Thankful

Another year's gonna end and I'm not a bit wiser in my opinion. 2005 started with so much promise and it all went downhill from then. I guess I'd better start switching priorities from now on. In retrospect, the past year was quite the roller-coaster ride for me.....

I'm thankful that I was given the opportunity to travel the country through my profession. I've seen new places and met interesting people and tasted the hospitality (and food!) of the locations my work has brought me.

I'm thankful that inspite of the weak economy, I was still able to earn through my work and "not" resort to anything illegal or immoral. I still have some credit card debt that hopefully will be gone by next year.

I'm still thankful that inspite of my bouts with U.T.I, a strained back, a bum knee and panic attacks, I'm still fairly healthy (nee borderline)with no serious health issues to worry about. I still have to confirm this with a thorough medical exam, of course.

I'm thankful that our house was spared from the fire that burned down 4 houses adjacent to us and we only had some water damage. I'm really, really thankful for this one.

I'm thankful that even though we're all getting older, my family and friends are "still" healthy and without any serious ailments.

I'm thankful that I'm still doing the thing I love and studied for even though I had experienced some burn-out during the course of the year. I just pray that I'll be able to find my way that'll truly make me happy and content.

I'm thankful that some people still look up to me, literally and figuratively, inspite of some negative things that's being said about me.

And I'm thankful that my list of friends has only grown longer and people still keeps on reading what I write on this blog.

Happy New Year guys!

sacrifice!

I'm back in the bustling metro for some R & R and all I'm getting's hassle. After spending a few weeks in the province, your body kinda adjusts itself to the environment. I can no longer tolerate the pollution as I was once accustommed to.

I visited my former officemates earlier today, hoping to finally complete my clearance from the company. Too bad they had to work on the 24th as other firms have already declared a long holiday. Kudos to all of my formwer workmates.

Merry Christmas everyone!

It's beginning to look....

a lot like Christmas! Everywhere you go!.. It's nary been 24 hours since I stepped of the plane and all the annoyances of a Christmas-frenzy-Manila is beginning to get to me.
Last night was the first time I yelled "Patawaaaad" 'coz there are no carolers in Iloilo, It's kinda weird but it's a blessing. It's also a good thing that I forwarded some of my baggage ahead of me so I can avoid the traffic with only my backpack. The plane ride was bumpy. Being half-asleep only gave me images of the plane wherein the cast of "LOST" flew in the pilot. Sheesh, but the plane did land and I'm still here.
Met up with my friend who came home from London and collected the calendars that I asked her to buy. Took one look and I saw a lot of smiling faces already.
Amidst all the chaos and mayhem, here's wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas! Hope to meet up with you guys soon!

Purpose.

Have been quite busy these past 2 weeks. My supervisors came down here on successive weeks to inspect the work that's been going on. I've had my share of boo-boos and had my earful on some occassions but I just let it pass. It comes with the job.

Nothing much to do except count my days when I can have my Christmas break in Manila. Unlike in Manila, the cold weather came early to Iloilo and have been spending my nights wrapped tightly with a blanket in fetal position these past week. I'll try to compare if it really still "hot" in the Metro.

A year after I got "A Purpose-Driven Life", I finally read it till the end. Reading it only reinforced all my convictions that I'm trying to uphold and got some new pointers also. It's been 4 months since I quit my previous job and I'm still contemplating on which direction to take. I'm "only" 33 and already I'm having a near-mid-life crisis! Hehe. I'm content still, but only for the moment. I've chatted with a friend,Mhel, who relocated in Thailand over a year ago. Like him, I just have to decide on which career path to take. I guess this dilemma is only the tip of the iceberg. I still have more questions that needs answers.

2006 is still 13 days away and already I have 2 new calendars. My friend came home from the UK with the FRIENDS calendar and Audie got me my copy of Katrina Halili's FHM calendar. Autographed pa! Thanks dude!

Still have to buy gifts for Christmas though. Still no idea on what gifts to give!

anticipating

It's weird when I always get ideas on what to write here at the start of each week and completely forget it by the time the weekend rolls in. Like most people, I am awaken early every morning with all these thought on work and... some other things....Hehehe. Maybe I should write it down somehow. AHh well, I just have to wing it, just like always.

Started the week in a foul mood. By the time our weekly meeting was over, I suddenly felt that I needed to be left alone. It's a good thing that the construction site is huge with many areas to disappear into. As I completed my daily inspection.. I nestled myself on the roof of one of the structures and stayed there for an hour or so. I only came down because I'm feeling my skin's burnt already. I guess my scorpio side is showing.

My week grinded slowly with all the work that needs to be rushed before the holidays. It's still uncertain whether how long I'll be staying in Iloilo. The anticipation of coming home and Christmas' already taking up most of my daydreaming time, with the rest completely fixated on "other things"(insert annoying smirk here).

I had 2 things to smile about yesterday. The 1st is I've finally found the mag I was searching for these past few months. National Bookstore carries it regularly albeit a month late from the publishing date. I'm glad nonetheless. The other thing is Cocoy's wife 's a month pregnant with their first child! After all the prayers he finally did it! He texted me Friday afternoon, "YEHEY! BUNTIS NA C CLEO." Congatulations!, I texted back.. "Hindi ka na pwedeng isauli sa mommy mo dahil defective. Hehehe"... Of course, he replied with an amorous expletive. Congratulations bro!

Anticipation for something is a great feeling, longing for something good that is expected to arrive gives a natural high that only increases even after the moment has passed. I wish I can bottle it up for the coming New Year. No doubt about it, looks like my December's gonna be bright!

countdown!

Its 28 more days till Christmas! Same as last year, haven't done any shopping for gifts but unlike last year, I have an alibi. Working in Iloilo sure has its benefits, but it sure gets boring every so often.

3 weeks more and I can come home again! I found out recently that I can come home sooner than I expected. Because of the nature of the construction industry, I expected to be here at the latest till the 22nd of December. I found out last week that our last meeting for the year will be on December 16, which means I can be flying outta here on the 17th or 18th. This means I have to buy my "pasalubong" early too.

Spent the morning walking around the city, in places I haven't been in the past months that I'm here. Nothing much to see eecept old buildings and street level stores which you only see in Avenida back in Manila. Another reason for strollin' the city is I'm looking for a magazine that I haven't seen on sale here. It's quite frustrating since I'm always looking forward to every issue. In 2 months of searching the only place I saw it for sale was National Bookstore, and the issue was 2 months late. I just have to keep looking.

not again!

It shouldn't happen to me. Not again. After the first time I thought I'm sensible enough to avoid it, but I am not.

I thought my experience with a U.T.I. ended 7 years ago until the back pains woke me up early last Wednesday morning. The jabbing pain in the left side of my body made me restless early that day. I couldn't figure out how I managed to fall asleep again. Surprisingly, I woke up wondering if it was just a bad case of indigestion.

