Life's Blessing

GMA's Favorite Church

2006-03-27T19:42:00.000+08:00

Ermita Church is now a Shrine. This is where GMA attends mass. I took a picture of the church, but I think something's wrong with my camera. It's all green and my internet connection is soo slow these days.

My friend from Opus Dei invited me to see this church after we heard the doctrine talk. It was under renovation. A Large parking space.

A friend from one of the seminar I attended last December, told me that I can ask for 3 wishes and wait for it to come true, if I happen to be in a church for the first time.

This January, I went to Don Bosco and prayed for something and got it. I also prayed for God to help me find a business. And I got it. Although it hasn't materialized yet, but through discernment and confirmation, I now have a direct path where I want to be. I also asked God's guidance about an employee from an agency where we get people to work for us, whom I am not sure if he was good for us or not. So, I prayed and said, "If it is His will that he will be an asset to us then he must let him stay and if not, please find me somebody else"

In mid-January, I got that "something", on the direct path to my career and future, and that employee suddenly got sick and told us he wanted to resign and their company gave us a replacement.

Model of your vehicle

2006-02-22T22:17:00.000+08:00

I was out with two friend for dinner at Dong Yang in Banawe. It's the sister company of Tong Yang Hotpot restaurant.

What are the difference between these two?

Dong Yang sounds so native from Mainland China while Tong Yang sounds like it was owned by tsinoys.
Dong Yang owner's children are roaming around the restaurant while Tong Yang seems more like a business.
Dong Yang has an individual soup pot and a common griller while Tong Yang uses common soup pot and griller in one, for a group of four
Dong Yang got at least 3-4 gay servers and they liked to stay near your table as if they are invited to hear your speech while in Tong Yang, servers doesn't do that.
Dong Yang can accommodate a maximum of 250 people while Tong Yang have lesser seats.
Dong Yang has more variety of food and fresher than Tong Yang.
Dong Yang is well lighted while Tong Yang is dimmer.
Dong Yang has lesser parking space than Tong Yang
Dong Yang has three soups to choose from: Sate, Chicken or Sinigang (something different)

We talked about a lot of things. His business, my other friend's and my ideas about it. After dinner, my younger friend were looking at my friend's car and he said he was trying to see what year her car was made.

I learn something today: If you want to know what year your car was made, check out the driver's seatbelt, there is a embossed or engrave year when it was manufactured. The date in our car registration is the year you purchased it.

Dong Yang HotPot Restaurant:
705 Banawe St (in front of Han Pao)
Quezon City

Lunch buffet : Php 295
Dinner buffet: Php 395
Drinks not included.

What's In A Name

2006-02-20T20:29:00.000+08:00

One of the reason why parents of today would give their children two or more names to prevent them having the same identifications. Some even had to get a special papers from government agencies to show whenever they need to travel outside the country. They were said to have same names as those people who are in their blacklist.

Last year, I met up with a lady and she was an agent. According to her, she knows my brother and later on as we chat, I learned she knew my friend too, who has the same first name as my sibling. Three months after, this lady sent me a text messages asking for the cell phone number of this name, cause she wanted to greet him a happy birthday. I thought of my friend immediately. I sent her a business card of my friend's cell phone number. At the back of my mind, I didn't know it was his birthday. When I got home that night, I browse my directory and said, aah, it is his birthday. Actually, their birthdays are two days apart. After a few days, this lady called me and said, did you give me your friend's number instead of your brother? I proudly said yes. Then she told me what happened.

She texted the my friend and greeted him a happy birthday which my friend thanked her for that, for it was really his birthday a few days after. He thought it was an advance greeting. He knew all along that it was her. Then she asked for an appointment with him and he then called up his friend and was wondering why this lady is doing such thing. The third party then called up her co-worker and told her to back it off, telling her how good her friend is to her and will not betray her. Confusion between the three of them that prompt this lady agent to call me back.

Well, in the first place, she should have given me his full name, since she knows I got a friend who has the same name as my sibling.

After a few minutes, my friend called me and verified with me if I did gave her his number and I said yeah, but I really thought she was looking for him. He was then complaining to me what has transpired between the three of them. hahaha.

Little Children?

2006-02-19T04:31:00.000+08:00

I haven't been out for the last three months and sometimes when I get bored, I can't think of one thing to do. Until a friend took me to a bookstore in powerplant last week. Now, I remember...I used to hang out in this kind of establishments. The new trend has become popular with the college students and professionals. I read all the magazines I like here. And some books.

They have separate sections to sit on for kids and adults. For the kids section, you'll see children of all ages either sitting or lying on the floor reading with their parents beside them reading something else. Other adults aren't allowed to sit in the children's section, they are told to sit at the far end of the room.

Some college students would sometimes think that this store is like a library. They take down notes and some are really very stubborn. The checker would come once in awhile to warn them from doing so, cause they still plan to sell the books.

One gay person has a playing cards on his right hand, he heard the salesperson telling the others, no copying please. But he ignored them and he kept on writing, what's so irritating about him was, his paper was on top of the book while he copies them. The lady came and reprimand him and he debated with her until everyone sitting on the floor looked at him, so he stopped.

Isn't it a common sense that we should not be copying anything from the books? That was not a library or a place for research. And if we do read anything and not buying it, we should at least take care of the books so that it is still salesable.

Girl-Friend

2006-02-12T10:46:00.000+08:00

I was chatting with a friend of mine yesterday afternoon inside the mall when I remembered this:

I met one young male chatter in 2000 and he became a very good friend of mine. He was 13 years younger than me. He was finishing college when we met. Two years after, he told me he found a girlfriend but he hasn't introduce her to his family. His grandfather died and I went to the wake. I sat along one of the aisle back seat of the room. I told his relatives am a friend of his. I saw his mother who looked like him and then an old woman came to my side and softly reach out to my hand and squeezed it, she told me it was a very sad time for all of them. I couldn't help smiling for I think his grandmother and the rest of the relatives might have thought I was his girlfriend. I was wearing a blue T-shirt and blue jeans and rubber shoes.

After awhile, he went inside and told me to sit beside him so we can talk. All his relatives that were seated in front of us, were all looking back, letting me feel that they were looking at the door but I know for sure that they were looking at me. I whispered to my friend to observed all his family and relatives head movements and he chuckled.

On the day of the burial, one uncle of his asked him if I was the one. He said of course not! Did you know how old she is? When the uncle knew about it, he couldn't believe it.

Dirty Minds

2006-02-12T09:59:00.000+08:00

I was out with a non-Chinese friend and we ate at a chinese resto near our area. We were just comparing about how the chinese and their nationality towards family and I saw this chinese guy around the age of my uncle sitting with his head resting on the head rest. We share the head rest. It would take a lot of effort to do just that. Because the back cushion was far from the dining table.

Old Tsinoys are like radios or entertainment tonight. They loved to eavesdropped on what other people were talking about and then gossip it around them. As one knows, one story passed on to the other, have already an added sentence until they blow it out of proportion and make a new story out of it.

TV Shows and Fans

2006-02-08T01:02:00.000+08:00

I was a TV addict when I was young. I was like a walking TV guide that I knew all the shows in every channel at any given time. In my mid 30s, I got so busy that I have no more time to watch any shows. As time goes by, I got accustom not watching any TV shows, not even reruns. I could count how many times I watched TV in a week. I started watching the teleseries "Mulawin" of GMA 7 and "Kampanerang Kuba" of ABS-CBN early last year which became a hit. I could see people selling mulawin props in Divisoria.

I remember 2 or 3 years ago, when Piolo was still starting in showbiz. I was at the cashier of the basement parking in Glorietta 4. The lady teller got so excited that she couldn't even do anything. I asked her why, and she said, didn't you see Piolo? Then I looked and saw this guy wearing a cap standing beside me. I said who's that?! I must have said it so loud that he smiled. The cashier lady told me who he was. Well.

When I saw Kris Aquino the first time, I realized that the reactions of fans in most of the Pinoy films were based on true story. I remembered this small lady who pushed me out of where I was standing in the crowd just to see her. She yelled and almost crying saying she didn't know how beautiful she was until that day. She was like talking to herself aloud. She kept jumping up and down to get a glimpse of Kris being interviewed and with James Yap standing beside her.

I went to a salon of a friend this afternoon and at the entrance of the parking lot, I saw some cameras and a lot of people, probably a shooting a teleserya or a tv show. I saw this pretty and tall lady. I asked who she was and was told Sherilyn Reyes of GMA 7. Hehehe...I don't know her.

I learned about the stampede of Wowowee show at the ULTRA during the Sunday Mass. I heard about it too while I was at the gym and at the salon, I watched the news and heard the survivors testimonies. A friend told me about seeing a news clip of a baby being thrown in the air thinking the father would be able to catch the baby, but he didn't. Just imagine what kind of experience you shall have if you were there in actual time.

MADSingin'SYNC

2006-02-04T21:15:00.000+08:00

I was invited to attend an intructional concert. It is named as such because for the first part of the show, the conductor tells the audience where and how the lyrics of the song came to be and who does it attributed to.

It was sponsored by the Teresian Association International, Inc. in cooperation with Saint Pedro Poveda College. The Concert was by the Philippine Madrigal Singers. They are world class award winning a capella choir. They are usually seated alternate male and female. Sopranos, Altos and Tenors are seated 3 people apart. They were taught to sing while seated.

They used to be known as UP Madrigal Singers but because of their awards, the government later on called them as such.

The first part was a lecture cum concert and interaction. I think half of the audience were seminarians. They worn a white priest like polo shirts and a silver cross that hang around their neck. They sang the Prayer of Saint Francis. If I remember correctly, according to historical and cultural background, they do not know who wrote the prayer words but the person just put the picture of St Francis at the back of the paper and so, as time goes on, people thought that it was his prayers.

They also sang the "Old Time Religion", "Ave Maria" and "Rorando Coeli"

There was a 5-minute intermission, before the start of the Full Concert.

They sang four international folksongs like Haralambi (Greek), La Bamba (Mexican), Sohran Bushi (Japanese), Loi Gratong (Thai)

One love songs that I like so much titled The Prayer:

I pray you'll be our eyes
And watch us where we go
And help us to be wise
In times when we don't know

Let this be our prayer
As we go our way
Lead us to a place
Guide us with your Grace
To a place where we'll be safe
La luce che to dai

I pray we'll find your light
Nel cuore restero
And hold it in our hearts
A ricordarchi che
When stars go out each night
L'eterna stella sei
Nella mia preghiera

Let this be our prayer
Quanta fede c'e
When shadows fill our day
Lead us to a place
Guide us with your grace

Give us faith so we'll be safe.
Sognamo un mondo senza piu violenza

Un mondo di giustizia e di speranza
Ognuno dia la mano al suo vicino
Simbolo di pace e di fraternita

La forza che ci dai
We ask that life be kind
E'il desiderio che
And watch us from above
Ognuno trovi amore
We hope each soul will find
Intorno e dentro a se
Another soul to love

Let this be our prayer
Let this be our prayer
Just like every child
Just like every child

Needs to find a place,
Guide us with your grace
Give us faith so we'll be safe
E la fede cheHai acceso in noi
Sento che ci salvera

The last three songs were Filipino Ethnic Songs like "Paruparong Bukid", "Dabada", "Mamayog"

I had a great night, they sang it beautifully and at only Php 100.00. I couldn't find someone whose willing to watch it with me so I went with my maid. They started at exactly 7 pm and finished by 9 pm.

