Happy Birthday Mama!

It's the 17th of September and it's the birthday of the most important person in my life. She's like a sister, and a best friend to me, she's my most love person on the planet, she's no other than Grace Joy Cañete Atilano, my mom and the greatest mom in the whole wide world (for me and my brother). My mom is not the typical mom, she's not perfect and she admits that she's not even close to being one. She has her own flaws, limitations and weaknesses, and you've got to believe me she has a lot of those, but the thing that makes her the best for us her children, is that she knows how to admit to her own faults and she learns from her mistakes.

My mom got married when she was barely an adult, and she had my brother at 21. It was like she and my brother were learning and growing up together; my brother was learning to walk and my mom was also learning how to walk the path of married life and motherhood. When I was on the 3rd grade my parents decided to live separate lives, we were left under the care of my mom and later on to our grandparents because my mom's got to work for a living to give us a better life and future. Though her parents can help her raise us financially she chose to leave and make a living for me and my brother. At first, I didn't quite understand why she had to leave when she already got a good paying job back in our province and her family is willing to support us, but when I think about it now maybe she did that because of her pride, or maybe she wanted to getaway from our little town to forget and to heal. But though she was far away she never fails to call and write us letters, and she provides for us too even she didn't have to because basically we got everything that we needed or even the things that we don't really need from our grandparents. And also we got to see her too during vacations, either she goes home to our province or we go somewhere else for a vacation with her and during the times when I got sick, she was there.

When I started high school my mom went back and have lived with us ever since, and because she's the youngest of three sisters she gets to live with her parents and eventually takes care of them though not literally because my grandparents are very active senior citizens (thank god). When we lived at the same roof it never occurred to me that I was living with my mom because it was like living with an older sister, not only because my grandparents treats her like an adolescent (you know how it is when you have strict and guardia civils for grandparents) but also we share clothes, she was/is the fashionista teacher and I was the dorky high schooler, she's friends with all my cliques and she helps me sneak out from our house too. As she always say she wants me to live the life that she didn't get the chance to live that much, and she doesn't want to be hard on me because she doesn't want me to rebel.

My mom is a very cool one, all my friends envied me for having her. And they even wished they had her as their own mom too. Though my mom looks tough and carefree on the outside but deep inside her I now there's a very emotional person. My mom is the kind of person that sees joys and miracles in the littlest things. And that is one thing I would love to think that I've inherited from her.

My mom now is still in the province with my grandparents and my brother and I are here in Manila but we always make it a point to see each other when we have time, either we go home or she comes here.

I made this post because I just want to say thank you to her for all the things that she did and she will do for us, my brother and I will always be grateful for having her as our mom. And I would like to say sorry for all the things that I did and I didn't do. Also, I want to say sorry because I won't be able to keep my promise, to tour Seoul with her. Maybe next year mom I'll be able to do that, but we can always do that this year if you'll bail me out for paying for the trip. Hahaha! Anyway, I know it doesn't matter to you whether we go to Seoul this year or not but promise we'll get there... someday, somehow... Love you mama and happy, happy birthday!

New Blog Look

I’m sick since last Friday but though I’m sick I still went to work and in fact I’m still here at work today. I have tonsillitis with fever, cough and colds on the side. Good thing today is my last day at work for the week and I’ll be able to rest and ‘recharge’ myself.

The other night I was so bored here at work that’s why I played with Adobe Photoshop again and made a new header for my little blog and tweaked my old template a little to give my blog a not so new look. I also changed my banner from Kristinion’s – Kristin’s opinions to Diaphanousness – life of a country girl/city girl blogged, and I think this is more appropriate, I just think. Maybe because it’s not all the time that I write or blog about my opinions here, but most of the time I just blab about anything I can think of and anything that happened to me, even senseless and shameful stuff… so basically this blog is all about diaphanousness (transparency), me (country girl/city girl), my life being blogged.

Switchfoot Concert

Yesterday afternoon, I met up with Shein, her BF (bestfriend/boyfriend) Bonok and kuya Red at the Taft MRT station to watch the Switchfoot benefit concert in Cuneta astrodome. When we got at the venue the gates were still closed but there were already long lines of excited audience. We made our way to the end of the line, while we're there we were chatting and joking around. We were almost 30 minutes on that line when Shein heard some guy asked if it was the Php600 line, after hearing what the guy just asked she relayed what she heard to us and we were all bursting in laughter! We were at the wrong line! Hahahaha When we asked around we've gathered that the mosh pit (Php1400) entrance is on the other side of the astrodome. When we got there the line was über long. While the line was very slowly moving, we were not so bothered at all we just chat and laugh the long line away! And there was also a bonus because we had our chance for a photo op with Champ of Hale and we also saw Rica Peralejo, Anne Curtis and some print models and model-look-a-likes.

When we finally got inside, we waited again for about an hour! The concert was supposed to start at 7:30 but it actually started after an hour. My feet and legs were already hurting even before the show started, and most of us there were already annoyed with the hundred times repetition of their ads/presentation. When the lights were finally turned off the crowd was screaming and almost went mad! And alas the concert started! The front act was Salamin band, with Paolo Valenciano as the vocalist. I didn't really jam with the band, aside from the fact that I don't know their songs (shhhh) and I just want to reserve the littlest energy I had for the Switchfoot performance. After Salamin's act, of course it was Switchfoot's turn! And at that time the crowd didn't almost go mad, they were or should I say we were really mad!!! Oh, Switchfoot is just so good. I really love them. I can't remember exactly what I did but I know there were lots of singing, screaming, jumping and dancing involved. So there, can you see the picture? If not I'll just post it! Hahahaha

while waiting in line photo op with Champ of Halemosh pit, before the concert started

After the concert, we bee lined to the "freebies area", for every 2 mosh pit tickets you can have an autographed poster of Switchfoot and a shirt from IJM (International Justice Mission). Kuya Red and Bonok got the posters and Shein and I got the shirts (the shirts were ladies' size). After the concert we capped of the night with very sumptuous dinner at Gerry's grill in Blue Wave (Kuya Red's birthday treat). I got home past midnight.

