Cebu Pacific is a HUGE DISAPPOINTMENT!

This airport misfortune happened more than a week ago, I do forgive but I don't forget. There's no way I'm letting Cebu Pacific go off the hook that easily. I have to tell this awful experience and let this be a lesson, if you're flying somewhere DO NOT choose Cebu Pacific Air.

Cebu Pacific is the WORST airline ever!

It all started with a book drive project that my friend, Che, initiated, the Booksail Project (I'll post more about this project soon). It's been on the planning for months, we've been collecting books and school supplies to benefit the children of Palumbanes Island in Catanuanes. We planned on the itinerary and logistics, we selected a date to turnover the donations, we decided the group would come in 2 parties. The first group will take the bus and endure a 14 hour travel period, the second group will take the one hour plane ride. Obviously I chose the second option, I felt that time and well being are much more important than what I would save from the bus trip. So I booked a flight to Virac Catanduanes, to my ignorance, I chose Cebu Pacific Airlines. 

I anticipated the trip with pure excitement, Che and I would talk about it on our coffee breaks. I often joked that her group is leaving Thursday afternoon, while I'm scheduled to leave the next morning, yet I'd end up waiting for them in Virac. Or so I thought.

I was scheduled to leave on early Friday morning, June 21, 5:45 AM. I slept over at Nagi's place, woke up at 3:00, we ate breakfast at 3:30, I hailed a cab and left for the airport at 4:00. I arrived in the airport at 4:15, there was no queue at the entrance, I made my way to the check in counter. Everything was going smooth and according to plan until a few minutes in the check-in queue, I noticed a commotion among the passengers at the counter. I thought those passengers had a problem with their baggage or something, but nothing that concerns me. But then it turned out to be a problem for ALL the passengers bound for Virac. 

THE FLIGHT WAS CANCELLED.

Yes, we all learned about it right there and then,  some passengers behind me held out their phones and said they just received a text message to inform them of the cancelled flight. RIGHT THERE AND THEN. I, of course, was shocked and upset beyond believe. How can it be? I always talked to Che that she should have a plan B in case something happened, like a bad weather, but I never thought of making a plan B for my own mishap. 

A staff approached us to officially inform and explain that it's an "aircraft situation" and provided options. Listen carefully, this is Cebu Pacific's brilliant plan B's for the cancelled flight. The first is to cancel the booking, get a full refund, and re-book for the earliest next flight, which was Sunday. There was no way I'm taking that because our group was scheduled to turnover the donations on Saturday, plus we're all leaving the coming Monday. The trip was for a volunteer work and not for a vacation, I cannot afford to put off my departure. The second "brilliant" option is to take the earliest flight to Legaspi City, we will be taken to Tabako port and ride the ferry bound for San Andres, Catanduanes (from there we can take a Jeep bound to Virac). We will be given P500 to cover the boat and jeep fare (and lunch) AND as a compensation for the INCONVENIENCE, they're giving a free one way flight to any domestic destination. Sounds enticing eh? Let me just digest this situation into further details, just to give you an idea. 

So you see, the red line was the original flight, the yellow and orange was the 2nd option Cebu Pacific offered, simple eh? NO! In the flight I booked, I was scheduled to depart Manila at 5:45 AM and arrive in Virac at 6:55 AM. In the rerouted flight they offered, I will take the 7:20 AM flight to Legaspi City, will arrive at 8:30 AM (this schedule was not followed either), take a one and a half hour shuttle ride to Tabako, ride the 1:00 PM ferry trip to San Andres, it's a 3 hour boat ride mind you.  I will be a little nicer and dismiss all the inconveniences that came with it, but here's the part that really annoyed me to the Nth level. From 6:55 AM, my arrival schedule was stretched to 4 PM. I was supposed to wait for the other party, but the tides were turned, they had to wait for me. I had to endure a NINE HOUR trip to Catanduanes. NINE FUCKING HOURS!

NINE FUCKING HOURS y'all! That's a one full work shift and the recommended amount of sleep. I looked at the other passengers with really huge baggage and I thought, they could be balikbayans who were gone for so long, they were just robbed of nine hours of quality time with their loved ones. They say time is gold, NO, time is priceless. The one way free flight was nothing close to a compensation. There's no way you can pay off for that lost time. 

The worst part was being all by myself through the whole ordeal. When I was talking with a Cebu Pacific Staff, I was wishing so hard that Claudine Baretto's spirit would take over my body so I could pull off my own version of Thrilla in NAIA. When I called Che to inform her of my situation, she told me to demand, I have every right to do so. But I couldn't do it, specially when I'm all alone. I could only walk away while throwing my fists in the air and mutter profanities that would make my  late grandma roll over in her grave. 

When I was at the boarding area, I got a little preoccupied with the game 7 of NBA finals, I jot down some observations in my journal. I  time-stamped announcements of delayed flights and gate transfer of Cebu Pacific, until I lost count. My now 7:20 flight even pushed further, I noted boarding at 9:26 AM and lifting off at 10:06 AM. This is not a surprise though, ask any frequent flyer, Cebu Pacific has a notorious reputation with delayed flights!