Florabel

2006-02-03T20:03:00.000+08:00

I could count the times I went to Podium since they opened this mall. They say it is partly owned by SM for the AB crowd. It does looked better than the ordinary SM Malls, high ceiling, less people, and clean air feeling.

We celebrated my younger brother's birthday at Florabel's. It's at the ground floor of podium beside the outdoor parking lot. Fine dining. Low lighting, cool place-too cold actually. Their food was great! The taste is quite different but very exquisite. I ordered rack of lamb served with couscous rice? I always wanted to know how a couscous taste like. I think its an acquired taste. They ordered the seared tuna and it was done as such, unlike those other restos that served their tuna almost half cooked. The lettuce in the Caesar Salad was very crispy and green. Pricey though but worth your money.

Florabel
Unit 108, Ground Floor, The Podium
18 ADB Avenue, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City
Monday to Sunday
7am to 10 pm
638-7527 or 667-3220

They also offer catering services

What Shall I Have?

2006-01-31T04:35:00.000+08:00

After my endoscopy, the doctor said I can go eat anything I want, there is no problem with me. But he gave me a post-medication for a month. One Chinese new year dinner at our house, I drank a glass of diet coke and I felt uncomfortable. I felt acidic. Didn't feel good till the next day. So, I vowed to follow the pre-treatment don'ts temporarily until I stop medication.

I was famished on my way to meet my friends in Starbucks, . I always felt very hungry since the day I went back to the gym. Like I ate more than I do regularly and at frequent times. I was there ahead of them. I decided to order donuts and looked up to see what drinks shall I have. No coffee, tea, milk or juice for me. I read each item on the menu and the only thing I could order was either hot choco or ice choco. I requested a pure chocolate drink, instead of milk, just add water. The male cashier has to call their manager and informed her of my request. She offered me decaffed, juice, tea and later on soya milk. Then asked me what medical procedure do I have. I told her it would only be temporary and was there because am meeting friends. I got an ice choco with no milk as I requested.

Shadow

2006-01-29T06:07:00.000+08:00

This is a picture I took when I went to a church. It was an ordinary day and there weren't any light except those coming from the door (lower right portion) and the main entrance located at the back where I was sitting. I used the low light setting where it will capture any slow motion thing. When I uploaded it to my computer, I noticed something that should not be there.

It looked like someone just pass by but no solid form or anything. It looked like somebody's arm. There was no one there when I took this picture. I think we should pray for this soul for eternal peace and so that he or she can move on to his or her destination.

For every rosary we pray, we help one soul to heaven. And a priest then taught me one prayer for the soul:

Eternal Peace,
Grant them O Lord,
And Let Perpetual light shines Upon Them
May they rest in Peace
Amen

Sweet Inspiration

2006-01-27T19:37:00.000+08:00

We went to my youngest cousin's belated birthday celebration at Sweet Inspiration. A restaurant located at 311 Katipunan Avenue, Loyola Heights, QC. It is in front of Gate 3 of Ateneo. He first wanted to go to Korean Village in Malate, but we heard on the news about the homecoming party for Manny Pacquiao in Baywalk. He won a boxing match against a Mexican champion, Erik Morales. Roxas Blvd was said to close at 3pm and can you just imagine a huge traffic after work? Philippine Government always close a certain road for celebration but never thought of adding more roads for rerouting.

Sweet Inspiration I think caters more for the college students. They have a mongolian style of a buffet Php 510.oo. If you eat without left over, its 50% off. Php 510 is too expensive for that kind of servings. I think the uncooked chicken, beef, and pork meats in the buffet table is not as cold and it looked like it has been thawed a little. The green vegetables looked like its already a day old. Ambiance is better than an ordinary canteen. Yellow lights and presentable tables and chairs.

I ordered Calamares and it doesn't taste good too. A small serving at Php 110.oo. Everything's pricey.

Back to my old self

2006-01-23T20:38:00.000+08:00

I thought my eating days are over. These past few days, I wasn't allowed any of the following:

Coffee (am not a coffee lover anyway)
Tea (well, I love tea)
Soda (same as coffee)
Citrus Fruits (I love fruits)
Spicy Foods (won't miss this)
Alcohol (I won't miss this, too)
Smoking (I don't smoke)
Dairy Products (I haven't been eating ice cream for almost a month now, but I missed my garlic cheese spread)

I was thinking, what else can I eat if those were not included in my diet. A day before my endoscopy procedure, I was told to only eat congee, I didn't eat anything after 1830H last night. Not eating breakfast for me is like I could eat a horse by lunchtime. I will be too hungry by 10am. When I finally arrived at the Endoscopic Unit of Chinese General Hospital, I could hear my stomach growling. The doctor told me to stay put in the waiting area, but I can't seem to stay in one place, cause I was sooo hungry. The doctor requested candy for me. The nurse went to one of the rooms and gave me one.

If you are going to have an Endoscopy Procedure in CGH and no one to accompany you there, make sure to be there an hour before your scheduled time. The waiting time is for you to transact your own papers before your appointment (Out Patient):

Don't forget to bring your Philhealth papers to be signed by your employer and you.
Give it to the receptionist-nurse at the 2nd Floor of the old building, Endoscopic Unit.
Fill up an operation procedure form with your name, address, age, sex and don't forget to sign it at the bottom of the paper.
Bring your Philhealth to the Accounting Department found on the Ground Floor of the Old Bldg of CGH for approval.
Take a transaction number for Window 6 (Philhealth) at the guard or near the post of the entrance of the Accounting Department and wait for your number to be called.
You can see the number to be called at the top of Windows 1,2,3.
The Philhealth form will be returned to you after approval.
Go back to the Endoscopic Unit and give your Philhealth form at the receptionist-nurse.
Wait for your turn
Change into your scrub suit, remove just the t-shirt
Lie on the operating bed and wait for the circulating nurse to put IV on your left or right hand. Mine, I got a pair, supposed to be only one hand but the male nurse couldn't seem to get it right, it really hurt, feels like I have a black and blue. Very tender when you press it. So now, I got both hands with cotton and plaster.
Wait for your anaesthesiologist to arrive, well, mine was really late, late for one hour. I think we started around 1145H, but I am comfy with the two docs.
I was supposed to have colonoscopy but my uncle a doctor said no need. Am glad I didn't had that procedure, all 4 circulating nurses were male. I told them so, and they all laughed.
I slept while they were doing the whole procedure. The result was ok, no ulcerations of anything. I watched the video tape when they were doing it. My yaya was looking in too.
After the procedure, they wait for you to wake up (less than half an hour)
Change into your own clothes
Go to the consultation room if the Doc calls on you
Pay the Doctor's professional fees at the reception
If you have the need to have something biopsy, you need to go to the new bldg Laboratory and pay the necessary bill.
Go to the basement of the old building to have the Doctor's Diagnosis duplicated, the duplicate need to be stapled in the philhealth form.
Repeat #4, #5 procedure
Give your PH for computation and wait for your name to be called.
Go to Window 16 for processing and payment, may pay in cheque, cash or credit.
Bring the OR to the endoscopy section and give the laboratory paper back and see your doc after a week.

Sinker

2006-01-23T08:15:00.000+08:00

I woke up early today, but am not allowed to have any breakfast. Am going to CGH for my Endoscopy procedure today at 10am. I went out of my room to the veranda and saw my 2 year old nephew, once again near the pool area. I sat on one of the wooden chairs beside it. He started to remove his shoes and socks, walked toward the edge where the stairs were. His father then lifted him to the 1st step. I was standing at the other corner. My nephew was paddling his feet and with his head almost in the water and wading his hands playing. His father then called him and said, hey did you see your poo? it's down under, right at the bottom of the floor. I looked down and saw it. Now, a sinker. He too looked and had second thoughts whether to swim or not to swim.

Floaters

2006-01-22T16:37:00.000+08:00

Have you been in a pool of floaters? Well, I just did. My 2-years old nephew was always so eager to wash his feet in the pool. That was one of his tactic. He would just simply dipped his feet until most of his body gets wet. His nanny said, he has an upset stomach and has been having LBM while still in their house. But we still went in the pool to swim.

He was just paddling his feet for a few hours and later on, he pee in the pool. Then I swung him more from left to right when the nanny suddenly shouts, and I looked behind him and saw all these floaters. That really made me walked fast while in the water, and I will make sure I will take a bath soonest possible time. This little guy kept laughing on his way up to his room.

Green with Envy

2006-01-22T11:35:00.000+08:00

How is it like to live in a house with a person who is always jealous of you? It's frustrating and feels like you got eyes all over, 360 degrees. She looked for little mistake that you do and make a story out of it and blow it up like a telenovela. She wanted to know what you do from the time you wake up till the time you go to sleep. She wants to know what you eat, drink, where you go the night before, who you were with. She finds fault in everything that you do. If you didn’t act in a situation, it is also your mistake. She employed all the people you don't like with regards to their attitude. She would bribe people to investigate you behind your back. If you find a solution to a pressing problem, she would always disagree. She would tell lies and even blurted it out in the open that I said this and that, when I didn't even say it.

The past few years, I have tried to be as silent as possible, not saying anything what I want to do in life, but am I happy with the situation? NO. It lowers my self-esteem, my self-confidence, my trust in some people.

While reading a verse in the bible, it says there: Wisdom 2 - 1:10-12

Remember that a jealous ear hears everything; even whispers are recorded. Beware then, of empty complaints and keep your tongue from faultfinding, since your most secret word will have consequences; a lying tongue brings death to the soul. Do not bring about your own death by your wrong way of living. And do not let the work of your hands destroys you.

These past few months, I learned to do nothing about it, ignore her statements. I read in one blog distancing yourself from negative people. I got this idea later in life, and I really feel at peace, happy and contented. Just do whatever you need to do as long as I don't step on anybody. Life is so much fun and as they say, the truth shall set you free.

Social Etiquette

2006-01-21T20:08:00.000+08:00

Since the invention of moving camera and the likes of betamax, VCD and DVD. People have become interested in taking up photography classes. Some people turned their hobby into business. They opened up photography shops. They became successful when they can get an important client especially during weddings. And since the family of the couple would probably very busy that day, entertaining their guest, they usually watched the video tapes and see who and who went to the party. And most of the time, we tend to asked our relatives, hey, who is that?! Because he or she didn't even bothered talking to the groom or the bride on his way out. Their faces looked like they didn't even know the couple.

