Updates

Heya peeps! I’ve got some mouthful updates to look forward to. Sorry but for anime fans only hehehe.

June 14-15 is the 7th Philippine Toy Convention. Honestly I’m not looking forward on the event as a whole. I’m after the toy shopping and seeing my friends. I’m pretty sure it’ll be the same as the previous’. And I don’t want to waste the space with rants and criticism. I’m over it! I’m just after the toy and reunion.

Oh I forgot, there’ll be a change, the ticket price is definitely goin’ up! Now that’s very Pinoy!

Moving on, Hayao Miyazaki’s latest film Gake No Ue No Ponyo (Ponyo on the Cliff) will start showing in Japan on July 19. The present technology promised me to get a hold of it in a month or two.

This is really something to look forward to. Miyazaki films never fail to astound me.

The last Ghibli film directed by his son Goro Miyazaki, Tales of the Earthsea, was really… I’m sorry to say this, but it was way below Ghibli standards. I learned that during the production of the film, father and son were not in good terms because the father believed that the son is still not ready to direct a film. Sorry Goro-chan, I believe in your potential but I must agree with your father. Honestly, I barely remember what the film was all about. It was really hard to keep my attention on the film when I was watching it. A real “hohum”…

Let’s go back to Ponyo, the story is actually about a gold fish who wishes to be a human. It was actually inspired from the Japanese folktale Urashima Taro and Hans Christian Andersen’s Little Mermaid. The story may sound simple and the “wants to be a human” theme may be a bit overused but wait till you see it. Every Hayao Miyazaki movie is an uplifting experience. Don’t miss this masterpiece by one of the greatest director.

More on anime, the animated version of Blade of the Immortal will start airing on July 13, on Japanese TV of course. Another manga masterpiece by Hiroaki Samura. It’s about Manji, a rounin who was gifted (or rather cursed) with immortality by an 800 year old nun who infected kessen-chu into his blood. These are sacred blood worms that feed (and heal) on Manji’s wounds. Manji bargained with the nun to kill 1000 evil souls in exchange for mortality. You can expect so much gore and thought provoking plot. This manga really rocks! There are currently 22 tankoubons and the series is still ongoing. It’s been years since I’ve read the first 15 volumes and I’m currently on the 18th volume. I must admit I’ve already forgotten some details so I’m not really bothered by the anime version (IMHO, it’s not advisable to watch the anime if the manga is still “fresh” on your mind).

On the manga scene, I heard that CLAMP will do collaboration with Dark Horse Comics for a project called Mangettes. I haven’t checked the details but I’m really excited. Way to go CLAMP-sensei!

Seeing the Lighter Side of Life

Change is inevitable. Humans are versatile to change, but more often than not, we are unprepared. Because most of time, change doesn’t benefit us AT FIRST. At least for me…

I’ve been a victim of change a lot of times. I hated it. It took me some time, effort and emotional investment to get used to something, only to be taken away by something called CHANGE.

Have you ever heard the song “Constant Change” by Jose Mari Chan? I love that song. It always hits me whenever I hear it. Why oh why… couldn’t we keep time from moving on… and oftentimes when I’m about to call it home, we’d have to move along…

But all this longing for the past have to change. Little did I know that change is best enjoyed when you decide it yourself. Yes folks, I finally decide to take the turn this time. A major change for me is the healthiest decision ever made.

I don’t mean a change of style or a change in taste. It’ll be the same old me. Same old kid who LOVES anime, Japan, toys and… But this time I will THINK DIFFERENT.

A change of perspective, that is.

I’ve been staying home for the longest time ever since I went to college and it really is true when somebody says there’s no place like home. I’m learning and starting to realize day by day that there are so many things around me to be happy about. It’s not as lonely as I thought. I do have a life… here at home.

I can’t believe how such a loser I’ve been the past few years. I was always thinking of my failures and nothing but failures. I created half of my loneliness. I gave up on a lot of things. I wasted a lot of time. But this has to STOP!

It’s not like I’m dying or anything. Life is short but there are still so many things to do, to prove.

I’ll make my dreams come true. I’m gonna show everyone that I am strong. That I am a WINNER. I have to believe that I am born to win this battle.

Some people might think that I am doing nothing important right now, but I am. I have plans. For now I just want to keep this to myself. I don’t want to set any expectations. I don’t want any support this time. This will be my battle ALONE.

