Why condone Manny Pacquiao's actions just because he is a "man?"

I know that it is a free country...freedom of speech, right to have your own opinion, etc. WHATEVER.

The Manny Pacquiao-Krista Ranillo story is the biggest news these days, following closely after the Pacquiao-Cotto fight earlier this week. Many are outraged, some don't really care, while others aren't surprised at all. There are SEVERAL opinions being said about this issue, and I'm sure that YOU, my dear reader, have some sort of reaction to all of this hullabaloo.

It's hard not to come across ANY kind of information regarding the Manny-Krista-Jinky love triangle, especially when you're perpetually connected to the internet. True or not, this is the hottest news around. Just this evening, I came across a blog which had several articles about Pacman. It sparked a sort-of "controversy" within the blogging community, and the article garnered a lot of hate mail / comments, from his statement below:

"Until something materializes, as he said in his Cotto post-fight interview, he plans on taking a break, getting some rest, and having some fun. I guess I would assume that this would involve time with his family and also time with his reportedly new flame--Krista Ranillo. To me, I can empathize with Manny regarding this issue, and I think that as long as he takes care of his responsibilities then he should not be restricted of his liberties. I find the situation quite natural and the instinct innate in the human male. I believe that it gives Manny added inspiration, motivation, and/or pleasure in his life, which is something that we all need in life to keep going. Thus, I feel that the media should just let it be. (http://coconuter.blogspot.com/2009/11/manny-pacquiao-on-fire.html)"

Other bloggers slammed his statement, saying that he was a chauvinistic pig for condoning immoral acts of infidelity/adultery. Seeing that his readers are mostly Filipino - and presumably Christian - it is no surprise that he received so much hate for actually supporting this kind of behavior from a married man. You would think that he would stop there: either apologize or just shut the hell up. But he just posts this follow-up blog entry in which he tries to justify his words by calling his haters ELITISTS and CONQUISTADORS: (http://coconuter.blogspot.com/2009/11/anomalous.html) In this blog entry, he goes on a round-about explanation of how Manny's actions are justified because it is a "natural instinct:"

"I merely pointed out in my statements that such feelings or tendencies is natural and ever-present amongst animals (especially mammalian species). And, of course, it is a fact that humans are mammals (animals) themselves. And since I feel that it is a natural instinct, then I do not think any external agency should restrict this liberty."

One comment pointed out that we cannot completely compare ourselves to the behavior of animals because we have something (supposedly) that they don't: common sense and rational thinking. If we keep on justifying our actions by saying that "Hey, this is natural instinct, this is the way of nature," what kind of society do we expect to live in?

This boils down to morals: what is our definition of morality? Isn't it dictated by social standards? By our social standards (Philippine-Christian setting), adultery is morally wrong, unlawful even. Of course, there are certain cultures which practice polygamy, but we cannot compare our values to their practices because we have different culture bases.

I am all for freedom of speech. I know that each of us have our own opinion on any particular issue (I, myself, am practicing my right to voice out my opinion right now). This blogger (coconuter) has gained a lot of followers/haters because of his opinion. Is it hypocritical to criticize him for expressing what he feels?

Am I wrong to say that he makes absolutely no sense, and he just shows desperation in his pseudo-intellectual arguments of natural instinct, which then segues to accusing his haters as elitist and conquistadors (huh, where did that come from?)? He even has the gall to compare his situation to that of great men such as Socrates and Jose Rizal! Am I wrong to say that he is a chauvinist pig ("Hell yeah, infidelity is natural to men, so we should all practice it, and it'll be ok"), and that I feel sorry for whoever has the misfortune of marrying him someday ("Honey, I will be following my natural instinct and go f*ck every woman I am attracted to.") Am I wrong to feel enraged (especially as a woman) that there are actual men like him who exist in this society?

My opinion may not make sense to you, it may be laden with emotion or irrationality, even. I am just appalled by the realization that many people in our society still have warped moralities such as coconuter's. I thought we were an advanced generation? Aren't we supposed to improve over the years? Or has time corrupted our perception of what is right and wrong?

Oh well. I might be getting riled up for nothing. This just my opinion. What's yours?

LATE!!!

Crap. This is the 2nd frickin' time I've woken up at 7 a.m. this week! 2 consecutive days of waking up at 7 a.m. - the same exact time I should have been at work!!!!! Potah talaga!!!!

I don't know WHY I never seem to hear my alarm clockS. Yes. Plural. I have my iHome alarm clock which gives off this annoying series of high-pitched beeps. And then I have my celphone, which has a really weird alarm clock sound (an unearthly melody...hmm...I should change it soon). Well, the point is, regardless of what kind of sound is emitted by these devices, I DON'T HEAR THEM!!!! I don't f*ckin' remember hearing them AT ALL!!! I wake up at EXACTLY 7a.m. (in the worst way possible: my heart thumping like rabbits on uppers), I see the sun streaming through my bedroom window, and I get this sinking feeling in my stomach, telling me that f*ck, I'm screwed.

The worst thing about today was that it was my dad who woke me up. My dad, who is the CEO of the company I work for. I know he's pretty pissed, because I got home really late last night, and he's probably going to use this as leverage to never let me out of the house ever again. Not a very good prospect since I am planning to go out tomorrow night, and I was gearing up to ask for permission to go to Galera at the end of the month. GREAT. GOOD LUCK TO ME.

Shit talaga. I can't believe I'm absent again. I've had 3 absences in February-March (including today), 2 half-days, and I super-lates (super late being 9 a.m.). I am such a bad example to my employees, I can't believe it. :( The thing is, I have always been early to work. I get there a little before 7 a.m., and I have this *reputation* for being an early bird. But recently. I've been arriving only a few minutes before 7:15 (7:15 is the grace period). I try as much as possible to not be late, since it's very bad if it shows on your record (they post the daily absences and tardiness near the entrance). I hate being late because I don't like showing my staff that I'm a delinquent. I hate being absent because I don't want to set a bad example, and also because there is so much work to do!!! ARGH!!!! I can't beliiiiiiieeeeeeeeeve thiiiiiiiiiiiisssssssss!!!