Some couple would invite their principal sponsor's family on their wedding reception and of course not all of them they knew by face or have known them. I would say, they should also have show some manners to people who tried to congratulate them on their wedding and all they do is, looked at you as if saying "I don't know you."

And if we are in a friend's party and you want to join in and meet new friends, even though we know the host, we should at least say hello to the guest of honor as a sign that we acknowledge that we came because of him or her. Some people just sat on the chair as soon as they arrived, be the first to eat and didn't bother talking to anybody except the friend who came with them.

Three Wishes

2006-01-19T16:46:00.000+08:00

Front of the Christ the King Church in E. Rodriquez

The inside of the Church

The Blessed Sacrament beside the church

I've always wanted to see the inside of the Christ the King Seminary along E. Rodriguez, QC. Same side as the St Luke's Hospital. It is located past KFC. Bethesday Healing Ministry Wednesday service was transferred here temporarily while their chapel is being renovated. I was looking for a charismatic priest and here I found him. Fr. Arlo Yap hears regular confession and counselling if needed. I had him blessed something that is of mine that I recently bought.

An acquaintance of mine told me that for every new church I go to, I should make three wishes and wait for it to come true. I did it once when I went to Don Bosco Church in Makati and I now have one thing I wished.

Why The Need For U-Turn Scheme

2006-01-19T12:11:00.000+08:00

This is the usual thing we see in Manila's intersection. I can not understand why Jeepney Drivers loved to crossed the street even if the other side was already full. It will not help him go faster to where his destination is. Why can't they leave the intersection open? They are the cause of most traffics in the city and they wasted a lot of our money. Fuel and time loss. Delayed delivery of goods too. I thought of taking this picture, for I was panicking because am almost out of gas that day and the gas station is at the corner of the intersection.

Mistaken Identity

2006-01-19T05:31:00.000+08:00

Married couples would like to raise a big family during my Grandparent's generation. They usually have 7-10 children. As time goes on, siblings tend to like smaller family. Some wants four children maximum and some two. Some was just an only child. Having siblings when you were young, was very exciting and your parents do not need to think of ways what to do with you. They just leave you and your other siblings playing with each other. I was raised up along with my two brothers and finally with a younger sister who arrived 9 years after. She and I has a 11 years age difference. We got one pair of fat and thin boys and another pair of fat and thin girls. I was the thin counterpart. Most of my family friends have seen my younger sister. I was the timid one. Not saying one word about anything, but now, I think my friend Linkx and Paoyu would not agree. hahaha.

I met my father's friend today (he's 78 years old) and when he saw me, I could see the glow in his face and a surprised look, saying, "wow, you're so thin now" I laughed and I actually do not know or haven't seen him before and I knew he mistaken me for my younger sister. He must have seen my facial expression and said, aren't you the younger sister? Hihihi. I said, No, am the eldest sister. He said, ooh, I was wondering how you get so thin.

January 17th

2006-01-17T20:33:00.000+08:00

This has always been a special day for me for the last 10 years. The first year, I thought it was bad luck because I lost my baby through an ectopic pregnancy. It was a painful experience. A few years later, I decided I wanted to have at least one religion where I can be faithful with. And so, I met our Lord through the Catholic Faith. Since then on, I always prayed for my child for eternal peace and I feel that she must be in heaven and by now watching over me.

I remembered promising something that I should always donate something on the day itself as an offering for her eternal life. So, I did. In the year 2002, I have prepared a very small amount of money for donation but opted to keep it. That day, I had finished all my transactions like; I got all my I.D. renewal in just one day. That night, I went to the gym and as I was about to go to the parking lot, three ladies walking beside me took my wallet without my knowledge, and all my money including the one that I should have donated, all I.D.s, bank notes, credit cards, ATM and the gold bar of the Virgin Mary which was a gift to me by a friend was lost in just a few seconds.

My Pinay friend said, it was because I didn't keep my promise. Since then on, I always remember this day and go to mass and say a prayer for both my husband and my child for their eternal peace.

Today, I got everything I wished. :-)

Spoiled Annoying Tsinay Driver

2006-01-15T19:47:00.000+08:00

After lunch, I went to Promenade to meet up with Char. She bought our Narnia movie tickets ahead of time. I arrived there in 15 minutes I entered the parking lot and saw one space vacant. The car and the car beside it were of a large vehicle. I was parking in reverse but having a hard time, cause of the large vehicles in front of me, giving me so little space to move, and the two cars beside the vacant space were parked too closed to the parking lane.

I lowered both the windows from each side and was maneuvering the car, forward and backward to make sure I don’t bump any of these cars. This red CRV beside me kept honking which really irritates me. I looked at the passenger side angrily saying without a voice “What’s your problem?” As soon as I got inside, she took the next vacant space just beside the large vehicle, across me. I then put my large arm out of the window and waited for her to park. She must have seen how I looked, for she was, I think afraid to get off after parking her car. I then got off my car and walked around her car, walked back and forth to let her know I’ll be watching her.

If she was afraid, I was more afraid of her. We might also be thinking of the same thing. I only wanted to scare her for doing such nasty thing. I was thinking while I was walking around her, she could be a daughter of someone in a high position. She could have friends waiting for her, but at the same time, I wanted her to feel that way, so that she won’t do it again!!!

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

When we were about to leave, this toyota innova car overtook the car in front of him to get my slot. He then waited right in front of me. Now, how does he think I can leave this slot if he was obstructing my way? Stupid isn't he? I have to honked twice so he will moved away. He then parked it in the middle of the lane right beside me. I had to lower my window and honked continuosly before he moved closer to the side. Was he using his coconut? I don't think so

How Much Do I Regularly Eat?

2006-01-15T07:03:00.000+08:00

This is a mug Paoyu gave me when he came for a visit last December. It has a American eagle as a background that says Defense Information System Agency. I can't remember if this is the place I wanted to visit when I was in the USA. But I think it's off-limits to lay people. I used to hate it when people give me a box of drinking glasses as a gift or if I won it from a raffle. But this mug is just right and of course, it's a gift from a friend. The handle has enough space for my hands, if I gripped on it, my knuckles doesn't touch the wall of the glass. The beveled mouth of the mug is smoothly done. I have been using this mug since that day he gave me this.

This was my breakfast for today. Rice, four (4) pcs of hotdog with cheese, and hot water for my green tea. I bought the bamboo plate mats at Tiendesitas. Foldable and washable. It is very useful for hot dishes. It can be a placemat or a hot dish mat.

Last night, Walnut and Jessica was shocked to see me gained so much weight. Actually they are not the only one. People who knew me couldn't imagine I could be as big as I am now. Hey, don't get me wrong, I can still buy clothes at a regular clothing store. No need to go tubbies. Jessica was trying to remember that day we went to Avilon Zoo. I was the one who organized this trip and told our maid to prepared for our lunch for us to bring there. My old maid cooked us my family's favorite spaghetti, she placed it in a 1 liter microwave tupperware and put a half full serving each. All three of us were laughing when they remembered, I was the only one who finished my lunch. At that time, I was wearing a size small clothes. And my male friends couldn't even finish theirs, some even took it home so they can reheat it for the next day.

I remembered when I was 18 years old, my two other siblings and some relatives of mine went to the USA for a vacation. We stayed at our Uncle's house in the east coast. My Aunt's nephew was also there as an exchange high school student. He was a chubby boy. One lunch time, while I was still in my room, he and my Uncle (the one who came with us, has a very large beer belly, but it was not because of alcohol but because of so much food intake) dared one another: who eats most, wins. They were all seated in the dining table with the rest of the family members when I went down, I got my own plate from the cupboard and got my own serving of spaghetti. I sat next to the nephew and he suddenly said, he wants out of the game. My Uncle said, we haven't started and you want out? He said, can't you see how much your women eats? Look at your niece, she's so small, half of my size but she already eats the same amount as me!

There's also one memorable day while I was in a dental mission in Baguio City. I was with the Volunteer Chinese-Filipino Firefighters Association from Caloocan City. I was having a bad day, LBM while on the road, my other female dental friend was accompanying me all the time. The two of us were the last one to arrived at the lunch table. Usually dentist sits with their colleague and medical doctors sits with theirs. The medical doctors kept waving at us, insisting we should sit at their table. It was a lauriat table where one can move the small middle dish table. There were only 4 women, 2 of them medical doctors and the rest are male doctors. At the middle of our lunch, the lauriat table was moving only half way, never a full circle. One doctor said, you two looked malnourished so we thought you should sit with us, we didn't know you two eat like a man! Everyone laughed.

M.M.D.A. vs Makati Mayor

2006-01-15T06:18:00.000+08:00

Last January 12th, there has been an ordinance from the office of the Mayor that MMDA traffic enforces be arrested for apprehending motorist of their violations. The Mayor has his point but I wonder who he is protecting? His people or the public? I have never seen Makati City so congested these past few days. Makati Police are waiting for their next prey. Most of the time they are a group of three (3) waiting by the corner under the shade of a large tree. They held their hands up to pull down reckless drivers passing through yellow light, but never bother to clear out traffic violators obstructing the intersections (inside yellow box) within their sight.

Valued Friends

2006-01-14T22:22:00.000+08:00

It's been one and a half years since I seen Wetz, Walnut and Jessica when we went to Avilon Zoo. Wetz came back to visit friends and relatives. I met up with Soned, Harry, Fatman, Linkx, Char, Wingie, Kayenne, Bhear at the get-together party for him at Fuzion at the Promenade Greenhills Mall. Ice2002 dropped by just to meet us.

Food served here were worst than Steak Plus, their grill meat are mostly pork chops. They served it with a cup of brown rice with sauce and steam vegetables. Overcooked. I ordered water with flavor which costs me Php 70.oo, too expensive. My friends ordered smoothies.

Jess and I were talking about the dental world while the others were talking about furnitures, motorcycles, appliances, kai-siaos and business proposals and others. My friends and I had a great time. Hopefully, more of these in the future.

Dream # 6

2006-01-14T07:03:00.000+08:00

At 3 am this morning, I woke up feeling famished. I ate vegetable triangular biscuits. Very tasty but kinda salty. Browse through the internet for a few hours before going back to sleep. I woke up dreaming:

I introduced a guy friend to a friend of mine, I told her how much I like him. The following day, I entered my friend's room and I was shocked to see this guy friend of mine half naked going inside the bathroom. He said "I loved her". The loved her means he likes her in bed. I walked around the room and saw my friend lying in bed and said, ooh, what a night! I was stunned to see her looking like this, thinking of all the men, why it has to be him? Then I saw her hubby going up a ladder to a hole above their ceiling. I asked did you had him while your hubby was with you the whole night? And she said, yeah, he doesn't mind. Ngee.

In another scene, I was joyfully playing games with another lady friend and he told this guy, why don't you put on this costume and play a superhero. He then slipped it on and he said, why not get a kiss from my leading lady. So he kissed me and it was a happy ending.

Cool breeze woke me up. Always felt like this when Chinese New Year is fast approaching.

C.G.H. - E.R.

