NEW BLOG ALERT!

To my readers, er, that would only be medz... medz, thanks for your appreciation! she who was initially only a fellow UP student became a friend, a sweeeeeeeeeeeeet one at that. well medz, good news or bad news, i just opened a new blog.

http://noblah.blogspot.com

come on, admit it, kapoy ayo basa ug long posts so in my new blog, i'm trying to blog everything in a paragraph or two. (i promise, I won't just try, i'll DO IT.) i haven't posted pics yet (hopefully soon, from february's prom to the present.) and... well, there, good bye to this blog.

dozing off... Z2sZzzzZzzz22SZ....

Chatarachi

i just found out that one of our housequeens (the term i borrowed referring to our group of dogs allowed to enter our house), Chachi, has cataract which will cause her blindness soon. i felt so crashed for her. i'm not really close to Chachi. for one, we only got her from tita Anna in April so i wasn't really able to spend time with her since i have to get back to cebu for school. next reason, my favorite housequeen has always been Chinchin, my best unconditional friend. anyway, i felt so down after hearing the news that for the very first time (since april), i curled her in a hug in my arms. she's only less than one human year old. of course, there's always the option to operate her.

BUT, it's such a rare case among dogs and the only doctor (not a vetenirarian, at that) who could do it is all the way in tacloban. and the operation would also be very expensive and more complicated since she won't only need the operation, she'll also be needing dog lens (if there's such). when i heard about all the complexities, i felt so helpless. she's still so young and she hasn't enjoyed life to the fullest yet. plus, how could she understand the sudden darkness that will soon embrace her? what will her life be like? we can't just leave her going around, bumping her head in walls and God forbid, falling in deep holes! She's gonna go crazy. You know what i think, she's gonna go crazy. papa suggested to give her a mercy killing. the two-word tandem creeps me out but to save chachi from complete misery, i don't think it would sound as creepy anymore. i feel really sad. poor doggy. poor chachi.

i was so pissed off that i yelled at chinchin, "You're gonna die young because you're too picky with your food," when she ignored the milk and dog food i gave her. maybe i shouldn't spoil my dogs in cebu anymore to make them feel how lucky they are that the only problem they're facing is when they'll be fed again while chachi has only a few moments left before darkness steals the beauty around her completely.

...

Before Sunset has got to be one of the most touching romantic films i've ever seen, if not, the only truly touching romantic flick i've ever seen. the movie ran for only around an hour and 95% of that time's completely in conversation. but it's no ordinary conversation. first, the setting was in Paris. next, the conversation wasn't dull. i loved the script. third, the actors were magnificent. nobody could have done a better job than julia delpy and ethan hawke. credit for the effectiveness of the movie has to be theirs and the way they carried on with their conversation. there was no kissing or any public display of affection to show how much they fell for each other. their expressions gave it all away. it was so touching i almost cried at the end. ok, i wouldn't want to give out more. if only the industry could produce more touching romantic films as this, i would appreciate the whole concept of romantic flicks more.

I cried because i could feel the love they had for each other and how they wanted to let it out but needed to just supress it. it sounds crap (especially for an anti-too-much-love-stories film buff like me) but that's how nice the movie is, it has converted me for a while. naks. and i'd have to say that for a while, i dreamed for nothing else but a romance like that.

...

Shall we dance? is also a good and unique love story. before you start cringing at the thought of jennifer lopez being richard gere's mistress (with no less than susan surrandon as gere's wife), you better watch the movie first. it's fun, it's cute, it's cool (ooh, ballroom didn't look to bad) and it's kinda... touching. (hehe, that has become a favorite term)

...

i finally posted the pictures! i would like to give more details about UP's Intrams 2004 (that would be too late now, wouldn't it be?), my sem break (well, just think that 70% of it was spent eating), my Trick or Treat (oooh fun, fun, fun!), and the All Saints' and Souls' Days but...

ahm, there's always the BUT and nothing to support it. so just deal away with the pics, ok (hopefully, only for now)? 'Til then!

...

Funny, i'm still thinking of the same guy...

Isn't Bienni pretty? She originally didn't have a costume so we just did away with some old cloths from tita Didang and made a gypsy girl out of her. Look at that cutie -- sickness, luas and all!

One of my many attempts to seriously take up swimming, practice, practice, practice, and make it to the Beijing Olympics 2004. Whooooohooooo! If not, there's always my last UP Intramurals 2005! God willing!
 

The Christmas tree for me illuminates the darkening sky trapping our country -- and the world -- in an unwanted embrace. Forty-eight days to go? (this pic really reminds me of the Home Alone theme song... tenen-tenen-tenen... of course, you didn't get that)
 

It is indeed my most awaited time of the year! I know how companies take advantage of the profitable event but that's just beside the point that Christmas takes people away from reality. It gives a reason for people to smile. It's not just about the gifts, the food, the gathering... besides, without the real reason for the celebration -- that is the birth of Christ -- there wouldn't be any gift, food or gathering at all! That's why I love this event so much. I love it that I'm planning to trim down and save tummy space for the Christmas feast (make that feasts); I'm planning on how to Christmas spice up my desk in Cebu; I'm planning to make Christmas earings; I'm planning to complete the Novena leading to Christmas day; I'm planning to be really happy while waiting for it. Some of my friends complain how Filipinos start celebrating this joyous occasion way too early, well, I don't think there's anything wrong with it at all. See how our Christmas tree brings out the joy in me!
 

Where else can you find a dog with so much emotion in her face? In this picture, I can really see myself in her. Meet my most unconditional friend.
 

