It is inspiring and humbling to find someone so full of promise like Zach Sobiech face death with courage and grace. His short life touched a lot of people — wherever they may be. As I watch one video after the other (from songs like “Sandcastles” and “Starhopping” to his documentary “My Last Days”) — I am touched on how positive he was, how he kept on smiling, his face lighting up in spite of the reality he faced. His thoughts on acceptance, gratitude and love was truly amazing.
I guess it’s true what they say sometimes: it’s not how much time we spent here on earth, it’s HOW WE SPENT the time given to us. And Zach, in his eighteen years, really spent each and every day to the fullest.
In the documentary, one line kept repeating over and over in my head. It’s this line that Zach said, “…you don’t have to find out that you’re dying to start living.”
From across the seas, my thoughts are with the family of this amazing young man. He was a blessing not only to his family, but to the countless others he touched through music.
I don’t want to say it, but I’ll say it as it is: as much as we are a nation of grossly-talented, hardworking, fun-loving citizens, we are also a nation where majority gets grossly judgement-impaired when election time rolls around.
We elect idiots in public office, then wonder why our country usually wallow in poverty — this in spite the fact that we have the natural resources that’s just waiting to be tapped intelligently and resourcefully. We choose to elect convicted plunderers, convicted drug addicts, the progeny of the old rich and the political giants and fading actors and actresses into public office instead of intelligent, hard-working individuals who had solid experience in public service.
It’s a cruel cycle that’s almost funny, except you realize that the high taxes deducted from your salary gets to pad the fat pockets of these idiots in office. Sadly, we are to blame for our own miseries.
I voted yesterday, glad that 40 days of execrable campaign themes (variations of latest Top 40s butchered mercilessly by the candidates, the odd KPop song (guess which one) that turned more annoying than it was before when played in full volume, it’s lyrics turned to political mumbo-jumbo and if you are lucky, TVCs that show in full glory why should NOT vote for a particular candidate. My favorites were those of an aspiring senator showing him dancing with old movie stars — I always have the urge to throw the remote control to the flat screen each time it’s on air.
Here are some political ads which aired this year — some are so bad, I was tempted to shut off the TV for the whole duration of the campaign:
Remember the TVCs where I am tempted to end my misery? This is one of them.
This particular TVC was appealing when you first play it because of the presence of kids. The commercial was also light and refreshing to the eyes. The TVC promoted the candidacy of Nancy Binay, a member of a political clan and also one of this year’s most controversial candidates.
This is a better ad for this candidate compared to her other ad where she harps on her surname, “POE”. In the Philippines, “Poe” sounds like “po,” which is our way of showing respect to elders. In the other TVC, the candidate answers all questions about her politely, ending each and every sentence with “po” (pronounces as “Poe”) — it can get pretty annoying after sometime. The reason for the TVC is I think to solidify name recall for her surname since she is the only daughter of the Philippines’ well-loved movie star and considered “King of Filipino Movies”, Fernando Poe, Jr or FPJ. FPJ passed away after a heart-breaking campaign to the presidency where he lost due to alleged widespread cheating by his competitor, ex-president Gloria Arroyo.
This TVC is simple, direct and gets the message across.
The candidate uses the power of association — after all, he is part of the storied Aquino family where three of the country’s well-loved leaders came from (former Senator and Philippine martyr Benigno Aquino Jr., former President Cory Aquino and current President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III.)
I personally voted for some of the candidates featured on the TVCs above, because I believe in their capacity to serve and that they are a new breed of leaders that can bring change in my country. I endured long lines, defective PCOS (voting) machines (in the case of my sister), the heat and the risk of dehydration just to exercise my right to vote. As a tax-paying citizen, it is my own way of pushing for my choice of candidates who I believe, are worthy of being called “public servants.” I took voting seriously because in my mind, I am responsible for whatever hellhole my country would be in should a smattering of some idiot candidates make it.
