Friday, December 22, 2006

Why Ask?

I think more often than not, we encounter questions that are difficult to answer; not because they're too academic or there is a requirement of expertise on the subject matter, but because we simply don't know how to answer them.

That's kind of vague...

All right, let me put it this way...

When a student fails a subject and is confronted by his parents about it, the usual question asked is, "Why did you fail?" or "How could you fail?"

The student is most likely to become dumbfounded by the question... he will not know exactly how to answer it. He can't simply say, "Because I didn't study," eventhough that's what the parents are already thinking anyway.

Do you get where I'm coming off here?

Sometimes certain questions need not be asked. Because in particular circumstances, asking a certain question might be a stupid thing to do... maybe because they are not only hurtful, but they also become annoying.

With that, let me just say that I am fat. Yeah... huge as a whale. A lot of people constantly comment on that... maybe because that's the very first thing they notice about me. I don't blame them though, it's kinda hard to miss. =)

What I don't get... and what annoys me to the bones... is when people ask, "Why are you fat?" or "How did you get this fat?"

Hmmm... let me think... oh yeah... I FRIGGIN' EAT A LOT, BITCH! I mean, you're intelligent enough to even have an audience with me, and still, you can't figure that out on your own? Seriously, how dumb is that question?

I'm sorry, but this is upsetting for me. I'm not annoyed at friends making jokes about me being fat, because I really don't mind it. I make fun of me all the time. What gets on my nerves is these idiotic queries that I don't even know how to answer straight. What do they want me to say?

"Oh, well, first, I ate a bag of potato chips dipped in cheese and re-fried in high cholesterol cooking oil..."

Should I chronicle every single bite of food I take to enable me to give a straight forward answer?

More importantly, why ask these kinds of questions? There's is no straight answer to "Why are you fat?"; why push it?

You know what's sad though? My relatives and some of my friends do this to me a lot. Maybe I should point them to the direction where people are trained to know about the feelings of others... they might just pick up empathy and realize how much they have hurt me... and hurt me deeply. Because they should be on my side, right?

And if you think you are one of them who ask these kinds of questions, I hope you know how insensitive and stupid you were. And if these things happen again... I'm sorry, but I can be impolite too if pushed to my limits.

And for our final word tonight...

Tactlessness is controllable... it is not an involuntary reflex or personality.

Friday, November 24, 2006

Please Support Light A Million Candles

The innocent victims of Internet child abuse cannot speak for themselves.

But you can.

With your help, we can eradicate this evil trade.

We do not need your money.

We need you to light a candle of support <http://www.lightamillioncandles.com>.

We're aiming to light at least One Million Candles by December 31, 2006.

This petition will be used to encourage governments, politicians, financial institutions, payment organisations, Internet service providers, technology companies and law enforcement agencies to eradicate the commercial viability of online child abuse.

They have the power to work together. You have the power to get them to take action.

Please light your candle at lightamillioncandles.com <http://www.lightamillioncandles.com> or send an email of support to light@lightamillioncandles.com.

Together, we can destroy the commercial viability of Internet child abuse sites that are destroying the lives of innocent children.

Kindly forward this message to your friends, relatives and work colleagues so that they can light a candle too.

Friday, September 29, 2006

Anonymity

is such a great thing, don't you think?

You can actually get to know what makes a person tick without having him/her know who the hell you are.

I find it most funny, however, when people ask you who you are when you piss them off. I mean, they are so upset and red with fury because of the things you say or do that they can't help but ask, "if you're brave, tell me who you really are." *insert hysterical laughter*

Why? In the first place, why even ask? Secondly, you actually allowed a complete stranger get to you? That's just sad. People get so upset easily. They can't accept the truth, and they will hate you when you lie to them. Human beings are indeed one of the complexities of nature.

Let me tell you something, when you open yourself to criticism... such as when you speak your mind... keep it cool. Don't ask who read your shit; just be thankful that somebody actually wasted time on your crap. Not many people are that lucky.

Hell, I've been waiting for people to comment and shit on the stuff I write here and there barely ever was a comment in these blogs. If people tell me to fuck off, I'd take it. At least, I'm content with the fact that I actually got that bloke's interest.

