Traditionally Impractical

I have this feeling that my Tita Syl is the only resident in our village who holds a Pabasa during the lenten season. Her German neighbor has already complained about the "noise" the readers/singers make. But she doesn't care about them because the screaming of his bratty grandchildren the whole year through is much worse.

To my knowledge, my family's tradition of Pabasa started about 30 years ago, by my Tita Carmen. It was her way of thanking God for all the fortunes she has received. She has her own life sized Black Nazarene and a huge hanging crucifix in her house. But she had to migrate to the States in the 80s and the Black Nazarene and the crucifix were donated to a church in Sta. Rosa Laguna, my family's hometown.

Once a year, Tita Syl borrows the Black Nazarene from the church to bring it to her house and hires a group of devotees for the yearly Pabasa. My Mom would sing for about an hour, tops, usually in the late afternoon when it's amost over. Tita Syl would sit at the side, and from time to time leaves the group when a new visitor arrives.

Personally, I still don't know why the whole family has to come to this tradition. Nobody prays, my nephews are not interested, the elders chit chat most of the time and everytime we visit the place looks more like a party than a prayer meeting because of all the food. I just don't think it's practical anymore. This has become more of a social event.

And when I asked my Mom why my Kuya wasn't there this evening, she said he had a dinner meeting with his friends. Ganon? I should have just sneaked out this afternoon and pretended to have a dinner meeting of my own. At McDonald's.

DOAWK

I started reading the last book..... then the 3rd book..... currently reading the 2nd book....I have yet to find a copy of the first book. Ang labo kong sumunod sa series 'no? And I just learned that a movie version is coming out!

This is not a diary. It's a journal! LOL.

Little Man Swimming

While the rest of the Philippines was crowding on TV sets watching the Pacquiao fight (and I suppose walang traffic din today), I was playing in the swimming pool. Yep. I wasn't there for the exercise. It was hot today - but not as hot as some days ago - I decided to just dip in (Summer is here!!!!). With an ipod speaker at the side, I was enjoying the Sunday. I would have enjoyed it more if friends were here, though.

Oh yeah, Pacquiao won. "You know."

Follow Me

My point-and-shoot camera has a built-in video function that can record in time lapse mode. I recorded this vid sometime last month, started from the gate of our village and ended in my room. The actual shooting took at least 20 minutes. The final video is 48 seconds long.

La lang. Chorva lang.

Vortah!

Dati wala akong interes sa mga ER. Pero lately, my gulay, ang daming ER na hotties akong nakikita sa kalye. Parang.... parang... gusto ko silang lahat gawing drivER or gardenER. Kung minsan meron akong nakikita na nakakaloka ang itsura, tumatambling ang bahay bata ko sa tuwa. Tulad na lang nitong taga deliver ng tubig sa Manila.



"Boss, boss.... pwedeng papisil ng dibdib?"

Ang sampung minutong guni-guning ito ay hatid sa inyo ng CB, ang official Batis ng Pasay.

The End Na Ha

So ayun naman pala. Base sa mga blog comments at mga violent reactions na nakuha ko, heto ang chorva regarding Kristeta and Ruffa Rigno. Si Ruffa lilipat na ng ibang station para mag "host" ng isa pang program that would go against The Buzz, and last weekend was suppose to be her 2nd to the last Sunday with the show. When Kristeta said that "70% of viewers in Laoag.... (chorva chorva chorva)" watch her show, it was like telling Ruffa na mas marami pa ring nanonood ng The Buzz and it's because of her. May yabang factor, yes. But then Kris has contributed a lot for the show and has hosting talent naman kahit na paano, but for me Boy Abunda is better. In fairness naman, nagpapatawa si Kris when she said that. I still didn't find anything wrong with what she said. It was a simple thank you and chorva to the world.

I noticed that Ruffa got irritated by Teta's last statement, "aminin mo, masaya dito." Opinion ko lang naman. I think she's bitter about it because she's not happy being part of The Buzz. Kaya na nga lilipat sa kabilang station eh (I wonder if her contract with ABS CBN has actually ended). Maybe she's not happy not being the bida of the show. Well, para maging bida ang isang tao at tumagal, you need talent. From the days of the glorious (yet forgotten) Metro Manila Film Festival scam 16 years ago ("Take it! Take it!") until now, I still don't know what her talent is. Pero balita ko magaling siyang kontrabida sa Betty La Fea. Bagay naman daw. True colors shining, kumbaga. AHAHAHAHAHA.