While there were a lot of information dissemination campaigns provided by the media and other NGOs on the candidates’ capability and background, I can assume that many of my brilliant countrymen were tempted by a little bit of song-and-dance, of flashy rhetoric and the illusions brought about by empty promises. The results of the polls proved this. (SEE ELECTION RESULTS HERE)
At the end of the day, we take it as it is. The elections are done and over with. What’s left is the morbid residue of this fascinating dance of fools. And somehow I can’t shake the feeling that we, the rest of the country, will be paying for the stupidity of the many who chose to don the jester’s hat and make a mockery of their electoral right.
I don’t know what kind of rock or cave I’ve been hiding six years ago to have missed “Skins” – particularly its first season which aired on Channel E4 in the UK. Maybe I was busy watching Smallville or some execrable local TV show, I don’t know.
A better answer would be that I am yet to get acquainted with all things British — thus making me miss a show as raw and cool as this one. Anyway, thanks to YouTube and belated fandom to Nicholas Hoult (courtesy of Warm Bodies), I am finally enjoying this fine show which has since been cancelled on air.
Skins cast – the first generation 2009 to 2010
I am still on the very first episode, but Nicholas Hoult is adorable and talented as ever. His role as Tony Stonem I believe, earned him recognition from fans and critics alike. This was also his debut as a full grown up, following his adorable turn as the cute kid in “About a Boy”.
On the left is the future Gendry (Game of Thrones) and on the right is the future US/UK hearthrob
Aside from Nicholas Hoult, this batch also stars the future Mr. Slumdog Millionaire Dev Patel as the modern Muslim Anwar and Joe Dempsie, the future Gendry (bastard of Robert Barantheon) as Chris. I have yet to learn the names of the other casts, but give me a few days and I will revert back to my annoying habit of reciting each and every character’s complete filmology.
In 2011, the US attempted to have their own version of Skins. Unfortunately, the level of nudity, sex, profanity and controversial topics pushed MTV (the network that aired it) to cancel the series.
I used to be deathly afraid of growing old. I had this impression that people stop having fun when they get old. They get all responsible and boring and they stop finding pleasure in the little things.
Now, I realize how effing misguided I was.
For the longest time (and for almost the rest of my adult life), I fought the notion of having to grow old. I hated growing old. So, I wasted time doing silly things, I ran away from responsibility, did not exerted effort to learn about being responsible about my finances, put off getting married until I was 29 and then skirted the issue of parenthood until I was well into my first year of marriage.
During my younger years, I wanted to be like Peter Pan — young, full of adventure and folly, and without a hint of responsibility. Now that I am old, I see how stupid the notion was.
It’s only when I celebrated my last birthday that I realized that I love getting old. That I can’t wait to grow old.
So, last year — I started fixing myself.
I opened a personal savings account. Money that’s not meant for my clothes, shoes, Japanese fashion mags and the like. I started saving for the rainy day.
I decided to let go of a dead-end, stressful job that’s wrecking havoc on my self-esteem and health. I still get stressed with my current job, but it’s the kind of stress that goes away with punching out the time clock by 5PM. Sure, I still hate a lot of things about what I do now, but it’s work that I can see myself doing for the next two years–if I am desperate.
I shunned away from things that don’t really matter. I stopped trying to conform. I stopped trying to please people. I stopped over-extending myself and my generosity. I started being myself more and more.
I started to love the company of myself. I started to love my anonymity at work, and felt finally at peace that I won’t be winning any Ms. Congeniality contest for once. I started accepting that being alone doesn’t mean I have to be lonely.I stopped doing things that I don’t like to do and just focus my energy and resources on the things that I like and enjoy.
I started working and defining my faith. I learned to understand what it meant having a close relationship with God — beyond the edifice of the church, of hymns and statues. I learned that faith, TRUE FAITH goes hand in hand with opening your heart and mind to HIM.
I started to love what being old meant.
Being old meant not having to be afraid of added responsibilities. It meant looking into challenges and taking them head on.
