Hello, Goodbye!

I Feel So

2012-01-20T19:40:00.007+08:00

When you've reached the extent of what you feel, the venting stops and you just remain speechless as you throw the white flag. I think this song pretty much sums every morsel of what stoicism must be.

Life is madness. All I can do is stare at what it does to me.

All I Want For Christmas

2011-12-22T19:36:00.011+08:00

I was reading a thread about things to change for the new year when I found a link that changed me. Of all the 50 tips it had, it was the picture of the Brooklyn Bridge that actually hit me. I want to take such photos too - make an ordinary place passed by everyday and make it look so special. So from low priority, here's my next priority after plane tickets - cameras.

Wish #1: I wish I have a trusty underwater camera.
Being in love with travel, it's such a shame if I can't document the awesomeness underwater as well. After weighing my options between Nikon AW100 (too pricey) and Sony TX10 (cracks easily), my ultimate wish would be an Olympus Tough TG-810. It also has panoramic features! I've always wanted to take an image where one half is land and the other's water.

Wish #2: I wish my photos have a dreamy, old-school feel.
Clear photos are nice and all. But when I'm having random moments with friends, I want photos to have a nostalgic feel whether it's via saturation or grainy quality. Thus the year-old dream of owning a Digital Harinezumi is revived. Plus points since it's really small so you won't look jeje taking pictures inside the mall. But the best thing is that it's digital, given that I never wanted to develop a relationship with film.. until Wish #3.

Wish #3: I wish I can take artsy photos.
Actually, Harinezumi can already cover this wish or maybe even just Instagram. But for some reason, I'm deeply infatuated with Sprocket Rocket. It's the combination of panorama, sprockets and just being overly exposed. I can't believe I'm saying this but: I can't wait to buy this and 35mm film.

Sethela

2011-08-21T12:15:00.010+08:00

Seth, my prehistoric Touch (1st Gen 8GB), finally broke down on me. I haven't been the perfect owner either since (a) I let it just fall around without any casing and (b) I leave it around in direct tropical sunlight which causes overheats. The last straw was when I took it to a shoreline and it suddenly rained. Oops.

Since I can't live without music, I didn't wait for the new gen in September. Local radio is unbearable. I can't stand one more "Kadyot lang!" or a kid wincing "WIN REYDIYO!" five times. So I finally bought the latest gen from my friend JM's Torque Gadget Online Shop for almost less than 2k in retail price.

Here are sexy pictures of Seth 2.0: Ipod Touch 4th Gen 32GB / Php 12,500.00:

Evening Sun

2011-05-15T16:53:00.008+08:00

For my second mix, it's inspired by roadtrip excitement - from seating on the backseat and waking up your friend since you're "Almost There", finding "Young Love" on the beach but not knowing his/her name and ending with a peaceful journey back "Home". I had a better range of genres since the recipient, Rhochella, appreciates some indie. I took the liberty and injected indie (pop, folk, rock), alternative, garage rock.

As for the album art, my friends and I do this water hair flip thing whenever we swim. I thought it was perfect cover art since Rhochella's graceful doing it. I actually had second thoughts since I have never drawn still mid-air water. But I'm glad I tried since it actually looks okay. And as a side note, font title was copied from Cobra Starship. :|

1 Almost There - Opus Orange
2 Girl Just Want To Have Fun - Starfucker
3 Something Good Can Work - Two Door Cinema Club
4 Let's Go Surfing - The Drums
5 Big Sur - The Thrills
6 Chandeliers - Summer Fiction
7 Eyes As Candles - Passion Pit
8 All Nothing - The Good China
9 Young Love - Mystery Jets
10 Daylight - Matt and Kim
11 Heaven's On Fire - The Radio Dept.
12 You Only Live Once - The Strokes
13 Lisztomania - Phoenix
14 Home - Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros

Blue Valentine

2011-02-13T21:53:00.010+08:00

After watching Blue Valentine, I wasn't sure if it was great or just okay. Mainly because I can't pinpoint how and when Dean and Cindy lost their love. I could have easily cried buckets if they pounded on an idea that can make a heart break. After giving it much thought, it was probably the point of the film - there's no specific scene or instance in one's life wherein you know love's gone. Love can slowly die in the course of everyday life. You get used to what you once thought was adorable and when infatuation clears up you realize that you never really liked it. Of course, it's not just that; it also tackles questions about growing up, spouse responsibilities etc. That's just how I can put it simply especially since I wouldn't know how a dying (or burning) love feels like.

There's a scene that left a big imprint on me which was Cindy asking her grandma how love feels like wherein her grandma said she hasn't found it. That grandma probably found it only in the beginning of their relationship. And so Cindy posed the question, "How can you trust your feelings if they can just disappear like that?"

I love that the movie is the cold, brutal truth - it's refreshing. Overall, great anti-love drama and plus points since Grizzly Bear scored it.

Reasons To Sing

2011-01-05T15:41:00.008+08:00

I thought it was one of those things I say I'll do but actually won't. Surprisingly, I actually finished my very first mixtape! Since the recipient, Chin, is a girly girl who likes acoustic, the indie sound is chirpy, sunny and inspired. In a nutshell, I want her to have reasons to sing when she hears the songs thus the album title.

1 Because I Do - Pearl and The Puppets
2 Fresh Feeling - The Eels
3 Ask - The Smiths
4 Reasons To Sing - The Crash
5 Oregon Girl - Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin
6 I Feel It All - Feist
7 Make Me Smile - Pearl and The Puppets
8 Babygirl - Anthony Green
9 The Violet Hour - Sea Wolf
10 Paint The Silence - South
11 Big Jumps - Emiliana Torrini
12 Long Haul - Voxtrot
13 The Everglow - Mae

So Now I'll Never Explore

2010-12-19T14:12:00.007+08:00

Here are reasons why I'm in love with post-punk revival: baritone, heavy bass, dark atmosphere. Unfortunately few people appreciate a melancholic sound. But The xx is different, they recreated it to something a little happier. It's post-punk goes pop.

Male deep voice is softened by partnering with female vocals. There's still hints of gloominess but arranged meticulously with concise guitar plucks and electronic hand claps. I first heard the more popular "Islands" but wasn't hooked yet. I had to stumble upon "Heart Skipped a Beat" and surprisingly "Intro" (which is an instrumental) to realize that their basslines are not just catchy; they can be haunting as well.

Take A Bow

2010-12-03T10:16:00.006+08:00

My recent online purchase brought by my bow addiction. Two bow rings and one bow necklace from Anagon - my favorite online accessories shop. When I opened my brown package, I found a red bow necklace. I thought it was placed there by mistake because I didn't order it. Apparently, it was a freebie. It's a nice surprise. :)

It Breaks If You Don't Try

2010-11-23T22:46:00.003+08:00

"People are fragile things, you should know by now.
Be careful what you put them through."

Zachary + Johnny

2010-11-20T15:40:00.005+08:00

Meet my two new toys: Zach and Jack.

Zach: Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX5 / $299.99

For months, I have been searching for my perfect point-and-shoot camera. Perfect doesn't mean it has to be bursting with capabilities. Perfect means suitable for my wants and needs. So no, I wasn't looking for the overrated DSLR.

I found WX5 to be the just right. I expected it to be bigger. But it's extremely compact considering its features such as Superior-Auto (takes 2-6 photos in one press and combines into one to reduce noise), Sweep Panorama (stitches photos in one sweep), Background defocus (that DSLR effect), HD video and 3D photos. But what I like best is how good it is in low-light - with or without flash. A con though is that in one low-light feature, the picture becomes too exposed and it becomes a little blurry. The weird thing is, the hazy effect looks great nonetheless.

Here's a sample of Zach's Sweep Panorama overlooking my office:

Jack: Seagate 1 TB HDD / $120.00

Another wish list ever since college is a hard disk drive. I've been branded as The Virus Girl since freshman year in college so you can imagine how badly needed an HDD is for me. And in my 4 months as an employee, I had to reformat my laptop twice. Malware loves me that much. I didn't buy then because I wanted to make it right. If I'm going to buy one, it better be a terabyte. So here it is now.

Stroopwafel

2010-11-16T10:39:00.006+08:00

It's rare that I see this pasalubong lying around the house. That's why when I saw it, I immediately hoarded it.

It's Caramel Cookie Waffles (or Stroopwafel) from Netherlands. It's thin waffles layered with sticky caramel syrup inside. I've been told these are sold in Starbucks for 60.00 Php for 2 pieces. I think it's crazy.. to spend that much or even go to a coffee shop. But if I ever do crave for some Dutch cookies, I'll be burgis for once.

