Fridays of All Fridays!

hah! if you think you had your Friday packed right up to your mental planner brim wait 'til you find out mine! hehe

Well... I originally planned to write an entire piece about how excited I am for Ramil's homecoming when everything today turned out to be pretty interesting too! Today is our last day of using the other room on the 25th floor, as we have given it up to save from further expenses when all 40+ of us could fit into one office unit... It's a change that's quite sad to note, afterall, I had been in that room when I started to work for the company ... Now, after my almost 4 years of stay, we weren't just turning off the lights to save money or leave it for the meantime to help cut expenses ... BUT we are totally giving it up like giving it up! Pulling apart partitions, carpets, cabinets, desks ... everything we had to clear away from that unit ... it was quite sad but to think that we are now in one room altogether is quite fun too! "The More, the Many-ier" ... it was bittersweet.

Then later in the afternoon at 3PM, we were scheduled for a fire drill. Everyone must go down from whichever floor you are in on stairs! GREAT we are on the 25th. Women are requested to wear only flat shoes or has to bring slippers... I actually had noticed the cooperation, as I have been on the elevator several times today and noticed that even if I were standing at the back I'd still see my reflection on the elevator door! ... hmmnn...women indeed wore flats!

But ... we never did go down by stairs, a few minutes before sirens were blaring and lights were switched off, we already went down by the elevator which was also turned off when the time for the drill came ... ooopppsss... sorry mr. fireman... but my friends have medical reasons to prove they are not quite fit to do the drill ... Liza has had an operation, Che got arthritis ... but of course we ought to participate! I was wearing my Lacoste slippers to prove it!

Anyway, we wound up being at Starbucks at the building across the street... It was so hot outside that we'd probably get sunburned ... so we chilled for a while and watched the drill progress from the wide, floor to ceiling windows of Starbucks. After a while we strolled at the lobby of the building only to find a signage about a SALE happening at their multi-purpose hall, this sale apparently happens monthly in time for the "pay time!" at the end of the month. My officemates found some things to buy and were happy with their bargain finds.... I, on the other hand ... as you know is ... not so keen on spending.

So after the drill we all went back to the office and an hour later we were punching our cards out and making plans on how to spend Friday night. Liza, Che and I watched a movie : You Changed My Life, stars John Lloyd Cruz and Sarah Geronimo, it was a fun movie to watch ... lots of laughing and romance. It's a feel-good movie so... we enjoyed it. The theatre was packed with swooning, laughing and "interactive" movie goers , so it's a good sign for the movie industry! People want to feel good when they leave the movie theatre!

hmmnn...well, I guess that's all for now ... or I have to cut this into parts!hehe ... but anyway, one more thing ... we did a prank on Fran's desk ... she too is in Malaysia and is coming home. What we did is to put all her stuff on the Internet Station so she'd think she was transferred in front of our BIG Boss' desk! funny, 'cant wait to see her reaction!

The Office, The Inflated Pig and Miss Charity

It's like a sporting event after work, when we gather into small groups and talking like we've never met for years and is coming up with a grand decision on where to put our money, complete with BIG laughs and a lot of nodding! BUT, this is no sporting event, or any event at all. It's just a usual day after work in the office, when you don't know where all these energy to laugh and talk like there hasn't been a chance all day to say hi and how's it going coming from.

Were basically happy people I guess.

Anyway, as we all emerged from the arena and walking. We've managed to segregate ourselves into smaller groups, and from smaller groups, one by one will wave profusely goodnight! while pulling away from the pack.

This is every night...very basic.

Well, four of us went calorie packing over some doughnuts and orange juice, talking about Ramil and how we got this inflated pig that hovers on the floor, it was sooo fun to watch that though it was quite expensive for a toy that lasted only for a day, we actually got one just because it's cute. We had it hanging on the bedroom wall until it looked wrinkly then sagging then FLAT. 150 pesos gone up in the air!

laughs.laughs.laughs.

When suddenly a small boy approached our table holding up a piece of paper that says something about, "needs money for my brother's gauze" hmmn.. ok, he is small, he is dirty and he is being used to beg for money... I hate his parents but I was about to give him 5 pesos when my friend, Rosanne interrupted and was asking the small boy with questions like where are your parents? The boy actually replied and even pointed out the window where a lanky, young man holding another small boy is with a lanky woman holding yet another small ... it's a baby! How could they do this to their kids? But what do they know? They look like kids themselves!