Wednesday, September 27, 2006

Sign The Petition (Guimaras Oil Spill)

On August 11, 2006, a vessel contracted by Petron sank in the Guimaras area. The vessel was carrying 528,000+ gallons in 10 tanks equivalent to 2 million liters. It continues to spread from the Panay Gulf towards Guimaras Strait; in fact, it has now reached several cities in Negros Occidental.

Here is a photo showing the extent of the oil spill's damage.

Now, I bid you to sign a couple of petitions: one addressed to Petron, another to the President and the Congress and a third which is actually a way to contact the president through the government's website.

Please take time to do this. It is a simple act that you, whoever you are and whatever you do, could contribute to the saving of our natural resources. This is our sea, our land, our life. We are all responsible for every habitat that is destroyed and for every species that goes extinct.

Visit http://www.saveguimaras.com/blog/?page_id=78 today.

Do we really want our waters and shorelines to stay like this...?

Wednesday, September 20, 2006

For Yang




Amazing grace! How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found;
Was blind, but now I see.

'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears relieved;
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed.

Through many dangers, toils and snares,
I have already come;
'Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.

The Lord has promised good to me,
His word my hope secures;
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.

Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess, within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.

The world shall soon to ruin go,
The sun refuse to shine;
But God, who called me here below,
Shall be forever mine.

Oklahoma Music Video

Yay! I found one in YouTube!!! Nakakaiyak talaga!

Tuesday, September 19, 2006

Billy Gilman - Oklahoma

This was sung by a young kid (who is a young man now). The story is really touching.



Suitcase packed with all his things
Car pulls up, the doorbell rings
He don't want to go
He thought he'd found his home
But with circumstances he can't change
Waves goodbye as they pull away
From the life he's known
For the last seven months or so

She said we found the man who looks like you
Who cried and said he never knew
About the boy in pictures that we showed him
A rambler in his younger days
He knew he made a few mistakes
But he swore he would have been there
Had he known it
Son we think we found your dad in Oklahoma

A million thoughts raced through his mind
What's his name, what's he like and will he be
Anything like the man in his dreams
She could see the questions in his eyes
Whispered "don't be scared my child
I'll let you know, what we know

About the man we found, he looks like you
And cried and said he never knew
About the boy in pictures that we showed him
A rambler in his younger days He knew he'd made a few mistakes
But he swore he would've been there Had he known it
You always said that this was something that you wanted
Son it's time to meet your Dad in Oklahoma

One last turn he held his breath
'Til they reached the fifth house on the left
And all at once the tears came rolling in
And as they pulled into the drive
A man was waiting there outside
Who wiped the worry from his eyes Smiled and took his hand

And he said I'm the man who looks like you
Who cried because I never knew
About that boy in pictures that they showed me
A rambler in my younger days I knew I made a few mistakes
But I swear I would have been there had I known it
Never again will you ever be alone
Son welcome to your home in Oklahoma

Waters of March by Sofia



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A stick, a stone / It's the end of the road / É um resto de toco / It's a little alone

It's a sliver of glass / It is life, it's the sun / It is night, it is death / It's a trap, it's a gun

É peroba do campo / é o nó da Madeira / Caingá, candeia / é o Matita Pereira

É madeira de vento / tombo da ribanceira / É o mistério profundo / é o queira ou não queira

It's the wind blowing free / It's the end of the slope / It's a beam, it's a void / It's a hunch, it's a hope

And the river bank talks of the waters of March / It's the end of the strain / It’s the joy in your heart

Badam…

É o pé, é o chão / é a marcha estradeir / Passarinho na mão / pedra de atiradeira

A fish, a flash / A silvery glow / A fight, a bet / The range of a bow

É o fundo do poço,/ é o fim do caminho / No rosto o desgosto / é um pouco sozinho

A spear, a spike / A point, a nail / A drip, a drop / The end of the tale

A truckload of bricks / in the soft morning light / The shot of a gun / in the dead of the night

A mile, a must, / A thrust, a bump, / It's a girl, it's a rhyme, / It's a cold, it's the mumps

