December 31, 2011

Hippie New Year

First off, hippie doesn't have to do anything in this post. I just thought it was funny. Sorry, reader, if you are. I didn't mean it to be funny in a bad way. It was supposed to be a pun, but I'm not sure if it's an effective one. Anyway, let us move on before it becomes offensive.

I'm actually making this post before the year ends. Wala lang, as I always say, for the sake of humanity. I really don't have a heavy reason for this post but I certainly hope it becomes very sensible.

We all have these ridiculous traditions when the year is about to end. Jump on stairs, throw coins, wear polka dots, name it. But I think these are all bullcrap. Yes, I don't need to expound. I just think that it is. I am almost certain that you think so, too. Thank you. Well, to make things a bit clearer, I am more of a Science person.

By the way, I know that this is the last day of the year. So he who dares tell me "see you next year" when he is actually seeing me tomorrow shall be punched in the face handsomely.

The very famous New Year's resolution is just as shitty. Why make these resolutions during the end of the year when we can make them in any time of the year? That would make much more sense. Don't give me that "motivation" reason because I don't give a damn for people who are foolish enough to think that a fucked up resolution written in paper is gonna be a light at the end of the tunnel. Give me a break. Psh.

Change for the better anytime. You don't need New Years for that.

PS. I would like to dedicate this post to my dear brother Jay-ar Tavera who is celebrating his birthday today. Happy Birthday brader, I love you. Haha!

December 29, 2011

Song Sincerity

We all have our favorite songs. That one song which we will always like forever. At least that's what's in our minds. We swear to ourselves and even to God that we will always have that one song in our hearts playing like a broken music box on repeat for all eternity. But no. Something else always comes up, doesn't it? Well, that's the irony, my friend. The irony.

There are a couple of reasons why our feelings become separated from those seemingly perfect songs which we all can relate to and can't help but just say what the devil, this song is for me. Yes? Well, that's right -- but for that mean time. Prepare for ultimate destruction.

The most common reason why we "un-favorite" a song is because we change. Face it, people change. Regardless if it's for the better or for the worse, people's lives change. The only constant thing in this universe is change. Nothing else remains but change. But technically, nothing really remains because if change remains, that means everything changes. But let's not get into that very confusing argument because it might just discombobulate our poor, pathetic minds.

Going back, since we all change, there is a great possibility that our feelings will change as well. Which then will lead to making our feelings for that song also change.

Another reason why, and which I am very concerned about, is the fact that if a particular song becomes really, really popular, it becomes overused or overplayed. That, my friend will pave the way for it to lose its virginity, I mean, sincerity. Get this. This one song is really good that's why it's so God damn popular. But let's face it, because it has been played for a million times in one day, it becomes just another song that we don't care about with a monotonous bell-like annoying sound. This is also the reason why I don't really listen to amazingly popular songs unless eventually I get to like them for humanity's sake. Likewise, I hate the fact that my excruciatingly favorite unpopular songs become so popular that I just wanna destroy myself.

On another light, (disclaimer: seriously, I don't have a knack in using these artificial phrases/idioms so please bear with me and please just find it funny/amusing) if we actually delve into those overused songs, we will realize that the meaning of their lyrics are brilliant. Good is an understatement. So yeah, I understand now why they're so crazy famous.

December 28, 2011

Keeping It Un-Perfect

Get this. People around me most of the time know very well that I am a piece of macaroni topped with melting cheese when it comes to obsession-compulsion. But I really have no idea what that idiomatic expression I just used means. I always, let me repeat, always, well not really "hardcore" always but most of the time, I correct people when they are mistaken but let me stress this one out, I am not entirely always aware of it. So, forgive me if you are offended but this person just has to do it.

Perhaps a lot of people might get annoyed with it but I DO NOT care because I only correct when I know I'm absolutely, f*cking right. In an other-way-around situation, won't you also hate it when a person tries correcting you when you know you're already amazingly right? Right?

I mean, I love being corrected -- that is when I am not sure about what I'm talking about and still go with it. It's growing. It is stupid to hate being corrected, and I am most definitely not stupid. I'm just not sure whether or not I'm smart. But that's debatable so let's not get into that. I know I don't know too much, but I know enough to know that what you're talking about should be straightened out. I don't bitch around if there's nothing to be bitchy about. It takes a lot of hard work, and I am not getting paid for it.

To be just concise with it, correct me if I'm wrong, I will when you are. Let's help each other out because this is not a perfect world.

