Ode to 2006

What did you do in 2006 that you'd never done before?
Traveled to Bangkok (twice!), Davao, Gen San, Camiguin, Boracay; started living on my own; started working in 'Pinas; rode a public bus; attended bible study; dealt with NSO, DOLE, and Immigration; got an ultrasound (no, not for that!); spent my birthday with friendships; cried in the bathroom at work just like in the movies (twice!); attended a retreat; my gosh, ang dami pa...

Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I never make new years' resolutions.

Did anyone close to you give birth?
Yeah! Ate Nec gave birth! Dumadami na ang third gen of our family!

Did anyone close to you die?
No.

What countries did you visit?
Thailand

What would you like to have in 2007 that you lacked in 2006?
Take a wild guess, people. HaHa!

What date from 2006 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
April 3: my first day at WVI.

What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Finally earning pesos! Yeah, I think I'm the only person in the world who is excited about that. HaHa!

What was your biggest failure?
I still keep my mouth shut when I am too upset. I'm not too sure if that's a good thing anymore.

Did you suffer illness or injury?
I had a major battle with the flu in November and I had gout in July. Yeah, gout! Anak nga ako ng tatay ko. HeHe!

What was the best thing you bought?
Electric fan and a thicker mattress for my humble condo.

Whose behavior merited celebration?
Boss E for hiring me! HaHa!

Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
Jimbo during Christmas. First time kaming may LQ. HaHa!

Where did most of your money go?
Rent, electricity, association dues, plane tickets, Christmas gifts, and food.

What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Sponsoring a child through WVI. May anak na ako!

What song(s) will always remind you of 2006?
"Kumukutikutitap" by Ryan Cayabyab. I had to memorize it for the song and dance number at the staff Christmas party. Oo, sumayaw na naman ako! HaHa!

Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. happier or sadder? -- Compared to last year? I'm sadder.
ii. thinner or fatter? -- Fatter! Tsk!
iii. richer or poorer? -- Richer. Having pesos is better than not having pesos!

What do you wish you'd done more?
Say what I mean even if I'm mad.

What do you wish you'd done less of?
Talked about my bitterness to others.

How many one-night stands?
None. Good Girl still lives!

What was your favorite TV program?
Sa Piling Mo, maaaaaaaan! I even have the DVD set! Okay, I shouldn't be yelling that out loud. HaHa!

Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
Nope.

What was the best book you read?
How to Find Your One True Love by Bo Sanchez. The title is cheesy as heck, but it's all good in the neighborhood.

What was your greatest musical discovery?
Hillsong's "One Way": "...One way...Jesus..."

What did you want and get?
A job with an international scope in a non-profit organization. Saan ka pa? Naks! But it's a love and hate relationship ha.

What was your favorite film of this year?
"Little Manhattan." HeHe!

What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I spent lunchtime with Twin Mayie and dinner with the friendships. *Ahem, mid-twenties.

What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
A date with Dennis Trill0. HaHa!

How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2006?
I'm back to my business casual stuff: black pants and 3/4-sleeved shirts.

What kept you sane?
Traveling and getting away from Manila almost every month.

Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Lee Dong Wook. Sarap i-hug! HaHa!

What political issue stirred you the most?
The custody battle of Lance Corporal Dani3l Sm1th

Who did you miss?
My family...and Pen. Inuuna pa kasi ang mga krung novelas e!

Who was the best new person you met?
Aadmitin ko ba? Sige na nga: my co-workers. HaHa!

Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2006
God always gives me what I want. As in!

What was the nicest thing someone told you about yourself
"You're a blessing." Happy na ako duon. :)

The most touching experience you've had this year?
A table full of friends on August 15th.

What did you like most about yourself this year?
I can put a roof over my head, feed myself, and survive on my own. Dream, believe, survive! HaHa!

What did you hate most about yourself this year?
My being bitter. I had to pray to God about it numerous times. HaHa!

Quote a song lyric that sums up your year
"...I remember the boy...but I don't remember the feeling anymore." HaHa!

Let It Snow

It's snowing in our office!

And I'm going to cry if I lose the "Decorate Your Cubicle" contest! (Pictures to come.)

Just Got Paid

13th-month pay rocks!

Live in Bangkok

Blogging to you from Bangkok. I've been here since Sunday for a three-day meeting with 105 people around the world.

Notable "alipin" moments:

- bringing a printer and laptop to my hotel room on Tuesday night to print worksheets overnight
- waking up at 5:30AM on Thursday to cut out country flags in time for the 8AM activity.

Though this was the biggest event I've organized, I was less stressed out than normal. The hotel staff were wonderful and had the kind of customer service that I expect from a hotel (Yes, I'm still traumatized by the meeting at Holiday Inn Galleria in May. Bad trip talaga yung hotel na yun.).

Yesterday, was the last day of the meeting and the Global Implementation Team was recognized by Boss J infront of everyone with matching speech pa about me. Blessing daw ako to have joined WV. I never thought about it, but it's true: every single document for this program have gone through my hands. All the manuals that get shipped around the world, tarpauline banners that get hung on the walls, right down to nametags and table tents during meetings such as these...sa akin galing lahat yun. My gulay. Siguro masochista ako, but masarap ang feeling kahit pahirapan talaga.

A couple of days ago, I ended up having breakfast by myself since I had to wake up early. I was just staring out the window while eating and really, it still amazes me where I end up every year. I guess November is truly my travel month. In 2004, I was in Disney World with Pen. In 2005, I was in Cebu and Bohol. And this year, I'm in Bangkok. I'm excited to find out where I'll be next year. :)

Better than a Boyfriend

Happy 10th Birthday, Baby*! Happy Birthday, Baby! Happy Birthday, Happy Birthdaaaaay...Happy Birthday, Baby!

*Baby is a white, automatic '97 Honda Civic EX Coupe with moonroof, power windows, and stereo (absolutely no CD/cassette player...it's old school like that!). It has seen me finish high school and college. It has witnessed all my dates. It has been with me through every job interview. It has seen me grow up (Naks!). Sadly, I've been away for his two birthdays. And on our 10th year anniversary, I'm not with Baby. Though, I can honestly say that there's not a day that goes by in Manila that I do not miss having him around.

Da Munchies

Latest weekly food friends: McDonalds caramel sundae and french fries.

Lord, have mercy!

Purpose Driven Life

I just got back from a week-long staff retreat in Nasugbu, Batangas. Everyone who works for W0rld Visi0n in the whole entire Philippines was there (Yup, Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao). It has been a complaint of mine that in our office, there's not a papa in sight so I was truly looking forward to this retreat to a) get away from the city (and the trauma that came with the Milenyo typhoon) and b) see some eye candy to get my hopes up again that one can find love in the workplace. Little did I know that b) would be the other way around. By the second day, Kuya Orly already expressed his surprise to me that a bunch of guys from the National Office were asking about me (nagbilang pa siya ng daliri sa kamay to make sure he got the right count ha). My lovely friends would probably be rejoicing right now to find out about this, but hold your horses. We're back to the same issue again: it's not about who or how many gets attracted to me, it's about who takes some action (Yabang a, feeling madaming naaattract sa kanya. HaHa!).

But enought about my angts...

This annual staff retreat is about thanksgiving, praying, and resting for the upcoming fiscal year. An audiovisual presentation was shown on the second day about the accomplishments of last year. For the corporate world, they would probably flash sales figures and profit margins and give awards to people who made the most sales. At W0rld Visi0n, they flash pictures of children and the communities they have helped. They pray to thank and give glory to the one responsible for everything that has happened (No Employees of the Year in this organization, folks). The organization's target each year is to increase the number of children who gets sponsored and thus, gets to go to school. I can't explain how that gives me a sense of pride as well as honor to be part of this organization. I'm truly thankful that God led me here, that He heard the desires of my heart. I'm where I've always wanted to be.

But with joy comes pain, as our seminars reminded us. This career path is not a bed of roses. It's hard to find comfort in the fact that I know I'm not getting what I know I deserve (Yes, I'm greedy and selfish). It's hard to make peace with the fact that my future is not secure despite trying to give that security to others. It's hard to balance reality and idealism. It's hard to keep going on when you know that people you love the most don't want the same thing for you and you keep wondering everyday if they're right.

The underlying question that I want to know the answer to is "Is it really worth it?," but the answer lies in the end when you can't do anything about your future anymore and you don't know if you're right person to find out the answer to that question.

Praying. Truly, that's what I need to do more of this coming fiscal year.

Argh!

I'm currently at work...alone.

No one told me that we didn't have work today because of the typhoon.

(Insert all the profanities in the world here.)

Career Year

Every time I'm in Robinson's Galleria, I always have this tendency to break out into a little smile whenever I see/pass the Figaro there. For so many months last year, I sat in the same corner at Figaro, wasting time away (with Papa, with Kuya Heinz, with Jimbo...ahhh, memories!). Funny how life is like one whole year later. Nowadays, I wish I could just go to Figaro in the middle of the day and bum around (which I did do today, but I had to leave after an hour since it was only for lunch).

But there is a silver lining. Earlier in the day, Big Boss J showed the organizational chart for the office, and there it was: my name. Right under one of the manager's box is my own little box! I wasn't too far down the food chain that I couldn't be acknowledged and at the same time, I was significant enough to be mentioned. I have never seen my name in an org chart before so I couldn't help, but take a little pride in that. Yes, another example of how shallow my happiness is. HaHa!

With a business card and an org chart box, I wonder what's next. It's definitely a career year this year.

Every Breath You Take

"Life is not about how many breaths you take, but how many moments take your breath away."

While my plane was getting ready to land in Davao (Yes, I know, I'm quite behind with my travel stories on this website), I looked outside the window and had that "I can't believe this is happening" feeling. I was only minutes away from fulfilling my Luzon-Visayas-Mindanao goal and it was surreal. At the same time, I couldn't help but think, "How come I didn't do this sooner?!" I could've done this in 2002 when I was earning dollars interning at the U.S. Embassy and money was not an issue or I could've done this last year when leisure time was overflowing by the buckets. But then again, everything happens for a reason.

I'm so thankful for all these experiences, the opportunities that have come my way. It's unbelievable when I think about what has transpired over the last 13 months and how they all came about. Life is truly amazing when you live it, when you put yourself out there in the world.

