Back and Alone...

I just got back from the pharmacy store to buy some personal essentials and cough medicine. I'm all alone at home. My brother and his family moved back to his father-in-law's house while my parents are still on their way home from visiting my uncle in Cabanatuan. I decided to clean my Starbucks tumbler so I can store my water inside my bedroom. I have not used this tumbler since  my career shift to teaching. I have my own mug inside the faculty room so I never had the need to bring a tumbler. But earlier I bought a bicycle bottle holder online with thoughts of  bringing in my tumbler during my bike commute so I won't have to buy soda or any thirst quencher along the way.  After cleaning it and putting in potable water, I realized something. When I bought it about 9 or 10 years ago, I was in a state of emotional turmoil. Now that I'm about to use it again, I feel like I am in a similar state. So now I am starting to associate this tumbler with loneliness. Sort of.. Well, this is the adult world. Happiness is not independent from loneliness, as well as the other types of emotion. They exist along a continuum and one's state of emotion slides through it all the time. Somehow, it feels natural and yet unbearable at the same time. It's another journey and just like before, it will pass. For now, I embrace the possibilities and surprises that this new life will offer.  Oh hello darkness my old friend :)

Random Stuff and Hiatus announcement

Alright let's start with the Hiatus thingie. What a way to start the year, I finally brought my laptop to the service center, and unfortunately, the motherboard was damaged already and we all know that its better to buy a new unit than buy a replacement for the motherboard. Not bad, my laptop had done its job. It didn't only help me, it also helped a lot of people and was used on many important occasion. I don't have the budget to get a new lappie so there...So much for my cyberlife, it's gonna be on a LOOOOONGGG hiatus.

I was a little sad though.. When I decided to let it go, it felt like I parted with a very dear friend. Someone who had always been there on my loneliest hours. Oh well, nothing lasts forever especially gadgets!

I think I have this jinx with gadgets... my very first mobile phone died on me for no reason.. no symptoms, no warning, no whatever. Everything seemed fine, until one day, it just won't turn on. Just like my laptop.

-sigh-

So this will be the last post for now and I'm just gonna throw some random stuff since I can't think straight

Yesterday I went to Japan Foundation Manila Office library to claim my membership ID. They gave one free manga if you renewed membership. I was asked to choose from a stack of manga titles that I've never heard before. It's not a bad thing, I'm not after the freebies anyway. I'm after the exclusive invitations for events. But anyway, I chose a manga called "Otanko Nurse". It's about a newbie nurse. So I have a manga about a doctor (Black Jack), now I have a nurse manga. I'm gonna build a hospital in my manga collection haha..

My one month old niece, Rome. She's lovely, but I noticed that she frowns a lot. I wonder if that's normal.. I have to be honest though, I really prefer a nephew because I don't know how to get along with young girls, but I guess boys can't go on dominating the family hehehe. The important thing (as always) is that she's a normal healthy girl. Her dad preferred a girl. He said girls are more responsible. I absolutely agree!

My 8 month old nephew Mighael, he's so white! He's like a white bun so I gave him a secret name "Shiroman" (shiro manju = white bun).

And he loves gashapon too!

I promised Ren that I'd blog about this when I had the chance. He got admitted when he sprained his foot last month.

When I visited him, his wife offered me this iced coffee drink. She said it was good, but it's not!

It's the worst iced coffee drink I've ever tasted! Where did it come from?!? I don't blame his wife, we have different taste buds hehe. But if your taste buds happened to be just like mine, then I'm warning you to stay away from this drink. yuck!

Speaking of coffee, I did get a Starbucks planner. I want to thank my friends Frances and Ryan for their contribution to the stickers hahaha.

I was finally able to find a chess board for the CLAMP chess photoshoot. It was my cousin's. Thanks Butchoy! Here are all the pics I took.

At Greenbelt yesterday... I had a bad day, so I tried to calm myself here... I just love Greenbelt.

I saw this once I went to Robinsons Galleria. I never knew that MRT had a mascot and I find it really cute.


I saw this at "Confessions of Shopaholic" promotional installation at Shangri-la and find it really funny. A giant paperbag, I wish I had myself pictured with it but I was alone, so... I want to see this film. I can relate in so many ways. I don't shop for clothes but I greatly relied on my credit card for shopping toys hahaha! I want to know how the hell did she end up being a financial adviser!

my shopaholic buddy Frances. This was taken last month, she said she was looking for a Christmas present for her boyfriend but I don't understand why we were at women's clothes and accessories section...

last Christmas, I burned a big hole in my pocket. But nothing to regret. It comes once a year anyway.

This year, I promise I'm gonna save, save, save!