Talk That Talk

Anyway, so I was thinking a lot lately about how should things go by. I wasn't really making a big deal out of it. But when you think about it, it gets back to you and hits you like a ray of sunlight trapped in a mysterious rainforest that lies in the midst of wilderness. Well, actually, I'm talking about being all activated in blogging and really, just like that and sundry. Just right at that note, I have come to realize that what the hell, I am a talkative son of a bitch so I should handle this just as good. But before all of this just started happening, I wanted to thank you for handling me greatly, even if the club can't handle me right now.

You see, it is a predicament for me, mind you, that I might be lost for words just like that. But then again, mister devilish monster always whispers to my ear: "You talk a lot so you will do just fine." Imagine how a monster could give such great advice. I have no idea how I got there, but let it be. There are reasons for a lot of things and that is not an exception. Thank you.

Relax and I do not want drama. Please just let this go by like a stray rain that you barely even felt.

September 15, 2011

Will You Change Your Religion?

I'm assuming the moment you read that title you probably thought about Shamcey Supsup or the Miss Universe pageant recently held. Well, you're almost right. But not quite. This isn't about Shamcey Mwahmwah or the pageant, this is about the question she answered.

We all know what she answered. Whether or not you agree with her, I don't really care. We likewise know that religion is a very sensitive subject because the world has so many and more often than not, the principles of one clashes to the others'. I am Catholic. I'm not so sure if I will consider changing my religion for a reason. But if I were given a chance to choose my religion, I'd rather not have one. Religion, yes, puts flesh on our souls. But it also makes us all different on the grounds of praising the God that we believe in. With people of different religions, it is easy for conflicts to arise. If I have no religion, I also have nothing to compare to with people that possess one. But don't get me wrong, I'm perfectly fine with being Catholic. I'm just not a hardcore fan of it, nor will I be narrow-minded or bigoted because of it.

If I were the one asked if I will change my religion for the one I love, I will definitely say it wouldn't matter. Why? Both of us may have different religious beliefs, but if we truly love each other, religion won't matter anymore. Regardless of what religion we will settle for, I believe that even if the world has so many religion, I know that there is only one God. And that God is the one who made us all.

September 14, 2011

Tagged in a Swindling Fortress

This famous television network begged to interview so I gave them a chance. I perfectly know you won't bother reading the whole thing so I'm just gonna enjoy myself. Please do not laugh because laugh makes the world go round. Laugh is blind.



1. What was your last beverage?
I drank this nice glass of water with 3 cubes of ice. Apparently, there was some sort of insect floating about. I freaked out while screaming "I'm gonna die."

2. From whom was your last phone call?
My phone tells me it's from a person named Jesus. Oh my God.

3. From whom was your last text message?
It's from a person named John F. Kennedy. He tells me I should do something about my country, not to wait what my country can do for me.

4. What was the last song you listened to?
This song has been stuck in my head for ages! Home is in Your Eyes by Greyson Chance.

5. When was the last time you cried?
Probably about 6 hours ago. I watched Titanic. The weird thing is, when I hear My Heart Will Go On's instrumental version in the movie, tears automatically dance their way out. God, every time that music comes on, the movie just becomes so touching. I tell you, this movie is magic. The first time I saw it about 13 years ago, double the overwhelming feeling when I saw it again today.

6. Have you ever dated someone twice?
Remember that time when you asked me where I was going when I told you to cancel our dinner because I had to go to my lonely friend who needed me for comfort? Exactly.

7. Have you ever been cheated on?
Absolutely. I hired an assassin and killed the bitch while having hardcore sex with the 3rd party. I specifically instructed the assassin to assassinate the assassination at around 2:30 AM when it was already the climax and on the brink of orgasm. If it's possible to talk to a dead body, I would've asked how it felt -- dying while having orgasm.

8. Have you ever kissed someone & regretted it?
Yes. I kissed a 21-year old Leonardo DiCaprio. I regretted it, of course! I realized that Leonardo is already 36. It turns out, I kissed Mystique from X-Men disguised as Leonardo. That bitch.

9. Have you ever lost someone special?
Yes. I adopted a special child 2 years ago. He also had ADHD. One afternoon, he went out and teased a hungry street dog. The dog chased him down the street and eventually getting hit by a garbage truck.

10. Have you ever been depressed?
I have never ever been depressed. I mean, how can I? I've never studied in the seminary. Only depressed can initiate a mass, baptize babies, steal money from the townsfolk by secretly spending the donations. How can I be depressed?

