Road Trips and Occlumency

Posted in happy thoughts, road trips

Yeah that's right. Occlumency. I was supposed to write about our team's recent adventure in San Juan, Batangas days ago but I got so caught up reading an illegally acquired e-book of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince that I couldn't find time to sit in front of my ancient but trusty PC. That and the fact that I spent three out of four wonderful work-free nights pondering the meaning of life; no, i was really just out drinking. Most times I'd be too stupefied to construct sentences. See that? I said stupefied. Stupefy! Hah. If you weren't thrown back by an invisible force then we have just proven that spells don't work over the Internet.

I could sure use a swig of that Felix Felicis potion. Lady Luck hasn't been smiling at me lately.

Going back to the purpose of this post, I just wanted to share my recollection of that trip that we had to San Juan, Batangas. We did an ocular visit of the area, in order to find a suitable venue for our planned outing this May. So we all met at 7AM at the office, and nobody was late. Well, you don't need a master legilimens to figure out that that was a lie. People were late and we only got to leave at 9AM, in typical Pinoy fashion.

So then we were on our merry way - Rap and his girlfriend Giselle, Mark, Flip, Jules, Essie, Emi, Liza, and me. The weather then wasn't exactly perfect but we were doing great time. That was until the car's engine overheated and we had to pull over. Of all the places along the vast stretch of highway, the car decided to sputter at that particular spot, where we were told by the rescuing highway patrol officers that two people had died of a an accident the night before. We even saw pieces of bloody clothing amongst the wreckage. Naturally, everyone was talking about ghosts when we finally got the car moving again. I've never been one to believe in the supernatural, but it sure made a great conversation starter. And we had fun scaring the buhjeezus out of the girls. And out of Jules too.

We visited around 6 or 7 different beach resorts, until we decided on taking Aling Lerma's little cottage that was conveniently tucked away just a few feet from the beach. It wasn't glamorous, but it wasn't pitiful either. Most importantly, it was within budget.

I'm saving myself the trouble of having to describe how much fun it was, so here are more pictures.

On our way back to Manila, we decided we just had to try the famous lomi from Batangas so we did. We picked out this little eatery we spotted when we were just on our way to San Juan, but when we got there, there was this group of boys having a drinking session. Seeing as we had girls on board, we felt it wasn't a good idea to stay there and possibly invite trouble. So we looked for another place and luckily, we found one.

It was kinda' late, and the owner told us he only had enough lomi to make four orders. There were nine of us. Since it was late, and we were pretty sure we wouldn't find another chance to try out that much talked about lomi, we decided we'd share four orders amongst ourselves, just to find out how good it was. And boy were we surprised. Not only was the lomi really good, but we were quite taken aback by the serving size. As Rap had so eloquently put it, "Tang ina angal pa tayo kanina, di pala natin to mauubos!".

I got to hand it to Rap's white Mazda (have to ask him about the exact model). It took so much abuse that day, but it still got us there and back home safe and sound. Although it wasn't as white as it initially was when we got back.

I can't wait to go back there and kick some sand. And while I'm at it, I may just kick some sand in Malfoy's and Snape's faces too. All for Dumbledore. Petrificus Totalis! Are you still moving?

4 comments »

Susan Boyle's Got Talent

Posted in funky music, sports TV and current events, video

Recently I stumbled upon a very interesting and truly inspiring video on a friend's profile on Facebook. Being the insatiably curious geek that I am, I did a little research and found out that the video showed Susan Boyle, a 47-year old Scottish amateur singer and church volunteer, and her amazing performance on the talent reality show Britain's Got Talent. Boyle, who admits that she has never been kissed, never been married, stunned the show's audience with her unexpectedly remarkable rendition of Les Misérables' classic, "I Dreamed A Dream".

I found this interesting article that sums up how much Boyle's performance on Britain's Got Talent made such a huge impact on the world wide web. You also have to see Jay Leno's parody of Susan Boyle on the Tonight Show. Now you know you've made it big as an instant celebrity when people like Jay Leno does a parody of you.

She even has her own fan site now.

