Final Rendezvous 2010

Just got a buzz on my Facebook account that one of my former colleague from Malaysia is in town. Thought she was here for a business trip until I she told me she was just here for a vacation and it cost her 1000 RM....

Me and Shikin

Since I wasn't doing anything, we decided to catch up over a cup of coffee and there I was able to chat for at least two hours.....and got a souvenir....a picture of me and her LOL

FOOD! Yummy!

Prior to the planned catch up with Shikin, I was invited to a so-called ANTI-"PANIS" (read: spoiled food) post birthday dinner at my newest buddy I met in Twitter....who else.... Thirdy a.k.a thirdylopez03. so after approximately chatting and window shopping for 2 hours, I already got an SMS from Thirdy with the instruction to get to his place. I immediately made a follow-up SMS and call to Lester just to make sure he would catch up. As promised, there were indeed lots of food for us to spoil ourselves with.

L to R: Thirdy, Jessie, Me, Lester

Then, the usual talkative me, started talking to Jessie as I was informed that he was part of the famous UST Singers' victory last July 2010 in Wales where they were adjudged as CHOIR OF THE WORLD. To think I was an afficionado myself on choral music so we got him to do the talking next. Jessie showed us some videos coupled with first hand account of events that took place. Jessie reminded me of my former conductor, Prof. Frank Englis, who was just so passionate when discussing anything about music. Loved every moment of it and It surely was an honor to have him talk about that prestigious win. It is good to note that this is the 2nd time the group won this very prestigious choral event. Jessie plays the piano very well and when I say well, I mean great!

We had to cut the night short as Lester had to work at 1 AM. But before he could report to work, he had to bring me home as he had a ride I could hop in. I believe it would have been great if another recent twitter buddy came, Toni a.k.a ToniRapera. Guess her schedule didn't permit her to squeeze the post bday dinner "leftover party" in it. Final picture of the night was taken and off we go.

Twitter Buddies (L to R): Thirdylopez03, ArCeeTee and Ashamanlester

In a short span of time, I was able meet nice people and with that I officially close 2010 with a big smile. May the best of 2011 be with all of us.

For more about the UST Singers click ->> UST Singers

The "Who's Who" in the Life of ArCeeTee for 2010

Many magazines publish their top 10,20 and even 1000 of who's who in showbiz, politics and sports. I have mine too. This list is special and very well thought of. I thought I could only come up with 10 names but then again I had to be fair so I went as far as featuring the 20 Most Important People who Inspired Me for the year 2010.

The list is in no particular order or degree of importance. I decided to go alphabetically.

Alain Kris Jardin - met him 1 year ago and since then we were like brothers. He eventually made it to HSBC (my former employer) and did well with sheer determination and focus. Hopeless romantic as he is, he has inspired me by being there when I needed him the most. He takes the time to invite me over coffee and we would talk the night away.    

Arvin Octavio - 3 years have passed and this guy also showed me how much maturity he has despite just being 23 years old. Why mature? I met him 3 years ago and he never had any plans to do anything with his life until he decided to charge. What inspires me is his ability to listen to constructive feedback and be open to change. 

Maria Elma Quiao - A former university colleague of mine. Her down-to-earth and affinity to the ALMIGHTY is what inspires me especially when I talked and met her recently here in Manila. She used to be this chubby, shy friend almost 10 years ago but she lost a lot of weight recently. Despite that, she maintains to be one of the most God-fearing person I have met.

Erlyn Ramos-Hinojas - A former colleague of mine from PeopleSupport, Inc. She has this bubbly personality and never rans out of stories each day. She now resides in her hometown, Bacolod City and spends time juggling business and her responsibility as a wife and mother of 2 kids. What inspires me is her consistency to be a friend. Rain or shine, she has always been there!  

 Francis Urville Cacliong - Met him 2 years ago at the badminton group I joined. First impression was ANNOYING. He has a very loud and witty personality that makes him the most endearing person you'll ever meet. He had his ups and downs but despite all that he never ceased to bring laughter in the house with his jokes. This person when placed in a crowd can easily get the attention of everyone.

Jane Pangilinan biyuda de Lim

- Famously called Jano by her close friends including me. She was my former staff at PeopleSupport, Inc. in Cebu City until one day we just decided we could be good friends. Since then, we were inseparable. She went through a lot as well with her health but bounced back with so much zest and love for life. She is stubborn and will do everything to get what she wants (in a good way) and wherever she goes, I know I am always in her thoughts which. She has excellent cooking skills. I just love this person for loving me back through my best and worst times. 

Jay Navarra - mentioned previously on my previous posts. The person who has managed to provide strength when I was just not ready to face my music. Not having the most in life but still manages to provide/give/share what he has. His affinity to vanity does not in anyway come in conflict with the nice personality he has. The strength itself has inspired me to keep going no matter how difficult the journey is.


