Bloopers At Work

A chat message for Mark (Rivera, not the German) one good afternoon when Sir Dom was in the mood to buy EITSC a half-gallon ice cream:

Tinao (6/4/2008 1:30:17 PM): ice cream for you in the panty Tinao (6/4/2008 1:30:20 PM): pantry Tinao (6/4/2008 1:30:29 PM): *pantry

It was a typographical error, ok? No offense meant. Ice cream in the panty? Ulk.

*****

While taking lunch with Mav ( I miss you!) and Lala and discussing some trivialities such as sports:

Tinao: Hindi ako marunong maglaro ng billboard eh.

Lala: Huh? Ano sabi mo? Ako din hindi.

Mav: (eyes blinking, skeptic whether she heard the right thing)

Sounds like naman, di ba?

*****

An email was circulated by moi to the ECCP secretariat regarding Ms. Ria's farewell party. I was enjoining everyone to be present in the party but my end note of my email said:

Attention is a must.

Very well said. Attendance and attention na lang sana nilagay ko. I was just preoccupied with so many things then. I sent an erratum afterwards. Hahaha.

Here I Come, Pangasinan

I am just so excited to return to Pangasinan! No, let me restate that. I am enormously thrilled that every single cell in my body is aching for bagoong. Fish sauce, guys, that brown thick sauce that smells yumyum to me (I just don't know with you) and not the tiny pink shrimps you call 'bagoong'. It's called alamang or agamang in our native tongue. Now, you know.

I miss home. Really. I miss those times when I do not have to hurry returning to Manila even when I do not necessarily have to. I miss my churchmates who would come up with an activity when I'm just there -- vigil, block rosary, carolling, YE seminar, outing, camping, lawn tennis (I just watch) or plainly hanging around the parish office to catch up with the old times (not that we're old though, we just have something to catch up with).

I miss eating with my Papa and Mama even when there is just the three of us. Thinking back, I really had not the chance to open up a conversation about what I was up to lately. Often, I would eat silently, careful not to spill a thing about an unofficial relationship to my Pop and spoil the meal. (Heheheh) I miss my cousins who I know have loads of tales to share to me but they hesitate to because I would rather dwell inside my room than mingle. For so long a time, I missed them a lot. I wasted a lot. There is no way I am going to let another opportunity pass to rekindle what I missed or lost. Uh-uh. Not this time. I'm going to have fun, fun, fun with them this weekend.

The hibernation is over. Tinao (and not McArthur) is returning!

*****

Itinerary for the weekend.

June 27, 6:00 pm Leave for Pangasinan

June 28, 9:00 am Wedding at St. Andrew's Parish, Bugallon (The Prayer na naman ba?)

June 28, 2:30 pm Wedding at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Salasa (Two Words by Lea Salonga ha?)

June 28, 4:00 pm Bonding with Bebi Normz (Naglalambing ang bata, miss na daw ang ate. Sige na.)

June 28, 7:00 pm Night Swimming daw sa Covelandia (Mga PYM members, paramdam kayo!)

June 29, 6:00 am First Mass (Kahit di sabihin ni Father Boc)

June 29, 8:00 am Second Mass

June 29, 11:00 am Visit old granny in Baay (Awwww... tagal ko na sya di nakikita!)

June 29, 2:00 pm Visit HS classmates in Lingayen (Theresa, Maricar, Leah pakihanda ang rolls of tissue paper)

June 29, 6:00 pm Dinner at home (Gusto ko po ng gulay)

June 30, 3:00 am Back to Makati City

Fun!

*****

Is this fun?

I love this shot of Gorio, Father Boc's assistant slash alaga. He must be so tired assisting Father in one of the services they came from that he contented himself with a break such as this. I'm sorry to catch you in this shape Gorio. Ate Tinao will print this for you as a souvenir. Hehehe.

When Asthma Attacks

A dose of Ventolin does not keep the doctor away, neither asthma and betrayal (oh, forget about it). Hindi na yata tumatalab ang gamot sa akin. Kulang na lang pati ang pinagbalatan ko ng tableta eh lunukin ko na rin matigil lang ang paghihingalo ko at pag-ubo. Burnt out na naman ako. Madalas kasi, sa asthma ko sinusukat yung stress level ko. Matagal-tagal na rin kasi na hindi ako sinusumpong ng asthma. Well, muntik na. Kung hindi pa nahulaan ni Ms. Ria na may asthma ako at maninigarilyo sana sya ng isang pakete (exag ako noh?) sa loob ng sasakyan nya (na nakabukas naman ang bintana) habang nakasakay ako sa kotse nya. Nitong huli, halu-halong dahilan ang nagtrigger sa pagsumpong ng asthma ko. Kumbaga sa cause of death, kumplikasyon. Andyan na yung pagod sa paglipat-lipat ng computer tables, sa pagpapakain at pag-aasikaso sa Pointwest trainees (ok lang, well-compensated naman with the likes of Thad), ang pag-uwi ng isang sakong Sinandomeng na bigas ko, ang paghihintay sa taxi nang pagkatagal-tagal, ang mausok na Gil Puyat Avenue, ang pagpapawis ng likod ko at ang pagkakatuyo rin nito sa likod ko, ang paninigarilyo ng Kuya ko, at ang desisyong mag-spend ng weekend sa QC (kasi ayon sa pinsan ko, mas polluted ang environment dun). Sayang, sinumpong pa talaga ako. Hindi ko tuloy naenjoy ang ulan sa maghapon. Hindi ko tuloy matagalan ang manood ng DVD dahil watery yung eyes ko. Hindi tuloy ako nakalabas at nakabili ng white long sleeves ko. Andami ko sana nagawa buong weekend pero tulog lang ang inatupag ko, nagbabakasakaling paggising ko, hindi na ako naghihingalo.

