Love's Divine
Then the rainstorm came
Over me
And I felt my spirit break
I had lost all of my belief, you see
And realized my mistake
But time threw a prayer
To me
And all around me became still
I need love
Love's divine
Please forgive me now I see that I've been blind
Give me love, love is what I need to help me know my name
Through the rainstorm came sanctuary
And I felt my spirit fly
I had found all of my reality
I realize what it takes
'Cause I need love, love's divine
Please forgive me now I see that I've been blind
Give me love, love is what I need to help me know my name
Oh I, don't bend (don't bend), don't break (don't break)
Show me how to live and promise me you won't forsake
'Cause love can help me know my name
Well I try to say there's nothing wrong
But inside I felt me lying all along
But the message here was plain to see
Believe me
'Cause I need love
Love's divine
Please forgive me now I see that I've been blind
Give me love, love is what I need to help me know my name
Oh I, don't bend, don't break
Show me how to live and promise me You won't forsake
'Cause love can help me know my name
Love can help me know my name.
Now more than ever. AMEN.
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
And so 2006 came to pass
What did you do in 2006 that you'd never done before?
It has to be my decision to live in the USA.
I have to admit that I really didn't think so hard about this move. The opportunity presented itself, I grabbed it, and, with a little luck, I found myself on my way to the Land of Milk and Honey. (Looking back, I didn't even consider what was left of a flagging relationship...or was there a real relationship to begin with?)
I have worked in a foreign country before, but it was only in Singapore, a mere three-hour flight from the Philippines. and I lived with my sister and her family, meaning, I still had a semblance of family.
Out here, man, is a totally different ballgame. I just hope I did the right thing. :)
Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I don't think i consciously made one. I am building a list of to-do's, though.
Did anyone close to you give birth?
Nope. Not yet, anyway. But two dear friends are on the family way - Tina and Jannette!!!
Did anyone close to you die?
Thank goodness, there was none.
What countries did you visit?
The USA. I guess I am here for an extended visit. :)
What would you like to have in 2007 that you lacked in 2006?
Direction.
What date from 2006 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
First few weeks of January 2006. These are the days when I was constantly reminded of my aloneness, that I was really out here on my own. It didn't help at all that it was my first time to experince winter. Utterly melancholic.
What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Being happy is something that is consciously developed and affirmed. So when friends tell me I look happy where I am right now, it is enough achivement for me.
What was your biggest failure?
1. Not having taken even one of the four CPA exams.
2. Not making it just in time to save a relationship.
Did you suffer illness or injury?
Yes. I was rushed to the hospital on June 12th.
What was the best thing you bought?
A cheap but portable and very reliable heater for the winter!
Whose behavior merited celebration?
Me! I never thought I could survive living in the US for a year on my own. I have never experienced being genuinely independent and grown-up (finally! ha! ha! ha!).
Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
PGMA. Tongressmen.
Where did most of your money go?
House rent, car, insurance, winter clothes... i gotta stop now.
What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Running! Long drive! Touching base with friends from all over!
What song(s) will always remind you of 2006?
Can't think of one song in particular.
Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. happier or sadder? -- Happier
ii. thinner or fatter? -- I've gained 8 pounds since I arrived here. Now, how come i could still fit into my old clothes?
iii. richer or poorer? -- A little better off, surely, but none the richer.
What do you wish you'd done more?
1. Exercise
2. Yoga
3. Visit another foreign country. The US is so vast it felt like you were visiitng another country when you just flew to another state.
What do you wish you'd done less of?
1. Thinking about how some things should/would/could have been.
2. Procrastinating (bad, bad habit).
How many one-night stands?
None. I'd rather be bored. lol.
What was your favorite TV program?
Grey's Anatomy.
Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
Nope.
What was the best book you read?
Books, actually - The Tipping Point and Blink by Malcolm Gladwell.
I think it is quite a feat to be able to translate dreary social and psychological studies into something one can actually enjoy reading and learning at the same.
What was your greatest musical discovery?
Celtic Woman. I have never heard voices so pure and so enchanting. Theirs is what an angel's voice probably sounds like.
What did you want and get?
A car - first thing that came to my mind.
What was your favorite film of this year?
Nothing comes to mind right now.
What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
Work. Dinner with friends. 31!
What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
I would have given the world to spend year-end holidays with my family back home.
How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2006?
I think I struggled on this score. lol. I've never felt more ignorant in fashion than when fall and winter came - almost no idea how to properly layer clothes. Nada. Zilch.
What kept you sane?
1. Driving alone, sometimes even when I didn't know where I wanted to go.
2. Just being silent, listening.
Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
1. Jamie Oliver.
2. Anthony Bourdain.
3. Ian Wright.
What political issue stirred you the most?
It was a conscious effort on my part to avoid anything that involves Philippine politics or else I'd get sick to my stomach.
Who did you miss?
A lot of people.
Who was the best new person you met?
Everyone to whom i got introduced.
Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2006:
Being independent in the truest sense of the word.
What was the nicest thing someone told you about yourself:
1. That i don't look my age. I was almost always mistaken for a new associate! Babaw :)
2. I write well.
The most touching experience you've had this year?
I'd rather keep this one to myself. But just so I would not forget, it was something that happened in June 2006. And I was so stupid I didn't know how to reciprocate the kindness.
What did you like most about yourself this year?
I am brave.
What did you hate most about yourself this year?
Procrastination.
Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:
I can't think of any right now.
Was 2006 a good year for you?
Yes. But it could be better.
What was your favorite moment of the year?
The first time I ran ten miles.
What was your least favorite moment of the year?
Going to the doctor alone.
Where were you when 2006 began?
In Stockton.
Who were you with?
Mommy Lina, and other relatives.
Where were you when 2006 ended?
In Antioch.
Who were you be with when 2006 ended?
With JP and Tina and their friends.
Do you have a new years resolution for 2007?
Just for me to get better.
What was your favorite month of 2006?
July 2006.
Did you lose anybody close to you in 2006?
No.
Did you miss anybody in the past year?
I miss a lot of people!
What was your favorite record from 2006?
Quite surprisingly, Celtic Woman.
How many concerts did you see in 2006?
None.
Did you drink a lot of alchohol in 2006?
A little.
Do a lot of drugs in 2006?
Never.
Did you do anything you are ashamed of this year?
I've learned from it the hard way but I won't elaborate. I just hope I will not be so stupid as to be in that situation again.
How much money did you spend in 2006?
Next question, please.
What was your proudest moment of 2006?
1. Getting a driver's license in California.
2. Driving on the freeway for the first time!
What was your most embarrassing moment of 2006?
Spilling steaming extra hot vanilla latte in the leather seat of a BMW Z3. It was my first day to car pool with a male intern who offered to give me a ride to and from work. 'Twas a good thing he was totally unruffled about the whole incident. A real gentleman, I should say.
If you could go back in time to any moment of 2006 and change something, what would it be?
I am one of the most gullible persons around, but then when it comes to handling relationships, I think I am irredeemably predisposed to skepticism. Having said that, I wish I believed more, reciprocated more…blah blah blah…
What are your plans for 2007?
1. Pass the California CPA exams.
2. Visit more states. roadtrip can be fun.
3. Travel to a foreign country, possibly with a good man (Oops! did I just say that?!)
4. Get involved in a new hobby (cooking/baking class, photography, yoga)
5. Those three should keep me pretty busy the whole year, thank you.
How are you different now that the year has ended?
I have:
1. learned to rely and depend on myself more - quite possibly one of the things living in the US has taught me well
2. paid more attention to people who matter (yup, absence surely makes the heart grow fonder)
3. appreciated the peace ang happiness that comes with being and doing things by myself.
What are your wishes for the new year?
World peace. Seriously. :)
Monday, December 04, 2006
Wanting to cross Borders
I am in the final strech of Malcolm Gladwell's Tipping Point. Before that, I heroically (yes, heroically!) finished Sophie's World. FYI Bloggie, these are rereads. And yes, my CDs are screaming for new company. This is bad.
*-*-*
It's just horrible to think that I haven't been to Borders for months now. The only upside to this sorry revelation is that there's gonna be a lot of new stuff waiting for me. I don't think I will be disappointed. Not by a long shot.
*-*-*
Not Too Late by Norah Jones
The album will come out in January 2007 yet. Nothing can be better than knowing that this upcoming release contains 13 all-original compositions, either by the Norah herself or in collaboration with her fellow bandmates.
The album will come out in January 2007 yet. Nothing can be better than knowing that this upcoming release contains 13 all-original compositions, either by the Norah herself or in collaboration with her fellow bandmates.
I've heard Rosie's Lullaby and Thinking About You. Thankfully, the voice, fragile and powerful at the same time, is still there. Really, everything in the world is gonna be all right.
The Beatles LoveWhen I think of how I ended up being a fan of arguably the most influential band on earth, I can't help but go back to the days when, as a kid, I kept on hearing my male cousins playing nothing but Beatles songs on their cassette player each and every day. Actually, it was not a 'cassette player', it was something they made from scratch, with the 'cassette tape' more like a white, unmarked VHS tape, only smaller. Whatever. I remember finding myself humming Beatles songs going home from their place where Ria, their sister, was my childhood frienemy.
I was, and still am, a closet fan. I have buried my love for the band in the deepest recesses of my mental closet. But every time I hear their songs, I want to stop what I am doing, go to the store and buy their album. 
Celtic Woman A Christmas Celebration Deluxe Edition
I was mindlessly flipping through the channels when I heard melodies which struck me as the closest approximation of angels singing high up in the heavens. KQED was airing Celtic Woman: A new Journey and the owners of the wonderful voices were six, err five because the sixth one was a fabulous violinist, fine Irish ladies. They were performing at a castle in Ireland, quite a fitting venue for the exceptional voice they possess.
The Nasty Bits by Anthony Bourdain
He is everything you wouldn't imagine a chef to be but in my book, he is cool. Period. I liked him instantly on A Cook's Tour and No Reservations. I fell for him after reading Kitchen Confidential and A Cook's Tour.
He is prone to dishing out profanity in his shows, he is an unrepentant smoker, he has done drugs, he eats anything - and I mean anything - in search of, well, a perfect meal. If the accounts in his books are any indication, man, he's been through hell and back many times over. This same devil-may-care attitude does the trick for me. How many men - and a chef at that! - manage to be bad without even trying and get away with it?
The Innocent Man by John GrishamIt might be borne out of my childhood dream of becoming a lawyer, but eversince I got hold of The Firm, I always found myself waiting for John Grisham's new novel. One marvels at how he always managed to translate labyrinthine legal jargon into something layman, something that would not make you want to keel over from boredom.