I do not blame the airline for cancelling the flight for having an "aircraft situation". Safety must come on top of everything. But I'm upset that the options they gave us are the best they could come up with. They claim to be the country's largest airline, surely they could make things better. I heard that some airlines would actually take the responsibility of booking the passengers with closest flight from other carriers. Or what about a back up plane? And perhaps the service could be improved, after making me sign a waiver for taking P500 from them, they just left me on my own. They were supposed to give us free breakfast but nobody gave me instructions how to claim it, that I should watch out for their announcement. Why not take me to the fanciest eatery in the airport and make me feel comfortable while waiting for the flight to Legaspi, why not give me a riveting book to keep me from looking at my clock every now and then to count off the remaining hours I have to wait, or a travel pillow to help me rest and lessen the inconvenience that the prolonged trip had to offer. I could go on, but the point is, Cebu Pacific's plan B's suck!

Doodling my frustation: Cebu Pacific - Now everyone can fly (with off the scale amount of INCONVENIENCE)

Sick! Ugh!!!

I hate to break bad news, but I’m sick! Literally. I’ve been having fever since Tuesday morning, I’ve had my medical checkup the next day, they found higher than normal count of WBC in my CBC test, so I was diagnosed with bacterial infection. Really? If you know me, you’d know that I make extra effort to avoid infection and anything viral. I hate being sick and not being able to do anything and I hate subjecting my body to antibiotics and other medications. I mean, I spray lysol around the house from time to time, I bathe my hands with sterilium everytime I get home from work, sometimes I would bring it at work when I’m extra paranoid about a bacterial outbreak, I even bought my own snorkel so I won’t have to rent one during my travels to the beach (I know those snorkels for rent are sterilized after use, but what if the keeper forgot or got lazy to sterilize it?). And yet this?!? And this is not the first time my body was subjected to viral infections, but so far this is the worst! It’s horrible! I am getting traumatized and I am an inch close to wearing face mask and gloves everytime I had to go out of the house. I like Howie Mandel but I don’t wanna be like him. I want a normal life, and this illness I’m having is NOT normal. At least my fever have subsided and now I have sufficient energy to update people on what’s going on. I expect the fever to go up later and by that time, I will be bed ridden once again. I sincerely hope I'm wrong!

I like taking a break from work once in a while but it sucks to be unproductive for so long. I am losing a lot of money because of this. When my temperature goes up to 39̊C I can’t do anything, not even watch TV, read a book or wind up my music boxes. I'm too weak to enjoy anything, I’m helpless. If anything good has come out from this unfortunate incident, well, I’m becoming more and more religious (dear Lord, please make me well very soon) and I also promised myself to be nicer to people. I plan to eat healthier foods (veggies) and probably stop [bleeping the deep dark secret] before going to sleep (I had to bleep that because it's embarrassing for my age and I don't want to be misjudged of lacking attention, I've had more attention than I need, in fact I'm being pampered like a baby right now). Oh boy, I can't wait to get well and be a better person.

Oh God, I just wanna get better! Please L

God Works Wonders

When I turned on my laptop, I was so ready to make a long post of venting over the week from hell I've had. I've been talking about it with some of my friends but for some reason, the uneasy feeling wouldn't get off my system. I thought, before I let this consume me, I will write about it. I'm sure bloggers knows how therapeutic it is to let ones emotions flow from the mind to the computer keyboard delivered by hands and finger.

I was just so mad. I didn't see it coming, I had forgotten what it felt like to be treated with injustice. I know I've been wrong and I deserve to be censured. But to be all alone and take all the blame for something that everybody else is doing, be put on a spotlight like I'm the worst performer without analyzing the real situation. Whether I'm a victim of stupidity or politics, it sucks. Top it off with an unethical act of tattling. My patience just went off its limits. Professionally I felt defiled, personally I felt betrayed. The latter hurt me the most. I knew in one millisecond that things will never be the same again. I rarely get mad, but I get mad for a good reason and I know that this is gonna stay for a long time.

Another reason is this health scare for a dear friend that I've recently learned. It's just terrifying when I hear something that concerns one's health. Illness is something I will never wish to my worst enemy. I always say, I don't care if I have no money, as long as everyone (I love) is healthy. But just this morning, I was able to talk to my friend, and thank God, it's not really something to worry. One less thorn off my chest :)

And as I was gonna say earlier, just before I logged in to blogger I received a letter from Citibank. A gift voucher that I've been waiting for so long ( I almost gave up I'm gonna receive it) arrived. The good thing about it is I didn't have to pay for anything as long as I won't upgrade the packages. See you Tagaytay in 3 weeks!

Lastly, I finally got successful in downloading the episode 1 of The Mentalist season 4! After 2 failed attempts, it's finally here on my hard disk. The Mentalist is one of the TV Shows I follow, the Season 3 finale was a total cliff hanger, but now it's here, I'm off for a tea time with Patrick Jane.

After a week from hell, I got these blessings that some people may call trivial, but for me are just enough to give me back my peace of mind. Thank you Lord :)

-sigh-

It's unbelievably cold these days. I honestly prefer cold wheather, but not when I'm sick... and I am. I have cold -sniff- that gives me headache and I still have this recurring toothache that I need to deal with until I decide to go back to the dentist.

