*magical (temporarily under construction)

Call me lazy or aimless. I just want a break - a break that won't go to waste!

2009-10-16T10:40:00.005+08:00

Now that I'm soon to be officially unemployed, the most-asked question to me is, 'Anong plano mo after?', which always leaves me in silence. Honestly, I don't know the answer to that. Blame it on the 'bahala na' attitude. Call me lazy or aimless. Or just look at me with that 'holier-than-thou-I'm-so-much-more-responsible-than-you' look.

The truth is, I just want to rest and I'd like to think that I deserve that considering that I worked right after graduation. True, that was my decision and nobody or nothing forced me to make that but things have to happen, right? I had to work right after getting my diploma and learn things in life which my dear alma mater did not prepare me for [more on that in another blog entry, else I risk making this into a long-winding reflection about life and its complexities].

But my 'rest period' is not simply living the life of a bum. Oh no, I wouldn't want that. Knowing myself, I'm bound to get keyed up after a week. So here I am attempting to list down things I am supposed to accomplish while 'on break'.

1. Revive AvantGardia Online and look into other possibilities for its expansion :D

2. Lose 5 pounds. Seriously, people who know me from my high school days always look at me with that 'Whatever-happened-to-you-and-you-look-like-a-blimp-now' look masked with a polite smile. It's getting to be too annoying.

3. Get into jewelry-making. It's one of my favorite hobbies so why not pursue it now that I will be having more time in my hands.

4. Sideline, sideline, sideline. I cannot emphasize that more.

5. My own Personalized 2009 planner! :-)

6. Fix my thesis! And try to make it more useful, haha.

7. Get my voter's ID (yeah, duh), SSS and TIN # plus a valid ID!

8. Go to a make-up workshop. LOL! Pangarap ko kasi maging make-up artist, right? :p

9. Declutter my desktop PC!

10. Destash my closet and give away/sell some.

11. Learn web designing. Yay! I'm very excited about this :)

12. Open another bank account. I seriously need to manage my finances better!

Mad Dash

2009-09-24T11:30:00.002+08:00

Finally got my packages yesterday! But this means I'm going to be in a mad dash to finish my jewelry pieces in time for the exhibit on Saturday. Good luck to me, more nights of lesser sleep ahead! :p

But though I'm missing out on my beauty sleep, this is a very rewarding hobby. I just love it, it gives me a different sense of excitement. I actually feel like how a kid feels upon entering a candy shop haha.

Anyways, above is a picture of my first creation (which I am actually wearing today heehee). It is a combination of freshwater pearls, rose quartz, two-toned majorica pearls and abalon shells.

This Week's Beauty Haul

2009-09-11T22:35:00.001+08:00

This week is a happy beauty week for me as I got a LOT of beauty haul :D

Sorry, limited pictures because I'm too lazy haha!

Because of my limited budget at present as well as wanting to practice my makeup skills, I've gone back to local brands of cosmetics. (more affordable=more variety=pwede pang-practice)

These are what made me happy this week:

- Fanny Serrano Concealer in Sand

- Fanny Serrano Blush in Silky Coral (yes, the much talked-about dupe of NARS' Orgasm)

- Ever Bilena Face Brush

- Ever Bilena Brush Set

- Nichido Girls Night Out Eyeliner in Metal Blue

- Nichido Eyeliner in Brown Black

Just to cap off the week fabulously, my mum brought me back these goodies from her HK trip :D

Ocher Essence Mask - whee!

Nail Polish from Arezia - I tested all the colors last night and they're all fabulous!

Love the grape (4th from left) and dark blue (beside grape) shade. :-)

Getting 'Slashed'

2009-09-11T10:54:00.005+08:00

I've heard stories of women getting their bags slashed in public places but like the popular majority, I'm lulled into complacency by my "It-cannot-happen-to-me" thinking. And so this morning, I got the shock of my life.

My favorite everyday, "I'll bring my house with me everywhere" bag

from Girbaud

I was fixing my things in my bag in hope of restoring some order inside it. When I emptied the side pocket, I was so shocked to see that the bottom part of the pocket was practically ripped off! *panic* My first thought was, 'did I put way too much weight in the pocket?' but that doesn't really make sense because all it contained was a small bottle of baby powder and perfume. Next thought, 'sumabit ba kaya napunit?'

I turned the bag over and lo! Another shocker for me. The bottom part was slashed! Yep, read it right - slashed.

I simply can't believe it. :-( It's just a bag, yes, but it's one of my favorites and I bought it with my own salary. I haven't even used it for a year :'( Very depressing and traumatizing for me. :-(

On a happier note (trying to be positive): There's this super nice bag I saw yesterday. Thinking if I'll buy it as a birthday present for myself. (BUT it's sort of expensive for me)

"One Thousand Things I Want in a Lover"

2009-08-28T16:39:00.002+08:00

One Thousand Things I Want in a Lover - sounds like a tall order but this has been an effort by a lot of people in the blogging community. You may read it here.

Pumili ako ng iilang may 'tama' para sa akin

- "Someone who won’t mind my indecisiveness about the littlest things."

- "Someone who is willing enough to wait while I shop all day long."\

- "Someone who will stay up extremely late with me when I am working and need another person to keep me sane."

- "Someone who makes my heart sink everytime they smile."

- "Someone who makes me wake up smiling for no reason at all."

- "Someone to lay under the stars and watch fireworks with." (parang sa You Changed My Life lang )

- "Someone who will hold an umbrella for me when it’s raining."

- "Someone who will guide me through a crowd with their hand in the small of my back."

- "Someone who will carry my bags when I go shopping."

- "Someone I could never hate no matter what unfolds between us."

- "Someone who also dreams of having a perfect marriage after a perfect wedding."

- "Someone who isn’t afraid to wipe away my tears."

- "Someone who will hold my hand and then smile when I look at them in wonder."

Magic.

2009-08-24T22:15:00.002+08:00

Despite BAD VIBES, I refuse to end this day in a sour note.

"MAGIC. When our eyes meet and your smile meets mine. When I can practically hear the thumb-thumping of my heart because every gaze of yours makes me feel alive."

2009-08-24T21:32:00.002+08:00

What is it with people who are stubborn and makulit???

You just had to end this day horribly.

Thank you very much.

Another Winner Buy from The Body Shop: Olive Oil Dry Mist

2009-08-23T22:28:00.004+08:00

My sister is witness to my addiction and newfound devotion to The Body Shop despite its products being a tad too pricey at times. I love the salesladies there, they're generally very nice and accomodating all the time. The atmosphere is also a plus - entering a store always feels like stepping in a well-maintained flower garden.

My most recent winner buy at The Body Shop is the Olive Dry Oil Mist. I've always been skeptical of oil mists feeling that it will be too 'oily' for me and that it will feel all greasy at the end of the day.

But the huge discount was enough to convince me to try it. I'd say it was a good decision on my part. :) It's totally non-greasy, is absorbed quickly (just make sure you apply it on slightly damp skin right after you shower) and has a pleasant but not overpowering smell. It's light moisturization though so don't expect super-soft skin. Nonetheless, it will give one smooth and soft skin.

It's on 40% off until the end of August, if I have it right. So yay! Time to buy one for yourself. At 450 a bottle, what do you have to lose? :)

Another Life Lesson: Someone you judge too quickly just might surprise you in the future

2009-06-19T16:59:00.003+08:00

"Don't judge my brother; he's not a book!"

- Melanie Marquez

Remember when the Queen of Melanisms herself, Melanie Marquez, uttered this infamous line? Well, it may appear to have some truth to it. Not that a person is not a book (d'oh!) but that we should not (immediately) judge a person - that person you judge may just surprise you one day.

Yes, that's exactly what happened to me.

Well...maybe I judged someone too quickly in the past and that person just surprised me - in a pleasant way.

So the next time I'm about to judge someone too quickly, I ought to tell myself that that person just might surprise me in a good way in the future. Kindness, after all, is a golden trait. Hihi. :P

Product Review: The Body Shop Divide and Multiply mascara

2009-06-17T14:59:00.004+08:00

In one of my 'in the mood for shopping' days, I went to The Body Shop to finally get myself a bottle of the White Musk EDT.

I liked the scent so much that I bought a starter kit of the White Musk line. The pouch that came with was too cute as well. :-)

As I was about to pay for it, the sales assistant offered me the Love Your Body card which will give me member discounts and other privileges. Well, let's just say I wasn't too keen on that. But I eventually got one, anyways haha. What clinched the deal is the welcome gift - a lip gloss and mascara. Haha! For 300 pesos, I get a lip gloss and a mascara, not bad!

Thus starts my love affair with The Body Shop's Divide and Multiply mascara.

What I love:

- nifty packaging; small tube and will fit most pouches

- fine wand; the fineness separates the lashes well, yay!

- no clumping! yay :D

- a single coat gives a polished look; a second coat spells glamour

What I don't like:

- sometimes it can smear a bit :( (at the end of the day)

- on its own, it doesn't do wonders for short, sparse lashes (which I have); what I do is swipe a single coat of this then use Maybelline mascara for the tips. It doesn't look miraculous but it gives me some semblance of eyelashes haha!

Will post pics next time when I have time to take some after doing my make-up :-P

Product to try: Maybelline Angel Fit Pore Zero Base

2009-06-16T17:12:00.005+08:00

Lookie what Cozy.Cot sent to my email :p

Now this just made me add another item in my 'to-buy' list. I've always been a fan of Maybelline stuff especially because the quality is not compromised even as the cost of items is lowered down. I especially love their mascaras - effective yet affordable! And because I am a beauty junkie, I will be waiting for this product to arrive here in the Philippines (if it is not here already). :-)

Cheaper meds, please.

2009-06-16T15:53:00.002+08:00

“Gloria, unahin mo ang taumbayan. Matagal mo na silang tinatalikuran. Patunayan mo ngayon ang iyong pangakong hindi mo sila pababayaan”

- Mar Roxas

Reposting this as I believe that lowered prices of medicine will really benefit a lot of people. My grandmother, for one, has so many maintenance medicine amounting to almost 2 thousand per week (do the math and it's so expensive for a month).

***

ROXAS APPEALS TO GMA: APPROVE, SIGN MRP LIST

Liberal President Senator Mar Roxas today stressed the importance of a Malacañang-approved Maximum Retail Price (MRP) list of the top 22 most prescribed medicines in the country, in light of the continuing spread of the A(H1N1) virus in the countryside.

Roxas, principal author of the Universally Accessible Cheaper and Quality Medicines law, appealed to President Arroyo to immediately the MRP list expected to be submitted by the Department of Health anytime this week.

“Kailangang maging madali para sa ating mga kababayan ang pagbili ng murang gamot lalo na ngayong patuloy na kumakalat ang AH1N1 sa ating bansa,” he said.

“Gloria, patunayan mo ang pangako mong pangangalagaan mo ang kalusugan ng ating mamamayan. Huwag ka ng mag-atubili sa pagpirma nitong MRP pars sa 22 pinakanireresetang gamot sa ating bansa,” he added.

He reiterated millions of Filipinos suffering from various illnesses, like hypertension and diabetes, would immensely benefit if prices of the top 22 prescribed medicines are slashed by as much as 50%, as the proposed MRP list imposes.

“Magkakaroon ng domino effect kapag bumagsak ang halaga ng mga gamot na ito. Siguradong mapipilitang ibaba ng mga higanteng kumpanya ang kanilang mga presyo, at ito ay makabubuti sa ating mga kababayan,” the Visayan senator said.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque had promised the congressional Cheap Medicines oversight committee the MRP list would soon be endorsed to President Arroyo for her review and approval.

The initial MRP list includes anti-hypertensive, anti-thrombotic, anti-cholesterol, anti-diabetic, antibiotics/antibacterial and anti-neoplastic drugs, which would be slashed by 50% based on the price of the leading brands.

Some of these branded drugs are the anti-hypertensive drug Norvasc, the price of which would drop to P22.50 from the present P44.50; anti-diabetic Diamicron, P7.35 from P14.75; antibiotic Flagyl, P66 from P132; antibiotic Zithromax, P149.37 from P298.75; antibiotic Tazocin, P1061.86 from P2,123.75; antibiotic Augmention suspension 60 ml, P179.50 from P359; Augmentin suspension 70 ml, P439.50 from P879; and anti-neoplastic Carboplatin 450 mg vial, P2117.61 from P4857.15.

“Gloria, unahin mo ang taumbayan. Matagal mo na silang tinatalikuran. Patunayan mo ngayon ang iyong pangakong hindi mo sila pababayaan,” Roxas said.

Life Lesson: You want it? You gotta fight for it!

2009-06-15T18:01:00.002+08:00

My aunt lent me a copy of Andrew Matthews' Follow Your Heart and I've been trying, unsuccessfully, to read at least a chapter a week considering that I'm also reading another book and have 5 or so more books in line to be read (haha).

The good thing about the book is that, aside from the illustrations, it gives practical and realistic tips that you can really apply to your life - the kind of advice that you'd remember in your mind at the most unexpected moments.

I remember something I read in the book. Andrew Matthews said, certain events happen in your life for a reason and when something repeatedly happens, it means that life is teaching you a lesson that you need to learn.

So let me make this short because I don't want to go into details anyway. If you want something, you have to fight for it! Things will not fall in your lap the way you always want it to. Sometimes you just have to drive life and not let it drive you.

Retail therapy: Of cosmetics and my first pair of Havs

2009-06-13T09:25:00.006+08:00

Yesterday was a really emotionally tough day for me. Do you ever get that feeling when you are so upset and you want to cry right then and there but you can't because you have to somewhat give a pretense that you're okay? That was it.

