Livin' La Veda Tra-La-La

Bookworm Mode

2010-01-27T04:01:00.000-08:00

A good number of people in the Philly are asking me as to how I spend my rest days here in Riyadh. Well, aside from resting and playing ball, I'm starting to get back to my old habit of reading.

It's such a pity that I lost interest in reading the past years. Ionno. Becoming such a dumb-ass lately. =)

But for all those who are asking 'bout the book I'm currently reading, here it is. Aristotle's The Politics. I'm still in the first few pages but geez, it's already pretty interesting and challenging. Politics at it's very basic at the same time at it's very core.

"Man is, by nature, a political animal." "Give the top-dog arms and the under-dog enough to eat." Arrgh, itching to do more reading later today.

Which reminds me, that I have to do my Sidney Sheldon collection this 2010. I've read almost all his novels but I lost the ones I bought and the others, I just borrowed. Booo. I'd like to have a physical evidence of my being way too much of a Sidney Sheldon fan. =)

Volley Nation

2010-01-27T02:36:00.000-08:00

I'm ecstatic! I finally have another thing to get busy with here in KSA. Volleyball.

It's been ages since I last played. Varsity volleyball in high school kinda sucked. Well, UP Maroons Volleyball team didn't do well even in the UAAP, so what more in the small leagues? True? Peace co-UPIANS. =)

So, finally, finally.. be playing ball again! We had our opening for the KHCC Inter-departmental volleyball league. Well, I didn't get to witness the opening ceremony because yours truly came from night shift so I had to sleep the day off. Booo.

My black team is on a 1-1 stat and hopefully this coming Friday, it'll become 3-1. LOL. All teams are pretty much competitive so we'll just expect the worst this coming Friday, with OPD and Laboratory as opponents. *Gulp*

Wish us luck, you guys. =)

And oh, hoping to be officially in the KHCC team for the upcoming Inter-hospital tourney. HoooHah! =)

2010 To-Do List

2010-01-27T00:14:00.001-08:00

I know, I know. I was supposed to write this when the year just started but duh, with all the stuff going on at the hospital, what can I do? ;)

So, these are the stuff I just have to do this 2010. Or at least, will try to do this 2010. I will make a rundown just so I won't forget. =)

1. Scuba dive - Loving the beach aint just enough. The deep has much much more lovin' going on. I'm thinking Nalusuan, Pescador, Palawan or Sogod. What dya say?

2. Horseback riding - I have long been wanting to ride a horse, so hopefully, I can ride one this year. Weee.

3. Surf! - My friend talked about this one day tutorial in his surf school, so I just need to do an early enrollment for this year in time for my annual leave. I'm not gonna do that kind of surfing in the picture though. =)

4. Bungee Jump!! - Yeeeaaah! Booked already with my college classmate for this experience in Danao! I can't wait!

5. White water rafting- Was supposed to go rafting last year but the sudden turn out of events prevented us from doing so. So hopefully this year, CDO, watch out. ;)

6. Out of Town Drive- I miss driving. I miss the drive trip I do with some friends in the Philippines. To just converse, feel the wind and enjoying the scene with our music. Man, it's pathetic women can't drive here in KSA. My folks should get a better car when I get home. Haha. Joke. =)

7. Karting! - It's a pity that Kart Zone already closed before I can get a hand of their karts. We'll see, there might be a new spot opening when I get home. Speedracer mode! ;)

8. Parrrty!! - If you are a close friend of mine, you know that I'm not a big fan of parties. But you also know, that I've been planning in like forever to take my nightlife to the next level. Hahaha. Im kind of a sore loser when it comes to clubbing and stuff. But yeah, I'm optimistic that this year's gonna be my year. We'll make a quick "Life of the Party" scene when I get back. Fingers crossed that Vudu, Loft and the Penthouse will not be out of business this year. lol.

9. Outreach Programs and Medical Missions volunteer- I miss the feeding programs we used to have during college, and even post-college. I miss the sound of screaming children during medical missions too. So hopefully, I'd get to attend some of these charitable/philanthropic activities when I come home. I think my "giving-back" time is sooo long overdue. Have to give back for all the blessings y'know. ;)

1o. FAMILY TIME- The last but certainly not the least, quality family time. I miss my lil bro and sis soooo much! Be cooking for them for the first time ever in my entire lifetime! ;)

I'm putting out my calendar and marking the dates. Drats, I've got way too much activity and I doubt if I can do everything I'm planning to do. But we'll see. What Veda wants, Veda gets. You know me. ;)

The Photog Experience

2010-01-26T23:07:00.000-08:00

Not that I never had the chance of posing in front of the camera in my lifetime. This time, it's on a different scale. And believe me, it was tough as hell.

Firstly, I am not a pro model who can effortlessly make love to the lenses. Secondly, I cant help it, I am just a smiley person - - and emo/glamour shots are kinda difficult for me. Lastly, I'm just a starter, so forgive me. =)

For the haters, get over it. TO EACH HIS OWN, I must say.

All PROPS to DJ Hostalero, Jon Borromeo (and his lovely half, Tess), Wijo Mendoza and Ferdinand Tiongson for setting me up with this kind of love affair. Well, the love affair is still in the works, so fingers crossed, it will be in full bloom in due time. Thanks for being supportive, and mind you, the doughnuts really were a huge help!

Hopefully when winter's over, we can do outdoor shots with some of my friends. They are stoked with the idea of a photoshoot. Hahaha. And I am also hyper with the idea of getting my own DSLR with free tutorials from you guys! Drats, gotta save up more moolahs y'know. =)

DSLR birth pains suck and yeah, it's starting to take its toll. Good luck.

Jam-Packed January

2010-01-06T22:21:00.000-08:00

The year just started, and how!

BUSY AS A BEE!

The new year work shift was just a starter. Looking at my January roster, I could not help but utter a disgusting "uuulch!". I can't help but feel literally nauseated and overwhelmed. I just finished my ECG class and exams, and boy, it's a total brain-shrinker! Not a good thing. A few days from now, I will be taking the Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support course and I need tons of prayers to get me through that painstakingly difficult stage. Makes me wanna cry, really.

After the ACLS certification, another hospital-wide exam is next. And then finally, the interview with the Director of Nursing. Shockers. I don't wanna cry no more. I'd rather die. Boo. ;(

2009 Thank You List (Drum Roll, Please!)

2010-01-02T15:12:00.000-08:00

My, what a year it has been! Looking back at the past year, I can definitely say that it's been a wild roller coaster ride. Wild, but sweet.

So here's my list of a couple number of people to thank for the year that was. Twenty-oh-nine!

To my God, who has always been and always will be my guide in my continuing journey --I owe to you everything. My life is not enough to thank you for all that you have showered me with. 'Nuf said.

To my family, for being so patient with me and my tantrums. For being so understanding with all my dramas and for being very supportive with all my decisions - two thumbs and feet up for you, homies! Just so you know, I love you and I miss you all so dearly.

