Stressing over ironing

I have always said that among the household chores, ironing is my least favorite. I would do away with it as long as I can. If I can ask someone to do it for me, I would be jumping for joy. Anything as long as I don't do it. But... this time I really have to. And what a piece of clothing for me start on.. a barong. The hardest, most fragile and I think most complicated piece of clothing to iron. I mean, my own dad isnt a fan of ironing too or doesn't even iron but he will if its his barong. No one else irons it but him.

Why wear a barong then? I could wear anything but a barong so why am I stressing? See, that's the thing, I have to wear a barong for the fiesta this Saturday..tomorrow. Being an officer, we always wear barong. I don't own such a thing since its typically a man's piece of clothing but of late women have been wearing them too. So, I asked my mom to buy one for me from Manila. I not only got one but I have two. One is ready to wear while the other one, Papa had it made. The one that was made is much more formal and intricate which translates to higher difficulty as far as ironing is concerned. The other one is as intricate but its made like a tunic so its less complicated without all those buttons. I am leaning towards the tunic kind to wear for tomorrow.

My stress started even before I even got them. Mama told me that when I iron it that I should make sure that the sleeves wont have any folds. Okay, I am already stressed out just thinking about ironing a barong now I have this fact to add. How am I going to do that? I am really getting anxious now. How anxious? My gastritis is acting up. The only thing left is for hives to appear but good thing I never get those.

I first planned to iron it last night but I didn't feel that my mental state was ready to take on the task. I wont be able to do it tonight since I will coming home late and probably sleepy so no. I guess I am left with no choice but to iron it first thing tomorrow along with the other clothes that I have to iron *sigh* and on top of my other "to-do" things. Putting it off really isn't doing me any good because its not going to disappear when I do that. It certainly wont iron the barong either. I just have to find that stable mental state and carry on with this task. Even with ironing, I am cramming. I guess I really do better under pressure. Brat na kung brat, I wish Mana Mila was here to do this for me and I wont be stressing this much.

A nice way to start my week

(source: Philippine Daily Inquirer)

MANILA, Philippines - Heritage architecture, the site of a historic landing during World War II, and natural bamboo resources, Leyte seems to have it all. It is no wonder then that the province was picked by the National Commission on Culture and Arts (NCCA) as one of the host cities for this year's National Heritage Month with the theme "The Culture of the Bamboo.

Here is the rest of the article... Leyte's heritage allure

I caved

I always wondered what the fascination with this slippers was. My sister wanted it so badly and when I checked at the mall it costs almost the same as a pair of shoes (not the branded ones of course). How could be something made of rubber costs so much? I saw people get addicted to it, collecting different kinds, different colors and different styles. Still I was bewildered what the fuss was about. People told me it was really comfortable. I scoffed like "yeah right". One sure can buy two slippers for the same price as one of this but still people preferred this. I shake my head in amazement and confusion and thinking "these people are crazy". Its "tsinelas" for goodness sake. One to use to the beach or to do errands or to do chores. I told myself I am not going to spend that much money for a pair of "tsinelas". No way, jose! If someone was going to give me one, I will gladly take it. My parents, oh so generous gave me one and thus started my "infatuation" with Havaianas.

When the Havaianas Filipinas came out, I wanted one. I mean I like anything that has the Philippines flag on it. I thought this is nice, I will be one of the few ones who will have this since I doubt if this will be available in the US. I asked my parents if they could get it for me and they did.

But an aunt found out about it and decided to give my other cousins the same thing for "pasalubong". So when it was only supposed to be only two of us among cousins who have it, it ended up being 10..of the same color. Finding your own pair at the door (we leave slippers outside the house) can be a task. So, I let my sister use it and hoped that another color of the same thing would be released. Imagine my happiness when a black Havaianas Filipinas came out. I immediately told Mama to please get me the black ones instead. I waited and waited until someone was able to bring it to the US. I love it. I thought at first it was just a "tsinelas" nothing extraordinary or mind-blowing about it. Boy, was I wrong! I like that theres the Philippine flag. I like love that it was actually comfortable. I thought I can walk around for hours in these and my feet would be fine. Its in black so it goes with anything I wear. I thought I would be content with my Filipinas pair but I was so wrong because after seeing this..