11. Have you ever been drunk and threw up?
I don't need to get drunk to throw up. I'll just stare at your face or perform Bulimia.

LIST THREE FAVORITE COLORS:

12: Sirius Black
13: Jean Grey
14: White Men's (T-shirt)

This year,

15. Have you made a new friend?
While I was prancing about an enchanted forest one day, I met a pretty, luculent girl on a pretty, luculent dress sitting prettily luculent by the whimsical riverside. As I was approaching her, I noticed she had intense, muscular arms. It turns out, she was a tranny. Her name was Chu-chu. Chu-chu the tranny.

16. Have you fallen out of love?
I have my own faith and principles. If he loves me, then he will love my God too.

17. Have you laughed until you cried?
Try laughing now and suddenly cry. Tell me what people think about you. I didn't think so.

18. Have you met someone who changed you?
One morning, while I was washing my face, I noticed that my nose was ugly. So I went to a plastic surgeon and he changed me.

19. Have you found out who your true friends were?
Certainly. It turns out that the dolls I have been playing with and considered my friends were false!

20. Have you found out someone was talking about you?
Found out? I don't need to find out. I know.

21. Have you dated someone on your friends list?
Of course. What are friends for?

22. How many people on your friends list do you know in real life?
As many as the raindrops that fall down every time I kill a frog intentionally.

23. How many kids do you want?
I want about 43. I'm just kidding! Get it? Kid? Laugh. I order you to laugh.

24. Do you have any pets?
I have a wild boar I named Michael G. I don't feed him, though. Because he's been a very bad boar.

25. Do you want to change your name?
Certainly. I want my name to be Bounty Hunter.

26. What did you do for your last birthday?
I kicked the shit out of people. They didn't hate me because it was my birthday!

27. What time did you wake up today?
I died today. Like, 12 times.

28. What were you doing at midnight last night?
Oh no. I don't remember. But I remember waking up with my clothes all torn and ruined, with blood all over my mouth and hands.

29. Name something you CANNOT wait for.
I cannot wait for the black hole to eat up earth and destroy all the bitches of the world.

30. When was the last time you saw your Mother?
Mother the Queen is busy and is tending to her business. She shall not be disturbed.

31. What is one thing you wish you could change about your life?
Thank you for that question that deserves a good answer. Well, I don't wanna change anything about my life. I'm perfectly fine with who I am. That would be all, thank you. Arriba Brazil!

32. What are you listening to right now?
I'm listening to my boyfriend's teeth nibbling a lollipop. Oh yeah.

33. Have you ever talked to a person named Tom?
Tom Riddle. He betrayed me.

34. Who's on your nerves right now?
You know when you've been inside your room with all the airconditioner and stuff? And then you stepped out from there and suddenly it becomes hot as hell? That's what I'm talking about.

35. What is your most visited webpage?
That porn site.

36. What's your real name?
My real name is... Jack. Yes. Jack Andabinstok.

37. Nicknames?
Jackielou Blanco. Jack O'lantern. Jack Dawson. Jack off.

38. Relationship Status:
Single and ready to finger.

39. Zodiac sign:
Scorpio Nights.

40. Are you male or female?
I'm a transgendered shemale. But I was born a hermaphrodite.

41. Primary School:
Pokey Oaks School.

42. Secondary School:
Philippine High School of Felony and Estafa.

43. College:
Criminal University of the Philippines.

44. Hair color:
Magenta

45. Long or short:
8 inches.

46. Height:
Height of poverty.

50. Tattoos:
I have a unicorn tattoo hidden away where no one can see it.

51. Righty or lefty:
Versatile.

76. Have you ever kissed a stranger?
I even had sex with a stranger.

77. Have you ever drank hard liquor: was it hard?
You asked if I ever drank HARD liquor, right? Then why are you still asking me if it was HARD? What the hell. You're annoying sometimes. No, I take that back. You're annoying always!

78. Have you ever lost glasses/contacts?
Of course. When I lose my phone, I lose my contacts. Quite self-explanatory, don't you think?

79. Have you ever sex on first date?
I just told you, right?

80. Have you ever broken someone's heart?
Yes. I broke the heart of my fish. I fed her to the neighbor's cat because I am a crazy bastard.

82. Have you ever been arrested?
Absolutely. I am a rich mastermind that owns lots of crystal meth factories. However, since I am rich, I got away with it using my efficient helicopter that rescued me from the authorities. Since this is the Philippines, it is relatively easy to escape.

