Joanne sent this earlier and I can’t help but to share it with you guys. You may have known me through my posts that I’m not a believer of love [or in denial] but I won’t take the inspiration this might give you. Be in love.
An incredible love story has come out of China recently and managed to touch the world.. It is a story of a man and an older woman who ran off to live and love each other in peace for over half a century.
The 70-year-old Chinese man who hand-carved over 6,000 stairs up a mountain for his 80-year-old wife has passed away in the cave which has been the couple’s home for the last 50 years. Over 50 years ago, Liu Guojiang a 19 year-old boy, fell in love with a 29 year-old widowed mother named Xu Chaoqin…
In a twist worthy of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, friends and relatives criticized the relationship because of the age difference and the fact that Xu already had children.
At that time, it was unacceptable and immoral for a young man to love an older woman.. To avoid the market gossip and the scorn of their communities, the couple decided to elope and lived in a cave in Jiangjin County in Southern ChongQing Municipality .
In the beginning, life was harsh as hey had nothing, no electricity or even food. They had to eat grass and roots they found in the mountain, and Liu made a kerosene lamp that they used to light up their lives.
Xu felt that she had tied Liu down and repeatedly asked him, ‘Are you regretful? Liu always replied, ‘As long as we are industrious, life will improve..’
In the second year of living in the mountain, Liu began and continued for over 50 years, to hand-carve the steps so that his wife could get down the mountain easily.
Half a century later in 2001, a group of adventurers were exploring the forest and were surprised to find the elderly couple and the over 6,000 hand-carved steps. Liu MingSheng, one of their seven children said, ‘My parents loved each other so much, they have lived in seclusion for over 50 years and never been apart a single day. He hand carved more than 6,000 steps over the years for my mother’s convenience, although she doesn’t go down the mountain that much.’
The couple had lived in peace for over 50 years until last week. Liu, now 72 years, returned from his daily farm work and collapsed. Xu sat and prayed with her husband as he passed away in her arms. So in love with Xu, was Liu, that no one was able to release the grip he had on his wife’s hand even after he had passed away.
‘You promised me you’ll take care of me, you’ll always be with me until the day I died, now you left before me, how am I going to live without you?’
Xu spent days softly repeating this sentence and touching her husband’s black coffin with tears rolling down her cheeks.
In 2006, their story became one of the top 10 love stories from China , collected by the Chinese Women Weekly. The local government has decided to preserve the love ladder and the place they lived as a museum, so this love story can live forever.
Uh well, I guess it’s not the right time for me to comment.
Have you experienced planning to go somewhere and when the time comes you feel half hearted? Visiting Caleruega wasn’t the main reason we hied off to Batangas, it was Joanne’s birthday. I was still nursing a flu then but since she’s really a treasured friend, I made no excuse. It was a night of singing, drinking and food binge-ing. Funny thing, it was raining cats and dogs outside but we didn’t care.
After two days of non-stop raining, it was time again to go back to the reality of Manila. Joanne, being so nice, decided to take me to a tour first. It was then I realized I almost missed the beauty of the place. Caleruega is just walking distance from their house. On our way, we passed by Evercrest and the Chapel on the Hill. It is owned by the Don Bosco fathers.
Rather than words, I’ll put in these pictures. The place is so laid out that it inspires prayer.
Caleruega, on the other hand, is well known for weddings. In fact, the movie “Sukob” was shot there. Owned by the Dominicans, it houses retreatants and there were quite a number around. It is a very relaxing place with koi pond, elevated walkway and hanging bridge to boot.
Rising tall and majestic in the highest point of Caleruega is the Transfiguration Chapel. Its facade is a reproduction of the original chapel in Caleruega, Spain…
hence the stained glass design below:
On the left is the prophet Elijah, the middle, Jesus, and the right, Moses with the two tablets of stone.
On the way to Caleruega were a number of houses and townhouses, a few of them looking like they had seen better days. I felt sad looking at them, among them is this…
There were also new townhouses with nary a caretaker nor security guard. What a pity if they don’t take care of it.
CALERUEGA-PHILIPPINES
Brgy. Kaylaway, Batulao,
Nadugbu, Batangas
mail: caleruega_philippines@yahoo.com
Contact Numbers:
09212709890
Ask for:
Ms. Jackie
Ms. Melda
Ms. Cristalle
Racism is rampant in some countries. I just don’t understand. While we all give our best “whatevers” to people of different race we tend to be treated like we don’t belong in this world. I hate the thought of being treated “unfairly”. I know it has existed throughout human history. It may be defined as the hatred of one person by another — or the belief that another person is less than human — because of skin color, language, customs, place of birth or any factor that supposedly reveals the basic nature of that person. It has influenced wars, slavery, the formation of nations, and legal codes.
The same goes with intimidations on social class, education and gender. What’s the problem people? Whoever says that social classes are things of the past needs to get their illusions shattered.
I wikipedia-d this… Social class refers to the hierarchical distinctions [or stratification] between individuals or groups in societies or cultures. Usually individuals are grouped into classes based on their economic positions and similar political and economic interests within the stratification system.
Just go to a nearest BPI branch, and one counter is clearly labeled “Preferred banking clients.” Yes, if you are not rich enough, you are not a preferred banking client, and you cannot line up in that counter.
I am no communist, but I just want to disillusion people about this Enchanted Kingdom.
PS: I paid my BPI bill at this BPI branch, and took me an hour just to pay a five-hundred peso credit card bill.
“We’ll take you farther.” Errrrr. It should be “We’ll waste your time.” More appropos, I guess.
I’m a sucker for good food. When I go out, it should always be accompanied by a stomach-full meal. Too bad I have to control my appetite for months or else I’ll be your “big fat ass” next door.
I miss my days at the province where I could just eat anything without thinking how much it will cost especially the seafoods. I’ve always loved seafood and shrimp is on top of the list. I always sort of feel bad for all my friends who have this allergy for these shelled creatures. Who could resist eating shrimp…? with all its juice streaming down your chin as you put them in your mouth one after another.
So have you ever been on a shrimp boat? Then head on over to Bubba Gump now for a mighty shrimp fest. I had a sumptuous meal earlier at Greenbelt. Tired and hungry, we couldn’t resist to request a quicker service, we were both looking forward to the meal. I was literally turning over my brain trying to decide which of my favorites I would order.
This is the first time I ate there with him and since I’ve been on diet for months, I took the opportunity to order appetizers. I scanned the menu and a funny name jumped out at me. “Ping Pong Shrimp”. Hmm… I play ping pong and I love shrimp but do these two go together? Technically they don’t but hey I’m not one to argue as long as it tasted good.
I then ordered the “Mama Blue’s Southern Charmed Fried Shrimp” as I was not in the mood to do some peeling to order the others on the menu. Oh and of course I got the full size.
The appetizers were served and it looked too delicious. I had to shout in protest to keep him from forking the dish as I wanted to take a picture first.