I wanted my own pair. I looked at the stores at the mall but I couldn't find it. I can only buy it online. Its going to cost me $23 and who knows what else for shipping but I am going to close my eyes and buy it. I already can see what my outfit would be to match this pair. I was set to buy it when my nice brother asked what we wanted so I asked for this. Hoping that that this is still available in the Philippines and he can get it for me. If not, I guess I will just buy it online and Nicco can just buy me this...


and I will gladly accept it. or any color for that matter.

I have found myself browsing through different sites for other designs and styles. Some are really funky and out there. Some, I think I will be able to wear. I say that I just have an "infatuation" with it its because I don't think I will become a serious collector no matter how much of an addictive personality I have. Well, as of now at least I just want these 3. Who knows what will happen along the road. But I really want to buy them for the purpose of wearing them and not just collecting or looking at them especially now that I am including it in the "must pack" list when I travel granted its going to be a warm place.

Its funny how life is, its twists and turns and its ironies. I was critical of it before and here I am wanting to buy my own pairs more than what was given to me. Here I am actually contemplating of buying some rather than waiting for someone to gift me with them. Yup, I am eating my words because I am now into havaianas when I told myself I wouldn't be. Now, I am willing to shell out more than I would normally for a pair of slippers. Hey, my toes and feet are happy and that makes me happy. For that reason alone, I am sold on these slippers.

Exhausted beyond exhaustion

I have close to 250 fliers to print and mail out by end of this week.
I have practices till the wee mornings of Friday and Saturday.
clothes to be folded.
closet to be organized.
room to be cleaned.
a registration process to be written.
a membership roster to be sub-divided
a committee to be briefed.
clothes to be prepared for June 16 (3).
a fiesta to not only to attend but to be involved in.
an urgent and important matter to deal with and be done with by this week.

and these are all personal. My work isn't part of this yet.

*sigh*

Sometimes Papa says the craziest things

I don't know if it was out of desperation that my dad actually referred to this guy as the "love of my life". Papa has always been mum about anything pertaining to my lovelife save for that out of the blue "so, do you have a boyfriend?" question back when I was in college which caused major shock to my sister and me. So for him to drop this recently was I don't know...weird? Especially since we were with my relatives on his side whom I haven't seen in a long time. Papa also added that this guy is decent. Papa's exact words were "tuhay man iton hiya" (He seems decent.) Based on what? Based on meeting him early last year? I am not sure they even talked that long or maybe I am just not being told the story. I was nowhere near there so I really don't know. Funny thing is, my brother and sister beg to differ. Well they have their own version. As if that was not enough, Papa also said "waray ada gihapon uyab" (I dont think he has a girlfriend.) Really?? How did he even know that when I myself don't know if its true or not. Weird!

Papa used to drop subtle hints here and there that he would want my siblings and I, me for starters settled soon. But lately, they have not been subtle. Sometimes, it was almost like a push, a permission, a blessing. He is well aware that he is sort of pushing us but said it doesn't mean he is "giving us away" or something. I guess, he really just want to see us settled or he just wants some grandchildren since among his siblings, he is the only one who doesn't have any. He went to as far as saying that our house back home was already so quiet, that it would be fun to see kids running around. Okay! My siblings and I are not budging though. Not that we are not heeding what they are asking but we wish it was as easy as that.

Going back to the "love of my life" comment that made my jaw drop and rendered me speechless. I really don't know where it was coming from or I don't even remember what we were all talking about but I am still in shock over it and it happened some three months ago. I never got the chance to talk to Papa again after that and truth be told I am a bit uneasy to ask now. The "get married" spiel still hasn't gone away, in fact I think it has escalated but I think I need a guy first before I can even contemplate marriage. That just how life's natural progression goes.

