Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Sing Along Wednesday Night: Just When I Needed You Most


You packed in the morning and I
Stared out the window and I
Struggled for something to say
You left in the rain
Without closing the door
I didn't stand in your way
But I miss you more than I
Missed you before and now
Where I'll find comfort, God knows
'Cause you left me
Just when I needed you most
(Left me, just when I needed you most)
Now most every morning I
Stare out the window and I
Think about where you might be
I've written you letters
That I'd like to send
If you would just send one to me
'Cause I need you more than I
Needed before and now
Where I'll find comfort, God knows
'Cause you left me
Just when I needed you most
(Left me, just when I needed you most)
You packed in the morning I
Stared out the window and I
Struggled for something to say
You left in the rain
Without closing the door
I didn't stand in your way
Now I love you more than I
Loved you before and now
Where I'll find comfort, God knows
'Cause you left me
Just when I needed you most
Oh, yeah
You left me
Just when I needed you most
You left me
Just when I needed you most

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Sing Along Wednesday Night: Don't Stop Believin'

Two words: Fate. Faith. I was shocked a while ago when I heard of the not so good news. I have to admit that I'm affected with the negative news but then I need to be optimistic...and simply embrace the fact that life is full of surprises and changes. Despite this, I know that everything will fall into place in HIS time. I just need to pray and believe in HIS plans and will.

Here's my pick for the night:
Just a small town girl, livin' in a lonely world 
She took the midnight train goin' anywhere 
Just a city boy, born and raised in south Detroit 
He took the midnight train goin' anywhere 
A singer in a smokey room 
A smell of wine and cheap perfume 
For a smile they can share the night 
It goes on and on and on and on 
(Chorus) 
Strangers waiting, up and down the boulevard 
Their shadows searching in the night 
Streetlights people, living just to find emotion 
Hiding, somewhere in the night. 
Working hard to get my fill, 
Everybody wants a thrill 
Payin' anything to roll the dice, 
Just one more time 
Some will win, some will lose 
Some were born to sing the blues 
Oh, the movie never ends 
It goes on and on and on and on 
(Chorus) 
Don't stop believin' 
Hold on to the feelin' 
Streetlights people 
Don't stop believin' 
Hold on 
Streetlight people 
Don't stop believin' 
Hold on to the feelin' 
Streetlights people

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

11.20.11

It's only recently when people started to pay attention to the importance of walking as a form of exercise because exercise is often associated with strenuous activities such as running, swimming,or going to the gym.  Walking is seen as an ordinary human activity such as eating, sleeping, and even farting but unlike these activities, walking burns many calories in the body.

Experts say that 10,000 steps daily makes the heart healthy. I'm sure you heard this maybe some three to five years ago but surprisingly, this belief was shared and even practiced back in the 60s in Japan and was called Manpokei program to encourage them to live an active lifestyle.And look what this program did to their people---they're one of the countries with the most number of old people.
***
My muscles still ache until now after joining Run for the Pasig River last 11.20.11. I admit that I haven't been walking a great distance lately so I kinda expected this one to happen. The last time I joined a fun run was back in highschool as part of our school fair celebration. But that was just a 3km run/walk. This time, I (was) registered (surprise, surprise) in a 5k run....excluding the walking distance between P.Gil LRT station until Quirino Grandstand. Whew!

As early as 5am participants were all gathered in their assigned clusters. There are even some people who claimed they were there as early as 4am since it's the time set by the organizers. But then again, you're in the Philippines following a Filipino Time. Naku, ayaw ni Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez at DOST nyan!

Anyway, our cluster started to walk at around 6am already. Yes, we walked almost 4km simply because there's too many people who joined the said fund-raising activity that's why it's impossible to run. Oh by the way, it took us more than 2 hours to finish the whole 5km run haha! Sinong may sabi hindi pwedeng magka "human traffic" di ba? But I heard the 10km and 21km participants finished theirs in less than two hours. Walang trapik e!   