2006-01-14T02:14:00.000+08:00

It's been almost 30 years since I entered CGH-E.R. It now looked fresh and clean as any emergency room should be. They now have an airconditioned waiting area room, with a television for us and our companion to watched. I was told to weigh myself and gave my companion a data form to be filled up and I was motioned to go inside and turn left at the end of the room. It was the medical department.

On my way there, there's a receptionist and cashier counter. You can also buy 1 liter of purified water for only Php20.oo, very cheap. At the far end, there's the resident doctor's table to see patients. While waiting, I saw one patient's information paper who got the same birthdate and attending doctor as mine. I was chatting with one patient in the medical department and was told that, LBM is on the rise these days and it must have been the water or I must have ate something that cause it.

I was confined in the hospital because my father got tired of waiting. It was almost 1 am. Having gone to the bathroom 6th times, I don't think I have anymore bowel for stool test that night. I was half dehydrated and didn't eat anything after. I stayed on the 6th floor of the new building (actually they have another new building but they got used to the name). They gave me IV solution. I had a very good night sleep, very comfortable although am not used to soft beds. There were only local channels shown in their TV sets which was hanging on top of the airconditioning.

I was discharged before the end of the day but have to pay an extra day for the room. They have policies that I should check out before 12nn. Hmm...feels like am in one of the hotels when am vacationing. Anyway, I also filed my SSS and Philhealth employee benefits before 5 pm so that it can be deducted in my hospital bill. I arrived home just in time for dinner. My aunt who lives next to me gave me bangus tau-si and I ate it with my plain congee.

Saba

2006-01-12T18:50:00.000+08:00

Saba is now my favorite banana. I used to love Lakatan but I usually have ulcer soon after ripe or half ripe. They usually use this kind for banana split. And I never liked the taste of Senyorita, too dry for me. Saba can be cooked in so many different ways. I love it when it is made into a turon (a slice of saba with a little sugar wrapped in lumpia wrapper and fried). Or sometimes, they made it looked like barbeque, but instead of pork, it was banana better known as Banana-Q. Boiled saba is also one of the ingredients of Ginatan. It wouldn't matter to me if some other ingredients weren't included as long as sliced saba is in it. Saba can also be cooked as dessert - The sweet banana with syrup. Or boiled. All these would taste very very good if it was really ripe.

This morning, I ate a boiled saba, but I think it was half ripe. After a few minutes, while driving, I felt uneasy and as soon as I arrived in the office, I had to go to the bathroom. I felt it must be the onset of ulcer. I asked our maid to buy me anti-acid tablet. I took one and still didn't feel good. I need to go home before 12nn and since then, for the next 3 hours, I had gone to bathroom 5 times, hmm...definitely an osterized floater. :)

I had to go to the hospital for immediate check up. The nurse weighs me and it says there are only 146, wow, did I loose so much water? I guess it will come back after a few days. The doctor gave me medication and after taking it, I felt a lot better

My Weight

2006-01-12T03:36:00.000+08:00

One Sunday morning, when I was still a college student, I went inside my Ah-mah's bedroom and looked into her side table, I saw pictures of my family and relatives when we were young. I was browsing one picture and noticed this one child, at first glance, that child looked like a boy, short hair and skinny, I could see his cheek bones and any bones in his body, I thought he could be my live specimen in my General Anatomy class. I wonder who he was. I then looked at the other pictures and realized, it’s not a boy, but it was me.

When I was young, I was a very sick child. I remember not being able to play outside the house. Not able to learn how to swim. Once my feet were dipped into the water, my lips turned to purple that they had to lift me out. Not able to learn any sports. I have food allergies that made me envious of my siblings and cousins. I made it a point not to join them every meal as much as possible. I got seafood allergies, coconut juice, chocolates, mangoes, peanuts or any nuts and especially junk food. My food intake was also monitored, can't feel full or else I cannot breathe easily. I remember hiding and ate a snack and that night, I had an asthma attack. It was a lousy feeling because I can not lie on my bed. I had to sit the whole day and night on my bed, with several pillows piled up behind me. I took my asthma tablet, sometimes when it get worst, I had to be hospitalized, and both my arms were so sored from the injections with anti-asthma. Our school principal already knew who I was because of the issuance of an excuse slip. Consultants of CGH knew me, for they say, I was always in the emergency room when they were still in residency.

My attacks stop when I stepped into high school. I remember going to a arbularyo or a quack doctor for treatment or "hilot". He massaged my back and gave me a bag of powder for me to drink. I didn't drink the powdered drink but kept it inside the refrigerator. That night, I vomitted so much phlegm. I think it stopped my attacks and since then on till now, I think am healthy. I was then weighing only less than 90 pounds. Still hiding and eating food that causes my allergies. But as time goes by, I think I must have outgrown these foods and able to eat them without any problems.

I could eat a lot of food without really gaining weight. I used to leave two slices of pizza for my younger sister and the rest were mine. I ate more than any of my cousins but still slim. I got a very fast metabolism and still was so thin that I had to enroll myself in Slimmer's World, not to lose weight but to help me gain weight. Nothing happened.

Women envied me for my look, eating and not getting fat. I went to the gym three years ago and I lost inches and was very happy with wearing size 4. After my trip to the USA in 2004, I stopped going to they gym and still ate a lot. Aging slowed my metabolism and now I weigh 150 pounds. My cousin who was wearing a size 6 was shocked; she said I don't look it. Well, I guess I got heavy bones. I went back to the gym and hopefully I could lose that 30 pounds to go back to my normal size.

Make My Day!

2006-01-11T19:01:00.000+08:00

My cousin went back to the USA last night, and the last two days, we've been eating out. Yesterday, we had our lunch (8 of us) at Causeway and we ordered the salted fish fried rice, it taste better than the last time I was there. More fish and no pork taste. The sweet and sour pork has more pork than veggies and others.

Last Monday, we ate at Century Park Sheraton Coffee Shop; I noticed they have a new style. The people used to order fresh cods or salmon and asked the Chefs to cook while you wait in front of them. The disadvantages of these were, people tend to line up and some people weren't able to get any serving from their cooked dishes. They now moved the fresh meats out to the buffet table with lots of ice under it. You get your own plate and bring it to the Chef and the waiter will serve them to your table.

They have a new area for crepes. I was the first customer of the first time crepe Chef. He told me not to look because he doesn't know how to make a perfect one and I told him, hey, there's always a first time and that made his day! His first crepe didn't turn out flat; it looked like a scrambled egg. He removed it and made another one. The second crepe was better than the first. He put cube mangoes, closed the crepe and put a scoop of soften chocolate ice cream on top. I was looking for a vanilla ice cream but at that time, there was none. He wasn't able to drizzle any chocolate syrup because it has solidified. He told me he was not a pastry chef, but he was just helping them and thought of learning how to make one. His real job was to go around the buffet table to check the food.

As we were about to leave that night, I stood in front of his crepe table, and he told me how many crepes he made that night, and now, he teaches his fellow chefs how to make one. He now has a vanilla ice cream on hand, melted chocolate syrup. He told me since I left, he hasn't left the crepe table. He seemed to be very happy that night, all smile.

Denture Exhibition

2006-01-08T22:32:00.000+08:00

I attended a wedding reception this evening in Makati City. Both of them were lawyers in their own rights. They're been together for the last 6 years. There were non-Catholic, so they can marry any place they like. They were married at the 2nd Floor of one of the hallway of this 5 star hotel. They have only a few guest. They used only half of the ballroom.

In the traditional tsinoy wedding where 90% of the guest were tsinoy, expect an unethical manners from them. They leave as soon as the desserts are served. They usually come late, and they have these china-like manners where you have to turn the serving lauriat table to allow the older people to get their serving first and they would again return it to you to tell you to get it first. Doing this sometimes is a waste of time. But for me, as the last one to get, is more favorable and advantageous. :)

Their wedding coordinator was a guy. The principal sponsors were seated in the presidential table and they faced on another. They called in the secondary sponsors and the couple had a grand entrance. To make sure that the guests would watched their presentation especially the cutting of the cake, and the toast between husband and wife, the coordinator let them do it soon as they arrived on their seat. There were no more bouquet throwing for it was always not as welcome and most of the women are shy.

My younger brother and his wife, his wife's sister and her hubby and I were seated at the 2nd table near the couple. I was seated directly in front of a 50s year old man. When we had finished eating the first dish, I couldn't help but noticed how he flipped his denture out of his mouth. I guess he got a loose denture that most of the food he ate was lodged in between his palate and the denture. He pushed his denture out of his mouth and then doing something inside his mouth and then install the dentures again.

They had a question and answer portions like:
1. What does the groom does inside the comfort room as soon as he wakes up?
2. If he or she would be born again, what would they be?
3. Choose from a list, who each one wants to invite to their wedding?
etc

Then the couple went around to have their picture taken with their friends and relatives.

A friend and a relative sang them a song and a friend of the bride talks about the beautiful story of the couple.

I do not know if THE FAHRENHEIT is their friend or booked them for the occasion. They sang very well, better than the band who performed in the Euro Star Carnival.

Some chinese associations even gave an award to the father of the bride, for their help. (I wanted to say, hey, this is their wedding not an association meeting)

True enough, as soon as dessert was serve, people from different association have started to leave. Wedding giveaways were a bottle of red wine.

Euro Star Carnival - Grand Opening

2006-01-07T21:42:00.000+08:00

Euro Star Carnival has its grand opening today. I learned about it from my friend Cassie. The Carnival is located at the back of the tent at The Fort. The area has stony grounds. The fees are just right.

They have two kinds of tickets:
Php 150.oo - Blue ticket - Entrance only ( rides not allowed)
Php 400.oo - Orange ticket - Entrance fee, ride all you can, a Php50.oo food stub

Blue ticket were lined up at the right side of the entrance, while the orange ticket at the left side.

There are several spot toss that has looney tunes large stuff toys as prizes. The first thing you will see would be the Coin Spot Toss which has large Tweety stuff toys as prizes.

On the right side near the wall, a kid version of the SHIP, which seats about 6 on each side while the adult version is known as the RANGER. It goes around 360 degrees turn.

A few steps away from the SHIP is the zipper, it looked like a kid version of caterpillar ride. And the adult version is known as the BOOSTER. At the far end of the place is known as the EUROPA Ferris Wheel.

In between the Ferris Wheel and the BOOSTER are the BUMP CARS.

Near the entrance on the left is a kid version of a roller coaster that stops at the water splash.

At the far end of the corner is the EUROSTAR CARNIVAL stage.

While waiting for the program to start, there were a number of clowns circling around the area, one of them seems like he knows some magic. His face was covered with white make up. He has been asking people around to push his plastic container out of its package. He also gave me his magic wan to circle it around the box, to look as if I got magic. I felt there was a concave plastic hole in the middle and as soon as I planned to press it, he grabbed it from me, and he went to the other seat beside the aisle. I guess he must have known I got his trick. hehehe

A FIREEATER performer can be seen at one of the open area near the bump cars station.

