Greetings!

Happy New Year!
Cookies for all... baked 'em myself...

happy thoughts

Merry Christmas y’all.
I was able to complete the nine mornings of the misa de gallo. And I made wishes.
Everybody’s greeting everybody a merry Christmas. A fellow churchgoer greeted me. The pedestrian greeted the police.
It’s my sister’s birthday.
Our relatives visited and celebrated with us.
We had lechon. And a lot lot more.
I found out that there’s a daily limit of sending messages in friendster.
I received a lot of Christmas greetings from friends and relatives.

wish ko lang

It’s the season of giving (and receiving) once again. And because of that malls are flocked, parking lots are full, lines in the counters and ATMs are long and red tags and discounts are everywhere. And almost everyone has already rolled out their Christmas wishlist – a list of things they want. A tally of stuff they hope to receive this holiday season. But I on the other hand cannot think of anything to write on my list. Maybe because I don’t have any Christmas savings (read: no work = no pay, no class = no stipend) and thinking of things I want will only be disappointing. I don’t want to think of stuff for me to drool on knowing for a fact that I cannot have them; either through my own money which again I don’t have or through other’s.
But if I do have a wishlist, am sure it’s fairly flexible. I receive anything enthusiastically with open arms – may it be something deemed necessary or some stuff that I will not be able to use.
So for all the givers out there, I am practically a grateful recipient whose list is for the donor to write anything on. So go ahead, get your pens ready coz my wishlist is now ready for you all to write on – and of course for you all to grant.

Caption this!

If a picture is worth a thousand words, captions definitely tell more.

from dubai to davao 2

In my previous post, I've mentioned that there is still another package from Ate Jaja coming all the way from Dubai. But actually it's not a package, it's my sister - and she's already here. She just arrived yesterday. She surprised us all!

Thanks Ate Jaja for the camera!

from dubai to davao

Ate Jaja’s package came in yesterday. Everybody was so ecstatic about it. What’s inside you might ask? Just about anything that would fit in the box - from pans, to silverware, to shirts, bags, detergent, shampoo, soap, canned goods, pillows, comforters and many more. And she said that there’s still another package coming!

And did I say there were chocolates? Lots of ‘em. Here’s the first one we munched on…

Thanks Ate Jaja!!!

A Dozen

We went to our school/agency this afternoon to barrage our queries and doubts regarding our status of employment. We bombarded them with dozens of questions. If we still have any chance in a very tough competition wherein the rules are against us. If we still have any chance to belong to a list. It came to our knowledge that time that what the employer requires now is at least 26 years of age and has 3 years of work experience. How in this world can we comply with that? And the reason why we persevered with this is because we know that there’s no work experience required. The employer has really been inconsistent and we just hope that they'll change their minds and that their inconsistency will somehow benefit us as well. We do hope that a better employer will come. We do pray that the right employer for us will come.

To fill our thoughts with something else and to fill our stomachs as well, we decided to eat. Somebody’s craving for some donuts so to Dunkin we went. It should have been the usual – 5 munchkins and drinks for 35 pesos. But the lady in the counter said that they have a promo – a dozen munchkins and drinks for an additional peso. We were overwhelmed by the load and hurriedly munched on them. But halfway through the dozen, the sweetness started to numb our taste buds. But I still managed though to consume all of them.

I just hope that I can gobble down my troubles just like those Munchkins. But well, c'est la vie! Life can sometimes be like a box of Munchkins...

Twilight: the movie

We watched Twilight yesterday, on its very first play date. I woke up past noon yesterday and when I checked my messages, there was CJ suggesting that we already watch it that day. Well, it was actually me who invited her to watch it on its first play date about days ago but she hasn’t confirmed and so I thought we’ll watch it this weekend.