The plan of the house, / The body in bed, / And the car that got stuck, / It's the mud, it's the mud

Afloat, adrift / A flight, a wing / A hawk, a quail / Oh, the promise of spring

And the river bank talks of the waters of March / It's the promise of life / It’s the joy in your heart

And the river bank talks of the waters of March / It's the promise of life / It’s the joy in your heart

Badam…

A stick, a stone / It's the end of the road / É um resto de toco / é um pouco sozinho

It's a sliver of glass / It is life, it's the sun / É a noite, é a morte / é um laço, é o anzol

The plan of the house / The body in bed / And the car that got stuck / It's the mud, it's the mud

É o projeto da casa / é o corpo na cama / É o carro enguiçado / é a lama, é a lama

São as águas de março / fechando o verão / É a promessa de vida / no teu coração

And the river bank talks of the waters of March / It's the promise of life / It’s the joy in your heart

And the river bank talks of the waters of March / It's the promise of life / It’s the joy in your heart

Monday, September 11, 2006

Loathe and Disdain For Greer

Germaine Greer is a feminists--to the extreme. Her hate for men seems beyond the heavens. More importantly, she is one of the few (if none) who criticizes Steve Irwin. Today, I read an article she wrote about his death.

I'm sorry, but to my mind, this bitch is heartless and utterly cruel. I mean, the man is dead for crying out loud! If you can't say nice stuff about him, then shut your shit loaded mouth up!

In her article, she wrote: "The animal world has finally taken its revenge on Irwin, but probably not before a whole generation of kids in shorts seven sizes too small has learned to shout in the ears of animals with hearing 10 times more acute than theirs, determined to become millionaire animal-loving zoo-owners in their turn."

Read the entire article if you must.

Friday, September 08, 2006

We'll Miss You Crocodile Hunter!

One of the world's most beloved personalities and wildlife conservationist, Steve Irwin, has died in a freak accident involving a docile creature that is the stingray. He was filming underwater for a documentary when he got too close to the stingray and its tail suddenly pierced through his chest. It was reported that Steve had the occasion to pull the stingray's tail out of his heart in an attempt to stay alive. However, the poisonous barb had already taken its toll and a few minutes after, Steve lost his life.

I love Steve Irwin. Everyday, before I head on out to work, I would watch his show, Crocodile Hunter, in Animal Planet. Many people who have had the chance to meet him personally said that his quirky and full-of-life projection on camera is not lessened when he is off camera. He loved life. He loved animals. He loved his friends. He loved his family. He was a good man, and a big loss to the human race.

May we all be lucky enough to achieve half of what he has achieved in the short time he's been here on Earth.

I found this video in YouTube.com. And of the numerous tributes there, this for me is the best, that's why I'm showing this here.



Rest In Peace
Stephen Robert Irwin
February 22, 1962-September 4, 2006

Thursday, August 10, 2006

In the Name of the Father

Why do people use God's Name to persecute others? Does this make them feel better? Do they believe that it makes it alright to do so?

I find it weird how some people, even an entire race, could go and kill other people in the Name of God. I don't know about how they look at the god they praise; but for me, my God would not allow that. My God will not tell me to hurt others. I know my God the way Jesus introduced Him to me--a loving and forgiving God who'd want me to love other people, even if they hurt me.

I don't pretend to impose my own beliefs on others. This is just me. My view. My faith.

To all those who have lost their ways, I pray that they may be enlightened.

And if it is I who lost my way, I pray that God shows me the truth.

Sunday, July 16, 2006

My Realization When Watching A Movie

Last night, I was at Waltermart Makati watching the last full show of Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest with my mom. This piece, however, is not about the movie (for what it's worth, though, I loved it).

My realization is that sometimes you HAVE to choose the theater where you're going to watch a movie. I never really thought about this before. It never really mattered. Well, let me qualify. It mattered when I didn't have too much money, so I have to watch in a cheaper theater. What is cheap is, of course, relative, but to my mind the following theaters are the least costly (where I had the pleasure of watching, I mean. There could be others that are even cheaper.): Robinson's Movie World (Galleria and Manila), SM Cinemas (all except in The Mall of Asia), Glorietta I and Waltermart Makati Cinemas.