The Worst Starbucks Experience

Early Monday morning, I was on my way to a friend's place when I passed by the Starbucks Tektite branch. I stopped and thought I have 6 more stickers to go so why not make it 5. I am not in a hurry after all. I was surprised as I advanced to the entrance, there were already people, about to go to work, waiting. I thought it was weird, they usually open at 7:00 AM and it's almost 7:30 so I asked one of the man standing at the door, "what time do they open?". He gave me a sarcastic answer "7". Apparently, he's been waiting longer than it seems. I was startled, I never expected punctuality issues with Starbucks. What was annoying about it was, there were already "partners" inside. They were doing some stuff, I'm sure they are oblivious to customers waiting outside, they could've let us in and wait in the couch, after all, the store is OFFICIALLY open. The store finally opened after 10 minutes, but that's not the end of it. I know that Starbucks is one of the company affected by the global economic crisis, but they don't have to show that to their customers. It's not that hard to smile. Come on, this is Philippines, we laugh at our problems here! Now for the worst part, my short cafe mocha was obviously RUSHED. The whipped cream was missing, it was lukewarm, WTF! For once, I forgot that it's a Starbucks coffee. It was so early in the morning and I'm not a complaint freak so I let it go with a thought that I'm never going back there ever again.

The redeeming thing, though, was the lady put the sticker to the wrong category. She put it in the featured beverages section (featured drinks are more expensive than the regular ones). She was on a rush, of course... tsk tsk.. Remember, it's Tektite branch...

The Tradition Begins

I just got my first sticker for the 2009 Starbucks Planner with a Short Classic Hot Choco, this is the cheapest that I can buy at Starbucks. This year, the planner is less glamorous but the required stickers were also reduced. Last year, the elegant leathered planner can be obtained for 24 stickers, now it's only 16! I wonder if it has something to do with the global economic crisis. I was able to get the planner last year for a record breaking 6 days! I forced my friends to buy coffee, that's why hehehe. Now, I'm all alone in this battle so it'll definitely take time. My friend Aristurtle, who's also celebtrating his ??th birthday keeps on updating me thru SMS the progress of his sticker collection. At 4:00, he told me he already had 7 stickers. By 5:00, he informed it's 6 stickers to go. At 6:00 it went down to 2. And by 7:00 he already got the planner! Hmp! so he broke my record! So what, the planner is not that MUST to get anyway... but I was really dying of envy huhuhu

The clock is ticking, the days are moving and Christmas is coming. 89 days to go dear friends! My newest hanging out place is Gloria Jeans in Megamall. This mall is the closest to my home as of the moment and Gloria Jeans is where I get a free Wifi connection. Plus the pastries and coffee aren't that bad. But of course, nothing really beats the Starbucks coffee experience. Now that brings me to my main subject for this entry.

I am currently reading "How Starbucks Saved My Life" by Michael Gates Gill. It's actually his biography. It's about a man who has everything, lost everything, and found it all again (even more) in... well... Starbucks of course. Gill is a son of well known writers. His father, Brendan Gill, is the writer of the best selling book "Here in New Yorker". Michael graduated in Yale University and had a promising career at J. Walter Thompson company, the largest advertising agency in the world, for 25 years. He started off as a copywriter and eventually went up as the Creative Director. But things do change. After the 25 years of hard work and loyal service, the top management decided to let him go. The new chairman of the board wanted "young" people in his team. He thought of suing the company for the unjust termination, but he felt he needed the connection with JWT to start again. He established a mini-consulting company but it didn't last. Now there came the difficult part, together with financial concerns, he had an affair and impregnated a woman which made his wife decide to divorce him. What's more, he was diagnosed to have a small tumor in his brain. He got desperate. He was 63 years old back then. Who wants to take a 63 yr. old man for a job? But then he found an answer in his last coffee luxury in a Manhattan Starbucks. A young African-American woman approached him and jokingly asked him if he wanted a job, which he took seriously. Desperate for a job, Michael ended up working as a Barista. But working in Starbucks made him realize a lot of things. Things he never learned as an advertising executive and made him more fulfilled than ever.

Tom Hanks bought the story, he will be producing and starring in the movie adaptation of the book which would probably come late next year. What can I say, I loved this book! It made me realize a lot of things too. For one thing, I finally believed that it’s not all about money and prestige. Happiness in a job doesn’t really mean higher compensation and promising position. Success doesn’t really match with Self actualization. This story is far more realistic to me than those rags-to-riches stories. Of course those things are real but I just don’t have the confidence that I’d end up on the top like those struggling heroes. But that’s beside the point. This book would teach you to make most of what you have. Definitely, every suffering individual would find their time in the most unexpected place. But hey, that doesn’t mean I’m inspired to work at Starbucks. Definitely, the right job for me would come.

Ahoy! I’ve got good news here. I finally reconciled with Kuya Aris. After months of coldness to one another because of a petty “remark” which I didn’t intend to address, I finally broke the ice. I was very firm of not to initiate talking to him. But when you’re faced with more troubling issues, you tend to forget what your stand is. It’s not like I’m bothered with our situation, but I have a gut feeling that when you’re hated by someone, problems tend to pour on you till you can’t breath. I asked God to keep my parents in good condition and I promised to meek myself. Of course I wouldn’t know if it’d work but it did lift a portion of the burden I’m carrying. And I really hope everything would be okay.

