May/June '08 Timeout: Wanted

“Knives are easy to hide. They don't jam and they never run out of bullets.” -The Butcher, Wanted

Yesterday, SMART sponsored a free movie for all Manila-based employees celebrating their birthdays on the months of May and June. For North Manila-based employees, they watched it over at Trinoma Mall, while the rest went over to Glorietta 4 Cinema 3 to watch the Timeout movie Wanted.

As usual I went with Ryh, being both May celebrants ourselves, and by 1:30 p.m. we were at the registration booth, claiming our movie tickets, food stub (Yeah, the movie comes with a whopper, choice of onion rings or fries, and canned Coke, all courtesy of Burger King. ^_^), and a survey form (Uhh… Ryh, d’you have a pen with you?). Movie doesn’t start until 2:30 p.m. so we had to wait for the previous screening to end until we could go in. Unlike the previous year, this time SMART didn’t have the cinema exclusively to its employees since there was an online pre-registration conducted for the event sometime two weeks ago and quite a number declined to join the activity. While waiting in line, I got the chance to fill Ryh in on what’s been happening lately to the lives (Loves and lusts included! Hahaha!) of friends and not-so-friends. Topics were drunken nights, secret weddings, office crushes, and our upcoming department outing at Dakak (Geez, I haven’t done any shopping for this one yet! Arrrggghhh!!!). Sometime at 2:00 p.m. we were making our way inside the cinema and into our respective seats. (G33 and G34 baby!). After about five or seven movie trailers, it’s time to roll with the movie.

Wanted starred Jolie, Morgan Freeman, and James McAvoy (The cute Scottish guy from ‘Atonement’ and ‘Becoming Jane’). The story's basically about Wesley Gibson, an account manager who had to deal with his big, fat bitch of a boss, a cheating girlfriend, and a non-existent savings account. In other words, he’s been living the life of a L-O-S-E-R. That is, until the characters of Jolie (a.k.a. Fox) and Freeman (a.k.a. Sloan) step in and changes him into something he least expected to be – a very skilled assassin just like his father. A couple more twists in the movie, and towards the end, he remained to be last man standing. If there’s one thing that best describes the movie, it would be graphic – violently graphic, that is. But personally, I found the movie really cool, especially since there is the slightest hint of humour injected into it. The visual effects were also cool – as in “Kill Bill” level of ‘cool’. As usual, Jolie played a very femme fatale-ish role and McAvoy did come out pretty well for the character (No, am not crushing on him but I must admit he’s pretty good.). There were also cool car chases (Check out Jolie's hot red wheels! Panalo!), lots more of Jolie's sexy buck naked tattooed body, and lots more, err... violence. I won’t say much now to avoid revealing more spoilers but so far the movie is a two-thumbs-up for me. ^_^

By 4:30 p.m. I was on a cab ride back to the office since there’s an activity coming up at 5. Ryh didn’t go back to the office anymore; she’s meeting her boyfriend in a couple of hours so she said she’ll probably go on some window shopping. I know it’s way too early, but I’m already looking forward to another May/June Timeout next year. Hmmm… I wonder what movie we’re gonna watch next year? ^_^

Rain, Rain, Go Away...

I am sooo not a big fan of the rain. In fact, rainy days really give me the blues especially when I see the rest of the world (and the skies) in dark, dull shades of grays.

During the past days, it’s been pouring like crazy at the South and in most parts of the country because of typhoon Frank. In fact, a recent tragedy at sea happened – the sinking of MV Princess of the Stars – where a lot of casualties have been reported. I really am truly sorry for everyone who has lost their loved ones in the tragedy.

But even if I hated the rain since I was a kid, I admit that there are good things that come with such a downpour (Yep, besides the perfect excuse to skip class/work, the lazy days when you just want to chill in bed with a hot cup of coffee, and the perfect day for a Congi-with-pork-and-tofu combo.), and the best thing amongst them is HOPE. You know that anticipation for tomorrow to hurry up on its tract because there’s a good chance that it’ll be sunny once again? Or when you look out of the rainy sky wishing there would be even the slightest hint of sunshine? Yup, that’s hope. And it’s a good thing. In fact, it’s one hell of a good thing which everybody needs in this life.

