tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75348182024-03-07T18:01:09.540+08:00ovaltine sandwichesI like ovaltine or milo in pan de sal.bakyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02274327782114816576noreply@blogger.comBlogger129125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7534818.post-6674431248155990212009-04-09T12:21:00.003+08:002009-04-09T12:26:34.981+08:00maundy thursdayIt has already been a week and a day since I've returned. So many learnings, discoveries, friends, etc., etc.<div><br /></div><div>I've been trying to adjust to reality again, and it's not so easy. Lately, I've been coping by bouncing from Facebook to Multiply, and trying to get some work done in between. Glued all the travel mementos on my journal (my way of jumpstarting the reality check), scrubbed all my travel bags clean, and stored them away. The only thing left to do is upload the Finland, Estonia, and Santorini photos on Multiply...but really, do I need to? We'll see later.</div><div><br /></div><div>My goal today is to write (for personal fulfillment, not work) some more, possibly hit the stationary bike, and to basically make muni-muni.</div><div><br /></div><div>A peaceful holy week to everyone!</div>bakyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02274327782114816576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7534818.post-49990625158710402982009-02-28T20:44:00.004+08:002009-02-28T20:53:23.518+08:00yeah nodame!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqnzAPRypmzHvYvzGB_z2YQqZUwVD8mhbn5WU0Sjr7NHAXBdu46s7sFFlus1fYywDVTGd4Esy6ZQ4pxftUBVh9Yjzml8jkn_lNUmMXPgROfHwToovco5tl6Z_N0PKPX5vmDPcf/s1600-h/350px-Nodame-Cantabile-banner.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 165px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqnzAPRypmzHvYvzGB_z2YQqZUwVD8mhbn5WU0Sjr7NHAXBdu46s7sFFlus1fYywDVTGd4Esy6ZQ4pxftUBVh9Yjzml8jkn_lNUmMXPgROfHwToovco5tl6Z_N0PKPX5vmDPcf/s320/350px-Nodame-Cantabile-banner.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307828323509760738" /></a>Finished watching all the episodes of <a href="http://wiki.d-addicts.com/Nodame_Cantabile">nodame cantabile</a> (including the 2-part special)! It made me want to study piano again.<div><br /></div><div>Honestly, I could relate to the character (though I don't play half as good as her--hay, maski 1/8 as good as her) 'coz I hated reading notes. Super hated it. So I ended up memorizing the pieces and playing them by ear. My piano teacher was too lax (she'd fall asleep in the middle of the lesson) and allowed me to put the notes' names (do, re, mi...) on the sheet, instead of sight-reading them. Oh well, I can't put all the blame on her. I was just too lazy too.</div><div><br /></div><div>But I studied piano for 6 years and had 3 or 4 recitals. I quit when I entered highschool because I'd grown tired of it. </div><div><br /></div><div>Watching Nodame made me want to learn the classical pieces, instead of constantly playing my own (so basic) renditions of Boys Don't Cry or Whatever Possessed You. On a musical high!</div>bakyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02274327782114816576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7534818.post-77662350775939498642009-02-28T17:26:00.005+08:002009-02-28T17:31:57.206+08:00yoga bearthank goodness for yoga.<div><br /></div><div>i suck at some poses, but i think it has helped me to relax, especially in times of stress. i love the meditation part; it teaches me to be quiet and still for even just a few minutes. </div>bakyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02274327782114816576noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7534818.post-6420507231787734742009-02-22T19:32:00.003+08:002009-02-22T20:01:25.140+08:00the super truth is...going to europe is something i feel that i <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">have</span> to do more than what i <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">want</span> to do. ain't that weird? it's just that it's been written in my "dream notebook" for so long that i think it's time to cross it out. <div><br /></div><div>the super truth is that it's more comfy to stay here and bask in the engagement season, and just work hard to fatten up that wedding bank account (instead of giving up rakets when i'm away). and of course, to see spanks most of the time. (the e-heads' "fine time" is playing in my head).