Today’s The Day (or Night?)

Last day of the week and my last day to work. In a few hours I’ll be bound to the country they call “The Land of Smiles”

Will my arrival there be as crazy and surprised as my last visit there last year? Will there be any different this time around?

Well, for one, my first Thai friend of mine won’t be there to greet me. Ten who has been such a dear friend sort of like little brother to me (but he’s taller than me mind you) is already in New York City at the moment. Had a chance to chat with him awhile ago. He has been “harrassing” me (in a good way) to move my VL to a later date so we can still see each other before he leaves for Sweden. Well, good for him that he has such great travel opportunities lately. He has been an eager beaver for both his NYC and Sweden trip. I’m so happy for him.

But anyway, going back to my vacation, I’ll be missing one enthusiastic and thoughtful friend to greet me with such remarkable smile.

(Ok. I’m sort of high right now that my writing has seemed to be flooded with adjectives and adverbs! Excited and nervous me. Isn’t it obvious?)

Another thing, there’s a 50/50 chance of me not seeing another friend. Well, he WAS sort of special BEFORE. He’s one of Ten’s best friend who took care of me too during my 1st visit in Thailand. Though he did asked for my flight details. Ever since he has his job in Thai Airways he’s been a busy bee. Good for him too. He’s saving up for another trip. If I’m in love with Bangkok, he seemed to be in love with Japan. (Well, he looks like a Japanese guy :p) He did surprise me during my arrival last time. He said he can’t make it but there he was, at the end of the arrival terminal gate in full suit! But being overpowered now by my pessimistic side, I have a feeling I won’t be seeing him. Who wants to bet against my instinct?

I’m just glad I’m having this break. Gian will be there. I missed him too and he’s excited as well that I’m having my vacation there and will visiting and staying with him. A surprise visit to him supposedly that turned out that I got the surprise instead. Well, that’s another story.

Oh well, it still not my official leave yet. I still have a few more projects to submit. Just one last shout out…

Bangkok, here I come!!!

555

———-

5 in Thai language is “ha”. Thais used that for their chat lingo. Instead of typing “hahaha”, they substitute it with “555″.

I guess I won’t be blending in this time. forgot a lot of basic Thai phrases No time to relearn them. All I remember were “Sawadee kah” (typed as pronounced) which means “Hello” or a female greeting in Thai, “Khap khun kah” means “Thank you very much” reply by a female speaker and “Mai pen rai” which means “No problem”. Thank God (or Buddha) for Gian who will do the bargaining for me

Banking (in BDO) Sucks

I have been emotionally harassed in the thought that I might go for my much-awaited vacation leave outside Philippines without money at hand.

I’m not well-off but I can say I earn enough to sustain myself and a few luxuries (such as traveling and vacation) if my budget permits. Tomorrow is my flight for Bangkok and by now, I should be relaxing somehow but I feel strained with the thought that my vacation money has to be cleared in 7-days.

Yes, you read it. 7-days. WTF?!

I earned that money from an extra job from a friend (let’s call her Friend A). Since she’s in Laguna and I’m in Quezon City, bank to bank transaction came to mind as the fastest and easiest way for me to get the money.

I don’t have my own dollar account. To preserve the money’s value, I had to ask a favor from a friend-colleague of mine (let’s call her Friend B) if I can deposit my money to her dollar account as a way for me to get my payment. She’s kind enough and gave the details. So, Friend A deposited the money in BDO Los Baños to my Friend B’s BDO Dollar account (BDO Sta. Lucia Branch) yesterday (July 1) before lunchtime. Since we were busy yesterday for meetings and internet was down in the afternoon due to heavy rains I guess, my Friend B checked her account online last night.

No sign of the US $500 deposited.

I contacted Friend A who deposited the money today if she can helped me to trace the “missing” US $500. It was strange for all of us that the transaction didn’t reflect immediately. As far as we’ve experienced in Bank f the Philippine Islands (BPI) any transaction is reflected real-time and we’re always advised if any transaction would be encountering any problems (ex. can’t me immediately withdrawn or will be charged of so and so). But this BDO experience of mine recently is quite, how can I say it… odd and stressful.

