Closing Quarters

Seems like only yesterday when the world celebrated in ushering in the new year. In less than an hour, the second quarter begins. Time REALLY does fly, don't you agree?

In retrospect, Q1 of 2009 wasn't at all bad - I indulged myself in a new hobby, was able to touch base with dear friends from college and my best girlfriend from high school, booked an out-of-town vacay with a small group of clique, and I'm still single. Haha! But I'll be honest to admit that certain aspects in my life could be better in some ways.

One of the most important realizations I've had these past months was how I never really need everyone's approval to feel thankful and blessed for the kind of life I have. I guess I've already resigned to the fact that I can't please everyone as much as I would like to, and that the only opinions that matter are those of my family and the friends who have seen me during my highs and lows all these years. The others could hold a grudge against me, baptize me with a nickname-slash-codename, and even hate me for my faults, and I don't blame them. At least not entirely. After all, I know myself too well to acknowledge my too-often brutally frank attitude and devil-may-care philosophies. These innate traits could unintentionally offend some people, but I refuse to sound apologetic for it. You may get the impression that I'm being arrogant, but the truth is that I've never had a problem stooping down and swallowing a mouthful of my treasured pride IF AND ONLY IF I know which fault I'm guilty of. But until that day comes, it's nothing personal on my part and will remain to be nothing more but mere trivialities of life.

*Sigh*

I'm hoping and crossing my fingers for another fruitful quarter to come. I'm being quite positive about but being realistic at the same time. As my mom's favorite cooking song goes, "Que sera, sera..." (Whatever will be, will be.)

Tsinitas Reunited

I think it was because of the humid afternoon, so I decided to take a power nap around two in the afternoon on a Saturday. A couple of hours later, I woke up with two SMS and one missed call from Sandy, my best girlfriend from way back in high school.

O.M.G!

I completely forgot that I promised to crash into her place since she’s having this mini pansit party with friends. I bolted up from bed and out of my room shouting, “Mom, I’m going out!!!” It was already five.

I got ready in an hour, and after 10 minutes (Their house is like a tricycle ride away from ours, thank heavens!), I was greeted by the celebrant herself who was chillaxing at the driveway with, ehem, Francis.

It’s been like two years since I last crashed into their house, which was like my home away from home way back during high school and even until my early college days. Her mom, Tita Rose, was in her usual perky mood and has never aged a bit since I last saw her. Gosh, I still remember when I’d sleep over their place after a night of partying and rendezvous at local scenes like Purple Ostrich or at some, err, more sophisticated places in the metro. Mind you, we were just college students then. But the bond we had was more like that of sisters, if I may say. We shared everything from boyband obsession (Think: Backstreet Boys and Boyzone!) and nasty biatches in our batch, to boyfriends and juvenile heartbreaks. Yeah, I could say we were quite a team back in the days. And seeing her now and her mom made me realize that I’ve missed her.

I should’ve brought my camera with me, as there was no one to take pictures of the occasion for us. :( Oh, and I also met a couple of her friends at work – Francis, Kelly and his girlfriend Stacey. The rest of the family and relatives were also present – Tita Cora and her daughter Kaye who came with her beau, and her cousin Am who came with his wifey and two kids. Before I finally left for home, I made a promise that I’d sleep over soon and I that I still owe Sandy that lunch that I promised sometime during December of last year. I don’t mind, really. It’s like being reunited with a long-lost sister; a twin, even! Only, she’s much sexier than I am. Haha!

Cheers to friendship and sisterhood!

To Date And Not To Second-Date

They say that the first time you go out with someone is very crucial in determining whether you can stand going out with the same person again the next time. I.SO.AGREE. Chemistry, decorum, and timing all play into motion the minute you go step out of your cubicle and into that elevator that takes you all the way down to the lobby of the building where you work at to meet that guy who’s gonna take you out for coffee, dinner, or movies for the first time. Technically speaking, it’s a first date. (I said ‘technically’.)

Some first dates are at their most romantic, some are fun, and for some its, well, a lot less than what they’d expected. It’s not really that the spot they chose to have dinner at was a bad one, nor that the guy was actually a hideous sight (Else you wouldn’t even consider going out with him in the first place!), but maybe because the incompatibilities were so apparent the moment you exchanged “Hellos” and “Hi”. And as the night progressed, you begin to wonder if you could just buy a magical matchstick that could lit even just the slightest hint of spark between you and your date. But what’s worse is having to endure a guy who seemed so engrossed – not with the food nor anything else, for that matter – but with himself. In short, he sees himself as the ultimate hero of his life story and makes sure his date knows it damn too well. Pathetic.

