For the atheist

I rarely write book reviews since I find it redundant with the synopses and praises found on book covers. Nor do I openly challenge people who don't believe in God in a debate about His existence for fear that I might end up being the one converted to atheism. But, after reading Lee Strobel's Case for Christ, I felt compelled and inspired to do so.

Written from the point of view of an atheist, the book courageously questions the foundations of Christianity. Does God exist? Is Jesus really the Son of God? Is the Bible really written by inspired individuals or is just fanfiction of ancient times? Did Jesus really resurrect from the dead? Was Jesus crazy (in the real sense of the word) when He claimed to be the Messiah prophesied from the Old Testament? These are just some of the questions answered by scholars, historians, theologians, and other experts interviewed in the book. And their answers are based on facts backed up by solid evidence.

So, for the atheist (and for those skeptical about the Christian faith or those who are dabbling with New Age or other religions), I challenge you to pick up the book and investigate the Case for Christ yourself. You've got nothing to lose, anyway (just 300pesos if you're buying the book from NB). But you've got a whole lot to gain. If you examine the claims of Christ critically, but with an open mind, you'll find that there's more than enough evidence to believe it.

As for me, I agree with the author that: with the amount of evidence available for the case for Christ, it would take more faith to maintain atheism than to trust Jesus of Nazareth. Are you up to the challenge? :P

Ondoy

I underestimated Typhoon Ondoy. The news said it was to going to be Signal #1. Perfect weather for coffee and a thick book. Wrong. I overslept last Saturday morning and woke up lunch time, with rain drizzling on my face (rain was already coming in through the windows), confused. It felt like 4am. Outside the house, the flood was already knee-high and was starting to reach our garage. Our street never gets flooded, until Typhoon Ondoy.

We lost electricity a few hours later, and our only source of news was a battery-operated radio. Flood water was already inside the house. It was devastating to hear soooo many people stranded on rooftops with no food and water, waiting for rescue that came almost 24hours later. As usual, we had shortage of everything. Not enough rubber boats, not enough evacuation centers, not enough people to help in the rescue operations, not enough everything. (But apparently, GMA had enough money for the Le Cirque buffet. Imagine if that money was used for Pinas' emergency funds instead. Oh well, we can only imagine na lang.) And I can only cry and pray while accounting for all my friends who might have been affected by the typhoon's havoc. Thank God, they were all spared. Some were bruised, hungry for a long time, all their material possessions gone, but still alive and spared.

Now, several hours after the height of Ondoy's devastation, evacuees are still in need of ready-to-eat food, water, and clothers. And I intend to help in whatever way I can. And inspite of all the destruction around me, I am still grateful that my family and friends were spared, our house and car and everything in it were spared, and a lot of people are donating and volunteering to help. The government hasn't really done much (as well as most of the presidentiables and those running for office this coming elections. Where are they?!), but you and I are perfectly capable to help to the best of our abilities. Click HERE to learn how.


On a lighter note, this is our dog who took a bath yesterday since he went swimming... in flood water the night before :|

P.S. As of writing >> The NDCC also said that 5,146 people have been rescued in areas hit by the storm that has affected 337,216 persons.

FACT: Hurricane Katrina rainfall = 380mm in Louisiana. Typhoon Ondoy rainfall = 410mm in Manila, Philippines.

MIBF 2009

Hola! Long time no write (thanks to Grey's Anatomy marathons and Gone With the Wind book breaks)! :P

As you may have noticed, my writing is usually provoked by strong emotional encounters. So, I guess spending a day in Heaven requires a new post in my very quiet blog :D

Today is the 2nd to the last day of this year's Manila International Book Fair held at SMX Convention Center. And to all bibliophiles like me, this simply means... Heaven :D Rows and rows of books, book accessories, food, coffee, and books... all on SALE. The minute Ate Nette (a fellow book lover, coffee lover, froyo lover, conversations lover, God lover, oh we so love so many same things it scares me sometimes. Anyway :P) and I stepped inside SMX, we didn't know where to start. We were like kids set loose in a toy store.

