Elbert Hubbard, an American writer, once wrote:
"If you work for a man or a woman in heaven's name WORK for him. If he pays you wages which supplies you bread and butter, WORK for him, speak well of him, stand by him and stand by the institution he represents. If put to a pinch, an ounce of loyalty is worth a pound of cleverness. If you must vilify, condemn, and eternally disparage - resign your position, and when you are outside, damn to your heart's content; but as long as you are part of the institution, do not condemn it. If you do that, you are loosing the tendrils that are holding you to the institution, and at the first high wind that comes along, you will be uprooted and blown away, and probably you will never know the reason why."

My comment: WUSHUU...!! Hehehe... jokejokejoke....

by Dave Barry


1. You will never find anybody who can give you a clear and compelling reason why we observe daylight-savings time.

2. You should never say anything to a woman that even remotely suggests you think she's pregnant unless you can see an actual baby emerging from her at that moment.

3. The most powerful force in the universe is gossip.

4. The one thing that unites all human beings, regardless of age, gender, religion, economic status or ethnic background, is that, deep down inside, we ALL believe that we are above-average drivers.

5. There comes a time when you should stop expecting other people to make a big deal about your birthday. That time is age 11.

6. There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."

7. People who want to share their religious views with you almost never want you to share yours with them.

8. If you had to identify, in one word, the reason why the human race has not achieved, and never will achieve, its full potential, that word would be "meetings."

9. The main accomplishment of almost all organized protests is to annoy people who are not in them.

10. If there really is a God who created the entire universe with all of its glories, and He decides to deliver a message to humanity, He WILL NOT use, as His messenger, a person on cable TV with a bad hairstyle.

11. You should not confuse your career with your life.

12. A person who is nice to you, but rude to the waiter, is not a nice person.

13. No matter what happens, somebody will find a way to take it too seriously.

14. When trouble arises and things look bad, there is always one individual who perceives a solution and is willing to take command. Very often, that individual is crazy.

15. Your friends love you, anyway.

16. Nobody cares if you can't dance well. Just get up and dance.

One night there was a woman at the airport who had to wait for several hours before catching her next flight.

While she waited she bought a book and a pack of biscuits to spend the time.

She looked for a place to sit and waited.

She was deep into her book when suddenly she realized that there was a young man sitting next to her who was stretching his hand, with no concern whatsoever, and grabbing the pack of cookies lying between them.

He started to eat them one by one.

Not wanting to make a fuss about it she decided to ignore him.

The woman, slightly bothered, ate the cookies and watched the clock, while the young and shameless thief of biscuits was also finishing them.

The woman started to get really angry at this point and thought "If I wasn't such a good and educated person, I would have given this daring man a black eye by now."

Every time she ate a biscuit, he had one too.

The dialogue between their eyes continued and when only one biscuit was left, she wondered what was he going to do.

Softly and with a nervous smile, the young man grabbed the last biscuit and broke it in two.

He offered one half to the woman while he ate the other half.

Briskly she took the biscuit and thought, "What an insolent man! How uneducated! He didn't even thank me!"

She had never met anybody so fresh and sighed, relieved to hear her flight announced.

She grabbed her bags and went towards the boarding gate refusing to look back to where that insolent thief was seated.

After boarding the plane and nicely seated, she looked for her book which was nearly finished by now.

While looking into her bag she was totally surprised to find her pack of biscuits nearly intact.

If my biscuits are here, she thought feeling terribly, those others were his and he tried to share them with me.

Too late to apologize to the young man, she realized with pain, that it was her who had been insolent, uneducated and a thief, and not him.

How many times in our lives, had we known with certainty that something happened in a certain way, only to discover later that it wasn't true? How many times has our lack of trust within us made us judge other people unfairly with our conceited ideas, often far away from reality.

That is why we have to think twice before we judge others. Let's always give others the benefit of the doubt before we think badly of them.

*from an email

20's: You are thinking more clearly than most people... you can see the real world as it is, you don't live in this fantasy place anymore but you are not very mature, you are just fine, perfect!


What is you inner age?
brought to you by Quizilla

I picked from a movie I watched yesterday: "The fastest way to ruin a relationship with someone is trying to have a relationship with him." It struck me as really sad, because all I ever did these days is to save what we used to have. I wondered if in trying to salvage our closeness, am I just causing further damage? I surely do not want that, for I do not want to hurt you.

Somebody also told me, "Clinging is fear. Real love is letting go." The time has come for us to part. You have tons of things to do, lots of beginnings to explore. So do I. But it scares me, because if I leave, I may not be able to come back. Not because I don't want to, but because you've already forgotten about me. But I thought, if I keep this kind of thinking, then I must be lying when I told you that you're one of the few who has my complete trust. If I fear that you might forget, where's the trust in that?

