Recap of 2011

The highlights of my 2011:

Ø  I worked for MSCI

Ø  I work for First Philippine Electric Corporation

Ø  I became a regularized employee of First Philippine Electric Corporation

Ø  I went to Singapore with Paulo and friends

Ø  We bought a new house in Las Pinas

Ø  I am now driving

Why I hate 2011:

Ø  The house that we bought is unfinished

Ø  The house that we bought is far from where I work and where I usually hang-out

Ø  I can have a car but my salary is not big enough to maintain one

Ø  Even if my salary got bigger, my net pay is not that big because of taxes

Ø  2011 was a tough year

In short, the only good thing about 2011 is me being regularized and going to Singapore. 

(PF) Prodigal Friends

I think everyone has a clear grasp of what a prodigal friend is. She can be the “We’re friends but I won’t keep in touch”, or he’s the “I’m so in love right now I’ll be gone until the honeymoon stage is over”, or “You don’t agree with me I won’t show up anymore”.

My friends know that I am whimsical and sort of crazy. I am impulsive and sometimes being impulsive gets me in to trouble. Last night, as a spur of the moment thing, I called PF1. I wanted to do this for a long time. I wanted to talk to him and ask why he did what he did. I wanted to tell him how stupid he was, that you don’t just abandon your friends like that. Finally, I was able to tell him everything I wanted to tell him.

I feel better. I am happy. I don’t need explanations anymore. Fact of the matter is that he went there even if he knows that he will be sort of undergoing an interrogation means that he had the courage to face us. That he wants to be friends again. 

How would BBC report this?

I always find it quite amusing how some people are so smart they don’t think for the greater good. I also despise talking to people who always shoves the rule down my throat to tell them they are right. I find it really annoying when Filipino’s are being abusive with their so cold democracy. People, “Freedom is not absolute”.

I know that what Justice de Lima did was “unconstitutional” and lawyers can argue that she has no right to overrule the decision of the Supreme Court. Although I am still quite confused by this because de Lima was acting in behalf of the Executive branch, why can’t the President just issue another EO regarding Arroyo’s departure. I am sure with all the EO’s Arroyo issued during her administration, the b*tch deserves a taste of her own medicine.

She will never have my sympathy. Photo courtesy of http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/94427/govt-stops-arroyo-flight

I applaud de Lima for being firm about her decision. She is probably the strongest cabinet member of the current administration, one who has a backbone and common sense. I want to punch those people in the face for doing everything by the book and by the rules. Remember that the person you are defending played dirty and stole money from hard-working tax-paying people like me, and YOU! There is no need to leave the country for medical purposes. It’s funny how she wanted to promote medical tourism during her time and now she seeks medical assistance abroad. I find it stupid. The stint in NAIA 1 last night didn’t make me feel sorry for her, it was all an act. I feel no sympathy towards her.

Anyway, on a lighter note here is why my entry is titled BBC. You know how monotonous the reporters are in BBC? Like even if the news is good, it feels like it’s sad and depressing.  Paulo made a good example last night and I actually find it funny, “Half-naked cheerleaders walked into the ball park giving out cookies and free hand-jobs”. Even if it’s hilarious, if you read it the way those narrators from BBC does, it sounds monotonous. Allan had his version, I had mine. It is clear that we have the same idea on how BBC delivers their news.

At the end of the day, GMA is really hated. Yes she is. 

Someone like you

I am not a big fan of any singer/performer nowadays. For me, all their lyrics are the same. Bland. No meaning. Waste of time. 


Since I am not really a fan of any artists, I pick according to the song. I think a lot of people assume that if you listen to Adele, you're probably heart-broken or something. When I listened to Someone Like You, it broke my heart. It made me feel like crying. Like I am so empty. I had that feeling that as if I am back where I was over a year ago when Paulo and I broke-up, it broke my heart to find out he asked out one of his colleagues, I did the same. 


I am in a long-term happy relationship, but listening to these songs makes me sad. I just wish that everyone would not be scared to fall in love again after having their hearts broken once or twice or more. That the next person they meet is the one. That they don't have to go through that painful stage of moving on. I wish the same for myself because we will never know what will happen next. 


What's next? 

What am I without the boyfriend?

I've been sick for the past two days and without Paulo around, I feel that I am not getting better anytime soon. He usually brings food, medicine, and all the other stuff to make sure that I am ok the day after. Given that he's up north fulfilling his duties and obligations to PEN, I am given a difficult task to take care of myself while sick. 