After hours of shopping for great bargains (and the mandatory coffee break with yummy churros), we literally didn't have any money left that I had to use my credit card for my last purchase (EPS wasn't working grr and Ate Nette didn't have money left either). Our feet were on auto-pilot mode already and our arms got more muscle now than it did yesterday from carrying all the books we bought. But, at the end of the day, we were still sooo happy with all our new toys that the shoulder pains and tired feet were negligible :D

Here are the goodies I got:
Saving The World by Julia Alvarez
Original Price: Php670
Sale Price: Php250
Bought from: A Different Bookstore


The Secrets of a Fire King by Kim Edwards
Original Price: Php620
Sale Price: Php250
Bought from: A Different Bookstore


White Tiger by Aravind Adiga
Original Price: Php299
Sale Price: Php240
Bought from: National Bookstore


The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel
Original Price: Php300
Sale Price: Php240
Bought from: OMF Literature


The Seven Rules of Success by Wayne Cordeiro
Original Price: Php195
Sale Price: Php156
Bought from: OMF Literature


Your Passport to Heaven by Randy Alcorn
Original Price: Php20
Sale Price: Php16
Bought from: OMF Literature


And the best find of the day is:

a Personalized Handcrafted PURE LEATHER Book Jacket!!!!

Now, I don't have to worry about ruining the edges of my books when stashing them in my bag :D And the smell... Leather smells sooo good!!! HAHA :D Reading has never been this so Elle-Woods-classy :D

Original Price (in bookstores): Php750+ (and you can't have it personalized)
Exhibit Price: Php570 + Php40 for my name stamped on the front flap (Php5/letter)

Things to remember when I visit MIBF next year:
1. Go on the first day. Be first to get all the good finds. Only National Bookstore restocks.
2. If I can't go on the first day, go in the morning. Lines are longer in the afternoon.
3. Bring a reusable bag (or a small trolley) to put all my goodies in. It makes shopping easier.
4. Check out A Different Bookstore first. All the good rare books are there with big discounts. Books are sold for as low as Php120.
5. Bring cash. There were no ATMs inside SMX and most of the exhibitors don't have EPS or don't accept credit cards.
6. Go with a fellow bibliophile. Other friends might not appreciate the fact that you'll spend at least 4-5 hours shopping for books.

Can't wait for next year!!! :D

Momentary lapses of judgement

Love means never having to say you're sorry. But sometimes, the stupidity of the human race gets to you and you find yourself wishing you just kept your mouth shut. It's easy to pass judgement on others but when it's your turn to look back on your stupidity, then you finally understand.

Momentary lapses of judgement.
Acting before thinking.
Small tactless comments that seem cute at the moment, but cause unwanted ripples afterwards.

The stupidity of the human race.

Love means never having to say you're sorry. But on the few occassions that you slip, the best thing to do is to suck it in and apologize and rely on the thought that love also means to unceasingly forgive.

*I feel like Meredith Grey voicing over an episode of Grey's Anatomy*

Proper moviehouse decorum

I don't usually rant about the small stuff, but there seems to be little literature about the subject above that I felt the need to write about the basics regarding it. I know at least one of you reading my blogs have probably experienced this: you pay a considerably big amount of money to see the movie you'll know everyone's going to talk about at a theatre where people will most probably behave properly. I don't want to seem condescending or derogatory, but come on. Let's be honest. There's a reason why you're willing to pay more for a movie you can watch a year after on HBO right? Not only because you're a fan of the book the movie is based on, but because you also want the experience to be almost perfect: great sound system, comfy seats, enough leg room, etc. But apparently, you don't always get what you pay for. So for those who still quite lack the basics on how to behave properly when inside a public movie house, please... indulge yourself. So everybody can get their money's worth.

1. When the movie starts, please please please stop talking. Why? Because other people are actually watching the movie with you. Because it's a public place. Because they also paid to watch the movie in peace. I don't care if you share with the whole world your life story while the trailers are still running. But when the movie begins, you MUST stop talking. Or at least lower down your voice at a level where only the person you're talking to hears it. Because others paid to listen to the movie they're watching, not you.

2. As much as possible, avoid kicking the seat in front of you. Sometimes, when we change positions while watching a long-running movie, it's inevitable to accidentally kick the seat in front of you. You know what I mean? In case you do, say sorry. However, it does get irritating when you hit the seat in front of you everytime you change the position of your legs. Especially when there's enough leg room. Others paid for that luxury too.

3. (Related to number 2) NEVER put your feet up on the seat in front of you. No explanation needed.