A few minutes later, Friend A called me up to inform me that my money will be cleared after 7-days. She was not advised of such “procedure” earlier yesterday when in fact she mentioned it to the teller that she doesn’t have any account in BDO. Today, she asked the someone (I wasn’t able to catch the name) in that same branch (Los Baños) what action can be done since the money is being expected. We were advised to go to the main branch of Friend B which is BDO Sta. Lucia and give out the details of the transaction yesterday in BDO Los Baños and ask for the money to be “cleared” by paying a SWAP FEE of around PHP36.00 (0.0015% of the amount deposited). If further problems will be encountered we have to notify Friend A so she can call BDO Los Baños.

Can you imagine the hassle and how time consuming this is for me and other people? I feel somehow ashamed that I even hassled and bother other people for this “new” banking system of BDO. I didn’t that such “clearance” will happen. If I had known, I would have risked of depositing it to my peso account in BPI instead, withdrawn my money and bought dollars. It’s a lot of steps but at least I didn’t hassled other people.

I have a BDO savings account myself. I got that because I was persuaded and advised by my boss to have an account there so that my salary will be transferred there electronically. Now, I’m really thinking if I still have to continue that or just close it and asked my boss to hand my salary instead or be it deposited in my BPI Saving Account instead.

I was disappointed on the events happening. I was thinking that BDO made a difference in the banking system of this country. Since they went beyond the usual banking system we all knew like extended banking hours, banks located inside malls and even selected branches open during weekends. All these were advertised and I even heard of it from some other people. But now, I am really, REALLY disappointed.

And sad to say, aside from this bad experience of mine, I’ve been hearing of “money missing” in their peso savings account from other BDO depositors. Another friend of mine lost Php1,000.00 from her ATM savings account. They just told her that there was an event of a certain time that she withdrew but didn’t tell which branch and time it was. And another incident was another friend’s father lost Php 8,000.00 in their account. No efforts was given to them to retrace the missing money as well. Both sum of money went down the drain.

Hard-earned and saved money disappeared with no valid explanation? What kind of banking “service” is that?

Now, where can the BDO tagline “We find ways” being applied too?

———-

Prior to me posting this, Friend B and I went to her BDO branch. They did release my money but we have to pay the SWAP FEE. When I asked them why they have such process. The teller said because it’s not our currency and it’s being done in toehr banks. Told her, BPI doesn’t and it’s realtime to the latter. No reaction. Then they let us wait for roughly 15-30 minutes then I got my money.
Tonight I can rest well because I’m “armed” now and thinking that my vacation is just a sleep away.

An Unexpected Encounter With A Premium Mint

After our lunch a few days back from our weekly client meeting, we went to Froyo for some yogurt fix. It’s not that far from our client’s office which is in front of Office Warehouse in Tomas Morato. So, as Aileen was ordering her yogurt ice cream, and I was still deciding if I’ll be getting one for myself, this was in front of me at the counter top area…

Ooooohhhh…

What were eye-catching was not that huge “MINTS” word down below the countertop display but the mints brand name’s ORALFIXATION and its logo.

Honestly, something else came into my “green mind”… hehehe. I guess working on Erektus for some time and doing some Bliss’ Thai and Vietnamese materials have something to do with it. That was my “primary” thoughts. Alpha Mints came second. Well, using these premium mints that was in front of me for a peg, I mean.

So, why do we say this ORALFIXATION Mints are “premium”?

1) Its packaging: thin metal containers, shrinkwrapped

2) Marketing/Structural presentation: Countertop display is made of metal (in relation to its tin can feel) and is CLEANLY impressive

3) Price: It’s Php 160.00

So, bye-bye yogurt for me (I got more excited with the mints and forgot about the yogurt) and hello ORALFIXATION Ü Bought all 3 that were available there and here are the photos we are sharing…

From L-R: ORALFIXATION “Classical Peppermint”, ORALFIXATION “Antioximints” (Green Tea Mints) and ORALFIXATION “Mojito Mint” (Lime Mint Cocktails)

“Sugar Free” marking is printed on the shrinkwrap and not on the tin can

ORALFIXATION “Classical Peppermint” has a wax or parchment paper placed inside the sliding tin can, on top of the mints. Prints are notes on a musical sheet (”classical” nga naman daw).