But I miss you. I miss the laughter we used to share - I miss everything, even the bad times we weathered. I miss your eyes, your soft smiling eyes. I rarely see them anymore.


*Yeobo is a Korean word for dear.
*written at Thomas Aquinas Research Center, UST

I cannot say OUR if I live only for myself.

I cannot say FATHER if I do not endeavor each day to act like His child.

I cannot say WHO ART IN HEAVEN if I am laying up no treasure there.

I cannot say HALLOWED BE THY NAME if I am not striving for holiness.

I cannot say THY KINGDOM COME if I am not doing all in my power to hasten that wonderful event.

I cannot say THY WILL BE DONE if I am disobedient to His word.

I cannot say ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN if I will not serve Him here and now.

I cannot say GIVE US THIS DAY OUR DAILY BREAD if I am dishonest or seeking things by subterfuge.

I cannot say FORGIVE US OUR TRESPASSES if I harbor a grudge against anyone.

I cannot say LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION if I deliberately place myself in its path.

I cannot say DELIVER US FROM EVIL if I do not put on the whole armor of God.

I cannot say THINE IS THE KINGDOM if I do not give the King the loyalty due him from a faithful subject.

I cannot say THE POWER if I fear what others may do.

I cannot say THE GLORY if I am seeking honor only for myself.

I cannot say FOREVER if the horizon of my life is bounded by the things of today.


Author Unknown

Maya-maya pa siguro nyo mapapansin ang bagong pakulo dito sa Tabulas. Tulog pa kasi ang mga normal na tao eh... Wala na yung old pre-made templates, ngunit may mga ipinalit namang bago. I particularly liked the default, yung Artemis: Blue. Actually yun lang ang like ko... harharhar! Pero syempre gusto ko pa rin yung sarili kong gawa noh...

Wala lang, nagulantang lang ako pag-check ko ng site. Mala-Twilight Zone ito. Chwing chwing chwing!!!

In fairness um-OK naman yung features. But I'll leave that for you to find out

BTW, yung Friendster rin ay nagbago na ng layout. It looks better.

Oo nga pala! Sa di-sinasadyang pagkakataon ay namataan ko yung pic ng ex ko sa friends list ko, at... o, ano ito??? May kasamang babae!!! Hmm... matingnan nga...

They looked happy. Well, he looked happy. Aaw. Nakakatuwa. Wala lang...

I am glad he finally found what I was never able to give him.

(Duh... as if! Onse anyos lang ako nun noh! )

(Hmp... mas cute pa rin ako... )

-----;--<@

Well I've been reading my old journ (June to September, 2003)... napapa-reminisce tuloy ako. 2003 was a good year, you know. I was just too blind to realize that fact. Minsan pala akala mo manhid yung ibang tao, pero sa totoo lang, you're worse. All you see are thorns; the roses are taken for granted.

Oh well, let's move forward. 2005 na. Ika nga nya, "Let's start anew."

-----;--<@

wen u
make dcsions,

follow ur
heart

not ur
mind

4 if ur mnd's
dcsion fail,

u
rgret.

bt if ur
heart fails,

u'l jst
smile n say..

"nice try!"

Sender: gladiator
10.25.49
2005.01.09

yeobo Pano yan pag sinabi sa 'yo ni *toot* na may feelings sya, OK lang ba yun?

yeopgi Hmm... ayoko...

yeobo Bakit?

yeopgi Eh kasi maayos na yung buhay ko eh, gugulo lang.

Bakit pa, eh I have you na?

yeobo Pero kahit magulo, thankful ka pa rin ba na may *toot* sa buhay mo?

yeopgi OK lang na mawala sya, kesa ano...

yeobo Kesa ano?

yeopgi Kesa iba.

yeobo Wag mong sabihing ako yun?

yeopgi tumawa at hinampas si yeobo

Bakit naman hindi, eh IKAW nga yun???

10 March 2004...

-----;--<@

Wen u found d
ryt prsn u wnt 2
b with in ur lyf

TAKE D RISK

NVR TAKE IT
4 GRANTED

coz wen u lose dat prsn...

d world is

TOO BIG

that u hav 2 start
over.


Sender: elles0j
07.05.01
2004.12.02

Your past life diagnosis:
I don't know how you feel about it, but you were male in your last earthly incarnation. You were born somewhere in the territory of modern France around the year 1475. Your profession was that of an artist, magician or fortune teller.

Your brief psychological profile in your past life:
Bohemian personality, mysterious, highly gifted, capable to understand ancient books. With a magician's abilities, you could have been a servant of dark forces.