4. When it's inappropriate to laugh, don't. When someone dies in the movie, or when someone gets hurt, or when someone's crying in the scene, please don't laugh. Even if you and your friend were whispering about something privately hilarious, please consider doing it at another time (say.. after the movie maybe?). It ruins everybody's moment. Remember, you're in a public place. Talk about private things later.

5. If you've seen the movie before, please don't talk about what's going to happen next. Others also paid to watch the movie and they're expecting to get surprised, thrilled, excited, etc. It's part of their stress-relieving regimen. Again, please don't ruin the moment and take away the element of surprise the scriptwriters have prepared for everybody who wants to watch the film. However, if your friend is unlike the majority who wants to know in advance, please make sure s/he's the only one who can hear it. You're not sure if the other person near you wants to hear it, too, so let's be on the safe side.

6. Be careful about what you say when speaking in your native dialect. This is not actually explicitly related to the subject at hand, but it does concern proper decorum still. Always bear in mind that you and your friend are not the only person who can speak/understand Bisaya, Ilocano, Batangenyo, etc. Some people in Manila can understand native dialects, too. Their parents are probably from the province, and they were trained since childhood to understand the dialect. So if you're planning on maligning other people but don't really want them to know that you are, I suggest not to use your native dialect. Consider some other code you and your friend can come up with. Or better yet, be nice. If you don't have anything intelligent to say, keep your mouth shut.

So there. The list above is not really comprehensive, but I think it covers the basics. Please take your time to read, digest, and understand. Let's all make the world a better place to live in. Thank you.

Harry Potter and The Vatican

They're friends now.

After the Pope has finally approved of the upcoming movie Harry Potter and the Half-blood Prince, my mom and her brothers and sisters can now breathe a big sigh of relief that their daughters are not being brainwashed after all by J.K. Rowling's witches and wizards. Don't believe me? Read this.

If you're part of the minority group who don't know who Harry Potter, J.K. Rowling, and the Catholic Church is (and the way they don't blend together like oil and water no matter how hard you try to mix them), here's a brief explanation (at least from my point of view, just correct me if I'm wrong): the Catholic Church thinks that the books lure its readers into witchcraft and sorcery thereby putting in danger their soul and their belief in God. And if you're also part of a deeply religious family who values and respects what the Catholic Church says, this is a touchy subject. My sister and I love the Harry Potter series, and we had a relatively hard time justifying with our parents (and titos and titas) that we were already "spiritually mature" to handle the books. Nevertheless, my sister still had to give away her collection of books as "compromise".

This has got me thinking... if only the Vatican had read the complete series and realize that the whole story actually highlights the power of love and family and how good will always defeat evil in the end, then they could've saved our parents from the sleepless nights worrying that their children are already resorting to magic spells and incantations to get what they want (Accio car keys!). Right? Kidding aside, I admit that the books are of course subject to all kinds of interpretation depending on the reader. And it might pose some unwanted effects if perceived in a different way. But for me, I'll go by my rule of thumb: if it compels me to demean, hurt, or offend anyone, including God, then there must be something wrong with it. It suffices to say that even after reading all seven books, I still love God, my family, and my friends :D And I love Harry Potter. (Haha, labo :p)

Happiness is a warm...

cup of coffee :D

A cheap one. Brewed at home. Served with hazelnut creamer. And as the famous MasterCard commercial goes:

Coffee grounds: *free*
Creamer: 52+ Php per pack
*skip the sugar since it's already sweet*
Coffee mug: 350Php
Smile on your boyfriend's face because he's drinking the best coffee ever (better than Starbucks!!!): Priceless

It's illogical. I know. Bear with me :D

It's been ages since I last posted an entry, and I missed writing about the nonsense. What amazes me is that even after 3 months since my last post, I'm still talking about the same thing. Either I'm getting boring, or my life is just really outpouring with good vibes that it needs to spill over or else I'm going to blow up.

With all the craziness happening in the world (low billable and utilized hours, market down, GMA getting a boob job, Belo finally speaking up.. I watch too much TV, I know), it's easy to overlook the small things that make you smile genuinely. I just had another spending binge several months back, and before I knew it I was paying credit card bills with transactions I couldn't even remember I made (my sister verified that I made them anyway). I had a Starbucks latte *everyday*, and I bought makeup that will probably last me 2-3 years. Of course, inspite of all the shiny new toys I bought for myself, I knew I couldn't pay for happiness. Happiness will always be a state of mind... a conscious choice I have to make all the time. You play the hand you're dealt with... with a smile on your face and a happy heart. Learn to appreciate the small things that create big ripples in your life -- like the smiles, laughs, and heartfelt conversations shared over a cup of warm coffee.