*****

Nagsimula ang lahat isang Byernes ng hapon noong high school ako. PE day ang Byernes sa LEC. Volleyball ang lesson (nakashorts pa ako nun ng black). Hindi pa natatapos ang game, nakaramdam na ako ng pagod. Ni hindi pa nga dumadapo yung bola sa mga kamay ko maliban sa tira ko o serve na 'di na rin naulit (bano!). Magaling kasi ako umiwas sa bola. Nakatayo lang ako sa court, patakbo-takbo, kunwa'y tatangkaing tamaan at ibalik sa kalaban ang bola pero aagawan lang ako ng kasama ko kahit na isigaw ko ang "Mine!" Nagpa-substitute na ako. Kinakapos na ako ng hininga. Pag-upo ko sa bangko (where I belong) eh parang umiikot na nang literal ang mundo ko. Mabilis. At parang kumikitid. Namumutla na pala ako. Abot-abot ang paghinga ko. Akala ko joke lang ang lahat. Seryoso pala na nangyayari yun. Pero nakasurvive ako. Buti na lang wala akong nakitang light at the end of the tunnel.

Kinahapunan nun, pagkatapos ng klase, sinundo ako ng Mama ko. (Sino kaya nagsumbong? Dyahe, sinusundo pa ako eh ok naman na ako.) Dumerecho kami sa Dagupan para mapacheck-up ako. Patpatin at gusgusin, kulang na lang talaga ilabel yung noo ko na "malnourished". Ang daming tanong. Kelan ako huling niregla? Regular ba? (First time ko maencounter yung mga ganitong tanong, promise) May history ba ng hypertension? Ng TB? At kung anu-ano pa. Lahat yun, Mama ko ang sumagot. (Sya ba ang maysakit?) Well, it boiled down into a thing: ASTHMA. Di ko alam paano nalaman ng duktor yun. Flinashlight nya lang yung loob ng bunganga ko, alam na nya?! Amazing! Allergic daw ako sa usok ng sigarilyo at pati alikabok. So that will oblige me to clean my room more often. Pambihira talaga.

May prescription agad. Nebulizer. Nakakaloka. Pero maige na rin kesa ang painumin ako ng pinagpakuluan ng butiki o ang paglanguyin ako sa dagat. Effort.

Rainy Days and Mondays

It is a rainy Monday morning. And thank God for storm Frank (yeah, I'm considering it a blessing in disguise). The traffic is so smooth. Students are not around to vie with you for space in PUVs. Bwahaha. Waging-wagi! Traces of Frank in Makati are everywhere. Fallen leaves and damp streets. The bamboo trees infront of The Columns originally implanted in there for aesthetic purposes yielded to Frank's winds. I saw one security guard taking photos of the bamboos (sosyal!) -- for postcard maybe. ;) Rains give me that euphoric mood. Rains bring back my delightful childhood memories. Rains remind me of the Cali Shandy commercial.

******

I owe my friends birthday greetings:

June 22 - Maricar Ramos, June (of IIEE-CSC)

June 23 - Mitch (of UST-AB Economics 03), Xian (of UST-AB Economics 03)

Just congratulations to my former classmate slash guy pal slash adviser slash brother slash constant chatmate slash provincemate slash so on Junlee Cacapit for finally receiving his visa for London. Taray!

******

My sincerest condolences to Ervi Rodriguez (of UST-AB Legal Management 01 and Our Lady of Lourdes Youth Ministry) for the death of his father.

*****

And I want to repost this read from my friend Jeff's Multiply site just so I could paint a smile in your face. (http://jeffreysarm.multiply.com/journal/item/19/Movies)

1. Black hawk down - Ibong maitim sa ibaba

2. Dead man's chest - Dede ng patay

3. I know what you did last summer - Uyy... aminin!

4. Love, actually - Sa totoo lang, pag-ibig

5. Million dollar baby - 40 million pisong sanggol (it depends on the exchange rate of the country)

6. The blair witch project - Ang proyekto ng bruhang si blair

7. Mary poppins - Si mariang may putok

8. Snakes on a plane - Nag-ahasan sa ere

9. The postman always rings twice - Ang kartero kapag dumutdot laging dalawang beses

10. Sum of all fears - Takot mo, takot ko, takot nating lahat

11. Swordfish - Talakitok

12. Pretty woman - Ganda ng lola mo

13. Robin hood, men in tights - Si robin hood at ang mga felix bakat

14. 4 weddings & a funeral - Kahit 4 na beses ka pang magpakasal, mamamatay ka rin