The lesson that your last past life brought to your present incarnation:
Your task is to learn, to love and to trust the universe. You are bound to think, study, reflect, and to develop inner wisdom.


**Sabi ko na nga ba, isa akong lalaki na nasa katawan ng isang babae...


http://www.thebigview.com/pastlife

Wala lang, I just can't resist writing this. Bigla kasi akong natuwa. Pinadalhan ako ni Pao ng invite sa gmail!!! Oo na... OA na kung OA... pero matagal ko na kasing gustong magkaron nun.... in fact I was planning to ask him kung meron ba syang alam na mapagkukunan ng invite. Ang galing mo talaga Pao! Sa tinagal-tagal nating magkasama, ngayon lang ako naniniwala!!! Hoy joke lang, friend ko yan... naks! You're the man pare... tenk yu!!!

Tats ako





Nawala yung kalasingan ko dun ah... haha! Wala ako ngayon sa bahay, nandito ako kina Ate Gladz sa Cainta. Home away from home ko na nga eto sa sobrang dalas ko ritong matulog.

GA kasi namin ngayon, este kanina pala, sa Metro ginanap. Lahat ng credit card channels ng SCB ay nandun. Hanggang ngayon nga eh ang sakit pa rin ng lalamunan ko sa kasisigaw. At totoo yung sinabi ni Sir Robert, babaha nga ng beer. Shit. Ayan tuloy. Kaya nga nag-decide akong wag na lang umuwi ng bahay, tiyak na gagapang ako para lang magawa yun. Saka nakakahiya namang ipakita sa magulang ko yung itsura ko ngayon... mukha akong bacon! (go figure... )

Binabati ko nga pala ang STRATA: dahil sa kanila, nanalo kami sa cheer-dance competition! Ang gagaling nyo... syempre special mention yung mga taga-Pygmalion noh... mga kasama ko sa hirap at ginhawa! Hehehehe! Isang malaking TSUP para sa inyo!!!

Congratulations also to Contact Point for bagging the first prize! (Sayang Kervs, magkasama sana tayong gagapang pauwi kung nandito ka... aaw!)

Basta marami pang mga pangyayari; nobela na kung iisa-isahin ko pa. But it all boils down to one thing: ANG GWAPO MO, SIR ROBERT!!!

Tama na nga... hanggang Tabulas ba naman eh lumuluwang ang dila pag lasing????

That's my officemate's daughter playing with my lipstick... hehe... la lang, ang kulit

*For Nokia - 200bpm

1c3 2.g2 4a2 2b2 1.b2 4a2
4#g2 2a2 2.b2 4a2 4a2 4g2 4g2 4#f2 2g2 2a2 1f2 4e2 4d2
4#c2
4d2 2g2 1c2 2e2 2d2 4#f2 4a2

2c3 2b2 1.d3

2- 1#d3 2.#a2 4c3 2d3 4d3 4c3 2d3
4#d3 4d3 2.c3 4c3 2d3 2c3 2#a2 2a2 1#a2

*****

Seat of Aquinas
Majestic, enduring the storms of the ages
Shrine of our ancient fathers
Carved in these isles
This is the castle imperious
This is the home of our sages
Blessed by the Cross of the angels
Gift of our Mother Spain!
Deep in her echoing chambers
Flames of eternal yearning
Cast their benignant shadows
Athwart this beloved land
Keeping the torches of freedom
And heaven forever burning
Deep in the heart led by the Savior's command

God of all nations
Merciful Lord of our restless being
Sweep with your golden lilies
This fountain of purest light
Trace with the sails of the galleons
The dream beyond our seeing
Touch with the flame of your kindness
The gloom of our darkest night
Keep us in beauty
And truth and virtues impassioned embrace
Ever your valiant legions imbued with unending grace.

*from an email. Mukhang may bahid ito ng katotohanan ah... Career-wise ha. Sa romance department... we'll see

O, ikaw rin, tingnan mo na yung horoscope mo!



Aries in 2005 - Flexibility
If you want a motto for 2005, the best one to adopt would be "go with the flow." 2005 will be a year of ups and downs, and only the flexible will be able to keep from going crazy! All Aries natives may have to tighten their belts and curb their desire for constant expansion. You may need to play it cool and curb your spending. You'll be among the first to seize upon new societal trends to create new opportunities for yourself, as your creativity will be at an all-time high. You will be more eloquent and persuasive than usual, and others will identify enthusiastically with your vision. If you want to start a new creative project or business venture, your imagination will be working overtime. 2005 could find you doing well career-wise - and aspiring to climb even higher.