Well, my friend knowing her wont stop at nothing, so she actually went to the parents asked if this was all true and if they needed gauze, she will buy gauze but wont give money! I'm not sure how it all progressed between her and her bizaare charity case, that she returned with a prescription apparently for colostrophy? what was that again? She said they still have YET another child who is suffering from this that's why they needed money ... my friend took the prescription, went to a pharmacy and asked about what's written there and what's it for. The Pharmacist said it's an "anti-vomitting" drug for kids... oh! where's colostrophy? But, you know it has something to do with the stomach, intestines or whatever so this could be true.

Anyway, my friend bought the bottle of medicine and handed it over to the young couple and they both thanked her. I'm just wondering why it seemed like a cold thank you. I joked that now they probably have a problem of selling the medicine to get money! haha if ever the whole thing was a scam.

Well, I think whether it was a scam or not, the best decision if you are in doubt of these charity cases is to give according to your conscience and if you are tricked "hope not seriously tricked" then I guess, it's the right intentions that matter.

NO Game Plan

This is rather odd that I feel like lingering onto my work than finishing it off so I could relax and tinker on my computer at work looking busy... hehe Now, I feel kinda laboring each line ... I dont know, maybe the fact that it's bad economy everywhere that we don't have "guaranteed" projects in line means that we will be hanging on to our seats and wait for how this RECESSION will sort itself out! If I finish quickly as in normal pace, I may have nothing to do next.

this is a Domino Effect...

Last year was a great year for our company, we had raises, we traveled and we enjoyed working with our American clients, we were building skyscrapers in New York, three at a time! Then suddenly at the start of this year. HALT. Constructions were being put on hold as clients would reason out to be lacking of funds. What? I can't believe they ever lack funds, these guys I mean are huge! They funded the biggest and baddest buildings in the world and now ... nothing? This could be something really bad and serious... Though the effect had taken a while to reach the Manila shores, February seems to be the beginning.

in my photo box

i love my mom.

There are times when you feel ultra tough as if you can go out any day and conquer the world ... and then there are times when "mums" visit and your whole tough world becomes vulnerable from nostalgic childhood moments and "how long have you been gone not to see her age?" ringing in your conscience ...

Within the family, I'm the only one who has left our old, sleepy town to the big city in chase of my dreams ... well, I ended up NOT having a bad dream and NOT having too much of a dream either ... it's just the whole corporate system that's gotten hold of me...and if I weren't employed and have the freedom to do whatever I please and get a stable pay out of it, I'd be an artist!!! I'd be an artist that gets paid, though not selling her art ... but gets paid! That is my dream job! an art that is just for visual but not for keeps! It's just hard to give away something that feels like you've given birth to ... so, I guess by that, I should keep my job now ....

Anyway,this morning mum and I have decided that I wont take her anymore to the bus terminal where she'd ride home to our province 'cuz I'll be at work since it's Monday. I then took her to a store where she said she'd buy something and I would be crossing a street to where I'd ride... the moment I moved a few steps away and seeing her not going inside the store but is looking out for me to cross the street ... I felt weak. I knew I'd be crying ... but I held my tears of course! I had to be the strong, independent person that she knows I am ... though I knew that she too wished that I would not GO. It didn't take long for me to hold back the tears ... as I arrived the office I went straight to my friend's desk and sobbed! Like a girl whose mum had left her in school and she doesn't want to be in school!!! The thought of her standing there and her face that I never really saw had aged made me feel so guilty and shallow. I could never bring back lost times and how I wish we never have to grow old!

So, I had to go back and filed a half-day leave. This is my mum. She came here for me, I cannot just drop her off and let her find her way! I took her to the bus station and before that we had a snack and shared a few more time together, at least when she had to leave for home, she wont feel as sad as she did this morning...and I too, felt better.

I love my mom and my dad too!

Check your Labels.

