I’m a Good-natured Realist! What about you?

I got this “test” from Apple’s blog. Took it and it’s true! Described me well Ü Read on and hopefully you’d take the test yourself …

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Good-natured Realists are warm-hearted, helpful personalities. They do their work conscientiously and have a pronounced organising talent. They often feel they are committed to traditional values. The family in particular is extremely important to Good-natured Realists. Their greatest pleasure is making themselves useful and taking care of other people. But they do not like pushing themselves to the fore; they prefer to fulfill their tasks out of the limelight. Good-natured Realists are real workaholics; they are very reliable and nothing is too much for them when it is a question of completing a project. Thoroughness, conscientiousness and sense of duty are their strongest points. They prefer established and familiar situations to new and unknown situations.

In dealing with others, Good-natured Realists are considerate and obliging; they are always happy to put aside their own requirements in the interest of their family and friends. Their home is mostly very well cared-for, cosy and tidy. Their perfectionism on the one hand and their aversion to delegating tasks on the other hand often lead to them taking on too much both professionally and privately. They cannot stand discord; conflicts make them very unhappy. One could almost describe them as being harmony-addicted - and this sometimes leads them to strongly neglecting themselves and their own wishes because they are unable to bring themselves to put up a fight.

Good-natured Realists dream of a stable and trusting relationship for life. Marriage and family are very important to them. They take care of their partner attentively and lovingly and put up with a lot for a harmonious relationship. They are also loyal and reliable friends. However, they can be very hurt if their interpersonal commitment is taken for granted for too long.

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Adjectives which describe your type

introverted, practical, emotional, planning, tradition-conscious, good-natured, self-sacrificing, caring, devoted, friendly, loyal, considerate, reliable, conscientious, loving, quiet, reserved, modest, helpful, objective, hard-working, warm-hearted, communicative, painstaking, altruistic

These subjects could interest you

cooking, animals, family, music, trekking, camping, hiking, craftwork, nature, drawing/painting, astrology, spiritual matters, meditation

Is It the Heat?

It’s really getting worse… well, the weather for one. We all know that it’s the global warming. Aside from being unpredictable, the heat is really getting into each and everyone. Just like today, the heat is unbearable…

Humans mostly can bear the heat at some point but the machines, the breakdown… give in. KABLAM! Just like that.

(Did I just said “kablam”? Oh my goodness…)

I have been wearing a bandana for the past days. As a proof…

I look like a woman about to wash clothes by the river (God knows I wanted to wear a tapis in this heat!). Well, for those who don’t have any idea what I am talking about, there was a time in our history that women wash clothes by the river captured by Philippine National Artist Amorsolo. Back then, the rivers are all clear and “clean”. I wear bandana, the first bandana-wearing situation that is not for an outdoor activity, to keep my hair away from my face. And somehow it relieves heat in one way or another.

So, what can be ANOTHER way to contradict the heat?

Listen to Frank Sinatra’s Let It Snow song! (Other renditions may apply)

Unfortunately, I can’t embed the tune. Funny as it may be, but yes, I’m listening to it continuously in other renditions and my teammates are laughing out loud… one is even asking for her early Christmas gift

Psyching oneself… dreaming of that cold place. Can you blame me if I somehow go back in time and imagine myself again in this setup?…

I’m full-clothed for the cold weather there, if it’s only possible to unclothed for the heat, but of course, it’s not the Adam and Eve time that one can run around naked without shame. But if the heat continues this way, I won’t be surprised if that biblical time would be back in fashion, minus the Eden of luscious greens. If earth or I myself will still be alive if that comes…

I pray that my ever dependable iMac would stand the heat and won’t breakdown. (please, please, please…)

So is it the heat? Hallucinations are caused by heat. Well, can you consider this situation SEMI-hallucination?

Wish I can submerge myself in a pile of snow to cool myself… just like this…

(that’s my niece, Noelle, playing with me…)

It is indeed the heat.

Off to the Beach

This entry was weeks old late… another entry that I owe and it’s worth posting still Thanks again, Ate Marj, Jose aka Chong and Denden Ü

It’s been really stressful and frustrating these days and a trip to the beach was the temporary getaway, thanks to Ate Marj, Jose’s sister who invited me to join them over the weekend. And guess who’d they brought along?