So do I agree with Papa that this guy is the "love of my life"? I don't know! That's the honest truth. I don't know. If I was asked that a few years ago, I would say he could have been. Even until early last year, he still could have been. Now? I really don't know. Its hard to say especially since I haven't heard much from him lately. Its hard to say when you rely on other people to get an update. Its hard to say when you don't know what feelings to name and claim. Its crazy that my dad would even consider him to be that when we are not even together. Its crazy how of all the guys, Papa had to pick him. We may have a little bit of a history but like those things we learn in history class, after some time, you just don't think about it much. You don't totally forget it. Its just at the back of your mind, stashed somewhere there. But, it is not my reality at this point. Its not my "now" and I have learned albeit quite late that its not always the case that your past connects to your "now" and to your future. Papa can be right but he could also be wrong. I have come to live with that, come to realize that, come to accept that. We will just see.

Happy Birthday Papa!

I think I am a lot like Papa more than I would want to admit. Both of us can be stubborn, headstrong, opinionated that we most often than not clash. But our "clashes" have always been with respect and a good sense of maturity. Sure, his way of thinking annoys and irritates me sometimes but I don't think its any different with what he thinks and feels about my own way of thinking. Our likeness may be the reason of some of our conflicts but more than that I think it is also the reason why we both understand and respect each other. I think I have reached the age that Papa takes a step back and allows me to do things as I see fit. Agree with it or not, he gives me that freedom to be able to come to my own decisions, act on my convictions and learn from my mistakes. Sure, he along with Mama would want to protect and shield me as much as they can but they also both realize that there are some instances that they have to loosen the string that connects me to them and let me wander and explore life as it comes to me. This is one thing, among others that I am truly grateful.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PAPA!!!

Can I be any weirder?

I got tagged by Ate Joelle and this is what inspired me to write a post. I have a lot of topics to blog about but couldn't seem to find the time to sit down and write so this will do for now.

"Each player of this game starts with 6 weird things about himself or herself. People who get tagged need to write a blog entry of their own as well as state the rule clearly. In the end, you need to tag 6 people as well and list their names. Don't forget to let them know they've been tagged!"

1. I listen to music that I don't understand the lyrics. I watch movies where I have to read the dialogue and stars whose names I cannot pronounce. It happened by accident and now I am so used to reading subtitles that it doesn't bother me anymore. I even turn on the subtitles now even with English language films. As for music, this is the ultimate proof that music is a "universal language". I don't understand one bit of the lyrics and yet I can feel the emotion of the show and sometimes can relate to it.

2. When I am stressed, I deal with it by writing. When we were writing our college thesis, I stopped in the middle of writing a pivotal section, grabbed some paper and a pen, wrote a poem in under 30 minutes and then went back to my thesis. I also was able to write a whole poem while attending a debut and I wrote it on a tissue.

3. I sleep with the blanket over my head. People are really weirded out by this. I once slept over at a friend's house and she woke up at the middle of the night and couldn't find me. I was under the covers. People wondered if I can breathe under it. I can and I actually find it harder to breathe if I am above the blanket. See, I am really weird. Even if it is the hottest day, I still sleep with a blanket. A pillow I can do without but not without a blanket. When I was little, I slept with 5 blankets all around me, all folded except for one that covered me. Now, I just have two: one, folded that used to be purple but now white, torn and thin and another one to cover me but the number of which depends if its winter (2-3) or summer (1). Yup, I bring the term "security blanket" to new heights.

4. I once ate 6 sunny-side up eggs at one time but I couldn't eat eggs for a long time after that. Add to my weird eating habits, I once ate steamed hotdog with catsup and calamansi. I brought a whole box of a medium size pizza inside the movie theater and ate it by myself. I can eat the same food for days straight, granted its new. I don't like tv dinners or any food that has "add hot water" on them. It has to pass through some kind of "real" heat.

5. I am a highly visual person but I cannot draw even if my life depended on it. Even my "stick man" looks pathetic. When I write short stories, I visualize the story in my head like as if I am reading a book before I actually write it down. I have cried too when visualizing that story. Often times, I already have a mental picture of my outfit for the day. It also helps with long drives. If I am not able to read, I let my mind wander away and I don't get bored.

