i am red...i am crabby...i am lady...i am me

Because there is something to blog about

2009-06-18T09:59:00.000-07:00

We found out today that Adrian, my husband, has diabetes. Although it isn't in the advanced stage yet it still saddens us and more so, jolts us. It's a hard slap of reality, we no longer have a choice, we have to diet. I say we because I have to support him, because I know how hard this is going to be for him and that I must take these steps with him.
I have just relearned what love is. Because I love him, I must give up my extreme love for food.
I gave up smoking for me, this, I'm doing for him.

Bebe Gandanghari

2009-01-19T19:15:00.000-08:00

http://www.abs-cbn.com/Feature/Article/2207/Good-bye-Rustom-Padilla-Hello-Bebe-Gandanghari.aspx
http://www.igma.tv/video/6556/Chika-Minute-Rustom-Padilla-is-now-Bebe-Gandanghari
http://www.gmanews.tv/story/144784/Rustom-Padilla-is-now-Bebe-Gandanghari

I got to watch Rustom Padilla's, oh correction, Bebe Gandanghari's interview in both The Buzz and Startalk and more than my surprise at how beautiful and poised she is, I was appalled by the lack of respect from the interviewers from GMA 7.

Ruffa Guttierez and Kris Aquino are not my favorite people in the world. There is just something about them that comes across as a bit too crass but the interview they conducted with Bebe was all right. In fact, the ease in which they took her transformation and the dubious comments about Rustom being dead, that Binibini Gandanghari was a name she was born with and that she insisits on not having taken any hormones to change her appearance, is commendable. They took it as it is and respected that it is ultimately Rutom's choice to be whoever he wishes to be.

On the other hand, the interview in Startalk was offensive and blatantly "bastos". Not even Ricky Lo's smart questions and Joey de Leon's (this man can be very rude too but he has always been intelligent with his choice of words) attempts at humor could not cover the fact the Buth Francisco should never have the privilege of calling himself a journalist and host and that Lolit Solis has just proven time and time again that she does not have any social graces and should not appear on air. They thought they were witty and were probably hoping that Bebe lose her coo and were hoping for a scandalous reactionl. In fairness to Bebe, she held herself composed and poised, albeit it slipped a bit when she commented: "Nakukulitan na ako kay Nay Lolit!", with bitterness.

Butch and Lolit were plain belligerent, rude and well, stupid.

Watch the videos if you haven't (just search through YouTube). I think you'll agree with me on this.

Banchetto

2009-01-10T23:22:00.000-08:00

Every Friday at Midnight, the stalls set up on Emerald Avenue come to life, it's called Banchetto.

We've long wanted to try it but we're either at work or too late. Well, there was this one time before Christmas '08 when we went but were too full to try anything. I've personally envied my colleagues for having visited over and over. My husband was always ambivalent, since there was nothing else to buy but food.

But we finally got to experience it! Happy, happy us! Happy, happy tummies!

This is what I call a food trip!

When we got there it had just struck mignight and the stalls were still setting up. It was still quite dark and then in a couple of minutes everything came to life. It was a festival of lights, sounds and glorious aroma.

At first there were just a few people walking around and then all of a sudden the little strip was filled with hungry faces. :)

The first dish we tried, the Kikiam (P50 with rice). It was the real kind, not the pseudo ones sold by fishball vendors. It reminded me of childhood trips to Ongpin with my parents. It tasted really good.

Next stop was the gigantic pizzas we saw when we walked in. We just love Sbarros deep dish pizzas so we tried their own rendition of the California Deep Dish pizza (P100). We weren't too happy with it though. It tasted more like barbeque than actual pizza. We didn't finish it.

The lasagna (P60) I bought 2 stalls away from the pizza was really good though. It had just the right cheesiness to it. :)

This was a find. It's called Shawarma Sisig Rice (P70). You have the classic Filipino favorite cross with the famous white, garlic sauce of the shawarma. Yummy!

