COUNTDOWN TO UNEMPLOYMENT

It's June already and as of writing, I only have about 19 days before I officially become a statistic... UNEMPLOYED!!!

It's kind of exciting since I've been working for over 3 years already in the same company... It's not like I haven't had any vacation during my stay. I did have those weeklong leaves specially the last couple of months. I guess like any workaholic without a life, I got burned out. I don't want to say negative things about where I work because I loved my job. But I guess being a Supervisor took a lot from me. Not that I was not prepared or anything, it's nothing like that. It's just all the stress was more than I really bargained for.

My program's undergone a lot of changes this past few months, and I wish them all the luck. I believe that the person taking over me has great leadership style, and will do good for the program. I mean it's not as if he's going to fill in huge shoes when I'm gone. I do bumble on my job most of the time.

I'm happy that I'll be leaving. That means I don't have to worry about anything anymore... at least temporarily. I will find another job of course. I don't think I remember how to do the whole job hunting thing. Maybe in my free time I'll post some of my experiences online.

One of the good things about not having to work anymore is that I'll have free time to catch up with my other journal. The one that requires a pen and my hand to write on. I didn't bring it to Marikina since I don't want my housemates snooping on things that I'm writing. Some of them are personal... and dirty!!! Ha!

*****
As of writing, I've been in a relationship for exactly 1 month. Longer than what I have the past couple of years. It's different from the doctor that I dated when the year started. Obviously it didn't work out.

Am I happy? It's difficult. We're both emo so it's not as perfect as I was wishing for, but we get along fine. I love not being single right now. But I don't know if it's going to last that long since we'll be on opposite poles when I return to Parañaque. I want to make it work. I do. I'm just hoping that it does.

*****
Some more updates: My parents are stateside already. They've already left the country last May 17th, so technically I'm an orphan. I'm actually looking for a family that will adopt me at least for the next few months. I'm not that high maintenance. I just need to be fed three times a day.

I'm good friends again with my long time crush. The one that I poured out all my emotions one emotionally drunken night. I've moved on.

Just as my cash income is going to be limited, my comic book collection is becoming larger. The list is longer. Crap, I think my well-deserved vacation will be cut back when I start to lose money. Or I could drop a lot of the titles that I don't need to buy like the DC titles... Done.

Officially, my last day at work will be June 21. I think I'm going to cry on my last day. I hope it won't be that embarassing. And nope, I don't have a despedida party planned. Like I said, I need to save money.

*****
What I plan to do during my days as an unemployed ex-supervisor?

• Catch up on Grey's Anatomy, Smallville, 24, Lost, Prison Break, 30 Rock and all the great tv shows this season.
• Finish Final Fantasy 12... But first, have my PS2 fixed.
• Sell my newly purchased Gameboy Advance.
• Lose weight.
• Try to work on my soon-to-be long distance relationship.
• Lose weight.
• Finish my books. I have like 3 books still yet to be completed.
• Blog some more. Catch up on other people's lives.
• And oh yeah, lose weight.

TUNGKOL SA PUSO

Ang puso ko ay masaya... Ito ay tumitibok at maligaya... Nakilala ko na siya... At ito ay sigurado na...

Para akong tumutula, pero hindi ko ito maiwasan, eh talagang masaya ako. Gusto ko man idetalye eh, nagtatrabaho pa ako. Kapag alis ko ng kumpanyang tinutuluyan ko ngayon, siguro mas malaya na akong makakapagkwento. Pero sa ngayon, tatahimik muna ako.

*****

Aalis na nga pala ako ng ICT sa susunod na buwan. Ang mga magulang ko ay lilipad na patungong Estados Unidos para bumisita sa sandamukal na kamag-anak naming gusto silang papuntahin doon. Pinagdarasal ko nga na sana maging permanente ang pagtira nila doon, ngunit mukhang ito ay pansamantala lamang.

Sa Mayo 17 na ang lipad nila kasama ang pinsan ng aking ina. Sasabay sila para makarating din sila sa bahay ng pamilya ng tiyo ko.

Hindi ko nga sila nasasamahan nitong mga nakaraang araw dahil ang trabaho ko ay nasa Marikina at hindi ako makauwi sa Parañaque. Sa pag-alis nila, ako ay liliban sa trabaho. Siyempre para ibigay ang haba ng aking paa at listahan ng gusto kong ipasalubong sa akin pagbalik nila ng Amerika. Hehehe

*****

Ang huling araw ko nga pala ay sa Hunyo 21. Pero parang gusto kong paikliin ng mga hanggang sa Hunyo 7. Napagbigyan ko lang naman ang aking boss kaya pumayag ako na mag-extend. Pero ang totoo, napapagod na rin talaga ako. Sobrang nakaka-stress ang ginagawa ko. Ayoko na!!! Iniisip ko nga kung tatanggap ulit ako ng parehong posisyon sa ibang kumpanya, pero parang ayaw ko na. Ang nais ko ay makahanap naman ng trabahong may kinalaman sa kursong pinag-aralan ko sa kolehiyo.

*****

Madaming plano, pero ang problema ko ay kung saan ako magsisimula. Masaya naman ako, sa ngayon, lahat ng hiniling ko sa buhay ko ay binigay naman ng Maykapal. Salamat at nakilala ko si C. Kumpleto na ako.

BLANK

This entry's not really blank because I have nothing to write. On the contrary, alot of thing's happened to me in the last few weeks that's worthy of I guess more than one blog entry. I've been scared, I've been happy, I've been infatuated, in love, angry and basically every emotion that's available to the human soul I've felt.

**********

EMO... that's what I am the last few days because I finally opened up my heart to the person that I've been having intense feelings with the past few years. I coughed it up, and honestly I feel like a fool because I have the best intentions in what I did, the problem was the execution. IT SUCKED!!! I won't go into details but it's really embarassing. Trust me... Maybe I'll tell my other blog account about it.

Anyway, I would like to think that the 2 of us are in good terms still after what I did, but that's just wishful thinking.

At least now I know where I stand and can now move on. In short I got dumped.

***********

Last week I lost two teeth. My wisdom tooth and the molar beside the wisdom tooth. YOu see my wisdom teeth are both impacted. Now one of the two needs to be taken out because it got some cavities or something. My mouth hurts.

The extraction was PAINFUL (but not as painful as what happened to my heart... Hehehe). It was a minor surgery. That was scary...

************

A couple of weeks ago, we went to Puerto Galera. Not my first time there, and not the last time that I'll be going there this year or this month because I'll be back there tomorrow. So now you know that two of my goals for this quarter are will not be done.

I loved my first visit this year because for the first time, I got to ride a jetski. I would love to post some pictures but I forgot to take pictures there.

************

I would really love to give you some more updates on my life but I'm working right now... I shouldn't really be doing this because....

Wait, the boss is here... Logging off!!!

25

I am 25 years old. Quarter of a century's existence on this planet. I am older, not necessarily wiser, but much more learned.

I am not going to say that this means that I am going to be more mature. Hey, I am me. And changes (specially with regards my personality) do not happen in a day. I just am more aware of what I am doing, and dare I say it, this year I will be thinking more before I open my mouth.

There will be some risks that I am going to take. It may cause my heart to be broken again, but unrequieted love... not going to happen this year.

I'm having some heart issues at the moment. More like infatuated with a certain someone. I thought I already got over it, and will settle with friendship. But I guess as the old adage goes, true love never dies. At least I think that this is true love.

I am happy. I know people love me. I celebrated my 25 years for 2 days. That's more than enough proof that my existence has impact.

CHANGES

There was someone who said that this year would be a year of huge changes for people. I didn't really believe that at first because I was pretty secure of the things that's happening with my life. My job is good, my program's performing as expected, and everything seems okay.

Then one day, I was told that our program was chosen to move to Marikina.

"Fuck!"