When we already agreed to watch Twilight that day, I insisted that we don’t watch it in Gaisano Mall Cinema. Anywhere but G-Mall! I don’t want any distractions like unintentional cuts and muffled sounds to spoil my viewing enjoyment and interest for the movie. So, we watched it in NCCC Cinema which is farther and a little bit pricier.

I love Twilight’s movie adaptation. It is fast-paced that you'll not notice that it’s more than two hours long. Story-wise, it was very faithful to the novel. There were a few alterations though, which by the way they’ve done flawlessly, and that I think were necessary to not make the movie dragging and even longer. In the novel, you can really follow how Edward and Bella's relationship grew and how they’ve fallen for each other. The film failed to capture the characters’ deep thoughts and their very strong feelings. There were also a few minor details that were left out such as Alice’ and Esme’s previous human lives.

Acting-wise, Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart gave justice to the lead characters. Aside from the fact that a million teenage girls adore Robert Pattinson (a shrill from the audience would be heard every time he would come out the screen), I think he gave a good performance in the movie. His presence was very vampire-ish; his stance, his looks, his voice and his eyes. While Kristen Stewart was convincing – Bella’s clumsiness came naturally. Also, Kristen's physical appearance may in some ways resemble that of Bella. She was very intense as well but there were some scenes especially the one from the hospital and the bite scene that all you can sense from her was just all intensity that somehow looked like she’s trying too much. And the minor casts! Geez! I think only Taylor Lautner who played Jacob Black was remarkable. Good thing the book has found its niche, teens that are avid readers who also eagerly waited for the movie itself.

And the stunts and the effects were of television-standards. They were just a few and they were not that jaw-dropping. But let’s keep in mind the allotted budget of the movie which also played a major part on the crispness of the scenes and cinematography of the whole film. But then again, taking into consideration the budget, I guess they made a good movie. That just proves that you don’t need highly-paid actors and breath-taking stunts and effects to catch the crowd’s attention. But I do hope that they’ll improve – the acting, directing, and production – in the next three movies.

All in all, I do love the movie version. It somehow reached my low expectations for novel-adapted-movies. Though there were minor drawbacks, it is still good to have a visual of a book you have read.

Twilight

I just recently finished reading Twilight, Stephenie Meyer’s bestselling novel. My friend CJ’s good reviews and delusions of being a vampire (or meeting one) encouraged me to read it myself. Thanks to her for lending me a copy too.

Though CJ already told me more than half of the story, I still got engrossed to it. The novel is so detailed – so full of adjectives and adverbs – that makes everything so vivid in your imagination; it’s as if you are already watching the movie. Also, you can really feel the emotions of the character with Meyer’s words. I cannot wait to read the sequel but I’m going to wait though till I get to see Twilight in the big screen first for I might get confused and mix things up. Blame it to my short term memory loss.

Just a few days to go before Twilights’ play date. I am already quite excited for there were only a few movies I saw that I have also read its paperback counterpart. I wonder how it’s going to turn out. I really like Meyer’s way of story telling. I really hope the movie gives justice to the brilliant story.

THE LIST

“Gang, I fil bad.”

That was the text I received from CJ this afternoon. Of course I responded asking her why. And her next message suddenly made my heart jump and beat faster. Mixed emotions conquered me. Her text goes like, “Naa na ang list” (The list is already out.) I read it as if she was beside me uttering those very words with a flat tone. Suddenly, it dawned on me. But still I had a hint of hope in the side of my mind. I don’t want to lose it all and totally dwell in the negative.

But her confirmation of the bad news erased my hopes away. The list of the lucky twenty is finally out and only MM made it from our group. The sorrow I felt is now visible on my face. My heart is so heavy that my eyes overflowed. I took a shower to wash them away. I even asked God why – why I did not make it when I wanted it so badly.

When I was on my way to meet up with CJ to hear the news personally, I even thought that maybe CJ was just kidding and that she would just want to surprise me – a sign that I am still hoping. But then I thought that that wouldn’t be such a nice joke. And when I was a couple of steps away from them and I finally had a glimpse of CJ’s face, I realized that she wasn’t really joking after all.