All Sparks Will Burn Out

2010-11-05T23:24:00.004+08:00

Let me tell you something about sparks. It's confusing. It's jolts of whatnot but you don't know if another felt it. You can only feel half of the spark.

It's like seeing something that others cannot. You even ask yourself if it's real or imagined. Because no matter how spectacular it is, it's pointless if nobody knew about it. If no one believes you, you're just creating your own reality.

Therefore, sparks are good as nothing. It might as well not happened at all.. unless the other end agrees on feeling it too.

Infinite Playlist

2010-10-28T11:20:00.007+08:00

I've decided to try something new. Out of randomness and boredom, I'll try making a public mix. I'm going to test my mixing skills and it's also a chance to draw again. I've been conditioned to draw only when sad, so now I'll change that and force myself to go back to my first passion.

Hopefully, I choose the right songs and the right person for it. I want to recreate the same chill and awe I felt in every song. That overwhelming feeling that you heard something you cannot not know. And maybe song by song, people can embrace a little of my weirdness.

The Wedding Chime

2010-10-17T19:42:00.006+08:00

"Let's conspire to ignite
All the souls that would die just to feel alive"

It's not my favorite band and genre. I'm not even a fan of chirpy love music. But there's something about Starlight that's dreamy.

Home Is Where The Heart Is Not

2010-09-26T22:29:00.006+08:00

I definitely need my own place.

Azta Convert

2010-08-22T19:44:00.010+08:00

Ever since I started college, I've been going to an affordable salon to cut down my monthly salon services. Mainly because I do the whole shebang (hair color & cut, hair treatment, mani-pedi, foot spa, threading). Recently though, I find my hair drying out so I researched for other options. That's when decided to try Azta Urban Salon. I went there to rescue my hair and it's actually resuscitated. Here are more reasons to love them:

1. Complimentary drinks
A choice between water, iced tea and coffee. I've tried David's Salon and I didn't get that so it was a wow factor.

2. Meticulous hair coloring technique
Apparently, the roots color faster than the ends thus dyeing my hair twice in different sections. It actually made sense because my roots used to be lighter each time.

3. That 3-minute back massage
While waiting for the colorant to take effect, I had a back massage that took longer than the free ones I get. It was so good that I struggled so hard not to close my eyes and doze off.

4. Hair prescription
They gave me a dos and don'ts with my hair service. I like how my my service seems personalized.

5. Budget-friendly
For a quality service, the prices are actually affordable - even more affordable than Bench Fix. The stylist even made my cut free since I availed for two big hair treatments.

6. Interactive Facebook page
I actually chose to go there because of this. You get free hair advice and see options on what you can try next. I also love that they give free hot oil promo when it rains.

7. 10% discounts for Ateneans! :) How can you go wrong?

I'm now a convert. When I left the salon, I actually felt bad the whole day because I forgot to tip.

Sci-Fi Smokes and Mirrors

2010-08-13T14:13:00.014+08:00

There are four directors I've been following ever since: Quentin Tarantino (What's not to love? Blood, guns, and a few laughs), Tim Burton (for his quirky tastes played in the form of Johnny Depp), Joe Wright (best Elizabethan films) and Christopher Nolan. I love Nolan for his clever ideas and his nonlinear story telling. At first it was for Dark Knight which is self-explanatory because everyone loved it. Then because of The Prestige - again with the script and the plot which ties in to the title. So way before the hype, I've been looking forward to watching Inception.

Unfortunately, I'm not spilling words of excitement after watching Inception. Definitely great concept and execution as expected from Nolan but I didn't like the conflict and the ending. The whole conflict of the movie was this big evil company which was shallow for me. They go all the trouble when one superhero can save the day for Inception. Or to be in touch with reality, a hired assassin (or Evelyn Salt) could do the trick. Then there's the ending. Since it was open-ended, it should have made me ponder about it. When I left, I thought about it for a second and didn't care afterwards. There was no overwhelming feeling after. The movie focused more on the dream ideas which didn't leave room to showcase the acting. Sure it was super entertaining with all the CGI and awesome anti-gravity effect. I thoroughly enjoyed Joseph Gordon-Levitt's floating scene. But even with the smokes and mirrors, I'd still prefer The Prestige over Inception.

Inception took 8 years to be actualized. I'd rather wait a few more years for them to really polish it than see it now. Because right now, I care more for the concept than the movie.

Chuckles

2010-07-31T13:33:00.010+08:00

I've always wanted an HP notebook and now I have one for free! Meet Chuck, my work laptop.

Chuck's real name is HP EliteBook 8440p. The silver finish makes it sleek and could fool you for a home laptop. The specs is also better with the I5 and 4GB RAM. Other nonsense features but cool to have: keyboard light, pointing stick and fingerprint scanner.

Photo from Digital Trends

No More Show and Tell

2010-07-08T20:47:00.008+08:00

It should be known. Nicknames are not shortened names or acronyms. They are different from the given name, usually creative. So if your friend tells you his name is Jonathan Christopher and says his nickname is JC, nope that's not a nickname. He just used the first letter of his names for convenience.

Why have a nickname? People have them usually because their name is too serious. It is hard to call a person Guillermo after all. But in my case, it's a form of endearment. What I realize about nicknames though is that it's hard to keep in the corporate setting. You have two different names: one's for show, the other for tell. And when you interact with clients, you burden your teammates in choosing which is which.

So I made up my mind after a night of frustration. I am definitely Apple. But I'll succumb to the shortened name and leave it to those who already know.

Freefall

2010-07-01T22:03:00.004+08:00

I don't usually tell this to people for the fear of being branded as weird. But for the sake of the event I saw, I'll take a chance: freefall intrigues me... especially if it's intentional.

I took a different route today which included using the escalators in Shangri-la. There was a commotion in the middle of the ground floor. People were pointing at the highest escalator. A SOCO team circled a black cloth. A person fell from the 6th floor.

I most certainly don't wish it to anyone. It's always a bad day for a freefall. But what draws me to it are the questions raised to the witnesses. If it's intentional, why is it her last form of escape? When do you realize that today is final? Like Coelho's Veronika Decides to Die. It narrates how normal people un/consciously chose to turn schizo. It takes a lot of guts. Where do you get the strength to perform your last action? Is it bravery or cowardice?

If it's an accident, does life really flash before your eyes? Or is it as simple as watching a glass fall and cursing expletives knowing that there's nothing you can do. If you're an outsider, what will you feel if you hear a body hit the pavement? Will you ignore and assume it's a furniture? Or will you turn around upon hearing life being robbed. If the person is conscious after the fall, will she look at her body differently? Will the eyes look at body or will it be the soul peering?

So many questions. Most of it I don't even want answered. But it's fun to just think about it.

Here Comes The Wedding Video

2010-06-30T13:41:00.007+08:00

For some reason, Tuesday Vargas' wedding video became an overnight hit which I don't understand. Watching wedding videos has been a hobby and for me, it was just so-so. Personally, the current master of local wedding videos would have to be Jason Magbanua.

He is better because:
1. He uses only one but powerful song all throughout which is like watching a Seth and Summer scene from The OC. The lyrics stands out and the moments are given momentum with every beat of the song.
2. His shots have more drama. Take for instance Doug and Cheska's. You'll definitely be in love with the bride with the sideview of her staring out the window and the aerial shot of her down the staircase. Or Rica Paralejo's.

Take for example his best wedding video ever (at least for me) was for Larry Fonacier. Song choice was perfect since the bride actually mentioned something about sunshine. Shots shows honesty through outtakes of Larry's nervousness. Best of all, it has the funniest and sweetest vows I've heard yet.

First time I set eyes on you at Loyola Gym, I had a feeling.. ikaw ang Ms. Universe ng buhay ko.

Centennial Bill

2010-06-28T09:13:00.005+08:00

While sifting through my bills to look for bus fare, I noticed that one of my hundred bills has an Oblation logo. It turns out that the University of the Philippines issued 10,000 hundred bills with their logo to commemorate their centennial year.

Ah, the perks of being a national university. Every celebration is nationwide. It's not my university but I'll keep it for luck. When I'm seventy, I would like the Ateneo Eagle on my two hundred bill.

America vs. Spain

2010-06-21T22:58:00.011+08:00

When graduation ended, I felt like I can do it all. Getting an Ateneo degree and having your picture taken with the almost-omnipotent Father Ben Nebres can make you feel invincible in many ways. So when months passed with a stack overflow of bus tickets piling on my bag pocket, I knew I was losing my mojo. I actually choked in one interview and I had the most horrific ride home. As Barney Stinson quips, "Walk of shame, walk of game. What up!"

So it comes as an ironic twist that in a span of five working days, I have two choices: one based in America and the other in Spain. Basically, I have my own World Cup in my head right now.