Taurus in 2005 - Tenacity
"Diligence" is the key word for you, Taurus. With hard work and focus, you will attain at least one important aspiration that has been on your agenda for a long time. This is the year you'll want to take stock of your career and ask yourself if you're doing the work you want to do for the rest of your life. As the year progresses, the more impressive your ideas and works become. As a result, your finances improve - and your newfound confidence could attract new love into your life. By the end of the year, you will have a whole new network of friends and group activity, stimulating new ideas and taking up your social life a notch or two.


Gemini in 2005 - Success
Your cycle of learning through the school of hard knocks has come to an end, Gemini, and now you're going to start reaping the rewards these "lessons" have left in their wake. As 2005 progresses, the road ahead will become clearer. You now have it in you to create the kind of life for yourself that you want. These leaps and bounds forward include love and creativity. Your learning of concepts of all kinds combines with extensive group activity, bringing your mind into a whole new space this year. By the end of 2005 you'll have a whole new start with regard to your career and your earning potential - and a possible new partnership to top it off!


Cancer in 2005 - Balance
Finding a balance between your personal and professional lives may be one of the year's strongest challenges. For the most part, your outward life this year will go in fits and starts - alternating periods of intense activity with times of welcome rest. Enjoy the restful periods when you can. The active ones will be hectic! You'll be making radical changes in your work habits, but you'll be a lot happier for it, and in the end you'll know it was worth it. Your love life is full, and any dissatisfaction with career and money matters fades into the background. By the end of 2005, you'll feel more confident, more determined, and far more capable of making the mountains come to you!


Leo in 2005 - Abundance
Pursuing a successful career, along with the usual social and financial advantages, will be easier this year than it has in a long time for you, Leo! The most difficult thing might be deciding which path means the most to you, and where to put your focus. You'll be able to create opportunities for advancement almost out of thin air. Romance in 2005 will make it a year to remember - and you'll be the envy of all your friends. Love comes willingly and easily. Money may suddenly become tight at a very inconvenient time. Yet, this is no comparison to the advancements you'll make overall, and by the end of 2005, you'll look back in sheer wonder and happiness.


Virgo in 2005 - Perseverance
Your working life might not go so smoothly this year, Virgo. For much of 2005, you'll be putting your nose to the grindstone. On the bright side, your finances will be pretty stable. Just don't take it for granted - you still need to be cautious this year. Your love life will thrive for most of the year, and any relationship begun or reaffirmed in 2005 is very likely to be a lasting one. And, you're going to develop a hopeless romantic streak. In spite of a lot of worry over your career, by the year's end, you'll see that 2005 has filled your life with prosperity and accomplishments.


Libra in 2005 - Expansion
Flex your muscles, friend Libra, and prepare for a relatively easy ride. With beneficent Jupiter in your sign, this is definitely your year, especially where your social life is concerned. Happiness and enjoyment lie ahead. If you're not presently married, and want to be, you just might wed by the end of the year. This is the year you're going to be doing a lot of travel and learning about your world, as expansion is the theme. The one department of life that may not quite be as hopeful as you'd like could be your career, where advancement may be slow and satisfaction rare. By year's end, you may find yourself seriously considering a major change - all for the best.


Scorpio in 2005 - Transmutation
Scorpio, you can still expect changes - perhaps major ones - in your life this year, almost to the point of total transformation. While this is most apparent in the area of your career, you'll see it showing up in other important aspects of your life. Your life might take on an entirely new direction you've never dreamed of. You may also change your residence during the year. Whether you start the year as a single person looking for a partner, or you've been married for many years, happiness in love does lie ahead. Be prepared for new horizons. They may not be familiar, but they will be fascinating. Don't cling to the banks; instead, flow with the tide in 2005.


Sagittarius in 2005 - Empowerment
Are you prepared to handle absolute power? If not, you will be soon! Your ruling planet, Jupiter, will be in a special relationship with Pluto - called "mutual reception" - in 2005. There's so much punch packed into this combination that it's almost scary. You'll find the ultimate power is the ability to choose your own destiny. You'll find practical ways of increasing your effectiveness in the world by gaining new skills that allow you to live more abundantly. By the second half of the year, you will finally feel welcome relief from the tight financial binds that have hindered you over the past two years. And, a relationship you begin now will last a very long time - like, for the rest of your life. Overall, 2005 is sure to be a year you won't forget.


Capricorn in 2005 - Resolution
You've got plenty of lucky breaks headed your way in 2005, friend Capricorn. The long awaited relief you've needed in your love life is around the corner, and by the end of the year you will feel much clearer about your partnerships in general. Financially, it could be a lean year, although some advance planning can help you weather the storm. Your career opportunities will expand exponentially, and you're likely to change jobs or positions this year. At times, the pressure on your job and home life may seem unbearable, but rest assured you will come through this stronger - and wiser - than ever, as more is revealed and resolved in 2005.


