parle votre esprit

...oh yeah...

2007-03-11T09:24:00.001-07:00

To Gosia who has just been matched to a TN in the Philippines...

I'm so excited and happy for you!

See you in the Philippines soon!!!

Let's Celebrate Life

2007-03-11T09:21:00.001-07:00

…and the real story unfolds…

This all began many years ago, when yours truly was still a brat, little girl. As the only girl-child in the house, I seemed to have all the power to do anything I wanted to. And due to lack of playmates, then workers at the house were the poor recipient of my pernicious tricks, and since I was their boss’ daughter they couldn’t touch me. I was that horrible, I know!!! ...and then, one unusual revenge came in an unexpected manner … (her name was) Perla, who must’ve been fed up with all my seemingly innocent yet destructive at times acts, mapped out a plan to bring me down…for life. She claimed to be a fortune teller who could predict the future by merely looking on the birthdates and examining the lines of the palm. Her claim was matched with my eagerness to peep a little hole of my future, unaware of her sneaky intention. As a pre act she tried to predict my brothers’ futures which turned out something really good. I was really excited for mine but then it turned out that mine wasn’t as good as my brothers. Her poignant words, ¨You will not live long, you’ll die young¨ have taunted me ever since. Fear deterred me from sharing this burden to anyone. It had become a great paranoia when I reached teenage years. Any miniscule pain was always translated to cancer…In my mind I had experience all kinds of cancer and when I reached 20, was I happy!!! Every year since then was a big celebration. Of course I kept it all to myself…not until now.

The idea of having a short life has pushed me to my limits. There are bad things but good things can be fairly attributed as well. I couldn’t take it away from my mind, and somehow, I expect one of these days I would be out in this game… but then I fairly play the game. It led me to my aversion to anything risky, yet it made me risk for more (baffling??? I couldn’t explain it further). Age is just numbers… It doesn’t make you old or young… We should count all the things we’ve done and stop counting the years. I still believe I’m still young. Perla forgot to define what age is ‘young’ and 50 could still be young for all I know. I really should thank her for showing me that every tick of the clock counts, every relationship matters, and every person is worth caring for. For this I would like to toast a bottle of aguardiente: Happy 25th birthday to me!!!

*This will be my second birthday in Colombia. Last year was great; I had my first passed-out experience. To my friends back home, join me in my celebration… For…over the years and years to come!!! CHEERS!!!

To my mother, happy 59th birthday!

And Perla, wherever you are, Thank You!

Me BLACK

2006-01-10T18:35:00.000-08:00

Click here

i can feel the X

2005-12-14T02:29:00.000-08:00

My office has been swiftly becoming a gift factory. There are a number of gifts coming in and coming out. Look at the gifts I already received.

This reminds me, I need a couple of visits to the World Trade Bazaar Oh God, never thought Christmas can be this stressful!

HEY FeLLa!

2005-10-10T17:34:00.000-07:00

Quite a time since I posted my last entry here. I have been quite busy lately, juggling so many things at the same time. I didn’t expect having so many a boyfriend could be this exhausting…psst...haha you wish, don’t believe that line. Ahm…couldn’t believe I didn’t have any entry for September.

I was experiencing a little turbulence in my life. Not that life changing sort of experience actually. Let’s just say I am having a quarter life crisis. I felt the urge to once again re-route my career path and take a leap into something big, grandiose, and exciting. And once again I feel the very itch to hunt for other job. An exit from office is indeed very imminent.

I am a little peevish this morning. Who wouldn’t? I slept late last night because I had to finish the already interrupted (because of a blackout in UP area) showing of Spongebob Squarepants on DVD. Add the fact that I had to make personal calls in the morning to cancel a meeting with my boss that was scheduled at 10 in the same morning. Hoboy. I’m not yet done, but I really have to post this..hehe

futile attempt

2005-08-08T02:55:00.000-07:00

Your grip is crippling me

When can I be freed from thy shield?

Let me fly…

Let me feel the human pain…

Let me shed my tears…

Let me go…

Let me grow…

[what was i thinking?...very futile attempt...let me do Math instead!!!]

That 25-75 formula

2005-07-18T19:26:00.000-07:00

I was talking about the time-split-allocation during any UPMK meetings. 25% for organization matters and 75% for everything else.

It worked since we were in college,…and it still does.

UPMK alumni have met last Saturday to map the creation of its association. Same people, same attitude…and a lot more fun… (nothing has changed, except that we were in Starbucks)

***
Politics…Government…Our Province…Showbiz…Academics….we’ve covered them all… See? Who said we are just bunch of ‘I-don’t-care-what’s-happening-I’m-happy-with-my-state-anyway?’ type of people. We do care, and we have opinions to share… Intellectual stimulation…it made me missed college days!

***
Dinner at TokyoTokyo…the waiter-ala-rice distributor scratched his head when the cupful of rice he gave me didn’t stay a minute long in my table … Go ahead figure!!! Clue: guy’s appetite in the next table.