Where can I have a goal: America or Spain?

Grab The Night and Shook The Day

2010-06-15T10:56:00.012+08:00

I've never been into rap. Eventually I had to during the peak of graduation since it's a time of parties and roadtrip. Bonding seems to be seminal through hiphop so it was futile to resist. Summer came and it was inevitable: I created my 'Ghetto Superstar' playlist.

Anyway, I found a video by indie rap artists called Turbulence Productions. Their art is surprisingly interesting. It's rap poetry reading. I may actually pay money to hear this sort of thing live.

Rebel Without A Cause

2010-06-07T13:11:00.013+08:00

My cousin, who is 6 years younger than me, used to live near us. A pretty mestiza, she used to dance during reunions and street parties. She likes swimming and singing karaoke to the sounds of Aegis. However, some sort of family feud took place which led to us not seeing her again.

Fast forward to the present, she's now 14. I recently reconnected with her through Facebook. Curious on how she was, I looked at her profile and pictures. Lo and behold, the little girl I once knew is gone. The OPM diva now listens to Paramore and Alesana (read: heavy screamo) which I think is actually cool. What's not cool is that she seems too vulgar and emo. She labels herself as "an asshole since 3rd grade." She posts her dream of Vegas while talking about strippers, tattoos, and anal - whatever they were talking about. Lately, she posts names of her idols - porn stars.

Being emo is acceptable. Every teenager goes through a phase where they think it's just them against the world. But I do hope her love for expletives fade as she matures. It's not like I was the perfect teenager. I just want her to remain innocent for a 14-year old. Because if there was something I learned from growing up problematic, teenagers should never be in a hurry to grow up.

Proof That Anything Can Be Deep-Fried

2010-06-07T12:23:00.007+08:00

I remember finding this in Twitter and found a need to save the most disgustingly yummy deep-fried food. Presenting:

For the fruit-lover, deep-fried corn and strawberries.

For the sweettooth, deep-fried cheesecake and Kitkat.

And of course, all time favorites: deep-fried macaroni and soda.

I actually kinda like the deep-fried macaroni.

Eargasm

2010-06-04T14:14:00.007+08:00

While watching a game show, the host's question struck me:

Which activity stimulates the brain the same way food, sex and drugs do?

The answer: listening to music.

It has been compared as the feeling "when a hungry person eats, when an aroused person has sex, or when a drug addict snorts cocaine." So yes, there must actually be a sensation called eargasm.

Let The Bad Times Roll

2010-05-20T06:21:00.010+08:00

Until recently I felt like I've been stuck in one the stages of the Kübler-Ross model. Sometimes, the trick is to listen to a guitar accompanied by a whole lot of whining. Misery does love a bitter company. Here are a few songs perfectly suited when you just can't overturn a frown.

Let Down - Radiohead
Morbid it may be, but this is my funeral song. You can never go wrong with Thom Yorke's sweet falsetto.

Honey and the Moon - Joseph Arthur
"Right now, all your dreams are waking up,
and right now, I wish I could follow you
to the shores of freedom, where no one lives."

For Blue Skies - Strays Don't Sleep
"For blue skies, I forgive you."

Comforting Sounds - Mew (shortened version)
First half of the song showcases heartbreaking vocals the other half a very moving instrumental. Sheer musical genius. Trivia: The video is ripped by Hale on their song The Ballad Of since Mew is just oozing of awesomeness.

Konayuki (Powdered Snow) - Remioroman
Even when happy, hearing this song makes me feel down because it always reminds me of 1 Litre of Tears - the best tearjerker show ever made.

Put A Blue Ribbon On My Brain

2010-05-13T15:55:00.006+08:00

It's a known fact that I have a pretty low voice and for some unknown reason, I think it has affected my taste in music as well. I thought I liked Interpol just because. But lately I've been smitten with the same baritone vocals I've found in The National.

After listening to all their albums, I find that they sound better in their album Boxer than the past albums. They sounded country-rock then which was nice as well but they fine-tuned their sound when they had faster songs like in their song Brainy where it was accompanied by machine gun drum beats. After hearing a handful of baritone vocals, I think only they can swiftly pull off love songs without sounding cheesy. Instead of feeling sweetness, their voice makes it feel haunting.

Personal faves: Slow Show, Brainy, Cherry Tree, Secret Meeting

Highschool Lover

2010-05-02T15:38:00.006+08:00

These are the times I wish I was good at playing the piano.

Lately, I've been infatuated with film scores ever since my love for Joe Wright's Elizabethan films. The director always includes pieces composed by Dario Marianelli and his music always keeps me in a trance. This song, however, is not by Marianelli but riveting just the same. Some highschool memories resurfaced recently and I remembered Air's Highschool Lover. It's the shortened instrumental version of Playground Love which is both utilized splendidly in the film, The Virgin Suicides. The sound leaves a melancholic yet somewhat sweet atmosphere; it's definitely highschool.

Torture from Burps

2010-04-23T21:56:00.006+08:00

When I can't drink alcohol, people don't believe I've been going through shit that's why I can't. In my burping experience, I had three procedures: an endoscopy, ultrasound and barium enema. If you don't understand doctor-speak, the first one's basically getting tube on my mouth and while the last one on my rectum.

My last procedure was the worst. There was a diet involved and the last day of diet meant nothing but clear liquids. I ate nothing but soup and hallucinated food all day. It didn't help that I had to take a bottle of laxatives for two days.

During the procedure, they had to insert barium and gas through my rectum. My empty stomach and intestines became really full. The torture is that you can't fart/poop the air and barium until the x-rays are done which is about an hour. It's like an LBM you can't relieve yourself out of that I had to breathe through my mouth. Afterwards, I had the best relief I ever had I had in my life. I ate a Big Mac (my first, mind you), rice meal, sundae and still felt hungry. Food never tasted that good.

If there's a lesson here, never take food for granted.

Hello Darkness, My Old Friend

2010-04-18T21:14:00.013+08:00

In saying so little, Dustin Hoffman's character Ben in The Graduate actually encompassed what I'm feeling right now as a fresh graduate myself - optimistic at who knows what. Try listening to Simon and Garfunkel's Sound of Silence which is also in the movie's soundtrack. The lines and melody explain it well.

Dad: Worried?
Ben: Well..
Dad: About what?
Ben: I guess about my future.
Dad: What about it?
Ben: I dont know. I want it to be..
Dad: To be what?
Ben: Different.

I remember my history professor once said that there are two kinds of people: those who make history and those who watch history happen. At first I wanted to be the latter since I never really liked attention in the first place. After studying philosophy for so many units and reading Milan Kundera's The Unbearable Lightness of Being, I changed my mind.

Maybe I should not have since what I'm experiencing is exactly the book title. The novel rebutts Nietzche's philosophy of eternal return and says that being is einmal ist keinmal (once doesn't count) or that our lives are basically insignificant. Yet no matter how worthless and herculean, I dream of leaving a legacy. Whatever dent in the universe that is, I aspire my life to have transcendent meaning despite its lightness - and that makes it so unbearable right now.

The Hipster Scene

2010-04-15T19:53:00.002+08:00

While browsing through Philippine Star's Supreme, some photos caught my eye which showed how the current stereotypes dress. The mockery can be found in Your Scene Sucks. I love how detailed it is from description, playlist and bookmarks. Even the caricatures cover not only the hair and clothes but also the accessories, piercings and even attitude (such as HXC Tough Guy's "Pissed Off Demeanor"). I was actually hoping it has a quiz and it can tell me which stereotype I am. There was none so I just matched my music with the playlist and what do you know, I'm Halloweencore Goth! It's more of my secondary music so I hope they make more from other genres. Here's some of the typecasts:

Jack Rabbit Slim's Twist Contest

2010-04-15T19:44:00.004+08:00

One of my favorite Tarantino films is Pulp Fiction and anyone who's anyone should definitely see Uma Thurman and John Travolta's version of the twist. There's a lot as booty wiggling and hands bobbing but they make it so sexy. So much chemistry and they don't even need to touch.

The Graduate Mix

2010-03-28T19:20:00.008+08:00

Graduates say goodbye to school. Graduates who are also dormers say goodbye to school and a lifestyle. You split your life in two places and after four years of balance, you'll have to merge it back again. But before I do, I'll take my last "turn around" (White Daisy Passing reference). Here's my mix for just that.

