FIRST KIWI WEEKEND

Don't get me wrong, I'm enjoying my stay here very much; but the thing is, like I mentioned on my previous post, when evening comes there really isn't that much to do. We tried to go shopping earlier, but was too late as most shops closed at 4pm. 4 in the frickin' afternoon!!! That sucks!!!

Like I said, I'm still enjoying my stay here, considering the dull nightlife.

FRIDAY

After work last Friday, some of the peeps from our company invited us for a night out. 5pm, we were at one of the best bars in the area, the Loaded Hog. I finally got a taste of their much hyped beer. I chose the lager. It was okay. Sort of sweet with a lil bit of an aftertaste that I can't describe. It was good. But is it better than San Miguel Beer?

I don't think so. Now that I've tasted one of the beers, I'd still say that ours is still much better. I'll try to taste one again next weekend. Definitely, a different one.

So anyway, 5pm here in NZ is pretty much the same as a 10pm weekend at the bar in Manila. It's already full of people. They start early, because they end it early as well. But the crowd is nice. A lot of good looking people were there. A lot of eye candy. Young urban professionals like ourselves.

Not a lot of people smoke here, as cigarettes are some of the more expensive things you can purchase here in New Zealand. So if ever you're going here, I suggest that you bring your own ream of ciggies as it's going to cost you to purchase here.

Then we went to a karaoke restaurant. This was the first time I've tasted duck. We have a lot of that in the Philippines, but this was the first time that I've really tasted that fowl. It's good!!! Oh and their wine... aww... you should taste it, it's very good!!! Yum... I love it, and don't get me started with the chardonnay...

SATURDAY

We met with our Manila trainer's husband yesterday to watch a rugby game. I now have a new favorite sport that I'll never play... RUGBY!!! It was the Wellington Lions against the team from Bay of Plenty. The home team (Lions) won!!! Actually they annihilated their opponents 42 - 12.

I wish I could post some pictures right now, but I'm just using the hotel's pc... which by the way is very expensive!!! 5 dollars (approx P150) for 30 minutes.

I'll probably post something about this game later on, once I'm settled back in Manila because frankly I'm not really sure about the rules of this game. What I know, is that it's similar to American football only you'll have to use more brains than brawns.

After that, we went to the botanical garden, which by the way is a sight to behold. It's on top of a mountain, and the scenery, the city of Wellington at night is breathtaking. We'll be going back one of these days. We didn't finish exploring the place as it got dark already.

SUNDAY

Is shopping day. Well, not really. We went to the grocery for rations for the week ahead and for our lunch. I cooked spaghetti, and then what else? We didn't do that much because cooking took most of our time.

But we did go to the House Of Parliament, which was a nice place. Looking at the building, I wanted to burn Malacañan Palace because simply put, it's ugly (our palace). Like I said, nothing much to do here because at 4pm most of the shops are already closed.

When we asked before where's the best place to chill out, they said it's Courtnay Place because that's the most happening place. Unfortunately, when we got there, I can't help but ask, "what's happening?"

It's really different from Manila. But I don't miss the place. I'm so enjoying everything here. THeir museums are worth walking 2 hours to finish. I so wish the Philippines is like that. Oh well. One thing I noticed here, EVERYONE WALKS FAST!!! I swear, I get exhausted when we're following kiwis. And to think in Manila, people complain to me that I walk very quickly. It sucks.

AND OH YEAH, TOMORROW'S THE FIRST DAY OF SPRING!!!

NEW ZEALAND: DAY 4

I'm alive people... and I got here safe and on schedule... me and me mates came to the country wet and freezing, but it was GOOD!!! My first taste of winter... Anyway, more details later on, sorry if I can't post pictures yet... I forgot to bring my camera to the office... next time... and to the blogs that I usually frequent, I'm sorry if I'm not able to blog hop at the moment... I'm seated beside our trainer so I have to be good... I want to be naughty, but I can't (hehehe)...

WELCOME TO NEW ZEALAND

It was around 4pm Sunday when we finally stepped out of Wellington Airport from a 3 hour flight from Melbourne. It was drizzling outside, and I believe the temperature was 3 degrees. Yep, we felt like we just stepped in a giant freezer. But like I said, it felt good... We're in another country. I'm not used to seeing this many white people walking pass me. It's like I'm in the movies. Choice!!!

The cab ride going to the hotel was awesome, it's like being in an opening scene of a horror film... you know where the car is being driven beside the ocean's coast... on the side of hills... yep, it was awesome!!!

The place is really nice. It's clean. The air is cool. The people are friendly. And it's not densely populated unlike Manila. I stay in the business district of the city, and it's not as crowded as say Makati. Well, Metro Manila has more people than the entire country of New Zealand.

And speaking of the people... Oh... the people... Kiwis have some of the most beautiful women I've seen. God, the office alone is swarming of pretty people. It's like I don't want to marry a Filipina anymore!!! Last Sunday, I was hanging out in front of the hotel I was staying in, and everyone I saw were eye candies... even those who are gravitationally challenged.

NZ VS PHIL

I really find New Zealand beautiful and peaceful, but I'm not really sure if I want to live here. While I really like the peace and quiet, I enjoy watching action more. People here really end their day when the sun sets down, and alot of places are closed by 7pm so you really won't have a night life here in New Zealand.

In terms of partying, I don't think any country will ever beat the Philippines. Maybe it's our happy disposition, because here in NZ, while people are generally friendly and active, they just don't have a nightlife. Or I just don't go out that much when the sun sets.

I can't really judge because I've only eaten in Subway McDonald's and Star Mart, but most of the food we've tasted kinda tasted bland. While us Filipinos really like to add flavor to whatever we are cooking, here in New Zealand, most of what I've tasted needed to have more salt and pepper. It doesn't taste bad (I love the lamb sandwich!!!), it just needs to have some more texture, I guess.

One more thing I liked here is that the people are really disciplined. A lot of people follow the stop and go lights before crossing the street. In the Philippines, that rarely happens. Or it's possible because a lot of those stop lights are NOT working.

WEIRD...

I've been here a total of 4 days, and in that time, I think the number of kids I've seen is equal to the number of fingers I have in my hands. I don't see a lot of kids in the city. I wonder why that is. And the only dogs I've seen are the ones who sniffed our baggages in the airport. Outside, I don't think I've ever seen one. Hmmm...

Oh well, lunch is almost over... I need to go back to training (bummer)... just kidding!!!

PASALUBONG

Okay, so time to update you guys with my life. I haven't been posting about my trip because until today, I wasn't really sure if it's going to push through or not. We've been attending meetings and briefings about the trip, but still I'm not convinced it's going to happen. I just don't want to expect too much, so that if it did get cancelled, it won't hurt too much. But now, I'm sure we're going... so I'm in complete panic mode.

I still haven't bought any winter apparel. Still haven't chosen what to wear for our 3 week stay in Wellington. I still DON'T HAVE MONEY!!! Borrowing the old adage, so many things to do, so very little time.

I'm excited now because at least I already have a camera. I also already have a Visa. Oh, and we already got our atm cards. If you must know, my flight to New Zealand's going to be on Saturday night. I hope nothing'll happen to screw this whole thing up.

I guess now's the best time to segue to the real meat of this post. The first three paragraphs is just an introduction to my real post... this is really about BOOGERS!!! I'm just kidding...

No, but seriously one thing about us Filipinos when we know someone will be leaving for another country(or even out of town), the one thing that will never disappear is people asking for 'pasalubong.'

Just as you're about to leave the door on your way abroad, there's always one person who'll hand you a piece of paper with the sketch of his/her foot on it. Hinting that they want a new t-shirt. People always readily assume that setting foot on a different country equals having a lot of money.

(I'm already stating right now, this is NOT the case for me!!! Yes, I will be training there, and yes I will have allowance, but other than that, I have kaput... zilch... nada... nothing!!! I'm poor!!! Well not really, but you get the point...)

Anyway, going back to the Philippine culture is that we tend to ask anyone who'll be travelling (regardless out of the country or not) to bring back some stuff from where they're going. If you're going to Puerto Galera, people will ask for at least an anklet... Boracay, some sand... tarsier for Bohol... Switzerland, chocolates... kangaroos and koalas for people going to Australia or in my case New Zealand, people ask for Brown Cow, Nido or kiwis... It's a tradition that I doubt will ever see an end.