Notice the markings on each sides of the mint? The word “FIX” and a G-clef icon on the other side

Back label of the tin can (”Classical Peppermint”).

Check the top part: Compose Yourself

(Compose = Music = Classical)

ORALFIXATION “Antioximints” (Green Tea Mints) has a wax or parchment paper placed inside the sliding tin can, on top of the mints. Printed on it is a old Chinese man (old = wise) with a description about tea.

The markings on each sides of the mint: “FIX” and on the other side, a Chinese character same as one of those characters printed in front of the tin can. My guess is either it means “TEA” or perhaps “MINT”.

Back label of the tin can (”Antioximints” Green Tea Mints).

Check the top part: Eat for Life

(Antioxidants or was it the green tea extracts that claims that it’s good for our health?)

ORALFIXATION “Mojito Mint” (Lime Mint Cocktails) has a wax or parchment paper too that placed inside the sliding tin can, on top of the mints. Printed on it is an image of a bartender (pero he doesn’t look friendly) with seemed to be words of a person ordering a cocktail mix.

(Make me a stiff one = strong drink)

The markings on each sides of the mint: “FIX” and on the other side, just a star… still wondering what the star means in connection to this mint variant.

Back label of the tin can ”Mojito Mint” (Lime Mint Cocktails). Check the top part: Join The Party

Taste: Well, they are mints. But somehow there are some distinction.

Classical – may be plain mint but the strongest and the most distinct of the 3 mints tasted.

Green Tea – quite thin and plain on the minty side, not as strong as classical and couldn’t tell the tea part taste of it

Mojito Mint – well, minty and little on the lime flavor, ummm… where’s the “stiff” drink part of it?

Checked out their website and found out that they have a lot of variants. Nice packaging design for distinction. I believe it’s for “collecting”. Personally, I’m willing to spend that much for such collection Well, I’m not part of the ordinary consumer anymore but for curiosity on the flavor, uniqueness and packaging I’ll be biting this product and would probably recommend it

Oh, and I’m keeping the tin cans after. even before buying it, I’m already thinking of what other ways I can reuse the container Ü I might refill it with other stuff, like cheaper mints or folded paper bills or anything else that can fit inside. Recycling to help Mother Earth

That’s the tale of our unexpected encounter of a premium mint named ORALFIXATION

By the way, their countertop display is attractive too though the brand name is not properly placed. (Didn’t the designer compute?) Should be a bit higher to be visible and more readable

Monday Blues

Monday morning.

It’s so hard for me again to go to work. Still here at McDonald’s Timog, my seemed to be favorite breakfast place nowadays. It’s because of the free WiFi I guess…

This location among other McDonald’s Store I’ve been is quite comfortable. Though budget-wise I should go here everyday because it will put a hole in my pocket. But all the same, it’s quite comfy.

I wonder for how long will I keep on coming here for breakfast? I just want to feel “happy” initially for the day by ordering that yum-yum Oreo-Caramel sundae. Yup. You read it. I’m having that sundae for breakfast among the muffin and orange juice for breakfast.

I guess that’s it. Until my tongue doesn’t complain on Ronald’s (first name basis? That’s McDonald’s first name, FYI) food I guess I’ll keep on coming back here.

(Somehow) Love ko ‘to!

Oreo Caramel Sundae by gpherman

Rebirth?

Could I say that God is giving me a chance to somehow re-new my existing life?

Today I got back my Biggie (that’s my the name of my Powerbook) from the Mac “hospital”. It’s been there for more than 2 weeks after I just gave up on me. It didn’t boot up properly after I used Biggie as a target disk when transferring some files from my office iMac. Of course, prior to the decision of sending Biggie “away”, I did some run throughs. The usual: disk utility, disk permissions and even an attempt to re-install and archive the OS. But no luck. Biggie still won;t boot up, until it flashes a folder with a flashing question mark on it.

O-oh.

The eve before I handed over Biggie to the technician, I knew that there’s a big possibility that I might have lost my files. The weird part was I was calm, as if I’ve accepted my fate. And true it was, ALL files are gone. Photos I may have backed up somewhere out there in separate CDs but the documents, the written thoughts, letters, movie or clip files, music files, setups, address books and the like, all gone. I still shed a few tears learning my files fate. Silently. I tried to hide it with some laughs from shared jokes with my colleagues but it was a failure.