15. The good, the bad and the ugly - Ako, ikaw, kayong lahat (Hahaha!)

16. Harry potter and the sorcerer's stone - Adik si harry, tumira ng shabu

17. Click - Isang pindot ka lang

18. Brokeback mountain - May nawasak sa likod ng bundok ng tralala /bumigay sa bundok

19. Waterworld - Basang-basa

20. There's something about mary - May kwan sa ano ni maria

21. Employee of the month - Ang sipsip

22. Resident evil - Ang biyenan

23. Kill bill - Kilitiin sa bilbil

24. The grudge - Lintik lang ang walang ganti

25. Nightmare before christmas - Binangungot sa noche buena

26. Annie hall - Ang butas ni annie

27. Never been kissed - Pangit kasi (Hahaha talaga!)

28. Gone in 60 seconds - 1 round, tulog

29. The fast and the furious - Ang bitin, galit

30. Too fast, too furious - Kapag sobrang bitin, sobrang galit

31. Dude, where's my car - Dong, anong level ulit tayo nag-park?

32. Beauty and the beast - Ang asawa ko at ang nanay nya (Hahaha ulit!)

33. The lord of the rings - Ang alahero

*****

The day has not ended yet and I'm still getting a load of surprises. Haha!

On my way to the elevator at 12:35 p.m. to buy myself a cup of rice for lunch (yes guys, I took my lunch that late), I saw Mark the G. (the German!) waiting for the lift at the elevator lobby. Is this some kind of a joke? (Nah, coincidence lang) I sashayed to join him wait for the elevator. And since I think the situation called for emergency, I naturally combed my hair with my fingers to fix it in place. Ooops, blouse, check. Pants, check. Shoes, check. Perfume, uh-oh, I do not wear perfume. I sure hope he won't necessarily sniff like a dog. If he does, he has to bear with my sweat, este sweet smell.

We were the sole couple, I mean we were the only two people (that makes a couple, doesn't it?) there. When the elevator door opened, he held the door for me and motioned me to enter the elevator ahead. Classic gentleman, is he? And what? Is this called my lucky day? We were the only people inside! Where is everybody? As in nada, zero. Only me and him. But he was busy reading that trash he's holding to notice me. :( I only got to relish the moment with him inside the elevator for 5 seconds or so. When we stopped at the 18th floor, two girls entered and helped themselves fill in the space that separates me and Mark the G. I want to get hold of a wand and shout "Patronus!" there and then. Hahaha.

When finally the elevator landed at the Ground Floor, I eased myself out instantly to forget about fancying him. I headed to the jolly jeeps to buy rice for myself but since it was nearing 1:00 p.m., I get to see the vendors cleaning up the empty trays. In short, wala ng rice! I proceeded to the canteen instead while chanting, God, help! I'm starving. He heard my prayer -- and still with a bonus. Mark the G. was heading to a table all by himself. I ordered a cup of rice while my peepers are focused somewhere else. A naughty idea came to me. What if I join him for lunch? Will I get rejected? Well, what if's will stay what if's unless done. So I only frustrated myself. I remember that commercial with the cliche, "Is this seat taken?"

I left the canteen blowing him my sweetest gaze with batting eyelashes. Only that, he does not know.

*****

Have a nice week ahead!

Ang Liham ni Mav (a.k.a. Mab)

Isang ping (bago ang liham) ang aking natanggap mula kay Marivie Duran, ang aking dating kaopisina dito sa EITSC, kasundo, kaututang isip, kakulitan, kakiligan, kakambal, kalokohan (hehehehe). Sabi nya mayroon daw syang isinulat na liham para sa akin. At dahil hindi na uso ang snail mail at marahil ay masyadong techie itong si Mav, ay sa blog nya ito isinulat. Note: Pasensya Mav, dahil blog ko ito, may mga kailangang akong i-omit. Ahahaha. Masyadong vulgar. Hindi ko na rin ilalagay 'yung reference site ng blog mo. Ayoko nga! Narito ang liham na nilagdaan ni Mav (a.k.a. Mab para hindi na masyadong mahirap pakinggan at bigkasin):

Dear Tina-pay,

Ilang buwan na din tayong magkakilala at masasabing kong isa kang matibay na nilalang. Malakas ang loob mo, hindi ka natatakot sumubok ng mga bagay-bagay. Hindi ka natakot magmahal. Saludo ako sayo.

Kung mayroon man akong 'twin sister' sigurado akong ikaw yun. Hindi ko din alam kung bakit nagkakasundo tayo, hindi ko din alam kung bakit magaan ang loob ko sayo.

Hindi kasalanan ang magmahal. Kung hindi man naging maganda ang kinalabasan ng pagmamahal na iyon, eh ano?! Okay lang yun. At least ibinigay mo ang lahat ng makakaya mo at hindi ka natakot magmahal. Kung hindi man niya iyon nasuklian ng ayon sa gusto mo, hindi mo na kasalanan yun.

Huwag mong isipin na wala kang silbi dahil hindi iyon totoo. Kailan man hindi iyon magiging totoo.

"Its not the failures that matters, its what you have learned."

