AT McDonald's
Kuya Dan and MichThursday, January 01, 2009
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
My Splendid Hectic Christmas
December 24, 2008
8:00 to 9:00 am- Woke up. Showered up. Grab some bread from Julie’s. Withdrew cash.
9:00 to 9:30 am- Rode MRT train to Ayala. Crossed the footbridge going to Mckinley Hill. Waited for a cab.
10:00 am- Arrived at the Accenture office.
10:00 to 12:00 am- Checked emails. Played rubiks cube. Disturbed people around me who are seriously working.
12:00 nn to 1:00pm: Called Marlon. Went outside and waited for the internal shuttle. Ate at McDonald’s with Marlon and Abe.
1:00 pm to 3:00 pm- Knowledge transfer with Marlon. Made 4 orders in CRM. Helped out Abe with some tasks.
3:00 pm-5:00pm: Rode jeepney going to Guadalupe. Roamed around the public market. Bought DVDs (Pushing Daises and Heroes)
5:00-6:00 pm: Walked along the Pasig Bridge going to Boni. Slept. Woke up. Slept again.
6:30-7:20pm- Shower up. Ate dinner at a nearby cafeteria. Rode the bus going to Cubao.
7:40pm- Checked Goldilocks and Red Ribbon for some pastries and cakes. Nothing was available since it was Christmas Eve. Went inside Puregold and checked for an alternative: Ice Cream!8:00pm-8:30pm- Cousin Jerson and his friend RJ arrived. Rode the Bagumbayan Jeepney along Aurora Boulevard. Arrived at Eastwood City by 8.
8:30pm: Went looking for cakes inside the Eastwood City. It was hopeless. Roamed around and searched for 7-11 or Ministop. Bought 2 gallons of ice cream. Walked towards Bagumbayan terminal.
:00pm- Arrived at Aunt Amy’s house. Been given gifts. Waited for half an hour. Toasted some bread.
10:00pm- Ate spaghetti and some kakanin. Ate ice cream.
10:30pm- Left Aunt Amy’s house. And went back to Cubao. Bought chopped fresh chicken and some veggies. Rode a bus along Edsa.
11:20pm- Arrived in Paco, Manila. Stopped by Mini-Stop and bought a bottle of Gilbey’s (or was it Emperador?) and 3 bottles of Red Horse Beer. Also bought some chips and cobra energy drink.
11:30pm- Arrived at RJ’s place. Sat at an empty bed. Laid down. Waited for chef RJ to finish his fried chicken and sizzling chicken sisig.
12:00 midnight- Set up the table. Shared some food with those in other rooms. Been given spaghetti , barbeque and lumpiang shanghai in return. Both ice and looked at how my cousin play with one of his girlfriends in the phone.
December 25, 2008
12:30-3am- Got drunk til dawn. Played card games, shared some of my personal tricks, and went sharing secrets.
3:00 am- knocked out in bed.
10:00 am- Woke up. Ate noodles. Went back to sleep.
1:00 pm- Woke up. Seriously awake. Bathe. Dressed up. Locked the doors. Went to Robinson’s place. Roamed around the mall. Bought bracelet and headset. Ate at McDonald’s. Fish Fillet and Melon Float.
3:30 pm- Waited outside Chef de Angelo Restaurant for RJ to finish his shift.
4:00 pm- Been given FREE American size double patty burger at the restaurant. Charged to RJ’s payroll. LOL. RJ was settled to leave.
4:15 pm- went to Baywalk, Quirino Grandstand, zero kilometer zone, Rizal Park and the famous Luneta Park.
5:40 pm- Rode the jeepney going to Divisoria.
6:00 pm- Arrived at Divisoria. Bought items as gifts: a wallet for my mum, dad and little sister. Also bought a belt, a Naruto collectible item, and slippers.
6:50 pm- RJ was bound to Laguna, and Imus, Cavite. Jerson and I rode the jeepney going to Araneta Center, Gateway.
7:30 pm- Arrived at Cubao. Rode the MRT going to Boni. Ate dinner with my cousin at my favorite cafeteria. Was about to get my hair done but the salon was closed.
8:00 pm- Bought yakult and C2. Arrived safely at home. Slept. Woke up by 11. Took a warm bath. Went back to sleep.
December 26, 2008
3:00 am- Woke up. Wash face and went outside. Rode an ordinary bus going to Araneta Center.
3:20 am- Arrived in Ali Mall. Waited a few more minutes for mum and my sister Myka to arrive. 4:00 am- They finally arrived from 8-hours of travel from Naga City. Stopped by Jollibee. Ordered coffee, hotdogs and pancakes. Read that day’s newspaper and talked a little with mum.
4:30 am- Rode the jeepney (taxis weren’t available) going to Citibank carrying the heavy luggage. Crossed the footbridge to the other side. Rode a tricycle going to Entrepreneurs School of Asia.
5:00 am- Arrived at my aunt’s place. Apparently, no one was awake so we stayed for an hour outside waiting for at least one of them to open the door.
6:00 am- Came in. Rested a little. Threw some shit (nature calls).
7:00 am- Left the place carrying some things. Rode the jeepney going to Cubao. Rode the bus along Edsa going to Boni, Mandaluyong.
7:30 am- Arrived in my boarding house. Slept a little more until 10.
10 am- Gave some dried fish and suman fresh from Bicol to my Landlady. Went out of the house and looked for a salon. Ended up in a barber shop.10:40 am- Had to withdraw cash but my card was captured in Express Teller ATM. Feeling really pissed, I ate at my favorite cafeteria. Called Bank of the Philippine Islands but unfortunately, everyone was on vacation. BAU will resume on January 2. WTf!11:00 am- Turned on the TV. After a few minutes, played my favorite tracks of Secondhand Serenade, Fallout Boy, Damien Band, Dashboard Confessionals and many more. Volume set to max. Carried the laundry bag, detergents, downy and the drier downstairs. Started doing the laundry.
12:20 pm- Finished with the laundry. Called my cousin in West Avenue to give us a ride towards Caloocan. She agreed. Rested a little more. Shwww. Watched TV.
1:00 pm- Took a shower. Brushed teeth. Put hair wax and styled hair. Left the house by 1:30.
1:35 pm- Rode the MRT going to Araneta Center Cubao station.
2:00 pm- Roamed around Farmers Market, Gateway, Ali mall and SM.
2:30 pm- Went to Jolibee Ali mall to meet Myka and mum. Walked towards SM and rode a taxi going to SM north- The Block.
2:50 pm- Arrived in SM north. Walked inside the mall. Looked in some cheap garments. Went to The Block. Greeted Mannit happy birthday via phone.
3:05 pm- Rode my cousins’ van which was parked outside the mall waiting for us.3:35 pm- Arrived in Monumento. Went inside my Lola’s place. No one was there except Marty (another relative) who was sleeping in the living room wearing nothing but his boxers.
4:00 pm- left Monumento and went to 10th avenue. Rode the jeepney. Bought some doughnuts. Walked inside the City Hall to cross over towards the back. Rode the tricycle.
4:20 pm- Arrived at Uncle Noel’s house. He wasn’t there. Mum talked to my aunt and we ate the doughnuts.
4:50 pm- Left the place. Rode the tricycle going to Divisoria Terminal. Rode the jeepney.
5:10 pm- Arrived in Divisoria. Bought slippers, boxer shorts, silver jewelries, a blouse, shoes for me and my sister, and a lot more. Got lost.
6:30 pm- Rode the jeepney going to LRT Recto Station. Rode the LRT going to Cubao.
