NEWS.

I don't get why we have to watch the news. So what if we know what's happening in and to other places? What difference would it make if we watch the news or not? And after watching the news, what could we have done to help the people affected by a calamity? I'm not being a hypocrite here. I don't watch the news especially if I know I could not and will not do anything to help those people. If I do watch it, it's just because I get intrigued by a certain issue but after I satisfy my "need" to watch it, I stop watching.

If anything, the news are just there to make people paranoid. You will crash your car onto a barricade. You will die of a certain disease. You will get robbed. Someone will murder you. These are just some of the many programs these news send to our minds. Worse, we've been accumulating these thoughts ever since we're kids without us knowing it. That's the reason why we're all feeling miserable all the time, thus turning these thoughts into reality. What we think, we create.

Awareness. That's what all these news institutions tell us. But what's the use of awareness if we act on it, huh? Oo nga, alam mo. E ano naman? Especially with Pinoy news, we don't follow through. We expose, say, a modus operandi. The police catches one of the many members of the group. Then what? The issue dies. At least 'til another crime is committed. It could happen a few days from the first incident, it can happen a decade after. But it doesn't matter. Because there's no follow through. The effect, they cause a paranoia among the public that will then be suppressed only to be brought up again in the future with possibly a greater intensity than it did the first time.

Awareness causes paranoia when not acted upon. Most of the time, this is what happens to the general public. And, being a group of people who loves to blame other things for what's happening to them, well, we blame the government because it's easier that way. I would elaborate on this but it's a completely different story.

I like how this looks like.

So I changed how my blog looks like again. This nifty template caught my eye and immediately changed my previous template to this one. It looks so neat and so grown-up. I think I will stick to this template for a while...that is until Blogger adds another look that is more mature than this one.

I'm so fickle-minded.

This is the first time in a long time where I think I look good - not awesome, just good - in a photo. It's not even well-lit.

The Manor, Camp John Hay |  September 24, 2011

Baguio Trip 2011

We were supposed to go to Baguio during the end of August to welcome September celebrants' birthdays but a the typhoon then hit Baguio the day of our departure so we had to postpone the trip. Everyone was pissed because we already have packed for the trip. So when our "sponsor", Ate Ly (who works with Philip Morris) told us we have a hotel to stay in - 2 huge ass suites at The Manor, Camp John Hay - for the September 24 weekend, all of us got ecstatic. But we all packed just a few hours before our trip just to be sure since it was gloomy the day before our trip.

We all met up at our place since the coaster we rented was just a few blocks away. We left at around 4am with everyone barely awake. Had the usual breakfast stopover along NLEX and then our journey to Baguio began.

Us, in the coaster. Ate Ly, Stacey, her yaya Agnes and Aling Lisa were in the E150 in front of us.

We got to Baguio 8 hours after because we had to take Marcos Highway, instead of Kennon Road for safety purposes. Plus the coaster was having a hard time going up. We headed to Camp John Hay right away for check-in at The Manor and late lunch at Dencio's, Camp John Hay. We had to "sneak in" our hotel rooms because of technicalities but we all made it inside without anyone trying to stop us.

While waiting for the others at the second floor "balcony" of The Manor.

After resting, we passed by the Wagwagan to check-out if they had boots and jackets - which they did but they didn't look wearable...yes, I'm maarte when it comes to ukay-ukay. I keep having the thought that I might get some skin disease when I wear something I bought from ukay-ukay - and then we went to SM Baguio for some grocery-ing and Teriyaki Boy dinner. We kept the first day low key because we were all super tired from the trip and from the "insomnia" we all developed the night before the trip.

Here's Brianna and I taking over the king size bed. They can't do anything because the baby cannot sleep on the couch. We shared the bed with Trish, though.

The obligatory mirror shot. I was trying to hide my tummy. I failed miserably.

I was surprised to know that they didn't have any airconditioning unit in the hotel - which was obvious to everyone except me because I'm clueless like that - and that they had their windows open all the time to keep the room chilly. I'm sorry but I ain't the brightest.

Anyway, the next morning, we decided to drop by the Botanical Garden for some photos and then went to St. Vincent's for mass. Then off to Mines View for much-needed shopping, Baguio style. I bought Brianna, Bry and me matching white Baguio shirts because I'm pa-cute like that. Also got this awesome knife-disguised-as-a-cross-pendant necklace and a dream catcher. I wanted to get a chopping board and a couple of Igorot displays for when I get to have my own house but didn't. I'd get them when I get my house first.

Taken at The Manor lobby before leaving for the Botanical Garden. I like this pic even if it's against-the-light and it looks like a test shot.

By the Botanical Garden signage. Kuya Greg, Kuys and myself are not in the photo because we were taking it.