***
No amount of beers can substitute Recelo’s (Hexel’s induced) humor. It made me naturally high…My stomach was growling, after laughing too hard.

***
If looks could kill, I would have dropped dead in front of Hexel (yes, the same guy whose name appeared in PDI’s Youngblood last week). Guy friends sometimes have perplexing attitude that is too hard to comprehend. One moment, they’re pressuring you to get a boyfriend, gracefully reminding you of the additional number in your ‘how old are you’s queries’, and then few minutes after, their eyes will just bulge with anger, disappointment, that you will feel like a little girl committing the biggest mistake in history. And then, in the end they’ll say ‘We want the best for you, we do not want you to go to the dark side.’

Darkside? ....what an adjective!

In short, I am not allowed to have fun… I’ll grow old like manangs… Oh God!!!

***
‘Ganyan’

If you can say it ala-Cling manner, you are sure to bring me down the floor rolling with laughter.

***
To wit Recelo:
‘It is not something to plan, it will just happen…And if it will not, then you are called for single-blessedness’

jumbling up

2005-07-15T23:05:00.000-07:00

With all the squabbling over in the political arena, the government, and in the country as a whole, it was nice to fly off somewhere, just leave everything behind. But then due to limitations, I might as well contend myself of just being here, in this place, in this time…

It was funny though, seems like everyone is so involved to somewhat everything that’s happening. They almost have everything to say in every issue. Being in the Senate, I must have known more than all my friends know, but that doesn’t show and probably wouldn’t show. As the cliché goes ‘ The more you know, the less you talk,’ and so I just have to keep my mouth shut..zip::B

*****

Weeks ago, I was more than privileged to experience a well-deserved vacation… an all-paid vacation so to speak. Alright, it was actually a conference, but in any angle I see it, I can simply reduce it as staff excursion. Thanks to the sponsoring group!!! Pictures here .

*****

True, I wouldn’t make my undergrad school obvious for everyone to expect something greater from me. But then, somehow, I expect it to just show itself. Probably, I perfected the art of keeping it too low that people no longer recognize me as someone from where I came from. It was alarming when I was mistaken as someone from elite schools, not once but three consecutive times.

Last week, I attended political summit in the lower house (see? my job provides me versatility, I instantly became a representative of my boss’ political party). A pretty Muslim lady, who, I presumed was member of the secretariat said to me: “You look familiar. Are you from Assumption?” I shook my head, and so she added “La Salle,” shook my head again, “Ateneo,” and so I just said to her “I am from UP”. “Ah okay, I must have seen you somewhere else”.

On that same week, I attended a conference held in Baguio City. I was talking to a member of other senator’s staff who’s also from UP, we were kind of talking about UP, when suddenly someone exclaimed “From UP ka rin!”

And then just to prove, that those were just pure coincidences, I asked a colleague to guess my school, pretending he doesn’t know it..”I would guess Ateneo” he said. Oh well. Elitista ako!

*****

june 20 senate staff outing

2005-06-23T20:45:00.000-07:00

can i be a photojourn now?

2005-06-23T19:57:00.000-07:00

on our way to caylabne bay

top view
talking bout special effects
pool no 1.
bay 2

how gud R U in Filipino?

2005-06-16T22:44:00.000-07:00

Never thought Filipino could be this hard.

My grade is 72%, and that's the best I can do. You wanna try?

Click this ---> Tagalugin Mo Nga

Mathematician's Love Letter

2005-06-15T18:20:00.000-07:00

My Dear Love,

Yesterday, I was passing by your rectangular house in trigonometric lane.There I saw you with your cute circular face, conical nose and spherical eyes, standing in your triangular garden. Before seeing you my heart was a null set, but when a vector of magnitude (likeness) from your eyes at a deviation of theta radians made a tangent to my heart,it differentiated. My love for you is a quadratic equation with real roots, which only you can solve by making good binary relation with me.The cosine of my love for you extends to infinity. I promise that I should not resolve you into partial functions but if I do so, you can integrate me!

REPOSTED

Trinay: Nah, this is a bit corny. My classmate in high school wrote me a message using mathematical terms, and I guess his letter sounded better, though it's not a love letter. I'll try to find it and post it in here.

BRIEFER

2005-06-13T10:30:00.000-07:00

It seemed that the universe had hatched negative energy around me. Everything appeared very wrong…I got paranoid, I didn’t want to go out today fearing something bad would really happen.

Monday: what better way to start first working day of the week by leaving your ID at home and wearing the bright yellow ‘VISITOR’ sticker inside the senate? Good thing for me, the elevator operator recognizes my face and still allowed me to take the elevator for senators& staff.

Tuesday: Thanks to the Minority Leader, session was stretched until 8 in the evening…and I had to stay there!