7:00 pm- Arrived in Cubao. Grabbed some bites at McDonald’s. After 30 minutes, mum and Myka left by riding the jeepney going to Eastwood City where they are staying.
8:00 pm- Rode the bus going to Boni. When I arrived, I was so tired I fell asleep in an instant. 11:00 pm- Took a bath. Brush Teeth. Went back to sleep.
December 27, 2008
8:00 am- Woke up. Got a lot of messages in my phone greeting me a happy birthday. Fell asleep again.
9:00 am- Cleaned the room. Called Lolo Romi if we can still hitch going to Palmera in Novaliches. He said they’ll be going not later than three so we had to be on our own.
9:10 am- Took a bath. Left the house by ten. Rode the bus.
10:00 am- waited for mum and Myka in McDonald’s. Ordered burgers and regular coke.
10:30 am- still waiting.
10:35 am- They finally arrived. Rode the jeepney going to SM Fairview.
11:00 am- Arrived in SM Fairview. Bought clothes for Myka, and an 18K necklace for mum and another for Myka. Ran out of load.
11:30 am- Got lost. Been instructed to ride a tricycle going to Palmera. Arrived in Palmera in a flash.
12:05 pm- Ate fried chicken, laing and many more… after all, it’s my birthday! A lot of people arrived. Including my Lolo Romi, Lola Nitay, and even the famous actress Chix Alcala!
1:00 pm- Bonding with my relatives, played the cute dogs and ate salad brought by Ate chix.
2:30 pm- Hopped in the van. Went to Novaliches Subdivision to bring some goodies to one of my lola’s.
3:20 pm- Arrived in Trinoma. Went inside Landmark. Roamed around for some cheap items.
4:10 pm- Cousin Jerson arrived. Sat in front of the stage to take a rest for a while.
5:00 pm- Bought Goldilocks chocolate cake. And rode the MRT in North avenue.
5:30 pm- Bought roasted chicken in Dampa inside famers market.
5:40 pm- Rode the jeepney going to Libis.
6:10 pm- Arrived at my aunt’s place. Ate the food by seven.
8:20 pm- The weekly House/Family Prayer…
9:00 pm- Left the house. Arrived in Araneta Center by 9:30 pm. Rode the bus going to Edsa.
10:00 pm- Arrived at Boni. Checked emails at a nearby Internet Café.
11:00 pm- Took a warm bath. Brushed teeth. Wrap gifts. Packed my stuff. Watch late night news. Fell asleep.
December 28, 2008
11:00 am- Woke up. Washed face and went outside to eat.
12:00 nn- Went back to sleep.1:00 pm- Took a bath. Fixed myself and tried to ride the MRT. Unfortunately, there was a problem with the trains. That was after I waited for almost an hour.
2:00 pm- Decided to take the bus. Got stuck in the traffic.
2:30 pm- Finally, arrived in Araneta. Withdrew cash.
2:35 pm- Met my mum and Myka. Went into the Ukay-Ukay beside the big National Bookstore branch. Searched for a public toilet room.
3:10 pm- Amylea and Czarina came. All together, we went to Gateway and Farmer’s Plaza where they were able to buy dresses.
4:20 pm- Ate at farmers market food court.
5:00 pm- Went to my place in Boni via bus in Edsa. Carried my luggage back to Araneta.
6:20 pm- Left my sister in KFC in front of the Terminal.
7:00 pm- Arrived in Eastwood. Packed my mum’s things. Went back to Ali Mall by 7:40 pm.8:00 pm- Found a bus going to Naga City. Rates: 520/ head on ordinary Raymond Bus.
9:20 pm- The bus left. We were exhausted. Momentary stop along Manila. Stopovers in Real Quezon and other places I don’t know. Swapped seat with an unfortunate lady who was sitting on the floor of the bus. Sat at the farthest back part of the bus. That’s what you call a roller coaster ride!
December 29, 2009
5:00 am- Arrived in Naga City! Yeppeee! Rode a tricycle straight home. Ate Champorado for breakfast. Fell asleep.
12:00 nn- Ate lunch. Fell Asleep.
3:00 pm- Washed up. Fixed my hair. Rode the pedicab. Rode the jeepney going to Emall.
4:10 pm- Went to Ateneo de Naga University and attended a meeting.
5:00 pm- Bought a wall clock and a hook. Both for my mum. But a glass of coke and some Japanese bread and crinkles. Looked for DVDs.
8:00 to 9:00 am- Woke up. Showered up. Grab some bread from Julie’s. Withdrew cash.
9:00 to 9:30 am- Rode MRT train to Ayala. Crossed the footbridge going to Mckinley Hill. Waited for a cab.
10:00 am- Arrived at the Accenture office.
10:00 to 12:00 am- Checked emails. Played rubiks cube. Disturbed people around me who are seriously working.
12:00 nn to 1:00pm: Called Marlon. Went outside and waited for the internal shuttle. Ate at McDonald’s with Marlon and Abe.
1:00 pm to 3:00 pm- Knowledge transfer with Marlon. Made 4 orders in CRM. Helped out Abe with some tasks.
3:00 pm-5:00pm: Rode jeepney going to Guadalupe. Roamed around the public market. Bought DVDs (Pushing Daises and Heroes)
5:00-6:00 pm: Walked along the Pasig Bridge going to Boni. Slept. Woke up. Slept again.
6:30-7:20pm- Shower up. Ate dinner at a nearby cafeteria. Rode the bus going to Cubao.
7:40pm- Checked Goldilocks and Red Ribbon for some pastries and cakes. Nothing was available since it was Christmas Eve. Went inside Puregold and checked for an alternative: Ice Cream!8:00pm-8:30pm- Cousin Jerson and his friend RJ arrived. Rode the Bagumbayan Jeepney along Aurora Boulevard. Arrived at Eastwood City by 8.
8:30pm: Went looking for cakes inside the Eastwood City. It was hopeless. Roamed around and searched for 7-11 or Ministop. Bought 2 gallons of ice cream. Walked towards Bagumbayan terminal.
:00pm- Arrived at Aunt Amy’s house. Been given gifts. Waited for half an hour. Toasted some bread.
10:00pm- Ate spaghetti and some kakanin. Ate ice cream.
10:30pm- Left Aunt Amy’s house. And went back to Cubao. Bought chopped fresh chicken and some veggies. Rode a bus along Edsa.
11:20pm- Arrived in Paco, Manila. Stopped by Mini-Stop and bought a bottle of Gilbey’s (or was it Emperador?) and 3 bottles of Red Horse Beer. Also bought some chips and cobra energy drink.
11:30pm- Arrived at RJ’s place. Sat at an empty bed. Laid down. Waited for chef RJ to finish his fried chicken and sizzling chicken sisig.
12:00 midnight- Set up the table. Shared some food with those in other rooms. Been given spaghetti , barbeque and lumpiang shanghai in return. Both ice and looked at how my cousin play with one of his girlfriends in the phone.
December 25, 2008
12:30-3am- Got drunk til dawn. Played card games, shared some of my personal tricks, and went sharing secrets.
3:00 am- knocked out in bed.
10:00 am- Woke up. Ate noodles. Went back to sleep.
1:00 pm- Woke up. Seriously awake. Bathe. Dressed up. Locked the doors. Went to Robinson’s place. Roamed around the mall. Bought bracelet and headset. Ate at McDonald’s. Fish Fillet and Melon Float.
3:30 pm- Waited outside Chef de Angelo Restaurant for RJ to finish his shift.