Sad :(

Crisis on my Earth (because in reality, this is the only Earth)

My next entry should be about our 3rd day in Singapore, but I have to blog about how I am feeling right now like right now.


I was struggling to have a cool title for this entry, I tried to base it from DC's animated movie Crisis on Two Earths but yeah, I guess it's such a FAIL...


I wish there was a financial model or a formula that we can use to predict what would happen to us like 5 years from now. I've been attending meetings and usually, a financial model can be a guide for the management to assess if the project is a go or no go. It will usually show the possible results of the business, both negative and positive. If we have that application in life, it would've been easy, I would have stopped myself from taking this class or talking to this person, working for a certain company and blah blah.


I am 24 and at 24, I think there are 3 things that bothers people our age in this country. WORK, FINANCES, and RELATIONSHIPS.


As I've said in my previous entry, where I am right now with my career is a compromise that I don't and won't regret. However, I am going to move to Paranaque soon and what I am making here is not enough to sustain gas and everything. It's not enough. I need more. The fact that Christmas is near means that I have to buy gifts for everyone and it kinda annoys me when people are sort of demanding when it comes to this.


Obviously, my relationship is going well. I think work and finance is intertwined (during my age). Most of us are broke as a joke. Some of us are lucky enough that living with the parents is encouraged. Unfortunately for me, I pay rent and utilities.


FML.

Singapore Day 2

I was supposed to blog about our day 2 in Singapore last week but I wasn't able to because I got really busy and work just started to pile up because of the long long weekend. Anyway, here's what happened in Singapore on our 2nd day there.

When I woke up, I asked Paulo to give our favorite couple a call. While Paulo was talking to Khevin, I asked Pau to ask Khev what time it is since I was too lazy to get up and look. When Khevin told us it was 7:30am, I grabbed the phone from Paulo, told him to that they should get ready and we'll meet them in the hotel lobby by 9:00am. We weren't late for anything or something like that. I just go excited and hyper knowing that we're up by 7:30. 

Cheska, Khev, Paulo, and I met at the lobby by 9:00am and we decided to have breakfast at McDonald's (even if Cheska and Khev have free breakfast from the hotel...awww) since they offer McGriddles in Singapore. At first, I thought it was weird that they serve chili in McDonald's Singapore but when I tasted it, I wanted to bring everything home.

We took a cab going to Sentosa since it would be faster and the price will be the same. It's really fun travelling with Cheska and Khev because we're a couple but at the same time it doesn't feel totally like a double date. I present some of the pictures we took while we're at the Universal Studios

Because everyone who goes to Universal Studios is obliged to have a picture taken with this globe

Saw Orry at Universal Studios :) We saw each other again when Pau and I were about to leave Sentosa

Because again, anyone who goes to Sentosa should have a picture with their version of the Merlion

Paulo and I decided to go back to the hotel after Sentosa because we need to get some rest and take a shower. We got back to our hotel around 5pm and slept till 7pm. Around 8pm, we left our hotel and went to Marina Bay Sands where we had dinner with Allan and Leigh. After dinner, we walked around and hang-out a bit before their flight back to the Philippines.

We finally get to hang-out :) 

Paulo can't get over how awesome and freaky this structure is. Hahaha. 

Cheska and Khevin had dinner with Khev's previous house helper Ate Aida. We were suppose to meet up with them but since it's already 10:30pm, Pau and I decided that this will be our quality time together.

We took the bus from Marina Bay to Chinatown. Unfortunately, it's already 11:00pm and stores in Chinatown are already closed (except for the food stalls). We decided that instead of taking the bus back to our hotel, we will walk. So from Bencoolen area to Havelock Rd. we walked till we got back to our hotel. 

My 2nd day in Singapore is probably one of the longest day of my life. We fought and hugged and fought and laughed and fought and at the end of the day, we're in love <3 

Singapore Day 1

Our flight was 6:25am so it's quite obvious that we have to be at NAIA 3 by 4am. When we got there, the line to get in the airport was really long. I thought we were running late or something but thank God majority of those people are not on international flights. Flight 5J-801 of Cebu Pacific was on time and we got to Singapore earlier than expected. Their budget airline was not as convenient as I thought it would be, but I guess that's what you get for travelling on a budget. 


