I Love My Dad

I know it's not Father's Day and all but I just had to write this before it escapes my mind. Seriously, I don't even remember when Father's Day is, if not for Facebook or Wikipedia.

Anyways, I just got out from my hot bath in this cold weather and these odd thoughts just keep coming in like emails from your boss. I suddenly thought about how cool my dad is. I am trying my best to make this blurb to sound non-mushy in any ridiculous way. Also, this will probably be the first time that I'm going to write something about my old man having this kind of sincere effort. I mean, not that I didn't want to before, I think I just wasn't in a compelling situation to do so.

When I was a young kid, my dad was a strict parent. Most probably because he was kind of protective with his kids. I even remember my mom saying that dad had always loved having children. He didn't really allowed my older brother and I to go out with friends far away from home if we wanted to (or if he did, I would first cry blood before he gave me his permission). This was actually on me because my older brother wasn't as adventurous as I was back then. Mostly, I always played with the neighborhood kids in our area.

When I reached high school, my dad's strict senses backed down a bit and only had to make me go home when I'm being a little too gypsy already. I had my ear pierced when I was 16 and I didn't hear any snide remark from him, not a single word. When I reached college, I had an additional piercing on the same area, and another helix pierce on my right ear. That made them three, but I was never scolded for it.

Last year, without any permission or whatsoever (just joked to my mom), I had my first tattoo. Almost half a year since I got it, I never thought my dad wasn't aware that I had one (even if it's on my arm, visible). When I said something about blood and tattoo, he just asked where my tattoo was, showed him, and just said, "Okay." I even thought he was happy about it. I got a new tattoo more visible a few months ago and he still isn't complaining. Perhaps I need to go way further, don't I? But my dad never scolds me for what I do to myself, physically or in the matters of outlook. He won't care what I will wear, or any of that stuff. He only scolds me towards not-so-good things that I do to something or someone else. What I always expect from a good parent.

My dad does not argue. When there is something that needs discussing, he talks pleasantly. He also doesn't show any negative emotions while doing so. He never nagged. And I mean, never. In my 23 years of existence, never did I experience any annoying nor unnecessary fuss from my dad.

It has already been a very long time since my dad scolded me about something. I probably won't remember that anymore. He is fond of teaching his children about stuff that he tells with such great details, albeit about things that I most probably know already. On the other hand, when he's the one asking, he likewise wants everything detailed and in such a way that it will be easy to comprehend.

Most of the things that I spend on come from my dad. I just pretend that I won't be asking for any money but when he finds out that I will be going somewhere or I have something to do that will need spending, he is the first one who asks how much I will need, even if those activities are just out of my own wanting, luxury, or other unimportant recreations. For that, I am truly thankful.

I don't think I can ever complain about my dad being a father. He is very sweet to his children and he gives us everything we need and want, as long as it is reasonable. He never gets mad at us about simple mistakes. It's always the huge and really important things that he makes a big deal of, and there was never a time that I wasn't scared of him when he was truly mad.

I am very thankful that I am blessed with this kind of father. Never a bigot, has always been open-minded, understanding, loving, reasonable, thoughtful, and I can just go on forever saying wonderful things about him. One special thing about my dad and I will always be thankful for, is that he never forced me on doing something that I didn't want to do or taking a path that I didn't want to tread, especially about life and personal choices. He has his thoughts about what happens to me as his own, but I guess he just ponders upon them and just tries to be rational and understanding.

He's not perfect and he makes mistakes. But who doesn't? He may have done things in the past that I could never understand, but I'm sure he has his logical and valid reasons.

I love my dad.

PS. Great, now I have to do one for my mom as well. Hahaha. This is brief and I know I could have written more, but the point is, I did this because I appreciate my dad so much and for the things that he has done for me and our family. For the other stuff I couldn't mention, well at least I know they will forever be in my heart and mind.

The Walking Dead Infection

I have encountered a lot of posts about AMC's The Walking Dead on Facebook for the past few months. Since I've got so many shows I'm following already, I chose to be impervious. However, for some reason, I got really curious and decided to watch its first episode to see if it really is good.

