| Sunday, November 30, 2003 |
| Ideally, Philippines |
Today, November 30, is Bonifacio Day. Who remembers Andres Bonifacio? Some people are doing their best to have him declared as our national hero since he started the fight against the Spaniards and for the declaration of our independence as Filipinos. He was an indio who had a vision and sparked the flame that will pave the way for the independence of the Philippines from the clutches of Spain. He had a vision and he worked, he did everything to make that vision a reality.
To quote Paula Cole, where have all the cowboys gone? And in this case, where have the Filipinos gone? Is chivalry dead? As in this case, is patriotism dead? Have we forgotten our identities and what our heroes, what Bonifacio died for? Ninoy Aquino said the Filipinos were worth dying for. If he was still living today, would he still the say same thing?
I never like saying anything bad about Filipinos, about my countrymen. But you have to wonder sometimes: are they really worth dying for? When you die for them, are you really dying for a cause?
It's hard not to feel this way. All around you, people keep telling me they want to migrate to other countries because everything's already hopeless here. They want to give up because they feel like they've given their everything for and to the Philippines and its people. I honestly don't think they have. I know I haven't.
I don't like it that people have become too cynical, too "practical". They let go of their ideals because, according to them, they're not realistic. Who says they're not? The only way these ideals are not realistic are when you don't do anything about them. Our ideals are the things that should drive us to live our lives to the fullest. If we give up on them, then we give up living our lives.
People have recently been talking about the upcoming 2004 presidential elections. Every election time, there are posters, TVCs, etc. everywhere telling every voter to vote wisely. Vote wisely doesn't mean vote practically or vote the person you think will win instead of for the person who should win. Every vote makes a difference, yes. But only when that vote is done wisely. Otherwise, you're just wasting your vote. Some people know what I'm talking about.
Exercising your right to vote doesn't just mean vote for someone. It means, first and foremost, get to know the person, decide who to vote for, tell everyone why they should vote for that person and vote for that person.
I think what's wrong with Filipinos nowadays is that they forgot to think long-term. They only think short-term, what's good for everyone right now and not what's good for them in the long run. I may be judging people but I'm only telling it like it is. It just gets so frustrating when people refuse to be the person that they are capable of being and settle for the person that's easy to be. I mean, how hard is it to be true to yourself? Why do people always have to go with the flow? Why do people always have to do what other people are doing? Why do people only care about their image and, in the process, sacrifice their true selves? Why do people give importance to other people's approval rather than their own approval of themselves?
I am frustrated, yes. But no way am I giving up on my Filipinos. Everyday, I try to think of a way to make lives better for them. Whether it be in my own little way or with a really big plan. And to answer my early question, the Filipinos of today may not be worth dying for. But the Philippines is.
***
On to lighter things, I went to Greenbelt 3 last night to have a reunion dinner with my college friends. Ever since 2 good friends left last August, we've been having monthly reunions to make up for the lost time. Last night was no exception. This time, out of 40 people, 16 came. Not bad. Not bad at all.
We had dinner at Di Marks where we caught up with news about each other and other batchmates. It was like old times and we were all laughing like crazy. It was so good to see all of them! I haven't had this much fun for so long. Pretty soon, it was already 11:30 and we had to make way for other customers (as if there were any waiting). Some of the people had already left and the remaining 7 decided to seek refuge at Bizu Hay. It was so much like old times. I got to talk to Paul again and I didn't realize how much I missed talking to him about stuff. I haven't talked to him, and I mean talk, since we graduated from college. We stayed there for around two hours, until some of the people had to leave. Since Ekay, one of my favorite people, was going to hitch home with me, I asked her if it was okay to stay some more since I didn't want to go home yet. We met up again with Eileen and her boyfriend (they left to have dinner with a promise to catch up after) in front of Seattle's Best and talked. I kept looking at the different coffee shops in the hopes that we could stay there for awhile. The four of us talked for awhile and, because I still had to get up early Sunday morning, I forced myself to go home at 2am.
In the car, Ekay and I talked about life, our work and life in general with a promise to meet up again soon. I got home around 2:30 (the beauty of early morning traffic - there is none!) and was in such a high that I only was able to force myself to sleep an hour after I came home.
That's the kind of stuff life is all about. That's the kind of stuff you live for. In the end, you live your life for the people you love. Your life is not about what you do but how you do it and who you share it with. I've had lousy days but seeing them makes me feel so much better.