83. Have you turned someone down?
I was a Muay Thai artist before so yeah, I turned pretty much many people.

85. Have you ever fallen for a friend?
Yes. We fell together but he was under so he was the one that got dirty. I had to face the consequences after, though.

86. Do you believe in yourself?
No, I do not. I believe in the establishment of a biological order through the maelstrom of physical and chemical chaos.

87. Do you believe in miracles?
We all know walang himala. Like, duh? But yeah, I believe in miracles. You sexy thing.

88. Do you believe in love at first sight?
I will believe this if you believe that the statue of Mama Mary and Jesus actually cries genuine HIV-free blood.

89. Do you believe in heaven?
Yes. Every time I have sex with a really hot creature.

90. Do you believe in Santa Claus?
Jolly old saint Nicolas, lean your ear this way. Blah blah blah blah any song, what I'm gonna say.

91. Do you believe in kiss on the first date?
Kiss? Seriously, kiss? Just go all the way. Loser.

92. Do you believe in angels?
Well, just between us. I'm a demon. So yeah, angels are the bitches trying to mesmerize and catch me using their screechy voices. The horror!

94. Had more than 1 girlfriend/boyfriend at a time?
I assume there are hundreds of dimensions in each time. So I'm guessing that's also the number of lovers I have. I'm being logical here.

95. Did you sing today?
I sing as often as I fart.

96. Ever cheated on somebody?
One day, I was in school. It was really a rough time for me. My lover broke up with me. My bestfriend stopped talking to me, and my dog ran away. It just so happened that it was time to take my Calculus exam. I just had to do it. I'm sorry.

97. If you could go back in time, how far would you go?
If I could then I'll time-hop. I won't go back to just one moment. That's so boring.

98. The moment you would choose to relive.
The moment when the person made my surname. I greatly want to interrogate that person and how many generations has it been since this very moment.

99. Are you afraid of falling in love?
Falling in love, for me, is like gossip. It's no big deal.

100. Are you afraid of posting this as 100 truths?
No, I most certainly am not. I am the king of the world.

September 9, 2011

50 Fucks, I mean.. Facts

1. Music is my stalker. I sing and write songs.
2. Photography is my abusive addiction. Artistic, that is.
3. Traveling is my tranquilizer.
4. I look up to Seth MacFarlane so much. He's one of my heroes.
5. I hate ketchup. Give me some and I'll shove it down your sorry throat.
6. I love cursing for fun. I use them like intervening phrases.
7. I love writing stuff - essays, vents, current issues, personal insights, poems, and even screen plays.
8. I am awfully quiet with strangers and sincerely noisy with friends.
9. I am comfortable in speaking English. Perhaps this is also the reason why people mistake me for being either sophisticated or intelligent.
10. I love experiencing new cultures, meeting various kinds of people and going to places.
11. I want to live in Iceland, Canada, Spain, Australia, Norway, or The Netherlands someday.
12. I am surprisingly a very open-minded person. At least I think I am.
13. I hate cocky, arrogant people. Who doesn't?
14. I am automatically impressed by smart and talented people. Looks are a bonus.
15. I unintentionally am a gadget/technology psycho. My computer, iPod and my phone's contents are extremely well-organized.
16. I listen to Western, Korean, Japanese, Mandarin, Cantonese, Thai, Indonesian, Hindi and Tagalog music and films.
17. I love blue eyes.
18. I extremely love babies and kids. I wanna have my own kids someday.
19. I know how to read, write and speak Korean. I can fluently speak 4 languages.
20. I have a huge collection of Blue Ray films. Bored?
21. I like reading true stories.
22. I suck at fashion. Or I hate fashion?
23. I am nocturnal. I'm awake, you're asleep. I'm asleep, you're awake.
24. I am not sweet. But I love sweet people.
25. I have always thought of myself to be a sucker in the academe. Academics were my horror. Ironically, a lot of people want me to be an academic intellectual. Like a [cool] professor or something like that. But I'm not so sure. :P
26. I tear up when I am overwhelmed.
27. I love sports -- swimming, table tennis, surfing, lawn tennis, beach volleyball. This list has a theme of "wet balls."
28. I am very talkative at times.
29. I don't like things with many colors.
30. I hate insects, unnecessary heat, ampalaya, and waiting for something uninteresting.
31. I love my friends more than myself.
32. I love fresh milk, spicy crispy Japanese seaweeds, pig intestines, Ruffles, carbonara, mashed potato, East Asian cuisines, cheese tofu.
33. I was never afraid of imaginary things like ghosts or being alone somewhere.
34. I love how internet becomes my window to the world.
35. I love summers, christmas, and winter.
36. I want to have my own coffee shop. Which is strange because I don't drink coffee.
37. My most prized possessions are: my external hard drive (Levi), my camera (Kieron), my guitar (Elisha), and my iPod (Titanic).
38. I watch German and Catalan soaps. But I need to stop. I might accidentally learn German and twist my tongue.
39. I love blossoming cherry blossoms. See how that sounds so amusing? :P
40. I am a huge fan of X-Men movies.
41. I hate spending too much. I think I'm frugal?
42. Almost all if not all of my close friends are heterosexuals.
43. I love my country but I don't think it loves me.
44. I am obsessive-compulsive when it comes to things I am concerned about.
45. I am generally cynical.
46. My hair is my asset. At least I think it is.
47. I am very simple.
48. I love being funny.
49. I am uninteresting until you get to know me.
50. I'm gay.

