Monday, December 31, 2012

2013

Tama at hindi ako magsusulat tungkol sa 2012 dahil handang-handa na ako sa mga pupuwedeng mangyari sa akin sa taong 2013.

Sinabi ko sa sarili na hinding-hindi ako magbabalik-tanaw sa mga nangyari sa akin noong 2012 dahil sa mga bagay na hindi ko inaasahan, at sa mga bagay na hindi talaga magaganda. Oo, may mga magaganda pero kung babalikan ko ang 2012, mas marami akong maaalalang pangit kaysa sa maganda.

Katatapos lang naming magdasal ng rosaryo na maski paano ay nakapagpasalamat ako, dahil binigyan Niya ako ng isang malakas na pananampalataya at kumapit ako sa Kanya ng napakahigpit. Turns out, mas papaimbabaw talaga ang kasiyahan kaysa kalungkutan.

Gustong-gusto ko ng mag-alas dose ng hatinggabi at hindi ko alam kung ano ang mangyayari sa akin. Gusto kong lumuha dahil finally, tapos na ang masalimuot na 2012 at magsisimula na ang bagong kabanata sa aking buhay. Pero sabi ko rin sa sarili ko na hinding-hindi na ako mag-iisip pa ng kung anu-ano sa taong 2013. Kaya rin siguro ako nasaktan noong nakaraang taon dahil nag-expect at nag-assume ako. Nag-expect ako dahil ang akala ko na magiging taon ko ang 2012 pero hindi naman pala. Nag-assume ako dahil pakiramdam ko para sa aking ang nakaraang taon pero hindi naman pala.

Dahil na rin sa mga hindi magagandang pangyayari, pakiramdam ko nagbago ang pakikitungo ko sa lahat, palatawa sa iilan at galit na galit naman sa karamihan. Ilang beses kaming nag-away ng mga kaibigan ko dahil hindi nila nasusunod ang gusto ko para sa kanila. Pakiramdam ko, napaka-bossy ko. Pakiramdam ko, nagmamagaling ako. Pakiramdam ko, akala ko kung sino ako. Hindi ko lang alam o hindi ko lang talaga alam, nakakasakit na pala ako.

Ang pinakamasakit sa lahat ay ang ipagpilitan ko kung ano ang nararapat. Nag-isip ako ng masama, naging madamot ako sa aking nararamdaman.

Kaya sabi ko sa sarili ko, sa taong 2013, sana maging baby ulit ako. Maging bata ulit ako. Gusto ko ulit magsimula sa simula, gusto kong mabago lahat. Lahat-lahat. Ayaw ko na makasakit pa ng kapwa, mag-isip ng masama sa kapwa. Sa taong 2012, naging ganoon ako at sa 2013, ayoko na. Gusto ko lahat maging masaya, lahat nagmamahalan at walang nag-aaway.

Kaya sa mga nasaktan ko noong 2012, humihingi ako ng patawad. Hindi ko sinasadya na masaktan kayo. Kilala mo na kung sino ka, kilala niyo na kung sino kayo. Bigyan niyo ako ng pagkakataon para mabago ang sarili ko dahil naging maramot ako. Madamot pagdating sa kasiyahan ng tao. Sa lahat ng hindi ko nginingitian at tinatanguhan kapag makakasalubong ko, pasensya na dahil na rin sa sobrang dami kong iniisip at inaatupag. Sa lahat ng nakalimutan ko, pasensya na rin dahil naging busy sa lahat ng aspeto ng buhay at pati ikaw bilang kaibigan ko, nakalimutan ko.

Sa taong 2013, babaguhin ko ang lahat, sa abot ng makakaya ko. Malay natin, sa taong ito mangyari na ang lahat. Pero ayaw kong pangunahan ang pagkakataon, kung darating, darating. Kung hindi, tiyaga lang sa paghihintay. Hindi pa naman huli ang lahat para maranasan ang lahat.

Maging matalino, maging ma-diskarte at maging simple. Yan ang gusto kong mangyari sa akin sa taong 2013. Huwag ng gawing komplikado ang buhay.

Ang tanging puwede kong gawin sa 2012 ay pasalamatan dahil marahil naging matatag ako. At dahil diyan, haharapin ko ang 2013 ng masaya at mabuhay!

Thank you 2012. Pasensya ka na at sa lahat ng puwede kong balikan na mga taon sa buhay ko, ikaw ang hindi ko babalik-balikan.

Kahit ginagawa siyang katatawanan sa Facebook, gagamitin ko siya rito: "2013, please be good to me!"

Lord, thank you for giving my family, my friends and I another spectacular new year to celebrate. Feast us with Your Divine Love as we will start our year right and almost perfect. May we prepare everything so that we could face trials and challenges with You. 

In 2012, Lord, it might not be good and okay so allow me to forget the mishaps of my life. In 2013, Lord, please bless my family, my friends and myself with unlimited happiness, support, patience and most of all love for each other.

May we have a fruitful year ahead of us, even better than the past years. In Jesus' Holy Name. Amen!

Toodles, 2012!

More toodles to 2013!!!


Friday, December 28, 2012

4 Days Before 2013: The Metro Manila Film Festival 2012


As every Christmas comes, aside from the traditional Noche Buena, Panuluyan, Misa de Gallo, Misa de Aginaldo, Christmas shopping, Christmas carols, gift-giving and gift-sharing and so much more, it is a must for every Filipino to go straight ahead to cinemas and buy tickets to watch some entries for the Metro Manila Film Festival. This year, we have eight honorable entries from different film production outfits in the country. Some of them will give us a hearty laugh, a crying moment, a shocking incident and an a-ha feeling after watching these films. Well, for this year 2012, the festival has eight entries but I will only want to watch six of it. Maybe because those six are too convincing for me to watch them and also, some of my favorite celebrities are in there.

1. EL PRESIDENTE

This is the story of the first President of the Philippines, General Emilio Famy Aguinaldo and the story also of the First Philippine Republic. Actually, it has many accounts of history that has been inserted in this movie which includes the Spanish-American War, the Treaty of Paris, the Declaration of Independence, the death of Andres Bonifacio and so much more. This is not only for the whole family but also for the kids as well, especially those who have subjects like Civics and/or Araling Panlipunan. They said that it has a total of 2 hours and 45 minutes. I don't care if it's too long for as long as you wanted to learn more about our very first President, why not!

2. THY WOMB

After nearly ten years after her last movie, the Superstar Nora Aunor (in this trailer, she was regarded as the "Ginintuang Morena, Ang Pinadakilang Bituin ng Pelikulang Pilipino) is making a come back to the silver screen. Thy Womb is the story of love against hindrances. In this movie, it will define love as a sacrifice, no matter what, in whatever circumstances and any kind of measurement being used. This movie was chosen only after a movie backed out from the festival, but before it was chosen, Thy Womb made waves in the Venice Film Festival and given five minute standing ovation. Aside from the fact that this was a Nora Aunor-starrer, this masterpiece is directed by 2009 Cannes Film Festival Best Director Brillante Ma Mendoza. No doubt, a cinema like no other! Turns out, as of today, it only got less than PHP 3 million in its ticket sales and most of the movie theaters were already pulling out the film. Well, I guess it would swoon on top since the Superstar won her nth Best Actress award. And since I am a proclaimed new-generation Noranian, I will watch this!

3. SHAKE, RATTLE & ROLL 14: THE INVASION

Since the time that Metro Manila Film Festival started, it will never be Metro Manila Film Festival without Regal Films' Shake, Rattle & Roll franchise. On its fourteenth season (well, they said that last year was their last, their 13th), it will rock the Christmas season because three horrific episodes are directed by the master of horror, Chito S. Rono. From the way I watched the trailers, they were all done in good, suspenseful taste. I like to watch the Lost Command episode because it is about zombies. The episode Ang Pamana interests me a lot because it is about a dead horror writer. And the Unwanted episode is different because it is not about ghosts and monsters but about the close encounter to the third kind, the aliens. Well, tonight I'll be watching it to learn more! And yes, it's Chito S. Rono so it must be good!

4. SOSY PROBLEMS

GMA Films' entry Sosy Problems is probably different to the rest of the entries of this year's film festival. It is comedy, it has a story but the story is about the lives of the rich and famous in the country today. Good thing that they chose these actresses that everybody knows how good are they to become "sosyal." Heart Evangelista is beautiful, Bianca King is gorgeous, Solenn Heusaff is sexy and my favorite Rhian Ramos is glamorous! I just wanted to see if they really nailed their performances and convince me that those who are rich and famous are really like that! Now I wonder what kind of problems do they have and how different are their problems to us?