Aquarius in 2005 - Magic
2005 sees you expanding your intuitive and psychic skills even more, Aquarius. The mysteries of the universe continue to attract and intrigue you, as you apply your mystical awareness to the important decisions upcoming in your life, especially concerning partnerships of all kinds. 2005 is bound to bring at least one major success in the love department, and your career will be brimming with new enthusiasm and innovation. Not only that, but travel, adventure, and personal expansion infuse fresh energy into all areas of your life. By year's end, your creative decision-making will have carried you to whole new peaks - and a whole new view from above.


Pisces in 2005 - Self-confidence
It's a big year for you, friend Pisces. No doubt, in 2005 you'll find yourself pushed more and more out into the world. You'll experience a new sense of purpose and make plenty of new friends. Expect lots of surprises and lucky breaks this year, with Uranus bringing the unexpected in your career, your love life, and the world in general. At some point during the year, you could pick up a financial windfall, hear of a great career opportunity, or unexpectedly meet the love of your life. It's important that you take retreats and plenty of time for yourself to regenerate, as the rate of change in your personal and professional life will be fast and unpredictable. Remain calm and confident, and love is very likely to flourish in 2005. "Expect the unexpected," and enjoy the ride!

You Are From the Moon

You can vibe with the steady rhythms of the Moon. You're in touch with your emotions and intuition. You possess a great, unmatched imagination - and an infinite memory. Ultra-sensitive, you feel at home anywhere (or with anyone). A total healer, you light the way in the dark for many.

You Are the Enthusiast

7 You are outgoing and playful - always seeing the happy side to life. You're enthusiastic and excitable. You love anything new. Multi-talented, you do many things well... and find success easy. You prefer to keep things light with others. Opening up is hard for you.

Your Dominant Intelligence is Linguistic Intelligence

You are excellent with words and language. You explain yourself well. An elegant speaker, you can converse well with anyone on the fly. You are also good at remembering information and convicing someone of your point of view. A master of creative phrasing and unique words, you enjoy expanding your vocabulary. You would make a fantastic poet, journalist, writer, teacher, lawyer, politician, or translator.

You Are a Visionary Soul

You are a curious person, always in a state of awareness. Connected to all things spiritual, you are very connect to your soul. You are wise and bright: able to reason and be reasonable. Occasionally, you get quite depressed and have dark feelings. You have great vision and can be very insightful. In fact, you are often profound in a way that surprises yourself. Visionary souls like you can be the best type of friend. You are intuitive, understanding, sympathetic, and a good healer. Souls you are most compatible with: Old Soul and Peacemaker Soul

Sana'y masabi sa awit kong ito
Lahat ng ninanais nitong puso ko
Sana saan man
Patungo sa buhay
May pag-ibig
May pag-asa
May saya at saysay

Sana sa bawat sandali
Matikman pa
Sarap ng pagsasama
At simpleng ligaya

Tara na, sakay lang
Malay mo
Andyan lang
Andyan lang
Ang hinahanap mo...

Husband Commits Suicide, Then Wife Wakes from Coma

ROME (Reuters) - An Italian pensioner committed suicide after his wife fell into a coma, but just hours after he killed himself the woman woke up, Italian media reported on Saturday.

Recalling the end of "Romeo and Juliet," the 70-year-old man, Ettore, who had sat by his wife's bedside for four months after she slipped into a coma following a heart attack, finally gave up hope and gassed himself in the garage of his family home.

Less than a day later, his wife, Rossana, woke up in her hospital bed in Padua and immediately asked for him.

The northern town of Padua lies just 40 miles from Verona, where star-crossed lover Romeo killed himself believing Juliet to have died. But minutes later Juliet woke up and seeing Romeo dead, stabbed herself.


*from Yahoo! News

TEAM LEADER NA AKO!

(Weh, eh ano ngayon?! )

Wala lang, natutuwa lang ako. Matagal na akong nakakarinig ng mga bali-balita ngunit ayaw ko lang itong patulan/paniwalaan hangga't hindi si Bossing ang mismong nagsasabi. Mahirap matuwa nang wala naman palang dapat katuwaan. Pero ngayon, eto na, totoo na at hindi na basta-basta tsismis.

Bale sa February ay on-prob pa kami ni Louie (naging TL din sya... naks! ). Hahawak kami ng tig-sampung tao.

Ang sweet nga ng team leader ko, si Froi. Pagbalik na pagbalik ko ng cubicle ko ay tumawag agad sya. Hindi ko pa nga nakilala ang boses nya kasi nasa proseso pa rin ako ng pag-absorb ng bagong balita. "O?" sabi ko nang mapagtantong sya ang nasa kabilang linya.

