Now Open

The long effing wait is finally over...

Marc by Marc Jacobs is now open at Greenbelt 5!

U2's Coexist

Some graphitti was written up on a wall not too far from here
It says coexist
Jesus, Jew, Mohammed, it's true
Jesus, Jew, Mohammed, it's true
All sons of Abraham
Father Abraham, Father Abraham
Where are you now
Father Abraham, look what you've done
You've pitted your son against your son
Father, Father Abraham
No more, no more, no more
No more, no more, no more
No more, no more, no more
No more, no more

Amidst Rice Crisis

Some would bluntly coin it as a sin or a devil in disguise, others would literally snob it – but as for me, I have embraced it and would take it with so much gusto. There’s nothing on earth that will make me stop eating rice. I love it served plain and quite hot.

It was only during my late high school days that I have learned to love my physique. I am petite and my curves are on the right places. Some would say, I am blessed with such wonderful “twins” and “lower cheeks” – to think that I am pretty slim. Growing up, I always wonder how come I was never on the heavy side. I was never cute – with such super chubby cheeks and flabby arms to boot but I have my nice “frame”, expressive eyes from Dad and pointed nose from Mom.

Although I can eat two cups of rice in one sitting, I don’t gain weight. Promise, I eat like a rockstar or a carpenter or those men who work in Pier who can carry tons of whatever on their shoulders. I have tried taking some gain weight pills and am still drinking milk every effing day but still to no avail.

Lately, I have been experiencing stress like no other or maybe I am just not used to dealing with so many things to do in one go. Yesterday was one of those really heavy days – everything is priority and I am having a hard time deciding which should go first. And then it happened. I skipped lunch and the moment I realized I haven’t eaten anything yet after a heavy breakfast, my knees suddenly got weak and my roaring carpenter side got hold of me. Before I knew it, I was already taking my third rice and my one piece chicken wing was still sufficed. Hilarious, I know but that’s me.

I look back and would still catch myself smiling or sometimes laughing about me eating three cups of rice in one sitting with just a piece of chicken wing.

Amazing!

Busy Bee

With my super hectic schedule everyday, it is a blessing that I could find time to text people with simple Hi or even have the guts to text back (and am not even a text addict). Yeah, I know – being a busy bee in the corporate world is crazy but fulfilling enough both tangibles and intangibles… at least for me and for now.

Yesterday, I caught myself having these text exchanges with an old friend, Kiko who was just “worried” about my sudden silence online – I don’t write on my blog and post pictures and videos for closest friends to see.

Kiko: What’s up?
K: Hey Kiks! I am good. How are you?
Kiko: How am I? Eh ikaw nga itong tahimik…
K: Ha? Those who think I am tahimik are those who don’t know me at all. Labo mo ah. ;)
Kiko: No, I mean. Suddenly quiet ka online kasi,
K: I see. Honga, quiet nga akow lately. Work is tiring eh. I don’t have the time to publish

online whatever I have written on my journal. Sensha naman.

Kiko: Hahaha. Kaya naman pala. You haven’t written much on your blog and haven’t posted

ew pictures.

K: Ano ba yan?! Feeling ko celebrity akow ha. Haha. While I have a life online, I don't live there

kaya I can stay offline for as long as I want. The real world is more fun and colorful. Wala

naman ako secret life eh.

Kiko: Got it. Musta work? Blah...

This text exchange lasted for almost an hour. While my left hand was busy sending text messages using 2 mobile phones (of course, not at the same time), my right hand was used for sending fax messages, replying to email messages and reviewing reports on the computer. Call it multitasking, baby.
So to my closest friends who are wondering whatever is happening to me lately, my utmost thanks for even bothering to wonder. I appreciate the texts, notes on my blog and email forwards – I am just so caught up with work.

I cannot wait for another holiday!

Beautiful Day

Few hours after our plane landed from Bicol to Manila last April 6th, Hon and I have decided to watch U2 concert 3D version in IMAX Theater, MOA – which surprisingly cost us around a thousand bucks. The last time I checked, an IMAX Theater ticket costs around 350 bucks only… how time effing flies! Oh well.

Although I love their songs and the wonderful messages they’re trying to convey (hey, Bono is not only a great musician but a humanitarian as well), I still don’t quite consider myself a fan – unlike my Mom and beau. I can only think of one culprit – my age (I was born 1983). You see, during their heydays, I was not even born yet – or maybe I was too young to appreciate rock and probably too busy with Francine Pascals’ writings, art classes, skateboarding and Matchbox.

Now, back to the concert… it was absolutely great. With our huge, orange 3D glasses on, Hon and I caught ourselves singing our hearts out with our heads banging every so often. I was surprised that I actually know their songs by heart – and I don’t even consider myself a fan!

Now, there are some whispers going on that U2 is having a concert here in Manila (I heard, it is still under negotiation) before the year ends and am suspecting that the ticket prices will hurt some purses and bank accounts. And as early as February, Hon has been nudging me that we spare some bucks for this concert. I can only give him a smirk and that look in my eyes – as if they’re shouting, “the last time I checked, am saving up for my wedding or whatever.”

