Summer Rain

Today feels like being drenched by the summer rain, medium size rain drops consistently pouring on my body and at the same time, a brightly shining sun keeps me warm and hopeful that the rain will soon stop.

I have been wrongly accused by our former "family friend". Degrading me, blaming me for something that I didn't do. At first, I kept it to myself. I felt like a sudden rain of problems poured while I'm standing in an open field with no other shed for cover, drenching me with it, not knowing that Ham, my family and my friends are ready to run on the field and share an umbrella of protection and prayers for me.

I lift it all up to God, He knows what must be done.

I am so blessed, despite everything, the assurance and the prayers given to me by my loved ones are very heartwarming.

And so, even if the fight isn't over yet, I know that everything will be alright... soon.

Friendster Horoscope

I am not that fanatic with horoscope and such. I know that God is the only one who knows about my future. However, I still do read my horoscope given a chance, but that doesnt mean i believe in it.^__^

Anyway, Friendster gives a very nice "horoscope" so far, cause it doesn't really predict what would really happen to you on that day, but rather, advises you and reminds you to become a better person each day.

here's my dose of daily advice from friendster:

The Bottom Line

Resist the urge to create drama just to have something to do. Avoid all conflict.

In Detail

If your routine is starting to get boring, resist the urge to create a problem just for the sake of having something to talk about! You need to avoid conflict now more than ever. Things might be less than exciting, but they are stable, and that is a very good thing. Think of your routine as a lazy, lovely stream. Just drift along and enjoy the peace and quiet. This kind of attitude will lead you in the right direction and give you a lot more clarity in the future.

saktong sakto!^___^

Moody

Rose in a box

For Valentine's day, I didn't participate much with the usual mass sending of txt messages greeting friends of Happy VDay! I didn't even prepare something for Hamkin. That's why I was so touched when Hamkin even gave me another surprise today!

After bathing, I was informed that I received a package. I was surprised for I know that Hamkin wouldn't give me another present for this day. When I opened it, it was a disheveled box with a single long stemmed rose in it. Honestly, I was nonchalant, for I thought it was from my anonymous sender of bouquet again. Good thing my tita said there's still a card inside the packaging. Imagine my face lighting up as I opened it and saw that it's from Ham. I was so touched that I called him right away, only to be greeted by his recorded "leave me a message" voice mail. But then he called back and I even cried because he's sooo sweet and thoughtful for ever thinking of that. I feel so blessed for having him as a boyfriend. He's not the usual bf who would please you just to get something from you. He knows what's important, he knows what to prioritize, he gives me direction, and he's my inspiration. I know that I've grown as a person and one of the reasons is him.

We had online date when he got home. We shared a dessert together. He bought krispy kreme honey glazed donut and I bought dunkin donuts' promo donut and choco butternut. It was nice. A really nice date to spend Vday together. We may be miles away from each other but I know that our hearts are beating for each other. I love you Ham!

Pearl Hotel Manila

The Pearl Hotel Manila, just along Taft avenue and in United Nations.


















This is the receiving area. I like the sofa. Long and firm. However, the cable from the lamp shouldn't be placed like that. They should have put the socket behind the stand and hide the excess cable.













Angle from the bathroom and closet side.
















The bed is big and comfy. The pillows are soft and really nice to cuddle with. They have Sky cable on the TV, so it's really good.















The bathroom was small though. But if you're not that picky with it, and would just stay in the bathroom only for necessities, then I guess you wouldnt have a problem.

























After Ham introduced me that popcorn, I fell in love with it instantly. It's low fat, low calories, and rich in fiber. Plus the Novellino's strawberry red wine is a good brand as well.























Aah.. this gummy bear is really good. I especially like it, coming from the fridge. When it's really hard and that you have to really chew hard on it. yummy! I don't get much of it these days. I only get it whenever my tita from Germany will be coming home. Only selected supermarkets have that in stock.