To my good friends - Mael, Victor, Van2, Arianne and Nhaj, my life will never ever be the same without you. I miss college but I miss you all even more. The laugh trips and the shenanigans. From the gay bars of the North to the halo-halo stops of the South. Gosh, I just wish that Canada, USA and all the other countries will stop hiring nurses so that you can all go follow me here and continue the good times (I crossed my fingers when i said this)! *sob*

To my dear Jow, hugs! I have been such a mess lately but I'm pulling through. It just feels great to know that I can always count on you. Forgive me for being such a twit, but what can I say, I am no Goddess you know. LY. See you in Egypt. Hehehe. =)

To my flatmates here in Riyadh, forgive me for being lazy sometimes. I know we all have our "lazy" moments but when it hits me, i have to beg you to grant me all your forgiveness. I know we are not seeing each other as much as we used to (what, with all the sked we have, come on!), but I have to let you know that I miss our being very noisy and being tidy with the flat (ooops, no pun intended, i swear!). Hahaha. And i just have to tell you that I miss the English movies that we used to watch. WOWOWEE's crawling in my skin. He even follows me to sleep. Help! =)

To my ER family, thanks for making me feel that I BELONG. I don't know, It's been a very difficult start but I am slowly desensitizing myself with the toxicity that is naturally in ER. Thanks for being tolerant with my faults and never failing to teach me how to correct it. As I have said over and over again in my previous entries, I partly owe my professional progress to the people I work with in the Emergency Room.

Sorry but I can't help but go over this list per person. ;)

Maam Ellen, este, TITA Ellen, Maam Jaria and Maam Felma, I can't thank you enough for being the wind beneath my wings (churvah!) and for never being hesitant to help me/us during some of my/our "dumb blonde moments". =)

Wehbi, who will forever be "ma-ARTE", thank you for sharing not only your nursing expertise but as well as the warmth of your friendship. I can never thank you enough for giving us the feeling of having a brother whilst being far from home.

Moath, well, what can I say? You were with me and Maria when we started from scratch. You are our MENTOR. I just wish we will never disappoint you. Thank you for the effort you exerted in teaching us and for never leaving us during our "trying" moments. Hehe.

Yahya for the constant reassurance that things will be okay despite some shitty moments. Thank you.

To Ayat, Khaled, Tani (Mohd), Ahmad and Sahar, aside from the assistance, I have to highlight that you guys make me laugh. Khaled's funny voice, Ayat's kalandian, Moh'd's eternal squabble with Maam felma which is very comedic to witness, Sahar's "Where Moath, Where Dahlia" moments and Ahmad's ECG exam. Bwahahahaha! My god, I'm laughing my socks off as I'm writing this! Hahaha!

To our Mudir, Madam Farrah, thank you for not being mean and for always giving in to what we want (Sked and all, all that). It tickles me to death when you ask us "How are you? You're still alive?". Hahaha. Thank you for not giving us the feeling that we have to be super-scared of you. =) =) =)

My batch mates in ER, what would I do without you?!! I just wish that the camaraderie between us will continue beyond our three-year contract. =)

To my partner, Maria, I miss you. really, I do. You were my partner when we started and we shared food, stories, dramas and all, all that. It felt like losing a cheatmate, with you being in SW. Nevertheless, thank you for coming into my life. 'Nuf said. =)

To everyone who touched my life in one way or another, THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH! I wish you all the best for this year and may our paths be fully clear of negative vibes.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Love Lots,
Veda

Doctor Gone Wild!

2010-01-01T22:25:00.000-08:00

After seeing 10,000 patients, this doctor just totally threw a fit! A dancing fit, that is! He has gone hysterical because he was too exhausted seeing too many patients with runny nose. Hahaha.

Man, see what night shift can do to people. Tsk-tsk. Poor doctor. *evil smile*

Where The Magic's At

2009-12-21T02:40:00.000-08:00

Kingdom Hospital and Consulting Clinics.

This is where the magic and the toxicity's at. In better days, I can talk to my colleagues in the Emergency room. In not so better days, I barely see them even if we're on the same shift because of the crowd of patients. Regardless of patient-full or patient-less days, working at KHCC ER makes me happy. It gives me a sense of fulfillment despite the leg cramps after every shift (lol).

So here's a shoutout to my workmates, our doctors and our patients! Cheers! :)

KH Photos by: Angela Bernardo

Who Says You Can't Have Fun in the Kingdom?

2009-12-21T01:18:00.001-08:00

Really now, who said that?!

Sure, you can't do everything that you used to do in the Philippines, but "NO FUN" ain't a reality here. =)

I Heart The Kingdom

2009-12-09T07:24:00.000-08:00

It's been 3 months since I last posted on this site. The icky feeling of not being able to write on my blog for the longest time was so overwhelming. Not that my blog is special or anything, but ionno, I just miss it.

Moving on to the brighter side of things, we finally have our own internet line! So expect more baloneys on this site in the next 2 to 3 years. lol!

Anyhoos, I'm writing from the other side of the world. In case you didn't know, I'm currently based in Riyadh. Not that it's the most amazing place in the world, but geez, I like it here! The thought of staying here for 3 years doesn't scare me at all.

Some of the many reasons why I think I'm liking it here (In no particular order):
1. The infrastructures are just amazing! The houses, in particular are just jaw-dropping.
2. Contrary to popular belief that Saudis aren't that "nice", well yeah, they are not nice because they are very, very nice. I'm speaking based on experience, not just on mere hearsay.
3. Other than Saudis, the people I work with in the hospital who are of different nationalities are really supportive. I just wish that I could say the same thing for Filipinos in general, who are so fond of the crab's mentality. Don't get me wrong though, the Filipinos I work with are super-duper supportive. I owe to them a part of my professional growth. And of course, my mentor is simply the best. =)
4. I have the best roommate ever - Naisa! We jive well with things relating to shopping (She's the -holic one), sleeping and blabbing. She cooks really well that's why my tummy's always happy. Too bad for her, I can't cook as well as she does. Boo. ;)
5. Riyadh has malls sprouting all over. Even if I don't get to shop really often, window shopping and food tripping really makes my trip to the mall fulfilling.
6. The sun is literally bigger to look at from this side of the earth! I swear! =)
7. Fast food (KFC, McDonalds, Herfy, etc.) value meals are HUUUUUGGEEE in size! So huge, I can drown in them! Hahaha.
8. No TRAFFIC! Wee! It's transpo-ville haven! Too bad though, women can't drive here.
9. The miracle of a water heater in the accomodation is just sooo glorious, especially this winter time. Brrrr..
10. Jarir Bookstore! I love, love, love it!

So this is basically me and Riyadh. You'll hear more about it in my upcoming blogs. I'm smiling as I'm writing this. Geez, I think I'm in love with the place already. ;)

WTG Cebuana, WTG Raleene!

2009-09-06T06:30:00.000-07:00

"Raleene" by Raleene Cabrera

This is Raleene Cabrera and I'm officially a big, big fan of hers!

You guys should check her blog out! It has got to be one of the sassiest blogs I have ever visited. I am proud to say that Raleene Cabrera is a true-blue Cebuana and her musical team-up with her sister is awe-inspiring!

This nineteen year old is a gorgeous ball of talent.

Some few facts:
*Photographs by her are hands down, A+++ in quality.
*The Cabrera girls' music is extremely ear-friendly and good. Really, really GOOD! Check them out http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8hlzbNegqI&feature=related , this is their cover for the song, "Almost Lover". It almost made me cry.
*Her flair for fashion is supercalifragilickin' HOT!
*She's pesco-vegetarian.
*Currently studying Interior Design at La Salle-College of Saint Benilde

To find out why I'm gushing about her, do visit her blog site, www.raleene.com.

Once you're done checking the site out, get back to me and tell me that I'M A VERY HONEST PERSON. You'll enjoy her blog as much as I did.

