Good News

Who doesn't like good news?!!

I. RH Bill signed.

Finally. After a series of hearings, drama sessions and amendments, 2 law-making houses of the country signed the RH bill on Dec. 19. I remember that well. It was my sister's birthday. Then it was passed on to the President hoping that this law will be made official by his signature before Christmas. People knew it was in the bag. Everyone who is in favor or couldn't care less, now turned their attentions to their own Christmas preparations while some Church organizations could only wish for an abomination.

On Dec. 21 the president signed the bill into law and it was only publicized today due to the sensitivity of the issue. The church brands this hush-hush signing as a cowardly act from the President. They see it as a sign that he was ashamed to be connected to a law for the fear of excommunication during Christmas.

I doubt it.

He must've realized to wait it out. He did after all sign it on Dec. 21. If the so-called end of the world did come, they might blame RH bill for it. I don't know. He must have his own special reasons why he only publicized it now. But frankly, I don't care. As long as the reproductive education and contraceptives are made available to the nation, that already sounds good to me. I really hope this RH bill will help trim the population and make people more empowered to make better choices.


II. KABANG in good health

Dogs are such heroic beings. They love unconditionally and they give comfort to their owners anytime, anywhere. Kabang, a mongrel from the Philippines, received international praise for saving the 2 young girls from a speeding motorcycle. This cost her entire snout and upper jaw.

With how she looks who would think she could still function and be in high spirits? I guess angels were looking after this angel.

She was flown to the States, where they treat dogs like real members of the family and community, to receive surgery and treatment. Because of a successful fundraising spearheaded by a nurse from NY, the dog was able to fly to the States to undergo chemo treatment for ongoing cancer, treatment to eradicate heart worms, reconstructive surgery and overall rehabilitation. According to the latest news, she has already beaten the cancer and is now concluding her heart treatment so she could proceed with a series of surgeries. 

She is expected to be back home next year, June.

She deserves all the best care! There are countless stories of dogs' loyalties and sacrifice. This is just one of the most publicized and bravest stories one would know in this lifetime. I hope dog owners realize how lucky they are to share their lives with one of the most loyal, loving and brave creatures that ever graced this planet.

The Night Circus.Gone Girl

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern is really not your ordinary fantasy story though it started off quite exciting and simple. Towards the 2nd to 3rd sections of the book, it became subtle and a bit more complex. The gist is a story about 2 prodigies with magical capabilities who were destined to compete with each other to the death. It's the type of story that the venue of the competition, the supporting characters and the mishaps are equally important. The setting, being in a circus, puts the imaginative tone and adventure to high gear.

It was an okay read. Though I don't really think I would read it again. I was thrown off somewhere when I wanted solid answers. There were some hints but I was not entirely convinced. I just went through with it to know the conclusion of the lovers with the hopes I would find something more.  And I couldn't discount the fact that the sequences of the chapters really made it more difficult for me to read. I guess it wasn't the perfect book to delve into this time around. It all seems like a blur.

___

I was busy surfing and reading various lists of Best Fiction Books of 2012. The lists were decided by various critics, old and new from print and media, across different websites and organizations of book lovers. There are books I was familiar with, but there are recognizable select number of books that keep on coming up in everyone's lists like Behind the Beautiful Forevers, Bring up the Bodies, Arcadia and Gone Girl.

Reading those repeated titles and knowing that I don't have them brings me searing jealousy and desire.  I just have to have them.

Though I've read good titles this year, nothing beats learning about good newly published books from renowned critics and mature book lovers I admire. I was never a fan of acquiring books in hype, but these books are anything but a product of hype. I know there's a perfectly good reason behind the credible recommendation and it's never about the sales but by the insights of a book lover to another. It's always about the profound experience and substance a reader takes with him. That's what I want to have.

So I searched for specific titles yesterday in the leading bookstores hoping I could still get some copies. Thankfully, I can always rely on National Bookstore.

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn is my pick for today. After a series of titles of an era-set of melodramatic novels, I'm definitely in the mood for a good contemporary suspense.

2012 Must Reads

Argh!!!

There are so many good books that were published this year! And I want to read them all now!!! (ala Veronica Salt from Willy Wonka)

I know I've read some pretty good titles too, but some books, which I still don't have, are always coming up on the must-read list for this year. So, I'm doing the next best thing searching and contacting the local bookstores now, I need to have copies.

But for my own pleasure, I'm coming up with my own list of Good-Books-I-read-in-2012. Hopefully this will calm me down.



source: salon.com / nytimes

A Cool Christmas Gift

Namamangha ako sa mga artists na walang keme, yung plain artists lang talaga. Walang entourage, walang ere, yung mga oras hindi nakasubsob sa launching or schedules, chill lang kumbaga. Kung gusto nilang mag malling or mag hiking para magkaroon nang inspirisyon, gagawin nila. Kung gusto nilang maki-jam or kumain nang marami, mag-jejeep or makikisabay sa mga kaibigan at makikipagkwentuhan parang isang tambay sa kanto. They know they are good at what they do, pero they don't need to advertise it. And their art is not really the focal point of any conversation. Sabi ko nga, para ka lang may kausap at tumatambay sa isang kanto. Alam mong ikaw puro salita lang maiibigay mo pero sila they are geniuses with really something tangible to brag about.

I'm not artistic. I'm not really good with my hands in particular. Kaya super nalang ako mamangha sa mga artists na nakakagawa nang kabilib-bilib gamit ang mga simpleng bagay at kanilang mga kamay. May that be drawings, sculptures, paintings, carpentry or knitting. Bilib ako sa mga artists na tinalikuran ang safety nets of having a normal job and focused on their art and how to make a decent living out of it, may that be from small shops or huge partnerships. Ang hirap nun ah! Mas saludo ako kung nakamit nila ang mararangyang papuri at nakapagsimula nang pangkabuhayan pero parang wala lang, hindi umaakyat sa mga ulo nila.

Artists are really geniuses at their own right. Musicians, sculptures, painters, sketchers, anything that they can produce with their own creativity and passion. They are created by God to produce something to inspire everyone. It's good if some make it big for something so institutional, but for some who are struggling but really good artists, I salute them for still enjoying their craft and for being very humble about it. Art is subjective anyways and not everything appeals to the majority. For most of them, they only make things out of artistic expression and joy. That's why I see artists true, passionate and brave. Not everyone ends well off, but they still do art and it's not work, most of them are truly happy with their time spent. Unlike some of us who tread the day not knowing why we do things.

Not every art is seen at the same spotlight and yet we get a breath of art every single day in weird circumstances and instances. While walking and spending time with new found friends, I received a Christmas gift from an artist named KILLAH. He is a painter who operates in a shop in Rizal. He is your typical t-shirt clad, long haired, true-blue artist who drinks, who likes to share stories and who is humble. While walking in the mall, he pulled out two hand painted stones in his old artist backpack and offered it to Mitch and I. And I only met him on that day. It was his simple Christmas gift that costs nothing, but the effort was unmistakable.