I've spent my weekend with my mum who came to visit me and of course to do some shopping! She's the ultimate shopaholic if I may add (I haven't really moved on from the "Shopaholic" thing...haven't I?) Well, she just wonders why I never have become like her towards money unlike my sister whom she prides of having her taste in clothes and fashion! I was the "wont buy unless it's a bargain, or it's on SALE and I don't care much about brands" type of daughter and well ... it works on my part when she hears me sigh and refuse to open my purse, as she would BUY the things she thinks I like but is toooooo frugal to do so.

So at the end of the day, I have some new stuff ... a pair of white Lacoste leather slippers, a gray dress with a belt and a red leather bag! hmmn... this works! I may have to pretend I don't like something in the future and my mum will eventually buy it for me! haha... keep that a secret! she doesn't blog.

After her mall stint, I took her to where I buy my clothes etc. and it wasn't that far from where we were, it's right across the street which I call : San Francisco ... But it's actually the St. Francis Square haha... A building filled with great buys. It's kinda like the shops you go to in Bangkok, but of course nothing compares to Bangkok when you're not brand conscious but stylish. I do feel comfortable buying in these stores after I've learnt from my travels, that no matter where you go ... things will always wound up to be Made in China! Sample? OK. I bought this gorgeous, Kenneth Cole Reaction Trench Coat in Black Wool at Macy's in the US ... I was sooo much in awe at the sight of it, that me being "frugal" have managed to slip a couple of hundred dollars for it! I wore it with great pride ... and when it's time to go to the dry-cleaners, guess what I read on the tiniest label I've ever seen in transparent tucked under one shoulder? MADE IN CHINA. So, who cares now right? I also bought this black, cashmere sweater in ITALY and it was MADE IN BANGLADESH ... I have to look on a map to find where Bangladesh is! want more? I bought a 24 dollar Hollister shirt in the US and it was MADE IN THE PHILIPPINES... Oh! I see, it's a good thing that more than "Brand" conscious I'm a Filipino that I still bought 2 shirts ... thinking that if they were Made in the Philippines, my countrymen gets paid for the shirts that I bought....

Anyway, let's NOT be racist even with labels on clothes and other things. If they are Made in China but you bought it from GAP, accept their quality control standards... accept the fact that Asia offers cheaper labor not everything that's made in 3rd world countries in particular, are rubbish and those that are Italian and American made are automatically superior in quality. Just have a heart for the jobs that these companies create and 'hope that there'll be no more OVER PRICING especially when you know where it's made!

SO!!! I just buy straight where the sources are...Manila is a shopping paradise! I found this really cute! Bohemian print flat shoes that's perfect for summer for only 250 pesos (around 5 dollars) ... when branded? around 20 dollars, I think.

What Friendship is all About ...

My internet connection was down last night that I tried everything just to make it work ... but it was already late that I think I dozed off while making the attempts because when I opened my eyes ... tadaa! "morning."

Anyway, here's what I've been up to. My girlfriends and I went to celebrate a birthday at Gumbo at the SM Megamall Atrium which was the newly extended section of the mall that has opened lots of new restaurants and high-end boutiques ... hmmnn... are we really on a money crisis or what?!

SO...this friend's birthday was all about food and laughter. Gumbo serves hefty meals that we had to take breaks before munching on again! We took pictures of ourselves in funny hats and ... you know, it was all clean fun ... I like the feeling of "having friends", it's a sort of assurance that no matter how "bitchy" I sometimes am, they'd still want to hang-out with me. haha Well, these friends I'm talking about are extremely patient, generous and genuinely trusting! For which my gut tells me to act accordingly! It's basically the rule to friendship. Be nice.

What I got my friend for her birthday is this lovely string of pink, cultured pearls that I got from Simple Joys and a wood keychain painted in yellow that's carved as letter "G" the initial of her name Gael. Giving a gift to a friend who almost got everything isn't easy... ^_^ BUT, I guess this is where the saying "it's the thought that counts" apply! hehe ... I may not give her the hugest and the most expensive gift but, I wish her all the best and I appreciate the friendship that she has shared with me.

I think that the more you give yourself to others the more you learn about yourself.

On the Silverscreens: Confessions of a Shopaholic, The Movie

The moment I saw the trailer of this film, I knew it wont be anywhere close to the famed Sophie Kinsella novel and wadayanaw! I was right.