The White Stripes - We're Going To Be Friends
"Fall is here, hear the yell
Back to school, ring the bell
Brand new shoes, walking blues
climb the fence, books and pens
I can tell that we're going to be friends"

Youth Group - Forever Young
"So many adventures couldn't happen today
So many songs that we forgot to play
So many dreams swinging out of the blue
We let them come true "

We Are Scientists - After Hours
"This night is winding down, but time means nothing,
As always at this hour, time means nothing"

Rocky Votolato - White Daisy Passing
"Please slow it down
There’s a secret magic past world
That you only notice when you’re looking back at it
And all I wanna do is turn around"

Green Day - Good Riddance (Time Of Your Life)
"Another turning point, a fork stuck in the road
Time grabs you by the wrist, directs you where to go...

It's something unpredictable, but in the end it's right.
I hope you had the time of your life."

Sleepwalking Nights

2010-03-25T20:12:00.010+08:00

One of the things I'll miss in Katipunan is Terno night. A friend introduced me to Route 196, a small bar that holds daily (excluding Sundays) band performances. We'll go there when the bands are from the Terno Records label. It actually taught me that gigs can still be exciting even when not in a boisterous environment. One of the bands I got to really appreciate is Sleepwalk Circus which for me resembles Minus the Bear while the vocals sounds like Ben Gibbard. They are great in instrumentals with matching blinking red lights on the floor which brings momentum in each song. That's what I like about Sleepwalk, there's a musical experience involved. So I was glad when I read that they're finally releasing their album - The Great Secret Show. Can't wait to finally include them on my playlist.

I'll Be Missing You

2010-03-22T20:43:00.009+08:00

I've always loved Babe - the song and not the Filipino movie. I first heard it on an old cheesy rom-com. So old and cheesy that it's actually forgettable. But the Styx lyrics stuck with me since in spite being romanticised so many times, it's not that cheesy (really it's not). It talks about a man sad to leave his lover.. but he's leaving her anyway. No grand gestures, no promises of crossing oceans or whatnot. It's a practical decision in life.

So when Star Cinema decided to make a movie based on the song, it really bummed me out. No doubt they make feel-good movies specifically rom-coms but most of the time it's unrealistic. And the singer didn't even remake it in his own sound thus it sounded like a second-rate version. It's just sad that I can't listen to Babe the same way again.

Relapse

2010-02-23T01:42:00.010+08:00

Maybe it's in the constant replay of Radiohead songs. Maybe it's the air of familiarity and safeness that feels like home. Maybe it's the bubble thoughts of what-ifs that makes you wonder about the then-whats. Maybe the mundane just stops being ordinary at times.

Something's definitely sweeter than usual.

Bridge the Gap in Education

2010-01-28T21:36:00.008+08:00

In urban areas, there are 70-100 students congested in a classroom.
3-4 students either have to share desks intended for two.. or they just sit on the floor.
Students have to share among themselves textbooks of poor quality, if there are any.
There are no sufficient teaching materials such as charts, meter sticks, and the like.
Facilities in schools lack a library or enough toilets.

More than half of Filipino children are enrolled in these public schools.

Visit ACED Bridge and help with any way you can.

Squidoo Pages:
http://www.squidoo.com/Ateneo-ACED
http://www.squidoo.com/acedbridge

Two Weeks

2010-01-25T20:11:00.012+08:00

It's usually my first instinct to check up a band once I see its name. I'm a band manager poser like that. I feel like there's music that I have to constantly capture all the time. So it was weird that I forgot about Grizzly Bear when I saw it as the example in an iPhone tutorial. I finally got to listen and it's not my typical post-punk tunes but I was enthralled just the same. Two Weeks feels like a choir went to the playground, found a band set and started putting you in a trance by their voice. Hopefully, their other songs keep me in this trance.

Only You, Mark My Words

2009-12-03T20:30:00.013+08:00

Just being nostalgic, here's the song and video where it all started.

How could you not love Saosin then? Green kept twirling around although so drunk/high/crazy that a guy had to hold him for the former part of the song. He actually fell in 2:31 and he was still screaming like a man possessed. Now that's just stage presence. The song climaxed in 2:22 with the whole band rowdy and banging their heads off. This is the kind of performance I hope to see every time I go to a gig. Not the studio recorded ones that sounds so clean and perfect because there's really no fun in that. Gigs should be like this: insane, loud and fun.

Anthony Green is my performer hero.
How I wish I could growl, twirl and go epileptic like him.

You've Got A Cheshire Cat Grin

2009-12-02T21:06:00.026+08:00

Speaking of rainbows, I've been addicted to Radiohead's In Rainbows for quite some time. The album really gets you going. I actually jogged 30-minutes straight with Thom Yorke singing at my ears. The album is a poetic masterpiece mixed with unpredictable beats. It's like an introvert Death Cab with experimental beats and effects; it's a gloomy kind of romantic. In Rainbows was actually released legally for whatever price you decide - a first in the music industry. You could either pay even as high as million or as low as a dollar. Or you could not pay at all. It's an interesting gimmick which a five-star rated album doesn't really need.

So I haven't really listened to all the songs most of what I heard talks about something that's missing. This usually makes for sappy and stalker-like lyrics with words like "I need you" blah blah and all those crap. But what makes Radiohead awesome is it makes it genuine and sweet instead of making you vomit. I'm no moth but I melt each time when I hear the line: "I am a moth who just wants to share your light".

Best songs in the album: All I Need, Nude, Jigsaw Falling Into Place, Reckoner, 15 Step.. it's a really good album.

Looklet

2009-11-30T20:31:00.007+08:00

I've been recently introduced to Looklet, this fashion site where you can style clothes. Basically, it's virtual paper dolls for adults. When I first saw it, I was a bit skeptic since there's really nothing to do but to mix and match garments. Yet after a few looks, I realized that I haven't outgrown paper dolls. To make my hobby a bit "productive", I created my own collection which included styles for a party, formal event, shopping day, work day etcetera. It's actually a rainbow collection since I'm that addicted to color. If I could eat rainbows, I would.

Statement Tees

2009-11-25T07:41:00.006+08:00

I'm not really a fan of wearing funny shirts but I do enjoy searching for them and simply laughing at the jokes. Here are some of those shirts. The chemical formula means alcohol. :)

The Avalon is Always Beside Me

2009-11-19T21:09:00.011+08:00

It all started during sophomore year of high school.

I was a big Incubus fan then and with my little allowance, I tried saving for every Php450.00 album they released. Seated at my back was a skater guy and he knows this. He asked if I knew Azwethinkweiz and I can't believe I said no. I thought I was this big fan. He then asked if I knew Saosin and again, I can't believe I said no.

So one morning, he let me listen to a song on his earphones. I liked it immediately. As the song reached it's chorus, the vocalist growled which I actually found (in its own way) melodic. I asked what the vocalist growled. He said, "I will find a way without you." Thus began my love for screamo (or post-hardcore if you want to be technical) and my never-ending quest for other underground bands. My musical journey really started with Saosin.

Fast forward to this year, finally they're coming to Manila! Unfortunately, I go for Green on the whole vocalist debate. Still excited though. :)

Best songs of Saosin: Not just because of the bias, but it's mostly from the Translating the Name EP (Seven Years, I Can Tell, Translating The Name)

The Band with Helium Vocals

2009-11-18T11:01:00.021+08:00

Since it's my first time to write about bands, I shall focus on a low-key band called Oh No Ono. To describe them in one phrase: The Band with Helium Vocals. They are the typical skinny, messy-haired group yet when the music starts, you'll definitely have a double-look. So yeah, they are pretty high-pitched.

So far, I only like two of their songs which both have an opposite sound: Practical Money Skills for Life and Swim. I was looking for songs to make my Dance Mix awesome and I found the former. Probably one of the best songs in the mix. The latter, however, has a creepy, otherworldly feel to it and the video complements it well with a plot about a small boy imagining perverted thoughts. I do hope little boys don't actually fantasize about these.

A Light That Got Out

2009-11-04T23:10:00.010+08:00

It seems there's a continuous rave for the movie 500 Days of Summer. Suddenly, Ben Gibbard has more competition with Zooey. I've been seeing guys profess their likeness for the girl by displaying virtual hearts beside the name Zooey on Facebook. I've also been seeing the never-ending 'vagiant' line so I decided to satisfy my curiosity by checking the website. Lo and behold, it greeted me with my favorite song. My supposed low-key favorite song from The Smiths. And here I thought it's a light that never goes out.

I remembered how a friend sort of disliked how I saw Rockband as a medium of making good low-key songs mainstream. He found it selfish. How some people (which I'm included) can't handle good songs that are commercialized. I agree it's selfish. But some songs are good being low-key. It's just better to appreciate music as is and not because you can associate it with some movie.

"Little Boy"

2009-10-02T20:25:00.008+08:00

Ondoy, or translated as "Little Boy", was supposed to be a little boy among the typhoons. It wasn't even predicted as a typhoon but a tropical storm. Nevertheless, it wreaked havoc in many parts of the Philippines and it really made me rethink my stand on the whole "end of the world" concept.