And then I have other things going on my head that I wish I'm strong enough to keep on moving on. Welcome to my gloomy February.

Did you know that today is the day the music died? As Don Mclean puts it:

but February made me shiver
with every paper I deliver
bad news on the doorstep
I couldn't take one more step

Dear friends, I am hopeful but I need prayers and hugs...

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 problem with an insomniac like me is when a time when I'm so pissed and I really feel like cursing the world, there's no one out there to turn to. Oh why is that when people need me, I'm always there yet when I'm the one in need, nobody seems to care... that is so unfair... I wish I had a car so I can drive out. I'll drive as fast as I can and I won't stop until it ran out of gas. Then I'd be stranded in a middle of a highway where no one can see or hear me. And then... I'd shout as loud as I could... OH WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS TO MEEEEEEE????!!!!!

yeah I wish...

My laptop is broke and it really depressed me to the bone -super sad face-...It just won't turn on and I have no idea what happened. Why of all things, does it have to happen to my laptop? It could have been my phone, or -thinks other owned gadgets- my phone? Well that's life. I haven't taken it to the ASUS service center, I'm afraid it'll really cost me huhuhu. Now my only gateway to the newest manga is temporarily closed. How can fate be so cruel to me despite my everyday generosity??? (Ren: echos!!!) -sigh-

Anyways, I'm really thankful to this mushrooming Tokyopop manga bargains. My consumer impulse increased to 100% and I develop the need to visit every National Bookstore and Booksale in town despite their crappy customer service. I wish Booksale would drop down their prices for the manga because they have better titles than NBS. The only bad thing about this is the greater chances of manga going mainstream in the Philippines. It's actually a good thing in a way, but I would still prefer it be just a subculture -meanie me!-

anticipations...

The other night my uncle came to pick my mom up for her flight. While waiting for my mom he had a little chit chat with me and my brother Oli. He told us what happened with his son Valjun that afternoon. He asked Valjun to go to SSS Antipolo to run some errand. Apparently, my cousin went off with exact money for fare only and he did not anticipate that the trike rate in Antipolo soars like a dragon! To make the story short, he rode the tricycle with insufficient funds and ended up loaning P50 from the SSS security guard, so Oli and I ended up rolling on our stomach laughing. But then, that brings me… hey, it happened to you before! Oh yeah… I think it was a couple of months ago –blush-

I was in Megamall and was about to go home when I felt the craving for fries. I have P100+ cash in hand left. I settled for fries and drinks at Mcdo and it me left with P58. The FX fare to Tanay is P60. I was not worried because ATMs are all over the place anyway. After eating, I went to the nearest Metrobank ATM, errr ET (electronic teller).

When I’m almost there and saw MB ET from the distance, I was surprised to see that there was no queue at all. Hmmm, there could only be one reason – it’s OFF LINE. No panic yet. Okay, I’ll have to settle for Bancnet ATMs which will cost me P10. No big deal. I tried China Bank and what did I get – Error 91: Cannot complete transaction, issuer is down. Still no panic. I tried City State, same error. BDO, error 91… Okay, I’ll settle for BPI, which sounded painful since it’ll charge me P100. I had no choice. But I got the same error message! Then I started to worry.

I went to Shangri-la and checked Metrobank. It was also off line. I tried GE and UCPB. When I got the same error message I knew I was already in trouble. I wish I didn’t eat fries. I went back to Metrobank and asked the guard what time will the ATM be online. Just as I expected, he told me it’s off line nationwide because the systems were down. I asked him if I can do transaction over the counter but apparently they were not accepting any transaction. Don’t you get it kid, THE SYSTEMS ARE DOWN! WTF! That’s bullshit! This is the BIGGEST bank in the country and they don’t even have a backup support?!? Or can’t they do it MANUALLY?!? Hah! People should not rely on technology alone. Finally I asked for a manager, customer relation officer, whatever I am a customer and I need MY money! So a manager loomed before me but it was like I don’t exist at her front at all. Whoever she was, she doesn’t deserve to be in her position. Dr. Mapa, Mrs Chan, Mr. and Mrs. Ty, the very cute Sir Alfred Ty, if one miraculous day you come across this blog post, pls. fire her. She’s an A-hole! Yes, the bank manager at Shangri-la branch. She was all on her paper works and the scene looked like a brat whining to a machine. I asked politely, Ma’am is there anyway I can withdraw money over the counter because I’m literally out of cash and I need to get home. All she ever said was “the mainframe of the system crashed and there’s nothing we can do for you. You can TRY to your branch, they MIGHT be able to help” What a very nice statement of ASSURANCE. What was Metrobank’s tag line again? YOU’RE IN GOOD HANDS with… Whatever, I’m not keeping with this shit anymore. I was thinking at that time, as soon as your systems are up and running, I’ll get all my money and transfer to BPI, BDO, whatever, I’ll never do business with that bank again! (duh, like I am a loss hahaha)

Huhuhu, my money was short of P2… How will I get home… I was very far from home and I can’t think of calling anyone. At the very last moment I don’t want to impose. So I did the inevitable, as soon as I get to the terminal I asked the dispatcher that my fare lacks P2 because Metrobank is down and I can’t withdraw a cent. The dispatcher was really nice and said that it’s perfectly okay. He even told me that even if I don’t have money at all they’d let me ride the transpo –tears of joy-. There are still hospitable Pinoys after all. I promised I’d return the P2 next day which I did but he refused to accept –sigh-

It was an embarrassing experience but I also learned something. The incident was not purely on Metrobank’s end. I should always anticipate something like that when I go out. I also relied on machines alone for not keeping emergency cash. And of course, never prioritize your appetite! In the end I didn’t transfer my money to other banks. My angst ended the moment I received a simple altruism from the dispatcher and I also realized that I owed my college education from Metrobank, I do have a sense of gratitude so let’s just call it quits hehehe.

