Jump to Reality

Philippine fields forever

2012-02-23T23:43:00.000+08:00

Hello there! (the angel from my nightmare.. sorry had to sing hohoho.)

Am currently here at Pangasinan for work. This month our MT program involves us doing fieldwork. Was assigned under the North team *jackpot!* so i get to travel up north and explore (di naman. nadaanan lang. drama lang ang "explore") norte. That's an "at last!" check for me as I really don't get to travel much. And since sagot ni company ang accommodations and food, well halo! Nakangiti ang bulsa at katauhan ko. Hmmmyey!

We've been going to the different areas of Nueva Ecija and Pangasinan, visiting stations and talking to dealers (of stations, dear friend) and doing our job. Dapat lang naman di ba. Hah. One thing's for sure. The stations in the provinces (to where I've been to, at least) are way better than our branches in Manila. By "better" i mean they look cleaner, are a lot bigger, and have that "maaliwalas" look since the sun shines brighter doon (dito) (chos).

I will post a few photos next time. Am too lazy to transfer files from ze phone to laptop. Just wanted to write an entry dahil ambilis ng internet dito sa Regency Hotel (Pangasinan)! Pero it's not a beautiful place (harsh ghoent!!). Greenland Leisure Suites in Nueva Ecija, where we stayed last night, was gorgeous (taray!)! I posted a few photos from there in my previous entry, but will look for more shots on my phone to share. Hihi.

I really hope I can get to travel more this year. My roadtrip adventures this month made me realize and re-realize that

(1) I suck at Philippine geography
(2) Cowboy mode is always a handy trait
(3) I haven't been to a lot of places (manila area included)
(4) I really like photography
(5) I love the Philippines

Grade 4 palang ako, alam ko nang mahina ako sa geography. I will never forget, naka-line of 7 ako sa Philippine geography nung grade 4. My teacher had to talk to me (dahil nadisqualify ako sa something something because of this) and i cried (a crybaby here!). I have no plans of memorizing our map, but being more familiar with what goes up north and what goes down south is a good start. Naman.

Am a cowboy and a girly-girl. I get that every now and then. Chameleon lang ang peg oha. Its nice to be able to be both, so I get to do and enjoy more things. Char. (I think idagdag narin natin ang bading sa listahan ng multiple personalities ko)

I.must.change.this. Manila, and all (wish lang naman, pangarap) of the Philippines, I will try to conquer a few of your kingdoms this year!

Thank you dear cellphone. I have no budget for a "nice" camera right now but your services are much appreciated. Cheers to more photos ahead!

This one is a giveaway. Ang puso ko will always be with the Philippines, kahit na maraming "kahit na" na karugtong ang sentence na to. Karinyong brutal and trato ko sa Pilipinas pero still, it's a form of love! <3

2012, please cooperate! I have high hopes. <3

Spikes of appreciation

2012-02-21T02:00:00.002+08:00

Shiz. It's been 2 months since I last wrote here! Sorry for neglecting you dear blog, you know how lazy I can get sometimes.

So, how are ya?

----

Thank you digital diary. You don't accumulate cobwebs nor dust else I would've been even more lazy to "clean" you up and make an entry. Hey, low maintenance. What a catch.

You've missed a lot since the last time I updated you. Sorry about that. Adventures, late nights, work, and some little things that make my life interestingly normal. Take note. I have a few "late nights" whipped under my bank of memories now. Am still the same cinderella but ze parents are a little more lenient now (i think). Dang ang saya pala!

The thing about my work now is that the thing I like about it is pretty much the same thing that I don't like about it. This just says how much of a walking contradiction I am. And how much I use the word thing. dumbwordalert.

Work is spontaneous -- in terms of schedule, of what we do. Almost day to day, lucky if we know exactly what's in for next week. And i love that! Before reality (ghoent code: reality = life after school; hence Jump to Reality) fell from the sky and into my lap, I was as OC and stiff as your typical control freak. But I like contradicting myself and have recently started to learn to always explore new things, to appreciate new perspectives. And this is really something that I am enjoying now.

Am learning so much more with this "yes man" attitude. Thankfully my work is cultivating this seed in me, making me enjoy life better and experience the most trivial "adventures" that kids today get to do without a hiccup. Although I must admit, I don't always love this setup. My old ways of liking structure and planning is still very much in my veins; and I have no plans of completely removing that. So it can get a little frustrating when I can't commit to things because my current list of priorities places work on top of the list. Ya know. Responsable mode on syempre.

Bottomline though: I love my work. Where I am now. And the people around me. Work's too happy it's scary. Been having that thought meddle with my good vibes recently, counterintuitive if you think about it. But seriously, I am enjoying exactly where I am now, that Iv'e been brushed to this direction by north and south winds; those that I tried to go against and those where I completely let myself go and just embraced.

I guess what im saying here is. I am at a place where there's so much to be thankful for. So, thank you.

Thank you, more please. If you will.

--
photos by me, from my trustee cam phone (as always). photoshopped, of course.

The day(s) I was a gas girl. Seriously.

2011-12-18T16:35:00.001+08:00

Wooozah! I can now cross out being a gas girl off my list of adventures to try. I don't actually have a list; but loading jeepneys, tricycles, motorbikes and private cars with gas/diesel is too interesting to not be part of a list to cross out. Oo na lang, di ba?

Some of my MT (Management Trainee) batchmates

We had a 12day workweek from December 5-16 so to say that I was busy was dead true. Even had to skip my friend's wedding (which was scheduled since last year!) because of schedule conflicts.

Anywaaaaay.

Part of the MT Program is the immersion of the MTs in gas stations. I won't go into the details but the bottomline is we were assigned at different Seaoil stations (depending on our location) to perform Service Crew (aka gas girl/boy) and Cashiering duties. We underwent training and even took a finals (hands on and written) exam to validate our knowledge. C'mon. I perfected the service crew hands on exam! HAHA. Potential career!

Seaoil - Nangka Branch

I was assigned at Seaoil Nangka with Eric and Nico. Saturday, I worked the first shift (6am-2pm), and Sunday, the 2nd shift (2pm-10pm). People there are extremely nice! I enjoyed my whole stay and I think we'll be back on January to fulfill more duties! Egzoiting!

Extreme 97 for Sir!

Ma'am Mary (the cashier for our shift) was too kind and called me from the cashier's booth (I was the cashier for that day!) and volunteered to take my picture filling gas to a customer. Mabait at game si kuya so great! Hohoho.

Totalizer Reading

Dipstick Reading

Counting money as we turn over for the next shift

Too bad I was alone on my 2nd shift when these pics were taken. Nico and Eric took the first shift that day. Next time, I'll take pictures of the three of us!

Seriously. My MT friends and I already miss gassing up in stations! I was able to experience all types of vehicles except trucks. Scuuured. Haha. I now have a whole new level of respect for the work that they do there. It's not as easy as you think! But it's way more fun than it seems. Hahaha. Whats!

Rules of engagement

2011-11-30T00:20:00.001+08:00

One less to the unemployed statistic, cheers! And the celebration doesn't stop at being employed; but extends to being hired at a position, and industry, and more importantly, company that I am happy to work for.

I have only been "working" for SEAOIL Philippines Inc. for 3 days now, but in that 3 days I can say that this is going to be a long-term relationship that I intend to take care of.

Rewind: Yes, I have really wanted to work in the energy sector. And yes, an oil company is as lucky as I can get. And the best part, is that I am a Management Trainee here; a post that will allow me to learn a lot and explore different paths. It's really an opportunity that I am thankful and grateful for. (Sobra!)

Working for SEAOIL is a whole different story. It's one thing to be happy that you are doing what you love, and a whole new bonus to work for a company that you believe in. I did not know a lot about SEAOIL prior to being an employee (except for their history that I reviewed for the interviews, syempre), but knowing and experiencing their core and culture has just been overwhelming.

It's probably one of the many reasons why every day I fall more in love with SEAOIL. It's because our values are so much aligned (read: INTEGRITY, among 6) that sharing the same path with them is not just career and knowledge enriching, but also individually reinforcing.

I say (write) "working" with quotation marks because honestly, I think I should be paying SEAOIL for teaching me an immense amount of knowledge in just a span of 3 days. Seriously. Didn't feel like work at all. It's like attending a seminar that's of great value. I expect no less in the coming days (adventures - literally up for next week!), and I look forward to every single day ahead.

My official first day at work was last Friday. But a day before that, Thursday (apir Rebecca Black-ish!), my MT batchmates and I (there are 9 of us) had lunch with the Chairman (founder) and VPs and Senior managers/officers of the company. It was an intimate meet-and-greet (artista lang!) slash welcoming (i think) to the company. The 9 of us were seated a seat apart, with the VPs and officers/managers seated in between to chat and enjoy over lunch.

Florabel, The Podium.

Us MTs were early so caught the setting up stage. The only pic I took, of course.

That alone is an act that I truly admire. They are the type of owners that you see in the office that actually smile back and really talk to employees (unlike in other big companies where you only see your "big boss/owner" once in your career life, or maybe even never). One of the VPs (one of the Chariman's sons) has actually been our mentor/speaker for the past 2 days; and he is awesome. I don't use that word - ever - because I prefer the word amazing - but he's just freaking awesome. And I don't mean in a Barney Stinson loud kind of way, but in a silent-killer inspiring kind of way. Walang ere. None at all. But very inspiring and has the great balance of knowledge and wisdom. Awesome.

Dang. I hope this doesn't look like a sponsored post. HAHA. I really want to talk about the company and my first three days but I'd like this to be more of an I'm-so-happy-I-just-cant-stop-thanking type of entry. So thank You thank You thank You.

I don't think my words can ever justify how I happy I am and how amazing (see, I like that word) SEAOIL is. Of course, I've only been here three days, so we'll see if I still feel the same way in a few months, or years.

And yes, if before being hired by SEAOIL I can get to pick the oil company I'd work for, it wouldn't be my first choice.

But now that I know and understand a lot more, ask me again and I'll stay with SEAOIL - in a heartbeat.

Now I'm hungry

2011-11-23T19:21:00.001+08:00

I cannot say enough on this blog how much I love Mexican food. It's only second to my favorite Italian, but it's a close second that I sometimes doubt which really is my top pick. Yep, problems in life. Whutz.

Last weekend the family went out and landed at Megamall to grab some lunch. We ate at El Pollo Loco, and it is only my second time to eat here. I enjoyed my first go so I suggested we eat here again; so that inay and brother can try it too. Sister and itay already know this place so blah blah blah you get it. (right?)

I'm not really sure if this is a Mexican place (because chicken is the star of the menu), but since I taste Mexican flavors, I guess it is. (Not in the mood to google and check, too.)

