Hamkin

April once said that if I have a desire to improve my writing skill, I should start writing for others to read and comment on. I, then started signing up for an LJ which I still keep up to now together with my blogspot. I consider my blogs as the outlet of how I feel that particular day. It is my journal. A remembrance for the day.


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Ham is feeling sick lately, too bad I’m not in Sydney to take care of him. The last time he got sick was last December when he was here in Manila. We were scheduled to go to Tagaytay, and he really pushed himself for that to happen. He spent the day lying on the bed, sometimes sleeping, sometimes watching DVDs he bought in Greenhills. I assumed the nurse role, and pushed him to obey *wink*.

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I miss you Ham!

All in a day

8.30am. Kae went to Sony to remit the payment. She was wearing her nursing uniform. Not bad after all, for she was hesitant to wear it there at first. She looks cute daw and young?! She’s still young naman tlaga (mukha lang hindi… *sigh*). She was greeted by her former officemates including the Japanese officer and was offered a home office job, which she refused. She will be busy the next sem on her new field, and she wants to focus on that.

1030am. Off she went to G4. Saw that a lot of people were mobbing Kamiseta. Got curious and entered the shop. Had fun looking at the clothes since all of it can be bought half its original price. Bought the small, tan, knitted, sleeveless top with laces on the neck and arm line for just 225php. Not bad.

1130am. Was already rushing back to Metro for her 1pm class.

130pm. Answered her quiz. Good thing she knew the food guide pyramid (5 out of 15, yahoo!).

3.00pm. A fire broke out on the 9f. Students were asked to go down using the stairs. They were in 12f. No smoke nor flames were seen from below. Fire trucks and students lined the road. Announcement was made that students are already allowed to go home.

330pm. Too early for our protagonist to retire. Kae and her friends decided to try worlds of fun at Sm san lazaro. They played shots on basketball, one of their faves, before singing at the videoke booth. They sang 10 songs, mostly came from MYMP album *tsk tsk.. fanatic*. And for the remaining tokens they had, spent it on bball again. Kae is a loser on that game. She needs to practice well in preparation for the arrival of her hamkin.

530pm. Already hungry, the group chose Tokyo Tokyo to eat their dinner. Em and Kae had a beef misono sumo meal with sumo red iced tea. Melai and Xands shared on the pork tonkatsu sumo meal, while Jaiv, without a sumo partner, settled for a teriyaki.

630pm. Watched the videos shot by Melai from her CP and transferred it to Jaivs’ laptop.

730pm. Kae got home safely. Tried the blouse she bought, and realized it’s still big for her frame. Gave it to her mom instead.

9.00pm. Kae chatted with her loving boyfriend, Ham.

1130pm. Sipping hot milk and posting this.

I'm not a gimikera

DISCLAIMER: This blog consists of the detailed account I've had in my gimmicks with friends. It is quite long, and I guarantee that this will be boring after a while.

We went to Arlington to pay last respect to the funeral wake of Liezl's sister. According to the old beliefs, one should make a stop over before going home. And so we did. Melai, Jaivy, and I headed in Malate where there's a lot of bars to choose from. It would be Melai's 3rd time to drink a liquor and a 1st time to be in a busy place like Malate. Jaivy claimed that he doesn't know much about bars (tlaga lang ha?). So, it was me who suggested the bar. I chose Bedrock, since there's a free entrance and a live band playing. We ordered Nachos and 3 SanMig Lights. Still adjusting from the loud noise inside, we commented on how the band plays, and thought that the male vocalist looks like our "bi" classmate, attractive and beautiful. The second band on the other hand looks like a group of midgets (according to jaivs). In fairness, they performed better than the other one. I got home around 1.30am.

It was a great night with my girlfriends!