If you had access to the Internet in the last 24 to 48 hours, chances are you've already seen her video on Youtube. If you haven't,well I would've loved to upload the video here but Blogger simply won't cooperate. So for now, we'll settle for this link. I love seeing the looks on their faces when she sang that first line. You know you made a great impression when you see Simon smile like that!

UPDATE: I think this will work, thanks to a very phenomenologik suggestion I have the video of Susan Boyle's performance embedded via HTML. Thanks!

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From Cab Rides And Broken Hearts

Posted in patheticism

"I just don't see myself liking you anytime soon."

It's pathetic how I keep getting into these types of situations. This is usually the part where I insert cheesy lines and cliches about that cruel thing called love, but not this time. Right now all I feel is anger and pity. Sadly, I have the pity gun pointed at my temple, cocked, locked and ready to pull the trigger. If there's one person to blame for all this pain and suffering it's me.

But was I wrong? All I did was be honest about it. Was it really my fault? If loving and caring about somebody is a crime, then lock me up and throw away the gawdamn keys officer. I'm tired of having to pick up the pieces every time this happens. I want to disappear. I want to stay as far away from you as possible. But there's no greater distance than when I'm right next to you and you don't even see how I feel. Sorry, cheese just gushed out of my eye sockets.

Here comes the sarcasm. One day I'm gonna learn how to write sans consequence, without having to worry about who can read my posts. Maybe then everything will start making sense to me. Look, I'm sorry if I'm not good enough for you. This is just how I am. If you couldn't accept that and look beyond the physical then maybe you're not as ideal as I thought you were.

Forgive me, I just had to vent. Maybe I need a therapist. Maybe I need a good lay. Maybe I need a bottle of beer. Too many maybe's. Life is full of uncertainties.

One thing though is clear to me now. We don't deserve each other. I don't deserve this. Boy, these grapes are sour. Hopefully this ends here. Fuck this, screw hope. I'm ending this now.

By the way, that picture of an MGE taxi that transforms into a big robot had absolutely nothing to do with this post.

2 comments »

Storbo

Posted in familia, happy thoughts, humor mongering

Ang sarap ng tulog ko sa bus dahil trapik. May sumiksik sa tabi ko. Umusog naman ako. Umusog din ang walang-hiya. Hanggang sa ramdam kong nakaupo na siya sa tiyan ko. Sasapakin ko na sana nang makita kong si Bob pala to. Eto dalawa tuloy kaming stuck sa trapik. Sira na tulog ko muntik pa ko manapak. At nagkasya kami ni Bob sa 2-seater aisle ng PVP liner. Astig ng mobile blogging noh Bob?

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Reboot

Posted in patheticism

Another reboot.

I'm lost, as usual. Consider this an indirect response. I would like to believe that I understood you, but you're turning out to be quite a mystery. I humbly and sincerely apologize if I have been a little over-zealous. I won't even try to make excuses for my behavior.

I did not write this to express frustration towards you. Heck, I don't think you even read my blog. Besides, despite what other people think I know what you've been through. And I know its not easy. I may not have been able to show you how much I care about you, but trust me i do. I want to make sure you're alright.

I've told you how I feel, and you've told me how you feel. And I agree, it's not the right time. I don't know if it ever will be the right time, but I've waited this long, haven't I? What's a few more weeks, months even. Easy. But seriously though, you asked for time and I'm giving it. Not that it was mine to give in the first place.

I'm rambling again, sorry.

Don't take this the wrong way, but I am not just being friendly. I like you and I want you to be my girl. And I have absolutely no intentions of disappointing you. But who am I kidding? I know I'm not much to look at. So don't worry. I understand.

I just hope we can look past this. By the way, I really do appreciate you being nice to me and all. Thank you. I know how you hate the dramatics but I just had to say that.

I'll also try to make this the last post I'll ever write about you. I have to remember how to think straight again.

Take care of yourself, alright?

4 comments »

Bill Gates Died And Went To Hell

Posted in humor mongering

Okay before you gullible little carebears start searching Google for some truth to the title of this post, I just want to burst your bubbles. Bill Gates is alive, and this is just some rather elaborate yet still slightly funny joke I grabbed from Wacky's blog. Hey man, if you read this I hope you don't mind me snagging this from your site. If blog re-posting is a sin then crucify me. Which reminds me, happy Easter Sunday folks!