^_^

It's A Woman Thing

Since I had nothing better to do at home due to a cancelled gimik with my girl, I decided to watch “License to Wed” (starring Robin Williams and Mandy Moore) in dvd. It’s the usual light-comedy flick where, despite the conflicts and some slight drama on the side, the love story ends with a happy wedding at a very sunny Jamaican beach and a catchy song plays until the ending credits roll, blah blah blah… the end. Oh, which reminds me… it’s June – the so-called wedding month.

I have seen countless movies about weddings, and I’ve also attended quite a number of weddings of friends and family over the past years. And while I’m single right now, the thought of having my own dream wedding someday is just normal for any woman of my age. And since I’m not in the mood for some mushy blah-blahs for the month of weddings, I’m just gonna talk about how I would wish my dream wedding would be like because at this point in every year, talking about weddings just seem so right. Sigh.

First things first: the motif. The colour will be a combination of deep purple and silver, but the deep purple thing will have to stand out. (No, contrary to what others would assume, it’s never gonna be PINK, as much as I love the color!) My bridesmaids and other female entourage would be wearing gowns in deep purple and it will be up to the couture to add accents of silver to the gown. (You know, like silver beads or shining shimmering whatevers.) They will all be wearing silver closed shoes with their hair all tied up in stylish buns (or whatever hairstyle as long as it’s pulled up) because they will be provided Swarovski hair ornaments to accentuate the hairstyles. The male entourage will all be in Chinese collar barong tagalong in Piña or Jusi fabric. Call it an O.C. thing, but I want my entourage to look good, elegant, and orderly during the photo ops. As for my gown, I would be wearing an Inno Sotto or Cesar Gaupo creation (You know what they say, ‘Dream big!’ Hahaha!) that’s got some oriental influence into the design but would have to use the best Filipino fabric available. Same goes for the groom (Whoever that may be! Hahaha!). For the flowers, my bouquet would be a combination of pink and lilac tulips.

Since I hail from a family of old-fashioned Roman Catholics, family and relatives won’t settle for anything less than a church wedding. I want a late afternoon wedding within the metro. Inasmuch as I would love an out-of-town wedding, I wouldn’t want my guests and entourage to worry too much and get harassed because of directions, time, and most of all – gas. Then there’s the venue for the reception. And no, it’s never gonna be an outdoor reception as precaution in case it pours. It would be good if it’s in Blue Leaf Pavilion, where almost all of the guests would be families, closest friends and relatives, and a select few from work. I don’t want a big wedding, but I would want the people dearest to me to come and share that very special moment with us. As for the food, there’s gotta be a touch of Kapampangan taste since I practically grew up on Kapampangan food. It would probably be a fusion of Kapampangan and Asian food, with a separate table for desserts (Don’t forget the chocolate fondue fountain! Yummy!!!).

Sigh.

Ok, for those who raised their eyebrows from what they’ve just read, don’t blame a girl for having a dream wedding of her own. It’s as normal as the testosterone rush guys have whenever they see a hot chick passing by. But seriously, it’s just a vision that I’ve always kept with me. Whether its’s gonna be realized is something which nobody can say right now, until the time when my Knight-In-Shining-Whatever a.k.a. my very own version of McDreamy puts that shiny shiny stone on my finger as he pops the elusive question. Yup, it’s just my so-called dream… but a cherished one. ^_^

To The First Man In My Life...

Dearest Dad,

Hey, it’s me! Just so you know, it’s Fathers’ Day today all over the world so I thought I’d drop by and write you a letter. Come to think of it, for the last twenty-five years you haven’t been with us to celebrate Fathers’ Day because you’re working abroad ever since I can remember. Even during your birthdays, which fall on the following month of July, you’re not here in the country to celebrate with us. But while you were mostly away throughout my childhood, I have in me too many happy memories of the three of us – you and mom and me – with every detail so vivid in my memory until now.

