IN THE SKY WITH DIAMONDS

Holidaaaze

2011-01-03T13:54:00.006+08:00

I skipped school for 2 days now because I feel I needed more time to spend with the family. Although I know that would always be the case, I just felt like this time, it's even more special. The holidays have come and gone like a strong wind. I've been at home for more than 2 weeks now but it feels like I've only been home for 2 days. If you ask me what superpower I would like to have, I'd say the power to control time--make it stop when I want it to, make it run faster, and make myself go back to the time I would love to come visit again--that's the one thing I would love to be able to do.

In 11 hours I will be on a bus again on my way back to the mountains. The tears are slowly creeping in now.

Good day, 2010

2010-12-31T15:43:00.008+08:00

Before 2010 comes to an end, I shall list down the lovely things this wonderful year has brought me.

1. Good Friends

2. Good grades

3. Lovely shoes

4. New books!

4. An awesome birthday

5. My first ever Starbucks planner

6. My first trip to Manila

7. An internship with the #1 radio station in Baguio City hence the many fun-filled events.

8. Sore eyes

9. A whole year filled with loooove

and finally...

10. BOWIE! The love of our lives.

So there. In a little while, I will be making a list of things I would want to accomplish this new year since I was too busy preparing for our New Year's eve celebration yesterday.

HAPPY NEW YEAR'S Everyone! I hope y'all had so much fun last night.

T'was The Day Before Christmas

2010-12-24T21:59:00.007+08:00

Went out early with the sisters and fatherhood to buy groceries for Noche Buena although this year's Christmas eve wouldn't be as grand as it used to be since mother wasn't able to go home because of work but she is spending tonight with her sisters and parents so that's a great thing :)

The sisters and I love dressing up especially when going out with father because we feel so safe with him every time.

We had lunch at Meat Plus after grocery shopping and then spent the rest of the afternoon just taking photos of everything and everyone. This here's the little sister with a much paler James Dean. She's been bugging me about taking a photo of her standing next to this replica of the love of her life and she finally got her wish today. She was so happy.

So yes. It's almost Christmas eve and we still have a lot of cooking to do. Happy almost Christmas everyone!

And The Living Is Easy

2010-12-19T12:35:00.006+08:00

Last night's Date Night Saturday Night is probably the last one we'll be having for the month because I'm finally going home on Thursday with the boy and I'm so excited I have my panties in a knot!

Today, the sister and Mico and I are heading out to meet Lem and Kubi for heavy dinner and coffee at John Hay--the usual. The boy will follow a little later because he still has his ninong duties for his friend's baby's binyag.

I want this Sunday to be the best because it's the last one I'll be spending with the friends here in the city before Christmas break.

I can't wait to have coffee. I've been caffeine deprived for days!

Lest We Forget How Fragile We Are

2010-12-19T11:11:00.006+08:00

This week's Date Night Saturday Night was at Don Henrico's because the boy was craving for vegetarian calzone all day. We had that, a humongous plate of Dip n Nachos and apple juice for me--the lady.

The boy had too much to eat last night and he felt guilty about it so we stopped by for Christmas donuts for dessert :P

After that we just walked around Session Road so Mikey could digest everything he ate. We stopped by different stores so I could buy other gifts for the people I love, gift wrappers and other Christmas decorations, and to just take random photos of everything.

Session Road looks lovely in December with all the lights and the different Christmas songs playing in every corner and of course the cold, Baguio breeze.

We stopped by Mt. Cloud while walking before we finally headed home. I wanted to look for new books I could get for myself but it was already closing time when we got there so we just took pictures and talked to Shanti and Andene. They've gotten so close now that they're 2 of the Men Behind Mt Cloud :D

The boy and I walked some more after that and finally headed home after a few more minutes. I wanted to stop for coffee but we've used up all our money for the day so we just went to my place to relax. We watched Kenan & Kel before the boy had to leave for home. We laughed so hard our abs hurt.

Mikey left around 10am and since I was home alone until 3 in the morning, I just wrapped my gifts for the family while listening to 50's Christmas songs. That was one lovely Saturday I had last night. 7 more days til Christmas!

The Day The Sun Came

2010-12-19T08:25:00.003+08:00

Went out with the sister, Mico, and the boy on a Friday night for frozen yogurts. It was strawberry-flavored. Delicious.

It's Oh So Quiet

2010-12-18T07:50:00.003+08:00

It's exam day today and I still couldn't get myself to start studying because the weather today is so lovely and I am distracted by the wonderful music playing on my iTunes. It's so hard to concentrate when you're this pleased about everything!

4 days til the Christmas break. I'm so excited to go home with the boy. He's exchanging gifts with the little sister because it's a tradition now and I am so thrilled to walk him around the city, to let him meet my friends, and to take him to one of my secret places which I've been meaning to take him to because of the beauty and zen of the entire place.

Anyway, I must go and study now. I still have a lot of readings to focus on. Tata for now ladies. Happy Holidays!

PS: It's Date Night, Saturday Night tonight! Hee

Bouquets of Sharpened Pencils

2010-12-15T21:09:00.002+08:00

Here I am savoring peanut bars and chocolate milk for breakfast while watching You’ve Got Mail for the nth time before I leave for school. Christmas break’s just a week away and I can’t wait to go home. The boy is coming home with me on the 22nd to do some last minute Christmas shopping in Subic but he won’t stay the night because he plans to leave for Manila after I show him around.

The boy and I are planning on exchanging gifts again the night before Christmas break and I still can’t make up my mind on what to get him. I might try to buy his gift some time today so I hope I find something perfect. On the other hand, he still hasn’t gotten me anything yet, I’m sure. But if he stumbles upon my blog tonight and reads this post, I just have one thing to say: Please get me Love Letters of Great Men for Christmas! ♥

Too Much Heaven

2010-12-14T21:16:00.007+08:00

Tonight, I: had coffee with the friends, met up with Janet for some juicy news, window shopped for potential gifts for myself and the people I love, had dinner, and walked in the cold with the boy. Today's pretty much a good day because I was disciplined enough to go to all my classes and also because I just got my allowance plus a little extra cash for an early Christmas treat from the parents.

I plan to start my Christmas shopping soon before I use up all my money on food and coffee and food and coffee and before exams start. I still have a ton of things I need to buy and ironically, a lot of saving up for the boy's big 'ol gift. I still haven't decided on what to get him since that thing I saw in Manila (which I know is perfect for him) is way beyond my reach.

As of the moment, I am comfortably lying down, listening to my Christmas playlist and the only thing that's ruining this perfect moment is the bad gas circling my entire digestive system all thanks to the coffee I had earlier. (I knew I should've made that Praline Mocha a Frappe!) But aside from that, all's well and good.

I shall go now because I've been itching to watch You've Got Mail for days and now's the perfect night for that lovely movie. Good night people!

Sigh. Be still my heart.

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas

2010-12-13T22:57:00.006+08:00

Because I had coffee earlier today, I couldn't get myself to fall asleep again and because I can't get myself to fall asleep, I have taken the advantage of listening to classic Christmas songs because I love old Christmas songs and listening to them always makes me feel cozy and warm.

These are some of the songs on my playlist:

Bing Crosby ~ White Christmas
Frank Sinatra ~ Christmas Dreaming
Perry Como ~ It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas
Nat King Cole ~ The Christmas Song
Dean Martin ~ I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm
Judy Garland ~ Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
Eddie Fisher ~ You're All I Want For Christmas
Harry Belafonte ~ Mary's Boy Child
Louis Armstrong ~ Cool Yule
Anne Shelton ~ Merry Christmas
Mitch Miller And The Gang ~ Deck The Halls
Dean Martin ~ Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!
The Andrews Sisters ~ The Merry Christmas Polka
Doris Day ~ Here Comes Santa Claus
Vic Damone ~ Marshmallow World
Dave King ~ Christmas And You
Frank Sinatra ~ O Come All Ye Faithful
Peggy Lee ~ Ring Those Christmas Bells
David Whitfield ~ Santo Natale
Mario Lanza ~ Ave Maria

My current favorite is Mr. Nat King Cole's version of The Christmas Song. I love how he seems to be smiling throughout the entire song and it just makes me feel so much at home.

I want to make myself a cup of hot cocoa but we don't have hot cocoa here. So I guess I should sleep now. Good night everyone and Happy Holidays!

Wild Young Hearts

2010-12-12T21:39:00.004+08:00

Surprised the boy with a mini picnic on the roof today and he loved it. Together, we braved the strong, cold Baguio breeze and fell in love with the beautiful Sunday afternoon.

He says he had a grand time. I did too. Happy Sundays are always my favorite.

Two Of Us Standing Solo In The Sun Part 2

2010-12-12T12:58:00.009+08:00

Late post

The entire time I was in Manila, I was with Ina. I was there to watch her show and I was there to meet her for the first time. Honestly, the whole trip was for meeting new friends and being happy.

Ina picked me up at Anna's and after a very hearty, Italian lunch, we went to her place to put my stuff down and for a quick tour of her building. We went to the rooftop where the view was so beautiful it hurt. Ina took me to St. Francis after that and we just shopped the afternoon away. We both bought cheap sunglasses and it's one of my favorite pairs now.