ABS-CBN Foundation's Run for Ilog Pasig has always been a successful event and it's not surprising because you know that you're running for a good cause---that is, saving the once celebrated Ilog Pasig and improving the lives of people. I always admire ABS-CBN Foundation peeps because behind their "rich kid" appearance and manner of speaking that left me and my former officemates amazed with how these conyotic people actually help clean the esteros, they really have a good heart.

Kudos to the ABS-CBN Foundation's another successful Run For Ilog Pasig and of course the participants who really made big sacrifices for this event.
Finally, nagmove na din ang crowd!
Go USTE!Go USTE! Go USTE! Go,go,go,go!
"Human Traffic" build-up
"Human Traffic" build up ver.2
Uyyy, maluwag sila dito pwede na tumakbo.
More than half of the runners were students. Hello FEU! ^_^

My frustrated brother...di daw makatakbo e
ABS lang ang may ganyan lol
Hurrah finish line! After more than 2 hours
With Adriel..natapos din namen!yehey

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

100!

Tonight is my 100th post after one year of blogging all my dramas,happy memories, frustrations, and non-sense thoughts. Haha! I actually thought of posting a more "appropriate entry" for the "occasion" but since it also coincides with my Wednesday kaartehan, the first song that came to my mind is 100 Years simply because there's 100 on the title. Lame!Hahaha.

Anyway, here's my pick for the night. Strangely, I'm looking forward already to my 200th post which I think will only happen in 2013 unless I become more active next year. Bahala na nga. ^_^

One's thing for sure: I will continue to type what's on my mind, never mind if I make sense or not bwahaha. If there's one thing that I learned in college that I memorize by heart it's this: write to express not to impress. And I'd like to keep it this way
I'm 15 for a moment
Caught in between 10 and 20
And I'm just dreaming
Counting the ways to where you are 
I'm 22 for a moment
She feels better than ever
And we're on fire
Making our way back from Mars 
15 there's still time for you
Time to buy and time to lose
15, there's never a wish better than this
When you only got 100 years to live 
I'm 33 for a moment
Still the man, but you see I'm a they
A kid on the way
A family on my mind 
I'm 45 for a moment
The sea is high
And I'm heading into a crisis
Chasing the years of my life 
15 there's still time for you
Time to buy, Time to lose yourself
Within a morning star 
15 I'm all right with you
15, there's never a wish better than this
When you only got 100 years to live 
Half time goes by
Suddenly you’re wise
Another blink of an eye
67 is gone
The sun is getting high
We're moving on... 
I'm 99 for a moment
Dying for just another moment
And I'm just dreaming
Counting the ways to where you are 
15 there's still time for you
22 I feel her too
33 you’re on your way
Every day's a new day... 
15 there's still time for you
Time to buy and time to choose
Hey 15, there's never a wish better than this
When you only got 100 years to live



  

Sunday, November 13, 2011

And the winner is...

Clearly, Juan Manuel Marquez is the "People's Champ" in this controversial 12 round bout. The decision really came as a surprise because the Mexican hotshot's camp is confident they are in full control of the whole fight since El Dinamita connected more punches than THE Pacman, who made a late comeback in the match. Luckily, it still paid off for him as Michael Buffer announced the "winner via majority decision" with a scorecard of 114-114, 115-113, and 116-112 all in favor of the gentleman from Saranggani.

Marquez's camp was disappointed while the Mexican crowd was fuming with anger, booing the now nine-world division titlist Pacquiao who's still on the canvass savoring his most controversial win ever. The judges stick with their decision. 

I really felt sorry for how the fight turned out for El Dinamita who really came prepared for this fight and treated the boxings fans all over the world what a boxing match should be---strong and sharp jabs, uppercuts, and combination punches and not just running around the canvass or keeping your gloves on your face 95% of the time just to survive the most crucial 12 rounds of their lives. Hello Mosley and Cotto ^_^

THE Pacman is THE PACMAN. From being a no-namer boxer he really worked his way up to where he is now after mercilessly and shamelessly sending the likes of boxing legends like De La Hoya, Barrera, and Morales down the canvass. And don't forget that epic KO of Hatton in the second round. He really has the power, the strength, and the speed to beat these guys. For these, he earned the respect not just of Filipinos but the whole world. 