5. ONE MORE TRY

I will watch this because I like the works of Ruel S. Bayani. If it was directed by Ruel S. Bayani, the lines must be memorable and good, believe me! This time, Angelica Panganiban, Dingdong Dantes, Zanjoe Marudo and Angel Locsin will be under him. And the story plot is really catchy and interesting! Dingdong's and Angel's characters have a love child then they broke up. Then Dingdong's character met and wed Angelica's character but the problem is they cannot have a child. While Angel's character met a new man in his life and that's Zanjoe's character. Dingdong and Angel's character's love child is sick so Angel's character returned to Dingdong's character to ask for some help. Now expect heavy drama and heavy lines from all of them. From the trailer, two lines have been said thus making the film interesting enough to watch: "Ang pera natin, hindi basta-basta mauubos, pero ang pasensya ko, konting-konti na lang!" and another one is "Kahit isang gabi lang, pahiram ng asawa mo." Magnificent!

6. SISTERAKAS

Can you imagine Mama Kris Aquino, Vice Ganda and Ai-Ai delas Alas are in full force in one spectacular comedy movie event of the year. Thanks God for Wenn Deramas and his team for putting up Sisterakas. Originally, it was only Kris Aquino and Vice Ganda but my Mama backed out due to health reasons. In replacement of her is the Comedy Queen Ai-Ai delas Alas but according to the rules of the film festival, they will disallow the backing-out of an actor or actress but they can add more. So instead of backing-out, they added again Kris Aquino and changed the whole story. I don't know but it will never have more than PHP 40 million ticket sales only for the first day if it is not hilarious and worth-watching! Let me see it on Saturday with my dear friends if that's really true!

Two other entries are also joining the film festival: The Strangers and Si Agimat, Si Enteng Kabisote at Si Ako but I'm not interested to watch them.

Well, I can't wait to treat myself this Christmas for this beautiful films of this year's Metro Manila Film Festival. As what they always say, "relax, see a movie!"

Toodles!!!

videos courtesy of YouTube.

Thursday, December 27, 2012

5 Days Before 2013: What I Wanted To Leave 2012 Behind


Yes, I need to forget everything that happened to me this year. It wasn't so nice, it wasn't so good and I really needed to forget it.

But of course, those things in my life can be counted as a lesson for me. A lesson that I learned so I could move on and move forward. A lesson that could make me a better or even a strong person, whether it is about my career, my family life or love life.

I may say that my 2012 is not as beautiful as what I thought before it began, but anyways, why I am dealing with negatives, with bad vibes, with sadness. I think that it was balanced. I also counted some of the good things that happened to me, fresh start, new acquaintances, better ideas and forgiveness.

But in all that's positive, 2012 is really not a good year for me. So what I have to do is to let go and move onto the next fruitful year, 2013.

I don't know but whether I need to believe or not, I'll pray to have a better year ahead!

Toodles!

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

6 Days Before 2013: Professor Christopher Tarroza

Before we end your 2012, I will be topping off my blog posts to my dear friends with my last friend as he celebrated his birthday yesterday, Christmas Day.

Ang pagkakakilala ko sa kanya ay maihahalintulad ko sa mga larawan, litrato o picture. Sa aming magkakapatid naman kasi, siya lang ang may SLR na camera so kapag may aksyon na nagaganap, makakapal ang mukha namin kung ipadala sa kanya ang kanyang napakamahal at mahal na mahal na camera. So let me put my writing to him the way I usually ask my students to do, descriptive. Kukuha ako ng sampung mga picture from his Facebook account and then I will describe him through it.


Yan ang kanyang palasyo. Of course, hindi, pero pakiramdam ko, ganyan ang gusto niyang mangyari sa kanyang tahanan probably the soonest. Mahilig siyang pumunta sa ibang bansa and sa ibang lugar and I guess that's his way of relaxation. In fairness itong kaibigan kong ito, magaling siyang mag-ipon and part of his expenses is to go anywhere. Previously, nakapag-Hong Kong sila ni Julie and also nakapag-Singapore na rin siya. Way to go, Prof! Hayaan mo, mag-iipon talaga ako (sure yan for 2013!) para makapunta tayo ng London.


Ganyan kaming um-emote na magkakapatid, parang mga hindi teacher. Anyways, gamit-gamit namin diyan ang SLR camera ni Prof. And as far as I remember, siya ang may pakana ng ganyang emote at pictorial. Teleserye style daw, so kami namang lahat, game. Dahil gumaganda at pumupogi kami gamit ang kanyang SLR camera, right?


Isa rin sa mga pinaka-simpleng taong nakilala ko itong si Prof. Wala siyang kaarte-arte sa katawan, maliban na lang sa mga pabangong ginagamit niya. Bilang lalaki, mahilig din siya sa mga latest gadgets and for him, he takes it as a reward for himself. Pero napakasimpleng tao, sobrang simple. Simple lang naman ang gusto niya sa buhay niya, magkaroon ng family, at magkaroon ng mas magandang buhay na mas maganda pa sa buhay niya ngayon (well, maybe?).


Isa sa pinakagusto ko dito sa kaibigang kong ito ay ang paglalaro niya ng badminton. Hardcore badminton player siya ng University of Santo Tomas and dahil na rin sa paglalaro niya, siya ay naging scholar (wow!). Pangarap ko siyang makalaro at sabi ko nga sa kanya, okay lang kung matalo ako. Proud and honorable ang magiging pakiramdam ko once na makalaro or even makalaban ko siya. Sana naman Prof! Kahit once lang, hehehe!


Last year ay natapos na niya ang kanyang Master's Degree in Mathematics sa University of Santo Tomas at saksi kami sa kanyang pagtatapos. Pagdating sa pagiging masipag, siya na ang first honors, valedictorian at summa cum laude ng kasipagan sa buong mundo siguro. Umabot na sa point na sa sobrang kasipagan niya, nahimatay na siya. Pero all of his diligence in studies and work, paid off naman. Look at this picture, he finished his degree with flying colors!


He's a proud Aurora native and proud din siya sa kanyang probinsiya. Hindi ito sa Aurora pero as early as today, nag-aaya na siya sa kanila para naman makita namin ang ganda ng Aurora. No doubt, Aurora is one of the leading destinations of tourist because of their beaches and wonderful scenery. Hayaan mo, after Catanduanes and Baguio and Thailand and bago tayo mag-London, pupunta ang buong Teacherrifics diyan sa Aurora at tayo'y magaala-Jericho Rosales sa surfing!


Makulit yang si Prof. Kapag yan bumanat na ng mga jokes, ewan na lang kung matatawa ka ng sobra o mamimilipit ang tiyan mo sa sobrang tawa (parang pareho lang naman!). Siya ang nagbinyag sa akin ng "Tito Boy" at ewan ko naman kung ano ang nakita niya sa akin na hawig ko raw si Tito Boy. Siguro dahil lagi akong nakasalamin at madaldal ako kaya nga siguro, Tito Boy ako. Si Andrewkells, tawag naman niya si... Huwag na baka magalit sa akin ang Andrewkellya.


Ikaw na ang driver na marunong sa sasakyan. Hindi ko makakalimutan noong hinatid natin sa airport si Lyrize at nahuli tayong dalawa dahil walang maparkan sa Terminal 1 ng pinaka-not-so-beautiful airport ng Pilipinas. Lagi mong nababanggit ang mga katagang "haaay salamat!" lalo na noong time na nakalampas tayo sa traffic light sa intersection ng MIA Road at Sucat Road. Sa pagkakatanda ko, limang beses mo siyang nabanggit (di ba, tanda ko!) at haaay salamat, naabutan pa natin si Lyrize noon! Sana kapag may lakad tayong magkakapatid, madala mo na sasakyan mo para hindi na tayo sardinas sa sasakyan ko, hehehe!


Bukod sa pagbabadminton, tumatakbo rin sa mga marathons itong si Prof. Pangarap namin nila Rachel at Theresa na makatakbo ng bonggang-bongga sa napakasosyal na Bonifacio Global City. Naikuwento mo sa amin na umabot ka sa 15K run na hindi mo namamalayan. Ikaw na. Kung ako, baka hanggang 1.5K lang ang kayanin ko hehehehe! Pero sana magawa natin yan sa 2013, huwag na 2012. Hehehe.


Yan silang dalawa ni Julie noong nag-Hong Kong sila recently. I didn't know how they started their relationship basta noong nakilala ko yang si Prof, sila ni ng diyosa. Ngayon, sadly nasa London na si Julie to have work and sabi niya sa amin, susunod siya doon. I'm so happy for the both of them dahil sila ay engaged na and ready to begin their lives together. As long as masaya sila (obvious and evidently naman), we're all happy for you, guys! And hopefully you could have the family that you wanted, bigyan agad si Prof ng Christopher Tarroza, Jr. hehehe!