So, here I am. Starting all over again I guess. I was lucky to find some folders in my office iMac that could have been a duplicate of the photo files I organized in Biggie. but we all know the hassle and how time consuming re-installing not just applications but the settings and sorting files you knew was already sorted before.

A new life? Could it be? I tried to see it that way. But what kind of life other than the one I have before, I have compiled and lived with before would I make, take and create now?

So many things to do…

Biggie the Mighty, my Powerbooks full name will not called that way anymore for starters. From this day on, my Powerbook will be named, Hughie.

Yeah, yeah… it’s because of the Wolverine movie thing and Mr. Jackman himself. What? Can’t this little old lady have a few fantasies with just even playing with names?

Hugh Jackman as Wolverine

———-

Oh, I would like to thank my friend, Gou-dess for the name suggestion. Originally, she suggested Hughie Beybi but i was too much…. just went for the first name :p

The Reason for my Looooonnngggg Absence…

Isn't it obvious?

I missed a lot of good and not quite good but blog-gable (if there’s even such a term) events… my loss, I know. But I’m really, REALLY busy these days. So, for those who seemed to “demand” my time or at least my attention… it’s flattering but most of the times it’s annoying! (It ain’t cute anymore…)

Thank God for comic strips… it really depicts life somehow… figuratively and even sarcastically speaking.

Will try to catch up… well… I hope.

Toodle-oo (for now).

Epitome of Love

Today I took a half day from work. Today is not a perfect day nor a day that I expected on how it would start or end. I’ve encountered issues as the day went along but it was all worth it before the day dawned.

Today, among the other few chances I’m thankful for and very happy for a friend named J. Today, I know and all his friends know that he IS the happiest person. Today, he is not just a best friend or a companion, but a husband to Cat. He is now the other “half” of Cat.

Today, J and Cat became one Ü

J and I were classmates way back in college (UPCFA) and are Eheads buddies from the band’s concert Cutterpillow in the UP Sunken Garden up until the bands reunion concert last year. It was J who told me how to get the tickets by buying the Cutterpilow cassette tape (yup folks, CDs were golden then). He bought my copy then and gave me 2 tickets of the Cutterpillow concert. We watched the concert together with some of our classmates. We were freshmen then. As we “grew up” in those days, there had been gaps and we lost in touch. But once in awhile we had a chance to chat and have a good talk later after each had graduated and chose paths to take. We tried to catch up and knew the “highlights” of each lives. I guess we have that friednship that’s not obligatory but we both knew that we have each others backs.

And J met Cat… known the details shared by the very happy and excited J. I had a feeling that Cat will be the one for J. I’ve never recalled J being that happy. Even though I’ve learned that through our lengthy of YM chats in the wee hours of the night (was in NJ then and J’s here in Manila), I felt J’s delights.

Photo courtesy of Cynthia Bauzon-Arre

And tonight, they’re united. Love and happiness is visible and felt from the guests and most specially from the couple. I’ve never seen J that happy. Happier… that the time we’ve met after I came back and he then tells me the stories personally Ü

I had fun tonight. I enjoyed watching the couple. Had fun seeing old faces and meeting new friends. Had fun cam whoring… thanks to Cynthia Bauzon-Arre and Gari Buenavista.

I am very happy for J and Cat. I can’t put into words how exactly was it. I was glad I was there to witness it. It’s been awhile since I’ve seen a “face” of love. Love does have a face. I can perhaps say that I have seen it, with trust and happiness very much embodied through J and Cat.

Tonight love is undeniably radiated from within. From the hearts of J and Cat. Both are so comfortable and cherishing, enjoying and living every minute of tonight’s event. From my point of view all is PERFECT.

To J and Cat, cheers. Congratulations and best wishes. May God shower you both with more love and blessings. Take good care of each other. Argue but don’t forget to settle it before going to sleep. Talk and communicate your feelings, what’s in your mind. Live and love more. Can’t wait to see little J’s and little Cat’s running around…

Despite being late and missing the best part of a wedding (the church ceremony) and got irritated by the MMDA “encounter” in that EDSA-Buendia area, I’m very glad and very happy I was able to witness the other half of J and Cat’s wedding. I was there to see and be part of the most memorable event of their life. Thanks and love you both, J and Cat!