That's all that I was able to say. For awhile I did some thinking about my career. I wasn't given an increase yet, and Marikina is just too far. I was ready to quit. But I guess, back then I was too happy to ever think of leaving the company.

So we moved. Actually, I'm living in an apartment right now with some of my closest co-workers. We dubbed the place "One House." It's nice, it's big and it's a happy place to be in. 5-minute walk to the office, actually. But then now, here comes the problem. I finally received my increase.

From what I'm getting prior to that, it looks like I only got a thousand peso increase. Now that's the straw that breaks the camel's back. I am now seriously contemplating on leaving the company. Regardless, I'm able to save money or not, I don't think I'm being treated fairly. I mean, before taking over as Supervisor, the program was dying. I was able to get revive this program and take it where the previous leader's only dreamed of.

I haven't been writing to you the past month, basically because i can't find my inspiration. If you're a regular reader and is looking for some updates about my life, there's one for you. And oh yeah, I broke up with the doctor. Time and definitely distance was a problem.

**********

Only thing that keeps me smiling was what happened last Sunday. I was actually pissed off back then with my reps for doing some things in the office. But when nighttime came, after I did someone a favor, that someone texted me something special. It was something out of the blue and came unexpected, but it was a very pleasant surprise. I won't be delving with the details here, but it's actually something sweet. Makes me love life even if it's throwing shit at me.

5 THINGS...

This year, I'm not going to have many goals because obviously I won't be able to fulfill all of that just like last year. But what I'm going to do is I will work on 5 easily doable things, and make sure that I fulfill all those 5 every quarter. I will be reviewing this every 3 months, and everytime one goal is finished, I will mark it down as achieved.

Now for the 1st quarter of 2007, my goals are:

1. Open a new bank account for the first time.
2. Celebrate my birthday differently.
3. Be 'in a relationship' for longer than 2 months (ultimately the goal is longer... but we have to take it baby steps).
4. Lose 5 pounds.
5. Start a new hobby. Maybe exercise again.

HOW I STARTED 2007

I hope that the way I started the year is not an indication of how the year will be for me. While the highlight of course is greeting my special someone a Happy NEw Year, everything else was like tame. Boring.

I sort of made a documentary of the fireworks display which started at around 10:30pmof Dec. 31. I believe it was 45 minutes long. Basically I recorded all of the fireworks that went on all around our area. It was beautiful. But after 12 midnight, I got tired. So I went back to my room, had a little dinner and then watched the final episode of the The 4400 season 3.

On New Year's Day itself, I watched the entire season of How I Met Your Mother. It was funny, and basically that's where all my interest fell on that day. I didn't leave my room the whole day because I didn't know who our visitors were. Of course there's the obligatory call to my special someone. It was nice. But then again, nothing happened.
*****

They say this is the year of the Fire Pig (absolutely no idea what that means), and that this year will be the year of endings and beginnings, in short there will be a lot of changes for this year. I am eager to know what the changes would be with regards to my life. One nice change, definitely is my love life... I finally have one after so many years.

I think that was the best Christmas gift I got this year. And 'us' lasting until after February (of course forever would be more appropriate), would be the best birthday gift for me.
*****

As for work, I don't want to think about my work much this year. Of course, my career is still important to me, but I'm doing a good job at it right now. I'll just have to keep it up. I don't want to exert any more than what I'm getting as I feel that I am not compensated well enough as of yet. I'll just do that after I get my increase (which Supervisor do you know other than me is still being paid with an ordinary rep's salary?).

Still, with that said, I'm still positive that just like in other years 2007 will still be great for me. I'm in my prime (and am about to turn 25!).

ENTRY 102: LAST POST FOR 2006

I would like my last post for the year to be positive, but the thing is I'm so stumped with work. The last few days especially, have been very very stressful. Thank God, there's someone that I can confide with these days. To YOU (although, you don't know about my blog yet)... thank you very much. I appreciate all of the things that you do for me.

*****

The year definitely had it's bumps, but sometimes the smooth road is longer than the rocky ones, and to the people who were with me during the good times, and specially the BAD ones, THANK YOU! I may not be good at expressing my feelings, but I really really am thankful that you guys believe in me, and did not give up on me. I know I could be the biggest jerk there is in the world you still stuck with me. I owe all of you guys big time.
And I'm sorry if I wasn't able to give you all presents last Christmas.

*****

This year I believe is one of the best Christmas I've had. I never felt more loved and appreciated than this year. I think that's the best thing about being a supervisor. Not that I'm abusing my position, but honestly, I'm overwhelmed. These kinds of gestures helps in affirming that I am doing my job right.

*****

Of course, that's not the only reason why I loved this Christmas. I met someone. (Just look at my entry 100 if you're curious).

*****

I don't know how 2007 can top this year. But there's a lot to look forward to next year. My career (both literally and figuratively) developments are just some of the things I would like to see flourish. Hopefully, all things will be positive for next year. For my program, our 3rd year anniversary is just a few months away and I can't wait to find out what we'll be doing to celebrate it. Oh yeah, I'm the one who'll decide on what to do then. OUTING!!!

*****

"In a relationship" has a nice ring to it. Although we really aren't there yet, it's safe to assume that we'll get there.

*****

And oh yeah, next year will mark my quarter of a century of existence in this planet. Oh the things that I can do.

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!!

ENTRY 101: HOLY $#!+

The year is about to end, and shit, there's a whole lot of things to look forward to in 2007. Damn! I think this will be the year that I'll officially be bankrupt.!!! Comic events like World War Hulk and the X-men event. Darn it's all good. Here are some teasers... Aaargh I can't wait.



Does this look like the most bad-ass robot?! That's Optimus Prime!!!



Fantastic Four 2's Silver Surfer... cool!



And then of course let's not forget the Spider-man Black!

I'm such a nerd...

ENTRY 100: SIYA

Ang pag-ibig hindi minamadali. Yan ang natutunan ko noong nagdaang Pasko. Natutunan ko ito sa Kanya. Kaya ang ika-100 kong panulat sa taong ito ay inaalay ko sa Kanya. Siyempre hindi ito sa Panginoon dahil hindi ako ganun karelihiyosong tao. Atsaka, kung magsulat man ako tungkol dun eh malamang walang katuturan ang mababasa ninyo doon dahil hindi ako ganun katalinghaga lalo na sa paksang iyon. Bobo ako sa religion.

Tungkol it sa taong aking inspirasyon nitong mga nakalipas na araw. Hindi ko muna babanggitin ang kanyang pangalan dahil wala lang. Sikreto ko muna. Hayaan niyo namang minsan magtago ako ng sikreto.

Nakilala ko Siya noong isang buwan, pero nitong Pasko lang napadalas ang aming mga malalalim na usapan. Siya ay isang doktor, 28 ang kanyang edad at siya ang taong medyo nagpapatibok ng puso ko nitong mga araw. Ang tagapawi ng hapi sa mga araw ko. At ang taga-init ng malalamig na gabi (hindi sa bastos na paraan syempre).

Hindi pa kami nag-iibigan, pero ang dasal ko ay sana dun mapunta yun. Kung mangyari man yun, ang taong 2007 ay maaaring maging pinakamaligayang taon ng buhay ko. Wala na siguro akong hihilinging iba (siguro XBox 360 na lang o kaya PS3). Magsisimula na talaga akong magpapayat nito. Sa katunayan, ginugutom ko na ang sarili ko ngayon pa lang. Tutal naman doktor siya, maaari niya akong maging pasyente kapag nagka-ulcer ako. Para libre... Biro lang!

Mas marami nang karanasan yung tao, kaya medyo ngayon ay piling-pili lang ang mga pinagsasasabi ko. Madali kasi siyang ma-offend. Hindi masama para sa akin iyon, sa palagay ko, lahat ng sinasabi niya ay nakakatulong sa akin para maging mas mabuting tao ako. Siyempre hindi madaling magbago, pero sa tingin ko naman ay tutulungan niya ako.