I realized not everyone get to experience getting old and having a chock-full of lessons on life and love stored in your heart.
As I wait for the clock to strike 12 and welcome another year in my already blessed life — I am already excited for the lessons, challenges and blessings this year will bring me.
As an early birthday gift to myself, I went to a fertility expert earlier to finally find out what’s wrong with me. I was blessed to find out that I just need a little fixing. That there’s nothing wrong with me and that I just needed time and a little bit of taking care of.
There’s something so liberating about getting your hair done. Imagine how you look like after a few months of bad hair day. Usually it starts after you start neglecting your hair, and your long overdue return trip to your salon. The color starts to fade, the hair starts to turn crisp and brittle, the flyaways start having a field day. Suddenly, you don’t keep your hair down anymore, you gather it for a ponytail or when it’s really THAT bad, you hide it under the so-called “sock bun”.
There’s nothing like a freshly-shorned, freshly-colored, ultimately pampered hair to make you feel human again. If you are a girl, you have to admit that you feel more beautiful after a trip to the salon. Somehow, the crazy-haired monster seemed to have disappeared just after a quick session with a trusted hairstylist
I should have done something about my roots two months ago, but I was too lazy and stingy to care. I reasoned that I will have it changed to a lighter version of blonde, but my fear of generating office memo got in the way. In the end, I decided to settle into something different yet still safe.
For my hair woes, I always go to Bench Fix in Greenbelt 3. I’ve been a loyal client of this salon for close to three years now. My stylist, Agie, has been taking care of my roots and my crazy hair since that time (save for instances where I go to the salon and he’s not there). Suffice to say, I’ve developed a fear of going to other salons after I have become too comfortable with Bench Fix. I keep thinking that I wanted to try Jun Park or go back to Tony and Jackey for a more in-depth KPop styling but I always had reservations. In my head, “my hair” has become too comfortable with Bench Fix and might get “shocked” if I transfer to another salon. Call me crazy but that’s how I feel sometimes. Besides, Bench Fix offers great styling at a more accessible price point. It’s like hitting two birds (great hair, not too expensive styling fees) in one stone.
Having your hair “fixed” at Fix is very straight forward. You approach the reception desk and inform them of what you want to do with your hair. If you already have a stylist, you will be referred to that person. If not, they will assign a stylist for you. The price list for services are also displayed on the counter and you can refer to it while you contemplate what to do with your hair. After you have agreed with the service you want, you will be ushered to your barber’s chair (or given a shampoo, which ever comes first) where the stylist will apply treatment/color/cut your hair <> with the assistance of junior stylists. You will be primped and pampered either in a few minutes or a few hours, depending on what kind of service you availed. All hair treatment services/ hair color services come with shampoo and blow dry where your tresses will be styled to perfection.
That’s me during one of my pampering sessions
Bench Fix is a “no-frills” place. You get the service you want, period. Stylists and their assistants move quickly and efficiently, especially during peak hours where all chairs are occupied and there’s a line of clients waiting at the reception area. Your stylists will make small talk, but not to a point of being intrusive. If you are bored, there are magazines you can peruse while you get your hair fixed.
I love coming at Bench Fix — it’s always been my happy place. The rates are not too high — in fact, hair cut with a senior hairstylist starts at PHP500 (about USD12) and hair color starts at PHP1,400 for short hair.
Anyway, here’s my new hairstyle. Hopefully, it will stay this way forever.
This hairstyle was inspired by the charismatic CL of 2NE1. I saw a picture of hers where she was without any make-up and just looked so pretty and simple, so unlike the made-up CL we see on their usual performances.
Bench fix Greenbelt 3
2nd Level, Greenbelt 3, Greenbelt
Paseo de Roxas cor. Legaspi St., Ayala Center
Makati, Metro Manila, Philippines (+63 2) 757-4976, (+63 2) 757-0877
Consider this. You wake up as soon as the clock hits your consciousness. You try to hit the snooze button and almost fell off bed doing so. You try to ignore it. Finally, annoyed by the incessant “beep-beep-beep”, you grumble, you wake up, stuff the clock under your pillow, hit the shower, curse the water for not being hot enough and try to finish your bath in 15 minutes because you are God-freaking-late.
