The Story Behind Your Universe:))

This is my niece's blog post. I'm re-posting it here because of two reasons:

1) 'though an accident happened that night, 'twas one great bonding experience for us. Just pigging out and staying up late and making the remote control go crazy coz we kept on switching (music) channels.

2) i like the way Inna writes. Shempre, one proud tita ako! ;-)

Here's the link to her site:

http://innalagzon.multiply.com/journal/item/10/The_Story_Behind_Your_Universe

I didn't lose a finger neither did I play with fireworks. But I nearly got my left ring finger chopped off.

I decided to stay and be left in my Lolo's house in Paranaque after we came there for Christmas. I didn't have clothes or anything. Good thing my titas and I are just the same size:p. On my second day my brother decided to follow and stay. I asked my dad to bring me clothes cause I knew I was going to stay longer than 2 days. I told my mom over the phone on what to pack. She packed everything that I asked her too. My mom didn't think of the other stuff that I needed like slippers. Ha! Ha! My feet are twice the size of my titas. It was funny that their slippers sorta fit me.

Tita Colette was obesessing over her new found love. Rico Blanco. Ha! Ha! We looked for 'Your Universe' chords over the net and sang along with it with me playing the guitar. I think she'd gotten over Ely B. That was good.

On my third night, We went over to the nearest mall which was SM Bicutan. We went to the grocery and bought stuff. I thought of baking oatmeal cookies when we got back home. I baked the cookies and we ate them with whip cream on top. I put too much coffee. I decided to get some milk and put some whip cream on top. Rico Blanco's song 'Your Universe' was playing on one of the music channels. I thought of how I was going to drink it without sipping it from the cup itself. I asked TIta Candy if they had straws anywhere. She said they did have and they were over the sliding cabinet that we all knew was prone to breaking so she told me to be careful. I was careful but then it happened. One of the sliding glass doors of the cabinet came out. I tried catching it but it fell to the floor. The glass broke in my hand. I thought nothing bad happened until I saw the blood rushing out of my finger. I was never scared of blood, not until yesterday. I thought it was never going to stop rushing out of my finger. That was scary. They rushed me to the sink to flush my hand with water. Tito Alex said to continue what we were doing and wait for the bleeding to stop so we can see if my finger need to be stiched up. I panicked at the sound of 'stiched up', I never liked needles in my body. I started crying. Tita Colette and Tita Candy tried to me laught and feel better. Ang Kodak momment nun. They started to clean the tiny glass pieces so that it wouldn't hurt anybody else. They wrapped my finger in a hankee and put it over ice. Then they looked at it. It made me sick. The skin looked like it was about to come off with a piece of my meat. Ewww... I didn't want to be stiched up so instead they cleaned it and wrapped around wi fingersth gauze.

Then we saw it again, Your Universe. We decided to call the story Your Universe.

Good thing Edward and Jasper weren't around. *wink,wink*

No guitar playing for awhile :((

It was partly my fault and the straws. Ha! Ha! nag feeling Starbucks kasi:P

Happy New Year!! Don't lose any of your fingers!

----Inna

P.S. I'll try to upload some photos of my finger a day after:p

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Just a little correction:

"Tita Colette was obesessing over her new found love. Rico Blanco...I think she'd gotten over Ely B. That was good."

I've always loved Rico Blanco since his Rivermaya days. Was actually glad when he took over Bamboo (since i was not and still am, not a Bamboo fan). But then again, yeah, i was first and foremost an Ely Buendia fanatic. :) So Rico had to stay in the background. Haha! BUT, i think i'm one of those super excited when Rico had gone solo. I was like, 'finally, it's 'bout time." :)

So you see, he's not really a new found love. ;-) I'm just more obsessed with him now than before. Hehe! And NO, i have not gotten over Ely yet! I think that will never happen. ;-)

Nose-bleed

Haha! Just wanna share this.

We got a long-distance call from an older cousin who's been living in the US for, give or take, 25 years now. My cousin still knows her tagalog, but of course, she does have the american twang already. She first talked to my dad and then after a while, I heard my dad talking in english. He was talking to my nephew, Myles, who's only been here in the Philippines when he was around, I think, 12-13 years old. Myles was born and raised in the US, so naturally, he doesn't really speak our language. But my dad used to be an english teacher so 'twas easy for him to converse with Myles. :)

Ok, this is the fun part. Or funny is more like it. :P

When my turn came to talk to my cousin, she said that I'd be speaking with Myles also. So I was like "Ok." I was suprised 'coz suddenly I heard my nephew's voice.

Colette: Hi Myles!
Myles: Hi Colette!
C: Do you know me?
M: Uhm, no :)
C: I'm Chris' sister, younger sister
M: Oh ok. It feels weird talking to someone you don't really know. (he sounded like he was shy and apologetic at the same time)

Dead air...

And then I heard his mom asking him to say "Maligayang Pasko!"

C: Can you say Maligayang Pasko?
M: No :) I don't wanna say it out loud (or basta he said something pa, can't remember na, haha!)
C: How old are you?
M: Tweny (silent t, haha)
C: Tweny (para may masabi lang, haha). Do you go to school?
M: Yeah, I can't afford not to go to school. 'Coz if I don't go to school, I'd be no one (alam ko, no one talaga sinabi nya, hindi nobody...nagsisimula na, nafi-feel ko na)

Dead air...this time 'twas a lot longer.

C: Sorry, what was that? You can't afford to go to school?
M: Can't afford NOT to go to school
C: Oh ok

Dead air forever.

Inulit pa kasi eh, na-gets ko naman yung sinabi nya. Napaisip tuloy ako at na-conscious bigla. :P

This was the part na naubusan na talaga ako ng baon! Didn't know what to say next, and I guess, he felt the same way, 'coz he also wasn't talking. Nose-bleed to the nth power. Haha! And 'twas not just because it was already two in the morning kaya low-batt na my brains. Hehe! I'm just not really good with small talks, even if it was a relative. Not knowing what to say and to say it in english only made the situation worse. Haha!

So want to know how our conversation ended?

After what seemed like forever, I just said "wait," with emphasis on the last letter. As in maririnig mo talaga yung 't' sound. DMO-style, haha! (Chuch and Dru, kasalanan nyo 'to!).

I put the phone down without even telling him and then begged for my sister to save me. Shucks! I know I should not be embarrassed, but I am. LOL!

Was eaten alive by a twenty-year-old kid. I kill me. Haha!

Oh well, happy, happy christmas everyone! :)

It's about time

In case you’re wondering, NO, I didn’t forget. I know it was your birthday last Sunday. I JUST DIDN’T WANT TO GREET YOU! It’s as simple as that.

What you do (or more like, what you don't do) is not funny anymore. It gets tiring. It gets old.

Sorry, but I think this is really it. Thanks, but no thanks.

Wag ka naman sanang maging another case of tristan

Buti naman na-gets mo na para seio yung status message ko sa ym. Sorry pare, pero that's how i really feel right now. Sabi mo wag ako magalit, super busy ka lang talaga and you need to attend to so many things. Unang-una, I understand that you have to rush so many things now, especially since you only have a week left. What i don't understand is, why do you have to keep things from me? Alam mo na yun, no need for me to elaborate. Hindi rin naman ako galit, inis lang. Basta sana lang talaga, we don't end up that way. Please don't let it happen.

Para kay Ella

Yo bru!

Anong araw or oras na ba jan sa Canada? Ayaw ko mag-do the math eh, mahina ako sa conversion. Anyhow, November 7 na dito sa Pinas. Ibig sabihin, birthday mo na pare! Malamang miss na miss mo na kami noh? Tapos pinipilit mong mag-saya kahit hindi ka naman talaga masaya (paiyakin ba?) Ay teka, may mga friends at fafah ka na nga pala jan, so kahit papano masaya ka narin siguro. Pero iba parin kung kami ang kasama mo. Super duper mega over sa saya! At tiyak mas masarap ang kulitan, laitan, asaran! Dagdag mo pa yung mga hindi inaasahang mga eksena! Kakamiss kami noh?