Right now, let's just say I'm happy that I finally found someone who'd harvest, plow, and seed my farm in FarmVille for me when my Internet connection is having problems with Facebook. =))

If you're happy and you know it clap your hands! *clap clap clap clap clap clap clap*

Psalm 118:21

Today has just been soooo full of blessings. You can fry an egg on my forehead (from both the oil and the heat), but I'm feeling better than ever. Planning sessions, great conversations, and awww text messages make my day :D Days like this just make me realize even more that I'm really living a great life. :D I'm in the mood for transparency right now, so bear with me :P

Many people will probably not understand me when I say I'm ok... in all aspects. According to the standards and norms of the world, certain events in my life necessitate a certain period of recovery. The fact that I got a speedy one is indeed abnormal... and miraculous at the same time. A friend once told me that God sometimes takes something from you so you can hold on to something better -- a challenging job, great family and friends, a fulfilling service in the community, and definitely better relationships.

Things happen for a reason. CLICHE. But it isn't cliche for nothing. If I had to go through all the things I went through just to be where I am now... and to be with the people I am with now... I'd gladly, WHOLE-HEARTEDLY, go through them again.

YOU

When you've been walking for a long time, you forget how it feels to fly. But, all it takes is one giant leap of faith... and you realize you still know how to flap your wings and soar like an eagle.

After picking up the pieces and putting them back together, the cracks are almost negligible that you have to squint to see them. Amazingly, superglue works wonders. And this time, you know how fragile it is, so you're careful not to hand it over to someone who has a habit of carrying too many things at the same time.

He's turned my mourning into dancing again, He's lifted my sorrows. And I can't stay silent, I must sing for His joy has come :) My kite is flying high, and the string tension is just right. :D

I am happy.

Yun lang. Hahahaha!!! :D

Mahal ako ni Lord :D

This post isn't really something profound, or inspirational, or dramatic. Masaya lang ako talaga so I have to write. :D I am so excited that I'm having a hard time typing. :D I can't wipe off the smile on my face. :D I can't sleep at night thinking about... stuff :D I am so happy I can just.... screeeeeeeaaaaaaaaammmmm :D But I can't because people might think I'm crazy. But I really am already :D If you're my friend, you know how I get when I'm excited :D

I am super happy, and super excited, to see YOU :D

WAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!! :D

This entry is full of :D HAHAHA! :D

Because I have no Internet (last night)

Before leaving work for home, I was left with a question. And it left me thinking about more questions I don't know the answer to. I almost missed my stop.

Have I really turned cynical, doubtful, skeptical, trusting no one? Get too close and my walls automatically close on me, my defense mechanisms in 5th gear. Mind over matter. Brain over heart.

I've read somewhere that love is like a kite. Wisdom is the string tugging on romance, keeping check if it's flying too high. Use your heart too much and it's like cutting your kite's string. You either soar high but without a course (and eventually land on some unknown terrain), or you come crashing down. Use your brain too much and you miss the thrill of soaring.

The sky is clear, perfect day for flying kites. But the sudden gusts of wind scare me.

Bus ride home

Crappy.

Today, I just wish I'd wake up in my bed in my own room with the pink curtains drowning the sun's rays, and realize everything was just a fading dream.

But I'm wide awake, on a bus ride home.

Happiness is like a tiny little spire of the church you see from a distance. You know it's near, but not quite. It gets bigger everyday. You get nearer everyday. But not as near as you'd want to be. Until you can't see the whole church, until you're not holding its frames, and all you can see are the spires, then you're not as close as you'd want to be.

One can only act tough for so long.

Romeo save me I've been feeling so alone.

I am going crazy.

Solitude can only benefit you for a relatively short period of time. In a month or so, you have by then found yourself again, learned new things, explored the world, raised the bar, expanded boundaries, and challenged self-imposed limitations. By the middle of the second month, you are just about to go crazy. You intensely feel the importance of your family and friends. You pounce on anyone online (during the wee hours of the morning in Manila) to lessen the loneliness. The everyday routine is driving you insane. You've had enough of the break from the drama. You're ready to plunge right back into it. :->

The place I'm staying at is spiffy clean. I have packed lunch everyday. (I can now perfectly cook rice without a rice cooker.) I've explored every nook and cranny of nearby villages. I've finished 4 books. I'm halfway done with my movies.

