Rollercoaster Weekend

Saturday, 26 January


It was my transition day off. We're going to have a different schedule at work. I had brunch with some of my friends from work because I won't be seeing some of them for the meantime because of the changes in work schedule. We ate at the Seafood Market in Macapagal Highway. It was really fun. The food was great and we even had a chance to listen to some of my friends sing in the videoke. Of course, it won't be complete without wacky photo ops. Click this to view the album.






After the brunch, I met with Ian and my sis in nearby Mall of Asia. We were planning to watch a movie but then we're going to miss the sunset in Manila Bay, so we skipped it and hung out in the bay area instead. It was way cheaper too. Haha! Watching the sun set was like witnessing a few seconds of miracle. Imagine that beauty happening everyday and we are just oblivious to its presence. I couldn't get enough pictures. Click this to view the album. Ian's pictures can be found here.







After that we strolled around and decided to check out the nearby Global Fun Carnival. I really wanted to go on the ferris wheel but then I wouldn't want to get a ride-all-you-can ticket because my stomach can't take the abrupt changes in position for some rides. It was still fun when we explored it.


Sunday, 27 January


It was my father's 66th birthday! Yay! We ate lunch at his fave resto. It has been so long since we did that. We were all so full so we decided to stroll around the nearby mall. My father treated himself to a movie and we just window-shopped. Click here to view the album





We were all having fun when my Ma received a call from the province telling her my Lola is in critical condition. She lost consciousness. I am not sure what happened but she is going to undergo tests, that's for sure. My mother was actually planning to visit her this coming March but because of what happened, she went home immediately, called her relatives there, took some money from our supposed-to-be rent payment and got a ticket. She's in Bacolod City now. I think the plane landed an hour ago. Another sudden change happened in our lives. We don't know how long my Ma's gonna stay there or how my Lola is. We're still waiting for news.


Today, 28 January


I woke up really early today. My father hadn't slept yet because he was anxious too. I was just glad it's still my day off or else I couldn't concentrate at work. I'm also glad we were able to take some pictures. The camera couldn't hide the happiness on our faces. I was just thinking about how unpredictable life is and how it is necessary to live life each day as if it were your last. At my age, it seems difficult but then again, it wouldn't hurt to try.

If You Forget Me

Ivy posted this poem in her blog and I was inspired despite the lack of love life in my existence. Haha! I am sharing this with you all and I hope this inspires you as well.)


If You Forget Me
by Pablo Neruda


I want you to know
one thing.


You know how this is:
if I look
at the crystal moon, at the red branch
of the slow autumn at my window,
if I touch
near the fire
the impalpable ash
or the wrinkled body of the log,
everything carries me to you,
as if everything that exists,
aromas, light, metals,
were little boats
that sail
toward those isles of yours that wait
for me.


Well, now,
if little by little you stop loving me
I shall stop loving you little by little.


If suddenly
you forget me
do not look for me,
for I shall already have forgotten you.


If you think it long and mad,
the wind of banners
that passes through my life,
and you decide
to leave me at the shore
of the heart where I have roots,
remember
that on that day,
at that hour,
I shall lift my arms
and my roots will set off
to seek another land.


But
if each day,
each hour,
you feel that you are destined for me
with implacable sweetness,
if each day a flower
climbs up to your lips to seek me,
ah my love, ah my own,
in me all that fire is repeated,
in me nothing is extinguished or forgotten,
my love feeds on your love, beloved,
and as long as you live it will be in
your arms
without leaving mine.

Choices

Destiny or Destination?