Well, I did watch the film for the sake of watching it with friends and in high hopes that somehow I'd be wrong in saying all the negative stuff about the trailer and the photos for the promotion ... as I was utterly disappointed on how they made a CLOWN out of Rebecca Bloomwood, the heroine of this novel and as far as I picture her as relayed by the book, she is a sensible young woman with fine taste in brands and fashion, while the ONLY thing that's wrong in her life is her excessive spending but nonetheless, she is a witty financial journalist with ideas plucked from her inner guilt and thus giving away the most true-to-life advices in handling finances... Or at least if she was that clumsy or colorful or vivacious ...she coul'dve looked a bit more sophisticated, just a bit ... if I was at all wrong about my impressions on her in the book, at least NOT like as portrayed in the film that made her expensive outfits look cheap!

and that was only the first part of my musings! haha ... Well, above all that! I'm very, very, very disappointed with the plot as well, where on earth did they get the idea that Luke Brandon wasn't succesful yet? and that he looks rather like a boy than the guy described in the book as being uber handsome and fashionable as well ... being a multi-millionaire! The moment of their first meeting in the book ... is one of the funniest and sweetest. why do they have to make another story out of a story that it's based upon? It's just so wrong what they did with Sophie Kinsella's books ... it's like the producers had bought the Shopaholic series, ripped them apart and pieced the books together in the most irrecognizable way!

Now, I've lost the beautiful pictures of Rebecca Bloomwood and Luke Brandon in my head. Wrong actor to play Luke Brandon ... Tarquin is another catastrophe in the cast!!! he was supposed to look like an alien!!! Tall and lanky! I'd even prefer the guy who played Tarquin play Luke Brandon and the other way around...

Anyway, this movie is a disaster! If you've read the shopaholic, you'll immediately get what I mean. If it wasn't titled the "Confessions of a Shopaholic"? you'd hardly recognize it was.

hmmn...Well, it's a matter of opinion, this is mine.

trying out the mini lappy

As I am writing this, I'm using the mini laptop that I had brought home and is considering to buy from a friend who rarely uses it because he is soooooo much fine in using his desktop, so now this mini is indeed mini ... only 9.5 inches and is like a real notebook in size and can easily be stashed away, perfect for my brother who is also an avid writer! He can write and go anywhere without the hassle of having to carry a special laptop bag for this thing. I am also considering this a gift for his birthday... wow! how I wish a have a sister like me! hehe ... Well, I think he deserves a "prize" for being a "good" boy! haha ... I think he's really cool and he likes cool stuff, he's into skimboarding, wakeboarding, mountain climbing ... art and is graduating with a degree in Industrial Engineering. PLUS, he's never shy to give his sisters and parents a kiss in public or a hug! He's just a cool, great guy ... of course he's my brother!^_^

I'm super excited to see his reaction when he gets this ... I think I'm gonna buy this!!! All I have to do is to fix the payment terms ... I don't come up with such cash instantly, like hey! I'm gonna buy a laptop as a gift! NO WAY! in fact, I'm gonna have to pay this for like 2-3 months... oh well, I love my brother and he is deserving.

organized chaos

OK! so this was yesterday but I had other things in mind yesterday that I just thought about this post now... and it reminded me of how I was fuming mad and helpless given the situation I was in ...

it was just a parade ....

A parade?!!! haha I know, it's supposed to be fun, colorful and exciting! Indeed it was, but not on my part who's bound for work at exactly the same time on the same route that the parade was taking! It wasn't just a parade, it was a really long one considering that it has showcased the different cities of Manila! I could not do anything and it left me soooo frustrated that I just gave up the whole idea of getting to the very end of this parade to find a taxi. ...

So, if you can't beat them, join them...

I finally decided to stop walking through the crowd and watched the parade go by... why did I ever had to walk that far when I will eventually be watching the whole thing anyway?!

It was actually enjoyable!

I arrived in the office 8 minutes past 9 am .... but I wasn't the only one who got stucked in that helpless situation: I have 2 other officemates who arrived even later than I did! haha, at least we were 3!!!

there will be better days....

actually yesterday wasn't a really good day but I tried to sound as if things are well and nothing is going on, I wasn't sure if I wanted to talk about it but now...it's okay I think I needed this. So, Ramil's father suffered a stroke for the second time and were a lot more concerned since the second is always critical...but he showed progress today when he woke up from being unconscious since brought to the hospital yesterday. So it was a bit of a good news to Ramil who can't come home as soon as he wants to, he's caught up in a really hectic schedule in Malaysia and is trying to meet crazy deadlines for a building in Singapore, all he can do is call and skype as often as he can. I'm trying to be strong, though I too am worried. This is a new role for me ... to be a "strong" wife!