*hugs*

Photo courtesy of Nelwin Uy

The Second Choice

I have been bitten by vampires…

…well, just the craze. Of course. By 2 famous vampire stories of the previous year: the book saga turned into not quite enticing movie, “Twilight” and HBO’s TV series “True Blood”.

The “mature” kind of vampire from “True Blood” HBO series had been running in my head the past months. Mature in the sense because it has scenes of naked humans and vampires doing their sexual urges or as termed by a colleague, had given into their animalistic instincts. Too bad it’s over and I have to wait for quite sometime until the air the second season. With its sex and blood visual content, I realy doubt if HBO Asia will be airing it. It will be such a “duh” if they cut the scenes and sensor it. (Thank God for Torrents!)

With the other craze, the supposedly created for teens vampire story, “Twilight”, I’m trying to not to bash it’s movie version. Let’s just say it’s a good thing I’ve read the book first before watching it. I know it’s really a challenge because imagination is quite personal and subjective.Each person who’ve read it will have a different visualization of a scene, even the characters.

But anyhow, the saga really made me go back into reading again. That was the best part I guess.

Admittedly, I have indeed jumped on the bandwagon. But being influenced for the “in” thing, I’m still quite a latebloomer.

I just finished reading the second book of the saga: New Moon. It was quite dragging and boring compared to the first one. I don’t know, perhaps because not much of “kilig” that I got from Edward in the first book. But even though, it’s not as that “kilig” it still has this urge for a reader to finish it and know how it will end. But the main reason for me writing here in my blog or even risking myself of being late in going to work (yes, I’m writing my blog in my place…) is because of something I can’t get off my head…

Jacob Black.

I shared this thought after filling my growling stomach and composing myself from just a 3-hours of sleep while talking with my friend Aileen who had already finished reading the book way ahead of me. She beamed instantly the moment I told her I feel for Jacob. She thought so too. She found a pattern of my choices. She said I always choose the “good” ones. At the back of my head I was thinking… the good ones that are always getting beaten up.

I feel for him, for Jake, as Bella addressed him. I mean it would have been Edward, (well, it WAS Edward when I was reading the first book) the main guy in the book would be the aspired prince for me the would bring the “Happily ever after…” But I’m no typical lady. Yes. Like what my friend Aileen mentioned and thought of prior to me finishing the book, I would “fall” for Jacob Black.

I just realized why such characters would steal my heart from those who are usually the “lead” guys. I thought I’d just prefered what the crowd wouldn’t like. I don’t want to be jus tlike them, or totally jump into the wagon. Example, I never drooled over Brad Pitt during my high school years. I like Brendan Frasier back then. In Backstreet Boys, when all goes for Nick Carter I went for Howie Dorough.

But aside from that reason, why would I like a secondary role? Because I felt <u>more</u> for Jacob. He’s not the “flashy” one. He’s not the one who’ll be chosen first. He’s just the one who’s always be there for you, waiting, on stand by. He’s the best friend who’d protect you and do everything for you in his powers. He’s just there loving you in the background and continuously loving you despite the fact you’ll not give back the same kind of love.

And will all those things, he is still NOT the chosen one. He’s not THE one. But he loves you unconditionally. Pure love, I say. PURE love.

And to that, I just thought could be it because Edward left and it was Jacob who came in? I hated being in a situation that’s unsure or being left hanging. I hold some grudges perhaps and can’t forget (or forgive) easily.  I believe I’m not easily persuaded by those who did wrong to me, who hurt me. Perhaps, I’m the practical one now because I’ve been hurt and hopes that the next time around I deserve to be loved and be happy.

And perhaps, I see myself in Jacob Black. The one who’s always there. The one always in the waiting. The second choice… the one not chosen.

“He was my best friend. I would always love him, and it would never, ever be enough.” – Bella in the book, New Moon

A Different New Year

First things first, it was the quietest new year ever. Not just from my experience but from the memory of my Nanay also. It was the celebration of welcoming 2009 with less noise and fireworks ever used. And somehow, I’m glad for that.

Thanks to the rainy weather.

But the whole area was foggy, or rather more smoky. Guess the smoke had a hard time rising up due to the cool environment. Change of weather, change of ways to welcome new year… is it that odd? For me it wasn’t. All has its explanation.