She had to go back to school for rehearsals that afternoon so she left me in her condo and I just watched a ton of movies on her macbook. I planned on taking her macbook with me and leaving for Subic in a heartbeat but I was too nice. I hate myself. Haha

We spent Sunday night catching up on some sleep and woke up to big smiles on a Monday.

Ina and I spent the whole morning walking around her neighborhood then the city on the way to Shangrila and Megamall and I oohed and aahed at all the wonderful things I saw. She also took me to Forever 21 and without knowing that taking pictures is not allowed, we smiled and posed and took photos like mad the entire time we were there. It was insane!

Around lunch time, we headed straight to Mozu for lunch with Justin. It was a quiet little restaurant that served huge plates of meals and heavenly pastries. My day was complete.

Ina took me to Bonifacio High Street right after lunch and the moment I stepped foot in High Street, I fell in love with the place and the people instantly. I left my heart there.

We bought cupcakes for Justin at Cupcakes for Sonja. That place reminded me so much of Mikey. Peanut butter and Jelly cupcakes, coconut-filled cupcakes, and 50's-ish decorations? That place was Mikey.

She also took me to Fully Booked and I was blown away yet again. Someday I'll be rich and I'd go back and buy all the books I want. Love Letters of Great Men is the first book on my list.

We had to leave High Street around 5pm because Ina had to start preparing for her show. We went back to her place, cleaned up a little, and went to her school where I met up with Justin again. Justin babysat me for awhile while Ina was busy for her show. He took me to Shangrila mall where everything was. just. wow.

Ina's show started at 730pm. She was spectacular! She blew us all away with her graceful acting and wonderful singing. She was amazing and beautiful and perfect.

We went back home to her condo for dinner after the show. Justin had dinner with us there but had to leave right after. We just talked all night but was in fact too tired to go through with the beer party. I passed out around 2am and woke up at 7am . I went to the bus station a few minutes after and took a ride back home to the place I so dearly love. Father picked me up. I was home for 2 days and thus ends my long vacation.

December has brought me such an awesome adventure-filled week. I've always loved December. Now, I simply cannot wait for Christmas.

Two Of Us Standing Solo In The Sun Part 1

2010-12-12T12:56:00.004+08:00

Late post

Went to Manila over the weekend and had a grand time. The entire Saturday morning before the trip I spent with the boy and the whole night I spent with the sister and the friends with coffee and good conversation.

I set my trip on Saturday midnight so I got to Manila around 7 in the morning. Anna was already there, ready to pick me up the moment I got off the bus. I was all smiles all day, it was a happy Sunday indeedy. She took me to her place so I could clean up and be merry and I did just that. Anna treated me to an amazing breakfast at Coffee Bean after. She also took me to all the shoe stores in Eastwood and we just lusted over all the lovely shoes on display. We walked around Eastwood all morning but what really made me fall in love with the place was Fully Booked. I drooled over the biography books I found on the beautifully crafted bookshelves, the moleskin notebooks that are highly overpriced, the pens, the children's books on the children's section, the wooden floor, the bookmarks, the cellphone straps, and well, everything there, really. Anna took the advantage to take butt loads of pictures of me and me, being my ugly, awkward self mustered up the courage to pose for her and be her model-of-the-day.

We went back to her place after that oh-so-badass-photoshoot and took even more photos of ourselves soon as we got back.

Anna, if you're reading this please send me our photos. All of them. I will not upload them all, I swear. I just want to have some photos of us that I could keep. Oh please, oh please :)

Anna has this way of making me feel good about myself, making me feel appreciated, and making me feel loved. I don't know what I did to deserve to be treated this way but it feels good to know that there are still people like her who are willing to be part of my life and who I'm sure will stay with me forever.

2010-12-12T01:35:00.003+08:00

"I love you as certain dark things are loved. Secretly, behind the shadow and the soul."

Playing Dress Up

2010-12-08T16:12:00.004+08:00

Forever 21 with Ina where we took tons of photos and drooled over the lovely displays.

Everything there was really beautiful. Including me and Ina.

Cause I'm Made Out Of Glue

2010-12-01T23:17:00.003+08:00

Today, the boyfriend and I turn 27 months old. He surprised me with flowers and coffee for brunch and coffee-flavored gelato for merienda (he knows me so well) and I bought him cherry-flavored yogurt. We spent the whole afternoon roaming the cold streets of the city after with his hand wrapped around my waist and it made me feel so beautiful and so loved.

Mikey and I parted ways come 4pm because he had errands to run and guns to reload. I walked alone, going in and out numerous thrift shops in an attempt to find lovely clothes for the Manila trip I'm having on the weekend. Unfortunately, nothing ever caught my attention and that's a first. At least I got to save up a little.

I went home by myself after an hour of walking around, savoring each minute I had bonding with myself. I wanted to have coffee some place but my conscience kicked in and shook me to wake. I'm not at all good at saving up and I hate myself for that. Tomorrow I plan on looking for that perfect dress again on different ukays. I hope I don't find anything.

Anna's picking me up on Sunday! I love her so much I want us to spend the rest of our lives drinking Tanduay Ice, playing "I've Never...", and taking crap loads of photos of beautiful people we lust over. She's my soulmate.

So, to end this post, I shall post photos of me and the boyfriend from our 1st week to the now. It's super silly and I look so annoying in all of them so I am sorry in advance.

1 week old

2 months old

4 months

7 months

1 year, 4 months

2 years

2 years, 3 months

I miss him already tonight. I didn't get to kiss him good bye.

A Handful of Stars

2010-11-30T01:47:00.002+08:00

Meet Mishka, the planner.

I feel so good inside :)

Manila

2010-11-29T13:29:00.002+08:00

I have an entire 4 days free from school and work from the 5th of December to the 8th and it's made me so psyched for a 2 day trip to Manila I plan to have. It's been so long since friends old and new have been talking me into visiting the busiest city in the Philippines and of course, being the adventure-seeking person that I am have put that on top of my list-of-things-I-have-to-do.

I am so thrilled for this vacation because I will be meeting new friends soon as I get there. Lauren and I planned on hanging out as soon as I step foot in Manila and I hope she doesn't have anything else planned for the morning. I was hoping she could take me to Rockwell or to Eastwood or Trinoma--whatever mall in Manila I've never been to before! I would definitely go crazy!

I will be meeting Ina after I bond with Lauren and I will be staying at her place the whole time so of course it will be a fun night. I will be watching Ina's show along with her UA&P friends around night time so my entire day is all planned out. I can't wait for this trip! I'm so glad we were given such a long vacation this semester.

I might go home to Subic after my 2-day stay in Manila. I don't know if I could still afford it but I would definitely try my damnedest to not spend so much so I could get to go home.

PS: Been doing some major outfit planning all week and I hope I get my money soon so I could buy ukay clothes for Manila. Damn it! I'm so excited!

Mt Cloud

2010-11-28T16:05:00.002+08:00

"Mt Cloud Bookshop: rising from where your soles touch the ground, rumbling in your tummy, dancing where your heart pulses and your breath moves, filling the space between your ears."

There isn't anything more wonderful than having a friend who owns the loveliest bookshop in the city.

I sometimes try to avoid going to Mt Cloud because of my being unprepared to use all my money on books but the ditching doesn't always work because who could ever resist such an enchanted place? I was able to buy a few books again just last week and I still haven't even finished reading every single book I've purchased in the past month. I guess aside from coffee dates with best friends and buying thrifted clothes, book shopping is probably one of the few things that keep me sane so I shall say it again. There isn't anything more wonderful than having a friend who owns the loveliest bookshop in the city.

Up All Night, Got Demons To Fight

2010-11-27T23:07:00.006+08:00

Yesterday night definitely made it to my Top 10 Best-Nights-I've-Had-In-Baguio list and it'll pretty much stay there for a long time... maybe even forever!

Manila Beer and Love Radio (the radio station I'm interning in) sponsored a free concert last night at the grounds of Melvin Jones. The concert featured a lot of known Filipino bands and musicians ranging from Gloc 9 to Paraluman, from Hilera to the much anticipated Parokya ni Edgar. They gave me and my fellow interns all access passes to the concert and although I had a lot of trouble going up and down the stage looking for contestants for the different games in the event, I still had tons of fun since I was able to watch the bands perform on stage with me standing next to random famous artists. Of course I had to have my photos taken with them.

I wish I looked beautiful that night...or at least decent and not at all fugly.

PS: Despite the rain, and the mud, and all that shit, people still came and watched and stayed til the concert was over and it felt so good to be part of something successful like that. 10,000 people. Imagine that. I would just like to thank everyone for coming, our superiors for letting us in on the fun, the bands for playing a good show and for giving us autographs and having our pictures taken with you, and my friends for sticking it with me til the end... Roux most especially.

Roux and I left at 2am when the concert was over and went straight to Zola for coffee and breakfast. We went home at 5am and slept the morning away. I had to go straight to school at 10am since I'm such a good student like that.

Quarter Past Wonderful

2010-11-24T19:24:00.002+08:00

The family was here on the weekend and they made November a great month for me.

Fancy Night

2010-11-19T18:33:00.005+08:00

Last night, I slept over at mum's hotel room at the Country Club and I just had the best sleep I've had in months.
A few hours before the best sleep I've had, mum and the sister and I spent the night walking around the mall, make up shopping, eating, and buying groceries. The rest of the time, about two hours or more, I think, we spent in line for a cab.

