Kung Hei Fat Choi! Yesterday I had the Meitatntei Conan DVD replaced because it had no English subtitles. I chose a “Do As Infinity” live in USA video. In addition I got a DVD copy of Gohatto. Yay. I checked it out already, and the quality is way better than my VCD copy. Lately I’ve been very bored with my life…I’ve mentioned this already….

My Chinese horoscope tells that it’ll be a good a year for me, (I’m a Pig) and I’m really hoping it would. But till now, I’m still in a slump… I’m longing for a big change but not crisis, challenge but not problems. I’m turning 23 next month and I still haven’t made a difference. I’m starting to hate birthdays now (mine). Me and my grade school batch mates are suppose to have a reunion on Feb. 5, but a couple of days ago, Ronald Catolos informed me that the reunion was moved on the 28th (yesterday) but when I coincidentally run into Carol (another batchmate), she said she was just informed that the original date would push through. Now I don’t know what to believe. Either way, I’m not really interested. I might go if I’d be free. Sure I’m curious to see them, but I’m not really excited since I don’t really have any special or remarkable memory with grade schoolers of my time. All the good things about my childhood happened in our home. I’m a loner after all hehehe…

Damn, it’s getting hot already! I’m gonna miss my laptop. I’m leaving it here in the province. Well, I have to keep myself focused. So many things I have to do that I have neglected because I’m too pre-occupied with my elegant “persocon” hehehe. I’ll name it Momonja from now on.

This morning I was watching “Ashura”. It’s a Japanese film set (I’m not sure) in Heian period. It’s about a demon slayer Izumo turned into a Kabuki actor. I’m not going into details, anyway I didn’t find this film breath taking. The thing is, there was this ONE bed scene and my mom happened to enter the room when the scene started, and so she thought I’m watching an x-rated film! Man, old people are judgmental huh. Anyway, I bought the film because the lead actress is Rie Miyazawa. I first saw her in “Twilight Samurai” and I really find her pretty. Oh I’m savoring this moments with Momonja… In a few hours I’ll be going to church then off to Manila I go.

Yay! It’s payday! I’ll be paying the very first Statement of Account of my dad’s credit card that includes the bill of my laptop hahaha! Birthday alerts, it’s Minoru Kokunbunji, from Chobits, Reiji Matsumoto, creator of Galaxy Express, Space Battle Yamato, and and Captain Harlock, and Nozomu Sasaki, seiyuu of Yusuke Urameshi, Yukishiro Enishi, and Nagi Noe. Hey, my birthday is 13 days ahead huh? So what am I planning? Nothing, I’m sure I’d be broke by that time. I just wish I’d be able to add some RK manga so I could fulfill my obligation to Kenshin. Damn, I’ve been trying to complete the whole set for almost 6 years already! I can still remember the very first manga I bought was volume 14, Taiwanese version. Up to date, I still have 9 more volumes to obtain. I have to blame my incapacity to prioritize pending wishlists hehehe. Anyways, I may not be able to celebrate my birthday as I’d want to but there are bunch of activities lined up for next month, enough to keep me occupied, and hopefully, forget… I just heard from a friend and read it in the Sunday newspaper that Animax will be holding a 24-hour anime marathon challenge in Glorietta on February 3-4. The winner will be taking home US$500! Hmmm, I’ll take the chance, maybe I could win. The rules are pretty tough though, just a blink for 3 sec. and you’re out hehehe. Tough huh? I don’t know, but it’s a good chance to test my stamina. And then, the 3rd and 4th week of February is a series of J-pop event at the Shangri-La, organized by Japan Foundation Manila Office. Eiga Sai featuring J-teens are on the line on February 15-21. While the first ever J-pop concert (as far as I know) to be held here in the Philippines on February 25. Core of Soul will be coming and they’ll be performing together with Kitchie Nadal, Barbie Almalbis and Hale. Now I’m getting excited about this. The good thing about it is that they are all FREE!!! Moving on to other topics, last Monday, I bought DVDs! I just have to stress out, I noticed nowadays, I found myself slowly regaining my interest in English movies and Non-Jap. stuffs. Slowly okay. I bought a Cranberries’ “Beneath the Skin” concert in Paris and a movie “Out of Paris” starring Meryl Streep and Robert Redford hehehe.