White Flag

2009-10-02T11:09:00.007+08:00

A lot people think I'm a non-conformist. It's not really why I don't care much for Facebook. I think it's just another social networking site and aren't we sick of all the Friendsters which doesn't make us a bit social? In a generation where the hands talk more than the lips, I'm fine with my messenger thankyouverymuch. All I need is to upload photos and online window shop and Multiply takes care of this.

I was living just fine without Fezbook until it became a newspaper.
+ No one uploads much in Multiply anymore.
+ I didn't get any of this. It's like a bunch of people laughing at an awesome joke while I didn't get the pun.
+ Official Ateneo statements are first posted in friggin Fezbook.
+ And the clincher... my friend's house got submerged in floodwater and I'm the last to know (after five days).

Basically, people share more in this book that has a face. So after the storm, I believe it's time to raise the white flag... or at least with a faux name first.

Tough Love

2009-10-02T10:43:00.008+08:00

Yes, Kanye was heartless. But you have to admit, Beyonce really has the best video of all time else crowd's first reaction wouldn't be to cheer.

Frankly, I've had enough of Taylor Swift and her songs playing repeatedly on the radio.

Hold It and Keep It Alive

2009-08-15T16:03:00.013+08:00

Currently, I'm listening to Travis' 'Love Will Come Through'. The song is about letting yourself feel again and I already heard this one before. I recently stumbled upon it again, and now it felt so different. I got this high that I usually get when I listen to something new and can't believe I've lived through life not listening to it. It was one of those perfect moments when something happens at the right time and place.

So right now it's constantly playing on my iTunes and iPod as if I can wring whatever beauty the song has. But you know that phenomenon when you say a word so much that you forget what it actually means? After saying 'glass' twenty times, you'll think it's a color or a verb. It's the same way with the song. It gets meaningless with every second I listen to it. One moment it was the Best Song Ever. Next thing I knew, it felt like a pop song I heard on the radio. But I continue to listen -- hoping I could recreate that feeling when I first heard it.

So I promised myself I'll make a good memory with this song. And someday, it should be perfect again. With any luck, with some else too.

What Happens in Mexico, Stays in Mexico

2009-07-19T21:59:00.010+08:00

Other than awesome, there are no words I could describe my immersion in Mexico, Pampanga. I'm mostly speechless when asked. But when I have tell stories, I would say:

We walked bare foot on mud mixed with cow dung and dead frogs.
We planted on knee-deep water where spiked snails and water spiders scratched our skin. (They actually left a huge cut near my heel.)
I ate my meals using my bare hands.
Mosquito bites proliferated my arms and legs. (It's still very itchy, if I may add.)
Mud is like a normal thing on your nails and slippers.
Kids would stick to you like glue.

Ironically, my descriptions look nothing like awesome. But believe it or not, it's the opposite. Or I'm a masochist or something. Either way.

The Future Joke

2009-07-15T08:59:00.014+08:00

I woke up this morning and my leg hurts. A vague memory of stumbling and random hands came into me. My pillows reeked of liquor while my face pale white. As I looked for my school things, I realized my school ID is missing. While searching, all I found was a souvenir from last night - a yellow note telling me to clean up the bathroom floor.

In a few days or months, this will all be some joke. As Seth Cohen said, "Comedy is just tragedy plus time." But while I nurse my aching head, it would remain a bad (and fuzzy) memory.

Misafy the World

2009-06-27T10:12:00.001+08:00

www.misa.org.ph

Pirates Cap

2009-06-26T10:03:00.014+08:00

The start of weirdness that grew in me and the image of a morning that never leaves.

I miss it. Along with your weed stories and peculiar antics.

First Blood

2009-06-14T22:14:00.011+08:00

My first milestone as an AVP! MISA drew first blood with these summer tasks: relaunching of the website, creating Cookie/eNewsletter and revamping the Multiply site. Whoever reads this, check out the MISA website and continue visiting for news, updates, Cookie and soon... freebies! :D

Jaunty Jackalope

2009-05-10T21:58:00.007+08:00

When Python did not work on Vista, I decided that it's time to either try WuBi or a LiveCD. Who else should I ask for information but Happy, the resident Linux guru. After a few configurations, I saw orange instead of blue.

Seeing Ubuntu appear on my laptop screen gives me the chills.. in a kilig kind of way. :))

Mayday May Day

2009-05-10T09:06:00.007+08:00

It's that time of the year again when early phone calls wake me up. And in between sleep and awake, I had to hear the message over and over again to realize it's real.

Because one day you're playing volleyball, the next day you're bedridden.
Because a simple bite, smaller than a needle mark, can drain your life out.

The month shall end without a morning phone call.

Random Thoughts 12

2009-05-05T10:50:00.017+08:00

"Si Hubert unang tingin mo, you know he can program in at least 5 different languages."

- Happy on Hyubs

"Ayooko pang mamatay!!!"

- O&B employees screaming when they were trapped in a room

"Pa'no mo ginawa yan?! Susuntukin kita!"

- Jocs asking Thea how to use PowerPoint Presenter View

"Para ka palang election: Dagdag-bawas"

- Sweet on Maui Taylor planning to remove her breast implants

"Sino yung magaling mag-blow?... Hi, I'm Ika."

- Ika on people who are good at blowing balloons

Apple: Saan uli tayo?

Lace: Sa restroom.

- Lace on the Assumption resthouse

Rodrey: Oh JP, yung utang mo rin?

JP: Hah? Saan?

Rodrey: Sa mga araw na pinaligaya kita.

- Rodrey on JP's debt

"Ang puti ng ihi mo... nakakainis!"

- Random O&B employee on a urine sample

Glenn: Ano yan?

Martin: Talong!

Glenn: Patikim naman ng talong mo Martin.

....

Glenn: Hmm.. ang cheesy. Patikim uli ng talong mo next time.

- Glenn on Martin's baked eggplant

Presidents Day

2009-04-25T07:57:00.012+08:00

When I opened my mail after work, the CEO in my OJT company sent an invitation regarding the company that might implement the OpenERP we'll analyze. What struck me was the name of the company representative. So I quickly Googled him and as expected, he looks a lot like William Martinez. He is a relative (maybe the brother) of my CS150 professor, the one who made my RFP team look like fools during defense. And he wasn't just a representative. He was the company president.

While having a good laugh with the the thought of meeting his brother, I realized: I'm meeting with two company presidents. Then I stopped laughing.

I shall study OpenERP over the weekend.

Apple and the City

2009-04-19T21:45:00.008+08:00

I have spent more than a decade being in school. I've already mastered the number of minutes going to school and even the right time when seats are available in the cafeteria. There are a lot of places I can call a territory. I do live in both North and South. However, Makati is not one of them.

This week was my first as an intern in Orange and Bronze. It was like being a freshman all over again as we traveled in one huge pack. But it was definitely a nice change. I must say that it's been exhausting (from commuting) but very fun. We already feel welcomed with our customized company e-mails (apple.constantino@orangeandbronze.com).

Our mentor also requested us to make a blog of our internship. Visit Apple and the City to read it. :)

Dual Screen

2009-04-16T17:44:00.008+08:00

When you're stuck all day with a lot of monitors, you kind of want to use it just because. So while playing Tattoo Artist, a fellow trainee taught us how to configure our laptops with a monitor. It's relatively simple but seeing it for for the first time, it's pretty awesome.

Even the screen shot caught from both the monitors.

Rome and Juliet

2009-04-02T15:45:00.007+08:00

Since it's the "summer break", it's about time students savor the me-time they deserve after being to hell and back. In my case, I spend it bumming around on our trusty computer chair while watching ripped TV shows and movies that were kept pending during the hell weeks. One movie that I finally got to see via YouTube is Rome and Juliet.

Describing it simply, it's about forbidden love of two straight women played by Mylene Dizon and Andrea del Rosario. It's an award-winning indie film I stumbled upon when I was making Rafael Rosell's wiki page. It got me curious since the model/actor won an acting award in this flick. But what really captured me into watching was the trailer. The Raimund Marasigan song is definitely a lure.

Judgment

2009-03-27T19:58:00.005+08:00

When all is said and done, it either feels peaceful or dead.

Multiplying Clothes

2009-03-26T19:18:00.008+08:00

As a ritual, my pockets would be ripped by tomorrow, when junior year hell officially ends. Every dime would all go to the saint of aesthetic appeal. His name is St. Francis. And he's an air-conditioned two-storey building jam-packed with cheap and chic items in different colors. Forgive me for such blasphemy.

