Here's what you've missed on my blog...

I've been productive these past few days. Five days to be exact! I wrote interesting topics everyday and received compliments for each post. Have you read my posts? I'm really eagerly on to this challenge! 38 days to go and I'm on my way to victory!


Okay scratch the filthy lie above.

I won't fool myself, nor you guys. You haven't missed anything on my blog. I miss out on this one. I disappeared. Again. For the third time.

I guess I can't make up for anything. And I can't blame anything or anyone for my shortcoming. Whether I lose or win, It's all me.

And in this game, I lost. And it's all ME.

With that, I close this 60-day blog challenge a failure!
Yes, call me a gracious loser! :)

Mourning in August

Day 17 0f the 60-day blog challenge

A lot of accidents surfaced during this month. The bus which fell on the cliff of Benguet, the death of a former beauty queen, inhumane treatment of a policeman to a suspect which was shown in a video phone, and the latest, the hostage tragedy last night which caused 8 dead innocent tourist and the hostage-taker.

Even in our family, a lot of bad vibes happened in this month. Which is I'm really looking forward to September. A Chinese friend of mine told me that August is a ghost month in the Chinese calendar. I hope there will be no problems coming around anytime soon.

I was in awe last night. I felt really scared and sad and anxious about the hostage crisis. I felt awful for the innocent tourist who just visited our country for vacation. I felt bad towards the wrong decision of Mendoza to hold a hostage, it's as if he'll get his back job by doing so. It's like a real-life drama everyone's watching for every move the policemen will make. It's been live on telecast in different channels even in the international scene like BBC, CNN and Al Jazeera. Once again, the world looked down on us.

How the policemen solved the crime is another story. Too may indecision. They could have just provided media coverage to Mendoza. They could have thought that the confused ex-policeman was watching how they move outside the bus and the capture of his brother triggered his antagonized role. They could have thought how the lives will be saved without bloods shed. They could have done better if they were really prepared for this kind of situation.

By the way, where was PNoy during the crisis? There hasn't been a press conference held during or even before the crisis enden. PNoy spoke 3 hours after the incident. I appreciated ex-president GMA for her efforts of effective communication when she was the chief of the town then. She knew how crisis management should be handled. PNoy did not show good handling of the crisis. And, as he spoke, he threw the blame on the policemen, on the media, on the crowd, but none for his self. He could have been a decisive leader last night if he gave instructions to prioritize saving lives than pride.

Last night, the heavy rain poured. The heaven cried. The earth shed its tears for the loss of precious lives. And there was mourning in August.

Travel tips for the dummies

Day 16 of the 60-day blog challenge

Don't get me wrong. I only had gone to two tourist destinations abroad. I haven't been to more than ten destinations here in he country. I'm no expert but because of the nature of my work, I'm quite accustomed with all the what-to-know-when-traveling tips that will totally save you from inconvenience and delays.

With that, here's the what-about travel tips for the first time passengers, travel junkie, and frequent travelers.

1. Know your necessary travel documents.
   

Be a smart pax. Know what documents you have to have when traveling abroad. Do not throw all the responsibility in the airline. You should be responsible and knowledgeable because it's for your own cause. Know if your destination needs visa or transit visa. If you're spouse is a holder of a resident card abroad, you still need a visa to get there. One time we had a passenger who doesn't hold any visa because she said her husband is a resident of Barcelona. She just showed their marriage certificate. Unfortunately she was refused. For visas, know its type and which one should you have. Transit visa, entry visa, working visa, etc. Some countries like Israel require an entry visa and a working visa for OFW's. While some country like Peru, requires none but official passport. For reliable information, google is the best teacher.

• Know your document's validity.

Almost everyday we encounter passengers who do not read their visa. If you have one, check the 'valid from' and 'valid until' date. Many got refused because they show up in the airport with their packed bags albeit their visa is not yet valid. Important note: you can only use your visa on the day that it is valid until it will be. Another tip, if you've booked a trip with your travel agency, make sure the period of your journey fits the allowable number of days in your visa. If your maximum stay is for 30 days, make sure you go back before the 30th day of your vacation because if not, you have to rebook your flight on the day of your departure and will have to pay for that. Also, you have to know if your visa is valid for 1-2-entries or multiple entries because if not, you can't use it anymore.

• Know your baggage allowance.

