remember

You have to see every potential roadblock as an opportunity and a benefit.

—Suze Orman

we're supposed to stay at the InterCon Makati but

We both got pay cuts! To save moolah, we're staying at the Crown Regency Makati instead. It has good reviews at TripAdvisor naman and is way cheaper than the InterCon. 

Oh my, the crisis is really bad noh? We were asked to choose between a 5% pay cut or a 1-month vacay without pay. I'm okay with both but I feel better with the former since the difference is quite negligible. And as per the Singapore government's regulations, we get an extra day off per month.    

Even if we're earning less, both B and I are thankful that we still have jobs. I think at a time like this, having a stable source of income is better than not having one. Buti na lang we don't have long-term loans we have to pay--yet.

And to my friends who got retrenched or is having a difficult time finding a job, don't lose hope! Like everything in this world, this too will pass. Have faith!  Para sa inyo ang awit na ito:

*****

And despite the pay cuts, we're still excited about our trips! Nine days to go and we're off to Laoag, 30 days to Macau+Hong Kong and 59 days to Phuket (with free accommodation babe!).

According to Readers' Digest, the traveller is king this year so make sure to watch out for travel deals and satisfy your wanderlust!

just start

Kat, the Chinese say, "The best time to plant a tree was always 20 years ago. The second best time is always today." 

Funny how planting trees and taking action on the life of your dreams are the same that way.

The Universe

PS

Kat, it's NEVER too late for anything. Just start!

Seven Pounds

Rating:	★★
Category:	Movies
Genre:	Drama

Now I know why Seven Pounds wasn't recognized at the recent Academy Awards. Sa simula, you'll think you're in for something grand. You never really know what Will Smith's plan is but you're teased every now and then. Once the big truth is revealed though, you'll realized it's just a story about a man who could've chosen to be happy but didn't. I just don't buy that anymore. Hee.

kalachuchi memories

Noong isang araw ko pa nakita ang mga kalachuchi blooms na ito sa may bakuran ng kapitbahay namin. Ngayon ko lang napicturan. Sayang at nalalanta na siya. Nung isang araw purong-purong puti sila na may kaunting dilaw. Nakakatuwang pagmasdan.

Naalala ko yung mga panahon na sa Los Baños pa kami nakatira. Maliit pa kami ni Lia noon at may mga kalachuchi trees kaming inaakyat. Hindi ko na maalala kung sa UPLB grounds nga or sa ibang lugar. Hazy na ang memory. Basta alam ko minsan akong umakyat sa isang puno ng kalachuchi.

Yun kayang mga magiging anak namin may aakyating puno? Ang lalaki ng puno sa mga park dito sa Singapore at bihira yung may sariling garden. Pero sana maranasan nila yung mga naranasan namin noong kabataan namin.

Simple lang ang buhay ng bata noon. Kahit walang laruan or kahit yo-yo lang ang laruan, nageenjoy pa din. Ngayon puro electronics na. Ano namang nakakatuwa sa pagpindot-pindot ng buttons? Mas masaya yung may kalaro ka.

Madalas kong laruin dati yung patintero or piko, langit-lupa or saksak-puso. Ok din yung Chinese garter. Pero ang baba lang ng naaabot ko kasi hindi ako long-legged gaya ni Pilar, yung kalaro ko na abot yung garter na nasa leeg na. Salamat sa Chinese garter, maaga kong naconfront ang body issues ko. Fortunately, natanggap ko agad na magkakaiba ang body structure natin. Hehe.

Naglalaro din ako minsan ng jump rope. Yung song all along akala ko I love you talaber taleber. Yun pala I love you teddy bear teddy bear. Hahaha. College ko na nalaman ang correct lyrics, salamat kay Marge.

Nagsisipa din ako. Yung sipa na gusto ko yung makapal ang tingga para mas madali icontrol. Kaso hindi ko kaya yung upto five na sipa. Hanggang two or three consecutive sipa lang ako. The rest kailangan kamay ang ipangtira ko.

Hay. Nakakatuwang balikan ang childhood memories. Ang ironic lang kasi pag bata ka gusto mo tumanda ka na agad. If I knew back then time adult life is more challenging, I would've climbed more trees and played more games. Nevertheless, I'm happy na maiibida ko sa magiging anak ko that I was able to climb at least one kalachuchi tree.

it's a radio! no, it's a rice cooker!