I used to be a stress eater back in college - I would eat at home before going to sch

ool, I would have baon and still buy food in the cafeteria then still buy food on the way home after classes. It was literally pigging out. But now that I should not exactly be eating way too much (hello slower metabolism as I slowly age and spend time in my desk job), I am moving more into, ta-da, retail therapy.

Well, I won't actually consider myself in the 'shopaholic' level. No, I won't go as far to say that I'm like that but I enjoy shopping in a way that I enjoyed eating before (sige na nga, until now haha).

Anyways, to make this short, my Trinoma loot yesterday consists of a lot of beauty products and a pair of Havs (after a gazillion people went crazy over it, I finally bought my first original pair of it).

Havaianas Fit in Sand

I wanted it in gold but only silver had my size. Boo :( Anyway, I didn't buy it immediately.

I shopped around and looked at different stores. I'd probably try this on this weekend and write a review on it.

I can say that Ipanema has better designs but a bit pricier. Maybe I'd buy a pair the next time I need some consoling again :P lol.

Beauty loot. yey!

Because of my unfortunate encounters with mr. Sun shining too brightly on me, my body is now shades darker than my face. It even shows in pictures haha. So not that I have a problem with dark skin because I am in no way aspiring to be as fair as my mom (haha, it will never happen), but I do have a problem with uneven skin tone and so I bought whitening lotion. Haha! My sister said Gluta-C is effective for the face so I'm trying it out if it's effective as well in the body. And no, I was no way convinced to buy this because their endorses is Jodi Sta. Maria whom they say is pumuti talaga dahil sa Gluta-C.

I used to have the worst, bitten-off nails. Yes, I was a bad nail-biter. But now I'm really trying to curb it because 1) it's really a bad habit and 2) I love nail polishes and I want to get them in my nails and not in my mouth!

The Face Shop has a nice enough range of nail polish shades at a reasonable price of 95php. I bought my first bottle yesterday (I've always bought previously from Elianto), an orange-y shade which looks great in the bottle but, sad to say, does not look as fantastic on my nails. Probably it doesn't match my skin tone :| But anyways, I might as well use it because sayang naman.

What I really wanted to buy was Orly nail polish but I was so disappointed at their selection of shades in Landmark, Trinoma :( The small bottles were so cute but all the shades were so bright and screaming 'hey, color you know?' and well, I'm not exactly a fan of too much colors. I prefer muted colors (haha). There were nice shades in big bottles but I wasn't ready to spend so much on shades that I can get for a fraction of a price elsewhere so I ended up heading to Sally Hansen and bought a nice, sheer shade of Bamboo Shoot. It's very sheer and has the tendency to look like a top coat but I like how it makes my nails looks glossy and healthy and clean. Heehee :] And it was on sale too so how could I resist? :P

Next stop: make-up. I LOVE MAKE-UP and I could have chosen my dream career, I would pick professional make-up artist. But since that's not really a viable option for me at present, I'd just make the most out of what I can now. My sister and I headed to the in2it counter and hey, the salesgirl was really nice. She gave my sister and I makeovers and she was sorta good :-) Personally, I am inclined to buy more if the salesgirl is really nice and helpful w/o being too creepy and if she gives you a nice makeover. Of course, you'd want to do the look over again for yourself :P So I ended up buying 3 items: brown eyeliner, duo blush and lip gloss. I would have gotten liquid eyeliner too but I decided to sleep on it. I also like the lipstick which she used on me, still thinking too if I'd buy it hehe.

So that concludes my shopping trip. I spent so much this week, I ought to be whipped. Kidding.

Hope my package from Bullyshanty arrives today. *crosses fingers*. Like I said, I know I spent so much. Go ahead, crucify me :P

Love and Space and everything in between

2009-06-12T23:14:00.003+08:00

The fastest way to make someone miserable is to make sure that his/her lovelife suck.

The quickest way to spoil my mood and make me cry is to break my heart. And yes, one can do it so easily.

I remember that I would always tell other people, 'why take the harder route? bakit ang hilig ng tao pahirapan ang sarili nila?' And I know that that is true, in fact I think I must have been referring to myself everytime I said that.

It was not completely to say that I wanted space like the way it is meant when it is said in movies. No, I don't mean it that way. For me, it's sort of just wanting to be able to do my own thing and being my own self. But it was never in the way that I want to cut someone off my life. No, that was never my intention.

I never wanted him to go, to distance himself from me.

And this afternoon, I realized that I had been so close to losing someone so important to me, someone who has been my anchor for quite some time. And it was at that time that it dawned on me, I still love him very much.

Tindignation: Say NO to ConASS!

2009-06-11T22:18:00.006+08:00

Say NO to ConASS!

Wag nang pumayag na lapastanganin pa ang ating Konstitusyon at ang ating bayan.

Some shots from yesterday's rally at Ayala Ave, Makati City.

Sen. Mar Roxas with Sen. Franklin Drilon and Sen. Noynoy Aquino

NO to GLORIA FOREVER!

Confetti being thrown from the top level of Insular building (Insular nga yata).

Politico sighting: father-and-son Biazon

Sen. MAR saying NO to ConASS!

I'll Take Care of You

2009-06-07T00:01:00.002+08:00

My new favorite song of the moment is Richard Poon's I'll Take Care of You. At first it was just Poon's way of singing it. I can't say that he is vocally superior (no offense meant, really) in the same way I would say that Stevie Wonder is a vocal genius but his soothing voice fits certain songs. He's like a male counterpart of Sitti Navarro for me.

When I searched for the lyrics of the song, I found out that it was also sung by Steven Curtis Chapman (is he the one who sang 'I Will be Here'?). The lyrics are very beautiful and really very touching. It brought tears to my eyes. It would be so nice to have someone sing this song to you. :-)

I'll take care of you

Don't be sad, don't be blue

I'll never break your heart in two

I'll take care of you

I'll kiss your tears away

I'll end your lonely days

All that I'm really tryin' to say

Is I'll take care of you

I want you to know that I love you so

I'm proud to tell the world you're mine

I said it before, I'll say it once more

You'll be in my heart 'til the end of time

I'll take care of you

Don't be sad, don't be blue

Just count on me your whole life through

'Cause I'll take care of you

Katarungan para kay Ka Rene!

2009-06-06T18:50:00.004+08:00

Nakakalungkot at nakakagalit madinig na isang pinuno ng mga magsasaka mula Sumilao ang in-ambush at pinatay kagabi habang siya, kasama ang dalawa pang magsasaka, ay pauwi mula sa isang pagpupulong tungkol sa lupa. (http://phildhrra.net/?q=node/217)

Hindi ko personal na kakilala si Ka Rene. Hindi ako gaanong aktibo sa naging laban ng mga magsasaka at iilang kaganapan lang ang napuntahan ko. Pero ang masasabi ko, humanga ako hindi lamang kay Ka Rene kung hindi pati na rin sa nakita kong pakikipaglaban ng iba pang mga magsasaka para sa kanilang lupa. Nang marinig ko ang balita ngayong umaga mula kay Princess, kinilabutan ako, nalungkot at nagalit. Nakakainis. Parang gusto kong sumigaw para sa katarungan. Sana maresolba ang kasong ito, sana hindi ito tignan ng may bulag na mata ng mga tao.

May you rest in peace, Ka Rene.

Sana wala ng iba pang magbuwis ng buhay para sa mga lupa na dapat naman talagang pag-aari nila.

Ang huling speech ni Ka Rene (courtesy of GMA TV)

Ang lahat ay inaanyayahang dumalo sa:

Holy Mass and Candle Lighting para kay Ka Rene Peñas.

Kailan: Monday (June 8, 2009)
Saan: Immaculate Conception Chapel of the Loyola Schools (College Chapel) sa loob ng Ateneo de Manila University, Quezon City
Anong oras: 4:30pm – 7:00pm

Sayang, hindi ako makakadalo dahil may trabaho ako sa araw na iyon.

MARunong ang Pinoy!

2009-06-02T10:01:00.004+08:00

.Mahalaga ang Trabaho.

alam nating lahat yan

at higit sa lahat...

MARunong ang Pinoy!

Songs to Download

2009-05-29T18:05:00.002+08:00

My mp3 player (w/c is ancient, by the way) needs a fresh dose of songs! So I'm browsing through imeem and looking for songs to download over the weekend IF I can muster enough energy to drag myself in front of the computer and actually turn it on.

- Trust (Keyshia Cole ft. Monica)
- Lucky (Jason Mraz ft. Colbie Caillat)
- Right Now (Akon)
- Beautiful (Akon)
- Sitti songs
- Heartless (Kanye West; Kris Allen version)
- Body Language (Jesse McCartney)
- You Complete Me (Keyshia Cole)
- If This Isn't Love (Jennifer Hudson)

2009-05-25T21:38:00.002+08:00

My hair is a mess right now. It's stuck in that awkward, growing out phase making it look poufy and limp in the wrong places. Sigh. In a dilemma whether to wait it out and grow it or have it cut again. I especially like this cut of Katie Holmes. It looks easy to manage naman. Abangan.

Product Review: It's Sheer Luck

2009-05-25T09:51:00.001+08:00

Nail polish, nail laquer, nail paint, nail candy, cutex, kyu-teks - it's called many names but it only means one thing: that colored goo you paint on your nails that livens up your mood and adds some life in your hands:-) Short of being branded a nail polish addict, I have quite a number of them at home. But I tend only to paint my toenails because it lasts longer. Nail polish on my hands tend to chip faster because my hands are always wet - handwashing and dishwashing - as well as my penchant for using my nails to do things it should not be doing (taking off staple wires, etc). So when I put on nail polish on my fingernails, it has to be of the 'no-chip', good quality which means a heftier price tag.

One weekday that I was feeling particularly stressed, I bought OPI nail lacquer and was so excited to try it on. I've read good reviews on OPI and being the curious cat that I am when it comes to beauty products, I tried it out for myself.

My verdict? 4 stars! I love that it has sooo many shades. It makes it doubly harder to choose and some shades look almost the same (but there's always a teeny-tiny difference somewhere; I guess aficionados can always spot it). I ended up choosing It's Sheer Luck: a sheer shade that looks kinda mauve-y on the bottle. It looks sort of nice on my hands though I don't think it's theshade for me yet. But I like it enough to make me want to finsh up the bottle (and not just leave it somewhere and wait for it to dry up so I finally have the excuse to throw it without a heavy heart, haha!)

Drying time is sort of fast too, for me at least. It only takes about 10 minutes for it to dry and settle on the nails. None of the "eww, it smudged!" moments for me. Best to put on a top coat to seal in everything nicely. :-)

OPI has an exclusive ProWide brush which, I think, can work for or against you. For gals with broad nails, I think this is going to work as it makes applying easier and a one-shot deal. For gals with small nails, however, as is the case for me, it had me adjusting for a while. Oh well.

Over all, I loved it! Enough to make me buy another bottle of OPI sometime :-P

Adam L is a Concert Star

2009-05-22T16:59:00.002+08:00

I only got to watch AI finals last night as I was at work the whole day. It was a good show over all, lots of parts that I enjoyed (particularly 'Bikini Girl's showdown with resident AI judge, Kara Dioguardi) even if I thought there were fewer guests this season (?). But even if Adam didn't win, his performance with KISS (na kinabog si Adam with matching face paint na nagpaalala sa akin ng mga kontrabida sa mga palabas na Bioman, 5-Man and the like) was simply galing! I think that performance just showed everyone that he is a real concert star. Yay!

The performance of Katrina 'Bikini Girl' Darrell was a real laughtrip. More so when Kara Dioguardi appeared and even showed off her bikini in the end! Hahaha! I totally laughed out loud after seeing that last night!!!

I also liked the Top 13's performance with Carlos Santana towards the end of the show. Galing ni Jorge Nunez! And as usual, Carlos Santana is the bomb!

1st case of AH1N1 virus in the Philippines confirmed!

2009-05-22T12:21:00.001+08:00

It was in the headlines this morning. This is really scary, yikes. =/ Just sharing some tips for safety. As they say, prevention is better than cure.

Tips from UN:

1. washing your hands frequently

2. covering coughs and sneezes with your sleeve or a tissue

3. avoiding close contact with sick people

4. staying home when you’re sick

Well, I guess a lot more were "Allen-ized"

2009-05-21T10:37:00.003+08:00

(photo courtesy of TopNews)

Even though I am still a Danny Goakey fan (will always be one), congratulations still to Kris Allen and all his fans. One hell of a dark horse, that much I can say. To give him credit, his first performance last night, Ain't No Sunshine, was really really good.

"Kung hindi ka masyadong malandi, hindi yan mangyayari sa iyo!"

2009-05-21T09:00:00.002+08:00

Frontpage photo today in the Philippine Star is Katrina Halili, former Starstruck avenger turned everyone's favorite FHM covergirl, and her going to the Senate and NBI to seek help in filing a case against her former paramour, Dr. Hayden Kho, who is the infamous boyfriend of the equally infamous Dra. Vicki Belo. She is accusing Kho of taking a video of the two of them doing a sexy dance to the tune of "Careless Whisper" (nice song got bastardized, if you ask me) and later on posting it in Youtube where, of course, it spread like wildfire.

Last Saturday, Halili was crying as she was interviewed in Startalk and the issue only got bigger as celebrity Sen. Bong Revilla Jr. made this the subject of his privilege speech in the Senate, entitled "A Doctor's Perversity". Apparently, this issue has also caught the imagination of many. The reactions range from feeling pity for Hayden or for Katrina, outrage and disgust at the 'perversity' of the video, questioning both personalities' state of mind (to be able to do something like that) more tsk-tsks, or blaming either Hayden or Katrina.

My initial reaction is that this issue seems strange for a privilege speech. Hello, why not about the sordid state of education, the rising unemployment, or all the same old problems we never seem to have a solution for? But reading through the speech, I must admit the senator certainly has a point. He really does, it's just a shame that it should take a celebrity scandal like this for them to bring the issue of privacy and respect for women up.