Speaking of mga eksena, remember last year nung birthday treat mo sa Gilligan's Nakpil? Nung bigla na lang may nagbatuhan ng baso or bote ng beer sa may sulok, sabay sigaw nung isang guy na "wala kang breeding" Si Ronnie biglang natahimik, natatakot din pala ang bading. O diba, sino ba namang hindi makaka-miss sa mga ganong eksena?! Hahaha! Hmm, hindi ko maalala yung eksena nung despedida mo. Ano ba meron nun? Yung mga nagkalat na Koreano sa may Macapagal? Basta, i'm sure meron nung time na un.

After mo umalis nung May, mejo marami ka na namiss. Tama ka, parang nananadya yung mga subordinates natin. Kung kelan ka umalis, saka biglang nagparamdam yung mga institusyon, like shempre, first on the list, si Tanda, este Aileen, Khite, Janet, Ate Vi (atleast nagparamdam parin kahit paalis na uli sha), Ligz, si Bondat nabuhay (naubusan na siguro ng dahilan), at shempre ang pinakamamahal ni Kuya Jimmy, si Guia! Ay before I forget, ang mala-trianggulong eksena nina Magda, Dennis Prudente at Ate Lourdes. Sa birthday pa mismo ng anak mo naganap ang mga pangyayari! Buti na lang kahit absent ka sa party ni Andre, present naman kaming mga ninang. :) At special guests pa sina Jollibee, Hetty at Mr. Yum. Si bading tuloy hindi magkanda-ugaga magpakuha ng picture. Bwahaha!

Uyy, at lately lang, ang lolo Mara nabuhay narin. Which reminds me, si Bato nga pala matagal ng buhay at ang mga damoves nya sayo, ay kaloka! Hindi ko rin kinaya! Ayan tuloy, buo na naman ang Bato-Ella-Mara love triangle. Hmm...love square or rectangle ata kasi si Ronnie, nag-eemote rin. May mga eksena pa ang bading na "bigla naman akong kinabahan." Asus! Forever sabit talaga si Ronnie.

Hay, tama na nga. Babatiin lang naman kita kaya ako nag-post nito. Napahaba na tuloy. Bakit nga ba ako napakwento? Kasi naman potah, miss na kita bru! Grabe, ilang months ka palang jan pero parang ang tagal mo ng wala. Kunsabagay, sige jan ka muna. Ipon ka maraming-maraming pera tas i-share mo samen. :) O kaya, sagot mo bakasyon namin jan para atleast makasama mo kami uli diba? Hehe!

Osha, greet na nga kita before ko pa makalimutan. Happy happy birthday Ella! Naway maging kasing-saya ng celebration mo dito yung party mo jan sa Canada. Mwah! :)

PS
Lapit na pasko, sama mo sa padala mong christmas box, ck truth na perfume, kate spade na bag, saka kid's size na slippers. Sige na, pa-birthday at christmas gifts mo saken. ;-) Hahaha!

**some pics nung despedida ni Ella

Happy birthday

Just want to greet the two important men in my life a belated happy birthday! Hope you guys had a blast these last 2 days. :) My apologies, medyo late ang bati, now lang ako nakapag-online eh. :)

I wish you two, happiness, great health, a successful career and a stable family life.

Happy, happy birthday, OLSEN & ELY! :)

***haha! talagang the two important men in MY life...ASA! haha!***



Again, happy birthday mga fafah! Mmmwah! :D

***Update***
I used a solo pic of Ely before, since I didn't have a picture with him yet when i wrote this. But a day after, i watched him and his band at Club Dredd in Libis, QC and had my picture taken with him. Yey! :)

Thanks for making my day!

*super big smile*

You were probably just curious. But hey, it really made my day! :)

Busy Friday

I look forward to Fridays. Who doesn't, right? So yesterday, I came to the office feeling happy and at the same time relieved, because it was the last day of the week and I get to not think about work for 2 days. I even had "yey, friday" as my status message in YM. I usually use this status after a toxic week at work.

I spoke too soon. It was a not-so-yey-Friday after all.

Working on a Friday is like a mortal sin. Come on, who wants to work on a Friday? What's even worse is, if you have to work overtime! I mean, sure, we go to the office, check our emails, finish whatever we can finish for the day, and then party (or go home and get some sleep)! That's it, not so much pressure. But when you're suddenly asked to finish a task by the end of the day (read: was asked a few minutes before lunch break (12PM); deadline: 6PM or EOD), it's a different ballgame. I hate when this happens, but of course, I'm just an employee! I need to do what I'm asked, even if it's like almost Saturday already! Aargh!

Well, there's a bit of a good side to this story. I am taking on a new role. Technically, it took effect last October 1, but haven't really started yet with the work per se. ('Though, the one I was asked to do is kinda part of my new role na.) I'm still doing a lot of reading/researching, have some more con-call trainings left and will have to do some "shadowing". Definitely, the new role requires me to have more responsibilities. It also means I have to be more effective in time management. I welcome the challenge but I'm also apprehensive because I'm not really sure if I fit the role to a T. This is totally new for me and I'm crossing my fingers that I'll have an easier, happier time when I'm over and done with the 'ackward' stage already.

So does this mean I'll have to say bye-bye to happy Fridays? Of course not! ;-)

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Speaking of happy Fridays, I was dead set on going to the NU Rockathon gig at Malate last night. A lot(?) of bands were to perform, including, Markus Highway, Pupil, Sandwich, just to name a few. I've psyched myself up that I'd be less shy and friendlier, so I could meet up with my fellow Circus listers,(members of the Eraserheads Mailing list) and go to the venue with them. But unfortunately, I had to work overtime. I left the office around 8:30PM and since Malate is not such a 'friendly' place, I decided not to go (by myself) anymore. My tropang wasak is not really into the "rock & roll band scene" so it was hard to convince them to go to the gig with me. But still, I had a blast last night. Thanks to my office friends! What will I do without you guys? Naks! :)

Francis M Update

Francis M was discharged last September 10, but he's back in the hospital for his second batch of chemotherapy treatment.

Let's continue praying that he knocks out the Big C.

For updates, you may check out his multiply here.

GO ATENEO! One big fight!

The long wait is over!

Coach Norman Black finally got a taste of a UAAP championship after his team, the Ateneo Blue Eagles swept archrival De La Salle in the best-of-3-series of the men's basketball finals in the 71st season of UAAP.

Black has been coaching the Blue Eagles for 4 seasons now and has been unfortunate to give them the title. He actually had his chance in 2006 when the Ateneo Blue Eagles faced the UST Growling Tigers in the finals. Ateneo won the first game but lost the next two. It was really heartbreaking for him and there were even talks to kick him out, but eventually died down.

Ateneo stuck with Black, and last night, Black proved that Ateneo made the right decision. THE BLUE EAGLES ARE THE 2008 CHAMPIONS!

It was all worth the wait. :)

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In politics, sore losers always come up with lame excuses. This also happens in sports competition, especially in basketball. The losing team, almost always, blames the referees, the officiating. And as expected, DLSU Coach Franz Pumaren, thinks this was what prevented them from defending their crown, even insinuating that it was already scripted! YEAH RIGHT!

LEARN TO ACCEPT DEFEAT, MAN!

Ateneo beat La Salle twice in the elims and also swept your team in the finals. It's not like those were close games, pare. Besides, it's basketball. There will always be fouls that will be called and there will also be non-calls. You learn to live with them. You of all people should know that. And it's not like Ateneo got all the favorable calls. Come on, Rabeh Al-Hussaini sat down the whole first half because he was slapped with two fouls already. And it was just like 3 minutes or so had gone by the first quarter.