And the cutest of them all! My Chinchin! Take note of the near-sagging tongue. This was taken during one of her "sun-bathing" sessions by the driveway early in the morning. I love her so!
 

Me and my buddy cousins Kuyang and Allyssa. Scary Halloo0o0oo0ooween!
 

The makeshift cave (c/o tita Didang and Enrique) up close with Lyssa as the Candy giver (in Scream killer mask). That's Tito Bingcol, Mamita, Tita Marilou, and Mother with Bien at the swing. Swing it! Halloween and All Saints' Day are two of the most awaited family gatherings each year. We always gather in Paradise Village for Trick or Treat and at the Cebu Memorial Park to have dinner and hang out with our beloved departed, Lolo Inting and tita Menching.
 

The people really loved tita Didang's decoration that many had their pics taken with it. Whoohooo!
 

The gang's all here! That's Me, gypsy girl Bienni, nun Becca, witch Kate, Ting (in white jersey), Peter Pan Lyle, Joefrance (in orange pointed hat), fairy Rica, Carlyn (in jumpsuit), Samurai Enrique and ninja Alejandro.
 

"Trick or treat, Smell my Feet, Give me something good to eat! If you don't, I don’t care, I will get your underwear!" Haha! This was supposedly Enrique's song for this year's Halloween Trick or Treat. I guess he was too excited though "Trick or Treat" even sounded too long. Anyway, that's tita Didang's Halloween backdrop with the makeshift cave at the back (you can't miss that!) and mamita's spiderwebs and other thingamajigs all the way from Canada. The kids here are getting ready for the walk around the park. For candies, why not? 

All smiles after the festivities and the food! Yummymia!
 

The whole Spanish class with our teacher, Madame Bartolo (2nd from right). Gracias Mil, Usted! Por que de tu, yo me habla Espanol! (Did I get that right? I meant to say, "Because of you, I now speak little Spanish!”)
 

How could I forget? One of our final Spanish moments was our Spanish festival! Of course, I signed up for the food committee! Even with the time constraint, tight budget and the big challenge of whipping up good recipes (to make our classmates' P60 worth it), I had no regrets. In fact, I'd do that again. Well, not counting Neil's failed Eggplant recipe. (The committee decided to simply microwave it in my place but Neil insisted in bringing it over to his tita's to use the oven instead. The next thing we knew, he called us in tears and telling us to scrap the eggplant recipe. Wha? It turned out that everything slipped from his hands on the way to school. I would have really strangled him if my classmates weren't happy with the other foods and of course, for the wine he bought to make it all up. Tihi. The food committee members (except for Neil) Kara, Celeste, Bam, Lai and Me -- all smiles before our recipes! Wheee!
 

We really ignored the scorching heat of the sun and the threats of "kapagawan" just to cheer our athletes through. Whooohoooo!
 

Whoohoo! The Humanities Soccer Team with their coach (in blue)! The 2004 UP Intrams Champs! Humanities United!
 

There goes our coolest skater girl, the Humanities Ms. Intrams bet,Patricia (3rd from left) and her escort, Ash, plus the busiest girl during the Instrams days, Narsh (1st from left) and Lyza, the "costume designer" (4th from left). (hehe)
 

Whoohoo! Go Arts.Comm! We were quite pissed because the sound system totally failed our squad on their first showdown so they had to perform again. That just ruined everything. But even in 4th place, our heads were held up high!
 

Chatarachi

i just found out that one of our housequeens (the term i borrowed referring to our group of dogs allowed to enter our house), Chachi, has cataract which will cause her blindness soon. i felt so crashed for her. i'm not really close to Chachi. for one, we only got her from tita Anna in April so i wasn't really able to spend time with her since i have to get back to cebu for school. next reason, my favorite housequeen has always been Chinchin, my best unconditional friend. anyway, i felt so down after hearing the news that for the very first time (since april), i curled her in a hug in my arms. she's only less than one human year old. of course, there's always the option to operate her.

BUT, it's such a rare case among dogs and" color="#000080">Home Loans:

And the real trophy goes to the firm Humanities fan base for being such pros! We loved our job so much -- even the jumping, shouting, voice-losing, teasing -- that the number of fans even outnumbered the total number of Humanities athletes!
 

Go Art.Comm! (I told you the "S" was missing! Thanks to Dale!)
 

The dragonfly at the back of my neck
 

Intramurals 2004! Isn't the Humanities shirt the coolest? We decided to defy the usual blue, green, yellow, red-colored intrams shirt and donned this loud pink tee. Go Fine Arts! Go Mass Comm! Humanities United!
 

Overnight FANatics

To see is to believe, indeed. Before last night, I never thought the local R&B sensation Jay-R has what it takes to earn the country's "Prince of R&B" title. Seeing his MTVs and his stints in SOP and other shows just didn't justify anything. Thanks to the concert last night at the Ormoc Superdome, I have officially become a Jay-R fan, and this goes with a very good reason -- he's not just looks, he's a SUPER performer. Finally, we can boast of an R&B artist with killer smile, killer eyes, killer moves, killer performing skills and of course, a killer voice. He might idolize Usher but he doesn't look OA when he does follow him. He's his own Usher and carries it superbly well! And not to degrade the skills of the veteran Pops and Jimmy, but Jay-R really saved the night. Pops didn't do much convincing that she still owns the "Concert Queen" tag while Jimmy wasn't at his usual stand-up comedian self. His voice became really irritating. Or was it just that I was comparing it to the solid, cool voice of Jay-R? I wouldn't be lieing if I'd say that everyone became instant fans of his. He really rocked the night away. Even Joy's hubby Jun jokingly said that he has also become one of the "screaming girls". Me, too! Earlier on, I just gave applause after every song but later, I couldn't help but scream along the loudening shriek of the whole superdome every time Jay-R pops out. The industry needs real talent? There goes a real talent.