According to the flap, The Innocent Man is his first attempt at nonfiction work. I guess that is reason enough for me to get a hold of this book soon!
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Found out about me
There is this scene in Runaway Bride where Ike (Richard Gere) was accusing Maggie (Julia Roberts) of not even knowing how she wanted her eggs done. I was dumbstruck. If I were in Maggie's shoes, I would have had exactly the same reaction. Is there something wrong with her? Or me, for that matter?
After weeks of car pooling and stopping by Starbucks to get our daily coffee fix, my friend couldn't help but ask why I chose different types of hot coffee every so often. It just puzzled him why I couldn't choose vanilla latte and stick with it. Is there something wrong with me?
I listen to almost all types of music. I am equally comfortable with Ella, Billie, Norah, Adam, Sergio, John, Rob, Enya, Ne-Yo…I could go on and on. Now, my friends here got more than a peek of my eclectic taste in music when they rode with me in my car. They wondered aloud how I could fully appreciate each genre. But I truly could. Is there something wrong with me?
There are other things. Like food! I couldn't convince anyone that I only liked Japanese food if it would save my life. They knew that I was always on when it came to trying out cuisines from, well, wherever. Is there something wrong with me?
Is it weird - or worse, wrong - not to have just one specific preference when it comes to food or music or coffee? Is this some kind of a psychological dysfunction which manifests itself in my ever-shifting taste in practically everything? One friend went as far as saying that that was probably the reason why I couldn't make a relationship work. Ouch.
You tell me, Bloggie.
You see, my sense of achieving 'normalcy' is rooted on my want to discover, experience or taste what the world has to offer. Very high sounding, yes, but that is the only way I can explain it.
Like the famed Mt Everest climbers always say: It is there. Go figure.
Monday, August 21, 2006
A record-breaking run
It's been a while.
I could have written about a lot of things that happened to me. I did not because I was always procrastinating, too lazy to memorialize the happy, crazy, mundane, frightening, sappy and heartbreaking events that characterized the weeks past.
The event yesterday proved to be too happy to store in my memory bank. I may not know myself very well but I admit to being inveterately forgetful.
So here's one exhilirating news: I ran for 10 miles for two hours. That's all of 16 kilometers, do you hear me, Bloggie?
Never in my wildest dreams did I think I could do it.
My body is so sore today but I don't care one bit. The soreness is completely oblitirated by the fact that I feel really, really good.
I was glad Deth never tired of convincing me.
Deth and a couple of other friends have been preparing for the 13-mile 'fun' run on October 8 since two months back. After running out of excuses, I finally gave in to her invitation to practice with them. I warned them - and they knew - that I only did 4 miles max on the treadmill or the elliptical twice or thrice a week if I my schedule allowed it. Roughly, 4 miles on the machines always took me all of 40 minutes to accomplish. I fully understood my physical limitations. Or so I thought.
The trail in Los Gatos was so nice. I was so taken by the peaceful lake lining the whole trail that I never cared if I was always at the tail end of the pack. It also helped that each runner I passed by - and boy, do they have floorboard abs! - never failed to greet you with a smile.
I never knew how I ended up finishing the first 5 miles ahead of everyone else. Deth said I did so well. I downplayed it by saying I was just lucky not having torn a ligament in my body. She thought I was being funny when I said we should have parked our cars near the 5-mile junction so we could go home if we decided we couldn't last another mile, much less go back 5 miles where we came from. I managed a nervous laugh.
So we headed back and proceeded to run at our own pace. After a while, and noticing that not one of my friends was within sight, I thought I was lost. It got me worried, moreso because of the fact that I was getting to be a legend hereabouts for having little or no sense of direction. This incident would surely nail it. But what could I do? There were just these junctions that confused me. I didn't bring my handphone. Worse, the trail would simply not allow any motor vehicle as it was too narrow. As a last resort, I thought of hitching a ride with a biker. Saying I was frightened was an understatement.
But I kept on running. Someone up there must have been leading the way - literally! - because everytime I thought of hounding a hapless biker, I would recognize landmarks that kept me believing I was on the right track.
After what seeemed like an eternity, I recognized the red line on the road, and the playground a few yards ahead. I made it. I was even more relieved to realize that I was not lost after all.
After a few minutes, my friends started arriving. It turned out I was the first one to finish. Deth said I probably clocked in a total of two hours.
They had to say that they were a bit concerned I got lost on my way back. They are really getting to know me very well.
Maybe it's true what some friends say. I tend to underestimate my capabilities.
I could have written about a lot of things that happened to me. I did not because I was always procrastinating, too lazy to memorialize the happy, crazy, mundane, frightening, sappy and heartbreaking events that characterized the weeks past.
The event yesterday proved to be too happy to store in my memory bank. I may not know myself very well but I admit to being inveterately forgetful.
So here's one exhilirating news: I ran for 10 miles for two hours. That's all of 16 kilometers, do you hear me, Bloggie?
Never in my wildest dreams did I think I could do it.
My body is so sore today but I don't care one bit. The soreness is completely oblitirated by the fact that I feel really, really good.
I was glad Deth never tired of convincing me.
Deth and a couple of other friends have been preparing for the 13-mile 'fun' run on October 8 since two months back. After running out of excuses, I finally gave in to her invitation to practice with them. I warned them - and they knew - that I only did 4 miles max on the treadmill or the elliptical twice or thrice a week if I my schedule allowed it. Roughly, 4 miles on the machines always took me all of 40 minutes to accomplish. I fully understood my physical limitations. Or so I thought.
*****
The trail in Los Gatos was so nice. I was so taken by the peaceful lake lining the whole trail that I never cared if I was always at the tail end of the pack. It also helped that each runner I passed by - and boy, do they have floorboard abs! - never failed to greet you with a smile.
I never knew how I ended up finishing the first 5 miles ahead of everyone else. Deth said I did so well. I downplayed it by saying I was just lucky not having torn a ligament in my body. She thought I was being funny when I said we should have parked our cars near the 5-mile junction so we could go home if we decided we couldn't last another mile, much less go back 5 miles where we came from. I managed a nervous laugh.
So we headed back and proceeded to run at our own pace. After a while, and noticing that not one of my friends was within sight, I thought I was lost. It got me worried, moreso because of the fact that I was getting to be a legend hereabouts for having little or no sense of direction. This incident would surely nail it. But what could I do? There were just these junctions that confused me. I didn't bring my handphone. Worse, the trail would simply not allow any motor vehicle as it was too narrow. As a last resort, I thought of hitching a ride with a biker. Saying I was frightened was an understatement.
But I kept on running. Someone up there must have been leading the way - literally! - because everytime I thought of hounding a hapless biker, I would recognize landmarks that kept me believing I was on the right track.
After what seeemed like an eternity, I recognized the red line on the road, and the playground a few yards ahead. I made it. I was even more relieved to realize that I was not lost after all.
After a few minutes, my friends started arriving. It turned out I was the first one to finish. Deth said I probably clocked in a total of two hours.
They had to say that they were a bit concerned I got lost on my way back. They are really getting to know me very well.
*****
Maybe it's true what some friends say. I tend to underestimate my capabilities.
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
Happy, happy once again
Hey there, Bloggie!
I just got home, but I guess I have to get to you and tell you some lip-smacking great news.
My 'restatement' team in Big Four garnered a "Local Chairman's Award". Honestly, I wasn't aware of it until my teammate IM'ed me about it.
Just so you know, administrative emails in my Inbox doesn't excite me. This is why I always find myself on the brink of missing deadlines, e.g., timesheets, PFFs, self-assessment forms...cr*ppy stuff. (Just recently, I found out that these things are in fact crucial in assessing bonuses!). Always just in time. No more, no less. Hmm...I'm lost in my own story. =)
Back to the story. So. I read the email. It said our 'excellent' job could be nominated for the "National Chairman's Award". But I was interested in something more tangible. As if reading my mind, the same teammate informed me a few hours after that we would be getting $500 each. That was the tangible I was talking about. Nice. But then, if I factored in the hours I worked overtime, and I guess this goes for the other seniors in the team, then that $500 is miniscule at the least.
But then again, it is better than nothing. And I am grateful. It is enough to cover monthly rent, gas and utilities. Or the cost of my plane fare for a much-needed vacay in July. Yipee!
P.S I got my car plates today. Yipee!
I just got home, but I guess I have to get to you and tell you some lip-smacking great news.
My 'restatement' team in Big Four garnered a "Local Chairman's Award". Honestly, I wasn't aware of it until my teammate IM'ed me about it.
Just so you know, administrative emails in my Inbox doesn't excite me. This is why I always find myself on the brink of missing deadlines, e.g., timesheets, PFFs, self-assessment forms...cr*ppy stuff. (Just recently, I found out that these things are in fact crucial in assessing bonuses!). Always just in time. No more, no less. Hmm...I'm lost in my own story. =)
Back to the story. So. I read the email. It said our 'excellent' job could be nominated for the "National Chairman's Award". But I was interested in something more tangible. As if reading my mind, the same teammate informed me a few hours after that we would be getting $500 each. That was the tangible I was talking about. Nice. But then, if I factored in the hours I worked overtime, and I guess this goes for the other seniors in the team, then that $500 is miniscule at the least.
But then again, it is better than nothing. And I am grateful. It is enough to cover monthly rent, gas and utilities. Or the cost of my plane fare for a much-needed vacay in July. Yipee!
P.S I got my car plates today. Yipee!
Monday, May 01, 2006
New things here and there
Everything new is good.
A week before, I got myself a new car. I call him Bugsy. He is as close as I can get to having a boyfriend. He knows what type of music I like. He knows where I get my favorite food. He takes me wherever I want to go. He is everywhere I am. I don't want him out of my sight that sometimes, I have this urge to just leave everyhting behind and be with him to wherever. What's more, as long as you feed him, he never loses his cool. But I'm sorta getting the hint that Bugsy wants me to get a Magellan navigator, so I am seriously considering that option now. I cannot rely on Mapquest or Yahoo forever for directions. (That's why I hate it when friends change plans and I don't have someone with me in the car. I mean, what route do I take then? How many times do I have to tell them that I suck at directions?)
Today, I am sitting on my bed in my super comfy silk pj's and totally at peace with the world. How can I not be? Everywhere I look is new - bedsheets, quilt cover, pillowcases. Heck, I am literally on page one of the new novel I am reading!