Delicioso! I was scared at first because the menu said spicy and I really don’t have the tongue for that. [Exact description: : Lightly breaded Shrimp, and just a little spicy! Topped with a Mango Pineapple Salsa]. However, it was not what I expected. It was mildly spicy with a sweet twist. All I can say is once you finish one, you cant help but eat more. But it is after all just the appetizer and boy did it really whet my appetite.
My fried shrimp was as expected. Large, hot and crispy. My friends did not think I could finish the whole thing but really, was that such a hard task?
Bubba: Shrimp is the fruit of the sea. You can barbecue it, boil it, broil it, bake it, saute it. Dey’s uh, shrimp-kabobs, shrimp creole, shrimp gumbo. Pan fried, deep fried, stir-fried. There’s pineapple shrimp, lemon shrimp, coconut shrimp, pepper shrimp, shrimp soup, shrimp stew, shrimp salad, shrimp and potatoes, shrimp burger, shrimp sandwich. That- that’s about it.
Bubba Gump Greenbelt
Level 2, Greenbelt 3, Makati City
Tel : [+632] 757-5154
Telefax:[+632] 757-5104
email: customer@bubbagump.com.ph
I go to gym. I do cardio exercises. I trek, I roam around in my dopie, I walk and even walks the walk of life.
I have nothing against walking, the sun, and walking under the sun. It’s something I actually enjoy doing provided the right circumstances, the right setting, the right people and provided that I won’t have to do it on a regular basis [and with my lifestyle— I don’t]. But walking under the sun, IN THE CITY, in LONG SLEEVED POLO after a nine-hour shift at work just irritates the shittles out of me — especially when it could’ve been easily avoided if only the people around me weren’t such idiots.
[On my way home yesterday, I took the bus because I feel so tired to just thinking of MRT stairs. A woman got on the bus somewhere in the Crossing area and sat next to me — no, squeezed her sticky self next to me, even though we were occupying a three-seater. We were to get off at the same place: Boni, and it was CRUCIAL for us to get off right there because the bus was taking the fast lane and the next stop would offset me by [I'm guessing] more than a hundred meters.
We were seated near the back of the bus and she took her time to get up and move when the bus was ALREADY AT OUR STOP. I had already stood up and was nudging her slightly [she was in my way]— a signal that she should hurry her ass down the exit because unlike her, I have to be somewhere. She didn’t. And so we I miss my stop and am inconvenienced. [*Unnecessary anger]
Walking through EDSA isn’t my number one most hated thing in the world [that honor belongs to gaining weight] but it comes in pretty close. It’s a scorching Tuesday afternoon and the diseased masses of Boni move as if they were going for a Sunday stroll in the park, seemingly unbothered by the vehicular fumes. Sometimes, they’re also unmindful of other people and act as if they own the fucking city and block the way. Oh look, stairs, perfect!; let me stop RIGHTHERE and send someone a message on my phone. Who the hell cares if I’m a goddamn obstruction— I don’t.
You know what else I hate? Groups of people who stand around by the entrance or the exit and discuss where to go next or whatever. MOVE TO THE GODDAMN SIDE AND LET PEOPLE THROUGH.
I’d like to post something and let everyone know that I had a happy day. As I started to type in my happy thoughts, I felt [using all my senses] something not right. I then decided to stop and have this instead.
Uh well, I guess there’ll be time to post a happy thought.
We all know Manila. The stress of daily living, the traffic, the heat, the neverending rants.
As far back as the summer started, I’ve been wanting to get away from the city even for a brief respite from the doldrums of commuting to and from work, the usual thing you do day in and day out that sometimes makes you wonder of living into a groundhog day the moment you wake up eyes staring at the ceiling wishing you had a terrible case of hangover just to feel different this time.
I was really excited for what awaits us in our roadtrip to Zambales. Nothing beats travelling with your friends, it’s like you get to know them even more, bond with them more or do and see stuffs you won’t normally get by hanging out in the city.
We went there first not knowing what to expect. All we know? we’re up for an exciting adventure…
To make the story short, I’ll just shift to a photo blog in detailing the rest this escapade.
I already have posted some Anawangin - Capones entries before. You can check it here and here. Enjoy reading !
I love food. I go to gym and somehow follow an eating plan [by Ed] but still coudn’t resist binge-ing even if it’s not Wednesday or Saturday [my legal binge day]. I love almost everything. From pasta, coffee, arroz caldo [the best one can be found at Abra de Ilog Pier], sopas ni Mama at Lola Alta. I love sandwiches. And it sucks that in a country where rice is a staple, there aren’t much sandwich bars around. I get most of my sandwiches from cafes. I am a loyal fan of Grilled Chicken Foccacia at Figaro and the Roast Chicken Chipotle at Coffee Bean. I have these sandwiches twice every week for my lunch or a heavy snack. So when I stumbled upon a new juice bar in Podium called Jugo Juice, I was absolutely thrilled to see that they served sandwiches and wraps that looked like those that I consume abroad. Jugo Juice is a smoothie bar, much like Fuzion. I don’t know if it’s a franchise or not, but the place was well designed and neat. There were sticker labels for their cups on display above the shelf.
I ordered the Jugo Classico [P135 for a small size]. I forgot the contents of the drink but I remembered it had strawberries and peaches plus 3 more fruits I think. My date got the Lemonade [P125] - who? [my "neighbor/bf" from Pureza].
He and I decided to share so we got two sandwiches, the Tuscany Wrap and the Chicken Caesar Sandwich. They were served in nice boxes, which you can easily take out. This is great for on-the-go people like me.
I loved their Chicken Caesar as it tasted like my favorite sandwich Chicken Mozarella that could be found in the sandwich bar beside Dairy Queen in the Singapore International Airport. I was so ecstatic, I wanted more.
The Tuscany actually didn’t taste like a Tuscan wrap, although it had a lot of tomatoes. It wasn’t as good as the Chicken Caesar, but good enough. The wrap was also toasted and flattened that it looked like a flat sandwich.
In any case, I am still happy that more and more sandwich bars are mushrooming. I don’t like Fuzion’s menu so much, so Jugo Juice is most welcome in my list.
Jugo Juice is located at the Ground Floor of the Podium in Ortigas Center. It replaced Goodies and Sweets.
Are you the type who still fall stupid for love? who believes in the word? I still do. I know. I might appear to be too tough outside but I’m just being defensive I know.
I remember one of my most favorite movies- How to Lose a Guy In Ten Days. The movie, having Kate Hudson as the protagonist, tells of a story of a young woman, who writes for a magazine, in which her column concentrates on “How To’s”. The story revolved around the things that a woman must not do if she wants to keep her relationship healthy- like never be too emotional, don’t leave stuffs inside your boyfriend’s place, never mess with the “guy’s night out”, don’t ever make your boyfriend’s place look like its your own, don’t give him plants or pets and act as if its your babies, and other really funny stuffs.
