wanderings and wonderings of a worthless being

All in a Day's Work

2012-01-23T18:53:00.000-08:00

Last Friday, our HRM students went to an event in SM MOA Convention Center. Since I handle HRM students for their Effective Oral Communication Skills every Tuesday and Friday, that meant one "no-class" day for me.

checked and recorded

It was not like I did not do anything at all. I checked tons of paper like I never did before. I surfed the net through my phone which was not at all unsatisfactory but it would have been better if I had brought with me my netbook. After that, I checked once more. I think I was able to finish everything I needed to check and I only left some for recording. Plus I had a rehearsal with some members of my Music Club. It was a very productive day.

I cannot say I immensely enjoyed not having a class. I had to bear boredom and wait for the time to tick. But from to time, I also need a day like that to finish checking things without sacrificing my class preparations or my days off.

Chinese(Lunar) New Year with Tokpokki and Ramyun

2012-01-23T07:03:00.000-08:00

I can only get to celebrate year of the Dragon every 12 years, year of the Earth Dragon every 60 years. Nothing compels me to celebrate both since I was born in Filipino Christian family but I have decided to celebrate 2012 Chinese New Year anyway.

My mom, tasting my dish

tokpokki

I prepared Tokpokki (that's korean sweet-spicy rice cakes for you), and Ramyun. My Mom dipped slices of Tikoy in beaten eggs and fried them.

My original plan included my boyfriend and friends celebrating it with me but due to an unavoidable circumstance, the party was cancelled. I was left to celebrate it with my mom. I guess it wasn't so bad. Pure Filipinos aren't compelled to celebrate Chinese New Year anyway. I only did it because I was used to preparing for it since I worked for a Chinese School and a Korean company.

Aside from that, I am looking forward for what is in store for me this year. I was born in the year of the Dragon and although I am not Chinese and I don't like being governed by what they say about my Zodiac, I think it won't hurt if I will start my year right in a different culture. What say you?

Mada Mada Dane

2012-01-18T22:32:00.000-08:00

It has been awhile since I have blogged about Prince of Tennis. I cannot even remember the last time I have written a fanfiction about the anime. I also do not watch anymore but there is one thing that makes me want to relive my PoT addiction: Ryoma Echizen's cap.

I am not a Ryoma-fan not because he is a complete jerk, as some profess. I do like the fact that he is a renowned tennis player already before he comes to Seigaku. This makes the anime quite unique from those that usually start with the protagonist being weak and getting stronger as the stories progress. I am not his fan because...because there are more characters with extraordinary characteristics. They also deserve to be noticed. Among them are Fuji, Eiji, Niou, Shiraishi, and Oshitari.

Last Monday, two of my Criminology students, Joe Alison Allacon and Regor dela Cruz, gave me a cap as a belated New Year's gift. At first I could not recognize the cap, given the span of time since I have last seen Prince of Tennis. After few minutes, it finally sank in. It was Ryoma Echizen's cap, white one with the red R in the blue box. I wondered how come they knew I liked PoT and they said they saw my netbook's wallpaper last semester. Back then it was a photo of the chibi Seigaku characters. I just couldn't believe they could still remember it.

Having students who remember what a teacher does in class, what she likes, and what she hates and follow these things not because they are forced but they chose to remember is indeed heartwarming. Receiving the cap is not a big deal. It may be cliché but "it is the thought that counts." I can buy caps anytime I want but I won't receive such gifts from my students everyday.

I have this feeling that I need to rewatch Prince of Tennis once again. This time , with the cap on. I will probably like Ryoma more. Hehe.

"Mada mada..."

oh coffee

2012-01-18T20:33:00.001-08:00

It’s the caffeine, I swear. I don’t normally sleep late now for two reasons: one, Russ hates it. He doesn’t like the idea of me sleeping after he does; second, since I am living so far away from my workplace and teaching in the school is not exactly what you can call easy, I am usually so tired when I get home that as soon as my back hits the bed, I sleep.

Now this afternoon, my mom gave me some medication in the form of a cup of black coffee, I wasn’t able to sleep at the right time. I could not. I saw and repeated several movies, fixed my things, wrote some blog entries. I could not sleep.

All I could think of was I would be having a class observation the next day… wasn’t it terrible?

Paws and Claws

2012-01-18T18:59:00.001-08:00

I had my first professional manicure last Sunday. I used to do it on my own though, and it is relatively cheaper, I must say, but pretty time consuming, bothersome, boring. These were some of the reasons I barged in a salon. More than that is because my brother, who is about to get married and only comes home once in a blue moon, had pointed out several weeks ago that my hands did not look good anymore.

For a person who had used to receive compliments for long slender fingers, receiving that remark was a blow and it was harsh for me. I must admit that I did not take good care of my hands. I only used lotion, hand moisturizer, body butter whenever I feel like it. I polished my nails every time there was an opportunity–which means if there were new nail polishes on the shelf. Now, I am paying the price of my negligence. Literally.

But that is going to change. Last Sunday was the start of my pampering movement. It doesn’t mean that I have to go to the salon every week. It will be very expensive. They don’t do anything extraordinary anyway save the number of minutes one can spare. I guess I just have to persevere: buy myself decent polishes, and self-manicure stuffs, endeavor doing it at least twice a month. Once again, I am putting something on my planner which I am not sure I can fulfill. I hope I can though. Aja.

whatyacall epic

2012-01-15T07:58:00.000-08:00

An epic is a narrative poetry which tells a story of a hero (heroine) and his (her) struggles.

Teaching high school or college students poetry is already a big trouble. Teaching them about narrative poetry is a more complicated thing. That is why I am quite surprised and thankful of one TV series. I am not a big fan of Amaya but I have to give it to them. It's the only drama that has given students an idea of what Epic is.

Imagine my shock upon hearing my students exemplify Amaya as an epic ("ang pagwawakas ng isang epiko"). When I asked them about what an epic is, they could answer based on the things they had seen from the TV series.

Just recently, Xyv asked me why Filipino television dramas are filled with the same theme: finding one's true family. I cannot remember my answer to this one . What I do remember is my follow up question: why can't we have more dramas that show our culture instead?

As far as I am concerned having extramarital affairs is not a Filipino culture. Having such theme prevalent in our drama is a poor excuse for prolonging air time and sugar coating scripwriters' unproductivity.

At least if we showcase our culture, teachers like me won't have troubles in educating the youth. And probably we won't be burdened promoting 'it's more fun in the Philippines.'

the killer heels

2012-01-08T17:11:00.000-08:00

my new ones

my old ones

out with the old, in with the new

Confessions of a Heels-Freak

2012-01-08T15:44:00.000-08:00

"Jahzeel Dionne Ybasco.

Occupation- English Professor in a private college.

Jacket- Beverly Hills & Co.

Outfit- any department store

Belt- YRYS

Bag- Grab

Shoes- Finikee"

If you're familiar with the movie Confessions of a Shopaholic, you can accuse me of copying the catchphrase of the film (If you haven't seen the film, it is now the time to see it). I have seen it for the nth time and to this day, I am trying to imagine how I will look, wearing those fashionable clothes and shoes in the movie.

You can say that it has grown on me. To be more precise, I am addicted to movies featuring women wearing high heels. I have abused my VLC player playing Legally Blonde 1 and 2, 500 Days of Summer etc. I have looked into my music videos, checked the songstresses' shoes, boots, sandals, and wondered how they could dance and sing wearing those feet-suffocating things--didn't they have cramps?

Confessions of a Shopaholic is not different. It features a brunette who likes shopping for clothes, bags, and shoes. Probably she likes shopping for other things but I am not sure since I haven’t read the novels where the movie has come from. Before you have a false idea that this is a review, let me just burst your bubble-THIS IS NOT A REVIEW. Point is, she shops a great deal particularly shoes.

She has one shelf of sandals, clogs, open-toed, and closed shoes in various colors. Throughout the movie, she runs, walks, and dances with them. I can't help but admire her endurance to leg cramps. I even wonder what training she does in order for her to walk with them. There are times I think I cannot wear those heels.

But I am trying. Hard. Trying hard.

Last Christmas, Russell gave me a pair of high-heel black shoes from Finikee. To be more precise, he had asked me what I wanted and we went around looking for a good pair of shoes.

The heels are higher than my grey ones, to which I am quite shocked. Since I have had a hard time using the grey, what more can I experience with the new ones?

It has been three days now since I have started using the heels. I think I am getting used to it. I have noticed that descending the stairs is easier now. I even started running with them. My co-teachers have asked me already if I have experienced using it from home to school and back. I am afraid to try it. I still am not a Rebecca Bloomwood and I have no plans of being one (except the part where she is writer in a magazine) so I think there is no way I can use heels for that long. I can bear using it for professional reasons. Even more of a reason is I want to value the person who has given the shoes.