This is for you, Prof! Sana'y matuwa ka at hindi magulantang sa mga pinagsusulat ko dito. Hopefully you achieve even more in your life though I know you already achieved what you really wanted. God bless you, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year sa iyo!

Toodles, Prof!!!

Monday, December 24, 2012

My Christmas Message

As of this time, probably you are very busy preparing your Noche Buena feast...

Too excited to go to the church to hear the Misa de Aginaldo...

Still thinking of the gifts you're too excited to open when the clock strikes 12...

And munching the food you've prepared...

But one thing's for sure... This season is not only about Noche Buena, Christmas tree and lanterns, Christmas carols, gifts, money and love for our family...

This is the season, the greatest season of all, when Christ our Savior is born!!!

Let us celebrate that the King is born in Bethlehem!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESUS CHRIST!!!


MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!!


Toodles!!!

Thursday, November 29, 2012

The Ma. Rachel Tabamo Valencia Story

I just don't understand kung papaano nagkaroon ng alter ego itong kapatid kong ito. She already told me the reason behind the success (success talaga) of her nickname Alexia or Lexi (should I write it here?). But anyways, she was one of the first people who called me by my original complete name, and so I should call her the same way again.

We started our friendship in 2010, two years going to three and I never thought na ganito kami magiging closey-closey and even more than magkaibigan and that's being solid magkapatid. Lyrize and herself started entering our lives and since then, they combined us together. Aminin ko na sila talaga ang nagpasimuno sa aming mga galing sa lusak (wow!) ang laging pagtambay sa Starbucks Coffee and anywhere in BF Homes. So the brainchild of the so-called buko session is sa kanilang dalawa, the name is from Lyrize and the whole idea of partying quietly inside the coffee shop is by her.

I am so proud of our friendship, my dear Ma. Rachel Tabamo Valencia *irrita much alert again! And since, I've been giving out who my friends are through this wonderful blog, I am going to give you, let's say 15 or less reasons why Ma. Rachel Tabamo Valencia *grrrr level na!!! is Ma. Rachel Tabamo Valencia *Taal Volcano alert na!!!

1. THE ALL-AROUND ACCIDENTAL (?) TEACHER - She was a product of University of Santo Tomas and she earned her degree in Economics. Then teacher siya. Hindi ko lang alam how did she become the one basta ang alam ko noong una ko siyang nakita sa school, nakaupo siya sa table ng dakila naming you know. And then, the rest is history. I remember the time we were being used to be her critic teacher noong time na nag-demo teaching siya. The topic: inflation and deflation (courtesy of Andrewkells). Then, pasok na siya. Well, parang ganoon naman talaga. I never thought that her classes are as follows: Social Studies I, Social Studies II, Social Studies III and Social Studies IV. In short, lahat ng Social Studies handle niya. Kawawa nga siya eh, she handles most of the high school classes kaya pagdating sa mga perks like Christmas gifts, Home Education and all things high school, hay naku, siya na talaga! Mayaman yan, not only with her students and money but also with the lesson plans she is making.

2. QUEEN OF FACEBOOK PHOTO ALBUMS - I'm checking her Facebook account today and as of this time (November 23, 2012, 4:40 PM), mayroon na siyang 701 albums. That's why every time she's telling me to look on some of her photos, ang lagi kong sinasabi, how! Ang dami-dami niyang Photo Albums. Wala naman siyang fanpage, and even fans club but gosh, the albums. In fairness, she joined Facebook on October 27, 2008. And I guess from that day, mayroon na siyang mga albums. And hindi ko talaga kayang balikan ang mga nauna (should I say antique) niyang mga photo albums because my laptop and the Facebook interface could not make it scroll faster. If Facebook has a kingdom, or if Facebook has a beauty contest, siya na talaga ang Queen of Facebook Photo Albums. Wala pa namang naka-record or nakaka-Guinness Book of World Records na may pinakamaraming photo albums. If that really is true, sure na pasok na pasok itong kapatid kong ito. Hail to the Queen!

3. LOLLIPOP ADDICT - I've seen so many pictures of her na laging may nakasuksok sa bibig niya na lollipop. She loves Chupa Chups (yata?) and the lollipop of Starbucks. Kahit siguro yung mga chippangang mga lollipop, basta candy on a stick, isusuksok niya yan sa bibig niya. I don't also know her favorite flavor basta she loves lollipops. Basta she loves lollipop, yun lang yun. I guess that's her if not weakness, her fixation.

4. CHERIE GIL-LOOK-ALIKE-DAW (?) - It wasn't me but somebody told me that she looks like the great thespian Cherie Gil. Oo nga naman, halos magkasinmukha sila lalo na sa physical feature ng kanilang mukha but not the height. Medyo waley ang height ng lola mo but when it comes to her fashion sense, ay day! Wala akong masabi, yun nga lang talaga wala siyang ganoon kataas ng height (am I sensing another cool treat?). Anyways, there was a picture of hers wearing trench coat and boots and doing a la New Yorker pero sa may Golden Gate Subdivision lang naman. And that's the picture of hers that we told her na kamukhang-kamukha niya si Cherie Gil. So siya na si Cherie Gil, ng aming institution. So why not di ba, Cherie Gil is drinking a cup of coffee from Starbucks on Phase 1 BF Homes. Hehehehe!!!

5. THE (REAL) STORY OF HER NAME ALEXIA - She told me this earlier this year. At ako naman, masyado lang talaga akong nahihiwagaan kung papaano naging Alexia ang kanyang pangalan, since legally and according to her birth certificate, and siguro sa kanyang mga parents, ang pangalan niya ay Ma. Rachel Tabamo y Valencia. The story goes like this: High school daw siya noon when they had a volleyball tournament between our institution, which was the main campus and the branch campus. So ang mga taga branch campus, pumunta sa main campus just to play. May someone daw na biglang lumapit sa kanya from the branch campus that wanting her to get her number and information about her. Siyempre ang lola mo, nag-panic not by means na natutuwa siya na may interesado sa kanya but interesado sa kanya ay isang katulad rin niya. So what she did, she made a new Friendster account (during our glory high school days, super sikat pa sa madlang people ang Friendster and ang Facebook at Twitter, ay kino-conceptualize pa lang!) bearing the name "Alexia," just to not let that someone knew her more. Since then, kapag nagpapakilala siya to whoever she meets, ang inuuna niya ay Alexia, sometimes Lexi. But for me, I still prefer her real complete name, Ma. Rachel Tabamo Valencia!

6. KUNG MAMISIKAL, WAGAS - As the title suggests, yes, grabe manakit itong si Rachela. Sa bagay, hobby ko naman kasi siyang kontrahin saka asarin because I like the way she becomes too irritated. Lalo na kung titingnan ka niya with her tantalizing (don't assume you have oozing eyes) eyes, ay it's a heaven for me! Ginagawa niya minsang punching bag ang mga excess fats ko sa arms at lumalambitin siya sa aking biceps, na wala naman. I'm not really a masochist but ewan ko, parang okay lang sa akin. Maybe maganda na rin yun because lalong lumalakas ang katawan ko! Ito pa ang isang nakakairita diyan, ang lakas mambatok, as in batukera! Kung mamatok parang nanay at tatay lang. May time na sobra akong nairita diyan kasi ang lakas ng batok niya sa akin, as in ginamit niya ang wallet niyang parang bato sa laki. Yet, I don't care because for me, mas masakit pa rin ang mga salita kaysa sa pisikal na gawa! Wahahahaha!

7. KULIT-BATA - That's what I liked about my two beautiful friends, Lyrize and of course the birthday girl. Lalo na itong si negra, sobrang kulit lalo na kapag nandiyan ang mga crushes niya. She will make it a point na she will do something kulit moments just to catch or even win the attention of the boy she likes (now you know!). And so, eto siya tatalon-talon, sisigaw-sigaw at higit sa lahat, mamimisikal ng sobra, I guess para lang mapansin ng mga crushes niya. But her pagka-kulit bata is soooo cute! As in ang sarap niyang tirisin, parang bata lang sa kalye, gusgusin at biktima ng mga sindikato. Joke lang po! But if the time comes our moments together will be lessened, yan ang totally na mamimiss ko sa kanya! Pero hopefully one more year pa, right?