The Simplest Wish

So the typhoon Frank hit Region 4 and Metro Manila. With a speed rate of Signal no. 3, what can you expect afterwards? Yes, a power failure. It’s a good thing that it rained all day so I didn’t have to worry about temperature. It was cold. I couldn’t be at all bored since I have a LOT of reading materials. Until the night time came and darkness covered the whole town. We don’t have an emergency fluorescent light so we have to be satisfied with candles and flashlight.

But I can’t! I can’t read at all with the “orange” light. I’m bored!

This is the moment when I forget all the problems. To hell with stress and pressure. I can’t think. I can’t move. I can only lie down and wish…

Oh God… please… LET THERE BE LIGHT….

At around 10:30 PM, the power resumed.

Halleluiah!

But I got exhausted from boredom and I felt sleepy so I went back to my bed and sleep… and dream… and my day is just starting for real.

Sleepless in Hot Manila

Weee, I just got home! All thanks the summer heat (again) I was up all day again. I just remember how it feels to be awake for 24 hours straight. The last time I did was a year ago (I think) during the Animax 24-hour anime marathon. Amazingly I’m still feeling vibrant. Oh how I hate to be too poor to afford an ACU. Living in a small room with no air-conditioning on the middle of 2007 summer is the worst. The only reason for this room is a sleeping place yet it didn’t serve its purpose. It won’t let me have those sweet dreams I yearn or a sound sleep for an exhausted soul. Really… and not to mention that I share this room with another 37ºC creature, my cousin… haay, what else could be worse. Thankfully, having friends in the medical field can actually help you in various situations as this! I texted Frances and asked for a Dormicum (sleeping pill). Lo and behold, she’s just as awake and restless hahaha. She asked if I want to go out, she’d also hand-over the pill hehehe. The next thing I know, we’re off to Harbor Square. We met her friends who were into motorbikes. We had a little chat and drink at the last standing bar then we tried riding his bike. Frances was thrilled with it and I did enjoy it but just for a try. I knew from the very start that it’s not my cup of tea. When we parted, not even a tinge of drowsiness reminded me that I still have a work at 8:00 in the morning. I think I only had 2 cups of coffee, how come I’m still so genki? We strolled a little around Manila, we even dropped by at Ospital Ng Sampaloc to see if we can disturb Dindee hehehe. But everyone seems to be in a good dream. As Frances dropped me to my place, I think of all those sleepless nights… and I came to realize that I was made for night life! Or is it really just insomnia due to heat. Oh now look at the time! Now I have to get ready for work!!!

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!

Ahoy, it’s another month and it has been very fruitful this past few days…

The other day we had a blood donation drive here at MDH. Hehe, our office had a 100% participation! It was the first time I ever donated blood, and it didn’t turned out right (quite)… well, donors undergo screening and physical examination… I passed the screening… and everything was ok… until I’m done with blood-letting. I stayed in the bed for 15 more minutes, then I went back to the office, then I went after my colleagues who’ll be donating blood too. Then I told Dr. Hogar that I’d take pictures while she’s “bleeding”. Then my dizziness started… I felt my vision deteriorating, and the noise seemed toning down… and there I go, I went after Fars and complained that I feel dizzy… she texted my boss to ask for assistance, but I couldn’t bear anymore, I swear I wanted to lie down because I knew that I might collapse at any minute, so I opted to go up. On our way to the office, my boss ran into us, and then we went straight to ‘other’ QM office. There, we have bed foams, which we used during surveillance (for our overnight duties). The moment I saw those beds, I couldn’t wait to lie down… haay, what a relief (back then)… then our Chief Medtech and one of the Head Nurse came to the rescue. Ma’am Sonia administered first aid measures, while sir Arvin took my blood pressure… it appeared that my BP fluctuated from 110/70 to 80/60 *sigh* I’m such a weakling…

And then yesterday I went on leave, I went to PAG-IBIG again, only to find out that my check isn’t prepared yet. One of their staff told me to come back today –again- damn, I just hate these government offices! Anyways, I was also about to apply for TIN ID, but I noticed that it was almost 12:00 NN when I got out of PAG-IBIG, I decided I’ll just defer the ID application, I’m sure those government employees would shun me, because it’s almost break time.. and I’d be instructed to return after lunch…. Really, government offices sucks! I just don’t understand, they have better compensation and benefits, yet they deliver poor service!