6. I prefer to watch movies alone sometimes actually most of the time. It started in college when I only had one class and it was still too early to go home. If I was going to wait for my cousins to watch movies, there was a high probability that it wasn't going to happen so I decided to just watch movies by myself. Plus, it allows me to really concentrate on the movie. But I have a general rule that I follow: (1) I only watch at what I consider safe theaters; (2) I watch the first screening of the day; (3) I sit near the aisle; (4) I make sure that I am seated in a far enough distance from other moviegoers. I would bring snacks too. I have also watched 3 movies in 2 different theaters all in one day.

Camille, Kuya Patrick, Chrissie, Mina, Pen & Gail - TAG and you're it!!

Happy Anniversary Papa & Mama!!

Today is their 32nd wedding anniversary.

My brain cells are in a mush so until I can come up with a better post for now I would just like to greet my parents a HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!

I love you Papa and Mama!!

Which one is it?

"Because i think one of the biggest angst you have in your life is about *****...that's why i assume it's about him."

Trust your friends to drop comments like these that leave you dumbfounded.

I asked Chary what she thought of my previous entry. Initially, she thought it was about someone which surprised me and made me laugh. I asked further why she thought that which turned out to be a mistake because this is the answer she gave me. Then she said just as she was convinced she got it right, she thinks otherwise. That I was probably just in one of my "moments". Its been days since she told me but its still in my mind. I still laugh when I remember it. So which one is it? I am still figuring it out. It could be either, it could be both. Ewan!

Stranger - -> Person

You think you know plenty about a person, you think you know enough about a person only to realize later that it seems like you don't. You want to know more but it is either untold or hidden and no time soon revealed. You want to ask but you are in no position to. You want to ask but opportunity you do not have. You want to ask but you are not sure if it will be answered or evaded or you are allowed to have a glimpse of what may seem like an answer but you are not entirely sure.

There are times that you think you know the truth about a person and that truth was enough only to be rattled by the realization that you may be wrong. That fact doesn't escape you. You are left to wonder if whatever you know are really truths or nothing more but half-truths or worse lies masked in what may seem like truth. You wonder but just couldn't find the answers. You don't know if it was to protect you or to protect one's self. Either way, you are left in the dark and its not the most wonderful feeling in the world.

Then there is a stranger whose life you only know by a name and his or her place in a person's life. That you wished you knew more of but not a possibility. Then you stumble on something about this stranger that allowed you to know more than you would want to or need to or entitle to. All of a sudden that stranger is anything but and reading about their life based on how people talk about them fondly felt like both an intrusion and an enlightenment. How they have left an impact in these people's lives makes you wonder if the same could have happened to you. Then it dawned on you that in the course of knowing more about this stranger, you have come to know a bit more if not an aspect of the person but THE person.

There are 30 days in the month of April and yet I can only manage to write one entry. What is up with that??? Well, before the month ends, here is another one.

Life has been busy with work and all. I cannot believe I actually worked one day from 7AM to 5PM straight save for lunch break. That has never happened to me before. Just goes to show how much busy and stressful this month has been for me.

Quick updates:

• My birthday weekend was AWESOME!! Got to celebrate it with the special people in my life and got the greatest and most generous gifts of all. I am still reeling from it until today..a month after. So shocked that I didn't take it out of the box until 6 days after receiving it. I will share pics when I have them all organized.
  

• Papa decided not to run this election which was such a relief to all of us. It is an understatement to say that we are pleased. We are more than that. Papa struggled coming to that decision. He told me his dilemma and I told him that whatever he decides to do, we will be behind him. At the last minute Papa decided that not running this year was the best and wisest decision he has made. He actually felt relieved. If in 2010 he still wants to run, then we will start preparing now. Not a surprise there but who said that is the surprise...Mama said it. The same person who says she is going to fly to the States each time Papa enters the political scene.
  

