Oldies But Goodies

In the world of fashion, only a few are recognised with just their first names.

No family names required.

Kabilang na ang tatlong ito.

Naomi.
Eva.
Claudia.


Yes, they’re back.
Teka, hindi naman sila nawala noh.

Naomi, Eva and Claudia are the new faces for D&G’s new fragrance Anthology.

Oh ‘di ba? Ang taray pa rin ng mga lola niyo.


For your information, Naomi is already 39. Eva is 36 while Claudia is also 39.

Bongga pa rin sila noh? May science kayang involved dito? Hahaha!
I hope not.
They are still hot.

I wish I could age like them.

Sinong may sabi na mapapalitan na ng new breeds of supermodels ang mga bruhang ito. I don’t think so. Tatawid muna sa barbed wire ang papalit sa trono nila.

Not even Chanel Iman, Coco Rocha or Agyness Deyn can replace them.

Marami pa silang kakaining NFA rice.




photo credit: bigpicturesphoto and Dolce & Gabbana via Daily Mail UK

It's Just Wednesday Part II

Ang medyo madramang Part 1 here.

Okay. Let’s face it.

Birthday ko ngayon.



I told my friends that if they plan to give me something, kung puede cash na lang and i-donate ito sa victims ni Ondoy. Hindi ko naman kelangan ng material na bagay eh. Charing! Sa susunod na post niyo na malalaman ang wishes ko kung money is not an object.

Actually gusto ko naman talagang makatanggap ng gifts noh but honestly, hindi naman ako nagangailangan sa ngayon. Mas maraming kababayan natin ang nangangailangan ng tulong and that is way more important than any material gift na puedeng ibigay sa akin now.

Anyway, wala na rin akong pambili ng little something for myself because pinambayad ko na rin sa aking mga utang. And as promised, I donated my ‘birthday fund’ to charity and sa totoo lang, that made me feel good. Ecstatic ang feeling.

Masaya ang pakiramdam na nakakatulong ka kahit na sa maliit na paraan lamang. And I believe, my birthday this year is one of the most meaningful birthdays I've ever had.

And hindi pa ako tapos ha. Some of our traders are pledging to donate na rin sa aming fund drive sa Barrio Siete. So far, may cash on bank na ako from Edz and 3 others. Ireremit ko ito mamaya through paypal. Ipagpapatuloy ko pa rin ang pangangalap ng funds and sa mga friends ko na nagbigay, don’t worry at makikita niyo rin ang names niyo sa donor list. Hindi ito mapupunta sa aking ‘shopping fund’. Hahaha!

Ito lang muna ang munting tulong ko para sa ating mga kababayan. Ipagdadasal ko rin na sana ay maka-ahon tayo sa hirap sa lalong madaling panahon at nang makapag-move on na rin tayo.

Kung nandiyan lang talaga ako sa Maynila eh magvo-volunteer na rin ako sa mga NGO’s diyan lalo na sa Sagip Kapamilya. May makikita pa akong artista for sure. Magaling din akong mag-pack ng goods. Malakas din akong magbuhat ng mga kargamento, In fact tinesting ko kanina, kaya kong palang dalhin ang isang sakong bigas na 50 kilos ang laman. Anong panama ni Darna sa lakas ko, baka ihagis ko pa siya eh. Hahaha!

Charing lang.

Ipagpatuloy lang muna natin ang pagtulong sa mga kababayan natin ha. Spread the word.


P.S. Sa susunod na ako mang-ookray at magmamaldita ng bonggang bongga.




photo credit: here

It's Just Wednesday

This day is supposed to be an extra-special day for me but with the recent events in the country, who would want to celebrate, right?

I am just thankful that despite the wrath of Ondoy claiming many lives and destroying a lot of properties, more Filipinos survived the catastrophe.
And on a positive note, there is an overwhelming support from our kababayans and foreigners alike.

There is also an outpouring of volunteers serving in the campaign drives of both government and non-government organisations.
This only shows that in these times, compassion is still present amongst us.

I wish that more donations and support will be given to our needy kababayans especially those who have nothing left. There are still many who have not received enough in terms of assistance and rescue and relief operations.

Let us continue to help them in our own way.

Communicate.

Donate.

Volunteer.

Share.

Pray.


Thank you very much.



photo credit: guardian.co.uk

Helplines and Hotlines for Ondoy Victims

My fellow beautiful people, these are some of the hotlines to call for your help, donations, cash pledges and everything.

National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC)
(632) 9125668
(632) 9111406
(632) 9115061
(632) 9122665

Philippine National Red Cross
(632) 5270000 or 143

World Vision Development Foundation
(632) 3747618 to 28

Quezon City Red Cross
(632) 9203672
(632) 4332151 to 52

Red Cross Rizal Chapter
(632) 6350922
(632) 6347824

GMA Kapuso Helpline
(632) 9811950 to 59

ABS-CBN Sagip Kapamilya
(632) 4110181 to 83
(632) 4110011 to 13
(632) 3940866
(632) 3940964
(632) 3920815
(632) 3921209

Or call
Bantay Bata 163

For bank donations to ABS-CBN Foundation, there is only one account in Banco De Oro, wala nang iba.

Account name: ABS-CBN Foundation
Account number: 563-0020111

For overseas donations, call 1-800-527-2820 or visit abscbnfoundation.org

Food and clothes needed in STA LUCIA, NOVALICHES

If someone near is reading, we are also needing Food and Clothes para sa mga taga Barangay Sta. Lucia, Novaliches. The people affected there are really poor and they are more in need. Mas mahihirap po talaga sila. Please help fast!

