Read At Your Own Risk

That's Bullshit.

2011-10-02T23:08:00.003+08:00

You say you're a "friend" and yet you just strive to be close to people so you could get some "supposed" or "alleged" dirt from them. So much for friendship. What you're doing is plain bull.

iMode.

2011-09-21T12:10:00.002+08:00

Been quite a while since I posted anything here. Heck, it's been a while since I've logged into Blogger using this account. I've been doing a lot and I'm going through something right now. I'm fed up with people talking behind my back. I guess the main reason I updated this blog is to let out a rant.

Lesson learned: Don't trust anybody.

I'm going into iMode for a while, hence the title. iMode is "isolation mode", an act of isolating yourself from others so as to have time to think and clear up your thoughts. I got this from a good friend of mine and he reckons it really helps him. So, wish me luck. I need this.

Me Minus My Personal Life.

2011-03-13T13:02:00.006+08:00

Finally, the new blog's up and running. I'm gonna be keeping this one as a more private blog. Will stop promoting this one to the general public and will do the advertising on the new blog. Do check it out if you have time.

Click here to go to the new blog site.

In other news, summer vacation's just around the corner and I still have a ton of school work. Tss.

I'm all pumped up for summer! Let's go!

New Blog Still Unnamed.

2011-03-12T12:19:00.002+08:00

I'm still in the process of thinking of a suitable name for my new blog which will ultimately be devoted to food and tech. Any suggestions? I've three articles waiting to be posted and I can't do so since I ain't got a new blog still. Ha ha. Oh, well. It can wait, I guess.

Not The Third Wheel vs. The Third Wheel.

2011-02-24T10:27:00.002+08:00

This is me typing with under 5 hours of sleep and with close-to-being-unbearable tonsillitis. I hate being a third wheel (a fifth wheel, a seventh wheel, or any-other-odd-number wheel) for crying out loud. I think it's just plain wrong. Well, at least for me, hence the "I" in the previous sentence. Believe me when I say I've played that dreaded role a number of times, and also got to experience having someone play that Judas-of-a-part when I'm with someone. Hence, forgive me, if I have to write this entry in two different perspectives.

Again, these are my thoughts.

Point A: From The Not The Third Wheel aka Half The Couple

Is it okay to lug around (for lack of better term) someone when you're with your partner? Yes. Is it preferable? No. Yes, it is okay, because it's good to be in the company of others whilst enjoying your time as a couple. No, it is not preferable, because sometimes, you get too comfy and forget that you have this other person with you. And we don't want anyone to feel left out, do we?

Some would say that things are different when the three (or five or seven or any-other-odd-number) of you are friends. I don't think so. I think when all of you are friends, especially really close ones, it is all the more important that the couple gets some couple time, for the sole and very obvious reason that you all are, wait for it, friends. Being friends, or in one clique somehow gives us the impression that y'all are almost always together. And that's exactly why the couple sometimes needs to "couple-away" from the friends, or friend, even just for a lil while.

The Not The Third Wheel's Advice To The Third Wheel

Know when it is okay to join in on the fun or whatever. No matter how "okay" it seems for the couple when you ask them if it is okay to join them, seriously consider all other things. I'm sure you get the picture. Oh, and one more thing, get a partner and save yourself from being the infamous third (or fifth or seventh or any-other-odd-number) wheel.

Point B: From The Third Wheel

As mentioned above, it is okay to join in on happenings with couple/s. Just consider the occasion or the time. In more cases than one, the Third Wheel actually gives life to the couple. Or saves them from a fight, albeit a petty one.

As a friend, the Third Wheel of course knows when not to be the Third Wheel. Of course, you can't join in on special occasions such as anniversaries, monthsaries, weeksaries, daysaries, hourseries, minutesaries, secondsaries, and any other occasion dear to the couple.

In short, just don't be the third wheel. Ha ha. Damn it. Even I can't convince myself that it's sometimes okay to be the infamous spare tire. So much for taking the two sides. Ha ha. Well, at least I tried.

The Third Wheel's Advice To Another Third Wheel

I guess I have to agree with the Not The Third Wheel, go get yourself someone! Ha ha!

Conclusion

I guess I pretty much wasted your time and mine with this entry, but I guess it boils one to one thing, I hate third wheels. Being one, or being in the presence of one.

Hmmm. Hate is such a strong word, I believe, so I guess I'ma use dislike instead.

Hey, You.

2011-02-20T23:33:00.003+08:00

For a short time earlier, I thought of dismissing the idea of "us". I don't know. Maybe I'm tired. No, I know I'm tired, physically, that is. But I've never gotten tired when it comes to matters with you. I guess it's impatience that's gotten into me. But then again, since when have I become impatient with you? I think it's safe to answer that with a "never".

I almost jumped into another river. One that's offering to envelop me with water so warm, it'd melt my heart. But I didn't. It's either I'm too caught up with the idea of me loving you so much, or just the fact that I really am in love with you. I'd say it's the latter any given time, because it's the truth.

I need someone who can reciprocate what I feel. Right now, I know it can't be you. But the truth is, I want and need it to be you.

The Week That Was. Or Not.

2011-02-20T09:59:00.004+08:00

I think it's safe to say that I had an awesome week. I'll let the pictures do the talking.

Okay. So after about 10 minutes of trying to send data (photos) to my laptop, over Bluetooth, not one photo has been successfully sent. I left my mini SD card adapter in the apartment so I guess I'm gonna have to postpone my photo-blog entry. Sheesh. Too bad. I'm really excited to share my past week to all of my non-existent readers.

So, till tomorrow, I guess. That is, if I don't get swamped in SP stuff.

Random Post.

2011-02-06T16:48:00.002+08:00

It's Sunday and I'm here in the apartment already. Staying at home with nothin' to do is worse than studying for chem. Not an exaggeration. We now have "proper" internet. Globe installed the Globe WiMax unit around ten minutes ago, and here I am, typing away. I'm kinda sleepy. And hungry. Oh, and I miss you. Yeah.

So Much For Saving.

2011-02-02T09:57:00.001+08:00

I've been consistently bickering about my iPod's "death" and how I need to save up to get three 4th Generation iPod Shuffles for the best bud (post-19th birthday slash post-Christmas slash advanced 20th birthday gift), my cousin RJ (post-birthday and advanced graduation gift) and of course, for myself, since I seriously need a music player and music blasting from my mobile phone just wouldn't suffice. I am still hoping that my mum or my godfather would get me an iPod Touch soon, but for now, I've decided to go the less expensive way, so that I might get them two boys their respective gifts.

Since a 4th Generation iPod Shuffle costs around 2,300php, I need to have 7,000php (fare included) by the end of February. "I could do this", I told myself a couple of nights ago. "From here on out, I'd not spend on things I do not need and would not do the usual splurging on food and other what-nots."

Then Monday happened. I was feelin' a bit off (started late Saturday, actually) and made me too lazy to cook so I headed out to McD's and got some breakfast food. Ka-ching. 120php outta my wallet already. Mid-morning came and I went to Team One's practice and got 'em some snacks. Ka-ching. 16ophp gone. Lunch came and the best bud and I decided to finally eat in (drum roll please) Faustina's. Just when I made a pact to myself to save up, I grab the best bud and head on out to Faustina's. Ka-ching. 500php straight to our tummies.

If you're thinking I stopped spending right after lunch, you're wrong. Ha ha! Lia came over and since she hasn't eaten the whole day, I got a box of Choco Butternut Donuts from Dunkin Donuts. After running some songs for Wednesday night's gig and half a movie, Lia and I went to LBDH for her appointment with Dr. Moran. Test results say that she doesn't have amoebiasis, thank God. I then accompanied her to her grandmother's house then decided to meet up with the best bud for some street food. Spent some 30php on street food then decided to go home. It would be awesome to say that that was the last stuff I spent money on that day but it wasn't. Ha ha! I decided to treat the housemates to a KFC Bucket Meal since I was feelin' really good by night fall, and since we were all too lazy to cook anything. 620php devoured in less than an hour.

Do the math and you'd see that I spent an awful lot of money on the first day of the week. Nyeta. So much for saving up. But at least I enjoyed. Palubag-loob pa tayo! Ha ha!

My Black Hole Experience.

2011-01-23T11:15:00.004+08:00

Entering the black hole.

I haven't been my "full" self since November of 2010. See, my "responsible" actions during the first semester of the academic year 2010-2011 brought me to a situation that sort of sucked the life out of me. I got dismissed. I felt my world crumble when I got wind of my academic standing. Sure, I've sacked a couple of subjects before, but never in my life did I imagine myself absolutely effed up with regards to my academics. Getting dismissed meant not being able to dance in Araneta with the Team. Getting dismissed meant several days of processing papers and dealing with not-so-friendly people in the offices. Getting dismissed meant disappointing my family. Getting dismissed meant disappointing myself. I felt worthless and incapable and just plain stupid. I got readmitted. But I sulked over the fact that I somehow sort of effed up my life.

So yeah, I started the second semester a bit off but I managed to keep myself together and go on with my life as if nothing happened. Everything was going well. Heck, I even fell in love. I fell, again, for this remarkable person. She's plain incredible and unforgettable. But then again, maybe it still isn't our time. The best bud told me that maybe, what she and I had (whatever it is) is just another bump on the road. That maybe, she came back into my life because I needed to be lifted up again, and lift me up she did. And then the sore reality hit and I fell face flat.

Middle of the black hole.

How fortunate am I that all these things are happening to me? I couldn't help question why I get to deal with a lot of bull crap. The acads, I can forgive, but with regards to matters of the heart? It's plain crap. I couldn't help but compare, really. I think that's the most unfair part of my existence. Some people find love overnight. I've waited for around 2 years and just when I was ready to give my all again, poof. I felt crushed. I felt worthless. Again.

If there's one thing I'm good at, it's pretending to be okay. I somehow accomplished to make my friends believe that I'm okay. But every time I tell someone that I'm okay, the more my heart gets squished. The more I smile and shrug whatever I'm feeling over my shoulder, the more I get burdened. I became so vulnerable. But at least, I looked as though nothing's eating me up.

Seeing light.

Three weeks after I got my heart broken, and still I wasn't doing well. The best bud's reassuring words were, well, reassuring, but it wouldn't suffice. One night, while laying in the apartment floor (with the best bud snoring), I prayed. I prayed really hard. I prayed for my self and for healing. I got wounded from all those experiences and I know that if I don't ask for healing, the wounds would never heal. I prayed for forgiveness and for the strength to forgive. I prayed for more patience and for acceptance. I prayed for renewal. Of myself and of my faith. I told Him "Lord, my life is in You. Do what You want and what You think is best for me.", and after that prayer, I fell asleep and slept the most amazing 4 hours of my life. I woke up feeling refreshed. I woke up smiling. I woke up that morning knowing that from here on out, everything will be okay.

Exiting the black hole.

I'm glad I passed that black hole. Sure, it sucked the life out of me, but after everything that I've experienced in there, I've come out as this better person with a yes, cliche alert, a renewed passion for life. I've become this person who, yes, still worries, but never doubts.

I would have never been able to live through all those "funny" things without the help of my best bud, Marvin (Sikat ka na, nabanggit kita dito!) and of course, my Best Friend Upstairs. Thank you, both, you have no idea how lucky I am to have you guys as my wingmen.

Here's to making the rest of the year far better than all those previous years!

The UPLB Street Jazz Dance Co. presents Work It 6

2011-01-12T09:46:00.002+08:00

The UPLB Street Jazz Dance Company presents WORKT IT 6, a hip hop dance workshop featuring the choreography of Adrian Jopia , Fortune Manaig and Louie Canaria.

Put on your sneaks and kicks and learn three choreographies this Saturday (January 15, 2011) at the Baker Mamorial Hall, UPLB!

Registration starts at 8:00AM. Registration fee is only 120php (good for three classes)!

Be there. And WORK IT.

Starting The Week Right.

2011-01-10T22:59:00.003+08:00

I'll let the photos speak for themselves :)

Thanks :)

O damn.

Note To Self: SHAVE

Better Late Than Never 2010 Wrap Up.