Reality check. Teta's acting is equally sucky, in both real and reel life. Naloka ako nung nalaman kong nanalo na pala siya ng best supporting actress award some time ago. Sinong kalaban niya, si Mahal at Mura? She and Ruffa should be sisters in spirit on this. But Teta has spunk and can host a show without great dependence on dummy boards (skill ang pagiging madaldal), unlike Ruffa and her macho and straight (cough, cough) brother Raymond. Their mother Anabelle made things worse and almost out of control by getting Noynoy somewhat involved which was so WHAT-THE-HECK-ARE-YOU-TALKING-ABOUT. Kabakyaan level, I swear. Siguro kung nagmamaneho yun tapos nabangga sa pader, sisisihin pa din ang pader for blocking her way. The Noynoy part, according to a blogger's comment, is probably because Raymond hosts (campaign) programs for Villar, or something like that. Chika. Ma-google nga yan.

Ang latest na balitang nasagap ko ay friends na ulit daw ang dalawa. Aba dapat lang. Sila na nga lang yata ang natitira sa mga edad nila na may collehiyala accent pa rin, mag-aaway pa sila. They're ko KAKA ha. Like, so KAKAhiya ha. Making tampo and making things super mega gulo like that? Yuh! Tapos the mother of Miss Tangkad who talks like a tricycle driver made singit pa. It's so annoying ha. Like yuh!

Punyemas. Mas masamang hangin ang dumaan.

So really, OA session lang talaga itong Teta-Ruffa catfight. Affected naman daw ako kasi punyeta ineffort ko pang isulat yan dito. At punyeta ang ginaw sa office. Ano ba ang problema ng aircon namin dito at hindi sumusunod sa temperature control. Brrrrrrr!

MEANWHILE, naambunan ang bumbunan ko kanina kaya ngayon parang sumasama nanaman pakiramdam ko. Ni hindi pa ako nakakabawi sa ubo ko.

Ding! Ang Fern-C!

* kidlat

Hindi ko Ma-Gets

Sorry for the jologs moment pero.... ano ang masama sa sinabi ni Kristeta kay Ruffa Rigno? Paki interpret, pleaseness? May hidden story ba dito?

(Sing) San Juaaaaaan.....

I was in Greenhills yesterday (my parents thought I was in Binondo) with The Boyfriend and we parked at this side where there's a row of condominium buildings. The view from the top parking deck is just awesome. The view from one of the condo units must be way better. Dapat lang kung nagbabayad ka ng milyon!

Sometimes I imagine of living in a condo. Right in the middle of a city.

Like...

"...in San Juaaaaaaan.... Concrete jungle where dreams are made of, there’s nothing you can’t do, now you’re in... SAN JUAAAAAAAAN, these streets will make you feel brand new, the lights will inspire you, lets here it for San Juan, San Juan, San Juaaaaaaaan...."

Alright. The heat is making me CRAZY. Waaaaaah!

Embracing Baldness

This is the shortest haircut I ever had. My first time to have my head completely SHAVED (and my first time to see a barbero in almost a year!), and it feels wierd. The shaving process took at least 20 minutes. Visually, I THINK it looks almost the same as shaving my own head with an electric razor. Because for one my Mom and Dad didn't even notice my totally hairless head! And when I told them what I did, sabi lang ng tatay ko nasisiraan na ako ng ulo. Sabi naman ng nanay ko mukha akong bola. Har! Actually, nasiraan ako ng hair follicles. 2 years ago I had my balding spot treated at Svenson Hair Clinic. But 6-digits pesos later, my head still looked like a buttoned siopao, not anywhere like how Joey Marquez or Mark Gil looked in pictures, kahit mukha pa rin silang naka peluca. I continued to lose hair as months went on. Now I'm just embracing my baldness. I'm as bald as a pwet.