So yes, I spent the rest of the night at mum's fancy hotel room savoring each and every second I had in the shower, and eating away my troubles with Tostitos and orange soda while watching The Simpsons on cable. That was one perfect night, I tell you.

Mum woke me up around 6am and it saddened me a little knowing that I didn't get to sleep the whole morning through. As she was readying herself for breakfast, I took advantage of the daylight and just took pictures of the view outside.

Seeing the amazing view was just so breathtaking my morning felt complete.
By the way, in less than 24 hours I will be seeing father and the little sister again and my entire month would be perfection. I cannot wait!

Catch A Tuesday

2010-11-16T09:25:00.002+08:00

Good morning ladies. I'm off to town today for a lovely breakfast, great coffee, and fast internet. I'm still waiting for friends to invite me for coffee since I've been getting a lot of invites but nothing really pushed through. I hope I see good friends today and that it doesn't rain.

By the by, I'll be seeing the parents and the little sister pretty soon! They're coming over for a visit on the weekend and I'm so excited. We've already made reservations for them at this lovely hotel and I swear the weekend's all I could think of now. So yes, here's to a lovely Tuesday and a lovely week ahead!

Oh Make Me Over . I'm All I Wanna Be

2010-11-14T00:25:00.002+08:00

Because I had to wear make up for class, I attempted to seek help from tutorials on youtube. Unfortunately, I am still such a noob at putting make up so I poked my eye with the liquid eyeliner wand thing and I had rashes all morning because I didn’t know I was that allergic to blush. The good thing though was that late in the afternoon, just when my class was about to start, I started feeling pretty because the rashes had all gone and I felt like I had long lashes because I was able to put mascara on. Haha. So to sum it up, I guess I pulled it off. Also, the fact that people kept telling me I looked good made me forget about the whole make up disaster and it made me feel even prettier.

What do you think? Did I overdo it or does it look like I didn't do anything at all?

One Number Older, Another Year Younger

2010-11-07T16:48:00.013+08:00

My 20th birthday was amazing. Everything was perfection and although I did not get to have the birthday party with new friends that the boy wanted, I still had a blast with old friends and friends who came to the city for a quick visit.

I woke up at 7am for quick must-dos and did not get to go back to bed until around 1pm. The friends and I had brunch at Volante care of Ewik. The food was amazing, of course and I had cake and ice cream with a side of a cute candle on a saucer.

The boy and the sister followed and we all shared a few talks and a lot of laughs. It was the first time in a really long time that I got to sit and have good conversation with these people so it was really worth waking up early for.

After lunch, the boy and I went out to eat some more and discovered potato & cheese soup at a restaurant along Session Road. It was probably one of the tastiest, most beautiful soup I've seen all my life and it wasn't even that expensive!

We went back to my place after that and I finally had the chance to sleep for at least an hour to prepare myself for the "main event". Apparently, the boy planned this whole bowling party at the country club along with a perfect, fatty dinner. It was our first time to go bowling hence the many-a-gutter balls but it was seriously fun! We ended up playing 2 games and the alien won on both.

The boy

The alien

The sister

We had pies for dessert at O Mai Khan after that and despite still being full, we all pigged out on pies, hot milk, and Shirley Temple. My pie was special. It had a birthday candle on it.

The boy's cup of milk, choco-marble pie, chocolate cream pie, calamansi pie

Banana cream pie

So yes. I guess this is a big thing considering I'm no longer as young as I thought I was yet not too old to make my own decisions either but still, this birthday made me realize that turning 20 isn't really that bad after all... as long as you have the people you love celebrating it with you.

Lost In Numbers

2010-11-05T09:49:00.004+08:00

Was reading His Face All Red while listening to La Feve Amelie-les-crayons. It felt beautiful and haunting at the same time.

My morning started out lazy. I felt like going home in a heartbeat but of course I couldn't do that. I just wish that I could be more productive here and that I would have more people to spend most of my time with. It's my 20th birthday tomorrow and I asked some of my friends to spend tonight with me to celebrate my last day of teen hood. I think they agreed but my problem now is that I didn't know that Friday meant today and I haven't been able to save up for a celebration yet because I used up all my money on the father and sister back home. I might still go out with them tonight for drinks maybe and I hope all turns out well.

I miss home.

Twenty. Please be good to me.

Poison In Our Pocket

2010-11-03T13:24:00.004+08:00

When I was in Baguio a few days ago, I finally got to meet one of my dearest online friends and one of the smartest, most talented people I know. Anna.

Anna's been very supportive of my works and everything else about me that I find most frustrating. She makes me feel appreciated and loved and I am largehearted because of her. We had coffee and cake and good conversation all afternoon and it was one of those picture-perfect moments I would treasure forever.

Isn't she just lovely?

Of Two Soft Voices Rendered In Perfection

2010-11-01T20:36:00.008+08:00

14 more hours and I'm back on a bus again on my way to the city of pines far, far away from home. School's been slowly creeping in since the last week of October and it has now found its way to my life--our lives--again ruining everything that gets in its way.

I just finished doing the laundry and other chores with the help of the sister while the father cooked a very hearty lunch. Lunch was spent talking about pre-birthday celebrations and groceries and the dream house. This is one of the main reasons why I enjoy lunches at home. We always have interesting things to talk about.

I think we're going out in a little while to spend my last day at home walking around Subic and probably eating our hearts out somewhere warm and cozy. I want this day to be wonderful because it's going to be a while before I get to spend time with the family again. I hope it doesn't rain today or that it rains but only for just a little while, good enough for it to feel a little gloomy and cold and for us to see a perfect little rainbow that would put sweet smiles on our faces.

4 days til my 20th birthday. I can't wait.

My Little Town

2010-10-31T16:45:00.007+08:00

I got back yesterday from a 2-day trip to the city of pines. Due to my passing all my subjects and being able to register without all the hassle (except for the 3 hours I spent waiting in line to pay), I decided to finally spend my money on dinner with father and littlest sister. We first went grocery shopping then we went off for the bestest dinner at Extremely Expresso. We went to Vista Marina after dinner to unwind and to take loads of photographs. The weather was perfect that night. Cold and eerie just the way I like it.

On the way home, we saw these two adorable people with their Halloween costumes on and I knew I just had to take a picture of them.

It's times like these when I really wish I had my own camera. I hope somebody would give me a Canon g10 for my birthday. Oh gosh. I'm turning 20.

This Week In Pictures

2010-10-25T14:14:00.004+08:00

So yes. Halloween's just around the corner. I hope someone'll invite me to go trick or treating or to at least go to an actual Halloween party complete with costumes and all that jazz. I believe that no one's ever too old to go trick or treating ergo, no one's ever too old for Halloween.

2010-10-23T20:24:00.010+08:00

Today's breakfast was extra delicious and extra simple. I had coffee, my first poached egg, and Ciabatta. It was quite a lovely way to start the day.

So this week, the sister and father and I have been eating nothing but healthy food. Nothing super fatty. Just all fish (grilled mostly) with a variety of fresh vegetable salads ranging from talbos ng sayote to puso ng saging. They're all very easy to prepare and really REALLY tasty. Papa has always fancied feeding us with pamprobinsya food because that's what he grew up eating and of course I would always prefer simple dishes like this to anything super fancy. I happen to love simple dining and meals like this are even more amazing when the whole family's around to savor it.

I made champorado for our afternoon snack and ate it with fresh, fresh milk. Such joy.

So for lunch, we had grilled tilapia and eggplant salad while watching Toy Story 3 with the father. We ate in front of the television and it was one of those perfect rare moments we have here at home. We watched How To Train Your Dragon after that and papa just fell in love with the movie--and with dragons. He couldn't stop saying the word dragon the whole day.

Last night was spent hogging the slow internet and eating cup noodles while trying hard to drown out all campaign jingles jingle-ing away with awesome music. I had leftover champorado for a very late dinner peppered in with good conversation with old friends. The night was a tad bit boring but it was still quite lovely.

Last Week in Baguio

2010-10-21T19:17:00.008+08:00

My last weekend in the Baguio was spent with the sisters and father. It was a surprising thing because the city is 7 hours away and the entire trip would send you numb but the father and the little sister came anyway. They helped me move my things to the new house (I live with the older sister now) and they came to pick me up for the end of the first semester

I am kind of starting to miss Baguio again--and the boy of course --but being home's always been the bestest feeling in the world and I want nothing else but to be with my family for as long as I could take. I feel the start of school slowly creeping in again and in about a week's time, I'm going to have to go back to the city of pines and be away from my family again and that's always hard but I'm gonna have to be a man about this and just suck it in.

Right now, the very thing that's on top of my list-of-things-to-do is to finish school and I am, you know, slowly working on it.

Melody Fair. You Can Be Beautiful Too

2010-10-20T17:18:00.001+08:00

The past week has been all about family. I’ve been spending all my time with papa and the little sister and I have been having a lot of fun. I haven’t seen them for months and at least by cooking breakfast, or singing karaoke, or watching movies with them I get to make up for lost time.