Wednesday: There was a bomb scared in the Senate. I was attending a hearing on the second floor when the commotion on the other floors happened. We were the last persons to get out from the building. Other than the folder, notebook, and pen, I had nothing with me…and…my cellphone was lowbatt and was running outta load. There was no way for me to contact my colleagues. I found myself in the company of Sen. Revilla’s staff. They were such darlings for letting me stay in their office (when we got in the building after the said bomb threat was proven to be only such a bluff) while my officemates were dining out (and apparently the office was locked).

Thursday: I called in sick, and believe me it was not easy especially because the third jueteng hearing was scheduled today. While talking to my boss on the phone, my housemates were snickering on the background, that’s because they didn’t believe me when I said I felt sick. I serenely monitored the jueteng hearing though through my portable radio.

Friday: Haay..kakapoy…we planned of strolling along roxas boulevard after work. I pictured a very relaxing night, alas, it turned out differently. My company got tired of walking along the stretch of RB and decided to go somewhere else. Videoke!!! We went to the famous videoke hub near La Salle. Man, we couldn’t find a room. We stayed for a while hoping we could snatch one but to no avail. It was 10pm, still very early, yet not worth to be spent waiting there. We ended up eating frosty and fries in Wendy’s and went home. Any ‘other’ idea of Friday Night Fun?

Saturday: So far, things were seemed to be fine. My yearning for vidoeke was satiated when AteG and I went to Providence Tower to sing. But when I went home late at night, I learned that my housemate and her boyfriend were robbed on their way to her derma. I was supposed to go with them, should be happy yet I felt guilty. Feeling like I was responsible for it..am I the jinx? Or what?

Sunday: I was browsing for shoes in SM Makati while waiting for Tess. When I found what I want I hurriedly went to pay for it using my VISA ELECTRON and guess what? My card was denied. It’s a debit card for Christ’s sake, and I am pretty sure of its balance. I had no choice but to go out and withdraw from the ATM.

Nevertheless, I was blessed for this week. I was not afterall that unlucky. Okay, so here are the positive points::

I was baptized…yup…for SFC…three more weeks and ill be a full-fledged SFC
Got new running shoes…that would push me for jogging regularly.
Mr. and Mrs Smith was really beautiful…again, Brad Pitt is soo sexy (ok well, and so is Angelina)

i think im in love...

2005-05-26T20:18:00.000-07:00

This entry comes with a caveat:

It is not my intention to expose the identity of the person involved here, so please do not ask …

Just ignore the embellished title…I am not yet in love, mind you (na LSS lang ako dat's y)…let’s just say..i’m inspired…

The beautiful stares sent excitement to my giddy bones. I was high!

But then my excitement was dampened upon the realization that this too will not end. It’s just a cycle that I always find myself at. But with all the phases of this cycle, this one is my favorite...I do not care if this too will have a sad ending (always me on the losing end, call it one-end heartbreak); as long as I am happy and inspired for the meantime, that’s what matters.

A passing phase I did say. I am counting the days until I would deftly get rid of this one. So sad, I always succeeded of doing this to men I like most. I always have this talent of displaying indifference when deep inside feelings are too much to handle. I hope I would be brave enough to face it and be ready for it.

I’m pinning my hope to God this time, everything will just fall into their right places, and all the pieces will fit (thanks nina!) if not now, in His time. I am not in a hurry though. For the meantime I would just enjoy this roller coaster emotional ride that I am in. And hopin that ‘sana nasa taas ako palagi’.

Im wonderin, who else can relate to this?...

the price we have to pay

2005-05-23T11:53:00.000-07:00

I’m in no condition to work for today …blame it to Jack Paul, I mean Jack Bauer.

Finally we got hold of the third season of 24 hours, thanks to Tara’s bf. I almost obliterated the idea of going to work just to finish the real time 24 hour-action.

Our TV was very uncooperative. We had to tap it from time to time so that the PC speakers that we attached would emit even a slightest sound (oh poor us). We had to move our chairs 1.5ft away from the TV and position our ears nearest to the speakers to hear the 20 dBA sound it produces. In the end, we just decided to follow what is written in the subtitle. Alas, that didn’t help either.

I was a bit bamboozled when the subtitle said Paul when referring to Jack. After the third Paul had we only realized that what they actually mean is Bauer, Jack’s last name. Chase ( Jack’s partner in season three, and the one that Kim is dating) also had many names – Jess, James, and even Chess…also, Raymond Salazar – Salsa, Salad (very funny, I got hungry), Rayment, Raymend. And funny lines like:

I don’t kown, he is a lyer! (more to follow tomorrow…)

We had the what we call as multi-task viewing…reading the characters’ lips and guessing what they mean with the codes(subtitle) they’re using (i.e. sth which means something). It’s a good exercise though, hard concentration is really needed.