Kris Aquino was seen with James Yap. James is definitely very handsome guy. :-) while Kris is not as fat as seen on television, she also got curves in the right area. Kris looked like one of my aunts. She even talk the same way. Her teeth looked like it was either veneer or porcelain. Her face seemed to have too much makeup, and from afar, she really does look like her mother. She and James rode the Ferris Wheel.

There is another group from ASAP fanatic? I do not know who these are, well because I don't usually watch television on a daily basis. I actually can not remember the name of the group who sang at the program.

Amazing Antonio performed his magic tricks.
- like catching a dove with his net in the air.
- I caught him holding his vest when he tried to flee the dove.
- his wand changed from red to yellow to flower to a dove
- sword in a box
- etc

There was a 15-minute non-stop firecracker show. (No more firecrackers after)

Forgot to bring my camera. There will be another time.

Came back on January 19th, here are two pics:

Playing Cards

2006-01-06T03:11:00.000+08:00

Last night, I was supposed to watch an open show at the center stage in Baywalk, Malate. Instead I went to a college convent school for coed students to see a nun friend. I was told to wait at the lobby. While waiting, I sat beside the guard desk. There was really nothing to see in that lobby, just a large room full of old-style windows. I was looking at the guard playing cards. As he flips some, I looked more on the pictures on the card and laughingly said "hey, those are porn playing cards!" He grinned and said, "oh, these were confiscated from one of the students"

The Civilian Traffic Aide and the Policeman

2006-01-04T20:22:00.000+08:00

On my way to the office, I passed through a street parallel to UST (University of Santo Tomas). The traffic light has changed from red to green. I was wondering why does this vehicle in front of me was moving so slow. As soon as I reached the intersection, there was this guy motioning people to move forward, swaying his hand up and forward like a Traffic Aide but he was an obstacle cause he was standing in the middle of our lane.

This man looked like he has Dennis Rodman’s haircolor which is BLEACHED HAIR with a streak of brown highlights. He was wearing a white T-shirt with some yellow lining the edges. He was also wearing a yellowish white BAGGY (puruntong) shorts.

When I was about to pass the intersection, I saw this guy again. I asked myself, how can that be? He can’t run faster than me, I was driving a car. I told myself, probably he got a twin brother, mmm…but are they also wearing the same clothes? Or probably they are part of a group?

At the 3rd intersection, whoa! I saw this guy again! Am I seeing things? On the 4th intersection, I stopped at the corner waiting for the green light. I looked at the front view mirror to check, now am sure he can’t walk this far. Hehe, well, I guess he is not stupid, he must have ridden a jeepney and from the back, I saw him running to the front of the car before me. When the light turn to green, he was again doing his thing. There was really no need of him to do all these. Weird Guy.

On my way home, I was talking to my friend in my cell phone that I had to slow down when turning left. The green light turned to yellow and later on turned to red. The policeman stood in front of me to make sure I will stop. I pulled over. He told me I violated a traffic rule. He asked for my driver’s license. I said, I didn’t violate any rule, for when I passed through, it was still GO. He argued and later on told me he would give me the lowest value for violations. Php150.oo. I thought he was asking me to pay him that amount and so I said, I Can’t, I got only Php20.oo in my bag. (Of course, a bluff). As I saw him starting to write a ticket, I laughingly said, You know you should not give me a ticket, I insist I passed through it GO and it was because I was driving so slow that I was caught in the RED light.

And he can’t even give me a reckless driving ticket cause I was driving at 30 kph. Later on, he said, Ok, I’ll give you back your license but make sure you don’t do it again. What else can I say but YES. He said, he feels am a kind hearted person. Really! I did not know that. Hehehe.

Probably, because I was happy these past few days especially after work. LInkx and Pao know why.

Unfortunate People

2006-01-03T19:45:00.000+08:00

After my PRC renewal, I went to have my tire fixed. While waiting, I saw this old lady walking around without any shoes or slippers. She came out of nowhere, she was holding a mug, asking people hot water. I sense that there must be some defect in her facial feature but I cannot distinguish it from afar. When she came nearer, she has right side cleft lip. You can immediately see her two right incisors, gums and the underlying mucosa of the left upper lips.

She went to this small eatery to ask for hot water. She drank while walking back. Looking from her back and she has a hard time drinking it. She had to bend her head to a certain degree before drinking the water and head up to swallow it. Probably her palate wasn’t well formed too. Whenever I see these cases with little children when we go to medical mission, we tend to feel sad for them. I thought at that instance, how she was able to live and eat that way for so long. I guess with that kind of feature, and in the Philippines, she couldn’t get a decent job. She crossed the street and I didn’t see her anymore.

Walk, stand and wait. From afar, I saw a tall lady-like person walking toward us. He was swaying his hips like a woman. His hair was tied in a pony tail with a bride-like veil flowing at his back. If you see him from the back, it feels like he is going to be married to someone. I had the wondered look that made the cashier lady at the vulcanizing shop smiled. I guess he is one of those unfortunate people who need psychological help.

PRC Renewal

2006-01-03T18:02:00.000+08:00

This afternoon I went to the PRC in Morayta to renew my professional license. Two years ago, they started to control the flow of people coming in, lessening the chance of the illegal fixers to handle our papers.

This was the first time I went during the afternoon. There were less people. One needs to show your PRC card and informed the gate guard your purpose before they will let you in. No ID, no ENTRY. The stricter they are, the better. As soon as you passed the guards, you are supposed to show your ID at the information guide desk. They will give you a renewal or new application form and tell you which window you should go to, depending on what profession you are.

Mine is a green form. After completing the data, I went to line up in Window 16. There was a long line but not as long as the old system. I learned from the lady in front of me that I need to make a copy of my PRC card (Xerox), so I went to the Xerox machine located just outside the room. I felt robbed of my 2 pesos to have it copied. They duplicated my card front and back using one paper. Easy business. I paid 4 pesos for that.

Then I went back to Window 16 and line up. I can’t help but notice the billboard-like at the top of the windows of 16 and 17. The list of professions listed as UNIT A and these are:

Chinese Druggist = I guess it’s about time that PRC has finally decided to get licenses from these chinese druggist. I never like drinking chinese medicines where you don’t know what twigs or insects or whatever ingredient they want you to boil or what was inside that little capsule they themselves made.

Dentist

Dental Hygienist = If this profession were offered earlier, I would have took this instead of the full year dental course. Ever since I was in college, I love doing oral prophylaxis especially those with heavy calcular deposits. One can see the smile of each patients after treatment.

Dietician = I wonder if this is also known as Nutritionist?

ECE
Geologist
Geologic Aide
Naval Architect

Nurse = they even have a special room for nurses to release their PRC card. Fast lane releasing room for nurses.

Occupational Therapist = what is the difference between this and the Physical Therapist?

O.T. Technologist
Pharmacist
Physical Therapist
P. T. Nurse
Social Worker

Sugar Technologist = Now, what is this?

It took me less than an hour to finish all transactions except for the releasing. I have to go back in another three weeks to get it.

I think Professions listed in Unit A are professions that are in demand outside the Philippines.

Motorcycles and Buses

2006-01-03T05:48:00.000+08:00

Yesterday, on my way to the office, I saw a San Miguel delivery truck totally inverted. All of the bottles were splattered all over the street. I do not think the driver would live at that site. The roof on the driver’s side was almost halfway to the ground.

It was just regular work for today and in the late afternoon, met up with Edison, a friend of mine, who insist he missed my birthday celebration and he wants to have one free meal. Yeah right! Edison and I have common friends and he also invited them to dine with us. I haven’t seen these people for almost a year now. I learned she now has two children. We ate at Causeway Restaurant in Banawe Street. I ordered all medium size plate.

Salted Fish Fried Rice – taste like there’s not much salted fish but have a ground pork taste – no good

Sweet and Sour Pork – I think half of the dish was green and red pepper, onions and pineapple slices.

Salt and Pepper Squid – It has too much flour in it, even the excess flour was served.

Garlic Polunchay – good.

Overall I’d say, Causeway food was not as good as it used to be.

On my way home, I passed through that moving billboard and it seemed like it is not as glaring as the last time. It was darker and dimmer. I have sent an email and url of the pictures to the Mayor through their website. I just didn’t know if they were able to receive it. I couldn’t see the email address. You can only send email through their website.

As I passed the underpass coming from SM Megamall, a motorcycle rider without any helmet, just passed through beside me. He was driving so fast that he was able to passed through 7 cars in less than a minute. What a stupid guy he is and I really hate all the motorcycles riders who thought they can always be in between two cars. I didn’t see him that instance. I could have hit him.

And Buses in the highway thinks they have all the rights in any lane. They think just because they are a huge vehicle, they can push other cars to the side. Something had to do with these kinds of drivers especially motorcycle riders in EDSA and in Roxas Blvd.

New Year Celebration

2006-01-01T22:37:00.000+08:00

My family usually dine out somewhere during the 1st day of the year. Either lunch or dinner time. Today, we had a late lunch. We ate beef noodles, wanton noodles, KFC chicken, and etc and the left over mangoes from my birthday.

I did nothing the whole day except internet while some of them went to sleep or took a walk. Around 6pm, I attended the Sunday mass and learned from the priest that our Christmas Belen décor inside the church got burned on Christmas morning. The priest said that it was a miracle that the church didn’t burn. The belen was made of wood, it was really burned. The electrical socket near it wasn’t even scourge. Members of the parish wanted to donate theirs but it is not new anymore, but before the end of the day, they weren’t expecting that someone out of the blue would donate a new one.

After mass, we went to our aunt and uncle’s Despedida Party at Jumbo Floating Restaurant in Manila. On our way to the resto, we saw too many people by the seaside, waiting for a ferry. The ferry is said to show these people around the bay area for a fee. The food was a lot better than the last time we were here. And probably my taste buds has returned to normal.

On our way out of the restaurant, a group of VIPs went out of a function room. How did I know they are VIPs? Well for one thing, one of them was too lazy to hold their little camera and they had to give it to this man wearing a barong. Then I saw an old blond lady followed by late 20s people, one tall blond, sexy wearing black shirt and pants. She was taking pictures using her SONY digicam and then there’s this lady with black hair using her Canon digicam. On their way out, I stood beside one of the body guard, waiting for the valet to get my car. Two steps away from me, I saw this man waving and calling his people. When I looked at this guy, I told myself, he seems to be very familiar, then I looked at the blood lady beside him and realized, oh, isn’t that Juan Ponce Enrile. He is not as tall as I thought. I spoke so loud beside the bodyguard, saying, aah no wonder, this group got so many bodyguard. Hehehe. He just looked at me, as if he didn’t hear me say those words.

New Year's Eve

2005-12-31T11:49:00.000+08:00

I went home to my ah-mah's place, although she no longer lived. This was the place where all my family and relatives and their children gather together to celebrate the end of every year. As soon as one arrived, we get our food and eat while waiting for the others to come.