Dad, do you still remember how I was always looking forward to Sundays as a kid because we would spend the later part of the day in Luneta Park? Yup, you always give me piggy-back rides and would buy me sweet stuff afterwards. I remember you always bring a camera with us, and you and mom took turns taking pictures with me. Pigtails have been my signature hairstyle back then, and I was that perky kid in shirt-and-shorts-with-high-socks-and-sneakers attire. I still have them with me, the pictures taken in Fort Santiago, Baclaran Church, Manila Zoo, Harrison Plaza, and Nayong Pilipino. But the fondest picture I have is the one taken in Luneta. And yes, I remember how you and mom talked the usher into letting me watch Nightmare on Elm Street at Luneta Cinema way back. Some movie for a kid, huh?

Then came my first years at school. I really miss how you would give me a ride at the back of your Yamaha motorcycle in going to school. I think I was in first grade then, and I thought coming to school in your yellow motorbike was REALLY cool!!! In fact, I enjoyed it so much that I vowed to get my own motorbike someday (But it’s not like you’re ever gonna let me, right?). You also did the best you could in helping out in any way you can whenever I had some school activities or projects. (What can I say, your daughter was pretty much of a campus figure. Hahaha! Kidding!) But no matter how supportive you were, you were fiercely stern in your No-Boyfriend-While-You-Are-Still-Studying Policy. (Uhhmm… yeah, sure. I’m gonna shut my mouth on this one! Zip!) Too bad you didn’t make it on my college graduation day because you had to leave for abroad a couple of weeks before the graduation rites. Hopefully you’ll make when I graduate from my Masters Degree. (Absolutely NON-NEGOTIABLE!!!)

Dad, I just realized that you have the coolest disposition ever! I can only imagine how much effort it took so you won’t kick the jerks I dated in their respective asses. Seriously. You were able to handle mom’s temper at her worst, and while we did have our ‘moments’, you never spanked me nor laid a hand on me. Do you remember when you told me how you wished I’d find a guy who can love me as much as you love mom? To be honest, I’m pretty doubtful if I’ll be lucky enough to find such a guy out there. But if there’s someone who can love me even half as much as you love mom, then I’d still consider myself lucky. Really lucky.

Dad, I know I’m never the daughter to be very good in saying “I love you” in an outward manner, but I guess I’ve made it a point to make a life-long effort of making you proud of me as a daughter. And yes, I am never the easiest person to handle because of my stubbornness and pride, but I am doing my best to be a good person that you’ve always wanted me to be. We’ve come a long, long way Dad, and we’ll have many more years ahead of us to make up for lost times. But I guess there isn’t any lost time at all, because you make up for everything with your love for your family. Boyfriends come and go, and if it’s meant to be, I’ll have my own hubby to start a family with, someday. But I am so thankful to God that He has given you to be the first man in my life. I love you, dad!

Happy Fathers’ Day!

Always a daddy’s girl,
Lisa

Highschool Life, Oh My Highschool Life...

I checked my Friendster account just this morning and I stumbled upon a bulletin post by a good friend way back from highschool, Stefie. Now, normally I don't check out bulletin posts from contacts, but the title caught my attention since it's specifically for Paulinians 2000, which is my batch and one I'm very much proud of. When I read what she posted, I can't help but laugh out loud and reminisce how it was so much fun being a highschool student, especially being a Paulinian. Here's what Stefie had to say (Pardon the grammar and the way some of the words were typed, it's a Paulinian thing, you see! Hehehe!)


Date: Wednesday, 11 June, 2008 8:47 PM

Subject: High school ghetto's (PAULINIANS 2000)

Message:
DANG!
Highschool fever??
grabe sign na ba i2 ng isang reunion ulet? sbagay nxt yr 10yrs n tyo.. hehe..

so share lng din ako kc kay zxy una unang pinost ko eh..

sa st.paul ko natu2nan ang ibat ibang klaseng linggo's at penma.. ung "ko" na inispell na "coh" ,tayo=taio, ako=accoh, kayo=kaio..at kung anu2 pa..yan ang mga mkikita sa mga leters namen sa isa't isa..uso kasi sa st.paul ang bigayan ng leters.. halos araw2 gumagawa kme pra sa mga frndshps nmen at lalo na sa mga crush.
RECOLLECTION LETTER/RECO LETTER
RETREAT LETTER pati FIELDTRIP may letter kme sa isat isa..kunsbagay khit ordinaryong araw kapag boring ung lec gumagawa kme ng letter kahit sa katabi lang nmen..at mttwa ka nlng kc wlang kwenta ung sulat pero treasured un..ung iba pa ngang sulat sken hnggang ngayon nktago pa,tulad ng nsa primary foto q!