What makes me even more pleased is the fact that my bathroom looks and smells absolutely good! Right after the mass and some great food courtesy of some great friends, I begged Jean to accompany me to the mall to buy some things for my bathroom. (Absent other friends, he is my trusty navigator). It's spring and I thought I needed to brighten it up a bit. Ta-da! I have this funky shower curtains in spring colors. It jazzed things up -including my mood - in a flash. Of course I put on the brakes and chose neutral shades for towels, rugs, toilet seat cover and whatnot. And this is a no-brainer: I could forget everything but a new stash of my favorite bath items. Gosh, I couldn't wait to take a bath again! :)
What tops it all off is my new digicam. Yes Bloggie, I finally got myself one after much thought (read: I was hoping for it to go on sale). The digicam I was dying to buy went on sale today, what do you know? The angels must have been be smiling at me, huh?
So yeah. This has been one fine day.
p.s.
lemme correct that, bloggie. today has been one super happy day! i think i deserve it. and i'll let you in on a secret. i was informed by cel that our 'hot skills bonus' are in. lo and behold, it was indeed in my account already. can someone wipe the grin off my face? i just cannot stop myself from smiling.
A week before, I got myself a new car. I call him Bugsy. He is as close as I can get to having a boyfriend. He knows what type of music I like. He knows where I get my favorite food. He takes me wherever I want to go. He is everywhere I am. I don't want him out of my sight that sometimes, I have this urge to just leave everyhting behind and be with him to wherever. What's more, as long as you feed him, he never loses his cool. But I'm sorta getting the hint that Bugsy wants me to get a Magellan navigator, so I am seriously considering that option now. I cannot rely on Mapquest or Yahoo forever for directions. (That's why I hate it when friends change plans and I don't have someone with me in the car. I mean, what route do I take then? How many times do I have to tell them that I suck at directions?)
Today, I am sitting on my bed in my super comfy silk pj's and totally at peace with the world. How can I not be? Everywhere I look is new - bedsheets, quilt cover, pillowcases. Heck, I am literally on page one of the new novel I am reading!
What makes me even more pleased is the fact that my bathroom looks and smells absolutely good! Right after the mass and some great food courtesy of some great friends, I begged Jean to accompany me to the mall to buy some things for my bathroom. (Absent other friends, he is my trusty navigator). It's spring and I thought I needed to brighten it up a bit. Ta-da! I have this funky shower curtains in spring colors. It jazzed things up -including my mood - in a flash. Of course I put on the brakes and chose neutral shades for towels, rugs, toilet seat cover and whatnot. And this is a no-brainer: I could forget everything but a new stash of my favorite bath items. Gosh, I couldn't wait to take a bath again! :)
What tops it all off is my new digicam. Yes Bloggie, I finally got myself one after much thought (read: I was hoping for it to go on sale). The digicam I was dying to buy went on sale today, what do you know? The angels must have been be smiling at me, huh?
So yeah. This has been one fine day.
p.s.
lemme correct that, bloggie. today has been one super happy day! i think i deserve it. and i'll let you in on a secret. i was informed by cel that our 'hot skills bonus' are in. lo and behold, it was indeed in my account already. can someone wipe the grin off my face? i just cannot stop myself from smiling.
Monday, April 24, 2006
Stray thoughts
I overslept today I missed the 9.30am mass. And the badminton game. And a short trip to the grocery to replenish my dangerously low supply of food and whatnot.
So. There was no need to hurry as the next mass I could attend was at 5pm yet.
I didn't know how I managed to knock off such mundane tasks as taking out the trash, washing my clothes, vacuuming the carpet, etc because all I knew was that my feet were practically leaden. It must be because I had programmed my brain to be on idle mode today.
I thought Jean was out so I just went back to my room to vegetate. I was tearing the plastic cover of a novel a dear friend gave me - hey, I'm down to just four unopened books! - when Jean came knocking at my door. He wanted me to go with him to the gym.
We stopped torturing our muscles a couple of hours before it was time for church. Knowing fully well that Jean moved at lightning speed, I told him to go ahead if he felt that waiting for me was like waiting for the Second Coming.
Big mistake.
Fast forward to fifteen past five, I thought I was hyperventilating. Bugsy wouldn't start. I called Jean and a couple of other friends. Still nothing. Past the point of desperation, I calmed my frayed nerves. After a few minutes, and not knowing whether it would make any difference, I thought of using the spare key. It did the trick. I was relieved beyond belief. But then again, I couldn't help but think of things that could go wrong with my car.
I was a bit late for the mass. The homily was quite interesting. It was about dependency. My mind suddenly wandered into some dark territory.
I didn't want Him to take what I prayed for but sometimes I wish I were totally un-independent and entirely dependent on someone else to think for me, decide for me...
For a change, perhaps?
Oh well. It must be one of those days when independence tires me.
Monday, April 17, 2006
what of it
it just hits me.
the bagel shop is not the same. i was almost always late (just 5 minutes, eh?) but it didn't seem to bother you. i miss the two of us munching on bagels with cream cheese, with your coffee from the shop and mine from starbucks.
the freeway is too crowded. i miss the fun we always had as you inched your Roadster into the car pool lane and, once there, zoomed past the ocean of cars stuck in traffic to our right.
the radio stations are boring. i didn't mean to suggest anything when i told you i haven't exactly surfed the radio stations since i came here, but i guess you took it upon yourself to introduce me to some. thus, spanish week. i had no idea what the heck the loud radio jocks and the songs were crapping about, but you patiently explained them all to me as best as you could. in all this, i was not surprised to learn that you just had to have someone sorta in the know to help you appreciate things which you might otherwise take for granted.
it's spring and it's still raining, and it's still freezing cold. i miss your insisting to pick me up or drop me off right in front of my apartment each and every time it rained or it got unbearably cold.
lunch is kinda blah. i remember being secretly surprised how we ended up ordering the same food for lunch not a few times. you seem to be totally unaware of it each time 'coz you just kept on commenting how good and healthy my choices were, and i had to direct your eyes to your own plate.
is there some more?
i hope you don't hit me.
the bagel shop is not the same. i was almost always late (just 5 minutes, eh?) but it didn't seem to bother you. i miss the two of us munching on bagels with cream cheese, with your coffee from the shop and mine from starbucks.
the freeway is too crowded. i miss the fun we always had as you inched your Roadster into the car pool lane and, once there, zoomed past the ocean of cars stuck in traffic to our right.
the radio stations are boring. i didn't mean to suggest anything when i told you i haven't exactly surfed the radio stations since i came here, but i guess you took it upon yourself to introduce me to some. thus, spanish week. i had no idea what the heck the loud radio jocks and the songs were crapping about, but you patiently explained them all to me as best as you could. in all this, i was not surprised to learn that you just had to have someone sorta in the know to help you appreciate things which you might otherwise take for granted.
it's spring and it's still raining, and it's still freezing cold. i miss your insisting to pick me up or drop me off right in front of my apartment each and every time it rained or it got unbearably cold.
lunch is kinda blah. i remember being secretly surprised how we ended up ordering the same food for lunch not a few times. you seem to be totally unaware of it each time 'coz you just kept on commenting how good and healthy my choices were, and i had to direct your eyes to your own plate.
is there some more?
i hope you don't hit me.
Saturday, April 01, 2006
Bridging the gap
I was afraid my blog space would get shut down due to inactivity, thus, this hasty post. Anyways, it's about time. Right, Bloggie?
Hmmm...I wonder whatever happened to me since 25 January. Let me step back for a few and try to recollect my thoughts...
(After a minute...)
OK. Here goes my list:
Hmmm...I wonder whatever happened to me since 25 January. Let me step back for a few and try to recollect my thoughts...
(After a minute...)
OK. Here goes my list:
- Driving and loving the freedom that goes with it. I don't know if it will pass but right now, I am totally enjoying the freedom that driving gives me. I don't care that I've lost track of how many times I got lost on my way to wherever. All I know is that I always managed to get back on track. So it's fun! Then there's the temporary snag. Well, it is not a snag, I think, but a blessing in disguise (see 4). *wide grin*
- Being part of a nice audit team. I mean it. So far, I've only been assigned to one client and I am not even doing audit work. I am doing restatement work. Don't ask, Bloggie, but it's a very welcome change for me. Yes, my teammates have all been very kind and accommodating it amazes me sometimes. Plus, we always have free lunch from good restaurants. And a bottomless snack pit. Who am I to complain?
- Driving down to LA for xis hours. It was not supposed to be for fun because we'd be visiting Jean's brother who underwent a heart bypass operation. As it happened, the visit to the hospital lasted all of thirty minutes as no one was allowed to linger for long. We touched base with a couple of guy-friends and decided to bring them along with us to Downey to visit my Aunt. It was a very nice reunion.
- The snag. I got sidelined from driving for a time. This teammate offered to take me to and from work. It was a surprisingly nice gesture but I declined. He insisted. I relented. It was good I did for I have discovered a pretty interesting guy. As of now, let me just say that for all his kindness, niceness and patience, I hope he is all he claims to be and more.
- Seeing Maricel and Tina in California! Maricel is my audit batchmate/good friend back in the Philippines. Who would have thought that I'd be able to see her again after 5 long years? What's more, we are officemates once again! Cool, huh? My dear Tina finally arrived on 3 March. After weeks of intentionally not keeping in touch, Jean, Maricel and I surprised her with a visit a couple of days after she arrived. Cool to the nth degree.
- Doing all the little things. Like going to the gym, taking up tennis, bowling, badminton, running, sprucing up the apartment, reading unfinished novels, shopping... shopping...shopping...
- Planning some things. Learning to cook 30-minute meals (ala Rachel Ray), learning a foreign language, taking up diving lessons, flying up to Europe (or just Italy, or, if all else fails, settle with some famous US destination), buying a car (please, Happy, make a decision!!!), etc etc.....
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
Riding high
Fortune favors the brave. Or so some people say.
I came face to face with fear last night.
You see, Bloggie, I haven't rented a car since I arrived. The closest I got to driving was when I spent one weekend with my Aunt where she let me drive her mean SUV inside the village at 40mph tops. Out on the freeway, you should go no lower than 65mph. Out on the freeway, a greenhorn like me will look like an irredeemable sissy being relentlessly bullied by overeager juvenile delinquents with road rage.
Last night. Last night, I decided to take up the challenge. Jean didn't want to go with me. I venture he is kinda having this idea - and kinda correctly, I confess - that I am not as brave as I appear. Gosh. I needed someone...in the passenger seat, at least? Virgie's husband, Tan, agreed to take me to Hertz to pick up the car, then I'd drive the rented wheels alone back to my flat. I guess I had no choice.
I was pleasantly surprised when Hertz upgraded my car at no extra cost to me. (I winked, perhaps?) I got a sleek 2006 Toyota Avalon with just 8 miles of usage. Great! At this point, I think I was still fine.