My friend and I are proud of you CEBUANA! =)

That Ain't A Proposal

2009-09-01T20:28:00.000-07:00

At Steaktown Edsa Shangrila, I got one of the sweetest surprises. Many were asking if it was a proposal, but no no no, that ain't a proposal. It was just one of the sweetes gestures of love. Yuck. Hahaha. The steak was super yet the surprise really got me!

That's not a ring, so don't you all worry.

I love the earrings dearie. Thanks! =)

Food-Fun-Friday

2009-09-01T20:07:00.000-07:00

(Handuraw)

(City Garden)

(@ 30)

It's fun to be spontaneous. Especially if you don't know where you're heading to and in the company of a good friend. Boo and I had dinner at this neat little resto, 30. I was so amazed that a place this little could be so nice, interior-wise.

Arianne and Bing followed us and we then head off to City Garden to enjoy the relaxing ambience of the place's backyard garden. The place was so quiet and it almost felt like we own the place. Wishful thinking.

Last stop was Handuraw and as expected, their pizza never ceases to please. As if we weren't that full, we finished the food in a blink of an eye. Haha.

Can't wait for the next resto/food-hop! ;)

Compellingly French!

2009-07-22T03:00:00.000-07:00

Fascinamment français!

French are lucky to be french. I mean, come on, who doesn't want to be in such a great country as France? Rich in history, culture and people with distinct marks of a superior race, who are you joking? I want to be French! Je veux être le français!

The French Revolution. Napoleon Bonaparte. The Eiffel tower. The Louvre. Palace of Versailles. The Mona Lisa. Ratatouille. French kiss. French baker. French fries (lol). FRENCH GUYS.

Chacun aime des gars français!

I came across this blog entry by Princessa, (http://hubpages.com/hub/Why-are-French-men-so-irresistible) and I tell you, this explains why most women love French guys. Read on!

"What makes French men so irresistible?"

From the first impressions you recognize a French man by his outfit. A Parisian has no competitors for fashion sense. Ordinarily you would never buy an orange scarf for your boyfriend, until you see a Parisian walking along the Champs Elysees with an orange silk scarf complementing his "decontracte" style. Only the Italians come closer with their particular sense of elegance and distinction.
Attitude. French guys look straight into your eyes when they are talking to you. Ok. Sometimes their eyes stray away towards your boobs, but quickly they come back to meet your eyes. It is actually considered bad manners not to look into the eyes of someone when you are talking to them and someone told me that it brings 7 years bad sex if you do not look straight into the eyes of someone when toasting!

They are passionate about anything they might be talking about which usually is food, wine or sex.
Conversation. With French men you can talk about anything you talk with your girlfriends. It does not matter their education, any French man will be able to talk with you about the latest fashion trends, cooking recipes and of course wine and cheese.
The French have a highly developed sense of smell. A French man actually appreciates your selection of toiletries. They can even recognize your perfume by name. I still remember the time I met a French fashion photographer in a Marbella nightclub, after being introduced he asked me -just to corroborate that he was right- if I was wearing Nilang, a perfume by Lalique, which at the time was only available in the Lalique shops in Paris so the scent was very exclusive and unknown. That impressed me!
French men can cook. And I am not talking about an omelette or opening a can of baked beans... no, no, no. I am talking about delicious well prepared meals cooked with lashes of fresh cream and herbs that you have never heard about; all served at a well decorated table and eaten with three hours of delightful conversation.
It does not matter what a French man tells you, if he says it in French you will be at his feet. Their accent, pronunciation and who knows what else are so irresistible, that I have almost fallen in love with many men without even having looked at their faces.
They are very expressive; they like to tell you how they feel and if they compliment you they really mean it. By and large they are not afraid to show their emotions. They will tell you that they love you, that they are mad about you and pour their heart out to you without feeling compromised for doing it. Even tough cinema actor Vincent Cassel has been quoted saying: "I think I'm actually more vulnerable than people imagine."
Most men do not drink beer -whisky as an aperitif is more acceptable and wine with a meal-. By and large a more elegant choice of drink.
Their life does not revolve around football matches. In three years living in France I have not yet met a football fan; at least not the type that spends Saturday afternoon in front of the tv. drinking a beer and cheering his team.
French men are still gentlemen and as such they still pay for you when you go out with them. French men like to pick up the bill. I know many feminists will be outraged by this, but they do it naturally. If you go out dining with male friends you do not have to go through the awkward discussion of who ate what or take out the calculator to divide the bills. Most of them are just happy to pay for you.

L'espoir vous trouverez votre vrai amour français!

Hidden Valley Resort

2009-07-19T19:43:00.000-07:00

Hidden Valley Resort in Pinamungajan, Cebu is truly a hidden paradise. This mountain resort surprised me since I have been in one too many mountain resorts around Cebu City. As one of the destinations in "Suroy-Suroy sa Sugbo", this place is really worth the "Suroy".

The place is very peaceful and lets you reconnect with nature. They have a small zoo and a plant aquarium which pleased my younger siblings and my grandmothers. If you want to make the place very lively, you can indulge yourself with their videoke machine (which I did) and have the entire mountain barangay as your audience.

We could have gone exploring the nearby caves and waterfalls, but the bad weather didn't allow us to. Boo. =(

All in all, this place is one of the reasonable places to go to if you want some weekend time off by yourself or with family and friends. Friendly staff, good food and fully-equipped facilities are all in the package.

And oh, the herbal massage is a total must-try! =)

Note: This writer didn't get to take much better pictures because of camera battery downtime. Ack!

Promdi in Manila

2009-07-19T19:10:00.000-07:00

I never knew that Employer interviews take forever to finish. I spent two days of waiting in line from 8am to 8pm, missing lunch and pretending to be just all smiles. Ack! It is agony at its very best.

After 2 weeks of flying to and fro Manila, I'm finally done with the hard parts (exams, interviews and all that). So for now, I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

The good part during my first week was being able to see J and made up for lost time. Did the things we usually do like dine out and watch a movie or two. Boy, do i miss the guy. Except for the visible weight loss, J was still his same old self.

Regardless of J staying in Manila or not, I am not staying there. It's not that I don't like it or something. The promdi in me will always have to take charge. The hustle-bustle of Manila life is way too much for me. It is such a frustration to see Manila Bay gone black, the floating garbage flooded by the afternoon rain and some guy running away with someone else's bag on hand. Well I guess this has become an ordinary sight for people who lives in this city. I just wish more and more NGO's and GO's will work on these problems. There is still a huge chance for change.

Manila is not difficult a city for one to love. It will just take a solid, individual/group effort for this city to be as beautiful as it used to be.

Dang, this Promdi is now down with fever and flu as she writes this. Manila stress and weak immune system, I supposed. Boo. =(

Hometown Luvin'

2009-07-14T00:10:00.001-07:00

Finally I got the chance to go home after some tedious work week. Almost died of exhaustion and hunger. Hospital work is way too demanding for my taste.

Though I was born and spent most of my childhood years in Cebu City, I still am a true blue Hinundayanon. My heart belongs to this peaceful little town in the Pacific area of Southern Leyte.

Haaaaaaay.. I can't wait to go home again. =(

Missing the Plane, err, Flame

2009-06-23T08:14:00.001-07:00

Missing the plane, missing the flame.

I finally decided to just stay put in Cebu. As much as I'd want to visit J, there's no way that I'm going to make it to Manila before the first of July. Aside from the abominable weather, plane fares that cost more than an arm and a leg, my godmother's wedding (she's in her mid-40's) -- I think I would be sent to eternal damnation if I miss my Lolo's first death anniversary.

So many things to do, so little time! If it rains, it truly pours! As for my case, it's pouring frustrations.