Though this is the first time for us to be dealing with this kind of situation as husband and wife...

I am bound to follow my instincts about care, family and financial support...of course! financial support, that is important! Gosh! hospitalization and medication these days! I just dont get it why when you're over 65 years old, you are not qualified for a health card when you will be needing it more that's why you're attempting to get one?! But ... it's the law of profit! of course they dont want the risks...they just want the money. =(

anyway, were both praying for his quick recovery! With God anything is possible.

significant random thoughts ... and speed dating!

I lost track of time while reading this book that I went to bed at past 3a.m already ... it's not the same anymore when you were 15 and could stay awake for the rest of the day while having been out partying the other night!!!

Me at 28 and not partying woke up in such a bad mood with a throbbing headache ... I'm old. ... yeah, I'm old ...

...with old people's responsibilities ... but I'm not complaining, this is probably how it's going to be and I love every minute of it ... we're not rich, were not famous but were happy with our supportive families, treasured friends and a job ... yeah, a job! It's difficult these days to just move and move forward in search for a greener pasture, as recession hits the entire world ... the best decision now is to stay put.

... anyway, one of my friends 'been texting me about her relationship "status", (hasn't she been through this before?) ... I thought she already dumped her boyfriend of 6 years when she found out he was cheating on her in Canada and now ... well ... (text update) ... Ok, at least now she's really over with him ... well, she's actually the 4th person I know who's young, pretty and successful that has had no luck in love! I really don't know what to tell them, but I'm here to listen and give a few subtle advices like ... " GO AND SPEED DATE!"

highly contagious love

Since my hubby Ramil had gone for a business trip to Malaysia, I had been moping around the house and eating junk food! ... ahaha kidding! but I'm getting there! ahaha again! ... We don't have kids yet, no pets and no friends and relatives nearby! (right, considering that we live 15 minutes away from the Business District of Ortigas!) The first week was kinda ok, I've been very productive with my time, doing chores on weekends and working for 9 hours on weekdays ... the second week, still ok ... same usual stuff, but this week? god! I miss Ramil, I've made no plans on how to spend my weekend, so I spent the day just reading books and drinking tea ... I think my behavior is understandable ... we've only been married for a month!

Happy V-Day!

This is the day that's like Christmas for lovers! ... I don't know where exactly Filipinos learned how to overly romanticize this "Valentine" thing! haha do I sound like the Grinch of Valentines?! Well, I have nothing against being sweet and thoughtful of giving away bouquets and somethings to the one you love, in fact I suggest that you do it as often as you can ... if budget permits! But this Valentine-thing, no matter how I try to avoid it, manages to revive itself within the day that I, through the course of my existence, with or without a lover would still go out and celebrate! (what a waste of energy that I ever disliked the idea when in the end ... I'll be dining in some fancy place with friends ... yup! friends! with or without a "someone" I always happen to "celebrate" this "Christmas of Hearts" with friends) Well, I can say that it isn't an intentional celebration ... gee! I'm being sooooo in denial here! haha... okay! so even if I find the idea cheesy ... there's something in me as a "girl" cringes at the sight of other girls holding a bouquet with her lover in tow! "Corny" as it is ... but at least ... hmmnn... I have no intentions of elaborating BUT girls, no matter how they say they find it corny and is somehow embarassed to carry around a bunch of flowers, will always be flattered and always will appreciate from the bottom of her heart the thought! It's a lie to say they never care of these Valentine-things!

So, anyway ... like I said, I usually spend Valentine's day with friends, I remember back in highschool when five of us dined in a candle-lit, oh-so romantic place packed with lovers! ... and they were like " oh! they dont have dates, how sad!" "hello?! 1995 ... were all just 15?! why are you looking at us as if were bitter, old maids!" hmmp! ....anyway, today 2009, it's with Che and Liza.