Anyways, the reason I defer the TIN ID was because I got a sudden notice of interview from Accenture. The venue was at Cybergate building along Pioneer, Mandaluyong. Of course I didn’t know how to get there so I dropped by at the office just to go online, and have some of my credentials photocopied. I asked my friends how to get there. I got the directions and headed to Cybergate. The interview lasted 1 hour –whew-. There were two interviewers, one was via speaker phone while the other one was right in front of me. It went alright, I swear I was much more confident than my interviews here in MDH. However, I don’t think I’d be considered for further screening. Considering I told them that I would prefer a flexitime schedule, to accommodate my studies of course. I am being eyed for the PMO group, I forgot what it meant, but it basically is in-charge of resource management for Accenture clients. But like I mentioned, I stressed my high priority on my studies, instead I told them was that I may consider deferring my study plans if the offer is RIGHT. Right? It’s too early to assume but I’m not keeping my hopes up. hmmm, maybe I should just grab those call center offers (damn, I ditched 2 call center interviews already!) just to accommodate my demand on schedule. And speaking of schedule, my 12 NN – 8 PM sched in the office is back! Anyways, whether I passed the interview or not, I don’t regret coming there, I felt that the interview was fruitful and was a very good learning experience.

Yesterday I went to PAG-IBIG Fund to apply for a loan. It’ll definitely get approved because I’m a first-time loaner and a good payer (of course). But my dilemma is that when claiming for the check, I have to present 2 valid ID to claim it. Damn, if it’s just ANY valid ID, I don’t have any problem. But they require that it must be any of the following: Company ID, SSS, BIR, Driver’s License, PRC License, Voter’s ID, or Passport ID. I don’t have any problem with the first one, but the succeeding types of ID, I don’t have any –sigh- now I was forced to contact a friend who got connections to SSS. Perhaps I could acquire an SSS ID in no time. Damn, it’s really hard. Now here’s my another problem, my enrollment at school is on June 8, classes will start on June 13 –shrugs- I was actually saving that PAG-IBIG Loan for my tuition fee. But since my cousin asked for my assistance, because my nephews haven’t got their schools supplies yet. Of course, I have to give way… their education is much more important than mine. So now, where do I get money for my schooling? Oh good heavens… the general dilemma of an average people trying to reach their dreams… I don’t want to ditch this semester, I plan to enroll Nihongo subject, I saw that it was slated for Monday this semester. Maybe I could also enroll computer 2. oh here’s another problem, if I’d be enrolling Computer 2, I would definitely need to install Adobe Photoshop on my laptop… and that means I need to upgrade my RAM… and that means I’d be needing cash again… oh man… well, I still have a lot of time, right now, I have to prioritize my dear nephews.

Okay, enough with financial problems… yesterday I watched Da Vinci’s Code for the second time at Greenbelt 3. since Sherry’s check-up was cancelled, she just offered me to watch movie, she was with a colleague. Damn, if I had known that it was Da Vinci’s Code’s ticket they bought, I could’ve declined. I don’t really find the controversial film that great. IMHO, the only thing that makes it controversial is the theoretical interpretations of Da Vinci’s artworks and the twists they implicate in the histo-biblical facts, and the symbology (damn, I’m not sure if I’m using appropriate terms hehe). I am not a devout Christian, but I do oblige myself to attend mass every Sunday (though I sometimes miss it). Even if I would read the book or watch the film a million times, I can confidently assure that my faith in God would not be affected. And no, I will never believe that Jesus impregnated Mary Magdalene nor He has a living descendant this age. That He died in the cross, resurrected and ascended to heaven… and that’s final. Damn, if I’m so gullible in such ideas (Da Vinci’s Code), I have lost my Christian beliefs years ago, since I’ve watched and read Angel Sanctuary, X, and other anime with biblical parodies. Just like the titles I’ve mentioned, I treat da Vinci’s Code as a mere FICTION… a good fiction that is…

okay enough with reviews... what I really wanted to say is that, after the movie, we played at Timezone HOD 2 & 4 (of course) and I got really tired that I had a headache… and I really want to take a long VL… can’t wait for June 13, the start of my VL, start of classes.. and…

oh yeah, what's with the pic? nothing... i just thought my readers might have missed me hahaha! and yeah, i just wanted to show that my hair cut sucks... damn!

Haay, my limbs are aching… and it’s so damn hot! I am not feeling well. I mean, I have cold, cough, skin allergy (triggered), aching limbs, insufficient sleep, and thanks to the heat, I swear my temper is up by 100%! I’m warning you when I’m like this, do not touch or talk to me, or I’ll just yell at you with a very sarcastic tone hehe… my siblings we’re already affected with my current mood… but updating my journal like this cools me a little… anyways, I came from Pansol Laguna, it’s the IQA Outing, we were less than 20 ( I think) –Dr. RJ, Dr. Hogar, Ma’am She, Fars, Aris, Neil, Robin, Cherry, Vani, Mariel, Sheann, Sir Nestor, Sir Celso, Sir Bong, and the van driver. We used Dr. Hogar’s friend private pool. They got three, but we only used one. It’s an overnight swimming, but only 6 of us (all girls) stayed all night long haha. It was fun actually, lots of food, “drinks”, karaoke and of course swim swim swim… I don’t know how to swim but sir Nestor taught me how to float while breathing… and I’m grateful I learned something hehe… but it’s also the reason why my limbs are aching.. geez…