I sent Adrian to look around for something else. It was his choice this time. He came back with wonderful Takoyaki balls (Samurai balls). We love these things but only if it's made really well. These were great because they used fresh ingredients. It was also a steal at P40.

We were really full but no meal would be complete without dessert. The Very Berry Chillable cake (P60) we found was heavenly. I can't wait to go back for more actually. The Brazo de Mercedes (P35) was a really huge slice and didn't taste bad at all. I just wish the yummy, yellow center was creamier.

We had a blast. We're definitely going back. There's this Monster Burger and prawns thermidore I have my eyes and tastebuds set on.

My Late Christmas Wish List

2009-01-07T11:27:00.000-08:00

It was truly a busy, busy holiday season for us. Parties left and right, meeting up with old friends, attending weddings. We had a blast! Albeit, my husband and I are both still coughing like crazy.

I'm a little hung-over from Christmas. It went by so fast. My loot for this year was great especially with a foot spa thingamajig from Adrian and the coolest little sewing machine from my in-laws.

But I never got to publish my Christmas Wish List and as late as it is, I will still post. It's never too early for my birthday anyway. Weeee...

1. Sabine's Notebook by Nick Bantock
2. The Golden Mean by Nick bantock
3. The Gryphon by Nick Bantock
4. Alexandria by Nick Bantock
5. The Morning Star by Nick Bantock
6. The Inheritance Cycle Trilogy - Eragon, Elpest and Brisingr
7. The Tales of The Beedle the Bard by JK Rowling
8. The Lost Colony by Eoin Colfer
9. The Time Paradox by Eoin Colfer
10. The Seventh Dwarf by Eoin Colfer
11. The Wish List by Eoin Colfer
12. Inkdeath by Cornelia Funke

I hate reading, don't you think? Hehehe...

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas! Happy 2009!

Pregnant Unbliss

2008-12-02T17:46:00.000-08:00

As of December 2, 2008, I know exactly 9 friends who are pregnant:
1. Bebang
2. Clarence
3. Chai
4. Cris
5. Abbe
6. Abie
7. Ping (50% sure)
8. Mench
9. Ella

I think I'm actually missing out on a couple.

I never thought a person could be happy for, envious of and miserable because of someone, or in this case some people, all at the same time.

I know, I know. I should stop pressuring myself but I can't help it! I feel like the fates have ganged-up on me.

But don't mind me because I do feel guilty about reacting this way to wonderful news even as I rant.

Twilight the Movie Reviews

2008-11-26T12:38:00.002-08:00

http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/twilight/

I'm off to see the much awaited Twilight Movie in 14 hours. Needless to say, I am SO excited. I raced through all the novels, well except Breaking Dawn since I tried prolonging the inevitable ending, and was as giddy as a school girl when I found out the movie was coming out. I have always loved teenage love stories!

It is the curse of a movie based on a novel, especially one as famous as Twilight, that people can't help but compare it with the book. I think we should just treat movies as it is and remember that the story is just based on a book and that it will take a different meaning or will be shown in a different angle. It is entirely impossible to cram all the details that made a novel complete and wonderful in 120 minutes or so. Reading a story is different, it appeals to our imagination. Regardless of how the characters, setting and situations are described in a novel, we as readers would still add our own flavor to what we read. Each reader's imagination adds to the interpretation and appreciation of the novel.

Well, I just find it amusing that the reviews are half-half. There's just no pleasing everyone. It's a good thing I never really relied on movie critiques, it's either I like the movie or I don't.

I'm determined to enjoy the movie and drool over Edward Cullen. I'm sure my husband won't mind.

Twilight the Movie Reviews

2008-11-26T12:38:00.001-08:00

The Power of Technology

2008-11-21T21:04:00.000-08:00

My friend's grandmother passed away recently and of course we went to pay our respects. The wake was at the St. Peter Chapels in Quezon Avenue.