Hay, masarap ang ganitong pakiramdam. Masarap ang may sinisinta, kaya panalangin ko (at sana ay isingit niyo ito sa mga panalangin ninyo), na kaming dalawa ay magkatuluyan. Sana Siya na ang taong nakatakda para sa akin.

ENTRY 99: WHAT DID YOU GET FOR XMAS?

The best gift I got this Christmas I guess is the Lacoste Essentials perfume. Thank you guys!!!

Other than that, I guess the best gift I got this year is the chance or the opportunity at finding love. Of all the time in a year, it is to be given this season. I knew there's something this year that makes me look forward to being cheery. It's all great. Thank you Lord. Hopefully, I've met the one.

ENTRY 98: MERRY CHRISTMAS

To everyone reading my blog, I'm sure I won't be able to write tomorrow or the day after that so I'm doing this today.

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!!

ENTRY 97: KRISPY KREME AND OTHER THINGS

KRISPY KREME opened their second branch in Megamall this week!!! I should really be excited about this, but unfortunately when I see the line formed outside of the store... Que barbaridad!!! Donuts aren't supposed to be that hot, but apparently it is. And that's a damn shame for me, because I don't have the patience to wait in line just to buy me a glazed donut... Nuh-uh... It seems thought that I'll only be able to taste those round doughs with a hole in the middle is when my shift ends during the weekends. That's when I have to wait for the mall to open.
*****
Life could be a bore sometimes... Thank god for comic books. Even if I'm just rereading some old copies of the funny books, I still get satisfied. Comic books are fun. They're great reads and they keep me from doing something illegal or immoral.
*****
3 days before Christmas, and I already received 5 gifts already. I'm not expecting cash anymore (although I wish I'd still get some). I am expecting the usual (mugs, keychains), but my take on all of it is that as long as they came from the heart, then it's all good.
*****
What's the worst gift I ever received from somebody? It was 2 years ago, I was given this thing (I really don't know what it is, I'm sorry). I'm not sure if it's a holder of a cellphone or a mug holder or something... I really am baffled as to what it is. So I guess that's the worst gift I've ever received.
*****

ENTRY 96: YOU AND ME

This is one of my all-time favorite songs. This is actually a song that I'm dedicating to my penultimate crush. The person who I may or may not end up with in the future. Until I find the person who really is for me, this will be my "for the one" song. I love it.

what day is it
and in what month
this clock never seemed so alive
I can't keep up
and I can't back down
I've been losing so much time

cause it's you and me and all of the people
with nothing to do
nothing to lose
and it's you and me and all of the people
and I don't know whyI can't keep my eyes off of you

all of the things that I want to say
just aren't coming out right
I'm tripping inwards
you got my head spinning
I don't know where to go from here

cause it's you and me and all of the people
with nothing to do
nothing to prove
and it's you and me and all of the people
and I don't know whyI can't keep my eyes off of you

there's something about you now
I can't quite figure out
everything she does is beautiful
everything she does is right

you and me and all of the people
with nothing to donothing to lose
and it's you and me and all of the people
and I don't know whyI can't keep my eyes off of you

you and me and all of the people
with nothing to donothing to prove
and it's you and me and all of the people
and I don't know whyI can't keep my eyes off of you

what day is it
and in what month
this clock never seemed so alive

ENTRY 95: FILLER

The year is almost over. And Christmas is one week away. You'd think after my being excited about the coming season the past few months that I'd be happy to see the day come. Wrong. I'm in depressed mode once again. And I don't know who or what to blame for that. I bought me a nifty looking watch and a new bottle of perfume last week, but still... I've been meeting other people recently, and while none of them are right for me, they were able to keep my social life a little bit more interesting.

I don't want to blame work, as it has been like this (stressful) ever since I was promoted almost a year ago. Nothing's changed. NOt even my salary.

SIGH!!!

THat's all I can do right now. Definitely, this Christmas, there's nothing much to look forward to. I'm an adult now, so I don't expect to get cash gifts this year or any year after I hit 21. If there are people who'd give me presents, then that would be a very pleasant surprise. I know I'll receive some gifts from co-workers, but I don't know, I feel that it won't be enough to make me happier.

I bought them some gifts already. While I know that I could've purchased them cheaper in Divisoria or some 'tiangge' in the metro, I'd still prefer convenience over anything else. SM Sucat is far closer to home than St. Francis Square or Market Market or Divisoria. But I still need 2 more gifts for a couple of my colleagues. Unfortunately though, my creative brain was functioning well when I bought those items. I just pointed and paid. So sorry guys if you were expecting something else from me.

After this month, I'd like to avail of the long rest that I've been longing for this year. This could be the quarter-life crisis that's making me go crazy. I mean it certainly isn't love, so what could it be? Maybe it's the lack of love. Whatever. Some soul-searching is definitely in the works for me for 2007.

Something to look forward to though is our Christmas Party on Saturday. I am hoping that it would be fun. We have budget provided by our generous client. Just praying that I'll still have enough money left until the New Year.

ENTRY 94: 13TH MONTH PAY

I don't have anything to rant about today. As I was pretty much satisfied with what I got this payday. But I bought a new watch from Fossil today and a bottle of Carolina Herrera's On Ice for Him.

Oh what a payday it is, specially with the 13th month pay coming in and all. I'm not really that happy, but I wasn't really expecting very much so I wasn't disappointed with what I got.

I of course don't have that much money anymore. And what I am disappointed in, is my program's attendance. I think I'll be lucky if I have more than 30 people coming in today. Of course, I am revoking their leaves for the last week of December so that doesn't really matter that much. Merry Christmas it is.

I'm reserving a more meaningful or deep blog entry for the next time. I was busy surfing the net and reading some story developments about my favorite pastime... Comic books. But for now, just look at what I bought.

This is the perfume that I bought. Smells great, by the way!!!

And this is my watch!!! Looks great too...

I don't have money to buy gifts for my godchildren... I guess they're all too young to mind whatever it is that I'll be giving. Oh yeah, and I have to buy gifts for my co-workers as well... Damn!!!

ENTRY 93: COMICS PULL LIST PART 2

X-FACTOR: The genius that is Mr. Peter David delivers one of the most hilarious comic books ever. This time, it's about a ragtag team of detectives who are led by Jamie Madrox, the Multiple Man. Everything about this comic book is interesting. Layla Miller (she knows everything), Rictor (bisexual depowered mutant), Monet and Siryn (who both slept with Jamie's dupe) and even Quicksilver (the semi-bad guy) all adds to the already colorful world of X-factor. To quote Rictor, X-Factor puts the fun in dysfunctional.

PUNISHER WAR JOURNAL: This is first a tie-in to Civil War. I'm still on the fence with this one, but it looks like it's a fun read. Frank Castle rejoins the Marvel Universe in this one, and his target, the lowlife scumbags of New York.

THE IMMORTAL IRON FIST: It's got Ed Brubaker's name attached to it, so naturally this will be a great read. The first issue looked great. The type of art for this kind of comic book I'm finally warming up to. If you were to translate it into a movie, this would be a very nice looking independent film.

CRIMINAL: By now, you'd notice that I'm having a man-crush on Ed Brubaker... More specifically his works. In this one, he shies away from the capes and masks and just focuses on thieving. It's like Ocean's Eleven, The Italian, and every kind of caper film rolled into one. It's not very funny, but definitely it's very interesting. Much more interesting than let's say... Batman. At least that's my opinion.

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN: Looks like I'll be sticking with this title even after the whole Civil War thing is over. Spider-man's public unmasking has opened some huge story possibilities for our favorite neighborhood wall-crawler. Rumors are, that they are going to kill his wife Mary Jane. I don't have a clue as to the truth on the matter, but hopefully it would be someone else.