Now, I don’t really understand what I am feeling. Guess I am back to having mixed emotions again. For sure I’m sad. Or maybe jealous for I am not picked; jealous that the others will be leaving soon; and jealous for they got the thing what I wanted so badly. Maybe I am also disappointed – disappointed at myself, disappointed at the list and for the system of selection – if there’s such!

Somewhat, I have already accepted the fact that I was not lucky enough to be included in the list. I keep on thinking that I should already accept it and that it is the right thing to do. That is why I tend to suppress the grief. I try to forget about it and just focus on the positive things. But somehow, anger and depression still linger. I keep on returning to those feelings. Guess I haven’t fully accepted it yet. Maybe forgetting and suppressing aren’t that helpful after all. Or maybe, it just takes some time for me to fully accept it. All I need is time.

Guess we’ll be waiting again. When will this end? If they just only knew how agonizing this feeling is. But at least there were people chosen and good enough that one of them is from our group, it gives us hope that maybe the next ones would already be us.

I know God has plans for us. I always thank God for everything happen in His perfect time; God never failed me on that and maybe now is just not the right time yet. I may not realize it now but I know that there will be a reason for this – why He hadn’t given it now. And now I pray that I can fully accept that I was not in that list. I know this time isn’t for me because God has bigger and better plans and it will come in the most perfect time – in His time.

Trailers

Tuwing nanonood ako ng sine, isa sa paborito ko ay ang mga trailer sa simula ng pelikula. Syempre dapat lagi tayong updated kung ano ang bago at coming soon. Mahilig na talaga ako sa mga trailer kahit hindi ko pa alam kung ano ang tawag don. Noon, ang tawag ko sa kanila ay advertisement dahil nga naman ina-advertise nila ang pelikula. Nong marinig ko na may tawag pala sa kanila, akala ko thriller. Sabagay pinapa-thrill at excite nila ang madla para sa pelikulang iyon. O diba pwede?

Bukod sa mga trailer, nakatutuwa rin ang mga side comment ng mga tao habang pinapalabas ang mga ito. Ang iba pabulong lang, pero meron ding iba na feel nila sila lang ang tao sa loob ng sinehan. Kaya nong nanood kami ng James Bond, medyo marami-raming bagong trailer kaya medyo marami-rami din ang mga side comment ng mga tao.

Una, habang pinapalabas ang trailer ng Bedtime Stories ni Adam Sandler. Comment ng isang bading na napakalakas at parang nawindang siya sa kanyang nakita, “Hala! Siya pala yong sa Meet the Zohan?” Tugsshhh! Nalito siguro siya sa accent at balbas ni Zohan, intindihin na lamang natin siya.

Pangalawa, habang pinapalabas ang trailer ng Angels and Demons. Ito ang sabi ng isang lalaki sa kanyang gf, “yan yong part 2 ng da vinci code!” at with full conviction niya sinabi yon. Kung magpapasikat ka na lang, siguraduhing alam mo ang pinagsasabi mo.

Pangatlo at ang pinakamatindi. Habang pinapalabas ang trailer ng Valkyrie, ang bagong pelikula ni Tom Cruise na kung saan may pinakitang Nazi Flag. Tanong ng parehong bading sa unang kwento, “Anong flag yan? Japan???”

Hwaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat?!? Ang sarap sagutin, “Kelan pa naging land of the rising swastika ang Japan???” Pero sino naman ako para sabihin yon e ni hindi ko nga alam kung ano ang tawag sa trailer non. Who am I to judge diba? Hihihi…(evil grin)

Sa susunod ulit na panonood ko ng sine… At sa susunod na mga trailer at side comments…

Quantum of Solace

Last weekend, my friends and I watched the 22nd Bond film Quantum of Solace. I really don’t have any plans of watching it. What I was eyeing for is the sequel of Madagascar for I really enjoyed the first one but they already have decided to watch Quantum of Solace, so I just agreed to it. And besides, I have watched most of the recent James Bond films, so why not watch another installment.