Syempre nahiya ako. Wala akong maibigay. Hindi ako artist. Kahit bigyan nyo ako ng raw materials, wala akong magagawa kundi basura. He was not asking for anything obviously, but he had time on his hands and huge jars of creativity to produce simple things from raw beginnings, which in turn he shared with us. Nakakatuwa. Eto yung mga regalong di matutumbasan ng pera. I don't know if I truly deserve to receive art out of nothing, but I'm honored. Nothing but more salutations and admiration from me.

Killah if you read it backwards Hallik - he only paints ang gives away stuff with happy faces. This is made from a raw stone.

7 Hours in Starbucks

I just spent 7 hours in Starbucks yesterday. I literally saw the unfolding of the early afternoon to nearly midnight. I sat at the same table all throughout. I had two coffees, one hot and one cold. Since it was raining, I had my dinner there, which was surprisingly comforting granted they just reheated the so-called deli sandwich. If I'm correct, I had four bathroom breaks the entire time. Everything else was a blur except for Starbucks. I also felt the coffee shop attendants and guard staring at my table after the 5th hour. I honestly should've won something on that day.

Come to think of it, it was the same amount of hours you spend in the office. 7 hours in the coffee shop isn't my record by the way. I spent 9 hours once in Coffee Bean in Greenbelt when I resigned from work and enduring my dark ages. At that time lightweight laptops weren't the thing and I remember lugging a heavy Compaq Presario with 2 fiction books.

I definitely can stay long hours in a coffee shop as long as I'm doing something. I like the ambiance and the access to handcrafted caffeine drinks. It's like being alone with distractions when you need it. When I go there for a long haul, I usually read or blog and God knows that I need to catch up on my reading nowadays. And that's just what I did.

While waiting for a friend, I spent 2 hours reading a book that I have with me since last week. With my reading standards, I should've been done with that book 4 days ago since I'm on a vacation. But with all the activities and errands reading really comes in third or second. I try to read everyday especially before going to sleep, but I can only manage a chapter and I'm already wiped out. I try to sneak time during the day, but it's either the mood is so low and something always comes up. So when I made up plans to meet up with a friend yesterday in a coffee shop, I made a dash to get there earlier to catch up on my reading. When my friend arrived, I was three pages away from completing section 2 of the novel, and I asked her to give me a couple of minutes to close this one up. I never end in mid-chapters.

Now, I am 190 pages away from the conclusion and I'm already at the last section. The events are heating up and I can't wait to dive to it again. That 2 hour Starbucks window really helped a lot. I still have lots of books egging at my must-read list before 2013. Now I only have a few days. Pretty depressing.

What did I do in the next  5 hours you ask? Pure rejuvenating conversation, but that's a different story.

Morning Mice Hunt

Good morning, Loves.

What are you two up to?

Bruce is a steady, low-energy dog. If no one exciting is around, he just sits, sleeps and be incognito.
But when Harvey's around, something about this little Jack Russell always sparks his energy. Harvey has his own world when it comes to exploring things. He doesn't mind to have other dogs following him around. He likes to be the leader in everything. Though Bruce can hardly keep up with his speed, he tries very hard.

According to Ate Shiela, they were hunting for mice this morning. How did she know for sure? For a couple of days now, they had randomly found dead mice under our house rugs.

Yuck.

Dog Treats

I make sure our dogs feel the Christmas spirit. They've noticed parties in the backyard and I'm sure they've noticed a huge difference since we are always around. On normal work days, all of us are already gone by 9 am.

I'm also definite they've tasted something yummy mixed in their food. As a Christmas treat, I've bought them a stock of Alpo's Chop House, their favorite. They come in Ribeye, Sirloin and Fillet Mignon flavors. Chunks of meat in saucy and tasty graving. We mix 2-3 generous tablespoons in their dog food and it's gone after a few minutes.

I give this to Harvey and Buddy whenever there's some special occasion going on and especially during their birthdays. This year is a first for Chivas and Bruce, but just as expected, they both loved it.

80-100 Pesos a can. Pretty steep, but once in a while it's acceptable. It's priceless to see them extremely happy with their food.

Meaningful Christmas

It's already the 26th and the long Christmas wait is finally over. Celebrations are done with and most of the money already spent, but as they say, no amount of stress and resources could equal the priceless joy and peace we are blessed with in this season.

It was a good pre-Christmas, Birthday, Christmas and post Christmas. Just as expected, I got what I really needed for this year. Good rest and simply having no schedules but to spend time with my dogs, family and friends.

I enjoyed group parties that lasted until 4 am with overflowing drinks, roasted Baliwag chicken, barbecue and stories! It's nice when we reminisce and realize that we missed each other's company. That makes group get-togethers sweeter. We talk about the same old thing, but we never get tired of it. Same jokes always make us laugh and there's comfort that you're always with a group of people who appreciate you for who you are and you've practically shared your happy and not-so-happy moments with.

Stories! A complicated exchange gift system! Wine and BBQ!

Drinks with a very very competitive game of Sketch N' Guess

I felt peace when spending time with my family and dogs. I get to spend long mornings with my dogs without rushing. I seem to have all the time in my hands to watch cable marathons with siblings. Food is never a problem, we eat something every single hour. Giving gifts to them and seeing how they appreciate what they have give me reasons to work hard. It's always been a running prayer to have this be a consistent picture in my life.

I felt trust and love spending time with Mitch whom I get to talk to more often and enjoy the holidays with. Also appreciation and joy for all the lovely greetings I received through texts and Facebook messages from friends and relatives.

And most especially I feel blessed to have this life, good times and bad times, I love it. My life isn't perfect and there will always be struggles and failures, but I have all that I need with me. God has created me to be who I am and for that I am thankful for the hopes that I would still become stronger and wiser. I thank Christmas for reminding me of my childlike traits and dreams. To be able to still see value in my work, my life and my challenges makes me feel so blessed as a person. He still showers me and my loved ones with His grace and I will forever be thankful. Christmas is a time for us to share all material things and enjoy each other's company, but in solemn times, may we be reminded that it's all about Him. May we never forget that all the celebrations are for Him. And we should, no matter how the circumstances give time to thank Him for the life, for the love and for the blessings, small or big, that we receive.


There is no excuse. We should have fun, give thanks and spread the love under His name. And with that, we will feel and experience a Happy and Meaningful Christmas.

Time Out: Bruce and Harvey

For now, these two are being kept apart.

Sometime October 2012

Harvey's wound in his right eye is still in the process of healing. It looks better now and we intend to keep it that way, but whenever these 2 get together, they wrestle and do mock-fights. Obviously Bruce is bigger and he can easily put Harvey's whole head in his mouth. After their play, we would see Harvey drenched in Bruce's saliva and his wound semi-bleeding again. Looking at the nut, it seems he doesn't have a care in the world.

So until Harvey's wound is fully healed, both of them get a time out. Lately, Bruce climbs at the kitchen steps looking for his friend while Harvey makes bored sounds at the other side. I know it's tough, you guys, but we have to prioritize health first. Probably this weekend you can all play together with Chivas and Buddy, but as long as there's someone watching you.