So how do I explain this. The restaurant has different plates you can order, and each of us ordered the 2pc Chicken Combo which comes with 2 sides, 2 pieces of tortilla, and salsa. Each of us had rice as one of the sides, and I chose beans as my second. Itay and sister had corn, inay had coleslaw, and brother had potato salad. You have a choice to whether get "mild" or "hot (?)" salsa, and we all chose the latter. You can also either order white or dark meat, whichever your taste buds crave.

2 pc Chicken Combo P185

We asked for another plate each where we can assemble the food. That's my 2 pieces of tortilla.

The chicken skin is yummy (not a food blogger. yummy = yummy like I always say)! It's thin, crispy but chewy, tasty and juicy (hello rhyming words!). I just had to get that out of the way.

The fun part is arranging the food into a burrito! We first layer in a couple of spoons of the moist, delicious Mexican rice that smells really good! Then lots and lots and looots of chicken (so that you'll get to taste it), then the beans (for me), and top it off with plenty of salsa (my favorite next to the rice!).

looking at this makes me hungry

Its a little messy to eat but once you get the hang of it, it'll be a breeze to arrange and gulp down. You'll have plenty of rice and chicken as leftover, so you can order more tortillas or just eat them the regular ulam-kanin way. I also tried adding corn and coleslaw along with my beans, and the sweet touch gives it a nice Pinoy flavor. This may not look a lot but this is a plateful, I tell you. Not for the weak! I couldn't finish my plate (sorry poooooo!) because I was so full. Had some rice leftover and took home my second chicken (inay also couldn't finish her chicken #2!).

Super sulit at P185! We were full, satisfied pigs -- I mean respectable human beings that left the place with a smile (and bulging belly) on our face (and stomach errr). I'll eat here again for sure! When I'm starving, and craving for Mexican food!

---
Naks. I am now putting watermarks on my photos. Kahit pa cellphone ko lang ang gamit ko dyan, they're still mine! So protect protect mode on! Hohoho.

Chapter One

2011-11-17T21:40:00.000+08:00

Let's see. I just finished living a book, worth more or less 5 years. It was a great book, my favorite so far, and the unhappy ending makes it even more engaging.

But that's done now. And as much as I love re-reading that story, it would make much better sense if I just live a new best seller.

So, Chapter One.

Last 11/11/11, I got to spend the day signing my job offer in a position and company that I really prayed for. Dang! Talk about closing one door and opening a huge one next.

My blog title "Jump to Reality" suddenly becomes more fitting. As I am now really getting to experience real life pains and happiness. That first heart break. That first job. Madness both, but completely of opposite directions.

Earlier today I got to formally sign the job contract. I am set to start late next week, and I can't wait to finally get this ball rolling. Will share my experiences as the story of this next book unravels. Are you excited for me? To say that I am looking forward to this new life is an understatement. I have high hopes that this new book will be an even better read that the first.

Adventures, oh how I missed you.

Pink 5ive

2011-11-17T00:45:00.000+08:00

I guess I felt it. The slow loss of your warmth. But I never really wanted to see it, as I always only thought of it as you being tired with work. And of course, you had all the right to be tired. So I wanted just to be there massaging you when you have headaches, or gliding my fingers through your hair as I fix it; even though you look amazing whether or not you comb.

It's all my fault; I now realize.

Realizations only come when we are somewhere between the stages of being hurt and moving on. It's when we're a little past that stage of sudden crying while taking a bath, commuting, or eating; and right at the start of the phase of being strong and regrouping your life.

Then you ask yourself, "are these realizations, absolute truths, or my truths?"

I remember you in everything that I do. I walk around Megamall and remember our dates; I eat at World Chicken and I think of our usual order. Heck, my bed sheets now are a gift from your parents. But I take them all in. I close my eyes and savor the memories, and try to smile as I fight my tears.

Am I now really starting to regroup? Am I actually able to stand up from this in less than a month? I do not have a choice. I may be rushing into healing that I only get to put band aids on my wounds without really cleaning and treating them. But. The world won't wait for me. I gotta keep up.

It doesn't really matter. Whatever gets you going, whatever will help you become a better person, and whatever will help you heal your shattered heart, is all the truth you need. Trust yourself in knowing what you did right and what you did wrong. And it will be easier to move along with truths that are accepted by the heart and mind.

Acceptance. You acknowledge, you nod. And you hope that it may change. You accept, you embrace. And let go of your own ways. I still cry and get sad every now and then. I acknowledge that. But for now, the world leaves me with no choice but to a life that is to start from scratch.

And I embrace it.

---
Freewriting while idle earlier in the afternoon. Started this trail of thought when I heard Silent Sanctuary's "Pink 5ive" play on the radio, hence the title.

Some vital piece of information

2011-11-10T16:19:00.000+08:00

So not in the mood to blog. But, I really think I have to share this piece of information to everyone out there. Have to pay forward, cause I've been lucky these past few days.

Now to the point! I have recently been called back from a job (that I really prayed for) and got accepted! YEY ME!! Thank You God.

They emailed me a list of some of my partial requirements, and one of them is a nightmare to get; the NBI Clearance.

We've all heard the story. People having to line up at 3-4am (some even at 1am!) just to make it to the 500-applicants-per-day cutoff. It's a shame, really, as it reflects the system (or the lack of it) of our government.

To know why such lines exist, just google it.
**In a nutshell, everyone's now considered as a new applicant, no more renewals, so lines are crazy. (Approve the ID System NOW!!)**

So the question is, where to get your clearance without having to waste an entire day waiting, waiting, and waiiiiting? The answer, at Robinson's Otis!

Haven't heard of it prior to my need of a location for a more "convenient" place to get my clearance. It's relatively an unheard-of Robinson's branch so people don't really know that they can get their clearance from there. (And really, it's not too commuter-friendly. Weird location. Or maybe am just not familiar with the place.)

Fastforward: I got a hold of my clearance after 3 hours! NOT BAD AT ALL. If you google for NBI experiences, you'll get to read stories saying they lined up at 4am and got their clearance at 4pm, or something along the lines of that! My sister's got a first hand experince of this from Ronbinson's Metro East. She lined up at 6am and got her clearance at around 5pm. And I think she's lucky, cause from what I've heard recently, at 5am the 500 slots are all already filled.

I could have gotten my clearance from Rob Otis at a much less time if only I had taken note of the following:

1. I went there on a Tuesday (November 8), and arrived at 1:11pm (finished at exactly 4pm!). Monday (November 7) was a holiday.
My mistake: It was the start of the week!
Should have: Lined during midweek. i.e., Wednesday, Thursday
Another improvement: Should've been there a little earlier. I think the best time would be immediately after lunch. Like 12:30pm. But going really early is a good strategy too, i think. Go for 8 am if you're within the area! I don't know if they take lunch breaks, but if they do, then that's another story.

2. I took the long route. I came from UP Diliman to process some documents and when I googled for commute instructions, all I found were LRT-1 instructions.
Rewind: From UP, I took a jeep to Katipunan, boarded the LRT-2 Katipunan Station and alighted at Recto Station. Then crossed to LRT 1 Doroteo Jose Station (they are connected via bridge), then squeezed my way into the train and alighted at UN Avenue Station. I then took a tricycle (10 pesos. Do not take a pedicab!) to the mall.
My mistake: Taking the LRT all the way to Recto. And having to go through the crazy LRT 1 sardinas mayhem.
Should have: Alighted at Pureza station of LRT 2!

Fastorward: My route FROM Robinson's Otis after getting my clearance (I was too tired to go all the way back to LRT 1 so I asked kuya guard for some commute routes. Go me!) : Rode a jeep from the mall front, and asked kuya driver for Nagtahan Bridge (alight in front of Save More. 8 pesos). From Nagtahan Bridge, you can just walk (I could've walked this distance. But I was tireeeed and had some girl hormones acting up so took a jeep instead. 8 pesos) to Pureza station (just ask to which direction). A warning though: if you are not a fan of walking, then ride a jeepney! From estimates, its probably shorter than a kilometer but heh. 5-10minutes walk maybe. =)

So, you'll just have to research the commute way FROM Pureza Station to Robinson's Otis. And save yourself from the chaos of LRT 1 and even get to save some commute coins.

Some more tips:
1. If you plan on going alone (like me!), then do not be shy to ask your seatmate (they have waiting areas that are airconditioned and have proper chairs. Wooot!) to save your seat when you have to go to the restroom (or buy some waffles for lunch, like me. hohoho). Leave a folder behind or something. NOT your belongings, of course!

2. Bring plenty of water and snacks. I paid 20 pesos for a bottle of water (because I already finished my own bottle) and had to buy some quick lunch/meryenda beacuse I didn't have food with me, and because it was embarassing to have my seat reserved while I order some "real fast food".

3. Always bring a pen with you! Always. Did you know that pens are a common ground for bacteria? (I forgot where I read this. But makes a lot of sense.)

4. Come there weeks before you need your clearance. I got mine the same day because I didn't have a "hit" (aka my name didn't match any ~criminal's~ name who has a record.). If you are not too lucky (like my seatmate. or if you have the most common name ever), then they'll ask you to come back weeks after. (seatmate was asked to return on November 21. ouch.).

Okay. what else. That's it I guess.

Goodluck!

One door closed, another opened.

2011-10-28T20:54:00.000+08:00

I woke up to some great news today. And I am just overwhelmed at how God finds ways to help me see everything's purpose for happening. This day is a great day for me. And I can't thank God enough for all the blessings.

I want to give back by holding an inventory sale, and basically almost give away these pretty Weber Bow babies. I just want to start fresh by clearing out stocks, and at the same time pay forward all the kindness that God has blessed me with.

Hope you all have a great long weekend ahead! Always enjoy and savor the moment! =)

---
Details of the sale can be found here:
http://ghoentjunior.multiply.com/photos/album/51/
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.186508891410957.46659.186491434746036&type=3

Aaaand that's it.

2011-10-26T17:49:00.001+08:00

4 years and 5 months. Not bad. Actually, it wasn't bad at all. I loved every minute of it, and will forever treasure that defining part of my life.

But I have to be in touch with the reality that its now all over. Open my eyes each waking day and just remember to forget it. To put it all behind me.

Thank you, for everything. You changed me, and I am thankful for that.

I am happy that we are ending this with all the respect that we have for each other intact. I am happy that no harsh words were thrown out when we were dealing with it. I am happy that we are mature in dealing with the situation. I am happy that we think and we feel.

But essentially, I will have to find myself again to be able to be really happy, in its most simple definition, again.

As much as I don't want to be too mellowdramatic about it, this being my very first breakup and nonetheless from a 4year5month relationship is I think too much to handle for me. I've just been too happy for the longest time that I've been blindsided by this much pain.

For now, I continue to pray that I bounce back soon from this emotional torture. I am thankful to friends who have helped me and listened to me. I am truly grateful.