But this latest one seemed like it was not a 007 flick for it did not have the right elements to make it a Bond film. First, it doesn’t have that much stunts. If Casino Royale doesn’t have that much, this one has lesser. But it was understandable for the former because of its plot and it being the very first James Bond novel. But for Quantum of Solace, I really don’t know why they did not pack the movie with so many stunts and most it are really not that gripping – just the same parkour action in Casino Royale and a few car and boat chase.

Also, no jaw-dropping gadgets were handed to Bond. If the previous installments have wristwatches with everything built into it, grenades disguised as pens or cigarette lighters, guns and weapons of all sorts and a lot more; Quantum of Solace only featured a Sony Ericsson C905 with a camera that has autofocus and face detection capability. The movie also doesn’t have hi-tech cars with all the necessary devices you will need.

Lastly, Quantum of Solace doesn’t have any twist – or maybe I am just missing on something. Well, you cannot blame me for you really need to listen well to pick up the dialogue. My friend and I have to connect all the details to fully understand the story. Maybe it was the accent or that they were just mumbling. It really makes me want to shout, “Subtitles please!!!” While the rest of my friends were just shocked when the closing credits appeared, all they blurted out was, “Tapos na?” Maybe you have to be a Quantum Physicist to understand the story.

When we were on our way out, one of my friends said, “Buti pa Madagascar na lang pinanood natin.”

All about me…diocrity

Easygoing. Laidback. Carefree. Happy-go-lucky. All of these can be tagged on me. If given a chance, I would always choose things that are uncomplicated. When I am in a situation that demands a lot, sometimes I get challenged and I render the needed effort but there are times that I give in to the pressure and thereby lose the drive and determination.

After a period of much stress and tension, I make it a point to treat myself – just something to look forward to – may it be a movie or just a plain long night’s sleep. This is just my way of getting things done. But there are times that all I can think about is the reward I have ahead. And as a result I lose focus and then I cannot give the best I’ve got. Sometimes, I just perform a task just for the sake of complying and finishing it. Maybe those are the times that I’ve reached my maximum tolerance for fatigue.

With all of those circumstances, I know that I was never the best…though I try to be; still I end up being mediocre. I always give my all; or so I'd thought. There are times that I look back and thought that I could have given more.

But come to think of it, what comes before best is better and mediocre is far below them. I’ve strived to be the best but sometimes I fail to reach it and so maybe I can be considered as better. Mediocrity is definitely not synonymous with second-best.

Or maybe I only have very high standards for myself; maybe I compare myself too much. Perhaps I am not mediocre after all. Not even better. Compared to others, I may not be the greatest but for my standards, possibly that was the best that I can be. What’s important is that I’ve shown effort; may it be not enough to reach the top but still its called effort.

Even if you’re not the finest, that you are just good or even ordinary, there’s totally nothing wrong with that. There’s always room for improvement. What’s important is that you have tried and that you have shown interest and effort. Though you did not get what you want, still you got what we call experience and that is your ticket to greatness.

predicting predictability

The other day, my friend asked me if she was predictable. I really don’t know what to say so I pondered about it.

Being predictable isn’t that bad after all. For a person to say that you’re predictable just means that that person really knows you a lot. He must have noticed the same reaction from you a couple of times before for him to conclude that that is really the way you react and for him to predict what your next action is.

There’s really nothing wrong with being predictable and same as with being unpredictable. And besides, you can change from being predictable to becoming the opposite any time you want. With people who know you a lot, you can spice it up by reacting differently and therefore you being unpredictable for them.

blogs

Also visit my old blog in friendster.

http://tidge-pogi.blog.friendster.com/

Mcdo Night Sessions

Mcdo Sessions are engagements done by a pair or a group of friends in any branch of Mcdonald’s fastfood chain. Engagements may include group studies, work-related tasks and/or engaging conversations which are usually over some food and/or drinks. It usually takes place as early as 8:00 pm until as late as 5:00 am.