Marquez is a tough and fierce fighter.I think he's the best opponent who could really bring out the best in Pacquiao. He could really match Pacquiao's power and speed. Isn't it obvious today? 
Pacquiao-Marquez III is definitely the best fight that Pacman fans had
in recent years. Credit here
Pacquiao was heavily favored to win this game. Marquez was challenged and thrilled to be this match's underdog since he's confident that he can pull off some surprises...and he didn't fail the crowd. Only, it was he who was surprised with the decision. In his post-boxing interview, Marquez claimed that this fight clearly shows he should be the one who's hailed as winner but unfortunately since he didn't give Pacman his own taste of the canvass just like what he did in one of their previous encounters, he didn't get to convince the judges why he should wear that belt instead of Pacquiao. In addition, El Dinamita admitted their camp will no longer contest the decision despite Bob Arum's offer for a Pacquiao-Marquez Part 4 sometime in May. Marquez seems to have other worthwhile plan brewing in his head---retirement. 

This post seems to be more of a pro-Marquez entry simply because he deserves it. Our own Pacman really did well inside the ring- quick and strong. He really gave a good fight and was able to land 117 punches on Marquez, who surprisingly have 100!

Pacman's still the MAN though. A win, no matter how controversial it is, is still a win. No one can take away the fact that he's one of the greatest boxers of all time...not even the Floyd "Chicken" Mayweather Jr. can contest that. It's just really unfortunate that he won this way.

In boxing, it doesn't matter how many punches you've thrown and how many of them got in to the opponent's face. A boxer can throw many and stronger jabs and combinations that might or might not land on his opponent's face or body but unless the judges SEE them as legitimate punches, you'll not earn a point.  After the sound of the final bell, Pacquiao emerged as winner. But if there's one thing that Marquez should be proud of in what is supposed to be his last match,  it's the respect he enjoys from Filipinos.

Friday, November 11, 2011

Returning the favor

"Real drivers" are rare to find nowadays. They are the ones who really knows how to drive and not just to run the vehicle at a speed of 100km/hr. If you're looking for a "real driver" who will take you to your destination safe and sound, don't ever consider going to Cubao. Why?

overloading+speeding + swerving/cutting lanes+ irritating potpot sounds + LOOOOOUD music= 'nuff said.  

***
As a commuter since college, I encountered several drivers whose personalities are all the same: magugulang! Yung tipong hindi nagbibigay ng sukli unless you remind them. Mga pasimpleng nakalimutan DAW ibigay yung sukli. DUH.

Taxi drivers are different species though. 

But there are also drivers who are nice, honest, and generous.

Example 1:  Way back in college, I boarded a jeep bound for LRT and sat at the passenger seat next to manong driver and his conductor. I don't know what they find amusing in me that time.  I was surprised that in the middle of our little chitchat with them teasing me, they gave me a P5 discount despite not wearing my school uniform that day. As I jumped off the jeep, they reminded me to take care and even told me, wag ka mag-alala mahal ka nun. Wow, may love advice?close?! Hahaha 

Example 2:  This happened in my college days again. I sat at the back of the conductor's seat so that I could somehow rest. But kuya konduktor made little conversations and that time I wanted to shut him up since I'm drained that day but since I project a good girl image (walang kokontra), I just ride with whatever he says. Soon, sleep eluded me. As I handed him my P20 bill to pay for my fare, he gave me a  P3 discount which is not that bad. Haha!

Example 3:  Kuya tricycle driver in our subdivision forced me to hitch in his three-wheel drive that's headed to the FX terminal in SM haha. On second thought, dapat lang since I'm a regular rider no! 