When we were in the Changi Station of the MRT, I want him to figure out how we get to our hotel. Paulo and I fought on our first day in Singapore but our fights didn't ruin the trip. Most of our fights were caused by pressure etc. Anyway, we checked in at Riverview Hotel, it was "ok", not bad not good. Just fine. Since we were in a hurry, we had lunch at the hotel restaurant. Then we went to the National Museum of Singapore. We were supposed to go there with friends but they can't make it. Pau and I decided that we should go through we it and we did not regret it. 


In the National Museum, we met this volunteer who works for the museum for free when needed. He is also a liaison for the UN Women's Protection. It's amazing that the reason why he volunteers for the museum is because he loves it plus he knows that on peak season, the museum will need help. I hope Filipinos can be like that. As a remembrance for myself for stopping by at the museum, I bought this nice tumbler.

My Vincent van Gogh Tumbler 

Cheska and I met up at Ion Orchard after National Museum. My first and last stop was Sephora because I already know what I want to buy from here. Here's what I bought in Sephora.

It comes with a mascara and an eyeliner that doesn't smudge. This is love.

After Ion Orchard we met up with our good friend Lee in Clark Quay Station of the MRT. We had dinner at this small Chinese restaurant, they served the best eggplant dish that I have ever tasted. We were so hungry we weren't able to take pictures anymore. Paulo loved the black pepper prawn. We were only able to take a picture of the Claypot Chicken which was really delicious.

I remember where this place is and I will go back to eat this Claypot Chicken again :)

We had beer in Clarke Quay after dinner. It's Halloween so a lot of people were in their costumes. Good thing Cheska and I decided to bring our bunny ears so that we wouldn't like we're not fun people. Khevin went all out with a cape and that thing on a vampire's neck. Paulo wore his flash shirt that he bought from the only DC store in Asia which was on Ion Orchard as well.

Fun night. Got back to the hotel around 12mn. We took a shower and went to sleep because we had to wake up early the next day. 

I'll post Singapore Day 2 tomorrow or later tonight :) 

The disparity between reality and dreams

Paulo, Allan, and I decided that we will have a productive hang-out because we have deadlines to meet this week. Allan brought up about dreams, and all of a sudden I can’t do my work even though it was easy. All I can think of is what I wanted to do ever since I was a kid. At 24, I feel like I am trapped in a career that is very promising, except my heart does not belong to it. Last night ended with the three of us thinking what we really want to do, and who we want to become. I wanted to make a change. I am sure of that.

Let me share you a story that could be boring or interesting. You tell me.

One day, this will not stop us from trying to see it from their end. Photo courtesy of http://www.graceirondoor.com/wrought_iron_driveway_gates.asp

When I was a kid, I lived in a mansion-ish type of house near the beach. My grandmother was one of the richest people in the area. We had to live there because of the businesses she and my grandfather owned. I was the eldest grandchild, thus becoming the favourite of my grandparents. I spent my younger years with them and I grew up getting everything I wanted. They enrolled me in a private school when I was in kindergarten where every child had a yaya with them. I also had one.

Once school is done, I will be home around 4pm.Whenever my grandma decides to have a walk in the beach in the afternoon, she’ll bring me with her; there I will have a chance to play with the other kids. Although my grandparents were well-off, they were fine with me being friends with them. At a young age, I knew that my life was better and more comfortable than theirs. The difference between my house and their house says a lot.

I don’t get to see the children of the fishermen every day. Our big gate usually separates us from hanging out, we will talk while we’re on the different side of the gates and to thank them for dropping by, I will slip chocolates under the gate. Back then, I knew that there was a big difference. I didn’t know what disparity meant when I was 6, but I knew what I felt was there was one. I knew back then that I wanted to lessen that disparity. The gate served as a metaphor.

Now that I am 24, I work in Business Development. I report directly to the executives (i.e SVP’s and VP’s), sounds pretty awesome if you ask other people. I do not feel pathetic or sad career wise. Business Development is a compromise that I will not regret. Although I know that deep down, I would rather do something else. My heart belongs to development, not of business but of the society.

It sounds like a motivational speech if I give stories about how others have less but make the most out of it. I’ve known people who passed the UPCAT but can’t afford to go to UP because their family lives on a Php280 budget a day.

Some people will tell me that I am lucky and I should feel blessed, I shouldn’t be asking for more. I do feel lucky and blessed, that is why I want to be in an organization that focuses on the development of this country. I dream that one day, there will be no gate that would separate us. It’s just that right now, I am in a reality that my decisions are based on practicality.