Humorous or not, this movie, somehow showed me that the way I loveD [big D] is totally not right. I can tell, if I have a checklist of how many rules I have broken, really, I must have had an almost perfect score. I watched Hudson’s film way back , and since then, I try to act as if everything is cool [I’m using this due to the lack of the right word to use].
Honestly, I am trying to evaluate as of now, if that decision came out to be very useful or not. Since for a number of years now, I can tell that I can manipulate my emotions very well. Well, its not as easy as how I put it actually. Like, for instance, if I realize that I guy whom I am dating and eventually fell for, was not really serious or just fooling around; I can make myself forget relatively soon and move on. If I feel like my boyfriend’s gonna dump me soon, I’ll dump him instantly, I still cry, but I move on relatively fast. I don’t know if I’m putting this right, or I am able to communicate the essence of my experiences the way they I wanted them to be told; but somehow, I learned to not trust on the idea of love anymore. Perhaps, my highly materialist and logical nature allowed me to understand it in a biological and evolutionary perspective. With this I admit that I am being unfair to those who are falling in love. Especially if they belong to my world. I’d like to say sorry to Ron [my dear friend] because until now, I don’t like him being involved with his recent guy. I just don’t feel right. Sorry po ulit.
I just realized though that due to the lack of confidence on the utopian idea of love; my biology somehow learned to naturally adopt to pain that is usually brought forth by every relationship. Every time that I got hurt, or offended by the person that I love, the natural response of my psyche is to shut it all inside. Perhaps, another part of my personality that I’ve learned to develop is strength and competitiveness. I always try to be strong on every situation, for every problem. This attitude is not really done for the sake of novelty as if projecting that I am a superman or something; but that is just how I should be due to the nature of my role as a person in my complex human state of affairs.
Going back to pain and my natural biological response to not talk about it, the pain even how little or huge it may be, becomes a factor for my psyche to erase all hopes of a lasting relationship, and then eventually not loving the person that I used to love anymore. The effect is somehow irreversible, as maybe for some people, if they got hurt, and the other person promised to change or something like that, the feelings will return again, or for that matter, the confidence.
I guess, this has now became my standard, my natural response, an effect of my conscious effort to initially protect my self against pain; eventually has become one of my most dreaded fears. To protect the one that I love from pain, inconveniences of arguments [does make me so negative about Ron's affairs, my sister's or almost anyone near me], and the likes; eventually brings me to a state of negativity- the lack of love and the absence of hope. The price that I have to pay and the sacrifice that I have to carry everyday of my life. Someone might tell me to just use my will power to change the course of events. I wanted to tell that I can and I wanted to; but the thing is I am not yet ready to put down my armor; I’m not yet prepared to die [again].
Our new Yaya who just came from the province is a multimedia person. Wondering why I call her that? Well, for the simple reason that she loves listening to radio, play games on the laptop, watch TV etc… So it’s always one thing or the other.
I’m not the type who can always tolerate “pag-iingay” if I’m sleeping but since she’s the one who’s taking care of my pamangkin, we’re all “takot” for she might take it against my nephew.
She’s always tuned in to this weird radio station which normally plays “tagalog or local” versions of english songs. One thing that really caught my attention was this… I know I’ll be catching more of her stuffs but I’m sharing this for now.
Just for laughs… harharhar*
I had just gotten off from bed and s%$t!, it’s already 7pm. My shift starts at 9pm so I hurried. Not that I live too far, just that I’m not feeling good yet so I’ll be moving a little bit slower.
Still sick weary and troubled, I ride the bus, trying hard to relax. I can’t. I have a severe headache. I kept on saying “I should have taken a cab, baka mahimatay pa ako dito”. That has always been my fear. I also have a couple of very small office issues that need sorting. Haaay… I shouldn’t be experiencing these. If SHE only understands her own words - conctructive criticisms and the sencerity of being sorry. Uh well, that’s where true intelligence is needed.
the Konduktor comes:
“sanpo sila?”
“Megamall galing Boni.”
I hand him a hundred. the fare is P11.
“mamaya napo sukli.”
I nodded and closed my eyes. Less than a minute passes and the Konduktor hands me my change. I accept it without saying a word while trying to concoct a possible attack angle to my problems in the office.
He leaves. we arrive in Megamall. I stand and as I disembark from the bus, I ask the Konduktor for my change. We stare at each other. I get pissed and ask him again:
“yung sukli sa 100, Megamall galing Boni.”
more staring. He relents and gives me my change. I walk towards the mall. In each of the front pockets of my jeans is an 89 peso set.
And then I realized, God. I just stole P89 from someone.
I feel bad. I could try looking for the guy but then needles lost in haystacks are a lost cause. Lesson learned: be wary of your change while riding the bus; It goes both ways - I could’ve lost P89. it’s a very common occurrence while riding busses when you give a large bill for the fare:
“mamaya napo sukli.”
Danger danger. You could forget that you have change and just go down when you reach your destination and make the Konduktor richer. or, the Konduktor could forget that he already gave you change and give you change again; I am a living breathing example of this.
My fear of course, is that somewhere out there is a very angry man who thinks he got scammed by a passenger. And this man remembers my face and he has practiced a revenge scenario in his head should we meet again. Its ok. I remember his face too. All I need to do is look at the Konduktor’s of the busses I ride; at least for the next few weeks or so.
I am a fan of almost everything ABSCBN would come up to. Being a true KAPAMILYA, I have always supported their programs. But due to my work schedule, I missed quite a few. Can you imagine I missed this?
Salamat sa makabagong teknolohiya! See? galing niya no? So for PDA, Liezel tayo!
I can remember Goldilocks from the snack cakes that used to fill my lunchbox in gradeschool if my Father would come from one of his Manila trips. It was quite a childish act for all of us to brag about our Goldilocks. From the polvoron to the lollipops they used to have, to the simple cakes.
At that time, it was the only bakeshop I knew and loved… until others sprung up.
Because of the “others” and my evolving taste and standards for great cakes, I must admit I have not tried to Goldilocks in a long time. In fact, when faced with a variety of choices, I would most likely not choose their cakes. I always think that Goldilocks would all be about icings ang just sweet “nothing”.
So it was indeed a treat to have the chance to try out their cakes again. Cj thought of having theirs when we planned to give one for Joanne’s birthday. I was dumbfounded because thay have different flavors now. We decided to buy two. And here’s what we used for the wish cake…
Doesn’t it look just utterly good? I was giddy with anticipation of tasting it.
I took a very big slice for myself after dinner.
The base cake was chocolate. But you will only be able to discern that after going through heaps of icing and what appears to be strawberry flavored layer. The chocolate cake was ok. But the combination was… shall I say - childish. The taste reminded me of those locally made and sold chocolate marshmallows that are sold in your neighborhood store. Oh no not the marshmallows that I just recently wrote about. But those tiny ones that used to be sold at 25cents each. They were colored pink marshmallows that were covered in cheap chocolate. The taste was… pink. Going back.. The whole cake tasted candy-ish. My kids love it and I wasn’t surprised. Maybe it was made especially for them. Good thing we also bought a Brazo Mercedes. This time it didn’t fail us.