2011-01-09T20:10:00.004+08:00

1) BUDDY OF THE YEAR: Still, Marvin Manaig. God knows how I wouldn't survive this year without the best bud.

2) LIFETIME SERVICE AWARD: Marvin Manaig and Rouvel Cueno. My brothers from diff'rent mothers. Ha ha!

3) NEWCOMER AWARD: Tambalang PorNo (Portia Castro and Mino Marimat), FTW!

4) HIGHEST POINT OF THE YEAR? October 22, I guess. Mum's birthday, where I realized a lot. No, actually, one thing.

5) LOWEST POINT OF THE YEAR? Before 2nd semester started, I think. Ha ha.

6) BEST HOLIDAY? I have to say the entire Christmas - New Year season.

7) YOUR SONG FOR 2010? Hanging By A Moment (Lifehouse) and Di Na Natuto (Gary Valenciano)

8) BEST MOVIE FOR 2010? My Amnesia Girl. Hands down!

9) WHO DID YOU SPEND VALENTINES WITH AND WHERE? SPent it with my usual dates for Valentines, the UPLB Street Jazz Dance Co.

10) WHAT WERE YOU FOR HALLOWEEN? Wasn't able to go to any costume or Halloween parties.

11) RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR? Still, Dusit Thani. Ha ha.

12) KISS OF THE YEAR? HAHA

13) BEST DECISION MADE THIS YEAR? To let go of my fear of being in love again.

14) WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR NEXT YEAR? I say these two things every year: Get better. And improve more. Redundant, I know. Ha ha.

15) MOST STUPID ACTION WHEN DRUNK? Unbelievable as it may seem, I didn't get too drunk that past year.

16) TV SHOW OF THE YEAR? Master Chef USA!

17) MOST LOYAL FRIEND(s)? Marvin Manaig, Rouvel Cueno, Lisette Quilloy, Sabrina Marin and the Unit 7 Housemates.

18) HEARTBREAKER OF THE YEAR? THE heartbreak wouldn't happen until January 7, 2010, actually.

19) BIGGEST CHANGE OF THE YEAR? I got braver.

20) NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION? Get better. Improve.

2010: In The Beginning

Who were you with? Family

Did you kiss anyone at midnight? Mum and other relatives count? Ha ha.

Did you make any resolutions? No

2010: Your Love Life

Did you break up with anyone? No

Did you get anything for Valentine's day? None

Did you meet anyone special? Yes

Did you fall in love? Yes. Again. Hard, at that one, too.

2010: Friends and Enemies

Did you meet any new friends this year? Yes

Did any of your friendships end? No

Did you dislike anyone? I can't remember. Ha ha.

Did some friends leave you? Fortunately, none of them left me. Ha ha.

Did you make any new enemies? No.

Did you resolve any fights? Yes

Who was your closest friend? Marvin tops the list. Sab comes in second. Ha ha.

Who did you grow apart from? No one that I know of. Ha ha.

Do you have any regrets when it comes to your friendships? None

2010: Your BIRTHDAY!!!

Did you have a cake? Yes. Three!

What did you do for your birthday? Woke up to a "club scene" in the apartment with "Birthday Sex" blasting from the speakers. Went to class. Had lunch with Marvin, Lala and Reina. Finished school work. Went home and celebrated with the family.

Did you have a party? Yes. One at home (on the day itself), and one "session" with the house mates a couple of days after.

Did you get any presents? Yes!

If so what was the best thing you got? Money. Ha ha.

2010: All about YOU

Did you change at all this year? Yes. I think patience upped its level once again.

Did you dye your hair? Once. For Verve II: Livin' It U.P.

Did you get your hair cut? Yes

Did you change your style? Towards the end of the year, I guess. Ha ha.

Were you in school? Yes

Did you get good grades? Ha ha.

Did you have a job? Got some singing and hosting stints. Worked as an English tutor over the summer.

Did you drive? Yes

Did you own a car? Sort of. Ha ha.

Did anyone close to you give birth? I can't seem to remember. Haha.

Did you move at all? What context? Ha ha!

Did you go on any vacations? Yes

Did you leave the country at all? No

Would you change anything about yourself now? Lose more weight!

2010: Wrap Up.

Was 2010 a good year? Good, I guess.

Did 2010 bring any new insights? Yes

Do you think 2011 will top 2010? I'm gonna make sure it will!

Ano Nga Ba ANg Pakiramdam Ng Minamahal?

2011-01-09T10:21:00.006+08:00

I think this song, which I wrote a couple of days ago, best encapsulates what I really feel right now.

I'm really finding it hard to write "happy" songs.

Oh Shits.

2011-01-07T14:15:00.002+08:00

Wow, I didn't even make a year-end blog or whatever of some sort. I must be so busy, eh?

Busy thinking of you, that is, while you can't even spare a thought for me.

Oh well. Me loving you does not really equate to you loving me back, right? Right.

"O My Yogurt" in SM City Calamba.

2010-12-22T12:05:00.018+08:00

Vin, Yron and I decided to go see a movie in the newly-opened SM Cinemas in SM City Calamba. While waiting for Yron, Vin and I decided to try "O My Yogurt".

The shop is not-so-conveniently located at the 3rd level of the Mall. It is, however, very near the SM Cinemas, so I guess the store wouldn't be too hard to notice, especially with it's vibrant red and pink colored interiors.

The Counter, where you choose your toppings, get your tub weighed, and of course, pay.

I guess what sets "O My Yogurt" apart from all the other yogurt shops today is their "self-service feature". Ha ha. Since we've been getting our yogurt fixes often from "The White Hat" and "Red Mango", we decided to give it a go. The ladies in uniform help first time customers "build" their yogurt tub. "O My Yogurt" features several flavors of yogurt (another thing that sets them apart) like Chocolate, Vanilla, Almond, Melon, among others. Also, "O My Yogurt" doesn't have a fixed price for their tubs and since it's a DIY shop, there are also no standard variants of their yogurt cups and tubs, instead, they weigh your tub and charge 20php per oz. This might seem cheap, but actually, it's not.

The ladies in uniform by the self-service, soft-served yogurt machine area.

Now, for our first time in "O My Yogurt", we got the medium-sized tub and filled it (from bottom to top) Almond Yogurt, Chocolate Yogurt, Vanilla Yogurt, Chocolate Chips, Gummy Bears, Corn Flakes, M&M's (or were they NIPS?), and crushed Graham Crackers. We got our tub weighed and we were charged 241php. That, I think, is relatively expensive since I can get a bigger tub from TWH for around 200php only. Oh, well.

Payed over 200php for this. Hmmmm.

Their yogurt is okay, I guess. It just falls short on the density department. I guess I'm just used to eating super dense yogurt from both TWH and RM. Vin and I particularly enjoyed both the Almond Yogurt and the Chocolate Yogurt since both have the usual yogurt flavor infused with their respective flavors. The Vanilla flavored yogurt on the other hand is less very unsatisfactory. First, it doesn't taste anywhere near vanilla. Second, it doesn't even smell like vanilla. And lastly, it's texture is awful. It has a lot of air in it and that decreased it's smoothness big time. We can't really say much about the toppings since they're kind of generic. Although I'm really biased since TWH offers far more delicious toppings. Ha ha!

Overall, I believe that "O My Yogurt" is worth your try. It offers more than just your plain yogurt if you're tired of the plain semi-sweet and a tad bit sour yogurt from all the other yogurt shops out there today.

"O My Yogurt" is located near the Cinemas, 3rd Level of SM City Calamba, Calamba City, Laguna.

I'd Go That Far.

2010-12-15T14:35:00.003+08:00

Had anyone asked me a year ago on how long am I willing to wait for someone, I would've answered with "I don't know". I'm basically the patient guy, but hey, I'm no hypocrite. I do get tired. But I guess I've had a tad bit practice on waiting through the years.

Ask me the same question now and I'ma tell you one thing. And that's "I don't care". Yes, I'm very well aware that the mere act of waiting entails me falling even deeper and deeper every single day. And also leads me to days and days of being alone.

But then again, I'd willingly spend a thousand days alone for you. Just promise me that at the 1001st day, you'd be there, and then from that moment on, I'd be able to spend a thousand and one lifetimes with you.

I love you.

Suck Cellular.

2010-12-13T11:02:00.004+08:00

Bashing's not really in my nature but I could not let this instance pass.

The best bud and I decided to get postpaid plans from Sun Cellular (Waltermart Calamba Branch) to avail of their offer of the Nokia C3. We managed to submit all requirements in one day and we were told that application process would only take 2-3 days, 10 days max. 3 days passed and no word from them. 10 days after, still no word. We decided to come back and we were told that our application's already in the head office and is pending for higher approval. We were told that they'd be contacting us the following day, but to no avail. We constantly made follow-ups and they always say the same thing: "pending for higher approval".

This went on for a month. Last Saturday, December 11, 2010, I decided to visit the store branch again, hoping that I'd be coming home with two mobile phones and two activated lines, but I guess Sun Cellular is consistent, huh? This lady told me that our application is still (join me in saying it...) pending for higher approval. Oh, and that's not what actually made me go ballistic on them. The lady told me that they need a copy of the latest payslips (part of the requirements) because the ones we passed were "outdated" already. And that made me let out my wrath. Ha ha. They're telling me that the reason why they cannot process our application is because one of the requirements is already outdated, when I gave it to them ON TIME, when they asked me to. Obviously, the reason the payslips became "outdated" was because they weren't able to process our application earlier. What's the point of reminding your customers to pass requirements on time when you wouldn't use 'em right away? That's bullshit, Sun Cellular.

After my little bout with the attendant, I asked her would she be able to give me a definite day when we would hear from them again, and she told

me that I need to text or call their hotline (for the Waltermart Calamba Branch) so I'd be able to follow-up on the application. Which, totally led me to bring up yet another issue. See, whenever we send a message or place a call to the hotline, we always, ALWAYS do not get an answer. So, I raised this issue and what does she tell me?

"Sir, busy din po kasi kami."

Wow. So, tell me, what's the pint of having a hotline for customer care and inquiries when you wouldn't answer it? Another bullshit point for you, Sun Cellular.

Upon hearing her say that, my jaw dropped (literally). I blurted out "So much for customer service." and went out of the shop fuming. That was a

ctually the first time that I got pissed (and expressed it) at something/someone in a public place.

Sun Cellular is a disappointment. Now I know why you can't be the number 1 telephone company here in the country. Heck, you couldn't even be on the 2nd spot. Ha ha. I've cancelled the application for the two postpaid plans and we'll be sticking with Globe.

Again, I'm not a basher by nature, but Sun Cellular's sucky service deserves this blog entry. Think of it as my Christmas gift to you :)

Mas Practical Na Wishlist.

2010-12-12T19:53:00.007+08:00

Two weeks ago, I posted my wish list in Facebook. Recent events led me to mull things over and make another wish list. This time, a little bit more practical.

Practical in the sense that it may not be really affordable, but it would serve as an investment. Yes naman, nag-iisip ng future. Siyempre, kasama ka sa future na 'yon.

Beanies/Bonnets

I've somehow developed a liking towards beanies. Ironic, really, since I don't wear caps, or any head gear for that matter. But beanies come in handy when I'm having a bad hair day or when I'm too lazy to fix my hair or when I'm travelling long distances. Future use? Uhm, protection? HA HA!

Converse Chuck Taylors (image from http://geoffreygoldberg.com)

Because no one can have enough Chucks. I miss having five different Chucks. All five have given up on me and my big feet but I solemnly swear and believe that they have served me well. It's time to get casual, too. I miss being all laid back with what I wear. Future use? I'm gonna have quite a number of shoes in the long run. Ha ha. I need to take care of 'em, though.

Apple iPod Touch 4th Gen (32GB or 64GB, please)

Because I can never have enough music. And it's technically an iPhone without the phone functions (phone call and text messaging). So, instead of selling a kidney for the iPhone 4, I might as well get this and a not-so-high-end-mobile-phone. Future use? Uhm, for my music career? Ha ha. Kidding. This one here is plain gadget-lust.