These are really not bad theaters to watch in, except for some that have disgustingly sticky floors. But what I'm getting at is not just the place... what's even more important is the crowd.

I'm not one to discriminate. This is not in my nature (and I'm not trying to be proud here). But I take watching films as serious entertainment. It seems oxymoronic, I know. After all, entertainment is supposed to be fun and wacky. What I simply mean is that, when I watch movies I want to be entertained to the full extent that the movie can provide.

Take for instance, I absolutely hate people who talk during the length the movie. A little conversation with your company is fine; but dear Lord, stop trying to be interactive with the film the entire time! What's worse is people who tell the story of the film while watching. For crying out loud, if you can't shut up, rent the damn video and watch it on your own!

More often than not, I really don't mind. But a person can't be passive forever; especially when that person has been waiting for so long to be free enough from any kind of obligations to get a chance to watch a film that s/he has been waiting to watch in the theater.

Now, as I was saying, one has to choose the theater one is going to watch in. It would ultimately depend on the mood of the person and the movie to be watched.

Let me give you an example that actually happened. The Pirates film was really funny and I had so much fun watching it. But I didn't get that ultimate enjoyment that the film could offer. This is because I didn't get to openly laugh when I wanted to. There were funny scenes that the people around me didn't seem to understand. There was even a time during the movie when I laughed and realized that I was only one laughing. It was so weird because they didn't get what was so damn funny. Actually, now that I think about it, I'm kind of sorry for them.

The point is, sometimes I get embarrassed and keep the laughter under my breath. You might be thinking that I shouldn't care what people will think or say about me laughing hysterically when they aren't. The thing is, I do care. And you should too. It's a public establishment and we should all be sensitive to the other people watching. In fact, this is a universal rule.

We should be sensitive to how people will think or feel when we're in public. I don't think it's a correct notion to say, "wala naman akong ginagawang masama sa kanila." Physically, maybe, but the torment that you bring because you annoy and you scandalize is simply a case of harrassment.

So basically, I have realized that when I am going to watch a comedy in the english laguage, I should probably just reserve a seat in Glorietta or Greenbelt. The people who go to these theaters think in the same wavelength as I do (not tryng to be high and mighty here.). By watching with them, I get to appreciate the movie even more. Forget the price of the ticket. The important thing is, I get to have fun.

I remember, a teacher in college said that there's a different experience when watching a movie in a theater than when watching a movie at home. Inside the theater, every person watching is not a stranger. For an hour or two, all of you become acquaintances, connected together by that one film you are watching. It didn't matter whether you are poor or rich, ugly or beautiful, locals or foreigners; what mattered is that you are all bound by one experience. And with just that short moment, we may not know it, but they have already been embedded in our lives.

Friday, July 14, 2006

Anecdotes (Ganda!)

Thanks to Karla Garcia for these. I got them through text. Titles are my own. Some points are edited.

ONE GLASS OF MILK

One stormy night, there was a child knocking at an old woman's door. The child was wet from the rain and seemed unphased. The old woman prepared for him a glass of milk. She knew that the child's name is HOWARD. After which, the child was very thankful.

Several years later, the old woman got very sick. But she was now all alone in the world and no one could take care of her because she couldn't afford to hire a nurse. One day, she was admitted to the hospital. The whole time, she worried because she might now be able to pay the bill.

She woke up one day in the hospital and was told that her operation was a success. This baffled her because she never agreed to such since she didn't have any money to pay for it. She then saw a note that laid by her bed. With trembling hands, fearful that it might be the bill she has to pay, she took the paper and looked at it.

The note read:

Your bill has been paid with just one glass of milk. - Dr. Howard.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


A BESTFRIEND'S SACRIFICE


When the baby boy was born, the family got a puppy to be his best friend. As the boy grew to be a handsome man, the puppy also grew to be a loyal dog to him. The boy eventually got married and had a family of his own, still the dog remained with him.

One day, the man went to the fields to work. His wife asked him where the baby was. He answered that he left the baby sleeping with the dog. The wife got mad and instantly scuffled to hurriedly head home.