And I am thankful to the world for making me realize that yes, you will continue to roll even if I feel like not rolling.

The best teachers really do not care. They just teach.

16th of the month

2011-10-18T12:51:00.000+08:00

First in my entire life, i think, that I did not take any, not even one, picture of anything that happened on my birthday. Must be the age? Maybe I'm growing more relaxed and indifferent (aka boring) that lazy and whatever-with-a-wiper days are really becoming more appealing to me.

Spent the whole day here at home, with boyfriend as my guest.

My theme, All Things Favorite.

Cooked:
1. Pesto pasta
2. Burritos
3. Nachos (with beef and home made cheese sauce)
4. FC-inspired half footlongs

Number 4 is something bf and I extremely miss! FC is short for Faculty Center, a building at UP Diliman. There used to be a kiosk in front of FC 2-3 years (or 4?) ago that sell half footlongs DIY style. We had the freedom to put in as much (or less) sweet pickles, cabbage, mayo and ketchup, and on some lucky occasions, even mustard as we want! All for the price of, of, offffff, P18? P20? Dang I'm old. I can't even remember how much! But I sure remember how yummy it was. So, bought all those ingredients and recreated it here at home.

Carbs loading that menu, haha!

Also marathoned (word invention yeah!) new episodes of Community, The Big Bang Theory, How I Met Your Mother and, last but not the least, The Mentalist.

It was a very slow, easy, day. With a lot of pigging out on the side. I spent the entire day with boyfriend so, no complains. He's more than enough.

Now that I think about it, maybe I should have taken at least a photo. Will have to rely then to my untrustworthy memory for things that happened this day. Go me!

The day I cut a few things

2011-10-08T01:47:00.001+08:00

I truly hope I get to keep this post short. Because on this day, the day I cut my boyfriend's hair, I ended up cutting a lot more.

Tools

Before the renegade

Libreng gupit! (excuse the pambahay outfitey)

Evidence

After

So, how did I do? I let boyfriend use one of my loose pambahays as his "haircut shirt", then he showered after all the feeling-propesyunal-na-barbero stint of mine was over. Not a lot was cut off but boyfriend likes it. He says i'll do all of his future haircuts from now on. Coolio.

My boyfriend. My boyfriend. The. Boyfriend.

Ah.

The day after this haircut happened, the boyfriend and I had a fight.

That was last week.

No it wasn't because of the haircut.

It was serious. Scary serious.

We've never had a major fight in our four years and four months of being together.

Until this day. Or well, last week.

A lot of things that has never been said and done, were said and done. A lot of emotions, a lot of.. yes. I don't wanna bore you.

And I don't wanna cry.

I should say, without any exaggeration, that I've had the greatest scare of my life this day. Or well, last week. And it had something to do with me having to cut everything off with my life. (ghoent code: my life = my bf)

Lalalala.

Don't judge.

Thank God.

Thank God.

We are working things out now.

We are talking, and healing, and learning from all that happened.

I learned a lot. I really did.

I pray that what was cut, will be replaced by something new.

I know that it will never be the same.

But I sure pray that it's a lot stronger.

Today we hit our largest bump yet. Or well, last week.

There are some scratches. But I know it's all in the surface.

And deep down, we're still in it for the long haul.

At least I hope so.

And I truly and will forever pray so.

And will surely unendlessly work hard for.

And certainly [wish I] know so.

Food trip and Pedring

2011-09-30T01:09:00.000+08:00

Last weekend the boyfriend, my brother, and I went on a foodtrip at SM Megamall. There was a Mega Food Sale going on so it was the perfect excuse to burn what little cash we have.

It was supposed to be a date with bf but little bro wanted to come with us on the last minute; sooo --- gora! Poging bf and brother get along really well and I sometimes (most times? yes) end up being the third wheel.

Great! (No sarcasm there. Really.)

Arrived at around 11am.

First stop: Gotti's
Discount: 50% off ALL Pizzas

Seafood Bianca P360 (We paid half the price!)

Siciliana Pasta P145 (?) (Regular Serving) (Memory failure again)

Surprisingly, I loved the pasta! Bf and I are not really fans of red sauce (we heart oil based pastas), but we wanted to try something different that day and went with this. True to what I've read on blogs (we do research when eating in new places. You know the usual drill -- research to get the best value for monehhhh), the regular serving size of the pasta is already good for sharing! Best for two people - but since we were planning on eating in different places, the three of us shared this plus the 12 inch pizza.

I should mention, that that photo of the pasta isn't the "as served" presentation. It's plated with 2pcs of garlic bread and of course arranged in a more pleasing way. It is a pleasant surprise that I actually liked the eggplants on the pasta. It gave it a distinct aroma+taste which were both unexpected (for red sauce, that is) and yummy (am not a food blogger so yummy means yummy). The pizza -- was okay. Thin, soft, chewy dough. I liked it, especially with the pasta.

Next stop: Brothers Burger

Discount: 50%off on Big Brothers Burger 1/2 Pound

Bf's second (to Italian) fave type of food -- American! As in burgersss! We, on our 20++ years in this lovely world, both have never eaten at Brothers Burger. So, finally! This is it!

Big Brothers Burger 1/2 Pound P195 (Paid half the price!)

We bought 6 burgers kamown. Define hoarding! We were greeted by a long line of burger addicts, so we had them to-go and ate it at the SM foodcourt.

Dear conscience, do not fret. We are not pigs. We ate three, and of course bought the other three for inay, itay, and sister. See, you proud of me?

It was huge. Big. Nakakaguilty big! I was so full I couldn't finish the last few bites. It was delish, but do not kill me for this, I think it's overrated. Eeeeep! But i definitely enjoyed eating every bite of it (except the last 2?)!! If this discount craze gets a repeat, i will definitely buy again. Half pound of meat, I feel like an animal. Hohoho.

Last stop: Sisig Hooray!

Discount: Nada!

I know, i know. This isn't included in the Mega Food Sale, but bf and brother had stomachs as large as your regular household timba. They still had the freaking tummy space to eat a serving each of the very sinful pork sisig of Sisig Hooray!.

Pork Sisig P75

This is my fave sisig place, to tell you the truth. Its cheap, tasty, and, well cheap. The chicharon toppings give it a lovely (lovely? wth.) crunch that makes the dish (lol I make Sisig Hooray! sound expensive) less nakaka-umay (english, anyone?). I didn't eat this, of course. Only the two boys had room for it.

Until now, my belly is thick from all the food that I ate that day. "All about proportions" down the drain. Booo. But, the upside, adventures make me happy. Food makes me happy! So, it was a happy day. Happy happy happy!

***

Am lazy to think of a [decent] segue so, abrupt shift of topic using three asterisks! Yahoo!

***

Pedring's gift to us: 39 hours of being electricity-less. Hooray! Spell boredom, and low/deadbatt. Fail. Managed to snap a few photos with my trusty cell phone before it went RIP.

Our family's way of defeating boredom:

1. Millionnaire's Game

2. Chess / Dama

3. Learning to play the guitar (I actually learned a few chords! Hooray for new knowledge!)

4. Beatboxing (As in playing the el kahon. Inay bought this a few weeks ago, so they were making noise on a very silent night. Bet the neighbors hate us. Hahaha!)

5. Playing cards

6. Badminton

7. Eating

8. Sleeping <-- boredom wins!

Still glad though that we were safe and dry. Hope you are (were) all too!

Thank you, cellphone.

2011-09-18T22:48:00.000+08:00

Dedicating this post to my dear cell phone, for being with me always during random moments that I feel like being a photographer. Does having eight photos in a post make it photo-heavy?

Rain, the aftermath

A worm's view

Wish you were working

Leave but don't kill

Glare and aratilis

Feel your heart beat

No change for Ikot

More than freedom

*I read your mind!* Suggestion noted, I'll no longer be putting "titles" on my photos next time (if there's a next time). Because yes I suck at it. Sometimes I want it serious, most times I want it to mean nothing.

My hands have way too many lines.

Hope you all had a great weekend!

Playing favorites

2011-09-09T02:07:00.002+08:00

Finally got to eat somewhere along Maginhawa St. in UP Village! Last Sunday was spent with BF (as always), and since we only meet once (twice tops) a week, we always want to spend it somewhere new to us.

No, that is not true. Because we all know that I am a bum and have no income (except for some rackets HERE and THERE), and that BF is also not the richest person in the world, the real ending to the "since we only meet once a week" sentence is, "we really miss each other."

Wow what.

Anyway, as I was saying, we finally got to try a resto from Maginhawa Street! I was craving for my 2nd favorite cuisine (shef that sounds so shushal. Can't think of a better term!), Mexican food (aka Burritos burritos burriiiiiiittos). (Insert one more useless text here, in case you were wondering, Italian's my (and BF's) fave ~cuisine~).

Was craving for burritos since Monday last week; so yes I was craving for a whole week before I got my fix. Googled for a Mexican restaurant along Maginhawa and voila! Our destination, Mexican Express!

It was just a small place so we were happy that when we arrived for lunch, we were the only people there. People came in when we were about to leave, nice.

They had a few interesting things on their menu but my mind was set on burritos. That being said, we had the Super Burrito, (Regular) Burrito, and the House Iced Tea.

Super Burrito (Beef) P129; Regular Burrito (Chicken) P90; House Iced Tea P30

Super Burrito (Beef)

We had them halved so BF and I can taste both varieties. The Super and Regular were different in terms of size only, I think. We both liked beef better, since the Mexican flavors were stronger with beef than chicken. The burrito was okay, filling and yummy. I have to say though, inay makes better burritos! Haha! I've been requesting for them but inay won't give in; she says its expensive to make them and I understand. Haha. The House Iced Tea was sulit at P30! One glass was already good for 2, though we ended up ordering for another glass since we got a little crazy with the hot sauce, hihi. We could no longer finish the second glass as we were so full! Too bad I wanted to try the Ice Cream Wrap for dessert sana! Next time.

It was scorching hot that afternoon (and rained like crazy in the evening) so we decided to go to the mall to benefit ourselves with the aircon (what else). Later in the afternoon we spotted this little space that had pesto pizza, and so we had to try it.

Yezz Italian's our first love and we can never get tired of pesto (and other oil based pasta!). We were still a little full from lunch so we shared this pizza and had coffee on the side.

Pesto Pizza P70; Brewed Coffee P50 (?); One shot Espresso topped with ice cream P75 (?)

Pesto Pizza

Rough estimates, my memory is failing me right now. Hihi. The pizza was good and sulit for P70! Soft dough and gracious pesto and chicken toppings, aprub! I'll definitely have this again, and will try their pesto pasta next time.