My day went through without any hint that the pain would come back that evening. The pain was so bad that a stranger asked if I was alright while waiting at the pharmacy for the medicine. I guess people here is nicer than I realize.

I wasn't able to eat dinner that night. With the drugs and a big bottle of water at my bedside, the family I'm staying with looked out for me until the medicine took effect. I guess I'm staying away from instant noodles again.

celebrations!

Went home briefly during the All Saints Day holidays. I've been away for 6 weeks and coming home is quite a treat for me. I flew back November 1st on a plane with only 12 passengers. It's not surprising since most of the vacationers flew a few days before. I arrived in Manila 30 minutes after take-off. The streets were nearly empty yet the cab ride was longer than my flight. Too bad nothing has changed since I left, only a sense of longing for my bed.. and cable TV!
Before anything else, these two ladies are celebrating their birthdays this month. Shout out to my sister Nanette and my niece, Gellie, who's turning 3 years old, ("paaayb" if you ask her about it.)

One of the reasons I had to come home was for my sisters wedding. The ceremony was held in the Church of St. Mary Magdalene in Kawit, cavite. My brother and I had to leave Manila at 5am to avoid the traffic ( good thing there wasn't, with everyone still away and all.)

Too bad I had to return to work the following Monday, just like everyone else, but working away from home only makes you realize how special your family and friends are when you're not with them.

Guimaras II

I took several sceneries and this was the only one that was "printable." Too bad, some of the others would have been as breathtaking.


















I know I'm breaking quite a few laws by doing this, but what the hell. I am not entirely alone here....

*These photos should have been with my previous post but stupid me forgot to bring the pictures to be scanned.

Guimaras

It was a quarter past 6 when we boarded the pump boat. The sky’s unusually dark this time of the year, with only the full moon illuminating our way towards the island. This is only my second time to the island province, not knowing what to expect this time.

Our ride was already waiting at the Jordan ferry station by the time we arrived 15 minutes later. Our belongings were checked by an official at the dock. Apparently, it is prohibited to bring any kind of mango to the island, reason being to protect the primary product from “contamination”. As any town outside Metro Manila, the streets were almost empty even if it’s only 7 o’clock. It didn’t take long for our party to reach the resort in Alubihod.

Alubihod is the most popular destination in Guimaras, it being situated on the main island. There are other resorts scattered in the string of islets which is only a banca-ride away. The beach front was small compared to Puerto Galera and Boracay, it being only a kilometer long, but the sand and water’s as pristine. It didn’t take much for the rest of the company to jump in the water after our packed dinner of Adobo and pansit.

This may be my second time on Guimaras but this was the first time I’ve gone night swimming. The water was still, with nary a wave coming to the shore and the moon was full. No “aswangs” on this night I hope. I always liked swimming, at the beach or pool, it didn’t matter, as long as I’m in the water. The only thought in my mind tonight was, “I wish I had shared this moment with someone.”

ill news.

I just found out that a close friend of mine was diagnosed with diabetes. It's very sad since he just got married and with the fact that were close and nearly the same age, I also got myself thinking if I'll eventually have it soon. It's really surprising since they have no family history of it, at least not that I'm aware of. If there was someone who's succeptible to having it , it should be me, when both sides of my family have a history with this disease.
I'm praying that it's still controllable. It just shows that, even no matter how healthy your lifestyle maybe, evrything in this life is still uncertain, and we must be ever thankful of what we have.

routine.

3 weeks and I still am not able to speak the dialect. What can I say? I'm really not that adaptable when it comes to learning dialects unlike some of my friends. Hey, I can't even imitate the accent. Much of my conversations contain head-bobbing (sometimes sideways) and lots of waving around and hand gestures. Whatever.
My life right now is one big routine. Wake-up, breakfast, work and then go home. I bookend my workdays with showers and some TV. It's a good thing that I'm finally able to catch some familiar shows via studio23. I was able to catch the "Amazing Race" and "Survivor: Guatemala" this week, and I'd rather watch them than the teleseryes'. I've been quite hooked though on Vietnam Rose. Hehehe.
Working 6 days a week, I only have time to lurk around the city on Sundays, except when I have the urge to have lunch at the mall. They do have an SM and a Robinson's here, (though both can fit inside the Mall of Asia with room to spare.) at least it's something I'm familiar with. I also catch a flick every week, with movies a week or two delayed from those showing in Manila. Today it'll be Drew's The Perfect Catch, which I've been waiting for so long now.
My only concern these days is whether I'm doing a good job and if I'll be able to keep this up. I still miss my friends and it's a good thing that I'm able to chat with them every week, just so to lessen the boredom I get oftentimes. It's also a blessing to be away from madness in Manila. I'm able to be with my thought everyday while I walk to and from work, with the fresh air and less frantic pace of living here, nothing's routine about that.

"lugar lang."

It's funny how things are different here. The title is the first Ilonggo expression I used in my first week here. It's the phrase that you say to the driver of the PUJ if you want to disembark. Anyway, the first few days were a drag 'coz the place I'm staying at has no cable and I have to bear with the tele-serye marathon each night. Sigh. I could afford to get cable but I just don't want to impose anything that my surrogate famly might find offensive.

The family I'm staying at is very accommodating, even if they don't have to. There's the glaring difference with people in the provinces and those living in the metro. They share as much as they can all the time even if they don't live an extravagant life. I sometimes find it difficult to say that I've already seen the "new" dvd movie they've just bought. Might as well watch it again.

I'm living a simple life here. Rise early, have breakfast. Go to work. Come home. Dinner and cringe while watching those 3 nuns and 3 "creatures" in Kampañerang Kuba drive the point that public TV is s--t! I'm walking to and from work now, breathing fresh air along the way since it's only abought 1km each way.

I don't know what will become of my stay here, I hope I can do the job properly.

Thanks for visiting.

last-minute.

Shoes, check. Jacket, check. Ticket, check. I'm just wanna post something before I leave home for awhile. I'll be away from home til' December, ala "Pinoy Big Brother" without the annoying housemates, hehehe. I'll be missing on a lot of things while I'm away. A lot of my friends birthday fall on the last quarter of each year. I'll miss out on accompanying a friend toy-shopping in Divisoria. That would have been fun. Too bad I'll celebrate my birthday away from my friends.... or is it a good thing.
Spent the weekend notifying my clients that I'll be away for awhile and had lunch with my best friend and his wife last Sunday. Sorted all the things that 'll be bringing and dropped by the office yesterday to get the files that I'll be using. Check.
I pray that everything will be all right here at home and over there, and hope I get out of this more sane that I am now. See you in a hundred days or so.

away from home.

It's definite. By this time next week, I'll be in a new place, with a new job and trying earnestly to fit in.