Jory Orleans - I don't understand where she got her last name as she doesn't have a trace of caucasian features at all (peace!). She used to be one of my staff back in HSBC until I had to let her go...yes! I had to. But that decision even made our friendship stronger because she understood the nature of my work. I love this girl because she's a no-nonsense, carefree individual with drama that is so easy to deal...FOOD. Apart from some stuff I got from her, she has always been there whether I'm happy or sad. Sometimes, she's super nice that she is being abused. One of them is me...hehehe

Jude Viterbo and Marvic Quilet - Like Erlyn (mentioned above), Jude was a former colleague from PeopleSupport. We both never expected to be friends until we ended up riding a cab one day I guess. Then it was followed by cigs and coffee breaks. Then I opened up to her and that friendship is still strong as ever. Jude is carefree. A lover of life and a big believer of GOOD VIBES. This is how she inspires me. Vic, on the other hand, is a friend I recently met because of Jude (which explains why they are in one picture but they are not together, definitely!). He's as carefree as Jude. A lover of beer and partying which explains why I always end up going to clubs since I knew him. He pays for it (LOL). What I like about Vic is his raw exposure on love and life in which I always have a say. In return, he keeps on consulting my ideas, suggestions including comments. God knows what's in store. In short, he inspires me to be more responsible of what I say and things I do. In a short span of time, Vic has already been into my real self.

I'm already halfway through my list and so shall we continue....

Kenneth Mark Lao - No one knows exactly the real him until you get to live with him. Yes! He is one of my housemates. Describe him? Focused and career-oriented. We met at the badminton group. Few good games and "Hi's and Hello's" once in a while turned out to be the start of a wonderful friendship. We both are strong individuals and this is probably because of the nature of our jobs that turned us into monsters which we couldn't leave behind after work. Then again, what inspires me is Ken's consistency to stick with what he believes in. He could probably bend a little but then again at the end of the day, he sticks with what his gut feel is......He can be critical of things which offends me at times but then again, nobody is perfect. I guess that what you call UNIQUENESS.....

Lester Babulon - I don't need to go into the details how we met. We just became friend through one of the people in this list whom I'm mentioning later. At first, I thought Lester didn't talk much and that he would be too damn boring until we had a few shots of liqour and all of a sudden we were talking about politics which he was passionate about. Following that discussion was my discovery of his other passion, writing and reading. I'm no geek and I don't think he is. I just love the fact that he could be consistent on these things and still be successful at work. This is where he inspires me. As of the moment, Lester is in my place doing our usual thing each Weekend and/or during his leave (when time permits). I gained a lot of trust that I opened up everything to him. I would say he's a good buddy in every bit of aspect he gets involved with. Not perfect but totally someone you'll easily be able to lean on when you need it.

Lisette Fernandez - I don't even remember how we got close.I guess by now you see the trends. I don't usually remember details how I meet these people. It just happens. Lisette or Ga, is a mother of 1 extremely witty and talented girl and a dedicated wife. Despite that I admire how she balances work and family and friends too. Quite the protective and caring friend she is. We've had our ups and downs. Our constant conversations over cigs and coffee. Oh we used to work together at the same department but she moved on to a new employer now and I'm stuck with finding mine. Despite all that, she managed to go out of her way to reach out and talk. Not just at this low point of my life and I knew we would go on as friends even if we moved on to a different place. I'm so proud to put her on 

this list...

Filipino Estacio - Pinoy as he is fondly called by his friends which is obviosusly because of his name. Flashback to 1999 or 2000. Caracal was the name I found back then when I was chatting over mIRC. Thought he was a girl and it turns out it that Caracal was a type of a cat. Then conversations led to a name then finally discovering that we live in the same city. We chatted while I was from a different city pursuing my Bachelor's degree. Back then, I wash this selfish, son-of-a-bitch who wants everything to himself with no constant cliques to hang out with. Who could ever put up with that immaturity? Only Pinoy! At a very tender age, Pinoy was the one who exposed me to pasta and coffee and cigs. Not that it was a bad idea but what I am saying is He was just too advanced for me to catch up. So I did as time progressed and as he looked at where I am at right now, I'm glad that he's proud of it. I owe it to him. Pinoy is finally a doctor and He will be my personal doctor from now on.

Rehkha Vijiaratnam - A little over a year, I met this tall lanky girl. This is was when I decided to take a big change and move to a new department within HSBC. I had to be sent to KL, Malaysia for my training and I was introduced to her. We never spoke too much but something was just too common between the two of us. Okay, we worked on the same department with the same job description. She was one of my mentor. What made us close? We had the same ideas on things that allowed us to talk more. I opened up to her and then it was friendship all the way aside from work. She's damn good on her craft. I love it when she says things straight to my face and use all these profanity. Don't get me wrong, she's one of the nicest person I met who never stabs me behind my back but when rubbed the wrong way, she could be a nasty bitch. That's my girl Rehkha from Malaysia......

Rhea Pinuela - A former colleague of mine when I was with HSBC. She still works there and is doing really great. She has affinity to riding motorbikes and will go all the way expressing her emotions. What I liked about her is her ability to be this consistent with her work and her competitiveness. She likes to compete and all hell will break lose if she doesn't achieve what she wants. She gives her all in everything she gets hooked with despite her appearing to be a strong, witty girl, she is honest enough to show her vulnerability to things. I'm one of those lucky people she easily confides me. Through my best and worst moments, I had the opportunity to show her those in which I'm truly grateful about. I guess she's one person whom you can easily trust. She's real!

Roy Cuesta - I probably couldn't talk much about this person as he works silently behind his desk and is contented with a few short breaks where we are able to talk. Oh! Like Rhea, Roy is also a former colleague of mine. I think the best thing about him is is ability to go through his personal and work life in a balanced way. Once he spends time to get a short break from work, he forgets about work and easily jumps into this bubbly personality whom you can easily open up with. I had to point out that I am inspired of this relationship he has for 7 straight years and he's proud that he had never cheated. Could I do that? I guess that's why I look up to him.