</div><div><br /></div><div>but here's the deal: if i don't go now, my future self is gonna hate me for it. and the present conditions are favorable--i'm not married yet, my travel buddy has european contacts whom we can live with, and i've got cash to spend (for the trip, that is. once i get back, i'll be starting from scratch). honestly, up until the visa interview, i was more than willing to just let go of the trip if things went awry. but it didn't; the interview was effortless...so i'm taking it as a sign that i should go.</div><div><br /></div><div>so anyway, now that i'm going, i'm focusing on the good energy. live in each moment as best as i can. because it doesn't matter where i am, what's important is that i rejoice in the opportunities given to me. maybe i need this; i don't want it right now, but maybe it's what i need. </div><div><br /></div><div>as my philo teacher said: kailangan nating umalis para makabalik. i'm looking forward to coming home. </div><div><br /></div><div>*******</div><div>in other news, it was my highschool prom 17 years ago. gawd, that's equivalent to a whole, new high school student, currently experiencing his/her own prom.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>bakyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02274327782114816576noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7534818.post-39901120395951119372009-02-17T06:51:00.003+08:002009-02-17T06:59:18.107+08:00posting the resultmy schengen visa was approved.<div><br /></div><div>of course, thanks to jayhoho, who preceded me in the interview, and told the consul that I was traveling with him. thanks to his past numerous schengen visas and impressive travel record.</div><div><br /></div><div>I was called into the office after him, and this was what happened in my interview:</div><div><br /></div><div>CONSUL: Good morning!</div><div>ME: Uhh...good morning.</div><div>CONSUL: (looking at my certificate of employment) So you work in a kids' show?</div><div>ME: Uhh...yes.</div><div>CONSUL: Ok, I talked to your friend already. You requested for a 30-day visa; I'm giving you 40 days. That's it. You may go.</div><div>ME: (Huh?) Uhhh...ok! Thank you! Have a nice day! (exit the room, grinning from ear to ear)</div><div><br /></div><div>now, we busy ourselves squeezing in work while preparing everything before march 3. thanks, universe!</div>bakyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02274327782114816576noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7534818.post-44540113448702852222009-02-11T12:21:00.004+08:002009-02-11T12:29:28.852+08:00one day at a timei'm trying not to hold my breath for this possibly wonderful but challenging personal event this march. whatever the result, i promise to post about it. i am just so thankful for other people's support, love, and understanding. in the meantime, i shall have to remember to breathe in...and to breathe out.<div><br /></div><div>yesterday, had fun cleaning the pad with s. i concentrated on the bathroom, scrubbing the sink, tiles, toilet and other fixtures as hard as i could. but some stains were just too tough. i'm no cleaning expert, but sometimes, i do enjoy cleaning. it clears the mind, and i feel so zen (whatever that means).</div><div><br /></div><div>after all that hard work, there's no sweeter reward than taking a shower in the bathroom you've cleaned yourself.</div>bakyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02274327782114816576noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7534818.post-89315333967988466112009-02-04T08:36:00.005+08:002009-02-04T08:48:03.978+08:0010/10/10<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh1IxC80cGjjgDLRY1qafxU7MNw0oyzPtJWE42OZCjMY-a-RbnupBIDNowgN8s_4crIygHAC-96DrCvTDNwy-4BWytuKL2yoOqCOHBpa3QjIoUQMDYXbBAlGzmCutkXBdfBwKv/s1600-h/IMG_5460.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh1IxC80cGjjgDLRY1qafxU7MNw0oyzPtJWE42OZCjMY-a-RbnupBIDNowgN8s_4crIygHAC-96DrCvTDNwy-4BWytuKL2yoOqCOHBpa3QjIoUQMDYXbBAlGzmCutkXBdfBwKv/s320/IMG_5460.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298736820115030770" /></a><br />yuck, sumisilip yung ngipin ko sa bibig. tsk, panira.<br /><div><br /><div> </div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div><br /></div><div><div><br /></div></div></div></div>bakyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02274327782114816576noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7534818.post-49598453264663094742009-01-27T08:45:00.003+08:002009-01-27T08:48:48.265+08:00rantsang daming fears. or maybe it's because i'm in the PMS stage. <div><br /></div><div>tried yoga for the first time last saturday, and it left me feeling calm, aware...and a bit more confused. i really shouldn't make decisions when i'm about to have my period.