ACG

2010-12-24T19:29:00.002+08:00

Last Christmas by aynaguevara featuring an ankle sandal

Hiding

2010-12-07T20:37:00.001+08:00

I want you to know
one thing.

You know how this is:
if I look
at the crystal moon, at the red branch
of the slow autumn at my window,
if I touch
near the fire
the impalpable ash
or the wrinkled body of the log,
everything carries me to you,
as if everything that exists,
aromas, light, metals,
were little boats
that sail
toward those isles of yours that wait for me.

Well, now,
if little by little you stop loving me
I shall stop loving you little by little.

If suddenly
you forget me
do not look for me,
for I shall already have forgotten you.

If you think it long and mad,
the wind of banners
that passes through my life,
and you decide
to leave me at the shore
of the heart where I have roots,
remember
that on that day,
at that hour,
I shall lift my arms
and my roots will set off
to seek another land.

But
if each day,
each hour,
you feel that you are destined for me
with implacable sweetness,
if each day a flower
climbs up to your lips to seek me,
ah my love, ah my own,
in me all that fire is repeated,
in me nothing is extinguished or forgotten,
my love feeds on your love, beloved,
and as long as you live it will be in your arms
without leaving mine.

Pablo Neruda

Knock you down

2010-02-13T22:10:00.005+08:00

"I don't think you ran away because you couldn't handle death. I think it's because you couldn't handle feelings, but you’re not like that anymore. You’re strong. You carry people. You carry me."
-- Blair Waldorf

I miss my GG. :( Oh March 8, come sooner!

***

Watching PBB Double Up! Big Night. \m/

They're currently singing a horrible Tagalog version of "Insomnia". And now dancing to the song the Indian houseguest taught. What's his name again? [ETA: HAHA it's Harish. :))]

Ohwell. Go PaulJake! Tahimik, mayabang at misteryoso is right. :">

Unnaturally long ritual

2010-01-03T02:04:00.001+08:00

One down, two to go.
Believe! \:D/

One four all, all four one

2009-12-06T21:34:00.002+08:00

You know what they say about high school? That it's where you have the best time of your life? That it's where you meet your greatest friends ever?

Happy monthsary, IsaOne!

Empire State of Mind

2009-10-21T10:02:00.003+08:00

Let's hear it for New York!

Something about you is so addictive

2009-09-21T11:32:00.005+08:00

"YouTube, Twitter and Facebook will merge to form one super time-wasting website called YouTwitFace."
-- Conan O'Brien

Because I am always so updated with pop culture:

* The long wait is over. GG is back! \:D/ Episode 2 tomorrow!
* I'm sick of the Kanye-Taylor references, even though they are funny.
* Selena Gomez looks lovely in the Creative Arts Emmys. (Too lazy to post. Google it, it's worth it.)
* Kris Allen's debut single, "Live Like You're Dying" will be out tomorrow. Apparently it's a cover of a The Script B-side, but I've heard a snippet on YouTube and it sounds awesome.

Benedictus

2009-09-12T18:58:00.004+08:00

What am I that you should love me,
and hold me as you dearest love of all?

I am ASHAMED. The 35th Foundation Day mass of our school, and I slept through the homily, my head bobbing simultaneously with Zian.

I am NOSTALGIC. Many of our past teachers were there for the celebration (no Ms. Molave though :( Boo!), including our Grade 4 Math teacher and our JSCAA moderator, Ms. Becky Ruadap. She remembers me!

I am SHORT. The SCAA were asked to line up by heights for the pre-mass procession. And I am second in line!

I am THANKFUL. As I walked back to the building after the mass, the wind was cool, and despite the chattering around me, I felt silence. I felt satisfaction and a sense of belongingness. It was a perfect moment. I realized belatedly that though there are things I'd change about it, Assumption had given me a home AND a family for 13 beautiful years.

I am PROUD. Our batch had put that atrocious first practice in the auditorium aside, and now we SHINE in "Iduyan Mo." Yayy Seniors!

I am MARVELLING. And why shouldn't I, when His love gives us so much to marvel about? :)

Ignorance

2009-09-08T17:24:00.002+08:00

Just watched Spectacular, the new Nickelodeon made-for-TV movie. It wasn't as bad as I expected it to be. The lead guy, Nikko, is every bit the Nick boy - rugged pretty boy, charismatic, Martin Johnson types (examples: Drake, Addie's hot brother Ben, Derek). I liked the wonderful flashiness of their Crowning Moment of Awesome (copyright from TVTropes) and the songs are good in their own right.. but I like High School Musical better.

I was also able to watch episode 6 of Skins after a long time. (By the way. I've been questioned many times over the fact that despite our truckload of school work plus additional responsibilities, I can still watch ALL my shows. Multi-tasking, people.) After watching, I partly regretted ever checking out the series, as it had led me to a scary revelation. It was there for a while now, but I ignored it - but now I realize it's too real to ignore.

Since I did not want to lose sleep over it, I dutifully asked around and was relieved to know that this inkling isn't as abnormal as it seemed to be. Thank goodness for all the weird people in the world.

So yes, I watched yaoi and I liked it.

You just really can't deny what you feel.

Maybe we should stay lost.

2009-09-05T17:45:00.003+08:00

First legacy core group meeting and report card day today. I don't know what to feel.

My grades are meh. Pretty good, but not sparkling, like before. I was surprised at my awesome PEHM though. How the hell did I get such a mark when I could barely remember what we did?

The meeting was draining, somewhat. Motivating sure, but there was a bit of demoralizing that set in. Whoever said that generations can be bridged has not met some of the people I had. But I am not going to make that a problem, but a challenge. (That's the spirit!)

The best legacy ever. It will be a reality.

***

I probably shouldn't have typed those three asterisks since this pretty much follows. After the legacy meet, I went to the one for our school fair. There was a HUGE mood change. It was only among the Year IV Execom, but we had the strength, optimism and idealism of a full-fledged working force. I was surprised at the logic and the surprising empiricism (for lack of a proper word) we had; we were basically doing professional-level market analysis, feasibility studies and whatnot. I almost felt like we were the board of a huge corporation of sorts.

Now this is a good opportunity to segue to our Job Shadowing activity we had yesterday. I belonged to the Marketing, Sales, and Service Career Cluster along with Aien, Angel, Mariz, OC and Pat. It was a road trip-slash-learning experience that bound all of us together in the end.

After, I stayed at my Tita Cora's house. Now that I think of it, the generation gap we have is far greater than to those I previously mentioned, but we related like kindred souls. For a time where I was supposed to just wait for my ever-slow sundo, I was opened to a lot.

***

My sisters and I all had our hair cut today. Mine's so much shorter than I would've liked, but now it's a bit past my shoulders. I feel refreshingly lighter now though. Plus, my hair grows at ASTONISHING speed. I swear like two months from now, it will be back to it's almost waist-length glory.

Satin lives

2009-08-29T15:49:00.006+08:00

I will do a movie review. For lack of better stuff to do.

I recently watched Adventureland. Minutes into the movie, I silently (or maybe not so silently) cursed the "from the director of Superbad tag and the gut-wrenchingly funny trailer. They deceived me into thinking then that I downloaded a mindless comedy with moments that are so funny they hurt (like the now-classic McLovin - it had made me SO HAPPY). It was marketed extensively as some kind of tragic slapstick. You know, the painfully funny ones that try to mask their underlying harsh realities by bringing in the laughs. And usually they're wholly successful with the masking, if they get their targetted laugh-and-go sort of audience.

But Adventureland is no tragic slapstick. It presents its heart to you unduly, maybe a tad silently, but definitely with barely any frills. It's a pleasant surprise in fact - later on, I find myself taking back the curses I had lashed out.

Although - for the stuff I'm accustomed to, the movie is quite a sleeper. Not sure if I'm not used to it or it's just not my thing though. I mean, my mind drifts easily, which is why sleepers rarely work for me.

Anyway. The story: the main dude, James (the adorkable Jesse Eisenberg), is apparently my Michael Cera. Maybe even my Shia LaBeouf, to an extent. He is of the new age of leading men - they defy the extreme stereotypical he-mans and hopeless geeks, and instead showing a more realistic, more complex portrayal. They're usually smack in the middle of the social ladder, with everyday quirks and woes, but they can tend to fall in the trap of being - dare I say it - average. So financial constraints prevented James from the European expedition of his dreams, and was instead cruelly sent to work in Adventureland, a nondescript, run-down amusement park. But Adventureland isn't even close to the whimsy it ought to be - it had cheating, knife-wielding bastards for guests, a corrupted system that aims for no one to ever win the elusive giant-ass pandas (supply lack - blame the recession), and a caste system of sorts, with the "Rides" people toppling the "Games." James then meets people, people just like him - seemingly average, but with their own little tragedies.

Stuff happens, and it turns out to be twisted high school. It's cliched, but not really; insane, but not entirely. The realism of it all had compelled me to empathize, maybe even more compared to the doubly tragic and insufferably formulaic soaps that are everywhere nowadays. The ending for me is anti-climactic, but it's undoubtedly beautiful. Somehow, it gave me the impression that the final scene is a metaphor of two people, with lives depressing in their own ways, finally escaping hell together.