***
On a much more lighter note, Vic Zhou and Jerry Yan are in Manila! Well I don't know if they're still here but they arrived yesterday to perform in the 50th Anniversary concert of ABS-CBN last night. This afternoon, I was able to watch Sharon Cuneta's interview with vic Zhou and he was so cute! But not cute, like crush-cute. It was more like kid-cute because he behaved more like a kid. And he didn't know how to speak English although I am guessing he can understand English. But anyway, he was fun.
***
On a despicable note, however, guess how just went to the very top of my most annoying people list? Jon Dalton of Survivor: Pearl Islands. He convinced his best friend to go along with his story and try to make it appear that his grandmother died just so he can win the challenge. How despicable and low can a person get? It's just so unbelievable.
***
On a sad note, though, one of my very best friends, one of the few people who truly understood me and got me more than I do, is leaving. She was hired by Procter & Gamble to work for their office in Singapore. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, my most dear friend and my faith sister, Eileen, is leaving for Singapore in January. Tears are welling up in my eyes as I am typing this. I am so happy for her but I am just so sad that she's leaving. What's sad is that she won't be going there for sometime to be trained and go back here once it's over, no. When she leaves in January, she's leaving for good. She told me about this last night and I was so shocked, I couldn't speak and I stopped being my usual perky and happy self. I quickly texted our common friend, Den, in Australia and confided in her about this.
Hay. It's just so hard to accept sometimes that life is never certain. It's hard to accept growing up.
***
A couple of days ago, I learned from Steph that a certain girl, Camille, has died. I asked Steph and apparently Camille committed suicide. And I found out last night, she was a friend's cousin.
Another suicide. Why? What drives them to finally take their own lives? What drives them to say "I can't take this anymore. I'd rather be dead than deal with this"?
I wish I could have been there for them. I wish I could I have helped them. But I can't be there for every person. I can't be there for every person who feels this way.
But there is Someone who is.
God. God is always there for us. He is always there to help us. Call His name and He will be there. For you. Forever. |
posted by Jax @ 5:54:00 AM   |
|
|
|
| Friday, November 28, 2003 |
| the friday five |
my first friday five in months!
1. Do you like to shop? Why or why not?
Do I like to shop? Do I need to breathe? Do I need to eat? Do I need to sleep? Of course I love to shop! How else can I enjoy my movies, my books, my music? And besides, I have a bag and shoe collection to keep. :D
2. What was the last thing you purchased?
Christmas gifts for a lot of people. None for myself. :(
3. Do you prefer shopping online or at an actual store? Why?
I prefer to shop for the stuff that are readily available here in Manila at an actual store since it is cheaper. But I shop online at Amazon for the stuff that are not available here at all.
4. Did you get an allowance as a child? How much was it?
Of course! But how young? As in grade school? Everything was pretty cheap then. By the time I was in the 7th grade in 1993, I think I was getting a weekly allowance of P700? I really can't remember.
5. What was the last thing you regret purchasing?
It was a couple of years ago. I bought this book at National Bookstore out of curiousity. I paid P350 for it. Hay. Money wasted. It was the worst book ever. I didn't even read a fourth of the book because it was so boring and confusing.
|
| posted by Jax @ 5:34:00 PM |
|
|
|
|
| shattered hope |
Ever since FPJ announced his candidacy, a lot of people are seriously thinking of migrating to another country because they feel the Philippines is now a hopeless case. I beg to differ. The Philippines will only be a hopeless case if all of its people gave up on it.
Yes, I do complain about the Philippines and its people. But I would never think of leaving it just because it got a little difficult. If that's the case, then I would have left a long time ago.
It's not a matter of who is leading the country that makes the Philippines hopeless but the fact that its people choose to give up on it, and forgetting to see the bigger picture.
We've gone through so much as a people and we've survived every obstacle together.
Our problem is that we focus on the negative and refuse to see the positive. And it's just sad that foreigners are usually the ones who see the positive. And what's sadder is that some Filipinos are even ashamed of being Filipinos. How sad is that?
Our problem is that we expect others to pick up after us and take care of us. If you want to have change, you have to start with yourself. Eventually, it may rub off on others and influence them to do the same.
And lastly, we have forgotten the most important One. We have forgotten to turn to God in our time of need. "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. " (2 Chronicles 7:14)
I refuse to give up, though. I will fight for my country. No matter what it takes.