Anyway, I had been deprived of new clothes way too long so I bought online. The line, Coexist, is designed by an Atenean so the process was real quick. I had the top (see white top below) the same day I made the purchase! I can't wait to splurge more for OJT.

It's a fact: Online shopping is awesome.

Finals Week Inferno

2009-03-25T01:26:00.031+08:00

Like a slow painful disease, this is how you die one day at a time. The numerous lessons you had for the semester literally flash before your eyes.

And when all hell breaks loose, even a non-coffee drinker can say that Figaro saves!

Theo Finals
OS Unix Program Defense
SAD Final Defense
PR Program Documentation
OS Finals
KM Finals
Coverboys, Jon Avila, Rafael Rosell, Will Devaughn
[Go vote for my wiki pages! They're awesome!]
SAD Finals
Philo Orals with Mr. Ph101. Dun Dun Dun.
After five months of bitterness, thizizit.
Cashier module installation at NATCCO

Finally, peace.

Jaded

2009-03-17T19:54:00.005+08:00

It's like dreaming of coming back to the place you can never return to.
It's like hearing a live band (you've always wanted to see) on the phone.

Sometimes, you can't help but go back and try your mightest to conjure the past. To hear what's far away and make-believe as if you were still there.

Because when you want to feel what you just can't feel, you grasp the closest you can have. Don't mistake it for something real.

Stellar Night

2009-03-07T15:32:00.014+08:00

The very first MISA awards night was a success. I even saw a post saying they want to have Stellar everyday. I won't contest to that. I just wish I knew how it felt.

I didn't party at our own party and it's really frustrating. Here's a visual illustration of not-partying at a party:

At least I have an SMS message to treasure:
"...and I meant what I said that it was the best and most organized ADMU party I've been a part of."

I guess nothing beats a cute guy to tell you that you did a great job.. and that he'll host again if you want :)

Dating Companies

2009-03-03T22:02:00.015+08:00

If there's a lesson to be learned on the hunt for an OJT, it's that companies are like men. Here are scenarios to illustrate my point.

Exhibit A
Company A calls and wants to know more about me. Promises to call back within the week. Promise broken.

Exhibit B
Company B sent an SMS message saying it wants to talk with me. During our date, it dazzled me with luxurious perks. Promised to text back. Another promise broken.

Exhibit C
Company C asked me out. We talked. After a few days, it still wants me.

Exhibit D
Company D asked me out. We don't share the same interests.

Really, finding the right place for summer is a lot like dating. Your non-emotional summer romance. You date them once and then you patiently wait by the phone. Most often that not, they won't call back. Yet in the midst of the dating game, there would usually be one company that would be there and wait for your answer--Company C. Like a girl, you struggle to say "Yes" and still wait for another promise that might be better than right now. Unfortunately, it's only a matter of time before Company C stops waiting.

Settling for Bronze

2009-02-19T00:36:00.013+08:00

February is not love month for most Juniors in Ateneo. It's an extra dreadful month that extends until *gasp* maybe April. It's when you prove yourself to companies via aptitude tests, personality tests, and/or personal/technical interviews lest your summer and QPI is over. But in actuality, what made it harder is the pressure of choosing right.

Yesterday required some serious scrutinizing in the recent company e-mail on my Inbox. It's been months of whatnot since I awaited attachments such as those. The intense brisk walking in Makati actually paid off. It only needed a reply--one word, three letters, type it and I'm theirs. But I just cannot say it right now.

It is a given that I would love to accept. Yet through long hours of discernment, the weighing of options all boiled down to the concrete compensation I would get. Well that and the fact that there's always a 'feeling' of wanting more.

As it turns out, it's not just a matter of choosing what's best for me.
It's a matter of knowing when to be satisfied.

Ang Huling Bandang Sisikat

2009-02-12T20:37:00.009+08:00

The funniest, sweetest and deepest words are all in one disk.
"Walang copyright. Pwedeng piratahin."

They are the last rising band probably because they're literally nameless. I found their albums last year in their store in Cubao X, which was Old Skool. I bought the poetry reading album entitled Loveletter Para Sa Taong Inlab and it's good shit. It generates a different mood when you're with friends or alone. With people around, it's a comedic album without jokes. The poetry reader not only speaks his literature in a monotone voice but sings it as well in what Filipinos say sarcastically as tumutula.

But when alone, it becomes a chick flick without the visuals. Here's snippets from "Andito Ako Kung Saan Wala Ka" and "Hindi Na Tayo Ngayon":

Andito ako kung saan wala ka. At nariyan ka kung saan wala ako. At pinipilit kitang abutin sa pamamagitan ng salita, sa pamamagitan ng pagsusulat sa walang hanggang papel na ito. Na para bang kaya akong dalhin ng mga salitang ito patungo sa iyo. Andito ako kung saan wala ka. At baliw ako dahil humuhugit ang hugis mo sa paligid ko. Sa bawat katagang sinusulat ko, mahal na mahal kita. At napupuno na ng titig mong salamin ang kwartong ito...

...Hindi na matagal matapos ang mga araw. Hindi na sulit ang mga sandali. Hindi na bumabagal ang oras. Hindi na umaayaw sa pagmamadali. Hindi na nabubusog sa pagsasama. Hindi na napapaso sa apoy sa gitna. Hindi na nawawala ang alintana. Hindi na nananaginip kapag nag-iisa.

Hindi na hinahanap ang kanina. Hindi na hinahanap ang kanina.
Hindi na nasasabik sa muling pagkikita. Hindi na nasasabik sa muling pagkikita.
Hindi na maligaya ngayon. Hindi na maligaya ngayon.
Hindi na tayo ngayon. Hindi na tayo ngayon.

Perfect for Valentine's.

All The Small Things

2009-02-09T20:00:00.014+08:00

Most people love going out. I take pleasure with having birthdays at home. No fuss. And those people who don't need a Multiply sidebar to notice, I'll never get tired hearing from them.

And it helps that I get simple but awesome things like this hundred peso bill:

Ever since I was little, my grandma would give me bills with stars on it. She calls it a lucky charm because it's rare (which is true). I'm still baffled on how she finds these. I've never found one myself.

Last, this single Hershey's Kisses made me laugh so hard. It's so huge that it's as big as my ID! :O

Random Thoughts 11

2009-02-03T19:20:00.008+08:00

"Pangaaa... ko sa'yo..."
-Song for the persons with unusual jaws

"Sus naman. Sana naman nagsuklay siya ng buhok!"
-Unnamed MIS senior on unnamed person

"Ako nga, I bite the tongues of my dogs."
-H. Rochester on his pets

"Kaya patayin mo na lang ('yung baby)! Holy 'yun."
-G. Guevara on cases of abortion with higher value according to Scheler

"Kaya totoo ang kasabihan: Tell me your particular Ordo Amoris and I'll tell you who you are."
-G.Guevara on one of the faces of Ordo Amoris

R: Ay sige po balikan ko na lang.
Seller: Babalikan mo ha... kundi.. sasabunutan kita!
-Tiangge owner in St. Francis Square

"3 hours? Parang isang Slovenia lang 'yun ah."
-D. Lim on comparing Singapore travel time with SAD class

Information We Can Believe In

2009-01-27T17:14:00.020+08:00

Management Information Systems Association (MISA) EB 2009-2010 Elections is nearing... What better way to support a friend but through promotional banners! (Though some may sound weird for a campaign haha)

So to all MISA members, don't forget to vote on February 4-6:
Ryan B for VP SecGen!

*Movie Quotes:
Carlo Aquino [Bata, Bata... Paano Ka Ginawa?]
Maricel Soriano [Saan Darating Ang Umaga?]

Information Letdown

2009-01-24T22:49:00.009+08:00

If there was one thing that made me watch Pinoy Big Brother, it would be the Saturday edition. What made it different from the weekday airings is the suspense it holds. It was nomination night. I envy the hosts for their privilege to read the list first and make the viewers hang on to their every word. Not just the host, I've always wanted to be the person who knows the names first. The people behind the white envelope.

Fortunately for this shallow desire of mine, I am now enjoying the pleasure to know firsthand The List for a certain event. Only it wasn't what it cuts out to be. The envelope isn't as white as it should be or am I just naive to know that it never is? But it's okay, I mean, who am I to know? I'll still lick the envelope for whoever it must be.

Still. All that glitters isn't gold.
But that doesn't mean five stars should be given easily.

I Am Ninoy

2009-01-16T19:08:00.013+08:00

After receiving my diploma, I am now a proud graduate of the Ateneo de Manila batch 2009!