• I did something today that I haven't done in a long time....do nothing. LOL I don't mean to sound so unproductive and wasteful of such a wonderful day and sunshine but the past few weeks has been crazy for me and today allowed me to slow down and take stock of my life even if it meant vegging in front of the TV or my laptop. I was just so lazy and plus its just too warm to clean my room even if it seriously needs some tidying up. But I wasn't really totally unproductive since I did my laundry. All my clothes are clean, now its the folding part that is still up in the air. I am not a big fan of it but its necessary.

• My aunt and uncle left this week for the Philippines leaving me and another aunt by ourselves. This means we would be eating out for the entire time they are there which is give and take a month. I know how to cook. I cant say the same with my aunt. I can cook but by the time I have everything ready we would both be beyond starving especially since we will be coming from work. The most sensible though not practical thing to do is for us to eat out or go to our relatives house and eat there. Its not the first time so we already know the drill. Kuya Gerry has said for us to eat at their house everyday. Yay!

• AAO consistently amazes me. Their samba got a perfect score, the first for this season. I cant help but blush when I see him dance. I guess I got so used to seeing the stiff, poker-faced short-track speed skater that the smiling, graceful AAO is just something new for me. He is still so darn cute. I think I would need some ammonia if and when I get to meet him some day.
  

To be continued

Congratulations!!

4 years of law school
6 months of review

4 Sundays of exams

6 months of anxiously waiting for the results
12 months of Mama's daily novena and Papa going to church

and here it is...

1857. Villasin, Niccolo J.

A single line has sent euphoria to my entire family. The first lawyer for both sides of our family. We couldn't be more proud! Congratulations Atty. NICCOLO J. VILLASIN!!

I hope my hair stays for the whole day

My hair is usually wavy and since it has been months since I had it chemically straightened, my waves are coming back. I usually just straighten my hair but for today I decided to try something new. I curled it. It was a task since I have been leaving the house with still wet hair for the past few days. I just hope it stays this way for the rest of the day. Like me, my hair has the tendency to be stubborn. But please for today I hope it cooperates.

I don't know how things will pan out today. So far it has been a slow and nice start. My sister Jehann sent me a text message 7 minutes into midnight asking if who was first. She was. She beat my mom by a few minutes. Mama has been the first one for the past few years except this year. Papa doesnt count since he functions on Philippines time so he usually greets me when its the 28th there. But he made up for it by greeting me again today. My brother sent me a text message and he just had to add that "lagas ka na" (you are old) part. Whatever. Age is all but a number. Besides I am just a year past thirty. My sister Camille decided to post a blog entry as her way of greeting me. That was nice. K. Miles called all the way from Manila and good thing I was already awake. Soon, greetings came in through calls, text messages, emails and messages. It really has been nice and I am grateful.

I was supposed to wear a dress today which wouldn't be the case if not for my birthday. But the weather has been mean to me the past two years. There was a heavy downpour last year and this year thought its sunny, its breezy which still translates to cold temperature. I have not been one to compromise comfort with fashion so I decided to wear dressy jeans and a nice red top instead. I would probably still change into the dress later before going to mass and to dinner plans with my sister and cousins. I hope my friends get to come too. Unless my birthday falls on a Good Friday, I always wear red. I don't know if it has some big significance but it has been a tradition of mine.

As what I have said in my previous post, I really don't have much expectations for today nor do I have concrete plans. I prefer it that way. I prefer that life surprises me. I would be more grateful and appreciative of whatever it is when it happens that way. I also decided to celebrate my birthday the whole year so life can surprise me any time. So I guess we would just have to wait and see what life has in store for me.

My horoscope for today:

It's okay to let down your guard and show all your honest emotions today. When other people have a positive impact on your life, you should let them know. Be prepared to communicate how other people make you feel today, because you will be surrounded by big personalities and bigger acts of generosity. You will experience a wonderful mixture of intimidation, excitement and gratitude. Let these feelings inspire you, and you will be unstoppable.

the other one said:

If you've been wanting to rev up your romantic life, now's the time to step on the gas, baby. Race ahead -- you look great in fast motion, and whoever can keep up with you will love the pace you set.