Now I'm kinda hungry. Any cheap thrills and good restos on your list? Share 'em please! =)

Giveaways II

2011-09-04T22:11:00.002+08:00

Hi guys! Here's a follow up when I mentioned in a previous entry about Ghoent Junior sponsoring a giveaway. Join Aisa's Finale Big Birthday Giveaway and get a chance to win GJ's Red Weber Bow Bag!

CLICK HERE FOR THE MECHANICS!

And while I'm at it, why don't you join one of my favorite bloggers Kryz Uy's Cole Vintage Giveaway too! 2 GCs worth P1000 each are up for raffle! Cole Vintage + Thirstythought = can't get any better than that! *fingers and toes (and eyes and all my other body parts too!) crossed! =P* Really.

***In the craaaazy event that Ms. Kryz Uy herself is actually reading this, I really hope I can follow you through GFC! Hihihi. Hihihihihihihi (told ya craaaazy).***

Have a happy week ahead guys! Be careful of the rain that's been bugging us lately!

---
EDIT:

Dang I feel so dumb, haha! =P Thank you Anne for teaching me how to follow non-blogspot blogs through GFC!

Plums in real life

2011-08-24T20:03:00.000+08:00

My fascination with plums started way way waaaaay back since yesterday. Ooops. Yeah i wasn't really interested with them at all, save for yesterday when my itay came home with a whole plastic container filled with plums.

I have never seen a plum live, have no idea how it tastes, its texture, and well, its existence; until yesterday. The only thing I knew about plums was its color - obviously, dark violet. kaboom.

Okay so today's lesson, biology. Or something like that. We will be disecting a plum, observing its properties (just the physical), and conducting some experiments (no not really).

Physical Properties

a. Color

We got our work cut out for us. Answer with me y'all -- dark vio-- PLUM!

b. Skin texture

It's smooth, actually. The fruit is soft and smooth, like my skin whuuut. No, they're much like grapes, only softer. Like when you feel and squeeze it a tad bit too hard it'll burst. Its jelly-ish soft wrapped with smooth stretched skin.

c. Size and Shape

Ok this one's the easiest. Just look at the picture. But since I'm in the mood to be wordy and random, will describe more. It's like sinegwelas in shape, but twice to thrice larger.

d. Fruit color and texture

Translucent yellow to yellow-green. As for the texture, imagine this: you have sago, the small kind like those found in taho / ginataang halo-halo. Then you smash them, and put them in a container where you'll solidify (not refrigerate!) the mixture. After solidification, take a bite at it. There. Texture, NOT the taste, people. If you can't imagine that, then just imagine eating grapes. Hihi. It's jelly, but its not smooth. Make grapes more textured and you'll have the plum texture. Texture texture texture. Its a mouthful.

e. Taste

Dundundunduuuuuuun.

Tastes like sinegwelas. If it's ripe.

If its not, it tastes like kamias!

Agghhh the sour taste! Punishment for someone like me, who has a sweet tooth!

Chemical Properties

Sorry, I do not have the right lab equipments.

Nonetheless, Avocados will remain as my favorite fruit. Ripe mangoes are a close second.

I miss doing lab experiments (No I don't. I'm just a little bored). I should really get a job now. Must remain sharp (yeah right).

All blessings are blessings

2011-08-18T01:42:00.001+08:00

This past week has been a blessed week for me.

But the weeks before this, were heartbreaking.

Boyfriend's father suffered a mild stroke about 3 weeks ago. And dear bf couldn't sleep. He and his two sisters are here in Manila, while their mom and dad are in the province. It was difficult to not be able to do anything. And I was praying really hard that Dado (how we call bf's dad) gets better asap.

Bf's laptop one fine morning decided not to turn on. Yeah, this was about 3 weeks ago too. Files and research of his thesis for his master's, there. His students' exams and records, also there. Having no TV, all else (news, entertainment, updates, communication) are pretty much in there too. I couldn't be more helpless for bf. And I am praying that it gets fixed soon.

My laptop, about 2 weeks ago, also decided not to turn back on. Crazy. It just. felt. crazy. And I am praying that it gets fixed soon too.

Did I mention, that I am unemployed? Well, I'm not really bummed out about that. It just crossed my mind that if I had a job, then I would have been (and be) able to help bf with some financial issues. Bf, being the eldest, I can feel was stressing about all the things that are happening. But being the strong and totally funny and cool guy that he is, he is just taking everything in like it was just challenging his greatness (he is kinda crazy, he says he is a god. lol.).

But God, the One up there, is really the all powerful God. And I can't thank Him enough.

Not all of my prayers have been answered yet. The two laptops are still borken. But Dado is recovering well and I am grateful and thankful for that. Thank You Lord.

I have won two giveaways recently. Gifts are always a beautiful reminder of happy thoughts. And indeed these gifts make me happy. And I am grateful and thankful for that. Thank You Lord.

Bf is getting opportunities as a tutor, aside from him being an instructor. Extra cash is always welcome. I know that his schedule requires him to be a superhero, and thank God he is as strong as one. And on top of that, he still has time for me. And am grateful and thankful for that. Thank You Lord.

I just really want to thank God for giving me bf. He is the best. And I have no idea what I did right to deserve him. I am blessed, and I will forever be thankful and grateful for that. Thank You Lord.

I am not laptop-less. Because we still have our big laptop here at home that I can use for personal and business opportunities. And am grateful and thankful for that. Thank You Lord.

Speaking of business opportunities, God has blessed me. Just a week ago I posted this ad and miraculously, I already have two customers to date. I pray for more customers to come, but really the two customers are testament to God's loving and caring power. The extra cash is all very welcome. I can at least now treat bf to a nice dinner to reward and relax him from all the pressure that I know he is burdened with. Thank You Lord.

A lot of people say that God is overrated. Well, I am not here to convince you otherwise. But I am here to thank God for everything good that He has done for me. The problems I mentioned may be nothing to others, and I am sure that the blessings I mentioned are worth nothing to many. But they all mean everything to me right now. I am not usually like this, very vocal and maybe mushy, but I just feel so blessed. I can't contain it. So blessed I've got to give it away (love that song). And the only way I can really give back right now is by thanking Him endlessly. Thank You Lord.

Thank You Lord.

--
Thank You Lord, its bf and I's 51st month together. Forevermore to come, please.

Giveaways

2011-08-06T19:31:00.002+08:00

I won two, am joining another (amongst the many), and will sponsor one (not here though, sikreto muna!) soon. DTI, shoo! =P

I won two!! First, I am one of the two lucky winners of Aisa's Lorys Hair Cream Giveaway. I got the Fruit Cocktail: Softness and Shine for All Hair Types variant.

And I'm loving it! =) Like i've said before, I am not really picky (medyo lang!) with hair stuff cause I like em as natural as possible; with the i-woke-up-with-beautiful-hair-yey-for-me-diba! feel. And so far, it's not disappointing. I have no reasonable complains with my hair naman even before I got Lorys, so adding it in my regimen (regimen wth. shampoo + condizyonerz) is a pleasant and welcome change. I replace my conditioner with this a few times a week. I love the fruity smell! And I'm enjoying getting my conditioner from a tub! Hihihi such a child.

I won one more! I am ecstatic, excited, electricfied (whatt?!) and soooo happy that I won Denise' RPS Addict Giveaway!

All the items from RPS Addict's website are really beautiful and styled amazingly (with beautiful shots, too!), so I am really excited on winning one! Love the Slub Cargo Legging! I cant wait to get my hands and legs (hahaha!) on them! You should check out their website, they're on major SALE! =) Again, Thank you Denise!!! =) (She has an ongoing shoe giveaway now, join join!)

Am joining another giveaway! And because I really want to win, I am blogging about it. Not that it would really matter though, since it is a styling contest. Am joining Aisa's Primadonna Style Challenge.

Yezz I submitted 2 looks cause I had so much fun putting the clothes and shoes together. And because I want to win. Hohoho (who doesn't?)! These two actually demonstrate the versatility of the shoes. From the feminine casual style to rock babe with an attitude, a little play on colors and clothes can really bring the best out of investment pieces. And this pair of Primadonna shoes is surefire one of my more versatile pairs. Plus its comfy! I really like the wooden chunky heel. =) Which style looks better? Forgive my poses, oh please. C=

Will sponsor a giveaway soon! Details next year. Lol soooooon. =)

In other news, my netbook's LCD is busted. Basag ftw. Have no idea when that's gonna get fixed. Hopefully this year! Haha no income; so any job openings out there? Call me. Am using this huge old laptop we have at home and its refreshing to see a wide screen again. Gazsh. So bright! Haha! Any of you guys sponsoring a laptop giveaway soon? I'll join for sure! =P

SSAM @ 50! Grand Alumni Homecoming

2011-07-23T13:42:00.002+08:00

Last Sunday was spent at the St. Scholastica's Academy of Marikina's 50th anniversary. I spent my entire childhood at Isko, from prep to high school (loyalty award in the bag!). Haven't been there since my sister's graduation last 2005 so its about time I pay my alma mater a visit. Spent an afternoon taking photos with everyone! Lalo na with the berkeda. Haha.

Finally got to use this yellow clutch ever since I got it, err, 4 years ago?

emote much!

That in all things, God may be glorified.

Got to wear the Jellybean shoes na, finally! They're beautiful. Downside is I look awkwardly tall in pictures! Haha. Oh well, added height = shoe magic! <3 My name for the day = Lady Gaga. Lalalalalzz.

Kadabells = our kada's name. Yezzz the high school stuff that we can't grow out of. Haha.

A pic with kulasa batch '87, Amy Perez. She's super nice anddddd --- super bango! hahaha!

Tuwang tuwa lang haha. While waiting for our pictures to be taken for the digital yearbook!

The 2 twins of our batch! <3

St. Scho = major makeover! Kids today; so spoiled. #wordsofbitterness. Haha okay this is me blabbing now.

I heart you batchmates! <3

Photos from Cris, Cecil, and Mizzelei

---

Congrats to my my kabarkada Bess! She gave birth to a baby boy (named baby Blu!) on the day of our homecoming! Galing! <3

GJ Fan Page = Instant Discount!

2011-07-22T16:28:00.004+08:00

Hi guys! Finally Ghoent Junior now has a fan page! Hope you'll like our page (figuratively and literally). =)

Quirky, unique bags to feed your hunger for some interesting arm candies. ♥

Like our fan page for an instant 10 TEN SAMPU DIYES PORSYENTONG DESCUENTO! ♥

If you know others who might be interested, please feel free to share the page. Thanks guys! =)

Visit the Ghoent Junior Fan Page Here!

www.facebook.com/GhoentJunior

First Bazaar Experience

2011-07-18T23:58:00.000+08:00

Held last Saturday at the Bahay ng Alumni UP Diliman, finally, bf and I are no longer bazaarista virgins. (sounds malicious, no kids allowed.) kidding! They even allow pets inside!

Setting up!