Example 4: Tonight, I encountered the most generous and nicest FX driver I met in my 24 years of existence! He was nice and chatted me up the entire travel which I really appreciate. We exchange a couple of stories and ideas...not to mention his pambobola that I look young to be working. May gatas pa sa labi, as he said. He was also thankful and called me his lucky charm for that night because he was able to earn more than what he expected far that trip alone since the turnover of passengers was pretty quick and I think that gave him a + P100 take home that night. He was really thankful all throughout the trip and I find it flattering and weird at the same time! Haha anyway, as we neared our subdivision, big raindrops started to pour. He reminded me of his promise that he'll drop me and advised me to take the tricycle inside our subdivision so I that don't get wet. The surprising thing he said: SAGOT KO NA PANG TRICYCLE MO.  Did he just say that? True enough, as I prepare to unload from his fx he handed me a bill and I was thankful because it's the first time that such thing happened to me. Just imagine a hardworking FX driver who gave away a small portion of his daily earnings to a complete stranger like me who has no financial obligations at all...I'm deeply touched T.T

I decided to walk since it's no longer raining. Besides, walking under a full moon relaxes me.I kept the bill that manong gave me. I was just surprised when I found out that the bill he handed me was:
  
Haha I was really shocked I don't know what to say. He was really that thankful to me that he gave me back  my P50 haha panalo! I won't forget this night.   

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Sing Along Wednesday Night: Issues

It was not love at first um, play?Haha okay, I invented that one since it's supposedly love at first sight right?Anyway, I was able to "absorb" and "appreciate" the song maybe after hearing it for the third time. In fact, when The Saturdays dropped by UKG sometime in 2010 I think, I was like "who the hell are these PCD copycats?" Unfortunately, I wasn't able to catch them perform that song live but I really love this song simply because I can relate to it haha! You see, the lyrics were not that smart and the message of the song was crazy and stupid (agree?) but since I can relate to it, it's included in my outdated playlist haha! 

Besides, the incident last night made me decide that I should post this song for my wednesday kaartehan. Anyway, here's my pick of the night.


  • The Saturdays- Issues
Sometimes I feel like I'm going out of my mind
Boy, the way you do me is a damn crime
Then you smile at me and it's alright
With you there ain't no in between

Every time that I walk out the door
Tell myself I won't take it no more
There's a part of me that won't let you go
I keep sayin' yes but my mind's sayin' no

Me and my heart, we got issues
Don't know if I should hate you or miss you
Damn, I wish that I could resist you
Can't decide if I should slap you or kiss you

Me and my heart we got issues, issues, issues
We got issues, issues, issues

It's awful, boy you leave me hangin' for so long
You empty out my love until it's all gone
You change the words but still it's the same song
I'm tired of the melody

Change my number, throw out your clothes
But my feelings for you it still shows
I keep building a wall round my heart
But then I see you and it all falls apart


Me and my heart, we got issues
Don't know if I should hate you or miss you
Damn, I wish that I could resist you
Can't decide if I should slap you or kiss you

Me and my heart we got issues, issues, issues
We got issues, issues, issues

Why fight it? Can't hide it
Truth is I think I like it
Confusion, illusion
Still I don't know which way to go

Me and my heart, we got issues
Don't know if I should hate you or miss you
Damn, I wish that I could resist you
Can't decide if I should slap you or kiss you

Me and my heart we got issues
Don't know if I should hate you or miss you
Damn, I wish that I could resist you
Can't decide if I should slap you or kiss you

Me and my heart we got issues, issues, issues
We got issues, issues, issues
We got issues, issues, issues
We got issues, issues, issues

Me and my heart we got issues
Don't know if I should hate you or miss you

Sunday, November 6, 2011

To Each His Own: 5 Reasons Why I Don't Own a Planner

Gone are the days when only the secretaries of company officials write on planners to manage their bosses' daily, weekly,  monthly, and yearly schedules/activities which include business meetings left and right, executive check-ups, lunch with clients, or business presentations with a prospective investor.  Today, almost everyone owns at least one planner.