But seriously, these subtitlists (or whatever) need basic grammar and spelling lessons. Did they even proofread what they put down there? But then again, that maybe the price we have to pay for watching pi***ed DVDs.

one quarter had passed

2005-05-19T21:58:00.000-07:00

*************...and still counting*************

I am now 3 months and 3 days in office.

I remember, on my third day in office, I was asked by the Chief of Staff to draft a resolution that needed to be passed after an hour. I was only provided with multiple pages references and a Senate Resolution template. Obedient and as a nascent government employee as I was, I dutifully did it. I successfully passed the first resolution I drafted on that day…and considered that as my baptism of fire…boy, I was wrong…that was very far from the REAL Baptism of fire…

*************baptism of fire*************

Couple of weeks ago, I received last minute instruction from my boss to attend the forum that she was supposed to attend. Knowing the usual round-table-discussion type of forums, I was afraid I would be provided with a special seat with my name on it and a microphone. It didn’t help upon knowing that two senators would also be there. And one more thing, I was not equipped with knowledge on the topic they were going to discuss. I asked my boss if there’s an issue she would like me to raise and/or ask. Her instruction was simply, “Just don’t talk unless asked.” Ahem, that would make my life easier and I was relieved upon seeing the arrangement. No seat reserved for me after all. I could just sit down, blend with the crowd, listen, take notes, best of all, and eat the usually palatable food served by the caterer. I just had to be there and disappear after, as easy as that, or so I thought…

I was initially informed though that the sponsoring group might pin us down, the very same reason why they wanted to have a forum for the first place. I was instructed not to speak unless asked. Ahem, so I could just keep my mouth shut, easy, ayt? But no! In the course of the discussion, their strong resentment to my office became very apparent. I was sweating! Just imagine being in a conference where your boss is being pinned down…and you could not even react.

As instructed, I kept quiet (I didn’t have choice anyway since I did not know what they were talking about)…but during the closing remarks, the speaker asked if anybody is representing my senator boss. ..Oh boy,…I successfully denounced my job..I did not raise my hand!!! I was scared!!!

*************one big LIE*************

But then realizing what I had done, I hurriedly approach the panel after the discussion…and well, made a very big WHITE LIE.

“Mr. X? I’m Trinie, staff of Sen. V. I am sorry, I was talking to somebody (so not true, I didn’t even know who my seatmate was) and we were actually engaged in a discussion when you asked for someone representing the office. I was kinda late in raising my hand and so decided to wait until you’re done with your speech. Anyway, we have an official (written) statement, if you want I can give it to you.”

I remembered being introduced to several people, staff of Senior Staff of Sen. A, Sen. B, etc..and others. I was in a hurry to leave thinking they might ask me more. Sure enough, they tailed me to our office and asked me to schedule them for an interview with the senator. Oh boy, did they not know? Senator has an executive secretary. And that’s not ME.

*************moment to shine*************

AND, just last week, I attended a national conference that was sponsored by the same group. Armed with information, I courageously went there…probably the venue also helped me since I am comfortable being in UP. I didn’t want to attract attention from people so I hid my ID all the time (switched it over so that the back cover will be the only one visible). I blended with the crowd, and made friends with my seatmates who then knew I came from the office of the senator. First day was good, they did not mention my boss’ name. All were positive. I was not supposed to attend the next day’s session, but then I received a tip from a priest friend (from the conference) that they raised some critical issue concerning my boss. I made it to the afternoon session and the organizers, with lack of coordination from the registrar and the speaker were left unaware of my presence. The speaker just made one big mistake in her life. She made one bad accusation to my boss in front of me. Since I was there, and since I know the truth, I stood up and spoke in front of everybody. An estimated 200 people from the Philippines were there. (Until now, the facial reaction of the speaker when I stood up is still clearly plastered in my memory. I almost choked to laughter after.)

I couldn’t remember the exact words I’ve said, but one thing is evident, I defended my boss so well that the next speaker even said “Sana may ganyan din akong staff” (I wish I have a staff like that), and people cheered.

*************babae po ako*************

Working in the Senate probably crossed my mind once, but I never thought I would actually work here. ..especially after rereading the following:

THE PHILIPPINE SENATE is looking for a Full Time Legislative Staff (Economics Division).
Qualifications:
- social science graduate (preferably economics major) – I’m in!

- good analytical skills – check!
- w/ background in research – mmm...check!
- has great writing skills – don’t like to write..but I can
- has political savvy – didn’t care bout politics till now
- willing to work long hours – can make night into day..and vice versa

- flexible – well I am!

- computer savvy – I can turn the PC on/off
- below 25 yrs old – thanks god I still am
- preferably male – hello! mahal magpaopera no?

thanks GOD i met dem

2005-05-03T03:20:00.000-07:00

With a three day furlough I have more than enough time to do things, and to meet friends/orgmates I haven’t seen for a while. Friday night was spent with YFC friends(it turned out to be my batch EXECOM's reunion + myself). It was supposed to be a reunion of some sort but only a few attended. See pictures..