Black shouted at the referees and threw his ID on the floor in frustration, but that was it. He then made adjustments. Again, it's basketball. If your main player is not able to play, field in the other guys. If they play well, good, if not, make them. It's a team sport, right? Don't blame the refs if suddenly one of your top players gets thrown out (because of his own doing!) and another fouls out (also because of his own doing). Akala ko ba magaling kang coach? Magaling ka lang palang mamasa ng sisi sa iba!

DO NOT FRIGGIN' BLAME THE REFEREES!

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TWO WILL NEVER BE GREATER THAN THREE!

Do you remember the score between Ateneo and La Salle last year? In the five times they met, Ateneo got the upperhand, winning three games to La Salle's two. But La Salle did win, probably, the 2 most important games in the UAAP. They eliminated Ateneo to face UE in the finals and eventually won the crown. Because of that win, the Archers told the whole Philippines, that it's one of those instances, that 2 is greater than 3.

Which should be corrected right away, lest, other countries would think that we are really poor in math.

The Green Archers probably still believe that two is still greater than three. And maybe it served as one of their motivations when they lost Game 1. Ateneo had beaten them three times already after that game. Guys, 2 will never be greater than three! Akala nyo makaka-dalawang sunod uli kayo? Belat nyo!

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Ok, ok.

I'm not from Ateneo. Pero ang kuya ko true-blue Atenean. :P My 2 other brothers studied at Ateneo Grade School. Yun nga lang, they didn't graduate there 'coz my parents had to pull them out kasi they couldn't afford to send 3 kids at Ateneo na. :D And my dad taught at Ateneo (nung time na wala pako sa mundong ito).

Plus, I'm also a big fan of Norman Black! I just love the guy. Hehe!

So can you blame me? :P

GO ATENEO! One big fight! \m/

A date with my dad

Last night, my dad and I watched the concert of Jim, Boboy & Danny, collectively known as the Apo Hiking Society or APO at the Araneta Coliseum. And man, did we have a blast!

The APO still has it. They truly are icons of the Philippine music industry.

And the songs! Classic. Timeless. Even if they made some re-arrangements to some of their songs, as a part of "re-inventing" themselves to connect to the younger generation, they still did not disappoint. The songs still had that distinct APO sound. What's also outstanding to note is their happy banter. It clearly showed that what they have is a great and genuine friendship. A bond that had lasted 39 years and still counting. Of course, it would not be APO if there'd be no social relevance. They made their social commentaries funny and witty and not so bland like the current state of politics here in the country. Oops, let me not go into that. :)

Overall, it was a great show. Jim, Boboy and Danny involved the audience and it's pretty interesting to say that the fans were also "game." The crowd was also very appreciative, judging from the way each song was received with applause before and after they sang it. No doubt, I can say that, everyone had a grand time. Proof of this was the standing ovation the APO received when the show was finally over.

Now, my dad and I can say, that we're no longer APO virgins. Right Danny? Hehe!

XS
I'm glad my dad really had a great time. He can't stop making kwento to my brothers and sister when we got home. :) Sulit yung treat ko sa kanya. Hehe!

US Open 2008 Summary

A few entries back, I wrote that I wish Rafa Nadal would have an excellent stint in the US Open. Well, he actually fared better this year, reaching the semis for the very first time. In fact, it was really great to know that he got farther than the fourth round. Still, it was a lil heart-breaking when he lost to Andy Murray in four sets in the semis. I bet a lot of tennis fans were expecting another Rafa Nadal-Roger Federer final. It could have been more exciting to watch these two guys go up against each other third in a row this year. Especially with Federer chasing his 13th grand slam and 5th consecutive US Open title (and first title for the year) and Rafa winning in a surface he's not really comfortable with. But not to take anything away from Murray, he did have a terrific showing this year, until FEDex beat him in the final.

So is the old Roger Federer back? As far as I'm concerned, he never left. Sure, he was greatly affected when he got sick, but there are also guys out there who can give him a run for his money. That's what Novak Djokovic did in the semis of the Australian Open. And though Rafa had an easy time beating him in the French Open, it was a different story in Wimbledon. It wasn't a walk in the park for both of them, but the spaniard emerged as the winner.

It wasn't just because he had off-days. He can be beaten as well.

Pero sige na nga, I give it to Roger Federer. He truly is, one, if not, the greatest tennis player to have ever played the sport.

A night to remember: An Eraserheads Experience

It's been a week since the Eraserheads' one-night reunion concert and I still can't get over it.

I've read a lot of blogs, have seen thousands of pictures and have been a constant visitor of You Tube over the past week. The Eraserheads fever is still in the air. I can still smell it. :)

The Eraserheads' one-night reunion concert was held last Saturday, August 30, 2008, at the Bonifacio Open Field in Taguig. Thousands of people came to witness the band, dubbed as the "Beatles of the Philippines," perform together again after 6 long years.

Excitement was written on everyone's faces. When the timer was flashed on screen, everyone, me included, screamed our lungs out during the last 10 seconds. It was like New Year's Eve. Funny thing is, we did that for every last 10 seconds of every minute. Ang kulit, hehe!

And then there they were. All four of them. In one stage.

It was so surreal.

It was also so fitting to have Alapaap as the first song. It was only the beginning and yet, super parang nasa alapaap na talaga yung feeling. The impact of the song was made even stronger by the fireworks and of course, the fans singing along.

From the first to the last song of the first set, the crowd was so pumped up. There were even chants of "group hug" in between songs. And nakikisigaw rin kami ng mga kasama ko since malapit kami dun sa mga guys who started it. Hehe! (Note: nasa patron kami. I think kalat-kalat naman yung sumisigaw ng group hug. Basta from where we at, nasa unahan lang namin yung mga guys na sumisigaw.) Anyhow, the band performed 15 wonderful songs for their first set. Actually, I already got more than my money's worth when they played "Shake yer head," one of my many, many favorites. I told my sister "Ok nako, tinugtog na nila yung Shake yer head KO."

First break.

Supposedly, it was a just a 20-minute break. But it took longer. Then, Raimund, Buddy and Markus showed up on stage, with Lally, Ely's sister. No sign of Ely. Clearly, there was something wrong with this picture.

And then the announcement was made.

The concert had to be cut short because Ely was rushed to the hospital.

People were so shocked. I was shocked. I was nearly in tears. We were asked to say a silent prayer for Ely and it felt kinda strange. I felt like I was praying for someone I know personally. Someone like family.

'Though it had to end on a sad note, I was glad and a bit surprised because I didn't hear any boos or jeers from the crowd. Everyone was very understanding. We were one in saying, though indirectly, that Ely's health is far more important than getting our (full) money's worth. But come to think of it, we did get more than our money's worth already. I, personally, didn't feel like I was short-changed. Come on, 15 songs pare! Magrereklamo ka pa ba nun?!? Naman, naman.

O sige, at one point, you'd feel bitin. Bitin in the sense that I didn't want them to stop playing. It's not like they planned to cut the concert short, that it was intentional. Remember, it was just supposed to be a 20-minute break. They were to play 15 more songs. It wasn't the band's fault that it had to end that way, nor Ely's. And 15 songs is 15 songs! Super sulit parin.

I've read insensitive remarks and heard negative comments about the concert and the members of the band. I choose to not dwell on those. I know better. And oh yeah, I am still overwhelmed by the whole experience. :) I won't let any guy/girl, I don't even know, ruin that for me. Belat nyo. :P

This early, there have been talks about a part 2. It will have to wait. The most important thing right now is for Ely to recover fully. We all don't want him to go under the knife again, do we?

Let me end this post by giving thanks to the following:

1. Marlboro/Philip Morris (which is quite ironic, because I don't smoke and I hate cigarettes, "irresponsible smokers," if there's such a thing, etc.)