You probably didn't get to finish reading the whole list so I'm not worried. :)

August 24, 2011

Ever Heard of Profundity?

Heads up, I'm not making this post because I love it but I do think Angeline is a very talented singer. This is not necessarily to criticize her party or anything for that matter but merely to express insight.

I was supposed to make an entirely different post from this one but this apparently made my day so I'm not gonna waste my time, shut up and publish it. Swag.

Last night, a friend asked me if I knew this song which had really amusingly ridiculous lyrics. I didn't know/haven't heard. He told me the singer was the one who sang the recent song with the word "pangarap" in it. I figured it was Angeline Quinto.


This morning, as I was listening to a certain FM radio station, a song played. "May gusto ka saking mahal. May balak kang agawin sya." With just those two lines, I was already like, "WTF? What's up with these lyrics." Then I immediately remembered what my friend asked me about. Then I figured it was this song.



No offense (but I do know it's gonna be kind of offensive) but I think the lyrics have 0% profoundness in them. Just like what my friend said, it's awkwardly straightforward and extremely understandable to the point of artistic and poetic sacrifice.

Many people may not mind that but when I heard it, I literally smirked with disbelief. For a serious song, the lyrics are very inappropriate. However, I recently discovered that this is only a revive, or a remake, whatever goes. The original artist would be Jeremiah. 1990s. I was like, "That explains everything."

Many people can relate to the song. No questions. The overall arrangement, melody, and musicality are quite good. But writer of Rebecca Black's songs, is that you?

We all know we can make anything we like. No arguments about that. But He didn't say "Go to the world and create bullcrap." (Now that was just mean, that was so not me.)

August 23, 2011

When I Was a Kid... (#2 - Bubblemaker)

#2

When I was a kid, I used to love those bubble-making liquids inside differently shaped containers which you can buy in kiddie stores. When I ran out of them, I used to steal mouthwashes and use them as an alternative. They make breat bubblemakers. But when the mouthwashes also run out, I industriously persevere creating the bubble-making liquids out of detergent soaps -- which, unfortunately, were not very efficient bubblemakers.



Whenever I got those original bubblemakers from the stores, I am extremely thrifty of them. I only blew bubbles whenever I feel the utmost need to so as not to consume the liquid immediately. However, being a kid myself, I eventually become tired of it. I would then leave it somewhere, still with plenty of it, hanging. :|

August 22, 2011

Rafael's Farm

Before my graduation day, I still had 4 days to force myself to be excited for the once in a lifetime event -- that is, for people who won't be venturing in another major again (because of the trauma college brought). So I invited (was it me or someone else? Let me get back to you on this) Jovelyn and Bem for a visit to Rafael's Farm.


Located in Babatngon, Leyte, Rafael's Farm isn't your typical farm which you see on television shows or movies. A 20-30 minute ride from Tacloban city, it's like a luxurious rest place of natural bliss which has an exquisitely beautiful natural setting perfectly suitable for wedding receptions, debuts, and the like.

The place also has this seemingly Spanish-inspired restaurant at the center of the paradise-like haven which caters high-end Filipino cuisine. A gorgeous tree house which is obviously professionally made sits on a huge tree located at the rear part of the farm.



The place is not a hundred percent complete yet but I know it's gonna be even more amazing when it's completely done.