I might do this again. The total shaving I mean. Maybe next time when I get a (quickie) vacation to save myself of shaving in the morning and packing my electric razor in the bag. But not on a beach vacation. Maybe. I took a shower this morning after my workout and the hot water gave my head a burning feeling. It must be worse when I'm under the sun. Or baka sanayan lang yan.

I'm glad I have a better looking head than many baldies (sabi ng nanay ko).

* Pendong

5 Points

I love reading Facebook comments. LOL!

Rolex 12

Rolex 12 is the collective name of twelve of the closest and most powerful advisers of President Ferdinand Marcos during the martial law years in the Philippines from 1972 to 1981.
During the latter years of his second elected term, Marcos conspired with various leaders of the military and Philippine Constabulary. The goal was for Marcos to gain full authoritarian control of the country during his declaration of martial law in 1972. Marcos gave the military leadership powers during martial law, taking over from democratically elected officials and court judges.

The twelve were responsible for many human rights atrocities, although the extent of their responsibility is still being investigated. These atrocities include torture, murder, seizures of property, displacement from homes, and arrest and detention without due process.

The origin of the name Rolex 12 came from a widespread story and some sources that each associate received a Rolex watch from Marcos himself, although this is allegedly proven to be untrue. Others, however, would pursue the argument that Marcos provided them with watches that appear to be Rolex watches but were actually fakes. Historically, each member was just given an ordinary watch by Marcos. But because of the story, the name Rolex 12 stuck and is still used to refer to these twelve Marcos associates. Some of them fled with Marcos when he and his family left the Philippines in 1986.

• Tomas Diaz, PMA-Cl '51 - Vice Chief of the Philippine Constabulary
• Juan Ponce Enrile - Minister of Defense
• Romeo Espino UP-ROTC - Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)
• Romeo Gatan - Chief of the Philippine Constabulary in Rizal Province
• Alfredo Montoya, PMA Cl-'51 -Chief of the Philippine Constabulary Metropolitan Command (METROCOM)
• Ignacio Paz, PMA Cl-'51 - Chief of the Intelligence Services of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (ISAFP)
• Fidel V. Ramos,USMA Cl '50; Honoray PMA Cl-51 -Chief of the Philippine Constabulary (PC)
• Jose Rancudo - Chief of the Philippine Air Force (PAF)
• Hilario Ruiz -Chief of the Philippine Navy (PN)
• Rafael Zagala -Chief of the Philippine Army (PA)
• Fabian Ver, Honorary-PMA Cl '51 - Chief of National Intelligence Security Authority (NISA)[1]
• Eduardo "Danding" Cojuangco, Jr. - Honorary PMA Cl-'51 - present Chairman of San Miguel Corporation.

* lifted from WIKIPEDIA

Zambales Weekend

I just had my first beach weekend for the year. It was a 4-hour drive from Manila to Zambales. Maybe more.



O sige. 5-hour drive. But I'm blaming the excess time on our vehicle. Wag na kayong bumili ng automatic Isuzu Sportivo! We reached the Town of Iba in Zambales just in time for lunch. We ate at Chowking. Everything we ordered was different from the pictures posted at the counter. Jard's Chowfan was I think the worst.



Sa picture nila mataas at madami yung rice nung dumating yung food flat pala siya. Ano na ba ang nanyari sa "Truth in Advertising" ngayon? Tsk, tsk, tsk. Yan ang Pinoy!



We reached the resort less than an hour later. As soon as we checked in at Dawal Resort (1,850 pesos for the weekend good for 4 persons), we went to the beach to meet the bangkero who will take us to Potipot island.



The boat ride -- 400 pesos round trip -- is just 5 minutes away. Ang sabi pwede daw languyin papunta sa island. Kung kaya lang naman ng powers mo. The weather was calm but it was still a mistake to sit at the front of the bangka. Para akong nag Log Jam sa Enchanted Kingdom. Hindi pa ako nakakatungtong sa island, basa na ako. Kaya 'wag nang tangkaing ilabas ang DSLR kung nakaupo ka sa harap.



The "entrance fee" is 100 pesos per person. But if you plan to camp overnight, it's 200 pesos. Oo nga naman. Nakalagay na sa picture.