I hear a lot of 'tsk-tsks' for Katrina Halili and some who even say that 'malandi kasi siya kaya tama lang yan' which I feel compelled to react to. Granted that it was plainly wrong for her to be doing that (since Kho was in a relationship with Belo at that time) and that the conservative Filipina 'manang' mentality is just not embracing the idea of a dance like that yet, I feel that the bigger issue at hand is the breach of trust (as one Plurker has pointed out well, thank you) and the respect for women.

The whole act of dancing was, I personally think, done in the premise of it being an intimate act. Hence, there is the lady's trust to the partner in doing that - trust that it will only be between the two of them and it will stay that way out of respect (and maybe even love, okay). Apparently, there are also other videos (different from the one with dancing) showing explicit sexual acts (I don't want to watch, might be too much for me) and of course, I see more eyebrows raising and more faces frowning. People say any self-respecting girl should not be caught doing any of those (whatever those acts are) but again, I think all of it were done in the context of intimacy and without knowledge that they were being videotaped.

Bottom line, I think it's quite unfair to judge Halili and say she got what she deserved dahil malandi siya at kumabit siya. Granted that to have a relationship with a committed person is wrong, it is also equally wrong to breach a person's trust and further disrespect her by uploading the video in the Internet for everyone to see. What do you wish to get out of that? To prove your manhood? Now if you ask me, there's something clearly wrong with that. Tsk.

I think this should serve as a lesson learned not only to Halili but to all females that we should always be wary of men (especially those who are certified 100% jerks). And that we should always fight for our rights. Men who disrespect women should not be allowed to continue doing so.

Argh. Ridiculous book blockade.

2009-05-20T17:53:00.001+08:00

Theres The Rub
Book ’em

By Conrado de Quiros
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 01:07:00 05/20/2009

For several months now, a group of importers has been having sleepless nights dealing with the Bureau of Customs. Their shipments are gathering dust in the Customs warehouses, inviting the attention of the maggots, rats and various pests there (of the animal variety) and for which they have to pay a fortune in storage fees. That is so because they cannot pay Customs duties. That is so because they will not pay Customs duties.

Do their crates contain LCD TVs and other electronic equipment that are the stuff of consumer fantasies? Do their boxes contain guns and ammunition, which are coveted by congressmen, mayors and governors, and various drug lords, gambling lords and warlords? Do their packages contain precious stones, expensive watches and jewelry?

No. Their crates and boxes and packages contain—books.

The story about how this happened appeared some time ago, written by Robin Hemley, the director of the Nonfiction Writing Program of the University of Iowa who is currently here on a Guggenheim Fellowship. I can only hope that, having drawn the world’s attention to Customs’ latest addition to their customary custom of enhancing the lifestyle they are accustomed to, he does not get a knock on his door from someone demanding to see the receipts of duties paid on his laptop. Or indeed books. His article has already been much commented upon by others, and I can only add my voice to theirs. I cannot be remiss in my duties to civilization.

The new custom originated from an importer making the mistake of paying duties on a shipment of the bestseller “Twilight.” A mistake because books are exempt from duties. The Philippines is a signatory to the UN Florence Agreement which decrees imported books to be duty-free. The Customs official who demanded the fee argued that that applied only to “educational books,” the first time the distinction was made. Not wanting to be hassled, the importer paid the fee. The result was a hassle for all book importers. Either they too now paid up or their cargo rotted away in Customs, home to termites of the human kind. This was something they never had to deal with in the past. The incident Hemley refers to as “The Great Book Blockade of 2009.”

Unfortunately, the Filipinos’ customary customs of getting around problems like this are not customized for this one. Unlike importers of LCD TVs, guns and jewelry, book importers cannot bribe Customs officials in kind. Indeed, unlike OFWs who come home reeking of cash and cow, who customarily donate a bottle of Hennessy and a carton of Marlboro to the person manning the booth to get waved away to his waiting kin, book importers cannot bribe the Customs official with books. Not even with “Twilight,” the official being bound to be insulted and cry indignantly that he will not be found doing that even in the twilight of his career.

Just as well, it is not likely that anyone can persuade a group of patriotic Filipino pirates to pirate books. Or enter into an agreement with ZTE or some other piratical company in China for us to buy the pirated books they will produce. Unlike DVDs, which now come a dime a dozen, or literally a dollar per, in Quiapo, and whose quality has risen by leaps and bounds— the DVDs copied from Blu-ray are even better than the original DVDs—books are not universally craved. It is certainly not likely that you will see your favorite Maranao vendor in Metrowalk shouting “Twilight, Twilight” with the appropriate accent carrying the printed version anytime soon.

So for several months now, no new foreign books have been finding their way to the bookshelves of bookstores, book importers still locked in negotiations with Customs over the fate of their imports. That fate rests on Customs’ interpretation of whether the books are education or entertainment. The importers’ chief complaint is not that it will take months, or even years, for anyone, let alone Customs, to pore through the contents of the boxes to determine whether they fall in the one or other category. It is not that the ultimate arbitration on the worth, intellectually and dutifully (in the sense of duties), of books will now lie in the hands, or brains, of people who do not read. It is not even that the determination of whether books are educational or entertaining will be made by people who find education torturous and entertainment unedifying.

Their chief complaint is why? Why are they being made to do something they’ve never done for nearly six decades courtesy of an agreement of nations? Why are they being made to pay for bringing in items that do not kill, maim and numb in mind or body but make people whole?

At a time when reading is fast disappearing from the face of this earth, you would imagine that government wouldn’t just exempt books from duties, it would pay book sellers to import more, turning a trickle into a flood. At a time when literacy is disappearing from the face of this earth, people no longer being able to appreciate satire and threatening to lynch Chip Tsao for engaging in Jose Rizal’s favorite pastime, you would think government wouldn’t just pay book sellers to import more, it would pin medals on them for heroism beyond anything shown by boxers or overseas workers. At a time when all the reading we Filipinos are able to do is reading between the lines, reading our masters’ lips, and reading text messages, you would imagine that we would all rise out of an instinct for self-preservation to save ourselves.

But in this magic-realist country, all that will probably happen is that Customs will justify the exaction on books as being necessary to give Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo the wherewithal to launch a reading program.

You wish you could just round them up and say like Steve McGarrett in “Hawaii Five-O”:

“Book ’em.”

[via Inquirer.net]

To-do list for personal sanity

2009-05-15T00:09:00.003+08:00

JenTan needs to:

- buy a new pair of shoes
- start reading 'Charlie Wilson's War' by George Crile
- pay her sister for the PSP
- buy mineral make-up (lol)
- resume the habit of blogging (about things with sense, please)
- try praying the rosary on the way to the office every morning
- buy clothes that fit (!)
- keep on remembering her Child Rights and Responsibilities workshop module that needs revisions (!)
- load more songs in the PSP or put a fresh battery in her old mp3 player

Sen. MAR Roxas on the Duties on Imported Books

2009-05-14T22:20:00.002+08:00

Press Release

May 13, 2009

ROXAS ASKS DOF TO EXPLAIN DUTIES ON IMPORTED BOOKS SAYS ISSUE MUST BE RESOLVED BEFORE OPENING OF SCHOOLS

Liberal President Senator Mar Roxas has sought an explanation from Finance Secretary Margarito Teves on the reported collection by the Bureau of Customs of duties on imported books, which has sparked complaints from the country's book importers and sellers. "Hindi ito maaaring gawin ng Customs. Sisilipin natin ito," Roxas said as he wrote Teves to question the alleged 1% duty collected for educational, technical, scientific, historical and cultural books and the 5% duty for books/materials which are non-educational which are intended for sale, barter or hire.

The Visayan senator asked Teves to shed light on the status of implementation of Department of Finance Order No. 17-09 dated March 24, 2009, which also clarified guidelines on duty-free importation of books allowed under existing laws and international agreements.

He noted that while the department order covered all applications for duty-free importation of books as allowed under the Tariff Customs Code, the UNESCO Florence Agreement and Republic Act 8047 or the Book Publishing Industry Development Act, "we have received reports that the new Department Order has imposed a more stringent policy in importing books in our country, therefore restricting and discouraging booksellers and importers."

Under the new DOF policy regulation, imported books would now have to be examined by the Department of Education and the Commission on Higher Education, which would then determine if they are economic, technical, vocational, scientific, philosophical and historical books. Duties would then be determined after such classification but the books could only be released once importers and booksellers are able to present necessary authorities from various agencies for such importations.

The books being stored in private storage warehouses while undergoing classification, importers and sellers would also have to pay the allegedly high storage fees collected by the private firms.
"Mahalagang malaman natin kung ano ang estado nitong bagong panukala ng BoC, lalo na at malapit na naman ang pasukan at siguradong nagdadatingan na ngayon ang mga aklat na inangkat na gagamitin para sa school year na ito," Roxas said.

He asked Teves to list down the legal basis for the issuance of the department order and to cite appropriate customs laws and rules in support of the implementation of the directive.

The senator likewise sent a letter to National Book Development Board chairman Dennis Gonzalez and requested for the agency's position on the implementation of the DOF order. He asked Gonzalez to focus on the "impact to booksellers and importers in our country."

Booksellers and importers have been writing the senator, seeking assistance in addressing the issue and claiming the DOF regulations would adversely affect the industry.

beauty blog entry in X number of months

2009-05-14T16:28:00.002+08:00

From Ria Redor

Hair

Shampoo: Head and Shoulders Clean and Balanced

Conditioner: none at the moment

Styling products: none

Hair mask: none

Body

Shower gel: The Body Shop White Musk Shower Gel

Body moisturiser: The Body Shop White Musk Lotion

Deodarant: Nivea Pearl

Fake tan: none, tanned naturally. :-P

Face

Cleanser: The Body Shop Tea Tree Oil Cleanser

Eye makeup remover: none, I rarely use eye make-up

Exfoliator: none

Makeup

Primer: none

Foundation: The Body Shop All-in-One Face Base

Foundation brush: none

Concealer: The Body Shop Tea Tree Oil Concealer

Powder: The Body Shop All-in-One Face Base

Blusher: Maybelline Blush in Apricot

Bronzer: none; I just borrow my sister's Revlon bronzer

Highlighter: none

Eyeshadow base: none

Eyeshadows: none

Eyeliner: Ever Bilena

Eyelash curler: Shu Uemura

Eyelash base: none

Mascara: Maybelline Unstoppable, Maybelline XXL and The Body Shop

Lipstick: Liptint from Revlon, Natural from Maybelline and another pinky shade from Maybelline

Lipgloss: none

Nail colour: OPI, It's Sheer Luck

Now it's your turn. GO!!

First blog entry in X number of days

2009-05-12T23:39:00.002+08:00

Random thoughts:
* Almost no time to blog, hectic workload
* Hence, my theory that my overspending is directly related to my level of stress.
* Treated myself to OPI nail lacquer today (note theory of overspending :-p)
* Been learning a lot from different people - some technical stuff, some life skills
* Want to write more but feeling lazy and sleepy already
* Will finish Neil Gaiman's American Gods

-blogging through phone-

Proud of Pringles :-)

2009-03-24T18:22:00.001+08:00

Pringles is my Super Poke Pet in Facebook. She is super cutieee :-)

Facebook's Birthday Quiz

2009-03-24T18:17:00.000+08:00

SEPTEMBER Birthdays:

Suave and compromising. Careful, cautious and organized. Likes to point out people's mistakes. Likes to criticize. Stubborn. Quiet but able to talk well. Calm and cool. Kind and sympathetic. Concerned and detailed.Loyal but not always honest. Does work well. Very confident. Sensitive. Good memory. Clever and knowledgeable. Loves to look for information. Must control oneself when criticizing. Able to motivate oneself. Understanding.Fun to be around. Secretive. Loves leisure and traveling. Hardly shows emotions. Tends to bottle up feelings. Very choosy, especially in relationships. Systematic.

Alone.

2009-03-21T23:17:00.001+08:00

You can text other people, chat with others in YM, micro-blog in Plurk, blog in Blogger, check your Friendster account for comments, open your Facebook account, update your Multiply site...

and still feel

ALONE.

Because I promised her...

2009-03-15T16:49:00.002+08:00

A few weeks ago, I was scared out of my wits because there was the very real possibility that I might not be able to graduate because of my standing in Accounting. For the first time, I studied very, very hard for the third and fourth long test. After it, there was nothing else to do besides wait for the grades and hope for the best.

While waiting for the results, I prayed the novena to St. Rita who is known as the Patron Saint of Impossible Causes. I prayed so hard and this comes from someone who doesn't get to pray everyday. Thankfully, she granted my request (well, not all of it but better than nothing) and it was such a relief to me.

Part of my prayer is that I promised to tell people about this if she grants my request. :-)
Lesson learned: prayer really does move mountains. :)

2009-03-12T18:44:00.000+08:00

Bakit?

In Bloom

2009-03-08T19:16:00.001+08:00

My Reading Buddy :-)

2009-03-06T19:39:00.003+08:00

Now that school's out, I finally have more time to read, read and read some more.ü

It's pretty neat as well that I now have a decent bookmark so I won't need to dog-ear the pages anymore, thank goodness. And my bookmark is so cute too haha! I actually took a picture of it for posterity's sake. Heehee.

Quick blog:-)

2009-02-27T00:33:00.002+08:00

Will blog quickly because my phone's WiFi miraculously works tonight.ü

Took our 4th and last accounting long test tonight. We're all scared and anxious -as in super - our graduation is at stake!

