Tell me how to breathe.

Because bringing my camera proved to be futile, my short stories would have to suffice for now until I get copies of the pictures we took from Ate Peachy.

Nobody probably wants to know what happened to my activities scheduled for the weekend, but I'd blog about it anyway, simply because I can't imagine how I got through every single day without passing out!


28 December 2007 (Friday)

I had six schedule activities last Friday and because I have to admit that I have no superhuman powers, I got only three of them done.

My 8 AM PCASTRD trip happened 6 hours late, so I ended up rushing to attend the Parish Youth Ministry's Christmas party for the less fortunate kids which was supposed to start at 1 PM. I was able to make it to the party's venue; however, the party was nearly done when I got there.

In the evening, my whole family met up with Tito Boy, Tita Alice, and Kristina to watch a stand-up comedy in Quezon City. We were all laughing so hard the whole night! Man, the gays were hilarious! When we went home at around 3 AM, the show was not even over yet!


29 December 2007 (Saturday)

Because we went home late the night before, I expected myself to wake up late too on a lazy Saturday. I wasn't able to attend to my thesis and our Tagaytay was called off the last minute, so I thought I'd bum the whole day... that was until my whole family (including my cousins) suddenly decided to schedule a dinner with Tito Boy and his family, which means I had to miss both my originally scheduled Christmas parties for the night!

We had dinner at Hula Hula in Alabang and had desserts at Cafe Breton. Had the chance to chat with Kristina that night. It's always nice to bond with a cousin who's in Manila for the first time.

At 12 AM, my night was far from over as Leah picked me up to hang out at Starbucks Sucat Road. You know naman, girls would always have time to do a little chit chat called girl talk, take note, no matter how tired/busy/insane they are! Haha!


30 December 2007 (Sunday)

Of course, waking up on a Sunday is the best! It's 11 AM and nobody really cares!

Anyway, we went to the Manalangsang family reunion in Tayuman for lunch. Cousins, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews -- name it! Everybody was there! We could never miss this gathering ever! Too bad Ate Ricca, Tita Thess, and Tito Bong can only watch us from the webcam! You guys MUST join us in the flesh next year!

Siyempre, a Filipino gathering can never be complete without karaoke! Kesehodang wala sa tono. Mom even danced to my "I Will Survive" song. Karaoke surely gets everyone hyped up! Even Kristina sang Tagalog songs!

I left a few hours later because (argh!) I needed to attend an interview in (eeeep!) Las Piñas for my Aussie trip next year. I wished it was scheduled in the morning and not at 4:30 PM because we wanted to go shopping pa and bond some more with Tito Boy, Tita Alice, and Kristina (since they've been gone for so long and they're leaving for the US later today).

After the interview, me and my mom went back to Tayuman to pick up Tito Boy and his family and bring them to Market! Market!/Serendra/Bonifacio High Street for a last-minute bonding/shopping time. I'd love to show them around but we got there pretty late na so they were not able to do much shopping. Good thing Tita was able to buy the accessories she was looking for since she got here and some pasalubong for friends back in the US.

We wanted to stroll around High Street, but we unfortunately have to go back ASAP to the hotel where they were staying at in Manila because a family friend of theirs was waiting for them to send some last-minute regards.


SO THERE. Haaaay.

I don't wanna forget about what happened to the last few days of my 2007, so I am making sure I post these things before the year ends. I promise to post detailed stories (as if this isn't detailed enough!) as soon as I get the pics from Ate Peachy.

A part of me is jumping for joy right now because I can finally breathe after a tiring (but super fun!) weekend. A part of me is sad, well, because I really don't like ending years. It's like saying goodbye to all the good things that went by.

I am off to hit the sack now. Hopefully, I get the chance to do a year-ender later. Can't do it now, I feel like my head's spinning non-stop. Give me some time to put it back in place. Tata!

Try my shoes

28 December 2007 (Friday)

1. Submit PCASTRD letter (8 AM)
2. Go to school for experiment (8 AM to 5 PM)
3. Parish Youth Ministry's Christmas party for the less fortunate kids (1 PM - 5 PM)
4. Hannah's request: Visit Lia in the afternoon (probably around 2 PM and onwards)
5. Shopping again with Tita Alice (?) (after lunch)
6. Comedy bar with Tito Boy and his family (evening)


29 December 2007 (Saturday)

1. Go to school for experiment (8 AM to 5 PM)
2. Tagaytay with Tito Boy and the whole family (lunch till afternoon)
3. Lectors and Commentators Christmas party (7 PM)
4. Better Living DWTL Christmas Party (8 PM)
5. Poker/Gambling night (9 PM and onwards)


30 December 2007 (Sunday)

1. Manalangsang family reunion (whole day)
2. Aussie WYD screening (4 PM)
3. Poker/Gambling night (9 PM and onwards)


Should I start breaking myself into pieces now? How in the world will I do/attend all these?!