2. Sony-BMG/Radiohead Productions (for taking over PM)

3. The Fans (if not for our endless pangungulit for a reunion, malamang walang one-night reunion concert)

4. And of course, Eraserheads, the band, itself.

To Ely, Raimund, Buddy and Markus, thank you so much for setting aside your differences and for giving us a one helluva show. It was definitely a night I will never forget. :)

Petition no more

Ms. Karin Araneta was right after all, when she posted in the Eraserheads mailing list, that there was "no need for a petition."

The Eraserheads' one-night gig on the 30th is all set.

Though I didn't believe the rumor that the concert was cancelled, I got worried. And shempre biglang panic-mode. Ni-post ko tuloy dito and sa Facebook yung URL for the online petition. Plus, I've sent an email pa to all those in my contact list. Sorry na ha. :)

But hey, if no other company took over from Philip Morris and the petition was the only thing that would convince others to take charge and go on with the show, I'd do it over and over again. So to all those who signed up, thanks a lot. :)

Now, if only someone can tell me where to buy those tickets?

XS
Tomorrow pa yung details, pero I can't wait na. Btw, sabi sa PEP, General Admission is at Php1,500.

I wonder how much the front row seats cost.

Eraserheads Reunion Concert Confirmed :)

It's OFFICIAL.

The Eraserheads Reunion Concert on August 30th is pushing through. Yeah baby!

The good news was confirmed by Raymund Marasigan, himself, in the Sandwich mailing list. This was re-posted in the Eraserheads mailing list by one of the listers.

Tuloy na tuloy na ang LIGAYA! SA WAKAS! :)

See y'all on the 30th ;-)

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From: raymund marasigan
To: subsandwich@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Sunday, August 24, 2008 8:37:03 PM
Subject: [subsandwich] eraserheads aug 30 08 confirmed

dear everybody

after much ado. the eraserheads concert is most definitely pushing
through.

philip morris and its brands have pulled out from the concert. but
another company is taking over the production. the turn over started
yesterday and they have already started work on the site in the fort.
so you can check.

there are good news and bad news.

unfortunately its no longer free. all the long winded registration
procedures in the red nation site is now void.

the good news is that the age limit is now 12 years old (for safety
reasons)and tickets will be sold so you dont have to wait for
confirmation and what not.

the official announcement and ticketing details will come out in major
newspapers and on the radio on tuesday.

these are the only details i know for now so no need to email me. im
just the drummer.

btw. i just got home from the last rehearsal. the band is cooking. we
will see you all on the 30th.

Eraserheads Reunion Concert Petition

Much has been said and written about the Eraserheads' one night reunion gig on August 30th. A lot of people (and I mean, A LOT!), including me, have become so excited and have looked forward to this much-awaited event. But apparently, there are also those who will make sure that this doesn't push through. I have kept quiet and didn't even post a single article in my blog about the upcoming concert. I really didn't want to make patol to those people who think they were above us, THE FANS! Plus those who were making sawsaw. And it's not that I don't care about the law, in fact, I DO.

Oh well, I leave it to the organizers (you know who you are) to iron things out and make this happen. Otherwise, I'm really hoping that someone or some big company gets in the picture and make the one night reunion concert a reality. Please, please, please.

One more thing, since we're still waiting for the official statement, let's all do our part. Visit the link below and be counted!

Eraserheads Reunion Concert Petition

Rafa: Numero Uno

To the 3-5 individuals who read my blog (and probably are my friends), my apologies for constantly blogging about tennis and Rafael Nadal. I love Rafa and the sport and the fact that Rafa currently dominates the tennis world. :P

So please allow me. :)

Today officially marks the first day the spaniard holds the number one spot in the men's tennis world. He replaces Roger Federer who held the post for 4 and a half years. As if taking over the top spot isn't enough, Rafa also won his first Olympic gold medal in Beijing. A feat Federer has been trying to achieve for the past 2 Olympics, but still had failed to do so this year. Sure FEDex won a gold in the doubles category, but I'm pretty sure he would much more prefer winning in the singles event. (cue in tawang mahadera, bwahahaha!) Oh well, we'll see in London in 4 years time.

I'm really hoping Rafa will remain at the top spot longer than Federer did. It's gonna be a lot of hardwork, something he's used to - I just hope he doesn't injure himself. If Federer or any other guy takes the number one ranking away from him, I know I'll feel bad, but he will always be at the top of my list (together with Andre Agassi :)).

Now that the Olympics fever is over, Rafa and the rest of the guys only have a week to rest. Come August 25, the US Open will start and as always, will run for a fortnight. Rafa got eliminated in the fourth round by fellow Spaniard, David Ferrer, last year. Though, it was already in the fourth, I still think he hasn't had an excellent stint in the US Open.

I wish that changes this year. ;-)

U

Hey! You're alive!

Looong time. Was surprised to find out that you were checking out my friendster. Yeah, gotcha! Fyi, I've also unchecked the "View profile anonymously" option to see who views my profile. I actually had an earlier surprise. A week before, (he used to be)TheOne also viewed my profile. But that's another story, or come to think of it, doesn't make much of a story anymore.

Anyhow, I didn't know right away that it was you since the name (it's not even a 'name' name) was different. Curious, I clicked on your profile. Unfortunately, yours too was private, so, I didn't get much info. But how can I be so sure that it was you?!? Hometown. Check. Age. Nah, you're older. Location. Pwede. I checked again for more clues (as if I'd find any). Voila, the customized profile URL gave you away!

So how are you? I see that you're married, or at least, your status says you are. Congratulations! And are you really in the place (location) where you say you are? Wow, good for you! Believe me, I mean it.

Things didn't really turn out good for us. Maybe it was not meant to be. But truly, I wish you well.

Have a good life!

Blake upsets Federer in straight sets

OMG!

This means, Roger Federer is saying goodbye to his dream of an Olympic gold medal.

I can be so mean when it comes to Roger, but I feel for him. An Olympic gold in tennis has been his main goal this year, especially, after losing in the French Open and in Wimbledon (to Rafael Nadal - I just had to add that haha!)

Try again after 4 years. :) Oh wait, he'll be what, around 30 at that time? But who knows right? (yeah, right :P)

With the way Rafa is playing right now, I'm confident that he'll win his first Olympic gold medal. Of course, it would have been more grand if it was over Federer. But then again, it would have been too devastating for FEDex. :P

Read here :D

Francis M

I was a having a normal day when an incoming Yahoo email with the subject Francism caught my attention. It was from Ms. Day Cabuhat, Pupil's co-Manager, and her post went like this:

hi friends...

we would like to ask your generous help for someone very dear to all
of us in the industry. FrancisM has been diagnosed to have leukemia
and we are currently doing a blood drive. Blood of any type and
platelets may be donated at the Lower Ground Floor of Medical City,
please just tell them you are donating under the name of FRANCIS MAGALONA.

thanks much and your support of this will be most valued and
appreciated. ..

day

Whaaat?!? This could not be true! This was the same reaction I had when I found out that Ely Buendia had a heart attack. Tried to process the information but it wouldn't sink in. I was still in major disbelief. How can someone so healthy-looking be diagnosed as someone who has cancer?!

I've always been a fan of Francis Magalona, or Francis M, or Kiko. I began to appreciate rap music because of him. I used to know most of his songs, even the not-so-popular ones. I would like to think that I still do. (Note to self: rip all our Francis M cds and save it in my Zune). Even saw some of his movies, although sa tv nga lang. :) And he made me more loyal to Eat Bulaga, when he joined the show. Hehe!

I am no family, I am just a FAN. Yet, I'm greatly affected by the sad turn of events.

But I know I need to be positive. I know Francis M will get through this. He's always been a strong person. With all the help, support and prayers from his family, relatives, friends & fans, let's all make this a HAPPY BATTLE for FRANCIS M.