After one year, our coventional rice cooker went kaput so we had to buy a new one. We did, yesterday, and we chose this nifty model from Philips. Halata ba kung anong favorite brand ko? Hehe.

The Philips HD4751 rice cooker has artificial intelligence! Haha. Nagbibiruan nga kami ni B kagabi na baka maglakad at magsalita na lang bigla ang aming new household gadget. We could've bought a conventional rice cooker but we chose this because it had a brown rice cooking function. Yun ang naging deciding factor. Aside from brown rice, it can cook sushi and glutinous rice, congee, soups and can even be used for baking cake! Astig. I don't think I'm going to bake something in it though. I'd rather use a convection oven for that.

Other nice-to-have features of this rice cooker are the timer which allows you to set when the rice should be ready; the LCD clock; a dedicated program for cooking small portions, and a reheat function. Meron din siyang surround sound at pwede kabitan ng earphones at patugtugan ng CD. Hehe, joke lang. Kamukha kasi ng Philips CD player ko sa Pinas.

The Wrestler

Rating:	★★★★★
Category:	Movies
Genre:	Drama

Who would've thought that a film with The Wrestler as a title would touch my heart? It's astig on the outside but soft on the inside, like cream puff! Hehe.

The movie is about Randy "The Ram" Robinson, a struggling wrestler who's way past his prime. He still wrestles but also works part-time at the local supermarket. He suffers a heart attack then tries to reconcile with his daughter. He falls in love with Cassidy, a sex worker. He realizes that his only family is his co-wrestlers and the fans so even after being told that he can't wrestle anymore, he returns to the ring and does the thing he does best.

Mickey Rourke was brilliant in this film. He portrayed the wrestler with such humanity and honesty that you can't help but root for him. He genuinely wanted to reconcile with his daughter (Evan Rachel Wood). He really wished Cassidy (Marisa Tomei) would love him. And you, and you as spectator, would want him to be successful because despite his flaws and mistakes, he is a great guy. Parang si Mickey Rourke din.

I also appreciate that the film showed the respect and the friendship the wrestlers have when they're not in the ring. Pinakita how they're brutal with each other in the ring pero backstage they plan their fights and shop for props together. Nakakaawa din sila after the fights since they're in terrible pain. They bear it lang para ma-entertain ang fans.

I respect wrestlers now. And I heart Mickey Rourke.

Changeling

Rating:	★★★★
Category:	Movies
Genre:	Drama

Changeling shows what a mother would do just to find her son. Nakakairita ang LAPD sa film na ito, lalo na since it's based on true events. Angelina Jolie portrayed a mother na nawalan ng anak really well. You can really feel her panic nung nadiscover niya na nawala anak niya then yung anger and frustration niya sa LAPD. John Malkovich was terrific as Rev. Briegleb. Effective din si Jeffrey Donovan as the irritatingly stubborn Capt. Jones.

The Reader

Rating:	★★★★
Category:	Movies
Genre:	Drama

We were taught that the truth shall set us free, but we're not fighting for it as often as we should. As a result, we end up hurting others and ourselves.

In The Reader, the German government is running after and punishing those who had something to do with the holocaust. Hanna Schmitz (Kate Winslet) was a former SS guard and is undergoing trial for murder. Hanna has a secret she's ashamed to admit even if it would save her from conviction.

Hanna's former lover, Michael Berg (Ralph Fiennes), realized what her secret was while watching her trial but he chose to keep silent. He has his own secrets. When he was a teenager, he had a sexual affair with Hanna and never admitted it to anyone. He was devastated when Hanna suddenly disappeared. He kept his love for her all those years but was never honest about the affair or his true feelings, resulting in a failed marriage and distance between him and his family. When Michael meets Hanna several years later, he still can't admit his feelings.

Dark City

Rating:	★★★★
Category:	Movies
Genre:	Science Fiction & Fantasy

Dark City poses a question we (and the aliens aka The Strangers, in the film) all have been trying to answer: What makes us human? The Strangers thought we were just made of our memories, John Murdoch, the protagonist, says we're more than that.

