It's Like That, Y'all

I will not stay up until 2 a.m. to talk to Pen again. I will not stay up until 2 a.m. to talk to Pen again. I will not stay up until 2 a.m. to talk to Pen again. Thou shall be in bed by midnight forever and ever and ever.

Anyway, I needed therapy because of what happened yesterday. After 24 hours, I think I'm in a better state to talk about it in a civilized manner.

I’d like to think that I’m open-minded. I understand that we’re all different and that we have our own ways of doing things. Yet, time and time again, Filipinos have a way of showing me that I’m not open-minded enough. Let me give you a timeline:

1:30 - I arrived at a TV station
1:40 - HR Girl asks me if I had a copy of my resume. I said no. She said to fill out an application form
2:00 - I turned in a completed application form
3:00 - I was still staring at the walls unattended
3:45 - After two whole hours, I was led inside to take a psychological test
4:05 - I finished answering 156 questions; I was led outside again
4:20 - HR Girl finally gives me the time of day
4:40 - "I will call you"

First of all, I didn't know that I had to bring a copy of my resume. American Girl thought that if a company asked her for an interview, then they already had a copy of her resume. Okay, I learned my lesson.

Second, let's talk about the application form. Most notable "what the hell are these questions for?": blood type, height, weight, Pag-ibig number, sketch your residential address (as in, draw!), and two 50-word essay questions on the back. All together now, "The hell?!"

Third, I was told that my interview was at 2 p.m. I even confirmed it via text the day before. Why the hell did I spend two hours staring at the walls?! I understand Filipino Time, but this was in a professional setting! Do we not care about the company image?

Fourth, why did I have to take a test before I got some lip service? Why are you using a test booklet from 1975? Why did it have questions about pre-marital s3x and falling in love?

Fifth, the interview questions were just traumatizing: "What are your parents' and siblings' occupations?", "Do you have a boyfriend here or in the States?", "Why didn't you major in 'Mass Com'?", blah, blah, blah...

If the Philippine corporate world wants to be like this, then okay, I'm willing to submit to it regardless of how "old school" their practices may be. What I'm pissed about is the two hours of wasted time. It’s one thing to make me wait; it’s also another thing to make me take a test for nothing. If you don’t think your time is worthy, I think your time and mine are.

For the record, I’m here because I want to. I traded my whole life to be here in the Philippines because dammit, I love this country and its people (itayo ako ng monumento, please!). Don’t doubt my sincerity when I say that I’m here to stay and work my butt off. Yes, I didn’t major in Communications (because we don't have "Mass Com" in the U.S.), but I’d like to think that I have the skills to do well in this field. I’m here because I’m passionate about the work that I'm trying to get and I think that’s worth more than getting any entry-level “Mass Com” graduate who is applying anywhere just to earn a living (in my very biased opinion, of course).

If you work in Human Resources in the Philippines, care to enlighten us all? I'd like to understand your processes. Please make me understand your ways. Please, oh, please!

Missing You

It’s been a month, people. I don’t know if I should congratulate myself for making it this far or I should start cursing myself for still sticking around.

Reality has kicked in, though. Nowadays, I have to beg people to take time out of their usual (and normal!) lives to hang out with me. Flashback to a month ago, I had to pull out my planner to schedule people’s invitations. Simply put, people don’t think I’m going away anymore. LoL.

I miss the family (but not the drama). I miss having a car. I miss the convenience and cleanliness of Seattle. I miss my DVD collection. I miss biatching to Pen each and every day. I miss having a position in a familial hierarchy. I miss only taking half an hour max to get to places. I miss seeing different ethnicities (whenever I see white people at the malls here, I start smiling!). I miss Target and Costco. I miss not being criticized about my clothes, weight, quietness, my whole being. I miss VH1. I miss the comfortable weather. I miss doing everything myself. I miss the public library. I miss hip-hop dance classes. I miss not being needy and KSP. I miss not feeling poor and not having to budget my money. I miss being content with just being at home. I miss conversations with strangers. I miss not having my cellphone tied to my hip. I miss buying stuff on eBay. I miss snail mails. I miss not being eaten by mosquitoes whenever I’m wearing shorts. I miss being confused because I’m finally here to make things happen.