I've cleared out the details with the client yesterday. I'm gonna watch over the construction of his residence in Ilo-ilo and I'll probably be there up to December at the soonest. I'm really very excited on the prospect of working away from home, not that I don't have any worries. With all the excitement, I'm still worried to work that far away from home, primarily because my Mom will have no companion at home. My sister is busy preparing for her wedding and does not stay at home most nights and my younger brother is only home on the weekends. My Mom is a full-time homemaker and it's only me that's her companion during the week. I just hope everything will turn out fine, or she gets that "empty nest" syndrome and get married again. But that's the least of my worries.

This will probably be the longest period that I'll be away from home. I'm already planning what I'll be doing when I'm not working. I'll probably be just reading or watching a movie or doing the
laundry, which is the most terrifying concept.

"Yes, you caught me. I'm a laundry virgin."

I'm sure everything will be fine. I try to remind myself that idea as often as I can so that I won't freak out or become sentimental again. Besides, I've already been to the place and If everthing goes wrongand I bust out, I'll just say that it was a working vacation.

1st year paper...

Waddayaknow, almost a year since I started and I've hit a thousand already. Thanks are in order to those who frequently view this blog, you know who you are, all 4 of you, hehehe.

blah, blah, blah, bleh.

I haven't been doin much work lately even though i have a long to-do list that I've made. I guess this will be my routine for the next few days.

Received a text from a prospective employer yesterday. He informed me that they have agreed in principle with the owners and most certainly I'll be managing the construction for him. Guess I'll have to learn Ilonggo starting now.... I'm a little bit excited, a little bit scared, (ala MYMP hehe). I don't know what to expect when I'll be in Iloilo in a couple of weeks. I'll be meetin' with the owners when they fly to Manila next week....

Time really flies when you're doin' nuthin. I can't imagine how much work I can accomplish at my previous office when I can't do zilch when I'm at home. I should learn to manage my time more efficiently....

Just saw "The Brothers Grimm" awhile ago. It's not for kids but not for adults either. It was too boring for me and it'll probably be too scary for kids, or maybe I'm just bored, or sleepy from the spicy Thai food I ate for lunch....

Got to watch the quarterfinal match between Andre Agassi and James Blake at the U.S. Open. Twas and exciting 5 setter with the 5th set goin' into tiebreak. I've never witnessed an exciting match since the Agassi-Sampras semifinals a few years back. Too bad Blake lost after leading by 2 sets to love but he said afterwards that he never felt more joy in losing than right at that moment....

It goes to show that I'm still enjoying my vacation and not scuttlin' to do more important things like do some work 'coz I still have deadlines to meet. Like what I'm doin right now.... blogging instead of working... hehe. Tomorrow is still another day.

my former officemates.

Last look from the front gate of the office. Here are some of the brightest minds in the industry. Best bunch of guys (and girls) I've ever worked with. I wish them all the best!

end of chapter one...

3 days removed from work and I still have not done anything I had planned to do. I have no complaints though, at least I get to embark on a new phase in my life-career and I'm excited. It also helps that I got I sign that I made the right decision to move on. During dinner with my ex-officemates on my last day in the office, I got some messages on the options that I might take and it really made my day complete. Hearing some of the comments my officemates made during a "testimonial" made me realize on the impact that I had on most of them. It's also disconcerting that the comments I heard were like eulogies. Hehehe, Maybe it's just me. The things people say when they're in front of a video camera. I'm a bit sad that I'll be leaving the office but I'm sure they'll be alright. I know I have taught them well and they're a great bunch of guys to work with.

change of pace.

I did it. I formally submitted my resignation last week, effective the end of this month. Tis the first time I ever resigned from anything, so I was really somber the past few days. I struggled with the decision, always wondering if it's the right thing to do at the moment, considering the economy here, but everything's gettin' clearer as the day drew near. I handed my letter to my only contemporary in the office, in terms of lenght of tenure. He didn't take it well and urged me to reconsider. He said I should take a vacation if i'm just burned out. I'm really burned out but I do not need a vacation, I need a change. A change in my life. I never imagined I would go through this again after the first time, which was almost 10 years ago when I had 2 jobs. Anyway, at least I'm over one hump and I just have one more obstacle to hurdle, the exit interview.

ENough about it. I just pray that I made the right decision and hope this doesn't blow in my face. To end on a lighter note, a friend sent me this and I just have to share this with you.. (and I'm sure Laney will love this)

DORMITORY:
When you rearrange the letters:
DIRTY ROOM

PRESBYTERIAN: BEST IN PRAYER

DESPERATION: A ROPE ENDS IT

THE EYES: THEY SEE

GEORGE BUSH: HE BUGS GORE

THE MORSE CODE: HERE COME DOTS

SLOT MACHINES: CASH LOST IN ME

ANIMOSITY: IS NO AMITY

ELECTION RESULTS: LIES - LET'S RECOUNT

MOTHER-IN-LAW: WOMAN HITLER

SNOOZE ALARMS: ALAS! NO MORE Z 'S

A DECIMAL POINT: IM A DOT IN PLACE

THE EARTHQUAKES: THAT QUEER SHAKE

ELEVEN PLUS TWO: TWELVE PLUS ONE

PRESIDENT CLINTON OF THE USA:
When you rearrange the letters
(With no letters left over and using each letter only once):
TO COPULATE HE FINDS INTERNS

Yep! Someone with waaaaaaaaaaay too much time on their hands!

That's a wrap. In the words of the great Vee, Thanks for visiting!

where are they now?

Some are still here while others are not. I've just stumbled onto the old off-mic website. Kinda neat seeing everyone again. A much simplier time. Check this out.. http://offmic.freeservers.com. Enjoy!

rain, rain go away.

Twas a rainy week just passed and I'm not feeling any better, in fact I'm still in a rut. I haven't completely solved my problems with work the past few days, 'cept that I had talk with my boss last Tuesday and he told me what he expected from me and I wasn't holding up my end of the stick. At some points he was right and on other things he wasn't. I don't believe the idea that you're a good supervisor if a lot of people doesn't like you. I hope it's not true or I'm in a whole lot of trouble. I'm sure that things will be different from now on. I have to earn his trust all over again or maybe... it's time that I start doing things on my own now, inspite of all the difficulties. I've always said to myself that I'll keep doing this 'coz it makes me happy, what do you do when the one thing that you love doing is giving you so much stress? I didn't sign up for this.

"Rock, hard place.. Me!"

Not everything is gloomy around me. Just heard the good news that a couple-friends' will be gettin' married sometime in the next couple of months. Kudos to both of you. You know who you are.

August always makes me gloomy.

Highs and Lows

It's like having your heart broken for the very first time.

I just had a terrible week at work. So bad that I almost quit, not because he was wrong but for the reason that I thought of myself incompetent to do the job. I didn't quit though, but it sure made me think about my options and priorities. Maybe I'll just stick it out for a while longer and redeem myself and then leave. I know I'm capable enough to have my own practice but... there's still a lot of uncertainties out there... so maybe a little more time. My second option is to take up my Uncle's offer to try working in Singapore. A lot of my classmates work there so why not. (sigh) My ego's just shattered and I'm trying to pick up the pieces.