Norhashikin Hassan - she makes this list because she's of my girls from TPC along with Rehkha whom I could easily talk to when things gets a little rough. She is also go on her craft and is very patient. So calm that I don't know what could probably upset her. That I have yet to find out. I love the fact that being the new member of my previous team, she was able to easily adjust to the demands of the job. It took me a while to do that. She knows how to pressure me in a good way where I don't need to be yelled at because you can ignore the kindness she shows. It simply encourages you to oblige yourself when she asks for something. During my time working with her, I never heard her talk shit on me and for that I am forever grateful.

Gilbert Asuncion and Teng Roque - Gilbert was a former colleague of mine when I still worked with PeopleSupport. We became close because of badminton and during that period of closeness, he introduced me to Teng (who happens to be his close friend during that time). Gilbert was the person who always taught me this acronym, CYA which means Cover you Ass. It no longer a wonder why he is currently doing well with his career and I have seen him move up the ladder so fast in just 7 years. Teng, on the other hand, was this girl who relates to people by instinct. You don't need much of a formal introduction. She has this uncanny ability to read people's personality and is definitely in your face. After being introduced to her, I've shared most of my best moments with her here in Manila together with Gilbert. I admire her honesty and it does hurt to disappoint her. I'd rather have a friend who can come up to me and tell me how stupid I am rather than putting a facade and be plastic even when things are no longer well. Not with Teng. By the way, Gilbert and Teng are already celebrating a long relationship that eventually blossomed into something romantic. If I'm not mistaken, I believe they have been together now for 4 years.

Thana Letchumy Balakrishnan - I would probably run out of words to describe why this person made the list of "Who's Who" but if there is a word greater than NICE, that would be it. She has good taste in food and I had the best time of my life spending dinner with during her short term assignment here in Manila. Beautiful inside and out. Sometimes conflicted on her thoughts but she knows how to do the right thing. She is not ashamed to show her weakness and I am glad that she consults my opinion when she needs it. A dedicated wife, a loving mother and a loyal friend......Another jewel from Malaysia...


Yom Sharina - What a good way to end the list. A feisty and intelligent lass from Malaysia as well whom I worked with for at least a year. I cannot describe her excellent ability to retain information inside her head. Quite impressive that in a short period of time, she even got promoted ahead of us. A well-deserved promotion. Work is work but when she steps out of the office premises, you can be assured of a fun, non-pretentious side of her. I admire her straightforwardness and I am not ashamed to say that I found this difficult to deal with but because she is genuine, it never really mattered at all. She loves her cats too much that she even has them well-feed and groomed. Yom, together with Shikin and Rehkha, are my "Tres Maria's".

At this point, I wanna thank these people for inspiring me to be better. I just needed to point out though that even with the list that I came up with. nothing compares with the inspiration and the support that you get from your family and relatives. They may have not been highlighted in this last post I am putting up for 2010 but definitely they are embedded in my thoughts and in my heart.

Thank you and I wish everyone the best of what 2011 can offer.

MADZ About Them - The Pilgrimage to CCP

I really couldn't wait 'til tomorrow to post another thing I did for my birthday - another treat courtesy of my housemates (Ken and Frankie) again with the initiative of Jay.....a pilgrimage to the Cultural Center of the Philippines, Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo for the concert of the Philippine Madrigal Singers entitled, GAUDIUM, The Joy of Giving

Why I call this a pilgrimage? Because I would never allow a year to pass without a visit to the CCP just to watch this group.. Well not that I could attend all of it due to work schedules and budget but I SHOULDN'T miss them in a year.

My housemates decided to come up with Php 500.00 as a gift for my birthday because they knew how much I wanted to watch this concert and I've been very vocal about it. The amount was already enough to get my to the BALCONY II section (A).

I have fear of heights so the seat was not too comfortable to start with but I couldn't complain. I had dizzy spells all of a sudden and the view was just a little too far. Then we got an instruction that we shall be transferred to the orchestra (B) which costs Php 1,700.00. Just to give you a picture of the change. It was already enough to make my pilgrimage a happy one...big smiles all over my place and thank God I didnt have to put up with the dizzy spells.

The group opened the show (PART I) with O Magnum Mysterium by Javier Busto (which, I am currently listening and is my all time favorite from their album ACCLAMATION I have on my rack). After three madrigals/negro spirituals, Ma. Cristina Viguilla-Navarro (a former member), was called to join for Payapang Daigdig and what a voice. She then followed it up with a solo, O luce quest' anima -- I can say, Mariah, you got your competition in her (whistling part)..Too bad, I couldn't get a picture of her anywhere.

Anyway, John Lesaca did his usual violin stuff which almost got spoiled after some minor technical issues. Yet, I commend him for his with and humor by salvaging some dead airs. He was damn good. One takeaway was "You guys are here because you appreciate real music!" He also sang IMAGINE by John Lenon before doing the violin part. AWESOME! The first part ended with a great tenor, Sal Malaki (another former Member), who was just as good as the coloratura soprano (Miss Alfaro). I don't even have to wait for the day when I'd get the chance to watch Pavarotti (he's dead) or Carreras (sorry not sure of the spelling). Hearing and Watching Sal sing was already enough....He also did the whistle for L'Important C'est La Rose and damn if whistles could make me fall in love, I am already in love......He sang Agnus Dei, Nessum Dorma and a duet with Ms. Navarro in O Holy Night during the 2nd part.