I'm not a sci-fi fan because I can only suspend disbelief for a short period of time, especially when there are aliens involved. Dark City, however, is well-crafted and combined sci-fi elements with film noir which made it interesting enough to watch.

i heart coffee

I've recently re-discovered the joy/high of drinking brewed coffee. We always have Great Taste coffee (yes, imported from the Philippines) for breakfast but during weekends, we treat ourselves to special coffee. 

Last weekend I had Starbucks House Blend. According to the Starbucks website: 

Our signature coffee, Starbucks House Blend is a wonderfully vibrant blend of Latin American coffees. Take a sip, you'll notice the bright flavour is tempered with a mild taste and medium body, ending with a clean finish. With its balanced character and wide appeal, Starbucks House Blend is a coffee you can drink all day long.

I realized coffee is like wine so now I try to savor it, allowing the liquid to touch all parts of my tounge.  I had my coffee sans milk and sugar. It was good on its own. I had cinammon rolls to go with it. Unfortunately, the rolls here are not as soft as the cinammon swirls we have in Manila. This was like day-old bread. So disappointing.

B had hazelnut muffin to go with his latte.

So you can compare with Pinas Starbucks:

Brewed house blend, tall: $3.50 (P112)

Cinammon roll: $3.40 (P109)

Muffin: $3.30 (P106)

Latte, tall: $5.30 (P170)

Starbucks fans in Manila, is it cheaper or more expensive here?

can't give these up

We had tons of good (meaning delicious, not necessarily healthy) food today! 

After mass we walked to Beach Road Prawn Mee Eating House along East Coast Road for lunch. Laging jampacked and karinderyang to! At siempre pag puno ang isang kainan, malamang masarap ang food. 

I had dried prawn mee. It had two prawns split in half, egg noodles, chilli sauce, bean sprouts, fried shallots and slices of what Pinoys call chicharon. Hehe.

B naman had dried pork rib mee. It had the same ingredients but the prawn was replaced with pork ribs.

Soup, which was made of prawn (and maybe pork) stock, was served on the side.

It was our second time there but the first time we had the noodle soup. Today, B decided to order the dried versions. Ang masasabi ko lang: SARAP! The soup was kinda diluted though. It could've been thicker pero masarap naman. Nakatikim na lang kasi ako ng malapot na prawn mee soup.

One bowl of prawn mee costs $5.50 (around P176).

After lunch, we went to Siglap Centre to shop for groceries. Bago kami bumaba sa Cold Storage we had dessert at McDo first! Hehe.

We had a hot fudge sundae

And apple pie!

Namiss ko ang desserts ng McDo! I've always loved hot fudge sundae while the apple pie made me miss Jollibee's peach mango pie. Hehe. Pero masarap din yung apple pie. The crust was super crispy and the filling was not too sweet. 

The sundae costs $1.50 (P48) while the apple pie costs $1 (P32).

While eating the sundae, I had an ephiphany. I can't live without delicious food! Yeah, almonds and walnuts taste good, too but sometimes you just gotta have vanilla ice cream topped with oozing chocolate fudge! Magcacardio na lang ako bukas. Hehehe.

Another good great Sunday. 

checkpoint 2

March is coming to an end! Ang bilis!

1. Having a healthier and more fit body. - I stopped exercising for about two weeks this month because I hurt my knee. I've begun exercising again though and have added strength training to my regimen. 

2. Shopping less and saving more. - I'm still working on this one. Still shopping and still saving but not more or less. 

3. Loving my job and doing my tasks well. - Honestly, my interest is kinda wearing thin. I'm getting bored and I'm craving for variety. But I know it's in my best interest to stay, so although I'm checking the job sites once in a while, I'm not sending out applications here and there. I'm taking my time.    

4. Visiting places I've never been to and revisiting places I love. - We were not able to go to Fort Canning Park when Lia was here but we did go to Kampong Glam for the first time.

5. Reading more. - Haven't started a book after Eat, Pray, Love. But I'm planning on reading the whole Sandman series. I'm already on the library's waiting list for Absolute Sandman Volume 1. 

Frost/Nixon

Rating:	★★★★★
Category:	Movies
Genre:	Drama

I didn't expect to like Frost/Nixon. The film was based on the play by Peter Morgan about the television interviews between David Frost and the post-Watergate Richard Nixon. Judging on the title alone, I thought it was one of those interesting but very boring movies about something historical. However, I was hooked right from the start. Ron Howard's storytelling techniques highlighted the actors' performances.