Well, not exactly.
This is a certificate from the leadership seminar I've been attending for six weeks. It's the very first SIBOL Leadership Development Program by the Office of Student Activities. It reminds me a bit of my Jim Lafferty class but with a buffet after completion. It's a really productive way to spend my Tuesday afternoons.

The next time I'll post about graduation, It would be the real thing--regarding academics. Until then, I'll settle for leadership.

Quota ng Pag-ibig

2009-01-10T22:03:00.016+08:00

"Me quota ang pag-ibig. Sa bawat limang umiibig ay isa lang ang magiging maligaya. Kasama ka ba sa quota?"

It used to be that Chuck Palahniuk was the only person that could make me literally jump out of my seat and go to the nearest National Bookstore. Now I found another one that made me feel such incompleteness if I don't read their words. After publishing his first novel, Ricky Lee is the writer that made me buy my first non-required Filipino novel.

I'm choosy with what I read and typically lean towards a dark humor genre. Nevertheless, I bought Ricky Lee's Para Kay B (O Kung Paano Dinevastate ng Pag-Ibig ang 4 Out of 5 Sa Atin) which was recently launched. It helps that a number of recognized personalites recommended it like Bienvenido Lumbero and Ely Buendia to name a few.

Most people support Pinoy sports or music, I support this. It would be nice if more people read literature from Filipino writers.

Mind Over Matter

2009-01-07T22:11:00.008+08:00

So this has been my weakness for quite some time now: Intimidation. It took me one long afternoon of a nagging and sinking feeling to admit that I'm comically powerless at the pettiest reasons.

I can't raise my hand at this certain class.
Call me a nerd but I do enjoy pondering. So for two years I've been longing to take this course and now that I have it, I remain with a curious case of mute-but-not-deaf dilemma. All the instructor did was cock his eyebrows questioningly and I shrank in my wooden armchair.

I can't greet a certain person.
I'm really not a snob but I ignored this person twice. The last time, I just briskwalked away with stiff shoulders. For the dumbest reason, I just don't want to grin too hard. It's nothing personal but I think I'm just way too conscious at little things. Like I said, I think a lot. And people should really believe me when I say I'm actually a shy person.

The products of my intimidation costs a lot--including my recitation grade. The front I'm projecting is an average non-responsive student that is snobbish on hallways when it's opposite of what I actually want to be.

So I'll start my resolution right now to let my weak mind control the lifting of my right hand. And of course, finally muster the courage to use my smile muscles and not run away-literally.

It shouldn't be this hard.

Happy New Me

2008-12-31T22:33:00.021+08:00

For my year-ender wrap-up, here's some of the interesting facts of my 2008:

I had a dermatologist in the form of Dra. Lagos. Although I'm cannot religiously visit her for the follow-ups, I just looove her face solutions and her diamond peels which always make me poor.

I watched Panic at the Disco live and they were awesome!

I watched Incubus live and they were waaay awesome! Brandon Boyd even took his shirt off. Definitely a dream come true.

My Leadership and Strategy instructor last semester was the president of P&G Philippines. They mentored well though there was a bit of brainwashing. Their approach to punctuality was also creative. Late meant fifty push-ups.

We interviewed Ces Drilon and Julius Babao in ABS-CBN. It was nice immersing ourselves in the news and current affairs side. Like I never knew that they exude tremendous celebrity vibe.

I had my first unofficial salary which is actually more of a prize. It was a single blue paper which I said I'll never use (yet I did). I'd rather wear it. :)

After being inactive for two years, I joined four clusters in Ateneo - MISA. Each cluster has its own quirks and I'm glad I took the initiative to participate. My clusters are Externals, e-Services, Projects and Information.

I actually won in a blog contest. My frustrations as a writer paid off. Ha! Ha! But seriously, I'm a work in progress. :))

I witnessed the last UAAP Season 71 game of Ateneo and La Salle in Araneta and went to the Bonfire. Take that, JTA-ers!

Hope that's interesting enough!
Happy new year to everyone! :]

The Young Leaders Of Tomorrow

2008-12-25T00:51:00.011+08:00

In true Cavite fashion, Misa de Gallo at my place had two commotions. The first one caused quite a stampede since the audience were unaware. The ruckus was from two gangsters hitting each other as if they had brawns. It was so wrong. Someone should introduce them to dumbbells for starters. Their thin arms make it almost laughable.

They left in a chase and we, the bystanders, just kept staring at the empty space in the middle. Such weren't supposed to happen. But in less than a minute, another fistfight transpired. This time, a guy threw a big rock on his opponent's head.
No gift-wrapping necessary. Just a direct aim of his love.

Unfortunately, I didn't enjoy the spectacle that much.
The particles of the rock from the impact hit me as well.
Also, they should have chosen an appropriate time and venue.
Not when Christmas is hours away and especially not during a mass.

Clearly, it's the holidays and it's good to be home.

Threshold Moment

2008-12-18T21:04:00.011+08:00

I finally found a reason to wake up early for my Pattern Recognition class. Unfortunately, I realized it at the last day of my class for year 2008. It involves my latest hobby which is editing photos via ImageJ. We've been using this Java image processing program for a while now and it's growing on me. Mostly because of its intuitive interface and how I utilize it to edit my own pictures. :)

I have to say... I'm enjoying Teknomo's class.
Here's some of the photos I edited. The last one is my personal fave because we look like villains in a graphic novel. :3

12 Minutes

2008-12-16T00:31:00.011+08:00

For those seating beside me in my Monday class, forgive me for this.
I went to school without taking a bath and still wearing the same clothes. :|

We've been slaving ourselves editing our Philosophy documentary since our Plan A bailed on us on the last few days. What was supposedly a whole day of directing turned out to be a spontaneous adventure to Greenhills and a two-day overnight. In two days, editing novices had to get used to an editing software. Vista notebooks, including my Jean-Pierre, had to endure a RAM-eating software for more than 24 hours straight.

Today, our two days were crunched down to twelve minutes.
Our classmates and professor only saw amateur video-making in twelve minutes (maybe less) of clips that needs adjusting on brightness for the venue provided. Honestly, if it wasn't for that perfect ending with that Coheed and Cambria song, we might not have pulled it off.

Saksi ng mga Saksi. Our documentary about reporters and their sacrifices for the truth that should be told. It told nothing about other sacrifices like sleeping curbed on a wooden chair. About coffee breaths and having breakfast by noon. About exchanging mp3s and learning to appreciate T.I. About talking to laptops and patiently reassuring them that they can load and won't crash if they really really try. Or about leaving a laptop in Berchman's and strategically hiding it with three garbage bins.

Five members.
Four people not taking a bath.
Three Vista notebooks.
Two nights awake.
One documentary.

All for just twelve minutes.

Use Me

2008-12-11T23:38:00.004+08:00

I'm not usually into eco-bags since they often look tacky. A Kenneth Cole creation, however, is an exception. I actually see myself using one again and again. :)

Kissing The Lipless

2008-12-08T21:14:00.016+08:00

'You've got too much to wear on your sleeves.'

Some would look away and deny what's in front. Others would stare for what may just be a nightmare. When all's tried and failed, the controlled way of handling an unforeseen incident is by complete ignorance. To lack compassion is to cope.

We are cynics waiting to happen.

This contingency is my final vocabulary.
Ito-pero-hindi-dapat-ito.
Ito e.
Pero hindi dapat ito.
Hindi dapat.
Hindi ito.
Pero ito.

Learning to Heimlich

2008-12-05T18:35:00.015+08:00

Your good friend told me everything.

I only uttered a single letter and his uneasy face filled in the blanks.
I'm not so slow after all.

In a game of Hang Man, I should have won.
Then why does this feel like choking?
You sure know how to take my breath away.

My cold shoulders are now below zero.

The secret may be spilled soon.
In a not-so-rare coincidence, it might be on my dreaded day.
One I've always wished year-long to cut.
You sure know how to make that day extra special.

Random Thoughts 10

2008-12-04T00:02:00.005+08:00

"Sabi nga nila: 'pag mainit, strike it!"
-M. Valdoria on calling companies

"You know she never got thin!"
-a News Central reporter upon seeing Sharon Cuneta in a commercial

"Ang buhay ay weather-weather lang!"
-Kim Atienza after a weather report

Dormmate: Kuya, meron po kayong Himala (ni Nora Aunor)?
Video City guy: Walang Himala
-On looking for a Himala DVD

"Men for others, women for us."
-R. San Andres on the Ateneo saying

"May naniniwala pa pala sa MU. Kala ko ngayon basta paspasan na!"
-H. Rochester on relationships

"Meron, wala na!"
-J. Daet on Ateneo's Meron Pond

Time Management

2008-11-30T23:07:00.011+08:00

I read from a a seminar sheet that the average American who lives 72 years will spend his time:

21 years sleeping
14 years working
7 years performing hygiene
6 years eating
5 years waiting in line
4 years learning
3 years attending meetings
2 years returning calls
1 year searching for things lost
3 years in other activities

The one in bold caught my attention. It's interesting how we wait most of the time enough to outweigh learning. That's just for a line. What more for the other things where you can't fall in line? Some say it's worth the wait. But then, is the worth really worthy? Value is different from valuable.