We had to take a 15-minute break so I grab a smoke outside and had to buy water and cake (oh! shame on that Php 60.00 cake which was dry and hard). Part II started with A Christmas song by Mel Torme and Robert Welles following by the songs listed below in order:

God Rest Ye Merry Gents - arr. Saunder Choi
Pasko Na Naman - Felipe De Leon/Levi Celerio/arr. Ily Matthew Maniano
Sleigh Ride - Arr. Ily Matthew Maniano
L'Important C'est La Rose - Gilbert Becaud/arr. Magdangal De Leon
O Holy Night - Adolphe Adam (This is where Sal and Cristina did a duet, another amazing feat)

Guess it was time for the Madz to close the show so they sang:

Christmas in our Hearts - Jose Mari Chan/arr. Arnel De Pano
Twelve Days of Christmas - arr. Arnel De Pano (Totally hilarious)
     - Let me point out (with no utter disrespect) that the ballet that was performed by two sopranos were the highlight of that performance.
Auld Lang Syne - arr. Saunder Choi
     - (Heard this arrangement on a film or a tv series...I any of the madz could read this, please let help me remember)
Isang Taong Lumipas - Ryan Cayabyab,Jose Javier Reyes/arr. Ily Matthew Maniano
     - This was another emotional song as it reminds me to be grateful of the year that passed despite all the hardships. I am a testament to those hardships as I lost my job and been badly broke since then. Lost a lot but still manage to keep my head up and smile.....

We had to end of course!
Who would have thought that the concert lasted for 3 hours. No one would have probably noticed it because the concert was a SUCCESS. Then the crowd gave a standing ovation (they deserved it obviously) for a job well done. Of course, we wouldn't let them leave without any chants of "MORE,MORE,MORE". The group obliged and with that the concert came to an official end for the first of 2 nights.

Another concert will be held tomorrow. I'm tempted to watch it again because they might pull another surprise but I doubt it. I hope not....

Again, this would have not been possible without my housemate' kind hearts: Kenneth Mark Lao, Frankie Cacliong and Jay Navarra. I'd like to also thank Thirdy Lopez, my online twitter buddy who answered my stupid questions on how to get to CCP without taking the cab. Like what I said, that will (probably?) be the last stupid question you'll ever get from me LOL.

I'd like to end this post by posting a picture I took of these three beggars outside the CCP Theatre who asked me to take their pictures. For some reason, I can't help but admire the glee on their faces when they saw their picture on my cam. This picture depicts that there are a lot of reasons to be happy. Even poor people (beggars, to be specific!) can still be happy.

For more information about the Philippine Madrigal Singer, you may visit them on the following:
Facebook  - http://www.facebook.com/upmadz
Multiply - http://upms.multiply.com
Official Website - http://www.philippinemadrigalsingers.com

For more about the author:
Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/ricky.tio
Twitter - http://twitter.com/#!/ArCeeTee
Blog - http://arceetee.blogspot.com

Photo credits: 
UP Madrigal Singers Facebook account
Google Photos

Early Birthday Present

Saturday, 18 December, I wasn't really sure whether the trip to a former choir colleague of mine in Carmona, Cavite would push through. Why? No one actually sent me an SMS on what time and where we would all meet. Second, an FB invitation as promised by Frankie Toledo was not sent either containing details of where and what time we would meet. Then, I received an SMS from Anacleto Dolar that he was already at the MRT station by 10 AM. To make matters worst, I had to rush to the nearest mini store to get some cellphone credits in order for me to be able to reply to him. Well, he ended up coming to my place until we received any notification from the rest of the gang.

The rest of the gang, Dominic Balatbat and Frankie Toledo, notified us that they would wait for us at the Boni MRT station in EDSA. Details of this trip will be posted in a separate post. For now, ill shall focus on a very important subject, getting the birthday treat...

Traditionally, Filipino's have a unique way of celebrating birthdays. That is, the celebrator (not celebrant) gets to spend every bit of everything and the gifts are from those he invites or from friends, etc. I have no problems with that. With my current situation right now, that is being jobless and broke, I have resigned to the fact that I shall be spending my birthday this December 23 just like a normal day......

I came home the following day after an enjoyable gather with my former colleagues from the university choir and tired as I was, I just decided to stay home doing the usual - watch TV, sleep or sometimes drink coffee or eat when I feel hungry.A few hours after lunch time, I was surprised that Anthony (my housemate's partner)  came home with food bought from WOK-KING. Kenneth Mark Lao sponsored two bottles of Coca-Cola and the rest was a sumptuous after lunch meal.

Around 4:00 PM, Arvin, another very close friend of mine invited and sponsored me for a badminton game in Ortigas. I knew I really wanted to sweat it out as I binged on both days. God knows the amount of calories I had and really needed a little bit of an exercise to at least shed it off a bit. 4 Games of badminton was already enough to do that favor......so a big thanks to my little brother and one of my few closest friends -- ARVIN....

Time to go home and Arvin had to attend a party at the place where I live. His friends live just 1 floor above me so again I had a free ride home. Thank you once again -- ARVIN!

The night ended with yet another surprise from my housemates.

My Birthday Cake

Me, Turning 32....soon!

Signalling the start of another year in my life

It couldn't be any happier than this. I believe I have to thank again the person who initiated the whole thing and you probably heard his name as the person I thanked a few posts ago for giving me some strength to go through the hardships I am currently facing. Jay, you have always been inspiring and I am very sure that you'll get back the blessing ten times that what I am having right now. I am blessed. I wanna thank the rest of my housemates, Ken and Frankie for allowing me to be happy. You know that my night almost got ruined.