4:00 pm- Been given FREE American size double patty burger at the restaurant. Charged to RJ’s payroll. LOL. RJ was settled to leave.
4:15 pm- went to Baywalk, Quirino Grandstand, zero kilometer zone, Rizal Park and the famous Luneta Park.
5:40 pm- Rode the jeepney going to Divisoria.
6:00 pm- Arrived at Divisoria. Bought items as gifts: a wallet for my mum, dad and little sister. Also bought a belt, a Naruto collectible item, and slippers.
6:50 pm- RJ was bound to Laguna, and Imus, Cavite. Jerson and I rode the jeepney going to Araneta Center, Gateway.
7:30 pm- Arrived at Cubao. Rode the MRT going to Boni. Ate dinner with my cousin at my favorite cafeteria. Was about to get my hair done but the salon was closed.
8:00 pm- Bought yakult and C2. Arrived safely at home. Slept. Woke up by 11. Took a warm bath. Went back to sleep.
December 26, 2008
3:00 am- Woke up. Wash face and went outside. Rode an ordinary bus going to Araneta Center.
3:20 am- Arrived in Ali Mall. Waited a few more minutes for mum and my sister Myka to arrive. 4:00 am- They finally arrived from 8-hours of travel from Naga City. Stopped by Jollibee. Ordered coffee, hotdogs and pancakes. Read that day’s newspaper and talked a little with mum.
4:30 am- Rode the jeepney (taxis weren’t available) going to Citibank carrying the heavy luggage. Crossed the footbridge to the other side. Rode a tricycle going to Entrepreneurs School of Asia.
5:00 am- Arrived at my aunt’s place. Apparently, no one was awake so we stayed for an hour outside waiting for at least one of them to open the door.
6:00 am- Came in. Rested a little. Threw some shit (nature calls).
7:00 am- Left the place carrying some things. Rode the jeepney going to Cubao. Rode the bus along Edsa going to Boni, Mandaluyong.
7:30 am- Arrived in my boarding house. Slept a little more until 10.
10 am- Gave some dried fish and suman fresh from Bicol to my Landlady. Went out of the house and looked for a salon. Ended up in a barber shop.10:40 am- Had to withdraw cash but my card was captured in Express Teller ATM. Feeling really pissed, I ate at my favorite cafeteria. Called Bank of the Philippine Islands but unfortunately, everyone was on vacation. BAU will resume on January 2. WTf!11:00 am- Turned on the TV. After a few minutes, played my favorite tracks of Secondhand Serenade, Fallout Boy, Damien Band, Dashboard Confessionals and many more. Volume set to max. Carried the laundry bag, detergents, downy and the drier downstairs. Started doing the laundry.
12:20 pm- Finished with the laundry. Called my cousin in West Avenue to give us a ride towards Caloocan. She agreed. Rested a little more. Shwww. Watched TV.
1:00 pm- Took a shower. Brushed teeth. Put hair wax and styled hair. Left the house by 1:30.
1:35 pm- Rode the MRT going to Araneta Center Cubao station.
2:00 pm- Roamed around Farmers Market, Gateway, Ali mall and SM.
2:30 pm- Went to Jolibee Ali mall to meet Myka and mum. Walked towards SM and rode a taxi going to SM north- The Block.
2:50 pm- Arrived in SM north. Walked inside the mall. Looked in some cheap garments. Went to The Block. Greeted Mannit happy birthday via phone.
3:05 pm- Rode my cousins’ van which was parked outside the mall waiting for us.3:35 pm- Arrived in Monumento. Went inside my Lola’s place. No one was there except Marty (another relative) who was sleeping in the living room wearing nothing but his boxers.
4:00 pm- left Monumento and went to 10th avenue. Rode the jeepney. Bought some doughnuts. Walked inside the City Hall to cross over towards the back. Rode the tricycle.
4:20 pm- Arrived at Uncle Noel’s house. He wasn’t there. Mum talked to my aunt and we ate the doughnuts.
4:50 pm- Left the place. Rode the tricycle going to Divisoria Terminal. Rode the jeepney.
5:10 pm- Arrived in Divisoria. Bought slippers, boxer shorts, silver jewelries, a blouse, shoes for me and my sister, and a lot more. Got lost.
6:30 pm- Rode the jeepney going to LRT Recto Station. Rode the LRT going to Cubao.
7:00 pm- Arrived in Cubao. Grabbed some bites at McDonald’s. After 30 minutes, mum and Myka left by riding the jeepney going to Eastwood City where they are staying.
8:00 pm- Rode the bus going to Boni. When I arrived, I was so tired I fell asleep in an instant. 11:00 pm- Took a bath. Brush Teeth. Went back to sleep.
December 27, 2008
8:00 am- Woke up. Got a lot of messages in my phone greeting me a happy birthday. Fell asleep again.
9:00 am- Cleaned the room. Called Lolo Romi if we can still hitch going to Palmera in Novaliches. He said they’ll be going not later than three so we had to be on our own.
9:10 am- Took a bath. Left the house by ten. Rode the bus.
10:00 am- waited for mum and Myka in McDonald’s. Ordered burgers and regular coke.
10:30 am- still waiting.
10:35 am- They finally arrived. Rode the jeepney going to SM Fairview.
11:00 am- Arrived in SM Fairview. Bought clothes for Myka, and an 18K necklace for mum and another for Myka. Ran out of load.
11:30 am- Got lost. Been instructed to ride a tricycle going to Palmera. Arrived in Palmera in a flash.
12:05 pm- Ate fried chicken, laing and many more… after all, it’s my birthday! A lot of people arrived. Including my Lolo Romi, Lola Nitay, and even the famous actress Chix Alcala!
1:00 pm- Bonding with my relatives, played the cute dogs and ate salad brought by Ate chix.
2:30 pm- Hopped in the van. Went to Novaliches Subdivision to bring some goodies to one of my lola’s.
3:20 pm- Arrived in Trinoma. Went inside Landmark. Roamed around for some cheap items.
4:10 pm- Cousin Jerson arrived. Sat in front of the stage to take a rest for a while.
5:00 pm- Bought Goldilocks chocolate cake. And rode the MRT in North avenue.
5:30 pm- Bought roasted chicken in Dampa inside famers market.
5:40 pm- Rode the jeepney going to Libis.
6:10 pm- Arrived at my aunt’s place. Ate the food by seven.
8:20 pm- The weekly House/Family Prayer…
9:00 pm- Left the house. Arrived in Araneta Center by 9:30 pm. Rode the bus going to Edsa.
10:00 pm- Arrived at Boni. Checked emails at a nearby Internet Café.
11:00 pm- Took a warm bath. Brushed teeth. Wrap gifts. Packed my stuff. Watch late night news. Fell asleep.
December 28, 2008
11:00 am- Woke up. Washed face and went outside to eat.
12:00 nn- Went back to sleep.1:00 pm- Took a bath. Fixed myself and tried to ride the MRT. Unfortunately, there was a problem with the trains. That was after I waited for almost an hour.
2:00 pm- Decided to take the bus. Got stuck in the traffic.
2:30 pm- Finally, arrived in Araneta. Withdrew cash.
2:35 pm- Met my mum and Myka. Went into the Ukay-Ukay beside the big National Bookstore branch. Searched for a public toilet room.
3:10 pm- Amylea and Czarina came. All together, we went to Gateway and Farmer’s Plaza where they were able to buy dresses.
4:20 pm- Ate at farmers market food court.
5:00 pm- Went to my place in Boni via bus in Edsa. Carried my luggage back to Araneta.
6:20 pm- Left my sister in KFC in front of the Terminal.