Anyway, tonight I'm going to Araneta for the Be Bench night, kuya Red have a ticket for two and he asked me to come with him... Something to blog again!

Faceoff

"why are you wearing the same shirt as mine?"

What will you do if you and a co-worker wore exactly the same shirt to work at the same day?

This happened to me today but I don't mind because it's not really a heinous crime, and you won't go to jail if ever you commit this. In fact I just shrugged and laughed it off. But to the other person (my co-worker) she felt like she was humiliated. And I sensed that if she could just go home and change her shirt, she would really do it. She even told me not to go near her, I think she doesn't want us to be seen together. But me, I haven't had the slightest hint of embarrassment. I even joked around the workplace about it, and I even asked her to have her picture taken with me so that we'll have a 'proof' that we wore the same shirt at the same day. But of course she refused. So, what I did is just take pictures with Shein since we were both wearing striped shirts today.

On a different note, my brother arrived yesterday morning from Thailand. Happy days are here again! :p

Home Alone Days

Day 2

I met up with some of the Stoneground (Vanessa, Joey and Tin), it was so much fun! It was February I think since the last time we saw each other. We had late lunch or early dinner at Tender Bob's in Shangrila mall and we had quite along chat at Starbucks' veranda at the ledge.

Day 3

After going to work, I met up with a new friend for coffee.

Day4

I had no choice but to cook myself a dinner so I won't starve myself.

Day5 & 6

Nothing much happened... because I slept early and woke up super late so I was in a haste for work.

Day 7 & 8

Shein spent the day here in my place, but when night comes she decided not to go to work anymore. I really had fun with her staying/sleeping over here in my place. It felt like I was a child again! We were like playing house! We cook our food, we talk a lot about anything, we had DVD marathon and of course the sleeping marathon!

Day 9

The day is just about to start... I woke up early just to watch TV. I am a huge news and current affairs junkie. I so love news shows and even documentaries. I am also quite not feeling good today, I haven't heard from my brother yet and I really have no idea on what exact day he's coming back.

Anyway, I'm going to eat my breakfast now, I'm super starved!

Home Alone Day 1

before kuya left for the airport

It's official! I am now 'home alone', my brother just left for the airport. He's leaving for Thailand with some friends. I just wish I could be there too, too bad I can't because of so many reasons. Reasons, reasons, reasons! I am thinking of something that I should do tonight since I don't have work. I thought about de-cluttering our place, but we just did that this morning. I don't know what will happen of me this week, I am not used to being alone anymore since my brother and I started sharing a place together. I must admit I became so dependent on him. He's the one who wakes me up to work and he also cooks our dinner. Now I haven't eaten my dinner yet. I don't feel like eating, no, it's more like I don't feel like cooking. Hehehehe. Maybe I'll just have my food delivered, or just have a sandwich for tonight. Oh my god it'll be a week or so before my brother gets back. I just wish I'll have better things to do while he's away. And I also fervently hope that I would be able to wake up early so that I won't be late for work.

For now, maybe I'll just watch some DVDs and maybe cook my dinner later when I get really hungry, just maybe though.

A Day in the Life of a Fanatic

I had a blast this Wednesday! Guess who I've met personally? It's Pinky Webb man! She's super nice, prettier and more gorgeous in person. Uh, ok, let's get back, so I can tell you how I finally met her. Tuesday afternoon, I was really decided to go to UKG's set and watch Pinky Webb live! I talked, forced and bribed (I treated him to lunch at Tender Bob's) my brother to come with me, luckily after quite a long talk and a plateful of steak and yummy dessert he gave in. So the date was set, early morning (should I say dawn) of August 22. I barely slept that night, I was giddy and űber excited to see Pinky in person. I woke up pretty much earlier than my brother, after I took a bath I tried to wake him up but he just stirred. I did wake him up for several times but he didn't get up. So after I was done dressing up, I tried waking him up again but this time with greater force and some kadramahan, with this line in chavacano "durmi ya lang alli, iyo ya lang solo anda." (“Carry on with your sleeping, I’ll just go alone”) And voila with that line he woke up! I wasn't really sure if he did wake up because he was concerned about me going there alone or just too irritated or too annoyed to argue with me, but either way I don't really care as long as he gets up and come with me.

When we arrived at the ELJ building I offered to buy myself and my brother a cup of coffee from Starbucks, as my consolation for him, for waking up early and for putting up with my fanaticism, if you may call it that way. After buying our coffee, we searched the building as to where the UKG studio is, we both have no idea where would that be. So for us not to be late, I braved myself and was able to ask the guard on duty. Thank heavens and we were already at the audience entrance of the studio. But there's still a hitch, we don't know if we're allowed to get in. Luckily, there were a group of PATTS students who have arrived so we asked the guard to let us in, he was kinda hesitant at first but I think when he saw me puppy-faced he let us in saying "mukha naman kayong studyante, sige pasok nalang kayo". Upon hearing that I could have kissed the guard but I had no time to waste, the clock was ticking and the show was about to start, so we just went in with the crowd. And you think all the hitches were finally over... wait there's more! When we got in, we were told that we were no longer allowed to get in to the main studio because the show was about to start and the studio was already packed with PATTS students. I was nearly hopeless when a light bulb lighted on my head(not literally of course)! I dragged my brother with me and asked the staff there as to where the toilet is. He told me that I just head to the main studio and turn right. We did head to the main studio but of course we didn't turn right! What am I going to do inside the toilet? Can I watch the show up close from there? I don't even feel like peeing that time, neither my brother. So we sneaked in and joined the crowd of students inside. We were asked by another staff again, he asked if we were also students and of course we said "yes" and went straight to find good seats! Good thing we found some seats at the side and we were able to watch the entire show!