Happy Birthday my dear friend. Happy Birthday Joanne!!!
Last Saturday, as we’re [i,cj & mia] on our way to get Joanne her birthday cake, we passed by the Transformers Exhibit along SM Megamall. Being the Transformers lover even then, we didn’t let ourselves miss the photo op.
As the world eagerly awaits for the biggest and much talked about movie debut of Transformers on June 28, millions of Transformers fanatics from practically all walks of life had been fortunate to have their favorite league of transfiguring robots loaded with exciting and explosive line-up of events, fun-filled activities, trailblazing merchandises and other great surprises to celebrate the comeback and the undying legacy that is Transformers last June 21st.
We didn’t even know what was needed to have our pictures be taken but we just braved the crowd and posed for the cameras. Talking about being “makapal” har har har.
In the recently concluded MTV Movie Awards, the world’s largest television network had given Transformers a stump of approval after being chosen as the Best Summer Movie You Haven’t Seen for 2007, placing Pirates of the Caribbean and Bourne Automatic behind the pack. The Transformers live action movie brings the battle of the two warring robots of Cybertron, the Autobots and the Decepticons to Earth leaving the future of humankind hanging in balance.
Transformers originally featured the heroic Autobots headed by Optimus Prime and their main opponents, the Decepticons with Megatron as the leader. Transformers are best known as an intelligent machines that are able to transform and reconfigure itself into innocuous form such as car, aircraft or animal. There have been a number of popular spin-offs based on the original Hasbro toy line including the widely read Transformers Marvel Comics series and animated TV programs that began airing in 1984.
Consequently, the equally awaited market release of Transformers licensed products will be officially launched on June 29th at Event Center of SM Megamall Bldg. A. The whole day event aptly dubbed as The Transformers : Transform and Roll Out! the Movie Merchandise Launch will feature an art exhibit, drawing & trivia contest, video game demo, panel discussion for hobbyist and Transformers collectors, stage performances, movie promotion and a whole lot more! The Transformers thrilling live action movie is directed by Michael Bay with Steven Spielberg as executive producer.
I can’t wait to see it!
The rain is pounding mercilessly outside. I’m doing a lot of thinking, of what the future may bring. With the thick blanket hugging my body. With the rain drops pounding the roof. I’m just dreaming. Good things, I hope.
That was me earlier today. After I got home from Batangas. It rained again.
Mother Nature liked it rough this weekend. A severe thunderstorm blew through the whole Luzon with enough force to warrant a tornado watch throughout the area.
After all the negativities of having that kind of weather, my high temperature, one bright spot is eating Puto or Kutchinta with little cheese slices. It’s nothing short of heaven.
I used to eat them everyday. My loving Lola Alta will aways wake me up with “Gising na apo, lalamig na gatas mo… pinagluto kita ng paborito mo” - this gave me a tear. I miss my lola. I miss her care and loving arms. I know my friends from the province also do. She has been a great lola to all my friends. She treated them as if her own. I’ll see her this year. I must.
Now, back to puto [hehehe]. The blandness of the puto [steamed rice cake for non-Filipino readers] and the saltiness of the cheese [Eden cheese - a local brand], create an amazing contrast that one can’t get enough of. What would have made the puto snack perfect was steaming hot local chocolate, the kind made from tableas or tablets [yum!] or the gatas that until now I don’t know how my Lola does.
Here in Manila, I get the puto and kuchinta from Banchettos or on the highway [on our way to Batangas], with young vendors standing on the side, arms holding packs of puto, outstretched, hoping to entice the highway traveler into stopping by the road’s shoulder to purchase their wares.
It’s been a while since I’ve done a food post. The puto made me do it.
I take a lot of pictures. I know what a beautiful photo is. It is not too often but I do tend to pause every now and then when taking someone else’s picture. I have never given photography that much thought before. The process that goes on behind it. Much of which occurs only within the confines of the photographer’s mind. Nowhere else.
Like any other medium of art, it has its own unique qualities. And unless you treat them with the respect that they truly deserve, no matter how good an illustrator you are, or writer, or actor, or dancer, you will never be able to come up with engaging photos much like the works of art you are used to creating in your other — perhaps chosen — artistic endeavors.
And then there is the beautiful notion that by taking a photo, one is not merely putting in to print the external features of another human being. One is actually capturing that other person’s wide range of emotions, and even state of mind, at that exact moment before one hears the “click.”
On my Multiply account, I always receive updates from people adding more entries to their sites. And I’ve been seeing Zelot every now and then posting pictures. As a starter until now. And I can really say she’s really doing good. The quality of her photos now shows how much she’s into it.
I don’t know, but, there is a sense of power in there… this feeling of being privileged.
So… Go Zelot!
This weekend, all I want is a good rest.
See, there are people who tend to be more effective at work if they were placed under time constraints. Also, there are people who tend to be more efficient if their efforts will be remunerated. And there are individuals who perform at their maximum capacity if they were given enough rest. I am one of these individuals now. At least now. Thank you! I think I’m being normal now. It’s a NEW me.
On any given day, one is likely to perform effectively if he had enough rest before that. At least, that’s my case. I have to have sufficient sleep in order for me to do all daunting tasks the next day. Yes, gallons of brewed coffee might suffice as it worked for the OLD me, but the potency that sleeping is giving me now is very significant in my daily activities.
According to sleep scientists, one night of inadequate sleep can impair one’s reaction time and mental functioning, and chronic sleep deprivation can negatively impact one’s immune system and contribute to the development of a whole host of serious ailments.
Need I say more? So, I hereby suggest that we all should ditch our office problems and indulge ourselves in a good good slumber. For me? I’m spending it with Joanne, Mia, Cj and more!!! And I’m making it sure that I’ll be kissing my dark circles goodbye. I hope I’ll get well too! No office works. No office liars. No office eye sores. No office bitches.
P.S. On second thought, I want my Adobe Photoshop and internet access to come with me! hahaha!
One busy day, I noticed Rhon’s stat message and I think I also heard Jepoy saying it. Well, I’m saying this because Im trying to nurse a headache now. My temperature is a little bit lower but my headache severed. I’m craving for coffee. I miss my old self. When I don’t need to control my caffeine intake. When I can just text someone and spend the night out talking and laughing over a cup of coffee.
I missed contemplating over a cup of coffee.
People are intrinsically contemplative. In order for us to ingest the things that happen in our lives, we must pensively reflect on these and draw insights from this process. I believe everyone engages in this involuntarily process, no mater how surly the person is.
I have my own way of contemplating. If I want to get away from all the gauntlets that life hurls at me, I simply hush. Then I isolate myself from the world. I tend to fabricate my own quadrant, where I am not restricted to color beyond the lines, where I am superior to everyone.