I'm happy naman because somehow,we can say that we did everything humanly possible to prepare for it.
Happy din ako na we prayed as a group kanina. Somehow, parang mas nabigyan ako ng lakas ng loobü

Tammy just texted me that ej's Old Navy jacket just arrived today. Yay! Can't wait to get it soon.

certified sabawness :)

2008-11-09T21:47:00.001+08:00

Nakita ko

at sinabi ko sa aking sarili

someday...

kasya na sa akin yan.

Hahaha.

.

2008-11-09T18:42:00.001+08:00

You just really cannot change people.

my wonderful world of thesis.

2008-10-24T10:39:00.001+08:00

Ladies and Gentlemen,

it's the wonderful world of thesis again for me

after evading it for the past weeks.

=)

putting up a business is hard work.

2008-10-23T23:48:00.000+08:00

I know, I know. We’ve only just begun and this is probably the easiest part of this thing we put ourselves into.

Avant.Gardia was originally slated to open this Wednesday but we had to move the soft opening to this Friday because there were many things still to be fixed.

I spent the latter part of last week until today editing pictures for the site. Whew. Descriptions are to be edited and the clothes have to be arranged. Tiring and sometimes cumbersome but it feels all worth it at the end.
On another note,
I have every reason to be afraid, to be very afraid. I haven’t done a single work for my thesis:( I’ve been so preoccupied with Avant.Gardia that I haven’t had time to finish a single module. Gasp, have to work double-time.
On still another note:
I want a new wardrobe.:)) Okay, I’m getting senseless. Time to work. Haha.

This is how we do it.

2008-10-13T23:21:00.002+08:00

Push the limits.

Dare to face the YOU and embrace it.

Avant.Gardia

sus. may drama sa buhay.

2008-10-13T23:15:00.002+08:00

Minsan palagay ko hindi ako kasali.

Minsan palagay ko hindi ako kasali dahil hindi ako bagay.

Minsan palagay ko hindi ako kasali dahil hindi ako bagay dahil ito ako.

Minsan palagay ko mahal mo ko pero...

kaya ba ng pagmamahal mo na pasayahin ka habang buhay?

Kahit hindi ako kasali, hindi ako bagay at ito ako...

something's brewing...

2008-10-13T20:37:00.001+08:00

You you you, we belong together :)

2008-10-06T10:28:00.001+08:00

Photographs are love in search of images

2008-10-06T10:02:00.002+08:00

to take or not to take the risk? setting up an online business.

2008-10-06T09:34:00.000+08:00

I am very very un-risk taking. When my Social Entrepreneurship class had a 'test', I got a very low score in risk-taking. In short, I am segurista. (Enter a little philo: dahil wala akong tunay na pag-asa kung kaya't hindi ko makuhang magbigay ng isandaang porsyentong pananalig; and this reminds me that I really should be studying instead of blogging haha. Later) Friends who know me will probably say that I have an uncanny tendency to be control freak-ish. Yikes haha.

For the past months, my friends and I have been talking about setting up our online business. Actually, I think it has been last year since I wanted to started my own biz. The only problems then were that I didn't have enough capital (still not enough right now but I have a more substantial amount right now) and I was so freakin' busy. I still am busy right now but I'm about to go on semestral break so if I'm going to start, it might as well be now. Heehee.

I actually want to ask my dad for advice because I think that he has a lot of entrepreneurial wisdom in him hehe but I think he's just going to discourage me and tell me that business is hard nowadays. Eep, great. Thanks for the support.

Why do I want to go into business (though I have zero knowledge of simple accounting, though I am one of the most least business-minded persons in the planet)?
- My first reason is simply for fun. Maybe this is a bad reason (haha) but I just like the idea. If I'm going to do it, I want to be able to enjoy it.:)
- For financial sustainability. An online business is something that can be a sideline for me. I have too many wants (sigh. haha) and I figure that I'll go bankrupt if I do not get my own source of income. Besides I'm already 21 years old. Kinda old, yes, haha but I am way too financially immature at this point. That's why I want to handle something like this to build discipline. And I'm a hard worker too:D.
- My parents are growing older and pretty soon, I want them to be able to retire especially my mom. They both deserve a life of comfort and luxury and I want to be able to provide them even just a bit of that.

So, what's the point of this entry? I just wanted to put these down into writing to clear my head and probably to figure out the next step. Lord, some help? Hehe:-p

Discern. discern. discern.

random thoughts (after not blogging for quite a time)

2008-10-01T13:00:00.001+08:00

* 1st sem is almost (read: within reach based on measurement of time but loads of work to tackle for one to reach it) over. Sigh. I want this semester to be over just so I can rest. I think I'm burned out by all the stress and work of this sem; it seems never-ending with one requirement coming after another.

* Blue Eagle the King! Cheers to the Blue Eagle basketball and swimming team for being champions of UAAP Season 71. Whoo, after 6 years of thirsting for the crown. Cheering at the Araneta is an experience. Hearing the Blue Babble Battalion so pumped up (subukan nga nating mag-drum at hindi matanggal ang ulo haha!) and seeing more than half of the Araneta crowd wearing blue is just something for the senses to enjoy. Good vibes talaga for Ateneo this UAAP Season. :)

* Well, everyone who loses seems to say or justify that they were cheated. Ganyan yata talaga ang takbo ng buhay. All I can say is that everyone has his time. The other school had its time before and I think it's ADMU's time this year. Sequicentennial kasi. Haha, may ganun?

* So for all the sour grapes posts, kebs. And even more kebs for those who join the bashing and yet are not even remotely connected to any of this. Yes, you.

* I am badly stressed. I have this great, great urge to do retail therapy. Like I've told Mao, I'm currently on my 'shoe' phase. I've been craving for more shoes. Haha.

* My diplomacy class is having the Model United Nations as our final exam this Saturday. This is our preview to the world of diplomacy. Haha. Good luck to us.

* It's finals week next week. Really, really have to study. I hate oral exams, for the record. There is only one oral exam that I enjoyed - the one under Sir Barbaza because he's very nice (not that Sir Roy is mean haha).

* Lately, my appetite has not been very good. My stomach always hurts.: I cannot eat more than a cup of rice per meal (I usually eat two cups) and even a cup makes me feel too full. Diet na yata to. Hehe.

* I'm contemplating whether to buy opaque tights. Haha. Waley.

Happy 20th, Joan :)

2008-09-24T14:43:00.001+08:00

Happy 21st to Me!

2008-09-24T13:38:00.002+08:00

waley. tungkol sa katabaan.

2008-09-23T22:57:00.002+08:00

Ang mundo

ay HINDI makatarungan

sa mga taong HINDI payat.

*Kung payat ka, bawal mag-react.:p

(Mmasama lang ang loob dahil naunahan sa pag-reserve ng damit dahil hindi nasagot angad ang tanong kung kasya ba sa Large frame. Pfft.)

err...emotionally down?

2008-09-19T22:38:00.002+08:00

I've been very tired - physically and emotionally - this week. Maybe it's because this week is hell week for everyone (especially seniors:p) and I just haven't found enough time to rest. By rest, I mean sleep for 8 hours, read a good book, and simply unwind. It has been non-stop work for my body and mind this week and it does not help that I think I'm having PMS which probably is one of the reasons why I'm feeling unusually down tonight.

This week sucks:| It's my birthday week but I've really been honestly down. My birthday felt like it just came and went away like that. :(

Then I seem so sensitive to the slightest issue. Ayoko na kasing nauungkat ang mga isyu ng nakaraan ko. Katulad kanina, napag-usapan ang issue ng best friends. I've always been iffy about this part of my life. I have had close friends and Aggy was my high school best friend but like I said, it's a "grey area" of my life. Maybe I just have a different concept of a best friend so I've always had difficulty with it but I do know that another reason is my deep-seated insecurity - of not being chosen over someone.

There, I've said it - the i word. It's really a ghost of my past and it has always come back to haunt me at the moments I expect it least. For many who do not know, I have always had an issue with others getting picked over me. Mababaw for some, maybe, but it's not for me. Issues like these are always monster issues - it's always a struggle against it. You may no longer want it to be there but it comes and goes at its own whim...

I don't know how to end this post so I'll just leave this like this.

*not making much sense right now.

...:|

Craaaazy Frrriday

2008-09-09T20:29:00.000+08:00

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

5 Stars for Apocalypto

2008-09-09T00:00:00.003+08:00

Of course I've been hiding under a rock and it is only 2 years after that I get to watch Mel Gibson's Apocalypto.

I like it so much that I give it 5 stars. Whoopeedoo. I caught it in cable several weeks ago but it was already the last part so the story did not make much sense to me. Last Saturday, I caught it again but only from the middle part so again, the story did not make too much sense until I watched it again yesterday, barely catching its beginning. Then, the story made sense to me and I appreciated it more and I loved it even better when I looked it up in Wikipedia and saw that it was actually about the decline of the Mayan civilization.

The cinematography is great (though I'm not exactly an expert at it), the casting is excellent (though I keep on mixing up some faces, is that really how it ought to be?), and I like the fact that the language used is Mayan (if I'm not mistaken).

Aside from The Gladiator, Apocalypto is another movie that kept me captivated all throughout the movie and kept me at the edge of my seat. I also like how the movie juxtaposed (albeit not completely) a communal, indigenous community vis-a-vis a "more advanced" civilization. I suddenly remembered my Environment and Behavior Class (aka the IP class) under Dr. Caballero where we studied about types of indigenous communities and how they effected and were affected by their environment.

This is one action-adventure movie that is a whiff of fresh breath after all the CGI-infested movies we now too commonly see.

I saw two versions of the trailer in Youtube and am posting it here (haha). Cool. I really love the movie. :)

Happy Birthday Ara! (belated pictures; UP Diliman)

2008-09-08T23:48:00.001+08:00

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

my shorter 'do...

2008-08-28T00:07:00.003+08:00

More pictures here.

.simpleng saya

2008-08-27T23:56:00.003+08:00

masaya ako dahil kahit papaano nabago ko na ang mukha ng aking blog. :)

natutuwa akong makitang masaya at makulay ito.

maghapon ko itong ginawa at magaan sa loob.

digital scrapbooking is <3.

'Di Kami Peste! Support the Davao ANTI-AERIAL SPRAYING Campaign

2008-08-27T23:21:00.006+08:00

picture taken from Simbahang Lingkod ng Bayan's Multiply site

Next time you eat your banana,

think again if that banana was worth the lives of other people

andt he environment.

For more information about

the Davao Anti-Aerial Spraying Campaign,
you may visit this site or this site (main advocacy website).

A Letter to Myself

2008-08-27T08:43:00.004+08:00

...hoping I'll get to read this maybe 20 or 30 years from now. I wrote this as my write-up for the Ateneo Aegis (our yearbook). Since I felt that a nice write-up of myself would be too self-serving and sometimes I just hesitate to describe myself in writing because I sense changes in myself day after day. So I thought, why not write a letter to myself which my older and grayer self will get to read in the future?

So here it is. For purposes of immortalizing (whaat?!) it.

Dear Jen,

As I write this, you are about to start again a new chapter in your life and to enter a new world – one that is more challenging and maybe more demanding. Even so, I have faith that you will come out of that stage in your life alive – scathed perhaps but definitely stronger. I write this today because I hope that several years later down the road – when life has hammered and battered you with its numerous obstacles and trials – when you finally look back into a part of life called college, you will be reminded of the person you chose to be – an optimistic soul, a motherly person, and a dedicated worker. May you remain as passionate as you are now. May the fire to serve never burn out in your heart because life is a torch you will pass on someday.

Jen.Jenny.JenTan.Jenerala.Junjun.

In my 4 years in college, I have gathered a few names.
Jen - my usual boring nickame
Jenny - if I just feel girly
JenTan - for people who have too many Jennifers in their lives
Jenerala - my working self
Junjnu - for my unconventional side:)

alive (in the blogosphere) & cooking (literally)

2008-08-20T11:06:00.003+08:00

I have been absent for a while in the blogosphere with all the deadlines, school work, org work and family things. As my friends know, my guama (maternal grandmother) recently underwent radical hysterectomy after a few cancer cells were seen in her uterus. We got the biopsy results yesterday and the doctor says it is clean and hopefully, she will remain to be in 5 years after which she will be declared cancer-free. Thank you for everyone who gave their support and their prayers. Thank you, thank you so much.:)

Special shout-out to Shaina who regularly texted and gave support. Aylabyu, g.:)

Since my guama's operation, I've slowly been learning how to cook. I say slowly as in slo-ooo-ooo-oow-ly because as some of my friends know, I really don't cook. I'm not a kitchen person. I only go to the kitchen to wash the dishes and eat (hehe). My aunt and my mom has been teaching me ever so patiently because I usually fumble along as I cook. Haha.

Last week, my aunt taught me how to cook spaghetti and mashed potato. Oo na, bobo talaga ko sa kusina at ganyan ka-simple lang ay hindi ko pa alam. Paano naman kasi, ang alam ko lang dati ay kumain. :D So ayan, sa sobrang saya ko pinicturan ko at inayos ko pa haha.

P.S. Okay naman daw yung luto ko. Gusto ko yung mashed potato.:P

something for the feminist in me..:p

2008-08-14T17:10:00.002+08:00

a text message from Ate Marie:

Married couple in their 60s was granted a wish by a fairy.
"I wanna travel around the world with my husband."
2 tickets appeared.
"I'm sorry, Honey, but my wish is to have a wife 30 years younger than me," says the husband.

The fairy waved her hand and the man became 92 years old.

Lesson?
Men who are ungrateful bastards should remember that fairies are females.:P

:))

you call it...they call it...i call it LOVE :)

2008-08-06T13:29:00.001+08:00

ecstatic.

2008-07-30T11:12:00.002+08:00

My first (and hopefully not the last) A for this semester. :)

***
...having my immersion trip today. Lord, tulungan Niyo po akong ibigay ang 200% ko sa profiling activity na ito.

***

currently doing part of my thesis...help. :D

...