Left to Right : Ken Lao and Frankie Cacliong...The housemates of Citihomes7704

Let me end this post by continuously giving my heartfelt gratitude to the people who I will be forever grateful. This now brings me to the next post which I will be posting on my actual birthday, December 23. I shall be specifically thanking those who have not given up on me or never failed me. I believe it will be a long post next time but mind you those who will make the list are people who had the extreme capabilities to at least hold my hand "virtually" and help me go through the lowest point of my life.

Once again, THANK YOU.

The Way I Party.....

Let's face it! December is the month where parties are extremely all over the place.
Well, aside from October were tables and chairs are sprawled in every corner of the city for the Octoberfest, December makes it as the most loved month of the year.

Why? Let me run on some few things:
1. You get gifts or shall I say exchange gifts
2. There are a lot of parties..Company, departmental, sectional or whatever type of parties you may call them....
3. Friends could be asked for some of the few things you want instead of waiting for it :-P
4. Reunion with friends, family and other associations you may have
5. In my case, its the month of my birthday (2 days before christmas!)

I can probably write about a lot of things to say why December is most loved month then again, I am not going to do most of them for this year. 2010 is an exception and probably some of my friends know why. Definitely, I must say I will miss my company party which I totally enjoyed for the past 5 years...

I guess we have our ways to celebrate but I'd like to point out that however we do it, what matters is what we do in the party and how we take those opportunities to be happy and merry...

Recently, I "partied" with my badmiton group SHUTTLEFLEX and ULTIMATUS. It was fun as we were divided into groups and each participants/members/friends/players were grouped into skill levels. I was under Level C for Group 1.

We won 1 match out of 3 and never made it to the podium but what made it fun is that I didnt have to intoxicate myself. Ivan, who recently bought a CANON dslr camera decided to take a few shots and I must say, he was able to get some of the not so good ones of me in action. I specifically requested him to take some shots of me playing as I always wanted to get one. To his credit, he tried as a beginner and I believe he did a good job for a start....

Here's some of the shots he took of me:

Wrong-footed, bad execution and some of the wrong stances were taken. Can you imagine, if I had it on video, I would have been more upset to know that I was executing some shots with the wrong move. But yeah I had fun with it plus the fact it was my reunion with my usual badminton partner, Mark Decena.

Mark Decena, my double's partner

Everything ended well! The food was great, the games were extremely fun as we had to extend to three sets on the last two games we had. To think Mark and I did not have any means to practice (Mark works in a different city outside of Manila). Finally, I had the chance to bond with some of the people I enjoy playing with and expose two of my friends who were not really that much into sports. Jay (extreme left below) who's into dancesport and Jun (dunno what his sports is hahahaha)

Standing: Jun and Ricky
Seated (L-R): Jay Navarra, Mark Decena, Frankie Caclion and Joem Go

No matter what party we go to and how we want it to be, let us all savour what we can take out of it. It has to be fun no matter what. If it ain't fun then it ain't a party at all.

Okay, I probably have scribbled a lot of things on just one event that I attended.
On my next post, I will probably talk about how life is when hitting rock-bottom. The hardships, pains and how to cope up? Yes, I went through all of it for 2 months now......Interesting? let me know your thoughts!

Photo credits: Giovanni Peter Marc Ferrandiz

Restoring Order....Re-Arrangement

A few days ago, I wrote a blog after being away from it.
Talked about the person who inspired me to do it again......
Talked about the person who continuously supports me and give me every bit of strength I can have.

Today, I went back and noticed that the motivator actually placed a comment and somewhat inspired me to do another thing and I quote from my last post

"What about if i start wrtiting about the people I hate for the past 2 months of my life.....ain't that a bitch! ..."


I pondered for a few moments and yes I was excited doing it but after all the stress that I went through today at the bank and all these money issues piling up, I don't think I would have the energy to do it....so instead let me just show you a wonderful thing I did after getting frustrated one day....I rearranged the stuff in the house and voila!

Well, don't be confused on the BEFORE picture...You'd probably think, "why the hell did he post a picture of BEFORE showing three guys in a couch?" Well, I was hoping that would give you an idea what I had achieved. The arrangement before gave us some restriction in terms of space as the couch and table have been placed dividing part of the living room and the kitchen....IT WAS A MESS! That needed to end.....

This time, I placed all the furnitures to show continuity (Imagine the air coming in from both ends...) What the hell am I talking about. I'm no expert in interior design but the fact that I created space due to the rearrangement was already enough....

Painstakingly, I did organize my collection of audio and video cd's. I must say I was not too proud of the number of pirated CDs cluttered. However, I was glad that the number of originals matched those of the pirated ones. Still, no excuse. I'd still say NO TO PIRACY (Enough of the hypocrisy)

I guess it goes to show that when you have little to spare, you go for the best option....arghh....enough said then. NO TO PIRACY

Right now, Lester is on his way for another weekend of DVD marathon. I wonder what we would buy and it's almost midnight....
Jun just informed me that he just arrived home after a shopping moment with his officemates. He ended up buying one long-sleeved polo for his party tomorrow and added that he was going to sing....

Speaking of parties, I guess I have a new topic to talk about next week....

Wanna know what that is? Well, I guess Ill have to see you guys on my next post....and yeah! I still have the "People I Hate Most" post in mind.

In the mean time, leave your comments....