And on that note, the new issue of Musings is up! Go check it out and let me know what you think.
|
| posted by Jax @ 1:12:00 AM |
|
|
|
| Wednesday, November 26, 2003 |
| it's here! |
Fernando Poe, Jr, "Da King", is running for presidency in the 2004 presidential elections! Hay.
And Loren Legarda is being wooed as his vice president.
What is the world coming to?
Personally, I don't want FPJ to run. He doesn't have the political experience. But my sister and I were talking last night about him. At least, we said, he's not a womanizer like Former President Joseph Estrada was and he does have good managerial and leadership abilities, through his companies, which is raking millions in assets.
And Raul Roco did make a good point. If FPJ runs, he will divide the votes with GMA and Sen. Ping Lacson.
Hay. Philippine politics is truly becoming a circus. |
| posted by Jax @ 5:25:00 PM |
|
|
|
|
| unthinkable |
The unthinkable has happened.
Rupert Boneham, my bet, has been voted off the Pearl Islands. Oh what tragedy! One of the few people who truly played the game is now out of the game.
On a brighter note, he is the second member of the jury.
On another brighter note, Sandra and Christa are still in the game. But I am rooting for Sandrah to win it all.
I just hope they vote off Jon tomorrow on the next episode. |
| posted by Jax @ 5:59:00 AM |
|
|
|
| Tuesday, November 25, 2003 |
| oh no! |
I am so dead.
I have a story due today, an article due tomorrow and short stories due in less than three weeks and I'm not even halfway done! Ack!
***
I've been playing badminton regularly again. It feels so good!
***
Life goes on after Mandy Moore. Other foreign artists are scheduled to come here, starting with Jerry Yan, Vic Zhou, Barbie and Dee Xu on Saturday and Limp Bizkit on Dec. 9.
I'm not watching their concerts but it's always good when foreign acts come here. It was a bit disheartening when just last year, some of the big foreign acts who were supposed to go here (like Red Hot Chili Peppers) backed out at the last minute, disappointing a lot of their fans.
I heard Incubus is coming next year. I might not watch that since trouble might, um, surface. But it's still fun to know that foreign acts are coming here one by one. :D
Life goes on.
And, yes, Au, Imo, I might run into someone unexpected unexpectedly. Orlando Bloom, Jude Law or Josh Hartnett perhaps? Hehe. |
| posted by Jax @ 4:59:00 PM |
|
|
|
| Saturday, November 22, 2003 |
| is it fair? |
I am so frustrated. Yesterday afternoon, I went to SM Megamall because Mandy Moore was scheduled to make an appearance at the Mega Trade Hall at 5p. My sister and I got there at around 3:30p and saw a stage set up at Building A. Figuring that the organizers moved the event from Mega Trade Hall to Building A and believing it was to start at 5p, we did some shopping first. We spent a lot of time in Powerbooks (as usual) and, to my dismay, none of the books I was looking for was there, except for 30-Minute Meals 2 by Rachael Ray. But since I didn't have enough money and it looked like the last copy there, we left it on the bookshelf with a heavy heart.
But anyway, we left the bookstore a little after 4 and went to National Bookstore to look for more books (none still). It was already close a little after 4:30p at that time but since we couldn't hear anything from the stage, we decided to get some snacks: hotdogs from Sabrett (yummy!) and coffee at Saint Cinnamon. We left around 5p and went to the stage at the middle of Building B. There was a TV screen mounted at one side of the stage where we saw Mandy signing autographs. We kept circling the stage and crowd gathered around it, looking for Mandy and the line for the autograph signing. We couldn't find it and then I realized it must really have been set up at the Megatrade Hall. The event ended at around 5:30p and we hurried to the other building in the hopes that we'll still be able to see Mandy Moore there. I was surprised at our abilities to walk that fast. We were so determined to see Mandy Moore up close! When we got there, that's where my frustration set in. There was a small poster that said the event was moved to Cinema 3! At Building A! Where we originally were!