Yaoi Personality Quiz brought to you by Yaoi-manga.com

It’s not a very good day. I lost my voice since yesterday. Well, okay there was a teeny weeny left. I had my VL yesterday and I was supposed to have a good time. But I’m not feeling well. Up to now I haven’t regain my voice. Damn, I’m close to being mute. I never really thought how important one’s voice in daily living. Taking orders at fast foods, giving my transpo fare and stating my destination, telling the driver to stop when I get there, greeting back the security guards of the hospital, buying something from the store and of course there are these phone calls from friends afar that I have to accommodate. Well, it may not seem to, but these are all essential to me. Yesterday also, I consulted Dr. Arojado, one of our IMSD consultants, and also a friend. I used to borrow videos from him. He likes Asian dramas and some of are Japanese, whenever I have the time to watch, I’d ask him to lend me his videos. But that was before, I don’t have much time to watch now. Anyway, going back to my consultation, he said it’s pharyngitis (I’m not sure of the spelling). He prescribed me tons of medicine hehehe. Anyway, that’s not the real story, while checking me up, he keeps on convincing me to stop with my vices. He’s absolutely in protest of my habits hehehe. Also, he’s trying to counsel me. He said that my behavior and demeanor (damn he observes me!) are somewhat unconventional. He’s asking if I’m lacking something or if there’s something that I am not happy of. He’s thinking that it has something to do with my family. You bet I’m not satisfied with my life but it has nothing to do with my family…

I was actually planning to teach my dad to use computer as I promised him, but I don’t think I could do it tomorrow with the state of my throat now. Hopefully things would be better when I wake up. I bought DVDs! Memoirs of A Geisha and a SMAP concert. Hmmm, I’m not really a SMAP fan, or any boy band, but I find Takuya Kimura rather attractive. Besides, he voiced Howl. He’s the bad boy of SMAP and I really like him. Anyways, I haven’t seen the 3-disc video. Now let’s talk about Memoirs of A Geisha. The very first time I heard that this book will have a movie adaptation, I was very excited. But when I learned that the cast would be Chinese, I was disappointed. But then again, Ken Watanabe was there, besides, the stars are those from the hit movie “Crouching Tiger” hmmm, fair enough. And the dialogue is English, when I was buying it I’m confused whether it was Chinese or Japanese. On to the movie, everything seemed to be fast forwarded. A common dilemma among fans of a long manga series when their favorite manga was turned, or rather condensed, into a 2 hour length film. Of course you can’t expect every element that made the book such a hit present in the movie as well. Some of the vital parts (at least for me) were not there. I was disappointed that the part of a famous artist was deleted. And I was looking forward seeing Sayuri’s peasant lover when she deployed in Osaka, her General husband…and the surprising meeting with the Chairman, (the danna proposal scene)… and one thing, it was FIRMLY stressed in the book, of Sayuri’s unusual bluish eyes… or was I just not listening well… but after all this film is about “memoirs” of a geisha, at least the part of becoming a geisha, though very short is enough. In the end, I am satisfied with the film, though I would highly recommend to read the book to fully appreciate the story. Now this is turning to be a review huh, going back to me, I just tried the gown that I would be wearing on Lynn’s wedding. My, I really have gained weight! I need to loose up!!!

I just finished browsing Manila Bulletin… looking for a new job. I never realized how hard it is to look for a “good” job till now. It’s getting more boring in the office plus the “big” people demoralize me a great deal. My special time of duty because of studies seems to be a never-ending issue… Those pathetic managers are not worth a fight. I’m still young and there are more opportunities for me. Huh, but I’m not leaving until I get a new job with better compensation. I have so many bills to pay for the next months.

