24

In my favorite movie Reality Bites, Tyler (Ethan Hawke) told Leilana (Winona Ryder) that "at 23, you don't have to be anybody but yourself." I really felt good that someone actually used the age 23 to be quoted to one of the generation defining movies of all time. So I was actually happy to be 23, not until two weeks ago when I became 24. Somebody made me happy though by giving me one of the most unique greetings of all time, telling me a happy birthday and I'm a Jack Bauer. If you didn't get it, I'll just leave it as that. I'm trying to lessen my sarcastic and ironic mutterings as I grow older. Define Irony.

Surprisingly, I'm thinking that this is actually of the best birthdays I ever had, and to itemize and actually cover up the fact that I'm getting older, here's why:

• The Gifts - I got stuff that I wanted and never expected to get. I got my Starbucks bear, a new tumbler, messenger wraps for my camera, a Panda bag, a customized birthday card with a photoshopped naked body of a local matinee idol, a set underwear for specific days and occasions (Halloween included) and much more.
• The Cakes - Got two this year, and I think my family enjoys it more than I do but I still I love making wishes (I get to have two but I think I made the same wish for both cakes) and blowing the candles. As Sharon advised, I made sure that my wish would be a good one.
• The Greetings - Actually I like saying Thank You's to the greetings more. It becomes my avenue to say my hi's and hello's to people I haven't talked to for a long time.
• The Food - Birthdays are the perfect excuse to eat a lot. I had three "feeding programs"with friends and though I was the one who spent money on those events, I'm still happy to be with people I love to be with. The family and I had dinner too and I didn't count it on my "feeding program" list since dad paid for it. 
• The World Revolves Around Me For a Day... or Two - Need I say more?

My birthday had been two weeks ago yet when I went out with movie buddy Victor last Sunday after watching a movie, we went to have drinks on TGI Friday's and he bargained for another movie with Alex Pettyfer in it. He also told the manager that it's my birthday as I glared. The last thing I wanted was being sang to on a bar with one friend. So as we finished our drinks -  with my mojito and Vic's mock cocktail -  and picked up the tab, a waiter banged on bongos as I got irritated, I hate more noise in a noisy place. However, there they were, the Friday's crew singing happy birthday (I thought I would get out unscathed) but it wasn't bad, I actually smiled. I was happy. I wanted this last year from my best friends but didn't get it. After our last toast, I officially declared my 24th birthday celebration(s) over.

Die(t)

I am currently dieting my way to losing some weight but it ain't easy when there are lots of great food, and people around you are not exactly "cooperating." Anyway, weekends are automatic cheat days and whenever I'm so bummed over something, I make myself feel better by eating whatever I want. So, since my sister and I failed to watch a movie, we ended up eating on a Monday afternoon on what could be considered a late lunch / early dinner. We ate at The Sizzling Pepper Steak where the food was mostly Japanese inspired. Surprisingly, there was pasta on the menu (maybe there were trying to accommodate a wide range of food selection) however, my sister didn't really enjoy her Chicken Parmigiana. So, as I am a very, very frustrated food photographer here's a shot (or rather shots) to my ambition to be one.

Crunchy Kani Salad - Mmm, though I still prefer the traditional Kani Salad with Mangoes. 

Chicken Parmigiana Pasta

Their Kebabs are sooo delicious, especially if topped with their Diablo Sauce.

Right now, I'm still craving for some Sashimi dipped in wasabi and soy sauce, to be paired with some sticky rice. Mmmm. Diet is slow death. 

Do you realize?

Do you know that scene in the movies wherein a girl's inside the comfort room cubicle, then some girls enter then talk about her? Then the girl inside the cubicle pretends to not exist as she listens to all the crap other people are saying about her. You, as a viewer, shout at the television, telling her the go out of the cubicle and show those girls who's talking now. Well, that happened to me, not really inside the comfort room but a whole different situation and I suddenly understood. Even if you want to show up and tell them you are there, you just can't. All you can do is shut up, pretend you're not there, and just listen. At least now, I know.

