chari Ü

been a while!

2010-07-13T23:05:00.005+08:00

doing blogger and catching up with my ex-girlfriend, both! haha.

look how long our hair has grown since we last saw each other!

(and how little weight we've lost :P)

(poloshirt galore)

(bangs galore :D)

it will be years till i'll probably get to do a before and after take with the other kulotski.

but i'd be sure lose more of the latter though ;)

p.s. because gayle, you still don't have facebook! <3

xo, chari

HHWW

2010-03-16T23:26:00.005+08:00

I SWEAR TO GOD, GAYLE GULBE OPSIMA, YOU SHOULD GET A FACEBOOK ACCOUNT!

Or better yet, don't! :))
Hayyy pictures!

P.S. I just got your message. How about a bigger one?

amen

2010-03-07T11:35:00.005+08:00

redesigned it from reflectionof.me.

found it really cute. funny thing about women, huh?
too bad, men are from mars.
hee n._.-

.

whatsup, erap?

2010-02-06T00:36:00.005+08:00

that rhymed, huh? cute!

but i guess you're serious now, huh?

political ads should be serious, you say?

no singing or dancing? the concept being presidential?

that makes me smirk. i could have sworn i saw you in one of those movies with slow-mo running around the trees and those dancing choreography at the beach.

okay, that's besides the point, i know.

but, erap babalik na?

i think i've heard that somewhere. uhm, how about some originality?

how about "i shall return" instead?

anyway, i know you're not as dumb as those sms jokes, which people have circulated before.

but because i lloovvee advertising and marketing, i'd spell out the general idea, contrary to the neck-less interview you had during the late night news.

marketing > advertisement, as defined by answers.com are...

Sponsored informational public notice appearing in any of the communications media that is designed to appeal to a mass audience in order to persuade, inform, promote, motivate, or otherwise modify behavior toward a favorable pattern of purchasing, supporting, or approving a particular product, service, idea, or organization.

well, i'd hate to think that i'm the only person who's thoroughly enjoying the political ads this election year. despite the whole politics behind them, it amazes me how mature, and well, rather creative the television airtime have been utilized.

i'd say, counting colorful at that. persuasion on the roll!

i know it's too early, but here's Chari's Election 2010 Top TV Ad Polls Rating:

1. Noynoy

* Who would have missed the all star cast tv ad that brought in celebrities from both big rival networks ;

* To the "hindi ako magnanakaw" ad ;

* To the "Pinnoyyyy... Noy-noy jingle" ad with very cute baby james raising that right-hand L at the end;

* To the most recent with the projection of what should have been to what had happened,

I'd say great great team is surely behind him on this race.

2. Gibo

Ghad, his ads are tasteful!

* Galing at Talino with the matching dramatic lifting of the head

* The seemingly Globe Telecoms-like advertisement of him walking on the alley

* The most recent Lipad Gibo with those huge-ass planes and that great band play

Too bad the song doesn't get some recall for me, but, I should say, the administration do know how to compete in this race.

3. Eddie

Not as many ads as the rest of the candidates, but his is a classic example of quality over quantity.

Eddie tayo!

Love the double meaning. Well, I say there, my friend, is what we call recall.

4. Villar

Does he need any introduction? Who wouldn't miss his advertisements? It's all over.

A number can easily be shelved or stored down those trash bins, but admittedly, millions of people have likely hummed his jingle.

"Sha ang tunay na mahirap... nakaligo ka na ba sa dagat ng basura, at namasko ka na ba sa gitna ng kalsada, yan ang tanong namin. tunay ka bang isa samin?"

there you go.

so, whatsup, erap?

that still rhymed, huh? cute?

well, definitely not you.

god bless pinas.

what's with february?

2010-02-04T23:33:00.012+08:00

so we are friends. we have been, even then, before we used to be together.
okay, so we're fb friends, as well. it doesn't hurt to like some things here and comment some things there.

dropping by his page after seeing an approval hand with a likes this on my recent post, i saw some interesting shout-outs on his wall, jargons as few commenting friends put in - obviously those not bothering fondling with internet savvy, mr. google.

so the posts spells as,

Ik hou van jou...
12 hours ago

Jeg elsker dig...
Yesterday at 10:36am

Men seny jaksy kuremyn...
Tue at 11:16am

Volim te...
Mon at 12:17pm

i find myself actually smiling after getting the first search engine result. aha!
as kris would place it, "love love love love love"

and as i tried to remember the last conversation i had with him, i smile because i have the reason to smile. for him.
this note with or without affirmation, i smile because i think the world owes him this one, with two years' interest.

maybe it comes with the guilt feeling of having wanted to break things off first before.
maybe it comes with that constant prayer before that he'll first find another partner before you would.
maybe it comes with the fact that he is, and will always be among the few people who would always know you best.

that or simply, because i'm happy where i am right now
and who i am with that i hope him that, as well.

as my good friend Norman put it, who i believe has also recently separated ways with his very charming then-girlfriend, break-ups need not be bitter. and i say, even if you're in a relationship, you can't own someone.
rather, you can simply be important - or extra-important - to each other.

that's the beauty and complexity of love, relationship and of partnership, i guess.
it takes a lot of work.

taken at the bay Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia

♥

guess who...

2010-01-18T23:20:00.006+08:00

...'s at starbucks drinking coffee jelly?

...has just gotten his eleventh sticker?

...got his planner a couple of minutes ago!

these are just about two of the n number of guess who's that i can remember of, while the last, an sms i received just a minute ago.

i'd say playing guess who's have never been such a happy thing.

if ten weeks ago, you'll tell me that i'll meet a total stranger, as in a toootal stranger, and race for completing stickers to claim god-knows-what-goes-on-people's-heads-and-value-such-overpriced planner, go publicly smug over each seemingly-priceless-but-yep- those-overpriced stickers on facebook, and will be enjoying each other's company, talk about anything and everything over cups of fraps and whatever-you-call-those coffees...except for music...and techie stuff ;D, be each other's student when it comes to learning law and nihonggo, admire each other's (ehem) intelligence, share the same interests, envy at each other's bests, get a lot of homework undone because of too much talking, i won't even believe you.

ten weeks ago, i would not have even imagined that foundations of friendship can take root from a simple hello after being introduced the day earlier, and continue on over starbucks meet-ups.

yep, ten weeks ago i would have laughed at your face. who are you kidding?

yep, ten weeks ago, and not a day later.

while people call it fate, and others call it serendipity, i'd call it happenstance. a happy happenstance.

i'd say cheers to friendships, those that you know will be for keeps.

now, there are things that money can't buy. except for those starbucks coffee jellies ;D (swipe it!)

jai-san, i know you'll neveeerrr learn your lesson, but race you to the next sticker album, haha.

(bungot, i hope you'll find your 365)

2010-01-15T02:25:00.008+08:00

discipline.

that's what i was thinking when i was lying on the awkward section of the sofa about three hours earlier, finding my eyes drooping ready for sleep.

toothbrush, wash, and change. in proper order before sleeping.

so i find myself ghad, no longer sleepy after that cold water splatter.

whattodo, whattodo. yep, i found myself finally typing the keys.

so much stories, where to start.

so much pictures, when to upload.

so much preoccupation, how to handle.

for the past three days, i've been out of the house, listening to my high school friend bitter, reminisce, laugh, bitch and just about everything in between on her breakup. so much for starting the year, ey?

i tried to preoccupy her, even hanged on fifty-degrees tilted on top of the tallest building of the city.

i shouted at her, laughed with her, and well, listened, wishing my lame attempts matter.

silently, i wished it would have been as easy for her as I have had..

when finding oneself feeling bad, and one's office mate will just nudge you and say "hey, okay ra ka?" and it suddenly feels a whole lot lighter.

when you find yourself saying, "I'm sad..." and they would simply say "dali, i'll get you ice cream".

and i wish it would have been as easy as that when one can say that "it's happy to be sad sometimes".

emo.

it seems there's a whole bunch of people getting in that fad. jusssttt kidding, haha.

then there's that project 365 pictures, lost in meaning, until you find those who have had defined theirs.

just like sungazing's. yep, you've got to read her story. here.

toothbrush, wash, and change.

it takes discipline sometimes to get up and do them, when it could have been more comfortable not to.

go mess it up if you want.

wash, change, toothbrush?

at the end of the day, there will be you.

Rain Dance
By Julie Ziesemann

Dancing on the porch
in the rain
naked.
Who would have thought
I’d ever do that?
You stood there
afraid to move
hiding yourself.

I laughed and danced
arms reaching the sky
catching rain.
You acted as if I were
crazy as you turned around
and walked away.

You anticipated me to
follow. Your expectations
were the last thing
on my mind.

yey for holidays

2010-01-06T15:47:00.003+08:00

coming from a loooong vacation, it's great news to know they're "refreshed" for a new year ahead.
here's to a new year and to vacations ahead ;D

Philippine National Holidays:

Jan 1 (Fri) - New Year's Day (five-day long weekend from December 30 to January 3)
Feb 22 (Mon) - EDSA Revolution Anniversary
Apr 1 (Thu) - Holy Thursday
Apr 2 (Fri) - Good Friday (four-day long weekend from April 1 to 4)
Apr 9 (Fri) - Araw ng Kagitingan (three-day long weekend from April 9 to 11)
May 1 (Sat) - Labor Day
Jun 14 (Mon) - Independence Day (three-day long weekend from June 12 to 14)
Aug 23 (Mon) - Ninoy Aquino Day (three-day long weekend from August 21 to 23)
Aug30 (Mon) - National Heroes Day (three-day long weekend from August 28 to 30)
Sep - Eid'l Fitr (to be announced, calculated September 10, possible three-day long weekend from September 10 to 12)
Nov 1 (Mon) - All Saints Day (three-day long weekend from October 30 to November 1)
Nov - Eid 'l Adha (to be announced, calculated November 16)
Nov 29 (Mon) - Bonifacio Day (three-day long weekend from November 27 to 29)
Dec 24 (Fri) - Non-Working Holiday
Dec 25 (Sat) - Christmas
Dec 27 (Mon) - Rizal Day (four-day long weekend from December 24 to 27)
Dec 31 (Fri) - Non-Working Holiday
Jan 1 (Sat) - New Year's Day (three-day long weekend from December 31 to January 2)

Information relayed by Angeli :)

andy busted it

2009-12-15T09:25:00.005+08:00

i was on my hello blogger when i caught andy osbert behind my back reading my supposed-to-be- post. boo!
haha :) but i love him anyway.

anyhow, i was listening intently to colbie caillat's songs earlier, and found myself google-ing the lyrics of Older. dumdedum.

i then dedicate this song to two of my friends, whom I think this song is rather very apt to their current life stories. One would probably never get to read this, while the other would most likely text in sun. dumdedum.

Seems like nothing is black and white anymore? Here goes...

Waited all my life for this day to come
I feel like letting go, life goes on
Wasting no more time
So much to be done
Everything works out
So they say
Over my shoulder, it's tough getting older
Yeah, yeah.......

Seems like nothing is black and white anymore
Shades of grey and I feel a weight over my shoulder
It's tough getting older
I always thought that I knew where I'd want to go
Now I'm here and I find that I'm still getting colder
It's kinda tough getting older

Here before my eyes, many roads ahead
Time for me to choose one way now
If I take a chance
What lies down the road
Feeling so confused, turned round
On and on, on and on
yeah yeah.....

Seems like nothing is black and white anymore
Shades of grey and I feel a weight over my shoulder
It's tough getting older
I always thought that I knew where I'd want to go
Now I'm here and I find that I'm still getting colder
It's kinda tough getting older

Waited all my life for this day to come
I feel like letting go, life goes on
Over my shoulder (on and on)
It's tough getting older (on and on, on)
Yeah, yeah.....

Seems like nothing is black and white anymore
Shades of grey and I feel a weight over my shoulder
It's tough getting older
I always thought that I knew where I'd want to go
Now I'm here and I find that I'm still getting colder
It's kinda tough getting older

Seems like nothing is black and white anymore
Shades of grey and I feel a weight over my shoulder
It's tough getting older

so much for turning a quarter, ey?

hati tayo, that makes two :D

2009-11-18T00:27:00.010+08:00

"You don't need to search the details behind my perspective or my personality because i don't like artificial or complicated things. Life is so short so please don't make the life unbearable with your artificial and complicated things..."

"Please catch the moment and share these moments with other exact people...."

- Clementine

mwahhhh!

- chari

Objective Type

2009-11-16T17:32:00.007+08:00

What is Relief?

It's when for two days you have earnestly tried locating the missing pouch you've placed the money in - especially after receiving the credit card bill- searched all over the house, get everything tidied up and disorganized again, get scolded by your mom for it, and coming in to the office with the pouch greeting you, "I'm here :)"

What's Amazement?

When the money you were expecting to be in the pouch turns out to be thousands more than you remembered it.

...and couldn't recount what the money is intended for!

What's TANga?

Guess who? :P

two in one plus 1 happy kaarawan!

2009-11-15T10:40:00.003+08:00

we love you!

we had fun on your birthday, even if nangindian ka, egyptian man tah ka

R.I.P.

2009-11-05T23:26:00.003+08:00

Dear Spidey,

I'm really sorry I asked Mama Bel to take you out. You see, next to flying roaches,
you are the next thing that I uhm, do not really like inside the house. You were kinda
big, and those eyes? Ghad.

You scared me. I was sooo wary! Again, yes, sooo wary that you were there when I
got in. I can almost imagine you jumping on me that easily. You made my baths, by
far, my record breakers!

But thank you...

For not jumping on me as I half expected you would.
For keeping the bathroom fly-free. (Looks like I'm not the only one wary of you.)

And as I write this, I know you were as scared, and even more scared than I was. If
only for that, can we call it quits?

You were a good spidey. I'll try to be my best, too.

See you in heaven (a century from now),
Chari

countdown

2009-11-01T00:36:00.002+08:00

22:07:22:28

What do you say about work in Starbucks?

2009-10-26T23:01:00.005+08:00

I can only wish to be a barista, but no.
I had to escape the office, because if had not, I wouldn't have been productive as I was.

And get this, I was not as productive as I hoped, and I was pretty much calculating that productivity rate, or better yet un-productivity on the what would have been.

So Sir Loge, I was not lying when I said I'd go out of the office earlier to "work". I circumstance-ially missed out the part of "going home".