Please contact:
Contact: Lalaine Orozco or Marlen Orozco
Address: B11 L32-34 Sunset Ave. Northwind Subdivision, Barangay Nagkaisang Nayon, Novaliches, Quezon City, 1121
Number: 0922-7474398


Barrio Siete Dot Com also has a fund raising campaign for Typhoon Ondoy victims and we are glad to inform everyone that La Kapitana has already remitted $1000 to PNRC.

Check here for details.

To all the volunteers, donors and everyone who prayed and helped,

THANK YOU VERY MUCH!



photo from Barrio Siete

Barrio Bayanihan for Ondoy Victims

Barrio Siete is making an effort to help our fellow countrymen in these times of crisis.
Ito ang aming panawagan.

My fellow bloggers, readers and lurkers; it breaks our heart seeing all these images and watching the videos coming from Manila – the wrath and devastation not only to properties but also to the lives of our fellow Filipinos. Tropical typhoon Ondoy is not only creating havoc but also bringing epic floods in the Metropolitan Manila area.

In the spirit of Barrio Siete, I invite you all to join our Bayanihan Fund Drive: Donate to Ondoy Flood Victims. Very simple:

1.) Make a donation to our Bayanihan Fund Drive: Donate to Ondoy Flood Victims. If you can’t, then help us by making this viral and create an entry entitled: “Bayanihan Fund Drive: Donate to Ondoy Flood Victims“. A link to this original entry will be appreciated where your readers can make a donation. Please leave us a note in the comment section if you are joining so we can list your entry, in case the pingback doesn’t work.

2.) Invite other bloggers to join our “Bayanihan Fund Drive: Donate to Ondoy Flood Victims”

3.) We will list the names of the donors in a worksheet, their organization and/or their websites, unless they prefer to be anonymous.

4.) The listing will be updated regularly and will be posted in Barrio Siete Dot com.

5.) We are only accepting monetary donations in currencies accepted by Paypal. Please see Bayanihan Fund Drive link for details on how to donate.

6.) All donations will be remitted only to the Philippine National Red Cross in Manila. La Kapitana can assure you that all donations will go to PNRC. This is La Kapitana's assurance:

a.) I have a complete list of who donated and the amount of the donation. I will blog about the complete list on a spreadsheet.

b.) I have just sent an email to the Philippine National Red Cross. It’s about 2:58PM EST right now, so it’s about 2:58AM early morning in Manila, and hopefully they respond by email, otherwise, I will call them to see how to remit the funds.

c.) I have donations in the US that will take 3 business days to clear from the bank to the PayPal account so, hopefully, I should be able to make the 1st transfer or remittance before the end of this coming week.

d.) I will wait until I’ve talk to a representative from the Philippine National Red Cross to find out if they have a PayPal Account which would be easier.

e.) If not, I can also transfer the funds by wire through the PNB Remittance Centers (which I use) and they issue and electronic confimation that I can post and is verifiable.


7.) If you prefer: You can make donations directly to the Philippine National Red Cross. Here is the link: Ways to donate

We will in turn, turn this over to the Philippine National Red Cross.

Spread the word people. This is one way of helping our kababayans.
What are you waiting for? Go na!



photo from Barrio Siete

Slow Justice

Yesterday was the arraignment for the case we filed against one of criminals who tried to kill me, our driver and bodyguard in an ambush that happened almost three months ago.

Hindi ako pumunta ng korte. I was represented by our lawyer. Sa totoo lang takot pa rin ako to go out and be in the same place kasama ang nagtangkang pumatay sa amin. I am afraid that somebody might still harm me or my companions because the lawless elements were unsuccessful in their plan, or they might get back at us. Who knows. Mas mabuti nang hindi nila ako makita doon.

Anyway, our lawyer called me late in the afternoon kahapon and informed me that the one detained entered a not guilty plea sa kasong frustrated murder during the arraignment. Which means lalaban sa kaso ang walanghiyang tulisan.

To tell you honestly, I’m so stressed with this latest development.

Gusto ko na talagang matapos ito and everything. Ayoko nang harapin pa ito. Ayoko nang balikan pa ang mga involved sa kasong ito or makaharap silang muli.

I want to move on with my life.

Gusto kong ibalik ang aking dating mundong ginagalawan. Yung walang fear. Walang worries. Gusto kong maglakad sa daan na walang iniisip na somebody might hurt me. Masyadong nakaka-stress.

The first hearing is set on the 17th of November. The judge said that our presence is compulsory or else he will slap us with a fine of P5,000.00 each kung ang abogado lang ang mag-aappear in our behalf.

Juice ko. Sayang din ang P5k. Complete outfit na ang mabibili dun. Or round trip plane ticket for 2 to a local destination.

Isa pa, may babayaran pa akong attorney’s fees. Wala sa yearly budget ko ito noh. Wala nga sa contingency or emergency fund. Saan na naman ako mangungutang ng ipambabayad nito, my gosh!

Bwisit at perwisyo talaga ang dala nitong mga kriminal na ‘to sa buhay ko. Kung puwede lang sana dalhin na lang sila sa Pluto eh, tapos na ang kaso. Kainez!

Kung tumatanggap ba naman ang Fortun brothers ng libreng service eh, malamang tinawagan ko na sila. Sigurado pa ang panalo namin. Hahaha!