August 18, 2011

When I Was a Kid... (#1 - Rainbow)

I decided to start this series entitled "When I Was a Kid..." for the good reason that from time to time, these distinct memories from my childhood pop up in my mind and are mostly immature misconceptions. These situations may be influenced by adult supervision, peers, the natural flow of the environment, or self regulation. Or whatever. Nevertheless, I already have this summary in my unsophisticated brain and I felt the need to publish them for all you cool readers to know and if you find it similar with their childhood experiences as well.

#1

When I was a kid, I always thought pointing at a rainbow will actually make my finger/s rot. As a child, rainbows are magical. Admit it. It's a huge wonder how rainbows are formed when I was a naive kid. Even now that I'm absolutely legal, I still stop and stare at the thing with impulsive sparkles in my eyes still wondering God knows who makes them. Oh, did I just answer that?

Sometimes they're there, most of the time they're not. They're like hard to reach celebrities who are arrogant enough to come and go and don't even care about how their spectators would feel about their intermittent presences. Integrity is what they're afraid to lose.

Nobody ever personally told me that in line with popular belief, there is a mischievous leprechaun of some sort at the end of these rainbows bearing a huge pot of gold. I guess this is purely western (duh, leprechaun) and considering the fact that the Philippines won't be able to afford the gold. Not to mention I only heard this at television shows and kiddy books. Whoever made up this story wants children to be hungry of wealth and dirty old men who are green and epitomizes dwarfism.



It was so amazing seeing a rainbow that I usually had these strong urges to even go out from the classroom in the middle of a teacher's discussion of lame verbs and practically waste my time gazing at the fart-like gas. Wow... I usually tried to run and follow the rainbow expecting that I'd actually end up feeling it up close. But I never did. This is one of the most drastic disappointments I had in my childhood.

Out of pathetic curiosity, I'd point at the rainbow for an accurate nanosecond and quickly withdraw so as not to risk my tiny sausages from getting rot as the mysterious myth says. However, it was indeed possible to point at the rainbow without your fingers dying. As the very popular urban legend trick goes, after pointing at the colorful arc, just lick those fingers good and they'll be just fine. So I did. Every time. And hey, it actually worked!

I have not the slightest idea why I was very amused by rainbows as a child. Heck, I am not even a fan of colors. All the more reason not to like them. But yes, I usually dislike anything colorful. In fact, my top three favorite colors are white, black and grey -- all of which cannot be found in the interesting color wheel. Well, the colors which I normally like can never be found there, such as purple, aqua, silver, scarlet, pink, (wow, sounds like a set of sluts) and I can go on forever. Perhaps my fascination of rainbows way back then had a significant implication of what I am now.

This is yet another wonderful thing in life that can't ever be bought. So, did you lick your fingers too?

August 17, 2011

Live It. Love It. Hong Kong.

Hong Kong is one of the most visited places for tourists in Asia. At least that's what I know. Not to mention the massive amount of Filipinos going there everyday to and fro. Maybe because it's so near and budget airlines are very accessible? No wonder many of the Hong Kongers learn Tagalog unaware. Exaggeration.

Well, here is a bunch of places in one of two special administrative regions of China, the other being Macau. I suggest that you visit these places because they're worth visiting. Why else? In my part, I am not a lone traveler. That being said, I brought along my cousin and my mom which was supposed to be there for a convention. I love having company during my travels. It's a lot more fun that way. And safer. ;)



The public transportation in Hong Kong is largely similar to Singapore's. I even think they only got the same producer or something like that. It's really the same. Really. The tapping galore, the utter convenience, both countries drive on the left, and simply how the transportation exteriors look like. Only that Hong Kong has these double-decker trams in the middle of the streets (pink vehicle above) which Singapore doesn't.





The Victoria Peak is the highest mountain on the island proper, but not in the entirety of Hong Kong, an honour which belongs to Tai Mo Shan. The actual summit of Victoria Peak is occupied by a radio telecommunications facility and is closed to the public. However, the surrounding area of public parks and high-value residential land is the area that is normally meant by the name The Peak. It is a major tourist attraction which offers views over central Hong Kong, Victoria Harbour, and the surrounding islands. You can go up there via the Peak Tram or the bus. Going up there, it's really cold and the scenery is breath-taking.



