Some people hated me because of what I am, but other people love me for what I am

They say I’m too ambitious! Can’t be satisfied for where I am. Doesn’t know where to put myself. They hated me that even though I am not doing anything or saying anything, they always have to say against me.
Is it bad to dream for something? To crave for progress? To love challenge?
Then, I found them. Actually, my Tatay found me first. He was the one who believed in me from the very beginning. Eventually bringing out the best in me for every task I have to do. I earned their trust and respect.
I can’t help myself but ask Tatay why did he trust me from the very beginning. It’s because of passion and my hunger for challenge. The reason why some people hate me even now. But I am glad I didn’t change anything to please them because lots of worthy people respect me for what I am and what I can do for them as a member of the team.
The problem now is, I easily get bored… When I successfully finished one difficult task, I long for a more difficult one. I don’t want being stuck with the same level. Bad isn’t it? Am I the only one?

My 10 MUSTs when in the Phil

Being away from the Phil for a quite some time, there are things you’ll absolutely miss that whenever you get the chance to be back in the country (just like me now hehehe) you’ll grab every opportunity to have it. Well, here’s a simple list of things I definitely have to have before flying back to anywhere else in the world (as if I have other destination except from Japan hahaha).
1. Jollibee spaghetti - real pinoy style lavishly garnished with lots of grated cheese and hotdogs
2. Jollibee chicken joy - spicy or the traditional chicken but strictly thigh part with a soup of gravy
3. Taho - with enough sago to last up to the last spoon
4. Balot - I can eat 5 pcs of it in one hour with or without vinegar but never ever without salt
5. Chowking halo-halo - All-season mouth watering dessert. Though I like the take out version of it rather than having it in their store.
6. Mandarin’s pork and shrimp siomai - Math with soy sauce and calamansi and their in-store spicy spice. Simply suits for my taste.
7. Dentist check up
8. Dermatologist consultation - coz I am blessed with so-sensitive skin that I can easily get pimples
9. Hair Salon visit - Can’t afford to spend so much yen for unsatisfying hairstyle so I’ll have it in Pinas. Aside from being cheaper, I always come out from the salon with the looks I really wanted. So that when I come back to Japan, as usual, I’m prettier than them as ever! No hurt feelings guys!
10. Shopping - I don’t think this is a MUST in the Phil but I think wherever I am as long as I have the funds, I’ll surely go shopping. What’s the use of money if you’re not going to spend it? You can’t bring it with you six feet below the ground, so use it! What a crooked reason!

失恋

She’s a simple yet funny girl. From nowhere she appeared.

He’s a very young man fascinated with a girl. But the girl seems to misunderstand his ways.

He’s a man who loves to work. No time for everything even for love.

The girl didn’t realize she fell in love with the young man. But sooner she knew, she controlled her feelings and moved on.

The boy tried to forget her. It was painful for him.

More painful for her.

The man started to smile and laugh for nothing. He likes the girl but he knows he can never have her.But for him, as long as the girl is within his sight, she’s his’. He’s jealous with the boy.

The girl likes the man as a friend.

No one can have her.

Just another Sunday

I have been wondering if when will I start writing again… or should I say typing? Yeah I know it’s a very corny one. Anyways, since I got here in Japan which is nearly three months ago, I didn’t get the chance to put what’s inside my heart and mind in words.

I never thought three months will ever be this colorful. I used the term colorful because I mean all the colors, not just pink, red or yellow for happy colors. I’ve been into different shades each week. And I hope I can end it as soon as possible.

Today is Sunday, and I don’t know if it’s just like one of my ordinary Sunday. As usual, I went to Japanese school. It was raining but not that hard so I decided to cross the rain with raincoat and umbrella. I hate wearing raincoat but just this June of this year, Japan implemented the rule of not using umbrella while riding the bicycle, so I don’t have any choice. I was just few minutes away from my apartment when I saw other Japanese using their umbrella so, instead of mumbling my sentiments while getting my face with raindrops, I popped my umbrella to open. Chala! Oh by the way, I decided to wear shorts and sleeveless under my pink jacket. Hehehe… it was raining but it wasn’t cold.