That was the smoke coming from the burning rubber tire store in blumentritt, as we later on learned from the news.













Tattoed on my mind, and Crazy for you. Hahaha! Good thing our only audience were mommy, papa alee, and the waiters.













Nice day for a swim. However, I couldnt swim that day, nor mom would want to without me.

Pearl for Valentine's day

Valentine's Day is nearing once again. Im sure every restaurant will be jam packed again. Business will be blooming as the hopeless romantics would purchase a lot of gifts for their beaus. I can't blame them, it's really something to celebrate... well, for me it is.

Back in 2002, I had my first dinner date and a stuff toy with a rose for Valentine's day.
Back in 2003, I serenaded him during his class, with matching poem and rose for it (though i was not the one who went personally)
Also in 2003, just after our valentine's date, my first love, my first special friend, "broke up" with me.
Back in 2004, I dated others. But no one ever fills the emptiness in my heart.
Back in 2005, we were reunited, though LDR once again, we dated online... complete with main course and dessert as our VDay date
Back in 2006 and 2007, he was able to still stay, days before Vday, before he went back to Sydney.
This year, he made me and mom happy when he booked us in Pearl Hotel Manila for an overnight stay.

We stayed in a junior suite at 15th floor and didn't do anything the rest of the afternoon. I wasn't able to swim though... huhu.... wrong timing for a 1st day. And so just watched the hearing of Lozada with the senate, and saw from our room, smoke coming from afar... which eventually turned out a fire from a rubber tire store in blumentritt.

Nothing to do. But watch, lie on bed, chat with mom, and eat my rare treat for myself: Haribo, Chef Tony's White Chocolate Walnut popcorn, and strawberrry red wine of Novellino.

If im with Ham in that place, i bet I can do lots of things... naughty naughty me..

I did enjoy the dinner with mom. We invited papa alee (my lolo's brother) to the hotel, and dined with him at the Oyster restaurant, the hotel restaurant. I ordered Katsudon, and them Tempura bento. It was good, and I really felt satiated after that. We talked mostly bout financial things (if only i have money for some investments), and then drank some beer to the hotel bar. There were performers in it, Menchi and Babes. And since we were the only audience, I had the courage to sing with them when they invited me on stage. I partly sang Tattoed on my mind (which was kinda high and not really suited for my voice), and Crazy for you (which they even lowered to one key)hehe.

In the morning, after the buffet breakfast which me and mom really enjoyed, we went to the poolside and just took pictures. It was something so memorable that I'm ever so grateful with Ham for it...He's really one of a kind. Te amo hamkin.

unorthodox

I truly object with the way a person criticizes people even those who looks timid and conventional. I can join in the bickering with my friends when they see someone who outrageously show off their difference from others. I mean it's just a harmless laugh anyway. But I truly don't get it when girls tend to look so mean and finding fault to those who wanted to be timid and conventional. The usual comment would be, "nasa loob lang ang kulo niyan". And once they heard something bad about that shy girl, they would have a winning smile on their face and say, "see? tama ang hinala ko". And they would have a contented smile on their face, and feeling as if they're superior, because unlike them, they truly show the others that they're verbose, unreserved, and outgoing. If that's their personality and true to themselves I don't think they should really have a problem with those who are their complete opposite.

Retreat 2008

I didn't join the retreat this year, but instead went to my lolo's house in Cainta with Mom. I don't think i missed that much though...

I spent time with my bulilit cousins. Me and my 6-yr-old cousin fetched her grade 2 sister Charlene from school, driving the pedicab! Nice, at least i can drive that properly. After unloading her super heavy bag at home we went to see our other cousins Maybel, April, and Jun who are all under 10 yrs old, and who just lived nearby. They are so hyperactive and wanting to have their turn in the pedicab or the bicycle, which Cheska brought with her. Actually I did envy their prowess in riding the bicycle, for up until now I haven't learn how to do it.

