Frustrated Something

Last Tuesday, while the superiors and other editors were in the middle of a difficult editing turnaround because the materials weren’t in good condition, we tried to ease the tension (or so I thought?) by having a sort of a class pictorial. Some of us are just trying to take a picture of that moment when people started to smile and pose in front of the camera until it became what it was on the photos below. It’s been a while since we had a photo like this. I’m posting this as a keepsake of how fun it is to be with this people even during tough times.

At not a single blur and cut was given that day. (From Elaine's phone.)

Yes, the girls were the official camera freaks of our unit. Maybe some guys want to join too but they don’t wanna ruin the moment. Anyway, most of the gals in the photos above and I are going to Zambales next week for the ultimate summer outing. It’s not a company outing per se. Our operational time can not grant us that fun time. So it’s just us and some are to be left behind to work. Hehe!

The girls of Repurposing Unit’s interests revolves around wifi, fishballs, coffee, and milk tea. We like to pamper ourselves by going to the salon for a hair treatment or manicure / pedicure once in a while. We also like massage and body scrub and dogs and kitties. We don’t dress like corporate chicks but we totally nailed it when we’re ask to come on that outfit last year during a meeting.

I know the good times are not here to stay forever. Someday, one of us are going to follow a different path and others will follow. Some will stay and a new one will come. But I’m gonna hold on to this moment forever. That moment when we’re just happy and carefree and no amount of corporate pressure can eat us alive.

"Every rose has a thorn."

You ever thought of those perverts on the streets? Those who lets you think that everyday is their first time to see a human of female specie? Those who call you “cute”, “ganda”, “miss” and/or “pssstt..!”? Those who seem to confuse you for being their friend when they smile and wink at you? With this hot weather we have in the country, they get into my nerve. And I know that I’m not the only one.

Of course, we can’t just smash their faces on the wall until they bleed to death. But film director Mitchell Lichtenstein gave us hope on how to get even with these guys by giving them a piece of what they want – our flesh.

Lichtenstein gives us Teeth, a film about a teenager who is unfamiliar with her own body. Dawn (Jess Weixler) is a devoted member of a chastity group. Until she met Toby, also a devout and as pure as her. Here comes her conflict because their attraction to each other is mutual and both are not certain of their own controlling prowess, especially Dawn. Until that one fateful day, when their human weaknesses dominated them and nothing has ever stayed the same forever. It’s not that Dawn has become pregnant or they both realizes that they weren’t in love with each other. There is a bigger discovery and Dawn’s only choice is to face this.

What really interests me is the film genre – Horror and Comedy. I was curious to see the result of horror and comedy collaboration. There’s not much horror, though. Unless this is made for kids who are easily scared but again, it’s not more likely considering the sexual content of the film. But Teeth offers something fresh and imaginative. It is smart, funny and at the same time gory. I never heard of Vagina Dentatta before that I actually researched about it after watching the film. Maybe guys had a hard time watching this film. Yet it is cleverly written that you can’t help but stay put through out the whole film. There’s still a hanging question in me, though. How did she get Vagina Dentatta? It was never told in the film and I’m wondering because I’m scared that I might get it. Haha! Seriously, this film is weird in its own sense. Definitely not for the mainstream movie goers, but if you’re the adventurous type who doesn’t resist new ideas, this will unquestionably entertain you.

And I can’t decide which is creepier. A vagina with teeth or the old man at the ending.

Completely irrelevant photo taken by me using Nikon d5000

This is supposed to be some kind of a tumblr game where followers are asked to put the number of the corresponding question that they want to ask to the blog owner in the “Ask Me Anything” box. My tumblr is slowly decomposing digitally with 9 followers, but I like this game and I’m bored on this Tuesday morning so I’ll give the world a favor by answering all these questions. Yehey.

• My bestfriends are
  Just for tonight, I decided to stop being a kid and accept that I can have more than one best friend. And I think that’s good because it just shows that God has blessed me with the best people. To name a few- mom, Kay, Paw, Kiko, and this blog.
• What I hate most about myself.
  I hate that I have the tendency to lay myself out there, always ready to please people who doesn’t even matter in my life while those who does are often left taken for granted by me. Working on that shitty attitude. RIGHT. NOW.
• What I love most about myself.
  I give people what’s real. I give people what I can give. I give my best in everything I do, most especially if other people are depending on me. I hate disappointing others with my incompetence. I’m easily angered but I can be soften as quickly too, as long as you know how to say the right words.
• What I’m really good at.
  I am kind of self conceited for thinking that I could be good at lots of things. It’s just that I wasn’t exposed to it. Examples are playing the drums, singing, dancing, and playing soccer. I’m quite talented, you see. Haha! In real life, I’m kind of good with computers, like the internet and some multimedia stuff.
• What I’m really bad at.
  I’m bad in hiding my feelings. I’m not sure if it’s good because there are certain events in my life that I seriously wish my face and body movements would shut the fuck up and just be still.
• Biggest turn ons.
  Mystery. Interesting conversations.
  