Please, please, please. After confirming your reservation, be smart enough to ask questions like for example, your baggage allowance. Everyday, I repeat, as in everyday, the line in the baggage counter gets congested because of passengers with excess baggage. Save yourself from the hassle of repacking or paying for heavy fee by simply asking the airline your baggage allowance. Some destinations are in weight concept while others are in piece concept. If your baggage allowance only allows you 30 kilograms, make it 30 or less than but not more than. For piece concept, you are only allowed 23 kgs for that and any excess weight or extra luggage will be charged for heavy fee and extra piece fee. I don't know how much it would cost you in other airlines but in us, it's 100 USD for heavy fee. Imagine how much money you can save for shopping and pasalubong rather than paying for your oversize or overweight luggage. Also, ask information regarding your carry-on luggage. Some airlines allow 7, 10, or 12 kgs. What's important is it must fit on your overhead compartment or underneath your seat. Also, keep your liquid items like perfume, shampoo, and other toiletries in a zip lock and put it in your check-in luggage, not in your hand carry bags. As one passenger told me, "We don't need everything so why bring many?" Bring only what you really need.

• Bring extra cash.

The other day, a passenger was asking for help because she lacks money to pay for the airport tax. What if you're very hungry and the flight was delayed? What if you have to pay for some taxes? You can't just say that you have no money because if you tell it to the immigration officers, they'll show no mercy and you might be offloaded. Save yourself travelers. For Philippine passport holders and even for resident card holders abroad, you need to pay for travel tax if your ticket is issued abroad. For the airport tax, everyone has to pay for the terminal fee. Always bring extra cash with you. All.the.time.

• Keep company outside the airport

It's best to ask your relatives to stay outside the airport until you reach the gate holding area of your airline or better until the flight departs. You just don't know that you need someone around not until in cases like you have to hand over to them your excess items that you need to pull out, or if you need some cash to pay for taxes or to buy food or worst if the flight is canceled. People is better than no people at all.

• Avail mileage programs

Make use of your airlines' mileage programs. It can do wonders in your future trips like upgrades or you can even use it in lieu of paying excess bags or other stuff. The longer you've been traveling with the airline of your preference, the bigger mileage points you'll earn. For example, we had passengers, sea farers to be exact, who were upgraded to business class because of their heightened miles. That's like a good steal right? Ask for your airlines' mileage program and enroll yourself in it.


So that's a wrap for my travel tips. Don't be afraid to ask questions. Make sure you are prepared for everything before your departure date. Research and inquire. These two words are your best friend for a hassle-free flight. I hope this helps somehow. Bon voyage!

Everything's gonna be alright!

Day 16 of the 60-day blog challenge

That' what I'd like to hold on for now. I don't want to disclose what's happening right now to us but I'm asking for your prayers.

Yesterday, Jeff slept here at home. Papa was glad he came over. We had merienda, dinner, and breakfast together. We hugged and kissed all the time I can and I just have to say that I miss him sooo much!

I miss him already now. Sorry for this non-sense blahs. I'm too tired from work and other stuff. I promise to write good stuff tomorrow. Good night folks!

Ooppsss!

Day 15 of the 60-day blog challenge


Okay so I did not post again. But err, the internet died, again! but I typed this in my notepad while I'm still sane from tonight's night out with friends.

For today, I went to school to pick up our yearbook and to meet up with my friends. After work I went back to Dasma. The school is a lot different just months ago. The gate has become techie with their ID swipe system. Yep, our ID's before have bar codes but we only use them in the library and the electronic resource system. The school cafeteria is cozy and nice. The school book store looks professional and the Hotel de Oriente is just first class. I haven't toured around the hotel but the facade is mesmerizing albeit its bland colors.

Too much of La Salle's new feats, what made me this day really special was the meet up with my college buddies. Unfortunately, only Marco, Pia, Milli, and Beiah showed up. Jay has something to do and Fila is still in Cebu. I miss everyone. Gretl, Pia, Ruby, Marco, Fila, Le, Milli and Jay. I miss the crazy gang who'll laugh with our stupid ideas and work together as a group. I just wonder when will it happen that we will reunite and be all present? Sigh.

Anyways, Milli, Marco, Pia and I ate out after we got our yearbook. The yearbook is nice actually. It was lightning fast! The previous batches took more than a year to see their year book but we were so lucky it only took us five months after graduation. After our dinner, we have to drink of course! Hee! I bailed out not too late because Papa was asking me to come home early, err, he always does that. In short, BITIN!