</div>bakyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02274327782114816576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7534818.post-5931856225569983662009-01-22T05:34:00.006+08:002009-01-22T14:35:20.237+08:00the unexpected amazing raceMy mom is a great fan of PAL-akbayan, the PAL package tours, which include airfare, accomodations, free breakfasts and airport transfers. So when they advertised their new destinations and rates in the papers late last year, my mom reserved for the Cagayan de Oro trip.<div> <div>It was supposedly a family affair, but one by one, my kuyas and sisters-in-law backed out, and my mom and I were the only ones left. Anyhoo, it was a simple 3 days, 2 nights trip and we left January 9, to be back in Manila on January 11.</div><div><br /></div><div>A few days before the trip, we found out that CDO's main attraction is Camiguin, which required a 2-hour bus ride from the city, and another 2-hour ferry ride from the port. So that's what we did after touching down CDO. It was already a trip beyond our comfort zone 'cause we were left to fend for our selves. We had to hunt for the right bus in the crowded terminal, deal with the ferry's erratic scheds, and figure out how to get to the resort once we're on the island.</div><div><br /></div><div>Now, my mom ain't exactly young--she's 70, and I've realized that she's not the same quick-thinking, fast-on-her-feet lady that she used to be. Although she's still bibo (managing to wheedle out the ferry guard's cell number so we can verify the sched for our return trip), she forgets the names of our destinations, and when she alights a bus, or a trike or a ferry, she stands still for a few seconds, not knowing where to go. But don't get me wrong, she's still sharp... she's just <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">not as</span> sharp.</div><div><br /></div><div>Our Camiguin overnight trip went okay and we got back to CDO without hassles. The next day, we were bound for Manila. A worry-free trip. Or so we thought.</div><div><br /></div><div>The next day, we woke up to the steady pitter-patter of rain, and foggy skies. Big deal, we thought. It wasn't as if it was stormy. We took a last-minute trip to LimketKai, and noticed that the water was rising--the makings of a flood. Our cab driver informed us that CDO flooded easily 'cause of the Cagayan river--and later, we found out from the radio news, it was also because of deforestation. We also found out that the earlier flights were cancelled because of the fog.</div><div><br /></div><div>So we went to the mall, and mom, fore-seeing another extra night in the hotel if our flight got cancelled, withdrew from the ATM machine. And whaddyaknow, the machine ate her card. So with little cash, we cut our shopping short, and headed back to the hotel. By this time, the cab maneuvered around main streets because of the impassable floods.</div><div><br /></div><div>In the afternoon, we still checked out and went to the airport, just in case. True enough, the flight was cancelled, and people were panicking to resched their flights. The day-after flights were full, and mom, using her usual "old-lady" charm went inside the manager's office (after ignoring the guard who barred her way) and convinced the "powers-that-were" that she was too old and penniless to be given a flight after 2 days. Now, these airlines always have "secret" extra seats for VIPs, and somehow, mom managed to get us those seats.</div><div><br /></div><div>To cut a long story short (ang haba na nito!!), flights were still cancelled the following day. But we managed to withdraw from the bank (over the counter). I was already doing my work (checking scripts) on the hotel's computer. The hotel staff warned us that weather was going to worsen the next couple of days. That's when we decided to take a land trip to Davao, and fly from there to Manila.</div><div><br /></div><div>Since we had relatives in Davao, we decided to stay there for 2 days before going home. At first, PAL wasn't too keen on the full refund because of our extra-2 day stay, but my cousin told them, "Maawa naman kayo sa pasahero! 70 years old na yun. Syempre kailangan niyang magpahinga pagkatapos ng biyahe from CDO!" Pumayag naman ang PAL.