2008-07-24T15:57:00.002+08:00

ayokong maging isang simpleng

PALAMUTI

sa buhay mo.

(gusto ko sanang mabasa mo ito pero hindi siguro sa ngayon...
parati naman akong walang lakas ng loob na sabihin sa yo ang mga ganitong bagay)

*sigh. napakalungkot.

boo.:(

2008-07-24T15:41:00.002+08:00

na-bother lang ako...

bahagi pa ba ako ng buhay mo?

dahil minsan pakiramdam ko hindi.

ewan..

My 'me' shots for this week

2008-07-23T09:11:00.002+08:00

It's never easy to be in senior year - all the deadlines, the pressures of the unknown, readings, life lessons you have to learn before you go off to the real world, org work, others' expectations, YOUR OWN expectations, familial duties, house chores, spiritual duties, yearbook creative shot and writeup and everything else in the world. It's never easy.

Since the start of my senior year, I have often found myself tired and lacking in sleep. Last Sunday, I did nothing but write a part of my thesis (haha) since the graded submission is next Monday and I will be attending my immersion training this weekend; there might not be enough time to do it.

2 words for that Sunday: sabog and tired. I think it does show in the pictures:P There are 'downtimes' when my brain just doesn't want to cooperate and refuses to work properly.

I had my thesis consultation yesterday with Ma'am and I was quite pleased because I didn't have as much revisions to do as I had last week when I crammed a section A of my thesis. Yes, I still have a lot to do (thinking of writing the Review of Related Literature makes me shiver hahaha, in a bad way:P) but I feel better because I feel that I am giving more of myself in this work and that I really am working hard to make it a work that I can be proud of even in the later years of my life.

So there, it's quite a happy tired scenario. Hope the fire doesn't die soon. I will be needing it till February next year. Haha.

sometimes life will just lead you to your passions

2008-07-23T08:51:00.002+08:00

...at pagkatapos ng mahabang panahon ng pagkakahimlay ng aking blog, ako'y nagbabalik. haha.

simple lang ang theme ng entry ko ngayong umaga. (simple dahil umagang-umaga hahaha)

Nitong summer ng taong ito, nag-OJT ako at kasabay noon ay mayroon din kaming klase pag Sabado. Ang sabi ni Sir Leland sa amin, "you have to make deliberate choices in your career...etc" (dahil hindi ko na maalala yung iba pa niyang sinabi, basta't ito ang tumatak sa aking isipan). Naaalala ko pang ang una kong naisip nung panahong iyon ay "wala akong kadeliberate-deliberateness sa katawan". Pakiramdam ko nga ay para akong isang manok na walang ulo na hindi alam ang pupuntahan at basta nalang patakbo takbo ng walang malinaw na direksyon.

Mahirap maging ganoon at minsan tila naiinggit ako sa mga taong alam ang talagang gusto nila sa buhay. Oo, alam kong gusto ko ang pagiging DS major at gusto ko ang linya ng trabaho nito ngunit di ako makasasagot kapag tinanong mo ako ng "ano ba talaga ang gusto mong maging trabaho sa hinaharap?". Mayroon na akong mga generic answers para sa tanong na ito ngunit sa loob loob ko ay nahihirapan akong isipin ano ba ang end goals ko sa aspeto ng aking 'career' at ano ang "deliberate steps" na gagawin ko upang marating iyon.

Ang hirap.

sabaw morning

2008-07-14T09:56:00.002+08:00

...the morning when I learned again to proofread and edit my work before simply printing a haphazardly done paper

...I feel like I'm PMS-ing. Wala lang. I just feel irritated over the little things and I just feel down in general. Period. Ang makipag-away sa may PMS, gago.

one sabaw morning when it took me all of my strength to wake up at 730 in the morning to edit Section A of thesis, prepare a report & study for a quiz

2008-07-14T07:45:00.001+08:00

sabaw = thesis:(

argh.

random thought at 12:18 in the morning

2008-06-29T00:17:00.003+08:00

In between colds, cough and midnight drowsiness, I just realized that...

gusto ko ng pumayat!

Vain na kung vain at mababaw na kung mababaw pero sa tingin ko kasi naa-apektuhan na ng weight ko ang tiwala ko sa sarili ko.

procrastinating...

2008-06-24T21:41:00.002+08:00

Yes, I know. I should be finishing my thesis proposal BUT...let me take a break for a while;)

1. How late did you stay up last night and why?
+ not too late..I think I fell asleep around 12mn or earlier? I don't recall.

2. What was the first thing you said when you got up?
+ pwede pero hindi ko na mahihintay kasi kailangan ko na pumasok

3. Where were you last Friday night?
+ at home

4. Do you think you will be in a relationship 3 months from now?
+ yes, I'd like to think so :)

5. When's the next time you'll see your friends?
+ tomorrow? haha. we class together ;0

6. What were you doing this morning at 7am?
+ sitting in the lrt..mga v.mapa station siguro yun.

7. What radio station do you listen to the most?
+ I don't tune in to the radio much but I do tune in to 89.1 when I get the chance

8. What was the reason you last cried?
+ err...stress and pressure?

9. Have you ever talked to someone when they were high?
+ I sure hope not! haha.

10. What are you listening to?
+ none at the moment

11. Who was the last two people to text you?
+ tiffanie and mao

12. What's the fifth text in your inbox say?
+ a joke from my auntie

13. What is your greatest realization these days?
+ i have so much more to give to others.

14. What high school did/do you attend?
+ st. peter the apostle school

15. What was your least favorite subject?
+ math and science

16. What were you doing at 11pm last night?
+ errr..using the computer?

17. Who was the last person you texted last night before bed?
+ mao

18. Will you be driving in a year?
+ I don't know. I don't think so hahahaha.

19. Is there anything that you are craving for right now?
+ none

20. When did your last hug take place?
+ kanina

21. Do people ever make stupid mistakes when spelling or saying your name?
+ my name frequently gets misspelled unfortunately.

22. Have you ever started a sentence with "No offense, but..."?
+ I guess so.

23. Do you drink tea?
+ Yes.

24. Have you ever been arrested?
+ Nope.

25. Have you rode in someone else's car today?
+ Errr..does the jeepney count? Haha.

26. Have you made a mistake this past week?
+ yes, lost my temper many times.

27. What are you listening to right now?
+ none.

28. Say something about somebody
+ My sister is worrying about being too gangly and thin (and here I am worrying about being too fat!) LOL

29. Do you miss someone?
+ yep

30. Are you happy with your life right now?
+ steady

31. In the past 72 hours have you been under the influence?
+ nope. never have been.

33. What do you need to be doing right now?
+ finishing my thesis proposal

34. What's the connection between you and the last person you texted?
+ two people in love with each other:D

35. Who do you hate?
+ who? haha. err, wala naman.

36. What do you wear to bed?
+ pambahay clothes and a jacket if it's cold

37. Has anyone got on your nerves lately?
+ yes.

38. Do you think you'll be married in 10 years?
+ hmmm, i guess so. i'm old by that time:P

39. What were you doing at 6pm Friday night?
+ errr...using the computer?

40. Do you know anyone with the same name as you?
+ yes, lots!:P

g.g.

2008-06-20T18:00:00.001+08:00

Gossip Girl

addictive indeed. ;)

things that made me smile today

2008-06-20T09:33:00.002+08:00

1. getting to blog about my studies (nerdy ba ang topic? haha)

I haven't had so much time to blog this week. I've been quite busy with reading, org work, and getting sick. Haha. Yes, my body was telling me to slow down by having a sore throat and a fever here and there.

2. no classes today

Free day, whee:P Though it means I can't go out of the house, I can definitely get some rest.:) You see, my fever tends to go back when I get too tired.

3. new vectors downloaded

yehey! hahaha. new vectors always excite me:D it presents endless possibilities of artworks. while i'm definitely no photoshop expert, I do love tinkering with it and seeing until where I can push myself to.

4. nescafe sweet and creamy coffee

I'm no coffee drinker. In fact, a cup of it usually takes me next to the bathroom (and do my thing bwahahaha) before. Thank God it's not that bad now anymore. anyway, masarap ang 'guhit sa lalamunan' nung coffee lalo ng may sore throat ako ngayon.

that's it for this morning. hahahaha. sabaw.

things about my studies

2008-06-20T08:20:00.001+08:00

...because I know my dad sometimes reads my blogs:P (I know because he reprimanded me once because i wrote something which he thought is inappropriate)

Anyways, I might as well write things down just to see where I am at present in terms of studying. Hahaha.

quite long...so stop here kung tinatamad ka magbasa:))

1. Social Entrepreneurship

Sir Vincent opened the class with a lesson in personal finances which is quite funny for me because I am basically financially illiterate. Heehee. I'm not kidding, that's true.

If not for my grandma persuading me and actually giving me money (hahahaha) to open a bank account, I would never have gotten top actually opening one.:P Yes, I can add, subtract, divide and multiply but I am obviously ignorant in terms of interest, mutual funds, stocks, blablablabla. My friend, Lester, always tells me of his investments (whatever those things are called) and advises me where to put my money. I always tell him to go and tell me those things again when I get older so I can just get him as my financial consultant. Hahaha. Friends naman tayo di ba?:P

So anyways, the point is, I found out that I am virtually worthless and asset-less after that class which made me rethink my financial goals in life and my spending habits. I am admittedly a bad shopper, an impulsive one. Why? I don't know either. Haha.

2. Philo 103: Pilosopiya ng Relihiyon

Dahil ang nasabing klase ay gamit ang wikang Filipino, nararapat lang na akin ding gamitin ang parehong wika sa pagbahagi ng aking maikling karanasan sa nasabing aralin. Ang aking guro dito ay si G. Roy Tolentino na malamang ay kilalang kilala na ng nakararami sa Ateneo. Hindi ko siya guro noong nakaraang taon at sa 2 klase na napasukan ko (lumiban ako kahapon sapagkat ako'y nilalagnat noong umaga) bahagyang naninibago ako sa kanyang estilo ng pagtuturo. Marahil ito ay dahil sa pagkakaiba niya sa estilo ng aking dating guro sa Pilosopiya na si G. Barbaza.

Sa ngayon, nangangapa ako sa klase ni G. Tolentino. Idagdag pa natin na ang klaseng ito ay ang pinaka-unang klase ng araw. Oo, mga kaibigan, ika-7:30 ng umaga ang klaseng ito. Kaya yata ako nagkasakit ngayong linggo ito bukod sa pabago-bagong panahon ay ang biglaang pagbabago ng aking iskedyul. Noong nakaraang taon kasi ay halos puro panggabi o panghapon ang aking mga klase.

3. Theo141: Theology of the Catholic Social Vision (hindi ko maalala yung salin sa Filipino:P)

Nakakatawa, hindi ko alam noong una na sikat at "coveted" TH141 teacher pala si Sir Bobby Guev. Ang alam ko lamang dati ay asawa niya si Ma'am Marichi na aking guro dati sa Research Methods at ngayon ay thesis adviser ko din.

Ngunit ngayon, alam ko na kung bakit sikat si Sir:
- Magaling magturo si Sir. Itinuturo niya ang teolohiya sa isang lebel na kakabit ng aming mga tunay na buhay. Kumbaga, hindi pala ito hiwalay sa ating mga buhay.
- Unti-unting lumiliwanag na ang pananampalataya ay may malaking bahaging ginagampanan sa ating pagtataya sa ating sarili para sa ikabubuti (walang ibang maisip na word hehe) ng ibang tao. Syempre malaking tulong dito na ibinabahagi ni Sir ang kanyang mga personal na karanasan sa buhay.
- Nakakatawa si Sir. :P Para siyang ipinanganak na komedyante. Minsan hindi naman nakakatawa yung joke pag iba ang nagbitaw pero si sir marunong bumitaw ng punchline. Basta ganun hehe.

4. DS 165.35: Senior Paper

Sa puntong ito, nasasabik ako sa aking thesis (na senior paper daw talaga ang tawag sabi ni Ma'am Marichi). Una, dahil gusto ko talaga yung gagawin ko kahit na nararamdaman ko na unti-unti na itotodo ko ang sarili ko sa taong ito (okay lang mapagod, sana lang pumayat haha).

Last night (okay, shift ng language? haha), I was browsing the net for child rights resources since the Rizal Library only had limited resources on it. I came across many sites but I was super excited when I browsed through Unicef's website. :P They had many resources (yehey) which I can pattern my modules after nyehehehe. My thesis seems to get clearer and clearer every day,yehey. I really am excited about this. :)

So, children na ata ang sector ko?hehehehe. (note to self: wag muna magsalita ng tapos, tapusin muna ang thesis hahahahaa)

5. EU197: The Evolution of European Diplomatic Practice and its Present Applications

So why did I take this as an elective? Wala lang. I just wanted to explore something "different". Haha. The teacher, Sir BJ, seems to be a bit lax or at least he seems that way during the first meeting.

I wonder whether I can actually be a diplomat or an ambassador someday. I don't think I have enough "grace" or "class". In short, feeling ko masyado akong clumsy for it hahahaha.

Funny, I remember this conversation between me, my dad and my brother's girlfrend (Jackie).
Jackie: (to me) Bakit hindi ka sumali ng Celadon? (kasi Chinese kami diba and my brother had been in Celadon for the longest time)
Me: Err, ayoko lang. (although I did apply for it 2 consecutive times but that's a different story and I really don't want to join there anymore this senior year...basta haha) Hindi ako mayaman (pa-joke).
Dad: (to Jackie) Masa yang si Jen eh. Komunista yan (pa-joke)! (whaatda. haha)

Anyways, let's see where this class takes me. Let's see. For now, I'm focusing my energies on my thesis, my other subjects and my 2 orgs (FCCY and DevSoc).