Onyx!!! Their very lovable black labrador, who loves me too… not a brag but, see the evidence…

Onyx’s look of love to me… buti pa ‘yung dog… (sniff)

 

Awww…

 

I told Ate Marj over YM that “hulog s’ya ng langit sa akin” (trans. she’s sent from heaven to me, my savior!) that I think made her laugh :p But indeed, she’s really one to me, specially at these times. A mere escape how short it may be from the hustle and bustle of the city and the stress from work is definitely what I needed. And the day trip to a beach it is.

As early as 6am, we were on the rode. Denden drove the whole stretch of the trip from their place in Makati, picking me up at the Muñoz area down to the new SCLEX(?) then to the Subic area. With us were Mia and Marlene (their housekeepers) whom Ate Marj promised to take them to the beach to celebrate their birthdays. Of course Jose was there too and the most important of all, Onyx, the star of the day!

By the way, they prepared our lunch and it was great! I ate a lot… as in a LOT! I ate I think almost 2 plateful of spaghetti. Buttered chicken was unforgettable. I ate a lot of lumpiang shanghai even when we were on our way back home. And peanuts, lots of peanuts as snacks. Found out that I’d prefer the hot and spicy with Happy brand than Sugo :p

Hmmm… I guess I’ll let the photos from my multiply [link] do the talking based on the captions (which I have still to place). I nabbed some photos from Jose’s file to which if not for him I won’t be having souvenirs from the trip. It’s like a unwritten deal, I’ll take his photos, he takes mine

Oh, one thing that’s quite remarkable with this trip was the encounters with the “aliens”. I was about to take the plunge and was just packing up the camera I borrowed from Myles when Marlene was rushing towards the bucket that we brought for the trip. And what’s in her container?

Those were the “aliens” I’m pertaining. I kept calling those jellyfishes “aliens” because of their size, form and color. Too small right? You mgiht be thinking that they are harmless or too small for my built but wait till you see these…

Aliens…

And a comparative size of these “aliens” (the first big ones caught) with my unpedicured and manly-looking foot…

Now, would you wonder why we have such reactions?

Jose didn’t bother going back to the waters after that sighting. We were happy manning our stuff, snacking on the knick knacks, viewing how Onyx swims with Ate and Denden and snapping for their photos. Plus, Jose and I were so tranced with how these creatures were that I myself seemed to have taken more than 20 shots of these “aliens”. Sorry, Onyx, the spotlight was taken by these jellyfishes. But though they did that, Onyx still have quite a handful of shots/portraits.

Ate Marj give this shot a title: Easy Friendship… this is Onyx and Denden

 

Tug-o-war of Onyx with Ate Marj…

 

LQ? As in lovers’ quarrel between Denden and Onyx? Nah. Onyx was just tired here… :p

 

Now, Onyx is in an “argument” with Mia here… it’s her gesture that she doesn’t want to take the walk I guess.

 

Ever curious Onyx…

 

… who got tired but surely had fun too that day Ü

I didn’t take the dip but it was ok. I’m just glad that I’m there, feet got wet by the waves and inhaled sea breeze. Ate Marj and Jose knew that as simple as those actions I’m satisfied and really happy. A change of scene would really do some magic Ü plus I have Myles’ DSLR (Canon 20D) with telephoto lens which came so handy. Made me busy and occupied taking shots of the group and “others” as well… thanks Myles’! Getting the hang of using your toy

Some of the photos I kinda like…

 

Jose… macho noh? :p But after this…

Proudly showing his Disney sun visor with it’s leopard prints!

One of the “gwapo” shots of Jose… for Addie

This is Denden, serious? For you naman, Ate Marj

 

One of the kids playing (and contributing) with the “aliens” collection… I think he’s contemplating here?

 

Mia and Marlene, the birthday celebrants doing there sand castles…

 

Splash it, Mia!