Frank Langella's Nixon was perfect. Although he did look the part, his characterization was based on having reflected on Richard Nixon the man. Langella perfectly expressed Nixon's sense of entitlement, his lust for power and his vulnerability as well. Frank Langella turned Richard Nixon into a man, a real person. He swears ("sons of whores") but he's formal at the same time. Great, great acting. If Sean Penn wasn't more brilliant in Milk, Frank Langella might've taken home the Oscar.

Michael Sheen (David Frost), Oliver Platt, Sam Rockwell and Kevin Bacon all delivered superb performances as well.

Frost and Nixon, although adversaries were sympathetic towards each other. Frost wanted to prove himself while Nixon needed redemption. But like any other match, only one could win.

sharing lang

Reden is so aliw. He just discovered the wonders of hand lotion. Hahaha. Bakit daw di ko kagad sinabi sa kanya na masarap pala maglotion sa kamay. Halo! Dati ko pa sinasabi. Ayaw niya kasi malagkit daw. Ngayon bumili na siya ng pang office. Haha.

tired and lonely

It has been tough at work these past few days. Tough and frustrating. The third-party vendor who's supposed to help us get things done messed up and now our work has doubled! Nakakainis.

And it doesn't help that our boss is ignoring our cries for help.

*****

Marge sent this to me a few minutes ago. It was taken December 2006. My last GS Christmas party. Tracy took the photo. Haha. Crazy.

Hay. I miss my girlfriends. 

hello, gorgeous

Just curious, Kat, when was the last time you looked into a mirror and addressed yourself as "Gorgeous," "Magnificent," or "Sublime"?

Kat, it matters.

Tallyho, 

The Universe

*****

Hi Universe,

Haven't really done that in a while. Everytime I look in the mirror all I see is a fat lady who needs to lose weight. I've changed my eating habits and have been exercising but I guess not as intensely as I should because I don't see any changes in the way my clothes fit. However, I do feel stronger and healthier and I guess that's what's more important. Still, I want to fit better in my clothes.

Or should I just buy new ones that will fit me better? 

Anyway, I promise that on my next trip to the bathroom I'll look in the mirror and recognize the person who is there rather than look for the person who isn't. 

And yeah, I will try to make her day and tell her she's beautiful.

Thank you!

Kat

PS

And thank You it's Friday. 

back to normal

Le zizter is back in the P.I. The photo on the left was taken on the day she left. Kumain muna kami ng isa sa mga usual breakfasts dito sa Singapore--stir-fried noodle tapos pipili ka ng "ulam." We chose omelette, fried dumplings and fried fish fillet. Chilli on the side siempre. Sarap!

******

Nakakatuwa pag may bumibisita. It's a nice disruption from our sometimes predictable (but good) life here. I wish we had our own flat though so we can entertain more people and accommodate visitors for longer periods. 

It was nice having Lia around kasi she cooks. Minsan kasi nakakatamad magluto lalo na pag kelangan din magtrabaho. Plus, I enjoyed bringing her around the city and making her try local food. Gave me an excuse to eat! Hahaha.

*****

We need a serious vacation! Laging ganito, two to three months na hindi kami nagbabyahe, parang super inip na and kating-kating na pumunta kung saan. Buti na lang at in 28 days, sasakay na ulit kami ng plane! Yipee! 

*****

Our friend Nell, saw an ad at a Pinoy IT forum. A guy was selling Coldplay tickets at the original price, walang patong. Naexcite ako momentarily pero nung chineck namin which seats, dun pa din sa seats na rear view. I really feel that paying $158 for a rear view ticket isn't worth it. Hihintayin ko na lang ulit ang next concert.

*****

Magtatrabaho na nga ako. Hehehe.

ready for a change

Sometimes when you're ready for a change, Kat, and you kind of know it but won't admit it, when it comes, not only are you surprised, but it hurts.

Yeah, I know that doesn't help much, unless you remember the "ready" part. Because there is simply no change that might ever transpire in time and space that happens before you're fully able to use it for your own growth and glory.

Love watching you create,
The Universe

PS
So hey, Kat, may as well just act like you had personally requested it, and soar. Because, truthfully, you did, and, honestly, you can.