The annoying thing about today is that I also woke up at 7 a.m. YESTERDAY. I had to rush to work, give some flimsy excuse (in fairness, I told my boss the truth, that I woke up late because I haven't had sleep in 2 days), and I got to work at 9 a.m. Very embarrassing. I slept last night (early morning) thinking that I would be early TODAY and forevermore. Haha. And I still woke up at frickin' 7!!! Instead of giving another flimsy excuse for being late, I just decided to stay home and give a flimsy excuse for not reporting to work. This is sooooo embarrassing. I will be model employee for the next hundred years. :(

I wish Ate Ann comes back (she's our maid). She took a leave for a month, and ever since, I've been waking up late everyday. Hahaha. She usually knows that something is wrong when it's 6:05 a.m. and I'm still in bed. Dagnabit. I blame the new maid. I blame my useless alarm clock. I blame myself for blaming everyone/everything else. I'm f*ckin' 27 years old, I should be able to wake up on time, by myself. *sigh*

That's it. I'm just ranting. If I wake up at 7 a.m. again tomorrow, I am going to slap myself.

It Never Ends!!!

I was able to lessen this mountain of paperwork in 2 days...

But in a matter of HOURS, another pile was created...

Everytime I accomplish something, a new problem / assignment / obstacle sprouts out from nowhere to replace it!!!

I.AM.GOING.CRAZYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!

I am swamped with work. The list of drawings to produce / check / transmit is never-ending!!!

School is making me gaga. Why the hell did I take 3 subjects this semester? WHY???

My weeks are too short. I need more sleep. I am eating too much tapsi/hotsilog, and I am using depression/stress as an excuse!!!

Every time an obstacle looms ahead (homework due tomorrow; meeting later), I fervently pray for it to pass quickly. A few minutes after it has passed (hurrah!), I feel as if I can breath normally again, and I have images in my mind of a happy happy joy joy life. But then reality sinks in (usually a few hours later...I think the stress gods want me to believe that I have achieved relaxation finally and then they drop the bomb when I least expect it).

I realize that there's another obstacle I have yet to overcome, and whatever it is, it's due ASAP. :((

Gad, I have so much to do, and so little time to do it!!! WHY THE HELL AM I WASTING MY TIME BLOGGING?

Onward!!!

Early!

I left for work 10 minutes earlier than usual...
And I got to work 30 minutes earlier than usual.

Hurray! :)

So I get 10 more minutes free time to blog before work officially starts.

What to blog about...nuninoo...

It was so dark on my way to work today, that I had to use headlights! And so cold that I didn't have to use my air conditioning. Hehehe.

Well, that's it. Pretty useless, but that's all I can manage in 10 minutes. Bell has rung. Time to work! :)

(Note: Wheeee, I missed you, dear blog. Wheeee, I'm talking to you again. Hahaha!)

Lesley is...

...too damn busy to update her blog.

Bye! :)

I Hate Expectations

Check list for a fun night:

1. Really cute outfit (to change into after work)
2. Fully-charged camera battery
3. Empty CF card
4. Newly purchased Rico Blanco CD
5. Parents on vacation = no curfew!

Yes to all of the above!

But was I able to utilize them? NO.

Was I able to go somewhere? ANYWHERE? Yes. Straight HOME.

Hay nakoooo.

God, I hate expectations! They ruin everything!!!! >:(

Craving for Twilight

It’s been awhile since I felt the exhilaration of reading a really good book. If the book is part of a saga / series, there is also that added anticipation for the next book, and that’s what really gets me excited.

The book series that have gotten me addicted are the Harry Potter books and the Series of Unfortunate Events. The Shopaholic series has also gotten me smitten, and I am looking forward to the book after Shopaholic and Baby (Shopaholic takes over Kindergarden, perhaps? Hahaha, ang baduy ko. But I really hope Sophie Kinsella writes another edition!). Griffin and Sabine is also a set of books that I adore, although I am still lacking the last 2 books because Nick Bantock books are so damn expensive!!! :(

Another saga that has gotten me craving (no, salivating) for more is Twilight. It was an unexpected twist of fate, as I had really no intention of joining the Twilight hype. Everybody else was raving about it, but I really couldn’t see what the fuss was all about; another vampire story, big deal.

But one fateful long weekend (just this past Nov. 1 and 2) found me alone with a Twilight book, and I finished it in one day (cumulative number of hours. Haha). I couldn't put it down.

During my lunch break today, after fulfilling all of my bank errands, I briskly walked to National Book Store and bought myself the hardbound book box set (Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse and Breaking Dawn). I couldn't help but skip back to work, already imagining myself lying on my bed, my back propped up against my pillow, a bag of Ruffles by my side, while I devour every word of my new book purchase.



Ahhh. THIS is my natural high. :)

Your Universe

I love the new song by Rico Blanco. It's very sweet, and I'm a sucker for sweetness. :)

Listen to it, I'm sure you'll love it. :)

Your Universe
by Rico Blanco

Tell me something
When the rain falls on your face
How do you quickly replace it with
A golden summer smile?

Tell me something
When I'm feelin' tired and afraid
How do you know just what to say
To make everything alright?

I don't think that you even realize
The joy you make me feel when I'm inside
Your universe
You hold me like I'm the one who's precious
I hate to break it to you but it's just
The other way around
You can thank your stars all you want but
I'll always be the lucky one

Tell me something
When I'm 'bout to lose control
How do you patiently hold my hand
And gently calm me down?

Tell me something
When you sing and when you laugh
Why do I always photograph my heart
Flyin' way above the clouds?