Damn! The bad thing of being unaware of political chaos happening in the country. I don’t watch TV and I don’t read newspaper… I was busy with my term papers and HXH manga last night… so I wasn’t aware that today’s classes were suspended… *sigh* I woke up so early even though I’m still sleepy… well, it’s a good thing already… I can rest earlier and I’ll be able to my term papers for submission tomorrow... I have a meeting to attend though in MDH this 1:00pm… *sigh*

I have a lot of things to tell… anyways, let me start, the night of February 24, when I went home (boarding house) from office. An annoying situation happened. The main door’s lock was broken. Therefore I can’t get in. Damn, while on the way, I conditioned myself that I’ll be fixing my stuffs for the concert… I would be munching mashed potato and stuffed crust pizza while reading Hunter X Hunter manga… everything seems perfect if not for that f*cking lock! For less than 30 minutes I tried opening the door… damn I was starving already! Then, I got really pissed already. I wouldn’t want to wait for more than 5 minutes for my housemates to arrive. It’s not the best idea to wait outside the house. So I decided to ask for help. I had no one to run to. Mike offered that I can stay in his place, but I don’t like the idea of staying overnight by myself at a guy’s house, otherwise I could ask Raymond or Jason, they’re just a few blocks away from my place anyway. So I called Sherry, I knew she’d be off that night too since her job’s night shift, but I had no choice. Besides, I don’t feel like “others” anymore at her home. Well to say, of all the friends I have, it’s only Sherry’s family who’s close to me. So it’s okay if I stay even if she’s not around. And I went there and I received the usual warm welcome from the family. Just a few minutes after I arrived, Sherry left the house, then her mom invited me to join in the happening in the neighbor. Sherry’s elder bro, Russel was there too so I joined for a while. Then I went back to their house and cleaned myself. Off to bed, I can finally continue reading HXH! Yay! Best part is, I’m gonna have a very goodnight sleep for having a clean, more spacious and air-conditioned room. But despite that, I still can’t get over my annoyance for being stuck outside the boarding house. I just hate it when my plans fail! Anyway, I’m still thankful that Sherry’s around…


Now came the most awaited day of the month. When Sherry arrived, She ordered a pizza for our lunch heheh.. Then she took a look at my laptop. She browsed thru its specs and she was really amazed hehehe. But I was more amazed when she explained me its WiFi capacity. I thought to myself, since when did she become so knowledgeable about computers hahaha. She configured it so it could automatically detect wireless connection in WiFi zones in the country. After we ate, I bid goodbye, of course with an arrangement that I’ll fetch her for the concert.


Then I went to the office, only to photocopy Kring’s (Sherry’s younger sis) campaign materials for their student council election at school. After that, my adventure began. My objective was to find the M-design Apparel shop. It specializes on wedding gowns, and it is where Lynn had our gowns seamed. Thanks to my lost phone I wasn’t able to come with her sisters for the final fitting last week. She can’t accompany either since she’s on bed rest. Well, good thing I didn’t had a hard time finding it. It took me no time in fitting the gown. I had nothing else to request. It’s for pick-up already, which Lynn would be responsible (thank goodness). After the fitting, I contacted Lynn. I was supposed to go to her place to pick up the wedding invitation, but she just asked Roy to meet me in Buendia to handover the invitation. Everything seems to be in favor of me now. As soon as I got the invitation, I went home. The lock was hopeless already that the Landlord instructed us not to lock the main door if we’ll be out. Good! I rested a little and fixed myself for the concert. I was so excited already.

This’d be the first time I’d be on a concert (at 23?! Tsk tsk). I went back to Sherry’s place this time I brought clothes. I knew that it’d be better that I stay there for the night, since we’ll surely be coming home late. Off we go to Shangri-la. We met up with Mike at Starbucks, then we proceed to the venue – Streetscape! I was expecting it to be an open atrium. It’s a concert event afterall. But to my disappointment, it was actually Shang’s version of Megastrip. Great huh. There were seats and tables and of course, food stalls, outdoor inns, to say. There was a small stage and seats were put across it. While the inns are located a little farther from the stage, it was where we situated. Mike was with Paolo and his friend Jill. Chris, Aish and the PJs were there too, but they were seated at the far end of the venue. In less than 1 hour, the show started. The first performer was Barbie Almabis followed by Kitchie Nadal. We ended up advancing to the stage and sitting in a slightly elevated platform at the back of the audience’s seats, at least we were able to see better the artists. Barbie looks really cute but Kitchie has definitely better style of music. Then the most awaited Core of Soul took over. They introduced themselves in tagalog (Ako si…). I just love it when Nihonjin tries to speak our language hehehe. I had forgotten their names already. I could only remember Keisuke, the Keyboardist. The guitarist looks really androgynous! He’s not bishounen though, but Sherry and I were arguing whether he was a male or female. He really looked girly to me hehehe. Anyways, he was really cool in playing guitar. The vocalist isn’t bad either. It’s just too bad that I really have no idea who they are or what their music is all about. I couldn’t fully appreciate them. But their music is definitely likeable. After 6-7, I think, songs, the band Hale took off the stage. By the way, there some questions and answer games for the fans in betweens. JFMO gave away some posters and CD/DVDs. I’d be honest, of all the local performers featured, it was only Hale that I looked forward in seeing if only to hear “The Day You Said Goodnight”… it reminds me of … Surprisingly, Sherry liked it too. Anyways, Hale sang 4 or 5 songs. Then all the featured artists collaborated for a final song. After the fusion, the show concluded with Core of Soul, singing the Japan-Philippines Friendship day theme song, “Purple Sky”. It was a great performance anyway. After the show, Sherry and I and Mike’s group went to Megastrip to eat. I was so disappointed that Teriyaki Boi was closed at that time already. We ate a Chinese ramen house instead. After the dinner, we called it a day.