I’m now more scared than confused these days. I’m scared that I only have a few places to apply to and when I have exhausted those options, there’s nothing else to do, but move on and accept that things were not meant to be. I’m scared that what I want isn’t what God wants for me (yet again).

I kind of gave myself this timeline of one more month to do the unthinkable-one month to be a Kapamilya, Kapuso, or something else. I don’t think I have the heart to stay unemployed for six full months in this country, nor do I have the heart to say goodbye to the nice people that I’ve met here after six months.

So to those who are willing to lend a helping hand (or know someone who can), here are the job sectors I’m aiming for:

- media (tv stations, music companies, magazines)
- advertising agency
- marketing position in a multi-national company

Any contacts or job leads would be greatly appreciated. Thanks to Kuya Heinz, Bajeng, Mayie, Alessa, and Pon who have done their share already.

So Close

After a day of Divisoria, we ate dinner at Edsa Shangri-La last night. I’ve noticed that the hotels in Manila always have their dining areas right as you walk into the hotel. Tells you what the priorities are around here. HeHe. Anyway, I wore my new green skirt with matching necklace. You wouldn’t have guessed it was me had you seen me. Besides, I blended in with all the Chinese people there. Whatever happened to Ongpin being the place for Chinese people?! HeHe.

Tonight, I thought I would have good news to tell. Today was definitely the epitome of “So close yet so far away.” I was so giddy when I set foot in that office, but my giddiness disappeared after two hours of waiting for nothing. Perhaps I have more details to this story by next week or the week after. Cross your fingers!

And before I forget, let me just say “Lecheng Hale!” I’ve been complaining to my cousins that Hale is friggen everywhere these days. Their video is on every five minutes on every channel; they’re the artist of the week/month on every channel; they’re Smart endorsers; even sa Jollibee, tugtog pa rin yung song nila; and today, well, I finally saw the boys in the flesh. I was sitting quietly when they all walked in. If I hadn’t been sitting on my butt for at least an hour and I wasn’t trying to look professional, I would’ve asked for a picture. Marunong din pala akong mahiya. HeHe. However, if Pen was with me, I have no doubt in my mind that she would’ve exclaimed, “They look poor!” Sis, si Bamboo lang naman kasi ang conyong rockista. LoL.

It's a Deal

Every single time I go into a mall, I usually end up in Bayo and Kamiseta. However, I don't dare buy anything because, well, I'm unemployed. And after bringing all my Kamiseta loot in 2002 to Seattle, I realized that I shouldn't have spent that much money on clothes that you can't even stick in the dryer because they shrink.

Hence, I've been feening to go to Divisoria since the day I set foot in this country. I want girly clothes, but I know that I will only wear them while I'm here in Manila so I might as well not spend much money on them. So today, I wore one of my many gusgusin outfits and some tennis shoes and headed to the bargain capital of Metro Manila - Divisoria.

I could've splurged more, but I didn't. I could've bought my Korean DVDs, but didn't ("Attic Cat" for P600...di ba, mahal 'yon? I mean, for a pirated copy?). In other words, I need to go back. HaHa! My most prized possession is my P200 skirt. That's less than $4 for a skirt! My bargaining skills are so top notch that my mom would've been so proud. Of course, that only works on nice tinderas. Screw the supladas and lazy tinderas; I refuse to give them a single penny even if they have something cute.

I didn't find the denim jacket that I was looking for (Think Ciara's "Oh" video). I didn't find any accessories that can make me look girly (Alessa, you might be the only solution to my problem. HeHe!). Yet, I have some other stuff that can start me off to my road to womanhood. HaHa! Granted that none of them makes a whole outfit, but it's a start.

Girl Talk

I had dinner over at Zara’s place. I’ve been meaning to come over to see the wedding photos and video for some time now, but the weather has not been cooperating. Today, regardless of the weather, I told myself that I was coming over. Luckily, the rain clouds went away by nighttime and Jerwin was able to drive me home via their motorcycle. I’m hoping that this was a stepping stone – my next goal is to learn how to ride the tricycle, jeepney (the non-Ikot/Toki kind) and FX. I can do it, dammit! HeHe.