Okay. =)

Concert Photos

This is the photo of the guys from the concert that I mentioned in this post. Its only four of them. I have no idea where the fifth guy was at the time this photo was taken. More photos can be seen here and here.

Officially gone bonkers

I have officially gone bonkers for AAO. He had a good performance again last night which got him a 26/30 score bringing his total for the two performances to 47/60. His and Julianne's combined score puts them at the top 3 of the competition which is good. He was cute once again although I wasn't so sure about the whole gray suit/pink tie thing but it worked for him. Like I mentioned in my previous post, I don't know what he was going to do with the "headband" or bandanna when its time for the ballroom dances. Well, he found a way...not wear it. I am not used to seeing him without it but it works. They were synchronized with their steps and he was light on his toes which was expected for quickstep. They danced to "Two Hearts" which I first heard back in grade school or high school. Hearing it brings me back to those times. Once again he looked like he was having fun and that smile was there again. I really do not mind seeing that smile every week. I used up all my votes just for him both online and phone. Yup, I have gotten really crazy. LOL

My sister, Camille's post about our loss.

Why?

We are not blood relatives but you are the older brother that I didn't have. People were teasing me that I wasn't the "suhag" (eldest) anymore but it was already you. I actually didn't mind. I don't know how or when you came into our lives but I just remember you being there since I was young. When Papa and Mama had to leave us for business, we were always left under your care. You kept us company, picked us up from school, treated us to dinners, shared jokes that never failed to make us laugh. We were not really relatives and yet our whole family was part of your wedding. Your children have been like our niece and nephews. Mama looks after your four children as if they were her own grandchildren. There were times of late that Papa and Mama didn't approve of the choices you made but their affection for you has never wavered. As Papa said you have always been good to his children, us, the four of us. For that alone, we could never abandon you.

But why? Why did you abandon us? Why did you leave us in such a manner? When I first heard about it, I couldn't believe it. I chose not to believe it because I thought you were better than this. But Papa confirmed it and I still could not believe it. I was too numb to really know what to feel about it. Details are still a blur until now. After all it has only been a few days. Part of me wants to know how you ended it but part of me doesn't want to because by then it will really be real for me. I wish I can understand why but unless you left us with something, with anything, I don't think we will ever know. Things have not been good in your life of late that much I know. But I didn't think that it was too much for you to end it this way, even contemplate it. You have four reasons, four good and wonderful reasons to turn your life around but I guess even that was either too much or not enough. I don't know which one.

I really do not know what I feel right at this very moment. Should I be mad that you were so selfish to just think about yourself? Should I be disappointed that you didn't even bother to reach out to someone, anyone when you felt that life was caving in on you? Should I feel regret that it seemed no one was there when you needed someone that most? Could I have been that someone? Should I feel sad that you wont be there to buy me the lechon that you promised to give me when I go home? I am not sad about the lechon, but I am because of the promise you made to me. Should I be happy that at least now you will be rid of whatever it was that was bothering you so much. Whatever it was that was burdening you so much that you couldn't take it anymore. Should I be happy that you may have found the peace? The peace that may have been elusive and unattainable.

I am sad for your children that even though you may not have been the most perfect and present parent but I know that you love your children more than anything in this world. I am sad for your family because you have left this big hole in their hearts. I am sad for your friends who will never hear your jokes and have the blessing of being in your company. I am sad for my family because you are a big loss in our lives. I am sad for my siblings and myself because we don't have a "magurang" (older brother) anymore. I am sad for me because I didn't get to tease you and be teased by you even for the last time. I am sad for this world because despite of what people say it cannot be denied that we have lost such a wonderful and caring person in you.

I haven't cried since Saturday but I am crying now. Rest in peace, Mano Lito! Rest in peace.

Journal pages

I will admit I am sentimental. I keep every little thing that is connected to a happy, fun and memorable moment: letters, cards, concert ticket stubs, movie ticket stubs even pages of my past diary/journal/planner. Name it, I have probably kept it. I need to come up with a way to really organize them so it will all be in one place because right now its sort of all over the place.