8. NEGRA - She is the only girl in our group na hindi naiirita sa tindi ng sikat ng araw! Whenever the Haring Araw is outside, making ultraviolet waves literally, ay lalabas yan at magpapaitim! Hindi siya yung tipong maglalagay ng sunblock, she will never block the sun to her skin. I don't know pero siguro gusto niyang magkaroon ng perfect tan courtesy of the sun! Basta she loves the sun! And since she loves the sun, she loves the beach. Hopefully next year, sana matuloy na ang beach adventures nating magkakapatid? Still remember earlier this year, "whatever happens in Laiya, stays in Laiya!" Wow! Anne Curtis lang ang peg mo kapatid! And she even doesn't mind that I call her Negra, out and loud! Gustong-gusto pa niya talaga and I guess, she even embraces the idea. Well, for me, I don't like her too much maitim, what's better for her is a fair skin. Kung fair ang skin mo, maganda ka! Magandang-maganda ka! Bow!

9. THE GIRL WITH ALMOST 5,000 CRUSHES - She has more than one crush, as in napakarami niyang crush! Mapa-showbiz man or non-showbiz, politician man or from the social scene, basta kapag naguwapuhan siya, crush na niya, period!

Here are some of the boys that she likes a lot, I mean A LOOOOOOT:

JM DE GUZMAN - he is currently seen in the afternoon drama series on ABS CBN, Angelito Ang Bagong Yugto. He was previously the main lead of the same drama series in its first season. He was also part of the Mula Sa Puso remake in 2011 as he did the role of Gabriel previously from Rico Yan. In the movies, he was part of the most successful indie film in Cinemalaya 2011 entitled Ang Babae Sa Septic Tank. This year, he is the main lead of another indie film Intoy Syokoy ng Kalye Marino. He joined Andi Eigenmann in the 2012 remake of Pridyider under Regal Films.

This is Rachel's one-helluva-crush na parang ultimong "love at first sight" ang drama nito ni Negra. One time, after she went back from her Japan trip, talagang nagmadali siyang umuwi just to watch the final episode of his first teleserye. In fairness naabutan naman niya. Another one was when we're having phone chats and naghihintay siya sa Starbucks PCJ for Angelito, Ang Batang Ama. Good for you, JM! You are so privileged because you are one of the crushes of my dear friend.

ADAM LEVINE - He is undeniably one of the sexiest vocalists/musicians in the music world. He is the vocalist of Maroon 5 and singing their hits like This Love, She Will Be Loved, Won't Go Home Without You, Must Get Out, Makes Me Wonder, Payphone and many more. The band already staged twice here in the Philippines, one in 2011 at SMX Convention Center (in which she took part of it), and only this September at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Aside from music, he was also one of the mentor-judges of the hit musical reality show The Voice alongside Cee Lo Green and Christina Aguilera. He is also one of the Global Benchsetters or Bench endorsers being chosen by Ben Chan himself! Sosyal!

If you'll see her iPod Touch before, most of the time her background picture is always Adam Levine. We even added his Twitter account and wooing him to mention her name in one of his tweets. But the best reason on why my dear friend is so freaking hailing Adam Levine is because of his near-Adonis-style body. Wala siyang abs, but the love handles is really gorgeous. The chest is amazing, the biceps and whatever are so voluptuous. Siya na talaga ang sexy! Ikaw na ang crush ni Rachela so you have to celebrate, Adam! Rachela will be loved!

DJ CALLUM DAVID - He is (I guess) the resident of DJ of the superposh bar Seventh High located at the Bonifacio High Street in Taguig. He was also known to be the main DJ of the 2012 Binibining Pilipinas so it was not only Xian Lim who was being affirmed by the girl, also him. Aside from his stint in mixing, he was also part of the Angelica Panganiban-starrer #MadalingArawMahabangGabi, a movie directed by Dante Nico Garcia which was shown earlier this month.

She is fully insisting me that when we go back to Bonifacio Global City, one stop of our tour is to have so much fun at Seventh High. Eh hindi pa naman ako ganoong ka-fan ng mga bars and clubs dahil masyado nga akong antukin. Anyway, we went back already to BGC but not stopping at the Seventh High. It's expensive (kahit daw may guest list, ayoko pa rin!) and at the same time, not my type of place. Baka manliit lang ako lalo. On the other hand, DJ Callum is I guess one of the most handsome DJs we have here on our country! Guwapo nga, in fairness!

ENCHONG DEE - Hindi ko lang talaga ma-gets na crush mo pala itong si Enchong Dee. No offense to those who admire Enchong Dee but I don't find him attractive. Anyways, he is one of the main contract artists of the talent agency of ABS CBN, Star Magic. Today, he is seen with his primetime drama series Ina, Kapatid, Anak with Maja Salvador as his love interest. But before Maja, it was Erich Gonzales who became his perennial love team with such hits like Katorse, Tanging Yaman, Magkaribal and Maria la del Barrio. On the big screen, they had I Do as their first movie as a love team. This December 2012, he will be seen in the Metro Manila Film Festival entry The Strangers with Julia Montes.

Maybe there was something in him which my good friend liked about him. Since my dear friend loves going to beach and pools, eh ang Enchong Dee ay Olympian as a swimmer, so there was a reason why she liked him. Pero yung kuwento sa akin ni Lyrize, yun ang tumatak sa akin so I guess, make him a man na lang! Hehehehe!

RICH HERRERA - as far as I remember, he was with Rich Hardin who joined the Amazing Race Asia. But now, he is already residing in Singapore because he is one of the VJs of MTV Asia, who is based in the said country. He, together with Rich Hardin, were part of Mama Kris's game show venture The Price is Right as announcers of the participants and prizes. Yun lang so far ang alam ko about him.

She told me that he is her fantasy, as in super fantasy niyang ma-meet. I already saw some of her photos with him when the latter was strolling down BF Homes many years ago. I can't say anything about him because I don't know him too much, basta crush siya ni Rachela!




JOHN LLOYD CRUZ - no doubt he is the Philippines' most charming, illustrious and great thespian of all, I may say! He is also one of the main contract artists of Star Magic and one of the best actors in his generation. Currently, he is seen every night via the very beautiful drama series being produced by the Kapamilya network, A Beautiful Affair together with his love team of 10 years, Bea Alonzo. They also had together as Yuri and Katrina in Kay Tagal Kang Hinintay, Cielo and Lawrence in It Might Be You, Oliver and Jasmin in Ikaw ang Lahat sa Akin, Eli and Jackie in Maging Sino Ka Man series and Betty and Armando in I Love Betty La Fea (their names in A Beautiful Affair are Leon and Gen). On the big screen, who could forget My First Romance, as Bea and John Lloyd's very first movie as a love team, Now That I Have You, Dubai, Close To You, All About Love, A Very Special Love, You Changed My Life, In My Life, Miss You Like Crazy, Unofficially Yours, The Mistress and who could forget One More Chance, all from Star Cinema. He is also one of the most sought-after product endorsers like Biogesic, Lucky Me, Greenwich, Magic Flakes and so much more.

I was so amazed that Rachel has a huge crush to John Lloyd. Maybe it was after she watched The Mistress and she imagines herself as the role of Bea Alonzo. Yes, no doubt, even Rachela became the victim of the magnetic charm of Mr. John Lloyd Cruz.

ZAC EFRON - Everybody almost remember him as basketball player/heartthrob of East High Troy Bolton from the High School Musical series. Well, aside from his perfect body and abs, he is also remembered with movies like 17 Again with Matthew Perry and Michelle Trachtenburg, Charlie St. Cloud, Hairspray the musical movie with John Travolta and Amanda Bynes, and the recent adaptation of Nicholas Sparks novel, The Lucky One with Taylor Schilling. Right now, he is one of the global ambassadors of the retail brand Penshopppe. Well, I guess everybody still remembers him as Troy Bolton, the former boyfriend of Vanessa Hudgens and the song "We're Breaking Free!"

Siguro kaya rin siya naging crush ni Rachela because he has the greatest body. Siguro kaya rin siya naging crush ni Rachela because he has a beautiful voice. At siguro kaya siya naging crush ni Rachela because may hawig siya kay Ellen DeGeneres. He is an amazing guy and no wonder Rachela puts her eyes to him! Suwerte mo, tol!

DEREK RAMSAY - One of the best leading men in the entertainment industry, he is known to be Ram of No Other Woman and his recent film, as Anton in A Secret Affair. He was a Kapamilya before, being the official leading man of Judy Ann Santos in Ysabella and Habang May Buhay. Then he became Sharon Cuneta's co-host with The Biggest Loser Pinoy Edition. Right now, he is already a Kapatid star and already hosting his newest reality show entitled The Amazing Race Philippines. Soon, he will be part of the TV5 primetime hour with his series Kidlat with Nadine Samonte and Ritz Azul. Aside from No Other Woman and A Secret Affair, he has Corazon, Ang Unang Aswang, And I Love You So, Sakal Sakali Saklolo and Kasal Kasali Kasalo as his films under the Star Cinema production outfit.