... Literally speaking, the superdome was brimming with people. The last time I saw the dome filled for a concert, it was Gary V's! And there's no need to explain why he could draw such crowd. He's Gary V, after all. Probably majority of the crowd was excited to see Pops, but it was definitely Jay-R that earned the loudest applause.

... Jimmy's pianist is a cutie! He played alongside Jimmy and several songs for Jay-R and Pops and it was amazing how he played with the keys. Oooh! The reason why I appreciated the show most -- after letting me realize what an amazing performer Jay-R is, of course -- was that the three artists made collaborations that could make you say that they really prepared for the concert. Jay-R and Jimmy did a KC&Jojo original. It was Jay-R's first song and I was already mesmerized -- rather, everyone was mesmerized. He saved Jimmy's schreeching voice! (Sorry, Jimmy! But really, this guy's also great!) The piano (and the pianist, of course ;) was terrific! Jay-R also brought along 2 dancers and a rapper/friend Jimmy M. (something). The two sang "Knock me off my feet" a Capella. Aaaaaamazing. Later on, Pops did "Someday, we'll know" (that love can move the mountains -- what's that song again?) with Jimmy B. and Jay-R and "Bakit Ngayon Ka lang" with Jimmy. (It should have been Jay-R... ugh!)

... Jay-R's really a sweetie. After his 2nd upbeat song, he was already sweating buckets so while he was standing near the edge of the stage, a grade schooler girl just approached and lent him her handkerchief. I think he was really touched by that gesture because he showed so much appreciation to that young girl, "Cathy". He "serenade" her; he went near her; he looked at her direction several times; he gave her a poster with a message; he waved at her (when he came back after his stint to sing with Pops) and later on said, "Thanks everybody! Thanks Cathy!" WHAT? Well, I bet everybody wished they were Cathy! There was also a part when he walked to the middle of the superdome court, this despite that so many people were already surrounding him. And he was still able to croon in an amazingly drop-dead way. Hai...

... Along with the whole crowd last night, I have become a jolog. But at least we have become jologs over an amazing talent and a super guy. Later that night, Maica, Monic and Sheryl were able to meet him through Edwin at Sabin's and commonly testified what a sincere gentleman he was. Maica said that he'd really stare through your eyes while he shakes your hand. Ooooh, I missed that. What more? My camera's busted. What more? Tina asked why we didn't drop by their place where the whole entourage lunched in. I know we missed a lot and we heartbreakingly realized this after seeing Jay-R performed. Ohhhh.

... Jay-R! Jay-R! Exactly how many times have I mentioned his name in this post? Jay-R! Jay-R! I think we'll be seeing more SOP this time.

in my own "one-sentence" guise

I think I'm talking too much. Seeing my friends' blogs, I realized that... I really talk too much! While their posts are humble at 1-2 pages each, mine boasts of 10 pages... each! Am I really talkative? Or do I describe events in too flowery a manner? Or is it just that I have SO many things to talk about?

So to rebound from that, I'll try to squeeze everything I want to say about the things that have occurred in just a sentence. At least I'll try.

... Before I left for Ormoc for the break, I promised to lessen my eating. I'd rather call this discipline than dieting because "to eat" for me during the last 3 weeks of school meant (nearly) 3 full meals, 2 full snacks and chocolates in between. I literally gorged myself with everything I wanted to eat that my friends, everytime we see each other, were no longer surprised to see me "carrying" anything edible. Shame! But stress has that kind of effect on me. I wanted a hole out but there's no way I could succumbed to that cowardice. Therefore, I resorted to eating. And it pretty much helped me reimburse the "energy lost" during my sleeping time that has dozed off from (normally) 8 hours to 5 hours, 3 hours, 1 and 30 hours to none at all. The funny thing is, eating wasn't necessary because despite the no sleep nights, I was still up and alive. Fatigue was rarely in my dictionary and the "sleepless nights" were merely a genuine excuse to eat. (If you get what I mean.)

ANYWAY, now here in Ormoc, my sisters and I have kept up with our jogging everyday promise. YET, we're still eating. BUMMER.

... Let me just go through the last things we did for all our subjects:

Dev Comm was our earliest deadline. But it was great because the burden it has caused would have killed me. Nevertheless, it felt great that even though we didn't get the 100 points needed to get a flat 1 for that particular project, we actually produced something for our agency (which hopefully won't let them forget us. tsk.) In the end, we came up with 3 posters and 1 comics. I realized how I sometimes relent to mediocrity because while I was okay with big fat 80 points, my partner Hera was kind of disappointed about it. I would have sealed another 20 points if I did the article but on the night I was supposed to make it, Iana and her friends invited me along to the aftermath of the feast of the small town Argao. (yeah, an aftermath that still included 10 cooking versions of pig. Yum, yum, yum!) On a school night just a week before the finals, we rode the public bus to Argao just to eat. That was pretty much a first time experience and definitely, if they'd know, my parents would kill us.