And let me add this, totally unrelated to the movie, but a thereafter realization - in a perfect world I aspire for a Robbie (Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging), but in real life, a James would be perfect. One who cares about you enough to tell you the truth, does not tolerate your mistakes even if it would hurt you, and would brave the dangerous, rainy streets of NYC just to be with you again. He won't save you, but he'll help you save yourself. And somehow, in the process, you'll save him too.

Bottom line, Adventureland is silently life-changing and incredibly moving, but only if you allow it to change you and move you. It's melancholic and profound - for others boring, but for some heartbreaking. I don't think it's the replay-type of movie, as its sleeper nature can get dragging, but no dice - it's too memorable, and you won't ever need to watch it again.

The hand that holds on even when you let go

2009-08-25T20:02:00.003+08:00

Wow. And here I thought it was going to be just another [half] day.

The SCAA and the JSCAA were called for a meeting with the head of the Assumption Philippine-Thailand Province (or something like that), Sister Marjo. It was some kind of project-sharing at first. Then she asked us what we liked about our school (it has its pros and cons, with the former outweighing the latter, definitely), what we felt about Cory Aquino's death (I hope democracy didn't die with her), and some other very timely stuff. All this segued to an incredibly beautiful, incredibly insightful discusssion on true happiness, and the proverbial Road Not Taken (it's true - the harder path is the path God wants us to take). All of it is too profound too articulate, and I'm pretty sure a transcript wouldn't even suffice, because there's nothing like seeing wisdom in the flesh.

But in all, the meeting was a celebration of honesty and idealism, and it ultimately inspired me to overcome my selfish tendencies and to love Him even more. ♥

Every sky was your own kind of blue

2009-08-24T18:55:00.003+08:00

I really really want another prom.

Just one spark starts a fire

2009-08-22T13:23:00.008+08:00

She grew frightened. Not of him.

Without him.

-- Even the Storm Passes (Chapter V); unknown-chan

The first quarter has ended yayy!

I am now enjoying this very rare long weekend without homework. (With legacy work, sure, but I'll take that anytime.)

I am reading my usual HxH fanfics (because I am otaku like that), finally watching the first season of Skins, which I had put off because of our QTs, and just going online after a relatively long time. It actually feels pretty great returning to do something I missed for so long. Maybe I should deprive myself of these stuff more often (or not).

Things I'm currently looking forward to:

I am itching to get the new Neutrogena Wave. It is SO CUTE and it looks SO FUN. Vanessa Hudgens freakin SELLS.

ATL released Nothing Personal like just a month ago, and Paramore's coming up with their next studio album, Brand New Eyes, on September 29th. "Ignorance" more than satisfied me, but even if it didn't, I'm pretty sure I'd still be excited.

Also, the OST to Jennifer's Body. My kind of music.

He's Just Not That Into You is climbing its way up my Best Movies Ever list, mainly because of Justin Long. (And that kiss with Ginnifer Goodwin, with Keane on the background? I swooned for days. ♥) It made me a fan of ensemble casts (you know, really big ones), which is why I am waiting for New York, I Love You and Valentines' Day. Casts are all-star like whoa.

I love the new Greenwich TVCs. I didn't think they can top the John Lloyd-Bea Alonzo sobrang cheesy ones, but ooh they did. Watch and agree. Can't wait to try those pizzas. :-P~

Papa-paparazzi

2009-08-13T19:30:00.005+08:00

Just recently downloaded the 2009 Teen Choice Awards. Our quarterly tests are coming up, but the inner fangirl is irresistible.

Leighton's red shoes = awesome. (BTW, Ed Westwick presented this award - his voice is so unbelievably melty.)

Who's your favorite from the Cullen boys? Jasper's mine. Mine.

Now THIS is why I love the TCA. DB galore 8->

Aside from our shared fondness for a certain curly-haired boy, Miley and I have one thing in common - we both look at Britney Spears as our hero.

Dammit. I want a Nick Jonas hug too. (Kim K looks so happy :| :|)

Let the universe conspire with me

2009-08-01T12:22:00.002+08:00

Tomorrow marks the beginning of an era.

This is all for you, Lord. Lead me. I believe in You.

Quiet storm

2009-07-29T18:24:00.002+08:00

Something always brings me back to you.
It never takes too long.
No matter what I say or do,
I'll still feel you here 'til the moment I'm gone.

You hold me without touch.
You keep me without chains.
I never wanted anything so much than to drown in your love and not feel your reign.

Set me free, leave me be.
I don't want to fall another moment into your gravity.
Here I am and I stand so tall, just the way I'm supposed to be.
But you're on to me and all over me.

You loved me 'cause I'm fragile,
When I thought that I was strong.
But you touch me for a little while, and all my fragile strength is gone.

Set me free, leave me be.
I don't want to fall another moment into your gravity.
Here I am and I stand so tall, just the way I'm supposed to be.
But you're on to me and all over me.

I live here on my knees, as I try to make you see that you're everything I think I need here on the ground.
But you're neither friend nor foe though I can't seem to let you go -
The one thing that I still know is that you're keeping me down.

Sara Bareilles - Gravity

Maybe I will.

2009-07-22T19:13:00.004+08:00

I've got soul but I'm not a soldier.
-- All These Things That I've Done; The Killers

It's the season of college entrance exams. It will officially begin with a bang next weekend, where the UPCAT will finally befall us.

Anyway. On the way home a while ago, Mej and Pat asked me a question I haven't asked myself.

"Ano gagawin mo kapag nakapasa ka sa lahat?"

I honestly don't know. Because I honestly am not sure if I will even pass. I want to - desperately - and I believe I can. (The power of affirmation yo! The Secret!) And that for me is ALWAYS better than actually knowing.

The only answer I could give then was, I'd cry. And now I'm realizing how real that is. It would be like a culmination of everything the college entrance exam season had put (and will be putting) me through. It would be the exhale after weeks (and soon, months) of staring at my modules. It would be an expression of relief, happiness, and just unadulterated gratitude for living through it all.

If I would among the 10,000 out of the 70,000 that would be so blessed to be among the iskolar ng bayan - I'd cry. If I would be able to be a part of the Ateneo community, which had always been my dream school ever since I could remember - I'd cry. if I would be able to be accepted to the immensely difficult quota courses I had chosen - I'd cry.

I want to cry that cry.

OKAY I AM SO FREAKED OUT RIGHT NOW.

2009-07-17T22:44:00.001+08:00

I've shared about my fugly wound and cellulitis, right? Largely thanks to the hoards of tablets I've been taking, they're starting to heal already. The blood and the creepy green exudate have flowed out freely from my wound in all their gross glory for days, but it had stopped just a while ago. In place of pure infected terror, I now have a tiny hole on my right forearm. A HOLE DAMMIT!

Selfish kind of love

2009-07-17T08:51:00.004+08:00

Now Playing: James Morrison - Man in the Mirror

(This is a really really brilliant cover. I'm torn between this and the acoustic one Kris did during his Conway homecoming.)

***

WEEE. CLASSES ARE SUSPENDED!

The new typhoon couldn't have come at a better time. No CAT! No Algeb UT! And I can study for college entrance tests again!

The awesome weather is just a plus. ;)

You've got me poppin'

2009-07-14T20:58:00.005+08:00

My first absent.

I could NOT believe in hell that I now actually have an absent in my Senior year. I've always had perfect attendance, and the only stuff that prevents me from going to school are stuff like a really bad ankle from stupid jump rope-ing (Grade 4), dengue (Grade 6) and powerful stress-induced fevers (Grade 7).

Now, you can add cellulitis and freakin infected wound to that list.

Basically, I have a HORRIBLE thing on my right forearm. It started off as this tiny red bump. It grew uglier and uglier everyday, and now it's climbing its fast-becoming one of the grossest things I've ever seen (ETA: now it's so ugly, it makes my classmates cover their mouths in horror). I could, but I wouldn't describe it in detail; it'd easily make you barf last Thursday's lunch.

But I'm making myself productive now, actually. Studying for the upcoming college entrance tests.

***

Last Sunday, we watched Hannah Montana: The Movie. Finally - been raring to watch it onscreen for a long time now. And it's actually really good. The "The Climb" scene had me in tears.

Since the wholesome Disney dose left me wanting a bit more, I succumbed to watching the then-dormant Princess Protection Program on my iPod. I wasn't disappointed - it was Disney fluff through and through. But that's not a bad thing, really.

Other movies I'm waiting to watch:

Toy Story 3 One of my favorite childhood movies! I can't believe there'd actually be a part 3.
Up Because Pixar movies are love.
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
The Ugly Truth
Funny People
I Love You, Beth Cooper Just because it's a high school movie all the way.
(500) Days of Summer Zooey Deschanel ♥
My Sister's Keeper
New York, I Love You I have a feeling it's going to be my next He's Just Not That Into You.
Final Destination 4 Airplane crash, car crash, roller coaster malfunction.. I'm pining for a haunted classroom next!

Blue sunset

2009-07-10T22:44:00.002+08:00

Boy I'm tired. My feet cries in pain.