It was totally different once I got inside the car. Without warning, I got paralyzed with the thought of driving on the freeway. I unraveled, to say the least. I literally froze in my seat. After half an hour of total inertia, Tan decided he'd go fetch Virgie. I waited for another forty-five minutes before Virgie eased herself into the passenger seat.
After an eternity and another prayer, I started the engine. Blackie, my new friend-car, has a built-in GPS. Bless him! I must've called on all the saints as I drove off and onto 101, THE freeway.
Surprisingly, and quite unexpectedly, I got comfortable. So comfortable in fact that Virgie and I reached home earlier than Tan. Strangely hilarious, if you ask me.
Today, Blackie took me to and from my very first client engagement. I couldn't suppress a laugh as I remember when I did not connect and got out of synch with the directions. I didn't mind. I was having fun.
Fear is good. Fun, even. There's just a catch, though. You gotta face up to it until it backs away. Where it ends, fun begins.
I came face to face with fear last night.
You see, Bloggie, I haven't rented a car since I arrived. The closest I got to driving was when I spent one weekend with my Aunt where she let me drive her mean SUV inside the village at 40mph tops. Out on the freeway, you should go no lower than 65mph. Out on the freeway, a greenhorn like me will look like an irredeemable sissy being relentlessly bullied by overeager juvenile delinquents with road rage.
Last night. Last night, I decided to take up the challenge. Jean didn't want to go with me. I venture he is kinda having this idea - and kinda correctly, I confess - that I am not as brave as I appear. Gosh. I needed someone...in the passenger seat, at least? Virgie's husband, Tan, agreed to take me to Hertz to pick up the car, then I'd drive the rented wheels alone back to my flat. I guess I had no choice.
I was pleasantly surprised when Hertz upgraded my car at no extra cost to me. (I winked, perhaps?) I got a sleek 2006 Toyota Avalon with just 8 miles of usage. Great! At this point, I think I was still fine.
It was totally different once I got inside the car. Without warning, I got paralyzed with the thought of driving on the freeway. I unraveled, to say the least. I literally froze in my seat. After half an hour of total inertia, Tan decided he'd go fetch Virgie. I waited for another forty-five minutes before Virgie eased herself into the passenger seat.
After an eternity and another prayer, I started the engine. Blackie, my new friend-car, has a built-in GPS. Bless him! I must've called on all the saints as I drove off and onto 101, THE freeway.
Surprisingly, and quite unexpectedly, I got comfortable. So comfortable in fact that Virgie and I reached home earlier than Tan. Strangely hilarious, if you ask me.
Today, Blackie took me to and from my very first client engagement. I couldn't suppress a laugh as I remember when I did not connect and got out of synch with the directions. I didn't mind. I was having fun.
Fear is good. Fun, even. There's just a catch, though. You gotta face up to it until it backs away. Where it ends, fun begins.
Sunday, January 22, 2006
Cheers, Pacman!
I just have to mark this glorious event.
Manny "The Pacman" Pacquiao TKO'ed Erik Morales!
Before the highly anticipated faceoff, Cel and I made fun of the two preceding boxing matches. With intense scrutiny, we 'analyzed' the pugilists based on their...well...appearance. Maybe it's a complex science known only to our kind but it somehow worked for us with unerring precision. Our bets won, with their black-and-blue opponents pathetically running for cover.
Then came Erik and Manny. I thought they were a study in contrast. Whereas Manny projected a gung-ho attitude, Erik had a quiet and brooding air about him. Cel and I couldn't decide who would win based on our 'matrices'. We concluded that they were equal.
I couldn't stand the first few rounds because Manny was being assaulted by Erik's more precise jabs, uppercuts and hooks. Whatever. Manny was being hit from everywhere and it looked as though his footwork was fumbling. But he managed not to get nasty cuts in the face, which was some consolation.
Then Round 6 came and the tables turned. Suddenly, Manny, still bouncy and seemingly unfazed by all the bulls-eye hits, delivered. And deliver he did, just what his gazillion Filipino fans would fall on all fours to see - hard-hitting blows, pun intended to Erik of course. One commentator's cutting observation: desperation comes in the form of rubbing the leg. I saw Erik's legs being massaged and I literally understood. He also looked so beat and tired.
Thanks to Manny's deadly left hand and I daresay his kababayans' unflagging support, Erik saw the stars before the tenth round ended.
I bet everyone in the Philippines is rejoicing.
Cheers to you, Pacman. May you always be hungry. :)
Manny "The Pacman" Pacquiao TKO'ed Erik Morales!
Before the highly anticipated faceoff, Cel and I made fun of the two preceding boxing matches. With intense scrutiny, we 'analyzed' the pugilists based on their...well...appearance. Maybe it's a complex science known only to our kind but it somehow worked for us with unerring precision. Our bets won, with their black-and-blue opponents pathetically running for cover.
Then came Erik and Manny. I thought they were a study in contrast. Whereas Manny projected a gung-ho attitude, Erik had a quiet and brooding air about him. Cel and I couldn't decide who would win based on our 'matrices'. We concluded that they were equal.
I couldn't stand the first few rounds because Manny was being assaulted by Erik's more precise jabs, uppercuts and hooks. Whatever. Manny was being hit from everywhere and it looked as though his footwork was fumbling. But he managed not to get nasty cuts in the face, which was some consolation.
Then Round 6 came and the tables turned. Suddenly, Manny, still bouncy and seemingly unfazed by all the bulls-eye hits, delivered. And deliver he did, just what his gazillion Filipino fans would fall on all fours to see - hard-hitting blows, pun intended to Erik of course. One commentator's cutting observation: desperation comes in the form of rubbing the leg. I saw Erik's legs being massaged and I literally understood. He also looked so beat and tired.
Thanks to Manny's deadly left hand and I daresay his kababayans' unflagging support, Erik saw the stars before the tenth round ended.
I bet everyone in the Philippines is rejoicing.
Cheers to you, Pacman. May you always be hungry. :)
Monday, January 16, 2006
First post from the Valley
A lot of things have happened since my last post.
Other than my digicam's busted lens, the most significant in the lot would have to be seeing and trying to get along with Uncle Sam.
FYI Bloggie, I have been in the States since 28 December. From that point on, everything has been a blur of activities.
(I am not really in the Valley right now. I am in Chicago. Finding the pre-course materials utterly unappealing I am in danger of keeling over, I suddenly remember I have you, Bloggie, for company. So bear with my thoughtless chatter, will you?)
29 December
Terrible jetlag. Slept all day in my warm and cozy apartment. I didn't even care that I was alone or what.
30 December - 1 January
Fetched by cousins to spend New Year in Stockton. Met up with a very dear Aunt who didn't give a thought in giving me the key to Volvo SUV to test drive around the village. Nice wine. Warm company. I miss my digicam.
2 - 6 January
Got a headstart on getting an SS number. Visited the office. Jean toured me around the area. Actually asked myself if I could live here. Bought lotsa food. So happy to see Cel again! Scouted for a permanent flat. Rode the tram alone. Saw some sights alone. Met new friends. I'D HAVE TO HAVE A DIGICAM!
8 - 11 January
Orientation. Great program. Greatest desserts! Great Disneyland tour. Did only one ride - Soar - as there was no time.
12 - 13 January
First two days in office. Surprised to find that Pinoys dominate the Supplies Section. Very warm HR people. Got my SS number. Broke a sweat when informed I'd be part of a SOX client; fieldwork immediately starts after the upcoming training. Reality is checking in...
14 January
Scouted for an apartment with Jean until we finally found a nice one. Really nice! Bought a couple of boots. Bought a couple of size one coats (gosh, heavy!). Bought mittens. Forgot the beanies. At one point, wondered aloud how these people layered their winter clothing. WHEN AM I GONNA HAVE IT?
15 January
Flew out of San Jose. Flew in to Chicago for a one-week training. Brrrr! Very surprised to find that the 'hotel' resembled a big dormitory. Spartan accommodations. No nonsense, built-for-lecture ambiance. No fun. Not surprised that the Accenture peeps thought the same, too. Happy that there are lots of interesting people. I'D BUY A NEW DIGICAM. TOMORROW?
There, Bloggie. I have finally checked in, eh? :)
Other than my digicam's busted lens, the most significant in the lot would have to be seeing and trying to get along with Uncle Sam.
FYI Bloggie, I have been in the States since 28 December. From that point on, everything has been a blur of activities.
(I am not really in the Valley right now. I am in Chicago. Finding the pre-course materials utterly unappealing I am in danger of keeling over, I suddenly remember I have you, Bloggie, for company. So bear with my thoughtless chatter, will you?)
29 December
Terrible jetlag. Slept all day in my warm and cozy apartment. I didn't even care that I was alone or what.
30 December - 1 January
Fetched by cousins to spend New Year in Stockton. Met up with a very dear Aunt who didn't give a thought in giving me the key to Volvo SUV to test drive around the village. Nice wine. Warm company. I miss my digicam.
2 - 6 January
Got a headstart on getting an SS number. Visited the office. Jean toured me around the area. Actually asked myself if I could live here. Bought lotsa food. So happy to see Cel again! Scouted for a permanent flat. Rode the tram alone. Saw some sights alone. Met new friends. I'D HAVE TO HAVE A DIGICAM!
8 - 11 January
Orientation. Great program. Greatest desserts! Great Disneyland tour. Did only one ride - Soar - as there was no time.
12 - 13 January
First two days in office. Surprised to find that Pinoys dominate the Supplies Section. Very warm HR people. Got my SS number. Broke a sweat when informed I'd be part of a SOX client; fieldwork immediately starts after the upcoming training. Reality is checking in...
14 January
Scouted for an apartment with Jean until we finally found a nice one. Really nice! Bought a couple of boots. Bought a couple of size one coats (gosh, heavy!). Bought mittens. Forgot the beanies. At one point, wondered aloud how these people layered their winter clothing. WHEN AM I GONNA HAVE IT?
15 January
Flew out of San Jose. Flew in to Chicago for a one-week training. Brrrr! Very surprised to find that the 'hotel' resembled a big dormitory. Spartan accommodations. No nonsense, built-for-lecture ambiance. No fun. Not surprised that the Accenture peeps thought the same, too. Happy that there are lots of interesting people. I'D BUY A NEW DIGICAM. TOMORROW?
There, Bloggie. I have finally checked in, eh? :)
Sunday, December 11, 2005
Happy birthday, King!
This time, Bloggie, my gift to him is a visit to the dermatologist and, quite possibly, a facial.