We started off by having dinner at Bento Box in Katipunan. Meeting place was actually set at Starbucks but they later decided to transfer to BB. I came in a little late since I had work on that day (so bad, we were not practicing the 4day workweek scheme).

Dinner at Bento Box!!! (mmm..c Bai at c Kai, it rhymes)

ang sweeet p rin talaga ng dalawa...

As planned, an overnight at ia's abode.

no one's allowed to SLEEP here

d GURLS

There I was again, witnessing and listening to gail's spontaneity…of sharing…of talking…of everything. She never failed to get my attention everytime she talks...;

k’s bubbly self, now it’s k + dambo, a tandem I sort of expected;

ia's enigmatic self, and how I wish I can read your mind;

mommy loys’ very reserved and diffident (demure kuno, hehe) behavior;

JP’s one of a kind hirits,

and CL’s one slow of a kind response to JP’s hirits, hehehe….

I felt so relaxed …It’s amazing how these people could make me shed tears out from too much laughing...and crying… almost at the same time.

More reunion to come, I hope. And more stories to share…

Thank you K for the pics!

WHAT'S THE iDEAL?

2005-04-26T16:24:00.000-07:00

Good thing about being underweight is that you can walk a mile with your high-heeled shoes on and not feeling a thing. Now, that I gained extra pounds, walking with heels seemed to be so much a burden. And to think, I am not even overweight! …

…sigh…I just probably missed wearing high heels (too often)…

Whattaday!

2005-04-26T00:46:00.000-07:00

Many things have happened in the office. A seemingly debacle event turned out very comic in the end. .. I was such a bluff…and it doesn’t end in the office…

On my way to the top floor, I was giddily bouncing, sort of doing dance steps. I was unaware of the stares that I was getting from a small group of people waiting at the top, very amused of my prancing moves. I only stopped and only did I realize that I was being watched when I heard a husky voice saying “ Hello! “…(it was a guy) Oh no!!! Do I have to tell you? I didn’t go out from the apartment the whole night!

best find

2005-04-18T00:36:00.000-07:00

I couldn’t help myself from touting some of the few bargains I got from Divisoria. Each piece underwent a circumspect inspection from friends, some who wouldn’t believe that I got them for such a very low price. I felt proud and happy, albeit fatigue, after the half day haggling at the best bargain place in town. My eyes were literally dancing upon seeing those almost-the-same-as-sold-in-very-expensive-shops items. If these shops got their stocks from there, I can just imagine their enormous gain.

Spent my Saturday afternoon shopping at Divisoria with Dunah and Cling. My previous visits were only limited to the airconditioned Tutuban Mall, and beyond that I didn’t know exciting tiangges exist. It was so brave for the three of us to saunter the streets colliding with different type of people, armed with extra cautiousness and carefulness. It was not within the definition of comfort, yet, it was such an exciting shopping quest.

harking back

2005-04-07T23:01:00.000-07:00

Nowadays, Call Center has become the hippie trail. With my personal familiarity, 1 in every 7 people I know works in a call center. If this translates to the whole that would mean 14.3% of young professionals are employed in a call center, and that’s a figure.

Why? ....and why not?

I remember when I was in college, every time I learned that someone from my University is working in a call center, my reaction would be “Why? Sayang!.” Any UP student would share the same reaction. We are not after all trained to become telephone operators (we are trained to become managers, my boss informed me :)) But call center is more than just picking the phone and talking in English. It’s way more than Hello’s and Thank-you-for-calling’s.

Yes, inadvertently, I had my first job in a call center. I never had expected it myself. While many simply choose to work because of its very high compensation, benefits, and perks, I chose it because of the promised US Training. I was lucky but luck didn’t hold for long since I got denied of a VISA (Oh consul no 8, it wasn’t my fault I was young, duh!!! ). I was left in the Philippines and got my training from a Filipino trainer (who obviously developed a very strong detestation to my then and there throwing of puzzling and tricking questions during the training) and American mentors. I didn’t intend to stay for long but pecuniary benefits can be very appealing to a newly graduate like me.

My 15 months in the company may not be the most productive months in my life, but I did learn a lot. Needless to say I developed my verbal communication skills… and increased my patience threshold to ‘dumb’ and ‘stubborn’ people. I just simply enjoyed my stay, and reading the subsequent paragraphs, you need not wonder why working in a call center can be a real fun experience.

Following is some of the bluffs and blunders committed on the floor. These are only base from my recollection and so accuracy may not be absolute… but I do hope it will tickle your funny bones…

CSR: My name is ROSS. That’s R, double O, S. ROOS.
(ROSS, you should know how to spell your name. In fairness pinanindigan nya ang ROOS throughout the call, hahaha)

CSR: That’s Jun! Like a month JUNE without an E
(I think it’s simpler to just say J-U-N)

CALLER: (sobbing) My father died two days ago…
CUSTOMER: (in a consoling voice) I am very sorry to hear that. I will be very HAPPY to transfer your call to our claims department.