Like Superman, we hurried and tried to make it to Cinema 3 as fast as possible! When we got there, we saw the electronic billboard that indicated the Mandy Moore event was going to be there and that it started at 4p! What?! At that point, it was already 5:55p and we were determined to see her so we stood our ground. One guard there was a bit amused because there were a lot of us waiting outside and he kept telling us, "Mandy Moore is no more!". He cracked us up but we refused to believe him! We stood our ground and watched the models, Penshoppe staff, hosts and others left Cinema 3 but no sign of Mandy Moore. We finally gave up when they removed the red carpet and closed the doors of Cinema 3. By then, it was already 6:30p. Disappointed, we left and tried to make ourselves feel better by going to Astroplus. Well, I ended up buying 3 VCDs. Hay, Oh well. Til next time.
***
I was able to watch Scary Movie 3 last week after constantly seeing the trailer. It was a stupid movie but it cracked me up! Anna Faris was just funny! Their, um, "tribute" to so many movies was just so hilarious.
Although there were two things that really irked me. One, the reference to news regarding priests and child molestation, when a priest came to babysit Cody and he had a wine and lit two candles. I truly did not appreciate that and could not find the humor in it. I mean, yes there were reports about priests molesting young people but not every priest is guilty of that. I know a lot of priests and they are devoted to their faith and their mission and this is just an insult to them.
Two, Mother Teresa. Mother Teresa never did anything to deserve what they did. She was a good person who had a good heart and cared for everyone. That was very unfair what they did.
But without these, it's still a stupid, funny movie. Watch it at your own risk. But if you can, just wait for the video. Or watch it at a cheap cinema. |
| posted by Jax @ 8:47:00 PM |
|
|
|
| Friday, November 21, 2003 |
| suicide |
I grew up mostly in the '80s. I think the '80s rocked and I think the music and movies from that decade rocked and still rocks. The people who ruled the 80s are the people who will forever be in my memory bank. They are the people who made sure I enjoyed my childhood. It overlapped to the early '90s and I enjoyed every minute of it.
Some of them have dropped out of the limelight and although they are not seen, they are still not forgotten. One of these is Jonathan Brandis, who starred in movies such as The Neverending Story II and Tv shows such as Seaquest DSv. Yesterday, I was browsing through the pages of Pinoy Exchange and was shocked to find out that Jonathan Brandis apparently committed suicide. He died last November 12.
***
Yesterday morning, I received a text message from my friend. She told me that her friend, Alex, had died the night before and she was asking for prayers. I texted her and offered my condolences and asked her how he died. I knew of Alex because we went to the same undergraduate university and he was friends with another friend of mine. My friend never texted back. Then I opened the newspaper and found out that he also committed suicide.
***
Sometimes I am so dumbfounded and confused how they can find a reason to kill themselves. I don't know anyone personally who committed suicide so I don't know how their families and friends could be feeling. And I don't want to know. I really don't.
|
| posted by Jax @ 6:15:00 PM |
|
|
|
|
| blessed |
I had a tough week. I was constantly restless and I hardly got any work done. But God, He is always there for me. Just like today. Ganns has posted in SuperBlessed the SuperBlessed Christian Blog Awards 2003 Winners. And he has chosen Jax Place as Most Enjoyable Christian Blog. Wow. Once again, Ganns has encouraged and inspired me to continuously work on my faith. And I am. I still am. I have found a reason to live for and that's God. As long as I am breathing, I will live my life for Him.
***
I love books. And I mean, I LOVE books! I was at Fully Booked earlier this afternoon and I truly cannot decide what book to buy. There were so many books to choose from! And they had new arrivals! Oh wow. You guys should have seen me earlier. I didn't know where to go first. Should I go to the new arrivals section, to the fiction section, the travel guide section, the section where they put the bestseller books, the Arts and Architecture section, the cookery section or the business section? If I had a million pesos, I would have gladly bought every book in the store!
But unfortunately, I didn't. I only had P500 so I bought Angels by Marian Keyes and several cookbooks. I didn't get to buy Rachel Ray's 30-Minute Meals cookbook because they didn't have any in stock. :(
***
Darren has posted a great entry on weblog ethics. Hike on over their and check if you've practiced great weblog ethics. |
| posted by Jax @ 6:23:00 AM |
|
|
|
| Thursday, November 20, 2003 |
| What does Nora Ephron say? |
I love watching Sleepless in Seattle. It just ended a couple of minutes ago on HBO. I only found out about it when I was flipping through the channels awhile ago. It's not the most kilig movie. It doesn't come off as the world's most romantic comedy movie ever. But it touches you in the same way. The movie shows me that no matter what, love will think of a way to find you, and once love has found you, it's up to you to do something about it. I thought I'd be able to put what Sleepless in Seattle means to me but I guess I can't.