Things picked-up the last couple of days. The Lord is sure looking out for me. He always did, for quite a ong time now. Whenever something bad happens, He's always there to cheer me up. An email from a friend in NY, and a couple of phone calls from people I haven't spoken to in quite a while. Cheered me up, at least it took my mind of the blunder I made just a few days back.

Watched "the year of the Yao" and finished readin' the 6th Harry Potter book, all done to take my mind of things at least even for a while. I just pray I don't make any more mistakes this time.

anxious...

It's gettin' really strong lately. I don't know how to describe it, but for the past few months, I've had "episodes" of feeling very anxious to the point that I tend to shake uncontrollably. I can't figure if this is what they call " anxiety attacks", but it's gettin' to be vrey frequent. I can't pinpoint exactly what triggers it, a smell, a thought, repressed memories of some sort. Sometimes, I tend to wake up in the middle of the night just because of a reccurring dream that i've been having since childhood, ( i guess that's why they call it recurring, hehehe).

Last Monday, while having dinner with a friend in Taco Bell, Gateway it happened. I felt uneasy, unable to breathe freely, my heart is palpitating and hairs at my nape starting to rise. It's starting up again. I'm usually able to control it but this time I felt seek and my vision is gettin' blurry. I almost threw up the burrito I ate ( which may be the culprit). After a couple of minutes I was fine.

I hope I could get through this somehow. I told a friend about it and he asked if I was depressed. I couldn't give a straight answer except the denial "of course not." I may just be lying to myself but I hope this isn't true.

ako'y tutula,...

This was sent to me by a friend. I just want to share it thru this blog instead of passing it to 10 persons. I hope this will serve its purpose....

Around the corner I have a friend,
in this great city that has no end,
yet the days go by and weeks rush on,
and before I know it, a year is gone.

And I never see my old friends face,
for life is a swift and terrible race,
He knows I like him just as well,
as in the days when I rang his bell.

And he rang mine but we were younger then,
and now we are busy, tired men.
Tired of playing a foolish game,
tired of trying to make a name.

"Tomorrow" I say! "I will call on Jim
Just to show that I'm thinking of him."
But tomorrow comes and tomorrow goes,
And distance between us grows and grows.

Around the corner, yet miles away,
"Here's a telegram sir," "Jim died today."
And that's what we get and deserve in the end.
Around the corner, a vanished friend.

Remember to always say what you mean. If you love someone, tell them. Don't be afraid to express yourself. Reach out and tell someone what they mean to you. Because when you decide that it is the right time it might be too late. Seize the day. Never have regrets. And most importantly, stay close to your friends and family, for they have helped make you the person that you are today.

I hope this made your day like iot did to me. Thanks for visiting.

Perspective

It could have happened at any other time but it chose to occur right when I don't want any hassles. This week couldn't have started any worse, after having another 7 days of aches and pains and stress from work and other things. The only good news I received (any news) from her and I couldn't even read it. I'll just have to grin and bear it ... for now.

The week started much like any other week, with the same old problems in the office still waiting to be solved. Nothing I can't handle but sometimes I just want a break from all of this. Add in the fact that another member of the staff is leaving. I hate it when that happens. Even when you try to convince them to stay but I guess my officemate already made his decision.

My boss and I had lunch with a priest-client of ours last Wednesday. He's recovering from bypass surgery and spent the last 6 months in Spain. We ate at Cafe Ysabel and it's amusing what I read at the cover of their menu.

" Thise who give themselves indigestion or get drunk, does not know how to eat or drink"
" A dessert without cheese is like a beautiful woman with one eye."
" The destiny of nations depend on their manner of eating."

Kinda gives you a different perspective on life. Anyway, I didn't finish the lasagna I ordered. I had no excuse except maybe I didn't expect that the serving could be that large or maybe because they've run out of salmon. It's always nice to talk with a priest, aside from confession, of course, because it shows your their human side. Studying in a Catholic school run by the Dominicans can give a person a high level of respect for priests. But after this and having drinks with a priest in Naga balances things out, but a talking with a priest can give you a fresh perspective.

We had a game last Friday night. Our office entered a basketball tournament and it was our 5th game. We lost. We led by as many as 24 points and lost by 7. It still stings up to now because my knees are stiff and couldn't walk straight. My only hope is that we learn from this experience.

Watched War of the World yesterday. It was technically good except for some instances when the screen goes black every few minutes.I don't know if it's the reel or just some bozo with his hand on the projector. Missed out on some sequences when Tom Cruise is running for his life. I have to see it again soon.

Ah well, back to reality. I'll try to retrieve that message again, if I can't , damn you F*@^#^!+er. I just have to interpret it as a sign. During lunch with the priest, he asked my boss who his favorite child. Speechless, the priest suggested an answer....

" The one who is sick, until he gets well."
" The one who is away, till he gets home."
" The one who is young, until he grow old."

They always have the right words to say.

prized possession.

I specifically bought this dvd to have it signed. I couldn't wait to get

a new dvd player. It even has a videoke version inside.

"Didn't we just do this?"

I've been tagged by Mano and Vee.

List five of your current favorite songs. It doesn't matter what genre they are from, whether they have words or even if they're any good but they must be songs you're really enjoying right now. Then tag five other people to see what they're listening to as well.

1. Love moves in mysterious ways by Nina
2. Bolunji by Velcro
3. Getting to know each other by Gerard Kenny
4. Don’t forget me by Captain and Tenille
5. Same ground by Kitchie Nadal

I shall tag... no one at the moment 'coz the people I want to tag has already been tagged this will only go on, and on, and on... (kj ba?) . I will just have to retain my right to tag 'til the opportunity arises..

randomness

It's been real tough this past week. I've been floundering at work and my boss isn't too happy. He may not show it directly to me but having known him this past 3 or so years, he's the type who doesn't show his resentment too much, at least to the object of his resentment. I may have done nothing wrong but it may be against company policy.

“ Don’t ever take sides against the Family again.” I’m surely not comfortably with having to tell the truth and be resented for it. It’s not right.

I dreamt of her last week. It was the first after a long while. I can’t explain why I remembered it after waking up because you’re not supposed to remember any of you dreams. It was almost so real up to the point when I opened my eyes….

I watched the Hitchhiker’s guide to the galaxy yesterday. First thing I noticed was the considerable number of people “not” watching the movie. There war probably just a few dozen of us in the theater. It’s surprising considering the book was a bestseller back then. I haven’t read the book but I enjoyed the film. I don’t know how the reviews went but Sam Rockwell and Alan Rickman were good as Zaphoid, President of the Galazy and Marvin, the manic-depressive robot respectively. The humor was British, all talk and no slapstick. At least one part of the week was enjoyable.