I couldn't find the courage to take photos of other booths because I was really shy to put a camera in front of them, haha! But there are a loooot of great finds here, at super great prices! <3

Ms. Sandy Beltran, one of the organizers (Mr. Benjamin Beltran being the other), was interviewed for 24 Oras. It was shot right beside our latagan space!

Super cool Rock Balancing Exhibition! I wanted to try it but of course I had to man our space. Hahaha!

Lulzz. Bf and I were laughing at his PRC ID while manning our booth. Look at what three years can make to one's face shape! =P

Boyfriend couldn't pass up the great deal on one of the booths to have his own Dallas Mavericks shirts. He got these 2 for only 500 pesos! Great material and great print quality! <3 No loot for me, though. Broke. =P

Our latag! <3

It was tiring but fun! I'd like to thank all those who bought from us, and to everyone we met. And also to the people who asked for our cards (which reminds me, we should make one! We gave price tags instead which contains our website, haha) and complimented us on having great products. <3 Co-lataganer (whattt?!) Shyra also suggested that we make an FB page for our shop! Haha. Until now we are still stuck with using multiply only. =P What do you think? :D

Thank you Ms. Sandy and Sir Benjamin for a great experience as first time bazaaristas. We are happy that we chose this event. Hopefully we'll be back on October, if schedule permits. Great Job on your end! =)

I'll upload the bow bags and maybe the metallic socks (we have 5 more pairs left!) over at Ghoent Junior a little later. =)

Credits to:

God - for the beautiful weather

God - for the sales we got

God - for the people we met

God - for being always kind to us

Bags will drop on Saturday's Bazaar.

2011-07-15T04:10:00.001+08:00

First ever! I know I haven't been quite active in the innurnet this past week and that's because I was mulling over bazaar stuff ideas and the logistics of our items (may ganon!). I promise to go back to being the number one commenter of your blogs after this bazaar. Haha. A bum's life right there. =P

Anyway, as I was saying, the new bags will drop this Saturday! The new design which i'll simply be calling as "purse bags" (for now) will finally be released here! Dibs for bazaar customers before we launch it on the website! =)

The bestest news ever, price of this bag is only at 695pesos! ;) I mentioned in one of my comments here that the bags will be somehwere at the range of 750pesos, and I'm really happy that after all the fuzzy accounting kabajinggas, 695 came out as the magic number! Yey for savings agad! :)

Oh and there are only a few pieces left for our mini-laptop bags (sling/handbag)! Get your 10inch notebooks a new home! =)

Fourier Mini-laptop bag, 495pesos.

A few other kewwwl things we will be selling at the bazaar:

Glitter socks

Feather headbands

Super cute voodoo dolls/keychains/cellphone accessory/car accessory in three sizes!

These are just some of the designs for these cuties. There are a lot! =)

We will also be selling vintage shirts and other knickknacks (not the food. how do i spell that then?) so please check our space at the latagan area! =)

Ghoent Junior will be at the Triple Treat Tiangge on Saturday, July 16, 2011 at the Bahay ng Alumni, UP Diliman, Quezon City. Doors open at 10am! See you there! <3

UST Reunion, at last!

2011-07-08T19:57:00.001+08:00

I miss my UST classmates. I spent a year at UST taking up industrial engineering before transferring to UP Dil as a mechanical engineering student. But don't be confused, I am a graduate of Materials Engineering. Told ya my academic life's quite a colorful one. Haha!

Anyway, last week we finally had the chance to get together, as the original planned reunion date got cancelled due to Falcon. Ayan, dami tuloy di nakapunta dito. Pero twas a fun night parin! =) Ate at Nomnomnom Happy Food at Tomas Morato then went to Chic Boy at Timog para sa inuman.

Haha di bagay! Boys mocking pa-cute poses. Ang sama!

Chicks wearing checks and stripes!

Cheeers!

First time to drink Tanduay Ice. Lasang fruit soda lang din pala? Masarap! Nakaisang bote lang ako, had to leave early dahil as usual di ako pinapayagan magpagabi. Sabi nila, ako pa rin daw si Cinderella. I know! Same old, same old. Hah.

More reunions pa sana next time! This was a good start! =)

*Photos from Karlo

Of Dreaming and Contentment

2011-07-06T15:34:00.001+08:00

The irony. Can you really dream big and be content at the same time?

There comes a point in your life, that one second, that everything you've known loses its meaning. Like a slowmo fading of everything around you. Time stops. And everything floats. . . slowly . . . and in deafening silence.

No kidding.

You'll get that feeling at some point. But just as that one second is about to end, everything snaps back. Regaining the vivid colors. Moving in real time. It seems as though your life slips right back to normal.

But it doesn't.

It's a lie.

Nothing is the same, and you will feel it.

The things that mattered, just lost their meaning. And all that seemed irrelevant, is just right about your life now. This is THE point. The turning point. The change of phase. The culmination of all that you've known since you were born. The epiphany.

They say that maturity takes time. And it does. But all those that you learn. Will lock itself like the last piece of a puzzle. Like the last piece of robot. When you reach that 60 milliseconds I told you about. All of them will burst inside your head, and cover your brain with a new shade of paint. That's the color of maturity. You are now ripe. You are a new you. And all the trivial things that you cared for. Will be useless. Will be nothing. Because what matters now. Are really all the things that you didn't understand before. Or just didn't care for.

This happened to me last night. I mean a little over 3am a while ago. I took one breath. And just when I exhaled. I knew everything was different. Nothing changed. But nothing's the same.

And I'm loving it.

Do you want me to share what I think are the things that changed?

You might laught at me. Seriously.

Because your guess. Is only as good as mine.

I see things now in a different light.

I still see everything. But like a dark room with only a light bulb. I can only see a few clearly. And those I see. Are the things that I used to not.

But I still see everything.

My first ever question. Can dreaming and contentment. Be done simultaneously?

I have been thinking about it since I woke up. I still do not know the answer. Its making me crazy, actually. Funny, because I told myself. Does it matter?

The question is not whether it can be done.

The question is.

Do you really see everything?

Yellow Happiness

2011-07-04T19:08:00.003+08:00

Pogi and I almost always end up in the same shade of top everytime we go out. Like some love telepathy. (says the cheesy me).

Walked and strolled and goofed around after pigging out.

Cute shots of these cute kids from yours truly, a cute stalker. lulz. Good thing their parents don't mind. hahaha!

Sunday walks and talks and foodtrips with the loved one. <3

A Revealing Sneak Peek

2011-06-28T14:01:00.002+08:00

Here are my new babies! Finally had the right weather to shoot my lovely new batch of bags. The only pictures that I am not putting here (yet) are well, the bags' solo shots. So this pretty much reveals everything - the colors, the form, and the photography skillz that I am yet to learn. haha!

I'm so happy that I'll be able to release these at GhoentJunior this July! Please watch out for them! (I use "them" because I still haven't named this design; it's a complicated process if you look through my albums lol) Still no price though, the batch is not yet done. I only made a handful so please start saving up to get your hands on them as soon as they are released! =)

On to the not so great news, I don't think I'll be able to release my 2 other designs this July. Ze bagmaker is busy with his work (and I totally understand that), so I don't think I'll be able to join the bazaar I was planning to attend next month. That's ok though, I'll probably have my chance next time. =)

That's it! Hope you like the bags! <3

Hair Shizz

2011-06-19T22:09:00.002+08:00

I have never, ever used a curling iron before. Ever. I don't know what that makes me. . . maybe a conservative? A l-o-s-e-r? I've been too comfortable with my straight (ahem, it's not purrfect but I'm happy with it) hair that I usually just comb a few strokes and rush for whatever destination I am up for next. And the only time I sported curls was during my high school graduation --- when which rollers were enough. I know ok that was ages ago. =))

To cut the long story short, mother gave in to the Buy1BuySecondat1peso deals of Watsons. HAHA. Seeing the 3in1 Hair Set under that deal was too irresistible for her that even I couldn't stop what I think was an impulse buy. Soooo, *kaching!* there goes 1000 pesos.

999pesos for 1 box, 1peso for the second.

But I am not complaining. In fact, as soon as we got home, sister and I played with it like a new toy. Hahaha! Let's see what we have here! =))

I have no idea how to exactly use the brush-like stick (stick?!) so sister and I used the plain one for the body of our hair, and the one with the treads for curling the ends.

Anywhoo, the results:

Not bad, I guess? I kept on running my hand through the curls because I wanted the out-of-bed-my-hair-is-a-mess! look. Hahaha! I have thick hair so I don't think I'll be using this often. Having waves gives me even more volume, which I already have plenty of. Or maybe I'm just doing it wrong. Hohoho.

Doing this however made me realize that I have overly long bangs (look at those pictures!), so used again my ever favorite hair thinning/trimmer scissors that I bought about a year ago.

Reaaaally convenient, plus it let's me experiment with the length of my bangs. This is a good investment that every girl should have, if you're looking for some unsolicited advise.

A LOT of hair chopped off. HAHA! My curls were already gone by this time since didn't apply any staying cream (whazdatcalled?).

Will end this post with a cute shirt that was a freebie at Watsons. I think it's for buying some toner and facial wash? I guess so!

Haha this made me smile. =P

For the pros (and not so pros) out there, any tips on how to use the curlers better? =)

--
EDIT:
Happy birthday Jose Rizal!
Happy Birthday Dirk Nowitzki!
IKR. 2 heroes sharing the same birthday. Are you kidding me?? Haha!

At long last, after 8 years

2011-06-15T01:36:00.005+08:00

Yes, of course. This will go down to my/our personal history, hence the pictures' documented/old feel. Plus I did have grainy photos to begin with so let's grain them some more. lolwhat?! =))

Last monday (Philippine time), Dirk Nowitzki along with the rest of the Mavericks won their very first NBA Title. First in their franchise history, and first for every single player of the team.

I will not bore you with statistics and history and all that basketball jazz, but I will say this: I teared in happiness. HAHAHA.

Ralph has been a fan for 8 years, and finally, his team (his team, yes!) are now the NBA Champions. Can you just imagine how that feels? . . . . .

. . . . . . (lol those are for emphasis! =P *inplace of actual words! tadaaaa!*)

Sooooo, celebrated that same night!

Snapped this before we left the house.

That's a glass door hence the horizontal reflections. =))

Ralph treated me, along with my sister and brother (because we all love the Mavs) to dinner at Gerry's at SM Marikina. All of us wore blue in honor of the Dallas Mavericks, of course!

First time to finish a bottle of beer. I should do this more often. Drink liquor (or alcoholic drinks. same banana?). I'm too old to not have been drunk wasted yet!