Yuhooooo?? Atty. Raymond and Atty. Sigfrid, where art thou? I need you!




photo credit: scrapetv.com

Decent

I told you kahapon that I would right something decent today right? Kaya eto na ang aking decent post. Hahaha!

This is just an update of what keeps me glued to the telly these past few months.
Alam niyo naman, hindi ako nabubuhay ng walang tv at lalong hindi ako mabubuhay kapag hindi ko napanuod ang aking mga favourite shows. At dahil hindi pa masyadong umaandar ang aking utak, eto na muna ang ishe-share ko sa inyo.



Tawagin natin itong:

What makes Mel glued to the TV these days.

Hahaha!
Eto na.

Project Runway Philippines, Season 2

The first season was a blast, at kahit hindi nanalo ang manok kong si Veejay Floresca, at least successful pa rin siya ngayon. In fact, he will represent the country sa Japan Young Designers contest.
This second season is also a diverse group. May nurse, medical technologist, accountant and graphic designer to name a few. Early favourites are Russel, Richie and Hanz from Cebu. Another controversial favourite ay si Patrick Galang who was actually eliminated in the fifth challenge, but was brought back in the seventh and most recent challenge. Kalokah di ba? Hindi na ako magtataka kung siya ang mananalo. Hindi pa man tapos ang show ay naluto na. Hahaha!

Glee

Sa totoo lang inabangan ko ito because of one interesting character. Yung African-American girl na bumirit ng Respect. Kalokah siya! Effie White, isdatchu? In fairness, maganda talaga ang Glee. Kaabang-abang ang mga susunod na episodes. Hindi na rin ako magtataka kung humakot man ito ng awards sa susunod na taon. This show is a breath of fresh air. Whatever that means. Hahaha!

Katorse

Ito ang freshly controversial. A teleserye remake of Dina Bonnevie’s film, this one features Davao’s pride Erich Gonzales in a very daring role. Ikaw ba naman ang mabuntis at 14, nakakalokaaah! Ewan ko nga ba kung bakit sa primetime ito nilagay kung saan maraming kabataan ang nanunood. Nakakakilabot ang mga dialogue ng mga batang artista. To think nasa 14-16 ang characters na ginagampanan nila ha. This show should be in a later timeslot. In fairness, at least maagang dinner na kapag nakikita ko ang mga gwapitong si Ejay Falcon, Xian Lim and Enchong Dee. Okay na rin. Huwag nang baguhin ang timeslot. Hahaha!

Gossip Girl, Season 3

Akala natin sa Season 2 ay mamamaalam na si GG dahil magka-college na ang mga bruhang sina Blair and Serena, hindi pa pala tapos ang intrigahan, bulgaran at kung anik-anik pa. I wonder kung anong controversies na naman ang haharapin ng dalawang ito pati na ang mga lalake sa buhay nila. Sa totoo lang, ang pinaka-crush ko sa male cast ay si Rufus Humphrey played by Matthew Settle. Shet! Ang gwapo niyang papa! Hahaha! One of these days, aagawin ko siya kay Lily!

Kambal Sa Uma

Another kapamilya show na daily kong inaabangan. Kambal sa Uma is originally a movie starred by Rio Locsin, who now plays the mother of the twins in the teleserye starring my real-life twin sister Shaina Magdayao and Melissa Ricks.
Nagtataka kayo kung bakit napapanuod ko ito eh panghapon ang programang ito? Well, fortunately, may tv sa office namin and dahil hindi na nga ako puwedeng lumabas due to security reasons ay most of the time napapanood ko ito. Hehehe. In fairness, maganda ang acting ng dalawang bidang babae pero mas effective din na kontrabida si Miss Gina Alajar.

Well, yan na muna ang aking top five. Tinatamad na akong mag-type. Hahaha! Bukas ulet ang other 5 kung hindi ako tatamarin.

In the meantime, relax, enjoy, and see a tv.



photo credits:
dreamstime.com
solar via wikipedia
tengossip.com
daemonstv.com
abs-cbn.com

Thoughts

Tired.
Not dirty and paunchy.
A little stressed?
Hurt by the recent turn of events.

Angry.
Wanting revenge?

Maybe.

Worth my attention?
I don’t think so.
Not anymore.

I’ve moved on.
Empty?
Sobra.
No space for new messages na nga eh.

Missing?
Oo naman.

Feel like flying over there this weekend.
Gaga.
Tanga.
Stupid.

Medyo lang.

Sad or happy?
Both.

I really want to laugh.

Don’t know what to do.
I’ve disappointed myself again.

Breathe.




I will be back with a decent post bukas.
Promise.




photo credit: here

Even If It Leads Nowhere

Sigh.



Kaya pala hindi siya nagparamdam ng ilang araw.

Kaya pala out of reach ang phone niya sometimes.

Kaya pala wala akong matanggap na texts galing sa kanya for many days.

Kaya pala hindi niya sinasagot ang calls ko.

Kaya pala hindi na siya nagmi-miscall after work.

Kaya pala busy siya palagi.

Kaya pala masama ang kutob ko lately.

Kaya pala naiiyak na ako minsan.

Kaya pala feeling ko mawawala na naman siya.


Kaya pala.


Kinuha na naman siya ng iba.

Sinaktan na naman niya ako.

Umiyak na ako kanina.


I have to move on.

I’m tired of chasing pavements.