• Biggest turn offs.
  Loud talker! Male chauvinist.
• My idea of a perfect date.
  Nothing really. Whatever we’re doing and wherever we are, it all boils down on how a good conversationalist a guy can be. There’s something about a guy who knows how to be in a healthy argument with a girl. I like resistance, especially if it’s something I have a strong opinion about.
• My biggest pet peeves.
  Bare skin of people touching mine in public transpo. Rude cab drivers. Crappy internet connections. Mostly about the commuting world during rush hour.
• A description of the boy I like.
  He’s 5″11 tall. He likes the outdoor. He’s into mountaineering. He’s a responsible and loving kuya and a loving son. He doesn’t speak that much but I know that he loves me genuinely.
• What my greatest achievements are.
  Having a bachelor’s degree and maybe working on a big company, at least my mom says.
• Most embarrassing moment.
  I pooed in my uniform in second grade. While we’re doing a seatwork. I still hate you, Royal! Feels good to be real!
• What words upset me the most.
  “I’ll be late” and “Malapit na ko” when you’re actually a million kilometers away from our meeting place.
• A description of my self-esteem.
  Six feet under.
• My favourite song right now.
  Somebody That I Used To Know – Gotye
• An internal conflict I have with myself.
  I can’t make up my mind on most things. I over analyzed certain situations, usually giving me a hard time about myself in the process. Making me hate other people. Making me hate myself.
• The meanest thing anyone has ever said to me.
  Can’t remember. Most of these kind of things vanish when I wake up the morning after.
• The sweetest thing anyone has ever said to me.
  “The worst moment for the atheist is when he is really thankful and has nobody to thank” – Dante Gabriel Rossetti

Day 2 in Boracay

(Please read Day 1 here)

I slept heavily before the night. I’m thinking of two reasons for this: 1) I haven’t gotten enough sleep for the past two days and 2) our new room is cozier and more comfortable than where we slept on our first night.

My boyfriend isn’t really the social type and since our group had only reserved two rooms, (one for girls and one for boys), we decided to get our own room so we can be together. We were doubting that we’ll get a cheap room considering that it’s peak season, yet we didn’t went far from Boracay Courtyard because just a few steps away is Cez Manor. It can’t be considered as a five-star hotel but in my own personal opinion, it’s better than Boracay Courtyard. It has spacious room and free wi-fi, plus the aircon is as quiet as a sleeping bird. Except the door in Room 11 where we stayed. It has a scratchy sound everytime you open and close it. Original rate is 1,800 Php / night but the caretaker let us have it for Php 1,500 a night.

Filipino Breakfast

We were 15 minutes late from our free breakfast in La Carmela. Instead of cramming, we steadied ourselves and decided to eat some place else. We settled at Jammers in Station 2. We got ourselves a FIlipino breakfast (Php 150) which comprises of rice, egg and a choice between bacon and beef. I got bacon and Kiko choose beef. I also ordered a chocolate shake for Php 90 which basically is just milo and crashed ice. Kiko asked for Tropical Mix shake amounting to Php 100.

After our brunch, we headed to D’ Mall and look for stuff that we can get as souvenirs and pasalubongs. The thing here is that everything looks the same as each other. Bracelets, key chains, earrings, shirts, etc. with the word Boracay written on it. I’m looking for something different and original but I guess it’s impossible. So I settled for these personalized key chains. For Php 50, I have a keychain with my name painted on it. They offer different designs too! I bought my friends and I’m glad that they liked it. When I told them it’s just a keychain, I can see the boredom in their faces. But when they finally saw it, their faces lighten as they saw their name printed on it. Same story with my mom. I gave her a mug. While she’s tearing up the newspaper that covers it, she’s trying to guess it:

Mom: Mugs ‘to noh?
Me: Hindi lang basta mugs yan!
Mom: Mugs na may nakasulat na Boracay?
Me: Hindi lang basta mugs na may nakasulat na Boracay yan!

And her smile widens as she saw the words “Pres. Vickie” painted on it. There’s really something more meaningful when you’re gift is personalized and not just some stuff you saw at the Department Store.