My lolo, still in his bed, have sharper memory than lola who's got a mild alzheimer's disease. Lolo however, became considerably thinner, with his bones outlining his frame. But he still have a good grip, and I like the feel of it everytime I hold his hand. Strong grip, just like his will to live.

Tita Josie, Daddy's older sister will be coming back to Germany later tonight. She, Tita Ching, and Tita Vigie arrived here this month to visit lolo. Though Tita Ching went back to London and Tita Vigie to Oman a week earlier. Tito Eddie, the eldest might come home too this February, coming from Canada. It'll be just Daddy who won't be coming home anytime soon.

There was a bit of a melodrama before we left Cainta. Tita Jo's reminding me and Mom that we are loved, and that I'm blessed for having a great Mom like my Mom. And I agree to that. I'm really blessed for having a family like mine. Not perfect, but just right. ^__^ Thank God for that.

leakage

In highschool, cheating was unfamiliar.
In college, it was a taboo.
In nursing, it's being resourceful.

tsk tsk...mga kabataan talaga ngayon. ^^

Sunday

A very nice day today. Spent morning till evening with Ham online, chat with webcam. It's definitely a quality time together.

With the end of Daylight Saving Time, soon, chat will be more frequent. Unlike now we could only chat on Thursdays and weekends... that is if I don't have reviews.

I had a nice time with you ham. See you again on Thursday. ^___^

Commitment

ISL or Intermediate Sign Language class already started yesterday. Too bad I didn't enroll. Ate Mimi enrolled though, and was very excited on the first day. She even started using SL again during Mass whenever she's not playing the Organ. And since I'm the only one she can communicate with it, I had no choice but to decipher the signs again. I had a hard time remembering it, nakakainis tlaga. I really need to practice it consistently if I really want to be good in it.

I realized that wanting to learn SL is different from committing yourself in the Ministry. Commitment means investing time and effort. It's not solely for yourself but for those who would benefit after you were able to learn it.

It started though with the desire. I had that when I started with the BSL. But alas, right now, I committed myself to other important things. And I think these things demand more time and prioritization.

I'm not a Superwoman or even Darna. I can't do it all. I need to focus more on these things first... But I will come back and commit myself again to the ministry.

Creative shot

Oh ok.. there's one picture that i really like. Probably because my face was partly hidden and that the shot was not a close-up hehe. I do like it's natural side, and brings more of myself... i don't smile that much. ^___^

Ham said that this one is a lot better than my plastered smile from my formal grad pix. ^___^

I really want to learn guitar, but I really can't memorize the chords. Also, I don't have much patience to sit down and self-learn. That's why I opted to go for that look in my creative shot... something i want to do in the future.

Grad pic

i DON'T LIKE my grad pic. Too made up and waaah... like what ham said.. i'm just not photogenic. Maybe that's why I just like to be behind the camera... capturing other people's moments than being shot at.

I like my creative shot though... coz my face is partly hidden and that i wasn't looking directly at the camera..

7 in 1

There's this new coffee brand that promotes their 7 in 1 mix. The one with agaricus mushroom a rich source of antioxidant; a korean ginseng that according to them improves mental performance, alertness, and cognitive functions; spirulina that provides essential amino acids; reishi that lowers blood pressure; coffee; cream; and of course sugar.

Being a coffee drinker, I tried it out yesterday. And actually love the taste. I consumed 2 sachets (meant for 4 servings) during breakfast and 1 sachet again in the evening.

My mind was practically alert all night. My lids are heavy and yet my mind was soo alert... I hate the feeling... but not the coffee.

And so for tonight, I opted for milk instead, and hopefully have my 8 hours of sleep (one of my resolutions).

Neotericus

My College Friends at Ham's Tagaytay Home.
(L-R) Brian, Ann, Kim, Paul, Ham, and me

Finally, I got to meet them again. I hope they still had a Merry Christmas ^___^

We stayed in Greenhills for 10 hours, to meet up with his HS friends (Jody, Marvin, Scott, and Hans) and to buy PSP as his Xmas gift.