</div><div><br /></div><div>We left at around 3 pm and arrived in Davao at midnight. During the trip, I could see how mom was so tired and cold and dizzy (from the zigzags). Clearly, this type of adventure wasn't suitable for her age. I even put my feet on hers 'cause they were freezing. </div><div><br /></div><div>Our cousin picked us up from the terminal and when we got to her house, we tumbled into bed, exhausted.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The next day was fun. We met with other relatives, shopped, and ate galore. We were taking the last flight the following day so we could have more time for lakwatsa.</div><div><br /></div><div>But lo and behold, the next day, my cousin came down with fever and we were stuck at home. So bored. My mom and I took a cab to Aldevinco and she bought some pasalubongs, went home then waited for our flight. PAL called to inform that the flight was one hour delayed. So we waited some more. Finally, we went to the airport after an early dinner, and boarded the plane at 8 pm. We got home at midnight.</div><div><br /></div><div>And that's how our 3-day, supposed "ladies-who-lunch" kind of trip (no surprises, no effort) turned into an almost week-long "on-the-go, go-with-the-flow" adventure. I've pictured taking this kind of trips with friends, not with my mom...who, strangely enough, enjoyed the whole experience, relishing the much-needed "bonding time" with her not-so-patient and quick-tempered daughter. Thanks, mommy.<br /></div></div>bakyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02274327782114816576noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7534818.post-35850528546470259492009-01-06T07:56:00.004+08:002009-01-06T08:55:01.688+08:00Thanks, 2008. I've been spending more time in my other <a href="http://ovaltinesandwiches.multiply.com/">blog</a>, and thinking of erasing this account, but I keep coming back to it. Anyhoo, let me revive this blog by thanking the year that was.<div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">TRAVEL </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div><div>I didn't travel as much as I thought I would, but this year's trips were meaningful. With another kdrama-loving friend, I flew to Jeju-do, Korea, visiting places I'd only seen on TV. It was a group tour with other Pinoys, and I never thought I could bond with 40- and 50-something women who were infatuated with Rain, and who were more knowledgeable about Korean dramas than I was. </div><div><br /></div><div>The other country I visited was Singapore with my family. Though it was my 3rd visit, it was different 'coz for the first time in a foreign country, I walked by myself. And it felt liberating! Of course, it didn't hurt that Singa was a safe place.</div><div><br /></div><div>I also traveled locally for work, which included a wonderful memory of night drinking in a cottage beside a ricefield. I salute hardworking farmers everywhere. I also went to Bohol and Baguio with new travel buddies, whom I'd known since 2002. But the highlight was the Bora trip--a sojourn of firsts and secrets which I'll always cherish.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">WORK</span></div><div>As usual, I jumped from one project to another, with Kids on Q as my regular "raket." I like working on different projects because I learn about myself. Working with people with different work ethics, beliefs and personalities helps to be grounded and flexible. The ground-breaking project this year is being a facilitator/trainer at the NCCT (National Commission on Children's TV) video workshop in Baguio, where I interacted with high school students. Though I enjoy working at home for my writing projects, I've realized that I crave for human interaction--especially with kids.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">LOVE</span></div><div>Spanky and I celebrated our 6th year. We've had our fill of challenges, but the most important thing is we can still make each other laugh. (I hope it's not one-sided 'coz he's the comedian.) As cliche as it sounds, he's my bestest friend. I trust in Thee for us.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">FAMILY</span></div><div>With my parents getting older, I have to constantly remind myself to be extra-patient and understanding. Keep my quick temper in check. Engage in more conversations. My friend, who has regrets about her dad who passed away years ago, advised me to treat each conversation as if it were the last. Kinda morbid, but it works for her and her mom.