Right now, I'm too tired to think.

Without Ate Beth to do the everyday chores, I'd say all responsibilities are passed unto me. Since I came back from enrollment, list of things to do is endless. Don't forget that I have to make meals for the family - me, Tin, Kuya and occasionally, Tito Rey.

I love cooking for my family but what I hate is that I have to clean all the utensils and pots and pans that I used. I need to wake up early as possible so that I can do more work like sweeping the backyard and inside the house, cleaning the dirty kitchen, and all sort of tidying up. I haven't started yet the laundry and the last time I checked on it, clothes are already making a small mountain.

I missed Ate Beth. Ate Beth's monthly salary is all worthy of her industriousness.

I envy her.

It's been only 3 days passed since Ate Beth set foot to return to her province. Yet, I don't know if I could last through next week without throwing any tantrums. However, I know I must control my temper. Besides, I'm the adult (physically, mentally and emotionally) among us three.

And I have the highest amount of tuition fee among us three kids of my mom.

I guess that explains why I must to do all the chores even without asking help from them. This is a pay-back time.

How long should I be doing this job?

Come back early Ate Beth!

I swear, I can't be a plain housewife in the future. Must find someone who could accept this. =))



I also swear, if I have a choice, I would live in a condominium or in an apartment. Big houses and mansions do not have appeal on me. My mom and I share the same reason: big house means a lot of work. Even if I have the means to hire a dozen of house helpers.

Donald Trump has a home that values over $125 million. He tried to sell it, cutting the price off with $25 million. It was the "biggest knock-out" price. Trump's house is a bit cheap as compared to other expensive homes that cost $165M.
This one costs $165M, located at Beverly Hills, California.

Maybe single-family houses that cost over $125 million deserve many 'oooohhhs' and 'aaahhhs'. But that's it.

Seriously, imagine a family of five go through a day without seeing each other. A family is not just a group of people living in one roof. No matter how large that roof is.



For many times during these days, I always think of what my life will be a decade from now.

And for some reasons, one thing I imagine the most is my wedding cake with butter cream frosting. No fondant, no matter how elegant the cake will look. I'll keep the fantasies alongside with it to myself. :D

Damn right.

I'm too tired to think.





Further info about $125M and up houses: http://finance.yahoo.com/real-estate/article/105135/America's-Most-Expensive-Homes

Labels: anger management, chefs, food, life

Can't remember the exact date.

But this happened only this year.

Around 6:30-7:00 pm.

My high school classmate and I had an agreement to watch the sequel of a flick we saw the previous year. We agreed to watch it at the nearby mall. Of course I will have to take a ride. Even if I consider it as a walking distance, it would be too dangerous at that time.

I was in a bad mood that night. The reason? I'll keep it to myself.

As I boarded a jeepney, right away I noticed the driver.

He was more than you can think of.

I can't seem to take off my eyes with his big biceps, angular face, smooth lightly tanned skin. I can see he's a bit height-advantaged, too. (READ: instant pagnanasa).

Oh well.

Maybe it's not plain pagnanasa. Maybe I was just dumb founded to see a jeepney driver who looks more of a model. Part-time jeepney driver, part-time model? Pwede rin.

Arriving at the mall, I didn't want to leave off just yet. Take me anywhere with you!

I was too excited to tell this to my friend.

That happened months ago.

This week, last Wednesday, I came back to Manila for the enrollment on Thursday. I was boarded on a jeepney again. Another jeepney in front of the one I was in was hailed over by a traffic enforcer.

Then hailed jeepney's driver's head stuck out to speak with the officer.

To my surprise, it was him!

I can't help but to put up a smile. It was silly, of course. I looked to another passenger and he smiled at me. Heck. Baka akala niya sinto-sinto ako.

That night, I couldn't help but to think of him. Surprisingly enough, as I was thinking of him, I looked at my clock and it said "11:11 pm". Could this be true? Watch Witch Yoo Hee to understand what I mean. =))

FYI: I'm not in love with him.

Duh.

I can't help to be intrigued that's why I'm thinking of him until now. A lot of questions going through my mind. I know you would be like me if you saw him.

He's like a version of Mark Agas from the Faculty of Medicine.

LOL.

Labels: boy

A shocking news sprung this morning: two of Ate Beth's siblings died due to an accident early this morning and her niece, the one she's sending to school back in Leyte, is in the hospital.

