15
Jun

So Many Books, So Little Time

After procrastinating for several weeks… erm… months, the long weekend helped me relax, unwind and finish three books, much to my contentment.

“The Supernaturalist”

by Eoin Colfer

This is very entertaining. I am fond of the Artemis Fowl series and this is even more “futuristic” than that. Cosmo Hill’s heroic, albeit naive, character is refreshing. Eoin Colfer’s “juvenile science fiction with a heart” plot is still palpable in this book. Honestly though, I would still choose Artemis Fowl with his genius and sarcasm, over Cosmo Hill.

“The Time Traveler’s Wife”

by Audrey Niffenegger

It’s been a while since a work of fiction made me cry. Reading this book ended that tearless, dry spell. The story was well-written. It is science fiction but what touched me is that behind the tragic plot, the characters’ emotions are tangible and real. The book is about love that has no boundaries or limits, not even time itself. It’s heartwarming and, at the same time, heart-wrenching. It’s a classic!

I can’t wait to see the movie especially since Henry DeTamble will be played by Eric Bana. =)

“The Giver”

by Lois Lowry

After reading the book, I wanted more. It was the same feeling I felt after reading Neil Gaiman’s “The Graveyard Book”. I craved more of Jonas adventures. I even want to see the story on the big screen. The book reminded me of “Stepford Wives” combined with M. Night Shyamalan’s “The Village”, minus the suspense. I enjoyed the book! =)

19
May

Fireworks!

I was sipping my favorite ice-blended milk tea when I noticed a commotion outside. People from all ages were trying to get a better view. It was the kids’ expression of awe that caught my attention. It made me remember my own childhood. The world was then a place to explore. Life is an adventure. Happiness can be found in simple things. Nothing was routine. Boredom does not exist. I was easy to please.

We were halfway in watching the show when the sky was lit up again. I realized I never really lost the child in me. Simple things can lighten my mood– the great weather that night; the wonderful live music from two stars who overcame a lot of obstacles but still found ways to make their dreams a reality; and the fact that I was sharing the experience with my sister and friends. It was worth the wait.


courtesy of Logan
fireworks taken during the David Cook & David Archuleta concert
16 May 2009

I smile at the memory because life can be like fireworks– dangerous, beautiful and random. It will never cease to amaze me. =)

09
Apr

I Quote Myself

Life happens.
It’s what you make of it that gives meaning to your existence.

~ Karen Kristie

Hehehe. =)

03
Apr

Back to Reality

April Fool’s Day
5:40 PM

The past few weeks have been a blur. I have set my pace and routine at work. I’m doing ok. These, then, are just random musings that have been running through my head. They are robbing me of sleep right now.

Two weekends ago, I went with some friends to a remote place up north. The place is called Anawangin and it’s in Zambales, about a 3-hour car ride away from Manila. There was no electricity, no running water, and no phone signal. It was a “getaway” in the very essence of the word. I had fun. I was glad I came with friends. I even found new friends during that stay.


click pic to view album

The past few days, I have been reading this book. The movie counterpart helped me “get back on my feet”. The book is ironic but funny. I can’t help but snicker when I read its wit and sarcasm. It’s just common sense, but sometimes, we need to be reminded (or maybe slapped in the face) that we are lost in our own fantasy world. Reality check is needed.

If I’ve read this book earlier, it would have saved me a lot of time and effort in over-analyzing things.

So, thanks to the concept the movie and book taught me. Thanks also to *that* mysterious guy who has been making his presence known in my dreams lately. I hope he leaves my dreams and shows up in my real world again.

Oh yeah, I am so back!

09
Mar

Eraserheads: The Final Set

Fun.
Each minute was entertaining. I could barely see the stage, but we were near the big screen so it was cool.

Loud.
We were near the speakers, so I got temporarily deaf in my right ear.

Crowded.
I’m just glad we didn’t lose each other.I got tired standing but it was all worth it.

Enjoyable.
I wasn’t embarrassed to dance and sing because everyone was doing it. I noticed a lot of fans having fun and it felt good. Most of them are in my age bracket as well. Oh yeah, I’m getting old.

Meaningful.
Francis M. should have been there to sing my used-to-be work anthem “Superproxy”. He will be missed. On the other hand, I think Ely justified the rap part plus the singing of “Kaleidoscope World”. That gave me goosebumps.

Memorable.
It is one of those concerts I’ve attended that I won’t forget. It’s my first Eraserheads gig and it may as well be my last. *sniff*

Nostalgic.
The fact that they performed together is nostalgic enough. Imagine watching music icons performing live. Each song reminded me of happy and, sometimes, boring but eventful memories from my past. I never imagined those songs would trigger them and even make me remember all the lyrics. People can’t help but get teary-eyed after “Ang Huling El Bimbo”.

Bravo Ely, Raimund, Buddy and Marcus! =)

01
Mar

The Walk

(written on February 28, 2009 | 1:43 A.M.)