Subukan mo ulit. Walang pumipigil sa iyo. Wala din namang nagmamadali sa iyo.

Hindi nasusukat sa tagal ng pagsasama ang pagmamahal sa isang tao. Hindi rin ito nasusukat sa mga hirap at saya na pinagdaanan nyo. Madalas walang sukatan ang pagmamahal.

Malinis ang iyong kalooban, makakatagpo ka din ng para sa iyo. Subukan mo ulet. Subukan mo ulet mag&^$# sa * o kaya ang *... hindi ko na lang sasabihin kasi alam mo na iyon :).

Kung gusto mo siya walang problema dun at kung kailangan mo ako, alam mo kung ano ang kaya ko hahaha :). Pero alam mo naman kung ano ang kumento ko ukol sa kanya, pagisipan mo :).

You are loved. You are always loved. By me.

Nagmamahal,

Mav

* *toot* boopboopbaby:)

Thank you Mav. Thank you dahil kahit alam kong nabobore ka at walang magawa sa trabaho mo ay nag-exert ka ng effort (brain bleed) para sa liham na ito. Nangingilid na ang luha ko. Ang babaw ko talaga. Nega and drama queen na ako.

Gagawa din ako ng reply letter ko. Antayin mo lang. May training pa kami. Hahaha.

LTO = LITO less "I"

Not another phone conversation to start my blog with. Argh! But this really happened. And I want to narrate it exactly the way I could recount it. Kriiing. Kriiiingg. Past one in the afternoon and I am throwing my usual phone spiel again with my usual pleasant voice (ehem!). But I have this funny feeling I know who my caller might be. A gift of ESP! The voice from the other side was muttering my name like he was reading from my birth certificate. I asked who he was. He declared who he is. My eyes bulged and spelled D.I.S.A.S.T.E.R. Instantly, I was telling my friend over YM that I'm speaking to the person I dreaded speaking to. I could barely hear the caller's words. He has to repeat what he was saying if he has to juice out something from me. I was only trying to imply I was not really interested. I just do not know how to do it the subtle way. Chocolates? Pasalubongs? In my most composed and courteous tone, I said, "'Wag na ho kayong mag-abala."

He must have noticed I was being inadequate with my answers. He prompted, "O sige, baka nakakaistorbo na ako sa'yo." To cut the call short, I uttered, "Sige po." I was not at all surprised when he furthered, "Ano oras ka lumalabas?" To which I said, "6:30 pm" My mind was imploring for help. Stalker! Stalker! He hang up, leaving me bewildered. Somebody shoot me, please. It's the kindest way. I wanna resign. ;-)

*****

As to how, why, when, who and where the above story transpired, I need not delve into details. Let's just say, it was a very uncalled for circumstance that lead me to meeting him in the most unexpected place and time, I did not have time to think. Or was I really thinking then? It was not really a smart move. (Dumb-me-dumb-me-dumb-me-dumb-me. Talk like a man. Act like a man. Dumb-me-dumb-me-dumb-me. *Own lyrics) This is what I get when I offer even the tiniest gesture of kindness I could. Napasobra ata. I am very generous! That's one thing certain.

*****

I'm buying a new, tinier umbrella next payday.

*****

Meanwhile, you may say this short prayer: "Lord Jesus, I need You. Thank You for dying on the cross for my sins. I open the door of my life and receive You as my Savior and Lord. Thank You for forgiving my sins and giving me eternal life. Take control of the throne of my life. Make me the kind of person You want me to be." Amen.

Blog Makeover

Hmmm, I noticed something about myself lately. I am addicted to blogging! I have maintained this blog since 2004 but I only get to blog regularly this year. It must be something really nice to be proud of. My mind has gone sloppy for quite some time that I'm running out of words to say -- more definite words to describe how I feel and what I want to tell the world. So, instead of nourishing this site with words filthy spoken (read: &%^$#@!) because I'm feeling like i wanna lash, I just decided to do a blog makeover. Para maiba naman. Voila! I love the new look of my blog. It is wider. It is much better. It can accommodate more of my blasting ideas and emotions. Way to go! A blessed week everyone! God has something in store for us everyday. Fill your hearts with excitement to discover each one.