I don’t want to be a hypocrite and say I’m over the loneliness. It has always been there. It haunts me every now and then like a phantom shadow especially when I’m all alone. But I’ll be strong this time. I’ll get used to this again. I’ll let HIM carry it for me. It’s time to take things as light as possible. To leave behind what I don’t really have, and enjoy what I have. To enjoy life!

As I’m writing this entry, I’m listening to “Dreams” by Cranberries, and it just feels so light. From now on, I’m gonna love my life. I’m will do my best. I’ll NEVER BE A LOSER. NEVER.

I wonder if anybody noticed that I rarely update my blog nowadays. If you do, then what do you think could be the reason?

1. I’m too lazy to write something
2. I’m too busy, can’t find time for this
3. There’s really no update to write
4. It’s best keep my activities to myself
5. All of the above
6. None of the above

And the answer is… well I’ll leave it to your imagination hehehe. But one reason I have is that I rarely get “connected” to the web. Sometimes, ideas keep popping out of my mind and I feel the urge to share them but it’s either I’m not on my PC or online and by the time I am, all those thoughts have already flown away –sigh-.

As for updates (on my life), I think I owe my (very few) readers a lot… So let’s start with the Ozine Fest last April 5. I attended Day 1 and it was… just fine. Don’t blame me if over the years I’ve gotten jaded over local anime conventions held. There’s really nothing new. But of course I can still appreciate some cosplayers, and yes I still approach some to take pics. It runs on every otaku’s system and can’t be taken off by external influences hehehe. The best thing about it though was being able to see my friends which I haven’t seen for a long time. I finally got to meet Aish’ husband Duston. He’s a nice and funny guy and they really look cute together. I wonder if they’re planning to have a baby soon because I’m really rooting for a baby boy hehehe. Going back to the event, the day 1 featured the Group cosplay competition and I really don’t like staying in the event just to watch the group cosplay category. Don’t get me wrong though, I have nothing against group cosplay, how I’d love to join group cosplaying with my friends. It’s just that I find the skits too lame. Honestly, a 5-15 minute skit by a group can get me snoring. Nothing against the cosplayers, the costumes were wonderful but the “stage play” factor is way below my standards. PLUS, that big yakult replica really helped! If I only knew, I would’ve come the second day and I will never stand behind the Yakult booth ever. Still, seeing my friends made coming worth it. And yes, I managed to get a Ruroken doujinshi and a Yuyu Hakusho snap fit model kit hehehe. You can view my Ozine Fest ’08 HERE.

Speaking of toys, I’m currently addicted to gashapons. Well not really, it’s just that a certain series of gashapon caught my attention. And guess what, they are not anime, manga or game related but replica of the human anatomy. I find it really amusing that these anatomical models found their way to gashapon world. But the main reason I liked it is because I was really impressed with the details in relation to its size. Hail to the Japanese toy makers! The major disadvantage of being hooked to gashapon is the blind purchase system. We all know that you can get them at vending machines installed at various toy stores, and there’s no way you wouldn’t end up getting the same design two or more times. But then again, I have already found a sensible solution for that. Hehehe, for this year, friends can expect me to give out gasahpons as birthday presents!

bazooka joe anyone?

I'm currently reading a cyberpunk novel by William Gibson entitled "Idoru". It's about an analyst Colin Laney who has the talent for identifying "nodal points" from a pattern of information. He went to Tokyo for a job, which was to identify the problem with the rock star Rez who announced that he'll marry a virtual Idol named Rei Toei. As you can imagine, the story is set in neo-Tokyo and I cant help imagining how cool it would be if it can be adapted into anime. A Satoshi Kon animation would really suit this cyberpunk fiction.

But that's beside the point, I'm not really here to talk about the novel. I just find it really cute to find something that is a part of my past. In one of the scene, the main character came across a bubble gum themed bar with a spotlight on a frame of Bazooka Joe. Does that ring a bell if you belong the my generation? Well yes, it's a bubble gum that I used to like when I was a kid. It cost 50 cents during those times and I remember collecting the small (read that SMALL) comics strip that comes with the pink gum, which of course entails the adventure of Bazooka Joe. As to where are they now, i absolutely have no idea. I haven't seen any Bazooka Joe gum for a very long time now and I don't think I'll ever buy one if I do. I stopped eating/chewing gums ever since I learned that it's carcinogenic and I think that was 8 years ago. But still I can't help wondering.... hehehe...

KiD turns silver

Kung Hei Fat Choi! It's the start of the year for the Chinese and it's Yuki Sohma's year... Drats! I hate rats! But anyways, today, I just turned 25 and this is the last year that I'm gonna be a young adult...and... well it's no secret that I have a rather stagnant life but still I'm keeping my head up for this year. Dear friends, wish me a strong good luck. Kanpai!