We rode the Disneyland train which was so fancy, I felt like a baby while I was inside. The windows were Mickey-shaped and there were glamorous Disney character figurines inside the train; and the seats, sofa, baby. Inside the theme park itself, you will really feel like, 20 years younger. So that made me an infant while we were there. My favorite was the "It's a Small World" ride because it was a really perfect and happy world inside. Guess what, there was a Filipino version of the It's a Small World song and there was, like this "Filipino section" of the small world where Filipino dolls were dancing some folk dance inside this cute nipa hut.



We went to the Avenue of Stars and Ocean Park. I rode the Abyss ride where you're brought really high up in the air that's as high as a skyscraper (you can practically see the entire country from up there, shitters) and suddenly zooms you down with unexplainable speed. The feeling was deadly but in a good way, though.

That night, we attacked the famous Night Market and we got kinda lost at first. It's like a first class Divisoria, bright and packed with shoppers from all over the world. By the way, I got to drink this awesome juice called Ribena (which is not sold in the Philippines) and I died because of its awesomeness. The taste is like heaven even if I haven't gone there yet.

When we were about to go out from the MTR station, two dudes walking beside us were talking loudly in Tagalog. I guess they weren't expecting people around them to understand what they were actually talking about. I think they were backbiting some chick or whatever I forgot because I wasn't really paying attention to their conversation, but it was obvious that they were making fun of a person. Then I suddenly barged into their lives and asked, "Excuse me, anong oras nagsasara yung MTR?" (what time does the MTR service terminate?), and it was obvious that they were kinda shocked up the ass and one of them reluctantly replied, "ahh, errm, 1AM, 1AM...", while trying to get to the side, awkwardly giggling to their humiliation.

The Hong Kong International Airport versus me. As one of the largest passenger terminal buildings in the world if not the largest, it gave me a bit of trouble. I generally got exhausted through the journey from the check-in counter to our gate. See, you have to walk and walk and walk, stride, prance, go up escalators, go down them, ride an INDOOR TRAIN, dive your way, and I can go on forever before you get to see your plane. Yes, a rich airport it may seem, it will also give you a rich exercise. It really is true what they say. "It's not just about the destination, it's also about the journey."

So be warned.

Six Simple Steps to a Better Life According to Me

(1) Be passionate about life. Living life is priceless and work hard to survive it. You have a unique, great life full of marvelous experiences and all. To waste them might be the worst thing you can ever do. You should know what you're doing and you should be happy that you're doing it. Otherwise, don't do it at all. Success is not about becoming rich, living to the expectations of others, nor is it having an easy and comfortable life. It's about fulfilling what you aim to reach and being satisfied by what you achieve.

(2) Maintain the humor. Being serious helps, sometimes. Being passionate about life would normally take a lot of seriousness. But always keep in mind that a jug of endorphin plays a huge role in making your life brighter, more fun and interesting. Produce them abundantly by being funny in one way or another. Tell jokes and take jokes. Don't be conscious about your jokes being corny. People who can't take jokes are worse. I dislike people who are like that and those who are inappropriately serious most of the time. Making people laugh is one of the best feelings.

(3) Be kind, thoughtful and loving. People love nice people. Chances are, most of the people around you will most definitely like you if you're vibrant and your disposition has candy written all over it. Well, not everyone will feel that way. Maybe 1 or 2 individuals whom you had a rough time during your past life, so never mind about them. Everybody knows we can't please everyone. You don't live to do that, too. You can only do so much and it's for the people who care. On that very note, try to decide on doing a good deed every single day to anyone who matters to you no matter how simple it is. Smile at everyone until those worthy wrinkles appear beside your lips at the end of each day. You'll even feel good about aging.

(4) Do something creative. Become a literary writer maybe? That's just a suggestion. Even I can't do it. But seriously though, waking up one morning, getting dressed and making something unique and worthwhile makes sleeping at night a thousand times more comfortable and waking up the next day an assurance. Not only that, you will become proud of yourself because you never expected that you, a simpleton, can do something more amazing than how amazing this sentence has so many amazing words. Always remember that each one of us has an artistic side. So, enrich yours. You may not realize that yet but if you try and you are determined, nothing will stand your way. Everyone is talented in so many different ways and you are not an exception. If they can do it, so can you.

(5) Be spiritual. For the record, I personally am not that spiritual. Being spiritual, helps a lot. But I guess don't overdo it because it has bad effects on one's practical and rational principles, at least from what I can observe. While I was attending a certain mass one Sunday afternoon, I realized, again, how the sermons of priests (not all priests are like this, sadly, some are hypocrites) make you want to become a better person other than how you already are (not to mention how comfortably good I felt inside that church because the ambiance was great). It's amazing if you think about it. But yes, praying, attending mass, contemplating, doing all those spiritual things truly makes you a better person.