Anyway, while having some girl talk time, Zara made a comment about dating and all its intricacies. And like a good listener, I’m willing to put her advice into action. Naks! Pero sis, baka mamaya sabihin mo naman, the third time is the charm ha. Sana naman by the second date, medyo lumiliwanag na ang mundo, di ba? HeHe.

Mas aliw pa rin ako sa storya na may nagsabing mataray daw ako during the wedding. Huwagi! Siguro naman, kung natarayan kita ng not once, but twice (Hi Susan) eh may ibig sabihin na yon, di ba? Either mahina ka lang, or I’d rather pass you to Pen. LoL.

H2-Woe

Dear Self,

Regardless of how much you think you’re in touch with your Filipino side, you’re still as foreign as a foreigner can get. Don’t ever, ever, ever think that you can drink just any kind of water. Please always order bottled water whenever you’re eating out. You know this. Not ordering bottled water while scarfing down a “La Pinay” at Café Breton was just plain stupid. Shame on you for thinking that two sips of something won’t kill you. Tsk. Tsk. Come back to Tagaytay when you feel better enough to go outside and enjoy the fresh air. Get well soon!

Love,
Yourself

Celebrity sightings of the week: Ricardo Cepeda, Dr. Margie Holmes, and Joaquin Valdes

Hey, Jude

When is a sign a sign and when is it just a coincidence? (Naks, pare, ang heavy naman ng question! LoL)

Today, after eating lunch with Belle at U.P., Tita O and I attended novena at St. Jude. On our way there, we passed by SM Sta. Mesa. I said, “Oh, eto pala ang Sta. Mesa!” A few stoplights later, we passed by a certain street sign, the very street sign that Raissa mentioned to me a few days before.

Sis, is this a sign? And no, I don’t mean literally, ok? HeHe. The more interesting coincidence was that I was on my way to St. Jude – the patron saint of the hopeless. Tita O told me that since it was my first time there, I was supposed to make three wishes. One of my wishes ended up being something related to why Raissa mentioned Sta. Mesa to me.

Hmm. Pero tama si Raissa, friends lang kailangan ko talaga. Friends na single pa rin and unattached. Ang dami ko talagang mga requirements sa buhay. HeHe. But at my age, para talagang walang mga tao na single and unattached. Tsk. Tsk. As Zara mentioned to me before, “Ang mga Pilipino kasi mga sabik.” HeHe. Ay, the world really needs more of me. HaHa!

Texter's Choice

The most memorable text messages of the day:

Pen: Twinster, here’s Pare’s number. Text her if you want to meet with her. Please de-conyofy yourself a bit if you will meet her ah?

HaHa! I can hang, Twin, I can hang! LoL.

Pare: Oo nga, delikado ka. Mukha ka pa naman tsino. Baka itakbo ka na lang ng mga taga-Ongpin para ipaasawa sa mga hijos nila.

Only Pare can come up with hirits like that. Iba talaga ang mga baklings! I swear, Pare, Quiapo tayo ha. Ikaw lang ang puwedeng sumama sa akin. You’re my only link to the jologs world. HaHa!

Raissa: Hey! Musta ka na dyan? Can I give your number to my bro?

I almost fell off my chair after I read that. May masamang balak pala si Raissa. LoL.

There was no driver today so I couldn’t go and watch “Must Love Dogs.” Instead, I just went with Ninang to Katipunan: ate lunch at Cravings and went to Ateneo. Ang daming batibot kids; normally, I would call them yagit kids, pero Atenistas so batibot kids na lang. HeHe. Pen, I know now where to find you some youngins! LoL.

While working our way to the Grade 3 classrooms, I seriously had St. Scho flashbacks. Ganoon katagal na ba? I also saw the canteen (lunchroom to you American kids out there). I can’t imagine that I used to eat school lunches at these open air spaces. Kung gawin ko yan ngayon, siguradong basang sisiw look na naman ang beauty ko. Tsk. Tsk.

Here’s my new Tagalog word for the day: Pagbaybay = Spelling. Thank you to the sign plastered in my cousin’s classroom. Grade 3 vocabulary rocks! HeHe.