I will update this entry soon by providing a picture of the items I bought.

Paraw Sailing

Here comes the sunset!

On the afternoon of the same day, we went paraw sailing. Seriously, there must be something else more fun to do but we decided to chill out since it’s our last day and we’re going home tomorrow morning.

We were 8 and we paid Php 150 / person. We sailed a little far from the shore and just stay there. Some of my friends swam around our paraw. I tried to sleep and just smell the fresh air above the ocean.

Low tide again

After the paraw sailing, we went near the grotto to play frisbee again. Also, we were waiting for the Calamansi cupcakes that they ordered.

And by 8PM, we decided to go back to our rooms and clean ourselves up. We had dinner at Obama afterwards. Some of my friends decided to have a little drink and while we were walking, we chanced upon the famous fire dancers of Boracay. Good thing, I bought my DSLR. I think I got a pretty decent shots of them this time compared to those I took the last time I went there.

Dinner at Obama

Then we settled in a quiet bar with acoustic music. I don’t remember the name but it sure feels good in there. It’s my type of bar. Just quiet and relaxing. We had a little drink and call it a night after.

Fire dancers

More fire dancers

One shot

The night was good, except when it rained really hard while we were on our way back to our room. It’s not more fun in Boracay when the rain is pouring, really. All the sand and the cold weather and you’re really tired. Good thing, our room is just a few steps away and we braved the angry rain. Before we knew it, we were already deep in our sleep.

Tomorrow we go home. Still an adventure that awaits us.

You got one, too! Don't put it into waste.

The boyfriend recently made me watch Nat Geo’s Test Your Brain with him. It’s a special documentary created by the Nat Geo peeps that discusses how our brains function. It has three parts: Pay Attention, Perception, and Memory. It supplies its viewers of series of mind-stimulating experiments and interactive games that will give us proof on how easy it is to fool the human brain.

I finished the three volumes of the documentary in one day. It amazes me so much how this one-hour show made me stop and take a closer look at my surroundings. I thought that as I grow older, I become more sharp and observant with the things around me. Upon watching Test Your Brain, it proved me wrong and I am in no position to argue. I doubt that the kids of today who were raised with a very short attention span will likely finish this with comprehension. I know. I made my 14-year old brother watch this and he doesn’t seem to understand it because he won’t listen to the voice over and just assume everything that has to happen in the video. With the fast paced world that technology provided us, are we certain of ourselves that we aren’t missing the important details that make this life worth living?

I’m encouraging everyone I know to watch this. It doesn’t define one’s intelligence, fyi. It just gives us a better understanding of how our mind works. It’s not because we’re dumb or anything. It’s normal and it’s really how the human brain works. Below is a short video of Part 1: Pay Attention I found in Youtube.

Photo Credit.

We meet again!

After almost three years, I finally went back to the paradise that is Boracay. The last time I was there was when I was chosen as one of the winners of SEAIR for their bloggers contest. It was my first time and I was with people I never met before. This time, I was with a group of friends. We booked our flight and arranged hotel reservations three months ahead and it’s great because I have all the time to prepare myself physically and financially.

Our flight going to Kalibo was a pain in the ass. Thank you very much Airphil Express for a very superb service, we were almost two hours delayed. Upon reaching Kalibo, we have an hour or less bus ride going to Caticlan. I was really tired and sleepy but I couldn’t close my eyes for more than two minutes because it was a bumpy ride. There were a lot of turns and I think there was a zigzag, too! Was there?

Having a one bottle drink at the beach front

By 11PM, we found Boracay Courtyard where we were booked for three nights. After settling our stuff, we decided to look for dinner and roam around the beautiful island. I can’t appreciate it yet because it’s dark and that was a Friday so most of the nice clubs have closed early.

Breakfast. There were a lot of food but I'm really not the morning type of person.

Kitty and I ready for the water!

We woke up very early the next day. had breakfast at La Carmela de Boracay and roam around the island. We played Ultimate Frisbee, introduced by a friend who is a player back in Manila. It is a fun sports. I was hesitant at first but with lots of determination from me and patience from my friend who’s teaching me, I pulled out a few, great shots. Then a little bit of swimming and then we headed to Jonah’s to have a taste of their refreshing shakes. The long walk from from where we swam is worth it once you get a taste of their stimulating and tasteful drinks. I had Avocado-Papaya shake for 110 Php.

The Ultimate Frisbee Throw

The Ultimate Frisbee Catch

I’ve experienced island hoping and attended the well-known wild parties of Boracay before. So on my second time, I wanted to do a lot of things. Perhaps two activities per day. I wanted to especially try reef walking and parasailing. But I was with a group of friends and I decided to follow whatever comes in their mind. It sounded pretty fun, too!