But don't get me wrong, it's not all jolly-bee-happy around here (Did you get the pun, did you, did you?). You'll always find me in a bad mood when it's time to walk home after work (Have you noticed that it starts raining right around 5:00-6pm? And funny because it ALWAYS starts raining right when I step out of our building. What's up with that?!). You'll always see me turning red in anger whenever I encounter horrible customer service in this country (Latest villain: Teriyaki Boy in Megamall. Grr!). If you're Tet who lives in the same building as I do, you'll always hear me sneezing inside my unit from all the dust/bad air of this metropolis. You'll also understand the frustration in myself when I tell you about my daily "orange, bold, four points bigger" endeavors at work. And if you're God, you'll always know that my head is full of confused thoughts about my existence here in Manila.

If you're just like everyone around me, I already know what you want to ask me. The answer is one because I want to finish what I started, and two because I'm still learning. Albeit it's not learning about myself anymore as it was last year, but I'm learning what I want in the future: the graphic design certificate, the husband, the kids, the house with a nice kitchen full of my Starbucks City Mugs, the immediate family being near me (Naks!), the sunny skies, the yearly out-of-the-country vacation, the volunteer work...to name a few.

And yes, we can't forget that there are still those moments that take my breath away which always remind me why I did all of this in the first place and why I continue to stick around.

Techie

It's really true: I got a new cellphone!

For those who have been ashamed to be around me with my borrowed Nokia 3310 in the last year, I'm sure you're all rejoicing right now. HaHa!

I now have a phone that has Bluetooth, camera, MP3 ringtones, and actually saves my outgoing messages. But who am I kidding? I'm just happy that it has a colored screen! HaHa!

I guess the family tree is now complete:

• Papa the Powerbook laptop
  
• Kulay the iPod Color MP3 player
  
• Silver the Casio Exilim Z55 digital camera
  
• MotoMina the Motorola L6 cellphone

(Yes, I'm such a geek for naming my technos3xual gadgets. And shame on me for being materialistic.)

Hataw Na

Well, I'm a complete woman...or at least my stay here in the Philippines is: I watched the GaryV@23 concert at Music Museum tonight. Awesome, awesome show. Gotta love live music!

Plus, Christian Bautista and Mark Bautista performed a couple of "snippets" with GaryV. Sweet! (And let me just mention that the two got more screams than Jerich0 R0sales who also was asked to go on stage and sing.)

As always, seeing someone dance on stage made me want to go back to dancing regardless of how much it would cost here in Manila. Why do you have to be so expensive PowerDance? Grr.

satisfACTION

Last night, a couple of my co-workers took me out for dinner and cake. My birthday. Their treat. Gotta love these kinds of people. HaHa!

Anyway, Ate Jen asked, "So, what's your birthday wish?" Other people have asked the same question, but I've never given them a straight answer.

These days, I don't believe in wishing for things anymore. It's all about doing. The biggest lesson I learned this past year is that if you want something, do it; work hard for it; make it happen. The status of our lives is truly up to us. Not happy about who you're with or what you have? Do something about it. Don't just wish for things to turn out well; make it turn out well.

And it's the same principle that I'm currently applying to my *cough lovelife. It's all about taking action. Don't just sit idle and wait for a guy to trip in front of you; actually trip the guy! Kidding! HaHa! In my case, it's more of "broadening the search" than "shortening the list." Regardless, both include taking action.

So this year, no birthday wishes, but birthday goals instead. And what are they?

The last year was more for establishing myself: getting a job, getting a roof over my head, getting a core group of friends. This year is more of experiencing what it's truly like living here in Manila day-to-day. I need to put back all these little things in my life to make it a well-rounded one. Mainly,

1. Volunteering
My last stint was back in January 2000; six whole years ago! Although my job now allows me to give back to the world, it's still different to give time to a worthy cause in my spare time. I just hope that I can manage getting around to where I need to be without my Baby (my car).

2. Improving my health
I don't think I'll go back to hiphop dancing while in this country (in the words of an Assumptionista, "It's so mahal e!"), but I'm going to try a new sport for exercise. I plan to do it every morning before I go to work. The problem? I love sleep more than exercise in the morning so I need some major peptalk before September rolls around. HeHe.

3. Traveling
I don't know why I want to see everything now. But I do know that while I'm here on this side of the world, I might as well take advantage of the close proximity to the major cities/countries that I want to see. The time is now. No kids to feed, no mortgages to pay. The time is really now.

So, there you have it. I know what you're thinking already. The birthday greetings via text and e-mail all had subtle hints regarding what everyone wishes for me this year and now it's not even one of my goals. Oh my. Let me explain briefly.

If he's truly the guy for me, I figured I'll meet him along the way. I'll meet him while I'm doing the goals that I have listed above. That's my mentality for the year. We'll try it out and see what I come up with. My heart is wiped clean and I'm smarter this year; I know what I want and I know how to trip. No worries; just happy thoughts for the coming year.

A Few Good Friends

I don't use the word friend lightly. You'll notice it when I accept/decline people in Friendster: I hesitate to click yes when they ask me if this certain person is truly my friend. Mabigat sa kalooban ko kapag I have to click yes when I see that person as more of an acquaintance.

What are my standards for friendship? First, one must be there through the good times and bad. Second, one must remember my birthday (basta mahalaga yun para sa akin). Third, one must tell me the truth when I demand the truth (which is always).

By the strong power of free food for all, este, by the strong power of friendship pala, I was able to get the most awesome people in the world together for dinner. And they proved to me that they were truly my friends: inokray ako for my birthday! They got me good, really, really good throughout the whole entire night.

Best hirit of the night:

Zara: Ang tagal naman magblow ng candle!
Tet: E kasi, iniisa-isa niya yung mga qualities nung guy na winiwish niya!

They know me too well. HaHa!

Seriously though, I was quite happy that I got these people together. Tet is always busy. Jimbo just finished the boards. Zara never leaves the comforts of San Mateo, Rizal. Belle has GRO commitments at night. And Jeffrey is the biggest flake I know. Kahit nung paalis na ako in January, people didn't show up so I had my doubts on who will show up last night. But weeks earlier, people did tell me that they were not going to allow me to be alone on my birthday and they kept their word. Mga tunay na kaibigan nga! Group hug, group huuuuug! HaHa!

Tet said to me before, "Sorry na kami ang naging friends mo. Wala kaming ma-ireto sa iyo." And earlier this year, Zara said to me, "Si Mayie na lang dapat ang palagi mong kasama; madaming kilala na pogi yun." No, no, no. I have never, ever, ever, ever said to God, "God, let me trade all my friends for one boyfriend, please." Never. Why? Because I'm happy that I have all of you (Yan ang "Sniff, Sniff!" Inside joke, sorry). And if this birthday was any indication, I'd rather have friends like all of you than forgetful suitors any day. Oo, promise, I mean that! (Pen and Lisa, wish you were here!)

Earlier in the day, I had lunch with Twin Mayie. For two years in a row, we've celebrated our birthday together. I am blessed. No doubt.

So, what's in store for me this year? This verse (O, di ba, I blog with Bible verses na!):

Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 3:13b-14

Tara Let's, Bagets

I haven't traveled in eight months! Imagine, last year, my schedule went something like this:

April - Belgium
May - Hong Kong; China
July - Philippines
October - Tacloban City
November - Bohol; Cebu

No wonder I'm itching to go somewhere! I finally got my I-Card last week from the Bureau of Immigration so I'm free to roam the world again. Wasting no time whatsoever, I will get on a plane tomorrow and jumpstart my WOW SE Asia agenda. It will be my first SE Asia to SE Asia flight and I'm excited! Whoo hoo! (Actually, I'm just excited to get some time off from work. HeHe.)

Seattle Sighting

I'm late.

And I just realized what I wrote. No, I'm not late in that way, silly gooses.

When Grey's Anatomy debuted last year, I wanted to watch it, but didn't get to. I think I was still in my depression stage and was probably still hiding under the covers.

During one Saturday this past December, I hung out with Jimbo at Medical City while he did his internship. Before leaving, he gave me a copy of the first six episodes of Grey's Anatomy. Since they were all in VCD format, I never watched them...until tonight.

I so did not know that the show is set in Seattle. The Space Needle. The skyline. The skyline with fog. The ferries. Oh my. And of course, there's gotta be scenes with rain pouring outside. The last one is such a stereotype. Seeing all those made me miss that boring city. I miss the fresh air. I miss the clear blue skies. I miss the evergreen trees. Since I used to volunteer and work at a hospital, seeing people in blue scrubs on TV made me miss my old job, too.

*SIGH. If I could just bring some "Seattle" here in Manila, the world would be just perfect. For me, that is. =)

Thou Shall Not Steal...Often?

It was bound to happen: I bought a pirated DVD!

I know there are no excuses for it, but let me make some anyway. First, I went and saw it in the movie theatre when it came out, so hey, I'm a real paying customer. Two, there was no DVD version of it in the stores; VCD lang (Papa the Powerbook does not play VCDs). Three, all the legit DVDs here in Manila are Region 3; I'm a Region 1 kind of gal. When I bought a legit Before Sunrise DVD last month and played it on Papa, I had to switch regions and I was warned that I was allowed to switch regions only three more times. Well, what happens if I move around the world? Hence, I got to preserve my region-switching abilities. Fourth, umm, I'm bored out of my mind in the condo and I figured if I buy one DVD that I can watch over and over again, I won't be thinking too much about not having a lovelife. Good excuses, yeah? ;P

So what DVD did I spend my precious P60 on? Little Manhattan (Hey, at least it wasn't Over the Hedge, okay? HaHa!). I swear, that movie makes me feel all warm and fuzzy. When I first saw that movie, I was too focused on the very funny "Two and a half weeks!" scene, but now, I'm more into the "Eventually, the many little things left unsaid piled up until we never said anything at all." O, ibaba ang mga kilay. HaHa!

Anyway, I hope this the first and last buy...unless I find a DVD copy of Rain's concert. Then you'll all just have to find it in your hearts to forgive me (and tell God that I did it out of love. HaHa!).

A step Up

I just got home after spending the entire day at the W0rld Visi0n Philippine National Office. The program that I handle was implemented in Nicaragua last month; this month, it is the Philippines' turn. After this, 52 more countries all over the world will have their own individual implementations.