I haven’t had time to read nowadays. I think there are about 5 books on queue for me to finish ASAP but I have been spending my spare time finishing season 1 of "Ugly Betty" coz I have to return the DVD back to my friend. Aside from the occasional "kilig" moments my sister and I experience whenever I see Henry and Daniel grace the screen, the story is really quite entertaining and the last few episodes a bit captivating since the plot gets to thicken. I just finished it yesterday and hopefully I'd be able to go back to reading (and sleeping). Interesting how my mood changes with each character's personalities and decisions and how I can relate to their situations. The story is quite typical and I'm sure a lot of Filipino middle-class families can relate to. I am trying my best not to make a review here. It' just that it made me realize (again) how truly important family is and how priorities can make or break a person. The TV program proves that nobody is perfect but there are people who come close to it. It would always depend on what attracts a person to another. For example, there's Daniel who is rich, handsome, sexy, confident and very vulnerable, but he is a womanizer. There's another guy, Henry, who is smart, entertaining, cute and very sweet, but already has a girlfriend. It is difficult to choose between the two. Hahaha! Anyway, some parts made me teary-eyed and I have to admit the finale made me cry. The deep conversation when it comes to problems, the advice and the actions are really something people can relate to.


Watching the episodes make me reflect on my life a little. It makes me wonder now if it is the journey that makes everything worthwhile or is it the destination. Will a person rely on destiny and just enjoy the ride or will the person fight for something (or someone) he or she loves and focus on the destination? I don't know if I'm making sense here but I can't help but ponder.


Touch and Go


One of my co-supervisors, who also happen to be a close friend, is leaving today to work for another company. It makes me sad, at the same time, happy for his decision. I know he's really looking forward to it. There are actually several friends who already left the company and it always feels that way. I have experienced leaving two companies already and I know how it feels. The company I'm working for now is the longest I've stayed in. With these things happening, I get to assess my position too and my plans for the future. Honestly, I really can't see myself in a specific career 5 years from now. I just want it to be in another country. Haha! But then again, I'll take what life offers me but I'll try to grab every opportunity I get. I miss my friends-- those I left and those who left me. I'm just glad that communication lines are still open. I'm taking this one day at a time now. Lately, I have been busy with work and training at the same time. It's tiring. I'm just taking this a day at a time and now, I just want to spend a nice and peaceful day off and out-of-town if possible... I can still daydream, can't I? =)


Concerts Galore!


Ok so Incubus will be here on March. So, will Maroon 5. Also Backstreet Boys next month. There are rumors about other artists but I'm just thinking about the next two months and I feel broke already. The tickets are skyrocket high and I'm gonna feel really bad if I miss them. I just don't know what to do. =(

UP Memories

In celebration of UP's 100th Birthday.
(from Ma'am Tessa) =)

1. Student number?
97-19416

2. College?
UP College of Allied Medical Professions

3. Course?
B.S. Physical Therapy

4. Nag-shift ka ba o na-kickout?
I stuck it out. Yeh-bah!

5. Saan ka kumuha ng UPCAT?
UP Diliman College of Engineering.

6. Favorite GE subject?
Comm I and II. =)

7. Favorite PE?
Badminton kasi classmate ko yung crush ko sa Intarmed. Wehehe!

8. Saan ka nag-aabang ng hot guy sa UP?
Wala naman. May mga cute sa AS lobby dati.

9. Favorite prof(s)
Madami eh. Naks! Sipsip pa rin.

10. Pinaka-ayaw na GE subject.
Organic Chem! Argh!

11. Kumuha ka ba ng Wed or Sat classes?
Yes

12. Nakapag-field trip ka ba?
Yep!

13. Naging CS ka na ba or US sa UP?
CS. Hihihi!

14. Ano ang Org/Frat/Soro mo?
Wala eh. Yoko sumali.

15. Saan ka tumatambay palagi?
Rob Place syempre.

16. Dorm, Boarding house, o Bahay?
Bahay din.

17. Kung walang UPCAT test at malaya kang nakapili ng kurso mo sa UP, ano yun (Given ang mentality mo nung HS ka)?
Nursing or Med.