25th Celebration

I met up with Mayie at The Podium for lunch. I'm so sosyal that I have an "American Twin" and a "Philippine Twin" - Pen being the American Twin (American ka nga ba, iha?) and Mayie being my Philippine Twin. I'm glad that the two times that I've been in Manila for my birthday, I've been able to celebrate with Mayie. Hooray for Ortigas-located corporate offices! HeHe.

My First Birthday Cake of the Day

Thanks, Mayie! Happy Birthday to you, too!

Mayie and MiNA

Mukha naman kaming pinagbiyak na bato, di ba? HeHe.

For dinner, I spent it with the titos and titas at Mario's at Tomas Morato.

Dinner Served

No kids allowed. It's a Monday night...and I'm unemployed. HeHe.

For The Girl Who Has Everything

I had no idea there was going to be a birthday cake, my second one of the day! So when I saw the six servers making their way to our table with a lit birthday cake and matching song, I almost cried my little eyes out. Thank God na napigilan ko sarili ko. All I said was, "Aaaay!" with matching biting of the lip. It worked! HeHe. Now I know what it feels like to be surprised!

I Wish

At 25, I know and see that I'm blessed. However, in my heart, I don't feel complete. I don't know whether I need to learn to be content or I'm really lacking something. Whatever it is that would complete me, I hope that someday, God will eventually let me have it.

In the meantime, I do hope to continue to improve the person that I am. I know I can do it; I just need to realize that I'm worth it.

Thank you to everyone for your "comment greetings" and text messages. Kasama na rin yang mga yan kung bakit ako umiyak before I went to bed last night. :)

The Far Side

I think I have another "thing-to-do" while I'm here: to get someone to say that San Mateo, Rizal isn't really far. I'm up to the challenge! HeHe.

I'm currently with my cousins in Antipolo for the weekend. In addition to Montalban, Antipolo is much farther than San Mateo. See? At least sa San Mateo lang ako kailangan ihatid at hindi sa tuktok ng Antipolo! I suddenly sense my ganda points rising. HaHa!

I watched a whopping two movies in theatres yesterday. I couldn't believe it either. I know I'm in Manila when I actually pay to see a movie AND I actually go into Starbucks. HeHe. Two theatres that I love so far: Eastwood and Rockwell. I always have to bring a jacket, though. It's always freezing like Antarctica inside these Manila theatres (not like I've been to Antarctica to know, but...).

Anyway, celebrity sightings for the week: Mac Cardona, Vicky Belo, and Carlos Agassi. I'm still waiting for the day I see BJ Manalo in the flesh. LoL.

To Be

I spent another day in U.P. today. I don’t know what it is, but whenever I’m hanging out at Quezon Hall, I’m loud and obnoxious – maybe I just feel at home in the company of Belle and the rest of her officemates. HaHa!

True to her words, Belle and I ate at Chocolate Kiss for lunch. I could’ve done without the soup and entrée; the mocha butter crème cake for dessert was all I needed. Heaven! Later on, I was also able to eat fishballs after 15 long years! Ang mga likes and dislikes ko talaga, o! HaHa!

Just like in 2002, Belle made me ride the Ikot/Toki going to/from our destinations. She never allows me to take a taxi whenever I’m inside the U.P. campus. Gusto yata akong magka-asthma talaga nito.

Anyway, U.P. is probably the closest thing to attending college in the U.S. for the simple fact that you can wear whatever and be whoever you want to be in U.P. Screw name-branded clothes and expensive cars. I’m sure there are even people in U.P. who wear their pajamas to class -- the attire of choice by classmates during a 7:30 a.m. Philosophy class at Seattle University freshman year. Man, those were the days!

You know, I just realized that it’s weird that I came to Manila to find myself. It’s weird because being an individual isn’t really the norm around here. People are more concerned with what people think about them rather than being the person that they want to be.

This Is Me...Now

Who needs Friendster when you have Kuya Heinz? Check out his latest entry regarding the best topic of all time. HaHa!