*Sigh*

By now you probably have the slightest hint as to why I’ve come up with such a topic. Oh c’mon, people… *wink*

Sometimes I wonder if ever there is still a guy out there who can keep it real, especially on first dates. I mean, the place doesn’t have to be the most romantic spot in the metro, nor does the guy have to be the most sought-after bachelor with a sleek ride and an influential connection in tow. It’s all about being true and finding out what the two of you have in common. If you’re both lucky, by the end of the night sparks could be flying and a second date is almost absolutely imminent. And if the evening [or your company] turns out to be far below your expectations, be a good sport about it, rant a little, and then move on. That’s what I DID. *wink*

Kids, Kids, KIDS!!!

Okay, I admit that I’m never a big fan of children’s parties but for obvious reasons, of course. But I just couldn’t say no when I got a text from Paula, inviting me to the first birthday party of my inaanak Gaby. Just like any children’s parties, that sunny afternoon in McDonald’s – SM Bacoor was raining boys and girls alike.

Baby Gaby with sexy mommy and pretty ninangs :)

I got to the place almost two hours early, so I thought of a place where I could relax and de-stress while waiting for the time (The festivities does not start until five.) I thought of getting a foot spa and manicure/pedicure, and then buy my last-minute gift for the celebrant at a local bookstore later on. The foot spa did a lot of good – I came out of the salon refreshed and even got my toenails a nice basic nude polish just for a change besides the usual pedicure. A couple more 15 minutes, and I was able to pick out a gift and went to check if people have started coming in to the event. Normally, I would have been bored to death during occasions like these. But thanks to a handy camera I had in tow, I spent the better half of the day taking pictures – candid and otherwise – of kids who were ecstatic over the games and giveaways that were in-store for them. It’s quite noticeable how Baby Gaby was a lot bigger compared to how she was a few months back during her baptism. And yes, my kumareng Pau seemed to have become sexier than ever, looking as fresh and collected as she was since I’ve known her during her single days. But she’s happy – it’s just too evident in her glowing aura that while baby Gaby may be a handful sometimes, the joy that motherhood brings is just so very much worth it.

Kids, kids, KIDS!!! :)

When I got home, I couldn’t help but smile and laugh at the unaffected smiles and emotions caught on cam. A mixture of innocence and mischief that is so natural in kids, just as all of us have been at some point in our childhood. Wouldn’t it be great if things now are just as simple and less complicated as they were when were but little boys and girls?

*Sigh*

I wish.

^_^

Lovin' Local

It was just like any other lunch break at the office, and some of the girls were having an animated conversation on the topic of love stories – particularly, Pinoy love stories. I can’t help overhearing one of them saying indignantly that Pinoy movies are mababaw, downright predictable, and has got nothing more to offer besides loads of kilig factor for the masses.

I smiled.

I couldn’t disagree more.

In my opinion, Pinoy love stories may be mababaw and predictable, but they offer something else besides the kilig factor – reality. Because corny and predictable love stories do happen to people. Real people. In fact, the thing that makes Pinoy love stories so damn predictable is because in some way, we admit to ourselves that we've been there and might have said the same lines at some given circumstance. Mr. CEO falling for Ms. Nobody, the rogue who sweeps a prima donna off her feet, clandestine lovers who barely make it against all odds (Mistaken identities, adulterous families, psychopathic exes, and tragedies included.), love stories that begin with the most unimaginable twists (Think: plane crash, sinking ship, car accident, kidnapping, fire/explosion, riot, organ donation.), best friends who wake up one day realizing that they’re in love with each other all this time - these are some, if not all, of the most popular plots Pinoys are so most fond of. True, the stories have been exaggerated and stretched to some extent, but it's no different as to what Hollywood has to offer. Sure, foreign celebs seem to be at best when it comes to onscreen smooches and sex (Tons of it!), but it all boils down to one philosophy, Filipino movies or otherwise: the love that conquers all. Well, almost.

If only viewers would look at the characters in a more figurative manner. That Mr. CEO and Ms. Nobody were actually two complete strangers whose ideals and philosophies are at the extreme ends of the pole. That the rogue could be that guy who's never EVER going to agree with you on anything and wouldn’t even lift a finger to make you feel the least pampered, and that the prima donna is, well, that girl who has spent a good deal of her life in a dollhouse. And as for forcibly coming up with happy endings, yes, Filipino writers are guilty of it almost always. But I find that fault comforting because towards the end of the movie I’m a little bit more hopeful. And while I admit that happy endings in real life tend to be rare, even the most cynical and sarcastic person who reads this blog would have to agree that, deep down, the heart just doesn't stop hoping.

In closing, I just wanted to stress that I don't intend to change anyone's opinion on what the Philippine box office has to offer in the love story genre. In fact, I have been one who has shunned local movies during my younger days. But I guess my coming of age (Think: quarter life baby!), somehow I found myself strangely familiar with some of the lines in the movie; that I found myself crying to a character's plight not because it was touching, but because I might have been in the same situation before and that the feeling sort of rushes back to my system. Not that it makes me wiser in that department, hell no. But I understood, and in the process I learned to appreciate. And with my appreciation I actually find myself enjoying it.