Thank you Adele. Your song is lifting my spirit.


Pasensiya na friend.

Serious muna ako.

Wala munang punchline.




photo credit (adele): here

photo credit (crying girl) : here

Black Label

Black hoodie from Regatta…

P1595.00,

Black skinny jeans from Giordano…

P999.00,

Black & white purse from tiangge…

P50.00,

Black shoes from Celine…

P895.00,


Signature pose…



PRICELESS.



There are some things money can’t buy,

For everything else...


There’s utang, hiram, loan, lay-away plan, 5-6 at marami pang ibang paraan.

'Di ba? Hahaha!


Pasensiya na, I forgot to shave. LOL

A Little Thank You

Just a quick post.

Last night we watched the movie "In My Life" at SM Davao. I have no plans to watch this movie because I read bad reviews already and I was totally convinced to wait for it na lang sa Cinema One. Unfortunately, I had nowhere else to go last night and I was literally dragged by a few friends to watch it with them.

I left my bag in my friend's car and wallet lang ang dinala ko. Before entering the theatre, I bought a copy of Mega magazine with Jo Ann Bitagcol on the cover.
To make the story short, by 11:30pm, natapos din ang kalbaryo ko sa panunood sa kachakahan ng acting ng buong cast ng movie. We decided to drop by a fastfood chain to buy something. Doon ko lang na-realise na magazine na lang pala ang bitbit ko and nawawala na ang aking wallet.

It was already past 12 midnight, we decided to go back to SM.

The security guards at SM were very accomodating. They accompanied me to their office so that they could address my concern.

Fortunately, my wallet was there. All things intact.

Thank you very much to the janitorial services of SM for keeping my wallet.
Thank you very much to their security personnel.

I got their names and they are Chief SG Glen Mordino, SG Edgar Callanta and SG Silver Suazo.

Maraming salamat again mga Kuya.
Sana tularan kayo ng ibang security guards.


P.S. Cute yung isang tumulong sa'kin. Hahaha!


photo from wikipedia

Thank You For The Music

I like singing.



Since I was a little gurl ay mahilig na akong kumanta. I think I started singing when I was 8 or 9. Naalala ko pa kasi unang Sali ko sa isang singing contest ay dun pa ginanap sa munting kapilya ng aming barangay. Lima kami nun and my song choice was Whitney Houston’s One Moment in Time. Yes, biritera na ako nung maliit pa ako. Kayang-kaya kong kantahin yan without making a falsetto. Very normal lang yun para sa akin na para lang akong humihinga. Effortless kumbaga. Hahaha!

Sa totoo lang ay medyo nagulat si Mother na may talent pala ako sa singing. Ang ginawa niya ay binilhan niya ako ng multiplex tapes at microphone para daw makapag-praktis ako. “Training songs” ko noon ang mga kanta ng ABBA kaya nung pinalabas ang Mamma Mia sa movies ay ecstatic ako. Hindi kasi ako aware kung anong mga kanta ang uso noon kaya pinagtiyagaan ko na rin ang mga kanta ng ABBA. Favourite kong kantahin siyempre ang Thank You For the Music. My favourite line to that song was,

“I’ve been so lucky, I am the girl with golden hair.”

Hahaha!

Pasalamat kayo at wala pang youtube noon dahil kung meron lang, malamang singer na rin ako ngayon. Hahaha!

Anyway, hindi rin nagtagal ang aking singing career dahil mas focused ako sa school. Although kumakanta din ako sa school activities and I participate during musical shows and contests sa school din.

Eventually, nag-iba na rin ang timbre ng aking boses kasi nga nagdadalaga na ako.
Nahihirapan na akong bumirit at kumanta on higher keys. One time, kumanta ako ng Journey ni Lea Salonga sa isang school program, eh bigla akong pumiyok. Tawanan ang mga tao. Tumawa na rin ako. Akala niyo iiyak ako, hindi noh! Napahiya ako pero hindi ko pinakita. Makapal kaya mukha ko. Hahaha!

Pero na-trauma ako sa nangyari. Hindi na ako kumanta in public for a very long time. Kahit sa mga family gatherings or parties, I always decline to sing if I’m being asked. Ayoko nang mapahiya. Masakit ang pagtawanan ka sa harap ng maraming tao. Oo nga tumawa din ako pero deep inside I was hurting. Charing!

Mahirap na rin kumanta ngayon kasi kelangan piliin mo ang nararapat na kanta para sa level na kaya ng boses mo. Hindi na pambirit ang boses ko.

But that did not stop me from singing.

Mahilig kaming mag-videoke. Kaya naming kumanta kahit buong araw pa ito. Hahaha! Siyempre dahil frustrated diva nga ako ay palaging naka-lineup ang mga kantang pang-diva talaga. Eto ang madalas kong kinakanta tuwing may videoke session ang mga bruha.

Pangarap ko ang Ibigin ka (Regine Velasquez): ito ang pinaka-favourite kong kanta ni Ate Reg. Ini-imagine ko lang na si Dingdong Dantes ang inaawitan ko at feel na feel ko nang bumirit nito.

Because you Loved me (Celine Dion): mahirap kantahin dahil sa mga adlibs pero keri lang. Feeling Michelle Pfeiffer din ako na hinaharana si Robert Redford habang nakaharap sa videoke machine.