Derek already visited our institution during our Intramurals 2010 and Rachela was there just to witness Derek. Yes, Rachela we had a picture together and it was so fun. His body and physique is a total manly and I could see he is overly delicious! Derek is Derek and it is amazing to be Rachela's crush!

MARIO MAURER - The Thai superstar became synonymous to the words handsome and gorgeous because of the sleeper hit Crazy Little Thing Called Love with Baifern Pimchanok Luevisadpaibul. But before his titanic status as heartthrob came into power, he had his first film entitled Love of Siam where he had his first time of kissing a male actor. But it was not about porn or "another-gay-movie" which it has a story. Recently, he starred Suddenly Its Magic with Erich Gonzales under Star Cinema and directed by Rory B. Quintos. There he is Marcus, a Thai superstar who wanted to have a vacation in the Philippines. Then he chose Ilocos as his itinerary because he wanted to be just alone and nobody knows him. There he meets Joey, a newly-brokenhearted girl which the only way she can rid of herself in sadness is by baking cupcakes and that's actually her business venture. And the love story of the two started.

Siyempre hindi ko ikukuwento sa iyo ang buong film and I want you to watch it. Hindi ko rin akalain na crush mo itong bagets na ito. Maybe you were so amazed because his face doesn't have any traces of pores and even pimples. Basta guwapo nga itong batang ito! Well, if you only knew that I know someone who has a huge crush in him. Want some clues? This person is part of our gang! More clues, ay teh! Ikaw na bahalang makaalam ng sagot! Hahahaha!

AGA MUHLACH -  This is definitely Rachela's ultimate crush since she was a child. As in siguro panahon pa ng Oki Doki Dok, crush na niya itong si Tito Aga kong beterinaryo! Well, aside from being a veterinarian, he also had so many sitcoms on ABS CBN like Da Pilya and Da Pilot where he became a pilot with Joyce Jimenez, OK Fine Whatever with Bayani Agbayani and Edu Manzano and his last sitcom, That's My Doc. But each one of us will surely remember his movies like Basta't Kasama Kita with Dayanara Torres, May Minamahal with Aiko Melendez, Sana Maulit Muli with Lea Salonga, Kailangan Kita and Dubai with Claudine Barretto, All My Life with Kristine Hermosa, Dahil May Isang Ikaw, Pangako Ikaw Lang and Of All The Things with Regine Velasquez, In the Name of Love with Angel Locsin, When Love Begins with Anne Curtis, Kung Ako Na Lang Sana with Sharon Cuneta and of course A Love Story with Maricel Soriano and Angelica Panganiban. When it comes to romantic movies, whether serious drama or comedy, it must be Aga Muhlach!

Hindi lang ikaw Rachela ang may crush kay Aga Muhlach. Well, excuse me hindi ako, but so many Filipinas are so into him. No wonder he is considered the Papa material, the boyfriend material and the husband material. Ikaw na malahian ng mga Muhlach, right? Anyways, his residence is only in Ayala Alabang, so puwede tayong bumisita sa kanila. Only if, the security guards of the village will allow us to visit him! Basta, kain na lang tayo sa Jollibee!

Ikaw na ang may maraming crush! Ikaw na maganda!

10. THE ONE WHO LOVES (500) DAYS OF SUMMER - She is the only girl who loves the story of Tom Hansen in (500) Days of Summer. Maybe there was a time in her life that she became not as the role of Zooey Deschanel but as the role of Joseph Gordon-Levitt. She loves everything about the movie, even the songs like Us by Regina Spektor and the song of Carla Bruni na French ang mga words. Her most favorite part of the film, the Expectation-Reality segment in which, according to her, been there done that, or done there been that?! When it comes on being in love, Rachela turns to be a gentleman not as a lady. Tried and tested na yan sa kanya, but of course, nakaka-turn off sa lalaki yung ganoon! Make sure next time, you would not be Tom Hansen but be like Summer! Or maybe Autumn. Or maybe makatagpo ka ng Autumn ng buhay mo!

11. THE TRAVELLER - She is a drastic traveller been to so many places not only here in the Philippines but around Asia (Asia pa lang!). She went already to Japan (a recent trip with her whole family), Australia (remember the kuwento you shared to me while we're inside the car!) and Korea (my dream destination!). Her mother used to work at the Philippine Airlines so the freebies and perks are all stake. How I wish we could join you in some of your galas anywhere Asia or even Europe and North America. Hopefully we could achieve what we want, either Singapore or Hong Kong. Well, what we can do in Hong Kong is to shop lang and go to Hong Kong Disneyland. Yun lang siguro ang pinakamagandang magagawa natin in those places.

12. STARBUCKS COFFEE DRINKER - Since the advent of our friendship circle, we never knew how to stay further at Starbucks Coffee. We all started accidentally when me, you, Lyrize, Sir Phil and Andrew made an invitation just to release our stress with our students and other people from our institution. Ayun, doon na nagsimula. Parang kayong dalawa ni Lyrize ang nagpakilala sa amin how to get through Starbucks. Well, not exactly but kapag may pag-uusapan tayong importante or just to stay and have fun, ang unang iisiping lugar to stay on is Starbucks Coffee. And at this moment, you were so busy completing the stickers to have your annual Starbucks Coffee planner. So you are asking me to buy the latest coffee frappes like Dark Cherry Mocha, Peppermint Mocha and Toffee Nut Mocha. Basta kapag si Rachel nagyayaya, malamang sa Starbucks tayo pupunta, lalong-lalo na sa BF Homes Phase 1.

13. THE KIDS LOVE HER SOOOO MUCH - She was telling us that she wanted to teach Casa kids because she believed she was destined to be there. One time, she was helping some teachers of Casa having practice at our mini gym and in fairness naman talaga sa iyo, bagay kang magturo sa kanila. But then again, you told me that you don't have a hype with little kids, like Grade School kids. Well, I can say that most of her former high school students love her because they look up at her as an older sister or even a mother (no offense, my friend!) dahil mala-Mother Teresa yata siya when it comes to advice to her students. May pagkakataon din na isinusumpa niya ang mga estudyante niya for being too naughty and, yes worst. Still, her kids love her sooooooooo much (maraming o yan meaning that's the number of love they are giving to you!).

14. WE WILL RUN SOON AT BGC, BELIEVE ME! - We both love Bonifacio Global City in Taguig. It's heaven, it's beautiful, it's wonderful, lahat na ng magandang description, it can be put to BGC! And for us, both runners (well ako not exactly), BGC is the place to go. I told her that we will go back to BGC just to run together with our friends! Kahit siguro magkandawala kami sa BGC for as long as it's still part of BGC, we will run! I dream of joining Run BGC event and I will ask you to join me, together with the rest of the runners like Piolo Pascual, Coach Rio dela Cruz and Karylle and of course, Sir Zen and Sir Greg (okay lang ba sa iyo, hehehe!). Basta before the year ends, we will go back to BGC and run very, very soon!

15. AN ARBORIAN AND A THOMASIAN - She has a blood of being a true Arborian. She started her education at our institution and since then, hindi na siya umalis dito. I've seen some of her yearbooks and nakita ko ang kanyang mukha. Can you imagine that before she became a teacher, she was one of the students who roamed around the corridors and hallways of our institution. And before she was standing in front of the students, she was actually sitting in one of the armchairs and listening to her teachers. Can you imagine that today, she's one of the facilitators of the club but then, she was one of the eager students who wanted to join almost any clubs in our institution. And can you imagine that before she become the trainer of the volleyball club of our institution, she was being trained to become one of the best volleyball players. Everything about her high school is always about our institution, thus making herself a true-blooded Arborian. College never looked that good when she became a Thomasian. She finished her bachelor's degree in Economics at the Pontifical and Royal University of Santo Tomas. And yes, she is so proud to be called one of the Tigers, a Tomasino or a Thomasian. For four years, she has been part of an everyday cycle of life of a Thomasian, especially the times na naaabutan siya ng baha sa Espana at kailangan niyang mag-stay or even mag-overnight sa UST. I don't know her whereabouts and thingamajigs during her college days, basta UST siya! So gumo-Go USTE! siya most of the time! Whatever she is, an Arborian or Thomasian, she is definitely a true-blooded one!