We went into some fancy food frenzy that we ought should have tasted really well, but ... it was a so-so ... while the price is like ... "what the f ...! I ate only for one person? and it wasn't at all great!" hmmnn... well, this is what you usually get when you don't want to get into the line of your "trusted-favorite" restaurant! You simply go to the nearest and fancy-looking place that you've never been to and dare yourselves to try something new! Well ... not all tries in finding good food are successful! It is mostly ... a disappointment.

BUT what made it all worthwhile ... (convincing ourselves!) was our conversation and laughs! These two people are like my sisters, I've found a friend in them since we all like some things in common, like laughing and ... laughing even harder! ... just plain, old, clean-fun!

So, who says this Valentine-thing is just for lovers?! it can be with people close to your heart especially with friends and family! ... and as for me and my own wonderings! I'm simply Valentine-ning everyday and that Feb. 14 is just a day of reminder to do something extra special!

what on earth?!

Ok so today is not a very nice day for me, I came across people who just wont stop telling me that I gained weight! whaat on earth are you talking about? I was stick thin when I first came to the office in 2005 and now that I've managed to put on some weight, they fret like "are you pregnant?" ... "am I pregnant?!" oh I know this is brought about my recent wedding, is it? That I'm pregnant! Hello?! There are other reasons why two people get married! and in this generation we had it all twisted!!!

I am not pregnant and to tell them, that hey we are in no hurry to become parents 'cuz were simply not ready... they would all shrug and say, oh! there must be something wrong with you, is there? you should see an OB... hah!!! I know when and when not to see my OB! hmmnn... this is all becoming too annoying for me that I just have this awkward moments towards these people that I work with ... why can't they just be happy for us?!

THAILAND.Friends and Nostalgic Moments (Part 1)

So today is Monday and I have triumphantly finished my task at work! whew. goodness that was over! haha ... it's just drawings and stuff of precise measurements and millions worth of curtainwall details for a new skyscraper in New Jersey, The Revel Resort and Casino ... so watch out for that!

Well, my work has taken me to places where I meet people and somehow get immersed into new cultures and ways of life ... as a tourist, you wont get as much exposure to the local scenes but when you live into their neighborhoods, you get a chance to eat home-cooked meals, shop at local markets, take the bus or metro, and if you're "lucky" get into an argument with a non-english speaking local over a petty something!

Anyway, the very first country I went to in my whole life is Thailand! I stayed there for 3 months with colleagues, worked on a project now built in Qatar which is the Hamad Medical City... and my very first travel on a plane was also my very first travel abroad with my very new Passport at hand. So it's unforgettable or SHOULD be unforgettable given those reasons! But besides those facts, it's the country itself. Thailand felt like an unknown region in the Philippines. The weather is similar, the "ambiance" of the place is like Manila and the friendliness of the people are similar... we even look like them, or they look like us... either way, they laugh at how they try to speak to us in Thai and when we look puzzled, they smile and say : "ah! Filipin" hehe. Well, for me... Thailand will always be special for the friendships I've made and the places I've been and the food I ate! haha I could not make a comparison between Thailand and my own country, or Thailand and other places... each is unique and though I say the country gives out a similar feel like the Philippines ... it's incomparable. No one should compare a country or a race amongst each other or there'll always be dispute!

So, anyway here are some pointers on how to travel well in Thailand based on my experiences! (...to count, I've been to Thailand for 3 times now and still 'lovi'n it) so here it goes:

1. You can never go wrong in bringing, oatmeal or crackers for a travel, local Thai food is usually spicy, so oftentimes we order a non-spicy version of the food which also tastes great! They put a lot of spices that without the chili, it's still yummy! But there's always Mcdonalds or KFC! (warning: they also serve spicy fast food!)

2. Never use your feet to point out on anything or reach, or push or just DONT. simple. it's disrespectful to do so.

3. When going to see a temple NEVER wear shorts or you'll be obligued to rent pants you can wear over it... which is kinda .... well, imagine the sweat and stuff from all the tourists who had been in those pants!!!

4. When shopping, SMILE and be friendly. They really give big discounts! ... and I must say, my friendly, cheerful disposition has earned me about a bag full of Bangkok stuff each time! Learning their "bargaining" language is a BIG plus too! Even if they laugh on our accent, it somehow gives us an instant bond with the vendors!