Indulgences

"Sige lang, INDULGE!"

This is what I’d always say to friends who'd ask my opinion whenever they're thinking of shelling out a LOT more extra dough than usual to beget whatever they set their hearts on, like a Louis Vuitton tote, a pair of strappy high-heeled Italian footsies, a brand-new notebook, or even a new car. In my case, my latest indulgence came in last Wednesday in a box. A Nikon D60 18-55 VR kit, that is. ^_^

I kinda put it this way - it's my post-Christmas-gift-slash-pre-birthday gift for myself; call it a reward. Originally it would have been a graduation treat when I finally finish graduate school BUT I realized that my adik little self couldn't wait that long. As for the budget, my mom did offer to shoulder half of the expense for fear that I’m way over my budget for this one yet AGAIN. But somehow my pride just won’t let me, so I chose to spend for the entire price of it. Now, taking pictures are a lot more fun and way too addicting compared to the usual point-and-shoot with my camera phone. Nevertheless my camera phone still comes in very handy during candid occasions when I don't have the luxury of an SLR. And for that reason, I'm already thinking of upgrading to the up-and-coming Sony Ericsson Idou ("Idou" is yet to be the final model name, says SE.) which will be launched some time during the second half of the year. But that will have to wait for another post several months from now. I hope.

Present Indulgence

[Not-So] Future Indulgence? ^_^

I’m not so sure yet as to how far I’m taking this latest addiction of mine, but let me just say that I’m sooo loving and basking in every minute of it.

Click! Click!

^_^

Indulging Our Capriccio

It was a long-overdue reunion which was originally set last week's Sunday. But because of conflicts with Mike's schedule and mine (I had to attend Baby Andy's Christening, as I've mentioned in my previous post.), we had to move it a week later. What was originally a meet-up time of 4 p.m. became something of a quarter before six, which gave me ample time to shower and fix myself up after a workout at the gym. Afterwards I met up with Cassey in Greenbelt 3. By this time Mike was still en route along Buendia, so I called him up to ask whatever he'd choose for dinner - Italian, American, or Filipino - so we could pick a spot already and settle down to be all comfy throughout the waiting time. Italian won over, and since Capricciosa was just a few walks from where we were (Plus I've been wanting to try out this ristorante for quite some time because of the positive reviews I've read on the net) so we decided to give it a go.

Cassey, Mike, and Me ^_^ (Taken from Cassey's blog)

Foodie Italiano!

Unlike some ristorantes in the metro (Like my family's all-time favorite - Italianni's, and Cafe Puccini), there were no classical music playing in the background or vintage portraits hanging about Capricciosa's walls. In fact, there's absolutely nothing vintage about it's ambiance; everything - from the interiors, table setting, and even the way the menu was presented - were straightforward and contemporary (HBO was even showing in the flat screen TV, starring Johnny Depp and Charlize Teron.). As for the food, we ordered two small servings each of Spaghetti Carbonara and Seafood Spaghetti plus a thin-crust version of Capriossa pizza. The Carbornara, in all its creamy goodness, was I guess a big success as compared with the Seafood Spaghetti which, in my opinion, was just a little over being so-so. I enjoyed the pizza, though, with a very bacon-y taste that's just the right compliment for the pasta we had. Finally for dessert, we had Homemade Pumpkin Pie (my VERY first time to try it out; it tasted a little different to my buds but I liked it anyway.), Homemade Tiramisu (You can never go wrong in ordering Tiramisu for dessert in almost ANY spot. This one's no exception, but somehow it leaves a strong and lingering hint of rum aftertaste.), and Chocolate Decadent (I love how it was such a chocolate-and-caramel affair! It was re-heated, though, which was kinda off for me since I prefer my dessert chilled straight out of the fridge.) Overall, it was a good dining experience, with lots of laughs and kwentos. It's been quite a while since all three of us have been together like this, and being with Mike and all his humorous glory just never disappoints. We had a long stroll along Greenbelt 5 afterwards, with a brief stopover at M & S when I bought a little something for mom. Unfortunately I had to catch the ride back to Cavite so we had to cut our little weekend rendezvous for the evening. Oh, and hopefully we'll be able to go for a dip in some beach before this year's summer closes. Hmm... Laiya in Batangas maybe?

Baby Talk

This is just going to be a very brief post. Last Saturday, me and mom attended baby Andy Chang’s Christening held at Jade Palace all the way in Pasig. Now I’m pretty sure by this time you’ve probably seen (and seen again) the pics which I posted in my personal sites (Think: Multiply and Facebook) but for the last time, here is a simple collage of cutie Andy who was the star of the event and the other babes that stole the show as well.

(Clockwise from top-left: Baby Andy; Riley a.k.a. Little lloydie; Baby Yohann on a face-off with Baby Andy; Baby Yohann)

*Sigh*

Can’t help but wish I’d have a cute little baby of my own someday. (Yeah, asa! Hahaha!)

^_^