Congratulations to you if you've reached this part. It means either of the two:
1.) you're my dad
2.) wala kang magawa kaya pinagtiyagaan mo:P

Bumaha!

2008-06-15T17:43:00.003+08:00

It rained SO hard last Wednesday - so hard that the DS Department was close to being flooded. Eep! The flooding was caused by an architectural oversight in the Leong building and the heavy winds that accompanied the heavy rain.

Ang ending? Baha sa department. Water seeped inside. Ack. We just strewed newspapers around which provided inferior absorption of all the water. Well, better than nothing right?

another vain post

2008-06-15T17:10:00.002+08:00

Indulge me. Haha.

I finally had the courage to try and buy liquid eyeliner. Hah! I'm apprehensive about it because I've never had a steady hand and was simply comfortable with using my pencil eyeliner and simply smudging it to conceal imperfect applications. Yesterday, I was browsing cosmetic counters in SM Manila with my limited budget (hehe) and was contemplating which item to buy. I have three in my list: liquid eyeliner, loose powder, and Sally Hansen nail polish.

I decided to go with the e/l since I still have my YSL polish which I can use for my hands (since it does not easily chip off) and I still haven't used up all my Luminare mineral veil which I'm very happy with. Actually, I still have more mineral makeup with me and buying some more makeup would probably be very impractical. So I went ahead and bought the elf liner since only elf has 3 colors to choose from: black, brown and grayish-blue. Other brands only have black and black e/l scares me for now. I think it's way too harsh for daytime use.

So, just to keep my senseless self sane, I took some pictures of me wearing the e/l. Haha. I looked up elf's website and saw that there are actually some more colors that are still unavailable here: green and violet. I'm waiting for those colors haha, definitely trying it. :P

My latest beauty conquest: ELF Waterproof Liquid E/L

Unretouched pictures

More unretouched pictures

Retouched pictures: Adjusted color and lighting; Dark Strokes effect

Why girls and guys are different is an age-old, unsolvable mystery of the universe

2008-06-15T17:08:00.000+08:00

don't necessarily agree with the other statements but I thought it would be fun nonetheless to post this and put comments.

Credits to Florence (who got this from another person) for this.

THINGS GUYS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT GIRLS

1. Girls like to be held, NOT fondled.

2. We like to cuddle and be loved NOT be treated like crap.

3. When we say our neck or back or something else hurts you should offer to make it feel better (give us a massage).

4. We like to be treated WITH respect.

5. We like it when you call when you say you're going to call.

6. Girls are more sensitive than guys so watch what you say and do.

(I am super in agreement with this. Guys say maarte lang daw ang mga babae but really, personally I tend to take some things personally and they say it's always the person important to you who can hurt you. So please kung importante ka sa babae, wag mo siyang saktan.)

7. When you break-up with us, DON'T do it over the Internet. Explain why you're breaking up with us and tell the truth. Don't lie about it.

8. If there's something we're doing wrong, then tell us NOT to your friends. We're the ones that can change it. Your friends can't.

9. On a date, you should pick us up, NOT us pick you up.

10. When we go out to dinner, DON'T pick the cheapest restaurant.

11. We like it when you put your arm around us and rub our stomach.

12. DON'T force us to do something otherwise, you'll NEVER get it.

13. DON'T ask us what's wrong unless you want to know the honest to God answer.

14. DON'T keep asking us what's wrong when we've already told you nothing because obviously nothing is wrong or we just don't want to talk about it.

15. If you don't want us to be pissed at you, DON'T do something stupid that will piss us off.

16. If you don't want us to hate you forever, don't let us find out about your other girlfriend, or in simple terms, DON'T EVER CHEAT ON US.

17. You don't ALWAYS have to be right.

18. Accept us and love us for who we are NOT who you want us to be.

19. If we talk to another guy, it's NOT cheating.

20. When we break up, DON'T lie to your friends and say we broke up with you when YOU broke up with us.

21. When our best friend is a guy, it doesn't mean that we like them.

22. When someone comes up to us and says crap, DON'T just stand there stick up for us.

23. When we say call me, it means as soon as possible NOT 2 or 3 days later.

24. When we ask what you're thinking, we just want to know if you're thinking about us.

25. Just because your friends don't like us doesn't mean you have to break up with us, you're the one going out with us not them.

26. DON'T judge us on looks because looks DON'T matter. It's what we're like on the inside NOT the outside.

27. DON'T get mad over something stupid because you'll be ruining it for yourself NOT us.

28. Just because we talk to our ex boyfriends DOESN'T mean we like them. (A lot of us like to become friends with our ex's not enemies)

29. We don't care if you talk to your ex girlfriends, just DON'T do ANYTHING with them. (KEYWORD is ANYTHING)

30. When we say we don't feel good, we really mean we need you to hold us and kiss us and make us feel better.

31. Anything we say or do during that 4 days to a week each month CANNOT be held against us.

32. We think about you ALL the time.

33. If you're developing such good finger skills playing video games, you better put them to good use sometimes.

34. We're sensitive too...be gentle .(and we're not just talking about our hearts here, guys).

35. When we say we're tired, put your arm around us and cuddle with us so we can put our head on your shoulder or lap.

36. Don't EVER lie to us about ANYTHING, you know we'll find out eventually.

37. SAYING something sweet MIGHT get you off the hook, but DOING something sweet will always get you off the hook.

38. Hugs and kisses MUST be given at all times.

39. Don't always expect us to call you, the phone works both way, you know the drill!!

40. I love you is a big step, DON'T say it unless you really mean it.

41. Come and pick us up when we need you to, most of the time we just miss you a lot and want to see you!

42. DO NOT hit on or lead on numerous girls...Because it definitely sucks for you when we all find out...You just ruined your chances with all of us!!

43. We have PMS every month...Please just try to understand...We don't feel good, we're angry, and we're emotional.. DON'T FIGHT WITH US...It's just something you don't want to do.

44. Most of the things you do reflects back on us in some way...or affects us in some way...DON'T DO ANYTHING STUPID.

45. Don't say you understand when you really don't.

46. Don't make bets about us. We ALWAYS find out.

47. We don't shave our legs EVERY day so get over it.

48. You don't have PMS so don't act like you know what it's like because you never will.

49. Be there for us...a hug, a kiss, a call, a visit or even just listening to us can go along way.

50. When we break up, DON'T go after my best friend.

51. Whatever you do, don't just show up at our house... We run around in our underwears just like you do. :)

52. DON'T CHEAT ON THEM. It may seem foolproof, but girls tell each other everything about everything. Trust me, they will find out and you will be mud.

53. Beware of every single male relative and all guy friends. Any of them would kick your butt at the drop of a hat, and a lot of them wouldn't even wait for the hat.

54 NEVER miss an opportunity to tell us we're beautiful.

[don't overdo it]

55. DON'T refuse to kiss in front of your friends. If they laugh at you, it's because they're jealous.

56. If they slap you hard, you DESERVED it.

57. DON'T be afraid to touch them if you want to. If they're going out with you in the first place, it's because they like being in your arms.

58. If you DON'T sleep with them, do not tell your friends that you did.

58.5 If you DO sleep with them, DON'T tell your friends that you did.

59. You CAN be dirty minded in private, really... most of them are not offended by it.

60. Not all of them eat like birds, a lot of them can eat like whales.

61. Most of them DON'T mind paying half of everything, but they do discuss these things with their friends. Realize that if you make your girlfriend pay half all the time, everyone will know about it and your friends will know you're a prick.

62. Every girl should eventually get THREE THINGS from her boyfriend- a stuffed animal, one of his sweatshirts, and a really pretty ring.

63. Make sure she gets home safely as often as you can. If you're dropping her off, walk her to the door. If you aren't dropping her off, call to be sure she's home safely.

64. If a guy is bothering her, it is your right to kick the crap out of him.

65. If you're talking to a female friend of yours, pull your girlfriend closer.

66. NEVER , ever slap her, even if it's just in a joking way. Even if she swats you first, and says, "Oh, you're so dumb" or something, never make any gestures back.

67. Go to a chick flick once in a while. She DOESN'T care whether you enjoy it or not, it just matters that you went.

68. You're dead meat if you CAN'T get along with their pets, parents and best friends. Be PRINCE CHARMING to their friends, Mr. Polite to their parents, and make sure to be nice to their animals.

69. DON'T flirt with their moms... that's just freaky.

70. DON'T be freaked out by PMS. It's not gross, and it really does make them feel like crap, so be UNDERSTANDING.

71. If you don't like the way they drive, you do it.

72. If you're officially dating, and you're introducing her to your friends, you'd better introduce her as your girlfriend.

73. DON'T stress where you go for every date. They really only want to be with you.

74. If they complain that something hurts, rub it for them without being asked.

75. Girls are fragile. Even if you're play fighting/wrestling, be very GENTLE .

76. Memorize their freakin birthdays. You forget her birthday and you're basically screwed for life.

77. DON'T marinade in cologne, but smell good.

78. DON'T give her something stupid for her birthday or Christmas or Valentine's day It doesn't have to be expensive, but it has to be meaningful.

79. If you think the relationship isn't going to last, don't wait to find out. It will only hurt you more if you draw it out.

80. After you've been dating for a while, realize that they really have started to trust you. When you have a girlfriend who truly trusts you, you have a lot more responsibility, privilege and control than you would think. Be careful with it, most guys would kill for that kind of power, and it can be lost in a nanosecond.

Those in bold mean I agree with it.

2008-06-14T11:43:00.001+08:00

Ang lahat ng tao may kakayahang mapagod...

Ingat ka. Baka bigla akong mapagod ng tuluyan.

I've always wanted to study handwriting analysis...

2008-06-07T09:30:00.000+08:00

From The Handwriting Wizard

I was mildly surprised because I found myself nodding at almost everything!:P Feel free to disagree. bwahahahaha:))

Welcome Jennifer Tan, here is your handwriting analysis.

Jennifer is moderately outgoing. Her emotions are stirred by sympathy and heart rendering stories. In fact, she can be kind, friendly, affectionate and considerate of others. She has the ability to put herself into the other person's shoes.

Jennifer will be somewhat moody, with highs and lows. Sometimes she will be happy, the next day she might be sad. She has the unique ability to get along equally well with what psychology calls introverts and extroverts. This is because she is in between. Psychology calls Jennifer an ambivert. She understands the needs of both types. Although they get along, she will not tolerate anyone that is too "far out." She doesn't sway too far one way or the other.

When convincing her to buy a product or an idea, a heart rendering story could mean a great deal to her. She puts herself in the same situation as the person in the story, yet she will not buy anything that seems overly impractical or illogical. Jennifer is an expressive person. She outwardly shows her emotions. She may even show traces of tears when hearing a sad story.

Jennifer is a "middle-of-the-roader," politically as well as logically. She weighs both sides of an issue, sits on the fence, and then will decide when she finally has to. She basically doesn't relate to any far out ideas and usually won't go to the extreme on any issue.

Jennifer tends to write a bit smaller than the average person. When a person's letters are small and tiny, this indicates an ability to focus and concentrate. This character trait is a huge asset in careers like math, science, race car driving, and flying planes. However, if Jennifer writes tiny all of the time, she will also display characteristics of someone who is socially introverted. Jennifer will often sit on the sideline and watch others get the attention at parties. she might be willing to open up and be warm, but only in small groups or a select group of people. When she is busy working on a project, it is common for all other noises and distractions to just fade away and her ability to focus is incredible. When she says "she didn't hear you", she really means, she didn't hear you.

Jennifer is sensitive to criticism about her ideas and philosophies. She will sometimes worry what people will think if she tells them what she believes in. This doesn't mean she won't talk, or that she feels ashamed. It merely means she is sensitive to what others think, regarding her beliefs.

Jennifer will be candid and direct when expressing her opinion. She will tell them what she thinks if they ask for it, whether they like it or not. So, if they don't really want her opinion, don't ask for it!

Diplomacy is one of Jennifer's best attributes. She has the ability to say what others want to hear. She can have tact with others. She has the ability to state things in such a way as to not offend someone else. Jennifer can disagree without being disagreeable.

In reference to Jennifer's mental abilities, she has a very investigating and creating mind. She investigates projects rapidly because she is curious about many things. She gets involved in many projects that seem good at the beginning, but she soon must slow down and look at all the angles. She probably gets too many things going at once. When Jennifer slows down, then she becomes more creative than before. Since it takes time to be creative, she must slow down to do it. She then decides what projects she has time to finish. Thus she finishes at a slower pace than when she started the project.

She has the best of two kinds of minds. One is the quick investigating mind. The other is the creative mind. Her mind thinks quick and rapidly in the investigative mode. She can learn quicker, investigate more, and think faster. Jennifer can then switch into her low gear. When she is in the slower mode, she can be creative, remember longer and stack facts in a logical manner. She is more logical this way and can climb mental mountains with a much better grip.

Jennifer is a practical person whose goals are planned, practical, and down to earth. This is typical of people with normal healthy self-esteem. She needs to visualize the end of a project before she starts. she finds joy in anticipation and planning. Notice that I said she plans everything she is going to do, that doesn't necessarily mean things go as planned. Jennifer basically feels good about herself. She has a positive self-esteem which contributes to her success. She feels she has the ability to achieve anything she sets her mind to. However, she sets her goals using practicality-- not too "out of reach". She has enough self-confidence to leave a bad situation, yet, she will not take great risks, as they relate to her goals. A good esteem is one key to a happy life. Although there is room for improvement in the confidence catagery, her self-perception is better than average.

Jennifer is sarcastic. This is a defense mechanism designed to protect her ego when she feels hurt. She pokes people harder than she gets poked. These sarcastic remarks can be very funny. They can also be harsh, bitter, and caustic at the same time.

