What's Up for the Long Weekend?

The commemoration of our great national hero, Gat Andres Bonifacio, falls on a Sunday so our good President moved the legal holiday to Monday. In other words, we are going to have a long weekend!

I expect some activities lining up so I decided to have my “me time” today. By “me time”, I mean the day of each week when I don't have to do household chores or any wifely stuffs but only the things I love like spending the whole day reading a book or going to the mall to window-shop (Mark has his own "me time" as well by having a massage or drinking with mistahs at the barracks or occupying himself with his laptop). This morning, I went to SM Bacoor to buy contact lenses and to lust over the tops from Banana Republic that were on sale at P149.99. I ended up buying the green one.

Tomorrow, we are going to attend the birthday celebration of our good friend Dexter in Laguna. I’m excited to see the town again. The last time I visited there was in 1999 yet. I hope I can go to see my kins after the party. I miss them all.

Sunday, I think, will be spent on watching the latest episodes of Prison Break. We bought its pirated DVD (sorry Chairman Edu) the other day and finished the eight episodes right away yet Mark and I badly want to know the next steps of the team after the General wanted to move Scylla (Can’t keep up with me? Well, you miss half of your life by not following Prison Break). Thus, we are downloading the ones we’ve missed using LimeWire. However, it takes us longer than we want it to be and our patience is running out. Hopefully, we can download them completely before Sunday.

I haven’t talked to Mark about the plan for Monday yet, but I would like to hit the pool again.

So, have a fun-filled weekend everyone!

Love Brigade

There were exactly forty-five warm greetings pouring in from my family and friends on my birthday. Some were in form of graphics while others are in plain texts. Either way, I felt so blessed and loved.

They say friends are family that you can choose. I’m glad I choose mine well. Likewise, families are heaven-sent angels that you hold dear. I’m so grateful mine is the best one could ever ask for.

Thank you all for remembering my birthday. Rest assured that your thoughtfulness will always be carved in the soft tissues of my heart.

Excerpts:
Mark: Happy birthday, my wife, my friend, my everything! Tsupmwuah! You complete me. (he texted this while we were spooning on our bed at 12:03am, he said he wanted to greet me first via text.. cuteness!)

(I live to love you honey. You make my life worth living for. I love you so much. Thank you for the sexy Mario D'Boro shoes and the nice Kirin Kirin tops. Kiss. Hug. More kisses and hugs.)

Nanay: My loving and warmest greetings on your birthday. I love you and God bless. (4:38:21am)
(Thanks madir. I love you more than you love me. God bless. Mwah!)

Yoj: Happy birthday Manang! Does it mean you are finally out of the calendar? Bingo na lang ka! Hehe! Wish you get pregnant this year, good health and happiness. Love you! Mwahug! (06:01:26am)
(Thanks sis. Apil pa ko sa calendar woi! There are 7 months with 31 days pa baja. I refuse to join the bingo club yet. LOL. God bless sa board exam. I know you can do it. Luv ya!)

Tatay: Happiness, good health, and more blessings from God – these are my wishes on your birthday. May you have so many more birthdays to come. (7:45:26am)
(Thank you tatay gwapo. I love you so much. God bless. Mwah!)

Sir Roy: Jane, belated happy birthday. Wish you and Mark more happy times and your wish to have a baby to come true the soonest. I’m sure you had fun on your birthday. God bless. (11/26/08)
(Thank you so much for the greeting sir. I appreciate it a lot. We had fun last night dining out at Asiong’s, picture whoring at the boulevard, playing billiard, and singing karaoke at E-Place. I posted some pictures on my album entitled 31 at Friendster. What matters most is that I have Mark in my life. I really couldn't ask for more. Well maybe, a baby and more blessings. Hehe. Ingat po kayo sir. All the best.)

Here’s my birthday video..

Belated greeters: Allan, Bernadeth, Emmy, Richel and Mareng Joann.. Thank you!

I Celebrate My Birthday with a Cut

It is my ritual to have my hair cut on my birthday. And so after attending the Holy Mass at Nuestra Señora de la Soledad de Porta Vaga early this morning, I went to Index Salon to have it done with a fringe.

To my astonishment, Rica (my favorite stylist) didn’t approve because according to him, my hair is wavy and it can’t carry a fringe well. He suggested that I should have it rebonded first before I can have it styled my way.