100th Post. Random Absurdities at its Finest

This entry will officially be the 100th post for this blog. Yay! I'm very positive about this! Since day one I've always just wanted to share my love of dogs, books and life in general. Less drama and negative vibes, the better. Nothing left to do but to continue blogging and hopefully improve by posting meaningful materials and subjects. Though not that ambitious, if I have slightly entertained and helped one person through this blog, then that would be more than excellent.

And just to make this post extra special, I will do random thoughts and opinions in one go. Excuse me, I just had a huge slice of birthday cake for breakfast and 2 cups of coffee. Sugar and caffeine rush to the max!!


1. Happy Mornings

First thing I do when I wake up is to see my dogs in the morning. Sorry. But I don't look at my phone. I don't read, I don't watch the news and I don't eat breakfast. Everything else can come after.

Ever since I got Bruce I have this strong conscious effort to go out and spend the early mornings with them. At first I tend to test Bruce. Then I play with all of the dogs and pet them endlessly. I observe them from afar and occasionally reprimand them for something stupid they're doing. Most of the times I just chill with them, sit on a chair and talk to them. If I can, I also squeeze time to read and surf. Anything that I feel like doing, I always make sure that they're there with me in the morning.

In this moment of 6:30 - 8 am, I am the calmest. I don't know what kind of affect dogs have on me, but problems seem to evaporate into thin air and clarity of thought just flows in naturally. If I have to figure something out, I get my ideas by hanging out with my dogs. Some people get their ideas by exercising, I get my drive and ideas this way. I think that's just how it goes.

And would you believe it, in these simple moments, I feel I'm the luckiest and happiest girl in the world. No shit. If something bad comes along, I have this to hang on to. Everyday, for just a couple of hours, getting to do this, makes me love my life more.

2. 12-21-12:  END OF THE WORLD

Here's my take on this.

Believe what you want to believe, I'll give you that. You can build a man-made bunker like what a Columbian businessman did.  You can even emulate methods of self preservation by the doomsday preppers featured in Discovery Channel. You can hold end-of-the-world parties, name end-of-the-world margaritas, force yourself to forgive someone, lose your virginity, flood Facebook with innuendoes and news bits. I don't care. I promise, I won't be annoyed. Do what you have to do for your beliefs.

But here's mine. End of the world will happen when end of the world does happen. We may have tons of predictions and theories out there, but no one really knows for sure. It's unknown. A lot of people tend to claim they've seen it, read it and predicted it, but in truth they can never know. A lot of things can happen. Even natural forces play suspense sometimes. If it's our time, there's pretty much nothing we can do about it. I could be typing here and have a portion of my heart blocked so I suffer from a heart attack. I might be eating cake and choke with no one else to seek for help. I may be driving or walking under a construction site and blocks fell on me. I could think of 101 pathetic ways to die. I'm not being morbid or anything, in fact I'm treating this positively. I just acknowledge the fact that our deaths, though a natural existence, will always be a mystery. So it's up to us to enjoy life and not focus on death. And if by enjoying life that means you want to be a certified doomsday prepper and build a modern day Noah's ark, be my guest! If that makes you happy and that means you're enjoying life, then who am I to stop you as long as you let me enjoy mine?

If the end of the world does come, I hope I'm with my loved ones and my dogs, probably drunk and happy and not stuck in traffic or something. But if I die pathetically, please take this as a confirmation that I lived a very happy and fulfilled life.

Okay, it's 9:11 AM Manila Time. I'm still alive. Seriously, are you really even surprised?


3. The Hobbit

I've read the Lord of the Ring Trilogy when I was in High School. I only read it once and obviously I've forgotten the details. I love the story and the dynamics of creatures, but I'm not what you would really consider a hardcore knowledgeable fan. I do have The Hobbit book, but I haven't read it. So I don't know what to expect in the movie except that it's obviously about a Hobbit and apparently about Warrior Dwarves.

Here's the thing. I find Hobbits and Dwarves cute, but I'm not fan of them. Initially I'm more for team Elf.

Me:    I wish they could've featured first how elves ruled middle earth, with excerpts of hobbits and dwarves of course, but Elf-Kings did rule before right? It would've been cool. 
JD (Brother):   Dwarves are cool. Why do you like elves so much? Because they're pretty?
Me:    Yeah. They're slim, pretty and have long hair.
JD:     I thought so.
Me:    Superficial traits aside, they're very articulate, collected and wise. And they're very clean.
JD:     Yeah, do you know that in the LOTR movies, notice Legolas only had this one streak of mud in his face. It's not even a mud, but a sorry state of a soot and Aragorn and Gimli's beside him looking like dirt bags. It doesn't look right. 
Me:     That's why they're Elves. Their skin is not human skin. They immediate repel dirt. And what we humans have as melanin, they have like these glow beads or something. 
JD:      Where did you get that? 
Me:      It's implied....in the books. (I have no idea...fiddling)
JD:      You're making it up.
Me:      Go check on it. 
JD:      All I know is elves are creepy. They stare at you all the time and they talk funny. Dwarves are cool. Hey, which one is bigger a hobbit or a dwarf?
Me:    What kind of a stupid question is that? Don't you know anything? I thought you were an LOTR fan! Tsk! (I honestly don't know who's bigger!)
JD:     I really don't know. I haven't noticed. Who's bigger then?
Me:    Bigger taller or bigger sturdier? (Deciding on an answer)
JD:     Is there a difference? Do you even know in the first place?!
Me:     Er... Dwarves or course, idiot. (Hoping it would be right)

After the first few scenes, we see Dwarves being bigger than the Hobbit.

Me:    See, told you. Be more observant next time. 

And with this movie, I can say that I saw Dwarves in a different light. I have more respect for them now than before. Dwarves may be small, dirty and uncouth, but they are very courageous to the point of being stubborn. They have a high sense of loyalty and brotherhood. They're very industrious too. They are not afraid to work and render physical labor. These are courageous and honest beings that are not afraid to get dirty. And surprisingly, they are very handsome too. If Elves have big ears, Dwarves have big nose, but they do have their own handsome traits with them. Elves are slim, Dwarves are masculine. I'm now confused.

Though not a very serious and action-packed version, the movie is a visual spectacle and a fun adventure. It's a cliff hanger too so don't be disappointed. If there's one thing I learned about this movie is that Dwarves are bigger than Hobbits and that Dwarves do not all look like Gimli. Haha!


4.  Suspension of Cebu Governor

If I was a respectable official who was found guilty of ill display of power by no less than the office of the president, my commander in chief, I think it's a spat on the face on the president if I disregarded the order and camped in my own chambers. It will look like I've gone dramatic or mad with power. Where's the political maturity and dignity in that?

If it were mere accusations without a rightful platform or proper evidence for investigation, then by all means stay and fight. But if there was a just decision at hand, I think no matter how hard one has to swallow the findings, it is our responsibility as mature individuals to accept the decision.