But I did find them. ;)

Gaby, my Kapatiran sister - thanks so much! >:D<

The Search for the Perfect Vest

2009-07-09T18:24:00.002+08:00

Just a while ago, Mig accompanied me to RP, where I searched for The Perfect Vest for my Boy Abunda costume for the celebrity cruise-themed Kapatiran. (Wonder why I went for him? Look up "Banana Split NNNN" on YouTube. Incredible.) We harrassed numerous stores to no avail. During our little break, as I was sipping my deliciously sour green mango Fruitas shake, I was profusely ranting that I could not believe how hard it is to find a decent vest. Just as I was planning to give up, we chanced upon Ate Joy, who pointed me to Bayo (which I missed for some reason), and I found this great black 50%-off vest.

(While scouring RP, I had our househelp ask my Tito Reg if he has a vest I can borrow. He did have one and it's more Boy Abunda-y - it's silky - so I've decided to use it instead. Absolutely no regrets about the great buy, though.)

Now, I hope that's going to be kind of what happens in our Kapatiran culminating activity tomorrow.

This was supposed to happen two weeks ago. We were at the peak of the Kapatiran - everyone was having the time of their lives, and I bet this includes the Freshmen who had to strut their supermodel strut down the caf, butt-spell the names of an entire barkada on top of a table, and do their best Sisa impersonation in front of a deliriously amused crowd. But stupid quarantine disrupted our plans, and now we have no choice to make do with tomorrow.

We made the most of it, though. We worked our usual magic and managed to still get the pool and extend the activity up to 6pm (CIRs, revised scheds and announcements all in one day - you don't know how tedious that really is). It was cramming at its best.

But that doesn't stop me from being scared. There are still a lot of loopholes here and there, still a lot of stuff to resolve. I'm tired as hell too. For some reason, this day drained me more than any preparation day for the prom ever did. I'm attributing it to the scary fact that I'd be dealing with two batches for a change, when I'm unsurprisingly very used to just one. (And now I'm realizing a blessing in disguise here.)

But whatever happens, I hope I find my Ate Joy tomorrow. And my vest.

When all your love is gone, who will save me?

2009-07-07T20:56:00.001+08:00

Watched videos of the American Idol 09 Tour. And ohwow. Kris Allen in Bright Lights - lethal.

Shortcuts and longer ways

2009-07-04T22:59:00.012+08:00

The 10-Day Quarantine is officially over. Not really sure how I feel about that.

Since I apparently once more don't have much to say, I will utilize the shotgun method of blogging!

* A few weeks back, I read on the TWOP forums that the Kris Allen LJ community is planning to do a birthday video for him. I've just seen it recently, and it melted me on the spot. It's set to the crapfest that is No Boundaries, which is growing on me at an exponential rate (I was singing along while watching - he really does makes everything kick awesome). You can view it here. Really wish I could've been part of something like this though!
* Hilary Duff on GG is all kinds of wrong.
* As I am typing this, I am printing all my Quarantine homework. And boy, they're a lot. School's wasting way too much of our bond paper supply. And ink!
* I actually already started on my ACET essay. Needs a whole lot of adding and editing, but the point is there. Hee. Sorry for being so excited. @-)
* I still can't believe that I had the balls to make my paper on Philo ("What do you wonder most about?" - another hella crazy question) be about nen, chakra, chi and/or spirit energy. I am watching way too much anime.
* Okay I admit it. I have given in. I have started to read some of the fanfics from the link *below*. It's crazy, and I kind of hate myself for actually enjoying it.
* Slender blond boy, indeed!
* Been spending a lot of my time in the HxH NexGear forums. There's this insanely funny pic in one of the users' signature (Bevanz). Click to see. It's priceless.
--> See what I mean? I LAUGHED FOR DAYS.
* And yet another link: I've just discovered the most awesome place to download scans of Japanese fashion magazines. Happy! (I plan to scan-share soon.)

Crazy chasing

2009-07-02T21:19:00.004+08:00

Quarantine Day #9

* It sucks that I only figured out now that Hero airs Akazukin Cha Cha (my childhood anime) on 5:30 pm.
* Speaking of childhood anime, Yu Yu Hakusho on Animax is nearing the semi-finals of the DT! Can't wait to see Kurama the Fox. :x
* The Pokemon ep yesterday was so KAWAII! May's widdle Squirtle is precious.
* This site is incredible, to say the very least. Shounen-ai and yaoi fanfic galore. Mind you, I don't actually read them - it's just an amazing collection. HxH fans should check out The Ninety-Six-Second Summary of Hunter x Hunter. It is a masterpiece.
* ECON IS TORTURE. I'm sick of graphs.
* I have still yet to finish my IP proposal thing.
* I need to get me some new magazines. The collector in me is getting antsy.
* Anyone know where I can get decent El Fili chapter summaries in English??

Nothing like a little irony

2009-07-01T20:27:00.008+08:00

Ms. ____, HAVE A HEART.
Ms. _______, do you really think we could get this on our own? Stop being delusional please. We can't! We're not *sniff* perfect!
Ms. __, this is asking for too much.
Ms. _______, not everyone likes to read yo.
Mr. _____/___, in the end you are the one who's going to have a difficult time reading all these essays. Three per student? And what if we all produce horrible writing? So there.
Ms. ____, thank you for the MINIMAL amount of homework.
Ms. _____, same goes for you too.
Ms. ___, I was planning to do copy-paste-cite but thought against it. Now I think my SWOT paper is ten levels of brilliant. You better agree.
Ms. ___, you scare me. So even if it is totally against all aspects of my will, I will do your shit.
Ms. ______/__/__, it's true what they say. Non-acads can RUIN you.

I am a mess.

***

Okay. On to less troubling stuff (or not).

One of the two essays we have to do for Philo asks the age-old question "What is the meaning of my life?" The moment I read that on the now-infamous ample homework-filled blackboard, I was shocked beyond words. No, really? Some of us aren't even sure of what to take up in college and now we're being shoved a highly-debated theological, religious and even scientific (and possibly RHETORICAL) question?

To counter that, I just typed mindless blah on my MS Word document until I satisfied myself. But before that I researched the question on ever-reliable (or not) Wikipedia and look at the dirt I found. Here's a bit of the last two of the "Popular Views" part (had to cut some parts - it's okay, not too important anyway):

Ha. Funny.

I went with the one I lined with red. Not just because it's going to make a short explanation, but also because I kind of truly agree.

So what do you think is the meaning of your life?

(If our Philo teacher can throw that question around, so can I.)

He's out of my life

2009-06-29T16:34:00.003+08:00

RIP MJ.

You will be remembered forever.

***

For the past few days I've been ranting my brat socks off, I wasn't able to write about something so big and earth-shattering: quarantine.

It's the swine flu thing. The A(H1N1) that had hit the world by storm. There was a positive case in our school, so the lovely folks at DepEd sent us in a 10-day anti-vacation.

Normally I'd be happy with this. Thrilled, even. Not just because I'd be catching up on precious sleep and my even more precious anime shows (I watch them as religiously as a housewife does her soaps), but also it's actually pretty darn exciting. I mean, this doesn't happen often and I can almost imagine history books being written about the swiney and how schools are suspended and future students like me whining about how lucky those then-students were.

But this isn't normally. This is Kapatiran Week. And this doesn't happen often too.

The realization of work ~~wasted~~ not set to reality is so painful, I could cry.

To top it off, we were given AMPLE homework. And I do mean ample.

Unfortunately, I'm being very unproductive.

You're a star. Now shine!

2009-06-15T21:17:00.004+08:00

School has begun.

And I'm pretty horrified really. It's like summer zoomed into oblivion. I wasn't able to enjoy it as much as I would've liked to, plus there are some stuff I should have done but have not done yet. I am still not ready!!

Okay so I'm such a brat.

But there are little happy points here and there, I guess. Like this one thing. Which I'd rather keep to myself.

I'll just say that the palest and the warmest of stars have aligned, and somehow things are becoming better. But it's still not what it used to be, when those stars were once a united mass of beautiful, sparkly light.

I'll leave it at that and won't complain. Beggars can't be choosers, right? (Wait. But I'm not that desperate!)

So obviously I've lost all sense of coherence. If this isn't writing I'd be rattling now like a madwoman. And I'm probably the only one who can understand myself.

This. This is the result of this bloaty feeling.

But in all honesty, I will admit that I am deathly scared that Senior year has started. Because it's here and now. Because it should be The Best Year Ever. And I know what I will be doing will leave an indelible mark in the pages of my history. I'm scared that maybe after this, I will be filled with emptiness, or worse, regret. I just don't want to screw this up. This is my only chance. (Unless I make myself advertently fail for another chance, but I'm not about to do that.)

***

Just because this diminished my despondency and made me lol forever: click.

Rain, rain!

2009-06-04T15:17:00.005+08:00

School starts a few days from now and I'm not ready. At all.

I don't think I was even ready to visit school. Yesterday the SC had a meeting with the A Team, and we also prepared somewhat for the Mass of the Holy Spirit (which the Seniors will be sponsoring). It's great to see my girls again, and I like how we get to sponsor a mass so early in the year when there isn't too much work yet. Still, it made everything feel so effin near.