Early this morning, I jogged at the Dike (Baywalk version of Tanay). Lately I never got the chance to stroll at Baywalk because I hardly wake up early. Damn, this mobile PC is eating up my sleeping time hehehe… anyways, the walk took me no more than 10 minutes, it was just like walking along UN Avenue from Taft to Roxas Blvd. My, living in Manila made me realize how small my hometown is. I remember when I was young it was hard to convince our parents to take us there because it seemed so far from our home… but now it seems just within my grasp. Hmmm, exaggerated! Compared to Baywalk, Dike is a lot smaller. Instead of ships, you’ll see fishermen’s boats, which reminded me of sceneries from “Snow Falling on Cedars”. Instead of restaurants/bars, there were only mini-food stalls selling breakfast meal, I don’t know if the stalls exist throughout the day to serve appropriate meals. There is significantly less smog in Dike than Baywalk. And the Taho vendors, I spotted only one here, but it sells 50% less than those in Baywalk. But just the same, these two seaside spots have sentimental meaning for me…

Today is my parent’s 28th Wedding anniversary! Kanpai to Momonji and Fofodsie (hehehe, I call them like that)! I’m very thankful that I never really encountered even just a bit of becoming one of those children who came from a broken family. I’m not saying that we are a perfect family. We do have internal mishaps that sometimes even I cannot stand, but they are usually misunderstanding among my siblings. I can never blame my parents on our own course of actions, because from my deepest awareness, we were reared aptly. We were neither spoiled nor mistreated. We are rewarded for good deeds and punished for bad actions/habit. Though I know how hard-headed and egoistic my siblings and I are, I can never attribute it on how my parents have handled us. Hey, I’m a psychology graduate, and I’m confident that my notions are correct. And my parents, I must say, are perfect example of how couples should be. I mean, they are still sweet to one another through the years. My mom is a year older than my dad. I wouldn’t believe that they never argue, but I really have never seen them fight seriously. My mom is strict while my dad is lenient, more often than not, he would concede with my mom’s argument. My mom is really lucky that she ended up with someone so generous. Well, my dad is lucky too, he ended up with a very gorgeous lady hahaha. And they are faithful to one another. Anyways, I’m alone in the office again, and I just greeted them (via phone) Happy Anniversary. They’ll be going out to celebrate. To Monji and Fodsie, I’m so proud of you and I love you so much! *muahhhuggs* (“,x)

NOTE: my parent's pic in their early 40's hehehe... sweet...

A Moment at Starbucks

My favorite coffee house… usually after work, it is where I rest my tired body and soothe my lonely soul. Tonight after work, I went there with my colleague, Fars. Much as I want to be alone, it’s not good to think selfishly. I ordered a Venti hot white chocolate mocha, I requested to reduce the white chocolate content to 3 ½ cup to lessen the sweetness. A hot sip, a smooth puff and that jazzy music is all I need to temporary escape my worries over bills, plates, and depression. I’m not into jazz music but it works well in coffee houses. Plus the presence of foreigners (westerners and Asians), salarymen, students, doctors, and even just plain “socialites”…animated objects which seems full of ideals and sensibility… just chatting, reading, smoking, sipping, eating… welcome to the world of “stressed” individuals all gathered to release tension. If only to set aside those anxieties I have, perhaps I may consider working as a Barrista in Starbucks hahaha! More often than not, I’d go there alone and stay for more than an hour. Off with my last sip and I’m going back to the realm of poignant reality *sigh*…

A Look at the Year 2005

One and a half hour to go and it’s the end of the year. The moment I’m doing this my nephew is watching the special yearend report of ABS-CBN. I just got home. I slept at my cousin’s house in Marikina. Also, while doing this, random BANG and BOOMS irritate my ear. Why, I really shouldn’t be irritated as it is a normal thing that happens in a year. While waiting for the opening of the year 2006, I’m pondering on the things that happened to me this year. As NASA quoted 2005 as the stormiest year for the past Nth year (I can’t remember), this year for me was probably was the most number significant events. The year where most unexpected occurrences took place. My busiest year ever (to date). Most productive and most spendthrift (for me)…well let’s have a wrap up…