BC 130 thanks to this, we spent 2 sleeeeeepless nights for the presentation of our radio station proposal. to add to that, we also spared much headaches, little arguments, martial law attitude, and so much money (at least, in the standard of a thrifty maroon) for it. it was just too bad we got a teacher who thinks it was only her subject we were majoring on. i don't know if i'm gonna miss her. she was a nice person, but as a teacher... *shrug* *shrug*

Journ 104 i love Ms. for giving us our final project -- a newsletter with a personally chosen theme -- but i was stunned she still gave us a mean finals exam (well, i know this is normal but she promised daw that she wouldn't give one). Anyway, i still love that teacher for some reason. Although she isn't as competitive, she was... cool. Anyway, on the night before our finals and newsletter deadline, i was uber full from tito paquito's birthday celebration. i actually finished 3 fat quesadillas. *Oh, heaven!* And that was just for appetizer (aside from the raw salmon sandwiched between 2 skyflakes i was forced to have; i actually just squeezed it in the back pocket of my jeans; sorry, tita Marissa!). i had 2 servings from the main food table and 3 visits to the dessert table. I'm a pig!

i went straight to work for my newsletter until the misfortune of a brownout shone upon us at 10:30 to 11:30. After that short intermission, i went back to work for my "Human Rights Watcher" newsletter. i was so engrossed with it that i actually thought of regularly making it -- no kidding. Plus, i no longer slept. right after saving the final copy in my disc, i went straight to the shower. Hai...!

Spanish just as i thought i could compensate for my no sleep on Sunday night, Gee and John Su came over on Monday night so we could help each other out for our Spanish final exams -- a speech in Spanish! My golly! i never felt so unenthusiastic in my whole life. Every attempt to start my speech seemed like walking a mile under the hottest sun. gee and john finished their speech and slept at 3 am while i, despite that i wasn't able to get through a sentence yet, also slept at 3 am. thick faced, you'd say. i woke up at 930, logged on to the internet, opened MIRC (after years of not doing so) and went to the Spain channel. Smartie? Oh, yeah! even though i was one of those who were asked to redo their speech, i was still grateful that some people did help me. gee, thanks!

Economics guess how thick-faced your favorite lola Ivi is? Right after the Spanish speech, i went along with Gee and John Su to Naga (Gee's hometown) just to eat again (since they just celebrated their fiesta). Take note that we did this the night before our Economics exam. i can't believe my face! i guess after all those sleepless hours and the long trip, i just slept through sentences and sentences of economic nature. (duh, how exciting could it be?) right after the exam that i deserved to fail in since i didn't do much studying for, gee and i planned an eat-all-you-can feast for Cedric's birthday with john su, kara, mae, and keith at Dim Sum. needless to say, i... feasted! when i got back home, it didn't take long for me to run to the bed. i totally missed it! wednesday night was the only finals weeknight when i had a realllllll sleep (6 hours, tops).

Comm 120 What a bum! older mass comm students told us that our dearest Sunstar editor/teacher usually treats his students to mcDonald's after finals. unfortunately, we were baptized as the very first batch that wasn't given the opportunity. h0ooo0o0ooww bad. sure, it's just mcdonald's but for every maroon who's broke after moolah-spending on projects, anything with a happy meal is a definite treat! But life moves on. Hehe. i think he didn't really like us. we indianed him one time (during cookout friday), we were just talking, eating, texting and doodling through his discussion on libel, AND we outsmarted him when we used a joke he taught us on him.

he said that UPians can easily detect lies because we have our "bullshit alarm" (with a corresponding hands shaking on top of our heads gesture). so when he started talking and picking on his favorite matters (number one fave: USJR), we beat him to the punch line and screamed "bullshit alarm!" Geez, i never saw him laugh as hard. That's our batch for you, Sir Siares! One older mass comm student who had to retake the subject was even surprised on how brave we are with him and that her batch never had the guts to joke around his presence. hmmm, i love my batch.

anyway, for our finals in comm120, my friends and i had an overnight study again. chai and i only slept for an hour. cool. well, i was able to answer. that definitely paid off.

Over-all: i have to say that the semester that just passed by was the most difficult. the burden just didn't come at the eleventh hour. they started hounding us since the second month of school. thanks to our teachers! and cheers to all the people i've become closer with: tiff, jessa, lyza, jackie, jane, gee, and vera. and to my originally close friends who think "there ain't no mountain high enough that can wait" (hehe sorry, guys!) Bambam, jackie and hera. love you guys!

P.S. one sentence never seemed SOo0o0o0o Lo0o0o0ong!

... Maica and Bennet broke up. But we still love Bennet! Though he still has no plans to get back with Maica, we understand him. she's put him through so much pain already. he can't just invest and invest and get bankrupt at the end.

... someone wrote about "MY Sassy Chic" today and she couldn't have written a more appropriate title, "Fate builds bridges for the one you love." Oh, yeah!

... i'll get back to you later.

Ormoc's High Tide

Right at this moment, adrenaline is high in Ormoc. Though I'm not directly a part of the events, there's a rush that makes me feel I'm really a part of it. After all, I'm in Ormoc; and I'm an Ormocanon.

First, there's the Christening of the baby boy of my brother's 18-year-old classmate (back in high school). Although shame is immediately connected to teen pregnancy, Cheska looks pretty confident, happy and proud. For me, that compensates the situation. Besides, what will matter in the future is not whether he was born out of wedlock or not; but how he will be cared, loved, and raised.

And guess who I saw during the after-ceremony party? Dean! Could I possibly still have a crush on him? Ummm... I can't tell but I kind of regretted that I didn't greet him.

Second is the wedding of the daughter of one of the most affluent Chinese families in the city.

