Finally... a Labor government!

I have never been a keen follower of politics nor am I a political scrooge by any sense.


But I have to be honest by saying that this past election has turned me into a raving, opinionated, political activist.


First off, let me just say that I am extremely happy with the results of the last Federal election. Kevin Rudd, leader of the Australian Labor Party for only a short 50 weeks, has been successful in winning the most coveted seat of Prime Minister when Labor leaders before him (Simon Beazley and Mark Latham) failed to do so. And may I add, it's about bloody time that someone knocked John Howard off his high horse!


I am by no means a member of the ALP (although I am seriously thinking about doing so). I dislike politicians in general. But Kevin Rudd's policies addresses modern issues such as climate change, broadband, improvement in education and the health system, multiculturalism and of course, abolishing the dreaded Workchoices (IR) laws. Anything that threatens to destroy the livelihood and working conditions of the common working man is absolutely appalling.


So Kevin Rudd is now Prime Minister-elect. Julia Gillard, MP for Lalor, is his Deputy-Prime Minister - the first woman ever to hold such a high seat of power in Australian politics. I will now see what Mr. Rudd does. The "education revolution", signing of the Kyoto Protocol, and formal apology to the Australian Aborigine people are the issues that I am closely looking at.


These are definitely exciting times and truly a new era for Australia.

Back in the working world

I never thought I would say this...


but I am now a public servant!


Yes folks... Jennie has bitten the bullet and is working in government.


My official job title is Records and Information Management Officer for a particular department in the Victorian Government. I started last Thursday and I am, so far, enjoying the change of pace.


We're a small team, my boss is a lovely motherly type of woman, and the people are very easy going. I have short working hours (8:30 - 4:30) and my building has magnificent views of the city.


After my first few days here, it made me realise that I should have left my previous job earlier. The grass is definitely greener.

Freedom!

I am finally free! Free from the shackles of corporate greed and politics!


As if my prayers have been answered, I was made redundant from work a couple of weeks back. Isn't that the best way to go? You get a huge payout and leave the work that you dread behind?


Wahahaha!


So these past few weeks have been spent on looking for other employment opportunities (I am waiting for a couple of phone calls this week) and catching up on playing The Sims 2. Since my mother gave me that game for Christmas (and I bought all the extension packs), I have never had the time to play it. My former job made sure that my "me" time is completely ripped out of me. I surely made up for it this week though. I created a couple of characters and the character I based on Arnie (named Lawrence) already has two loves and scored with both (called a Woohoo) in bed and in the jacuzzi! He is now aspiring to do a "public woohoo" and having a third love. What a pervert! Hahaha!


I also caught up with household chores (the ironing is killing me) and took up a new hobby... taking care of fishes that is! We now have two new fish tanks - one for tropical carnivore fishes (Arnie's choice of course) and one for a couple of cute red cap oranda goldfishes that I have named Sid and Nancy. Hehehe.


I have also taken this time to evaluate what is really important in my life. I found that my career will always come second to my family. Because of the stress from my former job, I now have a condition in my neck and shoulder joint that needs to be tended to by a doctor. I am now seeing a naturopath who is giving me weekly treatments of remedial massage, acupuncture, and Chinese cupping. I really need to take care of myself from now on. I am also taking medication for my stress, pain and energy levels.


Well, I hope in my next entry I'll be telling you guys about my new job.

Jaded worker

I never thought I'll say this, but I am no longer happy about my work.


The company I work for has turned into a profit-driven, heartless cesspool. They have sacked so many people in the past few months that I am just waiting my turn.


"Operational re-structure", they say.


It's budget cuts, in my opinion.


Also, my present role is becoming such a chore. I wasn't trained properly for this job, thus my work seems to be half-baked. I was expecting full support from management which, unfortunately, I am not getting. And they expect me to perform well? Hah! It's like asking a person who has been a vegetarian all his life to cook a medium-rare steak! I have turned into a zombie that just turns up to work to get the cash. I no longer believe in what I do nor the company that I work for.


In my honest opinion, I don't see myself staying for another month. I actually just came from an interview regarding a job that I actually studied for. I used to do that particular job before I got this "promotion."


Here's hoping... and who knows what's going to happen in the next few weeks? I feel like something is about to hit - an axe on my neck probably. And you know what? I don't care.

To sleep perchance to dream...

From Hamlet by William Shakespeare


Talk about whacked out dreams!


Last night was a classic in my "wet dreams gone weird" book...


I have been a huge fan of Doctor Who since the series has been resurrected to the hip and uber-sexy show that it is now. I also have a huge crush on David Tennant.

Could you take a guess at what my dream is about?


Well, I happen to be the Doctor's companion and we were starting to discover romantic feelings for each other!


We were having a quick bite to eat while we were in 1970s England. He told me that whilst he won't be able to live the rest of my life with me (being almost immortal), it doesn't stop him from falling in love with me. I told him that from the moment that I accepted his offer of being his travel companion, I'm his. He was about to kiss me when I was suddenly jolted awake by the joint snores of Arnie and my pug Meeko.


Grrrrr..... I was so tempted to knock Arnie on the back of his head. Here I was about to pash David Tennant, for crying out loud!


Perchance I dream again of my dear Doctor? Here's hoping...

Back from the brink...

I know, I have been away for sometime. It's been madness - work and life - and it has gotten in the way of updating this blog.



My apologies.



So, what have I been up to?



Well, wedding plans are starting to come into fruition. Invitations that are being mailed overseas have been sent to me and are on their way to the people we've invited. I have an appointment with bridal dressmaker to try on the dress that I saw on the shop's website. I have fallen in love with the dress and can't wait to put it on!