I just finished reading “After Dark” by Haruki Murakami. I would just want to brag that I have the First US edition! Hehehe. Anyway, the book tells the story of 8 people who more or less have trivial connection to one another. Literally a slice of life (the story happened in 7 hours!) set in the bewitching hours in Tokyo (after dark) where ordinary ones ought to be sleeping. These people have their own reasons to be awake from plain nature of job to escape of his cruel reality. Murakami works seem to deal with self discovery which I really love since I get to discover part of myself along the way. But I have to admit that I tend to get lost whenever he’d inject surrealism in the story. I have to admit that I’m slow getting their connection with the plot despite the fact that I am a Psychology graduate. But nevertheless I enjoy reading Murakami novels. I am really compelled to read his other works which might be good or bad for a no discipline when it comes to money like me. Oh well, it’s ironic though that despite Murakami being a Japanese, he barely depict Japanese culture in his works (as of 2 books I’ve read) since he’s greatly influenced by Western literature. It’s very apparent that he’s an English jazz fan, he never failed to put it as background music whenever feasible, be it residential homes, coffee shop (not unusual), convenience store, and even love hotels (aka motel). But anyway I highly recommend this partly feel-good partly analytic novel especially to creatures of the night like me! Hmmm… I suddenly miss spending the night at Starbucks.

Last night after visiting Dindee’s mother (she had stroke, pls. pray for her fast recovery) I decided to go straight at home… while walking along UN avenue, I felt this mood of being too exhausted to go anywhere else but too hyper to sleep, or simply say I’m tired but not sleepy. And whenever I’m having this kind of mood, broke or not, with or without friends, I go to Starbucks in Manila Pavilion and let my time pass until I finally feel like resting. And then I realized that it had just been 2 days since it closed but I miss it that much already. On their last day, I, with fellow coffee lovers stayed until closing time and had our last moment in the best coffee house in the world. It turned out that, that place actually touched many lives as well. At first it was just Dr. Robert Li, Dindee and I. Then came Jamir, an Iranian dentistry student at UP. When Dindee had to go back to her mom’s room, I took Dr. Jay with me then Frances and Emil came. Then when we returned, Angelo, a law student was there already. The funny thing was, when each would learn they have a common friend or acquaintance or whatever. And I realized more and more how small the world is. Of course, I’ll always remember the friendliest barristas I’ve known – RS, Paris, Gladys, June, Kent, Ivanhoe, Francis and some that I know by face but not by name… Oh how I really miss them. Here’s my tribute to Starbucks Manila Pavilion.

Last Sunday I attended the Ozine Fest 2007 at Megatrade Hall 2. I was there early just to be sure I’d get a ticket. I’ve learned my lesson at UPAME Matsuri last December. And I was right because it went sold out by the time Neil came. Gosh, cosplay seems to become more and more popular with kids. I noticed the vast increase of young cosplayers in the event and the good news is that they are becoming more conscious of accuracy and quality of costumes. Just to add testimony to the growing popularity of cosplaying in the Philippines, Ozine released a cosplay magazine. I bought one just for the sake of knowing how the Ozine people do it this time. I have to admit that any magazine they release doesn’t please me. There was no single issue have had something that’d be interesting for someone who’s been an anime fan for almost 8 years already. Of course I’m not saying I know every single anime but their reviews are pathetic. It couldn’t get my attention for more than a minute. And I’d say, I could get articles waaaaaayyyyy better than that for free –in the internet. Though it’s really ironic, because I actually have 5 or 6 issues, but it was only because they were featuring events that I had attended and I was hoping I’d see my pic somewhere hehehehe… Going back to the event, I was both pleased and pissed with the way it was organized. Pleased because of the bazaar (huhuhu, I wish I had more okane) and there lots of fun booths –parlor games, video games etc. But I was pissed because the organizers seemed not to consider the convenience of the fans. First, the area for the cosplay viewing was too small, and it went even smaller because they had to put room for the judges just a minute before the cosplay show offs started, making the audience occupying the viewing area, which was supposed to be for us (pls. be reminded it was too small already). Haay, and that annoying Level-up crew keeps on reprimanding some fans to keep from the space (good enough to accommodate 10 people) just in front of their booth. They reasoned out that it was off-limits because they hold transactions in that space for buyers. And I really hated how dimwitted he was, of course that was the instructions of his superior and he’s just following SOPs. But anyone can see that every damn attendant was focused on the catwalk. How in the world can you expect a customer at that very moment??? And with that crowd, how can you expect a 5 ft. kid like me to enjoy the show? Oh well, that was a Palm Sunday and I decided to quit watching, instead I attended the mass and thank God, it gave me peace of mind. After the mass, I contemplated and realized that I am slowly outgrowing the local fandom. Of course I still love anime and Japanese culture, I’m just disappointed. I feel like the Anicons here are contaminated of pathetic Filipino culture. Oh boy I don’t want to end up criticizing my own nation again, so I’ll end these thoughts of mine. Just check my Ozine Fest 2007 pics HERE.