It’s still raining really hard here today and the strong winds are frightening but the lovely music was able to drown it all out. I spent my morning cooking breakfast and cleaning the house. Around noon, papa taught me how to cook tinola and I am so proud of myself for pulling it off. In other words, lunch was amazing.

The afternoon was spent watching this old film about love, and a ten year old boy and girl. Melody. I cried my eyes out during the movie mainly because it was lovely and touching and beautiful and perfect and it had a great soundtrack along with it. Now it’s on top of my list-of-movies-that-I-love and I’m pretty sure it’ll stay there for a long time.

Later, the sister and I plan to watch more movies while eating noodles and I think I could convince papa to come home with ice cream tonight. Could this stormy day get any better?

Date Night, Saturday Night

2010-10-07T15:36:00.002+08:00

Because the semester's coming to an end, the boyfriend and I have been spending the past Saturdays going on dates on different restaurants around the city. Last week's been one of the bests because of the awesome food, the lovely weather, and the fact that I felt beautiful that day.

We had dinner at this new restaurant called Apetito where they serve coffee, fruit shakes, sandwiches, panini and pasta. The food was heavenly and the atmosphere was quiet and simple. Just the way I like it. Peppered in with the feel of the cold Baguio breeze, that dinner was one of the bests I had in the city.

Desserts at Fuzion after where the boyfriend went gaga over the power shakes. I'm pretty sure it won't be the last time we'll be going there.

This Saturday, the boyfriend plans on taking me out for a quick dinner some place around town since he has a race on Sunday and he refuses to sleep late before a race. I have this gut feeling he'll take me to Fuzion again because I'm pretty sure he needs his dose of protein shake. I just want ice cream.

Fat Bottomed Girls You Make The Rockin World Go Round

2010-10-07T15:27:00.002+08:00

Celebrated the end of my suffering with huge burgers and tornado potatoes at Bambenny--this new diner near the boyfriend's place which has the best decorations from an old piano to Marilyn Monroe/Michael Jackson/The Beatles posters, from old vinyl records to Superhero replicas. Don't even get me started on the food. Their burgers are amaaaaazing and well, huge. Add in an order of tornado potatoes and you're all set for an awesome meal.

Wow. Now I want to go back there again.

Red Eye

2010-10-07T14:29:00.002+08:00

Most of last week I spent bedridden. I caught the bug that was going around which meant sore eyes. I got to go back to school again after a week but with glasses to cover up the creepy eyes. I loved how people freak out when they see me. It's like an advance Halloween prank or something. Too bad the redness is quite clearing up now however, the glasses stay on, honey.

I'M BACK LADIES

2010-10-07T14:18:00.000+08:00

The Weight of My World

2010-09-20T13:02:00.002+08:00

I've just developed a mad love for the vast skies and beautiful sunrise and sunsets. It's amazing how the sky can turn into a pale shade of blue to pink to red to orange. The sight is just always breathtaking.

I wish some rich fellow would just send me a spare camera I could use. I swear if that happens I would carry it with me all day, keep it safe and just love it like mad.

Forgive me. I’ve never owned a camera before.

All I Do Is Sleep All Day and Think of You

2010-09-17T10:58:00.005+08:00

I went home for the weekend and it was so awesome I couldn't even explain it!

I shall see la famille again in about three weeks time and I can't wait. Been back in the city of fine pine since Tuesday and well, all's well and good except for the occasional homesickness but still, I am actually learning to do good on my own.

In The Early Morning Rain

2010-09-08T11:28:00.007+08:00

I've always fancied people watching. Enabling yourself to make up stories about certain people quietly walking the streets of the city, minding their own business and coming up with interesting facts about them that either touch your heart or amuse your self has always been a wonderful feeling.

I usually people watch while looking through windows of cafes I usually frequent and it certainly takes my mind off horrible things that are going on around me. Just recently, I made up this story about a taho vendor who's sitting patiently along the park benches unconsciously tapping on his knees. It made me think about what it was he was thinking about and a number of silly things came to my mind. Like whether he was thinking about what to have for lunch or what he would be doing after this group of grade school kids bought all his taho. It was rather fascinating how I can mumble silently and argue with myself inside my head.

Right now, I am currently sitting alone in a corner at Starbucks drinking my favorite coffee. See, today I met a new friend and it was a really awkward yet beautiful first meeting. We shared a few laughs until ate came and it was rather refreshing. I've always loved first meetings. I can't wait until we accidentally bump into each other again.

Whatever Happened to Saturday Night

2010-09-04T12:02:00.003+08:00

As if an entire box of sweet, creamy treats that is silvanas still isn't enough, the boyfriend even got me Marilyn Monroe as another post monthsary gift. It was oh so wonderful and ever so perfect.

Breakfast this morning was lovely. It's been a while since I last actually sat down and had breakfast alone, in my room so I made sure it's the best breakfast I've ever had. It felt nice to have silvanas and coffee and Sufjan Stevens for breakfast.

What's even nicer is the fact that an online friend of mine wrote a feature about me on his blog and I just read it this morning and it just made my day.

Circles they grow and they swallow people whole

2010-09-03T16:16:00.004+08:00

Since Mikey was in Manila the day of our 49th month, he promised to make it up to me by taking me to dinner for our post monthsary celebration at Volante yesterday.

That date last night was as simple as it could get but it sure was worth remembering.

Happy 49 months to us! :)

It was a time of innocence, a time of confidences

2010-09-02T15:26:00.006+08:00

Mikey's back!
It was our 49th month anniversary yesterday and although we didn't get to celebrate, he made up for it by bringing me a ton of pasalubongs from his trip to Manila.

As for my veeery long weekend which I got to spend with the sister and Mico and Mico's dad who bought us the grandest breakfast I've had for months, it wasn't as crazy as I thought it would be but it was indeed perfection.

My Monday morning was spent with coffee and bagels and free internet then, ate and Mico picked me up and we had a fun lunch at 50's Diner while it poured cats and dogs outside. After lunch, we spent the rest of the afternoon bookshopping at a friend's newly opened bookshop called Mt. Cloud which has countless of lovely shelves filled with old and new books, books for kids, mothers, fathers, hippies, geniuses and musicians alike, soothing music (care of Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova), the most bizarre pieces of art that would keep you wondering about what they're about and how they're done, and the most relaxing scent of incense that just draws you closer and closer and closer.

I bought a ton of books again and it felt so good.

After bookshopping, the three of us went just next door for merienda at Hill Station where we had the most decadent Vanilla cupcake with cinnamon sugar and ice cream, coffee, and the chocolatey goodness that was...

Death by chocolate.

We went home to Mico's after that wonderful meal. Dinner, on the other hand was of course, amazing as it consisted of bulalo and barbecue.

I also have a new friend now. Her name's Ina and she happens to be Mikey's best friend Justin's girlfriend and she is how you say, incroyable!
We haven't really met face to face yet, only through texts and the internet but we just clicked and it feels like we've been friends forever.

As for yesterday, I went back home around 5 in the afternoon and had a long, cold shower. It felt nice to be lying in my own bed in complete silence since I was home alone again. I watched a ton of new movies I got from the sister and just lay there. In my bed. All night.
Dinner was pasta and burger and cola. It was a perfect way to end the day and the 4 day vacation that had passed by like that sudden gush of morning wind that leave you smiling the rest of the day.

City and Colour

2010-08-31T02:50:00.000+08:00

Magic Hour

2010-08-30T19:58:00.008+08:00

Photographs from my awesome weekend. I'll say it again. I love meeting new friends!

Mountain Cloud

2010-08-30T18:25:00.003+08:00

Today I had coffee and bagels for breakfast, went to 50's Diner with the sister and Mico for lunch, walked in the rain, bought a ton of books, had Vanilla cupcakes with ice cream for merienda and talked about death by boom boom with the sister, Mico and Shanti. Life's good.

Yesterday was our friend Fi’s bookshop opening. The bookshop’s called Mt Cloud and it’s amazing what wonderful books and artworks they have. I went there last night with the boyfriend, and ER, and Justin and we just took pictures like crazy. The place was filled with so many people last night so I didn’t get to take a close look at the books but since I went back there today with the sister and Mico, I was really able to splurge.

Fi gave me this Mt Cloud sticker today and it made me feel really good inside. I plan on going back there again soon.

We Have Seen The Changes

2010-08-30T12:07:00.001+08:00

I bought two books again last week but I’ve never really gotten around to reading them yet because I’m still in the middle of finishing this other book I bought months ago.

Anyway, my weekend’s been super crazy! Justin was here so all we did the entire time was go out and have a blast. ER’s also leaving for the States next week so the weekend became a get-together/going-away party both for him and JT.

This here’s the longest weekend I will be having alone. I wanted to go home but certain things kept stopping me from actually going and being my superstitious self, I felt it was strange how I was being told not to go so I didn’t. Now I regret my decision.

Mikey went back to Manila with JT and now I don’t know where to go and who to call. Plus, my umbrella’s all fucked up so I don’t think I could still leave the house without being drenched in rain because it always rains here now. I’ll just see what happens later, I guess.

I might also rearrange my room tomorrow. I need to set my mind on something else besides internet, coffee and well, spending.

I miss home.

PS: I will post photos soon as Justin uploads all of them! :)

By the way, Happy National Heroes' Day people!