To fully create my own imaginary world, I need to inject caffeine into my bloodstream. Amongst all luxuries in the world, I have found a buddy in the figure of a cup of coffee. The piquant aroma of a latte stimulates my brain cells. It arouses my subconscious mind. For me, coffee is everything.
With a cup of Cafe Americano beside me, I can now perform my contemplation. Much better if the Americano is accompanied with glazed doughnuts. Yum!
I just received a text message from a friend. He wanted me to console him about his recent romantic dilemma with his old friend who is unfortunately committed to a relationship at the moment. But despite his involvement with another guy whom he calls as boyfriendfriend, he persistently professed that he loves my friend. I’m confused and so is Becky, my friend [not his real name, just his preference har har har].
Relationships are designed to be either complicated or totally chaotic that’s why I try my best to stay away from it but sometimes it’s inevitable. Real-life relationships are not as perfect and not as fancy as those in the fairytale stories that our parents or nannies used to read to us before going to bed. Real-life relationships do not always end with “and they live happily ever after”. As a child, I used to think that couples live their little perfect lives after exchanging “I dos”. But as I grew up, I came to discover that it’s not always the case. It never was, is and never will. In real life, finding someone to love is quite a tough task to do. And once you found it, the even harder task begins. Relationships allow us to assume a role either that of a domineering boyfriend, a forgiving girlfriend or an abusive partner. Relationship turns us into someone that we never thought we can be. We can either become selfless or egoistic, loving or insensitive, vocal or cold. We morph into someone that is quite different from our usual selves as we grow or regress in a relationship.
And since relationships, by nature, are complicated we often find ourselves dwelling in the midst of confusion, groping in total darkness not knowing what we want or how bad we really want it. Sometimes we long for someone though we are loved by someone else. It has been a puzzling fact that pulls every healthy relationship down into the pits of chaos. Sometimes we are aware that we are happy and in fact we are living a blissful life with a partner yet sometimes we wonder how it feels like to be with somebody else, that someone whose name crosses our mind involuntarily every now and then. I haven’t read any book that would put my hunch into a theory or that would elucidate my ideas about such phenomenon. Not yet.
The same reason holds me from having a serious one of my own, the same permits me to always say “ayan kase” to people who would come tome with tears bacuse of break ups.
Maybe it is in our nature to seek perfection that we keep on longing for something that is missing. Maybe our little brain thinks that if we can find that someone to fill the gaps within us then maybe we will forever be happy.
I am a skeptic when it comes to those falling-in-love theories. The one that says that when you find that someone everything else stops and you feel like floating on mid-air as you see nothing but her/his face and that you can even remember that particular moment for the rest of your life with every details associated to it intact. I believe they call it as the sweep-me-off-my-feet moment, the moment when one is supposedly caught off guard when you’re devoid of any existing fears and misery with nothing but just plain sheer moment of indestructible attraction in your system.
Consider me a cynic, a non-believer of such mushy theory. I admit though that once in my naturally complicated life I’ve been through those moments of extreme cheesiness, those times when Cupid was jumping with utmost joy. Now, he is officially assassinated… at least in my own imperfect world.
I told my friends I’ll be doing another post for our Anawangin adventure but that promise remained as is until I forgot it already.
Just recently, I’ve been involved in an emotional chaos with people I really treated as my friends. I cannot comment anything more as I am still waiting for more proofs on how I will judge her. People around me have given their owns already but I’d like to still give her the benefit of the doubt at least basing it on our own friendship. It took me long hours to decide on what I did. After so much thinking [maybe not as intelligent the way she thinks?], I made a decision - I need to stand up and brave whatever consequences it will give me.
These are the times that prompt you to really look for a place to have some rest,to unwind and be able to shout your lungs out with only echoes to retaliate. I hate false stories, I hate backfighters, I hate power trippers, no more lies please, I hate being civilized at times, I hate saying no more.
Anawangin looks like another world. As you approach the bay, you couldn’t help but wonder if you are still in the Philippines. Unlike most beaches, Anawangin stands out as one of the few where you have pine trees instead of the usual coconut trees. The muted green needle leaves of the pine trees that lined the shore contrast nicely with the salt-n-pepper colored sand. The barren mountains at the back of the bay provide a backdrop of varying shades of green and brown.
Anawangin is one of the best real “getaway place”. It is “shielded” from most of man’s daily technology. No electricity, no cellphone coverage, no radio and TV signals.
I have read articles and seen photos of Anawangin for quite sometime now. It was a quick decision we made. I have read about destinations for summer getaways before and Anawangin was one who got my attention. So when my friend Joanne opened about it, I decided that thats it, its going to be another destination for 2008. Luckily I have officemates who like the outdoors a lot too, so forming a group for the trip was easy.
Ahhhh.. when can I have a break again. I want to be out of here. I want peace. I want real people. I want…
While at home, lying and suffering from what seemed like a vertigo/migraine/hangover rolled into one and a very severe [watch that!] sorethroat, I heard my nephew saying “wow”, I thought it was just the usual Jollibee commercial he’s really fond of but when I opened my eyes I saw this video. I was just staring for few seconds and then I heard myself saying “wow”… My sister was watching also and quipped “lagot na naman mga tga GMA, another Herculean to beat” I can’t help but to agree.
I was barely sitting down on the toilet when I heard a voice from the other stall saying:
“Hi, how are you?”
I’m not the type to start a conversation in the restroom. I don’t know what got into me, but I answered, somewhat embarrassed,
“Doin’ just fine!”
And the other person says:
“So what are you up to?”
What kind of question is that? At that point, I’m thinking this is too bizarre so I say:
“Uhhh, I’m like you, just sitting here.”
At this point I am just trying to get out as fast as I can when I hear another question:
“Can I come over?”
Ok, this question is just too weird for me. I figured I could politely end the conversation. I say:
“No……..I’m a little busy right now!!!”
Then I hear the person say, nervously:
“Listen, I’ll have to call you back. There’s an idiot in the other stall who keeps answering all my questions!!”
Ces Drilon, her cameraman Jimmy Encarnacion and MSU professor Octavio Dinampo were finally released from captive. Soon as I heard the news, great relief was felt.
I know how it feels to have one of your family members be held in captive. My father was once kidnapped by the NPAs for 40 days. I don’t really have that tight bond with my Father but seeing my MOM acting like crazy made me wish and pray for his return.
Thank GOD for the answered prayers. I hope this will be a start of a better relationship between us and the Mindanao people.
I’m with them to share hope with enduring peace in that area.
For complete information check this link : http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20080618-143262/UPDATE-2-Ces-Drilon-companions-free
I’m a little bit sensitive at times and I know that. I try to control it but the recent weekend got the best of me.
I have different groups of friends. Friends from the province, due to preference, online and office friends. And there’s what I call the closest of them all which is of course my kababata - we have been friends and classmates from Kinder to High School and one group also that composes JC, Ron, Jay, Guise and the rest of the Babylon gang. But for the past few weeks, I took time to know and be close to some of my office friends.