Third and fourth are the Terry Larrazabal Mountain Biking Competition and Tito Mackoy's Motor Bike Racing Competition that have drawn hundreds of enthusiasts from around the nation. Thus, the place to be in now is at our alternative "mall" to Gaisano, the Ormoc Centrum, where the registration is parked. Isn't it cool? Ormoc has become a destination for such sports competitions and people are actually arriving for it (not to mention, all the tisoys!). And for this, I'm SO proud. Lucy Torres-Gomez can now take a rest from being Ormoc's only claim to fame. We're finally in the map! (Hehe!)

Fifth is the anniversary of chapter installation of the Brotherhood of Christian Businessmen and Professionals.

Sixth is the concert of Pops Fernandez, Jay-R and Jimmy Bondoc. I'm not exactly a fan but for the sake of the concert's cause (Gawad Kalinga), what harm will attending the event bring? It's pretty funny because people flocked to tita Daisy's house where the luncheon for the guests took place. I guess my ka-jologs is taking a rest now because I didn't bite at tita Daisy's offer to be a waitress. ;)

All that and possibly more weddings, birthdays, Christenings and competitions that I don't know of. But one thing's clear here: Ormoc is wide awake!

P.S. Tita Verna won fourth in the women's category of the mountain biking competition. Wooohooo! It was pretty sad because a female Philippine Team member, while going down a slope, broke her collarbone after she lost control of her bike. Tito Rex also won in another category. According to tio Perok, in his category, tito Rex only had one competition, and a female at that. But then again, that's according to tio Perok. Hehe, sowee tio.

Attack of the Marco

He's Marco Lobregat, period.

For 5 long years, I've crushed on a model/Atenean named Marco. This is a big surprise considering that I'm fickle and I have thousands of crushes that don't last really long in my list. But with Marco, he lasted for 5 lo0o0ong years. If you see the guys I've admired and still admire since I stepped in the University of the Philippines, Cebu College, you'll also be very surprised to know that I actually had a crush on him. He's a dashing mestizo with a clean cut and refined and conventional ways; very contradicting to the rugged, long-haired, non-conventional guys I'm crushing on nowadays who are either an artist, a musician or both.

Although I don't really admire Marco (and the likes of him) anymore, I still check on his articles at Philippine Star (not that he's a very good writer)and look for websites with information about him. Just recently, I read that he's already based in Spain. And by reading his articles, I figured that my dream guy has gone from "beyond looks" to "just looks". Sigh. My crush affair with Marco Lobregat is finally approaching an end.

But on a certain Marco Garcia, it has just began.

Not just another Marco.

Ok, that sounded too OA. But since I met Bennet's cousins for the first time, he's the one I've always eyed on because he wasn't as noisy as his other cousins (i.e. Gary and Sydney Uy), and he had sparkling eyes, a dashing nose and a gorgeous smile and not to mention, a mysterious aura.

But he never was as big deal to me as my other crushes. I only remember that I actually have a crush on him when we see each other and a few days after that. Even the wonders of the short conversation I had with him during Jimmy Bondoc's show at the Village didn't really last. But I seriously liked him ever since. He wasn't too rowdy or loud; he didn't try to grab anybody's attention. Mystery seemed to hound him and he just kept to himself most of the time. He seemed to be always on a thinking mode. I guess he really got me because among all my crushes now, he's the only non long-haired guy. It's a funny fact, indeed.

The final draw had to be last Saturday, October 16, 2004, during his sister Lializ'es debut at the new Casiño Español. You're just too good to be true, can't take my eyes off you. Seriously. He was really dashing in his slacks and blue polo shirt. I was really smittened that not even Iana's news that he already has a girlfriend didn't faze me a bit. Promise. Finally, my sisters think I still have a good taste. Tsk. Tsk.

I really like him, blogs. And if the only memories I'll ever have of him are the way he looked that night and his grip on my hand when he said goodbye at Vudu, then I'll definitely keep them as treasures in my mind where they'll only ever be since my camera wasn't able to tag along that night. Darn.

Speaking of the debut...

Lializ was at her prettiest in a silky white ball gown, with pink lace and pink tela at the bottom. Her escort was none other Andre in a coat and tie. It's quite hard to describe how cute he was but he really took his part seriously to the hilt. Anyway, the venue was simple yet intimately small. There weren't too many decorations except for the ballooned gazebo-like in the middle of the social hall and the very small sparkling paper stars spread over the tabletops. The food wasn't too grand either but I forgive Casiño Español for that since they just opened up anyway.

I was just a seat away Bennet's nephew whom I found cute the first time I saw him during Alex Reyes' birthday. He was weirdly funny. Like me, he was playingly collecting the minute paper stars in a pile. He also sang along to "Can't take my eyes off you" and at one long time, stood beside the dessert table picking on the finger foods. His name is Kyle by the way and I'm just amused by his childish ways.

The program proper was slightly unconventional. Though they had the usual 18 candles and 18 treasures (surefire way to get 18 gifts... tsk.), the 18 roses were given by Lializ'es nephews and nieces whom she's close with. Her father and "twin" brother also danced with her but the one who took the last dance wasn’t even her boyfriend (who was present in white sneakers... wha?), but Jobencio! Tio Perok set him up as a surprise guest and it was pretty funny because a little after Joevince started dancing with Lializ, her uber funny and cool sister, Ria, invaded the center stage and took over the place of Lializ. That definitely sealed the intimate atmosphere of the event. But it should really have been Joefrance since he was the one Lializ has a crush on daw.