I am so frustrated with the thought of not seeing J until September. It's not that I can't bear his 5-month absence, heck, I just miss the things that we used to do together. Err, ain't those things I mentioned just about similar? Duh!

Well, I guess I just have to live by some cheesy motto that is, "Absence makes the heart grow fonder."

YUCK.

Seriously now, do what you got to do and I'll do my thing too. It won't be long until we see each other again. It's not we're gonna be apart in like, forever.

P.S.
I already got tickets for September. LOL.

*Of Burgers and Fortune Tellers

2009-06-22T21:43:00.000-07:00

What does one do during a cold, rainy day? Perhaps bunking in bed and wishing on extended chimeras would be the popular answer. Enjoying a good book in one hand and a steaming hot cup of coffee in another will most likely be a notorious runner-up.

Well, I didn't do any of the above activities. I woke up at 6AM to meet up with some friends and visit the famous fortune teller of Mactan island, Madam Naty. The road leading to her dwelling is still the same muddy road that we travelled three years ago. And Nang Naty was still her glamorous old self. I was wondering if she still remembers us with our duty uniform on, all crammed up inside her "hula house" eagerly listening to each others fortunes and misfortunes. And I doubt if she still remembers making "hula" to Victor about his becoming an actor. What a disaster!

We left Nang Naty's place and drove towards Aryan's abode. Upon reaching her place, we drank a frickin' good instant coffee and spent our time blabbing off about certain things. Her cute little niece, Tanya wanted me to draw for her Princess Jasmine. I ended up drawing a Princess Jasmine with fish tails. Duh! I was thinking of the Little Mermaid all along. Whatever happened to my Disney characters expertise!? Crap.

We then head off to her burger stand and badgered her staff just so we can try making a decent burger. I saw the customer's face turned sour when I damaged her patty. LOL.

I never knew I could enjoy the rainy day like this. In any other rainy day, I would've opted to just lounge in bed and snore the day away. But this rainy day is special. I got my hands full of controversial misfortunes, a damaged patty, a twisted Princess Jasmine, a friend's surprising love news and a half day well-spent with some good friends.

Cheers to the rainy season! =)

Author Who?

2009-06-22T00:15:00.000-07:00

When I was in High School, I was fond of writing my own poems. I also liked copying poems that interest me from various reading materials. Actually, I still do the jotting down of poems occasionally. Though the passion isn't as unswerving as it was during my younger years, I still have the ardor to persist an almost-forgotten avocation.

So I uncluttered some old stuff and found one of my notebooks. I started scanning the notes and realized that it wasn't my poetry booklet. Duh! But what got me interested was this single entry I copied into one of those sheets full of "reminders".

It's a pretty interesting entry and I am dying to know who the author is. Help!

Chastity. The devil shows his virgin teeth
but his tongue is a whore. It tastes
almost everything including the hosts,
the whore, the core and the corn - -
but he is now a priest and his genital
is eaten by the scrotum. He cannot
love. He cannot fuck. He cannot sex. He
cannot pump. His is useless. It is whore.

I want to die. I am crazy. I want to die.
What is the use of my penis when it cannot sex.
I am a chaste but not a virgin,
I am a chastity!

I find this writing to be very stalwart and boy, do it speak a lot! Its censored vocabulary speaks volume and speaks beyond what it literally means.

So if you have an inkling as to who the writer of the aforementioned entry is, PLEASE HOLLER ME!

Thanks!

An Epiphany of Sorts

2009-06-21T20:48:00.000-07:00

I was sitting in a nook early this morning and I had an epiphany of what I believe I am made of.

I have my mother's charm and vulnerability..

My father's looks and flexibility..

My Lola's mood and temper..

..and my Lolo's big HEART.

Damn, do I miss "Tatay". =(

Sorry..I Can't Help It

2009-06-17T19:58:00.000-07:00

I can't help it. I just can't help it. I love this guy, err, I like this guy sooo much! You can call this childish stuff, but yeah, I'm being childish over this stuff. LOL.

Lee Min Ho, the lead star of Boys Over Flowers just never ceases being dreamy. Girls are going agog over his Goo Jun Pyo character. Me, included. While many are falling for his money and heartthrob appeal, I am definitely falling for his antics. He is just darn lovable!

Crap. I can't believe I'm writing this stuff. Truly pathetic. Boo!

Good Charlotte..NOT!

2009-06-13T07:26:00.000-07:00

Sorry, but THE Charlotte didn't earn my respect. It killed it. At some point, it has turned our lives into one great, big, complex SHIT.

And oh, before i forget, I don't hate it. I just feel sorry for that twit of a thing. Boo!

Boo's Day Out

2009-05-28T06:36:00.001-07:00

I just had the swellest day ever!

Spent the day with one of my closest friends, and boy, was I bloated with all the food and chisms! It's been such a while since "boo-ang" and I saw each other. I missed her a lot. It feels so good to know that you have a friend for keeps who's always there through hell and back.

Here's to a lasting and boo-tiful friendship, Mael Stephanie Dela Calzada!

Luv yah, Misis! =)

The Day My "Na-chus" Gave Up On Me

2009-05-24T05:42:00.000-07:00

I have never been the biggest fan of slippers, shoes, sandals and the like. Though I have occasional footwear fetish, it remains "occasional" to the true sense of the word. The occasional pair will most likely be BLACK.

A self-proclaimed follower of the religion that is practicality, I find black shoes to be most convenient for someone who is not so fashion-savvy (ahem). I have quite a number of black foot paraphernalia to go with my 96 ct. Crayola crayons-colored wardrobe. I have quite a number of them to merit a remark from the beau that my taste for footwear is downright BORING! Ouch!

Well, I can't blame the poor boy for having such a dowdy girlfriend. But you can't blame me either if the comforts of my pads rest on that workable, reliable pair of black moccasins. Boots, sandals, ballet shoes, doll shoes, black wedges, pumps, sneakers and what have you. Name it and I have their respective black versions.

I have this particular favorite pair which I call "Na-chus", my shortcut for Naturalizer. I had it as a present from one of my Aunts two years ago. At first glance, I dismissed it as ordinary. But once I had my sole in, I found the ultimate shoe heaven! It was the simplest looking pair of sandals yet the most comfortable I have ever had in my entire post-adolescent life!

From the church to the market, from birthday dinners to the mall, from boats to the beach - - that pair was my loyal companion. My "Na-chus" were a witness to a handful of secrets. If it were given a mouth, tongue and of course a voice, then I probably would have had my jolt of Pandora's box. Boo.

As of this writing, my "Na-chus" chance of spilling the beans on me is no longer possible. Even if you give the biggest trachea there is, my "Na-chus" already gave up on me. I was just a few meters past our gate when it snapped. I looked down on a pair that used to be my feet's best friend, now it sits in a cold corner of my shoe stall.

People tend to get the most out of things which they think is useful to them. Not only is it applicable on material stuff but also in real life, say, careers, relationships and friendships. Supposedly, the ideal scenario would be mutual but what usually happens is an infestation of parasites. Parasitism over Mutualism. Once they suck out everything you got, the words "bye-bye" is just around the corner. They drop you like hot, delicious french fries!

OUCH!

Feed The Pain

2009-05-14T18:11:00.000-07:00

They say that the amount of calories one ingests reflects the weight of emotional turmoil one is experiencing. The amount of caloric content is directly proportional to the emotional baggage. Really now?