I really don't know how to continue this post after the above paragraph, so I guess for now I'll just list down the most common pasalubongs that travellers bring back when they get home. Brace yourself!!!

• TOYS: If there are kids, this is a must. I remember when I was young that whenever my dad or aunts come visit and they don't bring toys for me I won't talk to them. I loved Duty Free back then because that's where they make up for forgetting to bring me things to play with. No, I'm not a spoiled brat!!! Yeah, I could be an ass, but a brat I certainly am not.
• CLOTHES: This is what relatives/visitors bring the tweens and teen-agers. Unless you tell them specifically what size and brand you want, you'll have to settle with an oversized/undersized t-shirt or blouse that they hand to you.
• SOAP: Dove, Caress, Irish Spring, Ivory... if they came from the States, expect that your gift pack will include one of these. I know there are people who are let-down if this is what they get, because you can simply buy all those brands in the supermarket. But the thing is it's not that expensive in the US, and it's useful. It's just that you can't put it in your trophy case or display case.
• CANNED GOODS: When my parents came back from the States a few months back, I remember our house looking like a storage house for relief goods with the number of canned goods that they brought back. Corned beef, Spam, Vienna Sausag, artificial tomatoes, tomato sauce, canned vegetables, canned fruits canned whatever... I don't mind the spam, because I love eating spam specially the one with cheese or the turkey (yum), but everything else... better off given to other people.
• LOTION: The more extravagant alternative to soap. Victoria's Secret is the more popular brand... But there are people who also give Johnson's baby lotion. I have received a couple already, eventhough I don't use it often, but I find it quite handy. Soft hands and everything, you know.
• NATIVE SWEETS: For people going to provinces, this is the more common requests. From piaya to dried mangoes or durian sweets. As much as possible, I really don't want to receive food as gifts because once it's already eaten, it's gone you won't be able to enjoy it anymore. The joy you'll feel will only be temporary. While it's much appreciated, I really prefer something I can keep... and this brings us to the last most common pasalubong...
• SOUVENIR WITH THE NAME OF THE PLACE: I love souvenir items, whether it's a t-shirt with the country's or province's name or a paper weight or even a keychain, I really love to receive those stuff. It depends on the item if it's going to be expensive or not, but I believe that these items are the most appreciated by the people who receive it. They can use it over and over and some of these items are actually eye candies. I especially like the man-in-the-barrel from Baguio.

That's it for me this week... Hopefully, I'd be able to post one more this week before I go. Wish me luck... I think I still have internet access there, so hopefully I'll be able to post in New Zealand.

MASAKER!!!

Itodo na ang kajologan... To the next level na ito!!!

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

PAYONG

Pangarap ko
Sana tayo'y di magkalayo
Ang tangi kong hiling
Ay ang pag-ibig mo
Dahil sa 'ting mundo
Ikaw ay matutukso
Ningning at karangyaan
Ang nais makamtan

Di ba
Kahit umulan man o umaraw
Payong ko'y iyong maaasahan
Di ka na mababasa nang ulan
Di ka na mababasa nang ulan
Kahit ang bagyo ay kakayanin
Huwag kang lalayo sa akin
Di ka na mababasa nang ulan
Di ka na mababasa nang ulan
Di na, di na, hinde, hinde, hinde
Mababasa nang ulan
Di na, di na, hinde, hinde, hinde
Mababasa nang ulan
Di na, di na, hinde, hinde, hinde
Mababasa nang ulan
Di na, di na, hinde, hinde, hinde, hinde, hinde

Ating bituin
Kailan ba mararating
Tayo'y magniningning
Pagkatapos nang dilim
Umiikot ang mundo
Para sa akin at sa yo
Liliwanag ang lahat
Pag-ibig ay sapat
(chorus)

Sukob na sa payong ko
Yakap ko ang init mo't tanggulan (tanggulan)
Kahit bumuhos ang ulan
Payong ko'y nakalaan
(chorus)

Umuulan ohh umuulan... umuulan...
Umuulan ohh umuulan... ohh umuulan... umuulan... (2x)

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

Hayaan niyo, hahanapin ko din ang lyrics ng "Nagdurugong Puso" (Bleeding Love tagalog version) at ng tagalog version ng Clumsy, Smack That, bisayang version ng Low, tagalog ng With You ni Chris Brown... wala na ba itong katapusan?!

Ayoko nang sumakay ng bus na walang tv!!! Lagi naka-love radio... namememorize ko na ang lyrics ng mga kanta. Ang jologs!!!

And to think na napakahusay ng mga Pilipino gumawa ng mga awitin. Sasayangin lang sa pagmasaker ng mga banyagang kanta. Tsk, tsk, tsk!!! WTF diba?!

BATTLE OF THE SEXES ROUND 2: HIWALAYAN

RULES:

Okay, as you all know I'm just a guy, so most of the things that you'll be reading would be input of MEN (not boys). You are free to disagree and post your ideas on the comments area. If you want to answer with your own post about the subject, and you want me to post it in my blog, e-mail your reply post at jao_224@yahoo.com and I will post this in my blog with your name as a guest writer.

I want this to be interactive, so hopefully you'll leave your comments right away. And please, don't be violent or threatening with your posts/replies. Let us all be civil here.

TOPIC:

Kwentong hiwalayan sa pagitan ng mga kababaihan at kalalakihan. Ang tanong sino ang mas magaling tumanggap ng hiwalayan, ang babae o ang lalake? Ang tanong na ito ay para sa mga taong nanggaling sa isang seryosong relasyon. Hindi sa mga laru-laro lamang. Naiintindihan ko na minsan depende rin ito sa dahilan ng hiwalayan kung sino ang mas mahusay na magdala sa mga pagkakataong ito.

Tingnan natin ang mga puntos:

LALAKE:

Naglalasing... tumataba o pumapayat... madalas ay nawawala... pero mas madalas na kinikimkim sa sarili ang sakit na nararamdaman.

Mas mabilis mag-move on ang mga lalake, at kahit na linoko ng babae, eh kailanman ay hindi isusumpa ang mga ito.

MInsan pa nga ay manunuyong muli, hanggang sa humiling ang babae ng restraining order.

May pagkakataon din na kapag ang lalake ay iniwan, lalong nagiging tarantado... natututong manggago ng babae bilang pangganti sa umiwan sa kanya.

BABAE:

Di tumitigil sa pag-iyak na para bagang nababaliw... ang babae kapag iniwan, ay hindi rin titigil sa kakadakdak na minsan pa nga'y pagmumukhaing kontrabida ang kanyang kasintahan.

May mga pagkakataon na ang babaeng iniwan ay pumapanget... at minsan pa nga'y isusumpa lahat ng mga kalalakihan sa buong buhay nila.

Ang babae, pag nagkahiwalayan, sasabihin sa sarili ang tanga-tanga niya... pero pagsinuyo, bumibigay agad... tapos maghihiwalay ulit sa parehong dahilan... tapos sisisihin ulit ang sarili...

Ang babae, kapag iniwan umaabot ng taon ang pagiging depressed... at kadalasan, hinahayaang maapektuhan ang ilang aspeto ng buhay niyang hindi naman dapat naaapektuhan.

**********

Yeah, I know. Creative juices still not functioning. I'm trying to rewrite some of the other posts that I've written prior to the whole virus thing. Indulge me for this... hopefully this will only be temporary. I don't really want to abandon this blog.

Ayokong makisali sa mga umiwan ng kanilang mga blog... hehehe

FRANCIS: LONG OVERDUE

Before I post about my second Featured Friend, I just want to say sorry for not being on time. You already know the reason, and there’s no sense in repeating myself every post. This isn’t how my original post was written, as it was done about 3 or 4 weeks ago, but I will try to write it as good as the first one. And no, I’m not making excuses… I’m just saying. Okay?

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

May 2005: I was already resting when my boss came to me and ordered (take note… ordered) me to make a sale for the non-performing newbies. There were about three of them, and I was tasked to call for this guy.

I noticed he was very focused with what he was doing. I know he’s determined to make a sale and impress us out of our wits. Unfortunately, it wasn’t a good day for him. He was on the verge of tears. “New hires!” I thought. He had those dumb puppy dog eyes, as if begging for me to help him. So I took the headset, sat down, did my spiel and a couple of minutes later, presto, instant sale. That’s how good I am. But this isn’t about me.