I’m just glad that the long weekend is just a day ahead! And that means I could rest and watch anime! Yay!!!

I’m gonna miss that old place… where I used to relax and pass my time before going home from work… huhuhu, today’s the last day of Starbucks Pavillon! They are transferring to SM Manila, but we rarely ever drop there. I’m gonna miss that good ‘ol staff with warm greetings of “hi Kid”… haayyy… in the place where friendship grew… even doctors are affected. Just this morning when I met Dr. Blas in MDH lobby, other than the usual “hi” I automatically blurted today’s Starbucks’ last day… and he reacted “oh no, where are we going to stay na”…Oh well, so much for the regrets, might as well switch to Figaro since Starbucks Bayview is too far for a walk (NOT!).

Yesterday I attended the 3G Gigabyte Lan Party at Market Market. That was actually my first time going there and what a hell of an adventure I had been. Nothing scary or serious, just exhausting. When I arrived at the event, I hardly had the strength to enjoy. Besides, the event turned out to be for beneficial for online gaming enthusiasts in which I admittedly cannot relate. There were very few cosplayer whom I cannot recognize the characters. If they are not from online games, then they must be the latest anime. Whatever, the bottom line I did not enjoy. But for the sake of experience (I think 3G is also held annually-I’m not sure), so this is what goes on at 3G and other related events. Simply put, stick with anime, manga, toy, and J-culture events. Well, it’s never too late to enjoy, tomorrow’s Ozine fest, this’ll be the first time I’m attending an Ozine event, I just hope I’d get the smoke of my money’s worth.

Ahoy! It’s another month and it’s gonna be a helluva month for everyone! Why, of course it’s the love month! But for those who does not see the significance of Valentines day, for whatever reason, there are other events to take note of - National Month for the Arts (art lovers?!?), Dental Medicine Month and of course… Kid’s Birthday! Yay! And I have good news and bad news for me:
Good news: my vacation leave extending my birthday was approved. Bad news, only for 3 days, and that’d be 7-9. I’d say, not bad eh.

Good news: It’s JCIA training month in MDH and I’m gonna be attending most of them and that would mean more learning for me (and more credentials to put in my CV hehehe). Bad news: training days include Mondays which is my off, and that’d mean that I’d have to adjust my schedule for the month of February and March. It’s a very intoxicating part of my work life –sigh-.

Good news: my credit card limit had increased, therefore I can purchase some items in my birthday wishlist. Bad news: that means more loans for me.

Good news, the megane I left at Dr. Joson’s Beach house in Anilao was found and returned. Bad news, my eye grade have increased and I’ll have to replace that megane eventually…That’s all I could think of for now.

Haay… Life is both blissful and miserable I’d say… paradoxical! And speaking of Dental Month, I haven’t got time to have an appointment with my dentist to fix my dental problem. In fact we’re both very busy –sigh- I hope I could slot an appointment with her during my 3-day vacation.

Events, events! Bad news, I won’t be able to see Peter Pan the Musical Play due to lack of time to get a ticket. But good news is this coming Sunday, Feb. 4, I’ll be attending the Read or Die (ROD) Literary Convention. I’ve had hardly any idea about the event but I expect to have tons of books for sale, and I hope to find the titles that I’ve been looking for ages hehehe. Also I heard that the Radioactive Sago Project and Up Dharma Down Bands will be performing. More about events, I hope I’d get to watch the “Philippine Bedtime Stories” organized by Sinag Arts Foundation on the 25th. The play features Japanese stage actors hehehe.

By the way this month, I pledge to lessen my caffeine intake. NO COFFEE for 28 days! Hehehe, The past three months I’ve been a real coffeeholic. Thanks to the traditional Starbucks Planner promo. For the record I’ve got 6 planners. I have one for myself, the others I gave to my mom, dad, Ate Cherie, Ivy and Dr. Ramirez. But of course, the stub completions are all group effort and most of our coffee sessions were sponsored by Dindee. Going back to my pledge, I won’t be drinking a single drop of coffee but I would still drink hot and iced choco and sodas. Hey I said LESS caffeine neh?) Anyway is the love month and therefore chocolates’ month! HAPPY FEBRUARY everyone!