So, is it safe to say that people on the streets - since they eat less, have lesser emotional baggage? No. No. No. The opening paragraph does not hold true in most cases.

I choose not to take the melodramatic path (blog-wise) this morning. What I want to really say is, I'm in pain. Stomach pain. I'M HUNGRY! And looking at that picture of an uber tempting hamburger is killing me! A chienne of a burger. crap. (salivates)

It's not that we don't have food for breakfast. I just don't feel like eating what's being served downstairs. I'm feeling hotdogs, pancakes and scrambled eggs as day starters. You might go, say, "Then cook, biatch!" and worrying that I might not know how. lol.

Uhm, I do know how to cook. Breakfast food is my forte, actually. Toasting and frying is so dang easy, isn't it? Haha! Where's mama when you need her the most?

Lazy people gets hungry..most of the time. But then again, there's always the convenience of FOOD DELIVERY. So happy. =)

Burning Bridges of Yore

2009-05-13T17:44:00.000-07:00

www.swizzle.ca

An encounter with an ex got me thinking about my inability in the past and the inability of some people to burn their bridges all the way to the ground. Sure, sometimes its hard to let go and just move on, but there are times when it must be done. And so I contemplated why some people, again and again, refuse to do this. Why can’t they just let go, commence the proverbial “burning” and move on? If you’re going to make a decision, at least make a solid one. Don’t say “no” and then, bending under pressure from both inside and outside, decide that perhaps “yes” would be the best answer. It will only hurt you more and makes you appear pathetic. Make a decision and effing stick to it!

Now, I have in the past fallen under the category of not burning my bridges all the way down. However, that only led to greater dissatisfaction and remorse. It also pained the people i love and the people who loves me. Truly, if you have it in you to burn bridges, you should do it right. Ridding ones life completely of any outside nuisance or negative energy is ultimately for the best. Having taken the time and courage to eliminate those things, I find my life feeling much more free and I’ve loved in a way I’ve never loved before. I felt like a weight’s been lifted off my shoulders each time I eliminate something that wasn’t quite right previously, love-wise, life-wise.

Make no mistake, burning bridges does not leave one feeling empty or lonely. Each bridge you burn is replaced with a new, stronger bridge. Eliminating a friendship with a fake and an ex whose excess negative energies continually brought me down a peg on the mood scale, has led to stronger relationships with other old friends and my many new friends.

I find myself today in some of the best friendships with the best people I have ever known, and I wouldn’t trade it for Choos nor Manolos. I’m not looking back, I’m not asking “what if” I had just given in again. I’m looking at the present and keeping in mind the future, which looks so bright from this vantage point.

I have no regrets. My life is on the right path. I am moving slow but at least, in the right direction. My goals are clear and achievable. I have already achieved so many things, and many more are on the way. Slowly but surely, that is. I wouldn’t trade any of my decisions for anything in the world. Unless it’ll hurt the people I love so much, there will be no more second thoughts.

Does Love Need a Reason?

2009-05-12T04:43:00.000-07:00

www.gardenofgloom.com

I just find this cute. Read on, =)

Lady: Why do you like me..?
Why do you love me?

Man: I can’t tell the reason.. but I really like you..

Lady: You can’t even tell me the reason…
How can you say you like me?
How can you say you love me?

Man: I really don’t know the reason,
but I can prove that I love you.

Lady: Prove? No! I want you to tell me the reason.
My friend’s boyfriend can tell her why he loves her but not you!

Man: Ok! Ok!!! Erm…

because you’re beautiful,
because your voice is sweet,
because you are caring,
because you are loving,
because you are thoughtful,
because of your smile,
because of your every movements..

Unfortunately, a few days later, the Lady met an accident and became a vegetable.

The Guy then placed a letter by her side,
and here is the content:

Dearest,

Because of your sweet voice that I love you…

Now can you talk? No!
Therefore I cannot love you.

Because of your care and concern that I like
you..

Now that you cannot show them,
therefore I cannot love you.

Because of your smile, because of your every movement that I love you..

Now can you smile? Now can you move?
No, therefore I cannot love you…

If love needs a reason, like now,
there is no reason for me to love you anymore.

But does love need a reason?
I still love you… Because love doesn’t need one.

Of Love and Manicured Toenails

2009-05-12T03:46:00.000-07:00

Did you ever find yourself in a situation when you wanted something so bad that you have to sacrifice the core of your tenets? Play your multiple personalities to a no-nonsense level? Give in to just about any whims? Bet you did.

They all say that if it’s meant for you, it’ll just unknowingly, land on your feet. And because present circumstance says that “it’s meant for you”, you give it a shot, disregarding the fact that you could end up hurting. There will always be those moments when giving almost everything isn’t enough. The jar of contentment isn’t the same for everyone. What I think is everything for me, could possibly be just nothing to someone else and vice versa.

This is where the manicured toenails come in.

In relationships, romantic or otherwise, just like the toenails, prepare for constant smudging and always be aware that a nail salon is built for a purpose. You wanted something so bad, then be ready to pay its price. You get hurt along the way, but for the greater glory of a relationship you believe in - be willing to concede and just have the nail salon repaint your toenails.

It’s a fact of life. Everybody hurts. That’s one big reality that no one is immune from. It’s just a matter of how you pick yourself up after the hurting and smudging. The cherry on the parfait is a relationship coming out well because of the sustained hurts. We learn from all those hurts, for crying out loud!

In a life like mine–full of needless hullabaloos, never ending theatricals and psychotic potentials, it’s clear-cut that I’m gonna be an anti-psychotics dependent. I dunno. My mind is in a whirl…so is this blog. =)

The Good Ol' Beaching

2009-05-11T17:28:00.000-07:00

@ Bohol

@ San Remigio

@ Bantayan Island

@ Boracay

The relaxation and the comfort I get from a beach vacation is superb. It recharges me and makes me breath a new air. It's like an air full of good vibrations sprinkled with sugar, spice and everything nice.

soft wind touching your face..

golden sun kissing your cheeks..

sparkling water playing with your feet..

Aaaaaaaahhh..

Anybody up for some good ol' beaching?

Dang, I miss the beach. =(

Love thy Enemy

2009-05-11T07:47:00.000-07:00

A few months ago, I have decided to just stop the hating and just go on with life sans the haters. I have come to think now of the people who used to pester my life as "blessings in bitches' clothing", for without them, my closet would have been empty and downright boring.

So let me just give my biggest THANKS to all the flops who wear designers and not pulling it off. You truly made my hand-me-downs a CLASSIC!

Familiar Territory

2009-05-05T04:51:00.000-07:00

(L-R) Arianne, Vanelli, Moi and Nhaj

We live to serve. Cebu Doctors' University Hospital's motto could most likely be the best motto for every nurse there is.

Working in a hospital scares me. People's lives depend in your very hands. The scope of responsibility is so wide that in every move you make, you think of every lawsuit there is that could possibly head your way. But who's complaining?

Not me. I have friends, classmates and some familiar faces who'll thread this road with me. That being said, the days ahead are going to be loaded (of course) and fun!

I'm excited to see them again. lol.

Work Dork Cork

2009-05-03T05:50:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow's the big day. Will start work at the local private hospital. Time to get busy. Time to get my ass kicked! For a month or two, I was excited. But now, I'm just pretty burn out.

P.S.
Work Dork Cork doesn't mean anything.

P.P.S.
Crappy cerebrum ain't working tonight. Sorry.