I brought my hermit crabs with me so I can set them free. As pets, I think they're boring. Kaya pinakawalan ko na lang sila. Mukhang sad naman sila sa akin eh. As soon as we picked a bench to settle in, I went closer to the water, placed them on the sand and let them rest. Sana hindi na sila pulutin ng ibang tao! I saw them a couple of times underwater while I was swimming.



I was afraid they won't be able to adapt to the new environment. Wala kasi akong nakikitang ibang hermits. Yun pala they're just smaller and live in tiny unpainted shells. :)



There are wooden huts on the island but I don't know the rental fee for these kung meron man. Kung gusto mong makatipid, makipaglandian ka sa Atenista o Lasalista cutie na may tent para doon ka mag over night. Pero siyempre tatalab lang ang powers mo sa ganung level kung may dala kang kagandahan.



Toilet use is free. You can do either a number 1 or a number 2. Just flush your own crap, of course. Buhos system.



The water pump is also for everyone's use. For bathing or cleaning.



The water was really clear. The kind of beach everyone would love to go to.



There's a safety line indicating the boundary where it is safe to swim in. And I was glad to see visitors pitching in to keep the place clean.




Pero di rin maiiwasan na magkaroon ng mga bisitang nangiiwan ng basura.



There are garbage bins around the island. Maintenance personnel collect the trash from time to time. Dapat ganyan din ang gawin sa Anawangin, kung hindi pa yan ginagawa ngayon.



Aside from the small pieces of trash, the presence of jet skis was also a disturbing sight for me. Potipot Island is pictured as a clean and serene place but the use of this watercraft contradicts that image. Jet skis are noisy, they leave behind traces of gas and pollute the air.




Overall, Potipot is nice place to visit for the weekend, just as long it's not crowded. A day trip is enough. The island is so small, you can walk around it, along the beach, in less than an hour. I'm expecting more people to discover this little getaway place soon. If I were as rich as Villar, I'd buy this island for myself and keep it private.




Pagbalik namin sa resort, nalaman naming may gimmick pala si Badong at si Inday.

Punyemas is the Word of the Day

My eyes are so bad right now, I needed to use a digital camera to take a macro shot of a pill I took last night just to see the dosage printed on it.



So there. I was desperate. My need for sleep was unquestionable. I took 2 capsules of this and 10 minutes later I was like swimming in jello. No, not the good kind. And the feeling was worse than an LSS of "Nakaligo ka na ba sa dagat ng basura...." It did knock me out for a while. But my brian just wouldn't turn off. Nakakahilo na hindi ko maintindihan, as my Mom would say. I kept on getting up then go back to bed every now and then. For a minute I thought I was going to die so I unlocked my door para my Mom and Dad can retrieve my body in the morning without breaking down my oh so beautiful door. I left my lamp on and tried to sleep on my sofa. After 20 minutes, no success. So I went back to my bed and started a conversation with myself. I must have bored myself to death because I actually dozed off. I woke up 5 hours later, and still very groggy. I still went to work, but everyone looked like sea monkeys to me. And I think I was extra sungit to my driver. The medicine probably worn off mid afternoon because by then, I was able to drive myself to ATC for an afternoon nuu-nee-nuu-nee time.

Mental note to self: Hinay-hinay lang sa Benadryl. Hindi yan bato ni Darna.

Anyway, I have this cough for 3 days now. It's dry and unproductive. So I also went to the village clinic to have myself checked. The Doc says I have dry cough. And she won't give me antibiotics because I don't have the phlem (flem? Plem? Phlemh?) yet. So until then, I'm taking Loratidine and this other medicine that sounds like a German porn star (hanapin sa Facebook DALI!!!!).

Ay teka. I went to the clinic first pala BEFORE going to ATC.

See? SEE??? I'm sick talaga. Punyemas.

I'm thinking of something that can bore me to sleep (aside from talking to myself because I'm running out of topics) so I turn on the TV and guess what was on?

"Nakaligo ka na ba sa dagat ng basura...... chuva chuva chuuuuva..... chuva chuva chuuuuuuuva...."

Punyemas.

Ding, Ang Bato!

I found this video through a posting on Facebook (And I'm so glad I can share this through youtube!). It's a great song. I love the lyrics and the melody. It's a big surprise to find out that it's from the Darna Musical produced in 2003 (which I never heard of!), and sung by the Villainess pa.