Moving on to other stuff. I just wasted a perfectly good Sunday. Since I was awake for more than 30 hours for Friday to Saturday, I was really knocked out when I got home. I stirred around 1am to read a text message, reply to it, and thought it was all a dream. I woke at 1pm to realize it wasn't a dream and to also force myself to get up because of other messages namely:

1. Your friend and your cute classmate are talking to each other in Facebook. They are up to something and you are in the middle of it. This was the 1am-thought-it-was-a-dream text. Now, I don't know how to reconcile these two or just what to do. I'm bad at being a wing"woman."
2. Someone texts you if it's okay to give money since you are an alumni. Okay, now to figure out how much.
3. Abe texts you that he slept at a church. Not just sleep like he was bored, sleep, lying on a pew, for almost three hours - just like a drunk hobo. This made the most sense of all for me.

As I was planning to watch a movie with my little sister and chose Rango over The Adjustment Bureau for her, and the movie starts on 5:30pm, she was still not awake until 4:30pm so 7:30pm it is. I wasn't feeling well and the meds I took were making me feel woozy, I took a nap as soon as she took a bath. The nap turned into an 8 hour sleep. So I got a perfectly wasted Sunday.

Now off to sing The Flaming Lips' Do You Realize?

The Oscars 2011: Young and Hip?

It was time for annual event that Hollywood's biggest names are anticipating for and the starlets dream of becoming invited one day. It's the 83rd Academy Awards and I'm quite excited for it since I'm rooting for a Natalie Portman sweep.

So, everyone has to endure the lengthy awards shows when viewers really just want to know the Big Three (okay, for me it's the Big Five), so here are the winners of the most coveted honors in the Oscars:

1. Best Picture - The King's Speech
2. Best Actor - Colin Firth
3. Best Actress - Natalie Portman (yey!)
4. Best Supporting Actor - Christian Bale
5. Best Supporting Actress - Melissa Leo

Here are the highlights of the awards show in my perspective:

• Melissa Leo dropping the F Bomb on her acceptance speech. It was okay, no biggie. 
• Billy Crystal honoring Bob Hope and completely upstaging the hosts - James Franco and Anne Hathaway - in two minutes.
• Movie Dialogue remixes featuring Harry Potter, Twilight, Toy Story, and The Social Network
• Colin Firth's acceptance speech which I thought was brilliant.
• Christian Bale's acceptance speech which I thought was funny for poking fun at himself and the few F bombs he threw in the past.
• Cate Blanchett's couture Givenchy gown which I thought looks great on her or is my bias just taking over me?
• James Franco's smile - need I say more?
• Anne Hathaway's gorgeous gown changes - despite a very disappointing hosting gig.
• Sandra Bullock's presentation to the Best Actor nominees.
• Florence Welch!

Actually, there was a speculation stating that the Oscars are trying to be young and hip this time to cater to the uhmm, "younger" audience. Thus sporting Franco and Hathaway as their hosts. Well, I think there's no reason to do that since an institution like that doesn't need to be "cool." It had become what it is right now because of it's reputation and it's credibility. It will not be considered as the highest honor an actor could have if the reason was it's ability to cope with the younger generation. Well, if that's their concern then they must have had movies like Twilight as its nominees. Well, it didn't really appear to be young and hip so the speculation must have been wrong, or their attempt to be one must have been a fail. 83 years need no modifications, it's fine the way it has been but I'm still thankful for many sightings of James Franco, so good job Academy. 

So that's it. Now, I'm going back to reality. But before that... here's more James Franco -

Photo Credits: http://www.whosay.com/jamesfranco/photos/14110

Relaxation is a Luxury

I'm awake at 5 in the morning, reading my ultimate crush's blog - John Mayer. For this was relaxation, reading a man's honest thoughts and looking at his beautiful photography and profound posts. I need to relax even just for a day, to make up for the stress of the coming weekdays.