Being Someone's Light in the Midst of Darkness

I have 11 hours left to end the day and start another one.
October 14, one fateful day when my world crash just right in front of me.
I guess I haven't totally moved on yet and only time will heal the greatest wound....despair....

While in the process of healing, I am glad to have had some help along the way.
I must admit that this was not the best position to be in. Its rather embarrassing but I'd do whats best for me to survive and just work on making it up later.

My thoughts are incoherent.
I sit down one day having this wonderful topic to talk about yet I am presented with lots woes and worries. The Law of Attraction says to just stay positive and never worry but I am only human enough. I can only take what I can. Whatever is in excess can either be detrmintal.

I laugh.
Not because im Happy...but because I want to simply ignore the harsh reality that is currently happening and pretend that everything is going to be alright.....

I regret and I've resentments.
People who you think have been your closest friend have finally unleashed their true colors...vice versa. WHat is more revealing is, the person/people who are incapable of helping are the ones able to help you while those with all the means in the world couldn't care much. Seriously, it is when I think of it that I get depressed.

I stay in love.
Love is something that cures all types of wounds. Dont believe it? I do. I am loved and I mean romatically. I have friends. I know who they are and I believe they know if I feel it for them. I can be plastic but as real as I am, I know in due time, Ill be able to say whatever I want. Its just a matter of time.

I stay positive.
The future may look as cloudy as the sky right now but things will turn better.
And when it happens, Ill do a life changing revamp. Ill delete names, Ill forget people who were mean to me and above all ill continue to treasure and keep and love those who mean to me. When I say DELETE, I mean it and it will probably be one of the most shocking thing I will be doing.

I am dedicating this blog to Jay Navarra who selflessly did not give up on the fact that everything will be alright. I draw strength from people who are humble and giving despite them having less. After I get through this, it is one thing I am totally going to commit to doing.....

What about if i start wrtiting about the people I hate for the past 2 months of my life.....ain't that a bitch! haahaha seriously.....leave your comments when you want to....

A New Start and A New Beginning!

It took me some time to finally get my motivation back and start writing again. One of the people who is responsible for this is Lester who constantly updates his blog.

Like I told him, my first blog was created last 2003 when it wasn't a fad yet. Now, anyone has their own blog site and some of them even have specific to talk about. I was tempted to do my own but i thought restricting myself to a specific topic will mean more time and dedication to it....just like in the film of Julie and Julia....

2010 brought about a lot of things and happenings in my life. Events I was happy and devastated. This year was definitely not mine to really celebrate but for me to reflect on the next coming years.

I guess the only thing that keeps me going is the saying that "whatever doesn't break me, cant make me weak"

Im back and Until i get a job, I shall be able to blog at least once a week and see if something is really interesting enough to be written and posted....

M-y A-wesome U-ndertaking!!!!!

It's been weeks and probably the proudest thing I could say right now after speaking to the person I broke up with is that I composed myself too well to just let it all out....in short, I learned to be HONEST in a very awkward way...

It has been a year where lots of lies were made, lots of denials and betrayal experienced. Through it, I gained respect for myself and I taught myself a valuable lesson. I cannot be someone else's baggage nor would I allow someone to be mine (baggage I mean!).

Decision-making is such an easy task to some but probably may just be the most difficult for the rest. I'll include myself in the latter. It has been sometime that I refused to accept that something must be broken to have it fixed...yet, I kept on fixing what appears to be a stubborn mess. Now that I have finally made that decision, it hurts a while but becomes an avenue of reminder that we do need to do it.

It is not easy speaking to someone you spent most of your time day in and day out that you're dating someone. Im in limbo though as this dating is something I have not anticipated just right after getting out of a relationship. To some, your intention of getting out might just be viewed as rubbish....Could you stop your heart beating just because you broke up? I dont think so....

I call all the gods right now just let me and allow me to take each day as a blessing that I will meet wonderful people. People that may not necessarily be the one I would end up for a long period of time but someone I can dearly consider.

No where the hell am I? Still lost and needs to be found.....

Springing Back to Life

I have a mission....

Muda in Japanese means waste.
That's basically what I have been having and taking for the past year. I've had lots of wasted moments and opportunities. I could have stopped myself and said that I should have no regrets over what I have done but as of writing this piece today, hell YES I have regrets...

Between me and sex? Hmmmm, wait a second...I don't think there's much of a comparison yeah? But to actually fight over it and convince someone to choose me over sex is just a little too much. Make that offensive....

I was asked "isn't it that you asked me for my convenient time?" I guess I did but then again I said "No this is what supposed to be done, we do not make sex as an objective in this set up"...That person insisted.

To the reader, I am currently in an open relationship status.

Then I realized that I wasn't important at all because the compromise could not be achieved. So I presented the option of cooling off so that person could figure out what was needed and wanted. Is it me or sex? I wasn't picked....Too bad for me....I sucked at it I guess.....

Today, I made a promise....I'll let go for good.
Ill hit the gym again and get back to my old self. I am not fat but I wasnt the fit guy admired by most of my colleagues as I thought it wasn't important when I settled down. I'll love myself without being consumed by it. I'll take things one at a time and then I will see what the future holds for me.

For you, THINK!
Think of the choices you have made because your choice defines the character you have. Right now, your choice just made you one heck of an asshole.....

So the SPICEGIRLS say......

It's funny that the past few days so little status being updated on Facebook and lots of things are actually happening. Each is like Facebook day in which the only difference was only a few people could see what's really happening.