Anyway, I don't have any plans today so I have time to finally emote and think about things. Yes, I'm here in Manila to find myself. However, these days, it has a different meaning. Judging by the events of last week, mukhang nawawala nga ako sa sarili. Let me enumerate:

1. Gimik everyday
I spent two months spending my days having Krung Krung marathons and chatting with Pen from May to July. During the past week, you would have been extremely lucky to find me at home between the hours of 9:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

2. Texting
It is common knowledge that I hate cellphones. I hate it so much that my "Seattle cellphone" looks brand spanking new even after some eight months simply because I don't use it in Seattle. In the past week in Manila, I used my “Manila cellphone” more than Papa. The horror! HaHa! And, get this, I even want a new cellphone for my birthday! I can’t believe it either. LoL.

3. Networking
I'm not "ma-PR" by nature. I hate schmoozing and seeking attention from other people that I don’t want attention from. Well, in the last week, I had to be the ice breaker and carry conversations throughout lunch while mingling with the TV people at Westin. I had to dispatch my antipatika side everyday and I lived through it! LoL.

4. Hanging out with the cousins/friends
Eventhough my cousins in Seattle and I live about two minutes away from eachother, we could go on for years not seeing one another. In Manila, I seek constant attention from my cousins. Nagtatampo talaga ako kapag hindi ako pinapansin at nilalabas. LoL.

5. Dating and all its sub-elements
During her long-distance phone call on Saturday morning, Pen made sure to say, "Sis, ang haba ng hair mo!" My cousin even had to explain to me the dos and don'ts of dating in Manila. Trust me, it's quite different from what we do in Seattle. For one, you have to pay attention to what kind of shoes you wear. In a land full of guys averaging 5'6" in height, it turns out that your heels can be a weapon of intimidation. HeHe.

6. Hatid-Sundo
I'm not used to it whether it's performed by a driver or a significant other. I've been driving myself to places with my own car ever since I turned 16. Nowadays, I have to let people know when and where I should be picked up. I'm even at the mercy of the family driver's curfew now!

7. Asking for permission
"Who are you going with?", "How did you meet him/her?", "How old is he/she?", "How long have you known him/her?", "Where are you guys going?", "What time will you be home?" are only a few questions that I have to answer before (or after) I could actually venture out to the outside world. I feel like I’m on my first date every single time I’m going out. Finally, my 16-year-old-looking face can act like one! HaHa!

8. Being the center of attention
Eventhough I’m a Leo and the youngest child, I hate being the center of attention unless I’m performing on stage. Now that I’m a balikbayan and even looking for work in Manila, the spotlight is always on me and I have to deal with it. Puwede na ninyo akong iupo sa tabi ni Boy Abunda at ipa-interview! LoL.

9. Looking for companionship
Ever since I swore off dating during the first year of college, I learned to watch movies alone, eat out alone, go shopping alone, etc. These days, I find it “corny” to be alone and always have check to see if someone could accompany me to wherever I’m going. ::enter mental image of MiNA, taking a banana boat ride alone in Boracay:: LoL. I don’t want to be alone anymore! HaHa!

10. DSL-seeker
I’m now a dial-up snob! HaHa! Although, right now, I am using a prepaid internet card and unlike in 2002, the speed is quite decent! It can now rival dial-up in the States! Yahoo! I mean, Yehey! (Okay, that was corny. HeHe!)

So yes, I’m not my usual self these days. Maybe it’s for the better, but who knows, right? Pen, baka mamaya, hindi na kita twin! Oh no! LoL.

We're Just Friends

Agenda #1: Trip around S.E. Asia and the Philippines alone
Comment: "If it were my sister, I wouldn't let her go."
Solution: Get a boyfriend so you have someone to go with.

Agenda #2: Lose weight
Comment: "Hindi dumadaan yung driver sa may Robinson's. Sa likod sila dumadaan."
Solution: Get a boyfriend so he can drive you to the gym and back.

Agenda #3: Find a job in advertising or media
Comment: "Ang layo kung magcocommute ka to Makati!"
Solution: Get a boyfriend so sabay kayong uuwi.

The independent woman facade is slowly crashing down, people. Yan ang nangyayari kapag naiwan mo ang kotse mo sa isang bansa at hindi mo mabitbit! LoL. Pero seriously, bakit bumabalik lahat sa lovelife yung solusyon ng mga problema ko? I don't like! (Kunwari pa! HaHa!)