Saturday night, and I was "alone" at home. Mommy attended the Leadership training they have in Antipolo. Kim on the other hand, was also out and would be home in the morning. I have the place all by myself! I felt exhilarated! And then, Mai texted me, said she and Grace would eat dinner at Jollibee near our place. I went there to meet them and eat my 2nd dinner. As I was eating my burger, they informed me that we will be heading to Ospital ng Maynila, where my soon-to-be-a-doctor friend, and whom I blind dated for Mai was staying for residency. Grace and I were teasing Mai to Kawheng. They're so right for each other,hehe. They have this bubbly,witty personality, and the energy to talk even when they are really tired. Grace said that it's good for Mai and believed that Kawheng "tamed" Mai! haha! That was the same term she used, that Ham also "tamed" me. A wild tiger! But that word won't apply to Grace's case. We're still waiting for the time when Grace would become "wild" and lose some of her inhibitions...
Anyway, we were there to give Kawheng's Wendy's meal, Mai's treat. Number 1 meal, upsized. That's how sweet Mai is. We weren't there for long, and since I need to use the loo for a leak, we headed straight to Bluewave (sossiness and everything). The drive going there was awesome. The three of us in Mai's car, windows down,and just letting the wind flirt with our hair, singing loud n'sync with songs in the radio... aahh... the freedom, and the realization that we're old enough to do those trippings. It was... great!
We had frap in Starbuck's, Choco Cream (Venti) on both of them, and Mocha (also venti) for me, Mai's treat for being regularized in a big Insurance company. She also ordered Oreo cheesecake which made Grace gag. It was her "day-off" from her regimen and all she had intaked got mixed up that moment. We reminisced what we have done during our Galera trip, and I was guilty for not "documenting" it. My short term memory won over and I forgot the details of what we've done. Fortunately, Mai had this little notebook where I wrote the details of our detailed activities.

Our Galera activities:

June 3

As we were on board the ferry, I got a look at the brochure of where we will stay, The Big Apple Hotel in Sabang. We were heading to White Beach. So clearly, it was a mistake. We asked the local people on how to reach our hotel, and were a bit dismayed when we realized we had to take another boat ride or tricycle to reach the place. We chose the tricycle ride. It was a 30-minute noisy and smoke-belching ride. Luckily, they were in the mood to take that ride as part of the adventure. As we arrived in Sabang, we immediately noticed that most of the tourists were foreigners, unlike in White Beach. On our way to our hotel we passed lots of strip bar, which explain the amount of foreigners in the area.
The room that was initially indicated in "Grace's won prize" was not available so they changed it to room no. 1. Luckily it was big, with 2 queen sized beds, nice bathroom, TV with cable and with AC. We had lunch in an expensive fastfood and made "What are friends for" (tama ba Grace?) as our theme song for the day. As soon as we were in the room, we unpacked our things, wore our swim suits for the day and had a pictorial...hehe. Some of the pictures can be seen in my friendster photos.
We toured the place, and saw that Sabang is really a diving spot. The beach is rocky, with lots of seaweeds, not really pleasing to the sight and smell. But anyway we walked the stretch and found a nicer spot with finer sand. Three dogs were playing as we were walking in front of "Mabuhay Resort", which frightened Grace. 3 small dogs playing, take note. We posed and took our pictures, talked, and lie down on the sand. A great way to feel and commune with nature.


June 4

Our second day was the highlighted part of our trip. We hired a boat to tour us on different islands except White Beach due to the incoming storm, and huge waves on that part. We snorkled on Coral Garden and floated for 20 min along with other tourist who also can't go near White Beach. The water was crystal clear, and the sun was just right. It wasn't that glaring so Mai and I enjoyed floating. Grace was more comfortable in the boat though.
Back in Sabang, we changed outfits and rode the jeep and tricycle going to White Beach. We had lunch there, shopped for pasalubongs, and spent the night in one of the bar on the beach. We met Trisha, Jamie, and Cielo, who were all gays. They run the bar, and it was nice talking to these beautiful gays. We had Mindoro Sling on pitcher and let Grace drink for the first time. She got tipsy right away, and I followed suit.
During the tricycle ride back to our hotel, Mai let us sit inside. The road was lined with trees without street lamps. It was dark, with only the waves we could hear from the distance, the roar of the tricycle's engine, and just our voices to embrace ourselves from the cold wisp of air. Mai confessed on talking to the driver just to ward off the frightened feeling she had on our way. Grace and I were also talking to pass the time. She told me how she misses her family, and also the first time I saw her cry.
Suddenly she said "tumawa ka" (laugh), over the noise created by the tricycle. She even mentioned about how her aunt fell from the tricycle because she didn't laugh. Shocked with what she said, I just did what she told me to do, knowing that Grace knew a lot of superstitions which wouldn't harm if I'll do in a strange place like that. After a while, she asked me, what's funny. Confused on that question, I told her that she asked me to laugh, so I did. She started laughing, and explained that she actually said "humawak ka" (hold), since there were lots of curves on the way. Her aunt fell because she didn't hold on to the bars. It was embarassing and refreshing at the same time. It was a combined drama and comedy. We then let Grace sleep on the bed and sneaked to the bar. Mai and I continued drinking at the Big Apple bar. It was a bit frightening because there were lots of foreigners with hookers on their side. Anyway, Mai and I reviewed our past love lives especially her past relationship with Papadoc and Dian. We drank Mudslide and San Mig light. I was feeling light headed but continued still, as I was waiting for Mai to give up and tell me that she's drank. But Mai wanted another drink, and so I ordered too. Bailey's for her, and Monkey's brain for me. I got really drank and had a hard time walking straight towards our room. Grace was awake and told us she vomit, and made her feel better. Alcohol won't affect Mai, and she was confused. I on the other hand, was wasted. Mai showered first. It was the time I cried hard, telling Grace about my "Personal legends", and telling her that I feel that I cannot be as successful like them. I tend to cry when I'm drank.