P.S.
To all who get to read this by any chance, would appreciate it if you can help Francis M by donating blood. If not, prayers would most definitely do.

Yo! Yes, yes Yo!

Happy Anniversary (not!)

This post is dedicated to ThePope.

Today is actually our first anniversary. It's been a year since I first saw you and decided that you were the one for me. Ironically, that was also the last time I saw you in the flesh. No, you didn't go abroad or worse, pass away. You just continued living a life you had always known - a life without me.

As for me, I tried to spice up mine. I pretended that you are a part of it, or rather, that you are going to be a part of it. Don't get me wrong. I didn't go around telling everyone that I was in a relationship with you. That's something I wouldn't have the guts to do.

Lemme make it simple.

All I did was try to get to know you. And boy did I find bits and pieces of info about you! I know when your birthday is, where you live (well, not exactly!), where you went to school, who your ex-gf was(!), your friends, your hobbies and interests. A true-blue stalker, am I not? Haha!

That's how I stumbled upon the song, Such Great Heights by The Postal Service. Frankly, I've not heard of them. But when I learned that you were fond of this particular song, I googled them and checked out their songs. I must admit, I still don't know the song by heart. Actually, hindi ko masabayan yung beat at yung phrasing, hehe! With that being said, I still liked it and put it in my Zune. But of course! :)

Well, that's not all. I also found myself reading the books you like. Which reminds me, I still have to finish Dante's The Inferno. See, that's not too bad. At least you influenced me to start picking up a book and read again. :)

To cut this short, I taught myself to adapt. Adjust. So that, when time comes that we finally meet again and be together, at least, we'll have something in common, or something to talk about. I just want to make it clear - NO, I am not forcing myself to like things just because you like them. I know I don't really have to.

One long year. A year of hopeful pining. Still not giving up on you.

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Here's the video and the lyrics of the song I was talking about. I'm thinking it must be the lyrics that made ThePope like this song! Or maybe not. :)

Such Great Heights
The Postal Service

I am thinking it's a sign that the freckles
In our eyes are mirror images and when
We kiss they're perfectly aligned
And I have to speculate that God himself
Did make us into corresponding shapes like
Puzzle pieces from the clay
True, it may seem like a stretch, but
Its thoughts like this that catch my troubled
Head when you're away when I am missing you to death
When you are out there on the road for
Several weeks of shows and when you scan
The radio, I hope this song will guide you home

They will see us waving from such great
Heights, 'come down now,' they'll say
But everything looks perfect from far away,
'come down now,' but we'll stay...

I tried my best to leave this all on your
Machine but the persistent beat it sounded
Thin upon listening
That frankly will not fly. you will hear
The shrillest highs and lowest lows with
The windows down when this is guiding you home




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And here's one of my current favorite songs. I loved it the first time I heard it being played on ThePope's favorite radio station. This song has ThePope written all over it. :)

The song's title is I will possess your heart by Death Cab for Cutie. This is probably the longest song I've ever heard. Even longer than Eraserheads' Ang Huling El Bimbo. But El Bimbo has got lyrics from start to finish, whereas, more than halfway into the song, that's the only time you'll hear Ben Gibbard (vocalist) singing. Still, the song just blows me away. I love the melody or the instrumental or whatever musical term you call it. It's so intense! And the lyrics - hit right smack into the heart! Plus Ben Gibbard sings it so beautifully! Incidentally, I found out that he also is the vocalist of The Postal Service. Hmm...such coincidence :)

Did I say I love this song? :)

I will possess your heart
Death Cab for Cutie

How I wish you could see the potential,
the potential of you and me
It's like a book elegantly bound,
but in a language that you can't read just yet
You gotta spend some time love, you gotta spend some time with me
And I know that you'll find love, I will possess your heart
You gotta spend some time love, you gotta spend some time with me
And I know that you'll find love, I will possess your heart

There are days when outside your window,
I see my reflection as I slowly pass
And I long for this mirrored perspective,
when we'll be lovers, lovers at last
You gotta spend some time love, you gotta spend some time with me
And I know that you'll find love, I will possess your heart
You gotta spend some time love, you gotta spend some time with me
And I know that you'll find love, I will possess your heart

I will possess your heart
I will possess your heart

You reject my advances and desperate pleas
I won't let you, let me down so easily, so easily

You gotta spend some time love, you gotta spend some time with me
And I know that you'll find love, I will possess your heart
You gotta spend some time love, you gotta spend some time with me
And I know that you'll find love, I will possess your heart
You gotta spend some time love, you gotta spend some time with me
And I know that you'll find love, I will possess your heart

I will possess your heart
I will possess your heart
I will possess your heart

Say hello to the world's new number 1

Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to introduce to you...

the new number 1 tennis player in the world...RAFAEL NADAL!

Applause, applause.

Ok, it's not official yet, BUT, IT'S GUARANTEED! :P

Although, Novak Djokovic, world's number 3, ended current number 2, Rafael Nadal's 32-match winning streak with a 6-1, 7-5 semifinal victory (this morning, Manila time) at the Western & Southern Financial Group Masters in Cincinnati, Rafa is still guaranteed to claim the No. 1 ranking this month after reaching the semifinals with a 7-6(3), 6-1 victory over Ecuadorian Nicolas Lapentti.

Rafa's loss to Djokovic means he will officially take over number 1 for the first time in the South African Airways ATP Rankings on August 18. Had Rafa reached the final, he could have taken over the number 1 spot on August 11. And had he won the title, he could have become the number 1 in the world by Monday, August 4.

Oh well, it's just two weeks. And besides, he really needs to take some time off before he competes in the Beijing Olympics.

For now, let me just say to Federer:

"Your days are numbered. Move over Roger!"

Missing the Joker

After watching the movie The Dark Knight, this came to mind:

add The Dark Knight as one of my favorite Heath Ledger movies.


Ok, ok. I know it's Christian Bale who plays the title role in the movie, but come to think of it, it should have just been called "The Joker." As far as I was concerned, the movie was about him. Without The Joker, the movie would have been a disaster.

Heath Ledger's take on The Joker is a completely different one. He took the character to a whole new dark and demented level. In one of his interviews, he talked about his character and said "he's going to be really sinister and it's going to be less about his laugh and his pranks and more about just him being a just a fucking sinister guy." And Heath did not disappoint. He was truly disturbing, The Joker, that is.

Let me make it clear.

Heath Ledger was such a talented actor that he made me feel terrified of The Joker. Even before the movie was shown, there was already so much hype about his portrayal. And like I said, he did not disappoint. He delivered a remarkable performance, oh yeah, worthy of an Oscar.

The Joker was truly disturbing. Not Heath. And I'd like to think that he was not disturbed, either. There has been much speculation about the true nature of his death, but for me, it was an accident. Even his co-star in the movie, Gary Oldman, refuted rumors that Heath was emotionally affected by the darkness of The Joker. Oldman said that they are "just people looking for a darker story that doesn't exist."

Almost 6 months have passed since Heath's death, but seeing him on that big screen made me forget, even for just a bit, that he was already gone.

I miss you Sir William Thatcher, my Joker.

Backfired

After going through my Facebook page, I switched to stalker-mode and searched for ThePope.

The search result was a slap in the face.

It was no longer a question mark (which means no pic uploaded yet), but a picture of him with a girl.

I don't really want to know if they're a couple or not. Don't need to.

Not right now. Just seeing them together in that picture sucks. Big time!

Rafa wins his first Wimbledon

Now it can be told:

Rafael Nadal is not just the King of Clay, he's the new hero on grass, the new King of Wimbledon!

After 4 hours 48 minutes and 2 rain delays, Rafael Nadal won his first ever Wimbledon by conquering five-time Wimbledon champion and world's number 1, Roger Federer in an epic five-set battle, 6-4, 6-4, 6-7 (5-7), 6-7 (8-10), 9-7.