You rush out of your house, forgot to kiss your your significant other (or your family), argue with yourself if you’re going to take the cab, then remembered you barely had money for lunch so you take public transpo. You squeeze your butt on the already crammed jeepney, wishing you chose another one but then again you remembered that you’re late so you grin and bear it, and try not to inhale the armpit of the guy next to you. You wanted to scream but then you remember that someone might film it and upload it on YouTube. You’d rather kill yourself that gain nationwide notoriety.
You arrive at work to find your in-tray covered by documents — all needing your attention. The boss has left 20 messages in your inbox, all seemed gibberish except for the fact that all had the word “URGENT” at the end of the sentence. You try to send your boss hate messages using your brain, wishing, hoping he’ll get a sudden case of diarrhea and needed to go home. The monotony is killing you, the paper work you can do in your sleep and all you wanted is to submit your 30-days notice and go home. Then, you think about your addiction to traveling and that the money you earn being a corporate tool is also the same money that you pay for the plane tickets, the hotel reservations, the new clothes and the shoes. So, you reach for the first one on the pile, grit your teeth and go through the motions.
Funny how it goes — in a company that encourages individuality, you are encouraged to conform. They ask you to tone down the dyed hair, ask you to dress more “corporate” — whatever the eff it means, and ask you to remove the polka dot nail art which you studiously applied the night before. It was funny, the first few months but the act got old even before your first anniversary at work. Now all you wanted is to dye your hair bright pink and be done with it. You eat your lunch, count your calories and stuff a few candies down your throat.
The clock hits five. You sense and smell freedom — so you grab your bag and bolt out the door even before the boss piles another batch of documents. You head for the road, wish you get better transpo and arrive to an empty house.
You are tired. You just wanted to sleep. You remove the clock under the bed, set it at a time you don’t even follow and shut your eye. It’s not a happy day, but you’re still alive, so you’re thankful. Welcome to the Grind.
I’ve been doing a bit of freelancing job lately, writing copies ranging from hawking whitening products and convincing women that having white skin is beautiful–an idea by the way that I didn’t support. So, in between writing proposals and project plans for the company, I am also writing spectacularly written copies on the benefits of placenta collagen (a skin whitening famous in the Philippines).
I try to squeeze time in between trying to rest after a tiring 8-hour work day and sleeping at a decent hour. While it is not easy, it also augments the income–something I desperately need especially during difficult days when the hubby and I are down to the last peso in our wallet.
In the short period I was doing freelancing, I realized that landing your first client is tricky. It’s a mix of selling yourself and your capability, while trying to make sure that they will not short-change you for your hard work. The first time I submitted an Agreement Contract, detailing mys services, I kept wishing that they’ll find my rates agreeable and that it will not be a problem to sign a Freelance Contract with a newbie.
Ah, the Agreement Contract — maybe the first thing I ever tried to develop as soon as I confirmed my foray to the wonderful word of freelance writing. It’s something I recommend to everyone who aspires to work freelance. Better be safe than sorry and explain the details of the project, the costing, the timeline in writing than have to deal with confusion when you are already in the midst of editing a 2,000 word essay on rosy-white, beautiful skin. It ain’t just right. If you are someone like me who plans to entering the foray of freelance writing, I suggest you hit Google to look for formats, then modify them according to your needs. You’ll be protected later on when your client turns out to be stark raving mad and starts denying you payment for services incurred.
A tricky thing for freelancers is how you charge your services based on what’s proper and what you feel is right. In one of the forums for freelancers that I joined, writers are advised against selling ourselves short. Of agreeing to do stuff at prices that are restrictive and downright unfair.I try to be reasonable, but what do you do when your client is haggling the price so low you feel like they’re just waiting for you to announce that the service will be done for free? I try to strike a balance in between. In my head, I wanted to make sure that I’ll win the account so I give in a little on my PF and then win their business. In my head, I’d rather have a repeat business at rates we both agree on.