Today, I decided to do a mini spring cleaning. Underneath all the old receipts and unsent cards was this little bag and inside seemed like pages from my past planners. I read though them in amazement and surprise. I couldn't believe what I wrote then. I am even embarrassed at some of the things I wrote but it sure did bring back memories. However, I don't know what to feel when I chanced upon these 2 pages.

I cannot believe I used to remind myself of the shows that I want to watch but more than that according to these, I received "the most shocking, surprising, confusing email" on November 28, 1998. What was in the email? I wish I know. I wish I remember. And apparently I discovered on December 1, 1998 that it was written in a drunken stupor. By who? I don't know either. I tried checking my inbox if I kept anything from that date...nope. Then I realized that it could have been probably sent to the email address that I used to have. The problem is I don't know my username or password. Boo! And worse, it could have been the email address that all of a sudden I wasn't able to access. What do I do now? Nothing! Absolutely nothing! I guess I will never ever know. Unless of course for some strange twist of fate I printed it then and stuck it somewhere I will be able to find one day. But for now, I guess I am just left to wonder what was in it and if it could have changed the course of my life.

My Birthday plans so far...

subject to change, postponement and cancellation...

Birthday itself...

• work
• mass
• dinner with sis and cousins..where? no idea

Birthday weekend

• novena of Sto. Nino/meeting of AnTaclobanon
• invite from Chary and Xsty

I am turning 31. I am not ashamed to admit it nor shout it to the world. But shouldn't I have some thing like a "31 things I want to do on my birthday" or "31 things I want for my birthday" or "31 'something' for this year" type of thing to commemorate my birthday? I don't but its still early and I still have a few days to go. I can still come up with a list or something.

I do have a sort of "what I want for my birthday" list since people are asking for what I want. But I doubt it has 31 items on there. The items are not overly expensive or hard to find either. Contrary to what a lot of people think, I am pretty low maintenance. A greeting is even enough. But since , they ask then I have an answer =) and actually this also the list for me.

• Nikon D50 or D80
• I know this is a bit much but I can dream, cant I? I think I will save up for this and its going to be my gift to myself. I always gift myself on my birthday and who knows this could be it for this year.
  
• IPOD
  
• I don't know why I never got one for myself before. I think I belong to the 1% of the population who doesn't own one. I thought I just wanted a shuffle but my cousin said the track info isnt visible, so whats the point. I think a nano would work for me. I may have a big cd collection but I dont think I am going to upload everything.
• Lomography camera
• Skagen watch
• Roswell DVD Season 1-3 or Felicity Season 2-4
  
• Everwood Season 2-4 would have been better but its not available yet (why???)
  
• Chemistry cd - Refo(u)rm (a Japanese duo)
  
• Anything Tokidoki
• Anything Harajuku
  
• See a pattern there? I am going all Japanese LOL
• Make up (I am a make-up artist on the side, usually just my family members and they are not very few.)
• kit - a bigger train case. The one I have does not have enough room for all of my stuff
• brushes
• Benefit
• Some Kind-a Gorgeous
• Big Beautiful Eyes
• Hoolah
  
• Smashbox
• O-Glow
• Stila
• Eyeshadow in Kitten
• Gym bag ( I think I have to go back to the gym first)
• A gift certificate for a facial and massage with my facialist (Geez I sound so L.A. hahaha but I need one. Its been awhile.)
• ANYTHING!! Because I appreciate anything especially if I know that the giver put effort into it and knows that its something "perfect" for me.

and the best of all....

• Remembering. Just remembering is enough for me.

Indeed it was "Rock...Shock...& Awe"

It was my third time watching Bamboo and my second time of ParokyaNiEdgar but it still feels like the first time. The L.A. concert was sold out since the Monday before and good thing I was able to get our tickets with no problems. Tough the concert wasn't until 7PM, the doors open at 6PM but I heard that people started lining up as early as 1:30 that afternoon. AvalonHollywood was where it was held and I liked it there. It was big enough to fit all of their fans and more. I was told that it can hold up to a thousand. The stage was big enough and the lighting as well as sound were really good.