After the program, dancing and drinking pursued. Iana and I originally planned to go home right after (since Carlyn was waiting for us) but we opted to stay at the party with Joefrance, Bennet, his cousins and the free drinks. Carla joined us later on. I really had fun. And if I did "something" un-IVI-ish, I couldn't really regret it because I felt I deserved it after drowning myself academically over the past 3 weeks (and the past sem at that!). Though I have to say that I felt quite out of place since we weren't really part of the family. Not that they made us feel that way. Bennet's cousins are among the coolest and funniest to be with.

Speaking of this "something", I grabbed Gary a.k.a. Iana's crush to dance. And take note, I wasn't drunk at that time. (I just really wanted to dance.) I just took in 2 shots of San Mig Light (Yeah, I drank San Mig Light with the shot glass). Tequila is definitely gone in my "drink to get drunk" list. I believe the extra energy I had later that night was my never absent "non-alcoholic drunkenness pass midnight". I'm thankful for that because I don't have to get drunk to boost my confidence.

When the other guys decided to troop to Vudu, we tagged along. But as expected, we just sat there the whole night, talking, teasing, making jokes, looking at people and gushing on the hotties. There was this one guy Iana, Carla and I were crushing on. When he passed by, Bennet pretended he knew him and greeted him. Surprisingly, the guy greeted back. That was pretty funny and another proof to Bennet's craziness. Sydney was also teasing me to his brother that night just because I accidentally called him Gary. Wha? Really, Sydney and I only get along when it comes to teasing. Speaking of getting along, Carla and Joefrance really got along. Hmmm... I can smell a budding team-up. Joseph of SCQ Reload also amused at that night. He was REALLY cute. How he is in the show is just how he is in the flesh. But he doesn't look out of place at all. Kering, keri. Another darn moment for not bringing my camera. We really laughed when Bennet's cousins kept on referring him as Joross. But the big laugh has to be when Ria and her companions requested Joseph to get out of the car to have a photo opt with him. (They were on their way to the Casino and he was on his way home with his Cebu friends). We ended the night (or morning) at 5 a.m. the next day. But before that, Bennet, Joefrance, Carla, Iana and I danced. Whew. What a way to end the grueling semester.

...

Marco, his sister and their friends went home ahead but he dropped by our table beforehand. He gave Iana a peck and reached out to shake my hand (since I was sitting quite far from where he was standing). My heart really jumped, blog. I seriously like this guy and it might be pretty hard to forget that image of the debutante's moreno "twin brother" in black slacks, blue polo, and a glass of wine entwined in his fingers. He's totally swept me off my feet.

...

Hmmm... Could it be that the name Marco really has something going on for me? But to be honest with you, it's really hard to be crushing on guys like these, knowing that that's what they'll only ever be -- crushes -- and this is what it will only ever be -- me looking and them not knowing.

A Crush Affair with Long hairs and Emotions for Mr. Piggy's Miserable Life

I'm in an autograph mode again! This time, I filled the profile sheet I originally made for Cheryl Tiu. It's not really long but as you will see at the "Describe yourself" portion, I've written SO MUCH about me. You can call it conceit but it's my blog anyway ;) I just want to get some message through.

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PROFILE SHEET

Complete name: Maria Vita Tan Rodriguez
Nickname: Ivi
Birthday: August 29, 1985
School: University of the Philippines, Cebu College (Mass Communications)

Interests: doing craftworks, dreaming, listening to music, writing, playing the computer, going to the beach, swimming, hanging out with my family and friends, reading, taking and collecting pictures, watching movies on TV, eating, playing the violin, exercising (daw)

Favorite reads: memoirs of a geisha, outsiders, diary of anne frank, angela's ashes, 'tis, teenage textbook and workbook, biographies (especially the one of Martin Luther King Jr.), TIME magazine, Youngblood, Youngstar, 2bu, Super

Music: U2, sting, REM, eraserheads, sugarfree, jason mraz, yellowcard, sarah brightman, Norah jones, sarah mclachlan, paolo santos, chantal kreviazuk, lisa loeb, dave matthews band, the cure, googoo dolls, gin blossoms, Alicia keys, Cynthia Alexandre, barbie's cradle, mojofly, rivermaya, orange and lemons, johanne pachelbel

Shows/movies: amazing race, the simpsons, hiram, fear factor, gilmore girls, Oprah, boston public, wazzup, wazzup, breakfast, the ashlee simpson show, newlyweds, bubble gang, several shows at the ETC channel // patch adams, little women, the other sister, now and then, beaches, the last samurai, the story of anne frank, stepmom, heaven and earth, land before time I, all dogs go to heaven (original), the italian job, anna and the king, my bestfriend's wedding, bring it on, tears of the sun, 50 first dates and many movies of adam sandler, robin williams, brendan fraser, meg ryan, and several HBO movies and independent films showed at the Hallmark channel, and movies that depict history (specifically those that tackle on apartheid, oppression, genocide... they frighten and gross me out but I learn a lot)