Peaceful Morning

2009-04-28T18:19:00.001-07:00

I just woke up to a lovely, rainy Wednesday morning. Grabbed a cup of hot chocolate and looked out the window to a silent, peaceful Earth. Not that I hate noise, but too much noise scares me. Two birds are chirping and are taking shelter under the Avocado tree. The greenery outside our house looked so vibrant with the rainwater kissing their precious leaves. The road looks shiny and inviting.

...more birds are chirping now as if they don't want the soft rain to go.

...ahhh, this morning just gave justice to the song, "What a Wonderful World". =)

photo by Nhaj Bequilla, "Sundown Street Shoot"

Falling Stars

2009-04-28T09:17:00.000-07:00

Twinkle, twinkle little stars..they do look like stars, don't they?

Now go, make a wish. Mine is INNER PEACE and of course, WORLD PEACE. What's yours? =)

all photos by Nhaj Bequilla, "Trails of Light"

Street Life

2009-04-28T08:23:00.001-07:00

Just how lucky can one get to have three square meals in a day, two hot showers and a cozy bed to sleep in for the night? I would say, lucky. Very, very lucky.

People, especially children on the streets are not as lucky. They traipse the dangerous streets to find garbage worth eating. Get taken advantage of by greedy people, aka, syndicates. Beaten to near-death because they haven't labored for their parents for the day. That's the painful truth. Everyday, 8 out of 10 children all over the world gets deprived of a day's meal for not having reached their target amount of alms. This and more are the harsh realities of a street child's life.

I hope these photos help you remember how lucky you are to have a decent meal on the table and a roof on your head. =(

all photos by Nhaj Bequilla, "Street Photography"

No Space for Haters

2009-04-28T06:10:00.000-07:00

This world is cramped up with haters and it cannot accommodate any other bed-spacer. I do not welcome haters in my life. But then again, who does? I don't give a rat's ass, but them haters seem to desperately knock on my doors and windows for VIP access to my rainbow-colored life.

I don't know. Some people just like me are hater-magnets. Some people just like the haters are insecure. And some insecure people just don't give a damn, which is a good thing. I'm hoping for much, much more people whose foreheads are tattooed with the word, PEACE.

As a good friend may have put it, "There's no cure for the insecure." So why not, avoid the sickness and keep it simple babe? That will definitely do you and everybody good.

Here's to THE PEACE MOVEMENT, y'all! =)

Which Way is Home?

2009-04-27T21:36:00.000-07:00

This is for you, Marian. =)

http://mi.eng.cam.ac.uk/research/projects/Query/img/arrow.png

The scorching heat of the summer sun pricked my skin in an unimaginable way. The sweat running down my forehead was endless. It was the summer of 2005 in the Philippines and the 38 degree temperature was torture. A pang of sadness suddenly enveloped me when I finally realized that this is the day my Mom and Dad will leave for the USA, leaving me and my two younger siblings behind.

The trickling sweat were replaced with tears in the hope of successfully conveying the message to my folks that I want them to stay. I don't want them to leave our nice little abode, that in the fourteen years of my life I lovingly called, HOME. Separation anxiety was all over me.

Things were not bad when my parents left. But it was not as good as having them physically around. No mom to tell my wee secrets to. No dad who answers our hearts every whim. The sight of my parents checking in for their flights marked my memory and broke my heart. And how I wished their flight get extremely delayed just so I could spend an extra hour or two with them. It never happened.

I carried on with my routine. Go to school, go home, do the assignment and go to bed. Go to school, go home, do the assignment and go to bed. During the weekends and holidays, I watch the latest movies and play like there's no tomorrow. I never missed a phone call from Mom and Dad. It was hard, but me and my siblings are pulling through.

After two years of living the memory of Mom and Dad in the airport, my siblings and I found ourselves in the same airport, but this time around, as passengers. As the plane took off, I cannot help but give a small shriek of excitement. Finally, we'll get to see Mom and Dad! At the LAX airport lobby, I searched for two familiar faces and lo!, there they are, the two smiling faces of Mom and Dad! I cried tears of joy upon seeing them. Oh, how I missed them! I gave them the tightest hug and told them how happy I was to be reunited with my family again. I did not mind leaving our nice little abode because whichever way we go to, family is where the home is.

Visiting the Barristers

2009-04-27T21:14:00.000-07:00

This was my first visit to my barrister-friends who are reviewing at Ateneo de Manila University Law School. I have some few trips scheduled all the way until the Bar Examinations this September. They sure need a few distractions from time to time. *grins*

Those two days were the most exhilirating, yet fun days i have had since time immemorial. The malling and resto-hopping was crazy and Star City was even crazier! I loved the horror booths the most, which ironically, almost gave me a heart attack! One of my happiest-kid-in-a-theme-park moment, to date. Yahooo! =)

Starter Affair with a Canon DSLR

2009-04-05T08:02:00.000-07:00

http://img.boot.lv/new/fotokameras/DSLR/canon/medium

First thing's first. I cannot afford a Canon DSLR and nor do I have plans of buying one. I thought that DSLR's are way overrated and that such gadgets are ridiculously priced!

Just recently though, I had a change of mind as far as its being "overrated" is concerned. My good friend Nhaj Bequilla just bought one and the quality of the pictures she took just blew me away! From this point onwards, I will be posting her captures, which by the way, are amazing for a starter like her. =)

Congratulations, Jow!

2009-03-24T18:22:00.001-07:00

After four years of burning the night candle and head scratching, finally, Joweh Mark Zagado and his friends graduated from USC Law School last March 21, 2009.

I am so proud of you! Congratulations!

Love Lots!

A Crappy Summer Starter

2009-03-10T05:48:00.000-07:00

I already had my Wednesday to Saturday of this week booked for a Bantayan summer starter. And I thought I'm gonna have a blast! Boy, was I wrong!

Summer starter cancelled. Rush flight for Manila tomorrow set. Way to go, huh!?

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrgggggggggghhhhhhhhh!! =(

My American Idol Picks

2009-03-08T07:26:00.000-07:00

I started watching American Idol when I saw Carrie Underwood auditioned for its fourth season. My eyes were glued and the rest was history.

Now, the top 13 (first time in AI history) of season 8 will start their head to head battle for the top spot this week. The past week was a struggle and you can just imagine my relief when Paula Abdul said "NO" to Tatiana del Toro (finally!). Man, the girl can sing but her brimming drama just annoys me to death.

Well, here's to wishing my Top 3 bets GOOD LUCK!!!

ANOOP DESAI - A-noop Doggy Dogg is my bet for the top spot. Duh, choosing him is a no-brainer. The guy was born to sing. What I liked the most about him is that he sings popular music. His rendition of "My Prerogative" just blew me away. I got the chance to check out his pre-idol performances via youtube and boy, AMAZING! Try checking out their group's "Kiss,Kiss" acapella performace. Wtg Anoop!

DANNY GOKEY - This man has a slight resemblance to David Cook. But it's not the reason I
noticed Danny Gokey. Sure, his story was heart-gripping but come on, the guy is a winner! He has this distinct presence about him and everytime he sings a song, it makes you feel you are drifting in a sea of emotions. Too bad his bestfriend Jamar didn't make it to the finals. It would have been interesting to see them both taking the stage.

LIL ROUNDS - What can I say? This girl never ceases to take the house down everytime she performs. She has character and an amazingly good voice. She performs like a pro and gets everyone going whoah! So, 3 thumbs up to you Lil!

I'd be happy to see any of them clinch the title. I just wish they keep their feets and voices steady. Competition is tough and we all know that.