Is the slogan ‘customers are always right’ a passé these days?

Well, I excused Rica because I know he just wanted the best look for me. Maybe I can have the fringe on New Year’s Day. Of course, only after a rebond or a change of heart that I would go to another salon.

For the meantime, here is the traditional before and after photo of my new layered do:

The Nymph

My cousin May has an alter ego that is talking to her at SilentMoan and she named her “nymph”. I’ve never been spellbound on ethereal creatures until I get to know a nymph on her blogs.

According to Encarta Dictionaries, a nymph is a goddess of natural beauty such as woods, mountains, and rivers and traditionally regarded as a beautiful woman. Or it can be the larva of some insects such as dragonflies, mayflies, and grasshoppers.

If I would meet a nymph face to face on the eve of my birthday and she has the enchanted power to grant my wishes, I would gladly ask for the following:

First, a weeklong vacation in Palawan. It has been my yearning to indulge myself in the mantel of rainforests, majestic mountains, primeval caves, best diving sites, and pristine beaches of the Palawenos. It is where I could be one with nature completely.

Second, an all-expense-paid trip to any of the ATP Masters Series and Grand Slams events. To say that I am a big tennis fan is an understatement. I so love Nadal and Safina. I follow their careers religiously. It would be exciting to watch them live and experience the thrills of their matches in real time.

Third, a Blackberry. It’s a caprice, I know. However, if I could have one, it must be the Red Blackberry Pearl 8100.

Fourth, a Claude Monet’s painting. I like to paint but painting doesn’t like me. And so I only admire the works of the genius artists like Claude Monet. I was in awe of his paintings that were embellished on my stationeries in high school days. I would love to own one of his masterpieces and hang it on our dining wall.

Last but certainly not the least, a chocolate mousse tiara cake. I couldn’t remember the last time I had a cake on my birthday. Maybe three years ago? This time, I want to pamper my sweet tooth. I dream to get lost in the heavenly flavors of chocolate, cream, and nuts baked on tiara pans. It should be a tiara design as I want a nymph theme.

Well, these are just my whims. I could live through without these things but it surely is a bonus to experience them before I die. On the other hand, I fervently pray that God will continually bestow the true desires of my heart – good health for my loved ones, peace of mind, world peace, blessings and more blessings.

(Happy birthday, pretty May! See, we were born just 5 years and a day from each other that’s why we look and think alike. Haha. Rock on, cuz!)

Related Post: 10 Things I'd Like to Do Before I Die

Misery Loves Company

A man phoned me out of the blue the other night. He said he saw my number on his phonebook and decided to ring me up. We tried to catch up with each other’s lives. He asked about my family and I asked about his. I said my goodbye with the thought that all was well.

The following morning, a woman reproached me for the reason that I took his call. She broke into tears and recounted to me how he betrayed her big time. Interminably, she just kept the pain to herself in order to protect his name but she has reached the breaking point already. No words could ever explicate the misery that she’s going through right now. She wants to die.

She then warned me not to keep in touch with him anymore; otherwise she would never talk to me again.

I conceded because I symphatized with her. Besides, she has always been my rock all these years.

This time she is the one needing me. Thus, I give her all my compassion and support.

For now, I could only pray for the best.

A Dose of Lohan

I woke up with a pain in my head this morning and it’s still killing me until now.

Blame it to the dreary weather! The heavy clouds and the searing sun seem like playing hide and seek today. It drizzles for a moment then the sun comes out and it drizzles yet again. Or maybe it’s my price for watching TV and surfing the net until the wee hours.

Well, times like this, I make music as a remedy.

“All the Way Around” by Ali Lohan tops my list this week. It’s all over in my blog, in my Friendster page, and it’s playing on my mind over and over again.

I happened to watch the reruns of Living Lohan last Sunday and I admired how Ali worked her butt off for this song. It tells how a girl realizes her mistakes and how she wants to make peace with her beau.

Check it out!

Does First Impression Really Last?

If you are living in a ten-door apartment and some of the lessees vexingly decide to turn their stereos up simultaneously, chances are you get a headache and you want to go somewhere quiet at once. In my case, I want to disconnect the main electric plug to completely turn off the noise around me. I need peace!