CSR: Sometimes I appear, sometimes you disappear. (referring to the very bad connection)
(Power of apparition eh? …)

CUSTOMER: My death benefit is bigger than the policy’s cash value. Would I rather die to get the bigger amount?
CSR: mmmm…I guess so?!
(Go, advise your callers to die!!)

CSR: Just mail your payment to ____________, Louisville, KY.
CUSTOMER: Will you spell Louisville for me please?
CSR: Sure! That’s L as in Little brother, O as in Older brother, U as in Unique brother,…. L as in Lousy brother, E as in Excited brother… that’s 10 brothers in all.
Hahahaha

CSR: That’s T as in iced Tea!

Aren’t you laughing yet? Try the next one, this made my friends rolling on the floor laughing….

After a long pause
CUSTOMER: Are you still there?
CSR: Yes ma’am! I am still THERE!

….because it was committed by …….yours truly (just the last one). Go, laugh harder, hahaha…

One last…

PRUDENTIAL THIS IS AEHHHNNNE, HOW MAY I HELP YOU?

Who would have forgotten this? This is probably my trademark that drew out imitations from my peers. I was known from both ends in the office because of this very popular opening spiel.
And probably I will be remembered through this.

Thank you for reading. May you have a nice day!!

i mourn with the world

2005-04-04T21:47:00.000-07:00

One of the first two texts I received on Sunday morning was the one informing the death of Pope John Paul II (Karol Wojtyla). My reaction was, “ahhh, poor Pope…,” wasn’t exactly the sincere one but more like a reaction expressed because you had to (got it?). And since the house’s TV speaker was busted I didn’t have the chance to watch the more sensationalize news on TV. I attended a mass, the Pope’s death was briefly mentioned, we offered prayers, and the priest continued on preaching what he was prepared for that day.

I really didn’t have much time to think about the Pope’s death. I offered a prayer though if that helps. Monday morning came, when I was about to put on my red clothes, I stopped and reconsidered on deviating from my Monday Red Dress habit; and so I put on a black long sleeve blouse instead, a gesture probably to tell the world ‘hey I am Catholic and I am mourning.’ I arrived in the office very early and had the expediency to have the TV on my own. The pope’s face was omnipresent; you could see it in almost all the channels. It was then I realized that his face had been the blue print of Christ’s face on earth. We unconsciously patterned God through him since he is the one closest to us, one who is tangible. He is a good representation of what a REAL Christian should be; forgiving, loving, and compassionate. He exudes an aura that spells H-O-L-Y… Sentimental as it may sound but I did cry just watching the news.

Now, going back to the Pope being God’s face on earth, it got me thinking, what if the Pope’s replacement happened to be black, and so my image of God would then be….BLACK!!!? “If God has a face, what would it look like….”..

Seriously, Let’s offer a prayer for the pope. Let us all will!

after my heart breaks

2005-03-28T16:04:00.000-08:00

I was preening in front of the mirror and was happy to note that my hair did wonder in reducing my seemingly ballooning frame (I had my hair trimmed yesterday, an aftermath of a heartbreak, wehoo). I do look thin, also because of the loose brown polo that I am wearing. By the way, since there is no session for today, I have the liberty to wear maong pants, and God knows how comfortable I am with them.

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No session, no hearing to attend to, that means my work is limited in the office. I have a research/position paper to finish though within this week, and I couldn’t bring myself to concentrate on it.

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My Senator Boss (and his Congresswoman wife) gave us cute watches from I don’t know where coz I really don’t know where they spent their holy week. I got myself a red one. Oh how I love pasalubong!

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Also tikoy as pasalubong from one of my officemates.

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Senators have a briefing today for VAT. My boss (head Economic team) had been following it ever since and devotedly became my senator boss’ surrogate in every meeting. I was kind of guilty thinking she’s (my boss) upstairs (senate president’s office) listening to their fawning and feigning and here I am making this blog entry, hahaha. Seriously, I am doing a research paper, and with special sessions (requested by GMA, read as GEEMAH) coming (this Wednesday to Friday) my arriving days would be packed with VAT, VAT, and VAT, that means I need to have this certain issue(topic of my research) all wrap up by tomorrow. I still lack data, so bad.

poignant heart

2005-03-27T17:53:00.000-08:00

“And why are you sad?” My friend had asked. “Because I am selfish,” I replied.

I made a discovery that somehow produces a twitch in my pampered heart. Exaggeratedly put it, I was broken hearted. Oh yeah, very exaggerated indeed! But then singles can be broken hearted too, many times…

I found out, in a very unusual manner, that my guy friend already found a girlfriend. There’s nothing to be sad about it, as my friend would say. I never reciprocated his feelings anyway and I’ve established a lucid understanding of our situation, no more than friends, early on. But that doesn’t mean I wanted him to just go away! Doesn’t he have a little bit of loyalty? Oh, who am I kidding?

