Friday, June 29, 2007

Hate Late?

I should work at Pizza Hut.

One of my pet peeves is tardiness.

I hate it when you make the effort to be somewhere at a certain time or be ready at a certain time, and the other party is late. Traffic can be used as an excuse, but since we already know that Manila will always and forever be traffic, then we should just leave earlier then we think we should so we get to our destination a few minutes early, and therefore don't leave people hanging.

It really annoys me when people don't show respect for other people's time or care enough to show up at the agreed time. I could be doing other things instead of tapping my fingers on the table-ready and just waiting.

Anyway, I will not be sungs because I'm on my way to the Preview Party.

Wednesday, June 27, 2007

There's more to life...

I just realized that a lot of people I know in Manila aren't very curious to know what is beyond the bubble they live in. I have always liked travelling and trying new stuff but I must admit that I became a lot more adventurous just a few years ago. Why is it that when it's somewhere abroad, we jump at the chance to go but if it is a place in the Philippines, it doesn't seem as exciting?

I've been wanting to go on all these tours and go to all these places to get to know the country that raised me. I think my sense of nationalism and Pinoy pride came full force when I was in London in 2005. I don't know why but since then, I have been curious and excited to go to untapped territory (untapped by me at least) and even go on the tours around Old Manila. My mom, sister and a few other people are starting off with the Binondo Food Wok. It's a 4 hour walking tour around Binondo wherein you can try the best of our Chinese quarter has to offer. I know it's been around, and that's what I mean-there's so much I have yet to see and experience. I don't want to be one of those well-travelled people, who when asked by a foreigner, can say nothing about the Philippines because they just don't know enough. I don't want to be one of those people, who when asked "Where should I go when I go to the Philippines?" the only answer I'll be able to give is "Embassy", "Piedra" or whatever.

I realized that migrating (however twisted my migration really is) to another country will bring a nationalistic surge to anyone. You don't want to be known as just "Asian" or "Pacific Islander" or whatever, you want people to know that you are FILIPINO. You realize that no matter how hopeless you think the state of the nation is, you will NEVER sell out abroad and agree when people put the Philippines down. You'll defend it no matter what.

It saddens me sometimes that most people in our own country, don't really care to really see what we are about. There are so many Filipinos abroad who can't come home and so many countries that have been ruined by war or poverty that their inhabitants don't have the same the same priviledges we do in terms of paying homage to the land that made them who they are.

Maybe I'm being overly-dramatic, but I guess I'm just wishing that more people I know would care to go somewhere other than the mall to shop or to hang out and drink. I like discovering new places and talking to new people. I even like talking to complete strangers even if I know I may never see them again. You just never know what you'll learn!

Friday, June 22, 2007

When matronas go out

My college friends and I have turned into matronas. We still see each other often, but it's mostly to have lunch, dinner or go shopping. We hardly ever go out anymore like we used to when we were still in Ateneo and even up until a few years ago.

So, it was really nice that last night, after TOO long, we were all out-and all tipsy! Fun! We trooped over to Piedra for Fabric Night where Aranaz (Amina's bags) were on display and all her friends invited. There was champagne and red wine to satisfy our increasingly alcoholic blooodstreams (specially Gina, who is ready to check herself in AA), good music, and most importantly, good company.
Patring, Amina, Alexi, Erica and Anna in black and white. Missy is still in my future land of residency-London.
Me with the two crazies-Gina and Vicky!We never even left our spot that night. All our pictures are in the same area haha!
Boogito showed up after his gigs yay! It was fun and we definitely should stop our hermit-like and anti social existence and go out together more often. I almost forgot how fun these girls can be when we are all together.

I had a realization though that I only have fun going out if it's an event related to the fashion industry. I mean, everything you want to have a good night out are at these events-your friends, open bar and the chance to dress up in clothes only fellow fashionistas understand. We don't go out to meet guys, most of us are attached anyway-but we do need to go out and unwind and socialize from time to time.

Anyway, gave Ananda a new 'do. It's so cute and so much easier to manage.
From the side!
The final product. I asked for layers but to keep the length in the back so she got this cute cut.Speaking of cute cuts, I saw one of the I love You girls, Corinne yesterday and I so so want her hair. I'm thinking that after a decade or even more of long hair (shortest shoulder length, longest below my bra!) that I am ready to go short. Maybe not super short but short and a bit edgy. I need a hair make-over! It's so long that it gets weighed down and looks so flat all the time. I hate it!I also want blonde streaks again. We'll see where this goes, but I want this to happen within the next couple of months.

A quiet night tonight because Ananda is sleeping at her dads house. I miss her already. I'm cooking dinner to distract myself.

Peas on earth Joes!