I literally consumed all of my energy on the series of events that happened rather than spending my time scribbling a few words and phrases for the whole world to know. I love the attention but this sort of attention does not make things better, thus, you isolate yourself for a while and just surprise everyone. VOILA! You get an overwhelming response.

In my 31 years, never a day saw me resigning in a corner pondering on the various dilemma. Instead, I talk about it. Too much talk is just consuming me while the others see those stories as a play selling like hotcakes.

I am not going to make a litany of the things that happened this past few days. Instead, ill just put in mind that "too much of something is bad enough while too much of nothing is just as tough"

Too much right now is something I cannot fathom.
It's kinda addictive at some point. It both ruins and keeps me grounded at the same time.

Confusing? I am too...

Your thoughts?

So many questions.......the answers are few

I sit down today (2:35 AM, 16 March) pondering on so many questions.......I'm definitely on a roll and like any curious person, Id like to have the answers.....

why can't i get an seemingly simple and straightforward answers to my questions when I ask them politely?
why is it so hard to get through you when all i want is just to talk to you because I love you?
why is it so hard to take off those walls?
what must I do let you understand that I am with you and will be with you how long you want.....
what can be done to let us take the best of the both of us instead of the worst?
would you believe saying nasty things to you is just my frustration knocking through your heart to get you to listen?
do you believe that at this point of time no matter how frustrating it is, living without you would probably be unbearable?

It is just that I am too tired to vent out all my questions as the time dictates that I have to hit the sack.
Nevertheless, the questions I ask are nothing but questions. Probably, it doesn't matter whether Ill have them answered or not.

I just wished that it wasn't that hard as it was before.
I just wished that getting the answers were somewhat easy as staring into a magic crystal.

Wish you'd know that people get hurt.
Wish you'd understand that people do doubt and i am sure I do too....

In this crazy world, it is only the both of us who can give us the answers to shed light into whats causing this whole mess. I am not giving up for the same old reason that there is no reason why I have to. There are far more reasons for me to still give some more push......

Down But Never Out

The week was not forgiving at all.
Had been battling cough and colds for the longest time and it already signalled that I had to make this one visit to the doctor or I might regret everything.

Initial diagnosis was not really something I was grateful about as the doctor ruled out BRONCHITIS.To help you picture out what's the deal, I literally spit out thick pleghm which is not a good site at all. To make my description a little bit graphical, slight cough will not mean saliva being thrown out but phleghm...yes a thick one....

Then I had this mini coaching session with the doctor that my visit was long overdue....here are some lessons the doctor taught:

1. consultation with the doctor should be sought when cough and colds do not go away after 2-3 days
2. buying all the antibiotics being prescribed is stupid, get the first three days and if it does not have any positive effect, get back to the doctor and seek help again
3. going natural is no longer a wise decision these days. bacteria or viruses evolve. the more we nurture them inside our body, means we allow them to create strains and community of a whole-new weird sickness is on its way
4. lastly, HMO benefits should be used wisely....you pay for them so you take advantage when the need arises.....

Okay, I agree that these were good takeaways from that single visit I made. The lecture actually healed me instantly (emotionally I guess). From ntow on, I have a new perspective on my health, GET A DOCTOR WHEN YOU NEED ONE. When do you need one? Well, refer back to the 4 takeaways with the doctor.

The week was tough as me and my partner transitioned into something that is a little awkward. The term is OPEN. Yes! It was finally decided with provisions and all. Question is? How do we handle it. I guess the only way to find out is to test it.

Believe me, it may sound a little cheezy for some but it you are bound to act like this character for the zodiac sign LIBRA, balancing things like love and career is a daunting task. You can never have the best of both. Somewhat, one will have to get less attention than the other. Right now, its important that I make good out of my career. I get all these encouragements from my bosses, that I can make the most of my position if I only know exactlywhat I want. I vow to make things happen...

As for the other side of the balancing task, loving a person is not just like taking a spoonful of food that you spit it out if you don't want it. Sometimes, talking it out and lowering your pride could be the worst thing you'll ever do but it may be just the most efficient and useful tool you can rely on. Like I said before, it was awkward. Who said taking these changes are easy anyway.

Right now, I am getting back in shape. Got a clean bill of health from the doctor. I just need to reinforce more rest and get back to work with a much better perspective of things. It is important that we look back at things that cause our breakdown and learn from it.

I learned from the best.........

The Anniversary That Will Probably Never Be!

Right now! It feels like the world is tearing up into pieces shattering the hopes and dreams of becoming happy. We blamed ourselves and managed to talk it for a good 2 horrendous hours. Nevermind the lack of sleep....I was hoping there was something that we could possible think that could innovate things until you blew the whole thing.....

I dont mind being tagged a cheater or a liar coz I knew I am guilty about it....so are you!
But to tag me phrases indicating your hypocrisy on our issue/s is totally uncallled for.

I am hurt....really hurt and the one whom I have vowed to stay loyal with broke my heart into pieces when he thought of me as an object never worthy enough because he was dirty and filthy......

I never saw this coming until the statement came out flawless from your thoughts out to your mouth.
I am in shock because its not how i saw your cheating and lying when I caught you. I thought of it as an area of opportunity for us to grew more and explore other areas that could make us blossom among the sewers of shattered relationships.

It has been hours since I made my decision. NO matter how hurt I am the only thing that matters right now is how things would progress according to what you want. I think i left my brain somewhere as I am not really functioning well amidst the terrible demands of my job.....I am out of focus....