I don't think that you even realize
The joy you make me feel when I'm inside
Your universe
You hold me like I'm the one who's precious
I hate to break it to you but it's just
The other way around
You can thank your stars all you want but
I'll always be the lucky one

My Ears Are A-Clapping. :))

Translation: pumapalakpak taenga ko. :))

I love it when I get good comments on my pictures:

delete reply trevor66 wrote today at 1:06 PM great shots! love it!

delete reply ahlexcidal wrote today at 1:12 PM asteeeeg! anu equipment mo?

edit delete reply dedmalang wrote today at 2:56 PM Canon 350D, with Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 Prime Lens. :) That's it. I don't have money for a flash yet. :))

delete reply revengeofkittie wrote today at 1:16 PM galliiingg!!!!!! :)

delete reply cyberkamote wrote today at 2:29 PM great exposures! saktong sakto yung lighting nung stage! pang magazine!

delete reply jervinn wrote today at 2:53 PM ang galing!

edit delete reply dedmalang wrote today at 3:10 PM thank you! :)

delete reply elricphoto wrote today at 3:26 PM nice ma'am eto sinasabi ko wala sa equipment nasa photographer eto... galing ma'am

delete reply aliverbeng wrote today at 3:30 PM nice

delete reply akugibran wrote today at 3:35 PM great photos bro. 50 1.8 right? flash sucks for concert photos, even if you bounce. it just destroy the colorful concert lights.

delete reply anamariz wrote today at 4:51 PM hi! :) great shots! I saw you na in person in Hale's gigs. I also LOVE that band. :) you rock! you took very professional shots..:)

delete reply countingcrow wrote today at 5:58 PM Nice images Les. Very well done! I remember when you first bought the 50mm. I knew you would put it to good use. I've noticed a marked improvement in your photos. No joke. Actually, i think you're ready for some actual event coverage. ;) Ano, type mo? No pressure, i'll bring you to one of my gigs, give you a backstage pass, you take photos. Game? :D

delete reply countingcrow wrote today at 6:02 PM Now THIS is a photograph!

* * * *

But I love it even more (and it means a whoooole lot more), when a great photographer (and also a good friend!) compliments me. In a special blog entry, nonetheless:

Ku's Blog Entry: Lesley Images

My very good friend Lesley Espiritu is awesome. She started photography around a year ago, with her 350D, kit lens, and 55-200mm zoom. She took photos of anything and everything. Until she came across event coverage.

For some reason (like a boy who shall not be named Sheldon), she came to love watching gigs of the band Hale. She was getting frustrated because she couldn't capture the images that she wanted with the gear that he had.

Enter the 50mm 1.8 prime lens. Cheap, fast glass. She started to gain momentum (having access to the stage and everything around it), and was soon covering Hale's gigs left and right. Over the course of a few months, her Multiply site slowly became an unofficial Hale webpage. But I digress.

I am really impressed by the quality of the images she is pumping out nowadays. Great exposure, timing, framing, composition. All this, plus the passion to get out there and click away. I envy her. I have my camera with me all the time, and i watch gigs a lot too. But for some reason, I feel i don't have the drive to click click click... She's out there, clicking.

So kudos to you, Lesley! Good job, and keep on clicking!

For more images from Les, go here - http://dedmalang.multiply.com

* * * *

Awwww, Kuuuuuuu!!! :') That is so sweet, I got teary-eyed while reading it. You know how much I crave for positive photography thoughts! Hahahaha. :')

I really hope that this is my niche. I have fun doing it. I love hearing people say how much I have improved (and I hope I improve some more!). There are people out there who are infinitely better, and I get inspiration from them all (hi Ku, idol kita!) I may not have the most impressive system, but I try my best with what I have. :"> (haha shit, parang acceptance speech!)

Check out Ku's site: http://countingcrow.multiply.com, yan talaga ang master photographer! :)

Boo. I lost it.

In an attempt to incorporate Blogger's new blog tools / features, I forgot to save a copy of my old blog template.

All of my links, my blogmates, my sidebar stuff...poof. Gone. Demmet. :(

Oh well. At least I have new sidewall tools.

Still.

Boooooo. :'(

High School Musical has never been hotter

Elle's new photo spread features High School Musical stars, Zac Efron, Vanessa Hudgens and Ashley Tisdale.

HOT.

There's no other word for it.

I love Zac and Vanessa as a couple. I am a Zanessa fan. Kinikilig ako sa kanila. Hahaha. :)

I can't wait for High School Musical 3. :D Wheee. Time to bring out the kid in me. :D

I Killed A Cat

I feel terrible.

I was out late last night, and I was already half-asleep as I was driving home (yeah, I know, it's dangerous. In my opinion, it feels more uncontrollable than drunk driving). I already made it into my village, and in my mind, I was already picturing myself asleep in bed.

The next time I opened my eyes (I think around 5 seconds of sleep?), I glimpsed a white adolescent cat (not a kitten, not a grown-up cat..."medium-sized," as I relayed to my sister) crossing the street. There was no more time to avoid it, and I felt a "crunch" under my tires.

I feel terrible.

I was too chicken to go back and see if it was still OK (but judging from the crunch, I highly doubt it). I immediately called Sheldon to tell him about what happened, and he tried to calm me down by telling me that I shouldn't dwell on it anymore, and that it was not my fault.

But it was. I should have been more...awake. :(

Wah. I need a hug. :(

I still feel terrible. :( I cried when I got home (sabi nga ni Mama, ang OA ko daw, pusa lang naman daw yun). I cried myself to sleep, thinking how awful it feels to be responsible for taking away a life (yeah, so medyo OA nga ako, so what?).