Blimey, I was really impressed with the show's production. I'm guessing the cost is huge considering the kind of quality production it showcases and the number of episodes per season. Currently airing, the show is already on its third season. I'm almost through the first season and I'm going to start watching the second one soon.

Each episode has its strong impact to the viewer. As for my cousin and I, there was never an episode that did not leave us scarred, out of breath, or sad. The good thing is, although it gives you these adverse feelings, all the more that you want to watch the show. It's like it fires you up from time to time.

Sunrise Flare

It's almost five in the morning and I just got back to my headquarters coming from Zaira's birthday celebration. I thought I could spend all this time writing senseless write-ups while waiting for another awesome sunrise.

Speaking of sunrise, I am always reminded of a sunrise shot that I got but did not plan to take. Then I eventually realized that it's a really good photo.

I consider this shot to be fate-given because I am never a morning person. I almost always wake up late. Except of course on days that I have something special to do. But the point is, in the rare occasion that I am able to rise and shine in an early time and nature gives me this kind of wonderful scenario, is definitely a blessing for a photography enthusiast that I am.

I haven't seen this kind of flare in the longest time. I have seen more shooting stars than this kind of epic light. When I went out to do a stretch, I knew in a split second that I had to run back in to grab my camera and take that shot leaving my morning yawn half-baked.

I have so many sunset shots and only a few of them take my breath away. This sunrise capture is definitely special for me. I actually take pride in my photography from photos that I never expect I will be able to get in a million years. I am very proud of this photograph.

Craving More SNL

I have only recently started watching full episodes of Saturday Night Live (I only watched segments before) because I realized I could really use some good laugh.

Taylor Swift's Red Review

From the moment I got my own copy of Taylor's album entitled "Red", I listened to it right away. I have been waiting for this new record two years now, dammit. Haha. I was so excited for this, and now it's here! I love Taylor to death.

Now for my review!

The Voice Season 3 Bets

I have been a fan of the singing contest The Voice since its first season when ate Kan introduced it to me while I was in Singapore. Apart from American Idol, I think this show has more class, dignity, and great upholding to it. Well, that's my opinion and it is based from what I can observe. Agree with it or shut up.

Anyways, watching Season 3's run, I have come up with this list of favorites and as some of them may be eliminated, I'm gonna update this page. I'll be damned proud if one of them wins. (I will be putting a strikethrough at the names which have already been eliminated as the competition progresses.)



Aquile, 24
This guy reminds me of Craig David and his voice, a little bit of Eric Benét. He sings his songs smoothly and flawlessly. Aside from that, I think his voice is just so handsome. Check out Aquile's blind audition here.

[Aquile lost to Sylvia Yakoub in the knockout rounds. This is unfair, Aquile should have won. Sylvia's performance of Christina's Fighter didn't do it any justice. One does not simply sing Fighter live. I'm mad.]

Avery Wilson, 16
This guy is one of my top favorites, if not my most favorite. He is only 16 but his performance as a vocal artist is simply amazing. He's undeniably a vocal prodigy. It's crazy. He reminds me of Taio Cruz when he sang Telling the World in Rio and yes, Usher, probably because he sang Without You by David Guetta in his blind audition and he sounded a lot like Usher in many parts. Check it out here.

[Okay. Fuck. I blame his song choice and his dance moves why he lost in the knockout rounds. I admit that I was very shocked that he won't be going any further in the competition. But I'm not totally sad because he lost to Cody Belew, which I also like. That was actually also upsetting -- both of them being paired together. That was a "shit, no" moment for me. Nevertheless, Avery is still young and I'm sure he's gonna go far with his awesome talent. I'm definitely keeping an eye on him.]

Benji Kuriakose, 24
This guy is a rockstar. He did an amazing rendition of Knockin' on Heaven's Door in his blind audition. Plus, his scream at the end of the song did not, even the slightest bit, annoy me. His screams are way up there. Check it out here.

[I was surprised he lost the battle rounds because he showcased an awesome performance. I mean, that crazy scream towards the end was just breathtaking. Even the three judges agreed with me. Unfortunately, Christina didn't steal him. But that's luck.]


Charlie Rey, 21
During his blind audition singing Home by Michael Bublé, the nerves were obvious. But his voice was really good to the ears. I loved his voice. With more experience, I'm sure he will be a really good singer. He's a good-looking guy too, as Blake would say. Haha. Check him out here.