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">SPIRITUALITY</span></div><div>I trust in my Higher Power. And I know that my HP asks for little in return--to live in the moment and to do the footwork and leave the rest to Him/Her. </div><div><br /></div><div>On that note, I send my gratitude out into the universe. Thanks mucho.</div><div><br /></div>bakyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02274327782114816576noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7534818.post-35660012599915951902008-09-24T08:22:00.003+08:002008-09-24T08:28:45.133+08:00Dang's SMSSept. 22, 2008, 11:04 pm<br /><br /><em>Ngayong gabi sa Emmy's, wala na yata akong narinig na acceptance speech na di pinupuri at pinapasalamatan ang mga manunulat para sa TV. Wala man tayo sa Emmy, here's to you, Dakilang Manunulat. 'Di man n'yo madalas marinig ang pangalan n'yo sa listahan ng pinupuri at pinapasalamatan para sa isang show, 'di man kayo ang kumikita nang malaki, kayo ang puso, kaluluwa, at utak ng isang palabas. Keep the faith, writers! :-)</em><br /><br />This made me smile. 'Di man ako manunulat ng drama show--mostly I write spiels, stand-uppers and voice-overs for tele-magazine shows-- this message affirmed me as a writer for TV. :-)bakyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02274327782114816576noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7534818.post-60392414577974082782008-07-10T07:40:00.003+08:002008-07-10T07:49:29.732+08:00Lala-loversAnd so I'm still reeling from the effects of finishing <a href="http://wiki.d-addicts.com/Lovers_in_Prague">Lovers in Prague</a> in less than a week. Swollen eyes from crying? Check. Major crush on the actor? Check. Practicing hairstyles in front of the mirror so I could look more like the lead actress? Check. Googling every bit of info about the show and its cast? Check. Yup, all the symptoms of yet another kdrama craze are present. Give me another week to recover.bakyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02274327782114816576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7534818.post-78929305327858658002008-06-27T16:28:00.004+08:002008-06-27T16:44:56.739+08:00lovin' meFelt kinda low the past few weeks because I realized, just this morning, that I was depending on other people to pick me up, to get me out of this rut...when truly-lee, I was responsible for my own feelings.<br /><br />I'd been promising to treat myself to a massage but I always had excuses--the road leading to the mall was under repair, I was too lazy, I'd rather feel lousy at home than make some extra effort, etc.<br /><br />This morning, I realized that I'd been feeling down 'coz was letting myself down. I was breaking promises to myself. I was being unreliable.<br /><br />So this morning (come hell or high water), I went to the mall (which, strictly speaking, is only walking distance from my home) and availed of a much-deserved, hour-long shiatsu massage. And it was heaven; the masseuse ran her fingers over my knotted back and shoulders (which had been giving me sporadic headaches). God bless her.<br /><br />After, I felt so relaxed, like a weight had been (literally) lifted from my shoulders. I got home and took a nap.<br /><br />Now, I like myself more. It's my responsibility to be someone worthy of my trust. (Does that make sense? Y'know what I mean :-))bakyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02274327782114816576noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7534818.post-82681421413916032882008-06-10T20:02:00.003+08:002008-06-10T20:14:52.224+08:00book-markedSaw this old, creased bookmark lying around the house. Turned out that years ago, mom bought a bunch of bookmarks on sale. My dad was using it but since he'd rather dog-ear a book's page than look for an old bookmark he'd careless dropped, I claimed it for myself. Claimed, too, the words written on it.<br /><br /><em>You are a Lover of Words...One Day, You Will Write a Book</em><br /><em></em><br /><em>People turn to you because you give voice to dreams, notice little things, and make otherwise impossible imaginings appear real. You are a rare bird who thinks the world is beautiful enough to try to figure it out, who has the courage to dive into your wild mind and go swimming there.</em><br /><em></em><br /><em>You are someone who still believes in cloud watching, people watching, daydreaming, tomorrow, favorite colors, silver clouds, dandelions, and sorrow. Be sacred. Be cool. Be wild. Go far. Words do more than plant miracle seeds. With you writing them, they can change the world.