Camera gear.

I lost my Nikon Front Snap-on Lens Cover and I'm getting tired of using my kit lens so, I wish to have a Nikon AF-S DX VR Zoom - 55-200mm f/4-5.6G. I believe this lens is very promising especially in the type of photography that I'm interested in. A flash unit, any from the Speedlight SB series, would be of great help, too. And of course, extra batteries. Future use? Obviously, these would be good, if not great investments for when I commit myself fully to photography.

Manila Scramble Kiosk

Seriously. For the sole reason that Manila Scramble makes you happy and giddy and makes you forget all the stress and what-nots that makes you worry a lot. Because I would love to be able to see your eyes disappear whenever you smile. At kapag ngumiti ka na, katulad ng yelo ng scramble na matagal bago kainin, natutunaw mo ang puso ko, at ako din ay napapasaya.

Nakakatawa kasi kahit na gumagawa ako ng wish list, eh ako rin naman ang bumibili ng mga 'to. Ha ha. Pero kung bibigyan niyo 'ko ng kung alin man dito, eh sino ba naman ako para tumanggi? Gwapo lang naman ako :)

Sem-break? Doesn't ring a bell, sorry.

2010-11-01T20:31:00.003+08:00

Frankly, I didn't experience sem-break at all. I've been up and about and running around these past few days. I ain't complaining though. Me staying at home, being stagnant and all, is definitely a no-no. I'd rather miss out on days lounging on the sofa than miss out on all the fun the outside world can offer. Ha ha.

I'm too lazy to construct cohesive paragraphs so pardon me if I'm gonna state random, err, statements. Ha ha!

I'm really disappointed that I wouldn't be marching this April, instead, I'll be finishing my college degree by October of next year.
I'm happy right now. I'm over the graduation stuff. I'm really, really happy. All thanks to Lia -.-
I'm excited. November 20, 2010. Araneta Coliseum. See you there!
I'm happy. Ha ha. If it ain't obvious already. Ha ha!

Okay. I've not much to add. Nasabi ko na ba na masaya ako? Ha ha!

Busy.

2010-08-02T01:00:00.002+08:00

Me being busy is an understatement, really. Thinking about all the things I have to accomplish during the weekdays makes me dream about the weekend. August is going to be my hell month, I tell you. A total of 8 exams, 5 papers, a quiz contest and a dance competition, all in one month. Typing that previous sentence made me cringe. Grr.

I haven't been eating and sleeping properly since last month. Good luck to me.

P.S: I'm thinking of changing my blog address. I might go for "chrisbelison.blogspot" or "caabelison.blogspot". But then I have to make a new banner for this site, and that, my dear readers, is so not happening this month, what, with all the other things that I've to do.

Pwede Ba?

2010-07-04T16:01:00.000+08:00

Got a new song done. I'ma be uploading it on Tuesday. Ha ha.

Err.

2010-06-29T09:11:00.002+08:00

Last night, it dawned on me that although I've good friends plus a best bud always surrounding me, feeling "alone" is still possible. What with two couples always near. Ha ha. Bitter kung bitter. Amph. Oh well.

Unthinkable.

2010-06-18T18:54:00.002+08:00

The thought of not even thinking of you is unthinkable.

A line from one of my original songs which I made a couple of days ago. Will be working on the melody this weekend.

I'm excited to do a proper recording of "Near or Far" with none other than Aimee Garcia, an ultimately talented young lady. Ha ha. Sir TJ Monserrat will produce the track as well as direct the music video for the said song. I'ma keep y'all updated!

If you wanna hear the "Near or Far", do visit my YouTube account (caabelison) and please, please, please rate it or leave a comment or whatever. Thanks!

Start.

2010-06-10T08:20:00.003+08:00

No, this ain't a "start-of-the-semester" entry. If it were, I would have posted this a couple of days ago. Ha ha. I really don't have anything to say, or type, for that matter. It's just that I'm here in the apartment, alone, with no one to talk to and I'm bored because my next class is not until 10:00am and that's like not for another hour and a half. And I'm talking too much again. Ha ha.

Week's been great so far. Me and Vin have been spending an awful lot these past couple of days. So much for saving up for our Sidekicks. All's well, though. The three of us (Mino, Vin, and I) are now comfortable in the new apartment (aptly called "Pureness"). The space needs constant cleaning though. Ha ha. OC mode ON. Or not.

So I guess I'm bored with typing already. Ha ha. Till next time!

P.S: I got a song done yesterday. Did it in like ten minutes, both the melody and the lyrics. Vin's working on improving the music and I'm revising some words. It helps that we have this emo/chill spot just outside our apartment. It helps us uhm, be emo. Ha ha. Oh well.

Oops.

2010-05-09T13:29:00.001+08:00

I kinda forgot I had a blog site. Ha ha. For real. Ha ha. Facebook's got me hooked. Ha ha. No, I ain't shutting this down. In fact, I'm in the process of editing a "would-be-entry" for this site. Ha ha. See y'all soon.

Tonsillitis Be Gone.

2010-04-20T10:21:00.002+08:00

I'm still feeling a little under the weather thanks to my tonsillitis. I really hope I get well soon. Like, tomorrow, ganyan. See, I'll be the Cantor for this Saturday's worship service (Salubong for the YLSS 12 SP) and obviously, I need to sing the Responsorial Psalm. The fact itself is a bit terrifying since doing Psalms is really my Achiles' Heel, amongst all types of singing. Wonder why? I myself do not know. Ha ha. Anyway, I hope my voice comes back soon so I can prepare for this Saturday's "big event". Ha ha.

Random blog post.

With Regards To My Bible (Facebook Re-post).

2010-04-20T10:17:00.003+08:00

The following post was originally posted on my Facebook Notes' page last night.

As you've probably read in one of my posts yesterday (or a couple of days ago), I've misplaced my Bible.

I've misplaced (even lost) books before but somehow, this is different. This is entirely different. See, my mum gave me that Bible when my family went for a visit in St. Claire's Chapel in Cabuyao. That was May 1999. 10 years. Nearly 11, really. That long of a time that that Bible was in my possession. And yet I wasn't able to read the whole thing. Sure, I've read books and chapters of it, but never really the whole thing. Funny, how I can muster up enough strength and enthusiasm to finish a whole series from Rowling or the works of Coelho, Albom, and heck, even Encyclopedias and acad-related books, but cannot even finish reading the Bible.

Sigh. I'm disappointed, really, because I was planning on reading it this summer and also to help me with the YLSS, especially since it'll be my first time to serve as a member of the Pastoral Team. Perfect timing, eh? Ha ha.

I know I could just replace it, and believe me, I tried. I even got help from Vin, Vel, and Liz, but to no avail. I simply couldn't find a Bible "at par" with the one I've had. I know I sound silly because of course, the Bible's contents do not vary greatly (or at all). I almost gave up and I came to the point wherein I told myself not to get a new Bible because it wouldn't "feel" the same. At that moment, I felt weak. I felt vulnerable, since my "sword" is nowhere to be found, and couldn't be replaced.

I simply couldn't let go of the 10 (plus plus) years that I shared with my Bible. I became attached to it, without me even knowing.

But then it dawned on me. My Bible was just a book. Sort of like a package. What's important is what's on the inside. On the pages of the Bible. The words. His words. His words for me.

"My Bible" is not really gone. In fact, it'll never be gone. For as long as I believe in His words, I would have "My Bible", even if I'm not holding the same old, brown-leather bound Bible that my Mum gave me.

Now, the search for the next "My Bible" officially begins :)

P.S: I think this is one of God's ways to teach me the art of letting go and moving on. Ha ha!

Life Is Unfair.

2010-04-01T22:21:00.003+08:00

And I'm dealing with it. Been doing so ever since I've learned the concept of fairness and equality.

Forgive me for sounding like a hundred and twenty seven year old person when I say that I've had a few good moments in my life but I can't seem to understand why others get to experience even more great things. I don't get it. Or maybe I do. I'm just envious, I guess.

Vague right? Okay, here's a clue: Love. Now, get it?

Sigh.

Here's To A New Start.

2010-04-01T21:46:00.002+08:00

I've been meaning to write and update this blog, really, but every time I do get the chance to sit comfortably in front of my laptop, I somehow get distracted easily by other things. But now that summer break's officially here and because of the fact that I've managed to bore myself with the internet and its contents, I believe it's time to resurrect this "slowly becoming Chris' rant box" blog and turn it into something a little more worthwhile, especially for you readers. If there are any.

As with some other aspects in my normal life, I would like to start this blog anew. I want to not go back to my previous entries. I want to spruce this blog up by again, putting more of my personality in it. Putting more creativity. Putting more me. I want this blog to be my extension and mirror, just the way I envisioned it to be, more than two years ago.

I know it's kinda ambitious, especially given the fact that I haven't been writing for the longest time, but just anything else, it's very doable. Possible, attainable, feasible, and any other word synonymous to making it real.

So here it is, my flagship entry for a new start.

This I've Got To Say.

2010-03-28T18:34:00.000+08:00

As this is the first time that I exposed myself to "this", it is safe to say that I am actually having a hard time. This is not my thing.

But you seem to make it all worth it. And I know you are worth it.

But right now, all I really need is a reason to go on.

You Are Beautiful...

2010-03-23T11:23:00.001+08:00

Because you are.

You're lovely just the way you are :)

Can't Even Write.

2009-11-30T22:01:00.003+08:00

Sometimes in life, we tend to give our all so as to suffice needs and satisfy wants. What we don't realize is that in this process, sometimes called selfless giving and/or sacrifice, we end up with nothing for ourselves.

See, I can't even finish an entry.

Move.

2009-11-08T22:33:00.002+08:00

The boys have finally brought our stuff (most of it) into the apartment earlier and we had a blast with the whole "lipat-bahay" experience. The house is slowly starting to look like, and feel like home after all the cleaning and DIY moments (re: painting the cabinets and putting up orange cartolinas in the cabinets and drawers) plus more cleaning. Haha.

Nakakatuwa pa 'yung mga nanay namin. Kasama kasi sila kanina and ayun, instant amigas and textmates (albeit to check up on us). Haha!

The Paraiso will be having its first birthday celebrant this coming Friday! Beloy's turning 18 and Vin and I will be planning something for it. Rest assured, it'll be fun! And legal. Haha!

Wala Na Akong Kalyo.

2009-11-02T22:54:00.002+08:00

Masama 'yan, actually.

Alam ng mga taong malalapit sa'kin kung bakit masama yan.

Eh bakit naman hindi na nagkaka-kalyo si Chris, matanong niyo?

Marahil dahil masyadong maraming ginagawa, maraming iniisip, o di kaya'y sadyang nawalan lamang ako ng gana dahil na rin sa pagkaka discourage sa'kin.

Hindi naman talaga ako 'yong tao na nagpapa apekto sa mga sinasabi ng iba. Hindi ko nga alam kung bakit apektado ako ngayon eh. Natatawa na lang ako. Haha. Isa pa. Haha. Ganito na lang, isipin niyo ang isang takure na may lamang tubig at pinakuluaan ng pagka-tagal tagal. Di lalaon eh sasabog na 'yon. Hindi pa naman ako sumasabog, pero malapit na. Pansamantala lamang ito. Bukas makalawa eh makakalimutan ko na 'yon at magsisimula ulit ako. Hindi ako nagtatanim ng galit. Alam ko namang may matututunan ako sa mga kaganapang ganito.

Taos puso kong ipinagdadasal din na sana ay may natutunan ka din sa lahat ng mga nangyayari.

Chill.

2009-10-30T21:48:00.004+08:00

Expectations only bring you closer to a broken heart.

Fair warning.

All For Jesus' Sake.

2009-10-03T23:16:00.002+08:00

I still can't get over the fact that we won. God be praised :)

You want to listen to it? Click here.

Enjoy!

Step One.

2009-09-29T21:29:00.007+08:00

It's only Tuesday and yet my stress level is like that of a Friday already. There's TOO much to do and yet so little time. I've gotta get up and not slack off. I want to finish this sem. Not the sem finishing me. Haha.