Kill me, please! NOW NA!

Happy Birthday, Kuya Jess!

Wow! Your 2007th B-day!

Thank you for keeping me sane all these years. Thank you for always rocking my world! Happy birthday, Kuya Jess!

And to everyone else who visits my blog, may you have a joyous Christmas filled with love and peace. Merry Christmas to you and your families!

3rd devil down

Yes, another devil has fallen.

After Hannah was side-swiped by an 18-wheeler along SLEX...

After Lia got herself into some serious foot ligament injury caused by PUV carelessness along Alabang Zapote Road...

It's my turn!

After 5 years since I learned how to drive, I got myself into a very minor car accident for the first time yesterday. As Mom was about to get off to buy some meds in the drugstore, a CRV accidentally hit our car while it was backing off. The driver probably didn't notice us parked behind, and his mind was probably somewhere else because I kept honking to make him stop and wait for me to move my car first, yet he still went on.

The CRV's driver admitted his mistake and told us he was looking only at the right side mirror so he really didn't notice us. I thought the damage was huge because it made a pretty big cracking sound. Buti nalang it produced only a small dent on the right side of the car just above the rear wheel. I let Mom talk things out with him because I was really annoyed and pissed... I might let out the bitch in me eh. Good thing din na small lang yung dent and the guy agreed to pay for the damage he caused.

I tell you, the feeling was terrible as you see your car being hit. Traumatic talaga. In fact, on the way home, I was paranoid that all cars coming near me will hit me!

So... I am the third of the evil girls to fall. Two more are left. Be careful, both of you! They're out to get us! Haha!

Catch a falling star and put it in your pocket

Another Friday of a DWTL Weekend had gone by. It may be the start of a life changing experience for the 18 participants, but as for me, it was another fulfilling Friday where I shared a piece of myself with two youngsters, a lady and a gentleman. =)

The venue was in a heaven located along the uphill road of Antipolo, a place where stars seem so close when you gaze up on them. While I was doing the activity for Friday night, I observed 14 FALLING STARS right in the dark sky above me! It was my first time ever to see such beauty, not to mention the abundance of it last night! It was a meteor shower!

Jess must be telling me that He's all over the place, watching and guiding us through the tough night. Thank you, Kuya. You have never failed us. Basta ikaw. =)

+BiL+

Comfort foods

I was tagged by Arlene from way back in my other blog and I had the time to do it just now. A tag on my comfort foods... yumyum! Haha! This is so right for me! Thanks, Arlene!

First would be DONUTS! Krispy Kreme, Go Nuts, or even just Mister Donut! I love them all! In fact, I just ate two donut twists (chocoloate and coffee) from Mister Donut before doing this post. And by the way, not just donuts ha... donuts with chocolate milk drink! Haha! Carbo overload!

Second would be ice cream! Mango or mocha or chocolate flavor. Actually, any flavor is fine with me as long as it's creamy and yummy!

Third would be chips! Junk food! I have a sweet tooth, so I prefer those with a sweet twist. Chips go with a good cold cola.. I'd be a happy girl if you give me chips with Coke or Pepsi!

Feel free to snatch this tag!

Bumming for the Nth time

I am staying home today after a tiring morning I spent at the Department of Foreign Affairs. I got my passport renewed and to actually be able to do that, I had to stand in line for hours with the overwhelming number of people who are planning to get their butts out of the homeland! In fact, I started to work things out with DFA since Friday because of my "hold departure" thingie! I shall share with you stories from this adventure of mine next time.

Goodbye 1992 passport. Maroon, machine-readable passport, I shall wait for you.

I will be watching ANTM's 12th episode for now. Tata!

We grew up in the era where Jollibee is more than just a bee

He (or she?! Did you guys ever wonder if Jollibee's a guy or a gal? I did! And I still do!) was a sweetheart. Ulkkk.

I was digging through some old photos when I spotted something I could use to blackmail my brother Abi. This pic was taken during his 7th birthday some 17 years ago at Jollibee Binondo branch. Look who was closey-closey with the bee...

The big, thick glasses. The printed polo shirt. The black leather belt. The grey pants. Plus, the black leather shoes (not seen in this pic, but can be seen in the pic below). HAHAHAHAHAHA!

Oh my. At the age of 7... Dang! What was Mom and Dad thinking? I think Abi's aware of his fashion preference then, but what he probably doesn't know is that it will someday find its way online.

Sige na nga Abi, so you wouldn't feel too bad about this, here's my closey pic with Jollibee too. Pero siyempre, with you in the pic parin! *evil laugh*

I was in my Sunday best diyan ha! With matching patent leather white slip ons and white socks with ruffles! Hahaha!