And when I reached the school’s place, guess who I saw? Well, it’s just the cute teacher. He’s also wearing shorts and sandals. I guess because it’s raining and it’s really troublesome to wear pants and getting wet ending up with heavy and cold cloth in your legs. Actually, I don’t know the guy’s name. I saw him when he introduced his self during his first day as volunteer teacher. I thought he was one of the students because I think he is still on his late early twenties if I am correct. He said he was a college student. It’s just amazing for a young Japanese to spend their weekends in a volunteer school instead of spending time with their friends or playing with their psp3 or wii. And he always had this friendly smile for everyone. Yes, I had a crush on him but it’s an admiration. Too bad he can’t be my teacher. Because no matter how cute he is, I will never exchange my teacher for anyone else. She’s so nice and like a friend to us.
I don’t know if I am early or because it’s raining, my other classmates were all late. I fixed the table and seats in the tatami room. To my surprise, the cute teacher also entered that room with his student. It must be my lucky day to have some inspiration while studying. After few seconds, Sensei arrived then Palak. Kazou arrived 20 minutes late but we almost start the tutorial at almost 11AM. There were only three of us and Sensei but we never ran of something to talk about. Maa, Runasan kara aitei wa, Sensei nara oshaberu wa tomaranai nee… Hahahaha We didn’t even finished one reading comprehension because of our talkativeness. Then time to go home. It was raining but I want to go to the train station to check out the ticket for Shinkansen so the four of us headed to the station. As usual, I was riding with Kazou, and then on our back were Sensei and Palak. It was really tedious riding a bicycle with one of your hand on the umbrella. Kazou also used his umbrella in spite of the umbrella I am using. We were arguing though laughing when I turned my head back and I saw the cute teacher smiling just right behind us using a raincoat and not umbrella. Gosh! I want to shrink because Kazou and I were violating two rules in Japan at the same time. It’s not allowed to have two people in one bicycle and then we’re also using two umbrellas that time. And the cute Japanese teacher passed us by, though getting wet he still obey his country’s rule. I feel so bad. But there’s nothing I can do. Hehehe

From the station, Palak and I headed for grocery and parted our ways home. I haven’t eaten anything else for today because I still feel so full after how plenty I’ve ate last night with the dinner with the Vietnamese. I just ate the chicken nuggets that Palak bought me then started watching movies.

All I want is to smile, laugh and be inspired because tomorrow will be another battle for me. Honestly I don’t know what to do tomorrow.

Sayounara Japan, Musta Pinas?

After more than three months of stay in Japan, I am now back again to my all-year round summer and polluted country. Its nice being home again when I think of the times I will be spending with my loved ones. Life in the Phil is always like a vacation, so relaxing… You don’t have to rush.

But I am only few hours being in the Phils, I already misses being in Japan. Why? Because there really Filipino traits that makes you feel insulted being a Filipino. One of these is the way you serve with other people. When you are working as a security guard, you have to ensure the security within your vicinity. It is your work and you get paid because of that. But why do other people working in the airport when they’ve found out you came from other countries will secretly approach you and whisper ‘pameryenda lang po’. I really want to shout at that man’s face but I just tried to quickly pick up my things and never look at him and leave that place. I am not madamot or anything, when I know I should give, I will but this kind of people are the people downgrading  the Filipino values. I work so hard abroad to earn whatever I have, if its called luck then be it but what I am sure about is, I worked it all by myself and with all my best and I didn’t ask other people for some sort of alms to earn a little bit more. Life abroad is not all about milk and honey. Its about surviving and winning by yourself. But if you’ll learn how to value your work not only with the money you are earning but also with what you contributed with the company you are working with, you’ll just be surprise with the fruits of your hard work and perseverance.  I think, that’s the value of working… And I am wondering if when will Filipinos realize that and to ask for ‘ambon’ of other people’s fruit of hard work.

Just speaking my piece of thought…

 

Chowking Has Run-Out of Halo-halo?

As my last day cravings before fyling abroad, I ask for halo-halo. One name that came into my mind – Chowking halo-halo. So, me and my family went out and headed to Victoria Plaza. After informing my husband my orders, I eventually look for my daugther who already found a seat for us.

However, after few minutes, my husband, from the counter, is gesturing that the store ran-out of halo-halo. Since there is another Chowking store just opposite Vplaza, we just cross the street to get there. Unfortunately, the store also ran out of halo-halo. I was so hungry that time that I don’t want to go anywhere else. I just ordered two big siopao, bola-bola and asado. I managed to finished eating both but still unsatisfied. The only reason why we went out is because of halo-halo but wasn’t able to grab one. And we’re not the only one who were disappointed because of that, some people even walked out from Chowking when they found out that there’s no more halo-halo available. Some just shift to Naicha, but still something is missing.