Shine (Regine Velasquez): this is my pambungad/panggulat piece lalo na kapag maraming tao sa paligid. Yun bang aakalain nilang ambisyosa ako sa aking song choice at magugulat na lang sila dahil keri ko pala. Hahaha!

Bitch (Meredith Brooks): dahil minsan feeling kong magpaka-rockstar. Madalas kasi walang songs ng favourite rock band kong Garbage sa mga videoke bars.

Tell Him (Celine Dion & Barbra Streisand): ito naman madalas naming kantahin ni KC or Edz as a duet. Keri namin ang blending and most of the time, lines ni Barbra ang inaawit ko.

Through the Fire (Chaka Khan): hindi puedeng mawala sa lineup ang kantang ito dahil ito ang national anthem ng mga bakla tuwing may videoke.

Forever’s not Enough (Sarah Geronimo): para feeling young popstar.

Listen (Beyonce Knowles): so far ito ang pinakamahirap kantahin lalo na ang birit part. Ambisyosa na kung ambisyosa but I just can’t resist mag- ala Dreamgirls paminsan-minsan. Habang kinakanta ko ito ay palagi kong iniisip ang mukha ni Jamie Foxx sa movie. Nakakadagdag-depth sa performance. Hahaha!

Reflection (Christina Aguilera): dahil favourite kong kantahin ang linyang, “Who is that girl I see, staring straight back at me”. Feeling ko kinakausap ko ang aking inner gurliness.

Bukas na lang kita Mamahalin (Lani Misalucha): hands down ito ang pang-finale song ko. Feeling Asia’s Nightingale talaga ako pag-kinakanta ito. Unique ang song na ito dahil medyo soft sa beginning tapos biglang may birit pala sa gitna ‘til the end. Pramis, madalas 100 ang score ko dito. Hahaha!

Oh ayan ha. Alam niyo na ang mga favourite videoke songs ko. Next time kapag may concert, este videoke tayo ay alam niyo na kung ano ang pipindutin na codes for me. Hindi pa naman ako marunong mag pindot pindot sa videoke machines. Hahaha!



photo credit: here

Return To The Dancefloor

Guess what.

For the first time in 48,000 years, I went back to the dancefloor.


photo credit: here

Oo naman. Kahit parehong kaliwa ang aking mga paa ay sumasayaw din ako lalo na kung above 50% na ang alcohol content ng aking katawan. Hahaha!

It happened over the weekend with Edz and his friends a.k.a. workmates at a local bar in CDO. Alam niyo naman I semi-retired na a few months ago sa nightlife and maintains a 7-10 hours of sleep on weekends. I had no choice kasi but to go with them because I felt tired sulking in the hotel watching boring tv.

In fairness, I had a great time with them. We went to this local bar with white interiors and I find it very cozy. I think we stayed there from 11pm to 3am. Quite decent and long na yun for someone like me who doesn’t enjoy partying much. Edz’ friends are totally cool. If they invite me again next time, I’ll be very glad to join them. Masaya silang kasama. I never thought I’d enjoy the time with them. Akala ko kasi straight people are boring. Hahaha! Etchos lang. Baka magbasa ang mga yun ng blog ko at hindi na ako imbitahin.

Sa totoo lang, nanibago talaga ako. Mahirap din palang mawala ka sa limelight ng pagpaparty noh. Medyo na-culture shock ulet ako when I entered the bar. Feeling ko tuloy I’m so manang already kahit na I’m only 17. Charot!

The music played was very new to my semi-deaf ears. Natuwa naman ako and for once ay hindi ko narinig ang “Nobody” ng Wonder Girls at yung “Fire” ng grupo ni Sandara Park. Nasusuka na kasi ako dun. Hahaha! Medyo scary na rin itong kantang “Nobody” kasi ito na pala ang bagong “My Way”. Kalokah!

Sana this weekend ay may party ulet. Medyo kelangan nang ma-refresh ang aking social night life at parang nahuhuli na naman ako. I’m turning into a manang at a very young age. Hahaha! Ayoko munang mag-retire sa pagpapakasaya. At least for now. I’m turning ‘18’ soon you know. Bye bye 17. It's been a nice year. Hahaha!


photo credit: here

I Prefer Sucking

I don’t smoke.



Once ko lang nasubukan ang manigarilyo and it did not taste good. Nasuka ako na parang buntis on her fourth month. Hindi ko rin pinagsisihan na tumikim ako because I just realised how awful tasting cigarettes are. Nagtataka nga ako sa inyong mga smokers diyan kung bakit ini-enjoy niyo ang paninigarilyo eh ang sama naman ng lasa nito.

I’m glad na hindi ko ito nagustuhan on my first try because I know some of you are struggling to stop this vice but unsuccessful pa rin. Anyway, good luck na lang sa inyo.

At dahil friend ko kayo, concern din ako sa wellness ninyo. Why don’t you try this alternative to smoking.



Masarap na, enjoy na, seductive pa. Hindi pa kayo magmumukhang pugon ng French Baker or chimney sa bahay dahil umuusok kayo.

Most importantly, walang threat sa health ninyo. It doesn’t kill.

‘Di ba?

So what are you waiting for. Go to the nearest grocery and pack some Chupa Chups for the rainy days. Go!



photo source: here

Barrio Under Repair

My other home Barrio Siete will be under repair for a few hours.



Alam niyo naman sumisikat na ito at in demand na rin. Kelangan maglipat-bahay na raw kami kaya I'm starting to pack my things there.