I'm sure she has done well for the province, but I don't think camping in the city hall to maintain her grip in power would put her in a good light. Just reeks drama and immaturity to me.

5. Hike Taxes in Sin Goods.

That means alcohol and cigarettes. I don't mind. I'm not your so-called drinker or smoker. I could care less. And just by saying that, I could hear violent reactions from friends. Let's face it, these are very harmful to one's health and has addictive qualities. One way to curb down the appetite for these goods is to increase its tax. Now, with the excess collection, government has thought of noble ways to give back: improve healthcare facilities and give subsidy to tobacco farmers. Hopefully they could also lessen taxes in more staple and less harmful products as well. Something has got to give, and if ever we need to sacrifice something, it better be the goods we can definitely learn how to live without.

Here's the thing. Though the intention of the government may be noble, I do hope that they really maximize this measure and put the funds to good use. Tax it, but use those taxes wisely. If these excise tax are bound to be corrupted, it's a totally different question.

6. RH BILL

Thank Goodness we might see this law approved before the year ends. I love life, but I am pro-choice. It's about time that couples and most especially women are given the right avenues to information to improve their reproductive health and to make informed decisions on family planning, child rearing and protection from sexual health risks.

RH Bill aims to educate and promote control. And I think that's just what the government instilled. It should not be romanticized as a means to divide people. Government was tasked to provide order and think of the wellbeing of the country. Though it values the teachings of the church, one has to act in its conscience, free will and informed analysis to make things right for the greater good. Church is separate from the Government. It's better that way. 

7. Miss Universe

We could've one. Philippines could've one. We had the best answer in the top 5 Q&A competition. I think whoever thought USA and Valenzuela's have more profound answers should be examined in the head. But this is Miss Universe after all and women from all over the world are gathered there solely for one shallow thing. Beauty. 

Everyone is beautiful, sexy and tall at the competition. But judging beauty is always going to be subjective, always according to the taste of the highly respectable judges. So I think the question and answer portion part or the talent competitions are just means to separate and pick out a few candidates from a sea of beauty. It doesn't mean that if we nailed the Q&A portion, we get the crown. There are various computations that we don't see. Everything gets averaged. What if Philippines indeed won the Q&A part but USA and Valenzuela excelled the talent and beauty competition? Do we fully know the criteria to do our own analysis?

Philippines could've won that's true, but the Q&A portion is not all there is to it. I'm just happy we got through top five and finished 1st runner up. Not only did we prove Filipinas are beautiful, but we are hell smarter too. They may get the crown, but we get eternal glory.

8. Bulletproof Backpacks

Utah based american combat apparel company, Amendment II, is now making bulletproof backpacks for kids. The same backpacks they could take to school and use whenever there's a psycho out there to gun them down. According to the company, the backpacks are now sold out and they're already on a reservation basis.

I know that necessity promotes invention, but I'd really hate to think this as a necessity. Thanks to the Connecticut massacre, everyone is practically left vulnerable to the next madman. I don't blame them, but this just sucks.

9. Iphone 5 or Samsung Note 2

My HTC phone already gave up on me after 2 years. It was a pretty quick deterioration if you ask me. Quite disappointing. And I'm not the type who downloads stuff. I only do Facebook, which I think is pretty harmless. Everyone who knows me know that I'm not tech-savvy. I only text and call and if there are advanced features I could use to enhance my texting and calling experience, I'm all for that. But I can't say that I'd go out of my way to download games and stuff. I depend on my phone for messages and information. That's it.

So I'm getting a new phone next year. I've no choice. And I'm torn between Samsung Note 2 and iPhone 5. I've held and seen both from colleagues last week while I was on vacation. Both are highly recommended and powerful smart phones and I'm sure they can serve me well. But I'm not the type to  scrutinize heavily on specs. Both give good visuals and eye candy. Both are light and functional, but I admit I'm drooling over the size. I have big hands and texting in my small HTC, I've realized, gives me a very hard time. In that regard, Samsung Note 2 edges iPhone5 a bit. Let's see.

10.  Forever 29

I'm turning 29 next week. Weird cause I don't feel like 29. When I was a kid, I see people in their 20's as old and super mature like real full blown adults. I was in for a surprise. The 20's is a confusing decade and pretty much a trial and error phase. People in their 20's are old enough to decide and act on their decisions, but some decisions are still questionable. We are adults, but somehow who still have the license to have fun and be stupid. We are allowed to do drastic and stupid moves. We may change careers, we have this generic perception of success and we try to figure out what we really want in life, not in the textbook sense, but real long term desires and in specifics this time.

This is when people decide to change their lives too. Party people tend to sober down, people in long relationships tend to decide their futures and professionals start to make names for themselves. They could always dig their holes and claim their land. It all starts here. It seems in our 20's it's still okay to make mistakes and have meaningless fun, but it's expected that we get a bit serious when we hit 30.

I'm already at the edge. I'm kissing goodbye to 20's and I'm anxious. Don't get me wrong. I'm not scared of aging, it's inevitable. But I think I'm more anxious on the fact that I expect more from me when I hit 30, and not just me but society and my family in general. I hope I'm equipped and stable enough to start a new decade because I would definitely have different concerns by that time. I hope I could give justice to being 30 because seriously at this point I really don't feel like 29. I think I've matured to some extent but is there something wrong if I feel like I'm still 25?

I know it's just a number, but with age it's no denying that we are getting older. I'm just more anxious if I have what it takes to be 30 in this world and if I have the grace to start a smashing new decade. 29 is my last hit on the 20's, and I'll definitely make this count.

Least Positive :)

In this time and age when everything's fast paced and we effortlessly find ways to pressure ourselves, we need all the positive vibes we can get. As long as we have our extended relationships in families, friends and colleagues, it seems poverty, stress and responsibilities are never too hard to handle. We always fall flat on our faces, but we tend to laugh it off.

You'd think people from affluent countries with good employment and healthcare systems are happiest in the world? Think again. Singaporean ranked the least positive in the world per GDP. IN short, they're the grouchiest. This really goes to show that though there's abundance in wealth, money isn't really everything.

Filipinos are positive people. Our nation is happy despite everything we've been through. Sometimes I think we're just plain stubborn and crazy, but it's either that or constant despair and gloom. I won't trade our country for anything. And even if we don't have the brightest star in terms of economy and struggling is part of our lives, we always seem to do everything with a smile, a strong leap of faith and a jar full of hope in life. And that makes us rise and enjoy life more, which makes material riches just the icing on the cake.


Source: http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1243787/1/.html

The Annual Haircut

It's that time of year again that I need to cut my hair and do hair treatments.

Yes. Believe it or not, my last haircut and treatment were done last year, December 16, 2011. I remember that so well because I vowed to myself that I would find a reputable hairstylist to manage my hair regularly this time. No more surprise haircuts in different salons. It's time to get some things in my life permanent. If I can find a permanent dentist this time, finding a hairstylist would be easier.