Describe yourself: I'm forever a planner and dreamer but rarely a doer; I'm indecisive, confusing, and sometimes obsessive compulsive; I'm a double checker; a BIG, Big, big part of my day is dedicated to eating; I prefer things organized but if they start messing up, I just let it be; I'm kind of freakish, paranoid, "nerbiyosa," ideologically optimistic but mentally pessimistic (hope this makes sense); I'm boring according to my sister, a loud mouth according to my friends, talkative to many people I'm comfortable with, a wallflower to people I'm not at ease with; for some reason, I'm not comfortable around guys and in a large crowd; I love getting drunk; my mind is a bottomless pit of both sane and crazy imaginations; I have a penchant for collecting second-hand books, shells, sand, stones of places I think I wouldn't be able to go back to, and memorabilia of events I'd want to remember; I'm very fond of creating names and making a life out of them (most of my compositions are of this sort); I'm keen in learning more about what's making activists and nationalists who they are (yeah, even the imperialist in me); I'm fond of long-haired guys who are hounded by mystery (and it's a double plus if he's a musician or an artist); I'm very thrifty but when I fall in love with one thing, I'd spend thousands for it; I love blogging, I have a passion for the sound of the violin (but close to none for playing the instrument) and orchestra, I love my moments of "solitude" at my grandma's beach house in ormoc, I love my digi cam, my dog chinchin, my journals, and on top of them all, my family; I'm dying to learn more (through magazines, news dailies, movies, TV shows); I love doing craftworks and starting stories but I tend to be very lazy when it comes to finishing them; I'm very insecure and forever lacking in confidence and self-esteem; I'm a big scaredy-cat; I would love to be adventuruous and try out many things but most of the time, my fear gets in the way; I dream of living in australia with my dream dogs, a musician with dreads (haha, joke!) and enough money to sustain us, a kid, Bienny and my parents and playing the violin with a band and an orchestra; I'd like to travel around the middle east or any country with strong culture and beliefs and learn more about the part of life I don't know; I'd love to be the right-hand woman of a director for any hollywood film or discovery channel or national geographic show; I'm a frustrated artist, athlete, musician, poet, writer, Olympian; I sometimes think of visiting the therapist; I have the best friends who appreciate me but never the bestfriend; I'm planning to go scuba diving, parasailing, water skiing, working for any production team (preferably for the Olympics, any MTV event and the Oscars), write a book and make a movie that would make a very big impact on people, be thin and eat more than I can and fall in love before I go; I keep 101 crushes (of course I'm exagerrating now but I'm almost there) but I dream of only the one; I'm very unstable and can easily be influenced; I keep two characters -- one when I'm with my friends and another one when I'm with my cousins and family; I'm a kaleidoscope of many indescribable things; most of the time, I don't understand myself

Philosophy in life: Thy Will be done and so everything happens for a reason (at least I think so)

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The last few days in a nutshell...

August 21

... During Samantha's birthday/ "despidida" party, we were introduced to this very free-spirited girl named Magat. Well, she is really one of a kind. She just came from a 5-month trip in Thailand, Nepal and other Buddhist countries with her Swiss bohemian boyfriend. They both met at the now non-existent happenin' place, Mi Vida. Magat was trying to get the attention of another foreigner without realizing that he was with somebody else. Alas she didn't snatch that guy, but she definitelly snagged the attention of the Swiss guy. She's very suprising, that's all.

... That night, tita Mae asked if I want to get matched with her friend's 25-year-old son. I'm really not open to that kind of meeting guys 'cause I don' want to initiate any disappointments. But it seemed so harmless so I just played along. Though it never happened, I just got so amused. Tita Mae thought of me instead of her daughter Carla or my sister Iana because the guy requested for a "simple, walang arte" girl. Cool.

August 28

... On the eve of my birthday, I had dinner with the family on my mother's side. Honestly, I had so much fun just cooking, helping in the preparation and being the celebrant. We also invited Ting's girlfriend Laclac (who's super nice but doesn't talk at all, i.e. no connection) and Leandro's Larissa (I have a heartbreaking news about them) so that Lac wouldn't feel too left out (they're both Sacred Hearters). But anyway, the two of them still didn't bond that night because they stuck to their men. Dickoy and Kino, Ting's best beer buddies, were also there and initiated the drinking (even with the presence of the folks!). By the end of the night, Daniel was laughing like a hyena, Ting was drank, and tita Mae (too shocked with Daniel) drank along. It was pretty fun -- with mama reuniting with her cousins (as expected, their laughter beat that of a whole town during a fiesta -- no exag!) Although I would have wanted to but I didn't get drunk. Good girl.

August 29

... In the afternoon, we shared a pastarrific merienda with the whole paternal family at Don Henrico's. Yum! And the company? Yummier!

September 1

... Another realization hit me in the head during our Department of Agriculture visit for Development Communication. I love eating lechon. Just as long as I don't see a pig getting butchered, there's no emotion involved for the animal. But during the visit, we passed by a semi-piggery. One really stirred my feelings. He was no longer covered in his normal pink, instead, he was decked in patches of black skin, mostly bruises, wounds and fungus. I knew he had no chance of getting cooked to be eaten. So, basically, he was waiting for his death. I just wondered if that's all there is to a pig's life? Don’t they have another ending aside from the mouths of lechon lovers and the loneliness of waiting for death? It really is a miserable life!

September 25

... A big shock plagued the Mass Comm department (students of other departments, at that) of UP today when word got around of the death of our former teacher, the Albert Martinez-look-a-like crush ng bayan Sir Christopher Misajon. He was already an anchor in GMA Iloilo. He was allegedly been robbed and shot 4 times in his stomach and neighboring intestines with a shot gun. So many questions hound his death. Why would robbers carry around a shot gun in their hunt for victims? Unless it's planned, that is. What was really his relation to the girl he was with at 1 in the morning of his death in a car? How could she have escaped their 4 assailants? There's still no answer to these questions but definitely, justice won't prevail by the capture of the four killers alone. These will only end when the real motive will be revealed. For now, I pray that Sir Chris is at peace.

Just today...