I just have to be happy for him, that’s the least I can do. Nevertheless, I will miss the attention he showered on me, the beautifully crafted words constantly addressed to me, and the affection that was once very visible in his eyes… I guess he already found someone who are more worthy to have them, and probably someone who would show him the affection he needs. Afterall, he deserves it.

No more selfishness…Life goes on…

I loaned BPI P2k

2005-03-20T23:56:00.000-08:00

I was getting serious with my More Revenue, Less Expenditure Policy. When I got my first wage in the Senate and last pay from my previous work, I was able to produce generous amount more than enough to start a savings account. Just imagine the temptation I had, to spend the amount on unnecessary-perceived-as-very-important-items. But still, my brother’s words echo on my mind.

Yet, there may be exceptional times where you really had to withdraw from your supposedly savings account (I can always look for excuses, don’t ask me to tell you just one coz I can actually give you a list of ten, hahaha). A day before I successfully withdrew from BPI (the closest bank in the area-my bank is Equitable PCI), I attempted to withdraw P2,000.00. I thought it was just like any cancelled transaction. I was upset to find out the next day that the bank had really debited P2,000.00 from my savings account. So bad isn’t it? After all the struggles I have had to fight temptation!

I reported it to my bank and they already submitted a complaint to BPI. The thing is, it may take up to three weeks to process. For the meantime I am P2,000 poorer. But on the lighter side, it’s like loaning an amount to BPI…They better pay me with (foregone) interest!!!

wise old men say...

2005-03-17T20:24:00.000-08:00

Just recently, my brother had lectured me on savings and economics. That was not actually the first time I heard him talked about valuing money, save more and spend less, etc.. I am so used to it when I was still a student. But suddenly, the sound of it became almost as irritating as hearing the dogs bark. I just did not like the idea when my brother talked almost so proficiently on the topics I am supposed to be expert at. I am supposed to be the connoisseur of economics, not him! And that was also precisely his point.

His point had been hammered home so effectively (I guess my brother had mastered the art of subtle persuasion). Initially, it raised an eyebrow. “Duh, how can he relate economics to being broke? Does he think we had Spending 101 in the School of Economics? Does not he know how expensive it is to live in the metropolitan? , but with my rational mind working, it was realized that what he’d been saying are after all correct. All of it has been so ECONOMICS-related and I have been so blind to even recognize it.

In Economics, we study different economic models, we interpret graphs, we master econometrics, we analyze how a country effectively carries on its fiscal and monetary policies, and we compute elasticity (price, supply, demand) in the market, among others. Yet, I forgot what Economics
is all about, it tackles supply and demand, it is about efficiently making scarce resources made available for consumption for everyone. How can I be then become a great economist if I cannot even allot my scant resources for my own consumption? Shameful, isn’t it?

My father once said I have the right combination of numerical inclination and economics sense to survive even in the toughest world. Shame, I do not use it to its fullest extent. Shame that I always find myself on the precipice of insolvency.

I now made a solution; since I could not stretch my financial supply (as of the moment) I may have to shrink my (unnecessary) demands. I aimed for a surplus (instead of a deficit). It may be easier said than done but I am more than determined to do it. I wouldn’t like to be called bogus economist because of my incapability to iron out my personal economic issue.

Perhaps, in the (near) future, I can tell my father “Pa, you are correct.” And to my brother “ Beh!!” hahaha (just kidding J). But seriously, I have been so lucky to have these men in my life, the same men who pointed out my mistakes and blunders most of the time, and the same men who may have unconsciously made me a strong person as I am now (and oh, the same men who handed me down the great affection to Mathematics). Because of them I could have one reason for not fearing old age…coz with them I clearly see that wisdom is proportional to age.

Bon Anniversaire

2005-03-11T19:29:00.000-08:00

When I woke up today, I searched for the spark I used to feel when it’s my birthday, but sadly there was nothing. I forced myself to feel excited. Today has TO BE SPECIAL. It didn’t come naturally. I have done a lot of convincing to myself. Oh well, as what my friend would say “it’s a sign of times”. Probably it is. I can no longer deny it to myself. I AM GETTING OLDER (and I just could imagine how it is like when I turn 25).

Coincidentally March 11 is also my mother’s birthday. 23 years back, my birth supposedly gave my parents and brothers extreme happiness. My mother for one had long been waiting for a girl, and my brothers wanted so much a little sister so that (1) they can have someone to play and tease with, and (2) my parents’ attention would be shifted away from them (my older brother had been the youngest for 7 years). My birth called for a celebration and subsequent years (of the same day) have been celebrated with huge parties complete with multi layered cake and lechon. I missed the grandiose of it!