It made me think of how I usually spend my time. I kill it by having a TV series marathon. Lets just say that a season, no matter how busy I am, is just a day and a half. It helps when you put lunch out of the picture. I bet I'll die with more than a year of watching fake lives with fake drama unfold instead of living mine.
I don't know whether to be dismayed or proud.

Here's to more years of sitting crouched in an computer chair.
I'll be watching and waiting.

Sapul

2008-11-26T00:10:00.008+08:00

While thinking of a striking line for our documentary, I suddenly remembered this poster I saw in the cubicle of my Philosophy instructor. It was a promotional poster for A Love Story topbilled by Aga Muhlach, Maricel Soriano and Angelica Panganiban. The catchy line was: "When does a wife become a mistress and when does a mistress become a wife?"

Only the line stings more when said in Filipino: "Kelan nagiging asawa ang kabit at kelan nagiging kabit ang asawa?"

I remembered staring at the words with just a single expression in mind which was 'Sapul'. It hits you like a brick and you don't have to be married to feel it. I should really learn how to write introductions that captivate like that.

Writing Shiznit

2008-11-17T19:43:00.007+08:00

Forgive me for being happy over relatively small things. But these are technically my very first articles. If you knew me in high school, you know that all I did was spike volleyballs. While if you met me in college, you know that the only papers I did was for my professors. Thus writing for organizations is kind of new to me. With that in mind, check out the Tambay Week article that I wrote with Ryan for Management Information Systems Association (MISA)!

Also, if you're a member of Musmos Organization, grab a copy of the first Musmos Newsletter I edited for SY2008-2009. I also wrote a feature article in it. <3

Grendel

2008-11-16T17:20:00.011+08:00

Regardless of what decade I'm in, I'm still fascinated with cocktail rings. I love it when there's a pop of cyan around my finger when I'm fixing my hair. Sometimes, I recite in class just so I can wave it around (I know I'm crazy). So it comes as no surprise that when I saw this ring, it made me tilt my head and say "awh".

It's the Grendel Ring by hautecouturerprsntd. It's just one from the precious, glistening collection. Unfortunately, the price is tantamount to two and a half pair of Marikina jeans. If ever I have a Santa reader out there, show me the spirit of Christmas. Please oh please buy it for me!

Firefox

2008-11-14T01:07:00.007+08:00

It's like the posts in Things I Figured Out wherein you found out about something by yourself (whether already discovered or not). Whether silly or not as well.

This is one of those moments.

I found out that Firefox is actually an animal!
It's actually called the Red Panda and it's looks like the picture below. I always thought it was some made-up word that sounds cool for a browser. Now the question is: Is it a fox or a panda?

Ignorance Should Be Bliss

2008-11-12T23:28:00.009+08:00

Today, one of my friends pointed out what the rest of us were missing. The uttered words were like that pink elephant - huge and undeniable. You all know that it's there but no one tries talking about it. Until someone blurts it out. I was left blank. Others nonchalantly chuckled. There's nothing left to do but ridicule the truth and try making it unimportant because it's not.

The Right Thing

2008-11-11T15:56:00.016+08:00

"A principle is not a principle until it costs you something"
-Jim Lafferty, President and Brand Manager of P&G Phils.

Before I completely leave last semester, I would like to make an entry about Jim Lafferty who is an instructor of a management course in UP and Ateneo. Fortunately, I had the chance to take his very first class in the Ateneo which was LS199.6 Situational Leadership. There is much wisdom to get from him. Or maybe it was the charismatic way he speaks. It also helps that he can make you laugh. I mean, you rarely meet a big-time person that would pose with you like this:

Waking up early on a Saturday was worth it. And that's not just because you do fifty push-ups if you're late.

Photos: M. Ong

A Bum's Life

2008-11-04T22:35:00.009+08:00

I've said this before and I'll say it again: I hate idle time.

I'm not the type of person that enjoys being a couch potato. It makes me impatient the way a bench warmer is. It's just so unproductive. Maybe if I had a stressful day then that would be great. But my weekly schedule only includes a maximum of four verbs. Most of the time it's 'sleep' which is apparently the least stressful verb of all.

Good thing I have salon visits and the occasional shopping. It makes the sembreak a tad different from home imprisonment.

Tip of The Tongue

2008-10-29T23:32:00.012+08:00

It's like an old song you haven't heard for so long. You can hum it but you just can't find the words that goes with it. Most likely you'll remember. But is that enough not to forget again? Because some things are just not worth hearing again, or feeling for that matter.

Little J's Season 2 Phone: The HTC Touch

2008-10-23T22:50:00.021+08:00

Gossip Girl not only showcases great clothes and NYC places but gadgets as well. Some of the mobile phones include the Apple iPhone (which Serena sometimes use), Moto Q (used by Chuck) and BlackBerry models. But then if you're going to lust over gadgets, might as well choose one that is more of reach to spare you the feeling of the unreachable. Therefore I'm more of wanting the HTC Touch because I'm now a big fan of the touch screen feature ever since Seth. It is seen in the photo above as Jenny Humphrey's smartphone in Season Two Episode 5. With almost the same features yet costing a bit less, it's the next best thing to the iPhone. But of course the latter is still the greater contender.

Photo and Info: GeekSugar

Telebabad

2008-10-21T17:59:00.021+08:00

In the local boob tube, there are only two shows that I regularly tune in: Wowowee and Kapamilya: Deal or No Deal. There's the occasional soap operas but they are usually exciting only when it's new. That's the thing with Philippine late-night drama. You only love them for a short while specifically the beginning and the end. The stories tend to get too tangled up and the middle part is just way too much fake drama. But lately I'm nowhere near that forgetting part with this new show. This new guilty pleasure of mine is LaLola.

It's the Philippine version of the Argentine telenovela shown in GMA7. What particularly caught my attention were the men on the set. They wore black suits. And there's nothing like good-looking men in formal attire. :D There's also Keempee De Leon with his closet gay character who mostly steals the show with his witty lines. And with a leading man named Facundo, you're bound to get nostalgic with this zany name often used in Spanish telenovelas.

The show is an interesting romantic comedy. As much as I'm a Kapamilya, I hope they bring the viewers to the middle part.

Photo: Wikipedia

Second Time: Toshiba Satellite L310

2008-10-18T22:47:00.014+08:00

It's definitely sweeter the second time around.

I just had my second notebook which is the Toshiba Satellite L310. Il s'appele Jean Pierre. Dans l'anglais, son nom est John Rock. (I know. He sounds more feminine in French.) It was a tough choice between that one and an HP notebook because first, I have a huge bias on Pavilion. I'm in love with Pavilion that I perceive Compaq as an HP poser. Second, because it was an abrupt decision. What was supposed to be window shopping turned out to be an impulsive buy. So impulsive that we decided to go all the way: cooling pad, headphones, the works.

In the end, I couldn't pass up a 3GB RAM and 200GB HDD with less than 10K than the other. So for now, I shall settle with a non-Pavilion.

Photo: CNET Asia

Brotherly Hug

2008-10-14T18:10:00.011+08:00

My brother hugged me when I got home. The very same unaffectionate brother I had. It felt nice. :) You really need to be apart to realize you want to be closer.

Dear Mr. Ph101

2008-10-11T00:53:00.027+08:00

You know I am better than that. At the very least, you should have hinted to me that I was explaining in the wrong direction. What happened to the "Are you sure?" signal you told us that's supposed to indirectly command us to change our answers? Then I'm guessing that smile you flashed midway was actually a smirk. Sort of like how this other prof "smiled" when we got the tape drives all wrong. Some eerie smile you both have.

You dropped the axe. In great timing if I may add. Like a cursed gift, it found its way to me by midnight right after I submitted my very last paper. Right when this hell of a semester was officially over. And what do you know? It's officially over for my 3.0 average too! What's so ironic is that the cause of my Silver Lining was also the destroyer of it. That single red letter that's supposed to make my week? Well it didn't even last a week. Apparently, it means nothing now. Because with the score you gave, it looked like I never even showed up for the finals.

Another funny thing is that I found out what made the Silver Lining better than it actually is. It was choice (f). F! So funny that I'm not even close to laughing.

Irony really is the ammunition of philosophy. And damn, you're were loaded.