Way to Recovery

Umagang-umaga, nagboblog na naman ako. Ok lang. Wala pa namang 8:00 am eh. Di ko alam kung bakit pero after what seemed to be endless excruciating moments over something I should not have wasted time in, eh I feel so light and up again. God must have taken charge over my life now. He truly must be. Paglapag ko pa lang ng bag ko sa chair ko, on agad ang notebook at ang water dispenser para sa hot water ko. Parang nasa bahay lang ba? Hubad ng sapatos at sabay saksak sa paa ng pair of sheep-ish bed slippers ni Ms. Ria (na iniwan sa office kay Ms. Rina na syang tunay na nagmamay-ari nito). Lambot sa paa. Gusto kong sumayaw. Wala pang tao sa office eh. Kung kelan naman gusto ko ng partner para mag-sway-sway sa pinapatugtog kong Michael Buble songs eh saka naman hindi nagpapakita yung mumu sa ECCP office (ok, i take that back. Takot ako sa mumu eh.) Timpla na ako ng Milo drink ko, for energy daw. (Nadaan na naman ako sa ads.) Pagewang-gewang ako sa tugtugin habang iniikot ang kutsarita sa cup of chocolate drink ko. Feeling ko para akong kutsaritang sumasayaw nung makita ko ang reflection ko sa window. Hmmmm... payat ko na ah! Ok lang yun. Papagarage sale ako ng mga damit na pinagpayatan ko. Hahahaha. Ibang songs naman. Somewhere Over the Rainbow by Nora Jones. Humahampas yung mga balikat ko sa tempo ng song. Para akong si Maja Salvador. Hahaha. Sa ganda at payat ko ngayon, di na ako nalalayo sa kanya(in my dreams). Anyway, I still think Nora Jones and Michael Buble sound good together. I mean, they can make a good couple singing forever. Di ba? Madalas kasi pinagbabasehan ng tao ang looks, hence the phrase they look good together. Para maiba naman, wag na lang tignan sa mukha, sa boses na lang. They sound good together. O di ba? Tignan mo si Rachel Ann at Christian Bautista. I do not think they sound good together, kaya ayun, naghiwalay sila. Pokwang and Christian siguro, pwede pa. Eh bakit way to recovery? Kasi nga, I'm singing again like I own the voice of God. I'm dancing again like there's no one watching. Cool yun. Being yourself, your happy true self. So fully recovered na ako? I'm getting there! Yuhooooo....

*****

To my ever-loyal pianist (ayoko sabihin organist or keyboard artist. Promise, ang sagwa pakinggan.), Mac. Salamat sa pagtitiyaga sa pagtugtog mo ng mga piyesang pinili ko para sa Kanya. Sa pilit na pag-abot ng key mo at in the end eh ako pa rin ang nasusunod, salamat. Nagttranspose ka rin sa key ko. Ahahaha. Salamat sa gift of music which we both share. Maswerte akong nakatagpo ng kaibigang tulad mo na sa low points ng buhay ko eh instrumental lang ng theme song ng Lovingly Yours, Helen ang ipinangtatapat mo para bumagsak mga luha ko. Salamat, Mac. Hindi lang pinsan ang turing ko sa'yo. Bestfriend and church bandmate pa. Sa susunod na pag-uwi ko, God of Silence naman kakantahin ko. Ayan, umiiyak na naman ako.

Top 5 Hirit Lines sa Loob ng MRT

Independence Day ngayon. 110th, to be exact. Ayon sa aking pamangkin na nag-aaral sa UST, may libreng sakay daw ang mga LRT commuter mula 7:00 n.u. hanggang 9:00 n.u. Nanghihinayang sya sa hindi nya pagkakalibre ng sakay sa LRT dahil mas maaga pa sa 7:00 n.u. kung sya ay nakakasakay ng tren. Magpasalamat na lang sya, ikako, dahil malamang sa hindi, gahibla na lang ang layo nya sa makakasakayan nya sa mga oras na yun na pagsakay nya ng LRT sa SOBRANG siksikan.

*****

Matagal ko na sana itong nailathala -- ang patungkol sa Hirit Lines sa loob ng MRT, nawawaglit lang talaga sa abalang isipan ko (talaga lang ha!?).

Isa akong proud MRT commuter. Sa umaga, mula Quezon Avenue Station (noon yun) hanggang Buendia Station, hindi ko alintana kung tumayo ako habang nakahawak sa hawakan o railing ng tren. Kapag sumusuray ang tren, nakikisuray ka rin. 'Pag pumreno, mapapaurong ka rin. (Law of Inertia yata tawag dun.)

'Di bale nang nakatayo at nakikipagsiksikan, 'wag lang ang mahuli sa pagpasok sa opisina. 'Di bale nang mangawit sa mahigpit na pagkakahawak sa hawakan ng tren, 'wag lang mangamoy usok at pawis at magmukhang taong grasa pagharap mo sa salamin sa CR ng office. Iyan ang MRT -- mas mainam na solusyon-biyahe sa mga taong ayaw matraffic at magmukhang harassed pagdating sa office. Iyan din ang MRT -- ang mahiwagang sasakyan kung saan nagiging amasona ang mga babae at nagiging mapagpigil sa pakikipagsuntukan ang mga lalaki (wala silang choice, no space for duel eh.) Ang MRT -- ang lugar kung saan if looks could kill eh matagal nang naging haunted train sa dami ng gustong makipagpatayan makasakay lang.

*****

Eto pa lamang ang aking natatala sa aking Top 5 Hirit Lines sa Loob ng MRT (mapa-coach man ng babae o lalaki) as of June 12, 2008:

1. Aray ko! ARAY KO! Sadyang naka-all caps 'yung pangalawang ARAY KO! Minsan kasi, sa unang aray ng isang MRT commuter na naiipit, natutulak o nabubunggo eh ded-ma ang nang-iipit, nanunulak o nambubunggo. Kailangan pang lakasan at lagyan ng stress sa pamamagitan ng pag-uulit ng sinasabi mo para maiabot ang mensahe mo sa mga sadya o 'di sinasadyang nanakit. Strategy din yan para mabigyan ka ng space.