18. Sino ang pinaka-una mong nakilala sa UP?
Si Laurice del Carmen. Yes!

19. First play na napanood mo sa UP?
I can't remember. Yaiks!

20. Name the 5 most conyo orgs in UP
Wala akong alam.

21. Name 5 of the coolest orgs/frats/soro in UP.
Wala rin. Loser ba? Hahaha!

22. May frat/soro bang nag-recruit sa yo?
Meron.

23. Saan ka madalas mag-lunch?
Rob Place pa rin. Sosyal. Tsaka minsan sa canteen sa AS pag wala nang time.

24. Masaya ba sa UP?
Yes. Kaka-miss nga eh.

25. Nakasama ka na ba sa rally?
Yes. Required eh. Sa UPD.

26. Ilang beses ka bumoto sa Student Council
Twice lang ata.

27. Name at least 5 leftist groups in UP
Hehe!

28. Pinangarap mo rin bang mag-laude nung freshman ka?
Hindi. Ok na ako.

29. Kanino ka pinaka-patay sa UP?
Secret na lang to kasi married na sya ngayon. Heehee!

30. Kung di ka UP, anong school ka?
UST, Ateneo or PLM. Dun lang ako nag-entrance exam eh.

MALIGAYANG IKA-100 TAON, MGA ISKOLAR NG BAYAN!

Something to Blame

Now that it's all said and done,
I can't believe you were the one
To build me up and tear me down,
Like an old abandoned house.*


Pardon the sentimental mood. I think the weather's at it again. Since I'm bored and I don't wanna spend more time punishing myself by listening to heart-wrenching songs, I took this quiz:

What Karen Kristie Means

You are a seeker of knowledge, and you have learned many things in your life. You are also a keeper of knowledge - meaning you don't spill secrets or spread gossip. People sometimes think you're snobby or aloof, but you're just too deep in thought to pay attention to them. You are usually the best at everything ... you strive for perfection. You are confident, authoritative, and aggressive. You have the classic "Type A" personality. You are wild, crazy, and a huge rebel. You're always up to something. You have a ton of energy, and most people can't handle you. You're very intense. You definitely are a handful, and you're likely to get in trouble. But your kind of trouble is a lot of fun. You are friendly, charming, and warm. You get along with almost everyone. You work hard not to rock the boat. Your easy going attitude brings people together. At times, you can be a little flaky and irresponsible. But for the important things, you pull it together. You are very intuitive and wise. You understand the world better than most people. You also have a very active imagination. You often get carried away with your thoughts. You are prone to a little paranoia and jealousy. You sometimes go overboard in interpreting signals. You tend to be pretty tightly wound. It's easy to get you excited... which can be a good or bad thing. You have a lot of enthusiasm, but it fades rather quickly. You don't stick with any one thing for very long. You have the drive to accomplish a lot in a short amount of time. Your biggest problem is making sure you finish the projects you start. You are the total package - suave, sexy, smart, and strong. You have the whole world under your spell, and you can influence almost everyone you know. You don't always resist your urges to crush the weak. Just remember, they don't have as much going for them as you do. You are a seeker. You often find yourself restless - and you have a lot of questions about life. You tend to travel often, to fairly random locations. You're most comfortable when you're far away from home. You are quite passionate and easily tempted. Your impulses sometimes get you into trouble.

What's Your Name's Hidden Meaning?

Oh so it's not the weather! It's my name I have to blame. Paranoid and jealous. Fits me to a T! Hahaha! I guess this is true in a way. *sigh*


* "Over You" by Chris Daughtry

Ice Breaker: Sponge Cola Talk

It was just small talk in the washroom, of all places. I didn't even know her. I just know she also works in same company as I do because of her ID. I just had this urge to open up my mouth and say something. She was playing this song by Sponge Cola-- "Tuliro", which happened to be my fave song in their Transit album. I would have ignored that but the song was in repeat mode. I couldn't help but sing along. We were in front of this huge mirror. She was brushing her teeth and I was combing my hair.