Does anyone know what I'm talking about?
Around 2 weeks ago, I watched the Tom Hanks-Meg Ryan-Nora Ephron follow-up to Sleepless in Seattle, You've Got Mail. When I first watched it several years ago, I didn't like it. I thought they, the creators of the movie, tried to force the Hanks-Ryan tandem and just "winged it".
But watching it again years later, I realized it's not so bad. It's actually endearing in some ways. This time, however, Nora Ephron, shows me (us) to never just disregard anyone. You never know. They might turn out to be your soulmate.
***
I was able to watch the trailer of the upcoming movie, Troy starring Brad Pitt, Orlando Bloom, Sean Bean and Eric Bana, directed by Wolfgang Peterson. In case you didn't know, it is based on Homer's wonderful epics, Iliad and Odyssey.
One of my lifelong dreams is to be able to put these two stories into one full-length feature film. Looks like Petersen beat me to it. And he cast Orlando Bloom as Prince Paris! I should have travelled to Mexico a couple of months ago so I could have seen him!
***
Mandy Moore's in town! |
| posted by Jax @ 12:26:00 AM |
|
|
|
| Tuesday, November 18, 2003 |
| because i have nothing better to do |
Because I am bored and I am not in the mood to write a thought-filled entry, I have decided to just post a survey I got from Aura.
Last Car Ride: Monday, on the way home from doing a lot of errands
Last Kiss: my nephew from last Monday
Last Good Cry: good cry? something that made me feel better after? havent had that in a really long time.
Last Library Book Checked Out: something related to my thesis probably. cant remember since it was already almost 2 years ago, when i was still studying
Last Movie Seen: The Rundown
Last Book Read: Rachel's Holiday by Marian Keyes
Last Beverage Drank: water
Last Food Consumed: vegetable soup
Last Crush: I had one after Orlando Bloom but I can't remember who. Can I just put Orlando Bloom? hehe.
Last Phone Call: the guy from Celebrity when I called up to reserve a court for this afternoon
Last TV Show Watched: MTV
Last Time Showered: this morning
Last Shoes Worn: my brown bowling shoes from Ohrelle
Last CD Played: Maksim
Last Item Bought: groceries
Last Downloaded: the teaser trailer for Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Last Disappointment: a couple of weeks ago
Last Key Used: the key to my mom's room
Last Word Spoken: ye-ah!
Last Sleep: last night
Last IM: I think it was Gulo at YM
Last Sexual Fantasy: um. i prefer not to answer this
Last Ice cream Eaten: last week
Last Time Amused: last week, with my nephews
Last Time Wanted To Die: a couple of days ago
Last Time In Love: im still in love with Maksim. hehe.
Last Time Hugged: my nephews last Monday
Last Time Scolded: a couple of weeks ago, on my birthday!
Last Underwear Worn: green undies I bought in Robinson's
Last Webpage Visited: IMDb and SuperBlessed
|
| posted by Jax @ 4:59:00 PM |
|
|
|
|
| ack! |
My back hurts! I need a back massage ASAP!
|
| posted by Jax @ 2:28:00 AM |
|
|
|
| Friday, November 14, 2003 |
| teaser |
| Want to see the trailer for Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban? Go here! |
| posted by Jax @ 7:26:00 PM |
|
|
|
| Thursday, November 13, 2003 |
| iVolunteer |
I have always loved to volunteer. It doesn't matter what or where. Volunteering: it's a part of my life.
That is why I am happy to find out that there is a place on the web where people who love to volunteer would, I'm sure, love to go to. It's iVolunteer.ph! iVolunteer.ph contains volunteering opportunities from different organizations all over the Philippines, which they also have listed in their site. They have feature articles about the experiences of volunteers. And much more.
If you love to volunteer like me, then head on over to iVolunteer!
***
Great news everybody! Musings is now online!
Move on over to http://hazelnutmocha.tk! |
| posted by Jax @ 7:25:00 PM |
|
|
|
|
| coming soon! |
| Watch out for my new racket! |
| posted by Jax @ 6:10:00 AM |
|
|
|
| Tuesday, November 11, 2003 |
| eboto.org |
The 2004 National Elections are fast approaching, and the biggest problem we have as voters is we do not have enough information to make the right choices come ballot time. Even if we read articles in the papers or on television, these provide mere soundbites and are ineffective in giving us a clear idea of what these candidates are really made of.
eBoto.org is an Internet information project to address this very issue. eBoto.org aims to become the point of convergence for Filipino voters over the Internet, and a medium to get to know candidates in terms of concrete issues, platforms, and principle rather than mere personality and posturing.