2010-08-27T09:25:00.002+08:00

Today I had Sandwiches for breakfast and barbecued pork served in a hot plate with sauteed vegetables on the side for lunch. Life’s fun when you have extra cash for full meals.

I woke up at 7am today for school and was actually in a good mood all day. Mikey met up with me at SM around 11am for lunch and we just talked and talked and window shopped and talked and ate chocolates and talked. By the way, I won that bet I had with Mikey (the one where the person who has the lowest grade point average buys the other a special prize). I would have myself my first pair of running shoes pretty soon. That would get me started on running now and I cannot wait!

Anyway, it rained all day today hence the cold weather. It made me feel lazy all throughout but at least I was able to go to all my classes. School was over around 4pm so I met the sister and Mico after to get my allowance.

Mikey and I met them at Booksale—the one place I try hard to avoid because of the tempting books. The dodging didn’t work, though. I ended up buying 2 new books again and I haven’t even finished reading the one I bought a month ago and I still have a pile of new old books I have waiting to be read. Curse myself and my judging-a-book-by-its-cover attitude.

Mikey and I left Booksale before I used up all my money and headed straight for school again after that where I had to wait for Mikey to finish his last class as I read one of the books I just bought while listening to awesome music on Layla, my iPod.

We left for home around 6pm. We rode the jeep together, something we usually do since I fear cab rides now. By the way, I won’t be going home anymore on the weekend. The parents and the boyfriend talked me into staying here for safety reasons and of course, being the paranoid person that I am, agreed whole heartedly. I will be spending my 4-day vacation here with the friends instead starting with Sunday, Fi’s bookshop opening. I’m so excited.

I’m starting to miss Mikey again. It always feels lonely here at home.

Without giving anything away You'll find ships inside of bottles

2010-08-27T09:21:00.001+08:00

I honestly feel fulfilled today.
I finally got the chance to go out on a Sunday without worrying about chores and other house related stuff since I’ve already taken care of everything yesterday (i.e.: did the laundry, paid rent and cleaned a little).
I woke up early today and took a long, cold bath soon as I got out of bed. I actually had this whole outfit planned out for the day but I realized I might feel awkward again walking the streets alone in an outfit some people aren’t comfortable with seeing so I just wore the usual shirt & jeans attire, although I did get to wear the new beanie I got from the flea market last night. At least I had one stylish piece on.
I went straight to Starbucks for coffee and internet with my black umbrella and big bag in tow along with my laptop. I was supposed to attend this party in school around 2pm but I got so lazy and the fact that I was in my usual seat in the café made me even lazier.
I actually made this list of things I needed to do online like download songs and movies but apparently, SM wifi doesn’t allow illegal downloading of any sort. Frankly, I ended up doing nothing although I did manage to get a few Billie Holiday and Madeleine Peyroux songs.
It was weird how my Science teacher suddenly arrived out of nowhere with his family. What was even weirder was the fact that they all sat in the couches next to mine. It felt nice to see a familiar face but I wasn’t expecting to see him exactly. We managed to make little conversation, though and it was nice.

Mikey got there around 2pm. We spent a good half hour talking and taking photographs of ourselves while we were there. I love his new hairstyle. It looks clean. I like clean.

Around 3pm, we left for Jack’s, this restaurant along Session Road that has cakes and full meals. Mikey came up with the idea of me having their signature Jack’s rice for my late lunch since it’s such a heavy meal and he knows I wouldn’t be able to eat dinner anymore tonight. I ate while Mikey watched. I’m used to having him watch me eat now since we don’t really get to eat together anymore because of my unhealthy eating schedule (or lack thereof). I was finished 30 minutes later.

Mikey paid for the meal and even surprised me with chocolate cake for dessert after. It always feels good to get cake as a surprise. I’m a sucker for cakes.
I had to go home around 4pm because I had no more money and Mikey had somewhere else to go with his family.

This Sunday’s been pretty amazing, you know. I’m tired of moping around the house for an entire day when clearly, there’s so much beauty in the city for me to see.
So yes. Such a happy Sunday indeedy.

Here Comes The Sun

2010-08-22T12:49:00.008+08:00

This here's a rundown of what I've been listening to the past coupla weeks.
via: Last.fm

Look ma. A new beanie!

2010-08-22T11:03:00.003+08:00

Got a new beanie from the flea market last night and it only cost me 20 pesos!
You think there's such a thing as too much thrift shopping?

On another note, I am having the time of my life in Starbucks today drinking my favorite coffee and hogging the internet. Unfortunately, SM wifi doesn't allow illegal downloading of any sort here. Gah

PS: That there's my "GAH" face.

Everything has beauty. Some just fail to see it.

2010-08-20T17:12:00.003+08:00

Finally had the chance to set my hands on this book I've been lusting over for months.

Kubi beat me to buying this at Booksale and I feel sad that I was broke the day I saw it but it feels grrreat that at least a good friend got it and not just some stranger.

Been slowly going through the pages earlier and it just made me feel good inside. Read the first few pages earlier during breakfast while sipping on hot chocolate and quietly anticipating the boyfriend's arrival.

Mikey and I spent the rest of the day together at Volante and since it's our free day tomorrow, we plan on having a simple dinner somewhere in town for tonight.

The night is young and so are we

2010-08-20T16:19:00.005+08:00

I got to spend the night with Ashley again last Wednesday night along with a few new friends. We stayed at this coffee place I used to frequent with Mikey and the guys when Mark was still here.

It's been so long since I last visited so the coffee experience I had last Wednesday was pretty awesome. I've gotten to know her sister even more that night because we just talked the night away plus, after nearly years of not singing, I got to perform onstage again all thanks to Ashley and Janet and Jj for the help.

I managed to take pictures because ate let me borrow Katniss (the camera) for the night. I honestly could not believe I was out with friends. I mean, I wasn't that used to not having Mikey around anymore and I just realized how fun it is to not be with him for a couple of hours but without worries. I have been hogging him too much. Haha

So anyway, I plan on going back there again on Friday for their anniversary celebration which is something I used to do with my guy friends. Now the idea makes me miss them even more.

I'm glad I have new friends and I'm even gladder that I feel they're here to stay. I have been having so much fun with Ashley since the very beginning of our blossoming relationship. I hope it stays that way for a long time.

Happy Hippie Hypocrites is What We Are

2010-08-20T12:24:00.000+08:00

Benguet Bus Crash Kills 41

2010-08-19T17:05:00.002+08:00

I would like to spare the time to post about the accident that happened yesterday not far from where I'm at as of the moment. This accident has really opened my eyes to the fact that we could never tell when such horrible things could happen and it saddens me how I have never even given this much attention until today (when I realized ate's friend's dad is one of the victims).

I am still in shock for what has happened and I send my deepest condolences to all who lost their families in the accident. May their souls rest in peace.

Vehicle falls into ravine as brakes fail

via: The Philippine Daily Inquirer

SABLAN, Benguet—William Laruan, who is recovering from a stroke, was enjoying the morning sun on his wheelchair outside his shanty on Naguilian Road here on Wednesday when a La Union-bound bus sped toward his direction.

Laruan can only speak with much effort because of his condition, but neighbors heard him yell when the bus struck his roof, throwing him and his wheelchair back into a room filled with fading magazine clippings of movie stars in the 1980s.

“I just had breakfast. I do not know what pushed me back into the room. It was so strong I was thrown out of my wheelchair,” Laruan said.

A few minutes later, 41 passengers of the Eso Nice bus were dead after the vehicle fell into the bottom of a 150-foot deep ravine in Barangay Banangan at about 9:20 a.m. in the deadliest bus accident so far this year.

READ MORE

These Dreams

2010-08-17T14:57:00.002+08:00

I have always been a dreamer. All my life I've spent dreaming of my own little world where peace, love and music are the only things needed to survive.

Both my parents are musicians and the only things that set them apart are their professions. Mama's a chemist and she's been working with chemical analysis and reports since I can remember. Papa, on the other hand runs a small business in the city and he is also one of the greatest artists I know of.

In the many years they've spent together as a married couple, they have been blessed with three ~~very beautiful~~ children.

I am the second child. My older sister and I used to play everyday inside our humble home before the littlest sister was born. We used to make up dance routines wearing Halloween masks and loose shirts and we used to pretend like we were either gymnasts, karaoke singers or detectives. Playtime was made even better when the younger sister was brought to life.

Almost every time, my sisters and I were left home alone by ourselves or with the nanny while the parents were off to work. This is exactly when the fun really begins.

We loved playing dress up. At times we pretend that we're the Sky dancers (ate as Jade and Sam, the little sister as Camille and me as Angelica and Breeze) and we'd just flap our imaginary wings like crazy trying to stop everything evil. Other times, we'd pretend like we're the Spice Girls where ate was Posh and Scary Spice, the little sister was Ginger and Baby Spice, and I was Sporty Spice. We'd perform countless numbers all afternoon until snack time. I specifically remember eating sliced bananas in toothpicks dipped in peanut butter. Snack time was always my favorite time of the day.

The sisters and I used to also have to attend Camp Spill the Beans every day around 3 in the afternoon. The older sister made this up herself. She was our counselor and she told us everything we had to do. We made cards, read stories and wrote songs and we'd always perform the songs in front of the parents the moment they arrive.