Anyway, the good news is now that my laptop is configured for wireless connection, I can now connect to the internet in “hot spots” or WiFi zones! Cool! I’ve tried it yesterday at Robinson’s place… In fact I’m wifi connected now hehehe, and I’m really excited! All thanks to Sherry hehehe… now my assignment is, to look for other places with free WiFi connections hehehe…. This is so cool hehehe…

No matter how I put it, this country is hopeless… yesterday we’re okay. The next day you turn on the TV and you see some demonstration in the historic EDSA shrine. Oh please, how many times do we Filipinos have to see this scenario? This is really pathetic, I don’t give a damn, but hell I’m a Filipino, as much as I hated, I can’t do anything but be annoyed! Anyways, what’s really annoying is that it’s affecting the future events that I might be attending. Like , for Pete’s sake, I have a concert to attend tomorrow. The very first time that I’ll be in a concert, and it’s no ordinary band! Because it’s a J-pop band! Yes, real Nihonjin-tachi. Worse, the venue is Shangri-la Plaza, now where is it? It just happen to be one Train station away from EDSA shrine. Great huh? Now I’m afraid that Sherry would back out coming with me! Good heavens, why does this always happen to me?!

Anyway, I’m already at chapter 67 of Hunter X Hunter. Now I’m starting to appreciate more the manga version. There was never, as far as I could remember, a mention about the defense weapon of the Mafia group – the Injyuus! Yay, but disappointingly, they were far weaker than the Generyodan. Also, I’m so amazed at Miruki’s figurine collection. Haha, it was just a glimpse, but Miruki has Yusuke, Hiei, Kurama and even Sailormoon in his collection. Kawaii!!! I only have Yusuke in my collection *sigh*. And of course, like any other manga versus anime version, there was more room for character development. Senritsu, for one, her existence and objective for joining Nostrad’s group of bodyguard was explained. And I’m really loving it. All hail to Yoshihiro Togashi! Killua is so kawaiiiiiii!!!!

Hmmm, since I lost my cellphone already, for my regular (blog) visitors, Maui and Ikari, I hope to see you tomorrow at Shangri-la…

Updates, updates!

Okay, this is a late news already, but this is my blog so I just have to mention, I lost my phone last Feb. 16 (Thursday)… *sigh* I have been remarked stupid by my family, friends and colleagues already… yeah yeah, I admit… how stupid of me… left it at the cab… so stupid of me not to check… but anyway, it may take a long time before I get a new one. I have still so many bills to pay (credit cards)… and even if I got the cash, it’s not in my priority list… besides, I’m starting to get used to it already. Soshite… the only person I wanted to text has forgotten my existence anyway… I can still contact my friends thru landline or email anyway… so it’s not necessary to get one for now. Damn, I don’t give a shit about the unit, it’s a low-end phone anyway. What made me really feel bad is that I lost the SIM card… Huhuhu, it was the first and only SIM I had… ah I had a Sun Cellular given by a friend, it got lost too… but this Globe SIM… is really important to me… I had it since I was in 3rd year college…

Anyways, on other updates, a while ago, Gel came in the office for formal endorsement. It’s been a month since she went AWOL. Haha, you bet we missed her a lot. She had been my partner when it comes to making office more alive. Maybe one of the reasons that the work has become more boring and monotonous is because people who have contributed to the laughter in the office are leaving one by one… I should start to look somewhere to go too… this place is not worth staying.

I bought colorful band aids, Mediplast, I saw in the movie “Hatsukoi” that it’s a lucky charm if you put it in your ring finger. I bought 20 strips and I’m putting one till I ran out of stock, with a wish that… it’s just on me…

By the way, today was the start of the Document Awareness Training in MDH. We’re conducting this training every Wednesday, and we are 12 Systems Trainer to conduct the training. But my schedule is still months away, I just helped Ma’am Len, our lead trainer with the logistics.