A few years back, I witnessed a kitten being run over by an FX. It was so small that it spun around with the wheel a few times before it fell to the ground. I was traumatized for days. When I see roadkill on the streets, I get so angry that I wish karma on the driver. And now that I have blood on my hands (cat blood), I feel as if I'm a hypocrite, and that my karma is on it's way soon. :'(

I really hope that I didn't kill it. Maybe I just bumped it aside, or ran over its tail (I didn't hear it screech/wail, though). Or maybe it wasn't really a cat...just a huge, white rat. Wah, I'm desperate for a positive thought. :(

I can't handle this, I can't believe I killed something. :( To the cat, wherever you are: I'm sorry. I really really feel bad. I know that that thought doesn't help at all (especially since you might be already dead. And also since you're a cat, and you don't understand English), but I just want to throw it out to the universe. There. Sorry. :(

Absurd thought for the day

I am buried in paperwork (blue print paper kind of work), and as I sat in my 700mm x 700mm personal bubble (yes, it is that small, I am not exaggerating), I had this sudden absurd thought: what if I had magic powers like Harry Potter? I could just summon the missing blueprints into my hands with one "Accio Drawing S-ORT2-509!"

[poignant pause]

But given that there are thousands of blueprints lying around the office, I could probably end up literally buried in more paperwork.

Hehe.

Told you it was an absurd thought. :D

What is dedma?

I have been using this domain name for years. Since college (I won't say how many years ago that was...just trust me that it was a long time ago. Haha). I have used this as my mantra ever since my good, good friend Kayan (my tree-mate!) gave me this piece of advice during one of our CR crying sessions. "Dedma lang!" I forget the context of our conversation (I think it's safe to say that it was about love...or the lack thereof), but the gist was that I shouldn't get too affected by it, hence the usage of the term "dedma."

But what exactly is dedma?

I stumbled across this very useful site, wherein they got an excerpt from Jessica Zafra's Twisted. Dedma 101:

The etymology: Dedma is the attenuated form of the English words dead malice. Dead malice, in turn, is the literal translation of the Tagalog expression, patay malisya. It is conjugated thus: dedma, dinedma, dededmahin.

Huh. I never knew that! Hehehe. We learn something new everyday! :)

To break it down more specifically, there are 3 definitions of "dedma:"

1. To completely ignore/feign ignorance of the existence/presence of someone/something.
   
2. To snub, reject, or toss in the trash.
   
3. To pretend deafness or blindness in order to escape a sticky situation.
   

I have been trying to apply definitions 1 and 3 in my life. I am just too affected by everything around me; I'm an emotional sponge; I'm too empathic for my own good...if that doesn't emotionally drain you, then I don't know what will.

I have been struggling with this topic for years now (as proven by my "Good Guys Finish Last" entry, written 4 years ago. Haha), and I still don't know whether I have achieved my goal to be a dedma person. Some say that, yes, I am dedma (Hello Diane, ikaw to), but some say that, no, I'm still too affected/emotional/totally-the-opposite-of-dedma.

I now realize that the ultimate goal isn't to be dedma all the time...I just wanted (emphasis on the past tense) to not be affected all the time; to only care for what really matters; to not throw a hissy fit every time something doesn't go according to what I expected; to use my energy towards happiness and not towards worrying about things that don't worry about me back. :)

If that's the case, then I think my mission has been accomplished. At least, I think I have greatly improved. :) Or maybe I'm just too damn happy to have anything to be dedma about. :)

Yeah, maybe that's it. :)

First Day High

As the previous entry suggests, I started working for a new office just last Monday (the first Monday of June). Of course, like every new adventure, my first day has to have a story. Not necessarily an interesting one, but one that I would like to tell. :) 

This is going to be a really long account of my day, so if you have a short attention span, I suggest that you leave now. Haha. 

* * * *

Ok. So, Monday.

I woke up at 4:50 a.m., so that I could have enough time to prepare for my first day of work. Problem was, I really didn't know how to prepare. What the hell does one wear to a construction site? My dad said to wear "smart casual," but that could mean many things. Rugged office attire? Smart but rugged? Rugged but smart? I gave up trying to think and settled on jeans, a sleeveless button-down polo (pin-stripes pa, to give that office-y feel), and my most "rugged" shoes that are not sneakers: closed black sandals with kitten heels (my shoes are either chucks, strappy sandals, or peep-toe stiletto heels eh). Astig diba. Kitten heels to a construction site. My feet are doomed.

At 5:20 a.m., I was done with my shower, and my wet hair was soaking through my crisp, pin-striped polo. I sit down for a breakfast of Frosted Flakes and cold low-fat milk. I feed the dog. I grab my stuff (my bag, 2 pieces of tuna pandesal, a water bottle, and my planner), kiss my parents goodbye, and I head towards my car...which was, I realized as I drew nearer, the dirtiest thing in the world. Wooh, great. I had to drive around Metro Manila in a car covered in plant spores (If you do not live under the canopy of 6 eucalyptus trees, you wouldn't understand).

Anyway, I left promptly at 5:45 a.m. (because I had to be at work at 7:00 a.m. Tuh). Wow, I get to listen to the beginning of the Morning Rush! Hurrah! :) I get to EDSA-Guadalupe at 6:10 a.m. (wow, aga, mali time estimate ko. Haha!), and I drive into the site office lot at 6:15 a.m. I parked, put on a little make-up (can't afford to look sloppy on my 1st day), and waited. I got to listen to the first batch of the Morning Rush top 10 ("Top 10 Grammatical Errors that give you a headache." Ahluvit), and then I got out of the car.

The guard made me wait outside, because the person I was looking for (my supervisor, an architect-nun. Haha) wasn't in yet (it was only 6:30 a.m. Duh). A few minutes later, a 40-ish looking guy told me to wait inside. So like a very trusting puppy, I followed him inside the office, and there were only a handful of people in there. Tuh. Everyone's late? It was already 7 a.m. by that time.  I started doodling on my planner for 30 minutes before a guy came in and told me I was waiting in the wrong office. The office I was supposed to report to was next door. Ohmygod, I was late. I woke up early, I got to the site early, and I WAS LATE. How annoying is that?!?! Or how stupid. Hahahaha. *sigh*

So I went in. My supervisor was on sick leave, so someone else had to brief me about my work responsibilities. Ok naman. It's a lot different from what I was used to, but I can handle it (I think). I spent the morning just reviewing the floor plans and the project description of the buildings we were constructing. Then someone toured me around (the tour lasted around 5 minutes. The office was that small), and introduced me to some of the people there. I have office mates with names like Charisma, Melchor, Modesto, and Fundador (that's a winner). Hehehe. Ok ba? 