So, what team did you root for? Any favorite players? Just curious! =)

Independent Day

2011-06-12T21:00:00.002+08:00

Happy Independence Day everyone! =)

My favorite subject to date is PI 100, a Rizal course i took last year under Sir Leoncio Co. Taking the subject under Sir Co was an adventure. He told stories and answered improptu questions as if he lived history. He changed my outlook on our country's past and present situation, and he has also helped us students appreciate Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo at a whole new level. No field trips for our class but hearing him talk about history was very much the same thing, if not even better as I would put it as time travel.

Mulled over the thought of putting up a fan page for Sir Co. Lol. I was that much of a fan. Haha! Didn't though, nahiya naman ako. =P

In other news, yesterday was spent with sister at Trinoma and SM North. When Aisa Ipac tweeted about Jellybean's 50% OFF everything sale, I just had to check it out. You see, the first time I saw these shoes in Aisa's Jellybean post, I couldn't take my eyes off them! They were so.. full of angst. I don't normally wear these kinds of shoes but at 50% off?! I'll find a way to wear them out eventually. Might not be anytime soon but whatever, at least it's there when I ~~need~~ want it!<3

Can't wait to actually wear them out! =)

--
P.S. Super sad (and a bit irritated) when I saw Filipinos on TV who don't freaking know our National Anthem. Utang na loob, memorize it! It's not funny that you don't know the lyrics of Lupang Hinirang. And it's really not funny either when people don't stop and drop what they're doing when the anthem plays in the mall. Or even during seminar openings etc. Tsk. I have a lot of issues with Filipinos' civil disobedience (or in this case, lack of self-respect) but I won't talk about it now (or here). So I'll just leave you guys with a fun song for tonight's LSS! Enjoy! =)

Lupang Hinirang

Bayang Magiliw
Perlas ng Silanganan,
Alab ng puso
Sa dibdib mo’y buhay.

Lupang hinirang,
Duyan ka ng magiting,
Sa manlulupig,
‘Di ka pasisiil.

Sa dagat at bundok,
Sa simoy at sa langit mong bughaw,
May dilag ang tula at awit
Sa paglayang minamahal.

Ang kislap ng watawat mo’y
Tagumpay na nagniningning,
Ang bituin at araw niya
Kailan pa ma’y ‘di magdidilim.

Lupa ng araw, ng luwalhati’t pagsinta,
Buhay ay langit sa piling mo;
Aming ligaya, na ‘pag may mang-aapi
Ang mamatay nang dahil sa ‘yo.

Happy Independence Day Pilipinas! Freedom in itself has a lot of deeper definitions, but for know, at least let's memorize the song right? =)

--
P.P.S. Sorry for the sabog post. Freewriting ftw!

Bizzeh Bizzeh

2011-06-06T20:48:00.001+08:00

What's been keeping me busy? Thinking, brainstorming, looking for inspirations, and squeezing my creative juices. Am cooking up a new batch of bags to be released this July *crosses fingers* over at GhoentJunior. I already have one on the works, my bag maker has been kind enough to do this batch even if he (yezz, he!) already has a fulltime job. Thank you, kuya. Bless you!

A sneak peak on how that bag looks like:

Oh wtheck. I already uploaded a photo of me using it in this post. HAHA. Here:

You can't see it perfectly in that picture though, but it has a few interesting details! The kiss lock I used is just purrrrrrretteh! Will come in three colors, that gray one, being one of them.

You know I love ribbons and polkadots, as seen in this wedding outfit I wore in Bess' wedding.

One outfit = 3 ribbons! Overkill? HAHA. Well after having polkadots all over my previous collections, big bows then became the center of this design.

I have a couple more designs but I don't know if kuya can still accomodate my orders. I don't want to move on to another bagmaker cause he's just so easy to work with! And the aggressive in me is sort of pressuring him to accept my additional requests since I'm planning to join my very first bazaar this July. It's a different step once actual stalls and bazaars are there so I was hoping to have different items up for sale. Anyhoo, let us all together hope that kuya bends into my convincing powers. Ito lang ang pagkakataon ko eh, habang bum pa! Muhahahaha *evil laugh*. . . . Uy di naman, bait ko nga eh. =P If he doesn't though, I will be heartbroken for quite a while. =(

What do you think of the bag? And do you have some bagmakers list up your sleeve? Please roll them down and share. Heeeheee. =P

Kulasas - The Complete Edition

2011-05-28T23:23:00.003+08:00

At long last, some heart to heart tambay and bonding with my high school kada - kumpleto-wise! It's really difficult to gather the whole group because everyone's busy. Work, school, duty, wedding preps, etc. This time though, kada Hanna had her heart broken, and she needed us for an emo session complete with stories and tears on the side. Of course, everyone swept their calendars wide open and gave an afternoon to Hanna, hence the group's complete get together last week.

It's really nice to be with my all girl group again. Namiss ko ang mga kabadingan, katarayan, kalokohan-girl style, and that laidback vibe that I kinda brought with me til today. We're the kind of group that likes tambays-at-homes instead of night outs. Prolly because half of the group have conservative parents with ridiculously early curfews (AHEM AHEM). But that's okay (for now, at least), we'll do the Serena van der Woodsen-life a little later on na lang. HAHA.

Boys are fun to be with but to be able to sit down and be with your girl troop is just another story, agree? Super namiss ko talaga, gazzh! Just a little wrong though na nakumpleto kami because one of us was going through a hard time. Hope more of these would happen minus the sad stories. =(

After the kwentuhan and updates, we took some shots too, syempre. Kumpleto ang barkada!

Bagong gising ako. 3 pm daw but they arrived at 4! Ayan nakaidlip!

Mga kalokohan with my beautiful with-a-baby-bump kada, Bess!

Eating sinegwelas (ispelling pleazze) with Cris and Hanna, while waiting for the others to arrive

At the dinner table, kung saan di kami magkasya ng maayos. =))

Kuwari Bess is having her baby na!

Bagong-break look daw dapat. Yna's happy. HAHA. Women empowerment ftw!

The classic telenovela shot. Ako daw ang bida, HAHAHA.

Mac (yung ka-back-to-back ko), Pyvez' (2nd girl seated from right, with the really mataray look) fiance joined us. They'll be getting married this December, on their 10th year!! Whooo! 10th year mehn!

Janrey (the other guy who looks really macho), is the gay friend of Hanna and Bess. Haha! We've met him before na rin.

The money shot! Kumpleto!

Cris, Hanna, Cecil, Me, Yna, Pyvez, Bess

More of these in the future, sana!

Imagine yourself in his shoes

2011-05-24T16:34:00.003+08:00

In this case, in Dirk's.

Boyfriend's first love is, well, a guy. Dirk Nowitzki, that is. Way before we've met, Ralph has been the number one fan of the Dallas Mavericks. And I'm not referring to the bading-na-bading-sayo type of fan, but the one who knows all the statistics, the articles and comments written about the team, the analysis of games and future games, segregating facts from speculations, and all that other geeky stuff that only the in-too-deep crazy type of fans do. So if you remember, before we celebrated our 4th Anniversary, pinanood muna namin ang game 1 ng Western Conference Finals (I'm so updated with NBA thanks to poging Ralph) Dallas-Oklahoma before proceeding with the date. It's something that I give to him. Tanggap ko na, pangalawa lang ako sa puso niya. LOL.

Fast forward to today, when the pulubis are now earning a few bucks here and there, its time to search for the ultimate splurge that just feels freaking satisfying. For poging Ralph, its having the official Dirk Shoes. *Dundundunduuuuuuun.*

So last Sunday, boyfriend and I went to the far (and rich, absolutely new to us) lands of the Fort. We were told that the Dirk Nowitzki Shoes from Nike can be bought there, specifically at the store named "Titan". As you know, Dirk Shoes are never available in regular sports outlets. Not even at the 2-storey Nike Park at Serendra (seriously? and you call that a "huge" store?). It's funny (and a little insulting? Nah.), actually. Dude, it's Dirk Nowitzki! But it after all lead to a rewarding search so, blessing in the skies. muhahaha.

Anywhoo, we got lost, etc etc, because we are not familiar with the place. But made the trip all the more fun, of course. And even if we are not exactly the couple who loves taking pictures in public, we couldn't pass up the beautiful scenes at Serendra.

After waaalking and walking (who knew that circling that place meant walking hectares and acres of land?)
and resting with some coffee, we finally found Titan.

Pictures, to tell the story thereafter.

Kunwari looking at other shoes, but he is well aware of the Dirk Shoes sa lower right ng pic!

The Shoes

Ralph just couldn't stop smiling. We both can't. =P

Sukatan na!

Dirk 41. On his feet. Yes!

Titan has really beautiful interiors. Shoud've been a resto instead of a barber's/sports shop. Yes, the guys can have their haircut there.

Ralph, ikaw na ang naka-Dirk shoes. Kulang na lang, skillzz! Wag puro air ball ha? Hahahaha!

Ralph and I just couldn't stop smiling. I mean, This is it! Dirk Shoes! Agggghhhhh to see the smile on his face, like a kid who got his wish, really feels nice to be part of it. =)

P.S. The Mavs just won today's game, Mavs lead the series 3-1. Finish it next game!!
P.P.S. Gasol shoes spotted too at Titan. Mahirap din hanapin yun sa malls. =)
P.P.P.S. (WTH?!) I kinda like Lebron's shoe design better, and Ralph likes Durant's (next to Dirk's, of course). Dirk and Durant's shoes are both very simple, as opposed to Kobe and Lebron's. They designed it to reflect the players' individual characters. I think.

4 years na? Felt like a breeze.

2011-05-19T00:25:00.002+08:00

Today, May 18, 2011 marks poging Jan Ralph and I's 4th anniversary. So, did some celebrating by doing things that we don't normally do.

Wait. Before that.

In the morning, sinubaybayan muna namin and Mavs-Thunder Western Conference Finals Game 1. Ralph's the biggest Mavs fan so of course I gave it to him. Congrats Mavs! Dirk, imba!

After that, the date officially started.

First, we ate somewhere we've never eaten before. CIBO. Nice, the pulubis (That's what we call ourselves back in the days.) got to taste some shushal food. But of course, we couldn't splurge THAT much, so we were prepared. We saved our cibo food coupons that we got from Pakyaw's 250 for 500 worth of food offer from last month or so. Score! And since we are wise spenders (such an understatement), we research everything. So, we ate those that had the best reviews.

Spinaci Zola

Penne Telefono

Farfalle Alla Genovese (pesto lover here! I LOVE pesto. I love pesto. I love you pesto!)

Te Freddo Menta and Red Grape Juice (or shake?)

Yummy everything. (I am the worst food critic ever. I eat everything, I am not picky, and I always find the good in all food (sinungaling on this last one!)) Nah, I'm just lazy and out of adjectives. =P

Next, we watched a movie - sa movie house. We don't normally do this because A.) we can watch movies via cheap pirated DVDs, B.) we can download it it in clear HD format and C.) we can't afford burning that much money in one go. But its our anniversary, kaya it's a date! Watched Thor. And enjooooooyed it! Ang gwapo mo, Thor! And pogi's all-time crush for Natalie Portman was brought back to life. I understand, she's so effortlessly beautiful!