"Instead of having a relationship with my credit card, I now have a relationship to someone who loves me back and never declines me."

Dear Simonskiey

2012-01-05T17:23:00.000-08:00

To this dear person, who manages to smile despite struggles, kudos to you on your ____th birthday.

I hope you'll keep your resolutions. If you can't...then you can't hehe.

I know this is not your most admirable photo but this is a symbol of how a supermodel of pout and grace can come from an extraordinary person like you. Naks.

Happy birthday, te.

guess who

2012-01-04T17:03:00.000-08:00

"I hate you, I am fine living without you."

I know I should not be affected of the crap that you did to me. What crap? A "deleting me from your Facebook account" kind of crap. I don't even know why I give a shit about it. All I know is I am affected and I don't know why.

Honestly, I am angrier to myself that I have let you affected me like this. Being deleted or blocked from Facebook accounts of other people doesn't concern me particularly if the feeling is mutual dislike. Only huge attachment can shake me. If I had just known you from some workplace, or met you in a seminar or any other interactive sites, it would not matter. But you? You were a school mate. It was a position not too remote nor familiar.

You, well, I did not resent you. Nor did I like you. It was more of respect that we both lived in different worlds, and somehow these worlds could only collide in the academe.

I felt tension in those days we were stuck in the class together. We had so many similarities and so many differences at the same time-- it sucked. Let us just say that I did not like being overshadowed by you that was why I did my best to prove that I was better.

Well, you could say I should be happy that we won't have any means of communication. I am not. Why?

What irks me is the feeling that without a sweat, you have won in the battle I have prepared for for so long and I haven't had a say in it. Why? Facebook doesn't have this application asking the other party if they want to be deleted.

"Keep your friends close and your enemies closer."

You may not have been my friend. You have made yourself my enemy. It is just so unfortunate that you won’t have a taste of how bad I can actually be. I can say you're quite lucky, you have saved yourself just in time.

It will probably take me days to get over this situation. I will definitely think about this from time to time. I will probably ask myself why.

I have to commend you though-- you have done me good. This has made me realize that my pride is more important than you. Damn right it is. I have concluded that losing you is less a harm compared to asking you to add me to your account again. Thank you for teaching me this.

If by chance, you will come upon this blog entry, remember that I have done this knowing that you won't probably read it. And if you have, well congratulations to me. If you have been affected, let's just call it quits.

2011 Top Ear Candies

2012-01-04T15:44:00.000-08:00

It has been awhile since I have written something about the songs I listen to. It is just appropriate that before the year ends, I must share those which have made most of my days, and accompanied me through my ups and downs--my 2011 playlist.

10th Departure & Gather (PoT official soundtracks). In the first quarter of 2011, I was addicted to Prince of Tennis. Along with my friends I made up worlds filled with the characters that we liked best and publish them in Fanfiction.net. I used to write fanfics while listening to these songs along with the rest of the tracks from the voice actors of the anime.

9th I Hate You & Ugly (2ne1). In Kpop I am quite YG biased and it all started with Bigbang. I may not call myself a real Blackjack but one thing I know is I like the songs coming from this group. They have enough spunk and girl power. Though I can only understand bits and pieces of these songs, I can pretty much just settle with the melody.

8th Hands Up (Bigbang). Speaking of YG-biased. I like both Korean and Japanese versions of this song. Every time I listen to this, I feel like having my own concert.

7th Good Day (IU). I find this girl cute. The music video is also cute. I have this funny feeling though that she can be a good substitute for a missing SNSD member any time. But that is just me. The song has a nice feel to it, even though the message is quite sad. It helps that it is not English and I just have to imagine it is a very happy song. I like the bridge part best.

6th Head Over Feet (Alanis Morisette). This song speaks so much about how I started falling in love with the man I see myself growing old with. It took me years to appreciate this song in its entirety. Now I know that feeling as if the song was written for me or could have been composed by me. Hehe.

5th For Good- (Wicked). "Like a comet pulled from orbit as it passes the sun...Like a stream that meets a boulder halfway through the wood...who can say if I have been changed for the better but because I knew you...I have been changed for good." I was in the church when I first heard this song performed then by a member of the music team. Then, Simon recommended the musical Wicked and I found out that this song was a part of it. As soon as I got a copy of the song, I kept on playing it. It's quite addictive particularly if I want to feel lonely (sometimes people like me 'want' to feel lonely, believe it or not). I feel like crying every time I wholeheartedly listen to it while thinking of my beau. Hehe.

4th You Can Count on Me (Default). Since I am using his phone, I get to listen to his playlist and one of the tracks is this. I like it, being alternative/grunge. The lyrics is quite mushy but the melody tones it down. It is one of the songs that I sing to him.

3rd I Believe (Fantasia). I haven't created a playlist for confidence-related songs but once I do, I'll make sure this is a part of it. I know that I'm pretty arrogant and I don't seem to need this song but from time to time I need a boost for my ego. I may not be at the pinnacle of my career yet (not yet I hope because that would mean I could never go any higher), I know that I am already a step toward it. That is saying something.

2nd Defying Gravity (Wicked). I hate it when people tell me what I can't do. I laugh at those who tell me things that I do best. I think these are the things that I should declare.

"So for those who ground me, take a message back from me...Nobody, in all of Oz, nor wizard that there is or was, is ever gonna bring me down."

1st Something Right (Westlife). Although this is a love song and it's nowhere famous last year (I got the song two years ago), this speaks for what I am feeling today. There have been a lot of things I have done in 2011 that are remarkable. I have been to different places, and met different people. I have made so many decisions. I have been turning my life around.

I am still surrounded by tribulations but that doesn't mean I am just going to surrender. I am still standing.There are things and people that remind me that I am indeed in the right place, in the right situation.

I must be doing something right.

That is about it for my 2011 playlist. I hope I can listen to some real good songs this year. I think I need to revamp my playlist, have enough room for new things. Right.

let criminals run for presidency

2011-12-12T18:58:00.000-08:00

That guilty people freely roam around, show their perfect set of teeth on t.v., or run for elections irritates me. I am infuriated that this situation affects me more than those who are in position and are technically being insulted by these criminals.

How come that justice is very slow when big people are involved and it is a nano-second action in the case of the civilians. It takes years to get an ostentatious politician in jail but it takes only a split second for a police to shoot a suspect--for crying out loud a suspect!-- to death.

One of the biggest issues right now is putting our former president in jail. Why is she given special treatment?

Prison is one place people are treated equally. At least, that is what I want to believe in. Even innocent people are treated as criminals once in jail. Nobody is rich, nobody is superior. Everyone is guilty. She is guilty. To those who are after the due process, she isn't yet. Just yet. But for the masses, she has long been imprisoned. That is why she should not request for commodities that can make her life in prison more comfortable. A prison, whether or not it is in Veterans', is still a prison and not a hotel.

I see two things there. Either she is beyond the "Nobody is rich, nobody is superior. Everyone is guilty" principle of jail and she knows it very well and we know it resentfully; or she is an absolute nobody and she wants to stay behind bars forever.

I do get the point that she is sick--neck/back pain, complications of this-that, I honestly won't be surprised if she's "diagnosed" of cancer-- but how many times have we heard those alibis and how many times have our justice system denied sick "criminals." If she is clamoring that it is a part of her rights and it is highly constitutional, then let the other sick criminals have more comfortable precincts because justice is and should be served equally.

She was the former president? Oh pleeeeaaaaaaaase. And so? That puts another meaning to it! How satirical could it be that a leader had paved the way not to success but to corruption of her nation.

If that is the case then, let all criminals run for presidency.

one percent

2011-12-12T16:52:00.000-08:00

Someone: Armo, can you play Neon tonight?

Armo: (bothered) Oh. Um, it's Yael you should talk with. I only go along with his plans. So... talk to Yael.

Someone: Alright, thanks. (walking toward Yael) Hey Yael, Yael. Can you please, please, play Neon.

Yael: Ah, yeah, we can play it but I think people would ... would fall asleep, you know, because, only about one percent of them knows the song--

Someone: And that one percent would be me (laughing).

Yael: (laughing) Right right. I like the song too. It's one of the songs we didn't actually release, and that's the problem, if we play it, they will--

Someone: Right, fall asleep. (walking away) That's ok...thanks.
-----

That someone was me. Hehe.

wcc-40th

2011-12-12T00:23:00.000-08:00

The school I am working for celebrated its 40th foundation day last week. Last Week. Week. Yep. It was a week-long celebration.

During the first two days, some teachers (I am one of them) had decided to call it a free week, and met their classes only to review, or give an announcement. Others used their time to fill in missed classes.

Just imagine a faculty room that used to be crowded and noisy only at lunch was suddenly full of teachers during class hours, updating each other with current events. A handful of teachers huddled in a corner sipping coffee or making grades. That was how "relaxed" we were. Our relaxation was short-lived however since we had to rehearse for the synergy of talents. We, meaning the admin, staff, professors and instructors of the school.