After three months on the job, I'm finally seeing the fruits of my labor. I'm seeing where all my hours went. I'm realizing what you can get from a person's blood, sweat, and tears. I'm realizing the impact it has in the organization, in the ministry, in the world.

How many people can actually say that they're making an impact in the world, like the whole ENTIRE world? That what they're making/organizing will be distributed globally? That their program will change the organization that they work for? That millions of children will have a chance at a better future because of what you did? As one of the staff members said, "You're creating a legacy." Naks! HeHe.

I had a couple of interviews at P&G before and even they don't implement such big things. Their marketing strategies are created in Singapore and are meant for regional reach only. Me? Worldwide, baby.

On Friday, Homer reminded me the ironic things about this position. I remember him telling me back in November about a project he was bidding for and how he got the lead. I remember him e-mailing me the samples that he created for the project. I remember him texting me back in December when he didn't get the project. What were all the creative requirements for? They were all for this project: my project. The project name that he tried to create a brand for is now part of my job title. The guy from church who gave him the lead is now my boss. The samples he created and showed me before via e-mail are now accessible in the database that I manage. Freaky, right? Si God talaga, o.

Anyway, remember last year when I said I wanted to make a difference in the world? I guess this is it; God gave me what I wanted again. I actually found a personal mission far greater than my quest for a lovelife. HaHa!

And that's why I can't seem to let go eventhough the temptation is so great. As the months progress, I pray for strength to continue. I pray for my parents' continuous understanding. I pray na wala nang errors/headaches/heartbreaks concerning my responsibilities. I pray na hindi umiral yung gusto ko and just believe in God using me as an instrument (banal na banal na talaga! HaHa!). I pray for a lovelife kasi sabi ng iba diyan I should pray for it daw...wait, this is not related to my job...sige, I pray that the vacancy in the office will be filled by a single, pogi guy so that overtime won't be so bad. HaHa! I pray that the stress levels will be manageable soon because my cheeks are getting rounder again and that is soooo not good! I pray that there will be time for much needed rest so that I can continue taking one step at a time.

The End is Just The Beginning

"Hi Mina,

I visited your site a couple of times and I think it's really good. Your entries really interest me because I always wanted to go back to the Phils to work and be with my beloved relatives... I wasn't sure what to expect to happen if I ever did decide to leave my comfort zone and move back to the Phils... After reading your entries, I now know what to expect...Now, all I need is a courage to go the next level..:o) As for now, I just have to be content with my yearly December Phils. visit. Anyway, I just want to wish you all the best Mina..."

In the last year, I've been getting these kinds of e-mails from people who have visited my website (I'm not the only crazy person in this world afterall! HeHe). It makes me smile and for some dorky reason, I feel like I did something that no one has ever done before (though I know that isn't so true). When Mayie and I had lunch a couple of weeks back, she told me that she can't believe I did what I did (and she gave me a high-five when I told her that I'm living off of my paychecks and not from my savings account).

People have been asking me what's next or what are my plans now. I feel that others think that I already got what I wanted, that I'm already where I want to be (or they see the tiredness of my eyes from work and they're wishing I would go back na. HaHa!). I have so much to say, but I will just save that for my July 27 (my one-year anniversary here) entry. Yihee! Back to regular sawi programming...

Cash Money

Oh, the things money can buy!

After doing the usual Saturday cleaning of my place, I made my way to Rockwell to take advantage of the Bayo sale. The funny thing these days is that whenever I walk into Bayo, I already have what they have on sale. The white, layered, embroidered skirt? Yup, got that one. The orange ruffled skirt? Got that one, too. Heck, I was even decked out in a Bayo outfit when I walked into the store! Konti na lang, baka mapagkamalan na ngang Bayo store yung closet ko. HeHe.

Anyway, I ended up buying five things (Belle, yung white polo na nakita natin sa Shangri-La the last time we were there? Got it on sale! Whoo hoo!) for my current mission in life. I've been wearing jeans and t-shirts to work because I don't want to pay extra for the laundromat to iron my stuff. Well, I've been feeling gusgusin lately at work so I wanted to buy a new wardrobe altogether. I'm on my way to achieving the mission; I just need to buy new shoes to go with all the stuff I've been buying. (It's expensive to be a girl nga naman!)

Hence, I didn't give in to what I saw next. I went into Shoe Salon and there it was! THE perfect pair of Nikes I ever saw in my whole entire life! The style that I've been waiting for from Nike and Adidas and voila! It's alive, este, it's made! Just perfect! As in! But hindi ko kailangan siya. But I might never ever see that style ever again! But hindi ko nga kailangan dahil I can't match it to my non-gusgusin wardrobe! I eventually told myself that if the pair is still available on my birthday, birthday gift ko na lang sa sarili ko yun. But, if I buy the pair on my birthday, siguradong walang librehan na mangyayari on my birthday. Oo, warning na yan sa mga umaasa. HaHa!

Afterwards, I went with Tita O to the Uratex Factory Store in Cainta to buy myself a much more comfortable mattress (I've been waking up with a sore back for the past two weeks). Success! Seriously, don't buy at SM for a mattress. You’ll save so much more if you just go directly to Uratex. I promise! Plus, they deliver for free!

So here I am, sitting on my brand new 6-inch mattress. Actually, 8-inches na siya kasi pinatong ko na lang duon sa old mattress that came with the condo. Heaven! Who needs Holiday Inn now? HaHa!

Now that I think about it, mas mahal pa yung Nike shoes na gusto ko kesa duon sa Uratex mattress. At least inuna kong bilhin yung mattress ha. I got flak from the titas for prioritizing my Bayo shopping sprees instead of buying a mattress. Asus, kung nabibili lang ang true love, eh di mas nauna pa yun kesa sa Bayo. Yack, another sawi comment. LoL.

Not Feeling It

My only complaint in life (the second time for such a complaint in less than two months) right now is that I have to work again on a holiday. Grr!

I had to work during Labor Day weekend and now, I have to work on Pasig Day...an official holiday! And this is with no extra pay whatsoever. Grr!

Serving God and humanity is so hard talaga. Naks! HaHa!

Third Wheelin'

I love my cousin J and his girlfriend. I love them because we get along well. I love them because when I needed people to go with to a party last year, they went with me. I love them because whenever I tell them my hurty-hurt feelings, I'm 100% sure that they won't tell any of the family members. I love them because they take me along with them on their dates.

Well, I love being their third wheel...until last night. They totally set me up! After texting J that I was bored out of my mind in the condo, he told me to get ready because we were going to a children's party at El Pueblo. Thinking nothing of it, I dressed up and went with them (Long live second childhoods!).

When we got there, "he" was there - "he" being J's girlfriend's boss a.k.a. the guy they had mentioned to me before, but wasn't too excited about. Eek. If you're going to set me up, the #1 rule is: tell me first (the #2 rule is don't tell the guy so that he won't take it personal if I decide to be my usual antipatika self. HeHe!).

Anyway, I refused to entertain the idea of dating "him." I know my cousin and his girlfriend want me to be happy, but I think they're more interested in the free food that comes with dating this guy (an owner of a restaurant chain in the metropolis) that's why they keep insisting that I should give him a chance. HaHa!

While hanging out at The Podium after the party, my cousin joked that I should make a scrapbook of all the guys I've dated. It will give me something to do daw at the condo and something to keep me laughing when I'm feeling lonely. Ang sama!

*SIGH. It will be July next week already. Then, August...and we all know what my goal is for August. Hindi yata kakayanin ang deadline. Pucha, I know I said "special someone" pero puwede hindi pinsan ko and his girlfriend ang date ko sa birthday ko? God, are you listening? Listen, please. LoL.

Destiny's Child

Tadhana ko na yata to be with geeks.

I went to a Robinsons mall to use the wi-fi. Papa the Powerbook couldn't find the wi-fi signal (like what happened at Galleria a couple of months ago) so I had to ask the barista. The barista then asked one of the "regular customers" to help me out. Not bad looking if you ask me. The problem? Pucha naman o, I didn't bother to do my hair before I left the condo. As in, I combed my hair lang, then off I went.

Throughout the whole entire "IT support" session, I was wondering kung ilang strands ng buhok ko ang nakatayo. Grr. But then again, if I didn't look decent, he wouldn't take the time to help me out (we couldn't figure out the problem for a good 30 minutes). If I didn't look decent, he wouldn't say goodbye when he left the coffee shop.

Lesson learned? Wala akong mahahanap na boylet kung sa condo lang ako all day on the weekends. Lesson learned? Huwag na akong magpakabit ng phone line sa condo. Lesson learned? P65 for an iced tea is worth it. Lesson learned? May bagong tambayan na ako sa mall. HaHa!

Konti na lang, destiny will do its magic (Wishing! And yes, I was checking out his laptop, too. Sige na nga, aaminin ko na: geek nga ako. The truth hurts! LoL).

MiNAism: On Second Dates

Tet: Eh yun naman pala eh, he asked you for a second date!
Me: Why wouldn't he? I'm pretty eh.

That, my friends, is the kind of self-confidence we are working with. HaHa! Pretty, but single. What kind of horrible world are we living in?! ;P

To continue the humor of it all, the relatives and I went to Tagaytay last weekend. Of course, my lovelife was the center of all conversations (Oo, pinaguusapan kahit wala nga!). My Tita from Chicago said, "Min, kung puwede lang ngang bilhin ang lalake, bibilhan kita para magkaroon ka!" Ouch! I'm thinking that my relatives have forgotten that I have feelings. There was also a comment about my "soul-searching" in the Philippines: that the "soul" in soul-searching is a boyfriend. Gosh, this family is too darn witty talaga when it comes to making fun of my single state. HeHe.

Anyway, what I'm recently realizing is that you really can't have everything in a guy. I'm trying to decide whether I want a pogi guy pero tarantado naman or a not-so-pogi guy pero who will treat me well. Like I said, it's a horrible world we are living in. ;P

And Another One

My beloved Tetski is getting married! Another one has been plucked out of the singlehood bandwagon! Zara got married in 2005, Mayie in 2006, Tet in 2007, who's up for 2008? Sabihin na para ma-i-lista ko na. HaHa!