Several weeks prior to this day, I couldn't help but notice how he wrinkled his young forehead every single time I saw him in front of the mirror. I know the feeling very, very well. I wanted to spare him the misery of miseducation and physically damaging experimentation that I offered to take him to the dermatologist. I got a blank stare. I persisted. For good measure, I gave him the lowdown on facial treatments that could get so excruciating it was like the equivalent of a face-off minus the anesthesia. He turned visibly pale, but I was beyond caring. It was for his own good!
We are in front of the clinic and neither of us is moving. Two minutes later, I look at him real hard and tell him it is going to be all right. He must have seen flaming red eyes or something but he finally opens the door. I breathe a sigh of relief. Brother!
After the assessment, King is endorsed to one of the attendants for a deep-cleansing facial. (That one? Gosh. That will hurt some.) I smile at the dermatologist while at the same time assuring my brother that we will sue them to the last penny if they botch the job. King laughs at me. I am dead serious.
I wait for an hour and a half before he emerges from one of the cubicles. His face was red. There is no smile on his face and he is not looking at me. The attendant pulls me aside and tells me King has had to endure a lot. My golly. We leave the clinic in deafening silence and the slowest elevator in the world is taking forever to open. I ask if he is ever coming back for the succeeding treatments. He remains ominously mute.
Outside the building, the weather is balmy. I steal glances at him and see that his face is getting okay fast. I stop walking and ask if he has seen Greenbelt and Glorietta. He hasn't. I know it. Malls to him pertains to the holy trinity of SM Megamall, Edsa Shangri-la and Gateway. Full of conviction, he says Makati is for serious, working AND older people. I am totally stumped. How in heaven's name can I begin to argue with that?
I recover my wits and nudge him to the right and onto Greenbelt. It is lovely - Christmas trimings and always a good vibe all around. I like what I am seeing at every turn, but more so on the fact that King seems to be having some seriously good time. The view - living and non-living - must have been a feast to his eyes.
We keep on walking until we find ourselves in Glorietta. I feel like I am starting to gag but I have an unfinished obligation to my uninitiated underling.
A thousand miles after, I ask him what and where he wants to eat. I shouldn't have asked because he eats anything, absolutely anything edible. He's at this stage where 'live to eat, live to eat' seems the sacred mantra. I bring him to Cibo. It is his birthday, anyway. He likes my choices. Could I be staring at the mirror?
Out of the blue, King suddenly opens up to me. We talk and talk about lots of things - the past, the present, and the future. We can stay rooted to our spot forever but it is getting late. We agree to retrace our steps to the clinic, which, incidentally, is near the terminal.
While waiting in line, I smile back at him, teasingly point to the clinic and remind him of his appointment in a couple of weeks. He appears to mimic me and says, "...for your own good, for your own good. And for my peace of mind,". He really surprises me sometimes.
Lots of firsts for him, he says. I am about to say nothing else applies more to me but I risk smothering him. There's our van.
I am immensely thankful that everything turns out like it does.
I just hope King is still cool once it all sinks in and he realizes that I just became his, well, birthday date. :-P
Several weeks prior to this day, I couldn't help but notice how he wrinkled his young forehead every single time I saw him in front of the mirror. I know the feeling very, very well. I wanted to spare him the misery of miseducation and physically damaging experimentation that I offered to take him to the dermatologist. I got a blank stare. I persisted. For good measure, I gave him the lowdown on facial treatments that could get so excruciating it was like the equivalent of a face-off minus the anesthesia. He turned visibly pale, but I was beyond caring. It was for his own good!
We are in front of the clinic and neither of us is moving. Two minutes later, I look at him real hard and tell him it is going to be all right. He must have seen flaming red eyes or something but he finally opens the door. I breathe a sigh of relief. Brother!
After the assessment, King is endorsed to one of the attendants for a deep-cleansing facial. (That one? Gosh. That will hurt some.) I smile at the dermatologist while at the same time assuring my brother that we will sue them to the last penny if they botch the job. King laughs at me. I am dead serious.
I wait for an hour and a half before he emerges from one of the cubicles. His face was red. There is no smile on his face and he is not looking at me. The attendant pulls me aside and tells me King has had to endure a lot. My golly. We leave the clinic in deafening silence and the slowest elevator in the world is taking forever to open. I ask if he is ever coming back for the succeeding treatments. He remains ominously mute.
Outside the building, the weather is balmy. I steal glances at him and see that his face is getting okay fast. I stop walking and ask if he has seen Greenbelt and Glorietta. He hasn't. I know it. Malls to him pertains to the holy trinity of SM Megamall, Edsa Shangri-la and Gateway. Full of conviction, he says Makati is for serious, working AND older people. I am totally stumped. How in heaven's name can I begin to argue with that?
I recover my wits and nudge him to the right and onto Greenbelt. It is lovely - Christmas trimings and always a good vibe all around. I like what I am seeing at every turn, but more so on the fact that King seems to be having some seriously good time. The view - living and non-living - must have been a feast to his eyes.
We keep on walking until we find ourselves in Glorietta. I feel like I am starting to gag but I have an unfinished obligation to my uninitiated underling.
A thousand miles after, I ask him what and where he wants to eat. I shouldn't have asked because he eats anything, absolutely anything edible. He's at this stage where 'live to eat, live to eat' seems the sacred mantra. I bring him to Cibo. It is his birthday, anyway. He likes my choices. Could I be staring at the mirror?
Out of the blue, King suddenly opens up to me. We talk and talk about lots of things - the past, the present, and the future. We can stay rooted to our spot forever but it is getting late. We agree to retrace our steps to the clinic, which, incidentally, is near the terminal.
While waiting in line, I smile back at him, teasingly point to the clinic and remind him of his appointment in a couple of weeks. He appears to mimic me and says, "...for your own good, for your own good. And for my peace of mind,". He really surprises me sometimes.
Lots of firsts for him, he says. I am about to say nothing else applies more to me but I risk smothering him. There's our van.
I am immensely thankful that everything turns out like it does.
I just hope King is still cool once it all sinks in and he realizes that I just became his, well, birthday date. :-P
Monday, November 28, 2005
One drink too many
I have very poor and unhappy brains for drinking: I could well wish courtesy would invent some other custom of entertainment. - William Shakespeare
Tina asked where I was. I thought it was a funny thing to ask considering that she almost always knew where I was. And vice versa. Having been recently orphaned by friends who left one after the other to build their fortunes in various parts of the Western hemisphere, we promised to always stick with each other. As if I did not, pre-exodus. Heck, we went as far as going to the custom jeweler to help her choose the wedding rings, eh? Well, JP surely gave her the details of how he wanted the bands to look, but hey, this is, like, major stuff. Right, Bloggie?
Anyway, she reminded me that I was supposed to be with her in a couple of hours to watch some movie. I didn’t recall ever knowing about the movie…translation: she needed company.
I didn’t remember what we watched. Was it that mediocre? As we were walking out of the cinema, Tina received a text message from Nelson asking where we were blah blah blah. Tina turned to me and pleaded for more of my time as Nelson could really use some company. I could see where this was heading, but knowing fully well what Nelson was going through, I called home to say I’d be staying with Tina and would be back the following day.
We fetched him at Padi’s Point. He was alone, as usual. He looked fine to me. The food was a major bummer so we decided to pack up and head to Salo instead.
The place was almost deserted except for the couple at the far end of the bar. Nelson ordered a bottle of tequila. I said I wanted loads of vegetable sticks. So we got both. And Tina’s octopus. I was expecting a highly charged atmosphere but it was not coming. What? After downing the bottle? Nelson signaled something to the server who promptly went away after being given some instructions. He came back after a couple of minutes to deliver another bottle. I was keeping tabs. I was going for my 12th shot. Oh gosh. I started to feel a burning sensation in my throat. Plus it was getting so hot. Oh my gosh. Just then TY, Nelson’s brother, came in and joined us. He immediately worked us into a bantering mode. I barely managed a weak smile while I thought Tina was getting more hyper by the minute. I downed my 13th - quite foreboding, I must add. I brought my head up, looked at Tina across the table and saw her with three pairs of eyes.
I thought Nelson saw the signs. I told him I couldn’t stand up. I felt my body getting numb and weightless. Plus, everything was spinning in slow motion. TY sent for coffee for Tina and myself but I was clearly so out of it already. Nelson stood up. He had to drag me to the restroom.
I was failing – and falling – miserably. I couldn’t even expel a dot of carrot stick no matter how I tried. I would not poke my finger down my throat, the way bulimics do, if my life depended on it. Then, without warning, it happened. In no time, the sink was clogged with orange, green and white sludge. Think bird’s nest soup, Bloggie. Yikes!!! I really thought the onslaught would add my intestines into the mix as a fitting garnish. It was sickening. But it didn’t stop there.
Strapped at the backseat, I was still throwing up in the car. The last thing I remember doing was plunking my wasted carcass into the sofa and passing out faster than you could say forty winks.
I recall wanting to be really, really drunk since I first tasted of alcohol. Who wouldn’t want to be when your first was a bottle of dom perignon my guy friend in high school stashed into his bag for the after-prom party in their home’s attic? He eventually came out of the closet. That must explain his fine taste at an early age. Don’t you think so, Bloggie?
So. That was how being totally, absolutely soused was all about. At least for me. I didn’t even plan it. And, by golly, I found out only after three decades? Tell me, Bloggie, is it worse for others?
One last thing. There’s something I have disproven. You should not believe it when people say they don’t know what they’re doing when they’re drunk and that they don’t remember what happened. It’s all bull. They know it. How else could I spill all this to you, Bloggie? Or was my sottishness ain’t enough???
Whatever. I am just so thankful I was with friends. Lesson well learned.
p.s.
Bloggie, the lady jeweler makes really nice rings! Hmmm…as if! Well, at least I learned some nifty things about wedding bands from the gracious lady. ;->
Tina asked where I was. I thought it was a funny thing to ask considering that she almost always knew where I was. And vice versa. Having been recently orphaned by friends who left one after the other to build their fortunes in various parts of the Western hemisphere, we promised to always stick with each other. As if I did not, pre-exodus. Heck, we went as far as going to the custom jeweler to help her choose the wedding rings, eh? Well, JP surely gave her the details of how he wanted the bands to look, but hey, this is, like, major stuff. Right, Bloggie?
Anyway, she reminded me that I was supposed to be with her in a couple of hours to watch some movie. I didn’t recall ever knowing about the movie…translation: she needed company.
I didn’t remember what we watched. Was it that mediocre? As we were walking out of the cinema, Tina received a text message from Nelson asking where we were blah blah blah. Tina turned to me and pleaded for more of my time as Nelson could really use some company. I could see where this was heading, but knowing fully well what Nelson was going through, I called home to say I’d be staying with Tina and would be back the following day.