The sad thing is that people think writing is easy and thus freelance writing does not deserve higher professional fees. That it can be done for “peanuts” — which for me is downright insulting for every writer out there trying to earn an honest living. In my case, try writing a product description on a beauty catalogue and only having a few URLs as reference — no interviews, no product reviews present, no product. It wan’t easy but years of writing ad copy mixed with my preference for fiction proved a nice antidote for this dilemma.
I was lucky to be referred by a good friend who also facilitates my payment’s release, so collecting for PFs owed is not as hard as the usual horror stories on online threads. I have been paid cold cash (which is good) and in check (which is a bummer) — which was both fine with me. It’s hard-earned money, usually products of long nights staring at an empty computer screen, of eye bags begetting another set of eye bags…
After doing this for close to three months now, I can DEFINITELY say that I still feel new to this — navigating time schedules, relying on discipline to finish an article or two. But give me time. I am learning, and I’ll be better for sure.
I was just informed by our office’s HR Assistant that my loan from the government’s insurance program has been approved. However, it will take about a month for the check to be released. Bummer. Considering that I am planning to use the money for my long-overdue moving out from the tiny room that my hubby and I rented from my mom. Definitely, our so-called Project Move Out will be pushed back a month or two.
It’s hard to live in a small room where two healthy individuals and two scrawny cats vie for space. We also wanted the freedom and independence of being a (bit) away from my parents, since being in close proximity (as in a few steps away) can be grating to the nerves sometimes. However, we also want to find a place that is close to my parent’s house: close enough to check in on them a few times per week but not close enough to hear my mom nagging my brother to rise and shine every morning.
So while I wait for my rent money to arrive from the government (courtesy of my Social Service Security contribution), I have come to visiting the net for inspiration/pegs for our future, little space. I am confident to say “little space” because the rent money we can afford is not something to shout about. The rent money we have in mind is a little small, considering the cause of rentals here at the Central Business District where yours truly is a proud resident. I don’t know how hard it’ll be to find a house for rent here in the city but I’ll keep you guys updated. Anyway, I immediately knew what I wanted for my OWN house when I finally get to have my rent money, find the perfect space and move in.
I wanted GunMetal Gray Walls for the living room
The first time I saw Gunmetal gray paint applied to a living room wall, I am floored. Using white for detailing added drama and flair. I love the color’s simplicity and drama and that I could represent both me and the Hubby. Being the crazy “emo” person that we are, you can kind of expect that our future living room wall will not sport the saccharine butter yellow that seemed to be prevalent in upscale homes in the Metro. Here are some ideas I love:
I love how the color added contrast
too much clutter
The second picture is also nice, however, I am averse to clutter since I grew up around them. My mum loves keeping things and she doesn’t throw anything away so we have tons of clutter in our house. We sometimes threaten my mum that she is an Extreme Hoarder episode waiting to happen.
Thus, having dealt with clutter my whole life, I am thus obsessed that my future home should be clutter-free. I don’t like keeping a hodge-podge of knick knacks or items. I also do’t like keeping a lot of stuff on the walls since I want it as bare as possible, with just a few statement pieces hanging — preferably framed.
Loving the fact that the house doesn’t have much clutter.
I want the kind of home that is airy, light and is pleasing to the eyes. I am already excited just thinking of our future home. The internet can expect my constant presence on home designing and interior design blogs.
Ever caught Daria on the old MTV back in 1997 to 2002?
I love this show and when I was back in university, I can always relate to Daria Morgendorffer and her best friend Jane Lane. This in spite the fact that I used to dress like Britney (the dumb blonde cheerleader) back in uni and I was still 80 lbs lighter (I was intensely malnourished when I was still a student). Daria, the protagonist in this brilliant cartoon, is a smart, sarcastic and anti-social teen trying to navigate the tricky world of Lawndale, most especially Lawndale High, her school.