"Anong sabi?" Magkatalikod lang kami pero ramdam na ramdam ko ang ngiti nya.

"Eh di ayun." Nangingiti na rin ako.

"Ano nga yun?"

"YUN!"

"Ano nga eh?"

"Tang*na mo, parang di mo alam ah!" (Wag kayong magulat sa lenggwahe ko; ganyan lang talaga kami mag-usap )

Natawa kami pareho. Maya-maya ay tumawag syang muli, nagbibigay ng mga payo. Wag daw akong matakot; kaya ko raw yun; give it my best shot daw Marami pa syang bilin. Naiiyak na nga ako pano'y akala mo, huling paalam na ito. Adios patria adorada na.

Tinawagan rin ako ni Ian, yung TL naman ng kabilang team. Straight-forward itong si Ian; hindi na sya nagmaang-maangan na wala syang alam "You rock, man!," sabi nya.

Syempre natatakot rin ako. Alam mo na, expectations. Maabot ko naman kayang lahat?

Nevertheless, salamat po, mga TL. Sana nga ay kayanin namin ni Louie. At sana, hindi kayo magsawa sa pagsuporta.

Last Thursday I accompanied Joy to MALANG's 77th birthday party. Her client, Danilo Pangan, is the distinguished artist's friend, so we were invited to the celebration, and to see the exhibit as well. The gathering was held at The Crucible, a gallery in SM Megamall.

I met Sir Pangan before; Sir Santos (that's his surname; Malang's given name is Mauro) is another story. I am familiar with his work, so this meeting brought tremendous excitement to me. We watched from a distance as people from the art circle flocked around and exchanged pleasantries with him.

Sir Pangan introduced us. He was nice, even cracking a few jokes. He didn't seem 77 at all! He was as sharp as a tack. Reminds me of my own grandfather

Later we scrutinized his newest paintings. He's a diligent one, I'd say. Really passionate about his work. Based on the dates in the paintings, he can accomplish three medium-sized ones in a week! And these are not just ordinary strokes on canvas - the paintings are good; full of emotion. I liked them all, but my favorites are Crucifixion (in charcoal) and Kapuso (in oil).

This is the most exciting part: We saw someone asking for his autograph. Our eyes met, Joy's and mine. Seconds later we marched purposefully towards his direction and also asked for his autograph! He asked us what do we want him to put in paper. I said, "Kahit ano po," shy all of a sudden (All I could give him to write on is a cheap notebook! ).

He smiled, and started sketching the form of a girl. He drew a big heart in the middle of the girl's chest. It was really touching. We thanked him profoundly and wrote on his guestbook.

On our way home, I still can't believe it. And up to this day, I am still amazed. I'll get over it sometime, maybe, but for now the memory of that night still brings a smile to my lips

More about Sir Malang:
http://www.newsflash.org/2002/08/sb/sb002318.htm
http://www.eartphilippines.com/faae/artists/malang.html
http://www.geocities.com/~idolomo/malang.html

The other night my dear Tupe (wahehe ) predicted, "Alam mo, Chat, feeling ko malapit ka nang magka-boyfriend."

I muttered a profanity, laughing, and said, "Ano ba... ginagago mo 'ko."

"Hindi nga."

I cursed again. "Bakit mo naman nasabi?"

"Wala, feeling ko lang."

I kept silent, twirling noodles with my fork. I still have four shanghai rolls and a buchi to combat; I already felt full.

"Bakit, ayaw mo ba?"

"Alam mo..." I paused, trying to think of words to paint the pictures in my head. "Malungkot ako." I said at last.

He knew I wasn't finished with my speech. He waited.

"Eh... duh. Hindi pa ako handa." I added lamely.

"Chat, twenty ka na."

"Hindi... oo. I mean, ano ka ba. Para namang di mo alam."

"Si Erwin." Not a question, but a statement.

Silence again.

"Hay nako, kalimutan mo na nga yun."

"As if. Ayoko ngang makipag-commit nang hindi pa ako over sa kanya. Unfair."

"Matagal ka palang maka-recover," he said thoughtfully.

"Oo noh. Pero alam mo..."

Well, to make the long story short, I told him about a past love, someone that I loved for many years, whom I only got over with when I realized that I already fell in love with Erwin.

"Baka yun nga yung way," he insisted after I told my story. A new love to replace the old one.

"Siguro. Pero hindi pa ngayon."