2. 'Wag naman kayo manulak! Pansinin na ang pagkakasabi ng karamihan sa MRT commuters ay addressed sa subject in plural form. Sa pagkakasakay mo kasi sa MRT, ang nanunulak sa 'yo ay tinutulak ng nanunulak sa nanunulak sa nanunulak sa likod mo. (Whew!) Kaya kapag humirit ka ng ganyan, addressed to the public 'ika nga. Tamaan na ang guilty!


3. Ano pa problema mo? Iyan ang matapang at mataray na sagot ng mga guilty sa pagtulak, pang-iipit o pambubunggo ng kapwa MRT commuter. Palibhasa, hindi pwedeng hindi makaganti sa pagkakapahiya o pamimintang sa kanila, yan ang matinding counterattack nila. Minsan din, ginagamit ito pangdepensa sa mga sumisimple sa pagtulak, pag-ipit o pagbunggo para masindak sila sa katarayan mo.


4. Kita na lang tayo sa ------ station! Ito ang bungad ng mga magkakasamang commuters (magsyota, mag-ina, mag-ama, mag-asawa, magkapatid, magbarkada, magkaribal, magkapitbahay, magkabit, etc.) sa isa't-isa kapag napaghihiwalay sa pagsara ng pintuan ng MRT. Iisang paroroonan pero magkaiba ng nasakyang coach ng tren. Ang isa, nadadala sa agos ng heavy commuters at ang isa naman, napag-iwanan dahil sa.... ano nga ba...uhmmm, katangahan na lang siguro.


5. Wow! Macau! Self-explanatory. Paid voice advertisement ito ng Chowking na sobrang dry. Akala ko kasi nung una ad sya ng Magic Sing. Alam mo yun, yung Wow Magic Sing. Hay ewan ko ba. You should hire me! Hehehe.

Hayan na ang aking listahan. Marami pa sana pero iyan lamang ang mga pumatok sa pagmamasid ko (na pati pagdadasal ko ng rosaryo ko eh 'di ko natatapos dahil sa aking pagmamasid at pag-uusisa).

*****

Madalang na ako maging MRT commuter ngayon. Hindi, wala pa akong kotse at wala pa ring naghahatid sa aking may sasakyan. Hindi rin, wala ako pambayad sa cab araw-araw. Sikretong malupit na lang kung bakit. :P

*****

Lady Voice Over: Buendia Station, Buendia Station. Kindly exit the train on the left side. Maari lamang pong lumabas sa kaliwang pinto. Maraming salamat po. (Wala lang ito. Natuwa ako sa bagong ininstall na voice prompt sa MRT kahit mali-mali sya ng pagbanggit sa kung saan istasyon ka na nga ba. Mabuti na yun kesa yung dating MRT driver slash announcer na sa umaga ay garalgal pa ang boses na parang 'di pa nagmumumog. Hah!)

Melody from the Past

Habang tinatahak ko ang daan papuntang Makati sakay ng bus, tumugtog sa ere ang isang kantang nagdala sa akin sa nakaraan. (Time space warp, ngayon din!) Nagtatawanan kami ng pinsan ko. Grade 4 ako nun at nasa bahay nila kami, sa may itaas. Umuulan din nun at ang tanging alam naming libangan sa tuwing sasapit ang Sabadong tulad nun ay magbasa ng mga lipas na episodes ng True Horoscope (ewan ko kung kilala nyo si Nimpha). May tugtog pa (multitasking talaga ang lahi namin) mula sa radyo nilang maliit. FM station yun na di ko na maalala. Tumutugtog yung "Nakapagtataka" at in fairness, sinasabayan din ng ulan at ng malalamig naming boses ang saliw. Birit kung birit. Bigla nya ako tinanong kung paglaki ko ano daw ba ang gusto ko maging. Sabi ko gusto ko maging abogado o di kaya nag-oopis din lang gaya ni Mama. Sabi nya, hindi daw ako naging matalino para lang mag-opis. Ibinalik ko sa kanya ang tanong. Eh ikaw? Sabi nya, gusto nyang maging plain housewife. Napanganga ako. Huh? Plain housewife? Hindi ko tiyak kung ano iniisip ko nun, napatanong ako ng 'Ano bang propesyon yung walang asawa?' Sagot nya, Madre. Sabat ko, 'Sige, magmamadre na lang ako.' Nag-iba ang tugtog. Tuyo Na'ng Damdamin. Di namin alam ang lyrics pero dahil maganda ang melody napatigil ako sa pagbabasa at nakinig. Gayon din pala ang pinsan ko. Sa murang edad, hindi pa namin alam kung paano ma-inlove pero sa pagkakataong iyon, ang kantang 'yon ang nagpaliwanag kung paanong mawalan ng minamahal. Kanta pa lang, nakakapagod na. Isang tingin lang namin sa isa't-isa, nagkaintindihan kami na kailangang mag-ingat sa pagpili ng mamahalin. Itinuloy namin ang pagbabasa ng True Horoscope. Panaka-naka, nahuhuli ko sya nakatingin sa kawalan. Nagmumuni-muni. Ang lalim ng iniisip. Ako rin, di ko maitanggi na napapaisip din ako. Eto nga pala yung lyrics ng kanta na tinutukoy ko.