St. Vincent's Church. This is where I got to taste Baguio's strawberry taho which, I think, didn't taste good.asd

Before shopping, Brianna and I took a photo with Mines View's star, Doglas. Look at my brave little girl, holding Doglas' hairy ear.

Lunch at the Slaughterhouse at downtown Baguio which had the best ulams ever! We then went back to the hotel to rest again - grabe yung weather, super nakakatamad - when we decided to pass by the designer depot just a couple of steps away from The Manor. I got a pink Segue bag that I want to bring everywhere if only it will match with every piece of clothing I own and Trish got her Nike bag. Also got Brianna a zebra print with pink accent dress. Dinner at Yellow Cab at Camp John Hay then grabbed a few beers with Kuys, Reg and Ate to end the night.

Shopping at the Designer Depot.

Fog was super thick at our side of Baguio but my baby has been sweating non-stop we had to remove her sweater and her beanie. Ikaw na balat-mayaman.

We had to get home by Monday morning because Pedring was on his way to Baguio that afternoon. So we did. We just passed by Mines View and Good Shepherd for some last-minute pasalubong-and-walis shopping then we're on our way. Got the biggest scare of my life (so far) on our way home: ZERO-VISIBILITY. There wasn't any rain yet but the fog was sooooo thick. The Victory Liner buses were overtaking us and flying to the unknown while we ran on 10kph because we didn't know where to go. I clutched on to my seat for a good 30 minutes until the fog disappeared only to come across a much thicker fog a few minutes before we reached to foot of the mountain. That was the most stressful trip home I had to endure not because I was scared for myself but I was scared mostly for Brianna.

We got to Pangasinan unscathed, though. We had late lunch at KFC Urdaneta then we're on our way again. Upon reaching SCTEX, we heard that the storm reached Baguio already. Was thankful the storm didn't reach Baguio before we got to the foot of the mountain or else we'll be stuck up there 'til now. We got to Manila, again, 8 hours after we left Baguio.

It was generally a fun trip. I thought I'd get so depressed by the weather and the boyfriend not being there but I didn't. I guess it really is all in the mind.

Hope we go back to Baguio again some time soon. I love the weather up there plus the scent of pine trees. Actually, I kinda want to live there. But I am not deciding until I get to visit Davao.

My SM theories.

Yes, SM as in SM Supermalls. It's all over the news and I have theories why:

1. Someone's out to get Henry Sy. That's the most obvious reason.
2. Someone's trying to force SM to change their supplier of security guards.
3. Getting themselves on the news is a marketing strategy... As if they still need it.

Yeah, that's all I've got.

Shet, wala akong sense.

I watched the Hell's Kitchen season 8 finale yesterday.

I couldn't wait for Star World's super delayed broadcast anymore so I watched it on YouTube.

Too bad Jillian didn't make it to the finals. She was my bet.

Ugh.

I woke up feeling so good because it's chilly and it's time to pack for Baguio and La Union. And then I turned the TV on. It prolly is the biggest mistake I did since I woke up a few minutes ago. Why? Because I heard the news about the squatters rallying to Mendiola in commemoration of the demolition that happened in Agham Road last year. They're asking - no, DEMANDING - for a better relocation site, blah blah blah...

I don't understand why they have the guts to demand from the government when they are the ones who took over the place illegally. The land was owned by the government, hello?! Ugh. They annoy me. But being Filipinos, we have to be all "Aww, screw the government blah blah blah". This has always been annoying to me. We all blame the government for EVERYTHING when most of the time, we should be blaming ourselves for whatever is happening to us. But of course, people will not be able to understand this and call me self-righteous or a know-it-all or some other name. That we should be this and should be that... Ugh. This is annoying.

I'm sooooo pissed, this is not good. One, because I shouldn't let it affect me personally and two, it's not worth it. Okay, stopping now. Switching mindsets...

Chismosa. Late na chismosa.

My sister semi-confirmed Selena Gomez' pregnancy. Semi because she used the "magical" Filipino word DAW. So being the nosy girl that I am - I am always interested in celebrity pregnancies (and deaths - morbid, I know) - I googled "Selena Gomez Pregnant" and checked the first 3 links that came up but none of them had an official statement from Selena Gomez herself. I then just ended up singing I, I love you like a love song baby! and browsing through The Superficial again after 2 years.

#38. Whenever I want to tell someone my thoughts but don't want to be interrupted, I write them a letter.

#37. To be a pediatrician was my first dream. I changed my mind in 4th year high school, when I became a part of the crew for our Dramatics class.

Let's see how long this template will last...

Edit (September 21, 2011, 10:12am): It lasted 12 hours and only because I slept. KTNXBYE.

I am having a problem with The Sims Social.