Henri Calayag salon was my choice. I did research of course and I was intrigued about the hairstyling prowess of his senior consultant Richard. I've read blogs and forums and dreamt about it for two weeks. When I finally had the courage to go there, he was all business and provided me insights which he thought would be better for my hair. Silently he snipped away and gave me a really intensive blow dry. After my haircut, I went to salon ESA for my Keratin treatment complex which was divine, a really relaxing experience.  After months of being happy with my cut and treatment, friends noticed how beautifully my hair grew. I don't know how they figured out, but my friends know hair better than me anyways. So, I knew what to do next time. But unfortunately, that "next time" didn't happen too soon and it's been a year of no salon trips. Whoever gets too complicated and anxious about a haircut anyways? Me.

I don't like going to salons. I'd like to be there to do the necessary the fastest way possible. I'd rather hangout in hospitals more. The noisy blow dry feels like a dentist drill on my head. I don't like strangers touching my hair. I am also the type who hates to listen how my hair needs this and that. Please, just cut  fast and let me be. That's why I need a permanent go-to salon. At least it relieves my anxiety by going to a familiar place somehow.

I'm so overdue for a haircut. My hair already touches my waist, and I consume too much shampoo. It's that time of year that my head feels like a dragging mop. My family and friends tell me that my hair is  already too long, but at least they say it still looks healthy. I just dare not to look closely. With my lifestyle, I prefer to tie my hair all the time so I guess the length rarely bothered me, until now. So here it is, booking my appointment and there's no turning back.

Come to think of it, I noticed my dog preference too. I look at my dogs and for some reason I prefer the short coat types, the wash and wear dogs with no fuzz. Bullmastiff, Jack Russell etc. They just shed hair effortlessly and their coat is always so manageable and smooth. Less stress, less shampoo consumption with an every breezy feeling. I envy them.

His post haircut look

Chivas is an exception. He was a surprise gift, a cute little one with thick hair. He will have his regular trip to the grooming center soon especially in preparation for summer. I'd have to have his hair shaved off, and I mean all of it. I do hope he is not insecure and he likes salons more than I do.

Are you done with Gift hunting?

I'm 75% done. 25% I can easily manage either tomorrow or this weekend as I already have a few things in mind.

I always find more joy in gift giving than receiving. I don't know, probably because I don't really expect anything from anyone. I don't depend on anyone to get what I need. And I never have to wait for Christmas just to get it. If ever I need something or want something really really big, sure enough it's one of my major goals, so acquiring it on my own is something I take personally. If people ask me what I really want for Christmas, I don't really have an idea. I always ask them to rely on the element of surprise. I'll be happy with whatever I receive anyways.

As much as I love to give gifts, I hate wrapping them. It's not like covering books which I do diligently and which I find therapeutic. Wrapping gifts require certain skills and level of creativity, which I don't have. I'm not good with matching materials, colors or anything that has a connection to geometry. My hands are heavy and devoid of any artistic gene. If gift wrapping was a test in school, I would be lucky if I get a passing mark. Just like in my past projects in school, my highest grade to date was an 85%. That was for a cross stitch project, which I crammed with Ate Ne. I was in tears making it and I got a whopping 85%!!!

Thank Goodness for Gift Wrapping Stations! I love the one in Powerbooks Greenbelt and National Bookstore! They have complete materials and creative know-how. They're not too expensive either. I've tried to have my gifts wrapped in individual gift wrapping stalls in Greenbelt, three gifts easily cost me 350 pesos. But for the same effect, National bookstore can wrap 5 huge presents for the price of 399. Not bad. When I gift wrap, I always go all the way with full ribbons and accessories. It may be senseless and impractical to some, but it definitely works for me. It enhances the spirit of gift giving and exerts more thought and effort from the giver. Looking at beautifully wrapped gifts is already enough reason to be excited. And I like that. It's this one time of the year that you become santa, I say make it count.

I might go to the mall today to end this gift hunting. But it will be fun and a piece of cake.

Fridge Space

Okay. Only in Christmas would you have not enough space in your fridge.

As far as I'm concerned our 2 refrigerators are reaching its full capacity. There are leftovers of everything with christmas goodies given by neighbors and family friends! Also thanks to Karla's feast yesterday, we are still recovering. We have three huge cakes, four kinds of leche flan, two boxes of pizza, dim sum, chicken left overs, cookies, muffins, pasta, pancit and leftover chinese food. We're not ]

We need to make space for the upcoming feasts: my birthday, christmas eve and christmas itself. Every time my mom passes by the kitchen, she wants to throw up. Ate Ne and Ate Shiela begged to be excluded in yet another merienda session. If only Bruce can eat up everything.

Everyone has to contribute. Everyone has to eat full time!

Happy Birthday, Karla

I vividly remember my 25th birthday. I had a grand celebration then. I even had a dress made up and I don't wear formal dresses. I got drunk and I'm not the type who drinks. I just felt celebrating that time because I was about to end my quarter life crisis, if ever there was such a thing. But I know there is. At that time I knew I was in a good spot. I had a stable career in a stable industry. I had a good set of friends. We just transferred to a new home and I had a new dog, Harvey. Though everything's not perfect and I'm still out there with a hundred goals to achieve, everything seemed so new and so positive that turning 25 deserved a full celebration.

That was four years ago.

Now my sister has turned 25. I've nothing profound to say but Happy Birthday! I honestly don't know what her aspirations and challenges are. She is a complete mystery to me and I intend to keep it that way. As my complete opposite, I don't understand her most of the times and I'm fine with it. She may have decisions that I don't approve of and choices that I cannot fathom, but she knows what she wants and leads her life however she can. As she struggles to free herself from her own brand of dark ages called quarter life crisis, I hope she emerges from it unscathed. We may be opposites and she may be so carefree, but she's not a weakling thank God. She will always come out fine.

I've no spectacular gifts nor charming words. But I have a kind and powerful wish for her to find whatever it is that she's looking for. I hope she learns how to harbor that passion to court success and be popular and excellent in whatever she does. Maybe it's this year to get a little bit serious, yeah? I hope she ends the quarter life crisis too!

And with that, I hope she enjoys turning 25! The pack wishes her good health, wealth and a smashing new year!

Oct 2012 Run

November High Street With Bruce

Holiday Reading Set 1

Before I went to Boracay, I was able to finish PURE by Juliana Baggott and Julian Barnes' The Sense of an Ending on the side.

Just as expected, Pure is a story of personal rebellion set in a post apocalyptic world where a teenage boy from the dome that contains the pure ones, people who are untainted and unchanged by the so-called detonation, meets a morphed teenaged girl from the outside, which is considered a wretched society. And just like any post apocalyptic story, it wouldn't be complete without the deranged societal controls birthed out of paranoia and deluded regard for self preservation.

A good premise though would be the the detonation, a concrete, believable man-made occurrence, which is the source of all animal and human mutation that altered the face of society. Post apocalypse, coming of age, teenage hormones with mutated creatures chasing you? Sounds good to me! If you like to read The Hunger Games, The Maze Runner and The Feed series, this is another portion to add to your collection. Nothing extraordinary, but action packed and fun to read nevertheless.