And Daddy, I did not lie when I texted you earlier that I will be working overtime. I semi circumstance-ially missed out the part though that it be at Starbucks, hehe.

Sooo....

I sit alone in the corner... where there's an outlet, I paid no heed to people who have literally come and gone. And... I paid no heed whether my singing was part of that equation. Yes, I was singing. Can I evil chuckle on that? Haaa :D

So here are some tips I'd like to share with you if your "office", which should have been THE venue for you to work, feels like a roomful of people who can physically and virtually poke you to ask of something and everything, which will make you want to cry.... STARBUCKS!

So here goes:

1. Reason out with your boss. Make him understand that you have already delivered the items that he asked you. Although there is one thing that you were not able to do, tell him he has also one thing that he was not able to do! You have to smile while doing this, of course.

2. When you're at Starbucks, order Sausage and Onion Quiche. This will keep you running when you consume 7 hours of Starbuck's electricity.

3. Order Coffee Jelly. No reasons attached to this.

4. Bring with you headphone. You will likely end up eavesdropping on other people, if not forced to eavesdrop on their woes about the world, if you don't.

5. Get something singing in that headphone, otherwise your attempt on number 4 will be uhm, stupid? You can occasionally swing your head up and down to drown any people's doubts if you're just being uhm, stupid.

6. Sing Cattski's songs. :) You have to be sitting at the corner for this. As you'll pay no heed to people who'll be coming and going, just hope they will equally be paying no heed to you.

So I'd say working at Starbucks is not so bad, at all.

My special thanks goes to Grace H. Bautista. What medium productivity I have had, would have been nipped off to small productivity without the help on that screen layout.

because (again), Gayle you do not have facebook

2009-10-22T00:38:00.006+08:00

What do you know of the Philippines right now?
Forty-seventh largest economy in the world
World class tourist spot
World's pound for pound fighter
Fourth best island destination in Asia
But not only that...
We are also a country struggling with many problems.
Bilions of pesos in debt
Lack of freedom of the press
Poverty
Poor health care
Corruption
Bad infastructure
Unemployment
But guess what?
All of this can still change
Because I..
You..
We have the power to make that create that change!
AND IT STARTS WITH ONE VOTE!
ONE VOTE!

To elect the right people who will lead us to starting a brighter future
ONE VOTE!
To ensure that our natural resources are taken care of and put to good use
ONE VOTE!
To trust that our children are being taught not just the good education
but love for country
ONE VOTE!
To secure that our taxes, are channeled towards the right policies
ONE VOTE!
To make sure that for all Filipinos, there's a house
That every house is worthy of being a home
ONE VOTE!
To show the world that democracy means there is food for the hungry
ONE VOTE!
To ensure that no Filipino is an alien in his homeland

ONE VOTE!
To keep the nation's best doctors
Architects
Nurses
Teachers
Engineers
Innovators
Rebuilding the nation
Piece by piece,
ONE VOTE!
That will help our country rise from the ashes
And be the Pearl of the Orient once again
A people of pride, of dignity, and of peace
The change we want may not happen right away
But what matters is that
We make a step towards it
If not us, then who?
If not now, when?

I'm voting
It's our time now
LET'S DO THIS!
We can do this
Fight!
We can do something about it
We have the power to make that change!
So what do you say?

nya, naka-register naka?

di mo kilala ang transformers?!

2009-10-12T06:47:00.004+08:00

I am an eavesdropper, occasionally, or most especially when my attention is piqued.

One of my bosses is among that particular attention-piquing interest I have had. More often than not, I can not help but eavesdrop when it comes to him.

Well, not that you can blame me. We have no walls and partitions whatsoever here in the office. And yes, you can't miss his voice. Should I add a natural baritone amplifier?

In the occasion that he roars, it would most likely be...

...one, because he's busy giving someone a piece of his mind. Yes, that used to be his contractors and carpenters during the time his house was still in the process of being built. (And yes, we actually got some feedback on the progress of it when eventually the phone calls lead to him being exasperated over his house insurance, and ultimately, when his house was finally built. It was more fun for me though on the former than the latter silence). Anyway,

...there's two, when he's happy. He roars with laughter.
And seriously?
I can't help laughing myself. If only I can roar my laughter, as well, than having to contain myself with mere giggles on my seat.

Like earlier this afternoon when he was seemingly joking off with a friend. "Nakita muna Transformers 2?(short pause) ...Di mo kilala ang Transformers?! (Laugh, laugh)"

Then just a little while back, he passed by my place - the convenience and hassles of being at the end corner.
Anyway, this time, he wasn't roaring, nor was he angry. He was actually mellow. He was on his way out to get this bento-box to the pantry. Again, he was actually mellow.
And I knew it was his daughter. Who else would he say it's okay to drink sparkling water to, and constantly having to repeat himself, but still in mellow way?

And I find it really sweet.
Although chances are, that baby girl will eventually grow up and have her daddy give her a piece of his mind later on, there was once this scary giant when it comes to subordinates, but gentle giant when he heads back home.

Yes, I was eavesdropping.
It gives me a story to remember. And few times as this, a story to write.
And although I will eventually forget whatever I have eavesdropped on, I have gotten to know that for every roaring of a king, at then end of the day, there will be a room somewhere where the mighty king is far smaller than his height... or throne.

yet again

2009-10-10T01:10:00.006+08:00

i miss you.
naa na ka uyab?
hehe.

i was sorting out pictures for posting, then i had to laugh at this one.

yes, there is a future for the philippines ;P

and then there were a lot of your faces, too!
stop making faces? hehe

i miss you my baby :)
i love you 200, too.
i was a little bit dubious if it was typo, yet again, but we'll just pretend i did understand. haa :D

i'll meet you both at starbucks next week, same time :D

under construction

2009-10-06T23:06:00.002+08:00

it's piling up.
thrill and not so.
patience will be a virtue.
:)

overwhelmed

2009-10-02T00:00:00.003+08:00

how can I help, please tell me,
because I would really love to

how can I help, please tell me,
there is so much more to do

many hearts cried while the pouring came
and all cried for it to stop

my heart cried when the pourings stopped
my heart cried when the people didn't

sad and happy, yes it can be,
overwhelmed by this and that

how can I help, please tell me,
tell me, and I would help

Let's iron this out, Pinas!

money will just come

2009-09-29T02:29:00.009+08:00

This is what I can remember repetitively telling Prinsesa a month ago for the Tao anniv.
Funny because, money really did come to meet those ends.

I'm a firm believer that God provides.
Again, I'm not the richest of all people.
By my standards, I am not well off. Then again, who'd think they're rich, right?

Anyway, I can distinctly remember years back when Daddy didn't have money one time, and I actually remember praying so hard that he'll do.
The next day? He still didn't have money.
But yes, I prayed that hard.

I was finishing up segregating old clothes for donation yesterday until I heard Daddy roaring.
Yes, he was roaring over the phone trying to get Mama to stop crying and talk to him.
I went down, and he passed the phone to me.

All those televisions shows are to blame, swear.
I have not gotten over watching the things on the news yet when it was my turn, well not roar, but ask Mama to stop crying and tell me where she was so I can get to her.

She apparently got pick pocketed while doing groceries.
Yup, two of her wallets where she separated the money in, while her bag was just on her shoulders.
You'd ask where? SM. But that is a totally different story.

Mama was crying on the phone, and I simply reassured her that it's okay.
"Ma, okay ra na, Ma, okay ra na. Mabayran ra na."
It's just money, money will just come.

My feelings were in turmoil actually.
I didn't like what I saw on the news and fb, well, I still don't.
But I felt for Mama, because if I were her, I would have wanted to wail some more until it felt better.
I would have cried without a Yao Ming, seemingly worried but, projecting anger of what had happened.
But I couldn't very well cry for her, right? Mura kog buang.

And just so Pinoy,
We eventually got to laugh on it.

I was re-telling Mama Daddy's first reaction when I told him, though still on the phone with her.
Yup, he roared again.
"Ngano wala man ni kuyugi?!" or that should be better written in capslock, ey?
I was mentally thinking, whatsup Daddy?

I was laughing my heart out while I was pushing the cart.
We transferred to another grocery store, and customer service was announcing over the p.a. system reminding customers not to leave things unattended.
Mama quipped matter-of-factly, "Nya gibilin diay nako ako butang?"

Ate Kit was the last one to know. Mama was showing her the retrieved wallet.
Later, Ate Kit was jokingly saying, "Hala Ma, nawala ako picture!"
But it apparently was there. Mama has our graduation picture copies in the wallet.
I chimed in laughing quite hard. "Ma, wala ako picture! Wala ako picture!"
And it honestly wasn't there anymore! We were laughing hard at the cafe.

And Mama said she placed it on display at home.
I should have kept that part of the story, huh? ;)

Money will just come. Yup, this is what I can remember repetitively telling Prinsesa a month ago for the Tao anniv.
Funny because, money did come in for it.
How it happened? I asked.
I went shyly behind Sir Mike while I was doing it, of course.

Money will just come. I don't know if that's the reason why I still have unpaid credit card debt.
But it honestly will.
Some pray very hard, but there goes the asking part.
And yes, there is the giving.

As I say finally go off to sleep tonight, I pray for the lives lost, and the families who have lost a lot.
And I thank God, my family is safe, and I am, as well.

God, help the Philippines.

Mailing Address: "Apartment"

2009-09-27T00:13:00.010+08:00

Definitely not Manila.
Hence, we'll be looking into the 7,106 islands instead.
How does that sound?

My Lakbayan grade is C!

How much of the Philippines have you visited? Find out at Lakbayan!

Created by Eugene Villar.

That, or 7,000 something islands ;P

And yes, this seals the deal for the trips. Promise. I wonder how long it was since you guys drafted up some plans? And never got to pinky-swear on it ;P. So here goes.

City tour shoot, and probably you can wow me to get something better than your big birdie high time ;P

Yes, yes, yes, sunset at SanRem. And probably, I wouldn't be the only one who'd be raving about it after

The meet-up you promised. Again, you promised, with emphasis. And that coffee, too ;D

If Within Cebu: Alegre ; Osmena Peak ; Island Hopping ; Malapascua?

If Outside Cebu: Okay not Siquijor ; Apo Island, Negros Oriental ; Bohol Bee Farm, Bohol ; Danao, Bohol ; Samar ?

Later, but yeah, Krabi

Four of which are set, ayt?
If this isn't enough to prove this trip is set, I don't know what is.

faMEALy day this monday

2009-09-26T02:29:00.004+08:00

Surprisingly, we were home early.
I was home early.
Purposely.
And yes, few hours ago was Friday evening, Friday evening, AND
both Daddy and Mama were out.
Funny? Yeah, and you can call it a date ;D

Ate Kit half-shouted we have to be home early come Monday.
Unsa'y naa sa Monday?
Boob tube said: Lucky Me National faMEALy day. Kainang Pamilya Mahalaga.

Soooo.. Monday it is ;D
I declared I'll buy a cake and probably have something scribbled on it.
I told Kuya about it, too.
And Ate, if you're reading this, I'll have the web cam ready!

happy, nots

2009-09-24T02:22:00.004+08:00

I am a happy owner of a macbook.
I was actually quite giddy when I saw how white it was. Doh?
When I told Andy about it, all I could reply to his question what it is was it's 13" with Leopard OS.
"Dili ba, ang specs..."
And my answer was?
Still that it's a 13" with Leopard OS.

Am I that hopeless?

Anyway, I went down the cafe earlier with the intention of grabbing some pictures of Prinsesa. Most of the social networking sites are blocked at the office.
Further, this was with the intention of having some of them printed.

To paint a picture of how many things were in my mind earlier was squeezing an hour of activity in a fifteen minute break. Yes, I was a gymnast-wannabe trying to stretch everything and covering as much space.

And there, my problem was held before me in this white coated machine. One, I do not know where the document application was, pretty much looking for the equivalent of the word document in windows, and two, I do not know the right-click function equivalent to mac to save the pictures I was supposed to grab.

If my life depended on it, about this time, I would have already been six feet under ground.
Yes, I might be a little hopeless. The half-glass full in me is still debating with the half-glass empty.

Anyway anyway, I was desperate. I wanted those pictures.
So I saw my yahoo messenger, here goes! I was actually relieved!
To my amazement, for the lack of more apt term, I couldn't get it to work.
Click, click, click. Still wouldn't message!

I changed my status message to say Chari "Needs help!" hoping someone will ping me instead.
No response. (No, I don't need a shrink, thank you)
I changed it again to say Chari "Needs Andy's help!"
Still no response.

Should I have said, really badly?

Yes, I was that desperate. I called Chris.
Hello was the greeting, I suppose, and I answered right away,
I need your help.
Choppy line. The world apparently is looking down on me with a smug expression.
Ring, ring, call back.
Tito Chris, I need your help!

Moral of that story, it's ctrl + one click on the board.
I couldn't stop mentally laughing how dire I must have sounded after his "mao ra man diay", Or something like that.

About this time right now, Prinsesa is definitely in the airplane.
It felt weird-funny seeing her finally disappear at the corner. And before that, during our last hug, I said, this is it.
I still couldn't grab the finality of it, though.
It will settle, maybe not just now, but it will.

And I'd say I am a happy owner of a macbook.
But I am a not-so-happy-but-not-really-sad-or-whatever friend of a friend leaving.
And if you'll ask me what it is, I'll say with my eyes closed, it's 13" with a Leopard OS.

this is world peace.

2009-09-18T01:41:00.004+08:00

Photo credit to this site.

I'm not the biggest fan of music. I doubt if fans would even call me a fan.
As much fuss there was to MTV Music Awards, I really didn't mind it until Ate told me to watch it.
And I say, this picture is far from being a pageant, one winning the title, while the other coming in second.
Beyonce obviously got that bootylicious heart.

hello mousey, come to trappy

2009-09-17T18:09:00.004+08:00

And I am happy today.
Yep, today was the day away.

Meet my mousey.
I requested for one about two days ago, and tadaa.

It suddenly felt like getting really giddy as I had when I got my pens and case at Powerbooks. ghad, cheap thrills.

My boss actually said we should trade,
And I actually said no. Mighty mousey ey?
I just can't help kid him how nice my new mouse is. Haha :)

(whispering) He has an old tattered-ish one.

Skittles

2009-09-17T02:03:00.009+08:00

You know when sometimes you simply want to poke your hand in your mouth
because you wake up with a headache and a wuzzy feeling after a (disgracing) two bottles of alcohol?