Haay, I’m(mentally) exhausted from all the activities today. This morning was the regular Document Awareness Seminar. I can’t focus well on the discussion because I was concurrently finishing the minutes of our last meeting (last week), my boss needed it by the end of the morning. I remember my former boss Sir Ritchie… he used to tell me to do tasks simultaneously as possible, meetings or seminars you attend is not an excuse… it’s kinda stressing but also challenging at the same time. And Ma’am Merie commended me, she said I’m doing well and she thinks I can handle facilitating the training even without the supervision of Ma’am Len… hehehe, I hope she’s right… Anyways, the meeting this afternoon was actually the Task Force QMS Planning for the ISO Surveillance Audit… Damn, we’re bombarded with assignments again… I’m assigned at the Procedures Revision team together with Joel, She Ann, Vans, Ma’am Marits and Ma’am Len… haay… it’s gonna be a very busy month… and what about my vacation leave wish =’(…

Nagi finally gave me copy of the pictures taken by her cell TWO MONTHS ago –geez- hehehe… she just hand it over to the office, I suppose I wasn’t around when she came. Yay, more pics! But she still owes me pics from AEx and Animax! Hey Nagi?! Hehehe… I just want to share this pic taken at Starbucks during my birthday… because I’m a Starbucks freak hahaha! (“,x)

I just want to share, it’s been a year since I had my ear pierced… I remember it so clearly… it was Easter Sunday…okay I don’t want to get sentimental now so I won’t go into details anymore…

I just finished the anime Beck… hmmm, not bad but nothing remarkable either… I liked the opening song… maybe if I’m someone who’s an AVID fan of rock bands…

Speaking of bands… I didn’t come home again this weekend… I’m cost cutting… being based in the province is quite expensive if you’re working in Metro Manila… I’m talking of transpo expenses. Anyways, last Saturday Fars invited me to go the Winston Wings Tour 2006 in Malate. They featured Bamboo, Parokya ni Edgar and Sugarfree. Its free… so I thought… why not… it’s not everyday that you’d see a free live performance of the country’s top bands. I am not a fan of local bands, as I have mentioned long before (I think) I only liked E-heads. But I do like some local band songs (random). Besides, I’ve always wanted to see a live performance of Parokya ni Edgar. I’ve always heard that they are really makulet. Well, I could tell just listening to their songs. So how was the concert? Well, one thing I’ve learned, if it says in the marketing collaterals and news plugging that the program would start at 7:00, it would actually start at 9:00 so don’t bother to come on time or earlier. Darn, Fars, Mike and I waited for more than 2 hours! Neil was lucky enough that he came around 9pm, he was still able to get some sleep. I just hope it’s not the case with major concerts, especially that of foreign performers. About the performers, I couldn’t say much about Sugarfree, I was actually bored with them… I think out of the 3, they were the band that sang the most numbers, or am I just that bored. I did like one of their song, I just don’t know the title, it says something –magpapaalam na ako sa aking kwarto…- then came Parokya ni Edgar, hahaha, I really had fun seeing them… they were really makulet. What’s really wonderful about them is that they keep on promoting fellow rock bands –kamikazee, sugarfree, bamboo, hale- etc. Chito (vocals) was even wearing a “maharot” shirt of kamikaze… I liked it! But I’m not a fan of their music, I only loved “halaga”. Their songs are good to hear for stimulation, I swear I’d always laugh hearing their songs… but nothing beyond that, it’s not something I’d want to hear for any season or mood. But I was so excited when they sang “Narda” (by Kamikazee), though they didn’t finish it, tsk, tsk… I’m really hooked to that song hehehe… Bamboo… uhmm, well their music is powerful, they have this distinctive style in music… but I couldn’t really appreciate it. But seeing Bamboo rock like that makes me want to jump and head bang… rock on yeah! Well I did like some of his songs during Rivermaya era (Awit ng Kabataan & 214). And Bamboo is really an eye candy, no wonder Fars is soooo addicted hehehe… Well, another thing I realized is that I’ll never situate near the speaker, or the front row. I love loud rock music, but I do not want to impair my hearing. Really, after the gig, my ears felt numb. I swear, I’m reserving to hear music THAT loud for L`Arc~en~ciel… hmmm, I wish when I get to Japan, they’re still active…

It’s Narda on my music player right now… I really like this phrase -awit na nanawagan, baka sakali napakikinggan, pag-ibig na palaisipan, sa kanta na lang idadaan. Nag-aabang sa langit, sa mga ulap sumisilip, sa likod ng mga tala, kahit sulyap lang Darna- haay…

Anyways, yesterday, it was a good thing I browsed my planner. I have forgotten that Eiga Sai was showing in CCP stated last Saturday. Too bad I missed it… oh well, I got to see a concert… and I was able to watch 2 movies yesterday anyway. Yay! back to J-culture! I stayed at Starbucks Vito Cruz while waiting, I know, I’m supposed to cut my expenses, but I’d die of heat stroke if I stayed at the boarding house for more than an hour. And I actually have 2 e-fans on huh, it doesn’t make any difference. Besides, my destination is CCP, it’ll be good, I’d be able to walk –exercise-…