It must be just one of those stretches again. I hope I can bounce back this week.

Father of the Bride?

Barely a week after being Best man to my best friends wedding, I'm already going to another one, but this time It'll be closer to home.

My Mom told me the other day that my younger sister and her boyfriend has "formally" asked her permission to get married, although It shouldn't come as a surprise because of all the magazines and websites she's been looking through lately, I wondered why they told her only now. Anyhows, since my Dad has already passed through this life, It occured to me that this time, I'll be giving the bride away. Quite a step in just a few weeks after being best man. I call it "natural progression"

In all the weddings I've attended, specially those I'm friends with, I'm always a step closer to the altar. Guest, invited guest, guest again, grooms' man, candle, best man and now... "father of the bride". I'm maybe jumping on the gun here, 'cause my Mom can opt to give my sister away by her lonesome but I'm keepin' my fingers crossed and maybe, just maybe... I'll finally be able to get to the altar.

just passing the time...again.

... just foolin' with my camphone....

3 days, 3 movies..

It was a busy Independence Day weekend, at least for me it is. I was looking forward to some rest because of the holiday but alas, my backlog in the office made me report for work on the holiday. Nothing new really, I’ll just rest when I’m dead… so goes the cliché. Having been in Naga the previous Sunday for work along with my friend’s wedding and more work thereafter, I took the opportunity to catch up on a few flicks.

Saturday… I watched Mr. & Mrs. Smith. I was hoping to watch Sin City but after having lunch with my officemates and a couple of games of bowling, I found out too late that the last main feature in Megamall was at 5:00 pm. I’m 30 minutes late. I know I shouldn’t have bought those finger sleeves, not yet. So I opted to watch Brad and Angelina so as not to waste the whole afternoon. After almost 2 hours I realized that I should have passed up on this one. The movie is just 2 people fighting for who gets to be prettier. Too bad both of them lived.

Sunday… After taking care of some appointments and trying in earnest to watch through The Buzz and Startalk, I dragged myself to North Edsa determined to catch Sin City after my experience the previous day. I’m 30 minutes early for this one, so I’ll have time to window shop. Having a few GC to burn from my stint as a “product research test subject”, I strolled slowly as I gazed upon rows of shoes and bags and more shoes and nothing caught my fancy (what really means’ nothing below 500 pesos). Better to just enter and catch the previews. Nothing new. Then, the movie starts. After just the opening scenes of Josh Hartnett talking to … some girl on the balcony before shooting her, and with the excessive violence and Jessica Alba’s dance sequence, Sin City is far better than The Smiths. This is, of course, my opinion.

Monday… It’s Independence Day and I have to work. Didn’t really accomplish much in the office. I just finished the evaluation reports for the staff and after a meeting with the Boss and the other supervisors, I’m off to see Batman Begins later that evening. I got the tickets from a “friend” from SkyCable’s promotions department. Good thing we’re still hooked to Sky. My brother and I arrived at the Greenbelt 3 Cinemas just as they started letting people in. We lined up to enter after getting some Sliders’ mini-burgers (so mini that I have to remind myself to take smaller bites). Two good things about “free” movie premiere are; first, the movie’s free and second, you get free food. And as they say, good luck comes in 3’s, our ticket won for an HBO goodie bag. A fitting end to a very boring day. Batman Begins is well worth watching. There are no CGI effects and no cartoonish sequences. It’s probably the best movie yet for 2005, and the best prequel this year.

I have to do this more often, really, or at least every week, or until my DVD player is up and running again.

just passing the time...

Your IQ Is 100

Your Logical Intelligence is Above Average Your Verbal Intelligence is Exceptional Your Mathematical Intelligence is Average Your General Knowledge is Above Average

A Quick and Dirty IQ Test

finally....

Haayyy, I'm glad it's finally over. My best friend's wedding pushed through yesterday amidst the rains and everything else that's going on, jueteng and all. Did my best Best man impression as I could. I hope it looks good on video. Minor hitches prevented the most of the entourage from walking down the aisle, too bad 'coz you only get one shot at this.. at least here in the Philippines.

As all weddings goes, it's the only time when you really get to see all of your friends, even though it's a work day. My friend looked good in his Katipunero inspired Barong. Too bad they wouldn't allow him to wear the "bolo" he brought to the ceremony... hehehe.... I'm just joking there. I really wished he had a "salakot" though.

I'm close to friend in all aspects "coz I know everyone on his family, realtives, friends and officemates so I'm kinda like family too. I'm really, really happy he got his wish and settled down. Best wishes to Cocoy and Cleo.

On another note, I spent the weekend in Naga again. An unexpected problem that came up and I had too fly there "most haste" to attend which my boss wasn't too keen on. We had a lot of dealines in the office and this trip only caused more delays.

The problems have been sorted out on Saturday and I spent the most of Sunday wandering around the city. I did get to hear mass at the Penafrancia basillica for the first time and i was lucky too since the mass was in Tagalog. I hope my wish will come true. One thing unfamiliar though....It's really quiet early that day, not that many people on the streets. Ah well...

I came back to Manila last Monday via Legaspi. I was so excited to be finally able to see Mayon volcano only to be disappointed because of the cloud covering 2/3 of the volcano. Better luck next time.

random thoughts 2

My head's been a little reoccupied lately with work and other things so I'm gonna be blogging ala stuckeyvee for now...

..the results are in and this year's American Idol is Carrie! I am not surprised with the results after watching how she out-sang and out-performed Bo last night. She deserved to be declared the champion.

..It's really been hectic at work the past couple of weeks. Our company has some job prospects overseas, in the Middle East specifically and their evaluating us on who would be qualified to be stationed there. Everything's hush-hush right now coz of the delicate situation out there but I'm really excited. My boss already ruled me out on being stationed there 'coz I'll be of much needed here and there's so much to do. I'll probably just be in the inspection team before our group is sent to Ir...

..I've been really flunking my bestman duties as of date. I haven't been much help to him ever since he mentioned that'll be his right-hand man. I just hope the bachelor's party would make up for my shortcomings.

.. I've been missing my friends a lot lately. Never really had much time to meet up this past summer. I hope I could meet up with them soon!

.. summer's over and I haven't been to the beach yet, well, not really. I've been to Batangas last month but it was for work and I wasn't able to swim. I hope I could still catch the tail-end of summer somewhere. I should just hie-off to Puerto Galera one weekend, all by my lonesome, or not....

I've been waiting for you, Obi-Wan.

And so goes Darth Vader everytime I receive a text message. I've waited a score for the saga to be completed. The fanboy that I am, with all the anticipation, read every update and waited for every trailer and read all the spoilers (even Sith Lord Darth Adel's review, who initially was disappointed by Episode III). Hey, I've even personalized my cellphone for this occasion and finally, all will be complete in a few days.