Thursday, June 21, 2007

La Luz, Batangas

I'm sunog!

That's the problem when you go on an overnight or day trip to the beach. You try to cram in all your tanning time in a few hours and you end up red and crab-like instead of nice and golden.

I went to La Luz for a much needed beach break with Boogie. I was so white and everyone made sure I knew. Plus, the last vacation I had away from Ananda was in January so I really wanted some time to SLEEP straight through the night.

A short review on La Luz:

Beach: Sand was pebbly. Actually, I would call it pebbles and not sand. That was a major "eeeh" because it hurt to walk barefoot. But I overlooked it because I was so starved for sun and the beach. Plus there were reclining chairs and big umbrellas so I wasn't forced to lay on the sand (even with a towel it would hurt!) The waves are really strong here and the water gets deep pretty quickly so proceed with care. There's also a lot of big rocks in the water. Just wear slippers at all times.
The resort starts where you see those white things on the beach. All in all it's ok for a day trip or overnight but I wouldn't stay longer. Bring friends. There's no tv hehe.
Boogie and I with more color. Yay!!!! The pebbly beach was worth it because I don't look like mayonaise anymore.

Room: The room was quite big and we were upgraded to a Premiere w/c had two single beds and one double bed. It had a big ass shower w/c would probably fit 9 people comfortably! With hot and cold water, which is important to me. The shower, sink and toilet were all separate (Like in Australia hehe) There was no comforter on the beds. I don't understand why resorts think we can sleep w/ such a flimsy blanket. I use a comforter even w/ out the aircon on at home. Also, there is no TV so come prepared w/ iPod and speakers, hand held games or board games (although you can rent there for P100 a day) and whatever else you can think of to keep you occupied if it rains or on your down time.
Food: The food was not inedible, but I wouldn't say it was good either. For lunch, when we got there, there was a buffet of fish fillet (I took one bite and left it. The flavor was good but it was so hard it became a chore to chew), liempo (Ok lang. I would have grilled it a little longer), Chicken pastel (Alright) and surprisingly, the high light was the mixed veggies in oyster sauce. It was basically just carrots, sugar snap peas and fish balls. We devoured that one hehe.
The dining area. There is no ala carte here so be prepared to eat whatever is on the buffet. Like I said, it's not horrible but you'll definitely want something good to eat when you get out of there.
Dinner was pork cordon bleu, some kind of chicken pot pie looking stuff but with potatoes instead of crust, mixed veggies and I can't even remember what else. Dessert was watermelon and pineapple and some sort of jello and fruit salad. It was quite forgettable and you kind of just eat because 1. You are hungry and 2. It's not horrible. Breakfast was typical longanissa, this fish which I think was bangus, egg and rice. We wanted Bacon so we were a bit disapointed at the set brekky-no buffet even!
Ho-hum breakfast is boring! To make up for 24 hours of "ok lang" food we went to pancake house for lunch on the way home and got 3 pc. pan chicken (our fave yum yum!) and carbonara. I also bought Cinabon and yema and crispy dilis. Overboard. haha.

Service:
The service here is pretty non existent, unless you twist their arms a bit to help you out with your bags and stuff. Most of the time, the staff is too busy messing around with each other to really pay attention to anything else. Or asleep on one of the cabanas, as they were when we left. It's kinda funny but it's kinda annoying also. I mean, I wasn't expecting a five star rating from La Luz but come on.

Would I go back? If I had a better alternative in the form of surrounding resorts then no I wouldn't. If not, It's alright for a short beach trip with friends or if you just want to get away for the day. Don't expect activity like Bora or luxury like El Nido in Palawan. It's a beach. And sometimes you just need a beach :)
Besides, if you are with good company, then it doesn't matter where you are! It didn't rain either so that was another plus. (although the weather had nothing to do w/ the resort.)

Next stop. Antulang in Dumaguete. With Dada this time.


Peace Joes!

Friday, June 15, 2007

Life has its ways...

When planning out what you want for the future, you must always leave room for life to get in the way. Sometimes the best laid plans are redirected because of things either beyond our control like sickness or because of bad decision making like marrying for the wrong reasons or getting pregnant by the wrong guy (check!)

It't only been 4 years since my quarter life crisis took over my thoughts and actions but I feel light years away from it already. Back then, questioning my existence and everything I held dear and thought to be true things in life felt like the most important thing to do. I felt neither here nor there and knew that no one but myself could pull me out of the rut I was in.

I think all of us go through that transition from kid to adult confused because something happens that breaks down everything we built for ourselves in the past that we thought was "it" We spend our puberty figuring out our lives just for everything to suddenly seem wrong and senseless and even not real when we hit the crossroads between being who we were and allowing ourselves to become who we were meant to.