5. Bring your own medicine/s. You just dont want to risk drinking any medicine with weird looking swirls as writing for a mere headache!

6.Bring Camera. self-explanatory.

7. Roaming. This is 2009! You should be on a roaming service when you travel anywhere in the WORLD! Though I use pre-paid, like most "poor" people with unlimited internet access, works in an international company and owns a high-powered laptop yeah! get a roaming!!! Re-load by PASA-LOAD!

8. BASICS. Sawadeeka!- hello, Khap Khun Kha - Thank you.

9. Be Patient. Remind yourself that speaking English does not equate with intelligence! Don't be shy in using your hands or facial expressions to communicate! ... and dont yell when trying to make your point, it's easy to lose temper when people stare at you blankly but, they are not deaf, they just probably dont understand English ... this rule applies to all non-english speaking countries you visit ... so be patient ... what if youre an english-speaking person and a guy comes up to you needing help and he speaks Martian!!!

10. ENJOY. savor every sight and sound. You'll never know when you'll get a chance to go back.

New Found Respect for Kaba Modern and Badgley's Valentine...

That's a lot to take! haha ... but yeah, as I spent my day browsing the internet besides loading the washing machine once more with dirty laundry, cooking my meal and watching tv.... I was browsing the net! I'm a young wife of 28 "young" right...at least in my head I've never aged since 20!haha, I'm still into this hip hop thing, rock music and glossy, glam-rock fashion. So last night I watched a new show on hiphop dancing, break dancing and I got to see Kaba Modern ... name recall... they are a group that also competes in the World Hip Hop Championship like the Philippine All Stars (who were the winners of 2006 and 2008)... I'm a big fan.... so anyway, Kaba Modern did great, I was awestruck by the moves and for the Asian girls who until now I couldn't relate how they did it, looked like petite korean/japanese/filipino ... not sure which but moved like they were from a trasnformer movie! They were great, so I did my own research out of curiosity... googled Kaba Modern and viola! A website. I learnt that they're a dance group formed for a "Pilipino Culture Night" modern presentation in 1992 and since then for 15 years they got new members out of auditions and still performing great!

I like the fact that they are sharing their talent in dancing and develops a passion for it. You know it's good to be reminded of youth and energy!haha... I got very nostalgic about my highschool days, when I'm also a part of dance groups and practicing all weekend... hmmnn... memories...

....moving on to Badgley my PET in Facebook, oh! she's got a valentine ... another PET called CreamPuff, I spent time doing screenshots so we could join a Valentine contest in Facebook for PETS, it's alright, it keeps me busy and I like dressing her up... so after about 20+ screenshots, a few editing, were ready, I'll show my shots of them to my friend Marc who owns CreamPuff and decide which one's are our entry.

so, ciao! bouna notte!

i miss and love Ramil... see him soon!!!

my usual day and how i said YES.

Well today I was out doing some errand, like pay rent and buy vitamins... just a usual day. Then back to our apartment, load laundry into the machine, then an inspiration hit me... yeah just like that! Any precious piece about my life comes anytime, anywhere! haha kidding I don't mean to sound narcissistic... but anyway, I haven't really talked about how I got engaged... I know, you've probably read about proposal stories one too many times, but you know... to a person being proposed to... it's always different and unforgettable... and for me, it already has been over a year!

Anyway, it was September and a friend of ours just came home from Singapore and arranged a get together. So we went, ate, chat and after a few more laughs we bid goodbye... Ramil and I went for a stroll around a mall, and window shopped... I for one, is an avid window shopper! I just go see some stores, walk-in on some and have a good feel of stuff and if it's encouraging enough for my wallet, I buy.

In between our walk, we happened to talk about life and how long we've been each other's bestfriend, how we miss each other badly when were not together and well... things that probably have affirmed our feelings for each other... (^_^) So, halfway our conversation he asked me for a dessert and took me to our favorite hang-out for a cold something ... then he excused himself, I was left eating while he was gone for quite a while and so I texted him... he replied that if I'm finished I could meet him in front of a store ... so I did ...