The first film was entitled ‘A Summer Page’. It’s a story about 3 boys who set out on a mountain climbing one summer day to fulfill a promise with their sensei who died a year ago. Japanese kids are the cutest I swear hehehe… I just love the sight of young boys in super-short shorts -nosebleeds- hehehe… basically the story tackles puberty, friendship and courage… nothing new actually but I just have this soft spot on childhood friendships. I have a lot of things missed during childhood, and having friends is just one of it. I do have playmates –neighbors- but friends are different… being a loner that I am, I never really experienced hanging out with friends when I was a kid. Letters, I think is very common that time. I remember reading Sherry’s friend letters during her gradeschool and highschool days… and I really can’t help feeling envious, because I never had those kinds of letters… I laughed at every message her friends and classmates told to her… they are nothing but silliness and innocence in deed… but they are memories… and I know that I was once as silly and innocent as them. Don’t get me wrong, I had a happy childhood I swear, but it’s just that I had no social life… well I did have letters during highschool, but they came from my siblings and relatives hehehe…While waiting for the next I roamed around CCP. I just love that place. A very suitable place for drifting from reality, just seeing the artworks on display in the halls makes me feel proud of Filipinos’ talent… There wss an ongoing ballet performance at one of the theaters… I saw some child ballet dancers… cute… but I didn’t watch, there was an entrance fee so…

The next film was “Young Girls in Love”, this time girls huh. The title says it all though, a story of 4 girls in love. I want to talk more about it but I don’t have the time now, I’m on a hurry right now…

Oh well, gotta go.

-awit na nanawagan, baka sakali napakikinggan, pag-ibig na palaisipan, sa kanta na lang idadaan. Nag-aabang sa langit, sa mga ulap sumisilip, sa likod ng mga tala, kahit sulyap lang Darna-

Don’t bother to ask where I am… it’s a straight week in Starbucks huh?! Well, I’d have to blame myself if my debts got me huh… whew, what a day it has been… hmm, to back track, going back this morning…

I got up early, my duty for today’s off-set, well that is to say, doesn’t matter if what time I’ll go in and out as long as I completed the mandatory 8 hours. The reason is that I have to attend the Fire Safety Seminar and Document Awareness Training. Thing is, both are slated on the same time, so I wasn’t able to attend the former… have no choice, as much as I want to attend, the Systems Training is my priority. Hmmm, at any time, Ma’am Len may take her maternity leave, and when that happens, I’ll take over her place as lead trainer, and I must be technically prepared… the lecturer for today is She-Ann, an Onco-Pharmacist, and also the assigned Lead Auditor for this semester. She discussed the Chemotherapy Services Procedure. I’m starting to like the systems training… it makes me more aware of the hospital operations, and at the same time it makes me more aware that there are actually discrepancies among doctors and paramedical staff…

I find this interesting… there are some doctors who prepares or ask nurses to prepare cytotoxic drugs without the use of the ‘safety cabinet’. Ma’am Len herself admitted that she herself conducts the chemo drugs preparation for 5 years without the use of ‘safety cabinet’ or any protective suit! But She-ann, as a pharmacist, is strongly against that practice. And some doctors too would say, why procure something so expensive when it’s feasible to do the chemo drugs under regular circumstances/environment. Well, ma’am Len told me, that the effect is 15 years after, so she may just wait if the so called adverse effect were true. There were no studies to support it anyway.

Okay enough about cytotoxic drugs, during the lecture, I’m amazed at Ma’am Len, she’s really something, there was this issue that She-ann and Dr. Joson were arguing about that I couldn’t follow… but when ma’am Len butt-in, I understood clearly what they were talking of all along. I was also inspired of Ma’am Len’s initiative to take actions (plans) for various issues being raised at every systems training session. As a result, Dr. Joson came up with a Task Force to take in charge of ironing-out of the raised issues. Haay, I was assigned to be a part of the task force and that’d mean additional work load… plus, it’ll hinder on my plans to leave the Hospital *sigh* but I am really honored to have gained the trust of Ma’am Len and Dr. Joson. Here they go again with so much expectation from me huh.

Then lunch, the agenda for the afternoon, closing audit! Ma’am She, Fars and I audited Laboratory, NICU, NSO, BDD and HR Training. It’s kinda frustrating, that for so many NCs committed for the past few months after the ISO certification, only 2 were closed *sigh*… man, our systems has a looooooong way to go…. But it’s nice to see the flaws of a unit’s systems, there are always rooms for improvements. Man, i had an headache after the audit... just listening to each unit's problem -hohum-

After the audit, Fars and I went to Robinson’s Place to watch the Pupil Mall Tour. I’m not really a fervent fan of local bands, but I really loved the music of E-heads… and I like Ely’s voice, I got curious how he was doing without his former band mates… his music is still powerful (at least for me)… I liked some of the band’s songs already, I just don’t know the titles, but I remember one –Nasan ka- and I loved it…hmmm, it’s really rare for me to like non-Japanese songs hehehe… what’s more, I got to get the band’s autograph and pics… I find the bassist -Dok- cute hehehe…got a pic with him! The lead guitarist –Yani- even gave me the pen he’s using, well that’s because I was the last one to ask for autograph… I let them sign in my Starbucks planner hahaha… but my frustration is, wasn't able to take a pic with Ely, he's the reason why i watched the band damn! when i was about to take a pic with him, the cam prompted that the memory card is full! Damn, i only got a pic with Dok... -fangirl mode- oh well... what's great about the show was that they performed 'Alapaap'. yay! Before playing it, Ely's introduction was that their next song is something popularized by 6 cycle minds... then the music intro started and every E-heads fan screamed hehehe... nothing beats the original after all (",x)

