A Call to Action: Magtaking Elementary School Needs Your Help

Dear Magtaking Residents/ Alumni of Magtaking Elementary School, As you all know, Pangasinan was hit by typhoon Cosme last May 17, 2008. The province was badly affected. But ‘badly’ is just a subtle way of describing how Cosme left our many kababayans roofless and the whole province without electricity. ‘Badly’ is simply classifying the tears of the Pangasinenses who lost their homes to the whirling winds of Cosme and schoolchildren anticipating for classes to resume. Literally and figuratively speaking, the province was groping in the dark immediately after the storm. The provincial government’s efforts, through the leadership of Gov. Amado Espino, Jr. (no politicking, just appreciation) are commendable for inspiring the Pangasinenses to stand on their feet again. Electricity, which was said to be reinstalled/reactivated after 2 months, took only a matter of 3 weeks to light up the streets and homes of Pangasinan again. Funds were distributed to schools for roofing and reconstruction of buildings so that children can go to school again. The sad fate, however, is that the aid coming from the government is not sufficient to at least fund the roofing of the schools including the Magtaking Elementary School (MES). Pupils of MES whose classrooms were roofless squeeze themselves in the school’s Social Hall. What’s worse, there are more than 2 classes simultaneously conducting their lessons in the hall. Imagine the scenario, 3 to 4 classes overhearing each other’s lessons – if they can still manage to learn given that condition. And when it rains, pupils get wet and soaked because the hall is without walls. Add the inconvenience of mosquitoes prowling about the hall and feasting on the arms and legs of our poor pupils. Imagine that, and get disheartened, if you have the heart. One of these pupils may be your sister/brother, niece/nephew, godson/goddaughter or your neighbor. In this regard, we wish to request for cash donations from Brgy. Magtaking residents and/or alumni of Magtaking Elementary School for the roofing or reconstruction (should it be necessary) of the school classrooms. (The photos are posted below.) Your donation, in whichever amount, will be highly appreciated, especially by these young men and women of our barangay. You may keep in touch with me thru my mobile number +639196177414 or thru email charine82@yahoo.com for your acts of generosity. I will dutifully relay your intentions or donations to my cousin (and the only female Brgy. Kagawad of Magtaking), Mely Valencia-Fernandez for your donation’s receipt. Please forward this to a fellow resident of Magtaking or an alumnus you might know of. Let’s not look farther to find someone we could help. Charity begins at home, they said, and then maybe next in your barangay, our own barangay. Anggapoy makatulong ed sarili tayon barangay no aga sikatayo lan lamang. God bless you a hundredfold! Best regards, (Sgd.) Cristine Charisse V. Fernando Brgy. Magtaking Resident

Reunions and My Foodrama: Part 1

July twelfth. I SMSed my brother early morning to greet him a happy birthday using my mother's mobile phone. It was an effort dragging my carcass out of my bed because I was having that wonderful rainy morning perfect for dawdling. I decided to prepare for my cousin's birthday celebration anyway. The outdoor games I listed will be fun only if a sun dance is performed beforehand. It was raining heavily that morning and there is no way I could tell it would stop if I say so. Hooray! A ruined birthday party is starting to form a picture before my eyes. And I don't think I can bear to see crying kids over spoiled fun. God have mercy.

The rain stopped for a while. Maybe I was not praying really hard because dark, heavy clouds are still lingering lazily above us. We (my mother, my niece and I) arrived just in time for lunch. I, particularly, was given a warm welcome. It has been ages since I last saw those familiar and similar faces (but of course I could still name them). I could not pass through the queue of my not-so-few aunts and uncles without giving them that Filipino gesture of respect (which we grew up doing everytime we see them), the undying mano. And while doing that, I could not help but hear them say things on how I have grown into a lovely (ehem) lady, that I have lost much weight (wagi!), and that I must have been busy with trivial things but visit them (apologies).

My little cousins are so adorable! I could not stop myself from taking photos of them and with them. Well, it runs in the genes, I guess. Being with them makes me feel kid at heart but old in age. Hahaha. I was like a day care teacher in one of the photos I took. Crap.

Just as I thought (and prayed, hehehe), the rains ruined the outdoor games I prepared. I was thinking of storytelling as an alternative but I do not think the kids were in the mood to hear any of my stories. The thought of rotten tomatoes thrown at me is not really a pretty sight so I dismissed that idea and pleased myself watching them open CJ's (the birthday celebrant) gifts while I was munching on my second serving of hotdog-on-stick with marsh mallows. This is one remarkable moment I would not forget. Though a number of my cousins (the older-than-me blokes) were not present, I sigh with satisfaction (and digestion) that I was able to spend a delightful afternoon with my little loved ones. Awwwww. I love you all!