The unit in front of ours, a family of seven, is playing Barry Manilow; the door next to them is getting high with grunge music; and the tenants in the last flat, are shouting (for me they are shouting not singing) with karaoke songs. All are turning their volumes up and no one is giving way. I wonder if they listen to their music for pleasure or they just intend to compete with each other. What has happened to respect?

Definitely not my first impression (because they do that from time to time), I think these people are so KSP’s as in kulang sa pansin. They need to show off in order to be recognized. They get happiness at the expense of others. They are satisfied when others are disgruntled. They are a bunch of immature losers.

Speaking of first impressions, I am marveled by the recent comment on “Half-Awake in Subic” yesterday. A stranger remarked that I am naïve yet deep. How could he or she know? Maybe the way I write or the way I look or my taste of music? I wish I know.

The thing is I could say the same to myself – naïve yet deep.

People close to me say that I perceive life at a child’s perspective. One who is not afraid to commit mistakes and learn from them. A woman who is prepared to learn, discover, enjoy and endure the journey of living and loving.

Yet I also have strong and unswerving views in a global outlook. I care for the children who suffer inequalities, hunger, ignorance, violence, and indifference. I hate wars and dirty politics. I have an advocacy to save our mother earth from global warming for my children and their next generation to come.

Naïve yet deep, indeed I am.

Thank you, Anonymous.

Kiss and Make Up

I grew up without seeing my parents argue with an audience. They always iron things out within the four corners of their bedroom. I remember one time they disagreed over something and disgust was written all over their face. I sensed trouble but they both went inside their room and talked. After a while, they came out smiling as if nothing happened.

It goes without saying that I look up to my parents in terms of settling issues within my marriage. Like last night, I was on the verge of letting all my gripes out here yet my hard core ethics got the better of me. I contend that after my husband and I hear each other out, we should let time, space and quietness resolve the matter, if it can be resolved.

As for me, I pour my emotional turmoil down the drain through words, hurting or not. I create a space where my beliefs are guarded. Usually after a long bath or a cup of coffee, I calm down and then forgive and forget.

On the other hand, Mark reasonably talks a word or two; goes outside and smoke; and, comes back when the dusts have settled. Then he gets his points across by talking to me with a cooler head.

Our marriage is still young and we have so many thorns to triumph over. Yet I have faith that our love will conquer all and we still have each other in the end.

Worse Than Wolverine

I’m good when I’m good but when I’m crossed, I can be worse than wolverine. I would lapse into a berserk rage and lash out with the intensity and aggression of an enraged animal.

You have been warned, so beware!

Naked Tennis, Anyone?

World No. 6, Andy Roddick, made a fuss when he pulled out due to ankle injury from the season-ending Tennis Master Cup in Shanghai, China just hours before his quarterfinals match against the top seed Roger Federer.

But, he made more buzz around the tennis world when he auctioned off an hour long private lesson at Sir Elton John's AIDS Foundation fundraising event in Georgia. A naked hour-long tennis lesson with him, that is.

As expected, tennis enthusiasts (women enthusiasts, I may say) went gaga over the offer and the winning bid came from a lucky lady who greased up $15,000 for the chance to see Andy in all his glory.

However, Roddick backtracked over the naked training, insisting it was just a joke. He said, "First and foremost, I am not going to be playing naked tennis. It was said in jest and the lady who bid was really cool afterwards."

Poor lady.

(Tennis Master Cup Update: Right this very minute, Roger Federer is playing against Andy Murray. The winner of this match joins Nikolay Davydenko in the semifinals. The other match is sealed to Novak Djokovic of Serbia versus Gilles Simon of France. Watch it live tomorrow on Star Sports at 6 p.m. onwards.)

The Amazing Four

I'm a big fan of the Amazing Race Asia. I was hooked since its pilot episode in Season 2 that made every Filipino proud because our flag bearers Marc Nelson and Rovilson Fernandez were so good.

Now, it's down to the last four in Season 3. The fierce Hongkong guys, Vince and Sam, arrived first in the pit stop last week followed by the Malaysian hot mommas, Ida and Tania. Team Philippines, Geoff and Tisha, finished third while A.D. and Fuzzie from Singapore came last.

On AXN at 9 pm tonight, one pair has to go. Of course i'm rooting for Geoff Rodriguez and Tisha Silang and i hope they will make it to the last three.