According to store employees, there are some ingredients that not yet arrived. It seems they don’t want to serve their halo-halo incompletely. A good sign for keeping their reputation but they seem to underestimated the demand for thei product.

Mommy and Angel Goes Swimming

I don’t know if its just a coincident or it has been a habit for our family to go swimming every time somebody will leave. It’s like our own way of telling our daughter that Mommy or Daddy has to go somewhere to go which we can’t tell her directly. Saying goodbye to your child is one of the hardest thing to say. Since swimming is Angela’s favorite activity aside from eating, this act like a bribe for her.

So, yesterday we went out swimming. Goodness the weather didn’t make it hard for us. Two days ago, it was raining the whole in Davao but yesterday’s weather is just perfect for swimming. It wasn’t too hot but from time to time a cloud came over us to give us some shade.

And as usual, Angela just love playing with waters. Splashing and tapping it like a pillow. But I also teach her basic for swimming. I’ve found out that it’s hard to teach a child to swim especially for someone who thinks water is like a toy. She loves playing with water but can’t trust the water to hold her for floating. However, after giving her some floaties on her both arms, little by little she started to let herself to float and paddle her arms and feet to go wherever she wants. It’s just a simple swimming but as a proud mommy, I always have my hands to clap every time she managed to reach the edge of the pool with her dog-style swimming.

Going Back to Japan - Apprehensions and Enthusiasm

April fool’s Day will bring me back to Japan. It’s not a joke, for sure. I feel like a rock right now that I can’t feel any excitement or unhappiness. Maybe the two emotions collided that my heart can’t determine what’s what.

Almost a month ago when I was informed that I will be going back in Japan, I was filled with excitement. I really want to see gain the cherry blossoms as it bloom. Buy stuffs that I can’t find here in Davao like the sesame seeds salad dressing, mold and mildew cleaner and others. I told myself before that I just want to be there even for a week so I can bring home those stuffs. And of course, to be with my friends.

But now that I am about to leave, my heart is missing that enthusiasm. I am full of worries. Going back there means leaving my Angel again. I want to help Rommel but I can only help him by going away with them. I wish I can take them with me. I can’t even think clearly… just letting myself go with the flow.

A Glimpse to KC Concepcion

Her full name is Maria Kristina Cassandra Cuneta Concepcion and popularly known as KC. The fruit of Philippine Cinema’s good-looking faces, Sharon Cuneta and Gabby Concepcion. No wonder she had a face adored by many Filipinos. But Sharon and Gabby’s marriage didn’t last long. After several years of being single parent, Sharon got married again with Senator Francis Pangilinan, whom later on legally adapted KC to be one of the Pangilinans just like her sisters, Frankie and Miel.

Being a daughter of a Megastar, KC’s life had not been a secret to the public. Every point of her life is closely followed by people who love both her and her mom. We’ve seen her as the lucky little girl of the Megastar who has almost everything. Though during childhood years she had a not-so-good set of teeth but when she starts her teenage years, she’s like a rare blooming flower that no one’s eye can take off from her. And like a true princess, she doesn’t only have the beautiful face but the heart for the needy. On her 18^th birthday, she requested from all the people who loved her that instead of giving her a gift, she ask for donations for the charity. She had her debut party for two days – because the number of guests cannot be accommodated in just one night.

Shortly, her pretty face became the favorite among TV and print ads commercials. She cut her hair short but she still looks so gorgeous and the mass just loves her. She became an MTV Asia VJ and many expected her to soon have her own TV program in the Philippines aside from ‘Sharon’. But she pursued her studies in Paris but still manages to do some TV commercials.

And now, from the chubby little girl beside her Mom, KC stands in the crowd in her own. She indeed transformed into a sassy and elegant lady. She had proved that she’s not just a daughter of a Megastar but she alone has so many talents to show for the entertainment world.

And just recently, she was chosen by Yes! Magazine’s Most Beautiful Celebrity for 2007. Indeed, KC has a brighter future ahead of her.

Straighten Your Hair Without Chemicals

I’ve always been a short-hair girl because my hair seems to be as hard-headed as me. It always looks dull and tangled. I remember my Mom with beautiful long hair before, she knew that I envied her so what she did was she gave me money so I can have some proper hair treatment. Sadly, those treatments were temporary and good for only few days. That’s why after growing my hair few inches below my ears, I definitely go to the parlor for a shorter hair cut. I am also the type that loves just wash and wear routine so I tried using instant hair make-over treatments and as expected, it just worsen my hair condition.