I've been addicted to The Sims Social on Facebook for weeks - maybe it reached the "months" category, I don't know - but lately, I don't open it anymore. I guess it's the fact that my Sim is too dependent on me. She needs me ALL THE FREAKIN' TIME. She asks me to lead her to the bathroom when she has to pee or take a dump, she asks me to lead her to the kitchen when she's hungry, she asks me to lead her everywhere! I mean, it's fun to play God, I gotta admit that but hello, if you have to pee, go pee! Don't ask me to lead you there anymore and then blame me if you peed on the floor where you're standing if I don't point to where the toilet is.

Ugh. This is why I am sticking with Sorority Life. At least my character there won't bug me to feed her or bathe her if she has to.

Anti-Planking Bill of 2011

I don't get why people plank. At all. Not only are they making a fool of themselves, they also cause commotion that's not necessary. Plus, they endanger themselves and other people as well, especially when they plank on busy streets.

Now, this bill that was proposed by one of our congressmen, the intention is there. You know he wants his public safe. But a law? There's far too many bigger problems that have yet to be solved and planking is not one of them. Reprimanding those who plank is enough. OA naman yung law.

Bakit di niyo nalang pagtuunan ng pansin ang mga nagmomotor na di marunong sumunod sa batas trapiko tapos sinisisi sa mga de-auto pag nabundol sila kahit sila naman talaga may kasalanan, Mister Congressman? I suggest you make an additional clause to the law that cover the motorists. Yung magpapawalang sala sa mga drayber na BINANGGA ng mga de-motor nating mga kababayan. Baka sakaling makatulong pa sa pagbawas ng masasamang balitang ineere sa TV.

A few things I noticed after watching A Walk To Remember for a hundred millionth time.

1. I think Lea Michele/Leah Michelle is part of the extras. She appears beside Landon in the first theater meeting for the spring play with blond hair. I think.

2. The "Are you trying to seduce me?" scene takes place - of all places - in the cemetery.

3. When Jamie runs away after telling Landon that she has luekemia, Landon doesn't chase her to see if she gets home safely. What if she dies on her way home?!

4. Jamie's dad looks incredibly fresh in the "I'm not going anywhere. Please tell Jamie that." scene, it looks like it's the first scene they shot with the father.

5. Landon learns the waltz from his mom but doesn't use it when he dances with Jamie on the balcony.

6. All scenes shot indoors are morning/afternoon scenes except the play, which took place in the evening.

7. Indoor shots are lit ridiculously well, they look like they're scenes from Days Of Our Lives.

Note: I wrote this in the past tense but had to edit to present tense before publishing because I remember movie reviews are supposed to br written that way. Not that this is some review.

Note2: Photos are not mine. Googled A Walk To Remember then these came up.

#36. It's my birthday today.

I've been having weird, weird dreams lately.

What does dreaming about your ex-boyfriend and his super - uhm - smart girlfriend mean? Bitter-bitteran pako sa panaginip ko last night.

I read somewhere na when you dream about something - or someone - you want it subconsciously. I read naman somewhere else that whatever you dream about, it's the opposite of what you really want. Then there are other sources saying that it all depends on the signs in your dream (e.g. vases, flowers or rainy locations).

And not only my ex, but Enchong Dee has been a regular in my dreams lately too. I don't like him in any way but I don't hate him either. Anjan lang siya. But he seem to want me so bad that whenever he appears in my dreams, he kisses me on the lips. Smack, torrid, romantic, you name it.

Sorry, I always get sidetracked by my own thoughts. So, uhm, there. What does recurring dreams and regular "cast" in dreams mean?

Finally, Blogger has an iPhone application!

Since the moment I started using this phone, I've been praying for Blogger to come up with an iPhone application and now, it's finally here! Thank you, App Store! Now I don't have a reason not to blog anymore. :)

#35. I have the urge to debate people most of the time but I usually don't because whenever I do, I give the impression that I'm a know-it-all.

Don't I have the most adorable baby?

Taken by Tatay | Sept. 4, 2011 | Eastwood Mall

#34. I decide impulsively when shopping but if 30 minutes pass and I still haven't paid for it yet, I will not buy it anymore. Even if I really need it.

I had this thought last night pa and wanted to blog about it but I got too lazy.

I saw a friend's tweet saying how you just can't give up especially when you genuinely love a person. Okay, maybe not "can't". It's more of you won't. Because loving someone means accepting him/her and working things out even if they seem impossible.

After reading her tweet, I remembered that it's the same reason I have why I don't believe in divorce. Then I also remembered having a thought not so long ago about how I love my family so much.

And then, a lightbulb. I realized why I don't believe in divorce. You love your family so much, right? Up to the point where even they broke your trust or don't deserve your love, you end up still loving them. I guess it's safe to say that majority of the people I know have had one point in their lives where they wished they were born with a different set of parents or to a different family but I will bet you all that I have anyone of those people will reject the idea of - knock on wood - having one of their family members die within their lifetimes. That right now, if they were given the chance, they won't sign the papers that divorce them of their families.