Apparently, he idolized my selling abilities so much that he started to depend on me for sales. And he wasn’t on my team!!! Not even close. So when I noticed his being a parasite I decided to say no. Sensing my irritation, he finally decided to bother his own Team Leader.

Obviously, he didn’t make a good impression on me. Things got worse as he got better in his work. Once he got his confidence in the program he suddenly became the loudest guy in the room. He had this weird Indian/Chinese/Australian accent which meant that he’s trying to seduce a language barrier customer into buying our service. It was annoying.

People’s first impressions of him were pretty much leaning towards the negative. Weird. Loud. Arrogant. Hot and attractive (not my words)… but still weird.
BUT THEN…

One lunch break, I was busy working (more like bullying my agents to write a friendster testimonial for me) when he came by my station and started talking to me. I found out that he likes to read a lot (something we have in common), he came from UP (a bit impressive) and he talked about some deep stuff that I barely understood (so he’s not an airhead after all).

Francis left our little program to bother his fellow Filipinos and later the recruitment department of our company. I guess that’s when we started to become friends. Iced coffee and movies were some of the things we have in common.

He's never a dull gimmick buddy. The guy is SO talkative!!! I don’t know if there is a minute when he’ll shut up. You can talk about anything, and he has an opinion about it. I am out of words when I’m with him, because honestly, I understand only half of the things that are coming out of his mouth. ONLY HALF!!! And we talk for hours... Precious time I'll never get back.
GOOD FRIEND

If you get a hold of Francis, he could be a very generous friend. But that’s a big IF. He’s very difficult to find. More difficult still, is to arrange a gimmick with this guy. He’s currently busy juggling two careers, one with a recruitment firm, and the second is for a home furnishings company.

He’s been through a lot all throughout his t----y plus years of existence. I’ve seen him during his best times, and I’ve seen him at his worst (If you read the prologue, you know this is coming). Believe me, I’ve seen his bad days. It was really bad. People thought he was on drugs when he lost a lot of weight because his 9 year relationship with his then girlfriend ended.

Like any man, he picked himself up from life’s challenge, and came out much better… (I hope so). I don’t get to see him that often anymore. But I think he’s doing much better now. I’m not really sure if he’s still single or not. I think he’s not… but who knows. He never replies when I ask him that question. Until now. RANDOM THINGS

Want to know Francis Joy Patrick better? Hmm… Where to start… The guy’s a golf enthusiast for one. He cries everytime he watches Joan of Arcadia. He likes chinita girls and would really prefer if she has the same IQ as he does. Well, not really. My opinion is that he IS easy… He IS!!! As long as you have long legs, I guess.

Oh, and at his age, he’s already showing symptoms of Alzheimer’s. Francis is very forgetful. Specially if you ask him to do something for you. I’ve had 3 birthdays pass, and his promised friendster testimonial is still filed in his mind somewhere. Non-existent.

Francis is also a movie buff and a coffee lover. But more than that, he is a heavy drinker… Leaning towards being an alcoholic. Nah, he just likes to party a lot. There’re no dull moments whenever he’s around. He talks nonsense whenever he’s drunk, and more nonsense if ever he’s sober. He just loves to talk.

Sexual innuendo is nothing new to him. He’s been offered twice about it before while he was still doing the interviewing. One was from a girl. And another one was from a guy... or was it a lot from other guys? I don’t remember.

Like I said a few paragraphs earlier, I don’t get to see him that much anymore. He knows it, and he does try to make sure he makes up for lost time. His birthday’s in 3 weeks, so this is my birthday gift to you. Matanda ka na!!! Manlibre ka naman!!!

He really has an interesting story to tell. And this is not the venue for it to be told. You really should get to know him. He might suck at everything else, but he fairs much better at being a good friend. That's my second featured friend... Francis.

BATTLE OF THE SEXES: ROUND 1

This post is inspired by Leviuqse's comment on one of my posts the other week, and dedicated to one of my new colleagues. Before we proceed with the whole fight, let me just tell you a little bit of history about this whole thing.

HISTORY

If you still haven't heard or read, I've lost all my unpublished posts when my pc got reformatted. It's still inefficient, by the way. I'm using our office's resources to post this (I'm never leaving this job ever!!!).

So, these days I don't really have anything to post, and my head's uncreative and uninspired.

Anyway, last week was pretty much the whole getting to know each other stage in our new work. And what's a good way of getting to know your co-workers than to talk about their relationships. Well, I don't talk too much because I don't have input (over a year of being single), so I heard a lot of comments about guys and girls. And I thought: this is a could be a good post.

RULES:

Okay, as you all know I'm just a guy, so most of the things that you'll be reading would be input of MEN (not boys). You are free to disagree and post your ideas on the comments area. If you want to answer with your own post about the subject, and you want me to post it in my blog, e-mail your reply post at jao_224@yahoo.com and I will post this in my blog with your name as a guest writer.

I want this to be interactive, so hopefully you'll leave your comments right away. And please, don't be violent or threatening with your posts/replies. Let us all be civil here.

ROUND 1: THE MORE VIOLENT SEX!!!

I don't mean physically violent. It's just the title. Who starts fights more in a relationship... men or women?

WOMEN:

Si girlfriend ay di natuwa sa ginawa o sinabi ni boyfriend. Ang usually nangyayari, si babae ay hindi na mamamansin. Magdadabog. Magagalit. Habang itong si boyfriend, hindi alam kung bakit. Totoo, o hindi?

O kaya naman, si babae pipilitin si lalaki na sagutin ang tanung niya. "Maganda ba ako?" "Nagkita kayo ng ex mo no?" "Nasaan ka kagabi? Ano ginawa mo?" Ikaw na ang umiiwas, tapos pag sinagot ng lalake, magsisimula na siyang magdadakdak.

MEN:

Ang lalake, nagsisimula lang ng away, kapag sigurado siyang may ginawa ang babae na mali. Minsan dahil nakulitan na ito sa mga maling akala (o tamang akala) ng kanilang mga girlfriend. Kung mahilig mang-away ang boyfriend niyo, hiwalayan niyo yan... Men are supposed to be gentlemen and not war freaks!!!

I know, I'm leaning towards the guys here. I can't help it, I'm one of them. NOthing personal... I'm just playing the devil's advocate.

So let's start the ball rolling... Let's get it on!!!

JOLOGS NA KUNG JOLOGS

SHiyet!!!

Ang hirap aminin nito...

Mabigat sa loob ko...

Matatanggap niyo pa kaya ako pag nalaman ninyo ito?!

Nakakahiya...

Ipangako ninyo, hindi ninyo ako huhusgahan...

Tao lang ako... natutukso... nadadarang...

Eto na...
















nanuod ulit ako ng A Very Special Love. Favorite ko na siya. In fairness naman sa akin, libre ulit ito... Hindi pa ako nagbabayad para panuorin itong pelikulang ito. hahaha

"Ni minsan hindi ko naisip na nakakapagod ka mahalin..." - Laida Magtalas

KULANG PA RIN

So naayos na ang PC ko... Dapat yay diba?! Pero feeling ko kulang pa rin siya. Wala na lahat ng dinownload ko. Wala na lahat ng files na sinave ko. Wala na lahat ng pictures namin... Basta ang panget ng hitsura ng pc ko. Ang hirap maging tanga pagdating sa computer... Anlalaki ng mga font sa screen ko. Ang panget magscroll up and down ng mga windows. At ang porn!!! Wala na ang mga porn!!! (joke lang)

Yung mga naisulat ko para sa blog ko wala na... Yung pagka ganda-gandang draft ko para sa Featured Friend ko, nabura na... yung listahan ng mga natitirang Top Films ko, nakalimutan ko na. Gustuhin ko man na ulitin, parang nakakatamad kasi alam mong kahit anong gawin mo, hindi siya magiging kasingganda ng una mong naisulat.

Wala ng games na nakasave sa pc ko... wala na si Hangaroo... ang Warcraft... yung walang kwentang mga nakainstall. Parang nakakatamad na mag download... Parang nawala yung pinakaprecious na bagay sa buhay ko tapos napalitan ng 2nd-rate-trying-hard-pussycat. Nakakalungkot...