*****

It's funny that I got this today. I just admitted to myself this morning (one of those times when I get an epiphany while taking a shower) that I'm ready for a change. Ang bilis naman magreply ng Universe! Hehehe.

prepare to be empowered

Something that might add some sugar and spice to your daily comings and goings, Kat, would be to constantly remind yourself, "I created this, because I wanted to."

Prepare to be empowered,
The Universe

PS
As well as, Kat, "I can change the heck out of it, and fast."

look closely

If you look closely enough, intent upon understanding those things that cause you great pain and consternation, Kat, ultimately, I promise you, you'll find great joy and illumination.

Take the bait,
The Universe

PS
And if you look closer still, Kat, you'll see all such things as proof of life's infinite grace. 

re-written every dawn

Oh yeah, regarding your ancient spiritual contracts, Kat, that outlined every facet of the life you now lead? Well, just wanted to remind you that they're all re-written every dawn, and perpetually updated as each day unfolds.

Proving yet again that nothing is meant to be, that you are truly unlimited, and that anything can happen next, if you choose it.

Whooohooooo!
The Universe

PS
In which case it should matter very little to you, Kat, that all the originals were accidentally shred this morning, right? Cheers.

*****

Now doesn't that just make you hopeful?

Have a great weekend!

imagine happiness

Simply imagine happiness, Kat, your own happiness. Feel the smile stretching across your face, notice the lightness in your step, hear the sparkle in your voice, and all things, material and spiritual, will dance to the beat of your drums.

Happy Thursday! 

The Universe

PS

You smiled didn't you, Kat? Just be careful with those sparkles so close to the drums.

my father turns a year older today

I used to think that my dad was the scary one in the family. I remember him as being really serious and strict when it comes to instilling discipline to me and my sister. Sure I was scared of my mom's kurot, but I was more scared of my dad's tsinelas. Or rolled-up newspaper. Or hands. Whatever his tool for punishment, I would always be grateful it landed on the part that can absorb the shock best--our asses.

He didn't resort to that mode of disciplinary method often. Pag lang talagang masakit na sa ulo ang kakulitan namin. He also wasn't the type to sit down with us afterwards and explain to us why he had to spank us. That was my mom's job. But I guess we got it. We got the message because after a while, Daddy didn't need his props anymore. We reached a point when nakukuha na kami sa tingin. Haha.

Apart from being the disciplinarian, my dad was also the provider. He works really hard for us and does a good job of supporting all our needs. When I reached the age of majority, found my own job and became responsible for providing myself with everything I need, I was still free na makiride sa kanilang groceries. Hehehe. Hanggang ngayon! 

My dad was also the family's protector. I worry when he goes on out-of-town business trips because I'm scared of the bad guys. He was the strongest among us, physically and he's the only one who could punch the hell out of the (imagined) hooligans. Thank God, the bad guys never came.

But if you would classify sloppy ex-boyfriends as bad guys, then they came alright. 

My dad protected me from them too. Not by physically harrassing them, but by showing up for me and being a great example of what a respectable man should be. Thus, my husband of choice.  

It was only when I grew older that I've gotten to really know my daddy. From an image of a strict disciplinarian who provides for our needs and protects us from every bad element imaginable, now I see him for what he is--a good great person. I am truly, wonderfully blessed that I and my siblings could call him our dad. Great catch, mother. Great catch. 

Happy birthday daddy! I love you! Thank you so much for every single thing.

PS

And thanks Lola (and Lolo in heaven) for raising a great man. You've done a spectacular job. 

rock your world

Haven't I always shown up with the right idea, at the right time, to spin your head and rock your world, when you least expected it, Kat?

Give yourself this rest you've earned.

You're my butterfly, 

The Universe

PS

Kat, I know you... sugar, baby.

my new toy

Is not a dSLR but a Philips FC8256 vacuum cleaner. Haha.

I love it for a couple of reasons. First, it's blue. I would've preferred the purple one but Carrefour didn't have any left. Blue is okay though. Second, it's bagless. Instead of the usual bag, it has a 1 liter dustbin I could just wash! So convenient noh? Third, its 200-watt suction power effectively cleans our carpet and floor. 

The purchase of this baby concludes my home improvement project. Time to focus on other things now.

ever, ever, ever

No one ever regrets raising the bar, Kat, ever, ever, ever.

Scare yourself, 

The Universe

PS

Besides, Kat, this is your year, and I got your back.