During a commercial break, my brother noticed Pinky Webb passed by our seats. She was there for about a minute, but all I managed to say was a "haaaaayyyy", I don't know if that was a "hi" or me sighing or I was simply starstruck. And I tell you, I wasn't able to move from where I was seated. When Pinky left, I felt I made the moment passed! After the show, I was surprised because my brother asked Pinky if he could take a picture of her with me of course. She gladly said yes, I was again giddy that time at the same time super tensed! It's like landing on the moon for the very first time! (I know super jologs na ako! Nawala lahat ng poise ko at composure when I went up to her. But that's the real me.) My brother started talking to her of how a fanatic I am, and all she was able to say was "addict?" I was really overjoyed with that comment, I dunno why. Then I wasn't able to control myself and started blabbing too about how I really like her. She smiled and said something that I didn't quite understand, it's not as if she didn't speak it in Tagalog but I was just too starstruck to comprehend what she was saying to me. I took a lot of pictures of her! (kahit yung mga kasama nya dun ay 'di ko kilala)

Pinky Webb and moi! :p

After that my brother and I went home with a smile plastered on our faces. He was happy because I won't be bothering him... for now. And of course I was happy because I finally met Pinky Webb.

(I know you think this blog is slowly morphing to a Pinky Webb blog.... but I tell you... it isn't! I would still be writing anything that I would feel like writing about. Pinky Webb related or not.)

Color Quiz

I got this color quiz from another blogger and here's my result:

Existing Situation

Working to improve her image in the eyes of others so as to obtain their compliance and agreement with her needs and wishes.

Stress Sources

The existing situation is disagreeable. Feels lonely and uncertain as she has an unsatisfied need to ally herself with others whose standards are as high as her own, and wants to stand out from the rank and file. This sense of isolation magnifies the need into a compelling urge, all the more upsetting to her self-sufficiency because of the restraint she normally imposes on herself. Since she wants to demonstrate the unique quality of her own character, she tries to suppress this need for others and affects an attitude of unconcerned self-reliance to conceal her fear of inadequacy, treating those who criticize her behavior with contempt. However, beneath this assumption of indifference she really longs for the approval and esteem of others.

Restrained Characteristics

Feels listless, hemmed in, and anxious; considers that circumstances and forcing her to restrain her desires. Wants to avoid open conflict with others and to have peace and quiet.

Desired Objective

Suffering from the effects of those things which are being rejected as disagreeable, and is strongly resisting them. Just wants to be left in peace.

Actual Problem

Disappointment and the fear that there is no point in formulating fresh goals have led to anxiety, emptiness, and an unadmitted self-contempt. Her refusal to admit this leads to her adopting a headstrong and defiant attitude.

Actual Problem #2

• The need for esteem--for the chance to play some outstanding part and make a name for herself--has become imperative. She reacts by insisting on being the center of attention, and refuses to play an impersonal or minor role.

If you want to take the quiz you can find it here: colorquiz.com

Memoirs of Harry Potter

I was sleepless for a couple of nights last week, I just had to read Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows, I haven't really read all the books of the series, maybe just half of it but the last book I really felt that I have to read it so I'll know how's it going to end. And so I did, I read the entire book for almost 48 hours. I had to take a nap every little while though to rest my mind and to digest everything that I've read. The last installment is ok but not really ok ok. You know what I mean. I like that J.K. Rowling brought back almost all the characters we've 'met' before but there are just some things that I've wished she made clear what really happened to them. Like Luna and Neville I would love to know what happened to them after the 'Battle in Hogwartz', what became of the Dursley's, though they weren't kind to Harry I still want to know what happened to them. And the one that I'm dying to know (ok, it's exag I'm not really dying to know) if who became the headmaster of Hogwartz. Maybe Professor McGonagall? What do you think? Anyway, maybe someday I could ask J.K. Rowling someday, somehow.

I've also read Memoirs of a Geisha, yeah I'm really late... I know this book is kinda a long time ago and the movie is so last year.... I enjoyed reading it. And the book really helped me to understand what a geisha is, and I was really wrong in what I thought of those women. I had a very wrong notion about them.. I thought they were like courtesans, but they're absolutely not. I love all the kimonos that the geisha's wore. It's so great. But I never thought that wearing a kimono will be that hard, and as well as wearing their shoes/slippers. It takes a lot of hard work to be a geisha. I just wish I could meet a geisha and tell her how much I adore her courage. It's so hard picturing them, how much more living their lives.

I think I have read enough books for this week and have enough blogging for today. I need to work now.

Fanatic!

I know I just posted an entry yesterday but I just feel like posting again. Who cares?! :p

Anyway, after a month and a half of watching the morning show Umagang Kay Ganda I felt that I really need to blab about it. I find the show very entertaining, educational and informative. I like all the hosts, they have different personalities but that's what makes their show great. I just can't get enough of the Edu and Pinky and Kim and Bernadette tandems, bubbly Rica and Donita and of course Donita's bloopers (e.g. espapel) and many more... I can go on all night!

What I like about the show is how Pinky Webb surprises the viewers each day, she can deliver hardcore news but she can also be quirky and funny! I love the episodes where there was a showdown between the UKG girls and the 26K, the three UKG girls can have a career as banker's 26K, really! And when they have this "tournaments" the dance mania, wii.. etc. And just yesterday morning I was really enjoying the moment when Pinky and Edu danced the latter's 'signature' dance! (Picture Pinky Webb dancing!) They look so cute! Pinky Webb is just so versatile.