Jonah's is near the grotto

After Jonah’s, we went straight to Dream Land. It was said that this amusement park just opened last April 10. Here, we rode ATV for 460 Php. I swear, it was a thrilling experience. I’ve never drove anything before without someone else’s supervision and I was really scared. But after some time, I got hold of my vehicle and enjoyed the 15-minute ride. Our destination was said to be the highest peak in the island. In here, you’ll see the grandiose landscape of Aklan.

Rough riders!

We are at the highest peak of the island

Careful on the ATV, though. I've bruised myself when my skin had contact with the engine

And they have gokart too!

It was time to go back to our hotel for some clean-up. I stayed at the beach for a while and wait for the sunset. It was already low tide, but a lot of people are still swimming. I’ve only seen this huge amount of people in beaches on TV and I never thought that I would be one of them, going to the beach on this wonderful summer.

Low tide

When the sun has come down, I went back to my room to clean up. I found out that my friends were sleeping because we hardly slept the night before. When I was done, it’s already time for dinner.

The official plan was to go out and have a wild drink. Because I have so little sleep, my whole body hurts that I can’t even walk a mile. My back aches terribly that I just want to lay down and rest for a while. I even feel sick and my body temperature is getting high. I said I’ll sleep for a little while and wake up when I feel better so I can join my friends. When I opened my eyes, the sun was already up high.

Good night, Boracay! See you again tomorrow!

To be continued…

You’ll know that our world is at its safest when PLDT myDSL and Nuffnang Philippines teamed up to bring us the advance screening of Avengers Assemble. The most-awaited adventure movie is set to assemble  next month in theaters near you.

I’ve been watching its trailer in YouTube for the past couple of months and fortunately, I can see through it without any hassle because it loads up so fast. This is because I’m connected at the internet via PLDT myDSL. With a fast internet connection like this, I can watch YouTube videos without waiting for it to load. It feels like I’m watching it right in my TV! Also, the fast internet connection of PLDT myDSL helps me in my video call sessions with friends and loved-ones. No delays! No choppy lines! The connection is crystal-clear. It seems like we have no media barrier.

As if it’s not awesome enough, PLDT is conducting an event called “Great Payday Sale” that will happen on April 27-29, 2012. By joining this event, you will get a fast internet connection. How? They’ll give you the chance to upgrade your internet through this biggest internet sale ever. And would you believe that a WiFi and a modem plus free installation is just a freebie that will be given away in this event? Imagine how much you’ll be saving with that!

If you’re interested in joining this event, below are the things that you should know:

• This summer is the perfect time to enjoy the strongest connections at home with PLDT myDSL’s Great Payday Sale happening on April 27-29, 2012.
• All you have to do is register at the nearest PLDT Home booth or malls nationwide on April 27-29, 2012 with 1 valid ID, no cash out!
• You can upgrade their Internet with PLDT myDSL’s biggest Internet sale ever.
• Freebies like a WiFi+Modem with free installation and 1 month DSL will be given away. That’s as much as P5,000 savings!
• You can also apply online at www.pldtmydsl.com

You may stop worrying now because your days with your crappy internet connection is about to end. Thankfully, PLDT myDSL saved the day.

My summer officially started last month when I witnessed the pride of Mauban, Quezon. Cagbalete Island is the place to be when you want a Boracay-feel but budget-friendly beach. It is humbly located at the north-west of Quezon Province, just a 4-5 hours trip from Manila.

45-minute boat ride from Mauban port to Cagbalete Island

Going to Cagbalete is pretty easy. Board a Lucena bound bus at Cubao or Pasay (300 Php). When you reach Lucena, ride the NCR Bus Line located at the grand terminal. There are also vans in SM Lucena and Pacific Mall that can take you to the town of Mauban. In Mauban, there is a public ferry that can take you to the Island of Cagbalete. They will charge you 40 Php per person for one way.

Cagbalete Island is truly a paradise that one must see. Once I stepped on the island, I can easily sense that it is underdeveloped and its virgin beach feature is still prominent. The boat ride going to the island is refreshing upon seeing the clear blue water beneath me. The view of the ocean everywhere is so fresh in my mind. It feels like I’m lost in the middle of the water and that I am truly free from the hustles of the city life.