You know the feeling when you simply want to break down and cry it out
because you know you'd feel better afterwards?

You know when you're tired feeling sorry for yourself and just want to go somewhere
because you would want it to get you lost?

You know the feeling of wanting to run away, escape a bit,
because you would want to know who's there behind, running after you?

You know the feeling when you are feeling bad and want the world not to notice and not mind you, but actually do
because you simply want a hug? No words, no nothing, just that embrace?

Then come friend, I'll share you my Skittles.

butterfly kisses

2009-09-09T03:46:00.009+08:00

''Fathers don't want to admit it when their daughters are capable of running their own lives. It means we've become spectators.'' - Daddy of 10 Things I Hate About you

I was near tears when I heard this of the protective daddykins character of the movie I've always wanted to watch. Fine, shed some. Beats me why that earnest on that movie. Nevertheless I'm going to sleep tonight feeling rather happy about the two pictures I've found of him, in my stalking-chari-episode.

I love you, Dad :)
The right photo forever be classic, haa :D

manholes are round.

2009-09-09T02:53:00.004+08:00

So why are they round? I found it quite simple, really.
Well, that was what I first thought.
My office mate was further playing with the round thing at the edge of my table, intended for those wires only that it's loose, and waiting for my answer. It almost felt like hey I know the answer to it and boo you, don't.

Hhhmm... so why are manholes round?
I get it that it does not go through with that shape, but the boo-you-don't part of that moment told me that there are about a few boo's I have yet to hear out. Am I dumb or am i dumb?

So anyway, I was actually amazed by the other two answers:
2. Where in the world can you find a square pipe? That's actually said with a duh.
3. It's actually easier to move it around, easy rolling. Imagine lifting that lid off with the stop light as your tick-tock, and you have a square lid. That spells exciting, ey?

Boo? Funny how we think answers are simple but find out there are about a lot of boo-you-don'ts in the equation. Then again, there are about millions more more trivial than manholes being round. Useless knowledge? Nah, wouldn't have been as amused to it. It's like Ate Kit asking me seconds ago "Char, mata pa ka or nimata na ka?"

I want to be cool

2009-09-06T12:15:00.009+08:00

Around this time yesterday I was singing my heart and lungs out as I am today... in the office.
Only this time, two of my teammates are no longer around forced to have me tell them that
I will be singing one song, and forced to listen to it.

Yes, I was shouting the lyrics out, as if it would kill me to have it any other way, most part
of it closing my eyes and wiggling my head, as if it were my concert. Ohdiba?

And yes, I'm alone here at the office, and have not started on my task...yet. On the contrary,
I have a soon to be emptied liter of orange juice I bought about an hour ago at the gas station.

Hence, I am alone, with orange juice in my stomach, singing. I wish I knew how to, though,
than just belting out, or better yet shouting some lines. Or probably play the guitar, or better
yet dance?

I was at Outpost last night, and I was actually mesmerized by two characters. Yes, I was in total
awe, enough for me to wish that my next life, I will really be a rock star.

There was this girl who played the piano. I actually knew her from UP, having strut down the cat
walk about a number of times, as I have stolen some pictures of her. I think she's really really
pretty. Not the prettiest, as there easily are other models who have fine faces. But I guess, she's
got this x factor that most scouts are probably in the look out for.

Very same reason that got me glued on her playing the piano. She was sporting a rather short hair,
this time, and she was in this simple purple shirt, blue pants and brown chucks. She was actually
silent, and except for some of the shots directed on her direction that she gave this seemingly shy
smile, it seems she was pretty much just there to do her thing.

Then next, there's my good friend, Cilee, along with her band, the last performers of the night. One,
I was very happy to finally see her perform, as I had actually missed the other performances she
had and simply relished on two of their tracks I have in my playlist, and two, I did not know she was
this person on stage. She used to be our barkada clown, along with Jany, whom we always kid
around with.

Last night, I was seated on the floor to watch her perform, sometimes singing some lines I knew
of, and was actually amazed of this girl with her fingers comfortably switching different keys of her
electric guitar, often times stepping on those sound equipment I do not of, singing their song as if
everyone was not around, and most part of it, with a disheveled hair in this really comfortable chucks.

And as I sat back at our spot (of which a number of people were jealous of), I was amazed, and as
Prinsesa pointed it out, also referring to after our dive, "Dugay lagi ka maka-get over noh?"

And I wish, I were that cool.
As I told Prinsesa and Journey, they were there as if they had their own world just doing their thing. They
were not out there to showoff they had a great voice, they were there simply because... they were there.

And now I understand why singers close their eyes.

Around this time yesterday I was singing my heart and lungs out as I am today in the office. Now, I'm
considering of getting some chucks, haha. And one last time before I publish this post, with a last
gulp of the orange juice, the office will bear with me sing.
Promise chairs, I will be off to work after this. :)

hello, sunshine

2009-09-05T14:21:00.005+08:00

"At the beach, life is different.
Time doesn't move hour to hour but mood to moment.
We live by the currents, plan by the tides and follow the sun."
- Anonymous

"Are you feeling, feeling, feeling like I'm, feeling
Like I'm floating, floating, up above that big blue ocean
Sand beneath our feet, big blue sky above our heads,
No need to keep stressing from our everyday life on our minds
We have got to leave all that behind"

-At the beach, The Avett brothers

a chinese learning japanese

2009-09-02T15:48:00.007+08:00

I must be crazy. I decided to take the JLPT exam level 4
(that's Japanese Language Proficiency Test) despite other
people uncertain about it. I actually surveyed from the rest
of my office mates, and all I got earlier was a no.

I approached sensei earlier, as well and asked him if he
thinks 3 months cramming for 300 kanji and 1500 words
would work for me.

His initial reaction was, "Sou desu ne." (He's thinking)
But he said he's happy that I was the first person in line,
and he'll help me out with it.

What was I thinking? It was an impulsive decision,
believing my id, ego or super ego, that it would be a challenge.

I consoled myself that writing the characters is not as hard,
as eleven years of writing in Chinese at least has its merit.

I was sitting at Jeshell's place to discuss of the system, when
sensei messaged her. I asked her to forward it to me, although
I initially wanted to just blog about the last line.

"Daijoobu I think you're the nearest person for passing JLPT.
And examinor is only you and chelito san for Level 4. That's
why I can support you with all my force. Trust me!"

Ouch. And he couldn't even spell my name right.
He has mistaken me for my male office mate. Yes, male.
And to think I'm wearing wedges today!

Watashi wa kanojo desu (I am a girl.) I wish I know how to
say, Yes, and I have boobs, too. But not really.

Seriously though, the message was like a pin-prick,
but then I again, I seriously need a lot of work, where it is
concerned. So I'll continue to be challenged, cross
my fingers tight and see if I'd make it come December.

So anyway, other people followed suit. iduunno why I was
laughing out loud when Peter messaged me:

First Message: ni submit na ka ug form? unsa gamiton? lapis? ballpen?

Second Message: hehe... gi unsa pagpapilit ang picture? stapler or paste

Haay,what was I thinking, right?

honesty is the best policy

2009-09-02T00:45:00.005+08:00

I (actually) got dumbstruck when Gayle matter-of-factly announced
she didn't like my entries for the Invitation to Click...
because they were ordinary.

She actually was trying to do that on the previous post, but couldn't.
Thank God?

“Ha? Uhm.. Huh?” Yup, there goes my lame attempt to redeem myself.
But yup, that's Gayle.
No sugar coating as I would have had,
nor a teeny bit of hesitation as Edwin probably would.
Honest to goodness, blunt conviction.
But I re-acquaint myself with that honesty, as it is in the comfortable boundary of friendship.
Regardless if it weren't, I guess that would still be the case.

Yeah sure, Prinsesa and I go along our those petty squabbles of how irritated I am most of the time on how she constructs her sentences on sms,
or laugh how ugly her feet are, but that's just not the matter-of-factly dumb-striking one.
But then again, nor do I want it to be.
Gayle is Gayle.
That's why I miss her a lot of times.
But swear, her honesty still leaves me dumbstruck a lot of times.

Nevertheless, we go on talking about other things, oftentimes catching myself laughing quite loudly or me clapping my hands.
And yeah, I got one sale on that ordinary sunflower and bee post card. Awww?
And I love you, too Gayle! ;P

[images from kan-irag and siargao trips, earlier this year]

Note for the Sunflower and Bee Post Card:

Title: must BEE loving it

Description: Bee to the Sunflower: Hi Honey!

Now, please tell me you have sense of humor.

Long Weekend & Ber Excitement

2009-08-28T14:19:00.003+08:00

(I know it's overrated, but) Facebook
Dinner with Gayle and Prinsesa
Chances of going with Kuya on his diving this Sunday
Afternoon of lone time at Starbucks with a coffee jelly in hand, and those long overdue Digital Photography Magazines loan (long overdue, as in last year)
UP with Rick
Bath and groom jayjay
Study for Nihonggo exam (Right now, I'm stuck with Anata noh ketai wa atarashi desu ka?)
Quality time with Prinsesa
One week leave
Trip to Manila for Marie's birthday
Meet up with Ga
Tents and Bantayan / Bicyles and San Juanico
Serious thinking time of future
Creating a set goal, where there's traveling involved, specifically to Canada
Surprise event
Participation of Invitation to Click for September 5, Outpost

[ my entries :D]

P35 per post card; Organized by Beyond Art's Sakes, and proceeds will go to the beneficiaries of Tsinelas Foundation.

I think what they're really doing is cool. Buy a Card and Pay it Forward!

Families: Can't live with them, Can't live without them?

2009-08-27T22:40:00.005+08:00

I find Kris Aquino really interesting. Daddy either mimics her or curses her. I love her.
Nabuang. That is the last thing Daddy uttered few minutes ago. This all happens while Mama sleeps, of course.

This is about how much time I spend at home, lately. I try to catch up as much as I can of course, as those television shows Daddy constantly glues in.

So I lounge here at the bay window, until Daddy gets up to his room, and if I don't get asleep here, I'd claim my usual spot.

I miss this. I miss doing a lot of things I haven't done lately. Maybe because I have had too much on plate, that or I was just as happy entertaining them.

Work was bursting my bubble. My only consolation was those short trips for some McDonald's Egg McMuffins and Pancakes, and Starbuck's Coffee Jelly.

Celebration of the twenty years. It was Sir Mike's dream for a grand celebration for the organization.

He dreamt of a Sunday wherein there'll be a family day
He relates a picture of games, tents, and kids at the gathering
He further relates that in this picture, there were would be a lot of the alumni joining in, and I can only feel that hopeful wish, with a battling reality that not all people equally feels passionate about it as he

Weekend feels like just yesterday... when we're constantly on the phone getting things done and inviting people, computing how much is the cash on hand, how to go about the tokens, et cetera. It was one smooth show. I was amazed, actually. Bumps? A few, but highly negligible.

And perhaps it was again one of those times when Sir Mike was just at the corner, observing how things would go. And I know he was happy. Well, I was, very much so. But remembering his tight hug after that entrep seminar, I felt it was like the very same hug I won't forget Kuya gave me when he learned I passed that La Salle college exam... at Sbarro! And yes, all factors out, I dedicate every laugh even just for that afternoon to our big man.

Trivia:
1. There are about five people, yes that's 5 people, in this group that I would without question give up my kidney for. Get the point. The others, I might be pondering on. Haa :D
2. I think that the most intelligent people I have encountered with in this world would, come from this group.
3. It's no bullcrap when I said before I'd like making a small difference.
4. I miss Gayle, like seriously. ;P
5. I logged in at Facebook earlier. I have never been that excited to log in to see Nimrod's pictures! I felt I was crazy laughing at Yvonne's comments most especially.
6. Wikipedia spells out that the group offers sexual privileges. Up till now, Prinsesa wishes it true. Haha :D
7. It was a first time I realized and pondered, while seated in that red cute Jimney car, that yes, they're right. I have an ~~abnormal~~ unusually close-knit family, as Prinsesa stated out. And Chris Tio, agrees that he was surprised that I even entered the group.

And I speak of two families, my two families. And where I am right now, I wouldn't trade with anything in this world. Especially when you wake up in the morning with a little girl saying “good morning, tita chari”, or Kuya at the other side of the screen door holding it to keep us apart, and insisting on giving his flying kisses – only because I was just from restroom and insisted on a peck on his cheek.

Life is good. But I'm not complaining, at all.
As for Kris, I'll let Daddy do his own.

watashiwa wakarimasen

2009-08-26T11:57:00.004+08:00

I enjoyed nihonngo classes. Other than being fascinated by our sensei who dresses up as I imagine Japanese would, cool tie and all, I love how cool learning another language is.

Sensei: Chari-san wa, donna hito desu ka?
Chari: Watashi wa atsui desu!
Cha: Atsui niwatori ko desu!

Ganbatte! :)

I'm not supposed to blog about it.

2009-08-26T00:28:00.001+08:00

So I won't ;)

NOISE

2009-08-06T23:50:00.005+08:00

...that's what Daddy calls the songs I have repetitively been listening to the whole night.

I wish I can tell Daddy "If it's too loud, you're too old", but Mama has beaten me at it by saying, "Ilaha man sad ng generation, Daddy". Heee, funny :D

Up till now, I'm stuck with Cattski's performances of Hero (of their latest album) and Mental Picture of You (written by demi-god songwriter, Jude Gitamondoc).

Gotta thank the busy boy for teaching me how to play Hero ;D.
Now, if I can only get to strum it slower, play it better, and sing along while at it, I'll pretend I'm already in my next life, and think myself as a pretty rockstar. Then, I'll only wish for those frikin dimples, and dancing prowess :))

And oh yeah, be a kick-ass artist, altogether. Take for example like Berto-san who did this. Now we can share same wallpapers, I got it here ;D.

Now, if I can only get my headphones fixed, or get a new one, I can pretend I have my room back to myself, and leave Daddy my singing as a noise. Haa :D

becuase it feels like friday, that's why

2009-08-05T00:41:00.006+08:00

I'm no better than most of the students. I get rather elated when holidays are up. No classes for them, no work me. But I got to say, I teared up when Kris went crying on national tv, and goosebumps on those yellow confetti drop.

Regardless if I felt that tinge knowing that the country has lost a great leader, holidays will always be holidays, and I just can't help entertaining the idea what if, just what if. But, until that happens, I've got the present to unravel the ribbons.