How do we do this?
eBoto.org aims to get 20,000 individuals to sign up for the eBoto.org
mailing list by the deadline of the filing of candidacies for the 2004
National Elections on 15 December 2003. By gathering ourselves in this manner, we aim to make our voices loud enough so that candidates would have no choice but to listen to our questions and concerns. The Internet is the perfect medium for this campaign because it has neither the limitations of space and time nor the prohibitive costs that other media such as television, radio, and traditional print media have.
We are going to put up a system in the website where members could submit questions for candidates, and moderators would send the best ones to each candidate. The candidates would then have no choice but to answer the questions because there are 20,000 or so voters in the list eagerly awaiting their reply, and not making their answers available simply means losing the chance to speak directly to all those voters.
However, for this to work, there is a need for a substantial number of voters to sign up, hence the 20,000-member target.
The website will also feature discussions about the candidates and burning national issues, as well as election-related news.
Take this opportunity to make a difference in the coming elections! To sign up, you can send a blank email to botolist-subscribe@yahoogroups.com, or visit our website at http://eboto.org/ where you can find out the latest about the project.
Please take time to forward this to your friends via email and by posting it in your blogs, message boards, and Friendster bulletin boards. Thanks!
|
| posted by Jax @ 5:48:00 PM |
|
|
|
|
| amazon |
I did something stupid.
I bought some books, DVDs and CDs at Amazon.com, accidentally placed the order and had it shipped to the wrong address.
Obviously, I didn't sleep well last night, which explains why I am awake and up at 7:30 in the morning.
Good news though!
6 of my orders have been cancelled. 2 orders are currently being cancelled.
That leaves me with 4 more orders.
I hope they answer back soon. |
| posted by Jax @ 5:11:00 PM |
|
|
|
| Monday, November 10, 2003 |
| end of the road |
What a way to end my weekend!
My friend's boyfriend texted us (my friend's barkada) to tell us some "great news".
Turns out my friend is pregnant and is about to give birth in December.
That would have been alright with us. We'd be shocked and disappointed at first but in the end, we'll still be there to support and help her, er, them. But since we found out a month before she was to give birth, that disappointment part was replaced by hurt.
But we've talked since then. We're supporting them now, which is why I trooped over to the mall to buy stuff for Nico (that's the baby's name) for the baby shower this Sunday.
Nico, the Christmas baby. We'll be waiting for you. :) |
| posted by Jax @ 3:19:00 AM |
|
|
|
| Sunday, November 09, 2003 |
| What a Glorious Day! |
Have you ever had the day when everything just seemed to go so right? When everything just seemed to fall into place perfectly? When you feel like nothing will and can go wrong, even if a lot of things actually did? When you feel on top of a mountain, on the top of the world?
I have.
I had that day.
November 8 started like any other day. Having slept late the night before, I woke up at 9am to the sound of my alarm clock. Reluctant to get up, I turned on the TV to wake myself up. Muttering that famous line ("5 minutes pa!"), I forced myself to get off the bed and take a shower. 45 minutes later (about 2/3 of which was spent in front of the closet deciding what to wear yet again), I was dressed and ready to go to find out that my mom was nowhere to be found. We were on our way to celebrate my maternal grandmother's, my Lola's, 80th birthday and my mom was missing. Turns out she went to her tailor to pick up the clothes she was supposed to wear for that day. Finally got to leave around 45 minutes to an hour since I got dressed.
Anyway, we got to Kamay Kainan around 20 minutes later and was greeted by their sumptuous buffet. Wow. I must have gained at least 5 lbs yesterday during lunch! There was sinigang na baboy, tinolang manok, seafood na may gata, inihaw na hito, daing, adobong baboy & manok, talaba, sinigang na hipon, gambas, crispy shrimps, the works, I tell ya! They even had three kinds of rice: plain, garlic and fried! And all that and more for only P195 ($3.55). Plus they had dirty ice cream for dessert! Wow. If you want buffet with good food, go to Kamay Kainan, Kalayaan Ave, QC. Good food for a cheap price.