Last Friday at work, I had to endure more than 6 hours of migraine that couldn't be defeated by Advil. I forgot my diet for the day and ate as much I could. To no avail, it wouldn't go away. I did my reports and files, had a meeting, with my eyes squinting, my fingers massaging my forehead, hoping the pain will go away. My workmates asked me to take photographs of their team, thankfully I had a blast and for a short time my migraine had gone. As I travelled to school, the migraine turned into a mild headache. Soon, I was feeling better. The only problem was I was sleepy. So sleepy that when I was bowing my head to write on my notebook, I would find myself half asleep for 10 seconds. So sleepy that when I would squint to look at my professor's writing on the board, I would find myself in a state a hallucination and dreaming for another 10 seconds. Thankfully, we had a discussion in class which I had a very deep interest on and was awake.

Fear. This was the feeling I had when I had the migraine. I thought I'll be back on the hospital for two months since this was what I had the first sign that I wasn't feeling well and had something serious. I wasn't being a trooper lately as well. I was sleepy and tired even just chugged down coffee, and lately been losing appetite despite the lack of sleep and even if my stomach's empty. I was also being forgetful a lot lately. Definitely, I'm stressed out. However, with a long exam, and papers due, and work on top of that in the upcoming week, I need to relax. I have to. With that, I'll stop my recent comeback to smoking. I have to.

This is ME Time with a Hint of Monday Madness

I began to question whether what was I doing the path that I really wanted to take. Well, for some aspects it is a no, but then maybe it was what I was really meant to do. I began to feel sad last night, I felt really tired and listening to Alexi Murdoch's At Your Door and Radiohead's High and Dry made me want to cry. I hate crying. Anyway, I held it together. Maybe all I needed was a vacation.

People always want to get out of something when it's not working the way they want it anymore - very likely and typical. I was not an exemption to that, but then I told myself - I want to quit when I'm on my peak of awesomeness just like the TV show "Friends"; not when I'm on the verge of an Epic Fail, just like any TV show which couldn't make it to a season or two... that will just make me a loser.

On a lighter and funnier note, (I find this funny now) my Monday started a bit off. I just hope this does not translate to my whole week. My sister and I watched a movie the other day which forced me to change bags and knowing myself, I hate changing bags. When I went to work, I rode a cab because I have this strange mentality that the earlier I am for work, the more I want to take a cab so that I could be at the office waaaay earlier. When I was already near the office, I realized that my purse was on the other bag! I only had coins on my bag. I called Jessy and Taski since they were always early for work on Mondays. Jessy was not responding and it looked as if I woke up Taski. My thoughts were scrambling, I was thinking of telling the cab driver to take me home to Makati or even giving my Blackberry. Then I remembered Yjez! She was just working at the building behind ours. So long story short, I called her and she paid for my cab fare. My heroine.

Moral of the story, just take the jeepney.

How Was Your Saturday? Mine was Great.

From left to right: Graduate boy Dex with Patty, Abe, and I;
Anndee with Mommy Sugar; Dex and Rowi;
Anndee with Daddy Ivan; and Cutie Pie Andee.

How about Saturday? Well, it was Dex's graduation so what would only be the proper emotion for it than being happy? We missed the graduation ceremony since it ended earlier than we expected. Patty, Abe, and I went to the post-graduation celebration with the Graduate Boy, his family, and Rowi. We took pictures of him in his toga at the parking lot to compensate missing the photo ops in the graduation hall. After the brief moment of picture taking, we met with Cae to attend our god daughter's first birthday. Anndee's such a cutie pie and so friendly. She smiles and laughs a lot. She's so adorable. I could only say positive things for that little girl who's full of energy despite a whole day entertaining guests. The rest of tropa followed and had more fun playing with our Tinkerbell. 

Again: Congratulations Dex and Happy 1st Birthday Anndee! 


[Some of the pictures taken by Rowi Sarte, Abe Abenojar, Cae Fevidal]

Yes Oscar, There Really Are Two Tragedies In Life

"There are two tragedies in life. Getting what you want and not getting it." - Oscar Wilde


Got both of that yesterday. Thank you Oscar for creating this favorite quote of mine.