ENTRY 92: MY COMIC BOOK PULL LIST

When I started collecting comic books again, I only bought just 2 titles a month. And now, 3 years into my hobby, my pull list has grown to almost 20 titles. I think I may even be buying more. Comic books are my new weakness. Damn!!!

CAPTAIN AMERICA: This title is consistently one of the best written super hero title right now. I'm not a fan of the character, but after reading Civil War and the trade paperbacks of his latest title, I immediately got hooked. There's a lot of intrigue going on every issue and I basically can't wait to find out what Ed Brubaker has in store for Cap when Civil War ends in a couple of months. I have a bad feeling that he's going to die.

CIVIL WAR: I have no idea why there are a lot of people who don't like this title. For me honestly, this is one of the best events Marvel's put out in recent history. The title by it's lonesome feels incomplete, but you can still follow what the story is about. Best way to enjoy this series is to read everything with it's logo on it. Anyway, with this series you know that when this is all over, nothing in the Marvel Universe will ever be the same.

ANNIHILATION: THis event suffers because it was released the same time as Civil War. Although there are some people who say that this title is much better. My opinion, they're just on the same level. While the prior is earth-bound, this event affects the entire Marvel Universe... literally. Annihilus wants to rule the entire universe, and he's about to be successful.

ASTONISHING X-MEN: Joss Whedon made his name creating Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and now he's bringing his genius to the X-men franchise. Astonishing is a great title as it basically showcase my favorite X-men like (Cyclops, Emma Frost, Shadowcat and Wolverine). The stories are back-to-basic. Good guys fighting bad guys, but the wit and humor of the title is something that takes this title one notch above the others.

DAREDEVIL: With regards to Ed Brubaker's work, I am a HUGE fan. I normally don't read Daredevil, but when he took over a few months ago with the title character going to prison... damn that was good!!! Now, he's in Europe looking for the man who killed his best friend (who unknown to him, is still alive). Looks like one great read, right? It is!

JUSTICE: This is a bi-monthly title, and is one of only 3 DC titles that I read. The reason: Alex Ross's gorgeous-gorgeous art. The story's about all the major villains of the League teaming up to turn their enemies into public's most hated. Painted books are always good on my list.

JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA: New York Times best selling author brings his talent to DC's premiere super team. The problem I have with this title is it's 4 issues in, but the team hasn't been formed yet. And I just learned that the first time that they'll be together will be on issue 7!!! Good thing I have a lot of patience.

JUSTICE SOCIETY OF AMERICA: This is a fun comic book. I'm not so familiar with the whole DC characters, but this title I'm diggin'. I'm a little lost still, but I'm getting there. There is a reason why wikipedia is a useful website.

INCREDIBLE HULK: This story is a lead-in to next year's Marvel event. The story: Hulk is banished to an unknown planet, where Gladiator battles are the alien's favorite pasttime. But there's more to it than that. Hulk could either be the Sakaar'son who will free the people from a cruel tyrant or the worldbreaker, the very person who will destroy the planet. As of this moment, the Hulk's finally found a space ship that could bring him back home. Payback's a bitch.

ENTRY 91: HOW TO SAVE A LIFE

HOW TO SAVE A LIFE
The Fray

Step one you say we need to talk
He walks you say sit down it's just a talk
He smiles politely back at you

You stare politely right on through
Some sort of window to your right
As he goes left and you stay right
Between the lines of fear and blame
And you begin to wonder why you came

Where did I go wrong, I lost a friend
Somewhere along in the bitterness
And I would have stayed up with you all night
Had I known how to save a life

Let him know that you know best
Cause after all you do know best
Try to slip past his defense
Without granting innocence
Lay down a list of what is wrong
The things you've told him all along
And pray to God he hears you
And pray to God he hears you

Where did I go wrong, I lost a friend
Somewhere along in the bitterness
And I would have stayed up with you all night
Had I known how to save a life

As he begins to raise his voice
You lower yours and grant him one last choice
Drive until you lose the road
Or break with the ones you've followed
He will do one of two things
He will admit to everything
Or he'll say he's just not the same
And you'll begin to wonder why you came

Where did I go wrong, I lost a friend
Somewhere along in the bitterness
And I would have stayed up with you all night
Had I known how to save a life
Where did I go wrong, I lost a friend
Somewhere along in the bitterness
And I would have stayed up with you all night
Had I known how to save a life
How to save a life
How to save a life

Where did I go wrong, I lost a friend
Somewhere along in the bitterness
And I would have stayed up with you all night
Had I known how to save a life
Where did I go wrong, I lost a friend
Somewhere along in the bitterness
And I would have stayed up with you all night
Had I known how to save a life
How to save a life

I just want to share this song with you. This right now, is one of the few songs that I find very relaxing to listen to, I guess.

ENTRY 90: PHONE SEX

I'm not going to be a hypocrite. I've done the dirty phone deed before. I have had a couple of phone sex before. I didn't like it. There was nothing in it to make me be addicted to it. Heck there's nothing there that makes me even want to do it again. I don't know, maybe I just had a bad partner.

I don't really want to write this entry as it's not how I normally write my thoughts. It's just that recently, I've been getting a fairly odd number of proposals to do it. And to think that those were from girls (at least that's what I think they are).

It's just sad really. It's pathetic that people would rather have it on the phone when doing it for real is MUCH much better.

ENTRY 89: ABOUT SONGS

My choices of music are not really eccentric. For me, as long as a song sounds nice on the ear, then that's good enough for me. I love to hear easy listening music. When I was younger I preferred songs played on Magic 89.9, but then it was one of the causes of my having insomnia during my college days. So what I did was, I started listening to Wave 89.1. The songs there during the evening are slow, and they had Paolo Santos on every week, so it was all good for me. But then the songs they play during the day were not my cup of tea, so I looked for another radio station.

Just last year, I discovered 94.7. The songs they were playing were slow ones, but then they're playing current tunes too. So I stuck with that. Until now, I'm more into that station. They regularly play some of my favorites and that's just pleasant for me.

I'm more of a love songs kind of guy (being single and all that romantic stuff). I imagine myself kissing 'the one' with Texas' "In Demand" on the background. I will never forget the time that I slept with my ex while Seal's Kiss From A Rose and Love Divine was playing on the background. Some songs just gives you that.

And it's not just about sex. There are songs that makes me remember some of the best times of my life.

As I Lay Me Down - 1st year high school outing...
You and Me - my eternal crush
Fallin' - my first crush from when I came to the company I'm working for right now.
In Demand - my first kiss
Love Divine - the sweetest thing done to me by my ex
Brighter Than Sunshine - An unforgettable date from my college days
Monster - This one's by Paula Cole... I don't know, somehow I remember Dawson's Creek
You're Beautiful - Again my eternal crush, the love of my life that will never be
She Runs Away - a road trip we had my first year of college

These are just some of the songs that I really like to listen to these days.

How To Save A Life, Over My Head, Para Sa Akin, Chasing Cars, Piano In The Dark, Far Away, Dreaming With A Broken Heart, Need To Be Next To You, What About Love and Irreplaceable.

ENTRY 88: BORAT

If you're a Filipino, you'll immediately find the title of this film hilarious as the meaning of this name's quite disgusting if you translate it to our vernacular. Now if you're in the Philippines you'll think 'what the hell are the parents thinking naming their son Borat?!' That boy would live his life in shame if ever that happens.

Anyway, the movie Borat, just like it's moniker is hilarious as hell. Probably, the funniest movie I've seen this year. A 360 degree turn from all the dreadful horror flicks that I've seen recently. Not one minute of the movie did I wipe the smirk off my face. Sasha Baron Cohen is a comedic genius. The whole film is genius.