7:00 pm- Arrived in Eastwood. Packed my mum’s things. Went back to Ali Mall by 7:40 pm.8:00 pm- Found a bus going to Naga City. Rates: 520/ head on ordinary Raymond Bus.
9:20 pm- The bus left. We were exhausted. Momentary stop along Manila. Stopovers in Real Quezon and other places I don’t know. Swapped seat with an unfortunate lady who was sitting on the floor of the bus. Sat at the farthest back part of the bus. That’s what you call a roller coaster ride!
December 29, 2009
5:00 am- Arrived in Naga City! Yeppeee! Rode a tricycle straight home. Ate Champorado for breakfast. Fell asleep.
12:00 nn- Ate lunch. Fell Asleep.
3:00 pm- Washed up. Fixed my hair. Rode the pedicab. Rode the jeepney going to Emall.
4:10 pm- Went to Ateneo de Naga University and attended a meeting.
5:00 pm- Bought a wall clock and a hook. Both for my mum. But a glass of coke and some Japanese bread and crinkles. Looked for DVDs.
6:00 pm- Joined the gang in the videoke jamming at Emall Tom’s World.
7:00 pm- Went to wamihan. Just like the old times.
8:00 pm- Coffee macchiato and cake at Starmark. Watched mobile phone snandals.
9:10 pm- Bought mangoes and barbeques in plaza Quezon. Went home. Dad fetched me in Greenland.
9:30 pm- uploaded pictures on my PC
12:00 midnight- Fell asleep.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
HT PROM
Mckinley Hill, Taguig
THE CAST AND CREW
Yihee...cotillion!
Paint me a picture: DEATH
The Cotillion with best buddies Kate and Chromart
The Food... yum yum
The Contingency's finest
Paint me a picture: Burial
Paint me a picture: WEDDING
With my date
Manual Billing ala Teleserye Tarpaulin
The round table
HT PROJECT RUNWAY
BA LEPANTO PENTHOUSE,
Paseo de Roxas, Makati City
Paseo de Roxas, Makati City
THE RAFFLE WINNERS
HOT CAT
HOT STUFF
READY FOR THE TAKING
FASHION STATEMENT OUT OF TRASH
Thursday, November 27, 2008
The ATM-MPLS Team
Contingency-ATM-MPLS-SWAT-Escalations combined
Farewell Souvenir To kate who's bound to SingaporeMonday, October 27, 2008
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Why live in the Philippines?
(Sometimes, we need to laugh at ourselves)
When I travel, people often ask me why I live in the Philippines ? Well here it is..... It is the only place on earth where......
1. Every street has a basketball court.
2. Even doctors, lawyers and engineers are unemployed.
3. Doctors study to become nurses for employment abroad.
4. Students pay more money than they will earn afterwards.
5. School is considered the second home and the mall considered the third.
6. Call-center employees earn more money than teachers and nurses.
7. Everyone has his personal ghost story and superstition.
8. Mountains like Makiling and Banahaw are considered holy places.
9. Everything can be forged.
10. All kinds of animals are edible.
11. Starbucks coffee is more expensive than gas.
12. Driving 4 kilometers can take as much as four hours.
13. Flyovers bring you from the freeway to the side streets.
14. Crossing the street involves running for your dear life.
15. The personal computer is mainly used for games and Friendster.
16. Where colonial mentality is dishonestly denied!
17. Where 4 a.m. is not even considered bedtime yet.
18. People can pay to defy the law. 19. Everything and everyone is spoofed.
20. Where even the poverty-stricken get to wear Ralph Lauren and Tommy Hilfiger (japeyks!) 21. The honking of car horns is a way of life.
22. Being called a bum is never offensive.
23. Floodwaters take up more than 90 percent of the streets during the rainy season.
24. Where everyone has a relative abroad who keeps them alive.
25. Where wearing your national colors make you baduy.
26. Where even the poverty-stricken have the latest cell phones. (GSM = Galing Sa Magnanakaw)
27. Where insurance does not work.
28. Where water can only be classified as tap and dirty.
29. Clean water is for sale (35 pesos per gallon).
30. Where the government makes the people pray for miracles. (Amen to that!)
31. Where University of the Philippines where all the weird people go.
32. Ateneo is where all the nerds go. 33. La Salle is where all the Chinese go.
34. College of Saint Benilde is where all the stupid Chinese go.
35. University of Asia and the Pacific is where all the irrelevantly rich people go.
36. Fast food is a diet meal. 37. Traffic signs are merely suggestions, not regulations.
38. Where being mugged is normal and It happens to everyone..
39. Rodents are normal house pets.
40. The definition of traffic is the 'non-movement' of vehicles.
41. Where the fighter planes of the 1940s are used for military engagements and;
42. The new fighter planes are displayed in museums.
43. Where cigarettes and alcohol are a necessity, and where the lottery is a commodity.
44. Where soap operas tell the realities of life and where the news provides the drama.
45. Where actors make the rules and where politicians provide the entertainment.
46. People can get away with stealing trillions of pesos but not a thousand.
47. Where being an hour late is still considered punctual (Grabe talaga 'to!)
48. Where the squatters have more to complain (even if they do not pay their tax) - than those employed and have their tax automatically deducted from their salaries.
49. And where everyone wants to leave the country!
FILIPINO SIGNS OF WIT:
1. The sign in a flower shop in Diliman called Petal Attraction.
2. Anita Bakery
3. A 24-hour restaurant called Doris Day & Night
4. Barber shop called Felix The Cut
5. A bakery named Bread Pitt
6. Fast-food place selling 'maruya' (banana fritters) called Maruya Carey.
7. Then, there is Christopher Plumbing
8. A boutique called The Way We Wear
9. A video rental shop called Leon King Video Rental
10. A restaurant in Cainta district of Rizal called Caintacky Fried Chicken
11. A local burger restaurant called Mang Donald's
12. A doughnut shop called MacDonuts
13. A shop selling 'lumpia' (egg roll) in Makati called Wrap and Roll
14. And two butcher shops called Meating Place and Meatropolis.
Smart travelers can decipher what may look like baffling signs to unaccustomed foreigners by simply sounding out the 'Taglish' .
The Philippine version of English words spelled and pronounced with a heavy Filipino such as:
15. At a restaurant menu in Cebu ? We hab sopdrink in can an in batol? [translation: We have soft drinks in can and in bottle].
Smart travelers can decipher what may look like baffling signs to unaccustomed foreigners by simply sounding out the 'Taglish' .
The Philippine version of English words spelled and pronounced with a heavy Filipino such as:
15. At a restaurant menu in Cebu ? We hab sopdrink in can an in batol? [translation: We have soft drinks in can and in bottle].
16. Then, there is a sewing accessories shop called Bids And Pises [translation: Beads and Pieces --or-- Bits and Pieces]
There are also many signs with either badly chosen or misspelled words but they are usually so entertaining that it would be a mistake to 'correct' them like.......
17. In a restaurant in Baguio City , the 'summer capital' of the Philippines : Wanted: Boy Waitress
There are also many signs with either badly chosen or misspelled words but they are usually so entertaining that it would be a mistake to 'correct' them like.......
17. In a restaurant in Baguio City , the 'summer capital' of the Philippines : Wanted: Boy Waitress
18. On a highway in Pampanga: We Make Modern Antique Furniture
19. On the window of a photography shop in Cabanatuan : We Shoot You While You Wait20. And on the glass front of a cafe in Panay Avenue in Manila : Wanted: Waiter, Cashier, Washier
Some of the notices can even give a wrong impression such as:
21. A shoe store in Pangasinan which has a sign saying:
We Sell Imported Robber Shoes (these could be the 'sneakiest' sneakers!)22. A rental property sign in Jaro reads: House For Rent, Fully Furnaced (it must really be hot inside!)