Anyway, I'm truly happy for Tet and Jason. And through these two, through Tet's examples of how she and Jason are when dealing with relationship issues, I've learned a lot about what having a mature relationship is all about-the kind where you say what you mean, act what you mean, do things for the sake of the other and not yourself, etc., etc., etc. =) Sure gave me something to strive for in my next relationship...uhh, whenever that is. ;P

Congrats again, dear neighbor!

Women's Weapon

You know what I realized? A girl can get away with a lot when she's wearing a skirt. Note to self: wear a skirt on your next date. ;D

Stalker Mode On

I had this huge plan to write a very emotional post...

But I flipped to Studio 23 late last night and found out that...

...Kennevic Asuncion has a show on Sundays: Badminton Xtreme!

Why didn't anyone tell me this?! It was a Kennevic-filled day yesterday with the Philippine Open 2006 mixed doubles game and Badminton Xtreme show plus the corny Rush commercial that he's also in.

*SIGH. I got a new crush and it's exactly the kind of shallow distraction that I need right now. "How did you know...I needed someone like you in my life..." HaHa!

First Monthsary

I've been working at W0rld Visi0n for 0 years and 1 month today. Hooray!

And as if having a job isn't enough, where am I this whole week and next week for work? Holiday Inn Galleria Manila. I have a king-size bed, cable, 24/7 airconditioning, hot tap water, a fantastic view of EDSA (Promise, it's great looking at traffic versus being in it!), and internet to my heart's delight. Mon asked me whether I'm with my boyfriend here. IF I had a boyfriend, no way in hell is he staying here with me. Good girl? No, more like selfish girl: I am NOT sharing this bed with anyone. No, no, no. I was actually jumping up and down on the bed on Monday night when I first got here. LoL. If you've been at my condo, you know why. LoL.

The First

I can now go back to dating again. Why?

I finally received my very first Philippine paycheck and can now pay for my share during dates since guys here don't seem to think that they should pay for two people. ;P

Independence Day

Okay, I don't need to wonder what's next; I already know what's next! I'm moving to a rented condo on Thursday!

I feel that all the traumatizing experiences from 2005 are slowly being redeemed. Was I traumatized about my lovelife last year? Should I be expecting to be redeemed in that department as well? HaHa! Anyway, funny how my life is making sense these days:

Job
Well, you already know the story behind that.

Bank
Back in September, when I visited Kuya Heinz at work, he showed me their bank. I did wonder what the purpose of that was.

Well, months later, their bank is my bank now--that would be as a customer. I'd like to think that I'm employing Kuya H. HaHa!

Condo
Tet and I have always entertained the idea of living in the same building (check out her Friendster testimonial for me!). Now, not only do we live in the same building, we live on the same floor, AND we live one unit apart. I dare anyone to top that one! HeHe.

I got the job. I got the place of my own (in the metropolis no less!). Do I even need to say what's missing? >=D

Manila Working Girl

I can now sleep at night and am able to announce it loud and proud: I am now employed! It took me eight months, but really it was only five months; don't ask what I did with the other three months. LoL. Anyway, here's a timeline:

July (a couple of weeks before I left Seattle)
Lisa: Here's the mailing address for the Manila office. Write them when you get there. I'm sure there's something for you to do there.
Me: Thanks! Will do! (Didn't do it, though.)

November (when driving along Eastwood)
Homer: I'm doing work for W0rld Visi0n International.
Me: What?! Are you serious?!

Homer e-mails WVI for me. I e-mail WVI. Nothing happens. (That's nothing new. ;P HaHa!)

January (on the Monday after I didn't leave for Seattle)
I get an e-mail from one of the Executive Assistants in the Ortigas office, asking me to send my resume because of a recommendation from Lisa and her mom. I know this sounds way too cheesy, but I had a tear run down my face at the sight of that e-mail in my inbox. It helped me keep the hope alive when I was feeling down and out about the whole wide world.

February (Valentine's Day)
I had my preliminary interview which led to another interview the day after. When it was job offer time, I was back to square one: they wanted me to have my ACR in my hands before they could employ me. I was told to contact them once my papers were squared away, but no guarantees. (Insert heartache here.)

Last Week of March
After a one-month process, I got my ACR so I called them up. Unfortunately, the position wasn't open anymore. But, a couple of weeks later, I was told that the position was open again. Yeah, don't even ask; it's such a long story. LoL. Of course, life wasn't THAT easy just yet: they wanted me to get a certification letter from Department of Labor (DOLE), stating that I don't need anything else to work legally in the country.

April 2
First day of work, but still in limbo because DOLE has yet to produce me my certification letter.

April 10
One week at work. After calling DOLE every single day during the past week, I was finally told that my certification letter was ready to be picked up...so I did after lunch!

If that's not telenovela material, then I don't know what is. HaHa! It has been a long, rough, painful road overall and hey, I'm still alive. It's true that God never gives you anything you can't handle. And most importantly, if it's for you, God will give it to you...in His time. Yeah, yeah, that's a peptalk for my lovelife more than anything else. LoL.

So there, it's time to celebrate! It's time for lunchdates and dinnerdates in Ortigas (Tet was my first)! It's time for another goal! I wonder what will be next? =)

Speaking from Experience

Ninang and Ralph left today for a six-week U.S. vacation including one week in Seattle. As we agreed to when I didn't leave for Seattle at the end of January, I would've left with them had I not gotten a job by now. Do I wish that I am on that plane with them?

I had been thinking about Seattle a lot since end of January. I was thinking of its comfortable weather, my bed, my car, hot water, its convenient lifestyle, my nephews and nieces, my mom's cooking, but somehow they're not enough to get me on a plane just yet. As Kuya Ernie once told me, "Come back when you're ready."

Have things been easy? No way. I can't deny all the near-tears experiences I've had in the last few months. I can't deny that I always wish I have here in Manila the things I have in Seattle just so that life would be a little easier.

So why am I still here? Because I'm learning so much about myself, about my parents, about life in general. I can't wait until my next birthday so that I could list all the things I learned just in the last year. Being here has also made me appreciate why my parents (and other immigrants) bring their kids to the U.S. for a better life-a privileged life that I have taken for granted in all these years. Also, by doing the things that Filipinos here do, I have gained a better understanding of my people. Okay, that sounds so cheesy, but it's so true. I was telling Zara the other day how horrible the VAT is because it makes everything so expensive. Imagine, I'm complaining about VAT when I used to complain about the rallyistas on TV protesting about it. HaHa!

What would I say to people wanting to do what I have done so far (*ahem Jo Anne)? I say go for it. Do what you've always wanted to do. Get it out of your system. There's no doubt in my mind that you'll come out a better person at the end. Just don't tell your parents that I told you to do so. HaHa!

Brotherhood

Condo owner: Ikaw lang ba titira sa unit? Single ka pa ba?
Me: Opo. Single pa po ako. Ako lang po ang titira duon.
Condo owner: Ay, ang brother ko single pa din!
Me: Condo po ang pinunta ko dito, hindi boyfriend.
Condo owner: (laughs)

Why is everyone trying to make me a part of his/her family?! Kuya Heinz, do enlighten us on the matter. ;P The condo owner also offered to take me with her to Cavite when she goes home to her family and to Bulacan when her family goes there for Holy Week. She also treated me to dinner and told me that I was pretty. Soon after, she dropped the "Brother Bomb." Yes, I have a term for it now. LoL.

I'm starting to think that I'm more appealing to be someone's future sister-in-law than to be someone's girlfriend. What a sad, sad world this is! ;P Regardless, I really do hope to finally find "The Brother" someday; I just hope he doesn't belong to a church. HaHa!

Unang Hirit

6:30 a.m. - Woke up
7:35 a.m. - Left the house/rode the jeep
7:45 a.m. - Arrived FX Terminal
8:05 a.m. - Left FX Terminal
9:05 a.m. - Arrived Meralco Ave./Hauled ass to J.Vargas Ave.
9:15 a.m. - Arrived office, sweaty and late

First realization: I'm not in Seattle: I don't have a car to just pull out of the driveway and drive to work in; I can't predict what time I'll get to a given place; Manila's weather ain't for walking (I swear, I can't understand that concept. HaHa!).

9:45 a.m. - I got introduced as a Fil-Am. Ugh! I hate the title. I just want to be known as a regular Filipino. Though, according to the Bureau of Immigration I'm a foreign national slash alien in the Philippines.

While I got introduced as such, my male co-workers (Note to self: the Manila term is "officemates") introduced themselves using their name and civil status as adviced by a female co-worker...and so they did!

Second realization: I think my "pagkasawi" is so strong now that people can detect it a million miles away. HaHa!

10:00 a.m. - Start of orientation, ie. workload begins now.

Third realization: Office workers are spoiled in the States. I can't remember a job wherein I couldn't just go to a cupboard and grab pens, highlighters, paper, paperclips, and everything I needed in order to work productively in an office. At my new office, I was using my own pen and felt demanding when I had to ask for a pad of paper to take notes in. I miss office supply rooms!

Fourth realization: Hello Dilbert Life! I've never had a cubicle ever. Partitions galore, oh my! LoL. Though, at the office, they're blue (my favorite color!) and clean.

12:00 p.m. - Lunch at the seventh floor cafeteria

Fifth realization: I would rather brave the heat and walk to Jollibee any day. HaHa!

1:00 p.m. - E-mail and Lotus Notes are still not set-up yet

Sixth realization: I miss Mike and his murse (man purse) over at the City of T, Lisa!

2:00 p.m. - Roy complains that I'm quiet

Seventh realization: Man, I *am* quiet at work! Do my friends know this?! LoL.

3:00 p.m. - Ramil suggests for me to take a break.

Eight realization: I love the Philippines! I love how co-workers care about eachother...regarding eating. HaHa! No, seriously, this was something I found out and cherished when I interned in the Philippines in 2002.

4:00 p.m. - I called Department of Labor and Employment

Ninth realization: Just when I thought I was over the hurdles, here I go again. I need my certification letter, guys! If the Bureau of Immigration did their thang to make me happy, can I expect you to do the same soon? My sanity is now in your hands.

5:00 p.m. - "Jun, where's the FX terminal to San Mateo?"

Tenth realization: This is where it has been all this time?! I could've saved so many gallons of sweat at the MRT station last year had I known about this! God is good.

6:00 p.m. - Rode FX back to San Mateo

7:00 p.m. - Bought a pizza to bring home to Manang Luz and Manang Tess...they didn't eat a single bite, though. They suggested that I eat the rest for breakfast instead. *Sniff. But I wanted to celebrate!