Max, Monique, Tricia, Trisha and I also bonded at Burger King after. We met the T-Man, who we hope to never see again. Dude is psycho.

It was raining extremely hard then, like right now. Is it too much to ask for some first-day suspension?

***

So let me do a final installment of my SHL as an official farewell to summer (boo!).

SUMMER HAPPY LIST!

1. Kris Allen is our American Idol
This made my summer.

2. The Crazy Weather
Specifically, the rain. Others would hate it (since it is summer afterall) but I love how it gets all dark and cold - an expected side effect of my heliophobia. (I haven't gone swimming the entire summer!)

3. Miss Management and Jojo's Fashion Show

These games are addicting like whoa. If you're a girl, it is a given that you adore JFS (and might I mention, MY DREAM WEDDING GOWN IS THERE!). And my uncle RC introduced me to MM and it was addiction at first play. I finished it in less than two days - I dare anyone to try completing it faster. It just keeps you interested, even if it gets insanely difficult towards the end. I love how it's so sitcom-ish, and the characters are so amusing and charismatic. Mahavir can call me anytime.

4. Blair and Nate ♥

Sigh. They didn't happen because they're too perfect to be real.

5. McDonalds' Caramel Sundae
Mmmm. My perpetual companion for the duration of review classes. It's (almost) worth the calorie overload.

And of course,

6. You, my laptop
To think it's just been a year since we've been together. Somehow I can't imagine how I survived without you before. I'd probably be fighting with my sibs for the computer. /o/

So I guess this it. Adios summer!

Prevalence

2009-05-26T15:54:00.005+08:00

Now Playing: Keith Urban - Kiss a Girl

I think I’ve been pretty late with my Summer Happy List thing, so I’ll be making a doubly long one today.

SUMMER HAPPY LIST!

1. Review classes
I called it treachery before, but I have to admit—I really did learn to like it and everything that came with it. Fast—and occasionally slow—food, my Kostka G classmates (some of them anyway), our teachers, the endless jokes.. I could go all day. Although towards the end I was itching for all of it to end, I’ll definitely miss having review classes.

2. American Idol
I’m not immune to the lure of this tremendously popular show. Somehow it is an addiction that never ceases. It always goes on like this: at the start of the season it’s just a teeny spark of interest, and then it steadily grows into an internal mania that makes me do crazy things, like make me my own Kris poster while watching at home (seriously!). And it will probably be stronger than ever after this season, which I believe is their best yet. That’s saying a lot, since I thought the David showdown last year was nothing short of phenomenal. (Of course I might be biased on both accounts, where my chosen ones ended up winning.)

3. American Idol podcasts
Since I don’t have too much people around to harass about my Idol and Kris fixation, I turn to podcasts. My favorite by far is the Kool 105.5 American Idol Fan Show. It is a gold mine of laughs. I also like AOL Television’s Something Pitchy and The Idle Review with Josh and Jen, probably because they’re also going for Kris. Will definitely continue listening to supplement my Idol experience next year.

4. American Idol blogs
I’m reading them for the very reason I download the podcasts. Really glad I did, for because of it I’ve met some of my new favorite writers—the insightful, eloquent Michael Slezak from EW, the fierce Richard Lawson from Defamer (I fell in love him in one of his earlier recaps where he called Lil Rounds a “creature” and Nathaniel Marshall a “funky gay kid with the headband”—spot on!) and the brilliant forumers at TWoP.

5. Karaoke
Now before this installment of SHL looks like a tribute to Idol, let me make it clear that this time I’m referring to real karaoke. Or videoke if that’s the better term (what the shit is the difference anyway?). Last Tuesday, Czare, Gen, Maf and I celebrated the end of review classes at Eastwood. After eating at Fazoli’s, we burned time at one of the karaoke rooms at Timezone. It really remains a mystery as to how singing bad songs (sometimes good, but mostly bad) for hours can be fun, but it totally is. We swore to return, and I’m looking forward to that.

6. Red Mango
I’m a huge yogurt nut, and here I had the best fro yo ever. It’s exquisite. Love mine with some mango, peaches and chocolate chips. I’m drooling just thinking about it.

7. The Gossip Girl season finale
I don’t want to spoil anything to those who haven’t watched it yet. Trust me, spoilers would take some of the magic away from it. If you want to see the magic I’m talking about, get your Torrent on and download now. It’s an awesome end to an awesome season.

8. Boystown
Good golly. Currently enjoying this show on ABS. Plot and practically everything else is expected and cliché, but I can’t remember watching a more handsome cast. Hello Robi and Enchong!

9. School shopping!
We’ve started last Saturday, and now it feels like summer really is fast drawing to a close. But school shopping is always a treat, me always like getting new stuff even if they are for school. Yesterday I got me this gorgeous bag from Nike. It’s a tad too small (as usual—I hardly bring home stuff from my locker) and comes in a lovely deep purple. I originally wanted it in black, but after like five years of using a neutral-colored Nike bag for school, I guessed it was time for a change.

10. Angels and Demons
Because of a very wrong spoiler from one of my review class classmates, I watched the entirety of this movie with eyes that awaited death of all the cast members. It didn’t happen. (Oops I just spoiled the whole thing. Heehee.) But it’s an amazing movie either way, very unexpected, staggeringly exciting. Leads you to wonder what kind of freakin childhood Dan Brown had to come up with something as disturbingly morbid and magnificent as this.

11. The Unicorn Club: In Love with Mandy
I’m a huge bookworm, anyone who has been to my house and seen my budding library can see that. So I’ve obviously read tons of books, but this one manages to stand out, as I’ve realized after rereading yesterday. It is off The Unicorn Club, a spin-off of the Sweet Valley series. The title sounds cheesy and mushy and whatnot, but this truly is one story I will always remember. It’s a beautiful, cinematic fairy tale about love, friendship and sacrifice. I’ve read it too many times to count but I never tire of it, and it gets me every damn time.

No Boundaries

2009-05-21T14:08:00.001+08:00

I didn’t know it, of course I didn’t. But I believed. And somehow, that’s even better.

The backlash will inevitably happen. That sucks, but nothing can change what had already taken place. To all those who are bitter, your glam god may deserve this, but he deserves this too. His timely rise is democracy in action, determination in completion, hope in fulfillment—and I couldn’t be any happier.

Kris Allen is our American Idol. Congratulations! :)

I'll sing along.

2009-05-15T22:20:00.004+08:00

I know I had already given him major pimpage in this blog (unlike on the damn show), but he just mesmerizes and inspires me so much I feel the need to post about him.

Yesterday, my love Kris Allen has defied all odds and reached the final two in American Idol. And in a season where the producers seem to have thrashed subtlety in their favoritism and unjust manipulating, this is a miracle indeed. He’s the cannon fodder, the dark horse or whatever you call it. It’s just amazing to see how far he’s gone with his incredible talent, artistry and sheer ingenuity (and his being so darn adorable doesn’t hurt either).

For weeks now I’ve been totally fangirl-ing over him—I couldn’t be more proud of it. At this very moment, I have a bajillion tabs on my Mozilla page about him and I couldn’t dare keep my eyes of them. He amazes, he really does. He has won this heart, along with millions of others. The finale is next week—and though he’s up against a formidable, truly talented (though annoyingly screechy) opponent with hoards of crazed fans—I truly believe he can win this thing.

It's time that you won.

Magic feeling and whatnot

2009-05-12T21:16:00.001+08:00

I completely adore the GG Tuesday A.M. Index at Gossip Girl Insider. I’m following it for this post on our review classes, which is becoming pretty fun. I’m enjoying!

Let me see.

I hate waking up every day and realizing I have nothing to wear. Minus 5.

Break times last for only 15 minutes. If the teacher is a not-time conscious peach (such as Math 3’s Sir Gino), it goes a little overtime. But still. Minus 2.

You’d think that the measly allotted time for breaks would equate to a generous lunch break. Not. One hour for locating a place to eat at, actually eating and what not? Hell we have to hurry returning to Kostka. Minus 8.

We’re actually going to have a class picture? Plus 2.

But we have to pay? Of course we do. D’oh. Minus 1.

Some of our classmates wear the funniest statement shirts ever. I'd give an example, but then it would be obvious. Plus 6.

English made me realize that my vocabulary is unfortunately very limited. Not good for my self-esteem. Minus 7.

Math 2 is horrible. Difficulty-level word problem in less than a minute? Impossible. Minus 7.

No one, but no one, understands Chem. Minus 13.

Physics. I’m sorry I just can’t enjoy it—‘di ako bibbo. Minus 10.

**** ********! Plus 51.

Review classes truly bind people together. And so do jokes about our classmates and teachers. God my tummy still hurts from all the laughing. Plus 10.

Being with Czare, Gen and Mafee. Plus 20.

Despite time constraint and the dent it leaves on my wallet, I love eating out. How many restaurants have we eaten in for the past week? Plus 8.

One word: McDonalds’. Minus 2.

They’re okay, but I’m really not feeling the mock exams. My grades are fine, though they’re nothing to jump up and down about. Minus 4.