Yeah, I know it's now obvious that I really like her. In fact she's kinda my idol, I really liked the way she projects herself on TV and the way she delivers the news. For me she's an epitome of beauty and brains. I liked her even years before. When I was about to start in college I even considered taking up Broadcast Journalism but my dad didn't allow me thinking that it's some kind of a 'dangerous' job. So, heeding his advice I took up Business Economics but later on shifted to I.T.. But even I'm an IT graduate and works in an IT company I still think I can work with the media because it's one of my two passions: fashion and media. I just have known also that Pinky's course wasn't really broadcasting she just took broadcasting short courses, if I'm not mistaken she has a business management degree. And it's really my dream to work with the media, even behind the camera. I would pay anything just to land on a job like that. Just like I would pay anything for me to have a break in the fashion industry. (dreamy mode... haaaayyy)

Ok, I watch that show not only because Pinky Webb's there but I love the show as a whole. Call me a pathetic fanatic but you know what, I even changed my RDs from Friday and Saturday to Monday and Tuesday so that I'll be able to watch the show from start to end. And since I'm on a night shift I can still get to watch the later part of the show, if and when I take the cab from work. I get out from work at 7AM. Since the show premiered, I always take a cab from work so that I'll be able to get home at half past 7 and be able to watch the show for about an hour before it ends.

I talked to my brother about accompanying me to watch the show since he has a friend who works there, but he didn't say yes yet. I just wish he'll accompany me, I'd do anything for him just to watch that show live.

Disclaimer: I was never a fanatic of a local show, not until UKG aired. I admit I am a Heroes, The Hills, The OC and of course Charmed's biggest fanatic. Charmed's my very first! I even dream of being friends with Prue, Piper and Phoebe. I know I'm hopeless and I should get a life. That's how a pathetic fanatic I am. So just bear with it.

Paparazzi and Starbucks

Starbucks Melrose Ave. photo session:


Paparazzi snaps at the mall after watching a movie:

Pictorials and Friendships

After a few weeks I just felt the urge to post here anything, I don't know why but I just felt like doing so. It's been more than three weeks since I last posted here. Yeah, I know I shouldn't bother counting the days/weeks because there's probably only three persons who are constantly checking this blog for any update and that would be my dear friends Trish and Joannie, you might be wondering who's the third person who constantly reads this blog... well wonder no more because its me! Who else? If I wouldn't be patronizing my own blog nobody would, right?

I've been busy doing nothing these past weeks... and when I say nothing I mean nothing. All I did was just sleep and sleep and lots of sleep. I really enjoyed bumming around. It's like a privilege to do that knowing the demands of my work(as if). Anyway, I kinda lied... because on the last Friday of June, Sheina and I attended a friend's wedding, which we were late.. very very late. We got there in time for the pictorial! Hah! Good thing we made it there before the reception dinner because it would be so embarrassing. After the dinner, Sheina and I went to have coffee and took some pictures of us, we even took a video of us fooling around Melrose Avenue! And pretending to be friends with Lauren Conrad and Rachel Bilson, and of course there's lashing on Heidi Montag on the side. Hahahaha. Mind you, we were really good at it! It seemed real, minus the "flower girl"! (Shein, you know what I'm talking about) If you've seen us, you'll think we were a couple of drunk girls . I really had fun that night...

Ok fast forward to last Friday >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Shein and I agreed to meet to get our tickets for a Switchfoot concert and to catch a movie after too. My brother came with me and Shein was kinda late because of the heavy traffic jam and so we were late for the 8 o'clock movie we agreed to watch. And because of that, we watched the movie even later. It's not a big deal though if she doesn't have to report to work at 11 o'clock that night but she really have to. So before the movie came to it's end we already went out of the cinema with the hopes of getting her on time for work, but since my brother tagged along with us and the mall was not so crowded anymore because it's about to close we felt that it's time for us to have our "paparazzi" snaps. So we/I asked my brother to take our pictures as if we were celebrities and him... paparazzi of course! Hahaha.. I know we're pathetic and we need to get a life, but what can we do? We just love our pictures taken and the illusion of having paparazzi coming after us to take our pictures is a major plus points!!!!! It's not everyday that you have the mall by yourself... and it's not everyday that you feel that you're some kind of a celebrity, right? So after all the pictorials.... Shein was even more late for work.

When we got out of the mall we hailed a cab and went straight to our office. During the cab ride we were already weaving up a story to cover for her tardiness. And we came up with this:

When the cab stopped at our office's building, I went straight to our office but Shein went to the nearest convenience store to buy herself a drink and some time. When I arrived at our office I was asked by our supervisor why was I in the office since it's my rest day. I answered that Shein called me the last minute and ask me to fill in for her 'coz she isn't sure if she'll be able to get to work. And I think my supervisor bought it because he also told me that he called Shein and she said that she's already on her way. I acted like I was relieved to hear him say those. After about 15 minutes Shein arrived, hurrying to her post and was asking for apology for being late and for asking me to fill for her, she said that she wasn't really feeling well because she didn't get enough sleep because she went home very late that morning due to tons of work in the office. We really think our supervisor bought our story. After about an hour of staying in the office I also left for home to get some sleep. We're sneaky huh! That's one of the simple things I would do to help a friend, I know Shein will also do the same for me.

Cine! Cine!

I just watched Harry Potter Order of the Phoenix today. I can't say if it's really good because I can't base it on the book since I haven't read it yet, but I'm planning to. They've all grown before our eyes... I can still remember the first Harry Potter movie and they look so tiny and cute... now they're even cuter, even gorgeous and hot but they're not teeny anymore. I think they're even taller than me!

I don't want to spoil the movie for you out there who haven't watch it yet. So, I won't be writing here any review or summary of the movie. But there's a line that I really love!

When Hermione explained/described to Harry and Ron about Cho's feelings and Ron exclaimed "She can all feel that?" and Hermione replied to Ron something like "You don't know that 'coz you have the emotional range of a teaspoon!" Hahaha! Anyway, I need to go offline now, I need to de-clutter my closet.

May you all have a great time watching the movie or just have a good day for those who don't intend to watch the movie.

(I also watched Transformers last week. It was really great! Although I haven't watch any episode of the Transformers series I still enjoyed the movie. No need to have any Transformers background... everything you need to know is explained.)