My childhood has always been my favorite time in life. I guess my sisters and I were all dreamers and the fact that the parents have been with us all the way made dreaming even lovelier.

To the boyfriend of 2 years

2010-08-16T18:00:00.000+08:00

Because it’s hard to keep things bottled up, I write them down. And because I love you too much, I write for you.
Like I have always said, I write without fear but never without passion so forgive me if I blurt out things that are too cheesy or too mushy for you. I can’t help it. Love does that to me.
Besides, we need a little cheese in our lives sometimes.
PS: I LOVE YOU.
-inky

2010-08-16T11:45:00.000+08:00

Will start posting again soon.

Sunday

2010-08-16T10:43:00.007+08:00

I stayed in my room all day yesterday.
I watched Clarissa Explains It All the moment I woke up. I only get to eat one meal on Sundays mostly because:

I'm too bankrupt to function
The food bin is empty
Everyone's downstairs
I'm too lazy

This time, my sole reason was number 3 and this is why I had to eat lunch around 3 in the afternoon, and why I did not get to do the laundry. Again.

Honestly, I always plan on spending time with myself during Sundays but the fact that I splurged on shoes again made that date-with-myself impossible. I even had to cancel the date with the sister too because of the extreme bankruptcy. See, I had to buy new shoes because my favorite pair was already too worn out so I bought these cute Janeo loafers at the mall but last Saturday, when I went window shopping at the flea market with the boyfriend, I saw such cute vintage-y shoes that fit perfectly so I had the urge to really buy them. I blame the boyfriend for the subtle persuasion. So now, I'm left with 200 pesos until Wednesday and I don't know if I can live with that.

No classes on Saturday, by the way and the movie date with Ashley's on Sunday. I wish I get to really save up now. I hate having to beg the friends and sister for money!

That's The Way We Get By

2010-08-06T16:56:00.004+08:00

This week's been pretty crazy.

I got to hang out with my new friends Ashley and Lauren last Wednesday over dinner at 50's Diner and ukay shopping at the famous Baguio Session Road Night Market. I also got to spend some time with Lauren's friend Xian who according to Ashley is an actor but who am I to know right? I don't even own a television at home.

Anyway, we spent the night walking around Session Road looking for beautiful pieces for ourselves and for Lauren who was totally awed by the cheap ukays and the many different spots we had to rummage. I ended up buying a new polo and jeans which I wore that exact same night after purchasing because I got too lazy to change. The night ended around 10.30pm and I have to say it felt good spending time with friends.

Ashley and I plan to hang out again real soon at my place for an intense Movie Marathon. I need to prove to her that The Royal Tenenbaums is indeed an awesome movie and I won't let her out of the house until she agrees. Honest :p

So yes. All in all, this week's been pretty amazing considering the fact that:

a) I have new friends
b) I have new clothes; and
c) I got to hang out with awesome people.

Twas A Happy Sunday Indeedy

2010-08-01T21:17:00.003+08:00

PS: The boyfriend and I turned 2 years old today. I am so happy. And so in love.

Sunday

2010-07-27T16:40:00.000+08:00

I spent the whole Sunday alone at home. I woke up at 7am and started doing the laundry. I swore to myself that I’d put that on top of my to-do list for the weekend because I no longer had anything else to wear for school and I don’t like the idea of spending what’s left of my allowance for laundry and dry cleaning.

I finished around 930am and since my back really hurt, I spent the rest of my morning lying down watching Bon Voyage, Charlie Brown on my laptop while eating peanut butter sandwiches and crackers and. My initial plan for the day was to do the laundry, make breakfast and treat myself for coffee so I can study and update my laptop at the same time but aside from being totally broke, rain poured hard forcing me to just lie in bed all day and do nothing.

I ate lunch around 3pm. I have a ton of groceries left from that splurging I did with the boyfriend last Thursday. I cooked rice and corned beef and eggs. I devoured them all in one sitting while watching Man Versus Food. I felt like a total monster.

Anyway, Mikey was suppose to visit but the bad weather kept him from coming over. I spent the entire afternoon still lying down while watching random films on my laptop when I came over this movie called Eulogy. Zooey Deschanel’s in it and she was just so adorable all throughout the film. I watched The Simpsons episodes after.

I got to talk to the boyfriend over the phone many times yesterday and I just kept crying my eyes out the entire time. I’m thinking it’s a severe case of loneliness and I have honestly been letting it all out on Mikey, throwing tantrums at him, getting mad at him over silly things like his wallet and blaming him for not being able to leave the house.

I have been such a pain this past week. The mood swings, the bitchyness and the period. I’ve always hated this time of the month. I’m lucky the boyfriend still sticks with me no matter what.

Countdown to the second year with the boyfriend...

2010-07-27T16:39:00.001+08:00

4 lazy days to go.

A Really Late Post

2010-07-27T16:37:00.000+08:00

I bought myself new old books today. The Orpheus Obsession, which Mikey found for me (I love him for knowing my taste even in books.) where the writer even quoted Devendra Banhart so I’m pretty sure it’s worth the 125 pesos out of my allowance. Besides, the characters have such great names like Anooshka Stargirl and that’s what made me want it even more. I also bought ate the first Baby Sitter’s Club book which smelled like 10 years gone by and a surprise Dinosaur Book for Mikey because he worships dinosaurs.

By the way, I haven’t told you about my new friend who’s probably the cutest person I’ve met since years ago. We’re seatmates on one subject. I talked to her first actually and we just clicked after that, I think. We plan on having coffee tomorrow or on Tuesday which would be my first coffee date with a girl friend because the last time I sat down over coffee with a girl friend was when Alana was still here… 2 and half years ago. That’s a long time. So anyway, I’m quite excited about it. It’s not every day I get to spend quality time with someone other than Mikey or the sister so it is something worth looking forward to. I love talking to someone new. It feels rather refreshing.

On another note, I plan on buying other lovely things for myself too. Soon. Mikey said I need to reward myself with something grand once in a while so I shall shop for new stuff once I get my money. I do need new shoes and clothes. I’m also—slowly—starting to love school. Not entirely but I’m getting there. I actually have this new motto… “Better late than absent!” Doesn’t that sound funny.

Day 04

2010-07-23T17:27:00.005+08:00

A habit I wish I didn't have...

That's a no brainer. It would always be, hands down, my habit of agreeing to everything people say and not knowing how to say NO. I mean yes. I am probably the nicest person you'll ever meet and I commend myself for being patient and nice and sweet and caring and all about being lovey dovey and all that jazz but enough is enough. I'm a grown up now and I know for a fact that my opinions count.

I have got to start laying off the I want to please everybody shit that has always been the reason why I don't even know how to get mad still. Even my closest friends haven't seen me mad yet. I have this ability to fake a smile every time and come on. Who always ends up getting hurt in the end? Me. Dammit. I wish I were just the right amount of nice and just the right amount of bitchy at the same time.

2010-07-23T10:32:00.004+08:00

Exam week equals more free time (since I only get to have 2 exams per day), less stress for coming up with outfits, more time to focus on what's really important like studying and eating and coffee... mm, coffee and Meiji Apollo chocolates!

As of the moment, I am munching on these little treats that tickle my taste buds and help calm me down. This is one of those little things that keep my mind off horrible, horrible stuff like exams and my period and it even keeps my breath sweet smelling which is a really good thing considering I haven't eaten anything yet. So anyway, my next exam is not until later at 3pm so I still have 5 hours to spare. The boyfriend will meet up with me later for lunch but he refuses to spend the rest of our free time together because he wants us both to really focus on our studies. Yup. He's such a good student. Now, I am worrying about where else I should go because I have no idea where I could stay and study without having to spend.

All the more, I think this day's going to be splendid. I just bought groceries with the boyfriend last night so I still have tons of food at home. I'll probably just go home after my exams to spare myself the pains of spending.

Day 03

2010-07-23T09:35:00.005+08:00

Photos of me with my friends

Because I don't have recent photos of myself with my friends, I give you random photos from different dates and places and with different people.

fin

Day 02

2010-07-22T15:48:00.004+08:00

The story behind my blog name is Mr. Marc Johns' illustrations plus the fact that I find the word "toe" cute and that the boyfriend has a fetish for lovely feet.

End

What I've Been Eating the Past Coupla Weeks

2010-07-22T14:22:00.004+08:00

Fajita, Chili Fries and Hong Kong Stir fried noodles

Four Cheese Pizza

Beef Siomai

Bagoong Rice topped with beef with sliced green mangoes on the side

Grilled Seafood platter

Thai Barbecue Chicken

Vegetarian Bicol Express and Beef with broccoli

Iced tea, brownie and waffles with Skippy Peanut butter

Mango Cottage Cheese Pie

Cheese Omelet with Corsican Rice

Spicy Korean noodles (Shin Ramyun) topped with bits of beef adobo

...and I wonder why I'm fat.

New Thrift Shop Finds

2010-07-20T15:54:00.001+08:00

Day 01

2010-07-20T15:12:00.005+08:00

A recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself

Well, that there's a recent picture.

15 things about me... Hmm...

