In The Eye

Typhoon Milenyo (Xangsane) raged on for hours and thank God, it just passed us by. It was fast but destructive yet there is still a reason to be thankful for. I'm still here enjoying the free internet in the office cafe. Electricity is running in the city that never sleeps and am I glad to be working in Makati. There are still a lot of places without electricity and where I live is one of them.



raging storm
(taken from our front door; sorry for the blurry pic; it's really dark)


Many people lost their homes and their loved ones. It has been years since a typhoon centered on Manila and nearby provinces. The worst was yesterday. Classes were suspended. It was signal number 3. I got home from work a few minutes before the storm hit the worst. I'm grateful I was with my family. There is (still) power outage (locally known as blackout) and it started 7 AM yesterday in a lot of places.The wind gusts went to about 260 kph uprooting trees, blowing away rooftops (nearly blew ours), cutting cables exposing electrical wires in the process and flooding the streets with the heavy downpour. My parents were glued to the news using a battery-operated walkman. Our cellphone batteries are dying. I slept early because there was nothing to do-- no TV, no internet, nothing to keep our attention away from the howling winds outside. The good thing about that was we (both my parents, my bro and sis) had a few laughs and bonding moments, but I had to go to sleep. I woke up an hour earlier than usual. I don't wanna be late but it was tough preparing for work with no the lights on, with flooded streets, tree branches everywhere and no cabs! I nearly gave up but I was so touched when 3 strangers helped me find a cab to ride. Calamities like these can bring out the "goodness" in people.



uprooted tree in front of our training center


The sun is shining now like the storm never came. I'm still in the office taking advantage of the electricity and the free internet. I'm also waiting for my pay. I hope there's power when I get home because it's gonna be a hot day.


P.S.
Speaking of being "in the eye", I am currently eyeing this cutie but he's gay. So, what's new, right? Hahaha!

Dumbledore's Army

(click for larger pic)


Are you ready for Dumbledore's Army?


More pics here.


P.S.
The Weasley twins are oh-so-gorgeous! They're all growing up so fast!

Stuck Here

Looks like I'll be stuck here in the city this coming weekend. I thought I'll be having a hard time choosing between swimming with my friends and inhaling fresh air with my family. My sis won't have time and couldn't go due to her exams (and I don't blame her) so I'm keeping her company. Besides, it wouldn't be fun going to Pagsanjan without her. I mean, imagine just spending time with both my parents and talk about "oldies" stuff. Hehehe!


So, I'm staying home this weekend. No sun tan for me and no fresh air either. Maybe next time. I really hope so. Probably the universe is conspiring an even bigger event for me that's why I couldn't go now. Maybe. Who knows? I'll just think of a fun alternative since we'll be "home alone" (no parents) this weekend.

Missing Something

It's been quite a while. I haven't been online and blogging as often as I want to. I miss it! I was busy during the weekend running errands and being broke in the process. I am just looking forward to next weekend.


You see, a bunch of my officemates/friends are going on an overnight swimming and I usually am present when it comes to getting an opportunity for quality R&R (rest and relaxation). BUT... I have already agreed to go with my family to Pagsanjan, Laguna and attend some relatives' (combination) birthday celebration. It's also going to be an overnight event and might include going to a resort too. Well, my brother might not go with us because of his work schedule but it's been a long time since I've had fresh air and this might do me good. Besides, things in the office are getting quite out of hand and I can't bear the politics! If worse comes to worst, I'd totally lose my already wavering belief in the competency of the management. Geez...


Oh and I am also sort-of bombaring myself with movies that other people might find cheesy but might do me good when it comes to getting back my faith in the love=happiness equation. I watched John Tucker Must Die with my cousin and mother. I haven't heard about this movie before and my cousin wanted to watch this. I asked him who's playing the lead role and he said Jesse Metcalfe (the famous lover/gardener of Eva Longoria in Desperate Housewives). I didn't have any second thoughts then. I told myself, I don't care if the story line sucked as long as Jesse graces the screen with his oh-so-pretty face and drop-dead-gorgeous body, I am ok. It turned out to be actually fun. Last night, I also watched the Star Movies premiere of A Lot Like Love. I haven't seen this on the big screen and it was romantic. It was not your ordinary love story but it was still sweet. Not to mention the pre-Demi Moore Ashton Kutcher was so cute! Watching those movies made me realize I'm still missing something on the love department. What could it be?