WEDNESDAY

We had to compete against the other campuses of World Citi Colleges. Naturally, in any competition, there must be a unifying motif and ours was red. Since Caloocan campus had the most number of students we dominated the Marikina Sports Complex. It was a bloody stadium.

our students flooded the arena or half of it.
It was a Bloody stadium.

Dicebie

the shirt says it all

Miss A

the groovy admin and staff of WCC Caloocan

waiting for the concert to start

The announcement of winners for that day officially started the events for the night. Unfortunately we didn't get the championship for Cheerdance. I was quite disappointed--no, I was really disappointed, shocked even that we didn't win. Our dancers had been in the competition early, they had even performed earlier than scheduled. They even had a smokin' hot instructor, Edsiey Manalo (pretty biased about this but Eds will remain the best dancer for me. hehe)

Simonskieeey

Simon and I could only look smug after knowing the results. Well, so much for the effort...as always, politics will play a huge role in institutions and organizations and yes I'll keep my mouth shut about that.

Join the Club, preparing for their set.

Sir Jomes, Miss A, Yael, moi, Armo

Sir Alvin told us we could go backstage and meet Spongecola. After having a photo taken with Yael, and Armo, I decided to go home.

THURSDAY

We only rehearsed for our presentation on Friday. Also, I didn't take any photo of the rehearsals. I only remember being so early on that day, and being the lead singer of the choir. We were to perform Rent's "Season of Love" and Josh Groban's "You Raise Me Up."

FRIDAY

We still had to wear red. I didn't get the chance to take lots of pictures in the event because the battery of my camera phone had run low. Aside from that, I had to leave early. I was just fortunate that our part was presented early so I got home on time (which means I was able to keep my parents' and my boyfriend's curfew for me). All in all, it has been a good week-long celebration and I am glad I have become a part of it. Who knows when I will be able to join these activities again. Hehe.

something right

2011-12-11T16:55:00.000-08:00

There are struggles in every job: stress, traffic, fatigue. It has been common to hear people say "there is no 'easy-work'!" Even the "easiest" job there is requires effort, and that in itself is not easy.

I have had my share of tribulations in my three years of working in different companies and institutions. I have learned tons from my experiences, and I am still learning how to overcome my shortcomings. There are moments that I have wanted to give-up-not only once have I handed in my resignation letter. There are also moments of triumph and I am glad to note that they are not rare.

One of these moments is best represented by this photo:

There may be no easy job but there is a sense of accomplishment that comes after every difficult task. Also, I think that the more difficult, more stressful the job is, the higher the sense of accomplishment I receive.

I know I must be doing something right.*

taken from Westlife's "Something Right"

multicultural breakfast

2011-12-04T19:37:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, due to unavoidable circumstances, I could not help but treat myself to a good breakfast. It was raining cats and dogs and I reckoned I had to make myself happy. At 9 am, I fixed my own meal (my mom went for a much needed sleep--fyi, she wakes up at 3:30 am to prepare for my father's arrival) consisting of black coffee, one cup rice and two hotdogs on top, and kimchi.

Yes, kimchi. My mom is an expert in making one now.

The rice bowl is Japanese; kimchi and chopsticks, Korean; rice is Asian; the viand and coffee, western. Perfect.

Reading Goals and Resolution

2011-12-01T20:34:00.000-08:00

Now that Shelfari has ceased being a boring "interactive" website and being just an online library, I am more encouraged to read.

The website has a Reading Meter now depending on the goal that one sets. For example, my goal this year is to read 10 books (I saw the reading meter too late as in just last month). I have to update my Shelfari every now and then of what I have been reading and when I have finished any.

You might be wondering why I have only ready ten this year... I just cannot remember the other novels I have read and since I don't want to make a fool of myself enumerating the books that I have read years ago, I have only counted the ones I can remember.

My reading goal for next year will be 24 books. I hope I can accomplish it side by side my studies--I am continuing my Masters in summer. That will be hitting two birds with one stone, aye?

pillow and a good sleep

2011-12-01T00:24:00.000-08:00

He's not supposed to be the one to give a gift. It was his birthday celebration yesterday after all. I still insisted. I do miss his hug every now and then. hehe.

I still have to look for that shirt though. He might not want anything for his birthday but I still want to give him something hehe.

Ikaw

2011-11-28T18:58:00.000-08:00

Nagkataon lang siguro na mahilig akong maggitara at mahilig ka naman magbass. Nagkataon din na naghahanap ka ng kakanta sa banda mo, at naghahanap ako ng ibang mapaglilibangan. Nagkataon din marahil na parehas tayong naghahanap ng matataguan.

Nagkataon na tamad ka at mautos ako na nagawa mo pang ihatid ako pagkatapos ng una nating pagkikita. Sinorpresa mo ako, siguro pati ang sarili mo. Pero sa mga panahon na yun hindi mo lang yun pinagtuunan ng pansin. Alam ko naman na hindi pa sumasagi sa isip mo ang tungkol dun.

Nagkataon na magsisimula na ako ng panibagong yugto ng aking buhay sa ibang trabaho. Naroon ka para sumuporta. Tapos ngayon kasama na kita.

Nagkataon din na pinanganak ka sa araw kasunod ng birthday ng mga lolo't lola ko. Ang galing din tumayming ni Lord. Kung kelan naman halos isumpa ko na ang November, dumating ka pa. Ayos.

Tapos ngayon birthday mo pa. Pinahirapan mo pa ako kasi nagkataong mahirap ka regaluhan samantalang nasurpresa mo na ako nung birthday ko. Pasaway ka talaga.

Ang daming nagkataon, no...pero hindi 'nagkataon' yung title nito. Kasi hindi na yung nagkataon yung tinitingnan ko. Ang nakikita ko na lang yung "ikaw" yung kasama ko sa maraming pagkakataon. Ikaw rin ang magiging kasama ko sa iba pang pagkakataon. Ikaw na rin an nagsabi na yun ang mahalaga.

Isa pa nga palang bagay na hindi lang nagkataon: mahal kita.

Thanks, Bobby P.

2011-11-27T19:13:00.000-08:00

Last long weekend I conquered Pendragon 1 Merchant of Death. It was an accomplishment. I finished reading everything in less than 24 hours .

This definitely means I am back to my college days reading rate. Way back in the University, I could devour one book a day and back then, I did not sleep just to finish one.

Due to work loads and other engagements I wasn't able to catch up on my reading and from "one book a day" I went to one to two books a month .

Bobby Pendragon has saved me, thank heavens.

Reading plays a very important role in my life and this pace means so much to me. As an English teacher, I always have to update my "English" since I am not an American. Secondly, as a person, there are things I still don't know, there are concepts I haven't come across with and since I have decided to take up writing seriously, I have to broaden my horizon without buying a plane ticket. Not to mention I have boxes of unread books at home-- a perfect reason for me why I should have a faster reading rate.

This week I am not sure if I can still keep up but I'll do my best, I have to juggle reading with my responsibilities in school so if I cannot read a book a day, I should read one to two books a week.

I guess that is a good deal.

ratio

2011-11-27T18:56:00.000-08:00

A person's value is measured by the ratio of how he sees himself and how others give importance to him. Sometimes, one part is bigger than the other which in both ways, if perceived extremely, is negative. If he gives too much importance in himself while his peers don't give him the "right" amount of attention he desires, he might find himself disappointed and consider his friends falling short his expectations.

If he doesn’t have much confidence in himself, his friends will try to give him the support he needs. This promise doesn't last, unfortunately because like any other person, friends get tired too, especially when the person they are trying to help cannot help himself nor showing any plan of helping himself.

Being a victim of this measurement, I have witnessed this a lot of times and I know my place in the categories I have given. I may have experienced this but I think I have mastered the knack of putting myself on the more advantageous side or looking like it. I have long accepted that people come and go--I do come and go as I please. I have seen people return in my life. I have also returned to some. I have made friends, I have had enemies. Antis, stalkers...name it. I have made a lot of people feel unimportant, I have done damages but these don’t mean that I am invulnerable.

Friends I hold dear can hurt me more than they know, more than they should. However, learning this rule that subtly governs any relationship, I have got used to it and mastered that I know one strategy to keep the tides on my side. What that strategy is, I won't divulge of course. One thing is "fosho" as G-dragon says it, when it comes to this, be it friend or foe, I won't be at the bottom of the food chain. There will be blood in the water.

Mine: past vs. present & future

2011-11-14T18:49:00.000-08:00

In the span of our relationship, I have come to realize that putting my eyes on the past will do nothing but leave me in bitterness and anguish. Both of us have memories that haunt us from time to time. At first we couldn't help but ask how we had let those things happen to us. Eventually, we have come to accept that without the past, we probably wouldn't have each other.