1. I am a hypochondriac freak who currently thinks she has breast cancer. WTF
2. I am probably one of the most awkward people you will ever meet.
3. I love poetry and highlighting beautiful lines I read in books
4. I adore new old clothes and books. 3/4 of my closet is filled with second hand stuff I buy on street markets, thrift shops and even from my boyfriend's closet.
5. I am sickeningly nice. The reason why people bully me. I don't even know why I let them do that although, I am trying my damnedest to be bitchy at times and I think somehow, it's already working.
6. My toenails look horrible without nail polish.
7. I still play dress up with the sisters or myself when I'm alone and with nothing else better to do.
8. I have an awesome relationship with the parents and the sisters.
9. I only feel pretty late in the afternoon.
10. I have been single for 18 years. Until Mikey showed up. (More about him later)
11. I have a fear with people, cats, flying cockroaches, darkness, being alone, change, and a lot of other ridiculous things.
12. I do not like wearing socks. Except at night. For sleeping.
13. I have an obsessive compulsive disorder.
14. I spend most of my time listening to jazz and blues music on my ipod, buying new old books on book sales, reading random things, blogging, people watching and/or lying down. I don't exercise.
15. I don't drink and smoke and I don't do drugs.

The 30 Day Challenge

2010-07-18T10:20:00.003+08:00

I got this from Chevy Mae (an online friend)'s blog. It's a 30 day challenge that requires you to post something interesting everyday. I shall give this a try given the fact that I always run out of anything worth posting.
Anyway, this here's the list:

Day 01- A recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself
Day 02- The meaning behind your Blogger name
Day 03- A picture of you and your friends
Day 04- A habit that you wish you didn’t have
Day 05- A picture of somewhere you’ve been to
Day 06- Favorite super hero and why
Day 07- A picture of someone/something that has the biggest impact on you
Day 08- Short term goals for this month and why
Day 09- Something you’re proud of in the past few days
Day 10- Songs you listen to when you are Happy, Sad, Bored, Hyped, Mad
Day 11- Another picture of you and your friends
Day 12- How you found out about Blogger and why you made one
Day 13- A letter to someone who has hurt you recently
Day 14- A picture of you and your family
Day 15- Put your iPod on shuffle: First 10 songs that play
Day 16- Another picture of yourself
Day 17- Someone you would want to switch lives with for one day and why
Day 18- Plans/dreams/goals you have
Day 19- Nicknames you have; why do you have them
Day 20- Someone you see yourself marrying/being with in the future
Day 21- A picture of something that makes you happy
Day 22- What makes you different from everyone else
Day 23- Something you crave for a lot
Day 24- A letter to your parents
Day 25- What I would find in your bag
Day 26- What you think about your friends
Day 27- Why are you doing this 30 day challenge
Day 28- A picture of you last year and now, how have you changed since then?
Day 29- In this past month, what have you learned
Day 30- Who are you?

I shall start soon as possible... Say... tomorrow perhaps?

PS: Happy Sunday everyone!

More Photos Of The Awesome Weekend

2010-07-17T14:27:00.002+08:00

Because Monday Was Thrift Shopping Day

2010-07-14T16:55:00.004+08:00

The mother asked me to extend my stay at home so we could get to go thrift shopping.

I had to weigh my options out before I made my decision. It was either I stay one more day for thrift shopping and awesome meals with the family and miss out on classes and this major quiz or go back to the mountains and stay the whole day in school.

Of course I had to choose thrift shopping and awesome meals with the family. That's what makes me ME afterall. The laziness to go to school and the craving for new old things.

PS: The mother wasn't photographed because she was too busy looking for the perfect outfit.
PPS: I love the mother for getting me everything I wanted.

I'm A Rainbow Today

2010-07-13T15:04:00.004+08:00

Self portraits from when I was back home with the mother, father and little sister.

Vanity all around.

SM Baguio. Taken by the boyfriend.

I look short in this photo.

Taken by the little sister.

On our way to thrift shop heaven

Yup. The dressing room mirror.

And yes. I ended up buying that dress.

Inky Takes Pictures

2010-07-09T17:35:00.004+08:00

I've been practicing my photography for the past couple of days since a friend lent me his camera. It's not the greatest camera of all but it's there so I try to make the most out of it.

I haven't been this excited about taking photos yet which is why I've decided to create this new project. It's still a work in progress but so far, I'm liking everything about it.

I love how the boyfriend has also been very supportive with this photo blog so I'll try to update it as much as I can. I hope I get to have my own camera soon. Photography is only a hobby for me but as much as possible I want to get to do it every chance I get because it's one of the things that help make me feel good about everything and that's a really good feeling.

Blackbird, fly

2010-07-05T17:30:00.002+08:00

I spent my entire morning playing The Sims 3 on my laptop yesterday when actually, I was suppose to do the laundry. I felt lazy as hell because I had a cup of hot chocolate and an entire pack of chocolate covered cookies in handy on my bed and the day had just the right amount of gloom hence the urge to lie in bed all day. I ate nothing for lunch and was about to panic at the thought of having nothing as well for dinner until Jasher called asking me out for coffee. Because I was desperate to go out that time and because I have not been able to spend time with the friends again for months, I went.

We headed to Camp John Hay with Japs for dinner at Brothers Burger which of course was hands down the bestest Burger joint in the city and then went to Starbucks for coffee, awesome music, random ramblings and a few photographs. Spent the rest of the night at Jasher’s for the other friend’s birthday celebration, played a few songs for the group, took photos—again and watched Remember Me which was breathtaking.

I ended up sleeping over because I was too chicken to go home late and of course had no sleep at all because of the coffee buzz and the kabag. Woke up to the smell of Bavarian Raspberry tea and pancit canton care of Kurt and had one of the funnest breakfasts I’ve had with friends. Of course I ran late for school but I still got there in time for attendance and was in such dull mood all morning.

I shall head back home early tonight so I can catch up on some sleep. After all, Jasher did give me a ton of lovely smelling tea for the house and I cannot wait to try the Apple Cinnamon and the mixed berries tea. I’m pretty sure I’d get to sleep sound again tonight.

Celebrating 23 Crazy Months with the boyfriend

2010-07-02T17:19:00.001+08:00

Spent the day in school attending classes and trying hard not to fall asleep yesterday morning but was anxious to end the day with the boyfriend. We had dinner at 50's Diner--'twas my first time to try their Chicken Le Cordon Bleu and it was fantastic! Mikey took me home after that and all we did was listen to John Mayer & Jack Johnson (over and over) and watch The Simpsons all afternoon.

Yesterday was one of the happiest days I've had with the boyfriend. I sure as hell won't forget it.

I gotta admit. It hasn't really been a smooth, smoooooth ride but this has got to be the bestest 23 months I have ever had. The entire 18 years of waiting was really worth it.

2010-07-01T15:38:00.000+08:00

2010-06-25T17:35:00.000+08:00

I just had to Scott Pilgrim-ize myself while waiting for the film. Isn't this exciting? :D

Because My Heart Belongs to Daddy

2010-06-20T13:26:00.003+08:00

I was able to have quality time for myself again today and the fact that I am blessed with a little extra money made today even better. Spent my morning at Starbucks for cake with the sister and Mico (for father’s day) and the free wifi (because I had to install new updates for my laptop). I am planning to buy groceries for the house too so I guess I’ll be doing that after.

As of the moment, I’m rushing this tumblr post because Mico’s already complaining about hunger and because I still want to buy stickers for my laptop. I shall see if the boyfriend could meet up with me later. By the way, that Toy Story 3 date I had with him last night was perfect. I loved the movie (of course) and the food. I love that this school year’s been pretty amazing for me so far.

PS: Happy Father’s Day to all the awesome daddies in the world!

Post Independence Day Celebration With Mikey & Justin

2010-06-15T14:18:00.003+08:00

Last Sunday's been the best day I've had in Baguio all week. I started the day with my usual dose of Hey Arnold, spicy Korean noodles, Vegetarian chicharon, and mahjong. It was raining cats and dogs which made the day lazier but I still got by.

Went out to meet Mikey and JT around noon at 7-Eleven then the three of us went to the Country Club for lunch. Oh lunch. It was hands down the best lunch I've had since--I can't even remember! It was a champagne buffet so I was able to really pig out. Had sushi, grilled pork, pasta, chicken, turkey, a toooon of cake, crepes, ice cream and champagne--of course. We spent hours talking and eating and having fun. It was awesome.

Headed straight to the hospital to visit a friend afterward. She just gave birth to a beautiful baby girl and it was breath taking.

Spent the rest of the afternoon still with the boyfriend and JT at SM over cups of cranberry juice and chili choco and just kept eating the day away. Shared this heavenly coffee bun

(called the Roti)

from Roti Mum with JT on our way to Session Road where we indulged on street food. Yes. More food. And continued with our quest to gluttony with vegetarian calzone at Zio's.

We had to say our goodbyes around 9pm. It was sad to put an end to the day but I bet I would remember this for the rest of my life. This is what makes life so beautiful. Friends, food, restless blabbing and Mikey, of course.

Rude Awakening

2010-06-12T14:21:00.003+08:00

I finally got the slap in the face I so long deserved.