[Charlie Rey got eliminated in the battle rounds.]

Cody Belew, 27
I didn't really feel his blind audition that much but as the show went on, I eventually liked him. Plus, his one-of-a-kind reaction during his blind audition was really funny. I also have a strong feeling he's gay. Check him out here.

[He reached the top 8 and I'm proud of him. He got eliminated along with pretty boy Dez Duron.]


Collin McLoughlin, 24
I think this guy's voice is ridiculously sharp, clear, and with perfect pitch. It has no issues with it, really. His somewhat country rendition of Wild World in his blind audition was awesome. Check it out here.

[Collin lost in the knockout rounds to Michaela Paige. I always liked his crystal clear voice but he got paired up with a very young punk rocker girl in the knockout rounds and I think she made more impression in her performance than Collin.]

Dez Duron, 22
Now, this guy, he auditioned last season but didn't get in (most probably because of the song choice). That time, I already liked him so I kept an eye on him. I have been a fan for over a year now. When I found out he auditioned again and finally got in, I got really excited and happy for him. His blind audition was one of my favorite Blake moments. Check it out here.

[Although I believed in Dez, I think he was able to reach top 8 mainly because of his star quality. But he's a singer, just not the best out there. I'm sure a lot of fans will be keeping an eye on him.]

Diego Val, 25
This Peruvian awesomeness has a great cool voice. I have no idea why only one judge turned around for him (barely) because I thought his performance in the blind auditions was really good, not to mention blending in a twist of Latino to it. Hot. Check it out here.

[Diego got eliminated in the first week of the live shows. He was not saved by America nor his coach Cee Lo. Diego kissed Cody when Cody was saved by Cee Lo. Bromance at its finest.]

Joe Kirkland, 24
This band boy reminded me of Simple Plan, Sum 41, and almost all other bands I listened to when I was just a young teenager. He also made me feel listening to The All-American Rejects at some point. I love his rocker aura when he sang Gives You Hell in his blind audition. Check it out here.

[I was really mad to see Joe got eliminated in the knockout round! I mean, his rock version of Taylor Swift's Mean was awesome -- major concert level! But oh well, all coaches turned around for Bryan Keith in the blind auditions so I'm not gonna argue. I guess I liked Joe more because he's youthful and charismatic. Not fat, *coughs* Haha, kidding.]

Julio Cesar Castillo, 21
Initially, I liked the strength of his voice. But what made me like him is because I enjoyed his La Bamba in his blind audition. He also did a bit of Mariachi with El Rey. Check it out here.

[Julio was not saved by America nor his coach Blake in the first live show week.]

Kayla Nevarez, 17
This girl reminds me so much of JoJo and Jasmine Trias. I loved JoJo back then, and I still do. Her voice is just as awesome as a simpler version of Stacie Orrico yet a strong one. Check her blind audition here.

[When she got paired with Joselyn Rivera in the knockout round, I was kinda confident she'd win. But watching their performances, Joselyn's Love on Top by Beyoncé was just amazing. She reached those difficult high notes through and through, while Kayla kinda being safe with Shark in the Water. So, even if it was a little bit upsetting seeing Kayla go, I felt Joselyn really deserved it.]

Melanie Martinez, 17
This gal is one of my top favorites. I was really impressed with her very unique rendition of Britney Spear's Toxic. She has a strong and sweet, kinda dramatic voice. I like it a lot. Plus, how awesome is playing two instruments at a time? While she played the guitar, she was softly kicking her tambourine down at her feet. Check it out here.

Michelle Brooks-Thompson, 28
I was very impressed by her flawless, strong, and astounding performance of Proud Mary in her blind audition. She reminds me of the other big black African-American mommas who love to belt out strong diva songs out there. Check it out here.

[I was shocked she lost over Amanda Brown in the knockout rounds. She kicked butt with Jennifer Hudson's Spotlight. That solid high note towards the end was unbelievable. She even made Christina shake her head in awe.]