If he doesn't let his past hinder our relationship, why should I let it?

If he is already looking at the future with me, why should I keep on looking back? If this would keep up, we would find ourselves not moving on, much worse, ending our relationship.

Yes, the past must be remembered but it must not be lived. If I really want to be with him, if I want to be happy being with him, I must not always bring up the past. I must make more memories with him that will put the past as a permanent shadow, not even as important as the present. If that is how I value him and our relationship my eyes should be looking at what can make us happy.

Maybe I have not realized them on my own at all. It helps that he always reassures me that no matter what happens, the fact remains that he has chose me. And in God's name, he is mine.

2011-11-14T18:39:00.001-08:00

test

2011-11-03T23:09:00.000-07:00

‎"One never learns how the witch became wicked, or whether that was the right choice for her—is it ever the right choice? Does the devil ever struggle to be good again, or if so is he not a devil? It is at the very least a question of definitions."--Oatsie, Wicked

getting ready for the semester

2011-11-03T01:05:00.000-07:00

korean cuisine for less

2011-11-03T00:34:00.000-07:00

Just for a change, Russ and I searched for a different cuisine yesterday night. We wanted to have a break from the usual fast food chains and inexpensive restaurants so our eyes were focused on a cheap but filling and delicious meal. What we did was venture into the different world of SM North Edsa Foodcourt.

Of course, like any usual Filipino that wasn't the first time we had gone there whether alone or together. If there was one part of the mall anybody can get his money's worth, it's that place...downside, he has the tendency to smell like foodcourt once he gets out.

I proposed that we go around looking for different food, not the ones we could easily eat at home. As we were walking, two stores captivated my eyes and tastebuds. One was the tokpokki stall and the other was Mr. Kimbob. At that moment, my brain stopped working, my eyes stopped looking for other stores.

bibimbap

tokpokki

Russ was amazed at how Koreans cook and eat their food after I had shared some Korean two-cents to him.

The meal was awesome but I wasn't able to finish my share of bibimbap because it was more than enough. I even had to ask for gochujang because the cook had not been able to season the dish with its real "sauce."

I actually thought we had the meal for a discounted price. Had we gone to real Korean restaurants it would have cost us a bill.

Wicked... and Simon

2011-11-01T23:57:00.000-07:00

Ever since Simon shared to me a song from the musical WICKED, I got hooked, I downloaded the rest of the songs from the said musical, saw some parts in Youtube and got crazy looking for the Ebook only to find out that I had downloaded the ebooks months ago and it has been in my hard drive all along.

Wicked, by the way for those who are new to Gregory Maguire's fictions, is a fanfiction (I prefer using that word) of L. Frank Baum's The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, focusing on the wicked witch of the west, not to mention green, Elphaba.

I have been trying to read it for two days now using my phone. I have a problem with the font though because it is tiny. Of course I can zoom it any time I want but that means using the left and right button which is bothersome. I want the text to at least fit the screen decently. This however is uncontrollable, the ebook being in pdf file and made by someone I do not know to whom I must give credit. What is controllable is the type of phone that I use...which is far from being replaced, as far as November is from December. The only thing I can do is bear reading the 612-page ebook. I am on 254 by the way, not that far from the glorious ending.

The book seems very different from the play and even from the book and I am bothered by its highly political inclination since I have always interpreted Wizard of Oz as children's literature. However as they say, children's lit have more sense than how they look so probably there is sense in the politics and religion I am being bombarded with in the book.

I will try my best looking for the play because I am totally mesmerized by Kristin Chenoweth's and Idina Menzel's voices.

idina menzel (elphaba, green) and kristin chenoweth (galinda, fair)

Since this is all Simon's fault, I will attempt to bully him in giving me a copy. I will try. Simon is not the type that I can exactly bully because he is a dear. And I cannot blame him for bewitching me into liking this musical because, well it's likable. Hmf. But I really have to have my hands on the musical so Simon, please, I think a loooooong blog entry about this whole Wicked thing is enough a clue that I want the musical. Please.

happy birthday duo

2011-11-01T22:53:00.000-07:00

One of the closest persons in my life celebrates her birthday today. If I were to celebrate All Souls' Day, I would do so, thinking of her, thanking God for a good soul that I have come across with.

yeah, i know, the picture is quite old. hehe

Happy birthday dearest Duo, Katherine E. Vera. May you have more fruitful years ahead of you.

4th month part 1

2011-10-26T03:37:00.000-07:00

Right, this is just part one since I am posting this few minutes before I say goodbye to the internet and say hello to my Knight in Baggy Clothes. I have edited these pictures for the occasion and I hope to have more photos tonight.

Do I sound so happy?

Well, I am definitely happy.

bestseller

2011-10-24T18:27:00.000-07:00

A story can have more than one interpretation. It can be approached, inspected let's say, in different points of view. As readers, we have the right to choose whose side we are going to take, whose philosophy we are going to believe, whose ideology we are going to follow and live up to as our own principle. We have the right to choose our favorite characters even if it means deviating from the author's will of protagonists and antagonists. Still, the Author has the final say to whatever it is going to happen in the story--except if the reader insists making his own version and come-up with good fanfictions.

My life is a story. It is a novel that keeps on unraveling until I die. My life is an open book and people judge me either through what I want them to see or what THEY want to see. The same way, I look at them like how I look at books in a library where they sit in one corner sometimes forgotten and taken for granted, in a bookstore where they were dressed to impress consumers, and in my home where they were perused and sometimes scattered about.

I buy different books, read a lot, and favored some. I forget the books that I dislike or plain uninteresting, or unimportant and reread the ones that fancy my interest, and help me develop.

I pick my protagonists among the million characters in those novels and compilation of short stories. I pick the language that I am more comfortable with. When I dislike one plot, I don't care be it Shakespeare's or Hemingway's, I chuck the novel and get something new.

It is the same process I use with people. Of course, there is a very clean line between people and books and I know that. Still, isn't it funny that we forget those people we don't like and unimportant to us the same way we forget the characters in novels, even short stories that we find boring? Isn't it funny that we choose to believe our friends no matter what they tell us the same way we believe the "Diet for Dummies"? We don't like lending our favorite books to just anybody but to somebody we trust the like how we are overprotective and even possessive of our dearest friends.

Just like with books written by authors we admire, we choose to believe those people that matter, who are interesting.

In my library, I have a number of favorite books. One of them is named Katherine Embudo Vera.

I think I have made my point.

dress to kill: battle suit

2011-10-24T01:18:00.000-07:00

I am not so "conscious" with what I wear. I normally use the clothes that are comfortable which means hoodies, baggy shirts, pants, and sneakers. My main accessory is merely a necklace with a ring pendant, and wristwatch. In short, I seldom dress to kill.

These days however, I often wear frilly shirts with puffy sleeves so that I will look different, more lady-like and "more" mature than my students. Most of the time that style doesn't do me and my effort any justice. I look younger than my students.

One former co-worker commented that I am an "avatar." Before you imagine me having blue skin and big yellow eyes, let me clarify that what she meant by avatar is what people often use as a representation of themselves in the world wide web when they can't find eye-friendly pictures.

She said that I normally look good in whatever I wear which is contradictory to what my parents think of my style. Not once have I heard my father say "baduy" before I leave for school.

Last October 15th, I made an experiment. I tried to dress up. WCC faculty and staff were required to wear modern semi-formal clothes and since I was not sure what that was, I rummage my closet and looked for at least a decent one. One simple dress. I swear, that was the only thing I had in mind. Why? I don't usually wear dresses. I avoid wearing one when I can help it. My point was since nobody had seen me wear a dress before, it would be something big.

Here is a photo of a sketch I had done the day before the concert.

Here is how it actually looked like :

with Ms. Anna Marigondon, my seatmate

I was quite satisfied with my clothes that night. Russ and his mom said that I should often sport the same fashion. I did not entirely agree with them because I thought if I would use the same style again and again, it would not be so surprising anymore.

What do you think?

being innovative and all

2011-10-24T00:23:00.000-07:00

Ms. Agustin with some of the students

To conclude the semester, WCC Caloocan English Department came up with an online exam for Communication Skills 1 last Oct 17th. Students needed to to go to what we call "Star Cafe" which by the way serves as an in-school Starbucks where students can use computers, drink beverages and eat sweets.

The kids were not to eat there however since the online exam had a time-limit. They needed to register before taking the exams, log-in, answer all of the items, and leave the Cafe. The scores would be directed to the page of the testmaker. And voila! Stress-free results.

Aside from the problem with the internet connection, the exam went on pretty well. Of course, it was difficult since the proctors had to be in the testing area the entire day. Ms. Agustin in particular had only slept a wink the night before because she had to finish the test.

At least we can say that the success of launching and administering the test was a already a reward. After all these, we could sleep peacefully. I remember Mrs. Brenda Ong from CKSC High School English Department , who had taught me that the more difficult the exam is made, the easier it is to check. This online exam is one of the best examples.