Anyway, I've always been a happy blogger.
And generally? I'm a happy person, a very happy person.
I also love to smile, constantly if you meet me often, that is.
And as I wake up each day to a little girl poking my eyes, I have all the reasons to smile and be grateful.
Otherwise, I go to the comfort room, and wash my face.

Anyway, I was in the cab with a coffee jelly in hand earlier, on the way home. I thought of, one, how happy really the feeling was of that almost-feeling-like-a-Friday day, and two, that people just want to hear what they want to hear.

I've just thought of that after giving someone a skype bear hug, and giving that reassurance that things will be better in the future, somehow. It didn't matter if I was younger than she is. Nor did it matter to the rest of those I have had such intimate talks with that I was not really the best person to know of the subject - be it on love life, or the lack thereof, or quarter life crisis, or depression, or whatever.

But my reply has pretty much been standard, that things will be okay somehow, unless they decide them to be so. This is almost like a default I have even conditioned myself.

I am no wise person. Regardless if those that I spell out in our conversation seem rather smart, or just the right nudge to get them thinking, again, people just want to hear what they want to hear.

It's either like simplifying for a friend what she's really concerned of, if she's looking for something, or wanting for something to happen, or spelling out for another what would be a likely option if I were in his place. More often than not, they listen.

Okay, I kinda give out seemingly smart responses. But really, complications easily mean just tangled simplification. As I knock on my friend's shell, we both came into an agreement that I know we both know what she has to do, only that she is too stubborn and closed to the idea of acknowledging it. It takes just those simple questions clothed as seemingly-wise-but-not-really-questioning to spell it out to them.

I am not the happiest of all persons.
But as I hear a lot of people bitch, for the lack of better phrased and apt term, about life, and even myself, I am reminded of two things: action and contentment. It doesn't matter really how both are weighed out, or which goes first, but I'm pretty sure that such equation would equal happiness.

Anyway, it simply gotta be the holidays. Because it feels like Friday, that's why.

i'm folding the pages of what i'm watching

2009-08-04T01:53:00.006+08:00

When I read novels, I have this inclination of picking out words that I come upon, which are either new to me or those that interest me. What I usually do when this happens is I fold the corner of that page, making that supposedly small marker, only that I altogether forget about them and just getting that page a dent. Usually when I remember them or after seeing well, that dent, I have to re-read the entire page, and try picking out what I wanted to pick out again. Kapeesh.

Aside from Daddy's newspaper I see lying around the house, or those magazines Mama collects (that I love browsing over to look at the images), as well as the emails that greet every morning, I have not really been able to read read.

And the few times I am able to view a movie, even those .avi's my office mates send me, I am more than glad.

There's this one movie that I specifically ~~like~~ have fallen in love with. And ghad, you'll know when I extremely like it, other than me replaying on the faved parts, or not deleting the avi at all. I tell my friends about! Talk about recommendation - with much persistence at that, of course.

And before I doze off to sleep, this Dokata Skye has a dented mark on the latter part of the film, well, the one with most dent, rather.

"this is the decision i must come to myself, i just can't write this out
and accept the default answer."

"predictable does always mean boring
lust doesn't always mean love
near doesn't always mean close
new doesn't always mean exciting
different doesn't always mean better
far doesn't always mean distant
knowing everything doesn't make you wise
knowing the truth doesn't make you superior
truth doesn't make you superior
knowing your problem does not solve it
sitting between your past and future, doesn't mean you're in the present."

The duet on the latter part of the lead actors really something as well!
Enough to make me want to be a pretty rockstar in my next lifetime ;P
And you should have counted how many times I replayed that movie scene to get the lines right.
Yep, persistence!

Anyway, have I told I tell you the movie's really nice? You should watch it.

Really! ;D

rain, rain come and stay

2009-08-02T04:07:00.007+08:00

I feel like dancing in the rain!
Too bad it's 4:11 in the morning.
I know, I know, I should sleep.

But there's plenty of time for that later, after all, it's Sunday,
Then again, if mother nature would keep up with this, it would most likely be Rainday.

Not that I mind.
I love the rain! Drizzles, raindrops, and more drizzles.
Coolness of the air would most likely find me staying where I am even after everyone will give up getting me up. Now...

Rain, rain, won't you stay,
In bed, little Chari wants to lay.

Warm hug!

>>----(@._.@)----<<

P.S.
this is Potpot, I named him after Potski, because Potski was looking for some water earlier after their apartment's line was cut off of some. God is really good, ey? Now before I forget of Potpot, that's what I call human blanket ;D

P.S.2
nope not the game. har chari, haha. Anyway, that's me and cute niece, Ciel, dancing. Aren't kids just adorable?! Now, let me concentrate that sleep.

5 crazy words

2009-07-26T22:22:00.006+08:00

This is crazy, crazy, crazy! CRAZY!!!
I felt like crying half way through. If I were the bride of this wedding, this would definitely be my happiest moment!

Jason Rey skype-d me this link earlier, and I thought it was one for those blooper videos, but ghad no! You can also watch it here.

It gave just the apt meaning to the song! I wish I know some Spanish, but knowing nada didn't hurt an inch. So much love for the couple! Haii, weddings. Such timing. To think I just learned about a not-certain-if-permanent-break-up of a now, turned friend who was set to marry this year. I wish everything will go well, and dedicate this clip to well, my friend. (Note to spiller: I didn't say anything, hehe ;p)

But yeah, when and if, ghad I hope not but if really it happens I'll get cynical, I'll re-watch this video and re-believe in happy endings, or new starts :)

1, 2, 3, 4!

Its you and me moving
At the speed of light into eternity,
Tonight is the night to join me in the middle of ecstasy.
Feel the melody in the rhythm of the
Music around you, around you
I’m gonna take you there, I’m gonna take you there
So don’t be scared
I’m right here baby
We can go anywhere, go anywhere
But first its yo chance,
Take my hand come with me

Its like I’ve waited my whole life for
This one night it’s gonna be me you and
The dance floor cause
We’ve only got one life
Double your pleasure
Double your fun and dance
Forever (ever, ever)

- Forever, by Chris Brown

And can I just say it again??? CRAZY!

and suddenly I got excited because of three things

2009-07-26T01:46:00.005+08:00

Jill's post on Facebook: Custom Notebooks made by ProjectBox Inc. This is the token they prepared for me for the photo shoot I did with them for their ads. I was literally shouting SILENTLY, when I saw these pictures. And my comment on her post? A resounding "waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa" - just imagine my huge surprise and smile

(Mare, I can't wait to get them!)

Beach escape pictures from our trip to Moalboal. I posted them on my flickr account, as well, and I was surprised to see a comment from someone I was / am not acquainted with. How sweet is that? And how sweet it this? ;)

Babies, babies, babies! As I write this, I am waiting for about a hundred or so pics we had for my high school friend, Badert's baby shower! Thinking of babies, cute ones, gives me a nice tickle in the heart. Babies!

And to think I was all worked up for sleep after joining Daddy for some Nua Thai Massage! You better get sleepy now, self. Soccer action pics waiting tomorrow :)

i miss us meant...

2009-07-24T23:52:00.005+08:00

you, you, you, both of you!

This is my happy bunch, my confidantes, my family, my best friends, my then-weekend-constant-people, my coffee jelly drink mates, now turned missing "us" and looking forward to those small escapes either for yakiniku's, or formal-kuno dinner and enduring silent dessert while me reading derek write-up, or laughing out loud at Ice Age 3, or going under cover a straw hat to not get a noticeable tan while at the beach. (I know, right?)

Yep, I miss us. And my long hair. Good thing I have my camera back now. And I got that second interview. (Sorry God, I am an ungrateful toot) :)

Now, as I am about to work back on potski's scrap book, and after reverting back my template because Gayle had to create a post in response to my post because she can't post a comment, as well as Edwin commenting on that post because he can't post on my post as well, I thought of posting these lines, just for laughs. These were from my officemate slash friend, Sandy's YM status messages few days ago:

"i can see clearly now, the brain has gone."

"alright everyone, line up alphabetically according to your height"

Now you, you, you, both of you. Chill, as Gayle would constantly say, afterall, it's weekend again.
So much for the damn post. ;)

and i look forward to weekends

2009-07-19T21:43:00.006+08:00

and generally, that means Friday night, and Saturday. Because, Sunday is like expecting Monday to come, and Monday is not really something people look forward to. And I wonder why that is again. Haay, was that fast talk? Operation BDO for me (must find ways).

Nevertheless, I keep my self-motivation meter pumped up to keep me going, smiling while at it, of course. And before I own the night, I'm thinking of scribbling some notes before I the long week ahead.

Note to self: Clients are always right. If they are not, just don't argue. If that's hard enough, a meeting with your boss in it might be the solution. (Ghad, I hope.)
Yakinuku yum!
Listening to gun shots is as scary as creating that bang. Flinching will not help, but getting your instructors' well, instructions right will be. Who gets to try shooting M16's and 45's everyday right? But I swear, I killed just those white papers and iron plates :)
"Boys will be boys. And men? ...will boys." - Dr. Dan talking of our other company at the range who were surgeons, hotel directors and journalists by week, and just that by weekend.
Shooters are one happy and funny bunch. Just be a good girl and do what they say. Hehe.
Karlon is one interesting guy to talk to. It's not so often I get to ponder on what to generally to think, aside from getting mind-boggled by clients.
A definition of what is love, a question if it were a feeling or a decision: "Love is a feeling, sometimes fleeting, but staying with that someone, relationship is the decision."
Surprises are always nice. Giving them gives me the giggles, minus the wetting of the pants.
Seeing a yaya literally shoving and forcing the food on what seems to be a 2 year old defenseless kid fumes me up. Seeing the parents letting that yaya, blows me up. Now, woossa. If they think that's feeding, I'd gladly shove and force the food, and feed them myself. Anyway, I'm glad there's someone whom I can exchange places with, and have my back on them.
Sleep is scarce. Getting plenty of it gives you the headache.
Something to look forward to this week: sweldo day, fetching my camera, meeting up with Gayle, Badu, my high school friend's baby shower, and more webcam moments with my new lappy I bought from Ate Kit - who got a new lappy herself, sheesh.

Now, see me making silly faces.

This is me following Andy's expression. He's officially my new lappy's first webcam uhm, baby. Hehe. I doubt if he knows I was following him, nor printscreen-ing this one. :)

Meet Ate Kit, during our video conference with Ate. We went to the office for this one to not wake Mama, and the rest, sleeping.

Now, time for the night cap.
Good night, self. And you, sweet dreams :)

what the world has come on to

2009-07-15T23:49:00.005+08:00

And I find myself Google-ing “How do growth hormones affect adolescents?”

That my niece's, Katryn's assignment. How the hell I survived grade school back then seems to be an amazement to me. Just like my cousin of about 30ish in age equally amazed, or better yet more baffled, when his little four year old Mika asked him, “Daddy, what are chemicals?”

Yep, you read that right, definitely not forty. And just like how I manage it, my cousin had to shamefully tell his little daughter that he'll get back to her as soon as he Google-s it.

I tried answering Katryn that boys get deeper voice, while girls get their menstruation, but that's question number 5! And a simple shrug, and “getting adolescents growing” is rather far from what we anticipate the teacher expecting. God, where, really, are you?

And just like that, Google becomes a verb, much like Coleman = water jug. And the world has come to just about this, driving to four points.

The world has become a whole huge advertisement. If a product is not marketed well enough, people would not have known Google – at all. Now, how can I get myself Google-able... (hhmm)
It's either kids are becoming more intellectual, or we older people are becoming dumber. Yet again, if not for Google, how the hell can you answer your kid straight when they ask you what the hell chemicals are?!
Schools back then, and even know, teach us things we don't normally need when we grow up. We don't need to be correct word for word. As long as I know that a muriatic acid contains chemicals that are strictly not for drinking, then I'll be off well – alive.
If you can't answer your little kid's assignments straight, do you even expect them to ace it?

And now, as I go on fixing my nieces and nephew's lunch boxes, I will be off to sleep, and mentally noting not to Google myself more than you do yourself ;D.

Before I put on my night cap, save yourself the shame and remember a 4^th grade school girl's assignment's answer: “They bring about growth and cell reproduction. With this, boys and girls experience growth spurt, and the body begins to change in many ways”.

[and can I just say, God, I'm still looking for you...]

tendering resignation letter

2009-07-10T00:27:00.008+08:00

Nope, not I said the cat.
And, I spell my name accordingly, Charito Alcover Tan.

It was Done's last day of work today. My adopted cousin, tracing surnames and places of birth out of good old boredom. Anyway, It was only about sometime this week that I knew about his resignation. The wonders of eavesdropping, and well, connect the dots. Sheesh.

And then again, my thoughts wander how it feels to be on your last day of work, as I had thought of when Sir Pidit left for the land down under.

I'm rambling, I know. I do not even understand what I'm driving at. I'm far from sad, but do you call this happy?

Hmmm... seeing a friend leave, no matter how naughty and palekero he is, will always make me remember on the times, and miss it accordingly.

Cuz, gikapoy kog sabot sa imung gipangsulti sa suwat nimo sa amo ganiha! But I know you were sincere with every dialect in that long email. And I say thank you for the friendship, for looking out for me, and for the times we fought and instantly get back to being friends (ghad, I'm laughing remembering our taiheiyo IP fight :D). I'll miss you, that's for sure! Mwahmwah!

So my thoughts continue to wander on nothing. On everything.

[I'm getting busy with / excited for]
- Fetching my camera later tonight. Hope it's fixed! :)
- Organizing UP TAO 20th Anniversary Celebration
- Organizing an event to make someone happy
- Seeing how my consigning business with Chip and Mady did (weee)
- Writing and blogging more, for Ava and for dear old Chari
- Seeing Enchanged Kingdom after x number of years
- Lunch later (cheat day again.. :-t)
- Gig at Handuraw later (cil, if you you read this first before I get to text you, it's on ha :D)

[I'm worried of]
- Why I'm slacking off my work
- Getting motivated again
- Sir Mike
- Getting the credit card bill (dreadful of, more appropriately)

[I'm wishing for]
- The call. I've never prayed so hard for something in a looong time
- Sir Mike to find solutions to his UP problems
- Myka to come back home here in Singson

and sometimes, I think I'm superman.
but I guess, superman gets tired, as well.
damn kryptonite.