My Visual DNA

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Happiness

I got this forwarded message from a friend this morning:

"We can be happy anytime once we understand that the only place we'll ever find genuine happiness... is right inside us. Happiness begins at the point of acceptance: the point when we stop questioning why life can't be perfect and just accept the world the way it is."

I couldn't agree more with this. It seems very simple yet very complicated. It's hard, even harder. I myself is not even sure if I'll be able to get to the point of acceptance soon. There are still lots of questions on my mind, there are so many cobwebs on my room that I can barely see the light coming in from the outside of the window. But tell you, this is an improvement because last time my room was totally dark, there's more than enough cobwebs that blocked the light that goes in through my window.

I am not in a hurry, I know in time I'll be able to clear everything. After cleaning everything I'll have my walls repainted and a total make-over for my room and it'll be as good as new.

Just want to thank all the people who's been there for me since day 1, my mom, I owe you big time. Thanks so much, really appreciate it. And thanks Ryan for the message, I miss you!

My Saturday

It's been a while since the last time I slacked off from work. So last Saturday I decided to do a little slacking, just the littlest slacking off from work. I worked just three hours and then by lunchtime I told my colleague that I would be taking half the day off from work since I've been working nonstop for 2 weeks, and when I say non-stop it means no RDs as in zero! After I went off from work, I met a friend to accompany her to the mall, then we had our late lunch out then I went straight home after. When I got home, I did a little tidying... just cleaned the major/obvious clutter. After de-cluttering I prepared my snack and got ready for a DVD marathon. I even turned off my phone so that I'll have no disturbances while I'm having my time alone. It was really fun doing those things on a Saturday instead of going shopping, which I see as a strenuous activity nowadays. Now that's weird... shopping is never strenuous, right? But trust me it's becoming strenuous and stressful when you're in the mall and drooling over so many things but you ain't got any money to spend. Now that's a headache and a heartache combined!

Anyway, I love spending days by myself. It's so quiet ad peaceful! I just love being with me! For many of you, my Saturday seemed to be uncool and boring, but I don't care 'coz all I had was fun! And nothing can beat a Saturday all by yourself cozying in your bed with nothing to worry about, even the outfit you should be wearing. And tell you, I also went down earlier than usual... I was already in dreamland at half past 9! That Saturday made me feel really better, I got enough sleep and I really felt good!

Second Most Expensive City in the World

I think I can never say "ahnnyonghaseo" this year. I've read it on Yahoo! that Seoul is the second most expensive city in the world. And that means that if I want to treat my mom for a trip to Korea I need to save more than I do. I really want to visit Korea, I want to see Jeju island, and the teddy bear museum there, I heard it is the largest (teddy bear museum) in the world. And I just love everything about Korea, hmmm maybe everything I saw on the Korean series that I've seen, I guess. Imagine how expensive is the cost of living in Seoul, living there is more expensive than living in San Francisco, LA, NYC even London or Paris! Haaayyyy... I just wish my mom or brother will bail me out in spending for the trip this year, it's my only chance to get there. But you know I would really like it and it would really mean much to me if I'll be paying for the trip because I never went to a trip that I've paid for (except for local trips/getaways which I often paid for myself but there were also times that I've asked my mom and bro for a little help). It would be an accomplishment for me being able to bring my mom to a place without her spending a cent... err she'll be spending a little too but not that much coz I want to pay for almost everything, except shopping.

I just wish that I'll be able to go to Korea if not this year... then someday... somehow....

Easily Stuffed

I am so not born for eat-all-you-can restos. Last week, my brother's friend invited me for a father's day dinner, of course that's with her dad. And you've guessed it right we went to an eat-all-you-can restaurant along West Ave. The food was so great! The only problem is that I can't eat that much... Before dinner, I already mapped out a plan which is getting only a little of every dish that I don't get to eat everyday. In fact, I went as planned but after eating only a little less than plateful I was already full. And when I say full I mean already bloated. I didn't get the chance to go back to the buffet table, it was so sad seeing all those sumptuous dish and not being able to take advantage of all the food that are being served. Sigh. My brother's friend and her cousins went to the buffet table more than thrice I think, but I only went there once. That is so sad man! And you can imagine me dragging myself to the dessert table, literally forcing to stuff some tasty desserts on my stomach. That was the first time that I didn't feel good eating desserts at all. It felt like any minute my tummy would burst open! It was really hard for me. I know what I did was sort of a gluttony but what can I do with all those tasty treats around me? And I was supposed to eat all that I can! I really don't know why I get easily stuffed these days, I used to be a monster when it comes to eating. What could have happened to me? Do you think there's something wrong with me? Anyway, after that dinner I only had one conclusion: I am not born for eat-all-you-can restos.

Trip to Baguio

Here are some pics that I have when we had this little unplanned trip to Baguio with my brother's friend. :D

Augustana in May

I'm into Augustuna these days...

I just love their music, I love the rhythm, the vocals and of course the piano! Oh I can't get enough of them!

Satur-Night-Out

Last Saturday Shein, K'Anne, Kuya Red and I agreed to have quality time together, to unwind from everything that we've been doing. Our meeting place was at NBS in Robinson's Pioneer. No one was late that afternoon, it was the first time that we were all early! Maybe it's because we were really excited to see each other because it was more than a couple of months since we've last seen each other, except for Shein and me because we work at the same place so we're like sick of our faces. Hahaha Just kidding, we'll never get tired of each other. Anyway, from Pioneer we took a cab to The Block, it was a really long cab ride, super heavy traffic jam! But it was ok with us, we have more than enough time to talk.