We have already picked up our wedding rings and it's now safely hidden in my closet (gotta remember to bring up the contents insurance - AGAIN!). I picked out a very simple 18k white gold band while Arnie got a two-tone 18k wedding band that is thicker and chunkier - suits his huge fingers.



What else? Oh, I got my wedding shoes! eBay is an absolute god send. Instead of paying around $200 for a pair of shoes that I'm only going to be wearing once, I got this beautiful ivory pair from England for only $67 and that already includes postage!



What else is new? I am now totally addicted to make-up. Recently, I bought a couple of eyeshadow pallets and lipstick from Clinique, Radiant Illuminator and lipstick from YSL, and am planning to buy another lipstick from Clinique and an eyeshadow pallet from YSL. Jesus, at age 29 and am only starting to like make-up??? Talk about a late bloomer! Hahaha!



*****



So, what's in my bag? (Got this from Vayie)



It really depends on which I bag I'm using. If I have my big Burberry bag, this is what I usually have:

• Burberry Nova Check Wallet


• My mobile phone (Nokia N70)


• Black iPod Video


• Body Shop Almond Oil Hand & Nail Cream


• Estee Lauder Powder Make-Up


• hair brush


• car keys


• house keys


• Clinique quickliner for lips Pink Truffle


• Clinique lipstick Perfect Plum


• YSL Rouge Pure Shine Sheer Lipstick Frosted Fig


• Chupa Chups Strawberry and Cream


• Vicks Butter Menthol


• Parker pen


• Medication (for my facet joints)

How about you? What do you have in your bag?

Been given a dose of The Cure

What can one say when one's childhood dreams have come to life?


In my case, I took out the 14-hole Docs, wore black nail polish, lipstick, and black eyeshadow, and teased my hair to an untidy mop. I carefully chose my clothing and decided on black tights, black shorts, a black button-down short sleeved military style shirt and a white tie. And of course, I danced and sang like a maniac. Hahaha!


The so-called "Grandfathers of Goth", the masters of all things "doom and gloom", and my most favourite band of all time, The Cure, had a one-night-only-show last night in Melbourne at the Rod Laver Arena. Arnie, his brother Rey, and I had really good seats that we could clearly see Jason, Simon, Porl, and Robert's features. It was a sea of black, bad hairstyles, and posers (some of the teenyboppers anyway). It was a mixed crowd to say the least but it was the loyal fans (people 30 years and up) that dominated.


What can I say? I was blown away, of course! Here is a band whose music I've grown up with and their songs are a huge part of my life. It was three hours of non-stop Cure goodness. No yucky starter line-ups. It was all Cure and the fans absolutely loved it.


They played the obscure and the popular. I was pleasantly surprised to hear them play "Primary", "One Hundred Years", "Shake Dog Shake", "How Beautiful You Are", and half of the Three Imaginary Boys' album - "Boys Don't Cry", "Three Imaginary Boys", "Jumping Someone Else's Train", "Grinding Halt", and "Killing An Arab", which of course Robert had to change to "Killing Another" due to the current political climate.


Of course, they played the show stoppers - "Inbetween Days", "Close To Me", "Why Can't I Be You?", "Lullaby", "Friday I'm In Love", "A Night Like This", and of course, Arnie and I's theme song, "Lovesong" - I have to admit that I was teary eyed when they played it.


They also played heaps of tracks from the Kiss Me album. Kinda says something about Robert's current mood I guess.


I just love Robert Smith to bits. He looks like an adorable overgrown rag doll. He's so gorgeous!


I am so happy to have been able to attend such an extraordinary event. I don't know when this will happen again, but it is definitely a night to remember!


Most notable moments?

• When they played "Primary", I noticed that Simon Gallup's current hairstyle resembles his hairstyle in this song's music video. That's going back 26 years ago!!!
• Robert Smith is so cute doing his signature "mini-jig" ala "Lovecats"
• They did not play "A Forest"! ARGH!!!
• Porl looks like Billy Corgan... hmmm...
• Robert looked at me when he looked at our direction! I was waving my arms around like a mad-woman! Hahaha!
  

Gandalf as the Mad King

Last Saturday, I had the privilege of watching the Royal Shakespeare Company's performance of "The Tragedy of King Lear", played by no one else but by the great "Gandalf", "Sir Teabing", and "Magneto", Sir Ian McKellen.




Sir Ian McKellen as King Lear

For theatre and Shakespeare lovers, King Lear is a role that one would describe as the "Mount Everest" for any Shakespearean actor. They basically say that "if you're old enough to play King Lear, then you're too old to play King Lear". It is a role known to be emotionally and physically challenging. Sir Ian delivered, and more.



Sir Ian McKellen with Sylvester McCoy as The Fool


He took his kit off... naked as the day the Maker made him and might I add, not bad for an old gay man!


But I digress.


He is truly the greatest stage performer of his time. His stage presence, his command and ease of Shakespearean English, and his ownership of the part of Lear just proves his magnificent talent.




A fallen King Lear with The Earl of Gloucester, played by William Gaunt


Jonathan Hyde (you'll probably remember him as Richie Rich's butler and Robin Williams' greatest fear in Jumanji) was a fantastic Earl of Kent. Sylvester McCoy who played King Lear's Fool was a joy to watch as well. Frances Barber who played the evil eldest daughter Goneril was so effective is her role that I literally wanted to strangle her.