You Are 53% Passionate, 47% Compassionate

You possess an ideal balance of passion and compassion. You definitely can get swept away and lose your head a little. But you're rarely a fool for love!

Is Your Love Style Passionate or Compassionate?

Seven Songs

Tagged by kikaygal.


This meme was supposed contain seven songs that are currently in one's playlist. Since my playlist is divided into albums, I'll just place here the songs I currently love to listen to over and over.

• Maybe Tomorrow - Westlife
  
  
  
• Unfaithful - Rihanna
  
  
  
• Yakap Sa Dilim - Orange and Lemons version
  
  
  
• Nocturne - Sponge Cola
  
  
  
• Stick Wit U - Pussycat Dolls
  
  
  
• You'll Be Safe Here - Rivermaya
  
  
  
• Colour My World - Westlife

I tag anyone who wants to answer.

Great Escape

I've always wondered how it would feel to go and live in an entirely new city (or country) where no one knows me. It's like creating a new identity. People will make new impressions of me and I'll be a whole new "me"... Or maybe I'll just wander aimlessly without thinking about responsibilities, work and everything included in my everyday robotic state (a.ka. SSDD- Same Shit Different Day). Wouldn't it be awesome to be able to travel (maybe around the world) without thinking of expenses and obligations? Or go to a place I've never been before and be daring enough to eat food I haven't tasted and do things I wouldn't dare do under "normal" circumstances?



Then I am still and wait here in the silence,
Until you come and sit a while with me...
(You Raise Me Up)


I wish I am able to do that, but then what I could do is just steal a few hours in my day and pretend I'm in another place and time. I may read a book or watch a movie or stay in the bedroom and stare at nothing while listening to mellow or angsty songs or maybe get good company and goof out.


Yesterday after shift, I went with a few friends and pigged out in this seafood resto and I had a bottle of SanMig Light before 11 in the morning. After sharing laughs, sentiments and stories, we went to a videoke booth in a nearby mall and made more damage to our vocal chords (surprise surprise!). I also played hoops in Timezone for a short while since I am not tall to shoot hoops in a real basketball court (haha!). Oh yes, it was just a short time but during those moments I had fun.


I wish that feeling of escaping from reality would last forever, but now I'm back to the real world. It's a slow Sunday but I'm feeling the pressures again of being the family breadwinner plus he-who-must-not-be-named is making me feel lost again and it hurts. It may seem cowardly but I wish I could just get away.

Jaded

I have an almost-complete collection of Nicholas Sparks novels (except "At First Sight", his non-fiction "Three Weeks With My Brother" and the latest one, "Dear John"). I must say I prefer reading his books than watching their movie adaptations. My all-time fave Sparks novel would be "The Notebook" and I was disappointed with the movie. I didn't cry as much as I did when I read it. Haha!





Yes, I am a sucker for love stories. I still am but I noticed I don't believe in the happy-ever-after anymore. I am currently reading "True Believer" and I freaked myself out when I subconsciously wanted the two main characters to not end up together. Geez... I found myself wincing whenever I found some lines cheesy, especially when the man becomes all romantic. I mean, is *that* kind of man still existing?! Is someone still willing to give up everything (money, career, etc.) for the one he/she loves? I guess I'm getting cynical about love. Oh no! Am I getting old?


Oh well, I guess I have to finish reading the book to see what the outcome would be. I have a feeling they'll end up together. Who knows? This novel would bring back my belief in "true love"?


Hah!


P.S.
I'm feeling better. Doctor said I'm ok but still wanted to clear my goiter suspicion... maybe when the company gives us the new (and improved) health card. Pardon any errors, I lack sleep and I'm in the office cafe blogging while waiting for my pay. Sheesh.

Highlights

Got this from Jennie.
So little time so much to do.