See, whenever I see my friends now, I can't help but feel sorry for myself for not trying as hard as they did in school. I mean, I have great friends, sisters who's been with me all the way, hardworking parents who's been very supportive with all the stupid decisions I had made, and a boyfriend who longs for nothing else but the best for me, my future and for the rest of our lives together.

It's hard thinking I won't get to finish school the same time as my friends would. Knowing that both mama and papa have already given me everything I have asked for and not complaining about it really breaks my heart. Besides, I think mama's expecting big things from me knowing that I've been in school for almost 4 years now which puts me ahead of my sisters (since ate had to work for awhile and is now continuing school and the little sister's still a freshman in college).

I feel really bad that I can't even get myself to think about what I actually want to happen with my life in the coming years or what I want to do after school--that is if I ever get to finish and it's depressing, really.

Not Just Some Love Post

2010-06-11T17:16:00.004+08:00

source

In the name of all that is holy

2010-06-08T12:50:00.002+08:00

Today’s weather is partly cloudy with no chance of meatballs. The little sister’s sitting next to me with her eyes glued upon her iPod, the father’s outside cooking pot roast for dinner later (since I will be leaving home again tomorrow morning) and I’m still here, numbing my ass off downloading free ebooks of my favorite writers. Laurie Halse’s Wintergirls has just finished.

As of the moment, the few things that keep me sane are:

Joshua Radin (still)
Hippies
Ukuleles
Ebooks
The new music I just put in my iPod and
Spicy Korean Noodles

I guess I shall leave with you with that for now. I still have a ton of things I need to do before I leave and to watch Chuck is the very first thing on my list so I say good day.

Mother Superior Jump the Gun

2010-06-07T13:59:00.002+08:00

Drew this earlier via scribbler.

You see, I'm not good at drawing at all but I still like to think that I can. It's sad how I never got papa's good--and by good I mean grrreat--drawing skills.

Sailing Over Waves and Tides

2010-06-06T18:24:00.003+08:00

Yes. I tire with the same things easily. I need to spice up my life every now and then. I need adventure. I need change.

Just recently, I spent an hour organizing my iTunes because it’s another lazy Sunday afternoon and the skies are still crying buckets of rain. Plus, I do have the knack for organizing things so it’s no big deal, really.

Also, I am in such pain as of the moment because I think I ate too much. This isn’t right. I need to start laying off the junk so I can actually fit into my desired start-of-school-clothes come Thursday. Oh school. My worstest enemy of all. Still, I shall face you with my head held high, motorcycle boots, fiery red nail polish and an awesome leather jacket for effect.

Standing Solo In The Sun

2010-06-06T16:02:00.000+08:00

Hello Sunday Dress!

A Song for Someone Who Needs Somewhere to Long For

2010-06-05T14:29:00.004+08:00

With the sisters wearing the berets Kubi got us from Paris.
Only a few days left and we'll be leaving for school again. This is what I hate most about summer. It ends too quickly.

I shall post more about my 3-day stay in Baguio later. I'm still too tired and too full. Lunch was awesome by the way. Oh! And as I type this, I smell papa's kaldereta cooking. Great day, yes?

Excuse My French

2010-06-05T13:46:00.003+08:00

Come With Me to the Sea of Love

2010-06-01T09:55:00.003+08:00

Today we celebrate our 22 months together.

Yes, the weather’s lovely here. I hope it is there too. I shall see you in 23 hours. I can’t wait!

PS: I love you so much it’s retarded!

Watch Out Boy. She'll Chew You Up

2010-05-31T15:20:00.002+08:00

Today I woke up to the sound of rain on the roof. The little sister was already wide awake and getting ready by the time I got out of bed. It was 8 in the morning. Papa and the cousin went to Manila to buy stuff for the shop. The ate's still in Baguio and the little sister's been out of the house since 9am for registration. I've been home alone all day.

I've always loved being home alone because it gives me a taste of independence. And you know how I get when it's about independence. I mean, I'm not the perfect example of an independent girl because I rely too much on people and because I trust easily but I still get by. Basically, the very thing I find awesome about being home alone is the fact that I get to do chores the way I want to do chores. Voluntary. You know what I mean? The fact that I can do this or that without pressure and all that jazz. Yes, I love chores. I love cleaning. Get over it.

Also, I get to dance around the house like mad. Just today I danced along to The Bird & The Bee's Maneater (Tribute to Hall & Oates album) and it was insane.

I haven't eaten lunch yet because there isn't anything else left to eat here but I did have a nice breakfast.

Coffee and this -->

The Japanese chocolate chip bread thing that helps elevate your mood. (The one I've also been talking about HERE).

By far, this has been another typical rainy day but the fact that the boyfriend and I were able to talk again made today special. Right now, I've done the dishes, swept the floor, cleaned the room, cooked rice, downloaded Dewey Cox (it's a sister thing) and bathed clean. All I have to do now is wait for them to arrive with food so I can eat dinner. Oh and I think the other cousin's sleeping over tonight. We be watching Chuck. That's something that doesn't happen everyday.

2010-05-31T11:23:00.000+08:00

I wish mornings looked like this where I’m from.

32 Flavors and then Some

2010-05-30T15:22:00.008+08:00

My current obsessions

1. John Mayer (always)

2. Highways

3. The blues

4. Joshua Radin

5. Beagles

6. My current Tumblr theme

7. Lose white shirts

8. Paris

9. Postcards

10. Hey Arnold!

11. Crepes

12. Breakfast

13. Dark chocolate

14. Rain

15. Bicycles

Vultures

2010-05-29T12:36:00.004+08:00

Because I'm in such fan girl mode for the past few days, I bring you a John Mayer post.

Been watching his Storytellers performance over and over again. Like, 3 times a day at least. So yes, I have been lusting over John Mayer so much that I even made the picture above my desktop background. I take pictures of him while performing through printscreen-ing, his songs are always in repeat on my iTunes, I visit his blog everyday and I search and save all his beautiful pictures from the internet.

I'm such a dweeb, I know. So what?

PS: I neeeeed tickets to his concert on October!

The One About The Broken Air-con

2010-05-28T08:12:00.009+08:00

Yesterday was an awesome day.
The father, the sister and I went to Pampanga to have the car checked. Papa goes to the same place almost every 4 months to have Pepinot (the car) taken care of. We spent two hours in the car with the windows rolled down because the air-con wasn't working. It was one hot ride. An hour inside Carworld wasn't bad at all because they had free wifi and I brought my laptop with me to keep us company. Sadly, they weren't able to fix the aircon so we have to go back again tomorrow. Another 4 hours of sticky leather seats and sweaty shirts. Gah!

This is the view of the SCTEX. I love taking pictures of the highway. Especially this highway because it probably has the cleanest roads in the country--at least that's what I think.

So anyway, after Carworld, the sister and I insisted we go to the mall to unwind. It's been so long since I last stepped foot in a real mall because I've been stuck at home for months and yes. We don't have a "real" mall here in Subic. Yet.

Spent hours walking around SM. We weren't really in there to shop. We were just there to let time pass and to eat tons of grub.
Lunch at Kenny Rogers was awesome. I had roasted chicken and mashed potatoes , papa had chicken and vegetables, the sister had chicken and Mac N Cheese and we all had muffins for dessert.

Spent the rest of the afternoon chillin at Breadtalk. My new favorite spot. I wish they had this in Baguio. Anyway, they have different kinds of bread/cakes/what-have-yous and their coffee's amazing. Plus their mugs look really cool. I hate myself for not buying one.

We went home around 4pm. It was boiling hot but we still had to roll down the windows so as we don't suffocate.

The only solution we had to the heat was to play Joshua Radin over and over until I finally fell asleep. Woke up an hour later when we stopped by Double Happiness because papa had to check something out again which was a good thing because at least I was able to pee.

Despite the sticky hair, the sweaty faces, the total heat and the fact that I had to change to papa's shirt in the passenger's seat with the windows rolled down because I was drenched in sweat, I still had tons of fun. It's not everyday we get to go out and spend the entire time just walking around without chores to worry about so yes. Yesterday was awesome.

2010-05-26T13:35:00.004+08:00

The past few days, I've been really into Randy Crawford and Joe Sample. I've been singing The End of the Line over and over everyday and even during sleep.

Someday, I will get to sing again. I miss performing.

PS: This is one of my heartbreak songs. Listen closely and you'll feel her pain.

2010-05-25T16:53:00.002+08:00

Again, out of sheer boredom and severe coughing, and because it's that time of the month again, I edit photos.

It's too HD it burns my eyes!

From Paris, With Love

2010-05-25T10:40:00.003+08:00

Someday, I will travel to Paris alone and take hundreds of photos and I will buy dozens of baguettes and walk the park in a red beret and vintage glasses and I'd just make friends with everyone I meet. Especially old people who'd talk to me in French and invite me over for tea.

PS: Yesterday, I got the postcard Kubi sent me from Paris. It always feels wonderful receiving something from the mail.

Don't Be Fooled By that Summer Again

2010-05-24T13:00:00.002+08:00

Because I have a feeling I will be stuck at home all day and because the sisters aren’t here I guess I will be watching Hey Arnold episodes all by myself. I just have to grab myself a cup of milk and wait for the Pop Tarts to finish toasting.

Life is good.

PS: The boyfriend's feeling better now :)