Always Remember

The job offer is finally in my hands. One more hurdle to overcome and we'll see if it's finally time to celebrate.

Second Chances

Dear God,

You gave me a second chance in January and I didn't waste it. Hopefully, I proved that to you with how I've lived my life since then.

People told me that all of my hard work would pay off, that good things come to those who wait, and that my dreams will come true as long as I keep at it. Is this "it"?

It's in my beloved Ortigas. It's near a Jollibee (HaHa!). It's going to pay me enough for me to have a place of my own just like what I've wished for. It's going to make me so much closer to You. It's going to make me happy knowing that I'm giving my time to a worthy cause. It's going to allow me to have free weekends to do other things. It's near Podium for my wi-fi needs after work hours (assuming that they have un-blocked me. HaHa!). It's near enough that friends can come visit me and vise versa. It was your Valentine's Day gift to me so I'm guessing that this is "it", right?

I guess I'll find out the answer tomorrow before lunch. I'm also hoping that your representative on Earth will do the right thing this time around; You did give him a second chance to turn things around for the both of us. I promise that I'll stop holding a grudge on him and I'll try to build a good relationship with him if he and I end up working together.

Regardless of what happens, I just want to say thanks for making me smile again. I haven't seen my "giddy smile" for months now and I'm glad it's back in my list of facial expressions. =D

Love,
Me

Sizzling Steps

Someone needs to stop me.

My latest discovery about myself is that I have a penchant for walking long distances in sweltering heat. Okay, they're not really long distances; I'm not that stupid afterall. Oh no, no, no. But since it is summer, those "short distances" feel like long distances. I need to understand that. And really, I need to stop this little hobby of mine before heatstroke catches up with me. HaHa!

A few weeks ago, I ended up walking from PHILCOA to U.P.'s Quezon Hall. I thought it was a short distance and I could use the exercise. Well, it wasn't a short distance (that's why you didn't see anyone doing what you were doing, dear). And it was 11 a.m. for crying out loud when the sun is almost at its hottest. Needless to say, when I arrived at Quezon Hall, I headed straight for the airconditioner. Belle and the gang just looked at me in disbelief when I told them what I had done. Actually, they did more than look: I think they also threw in the words "gaga" and "tanga." LoL.

And as if I didn't learn my lesson then, today, I walked from Intramuros to SM Manila. I was at Immigration to process my I-Card. I was told to bring $50 (so I did), but when I got there, they only take pesos. What's a girl to do, but go to SM to exchange money during lunchtime (Apparently, Metrobank isn't into exchanging foreign currency).

With an umbrella in hand, I started walking. The problem? It was 12 p.m. AND it was summer. Maybe if it was November or December, it wouldn't have been a big deal, but dear self, it *is* the summer. Two minutes outside equals dripping sweat these days; what more if it's a 15-minute walk?

Coming back, I tried to not walk. I swear, I tried not to! But the darn pedicabs wanted P30! Dude, if I wanted to spend that much, I would've taken a cab! Hence, I walked...and sweated...a lot. My shirt was absolutely wet by the time I re-entered the Immigration doors.

Normally, these instances would make me wish that I had an ulirang driver, I mean, an ulirang boyfriend, but eek, no thanks. Hugging or holding hands doesn't sound too appealing at this time of the year. We'll save relationships for the rainy season. Hopefully, he'll know how to hold an umbrella for me while I walk in the rain. ;P

Video Memory Lane

I don't think anyone who visits this website can relate to this, so excuse me while I reminisce about my younger years. HeHe.

While I was stalking browsing through someone's Friendster profile, one of his testimonials cracked me up: the one that mentioned the movie "El Norte."

Man, was that movie required to be shown for all high schools in the United States?! I found it funny that someone from New Jersey was shown that movie while I saw it too in Washington. Hmmm. All throughout my schooling, I thought that my teachers handpicked all the movies we were made to watch...and we always thought how horrible their tastes were. HaHa!

Anyway, here are the movies that remind me of my school life:

• Elementary School: "Roots" (If you don't know Kunta Kinte...)


• Middle School: "The Sandlot" (I swear, how many times did teachers have that on for their "last days of school" video back in the 7th grade?!)


• High School: "El Norte"

The unforgettable movies didn't end there. For Biology in college, I was shown this video called "Miracle of Life" or something like that which showed the miracle of birth starting from the sp3rm entering the woman's body all the way to the fluid spewing out of the woman's body when she gave birth.

I swear, if you have a 16-year-old daughter and want to prevent her from getting pregnant at an early age, I would highly recommend that video. Sure scared the beejeezus out of me at the age of 20. HaHa!

*SIGH. I miss formal education. *coughgeek*cough

Permanent Resident I Am

The moment we have all been waiting for has finally arrived! No, I still don't have a job (yet!), and no, I still don't have a boyfriend (yet! As if! LoL) but I am now a permanent resident of the Philippines! My ACR has been approved! I am now legally able to work (and live indefinitely) in this country!

Thank you, God! Thank you, Miss Irma! Thank you, Bureau of Immigration! Thank you, beautiful self, for surviving all the Bureau of Quarantine requirements! HaHa!

One hurdle down, one more to go! Here, jobby, jobby, jobby! Here, jobby, jobby, jobby! LoL.

Speaking of which, I was in Makati today for another job interview. It is absolutely amazing the list of people who I have interviewed with throughout all this jobhunting. Couple that with the people I met here in 2002 and I swear I can make a million if I ever got paid to namedrop for a living. HeHe! Kulang na lang talaga eh si GMA. LoL.

Afterwards, The Amazing Duo rode the FX from Makati to San Mateo. It was my first time to do such a thing and of course, I had to be with my Public Transpo Coach. HaHa! And as usual, we provided the entertainment throughout the whole one-hour ride. Even the driver was able to relay back to me what he had learned about Zara and I by the time I got off at my stop. HaHa! Yes, yet another bonding moment for the two of us.

Things are coming together. I hope they continue to do so.

What Do You Do When They Come For You

Kuya Noel had to repeat what I had said a few minutes earlier, "Si Mina hindi pinagnasahan!"

I'm wholesome like Cheerios, Lucky Charms, and Wheaties cereals. I'm so G-rated, you can stick me in a Disney movie and call me Mulan ("I'll make a man out of you!" LoL). I'm so innocent, I always wish for world peace. Okay, not really, but wouldn't it be nice? LoL.

So, it's no wonder that I want those in my boylet of choice. After showing Alessa a picture, she wrinkled her nose and said, "Yan talaga ang mga type mo, no?" I asked her innocently (though I knew what she meant), "What do you mean? Anong type yan?"

She paused. She paused some more. Crickets started making noise.

Then, she said, "Yan! Yang mga mukhang mama's boy types! Mga hindi mukhang lalake!" To add more salt to the wound, she added, "Wala talagang mangyayari kapag mga torpe ang gusto mo!" Ouch! Ouch to infinity and beyond! LoL.

You know what I've been realizing, though? Those good boy types aren't really good boys. After I told someone's cousin about her very own cousin's text message, she said, "Really?! I can't believe it! I had so much respect for kuya pa naman!"

Yes, people, there's a growing problem in this world besides bird flu: horrible boys hiding behind a good boy facade! It's such an injustice! You think they're good, and that's probably what they want you think, but once they text or open their mouths, tsk tsk from there. They leave me speechless for hours from disbelief! They leave their siblings/cousins speechless for hours from disbelief. People think that I exaggerate the bad things boys have done or said to me over the years, but really, they're all true. Sad, but 100% all true.

As Pen pointed out, "You're hopelessly romantic and a jerk magnet. We're done with the Mina analysis for the day!"

That's the problem: I'm not looking for horrible boys, but I end up with them. At this rate, I could just go for the Robin Padilla types and it wouldn't really matter. I swear, when I've had enough, I will write a book about all of you horrible boys! LoL. Just kidding...only because I believe in world peace. ;P

The Amazing Duo

I knew about this for awhile now, but dismissed the idea. Afterall, my #1 priority is finding a career in this country. But over dinner, the subject came up again and I thought about what I would do if I actually applied.

Who would I pick as my partner? Zara.

She is streetsmart, in addition to being smart, period. She is not shy about anything. She knows how to budget (That's what you learn when you become a wife). She is not as emotional as I am (Ako ang iiyak sa show, promise!). She is not maarte (I will let her do all the nasty Detour challenges. HaHa!). She is resilient (Pucha, babayaran mo ba ako sa mga sinasabi ko ngayon?). Most importantly, she can drive stick (Astiiiig in my book!).

Our drama? "17 years of friendship. 15 years of those were spent apart. The Amazing Race is a way to make up for lost time." Naks!

It is just too bad that she has her own little bundle of joy to take care of so running around Asia with me is not an option. But then again, for $1 million, I think Tita can take care of my godson for a few months, right? HaHa!

Anyone want to fill her shoes? I think they are only size 7s. Okay, that was corny. HaHa! Sayang talaga. *SIGH.

Badminton Bug

After seven months, after a million invites, I finally gave in and played badminton today! Hooray!

Sure, the first half hour feels like you just got stuck in an oven toaster. And if you haven't been physically active since you left the comforts of hiphop dance classes back in your hometown, then the first few rallies feel like you should call an ambulance already. But once you get past that, it's all fun. Fun, fun, fun. Uh oh, someone caught the badminton bug. HeHe.

I love how you can release all your pent up anger with a flick of your wrist. I love how it's a faster game than tennis...okay, I kind of hate that because you really can't stay flat-footed at any given moment. HeHe. I love how you sweat and cleanse your pores concurrently. I love how it's so much cheaper than getting a gym membership (But then again, after badminton, I took a shower at Fitness First because I refused to take a shower at the court's shower room. LoL). I love how, if it's a date, you can see your boylet/girlet at his/her worst physical appearance and know that it's really love if you stay in the relationship (Just kidding! LoL). I love...Kennevic Asuncion? LoL.

As someone said, you can't move to Cebu or Makati yet, we just started! I know, dear friend, I know.

But at least the inner athlete in me is back. Whoop, whoop! HeHe. (Yup, the endorphins are writing this entry. Go natural high! HaHa!)