Clear water

It was already 11AM when we reached the island and it’s already low tide. We have to go down the boat and wet ourselves while we carry our bags up in our arms so it won’t get soaked. Others were transferred in the small boat that was waiting for us. Later that afternoon, the water has risen and people were enjoying the beach. By morning, the water is on low-tide again, not a good sign if you want to swim but that’s ok because there are other water sports that you can do like skim boarding.

During low tide, ferry boats are not able to reach the seashore so small boats help in transferring the passengers and their bags.

Low tide

We stayed at Pansacola Beach Resort. It’s pure white sand and large trees make it a great place for camping. Of course, we brought the essentials like tent and cookset. We also bought food and water because we’re not actually sure if these will be available on the island. The fresh products that we need like meat were bought at the market in the town proper of Mauban. it’s very near the seaport. Common toilets are everywhere and is free of charge for those who choose to camp.

Experience camp life!

No tent? There are houses and nipa huts available in a very affordable price

But if you just want to relax and don’t want a huge load of items in your backpack, Pansacola Beach Resort also offers rooms and nipa huts where you can spend the night. 4,000 Php for their main house than can accommodate 20 persons is not bad, right? The price of other houses ranges from 1,000 Php – 3,000 Php depending on how many people are there in your group. All these have their own toilet and bath and is provided of beddings, pillows and electric fan. There are also food package that includes 3 meals and 2 meriendas. There are stores in the island too that sell water, liquor and other beverages.

For reservations, bookings and other inquiries, visit their Facebook Fan page here.

• Related post:

Present During the 1st LUCP Grand Family Outing in Cagbalete Island 

NOTE:

Thanks to my friends Claudine and Ara for:
1. Insisting that I read The Hunger Games
2. Introducing me to the wonders of audio books because I don’t respond to their request.

Let me start by saying that the film was well-crafted. It is a good interpretation of the book by Suzanne Collins. The colors, musical scoring and effects were superb. I like that the cinematography is shaky, always zooming fast to faces and things. I would also like to commend the brilliant acting of Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson. They both display compassion and courage – just some of the important elements that Katniss and Peeta posses. I have a hard time imagining the people of Capitol through the books and I guess I have to live up with what the film gave me. Not bad, really.

However, due to its limited time, there were parts that I can’t help but criticize. What I love most about Collins is her exceptional and detailed description of everything in her novel. Since I won’t see the film until I finish listening to the audio book, I created my own Katniss Everdeen, Peeta Mellark, Capitol and District 12 through my imagination. This isn’t likely if Collins didn’t provide a comprehensive way of illustrating every elements in her novel. With this I found little parts of the film which fell flat with my expectations and could have been improved:

• People of District 12. From the title itself – hunger. Yet no one seems to be dying in starvation or hungry at least. For me, they just appear to be dull and bored and nowhere to go. Sometimes, I think they are not helpless. Just dumb.
• Day 1 of the Game. There should have a sense of tension between the tributes seconds before the bloodbath started. I guess the image of the clock counting down to seconds didn’t actually help. I didn’t feel that this-is-it-they’re-about-to-die feeling that I found in the book. On every combat, I feel very little intensity with regards to the tributes’ actions. The career tributes look like a bunch of high school bullies. And no, that’s not Cato.
• No emphasis as to why Katniss teamed up with Rue. If I didn’t know the content of the book, I will think that it’s because Rue is just a kid and she feels bad for her. Well, it’s not. In the book, it was clearly explained that Rue remind Katniss of her sister, Prim. There are also some things that they failed to explain and if you haven’t read the book, you will not understand it.
• After Katniss found Peeta who was dying because of his injury in his leg, he’s supposed to be very wounded and viewers should feel sympathetic towards him, giving us this hopeless sense towards him. It’s not in the film. At that scene, he just appear to be very whiny and wimpy.

I guess there are still things that I failed to mention because I didn’t notice it. The movie was too short and maybe I need to see it again to pay full attention to everything. And surely I will.

I am fully aware that movies have only limited time but please don’t blame me if I’ve learned to love the book so much that I, though it’s impossible, expected the same replica of it in the movie. It did not help that the film makers did not include parts that made an impression to me in the book. Like the ending where they should be battling in the tree, and Cato’s body armor, and the similarities of the muttations to the dead tributes. And where is the big stone that closes their cave? These are scenes in the book that made my breath stop and I didn’t see it in the movie.

I guess the fact that this is a movie and that they have to contain it all in 120 minutes or more explained why they need to trim out these parts. Reading the book is a much more rewarding experience.

I’m a fan and I’m currently on Chapter 5 of the second book. I really don’t give much care that some people thinks it is copied from Battle Royale. Still, it’s better than Twilight.

District 2.

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