Mcdonald’s is just the perfect place for such engagements because of its strategic location which makes it a convenient place for almost everyone. And the food which is undeniably scrumptious is always comforting even more if paired with a hot drink or a cold thirst quencher. The place is also well-lit perfect for all of those activities mentioned. Ventilation is good too but it may get a bit cold, so a jacket may come in handy. More often than not, they play songs which make the mood more relaxed. Though sometimes, due to the duration of the said engagements, the number of songs in their playlist may not be enough and as a result you tend to hear a song more than once. There are even times that you can already guess what the next song is.

The place is not really that significant in engagements like these. It can be done in any other place as long as it meets the same criteria mentioned above. But what’s most important is that these Mcdo Sessions are spent together with close companions. Conversations won’t be that long and engaging if it wouldn’t be with real friends while group studies and work-related tasks would be such a burden if you’re not with people who you have same interests with.

So, let the sessions begin…

Yearbook

It was just recently that our yearbook was released. After one and a half years, it finally materialized. But taking into consideration the number of graduates, I guess that span of time was just enough. Mind you, our yearbook has two volumes – the first time for our school. And of course, the yearbook’s staff got lives as well. The book is not the only thing on which they have to dedicate their selves to.

After many months of waiting, I finally got hold of it. It was all black with the school logo and the yearbook’s name on the front. The layout was good; clean, creative and stylish. The yearbook comes with a box to make the two volumes handy. But still eight kilos is a lot of weight.

But come to think of it, I wasn’t actually ‘waiting’. There were more important things in life to be bothered about than to wait for a book that summarized our college lives. The latter was placed in the farthest recesses of my brain. I was concerned with more important things. Like what, you might ask? Well, to start with there’s the uncertainties of what the future brings. Months back, I was pondering about my future and how it can be so vague. I was worried that maybe my dreams are light years away and my future was as dark as void.

How can we be so prepared for the future? What are the things that should be done so that we will have a life that we want? If only we were brought into this world with a user’s manual then life could have been so easy. We know what to do and how to do it – you just have to follow the step-by-step procedure.

It was also then that a realization hit me. With the uncertainties of life comes the beauty of it. What thrill can life still offer us if we know where it’s heading? What enjoyment can life still give us if we know the next chapter? What spontaneity can life still bring if we already know the next step?

It is better not to know the future so that we can cherish the present. An analogy would explain it best. Sometimes, when I am watching Filipino flicks, though I know that it’s going to be a happy ending, I tend to act blind and just follow the lead of the story and enjoy each scene. Not knowing what the ending is makes you focus in the current scene, digest it and enjoy it more. Let’s just live in the present and let life take its course.

When I started leafing through our yearbook and turned the page where my profile was, it dawned on me that my school years are totally over. You might think that it might be too late for me to feel such and that the more perfect time for which is during our Graduation. But for me, Graduation should be a happy moment – that at last, after how many years of studying, I am now marching through another phase in my life. Graduations bring about a feeling of relief and success that all of the hardwork paid off. But now I was more in a nostalgic mood – that as if I entered college just yesterday. Time really flies so fast. So you really need to cherish each moment of your life. Savor the learnings and the experiences – may it be good or bad.

It took me several hours to finish flipping through the pages and finally got to the last leaf. There were many pages in this book. And there were also many faces, experiences and hard-earned lessons in those four years. This may be the last page of our yearbook, but my life still continues on…beyond school and beyond this yearbook…

Welcome

Guess friendster is not that hip anymore. So now, i'll be moving to a new home - blogspot.com. I am now in an official blog site. Hope to share good ideas, thoughts and stories with you all.

I can now here the welcome band. Cheers to great blogs ahead!