MiNAism: On Finding Mr. Right

"There are too many women in this world....now I understand where China is coming from."

Possibilities Versus Realities

I watched Last Holiday yesterday to kill some of the six hours of idle time in between my two interviews. It's truly amazing how we don't live our lives to the fullest. Our personal "book of possibilities" is always much thicker than our "book of realities." Tsk!

People have told me that they're glad to find out that I'm living out my dream and how amazed they are that I have not given up after all these months. I'm no better than any of you. I'm not smarter, braver, or anything -er (yes, not even crazier than any of you!). I just know what I want and the only person who can make it happen is me. And the best time to do it is now (because our tomorrows are never promised).

I believe in my best product: me. I believe that God is there for me. I believe that the whole world conspires to help those who are achieving their dreams. I believe that a person knows what is good for him/her. I believe that you'll never succeed if you're too scared to fail (taken from Ale). I believe that it's better to try than to never try at all. I believe that life is too short to play it too safe.

And though my first goal of working in the Philippines has not been achieved yet, I already have a second goal. In the movie, Queen Latifah's character wanted to get married to LL Cool J's character. So my second goal is for my lovelife (okay, as if that's anything new!). For my birthday this year, I'm going to spend it with a special someone (umm, the person is still unknown. HaHa!). And in case God tries to be funny again because I wasn't specific enough with my request, I do mean a man who's single, pogi, tall, educated, smart, faithful, straight, loving, patient, has mutual feelings...I'm sorry, I just want to make sure God hears me correctly. LoL. *SIGH. Oh yes, another lofty goal for the idealistic one. HeHe.

On Hiring People

"If you always hire people who are smaller than you are, we shall become a company of dwarfs. If, on the other hand, you always hire people who are bigger than you are, we shall become a company of giants."

"If you ever find a man who is better than you are - hire him. If necessary, pay him more than you pay yourself."

Both quotes are from David Ogilvy...and I wish that when he was still alive, he worked in HR here in the Philippines. HeHe.

Passing Time

Mayie's dad passed away yesterday and Zara and I went to the wake. It was my first time attending a wake of a friend's parent. I didn't know what to expect and I thought I would get very emotional. Well, I thought wrong. With St. Scho girls around, I don't think a place could ever be solemn and "emote-ful." HeHe!

It was also the first time that a friend looked at me like I was a ghost and it was also the first time I made a friend cry. Mayie didn't know that I was still in the country. Her husband knew and so I thought she knew. When Mayie saw me walking into the chapel, she looked like she saw a ghost. And once she got over the shock, her eyes started watering and was about to cry. Ang tindi talaga ng presence ko. ;P

Another Detour

"Hell is the knowledge of opportunity lost; the place where the man I am comes face to face with the man I might have been." -- Unknown

Why is it always so hard for me to take the second best thing? Why do I always just pursue one thing and that one thing alone? Why do I focus on the closed door rather than the one that's wide open? Why do I always want what I can't have? Why don't I risk everything for something that wants me instead of risking everything for something that might not want me in the end?

It's here. It wants me for who I am. It believes in me. It promises me all the knowledge that I need and want. It will allow me to forget the past heartaches. It will pay me. It will allow me to say that I got what I had set out to do...sort of.

And that "sort of" is what is troubling me. I need an attitude adjustment big time. As Kat asked me, "What do you want: a job or a location?" Umm, both. LoL.

Dear self, what's wrong? You said Philippines, didn't you? It is in the Philippines. It may not be on Emerald Avenue in Ortigas (HaHa!), but it is in the Philippines. Scared of being out of your comfort zone? Weren't you about to teach English in Japan last year? Hello? Everything you've been doing in the last seven months has been out of your comfort zone; what the hell is new? There's nothing you cannot do when you're brave, strong, determined, gutsy, and friendly. Don't you want to finally reap the benefits of all your troubles? Aren't you tired of waiting, waiting on broken promises, waiting in vain, waiting for people to come around and realize your worth? You're not going to be alone. You'll have a roof over your head, food to eat, and a family that chose you. That's more than you'll ever need. Someone will be there to hold your hand, but if He ever gets tired, He will send someone else to do it for Him (HaHa!).

The second best thing can be THE best thing if you give it a chance. Stop chasing the dream; start living it. Now.

Two Wrongs Don't Make A Right

Actions speak louder than words, but words are easier to comprehend. Say what you want to say. Ask what you want to ask.

Erase the what-ifs. Erase the could've-beens. Erase them all.

No regrets. Absolutely no regrets.

100% all heart.

Let go.

Shedding Stateside

Ever wonder what kinds of people find you attractive?

Yesterday...
Taxi driver: Ma'am, saan po?
Me: Sa ABS-CBN.
Taxi driver: Magaartista po kayo?
Me: Hindi. Hindi ko carry.
Taxi driver: Carry naman po!

Today...
Taxi driver: Tabi kayo, nandito si Miss Universe!
Me: (Clueless that he was talking about me)
Taxi driver: Ma'am, kahit buong araw, puwede kitang ipag-drive.
Me: (Buti ka pa.)

Immigration guard to Ma'am Irma: Naks, ang ganda naman ng kasama mo!

Immigration staff: Ay, sino yang magandang kasama mo?

Add to that list Tacloban tricycle drivers, Starbucks baristas, security guards in Ortigas' Tektite and Antel Buildings. Pucha naman o. LoL. Kailan naman kaya ako PAPAnsinin niya? LoL.

Anyway, went to Immigration today for my appearance/hearing before one of the immigration lawyers. My application was approved and should now be in the bureaucratic hands of the Bureau of Commissioners. After three hard-to-get signatures, it should be ready...in one month's time. Ouch. Bilisan po natin. Nakasalalay po ang aking kaligayahan sa inyong mga kamay. Naks, straight Tagalog yan! LoL.

Afterwards, I, (insert my name here), rode an FX and jeep back to San Mateo. I walked my praning, Koreana-looking self to Lawton, then rode an SM Fairview FX to Philcoa, then rode a jeep to San Mateo. Total expense? P37. I spent more coming there when I rode the LRT, then a taxi: P64.

My independent woman facade is coming back, you guys! LoL. I'm a woman, hear me roar. HeHe. I wonder what to do for my next Pinoy adventure. Hmm...

Accuracy is Key

The Keys to Your Heart

You are attracted to those who are unbridled, untrammeled, and free. In love, you feel the most alive when your partner is patient and never willing to give up on you. You would be forced to break up with someone who was emotional, moody, and difficult to please. Your ideal relationship is lasting. You want a relationship that looks to the future... one you can grow with. Your risk of cheating is zero. You care about society and morality. You would never break a commitment. You think of marriage as something precious. You'll treasure marriage and treat it as sacred. In this moment, you think of love as something you thirst for. You'll do anything for love, but you won't fall for it easily.

What Are The Keys To Your Heart?

Close to You

At my job interview...

Would-be supervisor: So, you're single?
Me: Yes, I am. (I knew what was coming next.)
Would-be supervisor: Boyfriend? (Dammit!)
Me: No boyfriend. Is that a problem? (Trying to be funny. Emphasis on trying.)
Would-be supervisor: No, no, but it's important that we're all happy here.
Me: (#$*@#!)

I'm fully aware that I'm S-I-N-G-L-E. Do I want to be single? No. Do I need to be single? No. I've spent years (many, many years) thinking about what I'd do differently in my next relationship, what I will tolerate/not tolerate in a man, and how I will be to the next person that comes around. The sad reality of this is that when I'm finally ready to give my heart to someone else (yihee!), when I've changed my priorities to fit a lovelife in, and when I've shipped out all of my emotional baggages (there were lots!), there's no one worth giving my heart to who's going to take care of it as much as I have (I'm so cheesy! LoL). If the same people who wished I had a lovelife could present me with a man worth risking it all to (yihee!), then I wouldn't have this sickly feeling whenever someone gives me that pity look when they find out that I'm S-I-N-G-L-E.

Realizing that my lovelife is in God's hands, I have focused on finding a career. But look what I encounter in the process. Everyone always reminds me what I don't have. I'm just an innocent victim here! ;P

Feeling lousy about my lovelife after that interview, I decided to watch "Close to You." It wasn't a good idea. HeHe. Not because it was a crappy movie (it was far from that!), but because I was crying throughout the whole movie. Pucha! Trust me, if you watch that movie, it will remind you of me. Promise! LoL. Makes me think that Star Cinema reads my blog. LoL.

(Let me rant, please.)

If you've seen the movie, there's the issue of the John Lloyd character versus the Sam character. John Lloyd being the torpe, slow, insecure guy who doesn't have the guts to speak out about his feelings versus Sam who, after two short trips to Davao and Dumaguete, declared his feelings for Bea with a kiss. That's like what, a span of one week? So, I started thinking: who should the girl really end up with? The torpe boy or the straight forward boy? If the torpe boy can't fight for his love, what else can he not do (put away those inside jokes, people)? And what, the girl is supposed to wait on torpe boy to come around? Hello? And was John Lloyd's excuses of not saying his feelings valid? Was I supposed to feel bad for him when Sam and Bea got together? Wasn't it his fault that another guy beat him to the girl? Ooh, I sense some anger. LoL.

That's all. Good night. HeHe.

Greetings Earthlings

I'd like to announce to the whole wide world that I am on my way to becoming an alien: the Bureau of Immigration now has my application for my ACR (insert cheers here). I know it's called a bureau, but I hope we can limit the bureaucracy. Two weeks sounds reasonable (more like wishful thinking), don't you think? Say nay to 2-3 months, please!

The ad agency in Cebu has also asked me to produce a work permit of some sort before they can let me work. Crap. If only all the companies in this country are as strict about paying their taxes as much as they are about employing aliens, then this country can go places. Yes, I'm bitter. HeHe!

I never regret the things that I've done, but I do learn from my mistakes. If I had been a little wiser in the beginning, this is how I would've done things differently:

Gone to Manila during January not July
Trying to find work during the latter half of a year is a waste of time. Though I had no choice since I wanted to be here for Zara's wedding. That was actually what propelled me to "take the plunge." Zara, should my parents blame you? LoL.

Processed my ACR right when I got here
Since processing such a thing required lots of money, I thought I should find a job first. Well, money cannot buy time. I should've made processing time more of a priority than the expense. This mistake is currently biting my butt big time.