PS.

By the way, thanks to all who greeted me. (",x)

The Last Post?

Yes it is, only for this year of course. I'm currently at my usual tambayan, Gloria Jeans Megamall downloading some manga. Bad news, Hunter x Hunter, is on hiatus again! For how long I'm not sure.. the f***! Oh man I waited for this series to continue for so long and now it's on hiatus again huhuhu... Anyway, I wish everyone a blissful year ahead. Enjoy life everyone (",x)

The rest of 2oo7...

I don't really have much time to tell an epic now. I know I have a lot of stories to tell... I owe a lot from my blog hehehe. Definitely I'm missing a lot of updates in my life but I'm trying my best to catch up... a lot of pics to upload too -sigh-...

Anyway, everyone, we have 9 days to enjoy before moving forward to a new year. Let's all give our last blast. I'm trying to enjoy it as much as I can because I feel that I may never have the time to do so in the coming year. So let me start with events!

2007 Komik Con - I barely last an hour, I didn't really plan on coming here...

Neil Gaiman in Manila - I sacrificed going to the UP-AME (can't go out in 2 consecutive days hehe) event just to see Gaiman! Too bad no book signing, but his words of wisdom of enough. He acknowledges the Filipino talent in writing! Way to go kabayans!!!

2007 Hanep Hataw Hero - I love the venue and the booths! They did a good job of making me feel to be in an "anime convention" - the loot bag and freebies was really something new. But still needs to improve on the program of activities... and the cosplay... well I didn't finish it, I can't find anything new.

Let's move on to the wedding bells, my friend Weng just got married to her long time boyfriend Ruel, and I'm really happy for her. While my eldest bro Richard will tying the knot next month! Now here's another significant event in the family, and don't get me started with reminiscing my childhood again hahaha!

And so far, what keeps me busy is the different Christmas parties that I attend... attending the parties at MDH makes me feel like i didn't really leave hehehe.

And yeah, Oliver got home and all I got from him are RK manga vol.3, coins (yen), ballpen from the Tokyo Motor Show, and chocolates. Well knowing him I really didn't expect anything hehe. I'm just thankful he's back safe. I love his laptop and it made me really feel I should upgrade my laptop soon hahaha...

Last but not the least, my Christmas Wishlist:

The Sandman library vol. 6-10

RK Manga vol.9, 20, 25-26

Clamp No Kiseki Vol.1-3

PG Wing 0 custom model kit

Things to look forward for the rest of 2007

There you go now pips, it's time to enjoy the last two months of the year. Hmmm, I wish I can feel the upbeat. I must admit that the last month had been really boring. But once in a while, I do remember that there will always be something to look forward to at the end of the line (geez I hope so). Well just to remind fellow anicon goers out there, 2 major events are coming: the UP-AME event at the end of the month and Hero TV's fair at the opening of December.

Never forget the special people celebrating their birthdays: Russel (Nov. 11), Mike (Nov.17), Mom (Nov.18), Rosavel (Nov.25), Sherry (Dec.12) and of course our dear Lord on Christmas Day. I have to admit though that I'm not really excited this coming holidays. Honestly, I have given up the notion that adults can actually enjoy Christmas... Don't blame me huh... You'll understand how it feels when you ran out of luck in life -sigh-

In the anime/manga scene, I've been catching up (I guess) at least in certain titles that I've been faithfully following. Finally there were updates in Hunter X Hunetr and Blade of the Immortal, and of course I've been very faithful in tailing XXX Holic and Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicles. Good news about this titles - major character developments and every shocking thing you'd expect from the manga powerhouse CLAMP! Bad news, I still can't think of a character to cosplay...oh well... and oh yeah, CLAMP in wonderland 2 is another thing to look forward to, this time it features CLAMP titles from 1996 and up. Cool huh.

Now let's get real. Another thing to look forward too, is the 2008 Starbucks Planner. Coffee lovers anyone? Tomorrow is the start of Starbucks stamp collecting and this is something I can't hardly wait hehehe. I've seen the sample planner a couple of days ago and i have to say that it is more handy than the 2007 edition. Plus this time it's sporting a pencil and not a pen... hmmm, I don't think I can use that...and it's a light brown leather this time... generally, it's as cool as the previous planners, something a coffee jerk must not miss!