The story is about a Kazakhstani reporter going to America to learn about their culture to help their great country of Kazakhstan. There he's brought chaos and confusion with his rude comments and ignorant quips. I especially like what happened during the dinner with the upperclass people. That was classic. You have to watch it yourself because I don't know how to write what happened in that particular scene.

Anyway, it's one of the best films this year, and I do not regret watching the movie. I definitely would've regretted missing this film.

RATING 9/10

ENTRY 87: QUOTABLE QUOTES

Eto ang mga quotes na madalas na natatanggap ko. Nakakatuwa minsan pero kung paulit-ulit kong natatanggap, medyo nakakarindi na. Para bang isang circle of friends lang kaming lahat. Kung ang kabarkada mo naipadala na yung message sa'yo malamang sa ibang kabarkada niyo ay naipadala na rin yun diba? Wala lang. Nakakainis lang. Oh siya sige, eto na ang mga quotable quotes na natatanggap ko.

"Ako lang ang nakakapagpadugo ng ilong ni Manny Paquiao!!!" - English

"Hindi lahat ng malamig refreshing" - Bangkay

"Hindi lahat ng maasim may Vitamin C" - Kili-kili

"Di lahat ng walang salawal bastos" - Winnie the Pooh

"Oo nga" - sagot ni Donald Duck kay Winnie

"Hindi lahat ng dugo pwedeng idonate" - Regla

"Wag na wag mo akong bibilugin" - Kulangot

"Sige batehen mo akooh!!! Sigeeeh.... bateeeeehhhh!!!" - omelette

"Hindi lahat ng kulay pink KIKAY!" - majinboo

"Hindi lahat ng bubuyog itim" - Jollibee

"Wag magtulakan sa pila" - tae

"Wala naman akong ginagawa sa kanya. Hindi na nga ako gumagalaw dito. Ako na yung natapakan, siya pa ang galit." - tae

"Hindi lahat ng macho lalake" - Vina Morales

"Hindi lahat ng may bigote lalake" - Bernardo Bernardo

"Hindi lahat ng naglilipstick lalake" - Ronald McDonald

"Ang tamang paglalagay ng lipstick lagpas labi" - Ronald McDonald

"Iniwan mo ako sa ere" - Utot

"Noodle!!! Noodle!!! Noodle!!!" - Manny Paquiao sa Deal or No Deal

"Hindi lahat ng malakas super hero" - putok

"Hindi lahat ng hinog masarap" - nana

"Hindi lahat ng dilaw taxi" - ngipin

"Alam ko darating din ang araw na babagsak din ako" - suso

"Plakaplatik plik plak pak papak pakpik pitik kitikak kaktik kiktiki tikak plak plakakik plak pak papaki pipak pakpik" - watusi

"Ang pag-ibig parang sintas ng sapatos, dalawang dulo ang kailangan para mapagbuhol, pero isang dulo lang ang kailangan para kumalas" - Mr. Quickie

Kung may maidadagdag kayo, ilagay niyo na lang sa comments. Salamat! Enjoy!!!

ENTRY 86: DECEMBER

This blog is over 1 year old already. Wow!!! And I only need 14 more entries to cross out one of my goals for this year. This is doable. I just hope that writer's block don't get to me first.

*****
Prior to writing, I was in Mall of Asia today. I was (and sort of still am) sick. I wasn't able to come in last night because I had fever. This is the 2nd time in about 3 weeks. I have no idea why I'm not healthy these days. Maybe it's the lack of sleep or stress or fatigue. I really need a long rest. Maybe the holiday weekends would be the best time for me to have one.

*****
Going back to Mall of Asia, I finally was able to roam the entirety of the whole mall. Wanna know how? Well, because my friend Shamai (who was celebrating her birthday then) led us to a different parking area. The car we were supposed to ride was on the North parking area, while she led us to the South parking one. She's thankful she's celebrating her birthday earlier. I was feeling a little bit better earlier, now I think the fever's coming back.

*****
I would like to create a full entry review of The Return... but my brain's not functioning very well right now. Sorry. Maybe tonight or maybe not... In any case, my score for the film is a 7/10. It's not a bad film. It's not very riveting too. It's more like The Skeleton Key without the whole voodoo and magic stuff.

*****
Once I've uploaded pics from our JS prom day, I will post an entry about it. That would be the first JS Prom that I've attended. I came from an all boy's school in high school and we didn't have that then. I only attende a Graduation Ball but that is different in a way.

*****
Oh yeah, it's December already. And what a way to welcome the last month of the year by spending it with Reming (I don't know if the name's right)... That's one of the reason's I wasn't able to come in to work as well. With a fever, my parents did not allow me to go to work anymore. That's suicide, they said. I didn't really feel it that much.

ENTRY 85: CONFUSED

There's this one person who I really have a huge thing for. We're very good friends, and I know that whatever it is I'm feeling, I know it will never be reciprocated. And there have been a lot of times that I have psyched myself to move on. To forget about it. To not have feelings anymore. But I can't.

And what's fucked up is that everytime... and I mean EVERY SINGLE TIME that I decide to give up on that person, she pulls on something that prevents me from doing so. She does something nice, she asks for the two of us to go out. She comes to me with her problems and then all those feelings all come crashing back. It sucks because I can't move on!!! I can't go forward. Everytime I meet a new prospect, a few hours later I will receive a text message from that person. I can't forget about her.

We're not meant to be. I know that. There are forces beyond our control that prevents her from falling for me. But those same forces are doing something that stops me from not having feelings for her. It's crazy.

A friend of mine asked me, would I rather do something wrong and be happy? Or do something right, and be miserable?

With this person, I feel I would rather do something wrong and be happy even if I know it's just short-term. Damn!! I think I need to have some therapy. I don't know what to do anymore.

ENTRY 84: ENCHANTED WEEKEND

After what happened to me more than a couple of months ago, I came back to Enchanted Kingdom last Sunday. I never in a million years thought of coming back because that's where I lost my phone (well, not really). EK is a happy place, and going there is something you don't make second-thoughts of.

The funny thing is that, the decision to go there was something totally last minute. It was a spur-of-the-moment decision. An impulse. And that's why all of us have either debts or no money at all. But it was a lot of fun! A LOT of fun!!! Definitely much better than my last visit there.

I'm listing down the differences from my previous visit with last SUnday's...

SEPTEMBER VISIT: I went with Beth, Lui, Steph, Lirio, Dio, Joanna and Karla
SUNDAY VISIT: I was with Shamai, Hansi, Ryan B., Mervin, Maybe, Steph, Eric, Francis, Audrey and Wilma

SEPTEMBER VISIT: I lost my phone
SUNDAY VISIT: I did not lose my phone

SEPTEMBER VISIT: It was planned
SUNDAY VISIT: Totally out of the blue decision to go there

SEPTEMBER VISIT: I didn't have money to go there
SUNDAY VISIT: I still didn't have money to go there

Here are some pics... Enjoy!!!

ENTRY 83: PICTURES

Okay, some pictures and a little bit of explanation about who they are and what's up with some of them...

The first one is a collage of baby pictures of my reps. I would really like for you to look for me on those pics. I sort of look cool as a kid (that's a hint).

This next picture is my niece Julia. She's half-Filipina and half-Brazilian if I'm not mistaken. I just want to post this pic because she's really cute.



The next couple of pictures are obviously my program's pizza party last week. Thanks to our generous client for giving us budget for this party this visit. I honestly believe we deserve it. Everyone worked hard to get to where we are right now.

I'm not on this one because I was not in costume for this 70's and 80's party. The people you're looking at are the winners of the best in costume for that day. I was sick during that day but I came to work just to see my peeps wearing their funky get-up.