When she arrived at the house, she saw the dog by the door with its mouth soaked in blood. Without second thought, she stabbed the dog to death and hurried towards the baby. She stopped in surprise when she saw that the baby was sleeping soundly with a dead snake lying next to her baby.

Wednesday, July 12, 2006

Pirates 2 Surpass Box Office Records


Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest broke U.S. Box Office Record for both the single-day and first-3-days sales, beating Star Wars III: Revenge of the Sith and Spiderman, respectively.

For the single-day sales record, the amount to beat was $50 million. Dead Man's Chest hauled $55.5 million at the end of July 7, 2006. As for the first-3-days sales record, Pirates exceeded 2002 hit Spiderman's $115 million by summing up sales at $132 million.


Read more about it at
ABS-CBN Interactive.

Friday, June 30, 2006

An Elevator Dream

After a horrible day yesterday, I finally got the perfect break... while I was asleep.

I haven't had a great dream for the longest time! Sometimes, I was sure had a good dream, but then I end up not remembering about it. So really, that doesn't count.

But last night, I had such a nice dream that when I woke up, I felt like this day is going to be so much better than yesterday!

Here goes...

I got in an elevator and it was so packed! I stood in the middle and people still kept coming in. Suddenly, a guy entered and we sort of made eye contact--just for a moment because I quickly averted my eyes. I think I felt shy.

He stood in front of me. But it wasn't like we were face to face or anything... I was slightly to my left away from him. But we were pretty close to each other.

I had my arms crossed to my chest. A friend was immediately infront, with her back to me. I guess I realized that I was making her uncomfortable because my arm was nudging against her back, I made an effort and put my arms down.

As I tried to position my arms neatly on my sides, I unintentionally brushed against this guy's stomach. And not a moment too soon after I had my hands down, I felt a hand take my own and intertwined with my fingers. It was him.

Okay. Now, I have no idea who the guy was, but apparantly, I'm quite attracted to him. He definitely had a face, but it wasn't someone that I'd met, I think. Or maybe, I've met him, but just not enough for me to remember.

Anyway, it doesn't matter who he is or what the dream meant; it was cute and it's definitely a good starter-upper for a day filled with nothing but the same old routine.

Thursday, June 29, 2006

Bad Day

Cause you had a bad day
You're taking one down
You sing a sad song just to turn it around
You say you don't know
You tell me don't lie
You work at a smile and you go for a ride
You had a bad day
The camera don't lie
You're coming back down and you really don't mind
You had a bad day
You had a bad day


That's the chorus of the song Bad Day by Daniel Powter. If you've watched the latest season of American Idol, you've definitely heard of it... because they play it everytime someone has to go home.

If you haven't heard it before, you can listen to it in AOL for free. Just Click "P" under the "Artist" category, scroll down and choose "Powter, Daniel". A list of his songs should appear on the side. When you click "Bad Day", a pop-up will appear. That's it.

Today was my bad day. Allow me to enumerate...

1. During the greater part of the morning, my computer at work was going crazy. I was the only one in the entire office who had an internet connection that wasn't working properly. This caused me to delay working. I couldn't help it! I needed the Internet to do my job.

2. I got my first paycheck! It would have been lucky for me coz it came in early (it's only June 29; payday is supposed to be June 30). Here's the catch... My surname was mis-spelled. I deposited it in the bank anyway... we'll see in the following days if they'll allow it.

3. My packed lunch was horrible! I HAD to eat 1 pie from Jollibee because I don't really have that much money to buy a decent lunch.

4. My shoe broke! Not the heels... but the leather... it was torn off.

Now, office hours is finally over. I have to go to school to meet up with some classmates.. I'm hoping I won't be too unlucky towards the end of the night.

Tuesday, June 20, 2006

INXS To Perform in Manila


INXS will be here in Manila this August 15 at the Araneta Coliseum. It's their first stop in their Switch Tour in Asia.

I first read about it in Ricky Lo's Article in the Philippine Star (Funfare) and confirmed it through the band's official website (which, in order to be a member of, you actually have to pay a membership fee. so weird.)