June 5

We woke up early and headed straight to White Beach. We had our breakfast and bought tickets for our ride home. As we were waiting for our 11am boat, Mai and I sun bathed for a while, and shopped for a bit more. The waves were big, and the boat was rocking hard, making Mai's head hurt, and contributed to my hang over. But with God's guidance we were able to reached the land without accident. The bus ride was uneventful except for the noisy foreigner who kept on asking her Filipina companion on petty things. A stop over at Chowking was made before Grace and I hailed the taxi and Mai went to Pandacan terminal.
The trip was great and I am looking forward for another one.


It's past 5 in the morning... need to sleep a bit. Mass at 8am.

Lessons learned

1. Presence of mind

I was running late for the Karate practice (as usual). I rode the LRT and luckily it was almost empty. I could choose where I want to sit. I chose the one near the door. People poured in as we moved to the next station, and almost easily, the train was full. I was listening to my Ipod and singing with Juris of MYMP (on my mind) and getting comfortable in my sit. Juris sang Especially for you, and since it was my LSS or Last song syndrome, I keep on singing (again on my mind).

Especially for you

Especially for you
I wanna let you know what I was going through
All the time we were apart I thought of you
You were in my heart
My love never changed
I still feel the same

Especially for you
I wanna tell you I was feeling that way too
And If dreams were wings, you know
I would have flown to you
To be where you are
No matter how far
And now that I'm next to you

No more dreaming about tomorrow
Forget the loneliness and the sorrow
I've got to say
It's all because of you

And now we're back together, together
I wanna show you my heart is oh so true
And all the love I have is
Especially for you

Especially for you
I wanna tell you, you mean all the world to me
How I'm certain that our love was meant to be
You changed my life
You showed me the way
And now that I'm next to you

During this part, the train stop. I looked at the sign, and to my astonishment it's already UN station! I had the great urge to push all the people in front of me and get off the train before the door would close. But that would take consume most of my energy since I've got a big bag for my kimono versus thick crowd. To my resignation, I continued listening to the song.

I've waited long enough to find you
I wanna put all the hurt behind you
And I wanna bring out all the love inside you, oh and
Now we're back together, together
I wanna show you my heart is oh so true
And all the love I have is
Especially for you

You were in my heart
My love never changed
And now that I'm next to you
No more dreaming about tomorrow
Forget the loneliness and the sorrow
I've got to say
It's all because of you

I got off the next station, Pedro Gil, and took the jeepney back to UN. Luckily, I wasn't late for the practice.




2. Practice makes perfect whatever...

I was the last one to arrive at the dojo, not late, but they were about to start on the drills. Anyway I joined in the exercises, and was really glad of the different techniques we used to stretch the different muscles. Ready for the Karate, we moved on to our kihon and kata. I really suck on this part. My instructor told me that all of what I did was wrong, turning my face red. I haven't practiced for a long while and it sure shows with my movement *blush*. I am purple 5 for more than a year now, and the instructor asked when will I move on to the next level. Since the next exam would be on August and September, I have to be really prepared since there will be a prerequisite for that exam. I need to participate on the August tournament *shivers*. I dreaded tournaments, and now that Ai, my Karate partner, wouldn't be able to practice Karate because of her schedule, I dreaded tournaments all the more *sigh*.