In the meantime, you can visit Ate Reynz's kingdom for updates about Barrio Siete. Doon din siguro muna kami titira for a while hangga't hindi pa naayos ang barrio. Salamat sa aming mga resident karpinteros, Kuya Rob and Kuya KK, sa pag-aayos nito. Salamat din kay Ate Reynz at makikitambay muna kami sa palasyo niya.

Yun lang po muna.

May hangover pa ako. Hahaha!



photo source: here

I Will Remember You

I was busy preparing dinner when my phone rang. Siyempre, dahil lafang ang nasa harapan ko dinedma ko muna ang phone call. I wasn’t expecting any calls naman eh. Nag ring ulet kaya kinuha ko na lang ang cellphone ko. Aba, ‘caller unknown’, which means galing sa labas ng Pinas ang tawag. Sinagot ko na lang at baka kung sino na ito.

"Hello?"

“Bakla!”

“Sino to?”

“Hoy bruha ka, si Ronnie ito!”

“Ay! Kamusta ka na ‘day? Sang lupalop ka na ba tinapon ni Lord ngayon?”

“Gaga! Nandito na ako ngayon sa Amerika. Sushal na ako ‘day! Hahaha!”

“Wow, antaray! Kelan ka pa nandiyan? Lumayas ka na pala ng Pilipinas hindi mo man lang ako sinabihan.”

“Day, pano kasi, palagi akong walang load. You know naman, purita lang ang friend mo. Nakikisuyo lang ako sa kapitbahay namin noon nung nakakatext ako sa’yo.”

“Teka, bakit ka nga napadpad diyan?”

“Mel, naalala mo yung inaplayan natin sa internet, yung magja-janitor at messenger sa isang opisina, akalain mo bang tawagan ako ‘day? Pati nga ako nagulat eh. Ambilis ng mga pangyayari. Sampu kaming natanggap ‘day. Sila na rin ang nag-asikaso ng aming working visa and everything. Bukas na ako magsisimula friend.”

“Talaga ‘day? I’m so happy for you. Sushal ka na friend. Magkakaron ka na ng American accent. Hahaha! San ka ba sa Amerika?”

“Nueva York ‘day! Nueva York. Mararampahan ko na rin ang Fifth Avenue at Central Park. Hahaha! Makakapag-asawa pa ako ng gwapong blue-eyed blonde, alam mo naman mahilig ang mga kano sa exotic!”

“Hahaha! Oo nga friend. Bongga ka. Ireto mo rin ako ha? Hahaha!”

“Day, seriously, masayang-masaya ako kasi maaahon ko na rin sa hirap ang pamilya ko. Hindi na kami magdidildil ng asin. Hindi na tatanggap ng labada si Nanay. Hindi na rin magko-construction si Tatay. Hindi na lang lugaw ang kakainin ng mga kapatid ko, mapapakain ko na rin sila sa Jollibee at McDo. At higit sa lahat, makakabayad na ako sa mga utang ko sa’yo kaya hanapin mo na ang tubig na pinaglistahan mo ng mga utang ko. Hahaha!”

“Gaga ka friend. Okay lang yun noh. What are friends for. Buti nga at naalala mo pa ako. Ang importante, unahin mo muna ang pamilya mo.”

“Oo nga friend. Don’t worry pag nakapag-sweldo ako ay padadalhan din kita ng tsokolate.”

“Ay, gusto ko yan friend!”

“Day, aalis na ako at pupunta pa ako sa opis ng boss namin.”

“Akala ko ba bukas pa ang duty mo?”

“Oo 'day pero pupunta kami ngayon dahil pipirma pa ng kontrata. Day, this is really is it na talaga!”

“Okay ‘day. Mag-iingat ka diyan. Huwag kang tatanga-tanga. Iwas boys muna ha, remember may mga kapatid ka pang naghihintay dito sa Pilipinas.”

“Oo naman friend, family first before everything.”

“Good luck Ron ha?”

“Thanks ‘day. Mel, puede last favor before I go?”

“Ano yun?”

“Paki-bantayan mo ang pamilya ko ha. Mami-miss ko kayong lahat.”

“Sure ‘day. No problem. Missing you already.”

“Salamat friend. Paalam.”

“Bye Ron.”

Click.


8:00pm Bukidnon, Philippines
8:00am New York City, USA
11 September 2001



Ronnie was on his way to the World Trade Center.
I haven’t heard from him ever since.
His family are still waiting back home.

Preview of Death

For the nth time, disappointed na naman ako sa aking favourite fashion magazine, Preview.

This year alone, 3 issues na ang hindi ko na pinag-aksayahan ng muscles para buksan or alisin man lang sa plastic cover nito. Eh kasi naman the people on the cover are very repulsive. Hahaha!

Eto ang mga issues na sinasabi ko.


September 2009 (Kim Chiu)


August 2009 (Carla Abellana)


June 2009 (Marian Rivera)


Ayoko lang kasi maputol ang aking Preview magazine collection kaya I obliged myself to get a copy every month. Sad to say, parang I’m getting bored and not excited na with their articles and fashion spreads. It’s the same old stories kahit iba-ibahin pa nila ang font and graphic design nito every now and then. Even the July Best Dressed issue with Maricel Soriano on the cover is quite underwhelming. Nakakapagod na ang puro celebrities ang nakikita on the cover. I mean, marketing-wise this really works but compromising fashion and style for the sake of calling yourself a ‘best-seller’ dahil inubos na ng fans club ni Marimar at Rosalinda ang mga magazines sa stands at bookstore is so disgusting. Hahaha!