We had:

Manang's special spaghetti and red sauce
Manang's fried rice
Manang's Lomi
Manang's Kare-kare
Manang's Sweet and Sour Soup
Stewed Beef
Pork and Spareribs BBQ
Turkey
Frz's Pumpkin Soup with bacon and cheese toppings
Aunt's Buco Salad
Sis's Chocolate Cake
Ice Cream
Soda

I missed my veggies but brought my own green tea pouch.

After dinner, my cousins started to arranged their fireworks, and so it went on till midnight. I was upstairs playing with my nephew and the rest of my cousin's little children. There's a new batch of little kids and two on the way.

Around 10pm, I went down with my nephew to see the fireworks till midnight. The only added feature this new year's eve was the karaoke in the dining room. They sang until some of us left for home, my cousins and I arrived home at 2:30am.

Accident Prone Area - Dangerous Moving and Glaring Billboard Ads

2005-12-30T10:11:00.000+08:00

Am sure commuters and the like hates this ad found in Guadalupe bridge. It is sooo glaring especially at night. It hurt our eyes. This I think will be an accident prone area. I took this picture when we were stuck in traffic. How insensitive the people who did this. I think we should boycott all the commercial products that have been advertise in this moving ad.

Nursing Job

2005-12-29T22:41:00.000+08:00

It's been more than a month since my pinoy dental friends wanted a get-together before the year ends. One of them took up nursing and already passed the exam so that she can easily get a job abroad. Now, our two other male dental friends are thinking of following her footsteps.

With the proliferation of medical and dental doctors who are studying to become a nurse, what would happened to the Philippines in the next years to come. I think the government needs to do something about all this. It is so expensive to go abroad for medical treatment.

According to a relative of mine in California, Filipinos living in the states has been studying nursing course and it would be a competition between the naturalized Filipino-American with the foreign Filipino workers.

We had our dinner at this newly opened restaurant. The ambiance was great, even the landscape. Steak Plus. It is located in Timog across Burger King. But I wouldn't recommend this restaurant. Not worth your money. Too expensive. I would rather eat at Everything @ Steak.

#92 Mother Ignacia Street Corner Timog Avenue, Quezon City

It was cooked well done that is why after pouring the sauce, it sizzled. but nothing special about the taste and the presentation. Does not taste as good as it looks.

Mine, I requested my vegetables to be steamed instead of buttered, they still served me sauted in butter. I asked for a hot water and my friends ordered drinks. They didn't served me water until I asked for it. They should not have served mine in a sizzling plate cause it doesn't sizzle when you pour your sauce cause they say it was cooked medium well. My T-bone steak is one half bone instead of meat.

A Blessing in Disguise?

2005-12-28T20:23:00.000+08:00

Early this year, a side-car in Arranque hit and almost pull my front fender (driver's side) out when he was trying to cut lanes. I didn't bother going down and insist that the side-car driver to pay up. It will be a waste of time and effort. Middle of this year, I complained of noises whenever I tried to switch on the car and later found out it came out of this hanging fender.

This afternoon, I plan to go see my friend to give my late christmas giveaways. As I turned right from Banawe corner Quezon Avenue, I was again hit by a speeding light green FX Taxi. I slowed down and went to a sidewalk and looked to see how much was the damage. It's just a scratched in my front fender (driver's side) so I didn't bother and went on my way. I then heard a loud sound and as I make a U-turn to go to the other side, I had to slow down again to parked, I heard a irk sound near my wheels...Whoa! A flat tire! I guess I heard the rim sound.

I then called Kicker for emergency tire changing. As soon as I arrived home. I cleaned up my trunk and look more carefully at my front fender. Instead of being angry, hehehe, I felt it must be a blessing. The Fx Taxi hit on the right spot, pushing my fender in the right position. Now, the noise and the hanging fender is gone!

Love Spell

2005-12-28T06:07:00.000+08:00

Three years ago, whenever my friend would visit me or if we go out, she always smells like candy. I always asked her what shampoo was she using and she would laughingly say, its not shampoo nor soap, its a body splash. It is made by Victoria Secret. Whenever I hear that brand, I would nod my head and think... mmm... maybe expensive. When I went to the USA in 2004, I was walking in one of the malls and saw the store. They have I think more than 9 different kinds of scent to choose from. It was on sale, for every 7 pieces you buy (body splash, hand and body cream, etc), you get one free item, either a shampoo or a conditioner of the same aroma or of another. I bought different kinds but more of the item as seen on the picture. If you buy it in the states, it was really not that expensive if you convert it to peso. I think much much cheaper than the amount they sell here.

They were my pasalubong. Lately, whenever I go somewhere, walking along the hallways of malls, anywhere, even inside the cinema theater, a lady having the same scent, I get nauseated by the smell of this "Love Spell". I feel almost everyone I encountered is using this fragrance. Last Monday, when I watched the movie Enteng, my seatmate was also using this and I tried to look somewhere else so I can grasp clear air and I tried to move away from her. As you can see on the picture, it is still full, I haven't use it since. I used other scent, something not known to people.

Celebration

2005-12-27T22:05:00.000+08:00

I didn't go to work. Am sure our employees were looking for me. Waiting for the blow-out. one of our employees have the same birthdate as I am. She usually buys the ice cream and I buy something else. This year, I was absent. I called our secretary to greet her on her birthday. She laughingly told me she was waiting for me.

I invited my family and relatives to dine at Izakaya Taisho. I learned that they only opened last month. So, no credit card is acceptable yet. I think we were the only customer that night. And as I said before in my blog, I would bring a camera so I can take a picture of that advertisement inside the Ladies' restroom cubicles.

Enteng Kabisote 2 - Okay Ka, Fairy Ko

2005-12-27T14:39:00.000+08:00

Soon after watching Ako, Legal Wife, Char and I went to the other theater and watched Enteng Kabisote.

Alice Dixon who used to play the wife of Enteng (Vic Sotto), was now playing the role of Ina Magenta (Charito Solis, deceased).

Vic Sotto - plays Enteng, the taga-lupa.

Kristine Hermosa plays the wife of Enteng. Pregnant and about to give birth. Has two old children.

Aiza Seguerra - plays the daughter of Enteng and Faye, doesn't have any power.

Oyo Boy Sotto - plays the son who inherited his mother's magical powers.

Melanie Marquez - plays the role of Verde, younger sister of Ina Magenta. Do not have any child. She was always wearing a Green attire, lives inside a tree trunk.

Toni Rose Gayda - plays the role of Azul, younger sister of Ina Magenta. Have one daughter. She was always wearing blue attire. Probably lives in the water?

Verde and Azul were always fighting like cats and dogs, as to whom shall Ina tell the good news first. Both were wishing to be the next in line of Ina Magenta for power.

Bing Loyzada - plays the role of Ina's youngest sister who wants all the 3 parts of the medallion to have all the powers in their land.

Jeffrey Quizon - plays the role of a man with electric powers, same side as Bing

Victor Neri - plays the role of a man who can turn himself into a dragon (looked like dragon from dragon heart)

The story of this movie is really very simple. Faye gave birth to a baby girl. She didn't give birth the usual way as the human being, but laid a large egg that Enteng must sit on till its time for the egg to break. The egg would become larger when sunlight shone on it. The child can talk like a 2 year old when actually it was only 8 months old.

On the other side of the world, a number of miners came upon a treasure and one of them (Victor Neri) saw some treasure chest at the bottom of the caves. He then shot all his companions cause of greediness. The fresh blood that flows from the dead bodies went and sip into the ground and something or someone came back from the dead. One of them got the 3-part medallion. Bing Lozada got a part of the medallion. She tried to look for the other two.

Ina Magenta wants her new granddaughter to be christen in their land but Enteng wants it on earth. Ina then told Faye what she had dreamt of. She was afraid that a battle would happen and she might be needing help.

As always good guys always wins. I just feel that the story is so dragging with the old slap tricks but I do like the special effects. The transformation of a man to a dragon was very smooth, animated like. It looks like you're watching foreign movies.

Ako, Legal Wife

2005-12-27T12:13:00.000+08:00

This is a movie produced by Regal Films for Film Festival otherwise known as Mano Po 4?

Zsa Zsa Padilla - is again portraying the first wife named Chona. Born on the year of the Rabbit with a zodiac sign of Aquarius. Graduated in ICA. Has 3 children. 1 boy and 2 girls. Born of Chinese-Filipino parents.

Cherry Pie Picache - portraying the 2nd querida named Patti. Has one son. Businessminded woman.

Rufa Mae Quinto - portraying the 3rd querida named Gloria, thought she was just the 2nd querida. 3 years in relationship with Zsa-Zsa's hubby. No children.

Jay Manalo - portraying the playboy hubby of Zsa Zsa Padilla. Born on the year of the Snake with a zodiac sign of ??. I forgot. Graduated in St Jude Catholic Church.

In this story, Zsa Zsa and Jay marriage was arranged by their parents. The Bride has a body natural remedy to have a smooth and white skin by dabbing her whole body with flour and kalamansi for her armpits. So, every morning for the rest of the 20 years of marriage, Jay would wake up with his face full of flour.

Zsa Zsa suspected there was another woman named Patti. She confronted and asked Jay to tell her the truth and he confirmed this. When Chona was brought to the hospital to give birth, Patti was at the other room giving birth too. So, the battled ensued between the two ladies. Who have more rights or who should have more material things. Both had a son as their first born. When the grandparents went to the nursery room, they asked to look at the Mrs Chong's baby, and two babys were shown and that surprises the grandparents.

Years and years passed, the half brothers and sister are in good terms except for their mothers. They investigate the other's movement. One wants what the other have. The legal wife wants more than what the querida have.

Later in one of Chona's rummaging moment, she saw a Condominium title and went to see the place just to find out there was a 3rd querida named Gloria. Gloria's friend was advising her to get pregnant soon.

Chona then asked an advice from her parents on what to do, cause she said she can't take it anymore. Her father gave her a typical answer, wives should be submissive, help the hubby and then he went to sleep. What a support eh? maybe that was in the last generation but not of today's era.

Chona's first born met with his future wife-to be. A businessman's daughter whom Jay had business with. Chona's first born has one problem, he was gay. He told his mother he can't marry any woman, but his mother and sister insist on it. In the middle of their story, Chona's son introduced his so-called girl friend to his half-brother and it turned out that they liked one another. On the day of his wedding, his half-brother eloped with the bride and this made his father really mad and hurriedly drove to where they went. He had an accident on the way. He was comatose for a few days and learned that he had become invalid. Paralyzed from waist down?

Chona insist of taking care of her hubby even if he is invalid. Gloria is the first one who gave up on him. Patti gave Chona the right to take care of her hubby. Legal wife got her hubby back.

One thing I'd say, with the way Zsa Zsa speaks in the movie, its really an insult for them to mentioned the school ICA. Cause ICA students doesn't talked like that. Zsa Zsa's tagalog is what we call the barok tagalog.