From being paranoid the whole week for submitting a rushed and in my standards mediocre 25%-of-your-grade-paper (why did I really forget to do this?!), I got a low grade but didn't fail. I got more than I wanted actually. All I need to do is to just do better and everything will follow. I also spent the whole day with my best pals and ate steamed chicken which looked raw but really isn't and Rowi's favorite Hainanese rice. After which we went to MOA for Vic's event at the SMX Convention.


However, I didn't get another thing I wanted, which is to spend that time with him. I looked forward to that. Oh well, you can't really have it all.

Of Priests and Dancers: The Rite and Burlesque

The original plan for Saturday was to watch The Rite back to back with Love and Other Drugs. The reason is that so that I would be able to "cleanse" myself after a scary movie for I am not really good with the horror genre. However, I've had a sucky Saturday (which I would detail in a separate post) and due to time constraints and my "weak state," my friend Abe and I just settled for The Rite.

Armed with a hotdog sandwich and onion rings, I started to brace up for the movie. Anthony Hopkins as a priest who specializes in exorcism still is a delight to watch since he never fails as an actor. Definitely the movie was catered for the Catholic Church so don't expect a "The Exorcist" experience. It carries the message that not believing is not a protection from the devil. So if you don't want to be possessed, believe in God. The movie did its scare tactics with more credit to the background music (it's so heart pounding). So, if you're up to a movie for a good scare, this is not the one. However, just a memorable part of the movie watching experience is that the movie was accidentally cut just when Michael Kovak gets a staring contest with the El Mulo. For a second when the lights turned on, we thought the movie ended. It was just a movie continuing switch fail. All in all, The Rite is just an okay movie, not a "wow" movie. The Exorcist with the 360 head spin was better.

The next day as I was burning my ass while watching Skins season 2 and tweeting at the same time, Victor invited me to hang out in the evening. Despite trying to bail out because I wanted to nap more, I still went and watched Burlesque. I must say I was skeptical due to Vic's first movie choice fail and the fact that I am not a fan of Christina Aguilera and musicals. Vic admitted that he was watching because of Cher. Anyway, the movie was a surprise. It was actually good. Production, and the movie pace was excellent. The cast worked well together and of course my favorite would be Stanley Tucci. This is a movie to see. Vic definitely redeemed himself from the Hereafter misadventure. Despite the inconsiderate movie watcher behind me who kept kicking my seat, I really liked the movie experience. This IS a "wow" movie: sexy and very entertaining. Bravo Burlesque.

Wait, this is killing me: Does anyone know the song at the wedding scene in Burlesque? The one where Jack said to the DJ, "I love this song"? Please help me. :)

Hereafter: Never After?

Saturday was one of my longest days ever: started with passing a drinking session with team mates for school (we had an assignment!); coincidentally meeting a team mate for lunch; watching a movie; and ending the day with a few drinks and Burger Machine with my best friends. I suddenly missed going home at 4am. Anyway, the first movie I get to watch is the Hereafter. We were supposed to watch The Green Lantern but ended up with this movie. I got to agree because Vic - my friend, told me this was pretty interesting and kinda in the horror genre, and I got to know that this was directed by one of my favorites - Clint Eastwood.
Being the long day that it was, I was really tired and the movie seat was comforting. The movie started with the thoughts that this was a horror movie on my mind. Well after 15 minutes, I figured out it wasn't. The pace of the story was very slow. I think that this was Clint Eastwood's attempt of an experimental film. Also, we were not spared of the cliche: everyone meets in the end twist. In order to not change my view of Clint Eastwood, I will always think of Gran Torino, and Million Dollar Baby whenever I try to recall this movie. I'm really sorry Clint, I don't really like it.