Congratulations to WCC-Caloocan College of Education, Department of English, Mr. Xyviel Edeson A. Beredo, Ms. Abigail V. Agustin, and yep, yours truly, me.

Job well done.

*Oh, I do love rewarding myself with praises after accomplishing a remarkable feat. Uhuh, you might wanna try doing it too, one of these days.

1st sem

2011-10-10T22:07:00.000-07:00

I will definitely miss the classes I have handled for my 1st semester of teaching here in WCC. I want to express my appreciation to those people who have complied to my requirements, standards, and expectations. I may have had stubborn students but they are nothing compared to those who have given their best. The names of those outstanding people are already stored in my memory; the rest, I have let the trash take them. Congratulations and see you next semester.

smurfy time

2011-10-10T18:26:00.000-07:00

We have tried to motivate each other into seeing movies together. There was once when we were walking in the mall when I suddenly thought of seeing a movie but he refused, saying that he could easily get a good copy of any movie that I would want to see. Then came a time that he wanted to see a movie using his computer(if my memory serves me right, it's X-men Origins) and I kept on bothering him about my netbook.

In short, our attempts were utter failure (otherwise they wouldn't be called attempts anymore).

Last Friday was an exemption. The two of us plus his mom and grandmother saw a movie in his house. Guess what the movie is...Smurfs.

I therefore conclude that Smurfs united us as one. :P

seat greed

2011-09-14T20:53:00.000-07:00

Yesterday morning, a stout woman and her 'daughter' attempted to bully me. Attempted because it is not like I will let any person bully me. I found the incident foolish. Why? She was fighting for a seat. God. A seat.

By the time I had arrived in the 'fx' terminal, a van to Monumento came. I opened the door of the passenger seat and as I was about to aboard the van, this lady with a very shrill voice shrieked at me, "Miss, dyan kamEEEEEE. Nagpahuli nga kami para makaskay jan eh." (Miss, that's our seat . We have stayed behind so we can sit there."

All the while I was thinking why she was telling those things to me so my answer was, "Ano naman ngayon?"

She hit the ceiling. Hehe. "Anong 'ano ngayon'? Kaya nga kmi nagpahuli ksi jan kmi uupo!" Sheesh. Practically the same lines?

Realizing that it was her way of saying it more than what she was trying to say that irritated me so much, I couldn't hold my temper much longer. "My gosh woman, you're fighting with me over a seat? Unsophisticated, uneducated, unlearned!" With my dignity intact, I sat at the back.

I thought she was about to retort again. Good thing she never did. I had prepared a speech for her telling her that she acted like a street vendor and I don't fight with street vendors who just had their first chance to sit in a van.

Goodness. Some commuters ought to remember that if they are willing to kill for a seat, not all people are like them. I for an example won’t waste my time and my pride arguing for a well-used seat. Give me a golden seat worth a million and probably I will change my mind.

confessions of an ugly stepsister... the beginning.

2011-09-12T23:48:00.000-07:00

When we grow up, we learn

that it’s far more common for human beings to turn into rats

I think I have mentioned once that I choose contemporary books for light reading along side a very boring one. This way I can read two stories at the same time, finish one eventually if the other proves to be one for a person who doesn't do anything but read in his life. That is what I am doing right now. It has been a month since I have written that heart-wrenching thing about Hawthorne's novel. Until now I haven't finished the book. I have moved a couple of chapters though but I am still a loooooooooong way from finishing it. In fact, I am not even half-way through it.

What I am about to finish is the other novel, Magguire's Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister. I have only started reading days ago when epiphany has dawned to me that it is stupid to bring a novel no matter how thick it is if I am not to read it. I have left The House of the Seven Gables at home and downloaded an ebook from my netbook and read the copy through my phone. This makes everything lighter and easier since I often look at my cellphone anyway.

As of the moment, the book hasn't gone below my expectations. In fact, it continues to amuse me with its charming descriptions and unpredictable story-line. Okay, that is waaay exaggerated. Since the novel is a "fanfiction" of a famous fairy tale "Cinderella," I already have a clue of what is going to happen. However, the creativity of the writer sifts pieces of ideas together and forms a plot that stands on its own--I am thinking of appropriately making a book review about it.

My goal is to finish it within two days. I still have to squeeze reading in my busy schedule. In school, I have my classes. At home, I mind the grades, papers to check, and my unfinished cross stitch. Besides, I also spend good time with my boyfriend or friends. How do I read? I only maximize the benefits of traffic by reading my ebook while aboard the cab.

I am not expecting a happy ending from the book. I only want to be satisfied with it and find myself having a happy ending by finishing it.

Unlocking "The House of Seven Gables"

2011-08-28T11:42:00.000-07:00

As an English teacher, I am aware that I have to update myself with new vocabulary, sentence structures and writing styles which any reading material can cater. I have to be not only a page away from my students but if possible, a library away . So here I am, trying to catch up on my reading and Nathaniel Hawthorne doesn't make it any easier.

Yes, Hawthorne is such a pain. I was half-way through his Scarlet Letter last summer but I threw the book away from my sight after being stuck in a chapter for three weeks. Usually, three weeks is enough for me to finish three to four novels considering that I have a full time job and most importantly I have a life to live apart from reading. However, there I was, flanked by Hawthorne's descriptive paragraphs for three boring weeks that I finally came to a conclusion that I was not ready yet for Scarlet Letter.

Being a very stubborn woman, and a competitive one if I may say (I do love competing against myself by the way) I have given myself another attempt to finish one classic, and yes, it's Hawthorne's. It is the renowned The House of Seven Gables. Yup it's a classic and yes, it's pretty boring with all those 5-word adjectives per noun and right you are that I am out of my mind trying to finish this book. What can I do? The book seems to be innocent, easy to read as it appears so thin. It is even thinner than Tolkien's Fellowship of the Ring, which I have read three times without cheating myself, yet I find myself drowned in the author's pool of words. I think I will still be able to finish another novel side by side reading this boring one.

What should I do then, given this hurdle? I will try my best until the author and his work have sapped all of the energy and motivation from me. I will then give my humble opinion and my unbiased judgment after finishing the book. I will never surrender without a fight. After all, this is not the first boring book I have ever read, or tried to.

cheater

2011-08-28T11:32:00.000-07:00

I believe that beautiful girls don't cheat. It takes craning of the neck, widening of eyes and dislocating a vertebrae to cheat and these three don't contribute in making a girl beautiful. Habitual doing of one thing makes it permanent or if not, almost close to it. If a girl has started cheating since first grade, it is almost impossible for her to remove cheating from her system, therefore impossible to stop herself from craning her neck, widening her eyes, and abusing her spinal column to extend to the left, or right side. It will not be a wonder if she'll grow old disfigured. Pity.

pink?!

2011-08-09T02:57:00.000-07:00

That my nails needed polishing had not come across my mind until yesterday. I was walking along the winding isle of the Novaliches Bagumbong Market when I saw a stall selling nail polishes of out-of-this-world colors (in the Philippines, that is, since the colors are I think common in Korea). I then looked at my nails and I saw my left thumb nail begging to be polished as it still had the remnants of the last nail color which was silver that I had put on two months ago. Yup. I definitely had to buy a new color.

I bought the color that I thought was good for my skin tone and my current profession (I still am not sure how the college will take it once a teacher uses black nail polish so I restrain myself until I am sure enough that I am not putting a toe--or finger nails--out of the line). First look, it was peach-pink, just exactly what I was looking for because it was bright enough to be spunky yet not too loud to be distracting.

Upon applying it this morning I have realized that the color looks pretty in the bottle but it doesn't look that adorable on my nails. It looks like old-rose pink, not even a hint of peach that I have been looking for. It's cute, yep. That's it. I guess it is what to be expected from a cheap nail paint--yes, you've read that right, paint as it looks like a paint on my fingers and it smells like one too.

Conclusion? Since I have polished my nails again, I can't see the point of trying to remove the color anymore. I will just have to stick to it as long as it sticks to my finger tips. After that, I can buy another nail polish and have my vengeance. heheh.

endurance vs. patience

2011-08-08T02:43:00.000-07:00

Add caption

He's the cause of my emotional disturbance. Having a relationship with him is like riding a roller coaster every day. One day I feel neglected. The next day, he makes me feel special. One afternoon he makes me angry without knowing. The next day he assures that he's taking things seriously despite his facade. It can be irritating at times. But I am beginning to see that I've been blessed to feel so much emotion. That though everything is topsy-turvy, I am moving—heading toward a direction. And I am not alone.

he said im pretty in this one.

a personal favorite. it's our first sweet picture

playing. hahah

you'd think that he's the serious one...wrong. ehehhe

sheesh. goofy selves again

because we're just this happy together

wasaaaaaaaaaak!!!