Merry Christmas 2005

2005-12-25T05:22:00.000+08:00

It's another Christmas! This should be the happiest day of my life in every year. But I feel this is the longest and saddest day of my life. My family leaves for somewhere with their friends and in-laws and I left alone here. I hate Christmases. I always cry on this day. Tears of sadness.

This afternoon, I remembered to attend the Buddhist Wedding to be held at the Tzu-Chi Grounds, Gym Section. The couple who are members of this group including their own families, decided to give all the proceeds and gift checks to this charity. There are many different religions who joined this charitable group, saying they don't insist that you be a Buddhist but I think in the long run if you became one of them, you will definitely be a (1) a vegetarian and later on became a (2) Buddhist.

Their wedding entourage consists of 2 boys as their ring bearers wearing the Youth Tzu-Chi uniform. A Groom and the Best man were wearing a suit and the Bridesmaid (the twin sister) wearing a blue gown. The Bride is wearing a beautiful wedding gown with the usual flowery background.

The first one to enter were the 2 boys, then the parents, groom, best man and bridesmaid, bride. Almost the same as the Catholic way but without the priest. I think it is not the same as that of the protestant because their homily usually sounds like you were attending a Sunday school, but yesterday, the Minister who weds them, didn't say anything about religion, but gave a very good advice. He even sing a Mandarin song:

When you were complaining, I did not hear you;
Even if you repeat it, I did not hear you;
But when you said you love me, that I heard you!

After the marriage vows, the couple went to each parent's side and kneel on the floor and vowed their head until they touch the floor to signify respect for both parents.

After the wedding, they was a little pika pika served by the Tzu-Chi members. My favorite veggie dilis (consist of tau-peh, seaweed sheets and sesame seeds), veggie kebab (a slice of pepper, veggie pork and the other two i cannot remember), veggie empanada, 1/4 triangular cheese sandwich, veggie california maki, soda.

While getting some food, someone patted me at the back, here he was again. I always saw this male patient I had when I had my practiced. He was the guy next door, only a wall divides us. He remembers me knocking on the wall whenever he was noisy with the loud sound of his radio or speaker. hehehe.

I was waiting for the 7pm to have dinner at my sister's house. It was then 5pm, so I decided to chat with one of the Taiwanese Doctor. Handicapped. He told me how he decided to become a regular volunteer of this org. He said he used to quarrel with his wife. He always win. But if he wins, who lost in the end? Him. Why? Because if he needs help, his wife would say NO. hehehe. It went on and on, until the time he decided to volunteer his services and maybe that change his life. His wife was always looking for him, asked him, where should I look for you, you seemed to be everywhere. He then said, you can always see me at Tzu-Chi, so...she joined the org. He then told me about his son. He used to always compared himself to his son. He was a brainy child but his child needs to study to get good grades. After joining this org, he later on had a talk with his child and the son was surprised, and later on got good grades in school, his son also volunteers for this org.

Tiange

2005-12-24T21:32:00.000+08:00

Didn't do much of anything today. The whole day, I ate and lie down on my bed. There was nothing unusual about this day from the regular days. The only difference was I think, the air is cooler than ordinary days.

I went out with Linkx and Char to Tiendesitas. I saw this stall selling landscape. I saw a wishing well and from afar, I got amused with an old man in bronze sitting at a bench. I then saw this old woman placed her head on its shoulder. I wanted to take that scene. An funny idea formed in my head. I will sit beside the old lady and have my pic taken with her. I then asked the store seller who that lady was, she said her grandmother. I then asked permission to take a picture with her. As I sat, I requested the lola to put her head on the statue's shoulder. But she resisted, she even told me to sit closer to her, thinking I just wanted to sit with her. I saw her neighbor laughing at us, while I was smiling from one ear to another. As soon as Linkx click the camera and it flashes, the lola was surprised, she didn't know someone took her picture. I actually wanted to put some peace sign on top of the statue's head but too late.

Imaginations

2005-12-24T08:27:00.000+08:00

Early yesterday morning, I attended the 7th day dawn masses. I observed these past few days, the regular foreigner church goers are absent. Mostly maids and male household helps are there and a few employers.

I then went to the Tzu-Chi medical mission to help set up the dental department. At the far end, I saw a group of members with the toothbrush and cup, t-shirt giveaways. I then felt like I’ve seen this event or I’ve been here a long time ago but yesterday was my first time there. I went home as soon as the other dental team came. The picture below was teaching the poor people how to thanked the members of their services by holding their two thumbs up and down.

It was my father’s birthday yesterday. We had called a caterer to cook for our lunch. We wanted our old maid to rest for the holidays instead of tiring herself to cook for all of us. This is for our employees and business associates.

I went home for the party for family and friends. He has a very high imagination that he took some of his displays out of our living room into the kids pool. He even thought of putting some of his plants in a large laundry basin and let it float in the water.

Christmas Activities

2005-12-22T21:35:00.000+08:00

Christmas day is fast approaching. Dawn Masses are almost finished. It is our 6th day today. It's as if I didn't go to work today. I arrived at the office at exactly 12nn. I was with my mom. Supposed to be I'm with both parents but my father was so in tuned with redecorating his wooden rooster with ostrich eggs. My mother laughingly saying how can a rooster have eggs? When I looked up, oh yeah, this chicken has a large comb on top of his head, which means this is a male chicken or otherwise known as a rooster.

After lunch, I proceeded to the Tzu-Chi Buddhist Foundation for a meeting. Some Taiwanese members have donated three (3) portable dental unit that includes a dental light cure and scaler. The medical group of this foundation is very innovative. They invented their own portable dental machines. We will be having a free medical-dental charity clinic tomorrow morning at 7am - 12nn. It is also their gift giving christmas activities.

Later, I attended a party of the Opus Dei in Tahilan in Leon Guinto. This was the place where my friend E.G. attends. E.G has now migrated to Richmond, Canada. Before she left, she showed me her silver rosary that turns into gold. The gold was the same color as the gold plated at the altar. That is the Lord's miracle for her, she said. The hail mary beads turned into gold but the cruxifix and the trilogy remains the same...silver.

I really wanted to come here but never had the chance until today. I always felt comfortable when I confessed in this place. The priest are strict but not conservative thinker.

Soothing Voices

2005-12-21T20:02:00.000+08:00

This morning, I woke up early but as usual, I arrived 5 minutes before the mass. When I entered the church, I looked to my left where the choir usually sits. I saw a group of boys with a full white uniform and a little dark color near their chest. That was the first time I saw them performed here. I sat at the back rows. The mass started, the choir started singing. They have a soothing voice and it gives me a feeling of warmth and calmness. I really like the way they sang the opening song, short and clear, although I am not very familiar with it. Instead of just reading the responsorial Psalm, one of its members sang it just like the way when I watch the EWTN show. The Responsorial song also has a nice tune. Before the mass ended, they were introduced as graduating class from a seminary school, no wonder they have such a lovely voice. These are our future priest.

No Pictures Allowed

2005-12-20T22:36:00.000+08:00

After work, I went to Greenhills Shopping Center and thought of what a nun friend told me how beautiful the GH chapel is. It's called the Holy Family Gallery. Dioramas depicting the lives of the Lord Jesus Christ according to the story of the Holy Rosary. I especially like the moving dioramas of the whole bethlehem. I felt like I was inside Ayala Museum and the designs were bright and colorful. A must see!

I met up with some friends and ate at Everything @ Steak. The most expensive price in their menu is Php150.oo. Their grill rib eye and T-boned taste good. Do not order the Debone grill chicken, very small serving. It is located along P.Guevarra Street in San Juan. If you are coming from Unimart, turn right to Wilson Street, then turn right at P. Guevarra, they are located at the first Petron gas station, in front of King Crab House. I didn't know about taking pictures but I took it before going inside the resto.

Simbang Gabi

2005-12-19T19:29:00.000+08:00

Since I became a Catholic, I never had the chance to experience Simbang Gabi or the Misa de Gallo till now. I hear friends telling me about it though. I learned from Day 1 homily, that this will end on the 9th day? Can’t remember if it is on or a day before Christmas. The priest was encouraging mass goers to attend the 9 consecutive masses. The 2nd day was about forgiveness. The 3rd day I wasn’t able to attend, overslept due to exhaustion from the previous day. The 4th day was this morning and I think my mind flew somewhere else while the priest was doing the homily.

Every time, this certain choir sings at this church, the interest of hearing masses would left me. They played their organ so loud that it hurt my ears. The sound of their voices are not clear, it felt like the tremble in the equalizer was at the maximum. This is a group of old people with some young members and an old lady conductress. They usually wear yellow and white choir attire. They sing their “Our Father” in a very slow and sad way. Their opening song is always too long that they need to be told to shut up if the priest has the guts to say it. LoL!

Winning Numbers

2005-12-18T12:54:00.000+08:00

In the history of Tsinoys in the Philippines, we will know how family associations started. Ours have a christmas party every year. I remembered when our grandparents were the one serving then, our christmas raffle prizes consists of small pieces of appliances and since there were so many granchildren, we were always so happy about our consolation prizes which was a set of crayons, the larger pack. Then as we grow older (the 3rd generations), the consolation prizes became toys. Our generationsseems to marry late than our 2nd generation counterpart. Prizes were now usually of monetary values and no more consolation prizes.

These were some of the winning numbers from last night's raffle:
38 (sam pat)
138 (koh chi gei sam pat)
66
99
69 (ooooh...aaaaaah)
123

The grand prize number was of course the last one they picked, was won by a woman who was the last one who came in to the party.

Rerouting

2005-12-15T18:16:00.000+08:00

At long last!!! I found a new route going home (secret, LoL!). It will only take me less than an hour even if I leave during rush hour. I'd say not all MMDA scheme didn't work. It did to a lot of streets that used to have heavy traffic. And what I like here is that, most drivers drive fast too. Less honking. And I think MMDA scheme is not the problem here, but the people itself. Like the buses and jeepneys. They are all over the road and the policemen aren't doing anything about it. I think the commuters and the local citizen should be scared of them but it was the other way around. They had a billboard in one of the highway saying they will start implementing rules and regulations on November 1st. Nothing happened. Anyway, am happy now. ;)

Dream # 5

2005-12-15T04:00:00.000+08:00

The setting in my dream was my room in our old house. I was lying on the floor and suddenly saw a tall, thin rat with his tail pointed up, it looked like a thin dog but in my dream it was a rat. I told myself, hey, I didn't know I have a rat here and it is so large. I saw it walking towards the balcony door. I told an old man about it. When I went out of the room, on my right, I said to myself, it was not a rat afterall, but why the color is orange? When I looked nearer, I realized the back has orange and black stripe, looks like half tiger and half man with whiskers and he seemed to be very tall and fit. We were then standing near a pond, then he told the old man, we will fight and if I win, she (pointing to me) will be the next. I said "why me?" When they started, I ran and hide inside the bathroom with someone, I can not identify. We would sometimes peek out to see how was the fighting, when I felt that the half tiger half man would almost win, I opened the bathroom door and run towards one area, where I saw two people putting a black cloth as trap just in case that thing run towards me, then I woke up.