It took me a moment to absorbed the news into my brain. Even though I have never seen Ate Beth's siblings, the news affected me just as much because Ate Beth have been part of our family for more or less 8 years. I have met her niece, Kristy, when the kid took a vacation here in our house. She was so young back then. Now, imagining the little Kristy that I knew lying in the hospital bed with cast and all is simply just horrible.

After the news, I cannot think of a way how could I show my sympathy with Ate Beth. To all the people that knew "Betcha", as she is fondly called, she is always bubbly and fun to be with. At her attitude and physique, people hardly can say that she's already 30. How much pain and sadness she's going through now is I don't know. To think that yesterday was her mother's death anniversary

Through out the day I have been thinking of the news. As I was thinking of it, I can't help but to think of my own two siblings. No matter how much careful one is, accident happens anytime. What if in a click of fingers my two sibs are gone? What if in a split of a second any one in my family is gone?

This past three weeks my sister and I did not acknowledge the presence of one another. Literally. I mean physically we co-exist but in other aspects, for the two of us, we were ghosts. Fortunately, our relationship now is back to normal. Whatever that normal means.

It just struck me real hard, "what if in the span of that three weeks either of us was gone?" There is like a stone in my chest that pains me whenever I think of this. This thought also gives me goosebumps.

As Murphy's Law put it:

"If anything can go wrong, it will"

Keeping this law in mind, I promise, from this moment onwards, every argument will end before the hour ends, anger will only last for ten minutes utmost, and every love one will be closer than before. And if I am to forget these things, this blog will prove its worth.

Once is enough, twice is too much.

I definitely don't need another gun shot wound for me to realize what should be realized.




*Eternal rest grant unto them O Lord, and let your perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. AMEN.

Labels: anger management, life

I started this day early. As in super early. As early as 5:10 am. Actually 5:15 am. I snoozed my alarm clock for an extra five minutes. It was so cold to let go of my blankie and to open my half-dead eyes.

The reason why I woke up early: I NEED to learn how to ride a bike before school starts. I need to do it today and for the rest of the week. I must learn fast. My teacher, my elder brother, will be in school next week. So this week's the only time and chance I got.

I feel so down right messed up. While other kids of my age are learning how to drive a car, I am learning how to balance right in a bicycle. Better to put the feeling aside.I think. With my younger sister now knows how to ride one,I am more than determined to ride a bike before I hit my 19th birthday. Mark my word. (In Filipino: "Itaga mo sa bato")

The best place to learn how to bike: SAMPALOC LAKE. (where else?)


Upon arriving, my brother and I can't find at least one available bike for rentals. Damn. I should have predicted it. What am I going to expect in early Monday morning? We waited, and opt for a chit-chat.

The next thing happened is what you call another 'bonding moment' with my brother. I see my relationship with my brother is quite improving, eh? At least I can say that he has improved a lot, though I honestly think that he needs to mature more so I can give him more of my trust.

W e talked about why I was not able to learn a bike when we were just little kids. The truth is, he's so selfish that he did not want his bike to be touched. And that, my friend, is my story.

Another interesting topic: why he and his girlfriend are not together anymore. So on and so forth.

Fortunately, we found a bike to rent few moments later. I claimed the following conversation to be true:

Ako: Manong, pwede na ba kami mag-rent ng bike?
Manong: Yung nasa tabi pwede na.
Ako: San po?
Manong: Ilan ba? Dalawa? Ano ba gusto nyo? Yung BMX?
Ako: The hell... anong BMX?

Ok, the last line was for myself to hear. Naturally I'm not rude to people. Yeah.

Then I learned from my brother BMX is just a kind of bikes that is neither too small nor too big. Just the right size. Used for extreme sports.

Cool.

So we took the 'BMX' to a spot where only occasional passers-by can see you struggling to ride a bike at my age. The lesson started. It was absolutely hard. Period.

As determined as I was, I was annoyed by a kid, around age 10-12, in a bike taller that he is. Too arrogant. Brother said that kids like that are naturally mayabang with that biking abilities. Damn them.

Bitter.

It started raining so the biking session lasted for only 20 minutes. That's enough for today, I think. In a short time I felt pain in my lower back and I have no plan to catch some colds from staying under the rain.