I still have a month to practice and prepare and it's up to me on how I am going to prepare for the event. Karate in Unilever is only on Tuesdays and Thursdays, perfect for my schedule in school. But that practice isn't enough for me to regain my usual agility for a kumite (spar). I need to do extra practices, probably jogging for stamina, and techniques for smoother execution in kumite. One month... help! If ever somebody's reading this... wanna practice too? *pathetic*

Pondering about death

My DVD in the pc won't work. I opened my VCD player, it worked... but I don't know where's the jack in connecting the player to the TV. Nothing interesting in Cable either. My internet connection continues to disconnect so I can't chat with Ham peacefully. My lunch was blunt! I had the urge to eat anything sweet... but I controlled myself... 'twas really hard. I brushed my teeth instead.

To keep my cool, I opened Itunes and turned the volume high. I txted Sensei and told him I'm coming to the dojo later for a practice. I updated the status of my client's policy. I told Ate Mi to include a friend in the Mass intention.

My friend's Ate was given a "deadline" that she could only last until this week. It is painful for the patient, but more painful with the people she would be leaving behind...

I do a lot of things just to pass the time but I have a short term memory. I can't tell you the exact date of what I did last week. I could get emotionally hurt, but forget it after a while. I could easily move on. Short term memory or just doing small things to alleviate the pain? maybe, but it works for me.

What if I die sooner than expected? How long will the people remember me? And how much of my memories I wanted the people to keep?

A friend once asked me if I'm ready to die. I told him yes.
Would it still be my answer if Death is ryt in front of me? *shrug*

Boxing and footspa

Aaah.. after boxing at my uncle's house, punching, kicking, and lifting weights at the same time, this footspa massage is very relieving despite the tinge of pain in my scraped dorsum pedis from kicking at the punching bag . Mom offered to massage my feet....awww.. m soo touched (I love u mommy!).

I promised myself to take care of my health from now on since I heard the problem of my friend. I'll cut down my consumption of chocolates and sweets, less consumption of rice, and I'll drink more water. I will box and try to go back in Karate every Tuesdays and Thursdays. Whew! It would be very hard but I would try my very best.

Numb

I'm afraid I am not a career person, I blurted out during breakfast. My Mom, as usual, has gone berserk and was pointing out how my Dad is working hard for us to get a good education, our "luho", blah blah...And that we owe it to our Dad who chose to be away for us to live comfortably. She mentioned about how in-a-way disappointed she was when I studied again after graduating from my 1st degree. I cannot reiterate what she had said. My conscience is gnawing at my insides, for I know that I should have been working right now and not depending on them for allowance, for school, for movies and gimmick...

Lately I have been feeling lazy in studying for my lone subject this sem. I missed one meeting just so I could attend Neil Gaiman's book signing (but I don't regret this) and failed 2 short quizzes. I'm a bad bad student, and this should be stopped.

My younger cousin, Geri, is looking up on me. She dresses up like me, choosing green instead of pink as her fave color, posing on cam like me, and acts like me. Her mom, Ate Mi, even encourages me to in-a-way influence her more, and I feel that I am not worthy of that kind of appreciation.. If only they knew how much pressure they are putting on me. I have to be the ideal role model for my cousin. I mean I like Geri a lot. Even if she's just 10 years old, I love talking to her, I love bringing her on Starbucks, I love knowing things about her. She's an intelligent kid and I want her to be what she wanted to be. I have made mistakes before and I don't know if I won't be able to commit more...

I'm afraid of what the future will bring... I'm afraid of my weaknesses...

I love Neil Gaiman!

I was so exhausted, but happy last night. I actually fell asleep in front of the pc while chatting with Hamkin. It had been a very long tiring day. I went straight in Gateway after my 9am class, so happy thinking I am early for the 430pm book signing, not wanting to be cut off just like what happened on Sunday in Greenhills. I was number 133 in line. Open mouthed as I was looking at my number, I still felt lucky for getting the number, and waited patiently. It was the first time I felt so rewarded after being patient. It was a sweet sweet reward.