Occasionally, one could come across signs that are truly unique - if not altogether odd.
23. City in southern Philippines which said:
Adults: 1 peso
Child: 50 centavos
Cadavers: fare subject to negotiation
24. European tourists may also be intrigued to discover two competing shops selling hopia (a Chinese pastry) called Holland Hopia and Poland Hopia - which are owned and operated by two local Chinese entrepreneurs, Mr. Ho and Mr. Po respectively (believe it or not!)
25. Some folks also 'creatively' redesign English to be more efficient. The creative confusion between language and culture leads to more than just simple unintentional errors in syntax, but in the adoption of new words, says reader Robert Goodfellow who came across a sign ..... “House Fersallarend' (house for sale or rent). Why use five words when two will do?
26. According to Manila businessman, Tonyboy Ongsiako, there is so much wit in the Philippines because...
Some of the notices can even give a wrong impression such as:
21. A shoe store in Pangasinan which has a sign saying:
We Sell Imported Robber Shoes (these could be the 'sneakiest' sneakers!)22. A rental property sign in Jaro reads: House For Rent, Fully Furnaced (it must really be hot inside!)
Occasionally, one could come across signs that are truly unique - if not altogether odd.
23. City in southern Philippines which said:
Adults: 1 peso
Child: 50 centavos
Cadavers: fare subject to negotiation
24. European tourists may also be intrigued to discover two competing shops selling hopia (a Chinese pastry) called Holland Hopia and Poland Hopia - which are owned and operated by two local Chinese entrepreneurs, Mr. Ho and Mr. Po respectively (believe it or not!)
25. Some folks also 'creatively' redesign English to be more efficient. The creative confusion between language and culture leads to more than just simple unintentional errors in syntax, but in the adoption of new words, says reader Robert Goodfellow who came across a sign ..... “House Fersallarend' (house for sale or rent). Why use five words when two will do?
26. According to Manila businessman, Tonyboy Ongsiako, there is so much wit in the Philippines because...
We are a country where a good sense of humor is needed to survive. We have a 24-hour comedy show here called the government and a huge reserve of comedians made up mostly of politicians and bad actors.
Now I ask you where else in the world would one want to live?
Miss you all guys!!
Kumpleto ah! Sinong may pasimuno nito?
OMG! Am I missing a lot lately?
Doher--Daniel--Migss--Micha--Joana--Mike
Louie--Chiwee--January--Michelle--Mike
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Saturday, October 18, 2008
One of Many Pieces
CHAPTER 1
(Originally written by Kate; made more interesting by Mike and Ailish)
He walked towards the locked door, unlocked it and slammed on his way out. He's gone... he went away with somebody else, with one of my closest friends. I was left alone with a tear in my eyes and pain in my heart…
There are truckloads of mess piled up on my study table that night -my unfinished plates in drawing, my 20-item unsolved problems in geometry and my homework in chemistry. My aunt had called me for a dinner but my empty stomach doesn't want to be filled. I just said "busog pa po..." I heard her say 'ang payat-payat na nga di pa kumakain, mamamatay ka diyan sa ginagawa mo'. I whispered "I wish I did..."
The phone rang. I hurriedly went towards the telephone. I was very eager to know who called. I wished it was him.. I hoped it was him.. I prayed it was him who called to say he's changing his mind. That he still needs me. That he still loves me. When i reached the phone I hurriedly lifted it. The voice on the other line was unfamiliar and he was looking for my cousin. My cousin laughed at me while saying "Pahiya ka no? Akala mo naman kasi laging sa'yo".
Feeling disappointed, I went back to my room and seated in front of the mirror. I stared at myself and uttered "asa ka pa…"
I took a deep breath. Suddenly, tears fell down cascading on my cheeks. Then one by one the memories of the past echoed in my memory...
I remembered how it was like during the first time I entered the university. I didn't like the place. I never dreamt of studying there. "Hindi dapat ako nandoon, dapat nasa Baguio ako, dapat nursing student ako. Si lolo kasi...” Until such time I got used to my new environment and everything that surrounds me became a common place.
One time my instructor in P.E. grouped the class into 5 groups. The grouping was based on our seating arrangement. Seating beside me was a chinky-eyed, fair-skinned man, about 6 ft tall. "Tsk... tsk... ka-group ko yung masungit na intsik..." The group i belonged was always commended. We were tagged as the 'best group' in class. Courtesy of him. He always had his good ideas - it made me notice him.
Chemistry is one of my fave subjects. I would go to one corner of the room, away from my classmates just to listen as attentively as I can. But one time, during our chemistry class, he sat beside me. He asked me if I could make him a poem. I said "ok" and hoped he would stop but to my surprise, he talked, talked and talked. That was the very first time I missed taking notes from my Chem class - the very first time I allowed somebody to interrupt me from listening. It all started there. We began to call each other at night and talk until dawn.
One weekend, we were at one of our classmate's house, doing our homework in drawing. He handed me a piece of paper. On that paper was written "I love you...”
..I was dumbfounded...
Few weeks later while waiting for our professor for the next subject one of my friends asked me in front of the class and in front of him if I love him too. Cornered, I looked at him. He was busy manipulating his calculator, as if nothing was happening. My friend asked me the question again. I didn't know where I got the courage to say "oo". Everybody yelled. I saw him looked at me. I saw him smiled...
I smiled for a while but the fact that I am losing him kept my tears from falling heavier and heavier. That day was one of the darkest days in my life. That was the day when he said the nerve-wrecking words. The very day he asked me to let him go. I've got no idea, but I had let him leave without asking why.
Two weeks later I learned from a friend that he was courting somebody else. Someone who happened to be one of my closest friends. The news had really hollered my nerve. I was in deep pain.
Since we were on the same class, I saw how happy they were together. I saw how they giggled. I saw how tight he hugged her. I saw how he cared for her. I saw how he loved her. A month ago, I was on that girl's place. I was the one being taken cared of.
I was totally shattered. My studies were even neglected. He was all I needed. And I wanted him back.
He's generally good in class but he seldomly does his homework and projects. Whenever I learn that he was not able to do them, I would secretly do the stuff for him.Everybody was pushing me to move on but I chose to stay there and wait for him. I had loved him so much and I had been more than willing to forgive him and accept him back.
The semester has ended. That time lolo also happened to take his vacation from his job. He's a ship-captain so we only see him every 6 months. One morning he asked me how I did in school. I showed him my class cards and as expected, I was scolded for hitting such low grades. I tearfully convinced him to let me enrol to a nursing school. I wanted to avoid him. But my lolo was firm. "Next sem makikita ko nanaman siya. Makikita ko nanaman silang magkasama. Masasaktan nanaman ako...” But still, I wanted him back...
2 long years had passed. I got tired of waiting. I eventually accepted that he's not really meant for me.
I learned that it is sometimes easier to let go than to hold on...
I learned that it is harder to move on when you are actually digging yourself deeper into the situation you're in..
I learned that you shouldn't fit yourself to a small-sized t-shirt when you actually have an extra large body..
I learned that when you are trying to wait for the person you're not sure would come back, you are actually hurting yourself with a sharp-edged knife--and the longer you wait, the more painful it will be..
I learned that closing his chapter in my life would not mean it's the ultimate end. It actually opened a new one...(=';'=)
…and then, two more years later, Mike came. He’s a lot better than the man I used to love….