Oh yeah, the Bill Gates joke. Here it is!

Bill Gates Goes to Hell

Bill Gates dies in a car accident. He finds himself in Purgatory, being sized up by St. Peter.

“Well, Bill, I’m really confused on this call; I’m not sure whether to send you to Heaven or Hell. After all, you enormously helped society by putting a computer in almost every home in America, yet you also created that ghastly Windows ‘95. I’m going to do something I’ve never done before in your case; I’m going to let you decide where you want to go.”

Bill replied, “Well, what’s the difference between the two?”

St. Peter said, “I’m willing to let you visit both places briefly, if it will help your decision.”

“Fine, but where should I go first?”

“I’ll leave that up to you.”

“Okay then,” said Bill, “Let’s try Hell first.”

So Bill went to Hell. It was a beautiful, clean, sandy beach with clear waters and lots of bikini-clad women running around, playing in the water, laughing and frolicking about. The sun was shining; the temperature perfect.

He was very pleased.“This is great!” he told St. Peter. “If this is hell, I REALLY want to see heaven!”

“Fine,” said St. Peter, and off they went.

Heaven was a place high in the clouds, with angels drifting about, playing harps and singing. It was nice, but not as enticing as Hell. Bill thought for a quick minute, and rendered his decision.“Hmmm. I think I’d prefer Hell,” he told St. Peter.

“Fine,” retorted St. Peter, “as you desire.”

So Bill Gates went to Hell.

Two weeks later, St. Peter decided to check on the late billionaire to see how he was doing in Hell. When he got there, he found Bill, shackled to a wall, screaming amongst hot flames in a dark cave, being burned and tortured by demons.

“How’s everything going?” he asked Bill.

Bill responded, with his voice filled with anguish and disappointment,“This is awful! This is nothing like the Hell I visited two weeks ago! I can’t believe this is happening! What happened to that other place, with the beautiful beaches, the scantily-clad women playing in the water!?"

St. Peter replied, “That was a demo. A trial Version.”

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More Cheese

Posted in patheticism

"As I was sitting here staring at the screen wondering what the first few words of this post were going to be, I realized all I could think about was you."

It's amazing how one person can completely change the way you look at life. Normally I would be this brooding teenager full of angst and pent-up emotions. The "teenager" part of that last sentence is not to be taken literally, of course. But whenever she's around things just seem so much brighter and I feel like absolutely nothing can go wrong with my day.

She smiles at me and I wish time stood still.

We spent a few hours together at the mall the other day. She let me carry her bag for the first time. If you could just see how wide this grin is! We ate, and had a few laughs about "short" puns and revenge. Then I took her home - her home, silly - and I met her Mom. Everything was so perfect. Peachy.

But then nothing's perfect.

We have both been quite honest about how we feel for each other. I tell her how much I enjoy being with her and how much I like her. She tells me not to keep my hopes up too much. As much as I'd like to say she's my girl and that I would do everything to protect her, I can't, because she isn't. But I'm working on it.

For now though, I'll let nature take its course. I'm okay with this - this thing that we have, whatever it is. Whatever happens next, I'll let fate decide.

6 comments »

Question.

Posted in mundaneity

I saw this notice sa CDR King sa SM San Lazaro, nung bumibili kami ng DVD-R's ni Liza. Napaisip lang ako about sa "No Return, No Exchange" policy na ito. Kayo? Tingin niyo ba ay tama ang interpretasyon ng CDR King sa batas na ito?

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Happy Birthday Binchee!

Posted in patheticism, sad thoughts

Despite the Holy Week, some of my friends remembered that today marked the day that I was born. I completely understand if you couldn't make it to my birthday. That photo above shows how much food there was. I mean, how pathetic can you be? Thanks to my friends at Sitel, Zee and Cazz - they made it feel like it wasn't a complete loss. Thanks Lio Loco for just simply being there. Lastly, I thank God for the last 30 years that He has been taking care of me. I know I have had my flaws, but I want to make a fresh start. Its been three decades. I think its about time I start living. Its so sad.

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Makabagong Pila-balde.