A VERY SPECIAL DAY

On a lighter note, nagkita kami kahapon ni Jaja at ng ilang piling mga kaibigan. Masaya!!! Nakakaaliw... Naiwan ko yung chocolate na pasalubong sa akin, pero ayus lang... Sayang kasi masarap pa naman yun... Salamat nga pala Payat (kahit di na masyado ngayon... hehehe). Nakaleave kasi siya hanggang this week kaya naisipan naming lumabas.

Nanuod kami ng A Very Special Love. Ang galing!!! Nakakatawa siya!!! Di ko ineexpect na maaaliw ako sa isang pelikulang tagalog na kagaya nito. Ang experience ko kasi kay John Lloyd eh yung unang pelikula lang nila ni Bea na sobrang corny. Pero ito, ang ganda... jologs na kung jologs pero bagong favorite ko itong movie na ito... number 2 na lang yung Got 2 Believe nina Claudine and Rico. Hahaha!!!

Trivia lang, alam ko di kayo interesado, pero ikukwento ko na rin. Nung araw na nag-apply ako sa Option B (sa John Clements sa LKG), nakita ko nun si John Lloyd Cruz. Yun pala nagsushooting sila dun sa building na yon. Wala lang... Naaalala ko kasi na suot niya yung damit sa isang scene noong nakita ko siya. Sayang, kung sinundan ko siya, di sana naging extra ako dun. Yak!!!

PINAKAMASAYANG LAKAD

Ang pinakamasayang mga lakad talaga ang mga lakad na hindi planado. Noong nagkita kami una, 3 lang kami. Tapos nanuod kami ng sine. Pagkatapos nun, pumunta kami sa bahay ng isa pa naming kabarkada, naghanap ng maaaya. Tapos noon eh dumiretso kami ng Timog para makipagkita sa iba pa naming mga kabarkada. Alas-4 na ng madaling araw ako umuwi!!!

Kulang man ang barkada namin kagabi, masaya pa rin. Ang kulit!!!

Nga lang, yung budget ko na dapat hanggang para sa susunod na linggo, ubos na... Mangungutang nanaman ako, pero sulit naman yung pinaggastusan. In tact pa rin yung barkada namin.

HELP!!!

Yun nga... tatanga-tanga ako pagdating sa computer, so andaming kulang. Kung meron man isang tao diyan na may mabuting kalooban na maaari akong tulungan na ayusin yung ilang mga bagay dito sa pc ko. Mag-install ng mga games o kaya'y ayusin yung hitsura ng mga font size ng mga nakalitaw sa pc ko... Papasalubungan ko ng dodo ng cow pagbalik ko from NZ...

Basta, grabe na 'to!!! Ang daming kulang ng pc ko... para siyang naging retarded... ang laki-laki ng font size. Parang di ina-accept yung printer (kahit wala namang ink). Mahirap talagang maging bobo sa computer... Ewan ko ba kung paano ko naipasa yung mga kursong ito noong nasa kolehiyo pa ako (ah oo nga pala, kasi ang galing ko dati sa paint!!!).

Pero seryoso ako... sana may mabuting kaluoban diyan na maaaring makatulong sa akin...

I'M NOT BUSY... I JUST DON'T HAVE PC

My life semi-sucks at the moment!!! I'm still elated due to the news last week. But there are certain things that are keeping me from really being happy.

REASON 1:

To those fellow bloggers who I frequent, nope hindi lumaki ang ulo ko... Nagcrash ang PC ko!!! I think it needs to be reformatted, but unfortunately the guy who's supposed to fix my computer doesn't have the time to go to my house and reformat my pc. It sucks but I can't do anything about it. I'm the one who's asking for the favor, so I can't demand, right.

Hopefully, everything will be fine by next week. Oh yeah, and since the computer will need reformatting... that means all files in my pc will be deleted. That's still 8 unpublished posts!!!
Waaaaah!!!

Thank you for still reading though, and commenting on my blog. I swear when everything's fixed I'll go and comment on your blogs as well. I just can't at the moment for I'm only renting (hoy ale, nakikita kitang nakikibasa ng sinusulat ko!!!)...

REASON 2:

I'm really shallow... I'm depressed because my XBox 360 broke down. 3 red lights. For you non-gamers, that means the operating system of my console died. I have to shell out a few thousand bucks for it to be fixed. Damn you Grand Theft Auto IV!!!

I've been playing the game non-stop before it died on me.

So there you go... my life semi-sucks!!!

Don't worry, you haven't heard the last from me... but until my pc gets fixed I'm on blog rest... I miss this... There's nothing at home that keeps me entertained.

OPTION B

AND I THOUGHT 2008 IS GOING TO SUCK!!!

So I just ended my second day at work. I started yesterday in Option B. Just to refresh your memory, last month I had 5 options for my next job. a leadership position (E), a high paying call center work (A), a training offer (C), a job in a marketing consultancy firm (D) and a post for a pioneering unit for a huge multinational oil company (B).

I chose the last one. As for job specifics, I don't know yet what my responsibilities are, but judging by what the interviewers told me when I applied, it may have something to do with escalations and delivery.

LONG STORY SHORT

In my original post on my choices, there was no option E. Option E came in late. I would like to believe that the people there liked me, and I was interested in what they have to offer. In terms of learning, there will be a lot because the work deals with different industries. So in terms of what I will be studying, it'd be helpful to make me a well-rounded person.

Thing is, they told me last week to wait for their call this week. Rewind 3 weeks back. I just turned down the offers of the rest of my options. I thought okay, Option B is okay. I mean it's a HUGE company. Great benefits. Salary is just a little less than what I was getting in my last job, but the team I'll be joining will be pioneers. I'll be a pioneer. So I signed up with them.

Back then, since it was only the beginning of July, I thought, hey there's still time to look for other options. Then came Option E. Yeah it was good. Option E in terms of size is just an ant compared to the elephant which is Option B obviously. But the work is something I would like to do. But they told me to wait. So Wednesday came, and still no call. What should I do? Running low on funds I decided to give Option B a chance.

REWIND AGAIN

2nd week of July. I already signed my contract. Submitted some of my requirements and then HR of Option B called again for another meeting. Shit! What now? I've already signed up with you guys, what more do you want?! But of course, I have no choice but to go there because I'm still the applicant.

The interview was okay. Just a repeat of my final interview where they asked me what I did in my supervisory post. So blah-blah-blah I explained. They told me that the position they're considering me to be in is sort of escalations. Okay. I'm used to talking to irate people. What the heck, right? So I said that's fine.

FIRST DAY ON THE JOB.

Standard first day at work happenings. Got to meet new colleagues. Had fun. Trainer was awesome!!! Hopefully, one day, I'd be able to convince him to be a featured friend. The usual... But then after our last bio break (5 minute break), I came in late.

And then the trainer called my name and asked me as well as one of the guys who came in late with me to join them outside. Shit!!! First day and I already screwed up. What now?!

So outside the room, the Training Manager talked to us. "So, you guys were chosen to go to New Zealand to train for 3 weeks for the blah blah unit."

Oh. My. God.

Hopefully, I'll be able to submit my requirements next week. I just need the Bank Certificate and to fill up the very thick Visa Application Form and I'll be able to go to New Zealand by August 23!!!

48 hours later, I still can't take this stupid grin off my face.

***********

Props to St. Jude, last week I went there to ask for a sign as to which company I should go to. I'm so glad I didn't get that call from Option E. I'm forever in your debt.

MEN: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT US

I think it's only fair, after me whining about women a couple of months ago to write about us men. While surfing the web, earlier, I found some interesting points about us guys. Some of the things I'll be writing came from Rita Rudner's 50 Facts About Men and the others are from Danielle Hollister.

• MEN ACCEPT COMPLIMENTS MUCH BETTER THAN WOMEN DO

When you tell a man he looks good, he accepts the compliment and thanks you quickly. But if you tell a woman she looks pretty, she'll raise her eyebrow, look suspicious and bombard you with questions; don't you think this dress makes me look fat? ows? bola? leche ka, nangaasar ka nanaman!!!

• IF A MAN SAYS "I'LL CALL YOU," AND HE DOESN'T, HE DIDN'T FORGET... HE DIDN'T LOSE YOUR NUMBER... HE DIDN'T DIE. HE JUST DIDN'T WANT TO CALL YOU.