It’s so freaking hot! You bet it’s the start of summer. When I was still a student, the heat was the sign of a long rest! Summer vacation of course. It used to be exciting. But now, it doesn’t make any difference, summer or rainy, you have to go to work *sigh*. Well, I’m a student again, the vacation would have a slight impact on me since I have a special schedule at work, so I guess I should be happy (a little). But damn, going back to heat, it’s killing me! Even with 2 e-fans focused on me, and I’m wearing my usual sleeping get-up -sando and shorts- huh I’m still sweating like hell! And it’s so damn hard to sleep when the temperature’s up like that. I’m thankful that it rained last night, somehow, it cool a little… I want an ACU!!!

Anyway, the other day I went to Medical City to visit an aunt who had just a major operation. I am already aware that Medical City moved to a new and bigger building also along Ortigas, but I never imagined that the improvement was overwhelming. The last time I went there was 11 years ago, when my grandfather had his 2nd mild stroke. Everything I knew of Medical City back then was erased when I saw the new one. It doesn’t seem like being in a hospital when you’re at the lobby. It feels like being in a hotel hehehe. And dear Lord they have a Starbucks IN the lobby. Cool huh. Anyway, I felt a little sad for MDH, our facilities were too far behind Medical City, St. Luke’s and Makati Med. I’m frustrated, we have a bunch of competent doctors, they deserve facilities matching those hospitals… oh well… doctors have clinics in more than one hospital, I’m sure most of them are staying in any of those hospitals too.

No classes and work for me today, I stayed at Starbucks Robinson the whole day... I consumed two tall cups of coffee... My second round is the featured Cinnamon Streusel Latte. I just love cinnamon, I couldn’t let this pass. And though I’m broke to death, as long as I have my credit card, I can survive hehehe… ah spent hours of relaxing like an exhausted adult... reading manga... ‘Goth’. I forgot the mangaka, but it’s really interesting. The lead characters are not your typical shojo manga character. Just a brief description, the lead characters are both obsessed with torture and killing/gory stuff… for real, and that’s what drives them together. Well it seems that both have hidden desire to kill each other (mr. and mrs. Smith? hehehe). Oh, but that damn Sakuma, giving me the 1st volume only, which left me hanging… again… aww these manga in my PC… really!!! Man, my coffee consumption is finally taking effect... i'm palpitating... haay, last year, somebody special used to remind me to moderate my coffee intake....

It’s Ash Wednesday. I’m thankful that I was able to hear the mass at the Hospital’s chapel. Look at my forehead! Whew, actually I’m really guilty that I have forgotten about it this morning and I have eaten meat for lunch… anyways, just a few minutes ago, Fars treated me to Starbucks. Coffee is best when it’s Starbucks… and it’s free hehehe… the moment we got our order, it suddenly rained… a hard rain… so we have no choice but to drink our coffee there (it was supposed to be “to go”) then just a very few minutes the we shook… earthquake hehehe… damn it was strong huh! Gosh, what’s happening… going back to rain, I’m thankful it rained because it’s so freaking hot already! I’m gonna have a good sleep tonight… and by the way, Ma’am Len is pregnant! Woah! So many babies for this year – Jona’s, Ate Cherie’s, Lynn’s and of course Ma’am Len’s… hehehe…

Happy Valentine!

Ahoy! It’s Valentine’s Day! The heart’s day… does that apply for broken hearts as well hehehe… I’m single and I don’t have someone to celebrate this special day, but it doesn’t mean I can’t celebrate it huh… Just to pay tribute, I wore a pink shirt… HOT PINK!

I didn’t go to school and work. At morning I accompanied my mom to an Ophthalmologist to have her right eye check. Damn, how come I do not know any Ophthalmologist in MDH?! I’m such a useless kid. Ma’am Ruth referred me to Dr. Canlas, unfortunately, she cancelled clinic today. Then the next one she referred is Dr. Mike Ngu. I went to his clinic and it’s open. So I brought there my mom and my sister. Then the secretary interviewed my mom. Then she asked my mom to enter Dr. Ngu’s room. I went along. A fat guy was there. So this fat doctor checked my mom’s eye and gave prescriptions. But when I looked at the Rx sheet, his siggie told me he’s not Dr. Ngu. It read M. Reyes… So when we came out from the room, I asked the secretary where is Dr. Ngu, then she said he’s out of town and told me that he’ll be back next week. Oh curse that f*cking med. sec! How dare her not inform me that the MD who’d checked my mom was just a reliever of Dr. Ngu! Not that I don’t trust Dr. M. Reyes, but it’s not fair that my mom and I were thinking it was Dr. Ngu we were talking to huh. Anyway, I decide that I’d complain about this… maybe to MSA… I’ll use my connection to Dr. Hogar… I felt like I’ve been tricked. But anyway, I’m relieved that my mom’s fine…