Afterwards, we (the whole clan) went to my Lola's house, just a few minutes away from Kamay Kainan for the merienda celebration of my Lola's birthday. There were cakes, macaroni, salads, kutsinta, pinipig, BBQ and pancit, of course. Why do Filipinos love to eat so much? Geez. My mom and my aunties keep telling me to lose weight and yet they feed me with all these food! I'm not complaining too much about the food since they are delicious. But (to my aunts): please make up your mind already!
At around 5pm, I left with my older sister and my younger cousin to go to the Powerplant Mall at Rockwell Center and to catch Alice Peacock in person at her autograph signing at O Music/Video. Omigod. She was so beautiful. And so nice! We talked (my sister told me later that we talked for a long time) and laughed and I felt all giddy afterwards. Wow. I still can't believe I got to see her in person!
Click here, here and here for Alice Peacock pix and memorabilia.
After the Powerplant stint, we trooped over to Greenbelt 3 and met up with my older brother and two younger cousins to catch the promo concert of Maksim at the Greenbelt 3 Park. It was packed with so many people and it was so hot and humid last night that standing close to so many made it even more humid. We were so sticky! And all I wanted was to take a long, luxurious bath.
The concert started at around 7:40p and wow. Everyone was shouting when Maksim went onstage. He was astounding, excellent, amazing, brilliant, fantastic and all other similar words. I wish I had a video camera so I could have caught his live performance on tape and watch it over and over again. He was simply breathtaking and that was the shortest 40 or 50 minutes ever. Plus Maksim was so guwapo (goodlooking)! My sister had to stop me coz I kept taking so many pictures of him and it was still the first piece!
Click here and here for Maksim GB3 concert photos.
I was standing about 15 feet away from him and I only had 6x zoom in my digital camera so I couldn't really get a better picture of him. But I am so glad I went there. He was amazing! Amazing, I tell ya!
I went to Music One afterwards with my cousins coz I wanted to buy a CD but I begged off coz the line at the cashier was long. Around 15 people long. Most of them buying Maksim CDs. Hehe.
We had a late dinner at Recipes by Cafe Metro where, after telling ourselves we weren't hungry, indulged in rice meals. Hehe. (I thought we weren't hungry?) Surprise. Surprise. When the bill came, my older brother surprised us all by paying for it. Wow. He never treats us out for dinner, lunch, even coffee!
My other cousin made a late appearance after dinner and we trooped on over to Bizu (my favorite!) for some dessert. All of us were stuffed! We had cakes of different kinds, coffee, tea and my cousin ordered some potatoes and meat (to get rid of the too-sweet taste in our mouths).
Remember I said everything seemed to fall into place perfectly? Well, turns out my sister, my cousins and I didn't have to worry about expenses because my cousin paid for dessert!
How lucky are we?
Went to Mass this morning to thank God for that wonderful day yesterday. Because it really was. I don't know if this will happen again. Since my older brother and my cousin, the same people who paid for our food last night, are cheapskates and (I don't know what came over them) who knows if they'll do this again. But I'm glad and thankful they did. And it's not everyday that my favorite foreign musicians come to Manila. I'm glad I was able to see both of them last night. I'm marking down November 8, 2003 in my history as one of the most unbelievable days ever!
***
I'm sorry but I still can't get over the fact that I saw Alice Peacock and Maksim in person.
*insert scream here* |
| posted by Jax @ 1:36:00 AM |
|
|
|
| Thursday, November 06, 2003 |
| shopping |
I love to shop. No doubt about it. Give me a rather big amount of money and leave me inside a mall and I'd be like a kid in candy store, only I'll have money.
I went to Powerplant Mall last Wednesday (where I spent my birthday and watched a bad and a good movie) and ended up spending a lot of time at Fully Booked (bookstore) and O (music and video store). And guess what? I bought 2 VCDs: The Brady Bunch Movie and Wayne's World 2, for cha-ching! P85 (less than $2) each!
And yesterday, I was at SM City. Wow. Shopping heaven! I bought a bowling bag for P299.75 ($5.45) and 2 sandals for P279.75 ($5.09) and P399.75 ($7.27). How lucky am I? Can you say great deals?