I enjoyed talking to him….
We used to… do things together such as shop and badminton. He’s such a sweet lad…Always caring for my well-being...
Unfortunately, I had to go….
But I hope he’s still there when I come back.
…so we could go shopping together again...
And Mike did…
He waited for years…
On a regular day of work, I woke up and stared at the large city of Singapore. At a glance, I cannot help but compare the city of Manila with where I am now. I missed everything that I used to do in the Philippines, especially when I’m with Mike. I washed by face and shaved my legs. Then, I once again found myself staring from afar; reaching close to the window, hoping that I could have the chance to see his face again.
Realizing how much I miss my Brownie Mike, I picked up my mobile phone and called him up..
“Mike?”
“Who is this?” asked Mike, who obliviously just woke up…
“It’s me Kate, how are you?”
“Kate???” he asked with great enthusiasm. “I’m here in Singapore. Let’s meet!”
“Really?! But I already booked my flight to Philippines at 12 noon today! I wanted to surprise you and I can’t wait for another 1 long month to see you. I’m already on my way to the airport”
Mike did not reply…
“Mike, didn't you hear what I just said? I am on my way to the airport… I am now waiting for a cab…”
Then, someone tapped and said, “Can I help you with your luggage?”
That voice sounds awfully familiar; I immediately turned and surprise to see Mike…
“What are you doing here?”
‘Well, one of the reasons is that I can’t stand another day not seeing you.
Another is, I couldn't refuse to the offer here in as a luggage boy…this hotel pays good with their crew…’ he replied.
“what?, you accepted the offer?!”
“obviously” Mike replied grinningly
“but you should’ve applied for a better job.. I mean, Accenture is a well-known company in terms of IT. You should have --- uhh” kate sighed…
“Hahaha! I kid!!” Then Mike laughed out hard, almost catching his breath.
Unfortunately, I didn't like his joke. I stared at him for a few second and felt my tears falling down my cheeks. I couldn't believe he's here. Right in front of me. I wanted to hug him and perhaps kiss him but I didn't know if it was right.
"Are you sure you're leaving by noon?"
I was still caught in the moment of silence. It took another minute before his question come into me. I squeezed the passport that I am holding and realized that indeed, in a few hours, I need to ride that F@%&8*$$ plane and leave. I didn't want to. I wanna stay in his arms forever. I don't want to be away from him ever again.
"Wanna talk? Over a cup of Coffee..your treat!"
As soon as he threw the question, I instantly answered, "Sure!". He giggled. Perhaps, he noticed how the feeling of mixed excitement and sadness conquer me.
He carried my luggage back to my place. Silence dominate my room... It's just the two of us under that four-cornered room. What should I say? What should I do? Should I offer him something to drink? Oh my God! How should I entertain him?
"You looked a lot sexier than the last time I saw you", he whispered.
After I heard those words, I was drawn into deep silence. Everything was plain black. Next thing I knew, we were in a coffee shop... He was sipping a hot cappucino and I was sitting in front of him. Day-dreaming.
I still could not believe that Mike is here in Singapore…
Right here in front of me…
Drinking his cappuccino…
I was too mesmerized to realize that I missed my flight…
But then, love is more important that money,
I could regain what I loss in a matter of two weeks with my current salary…
So, missing that stupid flight is no waste after all…
We began planning our Christmas day,
When unexpectedly my phone begin to ring…
“hello?”
“Kate? “ said the caller
This voice surely sounds familiar, I could feel my heart beat faster by the second as I asked, “who is this?”
“It’s me Jake. I heard from former friends that you’re based in Singapore… and I was wondering if you could show me around since I just arrived…”
I could not speak… surely I missed Jake despite the heartache he caused me… but I could not bare to see Mike get hurt…
“What should I do?” I asked myself…
“I learned that it is sometimes easier to let go than to hold on...
I learned that it is harder to move on when you are actually digging yourself deeper into the situation you're in..
I learned that you shouldn't fit yourself to a small-sized t-shirt when you actually have an extra large body..
I learned that when you are trying to wait for the person you're not sure would come back, you are actually hurting yourself with a sharp-edged knife--and the longer you wait, the more painful it will be..”
These phrases kept repeating over my head. Years ago, I have completely let go of my feeling for Jake. But why am I getting so confused? Why does my heart beat louder and louder? I paused for another moment, leading to deep silence that drew Mike’s attention. Just then, I got surprised when Mike hold my hand. And like magic, the confusion suddenly vanished. The lingering disruptions causing my headache began to fade. I hung up to Jake and turned off my fone. I held my other hand close to Mike’s hand and realized that he has completely healed my swollen heart.
I then scolded myself.
“Why should I let myself get confused by Jake when the man who could give me perfect happiness is already right beside me?”
“Kate, there’s something I really wanted to tell you …” Mike suddenly said
And this time, his face has gotten all serious…
He slowly squeezed my hands as he said…
“ those years that we have been apart made me realize that … “ he started
"..it’s such a great mistake to ever let you go…
… to set you all alone in the wilderness that is unsafe and terrifying."
He then took a deep breath and said,
"Kate, I’m just a boy, standing in front of a girl, hoping that she loves me back…"
“…ehem…scratch that…”, then he giggled again as if he was mimicking Dianne, our past teammate. “Seriously now”, pauses to clear throat, “kate, you have grown to be such an amazing woman. I never thought that you could be this beautiful. Each time I look at you I can’t help but fall deeper. You complete the person that I am. I never felt so complete and alive when I’m with you. I may never have told you but our usual dates from the past, the window-shopping trip and the food trip, were part of my past that I will never ever forget. I am looking forward to doing those crazy romantic things again…with you.”
Pauses again to clear throat. Then, slowly knelt, still while holding my hand.
“Please tell me you feel the same way…”
“Oh Mike, you already knew what my answer would be…”
“yes, I’d love to do them again”
I cried once again, I held him up and hugged him tight…
and tighter…
No more fears.
No more holding back.
No more worries.
No more uncertainties...
I now know that he was the missing piece…
The one who completes me…
The one who will be there… no matter what…
For he had proven this in the past…
He remained beside me…
Waited years for my returned…
He has been and will always be there…
Even though the Café was filled with people, I do not feel their presence…
All I could see was me and my Brownie Mike…
As I reiterate before, I needed a brand new start…
No more goodbyes, only mornings with my beloved Mike.
I few moments more, we were touring the sites of Singapore. I hugged his arms as we cross the street just like before. I liked to believe nothing has changed. He escorted me as I bought lovely pink items from the sidewalk just after we ate at a fancy restaurant nearby. Then suddenly, as we were shopping at the CityLink Mall, a loud sound coming from closeby was heard and the crowd in the mall strated to panic.
Everyone screamed and ran towards the exit. I was about to grab Mike to pull him away from the crowd when, to my surprise, he was lying on the floor bathing in his own blood with a gunshot on his chest. I sat next to him, crying. I screamed on the top of my lungs hoping that someone could come and offer help.
Then from the thick panicking crowd emerged a man who is insanely laughing as he walked towards us. He wore a cap to disguise himself and carried a gun which he used to accomplish his plan of murder. His physique looked so familiar… so did his stance and overall aura…
Then, I knew who he was…
“JAKE……………………………!!”
There are truckloads of mess piled up on my study table that night -my unfinished plates in drawing, my 20-item unsolved problems in geometry and my homework in chemistry. My aunt had called me for a dinner but my empty stomach doesn't want to be filled. I just said "busog pa po..." I heard her say 'ang payat-payat na nga di pa kumakain, mamamatay ka diyan sa ginagawa mo'. I whispered "I wish I did..."