We fetched him at Padi’s Point. He was alone, as usual. He looked fine to me. The food was a major bummer so we decided to pack up and head to Salo instead.
The place was almost deserted except for the couple at the far end of the bar. Nelson ordered a bottle of tequila. I said I wanted loads of vegetable sticks. So we got both. And Tina’s octopus. I was expecting a highly charged atmosphere but it was not coming. What? After downing the bottle? Nelson signaled something to the server who promptly went away after being given some instructions. He came back after a couple of minutes to deliver another bottle. I was keeping tabs. I was going for my 12th shot. Oh gosh. I started to feel a burning sensation in my throat. Plus it was getting so hot. Oh my gosh. Just then TY, Nelson’s brother, came in and joined us. He immediately worked us into a bantering mode. I barely managed a weak smile while I thought Tina was getting more hyper by the minute. I downed my 13th - quite foreboding, I must add. I brought my head up, looked at Tina across the table and saw her with three pairs of eyes.
I thought Nelson saw the signs. I told him I couldn’t stand up. I felt my body getting numb and weightless. Plus, everything was spinning in slow motion. TY sent for coffee for Tina and myself but I was clearly so out of it already. Nelson stood up. He had to drag me to the restroom.
I was failing – and falling – miserably. I couldn’t even expel a dot of carrot stick no matter how I tried. I would not poke my finger down my throat, the way bulimics do, if my life depended on it. Then, without warning, it happened. In no time, the sink was clogged with orange, green and white sludge. Think bird’s nest soup, Bloggie. Yikes!!! I really thought the onslaught would add my intestines into the mix as a fitting garnish. It was sickening. But it didn’t stop there.
Strapped at the backseat, I was still throwing up in the car. The last thing I remember doing was plunking my wasted carcass into the sofa and passing out faster than you could say forty winks.
I recall wanting to be really, really drunk since I first tasted of alcohol. Who wouldn’t want to be when your first was a bottle of dom perignon my guy friend in high school stashed into his bag for the after-prom party in their home’s attic? He eventually came out of the closet. That must explain his fine taste at an early age. Don’t you think so, Bloggie?
So. That was how being totally, absolutely soused was all about. At least for me. I didn’t even plan it. And, by golly, I found out only after three decades? Tell me, Bloggie, is it worse for others?
One last thing. There’s something I have disproven. You should not believe it when people say they don’t know what they’re doing when they’re drunk and that they don’t remember what happened. It’s all bull. They know it. How else could I spill all this to you, Bloggie? Or was my sottishness ain’t enough???
Whatever. I am just so thankful I was with friends. Lesson well learned.
p.s.
Bloggie, the lady jeweler makes really nice rings! Hmmm…as if! Well, at least I learned some nifty things about wedding bands from the gracious lady. ;->
Thursday, November 10, 2005
The business of being cheery
‘If you haven’t confirmed your flight information yet, please hold on. We are in the final stages of gaining approvals from the Philippine government. I just want to make sure hat when you need to leave you have all the approvals. We are sitting tight. This has been a frustrating process…’
That’s the latest word from Big 4.
This waiting game is really frustrating. I am thinking: if not for the signed employment contract, Big 4 might have withdrawn their offer pronto as the POEA hubbub unraveled.
And what about my friends? I remember feeling so downcast when a good friend teased me unceasingly and, as a final blow, said, ‘aalis ka pa ba?’. I mean we’re not even close! Now, before they tire of asking me whatever the h*ll is happening to me, I told them to just stop asking and wait for my call/sms/email. That’s a joke. But, admittedly, it was the essence of my last message. Now, I am making myself scarce save for a handful of girl friends. You see, Bloggie, I’m kinda tired of explaining my case.
I am happy most times, but there’s just this day when I cannot stop myself from thinking if I really made the right choice, if there’s more to the delay than just merely waiting for POEA’s action, if Big 4 actually withdraws its offer (the horrors!), if I really know where I’m going… I can actually poison my brain with more depressing thoughts.
That’s why I have to stop. I’m sitting tight, yes, for more time than I care to count. I don't have to understand everything everytime. I know in the deepest corner of my heart that I am all right. That’s why I’m happy.
I'll always be Happy! :)
the light of a cheerful heart
i tell you that you and I and the commonest
person are all journeying the same way,
hemmed in by the same narrow path,
leading to the eternal years.
we pride ourselves over our particular superiority;
but really there is little difference between us;
and in this journey over the thousand hills and
valleys called life, he is wisest who is
patient where the way is hard, has faith when
he does not understand, and carries into the
dark places the light of a cheerful heart.
That’s the latest word from Big 4.
This waiting game is really frustrating. I am thinking: if not for the signed employment contract, Big 4 might have withdrawn their offer pronto as the POEA hubbub unraveled.
And what about my friends? I remember feeling so downcast when a good friend teased me unceasingly and, as a final blow, said, ‘aalis ka pa ba?’. I mean we’re not even close! Now, before they tire of asking me whatever the h*ll is happening to me, I told them to just stop asking and wait for my call/sms/email. That’s a joke. But, admittedly, it was the essence of my last message. Now, I am making myself scarce save for a handful of girl friends. You see, Bloggie, I’m kinda tired of explaining my case.
I am happy most times, but there’s just this day when I cannot stop myself from thinking if I really made the right choice, if there’s more to the delay than just merely waiting for POEA’s action, if Big 4 actually withdraws its offer (the horrors!), if I really know where I’m going… I can actually poison my brain with more depressing thoughts.
That’s why I have to stop. I’m sitting tight, yes, for more time than I care to count. I don't have to understand everything everytime. I know in the deepest corner of my heart that I am all right. That’s why I’m happy.
I'll always be Happy! :)
the light of a cheerful heart
i tell you that you and I and the commonest
person are all journeying the same way,
hemmed in by the same narrow path,
leading to the eternal years.
we pride ourselves over our particular superiority;
but really there is little difference between us;
and in this journey over the thousand hills and
valleys called life, he is wisest who is
patient where the way is hard, has faith when
he does not understand, and carries into the
dark places the light of a cheerful heart.
Tuesday, November 08, 2005
Bringing the house down
One cool Saturday evening…
‘…walang pakiramdam ang mga magulang,’ I heard Grannie say as I got myself seated to her left.
‘Ano yun?’ I asked earnestly. I turned to my left and pinched Twixie’s plump cheeks.
‘Si Grannie, nanlalait na naman ng contestant,’ Ria said, smiling conspiratorially with Grannie.
I looked at the tv and saw this show, Pinoy Pop Superstar, hosted by Regine Velazquez, a.k.a. Asian Songbird, being shown.
‘Alam namang walang kagaling-galing ang anak, pinasasali pa. Kaya daw, di naman. Niloloko nila anak nilang walaaaaanggggg ka- talent-talent! Tingnan mo, ginatungan pa ng mga kamag-anak. Naku, dinadamay pa tayo sa lokohan!’ Grannie said, very seriously.
The monologue elicited a round of laughter. It didn’t end there.
‘Pati si Pop ay kita mong di natutuwa sa batang iyan,’ said the self-appointed critic.
‘Pop?’ everyone on the table echoed.
‘Aba, di ba si Pinoy Pop ang host?’ Grannie asked, looking at me, as if asking for a way out.
*****
We were furiously attacking banana fritters. I was cutting portions for Twixie, but I could sense Grannie was watching us. Then…
‘Tingnan mo nga si Bae,’ Grannie said.
‘Ha? Bakit po?’ I asked, not sure what she was driving at.
‘Papa pa ang pinapatawag sa ama ni Janjan. “Punta ka sa papa.” Naku, hindi ko mapigilang tumawa,’ she said. Janjan is Bae’s kid.
‘Grannie…’ I said as I shook my head, instantly aware where the conversation was going.
‘Nung araw, Inang at Amba ang tawag namin sa aming mga magulang. Pag nanay at tatay, aba, mayaman na yun. Bigatin na,’ she continued.
‘Mga Bicolano, Grannie, papa ang tawag nila, kahit ano…’ Nanay said, matter-of-factly.
‘Tsaka Grannie, kelan pa yung panahon nyo? Muntik mo na yata maabutan first world war eh,’ I said.
‘Grannie, sa amin babalik ang pagpuna mo, sige ka,’ Meng warned. Oh gosh.
‘Hayaan nyo na sila. Mukhang ok na nga si Janjan. Mataba, singkit pa. Chinese, hehehe,’ I added, looking Grannie’s way hopefully.
‘Naku, manglo ang batang yun!’ Grannie boomed.
All of them began laughing hysterically. I, on the other hand, started to laugh because the word sounded very funny to me. I didn’t know what the word meant.
‘Whaddaheck is ‘manglo’,Meng?’ Ms. Almost Always Clueless asked helplessly. They were practically beet red from laughing. I wanna be like them!
‘Tabang hangin,’ Nanay barely managed to say.
Heavens!
*****
The laughter subsided a bit. We looked at Twixie who seemed to be loving the fritters to bits. She was applauding fitfully, looking menacingly at the bit-size portions I piled on her plate. It was time for another lesson.
‘Twixie, say “delicioso!”. Try?’ I prodded, trying to demonstrate how to execute the act. Meg and Bianchi had perfected this lesson, eh?
The kid just kept on nodding her head, smiling widely as she willed her tiny fingers to mimic my hand. A few more attempts and all we heard were incoherent ramblings at best. I gave her A-plus for effort.
‘Tama na, baby. Bata ka pa, pressured na,’ I said as I lightly pinched her cheeks.
Then, Grannie craned her neck to see Twixie more clearly.
‘Twixie, sige nga. Say “malicioso!”. Twixie, go. “Malicioso!” Grannie coaxed the poor kid. Twixie gave her a puzzled look only a toddler her age could muster.
We almost fell off the chair.
‘…walang pakiramdam ang mga magulang,’ I heard Grannie say as I got myself seated to her left.
‘Ano yun?’ I asked earnestly. I turned to my left and pinched Twixie’s plump cheeks.
‘Si Grannie, nanlalait na naman ng contestant,’ Ria said, smiling conspiratorially with Grannie.
I looked at the tv and saw this show, Pinoy Pop Superstar, hosted by Regine Velazquez, a.k.a. Asian Songbird, being shown.
‘Alam namang walang kagaling-galing ang anak, pinasasali pa. Kaya daw, di naman. Niloloko nila anak nilang walaaaaanggggg ka- talent-talent! Tingnan mo, ginatungan pa ng mga kamag-anak. Naku, dinadamay pa tayo sa lokohan!’ Grannie said, very seriously.