We were together when we had an out-of-town trip to Zambales, after that I really got too involved with almost everyone. It just hurts me badly because all the while I though we have really built good friendship. Not that I don’t have people to accompany me through the weekend [because that rarely happens - there would always be Ralf, Jc or Jay to ask me out] but the thought of at least being invited to whatever they were planning would really mean so much. Even before I went home that day, I kept on asking Mia…di ba talaga tayo kasali? Di ako nagmamakaawa pero pabalat bunga lang ini-expect ko that time. All just seemed too weird then. Uh well, maybe I expected too much. I don’t wanna demand for anything but I guess I should also be thankful because they have insinuated the real score between us.
I went from being hurt to being pissed in just few seconds.
I’m sitting here, still feeling waves of untempered emotion rumble back and forth in my heart. I had a restless night that Saturday. Was thinking what I must have done wrong then. Good thing I had one of those conversations with Jc, so I sucked it in, tried to remember all of the good things I have to be thankful for.
The title of my blog is heart to hurt, that means my intention is to write the raw-uncut version of what goes on in my heart. I’m secure enough to know, most of us battle with the same stuff. You may not be letting anyone close enough to your life to see the struggles when they happen- but we all smoke and sputter at times because we’re human.
I’m not sure where to go with this post. Just writing it out has helped defuse a lot of my anger or should I say bitterness. Hurt [for me] doesn’t stay hurt for very long. It quickly ferments into a low grade anger.
Most of us leave a trail of burnt bridges. Some of them needed to be burnt… abusive toxic relationships…
Others, we burn because we’re hurt and it feels good to strike back. The only problem with that is, sooner or later, in virtually every close relationship, there are going to be misunderstandings. The closer you get to another person, the more likely it is, one of you is going to say or do something to hurt the other person- and there’s a good chance they won’t even know it. Do I want to get to the end of my life- pretty much alone, due to my habit of torching relationships the first or third time the other person did something to upset me? I have that option, and I’ve done it… I’ve also forgiven my friends when maybe someone else would have walked away, and those relationships feel that much richer and deeper because of it. Thanks for listening to an old fool vent.
We as humans are wired to connect, and when we are abandoned everything inside of us rises up screaming. As for me? I’ll continue to write whatever I feel here and will enjoy it immensely.
People who don’t have knowledge of what really happened maybe puzzled because I tried to be vague on details. Or you might ask me where the entry is heading… let me tell you this then… this is one of those random rants I’m writing just to ease out the pain. I need not go into specifics. I just want to write.
I have been a great fan of SATC since I first heard it. I’ve seen it being promoted at Obar the last time I went out with Jay, Guise, Jc and a Baguio guy. So you can just imagine how jealous I was when Jay told me that they have already watched it. Even if it was almost impossible for my schedule to allow me to see it, I persisted… and I won. I went to the theater alone [as I always do if I really want a movie because I don't wanna be disturbed] and saw the movie - over two hours long. It was a 4:00 showing - which meant that by the time all the commercials and previews of upcoming movies were over, the movie actually started around 4:20. It was over around 6:45ish. I don’t think I moved the whole time. That’s one of the reason I also love watching movies alone, especially if I’m totally engrossed to it. When I was still at SVI, I’m usually at the theatre by 4pm and stay till 8:30 as my shift starts at 9pm. Same reason I used to have a big collection of pillows because I get to buy one each visit. The theater was big - and it was crowded but there were some empty seats. There was also a showing at 4:30. The lobby of the theater was packed and the line to get in the movie was long. In the theater there were very few men. It was easily at least 95% women there. There were a few faithful husbands, boyfriends, SATC male fans there, though. One thing I noticed was how many single women were there - women attending by themselves. Really amazing.
SPOILER ALERT! Ha! I’m telling you, don’t continue reading this if you have plan of watching it. Just checking to make sure you want to know what happens in the movie before I get to the good stuff. All the major storylines and occurences in the movie will be divulged here.
First of all, no one died in the movie. The hoopla before the movie came out about a major character dying was just something started to generate interest, I guess. It worked. All through the movie, I kept waiting for a major character to die. I’m glad no one died. Except for Charlotte experiencing a bout of Montezuma’s Revenge on their trip to Mexico, there weren’t even any illnesses in the movie. It was a feel-good movie. No deaths needed.
The movie started off with Carrie talking about the four friends and about how years have passed since she and Big got back together in Paris. She has now published three books. She and Big are together - and they’re very happy. Miranda and Steve are together. Brady is older — looked like the same child played him — cute little redhead. Charlotte and Harry have their adopted daughter from China. Her name is Lily! [Which I loved!] Samantha and Smith have moved to Los Angeles for his career, but Samantha flies to NYC often to be with her friends.
Carrie and Big are looking for an apartment - They find a gorgeous one except that the closet is small. Big says they can afford it and that he will re-build the closet so Carrie will have the closet of her dreams. They don’t talk about getting married.
Then the four women go to a jewelry auction and hear the story about the woman who lived with a guy for ten years - only to come home one day and be locked out. So she auctions off all the jewelry he gave her to make enough money to get by. Carrie thinks of her own situation, and eventually mentions to Big that she’s concerned about her situation - of having no security. So they round-about discuss their way into being engaged. Vogue magazine wants to do a spread about getting married at 40 - highlighting Carrie and Big’s wedding. So out come the designer gowns, the celebrity photographers - and the wedding gets “bigger than Big.” It starts out small with only 75 guests. Then it grows until there are over 200 guests invited. Big feels overwhelmed with everything, but he keeps it to himself.
Meanwhile, Miranda and Steve are having their own problems. With their busy lives, it has been over six months since they had sex. Steve ends up having sex with someone else - and he confesses to Miranda. For Miranda, the marriage is over. She moves out and finds an apartment and refuses to even consider Steve’s abject apologies and pleas for her to take him back. She refuses to take his phone calls or to see him.
So at Carrie and Big’s rehearsal dinner, Steve shows up to talk to Miranda. He begs for forgiveness. Miranda doesn’t want anything to do with him. After leaving the scene with Steve, Miranda goes back into the dinner where Big asks her if she’s okay. Still upset over her confrontation with Steve, Miranda tells Big that he and Carrie are crazy to be getting married because marriage messes up everything. Big’s misgivings about the big hoop-de-doo wedding are reinforced. He calls Carrie that night, and she tells him that it’s still her - that it’s still them - that it’s okay. And he feels better.
The next day everyone arrives at the library where the wedding is to take place - everyone but Big. He keeps trying to call Carrie so she can reassure him, but Lily had picked up Carrie’s phone - and so Carrie doesn’t get any of Big’s phone calls.
His limo pulls up to the library, but he doesn’t get out - and finally he decides he can’t go through with it, and he starts driving away. When Carrie finds out he’s not coming, she leaves. Meanwhile, Big realizes what he’s done [”What have I done?”], and he heads back - his limo meets Carrie’s limo mid-street. They both get out and Carrie yells at him and hits him with the bouquet and get back into her limo and goes to Charlotte’s house where she is dazed and practically catatonic.