Death isn't as sad as we think it is. It actually is quite funny, especially if there are business ads like this.

Inclusive in some packages in this funeral parlor is the chance to share the wake with friends and family all over the world. No need to come home and pay respects, it's just a click of a finger away. This is what I call the power of technology.

At some point it makes perfect sense, especially if your loved ones can't come home to see your the departed for the last time. a big part of me however thinks it's ironic and I'm alternating between laughing and being saddened.

By the way, that comes with free WiFi. For those on bereavement leave, you can actually take your work with you to the "lamay". Sheesh.

New Year's Resolution

2008-11-03T16:09:00.000-08:00

I've always believed I have the gift of gab. But if it is truly a gift, I should nurture it and not let it go to waste.

1. I will think before I speak.
In the past I often let my emotions go and say whatever I want. I always justified that by saying I only mean what I say but many times I know I say things just to spite or hurt people. If to hurt someone because of what I have to say is inevitable, I will make sure it is well-meant and well-said. Word choice does matter.

2. I will stop swearing.
Sometimes I shock myself with what comes out of my mouth and how fould my words could be. I should learn new words: F stands for 'fudge', S stands for 'shoot' and just completely avoid Filipino cuss words! Sometimes creatively transitioning from Tagalog bad words to it's sound-alikes only make things worse.

3. I will learn to keep quiet when I have to.
A song worded it well: 'you say it best when you say nothing at all'. I just have to know when to keep my silence and I'm sure it'll be a more effective that prattling away.

It's November but I have some New Year's resolutions. I guess it's not to early to start. I just want to be a better person.

Still Heart

2008-10-29T21:39:00.000-07:00

I said I wasleaving but I'm taking it back. My heart just isn't in it. Not yet.
Everytime I thought of leaving, my heart was breaking and I could feel the tears just waiting to flow. I drove myself crazy. I have left previous companies before, but none ever made me feel like I wanted to breakdown.
It's just not worth it. If I move, I lose all my Saturdays and I have to fight my way through the MRT and deal with the long distance to Makati.
I do feel like I'm passing up an oppurtunity but as a good friend had said, I should trust that there would be more to come. And maybe next time it won't rip me up inside.
My heart is still right now. My heart is in place.

Confused

2008-10-21T03:47:00.000-07:00

So I said I was leaving IBM. Why is it so difficult to actually give my resignation letter then? Why do I feel like I'm being ripped inside?

I want to stay but I feel I have to go.

Jumping off a cliff

2008-10-20T00:10:00.000-07:00

Well at least that's what it feels like. I've decided to take the offer at John Robert Powers. It's a different job with a lot more responsibility and I'm scared to bits. But I feel I have to do this.

IBM is my comfort zone. I can do the job with my eyes closed. The people are great, well most of them are. Reporting to the Commonwealth site takes 15 minutes. So why am I going for a job in Makati, for a job that I might just find myself drowning in? Because being comfortable does not exactly make things easier.

I owe it to myself, this career move. I need to prove to myself I can do this.

But I do feel like crying.

Travelling Shoes On

2008-10-15T23:42:00.000-07:00

I had to search online for possible teambuilding venues. In my research I found instead places I wish I had time and resources to visit. The Philippines is a wonderful country and very, very beautiful. I will make sure we, Adrian and I, get to see as much of it as possible.

I just know where our money is going to.

Places I should...would visit:
1. Hundred Islands, Alaminos City
- So sue me, but I've never been there. I bet it'll be a hoot to literally island hop.

2. Sagada
- As long as I don't have to go through caves, I'm fine. I'm just going to enjoy the cold and visit my friend Krish.

3. Blue Lagoon, Pagudpod, Ilocos Norte
- I'm sure the LONG drive will be worth it.

4. Unica Flora Lucban, Quezon
- Just because I heard it's un unknown place but a must see.

5. Sitio de Amor San Pablo, Laguna
- I saw pictures on the net and it's beautiful. If ever I dare to go camping, I'd do it there.