This is a part of our script during dates. Aside from the compliments and all the good things we say about ourselves, we're programmed to say "I'll call you" no matter how bad our date turned out to be. Sometimes, even if we never got your number. Like I've been telling myself lately, the secret to happiness is lowered expectations.

• WHEN FOUR OR MORE MEN GET TOGETHER, THEY TALK ABOUT SPORTS.

Only if we ran out of things to say about our favorite teams, do we tend to talk about women, sex, and (gasp!) office gossip. But it's always on the menu that when guys get together the first thing we talk about are last night's game.

• ALL MEN THINK THEY'RE NICE GUYS. SOME OF THEM ARE NOT.

I'm not one of them. I really am nice. Yeah right. I actually agree with this. I came from an all-boys school my entire life, and the biggest jerks in school, when they get into a huge fight with anyone, defends themselves by saying that they're actually nice to the other. I'm actually a jerk.

• MARRIED MEN LIVE LONGER THAN SINGLE MEN. BUT MARRIED MEN ARE A LOT MORE WILLING TO DIE.

If only to escape the never-ending nagging ang blabbering of their wives. Makes me think twice about getting hitched myself. Sometimes I think maybe I'm better off single than married. I mean if you could have sex with no strings attached, why get married and be chained to one woman for the rest of your life, right? I guess I just need to meet the right one.

• A MAN NEVER WORRIES ABOUT THE FUTURE UNTIL HE GETS A WIFE.

Men are naturally carefree... until the first baby comes their way. Then we have to worry about the kids education, food at the table, whatever his wife wants him to buy for her and saving for the future. Ergo, women keeps the guys from being fun to be with. Seriously.

• MEN WAKE UP AS GOOD-LOOKING AS THEY WENT TO BED. WOMEN SOMEHOW DETERIORATE DURING THE NIGHT.

Must be the hair. But I agree, rarely do I see a woman who looks great after waking up from slumber. Sleeping beauty is really just a fairy tale.

• MEN HATE TO LOSE.

We' re generally born competitive. We might not show it, but deep down inside, it really kills us when we lose. So if you're out on a date, and then you let him lose, and then he says "I'll call you." Don't expect anything anymore.

But then again, what woman tries to understand a man? Seriously? We are what we are. We may be pigs, asses, the biggest jerks, but we could also be romantic, sweet and handy to have around with.

REQUIRED READING: WATCHMEN

March is still a long wait away, but if you've seen The Dark Knight the past couple of weeks, you may have glimpsed a trailer for another super hero movie... Watchmen. Nerds around the world cried with glee with scenes straight from the comic book itself.

According to the trailer, this is the most acclaimed graphic novel in history.

Watchmen is set in an alternative earth in the 80's, where vigilantism is outlawed, and the planet is in the brink of World War 3. When one of the former heroes is brutally murdered, those who are left brought it to themselves to find out what's causing this and who's methodically taking out all of the other super-heroes. This graphic novel is not just about heroics, it deals about alot of deeper aspects like rape, the morality of omnipotence, how one is considered insane, and doing something bad for the greater good. Watchmen is proof that comic books and super heroics are not just books for kids. It's intelligently written by the legendary Allan Moore, and drawn by the equally brilliant Dave Gibbons.

I've heard about this title when I was still new to the whole comics collecting hobby. But it was only last year that I've really read the title. It's actually difficult to read this in only one sitting because of all the ideas being brought up by this title. But I'm not saying that it's hard to understand. To be honest, people smarter than I am will appreciate this more, but it's easy to comprehend. Like I've said the writing is superb. You get the aspects of who the characters are. And each one has a distinct voice from the others. From the very powerful Dr. Manhattan, the smartest man Ozymandias, to the desperation of Nite Owl and the edgy Rorschach everyone has weight.

Artistically this is the comics version of Da Vinci, or a great indie film. The angles are something new. The type that'll really get your mind to work. This is a series where you just don't ogle at the pictures. Yes, the pictures are pretty, but it's beauty that you'll more than just appreciate. I love how Gibbons does the different perspectives of the same subject. Scenes like Dr. Manhattan's Mars home, to love scenes are drawn artistically that you'll get affected by it's brilliance.

There is a reason why this is hailed as a classic. Some of the points introduced by this series are still fresh 23 years after it was first released. Marvel's Civil War and DC's Identity Crisis in a way took a page from this seller. At it's release, it won the prestigious Hugo Award, as well as an Eisner and Kirby awards.

Honestly, I'm worried about the movie that's about to come out. It was Moore who said that this was not written to be adapted in the big screen, and I agree. It's really going to be difficult to sell this as an action film, because it's not. It's more of a thinking man's noir story. Zach Snyder did a lot to impress us with 300 and Dawn of the Dead, so I have high hopes for this film. I'm not expecting too much, but I really hope that the film be loyal to the story and not be like Wanted which is the same about the comic book only in it's first 10 minutes. But judging by what I've seen with the trailer, it could be a direct adaptation. So at least it should be good, story-wise

Watchmen's got it all for everyone, gore and violence, all-out action from beginning to the end, and steamy love scenes in the middle.

SCORE: 8.5 out of 10

PROLOGUE

Featured Friend number 2 is a go. Hopefully he replies faster than Jaja with my little questionnaire. If all goes well, this'll be posted 1st week of August. The guy's pretty demanding as this conversation proves:

FEATURED FRIEND: i want it as sophisticated as jajas
FEATURED FRIEND: :)
FEATURED FRIEND: gusto ko mejo heavy comedy ung buhay ko
FEATURED FRIEND: like sa novels
FEATURED FRIEND: ideas
FEATURED FRIEND: on how to convey my life story
FEATURED FRIEND: or tell it
FEATURED FRIEND: tingin mo?
GILLBOARD: basta ako na bahala dun... at wala akong balak ikwento buhay mo no
FEATURED FRIEND: i want my blog to be colourful in a sense na ive been through alot and its never ending but for me its still a a comedy
GILLBOARD: ah ok
FEATURED FRIEND: parang sarcastic na may meaning ung dating
FEATURED FRIEND: like in movies
GILLBOARD: sure... ipapakita ko naman sayo draft before i post it
FEATURED FRIEND: ayt excited nako ang galing nito ah

I've started with a draft already for this one. I pray that this one gets published earlier!!!

And hopefully tomorrow I'll have a decent entry. Probably something about the Watchmen...

But for now, I'll leave you with a peak at my next Featured Friend... Enjoy!!!

11 PALAPAG

Ikalabing-isang palapag.

“Kuya, sigurado ka bang matibay yan?” ang sabi ng kapatid ko. Nag-aalala na baka may mangyaring masama sa akin.

“Hindi tayo makakaalis dito kung wala tayong gagawin.” Sabi ko sa kapatid ko.

Kelangan kong umakyat dahil hindi mabuksan ang pinto mula sa balkonahe namin. Hindi namin pwedeng sirain ang pintuan at mahal ang magpagawa.

Ikasampung palapag.

“Oh, ticket mo. Para makabisita ka kina Mama at Papa.” Sambit ng kapatid ko habang inaabot ang tiket na makakapagdala sa akin sa aming probinsya.

Anim na buwan na nang huli kong makita ang aking ama at ina. Anim na buwan na rin mula nang iwan ko ang aking magiging mag-ina.

Siguro malaki na ang tiyan ng mahal ko. Makakauwi na ulit ako ng probinsya. Matagal ko ding hinintay ito.

May singsing na din ako.

Ikasiyam na palapag.

“Magiging tatay ka na Ferds.” Ang sabi ng kasintahan ko. Sa mga panahong iyon, hindi ko alam kung matatakot ba ako. Bata pa ako, at hindi pa handa na magkaroon ng sariling pamilya. Kailangan ako ng mga kapatid ko, at wala pang matinong trabaho.

Masaya ako. Pero hindi ko sinabi. Alam ko masasaktan siya kapag wala akong sasabihin. Tanging ngiti lang ang kaya kong ibigay.

“Pupunta ako ng Manila. Kelangan ako ng kapatid ko.” Ang tanging nasambit ko. Hindi ko sigurado kung kailan ko siya makikita muli.

Magiging tatay na ako.

Ikawalong palapag.

“Kuya this is my husband.” Pinakilala sa akin ng kapatid ko ang asawa niya. Mayaman yung Hapon. Mukhang maiaahon niya ang pamilya namin sa kahirapan. Magiging maluwat na ang buhay namin.