___

Julian Barnes' The Sense of an Ending is a surprise pick. Probably because I had a couple of days to spare and I felt I could easily finish the novel. It is after all just like reading the protagonist's recollection on past relationships and occurrences during his high school and college days, which all accounts are taken from his memory.

I admit I was instantly hooked. I was amused on how the characters unfolded and surrounded the lead,  Anthony Webster. How frustrations were experienced next and confusion and insecurities changed how the characters perceive their lives to be. It's how Anthony Webster carried on through life being a 'safe' and 'peaceable' man with missed opportunities and unanalyzed past. It's how he in turn resurfaces from the mundane to tackle past relationships and correct filtered memories. It's a self-conscious tale with an English tone.

Subtle is what I call it. Though a novelette, it equally demands attention and prying. Unfortunately I was too preoccupied and excited with my trip that I lost track a couple of times in those 150 pages. I think I needed something more formulaic. This one is anything but that. It is a beautiful story, if the mood is forgiving. If you've read the Atonement and Stranger's Child, you'll like this one. I might revisit it again someday.

___

I'm currently reading The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern. I've bought this a few months' back. Plot involves two young magicians with extraordinary supernatural abilities set for an unexplainable duel orchestrated by 2 dark magicians with a past. But a story is not a story unless there's a good conflict, that's when the two magicians fall in love instead.

I'm on my 6th chapter where the young magicians are honing and exhibiting their abilities before the actual duel takes place. They haven't met yet and I'm loving it.

It's a semi-fantasy love story that rivals that of The Magicians and an adult romanticized version of Harry Potter. Behind the cotton candy version, I smell mystery and action. I do hope there are more twists than what is expected. If there isn't, it's a good holiday read in itself.

Stomach Preparedness

I don't know about you but food, no matter how ordinary, tastes better during Christmas. I'm not kidding!! This might only be a psychological theory on my end, but I think there's too much love this season that it enhances flavors of every dish. The normal macaroni salad my aunt makes from time to time really tastes more flavorful during Christmas. Lechon always seems crispier and tastier. Seafood dishes with rice instantly would give you a peek of heaven. Desserts and cakes are sweeter this time around. And no matter how much you've eaten, the stomach accommodates more than what it usually can. You've never been too excited to see paella, morcon, pancit and different kinds of gallantina. Overeating good food happens multiple times a day. That's Christmas for me.

Don't get me wrong. I do love the gift giving part, spending time with family and friends, enjoying Christmas specials on cable, performing the usual family traditions and all that Christmas she-bang. But nothing really beats enjoying good food at the top of my list. This is something that I will always look forward to.

Overeating this season tends to be the norm and I always seem to suffer from either:

heart burn
dyspepsia
upset stomach
feeling of being bloated
food poisoning (sometimes)

Too much merry making makes us forget our limits. We eat until we feel we are going to die. During christmas season, when all good and sinful foods are within reach and there are countless of reasons to celebrate, we may feel invincible. It takes time for the brain to suggest that we're already full if we're too happy eating, thus we tend to hoard food and deposit it in our expanding stomachs. Within minutes, we get tired and sleepy with little energy. If we're lucky, the food converted into sugar goes to a reserve-energy mode, but if not it goes straight to our thighs.d\

Stomachache by overeating is quite normal, but what do we do? It's hardly an emergency case.

1. Drink lots of water - hydration is the key especially if you're drinking away this holiday season. Drinking too much water will give you more trips to the bathroom and it will get rid of nasty toxins that could be culprits for a nasty hangover. Water also promotes good digestion.

2. Hot tea - This aids the digestion process and prevents bloating.


3. Walk it off - tire yourself by walking. It uses stored energy and keeps you awake while you wait for the food to come down.

4. Sleep on your left side - The stomach is located at the left part. Too much acid and pressure goes to the esophagus and released the same way. If you put pressure in this area while lying down, it can ease the pain and the bloated feeling by burping.

5. Stay awake for 2-3 hours after eating - to avoid fatigue and the unpleasant feeling in the morning, wait for your food to go down and sugar levels to normalize.


Overeating is forgivable, but at least you  know what to do if you encounter setbacks. Learn when is enough especially if your stomach aches. No matter how extreme and sumptuous the food is, we should always restrain our self-control. Everything's good in moderation. And no one wants to spend the holidays in the ER.

Reunited with my boys

Every time I go home, especially from long vacations, I always look forward to seeing my dogs. Apologies to those who might feel offended, but my dogs are at the top of my list.

Their love and excitement towards me is so pure and unconditional. My heart just melts and all the troubles seem to evaporate into thin air.

I was excited as much as they were excited to see me. I felt touched when all of them met me at the gate, eagerly squeezing against each other for my attention. They all wagged their tails, jumped up and followed me until I settled down. They kissed me, licked me and stayed with me while I petted them endlessly!

It was a special kind of welcome party. I think they've noticed that I was gone for days. That no big lady was pestering them around. They were so eager to get my attention and they can't stop licking me as if I tasted foreign and different. Probably I tasted a bit of sea breeze. 

I can't wait to travel with my dogs. We plan to go to Tagaytay during the holidays. I hope it pushes through. 

We missed each other! But now I'm home!

Chivas the ever cuddly one

He is very independent and he hates to be manhandled and petted. But for some reason, he stayed with me all afternoon and he kissed me endlessly. I think he knows we go way back. He's my original prince. 

The baby of the group. The overly ecstatic one. 

Happy vacation concluded

Since I never had a full blown vacation this year, I consider my Boracay trip as my ONLY grand vacation. So you could just imagine the extremes: the ecstatic feeling at the start and the dreadful anxiety of going back home.

Though I'm not a beach person I consider Boracay as a haven because of the abundance and accessibility to good food, as it effortlessly mimics a carefree kind of lifestyle with an exceptional work of nature with cool white sands and clear blue waters.   The island tosses a balance for extroverts and introverts. It boasts of active party scenes and group activities against the serenity and luxurious living of first class resorts. It's a small island that already had nature's graces with hundreds of establishments that make this the new summer capital of the country.

I've been to Boracay countless of times, sometimes twice in a year. But much of the excitement really comes from spending it with good company. In this case, I am finally reunited with my colleagues from Citibank, colleagues I hold in high regard. This trip was months in the making since we don't share same schedules and most of us had already transferred to other companies and countries. But thank God universe orchestrated time for us to get together. This is a rare relationship where I consider colleagues as friends and I completely understand why. I find these friends of mine very true, positive and very competitive at the same time. They're a bunch of happy people and it's always a glowing experience in their presence. There's no dull, senseless moment when I'm with them. I truly enjoyed sharing jokes and reminiscing good times over wine, over a swim at the beach or sailing. Since all of us I consider career-driven individuals, it's a treat to see all of us unwind and leave our worries behind. It was a glimpse of paradise indeed.