Meeting up with Ham's friends for dinner
(L-R) me, ham, Kelvin, Ralph, Angel, Arianne, and Carl

2008, a new year, a better me

Whoa! Another year has passed. I got older I must admit... with a lot of things that has happened in my 2007, I can't help but grow physically and mentally.

So for 2008, I got to start the year right. I eliminated some of my excess baggage: let go of worries and anxieties, regrets, asked for God's forgiveness and those I hurt, and forgave myself for committing mistakes.

I am not perfect, but for my 2008... I intend to become a better person each day.

No promises... but I'm gonna do it little by little.

To my friends, who have always been there during my ups and downs... thank you soo much. You know who you are. If you know my deepest darkest secrets, consider yourself as my friend. Sorry if I offended you at times, but all the same thanks for being a great friend.

To my family, I know I have caused you some disappointments in life... but thanks for still supporting me. I know I've got lots of room for improvement...I hope in time I could give you something to be proud of. Thank you for giving your best to raise me well..

To Hamkin, we've been together for years now, but almost half of it are spent in our cyberworld. We date online, we sometimes quarrel online, and we spend quality time online... A lot would disagree and even discourage our kind of relationship. But there were some who still support us. It's not easy. There are hardships along the way: there are temptations, extra curricular activities, conflicts bet. our own family. But because of that hardships, it made me a better person. And it only made me more convinced to become a better one for you... I love you. I hope to spend a lifetime with you.

Truth potion

I grew up in a family were most of our male family members are the usual "pabling", "chickboy", and a "player" in a MILD sense. Anyway, there's this one rule that I observed from them.. No matter how big the evidence was, they won't ever admit doing it. Is it really the unwritten rule in our male dominated society?

Anyway my friend Doug (not his real name), did otherwise. He told his wife that he had an affair after a lot of investigation from his wife. Now, he's suffering the consequence of that illicit action. Even though he did that to show his regret and remorse, his wife won't ever trust him 100%.

My Inay on the other hand is regretting for ever finding out about the truth with her Asawa. Even with a lot of hints and later on the truth from her sis-in-law. She's happy to believe that her Asawa is one of a kind and wouldn't do such things. But it was fated for her to know the TRUTH. She was distraught and unhappy. Over the time, she regained her self-esteem, forgiven him, and still hopes they'll be together in the end. However, she still preferred not knowing the whole story.

Now here's my big question.. would all girls prefer for their beau to admit their affair or not?

Injustice League

Too much effort has been wasted. Too much time has been spent. Case pres, Defense, Finals. We've stretched ourselves to our limit ha. But those aren't enough to make one look deserving of that "pass".

Sure they had a deliberation, composed of those vicious CIs who like to distribute " violation slips" (which they had a commission for), but... did they really made their part? Did they really put consideration on us students?

Did they really think it over? Those people whom they failed are much worthy than those who got the chance to take the removal exam.

And why did they just screen students now? Why not last year or last sem before we set foot on the last level?

Sure I passed the course this sem. Thank God. But, who knows what will happen next?

It isn't fair. Life's not fair...

time

I envy those who pursue what they really want in their life. Those who happily go on and continue with their life not being bothered with duties and responsibilities. such carefree life is all i want.

everyday is like being in a race, striving to surpass each hurdle present and blocking my way. one hurdle down... and there'll be a lot more to come.

i wanted to give up. i wanted to just explore different things and not be tied down with things that just stress me down. but alas, i wasn't born with so much opportunities that will let me just party and do nothing with my life... and have the luxury of time.

time... ah.. so precious time. I want it to spend to ham, to my family, to my friends. but i've got limited time...

bitchy me

Do i look that bitchy that other women would think im gonna take their partners from them? Hell, i may look like it but im not gonna do that. Im contented and satisfied now with my beau, that im not gonna wander away from him. I just hope their partners would show the things that they wanted to feel so they would feel secure and contented.