For a change, I'm not gonna rant about what-nots that dampen my spirit these days. Last time I checked, I still have things to be happy about, and to be thankful for. And lucky you, dear reader/s (if there are any), because I'm gonna include pictures today. Haha.

My band, Switch'D, together with Remz (in blue shirt) managed to finish and submit a song for the song writing competition in St. Therese of the Child Jesus Parish. Hurdles here and there while practicing and even on the actual recording day itself, but with His guidance, we were able to submit just in the nick of time. Good job, guys! We're already winners, remember that :) All for Jesus' Sake :)

Oh, I still haven't blogged about GeeKs right? Haha. Who's GeeKs (pronounced as Jiks), you might ask? Well, she's my new (not so anymore) guitar. Haha. She'll be turning a month old in 5 days, I think. Haha. GeeKs is an acoustic guitar with pick-up and an electric tuner. She's the one behind my calloused fingers. Haha! Here she is!

Just don't mind the blanket. Haha. GeeKs was very hard to find, but the experience was fun. Thanks to Vin, Ate Chrys and the Monsies for sharing that fateful day with me. Haha. I forgot to take a picture of her box and the writings on it. We wrote simple welcome messages for GeeKs while we were waiting for our food. Haha. Katopakan lang eh. Haha.

Another thing to be happy about is that I was able to get back into dancing. I satrted attending rehearsals yesterday and I've managed to get back into "it". A little rusty but I'm sure I'll get my old dancing self again. I like how my body aches again. You know me, I like pain. HAHA. I still haven't transfered the pictures I took from yesterday's training so pardon me for not being able to post even at leat one here. I'm positive that there'll be loads of times spent with the Clan pa naman.

Reading those paragraphs above made me realize that I've managed to steer away from the negativity that I have, as exuded from my previous entry. All it took was that one step to begin. To start again. I veered away from fear of a literary death by helping out with the words of the song, and also by the mean fact that I'm bloggin again. I also managed to get my dancing shoes out and move again.

Bale, isa na lang naman ang hindi ko nasisismulan.

Err, change topic. Na-e-emo si Chris.

(30-minute break)

Err, can't really think of anything else to say or write, so I guess this is the part where I bid farewell to whoever's reading this. Haha.

How Do I Start?

2009-09-25T22:18:00.002+08:00

I haven't been writing (seriously) for the longest time and I fear that it'll lead me to a literary death, if there is such thing. I've been trying, sure, but then again I hardly finish any of what I've started, and if I do finish up something, it goes straight to the bin for the sole reason that I am not satisfied with what I've done. I want to get back into writing, period. But then again how do I start gaining momentum and write like how I used to?

I also haven't been dancing for quite a while now. I'm gonna be going back to training next week and I can't be more excited. I'm hoping, though, that I could keep up with the training. Almost three months of no dancing is bad. And I mean, really bad. Hello, Boy Kalawang. Next week will be hell. It's like I'm going back to basics. I need to relearn everything that I once knew. Starting from scratch, once again.

I told myself not to blog about this certain something, and I'm trying my hardest (and darnest) to stick to my word.

I guess I'll end this entry with the one question that's been bugging me for days.

"How do I start?"

Break.

2009-09-02T00:23:00.000+08:00

I've been trying to finish up school related stuff and I keep on getting sidetracked (by a lot of things, really).

I haven't been my self lately.
Even my friends have told me this.
Out of focus.
Always uncertain.

See, even my writing's weird now.

"So, umaasa ka pa?" (Manaig, 2009)

"Begging to hear your voice, tell me you love me too. 'Cause I'd rather be alone if I know that I can't have you."

NP: Can't Have You (The Jonas Brothers)

Break's over. Schoolwork, here we go.

Tough.

2009-08-17T15:38:00.001+08:00

Life's been tough recently; holdin' on, though.

I'm tougher than life.

You Served Us Well.

2009-07-20T20:45:00.002+08:00

I still remember the day when Mum brought you home. She wanted to have a guitar at home just because "every Filipino household should have one", being the musically inclined people that Filipinos are. My aunt would often play with you and I'd be listening, and sometimes even sing while you were being played. But never did I touch you. Not until 10 years later. Three weeks ago, to be exact. I strummed, plucked, flunked my barre chords (screw you, F and B)and had my fair share of "kalyos". But I couldn't stop. I was slowly falling deeper and deeper in love with the kind of music that I've been making. I couldn't stop. But then you started to sound weird. At first I thought I just had to re-tune the chords, and so I did. But to no avail. I examined you and was surprised to see that there were already cracks on your body. I don't remember bumping you to any of the walls in our house nor dropping you. I guess this is what happens when you let an acoustic turtleback (with pick-up) sit on one corner of your room for ten years then play with it again.

You've served us well, Pogs. You can rest now.

Still Breathing.

2009-06-07T21:44:00.000+08:00

Yup. I'm still here. Blog hiatus. Haha.

Will be blogging soon.

Ciao!

Testing.

2009-05-06T22:08:00.000+08:00

Second photo from the camera.

Acknowledgments

Ken Rockwell and DP Review for awesome insights and effective persuasive write-ups about the Nikon D40.

Mum, for being so impulsive today. Perfect timing, I dare say. You caught me off guard. Two weeks earlier! Haha.

And

Kate, for telling me "go buy d40 then sleep. you have class pa tomorrow, diba? :)" when I was spending so much time on choosing between the D40 and D60.

Worthless And Drunk.

2009-05-05T23:16:00.003+08:00

It's been too long since I've blogged while drunk. And right now, I don't know what to write. I don't even know what to do. I don't even have the courage to close my eyes and sleep, for I might dream about you and end up waking up in the middle of the night crying and hitting myself because I know it's my fault and I'm stupid and can't do anything about it.

I can's do anything if you won't let me.

Heto Na.

2009-04-25T21:56:00.004+08:00

Gaya ng ipinangako ko, heto't nilahad ko ang mga rason kung bakit hindi na ako naglalaro ng basketball.

Marahil ay bata pa lang ako eh alam ko na na masama ang "band-wagon" kaya hindi ko na ginustong maging professional basketball player na mistulang pambansang pangarap ng lahat ng ka tropa dudes ko.
Lahat ng pinsan ko (na mas matatanda sa'kin) ay magagaling mag basketball. Lahat ata sila ay nag MILO sports clinic at mga suki sa mga liga. Dahil nga masyado na silang magagaling, ginusto kong pumili ng ibang sport para naman ako din ay maging bida. Nagtagumpay naman ako dahil sa aming mag-pipinsan ay ako lang ang marunong (uy, humble) mag volleyball, soccer at softball.
Habang tumatagal ay lalong nalayo ang loob ko sa basketball nung natuklasan ko na marunong pala ko sumayaw. Mas masarap sumayaw habang nagpapa cute ka pa kesa naman nag ba basketball ka at nag ba bad mouth. Haha. Pasintabi sa mga die-hard basketball fanatics and hard core players na maaring makabasa ng lathalang ito.
Eto na siguro ang pinaka hindi seryosong sagot/rason dito sa listahan na ito. Ayoko kasi ng mga style ng sapatos ng mga basketball players. Haha.

Mababaw itong mga ito, alam ko. Pero ito lang yung mga naisip ko eh, pagpasensiyahan niyo na. Hayaan niyo, kapag may naisip akong malalim na dahilan eh ilalagay ko din dito. Yun ay kung iisipin ko pa ang paglalaro ng basketball. Sa ngayon eh kuntento na ako sa panunuod ng play-offs.

Bakit Nga Ba?

2009-04-21T21:56:00.001+08:00

Bakit nga ba hindi na ako naglalaro ng basketball?

Abangan ang susunod na kabanata/ lathala.

Review: Dragonball Evolution

2009-04-19T22:13:00.001+08:00

Category:	Movies
Genre:	Science Fiction & Fantasy

If ever you guys decide to watch this film, do not expect a hard-core adaptation of the Dragonball that we used to see way, way back, after all, this is just the start of the Dragonball series. Even though the story was a lil bit different from the animated series that I've watched (even patronized) as a child, I still think that Dragonball Evolution is a good film.

I read somewhere that the reason behind the somewhat different approach to the story is because they (people behind the production) wanted to "re-introduce" and "re-invent" Dragonball. After seeing the film, I think they've done a pretty good job of doing the two aforementioned things.

Actors were good and the effects were awesome, although the duel towards the end could've been more exciting and not so anti-climatic.

I'm giving it four stars because I enjoyed it and because Chi Chi (Jamie Chung) is hot. I would've given it five stars but Bulma (Emmy Rossum) doesn't have blue hair and is lacking in some parts. HAHA.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

I'm Sorry.

2009-04-16T20:56:00.004+08:00

I've only been with you for nineteen days and it already feels like a lifetime of bliss.

Nineteen days and now I'm teary-eyed as I type this entry (that you might or might not read) because I know what I did was stupid and I don't like the feeling of not having you with me and not having that special something that we have. I miss you. And I'm hurting because I know I've hurt you, too.

So Far.

2009-04-12T12:23:00.005+08:00

Rosegold Beach Resort in Sta. Ana, Calatagan, Batangas (April 1-2, 2009)

Certainly, the best sem-ender I've had since time in memorial. Haha. Rosegold Beach Resort is very picturesque, I tell you. Match that with an abundance of food, fantastic summer weather and very hyper-party-all-the-freakin'-time UPEC members and you've got the recipe for a perfect summer get-away. UPEC, We Are The Party!

BLD Youth Ministry's Summer Camp 2009 at Presco Resort, Puypuy, Bay, Laguna (April 3-5, 2009)

Three days filled with fun, fellowship and worship. I've been a member of the youth ministry for four years already but this is the first time I attended the summer camp. Haha. Though lacking sleep (thanks to endless "it's joke time" sessions), we were still able to get through the army boot camp inspired camp. I'm still waiting for members to upload the pictures so pardon this picture-less part of this entry. I'm now looking forward to the Youth Life in the Spirit Seminar 11 SP. Woot. All for the love of God :)

Bisita Iglesia in Zambales (April 9, 2009)

In lieu of the celebration of Lent and Holy Week, we again decided to join in IRRI's Bisita Iglesia. I was excited to go to Zambales but the travel was gruesome, I tell you. In more ways than one, our trip going to Zambales can be considered our penitensiya already. Uncomfortable seats in the coaster/shuttle service, OA traffic flow (yes, even in the North Luzon Expressway) and OA summer heat. Perfect. Haha. I enjoyed seeing the churches though. For those of you who are not familiar with the Bisita Iglesia, it is a pilgrimage done in the time of Lent wherein you need to visit a total of fourteen (14) churches and for every church, you must pray to one of the stations of the cross (so, 14 churches = 14 stations of the cross). For this trip, however, we were only able to visit 8 churches.

St. Nocholas de Tolentino Parish in Castillejos, Zambales (Stations 1 and 2)
San Guillermo Parish in Marcelino, Zambales (Stations 3 and 4)
Holy Infant Catholic Church in San Antonio, Zambales (Stations 5 and 6)
San Sebastian Parish in San Narciso, Zambales (Stations 7 and 8)
San Roque Catholic Church in San Felipe, Zambales (Stations 9 and 10)
Sta. Monica Parish in Botolan, Zambales (Stations 11 and 12)
San Augustine Parish in Iba, Zamabales (Station 13)
Poon Bato Independent Church in Botolan, Zambales (Station 14)

We arrived in Zambales at around 1 in the afternoon and we finished the Bisita at around 6 in the evening. We then headed off to Subic to grab some dinner before heading back to Laguna. We arrived in LB thirty minutes before 2:00 AM. The whole trip was tiring and nourishing at the same time.