You bet I can relate to her to a T. I was a smart, sarcastic, slightly neurotic college student who secretly listened to Weezer and BackStreet Boys at the same time. I was mostly anti-social and kept to my group so you can say that Daria is a template that I subscribe to.
Fast forward ten years later and 70 pounds heavier, why do I suddenly feel like being transported to my teenage angst and my posturings as Daria once again?
that’s me and me…
I guess blame it on the loneliness. I always pride myself of not conforming to the silly machinations of work. I don’t do cliques and I don’t do that “pack mentality” that seemed to be prevalent in the corporate world as much as it is in high school. Though I used to be part of a group of “bullies” (and I say that with affection) in one of my old workplaces and I still miss these people to pieces, I just can’t bring myself to grit my teeth and be part of a giggling gaggle of girls who shriek in the middle of work day?
Because, it’s not my thing.
How old were you when the luster of blowing 15 days worth of salary on a ritzy club lost it’s appeal? Suddenly, from the “raver” of yore, I can no longer stand the “tugs-tugs-tugs”, the dancing, the shouting way of speaking to each other (i.e. “whaaaaaaaat? i can’t hear you!!!!”), the over priced food and the stale beer. I refuse to think it was due to getting married because the hubby allows me to go out if I want to.
It’s just not really my thing.
I am happy being alone most times. Eating on my own, without waiting for people to decide where the eff to go. I love my solitude and the independence of coming and going as I please. I love that I don’t have to hear who said what and when and if it’s a good thing. I don’t like the commitment of staying true to your group’s “code”–what ever that is. I hate hearing shrieking girls at two in the freaking afternoon just as I was trying to concentrate on finishing a PR proposal. Yes, you might probably think that I am a sad, lonely bitch who will one day die alone on her office desk — I can’t help you, you are entitled to your opinion.
I am happy and contented. That is until we had our company outing and I ended up sitting alone on the bus and talking to myself.
Lah-lah-lah-lah-lah…
Don’t get me wrong — I have good friends (in exact, those who didn’t resigned) at the office.People I talk to on a daily basis, exchange jokes and wrapped snacks and even plot evil campaigns over polishing our performance appraisal forms. But dang it, these same people cannot be trusted to attend the outing — as in everyone ditched it in favor of something more worthwhile. While I, the so-called rebel, donned the company shirt with the effed-up logo, sat on a bus alone for two and a half hours and gritted my teeth for being there.
Maybe it’s seeing people in groups enjoying themselves and taking pictures or eating packed meals together that got me. It’s sad when no one’s there to take your pictures or shoot the breeze with you on a two and half hour trip going to God-knows-where. I missed my friends who resigned and who was still with the company two summers ago. I missed not having someone to talk to and make fun of people with. I ended up so bored and so bummed that I ended up going home early. M, the other person in my department brought a car and I ended up bumming a ride from him. I was not sorry I left. In fact, I was more than relieved that I didn’t had to stay.
People, I really can’t stand them sometimes.
I miss college. I miss my old friends. I miss Daria.
How’s this for a time-waster?
Discovered ANA (All Nippon Airlines) Manganizer website and I am seriously hooked.
From ANA-Manganizer website
I spent a big chunk of my time this evening just playing with the site. Plus, I wanted to know if I look like the perfect manga girl. My appropriated face is far from it — in fact, I look like a stunted chibi.
the girl on the cover of the manga, is apparently, my cartoon version
The site is very easy to use and follow: upload your pic, modify according to your expectations and generate the cartoon version of yourself. The finished product will be used in developing a manga story viewable also online. Such an engaging time waster that I ended up calling it a night without me finishing the article I am supposed to hand in by tomorrow.
In a statement, ANA revealed that they created the site in order to entice young people to come and visit Japan. It is also their way of bringing back by promoting tourism and the company of course.