With only less than two months before we bid 2011 goodbye, most girls already started their own countdown of that fateful day they'll get hold of their 2012 planners. I think as early as September or October there were already online multiply shops that accept pre-orders of "girly" planners while I think the "coffee stamp" promo in exchange of a planner of a well-known coffee shop already started this month. Time to burn some money or beg your family, friends, colleagues, or classmates to buy coffee so that the barista will put more stickers to your coupon. This way, the chances of getting that much coveted planner is within reach already ;p 
? cups of coffee = ?coffee stamps=  1 planner
 Seriously, I really have nothing against people collecting or spending hundreds or thousands of pesos just to have those "in" planners. To each his own. I mean, who cares if they spend their hard-earned money on these stuff...it's their hard-earned money right? And besides, if that will make them happy, to each his own. Though honestly speaking, I find it a little impractical. But as I've said, to each his own. 

I remember last year, days before my younger brother's Christmas party, mommy asked him how much is their exchange gift to which he answered P350. In my mind, I want to protest since it's too much but then again I realized it's their last year in high school so maybe a little consideration won't hurt even if our exchange gift that time only costs P250 boohooo. Next, mommy asked what does my brother plan to give to his "monita."  My ever innocent brother said: planner yung nasa wishlist nya. Belle de jour planner daw. Hearing his answer, I quickly commented in a very violent way: Sira ba siya? P350 nga yung exchange gift hindi P1000 up. I explained to mommy about the bdj planner. In the end, we bought her a K planner (as in short for Kris Aquino). SERIOUSLY? A 4th year hs girl wishing for a bdj planner, wish mo teh! Lol. Now I wonder if that girl is using the planner my brother gave her....

As for me, I never really got interested with these expensive planners..not even the cheap ones I saw in malls. In fact, my mother gave me a planner for two consecutive years...not because it's her gift but because somebody gave it to her and unfortunately, she's not a planner fan herself. Now you know where I'm coming from. Haha!

2009 rarely used  planner
2010 still rarely used planner 

I don't know if I will receive a planner next year...I hope not since I won't be using it anyway. I tried writing my schedule/activities in those planners before but I just really can't see myself updating it. After "too much pondering," I came up with five reasons why I don't own or use a planner.

1. I'm not really much of a busy person. I don't go into meetings or have an upcoming presentation with the bosses. I don't worry about research papers that I need to submit to my professor since I'm not currently enrolled in school. I live a routinary life so I don't need to be reminded of the things that I need to do or accomplish since it's all in my mind. But if I really have an important thing to do for that particular day....

2. I put reminders on my phone. I think this is more practical for me. I carry my phone everywhere I go and besides the alarm feature does a great job of reminding me of the things that I need to accomplish that day. Besides, cellphones are way handier than a planner which will take additional space on my bag. 

3. I'm not the girly girly type of person.  I'm not that much appreciative of girly stuff. The designs of the planner, the coupons that you'll get (though I think they're cool!) from it , and the whole idea of "journaling" every single activity or task that you need to do. Errr, okay this one's a little bit off haha! I can't think of a reason anymore haha moving on...

4. I hate writing. Ironically, I really hate jotting down notes unless it's really really really important...as in matter of life-and-death kind of important situation. Yes, I am a writer who dislikes writing or doodling unless I'm extremely bored. I'd rather type than write it.