Masaya ako para sa kapatid ko. Maligaya ako para sa pamilya ko.

Ikapitong palapag.

Madalas akong bumisita sa bahay ng tiyahin ko. At ang hilig kong gawin ay gulatin ang pinsan ko. Ngayong gabi, nanunuod ng nakakatakot na palabas ito.

Nakita ako ng tiyahin ko. Sinenyasan ko na huwag siyang maingay. Tahimik akong pumuwesto sa likod ng pinsan ko.

Tumalon ako sa kama para gulatin ito. Umiyak ang pinsan ko.

“Aaaah, kuya!!!” ilang beses ko bang napaiyak itong batang ito. Pinagalitan ako kunwari ng tiyahin ko. Mapatahan lang ang pinsan ko.

Ikaanim na palapag.

“Nanay, nag-aaway sina kuya Fernando!!!” sumisigaw ang kapatid ko. Alam namin ni kuya, na di dapat kami mahuli ng magulang naming nag-aaway. Oo nga’t matanda na kami, pero hindi pa rin kami makakatakas sa sinturon ng tatay ko.

Babae ang dahilan ng hindi namin pagkakasundo ni kuya. Huwag daw akong maghahabol sa mga babae, dahil hahadlang lang daw ito sa pag-aaral ko.

Kasundo ko ang kapatid ko sa halos lahat ng bagay. Pero pagdating dito, hindi talaga kami magkasundo.

Padating na ang nanay namin. Di kami dapat maabutan ng ganito. Bumukas ang pinto…

Ikalimang palapag.

Hinalikan ko siya. Lumuluha siya, ito ang unang pagkakataon namin magkasama. Isang taon na rin kaming magkasintahan. Mahal ko ang babaeng ito, at balang araw ay pakakasalan ko siya.

“Wag kang aalis sa tabi ko,” bulong niya sa akin.

"I love you." ang sagot ko. Niyakap niya ako ng mahigpit. Ito ang pinakamaligayang araw sa buhay ko.

Ikaapat na palapag

“Oo. Tayo na” sambit ng babaeng halos isang taon kong niligawan. Lahat ng paghihirap ko ay nagbunga din sa wakas.

Natatakot siya dahil mga bata pa kami. Pinagsasabihan siya ng mga kaibigan niya na mag-ingat sa akin, at palikero daw ako. Maraming babaeng pinaiyak. Hindi mapagkakatiwalaan.

Pinakita ko na kaya kong magbago. Na handa akong ialay ang puso ko sa kanya lang.

Pinangako kong hindi na ako titingin sa iba pang babae. Hindi ko siya iiwan.

Ngayong araw ay sobra ang saya ko.

Ikatatlong palapag.

Tumatakbo ako. Kelangan makahanap ng matataguan. Hindi ako dapat Makita ng tiyo ko.

Nabasag namin ng kapatid ko ang lalagyan ng litrato ng lolo ko. Tiyak pag nahuli kami nito, paluluhurin kami sa asin. Kagaya ng ginagawa sa kanila ng lolo ko.
Tumalon ang kapatid ko sa balon. Lalo kaming malalagot nito. Naririnig kong, humingi ng tulong ang kapatid ko.

Hindi ako dapat mahuli. Kailangan kong tumakbo.

“Fernando!!!” sigaw ng tito ko. “ Kuya, tulong!!!” naririnig ko ang hiyaw ng kapatid ko. Nakita ko ang tiyuhin ko, may dalang tungkod ni lolo.

“Kuyaaaa!!!” pero kailangan kong magtago.

Ikalawang palapag.

Iminulat ko ang mga mata ko sa unang pagkakataon. Isa itong bagong mundo. Malayo sa nakagisnan ko. Maliwanag. Maingay. Madaming mga bagay na kakaiba. Malamig.

“Lalake” sabi ng isang babae

Natatakot ako, pero hindi ako masabi. Tanging pag-iyak lang ang kaya kong gawin para ipaalam na hindi ako sanay sa bagong mundong pinuntahan ko.

Binuhat ako ng isang lalaki. Pinunasan, at binalot sa telang puti. Tumahan ako sa pag-iyak.

“Fernando.”

Ang buong buhay ko ay nakita ko. Maraming hindi pa nagagawa. Marami pa akong kailangan balikan. Tatay na ako. Hindi ko man lang nasulyapan ang anak ko.

Hindi pa kami nagkakabati ng kuya ko… Hindi ko pa natutupad ang pangako ko sa babaeng mahal ko.

Ipinikit ko ang mga mata ko.

Panginoon ko… tulungan mo ako.

**********

February 1990, my cousin fell from the 11th floor of the condo unit that he and his sister were staying in. Two months later, his brother died from a motorcycle accident.
The other night, as I lay on my bed, I thought about him. As a kid, he was my favorite cousin. He always makes me laugh, and my parents have nothing but praise about him.
I don’t know why it’s him that I thought of. It was my grandmother’s death anniversary, but it was Kuya Fernando that I remembered.

They say moments before you die, you’ll see your entire life flash before your eyes. I reckon, this may be how he felt during the fall. This is a work of fiction. I didn’t have the time to get to know him better. I wish I did.

KWENTO NG GABI

Ang sumusunod ay mga maiikling kwento ng katatakutan na aking narinig mula sa mga kaibigan, kamag-anak at sa radyo na gusto kong ibahagi sa inyo.

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

1995: 12:30am. Matutulog na kami noon nang may biglang kumatok sa gate namin. Nang silipin ko sa bintana, 2 kapitbahay namin na mukhang takot na takot. Pinapasok sila ng nanay ko. Mukhang pagod yung dalawa. Nang tanungin ng nanay ko kung ano yung nangyari, at bakit sila nagkakaganun...

Naghahanda raw silang matulog din, galing sila sa amin dahil may bisita kaming kamag-anak nila. Nang takdang papatayin nila yung ilaw, may nakita silang lalaking duguan na pilit hinihila yung grills ng bintana nila. Nang sinigawan ni Kuya yung lalaki, tiningnan daw sila ng masama, at tumakbo palabas. Hinabol ng dalawa yung lalaki, pero paglabas nila ng bahay, wala silang nakitang tao.

Imposibleng hindi nila maabutan yun dahil mataas yung bakod nila at di kayang akyatin dahil walang maaapakan. Walang mapagtataguan yung lalaki kung sakaling nakatakbo siya sa kalsada. At imposibleng makaakyat sa bubong yung mama, dahil magcocause yun ng ingay. Saka lang naisip ng kuya ko na baka multo yung nakita nila, kaya dagli silang tumakbo papunta sa amin.

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

May isang lalaking pumunta sa isang party sa isang village sa Quezon City. Sa sasakyan palang, eh hindi na maganda ang pakiramdam niya. Para bang may nagbabantay sa kanya. Parang may mabigat sa dibdib, na hindi niya malaman ang dahilan.

Dumating naman siya sa bahay ng kaibigan niya, pero dahil maraming bisita ito, napilitan siyang magpark ng sasakyan sa dulo ng kalsada, kung saan medyo madilim. May mga tao sa may kalsada, pero ang taong nakaagaw ng pansin niya eh yung babaeng nag-iisa sa tabi ng sasakyan ng isang kakilala niya. Inisip ng binata na isa nanaman ito sa mga babaeng pinaglalaruan ang damdamin ng kaibigan niya.

Pero nanginig siya nang magkita sila sa mata. Ang dalaga ay nanlilisik sa pagtitig sa kanya. Lalong bumigat ang pakiramdam ng binata. Umiwas na lang ito sa pagtingin at naglakad patungo sa bahay ng kaibigan. Pumasok na ang mga tao sa paligid na kanina'y nakita niya. Nang ilang hakbang na lang siya sa tahanan ng kaibigan, lumingon ito upang tingnan ang sasakyan niya.

Nagulat ito nang makita ang babae sa loob ng kotse niya na hanggang sa pagkakataong iyon ay nakatingin pa rin sa kanya ng masama. Tumakbo ito papunta sa mga kaibigan upang magsumbong at ibalita ang tungkol sa nakita. Pagbalik nila sa labas, wala nang tao sa sasakyan.

Doon na natulog ang binata sa bahay ng kaibigan.