Now let’s talk how I spent my valentine… like I said, I didn’t go to work. I lied to my boss. I said I had to accompany my mom, but actually I was just going to meet Sri. It’s been ages since I’ve seen her and this the only time that she can see me. It’s so hard to book an appointment with her so I took this opportunity to meet her. Haay, thank goodness she finally realized her obligation. Almost a year ago, we had a bet and I won. And the price is a treat at Teriyaki Boi (hehehe it has to be Jap. Resto.). We ate lunch at Teriyaki Boi, Timog QC branch. Gosh, I just love Teriyaki boi, Tamago Sashimi is the best hehehe… the last time I ate there was April 4… *sigh* then after our lunch, we went to a bookstore nearby. The bookstore sells both brand new and second hand books but the place is so gloomy it reminded me of Meg Ryan’s book store in the movie “You’ve Got Mail”. Then we went to Starbucks nearby. Man, it was the largest, most spacious Starbucks I’ve ever been. It has a second floor, and I was surprise to see some conference-table-like there. Very conducive for students studying (minus the noise of course). I showed her momonja.. haha, all along she thought that this is a company property… hehehe, I was proud to proclaim that it’s a PERSONAL property! And still paying it hehehe… I showed her my pictures in my flash drive. When I learned that she had a 3G mobile phone already, I took the chance to take as many pics as I could hehehe… I insisted that we took a pic together. The very first shots weren’t amenable to her. She looked fat hehehe, but it’s only because her face was nearer in the cam. When I transferred the pics in my laptop, she insisted that I erase those pics. But I won’t! Every picture, good or spoiled, is worth a space and worth keeping… pictures are hard copies of memories aren’t they. Anyway, for her relief, I deleted those pics… but the recycle bin never pop in her mind hahaha!!!! So I restored it as soon as I got back to my place hehehe… I’m posting one on my blog. She wouldn’t know anyway, she doesn’t visit my blog eh! Hehehe, I’ll be doomed if she sees it nyahahaha!!!















Anyway, after we parted, I went to Greenbelt, I just don’t feel like going home yet. Besides, Mike requested if we could meet because he wanted to give something. Anyway, as soon as we saw each other, we went home. As his letter to me stated, he notices my sorrow. But more importantly, I’m thankful that he’s always there for me. Like I’ve said to him on my birthday, I’m still sad, but everything about this year is a lot better than last year. There’s a lot more to look forward this year…

Hey it's February! Valentine's Day is nearly coming... and i'm still... single hehehe... for that reason, i have never felt the speciality of that day in my whole damn life hahaha. Anyways, if i'll have okane I'll buy my male friends chocolates. I've been planning to do this for more than two years already because it is the practice in Japan... I hope i could push through with it this year...

I'm having IQA training from Monday til this coming Friday. Whoopee! Something to add to my resume hehehe... Tomorrow will be our exam and i'm crossing my fingers that i'd pass. I hope to join our incoming 2nd Internal Quality Audit. But i don't think i'll have the time to review, I feel so sleepy. I had this insomia attacks again, last Monday and Yesterday. I barely have 2 hours of sleep and no it's not because of my laptop. Blame it on Starbucks' white choco mocha hehehe...anyways, this insomia attack inspired me to write a poem... something very timely since valentine's day is 13 days ahead... I just want to share... Read on...


The Poltergeist3:56 AM

Sleepless nights
Eerie silence
Cold breeze
Restless thoughts…

Your smile
Your smell
Your voice
Your tears
Your call
Your touch
Your hug
Your kiss…

Haunts me
Hurts me
Devours me
Kills me

I wish the poltergeist would read this...

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*…

bad KiD!

Grrr… I’m such a hard-headed KiD! For the last 6 days, my horoscope has been telling not to spend extravagantly, but I’ve been behaving against it. I’m so bad, I swear I’m out of cash already. Just this morning, I bought a laptop backpack. Damn, I just couldn’t wait, but I firmly believe that there is no one who would give me such item on Christmas. Really, most things I procure are always through my own hardship, but really, there’s not justification for me to be a spendthrift! I promise starting today I’ll be very reasonable with my expenses, oh dear heavens pls. don’t punish me. I don’t want to get laden with debts… I don’t want to exhaust my credit card limit. Somebody pls. stop me from spending!!! But it’s so hard, you see it’s already Christmas break (school) and I’ll die out of boredom if I just stay in my room while waiting for my duty in office. I need to get out, I need to see living things and animated objects, but it only provokes me to spend lavishly… and I have to stay away from Starbucks! *sigh* but speaking of Starbucks, i finally got the 2006 Planner! Yep, I've completed the coupon hehehe!!! Also, i got a Starbucks tumbler again! *sigh* i charged it on my credit card... this is bad...