I went to the concert with my sister, cousin and friend. We all planned on meeting up early since it was a weekend and knowing how horrendous L.A. traffic can be especially the 101. But as all plans go, we didn't get to meet early as planned. We got there around 530 and there was already a long line, almost half a block long. Good thing, my friend Isy got there before we did so she was able to secure our spot in the line already. I think it was a good idea that while the people were all lined up, they already checked our IDs to identify those who were already legal to drink rather than wait when they were letting people go in. This way getting in was a breeze and hassle free. It was a bit dark going in that we had to navigate our way around to get to the floor near the stage. There was a table selling some concert merchandise. But no CDs though which was what I was hoping for. There were shirts and some I dont remember. Once inside, there was still a big space on the floor near the stage so we placed ourselves right away on what we thought was the best spot. It still was the best spot until we found out that it put us right below the giant speakers which proved to be a not so wise decision later on. By then, people have been filing in and with fear of losing a prime spot, we stayed, hoping and praying that we would be alright after.

The thing with watching concerts of Filipino artists is the high probability of seeing familiar faces. We may not know each other personally but the same faces have figured in other concerts before. This much I expected but not the sight of the five Caucasian guys right in the middle of an All-Filipino crowd. I was taken aback, I will admit and add to that when I caught a glimpse of what two of them were wearing. One had an "Ano Ka?" printed on his shirt and the other one which I found the most peculiar was the "Girls Scouts of the Philippines" on his shirt complete with the emblem. But I still wondered if they knew what they were in for. Still, it was nice though to see non-Filipinos appreciating our music. I thought that seeing them there was already a surprise, little did I know that I was in for a bigger one. When Bamboo came out, I think he sang if not "Truth", "I-You" I am not definite. (I am a bad fan!). They sang along. Nothing extraordinary there, the song was in English. But when they sang "Masaya" now this was a different story. The guys sang along in Tagalog with nary an accent. In fact I think they have better Filipino accents than some of those born outside of the Philippines. These drew stares from everyone within the immediate vicinity, including me and soon enough I think the news spread. We can't make comments like "ang tatangkad naman ng mga ito" anymore because we will be understood. The clincher though was when "Noypi" was sang. One of them hoisted his other friend on his shoulder and coaxed everyone to sing along to "hoy Pinoy ako, buo aking loob, me agimat ang dugo ko". Top that! =) As soon as Bamboo's set ended and the stage was being set up for PNE, girls swarmed to them to strike up a conversation and once again I was surprised to know that they were actually conversing with them in Tagalog...straight Tagalog, none of those Taglish ones that I myself is guilty of sometimes.

It was PNE's turn soon and as always theirs was a wacky and crazy set. I am not sure if they had a set playlist since the vocalist, Chito, was getting requests from the crowd and was singing pretty much everything that was thrown at them. He made some potshots about other people, other bands which were really funny but I wont repeat so as as not to incriminate Chito and the band. Funny how at one point he was speaking in English when he saw the five guys not knowing that they understood Tagalog pretty well. They even sang along to PNE songs as well even to a point of knowing the lyrics more than we did. Both bands were only supposed to sing a certain number of songs but PNE kept on playing until they were told that it was enough much to the delight of the crowd. But alas, some things do not last forever, and the concert ended after almost 3 hours. Not bad. But it seemed no one didn't want to leave just yet until these burly security guys started ushering us out of the place. Oh well!

If one needs proof of how much fun last Saturday's concert was, I have one..I don't have a voice. I am still hoarse from all the shouting and singing along that happened. Good thing its the only thing left that I have to deal with as of today because after the concert I could barely hear on my left ear. Being underneath those big speakers was the culprit. Until Sunday, I could hear a ringing sound which was starting to worry me but I woke up this morning feeling better. Its just my voice now. My throat isn't sore and all but I am barely audible and if I don't want to lose it more, I would have to lessen talking. But this is one small thing to deal with in exchange of the great time at the concert. Like what the poster said, indeed it was the "Ultimate Pinoy Rock Experience".

(Photos to follow)