sbi ni zxy super sweet kme sa mga crushes nmen daig pa nmen ang mga lalaki..totoo un..alam mo kung may nag-anniv kc ang la2king teddy bear ang bit2 o kaya isang bouqet ng fresh flowers,long stem roses at kung anu2 pa..gnun kbulgar.. lalo n kpg st.pauls day..nakaw! ang mgppartner nsa tbi2 wlang pnpatwad..
ala2 ko naghunting kme ni mhel aka balingit, sbi kc nmen dpt may mkita kme n kkaiba b4 kme grumad8.. kaya nung gen.cleaning nagvolunteer kme mglinis ng labas ng bintana pra mlibot nmen lahat ng klasrum..sakto nkkita kme..solve na..alam nyo na un...haha(wink)
sweet tlga kme kahit ako nkpgbgay ng sumthing sa 2 super crush ko..si Mitchel Pineda at Aissa de Guzman (peace up!) ang da best dun naging close ko sila kht alam nla na crush ko sila..

sa st.paul natu2 aq magng close sa mga teachers esp advisers..astig din sila e.. si ms.Molina alala ko pnahiram ako ng money nung 1styr ako para lang mksama sa fieldtrip sa EK nbyadan ko nmn hulugan hehe.. at c ms.Ramos aka Ms.R grabe alam nya lhat ng probs ko kc sya lagi ko nla2ptan 4 an advice & com4t asyd frm my frnds.
at sino di mkklimot k ms.quizon na ngyn e mrs.calfo2ro na.nnagiiksian n ang mga palda kanya2ng paraan,tiklop d2 tiklop dun para lng di mtas2 o mgupit ni ms.quizon dhil s dala ntong armas-gunting,kc dpt 2in.below d knee lng ang haba ng palda at ang boses grbe dinig ng buong coridor kpg sumigaw..lahat tago sa lungga..
Si mrs.guibani, panalo lagi batch ntn pgdating ng mission alala ko sbi nya "don8 4 d misyonaris,mkkpunta yang pera nyo sa ibat ibang bansa 2long para sknla" nsbi 2loy nmen ni Putla buti p ang pera nmen mkkpunta ng ibang bansa kme kaya kelan? haha..at pdamihan ng old newspapers?-SOLICIT is d secret!

Ang batch nmen ASTIG! nagkkaisa kc astig din ang lider e IRISH UY?? D BEST! kmi ang batch n unang nagGRANDSLAM sa cheering (4thyr) kme din ang unang batch na walang npanalunan kht isa sa cheering (3rdyr)
tama c zxy kme ang mga mggandang girls n may mga mla2ke at buo ang boses.. ang secret voicing n nktuwad sample..
GALUNGGONG..
MAY IFIS NAIFIT SA FINTO NAKITA NI FAFA FIFI2 FATAY!
n hangang gbi ang praktis
kmi din ang unang batch na nag EL FILI play,at dpt tyo lng din ang nkatoga nung grad kso di pumayag admin.

Uso din ang mga alias:
GRIMACE(remmbr?haha!)
BOSKIBALINGITPUTLATAMAGOCHI (dhl kht s hrap ng tcher hbang nagle2c e 2log o kya kumakain ng lunch)
BALAWIS
LUCRING (na akala q 2nay n name ng isang titser nmen muntik n nbuking kc naianounce ko sa mic nung ppunta kme retrit haus n ung leter n bnasa ko e galing k lucring R...buti ung mga madre at titser n bc di nla nrinig)
pti ako meron STEPHANOT!

ang flag cem n mnsan inaabot ng 1hr.
Nat'l anthem
Panatang mkabayan
Paulinan hymn at song (memorize ko dn hngang ngyn)
Gospel readingReflection
St.Paul prayer
Prayer 4 peace
Panalangin ng bayan
Jubilee song
at kpg swerte may bonus n sermon ni sis.george at ng mga coordinators at sis.milakwa2 mga 4thyr n nka heels..

kkmiss tlga mdmi pa kme ghettos n tlgang kkaiba pro di n ksya kay syn out na! ;P

yeahbah!