(6) Take a break. I know you need to work your ass off because you're treading that damn path of yours like it's the only thing that matters. That's where you're wrong. You need to get a break sometimes. And make the most out of it. There's no unlimited promos in breaks so you need to savor them. Go away with your lover, take a quick vacation with your friends or family, treat yourself to a nice movie and dinner, or better yet, stay at home and do the thing you loved doing when you were still a kid. I know you thought about it when you read that sentence. Go do it.

And I can go on forever, unfortunately, I can only say too much. :)

August 16, 2011

Baguio

I've been to Baguio a couple times before especially when I was a kid and I could clearly remember the moment when my cousins and I were ecstatically blowing deep breathes to the air as to produce that foggy breath you see in the movies - especially snowy winters. Hilarious.

I took this photo one afternoon while my friends and I were touring the city. The streets were literally crowded. Tourists along with the citizens filled the cool city wandering around like there's no other place anymore. You can really feel the fiesta drawing nearer with the suggesting ambiance the place had. Afer all, it's the annual Panagbenga Festival.

Finally, after years, I've returned to Baguio. Since I'm already mature (?), I have greatly appreciated the place. Unlike before, I wasn't really free to do the things I wanna do in the city because I was with the whole family or I was still young to be alone in an unfamiliar city. Another thing, I also realized that strawberries can't/shouldn't be carried around for too long because they are easily squished. No wonder why they don't reach other places in the country. And they're expensive.

Here is a small list about why I love Baguio:

(1) As we all know it, the Philippines is a tropical country and there are only a few places here wherein the temperature isn't warm, or lukewarm, or hot. Therefore, I love Baguio because it's cool there. The coolness is just right. Enough to keep you cool when there's sunlight or if it's noon and not too cold to make you freeze. Well, I think night time's an exception because if you're not used to cold weather like me, you'll freeze to death if you loiter at Camp John Hay at night.

(2) The place is rich in culture and tradition. Even if it's a highly urbanized city, you can still feel the culture that they uphold. The Ifugao culture is present almost everywhere.

(3) There are so many talented people in Baguio. I discovered that there are a lot of artists in the city. My friends and I went to this park I forgot the name, and there's this wide exhibit of different artworks. They're awesome. The masterpieces reflect Baguio's way of life and natural creativity.

(4) The food is great. I have tried a lot of corn (the real corn, not the processed ones) snacks in malls and all that but those huge corns sold at the sidewalks of Baguio are really delicious. They're the biggest corns I have ever eaten, with butter and salt, I can eat a whole corn field. And of course, uniquely Baguio, they have Strawberry taho. I don't really eat taho but with strawberries and strawberry syrup, it's just something you don't wanna miss.

(5) The scenery is awesome. My photograph above is just one of the so many examples. It's like when you see them, you just want yourself stuck there, wishing that the setting would never change. It's just overwhelming in itself. Not only does the scenery make you feel amazed, it also makes you realize that so many wonderful things in life does not come in a silver platter. It usually comes naturally.

(6) There are many things that you just won't experience if you're not there. A few examples would be fresh strawberries, fresh cauliflowers, constant coolness, extensively cheap garments, pink horses, houses built on a steep mountain with a "wow-ing" view, and I can go on forever.

Perhaps the reason why I love the cold so much is because when it is, I feel cold. And if I feel cold, I want somebody to make me feel warm. For me, feeling warm when it's cold is one of the best feelings in life. Especially when you know somebody else is doing it for you.

August 15, 2011

Blogging Dilemma

I always told myself that I will never be able to make the best post in a blog. I always wanted to blog. I love writing. However, I also have strong commitment issues. I can never stick and be faithful to a blog. I have tried blogging so many times and I would always end up giving up, starting a new one, giving up again and I can go on forever. After all, I have commitment issues in almost all aspects of my life. "More than friends" relationships, decisions in life, blogging, I could go on forever. Contrary to giving up blogs, I actually have a living blog which I still use and has been in function mode over the past few years. However, the frequency of the post has become drastically meager. This is also a predicament I have to solve.

Having said all of the above, I'm not even sure if this blog will last long, which I am expecting it to. But I hope it does because I am planning to pour sincere passion about blogging to it. I want to sweat and sacrifice blood just to make myself be satisfied of it. I know it is hard considering the personality that I am but who knows, this can be a challenge.