Same goes with husbands and wives. Don't make separation an option in the first place. Especially when you want him/her to be the one you're gonna spend the rest of your life with.

PS. Chico Garcia of RX and I share the same opinion and I heard him say the same things this morning that's why I remembered about blogging this. It's just refreshing to know someone believes the same things I believe in.

Cake peg for Brianna's 1st birthday/debut (Hee).

Crossing out one item from the list.

I've had this photo as peg for how my room will look like since May of last year. Now, it looks (kinda) like this. White walls with hot pink accent. I have a different bed, though. It it doesn't look as neat as this because I have a lot of stuff plus Brianna's things. The only things missing now are the mattress, sheets and the curtains. Which, now that I think about it, are the most essential components of a room. And I wonder why it's taking forever to move back to my room...

Birthday (material) wishlist. Yet again.

Since my birthday is almost here, I am posting my wishlist for everyone to see.

And yes, I will never tire of posting the same items until I finally get them.

A pair of sneakers.

Island vacay.

A shot/bottle of Patron.

Lifetime supply of doughnuts.

A coat of any color.

Striped shirt/cardigan.

This book.

Moleskine Baby Journal.

Pink 4th generation iPod Shuffle.

Pink 6th generation iPod Nano (because I want both iPods).

Of course.

I've done my part. Universe, do yours.

#33. With number 32 said, I highly appreciate men's formal wear. Except barongs. Which is ironic 'cause I want to believe I'm "nationalistic".

#32. I find guys wearing coats over casual wear hot.

How is this for a teaser?

I was browsing through my Tumblr dashboard like I normally would then this post suddenly came up and I literally went bonkers. I can't wait for season 7!

How I Met Your Mother - Episode 7.01 - The Best Man - Promotional Photos

bestcouples:

(click to enlarge) 

I don't want to jinx it by broadcasting it so...

...Oh, dear God, please do.

Before this day ends, I would like to greet my bestfriend/wingman/shockabsorber cousin, Lem.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, KUYS!  ♥

You know I love you! ☺

I have strong opinions against the president's lovelife being aired on national TV by news shows.

As I am writing this, the person I am having a debate with on Twitter over this topic is probably publishing her rebuttal now. She's working for the GMA News and Current Affairs unit.

She's telling me they didn't have any choice but to air these kinds of stories because it is about the president. Point taken. But I don't think it's proper/ethical to broadcast it on national TV. What's even more improper is to make it part of the headlines. It would've been better if they put it in their websites... Best option would be not to cover these silly, nonsensical issues and instead focus on pressing matters that directly affect the people.

Okay, maybe telling the public once of the president's lovelife would be fine. Like "Hey, the president has a girlfriend!", change topic. But Pinoys, being the chismosos and chismosas that we are, we won't be satisfied with that. Sad to say, the networks prey upon these chismosos and chismosas for profit. Sensationlized stories = more money. Admit it.

The secret to wealth is to be of more service. The juicier the details these networks give us, the wealthier THEY become. Where does that leave us?

PS. The president is not even handsome, why take interest on who he's dating?

DAPAT.

Ever since I graduated from PSI, I flinch whenever I hear the word "dapat". I started having this opinion that it is for the narrow and closed-minded people.

"Dapat" - or "should" - is used to impose or limit something. Sometimes, it feels necessary for us to use this word, especially when we feel wronged or we are naaagrabya. Parents, especially, use this word sparingly to make their points "valid" and make them feel like they are THE authority figure.

The word "dapat" confines the person hearing it to what the statement/situation is thus limiting his choices.

For example:
"Dapat kumakain ka ng gulay. (You should eat vegetables.)"

Yes, eating vegetables generally is a good thing. But you see, you don't give the person the chance to use the freewill God gave him. And whenever you hinder a person to what s/he wants to become, s/he will rebel even more. You, on the other hand, will be experiencing stress because you're driving the other person to do the one thing that you like even if s/he has a different approach to things.

The given example can be resolved, of course. How? Instead of imposing it, try suggesting it:

"Alam mo, yung gulay maganda sa kalusugan mo. Subukan mo. (You know, vegetables are good for your health. Try it.)"

This way, you are giving the other person options on what s/he should do. You are also giving him/her the freedom to choose whatever s/he thinks is best for him/her.

It doesn't end there, though. Whatever the other person decides on, YOU ACCEPT because if not, you, again, impose "dapat" into the equation by thinking that the other person SHOULD do whatever it is you suggested.

It sounds complicated but it is actually very, very simple. We just got sooooo used to the complicated.

Try it. Prove me right, prove me wrong.

I had to reschedule last minute, okay?

First because I woke up late. Because I slept in late.

Second because I don't like going to these kinds of things without completing the requirements first.

Third because I am just making all these excuses because I am too much of a wuss to actually go there.

Oh, but I most definitely will. Soon.