On Friday, Kuya Heinz and I finally met after two (or three?) years. Naks, hindi na sa e-mail ang counseling sessions ngayon, in real life na! LoL. Galing ko naman, akin yung problema, pero ibang tao ang nagsosolve! Kuya, you're simply the best! ::dodging lightning:: LoL.

Ikukuwento ko pa ba kung anong nangyari nung hinatid ako sa bahay? HaHa! I was thinking, by the time I got home, the gate would be closed and Kuya H and I would spend some 10 minutes honking the horn para may magbukas sa akin. Well, when we pulled up, the gate was open and there were some 10 cars in the driveway. Sabi tuloy ni Kuya H, "O, madami naman palang kotse dito, humingi ka na lang!" Then, I looked over to the garage: there were the titos and titas plus some family friends, having dinner al fresco. Sabi ko, "Kuya! Huwag ka nang bumaba! Please lang! Okay lang ako." Well, maybe I was not in touch with how things are done in this country dahil bumaba pa rin si Kuya H (who doesn't know how to listen ha! LoL). When we approached the garage, silent ang lahat so of course, I had to make introductions. Buti na lang, defensive si Kuya and he said, "I have to go. I still have to pick up my wife." But did that keyword stop the relatives from firing questions at me after Kuya left? Of course not! That's what relatives are for! Tsk. Tsk.

Then, yesterday, Tet, Pogs, Donald, and Doris and I ate dinner at Shangri-La. I swear, bentang-benta ngayon ang Shangri-La sa akin: three times in one week! So really, how the heck am I going to lose weight while I'm here when eating seems to be the usual activity kapag lumalabas ng bahay?! And don't even ask me kung ilang beses na akong nakapunta ng Starbucks since I arrived here last Thursday. LoL.

U.P., Ang DSL ng Bayan

Now coming to you live from U.P.! Kung saan-saan ako nakakapunta para lang magka-internet. HaHa!

I'm in the loving arms of Belle ngayon; yesterday si Tet; mamaya naman si Kuya Heinz. Sino next? Wala yatang nakalinya ha. HeHe!

While taking advantage of U.P.'s DSL connection, I met Marc, a Fil-Am from UC-Berkeley. Nagyayayang mag-Embassy sa The Fort mamaya. Sorry, may curfew na po ako. Actually, curfew ng driver, pero damay na ako doon. LoL. Marc also told me that a bunch of Fil-Ams from U.P. are going to Boracay next week so I'm debating now kung sasama ako. Medyo hindi ako effective kapag masyadong madaming strangers ang kasama ko. Plus, I'd rather spend my birthday with family and close friends than strangers. But this is my one shot at going to Boracay with a group! Decisions, decisions!

Bluer than Blue

Mall #5434098: Shangri-La Plaza; my second time in one week. LoL. Last night, I met up with two of my cousins who are in college and are both living outside of their parents’ house. Lintik, naunahan pa akong lumayas sa bahay nitong mga ‘to. HeHe.

Din brought her boyfriend along so I got a chance to interview the boy. Pasado naman. Naks! Pasado kasi willing akong isama kapag umuwi siya sa parents’ house niya – makaka-out-of-town ako! LoL. Let’s see kung matutuloy. Kung matuloy yan, ay, sa kanyang-kanya na pinsan ko. HaHa!

Today naman, after three years, I finally got to watch a UAAP game. It was a UE vs. Ateneo game, so of course, humirit na naman ang wanna-be Atenista ways ko. LoL. Sabi nga ni Tet, naks, naka “Ateneo” shirt ka pa ha. Of course, of course. If I had known na it was a UP game beforehand, eh di sana, dinala ko rin yung UP shirt ko. LoL.

You know, one should really experience watching one of those games live. Mas masaya kapag live. Iba talaga ang adrenaline. And for those who miss their high school cheerleading and dance teams, re-live your pompom days at the games! LoL. Siguro tonight, “Get that ball!” will be ringing in my ears hanggang sa pagtulog. Pero puwede “Defense” na lang ang isigaw ninyo para shorter? LoL. And I swear, can I train the cheerdancers? Promise, kahit free, gagawin ko. LoL. While watching the half-time performances, natatawa ako kasi I could just see Ms. Atkins yelling at these students for their bent arms and unpointed toes. Ahh, memories…

Anyway, much thanks to Tetski for spending the day with me. Out of everyone, siya ang pinaka-game to see me ata. Hmmm, bakit kaya? LoL. And I think drama queen talaga ako kasi kahit dito sa Pilipinas, may drama pa rin ako sa buhay. Poor Tet got to hear it all. HaHa!