Random

2009-06-23T23:37:00.006+08:00

I feel the world is spinning on and on, but I want to keep it spinning more.
If I can only add more hours to a day, I'd keep the sun shining!

Too much facebook-ing. So I thought of bringing fb here.
Here's my Top 10 status messages for tonight.

Charito A. Tan

...imagines Myka saying "Go away Tita Chari's tummy, go away!". Gym first day high!
...needs to sleep. Surprisingly excited for work tomorrow.
...was happy to see Gayle earlier this afternoon! Wishes she'll get by.
...misses being called your li'l miss sunshine.
...excited to 'go back to school' this Friday. Ice tea on me ;)
...is wishing Macau trip with cousins would push through! Plenty money, where are you?
...feels uneasy. weird.
...thought of buying umbrella earlier. Rain, rain, come and stay?
...will be starting some writing stint come Thursday. Thanks Gayle, Hello Ava! :)
...misses you :(

Comment Like

If all kids were banned from asking why

2009-06-17T16:40:00.008+08:00

The world would be a peaceful place.

Can you imagine that?
No more constantly expecting another why every after explanation,
No more running out of reasons for explaination,
No more, after running out of reason, just say "just because",
then asking the poor lil kids to stop asking why. Haa :)

But then again, if I were to choose that peacefulness over the happy exasperation from a child's innocence, I'd go for the noise.

Why?

Here's why..

Meet Myka!

She is our kulit bulilit;. She's the daughter of my cousin, making her, well, our baby! She's one of the reasons why Daddy smiles more often, and that the house is crazily but happily turned upside down, et cetera.

She is our little mermaid, who loves to sing, as well! Most of the songs I do not even know myself. New songs that would consider her to be "in". Sucks to be me.

She repetitively replays the favorite portions of the dvd she is watching. After the nth time of this, of course, Mama asks her to stop because she would likely ruin the dvd, or the player, or both.

She loves books, but more often than not, wants to have the story told to her than reading them.

She loves to make faces. Half of them are weird.

She's so so so adorable especially when she likes to be one. Otherwise, she's best left alone and be a brat at the corner. Children!

Here are the pictures of Kuya playing around with Myka. I mean Super playing around!
I had to post these sets because I was laughing really hard the first time I browsed them!

Both instances, Ate had to urge Myka to get back at Kuya so she that she'll stop crying!

Haaay, Myka!
I wish my future baby would be as adorable as she is! Hee :)

Excerpt of my future story of the 4D movie adventure (Dinosaur Movie):

Reena, my other niece: I'm scared...
Myka: (the copy-cat) I'm scared!

Myka: Kuya (referring to the movie house attendant), can I shout?
Kuya: Yes, you can baby.

(lights were turned off)
Myka: (shrieks)
Everyone: (laugh)

Myka: Tita Kit, I'm scared! hold me ha? Hold me tight!
Ate Kit: You don't have to be scared! I'm holding you already.
Myka: Go away, dinosaur, GO AWAY!!!

Haaay,
why is that again? :)

I hopped in for the ride..

2009-06-17T00:45:00.004+08:00

I was very excited for that, have you ever known?

The wheels started turning, and the music tuned
Slowly you drove us to the place,
I can vaguely remember which way you took

At the corner of my eye, I noticed.
I knew you knew I'd notice

I asked if I can hold it, I thought you wouldn't mind,

Damn cute balls,
I said that, you only chuckled

I asked if I can touch them, I thought you wouldn't mind,
Jiggle, jiggle, and only more chuckle

I scooped in.
I had to say it again, damn cute balls.

I asked if I can shake it
Just one last time, and I thought you wouldn't mind

I'm sure I'd miss them when the ride is through

But you were such a thoughtful creature...

You surprised me,
And I was more than surprised,
To have my own ambi pure to bring home that night!

I thought, maybe, just this once I'd get playful with a post, I thought you wouldn't mind! Hee :)

Everyone, meet my cute ball fresheners. I have yet to name them individually, so until then.

Anyway...
I was toying with Gucci's ambi pure during the drive around the city. They smelled really nice! Madeline even had to ask what the sudden smell was when I shook them against the aircon. I fell in love with them right at that minute!

And get this! Gucci was sooo sweet!
I was joking around that when I get back here in Cebu, I'd find myself my own ambi-pure. Although I have yet to get a car to place it in, I said I'd put it in the restroom! That is said with a big L on my forehead, hehe.

So there!
The bathroom now has a lilac ambi pure air freshener! Haha.
Madeline said they had to look around for a number of car stores before they got successful. How sweet is that! All the more I was rooting for Gucci!

Thanks Gucci-boy ni Mady!
Hear the wedding bells ringing, ayt?

oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
(smell that? ;D)

Now what is that again?

2009-06-16T19:42:00.005+08:00

“Smile - It's the second best thing you can do with your lips.”

[smiles of ela, jany, madeline, gucci, seleena and me from last Manila visit.]

I bet you read that again, did you?

Because I did!
Now smile!
There's a whole lot of reasons to!

Smilingly yours,
Chari

P.S.
Now, now, be careful..

“If a man smiles all the time, he's probably selling something that doesn't work”
- George Carlin

make love not war

2009-06-10T12:58:00.006+08:00

Suddenly while I in the middle of database design completion for three o'clock design review, I received a text from Kei, my high school friend informing everyone that the dinner would be moved to this Friday.

Like a eureka moment with a matching bulb over my head, a sudden realization dawned on me.

So here's the thing...

Two of my closest high school friends declared war last Thursday. It was a phone conversation that went straight up to fuming of tempers.

As I have always been, since High School, I play the middle ground. I tell you, being in between is far difficult than taking sides.

If it were a political point of view, you'd be in the cross fire. Sucks to be me.

Anyway, my philosophy has always been not to take sides. In the same way that if it were me having a disagreement with anyone, it would most likely be between me and the person who's waging war with me, or me bombing away. Howerver, only mine would have no newspaper publication, whatsoever. I call it cold war. Hehe. How can the world take so much drama?

Though I am very loyal to friends, I realize I'm the ear.
...Not the peace maker.

So there, I got myself an action plan.
Operation let there be peace :)

Angels in heaven, help me.

i love weddings

2009-06-09T22:17:00.008+08:00

As every fairy tale book is opened, I am this little child smiling even after it is closed.
As every penny slips from someone's pocket, I am this little girl eager to count it as lucky.
Like every dream yet to be dreamt, I am this hopeful that the night will be mine.

The fourth day after my baby ced took his flight down the floor, I had a D80 in hand and happily shooting. I was invited by J(y)osi to his wedding at Microtel at Mactan Island, Cebu - and a loan of his D80 as a bonus. It was definitely one of the happiest simple beach weddings I have attended, and perhaps I was one of the happiest persons with a camera that afternoon.

I love looking at nice wedding pictures. I love taking them myself as well, if I could and if I can. Perhaps of all genres in photography, I'd say weddings would be the scariest. It would rest upon the photographer's shoulders to capture perhaps one of the longest dreams of most girls, and of course, guys. With about half a dozen more cameras that afternoon, I'm hoping that one of those that I have captured will be something they would love looking, thinking it's nice.

As my sister constantly tells me, "char, take nice pictures of me ha? kanang candid."

With a mental note in mind, I place Josi and Jaja's wedding after Steve and Ate's in my imaginary wedding list. Simple and happy, hopefully with a rainbow with that.

P.S. One of the sites that I occassionally follow is MangoRed, team of two brilliant crazy brothers (along with their team) who specialize in prenups and weddings, capturing Filipinos, and the rest of the world. I'd wish for a rich husband as well in my imaginary notebook, rich enough for a MangoRed coverage. :)

*cling, cling, cling, cling*

I'm back. without virus I hope

2009-06-08T22:50:00.008+08:00

I still have my stuff left unpacked - that or left to gather and bring inside the cabinet.

I'm home! Nothing really beats that noh? Despite how much I grew accustomed to sleeping in literally different beds, going from place to place with only a drawn map in yellow pad in hand, and falling in love with friendship and partnership, I actually feel more safe. (Or safer. Same difference?) Must be that this time I wouldn't have to outwit over-charging cab drivers, nor get paranoid over one cough to be swine flu virus.

Anywaaay,
That weekend felt longer than it actually was, idunno how that happened as it should have been the contrary. Mady mentioned that and I can only agree. Credit goes to Cebu Pacific low fare promo of course, and well, my boss for the leave approval.

For what, you might ask?

[images from last April visit.]

Pollution nor traffic can deter my happy spirits. Although hating over-charging cab drivers all the more, I guess I will always love going back to the capital.

With no actual particular plans set, I tagged along Madeline and Jany, joined by Gucci-boy and Ela tagging along whoever, hehe. Endless pigging out and going around places, I got to know each other's partners and fell in love with them in the process! As it is, both Gucci and Ela captured my heart, and I can only wish everyone to be happy and in love :)

Sigh.

I have soooo much memories to remember for that trip, and as it would go, it would be the nth time for me to whine about missing my camera! (I am forgetful, am I?) A trip to Cubao Ex even made me think if I should go lomo...

Wouldn't that be exciting? And well, expensive.

Anywaaay, so here are my new discoveries from that trip. I'll probably post other details next time when I get a copy of the few pictures from Ela's phone and Gucci's cam.

To visit:

1. Cubao Ex (short for Expo)
This is near Gateway Mall. If you love vintage and anything unique (short for weird, hehe), then this place is for you. There were a looot of artsy fartsy stuff I wish I could have brought home! Spells expensiiiveee. Jany and Seleena said that it was like Outpost here in Cebu, only more artsy.

Idunno if I can describe that as that though, but I'd say it's like a square village with outer-corner houses, as well as those in the center, wherein knocking in each door would be a surprise.

Seleena said I should try the drink with yakult in the mix at I love You store. Although I have yet to remember the name, I'd half agree with Seleena when she said it's gastronomic experience.

2. Malls
This is everywhere! Hehe. I have only a few more to visit to complete the list but it wouldn't be Manila if you don't get to drop by even one of them.

List as far as I can remember right now: Rockwell, Trinoma, Bonifacio High Street, Glorietta, Ever Gotesco, Glorietta, Edsa Shang, SM MOA, SM Megamall, Landmark, Star Mall, whew.
Added to this list: Gateway and Mall 168 (Divisoria :D)

Tag: Endless walking, endless spending, comfortable footwear needed

3. Palladium
This is Mady's and her family's place at Shaw area. Although it would require you actually knowing someone from the village, I can only imagine the potential of the place for photo-op, hehe. The Europian structures, as well as pillars were lovellyyy.

And Ate Jovit's room's shower? Extra lovellyyy.

4. Glorietta: Food
The afternoon on our arrival, Gucci treated me and Mady at this Buffalo wings resto at Ortigas area. Although the food was really yummy, I couldn't help answering Jany's question where I'd like to have dinner with "somewhere there's rice!" Hehe :)

Sooo...
That's Recipes for me. Dinner was reaaaallly yum. (It's a Pinoy resto serving rice, hehe.)

Then there's Cold Rock. I soo felt like Prinsesa that time uttering "happy!" endless times after seeing all the goodies. (It's an ice cream store where they mix in your choices of ice cream and add-on goodies - as chocolates, candy sprinkles, butterscotch, et cetera, and molding it into a high-calorie but yummy treat)

Try something new:

a. Try the scratch and win lotto. Probability of winning might be close to null, but nothing beats believing in luck sometimes. Hehe.

b. Play a board game even without knowing the rules. You can always make your own!

c. Ride LRT and MRT with only map-drawn directions as guide. Adventure anyone?

d. Play with Gucci's car freshner with these tiny balls, get really fascinated with them, and get happily surprised when he gets you your own :)

To be continued...
(sleepy)

life of the party is rebooting

2009-06-02T02:15:00.010+08:00

I used to be so technically inept. However, because of my work, I have had more patience, and although I have not entirely mastered the craft, I say I'm all good.

It's about two in the morning, and I wonder why I'm sleepy in the morning. Kapeesh. Anyway, I have overlooked my inbox in facebook, which now says 58 messages.

One of which was an album post notice and comments from Bookie and Dondon saying how nice it is, with Ate's album "my last summer" noting:

"so if (or when.. hehe) my memory fails me, these pictures will be my bitter sweet reminder. good times!
yes, im already doing a countdown :D soooo excited!!!"

With a compilation of pictures of her friends, and family, us :)

Ate will soon be leaving for Canada. She will be joining my brother-in-law and their little big boy, Josh. It has been one year since they were happily wed. Although I can only dream of riding that long-hours plane ride abroad, I can only wish of that life-long happy ride to family, partnership, and craziness. Haa :)

My tribute to the party girl who will be signing off to log in to a winter-cold temperature happy life.
To the girl who:

1. sleeps with her mouth open. Haha :)
2. dances like there is no tomorrow, more often than not with a drink on her hand ;)
3. smiles with her lagus showing.
4. sings, and shouting the verses, with me - however out of tune we are
5. jumps up and down during new year's eve, not because she believes she'll grow any taller, but because it's tradition, and traditions are nice.
6. cheats height and wears about 3 inch heel shoes.
7. loves salvaro.
8. eats a lot, but does not get fat. unfair.
9. thinks Steve grew fat, but loves him anyway.
10. gets her way around me, calling me chariot, with that waving ym smiley when we chat

I love you, Ate! Get Daddy and Mama cute barikdats and joshuas.
Mwahmwah!

i'll be doomed tomorrow

2009-06-01T00:21:00.007+08:00

I am a perpetual procrastinator. I blame it on Boys Over Flowers, finishing 18 episodes during the weekend.

whattodo, whattodo...

I have about 10 items on my to do desktop sticky note.
ghad, help me tomorrow.

Times like this, I wonder if I can escape work.
Get a new one? Break free?

[Images taken last May 22. He tends to get away from from his make-shift leash, for the lack of better term because I am already sleepy. I'm usually the tasked person to run after him. Just like Kuya telling me to up clean Jayjay, and that he's giving him to me, when I said he should clean jayjay's poop because it's his.
P.S. I covered his eyes on the last picture, bad attempt at doing without the red eye glow.]

finding our niche

2009-05-29T23:34:00.007+08:00

In a family of about, what? 50 cousins, it's impossible to find peace during gatherings! Let alone order! It's a happy riot, nonetheless.