Too many superb rallies, too many excellent shots, too much excitement, too much drama, two great players. Truly, this year's men’s singles final will be remembered as one of the greatest in Wimbledon’s rich history.

On a personal note: The match started around 9:30PM and ended at 4:30AM. I didn't even think of going to bed when the play was suspended for about an hour and a half because of the rain. Play got held up again for the second time, but like the jampacked crowd in Centre Court of the All England Club lawns, I too, never left my seat (in our living room :D). I wanted to see this match over and done with. I was still confident that Rafa would win even if he lost his chance of doing it when he was up by 2 sets to love. Besides, this was truly one for the books and I wouldn't want to miss it for the world.

After 2 hours of sleep, I still managed to go to work today. My dad and I had a deal - I promised him that no matter what the outcome is, I would not go on a self-declared holiday. Well, here I am at work, blogging away. Was too happy to do my part of the deal. :)

Vamos Rafa!

1-0

UAAP's 71st season started yesterday with FEU winning over Adamson and UE over UST. There was not much hype yesterday, but today was a different story. First, UP won their first game under a new coach, after going 0-14 last season. Yeboi! Hopefully, this won't be a case of first and last for the Maroons. :)

But the real deal came from the second game between the Ateneo Blue Eagles versus De La Salle Green Archers. As always, people flock the Big Dome to watch the much-awaited encounter between these two schools. Twenty-two thousand paying patrons came to witness the first game of the season between these great rivals. I didn't get to watch it live, but I surely woke up just in time to catch the game on tv. It was a close match with Ateneo leading at one point and then being overtaken by La Salle and then Ateneo again with the lead and then La Salle and then Ateneo...you get the picture. :) I actually hate watching close games, because it's more heart-breaking when my favorite team (or player) loses by a point or two. So you can just imagine how restless I was the whole time. But alas, Ateneo proved to be the better team when they beat La Salle, 79-73. Yeboi! :)

It's always a great feeling when you have the upperhand over someone and there's no doubt the whole Ateneo community (and me!) are feeling high and mighty at this time. I know it's just the first round of the elims, but hey, a win is a win is a win! 1-0 pare!

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It's been a promising day so far with UP and Ateneo winning their first match in the 71st season of the UAAP. :) A few minutes from now will be the Wimbledon final. I'm looking forward to a spectacular match between the top 2 tennis players in the world, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. I have a very positive feeling that Rafa will put one over Federer and will get to hold his first Wimbledon trophy tonight. Gotta have faith! :)

A first for Rafa and a double celebration for me? No doubt.

Don't trust nature

Let me share with you a conversation I had with my good friend Che thru YM. This is the part where we talked about ThePope. Real names were replaced with their alias so I can still save my face. Hehehe!

che_dc26 (7/4/2008 4:38:26 PM): stalk natin si ThePope, hahha
colette_51 (7/4/2008 4:39:33 PM): hahaha
colette_51 (7/4/2008 4:39:44 PM): hay naku, hanggang dun nlng nga ako eh
che_dc26 (7/4/2008 4:40:00 PM): hahahah
colette_51 (7/4/2008 4:40:03 PM): pocha, ung friendster nya dati gsto nya ma-meet "anyone alive"
colette_51 (7/4/2008 4:40:14 PM): pocha ngayon patay na ang gsto ma-meet =))
che_dc26 (7/4/2008 4:40:17 PM): nampocha gurlet..kelan pa tayo magaasawa????
colette_51 (7/4/2008 4:40:25 PM): hahahhaa
che_dc26 (7/4/2008 4:40:27 PM): hahhhahha
colette_51 (7/4/2008 4:40:32 PM): 24 plang nman ako eh
colette_51 (7/4/2008 4:40:37 PM): :)
che_dc26 (7/4/2008 4:40:49 PM): hahhaha
che_dc26 (7/4/2008 4:40:59 PM): sabagay, ako nga 26 pa lang, hahhahah
colette_51 (7/4/2008 4:41:26 PM): hahahaha
colette_51 (7/4/2008 4:41:32 PM): ayan natututo ka na :P
che_dc26 (7/4/2008 4:41:40 PM): hahhhahaha
colette_51 (7/4/2008 4:41:46 PM): pero seriously pocha di ko na alam gagawin ko kay ThePope
che_dc26 (7/4/2008 4:41:48 PM): what time kyo aalis?
che_dc26 (7/4/2008 4:41:52 PM): hahah
che_dc26 (7/4/2008 4:42:02 PM): mahirap bang pasagutin?
colette_51 (7/4/2008 4:42:04 PM): hndi ko alam if i'll let nature take its own course
che_dc26 (7/4/2008 4:42:07 PM): :P
che_dc26 (7/4/2008 4:42:18 PM): naku, don't trust the nature
colette_51 (7/4/2008 4:42:22 PM): or dpat ko bang pakialaman ang destiny ko at magpakilala na tlga ako sa knya =))
che_dc26 (7/4/2008 4:42:31 PM): may sariling mundo ang nature, madalas harsh, hahah
colette_51 (7/4/2008 4:42:42 PM): hahhaha
colette_51 (7/4/2008 4:42:44 PM): korak ka jan
che_dc26 (7/4/2008 4:42:46 PM): pakilala ka na
colette_51 (7/4/2008 4:42:58 PM): kaso super stalker nman labas ko nun
che_dc26 (7/4/2008 4:42:58 PM): yung pa-demure effect, bwahahha
che_dc26 (7/4/2008 4:43:11 PM): hindi kaya
colette_51 (7/4/2008 4:43:23 PM): pocha
colette_51 (7/4/2008 4:43:57 PM): tangina pare natatawa parin ako sa don't trust nature =))

Don't trust nature.

That remark really made me laugh. And then it hit me. Yeah, I should not let nature take its own course. If I want something that bad, I should work my ass off to achieve it. But then again, does it also apply to matters of the heart?

Think about this:
People often say kung tayo para sa isa't isa, tayo talaga. Such a cliche. Don't they realize that without effort, destiny is useless?

Hmm...pero balik tayo sa nature. This also came to mind "when nature calls, it's always a bad thing right?" Ayan na, I think I need to go. Nature is calling me since I can't stop from laughing. :P

King of Queens

Fresh from his French Open victory over Roger Federer, King of Clay, Rafael Nadal, was crowned King of Queens after beating Australian Open Champion Novak Djokovic, 7-6(8-6), 7-5 in the final of the Artois Championship at Queen's in London.


This is Rafa's first grasscourt title and now that he's won on this surface, I'm positive he'll have a pretty big chance of getting his first Wimbledon title this year, as well. Remember last year's final? Though he lost, it was not a lopsided victory for Federer. Rafa fought strong, it went up to 5 sets and lasted for I think about 3 hours and so. It could have gone either way. For all it's worth, last year's final proved that Rafa is also capabale of winning on grass. And now winning at Queens only goes to show that he really can do it.

So much for my being a Rafa-fanatic, hehehe.

Here are some related articles I've read in the net.
http://sports.indiatimes.com/Nadal_is_king_of_Queens/articleshow/3131675.cms

http://www.tennis-x.com/story/2008-06-15/h.php

Rafael Nadal: King of Clay

Annihilation!

That's what happened when Rafael Nadal, the number two seed, defeated the world's number one, Roger Federer in straight sets, 6-1, 6-3, 6-0 in the 2008 French Open Final. With this victory, Rafa tied Bjorn Borg's record of four consecutive French Open titles. On the other hand, the loss prevented Federer from achieving his first French Open title, the only Grand Slam title that eludes him.