Now, I am trying my luck to have that straight, shiny long hair. Just for me to say that once in my life, I’ve experienced to have that classy lady look simply because of my hair. Needles to say, hair is the crowning glory for women.

While looking for something useful for my hair, I’ve browsed the web and found some natural hair treatments. Egg and mayonnaise are good hair moisturizers. You can rub a beaten egg into your hair and leave for 30 minutes before your regular shower at least once a week. For mayonnaise, do the same step with egg but use mayonnaise instead. And remember to wash your hair thoroughly unless you don’t want your hair to smell like sandwich.

Below is another natural solution for straightening hair, I’ve got this from wikihow.com.

1. Wash and dry your hair as normal this is really important. Really! This is an optional tip but is popular in naturally straightening hair: before shampooing, spray your hair with about 1/3rd cup of milk. This keeps your hair straight and silky.
2. Allow your hair to dry naturally, or pat with towel. Your hair should be almost dry when you begin.
3. Part hair into three, one section on either side and leaving the bottom section loose. Gather up the two sides and clip them on top of your head.
4. Follow the brush (with your dryer) to and fro in even motions down your hair as you straighten each section.
5. Part the sections again, pulling down a new section to be straightened and proceed as above, making sure you keep the dryer moving.
6. Work your way up the layers until all the sections are dried and straightened. If you like, you can use a flat iron afterwards.
7. To curl the ends for a polished look, take your brush and pull the ends taut. Finish your styling with a blast of cool air.

Edu Manzano Has Totally Replaced Kris Aquino as Game K N B’s Game Master

Honestly, when I first watched Edu Manzano as the new game master for Game Ka Na Ba? I thought he’s so-trying hard to replace Kris Aquino for the Philippine’s First Highest-Rating Game Show. As I remember correctly, he was the dreary host of the Philippine franchised ‘Weakest Link’. He ended up as one of the weakest link as the show didn’t last long.

Later on, he had proven his talent and capability to be the GKNB’s host. From Kris’ tactless remarks, brushing hair gesture and showing off her designer’s gowns/dresses Edu re-create GKNB’s scene. The interview portion for the contestants is now a bit longer and turns it into contestant-getting-to-know-stand-up-show. The supposed to be tension for the show is lessened as the contestants themselves are sportily interacting with Edu and giggles with the show’s funny sound effects. The energetic dancing during the beginning of show changed GKNB’s image to a not-just-a-plain game show.

Game Ka Na Ba was also the bridge for Edu as he popularized the Polish song with the ‘Papaya Dance’. The dance craze has come its way to be the new ‘Macarena’. Even the US Ambassador Kristie Kenney did the ‘Papaya Dance’ when she visited the Umagang Kay Ganda. And just recently US’ morning show hosts, Good Morning America, have just joined the dance craze.

An Angel’s Birthday

It’s my Angel’s 5^th birthday today! Happy birthday baby! Mommy and Daddy are so proud of you.

Yesterday was their recognition day; she was the Nursery class’ 3^rd honor. She also got the Best in Math and Most Respectful awards. I know it’s too early to brag that my daughter is indeed smart because of these early achievements but as a Mom I really can’t help it but to be really proud of my Angel.

She really has a good memory. I was shocked when we were reading our usual before bed-time story and she remembered the word ‘odd’ from the previous stories we’ve read. She first looked at the table of contents and I naturally look for the word ‘odd’ in the list but she pointed out a story title and turns the book pages to it. At the bottom of that story, there’s the word ‘odd’. I envy her for having such a fresh memory.

Philippine Muddy Politics

You might be thinking that this post’s category is misspelled; it’s purposely spelled as PUTIKlika to join the endless campaign for the country’s political environment. I know I am not the first and absolutely not the last Filipino to post about their frustrations and distrusts to our government’s leader, system and policy.