Ay, we also saw Bembol Roco sa game. That bald head can be spotted anywhere! LoL.

Almost Famous

I told myself before I left Seattle that I would take pictures of every single famous person that I come across here in Manila. Because to this day, I am still trying to get over the fact that I never took pictures with Freestyle in 2002 eventhough we all knew eachother by first names at that time. Well, things haven’t changed because I have no pictures to show regarding this topic.

In less than a week of being here, I have already seen two “famous” people. I met up with folks from ETC today and ate lunch with Sam from “Rated Oh.” It turned out that she was my age, but compared to her, I look like I am ten years younger. HaHa! Aliw siyang kausap kasi walang ere and I felt like talking to another Asian American (eventhough she’s a full-fledged Korean national). Parang ang labo nung sinabi ko. HeHe. Basta, it was good to hear what it’s like to be in front of the camera.

While eating Taco Bell for merienda at Gateway Center afterwards, Paolo Santos was ordering food at the same location. Wala lang, tinginan lang. I was just surprised that I saw him in a mall rather than at a bar, playing a guitar.

Ay! Three “famous” people na pala ang nakita ko. This Saturday, at Zara’s wedding, I met Paolo Paraiso. LoL. Sorry, inside joke. Sa cellphone ko, talagang “Paolo” ang nakalagay doon instead of his real name. HaHa!

Westin, Day 2

WiFi, breakfast buffet, aircon, how can you say no? HaHa! Grabe, 4:30 pa lang, gising na ako. I had to make sure that I was done in the bathroom by the time my cousin woke up para naman hindi kami magkatabi sa pagligo. HaHa! By 6, we were on our way to Katipunan.

Oh my gawd, I didn't know how traffic infested that area is. I swear, if you ever want to stop complaining about traffic in Seattle, you should go to Manila. Guaranteed, you will never complain about traffic ever again in Seattle.

Anyway, by 8, Ninang and I were on EDSA already, making our way to Westin. So here I am, tuwang-tuwa na may "connection to the world" two days in a row. Tapos, may cinnamon toast and bacon pa. Whoo hooo!

Oh yeah, update about my locked cellphone. So I went to Greenhills on Friday, they want P800 to unlock it. I don't think so! But worse pa, Nokia 6010 is not recognized here so they can't get it unlocked anyway. Hence, my Tito loaned me this old Nokia phone; I think it was the same phone that I used in 2002. Anyway, it's so old that black-and-white pa yung screen. I'm not really complaining about its prehistoric aesthetics (a great way to attract non-materialistic people ha, LoL), but more on the fact na hindi ako sanay sa buttons. I swear, two days yata ako nag-trial-and-error to figure out the few buttons that does everything. Baka birthday wish ko na lang sa birthday ko eh cellphone. HaHa!

There's No Business Like Showbusiness

I spent the entire day at Westin. They were having a media shindig and I used it as a networking event to find out more about getting a job at one of the TV stations.

Hirit #1: Ma’am, pero off-cam yung position na ‘yon. Dapat sa harap ka ng camera.
Hirit #2: Single po ba kayo? May naiwang boyfriend ba kayo doon?

Kulang na lang hingin yun number ko. Bakit ba palagi ako ang naiinterview eventhough it’s supposed to be the other way around? And why is my lovelife the number one concern of everybody? Dammit, I need money to stay here long enough to get a boyfriend so let’s put career as the first priority! (Pero kung may pogi naman kayong kilala, puwedeng pagusapan yan. HaHa!)

Holla at Me

Finally! I got my hands on a computer that has an internet connection! Two weeks pa daw bago magka-DSL sa bahay so intay pa tayo na bumalik ako sa ere. In the meantime, the Westin Philippine Plaza is my salvation (for today).