Since I am no expert sports writer (hey, I just love the sport :P), or any writer for that matter, let me share with you this article I read from tennis.com

Rafa Rampant: Nadal sweeps to 4th French crown
http://www.tennis.com/tournaments/2008/frenchopen/frenchopen.aspx?id=134652

Happy reading!

Happy Friday

Of all the other Fridays in the calendar, today's Friday is my favorite. Well, aside from the fact that today is my mom's birthday (happy birthday mommy), today is also payday (actually nung 14 pa hehe). Basta, happy-friday-mode ako today. ;-)

Amazing Asian Tour

It's been a month since I first set foot to a foreign land and I still can't get over it.

I don't remember exactly when did I convince my sister, Candy, to go out of the country with me, but I won't forget the day we left the Philippines. It was March 20, a Holy Thursday, around 730PM.

Afraid that the plane might leave without us, we got to the airport around 430-5PM. Excited, hahaha! Soon after, my officemates Joyce and Queenie arrived. In the immigration, my sister and I were completely caught off-guard. The officer who checked our passport and other documents (and who was old enough to be my father) was so obnoxious and condescending. Clearly, it was our first time to travel abroad. He didn't have to say it to our face. I was so tempted to answer back and tell him "Yes, it's our first time. But we'll be traveling to four different countries, old man!" Of course, I kept my cool, lest, he'd prevent me from leaving the country. Needless to say, it was kinda traumatic for us.

I thought I was going to experience the same thing when we got to the Macau International Airport. The lady kept looking at me, to her screen and then to my passport. After what seemed like forever, she finally let me enter their country. Thank heavens! What's with these people?!? Come on, I'm not a terrorist or some kind of bad element (hahaha!). We just want to have fun! ;-)

And what FUN we had!

First stop: Macau

We got to play some of the slot machines in the casino of the Venetian Hotel, got to go around the place and explore the wonderful Venetian Hotel, got our pictures taken in front of the Grand Lisboa Casino(hehe), got to see the amazing Prosperity Tree in Wynn Macau Casino. There is, of course, much more to Macau than casinos. We also got to visit different churches, museums & galleries, the Senado Square, which really made an impression on me. Even the temples and fortresses were inviting. Macau is not just an entertainment place, but is also rich in culture. Though I didn't really enjoy the Macau food, I can still say that the whole experience was worth it.

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Next stop: Hongkong

Most of the people I know relate Hongkong with shopping, shopping and more shopping. The only thing I can think of when I think of Hongkong is Mickey Mouse. Mickey Mouse equals Disneyland. This, I believe, is the reason why my sis got convinced to take this trip with me. We both love Mickey, Donald, Goofy and the rest of the gang. Imagine how happy we were getting our pics taken with Mickey and Goofy. Had the queues been shorter, we would have lined up again and taken another pic with them. =) I also enjoyed our trip to Ocean Park, prolly because I'm such a sucker for theme park rides, hehehe! Tip: try the The Abyss, if you want to get your money's worth. It surely made my day. ;-)

But of course, we also got to do some shopping. A girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do! =) I bought a souvenir shirt from Disneyland for my dad and I, a ref magnet from Ocean Park for Margie (which until now I can't find, sorry girl) a Lacoste bag (yipeee!), pasalubong shirts for my siblings and pamangkins from the night market (hehehe), a jacket/blazer, a backpack and a (katsa) bag from Giordano. Good thing I got a hold on myself, otherwise, malamang super gasgas ang credit card ko.

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Singapura

After Hongkong, my sis and I went back to Macau and went straight to Macau International Airport to catch our flight to Singapore, while Joyce and Q went back to the Philippines. We arrived in Singapore around 10 or 11PM. After a good night sleep and waking up at almost around noon, my sis and I, together with her friend, explored Singapore via the MRT. It was fun and I felt kinda at home. Funny, coz I don't really like taking the MRT (especially during rush hour) back at home, but I enjoyed the train ride in Singapore.

I was really looking forward to this trip because I was excited to see my good friend, Apol, who now works and lives in Singapore. True enough, the following day, afer our Sentosa adventure, we got off at Lavender station to meet with Apol. 'Twas like a scene from the movies - we ran to each other, kissed and hugged each other (kulang na lang background song, hehehe). This definitely made the whole trip more special. I missed my friend so much and was just looking forward to spending crazy times with her.

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Last stop: Malaysia

I didn't get to explore Singapore with Apol, but we did spend time together in Malaysia. Right after meeting her at Lavender, we went to the bus station going to Genting, Malaysia. It was going to be a 6-hour long drive, but we didn't mind. We were busy catching up. So when we arrived in Malaysia, we were all tired and kinda not in the mood due to lack of sleep. But after getting breakfast at Mcdonald's and seeing the rides at the Genting Theme Park, we were all pumped up again. I was surprised to find out that Apol was also not scared of trying all the rides. We were thrilled in riding the Space Shot and Flying Coaster. But we had the time of our life when we tried the former. Space Shot is Malaysia's version of Ocean Park's The Abyss, so another tip: try and experience Space Shot! The best, pare! ;-) But be warned, this is not for the faint-hearted! ;-)

After exhausting all our energy in the theme park, we looked for a place to stay, dropped our things off, and went to have dinner in KL. Good thing, dinner was great (forgot the name of the resto, but they served mostly fish and chips)! This gave us energy to do our last task for the day - have our pictures taken, with the Petronas Twin Towers serving as backdrop.

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We went back to Singapore the following day. Apol and I said our goodbyes, this time around, we were not that sad. We were maybe thinking the same thing - it's more possible for us to visit each other, unlike when she was staying in China.

Eversince I was a child, I've been dreaming of living in another country, specifically, the US of A. I'm still far from realizing that dream. But I am more confident now that, it has a big possiblity of coming true.

I will forever cherish the opportunity of visiting other countries, may it be in Asia or Europe. This is such an amazing, amazing journey and I can't wait to take the next one.

American Idol and then some

I've been a fan of American Idol since Season 3 where Fantasia won as that season's idol. I was satisfied coz she was the one I was rooting for to win the contest. I didn't really care who'd win in Season 4 since my bet Nadia Turner was eliminated earlier in the show. Then in Season 5, I was really hoping Elliott Yamin would win, but unfortunately for him, he just finished third. And then last year, I've accepted the fact that Jordin Sparks had a lot more fans (or at least those who'd vote for her) than Blake Lewis, so I wasn't really disappointed with the outcome.

And now American Idol Season 7. Among the top 12, my favorites are Michael Johns, Jason Castro, Carly Smithson, Brooke White and David Cook. Aside from their looks, (the-kind-that-makes-me-want-to-stare-at-them-forever) I like these three guys coz they really make me listen and always be in anticipation of what they have in store for the viewers every week. I also love the song choices and style of MJ and David Cook since I'm more of a rock/alternative fan. I may not really like the style of Jason, but seeing and hearing him sing every week, gosh, it doesn't matter; he had me the minute he sang the first note. =) I like Carly and Brooke coz Carly can really sing (though she tries too hard to please everyone) and for Brooke, she can sing as well, but I like her more for her authentic 'good-girl' image.

So much for the long intro. :P Tonight is result's night, and since I couldn't wait, I checked out the blogsite of this girl who lives in the US, and I effing didn't believe of what I was reading from her blog. I was in utter shock to find out that Michael Johns has been voted off. He was never at the bottom 3, so it was really shocking to know that he was leaving the show for good. Upset as I was, I immediately called up at home to relay the bad news. My dad and brothers were surprised as well with the result. I just felt really, really bad. Oh well, shit happens! "Goodbye MJ, I will surely miss you mate."