During lunch time, I ate one pandesal and then, being anti-social me (and because no one was around anyway...they were either eating in the pantry, or sleeping in their seats), I walked to the nearby (very nearby) mall to do some window shopping. Ang saya. Ang lapit ko sa mall. The perks. :)) The downside? Having no money, in a mall full of really expensive designer brands. Torture. Kulang nalang talaga eh umiyak ako sa loob ng Zara. Those long, summery, flower-print dresses!!! I need them!!!

*sigh* 

After lunch, there was a staff meeting...and it lasted for 4 frickin' hours. After the meeting, uwian na! Yahoo. So I went to the mall again. :)) My credit card is going to bite me back some day...(in approximately 1 month, when the bill comes).

* * * *

So yun. I guess that wasn't really a complete account of my day. Tinatamad lang ako to recall every single detail. Basta yan na yung gist. :D I think I'm going to like this new job. It's very technical (very construction-y, obviously), but I think I can do it. My body still has to adjust to the new hours (7 a.m. naman kasi!!! Waaaahhh), and to the new environment (I have to learn to use the site office restroom, rather than walk all the way to the mall to use their really nice, tissue-equipped restroom...maarte ako sa banyo, sorry. Pero kawawa bladder ko, since I can only go to the mall during lunch time. Hahaha!). 

But this is bound to be a very interesting ride. :) Hurrah, I'm excited. Bring it on!

Next time nalang

It's Friday night, and I'm about to go to bed.

Why?

Because I have work tomorrow.

Not overtime, mind you.

My work is from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. (but people don't really leave till 6 p.m.), Mondays through Saturdays.

Nice.

I have a loooong, detailed account of my first day at work. Watch out for it. :))

For now, I want to sleep.

(or maybe check my mail...Hehe)

Ode to Blog

Dear Blog,

I promise to resurrect you soon.

I'm sorry I've been neglecting you for so long.

I have given in to the lure of multi-function websites like Multiply and Facebook.

But I truly miss being able to write.

I think I've concentrated too much on my ability to see.

It's really ironic, because I haven't had any work for a whole month, yet I can't find time to sit down and write about my day(s).

Oh well.

I'm sure you understand.

I'm sure you won't mind that I'm writing this useless entry, and that I'm speaking to you as if you were a real person.

It's 5:00 a.m. 

I haven't had any sleep. 

Pardon me if I sound delirious.

:))

Ooookay. Time to sleep.

Love,

Les

P.S. I will post a decent entry when I'm well-nourished, well-rested, and sane.

Boo, this blog is dead. :(

Boo, this blog is dead. :(

Haven't posted an entry for sooooo looooong. It's all Multiply's fault. Hahaha. At least that is constantly updated. Sorry Blogger, I have abandoned you.

Oh well.

Have nothing to write about anyway.

Except that, oh yeah, I already left my post at the office (resigned/indefinite leave), and I am now a bum for a month! Yeehaa. Hooray for May!

Come June, though, I'll be starting work again. For my dad. Hahaha. :P

And then, this July...school! Yay, buhay estudyante ulit!!!

I want to blog! I want to dust out my writing skills and write a decent entry!

But I can't, cause I have a meeting in a couple of hours. Hahaha. (Bum nga, may meeting naman. Extra moolah! Whee)

Later nalang. Or tomorrow. Or next week. :)

Financial Distress

This morning, I've been adding up all of my credit card bills (which will all be due some time within 1-3 weeks), and I've realized something... Ok, I've realized a lot of things:

• I cannot spend any more money until mid-April. SERIOUSLY.
• I should lock up my credit cards until I pay off all of my bills.
• I cannot afford to watch the Mandy Moore concert on Wednesday (sorry seastarr...maybe we can just hang out outside and listen. Hehe)
• I cannot afford to buy the Canon Speedlite 580EX II I told my mom to bring home for me from the States. *boohoo* :((
• Ever since I bought Zac, I have not saved ANY money. Not in my time deposit. Not in my mutual funds. Not in my savings bank. NADA.
• The money I get every 15-30 goes right out of my pocket again, to pay for my bills.
• Major expenses for this year: Clothes + birthday blow-out (I dieeeee) + concerts!
• ...which means that: I should stop buying new clothes (how???) + I should not spend too much on food (HOW???) + I should pray for a financial miracle (because how can I surpass Toto? DMB? Justin Timberlake?!?! HOW???!!!)

Agh. This is impossible. My credit cards are magic, and I love them, but they will also be the death of me. :(

I can already hear my mom's voice in my head, saying: "Do not live beyond your means." BLAH. I hate it when she's right. Hehe.

I really should (re)start saving up. I'm already 26, and I'm way below my target. *sigh* :(

So I guess this means that for this year:

• No more out-of-town trips.
• No out-of-the-country trips (goodbye Hong Kong. Boooo).
• No more buying of camera accessories (waaaaah!)
• I should stop buying stuff at Bayo, People Are People, Plains & Prints, and Shoe Salon.
• I shouldn't be lazy to go to Greenhills to shop for my stuff there.
• No more Cold Rock ice cream. :(
• No more Tea Lattes at Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf.
• I shouldn't bring my car to the office anymore, even on Fridays (the parking fees are killing me).
• No more buying of snacks at 7-11 during break time (good for my diet, too).
• No more blow-outs! Kahit sa office despedida ko, WALA!!! (sorry officemates).
• No more kakikayan at the parlor/spa. Hello do-it-yourself manicures/pedicures, wax, etc. Shet. :(
• I should cut-back on lunch/dinners-out.