When I went to college, I made it a point to celebrate my birthday, may it be simple or extravagant; from my first year college’s pancit canton paired with goldilock’s cake to last year’s Lydia’s lechon birthday party. Celebrating my birthday is a way of reminding myself of the purportedly happiness I brought to the family when I was born…somehow, it made me feel special (I only feel special once a year :-)). But now, I couldn’t seem to get the practicality of people spending so much just to have a birthday party/celebration. I suddenly became frugal, to my surprise, on my birthday. I thought of the saving I could have should I not spend on a party. Again, I can imagine my friend saying “It’s a sign of times, you’ve grown matured” Oh well, I may have grown old…:(

But on second thought, celebrating birthday should not have to be extravagant. And oh yes, I can spare a little of my savings for a dinner with all my housemates. I almost obliterated the idea of spending for a birthday celebration, but hey I realized, it’s not everyday that you celebrate your birthday. In the end, I did spend for my birthday today, just a parsimonious celebration but at least I could say I celebrated my 23rd birthday.

VIEW MY PICTURES

We are the first ones to arrive..:)
pose!!
Everyone is eager to stand...y?
go denice...
Cell:"wait!!"
w/ abby

a birthday testimonial?

girls and numbers

Happy WOMEN's Day

2005-03-08T18:01:00.000-08:00

A man was sick and tired of going to work every day while his wife stayed home. He wanted her to see what he went through so he prayed:"Dear Lord: I go to work every day and put in 8 hours while my wife merely stays at home. I want her to know what I go through, so please allow her body to switch with mine for a day. Amen.God, in his infinite wisdom, granted the man's wish. The next morning, sure enough, the man awoke as a woman.He arose, cooked breakfast for his mate, awakened the kids, set out their school clothes, fed them breakfast, packed their lunches, drove them to school, came home and picked up the dry cleaning, took it to the cleaners and stopped at the bank to make a deposit, went grocery shopping, then drove home to put away the groceries, paid the bills and balanced the checkbook.He cleaned the cat's litter box and bathed the dog.Then it was already 1 P.M.and he hurried to make the beds, do the laundry, vacuum, dust, and sweep and mop the kitchen floor. Ran to the school to pick up the kids and got into an argument with them on the way home.Set out milk and cookies and got the kids organized to do their homework, then set up the ironing board and watched TV while he did the ironing.At 4:30 he began peeling potatoes and washing vegetables for salad, breaded the pork chops and snapped fresh beans for supper. After supper, he cleaned the kitchen, ran the dishwasher, folded laundry, bathed the kids, and put them to bed.At 9 P.M. he was exhausted and, though his daily chores weren't finished, he went to bed where he was expected to make love, which he managed to get through without complaint.The next morning, he awoke and immediately knelt by the bed and said, Lord,I don't know what I was thinking. I was so wrong to envy my wife's being able to stay home all day. Please, oh please, let us trade back."The Lord, in his infinite wisdom, replied, "My son, I feel you have learned your lesson and I will be happy to change things back to the way they were. You'll just have to wait nine months, though. You got pregnant last night.

***extracted from an e-mail

Not An ORDINARY Girl

2005-03-07T17:44:00.000-08:00

"I'm not your ordinary girl from down the street
Always busy working, got to stay on track, got to watch my back from distractions
and I'm the kind of lady that stays on top of all things
Cant let nothin' faze me that's the way it is coz that's how I live"

by KYLA

***i feel a very strong connection with the song ...

WORD ETYMOLOGY

2005-03-06T16:05:00.001-08:00

Don’t you know that the English word ‘BRISK’ has sprouted from a Tagalog term ‘BILIS’? It was uttered by a Japanese Col to his battalion composed of Americans. Mr. Japanese had uttered Biris instead of Bilis. An American picked up the word and soon enough became an expression Biris, biris, until it became BRISK. Hence, brisk walking was introduced.

Anyway, no report was actually shown regarding the etymology of BRISK.. .But mind you, it will be in news soon. Remember though, you hear it first from me…

***the idea was emanated during our Sunday Brisk Walking in UP ACAD Oval. I and housemate1 were so lumpy that housemate2 ordered us to move fast..Bilis!!! aren’t we supposed to be brisk walking? Not nature tripping… Brisk!!!

Out of Reach

2005-03-04T00:01:00.000-08:00

Knew the signs
Wasn't right
I was stupid for a while
Swept away by you
And now I feel like a fool

So confused, my heart's bruised
Was I ever loved by you

Out of reach, so far
I never had your heart
Out of reach, couldn't see
We were never meant to be

Catch myself from despair
I could drown if I stay here
Keeping busy every day
I know I will be OK

But I was
So confused, my heart's bruised
Was I ever loved by you

Out of reach, so far
I never had your heart
Out of reach, couldn't see
We were never meant to be

So much hurt, so much pain
Takes a while to regain what is lost inside
And I hope that in time, you'll be out of my mind
And I'll be over you

But now I'm
So confused, my heart

by: GABRIELLE
**song of the day