We're looking forward to birthday celebration! So excited! :)

Shoooooo! Go away!

Day 14 of the 60-day blog challenge

Dear God,

I am writing to you (and praying at the same time) to express my gratefulness for keeping this family safe no matter what. We have realized that we have been to far from you and we apologize for that. From now on, I will insist on keeping our old family values and push ourselves closer to you.

Please, please, always keep my family safe from harm especially my sister. I am asking for your kindness that you will look after her and never let her near any harm. Please send her angels to guide and protect her. Guide us Lord God, protect us from the evil.

With all your glory we thank you and praise you up there. Thank you God.

Sincerely,

Your retrieved lamb.

Grounded

Day 13 0f the 60-day blog challenge


I'm grounding this blog as of today. Sorry I can't post something worthy. Something has happened and I can't disclose it here.

Please pray for us. Much thanks.

To the best Father in the whole wide world!

Day 12 of the 60-day blog challenge

May you continue to be a loving son and remembering brother...

The husband who made my Mama the happiest wife in the world...


The provider and educator who made us siblings grew up responsible...

The Father who did not give me what I want but gave everything I needed...

The only alpha in the family who protected and cared all the girls in your life...

The Lolo who spoils Shannen all the love in the world...

And most especially...

Please continue to be the fun and lively man as you are always...

The most dramatic and emotional Father I've grown up to...

And the groovy Papa and Lolo Papa you've been to us throughout your 40 years and for the years to come.


Happy 46th birthday Papa. To say I love you is an understatement.
But I'll say it anyway, anytime, anywhere. I love you to the core!

Hello and goodbye

Day 11 of the 60-day blog challenge

I'm supposed to write a different topic tonight. But due to what' s happening as of the moment I just feel like blogging what my heart shouts.

I meet a lot of people everyday in the airport. Pinoy. Dutch. French. German. Spanish. Brazilian. Italian. A lot of man. I just say hello to them and bid goodbye when they board the aircraft. I kinda like the feeling because I know them yet there's no string attached. I don't have to exert extra effort to maintain good relationship with them. I don't have to worry about petty misunderstandings and nurture friendship more. I say hello and goodbye not later than 5 minutes. I don't lose anything because I don't have them. Yes, I can be anti-social at times.

Now, I love my work because I love the workplace and the people in it. They are fun, spontaneous, professional, and free-spirited. We are a team. We work hard and play harder. We try to know each other and care for one and all. More than a team, I feel like we're a family.

So when someone's saying goodbye, I feel sad because we will lose one happy soul in the family.

Our lost is your gain. Good luck Albee. See you in the sky. You will surely be missed. I love you.


PS. I think I'll feel exactly what you're going through right now when 'that' time comes. :(

Not just another manic Monday (because it was a rest day!)

Day 10 of the 60-day blog challenge.

How did you spend your Monday?

I spent it by waking up so late, around 10 in the morning. I made my bed, got up, and ate tortang giniling and golden fried rice cooked by my Mom. While enjoying home-cooked breakfast, I was listening to Barbara Streisand's greatest hits like Woman in love, I finally found someone, People, and You don't bring me flowers as played by Mama.

Papa, Mama and I are eating, in the same table, at the same time. I felt like it's been years since we had breakfast together. We chatted our lives off, told them some progress about my application, while they were giving me advices at work. Papa blurted out, "Masaya na ako kasi nagbunga ang pinaghirapan namin, hindi nasayang." I don't want to be sentimental that early so I just smiled. And in my mind, I was very overwhelmed. I told them what my plans are when I'm working abroad. I just want the best for my parents, my family. I already had the plans drawn.

This afternoon, I watched Kick-Ass. Oh, I know I'm tons late to react but I'd just like to say that it's so damn good. And to say that is an understatement. I have new favorite super heroes, Kick-Ass and Hit Girl. Poor thing Big Daddy died but it always happens, the good ones die early, and yes it sells!

Tomorrow I'm off to work again. And it seems like it'll take longer than I expected for my 'new work' to ask me to bid adieu to my KLM family. Patience dear, God knows the right time for everything.

Have a good week folks!

Gimme back my Sundays!

Day 9 of the 60-day blog challenge.

See, I enjoy my job. Time flies so fast. Adrenaline rush drives me to go beyond my limit. I meet a lot of people from different places all over the world everyday. I wake up, work, eat, go home, and work doesn't follow me nor bothers me when I'm around the house.