I was happy today. I really did noticed how my Kuya changed. He now knows how to take care of his younger sisters. He even gave me the handkerchief of his girlfriend for me to wipe the dirt from my legs and to be used as a shield from the rain. He never done that before. Though a bit immature, I felt that for the first time ever, my brother is finally now a real Kuya.

Can't wait for another biking session to come.Can't wait for the moment that I am able to ride a bike at last. Can't wait to take my first lap around the lake. Can't wait to call some friends and invite them for a biking spree. Can't wait to be in the biking area of CCP Complex, just like the old times. Can't wait to have my hair be blown by the wind while I ride the bike (hell yeah, cheesy, but I want that).

Can't wait for Wednesday.



* Picture taken when Kath visited here in Laguna.

Labels: bike, kuya

I don't know why I hate the Iron Chef Morimoto. He's actually good in plating and scores high in taste. I guess what I really hate is his protein-packed dessert. Makes me want to puke and at the same time wonder how he got it all right.

Labels: chefs, food, iron chef america

By David Letterman

10. The White House is not big enough for in-laws and extended relatives.

9. There are not enough parking spaces at the White House for 2 Honda Civics, 2 Toyota Land Cruisers, 3 Toyota Corollas, a Mercedes Benz, a BMW , and an MPV (My Pinoy Van).

8. Dignitaries generally are intimidated by eating with their fingers at State dinners.

7. There are too many dining rooms in the White House - where will they put the picture of the Last Supper?

6. The White House walls are not big enough to hold a pair of giant wooden spoon and fork

5. Secret Service staff won't respond to "psst... psst" or 'hoy....hoy...hoy...'

4. Secret Service staff will not be comfortable driving the presidential car with a Holy Rosary hanging on the rear view mirror, or the statue of the Santo Nino on the dashboard.

3. No budget allocation to purchase a Karaoke music-machine for every room in the White House.

2. State dinners do not allow "Take Home".

AND THE NUMBER 1 REASON WHY THERE COULDN'T BE A FILIPINO-AMERICAN U.S. PRESIDENT IS...

1. Air Force One does not allow overweight Balikbayan boxes!..J


I don't think David Letterman means bad about the Filipinos. Funny as it is, it is very true. Things written above reflect Filipinos being family-oriented, religion-centered, and with sense of humor people. The number of Filipinos in the United States is indeed getting large that Mr. Letterman took notice of their culture and the tradition.. We can deny what he said, but you can't shake it off. Because these are some things that make us genuine Filipinos.

Live it and be proud of it.


* Taken from some Multiply account.

Labels: Pinoy

The day before the trip, I did not asked where in Bataan we would go. Of course, even if I have the answer i don't know any place in Bataan. I think I already mentioned I watched Iron Man (last full show) with some of my buddies the night before the trip. I slept at 1:30am then woke up 4:30am. I wished there's enough time to just close my eyes.

May 11, 2008. Mother's Day.

Getting there went smooth as possible; the air conditioner of the new Starex was freezing. As much as I want to stay awake to see the road we were taking, I could not help but to doze off.

In our ride, two UST Nursing alumni were present. Ate Fred and Ate Emery. And they are just simply amazing: both were scholars while being an active member in their respective organizations back in college. Then I made a new friend from the higher year. Her name is Carla. She talks nonstop and is very friendly. I find her really really nice. You will not get bored with her. Believe me. Ruvi, also from my batch, was there. I finally befriend her after two acquaintances. And of course, to complete the troop from UST, there's Kath, with a new hairstyle. We were in the van with a professor from University of Asia and Pacific.

It only took us less than three hours to reach our destination: Balanga, Bataan. Unlike Bongabon, this was not so much secluded. It's actually a part of a city. It's different from the medical mission in Nueva Ecija. We were provided with the likes of cotton balls and alcohol. But the hospitality and gratitude were the same. I especially enjoyed the meals we had. They got shrimp! My favorite allergens. Luckily Kath brought some chocolates (known anti-allergen, for me at least).

The day spent in Bataan was all worth it. I met handful of people and made new friends. Even visited a church there (a quick detour care of our Manong Driver).
We went home tired, as expected, but with a smile on our faces and a big pineapple in our hands.