... Rio Locsin died today. I have no relation to her but I deeply feel for her family. We did pass through the same suffering with the death of tita Menching. Though it was relieving that she was finally lifted to a place where no pain could be felt, it was very hard to knock ourselves back to reality. I could just imagine how Rio's very young children feel. I guess the short time of slight recovery she was given by the Lord after her 10-day comatose was a chance to say goodbye to her loved ones. This blessing of the Lord was also given to other cancer patients I read about. Like Patricia Borromeo, for example. For months, she battled it out with the big C. But she survived that phase. She even made a comeback in the magazines. But a little time later, word just got out that she died. Even if it's painful, one just couldn't help but thank God for the chance He's given for the sick and the family to say the last farewell. This brings back the big dilemma I've always thought of: Which is harder? To have a slow death with the sick going through all the suffering while the family, though sad to see their kin in pain, is fine at his mere presence OR a sudden death, wherein the victim doesn't go through any pain but would put the family in such a shocking grief?

... I heard Maica and Bennet broke up. WHAT? Yup, they did. Just a little after Bennet finished his BAR examinations. Just a little after Maica took her Medical Technologist oath. I don't know what to feel but I'm glad Maica garnered enough courage to break it to Bennet since she isn't really ready for Bennet's next agenda: marriage. Though it's really sad that Bennet has to go through such a heartbreak (at 36, at that), it's good that Maica decided to be fair with him. At least, he didn't let him wait for nothing. Honestly, I have nothing against Bennet. For me, he'd make a perfect groom for my sister. He's very nice, he's very friendly and I know he loves my sister. But my sister is only 22. They've actually broken up before for the same reason. I hope that the time will come when the final destiny for these two will be realized: either with each other or with somebody else.

Un dated memories...

... Leandro broke up with his very lovely girlfriend, Larissa because "they're too young". If that's the case, why did he allow to let their relationship last 4 years long? I understand Leandro and I think it was a smart move. Who in his proper mind would break up with somebody as beautiful (think Chinese Mestiza, think Diana Van Walsum), as nice (really nice), and as down-to-earth as Larissa, anyway? Let's just see who'll come running back. Time will tell.

... My best BC 130 memories definitely do not include anything Leal in it. (haha, rude) In fairness, she's a nice person. But as a teacher, well, she's pretty good. But I just don't get her (for indescribable reasons, you hear?). Now, she's saying that she would want to make the most out of her last days with us. Gosh, if she only knows how excited the whole class is for that last day. (Hehe). Anyway, if I'd have something to remember BC 130 by, it would definitely be my semestal project groupmates: the leader Sheela Farinas, the Ms. Reason-able Emerald Longcop, the funny but tough duo Tiffany Arranguez and Jessa Agua , the tough and big laugh-er Lyza Roa, and the silent but brilliant Celeste dela Cruz. We've spent lunch dates with each other, slight arguments, long and lazy meetings, SO MUCH laughter, hot tempers, sleepless overnights (and we did a 6-pm to 6-am twice!) and a weird bond of our very different characters. I'm gonna miss these guys. And we weren't able to take the souvenir shots!

... Officially, today (October 04), we're done with Dev Comm and BC 130. Though I'm not 100% sure of a passing, I'm very assuming so I'm expecting a 3 or above grade for both! Wheeeee!

... I recently attended a very intimate poetry reading session at this very intimate art place, Lumad Numad (oooOps, I think I got it wrong again. Before, I referred to it as Lumpia, Lumpia). Anyway, I didn't feel like I belong there because the people were so nationalistic. It's not that I have no drop of nationalistic blood left in me anymore but for one who once asked an activist what could possibly be wrong with an American invasion, I don't think we're talking about so much blood, either. Anyway, it was quite embarrassing to be seen there by John Su (the activist I was referring to). But on the other hand, it was a nice gathering and I loved it because there was no fuss. Everything was laid back. I'd rather be decked in the simple jeans and shirt ensemble, ride the jeep to Mandaue, listen to people read poetry and sing music than spend an hour in the dressing room, drive to Vudu and spend hundreds to just talk, look at people and listen to dumb music. I loved the people, too -- as no fuss as no fuss could be. And it helped I spotted another long-haired cutie who reminded me of Egay. (Tsk, kidding. He happens to be Jessa's admirer.) The theme for that night was Martial Law and as if to knock me back to where I belong, poems against imperialism were read. Tsk. Ok, let me get this straight. I'm a big fan of anything Filipino. But at the same time, I also appreciate anything foreign. Not completely. Not as much, maybe. But at this very moment, I'm listening to a compilation of the hits of E-heads. And just a while ago, I drowned myself with Barbie's Cradle. I am a Filipino. See.

... I'm not sure if I should be writing this. After all, no crushing moment stays with me for too long. But for memories' sake, ok. Before I spell out the magic name this time, let me just tell you of a very funny observation -- all my current crushes have long hairs. What is this all about? Is long hair really a prerequisite to me? Ok. His name is Berto and he's another Fine Ats student. He's a musician, a soccer player and a social activist and artist. Tiff says he's not really attractive but I guess I got drawn to him for reasons outside the physical aspect. Ok, he's got long hair. (Tsk.) He's a no fuss guy, that's why. Mystery hounds him, too. I know I have profound reasons for my crushing on "profound" and "uncrushable" guys. I just wonder if I have that same charisma to people. Am I profound? Or plain shallow? I could not tell. Maybe this is just my cure to get that I-hate-school spirit off and have somebody I could look forward to seeing. Char.

... September wouldn't be completely covered if I just missed on the Intrams. SOON.