Funeral Food

2005-12-14T09:52:00.000+08:00

When I was young, funeral rites were so simple then. Its like a family reunion especially from relatives who lived far away from their loved ones. Food served were just candies and softdrinks. As time pass, with the development of shopping malls, people tend to buy pastries from Goldilocks, Red Ribbon and the likes. Some relatives would even asked members of the family whether they should buy Jollibee or McDo. Later we see bottled water, tetra-pak juices to serve the guest. Some called food caterers to remove excess work for the family members. I tried the "Empanada Royale" it was different from other restaurants, usually it was either chicken or tuna fillings, but they also offer ham and cheese. they sell that in most shopping malls. Living people have become more creative as the new generation became modern. The traditional ways of funeral rites has probably forgotten by the young people of today, thus the need for Funeral Coordinators.

Sleepy Head

2005-12-13T05:09:00.000+08:00

Yesterday, I went back to my post treatment at the acupuncturist. he massages my upper back and suck up the cold out of my body using a rubber thing. I got red eyes when I woke up this morning and I may have these: sore eyes (nope), dry eyes (maybe) or lack of sleep (probably). He then massaged my head, hard and painful, then he told me, I will feel better in a little while and I might want to sleep early and wake up the next day.

I went to Tzu-Chi xmas party cause I was invited by a member. By 8pm, I was already sleepy and slept while seated. When my friend came over to give me my receipt for a transaction we've made a few months ago, I asked him a favor if he could wait for the auntie and bring her home, and he agreed. I slept as soon as I lie down on my bed. Effective eh?

Tsismosa

2005-12-11T20:59:00.000+08:00

I was out the whole day today. I attended a christmas party at 10am with an organization and then attended a Dental seminar and masquerade party in the afternoon. I am pissed off with one member of that organization for what she did a month ago. Of all things that I hate about is when people starts to pry on my family background and my personal life especially on the topic of "would you like to remarry or not". At my age, a lot of my women friends aren't married. And most of all, I do not like name droppers.

Attending that party was something I have thought about much the whole week. To go or not to go. I didn't want to meet this gossiper and probably, I have no intention of making her a friend of mine. Yesterday, I decided to attend this morning party and had fun. At lunch, I chatted with an old friend from the old church where I used to go. I then saw this gossiper moved wherever I am. She really pissed me off especially when she had the chance to sit in front of my seatmate. She leaned backward while eating, and her ears were towards me. Grrrrrrrr. I stood up and moved to the other side of the room where my other friend is. When I looked to my side, there she was again!!! Actually, there is nothing secret to what I am saying, I just hate the way she acted. If she wants to hear, then she should have faced me and joined in the conversation.

I decided to just attend the dental seminar which started at 1pm. Now, I guess this lady make my day. This envious lady I was with when I went to Taipei, was with my friends. Oooh, what a day huh? I tried to get away from this gossiper just to meet with another one. Anyway, am glad we saw one another, for the people in that seminar are all my friends. She doesn't bother me at all. Around 330pm, I decided to skip the next lecturer to attend a Sunday mass. I was told there is one church near megamall called St. Francis Church. We went around for half an hour looking for that church, but we didn't find it. Instead I decided to go to Christ the King in Green Meadows. There was a bazaar beside the church. I also learned that the church is now fully airconditioned.

Then I went back to the seminar in time to eat my dinner, I won a tube of colgate toothpaste. Better than none. After the seminar and chitchats, I went to Tiendesitas near Valle Verde. No parking fees yet. They are a one-stop shop tiangge. Food stalls, novelty items, antique shops, clothing and accessories, food area, etc. They even have a calesa ride around this mall-like tiangge. According to one of the store help, that calesa ride is very famous. She sees a lot of visitors wanting to ride it and have their picture taken.

Izakaya Taisho Japanese Restaurant

2005-12-11T03:26:00.000+08:00

On my way to a friend's house and saw this newly opened Japanese restaurant and decided to try it. It has a huge orange ad. Izakaya Taisho Japanese Restaurant. It is located at an almost finished condominium at the corner of Adriatico and San Andres Streets. There is a stainless staircase going to the mezzanine floor. A landscape near the entrance and a lady security guard would welcome the visitors in Japanese language. As soon as one enters the room, we were all welcome by all the ladies in nihonggo. The place has cubicles. Each cubicles were subdivided with a bamboo dividers. Menu's are in Japanese characters with their prices written in banners and attached to the divider. We ordered sashimi and when they came out, it was kind of different from what we usually see in other restaurants. It was so fresh, no fish smell even though there was a little blood left. The first dish we ate doesn't have the wasabi but have the grind ginger. The most important thing I always looked at in any establishment is the restrooms. I wanted to see how modern their restrooms are. There are two cubicles in the women's restroom. When I close the door in one, I saw a weird but funny ad attached to the back of the wall of the door. They are inviting "Pokpok" to come and invite more customers to their restaurant and get a 20% commission on their every transaction. Anyway, the food are great and not expensive. Authentic Japanese cuisine.

Izekaya Taisho
An authentic Japanese Restaurant
Malate Crown Plaza,
Mezzanine 2, 3, 4
558 Adriatico Street corner San Andres, Malate Manila
Tel: (632) 523-2930 * (632) 536-0440

Acupuncture

2005-12-10T06:16:00.000+08:00

I went back to the gym and felt better while I was there. No back pains. But as soon as I arrived at the office, I could feel the same aching back. more near the end of my neck. At the middle of the morning, I decided to call my friend, a volunteer Acupuncturist in a charitable clinic where I used to served. I went to see him in the afternoon and instead of inserting needles, he tried massaging the area, and cracked my back bones. Aaaah...it feels really good. I felt I could now straighten my back without pain. My shoulders and a part of my underarm was sored too, and I can't even reach my head. He then inserted a needle in my arm and said something like, my skin seems to be thicker and then he looked at me, saying i looked kinda fat, maybe due to water and not due to fats. He then manipulated it and aching back was almost gone. He then taught me one thing. He said if I prefer to take a shower in the morning, the first urine I shall have, I need to put and wipe it on my upper back, it does sound yucky, but who cares if it is effective.

The Doc Magician

2005-12-09T06:12:00.000+08:00

In the 15 years of joining charity clinic, I met up with so many people, rich and poor. 2 years ago, I went to a seminar offered by Tzu-Chi in one of its member's residence. I sat beside a man, who was introduced to me as one of their volunteer doctors. I learned he was also a hobbyist and made his hobby into business. He was known as the Doc "magician".

I met him yesterday for the second time to introduce him to another friend for business purpose. At the middle of our talks, doc was saying as if he dreamt this meeting. Deja vu. My friend laughed and decides to ask him about magic. He then showed us his tricks. Wow. I haven't really seen anybody doing such while seated face to face with a performer. He first showed us one of his tricks. He has four coins on one hand and the other hand was holding my friend's hand. As he shake both hands, and later open my friend's, the coins from his hand became 3, then 2, then 1, then none. One by one, whenever my friend opened his hands, we could see the missing coins. How did he do that?

Another one, he showed his old trick. He asked my friend's 100 peso bill, folded it in front of us and gradually became a 50 peso bill. He again folded it back to 100 peso and returned the money.

Sanctuario Spa

2005-12-07T05:51:00.000+08:00

I have this aching back since last month and I thought I lack exercise. I went back to the gym and felt a lot lot better. Aching back was gone. The following day, I didn't go and as soon as I sat on my office chair, I felt this excruciating pain again. As soon as I printed my report, I browse in the telephone directory where I can go have a therapeutic massage. I saw the Sanctuario spa commercial ad. I thought it might be expensive and decided to look somewhere else, maybe in QC. But still no idea. I immediately left the office, and on my way to QC, I called a friend of mine and he also referred me to that spa. I went. The spa in the middle of the city looks and feels like you are somewhere off Manila. The landscaping was done very nicely. Most of their clients are from Korea and Japan and other nationalities. As usual, the massager thought I was a Korean.

Sanctuario Spa
1829 Jorge Bocobo Street, (near the corner of Nakpil Street) Malate
(632) 450-1127

Dimasalang Light Post

2005-12-05T21:03:00.000+08:00

Dimasalang is a street going to UST (University of Santo Tomas) or going to CGH (Chinese General Hospital). Dimasalang is famous for rows and rows of stores selling flowers. Flowers were delivered from as far as Baguio. I passed through this street this evening and I saw the new beautifully renovated light post. The electric light post looked like a stem, and on top was shaped like flowers with petals and branches. The light were of different color. I will probably take picture of this one day.

Jollibee's New Marketing Scheme

2005-12-03T21:00:00.000+08:00

On my way home yesterday, I saw this billboard of Jollibee advertisement. It showed passerbys on how many books were donated to them to act as their middle man. They've done this last year I think. I can not understand why so many people would donate their old books to Jollibee when they can just donate it to the nearest school within their area. Who would benefit all these? Ofcourse, Jollibee! Jollibee's name will be written all over the charitable institutions. Wow, how they have done their social responsibilities like donating books during Christmas. Excellent marketing scheme.

Sea Games 2005

2005-12-03T10:46:00.000+08:00

These past few weeks, the government have been busy renovating the highways and beautifying the streets for the delegates and tourists of the Sea Games 2005. Some schools were closed because of it. A friend of mine went to Bacolod as part of the working committee. I heard on the radio about Thailand's complaining of cheating. Radio commentators were saying, how can it be when the referree is a foreigner and not even a Filipino. And it was televised ontelevision. What was funny about this topic was, when I heard President GMA calling for honest and no cheating games for the Filipino athletes. Who would believe us? With a President who was questioned for cheating in the last election.

Business Name

2005-12-01T18:27:00.000+08:00

Early this year, I went to DTI - Department of Trade to get a business license. It took me almost 2 hours just to get to step 2. There were so many people lining up. The security guard sarcastically told us, "ooh, they say Philippines is going down, no business, no sales, but how come the number of people applying for business doubled in six months time?!" A few years back, our secretary was saying, it will only take you one day to file. Now, it's two days. I accompanied a friend today to DTI, and I think the best time to apply is after 3pm. No one is lining up and it will only take you maximum of 10 minutes.

Dreams

2005-12-01T07:24:00.000+08:00

A few months ago, a Dental friend of mine asked me if my dream were black and white or colored? I replied colored. She said, colored dreams are usually by people with open 3rd eye. I don't know where she got that, but she said she surveyed people coming in for treatment and asked them about it. Only a few answered colored.

Someone commented about how I was able to remember all the details of my dreams. That, I do not know the answer. Ever since I was a child, I even have a notebook where I write all my dreams. Some of them were really weird. 7 years ago when I decided to become a Catholic, I usually pray first and ask the Lord and the Virgin Mary to give me messages through my dreams. Although there were all of different situations but the meaning are all the same.