Terry McDermott, 35 [2nd Place]
I adore this guy's voice, let alone his vocal range. It's incredible. It's like if he were already famous, I really think he could be one of the greatest musicians in the world by now. If he goes far, I'm pretty sure he's gonna be a legend in the future. That's how good he is to me. He reminds me so much of classic rock musicians and bands like The Beatles, Journey, Queen, etc. This guy is just awesome. I'll be damned if this guy doesn't win the whole competition. Check out his rendition of Maybe I'm Amazed here.

Trevin Hunte, 18 [4th Place]
At a very young age with his strong vocal ability, he may just go far. His performance of Listen in his blind audition was stellar. Check it out here.

Cassadee Pope won the third season of The Voice. Terry McDermott, my most favorite, came in second. Honestly, I also like Cassadee. She's really good but I think Terry was way better. He should have won. Unfortunately, Cassadee's genre was more mainstream and more people are into it, unlike Terry's classic rock. But oh well, I'm pretty sure Terry's gonna make it big because he is just and amazing singer.

Being Alive and Living

Most of us probably already know the difference between being alive and living. But since we are so busy focusing on things that are obviously the reason we constantly forget the deeper meaning of these concepts, being reminded from time to time helps a lot.

We might have different interpretations especially about small details on how we view the concepts of just being alive and actually living. But I strongly think that no matter how varied our opinions and ideas are, they can be stitched together and blend well because they have so many similarities and connections among them, which will actually lead to one huge point.

Last night, I watched the fourteenth episode of American Dad's third season, and this particular episode kinda made me realize the distinction between being alive and living.

The family got a new dog and apparently they enjoyed it's company and simply just how adorable the dog was. Unfortunately, while they were playing with the dog one day, it got into an accident bringing it into a life-or-death situation. The dog's body basically took a somewhat 90% brutal damage and what was making it alive was just this particular pumping machine of some sort. Out of desperation, the dad brought it into a weird psycho quack doctor or whatever and asked her to do anything she could to bring the dog to an "almost normal" state again.

After the surreal and very strange operation, the dog was back to its feet. However, it looked absolutely terrifying. Random materials like a baseball glove, a weird plastic frog leg, and whatnot were attached to its body like it was absolutely unplanned. Looking at it made me really queasy, even if it was cartoons. It was like an undead -- an animal zombie.

At that point, it made me think that what good is the dog's life if it can no longer normally walk, run, bark,  snarl, roll over, or just about any other things that dogs do.

Similarly for us humans, what good is our lives if we don't do the things that we are supposed to do? What good is it if we don't do what we want and love to do? Yes, we can say that we are alive, we breathe, and our bodies move. But it takes a whole lot to live.

And so I say, we must live the life we want to. Live our dreams. Live happy and healthy ones. Live for ourselves and for the people that we love.

I know this is cliché but I'm gonna say it anyway. Life is too short to be waiting for something to happen. Make it happen right now because we won't realize that life is short unless we no longer have much time. We all know this but admit it, we always forget. That's why this is a reminder.

Live the life you love, love the life you live. xx

Why Barack Obama Won

I know I am not in the position to say these things but since this is my own personal space and I won't give a fu_k if anybody ever tries to be negative about this, I'm just gonna go ahead anyways. For the record, while I was saying that, I made a kind face and I was smiling the whole time.

In connection with the above statement, this isn't a formal write-up about the USA elections at all. This is just in fact, a brief "whatevs" and I'm only gonna base this one thing that I have to say with the things I have seen and heard about those two great gentlemen of America. Since I am a useless Political Science graduate myself, I also felt I was obliged to do so. But no really, somebody in my dream last night forced me to.

I didn't know how it felt living in America over the past four years while Obama was in the White House, browsing through 9gag. But seeing that America gave him another four-year term, I suppose it wasn't that bad.

Mitt Romney had a lot of good and great political positions as I have read different articles from CNN, Bloomberg, The Washington Post, etc. But so did Obama. Personally, I would have really voted for the African-American guy, no doubt. Both positions were really good, but the question was, "Who had the better...?"

To cut this really really short:

People hate Romney.

Cibo Series: Baked Scallops

I already forgot when I first got to taste baked scallops but I'm pretty sure I was still tiny. Imagine my overwhelming reaction by the magic this dish brought.