Alfred's 29th Birthday Celebration

Surprise, surprise! We surprised Alfred Labadan III yesterday and thank God, the little presentation that we've prepared for him went well. We then decided to go night swimming upon Fidel's endless plugging of Villa Mejia Resort (owned by his girlfriend's family) in Pansol. Being the impulsive and fun-loving people that we are, we made arrangements and the trip was on. Haha. Mum was kind enough to prepare dinner for us here at home before going to the resort. We got there, swam for four hours and decided to eat in Kurger Bing before calling it a night. What was supposed to be a quick fix turned into a three and a half hour-stay in Kurger Bing. No complaints, though. We got to talk about a lot of stuff and talk of stuff and some other stuff. Haha. Next time ulit, Saturday Club :)

What a way to welcome summer 2009, right? Haha. Unfortunately, summer classes in UPLB will be starting in three days. I've got six units this summer (Math 26 and Stat 1) and my schedule is hell. I've got classes till 6:30 in the evening and I even have classes on Saturday mornings. Sigh. I pretty much had my fair share of fun these past couple of weeks so it is only fair that I "suffer" for a couple of weeks before plunging in again into summer goodness. Haha.

Whew. Long entry. Not. Haha.

FIx, Fix.

2009-04-06T14:21:00.002+08:00

In Filipino, "ayos-ayos".

You better make up your mind, you. Decide. Not for decision's sake, but for you and the other individual involved. One wrong move, and I'll be the first to deliver a sucker punch.

One Day Closer To Forever And A Day.

2009-03-29T20:57:00.005+08:00

It takes only one person to make another person see what needs to be seen, hear what needs to be heard, and feel what he needs to feel.

I'm blessed to have met you and even more so now that you're a part of my life. Here's to forever and a day, baby :)

The Last Straw.

2009-03-22T21:46:00.001+08:00

End of sem.
End of sem.
End of sem.
End of sem.
End of sem.
End of sem.
End of sem.
End of sem.
End of sem.
End of sem.
End of sem.
End of sem.
End of sem.
End of sem.
End of sem.
End of sem.
End of sem.
End of sem.
End of sem.

So near yet so far. Grrreat.

Review: Nokia 5220 Xpress Music

2009-03-08T18:49:00.000+08:00

Category:	Computers & Electronics
Product Type:	Cell-phones
Manufacturer:	Nokia

As I was so lucky to have lost my mobile phone (my second Nokia N70) last Friday, I scoured the world wide web for reviews concerning entry-level to mid-range priced mobile phones. After two nights of contemplating, I decided to get a Nokia 5310 Xpress Music phone (in blue and black), however, the local seller here didn't have one unit at hand (the red and black variety's available but I'm not too keen on the color red). I chanced upon the Nokia 5220 Xpress Music phone and from the reviews I've read, this mobile seemed to be at par with its predecessor, the 5310. And so I bought it. This is another one of those "half=half" situations where me and my Mum would split the bill, thus, rendering me with no allowance for this week. Haha!

I've been tinkering with the phone for hours now and I'm really satisfied with it. The sound/music capabilities are great and quite surprisingly, the 2.0 megapixel camera takes good photographs. Better than the ones taken using my Nokia N70, really. The interface's really quirky too. Plus I got mine in green, so this one's a winner! Haha.

Why four stars out of five? Just because the back panel of the Xpress On Cover is in color white. Black looks better, I think. Anyway, I'm gonna look for a black back panel in the following days.

For a complete review of the Nokia 5220 Xpress Music phone, click here.

I Lost My Mobile Phone.

2009-03-06T21:45:00.000+08:00

Yet again.

I'll skip on the details.

I'm gonna have to postpone D60 for a couple more weeks because I need a replacement phone ASAP.

I'll post my new mobile number tomorrow, I guess.

Damn.

I Could Go On Like This Forever.

2009-03-05T20:17:00.004+08:00

I'm smiling now...

and it's all because of you.

Thanks, Boss :)

I Don't Give A Damn.

2009-03-01T22:12:00.004+08:00

I don't really care. I'm not supposed to care. It's history. What's important is right now.

Alright, now that this wee bit of tension I was feeling since last night was already vented out by my previous sentences, I can now think clearly.

Or not.

I'm giddy. I'm happy. My mum even noticed my smile earlier. Said she ain't used to seeing me smile like that. I myself am surprised. The last I felt like this was when, uhm, I seriously cannot remember. I guess this just might be it.

I've so long thrown out the idea of love and the possibility of being in love again. Blame it on me, someone, from too much reading of tragic novels and prose, heck, from watching too much One Tree Hill. I've found numerous reasons why I almost condemned love. And then I found one person who made me take all those rubbish reasons and put them in the bin. I know it's too soon and abrupt, but I trust my instincts. And after a long time, I'm beginning to trust this throbbing muscle in my chest again.

Thanks :)

The Chronicles of Party Boy.

2009-02-27T22:14:00.003+08:00

Just when I thought my February 2009's the worst February ever, a complete 180 happened and I'm ending this month on a high note. And with a high alcohol content and probably, a higher alcohol tolerance.

I had a very enjoyable night last night, thanks to the free passes we got for this drink-all-you-can party held at Java Avenue (Thanks, MJ! And sa brad mo! Haha!). It was a spur of the moment type of gimmick, actually. MJ, Johanna, and I really just wanted to go out and drink. We were scouring ElBi for tickets to the said event and we found ourselves drinking in IC's as we await the "blessings" that MJ's brad could bestow upon us. Haha. Lo and behold, we got them freakin' tickets! So the three of us, plus Roy and Jeico, went to Java Ave to claim the booze that's being offered to alcohol-driven young adults such as ourselves. It was great to finally get together with some of my old friends after a long time. The last time I got to drink with my highschool batchmates was during our sem-ender one year ago, I think. And the last time I downed alcohol with Roy was 2 years back, during Ryla's debut, if I remember correctly. Haha. Cool din kasi I got to hang out with Dennis, KT, and Jeico. Guys, marami-rami pa tayong pagsasamahang ganito. Haha.

The real deal is that I got to meet my crush last night. I've seen her awful lotsa times at the Cafe and I really do like her. Love moves in mysterious ways nga naman 'no? Sa drink-all-you-can party pa kami nagkakilala! Haha. Thanks, Sir Owen for "pushing" us. Haha. Ninong ka sa kasal namin, if ever. Haha!

Serious fun. And serious hang-over as well. Talk about getting drunk. I threw up 3 times this morning (one upon waking up, twice when I was in IBS). KT and I were obviously still under the influence of alcohol during our laboratory class for Zoo3 early this morning. Parang pareho kaming babagsak anytime eh. Haha!

The hell with the title of this post. Si buddy kasi eh. Haha! Advanced Happy Birthday pala!

Anyways, I've lotsa things to do pa, like memorize the Preamble and study and put to heart (and mind) The Constitution. Yeah, I got past the interview and I'm now officially an applicant. For what organization, you ask? Stay tuned for updates, fellas :)

Hey.

2009-02-12T23:14:00.000+08:00

I need a reason to hold on. I need it soon.

UPLB Feb Fair 2009 STILL NOT APPROVED.

2009-02-08T21:34:00.000+08:00

You read that right.

We received an sms message which came from one of our members who attended the meeting for the fair earlier this evening. Turns out that the administration still has not approved of the Feb Fair, which supposedly will start in two days.

What's up with that?

We cannot not have a Feb Fair. It's tradition, and you can't mess with that.

UPLB students and other concerned parties are highly encouraged to attend the dialogue (regarding the Feb Fair 2009 issues) tomorrow morning at 10:00am at the Administration Building.

Goodbye, E Z1200.

2009-02-08T21:05:00.000+08:00

It's official. My Casio Exilim z1200 is gone.

How very timely. It started showing symptoms on New Year's day, exactly one day after its One Year Warranty coverage. We sent it to the Casio Service Center in SM South Mall and after a grueling one month, it was given back to us and we were told that the motherboard (or whatever you call it) crashed. So the camera's basically brain-dead.

The cost of the motherboard plus the repair would equate to the price of some other point and shoot cameras out in the market today. So for practicality's sake, we're not gonna go through the operation and hopefully, I'd be able to buy another camera sometime next month.

Any suggestions? (Point and shoot cameras only, with quality video capturing capability. We'll hopefully get a dslr come third quarter of the year.)

Sigh.

You served me well, E. Rest in peace. Or in you box under my bed.

Go Figure.

2009-02-07T20:52:00.002+08:00

I really want to write about this, but I can't seem to find the right words to use. And maybe, the courage to do so. I'll leave it at that.

I'm trying to be okay. I will be okay. I am okay.

This Just In! UPLB Shirt (Designed by Athea Baraquio): 230php Na Lang!

2009-02-05T22:27:00.002+08:00

You read it right, guys. From the original price of 250php, the UPLB Street Jazz Dance Co. will now be selling this UPLB Shirt (designed by our very own Athea Baraquio) for only 230php.

This shirt (along with our Brownies For Love) will be sold during the UPLB Feb Fair (February 10-14, 2009; UPLB Freedom Park).

For orders/inquiries, reply to this post or simply contact/approach any Street Jazz member.

Sweets For My Sweet.

2009-02-04T22:33:00.001+08:00

This Valentine season, why don't you give

Sweets for My Sweet

Mini Strawberry Cheese Cakes

a box of 3 pcs for php100 (php120 in metro manila), php 35 individual orders.

Revel Hearts

Php 60.00 1 big heart (small hearts TBA)

Also Available:

Cappuccino crinkles

Lemon crinkles

Chocolate crinkles

Chunky Chocopeanut Oatmeal Cookies

Chunky Cinnamon - Raisin- Cashew Oatmeal Cookies

For Oders, Please Contact:

Kris @ 09162821082

Chrys @ 09064771234

A Chrys*Kris*Carlo*Pat*Teej Company

UPLB Students, ang Chrys po na nadiyan ay none other than Ma'am Chrys Piñol of IMSP, at si Teej ay si Sir TJ Monserrat of ICS, kaya sa may mga classes under them or kakilala sila, bila na! Haha!

Peace, Ate Chryspi and Kuya Teej :)

Hoy.

2009-02-03T00:19:00.001+08:00

Masyado ka kasing mapag-paraya.

Mapag-bigay.

Mabait.

Magpapa-una ka na naman ba?

Hindi pwedeng laging nagbibigay, tandaan mo 'yan.

Huwag mo naman siyang sukuan, please?

UPLB Street Jazz Dance Co.'s Feb Fair 2009 Offering (UPLB Shirt)

2009-02-02T21:31:00.004+08:00

Designed by Athea Baraquio

Price: 250php

This shirt (along with our Brownies For Love) will be sold during the UPLB Feb Fair (February 10-14, 2009; UPLB Freedom Park).

For orders/inquiries, reply to this post or simply contact/approach any Street Jazz member.

UPLB Street Jazz Dance Co.'s Valentine Offering: Brownies For Love

2009-02-02T21:28:00.002+08:00

They say dancers are the most romantic people, but in this month of love and caring, everybody can be romantic and caring and giddy all over.

How?

By giving our very special Brownies For Love to people you love/care about!

UPLB Street Jazz Dance Co.'s
BROWNIES FOR LOVE

Feed your special someone with loooove!

P 75 only - 1 dozen
P 40 only - 1/2 dozen

For orders/inquiries, contact: 09155277253 or simply approach any Street Jazz member. :)
You can get your order/s at the UPLB Street Jazz fair booth on Feb. 10, 12 and 14 ONLY.

HAPPY VALENTINE'S! :)

Bawal Malaglag.

2009-02-02T10:37:00.002+08:00

Para sa mga nakaka-kilala sa'kin, alam niyo na siguro na ang title ng blog entry ko ngayon ay hindi para sa buhay pag-ibig ko. Bakit kamo? Eh kasi naman, hindi ako pwedeng malaglag sa kung sinuman dahil laglag na laglag pa rin ako sa kanya. Uy, umamin na rin si Chris. Over na daw o. Asa.

Ang tinutukoy kong pag laglag ngayong umaga ay ang mga grado kong pwedeng makuha sa dalawang exam ko mamayang gabi. Batukan niyo na 'ko ngayon dahil hindi pa rin ako nagsisimulang mag-aral. Hindi ko alam kung bakit tamad na tamad akong magbukas ng mga syllabus at tiyagaing basahin ang mga kasama sa coverage ng exam. Hindi ko rin maatim na damputin ang scientific calculator ko at sagutan ang mga problems na pwedeng lumabas mamaya sa pagsususlit namin. Siguro kasi na-miss kong magpa petiks petiks. Pero bakit naman ngayon pa, diba? Kung kailan merong exam?! Haha!