Perhaps the only thing I don't like about my work is that I work every weekends. I take my off at work every weekdays. Mondays to be exact. Sometimes, I feel sad that everyone is in their house taking their day's off in a Sabbath day while I have to get up from my sweet slumber and work my ass off. Boo.

Today, I spent my Sunday, well of course at work, and went to mass in the evening with Papa, Ate Ghelai, Sherwin, and their adorable kid Shannen. I was so sleepy and dizzy but I was the one who suggested Pop to go to the church so I have to walk my talk no matter what. Besides, I was having a bad day at work and I figured it's the exact place to go for my retreat. Plus, I owe Him lots of thank you prayers.

I miss my Sundays. There's a lot of things I used to do before, especially during Sundays. I used to have so much time during weekends. Sunday is a family day. When we were young and whinny, my parents used to take us to the church every Sunday and have dinner at Jollibee or McDonalds after wards.

When we were still in Manila, we used to go to a very cozy pancake house (it's beside Sta. Cruz church) after the mass where I play with the statue horses while I lick maple syrup on my fingers. I miss my childhood days when my parents used to have more time for us. I guess the more you grow up and the more responsibilities you have, the less time for pleasure or even some time off from serious stuff. Since my parents started paying college tuition, we seldom go to church.

Back to my hullabaloo, after church we ordered food in McDonalds and took it to eat at home. Today was a bitter sweet day. Again, thank you God for the blessing. I wish you'll add more blessing by giving back my weekends' off. Or I just have to wait until the end of the month for a whole week of rest in preparation for 'that'. :)

Now, I'm off to hug my bed. Good night everyone. Sweet dreams. Don't let the bed bugs bite. Zzzzz.

Thank YOU!

Day 8 of the 60-day blog challenge

Dear God,

I am blessed by your love. You have been very good for me this week. And I know haven't been good for most of my life. I could not think of any word to say but thank you and I love you. I've been confused, happy, scared, and thankful. I've been discreet with a lot of things lately because I just want to be sure before I tell the people around me. And you've been just so right and supportive of my actions. You guided me, blessed me, and made me feel that everything was worth it all the while I feel unworthy of all of these. How can you be so gracious and giving? How can you make me realize that dreams can come true, and that they do come true.

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

I praise you with everything that's happening in my life. And with all the blessings I give you back my love.

Amen.


(PS. I will blog about everything, soon :)

Back to regular programming

Yes. I am not finished. I did not cease the challenge. I did not waive the white flag. Although I broke the challenge (yes, and defeated myself) that won't stop me for continuing it the second time around.

While our internet connection was broken, I already have topics for my daily blog. I have thought of posting all my blogs one at a time but that is just synonymous to cheating. I won't be honest to myself and my friends and my readers (if there are any).

I have also thought of starting from day 1. But what if our broadband died again? Will I start again from scratch? That won't allow me to finish this challenge. Hee!

And so, I've just decided to stay faithful on this challenge and continue from where I stopped.
I'm really crossing my fingers this time.

So I haven't blogged for 3 days...

Shoot! I broke the challenge. I disappeared for three days. I disappointed myself.

Technically, it wasn't my fault at all. Our internet connection died for three days. I could have gone to a computer shop and continue my daily blog but I was so tired, dead tired, not because of work but due to something I could not tell at this moment.

I only have five words for myself: I'm such a gracious loser. Enough said.

Have you read the August issue of OK! magazine?

Day 7 of the 60-day blog challenge



Friends, make sure to get a copy of OK!'s August issue. I personally think this issue is packed with the latest deets in Hollywood's finest. Also, the fashion and beauty features are amazing. OK! really knows how to make their readers equally beautiful with Tinseltown's jewels. I adored the cover story which feats Hollywood's cutest tots and how their parents manage to raise them in their weird and crazy world. Of course, with the paparazzi's around. Now who doesn't love Suri eh?

oh and by the way, if you just zoom your eyes to the image above, you can see the subtitle which says Lindsay Lohan sent to prison. Yep, I wrote that. :)

So please, please, please...grab a copy now! Thanks!

Wisdom for today

Day 6 of the 60-day blog challenge.

It's the first weekend of the month. Hooray! I wasn't crossed to SQ today so after our flight, I headed to the lounge to knock off. I could not sleep. Good thing I brought my sister's stash of magazines from home and decided to read it as I was killing time.