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

Sa dati kong opisina sa Ortigas, sa sleeping quarters ng mga babae, maraming kwento ng kababalaghan akong narinig. Ang sabi ng aking mga katrabaho, may tatlong multo na naninirahan doon. Isang lalake, isang babae at isang batang babae.

Isang gabi, alas siyete nang dumating sa opisina para matulog ang isa kong kaibigan. 2 pa lang ang taong natutulog doon. Pumuwesto siya sa higaan na malapit sa bintana. May ilang minuto na siyang nakahiga, pero hindi pa rin siya dinadapuan ng antok, hanggang sa umabot ang alas-9. Yun ata yung simula ng shift ng dalawang kasama niya. Wala pang ibang dumarating upang matulog, kaya naiwan siyang mag-isa.

2 oras mahigit na siyang nakahiga, pero di pa rin siya makatulog. Umiiba-iba siya ng pwesto ng paghiga pero wala pa ring nangyayari. "Wag kang malikot!" narinig niyang may bumulong sa kanya. Bumangon bigla ang kaibigan ko sa takot, at lumabas. Di niya kayang magstay sa loob ng mag-isa.

Naghintay siya sa labas na may pumasok upang matulog. At nang may dumating na 3 pang babae para matulog, pumasok na ulit siya. Di pa nagtatagal ng makaidlip siya na may gumigising sa kanya. Inaalog ang balikat niya, at ng maalimpungatan, napansin niyang walang ibang tao. Tulog ang tatlo niyang kasama. Pero antok na antok na siya kaya hindi na niya pinansin yun. Kunsabagay, maaaring panaginip niya lang yon.

Paggising niya bago magsimula ang trabaho, nang tingnan niya ang telepono niya, may nareceive itong isang picture message. Ito eh litrato niya habang natutulog ito. At nagmula yung message sa number niya.

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

There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio,
Than are dreamt of in your philosophy.
-Hamlet

I AM BATMAN!!! (SPOILERS AHOY)

I haven't been able to post here for a few days because I haven't had a decent internet connection for 3 days now. But enough about that, my weekend's lousy anyway.

The reason why I'm posting a new one now is to profess my love to Batman!!! Oh yes, I've seen the movie... it's awesome!!! Two and a half hours of pure genius.

The Dark Knight takes place probably months after the first film. Gotham City has a new knight sweeping the streets clean of mobsters and criminals in the form of new District Attorney Harvey Dent. The only way for the mobs to actually stay in business is to enlist the help of a deranged sociopath named Joker. The villains actually succeed and even effectively plants seeds of doubt on whether the city really needs a hero like Batman. And that's actually just the first half of the film.

What I like about The Dark KNight is that it's got a very rich story. WHen you thought that the story reaches it's climax, another thing happens that takes it to the next level. Christopher Nolan directed possibly my favorite film of the year. People might expect senseless violence when they watch the film, but I don't think that's the case. Yes, buildings explode, people die violent deaths, and a lot of people shoot each other up, but it's not in a way that people expect. Actually, thinking about it, the film is in the same league as Michael Mann's films. Fight scenes are few, but they move the story along. It may not be that colorful (say ala Matrix or Wanted), but it is necessary to see the big picture.

I guess one of the strengths of this film is it's actors. Everyone pulled brilliant performances in this movie. Heath Ledger is legendary in this one. To be honest with you, I hated the actor specially with his choice of films (A Knight's Tale, Ned Kelly), but in this one... Perfect. I doubt anyone could ever play the Joker as effectively as Heath did here. The Dark Knight is definitely not a Batman film, it's actually the story of Harvey Dent and his fall from grace. Aaron Eckhart plays Two-Face just as perfectly as Ledger played Joker. I am just in awe when I finally see the face of Batman's other nemesis. Too bad, we won't be seeing him in the next sequel. Actually, everyone needs to be praised in terms of excellent acting.

Like with the past film, one of the things that takes away my joy in watching this film is Batman himself. Why do they insist on having him change his voice when he's in costume. It's like it's not even close to how Christian Bale is as Bruce Wayne. I know it's so that he won't be recognized, but it's too over-the-top. And one more thing, I'm not pro-Katie Holmes, but Rachel Dawes is supposed to be pretty. I have nothing against Maggie Gyllenhaal, because she portrayed the character very well. She even sounds like Katie Holmes, it's just that I've seen Batman Begins the other day, and she looks older... and not so prettier. Oh well. And oh yeah, I want more Two-Face. As I know that this is supposed to be a trilogy, I was actually expecting for the villain to have stayed longer. But alas, it seems that he's only bound for this one. His actual demise is rather easy, so it wasn't that satisfactory, given that the first half of the film is a build-up to Two-Face.

BUt you know what, these are shallow complaints. Nothing that could affect how I feel about the movie. It's still awesome!!!

Wow, I haven't done a movie review in a very long time. I think the last one was for Speed RAcer a few months ago. I've seen alot of the summer blockbusters, and most probably at the end of summer, I'll list down the 10 best films. But don't expect to see Speed Racer there.

SCORE: 10 out of 10

REPOST: THIS IS WHY IT'S BETTER TO COMMUTE

Yeah, I'm recycling posts. This is what you do when you're lazy (or if you hit a creative dead end). This was posted 2006, when no one was reading my blog. I thought why not, some of these anecdotes are tragic, but it's to my expense. Sorry. More senseless jibber-jabber from me. Enjoy!!!

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I've been a commuter since 6th grade, and there've been a few instances that I have shown my horns and tail. I am a nice guy in general, but then if provoked, I could be the long lost son of Lucifer himself. I'm tactless and brutally frank... I've made enemies back in the old days because I can't seem to take away the habit of keeping my mouth shut... But that's a whole different story...Today, I'm going to talk about my commuting horror stories...

STORY 1: I WAS TIPSY

So I was about to go home from a team-building (more like drinking party) in Makati. I rode the shuttle back to Parañaque and then there were these 2 pacoño girls who were in front of me... So the discussion goes like this (it was 2 years ago, so forgive me this is not accurate)...

Girl 1: I don't like sa Jollibee, kasi nakakasawa na food dun...

Girl 2: And I don't like the crowd noh. And di naman ako gutom eh...

Girl 1: Yeah, sa Starbucks na lang tayo... at least masarap pa pastries dun...

Girl 2: Right, and kahit bread land kainin naten, we always get full..(this conversation went on for like 5 minutes... it did not make sense... so finally...)

Me: Kaya kayo tumataba eh...(then there was like 30 seconds of silence...)

Girl 1: EXCUSE ME?!

Me: I'm s-s-so s-s-sorry miss, I'm drunk...

That's all I said, I don't remember if the girl slapped me, but I know the hour and a half long trip home was very uncomfortable... They stopped talking about food, but did not stop talking about my rudeness... Even the lady beside me was eyeing me cruelly... I think they all wanted throw me out of the van.

STORY 2: WHY I DON'T SLEEP IN BUSES ANYMORE

It's a habit of mine, since I take a bus ride going home, that I sleep for the greater part of it... And then there was this one time that I was really tired, I walked from the office to Megamall to the bus terminal (it was a long walk!!!), and I fell asleep... Moments later, I heard the ticket inspector saying "saan ang ticket ng boyfriend mo?" Then I felt my head being shrugged off by someone. Apparently, I slept on the shoulder of some guy that I didn't know... THat was embarrasing, (good thing I did not drool or something)... I think people around us were laughing... He did not notice also, cause I think he was asleep too... Or he liked it (hmmm...)

STORY 3: UNLUCKY WITH TAXI

I think that there's a conspiracy against me sometimes... I'm already late, but then on my way to work, every stoplight that we pass, when we're almost at the end of the road or street, the light turns red... As in EVERY SINGLE TIME!!! And then this dumbass driver has to take a different route going to EDSA... So instead of from Baclaran, we had to go to Buendia, then to some backalleys, leading to Magallanes then EDSA... My bill was already a hundred bucks and I'm not in the Makati Business District yet... I got off Ayala and took the MRT going to Ortigas... I just got out of the cab and threw away a hundred bucks... The sad part was, it was not even traffic in EDSA!!!

STORY 4: I DID NOT SAY THIS...