Thanks Ate Emery for the pics! For more pictures, visit her Multiply site: http://emerylawrence.multiply.com

Labels: med mission

Just as you thought I would miss this time to write something about David Cook, well guess again. :P

Labels: david cook

Last Sunday was Mother's Day. I did not send any cards or e-cards to my mom. I was planning something: I'd give her a call. This is something I do not do so I know she will be surprise. But as I was thinking, maybe she will not be surprise after all; she will be in shock. She might take my call as an emergency and go panic. I know my mother.

However, I was determine to make the call.

Mother's Day date was the same as the date of the medical mission in Bataan. So I bought my phone load the day before the mission. I'm not sure if there are any load outlet nearby where we would hold the mission.

I made the call lunch time. Unfortunately, it was a Saturday in Chicago that time and I know my mother turns off both of her cellphones. She doesn't want any distraction over the weekends. Just my luck. I leave a message through voice mail, hoping my mother know how to retrieve message via voice mail (she has her Blackberry months ago and until now, she's still exploring it).

And since it was Mother's Day, I see to it I greet the mothers I was attending to in the mission. A simple greeting won't hurt.

After three hours and a half after the mission, I was home. Two hours later, I woke up, found myself watching TV again.

I catch the Mel & Joey show on GMA. Before the show ends, they mentioned a proverb: "A mother understands what the child does not say."

I opppose.

As far as I am concern, this is not necessarily true. Honestly, I find it hard to connect with my mother at times, especially whenever her mother's instinct is on the prowl. Mothers, or parents alike, tend to jump into hasty conclusions, conclusions that they themselves create whenever they do not seem to understand their own child. I think they feel some 'air of supremacy' that no matter what, they perfectly understand their child just because he/she is his/her child. A simple reasoning like that can lead into a bunch of rebellious kids that only demand a listening parent/s.

Tatay: Saan ka na naman galing?! At bakit ganyan ang hitsura mo?!? Gusto mo bang masunturon?? Sumagot ka! Malilintikan ka sa akin!
Anak: Eh kasi Itay...
Tatay: Aba! At sumasagot ka na!
Anak: O_o

I am always entertained by this parent-and-child monologue, er, i mean dialogue. I think it's typical in a Filipino family. I experienced this one a number of times, really. If you find it hilarious, there's a chance you have experienced it, in one way or another.

In my opinion what causes this miscommunication between a parent and a child is that parents tend to forget they were a son/daughter just as their son/daughter. They forget the same struggles they had when they are young. We can never blame them. Experience taught them well, so well that sometimes they are forced to forget the younger years in which they are more helpless and less useful.

Sometimes, they tend to over react to things that can be considered as a light matter by their children. Parents, by nature are possessive of their kids, always worrying and always think their kid/s might make a wrong decision. Wrong decision that they too have done. They are afraid in the saying "History repeats itself".

Parents, the good news is: Your child is not as stupid as you think they are.

We, kids, may make a lot of mistakes. But from these mistakes, we learn just as you did.

It is easy to give attention to a child. What is hard to give is a time to listen. What I mean by listening is mouth close, both ears open, mind open, and wait until the kid is finish talking. Then no comments based on "mother's instinct"; give a comment or suggestion like you would give to a friend. A child has the right to be treated with dignity.

Maybe because I am not a parent that's why I talk about this stuff in a very daughter point of view. That's because I am one. I am a daughter in every manner, uniquely rebellious in a way. Years from now (and I hope it would really be YEARS), I will be a mother with a child of my own. This blog will be a reminder for myself. Because no matter what, people tend to forget things.

I called her again late that night. She finally answered. I have so many things I wanted to tell her because it's Mother's Day. Instead, for that full five minutes, I let her do the talking. After all, it was Mother's Day.

Labels: mother's day

The truth is.... I AM IRON MAN.

Hooray!!! I got to watch Iron Man in a cinema! It's the best movie to see after the Transformers. The humor of the movie was great! (especially with Rhodey's "maybe next time" line). Too bad action scenes are not that quite many as the Transformers. Anyway I'll just watch out for the sequel coming in 2010.

Actually, the original plan was to watch the World Pyrolympics at MOA. But heck, who would miss the chance of watching Iron Man even though Bart already watched it at watchdashmoviesdotnet? Fireworks could wait. Pyrolympics are available Saturdays of this month by the way.