I don't always have the chance to eat scallops that's why whenever I am somewhere which I am certain baked scallops can be accessible, I search. The only problem is, I forget. I get really giddy because of joy and excitement whenever there are scallops around. I love scallops. Like, I love them so much. Thank God for baked scallops.

BIG BANG: The Best Concert Night of My Life (So Far...)

Okay, I don't want to sound overly enthralled by this whole thing but it was just amazing. Experiencing a major concert of the idols of your fandom life is one of the best moments you can experience. That's just how it felt - GRAND.

A month before the concert, I found out over the internet that my idols of almost 6 years, BIG BANG, will be having a concert tour in my country, the Philippines. I was filled with joy inside. I wasn't a hundred percent sure that will definitely be able to go, though. But after a week of mild discernment, I immediately bought a VIP ticket, the most expensive ticket I have ever purchased yet.

I became more and more nervous, anxious and at the same time excited as the date approached. I wanted everything to be perfect because it was a rare and golden opportunity. Then the fateful day came.

I went to SM Mall of Asia Arena and fans from all over the country were there, mostly fangirls rummaging and screaming, most of the time for no reason at all. There was even a fan who came all the way from India. Talk about obsession.

As everyone fell in line, it felt unnecessarily hot and of course, really stuffy. One of the main reasons why I bought a VIP ticket was to avoid these kinds of situations because frankly, I become very uncomfortable with it. Surprise, I felt mobbed. So yeah, that wasn't really something I was happy about. For consolation, at the main entrance, everyone finally got sorted out.

Just being near the stage, and seeing the huge concert building from the center was just breathtaking. Before the concert started, some of the members teased the audience with their subtle appearances from behind the stage. Of course, screams and shouts were trending. I almost felt my eardrums burst the entire time. Then it started.

The show lasted for almost 3 hours including the unnecessary talks and encores. I was starstruck mainly by T.O.P even if I am team Teayang. He had an enigmatic yet captivating aura seeing him in person. Daesung was jolly as usual, Seungri being childish, Taeyang (who eventually ripped his shirt off) being awesome and hot, and well, the snobbish GD.

All I can say is it was an amazing show and the overpriced ticket was worth it. This was the first time I bought a VIP ticket for an international concert. That's how much I love these guys. I'm not a religious follower of K-Pop anymore but they were one of the first artists I loved when I was just starting being a K-Popper.

Someday, these guys won't just be like, meters aways from me performing, but chatting with me over coffee or something (even if I don't drink coffee) or perhaps pigging out over Bulgogi and Kimchi? Haha.

I will forever be a VIP.

Confessions of a Non-Alcoholic

In a very alcoholic generation like ours, almost everyone drinks booze. In fact, more than half of my friends and acquaintances are moderate to frequent drinkers. However, as a young adult, I still don't fully understand the goodness in getting tipsy, being hammered, nor going wasted.

I understand that it has been a tradition for us Filipinos to drink in so many different situations and occasions. It's just not gonna be the same without alcohol. It's almost like a way of life for so many. But there are just times that I wonder why so many people drink like it's a baby gone a bender with his milk. It's crazy.

To be honest, I already got drunk more than twice before. On my defense, those were situations where one would rather choose to be drunk even if they don't want to than to be sober and be an alien. Be that as it may, in any bottle or glass of liquor that successfully made my head spin, not once was I happy about it. I was never glad I got drunk. Aside from the absolute fact that it makes me feel terrible, I get unnecessarily paranoid from its effect to the human body, particularly the liver. Though once in a while alcohol intake is good, I convince myself that I don't need it.

Recently, I finally found out why firewater and I aren't the best of friends. I'm allergic to alcohol. I got a chance to talk to a professional and told him how dramatic my body becomes and how these weird things just come crashing in every time I try to drink. I then underwent through so many intense medical examinations and that was his diagnosis.

Up until not long ago, I always told people who wanted to make me drink that I can't because I'm allergic. At the time, it was supposed to be just a false alibi for not wanting to drink. It came true anyway. Law of attraction, maybe? At least, I have a truthful excuse now.

Most of my friends know I don't/can't drink yet still invite me to sessions. Well those sessions also involve conversations and insanity which I am good at. When everybody's already groggy and disoriented, I automatically become a one-man support team, designated driver, or sober partner.