Highlight the ones you've done:


01. Bought everyone in the bar a drink
02. Swam with wild dolphins
03. Climbed a mountain
04. Taken a Ferrari for a test drive
05. Been inside the Great Pyramid
06. Held a tarantula
07. Taken a candlelit bath with someone
08. Said 'I love you' and meant it
09. Hugged a tree
10. Bungee jumped
11. Visited Paris
12. Watched a lightning storm at sea
13. Stayed up all night long and saw the sun rise
14. Seen the Northern Lights
15. Gone to a huge sports game
16. Walked the stairs to the top of the leaning Tower of Pisa
17. Grown and eaten your own vegetables
18. Touched an iceberg
19. Slept under the stars
20. Changed a baby's diaper
21. Taken a trip in a hot air balloon
22. Watched a meteor shower
23. Gotten drunk on champagne
24. Given more than you can afford to charity
25. Looked up at the night sky through a telescope
26. Had an uncontrollable giggling fit at the worst moment
27. Had a food fight
28. Bet on a winning horse
29. Asked out a stranger
30. Had a snowball fight
31. Screamed as loudly as you possibly can
32. Held a lamb
33. Seen a total eclipse
34. Ridden a roller coaster
35. Hit a home run
36. Danced like a fool and not cared who was looking
37. Adopted an accent for an entire day
38. Actually felt happy about your life, for just a moment
39. Had two hard drives for your computer
40. Visited all 50 states
41. Taken care of someone who was shit faced
42. Had amazing friends
43. Danced with a stranger in a foreign country
44. Watched wild whales
45. Stolen a sign
46. Backpacked in Europe
47. Taken a road-trip
48. Gone rock climbing
49. Midnight walk on the beach
50. Gone sky diving
51. Visited Ireland
52. Been heartbroken longer than you were actually in love
53. Sat at a stranger's table and had a meal with them
54. Visited Japan
55. Milked a cow
56. Alphabetized your CDs
57. Pretended to be a superhero
58. Sung karaoke
59. Lounged around in bed all day
60. Posed nude in front of strangers
61. Gone scuba diving
62. Kissed in the rain
63. Played in the mud
64. Played in the rain
65. Gone to a drive-in theater
66. Visited the Great Wall of China
67. Started a business
68. Fallen in love and not had your heart broken (or so I thought)
69. Toured ancient sites
70. Taken a martial arts class
71. Played DVD for more than 6 hours straight
72. Gotten married
73. Been in a movie
74. Crashed a party
75. Gotten divorced
76. Gone without food for 5 days
77. Made cookies from scratch
78. Won first prize in a costume contest
79. Ridden a gondola in Venice
80. Gotten a tattoo
81. Rafted the Snake River
82. Been on television news programs as an "expert"
83. Got flowers for no reason
84. Performed on stage
85. Been to Las Vegas
86. Recorded music
87. Eaten shark
88. Had a one-night stand
89. Gone to Thailand
90. Bought a house
91. Been in a combat zone
92. Buried one/both of your parents
93. Been on a cruise ship
94. Spoken more than one language fluently
95. Performed in Rocky Horror
96. Raised children
97. Followed your favorite band/singer on tour
99. Taken an exotic bicycle tour in a foreign country
100. Picked up and moved to another city to just start over
101. Walked the Golden Gate Bridge
102. Sang loudly in the car, despite someone looking
103. Had plastic surgery
104. Survived an accident that you shouldn't have survived
105. Wrote articles for a large publication
106. Lost over 100 pounds
107. Held someone while they were having a flashback
108. Piloted an airplane
109. Petted a stingray
110. Broken someone's heart
111. Helped an animal give birth
112. Won money on a T.V. game show
113. Broken a bone
114. Gone on an African photo safari
115. Had a body part of yours below the neck pierced
116. Fired a rifle, shotgun, or pistol
117. Eaten mushrooms that were gathered in the wild
118. Ridden a horse
119. Had major surgery
120. Had a snake as a pet
121. Hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon
122. Slept for more than 30 hours within 48 hours
123. Visited more foreign countries than U.S. states
124. Visited all 7 continents
125. Taken a canoe trip that lasted more than 2 days
126. Eaten kangaroo meat
127. Eaten sushi
128. Had your picture in the newspaper
129. Changed someone's mind on something you care about
130. Gone back to school
131. Parasailed
132. Petted a cockroach
133. Eaten fried green tomatoes
134. Read The Iliad
135. Read an "important" author you missed in school
136. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
137. Skipped all your school reunions
138. Talked with someone with no common language
139. Been elected to public office
140. Written your own computer language
141. Thought to yourself that you're living your dream
142. Had to put someone you love into hospice care
143. Built your own PC from parts
144. Sold your own artwork to a stranger
145. Had a booth at a street fair
146. Dyed your hair
147. Been a DJ
148. Shaved your head
149. Caused a car accident
150. Saved someone's life