While reading, I felt like I hit a sore spot. Yes. Yes. Yes. I miss the magazine. I miss working for Cosmo. I miss my creative juices working for OK! I miss the Summit Media office. I miss my editors most especially in OK! mag.

See, I have a problem. I'm a graduate of broadcast journalism. I have dreams of swinging the ropes of media, may it be in TV, radio, or magazine. I have always pictured myself working for it. But after graduation, I wanted to take some time off. I wanted to take a break because I felt like I grew tired of writing. I felt like my eye bags grew tired of my sleepless nights due to productions and editing. I felt like my body grew tired of the stress, the deadlines, and demanding production matters. And so I took a detour. But I know that deep inside my heart of hearts, writing still runs in my blood.

Maybe I'm just not into it, right now. Like a man who's been loyal to his first love but felt something like he's never experienced before, with another woman.

As what I was saying, I stumbled upon a magnificent wisdom while reading. And it perfectly defines what shall I do and feel about my present condition.

As my editor in my OJT days put it, "We encourage you to own the changes in your life- bitter or sweet- and use them to make your life more amazing. We believe in the power of makeovers. They can pluck you out of being boring, depressed, or ordinary, and make you fun, fearless, and fantastic."

I was really inspired with this part. To be honest, I am indifferent to where I am right now. I am somewhere in between of sad and happy but not as lovely as what I felt when I was in media. However, I won't let my sadness eat my abilities. I'll make this change work for me. I'll make myself a best person out of this work, which I neither love or hate. I'll make this work to make myself amazing, fun, fearless, and fantastic.


Here's to all fantastic women who can pull everything off despite and inspite of!

Ouch!

Day 5 of the 60-day blog challenge.

Today is not my day, I'd like to say so. Here's a series of unfortunate events that happened to me today.

1. I didn't hear my alarm clock went off hence I arrived late at work.

2. I fell off the bus. As in literally, I stepped on the wrong stair as I get off the bus and then, boom, I fell. With my elbows on the floor, I stood up and said "I'm okay, I'm okay." And then I quietly walk inside the airport. That's a great way to start my day. Gah.

3. "That depressing news". I hope I can achieve my goal one day. I just thrive in the idea that God has better plans in store for me. Patience. Hope, dear.

4. I conditioned myself to eat ice cream after lunch. I was yearning for it. I fell in line for the ice cream and just when it was my turn, there were no ice cream on the stands. I was in front of the line and there was none left. No more.

5. I left my umbrella at home. And it was raining this afternoon. You already know what happened next.

6. As I arrived home, Papa was mad. He was a lose cannon. His blood pressure skyrocketed again because he was worried of me. Yep, I'll always be a baby. I did not say a word. I let him cool down.

7. I'm tired. Working but underpaid. All bruised up. Fat. Frustrated. And worst, broke.

Oh well, it's true that when it rains, it pours. Good night. I hope to see the rainbow tomorrow when I wake up.

My t op five pica-pica (road trip edition)

Day 4 of the 60-day blog challenge

If you live in the South and you work in the city, you and I probably get tired of the same thing everyday; traffic and commute.

I've tried moving out of our house and living near my workplace but it didn't work out for me. I miss home. I miss my parents, sisters, my niece and my Lola. I miss my bed. I haven't gotten a sound sleep, except for days when I'm dead tired. I miss the overflowing food and all the values made from home. I guess I'm not yet ready to live on my own.

Anyhoo, the estimated travel tive from Manila to Cavite is 1 hour and 30 minutes, without the traffic. But when the streets get infested with dreadful traffic, commuters spend 2 hours or more. During this span of time, everyone gets bored and hot tempered. As for me, I get irritated and hungry. Everytime I get stuck in the traffic, I always pray that some takatak boys will show up in the bus and sell me some snacks to munch on. Chips, biscuits, candies...with their persuasive voices, you're sure to buy something to save yourself from the crazy traffic.

With that, here's my top 5 pica-picas.

5. Empanada
This is just new in the road market, I think. On my way to Cavite, there's only one man who sells empanada and I seldom get the chance to encounter him. I don't know his name so I'd like to call him Kuya Joe. But every time I hear him say "Empanada, bagong luto, mainit pa," (Yep, I know his famous line) I wake up from my slumber and grab some ham and cheese empanada for my tummy.Okay, so Kuya Joe's empanada comes in two flavors, ham and cheese and chicken empanada. I prefer the first one. With just an affordable price, 12 pesos, Kuya Joe's empanada is filled with chopped ham and melted cheese. Yum!