The monologue elicited a round of laughter. It didn’t end there.
‘Pati si Pop ay kita mong di natutuwa sa batang iyan,’ said the self-appointed critic.
‘Pop?’ everyone on the table echoed.
‘Aba, di ba si Pinoy Pop ang host?’ Grannie asked, looking at me, as if asking for a way out.
*****
We were furiously attacking banana fritters. I was cutting portions for Twixie, but I could sense Grannie was watching us. Then…
‘Tingnan mo nga si Bae,’ Grannie said.
‘Ha? Bakit po?’ I asked, not sure what she was driving at.
‘Papa pa ang pinapatawag sa ama ni Janjan. “Punta ka sa papa.” Naku, hindi ko mapigilang tumawa,’ she said. Janjan is Bae’s kid.
‘Grannie…’ I said as I shook my head, instantly aware where the conversation was going.
‘Nung araw, Inang at Amba ang tawag namin sa aming mga magulang. Pag nanay at tatay, aba, mayaman na yun. Bigatin na,’ she continued.
‘Mga Bicolano, Grannie, papa ang tawag nila, kahit ano…’ Nanay said, matter-of-factly.
‘Tsaka Grannie, kelan pa yung panahon nyo? Muntik mo na yata maabutan first world war eh,’ I said.
‘Grannie, sa amin babalik ang pagpuna mo, sige ka,’ Meng warned. Oh gosh.
‘Hayaan nyo na sila. Mukhang ok na nga si Janjan. Mataba, singkit pa. Chinese, hehehe,’ I added, looking Grannie’s way hopefully.
‘Naku, manglo ang batang yun!’ Grannie boomed.
All of them began laughing hysterically. I, on the other hand, started to laugh because the word sounded very funny to me. I didn’t know what the word meant.
‘Whaddaheck is ‘manglo’,Meng?’ Ms. Almost Always Clueless asked helplessly. They were practically beet red from laughing. I wanna be like them!
‘Tabang hangin,’ Nanay barely managed to say.
Heavens!
*****
The laughter subsided a bit. We looked at Twixie who seemed to be loving the fritters to bits. She was applauding fitfully, looking menacingly at the bit-size portions I piled on her plate. It was time for another lesson.
‘Twixie, say “delicioso!”. Try?’ I prodded, trying to demonstrate how to execute the act. Meg and Bianchi had perfected this lesson, eh?
The kid just kept on nodding her head, smiling widely as she willed her tiny fingers to mimic my hand. A few more attempts and all we heard were incoherent ramblings at best. I gave her A-plus for effort.
‘Tama na, baby. Bata ka pa, pressured na,’ I said as I lightly pinched her cheeks.
Then, Grannie craned her neck to see Twixie more clearly.
‘Twixie, sige nga. Say “malicioso!”. Twixie, go. “Malicioso!” Grannie coaxed the poor kid. Twixie gave her a puzzled look only a toddler her age could muster.
We almost fell off the chair.
Saturday, October 29, 2005
Banishing the bane of my existence
“Ah, details. They're kind of the bane of your existence, huh? Unfortunately, they are a necessary evil that everyone must deal with from time to time. And now it's your turn. But have no fear -- it'll all turn out well.”
That, Bloggie, is my horoscope for the day. Not that my existence depends solely on the alignment of the stars, but the astrologer’s prediction was right on the mark today.
Details here pertain to shoes. I plead no contest to the charge that shoes are kind of the bane of my existence, I mean, over and above clothes, bags, accessories and bath necessities (I think I am addicted to Lush and Body Shop but that’s another story). These are absolute essentials, arguably close to being luxuries for my middle-class sensibilities but they are definitely not staples of vanity…these are a lethal mix…we’re talking bane here so…so, in the event of my involuntary march south of middle class, these are the culprits, ok?…Anyway, where was I?
It must have been the high from knowing some good news from my US employer that suddenly pushed the buttons and set me into a fast and furious housekeeping frenzy.
My eyes automatically took aim at the first casualty of this – how should I call it? – streamlining. You see, Bloggie, Meng’s and my shoes – purchased from 2002 onwards - are neatly strewn (neat and strewn – go figure) all over the place: (a) along the staircase; (b) on the shelf beside the staircase; (c) in my bedroom; (d) on a makeshift four-tier shoestand; and (e) where else, oh where else?
I was a bit daunted but I persevered as I couldn’t contain my sudden obsessive-compulsive need to put some things in order. I stared at the neat pile along the staircase. The shoes in this corner were safe as they were obviously flavors of the month. Now, the shoes stacked in the rest of the areas were a totally different story. Herculean effort is in order, both in terms of deciding which among the horde would be discarded and which would be shipped off to, well, whoever would find use for the used but still fully serviceable pairs. Oh, and I almost forgot to mention that neat hereabouts pertains exclusively to the way the shoes were stored, meaning, a good number of them, being unused for quite some time now, would require a sturdy pair of cleaning hands. I was close to trading places with Hercules.
Here’s why.
It took me the whole day for each pair to be removed from the box/shelf, inventoried, cleaned/dusted, assessed for redundancy, and, for those which passed rigid quality control inspection, returned to the box/shelf. Did I say that by default the boxes and the shelves also needed serious wiping?
I am really driving home my reference to that Greek/Roman hero of extraordinary strength, so here is the register of shoes on which I labored:
(in pairs)
low-cut suede shoes – 3
office shoes (flat) – 5
office shoes (with heels; either closed, open-toed, or with slingback) - 14
boots - 4
flats for walking – 4
shoes for when attending weddings (in satin, silk, or lace) – 4
mary janes - 3
strappy sandals/wedges – 5
sneakers - 7
mojos - 4
slip-ons (flat) - 4
slip-ons (with heels) – 14
slippers (good enough for jeans, skirts, etc) - 12
I leave you the task of adding up the items, Bloggie. (Then I remember a dozen or so pairs which I discarded last year before I worked in Singapore and some other pairs I left behind when I left after ten months.) Okay, take out a quarter from the whole lot because they belong to Meng, and you’d arrive at my share. Which leads me to ask if there’s an anonymous group dealing with this sorry affliction (like Alcoholics Anonymous, Blog Addicts Anonymous….)?
Shoes are the necessary evil that must be dealt with from time to time. That much is true. Although my efforts turned out well, the stars did not grant me immortality, very much unlike what Hera rewarded Hercules for his 12 labors (7 or 12?). But, ordinary mortal that I am, I couldn’t be more proud of my feat.
So. Am I a strong candidate for obsessive-compulsive behavior? Hmm, maybe a few more posts and let's see if I need to hire a psychiatrist. Agree?
But it surely feels good. I feel several pounds lighter. What could be more rewarding than that? I mean, I haven’t heard of a more fight diet regimen where you feel the effect instantaneously.
That, Bloggie, is my horoscope for the day. Not that my existence depends solely on the alignment of the stars, but the astrologer’s prediction was right on the mark today.
Details here pertain to shoes. I plead no contest to the charge that shoes are kind of the bane of my existence, I mean, over and above clothes, bags, accessories and bath necessities (I think I am addicted to Lush and Body Shop but that’s another story). These are absolute essentials, arguably close to being luxuries for my middle-class sensibilities but they are definitely not staples of vanity…these are a lethal mix…we’re talking bane here so…so, in the event of my involuntary march south of middle class, these are the culprits, ok?…Anyway, where was I?
It must have been the high from knowing some good news from my US employer that suddenly pushed the buttons and set me into a fast and furious housekeeping frenzy.
My eyes automatically took aim at the first casualty of this – how should I call it? – streamlining. You see, Bloggie, Meng’s and my shoes – purchased from 2002 onwards - are neatly strewn (neat and strewn – go figure) all over the place: (a) along the staircase; (b) on the shelf beside the staircase; (c) in my bedroom; (d) on a makeshift four-tier shoestand; and (e) where else, oh where else?
I was a bit daunted but I persevered as I couldn’t contain my sudden obsessive-compulsive need to put some things in order. I stared at the neat pile along the staircase. The shoes in this corner were safe as they were obviously flavors of the month. Now, the shoes stacked in the rest of the areas were a totally different story. Herculean effort is in order, both in terms of deciding which among the horde would be discarded and which would be shipped off to, well, whoever would find use for the used but still fully serviceable pairs. Oh, and I almost forgot to mention that neat hereabouts pertains exclusively to the way the shoes were stored, meaning, a good number of them, being unused for quite some time now, would require a sturdy pair of cleaning hands. I was close to trading places with Hercules.
Here’s why.
It took me the whole day for each pair to be removed from the box/shelf, inventoried, cleaned/dusted, assessed for redundancy, and, for those which passed rigid quality control inspection, returned to the box/shelf. Did I say that by default the boxes and the shelves also needed serious wiping?
I am really driving home my reference to that Greek/Roman hero of extraordinary strength, so here is the register of shoes on which I labored:
(in pairs)
low-cut suede shoes – 3
office shoes (flat) – 5
office shoes (with heels; either closed, open-toed, or with slingback) - 14
boots - 4
flats for walking – 4
shoes for when attending weddings (in satin, silk, or lace) – 4
mary janes - 3
strappy sandals/wedges – 5
sneakers - 7
mojos - 4
slip-ons (flat) - 4
slip-ons (with heels) – 14
slippers (good enough for jeans, skirts, etc) - 12
I leave you the task of adding up the items, Bloggie. (Then I remember a dozen or so pairs which I discarded last year before I worked in Singapore and some other pairs I left behind when I left after ten months.) Okay, take out a quarter from the whole lot because they belong to Meng, and you’d arrive at my share. Which leads me to ask if there’s an anonymous group dealing with this sorry affliction (like Alcoholics Anonymous, Blog Addicts Anonymous….)?
Shoes are the necessary evil that must be dealt with from time to time. That much is true. Although my efforts turned out well, the stars did not grant me immortality, very much unlike what Hera rewarded Hercules for his 12 labors (7 or 12?). But, ordinary mortal that I am, I couldn’t be more proud of my feat.
So. Am I a strong candidate for obsessive-compulsive behavior? Hmm, maybe a few more posts and let's see if I need to hire a psychiatrist. Agree?
But it surely feels good. I feel several pounds lighter. What could be more rewarding than that? I mean, I haven’t heard of a more fight diet regimen where you feel the effect instantaneously.
Tuesday, October 25, 2005
Seeing is believing
As I was browsing through my photo blog (or log, whatever), I realized that I treated myself to some good music during the first half of the month. I like seeing and hearing musicians live on stage, basically to see what they're made of and to better appreciate their musicality.