I took the long way home. It was tiring but I didn’t want to call it day yet. So, I walked. I passed through rowdy crowds, blaring music and tempting leisure activities. I was exploring my options. Still, I went on. I wanted my feet to take me somewhere I haven’t been to before. But since I’m no expert on spontaneity, I just ended up buying a drink to rehydrate. I made a quick plan and entertained my options. It turned out, short notices don’t always work out.

It was midnight. If I were a stranger watching myself at that moment, it would look like I have a destination or purpose in mind. Deep inside, I pitied myself. I found myself walking past strangers with blurred faces. I was not alone, but I felt lonely.

My legs were aching, but I moved on. My mind was racing as well. I was thinking of possibilities that may turn out untrue. I ws thinking of people who may not even spend a minute thinking about me too. Life can be unfair.
Since I wasn’t brave enough to go through dark alleys, I hailed a cab. I was thinking, if I were at the same place in a different time and I had someone to walk through the dark alleys with me, I wouldn’t have minded. But life has to go on. Getting in the cab, I could have gone to anywhere, but I ended up choosing familiar destination.

I’m home as I’m writing this. I’m alone in my room, but I’m feeling a certain comfort. I don’t feel so lonely anymore. I’m calling it a night.

20
Feb

Not Into Me

I just watched that movie “He’s Just Not That Into You”. I have to read the book. I swear! Not only did I really relate to the movie, it made me laugh and cry. It made me swear to myself not to fall in love again, and made me wanna fall in love all over again (think of the song “Buses and Trains” by Bachelor Girl).
Am I the rule or the exception?

16
Feb

25 Random Things

I lost count from the tags I received. I am tagging anyone who wants to answer. So, here goes…

1. I’ve always wanted an older brother because I want someone to take care of me and baby me.

2. I do not memorize the multiplication table in English. I studied in a Chinese school until I was 10, so I memorize it in Chinese (Fukien).

3. I still keep the diaries I wrote when I was in grade school.

4. I easily fall in love. (Aww!)

5. I had my first kiss when I was 22.

6. I really cry easily. Even TV advertisements make me cry.

7. I am a visual learner/person.

8. I used to say I want to get married at age 27. Now that I’m 28, I don’t know if I want to get married at all.

9. When I’m quiet, I may be upset, in deep thought, bored, sleepy or just amused.

10. I never practiced my profession.

11. I tend to overanalyze things.

12. I have a feeling I was male in my previous life. (Yes, I believe in reincarnation.)

13. I want to learn how to cook.

14. I want to learn how to swim.

15. I love food but I want to lose weight.

16. My idea of a perfect date is good food, good wine and good conversation by the beach under the stars. =)

17. I wanted to run away from home when I was younger, but I was too much of a coward to do it.

18. I gush when I see old people holding hands (or displaying affection) in public.

19. I am a touchy person to people I’m close with.

20. I’m a hopeless romantic to the point of cheesiness. I’m a sucker for love stories, fairy tales and happy endings.

21. I would like to travel the world before I die (or even after I die).

22. I collect shoes, bags, perfumes, CD’s and books.

23. I’m scared of roller coasters but I’m not scared of heights.

24. I dream in color. I usually dream of running and being chased.

25. When I was young, I wanted to either be a doctor or a marine biologist.

16
Feb

For Friends…

… who turn my frown into a smile
… who listen to my silly stories
… who listen to my even sillier love songs
… who accept me for all my imperfections
… who adjust to my moods
… who understand my predicaments
… who are there when I need them the most
… who remember me even when I’m away
… who give thoughtful gestures
… who take care of me
… who know how to say the right things at the right time
… who fight for friendship and what it represents
… who work hard and play harder
… who are brutally honest
… who value my opinion
… who won’t allow distance or time drift us apart
… who teach me how to love
… who are there when I fall
… who are still there when I get up
… who make life easier
… who make the world a better place
THANK YOU!!!

06
Feb

Universe

And, when you want something,
all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.

~ Paulo Coelho, “The Alchemist” 

I am blaming the Universe for the pretty weird things that happened to me today. It was a choice between the past and the present (or possible future?). I made a choice and I have no regrets. (Note to self: Read private blog.)

I didn’t intend to be in this position. I didn’t force myself to feel this way. Sometimes, life has a cruel way of letting me learn my lessons. I have to quit over-analyzing. I have to stop worrying. I just have to continue being my fabulous self (Hahaha!) and concentrate on work.

I am partly letting go– not of him, but of myself. It’s like being bonded in chains. It’s suffocating. Everyday is a puzzle. He’s the reason but I am to blame. So, I’ll just give him what he wants. If it’s time, he can have it. I am not planning to hang on more than I intend to or want to. I’ll let him enjoy what he needs to enjoy. That’s what he wants. Me? I have to move on… but I will continue to think about him, care for him and possibly even love him… more than he’ll ever know.