You know that in buses, there are seats that can accomodate 3 people and on the other side, can sit 2... So there was this one night, I was on my way to work and I sat on the 2 seater side. Along came this couple who didn't have anymore place to sit on because the bus was already almost full. The woman sat beside me, and the guy tried to sit on the other side. I don't know, but there are really these insensitive people who don't really budge so that others can take their seat (I also do that, but then again that's only if ugly people are trying to sit beside me... or people who smell like sweat)... So this guy got irritated with the woman because she wasn't moving, and said... "ANG TABA MO KASI EH!" I found that really hilarious, and I laughed. So the couple got off, leaving me to face the wrath of the immovable object... Yeah, I think I heard her chanting something in her native witch tongue... But that was uber-creepy... I wasn't able to look at her after that...

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What's your commuting horror story? Share mo naman...

SMELL ME!!!

One thing that I'm sure I got from my dad is my fascination with perfumes/colognes. WHen I was younger, and when he was still working abroad, their dresser was full of perfume bottles, some of which are empty. As I grew up, I started to have a collection of my own. It started with a bottle of Polo Sport, one of the more popular scents when I was still in high school.

When I started earning on my own, my collection grew more. There came a time when I have to have a new bottle every quarter of the year. I guess I'm fortunate because my aunt likes me a lot because every once in awhile she sends a bottle of perfume for me (I can't thank her enough). As of writing, I have over 20 bottles of perfume in my cabinet (that doesn't include the empty bottles). My quota for this year is actually already filled. Pictured above is my perfume cabinet.

The last time I wrote about my favorite scents was over two years ago, and a lot of scents came in by now. So I guess it's just high time for me to list down again my favorite scents. I'd also write down when I usually spray each one on me. I'm no expert in scents, so don't expect every details about the cologne/perfume that I'll be listing, ayt?!

RALPH LAUREN, POLO BLACK: This is one of my favorite scents ever. The scent stays on me for a very long time. I feel that this scent has power attached to it. I don't know, but I usually wear this if I have a final interview or if there's something important that involves work. The smell actually reminds me of a very expensive cigarette. I don't smoke, but it really does smell like it. And that's not a bad thing, because it really smells good.

MADE OF: iced mango, spanish sage, patcholi noir, sandalwood and tonka bean

GUESS MAN: The reason why I like this cologne so much is that it has a very nice bottle. It's unique, eye-catching and oh yeah, what's inside smells great as well. This is one of the gifts for me by my aunt. I was actually saving money to purchase one when I received this last year. The only downside to this one, is the biggest size they offer is only 75ml. I normally prefer 100 or 125ml bottles so I can use it longer. So for this one, I only use it for special occassions. Like for a birthday party or any private event.

MADE OF: Italian Bergamot, granny smith apple, fresh ozone, white pepper, ginger root, lavender, nutmeg, egyptian sandalwood, spiced amber, sensual skin musk and brushed suede.

LACOSTE ESSENTIAL: I love scents by Lacoste. For one, it's not as expensive as other designer perfumes/colognes. It lasts long on the skin and it really smells great. Red is for active sporty types, Pour Homme is for the yuppies, and Essential is great for all occassions. The smell stands out, and I put this on if I want to make a good impression. Let's say a first date scent. This particular bottle is very special for me, because it was given to me as a gift two Christmases ago. Oh and one more thing I like about it is that the scent returns everytime I become active (say walking, or whenever my body heat rises).

MADE OF: tangerine, bergamot, tomato leaves, cassis, patchouli, and sandalwood.

VICTORIA'S SECRET VERY SEXY FOR HIM: SExy. That's about all I can say about this cologne. By golly the first time I opened a bottle of this one, I got addicted. As in I sleep with a bottle beside me, and I sprayed some on my pillow. You know when I spray this. I get a lot of compliments from women when I spray this on me. One time, during my commute to work, there was this woman who actually sniffed me. There is a Very SExy for Him 2, but I don't recommend that one. It smells nice in the bottle, but once you spray it on, it smells different.

MADE OF: tangerine, pink lime, bergamot leaves, limewood, cinnamon bark, sage, vetiver and orange flower.

GIORGIO ARMANI ACQUA DI GIO: I got a huge bargain with this one. A friend of mine (a future featured friend) sold this to me at half the price in the market. Again, this cologne smells great, albeit a bit aquatic. The scent is really different from my other colognes/perfume. The only problem I have with this is that it doesn't linger very long. I only spray this on when I'm going out of town, where I have to bring the bottle with me so that I can spray again when I need to. Or if I'm going for a short engagement, say a job interview or something similar.

MADE OF: marine notes, mandarin, bergamot, neroli, persimmon, rosemary, nasturtium, jasmine, amber, patchouli, cistus.

CAROLINA HERRERA 212 ON ICE BLUE: Hmmm... This is one of the scents that I can spray on a daily basis. It stays long on my skin, and it does blend well if I start to sweat. It's great if you'll be doing outdoor activities or road trips because it smells fresh. On Ice has this citrusy smell as if you just stepped out of the shower. And it's not very expensive. When it comes to perfumes, I know how to haggle or at least get a lot of freebies so I can make the purchase. I think when I bought this one, I got a 30% discount as well as a bunch of testers.

MADE OF: grapefruit, fresh mint, sandalwood chord, insense and transparent musk

I love most of the scents in my collection. Some remind me of college (Cool Water, Perry Ellis 360 Degrees), some are great for night outs (Hugo Dark Blue, Eternity by Calvin Klein Marks & Spencer Isis), and some are just addicting (CK One Electric, Clinique Happy, Polo Blue and The Body Shop's Scent of A). And then there are some that just smells great (David Beckham Instinct and Thallium)As much as I'd like to write about all of it, I have other things to do.

18 USELESS SEX TRIVIA

The other day, I was bored in front of the computer so I searched for some useful trivia. Found this one instead. And thanks to Calvin Klein for the picture. Enjoy!!!

1. According to the Kinsey Institute, half of the men raised in farms have had a sexual encounter with an animal. (Si Bugoy kaya ng PDA?!)

2. Semen contains small amounts of more than thirty elements, including fructose, ascorbic acid, cholesterol, creatine, citric acid, lactic acid, nitrogen, vitamin b12, and various salts and enzymes. (di mo na kailangan mag clusivol araw-araw)

3. There are five calories in a teaspoon of semen. (weight-watchers take note)

4. At age seventy, 73% of men are still potent. (yan ang talagang may asim!!!)

5. According to statistics, Australian women are the most likely to have sex on the first date. (tara dun na lang tayo sa Australia!!!)

6. Women who are housewives are, as a whole, more faithful than working men (eh sino naman kasi makikilala ng mga babae? Naman!)

7. The most recorded orgasms in an hour by researchers at Center for Marital and Sexual Studies in Long Beach, CA, was 134 by one female and 16 for a male. (gusto ko magtrabaho dyan sa Center na yan)

8. The two leading causes of temporary impotence are prolonged cigarette smoking and tight pants. (sino kaya kilala kong mahilig sa dalawang ‘to?)

9. Orgies were originally religious events, being offerings to the gods.

10. In ancient Greece, women normally expose their vaginas to ward off storms at sea. (naku, kung nalaman lang natin ito ng mas maaga…)

11. Axillism is the act of using of armpit for sex. (ano to? Iniipit?! Bwahahaha)

12. Among sexually active adults, lesbians have the lowest incidence of sexually transmitted diseases. (Simula ngayon, pumapatol nako sa mga tibo!!!)

13. Three out of a thousand men are well endowed enough to fellate (blow) themselves to orgasm. (ano ka ba, gifted ka na, magsasariling sikap ka pa?!)

14. Over the same period of time, women who read romance novels tend to have twice as many lovers as those who don’t. (Finally, pag-asa sa mga nagbabasa ng Pinoy Romance!!!)

15. The Kama Sutra details techniques of ten types of kisses, 64 different caresses, eight variations on oral sex, and 84 positions for intercourse (huhulaan ko, ang gumawa nito, favorite book ang Kama Sutra… ang tiyaga magbilang ah)

16. It’s been estimated that the practice of autoerotic asphyxiation (temporarily suffocating yourself while masturbating) takes the lives of 250 to a thousand people each year. (Kawawa naman tong mga to, nagsasariling sikap na nga, mamamatay pa)

17. It’s been estimated that one out of two hundred women is born with an extra nipple. (For sure, useful yan pag nagka triplets ka)

18. The words naked and nude are not the same thing. Naked implies unprotected. Nude means unclothed. (isa lang ang term sa tagalog niyan, hubad!!!)