When we got offf at The Block, we went on finding Cerealicious. When we finally located it, we thought that it's best to have dinner first, and Cerealicious will just be a place for dessert. We searched for restaurants and we didn't expect to find Jatujak there, it is a Thai resto. We quickly decided to have our dinner there. We were really noisy, as in super kulitan! The food's great as in really great! I love the tom yum, it was sinigang-like but with a twist, it has a tangy flavor that makes it different and special, I also love the spring roll I just forgot what it's called, and the bagoong rice and pandan chicken... so yummy, and of course the Thai iced tea is the best! Our dinner was super duper extra special.... great food+great people = great time! We were almost done with our dinner so I called the waitress for bill out, so she went to our table and started clearing our table. She took my plate, then K'Anne's. Suddenly K'Anne beamed (screamed) "Hindi pa po ako tapos!", the waitress was surely shocked and we were all laughing out loud! :)) K'Anne explained that she wasn't finished yet, and added that she was saving the best (part) for last. If the waitress really took her plate, she said she would cry, as in she wasn't kidding!

After dinner we decided not to have dessert right away because we were so full. We jsut went to World of Fun at the main mall and played the piso game. We spent almost 400 pesos while playing it, and we had 846 tickets! Yey! We exchanged it for four coin purses and 5 lollipops. After WOF, we went to Cerealicious for our dessert. I had Nerd of the Rings (milkshake, mango bits, fruit loops and nerds), K'Anne had Nutting Hill (milkshake, different nuts and i forgot the kind of cereal), Shein had Apple-O 13 (milkshake,apple slices, cinammon..), and Kuya red had Mint Joe Black(milkshake, oreo, mint..) and all our cereals were topped with a scoop of ice cream.

We went to find ATM after our dessert and we were thinking about our next stop, since we didn't have an itinerary because it was a come-what-may day for us. We agreed then to go to The Loop, but instead of going there we ended up at the House of Big Brother because iwe saw a large crowd there... so we went with the flow and watched the eviction night. After some sneak peeks we went to Starbucks at ELJ bldg. to pee. Hehehe. Then went walking around the compound. We were supposed to get in at Esquinita, but changed our minds since it was already late and Shein need to attend church at 5:30AM the following day. We walked her to the bus stop and waited till she can get a ride home. When Shein went home we decided to continue the night at Off the Grill in Timog.

Kuya Red, K'Anne and I headed to Timog. There was a live band performing there and I must say their keyboardist is really hot! :blush: We ordered some onion rings, french fries, a bucket of booze for kuya Red and me and Pina colada cocktail for K'Anne. We left the place at around 3AM. We took a cab to Malabon (K'Anne's Place) pero madaya kami kasi K'Anne told us that we tell the driver that we're off to Malabon he won't take us, so we just told manong that we heading for Kalookan, pumayag naman sya. When we got in Kalookan nagdrama na kami:

Me: K'Anne super late na hatid ka nalang namin sa inyo...
Kuya Red: At antok na din ako pwede ba kami makitulog muna sa inyo sandali?
K'Anne: Ok, sge. Manong, pwede po ba diretso nalang tayo sa Malabon sa Sangandaan?

The manong can do nothing since our reason is "reasonable" enough. Hehehe

We arrived at K'Anne's at half past three, we were like sneaking in to their house.We don't want to wake her parents up so that they won't know that we got there late... uhmm i mean early in the morning already. We slept at their sala kasi ginagawa ang kwarto ni K'Anne. When we lay down, kuya Red went straight to dreamland but K'Anne and I talked till 5AM. We woke up at 6AM, but K'Anne told us that we should just sleep and leave after breakfast so that she can introduced us to her parents and it won't seem like snucking in and out of their house.

When we woke up at 7AM, K'Anne prepared breakfast for us. para kaming konsensya nya kasi buntot kami ng buntot kahit saan man sya magpunta, takot kami na i-interrogate ng parents nya! Hahaha! Buti nalang at ok naman yung parents nya. After we had our breakfast, uwian na kami ni Kuya Red, hinatid kami ni K'Anne hanggang sakayan. At muntik pa kami maligaw kasi nakalimutan ni kuya Red yung daan! hehehehe Pero buti nalang nakarating naman kami sa mga bahay namin ng walang masamang nangyari.

Sistahs and brotha thanks for our Saturnight out... "Sana maulit muli"... kailan pa kaya ulit? After na siguro ng exams ni K'Anne.

More pics on my multiply.

Loose Ends. Tied

Wednesday last week I got a call from my sister(half) inviting us (me and my brother) to our dad's birthday celebration (Saturday). I didn't really say yes, I just told her that we will try because I have work. Truth is I don't get to work on Saturdays, it was plain cold feet, and besides I need to consult my brother about it because we are both invited and that means we both need to decide about the matter.

Saturday, we both woke up late and when I say late its really late like 2 in the afternoon! We didn't hurry, we took all the time we can get because until that day we were not sure yet and we were both still convincing ourselves that we are doing the right thing. We rode the bus to Don Antonio's in Commonwealth, then we bought a cake and then took a cab ride to our dad's house. We didn't went straight to their house, we got off at their pharmacy and saw our stepmom there. We exchanged 'hellos' and then we went to their house. Our dad's not there yet, he went to the supermarket for some last minute shopping. We saw our little siblings there, they are both taller than before, they have grown so fast! At first our youngest was aloof but later he was already comfortable around us just like before.

When we heard the honking of horns on the gates we knew that my dad had arrived so we readied ourselves. When he came in kuya saw him first and greeted him, then i followed the gesture. Our dad hugged us both and I saw a couple of tears dropped from his eyes. And he asked us why didn't we visit them for a long time. We just let the question pass as if we didn't hear him asked, and he was too overwhelmed by our presence.