6. Bohol
- Chocolate Hills and the tarsier: who can go wrong with that?

I'm adding to this list. Let me just surf the net some more.

Maybe, I'd get lucky and actually find a teambuilding venue too.

Interviewee

2008-10-14T01:39:00.000-07:00

I went to an interview that was set at 930 am. The interview being in Makati, I left the house uber-early not wanting to have to use the old and worn: "I'm so sorry to be late. Traffic was so bad". I was there at 9 am, announced myself and waited. At 930, the receptionist didn't even call the person I was meeting. At 945, I was peeved. Then they told me if I minded waiting for another 5-15 minutes. I hate rhetorical questions! Of course I minded but it's not like I could come out and say that.

I waited but I was pissed.

Then I was interviewed. I forgot about having had to wait. (I actually didn't, but that's not what's important) Now I'm in a conundrum.

2008-10-02T20:38:00.000-07:00

A year ago, my mom was in Europe. For the first time in my entire life she left me and my dad to fend for ourselves. For three whole months she let me pay for the bills and worry about our day to day living. I was happy to have had the time off from her constant na-----, erm, I mean, reminding. I was happy that she finally had time for herself. I never thought it was meant to prepare for the future.

A year ago, my dad was complaining about a constant fever, about not feeling well. I thought it was just the stress of having had to worry about my grandfather's demise and all the goings-on in the province. I thought it was just a fever, that's all. I was even annoyed that he couldn't take care of himself. Up to this day, I still feel guilty for not having paid more attention.

October 5, 2008 my dad told me he was vomitting blood. I was at work. Getting ready for the weekend, when I received a message from my father, I had to bring him to the hospital. He was feeling worse. I was angry. For some inesplicable reason, I was angry at the inconvenience. I was angry because I had no money to spare for the inevitable hospital bill. I was selfish.

We got to the hospital, the doctors didn't know what ws wrong with him. My dad was yellow and they thought it was jaundice. They asked all these questions, all this history. I was thinking to myself, they should just get on with it - Start making him well already! My mom called, I had to tell her where we were. They talked on the phone but I don't think they were really hearing each other but knowing the other was on the phone was enough. She was coming home. In 18 hours they would be together again.

Fear was slowly creeping in.

That night, I saw my father go from sick to deathly. At around two AM of October 6, he started bleeding from every orifice. I hate blood. The sight of it makes me heave. I had to leave the room. He was my father but I could not watch. I refused to watch him deteriorate. The doctors said his blood pressure was too low and the transfusions were not helping.

The panic was making me choke.

I had my niece MC with me. She was so brave. She didn't understand what was happening but she could watch her lolo more than I could. She was inside the room when they cleaned him up. I was outside shaking like a loon. Nani, a trusted helper, was there. He took care of Papa. He cleaned him up. He did what my body and hands couldn't do. I called Adrian, my then fiance, to please come. I called Tita Susan, my Papa's sister. I wanted to call on everyone I knew. I've never felt so alone.

At ten AM of October 6, I went home to change and drop of MC. I needed the time away from the reality. My Papa was not well at all. He was not talking to us anymore. He couldn't squeeze my hand.

When I came back to the hospital, I watched them try to resuscitate. I watched in horror as they pumped his heart for over an hour. I was begging him to fight. I was begging him to hold on until my mom arrived. I was shouting at him not to dare leave me. He still had to walk me down the aisle!

Then I saw him turn gray. I saw him expire. In less than 24 hours, I lost Papa.

I was hysterical. I could hear this distant wailing, like someone was in torturous pain. It took me a while to realize it was my crying. In the same time I was losing my mind, I felt detached. It was the disbelief in what was happening. He was really gone. The insistent beep of a flatline was evidence.

That night I had to tell my mom, five minutes after fetching her from the airport, that Papa was gone. I never heard my mom as vunerable as she did when she weeped that night. I pray I never have to hear her go throught that horror again.