The next thing I know he was asking this question that made me giggle, he asked if "I never want to be alone anymore?" haha ... I said "of course!" and if he ask me to marry him now, will I say yes? ... now?! ... my heart thumping like it's gonna burst!!! ... yes! are you asking? then he slipped a velvet box in my hand ... whaaaatttt??? you got me a ring?... yes, while you're having dessert! ... haha ... lets just do it! ... yes!!! than he opened the box and slipped this diamond ring on my finger, it was beautiful! I've never been happier!!!

OK so, there were no candles, flowers, wine and stuff ... well, there was no way it was going to happen that day either!!! haha It just happened and I guess you know when you know.
We've known each other for life! We cant imagine being without each other, so when our conversation lead to love, life and commitment, he wasted no time....bought me a beautiful ring and proposed! He was that sure he wanted to marry me! haha...

It was a life-changing YES.

Finding myself a thought....and a Song.

Well, for not so very inspiring reason, I'm trying to recap a few things about how this day went. Besides the fact that my "center-of-the universe/slash/husband" is still in Malaysia for some business trip he had to take, I'm here left with my "wonderings"! ... and well, nothing came vividly so far. If I may start with how I was teary-eyed listening to the song we first danced to as husband and wife matters, then I will tell you about it ...so, I plugged an earphone, scrolled all the way to the song I ought to listen for the first time since our wedding and then pressed PLAY ... the moment I heard the intro to the song, I was overwhelmed and somehow equally delighted as to the first time we danced to it!... I was teary-eyed and emotional... and this, if you ask me happened while I was in a public transpo...where co-passengers would dare not ask what's wrong with my twitching face and heavy breathing, but rather was very amused as if any moment I will belt out the song I was listening to! I'm not crazy!!!

The song is a familiar one, Boyzone has a version of it though, obviously I like the old, country version. Very pure, very loving and very -memorable. It's a song that I'll never get tired of listening no matter how it's screwing up my emotions in anytime, anyplace!haha... I've developed a total attachment to it and will probably never outgrow it... it's special...it's our song.

Wife's Wednesday

So this is just the 3rd day... 3rd day of my domestic solitude!!! and I feel like it's been weeks already if not years!!! I'm so missing Ramil right now, that after a day and yesterday I'm now giving up the idea that YES, I am able to be with myself and not panic! BUT, here I am... all panicky and seems helpless ... all that talk about independence is like a conversation with a friend who needs only affirmation on her beliefs and not reality!!!

Anyway, no matter how I need him, I can't have him near me in a snap, can I? So what's the use of all these, I'm scared, I'm alone and lonely drama... it's not going anywhere, unless I choose to not come home and be somewhere with people! The thing is, this is how it's gonna be ... come fear and isolation!

I'm lucky not to be feeling depressed, I'm lucky that I feel positive and supportive of my husband, who's doing this for his career and for us...That's what a wife should think in times like this, that's what a mature relationship is, being supportive of each other's career and growth!

God! I need you Ramil!!!

i was like this.

Well, yesterday was my first day of work without my hubby on my side. Not that I cling to him all day, but the thing is: he is very much devoted to seeing things for me before there'd be any problem...yup! that's how he is and he's been like that eversince we've become a couple. My life with him is pretty much a "spoiled" wife's life... not materially, but on all the other things that would make all the other women wish their husbands are like... too much of a gentleman! hmmmnnn, that's a good thing isn't it? and there shouldn't be anymore problem... well, there is: He went away for a business trip and like all the other trips he had to leave me for, I struggle to be independent. I struggle of sleeping alone in bed, I struggle on eating meals alone and I even struggle with the errands I have to make to keep our house running. Those are the sad parts but as quick as I had to respond, I'm now assesing my life as to how I lived before we were married, before I met him and before he took over my share of responsibilty. I was thinking about how I managed to cross the street without having to grab his arm before we met ... how I managed to be confident in speaking in public while I was still in school ... things that I did before I met him ... amazes me now on how I was able to live that life! and now... as I'm left alone for maybe just a few weeks to a month... I'm learning about myself once again... I cannot be the person that I am now for being loved so much! I cannot be dependent and seeking of support from others when I should be able to carry myself to do and face anything. I am my own person and though I love my husband and the things he does to love me ... I have to be myself, I have to give myself a chance to survive not needing help... at least when my husband comes back, I'll be able to say that he can't be worrying about me as much, because he knows I'll be able to cope and I'll be able to love him more than I need him.