Because we pigged out at Cibo, we decided to just have coffee for dinner. Kwentuhan lang which we love doing, enjoying each other's company, which is never a bore.

***

I am everyday grateful, and everyday thankful to God for blessing me with Jan Ralph. What did I do to deserve him? Seriously. He has changed my life, put me back to earth, and had me see the world in a whole different perspective. He has taught me a lot about real life, about hard work, discipline, vision, and well, reality. We have been through a lot, and what we've been through in our first year as a couple has definitely helped establish a solid foundation to our relationship.

Like I always tell Ralph,

You hold me like I'm the one who's precious;
I hate to break it to you but it's just
The other way around.
You can thank your stars all you want but,
I'll always be the lucky one

Thanks Rico. You knew just what I was thinking.

RED FOR LOVE.

I am legend. I mean bored.

2011-05-11T21:11:00.001+08:00

I am. I'm surprised that being a bum has taken its toll on me in just about a little over a month. Brain damage.

Nothing has been keeping me busy. I feel guilty for doing nothing, lazing the whole day, sleeping and eating anytime I want to. Self-destruction.

For now, I am scribbling and drawing a few bag designs, but I have no idea when I'll be able to have it done. My bag maker has decided to get a full time job instead so I am left with no choice but to find a new bag maker. Changes.

I still cannot believe that after living for a year now here at our new house, we still do not have a decent internet connection! I am stuck with this sun broadband where I must "strategically" position myself in places where I can actually get a signal. Pft. Stuck.

Bitter of this internet connection because I cannot even download and install Skype properly (I know right). I need it because I intend to work part time as an online tutor, so I can at least have some money and actually make something out of my time while I wait for my "official" graduation on October. Waiting.

What else what else? Nada. Doing nothing has made me EMO because everyone else is busy making their lives great and meaningful. And the pouring rain this past few days hasn't helped either, as they made the mood even more conducive for some self-pitying. Thank you sun, you have returned. Bright is how I like it. Sunny side up.

Drowning Equilibriums' BIG Summer Giveaway!

2011-05-10T13:30:00.003+08:00

I am drooling over Aisa Ipac of Drowning Equilibriums' Summer blowout giveaway! I'm eyeing the first prize (because we should always aim high right?), but really any of the three major prizes would make any girl tear in happiness!

The goodies for first prize

Ruckus tassel necklace, Celeteque set, Extremefinds neon braided necklace, Fabrichild maxi dress, Trunkshow bag, Flattering Tops jeggings, Impulse Co leopard print headband, Trinkets Royale peacock necklace + 1 pair of shoes from PILL, P1000 GC from Freeway, P200 GC from Nude Clothing & 1 pc. of clothing from F-Stop.

Quite a handful, agree?

Check out her giveaway here, a lot of sponsors to add so you better start clicking! =)

Inay, panic buying?

2011-05-06T23:14:00.002+08:00

The perks of having a sister that used to work in selecta. Always on the loop of ice cream discounts sa planta! Read: 50% OFF! HAHAHA. Flavors on sale include sorbetes and creations variants only, syempre ibang level naman yung bonggang flavors. Still, I ain't complaining (DUHH). Stocks fly fast so whatever sister got hold of, she bought; as per inay's UTOS. Di nababali! HAHAHA.

IKR. Gallons and buckets of yummy, creamy, unhealthy, figure-killer (kala mo may figure!) ice cream! Graaaabe, like a child's dream answered. And to add more guilt, sister bought this chocolate syrup! Whuuuut!

So i smothered this yummy chocolate all over my melon and ube ice cream! Ohhhh the goodness of guilty indulgent pleasures! Melon flavor is surprisingly delicious, with that cooling effect that the fruit actually brings. Shef sarap!

Sister bought other flavors not on sale. The Hershey's collection! She chose Milk Chocolate with Almonds, and Kisses. (Since we've already tasted Reese's). Verdict: aba'y MASARAP! Ano pa ba? HAHAHA.

Kisses lived up to its name. It had a looot of chocolate chips on every bite. It's just impossible to have a spoon of it without munching on at least, errr, 4-5 chocolate chips? Ok so i didn't really count; but dude, you get the picture right?

Milk Chocolate with Almonds is my favorite. Almonds got me. And the chocolate. And the creamy texture, like its melting slowly on my mouth. Ok got to stop talking now.

Sorry for the not so enticing pitures. Just snapped them then ate. Selecta shoud pay me for this. Or not. Haha. Thank you, for making this summer less burning!!

Btw. Family's more than halfway of finishing all these. I couldn't stop eating when it first came so only got to blog about it now. HAHA. Helloooooo, flabby belly!

My very first giveaway win! AWESOME!

2011-05-04T16:55:00.001+08:00

Whuuut! I.can't.believe.it.

Remember when I blogged about me wanting to bum on the beach? Well, that was an entry for a blogging contest; and apparently, I won! Thanks to Anywhere Philippines' blog and tag promo, I was awarded as the Blogger for the Month of April and get to travel for free! Whooo!! I couldn't be more ecstatic, Zambales here I come! Hiyes! Ang saya saya ko talaga! :D

Matutupad na rin sa wakas ang pangarap kong magbeach ngayong summer (pangarap talaga? HAHA). Thank you to Anywhere Philippines! Join the contest now guys! Last na this May, you may just win as their May blogger of the month and be able to travel to your chosen destination absolutely for free! :D

Just go to their website for the mechnics. It's simple and easy. Game!! :D

Hachiko

2011-04-26T20:07:00.001+08:00

You a dog lover? Bf is, but I'm not. We would always kid of ending up not marrying each other (grabe lang sa usapan no?) because I don't like dogs while he has 3 in their province I think. HAHA. As of now we've decided not have any when (we'd like to think it's not a question of IF anymore, mwahahha) we get married. Dunno if that will still hold in the future though, he can get persuasive sometimes.

Last Sunday night, sister, brother and I watched Hachiko on DVD. Bumming here lately was synonymous to movie and series marathons, with of course a lot of eating on the side.

I will not spoil anything, but please believe me when I say it made me CRY. Capital C R Y. HAHA. Don't google Hachiko, he's too famous that you'll be spoiled of the plot exactly. It's based on a true story, about a dog and his master.

Proof of how it made us cry: pictures of my sister! HAHAHA.

Last Student Supper

2011-04-20T23:56:00.005+08:00

Its almost thursday so an entry before the holy week! Just a photodump post on the grad party I decided to attend last minute (medyo lang, haha). I really had my mind set not to attend any grad-related events, and I have broken them twice already. First was when I went to the swimming grad party supposedly sposored by the department (but was actually Justin's summa celebration), and now the engg grad party. Kumi asked Vince and I to come to the event when we had our dinner last saturday. So, okay, monday is party time!

The event was entitled Cirque Au Revoir. Don't know why, and didn't bother to know why. Lazy me, I was focused on what to wear at such short notice! HAHA arte lang. Dress code: Semiformal. Nice. Not too difficult. I decided to wear this black dress that I think I've had since 2 years ago, but didn't have any event to wear to. Buying a new dress didn't even slip into mind because obviously I don't have the income nor any allowance. Sooo, the debut of this little black dress it is.

Spent the party with you-know-who, Kumi and Vince. And with Rendell too, our batchmate. It was held at The Grand Terrace along commonwealth. Nice place, like the interiors, I have a few comments about the buffet area but I'm too lazy to share them so let's just jump to the photos.

Ganda ng CR so nagpaka vain? HAHA. =P

Tried the sock-on-shoe bit cause I think my black dress was too "normal". Dunno how I fared but can I just say, wearing 4inch chunky heels is waaaaay more comfortable than wearing 3inch stilettos! Note to self, the next time I buy shoes for work or for play, stick to chunky heels!

Anyway, more pictures!

UP Repertory

Belly dancers in the house! (sorry i forgot their org name. +_+ ambastos ko na, tsk) They were really good. And of course, they got the male inhinyeros' bloods pumping! =P

And a really good band. (I think). I was outside waiting for our turn on the photobooth so wasn't able to watch. HIHI. (Photos are grabbed, yes.)

Mobile bar with drinks that tasted like plain juice. Nothing more. Was looking forward to drinking pa naman! (Because I usually don't drink. Wait. Yes I don't really drink.)

With ME friend Rainier! Suuuuuper adore his mental top!!

Doing the "fierce" look that I so failed and he so nailed.

And photobooth shots!

Was happy I came. Got to celebrate my last night with the faces I used to always see everyday. HUHUHU. HAHA. Pluuuuusss, I got to meet Claire!! Hi Claire! Super happy we finally met! Akalain mo, we met on the last engg event of 2011, as students! Haha! =P

--
EDIT: a piture with (and grabbed from) fellow blogger Claire! Beautiful! :D

Libreng dinner

2011-04-19T17:31:00.001+08:00

Engg recognition rites nung saturday. Eversince that day lahat na ng laman ng newsfeed ko sa fb ay tungkol sa nagyari sa araw na ito. From ME friends and MatE friends, talagang tadtad ng albums about it. Whooo! Slightly bitter ako since hindi ako nakapagmarch kahit na graduate na rin naman ako. Harhar. Onga di pa kasi official. Because of that, minsan lang ako magcheck ng fb recently. Mwahahah!

Anyway, sa thesis group namin composed of Vince, Kumi, and moi, si Vince lang ang officially grumaduate. Yahooo! And since birthday niya nitong april 15, alam na! libreeee! HAHAHA.

Ayos, free dinner at kwentuhan at kaekekan lang. Favorite part ko ay nung nagpalitan ng gradpic. SO HIGH SCHOOL mehn! haha! Natuwa ako na may dedication pa kaming sinulat, mga bolahan lang naman at kung anuano pa.

Mamimiss ko din ang grupong to. May mga oras na di kami nagkakasundo re thesis stuff pero we pulled it off in the end. Super lucky and happy that they were my groupmates.

Salamat buddies! More dinners to come! (Libre pa rin? haha)

Nakaligo din sa wakas

2011-04-16T13:48:00.004+08:00

Mas natutuloy talaga ang lakad kapag biglaan no? Yes! Am referring to the galera trip that was planned for almost a month that ended up being cancelled, and this outing that was planned in less than a day but pushed through. AT LAST, waterzzz!

Around 12:30 pm last wednesday I received a text from karen that our department is sponsoring a batch outing. Sponsoring as in using funds that were not used for a supposed plant visit at SunPower Philippines. Libre transpo, food, accomodations, everything! Gah, perfect for a poor girl like me! Meeting place was at UP Dil 7pm that same day, since the overnight outing was scheduled from 8pm to 8am at 3B Resort in Antipolo. Didn't think parents would allow me to go cause they're the most OA ever, wanting a 1week notice before any overnight trips (that I hardly ever attend), especially if it involves swimming. But I really wanted to come so, there's no stopping me! HAHA. Thay said yes eventually.