Your prison is walking through this world all alone. ~"Desperado"


I tag anyone who wants to answer.

Alone Time

Last Thursday, I was sick enough to go to the hospital for a check-up. The doctor said I have tonsilitis but I've been having bouts of fever with pain radiating to my right shoulder and believe it, right jaw and molars. I think it's a misdiagnosis and it's actually worse than that-- maybe pharyngitis or worse, goiter. Goiter is in my family history (a couple of aunts had it) and having hypothyroidism is very possible especially since I've been overweight since I was a year old. I have to admit I stil have good reflexes but I can't be too sure. I will have a follow-up next Thursday and I'm gonna ask my ENT if he can refer me to an Endocrinologist. I don't know if he'll ok that. The problem with having a medical background is that I get hypochondriac and start thinking I have the diseases I only read in books. Geez...


In the meantime, I have been gargling anti-bacteria like crazy and been taking (pretty expensive) antibiotics (500 mg twice a day) for the past few days aside from my daily multivitamins. It really is tough working at night, overusing my voice box and lacking the funds when I get sick. Yes, the doctor was covered but the meds are not since I'm just an out-patient. It sucks.

You Are 24% Hypochondriac

You can deal well with being sick - even if your symptoms are a little scary. You're occasionally prone to worry about your health, but only when you have pretty strange symptoms.

Are You a Hypochondriac?

Yesterday after shift, I went with a few of my officemates and ate brunch (while they drank beer in the morning. Haha!). We shared stories (and used-to-be secrets) and had lots of laughs. I was glad I didn't have any alcohol in my system because I still had the capability to go to the mall alone. I miss being with myself despite the crowd around me. I also took advantage of it and watched "Monster House". It was fun! I miss watching movies alone. I can't help but smile when the kids around me react to the movie. I love it! After that I ran a few errands for my mother and went home. I slept for a long, long time to make up for the lack of sleep the past week.


[Contains CSI:NY SPOILERS]
[Contains CSI:NY SPOILERS]
[Contains CSI:NY SPOILERS]



original CSI:NY cast


I'm having a slow Sunday now. I watched CSI rerun and CSI:NY's second to the last episode before the finale this season. I was suprised to see Vanessa Ferlito as a special guest for that episode. I never thought she'd be there so that her character Aidan will die in that episode. Did she have to die in order for them to get D.J. Pratt?! *sniff*sniff* It was heartbreaking and I love the storyline! I hope I won't miss the season finale next week.


Have a blessed Sunday everyone! :)

Flying Without Wings

(scribbled on 6 September 2006 at 2:53 PM in our bedroom)


WARNING: Raves ahead!!!


I know I badly need sleep, but if I don't write these thoughts down, I think they're gonna burst in my head. Have you ever felt that trance-like state-- a temporary high wherein a stupid smile seems to be stuck on your face when remembering certain events right after they happen? Call me a crazed fan but I'm feeling that right now. This familiar state of mind resurfaced after I watched the Westlife concert last night. It's been so long and I missed this feeling.



Westlife Face to Face
Live in Manila
4 September 2006
Araneta Coliseum


So, how was it? Well, they're back! They were amazing! They filled me up with their songs, (silly but cute) dance moves and Irish accent! (No, I'm not planning to put all their song titles in this entry. Haha!) I was alone but I had so much fun. Too bad I was far away from the stage but that didn't stop me from singing and screaming and snapping blurry pictures.


When Bryan left the group, I never thought I'd see them perform live again. But they we're there! After five long years since they had their last concert here, they showed up with more mature (but still gorgeous) faces, more beautiful melodies, more (and cooler) costume changes, more rockin' live band and more unexpected (and funny) choreography. Despite these changes, the signature Westlife sound is still there and Bryan's absence did not make any difference. (Sorry, I'm a biased Mark fan. Hehe!)