Dahil alam kong walang patutunguhan ang pag-aaral ko ngayong umaga, matutulog na lang ako.

Siyempre, biro lang. Maliligo na ako at pupunta sa UPLB Main Library (doon sa may rebulto nung tamaraw na may pakpak na kapag napadikit ka ay pwede ka nang magka tetano) para mag-aral. Or at least mag-try mag-aral.

Babalitaan ko na lang kayo mamaya kung anong kinahinatnan ng mga exams ko.

Maliligo na muna 'ko. Sinong sasama? :)

Talaga Lang Ha.

2009-02-02T00:12:00.000+08:00

Masaya ka.

Masaya ako.

Talaga lang ha.

Kung Anu-Ano Lang.

2009-02-01T22:06:00.006+08:00

O, na-miss niyo na 'ko mag-kwento ng mga walang ka-kwenta-kwentang bagay at mga nangyayari sa buhay ko no? At dahil wala akong magawa ngayon (kahit na dapat talaga ay mag-aaral ako para sa Second Exam sa Bio30 (Genetics) at Bot20 (Plant Physiology) na parehong bukas ng gabi), mag ta type na lang muna ako ng kung anu-ano dito. Pagpasensiyahan niyo na. At sana matuwa rin kayo kahit papaano. Kahit pa FIlipino ang language of choice ko ngayong gabi.

Masarap palang magkaroon ng notebook na pwedeng-pwede mong dalhin kahit saan (kahit sa IC's at Jungle Java, pwedeng-pwede). Yung tipong pwede mong isulat lahat ng light bulb moments (Labadan, 2009), sinister plans, makabagong pick-up lines, at siyempre, mga phone numbers, home addresses, e-mail addresses ng mga chicks na nakakasalamuha mo. Ay pwede rin palang sulatan ng mga thoughts and realizations sa buhay mo, pati mga compositions mo. Ang sarap ng may napag lalabasan ng emosyon. Lalong masarap, kasi 800 pesos siya. Hello, Moleskine.

Masarap palang makabili ng mga bagay na gusto mo lalo na kapag galing sa naipon mong pera. Hindi ko masabing sariling pera ko kasi ito pa rin naman ay nanggagaling sa nanay ko. Haha. Alam kong gets niyo naman 'tong sinsabi ko eh. Huwagna kayong magkunwari pa.

Masarap palang ma-regaluhan ng mahal na headphones, lalo na 'ung mukhang pang-emo. Dapat kasi ako ang bibili nun (gamit pa rin ang naipon kong pera mula sa aking 100-peso-a-day saving scheme) pero nagulat na lang ako noong iuwi ny nanay ko yung Skullcandy Hesh Headphones na gusto ko. Gift daw sa'kin dahil okay ang grades ko sa mga nakalipas kong exams. Naks, parang bata lang eh no. May reward-reward pang nalalaman. Hindi naman ako nagre-reklamo. Mum, sapatos na po sa susunod na reward, ha.

Parang napaka-materialistic ko naman. Marami pa rin namang nakakapag-pasaya sa'kin. Mga batchmates ko sa Bio (uy, kailang ilalabas ang mga grad pics natin? excited na ko makita 'yong creative shot ko na elitista ang theme), mga churchmates ko, mga Cafe Antonio goers (CAntonnites), at mga nakaka-inuman ko paminsan-minsan. Sarap lang eh. Haha.

Masaya din ako siyempre sa mga nangyayari sa acads ko. Akalain mong dalawang exams ko pa lang ang nakakakuha ng medyo mababang grado. At akalain niyong hindi na ako pala-absent ngayon. Pala-tulog na lang sa klase. Joke. Basta, na e-enjoy ko naman ang mga klase ko ngayon. Aba, dapat lang no. Haha. Mahirap lang talagang gumising ng sobrang aga kapag Tuesday-Thursday, ikaw ba naman ang biyayaan ng mga subjects na alas-7 lagi, kung hindi ka ba naman mahirapan eh. Bukod sa feeling ko may insomnia ako, paano ka makakatulog kung napakadaming lab reports at papers na gagawin, mga libro (na walang kinalaman sa acads) na babasahin at porn na papanuorin? Siyempre nagbibiro lang ako sa isang bagay na sinulat ko sa naunang pangungusap. Kayo na ang humusga kung alin doon ang totoong pinagkakapuyatan ko. Haha.

February na nga pala no. Panahon na naman ng pag-iibigan. Mga nag HHWWPSSP (holding hands while walking, pa-sway sway pa), mga nag de date kung saan-saan, at mga nag che-check in sa mga inn! Haha! Magkakaroon kaya ako ng Valentine this year? Abangan. Haha. Feb Fair na rin pala in a couple of weeks. Panigurado busy na naman ang Clan sa mga performances. Sana ma-aral ko na 'yung ibang sayaw para makasama ako sa kahit isang sayaw man lang this Feb Fair. Sana rin bumili kayo ng brownies at ng t-shirts na ibebenta namin sa booth namin ngayong taon. Sana rin matanggap kami ni Noel sa Star in Carillon Season 6. Opo, nagka-topak kami ni Noel at nag audition kami noong Thursday. Pasensya na po, mga feelingerong manganganta lang. Haha. Pero why not naman diba? Malay mo, makita niyo ko sa stage ngayong Feb Fair na hindi lang sayaw ang gagawin. Haha. Bahala na si Lord. Alam naman niya ang gusto ko eh. Haha.

O siya, medyo napapahaba na ang walang kwentang entry na 'to. Pasensiya na kung nasayang ko ang ilang minuto niyo sa pagbabasa ng post na 'to. Haha.

O game, mag-aaral na si Chris.

It Takes Twice As Long To Forget As It Was To Get To Know.

2009-02-01T17:00:00.004+08:00

Rafael Casal
Def Poetry (Season 6, Episode 3)

First saw this one off of Jutt's Multiply site, then went directly to YouTube to check out Rafael Casal's other spoken word compositions. Real talent.

"They say it takes twice as long to forget as it was to get to know. So now I'm sittin' in my room talkin' bout 6 days down, and 6 more years to go.

This is for all the women in the room who think that men don't burn. That when it comes to heartbreak, it is never our turn. It don't matter who or what is to blame. 'Cause in the first week of break-up, alone, always feels the same."

BeliZone.

2009-02-01T00:49:00.003+08:00

A very close friend of mine started this sms-blogging thing called LifeTrekker and it actually inspired me to have my own sms-blog of some sort. What better way to "publicize" this sms-blogging subscription service than by blogging about it, right? Yeah right. As if I've that many readers. It's worth a try though.

BeliZone

SMS-based blogging service which talks about anything really. "Posts" will depend on how I'm feeling or what I'm doing as of that moment.
Posts can be reflective, puzzling, or plain bull.
If you haven't thought of it yet, BeliZone is actually derived from my surname, Belison.
My Zone. My rules. My write-ups. Me.

This SMS service is free-of-charge and I'd gladly add people who are willing to read something once in a while. You'll never know, I just might have the answer to your question. Or maybe just serve as a distraction in your routinary lives. Either way, I'd gladly oblige.

To interested individuals/parties, do leave me a message or comment with your mobile number on it.

Here's to hoping that I'd be able to share BeliZone with y'all.

1.26.2009.12.20

2009-01-26T00:21:00.000+08:00

Use or be used.

People are there for a reason, right?

I'm having surges. Pardon the bored, please.

Lonely Boy.

2009-01-25T23:55:00.000+08:00

Giving your everything and putting your heart and soul into some "thing" is synonymous to letting your guard down.

Vulnerability at its finest.

Pardon me.

(The closing lines from the "Lonely Boy" entry I wrote in Moleskine 8317, dated January 25, 2009, 11:30PM)

Ain't An Update.

2009-01-25T11:57:00.000+08:00

As much as I want to post a profound entry with "quote-worthy lines" and "you changed my life in a moment" moments(?), I just seriously cannot do that right now. Not this hour, at least. I'm too busy reading about other people's lives and what have theys to even start my own "updates" in this blog.

I remember having this conversation with Tisa about how some people are very lucky to have very interesting (interesting and eventful every-moment-is-blog-worthy) lives. Feeling ko tuloy napaka-boring ng buhay ko. Pero siyempre, joke lang 'yon. There happens to be a lot of exciting moments in my life. Just not exciting as blogging while you're in a Carribean Cruise Ship downing bottles of Bacardi, or coming home from a nightcap with Natalie Portman, or getting the newest Chedeng (Filipino slang for Mercedes Benz).

Buddy, we'll get there. Haha. In a few years, you'll be blogging about how 9 of your novels belong to the Top 10 Best Books List (Ha, take that, S.Meyer and J.K Rowling) and how you've been spending your prize money from your 9th Palanca Award. And I'll be blogging about the perks of being EIC for FHM AND T3, my nightly alone drinking time at the Waverly, and how my pad's looking all so white-y because I've been blessed with an affinity (and money, perhaps) for all things white and with a half-eaten apple for a logo on them.

That or I could be blogging about my most recent discovery, fuel derived from kaning tutong. Very appealing, eh?

But between you (people who can read this) and me, I'd go for the former scenario. Haha. No kaning tutong for me, please.

Stay Tuned For Updates.

2009-01-24T12:21:00.000+08:00

Will update soon.

Tonight, soon.

Mad.

2009-01-13T22:04:00.002+08:00

I'm supposed to be studying but here I am, lying on my bed, laughing my head off, thanks to the Mad TV video excerpts I copied from Jabez while I was at the Cafe earlier. Thanks ulit, Jabez!

I got my ako'ng cafe antonio loyalty mug earlier, and I'm hoping that I'll be able to get another one before their promo period ends.

Right now, I'm gonna continue my Mad TV marathon. See y'all when I see you :)

Break.

2009-01-12T14:34:00.000+08:00

I'm blogging because I'm tired of re-writing notes and studying and cramming papers/exercise sheets/lab reports.

Rewind to this time last year. I was having y-breaks whenever I get too tired of something (re: bored). Or when I'm hungry. Or when I just feel like it.

It's been fifty days. I'm looking forward to fifty days more. And then another fifty days. And then more.

I'm tired. I'm bored. I can't think of anything sensible to write. I'ma go out for some coffee.

I'm Feelin' It.

2009-01-06T22:22:00.000+08:00

2009's gonna be a lot more fun than 2008 :)

So far, I've passed all the exams I've taken for this term and I even got high scores in some of 'em. I'm willing to do everything so as to not break my streak. It feels great to enter your designated room for an examination knowing that you've studied hard and that there's no way that you'll fail because well, you've studied really hard for it (and no, procrastination does not count :p ). I can do this. Three more months till the end of term :)

So far so good. With everything.

No turning back. No backsliding.

Thank You, Lord :)

I Hope It Would.

2009-01-02T21:21:00.006+08:00

Thank God I was able to get this last copy. I went to Power Books Festival Super Mall in Filinvest, Alabang to get this journal. When I asked for it, they said that they had no stock left, and that the next batch of planners will be delivered late next week. I lost hope and went to see if they have any other planner that I might like. After 10 minutes, an employee approached me and told me that their branch in Alabang Town Center has one copy left. I asked her to reserve the copy for me and off I went to ATC to retrieve the planner. Thanks God the employees in Power Books Festi know me, as I visit PB almost every week.

The planner's really good and worth the price I shelled out. Haha. I just hope I'd be able to finish it and use it to its fullest this 2009.

And maybe, just maybe, it would significantly change my life.

Cheers to 2009, y'all!

This Journal Will Actually Change Your Life 2009 Planner is available at Power Books and Fully Booked. Also, yo can check out FreeSpeech Publications' (the manufacturer) website here.

G'Bye 2008, Hello 2009

2008-12-31T23:01:00.000+08:00

2008 was fun.

It was dynamic, in every sense of that word. It was fair (read: fair share of ups and downs). It was a challenge. It was a blessing. It IS blessed. It made me stronger (again, in every sense of that word; be it physically, emotionally, but most importantly, spiritually).