And there you go, I can't think of anything more. Honestly, why do I feel like that I've been talking nonsense, and it feels like I'm just putting these not so interesting stuff just so I can update my pathetic blog? Ahemm, I believe I mentioned awhile ago that the last month had been a boring one huh.

Well here something worth sharing. I'm really lookin forward for my brother's return. Yesterday he just texted my mom telling that he misses us and that he just came from Tokyo and watched the motorshow, something like that. I have to admit that I miss him, we miss him. It's been more than a month that he left for training and the weekends are not really complete at home when a family member is not around. And I just realized how my parents must have felt whenever I won't come home for weeks.

Well what do you know, there was a mall bombing (?) incident at Glorieta 2! For some reason, I am not surprised. It's not unlikely to have such incidents now that holidays is fast approaching and it's the time when malls are jam packed. But that was really terrible, how I feel sorry for innocent victims of the explosion. I got worried when I heard the news because Glorietta is one of the most frequent destination of some of my friends. I myself wouldn't hesitate to drop by whenever I am in Makati (because Timezone in G4 is the most updated arcade center!). This morning I'm kinda thinking of going there, it's a good thing that Megamall is always my first agenda whenever I'd go out hehehe. On the other hand, it's not that bad to be bombing victim, at least for me. I've always preferred a one shot death than a slow and painful one...there, my mom and Dindee just called me and was asking me to go home immediately. Hmmm, I'm still downloading manga, besides I have to get the smoke of my money's worth (for buying Gloria Jean's Coffee beverage and pastries). But honestly, it's one of those time... when I hate the world so much that I don't what happens to me...

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.

My brother’s leaving for Japan this coming Monday! His company is sending him for 3 months training. Talk about luck, I’m really happy for him but I have to admit that I’m dying of envy! Heck I’m dying to go there that I’d trade half of my life span for the chance of getting in my dream land. How come an opportunity never opened to me? And it all ends up to hatred. I hate myself, I hate my life for I encounter nothing but failure. –sigh- I just hate the idea that some things are not meant to be.

Text Chronicles

I’m a Globe handy phone user. Ever since Globe network adopted the unlimited texting scheme (all thanks to Sun Cellular Network), I’ve been a sucker to this unlimited message forwarding. Be it quotes, jokes, anything is “possible” hehehe. Hell, for 3 months I’ve accumulated 65K+ messages SENT. Though I’ve recently withdraw from this practice, I still get various forwarded messages from other Globe users in my phonebook. I suppose that if you have such friends, you’ll be updated on the latest text jokes in town. Whoever is not aware of the all time Erap-jokes which I don’t really find funny at all? Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not a pro-Erap. Politics is just out of my system. I just don’t find it amusing at all, period. And then there’s the text chronicles. By chronicles I mean those jokes that are connected to the other, there’s something common and connection from one another. One example would be the Tagalog homonyms of various English words or phrases (e.g. If rain [efren] Bata Reyes, Recharge [Richard] Gutierrez, etc.). And then there’s this series of jokes that starts with such serious quotes only to find out it was actually quoted by… say a balot vendor, a shit, gas price and almost anything irrelevant, even a smiley! Now the lastest text chronicles that a texter can find is the “Inday” chronicles.

As we all know “Inday” is a common household maid name. And yes, she finally found her way to stardom through SMS hahaha. Our protagonist this time is no ordinary maid. She speaks English well. That’s the gist, a helper who speaks excellent English. Inday expresses simple thoughts in complex English statements that would make average IQ individuals nosebleed*. What makes it really funny (at least for me) is her interaction with other persons. At one time Ederlyn (another famous text figure hehehe) confronted her, then a guy Dodong is asking to court her, there was even this instance when her employer finally noticed her excellent English skills. Her biodata was also spread, and boy talk about high caliber credentials minus her employment as a helper of course. So I wonder, when will Inday finally let go of her job and look for another promising one? She should try call centers hahaha!

*In Filipino context, nosebleed denotes that a person is having difficulty in understanding what another person is telling him. But in Japanese context, nosebleed is actually associated with perversion.

It’s been almost three weeks since I lived an unemployed life. I must admit that I’ve been in a stagnant state in terms of productivity. So far, I am not worried. For some reason I can’t explain, I just can’t panic. Though I should really be, for I’m running out of time. My bills would be due in a month and my room rent would be due in less than 10 days. For the last 3 weeks, I didn’t go to my provincial home for the conviction that I’d have a new job before coming home, but a couple of days ago I bent this conviction due to my parents’ demand. Staying home for 3 days made me realize that I really should get a job sooner. It’s difficult to stay there knowing that I have nothing to go back for in Manila. There’s no place like home, but my “busy life” is in the city. So there Kid, I know you’re still in the process of finding yourself, but you have no time to take it easy!

so long...