I still have 39 days to go.

I should've packed more sunshine with me.

Post Valentines

The night of Feb 13 2009, I was in the pits. RX was having the Single's party and I could hear their live music playing on the radio online. That didn't help lift up my spirits. While they were partying the night away, I was at the hotel eating chicken noodle soup. Now don't get me wrong... I tried going out that night. It was a Friday, and naturally people will be out having drinks. Well, I was technically correct. People were having drinks. Couples and families were having wine inside restaurants. Where are the bars and the clubs and the beer??? So I ended up having chicken noodle soup. Cool.

The next day was entirely different from the night before, though. I braved through the cold and the long lines and went up the Eiffel Tower. How could you not be amazed and feel blessed when you're at the topmost deck of the most famous landmark in the world? I still get goosebumps everytime I remember that moment :D It's Valentine's and I'm on top of the world (literally and figuratively). I love life and life loves me back. Haha! I can't remember what I did for Valentine's last year... but most definitely, I'll remember what I did for Valentine's this year for as long as I live:D

I always thought that Valentine's is a hassle... with or without a boyfriend. Too many expectations, too much cliches, too many pretensions. Not much has changed in my perception. Haha! I just enjoyed the 14th this month that I just had to post something about it. :P

From a foreigner's point of view

Talk to them in English and they reply in French. You let them read the translation of what you want to say and they still reply in French. Je ne vous comprends pas (translate.google.com). Amf. How hard is that to comprehend. More often than not, you also get the feeling that you're being talked about. In between the flurry of unrecognizable words, you hear your name and see them look at you. They know you know they're talking about you, but they won't bother to translate :P As much as you want to fit in, the fact that you can't speak French makes you feel like at an outsider. So when you hear someone say "Hoy bilisan nyo maiiwan na tayo!" in the Metro (French version of MRT), you can't help but smile and start a conversation with a kababayan. Then after a few days, McDonalds and KFC begin to seem like an oasis in a desert of restaurants serving cold cuts, wine, and cheese. At least when inside a fastfood chain, you feel comfort in the knowledge that you're not the only one having a hard time ordering. The place is packed with other foreigners who have gone tired of the cold cuts too.

Does the moonlight shine on Paris?

YES.

Lion King The Musical

The moment Rafiki started singing the opening chants of Circle of Life, I was already blown away. I need not watch the rest of the musical to decide whether it was good or not. I already knew it was going to be great. I couldn't even describe the emotions I felt while Rafiki was singing, and all kinds of animals were parading down the aisle towards the stage. Life-size elephants and giraffes, antelopes, buzzards, deer, cheetahs, zebras, and tigers were all walking down the aisle and were within arms' reach. Consuelo was rubbing my back while I futilely stopped the tears from falling because my eyeliner wasn't waterproof. The opening act was simply overwhelming. I already felt that every penny I paid was worth it (and more).

The story wasn't different at all from the cartoon. Same characters, same plot. What made it better, though, was the production itself. The life-size puppets, the costumes, the head pieces, and the special effects made a whole lot of difference. Flat images from the cartoon came to life in Lyceum Theatre. Pride Rock rose before my eyes in all its glory, the stampede scene was incredible, Scar was brilliant and was true to its character, Timon and Pumbaa are funnier, and Nala was very... agile :D

I could go on and on and describe the songs, characters, and scenes one by one, but I'd be doing my readers disservice. It is enough to know that the musical is worth watching. Even if you're not a fan of musicals and fall asleep while watching them, I guarantee you my one month's allowance that you will love Lion King.

I know I'm blessed more than I deserve. But you won't hear me complaining :P Keep it coming! :D

(taken from Simba's solo Endless Night)
I know that the night must end
And that the sun will rise
And that the sun will rise
I know that the clouds must clear
And that the sun will shine
And that the sun will shine

If you like it then you should've put a ring on it

I want to remember this for the rest of my life.