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Speaking of goodbyes, I almost said bye-bye to my Zune, digicam, cellphone, wallet and my (sister's) entire bag last Sunday, April 6. I went to the baptism of Baby Deus (Cherry's baby) in Muntinlupa since I was one of the ninangs. On my way home, the jeep I was in got hold-upped by a thin and not-so-tall teenager. Yes, a hold-up(!) and it was in broad daylight on a Sunday at that! Even though the hold-upper was alone, I, along with the other passengers (who were mostly girls and there were even kids) were scared to death since he was holding an icepick and he was attacking us with it. When he turned to me and asked for my phone, I got into panic-mode and I wasn't able to find my phone. What I was taking out from my bag and was actually 'giving' him were the other items I've mentioned. Good thing, these items have their own 'covers/cases', so he didn't know what was inside. Also, the stupid hold-upper was just determined to get my phone, so he didn't even bother to take them away from me. And since I was taking too long to find my phone, he just gave up, released my bag and got off from the jeep. I was relieved that nothing was taken away from me, but was startled to see blood in my hanky. The other passengers noticed it too. I got cut in my left ring finger and I didn't even know it. I panicked so much I didn't even feel any pain when I got cut.

At this time, I was 100 percent more scared. I was starting to feel the pain and the sight of blood was really terrifying. Then my finger got swollen and suddenly felt numb. I so desperately wanted to get off from the jeep and go to a hospital and have my finger checked. Need to get an anti-tetanus shot, this was what was running in my mind the entire time. When I got off in Sucat (East Service Road side), I saw 2 policemen (or are they just traffic aides?) and told them what happened. They wanted me to go with them (I guess, to a precinct) to file a report, but I said that I would not coz I was afraid that the hold-upper might get back at me (ok, sorry but I've seen too many police-drama on tv and film already) and told them that my main priority was to get to a hospital. In the hospital, the lady doctor was so nice and I felt that she was genuinely concerned for me. While the nurse was cleaning my finger and was prepping me up for the anti-tetanus shot, I called my dad and told him my story. All these time, I was holding back my tears and trying hard enough to be strong. But when my dad and brother got to the hospital, I wasn't able to stop the tears from falling. I cried silently while my dad was trying to make me feel better.

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I am so paranoid with what happened to me. There are a lot of things in my mind. One of them is - is this my karma for being so maldita? I really want to believe otherwise.

TH

I am so friggin' happy. Can't help this big smile on my face from showing. Two words - Terrence Howard. =)

He's that guy from the movie The Brave One, starring Jodie Foster. He's relatively 'old' in the 'biz, but I just started to notice him after seeing that movie. Now I am drawn to him. I can't tell exactly why, but I don't care. This is one of those happy mysteries. And I'm just loving this big smile on my face. =)

A year after

In November 2006, I sent you an email. You said you were surprised and somehow flattered. You even thanked me. Then in February 14, 2007, you greeted me a happy valentine's day thru IM. It was my turn to be surprised, but not flattered. Tried so hard not to cry, but I did. A friend in the office took notice and asked me why. I said I didn't appreciate your greeting me a happy hearts day. She was confused, but I wasn't. I felt that you were just playing with me, with my emotions. You didn't even bother to greet me on my birthday, prolly 'coz you don't remember when my birthday is. But come on, neither did u greet me on Christmas and New Year! And on Valentine's Day you suddenly remembered? Dude, Christmas and New Year are more 'universal' holidays than Valentine's Day! Even those who are not really close greet each other during these times. Honestly, I would have appreciated it more if you had greeted me on these occasions. It's pretty obvious that you did what you did because of that letter. Maybe you were trying to be nice, thought it might make me feel good. WELL, YOU SHOULD HAVE THOUGHT ABOUT IT TWICE!

After that incident, pissed-off feeling aside, I can sincerely say that I was able to start letting you go and move on with my life. We stopped whatever little communication we had and it was such a good thing for me.

Present time, February 14, 2008. Today, a year after, you confirmed that what I was feeling exactly the same time last year, with regard to your greeting me, was true. You met my expectation by not greeting me today. Now it's my turn to thank you.

6 months after

September, October, November, December, January, February. Six months have passed. No developments. Nothing at all.

Clueless but still hopeful. Never giving up on you.

Keep in mind that I will always be here.

Novak is King of the Australian Open

You are not mistaken!

It's not Roger Federer nor Rafael Nadal.

Novak Djokovic, the world's number three, became Serbia's first Grand Slam singles champion, when he defeated Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in four sets, 4-6 6-4 6-3 7-6(7-2) at Melbourne Park, Australia.


Good for him.

Novak turned pro in 2003. But if I remember correctly, the first time I saw him play on tv was in 2005. I instantly became a fan. Saw the potential in him (naks, feeling tennis guru naman ako, hehehe) and he was super cute (ayan, mas forte ko
yan :P)! I'm glad that he won his first grand slam, though, a bigger part of me wanted Tsonga to win. The Frenchman was the one who beat Rafa in the semis, while the Serbian won over Federer.

As you probably know by now, next to Andre Agassi, Rafael Nadal is my next favorite tennis player. And you might have guessed that I am no Federer fanatic. I cheered for Novak during his match with Federer and was super happy when he beat the world's number one. But as my karma would have it, Rafa lost to Tsonga.

But I still cheered for Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the Final. Instead of wishing Novak to win so he could avenge the loss of Rafa, I had other twisted things in mind.

* Tsonga needs to win so that Rafa's loss would be easier to accept - at least he lost to the Champion, and
* Novak must not win because I don't want him to get closer and closer to the number 2 spot and take it away from Rafa. He can remain at number 3 all he wants, but he must not overtake Nadal in the rankings.

I am that selfish.

Hmm...did I say that I was glad Novak won? Wachutink?

Gone too soon

I was brushing my teeth this morning when my dad suddenly blurted out "Sweetheart, patay na yung isa sa mga cowboys." No idea as to who he was referring to, I asked "Sinong cowboy?" "Yung dun sa brokeback mountain," my dad replied.

"Huwaaat? Sino dun? Shyet! Si Jake Gyllenhaal?" I specifically said Jake's name because I didn't want for Heath Ledger to die so soon. Then my dad said "Hindi, yung si Ledger." My heart skipped a beat.

Actor Heath Ledger dies at 28.

I know we're not related (well, we should have been if he didn't pass away so early hahaha), but I was really devastated when I heard the sad news. To quote Mel Gibson, his co-star in the movie The Patriot, "He was just taking off and to lose his life at such a young age is a tragic loss."

Gone too soon.

Truth is, I always get scared when someone young or younger than me passes away. Morbid thoughts cross my mind and I always end up thinking "what if it was me?" I'm afraid to die - there I said it! I'm not ready to leave this world yet. I have so many things I want to do, so many experiences for me to take part of. I have to ask forgiveness from a lot of people, and at the same time, I have a lot of love & happiness to share. I can't leave just yet.

Having said that, I also don't want for people I love to leave so soon. I've experienced the pain of losing a loved one when my mom passed away almost 4 months after I turned 7 years old. I didn't really feel the impact of her passing away until I think I was in high school already. Sure, my dad, brothers and sister were there for me, but it was different not having a mom. I can imagine what Heath's daughter, Mathilda, will go through when she grows up.

Life and death - both are difficult to master. Life, you want to experience more, death, you try to avoid. And yet, when you explore life, this may actually lead you to your death. How ironic.

Open/Idol

Two things I love about the month of January:

(1) Australian Open - first grand slam event of the year. It kicked off yesterday and will run for two weeks. No doubt i'll be rooting for Rafael Nadal. He's a three-time grand slam champion, but these are all from the French Open. Hope he'll do well in the hardcourt and have a fruitful (read: win his first Australian Open) fortnight.

(2) American Idol - Simon, Randy, Paula & Ryan are back. It's that time of the year when America and I start looking for the new American Idol. Hehehe! The thing I like about this show is, it helps me appreciate different types of music. But the downside is, if I didn't like the performance, I could be worse than Simon. Hahaha, just kidding.

Only the first month and I'm already busy. Busy watching tv.