It brought to mind a comment from my colleague MJ. There was a time when I cried during office hours - I hate my job, I hate my life, I don't know why I am doing this. And this isn't even what I want from life. It's kilometers away from the path I want to take. I don't need this. I broke down, and MJ thought it has something to do with my non-existent lovelife! "Tado, lovelife ka dyan," I replied. I related to her what stirred my outburst.

It took MJ's 32 years of experience to analyze my confused narrative. She told me I must be feeling empty. She said that I seem not to have something to look forward to everyday. I don't have someone that I am excited to meet at the end of the day, or exchange phone calls/text messages with. Yes, I have my friends, but that's different. Life becomes monotonous; it just drags.

There's truth in her words. If you knew me when I was a senior Commerce student, you'd think it's two different people. I'm not saying that the other is better; it's just that the Chat before was surer of her life's direction... more idealistic, maybe. I was in love, I worked hard, did excellently at school. The present me is someone trying to heal the wounds caused by shattered beliefs - not just in a romantic sense, but about life itself.

But I still feel that this is not the right time for that someone; he's eons away, I guess. I remember telling Tupe that at this point in time, this early, I am already pitying that boy, whoever he is, if he's gonna spend the rest of his life being stuck with me.

Well, I have the friendship of three gorgeous gentlemen: Tupe, Pao, and Tony (I am truly one of the boys). I love these three. I couldn't be more blessed. Just being a drama queen when the mood strikes

ANDYAN P KYO WHR N QC TK CARE CM HM RLY TMRW C U

Sender: Nanay Ko!
Sent: 00.58.40
2005.01.15

Tears rolled down my cheeks as I stared at my cellphone's screen. I was in bed at my officemate's house trying to sleep, a little drunk from a company party. A little? Hell, I stank from all that bottles of beer I downed, oblivious of the world. And here's my mom, telling me to take care and come home early the next day.

* * *

At the start of the year my father summoned us and I was quite irritated because he'd been drinking as usual. All of a sudden he hugged me, kissed my cheek and told me he loves me, he loves us all.

I hugged him back, trying to laugh. But as soon as he released me I returned to our room, keeping a decent pace so they won't notice the emotions whirling inside me.

I wept, but dried my eyes as quickly as possible.

* * *

You don't always get to show your loved ones how much you care. It's one of the hardest things in life: to show your truest colors, to bare your soul. I have no idea why we tend to bar these feelings; we just do. And we can't just tell ourselves to do certain deeds to show them that they're special before it's too late. Some things are easier said than done, even if you know it is the right thing to do.

HAPPY 394th BIRTHDAY, USTe!!!

Hindi mo ba alam
Damdamin ko'y pinagtakpan
Makasama ka'y suntok sa buwan


Umiibig na naman ako

Di pa naman. Medyo lang... wahehe Hindi crush 'to noh... parang if I use the word "crush" eh masyadong shallow, if you know what I mean. Pero masyado namang malalim yung word na "love", so hindi rin. So fine, "care" na nga lang!

Yuck ang korni! Ewan. EWAN.

Yuck nakangiti na naman ako palage. Like this, oh:

Pero... TARAGIS! Hindi ko pa nga nasusuring mabuti yung kakaibang pakiramdam ko eh buko na (yata) agad ako. Siyet... ENGOT!!!


Hindi ko 'to gusto
Pero 'wag kang lalayo...

Tattoo artist Dylan Schreifels adds a tattoo to Joe Tamargo reading 'Save Martha!' as Tamargo holds a print of the same in a tattoo shop in Huntington, N.Y., Thursday, January 27, 2005. Tamargo, 31, has started a new enterprise, selling advertisers the opportunity to permanently tattoo their messages on his body. A California pharmaceutical company last week posted an ad for pilldaddy.com on Tamargo's right arm for $500. On Thursday, he earned $510 to have "Save Martha! It's a good thing. SaveMartha.com" permanently etched in multicolored letters further down his right arm. (AP Photo/Ed Betz)












Read more...

I can smell fresh pain, clear as I see it in your eyes. You think that it is too easy for me to just throw it all away; you think that I don't care. I cannot blame you... such things won't cross your mind if not for my own doing, and I am a fool for letting you think so. It hurts that I don't have the courage to return your smile, even more so in knowing that I hurt you. But if you only knew...

@ @ @

Nothing felt different in the first few days of our meeting. It didn't seem romantic at all, unlike the stories I have read before, where the girl and the boy had sparks flying at the very first glance. I have to admit, though, that I can feel my blood boil whenever others would exclude you, just because you're new. And I felt miserable to see you sitting there, talking to no one while others are gossiping and laughing. I don't know why I was so affected, but I cannot bear your silence. I wanted you to feel like you are one of us, because you truly are. Yet the thought of other people's eyebrows rising if I talked to a complete stranger bothered me more at the time, so I tried to appear unfazed, and you remained stuck in a corner, keeping watch. The quiet type? Maybe. I was intrigued.