Starting with work/career related issues. I got transferred from the President’s office as an Executive Assistant to Human Resource Division as an HR Staff for Recruitment. Admittedly, some perks as an Executive Assistant were gone, I lost a favorable charm from some members of the Senior Management, but I never regret my decision to transfer. It was only then that I felt having a purpose in the organization. I was able to recruit a batch of Staff Nurses and some of the position lacking. It was a really good performance for someone new in that field. But this year was also I decided to pursue Fine Arts studies. When I finally got the opportunity, I realized that I had to give up my position in HRD. It was really hard for me because for a very short time, I have learned to love my job, something I never did at the President’s Office for more than a year of my stay. But, this Fines Arts thing is a part of my dream and a step to go to Japan. And this Japan dream is my number one motivating force in world of professionals. I was ready to leave Manila Doctors. I decided to leave HR, but fortunately (I think it’s fate) The QM had one of its staff resigned unexpectedly, which initiated a possibility of placement for me. Which eventually I got in. Looking back, I still long for the fun that I had experienced as a recruitment specialist. But I also had fun as a QM Staff. I met a lot of people, particularly doctors. And the best part, despite the never-ending feud of the current and former QM Head, and the countless criticism and hindrances, we got the ISO certificate, simply put, the project was successful. And of course, as I have mentioned, I took a second course, Fine Arts. Going to school again wasn’t so easy, managing my time was really a challenge. And the sad part about it is that I had to sacrifice going home to the province and seeing my family. I also got isolated from my friends. But definitely I learned something and is still learning. Right now, I still couldn’t call myself a real artist, but with perseverance, I can be, if not good, a professional.

So much about my career moves, talk about family. A lot of members joined the Heavens, mostly the oldies. My grandmother passed away, just a few days after Pope John Paul II. It was one of the saddest event, but at the same time, we, the Alvarez clan were also happy that her sufferings have come to an end and she finally joined her most beloved, our Grandfather, and of course, God. Also, Cha-ibang, my grandma’s auntie and my cousin’s so-called mother in-law. I didn’t get to attend the internment of these old ladies because of my very busy schedule, but from the bottom of my heart, I prayed for their peaceful journey to the eternal life. If there are sad news, there are also good. This year, my dear cousin Jona got married. And next year, a new and lucky member of the Alvarez clan will be born. She’s 4 months pregnant now.

Now let’s get personal. Starting with my favorite hobby, anime, this is the year that I least watched new anime series/movies, again, all debited to my busy schedule. But, I made sure I attended major anime events and if possible, I join the Cosplay. This year, I cosplayed 3 different characters. Anime Explosion 2005 last February, I wore the Soujiro Seta costume for the 2nd time. 4th Toycon last June, I was Seguchi Tohma. I even had my hair blonde, which became very sensational both in school and office. I think it was the start of my very “pasaway” days. Though it only lasted for barely 2 weeks, I made sure I got a lot of souvenirs. I took as much pic as possible. And of course, the recent Hanep Hataw Hero con, I wore the ready-made Sasuke Uchiha costume, though it was still incomplete. I still have one more character to cosplay for this year, but I changed plans because of my unstoppable increase in weight. I still plan to cosplay for the next event and hopefully, I’d lessen my weight by that time. I’m sure this year was also remarkable for Chris and Aish, for last UP-AME event last November, they won 3rd place in the cosplay competition. They cosplayed the Loveless couple Ritsuka and Soubi. This year, I also got hooked with books. It originated when I was looking for a birthday gift for a very special person last June, but as I browsed through various bookstores, I found some titles interesting, and it was the start of my book hunting habits. Right now, I’m fascinated with the novels of Laura Joh Rowland, in fact, I’m currently reading her first book “Shinju” while I am happy to receive her latest novel “Perfume in the Sleeve” in our recent Christmas party. Videos, I didn’t acquire much, but I’m satisfied that I was able to have and watch Full Metal Alchemist, Tsubasa Chronicles, Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children, and the Otaku No Video. Toys, I’m glad that slowly, I’m completinng my toys wishlist. All thanks to this Christmas Sale, some RK figures have slashed prices by 50%. Though I never got to see those first ever Kenshin figures, I’m still crossing fingers that I’d still find one in the future. And of course, I finally got a laptop.

There are still so many things that happened that I lost count of them already... Ans some things are better kept secret, so i guess this would be all.

Right now, it’s 1:08 AM in my PC. Which means it’s already 2006. I don’t know what awaits me. But I hope that everything would be alright, for me, my family, friends…. And for YOU… HAPPY NEW YEAR!