It was truly a night to remember. Seeing Sir Ian perform in all his excellent theatrical glory is something that I will truly take with me till death. He made me cry. He made me sympathise with an old, proud, foolish man who not only lost his kingdom but also lost his whole family, especially his dearest daughter Cordelia.


Howl, Howl, Howl...


Found this sample in YouTube. This is a scene between King Lear and The Fool. Enjoy!






O, let me not be mad, not mad, sweet heaven,
Keep me in temper: I would not be mad.
- King Lear, Act I Scene V

Psychedelic flashback

Got inspired by Vayie's post about MTV...


Do you guys remember this song?





Don't you just love it?


How about this one?





And who can possibly forget this one?





Psychedelic Furs is one of those bands that a Filipino growing up during that incomparable era (the 80s of course) will possibly first mention when asked about new wave music. They first emerged as a post-punk band but ended up making albums with a more "pop-bent" to it with biting vocals and fantastic droning guitar work.

Hope you enjoyed that short blast from the past and who knows? I might find some other gems...

The end of Harry Potter in Deathly Hallows

I have attended the book launch at Borders in Melbourne Central yesterday morning. I was there since 8:00 am, waiting alongside other Harry Potter fans for the first box of books to be opened by lucky little girl. I was part of long queue to purchase the book, and the queue didn't abate till the afternoon. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is clearly the most anticipated book of the decade. Finally, the question whether the 17 year old hero Harry Potter will defeat his nemesis Voldemort once and for all or will evil reign the world.

I have finished the book last night and have fully enjoyed it. I was also saddened that there won't be anymore Harry Potter after this book, but I 'll be consoled for the meantime because there are still two movies about to come out.

For my full review, click here. Major spoilers abound!

A bit of culture and child-like glee

This weekend was quite eventful. After spending three days at Newcastle for a conference, I went back home to Melbourne on the Friday only to get ready for a night of theatre - Miss Saigon.


Needless to say, it is a fantastic piece of musical excellence. The cast was full of Filipino talents. The Engineer was played by no other than Leo Valdez. He made a very good impression with the Australian audience. It's quite amusing that I still remember the songs from when it was made popular back in 1989 by the original "Kim", Lea Salonga. My girlfriend and I couldn't refrain from singing along, albeit softly, to Kim on-stage.


The boys had a wonderful time. I couldn't help myself from getting a bit teary eyed in the end. It is a tragic story but was a very common occurrence during the war. I guess people who watch Miss Saigon do get side-tracked by the music and fail to remember that women like Kim suffered in the hands of the GIs and fellow Vietnamese alike. I hope that Miss Saigon stands as a reminder of the atrocities and sacrifices people have suffered during the war.


*****


Yesterday, Arnie and I - along with my mum - watched Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. It was a full house and everyone seemed to enjoy the film. It wasn't a bad effort - a 772 page book crammed into a 2 1/2 hour film. Of course, it was to be expected that there are some changes made to make the story flow better in the movie. In my personal opinion, it was fun. It was nice. Harry and Cho's first kiss was sweet - and there were people in the theatre who gushed of course. Luna was endearing. There was not enough Kreacher though. Bellatrix's appearance was short but very effective. The Thestrals were cool. Tonks was cool. Ginny kicked arse - very powerful Reducto curse.


I enjoyed Order of the Phoenix as much as the last Harry Potter movies. But if I was going to be honest with myself, it was anti-climactic. Sirius's demise was expected, of course, but very understated. Harry and Dumbledore's interaction was short and a bit emotionless. I was expecting Harry to have blown up spectacularly like he did in the book. Oh well, it was to be expected anyway - the movie will never be completely faithful to the book.


I am now looking forward to the book. I'm picking it up on Saturday morning at Borders and am expecting my free Hedwig plush doll. Can't wait!!!

I got tickets!

Miss Saigon is finishing it's Melbourne run on July 15 and we've got tickets to see this wonderful musical on the 13th of July!


Very exciting considering I wasn't really planning to watch it to start with but a friend emailed me and told me that all tickets are being sold for $75 only. Wow! What a great opportunity to catch one of the best musicals ever written!


I vividly remember this musical when it was just new and our very own Lea Salonga played the most coveted role of Kim. That role made her a worldwide sensation. In this version, Kim is also played by a Filipina woman based in Sydney.


Can't wait for a piece of great theatre!

8 years of separation

I've been in Sydney since yesterday to conduct a series of training sessions for managers and team leaders with regards to systems procedures. It was also yesterday, last night as a matter of fact, that I was able to catch up with a friend that I have not seen since I graduated from La Salle in 1998.


His name is Xerxes, one of my closest "sistahs" back in La Salle. We took the same classes together when we were doing our Literature degree. He's a good looking, well groomed man. And of course, he is a first class flirt which I absolutely love.


He took me to the Opera Bar for a few drinks. I am currently addicted to Smirnoff Double Black Ice and had a couple while he had a Vodka Cranberry drink. We were seated outside with views of the Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House which was absolutely breathtaking at night. Sydney winter is nothing compared to Melbourne for we were able to sit outside comfortably. We chatted about old times and what's been happening with our lives. He was really happy for me finding Arnie, and that he was really glad I found my soul mate. I also found out about his boyfriend who is a few years older than him - a graphic designer who has his own place in the Rocks. Impressive, I said. Then, he calmly told me that he's actually his boyfriend's "number two". I told him that's fine as long as they both know what they're getting into. I am fully aware that some gay relationships do have a tendency to be non-monogamous but as long as consenting adults are involved, it's fine.


After our drinks, we headed off to a restaurant which, unfortunately, I can't remember the name but had the same amazing views of the Opera house and the Harbour Bridge. The food was excellent and the service was very personal. We both knew we were loud while we chatted away and laughed, but they didn't care and left us to enjoy ourselves.


I am not sure when we're going to see each other again, maybe the next time I visit Sydney for work, or better yet when he visits me in Melbourne. But after 8 years of not seeing him, I realize that I have a real friend in Xerxes. He's a non-judgemental kind of guy who is honest, comfortable in himself, and is genuinely happy for his friend's achievements. He helped me out during a time in my life back in our uni days when no one else could. I will always treasure him for that.


I miss him already. I am now consoling myself by eating the yummy Bon Bon chocolates he so kindly bought me last night. What a sweetheart.


It's hard to find true friends, and Xerxes is definitely one of mine.

The Cure is coming!!!

Just found out this morning that my most favourite band ever, The Cure, is coming for a concert on August 12!


I am so excited! The show promises 3 hours of amazing music from their 30-year music career. No pre-show, just all Cure.


Tickets are pre-selling on the 19th till the 21st of June through Ticketek. Tickets are for sale to the public from June 22 until they're sold out. Concert will be at the Rod Laver Arena. Tickets are priced from $99 to $120.


I can't wait to dance, strut, and wail to Robert Smith's genius!


Waaaahhhh!!!

Soooo cold!!!

It's finally June and winter is definitely here. Gone are the sunny and lovely 20 degree days and in its place are chilly 3 - 5 degree mornings. Since moving with Arnie to our lovely little cottage-like house away from the Western suburbs (my house with mum) and closer to the mountains (in the leafy East), the cold seems to be more intense. This morning, when I was about to drive off for work, I saw my car covered with a thin layer of ice... I think it was about 2 degrees overnight!


When it's cold, it's so hard to be motivated to do anything. Going to the gym becomes a chore (I actually haven't gone for a week because of a cold). Getting out of bed gets harder. Even my dogs are finding it difficult to move around in the morning! I feel sorry for Arnie because he starts early in the morning and has to brave the cold. I have the luxury of an extra half hour while the heater does its thing.


As much as I love Melbourne, Melbourne winters are nothing to sneeze at. It's gloomy, it drains your energy, and leaves you unable to do anything but stay underneath the covers.


For the next three months, I am resigned to wearing scarves, thick jumpers, and closed shoes or boots. It's the only way to battle the cold.


I guess I have an excuse to check out the sales and scout for new turtlenecks and leather gloves :)

Jennie Vs. God

I confess. I was a blinded Catholic believer when I was much younger. I was even part of the founding members of a religious organisation in school back in my high school days (I actually squirm in disbelief now). I wasn't self-righteous or anything like that (I hope) and still got along with heaps of people, regardless of their religion or belief.


Ironically when I went to DLSU, which is a known Catholic university, I got introduced to several professors who presented different ways of thinking. I met different people who were very outspoken about their beliefs - my professor in Contemporary Philosophy was an "out of the closet" Atheist, my other Philosophy professor was an Existentialist, and a classmate of mine was an Agnostic. I have never encountered such diversity!


Being a person with a very open mind, I listened and saw the validity of their arguments. I found myself leaning towards Existentialism during my first year of university - that is until I had Mr. Monera for a Religion class.


It was a Bible Exegesis class, which involves an extensive and critical interpretation of a text. In this case, we were made to pick certain books of the Bible and conduct research to determine history, tradition, and authorship of the books.


Wow, so God didn't write the Bible after all! Fantastic stuff, isn't it? Turns out that the Bible was a collection of stories written by men. These stories went through a lot of heavy editing at the First Council of Nicaea during the time of Emperor Constantine in 325 AD. During this time, a lot of the books, now knows as the Gnostic Gospels, were removed. Basically, the Council developed what we know of Christianity now and the divinity of Jesus Christ - man, but not man-like. Son of God who knew no woman, who couldn't possibly have any sort of relationship let alone a family.


From an Existentialist, I have become Agnostic. I began to read books that would question the validity of Religion and existence of God. I have been Agnostic for 11 years now and people say that it's natural progression would be turning to an Atheist.


I may be a few steps away from that now... especially since September 11 happened.


I am not saying that Religion doesn't do anything good for people. Sure, there are people who truly feel like their lives have improved because of it and best of luck to them. What I gripe about are those who feel like they are better than everyone else because of their faith and thus do evil things in the name of their God.


As Steven Weinberg, the 1979 Nobel Peace Prize winner in Physics, said, "Religion is an insult to human dignity. Without it you would have good people doing good things and evil people doing evil things. But for good people to do evil things, that takes religion."


The idea of a Greater Good is fantastic. Very ideal. But, if you take the scriptures literally, what you have is a racist, petty, jealous, unjust, and unforgiving God. Why would we want to emulate someone like that?


Have a chat with fundamentalist Christians and right wing Muslims and you'll see my frustration. You can never have a logical argument with these people. Both are convinced that the other is believing a lie and that they are the only ones going to heaven.


What ego!


If you are open minded and secure in your personal belief, please read The God Delusion by Richard Dawkins. It has been on my bedside table for the past few days but it's not the best bed time book. It's guaranteed to keep you awake and think.


Also, watch the following documentaries:


The Root of All Evil? by Richard Dawkins and God On My Side by Andrew Denton.


I encourage a healthy and logical debate about this. Feel free to post your comments and I will discuss your concerns to your heart's desire. Nothing revitalizes me more than a intellectual spar.

Kiss and tell... the final chapter

So, part 3 accounts for all of my relationships previous to my current one.


One thing is for sure, this one is the best of all!


Lawrence Arnold Estrada - Arnie to his Aussie friends, Lawrence or Oren to family and friends, Banee to moi :)


Well, we actually first got introduced through an ex-friend/workmate of mine. My blog readers would probably be familiar with the complete story of how that whole relationship with the ex-friend went but for those who are not, check it out here.


To cut the long story short, Arnie and I started talking over the phone first and got to know each other a little better. The funny thing is that the first thing we found that we've got in common is our taste in music - would you believe, Metallica?!? Hahaha!


We decided to meet up and have dinner somewhere. We felt the attraction from the start and found so many other things that we liked about each other. Sparks flew, and here we are now, 7 years down the track, happily engaged, and about to get married.


Going back to my younger years, I never would have thought that I would be meeting my future husband in Melbourne, let alone that he is also a Filipino. How amazing is that?


Arnie is someone whom you would not label a typical Filipino man. He cooks, he cleans, he does the laundry, he irons, he pampers me and he works really hard. He is very confident with himself and is not afraid to speak his mind. Being older than my 29 years (he's already 38), he has experienced so many things that has left him wiser and more mature than any man my age. I have never met anyone like him. He makes me very happy and content with everything that I have now. He is my rock, my support system aside from my mum, and is someone that I am sure will stick by me till the end of our days.


I love this man so much and I am so excited about the wedding!


10 more months to go...


*****


On that note, our wedding website is now up for viewing! Please feel free to have a look around and constantly check it out for updates. I will be placing a permanent link on my sidebar.


Cheers and have a great week!

Kiss and tell part 3

So, a short recap of what happened so far in part 2...

• Went to a Catholic girls' school
• Had relationships with several girls
• Broke some one's heart

So, I'm back in my old Alma mater. Mum's reasoning? An all girls' school was making me more obnoxious and naughty. Hahaha!


Because I was sort of a "new" student again, I was required to take summer classes as a prep for my sophomore year. There, I met a few students from different year levels. It was actually fun. I made friends and enjoyed being with students who are just not that into studying but were more into partying and the like.


It was here that I met one guy who was no longer studying in the school but was visiting with a friend. Let's just call him R (again). He was not bad looking, although not as remarkably cute as the first R that I went out with. But one thing I have to grant this R... he was an excellent kisser and he had such a sexy voice!


Man, oh man, the places we made out in! Just thinking about it is making me laugh so hard because of the gall and how shameless we were! We just didn't care at all! The relationship, of course, didn't last. It was, after all, just a "kissing relationship", no substance or depth whatsoever. It didn't even last a month for as soon as school started, we broke it off. All the while, there was this other guy by the name of Harold that was sort of courting me but didn't come to anything. He was lazy with everything - school, courting - it just wasn't worth it. Too bad, since he was so cute!


So throughout high school, I had a boyfriend every year. Hahaha! Ang landi!


My boyfriend in second year high school, H, was a sweety. He was a gentleman and nothing - absolutely nothing - happened between us. No kissing, no hugging, nothing. It was amazing. He was like a boyfriend by name and that's it! We were more like friends, nothing more. We broke up amicably.


In third year, another guy came along. I shall call him D. He was a nice, sweet, handsome man. He was a year older - in his fourth year of high school. The relationship was, let's just say, intense. It got too intense for my liking that I broke it off with him during the first few months of my senior year in high school. We were 11 months into the relationship, he was already in college. I got scared. I guess being just 15-16 years of age, I wasn't ready to go that deep into the relationship. I understood that he was older and may have needs that I am not ready to provide as of yet. I just don't want to get into a situation where I would have to give up something I am not prepared to... you know what I mean?


So, in my fourth and last year of high school, I decided to have a relationship with someone who was younger for I thought it was much safer. Hahaha!


David, my bestest friend, was really a boyfriend before we became great friends. Our relationship was great, close to the ideal. He was sweet, attentive, a gentleman, and we had a great time together just hanging out or playing games at the mall after school. I was never bored with him and he got along so well with my friends. He was really an amazing guy. With him, I felt the kilig again. The relationship was not as intense as with D. I never felt pressured into doing anything with David because we just had fun as is. I guess one of the reasons why we're still great friends to this day because we shared a lot of good times together.


David was also what you would call a bit of a player, although he never played around when we were together. You could say that he learned to treat women really well because of me. I was his first girlfriend and I kind of defined the how's and why's in a relationship for him. And what do you know? It actually works! It's just amazing to see that women are falling for him left, right, and centre. And you know what? When he's in a pickle, he still asks me for advise.


Haaaay... I miss him! How I wish he makes it to my wedding...


Okay... so obviously, we broke up after I went to college. The distance was killing the relationship and it wouldn't be fair to David to have him tied down to someone at such a young age. It was a amicable break up and we parted as friends for real. Of course, I found myself entering a relationship which, in hindsight, I really wasn't ready for. I guess my mistake was I should have just enjoyed my single hood for I was never single for a long period of time, the most being 6 months, since I started dating.


It was my first adult relationship. My blog readers would probably remember that I would go on and on about how I regretted that relationship. It's been awhile. I am 29 and I am getting married soon. I can honestly say I am over it and I don't really regret being in that relationship. In fairness to the guy (whom I shall not name and have never named in this blog), I did love him and there were great times between us. Like my friend Ryan said, we were good for each other at the time. I have learnt a lot from the relationship and it helped me become the person that I am. I wish that person nothing but happiness and the best of luck in life. I hope that he finds true love like I have...


...Which comes to my current relationship... the man that I am about to marry, Lawrence Arnold Estrada...

...to be continued...

In search for the perfect dress

With the wedding only 10 months away, my "to-do list" seems to be growing by the week!


Tomorrow will be the first of my many appointments with various dressmakers in search for the perfect wedding dress.


I am not what you would call the most feminine person but I do want to have an extra special dress. I am also not what you would call a traditional bride.


So, I have decided that the perfect dress for me would have to meet this criteria:

• Should not look like a pastry of some sort, or the more common meringue style
• Should not cost as much as my monthly salary
• Should not be strapless (I really don't feel like showing off my tattoos)

It should be fun, no doubt. I hope that within the next three months, I'll be able to choose the "one" for me.


Have a great weekend everyone!

Of goodbyes and birthdays

And so my nephews in law left early this morning. The past couple of weeks was fun. They actually gave me and Arnie a thank you card and gifts - for me actually. A pack of US playing cards (15-year old Aaron was teaching me all these neat card tricks that I will definitely get better at) and a Lord of the Rings 500 piece puzzle (for I am a huge LOTR fan - I actually have an elvish tattoo on my arm).


And silly me, I actually cried! Gah!


Oh well, they are very sweet kids.


To my "adopted sons Allan and Aaron, you guys are always welcome to stay over and I hope to see you guys next year!


Danke!


*****


I also want to greet my loving fiance a happy 38th birthday.


Lots of love and kisses and wish you more to come!

Family matters

It's been a busy few weeks for me this month. Arnie's family from Europe came to visit because it was their father's 80th birthday. Wow, what a feat!


I suddenly had three grown up boys living in our place - all sons of Arnie's brother Rudy from Switzerland. They are all good kids - I use the term "kids" loosely here since their ages are 28, 23, and 15.


Having come from a big family myself (mum is the second eldest from a brood of 9, myself being the eldest grandchild of 26), I am used to the chaos that family reunions come to be. One minute everyone is laughing and joking around, the next minute someone starts some sort of drama and runis everyone's fun.


Makes me not look forward to my wedding next year, where I have two sets of family members (mine and Arnie's) to deal with.


Hay...

Something to think about...

Seeing that it is Easter, here's food for thought...


James Cameron directed a documentary for the Discovery Channel, claiming that they have found the family tomb of Jesus Christ. 10 ossuaries were excavated from a tomb found in a construction site in 1980. Inscriptions were carved onto these ossuaries that makes a curious mind work overtime...


Jesus, son of Joseph
Mary
Mary
Matthew
Judas, son of Jesus



Of course, this was debunked by believers of the faith saying that these names were so common back then that every family had a female named Mary or a Maria.


But interestingly, a statistician who had nothing to do with the making of the documentary later said that the chances of all these names being related in some way are 6 million to 1... those are pretty big odds.


Now, this poses a great big question.


If it's proven, without a shadow of a doubt, that this is truly the tomb of Christ and that he had a family with Mary, thus debunking the whole Christian faith of Christ rising from the dead and ascending bodily into heaven, would this shatter your faith to the very core?


If you ask me, then my answer is NO.


Regardless of Jesus being married or just being a man like everyone else, this will actually make me cling on to my faith even more. Does it really matter that Jesus Christ isn't really the Son of God? Can't a man live life spiritually and morally? Can't a man be good as well as be a husband and a father? As Robert Langdon said, regardless of what the truth is, Jesus Christ was a great man who did great things for people.


And that's all that matters.


Happy Easter everyone.

Kiss and tell part 2

So, I'm stuck in an all girl's school for a whole year - first year high school. It was quite a shock to the system, considering I have been going to a co-educational school from the very start.


Never in my life have I seen so many "bois" around. You know the type, girls acting all boyish and cool and stuff, struting around like they own the place. There was one group of juniors who were targeting young, naive froshies like myself and trying to get into a "relationship" with them.


I think the "lines" they used were as follows:


Hi! Anong pangalan mo?
Cute mo! On tayo ha?


Hahaha! Come to think of it, napakababaw diba? Even boys wouldn't have the audacity to do such a thing! Such chutzpah! Hahaha!


Of course, nagpakagaga ako at kumagat naman! Hahaha!


The stupid things you do when you're young!


But it wasn't with that so-called girlfriend that I experienced my first ever kiss from a girl. It was with a classmate who was cute as a button and as sweet as apple pie.


Her name was Sharon.


And she caught me unawares one day and just planted one straight on my lips, right in our classroom, in plain view of all our classmates.


And boy, did that cause a ruckus!


Turns out that she liked me and that was the only way for her to grab my attention because I was such an insensitive cow - and it did, alright!


We became an item soon after that.


It was quite addicting, kissing Sharon. She was sweet, she was eager, and she was in love with me. She would pass me notes every single day with short but sweet messages. The relationship made such a difference in the way I saw things. I came to realise that you fall in love with a person not because of their gender but of who they are. Yes folks, this early on in my life I have embraced and accepted my bisexuality.


Pity it didn't last for there were many others vying for her attention. She was THAT hot, and she fell for me first! She didn't want to let go of me, for I broke it off with her first. It was getting ugly - girls were actually being nasty and harassing me every single day to break it off with Sharon. At first I didn't want to, but I was so young back then. The concept of "fighting for love" was foreign to me and nasty rivals was something I never encountered before. I got tired of the harassment that I broke Sharon's heart.


And I'll never forgive myself for that.


She became quite a brash party go-er who went with anyone who asked. I feel like I am to blame for her sudden change of behaviour. I should have fought for our relationship.


I went from one relationship after another. There was absolutely no substance in all of them, no kissing, nothing at all. It was just a relationship by name.


And then I found myself falling in love again.


Her name was Russell, a senior CAT officer who was cool as a feline in a show. She was a brilliant singer, an excellent guitar player, and a fantastic friend.


We never had a relationship, but we had an excellent friendship. She never found out about my feelings for her until she graduated and I left to go back to my old alma mater.


Yes folks, I went back to co-ed territory after a brief stint in all-girl purgatory.


And that was where a lot of interesting things happened!


To be continued...

Blahs about ageing

They say that it's not important how old you are but how old you feel.


Would you be surprised if I say that I reckon my inner self is a 30-year old woman?


Yes, one year older than my actual age... confusing huh?


I guess that I'm just past all the usual trappings that come with being a young 20-something --the never ending drinking sessions and parties, the sleepless nights, tireless dancing, "jamming sessions" (if you catch my drift). I'm not so interested in that anymore. Sure, I don have the occasional urge to "party down" but I don't feel like I'd be missing too much if I don't. In fact, i hate the posing, the virtual meat market atmosphere, and shallowness of it all.


I've partied hard and virtually did it all, except for the hard drugs and mind numbing vomiting sessions (which I absolutely hate). In fact, I think I've turned to a bit of a square. My idea of fun now is catching the latest film festivals (the French film festival is coming out soon), watching really cool gigs (can't wait for Bloc Party), going to art galleries, and never missing the comedy festival. Sigh, I've become a mature lady.


But a huge part of me still has that youthful exuberance - my love for heavy metal and punk music, for instance. I don't think I will ever lose that even if I'm a granny with 20-odd grand kids. I still love my tattoos and never regretted the day I got them. As a matter of fact, I want to get another one but am not too sure what design though. I like technology - I absolutely love Mac's commercials, I'm such a geek!


I guess nowadays age is such an overrated thing to worry about. In my case, I embrace it. The world is my oyster and with age comes new experiences. Like marriage for instance...


*****


Speaking of marriage, I am about to start my wedding site. Will post the link here as soon as I have it up and running. Cheers!

In warm Bris-Vegas

I'll be spending the whole week in Brisbane for work. It's rather humid, so much like Manila, that it's not funny. Thank God the office is airconditioned properly or I would have to resort to murder!


I have been so lax with my postings lately and I apologize. Life has gotten in the way, as usual.


I will try to post pictures of my trip here. I have uploaded all my pictures of my last trip to Sydney and I just haven't found the time to post it yet. Sorry...

Kiss and Tell part 1

I apologize in advance for the very candid nature of this post. Just think of this as a post-valentine treat :)


Amidst my seemingly worldly ways, I am very inexperienced when it comes to the sexual dealings of men and women. I have only been "physical" with two men, the first one being a mistake. My total inability to express myself sexually was only rectified a few years back when I started dating my dear fiance (soon to be husband). But there is one thing that I have always liked since I was a young girl of 13.


I absolutely love kissing.


I would not pretend to be some delicate little China doll because the truth of the matter is I have kissed heaps of boys... and girls too - done during my young, experimental stage. Kissing to me is the most intimate of all acts, more so than sex. There is a reason why prostitutes charge extra for a kiss because this is one performance you cannot possibly fake.


Kissing isn't just about lips touching and tongues dancing merrily. It's the pressure, the breathlessness, the gentle touches and sometimes wayward hands. I've had my share of kisses - sloppy, dry, sucky, tongue wrestling - you name it, I've done it. Kissing is definitely on the top of my list of things I love to do!


My first kiss was, as any first kiss is, very sweet and short. R, my first boyfriend, is a year younger and a couple of batches lower in school. I was 12 when we first kissed and it was electric. Going back to the days when kissing does not always constitute sex, all I had to do was remember the feeling of our kisses and I would be rendered useless for the rest of the day, just day dreaming and wishing for another kiss. R was a great kisser. He was sweet and always kept his hands to himself. We were together for 11 months and when we weren't playing sport (real sport like basketball to the pervs out there :p) with friends or chatting over the phone, we'd go to our secret spot in school and kiss for hours. What a simple life I led back then.


As any young love story, we thought it would last forever but alas it wasn't so. I had to go to high school and he was left behind to complete elementary school. I was heartbroken and never thought I would love someone else. I always hugged the Garfield doll he gave me from his trip to the States one summer as if I'm in mourning.


A month later, I got into a one month "kissing" relationship with a neighbour whom I really didn't like but just wanted to snog - oh boy, was my mum pissed off!


I got sent to an all-girl Catholic school for my first year of high school - according to my mum, it should instill discipline. It was a culture shock - from a school full of obnoxious, sometime perverted, boys to a whole school of skirts - I was freaked out! But it didn't last long...

The day I was born...

It's amazing how much people change as they get older. I remember when I was a kid, I used to love having my birthday around. It meant having all the attention of your family and friends, and getting all the wonderful gifts.


Today, I turned 29. Not such a big deal anymore. I am currently in Sydney, working. I left my mother, Arnie, and two (doggy) kids behind. Not really fussed, I just miss spending time with them whenever my "special" day comes up.


My work mates are taking me out tonight which I think is so nice of them. When you get older, birthdays don't seem to matter much. In my case, all I long for is the company of my loved ones...


But it doesn't hurt that you get excellent gifts though... like the one Arnie gave me 3 weeks back. I mentioned 2 doggy kids, right?

This is our new baby pugalier (Pug x Cavalier) boy named Gimli. Isn't he a sweetheart?


Happy birthday to me...

A Sydney affair 1

I have been assigned by our National Operations Director to be in Sydney for the next two weeks to scope our Active File operations in one of the sites we bought out. So far, so good. Four Filipinos work in the department and they are quite friendly and helpful with what I need.


I am staying at the Holiday Inn close to the airport. A colleague of mine from America is staying at the Pacific International in the city and we have been meeting up for dinner for the past couple of days.


I've been known to bag Sydney being the stauch Melbournite that I am. After a few days of not just concentrating on work but on spending time with a work friend, I am getting a feel for it and am beginning to like it, believe it or not. I am still a Melbournite at heart, but this Sassy Melbournite takes off it's hat to the wonderful seafood Sydney has to offer in Chinatown and the fantastic Angus Beef Rib-eye steak I had in the Meat & Wine Co. at the harbour.


And if you ever visit, please try the Thai Traditional Massage at Body Relax located on the 18th Floor of the Pacific International Apartments in George Street. Excellent service, excellent ambience, and fantastic Jasmine Tea.


I am planning to go for a little stroll around the city tomorrow and soak up the sites. Late night shopping is calling! And I will definitely post some pictures...


Till next time!

Mark your calendars

Hang onto to your hats, Harry Potter fans!

The final installment of the Harry Potter series, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows, will be released in July 21, 2007.

Oh, I can't wait!

Daniel love 2

At the risk of getting Harry Potter fans' parents angry, here is another pic I saw from the promotional shots of Equus. I lifted the photo and caption from today's Sydney Morning Herald.





Daniel Radcliffe and Joanne Christie are seen in the stage play Equus.
Photo: Reuters


I can't believe that some parents think that Daniel's parents have made a grave mistake by allowing their son to take on this wonderfully mature and dark role. Please, give the boy a break. He's an actor for crying out loud! Some people are so hypocritical. Kids nowadays have sex in such an early age. I believe we should educate them rather than hide them behind rose-coloured lenses. Daniel is no longer a child. He is a 17-year old who is turning 18 - a young adult - in a few months. We should congratulate Daniel on his efforts to grow as an artist. I don't want him to turn to another Macaulay Culkin!


As for me, allow me to drool... for a second or two before I get jailed for mentally molesting a minor :p

Daniel Love

It's been a while since I drooled over Daniel Radcliffe. It may be the fact that he is only a 17-year old boy but when I saw this, I couldn't resist but go "hubba-hubba."

Yes folks, THAT is Daniel Radcliffe, starkers! Would you believe that the boy wizard is all grown up? This photo was from the official shoot for the promotion of the play Equus. This is Daniel's West End debut and his first serious play. He plays the role of a mentally-disturbed stable boy by the name of Alan Strang who ritualistically blinds horses. You may have read the play. If not, go read it!


The play requires the character of Alan to ride a horse naked - very Lady Godiva. There is also a failed sex scene between him and his girlfriend (lady in picture plays the part). So yes, Daniel is going to prance around the stage in all his naked glory!


Okay, I'm bordering sicko territory here. It's just fantastic that Daniel is breaking out of the cute Harry character he's played so well.


And speaking of breaking out of character, check out this scene from "Extras", one of the funniest shows I've seen for a long time.

A Wii entry

Hey guys, sorry for the delay. I've just been absolutely occupied by a purchase I made over the weekend. I consider it an early birthday present for moi...





Yep, the Nintendo Wii, whose sales surpassed the XBox 360 here in Australia, is my brand new toy. It is the most fun and interactive game I've played ever. It forces you to get up and move (especially Tennis and Boxing) and engage in friendly competition with your pals. Arnie and I had friends over last Saturday and it was a riot!


When I bought it, it came with Wii Sports which included Tennis, Golf, Baseball, Bowling, and Boxing. Tell you what, guys, playing Boxing is like doing a whole session of Tae Bo in the gym. It's fantastic! I also bought Legend of Zelda which I haven't played yet. I am scared that I might stay up all night playing the damn thing. Arnie bought Wii play which comes with 9 mini-games and an extra remote controller.


I am now anticipating the release of Wario Ware Smooth Moves which includes over 200 mini games that make you do really silly things - great for parties - and also Dragon Ball Z. I remember back in high school when the SNES was the biggest thing. My friends and I would often wonder when a fully interactive Dragon Ball Z game will come out. We often joked around about doing a kamehameha gesture with our hands and the game will recognise it through a sensor. Now, the dream is for real and here's my chance to emulate Son Goku!

I'm back and sassier than evah!

Hello my blog friends! Sorry for the long hiatus but I enjoyed my break too much that even when I went back to work, I honestly felt like I was still on holiday! It's already the second week of the first month of the new year and we are yet to get back to normal working pace.

It's been a blast this past Christmas and New Year. I don't want to bore you guys with the details but it basically involved:

1. Shopping
2. Lots of alcohol
3. Lots of late nights
4. Lots of yummy food
5. Lots of cuddling with the hubby
6. Days and days of not logging into the net

I am now getting back to my gym routine and try to work off all those cheeses (blame Arnie's sister) and wine (can't blame anyone but myself) I gorged myself in.

I am also going to stop with the shopping. All these after Christmas sales is driving me mad and makes me reach for my already empty wallet over and over again! Damn these capitalist maniacs!

How about you people? How was the holidays for you?

Till next time!