5. I don't need a planner to motivate me.  I believe people get motivated to finish their task from different sources. What works for others may not work for the other half. There are some people who write their schedules/activities for the day to guide and motivate them that they need to finish all these things while there are people who would rather act to make things done. Less planning, more action. I don't write in my planner because the tasks are in my mind and I don't want to disappoint myself if I fail to achieve my goals. I think the plans in my mind are more effective than the plans written in my planner. I mean, at least I don't have to follow a schedule of the things that I need to do for that particular day because what if the situation gets altered right? You need to make adjustments quickly and forget about all your plans for that day because what's important is the "unexpected" situation that you should deal with. Besides, if I limit myself to the tasks for that day alone, I might not be encouraged to do other things because it's no longer included in my to-do list.  As they say, do what you can do today. If you're too focused on your goals for that day and there's still enough time to do other things, why not start another task immediately? Am I making sense?Haha

Having a planner is not a bad idea because it helps in motivating people with their daily tasks. It's just sad that there are some who just go with the flow of owning one without any intention of following what they've written on it. It's just sad to know that some people get a planner for the sake of owning one because it's the "in thing." Planners should serve as a daily reminder to give your best each day, to perform your job better, and to be more productive as an individual. Unless you act on your plans, those plans will remain simply as written plans.

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Sing Along Wednesday Night: 2become1

This is one of my fave songs of ALL TIME haha! Seriously, who doesn't know or adore them way back in the 90s? And who doesn't know at least one of their songs by heart right?So for tonight, let me share one of the many hit songs of this phenomenal all-girls singing group. 

Candle light and soul forever
A dream of you and me together
Say you believe it, say you believe it
Free your mind of doubt and danger
Be for real don't be a stranger
We can achieve it, we can achieve it
Come a little bit closer baby, get it on, get it on
'Cause tonight is the night when two become one


[Chorus:]
I need some love like I never needed love before
(Wanna make love to ya baby)
I had a little love, now I'm back for more
(Wanna make love to ya baby)
Set your spirit free, it's the only way to be


Silly games that you were playing
Empty words we both were saying
Let's work it out boy, let's work it out boy
Once again if we endevour
Love would bring us together
Take it or leave it, take it or leave it
Are you as good as I remember baby, get it on, get it on
'Cause tonight is the night when two become one


Ah, oh wow
Ah, oh wow


Be a little bit wiser baby, put it on, put it on
'Cause tonight is the night when two become one
I need some love like I never needed love before
(Wanna make love to ya baby)
I had a little love, now I'm back for more
(Wanna make love to ya baby)
I need some love like I never needed love before
(Wanna make love to ya baby)
I had a little love, now I'm back for more
(Wanna make love to ya baby)
Set your spirit free, it's the only way to be


It's the only way to be
It's the only way to be

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Remembering LACE

I was actually torn between making an entry about scary/ghost encounters or paying tribute to the dead as my first post of the month. I ended up choosing the latter since it'll make more sense. Besides, I don't have much of scary/ghost stories to tell :)

The way he gave his last breath during that unfortunate 23rd of November in 2007 still plays vividly on my mind as if it happened only yesterday. It was really painful to let go of him but we know that it's better to end the sufferings and pains that his true condition (which he didn't know) caused him instead of seeing how his body deteriorated and his organs fail one-by-one. The sight of him agonizing in pain almost every night was really unbearable. Every scream he let out was shattering not only to our ears but to our hearts. And seeing him unconscious and helpless was insane because you're already anticipating for his end. It's insanely painful counting the months, weeks, days, and hours of his last moments here on earth. 

But the way he blamed alcohol and how he promised not to drink a single gulp of it was funny though haha Seriously, hearing him say those words really made me happy because finally, he admitted his mistakes...although it's too late. More importantly, the way he made peace with my mother was the best day of my life and I know it was for him also. It was really a touching moment. 

So kapatid, asan ka man happy ako for you because I know that you're in a better place now where pain brought by your condition was no where to be felt. I know that you're in a better place now because you've forgiven the people who hurt you and yourself. I know that you're in a better place now...kahit wala ng marlboro at redhorse dun. And we're happy for you...pero please lang, pag naman dumadalaw ka sa panaginip ko e no more habulan ng itak kalurkey ka naman e haha! But seriously, I really miss you. See ya in  my dreams kapatid! 
RIP L.A.C.E.