Today is my last day of work in MDH. In 5 hours or so, it’ll be over. A couple of days ago, during my farewell party I confessed that I’m delighted to be honored but a little sad since I have to go. Surely I’ll miss everyone from the Hospital who, in one way or another, had touched my life. Honestly, I’m feeling bluer than ever, thinking I’m leaving a place I could call another home. But it’s inevitable if you have different aspirations. I have my reasons and I feel it’s high time that I leave and find the true path I’m seeking. Still, I’m thankful for almost 4 years of stay in MDH, it’s not always blissful. There were good and bad times. There were even moments that I couldn’t decide if I should be thankful or regretful. But the important thing is that I’ve learned a lot and meet different kinds of people.

2 more days to bear...

Today is my farewell party at MDH. I find this exciting since not everyone gets the chance to have a farewell "honoring". And that makes me what? A very important/special person indeed hehehe... I still have no idea what's gonna happen after this but i guess there's no turning back. I'd say, I need all the luck in the world...

Kenshin turns 158

I just want to greet my favorite anime character a HAPPY BIRTHDAY. I’m currently not in the mood to update my blog, too many forlorn thoughts inhabit my head. To my dear readers, please bear with me…

Happy Freedom Day! But I’m not discussing that please, I’m not a patriot. It’s a general knowledge that I have the least concern for this freaky nation hehehe. It’s the 7th day of my vacation and so far so good. It’s not like I’m having a great time but at least I’m having a break. Besides, there’s this old saying that there’s no place like home. For the past seven days I’ve been busy eating, sleeping, watching anime, reading books, eating sleeping, tending my collection, eating, sleeping, bullying my nephew Alfrei, daydreaming, eating, sleeping, browsing my college and high school papers, eating, sleeping… simply put, it’s a lazy (rather dysfunctional) man’s role hehehe… at least my vacation served its purpose. Whenever feasible, I’d borrow my mom’s or siblings’ mobile phone to put my SIM card to check any important messages. But then I’d end up texting my friends and therefore I fail my mission to totally get away from the busy city. I guess I’m not so used with a loner’s life anymore huh. Or I simply had to admit that I miss them hehe. Whatever, I’m getting my cellphone a battery as soon as I get back. Toycon is fast approaching and there’s no way I’d attend without a camera and a phone.

I’m currently reading “Dreaming Pachinko” by Isaac Adamson. His novels chronicle the adventures of an American journalist slash amateur detective Billy Chaka in ultramodern Japan. I can’t help comparing this to Rowland’s Sano Ichiro but a hilarious one, and the protagonist is a gaijin. Also, Sano is a professional detective while Chaka is not. I’ve learned a very interesting information. A film is being made based from Chaka’s first installment “Tokyo Suckerpunch” which will be released in 2008. Billy Chaka will be portrayed by Tobey Maguire which really surprised me because I never imagined Billy that cute! Hahaha but this is really something for me to look forward to next year… if I’d still be breathing hehehe.

I’ll be out of reach for the next 9 days I suppose. My phone’s batt is busted so I can’t use it. And it’s the start of my 9 days vacation leave. I wanted to take a break, I just got well from sickness. Great huh. But I think of it as a good time to wind up, in my good ‘ol home with my parents and collection. To be away from the business of the city, I hope I’d achieve something… something like a major discovery hehe. I don’t have much to do. This vacation wasn’t planned, I really don’t have any particular thing to do except to read books and watch anime videos. Summer vacation is about to end and the classes are about to start. Isn’t it a good thing that the all through this very busy period of transition, you’re home relaxing. It’s best for me to have a break, now I remember, I’ve got a lot of thinking to do… to think what’s gonnna happen…. Because I’ve finally decided to go… to leave... I will be resigning from the hospital I’m working. I’m taking a lot of risk for doing this, I’m a regular employee and I have nowhere to go if I quit my job. What would happen if a family member gets sick? How do I pay my bills? My loan? I have no savings. But it’s time to embrace all those risks. To get away from your comfort zone is one of the bravest acts to do. I have this strong need to find out what’d make me happy. And I feel that I can no longer find it in Manila Doctors. I’m going out of the wild and find myself. May God help me in this pursuit…haay… I really have a lot of thinking to do… Murakami-sensei pls. help me…

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.

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!!!