Tuyo Na'ng Damdamin (Silent Sanctuary) Minsan kahit na pilitin mong uminit ang damdamin Di siya susunod, at di maglalambing Minsan di mo na mapigil mapansin Na talagang wala nang naiiwan na pagmamahal [Refrain] At kahit na anong gawin Di mo na mapilit at madaya Aminin sa sarili mo Na wala ka nang mabubuga Parang 'sang kandila na nagdadala Ng ilaw at liwanag Nauubos rin sa magdamag (Instrumental) Minsan di mo na mapigil mapansin Na talagang wala nang naiiwan na pagmamahal (Repeat Refrain) Di na madaig o mabalik ang dating matamis na kahapon Pilitin ma'y tuyo na'ng damdamin Tuyo na'ng damdamin (repeat 4x)

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Sya nga pala. May asawa na yung pinsan ko ngayon. Apat na ang anak at plain housewife nga sya. Ako nag-oopis. Wala na yung itaas ng bahay nila. Balita ko kasi winasak ng bagyong Cosme nung nakaraang buwan ng Mayo kaya sa Level 1 na lang ng bahay nila sila nakatira. Nakakapagmuni-muni pa rin kaya sya?

Tears at North Park

6:00 pm. Sharp. I have known her to know exactly what the time is and how she would spend it that is why I made it a point to arrive at that spot before the agreed time. But standing and waiting is not in my frame. I still have 15 minutes to wait so I decided to marvel at what KFC has to serve my stomach with. I contented myself with chicken sandwich, regular golden brown fries and soda. These must be enough to compensate my dawdling for a while. The fries were gone and I was not halfway over munching my bite of the sandwich, my phone beeped. It signalled me to pick up my things and proceed to the meeting place. She was screaming my name at the sight of me. I could only open my arms to welcome her for an embrace. Gosh, she has longer hair now. She looked prettier to me, better than when I last saw her. I was delighted to see her again! She said I look sexier. I wanted to object but I brushed off the compliment like it was just her nature to say that. In the first place, I was meeting with her to catch up with the old times and not to argue with her. We decided to eat at Tempura only to settle at North Park when we got there. Hahaha. Girls will be girls. We ordered for dried herb noodles, steamed sharks fin and spicy garlic squid. The best part is, while the food we ordered are sizzling in the pot, the chat started to simmer as well. Talking about what transpired in our lives for the longest time we have not met and talked again would take forever. What made me fixated in my comfy chair was her asking me, "What have you learned from it?" That same question got me preoccupied while eating. Did I really learn a thing? I was not prepared when the tears welled in my eyes sooner than I could wipe it with the table napkin. I learned to love more than myself. She had revelations thereafter. She said God is a jealous God. He will take away all those you love more than Him. True. True. I recounted that my service for Him waned for a time. I was not paying so much attention. I only focused on one (now) trivial person who was (now) taken away from me. I started crying again over that thought. She said it's high time I move on. She was the nth person to tell me that. And i was crying again. I was very generous for tears. A long, heavy breath escaped me. She told me to do the things I so longed to do. Study abroad. Seek better employment. Travel. Life is beautiful and so are you, she said. I was inspired. What was cried over at North Park will be left at North Park -- like the crumpled tissue I used to dry my tears. No left-overs. No take-outs. Thank you, Ms. Jane.

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And speaking of tears and moving on, I just have these words to share which were also shared to me today:

1.) The world will not stop revolving to wait for you.

2.) Don't cry over spoiled milk. (Spoiled ba or spilled? The point is, don't cry!)

Be inspired!

Mistaken Identity Over A Cheeseburger

I have to say the McDonald's TV ad of friends ganging up on someone for cheeseburgers over some silly new things (speaking English, tucking a shirt, bangs) is really catchy and funny. Geeenneeaassss!

Interpreting the moral of the ad (may ganun?!), it shows how we should appreciate little changes around us and dwell on the positivities these would bring. If something good happens to a friend or someone dear to us, let us be happy for them. (Am I being real?) Let's not put them down, uh-uh, don't even dare.

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While browsing my Friendster account, I came upon a friend of my friend whose name really rings a bell. I checked his account and ogled at his primary photo which happened to be a group picture. Looking at the faces in that photo, I was certain (as in, I sure would bet the apartment I live in now in QC) that I spotted the person that matches the name of the account and that he is someone I know from the past. Without second thoughts, I messaged him to actually demand that he should add me up pronto. He was asking me questions like he was probing on my identity. WTH is Ate Tintin? I was accusing him of nearing a diagnosis of Alzheimers, vividly describing how I remember him to be -- flat-headed, brown, thin and makulit. He mentioned names I was not sure were real people. I still insisted he is that person I know from when.

Come first Wednesday, I got an invite to attend the Mass in Baclaran. It was a sudden invite, not part of my plans after office, that I did not say yes at once. But OLPH must have devised ways that I should come to Mass -- and maybe meet this person in the face on the side. So I did. Besides, I felt the urgency yesterday that I should come to Mass. I saw it as an opportunity to vent the anxieties I have been suffering these past days. A therapy. On the side, this would be that one-time history of meeting and proving that that person I saw in Friendster is the same person I know -- or otherwise, I would prove myself wrong and hide forever.