I will not endure him. Endurance is something I have when I am forced to do things I don't like. So I won't endure. I'll be patient instead. I pray that goes for him too.

my chipmunk and I

2011-08-04T21:32:00.000-07:00

Some students don't know what they want. When you give them a lecture they don't listen. When you give them group activities, they say "again?" When you give them individual activities, they don't comply to your standards. Well guess what. My best way to teach them? Teach them how I like to be taught. At least I know what I want. Heheh.

WHAT STUDENTS SHOULD NOT DO IN GROUP REPORTS

2011-08-04T20:50:00.000-07:00

Forget the group's index card-students taking up CS and EOC under my supervision know that I put their group grades in their respective index cards. These cards are my sole basis for computation of group recitation. NO INDEX CARD NO GRADE
Make fools of themselves by not showing mastery of the assigned topics-What is the report for if students only read their visual materials or handouts?

Who would want to listen to a discussion that is purely lifted from a textbook? This is one of the sins students commit in class. They are obviously not prepared for the report. They try to mask it by downloading things from the net 1 hour before the presentation. And it's all sugar-coated laziness.

Use visual materials that are hastily made--Teachers don't usually ask students to report immediately. I, for one, give students time to prepare from 15 minutes to one month. I abhor it when students given ample time to prepare present pieces of bond paper with undecipherable handwriting, post them on the board and force their classmates to follow what they are reporting.
Use crumpled pieces of paper as guides for reporting--crumpled paper goes to the trash. I haven't found someone educated who likes keeping trash in his or her bag for eons of years. If ever I would meet someone like that I am sure I would not like him or her…just a random thought. Point is, students who use crumpled paper look like beggars to me, I am sorry for the harsh word, and they don't have a space in my classroom. Wake up everyone.

Teachers have three reasons for assigning group reports:

To ensure that students also study on their own--some students don't study unless teachers tell them
For variation of discussions--some students get bored when teachers always discuss. And they don't listen. That's a fact.
For students to PREPARE--which is easier: an impromptu graded recitation or prepared report where they can be assured of getting good grades if they do their jobs right?
For students to practice exuding confidence(from sir Gozun)--"Students won't stay in classrooms forever. After graduating they will be talking to different kinds of people and the best preparation that they can have is speaking in class," Mr Simon Gozun shares. Need I say more?

Whether students believe it or not, teachers don't make grades. We only calculate. How in the world will we calculate from nothing? Sorry, I won't make an effort going to a different dimension just to look for floating figures. Besides I don't have the passport to go to another galaxy. If students don't comply to my standards then I guess I will keep on getting angry…but of course I have to stop somewhere. Yup, I consider zero as my period. Peace.

battle gear on

2011-08-03T21:12:00.000-07:00

My CRIM1C students haven't failed in exceeding my expectations and I hope they would keep it up until the end of the semester. I'll be even happier if they'll maintain their good performance until they finish their course in WCC. Also, I hope by their example, they'll be able to inspire and motivate students, criminology students or not, to do well in class. Full steam ahead, crim1c.

Proud of my criminology1C Snipers.

so many questions

2011-07-14T19:30:00.000-07:00

What does he see

what do I see

Why can't he shave his goatee off

why can't I let it be

Why do I always wear my hair down

why does he make an issue out of it

Do we have large noses

are his eyes more beautiful than mine

will we be having a more serious photo than this

so many questions yet the answers are so few.

I am reminded of side-A's song and I guess it will keep playing in my head for quite some time. a little bit of "head over feet" or "collide" somewhere.

the clown

2011-07-11T04:29:00.000-07:00

Time is too short for us. Sometimes everything is clear. Sometimes it's a puzzle.
And just because I don't like being confused...
I am taking a break...
and start being a half-masked clown again. peace. hahah

so much for june

2011-07-01T05:06:00.000-07:00

add ons (they give my life a certain twist):

new workplace

new team

new family

new perspective

new relationship

2011-06-15T05:00:00.000-07:00

I've always loved to be in the spot light

but it feels good being at the background and getting a bird's eye view of things.

it makes me learn things in a ~~different~~ more mature perspective.

i think i've grown up all of a sudden.

caffffffffeeeeeeeeeeeiiiiiiinnnnnnnnnneeeeeeeeeee

2011-06-07T05:44:00.000-07:00

when will i get stuck at home and drink loads of these again...

I miss coffee...

hello work

2011-06-07T05:27:00.000-07:00

started working on the syllabus yesterday. was able to finish it today. am going to present/defend it tomorrow. will they accept or reject my first sylla-baby. hehe.

the kiddo

2011-06-07T05:03:00.000-07:00

funny. i have adopted another brother. this time a chinese kiddo. my family is growing. hehe.

funnier thing is spending time with this kid is almost the same as spending time with people of my age. tsk. Maturity is not just about age i know.

Phone blogging.

2011-06-05T03:07:00.001-07:00

.tryin out blogging with my phone.if this works then yahoo.ha3

anything japanese

2011-06-02T05:42:00.000-07:00

found this hankie while looking for joyce's bandana. isn't it cute...although i can' understand a thing, the pictures tell a lot. Chezuka, Yeobo, Atobe, can you translate it?

2011-06-02T03:16:00.000-07:00

venting out my stress on these poor pieces of paper, proving that i can tear things to shreds. you see this? this is what i am going to do to anybody who pisses me off.

reading harry potter...again

2011-05-30T05:08:00.000-07:00

I need to catch up on my reading for two reasons:

first i need to return the book to my friend.
second, i need to hone my reading skills for my pressing responsibility.

The academe has welcomed me back with open arms.

time to shuffle-Crazy

2011-05-26T06:43:00.000-07:00

The Rules:

1. Put your ITunes, Windows Media Player etc. on shuffle.

2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.

3. YOU MUST WRITE THAT SONG NAME DOWN NO MATTER HOW SILLY IT SOUNDS.

=====================

1. IF SOMEONE SAYS 'ARE YOU OKAY' YOU SAY?

-Until I fall in love again - david pomeranz (oh boy, this is weird)

2. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF?

-White Horse- taylor swift (eh?)

3. WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN A GUY/GIRL?

-Someday-nickleback (this is going nowhere)

4. HOW DO YOU FEEL TODAY?

-Topsy Turvy- from disney's hunchback of notredame (now that's saying something)

5. WHAT IS YOUR LIFE'S PURPOSE?

-Cry- mandy moore (what?!!)

6. WHAT'S YOUR MOTTO?

-I'll be- edwin mccain ( hehe...)

7. WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU?

-I hate you-2pm (haha...this is great)

8. WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU?

-So small -carrie underwood (er--right)

9. WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT VERY OFTEN?

-wo nan guo-5566 ( i was about to cheat myself and press the next button. ..this is crazy)

10. WHAT IS 2 + 2?

-Breathing-lifehouse (hmmm)

11. WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY?

-You're beautiful-jason blunt (ha!)

12. WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?

-Gather- ao to bin to kan (prince of tennis ost--yahoo...i'll be in tenimyu...haha)

13. WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LIKE?

-Stop and stare-one republic (hehe...this makes sense)

14. WHAT WILL YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING?

-Tearing up my heart-n'sync (what the...my wedding's going to be groovy.)

15. WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL?

-After the love has gone-earth wind and fire (this is amazing.)

16. WHAT IS YOUR HOBBY/lINTEREST?

-Rock with you-michael jackson (hang on ...i am still laughing

17. WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST FEAR?

-Only one day -SS501 (eh?)

18. WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SECRET?

-fall for you--second hand serenade (hmmm)

19. WHAT DO YOU WANT RIGHT NOW?

-I, Ng--shiraishi kuronosuke ( i should have set my playlist with all the english songs before i answered this)

20. WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS?

-Ikaw pa rin--Juana (this should have been my revenge for number 7 but crap)

21. WHAT WILL YOU POST THIS AS?

-crazy -simple plan....(yes this is)

baguio baguio baguio

2011-05-26T06:18:00.000-07:00

I should have posted something about Baguio days ago. However, no matter how much I thought about it, i could not find the words to describe how I felt when I got to Baguio with my work mates--sheesh, you'd think this is my first time.

It took me seven years before I could go to the Summer Capital and back when I was in high school, I did not have the luxury to enjoy as many places as I had last Saturday and Sunday.

Now I know, i only need sufficient money, friends tagging along, one itinerary maker, and 3 digital cameras--one of which is DSLR--and i can have fun. hehe

Next time ulit.

chezuka and i, waiting for the bus to move. hehe

janey and christine insist that i look good in this photo. hehe 1st out fit

2nd day outfit, cosplaying or pretending to be a soccer player. hehe

strawberries...need i say more. haha

greeting grandfather bangin a good morning. haha

trees of lothlorien...haha

it was raining in baguio the 2nd day we were there

liz (ms universe), janey(the bomboi. hehe), cherie (the itinerary maker), chezuka (inlove with Kabaji) and pearl (the girl with the knockout lines. hehe)...where's ara?

now there's ara. she's the girl in blue

felt like walking in japan, korea...or baguio...haha

flowers for my wedding. haha. told yah, i only need a groom.

the reason we went to baguio...haha.pasimuno

soon, i am going to be on top of the world. haha

stars on earth.

skype's down...again.