The Days of Innocence

2009-03-08T07:15:00.000-07:00

The days of innocence, huh? =)

I can't help but beam at the sight of my baby album. Not because the kid there is a darling (lol!) but because it brings me back memories of a happy childhood.

Cebuanas for Bb. Pilipinas 2009!

2009-03-06T16:34:00.000-08:00

All roads tonight will lead to the Araneta Coliseum for the Bb. Pilipinas 2009 pageant. Two Cebuanas will try to make their star sparkle as they try to get their shot at any of the three crowns at stake later this evening.

Priscilla "Mai" Honorio and Stephanie Rose Senires will hopefully make Cebuanos proud.

Good luck to you guys! Bring home the bacon! =)

Kid named Summer

2009-03-05T06:31:00.000-08:00

I am naming my future kiddo, SUMMER! Victoria Summer, Summer Vivienne or Summer Adrienne if it's a girl. If it's a boy, then it would be Vittorio SummerViktor Summer.

I have been blogging about summer lately and boy, how that word sticks!

This is how my kid will look like if Brad Pitt impregnates me (wishful thinking).. so adorable. =)

Summer Essentials

2009-03-04T05:34:00.000-08:00

Who wants a bummer of a summer?

Not me, definitely.

Summer could get really lame if you're not ready for it. Sunburn, damaged hair, swimsuit malfunctions or wardrobe freak shows?! Tell me about it. The list could go on like forever. You wouldn't want to ruin your stint in the most vibrant season of the year, would you?

So before my first shenanigan with the scorching summer sun, I am jotting down a list of my summer must-haves.

Here goes...

1. Who wants to go swimming without a swimsuit on? Unless one chooses to go skinny dipping, I can't find a single reason not to wear a swimsuit. I am loving this red separate from RYGY Sport specifically because of its gold heart buckle detail. So classy yet so sexy. Holler me when you see one just like this!

www.swimwearboutique.com

2. The summer dress, of course. Aside from the common summer outfit of shorts and sleeveless tops, it would be so swell to glam it up a bit with a summer dress. Florals are phenomenal favorites during the summer season. So with the right floral dress on, you can never go wrong.

www.floralcoordinates.uk.org

3. The magic that is SUNBLOCK. This product has evolved from being just a "kikay" essential to a "health" product. You'll be spending a whole lot of time under the sun, so apply those magic sunblock to avoid the horror that is skin cancer. Nasty.

I'm still gonna swear by Nivea. It has blocked the sun for me for quite some time now. The higher the spf number, the better.

www.images.chemistdirect.co.uk

4. Summer is fun and vibrant. So load up on accessories to match up the vibe! To add extra sizzle to the basic wardrobe, good accessorizing is the answer.

www.katyelliott.com

www.helenem.com

5. The SPIRIT OF SUMMER! Well, all that I have mentioned above will have no bearing if you don't have the spirit of summer with you. Summer is all about relaxation and FUN, FUN, FUN! If you don't have it in you to really be in the mood for fun (depends on what fun means to you though), then you can't really enjoy the summer sun.

I'm getting pretty lazy so that's what I will have for now. Enjoy the sun everyone! =)

Hello Summer!

2009-03-03T18:17:00.001-08:00

Sunblock power! =)

Summer is officially here!

The scorching heat of the sun is finally taking its toll and my, my, is it hot! Thank science for the wonders of sunblock!

Starting to miss the boyfriend with just the mere thought of him leaving dear Cebu. I am praying hard for zero airline rates so I won't miss him that much. lol. I will still live by the saying, "Absence makes the heart grow fonder". Yucks! =)

This will be an exciting summer season sans the boyfriend because I have a ton of things to do in my summer shenanigans itinerary. I may not be able to accomplish them all but at least, me has a goal. =)

So once and for all, I am giving SUMMER my biggest welcome..

"HELLO SUMMER! I'M SOOO GLAD YOU ARE HERE!"

New Summer, New Places

2009-03-01T17:59:00.000-08:00

I am starting to think of new places to go to this summer. Well, places I haven't been in the Philippines because I still can't afford for overseas trips (sponsors, anyone?). =)

Baguio City, perhaps? Hmm.. the cool summer air of Baguio is tempting. Plus the strawberry taho and strawberry ice cream! Yummm..

http://cache.virtualtourist.com/

..or Vigan if I feel like trekking down history lane. There's always something about vintage, classics, historics and antiques that draw me to them. Guess it has something to do with the old soul within. =)

I can now imagine walking down this Vigan street with the boyfriend. HHWW. hahaha! He'd kill me if he reads this. =)

www.photo.net.ph

.. Camotes Island if I'm finally over their infamous "snake tale". You can't blame me, I am frickin' afraid to death of snakes. Slimy creatures, they are. If I can muster enough guts this summer, why not? hehehe.

3.bp.blogspot.com

..and if I want some place closer, Canigao Island could be it. This island is just 2 hours away from our place in Leyte. I have heard of wonderful things about this place and I can't wait to dig my feet into those sands. *sigh*

www.comcopyright.com

So, there goes my top 5 places to go to this summer. But I don't mind forgetting this list if other great options land on my "itchy" feet.

=)

Attention: H&M in the Philippines! PLEASE!

2009-02-25T04:54:00.000-08:00

My gawd, I'm head over heels in love with H&M. I have been nurturing a loving relationship with this brand for almost 3 years now. Their current INSPIRATION collections are to die for! It's just so hard to rely on online shopping and ordering from people you know abroad to buy you stuff from this brand.. so PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE H & M... come to the PHILIPPINES! =)

Repost: Ako ug ang Narsing (2007)

2009-02-24T22:48:00.000-08:00

When i was seven, i used to dream big of becoming a hot-shot criminal lawyer. I used to imagine myself throwing strong words against puppy-eyed lawyers in my fashionably sensitive corporate attire.

When i was twelve, i practiced "the walk" that's supposed to land me a spot in an airline company as a stewardess drooled and worshiped by passengers. hahaha!

At seventeen, being the obedient daughter that i always am, i took medical technology per parental request. The very unappealing thought of just sitting down and getting to know poo-poo's and microorganisms disgusted me. after my sophomore year, I quit.

Now at twenty-two and still fabulous (bleh!), i’m a few weeks away from my graduation day! There were times that I wanted to quit and just be an OSY but thank God—I didn’t! “kaning cebu doc man gud, lisud-lisuron jud ang estudyante. Daghan kaayong arte!” hehehe.

nothing comes easy in NURSING, especially in CDU. I’ve been in one too many emotional roller-coaster rides in my 4-year stay in this college. Recalling those events made me cringe. How can I be so stupid in choosing a course that’s soooooo not me?! I mean nursing requires passion, dedication, hard work, efficiency and effectiveness—which clearly are not reflective of my being. I have never seriously studied for an exam since freshman year nor have I read a nursing book continuously, not until revalida. You should’ve seen the look of my MedSurg teacher when I only shook my head after being asked about ECG interpretations! Sh*t! Of all MedSurg topic! I never did understand ECG interpretations and I never even cared reading about it. So much for good luck, huh!?

So why do the “jump the queue” in the nursing bandwagon? For the dollars? For the land of milk and honey? For the American dream? HELL, YEAH! J But there’s so much more to nursing than that. There are things in this course that you can never trade for anything. Every once in a while after a hard return demonstration, a never-ending berating of an instructor and giving the wrong medication, you sit down in one corner and just let those hot tears flow down your cheeks. Then you realize that in every complaint of tiredness, every disapproving look and in every painful realization of a mistake, we LEARN. We learn not to complain but be thankful that we’re not experiencing as much difficulty as children in the streets do. We learn that sometimes, disapproval can mean, “go, vindicate yourself!” and we learn to be very vigilant in everything that we do so as not to compromise our future.