ENTRY 82: FRIGGIN' FRAGILE

The last few entries I've written are mostly about films that I've seen recently, and there have been lots... It is indeed the holiday movie season in the States... But the last one I have seen sort of came out last year... Fragile (A Ghost Story)

It's a horror flick about a haunted children's hospital. I cannot really tell you what the story was really about as I lost interest in the movie 5 minutes in... It's not scary. Matter-of-fact, it's boring!!! I'd rather listen to an FM station than tolerate 1 hour and 50 minutes of uninteresting crap.

I know it won awards somewhere, and I'm sure there was a story that was told, but it just did not click for me. Maybe I just wasn't the movie's target audience. Unfortunately for me, this week has been a bad week in terms of watching movies. Happy Feet wasn't as happy as I expected it to be... and Fragile was really crap.

I'm not going to review this film any longer, as I basically described what this abomination already is.

RATING: 4/10

ENTRY 81: DANCING PENGUINS: WHAT'S UP WITH THAT?!

I've seen Happy Feet yesterday, and it wasn't what I expected it to be. It's a nice film, and there were some really hilarious bits, specially when Mumble finally met those Latino accented penguins. But it was the story that kind of put me off. I think the story specially towards the end kind of took off on a totally different direction.

Plot: (What it's supposed to be)... Emperor Penguins basically meet their mates through song. But Mumble was different, he's the only one of his kind who cannot sing. Instead, he's more of a tap dancer, and that was disturbing for his folks. (But then what happened)... towards the end of the story though, humans got involved... I'm not going to be specific about it because I don't want to spoil some of the story plots to those who wants to see the film.

Story aside (although it's important), it's a cute film... Penguins talking, walking and dancing just does something to me that sort of makes me want to pinch something, or someone. I specially like the part when the lead characters were still babies. They sound so... adorable? Ramon (voiced by Robin Williams) probably was the best character among the cast of penguins. He's hilarious in the film. I think I like him even better than the lead.

Final verdict, like I said it's a cute film... I just was disturbed about the ending. It doesn't look like a kid's film. I like Ice Age 2 better.

Rating: 6/10

ENTRY 80: HELL WEEK IS OVER!!!

No more clients... I can finally go back to sleeping long hours... I can smile again... I can do anything again on the floor... Basically at work, I can be myself once more!!!

I mean being serious wasn't difficult, but then again it's not me... I'm more of the goofy kind of supervisor... Carefree and nonchalant (whatever that means)... I also don't have to dress-up and fix my hair daily (that was a lot of work)... I know I still have to look good, but what I'm trying to say is that I don't really have to dress up (as if I did that during their stay)...

I guess the operative word here is relaxed... I am more relaxed now... No more stress of entertaining our client and client services (who's really nice and everyone loves in Manila)... And what better way to relax than to watch Happy Feet... I'll watch that movie this week...

ENTRY 79: CASINO ROYALE

Cool origin for Mr. Bond. I think this is one of the smartly written James Bond flicks. It's a little predictable knowing the nature of the movie, but it's still a great film to watch. I'm not saying that this is the best James Bond film ever... but it does place high on my list at least. I actually think that James Bond movies are trying to outdo each other. It started with Goldeneye, and with the exception of Tomorrow Never Dies, all the films after it got better and better.

Casino Royale is basically about the first outing of James as a 007 agent. In this adventure, he has to catch terrorist financier Le Chiffre, and the only way to do that is to win a high stakes poker game in Casino Royale in Montenegro. I'm going to be vague about the story as there are twists in the film... every 30 minutes...

If you're used to watching these types of movies, then you'll know what happens... Predictable as it is, I'm not saying that the film sucks... They're all predictable, but they all occur brilliantly... there were a lot of well-executed fight scenes... It's not boring. i personally love the opening act wherein James chased a bomber all throughout the construction sitesof somewhere in Africa... It was inhuman, but it is cool...

People say that Daniel Craig is the ugliest James Bond... I won't comment, but the looks definitely did not matter, as I believe that he did perform extremely well as the suave British spy... And he's deadly serious in this movie... Not the funny Bond, but still has that sense of humor...

Anyway, I like the film... That's about all I can say.

Rating: 8.5/10

ENTRY 78: HELL WEEEK

These days are turning to be some of the more challenging days of my career (if you call being a supervisor in a call center a career) so far. I think these days are the most dreaded by any Supervisor (specially those whose programs aren't performing.

THE CLIENT VISIT

This is the most stressful week for me so far. Our client is always unsatisfied with everything. We have improved by leaps and bounds from the last time that she was here, yet she still finds something to bring our spirits down. It's not that disheartening to me personally, I even find it more like a challenge to overcome. But what I was thinking was the agents who feel that they aren't that greatly appreciated.

******

My uncle is going to stay in our home this week. A few months ago, he had a stroke, and his family thinks that his time is coming. He's in Manila to go to the doctor, but the thing is he wants to see all of his siblings one last time. My mom was telling me that he's always crying, and that he wants all of his brothers and sisters beside him. He actually wants to spend the remaining days of his life in his province of birth which is Samar.
I don't know the reason, but his brothers from the province decided to just come to Manila to meet him (hopefully not for the last time). Too bad though they won't be complete because their sister is in the States and cannot come back until she becomes a citizen there.

He is one of my favorite uncles because he was one of the people who really looks up to me even when I haven't proven my worth in anything yet. If I see myself positively today, he's one of the people who boost my morale. And he gave us Kukay, our parrot, and Pikoy, our myna.

His sickness has been a burden to his family financially. It made me think: and this may sound cruel... but I would rather he be taken earlier than survive and let everyone suffer emotionally and financially.

ENTRY 77: MISSING MAKATI

I was in Makati a few hours ago (I'm not saying what I'm doing there as I have co-workers who reads my blogs). I don't think it's successful anyway. The point is, I was walking around, and everything was to my liking. I miss Makati.

I was born there, and before we moved to Parañaque, I lived there for more than a year. When I was younger, we constantly visit our old apartment. And that is the place where we usually go to enjoy our weekends before. Life was really good back in the old days. And I was mestizo back then before I came to our new home.

Before our program was moved to Ortigas, I was a self-professed Makati boy. I will never get lost in Makati (well except for that one time that I got lost looking for that building no one ever knew... ). I was born in Bangkal, and even if I haven't been there for more than ten years, I can still point where our old apartment stood. That's how nostalgic I become when it comes to my place of birth.

I learned a lot in Parañaque, that's where I grew up. I became a man in Manila. And right now Ortigas is where I am working. But Makati will always be the place where I come back to. If only land is cheap in that area, I would buy myself a home there. If I become rich, I'll buy a condo unit in Makati.

I LOVE MAKATI!!! One day, you really will be my home... The moment I inherit our homes in Las Piñas, I will sell them and purchase one in Makati... I'm a sick sick man.

ENTRY 76: HEY VISITORS

I know I don't have much visitors yet... Somehow my goal is to get a million people to read my blog (like that's gonna happen)... maybe in a thousand years... Thing is, lately I haven't come up with any witty remarks or funny banters or silly anecdotes... I think I've got what people call a writer's block...

What's nice is that people still come back every now and then to read my blogs and sometimes even leaves comments. That lifts up my spirit somehow. Thank you for visiting my site, and I hope you are enjoying what you are reading. As I enjoy writing for you guys.

Hehe, I've got visitors from the United States. I do hope they understand what I'm saying when I'm writing in Filipino.

ENTRY 75: PAANO NASISIRA ANG PAGKAKAIBIGAN

Maraming dahilan upang ang matibay na pagsasamahan ay malalamatan at masisira. Marami na ring mga tao na nagdaan sa buhay ko at biglang nawala dahil sa iba-ibang dahilan. Minsan kasalanan ko, minsan sa ibang tao, at minsan din ay dahilan sa paglipas ng panahon. Ang mga sumusunod ay ilan sa mga dahilan kung paano nasisira ang pagkakaibigan...