Uhm. Before I start blabbing nonsense, I suggest that you check this U2 3D out, feel the Buenos Aires breeze and sing “Beautiful Day…”

Supposedly Bad

I just pulled the plug;
The exchanges are no longer enticing.
More words meant more pain and tears now.
I have to retreat;
For this is not the battle I should be tackling.

The trembling sound of your voice -
Words we use - degrading;
Surprisingly, I have gotten used to it.
I started wondering -
What else should I be doing to make it right?

I have changed a lot;
While, I still bask on certain goodness -
I fear that they’re never enough;
An old self opens her mouth, saying - “just paddle on”
My current self has started to argue -
“But I am getting tired!”

Am I becoming someone I am not supposed to be?
Or this is just another phase; this’ll pass.
Still I wonder - must I always have to ask for a permission -
Is it okay to talk; to be hugged; to be caressed?
Tell me.

Suddenly, I no longer know what to fight for;
Or why I am even fighting just to be heard.
Heard myself almost shouting and cursing;
I am no longer my old self -
Evolved; evolution - whatever.

The talking should stop, I suppose;
Teach myself to be tougher like a wicked man.
Love myself more; forget about the miseries;
My gut is shouting; this’ll be over.
I should just zip it; just shut up.

...
Or maybe, I am just a bad person.

Bicol Adventure: Mt. Mayon

For some strange reason, on the day Hon and I were supposed to leave Donsol, the ever elusive sun just started shining so bright. While on the road going to Legazpi, my heart started to sink and almost shouting - I want to get pretty tan lines! But as my beau stroked his hands on mine, I was assured that I will enjoy Legazpi as much as I did in Donsol.

We arrived at Legazpi around 9:30-ish and stayed at Sampaguita Tourist Inn (pardon me but I hate their shower!). After settling in, we headed straight to Pacific Mall (which is like their SM or Glorietta but it looked like a Tutuban to me) for lunch and then we headed straight to see Mt. Mayon which is like around a 20-30 minute jeepney ride from the city.

By the time we got to the park, it was already around 11 and you can just imagine how hot it was at around that time. I wanted to take off my clothes and jump to the pool in the area but we didn’t bring with us our swimming clothes. Ha!

After treating ourselves for an ice cream delight, a native boy named Kenneth toured us around, took most of our pictures and would explain every nook and cranny of the area. He was God sent. I loved that boy.

After picture taking, we rested for awhile as we wait for Mt. Mayon to show us its wonderful glory. Mt. Mayon was slightly being covered by the clouds - we were told that it was raining in the mountain.

As soon as the clouds slightly cleared up, we were already standing in awe of how lovely Mt. Mayon is - with its perfect cone and wonderful earthly colors; we were all captured by its beauty like no other.

And when the day was over, I could still picture the overwhelmingly beauty of the Butandings and Mt. Mayon. I may not have the perfect tan lines I was hoping for but I am quite stuffed with the memories of such wonderful creations. Such an experience is worthy of the Greeks.

Bicol Adventure: Butanding

It was my beau’s idea that we celebrate our 5th Anniversary with the Butandings in Donsol. At first, I actually didn’t quite like the idea of swimming with the Butandings. I mean, I have always loved the water and have tried a number of water sports but the idea of swimming in the same water where these giant whale sharks live scare the wits out of me.

Although we were both excited to be out of the metro (we booked everything in January, we flew to Bicol first week of April), as the days went by, we both share an awful feeling of jumping off a boat and swim with these giant whale sharks.

To keep my sanity quite intact, I did my homework - researched everything I need to know about these Butandings. Seriously, I don’t want to be eaten alive by these creatures. I mean, to be eaten by something super big as that is not that glamorous.

From Legazpi Airport, we went straight to Dancalan, Donsol and stayed at Casa Bianca (owned by Donsol's Vice Mayor Jun Belmonte). In 2 days, we were able to see such lovely fireflies and of course, swimming with 6 Butandings (Yeah, the stars were with us!).

It was a cloudy and rainy Friday morning when we went to the Tourism area where we have ourselves registered to swim with the Butandings. We shared our rented boat with 5 others - Vinnie, James, their Mom, Abby and Owen (both Americans living in Mindoro, working for Peace Corps). With us were 3 wonderful boatmen.

There was this sudden rush and crazy circling in my whole body every time our guide would yell, “Get ready. Jump! Jump! Jump!” And like a good soldier, I have completely forgotten about my fear of these giant creatures, armed with a pair of fins, a snorkel, a mask and a really brave heart, I jumped off the boat (without a life best on) several times - embraced such an experience of being in the same water as the Butandings.

It was quite tiring for me, I had some troubles with my fins - but that did not stop me from reaching for my goal at that moment. Truly, it was a wonderful experience that I wouldn’t mind sharing the story with others.

Such an experience simply reminded me of how blessed the Filipinos are. This is a wonderful country despite of the “little troubles” we’re facing now.

I am glad and super proud to be a Filipino.

Up next: Bicol Adventure: Mt. Mayon

Loving Donsol

We're loving this adventure!

Butanding

My legs were hurting at the time this was taken.

The group shot (from R-L): Moi, Hon, Abby, Owen, Vinnie, James and their Mom.

Sitting on a "banca".

I took this shot while nursing a muscle cramp. Haha.