BOO.

HOO.

:'(

Corporate Vanity

Bah. Monday again. Back to work. :(

My happy thought for the day...I like the clothes I'm wearing. Hahaha. Sorry for sounding vain, but looking good can really make you feel good. :) It's a Cosmo-girl fact. :))

Just to give you an idea...I'm wearing a chocolate brown, button-down, safari-style, hip-length blouse (I don't know what the technical term for this piece of clothing is. Fashion editor, I am not), with black, slim-cut slacks; tan, faux snake-skin peep-toe stilettos from Janilyn; pearl necklace (dammit, I forgot the matching earrings. Haha), and my black leather watch (which goes with pretty much everything).

I look pretty good, I think, given that I just got the first thing I saw in my closet (this top, which I haven't worn in ages). It's a good thing, too, since I just remembered that I have an internal design review meeting with the big boss later today (Ugh. I have to prep).

I haven't looked this "corporate" in a long time. I usually just wear a simple blouse with my slacks, since I cover it up with a sweater once I'm here at work (I freeze in office air-conditioning). I really should put more effort into dressing for the office. Haha! And I really should make it a point to apply make-up before leaving the house. Just this morning, I shared an elevator with my boss...and not just any boss (I'm in the middle of the pile so there are a lot of other people I call "boss")...the BIG BOSS, our company's CEO. I looked professional in my outfit, yeah, but I looked like I just woke up (which is really the case, since I slept in the car on the way to work). I rushed to the ladies' room to apply my usual make-up, and I was amazed at what a big difference a little cheek tint and eyeliner can make. Gad. Am I really getting that old that I need make-up to transform my face??? Hahaha. Boo.

I wonder what I'll wear tomorrow?

All I Want for Christmas

[Updated as of 11/16/08]

At the risk of sounding demanding and kapal-mukhs, I have compiled a wish list (for Christmas, my birthday, or any-random-day). To follow the list is optional anyway, so it's not like I'm imposing anything on anyone. *grin*

I made a similar list for my birthday last year...wala atang sumunod. The ones I've crossed out were supplied by me. Hahaha.

Anyway, I am just throwing out my wishes to the universe. Universe, ikaw na ang bahala sa akin. :)

Camera stuff

• Canon 430EX flash Upgrade ko na rin, kung hihingi rin lang ako: Canon 580EX flash. Whee.
• Canon 50mm 1.8 prime lens (bought one for myself!!! Whee!)
• Canon lens cap for a Canon 18-55 lens (Bought one for myself in HK)
• Polarizer filter
• Canon battery grip (Returned to sender)
• CF cards (1 or 2 GB)
• Light Studio installer (pirated OK lang. Haha)
• Tripod
• Compact digicam (for the time na hassle magdala ng malaking camera diba). Sony Cybershot or Canon Ixus 800 maganda. OR The Olympus Waterproof camera thingie! That is so cool!

Kikay stuff
(A girl has the right to be kikay sometimes. Haha)

• Benefit "That Gal" Skin Brightening makeup primer (recommended by Mia. It's the best!)
  
• Benefit 10 (Bought one for myself at Incheon airport)
• Revlon Bare It All Lustrous Lotion
• Revlon Bare It All Lustrous Powder
• Clinique Almost Lipstick Black Honey
  
• Clinique Quickliner for Eyes (w/ smudge sponge at the other end) in Black/Brown
• Clinique True Bronze Pressed Powder Bronzer in Sunswept
• Clinique True Bronze Gel for Face
• Body Shop bronzer balls, or the bronzer stick-brush combo thingie
• Translucent Loose Powder
• Lip plumper. Haha! :)
• Mascara w/ eyelash comb
• Oh. And maybe a large kikay bag to put all of the stuff in. :))

Fashion

• Black and gray / Navy blue and gray striped hoodie from Bayo (size 10 ata)
• Gray-blue winter jacket from Topshop (I don't know the style name...but I have a pic! I'll post it soon), size 6 or 8. (Christmas gift in 2007)
• Skinny jeans from Wildflower (I'm a size 28), dark blue or black (bought one for myself. Hehe)
• Bandeau bikini top (I'm a size 34B), with matching bikini bottom narin, kung nasa budget nyo. Hehe.
• A big, black, slouchy, leather bag.

Bookworm Essentials

• Stardust by Neil Gaiman (The book. And the DVD if it's already out!)
• The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy (I had this book before, but I lost my copy. I want it back!) (Thanks Rhys!)
• The Museum at Purgatory by Nick Bantock (Lav! How did you find out about this wishlist? Thank youuuu!)
  
• The Gryphon by Nick Bantock
• Morning Star by Nick Bantock

Miscellaneous

• Ugly Betty seasons 1 & 2 (kahit pirated, masaya na ako dun. Pero shempre, no to piracy *ubo ubo*)
• White iSkin Evo silicone protective cover for my iPod Video (kung gusto niyo akong bigyan ng bagong iPod Video, 80gb, ok din. Wahaha!)
• MacBook. (mamahalin ko habang buhay ang makakapagbigay sakin nito. Haha!)
• 2008 Starbucks Planner (I have decided that, due to lack of funds, I will not aspire to earn a planner this year. Goodbye Christmas tradition! But if someone's willing to give me one, I will not object to that!) (Don't need one anymore. Am using a Sunlife Planner).
  

WILD

Nuninooo...

My flight to CDO is in 3 hours. I have to leave the house in an hour. I haven't slept yet. I can't take a quick nap because I know that it will be anything BUT quick. Can't risk missing my flight. That's 3k down the drain. Haha. :) I have an hour to kill...and I can't think of anything to do except blog. And I can't even blog properly because I feel so groggy. So pardon the nonsense. It's the drowsiness talking.