I'm always easy to please when it comes to the Star Wars movies. I just ignore all that is said, good and bad and just enjoy the movie. Who knows, maybe in the future, I'll finally be able to do that Jedi Mind Trick thingie.

... You don't want to sell me death sticks...

Best Man

It’s the first time I’ve ever been a best man. Come to think of it, this’ the first time that one of my closest friends is getting married. Frankly, I still don’t know any of the best man responsibilities and I only have a few weeks left.

Cocoy and I have known one another for 20 years now. He’s the first guy I met way back in 1984 on the first day of my high school life, (except maybe some of my former classmates in grade school). He already wore eyeglasses back then so my first impression was he’s the serious type. He also brought his briefcase and all the text books one would probably need for the whole term I had a brown paper bag with my lunch and one notebook. I got to know him through a guy who used to live on the same street as ours. He was Ed’s classmate in grade school.

Looking back, the only thing that Cocoy and I have in common is our love for drawing. We love it so much that we both took the same course in college only the go in different directions midway, me thru Architecture and him thru computers and graphic design. We rarely saw one another the last few years of college because he transferred to a different school. In my fifth year though, I asked for his help with my thesis and it was only then both of us and the rest of our “barkada” was back together.

12 years removed from college, Cocoy is getting’ married, much to the relief of his mom and grandma, both of whom always chides us to settle down already. 20 years after, I finally know now, that first impressions isn’t everything, that opposites “do” attract, and no matter the time and distance, real friendships never go stale.

Congratulations Bro!

And now come the bachelor’s party, Woohoo!

Naga

The bus pulled into the terminal 2-hours delayed. It was supposed to be just an 8-hour trip but an accident in Lucena caused the delay. It’s just unfortunate that all I saw throughout the entire bus ride was pitch black. The Isarog Liner bus with lazy-boy seats left Manila at 8:45 pm Tuesday.

I’ve been looking forward to this trip ever since construction broke-ground. The first thing I noticed in Naga is the unusual number of churches in just a small area. There’s the old and new Peñafrancia Basillica, a cathedral, a few shrines, about half a dozen churches for different patrons and a seminary just outside the town. Just by looking around our project site you can already see 3 or 4 spires and bell towers in the skyline.

Being new to the area, I’ve never tried going around the city by myself, well not yet. Either I’m accompanied by my host or the contractor otherwise, it’s just me at the field office or my hotel room. Pretty boring since the nothing much can be seen from the construction. Anyways, I can always look forward to my next trip in a few weeks or so. Maybe I’ll get to see Mayon volcano this time.

Insane.

Just got back from Naga City on a work-related field trip. The 30-minute flight back from Pili is nothing compared to the 10 hour red-eye trip to Naga a couple of days ago. It's my first time to be in the Bicol region and the farthest I have gone by land. I have to report for work now after checking my messages and this one from a former classmate surely can take the stress out of this whole experience.

20 Ways to Maintain a Healthy Level of Insanity

1. At Lunch Time, Sit In Your Parked Car With Sunglasses on and point a Hair Dryer At Passing Cars. See If They Slow Down.
2. Page Yourself Over The Intercom. Don't Disguise Your Voice.
3. Every Time Someone Asks You To Do Something, Ask If They Want Fries with That.
4. Put Your Garbage Can On Your Desk And Label It "In."
5. Put Decaf In The Coffee Maker For 3 Weeks. Once Everyone Has Gotten Over Their Caffeine Addictions, Switch To Espresso.
6. In The Memo Field Of All Your Checks, Write "For Sexual Favors."
7. Finish All Your sentences with "In Accordance With The Prophecy."
8. Don't use any punctuation
9. As Often As Possible, Skip Rather Than Walk.
10. Ask People What Sex They Are. Laugh Hysterically After They Answer.
11. Specify That Your Drive-through Order Is "To Go."
12. Sing Along At The Opera.
13. Go To A Poetry Recital And Ask Why The Poems Don't Rhyme.
14. Put Mosquito Netting Around Your Work Area And Play Tropical Sounds All Day.
15. Five Days In Advance, Tell Your Friends You Can't Attend Their Party Because You're Not In The Mood. 16. Have Your Co-workers Address You By Your Wrestling Name, Rock Hard.
17. When The Money Comes Out Of The ATM, Scream "I Won!, I Won!"
18. When Leaving The Zoo, Start Running Towards The Parking Lot, Yelling "Run For Your Lives, They're Loose!!"
19. Tell Your Children Over Dinner, "Due To The Economy, We Are Going To Have To Let One Of You Go."

And The Final Way To Keep A Healthy Level Of Insanity.......
20. Send This Message To Someone To Make Them Smile...It's Called Therapy...

I normally do not forward any chain-mail but I have to take exception on this one. More on my Naga sojourn soon, I haveta take a bath now...

blog-worthy

Haven't been writing much these days. My busy sked has caught up with me because of all those work I put off last Holy week. A lot of people from my office is either going on-leave to concentrate on the review for the board exams or resigning for greener pastures. It always makes me sad when someone leaves...
One piece of advice I always give to a co-worker who's having second-thoughts about resigning is to always go where their heart tells them to and do what makes them happy. Actually It's two. Though I've made a lot of bad choices all these years, I always "try" to accept with gratitude all the things that happen in my life, even if it is something bad. This is something I picked-up after a bad stretch a few years back. I'm okay now, so far, and even though I'm still waiting for a "life-changing event" to shake me up, I'm thankful I've made it this far.

random thoughts 01- FRIENDS overload!

I just finished watching 6 different episode of FRIENDS yesterday, starting with the pilot and the 2nd episodes on ETC at 7am, an episode from the 10th season on ABC 5, one from the 9th on ETC again and 2 episodes from the 6th (I think) on Star Workd. Can't get enough of the gang. now almost a year has passed since the finale. Anyway, while watching a rain-drenched Rachel burst into Central Perk I wondered...

1. If Rachel didn't ran away from the altar and still gotten married, FRIENDS could have been a tele-novela.

2. If the wedding was interrupted by a gun-toting Ross kidnaps her, It could have been an Action-drama.

3. If Rachel couldn't look straight at the altar and faints when the priest splashes them with Holy water, it is a horror-suspense show.

4. After exchanging I do's, the church doors burst open and the nave's flooded with a bright ligh. When the lights faded, the bride was abducted by aliens. It's a sci-fi and mystery program.

After wasting this much brain activity on something pointless, serves me right that I find myself late for work again.

something else..

I can't believe the weekend's over! I haven't done anything significant, except cleaning my room or catalouging my collections. Besides that, I basically just stationed myself in front of the TV before my work schedule catch-up with me.

I chatted with my friend who's stationed in Thailand last night. I was really bummed out that I haven't got any news to tell him, because i haven't been going out with the gang lately. I have work was my reason as always. When he asked about my social life and guess what I answered with.. work. I told him that I'm gonna run out of work excuses someday and it scares me. I need a change of pace or anything. Something drastic.