</em><br /><br />- Ashley Ricebakyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02274327782114816576noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7534818.post-38381548200208717792008-04-28T09:21:00.006+08:002008-04-28T09:38:40.733+08:00bookish meI actually haven't been reading regularly, but when the mood hits me, reading becomes the highlight of my day.<br /><br />Anyhoo, I just discovered that on days when I want to feel safe and normal, I read Agatha Christie, preferrably Hercule Poirot stories.<br /><br />On ordinary days, I read my Young Adult books. I still prefer fantasy stories over the real-life kind. My fave fantasy authors--Diane Wynne Jones, Natalie Babbit, and Jonathan Stroud. When I feel like escaping reality into more reality, I'm most likely to be reading Jerry Spinelli and Cynthia Rylant. <br /><br />On pensive days, I read Anne Tyler and Banana Yoshimoto. Their words just leap at me ever so unobtrusively. I know it sounds nerdish, but their words are so exact and palpable, I can taste them. And they're just what I'm hungry for at that particular moment.bakyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02274327782114816576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7534818.post-58849910955274160102008-04-26T09:50:00.005+08:002008-04-26T10:04:50.845+08:00saturday fun machineMy sugar-filled body is sluggish today. After eating roughly a big slice of choco cake (avoiding the sponge and relishing the icing) and several handfuls of M&M's, I am terribly bloated but too lazy (and weak?) to exercise on account of my snifflez.<br /><br />Last night, availed of the manicure/pedicure GC i won at the company Christmas party. That was probably only my 4th time to have a pedicure, and the first for a manicure. Anyway, the girl asked which I wanted done first. Shrugged my shoulders and said, "Paa siguro." Halfway thru the process, I realized I should've let her do my hands first because it's virtually impossible to function (e.g. getting money from my wallet, searching for my carkeys in my mala-parachute maong bag) without getting my manicure ruined.<br /><br />And true enough within seconds of exiting the salon, my manicure was ruined. So when I got home, I ruthlessly wiped the polish off my fingernails with acetone (buti na lang meron sa bahay). And it didn't bother me much because it was ickily bright red. I don't know why I chose that color in the first place.<br /><br />It takes a whole of effort to be kikay.bakyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02274327782114816576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7534818.post-26709666431742720202008-04-02T08:32:00.008+08:002008-04-03T07:57:35.953+08:00not-so-bad singI just got back from a 3-day Singapore trip with my family. The tours were crazy (imagine, we were 10 in the family--a group tour within a group tour) and stressful, but it was nice to see the kiddies ooh-ing and aahi-ing over the animals at Night Safari, and the cable car ride and the giant fishies at Sentosa Island.<br /><br />It was my third time to take these tours but I still enjoyed them. But what I enjoyed most what walking the Singa streets on my own, even at high noon. Though the weather was ultra sunny, and sometimes humid, the trees which trimmed the sidewalks provided ample shade and cool air.<br /><br />I met up with my friend who was job-hunting , and we explored a few malls and eateries. It actually made me appreciate Singapore more. And well, I'd really like to explore more of it in the future. I wouldn't mind staying there for a week or more.<br /><br />Though some people think it's a boring country with rigid rules and all buildings, I think it deserves more credit. Almost no crime and no extreme poverty scenes that hit you right in the gut. I was happy to see a lot of Pinays last Sunday (their day-off) converging in small groups, giggling and shopping.<br /><p>Its high cost of living is a small price to pray for its pollution-free and efficient environment, I think.<br /></p>bakyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02274327782114816576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7534818.post-62858070742200038922008-03-26T14:59:00.005+08:002008-04-02T09:28:22.338+08:00The Diver<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYuWUjO3VbFIql0fmKbstnKPIhpi2ToBkVdh6TyUKFnPO2XV4b2sxpiNywpwCoXfC2b6CGELb0E_qttnz4CNre4YF7obKkRD5gYDHOVx8LBvroUkxxPNNmKR7hJzFAdyhFgG7j/s1600-h/image-upload-5-754757.jpe"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYuWUjO3VbFIql0fmKbstnKPIhpi2ToBkVdh6TyUKFnPO2XV4b2sxpiNywpwCoXfC2b6CGELb0E_qttnz4CNre4YF7obKkRD5gYDHOVx8LBvroUkxxPNNmKR7hJzFAdyhFgG7j/s320/image-upload-5-754757.jpe" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:0;"><br /></div><span style="font-size:100%;">A line from the poem "The Diver," which I discovered during my freshman year in college in our literary magazine called Heights. Actually, it should be "A blue I won't fall out of (forgot the "a" at the beginning). I forgot who the poet was...but she wrote it when she was just a student.