Because we were noisy, we had to leave our perfectly fine classroom and go to the isolated one at the very top of the building. My feet aren’t too happy, and so are we. Minus 12.

But that definitely brought the class together, didn’t it? Plus 5.

Our teachers are a colorful bunch. They give us loads to talk about. And I actually learn from them. Plus 9.

The jokes! I can’t get enough of them. Hilarious. Plus 10.

The random pluses and minuses amount to exactly 50 points. Awesome. So I like review classes more than I hate them. ;)

Captured

2009-05-08T22:17:00.003+08:00

First day, I was already feeling it. Second day, somehow I knew it. Third, I was slowly being consumed. And fourth—well, I was on the verge of admitting it.

There was it, no doubt about that. But though everything was working along with it, I couldn’t bring myself to acknowledge its growing control over me. It makes one vulnerable you know, admitting. So I didn’t allow myself to. But now I can’t take it anymore.

I truly did try. It took a lot of my willpower to force it at the back of my mind, and I struggled to shut it out, only to fail miserably. I mean, how can you? It's impossible when the very thing you want to avoid is just right beside you.

HOY ANG CUTE MO!

Sana makausap na talaga kita. Pero masyado akong torpe eh.
And you’re off-limits.

In flames

2009-05-05T22:03:00.003+08:00

Now Playing: The Friday Night Boys - You Do, You Don’t

Yesterday, I started my 12-day, 120-hour, 8am to 5pm review at Expert Guides. Along with Czare, Gen and Maf, I’m part of Batch 9 Kostka G. One thing I’ve noticed is how review classes is the United Nations assembly of schools. Everyone is there, all kinds of people from all kinds of schools. You guys are just kind of thrown together by a common objective, and you have to make things work, lest you want chaos. In our class, there’s no dominant group (meaning guys who have the gall to be noisy and cocky just because they’re the greatest number), which is good, but then it’s all cricket-cricket as of now. Hopefully we’d grow noisier over the next few days, but not too noisy of course. You know how I feel about noisy.

Anyway. Somehow I kind of rue the day I actually thought it was a good idea to enroll in this treachery. It’s not that bad sure, but it is when I think that I could still be enjoying my sleep privileges to the maximum, taking advantage of something I have so longed for during the school year. I could be saving some cash by not having to buy lunch every day at whatever resto at the Katipunan strip we feel like going. And I could be freeing my mind from cooking up creative ways on how the hell I can get home.

Speaking of that—commuting is always an option, though an unwelcome one. I’ve been commuting for years now, but my first time to actually ride a jeepney alone was last Monday. The second time was just a while ago and though it was relatively fine, I have to say the claustrophobic-ness of it all gave me a major case of the heebee-jeebies.

But at least, I’m letting myself be productive. And what would I do at home anyway? (Watch good TV, burn my ass in front of the computer screen.. but that’s besides the point.) I’ve said this many times, that review classes may or may not make that much of a difference, but whatever happens, it would still be a huge part of the college preparation experience. Plus, I get to see so many of my batchmates again. Be it superfun activities or a heinous crapfest of lessons, I wouldn’t mind going through anything as long as I have them.

But whatever, really. I got myself into this mess, and I guess I should just find a way to enjoy it.

No she di'int!

2009-05-04T17:31:00.003+08:00

Review classes begin tomorrow. Damn.
(Not today. Oops!)

Mmm.. Bacon!

2009-04-30T15:35:00.008+08:00

SUMMER HAPPY LIST!

1. Killer TV marathons
Hunter x Hunter and That '70s Show!

2. "Mmm.. Bacon!"
That '70s Show fantards should be able to relate. This line is seriously the funniest thing to hit TV ..or at least my iPod screen. :))

3. That PCD song from Slumdog Millionaire
I have yet to finish the movie; I can't seem to find a time when my innate restlessness calms myself to sit down and watch. But this song--this song I can listen to over and over. It is addictive. Jai Ho!

4. Nutella
Anything with Nutella is a dream. Actually, anything with hazelnut. [ETA: Ever heard of the European chocolate brand Ritter Sport? I haven't either until now. I am currently eating Chocolat au Lait avec Noisettes Entiéres. It is as exquisite as it sounds.] And though their cakes are merely eye candy, Mocha Blends' Choco Nutella Freddoccino is a must-try.

5. Kris Allen, my summer happy crush

OMG REALLY. HOW CAN YOU NOT VOTE FOR HIM? =))

---

Watched the latest GG yesterday--"A Southern Gentlemen Prefers Blondes". I don't know about you Chair fans, but I seriously want my Nair/Blate. I've been vouching for them since forever. And they are freakin gorgeous together. The storyline between Serena and Gabriel (who, I should add, is so not hot) is insane. I'm itching for the next ep.

Oh. And I want to make my own podcast.

To make you feel my love

2009-04-29T17:07:00.006+08:00

American Idol later! I'm pretty excited.

That's a huge understatement, really.

My heart beats for Kris Allen. Mhmm. He's adorable, extremely talented and cute as a muffin. I love him from the beginning, and now I think I want him to win [ETA: I WANT him to win!]. He reminds me so much of my sweet Jason Castro from last season, probably because of the raw musicality, the guitar-playing, and the chill, coffee house-y vibe. He has this incredibly, incredibly pretty voice that works with whatever genre, though I prefer him doing the folksy Mraz thing and gorgeous, dark ballads (such as the brilliant "Ain't No Sunshine" and the very stunning "Falling Slowly", which both gave me goosebumps beginning to end). And! He's damn cute. He fits the pretty boy-bishounen types I'm pining for nowadays. So yeah, I want him ..to win. ;)

I still like my Adam and Allison, but not as much as before. Adam, I mean yes, he rocks some serious shit and I still do admire his evil Jonas Brothers spawn-good looks. But his unpredictability is getting sooo predictable. Kind of like, Glambert goes unpredictable ..again. Really! I mean, what's with the going back and forth between fast and slow? (And honestly? I'm really starting to get bored with his over-the-top freaky screeching.) Allison, I adore her, the red hair and the rock sensibilities (though I'm not hugely into the clothes--good pieces, just not together). But still. They've got nothing on my Kris. :>

I leave now so I can continue to melt.

Obsessive

2009-04-23T16:06:00.005+08:00

Ever since my Grade 3 days, I have been in love with Hunter x Hunter. My obsession is an on-off thing (goes on when I actually have the time to watch and re-watch on DVD), but the love is perpetual. I am a professed anime nut, and HxH is seriously the best I have ever encountered.

HxH is packed with insane action that gives you some sort of delicious excitement (it rivals that of Hisoka when he sees a powerful opponent) but at the same time it kinds of give you an overwhelming sense of attachment too, because the story is formed in such a way that it's possible to believe you are a part of it. The story in itself is a melding of relatively simple yet nonetheless brilliant stuff. Priceless comedic moments peppered here and there makes it all the more memorable and no less powerful.

The reviews I read online (great ones at Manga Life) all agree that the characters are the heart of the series though. I agree with my whole heart. The set is interesting, well-balanced and fascinatingly colorful. Good guy or villain, each one of them has personality glitches (which are usually entertaining), a fitting Hatsu (this, mind you, can only be comprehended by fan boy Otaku types), intense desires and emotions. I don't even mind the lack of romantic developments and female characters--I'm more than content just seeing Kurapika and Killua, who I have to say are both fiercely good-looking. :x

---

For the past few days, I have indulged myself watching the series on DVD (the Hunter Exam, Celestial Tower and Genei Ryodan arcs) and streaming the first OVA online. Now I think the only real problem lies on the ending--there is none as of this writing. The manga is ongoing, but that's in Japan! Me wants a full-on multimedia experience.

Yoshihiro Togashi-san, I await the next OVAs. I don't mind if it's about the heinous Chimera Ants or a continuation to the brilliant Genei Ryodan arc (though I'd prefer that infinitely), just please do it. Please.

The 3am Phenomena

2009-04-23T03:10:00.002+08:00

Have you people wondered what the shit is with 3am?

* It's a Busted song.
* It's a TFNB song.
* It's an Eminem song.
* Apparently, Matchbox 20 also has a song with the same name.
* Simple Plan's "Everytime" goes "It was 3am when you woke me up.."
* In the movie Hide and Seek with Robert De Niro and Dakota Fanning, it was something like the time the devil comes (or so my brother says).
* And according to Wikipedia.. "In European folklore, the witching hour is the time when supernatural creatures such as witches, demons and ghosts are thought to be at their most powerful, and black magic at its most effective. This hour is typically midnight, and the term may now be used to refer to midnight, or any late hour, even without having the associated superstitious beliefs. The term "witching hour" can also refer to the period from midnight to 3am, while "devil's hour" refers to the time around 3am."

And I dunno, it's just all so negative. Probably why I gained some sort of prejudiced presumption cum fear about the enigmatic time. But ohwell. This just came to mind because it is now 3am according to my laptop. I'm staying up terribly late again.