STPEHANIE LOU J ESPIRITU
1styr:St.Rose of Lima
2ndyr:St.Aloysius
3rdyr:St.Philip
4thyr:St.Thomas Aqui

'Tis One's From Lissy

In my previous blog, I posted an article from Paulo Coelho entitled "Closing Cycles", which speaks about one of the most interesting topics in blogosphere- and overused one too many times - letting go. And while the phrase itself may hint of love relationships, the article did not dwell on the topic of love alone. Instead, it emphasized on change, and the prerequisites that go with it; for the decision to change entails letting go of some things that could mean a lot to us and, possibly, moving out of our comfort zone.

Change is either of two things - good or bad. Either way, one must be sure that he is ready for any change that's gonna come. It's not really a battlefield which one needs to gear for, nor some end-of-days scenario within the horizon. It simply entails acceptance of the fact that things cannot be the way they used to be; that some things which you are fondest of need to be let go. Dwelling and holding on to some things from the past, we may miss out on the best thing any change could bring - a new leaf; a fresh start; a clean slate. Accepting that some things could never be the way they once were is the first step, and moving on after having learned a lesson or two from past experiences makes us a little wiser by the end of the day. And while it's easier said than done, always remember that the true person in all of us is not who we see in front of the mirror; it is the person that is looking INTO the mirror.

'Tis One's From Paulo

Last week, I got an email from a good friend in graduate school, Gail. She sent me something from Paulo Coelho, one of the most loved contemporary authors by my close friends and family, including me (Well, I may still be in the process of 'loving' him). I won't say much (Well, at least not until you've read the entirety of the article, hahaha!) but this one from Paolo is worth sharing to all my readers...


CLOSING CYCLES
By Paulo Coelho

One always has to know when a stage comes to an end. If we insist on staying longer than the necessary time, we lose the happiness and the meaning of the other stages we have to go through. Closing cycles, shutting doors, ending chapters - whatever name we give it, what matters is to leave in the past the moments of life that have finished.

Did you lose your job? Had a loving relationship come to an end? Did you leave your parents' house? Gone to live abroad? Had a long-lasting friendship end all of a sudden? You can spend a long time wondering why this has happened. You can tell yourself you won't take another step until you find out why certain things that were so important and so solid in your life have turned into dust, just like that. But such an attitude will be awfully stressing for everyone involved: your parents, your husband or wife, your friends, your children, your sister, everyone will be finishing chapters, turning over new leaves, getting on with life, and they will all feel bad seeing you at a standstill. None of us can be in the present and the past at the same time, not even when we try to understand the things that happen to us. What has passed will not return: we cannot forever be children, late adolescents, sons that feel guilt or rancor towards our parents,lovers who day and night relive an affair with someone who has gone away and has not the least intention of coming back. Things pass, and the best we can do is to let them really go away.

That is why it is so important (however painful it may be!) to destroy souvenirs, move, give lots of things away to orphanages, sell or donate the books you have at home. Everything in this visible world is a manifestation of the invisible world, of what is going on in our hearts - and getting rid of certain memories also means making some room for other memories to take their place. Let things go. Release them. Detach yourself from them. Nobody plays this life with marked cards, so sometimes we win and sometimes we lose. Do not expect anything in return, do not expect your efforts to be appreciated, your genius to be discovered, your love to be understood. Stop turning on your emotional television to watch the same program over and over again, the one that shows how much you suffered from a certain loss: that is only poisoning you, nothing else.

Nothing is more dangerous than not accepting love relationships that are broken off, work that is promised but there is no starting date, decisions that are always put off waiting for the "ideal moment."

Before a new chapter is begun, the old one has to be finished: tell yourself that what has passed will never come back. Remember that there was a time when you could live without that thing or that person - nothing is irreplaceable, a habit is not a need. This may sound so obvious, it may even be difficult, but it is very important.

Closing cycles. Not because of pride, incapacity or arrogance, but simply because that no longer fits your life. Shut the door, change the record, clean the house, shake off the dust. Stop being who you were, and change into who you are.

