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.

Lucy Does It Again…

I have not much time to compose an entry lately. But I find some “refuge” to Peanuts and Snoopy strips that’s why I share it to you guys, specially those with quite some relevance. Like this one…

Lucy is the Queen of Sarcasm… I love her for that… I wish I can be a Lucy at some point. But right now, I can imagine some first lady doing such to a man…

There are some people close to me can take the place of Charlie and Lucy.

But in high respects to the man, mas bida pa rin s’ya kasya sa babae

Fill in the blanks?

Surprisingly Good

Inspite of having some bad days or really annoying circumstances that arise, some unexpected events do make a person quite happy.

Well, in my case, I was just told by my boss-friend, Myles that I will be going back to Bangkok. Yes. I’m going back there where I did have a great adventure, new culture exposure and experience, plus met new Thai friends… pretty and of course cute ones Like the first one, going back there now because of work. Will be spear heading an event for Beach Hut Clear Spray Sunblock. But this time, my friend Gian, who’s the International Business Manager of Naturale Laboratories, Inc. in Thailand will be there with me.

I’m excited. Can’t deny that. I get to see Bangkok again, which I undeniably somehow feel in love with, which my friends and colleagues joke about… do I really like the place or is it to someone who’s in Bangkok that I fell in love with? I just laughed with them.

I never announced or shared this trip idea to my family and friends until I saw that I am booked. When the e-ticket was sent, Myles immediately texted me. It was until I saw the email myself containing the e-ticket that finally sinked in to me. I am indeed and truly going back to Bangkok Ü

Happiness in it’s simplest manifestation…

(Where the hell, did I get that phrase….?)

Gian and I more frequently talked over YM and Skype to plan for the event. Both of us were excited to see each other. It’s been months. I’m excited… and scared.

Excited because aside from seeing my friends and being in a different place, I get to practice my skills and expertise with less intrusion. With this opportunity (again) we’ll have learnings which hopefully we can apply here in the Philippines. Scared… because it’s an event.. and it’s an unfamiliar place. Not quite my territory.

No challenge have ever been assigned to anyone if they can’t accomplish it… or at least learn from it. We’ll get through with this… I have my teammates and colleagues with me

But for now, let me cherish the moment… upon confirming this flight I texted a few Thai friends, Put, Ten and Da. And surprisingly, Put replied quite fast.

I’ll see you soon, guys… with a few bags of dried mangoes and milk chocolates as requested.

I’ll be in the land where definitely I’ll be smiling a lot

Making a Point

Screaming really has it’s power… or should I say purpose?

But in the end, screaming to emphasize, to release some anger or just to ease up that emotion one is holding you’ll still go back to your old s–––id self.

Right now, I really, really wanted to scream at the faces of “brilliant” people…..

Mr. Schulz did pretty much of his characterization to his Peanuts kids… oh and his dog Snoopy, of course Ü

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 So He Said It…

In denial…

Friends, I guess there’s some what a “virtual” pan that hit my head…

Nyahahaha…

Isang Malaking —–

Fill in the blanks na lang.

Pinakakakaiba ang araw na ito sa mga nakaraang linggo at mga araw ng buhay ko. Maraming kababawang nakapagpaligaya sa akin, tulad na lang ng peanut butter spread na Ludy’s na nilalantakan ko mula pa nung Lunes. ‘Wag n’yong la-lang-langin ang Ludy’s, nostalgic ‘yun ah. Isa ‘yan sa mga pioneers ng peanut butter industry dito sa Pilipinas bago pa me Lady’s Choice at kung anu-ano pang brands.

Masaya ako dapat. Well, masaya naman ako, partially. Tulad ng pagkakasabi ko kanina, maligaya na ako lately sa ilang daily dose ng peanut butter at eto nga, isang project na isang malaking tinik na talaga na nakabaon sa lalamunan namin ang sa wakas, FINALLY final artwork na! Yahoo! Gusto kong tumambling, buti na lang di ako marunong kundi baka nabaliaan na ako ng buto. Hanggang cheer at high-five na lang ang nagawa namin ni Rio, ang aming accounts manager. I can finally say, I can move on na…

I hope nasasabi ko rin ‘yan at naa-apply sa ibang aspect ko sa buhay. Siguro ngayon, matapos ang isang napakagandang pangyayari kanina. Sarcastic na ako ngayon ah….

Nakakainis. Naiinis ako sa sarili ko at sa isang taong naku! Ewan ko ba… Ang laki-laki kong tanga talaga. Bakit ganu’n, ikaw ng concern, ikaw na mamatay-matay sa worry o pag-aalala sa huli parang ako pang masama? Hmmm… mali eh. Maling-mali.

Tanga ko kasi… gaga pa. May bagong definition ako ng katangahan actually. Sabi ko kay Gou, at ilang pang friends na di ko na maalala kung sinu-sino sila na kapag alam mong gaga ka na sa isang tao o bagay o sitwasyon pero sige ka pa rin, tuloy pa rin ang kagagahan mo, tanga ka na talaga. Well, eto pa, binibasa n’yo na ang isang blog entry ng isang babaeng tanga.

Defend-defend ko pa s’ya sa ibang tao, sa sarili ko at I try to understand ba’t ganu’n and all that. Tampulan na ako ng tukso ng grupo pero sige, take ko lang. Kung ikakasiya ng karamihan na pagmukhain pa akong lalong tanga at katawa-tawa da’l pa rin sa kanya, go lang. Masaya sila e. Tapos ngayon eto… ako pang masama da’l di daw ako nagtanong.

Kasalanan ko pa ngayon… labo mehn!