Moved out of San Mateo right when I got here
You've all told me that. The boys have told me that. Even my cousins have told me that. Hey, for what it's worth, you've all helped Caltex, Petron, and Shell keep their businesses alive. You go! LoL.

Focused more on where I really want to work
I sorta did, I sorta didn't. It was only in January did I start targeting the places that I really want to work for. So now, it's not a matter of being rejected, it's now a matter of being legally able to work here. HeHe. Oh ACR, come hither!

After seven months, what can I say? It has been a wild ride. You cannot doubt that I've shed blood (a requirement for my ACR), sweat (riding the MRT), and tears (lots of it!) in the process. But you know what I've learned most about this experience? The meaning of true friendship. Super cheese, I know. But when the going got tough in the last two months, people proved to me that they will be there through the good and bad times. When I was desperate to find a job before the "end of January," Belle and Nonette stepped up and created a Gmail account for me and sent out my resumes on my behalf. When I needed a roof over my head, Tet and Ale tried to find an apartment for me. When I needed to cry, Zara went to the house to see me. When self-pitying went overboard, Raissa and Kats did their share of cheerleading through YM (or what I like to call the "Mina, you're in a better position than we are" talks. HeHe). When I needed light, Lisa threw words of wisdom and a job referral at me (all the way from Seattle, too!). When immigration became the issue, Tita Rosalyn came to the rescue (yeah, that rhymed!).

All I could ask for now is a happy ending. Not just for me, but for all these people.

The Shape of My Heart

Sometime last month...

Jimbo: "Oh Min, so much love to give..."
Me: "...but no one to give it to."

Physical proof? I got back my chest x-ray. One of the radiologic findings was "Heart is mildly enlarged" (Mild Cardiomegaly in medical terms). I have so much love inside my heart that my heart has changed its size! Aww! LoL. Must...find...a...boyfriend! HaHa!

(I'm going to be okay. It's not a serious medical condition.)

Sanity for Sanitary

I'm not a maarte person. Nagiinarte maybe, but not maarte. HeHe.

Today, I went down to the Bureau of Quarantine to check out the requirements for a Medical Certificate from them (one of the many requirements to get my Alien Certificate of Registration).

Have you guys been there? It doesn't look too sanitary...and that poses a problem for me. I can get the chest x-ray, stool exam, routine urinalysis, and blood serology done somewhere else, but the physical examination? It has to be done at Bureau of Quarantine. Trust me when I say that getting nekkid there doesn't sound too appealing to me. It sounds so horrible that I'd rather get dual citizenship than strip in that place.

Okay, maybe I am maarte. But it's all about not contracting any diseases at a place that is supposed to prevent a whole country from getting diseases from foreigners. How weird is that?! What I'm trying to tell myself right now? "Girl, this will be a one-time thing. Imagine that you're just going on a blind date. Scary, but you'll get over the trauma soon enough." HaHa!

What do they do anyway during physical examination? Do they touch and poke around your body? Eww. If you're my physician, hey, poke away. If you're my boyfriend, touch away. If you're some stranger employed by the government using some tools that may have been used on other people, step the hell away! My body is a temple! HaHa!

Be brave. Be very brave.

Torn Between Two Places

I sort of have figured out the U.S. versus Philippines issue already. I've come this far and this close (what?) that I don't want to throw everything away, you know? I want to make this work.

What's the dilemma to tackle now? I have to figure out Manila versus Cebu. I got a job offer from an ad agency in Cebu. They interviewed me here in Manila and I took a creative test via e-mail. Today, while twiddling my thumbs waiting for my birth certificate at NSO, I got the job offer via text.

When I was trying to decide the U.S. versus Philippines issue last month, I didn't bother listing the pros and cons because I knew that my efforts would be futile since things were not so "easy" to list as pros and cons. For this Manila versus Cebu issue, let me try.

Pros:

Working for an ad agency
Since my Advertising class in college, I've always wanted to know what it was like to work for an ad agency. I've always been told that I was creative and witty (feeling!) and I've wondered if my skills can hold up in the grueling world of advertising. This can be the opportunity that I've been waiting for.

The ad agency is small and the leader in the Visayas region
I can learn a lot. Since this will be my first ad agency experience, I need and want to learn. I can't get that if I'm working for a huge ad agency.

Dealing with business owners themselves
Since they're mostly small to mid-size companies, I will be dealing directly with the business owners and not some person in the marketing or PR department. I can increase my contacts and I can learn about entrepreneurship!

I get to travel
Their clients are all from the Visayas and Mindanao regions. What a great opportunity for my WOW Philippines agenda! Then, on the weekends, getting some R&R is very easy since Cebu is in the middle of the country. Yeah, baby!

I like promdi guys
And by that I mean, simple guys, okay? LoL. And as Kuya Heinz has pointed out to me before, "Mas gentlemen ata ang mga guys sa Cebu." Two words: crispy pata. HaHa!

No problems with Immigration
Tita Rosalyn: "The processing for a permanent resident visa is about two months. As a special accommodation, B says he can process it without your coming to Cebu provided you can submit all the requirements. You can come to Cebu only when it is for implementation already. May crush ata si B sa 'yo!" Tita, I think he already made that clear last month when I met him. LoL.

I can learn to drive in Cebu
Cebu traffic is much tolerable than Manila. I can finally learn how to drive stick if I want to!

Tops!
No, not Top Suzara. It's the only thinking spot I've ever found in this country and I could come back whenever I want to!

I will be away from family
This is a pro and a con. I really want try to live independently...on my own terms. I want to grow up and feel the pain of being responsible for food and shelter. I can't do that when the whole clan has their eyes on me. Besides, each day I'm in Manila, I just keep thinking that it's another day of my overstaying. Not fun.

New experience
New people to meet (*ahem), new places to discover, new things to learn, new me. Yes, it's all quite scary to me, but so was this Philippines trip in the beginning, but look what I've gained! I'm young and single, I can roam freeeeeely and I should take advantage of that.


Cons:

Bisaya is not one of my two languages/dialects
Though Cebuanos speak superb English, I'm sure they like to talk in their native dialect. I don't like not knowing what's going on! And I like speaking in Tagalog!

Public transportation
There is no LRT or MRT in Cebu. It's all about jeeps and taxis. Granted that riding the LRT/MRT is a curse and a blessing at the same time. Although, Cebu is also small enough that you'll never be stuck riding public transpo for long periods of time.

I haven't seen a super pogi Cebuano
HaHa!

Cebu is "late" on some things
Aldrino's Bibingka? None. Hotshots Burgers? None. Reyes Barbecue. None. They do have Bayo though...but only two branches! Unacceptable! Not like I could afford Bayo these days, but it's always nice to just look and lust at those clothes.

I will be away from Manila
Friends are here. Family is here. Though, I have been blessed to have found a family in Cebu. The initial goal was also finding work in Manila and not Cebu. And for crying out loud, I have finally figured out the Ortigas area (I don't think I'll ever figure out Makati) but now, I have to put that aside and figure out Cebu Citaaaaaaay (say it like a beauty pageant contestant).

I don't think I'll be independent enough
With Tita Rosalyn around, I know that I'll never feel like I'm living on an entry-level Philippine salary. LoL. That's good and bad! HaHa!

There you have it, folks. Hmm, after looking at the list, it looks like the careerlife is in Cebu...but the lovelife is in Manila. Nyahahaha! Priorities, dear, priorities! ;P

Life Worth Living

Through my job interviews, I have met two guys who have proven to me that I'm not crazy afterall. Okay, maybe the three of us are all crazy. LoL. Anyway, both had prominent jobs outside of the Philippines, holding top jobs at their respective companies. After sometime, they all found themselves wondering what they were doing with their lives. They ended up quitting their jobs and going back to the Philippines to pursue their respective passions. Sounds familiar, right? As Ninang puts it, "Mga ka-uri mo!" LoL.

Today, I was fortunate enough to catch Dylan Wilks on Straight Talk. He made a very good point regarding pleasure and happiness. We find pleasure in things we can buy with money. However, we end up getting bored with these acquisitions and seek to buy other things to find pleasure in. Happiness, on the other hand, cannot be bought.

In July, I thought about my life. It was nowhere near what I considered a fulfilling life. I had two jobs; I could buy anything I wanted, but I wasn't happy. As one of those two guys I mentioned earlier told me, "It's too easy to get rich. You put in the hours, and boom, you can have everything you want." After the interview, I thought about what he said. I thought how easy it really is to make money (in the Western world), but to make a difference in one's life, to make a difference in the world? Much harder.

If I were to read college entrance essays in the United States, I bet that none of those applicants ever answer the question "Describe a life-changing event" with something that involved having lots of money. I bet most answers will be about making a difference in one's life or realizing what life is really about.

What's up with all the introspection? I finally found a place that I want to work for here in Manila, like really, really want to work for. I believe in what they're doing here in the Philippines and around the world. I want to be part of that. I want my 8-9 hours/day to go to a worthy cause. I want it bad. What's standing in the way? The potential three-month-long processing of my alien certificate of registration/work permit. Crap. I can't believe that a piece of paper can have so much power! Grr!

God, I hope this all works out in my favor.

Got It Going On

Interviews scheduled for next week: None.
Errands to do: Lots!

I've been ordered to get a work permit or an alien certificate of registration before I can get the job offer in my hands. Great. Just great.

I hate going to Makati because it's "far". Now, I have to haul my butt all the way to Manila to go to the Bureau of Immigration Office.

But wait, first I need to go to the National Statistics Office (NSO) on East Avenue to get a copy of my birth certificate. Ugh!

If this won't make me wish that I have a driver (or a boyfriend who is an ulirang driver), then I don't know what will.

(Keep praying, friends. It's still not over.)

Problema Lang Yan

"People are still basking in the afterglow of Valentine's Day." Yes indeed, Mr. DJ on Campus Radio this morning!

I was in Makati to take a multi-national company's Global Problem Solving Test today. Supposedly, it's a test that everyone in the world takes when applying to this MNC.

Well, I hate word problems. I hate them so much that I would just copy Rochelle's homework answers back in high school AND college. For tests, I would just try to do well in the other areas because I knew that I would bomb the word problems. It would look like I tried to do them (Ef for Effort!), but really, they were all scribble (Shh, don't tell my Calculus professor. She gave me a 4.0! This is while Rochelle got a 3.9. After five years, we still haven't figured out how that could've happened. HeHe!).