Jennifer has a tendency to put things off, Jennifer procrastinates. She sometimes pretends to be busy, so she will not have to do whatever she is putting off. She is often late to appointments or deadlines. This usually leads to a great amount of effort at the last minute to meet the deadline. Procrastination is an important factor as it relates to her output on the job or at school. Remember, Jennifer will put it off until later. Procrastination is easily overcome through a simple stroke adjustment in the handwriting.

Jennifer has a need to be in control of her own life. She is a strong individual that can control situations to her advantage. This person can take control of a situation. She likes control and has the ability to control people without getting them offended.

Jennifer is very self-sufficient. She is trying not to need anyone. She is capable of making it on her own. She probably wants and enjoys people, but she doesn't "need" them. She can be a loner.

For a graphologist, the spacing on the page reflects the writer's attitude toward their own world and relationship to things in his or her own space. If the inputted data was correct Jennifer has left some white space on the left side of the paper. Jennifer fills up the rest of the page in a normal fashion moving the entire writing rightward as she moves down the page. If this is true, then Jennifer has a healthy relationship to the past and is ready to move on. The right side of the page represents the future and Jennifer is ready and willing to get started living now and planning for the future. Jennifer is leaving the past behind and moving on to what she perceives as an exciting and enticing future.

Why you have to love mineral makeup

2008-06-04T17:31:00.005+08:00

(l-foundi,concealer,mineral veil; c-with blush; r-the complete look)

Courtesy of Mineral Makeup:)

Thank you to Dream Minerals and Luminare ;)

Mineral makeup gives a natural finish and is, best of all, light as a feather on the skin so it doesn't actually feel like you piled on a truckload of gunk in your face. It almost feels like you did not put on anything except for your usual moisturizer. :D

It's also quite easy to take off BUT surprise surprise that it lasts relatively long. You only need at most 1-2 touchups in a day but if you're too lazy to retouch then that's fine as well because you still end up looking radiant and not ngarag.

I must say that mineral makeup is also easy on the pocket since a little application goes a long way. The only painful part for me is you have to invest in a good set of makeup brushes because application is brush-dependent. BUT the results will really make your investment worth it. ;)

Kudos to whoever answered the phone in Xend Express

2008-06-03T11:12:00.004+08:00

2 weeks ago, I placed an order for mineral makeup in Dream Collection (w/c also merits a good review). Its courier is Xend Express w/c I have not had any bad experiences with before. But last week changed my impression of it. I paid for my goodies in Friday and was told that it will be picked up in Saturday. Since they do not deliver in Sunday, I presumed that the package will be delivered in Monday.

The day came but there was no package in our door. I waited for it again the next day but still there was no package in sight. I would have to commend the seller, Ms. Char Lu of Dream Collection, at this point for following the package up every day.:)

Late Tuesday night (around 11:30pm-12mn), I received a text message from Xend saying that they could not find our house since it has no letter (the letter got defaced because of heavy rains). I replied with instructions such as the color of our gate so that they would not miss it the next day.

Come Wednesday, I was really expecting the package but it still was nowhere in sight come 6 in the evening. I called them up and inquired about the package. Now, I have to commend whoever answered the phone because she held her cool though I was literally the irate caller from hell minus cursing the operator or Xend. I was screaming (yeah sorry, palengkera) and demanding a coherent explanation (not just that the package is already out and the only thing I can do is wait for it). Why was I so angry?
1.) because the package should have been delivered Monday
2.) because the delivery guy could have contacted me since my contact info is in the waybill (and a previous delivery guy did call me up one time when he had problems locating our house)

Good thing that the package finally came an hour after or I would have called them up again.

So to whoever answered the phone that time, I salute you for keeping your cool and dealing professionally with an irate caller like me.

P.S. I did apologize after I received my package and thanked them for professionally handling the situation.

an early morning realization

2008-06-03T11:03:00.000+08:00

I was typing my uber-delayed reflection for Catching 153 (sorry, Lester!) this morning when this realization struck me.

“God calls you to be extraordinarily good, not because you are extraordinary to begin with.”

My beauty stash

2008-06-02T19:50:00.004+08:00

(a) (b) (c)

(d) (e) (f)

(g) (h)

My Beauty Stash

(a) My favorite cosmetic item: mascara! This is my first decent mascara because the first one I had sucked.:( Maybelline has relatively affordable mascaras with a variety too! However, I'm not too happy with this tube (in the photo) because it has a tendency to clump.:( So I have to be extra careful in applying it but it gives a-okay results with an a-okay application. ;)

(b) Before I ventured into mascaras, I was happy and content with eyeliners.:P But it's hard to find eyeliners that won't smear and give you raccoon eyes at the end of the day. Soooo, I still am actually in search of a good eyeliner. Meanwhile, I use my Ever Bilena eyeliner. For its cheap price, it's quite okay though it sometimes smears.:( The one beside it is a Nichido Girls' Night Out liner. I like it fine save for the very soft consistency - so soft that it's hard to sharpen it because it gets smushed half the time instead of being sharpened.

(c) This one is quite new in my makeup kit and I must say I've been obsessed with it ever since it was featured in Meg magazine. But somehow, it disappoints me. It does neutralize the redness in my face and gives me a glowing look. However, I find the formula too sparkly although my sister said it doesn't look too sparkly when it's already in my face. What I do like about it, on the other hand, is that it doesn't grease up and it has SPF35 and PA+++ so that's like putting on primer and sunscreen in one go already. :)

(d) I used to be afraid of pink blushes thinking that I wouldn't be able to pull it off since I am slightly brown-ish in color.:P But this Elianto blusher changed my mind! Turns out, I can actually pull the color off without looking like some clown who went crazy with make-up. I would also recommend this product to make-up newbies as it provides controlled application of the powder blush. But...the downside for me is that application sometimes becomes sloooow since it only dispenses a little at a time. But for newbies who aren't comfortable yet with applying color, this is definitely okay.:)

(e) As much as I am okay with cheek color, I am not too comfortable with lipstick especially those in bright colors. I prefer nude-colored lips. I don't know why haha! So this is my favorite lipstick, Maybelline Naturals. Actually, I'm good to go with this. I just put on some Nichido gloss sometimes when I want more shimmer, shine and glam.

(f) The cheek color I am most comfortable with - apricot. It goes very well with my skintone and gives me a slight orange-y glow (but not like the fruit hehe). This is my staple blush when I want to go for the natural look. :)

(g) If you've been following my beauty thingamajigs in life, you'll remember that I even included this product in my beauty wishlist. Well, I granted that wish myself and bought a stick at the Body Shop. :) So far, I am quite satisfied with it and it's quite effective with blemishes. It doesn't aggravate pimples and does a fine job of concealing them.

(h) My ever-reliable compact - Maybelline's Clear Smooth. In fairness to it, it does a good job although I find the coverage a bit too heavy especially after I've tried mineral makeup (different post) which feels next to nothing. But for girls who want to feel as if they're wearing makeup (my mom does), this is okay.;) Also in the photo is my Clean&Clear pimple stick which is handy and reliable as well. :D

future post: on mineral makeup:D

senseless photos

2008-06-02T19:39:00.004+08:00

senseless photos of me first thing in the morning...

just because I wanted to see how my skin looks like sans the cosmetics.:P

at least it's looking better although I don't think I'm totally saying buh-bye to acne.

It's still there especially on days when you just don't want it bugging you. :|

weird post.

2008-06-02T15:35:00.002+08:00

Minsan basta may nakakainis lang talaga tungkol sa isang tao.

Hindi ka naman iniinis, wala namang masamang intensyon, pero naiinis ka lang.

At madalas, mas gusto kong ipahayag na yung inis ko agad para mawala na dahil naobserbahan ko na kapag hindi ko pinapahayag agad, naiipon yung inis sa loob at mas malala ang masasabi o magagawa ko kapag hindi ko na talaga kayang kimkimin.

Hindi ako dati nagkikimkim. Bakit ngayon, ganun na ang ginagawa ko?

Lifted from Baklitaan: My Beauty Arsenal

2008-05-23T22:11:00.004+08:00

I came across Baklitaan - a beauty blog of two fab ladies, Bambi and Liee - and oohed and aahed over it. Whee! Makeup tutorials, beauty reviews, and everything beauty-related.:D

And so I'm ripping a survey off the site:P Hahaha.

My Foundation: I'm not a big fan of foundations because I easily break out even when I don't wear makeup! Tsk. So I usually limit my routine to just tinted moisturizer, sunscreen and a bit of powder. But, but, but I'm trying out some mineral makeup from Dream Minerals so I might change my mind about foundation if it doesn't give me breakouts.:)

My Mascara: My first-ever mascara was from San-San but I didn't like it much.: It easily smudges and I usually end up with raccoon eyes at the end of the day:( Right now I'm using Maybelline Unstoppable but I'm not very satisfied with it. So yeah, you can say that I'm still on the lookout for the mascara for me.:)

My Blush: I have an Elianto one touch blusher (which is sort of convenient to use), Maybelline blush, Careline blush, and Nichido mousse blush

My Eye Shadow: Wala masyado. Haha. Because I don't usually put on eyeshadow for my day makeup so all I have right now is a Nichido eyeshadow pallette. But, but, but I might experiment with eyeshadow this year. Why? Wala lang, I just feel like it.;P So I'm planning to get a pallette from Elianto and collect the different shades. (more on that in another post hehe)

My Day Cream: In the morning, I usually put on Nivea Tinted Moisturizer, Shiseido sunscreen, and Celeteque moisturizer. That's usually just fine for me.:)

My Lipstick: Again, I'm not a fan of lipsticks because I'm not too keen on experimenting with lip color but I might buy some this year:D For now, I only have a Maybelline lipsticks:) (Nude color pa haha)

My Beauty Product Brand: Maybelline, Nichido, Elianto, L'oreal

My Essential Beauty Product: Uhh...madami eh. Haha! Maybe skincare stuffs then eyelash curler:D

My Favorite Makeup Product: Mascara :D and oh yeah, eyeliner too. :)

My Perfume: What I really love is The Body Shop's White Musk but it's way too expensive for me at this point. For everyday use, I'm fine with Baby Bench cologne:)

My Nails: Elianto polish and for indulging myself, YSL La Laque!:D

Feet & My Hands: Guilty as charged, I'm not a lotion person:-s I've always had abnormally dry skin in my legs that no matter how diligently I put on lotion, it is always dry:-s

Three Products to bring on a deserted island: Toothbrush&paste (considered as 1 item! haha), kojic soap and tinted moisturizer :P

Woman I admire for their beauty: Audrey Hepburn (para siyang may eternal glow around her and her eyes are just to-die-for!) and Marilyn Monroe (very sensual ang dating heehee without looking cheapo)

Woman with the Best Sense of Style: For me, it would have to be Audrey Hepburn:P Idol ko siya talaga.:P

My Ultimate Dream: To age with purpose. Yung tipong tumatanda ako pero may silbi ako sa mundo.

How Do I Define Womanhood: Taking on the world head-on!:)

My Favorite Fashion Publication: Hindi na ako mahilig masyado sa magazines. Ang nababasa ko nalang na magazines sa bahay ay Total Girl, Meg (yung 2 yun ang binibili ng younger sister ko), Good Housekeeping, Yes (yung 2 ang binibili ng mama ko), at minsan Girlfriend at lalong paminsan-minsan Marie Claire. Mas tumitingin nalang ako sa net ngayon. Libre pa...heehee:P

just ramblings

2008-05-22T21:29:00.002+08:00

* I am soooo a frustrated graphic artist:

* I wonder if there's already a mineral makeup reseller at the Ateneo-Katipunan area? The makeup junkie in me wants to venture into reselling mineral makeup BUT I don't think I have the time at this point. Boo. :( With thesis, FC, and DevSoc, I think I already have enough in my hands. Too bad, some enterprising won't be too bad. Haha.

* I just placed my order for mineral makeup this afternoon.Yayness. I'm excited.:D *giddy mode

Tell me if this is over-ambitious

2008-05-21T19:00:00.003+08:00

I've been thinking about my thesis proposal and yes, reality is getting closer and closer to me, so close that it makes me want to cry. Hehe. That's how scared I am of my thesis, no matter how dramatic that may souns. :P

Here is my idea, mainly I just want to write it down first here before I send it to Sir Leland and Ma'am Marichi. *Sir, sorry because we all forgot about the proposal:|

Back story lang:
Last semester, I took up Project Management under Ms. Librea who is a fantastic teacher (pero ibang story yun hehe). As a final requirement, we made project proposals for real communities. My group (Ais, Bubbly, and me) made a project proposal for Brgy. Nagkaisang Nayon, Novaliches which was referred to us by the Ateneo Center for Educational Development (ACED) after we sought their help to partner us with a community.

So after several grueling trips to Novaliches (it really is far,I tell you), we drafted our proposal and came up with a child rights awareness campaign for the barangay and a capability-building program for the children of Nagkaisang Nayon Elementary School. Why this? Because we believe that we can further push mainstreaming child rights in local development planning by including children themselves and what better way to prepare them for it by educating them.

We presented this to the barangay officials and they seemed open about the idea. Actually, isa sa mga hoped-for impact ng project is for Nagkaisang Nayon to be hailed as a Child-Friendly Barangay. Sayang if not because it is quite a nice barangay as Bubbly and I have observed when we went there several times.

All the while, we thought that we were simply stubborn to believe that children's participation is crucial and significant. BUT...we were wrong! Because I found out that UNICEF has actually been behind the child-friendly movement (where the search for the child-friendly barangay originated). And I quote from a UNICEF document:

"Children’s participation is one of the goals formulated for the child friendly barangay
strategy: “Children of 12-17 years old must have the opportunity and be stimulated to participate in socio-cultural and community development activities.” Efforts to achieve this
include campaigns to keep the communities clean, to combat drug addiction and the spread of
sexually transmitted diseases; in addition, community fund raising campaigns are organized
and information is disseminated on children’s rights issues."