Nyahahahaha. I was mistaken alright. He was not flat-headed. He was thin but not brown. And he was not that person I thought he was in the group photo. Ok, ok. I am only human to err, such things I cannot control especially when I have problems with my sight. (I was once told by a friend I should have seen my eye doctor before I decided to be in that relationship. Funny.)

My bad. That mistaken identity did not stop him nevertheless to treat me to a cheeseburger, and a large order of French Fries, and McFloat, and tales, and laughters, and updates slash gossips, and friendship. It was fun, fun, fun! I have to forget about the anxieties for a while.

And then I thought, if losing someone like that would mean meeting other far fun and better friends, I think I even gained more. It was worth the loss, if there was such a thing in the first place! And really sometimes (or all the time if seen from the lighter side), mistakes are blessings in disguise. Ikaw ba naman ilibre ng cheeseburger? Blessing nga yun!

Commit-meant

One Monday afternoon, while waiting for the clock to strike 5:00 p.m., I surveyed a few interesting people about what they think about COMMITMENT. I cannot state a particular reason why I picked this subject to elaborate on. Ah! Maybe I am still groping for it's meaning or I must be missing a real big thing about it. So here are what I gathered so far, excuses for those who might be hit and suffer adverse effects (Ay, exag!).

"Sometimes the people who are afraid of a having commitment are those who know the real meaning of it." -- Hanee Mae (6/3/2008 4:30:34 PM), in a relationship but complicated. "Commitment is trusting the person you are committed with and being honest completely. From it comes loyalty and adoration, respect and confidence." -- Not a love guru (sabi nya eh, nagpapaka-anonymous) (6/3/2008 5:28:13 PM), single and ready to mingle. "Kung ano man ang kalabasan, you must be willing to pay the price. That's commitment." -- Emman (6/3/2008 5:53:36 PM), father of two.

"Commitment is when you put your heart, mind, soul and energy to something you believe in or desire to accomplish. It can also mean being true to your word." -- Ed (6/3/2008 6:15:10 PM), happily married the second time around.

Note: I will try to add more views on this blog if I happen to get some more. Or leave a comment for your own definition or perception. You are entitled to it. (Hooray, Obama!)

Good Things About Being ThinTin

Ok, so it was good that I decided to have lunch with ECCP's Accounting people and with Mr. A, Mr. R. and Mr. B. I have the appetite to eat my normal lunch lately and it's a good thing. We were talking about condominiums, pieces of jewelry, Mr. C and a lot of trivial things that we didn't notice our empty plates and it's only 12:20 something. So we tried Marc for dessert, talk about him, I mean. Yeah, Marc 'd German (MDG). Weeeehh (did you just hear me say that? Kilig na naman ako!) He is straight, I will bet my sack of rice for that. Hehehe. Now that I'm thinner, and because they said he'd likely fall for petite girls, I'll qualify myself then. No protests, please.

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Ms. Myette said I lost so much weight. She said it is just so unfair. Hahaha. Ms. Ria said I'm now Thin Tin, and she hates me for being so. I have heard the same observation from Ms. Juliet, Ana, Jhia, Ms. Marlyn and Rhea. So is that a good thing? I don't know. But it must be something to start with. No need to visit the gym or indulge myself in a diet that would deprive me of foods I crave for. In this case, I still eat what I want, whenever and how much I want -- in exchange of sleepless nights. Yun yun eh!

*****

My clothes look big on me now that I'm thinner and I seem to shrink inside. Gahd! But the good thing about it is that I can try and fit in clothes that I could only stare at on TV or by the store window. O di ba?

So these are the good things about being ThinTin. Call me that from now on and I can live with it. :)

Missing Matt

I received an email from Matt yesterday in response to the birthday greeting I sent him. I was moved to tears -- well, for one, out of kilig maybe and out of the thought that he's treasuring my letters and greetings that much, to my delight! So here's the email he sent me (Junlee, you should read this.)...

hey cristine, thanks for the birthday greeting. i can always count on you remembering my birthday. i'm sorry for replying so late. it seems like as you get older, you get less and less free time for yourself. but yeah, thank you much for even remembering my birthday. i rarely celebrate it ever since i enlisted in the military, as a matter of fact, i was getting off a nightshift on my birthday and working again that night. anyways, i can't say thanks enough and i remember when you wrote me while i was in boot camp, letters were like gold there, and you took your time to write me, i won't ever forget that gesture. i still have your letter, too. you're a good friend and i'm sorry about what happened with you when you instant messaged me, i wish i could have been there to talk to you, but as you know being in the military, the mission comes first. sometimes you have to go through the bad to get to the good. you'll be fine. always take care. -matt

Waaaahhh!!! Matt!!! You should be here. I miss you, for reals. It's ok if you don't say much or you won't talk at all, maybe seeing you beside me would do the talking. Your smile would ease the pain, I know. My gahd! Somebody stop me from blogging about him! Hahaha.