16. FINISH YOUR THESIS, PLEASE! - Mayroon daw siyang target date na before ipalabas ang Despicable Me 2 on 2013 and I guess, it's nearing na and her thesis about something is not yet being started.  She told me that she wanted to take Education units and have her master's degree in early childhood education but how will she start those things if she is not yet done with her current master's degree at Polytechnic University of the Philippines. Guess we need to push her more just to begin her thesis. Saka na muna ang love life at boys, mas unahin mo muna ang pag-aaral. Finish your thesis, please! Kami na bahala ni Andrew mag-check niyang thesis statement mo. Then sila Juanito and Christopher ang bahala sa defense mo. Then sila Julie Girl and Theresa na bahalang magpa-bookbind ng finished product ng thesis mo! All you have to do is to start! Since you already have your inspiration, you have to start! Go!

17. THE GUY WHO KEEPS HERSELF SMILING - Look at this picture. Tell me what's on her mouth.


I don't know what is it but I guess it's Whipped Cream. And the whipped cream that she knows and I know and everybody knows makes and keeps her smiling. I know that I am not allowed to show the face of the very lucky guy who have made my good friend smiling and too excited to wake up each morning and go home after her work. And every time she goes to Starbucks and ordering coffee or waffle, she always makes it a point that there's an added whipped cream in her frappucino or waffle snack. And sometimes, she even mixes the whipped cream with her ordered frappucino. And she even bought one dozen of whipped cream and then putting... It's only a joke! Okay lang yata sa kanyang tumaba for as long as may whipped cream in almost everything. Pero parang kadiri naman yata for instance, gusto niya ng sisig and instead of mayonnaise, ang ipapalagay niya whipped cream. For instance sa Jolly Hotdog instead of mustard and ketchup, ang ipapalagay niya whipped cream. Kapag sa pasta carbornara, instead of cream of mushroom soup, ang isasahog niya sa sauce, whipped cream. Even when going to the beach, instead of putting suntan lotion, she will use whipped cream. Instead of shampoo and conditioner, she will use whipped cream. Instead of Joy dishwashing liquid, she will use whipped cream. Worse comes to worst, for her breakfast, lunch, snacks, supper and midnight snack, she will eat and drink and gulp as her medicine, walang iba kung hindi WHIPPED CREAM!!!

You might wonder why the letters W and C are underlined. It's because a guy somewhere in Phase 1 makes her smile all throughout, ear to ear. He's a model and an assistant manager in a known coffee shop in the Philippines.

I know that this is totally late but you should not feel weary about my blog post to you. Anyways, the whole month of November should be celebrated as your birthday. Ayaw mo noon, lahat ng tao sa buong mundo maaalala nila that when November comes, it must be Rachel's birthday!

I want to end this blog post of mine to you with my most favorite picture of yours...


You are wearing your mom's upper dress and you only accessorized it with belt. The moment you came to me, I was so delighted because you are so much of a girl when I saw you with this. Well, I apologize that I poked you as a source of laughter when I told the other teachers that Girl Scouts Investiture is not yet done. I like it and hopefully this is not the last time you're going to be a girl that I like you to be!

Happy 24th Birthday Ma. Rachel "Alexia" Tabamo Valencia. Hope you had a full blast!!!

Hope you surely like this!!!

Toodles, Alexia!!!

special thanks to your Facebook account and google.com for the pictures...


Thursday, November 15, 2012

Thursday Poetry

Joyride

Starting the engine of my gullible vehicle
And then asking my brain to where are we heading for
He then tells my feet and hands to just plow the way
So begins my journey to a place I have no idea to

But I guess the joyride I wanted is incomplete
Because I am the only one inside of my vehicle
I'm looking to my right, no one is with me
Guess I am only the happiest, nobody deserves me

Truthfully, I used to imagine you sitting next to me
Sharing the stories, ours to be heard and listened
The secrets that we try to woe and to dissect
And next is the love to flourish not just as a thought

As I traverse the road, some things are seen
Reminds me of you, reminds me of the best
If only we could see both the beauty what's outside
Then, holding our hands we'll see the real world 

All kinds of joyrides are not always with straight path
Sometimes, you tend to stop and you tend to take a break
It just so happened, you just need to refill up
So the next will definitely be a smooth way to go

So the joyride you wished came up to the end
The destination is reached, the greatness is felt
I will turn off the engine, and get out of the car
And feel the love in the world with the one you've wished for
Turns out, you are just alone... :(


Toodles!

Sunday, November 11, 2012

Isang Natatanging Tula Para Sa Aking Kumare


Happy Birthday to you, Mare!

O heto na aking kumare ang aking pagbibigay sa iyo
Sa ating pagkakaibigan, ito ang aking simpleng regalo
Isang tulang magpapatunay sa ating pagsasamahan
Isang biglaan sa simula, tingin ko'y hanggang sa dulo na

Ang ganda mo, yun lang ang masasabi ko, ang ganda mo
Hindi mo man ipakita sa madla pero napakaganda mo
Kahit sino man ang lumingon, mapapalingon muli sa iyo
Mapapalalaki man o pusong lalaki, tiyak magagandahan sa'yo

Ikaw lang ang kilala kong babaeng mahilig sa pula
Hindi ko lang mawari kung ano ba ang dahilan kaya?
Basta ang alam lang namin, bagay sa iyong ang kulay
Pula na ang ibig sabihi'y matapang at matatag sa buhay

Kapag tayo'y nagsama, talo pa ang mga komedyante
Dahil na rin siguro na tayo'y pareho nang kampante
Sa bilis ng ating utak makapag-isip ng mga biro
Na alam nating ang mga mahal nati'y sa tawa'y hapong-hapo

Ikaw lang ang tanging kakampi ko tungkol sa Muntinlupa
Ang ating mahal na lungsod na di hamak na napakaganda
Magsama raw tayong dalawa at lalo pang mas hahalina
Dahil sa Muntinlupa, lahat nagkakaisa dahil may disiplina

Pagdating naman sa pagdadamit, aba'y walang duda
Ikaw na talaga ang laging sumusunod sa kung anong moda
Kaya rin kita tinawag sa ngalang Julia Roberts, lola
Kahit anong simpleng damit, gumaganda't bumubongga

Sa pagtuturo ng ating pambansang wika, ikaw na talaga
Pagdating sa mga leksyon ng wika, lahat napapanganga
Gusto kong laging pagtapatin kung anong meron sa amin
Malamang sa Filipino, sa Ingles may katapat yan, aminin

Kaya rin siguro mahal na mahal ka ng mga estudyante mo
Dahil ikaw ang ina nila sa paaralan, hindi lamang isang guro
Kung pangaralin mo'y parang sila'y sarili o iyong-iyo
Kaya ang isinusukli sa iyo'y walang sawang pag-ibig at mundo

Wala rin sigurong tatalo sa mga mala-higanteng banat mo
Alam ko naman na ikaw ay simpleng nagpapakatotoo
Mahal mo lang kaming kaibigan mo kaya dapat sabihin
Ang totoong alam mong makakatulong ng malaki sa amin

At kung siya'y naaagrabyado't, nasasaktan na sa dusa
Tao lang din siyang nanghihina at naiiyak na sa tuwina
Pero kilala kita, anupa't pagsubok ang dumating sa iyo
Haharapin mo ito dahil ang ating Diyos ay karamay mo

At wala ring makakatalo sa isang pagkakataong pinili mo
Ang magpaka-nanay sa tatlong mahal na mahal mo, oo
Si Yaki, si Xandi at ang inaanak kong si Andrei 
Hindi ko man alam ngunit alam kong mahal ka na havey na havey!

Siyempre, hindi natin makakalimutan ang hari sa buhay mo
Si Kuya Archie na kung saan napakaganda ng pagsasama niyo
May mga dumaan man, mahirap at masarap, magkapiling pa rin
Mahalin ang isa't isa dahil iyan ang pangako niyo pa man din

Sa iyong kaarawan, hatid naming lahat ng mga kaibigan mo
Pati si Sharon Cuneta, sa halaw ng "Happy Birthday" ng McDo
Isang maligayang kaarawan at walang katapusang kaligayahan
Na nawa'y matamasa mo pa lahat sa buhay mong napakatatag

Akalain mong ang edad mo'y wala na sa kalendaryo
Pero ang "peg" mo ay parang pangdalawampu't tatlo
Ipagpatuloy mo lang, mare, kung ano ang nararapat sa iyo
Dahil minsan lang tayong mamuhay sa walang kasiguraduhang mundo

O siya, mare, nawa'y natuwa ka sa kung anong inihanda ko
Simple lang ito pero alam kong masasabi mong "rock" ito!
Maligayang kaarawan sa iyo, Ginang Arlene Cruspero Alfonso
Stay beautiful as always, and more importantly, God bless you!

Toodles, Mrs. Alfonso!!!

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Sembreak Journal: Trick or Treat

Awoooo!!! Happy Halloween!!!

Some people from the church were disregarding this kind of celebration because we were acquiring an idea of a bad one. I don't know, besides I'm not celebrating Halloween at all!