-PRIDE wala na akong maisusulat pa...
-PANAHON pagkatapos ninyo magtapos sa pag-aaral, minsan ay hindi niyo na nababalitaan kung ano ang nangyari sa matalik ninyong kaibigan noong kolehiyo o high school.
-PAGSISINUNGALING kung lolokohin ninyo kaibigan ninyo, at nahulin kayo... patay na
-BAGONG FRIENDS minsan may mga bago na kayong sasamahan, kaya ang kaibigan ninyo dati, medyo makakalimutan ninyo... hanggang sa mawala na yung dating matibay na samahan.
-BABAE/LALAKE minsan ang pag-ibig ay sisira sa pagiging malapit ng dalawang magkaibigan.
-PERA kaya ayokong magpautang o mangutang sa kaibigan, dahil ito ay isang matinding dahilan para bigyan ng lamat ang mabuting pagsasamahan.
-TSISMIS

Ano man ang dahilan, masakit talaga ang mawalan ng kaibigan. Minsan ito ay pagsubok lang para talagang mapatunayan na matibay ang pagsasamahan. Pero kahit ano man ang pagsubok, kung ito ay iyong ipaglalaban, kahit ano pa yan hindi kayo mag-iiwanan.

ENTRY 74: TANGA

Ano nga ba ang depinisyon ng tanga?

TANGA /ta-'ngah/ (adjective)
- isang taong walang alam kundi mangolekta ng kaibigat tapos magrereklamong single
- lalaking mahilig mambabae at nagugulat pa everytime ayaw pagtiwalaan ng mga nililigawan
- ex mong iniwan ka for some reason then biglang magpaparamdam ulit after some jurassic years
- babaeng ilang beses na naloko sa pareparehong dahilan pero di matutu-tuto
- bading na pamen, na nagrereklamo na walang jowa
- taong nanakit ng feeling, tapos magtatanong kung nakasakit ba siya.
- taong gagawa ng kalokohan sa bahay ng magulang tapos hindi naglolock ng pintuan.
- taong magsusulat ng mga sikreto sa blog, tapos magtataka bakit alam na sa opisina mga ginagawa niya
- o kaya naman taong nagkukwento ng mga lihim sa isang taong tsismoso/tsismosa
- taong kain ng kain sa mcdonald's o jollibee tapos magtataka bakit hindi siya pumapayat

ENTRY 73: HALLOWEEN

So it's Halloween today and we're all on a festive mood. You want to know why? Where I'm working, we have this annual contest wherein you decorate your floor into something scary. Our theme was the movie "House of Wax." It was really good that we won 1st place!

I really appreciate us winning because I have seen all the creators work their asses the whole of last week just to make this work. Suffice it to say, all the hard work paid off great. I mean there's no contest, ours is the best design in the building.

Nothing much to update to you. I have absolutely no idea what to write. I just want to fulfill at least one goal for this year. At least I need to accomplish one goal.

ENTRY 72: MARVEL CIVIL WAR: SO FAR...

Okay, the story started last May, and by now it should've been almost to the end, but because of the delays on the artist's part we're only halfway through the whole epic. And that's not really a bad thing. So now I am dedicating this whole entry to Civil War, and where this story has taken Marvel so far. Of course I haven't read all the tie-ins, I'm just going to tell you about that I've read Let's start...

PROLOGUE: The SHRA (Super Hero Registration Act) is being opened again after a series of disturbing superpowered events shook America (ie Wolverine going fucked up crazy and engaged most of the superheroes, Hulk destroying some parts of Las Vegas, Philadelphia bombing). Dark times are ahead for the country.

CIVIL WAR 1: The straw that broke the camel's back happened. Celebrity wannabee superheroes called New Warriors battled villains that are out of their league and caused the death of more than 600 people in Stamford Connecticut. This automatically made the government push through with the SHRA, which divided the super community into 2... the pro-registration led by Iron Man and the anti-registration being headed by Captain America.

TIE-INS: Seeing that every hero wants to either fight or side with the law, Wolverine takes it upon himself to avenge the people who died in Stamford and stick his adamantium knives in Nitro's ass. Meanwhile the rest of the New Warriors are being threatened because of what their former teammates have caused, and She Hulk (pro-registration) is tasked to help these anti-registration kids. As for Spider-man, he chose to ally himself with the pro-registration heroes and Ironman tells him of the things he has to do and sacrifices he has to make being a pro-registration hero.

CIVIL WAR 2: The Act has been passed and approved and all heroes who chose not to register are being captured and imprisoned. SHIELD confirms that Captain America is not alone in his fight against the government, and are letting agents called capekillers capture the renegades. Over in Washington Spider-man takes his mask off during a press conference and reveals his identity to the world.

TIE-INS: The Fantastic Four deals with what happened to Johnny Storm the Human Torch who was mobbed by anti-heroes in front of a dance club. Spider-man deals with the aftermath of his unmasking, and Wolverine finally tracks down the villain Nitro. Luke Cage's wife (Jessica Jones) and child leaves the country for Canada, when they decided that it's not safe for them to be in the country anymore.

CIVIL WAR 3: The stage is set for the first face-off between the pro-registration and the anti-registration heroes. Captain America and company tries out their new identities while Ironman baits the AR's to a burning factory. SHIELD immediately takes care of the teleporters and a brawl ensues. Nothing is going in the AR's way, and things comes to worse when Project Lightning enters the fray... Thor returns!

TIE-INS: Jessica Drew, the Spider-woman makes her decision finally sealing her fate and choosing a different side from being a double agent for SHIELD and Hydra. The Fantastic Four during the transportation of the prisoners are ambushed by the AR's. A fight occurs, and at the end The Thing decides he doesn't want to be a part of this war... he's leaving the country. The Young Avengers try to help out the Runaways from being caught in the middle of an adult war. Unbeknownst to them, SHIELD has already targeted them and are doing the dirtiest tricks to get these kids to stop what they are doing.

CIVIL WAR 4: Sides change as the battle between the PR and the AR escalates. We learn that the Thor who appeared isn't the real Thor, but a clone created from a strand of his hair. Black Goliath dies during the fight and the AR are forced to retreat. Susan Richard, the Invisible Woman leaves her husband after realizing that her fascist husband really is not seeing the war reasonably. Some anti-registrants also thinks twice about the side they chose.

TIE-INS: Wolverine finds out there's more to Nitro than meets the eye. After being captured by the Atlanteans, the villain spills out that Damage Control is giving bad guys Mutant Growth Hormones to enhance their powers, basically for war profiteering. Wolverine literally takes out the head of the corporation. Finally, Spider-man comes to his senses and admits that he has chosen the wrong side.

That's it so far... The titles I'm reading connected to Civil War are Civil War, Amazing Spider-man, Wolverine, Captain America, New Avengers, Fantastic Four and Young Avengers/Runaways. More to come as the story continues. We're only halfway through this fun epic.

ENTRY 71: THE PRESTIGE

Magic!

This word is used to describe the movie 'The Prestige,' which I saw yesterday. It's a movie about two magicians whose friendship turns into a bitter and deadly rivalry. The difference in this movie is that it's not a cliche. Although a girl is the reason for the fight, it's not in the way you would normally think of. No. Not in a long shot.

More importantly, this movie is about who among Robert Angier (Jackman) and Alfred Borden (Bale) is the better magician. They are competing with only one magic trick... and are doing everything to ruin the other's performance, one of which caused one magician to lose two of his fingers.

Just like the magic trick, this movie is of 3 parts: first is the pledge, wherein the magician shows the audience something ordinary. Then there's the turn where we see an ordinary trick do something extra-ordinary. Finally comes the prestige, where we see something shocking that we've never seen before.

Very smart movie indeed. Everyone in the cast performed admirably, from the cameo roles (Piper Perabo and David Bowie), to the support (Michael Caine and Scarlett Johanson) to of course the 2 lead roles (Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale).

It was magic.