@ @ @

On my way out of the library one day I was surprised to see you there, reviewing your notes. It's not entirely shocking to find a guy studying his lessons at the library, but the sight of you doing so made me smile. You looked up and recognition reflected in your eyes, but I also sensed your hesitation. I waved and smiled. Your amazement was obvious; nevertheless, you looked pleased.

Since then I can occasionally feel your eyes on me. My heart thudded in their earnestness. I ached to know the thoughts that ran through your mind that time, but all I can do is smile.

@ @ @

That fateful day when I realized something's different in the way I felt about you will be forever etched in my mind, probably because it never occurred to me something special would happen... all I ever thought about that time was how my feet hurt, thanks to my high-heeled sandals. When will that seminar start anyway? I've been standing here for almost two hours, waiting for the unknown.

I looked around. How posh this hotel is! The Christmas tree almost reached the ceiling, complete with bright-colored parols and blinking lights. Absently, I glanced at the escalator. Then, inch by inch, you appeared.

I don't know why but that moment I was reminded of a scene in the movie "Cruel Intentions". Oh, we just smiled... nothing complicated like Reese and Ryan's dialogue. At that point it would seem alien for us to exchange those words. My heart skipped a beat all the same, as if we really did say them. And, mushy though it seems, the world seemed brighter when you smiled at me, your eyes crinkling at the corners. It felt like we're the only ones around.

It's amusing how escalators could play a vital role in our lives. What a great invention.

@ @ @

On my way home I'd stare at the jeepneys moving along España. As I walk I'd look at their signboards, all of them leading to Quezon City, and I'd have to smile, remembering that time you told me you lived there. I would then wonder if you are already home, and I'd pray that you got there safely.

One of my daydreams - those pictures that pop in my head without warning, so vivid it's almost real - is that when I finally arrive at my house you are there... you'd flash me your wonderful smile, and home would really feel like home.

@ @ @

In the mornings I could sometimes smell the scent of your cologne, driving away the chill brought by the January air. My heart is warmed by your embrace, even if your presence dwells only in my imagination.

It's funny sometimes when someone would speak behind me and it would sound like your voice. I'd look to make sure, my heart pounding. Upon seeing you're nowhere I could only shake my head, wanting to kick myself and yet secretly smiling... here I am again, wallowing in thoughts of you.

@ @ @

I can't help smiling whenever our conversations come to mind. We talk of things ordinary enough, but all it takes is a look into your eyes to make it all extraordinary. Sometimes our gazes would meet and we'll just stand there, saying nothing, just smiling at each other. I have to say these "conversations" tell me more than what words could ever say.

I guess the most heart-warming of them all was when I sat in a corner of the classroom, prodding my brain to digest the bits of information I jotted down for the semester. You rose from your seat and stepped towards me... a moment later you were towering over me, glancing at my notes. Then you spoke in a voice so soft I almost couldn't make out the words. You did everything so silently... for a reason I cannot fathom I felt glad.

@ @ @

The door opened and she poked her head inside the room, searching for a familiar face. She was smiling as she scanned the crowd. She was still smiling as she left, even if the face she was looking for wasn't there.

A lump started to rise in my throat, and I tried to swallow it down before it could summon unwelcome tears in my eyes.

She knew you long before I even set eyes on you. She seems to be a nice girl, a smile on her face ready for anyone who might want to approach her. I should probably feel sad, and to be honest I sometimes do, but somehow I am also happy, because with her, I know you're in good hands. I know she'll take care of you if you'd only hand her that chance again.

She still loves you. I can feel it in my bones. How about you, do you still love her?

@ @ @

Whenever I think of her and the love she has for you, I feel guilty. 'Why?,' you ask. I honestly don't know.

I was surprised when someone happened to mention a basketball game and you told me who won. It didn't seem like you to watch such a game, yet your pride was obvious. Then I knew. She's part of the team.

Your expression moved me, and I wondered how it would feel like to have someone who's proud of me like you are of her.

@ @ @

Lately you puzzle me. If I am not bombarded with questions, I am showered with compliments. I tried not to take notice, not wanting to assume anything... who knows, for all their sincerity your words might just be innocent pleasantries. Maybe you are just being nice to me.

Sometimes after class I'd wait till everyone was out and you'd stick around. You'd walk with me and say things a boy wouldn't tell a girl in ordinary circumstances. I would wonder why, but all there is for me to see is your dazzling smile.

@ @ @

I am falling. The fire in your eyes warms my heart. Dare I let hope in?


© chat 01.28.03