Since I was a child, I never experienced even joined those kinds of activities about Halloween. Aside from its spookiness, I just don't understand why do they poke some fun to the people who were not here anymore, meaning dead people. Well, they give me goosebumps and with those kinds of costumes (those eerie costumes), so I never imagined myself joining or wasting my time roaming around the village and asking for candies.

In our institution, it is my tradition to ask for my students to bring packs of candies and giving it to the kids wearing their costumes. Last time I had it, I felt that I was a politician on top of my veranda showering my constituents with candies. I love it especially when the kids are really shouting my name asking to give them handfuls of candies. This year, I did the same thing with matching shouting of "Trick or Treat!"

Earlier this evening, I was shocked because a lot of kids are shouting "Trick or Treat!" in front of our home. Well, I guess it's not yet already Christmas so why am I going to shout "Patawad!" to them?

Trick or Treat!!!

Toodles!!!

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Sembreak Journal: Alabang

Nagpunta ako sa Alabang kanina at grabe, para lang akong tanga dahil walang kakuwenta-kuwenta ang nangyari sa akin.

First place that I went is Asian Hospital and Medical Center. I was supposed to see this doctor that Mama used to ask for consultation and prescription. Bad thing is, umalis na raw agad yung doctor. Good thing because next to the hospital is another hospital called Ospital ng Muntinlupa. I saw his schedule, 1:00 pm pa ang start ng kanyang clinic, so I went to Madrigal to encash my cheque.

But nainis lang ako because the cheque I was holding for it to be encashed, hindi puwede dahil hindi nakapangalan sa akin ang cheque. The nerve! I was really disappointed. I really told myself, gusto ko ng umuwi. At gusto ko ng umuwi. I texted my colleagues, Sir Ronald and Teacher Roxanne if they have the numbers to be called or to be texted. I received numbers but I didn't texted her kasi baka...

Anyways, I went back to Filinvest to go to Ospital ng Muntinlupa just for the signature of the doctor. Since it is a government hospital, expect mo na magulo ang system. I don't know where to go. I'm not going to consult but still I don't know where to go. May isang nurse doon, I asked a question, mantakin mong hindi alam ang Conversation 101. Haaay, the nerve in government hospital.

I ended my stint sa Alabang eating the newest flavor of Magnum called Choco-Capuccino. But I still prefer the Chocolate Truffle and the Classic.

Ayun, dinaan ko na lang sa tulog ang lahat.

Sorry, but why to go to Fort Bonifacio if we already have Filinvest City in Alabang, right? Even Alabang Town Center is just a stone throw away from it.

I love Alabang! Do you?

Toodles!!!

Monday, October 29, 2012

Sembreak Journal: Tita Annie!!!

I am writing this blog post for my lovely Tita Annie, the mother of my kapatid forever, Lyrize!

I can give eight adjectives to Tita Annie.

1. BEAUTIFUL - Inside and out! She is very beautiful with the way she talks to us. She is very beautiful with the way she treats us like sons and daughters. That's why no one can beat the beautiful heart of Tita Annie!

2. BIG - Not by her size and shape but with the size and shape of her heart! When she welcomes us in her home, she opens her very big heart and gives us a warm embrace! She's having a very, very big heart and again, no one compares to that!

3. HARDWORKING - I only knew today that she was at her youngest of 21 when she started working as a mighty Overseas Filipino Worker! Hats off, Tita! Ikaw na talaga ang umo-OFW! No wonder she became an example of true success of an OFW in Saudi Arabia. And no wonder my kapatid is also like you!

4. STRONG-WILLED - As an OFW, of course her distance with her family is a total mile! Which I give her this adjective because she doesn't let herself feel homesick and alone. She is strong-willed, she fights for her homesickness and she does her everything for her family.

5. MOTHERLY - She is a mother that you would surely love. Her stories about her daughters and her husband Tito Lito is really worth-listening. With those stories she shared to us, I would surely say that Tita Annie is truly having a motherly love not only to her family but to all of us.

6. DEVOTED - She's a devoted one not only to God but to her family as well. No doubt, she's been blessed with so many things she has right now!

7. SUNNY - Not as a weather condition but her disposition. She has one of the sunniest disposition I've ever known and no doubt how Lyrize, Laurice and Ate Lyanne accumulated that personality!

And lastly...

8. CHRISTIAN - She is the children of God! She is so proud to say to us that God loves us so much. Thanks Tita for allowing me to be part of your family not as Lyrize's friend but as Lyrize's kapatid! And that's how a good Christian should be!

Hopefully you have a great trip going back to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Don't worry Tita, we're all okay and we will always pray for your safety, health and peace in your mind. From the bottom of my heart, it is so nice to meeting you and thank you for everything!

Toodles, Tita Annie!!!

Sunday, October 28, 2012

Sembreak Journal: Galit-Galit

This time, I'll be writing my blog in a conversational Filipino way.

Lagi na lang kaming nag-aaway. Lagi na lang kaming nagsisigawan. Lagi na lang kaming nagkakatampuhan. Laging ganyan at nakakapagod na. Nakaka-stress na. But who can't resist your parents, diba? Ang anak talaga, as much as possible, kailangang pagtiisan ang magulang dahil, in the first place, and kahit pagbalig-baligtarin mo man ang mundo, nanay at tatay mo pa rin sila. So, wala tayong magagawa. Kahit lampas na tayo sa marrying age at going to grandparents age na tayo, at kung nandiyan pa rin sila at kumakalinga pa rin sa atin, wala tayong magagawa!

For the whole day, I never talked to them. Kasi nag-aaway silang dalawa. At kapag nag-aaway silang dalawa, hello stress ang drama! Kaya may times na gusto ko silang iwan para sila ang mag-usap. Kinausap ko ang isa, nagpaliwanag, medyo nagpaligoy-ligoy pa pero nakuha ko rin naman ang point, well somehow. Kinausap ko ang isa, ayun may napala rin naman ako. Then we're okay.

Ganoon lang yun kasimple. A Filipino family will never be strong without circumstances. It brings out the best in them so no other can compare with the bonding of the Filipino family.

Yes, friends! We're so much okay na! Hindi na kami galit-galit!!!

Toodles!!!

Saturday, October 27, 2012

Sembreak Journal: Terrified

The first time I heard this beautiful song was in 2010. I was, I think, doing something at that time when I heard this song over the radio. I didn't even know the title of the song so I went to the computer just to know its lyrics, its title and the people who sang this. And then on, I knew it and it played almost to my entire life. It was sang by Katharine McPhee and Jason Reeves but Zachary Levi also has a version. Nevertheless, the music is beautiful!

I was even thinking while listening to this song that I was with someone doing a pre-nuptial video. Turns out I guess it will never happen... But, maybe, it will!

Enough of drama... Let me share to you the lyrics of the song "Terrified" by Katharine McPhee and Jason Reeves.

Terrified

You by the light is the greatest find
In a world full of wrong you're the thing that's right
Finally made it through the lonely to the other side

You said it again, my heart's in motion
Every word feels like a shooting star
I'm at the edge of my emotions
Watching the shadows burning in the dark
And I'm in love and I'm terrified
For the first time and the last time
In my only life

This could be good
It's already better than last
And nothing's worse than knowing
You're holding back
I could be all that you needed
If you let me try

You said it again, my heart's in motion
Every word feels like a shooting star
I'm at the edge of my emotions
Watching the shadows burning in the dark
And I'm in love and I'm terrified
For the first time and the last time
In my only...

I only said it 'cause I mean it
I only mean it 'cause it's true
So don't you doubt what I've been dreaming
'Cause it fills me up and holds me close
Whenever I'm without you

You said it again, my heart's in motion
Every word feels like a shooting star
Watching the shadows burning in the dark
I'm at the edge of my emotions
And I'm in love and I'm terrified
For the first time and the last time
In my only life

Beautiful song indeed, right?

Toodles!!!

Thanks to azlyrics.com for the perfect lyrics!

Friday, October 26, 2012

Sembreak Journal: The Box Full of Memories

It has been a year after I wrote here in my blogsite about my doings during my 12 Days of Semester Break.

Last year I did a round-up of all the things I've done for a day during my 12-day semester break. And now, I'm doing it again but this time, differently. Different in a sense of, I only have 10 days of break, I will not give you details of the things I've made for the day but 10 different things that is so memorable or so special to me. I will only make a very short blog post today.

I was cleaning my cabinet when I saw a box with a label in it, "CLASS CARDS ITO!" My class cards in college are still alive! Meaning to say that I can still see the grades that I've received from my wonderful professors. It was actually incomplete because one class card that I have (I don't know that subject). While I was looking at all of it, I thought every milestones that I encountered while I was still in college.