Tex Ordoñez, I'm a new fan!

We have great local musicals with applausible songs and actors. I'd like to start seeing more of these plays. If only I know a way on how to get updated with schedules of events.

Hand Written Email

My Mom never learned how to use the computer. She was suppose to. I even bought her a computer so she can personally email her sisters. But apparently she has better things to do.

"Mamamalengkepa ako."

"Matutulog pa ako."

"May kakausapin pa ako sa telepono."

"Magpapa-parlor pa ako!"

So I am, by default, her personal email typist.

Everytime she needs to send an email, she would write it on paper then give it to me to be typed and sent. She used to be so formal with her emails even if she's just writing to her sisters or friends.

"My Dear sister. Greetings! The weather is splendid right now. The sun is shining and the grass is green. Oh, dear sister, you should see this!"

I told her that it's ok be casual and to write in Filipino if she wants to. It would also save me time proof reading her emails! She now writes with a touch of realism -- just like how she talks to her sisters or friends face to face.

"Hoy Amelia yung Pond's Cold Cream ipadala mo kay Marilou. Babatukan ko siya kung makalimutan niya yan."

Lately, because of a minor rift between the 6 sisters -- and nobody wants to use the phone or the Magic Jack -- the email exchanges have been very often. Too often, it has become like a long chat session that has been separated by days. Anyway, I think my Mom needs a new personal assistant because I can't keep up with this utos-utos. It's stressing me out, I can't do my own work.

* sigh

I think I need a jar of Pond's Cold cream too.

Just Got Home

* Coffee with Hani
* Southmall with Hani
* Dinner in BF with Hani
* Hang out time with Christina and Donald

I'm sleeping late on a work night but at least I had an interesting afternoon. Now I'm still wide awake.

Once Upon a Time....

... I had a big brother who looked after me. Now, he's just a brother who happens to live 2 streets away.

Pa-Petiks-Petiks

Today's irony is that I'm bored but I still got a million things to do.

It's a Thingamajig

I bought this picture clip thingamajig from Dimension (249 pesos but I'm sure you can make something like this on my own -- I'm just lazy) last week and I only have 2 places where I can set it that has a smooth surface (a glass wall or a mirror) that I can stick the suction cups to. I decided to put it in my toilet -- and used pictures of myself taken by my Hani in 2007, 2008 and 2009.

I'm not so sure if it looks nice. But I don't think the suction cups going to last long anyway.

Gimme some Zzzzz's!

Inaatake nanaman ako ng insomnia. For 2 nights na. So I'm keeping this little bottle uncapped beside my bed.



I bought it from this aroma stall in ATC, in front of True Value. Ang chika, Lavender aids sleep and relaxation. I know I'm suppose to use it with a burner but that's too dangerous right now kung balak kong makatulog. So I'm leaving the bottle open. I can smell the scent na. I hope this works.

* crossing my fingers

Puppy Dexter

10 years ago, he came to my life and became the jolly puppy that developed into part of my family somehow. It's unfortunate that I wasn't able to take puppy pictures. Digital cameras weren't popular yet that time. But I remember carrying him in my arms like a big baby. And he hated it. I admit, I wasn't a good puppy owner. I didn't take care of him very well. The maids and drivers took care of him most of the time. But he still saw me as the master he'd love to be with. I know he's a loyal dog. I always see his eagerness to see me whenever I take a peek at him. And I'm just glad that he was able to reach this far. He turned 10 last month. Now I'm trying to make up for the time I missed while he was growing up -- even if I'm always tired. Not very old compared to the other senior dogs. But he already has arthritis, warts and shortness of breath. He's an old dog. But he's still the same puppy.

Pasaway

Sinabi nang bawal diyan eh.

My days Went Zoom

Can you believe February's first week just ended? I didn't even enjoy my January! Work's keeping me occupied. I should pay more attention to my days. Keep awake, Felipe. Keep awake!!!

Splat

I hate toilets with messy floors caused by lazy men who can't pee right. I mean, how difficult is it to point your pototoy to the urinal and not to the floor?

Bawal

I shouldn't be eatting in my computer room.


* chomp chomp chomp chomp * slluuuuuuuuuurp *

Spell KESO

CHEEZEEEEEE!!!!!