4. Green peas and cornick
If siopao is for dinuguan and tuyo is for champorado, then green peas is for cornick. These two contemplate well each other and has been a staple on birthday parties and inuman session. On the road, I like Boy Bawang and Ding Dong. Crunchy and salty, so much yum to munch on. I just wish I can also have a can or two of beer while on the road, stuck in traffic, on a rainy day. Haha!

3. Chips
Who doesn't love chips? It's fun and can take away your bore. Piattos, Nova, Chippy, Marty's, Pillows, Roller coaster, Tortillos and a lot to mention.

2. Mani/ Peanut
Mani is a classic pica-pica. Boiled or stir-fried, it's always a blockbuster. I have seen so many variations of mani; from peanut brittle, kasoy mani, mani na hubad, mani with balat, mani na sinangag, and of course nilagang mani. As for me, I want my nuts hot and naked! (No pun intended, go figure) :) Need not to say more because mani is every Pinoy's favorite.

1. Kropek/ Fish cracker
I don't know what kropek or fish cracker is made of but I really really love the taste of it. I'm addicted to it since I was young. Whenever we pass by on vendors selling kropek, I make sure I'll get my own plastic bag of fish crackers. Up to my OJT days and as of this time, kropek is still my personal favorite. I prefer it without vinegar and I can finish one bag in one sitting, without sharing it to my friends. Hee.


How about you? What's your favorite pica-pica?

Four years...and beyond!

Day 3 of the 60-day blog challenge.

As you can see from my previous post, I was struggling to blog so as not to break the challenge. Forgive me for the non-sense blahs, incorrect spelling and, some wrong grammar on the sides. Hee.

Yep, yesterday was our anniversary. Yok Han and I celebrated our 4th year of being a couple without a bouquet of roses, no fancy dinner in an expensive restaurant and without exchange gifts. Yes, I am not happy to say that we are both broke. This is the truth. But I am not ashamed neither. It always happen to someone's life wherein he only has a few in his pocket but so much in his heart.

Surprisingly, we had a meaningful celebration. See, if you just have gotten out of a fight and you'll be celebrating your anniversary anytime soon, you'll feel like you've survived a big hurdle on your road. Yok Han and I attended mass. We prayed for the blessings God gave us, for the courage He provided us to continuously put up with each other, and the love He's giving us. We really felt thankful for the past four years we've been together. We fought, cried, made up, learned, and laughed with each other. We prayed that God will continue to guide us throughout the years to come. It's unexplainable, but when you can tell just by the look in his eyes, the touch of his hands, the warmth of his hug, and the sweetness of his kiss that he's the one you want, and love, and cherish, you'll pray to God for that love to last. You would want the universe to conspire with your love, to make your world as one and, to make each day shine with your love. And that's exactly what I did.

After mass, Yok Han and I ate out. We feasted our starved stomachs in El Pollo Loco, known for its crazy Mexican chicken. I must say their crunchy beef taco was delicioso! Yok han finished his meal and gave up with the burrito, hee. :) We went home, gave each other body massage, sang our hearts out, and chatted the night away.

You were there when I hit rock bottom and when I was on top of the rainbow. Now, I want to be the person who'll fill your dreams and make it all come true. I can't promise sunshine and butterflies, and lullabies. I know my game plan has always been rough and not steady, but if you will just stay with me until the end, I'll promise you that our journey through life is all worth risking.

Happy 4 years of love, understanding, patience, happiness, and life. I love you to the core!

Here's a picture of us during our summer in Venetian, Macau.
The gondolier said a couple should kiss under
the bridge for good luck!
I bet this kiss will bring us all the luck in the world eh? :)
I love you, ever mine, ever ours.

happy anniversary

Day 2 of the 60-day blog challenge

this is my third attempt of using my colleaugues phone to make a post. I actually harrassed her so i can use her phone to post thru wifi here in the airport. Gee, the stuff i do for my challenge. This just proves im all out for it. Forgive me for the uncapitalized nouns and pronouns and punctuation marks. Im really trying my best here to blog so as nOt to break my challenge.

Gee. O,h its our fourth anniversary. Im so happy. Meanwhile, i got to bounce

There's something about Charice

First day of the 60-day blog challenge.

