
Your shining eyes
which mesmerize
are truly quite engaging
perhaps your
smile can make me stop
and give in to my yearning
+ + +
* enjoying an In and Out burger for the first time
* beachin'
* movie watchin' with friends
* learning the rudiments golf at the driving range
* watching grown men bicker about showbiz
* learning that yes, life has its awkward moments
* knowing that your friendship is valued
* reminiscing with photos and stories
+ + +
The coffee cools as we sit and talk,
and barely do i feel the heat
All is see is you
and the way you speak
Your shining eyes
which mesmerize
are truly quite engaging
perhaps your
smile can make me stop
and give in to my yearning
+ + +
Sunday, July 10, 2005
lapses
Old friends are like coffee and conversation. They stimulate you into thinking and you spend long hours mulling over it.
+ + +
I am lost in my thoughts of the fates that bring me to where i am. I hardly understand anything happening in my life these days, i feel like it's a whirlwind of an existence, basically living each day as it comes, expecting nothing, anticipating everything. It's exhilarating, but at the same time, scary...
+ + +
Why am i so obssessed? To want something so bad yet not being able to get it tingles me to the very core. I wish i can stop this constant craving, yet i seem to be eerily drawn to it.Change is but a step away, and i am heistant to make the transition...
+ + +
coffee in my mug in the morning makes me open my eyes a little wider to see what's happening. I see it, yet i somehow still refuse to acknowledge it.
what the hell is wrong with me!?!?
ARGH.
+ + +
I am lost in my thoughts of the fates that bring me to where i am. I hardly understand anything happening in my life these days, i feel like it's a whirlwind of an existence, basically living each day as it comes, expecting nothing, anticipating everything. It's exhilarating, but at the same time, scary...
+ + +
Why am i so obssessed? To want something so bad yet not being able to get it tingles me to the very core. I wish i can stop this constant craving, yet i seem to be eerily drawn to it.Change is but a step away, and i am heistant to make the transition...
+ + +
coffee in my mug in the morning makes me open my eyes a little wider to see what's happening. I see it, yet i somehow still refuse to acknowledge it.
what the hell is wrong with me!?!?
ARGH.
Saturday, July 09, 2005
Friday, July 08, 2005
mid-week blahs
My relatives have been obssessively telling me about how easy life would be if i took a medical degree instead of the path i chose. *sigh* I guess practicality really shines through. I think about the convenience and demand of jobs here for health-related opportunities and slightly feel jealous of the luck of the draw these guys have. But still, i wouldn't change my degree for anything.
"well, you can always get married here to a citizen", my tita remarked.
Uh, say that again?
NO FRIGGIN' WAY. Call it my firm belief on love or sumthin', but marriage is hard enough to work along in without having that idea of convenience added into it.
+ + +
Took my grandma to the hospital today. It's amazing how for the past week i've been to one clinic to another --- first, my tita's facility which houses several physically and mentally challenged individuals, now my lola's MRI appointment. Not to say that it's bad or anything (i don't think of it that way) but in some weird way it's like pointing to me the obvious option of staying here is to go through the medical route....
*sigh*
"well, you can always get married here to a citizen", my tita remarked.
Uh, say that again?
NO FRIGGIN' WAY. Call it my firm belief on love or sumthin', but marriage is hard enough to work along in without having that idea of convenience added into it.
+ + +
Took my grandma to the hospital today. It's amazing how for the past week i've been to one clinic to another --- first, my tita's facility which houses several physically and mentally challenged individuals, now my lola's MRI appointment. Not to say that it's bad or anything (i don't think of it that way) but in some weird way it's like pointing to me the obvious option of staying here is to go through the medical route....
*sigh*
Wednesday, July 06, 2005
livin' the tourista life
i guess i can count myself lucky. I've been staying for the past few days at my tita's house at hancock park, livinh next dorr to Beck and a few streeets away from Antonio Banderas. Hmmm. Too bad i never met these people yet. :-P
It's been quite a revelation to me how things can easily be so high and low here. Struggling to find a job, yet being able to meet and check out the lie of teh rich and famous, well, that is quite an ironic thing isn't it?
So it's a humbing experience --- realizing that your degree doesn't mean shit here and everyting has to be done with paperwork... argh. I hate the bureaucracy of it all, at this point.
I do consider myself lucky though. I am grateful for those people who take the time to help me out here --- kudos to you guys and gals!
now back to job hunting...
It's been quite a revelation to me how things can easily be so high and low here. Struggling to find a job, yet being able to meet and check out the lie of teh rich and famous, well, that is quite an ironic thing isn't it?
So it's a humbing experience --- realizing that your degree doesn't mean shit here and everyting has to be done with paperwork... argh. I hate the bureaucracy of it all, at this point.
I do consider myself lucky though. I am grateful for those people who take the time to help me out here --- kudos to you guys and gals!
now back to job hunting...
river and moi!
ahh,the fun ol' days o havin a yosi buddy... here's me and river chillin' out after a great lunch...
Sunday, July 03, 2005
Roel, eat your heart out!
yup, walked along the famed hollywood boulevard with River and Ghiel this weekend to encounter some interesting shows, amazing shops and yes, all that hollywood has to offer. No sightings of stars, but there's lotsa interesting people and places that you don't really give a shit anymore. :-D
Friday, July 01, 2005
LA_skyline
Today was my first time to get into the nitty gritty of downtown LA. It's a long drive from Lakewood, and i assume an even longer one commuting. Nonetheless, i was pretty amazed at the LA scene, especially the area. This was taken at freeway 10, while we cruised (more like crawled) through the busy road. Went to meet up some people from CBTL, where they welcomed me like one of their own (awww!)
*sigh* now i miss work.
*sigh* now i miss work.
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