(To be continued)

Gone for the Weekend

I am off to the province again for the weekend. I received a call from my uncle whose son is celebrating his 7th birthday on the 12th. Fantastic. Three people close to my heart will be celebrating their birthday on that day: my cousin CJ, my brother Cleo, and my Uncle Dr. Cres. Here's my take on this: It may be an unwelcomed coincidence but it sure is strategic -- economical celebration altogether. I was tasked to be the party host for CJ's fete. I did not hesitate to accept the assignment. My mind is bubbling F-U-N and I'm missing my cousins so sorely already.

*****

Ask me who I saw at the bus terminal? Let me hear you say "Who?" now, please. It's Ryan! (Do I have to mention who he is?) Jhia will be thrilled to read this.

Flashback. Ryan Vir Estrada Pagdanganan (that is how much I know him) was my highschool classmate slash then-persistent suitor slash almost-BF-but-not-quite slash friend (charing!). What happened between us? It's a long story. Besides, his version of the story might be diffferent from mine. What really matters is we ended up being friends in spite of the fact that he waited all too long and was very disappointed of my decisions. I think there's too much information about him now here.

Since the bus heading to Alaminos/Bolinao is scheduled to leave at 9:00 pm and I do not want to wait that long, I decided to take the bus bound to Lingayen and jump off Tarlac instead. And before I knew it, Ryan is riding the same bus (because he is from Lingayen, idiot me) and I overheard him requesting the ticket lady to place his seat number beside mine. For friendship's sake, I did not object.

It was a casual encounter. Of course, being the gentleman that I knew him to be, he gestured that I sit ahead. And while we shared pep talks initially, I actually asked his permission if I could sleep because I am so tired. I still managed to say that tactfully, same old approach. (Style mo Tinao, bulok!) But I'm sure he understands. I even borrowed his cap because I cannot sleep with the lights on above my head. He lent me his cap selflessly. Still the same old Ryan, I thought, without the mutual feeling though.

In the course of our pep talks, I had to manipulate some of our discussions that I know will bring us to where we were before. Here's a factoid (fact to avoid): he broke up with his girlfriend already. He knew about my status too but I did not bother to bring it up. But he did. We both laughed for a while, but most likely because he thought I committed a more stupid mistake than him. I dismissed the mistake. I treated it like a lesson for me now - never to rush into love. He agreed to what I said, which is odd because we apparently disagree on so many things. It must be another factoid, but I brushed the idea off. In my most courteous way, I told him that I think I need to rest. He obliged.

It was a peaceful trip for me (and I supposed for him too). Beside me, soundly sleeping or half-sleep, is Ryan, who I am at peace with despite the 'past'. We never officially talked about us. It just came to that point when he must have realized that 'friendship' is everything I have to offer. Most of my highschool friends would find this hard to believe because they must have seen the special bond we shared through out the years, and maybe until now. But, yes, we will remain friends as far as I am concerned. (Jhia, claro?)

Funny how fate (if there is such a thing) brought us together like this. I am off to the province for the weekend and we might bump into each other again, I cannot say. Whenever and wherever, I could head-high say that it would no longer be an awkward encounter. We said our byes and I heard him say 'Ingat!' with sincerity, like I gained back the friend he once was to me. And he will still be.

When I Exclaimed OMG

I was overexcited last night that I could only exclaim Oh my God! Oh my God! Oh my God! over and over. Not with the rising price of petroleum, although I am still not over it and the feeling for that is hibernating somewhere in the nook of my heart. I was thrilled over a few interesting things that I saw on TV last night that made me sound like a kolehiyala in an instant.

While my niece was browsing for a good watch on TV and I was reading this LBD book that is like a poo, she spotted Oprah featuring a best-selling novel turned movie entitled "Love in the Time of Cholera" by Gabriel Garcia Marquez. (I read one of his books in college. Thanks to Prof. Galan's adoration for him.) Oprah showed the teaser of the movie that I have to put the book I was reading down. It was really an eye catcher (or maybe the narration is). It is a love story of Florentino and Fermina who fell in love with each other after 5 decades of Florentino's waiting. Fermina had a doctor-husband whose death opened the doors for Florentino to woo her again. Florentino, on the other hand, have had several affairs in his efforts to forget about Fermina. Only after 50 years (or so) did they decide to be together, like they were meant to be together after everything that went through their lives. OMG.