Go guys!

Bohol Native Delicacies

Aside from our world-renowned scenic spots, rich heritage, warm hospitality, and festive fiestas; we, Boholanos, take pride in our delicious delicacies as well.

Come take a bite...

Torta - a sweet cake made of flour, lard and eggyolks. Boholanos love to serve tortas to visitors during fiesta celebrations.

Peanut Kisses - unique delicacy that looks like a miniature of the Chocolate Hills. It is made from selected high grade peanuts, roasted and processed, with all natural ingredients, that comes out crunchy in every bite.

Calamay - a sweet concoction of ground sticky rice, sugar, coconut milk, vanilla and some peanuts. It is sold in smooth coconut shells that are sealed shut by a characteristic band of red tape. Great to eat in its own, and also with rice or bread.

Suman - made from glutinous rice cooked in coconut milk, and steamed in banana leaves. It is served wrapped in banana, buli or buri palm leaves and usually eaten sprinkled with sugar.

Maruya (banana fritters) - traditionally made of saba bananas dipped in butter, fried and rolled in granulated sugar. (I basically grew up eating maruya during break time in grade and high school days.)

Broas (ladyfingers) - sweet crunchy snack made of egg yolks, confectioner's sugar, flour and vanilla. It's a must-have when you visit Bohol. Yummy!

I Left My Heart in Candijay

After the romantic garden wedding of Kenneth and Nina at Chateau de Busay last Saturday, Mark and I went home to Candijay for two days.

I was so excited to feel the breeze of my beloved hometown once again!

Firstly, we had dinner in Cogtong with my family. We feasted on Nanay Daisy’s cooking – deep-fried crabs, vinegared fish, grilled bangus, adobong baboy (seasoned pork), native chicken in coconut milk with lemon grass, and for the dessert, the mouthwatering fruit salad!

My mother is irrefutably the best cook in the world! Just to think of the feast she prepared for us makes me want to go home right now.

The following day, we spent some quality time with my widowed mother-in-law in Sagumay. (By the way, Mark and I are from the same town. We were classmates in high school as well.) Mama Doring, though not much of a good cook, managed to treat us with the yummiest adobong native chicken (more delicious than nanay’s) and fried shrimps; with the mixture of red vinegar, chili, kalamansi and salted fish as sauce. It is something that I look forward to every time I am there.

Then we went driving along the countryside (as we always love to do). I forever love the lush mountains; the green fields of rice, corn, camote, and many other crops; the serene riverside; and, simply the whole laid-back environment.

We also went to Ubay to buy dried danggit, my favorite pure tableya (unsweetened chocolate from cacao), and calamay (concoction of sticky rice, coconut milk, sugar, vanilla, and some peanuts) as pasalubong for our friends and neighbors in Cavite City.

I miss home. I miss my family especially my nephew, NJ. Sigh!

One thing for sure, wherever I may go, my heart will always be left in my beloved Candijay.

>drivin' around

>dried fish
>hanged to ripe

>the dam
>so heavenly

>visiting the dead
>shooting with an air gun

>the window
>askal andrew

>the landmark
>the roadside

Best of Mistahs

We'll fly to Cebu tomorrow to attend the wedding of our dear friends, Kenneth and Nina. Their love story is the epitome of a love found, a love lost, and a love found again. Finally, they will tie the knot! I'm so happy for both of them.

Kenneth was the Best Man at our wedding. He did a wonderful job with his speech so as not to endorse Mark. However, Ken made a mistake in asking Mark to be the Best Man to his wedding as well because i know Mark will be "brutal" on him. Haha!

Here's an excerpt of Ken's speech during the reception:

I am a proud classmate and best man of Mark, or Bujix as we used to call him.

I have been with him for quite a time, and that means I have a lot to tell about him. But then, I only choose to tell the best stories so as not to endorse my classmate.

Kidding aside, Mark is among the brightest of our class. In fact, when we graduated, he brought home the most number of awards, which is 6. Can you just imagine how intelligent he is?

As a classmate, I would say that he is reliable and kind because when we were cadets, he used to give lectures or extra instructions to upperclassmen, underclass and classmates who were having difficulties in mathematics and engineering.