RATING: 9/10

ENTRY 70: MY 1ST 24 BIRTHDAYS

Nope, my birthday's still months away from today, but I just don't have anything to write to you right now, and I don't want to be redundant. So now I'll be writing about the most memorable birthdays I had...

Obviously my 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th birthdays I have trouble remembering, seeing as I was practically a toddler back then. THe only reason I know that I celebrated parties back then was because there were pictures (and I was crying in most of them). I think it was a tradition that my cousins put icing on my face, and I guess I didn't like it back then. And I am doing my best to make sure that that tradition continues with my nephews and nieces (such cute little devils they all are).

My 7th birthday probably was my first memorable party. I mean children who turn 7 normally have a grand celebration, right? I had 2 celebrations for this one, the first was in my pre-school which was like the best birthday ever celebrated that year (I shared the same date of birth as the school principal). And then one at home. In our street, I think I was the first kid to have a merry-go-round in my party. I also received tons of gifts (some of which were stolen by jealous kids... hopefully not from my family).

My 9th birthday, my mum became creative and threw me a surprise party. The first and only one I had. So that was nice. I have no recollections as to what else happened then, only that when I came home from school, there were balloons all over our place.

My 13th birthday I celebrated with my best friends in 6th grade. We ate in Pizza Hut, and that was fun. But the most interesting thing that happened on that day was my first ever kiss... with my cousin. She thought that I'm practically a grown-up already, so I have to learn how to kiss good. And that was great (that is of course you think incest is cool)!!!

When I turned 15, that was the first time I brought home some classmates to celebrate the special day with me. It was a riot, and of course so much fun... until some of my friends came back from a scooter injury.

2000 was when I first celebrated my birthday as a college student. There was a huge rally in Mendiola (if you must know my bday is on the 24th of February and rallyists usually choose that day to protest or celebrate the EDSA Revolution Anniversary). We watched this Russell Crowe film which was boring. But it was memorable because my friends gave me a surprise party (and gift) afterwards.

February 24, 2002 was when I met the person who for the first time totally broke my heart. Nuff said.

Last year was the first time I celebrated my birthday party with my co-workers. That was cool. The celebration was for my birthday as well as the blessing for our new house. I believe more than 30 of the people I work with came over to eat and drink. Some of which didn't even bother to greet me that day (tsk tsk).

This year was sort of the same, but I spent my birthday at home and on an unplanned leave. I just wanted to rest that day. Forget about the worries at work, and just slept for most of the day. That was cool. I got like 3 perfumes from my aunt in the States.

Now the question is, how will I celebrate my birthday next year? Hmmm...

ENTRY 69: GAYA-GAYA

Kung nabasa mo yung mga previous entries ko, alam mo na isa sa mga paborito kong bisitahing blog ay ang kay Cofibean. Nakakatawa kasi siya. Ang nakakaasar lang, ang DAMI-DAMIng gumagaya sa kanya. Ano ba? Hindi kaya nakakatawa yun.

Mahilig ako na magbasa ng mga blog ng ibang tao, kaya bumibisita ako sa mga blog ng ibang tao. Pero kapag nakita ko na ang paraan ng pagsulat ng tao na ito eh parang kay Cofibean, sinasara ko na yung internet ko, o kaya lumilipat ako ng website.

Una sa lahat, walang sense ang sinasabi ng mga taong ito. Pangalawa, hindi ka cool kung mura ka ng mura. Lalo ka nagiging parang squatter. Pangatlo, blog ang sinusulatan ng mga taong ito, hindi cellphone, hindi ka kailangan magsulat na parang nagtetext ka, lalo kang lumalabas na bobo.

Parang nawawalan tuloy ako ng gana na bumisita na sa blog ni Cofibean. Hindi ako naooffend sa mga sinasabi niya tungkol sa industrya na pinapasukan ko ngayon, pero ngayon, para kasing saturated na masyado yung paraan ng pagsulat niya dahil sa dami ng gumagaya. Hay.

ENTRY 68: JUST FRIENDS... ANYONE INTERESTED?

Okay, so the whole Friday night I was just watching DVD's instead of going to Metrowalk for the Oktoberfest celebration there (I really need to amp up my social life, I know)... Anyway, so the show I was watching was about best friends, and it made me want to have one...

Unfortunately, I never considered anyone a "best" friend. I mean I have a lot of really close friends, and I feel it's unfair to brand just one person as the best among all of my friends. They all had their moments, one way or another. I had a great friend during elementary, high school and college, and even with my first and my current job. It's hard to choose, specially with me because in a way, when we aren't together anymore, the communication just stops. We do see each other every once in awhile, but the closeness before aren't that much apparent anymore.

Even with my childhood friends, we don't talk too much anymore. We all grew apart, although we all get together every new year's eve, we just don't have a lot in common. All of us have very different lives now, and we're not kids anymore.

I envy people who maintained their best friends from childhood. Their bonds are strong, and I don't have any of that with my friends now. It could be my fault that I don't keep in touch once one friend moves away. But life does get in the way of friendships.

All I'm saying is, right now at my age, I would like to have a friend who I can talk to freely about anything (well except for politics, religion, the economy... I simply don't talk about it cuz I'm stupid). This is not about finding a partner or a lover because if things don't work out, everything ends. And I'm very bad with commitments (relationship-wise of course). I guess I would just like to know that there's someone out there who will fight with me against life's harshest trials. Or someone who enjoys talking about comic books religiously (of course he/she should be knowledgeable about the latest things going on in comics) or movies or tv. I guess being an only child and being used to be alone, I just want someone to be there.

ENTRY 67: THE GUARDIAN

I saw this movie last weekend... It was long... Normally, I won't have a problem with long movies, but this one... awfully dragging...

It's basically a story about two men who are both trying to redeem themselves from past mistakes. The teacher (Kevin Costner) lost his wife and his best friend. The student (Ashton Kutcher) trying to make up from a deadly mistake he did in the past. It's pretty much predictable what's going to happen. They don't like each other first, but then they find something common and then they both become good friends.

Why do I say it's too long. There are a lot of scenes that would've been better off cut from the movie. It's not that bad... but it's not that good either. I could've slept through the entire movie, but I don't want to watch it again. Wherein films would've helped in making you interested to sign up on the job, this one does the opposite. I don't want to be a lifeguard anymore after watching that. I don't even know how to swim.

I don't know what's up with Kevin Costner. I think this is his effort to make up for a long list of very bad films (no offense meant to his fans), but this did not quite make up for it. It sort of sucks... Just like The War, The Postman, Dragonfly, Waterworld... I hope he'd realize that if he continues doing these kinds of films, his almost dying career would truly be over... Where's the guy who starred in Dances with Wolves and The Bodyguard? Oh well

Rating: 6/10

ENTRY 66: THE DEPARTED

I cannot believe the first time I went to the cinema to watch this movie, I slept throughout the film. Trailer to credits. I slept. I did not wake up at any point in the movie. It was a very noisy movie. How I was able to do that is nothing sort of a miracle.

It's a mob film with a very interesting twist. I rarely finish a Martin Scorsese awake... or at all... But this movie, just like the critics are saying, is brilliant. It's not a film that has a happy ending written all over it... But nevertheless, you'll be entertained by how the plot moves the story along. It's funny, it's gruesome, and most importantly, it is NOT boring!!!

I just don't have a clue as to how I slept through the entire film the first time I saw it. There were some heavy gunfights towards the end. Cars exploding. Sound of people falling from buildings and a lot of cussing. I slept through all that. Whasupwiddat?!

You have to give props to Leo DiCaprio... He knows how to choose his movies... This was great... I heart THe Aviator was good as well... Catch Me If YOu Can is brilliant. He's on a roll... Matt Damon was also good at being bad... He's funny as well... But I guess the actor who really shone in this film was Jack Nicholson... Frank was just bloody brilliant.

Rating 9/10