The twist, is that it isn't a deprtment-sponsored trip afterall. Justin paid for everything! He's our Summa Cum Laude batchmate, the first Summa graduate in our department's history. Ang humble lang talaga. Hindi pa sinabing siya yung may sagot, dinamay pa yung deprtment! Congrats Justin!

Really cute and nice couple Justin and Che.

Not much photos were taken but here's a few ~~that would try to sum up that night~~. No photos can sum it up. Hindi kita dito na sobrang basag at wasak ng mga profs. They're fun to watch actually, HAHAHAHA. Natatawa parin ako pagnaiisip ko. From prim and proper inside the class to.. well, "lasing"! Mga promotor ng inuman! =P

Ma'am Marianne, Ma'am Arlene, and Sir Kenneth. Nagtitimpla na!

Cheers! Sir Kenneth (Cut out left), Ma'am Marianne, Sir Jude (in green), and Ma'am Arlene drinking.

Me, Jill, Izzy and Justin. Tuyo pa ang girls! Pinapakiramdaman pa ang tubig.

Photodump.

Favorite part ko was when the profs were dragging and throwing (oo!) people into the pool. Jessa, Mikko, and Sir Clod were dragged and pushed in their jeans! Grabe, walang patawad!

Thanks Justin! And congrats to all my batchmates! Recognition Rites nga pala today, so they're now officially graduates of UP Dil! Yey! =) Thesis partners Kumi, Vince and I maybe going out for dinner tonight. Libre ni Vince since he's the only one graduating among the three of us plus birthday niya kahapon. HAHA. Belated happy birthday Vince! Sana matuloy din no? Sana!

My Bess Friend's Wedding

2011-04-11T18:39:00.002+08:00

First of all, I'd like to congratulate my friend Bess and her now husband Jayjay. Have a beautiful married life you guys!

Second, I'd like to thank Candice for a really cute play on the words hence that cute title. HAHA. HAAAAHA.

Was a beautiful wedding, the first from our barkada.

St. Scho kada with John and cute bibbo Xionne.

Twas also nice that kulasas got to have a mini reunion c/o Bess' wedding. Hihi, really nice to see people again. Brought all that high school vibe back.

With Pyvez and the kambal Cris and Cecil

Cecil, Me, and highschool friends Bea and Candice

Yna, bagay kayo ni Vincent! Kayo na ang matangkad! =P

Too bad bf couldn't join us because of his cousin's graduation. Would've asked him to marry me sana, awwww. Buti na lang. HAHA. =P

Wacky with the couple!

In a world of short dresses, I decided to do long skirt. With my favorite print of course, polkadots!

Spot the 3 ribbons on my outfit. =P Ribbons are <3

Pyvez, your up next! Can't wait for December! 2 weddings in 1 year, tis the year of L-O-V-E alright! <3

Bum at home, bum at the beach.

2011-04-09T21:50:00.003+08:00

Ok guys, so I told you I major in blog giveaways right? Well, true that. I was kinda hesistant to post this blog this early of the month cause I know a lot of entries could turn out to be my nemesis in winning Anywhere Philippines' giveaway contest. D'oh. You don't know how hard it is for me to think that you just clicked their link and found out about their very gracious giveaway. Oh well, game on! (not-really-please-join-on-May-instead :) )*beautiful eyes and batting eyelashes*

So yes, I am in a complicated relationship with school. I no longer have any classes to attend to for the rest of my college life, but I am not yet an official graduate, if that's how you'd put it. Its complicated and boring so yes, you don't really wanna know the details. The important this is, I'm now one of the hundred thousands of bums here in our beautiful country! And right now, all I really want to do is celebrate the fact that I actually got out of school after, well, dare I say it, 7 yearzz! Don't judge okay? It's not as bad as it sounds (not bad at all, haha!). Let's just say I enjoy school too much. HAHA. plus, my ojt friends say I look 18. booyeah!

My grad gift (unofficially, yes) slash wish slash dream is to simply hit the beach. And be a bum there. Sobrang babaw lang, friends. Madali naman akong paligayahin. HAHA. I love adventures and all, but right now I just want to swim in salty waters (naturally salty, that is.) since the last time i swam in one was AGES ago. I can't even remember when and where that was. My destination, Zambales! Haven't been there (total noob when it comes to travelling), and would really like to. Plus its one of the cheaper trips on their schedule so if I win (oh please) then at least there's a big chance that poging bf could join me. We're not spendthrifts aka we're kuripot you know. We don't exactly have the luxury for these kinds of adventures so whoo I hope I nail this one!

With bf, the closest we've been with nature.

(Climb at Mt. Ngile in San Jose, Tarlac for our PE class Camping circa 2007. )

I remember in one of the electives I took back in college (naks! 2 weeks ago lang I was in college, bwahaha), Engg 197 aka entrepreneurship, the project was to create a new entrep venture. One of the other groups presented a mini-inn concept who's target was backpackers - and that's when I first heard about backpacking. Its a cool-exploratory-hands on-light-travelling (Keywords, people. I like making up words so in short, cool-exploratory-hands on-light-travelling simply means Major Awesome!) adventure trip and Anywhere Philippines has scheduled a lot of trips to do just that. That's one thing that I am yet to cross on my list but will definitely do in the future. For now, beach bumming would really be more than enough. =P

Friends, I know you are all great bloggers and writers and all, but puhlease, for the love of [your loved one's name here], join the May giveaway! Leave April alone! HAHAHA! Kidding! (half kidding, more like it) That's just too much pity talk I might as well go ahead and beg for it right? Well, Anywhere Philippines, take me to Zambales please! =)

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From anywherephilippines.com:
Anywhere Philippines is a group of travel enthusiasts that primarily organizes trips for active and adventurous people. Join our week-end trips or customized trips. Solo traveller and barkada trippers welcome! For inquiries and reservations, kindly contact us! email: anywhere.phils@yahoo.com/ hotline: +63.917.518.TRIP (8747) landline: +63.622.4147 facebook fanpage: facebook.com/anywherephilippines.

Chuck and Pancakes

2011-04-06T22:49:00.001+08:00

I kind of miss doing nothing exactly productive aka bumming since this last few weeks, school work was consuming my entire energy reserves. Am enjoying my vacation FOR NOW, as i know ill be dead bored in a few days/weeks. But waking up at almost 12 and sleeping at around 2am, oh that feels nice. And sinful.

Anyway what kept me busy for 2 days was remaking Ghoent Junior's website, and now that its done (but not perfect, my css skillz are at an amateur level still), im back at my eating-only-and-marathoning-series to burn time. For now, im watching Chuck. Can't believe i waited this long to actually start watching this awesome (yeah!) show. Bullet in my head please.

Also got to do a little experimenting with pretend cooking here at home. Baked some instant pancake mix, as i was too lazy to cook them "properly".

Turned out ok, added some instant coffee while I was at it in an attempt to have a mocha-coffee-bitter-ish flavor. Was ok but not great, but enough to get me full haha. Topped it with some ice cream just to balance, err, balance the taste whatever.

Doesn't look too yummy but its good enough for me. My standards, well, that is the question. HAHA. =P

Sarah = gorgeous.

New Layout

2011-04-05T22:14:00.000+08:00

For Ghoent Junior! Yey. =) Visit visit!

http://ghoentjunior.multiply.com

Nothing much to say except: gusto ko magbeaaaachhh!

Spoke too soon

2011-03-31T18:29:00.002+08:00

Galera trip = canceled. Chances for a summer trip this 2011? Really tiny. Sad! Well, its probably for the best since i wouldn't have enjoyed it so much anyway as my hormones decided to be remembered the day before the supposed trip! Whoo. Spending my thursday lazing around instead (and blogging, like right now) and writing some revisions for our final thesis paper -- which, by the way, went well! Ma'am Bebeng, you're the kindest! <3

Me last sem, trying to figure out the equipment, and finally doing so with Vince's help. Hello short hair!

My thesis groupmates Vince and Kumi! Wala ba tayong kahit isang picture together?!

What I came up with as my thesis defense outfit. Contemplated whether to throw the cardi on or not.

Well, what the heck, I put it on anyway.

That's the dressiest business-y put together look that I could dig up. Still shouts CASUAL all over though, HAHA! Heels and some accessories plus a pulled back hairdo did the trick. Mahahaha! (At least I think so.)

Random bullets

2011-03-30T14:24:00.002+08:00

4 posts in 2 days? I'm on a roll! HAHA. Energy is overflowing for the returning blogger. It's lovelier the second time around. Bleh, lame! Jump to first bullet!

*Soooo, yey for internet marketing! Tis the first time that Ghoent Junior will actually be sponsoring a giveaway contest, and we are psyched that Ana of Anagon is very gracious in featuring us on her blog! Thank you Ana! =)

Visit her article here. Don't forget to join her giveaway this coming April! Win something from us! =P

*Will be off to Puerto Galera tomorrow til April 1 for our class "plant visit"! Yahoo! Plant visit with quotation marks because our professor just wanted a farewell outing before graduation, so off to reward ourselves by hitting the beach. Cant's wait! =)

*April 2 is friend Bess' wedding day! Whooo! We will be performing a few songs there, at ako ang egg shaker in 2 songs, and el kahonista in another. Percussionist to the nth level! HAHAHA. My kadas are all very good singers so yey for me, i get to shake and bang my way into performing. =P Busy this week and a complete bum after that. Did I say can't wait? I can't wait! :D

Return of the Panghent

2011-03-29T00:42:00.000+08:00

HELLOOOOO (Again) BLOGGING WORLD!

Wow, its been 4 years since i last blogged! I kind of miss blabbing nonsense and sensible things here and there so here I am, writing away! Sorry old blog, abandoned you aimlessly. Want to start a new feel so new address! =P Panghent, you will still be remembered, my rants and stories with you will remain alive. <3

Okay, so honestly, blogging again didn't just randomly pop into my head. I was inspired to return to writing after I recently blog hopped and found the pinoy blogosphere very much full of life! I missed posting, reading, and just blogging altogether with all the pictures, the stories, the adventures. Twas funnn and really a way to express and release a lot of emotions then. So yey, I'm back! And I chose this time to start writing again because finally, imma graduate college na! Yahoooo! Its real life now, and i think ill have more things to write about.

Will prolly blog about graduating on a separate entry (or maybe not), just want this inital entry to be a welcome thing. Graduating means more time for the internet in a nonacad way so hurray! My online shop and this blog is going to get a lot of love from me na! :D

Me alive and kicking! =)