I've realized that night that getting to MOA and going back home are a serious matter especially if you have companions with different point of views. Hahaha!

I arrived at Dos Castillas quarter to 1 in the morning then slept at 1:30. Woke up 4:30am for the medical mission in Bataan. I didn't get enough time to close my eyes at least. I'd like to tell more about the med mission but I think that would be on hold until I got the pictures. :)

Labels: iron man

This one is my favorite from Bo Bice's. I really like this song, and of course, the singer as well. Tonight he showed up on AI and unexpectedly, I didn't like it. No, I like the way he performed, the song and all. It's just that his hair reminded me of some thing, er, someone. Long and rugged hair. Damn. Oo, yung gagong yun (why did it sound bitter? hahaha). It's HIM which I was reminded of Bo's hair. Anyway, I'll end the story here. Don't want to talk about it any more.

So Jason Castro is FINALLY out. Yipee! I don't hate him, but I don't like him. Such a cheesy singer. Besides Bo, Maroon 5 also did a number. Nothing else to say except: the usual very sexy Adam Levine. Tonight a caller asked David Cook out. WHAT!! My David??! As if! Good thing David gave a safe reply: "We'll see". Hahaha!

Earlier I came across an article featuring Clay Aiken. I couldn't help but to be shocked at his new promotional photo. Here it is:
To make it up for Mr. Aiken (as if we're close), here's a pic of him at his best look. (This is from my opinion. I like him in this photo)
Pag trippan ba naman si Clay Aiken??

There's so much stuff I would like to blurt out, then finally, sitting in front of the computer with the keyboard under my fingers, I could not think of anything. Blank paper syndrome, eh? Anyway, I'll just type whatever enters my idle mind.

IRON CHEF AMERICA
Every time I get to watch this show, it never fails to have me dumbstruck. One hour, five courses, one secret ingredient. But I think it's not so secret anymore to the battling chefs prior the show. Of course they have to think of something out of the "secret ingredient" before the actual cooking. Both the challenger and the iron chef has the unique quality that makes them a stand out. Different cuisines, different ideas. It's more like a battle of the geniuses rather than of chefs. The plating part is what really gets me excited. It's so brilliant! The only thing I hate about the show is one of the host who gets to try the dishes too. He's uber OA.
What if I join the iron chef America someday? Hahaha. As if it can happen. The iron chefs and the challengers have 20-30 years of experience at hand. Maybe I'll just settle being a sous chef.

ABSOLUTE BOYFRIEND
Also known as Zettai Kareshi. I just found this on cruchyroll.com. I think it's new and still on air in Japan. It's a series about a pathetic single woman looking for a boyfriend. By luck, she was chosen to have a product trial by some robot company. That product was the absolute boyfriend in robotic form. It's kind of hilarious, and super kilig because the robot boyfriend is ABSOLUTELY SEXY. Hahaha. It's another love triangle drama; the girl's boss have some feelings for her. Anyhow, I'll definitely watch this drama! How I wish I have a robotic ideal boyfriend. Even though it's robotic, at least it's ideal.

DAVID COOK
Brooke White's gone and it's only down to four: Jason, David A, Syesha, and of course, David Cook! Just the other day I was reading blogs talking about David Cook. Awesome! He got so many supporters outside US. Go David C! Be the American Idol and be my groom!!!

IRON MAN
It's all over the news and I can't wait to watch. Though I have the opportunity to watch this flick online and for free, I can't stand the poor quality of the flick online. It'll be ass-kicking if I am to watch this on the theater with some class (try Trinoma's cinema folks, movie experience is great). Wonder who could I call up to watch the flick with me. Hohumm...

PURPOSE DRIVEN LIFE?
There goes my old-self again. It just pains me whenever I think about this thing. I just wish El Supremo laid his plans for me in black and white. Thought I solved this mystery long ago... This would be a longer journey than what I've thought. Good thing an opportunity knocked. Medical Mission this coming Sunday at Bataan. This mission is not from the school but everything is free, according to my friend. I haven't discuss this yet with my mom. I think I would just go, and make myself something useful.


I didn't catch the first rain of May this year (FYI:I bathe in the first rain of May every year). Maybe next year. Though it's still summer, heavy rains are present in the afternoon. Blame the global warming. Blame the human race.

Labels: david cook, iron chef america, wishes