As a serviceman, Mark is one good example of a true officer and a gentleman, most especially with Jane.

Above all, as a brother and as a son, he is loving and caring. I am very much sure that he will be more as a husband and as father in the near future.

Although, I am not actually married myself, I thought it might be helpful if I offer them a little piece of advice.

Jane, you can either tell Mark to do something or tell him how to do something but please not both.

Mark, getting married bestows upon you many responsibilities so, be good.

Ladies and gentlemen, on a final and serious note, please stand and raise your glass to my mistah and to his beautiful new wife.

To Mark and Jane, cheers!

What Now, Barack?

Ladies and gentlemen, give it up for the 44th President of the United States of America.. Barack Hussein Obama!

The dusts have settled, the Americans have decided to go with Barack Obama’s route to change. Likewise, the headlines are singing one theme: Barack, the first black US President, makes history on the world stage.

Indeed, it has been proven that Obama’s victory certainly says a great deal about how the right person with the right message at the right time can move very far and very fast, no matter what it takes.

But my question is… what now, Barack?

What are your detailed strategy in resolving the current global economic meltdown? When are you going to push through the Veterans Benefits Enhancement Act that would benefit the Filipino war veterans who risked their lives six decades ago? Are you going to give more opportunities to the overflowing supply of nurses and other skilled workers from the Philippines? How can you get to the bottom of the black and white paradox?

By the way, I want to commend you for thanking Michelle, your kids, your grandmother who just passed away, and the people who supported you all the way, during your victory speech in Chicago. That was very sweet of you.

At this time, it’s time to roll up your sleeves, deliver the great expectations, and be the best Commander-in-Chief that the Americans could ever have.

Break a leg, President Obama!

YouTube in Heaven

On our way back home from the church this evening, we passed by the old town library that looked like a ghost house. We were discussing about the homily when all of a sudden, the streetlamp flickered as if it was sending an eerie message to us. It was spooky. I felt chills zipped up my spine. I wanted to run. At that point, Mark sensed my fear and said, “I think no one is going inside that library to read or research anymore because almost everyone, including ghosts, is using Google nowadays.”

Yeah right, honey. You always know how to amuse me even in an odd situation like that.

As we celebrate All Souls’ Day today, I honor the wonderful memories of my loved ones by creating a video message to them. I know it’s kinda weird to do that but I supposed there’s also YouTube up in the heavens. Hey, it’s the new millennium, all right?

To the souls who, in one way or another, guided me in my life's journey and to the little angel who went back to the arms of God before he was born into this crazy world.. I miss you all!

Half-Awake in Subic

The alarm went off incessantly at 3 o’clock in the morning that prodded me and my sister to get up and get ready as we would join my husband to his official tour of duty in Subic Bay, Olongapo City yesterday.

While waiting for the van, we watched live the match of Rafael Nadal and Gael Monfils on Star Sports. As expected, Rafa won and he advanced to the quarterfinals in BNP Paribas Masters in Paris, France.

The van arrived an hour later. Typically, I get excited when I go to see a place for the first time but I was so heavy-eyed and subdued. If only it wouldn’t break my sister’s heart, I wouldn’t go.

I just slept until we stopped over for breakfast in Pampanga. Then, I said to myself that since I was halfway through the trip, I might as well enjoy it. I tried to buoy up myself but still I drifted in and out of sleep the rest of the way.

When we were near Subic, Mark woke me up because he wanted me to see the picturesque view of the lush mountains. Indeed, it was like a Claude Monet’s painting that came alive. It was so nice and just to look at them is a destination in itself. I was briefly pepped up to discover the rest of the city.

When we arrived, we visited first the premises of Mabuhay Corp., the first Filipino company that launched a satellite in space. They were talking very technical things that I couldn’t understand, so I told Mark that I would just stay at the lobby so that I could drowse off again.

After that, everything became blurry as I wasn’t able to come out from the dreamland completely. All I could clearly remember is that I was so relieved to get back to the comfort of our bed at home.

This morning, I only have the pictures to remind me that I was undeniably half-awake in Subic. For the time being, I can only wish that I can go back there and enjoy its beauty once more.

>me and sistah jill

>the double-decker bus

>through lethargy

>shoppin' flowers

>with a zombie

>and, a dead man walking

Happy All Saints' Day everyone!