 

This is Jose bravely touching the “aliens”…

Me taking photos… shot courtesy of my VBF, Jose

 

Me and Onyx for a walk… by Jose

 

Still me and Onyx after the walk… he got tired that’s why he just slump on the cool sand… by Jose

 

Denden and Ate Marj, sweeters… by Jose

 

After that, we went to Duty Free and did a little shopping and then they brought me home to Bulacan and they finally met Nanay (my mother). The weekend day trip to Camayan Resort in Subic was short but fulfilling and satisfying to me. Thank you so much Ate Marj, Denden and Jose for the invitation. They knew that it’s also the first beaech trip I had for this summer. And summer is almost at its end.

Which Peanut Character Am I?

	You are Schroeder. You are brilliant, ambitious, and brooding; you tackle tasks with extreme focus. People don’t always interest you as much as other pursuits, though, so you can come off as aloof.
Find Your Character @ BrainFall.com

And the Beat Goes On…

Why resist when you know you won’t win over it?

It may sound as another excuse. I’m really sorry to my friends who are really, really concern. It’s really hard to resist such a strong urge.

It makes me happy. Really. Even for just a few hours, for a few minutes, even for a few seconds. I hoped and expected… those were the things that made it difficult for me back then. But now, realizing that denying and avoiding it won’t do any good, why resist? Perhaps I just have to take walk… with him.

Continuity.

… but with caution this time.

Unfortunate Event

A few days ago, my dear friend Jose buzzed me over my YM with a really saddening news: nasunog ang Oslob Church.

It didn’t register to me immediately which among the churches in southern Cebu Oslob is. Until he mentioned some photographs I took of him and his life partner Addie, over the “eternidad” named street.Oslob is more than a century old church made from coral stones and it’s location is very enticing to me since it is facing the sea. Plus around it’s compound are some ruined structures said to be an old convent and probably a watch tower.

I didn’t know the full story until I Googled it a few minutes ago. Read the story here.

I felt bad about it. Oslob might not be my fave church visited in Cebu. It may not be as majestic as the other churches we’ve seen, but thinking that a treasure like that destroyed in just a few minutes because the fire trucks are defectives maddens me. Sad to admit, my country and most of my fellowmen seemed not appreciative of non-monetary treasures! It seems that for “officials”, treasures in the form of arts, architectures, music and the like are useless. It may not be gold, diamonds or silver convertible or sellable to cash but it’s a treasure that tell history, a source of knowledge, not just there for mere beauty or physical appreciation. Not all countries have such treasures.

Sigh.

Sharing a few of the photos I’ve taken in remembrance of a great church I’ve seen in Oslob…

The facade of Oslob Church

Oslob Church’s bell tower

Oslob church’s altar: I told Jose and Addie then that I was quite disappointed that it didn’t look that old because unfortunately, parishioners seemed to prefer a new church by painting it with new paints. But look at the structures, the ceiling, the column and their ornaments…

Main entrance of Oslob’s Church: it was close when we came. We entered on the side doors connected from the convent I think.

This is Jose, my Cebuano friend who I should be thankful for in dragging my ass to his province, along side with his lifetime partner, Addie. Here, Jose is resting but never failed to strike a pose every time I took his photos. This one was while we are admiring (and ranting over the painted) interiors Oslob church.

I am thankful that somehow, before this church was engulfed by fire, I get to visit and appreciate it. Sayang my other friend won’t be able to see such architecture.

To Jose and Addie, thanks for bringing me there. Hopefully we can do some church hopping elsewhere.

As for other photos of my Cebu trip, see more churches we visited, kindly spare some time and click here.

Maraming salamat (thank you).

Go, Snoopy!

 It’s a dog with an attitude…

and Freida (the kid girl that brags her “natural” curly hair) reminds me of someone…

… who… I’ll… just… keep… to… myself…

[for now]

Need I say more?

Try me…

Disclosure

It’s hard to admit that despite the fact that I always announce that I am over him or at least getting over him, that I am avoiding him or obviously ignoring him, I still swoon over his non-work related text message when I get one from him. What more hearing his voice.

Why can’t I pick up the pieces and redeem myself from this guy… WHY?!

Such a loser… and with that, I despise myself.

Damn it!
Damn it!
Damn it!

ARGH!

Travelling Farther North (Part 2: Baguio)

My introduction to this trip was showing the infamous Lion’s Head in Kennon Road going to Baguio. Seeing that structure is an indication that you are near the city of Pines already. Unfortunately, we didn’t take the Kennon Road but instead took the much safer yet longer route to Baguio via Marcos Highway.