HILARIOUS!!! =))


justin timberlake snl beyonce single ladies video

The TomTom and Ben Love Affair

As I write this entry, I'm watching the snow fall outside on my way back to Huddersfield. It's probably subzero already, and the cold is seeping through the train's windows. My scarf isn't helping that much and my ears are about to fall off because of frostbite (exaggerating here. But it's really cold. Take my word for it). I don't care. I'm extremely tired, but definitely overjoyed. Another dream come true. :D

Although I didn't get to see the queen (nor her boys... dang it. haha!), I passed by her palace. I fell in love with Ben, and I'm going back to see him again. Long distance doesn't really work you know (no pun intended). Tears fell as the first lines of the opening song of my first musical was sung. I still can't believe it... I get goosebumps as I type off the words and remember that I watched my first live musical at WEST END. West End, London baby!!!! WEST END!!! I navigated through Convent Garden (thus getting the nickname TomTom... I didn't realize til now that I was really good at maps. If only maps worked in Manila as well. Streets keep changing names you know :P), which I later learned that it wasn't called Convent... Covent pala. HAHA! I crossed the London Bridge, walked along River Thames, and cheered the new Chinese year with a (cute) stranger.

I got my fair share of unfortunate moments: I lost my favorite pink beret, (literally) had nosebleed while in the Tube, and walked around the city in subzero temperature. But when I recall all my London moments... meeting Ben, watching Lion King, touring Notting Hill while snow was falling, seeing Platform 9 3/4 (there really is one :P), attending mass at Westminster Cathedral... I know that my ill-fated experiences are outnumbered by overwhelmingly great ones. Not only did I tour the city of London, but I also rekindled a friendship with a sister in Christ. Tears are forming in my eyes right now as I list down all the blessings. I am again awed by God's greatness and goodness to me. There really is a God, and everywhere I look, I see Him. :)

More than I could hope or dream of,

You want to pour your favour on me...

So blessed I can't contain it.

So much I gotta give it away.

Your love has taught me to live now.

You are more than enough for me.

Nananana nanana nananana nana... So so what!

You know that feeling when you open a box of crayons and the smell of it reminds you of art classes in Grade School and the wars that raged between you and your sister over a coloring book and the work of art (your name in bright red) written on the pristine white walls of your house? Or when you smell a whiff of cologne (Victoria's Secret's Strawberries and Champagne) from someone else, and you remember that you used to wear that too during one of the dances (with your high school sweetheart. hahaha eew) in High School? :P I love that feeling :D It doesn't matter if you'd rather not reminisce that distinct memory attached to it... you'd still end up in fits of giggles after remembering right? I do. Haha! :P

The best thing about these kind of nostalgic attacks is that the trigger of the attack always comes unexpectedly. While flipping through dresses and tops on a rack, the store's background music will suddenly play THAT song and by the time the intro is done and the first lines are being sung, you already have a smile on your face :D You suddenly remember the silly tears you cried, the fake smiles you put on, the mean things you thought of at that time, the touching conversation going on at that distinct moment, and you go on singing along with the chorus. By the time you've made your purchase, the song's stuck in your head.

Anyway, the whole point of this is: At the end of the day (while the song still keeps playing in your head), you are reminded that the past is not so bad after all. You can even smile about it now :D Then you go home and do the laundry and forget about the whole ordeal. A week after, while vacuuming the carpet, the song plays on the shuffle playlist...

Nananana nanana nananana nana...

And now you know what'll happen next :D

Newbie

Everything is new to me, everything is a first-time experience. Most especially my line of work. It's quite a bit of change in perspective, and I've got a whole lot of stuff to learn before I can actually contribute anything substantial to the team. The whole process is extremely challenging, and sometimes I end up thinking if it's worth it. During the meeting this afternoon, however, my bigger boss said something that I will remember for the rest of my life: our job is done when the customers are happy. In other words, we are fulfilled when they are happy. Cliche. Every service-oriented business says that in their ads. But, if you really think it over, it makes life simpler. Simpler is better [product placement. haha!] That, I think, is the essence of our life here on earth. Service. To serve others in every way we can. To be of service to the people we don't even like. To know that you made life easier for someone else.

Easier said than done. I'm still learning the ropes. But, at least I know I'm in the right team now. :D

Geek

Cool. I found this on the Internet.

http://doods.wordpress.com/2007/04/15/new-philnits-certified-it-professionals/

My name's cited there somewhere :P Geek. Haha :D

Just off the the top of my head (part 2)

I was feeling nostalgic (probably because of the silence and the ridiculous temperature here) so I browsed through my old pictures posted in multiply. Ironically, when I thought I hit rock bottom, that was when I had (or probably am having is the correct tense) the best time of my life :P Great times, great conversations, great memories, great vibes :D

So so what!