It's raining hard outside. White water rafting in THIS weather? WILD. Hahaha. :) Man, I hope the weather cooperates when we get there!!! :( My mom made me watch the news last night...Iligan City (where we're going) is in a state of calamity. Floods everywhere, people dying, homes destroyed, TYPHOON level...Ano baaaah. And I'm still going. Hehe.

Oh well. Mia, what a way to see you off. Even the rain gods are crying. :D Let's hope the tequila saves the day. ;)

Stardust

This movie is dreamy, inspired, inspirational, fantastic, and truly out-of-this-world. :)

Perfect for a (hopeless) romantic like me. *sigh*

Yvain: "You know when I said I knew little about love? That wasn't true. I know a lot about love. I've seen it, centuries and centuries of it, and it was the only thing that made watching your world bearable. All those wars. Pain, lies, hate... It made me want to turn away and never look down again. But when I see the way that mankind loves... You could search to the furthest reaches of the universe and never find anything more beautiful. So yes, I know that love is unconditional. But I also know that it can be unpredictable, unexpected, uncontrollable, unbearable and strangely easy to mistake for loathing, and... What I'm trying to say, Tristan is... I think I love you. Is this love, Tristan? I never imagined I'd know it for myself. My heart... It feels like my chest can barely contain it. Like it's trying to escape because it doesn't belong to me any more.
It belongs to you.

And if you wanted it, I'd wish for nothing in exchange - no fits. No goods. No demonstrations of devotion. Nothing but knowing you loved me too. Just your heart, in exchange for mine."

* * * *

Waaaah. Panalo talaga. :)

My cheesiness is reborn. Hahaha. :)

Happy Birthday, Seastarrrr!!! :)

(more pictures)

I love you, always and forever, sister. Hahaha. :)
HAPPY 19TH BIRTHDAY!!!

Don't be in any hurry to grow older hah. You have your whole life stretched out before you. Everything will fall into place, in time. I promise! :) Tignan mo ako, hindi pa rin...Hahaha. Pero in time din, in time. I have faith! Mwah!

Bingo

I think I took my "drunk and happy" statement just a tad too seriously.

This week was crazy. I was out with friends every single day. I've been feeling really restless lately...like something within me is struggling to break free. Waha. Ayan tuloy, para akong ibon na pinakawalan sa hawla...nagwawala. Haha. :)

Tuesday – Had dinner with mah girls at Heaven N' Eggs, Market! Market! Then accompanied Di and Lez to their card-reading session at Xocolat, Serendra. :) Tested Zac out, and took crappy pictures. Haha!

Wednesday – Gimik at Saguijo w/ AF Alumni who work around the Makati area. Tested Zac out again, and took nice pictures, thanks to the flash lent by Ku!

Thursday – Aris' birthday blow-out at Magnet Cafe, Bonifacio High Street. :) Sadly, I wasn't able to take pictures. :(

Friday – Gimik Marathon w/ the Kaladkarin Group (himala, I'm actually part of it! Haha). Dinner at North Park, Makati Avenue; videoke at Music Platinum; clubbing at Piedra (I saw Marc Nelson and Borgy! Whee!); walking around the (closed and deserted) Bonifacio High Street (at 3 a.m.!), giving ourselves a waker-upper at Starbucks, Metrowalk. Getting home at 5 a.m. Waha! Bad.

Saturday – Lunch w/ Anton at Chocolate Kiss! Pesto Pasta yummmm. :)

Kulang ko lang yung Monday, bingo na dapat ako. Hahaha. :)
Next week, pahinga naman. Need to let the beer drain from my system. Haha.

[August 28, 2007] Night out with my favorite girls. :)

[August 29, 2007] Saguijo with AF Alumni

[August 31, 2007] Gimik Marathon w/AF Alumni

Introducing "Zac!"

Hey everyone, meet "Zac," my new baby!!! Haha. Named after a famous "Zac," of course, my current eye-candy. ;)

He's a Canon 350D, by the way. :) A rebel, just the way I like 'em. ;)

To commemorate his homecoming, shempre may pictorial pa (kalandian talaga!). I don't have a CF card yet (loooser) so I can't take pictures using Zac. Boo. :( But I'm so excited to introduce him to you that I took pictures of us (our first official "couple" pics -- prenup. Haha) using another Canon. Waha. :)

We're going to be joined at the hip (or the eye) from now on, Zac and I.

Sweeeeet. :)

*Special thanks to Ana for getting this in Dubai for me!!! You are the coolest friend ever!!! Hehehe. :)

Focus...Malabo...

Do you see what I see?

Zac and his 55-200mm lens. Whee!

Party-Hearty

AF Meriendahan 2007 - Casino Night

I haven't had so much fun in one night, since...since...well, let's just say that it has been a long time. :) Me, Ms. I'd-rather-stay-at-home or I'd-rather-hang-out-in-the-mall is perpetually allergic to big events. Hence, allergic to fun. Haha.

But this was the best night ever! Or maybe it's the beer (still) talking.

Non-stop beer.
Lokohan.
Kalokohan.

Iba talaga ang "fun," AF-style.

Wanna see my night with my hot hot date (Cute niya noh? Naka-tux pa! San ka pa!)?

Click on me!

**Lahat kami jan eh lasing, kaya pagbigyan niyo na kung mukha kaming mga sabog. Waha. 

Kinikilig Ako

Hay. This is such a sweet, sweet song.

Kinikilig ako pag naririnig ko to. :)

Extra kilig when I watch the video.



It's so cute how they added flashback scenes from HSM1. You'll see how they evolved from cutesy teenagers then, to cutesy teenagers now. Hahaha. Seriously, there is a difference, especially with regards to Gabriella's wardrobe. Si Troy pareho parin outfits. Hehe.