Survival of the fittest.
Scream, shout, do anything to make yourself known.
As they say, you are unique, just like everyone else.

That spells "niche".

Anyway...
Honey and Ate Kit were talking about how they have been (perpetually) mass readers.
Achie Bing semi-complained that she has forever been a bridesmaid (and never a bride?).
I fully complained that I was never a flower girl in any of the weddings that they had a part of. (Tawn pud.)

And Marba? She just grunted at us.

She used to scream a lot before. (Stuck feet in the car, "Call the doctor, call the carpenter...")
She used to quarrel me a lot before. (Gives me a looot of reason to fight back! Haa :D)

More than what she used to be before (although she still screams a lot), she has definitely found her distinctive niche... that make us unworthy, haha :D.

This is a taste of what I was meaning. Passion and love.
dance dance dance :)

I almost cried after this performance! It was beautifullll!
Unless you are really keen, you wouldn't even notice the slip!
I love you Marba! I am very proud of you! Mwahmwah!

[Images taken last May 23, 2009 at Noi Dison's Wedding using Donzki's P&S]

and did I just say number 6?

2009-05-25T17:56:00.011+08:00

Hehe. I am smug today. I like to be smug sometimes, especially on few occasions that I can. Smug smug smile with that!

I have personally told only a couple of people about this site. I feel that I still need to place a loooot information about previous travels that would compose this travel blog that it is supposed to be.

But anyway, it brings a smile when people say nice things about what I am currently enjoying - besides taking pictures. Rambles, but nonetheless keeps me virtually present.

James emailed me saying this is a good start. He is currently connected with a big local company that I'm not sure if I can mention. I always smile when I see him because I can remember Mr. Miyagi of Karate Kid. (You're not born in the 1980's of you don't even get a recall!) Anyway, I have visited their office a couple of times, and the rest of the guys have been really warm. One of the things that they share is enthusiasm for great pictures. Jeff, one of the other guys there even taught me few tricks on curves (pp). Then there's Orville and Christian that I have worked with in few projects. I also smile when they kid around at their office, distinctively saying "Allrriigghhtt" and calling each other with pet names.

Soooo...
on from getting side-tracked, I was supposed to come up with a review of public comfort rooms of the places that I had and will be visiting - as suggested by James. I told him I thought it's a great idea,and that when and should I get to have the joomla site up, I'd have that section, and name it "James's Corner"!

Second off, I got a message from Norfelly.

Chronicles of a professional photographer wannabe! yahu! :)

He got married a month ago at Argao, down south of Cebu. I was among those surprised but very much happy to receive the invitation. He's one of the first logic designers in the company, and he remains grounded despite his expertise and responsibilities. If there's one thing I wish for him though, that would be not getting rattled by any unexpected circumstance. Hehe. Picturing it out, type in ":-SS"in YM,

Anyhow, I told him that my presence would be my present for this wedding! Having my cam with me at that time, I fell in love with the place and captured as much as I could. I love how dramatic the church was, facade and more so in the inside! Frescoes! I doubt if someone ever visited the place and didn't sigh looking up.

Here are some of my favorite captures.

[Images captured last April at Argao, Cebu]

Other pictures here. Congratulations again, Norfelly! Cheers to simple celebrations, and new beginnings! :)

P.S. I just got outside the office and saw the looming horizon, setting for for the day.
The shades of blue were loovveelly! Missing my camera, though.

Top 20 Things That Make Me Happy:

2009-05-25T01:34:00.007+08:00

I find myself unable to catch sleep. Feeling jet lag :)). What with waking up three in the afternoon! Anyway, I find myself blog-hopping in multiply, and on Bianca's (Gonzales - yep the celebrity) page. When I started out months ago, I found inspiration from her writing. If anything, I find few things in common with her, as her...

Writing Style. She's a list type of blogger, than the narrative paragraphs one.
Travels. She likes to go around and travel new places.
Interest. When she travels, she makes sure she gets a picture taken - with her cartwheeling in it. (Only I'd dream of being able to! So I'm very much content with posing beside a kilometro.)
Pictures. A little kid in me, I find picture books more interesting. Although I've grown to love Judith McNaught like - thick novels, I'd say I'll forever be a picture book girl.

Anyway, I've came up with my own list of top 20 things that make me happy.

1. Rainbows
2. Capturing "nice" pictures
3. Short trips or long travels
4. East West's Mango Sushi Crepe
5. Family gatherings, especially when everyone's complete (or almost)
6. Getting commended with my work (work work, or not work work. Haha)
7. Friends
8. Beach!
9. Birthdays and Christmases
10. Accomplishing my tasks for the day
11. Hearing from someone that I look pretty :)) and knowing they are not lying!
12. Seeing my (toe) nails clean
13. Coming up of eat-able food for everyone
14. Chocolates
15. Surprises. Giving or receiving them
16. Pretty landscapes and picturesque scenery
17. Chick flicks and feel-good movies
18. Proving someone wrong, or proving I am right! Evil grin with that! Hehe :)
19. Skype's bear hug and demure laugh
20. Ordering coffee jelly, and seeing my name spelled right

[Isn't the rainbow really pretty? The girl at the center is prinsesa taken at Portofino, with the rest of the pictures randomly selected. Lower right picture with high school friends taken from Kei's cam.]

"it was long overdue. and not easy to do. but i have learned,
as should you, that one has a choice to be happy. and take away
toxic people people in one's life who do not share in one's
happiness :)"

From one of the email exchanges I had with Ate. It sounds poem-ish, but I believe that was not purposely rhymed, but getting the point across that yes, there is nothing wrong if you sulk and get sad and even get depressed, but it is greatly your choice if you get yourself winded up in it after a looong time.

the boss gets what the boss wants

2009-05-24T22:32:00.005+08:00

As I'm watching Judy Ann & Ryan's Wedding Special (the making episode), I'm laughing with the friends of the couple, as well as the couple go about the preparations and arrangements.

I wonder if they can count how many laughs people belted out in that episode, I'm sure it would be a headache! Hehe. Although Papa Tito was complaining how long it was, among other things, I thought it was really cute.

They wanted a happy secret wedding, and they got it.

Same went for J(y)osi and Jaja's beach wedding that I was invited to last week Sunday, as well as Noi Dison and my new cousin-in-law, Ellen's, yesterday - only crashing out the secret part.

Like many others, I love love stories, and I love happy endings (or new starts?). :)
If I were getting married, I'd like mine to be a mix of those that I have attended, but definitely keeping it happy as a common denominator.

Anywayyy...
Jill, sent me a message that the ad was published, about two weeks ago? I've lost track of time, and I guess I have been kinda busy not to have scanned a copy of the actual ad. I still have yet to get my own copy from her, which reminds me!

Anyway (again), her boss wanted some color splashed on the ad. Although my favorite of the two lay-outs was not chosen, I'm still as glad that one of my two favorite pictures was.

Boosting my confidence in capturing pictures a level notch higher, here's the second ad that I had laid out for Pueblo El Grande Ad.

And here's the image that went through publishing. Isn't she pretty? Haha :D

Mare, as I told you through text, the boss gets what the boss wants.
So no worries, we'll be bosses some time. :)

Full House

2009-05-23T01:51:00.001+08:00

I come from a big family.
I come from a very big family.
I come from a very big and happy family.
I come from a very big, happy, and loud family.
I come from a very big, happy, and very loud family.

...et cetera, et cetera? Got the point most probably on the second line. Ha :)

Summers before were spent at Bogo.
Not "usually" nor "more often than not".
That was how it used to be before.

Daddy has about nine siblings. So I guess one can easily imagine the branches of that, and even
the branches of the branches?

Loud voices, boisterous laughs, getting really excited even just passing by the "Welcome to San
Remigio" signage, kuluk kulok...

Even while I'm typing off right now with everyone asleep upstairs, and Marie mindlessly talking
in her sleep beside me, I'm smiling. I can distinctly remember the smell of Elf - the orange truck
that we got us from and to Bogo, with everyone crammed in the cushions spread out at the back.

Thinking about it now, I can list endless notes about what and how I remember how it was before.
And...

Thinking about it now, I'd make a mental note to do it one free time!

[Images taken last night after dinner, with ate and noi bebe's camera]

As Papa Tito explained to Steve weeks ago during the Manila family gathering that well, the gathering,
is and will never be completed without the, now tradition, pictorial. Although I still don't have my
camera, Noi Bebe compensated for such misfortune! Nikon D90, drroolll!

As the saying goes, you can choose your friends, but not your family.
Not that I mind getting forever stuck with this one! :)

Who Doesn't Love Kids?

2009-05-20T23:17:00.006+08:00

If this were years earlier, I'd say there's Gayle. And if I consider earlier this Monday in the
factor, I'd say there are about a million others. Only going down the point that:

Many may love kids. But not necessarily their own.

So I ponder on that.
Apparently, I have no kids of my own yet. So I'd say, I definitely love the rest that I've come to
encounter with.

I'm back in Butuan for a two-day work presentation. Earlier this afternoon, I was walking back here
in the inn from the client's office - seeing a mother of two playing kids who returned my smile.

Wweelll, I'm friendly.
And a few steps passing them, I heard the older asked the mom? "Kaila ka ato, Ma?" With the
younger chiming in, "Classmate toh nimo, Ma? Classmate toh nimu?"

Nalingaw ang isa ka naglakaw na dakong bata. Heeee :D The innoncence of kids!

I can even remember Myka asking me inquisitively, "Tita Chari, why do you have small boobs?"
Wapak. Such innocence.

So anyway, Kim sent me the copies of her song, together with her niece, Keisha's banana cue
camote cue!

[Random Other] My things to do for the coming days:

1. Gayle's Assignment for me: Give a "maybe" in her "Life is simply a yes or no."

2. Finish Potski's / Don's last pages of the scrap book before his birthday next week. While I'm
at it, I better make it really good.

3. Upload unposted pictures in muliply. And with my the family gathering for Noi Dison's wedding,
as well as the Fiesta, I'm sure to get some more lined up in the pile.

And banana cue makes my day

2009-05-15T00:40:00.009+08:00

As I was momentarily stopped from working, I was browsing over entries of my multiply contacts, stumbling upon Kim's new music post.

She was this silent girl I met during Pinoy Po band shoot earlier this year. She was just keeping to herself that afternoon. But knowingly or unknowingly, she drew attention to herself. It was either that looong straight hair, or her easy smile, or a pretty face with a guitar, or that simplicity.

[images taken for Pinoy Po! 2009, February]

Everyone fell in love with her voice when she sang that February night.
I mean, it's not always that you hear a voice so smooth despite a lot of videokes around the corner, right? Hee :D

Anyway...
She posted in her description, referring to one of her two posted songs:
"Keisha kept on bugging me, she wanted to sell banana cue to you guys. She just came up to me and said "magsing ko. baligya ko." "

Then, shrieked this little cute voice:

Banana cue! Camote cue!
Banana cue! Camote cue!

it was never ending chant until she grew a bit tired and her voice faded,
then she was shouting again from a distance.

Cutee! Swear, I've been smiling for almost half an hour replaying her number over and over!
Banana cue! Camote cue!

Sayang, I couldn't post the song here! I would have loved to download it, but limitations of mutliply. I messaged Kim how funny I thought her little niece was, and adorable! She mentioned where I would want her to send the songs!

Sooo...
When and should I get a copy of it, I would make a video out of it so that it would be uploadable here.

Sayang also her account is only for her contacts, it would have been accessible here.

Anyway, I'm listing the people on top of my head right now whom I vowed that I am their number 1 fan! Hehe.
[And here goes]
1. Sili (and her band)
2. Balde ni Allan
3. Angelai
2. Edzyow
3. Kim
4. Keisha :)

Love,
Frustrated Singer,
and Banana cue Camotee cue lover

Still hates gravity

2009-05-14T00:16:00.011+08:00

....or should I say REALLY HATES GRAVITY?

That has been my status message for the whole day.
And few asked at fb who baby ced it, and I grow more sad by the second.

My camera is now in Canon Service Center at The Gallery, Mabolo.
He's gonna be in for about 3 weeks, the attendant informed me. And that would only be the checking up. Should there be any damage and (ghad, I hope not) any part replacement, it would likely be another 3 weeks. Looks like damn gravity did not only do damage to mine, but to the rest that's lined up.

I pleaded and even did my pouty look and puppy dog eyes on her, which I must say that I did not do intentionally. I have intended to use it this Sunday at Yosi's reception party, and Noi Dison's Wedding. Can I cry now?

:(

Honeypie said that she knew a friend who had a Nikon fixed, and *caching* at a lesser price. But I'm keeping my fingers crossed and pray there's some way it can be ready, even at least by next week Saturday.

Although, if there's anything that came out good from this, it would likely be proving Gayle (and Auntie Letty) wrong that there is indeed a Canon service center here in Cebu. Hehe.

Anyway...
Still, I'd rather be wrong, as long as my camera will be okay.

Ghad, help me.

Mailing Address: Butuan City (and Gingoog City)

2009-05-12T00:34:00.008+08:00

Dear Butuan Friend(s),

I'm back in Cebu! Like other places I had visited, I sadly said
"Bye Butuan...". It's weird, but I honestly felt attached to the
place, and I guess what with my one week stay. But I've got to
say home will always be sweet home :D

Searching the Net, there wasn't much attraction until I got to
go around the city... and amused myself! Hee :D

Surprise surprise! My wish was certainly granted. And my search
for a Butuan friend? Was I kidding myself when I said that? God
definitely loves me!

[images taken from flight to butuan and some from my room at julien's inn. yum chocolates from auntie joy!]

To My Butuan Friend: Lonely Planet

Thank god, I borrowed you from Rick :) Although there were
a lot of details that were no longer applicable, and a lot more
that I'd definitely add, you were such a gem.

[the last image is the Agusan Marsh that the province boasts of]

Destination: City Cafe, Almont Hotel (Formerly Big Bowl Restaurant stated in Lonely Planet)

I had to go back to the centro for this (and this was the place I
wanted to drop by on my trip around the Rizal area.) This time
I was still in shorts, but I've got a neater top than and sandals.