The phone rang. I hurriedly went towards the telephone. I was very eager to know who called. I wished it was him.. I hoped it was him.. I prayed it was him who called to say he's changing his mind. That he still needs me. That he still loves me. When i reached the phone I hurriedly lifted it. The voice on the other line was unfamiliar and he was looking for my cousin. My cousin laughed at me while saying "Pahiya ka no? Akala mo naman kasi laging sa'yo".
Feeling disappointed, I went back to my room and seated in front of the mirror. I stared at myself and uttered "asa ka pa…"
I took a deep breath. Suddenly, tears fell down cascading on my cheeks. Then one by one the memories of the past echoed in my memory...
I remembered how it was like during the first time I entered the university. I didn't like the place. I never dreamt of studying there. "Hindi dapat ako nandoon, dapat nasa Baguio ako, dapat nursing student ako. Si lolo kasi...” Until such time I got used to my new environment and everything that surrounds me became a common place.
One time my instructor in P.E. grouped the class into 5 groups. The grouping was based on our seating arrangement. Seating beside me was a chinky-eyed, fair-skinned man, about 6 ft tall. "Tsk... tsk... ka-group ko yung masungit na intsik..." The group i belonged was always commended. We were tagged as the 'best group' in class. Courtesy of him. He always had his good ideas - it made me notice him.
Chemistry is one of my fave subjects. I would go to one corner of the room, away from my classmates just to listen as attentively as I can. But one time, during our chemistry class, he sat beside me. He asked me if I could make him a poem. I said "ok" and hoped he would stop but to my surprise, he talked, talked and talked. That was the very first time I missed taking notes from my Chem class - the very first time I allowed somebody to interrupt me from listening. It all started there. We began to call each other at night and talk until dawn.
One weekend, we were at one of our classmate's house, doing our homework in drawing. He handed me a piece of paper. On that paper was written "I love you...”
..I was dumbfounded...
Few weeks later while waiting for our professor for the next subject one of my friends asked me in front of the class and in front of him if I love him too. Cornered, I looked at him. He was busy manipulating his calculator, as if nothing was happening. My friend asked me the question again. I didn't know where I got the courage to say "oo". Everybody yelled. I saw him looked at me. I saw him smiled...
I smiled for a while but the fact that I am losing him kept my tears from falling heavier and heavier. That day was one of the darkest days in my life. That was the day when he said the nerve-wrecking words. The very day he asked me to let him go. I've got no idea, but I had let him leave without asking why.
Two weeks later I learned from a friend that he was courting somebody else. Someone who happened to be one of my closest friends. The news had really hollered my nerve. I was in deep pain.
Since we were on the same class, I saw how happy they were together. I saw how they giggled. I saw how tight he hugged her. I saw how he cared for her. I saw how he loved her. A month ago, I was on that girl's place. I was the one being taken cared of.
I was totally shattered. My studies were even neglected. He was all I needed. And I wanted him back.
He's generally good in class but he seldomly does his homework and projects. Whenever I learn that he was not able to do them, I would secretly do the stuff for him.Everybody was pushing me to move on but I chose to stay there and wait for him. I had loved him so much and I had been more than willing to forgive him and accept him back.
The semester has ended. That time lolo also happened to take his vacation from his job. He's a ship-captain so we only see him every 6 months. One morning he asked me how I did in school. I showed him my class cards and as expected, I was scolded for hitting such low grades. I tearfully convinced him to let me enrol to a nursing school. I wanted to avoid him. But my lolo was firm. "Next sem makikita ko nanaman siya. Makikita ko nanaman silang magkasama. Masasaktan nanaman ako...” But still, I wanted him back...
2 long years had passed. I got tired of waiting. I eventually accepted that he's not really meant for me.
I learned that it is sometimes easier to let go than to hold on...
I learned that it is harder to move on when you are actually digging yourself deeper into the situation you're in..
I learned that you shouldn't fit yourself to a small-sized t-shirt when you actually have an extra large body..
I learned that when you are trying to wait for the person you're not sure would come back, you are actually hurting yourself with a sharp-edged knife--and the longer you wait, the more painful it will be..
I learned that closing his chapter in my life would not mean it's the ultimate end. It actually opened a new one...(=';'=)
…and then, two more years later, Mike came. He’s a lot better than the man I used to love….
I enjoyed talking to him….
We used to… do things together such as shop and badminton. He’s such a sweet lad…Always caring for my well-being...
Unfortunately, I had to go….
But I hope he’s still there when I come back.
…so we could go shopping together again...
And Mike did…
He waited for years…
On a regular day of work, I woke up and stared at the large city of Singapore. At a glance, I cannot help but compare the city of Manila with where I am now. I missed everything that I used to do in the Philippines, especially when I’m with Mike. I washed by face and shaved my legs. Then, I once again found myself staring from afar; reaching close to the window, hoping that I could have the chance to see his face again.
Realizing how much I miss my Brownie Mike, I picked up my mobile phone and called him up..
“Mike?”
“Who is this?” asked Mike, who obliviously just woke up…
“It’s me Kate, how are you?”
“Kate???” he asked with great enthusiasm. “I’m here in Singapore. Let’s meet!”
“Really?! But I already booked my flight to Philippines at 12 noon today! I wanted to surprise you and I can’t wait for another 1 long month to see you. I’m already on my way to the airport”
Mike did not reply…
“Mike, didn't you hear what I just said? I am on my way to the airport… I am now waiting for a cab…”
Then, someone tapped and said, “Can I help you with your luggage?”
That voice sounds awfully familiar; I immediately turned and surprise to see Mike…
“What are you doing here?”
‘Well, one of the reasons is that I can’t stand another day not seeing you.
Another is, I couldn't refuse to the offer here in as a luggage boy…this hotel pays good with their crew…’ he replied.
“what?, you accepted the offer?!”
“obviously” Mike replied grinningly
“but you should’ve applied for a better job.. I mean, Accenture is a well-known company in terms of IT. You should have --- uhh” kate sighed…
“Hahaha! I kid!!” Then Mike laughed out hard, almost catching his breath.
Unfortunately, I didn't like his joke. I stared at him for a few second and felt my tears falling down my cheeks. I couldn't believe he's here. Right in front of me. I wanted to hug him and perhaps kiss him but I didn't know if it was right.
"Are you sure you're leaving by noon?"
I was still caught in the moment of silence. It took another minute before his question come into me. I squeezed the passport that I am holding and realized that indeed, in a few hours, I need to ride that F@%&8*$$ plane and leave. I didn't want to. I wanna stay in his arms forever. I don't want to be away from him ever again.
"Wanna talk? Over a cup of Coffee..your treat!"
As soon as he threw the question, I instantly answered, "Sure!". He giggled. Perhaps, he noticed how the feeling of mixed excitement and sadness conquer me.
He carried my luggage back to my place. Silence dominate my room... It's just the two of us under that four-cornered room. What should I say? What should I do? Should I offer him something to drink? Oh my God! How should I entertain him?
"You looked a lot sexier than the last time I saw you", he whispered.
After I heard those words, I was drawn into deep silence. Everything was plain black. Next thing I knew, we were in a coffee shop... He was sipping a hot cappucino and I was sitting in front of him. Day-dreaming.
I still could not believe that Mike is here in Singapore…
Right here in front of me…
Drinking his cappuccino…
I was too mesmerized to realize that I missed my flight…
But then, love is more important that money,
I could regain what I loss in a matter of two weeks with my current salary…
So, missing that stupid flight is no waste after all…
We began planning our Christmas day,
When unexpectedly my phone begin to ring…
“hello?”