2011-05-26T05:37:00.000-07:00

26 may 2011

1945

it happened again.

the other day we had an electricity problem.

today, skype's down.

sheesh...

today's condition

trying to be happy

telling ghost stories to one another

what's this?

photogenic even in the dark

i honestly don't know if we're lucky or not.

random thoughts on friendship and wasted effort

2011-05-18T01:52:00.000-07:00

I get reprimanded for not giving any effort in friendship. I don't mind. In fact, sometimes I think I give too much. Then I stop.
For me, if friendship requires effort, then it's unfair. There will always be one who is going to give more. If people find it comforting to know that they have done their best in friendship even if it is already at the brink of destruction, I want to find myself in the safest zone.

Right.The fear of wasting my affection for people who don't give a single damn about me is too strong.

LOTR Tear Jerker Boromir-Aragorn Scene

2011-05-11T01:51:00.000-07:00

Aragorn: I do not know what strength is in my blood, but I swear to you I will
not let the White City fall, nor our people fail.
Boromir: Our people.
(Aragorn nods)
Boromir: Our people.
(Aragorn puts Boromir's sword in his hand, and puts Boromir's hand to his
chest)
Boromir: I would have followed you, my brother. My captain. My king.

I am not so sure why but this scene does make me cry. Probably the parallelism puts the nail to it. hehe.

busted: zagu's double espresso

2011-05-11T01:38:00.000-07:00

Zagu's Double Espresso doesn't taste like espresso at all. I expected it to be darker and more bitter than its cappucino version. It is more bitter than the latter in a considerable degree, yes. I know I should have not expected that much from such a cheap drink but still cheap things sometimes offer better quality than expensive once. For instance, I prefer Zagu's Natural Mango more than the mango shakes I have tasted in pizza restaurants.

2011-05-04T07:42:00.000-07:00

sunset from my--and my brothers'--room

“Do I easily get tired of people?” is one question I often ask nowadays. There are some instances in my life that I let go of people as soon as I meet them. I even cut ties from ‘friends’ I have been with for a long time. The answer has come to me sooner than I have expected and as usual, God has played tricks and He has sent it through the most unlikely person and thing. I don’t easily get tired of people. I only lose my interest in those who don’t offer much challenge because I can’t see myself growing with them.

I live in this Earth for a purpose worth of more than being stagnant water in some dirty canal. There is no room in my social bubble for those who can’t strive with me. If society can be symbolized by the ecosystem, I’d rather be the weed competing for sunlight than a blossom plagued with aphids. Flowers wither and die. Weeds—well, you can see them even in unexpected places.

2011-04-29T08:00:00.000-07:00

you need a lot of these letters to make a mat. but each letter functions on its own sweet way

just like this cotton candy...
one container, four different flavors

people need to learn that no matter how close they are to a person, that person's business is not theirs. Most of the time, it is insulting to give unsolicited advice or help. Not meddling with a someone's problem doesn't mean being inconsiderate of that someone's feelings. On the contrary, it's the best expression of telling him/her that he/she is smart and strong enough to handle his/her situation.

cosplay

2011-04-29T07:24:00.000-07:00

cheska-san and I never talked about the outfits that we would wear this friday. It was mere coincidence or let's charge it to our almost similar wave length that we had the same theme. Yup: Anime style.

It's not entirely cosplay since I did not have any anime character I could base my outfit on. Aside from that I want to just look the part without overdoing it. I haven't seen the day that i will wear a wig outside.

it's nice to deviate from my usual style from time to time. It breaks the ice around me. i want to catch people off guard and i can say i did it again.

one speed only

2011-04-27T01:52:00.000-07:00

Pascual Liner got it from me awhile ago. I gave the bus driver and the conductor a piece of my mind. It was my second time riding a bus from the same company and nothing changed: the bus was too slow. It was a déjà vu indeed. Speaking from the point of view of someone who rides the killer buses in Novaliches, this is definitely saying something. I felt that I should have taken a jeepney for all my money’s worth. Really. There was no difference. The bus kept on stopping at corners every two minutes or so—I was listening to my playlist as usual and I observed that a song did not finish without the bus stopping. Nothing would have ignited my anger, and I was even thinking that it was mere coincidence that the bus was Pascual Liner yet again, and I did not want to over generalize that company. What triggered my temper was the fact that more jeepneys passed us by. It was unnerving. At first, I only stomped my feet. The next time it happened, I already voiced my exasperation: Can’t this bus run any faster?

Not caring even if the other passengers gawked at me, I got off the bus. They could all stink in that bus for all I cared. All I had in mind was to get another bus that would run faster. Good thing I did.

Yup, I wasted my money but I got the sheer pleasure knowing that I had been right all along. That bus had one speed only. My second bus passed it along C-5.

I vow not to ride any bus from the same company. I don’t care even if they have different drivers, different buses and I doubt that they will notice that they miss one passenger from the thousands of people in my area. All I know is twice is enough.

unburied

2011-04-26T06:52:00.000-07:00

A picture does paint a thousand words that I can’t bear looking at your happy ones…they shout at me that whilst I drown myself in my insufferable bitterness, you are there contented and satisfied. I have already thrown your pictures away. However, I still have one left-the one where you are neither happy, nor sad…your ID picture. It’s the only picture of thousands of words that I can interpret in thousands of meanings.

back pain

2011-04-26T02:14:00.000-07:00

This morning I woke up with a terrible back ache and I kept on asking myself why for a full 3 minutes before I remembered. I had fallen down the stairs yesterday. It was not as tragic as “falling from stairs” sounds. I had slipped 3 steps, maybe. I am still asking myself why I neither felt anything yesterday, nor early this morning when I went home. I am feeling the full impact of the fall this afternoon. My bones keep on complaining in funny places.

2011-04-26T02:02:00.000-07:00

my Duo--one of the few people
I'll cancel my appointments just to see

People rarely move me. People can rarely make me do something I don’t really want. Perhaps I have been exposed to different behaviors and manners already—I can pass as a Psychologist already. It is understandable then for my point of view that I have a high respect for some who can trigger my lazy bones and turn them into an adrenaline rush.

2011-04-26T01:58:00.000-07:00

stinking bug...i hate it. I am itchy all over

There are things about me that I want to convey and let other people know. That is why I have a blog in the first place. There, whether it’s updated or not, I say what I think is good enough to be shared and I keep the rest to myself or to my well-chosen friend. Therefore, if I have something I keep from you, then that means you are not meant to know it. Neither have you the right to share it because how can you share something you are not entitled to. You are stealing something from me and the worse thing is I can’t imprison you for it. What’s the worst thing? The fact that you know me and yet you do this.

lines

2011-04-20T03:19:00.000-07:00

"I like today because I feel that I exist."- Girry (Lee Ji Young)

"Smart phones are reasonable because they are smart. " Kevin (Kim Kyung Wan, 12)

"I think first impression is important because many people believe in it." - Wizz (Jeong Young Ho)

--receiving such responses from my students, i felt a touch of heaven. hehe. This is one of the reasons that make language teaching interesting.

15042011 my top ear candies

2011-04-15T03:51:00.003-07:00

After months of hiatus, I am back.

1. Shining- Yuki Shirai
2. Departures- Aozu and Cap to Bin
3. Iroasenai ano sora e- Stones
4. Fly High, Sky High
5. Driving Myself- Hiro X
6. Can't Keep On Loving You- Eliot Yamin
7. Gather- Ao To Bin To Kan
8. Hands Up- Bigbang
9. I believe- Fantasia
10. Don't Go Home, Baby- Gdragon and Top

The list will make sense to those who are into anime particularly Prince of Tennis. There are some English songs here and there and well, my playlist won't be complete without Bigbang.

15042011 my top ear candies

2011-04-15T03:51:00.001-07:00

gotta catch 'em all

2011-04-15T03:43:00.000-07:00

At this very moment, I am not really sure what to think. All I have in mind is I have to post something for my blog because it has been ages since I have last posted something substantial.

Shall I tell you about Pokemon?

Right. That’s all I can think of anyway. It’s my brother’s fault. You see, he downloaded a GBA application which enables people to play Gameboy games using PCs. I thought it was about time that I got to play a different game since I already conquered Zuma several months ago and the swirling colorful balls don’t interest me anymore.