We will continue encountering roadblocks through out our lives but for most, this is the first one, the one we were not expecting and the one we feel we need to win against if we want to have any faith left in our futures. It is normal and expected to feel depressed and hopeless and to feel the need to force ourselves to face the everyday goings on of life.

Maybe I was lucky that my quarter life-ing involved motherhood hovering over me and counting down every second. Without another person involved, I would have probably stayed in my self-absorbed, confused, "where am I going, what is my life about" state. Although I am not telling everyone that getting pregnant is the answer, it was just what I needed personally at that time. I immediately felt myself changing after I found out I was with child, and the process of becoming a better person, a nicer person and having more clarity towards life and the world is a continuous thing for me. I know for a fact that even if I am not perfect (well, that is relative. haha jk) I am 100% better off now than I was 4 years ago.

ANOTHER BIRTHDAY PARTY


Although we spent Ananda's real birthday at Fun Ranch, we had a big pirate bash for her the following Saturday. I brought in gold and black (w/ skull print!) baloons from Australia and all her loot bags, plates and even Anette Sison cake and cupcakes were all pirate themed.
Yummy butter cake and cupcakes w/ buttercream frosting! Pirate themed w/ skulls, ships and treasure chests!
The Captain before the party! Ahoy Mateys! She's so cute! I bought her costume at that party store along Sunnyholt where we got the stuff for Ala's Hollywood party.
Ananda in the hot seat w some of the other kids and the pirate game host/magician. She was a bit overwhelmed.
Working his magic. The kids loved it! He was good. Except he kept saying "burstday" for birthday.
About to blow her nth birthday cake! Before we slept that night, she gave me a big hug and said "Thank You mama. I love you so so much. Also lola and Ninang Gina" hehe!

It was fun. I got La Comida to cater and we had yummy kiddie party food-flavored fries, baked mac, mini siopao, waffle dogs, chicken ala king tartlets, barbeque and mini pizzas. My mom also got puto bumbong and bibingka-which I didn't get to try boo hoo! All in all it was a great party with all our friends showing up (well, most hehe)Ananda had a fun day with a few sungit portions, kids had fun, adults had fun and I marketted by clam dip haha.

Next year though, I am going to rely on the good people at McDonalds, Shakeys or wherever to deal with the party. I love planning but if I do this every year I'll go broke!

Lastly, I applied at two magazines, and I've already gotten an offer for one of them. I decided to stay put for awhile and getting a job will force me to. I realized a few days ago that I haven't been anywhere for more than 6 months since 2005. I think I will now, just for awhile, so I'm not on flight mode all the time.

That's it for now. Peace Joes!

Thursday, June 7, 2007

The little joe is three!

3 years ago today (Well, since it's 12:15 am then technically, yesterday) my life changed in ways I never expected it would. And now, three years later, I look at my little girl and think-Ok, so I'm not perfect, we aren't perfect, but we're doin' alright kiddo!

My Ananda is funny. She makes you laugh the way a friend your age would. She knows when to deliver punchlines and where to find your kiliti. If she knows you're enjoying her "show", she'll ham it up even more.

My Ananda is the sweetest ever. She shouts I Love You Mama from escalators, across the room, while falling asleep and sometimes she says it over and over (and with a bit of acting pa) 'I love you Mama. I love you so so much. I'll never forget you" in her teary I love you so much I'm going to cry drama voice.

My Ananda is independent. She likes doing things herself. She refuses to get help unless she really is clueless about whatever it is she has to do. As much as possible, she prefers to try and try and try (until she gets pikon haha. w/c she also is!)

My Ananda means the world to me. I can no longer imagine life without her in it. I can't remember how my life used to be-seriously. I mean I can remember it on a thinking level like from memories and stuff but I don't remember how it felt anymore. She gets on my nerves-a lot. We fight-a lot. But we're also filled with a mutual neverending and unconditional love that it makes all the tantrums, brattiness, sleepless nights and everything I have had to give up in my life beyond worth it.

We spent her birthday at Fun Ranch along Libis. It was fun and she had fun in the activity center where she played in this huge jungle gym...thing. They have this weird mechanical cow that she rode-twice. It actually just walked around the grounds of Fun Ranch. It was so weird but funny and cute at the same time. She also got a massage at the Little Lamb Spa, which she thoroughly enjoyed. Oh No, now my massages won't be good enough anymore!

Ninang Gina and Ninang Patring skipped work today to spend the day with us! Potato Corner! Milo ice Cream! Nakooow!
Boogie, aycs and Ananda with our pet cow haha!
One hour Swedish Massage at the Little Lamb Spa. Bongga ka day!
She got the ROyal Treatment make-over which included Hair, make up and nails at Club Princess in Bonifacio High Street.
We had a cupcake at Sonja's and then we went to Chelsea (is it just Chelsea or is it Chelsea something?) Either way, she got another free dessert with a little candle on it. Somebody had a fun, fun day today!