It’s never too late.

Are you crazy, bipolar, normal? Define normal

How many personalities do you have?

When someone goes crazy, shifts from one mood to another, or acts different when with other group of friends or whatever, we make a joke about them being bipolar or having multiple personalities. That actually baffles me out because if that is the case, then all of us should go to a therapist.

Have you ever watched Ghost Fighter? Remember Sensui, the guy with a Multiple Personality Disorder (MPD)? The thing with him is that he has 7 personalities and each of them deals with different things, like Kazuya is the one who murders people and Naru is his female personality who is sensitive etc. Different personalities for different situations.

This guy was just crazy. We hated, sympathized, and cheered for this guy. Who's crazy now? 

In real life, I think it’s quite unfair to call someone bipolar because he was fun yesterday but not today. Admit it, you have at least three set of friends and you’re somehow different when you meet with each group. You’re a different person when you’re with your partner; you’re different when with family. You just can’t be the same person in all the groups that you belong in.

So does that make us crazy? NO! It makes us human and logical. We understand that there are certain protocols that need to be followed when we’re in a different circle. Circle that we also belong in.

Also in a world where we live in right now, how can you not be crazy? 

Food, Compromise, and Understanding

After the fight that we had the other night, we decided to meet up last night and have dinner. We were calm, just like how mature people should. If there is one thing that will bring us back together in to the lovey-dovey couple that we are, it's FOOD :) 

Food is like a bridge to us whenever we have fights, it brings us back together and it brings joy to us. We enjoy eating, and when we both appreciate something during the time that we have to talk about our disagreements, food will always be there to help us calm down. 

We had dinner at Cafe Breton, their main course is ok. Price is reasonable and serving is generous, but food is not something that you'll actually crave for. But their crepes! OMG their crepes are cheap and good. 

Paulo said it was ok, but Lusso's was better (duh! Lusso has the best burger in this country)

                                                         

This is what I ordered. Hesaid liked this more than the Burger.

                                                                                 

Nutella Crepe with Mangoes and Vanilla ice cream (this is just heaven on earth)

                                                                         

After dinner, we talked a bit about our problems and after a few weird/funny office stories, we were holding hands again <3. He asked me if I can help him look for a bag, so he got the bill and then we walked around Podium and looked for a new office bag. We bought a messenger bag from Girbaud and it's on sale :) 

Anyway, it feels good to be back to the mushy, clingy, silly couple that we are. We have to mature in some aspects, like with our careers and how we handle our finances. But I still want us to be the food loving, childish, silly, spontaneous couple that we are. It feels good that we've already talked about this. 

Till next post :) 

The person that I love frustrates me the most

According to AskMen.com, when you’re in a long-term committed relationship, it’s easy to start taking things for granted and slipping into a routine that is comfortable and boring. I find this true and for a while, I never really had problems doing the same thing over and over again. Drinking every Friday with my boyfriend and spending every weekend in my apartment surfing the net felt so comfortable, I don’t have to dress up and put on make-up. It is more convenient that he doesn’t mind seeing what I wear on laundry day. It got boring, I realized that we did the same thing over and over again and I felt that we needed to spice things up. I tried bringing that up, he initiated to drink elsewhere on that Friday and go out and surf the net in a coffee shop on that Saturday. Different place, same routine.

We’ve been together for more than four years and a part of me had certain expectations given that we’ve been together for quite a while. I expect him to understand that me being quiet or pouting means that something is bothering me, what he did was bothering me. He gets annoyed that I am not vocal about it; I get annoyed that I have to spell out everything for him. I know for a fact that he wouldn’t want to eat in Banana Leaf so I never asked him to, I suggest places where he can enjoy his food and I’ll order something else. I still don’t understand why he can’t do the same for me. 

  photo courtesy of http://trashware.eu/read-between-the-lines-841                                                  

I know for a fact that there are things that I will do for him even if he doesn't ask for it. I know that I can make sacrifices without having to tell him. I know that whatever hobby he enjoys, I'll give it a shot. I can read between the lines. Is it wrong to expect the same thing? 

The person that I love frustrates me the most; he’s the reason why I am sane and insane. It's like he barely knows me even if we've been together for four years.  I don’t want to give up the relationship because I know that we love each other. Love is there, I won't deny the fact that he has a kind-heart and moral compass. I just think that there's more to that to make a relationship work.