<br /><br />It starts out with "There is an element called water," when the diver slices through the pool. And ends with "Then there is an element called air," when the diver resurfaces. Basta sobra akong namangha sa poem na 'to. :-)<br /><br />Took the above photo at Dagupan, Pangasinan.</span><br /></span>bakyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02274327782114816576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7534818.post-62792678499999947292008-03-09T17:52:00.008+08:002008-03-16T12:07:59.231+08:00on a sunday afternoon<a href="http://s5.photobucket.com/albums/y163/agayskee/?action=view&current=morocco128.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="WIDTH: 271px; HEIGHT: 336px" height="523" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y163/agayskee/morocco128.jpg" width="305" border="0" /></a><br />Casablanca park<br /><span style="font-size:78%;"></span><br />When singing or humming out of the blue, my default song is "On a Sunday Afternoon" by LSOB or A Lighter Shade of Brown, for long.<br /><br />For the first time in weeks, I stayed home the whole day without working. And that song fit the mood perfectly-- though I was chilling at home instead of the park, and I was with my parents and my nephew Ramon instead of Shylo and the homies.bakyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02274327782114816576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7534818.post-26827062948136568322008-02-28T20:59:00.007+08:002008-02-28T21:15:38.238+08:00japananamanThis afternoon, while I was madly typing up yet another storm of a script, Chic texted, "Utsumi-san is here! :-)" Menn, oh menn. I just had to pause. Hearing about Utsumi-san made me think of Japan. Kailan ba ako makakabalik? So I just texted back, "Bow to him for me, hehe."<br /><br />Utsumi-san was our ever gracious host when we went to Hokkaido last October to shoot a travel show. Menn, oh japenn. I'm aching to return to Tokyo. Para na 'kong sirang plaka.<br /><br />And to think I just bought new luggage last weekend. My ever-supportive mom took one look at it and said, "Alam mo dati, nung nanghihiram ka ng maleta, alis ka nang alis. Ngayon na bumili ka na para sa sarili mo, sa tingin ko, ngayon ka naman hindi makakalarga." <span style="color:#990000;"><em><strong>Salamat, ma.</strong> </em></span><span style="color:#000000;">Aruruy.</span>bakyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02274327782114816576noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7534818.post-80367483405792021802008-02-26T18:18:00.001+08:002008-02-26T18:44:27.317+08:00idol ko si kou shuurei.Because of heavy workload (and then some) these days, I cling on to every glimmer of positive vibe to stay sane. Like this afternoon, I grudgingly turned on the computer to surf (I wanted to avoid using the computer, even for leisure because I'm always using it for work) and was <em><span style="color:#cc0000;"><strong>sobrang saya</strong></span></em> to discover a new Saiunkoku Monogatari episode at <a href="http://www.crunchyroll.com/">Crunchyroll!</a><br /><br /><a href="http://s5.photobucket.com/albums/y163/agayskee/?action=view&current=Saiunkoku3.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="WIDTH: 383px; HEIGHT: 362px" height="503" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y163/agayskee/Saiunkoku3.jpg" width="383" border="0" /></a><br /><br />For 30 minutes straight, I was grinning like crazy.<br /><br />God is good.<br /><br />****************<br />In other news, I finally exercise-biked and dusted my workstation (including Bread and Butter--names of my computer monitor and CPU respectively) yesterday, and washed my car this morning. I'm grateful that I can still squeeze in these soul-sustaining chores amidst karaketan.bakyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02274327782114816576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7534818.post-86177757466766456522008-02-11T04:54:00.005+08:002008-03-14T15:31:29.436+08:00galing<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm1BeR_5RJ8Wk-nHHk9S5lyEn_glh9q0vdNd4d0YSwxDbwsLnZapgUEOyFLCCf47EcUBMbtuD-w81ZFCAdPNgJQ1mf_FUakXR06iRro_GwI8L0D59cJnPc2U3Di6nOwgkXWRVFAA/s1600-h/image-upload-219-759020.jpe"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm1BeR_5RJ8Wk-nHHk9S5lyEn_glh9q0vdNd4d0YSwxDbwsLnZapgUEOyFLCCf47EcUBMbtuD-w81ZFCAdPNgJQ1mf_FUakXR06iRro_GwI8L0D59cJnPc2U3Di6nOwgkXWRVFAA/s320/image-upload-219-759020.jpe" /></a> </div><div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">I can actually blog from my phone! Galing ng technology talaga o. This is my first post via my mobile. This photo was taken the day i bought a new phone to replace the one i dropped while walking along Matino st. Welcome, CP #7!