A little backgrounder on the said road: Obviously, it was created during the presidential reign of the late Ferdinand Marcos. He even had his head bust statue placed at a certain peak that when you pass that highway to Baguio you’d be reminded who made that road for you. It may be considered machismo but mostly specially by the activists but admittedly or not, it has been a tourist attraction. But it has torn down or blown off at a certain period. I don’t know exactly when but I remember seeing a footage of that action. Oh well, I was disappointed to know what. I have hoping if not seeing and having a photo op of the Lion’s head at least I get a glimpse of the Marcos bust. But all I saw was what’s left of the latter, it’s bust frame.

The road was wider making it safer to take compared to Kennon Road. It’s just a bit far and the safer refered just for the width of the road, but this road is quite steep. It was my first time (in my recollection) to be on a trip to Baguio taking that road. So I was wide awake, secured my seatbelt and swooning over the fog, the curves and the sight.

For video footages of driving along Marcos Highway, check out my multiply site

We reached Baguio almost past 12noon. Tita Rory is our distant relative is quite a local in the area. She comes there a little quite often to check out their house in the non-city area of Baguio.

(L-R) Me, Tita Rory, my Nanay and Tita Nelly, also a distant relative

(Nanay and me: Poinsenttias!!! Now do you know where I got my cam whore attitude
We stayed at her place. We ate packed prepared food for lunch, did a few quick cleaning of the house, freshen ourselves up and then off to have a quick peek of what Baguio now offers.

It’s been decades since I last went to Baguio. I can’t even recall when was it. What’s more vivid in my memory was the visits we had there when we, my cousins and I are quite small. We used to stay at the Baguio Park Hotel in from of the Burham Park. We like taking bicycle rides at that park. Baguio for me is foggy, cold and pine tree.

But this is Baguio now. Houses on the cliffs. Traffic. Pollution. Populated. And SM Baguio.

Wow. The change.

SM Baguio is now considered to be a tourist attraction in the area. It was built taking the shape of a mountain side. And claimed the only SM Mall that uses no airconditioning. Well, obviously they should not have any aircons on, they’re in Baguio, the coolest (in weather) area in the Philippines.

And the façade. Consistent in branding… hehehe

The roofing/ceiling I guess is that makes this mall aircon-less

The site in one of the balcony floors: The Cathedral

Photo op: Tita Rory, my Nanay and Tita Nelly by the balcony

Self-portrait no. 1, attempt no. 1… oops! Missed the Cathedral view

Self-portait no. 2, attempt no. 2… got it! But I prefer the first one

What what can one do in SM Baguio?

EAT: Tita Nelly, Nanay and Tita Rory eating mini bibingkas standing at the foodcourt. They said if it isn’t Baguio they won’t be caught doing that. Hehehe. Well, it’s the same as being in any other SM Mall in Manila. One can eat, walk around and hangout seating on a bench sighting some view in SM Baguio. It’s a weekend, and there are lots of people. We just stayed for less than an hour and off to the next destination.

Oh, before we left… I have been craving for ice cream since that morning. And finally, I have satisfied that craving.

Me and my vanilla ice cream dipped in strawberry flavored coating. Eating ice cream in a cold area? Who cares! I LOOOOOVE ice cream. Period.

Obviously, I am more observant and conscious now. Folks here are fashionable. Perhaps it’s the weather that made them dress that way. Boots, scarves, jackets, trench coats. Plus Baguio is known for having lots of ukay-ukay hubs. Ukay-ukay for those who are not familiar with it is a store that carries second hand items sold for a cheaper price. Items here range from shoes, clothes and bags. If you’re not quite conscious of being fashionable and not that “sensitive” on wearing or having not quite new garments, ukay-ukay is the answer. Too bad we have no time for some ukay visit, perhaps the next time I’ll definitely put that in my itinerary.

Next stop: Baguio Public Market. I’m not quite sure if it’s called the Maharlika Market but it’s where the supposedly cheap goodies are. I have not much of photos in this area because we are warned to guard off our belongings like bags, wallets and cellphones aside from my hands are quite occupied with stuff bought by Nanay and my titas. One thing I’m sure of, silver here is CHEAP. Nabbed a few earrings for my 3 goddaughters (php50.00 each from php80.00) and one simple danggling for me (php100.00 from php120.00).