Samantha is unsuccessful in cancelling the honeymoon plans - and so she buys extra tickets - and the four women head off to enjoy Mexico and to help Carrie. Carrie is in a “Mexicoma” - sleeps for days - when she finally agrees to eat, they have to feed her. Eventually she gets out of bed. They return to NYC where they’ve worked to get Carrie’s apartment back [She had sold her apartment and moved in with Big]. When she enters the apartment, it is piled with boxes, and she decides that she needs an assistant. She hires Louise [Jennifer Hudson] from St. Louis, who is in NYC to “find love.”
So months go by. Charlotte gets pregnant - is afraid to continue running because she doesn’t want to lose the baby. However, she does get back into running. When she is only a week from her due date, she happens to see Big in a restaurant. She angrily confronts him for hurting Carrie - but she’s interrupted by her water breaking. Big insists on taking her in his always-waiting limo to the hospital. Charlotte ends up having the baby - another girl. The baby is named “Rose.” When Carrie comes to the hospital, Harry tells her that Big wants to talk to her - and Big wonders if Carrie has read any of the letters he’s sent. Letters? Carrie hasn’t received any letters from Big. She goes back to her apartment to look for letters. We’ll pick up on Carrie’s storyline after catching up with the other characters.
Charlotte and Harry now have Lily and Rose - they are firmly into their happily ever after.
Miranda and Steve finally decide to go to counseling and after awhile the counselor tells them not to see each other for a couple weeks. Then after they’ve had time to think things through, if they want to get back together, they should meet. If one doesn’t want to get back together, then that person wouldn’t meet at the prearranged place. They decide to meet in the middle of the Brooklyn Bridge. Of course during the two weeks Miranda agonizes about what her decision will be. Steve worries that Miranda will always hold his unfaithfulness against him. But in the end their love for each other overcomes the negatives. It’s a tender scene when Miranda starts walking towards the middle of the bridge - sees Steve walking toward her. She “never looks back” - and she and Steve walk hand in hand into their happily ever after.
Meanwhile in Los Angeles, Samantha is getting frustrated with monogamy. While she remains faithful to Smith - despite many temptations - she finally decides that although she loves Smith, she loves herself more. So she and Smith have a tender farewell - and Samantha leaves for her solitary and sexually active happily ever after - in New York.
As the months have passed, Carrie has gotten back into life - not dating but getting her apartment back together and starting to work on her new book about love - but not having much success with the book. She refuses all contact with Big - and immediately after hiring Louise she asks her to make it where she won’t ever see any email from him. After Rose is born and Carrie hears from Harry that Big had sent her letters, she figures out that the “letters” are emails - and she finds that Louise had put the emails in a file on her computer rather than deleting her. She reads the letters - each one a classic love letter from literature - and one was written by Big - telling her that he will always love her.
The day comes when the apartment that she and Big were going to share was going to be sold - and she goes there to get the new Manolo Blahnik’s that she had left there. She goes into the apartment and opens the beautiful closet that Big had built for her. There’s Big - with the shoes in his hands. He tells her that he had come to get the shoes for her. It’s the first time they’ve seen each other since their disastrous non-wedding day months before. They fall into each other’s arms…Big tells her that she’s the love of his life and he apologizes. She says that the wedding months ago was too big and wasn’t about “them.” Then he gets on his knees and proposes. He says that this is when a ring is needed - to seal the deal. Instead, he gets one of the Manolo Blahnik’s and puts it Carrie’s foot - and they’re engaged.
A few hours later they get married at a courthouse. As they’re leaving the courtroom that is filled with couples waiting to be married, Big asks Carrie if she’s really okay with it just being the two of them there, and she says she is. He says that it would be so much better if “the girls” were there to share their joy and “that’s why I called them.” They go through double doors, and there are the girls. The next scene is of them all celebrating at a Waffle House looking place - everybody laughing and happy. And thus Carrie and Big start their happily ever after.
The movie closes with the four women celebrating Samantha’s “fifty and fabulous” birthday at a restaurant and looking forward to the next fifty.
The audience at the movie theater erupted in applause at the conclusion of the movie. It was very good. Not absolutely outstanding - but satisfying all in all.
P.S. And oh! Sanford and Anthony got together, too, which is really funny considering how they reacted to each other in the TV series.
Once again, Oscar invited me out. Aside from the neverending discussion while he’s driving, what I enjoyed most is the scenery and the food we had. While we make our way to the hundred confounding aisles of Mall of Asia, looking for a new and unique diner, I saw posters of classic Hollywood stars and films posted on the wall of “Grams Diner”. Its motto is “feel good, comfort food.” So we decided to give it a try. If you’re a fan of The Carpenters and anything that screams 80’s, then do visit Grams Diner at SM Mall of Asia. An American diner, expect hefty serving of steaks, burgers, and other staple American edibles.
Carrot ‘n Squash Soup. The best food we’ve tasted in this diner.
Monster Fries. Monstrous indeed for its oil. It’s just too oily. But I love those shreds of meat.
Roast Beef ‘n Pasta. Too plain for my palate.
Gogo Mango. Soft, juicy and sweet. Nothing extraordinary though.
Thanks Oscar for the treat!
Grams Diner, SM Mall of Asia
1120 Entertainment Mall, SM Mall of Asia
Pasay City, Metro Manila
[02] 556-0395
How do you end a stress-full week? I decided to end mine with true friends in tow.
Jc texted early in the morning asking of my location, since I was still at the office then I decided to meet at Robinsons Pioneer. He was with Ralf and soon we’re on our way to Starbucks Podium. After some coffee, small talks and a lot of laughter we agreed to meet Kiko at Megamall for a sumptuous breakfast and Kung Fu [led by a Panda].
What can I say? I love pandas. They’re round and cuddly and cute-looking, but not too overly cute because they come only in black and white, not pink, not any other cutesy color.
And then they come up with a movie with a panda as a hero, a kung fu hero at that, and get this, with my favorite Jack Black as The Voice. So panda + kung fu + Jack Black + Dreamworks = what can go wrong for Amee? [I love these individual elements on their own]. I only realized that everything combined makes for one hilarious experience.
Even more, the rest of the voice talents are no lightweights either. Dustin Hoffman [check!], Angelina Jolie [check!], Lucy Liu, Seth Rogen, among others. And [drum roll please] my all-time fave, Jacky Chan.
The Nytimes describes the movie as high concept with a heart. I say it just rocks, no big words needed. One other thing that made the movie great and to watch for? Sam Concepcion will be singing the official theme song for it’s Asian release. The Little Big Star sensation will finally make his mark overseas with his rendition of the latest flick from Dreamworks.
The morals of the story are:
- The chosen ones are not always the most likely ones. Sometimes it takes a big, round tummy to beat the foe.