***
I watched Identity and The Rundown last Wednesday and well, good thing tickets are only P80 each. I didn't like Identity. Suspense was great, build-up was great, acting was cool, directing, cinematography was cool. But the twist and the ending, it kind of, um, didn't live up to its, uh, potential. I'd recommend you watch it when it comes out on video. At least you won't have to feel your money was wasted when you rent it. Sayang. John Cusack was there. Sadly, he still couldn't save the movie.
The Rundown starring The Rock and Seann William Scott, however, was a hoot! I was laughing all throughout the movie. The story doesn't say much. Like The Scorpion King, this movie was tailor made to fit The Rock. And I'm sure, most of the people who watched this are fans of The Rock, as is the case with my sister and I. The Rock was simply amazing as the Retrieval Expert. I never want to get into a fight with him because I know he's gonna beat the brains out of me! Ernie Reyes, Jr. had a cameo in the movie as one of the leaders of the Brazilian rebels. Too bad his role was short-lived. (Note: If you're gonna watch this for Ernie Reyes, Jr, don't watch it in the movie house. Just watch it when it comes out on video. If not, you're gonna be very disappointed.)
Caught the trailers for Jeepers Creepers 2 and Scary Movie 3 at the moviehouse. I was able to watch Jeepers Creepers 1 when I was in Baguio and I was scared out of my wits! I didn't get to watch it in full coz I got too scared. Omigosh. What if I watch Jeepers Creepers without cuts inside the movie house? Oooohhhhh... Fun!
Scary Movie 3 was hilarious! Playdate in Manila will be November 19, that's in less than two weeks. Hehe. I cannot wait!
***
I found the perfect man.
There's only one catch.
He exists in a fictional world.
He's Michael Green, played by Andy Garcia in When A Man Loves A Woman.
Damn. |
| posted by Jax @ 6:01:00 PM |
|
|
|
| Wednesday, November 05, 2003 |
| birthday concerns |
Sabi ko na eh. I had my doubts when I got up this morning.
And I was right.
This is one of the most non-enjoyable birthdays ever.
And I'm not talking about the fact that I just turned 23. *shudder*
Oh well.
I've got other things to look forward to.
One hour before my day's about to end with one more thing to say.
Thank You, God, for one more year in my life. I just hope this time I'll be able to do what I have to do. Thank You, God, for taking care of me. Thank You, God, for always being there for me, especially when I feel like no one is with me. Thank You, God.
Oh yeah.
Happy Birthday to me. |
| posted by Jax @ 7:10:00 AM |
|
|
|
| Tuesday, November 04, 2003 |
| direction |
Congratulate me. I'm back!
Hehe.
But seriously, I've got reason to rejoice. I've got my writing groove back!
And I'm working right now. On my book and a new magazine. Watch out for it! |
| posted by Jax @ 2:58:00 AM |
|
|
|
| Monday, November 03, 2003 |
| contemplations |
While surfing and listening to Mandy Moore in the background, I'm trying to call the stuff that was called my life. A lot has happened in my 22 year, 11 months and 363 day existence. I try to recall everything significant that has happened and I have experienced. It's true what everyone says, that everything happens for a reason and what doesn't kills us makes us stronger. I've gone through so many changes in life that I can't recognize the person that I was almost 10 years ago, the time I entered high school and started my path to a constantly experimenting and changing life.
In high school, I started out as a "virgin", innocent, not knowing anything, a girl, no longer a kid, eager to test my boundaries. I'd like to think that I matured as a person in high school but I know I didn't. I may have had my priorities straight but the truth is, I was just there to have some fun. But it was in high school that I met my true friends. They are the people who know me inside out and who know what I'm thinking without me telling them. They are my friends for life and I will never let them go. We have gone through so much and will go through more.
In college, I was a siga. I wasn't a bully. I didn't bully people. But I came to college thinking I was better than most people. I experienced several reality checks. And I came out better than before. I came out more aware of everything that was going on around me. I came out more aware of what I want in life.
Right now, I don't know if I'm just babbling or just a little disturbed that I'm about to get older in around 24 hours. I know I'm still young. But I just feel that I still don't have direction in my life. There are so many things I still want to do but I'm scared that I might not get to do all of it.
But no. No worries. Because God is with me always. He will never leave me.
I'm going to try and write a book now. I might be able to get a publisher. I don't know what I'll include. Maybe I'll include this. Maybe not. |
| posted by Jax @ 7:32:00 AM |
|
|
|
|
|