The election scenario always gives me headaches and goosebumps. The physical environment is tolerable, scattered poster of politicians everywhere but what are annoying are the endless TV commercials of politicians who instantly turned out as worst actors/actresses. And of course, the unbelievable courage of stars like Richard Gomez, Ceasar Montano and the like to run as senators! There were also hypocrite people who let ‘money movers’ to manipulate them and use their popularity to run as a candidate. So, frustrating! And my heart was broken when I’ve found out some of the unworthy people won in the election.
Just recently, Jun Lozada became a ‘hero’ because of his testimony about ZTE Broadband deal. Aside from the shocking million dollars supposed-to-be commission of some government officials and First Gentleman Arroyo, another stain to GMA’s administration was the PNP’s procedure as they ‘protect’ Lozada. Lozada accused the PNP for kidnapping as it tried to protect the interest of the people of Malacanang. It has been few weeks that the news always contains ‘call for truth’ rally and asking GMA to step down. Needless to say, it seems Lozada’s popularity easily fades. Filipino got tired of asking GMA to step down when GMA remains ‘makapal ang mukha’ and to insists that she will only vacate the presidential position after the 2010 election. Well, we have to admit that should she vacate the position, Noli De Castro isn’t capable enough to run the country. And there’s no ample time for the next president to properly stabilize his/her administration since less than two years from now is the National Election.

Speaking of 2010 Election, aren’t some politicians too early to have their advertisements? Although indirectly campaigning for the election but they clearly wants the people to be familiar with their faces and names! Grrr! They really take politics as business! Do you know the businessmen slogan that goes something like ‘a business with NO SIGN is a sign of NO BUSINESS at all’? Well, do check out our country’s politicians. They surely know how to do their business, huh?!?

I hope every Filipino will really think about their children’s future on the next National Election because I am sure they are as tired as I am every time they attempt to oust the President. Let’s all cross our fingers!

Worst TV Show Ever?

I found this youtube video through timog.com. The TV show’s name is Moment of Truth. Some says it’s the worst reality TV show ever. The concept is just to tell the truth whether or whoever you’ll hurt. The higher the price money, the bigger you’ll lose your dignity or your loved ones.

 

 

As the Philippine TV’s trend nowadays is to franchised TV shows from abroad and remakes it with the Filipino touch. I wonder, if the two quarrelling TV station will ever think of franchising this? Should one of them will do have the rights to air it in local TV, I suggests their contestants should be the government officials. Wouldn’t it’ll be that great? At least, the TV show’s dignity will be uplifted here in our country. Hehehe. The big question is, are government officials ready to be true for the sake of money?

Mix Your Summer with Halo-Halo

Summer is definitely isn’t complete without halo-halo. Halo-halo can be considered as the common Filipino ice-cream. And Chowking’s halo-halo is the famous one. Being available all-year round, it gives you choices on how much you can consume a halo-halo. I’m not trying to promote Chowking’s product in here but let’s accept it, that being a nationwide fast-foodchain, they were able to penetrate the Philippine market of halo-halo. But do you know that selling halo-halo especially during summer is absolutely a good business? My Ate and I, when we were young, used to make halo-halo and sell it in our neighborhood during summer. And we earned quite a sum of money during those days.

To make some of the ingredients cheaper, you have to make it by yourselves. Not to worry, because it’s so easy that all you have to do is to boil it properly with sugar and pandan leaves. But you have to cook each ingredient separately so that its taste, color and smell won’t mix up.

Here is the list of ingredients that you can cook easily:

- Banana (saba) - ripe but not overly riped; cut it cross-wised and about a cm thick

- Jackfruit - tear it off length wise, each strip with width around 1 cm

- Kaong and Nata de coco – wash it properly

- Garbansos

- Sago

- Mongo beans

You can also make your own purple yam (halayang ube) but it’s really time and effort consuming.

So, here are the complete ingredients for our halo-halo:

- 2 tbsp of sugar

- 2 tbsp of pinipig or rice crispies

- 1 tbsp of garbansos

- 1 tbsp of mongo beans

- 2 tbsp of banana

- 2 tbsp of sago

- 1 tbsp of buko macapuno

- 1 tbsp of kaong

- 1 tbsp of nata de coco

- 2 tbsp of gulaman (jelly)

- 1 tbsp of sweetened corn

- Shaved ice

- 1 tbsp of jackfruit

- 5 tbsp of evaporated milk

- 1 tbsp of purple yam

- A scoop of ice cream

Do you know that a Japanese convenience store chain sold their own halo-halo? Mini-Stop sold a Japanese version of halo-halo last summer of 2007, and they named it, haro-haro. It’s a bit different from the original Filipino halo-halo but the concept is exactly the same.

Enjoy your home-made halo halo!