Nasabi ko pa dati sa awa at pagkakaalam kong hindi n’ya deserve ang mga nangyayari at ginagawa sa kanya, na kung maha-hug ko lang s’ya in the hopes that that hug will take all his sorrows and pain away gagawin ko talaga. Pero ano? Ngayon, ‘tang ina, kung mababatukan ko lang s’ya at sarili ko… Nakakainis.

Kung kaya ko nga lang ihampas talaga sa pader ‘yung ulo ko para matauhan na ako, magising sa katotohanan at kung makakatulong nga talaga ‘yun kaso ‘di ko kayang gawin, masakit na, ‘di pa garantisado kung effective. Nakakaasar. Hindi s’ya madali, akala n’yo ba? Pero aminado naman ako e…

… ang tanga-tanga ko talaga!

‘Tang ina… buti pa kumain na lang ako ng sandwich na may makapal na palaman ng peanut butter mas matutuwa pa ako. Kahit sandamakmak na langis ‘yun at cholesterol at least pagkaubos ko ng sandwich, me sisimutin pa akong tumulong palaman sa mga daliri ko.

Satisfied and accomplished.

Tama. Gagawa na lang ako ng peanut butter sandwich, ‘yung makapal ang palaman na halos tumulo na sa bawat kagat na gagawin ko, mas may katuturan pa at may mapapala pa ako.

Emotions

It’s been a roller coaster ride these pat few weeks. Again, I’ve been missing lots of chance to blog topics, events, happenings or even ideas that came to me. Sigh.

Perhaps it’s just all work for me. Well, it’s my life… I chose it then I have to deal with it. Just like a dear friend who ever one notices that he “kills” himself with work, his reason is so he has no time to “think”. That might have worked for him, for me it doesn’t. And I worry. Not just for what’s happening to me, much of what is happening to him… and where in the world is he?! Gahd! Even his boss-friend is looking for him.

I’m sad and shameful for being a disappointment to my dear friend and almost an older sister to me. Despite that we communicated recently via email and SMS, I can’t deny that she’s really angry at me. It is only to her that I am lost of words to say after I apologize. It’s really my fault not doing her favor which she asked nicely early this month. I have no excuse of being irresponsible again. I don’t know if she’ll be able to read this, I’m really sorry and I do fear you when you get angry. I feel really shameful, awkward and scared.

Though things can run smoothly with a bit of side trips here and there to entertain myslef once in a while. But it just hits my nerve when some people are so insensitive and irresponsible. He’s irritating!!! It’s hard for me to stay in the gray area. It’s just always black or white for me. I’m really disappointed on what has happened with the group. But it’s beyond my control and as part of the team I had to deal with it and respect the decision of our leader. I was just told to hold on to where I am, I wish, no I PRAY that God give me further patience and ignore people who seemed to think of themselves alone. May God keep him away from me because I fear myself of what I am capable of when I snap.

It’s a good thing that I have friends outside of the work circle. If not for them I might have broken down or snapped and give in. releasing emotional (baggages?) rants and raves to friends help a lot. And a few random or unplanned trips really, really helped. Ate Marj and Jose dragged me off my work seat and brought me with them 2 weekends ago to Subic to breathe non-polluted, stress-free and workless air. Sea breeze… aaaahhhhh… simple pleasures I suppose. Considered that as my initial summer getaway. A preparation or a kickoff of my getaways (hopefully). Not able to swim with them due to some “alien” encounters but I am relieved and hapy that weekend. And they were able to see my humble home in Bulacan and meet my Nanay. Oh! Onyx, their black labrador… she’s such a darling to comfort me too… which reminds me, I still have to blog that trip.

Time. Such an expensive leisure? Grammar. Argh!

The last weekend was my great escape to work and city-life that’s been so stressful and so much in rush. It was quite quick though and butt did hurt from hours of sitting in a bus. But it’s so worth it. Expect it to be blogged after I sorted that photos (and I wish it would be soon too). I guess me being from a province too much appreciated the scenic views of Quezon rather than my own place which now have flyovers, malls and fastfood chains. I was really like a tourist taking pictures of anything and everything. I don’t mind looking stupid. I was really happy at that time. As if I’m like a dog being unleashed from it’s collar chains.

Have you ever felt as if you are being chased and been running quite long and yet you don’t seemed to reach the end? Well, that’s how I felt the whole week last week at work. Lots of surprises, expected events that I should have been prepared for. It’s nothing for some but I feel it’s really tiring when everytime I get home there are times I missed brushing my teeth out of sleepiness and tiredness. The degree of being busy and ability to handle stress do depend on each one of us on how we deal with it. It’s one of those subjective topics. I don’t compare so don’t compare mine to anyone elses. No one will win.

Sleep was my mere escape and rest but somehow it’s deprived. Thank God the rush is a bit (take note, a bit NOT totally) over but I feel there’s more to come. It’s the life a choose, again I have to deal with it.

It was so fast. Unnoticed to me until it’s over or passed all these happened in less than 2 weeks? How many emotions have I confronted? It’s just as far as I could remember. And I am blogging aimlessly again. Just typing away whatever thoughts I have.

An emotional release perhaps.

Stung

It’s hard to accept that after all the things you do, all the sacrifices and all the hopes you have, in the end still the one thing you wanted to have can’t be yours…

I cried (again) and felt how Betty feels (episode 16, season 2)… this hopeless romantic lady got carried away again.

(Scene/Photo above) Betty tried to smile for Henry but I can relate that it’s hard to maintain that smile and pretend you’re okay when you know you are hurting inside

Sigh.

There are things we really know, the truth that we ignore. Denial. Because it’s easier to dream and aspire because of the hopes of happiness, of the happy ending just like in the fairy tales or in romantic movies. It was ideal.

But in actuality, you won’t get what that very least you wanted. I wouldn’t get what I was hoping for…

Reality does bite.