Five more days onto our fateful anniversary....could have been, might have been...SAVED but i abhor the fact that you dont see me as your partner anymore but just a thing that is either clean or filthy....I have good news for you, I will never be your object and basically thats the reason why I am flaming right now.

If my anger could light up this office, youd probably know how disappointed I am.
I am shaking and terribly sad.....

Why? How come?

Choosing the Lesser Evil

Of Faithfulness and Loyalty...
Which one would you choose!
Question is, is there such a thing as being faithful? Maybe im biased as Im writing someone of my circumstance. Human by nature needs to interact with other human being.....Now im leading to something else that is trivial.

I think my dilemma right now is how to make things right and make sure I get out of this fuss that I am tied up with.

For sure I know where my heart belongs to. Without a doubt, I can say that without batting an eyelash. I am presented with lots of things to choose from because I have choices. When things get irresistable, they tend to cling to you more and all of a sudden you're trapped and all those important people gets affected badly.

I am saying this because I am remorseful of that fact I cannot resist it. I am helpless....I am addicted but I am sure at the end of the day I am addicted with you alone. I cannot even sum up all the words to tell you how much there is inside.

I am not going to blame anyone for this but myself and I will always find the solution for this at the right time. Things will just simply come to its right perspective. I just hope that it won't be too late when that happens.

I love you and I guess you just have to accept that fact that my love cannot be perfect as I have learned to love you in a lot of ways.

I am choosing the lesser evil and that is not by being faithful but by being loyal to you as the sun rises and sets. I will always come back to you because it is with you where my heart belongs to. Only you. Nobody else.

Envy

There are a lot of things I am really grateful about my life.

Now, as i go through the various websites i sometimes feel the inadequacy of things which should not be the case at all. I begin to ask a lot of WHY....One friend told me a few months ago that we should be thankful even for the minute and unnoticeable things that happens. We should be even thankful that we have pillows and blankets for others would only result to having rice sacks to cover for themselves at night when sleeping.

I suddenly felt that I could have these things that I want and I am positive I will. Question is, WHEN?
I struggle with this ill feelings right now that I feel like cursing at someone or whatever just to let it all out.

I feel like if I can only consult someone to tell me the timelines of my life, Id certainly do that.
As I write my feelings right now, I begin to feel a sigh of relief and I am positive that I will get better than good.

Point is, what sense can all these life cycle principle bring when one is always yearning for the answer immediately. I once again reflect on some of the good things I effect on some close friends of mine each day. Then I begin to feel thankful that despite all the discontentment in the world, I still manage to find the positive side of things.

I am giving a huge positive sigh.....

Goodnight everyone.

Getting on with Life at 31

31 is plainly a number but when tagged as age, everyone seems to make a big fuss over it.

Now why am i writing something about age?
I guess this is the time of your life that you start to reflect on the thing that you did prior to this age. Yes! I am 31 and just don't ask me if I'm proud of it because answering you is like solving a complicated calculus problem.

I remember I was 21 and it was the day I decided that I'm gonna get what I want. I came from a family that went through a lot of hurricanes in life. Aside from having parents brought up the traditional way, Christianity played an integral and important part of our day to day lives. Sad to say, I was not buying it at all..I just had other plans....(I swear my parents and my siblings will slap me for this!)

Born with an older brother (33) and a sister (22), I was more of the person who had strong thoughts. I say what I want and I would try reason when I had the chance to. So to make my random thought for the day short, I moved out of my parents home just because I wanted to be free. Not that I was a slave but the more I couldn't live my life the way I wanted it to be, the more I became miserable.

10 years later, I see myself living comfortably on my own making my own decisions, pondering on my mistakes and making my life better. I am better than good.

Some of the things I'm proud to enumerate for the past ten years:

1. made good friends and connections
2. took off all excessive baggage and learned to be mean when needed.
3. been broke but remained to be financially responsible (in my own terms)
4. and was able to buy things that I thought would take me a lifetime to buy....

I would not trade my decision that I made 10 years ago.

At rate that I am going, I have another moment to fill and that is to make the next 10 years more memorable....

So cheers to those who had ventured on life and never had any regrets......

Biting my Teeth Off!

Who would have guessed that tonight is going to turn out disastrous...

i do believe that there are things better left unsaid. In my opinion, its better to say things that others wouldn't want to hear. It hurts, yes it hurts.

I wouldn't dare go into the details as per my opening statement. I just wished that i had so much vocabulary to find the right combination of sentences to say to someone so that it may not come out offensive. What can i do?

I either have limited vocabulary, tactless or simply straightforward.

I was about to rant about a day that didnt quite start out well but i guess its too late for that....still the day ended well with food on the table. Life is hard...life is tough.

Earth Hour....Calling Everyone...

Making this day special for everyone as we heed the call to show support and that we care.

Starting All Over Again

It's been probably 2 years since i stopped writing....Back when blogging was not yet a fad...I was there. Back then, I didn't have a private gadget of my own. I was constantly racing against time to make sure all of my emotions were being posted...Now I have the comforts of my dining table and my 2-year old laptop. I can continue writing.

I am currently wondering what subject should I stick to...I thought, "Why stick with a subject when you want to blurt it all out?"

So the tradition continues.

One day, I'll come to terms with picking a single subject to talk about and its not going to come soon. Hence, we move on to just talking about anything and everything.

It is 5:22 AM and I am about to retire for the day and begin a brand new week, with brand new experiences which I may or may not like at all....

this is life and this is how it's going to be....