But like any good vacations, it has to come to an end. Too much togetherness in a muddled dream veers us away from what we should be doing and leaves a sour taste in our mouths. Vacations give us time to think and be merry, but it's not the answer to all the realities we have to face. It's not a prolonged escape, but a brief one until we can gain the strength and clarity to fight again. Vacation is nature's balancing act, which produces good memories that we take with us. We must never ask more than we deserve.

It was nice to spend time with good friends, to share insights and love. It was a well deserved rest and reward from this thing called life. Thank you for the time, joy and memories. Till our next rendezvous!!

Of Loneliness...

It's been a while since I went out with my parents as an "only child." Usually, I'd go malling with them with my brother and sister around, but last Saturday was different. I was alone at the backseat hearing how my mom and dad would talk. They talked about serious matters and I doubt if they do that when my sister and brother are around. I never caught them talking bout anything serious I'm with my siblings, but for as long as I can remember, they would talk about adult concerns like realty tax, business decisions and retirement whenever I'm the only one around. When I was a kid and I hear them talk about matters I don't understand, it only made it more interesting. There I was being ignored and I just listened silently. They never ask for my opinions, I'd just listen.

It could be 2 things though. They either know that I am mature enough to listen and process it like an adult. Or they just know me for a person who masterfully shuts herself out. I do give out an impression that I'm an emotionally-detached deaf sometimes.

Either way, I'm happy to be at the backseat with my parents. For a 28 soon turning 29 year old woman, I suddenly felt like a kid again. I can't remember the last time I was the only one at the backseat. It felt good.

___

Loneliness is quite different from being lonely. I think I've figured that out as early as high school when I was brooding with so many angst and ideas. There I was hearing out my thoughts, having an Angela Chase moment while everything moves in slow motion and there's that scene that I forget to go to class. 

I like being alone..most of the time. Everyone who knows me that well knows that simple fact about me. I am an introvert and I repel at too much human togetherness. I don't like big crowds in general. I'm not a fan of huge parties, bars and concerts. If I were to hang out with friends, it should be simple and more intimate. And if I were to hang out with the same group of people, I do not tend to overdo it. Colleagues at work understand this bit about me. I don't spend weekends with them, that is too much togetherness. I love them to pieces but I can't just be with them all the time. I recoil if there's too much human interaction for my self to process. I get calmer when I'm on my own. And who doesn't like calm? 

I relish alone time. I always have. Ever since I was a kid, I do hang out with friends but I get more excited going home after school especially on a Friday night. I'd get to watch my movies, read and spend the weekend without anyone pestering me. I don't have to do small talk and engage in super heavy conversations, the things I would do at school when I'm surrounded with people and friends. I don't hate my friends, it's just a fact of life that I like being alone most of the times and I do things on my own  effortlessly like eat out in a restaurant, watch a movie, shop or go on vacation. For most people, they find it weird and strange, but for me, it's just perfect. I crave more alone time than human interaction if I would assess 28 years of my life. Probably it's my personality make-up or it's just the pleasure of doing things my way, at my time, a different brand of freedom. 

I'm thankful I have friends and colleagues who understand this part about me. Quality over Quantity of time spent is something I value more. I'm lucky to find a boyfriend who respects my space...a lot of it. I like my family that they understand that part about me and not make any demands. As for friends, I only hold a handful and I like it that way. But I don't think I ever felt lonely, not one second, not ever. I might have been SAD over an occurrence yes, lonely because I think I am alone, never. Being alone is always a good thing for me. It's something that I have tastefully mastered along the way thanks to my personality. Being alone is like being able to build a world from scratch. Anything new and free is an amazing prospect. 

Though I like being alone, I still do value human interaction. Who can avoid it in this day and age? I'm not that crazy. Social networking and accessibility of friends always make life easier. I do like good conversations and learning from people from time to time. 

That's the difference of being lonely and being alone for me. I may be alone all the time but I never felt the depressing thought that I'm lonely. I don't cry myself to sleep thinking that despite 101 people surrounding and talking to me almost everyday with different levels of intimacy, I'd feel less loved.  I don't cry to the tune that nobody loves me, nobody understands me and this world is a piece of shit. It's weird that people who feel lonelier are the ones who surround themselves with people, who are by far, never alone. 

According to TIME, Dementia is caused by people who are lonely, but not necessarily people living alone. I understand that part and it rings the truth in me. I guess being with people too much defines our routine, our lives and our happiness. But everyone has to understand that people are individuals that could disappoint us and leave us. People do things on their own free will. We have to be mature and independent enough to process and cushion ourselves when that take effect. I think that's why people feel lonely in the first place. They depend so much of their happiness and life in others that if a certain connection breaks down, they feel detached and vulnerable. They would feel alone in the world on the level of emotional and physical aspects that is kinda depressing if they don't know how to handle it. That's why I value "me-time" because it reconnects us with our own self, the one person you have to love and deal with 24/7. Loving ourselves more and doing what really makes us happy will cushion us in any moments of loneliness. 

If you feel down and lonely and you need someone to talk to, find that person, improve your social network, start from scratch. If you feel you're going down spiral, ask for help from someone who could teach you how to spring back on you own. Be with someone who loves, values and knows how to be alone. Learn how to value yourself and choose balance. The battle of loneliness always starts within. It would never be remediated with countless and useless human interactions. Accept the fact the you're lonely, grab that valuable person to help you get back on your own and try understanding yourself a little more. Do something, preoccupy yourself by doing things that you love. Happiness brought by self fulfillment does wonders. Loving yourself more makes one less lonely person in the world. 

Bruce's Barks

Bruce just turned 6 months today! This puppy has obviously grown and learned so much. From a puny and scared puppy at 3 months old, he opened up to a charming and sweet 6 month dog.

We've noticed something different with Bruce now. Apart from his huge size, his barks begin to be distinct and different. Just like a boy's voice hitting puberty. His barks to us, his family and the rest of the pack, have this shrill pitch and quality. It's more of a bark of happiness and wanting to get attention.

But lately, we've been having people coming over, strangers to him like the electrician and the pest control guy. His barks towards foreign noise and strangers are big and deep, the type that doesn't annoy but shatters eardrums. The bark comes from his stomach and it's definitely not a happy bark, but a warning to stay away. It's scary. Apart form the bark, he performs this bullmastiff stand and face projection. He concentrates and wiggles his nose to sniff the scent. If he senses that things are safe and clear, he goes back to his same old self, lies down and paints a happy charming face. Considering bullmastiffs don't bark that much that whenever they do it's because they desperately need something or sends a warning signal, which is technically their nature's job. His barks are loud but different. One is a whining bark while the other is scary that's meant to stop people from doing what they're doing.

I watched a bullmastiff video doing K9 training once. Bruce did the exact same things from the bark, stand and facial expression and yet we didn't teach him anything. I think his guarding traits are naturally born in bull mastiffs. Bruce's bark and stand remind us of his naturally protective side, which is the main reason why his breed is such a popular family guard dog. He never attacks though, but he stands in front of me and warns the stranger to get back. With his loud bark, we are bound to be alerted.