The enrollment blues that always changed every semester, the piling-up of people just for paying the tuition fee, the two systems that we have: paying (which I belong) and non-paying (which they would only pay P50.00), the waiting scene at the Acuario, everything I remember about my college life. Actually, I always brag this to my friends and to my students that for everything in my student life, college is my most memorable. I gained my confidence, I gained my strength, I had so much friends, I even felt how is it to be loved by someone! College will never be looked good if you've never enjoyed it.

Well, I enjoyed! And that's why I am wanting to study again. I wanted to go back as a student. It is true that I am so much envious with my friends who are now studying. I just don't know why I can't push it through? I always keep on promising but still I can't do it.

So every time I am looking for all of my class cards, probably it draws me near to what I am wanting to do, to study again! Soon.

Toodles!!!

P.S. The median score of my grades was 2.00... My weighted average is 1.98.

And yes, I'll be studying about English. Soon!!!

Monday, October 15, 2012

Buscopan and Other Brouhahas

I wasn't able to go to work today because of stomachache. It all started last Saturday when I devoured myself with food. We celebrated the christening of my dear niece Jhoirwin Daryce in Makati and of course, as part of the tradition of being a Balota, we had food! I'm not being too grand but I consumed almost five plates of food. Grabe sa katakawan! And now, I'm having a problem with my gastrointestinal tracts or stomach or whatever, I can't stand too long because of stomach cramps. I went in and out of the toilet just to flush out something from inside. And yes, I am too much in pain now.

Well, that incident inspires me to do some brouhahas this day. I am absent so I will write something for the benefit of those people suffering from stomachache like me! Hehehehe!

FIFTY SHADES OF GREY - I already bought my very first book of the Fifty Shades Trilogy. Thanks for the early payday, I went straight to Powerbooks in Festival Supermall to buy my newest venture to literature. According to my dear friends and to some people who already bought it, I would surely love the character of Christian Grey, a young entrepreneur who has a dark past and a beautiful and extraordinary life. There she meets Anastasia Steele, a literature student who fell in love with Christian. Thus becomes together and set themselves on fire. My dear friend told me that I should buy the three books in the price of one but I don't like the idea because I wanted to suspense myself with the book. If ever I completed all of the books, I will start reading it. I don't care if other people seeing me reading the book in public due to its fact that the audience should be matured and adult enough to understand. Some reports are being told that a motion picture is in the works for this literary masterpiece and Ian Somerhalder is Christian Grey. Hmmm... Interesting though, especially the scene were playing fire will be done! Next and the next payday, I will purchase Fifty Shades Darker and Fifty Shades Freed. Oh, E.L. James (initially, I thought he was a male), how did you imagine all of those things, huh?

JEEPNEY TV - I was browsing our TV when I saw this new channel showcasing old movies and old shows from ABS CBN. I was so happy and glued into it because they will show us again our most favorite Kapamilya shows from late 80's to recent years. It was named Jeepney TV, and its catchphrase was "Ang Nawala, Magbabalik!" Everyday, I always tune in to this channel because I remember most of my childhood years and my teenage sensations. Especially those programs that reminds me of my favorite Kapamilya celebrities and stars like Claudine Barretto, the late Rico Yan, Dolphy, Camille and John Prats, Judy Ann Santos, Jolina Magdangal and so much more. This channel is very nostalgic, brings you back in time in our heydays! I want to see these programs again in Jeepney TV:

          1. Palibhasa Lalake - unarguably one of the best sitcoms on ABSCBN! Most noted in this program is the "laglagan" and the "basaan" portion!
          2. Mara Clara - a recent Mara Clara was good (starred Julia Montes and Kathryn Bernardo) but as what they say, nothing beats the classic. The physical wars of Judy Ann Santos as Mara and Gladys Reyes as Clara is what I wanted to see and then basing their superstar status on how did they curse each other.
          3. Abangan Ang Susunod Na Kabanata - another best sitcom of ABSCBN! I remember the characters of Congressman Tengco, Mrs. Tengco, and Dino Tengco. I only knew recently that it was considered a satire due to its theme enacting the present situation of that time, a mayaman, a middle-class, and a mahirap.
          4. Gimik - the story of friendship of Dianne, Ricky, Gina, Gary, Ese, Joey, Jigs and Melanie will surely reminisced of the youth of the 90s. Plus the music background of some of the best music in the past two decades! And the fashion sense of both boys and girls, it reminds me of my two sisters who were in college during the Gimik fever!
          5. Sa Dulo Ng Walang Hanggan - this for me is the best Claudine Barretto drama series of ABS CBN. Especially the fight not only between Angeline and Sally but with Sally and Simang. Mylene Dizon brought herself into the brink of the wall of the best kontrabidas in Philippine television. And Eugene Domingo became a household name because of her character as Simang.
          6. Eh Kasi Bata! - during my childhood days, this was the best children show. Aiza Seguerra, Lady Lee, LA Lopez, RR Herrera and Kathleen Gokieng (?) were the host of this program and they were delighting us kids with their dance moves and singing prowess.
          7. Maging Sino Ka Man - this is again one of the best drama series ABS CBN had ever produced and shown to the public. John Lloyd Cruz became his best and Anne Curtis was a revelation here especially the now-known quotable line "Yes, I'm a slut but I'm the best slut in town!"
          8. Today with Kris Aquino - this is Mama Kris's very first show on ABS CBN. It was shown then in the afternoon before Tessie Tomas's Teysi ng Tahanan paved her way for then becoming "Queen of Talk" in the morning, pre-lunch timeslot.
          9. Morning Girls with Kris and Korina - this is another best of Kris Aquino's talk show together with Korina Sanchez! I love the part of their talk show before is their own stand or say with the issues of those times. And the love stories of Kris Aquino to then Mark Lapid and Korina to Senator Mar Roxas. The former became husbands and wives while the latter became nowhere in sight in Loveland.
          10. Tabing-Ilog - the Dawson's Creek of the Philippines. I don't know if it's based or loosely based or inspired or whatever. Rovic and Eds are the dynamic duo but I love the love team between James and George. But what I love with the whole program, the pristine waters of Pagsanjan River!

NUTELLA IS LOVE, LOVE IS NUTELLA - Thanks to my best buddy for giving me a factual idea that Nutella is certainly as delicious as heaven and as wonderful as music! Nutella brings so much joy to my very simple bread. Whenever I go home, I always make it a point to get some pieces of bread and spread the Nutella all over it! My first purchase of Nutella was when S&R recently had a sale and then on, it all started my desire with it. I've seen some of desserts made entirely by Nutella like cakes, breads, and even smoothies. But don't get too enticed with it chocolatey goodness; it is actually made of hazelnut mixed with skimmed milk and cocoa. It looks like a chocolate spread because of the color but it's not. Anyways, what's important is the joy it gives not only to me and to most of the people around the world. They even have a fanpage on Facebook and I guess, an account on Twitter. So that each time a bottle of Nutella is over, I would surely get another one. Another one of its great flavor, luscious chocolatey taste! Yummy!

SEMBREAK IS COMING! - My dear friends who were studying for their master's bombarded me with messages telling me that finally they're done with their final examinations. But still, they have to face what they are about to do, doing exams, flourishing grades and so much more. I was thinking of a great vacation with my family or with my friends. Theresa said it's pretty amazing to wander around in Tagaytay City. I would suggest to have a great roadtrip with my friends, probably going to Batangas or to Tagaytay or even further north. Whatever it is, I can't wait for the semester break. But I guess, how can I do it if at the back of your head, you're still thinking of things you would to your return on November. Tsk!

IMPACHO - Sounds like impakto, right? It was Saturday and the tradition of our family was to cook luscious for any kinds of celebration. My cousins prepared sumptuous meals to us like fried rice (the most delicious fried rice I've ever tasted!), pasta, lumpiang Shanghai, buffalo wings, and so much more. But the best dish that they've served to their guests is the California maki, which is sooo my favorite! Yum! I had too much of it that's why the result was overeating and stomachache! Tsk! I thought that coffee can remedy my stomach cramps but it made worse! I can't position myself correctly when I sleep because my stomach really aches harshly! Sunday morning, we went to the Church and I can't stand because the pain is really excruciating! The most hellish pain that I've felt was when I was watching This Guy's In Love With U Mare. I can laugh too hard because I feel the ache! I went home teary-eyed not because of the story of the movie but because of the pain I feel. Good thing that today, it doesn't attack me anymore!

So I would like to extend my warmest gratitude to Buscopan for easing out the pain of my stomach.

Tomorrow, I can already go to school!

That's it!!!

Toodles!!! :)