(Note: I have not read the book yet. I just based the summary I wrote above from the episode of Oprah. But the book is dead-catching my interest this moment, it can hardly subside. So if anyone would care to sponsor the book for me at PhP245.00 or PhP589.00 -- I'd love to receive the one priced higher. Available in National Bookstore or Powerbooks. Or if I could summon the gods thru my OMGs and let Mhel Tandoc hear this appeal, hahaha, I might fortunately have a copy, hardbound. Mhel, where are you? Teehee.)

*****

Another Oh-My-Godly matter that I am so excited about: The Dark Knight! OMG, I am delirious about this shown on the big screen. Must, must, must see sequel! I have seen Batman movies before and the thrill would not quench at the end of each film. So I WILL SEE THIS MOVIE with or without company. (Ehem, sponsor ulit.) But I know a lot of you blokes would share this same interest with me. Block your calendars now!

And, oh, let's pay Heath Ledger some tribute by watching The Dark Knight onscreen. Bless his soul.

So Bruce Wayne, July 17, it's a date. Here's my card. See you. Hahaha.

*****

Aiza Seguerra won for the second time in the 1-million-peso challenge of The Singing Bee. Oh.My.God. That makes her 2 million pesos ++ richer. I think she deserves it. She has a lovely heart. And though her winning would give her another chance to win more millions, she humbly let go of it to give others the same chance. A champion less the greed. Bow!

*****

OMG for the behavior of James Yap in the last game the other night. A kid in the court! Tsk. Tsk. Tsk.

*****

One last thing. This was not shown on TV last night but it's OMG-ly just the same. I wounded myself just this morning. Yeah, my clumsy behavior will kill me. It did not hurt so badly but the bleeding would not stop. Good thing I always have these band-aid strips with me in my wallet so I got to apply first aid on my damaged fingers. See that bloodspot? Hehehe. Tough girl!

An Economist's Rant

I took up Economics in college because I want to appreciate the science and art of it. How? I cannot be too sure. I enjoyed attending my subjects. I learned the kinks and skews of graphs, calculated for the saturation points, analyzed theories (I love the sound of Malthusian), and endlessly crossed my brows over my Econometrics professor whose industry of writing numbers in the whiteboard gives him the liberty to overwrite until you cant identify the figures. Very creative. By the way, I took up the same course because I fantasize landing in a research job after graduation. It did not materialize. So I contented myself blogging instead. Funny though, because I do not blog about the economy or some economic-bound issues affecting the world and more considerably, MOI. I am not exempted from the adverse effects of inflation, peso-dollar exchange, coming in and pulling out of investors, my taxes (the hell!), or simply working my ass everyday (because I am a member of the country's labor force).

*****

Hear ye, hear ye! It was on the news today. Fare hike effective Friday (July 11, 2008 -- a happy birthday present for Mark my colleague, I guess). What with the unstoppable rising price of petroleum, I think I can no longer afford to bear a child (huh?!). I was just thinking how expensive it would be to bear and rear one no matter how I consider it a blessing, really. Or only if I would have Bill Gates and his likes as godfathers of my child.

And what about a wage hike? When will the common tao's pocket thicken a few bills or coins more? How many less can you buy with your grocery budget of PhP500 than before? (to be continued...)

End of June, Start of July

End of June (June 30, that is) I received an email from a colleague with the subject: "Fw: Snooky Serna in love? Hahahaha!" Not another scandalous behavior of celebrities like Snooky, I thought. But wait, the sender included a message saying 'Tin may kaagaw ka na...hehehe! ' and then capping it off with a link of a news article. Ok, so here it is too http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/storypage.aspx?StoryId=123448 . Who must she be referring to? I was intrigued. I checked on the link. Crap. It was Marc ( so I spelled his name right this time) the German! He was being linked to crung-crung (I am so judgemental) Snooky Serna. Hmp! Who cares?! (I can see my ears smoking now. Teehee.) Hindi ko na sya crush. Kasi mahirap ispell ang last name nya - Daubenbuechel. Hay. Turn off. :p Start of July (July 1, for crying out loud) Marc came to the office and I blurted out, "So Marc, you were in the news!" I saw his face flushed scarlet (and he was sooooo cute!!!). He said, "Yeah." I furthered, "So you're a celebrity now, huh?" And he said, "No. I just came to watch her movie. She's very pretty anyway." And he laughed like a kid infatuated with the likes of Pilar Pilapil (murder!). By the way, Marc came to the office to borrow a Nokia phone charger. I so wanna buy a Nokia phone asap. Ms. Ga said that it was my fault my phone is something else but Nokia. Suicide!!! Isn't it nice to have something to open up a conversation with Marc? Ay, di ko na pala sya crush. Well, if I don't remember his last name right, maybe there will be an excuse. End note: Where is Mav? Bakit hindi nag-oonline?

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)

*****

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.

*****

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.

*****

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.

*****

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. :)