I'm still a rockstar :D

I got my rock moves!

And I don't need you =))

I wrote in my very first heart-felt (a.k.a. heartbroken) entry that I write to heal. Writing for me is therapy. And I'm getting better and better everyday :) Woot! World peace! :D

January 16

When you get out of your comfort zone, you tend to be emotional and be over-appreciative of the things around you. Which is good. :D

1. Last night, while watching the new season of American Idol, tears fell everytime someone got the yellow ticket. I felt overwhelmed that someone was getting closer to their dream. It felt so... nice :P I cried while they jumped for joy :P Then I'd laugh at myself for crying over AI. Someone's going crazy. =))

2. I'm staying in this great aparment where I have a sunroof in my bedroom. When the sky is clear at night (or early morning), I can see the moon and the stars, and that usually means a sunny day in this dreary place for me. Today, the first thing I saw when I opened my eyes were the stars. And I felt super grateful that God blessed me with great weather on this fantastic day. :D It's gonna be a lovely daaaay :D (I'm slowly picking up the expressions they use here, blimey!)

3. This morning, I got teary eyed again while watching the news about the plane that crash-landed on the Hudson river. I felt it was another manifestation of God's goodness that no one died from the accident. And I felt doubly grateful that I'm not just surviving now, but LIVING.

4. As early as 4pm (12MN manila time) here yesterday, I already received numerous text messages, facebook, multiply, and friendster comments, emails, and YM messages. :D This is the longest birthday celebration ever :D

5. My greatest worry for this trip is spending my birthday alone and there might not be anything special that would happen. But, as it turns out, my counterparts here went the extra mile to ask around and know what makes me smile :P So this morning, when they got to the office, they surprised me with tulips and cake and chocolates and lip gloss :P

6. The greatest worry of other people for me is that the loneliness will add to my "depression". First of all, I'm not depressed. Never was (I think.. haha). Second, I learned it's just a matter of perspective, of how you view the situation. It's easy to pity myself and think that I'm alone and I've got no one to talk to and this place is lonely and dull and gray (It is, believe me). But I'd be spending a considerable amount of time here, and the worst that I could do is waste that time and put myself down. So, instead of feeling sorry for myself, I'm excited to spend my first weekend here exploring the city and learning how to cook and clean :D I'm stronger than most people think :P

7. Who gets to spend their birthday in UK? ME :D

When you can't sleep, don't count sheep. Count your blessings :)

Life so far

You know you're already quite settled in a new place when you find yourself having a routine. You get up in the morning at 6, do your morning prayers, turn on the speakers at full blast and play whatever's on the ipod playlist, fix the bed, prepare lunch, take a bath, eat breakfast while watching the news, go to work, do work stuff and eat lunch in between, go back home by 5, prepare dinner, watch TV for a while, chat with friends, do a little cleaning here and there, read Revolutionary Road (first book on my list. I have Boy meets Girl next.), fall asleep by 10, then wake up the next morning to repeat the whole cycle. Exciting isn't it? Not :P But I am enjoying and having fun :P This is the first time in my entire existence that I'm all by myself, without Manang or Mom or Kaka or Reyna (peace:P) to take care of things for me.

I needed this. I needed the break from the drama. I needed the pressure of work and the pressure of living alone to divert my attention and contemplate on something worthwhile and meaningful for a change. And so far, the diversion is effective.

I'm now looking forward to my first weekend here. So far, here's my To Do list:

1. Learn how to make hard-boiled eggs
2. Learn how to cook rice (w/o a rice cooker)
3. Do the laundy
4. Vaccuum the flat
5. Do the ironing
6. Research on how to get to the nearest Catholic church.

Sheltered little Meggy is learning real life stuff :P Brilliant! Fantastic! Amazing! :D HAHAHA!

English Spokening

I was in training this afternoon and taking down notes when my trainer suddenly interrupted me and asked why I was writing notes in English. Then I paused and thought... why would I take down notes in Tagalog, especially if the notes where technical? (Well, even if the topic wasn't technical, I still would be writing in English.) So I said that's because I feel more comfortable writing in English. He looked at me wide-eyed and said, "Your English is very impressive. It's really brilliant. Amazing." At this point, I smiled, thanked him, and took pride in myself. Thank you St. Scho for the 11 years of English education.