- It always pays to have food as motivation. If one loves food, one will do anything for food. Will write for food, if Anthony Bourdain, or any French chef cooks. Or anyone cooks a yummy meal for me, for that matter.
- Sometimes there is no magic. You only have to make your own magic.
- Follow your heart. Follow your imagination [even if it seems impossible].
- And with Roan and Nate’s common belief… BELIEVE.
I’ve already posted some entries here showing how proud we can be of our heritage. And how boosting it feels to have other Pinoys being successful abroad. Being Pinoy is something… it makes us a lot different from other races. Maybe because we’re not too pale nor too dark… we’re just brown… the right mix. We always hear ourselves saying that “kapag ibang lahi nalahian ng dugong Pinoy, mas gumaganda” which somehow is evident on some of our beloved half Pinoys. Maybe, it is because we’re a little bit of everything… smart, hardworking, bubbly, lovable and a little annoying at times. Or maybe, it is our distinct culture that keeps us on the top on almost every social success - our loving and warm way of getting into people made us earn enormous amount of friends and acquaintances, our diverse history honed us into flexible individuals and our unshaken determination brought us to the peak of the mountain of our dreams.
But there’s more to us than being brilliant and passionate… something that is distinctly Pinoy… our uncanny ability to pull others down as we struggle to climb harder on our way up - CRAB MENTALITY.
I once said that most of our negative traits can be traced backfrom those countries who have colonized us. We’re a mixture of almost everything. Crab mentality is not solely practiced by Pinoys [as evident also form my dear friend - Nates' experience from working abroad] but we have to admit that it undeniably something in which we’re good at. Even on daily game shows like our adopted version of Wheel of Fortune or even our very own Game Ka Na Ba? this kind of negative Pinoy trait is indeed noticeable. I am not a game-show kind of person but I remember that I once watched the US version of Wheel of Fortune and as far as I can remember, I never heard or seen contestants yelling into each other things like “Bokya”, lose a turn or anything like that. In Game Ka Na Ba?, the “Atras” power, which gives an individual the power to go back one or two spaces, is the best visible example of crab mentality. Good thing they have changed it already.
I can also admit that jealousy and greed sometimes weaken the best of me but that’s one thing I always try to work on. I hold myself from being so bitter and so jealous of somebody elses being. Crab mentality may not be a very desirable trait but let’s face it!…we’re known for that along with Mañana Habit and Colonial Mentality. No matter how much we try, we are and we’ll forever be the crab that we are….just a plea to those who run the game shows… please, please, please do not tolerate, promote or incorporate such negative traits into any of your shows. Afterall, we all share a common goal… that is to make Pinoys proud of being a Pinoy.
Pinoy ako. Pinoy tayo!
I know this one is quite late but I’m just wondering what happened now to this issue. I have posted one entry before that tackled the issue but just for those who haven’t been updated… Here…
Brian Gorrell is an Australian blogger who gained his fame because of his revelations about the Philippine’s member of Alta Sociedad. His broken relationship with his Filipino ex-boyfriend became the beginning and source of these controversies.
Every netizen [net citizen] probably knows him and might already heard about him. He is now one of the most famous bloggers and most controversial individual not only in the cyber world, but also in the real world. He gained his fame from his fearless revelations and disclosure in the web. He is Brian Gorrell, an Australian blogger who is now striving so hard to recover his $70,000 money allegedly looted by his Filipino ex-boyfriend, who happened to be a struggling socialite. This valiant Australian blogger became phenomenal in the web when he fearlessly unveiled his real-life story through his personal blog site.
Last March 4, 2008, Brian Gorrell signed-up and launched his personal blog site hosted by one of the largest and top web hosting providers in the world. His primary purpose in launching the site was to get back his strayed money that was supposed to be his life savings. Gorrell and his Filipino ex-boyfriend agreed to put up a restaurant business in the Philippines. As a contribution and initial investment for the project, the former sent his money to the Philippines through wire transfer. Everything turned smooth until the two had a little misunderstanding which resulted into separation and neglecting the project.
These little things, from simple misunderstanding and broken friendship, turned out into explosive revelations when Brian Gorrell used the internet as a medium in his quest for justice. He accused his ex-boyfriend a thief who took away his money and refused to pay him back. Consequently, he started writing about his ex-boyfriend and many other people connected with him. Drug addiction, homosexuality, HIV, Philippines socialite’s black secrets and the likes were only some of the things he mentioned in his blog.
After his revelations, Brian Gorrell became a phenomenon in the cyber world. His e-mail inbox might have burst out already because of hundreds of incoming messages everyday. He has become a favorite icon and subject of conversation among the press people, celebrities, and even to those who belong in the Philippines’ Alta Sociedad. He has become a subject and headlines of television news, radio reports, newspaper features, and even his fellow bloggers’ blog. There are even humorous rumors that he might be taken advantage by the two giant television networks in the Philippines to host his own show. What would be the title of the show then? Some film producers might also become very interested to make his story into film. I’m quite sure this will be a boom and a box office hit specially in the Philippines.
For months already, Brian updates his blog day by day telling the predicaments he had with his ex-boyfriend way back in the Philippines. Fellow bloggers and curious netizens also began to visit his blog site regularly to read some updates of his stories. His blog was even dubbed as a cyber soap opera or telenovela. Every time people log on the web, they won’t forget to visit his blog site and crave for more updates and revelations.
Will some TV series or shows now be threatened because of this phenomenal and astonishing response from people on the web? What a heck will that be? I’m sure some people would prefer to look forward and read a real-life story of someone who really exists than watching those fictional characters and situations on the television screen. Advertisers might also taking advantage to post their advertisements on his blog site thinking that thousands of people visit it everyday. His blog traffic is a record-breaking success for a personal blog site. I guess it would be every blogger’s dream to have more than three millions blog traffic in a matter of more than a month. Yes, more than two millions blog traffic and still increasing!
Brian claimed that he had evidences on his misfortune. He should bring this to court and file charges. Is there such law? I dunno, but seeing the blog somehow made me sad as a Pinoy, this is additional negative impression among filipinos in the Philippines. What a shame.
Through blogging, Brian Gorrel shared dirty filipino secrets that he came to know when they’re still in good terms. Brian deserves my sympathy, I hope that after he get what he wants from DJ Montano, he will come back and visit Philippines again and see that not all filipinos are like DJ Montano. On the other hand, DJ Montano is now a star not in pinoy blog community but to the entire blogospehere.
I don't really post my blog here always but I wanna brag about my new header... Please check my main blog site - www.almichael.wordpress.com
This Blog is an outlet for the random thoughts of an amateur opinionator.
What's an opinionator?
An opinionator is somebody who has power without responsibility, and the ability to spout off on any subject without worrying too much about the consequences of what comes out of the mouth. All you need is an opinion and the opportunity to voice it.
TV is full of professional opinionators. The internet gives the amateur his chance.
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