Place Rating: Great (kinda posh-ish, with great lighting and interiors,
with an piano accompaniment to add the hotel-ish ambiance)
Location Rating: Great (it was easily accessible, and there it was the
outside was safe enough for me)
Food Rating: Okay (but nothing more than the ordinary, but I must
admit it looks good in pic, diba?)
Drinks Rating: Great (just the right sweetness)
Dessert Rating: Great (I guess you can never go wrong with a plate
of fresh fruits)

[images taken at city cafe, almont hotel]

To My Butuan Friend(s): Kuya Tricycle Driver
Destination: Diosdado Macapagal Bridge

I was counting how many cabs were running around the place, and
they weren't much. I was told there were about only five, and I must
say that it was super nice that there are many of you who were
readily available.

Observations: All of the tricycle units that I have seen have "Butuan
City" labels at the upper front; The units come in two colors with
majority in bright orange, and few in lime green.
Place Rating: Nice (There were a number of food vendors, as well)
Ride Rating: Super Great (Very affordable, and Kuya did not take me
some other place, kidnap paranoia, Ha :D)
Kuya Rating: Super Great (Very accommodating, and he even agreed
when I asked him to take a picture of me with a kilometro, wee :D)

Trivia: I was told by Sir Sammy that it apparently was a white elephant
project as there were only few who go by at. I'm not sure how true it
is but the other side is said to be a dead-end-ish.

Nonetheless, I was super glad that I was able to catch the sunset. With
30 pesos fare (and a tip of an additional 20), it was an adventure!

[images taken at diosdado macapagal bridge, butuan city; the lower left picture is my favorite shot.]

To My Butuan Friend: Sir Sammy
Destination: Uncle Sam's and Goat to geder

Food Trip! I mean, free food! Hee :D Although you claim to have not
visited other places in Butuan that I was able to discover, you definitely
knew the best eating places. Uncle Sam's really boasted the crispy
beef thingee, and Goat to geder the yummy Kaldereta and those other
orders, which names I have forgotten.

Sayang I didn't have the camera with me during our Goat to geder pig
out. Hmmm... Did I just say that right? Ha :D (No ironies intended.)
Sooo... maybe next time.

More than those dine outs, I would honestly count myself lucky if I do get
to work with you again. Or should I say FOR you? ;D

[images taken at Uncle Sam's Restaurant, with a stolen shot of Sir Sammy at the upper left corner.]

To My Butuan Friends: Lotlot, Lalang and Upaw (the kid chicharon vendors, who became my instant models)
Desitination: Butuan Regional Museum (unlike what Lonely Planet details, there wasn't any entrance fee)

Butuan is said to have existed centuries ago, even before the Philippines
did exist! Surprised? I was a bit pondering on that claim. But hey, they
have archaeologic and ethnologic artifacts to prove that. I would have loved
to take some few shots inside, but I was a good girl that I supposedly was
and didn't even steal some captures, hehe. You guys proud of me? Hee :D

The archaeologic was a bit spooky for me, admittedly. I guess it had a lot
to do about the skulls and the remains display at the end of the room, but I'd
love to take some of the bead accessories, if only I could.

More than the interesting collection, I was really surprised with man-made
pond. It was really really nice, and quiet. I'd love to go back again. I hope
all of you will be there to sell some chicharon again. I'll be sure to bring my
camera again, rest assured.

[images takan at the museum, and my new found friends, whose names I really remembered.]

To My Butuan Relatives: Uncle Boi (Daddy's Cousin) and Auntie Joy
Destination: Butuan Home and Gingoog City

I'm sorry I wasn't able to take on your offer to join you on your Davao trip,
but I was sure glad to catch up with you at Gingoog City. I honestly have
to see the picture again to remember the place. Gi-ngo-og. Truth be told
with no offense meant for the residents there, I didn't know there was
such place! Hehe, nonetheless, it was such a great discovery for me.

Adventure:
- About 2 hours bus ride from Butuan City, you can just ask the konductor
to you drop you off at the terminal.
- Swimming in the rain! I enjoyed the beach regardelss if the place had black
sand. I enjoyed my natural spa with the crystals :D
- Quary site (where some of Uncle Boi's trucks were operating) The place
was really interesting, and the sunset? It was a wonder!
- Big Truck ride! I didn't really mind the humid temperature inside the truck,
I felt as if I was a little girl asked to try out riding inside the fire truck, Hehe :D

[images taken at the visited places in Gingoog City, and some from Butuan home. See the flat screen tv? It was really huge, I was not able to fit in the picture, Hehe. The two pictures at both ends are among my favorites/]

To My Gingoog City Friends: Black Sand Friends
Destination: Dinah Beach Resort, Gingoog City

Once I get the time, I'll have the pictures posted at friendster, so that they
will be accessible to you. The little kids were a bit kulit, but I was happy
clicking away, surprisingly had a few flickr-worthy pictures ;D

[images taken at Dinah Beach Resort]

Endless thank-you's again for the adventures with me. And to Greenbank of Caraga employees, it was really nice working with you. I'll see you on the 20th!

Will post other details soon! Contact details and etc.
Mwah!

Lotsa Love from your Cebu friend,
Chari

Don't Puppy-Dog-Eyes Me!

2009-05-08T22:54:00.005+08:00

If there's two things I really hate about Pinas, it would most likely be:

1. frikin overcharging cab drivers
2. and random kids on the roads, suddenly becoming beggars when they see you having food in your hands.

I mean, what's the deal? One thing they were boisterously joking around with their friends, then tadaaa... they suddenly send out their puppy dog eyes look on me?

The acting award goes to.... tadadangtadang!

But actually, I found myself laughing at well, myself when I realized I was half-running to avoid the first kiddo who was intent on getting my mcflurry from me. Hee :D
Don't mess with me and my food? And heyyyy... puppy dog eyes is my style! Hehe :D

Anyway, to think I was smiling while going out of McDo.

I said, "One Mcflurry"
And the attending person said, "Mcflary?"
I just had to smile, he was really nice.
Then I asked if I can also have three packets of "Sug(ur)"
But I had to repeat myself and say "SugAr".
Arrr... Ha :D

Then there was this lady behind me who seemed to know everyone. I found her first talking to one lady, telling her that she grew thinner, and they laughed it off happily.

Then she found the manager, who apparently was someone she knew, as well. I couldn't help but smile when she also mentioned that she grew thinner. This time though, she pestered the her manager friend, asking her what the reason was. Her manager friend first shrugged it off and said that might have been the lack of food. I think the lady didn't get the joke, when she pestered on more, which of course became haggle of are you sure, yes I'm sure.

Some opening line, huh?
What if I befriend her?
Ooohhh, niniwang lagi ka dai?!

Professional Photographer Wannabe - Update

2009-05-08T00:04:00.002+08:00

From Jill:
"Mare, wud it be ok wd u if ako nlang edit ani? murg dpt ryt now na mahuman gd and maikog nakog padalig edit nimo. akng gpakita sa akng boss imng ads, ghnhn pd au xa esp sa katong big part, portrait style..."

If only I could measure how wide my smile can go, I'd say it was that big! ;))
And for those who couldn't understand Cebuano, it simply connoted that I still have a hand at it, after all. Hee :D

I've always loved Advertising subject, and as I have a number of times mentioned to some people, I loved Teresita ;D.

Anyway, did I mention that it would not only go out in Sunstar, but also Freeman?
Yep, that wide smile.

Anyway, here's one draft design I did. This wasn't the approved design, though.
I surprisingly am having fun with this collage lay-out...

and I had more fun shooting away :D

Belated Happy Birthday, Mare! Mwah :*

Professional Photographer Wannabe

2009-05-07T00:21:00.000+08:00

Waaa.

I am so so excited. My good friend from college, Jill, asked me to help out on
her project to advertise the houses they are marketing. That was last Saturday.

It was only now though that I was able to take the time to format an ad. The
ad will be printed in the local newspaper (Sunstar). I am excited for that, as
well.

I was able to finish two lay-outs, and I feel foolishly pleased with them. Although,
I'm not sure if they will be picked out by Jill's bosses, I'd still feel happy should
I see the pictures I've taken, published.

I always get giddy after any supposed artwork. And hell yeah! I've got those lay-outs
reason enough for being this excited.

Sooo...
Now, I'm sure it will be a while before I get myself to sleep.

Anyway, probably I'll get to show the world these lay-outs as soon as Jill's company
will be able to release the ad. Should they be not selected, I'll post them here,
the same.

Below are two my favorite pictures of that day, as well as a pose with "my" models, Hee :D

Btw, the pretty girl's name is Monique. She became my instant favorite. She was such a
darling, and I'd kill to have that photogenic face.

There goes my lesbo tendencies. Hehe :D
Other details next time. Mwah!

Mailing Address: Butuan City

2009-05-06T00:43:00.003+08:00

Dear Butuan Friend,

Where are you? I have been looking for you. I'm here already.
I was hoping that I could meet you. As long as you are nice,
it wouldn't matter if you're any random kid in town.

Yeah, okay, as long as look decent enough not to kidnap me,
as well. Hehe, I'm in Mindanao, call it paranoia.

Anyway, I got lost earlier. But I didn't know any place, so it
didn't really feel like it. Ha :D

I think the driver mistook my "sa bridge, kuya?". It felt more
like an overpass! Nonetheless, the cam came in so handy.

I got to see your plaza, and church, and local stores. Walking
around it was really nice, as well. Too bad I was wearing shirt
and shorts, I would have loved to go in almont's hotel, and try
the restaurant that Rick's Lonely
Planet book mentioned.

Well, maybe some other day. Tomorrow or the next. (Or the
next after that next, Hee :D)

Anyway, I've got to meet you. Let's get lost somewhere. Or not.

Your Cebu Friend,
Chari

Trip to Kan-Irag, Cebu

2009-04-28T01:14:00.008+08:00

And I bet a hundred that half the population of Cebu does NOT know where that is!
Hehe, I'm cheap, almost quite broke, but wouldn't pass to make that bet. Just in case there will be some statistics, I'll settle with a hundred. Hehe ;D

The wonders of Cebu that wonders me. This is my happy trip to Kan-irag.

Actually, Gayle wanted to fly a kite and eat some sweet corn. And I was thinking of Balamban, and Gayle heard of the place. Plotted the date, rescheduled it, and tadaaa.

Soooooo....
With the power vested in me, I declare this as Gayle's post-birthday trip :D

TRIP DETAILS

What:
Nature Park
Up the mountains
Secret Escape

Where:
5 minutes, 60 kph drive from the foot of Tops
I'm not sure if it's situated in Balamban or Busay, but it's adjacent (ish) to Ayala Heights Cebu.
From the city (that's JY Square, Lahug) it's approximately 30 minutes away or less. Depends on the transportation and well, the speed ;D
Route: (1) Short easy way - From Busay, (2) Long far far away - From Balamban

What to Expect:
Mountains and Trees
Picturesque view
Landscaped park
Man-made pond
Sketched Trail
Sweet Air - but may not be windy enough to fly kite, or maybe it was just our poor luck
Cheap veggies and sweet sweet corn :D

Things to bring:
1. lots of water
2. lots of food
3. lots of fun friends
4. Kite - when you plan to go kite flying of course
5. Cap would really help (especially when you get lost, and have to walk about a mile back)

How to get there:
Cheap easy travel: (1) Jeepney ride up - 04H, Stop up to where it can take you; (2) Motorcycle ride up the rest of the way - most commonly known as Habalhabal
Other means: Private car (which we obviously don't own... yet! Ha :D)

Cheap easy travel: (1) Motorcycle ride down - Habalhabal
Other means: Private car used when going up, har :D

Tips, tips and tips:
- Don't listen to the driver when they point out a vast mountain saying it's the place.
- Unless you want some adventure, stop at the Kan-Irag signage. You can't miss the place.
- Don't let them fool you when they say that going up would cost more if you ask them to pick you back, rriiggghhtt.
- If you do end up at the wrong place, best way is definitely not the short-cut someone or everyone is referring to ;D
- And again, if you do end up at the wrong place, what better way to deal with it than enjoy it

How much did it cost:
Food, watermelon and drinks - 500 / 4 = P125
Jeepney ride up = P 8
Habalhabal ride up - 100 / 2 = P 50
Kan-Irag Entrance Fee (Free use of cottages adn the rest of the place)= P 50
Habalhabal ride down- 100 / 2 = P 50
Na-slide si prinsesa= Priceless! Hehehe.
TOTAL = p283

***Sweet-corn 3 kilos = P100
***Watermelon 1 kilo = P25
***Lettuce 1 kilo = P50

Fun Facts with Google:

Home to 27 native bird species.
Park's area size is 71 hectares. [ I don't know exactly how large that is, but I'd say that is very large. kapeesh ;D ]
It's a watershed and protected area in the uplands (of Cebu)
It used to be a bald mountain, but thank god for reforestation, and caring people. [So this answers Gayle wondering if the trees that were transplanted -
they seemed ruler-aligned ;D]
University of San Carlos - Botany group helped restore the place, with Ayala Land, Inc.
It's a three-year project (Although, I'm not sure which part of the three years time-clock it currently is now.)

----------------------------
Me and my happy trippers :D

more pictures here in my multiply.

sauna world

2009-04-22T22:48:00.006+08:00

Anyone who claims they're hot, likely says the truth.
In heat, anyone?

I call it the sauna world!

I've never drank as much water in a loooong time, and end up still thirsty. Swear.
I've never sweat as much, as well.

Summer is definitely here.

What used to be about 3 glasses of water a day, three buckets!

Anyway, today's supposedly Earth Day.
And as I was typing in things in my sticky notes that I was to do earlier, I listed last
"earth day take pictures".

Didn't get the opportunity to click away before sundown.
And I was actually thinking of grass.

At least there's something green. These are Myka's fishies.
I thought of placing them in wine glasses for the "shoot" but Mama defiantly said NO!

Mamatay jud na.
So, obedient me just went ahead cleaning its home. I wouldn't want to harm anything on Earth Day.
That would be baaad.

So when I say that no creatures or fishes were hurt during this shoot , it's as if I'm saying I'm hot.
;)

ym status: today is earth day :D

ym friend: everyday is earth day.
me: yeah, could be. but if it were, people would not have to celebrate earth hours and earth days.

;)

kilometro

2009-04-21T20:36:00.005+08:00

I have such weird fascinations.
Idunno if it makes me unique, but at least I amuse myself.

I love having my pictures taken at kilometer post areas. At some point, I make sure that whenever I go to a new place, I get this shot. Lest, I get really sad. Haha.

Although I have yet to find a technical definition of them, here's what I know of.