1 October - The CompanY at the CCP Main Theater
I am not really head over heels in awe of this group. In fact, I don't recall ever being an avid follower. Besides, I can only manage a handful of their songs that I like. But, hands down, they are at their best doing a cappella. Then again, I haven't watched a single concert of this group, so...
So the timing could not have been more perfect when Meng told me that The CompanY was having a concert to mark their 20th anniversary (!). Not being a diehard fan herself, I wondered why she was quite eager to watch it. Turned out there was a line-up of formidable guest singers in the concert. Okay...
So off we went, buying tickets at the last minute, somewhat surprised upon finding out that they were almost sold out. I think we'd need binoculars?
Our balcony tickets notwithstanding, we saw and heard them clearly. Thank heavens the venue was an auditorium. The audience were expectedly gushing over old OPM faves - Now That I Have You, Muntik na Kitang Minahal, Pakisabi Na Lang, Baka Ikaw. They even gave Eraserheads' Ang Huling El Bimbo and Viva Hot Babes (?) Bulaklak a funky and jazzy twist. Neat! They were nothing if not versatile that night. Maybe that was their whole point. We got it.
6 October - Catherine Tuttle at the Podium
"..that was Alone by Catherine Tuttle. Catch her tonight at the Podium..." That was all I heard as I flipped the dial to 92.3. In the last few days, I was shifting between 105.1 and 92.3 in the hopes of catching her voice. Talk of miserably bad timing.
Dragging Meng along, we found ourselves mingling with predominantly foreign crowd. A few minutes after settling in our seats, Catherine came up on stage unobtrusively. Only 18 years old, she endeared herself to the crowd with her down to earth manner. She was so unpretentious. Why, in the middle of her performance, she borrowed a pen from the audience, flipped her hair with it, and, voila, an instant hairclip! I even noticed she removed her slip-ons, the wooden sandals presumably preventing her from feeling the rhythm of the piano more accurately. I like her! :)
I am not a critic, Bloggie, but I felt like I was listening to a younger version of Carole King, or Sarah Maclachlan, or Tori Amos even. I bought a copy of her cd (of course!). Turned out she composed all of the tracks except for Rescue Me. Neat!
'Twas good! She was good!
7 October - Mishka Adams at the Podium
I was ecstatic to learn that Mishka would be back by this time (from London) to cap the week-long Candid International Jazz Festival. I longed to see her perform live, longer please.
She's better heard live, her voice so smooth it practically rendered the crowd clamoring for more, more, more! Without a doubt, it helped that Mishka was backed up by equally gifted musicians whose improvisation must have stopped passersby on their tracks, pulled by the force of truly wonderful fusion of sound coming from the instruments.
I was with Meng. Again. Come to think of it, Bloggie, she is very much a sport when it comes to indulging my taste in food, clothes and, yes, music. The events of the preceding days could attest to that. Anyway. She'd heard Mishka before but she was not that, uhh, enthralled by her. I can tell you, Bloggie, that it all changed when she saw and heard her in person. She was positively gushing after a few awkward moment. I told her it was all right as I nudged her to look all around.
I can't wait for her next album.
1 October - The CompanY at the CCP Main Theater
I am not really head over heels in awe of this group. In fact, I don't recall ever being an avid follower. Besides, I can only manage a handful of their songs that I like. But, hands down, they are at their best doing a cappella. Then again, I haven't watched a single concert of this group, so...
So the timing could not have been more perfect when Meng told me that The CompanY was having a concert to mark their 20th anniversary (!). Not being a diehard fan herself, I wondered why she was quite eager to watch it. Turned out there was a line-up of formidable guest singers in the concert. Okay...
So off we went, buying tickets at the last minute, somewhat surprised upon finding out that they were almost sold out. I think we'd need binoculars?
Our balcony tickets notwithstanding, we saw and heard them clearly. Thank heavens the venue was an auditorium. The audience were expectedly gushing over old OPM faves - Now That I Have You, Muntik na Kitang Minahal, Pakisabi Na Lang, Baka Ikaw. They even gave Eraserheads' Ang Huling El Bimbo and Viva Hot Babes (?) Bulaklak a funky and jazzy twist. Neat! They were nothing if not versatile that night. Maybe that was their whole point. We got it.
6 October - Catherine Tuttle at the Podium
"..that was Alone by Catherine Tuttle. Catch her tonight at the Podium..." That was all I heard as I flipped the dial to 92.3. In the last few days, I was shifting between 105.1 and 92.3 in the hopes of catching her voice. Talk of miserably bad timing.
Dragging Meng along, we found ourselves mingling with predominantly foreign crowd. A few minutes after settling in our seats, Catherine came up on stage unobtrusively. Only 18 years old, she endeared herself to the crowd with her down to earth manner. She was so unpretentious. Why, in the middle of her performance, she borrowed a pen from the audience, flipped her hair with it, and, voila, an instant hairclip! I even noticed she removed her slip-ons, the wooden sandals presumably preventing her from feeling the rhythm of the piano more accurately. I like her! :)
I am not a critic, Bloggie, but I felt like I was listening to a younger version of Carole King, or Sarah Maclachlan, or Tori Amos even. I bought a copy of her cd (of course!). Turned out she composed all of the tracks except for Rescue Me. Neat!
'Twas good! She was good!
7 October - Mishka Adams at the Podium
I was ecstatic to learn that Mishka would be back by this time (from London) to cap the week-long Candid International Jazz Festival. I longed to see her perform live, longer please.
She's better heard live, her voice so smooth it practically rendered the crowd clamoring for more, more, more! Without a doubt, it helped that Mishka was backed up by equally gifted musicians whose improvisation must have stopped passersby on their tracks, pulled by the force of truly wonderful fusion of sound coming from the instruments.
I was with Meng. Again. Come to think of it, Bloggie, she is very much a sport when it comes to indulging my taste in food, clothes and, yes, music. The events of the preceding days could attest to that. Anyway. She'd heard Mishka before but she was not that, uhh, enthralled by her. I can tell you, Bloggie, that it all changed when she saw and heard her in person. She was positively gushing after a few awkward moment. I told her it was all right as I nudged her to look all around.
I can't wait for her next album.
Tuesday, October 18, 2005
Running around in circles
My patience is hanging by a very precarious thread.
I thought I should be in San Jose, California by now, working for the "biggest professional services organization in the world". But as Fate (?) would have it, I am still here in the Philippines, taking in more than my share of government bureaucracy. Well, I am p**ing from this diet I am having for close to three months now. Hello!!! It boggles the mind what's taking this government so long to approve the local agency tasked by my new employer to expedite POEA's issuance of the all-too-important Overseas Employent Card.
By the way Bloggie, I do not wish to chronicle the events leading to my clinching the Stars and Stripes job and eventually obtaining an H1B US visa for it...see? That statement was the long and short of it. And I could barely remember the nitty-gritties, anyway.
Lest you think, Bloggie, that I am heaping all the blame on this desperate government, my Big 4 firm also didn't quite get the alternative available to me - and effectively, to them also, right? - as prescribed by the POEA in case the waiting game drags on. Which is that I could just sign the POEA Waiver Form and therefore free Big 4 from any responsibility except those that bind them as per the employent contract. I kept on explaining this alternative to my Big 4 contact through email, then, just now and a couple of days ago, through phone. Her last response went something like their legal department adviced me to wait for the POEA's response and that I should advice them if I took this route because they were not aware of any waiver and its contents if ever I pursued in signing it. Somehow, I kinda expected this response if you know what I mean, Bloggie.
That's why it totally escapes me why they still had that bit about not being responsible for the waiver's contents. If you think about it, Bloggie, I'd end up with the shorter end of the stick. In the midst of its perpetual state of lethargy, I could appreciate POEA in protecting its overseas workers, thus the additional requirements which could confuse foreign employers. With the waiver, the employee (me!) has no choice but to stick with what's in the employent contract. It is THAT simple. It's sign-at-your-own-risk and I fully, fully understand it. The employent contract is super fine with me, anyway. The only thing lacking, as per the POEA, is that thing about repatriation of remains. My salary could afford it, thank you. And I have lots of relatives in California, whatever happens.
What's more exaspirating is that my San Jose contact is aware of my other colleague who resorted to the Waiver Move. Big 4's office in San Francisco, where he'd be posted, approved the idea. He is now waiting for his flight on 24 October. Grrr...
In the end, I know it is just a matter of time. But can I please be spared the runaround? It is never fun.
I thought I should be in San Jose, California by now, working for the "biggest professional services organization in the world". But as Fate (?) would have it, I am still here in the Philippines, taking in more than my share of government bureaucracy. Well, I am p**ing from this diet I am having for close to three months now. Hello!!! It boggles the mind what's taking this government so long to approve the local agency tasked by my new employer to expedite POEA's issuance of the all-too-important Overseas Employent Card.
By the way Bloggie, I do not wish to chronicle the events leading to my clinching the Stars and Stripes job and eventually obtaining an H1B US visa for it...see? That statement was the long and short of it. And I could barely remember the nitty-gritties, anyway.
Lest you think, Bloggie, that I am heaping all the blame on this desperate government, my Big 4 firm also didn't quite get the alternative available to me - and effectively, to them also, right? - as prescribed by the POEA in case the waiting game drags on. Which is that I could just sign the POEA Waiver Form and therefore free Big 4 from any responsibility except those that bind them as per the employent contract. I kept on explaining this alternative to my Big 4 contact through email, then, just now and a couple of days ago, through phone. Her last response went something like their legal department adviced me to wait for the POEA's response and that I should advice them if I took this route because they were not aware of any waiver and its contents if ever I pursued in signing it. Somehow, I kinda expected this response if you know what I mean, Bloggie.
That's why it totally escapes me why they still had that bit about not being responsible for the waiver's contents. If you think about it, Bloggie, I'd end up with the shorter end of the stick. In the midst of its perpetual state of lethargy, I could appreciate POEA in protecting its overseas workers, thus the additional requirements which could confuse foreign employers. With the waiver, the employee (me!) has no choice but to stick with what's in the employent contract. It is THAT simple. It's sign-at-your-own-risk and I fully, fully understand it. The employent contract is super fine with me, anyway. The only thing lacking, as per the POEA, is that thing about repatriation of remains. My salary could afford it, thank you. And I have lots of relatives in California, whatever happens.
What's more exaspirating is that my San Jose contact is aware of my other colleague who resorted to the Waiver Move. Big 4's office in San Francisco, where he'd be posted, approved the idea. He is now waiting for his flight on 24 October. Grrr...
In the end, I know it is just a matter of time. But can I please be spared the runaround? It is never fun.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)