2008's gonna be done and over with in an hour.

As much as I want to stay and linger and bask in my 2008's glory, another year coming is undeniably inevitable.

So here I am wishing, hoping, and praying that my 2009 will be at par with, or better as compared to my 2008.

I know it will :)

I just want to extend my gratitude to everyone who has been with me throughout the years, and to those I've only met recently. Let's not fret that another year's over. Let's be glad that we have yet another year to spend with each other and build up memories.

Happy New Year y'all!
God Bless :)

From The Barkada With No Name.

2008-12-31T20:59:00.002+08:00

Happy New Year, y'all!

Review: Charlie Green's self-titled Debut Album

2008-12-28T22:26:00.000+08:00

Category:	Music
Genre:	Blues
Artist:	Charlie Green

I was actually surprised to see a copy of Charlie Green's self-titled debut album on top of my desk. Turns out my Mum saw/heard Charlie earlier in ASAP 08 and went out and bought his album. Mum fell in love with Charlie Green, being the blues lover and big band aficionado that she is. Plus she thinks Charlie Green is cute. Haha.

I'm now officially a fan of this kid. He's one of a kind, literally because how many eleven year old children sing Sinatra and Bennett and fancy the sound of saxophones and trumpets? Haha.

He's amazing. The album's amazing. I'm sure you'll have an amazing time listening (and maybe even grooving) to his music.

Favorite track/s: What a Wonderful World and Dahil Sa'yo (yes, he can sing in Filipino).

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Get your copy now! Be sure to get the original :)

Review: Spongecola's Sponge Cola

2008-12-28T22:22:00.001+08:00

Category:	Music
Genre:	Alternative Rock
Artist:	Spongecola

I finally got a copy of Songecola's third album entitled, err, Sponge Cola. And I believe I got my money's worth with this album. I've been a fan of Spongecola ever since their "Crazy for You" days. They're one of that bands that I actually wouldn't mind listening to the whole day, alongside Sandwich and Eraserheads.

"Sponge Cola" has 14 tracks, each of which has a unique flavor added to it. It's Spongecola. What would you expect? Their albums are almost always "chopsuey" which makes it more interesting and less sucky to the ears.

I might have to (oh wait, I already did) take away one star just because some of their material in this album are reminiscent of their other songs from their previous albums (Palabas and Transit). Parang narinig ko na.

But then again, Spongecola is Spongecola.

Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

Get your copy now! Be sure to get the original :)

Review: Richard Poon's I'll Take Care of You (Platinum Edition)

2008-12-28T22:19:00.002+08:00

Category:	Music
Genre:	Blues
Artist:	Richard Poon

I'm an old soul. I grew up listening and singing songs from Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett and Matt Monro. I love songs arranged for big bands. I love jazz. I love soul. So it's actually not a surprise that I got Richard Poon's debut album, I'll Take Care of You (the Platinum Edition), given the he is, as of time being, the country's Big Band Crooner.

His debut album's Platinum Edition has a second disc included that contains minus one tracks of all his singles. But that extra disc is just a cherry on top of the cream, or whatever idiomatic expression you may think of. The whole album's a treat. From the first song to the last, listeners will surely appreciate Poon's music even if they don't usually dig such genre of music.

In this time of strong bass hip-hop music and cringe-worthy (and heart-breaking?) punk/screamo music fillin' up the airwaves, it's nice to sit in a comfy chair and pump your iPod's volume to the fullest and let your self be filled with classic tunes with fresh arrangements.

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

I highly recommend this album if you want an hour's worth of sweet and easy listening.

Go get your own copy now! Be sure to get the original :)

Reviews.

2008-12-28T22:11:00.002+08:00

I'm gonna be posting reviews of stuff here now. I've been doing reviews for quite some time now, only I post them on my Multiply and not here. I'm gonna be transferring all of them here. And I'm gonna start now. Haha.

Edit: I'm not gonna transfer all of them na lang pala. Nakakatamad. Yung mga bago na lang. Haha.

Happy, Indeed.

2008-12-27T10:56:00.004+08:00

Holiday Season's far from over yet I'm already labeling Christmas 2008 as the Best Christmas Ever (in my book, at least). And no, it ain't about the material gifts I've received (so far). I'm just enjoying life more right now, I guess. I've been spending quality time with my family lately and surprisingly, we've been enjoying each others' company. And yes, if you know me and my family, the idea of unity is undoubtedly far-fetched. Okay, I may have exaggerated a little. Haha. I thank the Lord for giving us this time to bond and strengthen family ties.

Ang gastos lang kapag nalabas kami. Haha.

Anyway, something's not really expensive when you enjoy doing it or enjoy the company of people you do it with. Besides, in my family, times like these (Holidays, spontaneous mall hoppings, etc) are a rarity, and thus considered as luxuries.

So far, I'm digging my presents but still, I consider December 5-7, 2008 as the best Christmas gift ever :)

This post is for updating's sake really.

Happy Holidays!

God Bless y'all :)

Droppin' By.

2008-12-24T17:33:00.003+08:00

Christmas is in a few hours and man, am I excited. I'm excited to go to the Vigil Mass later at 10:00pm with the family. I'm excited to distribute my gifts. I'm excited to recieve gifts (if there are any). I'm excited for tomorrow morning's Mass. I'm excited for our Christmas Day Tagaytay Trip with other relatives. Basta, I'm excited! Haha.

I can't think of anything decent to post here so lemme just greet y'all a Happy Christmas and may you all have a Prosperous New Year!

P.S: I'm really proud of myself (as well the other SGers) for completing the 9-day novena/ MIsa de Gallo. I hope He grants my wish. Haha. Sgers, let's do it again next year, aight? :)

Tis The Season To Be Jolly.

2008-12-17T18:49:00.006+08:00

Oh yes. I am definitely feeling the Christmas Spirit already. Kinda late huh? But then again I sure would've felt it earlier if it weren't for exams and papers and other academic what-nots. Anyway, my 2008 academic year ended earlier and I'm really looking forward for the rest of the semester next year.

I've so far attended 2 Misa de Gallos, and I'm really hoping (and I'd be doing my best) to finish all 9 early (not to forget, chilly) morning Holy Eucharist services. Thanks to the GMers, specifically the SGers for constantly sms-ing me up every morning. Haha. Thanks to the after-mass-kape't-pan de sal-tapos-photoshoot around campus mornings.

(Misa de Gallo Day 1)

(Misa de Gallo Day 2)

Looking forward to seven more days spent with you, guys. Haha.

Anyway (again), I received an early Christmas gift from Cafe Antonio. (The following text was originally posted in my Multiply.)

December 16, 2008

Patrick and I were waiting for the Kithara Guitar Quartet Concert to start so we killed time by going to CAnton, hoping that we'd get to see Alfred (who recently came out of the hospital), who as of that time was in LBDH havin' his bandages changed. Unfortunately, we couldn't wait for Al because we wanted to queue in line early to be able to get good seats.

A few minutes before we left CAnton, Jabez handed me this photo which he told me was the Greeting Card for this Holiday Season from Cafe Antonio Staff. I believe I got the first one, while Ronilo got the second copy. Haha.

Thanks Jabez! Thanks Padeys! Thanks Neil! Thanks Tracy! Thanks Retz! Thanks Ate Marisse! Thanks Ate Joyce! And thanks to all the other staff na hindi ko pa kilala. Makikilala ko din kayo.Haha.

So, I guess that's all for now. I hope I'd be able to post more worthwhile stuff here during the Christmas break. Haha.

Happy Holidays, y'all!

Random.

2008-12-15T13:03:00.003+08:00

I've just finished reading the first chapter which is included in the exam that I'll be taking later this afternoon. Two more chapters and three laboratory exercises to go. I'm feeling sleepy but I seriously can not sleep.

I need to study. I need to pass this exam.

I will study. I will pass this exam.

Nice mind set eh?

On a lighter note, I've updated my iPod. I've downloaded (more like stole) 5 albums of Hillsong and Hillsong United and the songs are fillin' up my ears (and heart, and spirit) since early this morning. Natural high, y'all know what I mean? Haha.

Anyway, have a good day y'all!

P.S: Misa de Gallo (Simbang Gabi) starts tomorrow. I hope I'd be able to finish all nine days of early morning Holy Eucharist services.

Home Same.

2008-12-15T00:43:00.002+08:00

Home same.

I actually had fun. The party turned out to be better than what I expected. But then again, some things will never be the same again. I'm not gonna be emo about it (them) though. Things work (and will work out) for the better.

I'm tipsy. I need to study. But I'm really sleepy. And tired. So I guess studying would take a back seat this time. I need to wake up by 6:00am to study. As in really study. Wish me luck.

I'll Post Something More Worthwhile Later.

2008-12-14T17:10:00.002+08:00

Right now I'm just waiting for 6:00PM so I could finally go to the Clan's Christmas Party and get it over with. I ain't excited or anything. Really. I'm not even in a very festive mood. It's just that I need to go home early, thanks to the 2 exams I'll be taking tomorrow. Sarap eh.

Hallelu- YE! (Youth Encounter 10 experience)

2008-12-09T22:16:00.001+08:00

"If anyone declares publicly that he belongs to me, I will do the same for him in Heaven."
- Matthew 10:32

I seriously can not top the whole experience I had just this last weekend. I was fortunate enough to be one of the participants in BLD Youth Ministry's Youth Encounter 10. Believe me when I say I had a blast. For a person who loves telling stories, I'm finding it hard right now to relate to all of you dear readers (if there are any) of what had transpired this past weekend.

The point is I had fun.

Also, I was able to conquer my fear of sharing (see my new life verse on the top of the entry). I learned how to listen, and listen well. Actually, I learned a lot, but I'm not gonna write all of 'em here. Dapat mag- YE din kayo! Game!

I've been a member of the ministry for over three years now, but I only had my YE last week. My December schedule for the past couple of years did not permit me to attend the Encounter, but thankfully, all my efforts payed off and I was able to free my schedule for the weekend encounter. Sabi nga sa Ecclesistes 3:1

"Everything that happens in this world happens at the time God chooses."

He made sure that I'd be able to attend this time. For that (and everything else), thanks, Kuya JC.

Thank You for a wonderful YE experience. I wouldn't trade it for anything else :)

To BLD Youth Ministy SP: Congratulations guys! Thank y'all for the hard work each and every one of you put in just to make this year's YE possible. Keep serving the Lord. Keep inspiring :)

To the YE10 Class Shepherds: Worth it ang dugo at pawis niyo (Madamba, 2008). The YE10 was not only fun, but also blessed. You guys did very well!

To the Team Faci Accredited (TFA): You guys were awesome. As in. No words can amount to the greatness that the Lord has bestowed upon you so that you can share with us His word and your experiences. Mag TFA din kami someday! Haha!

To the Sponsoring Class, Auxies and others who served: Salamat sa pag snob sa'min. Joke. Haha. Thanks for always (as in always) praying for us and looking out for us. Mami-miss ko ang "lights out" and "gising na" moments. Till next year, alright? :)

(Tama si Patrick, nakaka-inggit kayo kapag naririnig namin kayo nag wo-worship sa Vigil Room. Nakaka-high!)

To Team Hippo (Alyssa, Avram, and Jenelyn): I thank the Lord for you guys. Thanks for all the sharings we had. Thank you for listening. You're an inspiring bunch of kids (Oo na, ako na pinaka matanda sa group). Keep the faith burnin' y'all. Kuya's always here to listen :) Text-text ha.

To Team Blue (Patrick, Kai, Joem, Bernard) and our Muses (Gen and Ekay): Wala. Walang makakapalit sa inyo. Salamat kasi kahit sa sasandaling panahon na magkakasama tayo eh naramdaman ko yung pagiging totoo ng pagkakaibigan natin. Yihee, dramarama. Minsan lang to. Haha. Salamat sa tawanan at lalung lalo na sa iyakan. Walang iwanan :) Sobrang nagpapasalamat ako kay Lord at nakilala at nakasama ko kayo. CAnton sa Thursday ha. Haha.