Together with the application are the games themselves and some of them are Pokemon games. I could not believe my eyes at first and before I knew it, I was hooked. I am playing Pokemon Fire Red version by the way. It is my second time playing it through my PC. My first game has been corrupted by my own stupid fingers (I have saved a new game to my old game, huhu…). I think I am spending at least one hour a day playing it, forsaking my blogs, my stories, my laundry, myself. Can you blame me? I have been in love with Pikachu for as long as I can remember.

Currently, I have already succeeded in the Pokemon League (for those who have played this, you know what I am saying). I am being too careful in saving the game otherwise the same file corruption will happen. Also, I am so careful in battling now, aiming for my Pocketmonsters to reach higher levels. To give you an idea, my Charmander (Eiji) is level 73, Zapdos(Syuusuke) is 53, Articuno(Masaharu) is 51, Pikachu (Fuji) 51, Gyarados (Yuuta) 43, and Gloom (Ibu) 41.And yes, you are reading it correctly. I have named them after Prince of Tennis characters.

The big problem is the version I have is not complete and it ends after the player has beaten Gary Oak. This is upsetting for me since I have been expecting more. Blame the reviews and guides I have seen in the internet.

I think I will try the other versions even if I am not familiar with the new generation of Pokemons (how can Japan produce so many?).

That’s just it. You have wasted your time reading an incoherent journal about Pokemons. Hehe.

2011-04-12T02:00:00.001-07:00

I have had enough of being threatened. I think it’s high time that criminals realize that we are more powerful than they are. Not because they hold knives and guns that it means we have to endure their threats. How many people are there in a bus or in a jeepney against 2-5 people who have flimsy weapons? We SHOULD NOT be afraid of them. THEY should be afraid of us. These people should not feel that they are strong. They should be ashamed of themselves until they decide to just erase themselves from the face of the earth.

Or else…

Go Charizard, I choose you! Fire blast!!!

I am probably the last person you will think of when you hear the word stuffed toys. Or fluffy pillows.

2011-03-14T05:48:00.000-07:00

I am probably the last person you will think of when you hear the word stuffed toys. Or fluffy pillows. Or cute teddy bears. Right?

But that is wrong.

How could you be so mean! I actually like them.

Whether you believe it or not.

The reason that I don’t seem to like them is I did not have any when I was young. My father has this strange philosophy that children can’t handle toys well and that “toys” should be given to kids when they already have the “mind” to handle them with care.

He therefore decided to give me one when I was already teaching in Chiang Kai Shek. I was really pleased. It was a lazy dog.

After that, the others came.

from my student in caloocan science

from Eugene Lester Lin of CKSC

from my III-7 students

from Kristie, Mariel, and Joemar, my friends from VCF

from my youngest brother, xerd

from my lovely III-4 students

from ryan kyle sia, III-6

from Maria Cecilia Villafuerte

I still have a Spongebob hand warmer(from III-6) and Pikachu (from DUO) but both are dirty and as of the moment, not presentable.

I wish to have one of these though.

it's Haina's teddy bear...

Yup, a giant teddy bear that I can hug when I sleep. I don’t want to believe that I should have a boyfriend first before I get one. If you are reading this, you know what I want for Christmas. But if you are quite generous, well, one for my birthday won’t hurt. Haha…

bookmarks

2011-03-14T05:23:00.000-07:00

Back when I was in college, I was sooooo stingy—an excuse for being poor actually—and I could not have the heart to discard things even they seemed useless. The result is the accumulated “bookmarks” in my closet.

While I was arranging my things in my drawers, I found this bookmark I made when I was still in the University.

You got that right. I made that from the boards of stockings. Hehe.

This silhouette bookmark was given to me by Lyra dela Cruz, a former classmate in the University. Written near the edges is the lyrics of Sponge Cola’s Gemini.

Another one is this train ticket I got from purchasing a second hand book. It is not an ordinary train ticket. It is, or it used to be, subway ticket to London.

As of the moment, I don’t see how I can use them since most of my books are in boxes and I only read one book at a time now since I don’t have any requirement. They’ll see their tomorrow soon though. Come this June and my beloved books and their bookmarks will see what studying with Jahzeel Dionne V. Ybasco is.

funky wristwatches

2011-03-14T05:08:00.000-07:00

I don’t have the leisure of money to spend on real “good” wristwatches. Yep, those wristwatches that cost so much but cannot even look decent.

Blimey…that’s just an excuse for not being able to have any.

Nevertheless, I don’t envy people who have those expensive time keepers. I get to enjoy my time and my money for these:

You see, I may not show my friends the finest watches on earth but I sure enjoy looking at my wristwatches.

bigbang

2011-03-14T04:49:00.000-07:00

Friends and acquaintances often tell me that my favorite music is rock.

Funny that they tell me about it and not wait for confirmation. Not that I mind. In fact, I find it awesome that they are concerned about what I listen to.

They are not totally wrong though. I like it. But I don’t stick with it. I am quite promiscuous in music. It all depends on my mood—but most of the time it’s the other way around: music dictates my mood. Rather than feel empty for a long time, I go to music that will give me more life. Since love songs will end up making me cheesy, and dance songs make me hyper, then the next best thing is alternative music. However, nothing beats official soundtracks of animations and films as they have better substance and quality.

From time to time, I deviate from my usual themes though. I look for new songs and experiment to figure out if they are good ear candies or plain crap.

Through that experiment, I found Bigbang. It is a Korean group composed of 5 members. I have been fond of them since 2008. From then on, I keep track of the group’s activities. They occupy a good number of slots in my playlist. Sometimes they sing rock or ballad. They have sung an OST too. Most of the time they play hiphop. What makes them a good band for me is they keep on exceeding my expectations.

One good clue of how much I like them is: the first time that I bought a CD and not waited for the songs to be converted to MP3 and be available on line was when I bought Bigbang’s Japanese album.

Now that I am saying this to the whole nation, probably nobody will tell me that my favorite music is rock. Otherwise, I will give that person a big bang.

nihonggo notes and osaka pen

2011-03-14T03:59:00.000-07:00

While cleaning up, I saw some of my old notes including the one I used for my nihonggo self-study years ago, and a pen from Osaka University.

Going back to the Japanese study?

Nope, just getting back to anime addiction.

Aside from that, who needs self study when she has a friend who will soon translate the animations they watch together.

Hehe, gambatte Maiden-sama/ yeobo/ Eejeong/ Ryoma…

…Is it gaMbatte or gaNbatte?

HOW YOU CAN MESS UP A MEETING

2011-03-11T05:27:00.000-08:00

1. say the same thing over and over again
2. ask questions and don’t listen to answers
3. point out non-existent mistakes because you think they are there
4. compare workers right at their faces
5. teach employees or co-workers what they already know
6. shut up when you are expected to speak
7. agree to whatever is being said
8. ask for suggestions but not give any
9. act as if you know what to do
10. have a meeting without coming up with any agenda

As any of my lists, this can go as long as eternity permits it. Anybody who experiences the same thing, raise your hand and say “Aye!”

decisions: result

2011-03-09T02:34:00.000-08:00

I wrote about my life changing decision here. It has been a year. I am still sitting in the same place, using the same computer. Nothing has changed except maybe for my haircut…and well, my clothes. However, mentally and socially, I think I have grown.

I have learned a different language. I can read and write Hangul now, can understand Korean dramas and correct some hastily made subs. In return, I have acquired a good amount of different culture and included it my daily life.

I have learned to criticize pieces of literature and art (mada mada dane: I still need to study though). I have read a good number of books, blogs, mangas, and yes, fanfictions. All these contribute to more writing styles for my part. I have learned to write more important things (yes, fanfiction IS important) than plain rants in my blog.

I have learned to criticize people under their very noses and get away unscathed. However, I also know now how to deal with different people.

I have learned how to be a better hypocrite. When before, I used to just be silent when I did not like something or somebody, right now, I can smile without giving any clue to what I really feel. How do I know this? Because people still keep coming, even if I don’t like some of them to. I have learned to adjust to what part of me they want to see, what reactions they want from me. I feel honored whenever my real friends point this out to me. At least, I still have that part of me that is human.

As I continue having a mask on, I have learned to be genuine. I have learned to show how happy, angry, and sad I am to people I choose. I speak openly when I am depressed. I clown around when I am happy. I destroy things, or mutter curses in the dark when I am angry.

I have learned to make, value, and keep not good, but great friends.

I have maintained a harmonious relationship with my family despite the randomness of my decisions.

You see, I have grown so much. I can’t say I regret making that decision a year ago. Far from it.

I am not disappointed… But I am also not satisfied…Those conditions are part of my standards of living after all.

For the meantime, I can say I am happy… I know however, that I can be happier.

This is the time that I know that I will make another decision.

pasta and pizza...wah hungry hungry hungry

2011-02-22T06:23:00.000-08:00

Kim Ja Bee had this when she met her friend last Sunday...mouthwatering pasta, worth it to challenge those fats...nyahahaha