Happy Birthday Little one! Mama, and so many others, Love you super duper so so much!

Tuesday, June 5, 2007

Let me clear my throat

Let's get this out of the way.

Don't tell me how to run my life. Unless you are directly involved, then don't even voice out your opinion because it is not valid in the equation of how I plan what I am going to do. The only thing it does is make me angry at you for acting like it affects you in any real way, and for thinking I am going to withdraw certain things just because YOU think I shouldn't do it.

You don't read my blog, I'm pretty sure of that. I won't even mention your name but right now, I really dislike you. Let the person involved make the decision-that I can accept as valid and i can respect, but for you to get all up in the mix like it's your bussiness-nikkuh please.

EVERYDAY IS ERICA DAY!

In lighter, happier news, Boogie threw me a surprise birthday party-on HIS birthday! I kind of had an idea because through out the whole day people were saying weird things and acting funny left and right but, it was so sweet of him to do that. He's the bestest best!!!
Plus he ordered my favorite Annette Sison cupcakes. I swear they are better than Sonja's, Cupcakes on Pitt and every other cupcake I've ever tasted in my life.
Jor with my Birthday cupcakes! "Happy Birthday CupcAYCs I love You" Aaw. How eeswet!

So Boogie had been conspiring with Gina and my friends for over a month. He handled everything on the day itself. All I did was make my smoked clam dip (Gina and I are selling btw!--shamless plug!)--which was a hit as usual! The whole day he was picking up cupcakes, buying beer, setting up tables, coordinating with people. I'm so proud of him because his idea of a party was originally a few cases of beer and his friends.
Gina, Inigo, Boogie and Aycs in our own little club inside Boogie's house haha! We love slow shutter!

A few days before we had a dinner at the house, just Mabanta relatives and my Admu girlies and of course Gina and Boogie. It was a belated fondue birthday something for me since I wasn't hear for my real birthday, and I wasn't here last year either.

We had cold cuts from Santis (I suggest you and your friends split a cold cuts platter for your next party because a huge platter is only 1000 pesos. Super sulit. We had a lot of left overs w/c I brought to Boogie's party the next day), Cheese fondue, chocolate fondue, a cheese platter, barbecue and pasta matriciana that my mom made. We also made spinach artichoke dip and smoked clam dip (PLUG PLUG PLUG!)

It was small and nice and I got to catch up with people.
Anna, Alexi, Patring and Aycs. Amina, where are you?! I forgot to mention we also had Mango Float from Tita Ollie and Pavlova made by my mom! Yum!
Good Times! It's nice to be home! So many things to get done from now on so it was nice to have these celebrations.

It ain't even done yet! My little girl's bday is this Thursday and her party is this weekend. Woohoo. And ya don't stop. And ya don't quit.

Friday, June 1, 2007

Family Matters

I am no stranger from being away from my family. As early as ten years old, I left to train in the US for a significant amount of time when I was on the Philippine Gymnastics team, without ever seeing my siblings, seeing my dad for a few days only and my mom for only a couple of months collectively. When I left, Mio was an infant and when I got back, he was walking and talking already. In 2005, I also left to go to London on my own for 3 months when I took my make-up course. It was a bit different because I already had Ananda then, but at the same time, I enjoyed having my own time and getting away form everything that was familiar. Last year, I came back home to Manila for a 5 months and only saw my dad mostly as he came in and out of the country. Most of my travels have also been on my own. I enjoy travelling alone. It's the only time I can relax. I am usually stressed and harassed otherwise.

I mention this because I will again be apart from my family on and off for long amounts of time. At this time in my life though, it doesn't feel as exciting and "wala lang" as growing up. I think I feel this because I know we are all older, and this arrangement of us not all being in the same house, or even country will eventually become normal. When I get back, Mio may be in Uni already and not necessarily in NSW, or at least not the Sydney area. Ala may have a steady job and might have moved to Glebe or wherever. I, of course, want to settle down until my citizenship-then maybe go to London (!!!) It's exciting because we're all old enough to make our own decisions regarding where we want to be and what we want to do, but at the same time it's a bit sad because of the same reasons-because we all want different things.

That's why I love hanging out with my siblings and my family-because I know that we're at that time where we probably will never really all be at one place at one time permanently anymore. It could always change. This makes me proud because we are choosing to follow what we each feel is right for ourselves, but it also makes me miss them a lot. I see my mom and dad chatting, emailing and calling their siblings all the time.

I guess you never really get completely used to it.