Nood Tayo!!!!!!!!!!!!

Monday, June 19, 2006

Johnny Depp on Newsweek!



As you may or may not know, I am a huge Johnny Depp fan (figuratively and literally speaking ;p). I came across an article about him in the Internet... by chance. Thanks to my job!!!

This, I think, is the latest edition of Newsweek. They have the article online, so if you're just as interested please click on the link.

A Pirate's Life: Johnny Depp

Lapit na Pirates 2!!! I wish I could watch it in the theater!

Sunday, June 04, 2006

KIM CHIU: Pinoy Big Brother Teen Big Winner

Thanks to abs-cbn.com for the pic
From Day 1 in the Big Brother house, the boys have already noticed her. With her long straight hair, chinita eyes and adorable smile, this 16 year old girl was dubbed Chinese Cutie of Cebu. But apart from being pretty, she's also quite talented. She dances, sings and even plays the guitar; and let's face it, a girl playing a guitar is definitely cool.

She's also not afraid of making a fool of herself. I remember the first time I openly declared that I love that girl... she farted and actually said it out loud. If I remember it correctly, I think she was consoling Miki after her scuffle with Olyn. Kim suddenly and boldly said, "Ayan, nautot tuloy ako." Hysterical laughter bursted from Kim, Miki and Clare.

Kim started off the show with Mikee as her "loveteam". This began with a Truth or Dare game where Mikee was asked who his crush was in the house and said it to be Kim. Kim was also asked the same question and said it to be Mikee. From then on, the two had always been paired up. The guys backed up from any kinds of moves on Kim.

But later on, Kim had lost interest in Mikee and shifted her attention to Gerald. Earlier in the show, I believe that Gerald also said that he had a crush on Kim. However it was only later on that Kim admitted he had a crush on Gerald. This is how the new loveteam was formed.

Quite frankly, I find ABS-CBN too obviously biased. They had insisted on pairing up the two at the expense of a disappointed Mikee. It seemed to me that they prioritized Kim and Gerald over Mikee and Clare. If I'm wrong, well that's just my point of view.

Now let me comment on the Big Night...

It wasn't the best. I think the Celebrity Edition Big Night is better. The Teen Edition Big Night is not as big as it ought to have been; which is a shame really. I have no qualms regarding the location, however. Although it's a smaller venue than the others, it was actually better and more convenient for those who are watching. The costumes of the characters on stage were good, although the set itself is mediocre. The only part I really loved is Keanna Reeves in her butterfly costume!

Best gown of the night, for me, was worn by Angelika Dela Cruz. Toni Gonzaga changed into several coutures, but none of them found comparison to Angelika's. Bianca Gonzales, once again, was as plain as ever. The print of the gown was not flattering at all. Her hair was too simply made. Her over all appearance did not not even whisper "big night", there was nothing big about her. Not even the tiara could save her. Mariel Rodriguez wore the biggest mistake of the night! Her white gown screamed "Whore"! The plunging neckline was too plunging. It was not fit for the occasion. The theme was "fairytale fantasy" for crying out loud; not "fulfill men's sexual fantasy"! But I have to give her some points for a great hair-do.

The performances of the night were horrible. There was only one actual performance there, it was when Sam Milby, Toni Gonzaga and Nikki Gil sang LIVE towards the end; but that's not commendable either, it was just okay. I'm totally biased against lip synching. Shame to Erik Santos, most of all!!! I would've expected such lowly acts from actors pretending to be singers, that's forgiveable; but for a man to win a SINGING contest and lip sync? It's just wrong. From here on, forgive me if I could only think of him as Mr. Britney.

As for the clothes of the Big Four, I hate the producers for allowing Clare to wear such ridiculous gown. It was not flattering to her!!! What the hell?! You dressed the other 3 like they're royalty and you gave the Barrio Babe of Bukidnon a dress Barbie wouldn't even wear! I don't care whoever the hell made it. It was an ugly dress and should not have been forced on Clare. The colors were just way too dark. If you all don't know it, pastel=youth. What happened to peach? What happened to sky blue? What happened to pink, when the dress was being designed? Clare's gown is my biggest rant in the Big Night.