1. When you type in "kilometro" in google, you'd most likely wouldn't understand unless you know Spanish.

2. You'll have more luck with "kilometer post", but just dusts of it.

3. You'll find two numbers in a kilometer post: (1) the upper number represents how far you are from the province's center, and (2) the lower number represents how far or near you are from or to the next town.

4. You'll find kilometer 00 from the province's captilyo building. This is the base computation or the reference.

5. They are located in the main high way streets of the place. However, I have always pondered whether they are placed in-land or by coastal area. I have resolved to research better on this, and get my answer.

6. Here in Pinas (or at least those that I had visited), they generally follow the same form. I'm just not sure whether it's of the same dimension, size and material.

7. Colors: New ones are painted yellow, old ones are either gray, black or plain cement.

8. Lastly, each post is a thousand meters away from another! Doh? :D

This site takes inspiration from a kilometro.
When I started this, I had intended this to be documentary as well as a testimony of how wonderful the world is ...and other things in between.

Sooooo...
The number of entries that I have written represents my upper number,
and my desire to experience new places would likely by my lower number.

:D

for everything else, there's credit card

2009-04-21T13:39:00.008+08:00

Bus Fare to Oslob - $ 3.20
Ferry Boat to Sibulan - $ 1.40
Dance with Riley - Priceless

This video was taken by Angeli.

Meet Riley, my dance partner Ü .

That or I claimed myself to be his.
He dances and prances around like crazy.

And I go crazy dancing and prancing around with him!

He has a crush on April, and if you think kids don't get giddy about them, think again.
Gi-kilig!

Dead-tired-sun-burnt April lounges on the sofa.
He calls, "chix, chix"
Unperturbed April was dead tired and did not get to notice.
He pokes April, then looks up to her mommy and smiles.

wishing for some fire

2009-04-19T15:15:00.009+08:00

I've forever been meaning to learn Poi (Zipping or most commonly known as Fire Dance). I was supposed to have that bucket-list item slashed off with the help of Jackie, good friend of Seleena, last January, but never got the chance to.

So got me thinking earlier since I spent the afternoon on the computer and the trip to Balamban did not dayun.
What if learn them online?
With the help of Google, if found this site: http://www.homeofpoi.com/
I simply typed in "Fire Poi", and can i just say Google is my best friend? :D

Wikipedia defines it:

Poi is a form of jugging or object manipulation employing a ball suspended from a length of flexible material held in hand and swung in circular patterns, said to resemble club-twirling. Poi spinning originated with the Ma-ori people of New Zealand (poi means "ball" in Ma-ori) as a means to develop flexibility, strength and coordination - particularly dexterity of the wrist - and as an exercise of movements central to the use of hand weapons, including the patu, mere, and kotiate, a violin-shaped club.

Sooooo, I've got an itinerary for what's left my afternoon.
Trim my bangs and find some socks :D

(Images from Christmas Family Holiday, December 2008)

Give me some time, I'll someday learn how to dance... with fire ;D

back to beta blogger

2009-04-17T20:14:00.011+08:00

So this is what happened.

Apparently, I've encountered two problems when I was changing to a customized template earlier this afternoon.

1. I've lost my widgets.
These being the gadgets that I had fun placing in, and have come to really love.
I felt as if I've lost my phone and was worrying more of my contacts!

Soooo...
Tip as detailed in blogs when I was trying to find remedy . Learn how to back-up your widgets before changing template.
You can view this page for help.

2. Because of following the instructions from sites indicating tips of "reverting back to classic template", I was at a dead-end because I tried to place into pieces why (1) the templates that I have downloaded were not HTML files but rather XML files, and (2) why when I tried to use such downloaded XML, they do not work (I placed the XML files in notepad, which I pasted and used).

Sooo0... Neophyte at blogger, here's what I learned:

a. Classic template uses HTML, the beta / new one uses XML.
Accordingly, you would know the difference because you will find in the dashboard:
"Template" - Classic
"Lay-out" - Beta / New

b. That you have to choose which template would suit your preference. Classic template is relatively easy and most have been accustomed to it, while the Beta or New template has the widgets as features that you can not use with the Classic template.

c. Unless you have saved your widgets, you have to uncheck the "Expand Widget Templates"
when you are about to change to another template. Otherwise this will completely lose your widgets.

Near hopeless, I wanted to get back to my widgets. Here's what I did:

i. When I was resolved to just work on the template another time, I went to my front page and clicked "Customized".

ii. I was prompted if I wanted to switch back to the new / beta template.
Tadaaa! So this is how you do it afterall. I clicked yes, and I got back my original settings. Good thing i unchecked "Expand to Widgets" when I was at it. My widgets are back to where they are.

iii. I backed-up my widget for safe-keeping.

Soooo... There, I am relieved - very much so. I'm hoping to change on my template though. But maybe some other time. This is too much adventure for me today. :D

Here's my discovery out of the experience> This will surely be the site where I get my future new template > http://www.deluxetemplates.net

no drinks for minors?

2009-04-17T19:34:00.011+08:00

(Images from January 11, 2009 visit.)

I am currently seated in my favorite spot here in East West Cafe.

As I am currently having difficulties with my blogger template, of which I can not figure out how to revert from classic back to beta new...

Three cutee boys came in. Cutee chups.
They speak English with a twang, and they have sharp noses.
They most likely are half-international kids.

Anyway, as I was busy thinking (or have been busy deciding if I'm using the new template or the classic one) the waitress caught my attention.

She asked for an ID!

Lo and Behold. And I thought that only happens on American movies, and yeah, in America.

The cutee boys tried to act cool. They apparently were thinking of ordering some beer.

"But I left it (ID) in the car,"
"I'm 18, swear."

"I'm sorry, we really can not serve that to minors, I'm sorry." That was said with a smile.

And now they are leaving.
I can't help but smile on that.
I recalled cheating my age back when we wanted to get pass the movie ticket personnel on a number of occasions.

Smiling some more when I overheard (okay, eavesdropped),
"let's grab some sundae".

Cutee boys, don't be in a hurry to grow up.
When you reach 24, you'll end up lying and swearing that you're much much younger ;D

Pear or Fir Tree

2009-04-17T00:39:00.009+08:00

I feel I have sooo much to write about.

Chair's Digest: Laughter is the best Medicine

==========

Daddy suddenly said, "Sila Angelina magbuwag na."

I jokingly said, "Kinsa ba? Si Angelina Jolie ug si Brad Pitt?"
Operative word: jokingly.

But alas, "U! Naa sa newspaper page three, basaha."

[waaa, showbezzz.]

==========

There was a broadcast earlier that a man who was operated on, was discovered to have a fir tree growing in him.

That's what I heard. Fir Tree.
Mama insists Pear Tree.

Chari: Fir lagi, Ma.
Mama: Unsa'y Fir Ba??
Chari: Tree (mwehehe)
Mama: Sagdi lang, i balik mana ang news ugma buntag, ako tan.awun.

Fir, Pear, Fir, Pear.

I desperately searched it out.
And the answer is here.

==========

We are watching the late night tv game show.
You are supposed to guess the word to win, out of the letters:

REAPVYBI

For 5,000 cash price plus an additional bonus is a three letter word with the letter i in the middle.

_i_

Daddy: (guessed a word that I now forgot)
Chari: RIP
Daddy: Unsa'y RIP? Rest In Peace??
Chari: HAHAHAHA

[waaaa, Daddy naku!]

Damn the Police

2009-04-16T22:57:00.006+08:00

I'm sure I'm not the only one enraged by the news and the videos of the forced "invitation" of the family and the house helpers of Failon family on the case.

Damn, mga pulisa! No warrant of Arrests with them, at that!

I should have counted how many excuses of "obstruction of justice" the policemen called out every time they were asked why the poor people were literally dragged to be detained.

I was enraged when the siblings of the now gone, Trina Etong, was forced out, with them wailing and pleading that they had to stay. They simply had to. Their sister was in critical condition! Ghad, I would have raised hell if I were them. I even wanted to raise hell just looking at the video.

While they were detained, there was an announcement of the death of their sister... and they were detained.

Imagine.

"Hindi ko kayo mapapatawad. Hindi ko kayo mapapatawad."

Those were the lines that the sister wailed out. I now hate those policemen. And I could not forgive them, as well.

And I'm pretty sure all heart's felt for Kaye Etong when she went on national television.

"Tantanan nyo na kami, tigilin nyo na kami, hindi madali, hindi madali."

Then suddenly, Daddy who was enraged as we were, said with force:

"Sala nah ni Gloria! Duna jud nai order."

Me thinks: Unsa daw?

I just had to laugh. Daddy?? Kay si Gloria lagi daw... And he spoke of command and responsibility, and Raul Gonzalez.

Poor Gloria, and poor people who had and have been harassed by the polic.

My heart goes to Ted.
Damn, GIVE HIM A REST, NOT ARREST.

Addicted to Bubble Shooter

2009-04-16T01:36:00.005+08:00

I was playing around blogger gadgets, chancing upon Bubble Shooter of Communications Category.

Waaa, I'm such a kid. Laftaf time check: 1: 40 am.

My Highest score:

So, beat me again? ;D
(lower left part is the game, you can choose the whole window, just scroll to the right or around)

Anyway, I still need to respond to Edwin's text message, saying "Ted is guilty" (of the supposed shooting of his wife, who is currently in critical condition, news was crazy about it.)

But is he really? Ballon bursed. Yeah, he might.
And just because he reportedly asked to have the comfort room cleaned, which was supposedly the crime scene, I say he might be.

the jobs i could have or would rather have

2009-03-29T19:58:00.007+08:00

I am a Management graduate, however I am a Design Engineer for a Filipino-owned software company. Our job titles have recently been... uhm downgraded (?) to "Technical Specialist". Hence, regardless if you are a software developer or a UI designer, that applies.

BUT...
I like Desinger Engineer better. Especially the engineer part, so I'll stick with it. (HaÜ)
And besides, I have yet to fully comprehend the technicalities of db design, sychronisation, and what-have-you's.

Browsing over artciles, and browsing over life, I've thought, and for the other part, wonder and wish how it is to be in other profession besides what I currently do.

So, I had / have wanted to be a:

(a) Doctor.
Way way back when I was younger, I constantly replay scenes of emergencies and operations before I go to sleep (those few minutes of lying down and trying to catch sleep? what usually lulls me are those dream-starter stories. How's that for a story? Ü)
Getting to high school, however, slimmed my chances and options for Medicine. Greatest Dilemma? "Slightly" Poor Memory. I doubt if I could remember all the scientific names and all those things written in miles-thick books! So there. Sad?

(b) Cab Driver.
Second, I've always thought how it would be to be a cab driver. I mean, how many stories would have they eavesdropped (or forced-eavesdropped) to? If I'd be one, I'd be sure to write a book of every single story... that I can remember. HaÜ

And yeah, I have yet to get a license and get tired of driving! Car, where are you?
Ü

(c) Photographer.
"Just because you own a camera doesn't make you a photographer."
But someday, someday, I will be one Ü
Then I can post flickr-worthy pictures.

(d) Take-off Pilot.
Ghad, I love the taking off part during plane rides. Those huge huge houses turned matchbox-ish lined up like legos, those islands I wish I can get a parachute, jump and land on, and a ship sailing in the vast sea.
As I press my nose on plane's window, I thank coincidence for being seated by the window, and enjoy the ride. And yeah, when it's not my nose pressed on the window, it's my nose pressed on the camera that is pressed on the window.

(e) Rich.
Can that be a profession? Ü

can i travel the world?

2009-03-26T22:59:00.013+08:00

Hi! My name is Chari and I WANT TO TRAVEL THE WORLD.

I've always thought, who doesn't right? Until I've heard of those who'd rather stay where they are... home? (most likely Ü)

Well, there's Pat, Gayle's law school friend, who also happens to be my schoolmate from Sacred Heart, and... others.

But as the saying goes, "To each, his own".

But as for me, I'd really, really, really really want to travel the world. Really.

BUT...

I have to get a passport first.
ha Ü

AND...

Get lotsa lotsa lotsa money.

And when I do? Be ready world! ;D

[ I've took newspaper's little quiz to get the best of me.]

Test your travel IQ.

Will you beat me? ;D

this is from cdn

SUMMER is a great time to travel, to discover new places or to visit our beloved hometown.

Encircle the correct answer to the questions below to find out how much you know about the places.

Find out how you rate.

1. Where can you find Mantayupan Falls?
a. Badian
b. Barili
c. Pinamungajan

2. In which town can you find the popular diving spot Pescador Island?
a. Oslob
b. Bogo
c. Moalboal

3. Which town is known for locally made shoes?
a. Minglanilla
b. Ronda
c. Carcar

4. In which part of the Visayas does Oriental Negros belong to?
a. Western Visayas
b. Central Visayas
c. Eastern Visayas

5. In which province can you find the Hinagdanan Cave and tarsiers?
a. Capiz
b. Leyte
c. Bohol

6. In which province, can you find Siargao, the surfing capital fo the Philippines?
a. Surigao del Sur
b. Surigao del Norte
c. Zamboanga del Norte

7. In which province do you encounter or interact with the butandings or whale sharks, the biggest fish in the world?
a. Camarines Norte
b. Ilocos Sur
c. Camarines Norte

8. Which province is famous for white water rafting?
a. Samar
b. La Union
c. Cagayan de Oro

9. In which province do faith healers, mix medicinal herbs, tree barks and sea materials on Black Saturday for healing purposes?
a. Romblon
b. Siquijor
c. Masbate

10. In which city can you find the Big Ben?
a. Kuala Lumpur
b. Compenhegan
c. London

Rates:
10 - EXCELLENT (chari says: You'd qualify as a tour guide!)
9-8 - VERY GOOD (chari says: You most likely travel a lot)
7-6 - GOOD (chari says: Discover more!)
5 - FAIR (chari says: Don't be hard on yourself. It's summer afterall ;D )
Below - READ MORE OR GO TRAVEL (chari says: better the latter than the former ;D)

(see answers below)

answers: 1. Barili ; 2. Moalboal; 3. Carcar ;4. Central Visayas; 5. Bohol ; 6. Surigao Del Norte ; 7. Camarines Sur ; 8. Cagayan de Oro ; 9. Siquijor ; 10. London

7/10 - GOOD

CAN I TRAVEL THE WORLD?

Definitely! But I'd travel around Cebu and the rest of the 7,000 island first ;D