</span></div>bakyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02274327782114816576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7534818.post-64633900090506369132007-12-31T21:39:00.000+08:002008-01-03T09:07:55.865+08:00kumenasaii've neglected this blog because of<a href="http://ovaltinesandwiches.multiply.com/"> my other site</a>.<br /><br />Anyway, only 2 hours to go before the New year so I've decided to update, especially since my dad and kuya have taken over the TV so i can't continue marathoning this anime:<br /><br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saiunkoku_Monogatari" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y163/agayskee/ryuuki.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I wonder if I have an obssessive personality. Probably. As much as I hate to admit it, I was obssessed with Menudo in the 4th grade, with the movie Labyrinth in the 6th grade (as well as NKOTB), then Dead Poets Society in high school. Then in freshman college, with LA 105.9. But the earliest obssession I remember is the movie Annie, starring Aileen Quinn. I was 6 years old and I watched the rented betamax tape 5 TIMES. When it was time to return the tape to the video store, I cried. My dad ended up buying it for me. I loved the "hard knock life" scene wherein orphans were tumbling on beds and balancing on ledges. It was so <em>astig</em>, I thought.<br /><br />I was also addicted to the Hi-c commercial (the orange juice drink). You know how the jingle went...<em>Hi-i-i-c! It tastes so wonderfully. (wonderfully!) </em>When my kuyas changed the channel during that commercial, I'd fight with them.<br /><br />So, anyway, what I wanted to say was this year was pretty fun. A lot of unexpected things happened. Happy accidents and all that. I also had fun attending the christmas parties-- Citrus, kuting, serendipity, yakkers, and the epals.<br /><br />Thanks, wanhenhol! Happy New Year!bakyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02274327782114816576noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7534818.post-69884332113602092862007-11-22T19:15:00.000+08:002007-11-22T19:41:51.463+08:00kdrama in the flesh<a href="http://www.silkroadandbeyond.co.uk/jeju-island.html"><img alt="Jeju Island" src="http://www.silkroadandbeyond.co.uk/images/360_korea_b_018.jpg" /></a><br /><br />antsy, itchy, anxious feet<br />antsy, itchy feet in heat<br />take me for a whirl<br />in this part of the world!bakyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02274327782114816576noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7534818.post-39801625235855578832007-11-06T05:39:00.000+08:002007-11-06T05:56:19.437+08:00sisters, sisters...<a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img style="WIDTH: 180px; HEIGHT: 241px" height="749" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket" src="http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y163/agayskee/davao057.jpg" width="180" border="0" /></a>Went to Davao last week with my mom and her sisters--one who came from the States and the other from Cabanatuan. My mom dragged me along to be their photographer. They were so fun to watch, especially when we got to the resort and mom whipped out three identical swimsuits (in different colors and were all bought on sale, of course) and they wore it at the "photo shoot."<br /><br />Most of the time, they were just gabbing away and helping each other walk. And during meal times, they (except my mom) brought out their pillbox for the day, swallowing multi-colored capsules and tablets. I carried their luggages, reminded them when it was boarding time, and helped them figure out to manipulate their cellphones. Needless to say, I had fun. :-)<br /><br />I hope that like them, in due time, age won't keep me from having fun.bakyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02274327782114816576noreply@blogger.com0