So, someone else was saying the same thing we were saying. Yay! :)

However...my apprehensions...

*pwede ba for thesis yung project proposal namin (so execution na lang)
*ang layo ng Novaliches. huhu. mega commute. :s
*takot ako na hindi ko makayanan lahat:|

So tell me if this is over-ambitious. Or baka hindi pala ito pwede.:P
Or baka may iba kayong naiisip na angles na pwede pang-thesis.:)

Quick entry (1/2 of the agony is over)

2008-05-21T18:25:00.002+08:00

Congratulations! I just finished typing my practicum paper. ;) Now, I shall do my thesis proposal. Must finish this by tonight. (lest magagalit ulit si Sir:|)

On another note, I'm inspired to do the Multiply theme for the FCCY Multiply. Lord, give me the strength please. :)

I have a gazillion things on my to-do list. Yikes.:s

P.S. Am about to order mineral makeup from Dream Collection (whose owners are incidentally St. Peter alumni) tonight. I'm excited. :P

Dreaming, I must be dreaming...

2008-05-20T13:04:00.004+08:00

My Lofty Dreams: *This is me in dreamy mode.:P

1. Professional make-up artist, stylist and photographer

2. An ambassador or a diplomat (kahit hindi ako diplomatic?:P)

3. Events planner / Wedding coordinator

the YSL pics :)

2008-05-18T17:53:00.002+08:00

YSL manicure pics:P So sheer and so nice! It will look as if you have a french manicure.;)

Overdue entry 1: Practicum!

2008-05-16T21:51:00.002+08:00

I just noticed that most of my recent posts are about beauty products. Haha! There goes evidence of my ongoing 'obsession' with beauty products. :P

On a different note, I better write this way overdue entry about my summer practicum at Children's Hour Philippines Inc.

After four weeks and more than 200 hours of working at Children's Hour, I can say with a straight face that I do not have any regrets taking my internship there even though I also applied at Ayala Foundation Inc. where interns get an allowance. Sure, I may not have had an allowance and the prestige might not be the same (considering CHPI's position in the micro level, no offense to CHPI) but working there is truly a great learning experience for me.

Of course, I was made to do clerical jobs like filing stuffs, printing and photocopying documents. But guess what? I loved filing! Haha! Maybe it's the OC in me.:P I filed old Resource Deployment files, got to use the giant puncher (2-hole and 3-hole) and took at look at old files. I also filed all backup files of the Marketing department.For future reference and easier access, I arranged it as if it's a library with a database for it and arranged by fiscal year. I also learned how to use the photocopying machine (the one that doubles as a printer) and it's funny how people say that every intern learns how to use it during their internship.:P

What made me very, very contented with my internship is the pleasant working atmosphere at CHPI. The staff is very small but they're one big hardworking family.:) Blame me if I'm the cheesy type but I believe that a good working atmosphere is necessary for everyone in the workplace to work better. I never got to thank my officemates for being so nice and accomodating to me even on the first week when I was lost in the office. :P The very important interpersonal lesson I learned, I guess, is speaking to each other in pleasant tones. Admittedly, I'm a shouter. I'm impatient and my automatic reaction is to yell when I get displeased (bratty much?) but then everyone in the office makes it a point to speak to each other politely all the time even in the most exasperating and pressured moments. You know what? It actually feels good to speak politely to people all the time. I feel less stressed and I have lesser 'guilty' moments which I almost always have after screaming at someone. Of course, it's hard to totally quit the habit all at once but I'm trying and I'd like to think that I'm making some nice progress.:)

Though the people in CHPI are all very very nice (Ms. Tess included!), I also had my share of challenges.

I was made to do something that I usually dread - making calls. Okay, so I can talk on the phone for a looooong time but I don't like calling people up. I'm lazy to do so.:P Since I'm an intern, however, I have no choice but to do what I'm made to do - following up solicitation letters included. Eep. I had to call up different offices we sent letters to and follow it up. It's a hard task, I tell you. It's not just a matter of calling up and saying a rehearsed dialogue (okay okay, it's part of it but...). It's also a matter of being prepared enough to sell the CH idea when the executive asks for it. It's also a matter of being friendly with the secretaries because they are your gateway to heaven. :P They serve as your bridge to their bosses and you can almost be sure that being snooty to them will not help you at all in reminding their boss about your letter. :P Anyway, I'm glad the calling part is over and it was not so bad. Some executives were just hard to reach because they're away all the time or in a meeting but thank God I did not have any bad experience such as being screamed at.

Whew, I daresay I love it there at Children's Hour! Every hour is truly time well spent. :) (plugging, plugging! haha)

p.s. I had another practicum-related challenge but that deserves another entry. Another overdue entry. o_o

For 375 a bottle? Not bad!:)

2008-05-16T21:09:00.004+08:00

Yayness! I got a YSL polish!:) Though I didn't get the red shade that I want, I got the porcelain rose shade (see picture). I'm trying it out tonight (haha, excited much?). Will give updates in the future.:)

p.s. The shade looks so light in the picture but it's fabulous in the bottle. Yay:)

p.p.s. My mom doesn't get why a nail polish needs to be sooo pricey (hindi na nga masyado pricey yung 375 'no compared to its original price over a thousand pesos) but I don't care. I'm absolutely through with cheap nail polish. Hello quality polish!!!:D

Beauty Review: Elianto Color Laquer

2008-05-15T15:07:00.003+08:00

If you're like me who loves to put on nail polish but is not too keen in constant reapplication, then get Elianto. :)

It may seem a bit pricey for 99 a bottle especially with cheaper alternatives like Bobbie or Caronia that cost not more than 40 pesos but it's better to spend more for a LOT more benefits.

1. Elianto polish has way LONGER life span. Cheaper polishes have a shorter life span, usually around a month (if exposed to the harshest conditions) to three then it will solidify. Eep. Since I'm lazy to constantly reapply, I don't get to use the polish often and this is where I appreciate Elianto polish which lasts long. :)

2. It does not have any harsh smells. We're all familiar with the not-so-okay smell of nail polish but I'm glad to say that Elianto polish's smell is not too overpowering. It's kinder to the nose, thank you.

3. It's not easily chipped off as long as your nails are not constantly wet. :)

Absolutely 5 stars for this product. :)

Hooray for sunscreen

2008-05-14T14:52:00.002+08:00

One of the many beauty mistakes I'm guilty of is not putting on sunscreen when I constantly get exposed to sunlight 5-6 times a week. Yeah, I know, I deserve punishment for that or maybe that's punishment in itself because it's like giving my skin its own ticket to The World of Premature Skin Aging. I remember my auntie reprimanding me for not wearing sunblock, "Kailan ka pa maglalagay? Pag 30 ka na?"

Whoops. So ever since that remark, I've started saving up for sunblock. Eh ang bilis naman sumagot ng panalangin ni God. Binigyan Niya ako agad ng sunblock kahapon.:P I found myself with a Shiseido sunscreen last night courtesy of my dearest mom. :-) Yay! Now I have something to use when the school year kicks in. :-P

My make-up wishlist

2008-05-13T16:48:00.014+08:00

Revlon Colorstay Mineral Foundation

Loose powder foundation that combines pure, lightweight minerals that are good for your skin and ColorStayÂ® longwear technology that lasts for up to 16 hours. This medium coverage foundation provides a color that won't fade all day making your skin look both healthy and flawless, no matter how long your day is.

Makeup is oil-free, fragrance free and non-irritating.

Provides medium coverage in 8 beautiful shades, with SPF 10 protection.

T he Body Shop Tea Tree Oil Cover Stick

A concealer with tea tree oil and other ingredients to help cover and fight blemishes.

KEY INGREDIENTS:
Tea tree oil
Has natural purifying antibacterial properties and is known to help soothe blemished skin. Helps the Aboriginal co-operative to provide training for farmers and to develop pride in their tea tree heritage.

Organic beeswax
Moisturizes and helps to condition the hands and dry skin around the nail beds. Acts as a barrier that helps to seal in moisture. Helps to keep product texture consistent, when used over time. Helps protect and preserve the forest as well as providing necessary income for the beekeepers, an increasing number of which are now women.

E.L.F. Shimmering Facial Whip

Multipurpose, on-the-go whipped colorant is vitamin B, C and E packed to instantly brighten and sooth skin with no greasy after-feel.

YSL LA LAQUE

Long lasting nail lacquer

A nail lacquer that is both elegant and practical in its elongated glass bottle. Available in an incredible palette of shades, from the most natural to the brightest, it guarantees reinforced hold, wonderful shine, fast drying and protected nails.

MAC Studio Finish Concealer SPF 35

A lightweight, creamy, discreetly opaque concealer. Provides a smooth, long-wearing invisible coverage for all skin blemishes. Water-resistant, fragrance-free and non-acnegenic.

This emollient-based, lightweight concealer is so concentrated that a tiny amount can provide opaque coverage of the skin's imperfections and discolourations.

It effectively covers dark circles, blemishes, moles, tattoos and birthmarks. Enriched with antioxidants (derivatives of Vitamin A and Vitamin E), it also contains Silica to help adsorb the skin's oils. Concealer has an SPF of 35 and is available in a wide range of colours.

It can be applied with a medium to firm fiber brush (try the 242 Brush), a latex sponge, or the fingertips.

YSL French Manicure Kit

This clever duo of portable pens are particularly easy to use: one with a lead to draw the white line and a pen-brush to highlight the nails with a pastel pink colour. Nails are instantly well manicured, smooth and glossy.

That monster seizing me body and soul

2008-05-11T23:33:00.002+08:00

Remember the teen series 'Popular' then? I used to watch it then and I was just in grade 4 at that time, I think. My most vivid memory of it is how Anday and I totally flipped over the word 'promiscuous'. Haha. Who could blame 2 crazy girls for getting amused with a word that a 4th grader should not know of? (or so I think)

In retrospect, I think I watched that show because I secretly wanted to be one of the populars. Yes, I who pretended to be a level-headed student and pretended not to care about unspoken 'statuses', was guilty of wanting to be like 'them'. But of course, I would only be admitting this about 10 years after when the 'status' then is now erased, when I feel comfortable confronting myself with this, and as I battle a possible second bout of wanting to be like 'that'. I say possible because this may only be me questioning who I am in comparison to others who I perceive to be like 'that' (maybe they're not even that that) and not necessarily wanting to be like them.

Lately, I've met different people. Yes, they are wonderful people and I do not say anything bad about them. They're my friends after all and really, they've been nothing but nice to me.

It's just that...I'm an observant person. I tend to notice people's clothes and shoes. I actually identify people by their shoes when I am looking down. I notice a lot of things and this is how I form my impressions of other people. These friends of mine...Well, they're just...different from me. Not that that is bad or anything. The difference I am referring to is our difference in work ethics, in beliefs, the way we speak, mannerisms. There's really really no intention to point out differences and say that one is better/higher than the other. Read on, bear with me and you will understand.

The more that our differences are highlighted in my mind, the more I perceive them to be part of the 'populars', those who just have 'it'. And this is when I became conscious of one of my defense mechanims - keeping to myself and retreating to my own shell when I feel just out of their world. I'm just not it. I'm this dowdy fat old tired person who feels like she cannot take care of her appearance vis-a-vis their polished appearances. I just felt, well, ugly. It wasn't a nice feeling and I was ranting about this last Friday and I am possibly still not over it otherwise I would not be blogging it down tonight. They seem to be so at ease talking with the others while I do feel relaxed but somehow, it feels like there's a wall between me and others. They talk of friends and meeting up with their boyfriends while I am stuck in my world with half-existent real friends, extinct fake friends (not that I want any fake friends around, though) and missing my boyfriend because we rarely see each other nowadays with me working and he being too far away to drive all the way to see me. They come in the office with stories of their vacations and trips. What can I say? Which chores I did during the weekends? And so I stay quiet most of the time, preferring to work non-stop or keep to myself with my computer monitor in a very bright setting which often leaves me with a mild case of eye strain.

Someone who will stumble over this will probably judge quickly how shallow and petty I am to be bothered with these things. But I assure you, I have a long complex history of insecurity in every bone (and even marrow) in my body.

And so, I ask myself, "Who am I when I stand beside these girls?" Why do I feel so ugly, dull and tired compared to their vibrant, pretty selves? Why do I feel like they're one of the populars 'there' and me, I am just a loser?

No, I do not want to be one of the populars. That I am quite sure at this age but I do want to shake off this 'I-think-beautiful-but-ugly-pala' me that I repeatedly see every morning when I face the mirror. I'm not just speaking in the physical dimension of things but even with the emotional facet but sometimes attacks in the physical hurt, you know. This is why I am always careful with throwing off remarks about the weight to all people except to myself. You see a chubby person? Stop making the 'fat' jokes because they can really get in people's nerves and no, it doesn't make them more superficial than you.

After writing everything down, I still ask myself who I am as I stand beside other people?

Am I this loser? Am I this 'just different' person? Am I this unhappy miser?

*sigh. The monster called Insecurity has just dropped in unannounced and seized me body and soul.

Sitting it out in the porch

2008-05-11T23:22:00.002+08:00

I knew it! Opening my Friendster account and snooping in other people's profiles will give me a glimpse of how my high school classmates look like now. Thirty minutes into it and I've added a few former schoolmates. I am regrettably out of touch with many of them. What a sad thing. Feels like I have not preserved good friendships or maybe I did not have quite a number of solid friendships to start with.

I don't know if it's just PMS that's making me feel down but I feel quite down tonight. :-c Not really sad, maybe just melancholic - the feeling you have on the nights that you sit out in the porch, watch the stars and just sit it out in silence.

Oh yeah, I'd really love to have that porch right now.