You guys should watch out for more of our "old time" pics. I think I'd be doing regular entries on this topic!

The gods have spoken

And they said no, the universe is not conspiring for your success, you assuming biatch!

My presentation makes me feel crap. I feel like I'm not going to finish this post grad course in a million years! And it's not helping that I am pioneering this study! That's supposed to be a good thing in the first place!

I know that instead of whining, I should go and prove to myself that I CAN! I know I CAN naman eh, it's just that I am so depressed with the situation now. I am at the stage of my life that I truly feel that my back is against the wall. It's just for now, so please let me feel this way: I am doomed to fail.

Tomorrow is a new day I can't wait to face.

I live another day

Okay. Remember what's killing me lately?

I was assigned to present my research updates tomorrow, but for some crazy reason held by the One that makes the universe turn, I have been saved from Doomsville. The presentation has been moved to Thursday, 6 December. Yeahhh!

Actually, there are two major reasons why my presentation is not pushing through tomorrow. One, my adviser will not be around and there's no way I'm going to present without him. Two, the research center staff members need to leave early for a commitment, so nobody will facilitate the reporting.

If you ask me, I'd like to think of it this way: the research gods see my agony and have decided to spare me this time. Thank you, thank you. I'm sure you know how I badly need more time to prepare myself for this.

Funny how things are starting to go my way now -- they usually don't! Maybe the universe is finally conspiring for my success. *insert millions of crossed fingers here*

We'll see. =)

ANTM Cycle 9: Episode 11

I have been following the current cycle of America's Next Top Model through YouTube, and I have to say that this cycle has become a little less than what I expected it to be.

No, I am not talking about that cycle being shown in ETC. Last time I checked, we were 2 cycles late, no thanks to geography. Friends have told me that ETC is now showing cycle 8, but that's a past cycle concluded even before August of this year.

Anyway, episode 11 of cycle 9 had Heather saying goodbye after her so-so chinese princess shoot and a very poor performance with the Go Sees. I honestly think it was time for Heather to go home since she was going down from week to week. It's true that she takes amazing photos, no doubt about that, but that's because she has a face that "the camera loves," and she need not exert too much effort on her poses. We all know that a pretty face is not enough to get her through the business.

Heather's pre-season futuristic shot

Heather's second photo shoot: Couture Rock Climbing

Don't get me wrong, I do like Heather, and for a time I thought she'd win this competition. What I do not like about her is that she became so used to being on top, that a single negative critique stressed the hell out of her and it obviously affected her performance in the competition. What frustrates me more is that she's using her Asperger's syndrome (a mild version of ADHD) as an excuse for her poor performance. It could've been better if she used her condition to prove that she has what it takes to become a model and her disability can not stop her from being one.

Well, I guess Heather's just not ready for the punches of the modeling industry. I'm afraid it's something she can't handle.

By the way, why in world is Bianca still in the competition? She should've gone home even before Lisa or Ambreal did. I dunno what Tyra sees in her. She's stiff and not fierce at all. Plus, she looks sleepy in most of her photos.

With the way things are going, looks like Saleisha is going to win this cycle. Jenah might be the runner up. Honestly, I don't like Saleisha's do; it isn't edgy for her features. And I think she still has that girl-next-door look that isn't modelish at all. On the other hand, Jenah's extensions are, ermm, messy actually. I hope she had them removed as soon as they finished shooting the cycle.

My final two

Only four are left. Let's see who's going home next week. Meanwhile, check out Heather's portfolio by clicking this.

Tag you!

Tag! I have another filler for my blog. Yay!

FiVe tHiNgs foUnd in My bAg :

- red magic wallet
- polka-dotted umbrella (never go without it!)
- my techie kit (holds my phone, iPod, hamburger speakers, Palm Z22, and my extra phone in case I get held up! Haha!)
- a bundle of keys
- my fan! (As in pamaypay! Galit ako sa init eh!)

FivE tHinGs foUnd iN my waLLet:

- cash
- credit card
- ATM card
- Driver's License
- receipts

fiVe ThingS fOunD In My RoOm:

- books! lots of em!
- double-deck bed (I get the one on top!)
- aircon
- my beloved shoe rack
- my study table

FivE thIngS I've aLwaYs waNteD to dO:

- learn how to wake board
- represent my country in one event (scientific or not)
- get my PhD
- drive a truck
- travel to Brazil

fIve tHinGs I'm cuRrEntly iNto:

- doing endless reports!
- shopping! (I have to agree with Ate Ricca!)
- doing paid opps
- music, music, and more music
- bum around

I tag:

- anybody who wants to grab this tag!