Global warning. Weather. Economics.

And with such smoky and rainy night, I was able to capture my best fireworks photo within our yard…This one’s my fave!

… well, I have a few more in my Multiply site but if it’s the fireworks in the sky you are looking for, I was just lucky to capture quite a handful

Not bad for the start of 2009 for me, eh?

I wonder, what 2009 will bring to me. What changes and what surprises will come my way?

Hmmm…

But for sure, I need to introduce myself to lotion. (I hope I’ll finally put that as a habit) Skin’s getting dry specially after doing the washing chores

Anyway, ending this first entry of the year with a Garfield strip I screen copied. Acknowledging the great works of Jim Davis…

Happy New Year everyone… cheers to 2009! Ü

First and Last…

… that pertains to my entry here for the month… and for the year as well.

I have been quite busy this month. Tired at most days and sleep and rest have been gold to me. There are also some ups and downs but all the same, here I am still hoping for a brighter and more successful 2009.

A quick recap… the highlights of my December:

BALIKBAYANS: My brother Kuya Nahnel came home with his family, Ate Vangie  his wife and Noelle my niece. They came in in the last days of November and are celebrating Christmas and New Year with us. YEHEY! More gatherings ahead of us

UP Admin during the Lantern Parade 2008

LANTERN PARADE: UP Diliman’s Centennial Lantern Parade was held last Dec. 17, Wednesday. Since I graduated, I can’t recall if I ever witnessed this event. It was one of the highlights of my college life as a student of UP College of Fine Arts, I have participated almost every year in this event. Thanks to my friends Jason Moss and Rai Paladin, who dragged my ass off my seat and witnessed the Lantern Parade on UP’s 100th year.

It was remarkable. I’m glad I was there to see it. The floats specially of that from my college which the theme this year is “Karnibal” (Carnival in English). Aside from the UP CFA which has always been much awaited by everyone, the org UP Babaylan stole the attention of everyone with the alluring angels and the culminating of the event, the fireworks display that lasted for I think 10 minutes.

Foolish of me to accidentally erased my video capture of the fireworks display

Me and My Fellow Angels, Rio and Aileen during the Masquerade Christmas Party

MASQUERADE CHRISTMAS PARTY: We attended our biggest client which was themed this year as “Masquerade”. I almost didn’t make this event due to some personal battles but thankfully enough, if not for my supporting teammates and friends I might have stayed in my place, lock myself in my room and sleep the night away. But with a different team concept, plus a few blisters on my feet, I won the best costume for the night

I got a black Nine West Handbag… NICE plus got lucky in prize/gift draw, I got a Casio quartz watch Ü

Our Christmas Tree with envelopes

CHRISTMAS DAY: It has been a tradition that we spent this day with our family and in our place in Bulacan. Friends and relatives come and visit us there, exchange gifts and share meals together. Since last year, we started a new tradition of making our tree the “Money Tree”. Kids and adults alike have the chance to pick an envelop, try their luck on what the envelop holds for them But this year, since my brother is here he sponsored the Money Tree Ü I got the 2nd lowest amounting to Php 5.00 and a distant cousin bagged the grand prize of Php 1,000.00

CRUZES FAMILY DAY: Our clan since we are almost complete [Tatay was left alone in New Jersey ] had a chance to bond and spend time together. In the morning, the kids and well, most of the adults enjoyed their swimming time in a clubhouse in Sta. Elena, Laguna. Later, we went around and checked the animals in Fun Farm in the same area. We had our funny and wacky clan picture and then head for the nearest gasoline station/stop for dinner.

Sharing more photos, visit my Multiply site here.

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Well, the day (and year) is almost over. 2008 is not bad at all. There had been challenges but gladly I was able to surpass it. As they say, wht doesn’t kill you wil make you stronger All’s a test and perhaps to prepare me for more to come. Feng shui and astrology says 2009 as will be a good year for me as born on a Fire Snake year.

Looking forward to life’s progress…

Life can be better and it could be worse as one of my friends mentioned in his blog. But let me add to that thought, that life may it be good or bad, life is what you make it

God bless and good luck to everyone…

Happy New Year to you all! Cheers!