Yesterday, our class went to UP Diliman, and watched a dance performance by the UP Filipiniana Dance Group. The name suggested already that most of the performance they did were ethnic and folk dances. However, in the later part, they did a series of interpretative dance to the tune of contemporary music. As I could remember, the songs were “No Matter What” by Boyzone, “Iris” (Googoo Dolls), “Hands To Heaven” (Breathless) and “I’ll Be” (Edwin McCain)… anyway, what made these numbers interesting is it was actually a tribute to the members of the 3rd sex. Haha, two men dancing together as partners is just freaking exciting! *yaoi mode* Anyway, after the performance, I went straight to Shangri-La, I was suppose to watch Eiga Sai but when I saw that the 8pm film is Hatsu Koi, I backed out. Why risk myself going home late over something I’ve seen already? I loved the film actually and I woudn’t mind seeing it again if only it was a little earlier. Anyway, my trip there wasn’t put to waste as there is an ongoing J-pop exhibit and Japan photography at 4th and 3rd floors respectively. Then I hanged out a little at the veranda in 6th floor. I just love hanging out there alone…

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…

Need a light!

Oh what day it has been. Since this morning I’ve been loaded with stressors already. Nothing serious though… haay to start with, I got home early morning already, around past 2:00 in the morning and I had to remind myself that my Saturday duty is 8:00 AM! I can’t be late, I’ve compromised to Weng that I’d lend her my Momonja for the seminar she’s facilitating (it’s on-going now). Simply put, I have to wake up early and that gives me only 3 and a half hours to sleep. Great. When I’m about to leave, Jona asked a favor, she wants me to pass some documents to SSS on Monday. I can’t say no since my school is near the said office. I just can’t say no to my pregnant cousin. But Monday is really one of the most toxic days for me, academically speaking. Okay I said yes *sigh*. Then I’m off to work. I got in early. I went straight to Weng’s office. Now the price for borrowing my laptop, a breakfast at Starbucks. Yay! I’m so excited already, it’s not everyday that you’d get a free breakfast at your favorite coffeehouse huh. Now I’m instructed to wait at my office, she’ll call me when she’s ready… off to my work station when my cellphone rang (SMS). It’s my cousin, Jona. Now what? Our padlock won’t open. It’s a combi-system lock. Now the number is replaceable. I bet she accidentally reset it. It’s a good thing that our old combi-lock is still around *sigh again*. Back at the office. Had my breakfast at Starbucks alright. Whew, everything about it just feels good… so good… and now the seminar, I brought Momonja at the function hall of MDH. The LCD was set-up, I turned on Momonja, put on the LCD connector and walah, the desktop won’t display! I had an FMD staff with me. Damn, I was looking for Jeff! Where is Jeff? He’s the one who specialize in such problems, but lo and behold it’s his off. Great. I asked Weng to call an IT staff. Alas! it's Mr. "there is no Hard disk"came up! Now where is the veteran? Oh man, the people you need are not around. I don’t trust Mr.... He got in the IT office because of his connection to an influential doctor… He’s not really good with computer. He’s not even an IT graduate. Okay, I can see that he had no idea how to troubleshoot. Damn, it took us 10 years to figure out the problem. Well, it turned out that my PC slowly detected the new hardware connected. If it was Jeff who was there I wouldn’t even need to call the IT. Okay I’m going down… back to my office… my usual habit when walking, put my hands in my pocket and there goes another problem. My office keys! Now I was sure I put them in my pocket. Not! I remembered that I opened our steel cabinet and I left the keys in the lock. Oh what a great day it is, thought to myself. I went down anyway and called an FMD staff again. After 10 years of waiting, a blue boy came (FMD Staff). Hey where’s his x-ray film? Yup they use x-ray film for this situation. And yes, the QM office’ keys have no duplicate under the care of the Central Service or Security Service. We are actually supposed to surrender a duplicate for instances like this. But we at QM are bunch of hard-headed employees, that we are not even aware of such protocol. And we are the “QUALITY” Management office huh? Now back to the blue boy, I wonder where he went because he got back with a broken x-ray film. And again, it took us another 10 years, when he decided to break the clutch. Haay, why did I ended-up with such incompetent staff? This scenario happened to me when I was still in HR but the FMD staff who helped me did it in very few minutes… but most importantly, these misfortunes… are liable to… me… yeah, I’m stupidest person around (just now ok). Lesson no. 1 – never buy something unless you’re a master of using it. More so, never compromise it to something you’re not even sure if it’d work… I should’ve ask Weng to test the laptop prior to the seminar. Good thing that Mrs. Vinuya (the speaker, our Chief Dietitian) had so much more to discuss that didn’t need visual aid. I have to start learning the hardware aspect of computer (geez, I hope I do have the time). Lesson no. 2 – never leave the office without your keys with you! Oh when will I ever learn… I admit that I do have problem with my short-term memory… Lesson no. 3, inform you’re room mate the specs of anything you bought for the room that she’d eventually be using… lesson no. 4, there’s nothing wrong with following the company policies, is there? Hehehe…. Oh well, we all learn from our mistakes don’t we?

Anyways... after work I decided to drop by at Feata Bookstore. It has a different name, I forgot though. I had to pick up my 200 worth of gift, any item I want. I also wanted to update my manga (hard copies) collection for so long, especially Ruroken. Mission partially accomplished hehehe… why, I wanted at least 4 tankoubon, but I only got 2. The other tankoubons available, I have acquired before already. Hmmm, I still have to wait for their next shipment. In addition, got myself Tokyo Babylon vol. 7 and XXX Holic vol. 6. Yay! Thanks to these stuffs I have totally forgotten all the misfortunes I encountered this morning hehehe…

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!!!