I can't wait if we have him trained in k9 level though. It would just enhance his being a great utility-guard dog.

Bruce, our charming protector. 

Happy 6 months Bruce!

One of the best moments in my life is spending my morning with the dogs.

Harvey and Chivas usually have more energy and they still tend to wander around, but not Bruce. He just stays with me and lets me scratch him to sleep after their early morning play. Eventually the rest of the dogs would join us.

I just remembered, this is December 11 and he just turned 6 months! The youngest of the pack and he's the biggest too! Happy Month-Birthday, Bruce. You don't really look like 6 months to us! You're becoming too heavy and big! But stay sweet and charming as you are!

We are proud of you. I wonder what you'd be like in June next year, just in time for your 1st birthday party.

6 Month picture! Happy 6th Month-day Bruce!

Our morning routine

rests his head at my lap

My new credit card. yikes.

I love Metrobank Card. 

My first ever credit card was given to me by my father 10 years ago. I was in college then. He thought I was responsible enough to budget and purchase whatever I needed without my parents' help. He also knew I was not a shopper and I hardly asked them for anything. We were trained not to ask and just be happy with what we have. To reward me, he gave me a supplementary card and told me that I only had a 3,000 peso budget every month and I'm only allowed to buy things that I need, books included. He said the bill goes directly to him and once he sees I'd gone haywire, he would immediately take away the card. I told him I wouldn't fail him and I felt so powerful and naive at the same time.

The first purchase I did with Metrobank card was in a Giordano store in Glorietta. I had planned it for weeks. I needed a pair of good pants. And since I'm not a shopper type, I only buy from trusted stores, products I could use forever. I was with my college friend Vanessa So. Being a streetsmart kid from America, she found the experience amusing and interesting. She tried to calm me down as I headed towards the counter. And it's happy swiping experience ever since.

Metrobank Card has good monitoring control. Also, they are fast in investigating disputes and have always had excellent customer service. They've also started to have logical freebies. I love them.

Lately, I had an inquiry about a paypal transaction. It wasn't unauthorized, I just somehow accounted it incorrectly, apparently an owner problem. And only after few days of cutting my old femme visa card due to *ahem* owner's memory loss, I received my new one and it's hot pink, their new femme card visa version!

Just in time! I was in the mood to shop last Saturday. For the sake of breaking this in, I kept on using it this week. It's going pretty well, but I know I must stop soon.

Public Confrontations

Last Friday I was too happy to step out of the office only realizing that Mitch was waiting for me for almost an hour in North Park. I knew I was in trouble. When I got to the packed restaurant, he gave me this nasty look and scolded me for not texting or calling him that I'll be late. I know I don't usually make mistakes and I always put up a good fight, but in this instance, I had no excuse. But I was too happy to give in, so I did the most logical thing. I apologized and told him that I was just too happy to transition work as it was the start of my vacation. He gave me a hard time at first until he warmed up cause I was beginning to lose patience and he knew.

We ordered our food and I caught up with how his day turned out when we suddenly heard a woman screamed her lungs out.

"Ayoko na sayo! Di nako sasama sayo! Layuan mo ko! Layuan mo ko"

She repeated it like forever. The guy was kneeling at her, trying to console her as the waiters, laughingly, still served their food. The woman was hysterical. She was screaming, crying and trying to tell the guy to get lost. Everyone in North Park was watching them. The waiters were at the counter snickering. The guard looked like he cannot digest the situation and the manager looked like she's starting to have LBM. This is after all a domestic problem and in this country, it's always bad to get involved in any personal problems. It's clearly unbecoming.

But this is a restaurant, hence a public place. And the girl was screaming and going hysterical for more than 15 minutes without even considering the fact that she's creating a massive scandal in a place where people would naturally come in happy spirits to eat.

People started to ignore them, but stolen glances were everywhere. People tried to enjoy whatever's left of their food. Too bad, Mitch and I were just about to start with ours. And too bad I'm not your typical Filipina who would turn a blind eye. When the girl started to scream "Kuya (Guard), ilayo mo sya sakin! Hindi ako sasama sayo!" I called the waiter. Mitch went pale. He knew anything could happen at this point and he knew he couldn't stop me.

I asked the waiter to tell the manager to at least escort the guy outside the restaurant to try to give the girl some space. Clearly, the girl was being traumatized by his presence. She wouldn't stop screaming and crying. I don't care if she was being too dramatic, but taking the guy out of the equation will try to subdue her. The manager clearly didn't acknowledge her responsibility. She called the guard to do something. The guard, being a male, went over to their table and tried to educate them on keeping the peace. It didn't work. I called the waiter again to tell their manager that the whole show was ruining my dinner. That's when they had to tell the guy to step out for a bit.

What I don't like about this scenario is that no one even tried to assist the couple into taking their fights outside. The waiters, managers and the guard, who supposed to uphold a good dining experience in the restaurant became paralyzed in this situation. They knew the customers were bothered and they knew the girl was traumatized, but they just kept on watching and snickering in the corner hoping the fiasco would die down. People always want to watch these scandals but fail to consider everyone's wellbeing especially with the couple too engrossed to realize the humiliation and discomfort they are creating towards the public.

The fight flamed when the guy confessed something to the girl, that much I know. How the girl reacted, it was that worse. I refused to think it was only a confession of a 3rd party because the girl was too hysterical for that unless of course she is a natural drama queen. It must be a 3rd party that led to something else. Or maybe something more serious and not a 3rd party at all. Or maybe a gay 3rd party because of money. It could be 101 things and all the couple ever did was to get people into their private business by creating such a ruckus.

Mitch witnessed the whole thing and tried to ask me if I'd do the same to him. I told him I was too educated to something like that. He knows it wasn't my style but I still think it really depends. I'd like to think that I can control my emotions pretty well and I have a high regard of propriety to act hysterical in public, but one never knows in certain drastic situations.

Note to guys, if they must confess something very hurtful to their ladies, I would find it in good taste to do it somewhere private. It's always safer and from the term itself "private". If the guys' motive in bringing the girl to a public place to confess is to minimize the negative reaction, they could be terribly wrong. It could backfire depending of course on how grievous the matter of confession is. Plus if the girl lashes out, the public would automatically brand himself an asshole. It also depends how men would assess their ladies. Some ladies are too passionate, emotional and dramatic to not care about appearances while some can hold it in pretty well. But then again, some girls who are tough and can control themselves well still tend to break down. So I would suggest, never divulge your sins in public. You will never ever know the reception. And lastly food is not always a form of bribe. It defeats the purpose of eating if you'd aim to ruin one's appetite.

And please, do not fight when there's a kid around and especially if he's eating. It's setting a bad example and we would want to avoid a crying chorus.

Men or women think about going public in these kinds of things. It almost always never fans out pleasantly. Always remember, in this day and age, a scandal is just a youtube away.