***Brief background kung bakit Team Blue

Noong second day namin sa YE weekend (December 6, 2008), by accident eh ako, si Patrick, Nard, Joem at Kai ay lumabas ng cr pagkatapos maligo at lahat kami ay nagulat dahil lahat kami ay naka blue. Astig no? But wait, there's more, pagbaba namin sa Mess Hall, naka blue din si Gen at Ekay. Ang bangis no? Haha.

Last but not the least, to JC: Thank You for gracing us with Your presence the whole weekend. Thank You. Thank You. Thank You. You deserve all praises and honor, seriously. Haha. Thank You. Thank You. Thank You. It's amazing how You work with and through people. Lord, use me as your instrument. Than You for the gift of listening and sharing and courage and confidence. Thank You. Thank You. Thank You.

Hallelu- YE!

Christmas 2008 Wishlist

2008-12-01T22:51:00.001+08:00

In the spirit of Christmas (and of wishful thinking), I proudly present to you, my 2008 (Materialistic) Christmas Wish List! More like, Wish Cube, actually.

Nokia N78

Because I don't need very high mega-pixel count and an 8GB hard drive. It's simple, and weird. Haha.

JanSport Big Student Backpack

Because you cannot have too many backpacks, especially if they're from JanSport.

Skullcandy Hesh Headphones in Black and White

It's Skullcandy. Nuff said.

Nike Dunk High Premium: Trigger Fish

Nike Dunk High Premium: D.U.N.K.L.E

Nike Dunk High Premium: Back to School (Crayons)

Neil Gaiman's American Gods

Recommended by a good friend, so what the hey. Haha.

Nicholas Sparks' The Choice

Powerbooks' preview said it was about love found and love lost. Game! Haha!

Pablo Neruda's Intimacies: Poems of Love

I've been a Neruda fan since high school, so go figure. He's my "emo" influence. I kid you not.

Haruki Murakami's Norwegian Wood

It's Murakami, come on.

Gabriel Garcia Marquez' Love in the TIme of Cholera

Now you can't go wrong with a classic.

James Frey's My Friend Leonard

It's just that I enjoyed his first book, A Million Little Pieces. And I believe this is a some kind of follw up story on his friend from rehab, Leonard, hence the title of the book.

Moleskine Notebook/Journal

The best writers/artists (or in my case, pretending to be a good writer) deserve to write on a Moleskine.

The Big Question Mark

Alam na! Hahaha! UCC.

So, there you go. I included links in case you guys might want to check them out.

Happy 1st of December y'all.

I Just Want You.

2008-11-30T12:48:00.003+08:00

To start things off, I'd like to say "Happy Andres Bonifacio Day" y'all! Here's to the other national hero who unlike JP Rizal fought with his hands with the use of his mighty bolo. Haha!

I love Sunday mornings. I love Sunday brunches with the family. I love laughing hysterically while watching Sunday noontime variety shows. I love lazy Sunday afternoons where I try and read a book but end up sleeping soundly while tucked in my blue comforter. I love Sunday afternoon Eucharist where I get to spend real quality time with the family. I love Sunday late nights just because I don't have classes on Mondays.

I've been feeling happy this past few days. Now that's something I won't ever complain about. It's just nice to not be negative about things even if the world's being nega about it/them. I don't want to add up to the negativity of the world, for crying out loud. Haha. Let's just be happy. Let's all choose to be happy :)

So anyways, I'm gonna go busy myself with Good Omens because I want to finish it today. I've gotta read Paulo Coelho's By The River Piedra I Sat Down And Wept because I've already forgotten what it was about. Haha! Before I go, I just wanna share this song I found in Gabe Bondoc's YouTube channel. It's a cover of AJ Rafael's "I Just Want You". Sweet song. This one's for you again, my UCC - Ultimate College Crush (Bartolome, 2008). Haha!

There's something I gotta say to you
But I'm so afraid of what you'd do
Ooh ooh ooh ooh

I'll just admit to you this now
That I'm stuck on you like glue somehow
Ooh ooh ooh ooh

Don't want to feel so cold inside
I want to feel the warmth that I feel with you, all the time
Surrounding me just like the wind
Cause your the one who makes me see...

Help me find myself, like how I found you
Ooh ooh ooh ooh
I need you so we can leave happily too
Ooh ooh ooh ooh

I just want you (2x)

I want to go out with you tonight,
A picnic with candle light I might just hold you tight
Tell me you want to be my queen
If not, it's ok. a princess seems just my type
I promise I'll be there tonight

I want to keep you warm when winters white
And make the summer walk on the beach
Sound nice, I need you know
To talk with on the phone
Baby I just want you to be mine all mine

Help me find myself, like how I found you
Ooh ooh ooh ooh
I need you so we can leave happily too
Ooh ooh ooh ooh

I just want you

I want to be you Valentine,
Your Christmas wish, your pick up line
I want to be the one who
Knows about your friends and
Foes, and the TV.shows you love

Look up at the stars spell
Out your name with an
Exclamation point
'Cause at the end of the day,
You make Say

Help me find myself, like how I found you
Ooh ooh ooh ooh
I need you so we can leave happily too
Ooh ooh ooh ooh

I Just Want You, I Just Want You, I Just Want You,
I Just Want You, I Just Want You

Just Friends.

2008-11-29T21:48:00.003+08:00

Never mind the title. Haha.

I pretty much had a normal day out with the family today. Who knows how long it has been since we escaped the cool breeze and green tops of Los Banos and exchanged it for a bit of smog and migraine-causing traffic of the Metro. We went to Duty Free Fiesta Mall (NAIA) because my mum wanted to make an early Christmas shopping of papaskos for the kids in the neigborhood (this year we'll be giving out chocolates, lucky kids, I know). My self control was tested yet again, but I managed to walk out of Duty Free without scathing my wallet and credit card. Whew. We went to Alabang Town Center, then to Festival Supermall. Then the inevitable happened.

Here's the part where I rushed into Powerbooks to see if they have Haruki Murakami's Kafka on the Shore but to no avail. I've read it (thrice) thanks to Tisa, but I still want to have my own copy for my future antique book collection in my future antique library. I then went and ask a clerk if they have Good Omens by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett, which Pen excitedly recommended to me while we were wasting time sitting in the Humanities steps a couple of weeks ago. Luckily, they have it. And I was lucky enough because it's the only copy left. So I left Powerbooks with a large brown paper bag (with a large hard bound book) and 700 pesos poorer. It's all good though. It's called investment.

Now how can I invest in you and me?

Ano daw????
Haha!

Chill-out Friday.

2008-11-28T21:13:00.003+08:00

I had a rough week, and no, it ain't because of my academics and other school what-nots. I was down with migraine and tonsillitis since Monday evening and had 2 sleepless-feverish nights (Tuesday and Wednesday night).

But all is well now, thank God (and the medicine my mum made me take. forcefully).

Last night was so eventful, if you consider YouTube commenting, Plurking, Multiply-ing, and Facebook-ing such glorious events. I logged off and went to bed around 2:00am, I think. I slept with a smile on my face, and woke up with a bigger smile. I don't know. Yeah. Someone's been making me all giddy and inspired lately. I think it's safe to say that she's my Ultimate College Crush (Bartolome, 2008). Haha! I don't have plans of courting her or whatever. I don't even have the guts to send her an sms. Haha. I just, uhm, like her. A lot. Haha.

Moving on. It's safe to say that this was one of the best Fridays I've had in a long time. No more migraine and the tonsils are doing fine. Finished and submitted a total of three laboratory reports in time. Aced the quiz and lab exercise in Intermediate Zoology. Had an amazingly fun (and filling - thanks to Ma'am Cardenas for the sunflower seeds) Economic Botany lab. The day was so perfect, and nothing or noone could've made it less perfect. I wish all days are like this. Haha!

I have to tell you this story pala. We got dismissed early from Zoo lab so I had a good 45 minutes of waiting before EconBot lab. Since I wasn't feeling hungry, I decided to skip lunch and decided to explore IBS. So with my iPod in hand, volume levels to the maximum, I strolled. And strolled. And strolled. I guess I was just so into Chris Brown's "Yo, Excuse Me Miss" that I started singing it and doing little groovy things here and there. I seem to have forgotten that it's still a regular class day, and that students still exists. Haha. Point of the stry is, Ias I was finishing my nth "Yo, Excuse Me Miss", I suddenly became aware that a few students were walkin' behind me. Talk about dyahe. Haha. A comment from one of the girls made my day though.

Galing naman ni kuya Street Jazz. 'Di lang pang sayaw oh.

Haha! I knew it! I can give Chris Brown a run for his money! Haha!

Haha. So that's my Friday. How was yours? :)

P.S: Christmas is around the corner. I want so many things for Christmas (mostly books) but my wish list for Christmas 2008 deserves a separate blog entry. Abangan!

Giving God Our Best.

2008-11-26T17:09:00.002+08:00

"The house to be built for the Lord must be exceedingly magnificent..."
- 1 Corinthians 22:5

We had rehearsed the song for several weeks, and it sounded good. But there was one tricky section that we just couldn't get right. We were ready to call it good enough. Our choir director seemed to agree. He too was weary of rehearsing the same few measures over and over.

Finally he said, "We've worked hard on this. You're tired. I'm tired. We're running short on time. And 99 percent of the people won't know whether or not we sing it right." As we started to put away our music, he continued, "But we're going to sing this right for the 1 percent who knows the difference". We groaned as we reopened our music to the rumpled page.

On Sunday morning when we sang it right, few people knew. But that didn't matter. What really mattered was that we were singing from our heart for an audience of one - One who deserves excellent praise.

King David wanted an "exceedingly magnificent" house built for the Lord. So before he died, he made sure that his son Solomon had everything he needed to build the temple - an abundance of gold, silver, bronze, iron, timber, stone, and skilled craftsmen.

Whatever we do, our audience of One deserves our very best!

When we worship God, only our best is good enough.

I first read this article early Sunday morning while we were on the van traveling from UPLB to the Araneta Coliseum for the Skechers Finals. I tried my best not to tear up after reading it but to no avail. I was just so overwhelmed and amazed with everything He's been giving to me, to us. That it perfectly made sense that we have to give our everything too, all for the glory of His name. I also realized another important thing these past couple of days. I've come to realize that while it is okay if we want to please others, it would be so much better if we focus on pleasing Him. In this time and world we live in, everybody doesn't and wouldn't just love anybody. But He would. He loved us. He loves us. And He'll continue to love us. And I guess that's what matters most.

Heads up. Be strong. Worship.

UPLB Street Jazz Dance Co. at the Skechers Street Dance Battle Year 4: Final Battle

2008-11-25T22:02:00.002+08:00

Skechers Street Dance Battle Year 4: Final Battle
November 23, 2008
Araneta Coliseum

"For all things were created by Him, and all things exist through Him and for Him. To God be the Glory forever! Amen." (Romans 11:36)

We made it, Team. We managed to pull of a great performance despite the numerous unfortunate events backstage and including the technical glitches while on stage.

I'm proud of you, guys. We've grown so much, not only as individuals, but more importantly as a group and as a family. It is through Him and with Him that we get to experience events such as this one. It's nice to see (and feel) that we've also grown so much spiritually, and with that I dare say that we're winners too.

I'm still overwhelmed with all the things that we've gone through these past few months. It is only right that we give Him praise for all the things (be it blessings or shortcomings) that He's been showering our group.

I love y'all.

One Groove. One Group. One Passion.

UPLB Street Jazz Dance Co.

Jesus!

Drool-worthy.

2008-11-21T23:47:00.003+08:00

New kicks.

My first-ever pair of Nike Dunk High Shoes. They're so cool, they even match the color scheme of my web log. Awesome.

Thanks for helpin' me out JJ!

Want your own pair? Drop by JJ's Multiply Site to know more about how you can order and eventually get your very own pair of kick-butt footwear.

Now I'm ready for the Skechers finals, although I have to cover the Nike Check with masking tape (as per strict orders from the organizers of the event). Haha!

One more training day and it'll be Sunday!

God Bless all the participants!