Pauline Suaco-Juan, jologs ka na ba? LOL

US Vogue does it but hello, they are US Vogue, and Anna Wintour is Anna Wintour.

Ano ba! It’s time na siguro to say goodbye and farewell to Preview?

Well… Pag-iisipan ko.

Pero itong MEGA September issue is very tempting ha? Supermodel and photographer JoAnn Bitagcol on the cover! Nakakalokaaaah!



Kahit luma na ang Lanvin blouse na yan at on-sale na, I still love it!

Ibalik ang mga tunay na supermodels sa cover!



photo credits:
Preview magazine photos from StyleBible
Mega magazine photo from Starmometer

Judge

photo source: here

To judge a book by its cover is bad.

To judge a book even though you’re not a judge is not appropriate.

To judge a book without even seeing it is the worst.

Age old saying but still works.

I thought I’ve learned that years ago but surprisingly, hindi pa pala. Lately, I became too judgmental to certain people. I’ve been saying nasty things about them but I have not even met them. Kalokah noh? I’ve judged them way too soon.

Sometimes, kapag pumasok talaga ang topak sa utak, you just have to control it. Gag your mouth if kelangan just to shut yourself up.

I ask forgiveness for being mean and stupid.


Sorry…

Voices of Angels

I love music. Kahit anong klase basta’t hindi rap or heavy metal, although I love the Black Eyed Peas, Nine Inch Nails and Marilyn Manson. Sila lang ang exceptions to the rule.

Pop is definitely my favourite but one type of music that is special to me is classical/gospel/opera especially when injected with popular tunes and contemporary sound. Think Il Divo, Vanessa-Mae, Enya and the Vienna Boys Choir. I like listening to their version of Enya’s Only Time kahit 24/7 pa itong ipatugtog. Feeling ko kasi ay parang lumulutang ako sa hangin o kaya ay nakasuot ng long gown at rumarampa sa Evening Gown competition ng Miss Universe. Hahaha!

Dream ko siyempre na marinig ang Loboc Children’s Choir of Bohol to do a record tapos meron din version ng pop songs. We’ve heard how good they are in singing, read: world class. Twice na akong nakapunta sa Loboc but everytime we went there palaging wala ang mga bata. Last time eh nasa Beijing daw sila nagko-concert. Ang taray! Kahit yung friend kong si Unique na resident na rin ng Bohol ay naiiyak everytime naririnig ang Loboc Children’s Choir kung kumanta. Siguro emotera lang talaga ang friend ko but I’ve seen them perform on tv and totoo naman talagang parang boses ng mga anghel sa langit kumanta ang mga bata. Wish ko lang sana in my next Bohol trip ay ma-witness ko rin ang magic ng Loboc Children’s Choir. Eto may nakita akong performance nila via YouTube.

Anyway, last Sunday I was at the record store looking for a cd or dvd ng Vienna Boys Choir. Sadly, walang kopya and record bar but the saleslady gave me another group na similar sa VBC. Some of you might have heard of them. They are called LIBERA and they come from England, my hometown. Charing!



Matagal na pala silang grupo, bakit ngayon ko lang na-discover. Well, better late than never ‘debbah? This is their official website.

I’ve heard one of their songs before but I wasn’t familiar with the group. In fairness, parang mga anghel din ang boses. Very similar to VBC. I fell in love with them instantly and bought their Best of cd and their concert dvd . I searched for them in YouTube and here’s the video of the two songs that I like most. Paki-click na lang ang link ha.

Sanctus

Adoramus

OH MY GOD! Magko-concert pala sila sa Pilipinaaaas!!!

Juice ko ngayon ko lang nabasa sa website nila.
It will be on the 25th of October 2009. Juice ko mag-iipon na ako ng pambili ng tickeeeeet!

My gosh, I'm so excited. Feeling ko talaga ako si Stefania Fernandez na naka-gown at rumarampa habang kumakanta sila. Hahaha!

Go get your copy of the cd and dvd at baka maubusan kayo dahil na-promote na sila dito. Hahaha!

Magkita na lang tayo sa concert nila noh. Sana makapunta nga ako sa concert nila.
Paging Vicky Morales. Yuhooooo!



photo credit: here

The Right Thing To Do

I was inspired to write this post upon reading Ate Ajay’s recent entry in Barrio Siete about the murder of film critic and blogger Alexis Tioseco and his Slovenian girlfriend Nika.

In that article she asked a question kung ano ang mangyayari sa blog natin if mawawala lang tayong bigla like what happened to Alexis.

We really don’t know what’s gonna happen to us tomorrow or the days to come. Hindi natin hawak ang ating buhay. Tanging si God lang ang nakakaalam kung ano ang magiging fate natin dito sa mundo.



When I was ambushed last July, I really thought it’s the end of me. Tapos na ang aking maliligayang araw. Hindi ko na makakamit ang aking ambition na maging covergirl ng Vogue. Mamamaalam akong hindi suot ang aking dream shoes from Chrisitian Louboutin. Matitigok akong hindi nakapag-143 sa aking mga parents. At higit sa lahat, mamamatay akong pangit dahil sa gunshots and blood all over.
But thank God that didn’t happen. Eto pa rin ako at buhay na buhay. Bading na bading pa rin at higit sa lahat I still have the chance to fulfill my dreams, aspirations and ambitions in life kahit imposible pang makamit ang ilan sa mga dun.