Moving on, and moving on the line, I felt that I couldn't anymore attend my 1-4pm class since I had to return in line before 3pm for the confirmation of our slot and stub. I told my self to be ready for the consequence of missing my RLE and missing a quiz, and after that forget about school today.Yep, and so I changed from my school uniform to my casual clothes of black top and jeans and waited patiently in line together with a friend, Nick, whom I met on Sunday in Greenhills, and other friends Karen (editor), Sherwin (writer), and JB (artist) all from Knowledge Channel. Cool isn't it? That's one good advantage of the long line. We were huddled on our place talking and laughing. It was a good experience to meet people like them. Later on, we also met Jason Ferrer, who looks familiar, and turned out to be a professor in La Salle, with his sister Carmille who works for NGO. Interesting mix of people I might say.

Around 6pm our line was finally moving and nearing the Fully Booked entrance. We were so excited and smile won't leave our faces. We started taking pix of Neil as we went nearer, and somehow, we felt so sad because the end of our adventure was coming to an end. Our goal of finally meeting Neil was going to be realized. And then, it was our time...

I was only allowed to sign 1 book since I don't have a book stub which you could get buy purchasing Gaiman's book on Fully Booked. But thanks to JB, he passed his book stub on my hand, secretly so I could have 2 of my books, the Endless nights and Coraline signed. ^_______^ Fully booked organizers were there to get our pix taken from our camera. The girl told me to not ask Neil to pose for our shot but just lean on him and smile on cam and if I get lucky, Neil might smile too. He did smile for our shot and I was ecstatic! My head was leaning on his head and it felt so good. I'm sooo ectatic until now. ^_________^

i'm sleepy now

I just got home from a gimik with mai. She drove me home coz she wants to sleep the whole day today instead of me sleeping in her room. Anyway, it's fine with me. I wanted to sleep in my room too.

After classes, around 7pm yesterday, I went to Pao's birthday celebration at Gerry's grill in Malate. I was wearing skirt since it's the most convenient apparel to pack in my school bag. Lucky me, Jaivs drove me to the venue. I dined with Pao, Jay and our colleagues in BDO. It was fun to meet my co-wworkers again. I had to hitch with Jay's car going to Vito Cruz since I'll be meeting Mai at Starbucks. I stayed there alone while waiting for mai's car since Pao and Jay will watch Fantastic four at Eastwood. I ordered mocha frap, sipping it and first tried to concentrate on our next topic on LEcture Health Care...can;t concentrate so I just played Solitaire on my Ipaq for a half and an hour.

Anyway, Mai and I went to Blue wave first to fetch her co-workers who were stranded there. Had to drive her to co-workers in their home, one in Monumento, and one in Sta mesa, before we were able to locate a good place to stay.We chose Common ground in Malate. According to her officemate, they saw a lot of smooching going around,and we got curious. We paid 250 for entrance plus 3 local drinks and seek for the adventure.As I entered the place, I can't help but feel anxious for no reason at all. Music was loud as usual, dim light and flashing light, enough to make one giddy.As we were there dancing on the dance floor, we both know that we;re not really enjoying it, and was wondering why we even think of going in there. I told Mai that even though we don't really enjoy dancing now, unlike before, we should just appreciate the things our eyes would set eyes on... like the couple on the dance floor who were hugging and smooching on the dance floor or those couples on the corner making miracles.. hehe. Not wanting to be so tsismosa, we just went back to our corner, drank some liquor and then went home.We're getting old for all these bar gimiks...

After the demo

I wasn't blogging much last month (the case with my LJ), I guess because I was too busy with the start of class. I only have one subject, but sometimes it can be really "toxic". I would give you an example, on our RLE or the Related Learning Experience, I instantly accumulated 2 failed short quizzes during the first 2 meetings...damn.. I am not used to that scenerio. I was too ashamed of myself. Hmmp! And so when we had our Return Demonstration for vital signs, I really took it seriously. Since my partner and I are among those who were part of the last batch for the demo, it was a big relief when our names are called (like being able to poop after controlling it for the longest time, as what Jaivs thought). I instantly introduced myself to the CI and started the procedure even if my insides were gnawing with nervousness, my knees wanting to buckle down, and that I wanted to throw up. I didn't wait for the others to start, because if I did, my fear would take control of me. While I was taking Joyce's pulse rate, I had a hard time palpating for her radial pulse since I could only feel the throbbing of my own pulse... Thank God we survived the first demo, we'll just prepare for another one or two coming.