"Excuse me, you like Sponge Cola huh?", I asked. I just had to. I can't help it. She smiled and said yes. "Let me guess, your fave's Yael, right?", I asked again. Big mouth, I know. She laughed. I knew I was right. "I like them too. Have you watched any of their gigs?", I asked again just to keep the conversation going. She said she did once in Cavite. "They're big in Cavite", she said. People just clamor for them. I bet. Haha! I then learned her name, where she works, where she's from and who our common acquaintances are. I told her it would be great to watch the band perform live again. She said she's a bit scared because it's her first time to work outside Cavite and she might get lost. I told her she'll get used to it. She might wanna try it some time. It's fun. Hopefully there's gonna be a gig somewhere near Makati soon. *hint*hint*


"Are they married?", she asked. I was taken off-guard but I kept my cool and just laughed out loud. I wouldn't wonder why she asked this. I told her they're not but I enumerated the members who are already "taken". I told her they're young and talented (obviously). Next question she asked was "Mababait ba sila?". Of course! I continued blabbing again and she was smiling all the time. I told her they will be releasing their next single soon and I even let her listen to it from my phone.


We were there, just the two of us with a common topic in mind. She would have wanted to stay longer to chat but she had to go back to work and I had to meet some friends. I know we'll meet again one of these days. It's just a small world. =)

Bang the Doldrums!

Can't get this off my head...


And I cast a spell over the west
To make you think of me
Say wait I think of you
This is a love song in my own way
I believe that the rest is below the waist
Best friends
Ex-friends to the end
Better off as lovers...*


And not the other way around? What the heck?! I. Have. To. Move. On.


I think I better watch a movie to distract myself.


* "Bang the Doldrums" by Fall Out Boy

Phoenix Rising

It's been a while since I blogged from home. This is my first blog entry for 2008 and yes, I am back! Back from the dead. Haha! Well, not really "the dead". I'm back from a 3-day hospital stay. What a way to start the year, huh?


Where do I begin? Let's see... Some moments are fuzzy now but it all started during New Year's Eve. I was happy to be at home and spend New Year's Eve with my family. We just watched other people's fireworks outside and shared a simple meal. The usual. My siblings and I counted down the remaining hours of 2007 by watching the X-men marathon on cable. All was well.


The next day, I wasn't feeling very dandy. I had chills, loose bowel, body pains, a splitting headache and had no sleep but persuaded myself and my mother that I had to go back to work since it was my last day before I took my days off. It was a critical work day. My head was swimming then and I had a fever. I went to work and I sat in front of the PC to get some things done. My mind and body were not functioning well. Less than an hour after I arrived, I went to the clinic. The cute nurse (yes, I have to say "cute" =)) advised me to eat, drink fluids and try to sleep for an hour. He actually advised me to go home because I had a temperature of, I think, 38.4 degrees that time. I said I think I just lack some sleep. I did sleep for an hour and woke up with even a higher temperature. The cute (but heartbreakingly gay *sniff*) nurse was adamant and I had to admit, I won't be able to do anything at that point.


I went home and slept and woke up with a temperature of over 40 degrees. I also recall my sister was having fever as well. My father and brother had chills. Obviously, there was something wrong. I went to the hospital for a check-up and the doctor said I had signs of hemorrhagic fever (H fever, popularly known as dengue). My sister's fever subsided by then and mine went down to about 38 degrees. The doctor wanted to confine me for more tests. I had no choice.


All my days off I stayed in the hospital. It was quiet and relaxing. Except for the occasional needles poking on my arms for blood tests, it was actually a much-needed rest. I was absent from work last night and I missed the people there. I don't miss the job because the phone calls still bugged me even when I was asleep or resting. I expected that so it's fine. I was just frustrated that I felt weak and couldn't do anything about it. It was a sad way to start the year. Good thing was, it was not dengue. My platelets were not declining in number and after 2 nights of chills, on-and-off fever and body aches, I felt better. The doctor said it was a systemic viral infection.


We're all ok-- me, my sis, my bro and my father. I'm going back to work tonight and hopefully get some things done. I'll just take a hint from Jean Grey, or I mean, Phoenix, and rise from the ashes. So, here's to 2008! May this be a better year for all of us! Happy New Year, everyone! =)