Anyway, back to Ate Ajay’s question.

Ano nga ba ang mangyayari sa blog mo kapag suddenly (God forbid) ay mawawala ka sa mundong ibabaw?

In my case, my sister Rhoda and my friend Edz knows everything on how to access this blog. They are the only two people authorised by me to write here. If that unfortunate event would happen, at least may mag-iinform sa inyo about what happened to me. Either one of them will tell you everything. I know Manang will be here to blog about my life, the real me from her perspective. I have kept some details of my life from you and maybe she’ll be the one to tell you when that time comes. Maybe Edz could do the same. He knows everything about me too, from a friend’s perspective naman. Ikukuwento niya perhaps kung sino talaga ako because like my sister, he knows me more than anyone else, from head to toe, from split ends to ingrown. We’ve shared a lot of memories and moments that I haven’t told my family or something that I haven’t blogged here yet and maybe siya na rin ang magku-kuwento sa inyo when that sad day will come.

It may sound morbid but it’s just the reality of life.

Hindi mo ito hawak. Might as well be advanced noh. At least ready na ang lahat.

Kumbaga, nasa draft na ito and anytime puede nang i-publish.

The Presidentiables: Manny Villar

This is the 2nd part of my series on the Presidentiables. Yung Part 1 ko eh about Mar Roxas, pero umatras na siya. Good riddance. Hahahaha!

Anyway, this post is about my thoughts on another aspiring individual to be the leader of Las Islas Filipinas. I’m talking about Manny Villar.


According to the chika, Manny Villar was born poor in the slums of Tondo. Nagsikap para mabuhay and dahil sa Sipag at Tiyaga, naging successful sa buhay. Yumaman. As in YUMAMAN talaga. He owns a lot of properties. As in A LOT.

Tumakbong Congressman ng Las Pinas at nanalo by landslide three times. He once became the richest congressman in the history of the Philippine House of Representatives, a title that is now being held by his wife, Congresswoman Cynthia Villar. He is currently a senator and yes, siya rin ang tinaguriang richest senator. Hindi na kataka-taka. Senator Manny Villar is currently the 11th Richest in the Forbes Asia’s list of 40 Richest Filipinos of 2008. Naging Senate President din siya before pero pinalitan ni Senator Juan Ponce Enrile when lumabas yung controversial issue on the C5 insertion.

As a senator, well, magaling naman si Manny V. Marami din siyang na-sponsoran na bills at naging co-author. Naging makatotohanan yung ibang plataporma niya na matulungan ang ating mga kababayang OFW at ma-address at mapalakas ang growing small and medium scale enterprises sa ating bansa.

Last year pa ay medyo nararamdaman na natin na kakandidato nga si Senator sa pagka-presidente. Naging visible kasi siya sa tv with his sudden tv commercials about his assistance na makauwi ang ilang kababayan natin na inabuso sa ibang bansa. Hmmmm.. Hindi na nakapagtataka yun. Medyo nakakagulat lang dahil napa-aga yata ang kampanya ni Senator. Pero okay lang, at least dahil sa maaga niyang pangangampanya ay maraming kababayan natin ang na-rescue at natulungan particulary the OFW’s who really needed help.

This year, naging klaro na nga na kakandidato si Senator sa pagka-pangulo.
Yun nga lang medyo hindi ito nakabuti sa kanya. Hinalungkat ng mga may ayaw sa kanya ang anumang mahalungkat na maaaring makasira kay Manny V. Nangunguna na dito ang bestfriends niya sa Senado na si Sen. Ping Lacson and Sen. Jamby Madrigal. Akala mo nga kung sinong malilinis at walang itinatagong skeleton ang mga ito kung maka-puna sa mga mali ni Senator Villar. Hahaha! Baka nakalimutan ni Sen. Lacson na buhay pa si Mancao. At itong si Jamby naman namigay ng mga bracelet sa libing pa ni Tita Cory, kung hindi ka ba naman luka-luka ay di mo gagawin ang kagagahang iyun. Bruha!
Anyway, back to Sen. Villar. Disappointed lang ako sa kanya because he never appeared on the hearing by the Senate Ethics Committee. Oo, may mali nga sa ginawa ni Sen. Lacson but as a senator who’s under an investigation, the people deserves an official and sincere response against those allegations. Hindi yung sa media ka sumasagot at tinawag mo pang Kangaroo court ang Senate Ethics Committee. Where’s your ethics Sen. Villar?

And don’t you think medyo maaga pa para mag-provincial campaign, este, tour? Nakakaloka ka Senator. At si Willie pa ang ginamit mo to reach the masses ha. Ito naman si Willie, akala ko ba ay walang kinikilingan na pulitiko. Oh well, what do you expect from Willie Revillame. Isa siyang napakalaking PLAK. Pera Lang Ang Katapat. Kacheapan. It’s so obvious noh, that appearance in Wowowee is an obvious pangangampanya at ginamit pa yung mga kababayan natin. In fairness, mabuti na rin dahil may nagka-bahay ng libre, dedma na kung nagamit man sila.

So, what do we expect from Sen. Villar in the coming days?

Sa totoo lang, I hope gawin din niya ang ginawa ni Sen. Mar Roxas.

Mas hahangaan ko pa siya pag ginawa niya yun.


Here's his website, Akala Mo.

photo hinarbat mula sa palasyo ng Reyna