Yeah, Im not yet done with my requirements and clearances but I’ll soon be! I want to graduate and take with me everything that I’ve learned in this course be it in the prospectus or not. Hehehe. I may not be the most hardworking, intelligent or CI-friendly lass to ever walk the halls of this college, but I do not care! As long as the CDU-CN education and values are sculpted in my heart and mind, then I guess, I’m good to go!

If only I had known back when I was little that nursing and nurses exist, then I never would've had thoughts of becoming a lawyer and a stewardess. After all, nurses can be anything they want to be…all the other options await!

Proud Kayumanggi

2009-02-24T22:16:00.000-08:00

I am "kayumanggi". I certainly am not white nor fair-skinned. I have been an easy target of name-calling since time immemorial. They call me Ms. ARGEN-tina. If you read the bold letters backward, you would know why.

I don't have problems with my skin color. I am proud of it. Tease me all you like, you'll get a little drama and a little drop in self-image from me. But that's that. Nothing more, nothing less. I love my kayumanggi as much as I love the Earth and its colors.

I have nothing against "White is Beautiful" and "Once you go black, there's no going back". It will all boil down to the confidence-injector proverb, "Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder".

It is, it really is.

Ego-tripping. =)

Viva Vagina!

2009-02-24T08:02:00.001-08:00

Three days more to go and the Vaginas will paint the town red! I am so fired up with the thought of all these vaginas putting up an appalling show. This will be my first time to watch the monologue but previous reviews are driving me nuts! I am way over the top excited! I'm keeping my fingers and toes crossed that I won't be left disappointed. =)

I can't wait to see THE MOANER. So me. Just kidding. =)

Killer Brides.lol.

2009-02-23T04:05:00.000-08:00

After watching the Kate Hudson-Anne Hathaway starrer, Bride Wars, a weird feeling of ambivalence towards the movie took its toll on me.

Yeah, ambivalence.

I was happy because Kate Hudson was so adorable in her "blue" hair and the story, in a way more than the other, tickled my funny bone.

On another note, I got anxious with the thought of it happening in real life. It's not about the bride-to-be best friends turned archenemies but it's about marriages and weddings in general.

Geez, I'm not so sure if I would like to get married in the future! Horrors! =)

This Witch is Going to the Movies.

2009-02-22T22:41:00.000-08:00

<----- THE LOOK OF A BORED WITCH with her C2 BOTTLE ON
THE BACKGROUND. =)

After I write this, I am heading to the movie house to watch Bride Wars with J. I am soooo bored. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I'll be entertained! Wish me luck! =)

The Flicks that Sticks

2009-02-22T21:18:00.001-08:00

I am a movie aficionado. I can confine myself in my room for a week and relish in the various motion pictures my hands can get hold of. The intelligible joys the flicks give me is just so overwhelming. Like a child being handed her favorite ice cream, I bask in the simple joy of a great film. Movies gave me a canvas of a world beyond my imagination. Aside from the (movie) settings and locations that will take me forever to go to, I have shared with the characters all the known category of emotions each story tries to spin . Now that the Academy's just finished handing the Oscars to laudable winners, I am putting an archive of my all-time favorite flicks. Here goes..

1. American History X
*A brutal Neo Nazi skinhead named Derek Vinyard is tried and sent to prison for three years for the murder of two black guys who tried to steal his truck. When he returns from prison reformed, his younger brother Daniel Vinyard who idolizes him is on the brink of becoming a Neo Nazi himself. Derek must save his younger brother from a similar fate.

- One of the most realistic movies I have ever seen. Edward Norton was at his acting best in this film. The ending just breaks my heart at the same time, satiates the movie fanatic in me.

2. The Secret Garden
*After losing her self-indulging parents in an earthquake, a bitter young girl named Mary Lennox is sent to live in England with her reclusive Uncle. Eventually she discovers her bedridden cousin and a 'secret garden' that once belonged to her deceased aunt. With the help of her cousin, the kindly Dikon, and a little 'magic', Mary found a way to bring love back to her family.

- First released as a novel, the movie version didn't disappoint. Oh how I wanted to have played with Annie Lennox in that garden the first time I saw this movie sometime in 1993. Lennox's being a brat of a kid in the earlier part was sooo me! =)

3. Billy Elliot

*Billy Elliot is an 11 year old boy who stumbles out of the boxing ring and onto the ballet floor. He faces many trials and triumphs as he strives to conquer his family's set ways, inner conflict, and standing on his toes!

- This movie is simply entertaining and inspiring! Billy was so awkwardly cute with his ballerina costume on. But the moment he does the ballet, the world stops to listen to the beat that Billy dance. A movie about doing what you love most when all the others are against it, especially your own family.

4. The Count of Monte Cristo
*A young man, falsely imprisoned by his jealous "friends," escapes and uses a hidden treasure to exact his revenge.

-Originally a novel by Alexander Dumas, this movie, again, didn't disappoint. It has this magnetic power to talk you into watching the film over and over again. Jim Caviezel is a huge bonus as The Count! Love, love, love this! =)

5. The Village
*The population of a small, isolated countryside village believe that their alliance with the mythical creatures that inhabit the forest around them is coming to an end.

-This movie demonstrates how effective terror can be in manipulating at the same time, keeping people under control.

God Bless the Flowers

2009-02-22T06:46:00.000-08:00

A whole Sunday frenzy with the family left me exhausted. My cerebrum is about to crack. My faculty is in oblivion and my anatomy is defunct. I'm debilitated, sapped, bone-weary..whatever you call it - - - I am not in the best of auras.

I can't help but miss the flowers I used to get during earmarked seasons. The fragrance the flowers give satisfies not only my nasal lust but as well as the yearning of my soul. The bashful naivete it emulates help abates the negative vibe one has for the day. I want to dream of tulips, carnations, lilies and roses falling from the sky and replenish my fervor for life. *sigh*

The glorious scent of the blossoms reminds me of happy childhood memories during the summer month of May. The blithe shouts of children on their way to "Flores de Mayo".. The sound of the sprinkler in my Lola's garden.. Those were the days. *sigh again*

The fruit of the Earth blooms to touch the simplest of hearts, the most primitive of souls. My tuckered-out one, included. For without which, this big blue marble of ours will be boring. This macrocosm will be dispersed with an array of crestfallen and depressed existence.

God bless the flowers!

Blogging.FINALLY.

2009-02-22T05:51:00.000-08:00

Cheers! I am finally starting a legit blog! Official Blogger, I am!

The concussion of boredom and hubbub in my everyday life enlivened the neophyte of a writer in me. The entrancing online world somehow managed to finally lure me into typing in my current and yeah, my imminent emo/elan moments.

Enjoy the snippets of my so-called life, huns! =)

Livin' La Veda Tra-La-La

*Bookworm Mode*

*Volley Nation*

*2010 To-Do List*

*The Photog Experience*

*Jam-Packed January*

2009 Thank You List (Drum Roll, Please!)

Doctor Gone Wild!

*Where The Magic's At*

*Who Says You Can't Have Fun in the Kingdom?*

*I Heart The Kingdom*

*WTG Cebuana, WTG Raleene!*

*That Ain't A Proposal*

*Food-Fun-Friday*

*Compellingly French!*