Seriously, I don't really care to know how long it would take to fill a 75-liter bucket when a faucet on top is filling the bucket with 5 liters of water an hour while a hole in the bucket is leaking 7 liters of water an hour. I don't care! Don't you all know that there are starving people in Africa?! LoL.

So, it was quite painful answering that test today where half of it was reading comprehension (very SAT-like!) and half of it consisted of mathematical word problems. Yes, I answered all the reading comprehension stuff first. Then, I tried to do the word problems...but in less than fifteen minutes, I just started filling out the bubbles randomly. I could've made pretty cool patterns had I been more imaginative. ;P

Result? I still passed the test! Miracles, they're everywhere in our daily lives! HaHa! (Last month, I also passed a TV station's Tagalog IQ Test. Tagalog! Imagine the SATs in Tagalog. That's pretty much what that was like. Crazy stuff!)

Giving You The Best Of My Love

I'm happy (You guys didn't expect that one for today, did you? HeHe!).

No amount of roses, chocolates, or anything cheesy could've competed with God's February 14th gift to me: a job interview at the place that I've been wishing, hoping, and praying for. It went well enough that in less than twenty-four hours, I will have my second interview. Tomorrow. Please, please, please do take the time to pray for me after reading this. I need all your help. =)

And since I was watching people on Emerald Avenue today, walking with their chocolates and flowers in hand, let's talk about gifts.

Maybe there really are girls out there who are after men's money, but for most of us who have jobs, we don't need your money. Pen would probably agree with me on this one. Everything I have, I bought with my own money. If I want something, rest assured that I can get it myself. My point? Gifts mean more than just material acquisitions to women.

A gift shows sincerity (naks!).
While hanging out at National Bookstore today, I was looking at the guys checking out the greeting cards section. Most of those guys probably could never buy their woman a house, car, or jewelry. Yet, judging from what I saw, I'd like to think that they're sincere about their love for whomever they're buying that one particular card for. They took the time out of their busy day to go through a gazillion cards to find THE one that says everything that they're feeling. A card! A piece of paper! Yet, it means so much (okay, maybe only for mababaw girls like me).

A gift shows that you pay attention (we like that!).
You spend hours with us. We eat together. We spend time together. We go to places together. You got all the clues you need. It doesn't take a genius to buy a gift...see previous paragraph.

A gift shows effort (put some elbow grease into it!).
Joaqui, my cousin, bought a girl this teddy bear which was like P1,000. He saved up his allowance to buy that thing. I can't even imagine how many meals he skipped in school in order to afford that darn teddy bear. Yet, he sacrificed little tummy aches (aww, poor baby!) to give that girl a gift. ::enter applause here:: Ef for Effort!

A gift shows that you're thinking about the other person (aww!).
When I was younger, my mom would always bring me home something whenever she and my aunts would go shopping. I would always get a Hello Kitty bag or stationery of some sort. She always thought of me eventhough I wasn't with her. Didn't you all get pasalubongs from your parents when you were younger?! Don't you know the feeling?

A gift shows that you mean what you say (actions speak louder than words!).
You like me? You want to make me happy? You think that I deserve the best? Here's your opportunity!

A gift shows you care (Hallmark is good at this!).
Why do people give gifts to birthday celebrants? For the heck of it? No! We care enough to give! Simple as that.

I can probably go on and on about this, but I got a job interview tomorrow! HeHe! My February 14th gift to myself this year? The Bayo skirt that I've been lusting over since December. I finally gave in and bought it. Most likely, I'll be like Joaqui and won't eat any meals from now until I get a job because of that darn skirt. HeHe! (I actually wanted this, but I don't want to spend for the hardback copy here in Manila: P1,000! That's $20! Crazy! Donations are always welcome on this website. *Ahem. HeHe)

Ganun Talaga

Me: Pogi, date tayo bukas! Sawi people unite!
Ryan: Hah. Ikaw lang sawi. Marami ako kadate bukas.

And that's why Ryan is not my favorite cousin. HaHa!

Heart of a Champion

Whoa! Time truly flies by!

I had no idea that the Winter Olympics is here. I only realized that the games have begun when I read the Michelle Kwan headline on Yahoo.

Man, it has been four years! Four years ago, I was a junior in college (my first year at University of WA, too). Four years ago, I was "trying to figure out" Dancing King (y'all remember him, right? HaHa!). Four years ago, in the summer, I came back to Manila to do my U.S. Embassy internship (memories!). Four years ago, I was stalking this boy (Hey, I was young and still had a bout of teenybopperness in me. HeHe!).

What I've just realized? Life is truly too short to just play it safe. Keep at it, dear self. You can do it! Go for the gold!

(How's that for a peptalk, eh?)

The Kinda Guy

You want to help. I understand. You want to do charity work. That's great. You think highly of me and you don't want to waste the pretty. Thanks!

But as you all scroll through your phonebooks (whether in front of me or otherwise, HaHa!) or tell me, "Nagpapahanap siya; nagpapahanap ka din; so 1+1=1" (ang galing ng math skills!), please take note of these wonderful lyrics by Diana King:

But I don't want somebody
Who's loving everybody
I need a shy guy
He's the kinda guy who'll only be mine

Yihee! And if you care enough to send the very best (just like Hallmark!), realize that Kuya knows best: Please refresh your memories of the boyfriend requirements listed before you. HaHa!

And yes, six months later, I still have the same problems challenges. Kuya and I still find ourselves sitting on our butts in Galleria, talking about the same friggen issues! Though it's more fun now that Ate Ambie is involved and their lil' bun in the oven. Family effort nga talaga!

Come On and Get Me, Get Me, Get Me

After three-and-a-half years, I am back on the live music scene (that would be as a spectator!). I caught M.Y.M.P. at V1rgin Cafe last night. The show made me feel good. Yes, despite all the sawi songs, I had a smile on my face. I love people who can sing and I love watching them! That's good entertainment!

Though Juris and Chin are great, I do miss the Top and Jinky tandem of Freestyle that I watched religiously in 2002. Aside from missing their special shoutouts to me from the stage, I absolutely miss their sound together. *SIGH.

Gotta catch more of these shows before "it's too late." Got to, got to, got to!

Family Ties

I'm usually in good terms with my friends' families. I'm the girl who refers to my friends' parents as "Mom" or "Dad". I'm the girl who gets invited to Sunday gatherings or special events reserved for family members. I'm the girl who gets referred to as "Tita" by nephews and nieces that are technically not mine.

But never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that I would become my friend's family's topic of conversation over a meal. More specifically, the topic being my lovelife. Eek! I'm still not over the news. Why didn't anyone tell me?! How did it come to this! I'm super embarrassed, if that's even the right way to explain how I'm feeling.

All I wanted to be was one of the good friends: the one who drops by ocassionally to have a conversation; the one whom the whole family knows, but who doesn't get all their attention. Well, not anymore. They all know me. They all know my, umm, "feelings." They all know! Crap! LoL.

Note to self? Mina, most people meet the guy first before the family. Why don't you try it next time? Be like the rest of the world for once! HaHa! Usually, people don't even get to meet the family until years later. Try that! Maybe you'll be able to avoid these weird situations that you get yourself into! HaHa!

It takes a whole village to help me with my problems? No! It takes a whole family!

I'm Brown

Hands down the number one advice people have given me lately is: Follow your heart.

There's just one problem: I don't know how. I've said it before and it's really true! And what better way to scientifically prove this by taking an online test? LoL. Check it out:

Mina, your true color is Brown!

You're brown, a credible, stable color that's reminiscent of fine wood, rich leather, and wistful melancholy (and the color of Filipinos, too, but I'm not brown. Labo! HaHa!). Most likely, you're a logical, practical person ruled more by your head than your heart (Yep, you said it!). With your inquisitive mind and insatiable curiosity, you're probably a great problem solver (Why can't I solve my own problems, though? LoL). And you always gather all of the facts before coming to a timely, informed decision (Correct!). Easily intrigued, you're constantly finding new ways to challenge your mind, whether it's by reading the newspaper, playing a trivia game, or composing a piece of music (or moving to Manila to find work). Brown is an impartial, neutral color, which means you tend to see the difference between fact and opinion easily and are open to many points of view (I dish words of wisdom just as much as I get them). Trustworthy and steady, you really are a brown at heart (Is that a compliment?!).

(Red Zara, thanks for the link.)

Gotta Have Faith

For those who have been single for awhile (*ahem), it's not hard to be a pessimist. We have been out there; we know the reality of our situation. HaHa!

But one of the advices I've gotten lately that really made me think was "Positivity attracts positive things." You know, good karma. How does this relate to love you may ask?

Well, if we keep thinking that there are no GREAT guys left in this world or that prince charming will never arrive, sure enough he probably won't. Yes, I'm guilty of this. I can't even link all my archives that talked about this very subject because the list will be too long. HaHa!

When we start thinking negatively about our single state (*ahem), that's when the problems start. What I've noticed lately from all the love problems that I've been summoned to solve (naks!), women start crying their eyes out when they try to settle for someone beneath them. And maybe, just maybe, they decide to put up with that kind of crap because they don't BELIEVE that another guy will come along who's ten times better than the one in front of them. My point? Believe! Believe like you've never believed anything before! He will come!

Do I believe that there's a great guy out there for me? Now I do. Seriously, I really do. That's a miracle in itself, I think. HaHa! I think God has finally dropped me enough hints to make me believe that He will send one eventually. I've met enough guys in the last six months who made me realize that there's hope: the guy who went in Ice Monster to ask if they use purified ice, the guy who said "You're a gem waiting to be found," the guy who said "She's pretty" in Bisaya right in front of me, the guy who had cut up the Crispy Pata for me (ang babaw ba? LoL), the guy who made sure to keep me safe every time a jeep passed by, the guy who said "I support you" (okay, that was my cousin, but he's a guy!). These guys have shown me that GREAT guys exist and when the right time comes, one of their kind will eventually find his way to San Mateo. HaHa!

From now on, no more bitterness (Okay, just a little; it keeps me alive. LoL). No more pessimism. No more references to becoming a part of the Good Shepard Convent in Baguio (HaHa!). Just a lot of faith that good things come to those who think positively. Naks!