Hot N Cold

2009-04-19T21:54:00.008+08:00

The entire Cruz clan went to Splash Mountain in Laguna yesterday. It was an overnight thing. I didn't swim at all (because of my heliophobia), but I did try out the inroom jacuzzi, which was intensely hot and made all of us sweat buckets. Actually, the whole experience made us sweat buckets. From the long SLEX ride in our untinted Civic to the hideously hot showers, it was all about enduring the heat. :|

It was a good thing that though the DVD player and television had their respective faults (refuses to play with audio and few channels respectively), our hotel room was equipped with this awesomely cold aircon. So my cousins and I just lounged around, Jojo's Fashion Show-ed, played our usual pusoy dos with the loser-drinks-water-and-no-peeing consequence. And since the DVD player is acting up, we simply relied on the subtitles (and dubbed them ourselves--no, really) for our OTH marathon. Sleeping time was terrible. We were like 5 people forced to fit in two small beds, and I had terrible sleep that resulted to an annoying ache near my left eye.

[ETA: Tuesday and Wednesday, my sibs Mig and Chey, my cousins Mej and Pat, Lolo, and my Ninang Gay stayed at the very posh Diamond Hotel. We just ate a lot--TBoy, Aristocrat, HotShots. After a scorching past few days, the rain came, making it massively cold. And, our brand new Innova had killer air conditioning.]

Hot and cold. That, my friends, is the effect of Global Warming. Happy Earth Day (on Wednesday)!

"I never rejected you."

2009-04-14T22:16:00.004+08:00

PEOPLE YOU MUST PLAY MISS MANAGEMENT. IT IS AMAZING. I AM SO ADDICTED RIGHT NOW YOU CAN'T BELIEVE IT.

[Edit: Jojo's Fashion Show 1 and 2 are awesome too! I get my games at Reflexive Arcade.]

Soul-stirring

2009-04-14T21:50:00.007+08:00

"True genius does not fulfill expectations. True genius shatters it."
-- Paula Abdul

That is probably the most ..well, genius thing that ever came out of her mouth. I mean let's face it, she's loopy. Every time it's her turn to speak on American Idol, my head starts to hurt mysteriously.

---

SUMMER HAPPY LIST!
1. Star-crossed incidents :">

2. Lindt Lindor truffles

Oh you little pieces of heaven. I should seriously limit my sugar intake, but the very thought of these truffles shatters any self-control I have left. I mean, look at them! Even wrapped they are luscious. I'm particularly partial to the dark and peanut butter ones.

3. WAYS TO ABOLISH BLACKHEADS!
My nose has been pestered by blackheads since forever, and now I'm looking for an effective way to get rid of them. Just imagining a blackhead-free future sends me in near-ecstacy.

4. Chick flicks, of course!
(See entry dated 04/07/09)

5. One Liter of Tears
Okay, so this Japanese drama doesn't exactly make me happy. On the contrary, it breaks my poor heart to smithereens. It's about 15-year-old Ikeuchi Aya, who suffers a terrible fate called spinocerebellar degeneration disease, where your nervous system acts up and your brain commands don't reach your muscles. It kills to see her cope with this evil illness with so much strength and hope, and family is heartbreakingly supportive as well. If you're in need of a good cry, then you need to start watching this.

Mismanaged

2009-04-11T15:12:00.005+08:00

Good Friday.

To do:

1. Download more movies such as Wedding Daze, Wild Child, and Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging. :x

2. Continue watching ONE LITER OF TEARS. Damn episodes 4 and 5 aren't working! :-<

3. Search for possible Fair and Legacy sponsors already. (I'm thinking Timezone, Havaianas or Crocs, any feminine napkin brand..)

4. ~~Reflexorate my Family Feud games.~~

5. ~~Finish MISS MANAGEMENT.~~ All with three stars!

6. Re-download my Fahrenheit music vids to save disk space (Drive C: running on dangerously low memory!).

7. Buy a ~~silicon~~ leather case for my iPod.

8. Buy me and Mariel those pretty black shades we saw.

9. ~~E-mail my loves currently basking in the cool Japan climate.~~

10. Mall next week. I need to un-stuck myself in this rut which includes my laptop and the television.

Running in circles

2009-04-11T01:26:00.004+08:00

April 9, 2009:

* HAPPY BIRTHDAY CAMBEBEGIRL MAX! >:D<

* Overnighted at Mariel's. Happy time! We indulged in movies, apricot scrubs and strawberry yogurt masks, and sleep (3 am to 1:30 pm :|).

* Maundy Thursday. Doesn't it suck that all malls close during this part of the Holy Week? It's just so damn inconvenient. But that's just me.

* Just watched episode 2 of One Liter of Tears. It is hearbreaking.

* Currently watching Twilight on DVD. Still a very dragging movie. I hate Bella and the Cullens for their very beautiful pale skin. :-<

* American Idol yesterday was fierce! Kris was yummy, Matt hot, Allison moving, and Adam all of the above. :> It's the end of the line for Scott today, and it was heartbreaking. I really wish he could've stayed longer. I think he deserved to stay more than some of the others (ehemLilehem). I was actually truly inspired by him.

"You're mad, but you're perfect for me."

2009-04-07T16:44:00.003+08:00

Summer is the time to watch movies you've been dying to watch for so long, but couldn't because of your very hectic schedule. And so I did. Since I'm getting my fill of action-adventures because of my parents who'd forcibly bring me to the cinemas (I always end up glad that they did though), I'm now looking at chick flicks.

We know the formula for this kind of movie. Feisty, lovable heroine + everyday problems made more complicated for the silver screen + ditzy but actually very helpful support system + gorgeous male who comes in the form of the unattainable heartthrob or "the best friend" + cheesy, cliché, but still very sweet and melty lines + a cinematic ending. But the movies I watched were surprisingly more similar to one another than I expected. And though the three I’ve watched are every bit the chick flick--predictable formula and all--I find myself embracing them.

1. Wild Child
This is every bit the coming-of-age, with its lead having been sent to a boarding school in England to curb her wild ways. She knew it was all wrong for her--a direct contrast to her carefree California lifestyle--so she sought to get expelled. It tugs at your heart, seeing that during her mission to get booted out, she found reasons to stay.

2. Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging
Can there be a more amazing movie? So the plot (for me) is a bit ambitious, the British lilt a little distracting, the ending too perfect. But it just makes you believe, you know? It makes you believe that with gritty perseverance, ingenuity and an overwhelming desire, the perfect ending happens, which includes finally bagging the Sex God (played by the most gorgeous actor I've seen in ages, Aaron Johnson :x).

3. Wedding Daze
More mature I guess, compared to the previous two. It's ten levels unrealistic, but the main point of the movie is that love can come even in the strangest way possible, that it can be instantaneous and insane, that it can happen on a seemingly ordinary day in a crowded diner filled with old people. And surprisingly, it's successful in making us see that. Also successful in making me laugh until my cheeks hurt.

(Oh and I should mention Jason Biggs, whose voice makes for the sweetest, most moving “Will you marry me?” I’ve ever heard.)

One thing I noticed not just in these three, but chick-flicks in general was its heroines. They all have flaws--a refusal to be open-minded, naïveté, a temper, selfishness--but that makes them all the more real, easy to relate to. They’re not perfect, but they become perfect in the eyes of that someone who loves them, who just so conveniently happens to be incredibly good-looking. So okay, the mushiness of the you’re-perfect-for-me’s is slightly sickening, but it’s beautiful still. It’s a phenomenon really, when even with the existence of shortcomings, someone learns to love completely and irrevocably.

Forget fairy tales--life is better off being a chick flick. ;))

Can't help it if there's no one else

2009-04-06T22:47:00.001+08:00

Batangas today.

As usual, I did not swim. Or more appropriately, I avoided the pool like it was a hungry dog and I, coincidentally holding a juicy steak, was hungry too. It is seriously because of my sun phobia (apparently, it's called heliophobia). I can say I'm taking care of my skin by not submitting it to the harsh rays of the sun (skin cancer, anyone?), but I wouldn't be telling the truth entirely. I can't help it if it's a matter of vanity. I fear discoloration, premature aging, and--shudder--getting dark. :|

I also avoided eating today. Yesterday, we ate at Sweet Inspirations for dinner. Mongolian buffet. It was super yumyum, but God my tummy is killing me. I hate myself for eating way too much.

Oh, oh! I must share some of the gifts I received for my birthday. :>

Don't you just love the Joe Jonas blanket? It's from Gen. It's soft, velvet-y and dreamy. In a word, perfection. 8->

The 120GB iPod Classic is from my mom, who has yet to fail in giving me the birthday gift I need most. For my 15th it was an n5300, last year it was this laptop, and now it's a replacement for my Nano which had untimely and mysteriously disappeared last November. (Surprisingly, I coped with the loss very well. But now I can't imagine that I was able to live iPod-less for that long.) Thank you Mom! >:D

Halo

2009-04-04T23:59:00.013+08:00

This video showed me at my worst (and best, but no one cares about that), but still it's one of the best, sweetest things anyone has ever done for me. Thank you my bebegirl Czare. I love you. >:D<

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MEEE. :)

Time won't stand still

2009-04-04T22:55:00.005+08:00

Report Card Day:

Very happy to see my classmates again. :)
My grades effin suck. Geom and Chem in particular. Thank God I will be leaving you behind for next year. But ohwell. My CEM results are very pretty.