For today, I haven't done anything except for two things; eating and sleeping. Today's my off so I might as well eat and sleep and eat and sleep to keep my sanity on its normal level.

By now, I know everybody know's Charice biggest break ever. Yes, our very own 18-year old Charice Pempengco, whose killer vocals amazed the world, is going to star on Glee. Isn't that fantabulous? When I learned about it, and when Charice confirmed that, I was like "Shocks, Charice is going to star on Glee. Singing with Rachel and Finn. Oh my God." I was so envious. Heee. :)

Yes, you are seeing it right. I am with no other than Charice! :)

The picture above was taken back during my OJT days in Cosmo magazine. I helped out on the photo shoot that day for the Fun fearless female awardees of Cosmo and Charice was included on the list. Vis-a-vis, I can't believe that our home grown talent is turning 18 then. I still saw her as that child who didn't win the singing contest in ABS-CBN. But that didn't stop her from pursuing her goal. Soon enough she conquered YouTube, The Ellen Degeneres show, Oprah and a lot to mention. In short, she became an international hit.

Well, I can attest that she really deserves it. She is a star. Charice was very professional. I know she was so tired from chains of concerts abroad but during that photo shoot for Cosmo, she was so energetic and so much fun to be with. I remember how giggly she was. It was a back to back photoshoot with two of Summit Media's mags, Candy and Cosmo. When it was Cosmo's turn, we can't see any trace of laziness and primadonna attitude. The shoot was like a mini concert. Charice was singing and dancing and immitating Beyonce and we were like the members of her fan clubs enjoying her litle private show. Charice was such a real diva. Her voice was magnificent. Even if the time has exceeded for the shoot, we didn't hear anything from her. Of course her manager and mother reminded us from time to time and we did expedite the whole thing. I was listening from her manager's stories and when I learned how hectic Charice's schedule was, oh I felt lucky how easy as a breeze my life was. Yes, it pays to be famous.

Oh well, I'm anything but excited. I'm very happy and proud for Charice and for our country. Another Filipino talent wowed the world. Another Filipino proves the world how ingeniuous and talented we are. Go Charice! I'm so proud of you, and so our countrymen. Mabuhay ka!

FYI, you can see the behind the scenes of the photo shoot here. Browse the gallery and scroll to the two last pictures and tada, there I was. Yes it's me. :)

Bring it on: The 60-day blog challenge

Aside from mandatory tasks and college education, I've never finished something I've actually planned to accomplish. Like, finishing a novel. I actually had the title, the introduction, and the end of the story, but the connecting plot is still in the mountains. In fact I've never started anything out of sheer enthusiasm, like collecting a series of books and reading all of them, engaging myself in music for a long time, downloading movies and writing reviews about it and the like. I've never been a fan or an avid collector of sorts. And sometimes I feel not normal for not having such gusto for something. I admire my friend, Jayjay, who's an enthusiast of the reality show Survivor. He's such a fan of the show he memorizes by heart every character of each season. I reiterate, every person in every season including their personality, issues, dilemmas and who won or did not. I wish to be that kind of person one day.

Months ago before I started working, I've seen the movie Julie and Julia. A true to life film starred by two of my favorite Hollywood actresses, Meryl Streep and Amy Adams. The story is about Julie Powell, a blogger, who like I, would want to finish everything she has started. Julie is into cooking and her favorite cook was Julia Child, the pioneer of French cooking. She then decided to challenge herself and cook all of Julia's dish and blog it all off. She called it the Julie/Julia project. For 365 days, she will be cooking 365 dishes. And dis she ever!



I was inspired with that film and have thought, I can do that too! I've also been following a blog of my editor's (Yep, I spent my internship in publishing and Oh, I miss every moment of it) friend. She has this 30-day blog challenge and I must say, I was pretty inspired of the act.

And so, tan-ta-ra-ran...I am challenging myself to do a version of Julie Powell and NY minute's blog. Mine is, uhm, a 60-day blog challenge. A note to myself for the mechanics.

1. Do not open email or any social networking sites, not unless I'm finish writing my blog for the day.
2. Write according to my heart and brain.
3. Each topic should relate values. Okay this sounds really boring. Just write Anything from dusk 'til dawn. Period.
4. No complaining.
5. And lastly, never ever miss a day.


I'm really hoping to finish this, because if not. This just proves that I can't handle self-discipline. So help me God. Cross fingers. :)