The next days until my father's burial were a blur of faces and condolences. Amidst all the people who came to support and mourn with us, I still felt alone. In death of a loved one, you get all the encouragement from family and friends and yet you really mourn alone.

It's been a year. It took all this time for me not to cringe at the thought of having lost my Papa. It has taken the year to make me smile, even chuckle, when I remember him. It took a year for me to forgive him for leaving us, for not walking me down the aisle, for not being there.

Mama and I, we survived. We're okay now. I pray, wherever Papa is, he's happy too.

Our Twisted Love Story

2008-09-25T21:35:00.000-07:00

When I agreed to become Adrian's girlfriend these were my exact thoughts: "What am I doing?! We're never gonna last. This will ruin our friendship". I'm happy I was wrong.

We met through mutual friends and hung out. He was someone I never thought of as a boyfriend. We were just friends, barkada. He was never my crush. There was no attraction, no chemistry. He wasn't my type. He was too...good. I was always attracted to the bad boy kind. I wasn't his type. He liked the petite, breakable type. In two years of friendship, I was there for his "basted" moments and his omnipresent string of crushes. He was there for my crazy heartbreaks, break-ups and experimental (read: homosexual) relationships.

Then one day I had an insane idea (as I am prone to do very often), he was to be my boyfriend for one week. This was actually a plot to make someone else jealous and for a free ride home. He agreed. That was June of that year. The next weeks and months that followed were a blur. A cornucopia of twisted plots of love and pain we were inflicting on ourselves. My then girlfriend cheated on me and I was still in love with Adrian's friend. He was not over a girl whose name is a day of the week and yet was trying to court a girl of another friend. And amidst all that we were weird. He avoided me. I was angry with him. No real reasons just very raw emotions.

On one fateful day, he asked for a kiss. I obliged. We went out for a movie, holding hands in the dark and very, very confused. I was ready to forget all about the kiss. He had other plans.

At 1:10 AM of September 26, 1998, he sent me a pager message (Yes! Pager!), 15 minutes after dropping me off: "I need to ask you something. Please call me if you can. I love you". I snuck out of my room, risking my mom's unreasonable wrath for using the phone at such an ungodly hour, and called. He asked if I could be his girl. I blinked and then said yes. Just like that.

Exactly ten years ago, today.

Happy Anniversary, my Honey. You are my life, my completeness. I love you more than myself and only second to God.

Twilight

2008-09-23T00:21:00.000-07:00

Watching Interview with a Vampire a long time ago left me fascinated with vampires. I have since fantasized about meeting a Lestat and running off with him. (Don't worry, my husband knows, he has yet to approve) I read all of Anne Rice's Vampire Chronicles.

Meeting Edward Cullen in Twilight stirs more than Lestat did. I am hooked on the Twilight Saga, just a little short of being obsessed. Stephanie Meyer is a wonderful talespinner. Never mind the book was written to entice young adults, it grips even at someone like me, more than quarter of a century old (any age put in these words sounds archaic!). It reminds me bittersweetly of young love and just how powerful it could be. To know at such a young age that the person you want may not necessarily be the right one for you and fighting for it makes it pure and true.

Twilight is beautifully written, wonderfully descriptive and very alive. I recommend it a must read for girls from 15-50. Admittedly though, I think one has to be female to truly appreciate it.

Special thanks to my friend Clarence who I can share all the giddy Edward-Bella moments with. I can't wait for the movie to come out!!!

The First Entry

2008-09-21T19:41:00.000-07:00

I just thought I'd try my hand at this. Apparently, filling out a blog in Friendster and Multiply is not really "blogging". You have to have your own spot in the wonderful vastness of the world wide web.

I've always had an opinion and I'm never really afraid to share it. Hopefully, my views help others who read them or at the very least, amuse them.

So here I am.

I am Lady. Hear me roar.