Eastwood:

For the first time ever, I planned to celebrate my birthday the usual way which is to eat out with friends. Carissa, Mariz, Gail, Angie, Jae and Mariel. >:D<
Dinner at Pasto (super full), then happy time at Timezone.

---

The clock is ticking. I will be 17 soon. :| :))

"Let this go, before it's too late.""It's already too late."

2009-04-03T22:28:00.007+08:00

I felt it. I knew it. My subconscious pushed me to brush my bun-ed hair before stepping on that fateful escalator that led to our fourth time.

I noticed the shirt first--I'd knew it anywhere. So of course I expected to see him as I looked up. And so I saw him, waving. I waved back, and then politely acknowledged his ..err, companion with a near-smile and my usual trip to Japan-influenced little bow.

And as always, I was left enthralled. There's no other word for it. Enthralled by the experience of seeing him again. Enthralled by the meant-to-be-ness of it all. Enthralled by the fact that though the chances of it happening was little to none, it happened still, and I kind of expected it.

Now my problem is still the same one I had on my 03/15/09 post. You know, the one about fate being such an awesome bitch.

---

So before that fateful time at SM Marikina to watch the very amazing The Fast and the Furious, I had to return to school for our Strategy Planning. Hello Committee Heads and SCAA. :> We had a great time and it was very productive. It's just kind of hard to believe that our batch are the Seniors now, since we feel and look and act so young compared to our predecessors (really!). But I know full well we can rock it--I always have--and though I'm deathly dedicated in making the most of my summer, I can't help but get excited about the school year ahead of us. ;))

---

American Idol yesterday. Finally, they got rid of Megan Joy/Corkrey. I did NOT like her at all. There were so many things about her that were so damn annoying, from her bird-like demeanor (it's her fault--she's the one doing the stupid "caw, caw!") to her very odd voice.

Now my folks at Vote for the Worst are dismayed over the loss of their "songbird." (Figures she's the one they're rooting for.) So they're searching for the next recepient of their votes. This blog entry of theirs is a must-read. Evil, but hilarious. :))

Go Adam/Kris/Allison!

And so sweetness ends

2009-04-02T12:28:00.003+08:00

It's April!

Three more days and I'm turning older. :| :))

Desperate for your voice :x

2009-03-30T12:40:00.008+08:00

John Vesely,

Why hello. :)) The moment I heard you'll be coming to the hallowed Ayala malls, I knew I just had to go. I missed Boys Like Girls, Boyce Avenue and The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, but I can't miss you. So I picked TriNoma, being the nearest of the bunch. Mig and I harrassed mom for weeks just so we can go. Now I kind of wish I chose a farther, less accessible one like Greenbelt (or even Cebu ;)) ), where there would probably be fewer people out to get a glimpse of the man behind the voice. Because man, TriNoma was packed because of you, and I got frustrated with the hoards of feeling emo's and the fanboys/girls around.

But as claustrophobic as I am, I can't regret coming out to see you because you truly are legendary. Your voice is perfection. It just reaches inside of you, you know? It grabs your heart undulately, twists it until all the blood oozes out, then leaves it alone to breathe--and it ends up fresher than it had first been. I really wish you had sung my favorite "Stranger" and the very painful "It's Not Over", but I'm left breathless with your set nonetheless. Each song gave me goosebumps, and I still can't believe I actually heard in person one of the best voices I've heard in my life (you own that honor with Alex Gaskarth, Juliet Simms, Alex DeLeon and David Cook).

Thank you so much for the gift you bestowed these humble ears. I really wish to hear you again--and soon.

PS. I am at a loss for words upon hearing you say that you and your wife had broken up. (But best friends still? That's just aww.) I mean, all your songs were for her! She must be a total goon to let you go.

Fly to where you are

2009-03-29T00:59:00.003+08:00

Congratulations Seniors! \:D/
You're old girls now. ;))
I will miss you so much. Good luck to the life ahead!

---

So now my usherette training days are officially over. But it still wouldn't be idle time yet (fortunately or unfortunately, I'm not really sure). Lolo's coming home from New Jersey on Monday, Maintenance Day on Tuesday, send-off mass in AC for the next batch of delegates for the Assumption Philippines-Japan Exchange Program on Wednesday, and Strat Planning on Friday.

Then, Report Card Day on Saturday. Eep. I am deathly scared to look at my card. Grades had spiraled downward, I'm sure. Thankfully, I'd be celebrating my 17th the following day--usually the case--so my parents won't give me such a hard time about it. /:)

---

Oooh. I hate you. Embarking on my territory eh? Back off if you know what's good for you. >:)

(Di ko alam, mamaya baka para sa akin din 'yan. My gas. =)) )

Powhz

2009-03-26T23:56:00.018+08:00

They're dimming the street lights,
You're perfect for me, why aren't you here tonight?
I'm waiting alone now, so come on and come out
And pull me near.
-- Hey Stephen; Taylor Swift

My summer doesn't feel like summer yet. I've been too... productive. No seriously. :)) I return to school for clearance, and I help out with the Year IV graduation as an usherrete (meaning I have to actually wake up early! :|). My only idle day so far was last Wednesday.

I decided to make me something I'd call my Summer Happy List, since I want to be able to remember the stuff that had succeeded in helping make my summer what I want it to be (which is the perfect mix of idle and productive, and all the while very happy :>). Whether or not this would be a weekly or once in two weeks-ly thing, I'm not so sure. I can still get so lazy to update. ;))

So here's the first of the many lists to come.

SUMMER HAPPY LIST!
1. Elianto nail polish
I've always been so crazy about nail polish, and this (along with TFS's) is my go-to brand. The colors are so pretty and vibrant, and it could last a little over two weeks on my toes without chipping. My favorite shades are turquoise, grape wine, dark purple, navy, and yellow. :)

2. Taylor Swift

After months of hearing the Twilight OST and Paramore's The Final Riot! on our family car, it's actually a nice change to go country. (I can't believe I just wrote that.) Her sophomore Fearless has a lot of really really good songs. Most remarkable for me are "White Horse", "Forever and Always" and the more upbeat version of "Teardrops on my Guitar". And you got to love her hair. :>

3. Yo Momma jokes from Mig's hilarious iTouch app =))

4. Joseph's
Thank you Aien and your busmates for introducing me to this wonderful place. ;)) Joseph's is this tiny air conditioned carinderia a walking distance from school. Their noodle meals are yummy and come in very generous servings (split with a friend!). Their halo-halo is really good too. But the best part is the super inexpensive prices. It makes the HS Cafeteria seem super kurakot. Probably the main reason why it's become our tambayan. :))

And of course,

5. The usherettes!

Hello my bebe girls! Tekker, mga 'teh. LaB yoU pOwHz. (^_~)

One hi and one hello

2009-03-24T00:10:00.003+08:00

After almost three weeks. Finally. I'm happy.

Goodnight :D

I kept you.

2009-03-23T17:04:00.002+08:00

Do you know what it feels like opening your wallet, expecting to see the usual wad of crisp moolah leering at you, but instead found--nothing? I have. Just today.

It's crap, I'm telling you. Now I don't want to sound all stuck-up and materialistic (I swear I'm not), but really. On one side it's surprising. I could've sworn I had a decent amount in there like a month ago, but it seemed to have gradually disappeared. (I found the culprit. I don't splurge much when I go out, but then, I go out pretty often. Yipes.) On the other side, it's scary. I need some money in my wallet. We all do. For me it's a matter of security. I commute and do a lot of last-minute stuff, and it makes me breathe to know that I'm ready with my trusty wallet. But what is it without the money?

Truly, the recession does not choose its victims. It just hit me, in time for summer. :|

But. Mwahaha. Despite my desperate lack of finances, I still found time to go to the mall. After a half day at school for usherette training and assistant committee head interviews, Gen and I went to Sta. Lucia. Man, there were so many people at school, you'd think there were still regular classes. I blame you, clearance. So we ate at Yoshinoya to Gen's request, a really good place to eat if you're craving Japanese but cash-strapped as I am. Their beef yakiniku was so yummy and worth the Php105 I begrudgingly shelled out at first. Even their red tea was good, and I hate hate tea. ;))

We shopped for a while. Gen bought a myriad of bright nail polish. @-) Then we had neoprints! Again. The operating guy knows me very well already. 8-)

Thanks Gen for the fun day! And for carrying my laptop. If not for you, it would've killed my shoulders. >:D<

---

Something else happened today. Something--or someone--came back. I can't really tell myself. I mean it's long over, and I'm glad. Things are better now. They'll never be the way they were before and if that's what should be, then fine. We have our own lives. But it looks like the world is pulling some strings just so that we can still be a part of each other's. I have no objections with that. I actually miss us sometimes.

But tell me people. If you have something, but can't find it--what's the use?

Wormholes and revelations

2009-03-22T01:06:00.010+08:00

CAMgirl! You truly are one of the best things that happened in my life. :"> I love you. :*

---

Now Playing: Muse - Starlight

Second day of summer.