They bought some broom, a known pasalubong from Baguio, some strawberry jams and ube yams, peanut brittles and fresh veggies which we cooked that night for our dinner.

Flowers are cheap here too. The bouquet was being sold for about php200.00 at first and later the vendor dropped the price to a hundred. Well, if I’m a man I’d snatch that one for sure, for too bad I’m not and don’t have anyone to give the flowers too. Besides, we are to leave the next day, it might not reach Manila in good state.

That was for day 1, Saturday. The next day (Sunday), it was planned to start the day by hearing mass at 5:30 in the Cathedral and head back to Bulacan right after lunch time.

In all fairness, this is just taken with my ever reliable SE K610i. No Photoshop involved (exempt for resizing).

A few photo op after the mass…

At the stairs of Beatitudes. I didn’t notice that this Beatitude about mourning is where we stopped. Timely? Hehehe.

Session Road was closed to traffic that weekend. The week before we came was the Penangbengga Week, a famous flower festival in Baguio.

My Nanay loves flowers, specially one of a kind orchids. Unfortunately, we are too early at that time that the shops are still close. Well, if you can’t take the flowers physically home, take some photos. A cheaper way pa. Hihihi.

Went back at home for a quick breakfast then headed for La Trinidad Valley, Benguet for their famous strawberries!!!

More housing along the cliff. I’m not really afraid of heights but I won’t choose to live in such. I wonder how they get up there.

Reaching the “fields”, it’s not just strawberries that are planted there. Veggies of all sorts that require cool climate are harvested in the area.

Farmers harvesting lettuce

Nanay eagerly pointing the fields. Near her I believe are leeks.

And of course, what we really came for in La Trinidad…

Strawberries!!!

Yum!

And yet, I don’t eat fruits Including these sweet strawberries. But not so far from where I stood, I heard a bell clinging… ICE CREEEEEAAAM!

Saved by the bell… my almost finished strawberry ice cream.

These are the shrubs where the strawberries came from. Wonder why there’s some sort of black plastic wrap on the soil bed? It keeps the strawberries from getting dirty with soil. Clever.

More photo op… :p

A few hours left before departure, we took a few photos over The Mansion, as they call the Malacañang in Baguio. This is where the reigning president stays when s/he is in the city of Pines.

Me, Nanay, Tita Rory and Tita Nelly. I can honestly say that I am not much of a fan of our government today. I just encouraged the group to take some photos at The Mansion for keepsake… memories.

It’s perimeter by the way is the only place where pines trees are still visible which one can bearly smell on the breeze. Somehow that gave me a few minutes in reminiscing the Baguio that I knew before.

That was a quick weekend getaway. But I’m quite satisfied. Specially that this is another travel I made with my fave red chucks.

Nose Bleed

Well, that term above there (the title I mean) has been a running joke I think even before I was born. I’ve seen this “nose bleeding” scenario used in a movie when this sexy actress conversed with another actor that spoke quite articulately in English. Simply put, blood ran through her nose (even her ears I think) because she didn’t understand [the language] the other person is using on her.

Was it just me or am I really having some “nose bleed”?

It’s not on the English speaking part, I hope. Or else I do have to go back in kindergarten to re-learn English. I’ve lived with my brother in the US for quite sometime and dealt with real English-speaking Americans (real Americans I mean, not those pretending to be ones because of their “twag” accent). I have an uncle who’s an Aussie, and we all know that Brit English has an accent. But lately, there’s this person when I’m talking with or even just listening to him, seemed to give me a headache afterwards. I really, didn’t understand what he’s communicating? 

Ano daw? (translation: What did he just said?) That’s what I say to myself after he’d spoken.

If my head throb does that mean my brain is starting to bleed?

Oh my…. I hope not!

He isn’t a lawyer. Lawyers has this English that is “legal” English as I call it. But this person is neither a politician too with all those flower-y…. oh… 

He could be turning into… oh. 

*on my knees, praying* Dear God… shield me from evil. Protect me from dumbness.

I hope it’s not contagious.