I'm a little bit passive-aggressive. I do not really make the bold choices but the safe choices. I've always wondered how it would be like to just "grab a spoon" and to hell with what everyone says. I'm really thankful with what I have but I cannot always make the safe choices. I'll probably have that opportunity soon and pray I won't be afraid to make my decision.

Reset

It’s that time of the year again. It’s the Holy Week break and I now have time to “organize” my things or simply put, clean my room. The 4-day weekend really gives me the time to sort, set or throw away stuff I’ve accumulated the past year. I have more reason now because my stuff was thrown around when the firefighters was putting out the flames a few weeks ago. I hope I will have enough time to complete the things I’ve set out to do this time, even if I have to put up with some OC tendencies when it comes to my junk.

Close call…

The moment the 2 missed calls warning flashing in my cellphone, I knew something was wrong. It was my Mom and my sister trying to call me. I tried calling but no one was answering. I called the house, still no answer. Every minute that passed my anxiety grew. When I was able to contact my sister, she immediately gave me the news I dreaded to hear…

“Kuya, umuwi ka agad. Nasusunog yung kapitbahay natin sa likod.”

There are only a few things that I worry about and this was one of them. I worry about our house burning down and I’m away at work. On the taxi ride home I mumbled my prayers silently “Please God, let everything be alright.” Along the way I tried to see if the traffic signaled a large fire, which I’m praying it isn’t. The traffic was normal for the afternoon rush. Good. I looked for traces of smoke, there was none. Good, good. As the cab drew closer the traffic became heavier, bad, but the absence of smoke lessened my worries for the moment. I got off a couple of blocks away and from afar can already see the long stretch of fire engines at our street and the next. I walked as fast as I could and my neighbors are outside on our drenched street, some with their belongings and some cleaning the mess. The sight of our house intact was a relief amid the smell of burnt wood that was washed down. It’s 3:45 in the afternoon.

I entered to see my Mom and sister trying to make put away some of the mess. Our wet floor gave the impression that the firefighters fought the flames from our backyard, (and as I found out later, from our roof). I immediately went to our backyard and saw our neighbors’ damaged house. The entire 3rd floor was burned along with some of the 2nd floor. I don’t know if it’s a good or bad thing that no one’s home when the fire started. The fire actually started from the house on a diagonal from ours. Subsequent nosing around led me to the news that an aircon “exploded” at around 3 in the afternoon.

I always dread when March comes around, it being “Fire-Awareness Month” (which was previously Fire Prevention Month). Whoever thought of institutionalizing the slogan should be “institutionalized”. I figure it’s like saying the Titanic was unsinkable.

I’m really thankful that the only damage we have is water-borne. Living in Manila has made me resilient to water. I can take on the floods anytime.

Wedding Poem by Carrie Bradshaw

His hello was the end of her endings,
Her laugh was their first step down the aisle.
His hand would be hers to hold forever,
His forever was as simple as her smile.

An ocean couldn’t prevent it.
A New York minute wouldn’t let it pass.
Does the universe decide for us,
Which love will fade and which will last.

He said she was what was missing.
She said she instantly new.
She was a question to be answered.
And his answer was “I do.”

*found this in the SATC coffee table book. Just wanna share it with everyone and anyone, especially 2 of my friends who'll be gettin' hitched later this year.

sideways

It's been a boring stretch for quite sometime now. Nothing really happening, nothing unusual. Just work, day in and day out, sometimes even on the weekend (which reminds me, I still have to finish something). Highlight of the week is I was sort of "promoted" at work. My boss has deemed it right to let me in on the profit-sharing thing, which means. no more deductions for being late. (Wohoo!) No more overtime pay either (Boooo!)
Much of my routine this year is work all week and play on the weekends. Badminton every Friday, being it my only physical activity for the time being and probably a movie or night out on Saturday or a Sunday.
I saw "Sideways" yesterday at the Gateway Cineplex 10 at the Araneta Center. I had a hard time choosing which flick to watch, having to choose between Ray and Sideways or watching Phantom again, but this time from the beginning. I went to see Sideways, it being the earliest of the 3 to come on.
I don't know how to describe it. It's a light comedy with a bittersweet ending set-up in California Wine country. It stars Paul Giamatti, Thomas Haden Church, Virginia Madsen and Sandra Oh. Thomas is really funny in this and Virginia is still beautiful inspite the long absence from the movie scene. And it's a movie about wine.
I couldn't get why it was titled "Sideways" until I saw the movie. I figure when you're not going up or down, you just move sideways, much like what I am, growing "sideways". Hehehe.

the Phantom....

Before the heading reminds you of a purple-clad Billy Zane super hero movie back in the days (with a very young Catherine Zeta-Jones), well , this isn't.
After meeting up with some clients last weekend, I've finally been able to see this big-screen adaptation of the hit musical "The Phantom of the Opera." I intended to see on a Saturday but the screening schedule at the Gateway Cineplex is strict and they do not allow moviegoers to enter if the flick has already begum. Good thing my friend V couldn't accept the invitation to watch or it would have blown up in my face.
I don't have any expectations in seeing this adaptation. One reason is I've never seen it live. I've only listened to it through the original Broadway cast recording (while reading the accompanying libretto), what I know only my imagination provided. Another reason is I haven't read any of the movie write-ups and so I don't know if the actors are the one's singing. Anyway, I came, I watched and I am satisfied with what I saw. Nevermind if Joel Schumacher directed it, it was always the songs that's a hit with the audience, be it live or on screen. It also helps to have Emma Rossum as Christine, and also Jennifer Ellison as Meg (looking like a very young Rebecca de Mornay). There are scenes that I saw where exactly as I imagined and some isn't. There were some characters which I could not recall and I wonder if Andrew Lloyd Webber added a new song just for the movie. I will have to read up on this some more on this, but in the meantime, I must see it again, this time, right from the beginning.
Gentlemen....

red letter day

I've always wondered why there isn't any person or character associated with not loving this occassion. Christmas has it's Scrooge, or the Grinch, Valentine's Day doesn't have any, (or maybe there is someone except I just haven't heard of him, or her.)
It's been quite awhile since I went out on a Valentine's Day date with a girl I really, really want to spend that day with. I've had pre-valentine's or post valentine's date with casual friends or very good friends. Maybe it comes natural to me to avoid going out on certain occassions to avoid the hassle of the over-booked, over-crowded restaurants. Maybe there's some other reason that only exists in my subconscious.
A very long time ago, when most of us in our barkada were still unattached and single, we agreed that all of us would go out on a V-Day's date as couples just for the experience. We never did go out though. Guess there's just wasn't as many girls to us guys.
Probably the reason why there isn't a Valentine's Day Scrooge is , to quote a line from a song, nobody wants to be lonely. Hey, I could be wrong.
I'l probably be sitting out on this year's Valentine's, it being a Monday and all. This year may not be the last but I'm sure it won't last a lifetime.
Happy Valentine's to all the "single-detached" persons out there.