DVD Trip: Juno

“He is the cheese to my macaroni…”

Out of sheer boredom at home on a Wednesday night (and besides, I’m feeling too awake for a night cap), I decided to grab some random DVD at home and watch Juno. And today I found out that we actually have a shared copy of the movie in one of our shared folders at the office. What did I think of the movie? Well… uhmmm… hmmm… LOVE IT!!! ^_^

The movie was all about some teenage girl named Juno (played by Ellen Page) who got pregnant [quite unexpectedly] after doing it with a local boy from the neighborhood, Bleeker (Michael Cera). Jennifer Garner was also among the flick’s cast, who played the role of Vanessa, a wife who was unable to conceive a child and wanted to adopt Juno’s baby after birth. Little did she know that her hubby wants out of their marriage. Towards the end of the movie, Juno eventually realized that Bleek (Juno’s fond nickname for the guy) is actually her true love. As she puts it, “I think I’m in-love with you… I mean, for real. ‘Coz you’re like the coolest person I’ve ever met, and… and you don’t even have to try, you know. You’re like naturally smart, and you’re not like everyone else; you don’t stare at my stomach all the time; you look at my face and everytime I see you the baby starts kicking super hard…” Now THAT is unconventionally SWEET!!! ^_^

Now while I’m a big fan of gushy romantic flicks, Juno came as a refreshing change. The main protagonist herself is an unconventional teen for her age. I sooo love the flick, especially the main theme “Anyone Else But You” by The Moldy Peaches (Ellen Page and Michael Cera also did a movie version of the song, which I liked way much better!!!). It’s a semi-sorta Indie-type of song but it’s soo damn sweet… at least in an unconventional way, that is.

Gutter Queen

Yesterday, the PDS-DP and SI had a simple celebration for all May birthday celebrants in our department by holding a two-hour bowling fest at Paeng’s Midtown Bowl at the 3rd level of Makati Cinema Square.

Hmmm… the last time I went bowling was with a couple of officemates from my previous company, Intel. I remember at that time, my bowling really sucked but I was able to knock down at least twenty-something pins. Two years since, and my bowling skills still suck! Hahaha… this time I think I got worse at the sport, knocking down only eleven pins. Hahaha… I’m such a gutter queen! Oh well, at least I got a special award for my sportsmanship; not to mention a WHOLE LOTTA FUN!!!

How 'LOW' Can You Get?!?!

"Flings can't accept that they were just that - flings.That though they felt strongly about a person, the person simply didn't reciprocate that feeling (of love?).That though they were serious about another, the other just wasn't serious about it. Kaya nga fling eh. Haha. That though it may go on for quite a while, it was still just a fling."

I was resigned to keep my silence on this one, but a very good friend of mine urged me that it would be good to blog away my thoughts about the topic. I wasn’t exactly convinced that doing so would be a wise thing to do, but since I’ve always found solace in expressing my thoughts by means of writing, then I guess I’ll give in to that mischievous little voice inside me, coaxing me to “blog my thoughts away…”. Deep breath. So here goes…

At more than one too many times in my life, I may have felt similar sentiments towards ‘flings’. In fact, I’ve always been a staunch defender of my girlfriends against those women who… uhmm, how shall I put it… are a little “too” friendly with my friends’ respective beaus. More than loyalty to my girlfriends, I know how it feels like to want to protect the relationship at all cost because, after all, relationships are the sweetest form of ‘investments’. Still, I would always choose my words carefully, something the author of the blog post above might have overlooked. Being a woman myself, I opt not to mock another as much as possible because I believe life (and Karma, for that matter) is so unpredictable that I wouldn’t want to be the victim of my own prejudice in the future.

The blogger who posted those very words could be reading this, and if so then I’d like to congratulate her on being very true about her feelings towards ‘flings’. In fact, her very words say a lot about how LOW one’s character can go brought about by lies (really BIG ones!), jealousy, insecurity, and extreme paranoia. (Dear, go get some psycho therapy because really, you’re getting way too bouncy and wackee for your tender age of 24.) Is it worth any angst? Nah. She’s just never gonna be worth it. Not quite. =)

Close friends might question me on the entirety of the story, since it’s quite obvious that there is a much bigger picture behind all these, reading between the lines. But I vowed that this will be the LAST time I’m going to talk about this. Life is good – everyday there are things (and people) to smile about, plus my conscience is clear because in everything I do (especially in love), I do it in good faith.