If I'm not mistaken, Manila was the first stop of their tour in this part of the planet. I appreciate that a lot. They said they'd probably come back next year and I do hope so. I hope I'll be given the chance to be in the front row this time (and I promise better pictures when or if that happens). Oh and I miss stalking them after their concert. I know I'm getting too old for that teeny-bopper, fangirl idea but I do miss the excitement.

Boyband Girl

I am a "boyband" lover. I am not ashamed to admit it. I was a teenager in the late 90's when boybands topped the charts and I will not deny that I love their songs while they lasted. Most of them don't play instruments so they're not really a "band" per se. But they can dance, sometimes sing and smile and that is enough to melt girls' hearts, including mine. Don't get me wrong, I love other artists since my taste for music is varied. There are just a few "boybands" that I really liked. Aside from the Backstreet Boys, I was introduced to a variety of British groups due to a pop magazine called Smash Hits!* before. My sis and I used to collect the issues and drool at those British cuties with their sappy love songs. We braved the far venues and the crowd of screaming fan girls just to see 911 (yes, there was a group called 911), Blue, Kavana (solo singer) and of course, my fave boyband of all, the Irish lads, Westlife. I used to know all bits of biographical info about each member. To think I read "Tuesdays with Morrie" by Mitch Albom and "Angela's Ashes" by Frank McCourt because they were fave books of Kian and Mark respectively. I knew we were crazy to "stalk" Westlife in the hotels they stayed when they were here but it was fun and I never regretted passing through that phase.





Now that we're older, that genre faded away and was replaced by other artists and real bands. I only remember them when I see their videos, usually in music channels with programs showing "old" videos, listen to my old albums or see a message or two in my fanlistings. I still have two photo albums filled with Westlife pictures when we watched their first 2 concerts. There were no digital cameras available for the common people yet at that time. Most of the members of these boybands stopped being in the limelight and had their own families. Some of them went solo and maintained their popularity (like Robbie Williams of Take That, Justin Timberlake of N'Sync and Nick Lachey of 98 Degrees) Some of them came out of the closet and admitted they're gay (like Lance Bass of N'Sync and Mark Feehily of Westlife- you broke my heart, Mark! Huhu!). Some of them still perform as a group (BSB, Westlife) but it's not the same anymore. Their music is more mature now and of course, their audience is too. There are still loyal fans who would want to see them and scream for them and I will do anything to experience that again.


Tonight, Westlife will perform (again) here on Manila soil. It's their 3rd concert. It was a short notice for me and I don't even have a budget for the tickets. Due to inflation, the tickets are twice the price of that during their last concert a few years ago. I never thought I'd get to watch them. I joined in promos just to snag a free ticket but to no avail. Yes, it burned holes in my pocket but as they say, when there's a will, there's a way. The ticket I bought was one of the cheapest. I know I'll not be able to see them up close again but I still enjoy their music (I'm even listening to their latest album now and I'm loving the songs) and that's what matters now. My sister will not accompany me this time. Priorities change and she is busy with school work. Yes, I'm gonna watch it alone but I don't care.


It makes me nostalgic just thinking about it now... but I'm still looking forward to tonight.



*from Wikipedia:
Smash Hits was a pop-music based children's magazine, originally published in the United Kingdom. It ran from 1978 to 2006 and was issued fortnightly for most of that time. Spin off digital television, digital radio, and website services have survived the demise of the printed magazine.

T.G.I.S.

It's been busy and crazy for the last few days. We did the hip-hop and mardi gras days at work last Thursday and Friday respectively. Pictures found here. After shift yesterday we braved sleepiness when my sister and I watched Sponge Cola perform in the mall. Some blurry pictures here. We got home really late after doing some errands, thus earned my mother's wrath (again!) when we got home. Oh well, what's new? I just want my Sunday to be peaceful and I think I'll be getting that, thank God!



Thursday: Hip-hop Day



Friday: Mardi Gras Day


More pics from the dress-down week at Aries's Multiply.