“Kate? “ said the caller
This voice surely sounds familiar, I could feel my heart beat faster by the second as I asked, “who is this?”
“It’s me Jake. I heard from former friends that you’re based in Singapore… and I was wondering if you could show me around since I just arrived…”
I could not speak… surely I missed Jake despite the heartache he caused me… but I could not bare to see Mike get hurt…
“What should I do?” I asked myself…
“I learned that it is sometimes easier to let go than to hold on...
I learned that it is harder to move on when you are actually digging yourself deeper into the situation you're in..
I learned that you shouldn't fit yourself to a small-sized t-shirt when you actually have an extra large body..
I learned that when you are trying to wait for the person you're not sure would come back, you are actually hurting yourself with a sharp-edged knife--and the longer you wait, the more painful it will be..”
These phrases kept repeating over my head. Years ago, I have completely let go of my feeling for Jake. But why am I getting so confused? Why does my heart beat louder and louder? I paused for another moment, leading to deep silence that drew Mike’s attention. Just then, I got surprised when Mike hold my hand. And like magic, the confusion suddenly vanished. The lingering disruptions causing my headache began to fade. I hung up to Jake and turned off my fone. I held my other hand close to Mike’s hand and realized that he has completely healed my swollen heart.
I then scolded myself.
“Why should I let myself get confused by Jake when the man who could give me perfect happiness is already right beside me?”
“Kate, there’s something I really wanted to tell you …” Mike suddenly said
And this time, his face has gotten all serious…
He slowly squeezed my hands as he said…
“ those years that we have been apart made me realize that … “ he started
"..it’s such a great mistake to ever let you go…
… to set you all alone in the wilderness that is unsafe and terrifying."
He then took a deep breath and said,
"Kate, I’m just a boy, standing in front of a girl, hoping that she loves me back…"
“…ehem…scratch that…”, then he giggled again as if he was mimicking Dianne, our past teammate. “Seriously now”, pauses to clear throat, “kate, you have grown to be such an amazing woman. I never thought that you could be this beautiful. Each time I look at you I can’t help but fall deeper. You complete the person that I am. I never felt so complete and alive when I’m with you. I may never have told you but our usual dates from the past, the window-shopping trip and the food trip, were part of my past that I will never ever forget. I am looking forward to doing those crazy romantic things again…with you.”
Pauses again to clear throat. Then, slowly knelt, still while holding my hand.
“Please tell me you feel the same way…”
“Oh Mike, you already knew what my answer would be…”
“yes, I’d love to do them again”
I cried once again, I held him up and hugged him tight…
and tighter…
No more fears.
No more holding back.
No more worries.
No more uncertainties...
I now know that he was the missing piece…
The one who completes me…
The one who will be there… no matter what…
For he had proven this in the past…
He remained beside me…
Waited years for my returned…
He has been and will always be there…
Even though the Café was filled with people, I do not feel their presence…
All I could see was me and my Brownie Mike…
As I reiterate before, I needed a brand new start…
No more goodbyes, only mornings with my beloved Mike.
I few moments more, we were touring the sites of Singapore. I hugged his arms as we cross the street just like before. I liked to believe nothing has changed. He escorted me as I bought lovely pink items from the sidewalk just after we ate at a fancy restaurant nearby. Then suddenly, as we were shopping at the CityLink Mall, a loud sound coming from closeby was heard and the crowd in the mall strated to panic.
Everyone screamed and ran towards the exit. I was about to grab Mike to pull him away from the crowd when, to my surprise, he was lying on the floor bathing in his own blood with a gunshot on his chest. I sat next to him, crying. I screamed on the top of my lungs hoping that someone could come and offer help.
Then from the thick panicking crowd emerged a man who is insanely laughing as he walked towards us. He wore a cap to disguise himself and carried a gun which he used to accomplish his plan of murder. His physique looked so familiar… so did his stance and overall aura…
Then, I knew who he was…
“JAKE……………………………!!”
GIRLS, KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
I was talking with a lawyer friend of mine. We were discussing the law andwomen`s rights. She told me about this incident - a young girl was raped bya man posing as a plain clothes officer; he asked her to come to the policestation when she and her male friend didn ' t have a driver`s license toshow. He sent the boy off to get his license and asked the girl to accompanyhim to the police station. But instead, the officer took her to an isolated area where thehorrendous crime was committed.Infact, the law clearly states that between 6 pm and 6am, a woman has theright to REFUSE to go to the Police Station, even if an arrest warrant hasbeen issued against her. It is a procedural issue that a woman can bearrested between 6pm and 6 am , ONLY if she is arrested by a woman officerand taken to an ALL WOMEN police station. And if she is arrested by a maleofficer, it has to be proven that a woman officer was on duty at the time ofarrest.It is good for us to know our rights. To what extent it comes of use remainsto be seen in any situation. But as they say, knowledge is power. Justthought I`d share this with you.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
I'm an Independent Thinker
Independent Thinkers are analytical and witty persons. They are normally self-confident and do not let themselves get worked up by conflicts and criticism. They are very much aware of their own strengths and have no doubts about their abilities. People of this personality type are often very successful in their career as they have both competence and purposefulness. Independent Thinkers are excellent strategists; logic, systematics and theoretical considerations are their world. They are eager for knowledge and always endeavour to expand and perfect their knowledge in any area which is interesting for them. Abstract thinking comes naturally to them; scientists and computer specialists are often of this type.Independent Thinkers are specialists in their area. The development of their ideas and visions is important to them; they love being as flexible as possible and, ideally, of being able to work alone because they often find it a strain having to make their complex trains of thought understandable to other people. Independent Thinkers cannot stand routine. Once they consider an idea to be good it is difficult to make them give it up; they pursue the implementation of that idea obstinately and persistently, also in the face of external opposition.Independent Thinkers are not the type who easily comes out of his shell. Speaking about their emotional life is also not one of their strong points. Anyway, social relationships are not particularly important to them; they are happy with just a few, close friends who find it easy to share their intellectual world. They find it difficult to establish new ties. In love, they need a lot of space and independence but this does not mean that their partner is not important to them. Independent Thinkers often make a cool and reserved impression on others; but this impression is deceptive: they can hardly bear it if people close to them should reject them. They prefer a harmonious, balanced relationship with a partner who shares their interests and with whom they can realise their visions.
Adjectives which describe your type
introverted, theoretical, logical, planning, rational, independent, intellectual, self-confident, analytical, structured, dogged, witty, resolute, self-critical, visionary, inventive, independent, unsociable, reserved, nonconformist, quiet, visionary, honest, demanding, hardworking
Adjectives which describe your type
introverted, theoretical, logical, planning, rational, independent, intellectual, self-confident, analytical, structured, dogged, witty, resolute, self-critical, visionary, inventive, independent, unsociable, reserved, nonconformist, quiet, visionary, honest, demanding, hardworking
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Monday, October 06, 2008
Homecoming
Honored
Just wanna thank those who are making use of this site as their major reference in their assignments at school. Recently, I received a text message from a girl from Negros thanking me for this site. I was honored. I mean that was not the first time that someone had thanked me for articles that I wrote. I am getting used to this.
It's been a while
It’s been a while since I wrote in this blog. I miss blogging. But I really don’t have the time as of now to constantly update this site. Sigh. So instead of writing something interesting I’m posting this photo that I just edited using Adobe. Here’s my team:
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