However, now that I really think about it, I'm not sure anymore if I should be proud that I speak and write better English than Filipino. Although I don't want to pose as a wannabe socialite, that's just really how I am, how I was brought up, and what I'm used to. When I'm drunk, emotionally high, really angry, or really sad, I'd be ranting and raving in English. (Right, friends?:P) Speaking English well has its advantages and has got me to where I am now, so of course I should take pride in that. But not being able to speak and write in my own native language at the same level as I do in English is kind of a shame. Worse, I don't know how to improve on that, or if I should even try.

Being in a foreign country tends to make one become more patriotic. I'm not sure if I'm being patriotic right now. Just being honest, though :P

Movie Marathon

The long flight and the privilege of time has allowed me to catch up on movies I missed last year. So, in a matter of 24 hours, I was able to see Wall-E, What Happens in Vegas, Marie Antoinette, The House Bunny, and 27 Dresses. Now, I feel all giddy and happy despite the fact that I'm alone in a hotel room (with the barren trees swaying outside the window because of the wind) while writing this entry. Feel good movies are the perfect remedies for lonely weekends. They remind you that love never fails :P

P.S.
I cried while watching The House Bunny. I know... weirdo. But I also cried when I watched Benchwarmers, Cars, and Click. Haha! :D

Blooming

Reading today's Gospel reflection reminded me that God is the reason for all the great things happening to me. For the past months, I've been receiving compliments on how I've lost weight and how my aura is different, better. Thank you :P But that's probably just the black top hiding my flabs or the make-up hiding my blemishes :P But really... what's important for me right now is I feel and I know that I'm loved... by God, my family, my friends... and that's what makes me beautiful inside and out.

Waiting Time

Jan 10, 2009 7:56PM Schipol Airport, Amsterdam (Jan 11, 2009 2:56AM Manila)

After a week of stressful packing, I'm finally here waiting for my connecting flight to Manchester... alone. Just a few minutes ago, a friend offered me a hug to compensate for the who-knows-how-long time I'll be spending by myself in a foreign country. He and the rest of the group are probably waiting for their connecting flight to Gothenburg at the other side of the airport as well while trying to stay awake and fight jet lag. Good for them, they have each other to talk to while killing time. I, on the other hand, am seated between a sleeping Korean and a Brit with a beautiful purple coat while checking the signboard and my boarding pass (for the nth time) just to make sure I'm waiting at the right gate.

Right now, everything seems so surreal. -- from the eye candy (men and women clad in coats and boots) to the thousands of miles separating me from home. It feels as though I'm just waiting for my sister to come pick me up anytime soon. Then I remember I'm not at the office when I hear the paging system announce: "Passenger [name here], you are delaying the flight. Please board immediately. We will continue to off load your luggage."

I don't know what to expect from my stay here. Of course, professionally, I know I have to do well. But personally, I don't know yet how I'll be spending my much awaited retreat from my comfort zone. I do have a goal though: by the time I'm back home, I have by then let go of the remaining ropes of past traumatic experiences that I've been clinging to.

2009's First Blessing

In just a few days, I'll be on European soil once again (it sounds as though I'm on it most of the time), and the first week of my new year was spent doing last minute preparations for the trip. Mid last year, I had totally different plans on how to spend my 2009, but it seems that those plans aren't in sync with God's plans for me... so they were scrapped. Just like that :D Apparently, my bosses think I need a change of scenery anyway (and some serious soul-searching) so they decided to ship me off to the other side of the planet... alone. So on top of the pressure of doing a very good job and impressing the local team, I also have to go on this trip by myself. Daunting. (Joke lng po, mga boss. Excited po ako :p)

Nevertheless, this is the best Christmas/birthday gift that God has given me to date. I'm expecting many firsts to happen on this trip, and I can't wait for the life and career lessons I'll be learning along the way. I'll be relying on my currently non-existent navigation skills to get to the office through public transpo (gooood luuuuuck!!!!), doing my own laundry and ironing (I will miss you manang!!!), and cooking my own meals (I will miss you sooo much Dad!!!). Pag balik ko, pwede na ako... maging yaya! =)) For possible employers, please contact my General Manger, my sister. =))

Pray for me, ayt? :)