I've been tagged!

I've been tagged by Mano.

Random 10
01. Kahit sandali by Jennylyn Mercado
02. The Same Love by The Jets
03. Mata by Mojofly
04. Drive myself crazy by N-Sync
05. Wag dyan by D Bodies
06. Vertigo by U2
07. Could we by Gary V. & Zsa Zsa P.
08. Music of the Night by Michael Ball
09. Tatooed on my mind by D' Sound
10. Boulevard of Broken Dreams by Greenday

What is the total amount of music files on your computer?
roughly about 85Mb

The last CD you bought is...
John Mayer's Room for square's and Chicago's Greatest Hits vols. I & II

What was the last song you listened to before this post?
You'll be safe here by Rivermaya (courtesy of MYX)

Write down five songs you listen to a lot or mean a lot to you:
01. Two Solitudes by Level 42
02. Real Love by Paulina da Costa
03. Do you love me by Clair Marlo
04. Don't let him steal your heart away by Phil Collins
05. Sometimes by The Carpenters

Who are you gonna pass this on to? [3 persons and why.]
01. Cocoy - 'coz he's the real music junkie in our group and he really knows a lot about music
02. Mhel - 'coz he loves listening to songs and asks about the title all the time. It's about time he remembers them.
03. Ada - 'coz to those who know me won't ask why.

Two and a half gatherings

It's been awhile since I last posted. Ijust had a bad few weeks lately, I'm feeling down and I realized, It's just one of those stretches that I have to get over with, but things have picked up a notch the past few days.

I just came from a family "reunion" of sorts yesterday. We haven't done this for quite awhile and it was long overdue. Twas a double celebration of sorts, first is my uncle has finally invited us to there new home in Tagaytay, the one which I designed and it was my first time to see the house finished and furnished. Second, a cousin of mine is coming home after 5 plus years of "working" in the US of A.

About the house. IT WAS GREAT! No special thanks to me but to my aunt who did the interior decorations. Leave it to her to have their home "shabby chic". When she asked me if I expected the house to look as it is, I responded with a YES, but for the exterior only. I was amazed when I entered the house and saw something straight out of a magazine. She did great job and It made me look good. A little self indulgent on my part but hey, who cares. Our family shared lunch and snacks on the cool Tagaytay weather before we parted and promised to come back real soon.

I went to another kind of gathering later that evening. It was less cheerful than the first one. A friend of mine's Mom passed away a few nights earlier and I went to the wake to see how she's holding up. There's nothing as hurtful as when a parent dies. It's something all of us will encounter at some point. I lost my Dad a long time ago and it still stings once in a while. I told E about how family and relatives always get to meet on weddings and funerals. I pray that she gets passed this even though I know you can't get over something like this, you just get used to it.

Early the following morning, I'm online for a scheduled chat with my high school buddies. This is our first time meeting this way. For some old timers like ourselves, It's one step towards our 20th year out of high school. Sadly though, the YM applet on my computer doesn't work. I'll just have to be a wallflower on this one, hoping the next time will be with them not in spirit but in the flesh.

helpless..

Ever had that feeling that everything is changing and there's nothing you can do about it? Or You want to do something but you just can't. I've been in that situation for a few days now. I want to have everything stay as they are but things have changed and there's nothing I can do. I pray that God will give me inspiration on what to do...

... and accept the things that I cannot change!

Connecting People.

It's amazing how this tag line from Nokia has become a reality nowadays. Gone are the days when you can say I couldn't reach you because you were "out of the house." After a couple of weeks droning at work in the office and more work at home, my weekend turn out very eventful than I had expected.

Coming home on a Friday night after playing badminton with my officemates (as part of my 2005 resolutions), I would normally have taken a shower and gone to bed, but I decided to check my mails while waiting for FRIENDS on StarWorld. I never did get to check my mails because 2 of my friends' also online and we've begun chatting. It would normally have been the 3 of us goofing around but 1 on them has a dilemma with another friend from a group. It was about a girl. He's asking for our opinion on what's the best thing to do with a situation like that. The conversation was serious for about 2 minutes and it turned crazy, as always when where "talking" to one another. Too bad I had to work the next day or else.

Saturday, after work, I also "bumped" into a friend I haven't seen or spoke to for awhile. She left for the States in 1998, or was it 1999 and hasn't come home yet. Though we only spoke a short while, she was able to relay us the good news that she already gave birth to her 2nd boy a few weeks prior. We spoke for a few minutes more before telling me she has to sleep already.

I'm really thankful that it's easier to keep in touch with anyone nowadays. No matter where you are, you're never out of reach, except maybe when you're in hell. No phones there, I figure.

Absolut hit.

I had these made as Christmas giveaways. wasn't sure back then if it'll be a hit but thankfully, they all liked it.

Ocean's 12.

They're back. They're all back! Finally, the long overdue Ocean's 12 advanced screening was shown a few nights ago the the Podium after BF disallowed it to be shown during the film festival. The tickets were given for free by a leading cable provider to some loyal subscribers. Luckilly for me, I was able to get one even though we're not very loyal.
The sequel is as good as the first one, technically. The scenes and dialogue were sharp and funny. I didn't enjoy this one as much but I did find it funnier than Ocean's 11, even if I managed to doze off for about 15 minutes midway through. Stupid me. I just have to catch it again one of these days, serves me right for not paying attention.

WoW!

Vertigo by U2

"The night is full of holesThose bullets rip the skyOf ink with goldThey twinkle as the boys play rock and roll" In 2004 you partied so hard... you forgot how to count.

What 2004 Hit Song Are You?

Fun's Over!

Sigh. It's Monday already and for most of us, It's back to work and back to reality. I wish there were more time to goof around but, that's life. I' just have to suck it up.
I need to plan my week 'coz I left a lot of things in the air on the finals workday 'coz my mind is already on vacation mode even though i'm at work (hehehe). I have to list them all so that I won't start 2005 screwing things up. I do have something to look forward to though 'coz I'll be able to attend the Ocean's 12 preem in a couple of days.
Did some last minute shopping yesterday. I bought 5 shirts and a pair of pants. 4 of those shirts are are for work since some of my old ones have shrunk already. One nice thing is everything is still on sale. I wasn't able to buy the new pair of shoes that I planned, one for work and one for play. I'll just have to do it another time. I also have to get my own badminton racquet before my sister stops lending me hers.
I hope I get things on the right track, start on the right foot and be on the right path this year amd hopefully, things will turn out fine.

2005

I never thought I'll make it to 2005!

I always thought by this year, I already have kids, probably 2 already. Sigh. Anywho, all the firecrackers have ceased and it's all quiet now. I'm online so whoever's calling the house will get a busy line.

A shout-out to all of my friends, relatives, co-workers and acquaintances, you know who you are...

Happy New Year!