The birthday dinner went well. The food was great as expected, of course dad cooked it. Then we had rounds of tequilla with my dad, kuya, and our househelps (ang aming parating kainuman sa bahay na yun!) The drinking spree ended at around 10 in the evening. They also invited us to go swimming the following day at 9 waves in San Mateo, since we don't have anything to do we agreed to go with them. Then we went home, we took the bus and guess what? I puked on the bus a couple of times! I didn't notice that I had more than enough alcohol in my system that night. Gosh! I was wasted and I say really wasted. When we got home, I rushed to our floor because I felt like throwing up again but I was just on the second floor when I started barfing, I rushed to the nearest toilet to let it all out. My bro was laughing like a fool at me, and he was singing "for the first time....", because it was my first time to be that wasted. I was throwing up that night like every three hours, and my head was like spinning around.

I woke up at around 7AM the following day with headache and dysmenorrhea. Kuya prepared breakfast, but I didn't feel like eating. I just ate bread and a banana but not long after I started throwing up again. I already sent an SMS to my dad telling him that we can't go with them because of my situation, but my dad and sister can't take no for an answer so I didn't have a choice.

We went swimming with them, I had a great time though I had my dysmenorrhea. After swimming we went to dad's house again and had dinner there and after that we went to Baywalk. I really had a great time. And it really felt good having tied all loosed ends.

My 21st is Dunzo

As what the title of this post says, my 21st is finally dunzo. It's official. I am now on my 22nd year on this planet, but as always I don't really feel that I am again a year older. Feels like nothing :p. I am not asking or hoping for any present this year, just being with friends and people that matters to me is all that matters. Oops, did I just say that I'm not asking? Yeah, I did but if you have something for me it's ok, I mean very ok. I only have one wish for my birthday this year is for my daddy(my lolo) to have better health and a longer life.

For two consecutive years, I've been welcoming my birthday by being over 24-hours awake. It's like beginning to be a birthday tradition for me. I am sleepless on my birthdays! I haven't slept for more than an hour since Monday afternoon. Fortunately, I still have the energy to type some stuff here, but I really don't think about what I type. I just type everything that comes to my floating mind.:p This is like a floating birthday post. I know I am getting nowhere, so I better stop this. Anyway, for those who greeted me thank you and for those who haven't... you still have 23 hours to greet me. I'll be waiting...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME! WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm Back!

It's been three days since I sailed in here. My supposedly 10-days off was extended due to some reasons, also because of the holy week. Yeah, we had3 non-working days last week! And it's really great because it's the first time that we took off from work during the lent season.

My vacation was great, I met new friends while aboard the boat bound home, met my family and friends again. I had a great time in Margos. I don't want to write here all the things that I did because I could go on for days with my list. Just to sum everything that I/we did = Fun!

It's just 6 days before my birthday, I don't wish for material things anymore. I just want my dad(my grandfather) to have a longer life and great time on his birthday too.

Here are some pictures of my family:

One of the Longest Days

I can say that today is one of the longest days of my life. First, I went to work, after work this morning I went home, then me and my brother went shopping for stuff as 'pasalubong' for our family back in the province. I can say that it was like my first dreadful shopping experience. We've been literally running around, going up and down the stairs, went to three malls and stopped by at almost every shop we could see. I never thought that shopping would be this dreadful. I felt like the veins of my legs will explode any minute because of the walking/running we made. We didn't even have the chance to rest for even a while. We were so out of time, I need to be home by 6 since Sheina and I planned to watch a movie in our place and have dinner there too. Luckily before my veins thought about exploding we were able to buy everyone's 'pasalubong' and at long last, after fifty golden years we were finally heading home! What a relief!

When we got home my brother started unpacking our shopping bags and was like sorting it. I didn't feel like helping out, I was too exhausted to even lift a finger. I flopped down on my bed and was able to take a nap for about 10 minutes when my brother started screaming (well, it was like talking but just louder than the usual) that Sheina's already waiting for me at the place where I'm going to meet her. I quickly woke up and checked my phone but to my dismay it was just one of his pranks. I didn't react to his little prank, which is kinda surprising of me maybe because I was really too tired to argue. After twenty minutes or so I decided to go to to the place where Sheina and I agreed to meet. She was already there when I got there. After that we went to buy dinner since my cook (my brother) is exhausted too. After that we went to our place, we watched The Lake House, had dinner with occasional chats, then went back watching the movie. When the movie ended we decided to watch something else to pass the time and Sheina suggested that we watch The Hills season 2 episodes 1-10, but we didn't really finished watching the 10 episodes because it was getting a little late and Sheina needs to be home before 11 because she still have work later at 5:30AM. And after she left I went rummaging my closet and decide on what stuff I'm going to bring in going home.

I just finished sorting out my clothes but still not decided on what to bring, I still need to have an elimination round later I think... But before I do so, I decided on blogging first.:p I just want to blab about what happened today and I can't seem to ward off the travel bug in me. I AM JUST SO EXCITED ABOUT GOING HOME AND NOT TAKING THE PLANE after a half a decade. It is just less than 24 hours before we board the ship, the ship's ETD is 8:45PM that means we need to be there on or before 7:00PM and that's only 18 hours and a half! I am so so excited to meet everyone back there.

I am kinda sleepy now, I've been awake for 28 hours and a half, I better be doing the elimination round of the stuff I'm going to bring with me on the trip home later. Good night everyone err good morning! :p Wish us a safe trip tomorrow. Ciao.

Sarcastic. Not!

One more night and work will be over for me for this month and a couple of nights more before I can officially say "I'm home!". But until now we haven't decided yet whether we'll take the plane or boat, and that means we don't have our tickets yet. My brother and I have been thinking about riding a boat since it was half a decade ago since we had our last ride. We inquired for the fare, sadly the boat fare is even more expensive than the air fare, and to think riding a boat will take as three days and two nights before we reach our destination and plane ride will only take us a couple of hours max. So, as you see... maybe we'll just forget about the boat ride coz taking the plane is less expensive and of course faster. Sigh. Anyway, whatever will be decided will be fine for me as long as we can get home. I am so, so excited!