I likewise admit that I'm the so called "Kung-Fu" which is slang and the shortened form of the Tagalog phrase "kung pumulutan" (when eating finger foods). That's mainly my role, and nobody will dare complain because I still give contribution even if I don't drink. Bleh.

Some say, all the more that I need to drink the bottle and fight the allergy so that I may get rid of it, and that it's just a matter of getting used to. I say, I don't need to ditch this antipathy because I don't need to drink alcohol in the first place. I also made a promise that I will never let myself get drunk for as long as there's still sanity in my gut. I guess my being a hungry pig in the group is enough conviviality. Thank you.

PS. I love drunkards. It's not you, it's me. I still drink wine. xx

Mixed Emotions

I am upset with a few things, sad with other things, frustrated about one thing, and I feel really empty for some reason I still have to figure out.

I don't know. I know that it's almost unreasonable for me to spill all this here but I just feel the need to spit it out. I won't be blabbering about so many things, though. I want and need to say how I feel right now, and hopefully it'll make me feel better even just for the slightest possible circumstance.

However, I also am aware that all these emotions are being balanced by the intense excitement I'm also feeling right now (probably the reason why I'm still happy). I just hope it goes as planned, without too much downfall.

I'm a happy person. That will never change, I guess. There are just times that my happiness gets clouded by negative emotions, thus my responsibility to wipe it clean from time to time. The cloth I use are my sources of happiness like noodles and movies.

This post is so vague. But, whatever.

Justin Bieber: 18 and Pregnant

This is good news to all Beliebers out there. JB is finally having a baby, and at the perfect age of 18, too. What's more thoughtful of him is that he announced it while doing a concert in Arizona. Check out this awesome announcement.

But seriously, he is taking things too fast-paced. And, I wonder who the father is. Anyone knows?

11:11

I think it was about a couple of months back when this phenomenon got quite dinning to my ears and I wasn't sure if prior that time, I was already aware I was experiencing it or if I really was experiencing it. But as far as I can remember, I wasn't. :DD

According to what I have heard, if you check the time and coincidentally happen it's 11:11 (I guess it doesn't matter if it's AM or PM), you are entitled to make a wish. But of course this is all a belief, with respect to chance and coincidence. There is no absolute truth about it.

According to Kindred Spirits, numerologists believe that events linked to the time 11:11 appear more often than can be explained by chance or coincidence. That probably explains the alarming unexplained multiple times I have been coincidentally seeing 11:11 on my watch, my phone, and other devices (I have more than 10 printscreens of 11:11 in just a month [Is Lady Luck my guardian angel?]) -- that it can't be easily explained. See the confusing paradox that seemingly lurks?

However, from all the time I have seen 11:11 on the clock, I haven't really made a wish from them. According to George Barnard (2004), some authors claim that seeing 11:11 on a clock is an auspicious sign. Well, if that's fortunately true, I would like to gather all the power of my 11:11 encounters into one wish and make it happen, please.

Unfortunately, I am a person who doesn't really believe in making wishes nor the idea some things do happen just because they were wished, primarily because of the fact that I have more faith in Science than things I have no clue about. But then again, I guess it's inevitable sometimes, even for myself, to have those wishful thinking, hoping that something you want to happen, to actually do.

The Little Rascals

Earlier this afternoon, I got a copy of my ultimate favorite movie when I was a kid, The Little Rascals. This kid-mischief-oriented film was released way back in 1994 about a group of young boys who are "woman-haters" trying to prevent one of their members from getting together with a girl whom he is so much in love with; and well, to win the race towards the end (just read the summary in the link in the title, will ya).

I watched the whole film again and no words can explain how happy I was while watching it. All the good kid feeling I felt more or less 15 years ago came back and the nostalgia was just intense. I was literally smiling and laughing the entire time, likewise having realized I really didn't understand so many details about the movie because I was just 5 or 6 years old at the time. I just watched it and had fun.

When my dad saw me watching the movie earlier, he got amused and asked all sorts of questions like if I still remembered the sequences and having to watch it over and over and over and over again until the VHS tape itself got exhausted. He told me every time we went to the VHS store, I'd always choose this movie and never get tired of it.