I just came home from Eastwood. Watched Race to Witch Mountain with siblings. It was awesome, the effects were stunning, and I didn't find it predictable one bit (though the ending could use a bit tweaking--too idealistic for me, but oh well happy endings always work). And the alien siblings are gorgeous. I like their huge blue green eyes that bore into your soul. :x

(Have I mentioned I'm a believer? Yes I am.)

After, I saw Czare by coincidence. Okay so technically, Mom did. Tadhana parin. :> We just walked around, watched the fireworks, crashed Iya's birthday celebration at Pasto. (Thanks for the food. ;)) Oh and yesterday, we also celebrated Czare's 17th at Gateway with the BHs. Fun fun! It was a day of many firsts for us. :>

But before all that, we enrolled for review classes at Expert Guides. Batch 9, two weeks of whole day classes. And then, I will have to return to school for some days next week. Clearance, and will be usherette-ing for the Year IV graduation. Yikes.

We say summer!

2009-03-19T21:25:00.009+08:00

The Quarterly Tests were--thankfully--not as hard as I thought they'd be. But then, that's always scary. That's me speaking from experience. I'll just wait (or not wait) for the Report Card Day.

One more thing, I am glad the year is over. My brain had obviously stopped functioning for school. I seriously don't know how to study anymore. I'd read my stuff for a while, feel drowsy, then swear I'd sleep for like 5 minutes, extending to 15 at the most, then end up waking after 3 hours. :|

So now it's summer.

Goodbye Junior year. You've been amazing while you lasted. My best year so far, for so many reasons I'd rather not say because I'm too lazy to type them, but I know I'll never forget you. \m/

Hello beach outings with me not swimming, roadtrips, review classes, Pokemon Pearl, more internet, insane downloading, One Liter of Tears, constant RP- and Sta. Lucia-ing (as if it's not constant already), hours and hours of sleeping (and goodbye eyebags @-)), intense heat and coffee shops.

BUM TIME HAS BEGUN. -Trina Gana

Amen to that. :))

Mesmerizing me like you always do

2009-03-15T00:23:00.009+08:00

In the wake of three consecutive hell weeks, I still smile because of a few somethings. Fate is one of those. She may be a scheming, manipulative bitch--but right now she's making me sooo happy. I just hope she's not trying to mislead me into thinking things are meant to be (but if she is, then it's kind of working :|).

So now we are down to the last four days of Junior year. Hello effin Quarterly Tests! I hope I kick your ass.

And I sincerely hope inspiration will work its magic, because I have a lot of it now. :>

---

For English, we were punished in the form of short story writing. I decided to go the chick-lit route after reading the insanely masaklap Sixteen by Maureen Daly. I figured, I should put my bitterness and unfound forbidden love fascination into something. I shall bore you all with an excerpt from mine. ;))

“Would you like to dance?” He asked suddenly.
I answered with the first real smile I had in days.
We moved towards the dance floor, and then we faced one another. I was greeted by the soft smile playing on his lips, mesmerizing me as it always did.
He held my hand. His grip tightened almost immediately, and I felt something push us closer. Looking at him, I forgot everything I had worried about earlier. I forgot the unfathomable stress that came with preparing this event. I forgot the bitter resentment over the fact that I can’t have him. There were people around us, and even their hushed murmurs sounded suspicious. The music was blaring louder than it had the entire day. The lights were blinding, flashing in the dark. But all I could see was him, and all I could hear was my heart.
At that moment, nothing else mattered.

Okay cheesy much. ;)) I guess we all know where this came from.

Love is on its way

2009-03-08T17:30:00.007+08:00

Tonight, I'm gonna fly.
Yeah, tonight I'm gonna fly.
'Cause I could comb across the world,
See everything and never be satisfied
If I couldn't see those eyes.
-- Hello Beautiful; Jonas Brothers

I just came home from Eastwood, and guess whaat. I finally watched Jonas Brothers: The 3D Concert Experience. As expected, the theater was teeming with ecstatic tweens and their parents (mothers, particularly), but I spotted some unlikely audiences as well.

OMJ is really all I can say.

The movie was incredible. You've got to hand it to JB, they really do know how to put up an awesome show. They've got the formula down pat--insane good looks, actually great music, fun gimmicks (in the form of the killer acrobatics and the instrument swap thing). Then they mix up their whoa songs with the melty ones (which I prefer) and the result is a happy everyone. I mean, I definitely was. I appeared to have enjoyed the movie more than both my younger sisters, who sat on either side of me. :))

Though I'm far from being--and never will be--like those disturbingly loyal fangirls who cry and scream for them, I have to admit: the hype is contagious. Well-deserved. Real.

Joe, you're sooo hot but now I can't help thinking you're a bit overrated. Kevin, you rock the guitar but you're a total camwhore at times. Nick.. good golly. Well, you melt the deepest parts of me. You are the most adorable thing. Let me be one of the millions of fangirls who will propose to you. Marry meee! =))

Um so there. Watch the movie. OMJ. :x

A Vision, A Goal, A Possibility

2009-03-06T18:25:00.006+08:00

I NEVER imagined myself to be running for a position this high before. Daydreamed, okay. Once upon a time I did have those fanciful daydreams of standing behind an almighty podium, seeing my name with the position and whatnot, but I knew very well that that was merely a facade and hardly a reality. Years of leadership had taught me that.

In truth, a leader is a servant. She leads yes, but more than that, she serves.

And the question here is, am I ready to serve again? I've seen how I cracked and fell and lost humongous amounts of sleep (the very cause of my vampire eyebags @-|). I've seen my grades spiral downward. I've seen myself crying in frustration over the things I couldn't control.

But then again, I also saw the people I serve satisfied when something worked out wonderfully. I saw the fulfillment and eventual success of our activities, the recently concluded Juniors' Night in particular. I saw that I was able to make others happy. I saw myself happy.

And it happened again, didn't it? Kind of like I knew it all along, but refused to believe it because of--as always--fear. After a year of difficulty, the good stuff take over, and I find myself once more coming back to service.

Soon I will know if it's truly the call for me.

* I extend my love to LEGO--hello partymates! It's an honor to work with you guys. I'm already very proud of what we accomplished and I hope for the very best for all of us. :)

Capsaicin, work your magic

2009-02-19T00:30:00.008+08:00

Prom.

I never imagined it would happen. And now it's just a few more days from now.

Just a while ago, we went to Shangri-La to pick up my dress from Mico. It wasn't what I envisioned. At all. The color is lighter, the straps too thick, the tulle was supposed to be black, the length longer. But guess what, I'm perfectly happy with it.

Now if only all things will work out that way too. Not perfect, but perfect nonetheless.

* We also ate at Cyma after. Damn yummy gyros. Chili evoo! :|

Dead tired and coffee bean

2009-02-14T21:09:00.003+08:00

Just got home from Pre-prom, Jae's house, Galle, Club 650, Eastwood and Marquinton. It's no wonder I'm beat.

Hello Gen, Jae and Mariel! Thanks for celebrating Valentines' with me.

All the single ladies, hello! :))

And Coffee Bean guy. You're dreamy and I love your sparkly eyes.

For the sake of it

2009-02-10T20:23:00.008+08:00

Okay so I was tagged.

Here are the rules: if you get tagged, you have to write 25 random things about yourself then tag 25 more people including the one who tagged you in the first place. hopefully, the things i write down here will give everyone a clearer picture of me. if i tag you, it means i want you to do this so we get to know each other better.

1. I don't know why the fuck I am taking time to do this. I am blaming boredom.
2. Boredom causes me to research on the weirdest things. Like last time, I researched on blood types.
3. I am an AB negative.
4. I want this necklace from Dorothy Perkins so badly. :(
5. I am struggling trying to learn how to walk naturally in high heels.
6. I think V-necks suck, although our PE uniform is an exception.
7. My brother wants to acquire a Brit accent.
8. I don't. Not really.
9. I want to be able to speak fluent Japanese.
10. Earlier, I promised Ms. Hebron that I would get higher grades in Chem for the 4th Quarter.
11. I have a framed picture of Dougie Poynter beside my laptop.
12. My New Year's resolution last year was to quit softdrinks for good.
13. I am very successful with that. :)
14. I am itching to watch American Idol.
15. Damn Adam Lambert is fierce! :x
16. I just accidentally exited the Blogger tab. Thank goodness for auto save.
17. I browse the thesaurus for kicks.
18. I have a collection of Fab Dalandan bottles.
19. So far I have 12.
20. The most played song on my iTunes is All Time Low's "Vegas".
21. I want to watch Boyce Avenue play this weekend!
22. Their cover of "No Air" is stunning.
23. I must finish Dekada '70 before this week ends.
24. Is my class number.
25. I am shocked with how the latest Gossip Girl ep turned out. Effin Ms. Carr is a beast.

Butt burn. I won't tag anyone anymore. Imma take a bath now!

When not so is enough

2009-02-10T19:49:00.008+08:00

Meant to be together,
Meant for no one but each other.
You love me, I love you harder so.
-- 6 Months; Hey Monday

Practices for Fiesta Festival this whole week. I am becoming seriously unproductive.

At least I'm happy. Very happy :)

Inspiration

2009-02-10T19:29:00.000+08:00

Guess who's back.