Zac and Vanessa (a.k.a "Zanessa" haha) are the cutest couple everrrr. And the way he looks at her when they sing...aaaahhhh, I melt. Hehe. :)

And the "piano moments" are killer. Waaaah. :)

You Are The Music In Me
Troy & Gabriella
High School Musical 2

Na na na na
Na na na na yeah
You are the music in me

You know the words
"Once Upon A Time"
Make you listen
There's a reason
When you dream there's a chance you'll find
A little laughter
or happy ever after
You're harmony to the melody
That's echoing inside my head
A single voice (Single voice)
Above the noise
And like a common thread
Hmm, you're pulling me

When I hear my favorite song
I know that we belong
Oh, you are the music in me
Yeah it's living in all of us
And it's brought us here because
Because you are the music in me
Na na na na (Ohh)
Na na na na na
Yeah yeah yeah
(Na na na na)
You are the music in me

It's like I knew you before we met (Before we met)
Can't explain it (Ohh ohh)
There's no name for it (No name for it)
I'm saying words I never said
And it was easy (So easy)
Because you see the real me (I see)
As I am
You understand
And that's more than I've ever known
To hear your voice (Hear your voice)
Above the noise (Ohh ohh)
And no, I'm not alone
Oh you're singing to me (Ohh yeah)

When I hear my favorite song
I know that we belong (Yeah ohh)
You are the music in me
It's living in all of us
And it's brought us here because
You are the music in me

Together we're gonna sing (Yeah)
We got the power to sing what we feel (What we feel)
Connected and real
Can't keep it all inside (Ohh)

Na na na na (Ohh yeah)
Na na na na na (Ohh yeah)
Yeah yeah yeah (Na na na na)
You are the music in me (In me)
Na na na na (Ohh yeah)
Na na na na na (Ohh yeah)
Na na na na
You are the music in me
When I hear my favorite song (Favorite song)
I know that we belong (We belong)
You are the music in me
Yeah it's living in all of us
It's brought us here because (Here because)
You are the music in me
Na na na na (Ohh yeah)
Na na na na (Ohh yeah)
Na na na na
You are the music in me (Yeah)

My MegaDay at MegaMall

Hehe. Ang baduy ng title ko. :P

Spent the day at the mall again. :) It was my Tita's birthday, and us cousins went bowling. Whee. It's strange, though. I usually bowl with an 11-lb ball. Today, I couldn't even lift a 10-lb ball. :( I'm too weak. I need to tone my arm muscles. The office bowling tournament is coming up, and I want that trophy!!! Hehehe.

Bowling is fun!

All I Want For Christmas!

I went around the mall by myself afterwards. Hanging out with myself is always fun. :) The downside is that strange people approach me, and try to strike up a conversation. Some random dude came up to me with the most bulok pick-up line ever: "Miss, what school are you from, you look familiar." Nyaaah. In fairness, he thought I was still in college. Hehe. Ano ba, I am not a friendly person! Doesn't the scowl in my face clearly tell you to back off??? Hehe. :) Boo!

I really shouldn't be set loose inside Powerbooks. I saw a lot of books I wanted to buy! Books are my weakness! *sigh* Since there are too many cool stuff in the world, and I don't have enough moolah to buy them all, I have decided to throw my concerns out to the universe through my "All I Want for Christmas" campaign. Thanks to my handy celphone camera (the quality of which, sucks. I should post a picture of a new celphone with my AIWfC stamp), I have documented a couple of stuff that I really want for Christmas (or for my birthday, or for any occasion really).

Universe, it's all up to you!

A book on how to make books. Hehe.

One tough cookie! Shirt by Seventeen, Cinderella

Zac Efron. :) Ang makapagbigay sakin nito for Christmas, superhero ko.
Pag yung Rolling Stone Magazine lang, sidekick. Wehehe. :P

* * * *

Speaking of Zac Efron, I saw the Hairspray promotional poster in the cinema area...Bakit naman mukha ni Zac Efron ang tinakpan diba? Bakit hindi yung kay Nikki Blonski? Hehehe.

Watched A Love Story again today with my Tita and my sister. Tip lang: do not watch a drama movie in Megamall! Hindi ka makakapag-emote. The crowd there is so different, they laugh at all the wrong things, it totally ruins the emo moments. Haha. And it's super annoying how they squeal whenever there are kilig moments on screen. Ano baaahh. :P

So there. My very colorful, eventful day in MegaMall. :)
Next weekend is another long weekend!!! GMA, wag mo babawiin!!! :P

I Need Inspiration

My family and I went to Shangri-La Plaza to watch Rush Hour 3 supposedly. We ended up watching Bourne Ultimatum instead. Random anectode from my mom:

Mama: May kasunod pa raw yan ah.
Everyone else: Huh? Talaga?
Mama: Oo. "Bourne Free."
(Wahahaha. Give her a round of applause everyone.)

No trip to the mall is complete without a couple of trips to NBS/Powerbooks. They had a sale, which was completely useless for me anyway, since I have zero funds nowadays.

Had a couple of star sightings in Powerbooks too: Jessica Zafra (we were looking at the same sale bin! Waha!) in her perpetual black garb, and Julius Babao, who looks smaller in person. Hmmm.

Found this really cute book in the Art/Architecture department: Portfolio of Inspirations.


"Creative people" each have their own page wherein they would disclose what their work processes are, what inspires them, and how they translate their inspirations into their work. It is the coolest book everrrr. Malapit na Christmas guys. This is part of my wishlist. It is available in Powerbooks Shangri-La. Hehehehe. Shameless plugging!

What an artist's inspiration notebook looks like

Quotable quote from an artist

There's this other book called Mute: Just Pictograms. A book of little icons/graphics that speak for themselves. Ang cute ng mga concepts! I'm going to try to figure out how to do these in Photoshop. They're so cool. :)

Why are there so many nice books in the world?
Why are there books sales NOW when I am currently low on funds?? Hay.

Kung hindi lang nakakahiya na magpicture sa Powerbooks, I would have taken a picture of every page in those books. Waha!