As for our big winner...

I wasn't rooting for her at all. I had an inkling feeling that it might be Kim, but I wanted it to Gerald. And when Gerald was called to be the 3rd Big Winner, I wanted it to be Mikee.

I'm not saying she doesn't deserve it, maybe she does, after all she got more than 100% of votes compared to Mikee's number of votes. None of them really improved while inside that house. To be bold about it, none of them deserved to win. To my mind, none of them grew as a person.

In Pinoy Big Brother, we saw Nene turn from a tough girl to a person who curled up and softened when she reunited with her mom for 100 seconds. We saw her stand up against Big Brother thinking that he'd gone too far; but upon explanation by the "all-knowing" Kuya, she sucked in her pride and asked for forgiveness. This, and her Coconut Tree stunt, gave her 6 million Pesos worth of prizes.

In Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Edition, although Keanna Reeves got the most votes, I believe that John Pratts was the one who improved the most. From a laid back young man, he became the knight in shining armor inside the house for the final week of the big four. He barely slept and kept close watch of the eggs they were tasked to protect. He took the activity seriously when the others slept on it. In fact, he was the only member of the Big Four that was commended by Big Brother after that ordeal.

In Pinoy Big Brother Teen Edition... well, I don't know. It was nothing more than a paid vacation for all of them. And it was just like watching their home movies every night.

All I can really say is... Thank God that's over.

Friday, June 02, 2006

The 5 Stages of Letting Go

I formulated these after I have let go. This is something I personally believe in and not one that I try to impose on others. If you agree with it, well and good. If not, well, let's just respect each other.

I have found that after a heartbreak, a person goes through these stages and should not deny nor suppress them. It's never healthy. Denial is such an ugly thing. The best thing is to just admit that you're going through the stages and never sugarcoat them. I am telling you, it's all right to go through them. You will not be judged as mean or inconsiderate.


Situation:
Your girl/boyfriend dumps you. You're still very much in love with her/him.

Stage 1: Self-pity.
More often than not, when another lets us down, we get the feeling that we're not good enough. We get to the thinking that that's the reason why s/he dumped us. We think horribly of ourselves. Sometimes, our self-esteem plummets to the ground. We feel like we are being crushed: our hearts, our souls, our whole being.

Stage 2: Anger
We realize that we are not the problem. S/he is the problem! The other person is an idiot and has no idea what s/he has just lost. We become hateful and revengeful. We feel rage rushing through our veins, as if it's what keeps us alive. We hate and we loathe. We want to destroy; destroy her/his life.

Stage 3: Acceptance
This is where we can sing that song... "I can see clearly now, the rain is gone..." We have finally accepted that it's over; that s/he ended it and we didn't; that we should not blame ourselves; that we should not blame her/him; that there are things that just don't last. This is not the part where we let go, this is just the door. The door hasn't even been opened yet, but we're standing right in front of it. We are now ready to open that door and let go.

Stage 4: Pseudo-Let Go
We feel like we have finally let the other person go. And why not? We haven't seen her/him for so long; we've never communicated; sometimes we're already with someone else. Yet, when you see her/him or talk to her/him, we find all the feelings and the memories coming back. We realize that the seeming "have let go" statement we made is not all that accurate. We're still in love.

Stage 5: We Have Finally Let Go
It takes a long, long, long time, somtimes, to get here. Too long even. But I'm sure we all get here. We all learn to let go. When we're here, we don't wonder anymore of the what ifs: what if I was like this, what if I did this, what if we didn't, what if we did. We don't hope anymore that we'll get back with her/him, at all. Instead, we forgive and we start a new relationship with the other, something civil and worthy of noting... as friends. There are no longer any antagonists at this stage.

It took a very long time before I got to the final stage, but I did. It was all so difficult but I guess now that I think about it, I woudn't have it any other way. I learned a lot from the ordeal. Sweet misery, it was.

Friday, May 26, 2006

This is What Happens When I'm Depressed

I just finished an interview this afternoon for a job. And I really felt like I didn't get it because of one question asked to me during the interview: "What is your priority, your studies or working with us?" Damn! I wasn't able to answer straight. If I said "work" I knew I would be lying, had I said "studies" then for sure I'm out.