Posted in humor mongering, mundaneity

Naaliw lang ako sa nadatnan kong pila sa igiban ng tubig sa opisina. Naglaro ang malikhain kong isip at nagawan ko ang eksenang ito ng kwento sa loob ng tatlong segundo. Ok fine I'm exaggerating. Pero ang mga nangyari...

Container 1: Pare, ang haba pala ng pila papuntang langit! Pero I can see the light at the end of the tunnel!

Container 2: Eh panong di hahaba ang pila eh may sumingit na trash bin sa unahan?

Trash Bin: Mga adik! Bakit ba kayo nagsasalita eh container lang kayo!?

Ang corny.

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Ano ba 'to?

Posted in humor mongering, mundaneity

I was on my way home when I noticed this ad sa likod ng upuan ng driver ng jeep. Mga 2 or 3 minutes ko rin to binasa nang paulit-ulit pero, d ko maisip kung anong produkto to! Hula ko eh ad ng local condoms to. Wala tlagang nkalagay kung anong klaseng product ang ina-advertise nila. Baka surprise.

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Trepidations

Posted in patheticism

Choices.

I have a decision to make. I keep asking myself if I'm doing the right thing or not. But then I realize, the perennial question of right or wrong is rather subjective. What's wrong for me may be right for someone else. That thought didn't make things easier at all. I started keeping myself busy with other matters when I decided to let go of a certain obsession, whose details again I will not disclose. While I enjoy the distraction, I can't help but feel that something's missing. Now I don't know if I want to stay distracted or if I want to return to what I started.

Apprehension.

If I had it my way, I'd go back to obsessing and hope that she'd finally say yes. I know my distraction would only go on for so long. Eventually, I'm gonna have to move forward. You see, I sort of got myself into another complicated mess in an effort to keep my thoughts away from my obsession. It was fun at the start, but now I'm slowly beginning to realize where my heart really is. I just don't know what to do now. Or maybe I know what I want to do, but I just don't have the balls to do it.

Doubt.

That's just it. I don't think I have the guts to take what I want. I simply do not have what it takes. This is my true enemy.

Regret.

I know I shouldn't have started this mess. But I already did, so I have to get myself out of this somehow. In fact, there are so many things I wish I hadn't done but did, and I haven't completely gotten over some of them. But haven't we all?

Confusion.

My head's in a blender. So many thoughts, so few words. I know this post makes very little sense to most of you, forgive me. Discretion got the better part of me tonight. I am losing it. Heck, I'm losing a lot of things lately, not just my sanity. I've lost sight of a lot of things, some of them I am not willing to talk about just yet. I hope the dust settles soon.

Hope.

Despite everything that's been running roughshod in my head I still have some level of optimism. I know I'll move heaven and earth to get what I want, as soon as I figure out what that is.

Fear.

Like always, hope brings fear because there is doubt. But that's the risk I know I have to take. Again, life is all about making choices. And I'm afraid to make bad ones. That voice inside me tells me not to make a decision and just sit still but then...

...what fun would that be?

4 comments »

Bullet Blog! Bullet Blog!

Posted in mundaneity, patheticism

Since I can't think of a meaningful and interesting story to write about tonight, I'm posting another one of my infamous bullet blogs. What's a bullet blog? Beats me. That's just a term I coined for blog posts that border incoherence because I talk about different topics at once. It's like a list of things on my mind - without the actual bullet points.

So I got sick a lot of times this month. Heck. For a fat dude, I sure ain't healthy.

As I mentioned in my previous post, I gave up on an obsession - for now, at least. Now I'll practice my evil grin.

I also found out the hard way that Binangonan, Rizal is a very far place. But it was well worth the trip. What kind of mess have I gotten myself into now. I'll probably talk about this and my other misadventures in a future post. Hush-hush for now.

This year marks my 30th birthday. Yes folks, thirty. No I'm not lying. Lying to you guys would be like lying to a mollusk - it's pointless. I wish the cliche said life begins at 30 and not 40. I don't think I can wait ten more years.

I'm not happy with this post at all, but I got to keep my brain working somehow. I'm gonna hit the hay now. I have to wake up early for that thing I dread the most - work.

Good night!

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