Just to give you an overview since I think I slept for more or less an hour, the movie was all about what happens after death: where dead people go and what they do - the Hereafter. Matt Damon plays a retired psychic who was forced to "read" again. He can communicate with a person's dead relative/friend/whatever by touching their hands.There was also this French lady, played by Cecile de France, who began to see visions of the Hereafter after being close to death. Well perhaps, everyone's favorite scene and the only interesting part on the film is about an English kid whose twin died. He was also Matt's last reading. In the end, after people from the US, London, and France met and the guy got the girl, the movie's done.
This was the first movie I watched for the year, and it wasn't really good. I just hope that this won't be a trend when I watch movies on cinemas. I believe there will be more movies that will save me. My movie verdict? It's disappointing considering the actors, director, and the original movie concept but, I still love Clint Eastwood.

[Picture Credits: http://mymoviecinema.files.wordpress.com/2010/10/hereafter-movie1.jpg ]

Okay, Alright - It's Resolutions Time

So after reminiscing, it's the next favorite activity whenever a new year comes: Resolutions! 

I am quite a bit suckish on this since the only resolution that I could really remember that I made last year is to lose weight and was unsuccessful (though mind you, there were moments last year wherein I did but just didn't go through with, okay, still I didn't lose weight in the end). Just to clarify, my notion of resolutions is not just stuff you want to change but stuff you actually wanna do. So this is not all about "painful" stuff, but things you want for yourself to achieve.

So, here's to another list of wishful thinking and must achieve (and I'll try to be realistic):

1. Open up a bank account and actually put money in there.
2. Limit (take note I said limit, not stop) the use of the plastic devil known as the credit card.
3. Try a new career (fingers crossed).
4. Study my camera and take better pictures.
5. Less shopping, more saving.
6. Travel and explore another country.
7. Explore my country.
8. Get good grades and hopefully start my thesis this year.
9. Get my bum back to the gym.
10. Diet and watch what I eat. 

That's it for now. Hopefully these things are doable (fingers crossed again) or else I'll end up with this list again on 2012.

Adios 2010, Hola 2011!

This is every person's favorite activity when a year just ended and new year's here - Reminiscing!

2010 was the year of the zombies - spell out zombie literature, tv shows, and movies. I am thankful for this because it somehow covered up the screwed up vampire concept. It's time to revisit Night of the Living Dead, and maybe grab your own copy of Zombies VS Unicorns.

It was also the year of the footie. I watched the FIFA championships at 2am in Manila and it was all worth it for my favorite, Spain, had won and Iker Casillas stole my heart. I miss the sound of the vuvuzela. There's also the recently concluded 2010 AFF Suzuki Cup wherein I rediscovered old time crush, Phil Younghusband.

2010 was also the year that my brother got married, and made me realize of the do's and don'ts of marriage, and perhaps a little lesson about relationships. I stayed single for that year and am happy. With all that has happened, a boyfriend in 2010 would have been chaotic. To my brother, wishing you all the best.

All I know is that my 2010 didn't really go that well personally. This was the year that I realized that I am burned out. However, though that year was "suckish", I still have a lot of good things to be thankful for:

My good ol' friends as always make my year. Though I really got out less in 2010, I still enjoy the company of my friends. There was the occasional Sunday coffee with my Cubao crew, get togethers with my Humpday best friends, my Chevers and office friends who inject fun and laughter at work, and the Trops wherein our recently held General Ass/Christmas Party make me wanna drink more. Then there's the new friends: Graduate School friends and newly met people, and people that I met and just became friends with now. Generally, to ALL of my friends - Muchas Gracias for all the love and hoping for infinite years of friendship.

My health has been a blessing as well since I never got sick except for the latter part of the year and no trips to the hospital were made. I am also doing well with kicking out smoking (2nd year on March).

Of course, there's the family. Thank you for dealing with a daughter/ sister that's really hard to deal with, annoying, yet pretty cuddly.

I really am bad with the "reminiscing" stuff right now since I just wanna do what I am meant to do this weekend: sleep, eat, and watch a lot of tv. Therefore:

 Adios 2010 y Hola 2011! Happy New Year to all!

I will now leave with you my favorite 2010 song - The Resistance by Muse: