Kiss-kiss for my love ^_^ 

Naughty survey

Scrounged this from blog friend Vayie. I'm in a rather naughty mood today. I'm also bored. I won't be going out till late tonight. Some goth club that my friends wanted to go to...

Anyway, on with the Q & A!

5 Places you wanted to “GET IT ON”:

The places I have not tried and want to try?

1. Kitchen
2. Car Garage
3. Backyard
4. Office desk (mine anyway :p)
5. Bonnet of car

(Exhibitionist? ahaha!)

5 Celebrities you fantasize doing “it” with:

1. Roland Orzabal
2. David Duchovny
3. Colin Firth
4. Orlando Bloom
5. Robert Smith (in his hay days. Such a good looking man!)

Your sexual fantasy:

- Something that involves a lot of water, chocolate, and candles... think about it :p

Did you lose your virginity to some Jerk, Mr. Wrong?

- Yes, and boy do I regret it!

Favorite Part of A Man’s Body:

- bum, chest, hands.

What is your view on Pre-Marital Sex?

- nothing wrong with "trying before you buy" :p

Favorite Position:

- do you really want to know this? hahaha

Last Sexual Encounter:

- a week ago :p

What is your view on SEX?

- It's a great thing to be enjoyed. It helps that you do it with someone you care for, but that's just my point of view.

Where is your erogenous zone?

- I am very sensitive :p

What makes a guy really sexy?

- intelligence, sensitivity and a great sense of humour. It helps if he known what to do in bed as well :p

Have you met him already?

- definitely!

Do you sometimes pick a fight hoping for a fantastic make-up session afterwards?

- Why should I? Our making out sessions are always fantastic regardless! hahaha!

When you kiss where do your hands go?

- his hair, his back, his chest... depends on my mood :p

Wackiest place you’ve ever made out?

- In a bus with the stupid ex... hahaha!

I Believe...

I believe that when the hurting and the pain has gone
We will be strong, Oh yes we will be strong
And I believe that if I'm crying while I write these words
Is it absurb ? Or am I being real
I believe that if you knew just what these tears were for
They would just pour like every drop of rain
That's why I believe it is too late for anyone to believe

I believe that if you thought for a moment, took your time
You would not resign yourself to your fate
And I believe that if it's written in the stars, that's fine
I can't deny that I'm a Virgo too
I believe that if your bristling while you hear this song
I could be wrong or have I hit a nerve ?
That's why I believe it is too late for anyone to believe

I believe that maybe somewhere in the darkness
In the nighttime, In the storm
In the casino
Casino spanish eyes
I believe, no I can't believe that every time you hear a new born scream
You just can't see the shaping of a life
The shaping of a life

- Tears for Fears Songs From The Big Chair 1985



*** Still fantasizing on Ronald's shirtless look in this song's video... yum...***

The look of love?

Had a hearty Mexican dinner with Arnie after work. We headed off to Max Brenner's for an after-dinner chocolate treat. In my case, I'm just addicted to their Mexican Spicy Chocolate. We were sitting next to an Australian couple who were rather taken by each other. In my typical cheeky fashion, I said to Arnie in my native tongue:

Looks like someone's getting some tonight.

Of course, he laughed. Then he asked also in the native tongue:

Was he giving the girl "the look"?

I said, "Yes, he was. He's going to get lucky."

You may ask, "what is 'the look'?"

I guess everybody who has been in a relationship has been guilty of giving "the look." I know that I am. Of course at the time when this whole conversation was taking place, I conveniently forgot. So I asked Arnie, "Do we still give each other that look?"

He looked at me and said, "Yes, we do. Many times."

I didn't believe him. I thought we have fallen into that stage of our relationship where we are very comfortable with each other and we don't feel the need to resort to being all "touchy-feely." Then when we were walking to where our cars were parked, hand in hand, with the winter chill in the air, I looked at him. I still see the man I fell in love with 4 years ago. I love him even more now if that's believable. He looked at me and said, "See? 'The look' is still there."

Then we kissed, underneath the stars, along the busy streets, with heaps of people witness to this public display of affection.

The look of love? I can't get enough of it. I guess underneath this exterior of praticality and self-assuredness, I am a romantic at heart. Arnie was right. "The look" is still there because we want it to be there. We don't want to let of that intoxicating feeling, the constant touching, fleeting glances and stolen kisses. It makes us love each other even more.

Sigh... I am so in love with Arnie. I can't wait to be his wife...

And I feel so.....

Cold

The coldest shoulder cast in metal
Frozen to the bone
To rely on hook, line and sinker
What a sinker
Sinking like a stone
You'd be better off alone
She saw me on the television underneath the sun
Thought that I was warm like mother, lover, brother
Brother, she was wrong
Me, I don't long to belong
Cold, been excommunicated cos I'm cold
My temperature's been rated and I'm cold
Bring to me my big old sweater
Nothing more will make me better
I met her on Monday and my heart did nothing new
Seems she thought of me as some mystic, fatalistic, mystical guru
Me, I haven't got a clue
But floating on a magic carpet high above the earth
You can see the world like a Buddha, bread and Buddha
Bigger than you hurt
Don't you know that love is work
Cold, no heat on the horizon guess I'm cold
And Capricorn is rising yes I'm cold
Listened to my old Nockles
Hoped that it would warm the cockles
You can't fight the fear you can't, this is the road you're on
You don't belong to me you don't belong to any one
Your reputation lies not in your eyes, but those who dare
Will bite the hand that feeds when it don't meet your needs When you got blood to bleed, you got a life to lead
In the flood with my blood I can hold you
Cold, been excommunicated cos I'm cold
My temperature's been rated and I'm cold
Bring to me my big old sweater
Nothing more will make me better
Cold, no heat on the horizon guess I'm cold
There'll be no comprimising, cold, cool, cold
Stone cold
Stone cold
Cold
Cold
Cold

- Tears for Fears Elemental album 1993

Video of the week 4...

My favourite dance track of the moment!

This is dedicated to all the male readers out there who may have seriously thought about working out >o<

Call On Me...

... I'm the same boy I used to be...

Rather short lyircs, innit? :p

A Girl's Story/Yan Ang Pinay movement

I have been reading my friend's blogs and stumbled upon Jonas Diego's blog. He is my friend Tobie Abad's friend who also happens to be a graphic artist.

His blog is filled with original artworks and online comics. I want to share with you this:

A Girl's Story



This is for all the women out there who don't think they have a voice. This is also for all the men out there who have female loved ones who may have suffered the same fate. Enjoy!

*****

You may have notice on the side bar the slogan "Yan Ang Pinay". Feel free to click the link below the slogan to find out! Anybody can contribute to this worthy cause! Thanks!

Random thoughts Part 1

My head is all over the place. I have so many things running through my mind at the moment. Please allow me to rant...

*****

It's getting really cold now. Winter is definitely here. I woke up yesterday morning and it was 6 degrees! Brrr!!!!

*****

There are times when I fantasize about being a Big Brother housemate. I don't know why. It seems really silly of me to do so since I am a creature of comfort and I value my privacy so much. I guess it is a once in a lifetime opportunity, of course winning close to a million dollars ain't so bad either.

*****

Jaime Cardinal Sin passed away. Big effin deal!

*****

Rumour has it that Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has plans of declaring Martial Law in the Philippines. Hwahahahahaha!!!! That just makes me effin laugh!

Have you guys heard about Live Aid getting back together to rally against poverty? A noble idea indeed. First things first: get the Catholic Church involve. Get them to contribute millions of dollars that they can surely afford!

Sir Bob Geldoff asked the Vatican for help. And you know what he got in the mail? Ratzinger's photo! No note, no nothing! Sheesh! What does the Vatican want the starving people to do? Stare at the pope's picture? It's not like it's going to do anything to change their situation!

And still the Catholic Church is wondering why people are deflecting. Jeez!!!

*****

It's not that I don't care about the Church. I may be so callused as to not care about the Archbishop of Manila's death. But that's just it. I really don't give a crap. I cared more for Teodoro Benigno's death a few weeks back than Sin's. I guess my priorities are just focused someplace else than religion.

*****

I was a religious person. I went to church every Sunday. I took confessions and communions. I know all of the hymns. After going to a Catholic university, I became an agnostic... how ironic, huh?

The great thing about being in La Salle is that they don't shove religion down your throat. They encourage free thinking, unlike other Catholic universities that I know of... and I will not name any for fear of tomatoes being thrown at me! :p

*****

Have you heard of this one? Children as young as 14 wanting to be mothers. What the hell is this world coming to? The federal government recently instigated the giving of government grants up to $3000 for every child born. $3000??? That's not even enough for three months' worth of nappies, formulas, and clothing!

Children having children... all because of money. Parents, PLEASE take control!

*****

I should really start taking guitar lessons. My guitar playing skills is just lousy.

*****

Back to the darkroom tomorrow? You effin bet! I'm a darkroom addict!

You don't belong here/Forgive and forget

A good friend Ryan, whom I have gone to the same high school and university, often tells me through our regular MSN chats that I appear to be the only one amongst our mutual friends that truly moved on to better things. He said that living in Australia suited me, and that I truly belonged in a foreign country.

"It's not that I don't want you to come back, it's just that you are not suited to stay here in the Philippines. You'll rot here."

Hmmm, interesting.

It may have to do with my personality. Ryan has known me longer than any of our friends that I still have regular contact with. He knows that despite my "personality change" during our uni days when I was going out with a certain someone, he still has the image of the outgoing, outspoken, and often blunt Jennie that he knew back in high school.

That relationship nearly destroyed me. It nearly ruined me. It broke my spirit, my confidence, everything that made me the individual that I was. That is the reason why I still hate him, why I could never forgive, and it constantly reminded me of what a fool I was. It made me hate myself.

Ryan tells me to forget, forgive, and move on.

As much as I want to, it's hard. How can you forgive? For three years, I was unsure of myself. Three years of listening to a man saying things like:

"No one can love you the way that I do."

"Why do you need friends when you already have me?"

"Ang arte mo."

"Huwag kang lumandi."

"If you loved me, you'll have sex with me."

Sigh... I was a fool to have let this go on as long as it did. He cared so much about appearances that he wanted to mold me into the woman he thought is suitable, to be accepted by people around him.

Why do men do this? Whatever happened to liking a person for what they are, not for what you want them to be? Being the stubborn bitch that I can be, we had heaps of fights. I believe he didn't expect me to contest him too much. He probably thought that I was different from other Filipina women out there who just agree with everything the man says.

As soon as I migrated to Australia, I broke up with the guy I was seeing. It was easy enough, I thought we could remain friends, but he called a few times using his mobile phone, mind you, to verbally abuse me. It was then I realized that I have to completely severe ties and never communicate ever again.

Don't get me wrong. I still wouldn't mind giving him a punch on the nose and a matching black eye for what he did. I really want to move on and forget the whole thing. Forget, maybe, but never will I forgive him. He is a reminder of the weakness I showed back then. I want to beat him senseless, carve out his eyes, and shove it down his throat. He is every bit the man that I despise.

Yes, I do not belong in the Philippines. I do not care for appearances. I do not care for being one with the crowd. I do not care for having the latest of everything. I do not care for being sexually repressed. I do not care for being considered different because I wear glasses or I don't have a tiny body. I do not care for everything that is superficial.

I care about being me. I care about having a voice and feeling free to speak out. I care about being able to express myself as I so choose without being judged. I care about having the freedom to kiss and cuddle my partner without being looked at like I'm some leper. I care about being able to wear different style glasses and not be called names. I care about being a healthy size and not be ostracised for it.

I love being in a country that allows me to explore all these things. I love being in a country that allows me to be me. As much I love my friends and family, I'm afraid I will never go back. I will never stay longer than a month for holidays. I'm afraid I cannot stay in country that cannot guarantee me a good future.

Australia has been kind to me. It has given me so much... a career, a life, a fantastic partner.

I miss my friends... I miss my family... I miss the gimmicks and the laughter. I wish I could take them all here with me. I can't go back. I don't belong there...

Another Survey...

Being a sucker for surveys, I found this interesting one that was posted by James, a "friendster" of mine.

Here is another one of those "top five" surveys. Enjoy!

1.Name ToP 5iVe Fave CoLors
- Black
- Blue
- Blood Red
- Baby Pink
- Moss Green

2. Name 5ive favorite fast foods..
- Subway sandwiches
- Urban Burger (Chorizo)
- Nissin Ramen
- Whopper Junior with Cheese
- Quarter Pounder with Cheese

3. Name 5iVe things in your bag (backpack)
- Mobile Phone
- Lip Gloss
- Cutex Hand Lotion
- Money!!!
- Mints

4. Name 5iVe favorite Hangouts.
- Max Brenner
- Club Retro
- City
- Chadstone
- Arnie's pad!

5. Name 5iVe favorite food
- Unagi
- Peking/Roast Duck
- Blueberry Cheesecake
- Anything Japanese!
- Hot and spicy food

6. Name 5iVe favorite songs as of the moment
- Pale Shelter by Tears for Fears
- Lovesong by The Cure
- The Way You Are by Tears for Fears
- Banquet by Bloc Party
- There Is A Light That Never Goes Out by The Smiths

7. Name 5ive things you would like to do right now
- Take a long, hot bath
- Have a large bowl of Apple Pie and Ice Cream!
- Sleep for days... if that were possible!
- buy stuff in ebay
- Make love :p

8. Name 5ive most valuable possesion
- iPod
- my collection of band shirts
- my collection of band posters
- my book library
- my music library

9. Name 5iVe things you are addicted to:
- Chai Tea Latte
- Band shirts
- Internet
- Shopping!
- Burberry

10. Name 5iVe plans for next week.
- Shopping!
- Have a huge Mexican dinner on Friday
- Dancing at Club Retro (again!)
- Take my pug Meeko to Pugwood
- gym training

11. Name 5iVe favorite drinks.
- Bloody Mary
- Vodka and Orange
- Gym Junkie smoothie
- Mixed Fruit Juices
- Coffee!!!

12. Name 5iVe highschool friends
- James Aban
- Ryan Villanueva
- Andrienne Gaerlan
- Brian Medina
- Sharrie Katigbak

13. Name 5iVe favorite movies.
- Philadelphia
- Bridget Jones' Diary
- Sliding Doors
- Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
- Lost in Translation

14. Name 5iVe favorite bands.
- The Cure
- The Smiths
- Tears For Fears
- Interpol
- Bloc Party

15. Name 5ive websites.
- Google
- Blogspot
- Jkrowling.com
- tearsforfears.com
- thecure.com

16. Name 5ive favorite foreign artists.
- Colin Firth
- Alan Rickman
- Dame Judy Dench
- Dame Maggie Smith
- Johnny Depp

17. Name 5ive local shows.
- Rove Live
- Spicks and Specks
- Rockwiz
- Secret Life of Us
- Enough Rope

18. Name 5ive people you admire
- Robert Smith
- Ian Curtis
- Jim Morrison
- Virginia Woolfe
- Sylvia Plath

19. Name 5ive careers you dream of
- Journalist
- Travelogue host
- Author
- Cafe/Restaurant owner
- Physical Trainer

20. Name 5ive people that make you smile/happy
- Arnie
- My pug Meeko (she believes she's human!)
- family
- friends
- workmates

From the Boardroom to the Darkroom

I have been so busy at work this week. I have never looked forward to an alcoholic drink so much in my life! I needed to relax, to get my head off of work even for a few hours.

A few of my friends and I decided to meet up in the city and make a night out of the cold wintery Friday it turned out to be. Being the responsible driver that I am :p I drove home after work and left my car. I had a quick shower and changed into some great winter gear. I called a cab and went to the city to meet my friends. We had dinner at a local Japanese restaurant. The cold weather called for hot sake. I ordered my favourite Japanese meal, the Unagi. The dinner took about a couple of hours before we left the restaurant, due to the fact that my friends and I can be quite chatty after a few drinks. Afterwards, we went to the shops and bought a few things. I picked up my burberry scarf and got another pink one. I am so obsessed with Burberry at the moment!

My friends broke the bank and bought numerous items. The sales were still on and they ended up buying so many clothes and shoes that they easily spent around a couple of thousand! That leather Ralph Lauren jacket that my girlfriend bought alone costs $800!!! Sometimes, I honestly think my friends are getting paid TOO much for their own good!

10 pm... we headed for Club Retro in Lonsdale Street. Back up in the darkroom, Arnie met up with me. We all danced the night away, drank a lot, and had a great night. Dancing to my favourite artists definitely helps in relaxing oneself. The alcohol definitely helps too :p.

Needless to say, I got so pissed last night. I got addicted to Snakebite and Black and topped it up with a few straight vodkas. But I am quite proud to say I did not throw up!

I woke up with a massive hangover though...

AND I will do it again!

30 sleeps...

... till Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince is released!!!

Yay!!!

I have pre-purchased my copy for a mere $29.95 at Dymocks, one of the biggest bookstores in Australia. I cannot wait!

There were a few confirmed "rumours" that have been circulating regarding the book by JKR herself. I got these from a variety of sources:

1. A character will die.
- Heaps of speculation and apparently, betting pools have been opened across the globe as to the identity of the character. I just hope it's not Hagrid...

2. The "half blood prince" does not refer to either Harry nor Voldemort.
- People have been saying that it may be Dean Thomas. This has not been confirmed nor denied by JKR.

3. A new character by the name of McClaggan will be introduced.
- The new DADA professor perhaps?

4. More to Petunia Dursley that meets the eye.
- Nothing to do with her being a squib. She is definitely a muggle.

5. Grawp will appear again.

6. More on Rita Skeeter and Blaise Zabini.

7. Harry will have a "slight" love interest.
- Ginny! Ginny! Ginny!

8. Something huge will be revealed about Lily Potter.

9. The truth as to why Dumbledore trusts Snape.

10. There will be a new Minister of Magic.
- Yeah! Kick out that buffoon Fudge!

11. More about Voldemort's birth and childhood.

12. More of Narcissa Malfoy.

13. More of Tonks.

14. Snape's worst fear will be revealed.
- I wonder what that could be?

I will be outside Dymocks early in the morning to pick up my book. I intend to finish reading it the same day. I am so excited!

I will also be attending a Harry Potter picnic the week before the release date. It does seem a bit silly to have a picnic in the middle of winter, but us HP fans are nuts. What can I say?

Bring on the Butterbeer and the Pumpkin Pasties! We're ready for Harry!!!

Video of the week 3...

I enjoy updating this part of my blog every week!

I have decided to go a bit retro and put up one of my most favourite songs by Depeche Mode.

Strangelove

There'll be times
When my crimes
Will seem almost unforgivable
I give in to sin
Because you have to make this life liveable
But when you think I've had enough
From your sea of love
I'll take more than another riverfull
And I'll make it all worthwhile
I'll make your heart smile

Strangelove
Strange highs and strange lows
Strangelove
That's how my love goes
Strangelove
Will you give it to me
Will you take the pain
I will give it to you
Again and again
And will you return it

There'll be day's
When I'll stray
I may appear to be
Constantly out of reach
I give in to sin
Becouse I like to practise what I preach
I'm not trying to say
I'll have it all my way
I'm almays willing to learn
When you've got something to teach
And I'll make it all worthwhile
I'll make your heart smile

Pain will you return it
I'll say it again - pain
Pain will you return it
I won't say it again

I give in
Again and again
I give in
Will you give it to me
I give in
I'll say it again
I give in

I give in
Again and again
I give in
That's how my love goes
I give in
I'll say it again
I give in

Hard at work...

Forget the long weekend, I have been busy as hell since yesterday!

I have had 3 deadlines to meet, 4 meetings with customers and managers, tons of paperwork to complete, and a training program on the People Soft program. Haaaayyyyyyyyyy!!!!!

And I'm still wondering why I got sick?!?

I'm lucky I got to sneak this entry in. I actually have to take work home with me.

I honestly don't think I get paid enough money to do this...

How's this for irony?

I have been begging Mother Nature to let the sun out during these gloomy winter days. This past week, the sun has been out enticing me to come out and play. Of course, I chose the right moment to come down with the effin' flu.

Stupid, stupid flu! I hate getting sick! I feel so helpless, sniffling, coughing, and looking utterly miserable! Like yesterday, I had to cut a party attendance short and ask my partner to take me home because I wasn't feeling the best. Grrrrrr!!!!!

Arnie is coming over today and I asked him to bring some DVDs and a box of KFC. Ah, comfort food! Yum!

I am feeling much better today. I can sit in front of the computer and not feel ill after 10 minutes. Luckily, it's also the Queen's Birthday long weekend so I get an extra day of rest before I go back to work.

I do have a tendency of pushing myself too hard. Arnie and my mum would often complain about this and tell me to take it easy. I feel like I have all this energy that I need to use up or else. Sigh, now I'm paying for my over-exertion with this stupid flu.

I'm driving over Arnie's place tonight to sleep over with my pug Meeko in tow. I am hoping for a restful yet productive Monday.

St. Kilda Festival 2005

This is so long overdue!

I have not posted pictures on this blog for awhile now. I have been particularly lazy :p.

These pictures were taken during the St. Kilda Festival dated February 2005. I know it's 4 months late. Not only that, but it was a completely different season. Autumn has gone and winter is now here. I think I'm just so over winter (only in the first week too) that I can't wait for summer to come again!

In a nutshell, the St. Kilda Festival is an annual event celebrating music, the arts, the written word, and everything that makes life worth living. And what better way to celebrate it than by the beach?

I promise I will endeavour to be more up to date with my photo posts.

Enjoy!

As the huge sign says... St. Kilda Festival 2005!

Arnie and I enjoying the day along the beach (sigh... sooo long ago... I am so over winter!) 

Buskers were plentiful during the festival. This guy (an English backpacker from memory) was brave to stand on those stilts for an amazing length of time! 

Check out this statue! hee hee 

A busker called the Sonic Manipulator. He made all these radical sounds. He was very entertaining! 

Another busker... this girl was a convincing statue too! 

Beach Road all closed for the day's festivities.  

See that building? That's my gym! Excellent view, 'ey? 

DJ Jennie in the mix?!?

I got so distracted by the plagiarizing psycho-bitch that I forgot to update you guys on how much of a great time I had at last Saturday's 80s revival bash at my friend's oh-so-posh flat in oh-so-trendy South Yarra.

If you remember, I mentioned that I will be playing the role of DJ during the said party. My friend called me again the Friday before and told me that the friend who is providing the CD mixer also has a laptop attached to the audio mixer device. I said, "Cool! Does he have iTunes loaded?" Sure enough, he does! He has a 40-gig iPod and has about 20-gig of music loaded into his laptop.

Excellent! I ended up not bringing too many CDs (around 50) and just my trusty iPod. I hooked it up to the laptop with the USB cable, edited the playlists in iTunes, and away we go!

The party was a success! I was very happy with how my outfit turned out. I was wearing a short pleated black skirt, my Cure Bloodflowers tour baby-tee, fishnet stockings, 14-hole Doc Martens, finger-less lace gloves, with my hair all spiky and sprayed with red streaks and glitter. I also had dark make-up and tainted my lips black.

And of course, I could not forget my trusty black eyeglasses.

It was amazing seeing around 30 adults swaying to the music I was playing. It was a big rush for me to see people enjoying the music I chose for them. I could not believe how much my friend trusted me on this task!

Of course, Arnie was close by. He helped me sort through CDs whenever there is a request or he'd run and get me some nibbles and drinks. He was so supportive.

There were some obscure requests from some. I could not believe that someone wanted me to play Terence Trent Darby! I have nothing against the guy, but honestly! That was not the sort of crowd I want to subject to that kind of music!

Everybody appreciated the kind of music I was playing. I played a lot of Cure, Smiths, Depeche Mode... some even howled positively when I played Siouxsie and the Banshees. That's when I thought that these people know their music... and good music at that!

I hope to do this again. My friend thanked me for my help. I thanked him for the opportunity. It was real fun! I don't know if I can do Dj-ing for a living but it is a fun job. Who knows? I'll just see where the tide takes me...

Video of the week 2...

This week's video is brought to you by the letter "R"...

"R" for "Reptilia" that is!

This song came from the album "Room on Fire" by The Strokes.

Isn't the lead singer, Julian Casablancas, such a cutie? Hmmm...


He seemed impressed by the way you came in.
"Tell us a story
I know you're not boring"
I was afraid that you would not insist.

"You sound so sleepy
just take this, now leave me"
I said please don't slow me down
If I'm going too fast
You're in a strange part of our town...

Yeah, the night's not over
You're not trying hard enough,
Our lives are changing lanes
You ran me off the road,
The wait is over
I'm now taking over,
You're no longer laughing
I'm not drowning fast enough.

Now every time that I look at myself
"I thought I told you
this world is not for you"

The room is on fire as she's fixing her hair
"you sound so angry
just calm down, you found me"
I said please don't slow me down
If I'm going too fast
You're in a strange part of our town...

Yeah, the night's not over
You're not trying hard enough,
Our lives are changing lanes
You ran me off the road,
The wait is over
I'm now taking over,
You're no longer laughing
I'm not drowning fast enough.

Kill Plagiarists!!!!!

Having been a literature student in De La Salle University in Manila, I have had the priviledge and joy of making friends with few of the best writers of our time. One classmate I had whom I became really good friends with was Wanggo Gallaga. If you recognize the surname, it's because he is none other than acclaimed director Peque Gallaga's son. When we were students, Wanggo has always been known in the La Sallian community as a gifted writer. His prose and poetry is exquisite and have always managed to move me in some way, whether it may be anger, sadness, joy, love, a whole range of emotions.

If you do a Google search on Wanggo's name, heaps of search results come up. Some of these include interviews of him with regards to his published works and of course, his blog Indulgences.

I recently read an entry from Wanggo's blog. He said that there is a plagiarist amongst us lurking in the blogging community. He gave a name: drunken_angel. From what I gather, she's a 19-year old wannabe writer who is quite popular in the filipino friend finder community because of her so-called "excellent" writing.

I read a few of her entries and sure enough, a few of Wanggo's posts were posted in her blog site! Not only that, but she also posted a few of Wanggo's friends' blog entries!

Here are a few samples:

Wanggo's blog entry

drunken_angel's entry

See the date/time difference?

Here is an entry she stole from one of Wanggo's friends:

Jayce's entry

drunken_angel's entry

Again, see the date/time difference?

What's worst is that there are people who are actually defending the plagiarizing bitch!

Link to idiots 1

Link to idiots 2

The bitch actually has the gall to accuse MY friends changing the date and time on their posts making them appear to be the plagiarists? WHAT NERVE!!!

It is possible to change date and time entries with our blog entries but if I am going to be asked as to who to believe: a published author and reputable writer, or a19-year old inexperienced wannabe? You tell me...

Wanggo and I were part of a literary organization in La Salle called Malate Literary Folio. Honestly, you don't get to be part of that organization unless you have talent (except for myself... I was a fluke! hahaha!).

The title of the forum contained in the "link to idiots 2" button is "Plagiarist? Do you have any proof? Then show us!" Yeah, I plan to show them! The bitch that they're defending is nothing but an idea thief! What nerve do these people have to talk about something they clearly do not know anything about!

I just thought I'd do my part in the blogging community and warn you of this bitch wannabe. You guys might as well check if any of your work is stolen... you just never know!

The more that people know about this faker, the better! Spread the word! KILL PLAGIARISTS!!!

I'm a happy camper...

Great Friday!

Reasons why:

1. Took the day off with Arnie. Slept over his place the night before.

2. Last day of school but no lectures were done. Just handed in the last assignment

3. Stocktake sales across the city! EVERYTHING is on sale!

4. Had a bit of a headache because of the droves of people around the city, going to and fro shops but the headache disappeared as soon as I started buying stuff.

5. I receive weekly wages, thank God!

6. Bought the following items:
a. Gray and white cap (perfect for the cold winter days and nights... rather trendy too!)
b. Polo Ralph Lauren coat (50% off and it's new season stock!!!)
c. Country Road black leather boots (30% off!)
d. matching Sportsgirl scarf and beanie (not on sale, but it was cute and cheap!)
e. Burberry scarf (well, didn't buy it outright. It was too bloody expensive so I've put it on lay-by (or lay-away as Americans know it). I'll have the scarf on my pretty little hands in a couple of weeks! Yay!

Alright, I'm all shopped out. I probably won't be buying anything for the next few months... unless I see a really neat Argyle jumper I've been wanting to get my hands on!

Party tomorrow night. I have my playlist all done, all my CDs sorted, and my outfit all ready!

Till tomorrow...

It's none of your business...

Rant Alert!!! Lots of profanity... you have been warned!

I just want to share something with you guys that made my blood boil with so much anger and disbelief.

A friend of mine has been separated from his wife for a few months now. They have a couple of kids who are so smart and adorable. At first, it was a whole case of why she left him, the reasons behind it, etc, etc.

Turns out that wife is/has:

1. A drug addict. She continuously smokes marijuana and according to my friend, refuses to have sex unless she has smoked weed (what a blow to a man's ego!)

2. A gambler. She has stolen some of my friend's jewellery and pawned them for the money and gambled it away.

3. A sister who is a known drug addict and pusher. She even offered marijuana when the wife was 8 months pregnant! She also boasts that all of her 4 children (with different men for each child, mind you) are marijuana babies!

4. A mother who is an addicted gambler. She was known to have stolen her son-in-law's (another daughter's husband) life savings and gambled it all.

5. A crook. She works as a nurse and has stolen prescription drugs. Aside from the marijuana, she takes amphetamines and anti-depressants.

6. Gone bankrupt because of her gambling problem.

And then, the biggest revelation of them all... My friend was quite ready to reconcile given the circumstances until he heard this:

Daughter revealed that she was sexually molested not only by the wife, but also by the drug-addict sister and the mum!!!

When I heard this, I was like, "What the fuck?"

Not only that, apparently the younger daughter has also been molested.

Jesus suffering fuck! This is the kind of thing that one usually watches on telly, in my case this is like an episode of "Law and Order: SVU" come to life!

Now, this made my blood boil... but there is something else that made me want to commit murder.

My friend and the wife used to attend this religious group (I decided not to write the group's name out of fairness to decent people who are part of these groups) back when everything was still okay. When the separation thing was blown out of proportion (the wife claimed that my friend was "violent"...yeah right!), my friend's blood cousin thought it was her God-given right to email him and be all high and mighty! Email contains biblical passages about anger, that anger brings you closer to the devil, etc, etc. basically condemning stuff. This is coming from a person who is his own flesh and blood, and who does not even know the whole story!

Now, I just heard from him and he said that he received another email. This time it came from the leader of the group (whatever that means!). Here in Australia, child molestation charges are brought to the court not by the parents, but by the police themselves. The police interviewed my friend's daughter and they do not have a doubt in their minds that she was telling them the truth. If the police decide to prosecute, no amount of begging will make them drop the charges.

Anyway, the email basically asked my friend to drop the charges because he will just make the children suffer. Jesus bloody Christ! Make the child suffer? How about what that fucking bitch did to her OWN daughter? Didn't they think about that? Religious people my arse!

Sometimes, it just made me wonder where some people are when God was handing out the brains.

I have got nothing against people who are part of these religious organizations. When I was young, I used to be part of a religious organization and I loved the people that I became friends with. It's just these particular people who think that they are above the law and that they have every right to barge into other people's business. What really gets me is the fact that the mother told EVERYBODY in the group about the molestation charges! Now, the poor kid's privacy is up shit creek!

If these people ever chance upon my blog (which I doubt because they are all fucking STUPID anyway), here is my message to you:

FUCK OFF! YOU ARE NOT WANTED! YOU ARE NOT NEEDED! MIND YOUR OWN GOD DAMN BUSINESS! YOU ARE ALL FUCKING SELF-RIGHTEOUS IDIOTS WHO DON'T HAVE ANYTHING BETTER TO DO BUT MAKE YOURSELVES LOOK AND FEEL IMPORTANT!

Whew... thanks for letting me get that out of my system, guys!

Video of the week...

Don't you just love the new addition to my blog?

The Video of the Week section... I love it!

This week's vid: Evil by Interpol, one of my favourite bands of today, the band that I have tickets to watch in July 27 at the Melbourne Metro with my lovey! Yay! Yay! Yay!

Here's the lyrics:

Rosemary
Heaven restores you in life
Coming with me
Through the aging, the fear and the strife
It's the smiling on the package
It's the faces in the sand
It's the thought that holds you upwards
Embracing me with two hands
Write, we'll take you places
Yeah maybe to the beach
When your friends they do come crying
Tell them how your pleasure's set up on slow-release

Hey wait
Great smile
Sensitive to faith not
Denial
But hey whose on trial?

It took a life spent
With no cellmate
The long way back
Sandee why can't we look the other way?

He speaks about travel
Yeah, we think about the land
We smile like all people
Feeling real tan
I can take you places
Do you need a new man?
Wipe the pollen from the faces
Make revision to a dream while you wait in the van

Hey wait
Great smile
Sensitive to faith not
Denial
But hey whose on trial?

It took a life spent
With no cellmate
Find a long way back
Sandee why can't we look the other way?
You're weightless, you are exotic
You need something for which to care
Sandee why can't we look the other way?

Leave some shards under the belly
Lay some grease inside my hand
It's a sentimental jury
And the makings of a good plan
You've come to love me nightly
Yeah you've come to hold me tight
Is this motion everlasting
Or do shutters pass in the night?

Rosemary
Oh heaven restores you in life
I spent a lifespan with no cellmate
The long way back
Sandee why can't we look the other way?
You're weightless, semi-erotic
You need someone to take you there
Sandee why can't we look the other way?
Why can't we just play the other game?
Why can't we just look the other way?

Everyone's in Star Wars mode!!!

Oh my... Arnie will love this!

Star Wars Horoscope for Aquarius

You can be cruel and torment people who disagree with you. Deep down, there is a peace-loving, friendly side to you. You have a knack for inflicting pain on people and use your intellect during battle. Star wars character you are most like: Darth Vader

What is Your Star Wars Horoscope?

I'm in a winter wonderland...

... in June???

Seriously, I am! If you are in my part of the world, the 1st of June marks the start of the winter season... by far my least liked season of all!

Fashion wise, it's pretty cool. You get to wear layers upon layers of clothing and if you top it up with a really cool winter coat, knee high boots, scarf, gloves, and a hat, you're all set. Having lived in Melbourne for 5 years, I can say that I don't get cold that easily anymore. No, it's not the cold that bothers me so much about winter. What bothers me is that I only get to see the sun out for a few hours before it disappears again. You know how it is, shorter days and longer nights. It makes me feel so damn lethargic! It's so hard to get up in the morning. This whole week, I have been late to work every single day! The sun is my alarm clock. Without it, no amount of shoving, shouting, or threatening would wake me.

Since the middle of the 5th month, winter has been lurking like the boogeyman. No, scratch that... it actually fell on us like a fekkin' ton of bricks! I remember complaining about the heat during the middle of autumn, but this sudden change is just ridiculous! I reckon that my bad mood last week was a result not only of stress over work and school, but also this shitty weather.

Please let the sun out!!! I want the damn sun!!!

Another Q & A...

The first Q & A that I have done was posted on my Arts blog. This Q & A has been nicely provided by a new blog friend, Vayie, in her blog. Thanks for letting me steal this, Vayie! ^_^

Latest food craving – Sara Lee Apple Pie and Peter's Extra Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream... oh, so heavenly ^_^

Latest Favorite TV Show – The OC... have not missed a single episode!

Latest Favorite Song – "Pale Shelter" by Tears For Fears and "C'mere" by Interpol

Latest Movie Watched – Star Wars Episode 3 - Revenge of the Sith

Latest Celebrity Crush – Roland Orzabal from Tears for Fears... have been scouring for his old 80s photos... boy is he yummy! ^_^

Latest Karma – probably good karma... still in a great relationship with Arnie after 4 and a 1/2 years!

Latest Best Bud – Would have to be Arnie and Miguel... I still love you bestest bud David, but you're just too far away... >sniff, sniff<

Latest Regret – I have not regretted anything I did lately... probably stuff that I have done in the past, but let's not get into that.

Latest Crush – see Celebrity Crush

Latest kinky dream – not really kinky... was granted a wish by a genie and gave him a list of men that I wanted to pash. Number 1 and number 2 on my list were Robert Smith and Roland Orzabal respectively :p

Latest paycheck received – $780.00 last Friday. I get paid weekly ^_^

Latest naughty act – I can't say! It's past the PG rating :p

Latest idols – Robert Smith, always and forever, and Roland Orzabal, for his songwriting and guitar playing genius!

Latest addiction – blogging, club retro, Boost juice, gym, playing with my hair :p

Latest coital (sexual) experience - yesterday... hahaha! :p

Latest disappointment – getting a grade of credit in a group assignment :(

Latest splurge – it has been awhile... would have to be Arnie's birthday present: iPod shuffle

Latest Love of your life – Lawrence Arnold Estrada, my future husband ^_^

Latest incident that made you cry – Pope John Paul II's death... I know, I'm such a sap!

Latest hobby – blogging, cooking (having a newly renovated kitchen helps!), surfing the net for old TFF photos of Roland :p

Latest loss – Nothing lately, and I want it to stay that way!

Latest wish – To win those free passes to the Bloc Party concert at the Hi-Fi Bar, Melbourne! >cross fingers!!!<

Latest tantrum – Not so much a tantrum, more of a hormonal thing ^_^... started from Last Tuesday and ended last Friday.

Latest bliss – See question #15... hahaha!

Latest realization – That I'm still a kid at 27... the fact that I still get irrational and shitty moods is proof :(

Update on New Wave party...

Got a phone call from my friend who is hosting the New Wave party I'm attending this coming Saturday. He asked me if I could man (or woman :p) the "dj booth" and bring my renowned 80s music collection. All my mates know I have about 500 CDs comprising of 80s new wave, post punk and pop songs (originals and downloaded mp3's combined).

First thing I asked, "So, you thought of having a 'new wave' party and yet you don't have any CDs to play?"

My mate answered, "Well, I have a few albums! Bronski Beat, Culture Club, Wham, The Communards, Pet Shop Boys..."

Oh , did I mention that this friend of mine is gay???

I said, "Oooookayyyyy... that's not exactly new wave now, is it?"

He said, "I know, I know... but a friend of mine is lending us an audio mixer", somewhat sheepishly.

I grunted, "Some good that'll do if you don't have any music to play."

To which he finally replied in his not-so subtle bitchy gayness, "Oh, stop being such a fucking sour-puss and help me already!"

I couldn't help it. I laughed.

Only he could turn bitchyness into sheer comedy. I love him, my sweet, sweet happy man!

Of course, I'll help him out! I'm quite excited by the whole prospect of being in charge of the music! At least I'm sure there wouldn't be any shit music at the party! >grin<

Now, I have to start writing up a playlist. Can't wait!!!

My feel-good meter is on the uptick...

After a week long stay at the holiday resort of sooky-la-la land, I feel that I am ready to join the living and be able to function like a normal human being again. The following events have happened in the past 12 hours:

1. Work wasn't so busy so I was able to bum around and surf the net... I know, I know... I'm a bludger, so sue me!

2. Left work early to go to school. Was able to upload more TFF songs into my iPod and listened to it in the tram. I refuse to drive into the city and pay for an atrocious parking fee when I can just park my car close to the tram stop for free and pay for a tram ticket for 1/3 the price of the parking fee.

3. Took my final exams. Thought I did okay, although I really don't care if I get a high grade or not, so long as I pass. It's not like my company will refuse to pay for my tuition if I get a grade less than a DI (distinction).

4. Met up with Arnie to have dinner. I missed him all week. I have been feeling absolutely unloved for no reason at all. Must be the weather, the hormones... no idea.

5. Walked around the city and window shopped. Chanced upon a couple of friends, Miguel and his brother Javier and went to Max Brenner (Chocolate by the Baldman). First time I have ever been there, and boy was the Mexican Chilli Chocolate drink and Strawberry Waffles heavenly! Enormous consumption of chocolate never fails to make me feel slightly better.

6. Chatted for about 2 hours with the boys. Had a lot of laughs. Nothing cheers me up than a rather risque and no holds barred conversation with adult men. ^_^

7. Went to Club Retro with Arnie. We both went to the top floor where they had the darkroom, the place where they play alternative 80s music. Read: 80s music that I actually like -- New Wave and post punk. Went up to the dj and asked him to play TFF's Mad World and Joy Division's She's Lost Control. A few people freaked out, maybe because of my choice of song or the fact that I'm asian and I know the song. Well, fucktard, filos are a different breed of asian!

8. Danced the night away along excellent New Wave music. Some songs played were The World In My Eyes and Personal Jesus by Depeche Mode, Close To Me and Friday I'm In Love by The Cure, What Difference Does It Make and Bigmouth Strikes Again by The Smiths, The Last of the Famous International Playboys by Morrissey, and Cars by Gary Neuman.

9. The fact that Arnie and I were the only asians in the darkroom and that some of the Aussies were trying to copy our 80s dance moves! Think Roland Orzabal... Arnie said I've got his moves down to pat... yay!!!

10. Got home, smelled of fucking cigarette smoke. Took a shower.

11. It's now 3:00 am, I'm still fully awake, and am eating Pork and Century Egg congee...

All in all, a bloody great day!

That angsty feeling you get...

Rant Alert!!!

For the past week, the song "Pale Shelter" by Tears for Fears has been on repeat mode in my iPod. I play it on my computer at work, in my car via the fm transmitter, and at home via the Tears Roll Down DVD.

I have spoken to a good friend over MSN this morning at work and I have told him the same thing. He asked me, "What's wrong? Do you remember anything that a former loved one did to you?" In all honesty, he was the first person who was able to connect that angsty-love feeling with the song. In my case though, it wasn't so much of that feeling of love lost or unrequited love. There is a bit of that, but there was more of a feeling of, how shall I say it? Slight unhappiness brought upon my youth? I guess that's one way to put it...

"Pale Shelter" is a song that speaks of uncertainty,

How can I be sure
When your intrusion is my illusion...

unbelongingness, that unloved and misunderstood feeling that "weird" kids get.

You don't give me love...
You give me cold hands...

To me, it also conveys that feeling of being not in control of your own life.

I can't operate on this failure
When all I want to be is completely in command...

I would have to say that my childhood had been normal in a sense... if you call constant screaming and fighting of parental units normal. My father has always been an affectionate man, being the Ilonggo that he is, and mother was rather unaffectionate but caring in her own way. Come to think of it, her whole family never was the affectionate kind. They respect each other and care for each other but in true Spanish fashion, they were rather strict and traditional in their ways.

I never resented my parents in any way. I respect them both and I think they did the best for me. Separately, I can handle them. Together, I'd run for the hills screaming. I can't say that my parents loathed each other. I reckon it's a massive personality clash, the same with my mother and I. Mum and I always had our squabbles, and our arguments are quite legendary within the family. I have never backed down and can be downright bitchy. My mother is stuck in her ways and I accept that now. I have learned, after 27 years, that if I want to keep the peace I should know when to keep my mouth shut. It is unfortunate that at my age, I have become the parent. I know my mother means well, but I think she has to learn that I am no longer the 19-year old university student she left behind in Manila when she decided to migrate to Australia. I have long changed my ways. To her credit, she has accepted that fact... took her bloody 5 years to accept it though... small steps, small steps.

There are quite a number of things that I wish I did and didn't do back when I was much younger.

I wish I...

... didn't have a serious relationship at such an early age.

... didn't start smoking at such an early age (at the tender age of 13!)

... have maintained childhood friendships. I have lost contact with most of the kids I was good friends with back at the old neighbourhood in Old Manila.

... have been more of an individual and didn't feel sorry for myself when I was picked on for being one.

... have spoken out more against people who picked on me, not that I didn't, mind you. I did get to quite a number of fights because of it too.

... learned how to play the guitar at an early age. I would probably be really good at it at present if I had all the practice.

... was born earlier. I could have been a teenager or in my early 20s during the 80s and had the chance to make a play for Roland Orzabal and/or Robert Smith (hahaha, wishful thinking! :p)

... pashed more guys! (what can I say? I love kissing! :p)

... pashed more girls as well. (what's that? gasp, shock, horror? hahaha! As I said, I love kissing! :p)

... didn't get pressured into having sex when I knew that I just wasn't ready. (fucking "If you love me, you would" line... why did I have to be so fucking gullible???)

... didn't swear too much. (hehehe, this goes out of the window now, ey? >see above< :p)

... didn't beat myself up too much for being such an open-minded person who is comfortable with her sexuality. I got so much flak for this... often got called so many names because of this... and I wasn't even sleeping with anyone at the time! Honestly, why would I want to sleep with anybody in my high school? All together now... eeeeewwwwwww!!!

... did martial arts.

... didn't feel insecure for being so different from the others. Everybody is weird in their own way, right?

I am very guilty of dwelling in my past mistakes and my past heartaches. Arnie often consoles me and says, "You wouldn't be the person you are now if it weren't for all the shit you went through. It just made stronger, wiser, and a better person."

Bless my man! He always knows what to say to make me feel better. ^_^

I have to get over this angst-ridden guilt I have. I think it's about time I turn off the repeat mode, quit playing "Pale Shelter", and move on to other things.

How about "Head Over Heels"?

Ah, the joys, awkwardness, uncertainty, and pains of love, huh?

Now that, my friends, I will share with you next time.

Till then...

I wanted to be with you alone
And talk about the weather...

At the home stretch now...

I don't know if you guys are aware, but I am currently taking up a Post grad course at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology. The course is Information Management. I am quite lucky to have my work pay for the course and help me to further my career in the industry.

Friday is the day of my final exams for Document Management 1. The following Friday is the deadline for my final assignment in Information Provision 1. After that... it's school holidays baby!!!

Of course, I won't get my final results till about two weeks before second semester starts. I am pretty confident that I'll be passing both subjects. I know I shouldn't be counting my chickens too early, but I just have a feeling ^_^.

School holidays is timely too since it is also right smack in the middle of the end of financial year, which means that'll be awfully, awfully busy at work! We are trying to get most of our work done so that we can grab every single cent of our revenue and add it to the FY's end result. All that I hope for now is that I get a substantial bonus after this...

I am yet to hear about the promotion that I have applied for back in February. It's still an in-house job but a completely different role and of course, higher pay. It's a Project Manager role for the whole City of Melbourne. At the moment, the position is stalled due to the company and a new customer's lengthy negotiations over the contract. Damn lawyers making it all too tedious, the gits!

I really could use the extra money. With my mortgage, car, bills, hobbies, shopping, etc... I REALLY could use the extra money!

Put on your dancing shoes...

I have just been invited to a "new wave" party by a good friend and it'll be held in a couple of weeks' time. Aside from the 80s theme, guests are also required to dress up... shock, gasp, horror!!!

I am very excited about this party. This is actually the second "new wave" party I've been invited to and already have an outfit in mind. I was thinking along the lines of Joan Jett or Siouxsie Sioux... and no, I don't have the guts to go for the whole "Burlesque Siouxsie" look! :p

Hmm... I wonder if I can talk Arnie into doing the whole "shirtless Roland Orzabal" look... hmmm.... drifts off.... >shirtless Roland... shirtless Roland... shirtless... Roland... hmmmm...<

Ahem... now... I also have to polish up my dance moves. This friend who's hosting the party is a professional dancer and is also a dance intructor at Melbourne Grammar. I'll be damned if I embarass myself in front of a roomful of dancers! It'll probably be a bit weird to be in a room full of people, men and women alike, to be dancing with their hands above their earlobes... I know that 80s dance moves are very elaborate and rather... er... idiotic looking >sheepish grin< style="font-weight: bold;">"Mad World" to play. I am definitely making a special request for that! ^_^

Will keep you guys posted on how it goes... I'm sure it'll be a blast!

For the meantime.... >shirtless Roland... shirtless Roland... shirtless Roland...<

I am officially a fangirl!!!

Yes, as the title says, I am officially a fangirl! Of what, you may ask? Well recently, I have joined the Melbourne Harry Potter Meetup Group. Yes, you heard me (or rather read :p). I have been utterly obsessed with Harry Potter that I decided to join a group where I get to meet complete strangers in some bar in Melbourne (well, Fitzroy Street to be exact... will share pictures later on!) and talk, what else, Harry Potter!


Jennie, Kathleen, Caz, and our organizer Shannon.
Don't you think the HP glasses are spiffy? :p

I am very, very excited about the release of the sixth HP book and can't wait to grab my copy on the day of its release! I have just bidded on a Gryffindor scarf in eBay and I plan to wear that on the Harry Potter book release party at the Federation Square... good excuse too since it'll be the middle of winter here by then!

The group meets every first Friday of the month. I hope there will be more of us on the next meeting. Regardless, it'll still be fun I reckon... as long as we have Harry, we'll be fine (and in the case of our organizer Shannon, as long as Snape is there, she's happy!)

More about the group on http://harrypotter.meetup.com/13/

Bi-curious, what?

Rant Alert!!!

Today, I started questioning and thinking about abandoning my tomboyish ways. I know that my friends may think that it is easier said than done, After all, in all my 27 years of existing, I have never been lady-like or girly, or whatever you call it. I have always been the tomboy of the family. I've been rather proud of it. I know that because of my boyishness, no man will try and take me for a fool and people will think that I can take care of myself. Also, because of my boyishness, I have made heaps of guy friends and rather intelligent girlfriends (none of those "valley girl" types). I think I should also mention that I also have heaps of gay friends and have absolutely no problem with homosexuality. I know that I should be happy because my boyishness is part of who I have become today.

Two weeks ago in university, while I was waiting for my class to start, I was hanging out with my friends outside the classroom. We were all sitting on the floor along the corridor. While I was leaning against the wall with my knees tucked close to my chest (in pure unlady-like fashion :p), a girl of asian descent looked at me and smiled. I smiled back, thinking nothing of it. And then... she winked at me! A real, flirtateous wink at that! I blinked. Can you imagine my surprise?

Bloody hell... I have had my share of girls trying to flirt with me back when I was doing my bachelor degree 8 years ago. But this was the first that I have encountered such a bold attempt! I have talked to Arnie about this and he just laughed the whole thing of. I asked him if I look like a lesbian to him. He did say that people may get that impression because of my boyishness. Maybe I should try to act slightly lady-like.

Well, when I wear dresses, I don't act like a tomboy. I may not be as graceful as some girls out there, but I do know how to behave. Honestly, am I supposed to act like a freakin' model in school or something? My point is, I am not trying to attract men out there and act all giggly/girly/silly just to assert the fact that I ain't gay.

Jennie has always been known as a big tomboy and I don't think I should change just because some chick flirted with me. I'll just have to straighten out any misunderstanding I guess...

Melbourne International Comedy Festival

Finally got my finger out of my arse... I feel like after the excellent experience I had last night, I should be posting more regularly now. I am back with a vengeance!

Get your dirty mind out of the gutter... it wasn't that kind of an experience (although I wished it was... hahaha)... ahem... Melbourne International Comedy Festival! Every year, hundreds of comedians from all over the world gather in Melbourne and endeavour to make us Melbournites piss our pants with laughter. I was fortunate to watch one comedian whom I've wanted see for such a long time but never got the chance (read: all shows are sold out! Grrrr...). Luckily, I was able to snatch the last two tickets to his special show at the Melbourne Town Hall. Introducing (to those who don't know him)... Danny Bhoy!!!

He's a 24 year-old half Scottish, half Indian bloke who's been the comedy circuit since 1998. He had sold out shows in the Edinburgh festival, London, and three years of shows in the Melbourne International Comedy Festival made him a household name. Some even dub him "the next Billy Connolly." I guess that fits... he's a bloke, he's scottish, and well, he's crude!

Here's a sample joke:

"I was the only coloured in kid in school and I remember on my first day, there was this kid who was the school bully. He was huge with red hair, freckles, and was wearing an incredible hulk t-shirt. He started pushing me and said, 'get away from here! I hate coloured people!'"

"... and I said, 'then why are you wearing a shirt with a green man on it?'"

Hahahahaha.... I'm still in stitches!

No excuses...

I know it has been a good week since I last posted something in my blog/blogs. I thought I'd give myself a "mental health break". Between work, school, updating this blog, Arnie, Meeko, my friends, and mourning the Pope, (whose funeral was yesterday just in case people in caves don't know :p) I have barely enough time to scratch my arse!

I am trying my darnest to update this ASAP. I guess this short note is just an alert to everyone that I AM ALIVE! I am working on my latest post in my arts blog. Hopefully once I get my damn pictures uploaded into my PC, I'll post that entry by tomorrow night.

Cheers folks!

My Tribute to Pope John Paul II

At exactly 9:27 pm local time, the Pope was unresponsive. The carmalengo, after having performed the ritual of calling upon his holiness by his Christian name, Carol, 3 times and the light tapping of a silver hammer on the forehead thrice, announced the death of Pope John Paul II. Silence was asked of the people maintaining a vigil at St. Peter's Square while the eerie bells rang, and afterwards, a huge applause was heard throughout the Vatican.

People mourned the death of the great Pope and celebrated his wonderful reign as the symbolical Father of the Church. I have known no other Pope than he, him being the Pope the same time I was born. I have cried this morning when I heard of his death, feeling like I have lost a father whom I have profound respect and cared for deeply. As I'm typing this entry, I'm still shedding a few tears. I may not be the devout Catholic I was when he visited Manila back in 1995 during World Youth Day, but I have always loved the man. I admire him for his strength, his humour, his intelligence, his conviction, and most of all, for his genuine love of people... that he sincerely believed that people are good, capable of doing great things, and capable of being united under one God regardless of religion.

He was known for a lot of "firsts", "mosts" and "greats". He was:

- the most travelled Pope, believed that by using a measuring tape, it equates to him having travelled to the moon and back three times!
- the first none Italian Pope in 450 years
- the youngest Pope in 150 years
- the first Pope to have been into a synagogue... and for apologizing to the Jews for atrocities committed by Christians
- have admonished the pedophile priests tarnishing Christianity in America and all over the world
- have used the media extensively
- have met the most number of political leaders in the World
- have met with other spiritual leaders of different faiths
- have been involved in the destruction of Communism in Eastern Europe

... and so on, and so forth.

It is the end of an era. It will be difficult for the conclave to vote and elect for a new Pope, for no one can be JPII. His brand of Christianity, according to many, has been criticized and perceived as not suited for today's times. He shrugged off all criticisms and soldiered on. He was probably the only Pope that regardless of difference of opinions, people still listen to him and respect him for the man that he is.

He will be sorely missed by Christians and people from other faiths that he has made friends with. He will always have a special place in my heart, the man who has kept a brave face and a serene aura until the day he passed.

He uttered his final words last night (Australian time) and said, "I am aware you are all here for me and I thank you."

We thank you, Pope... may flocks of angels sing thee to thy rest.

I will post a follow up entry on this regarding the voting rituals of the conclave. In the meantime, I mourn...

April Fool's Day!

Rant Alert!

1st of April. All over the world heaps of people, simpletons and intellectuals alike, unite during the one day wherein tomfoolery is encouraged. I, for one, am not exempt from this. I have devised a "very cunning plan" (in the words of Black Adder's Baldrick) and instigated my well-thought out prank.

My victim: Arnie... who else? He would believe everything I say, being the lovable cutie that I am (according to him, anyway :p). I gave him a call while I was at work, while he was at work, very busy with what he was doing at the time. With a serious tone, I said:

"Baby, I haven't been honest with you."

"Why?" he asked.

"It's just that I have been throwing these past few days."

"Why? Is it something you ate?" he asked, really concerned.

"Baby, I bought a pregnancy test kit and... it's positive." I said in a very solemn tone.

"Say that again?"

"I'm pregnant, baby."

"But how? You have your period, don't you?" he asked.

"I know. Apparently it is a rarity but it happens."

Now here is the part that I didn't expect, that made me realize that my plan backfired.

I was expecting him to rant, to go insanely anxious and nervous, but instead... he was genuinely happy!

Un-fucking-believable!

He then proceeded to ask me about our plans, about how we're going to approach the situation, etc., etc...

A few minutes later, I just started laughing. He then realized that I "April fooled" him. He told me that he was really excited and was actually disappointed it was real. Apparently, if I hadn't told him then that it was a joke and left it till tonight, as soon as we hang the phone he'll be emailing and ringing our friends and his family about my so-called pregnancy!

I say it again, un-fucking-believable!

I told my classmate in my post-grad studies, Patricia, about the whole thing. She, too, was very much surprised with Arnie's reaction. She then told me to hang onto him because he was indeed one of a kind.

Well, honey, I have snagged him... and I have no intentions of letting him go!