So anyway, I decided to go to Starbucks and study instead (by the way, while I'm writing this, I have my finals exam tomorrow, pray kayo for me ha!). I guess out of disappointment on myself, I started scribbling. And I ended up writing a poem (yeah, again, I know). I didn't even have a topic in mind! So this is a bit raw, but it turned out to be pretty good.

The Forgotten Mermaid

A lifeless remembrance of a past encounter;
I dream more of it today than just usual wonder.

Like a steady, hard rock under the heat of the desert sun,
My mind sizzles with anger on what has been done.

Oh passion and love, I have revered thee for too long,
And yet it was you that led me farther along.

Humming now a lifeless song dedicated to a worn out memory,
Assisted constantly by the music of the sea.


- che
May 25, 2006

Lungkot noh?

Cheesy Poem...Brace Yourself

I was inspired to write this during class on a very boring morning. Para sa first and hopefully last crush ko sa Arellano Law School.

June Purple Vines

So quiet and meek; alone again you waited.
I almost walked over; “hello,” I almost said.
But I didn’t come near you; I didn’t even look.
Anyway, there you are, buried in that book.

The lights go out again; I can only see you from the corner of my eye.
I wonder if you noticed me at all; then later I just sighed.
No, of course, you haven’t, I know that well enough.
You have seen me, yes, but notice? What ridiculous stuff.

And then words are said out loud; they don’t affect you at all.
I steal a glimpse of you, enough to make me fall.
Deep in my heart I keep you, a place where no one knows,
In my mind you wander, where thoughts of you flows.

Contented, I shall be, though I cannot hold you now.
The dreams of you here in me will not bring me down.
So if you’re my impossible dream, then let it be.
I need nothing more than imagine you’re with me.

- che
May 20, 2006

Thursday, May 25, 2006

TAYLOR HICKS: American Idol Season 5 Winner

thanks to askmen.com for the pic
I think he was probably one of the underdogs in the Top 12. Simon Cowell passed on him during the auditions in Las Vegas. He's had a few bad songs and a little bit more bad clothes on stage. And still, Taylor Hicks dominated the rest of the wannabe idols!

Sa totoo lang, I was already part of the "Soul Patrol" even before the name came to be. From his first audition up to the last song he performed, I have enjoyed them all. I can't argue that he's not exactly the one who had the best voice in the group, but he just grabs your attention and makes sure you don't look away. He's crazy! And I mean that in a good way.

But even if I'm a bit of a Hicks fan, Katharine was on my number 1 list for the longest time to win the title. She's pretty, she can sing very well and seriously knows how to project in front of the camera; but I guess, this season, that's just not enough anymore. And I think that's a good thing. If you think America made a mistake by choosing Taylor, well, that's your problem. I like Katharine, but I just like Taylor more.

Let me comment a little bit on the Finale...

I loved it. I think it was fairly better than last year. I loved the opening!!! The "award" giving was fun. I love that they brought the cowboys back!!! I love the girls' "woman" medley!!! I love the Burt Bacharach tribute! And naturally, I love the part where they announced who the winner was.

I didn't like the Meatloaf-Katharine duet! I mean, seriously, are the execs of that show insane? Meatloaf totally looked like he was ready to abduct Kat. I also don't approve of the Mary J. Blige-Elliot duet. I mean, don't get me wrong, I love Mary J. Blige. It's just that the 2 of them didn't work out. I think it would've been better if Taylor sung with Blige. They're both so alive on stage, it would've fit perfectly. Lastly, I didn't like the Puck and Pickler portion. It was entertaining, yes, but it didn't help Kellie with her reputation as a dumb blonde. I found it a bit insulting for her. But then again, maybe Americans love dumb blondes. I don't know.

So I guess, we'll be fussing over AI again January of next year!

By the way, I have the mp3 of Taylor Hicks' single "Do I Make You Proud". It's the performance on the Top2 competition, not the Finale. If you'd like a copy, catch me at YM, kaoru_girl.