During the period since return demo started, Liezl, my friend who's really good in cooking, was thinking of transfering to Fatima... and then she truly did. She chose to be there because it would shorten her nursing year down to 2 years instead of 3. She was inviting us, and since most of us are second courser, we really wanted to finish it asap. Em, Daddy yo, and moi had our transcript evaluated last Tuesday even if we had to pay 220 for that. But then, it wouldn't work for us, or for them for that matter. For daddy yo, a lot of minor subjects wouldn't be credited since his first degree was aeronautical engineering 10 yrs ago, and I think it's the same with Em. She would be forced to take lots of subject too. I on the other hand, could be arranged to make it like Liezl's but knowing that most of the subjects to be condensed in the sem might not work eventually, since there would be no guarantee that NCM 1 and 2 could be taken at the same time, I too agreed to stay in Metro.

Metro, believe it or not, has become like a 2nd home for me. I am now accustomed with the distance from my house, and I could go there in just 10 minutes if I have to. I'm comfortable with my classmates. I love my friends, and I love the aircon... ^_____^ and besides 3 years isn't that long if I could make myself productive, don't you think *wink wink*

Now the problem is here... how do I make myself productive? I wanted to study survival course in German, but that needs money (and I don't have). I wanted to play drums or violin, so that I could play at least one musical instrument, but that also needs money. Pfff.. wala na, I would just be in the house waiting for the days to pass.. pathetic.

Mas pathetic yung caller ng brother ko. Imagine, that girl would call everyday, morning or evening just so she could talk to Kim. She made up stories, and is soo maarte whenever I talk to her, would want to wake up my bro even if he's really sleeping, and event told kim thru text that I was mataray?! I don't like her. What's worst is that she can't feel that Kim is avoiding her... tsk tsk tsk. My bro is a womanizer and sometimes he would have two girlfriends at the same time.. like now. He has 2. In fact he left tonight, and according to him he would first drop by on the the 1st girl, who lives on the same vicinity as with the 2nd gf, then later on fetch the 2nd girl on her dorm. But in fairness to my bro, he's a serious boyfriend once he really "stand" in love. But still, I pray that I won't be soo addicted to a guy like the caller,and that I won't be fooled by a guy like the other 2. Haay naku tlaga!

July one

Until now, I haven't performed the return demonstration for vital signs yet. With a pace like a snail, 4 pairs a meeting, and still half of the class to perform, guess how long we're going to do this. Lucky are those who were already finished with the task. I admit that I was relieved when I was not called during the first meeting, but I am not that happy when I wasn't called today. Imagine the amount of nervousness I feel whenever our CI would call the pairs to perform. It's a pain to wait. It's a pain not knowing what I would get for the demo.
My day was spent eating, most of the time... no wonder I get bigger every day. In the morning, I ate at Seattle's then snack at McDo. I am guilty of spending a lot. But then again, I'm spending it for my basic need... food. *____*

I badly need a work out!

During our Lecture class, we were asked to discuss civil-political rights including the right to remain silent, right to freedom of expression, etc.through a role play. We were given an hour to discuss a plan. From a simple clash of a rich Chinese guy with a jeepney driver it soon developed into a tragic love story that resulted to homicide that was passed on the court. The play was a hodge podge of ideas from Ely, Liezl, Elaine, and moi. We tried to make it a musical play as suggested by Narduel by injecting songs like "Wag dyan wag dyan, may kiliti ako dyan, wag dyan" performed by Jaiv while being tortured by the police portrayed by Oli and other classmate. The sequence was not smooth and the lines weren't written for the actors, but it turned out good. I admit that our group did well on that activity, thanks to Jaiv, Oli, and the others who made that play a musical comedy, worth watching.
Our class ended at 7pm. Good thing Jaiv has a car and brought us Elaine, Sandy, Melai, and moi in our home safe as we sing along with Juris in her song "Tell me where it hurts".
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Today is my friend Aileen's birthday! Happy happy birthday pangga! Love u! Mwah!