Anyway, my brother just got back from their Puerto Galera trip, which I wasn't able to go because of my work. How sad is that? So I was home alone Sunday and Monday. I haven't seen my brother since he got back but we already talked on the phone and he told me interesting things they did (sarcasm here) while they were in Puerto. I really wanted to go there again since my little Puerto adventure last year. And for a little consolation my brother bought me a shirt. Of course he did not do it in his own will, I forced him to buy me one. I just wish I was able to go with them, for sure it's a lot of fun and it will be very far better than last year.

Enough of this Kristina, 'have no time for regrets' remember? I'm quite excited to go home today though to see the shirt my brother bought me and of course to see him too and hear more of their story and see their pictures too. I swear no more sarcasm in here... ^__^

Another thing to be excited about is... The Hills Season 2's 10th Episode! Yay! And basing on the teaser it will be a great episode with lots of dramas... And Jenn Bunney and Brody Jenner will be there too! The nerve of those two! Well... let's just see what happens on Lauren's birthday.

Coffee Break

This morning Sheina and I planned on having a 'Tin and Shein's Day', we planned on having a movie marathon at my place, have dinner there and do some spontaneous bumming all afternoon. All were set. When I got home, I received an SMS from Sheina before reading her message I got this thought at the back of my head that maybe something came up and we won't be able to pursue with our plan. And I was right! She wrote in her message that we won't be able to do things as planned because Kuya Rod, our other dialer admin can't make it to work and Sheina needs to take over for his shift. Sigh. We were already excited and all of of a sudden somebody jinxed it! Arghhhh.... Grrrrr!!!! Anyway, so much of that, I just hope Kuya Rod's reason is 'reasonable' enough to ruin our day. Heheheh.

I watched Its a Boy/Girl Thing this morning its a cute movie. Full of funny and hilarious scenes! Cute couple too. By the way have you imagined yourself stuck in a guy's body or if you're a guy, the other way around? I just did. But I can hardly imagine how will I put up with it, like me (in a guy's body) drooling over a guy. People will think that I'm a fag! I'm ok with the clothes but I still love seeing myself in a girl's clothing. Though there are pros too being in this situation like being able to use the guy's locker room and bath (can you imagine the whole scenery in there?:p), being able to talk to them and all. But still those won't convince me... I'm a girl and will always be one. Oh crap, enough of this switching bodies thought. I'm not making sense anymore.

Ei, people out there if you are one of those coffeeholics (is there such a word?) drop by at any Starbucks nearest to you later at around 10AM-12NN, they're giving out free 12 oz coffee for their 'Coffee Break'. I would love to have a free coffee later but I can't stay that long, I need to sleep because I still have work come night time. Waaaaahhhhh another reason to cry. And because of that I'm planning to write to Starbucks.

"Dear Starbucks,I so HATE you!!!LOVE,Tin" ----Hahaha (I know I've earned 3-corny-points for this)

To all of us who can't make it to Starbucks' coffee break tomorrow, boohooo! Sorry, we still have next year... plan ahead, make sure you're free for the coffee break next year! And to all the others who can, boohoo to you too! May you be caffeine-overdosed. Hahahaha. Am I being mean or what? Just kidding though! May you all have a good time!

Thinking Way Too Hard

Hi Everyone! I know it's been ages since I last updated this little 'blogspot', its just that my hands were tied-up for the past weeks. I've been busy with... actually I don't know what I've been busy about. :p Hahaha I just remember something, there was this call that I got. It was from a girl telemarketer, she asked me if I am a citibank credit card holder and I said yes and she went on with her spiel, trying to sell something. I cut her off without being rude before she'll get me into buying a cellphone with vacuum cleaner and told her "Miss I know that you are only doing your job, but I should say that I don't really have time, my hands are quite tied-up today" and guess what she said? "Maam, ano po ba nangyari sa hands n'yo?" She really made my day, because of her comment I was laughing so hard, and I was able to wear a smile the entire day despite my toxic work.

Anyway, nothing much happened to me. Just the usual work-home routine. I wasn't able to go out with friends nor go malling or just anywhere, I was like possessed by my room, I don't feel like leaving it, aside from going to work of course, which is mandatory. And speaking of work, every thing's fine. I wasn't able to leave the company I've been working for for the past year and a half. I'm thinking about a career shift but seriously I still don't know what 'path' I'm going to take. Last week I asked my brother if he came to the point where he knows what he wants to do for the rest of his life, because I'm way far that stage. And he said that I don't need to worry 'coz I'm not the only person who feels that way, he shares the same sentiments and maybe there are lots of others out there too. He's been working for about five years now, he's been switching jobs, but he's still not sure of what he really wants to do for the rest of his life. I've been through three different jobs (same company) but none of those made me feel that I want to do that certain job for the rest of my life.

Though I don't want to pressure myself, but I can't help but think about it most of the time. Do you think I was just trying so hard? You can't blame me, its plain and simple I don't want to end up miserable doing things that are not really the things I want to do and regretting things I should have done. God I'm only (turning) 22 but I've been thinking a lot! I'm not really a planner but that thought really hit me big time. And makes me want to plan the future ahead. I'm planning on going back to school and study something different and I mean way far different from IT. I'm considering art, but what kind of art? Music? Fashion design? Fine arts? The heck, no one told me that planning the future could be this hard. Hmnn... but I think music should be taken off the list, so that left me with two choices. I must say I really need a break to think about stuff. I'm planning on taking off from work last week of this month... Its sort of getting away and thinking kind of thing for me. Because when I'm just around work, my thinking doesn't make sense sometimes, unfair, and biased.

Anyway, I'll be working 10 nights straight then I'm off to my much awaited vacay! Hope you guys have a great summer. And its almost my birthday don't forget to send me your your gifts! :p I just love presents!

Oh, I almost forgot I want to greet 'my friend' a happy birthday. I won't name names because he might make a big deal out of this greeting. CLUE: He's one of those unrequited love that I had experienced, and his birthday is sometime this week? :p