the thoughts that wander

random questions (walang answers)

2009-10-21T12:32:00.002+08:00

salamat sa haba ng pila at dami ng tao sa mrt, meron akong blog entry.

random questions ko, you can answer, just leave a comment. thanks!

* MRT (Metro Rail Torture)

1. Ilang train ba ang nagpapaikot-ikot kapag rush hour? Given naman na nagmamadali ang mga tao sa pag-uwi (sino ba ang hindi?), walang improvement. Pumunta ka sa Ayala station ng 6-7 PM kung di mo gets. Kaya ang mga tao, roundtrip na lang, sakay ng train papuntang Taft tapos di na bababa dahil yun din ang babalik sa Ayala. (TIP: Umupo sa tamang side ng babaan mo, mahirap lumabas). Kaya nakakapeste talaga yung mga taong maraming escort na pulis at wawang kapag nasa daan, sila lang ba ang nagmamadali sa buhay?

2. Bakit hinahayaan ng management ng MRT na lumabas ang animal instincts ng mga pasahero sa pagtutulukan? Meron kasing mga tao na sa kagustuhang umuwi agad, pinipilit isiksik ang sarili kahit wala ng space. Minsan, titingala ka na lang para makahinga. Kaya kung nung bata ako, delight ang pagsakay ng LRT, ngayon hindi na.

3. Bakit laging sira ang mga escalators at elevators? Hindi ko kasi maisip kung bakit di yun napapagawa, eh kumikita naman siguro ang MRT sa dami ng pasahero at sa dami ng ads!

* TAX

Bakit karamihan ng tao sa government offices at agencies, masusungit? Pag tumawag ka naman, pagpapasa-pasahan ka lang. At bakit kapag nangyayari sa akin yun, nawawala yung tapang ko at nagwawalk out ako, kung pwede ko naman sabihin, "Di ba, tax ko ang nagpapasweldo sayo?" Kung tutuusin, pwede natin yan sabihin sa mga leader di ba? No choice naman tayo, pagdating ng sweldo, nakaltas na yung tax. Lumang tugtugin na ang issue na to. Pero bakit kapag gusto natin makausap kahit sandali yung mayor, congressman, governor, etc., palagi silang walang time eh di ba, responsibilidad nila na pakinggan tayo? Dapat tayo ang boss, senyora, madam nila. Hindi yung parang tayo pa ang nagkakandarapang lumapit para makapicture, makakiss sa kanila.

* MAGNANAKAW (small, medium, large scales)

Wala daw pinagkaiba yung magnakaw ka ng isang pirasong candy sa isang paketeng candy, kaya siguro karamihan, go for the gold, LARGE SCALE na, now na. Nagnakaw ka pa din naman, pareho lang. Pero hanggang ngayon, paano napapakain ng mga snatcher, holdaper, kidnaper ang mga anak nila knowing na may tinapakan sila. Dalawang beses ko na ipinaubaya sa mga magnanakaw ang celphone ko, kahit sweldo ko lahat pinambili ko sa mga yun kasi kahit pano, 'grateful' ako na hindi ko yun kelangang gawin para magkapera. Pero pano naman yung iba na walang-wala talaga?

Siguro minsan, mali din na mabilis tayong magpatawad at makalimot. Kaya siguro carry lang ng mga 'trapo' na magnakaw dahil alam nila na makakalimutan din natin agad ang mga kasalanan nila, kaya nga karamihan, narere-elect pa! Wala silang pakialam kahit kakabit ng pangalan nila ang salitang 'sakim, abuso, ganid' at di nila naiisip na paglaki ng mga anak nila, habang nag-aaral sila ng history, sasabihin ng teacher na 'so and so, which happens to be your lolo or lola, is known to be the most corrupt leader of this nation' at ang mga pinoy, mahilig sa connection kaya pustahan, ang apo na yun, mag-iisip kung magiging proud dahil nasa history ang lahi nya, o magwiwish na sana matunaw na lang sya.

* REALITY SHOWS

Aliw manood ng reality shows, lalo na nung earlier days na alam mong REALITY at hindi scripted ang mga kwento.

Nakakainis yung mga contestant na sasali tapos pag may inutos, magrereklamo. Unang-una, hindi naman sila pinilit na sumali dun, sa dami ng pumupunta sa audition, swerte mo nakasali ka di ba? Kung sa tingin mo macocompromise ang values mo, walk away but you can't complain kasi dapat alam mo na yun bago ka sumali.

Yung mga over sa pagkaOA ang pag-arte. Di ba ang reality, yung natural lang? O baka ang definition nila ng reality eh larger than life dapat ang acting?

* KEEP YOUR PRIVATE LIFE, PRIVATE (?)

Kung public figure ka, by choice o hindi, dapat alam mo kung kelan gagamitin ang sentence na, "I want to keep my private life, private'.

Example, pupunta ka sa isang bar, public place at may kasama o ka-date kang public figure din, tapos medyo ang public display of affection nyo ay beyond 'friends', masisisi mo ba kung mag-isip ang mga tao kung may relasyon kayo? Kasi kung gusto mong itago yun, hindi ka pupunta sa public place para iparada ang sarili mo. Tapos hihirit ka ng, 'amin na lang yon?'. Lalo na sa mga artista, gusto nyong tangkilikin kayo di ba? At pag tinangkilik na kayo, pakipot kayo sa pagshare ng mga nangyayari sa inyo, kawawang mga tagahanga.

itutuloy...

what to look forward in Grey's Anatomy's 6th Season

2009-09-03T14:00:00.001+08:00

This is it! Grey's Anatomy Season 6 premiers on September 24th (25th if you're in Manila, Philippines) with back to back episodes aptly titled Good Mourning and Goodbye.

It is expected that Season 6 will begin where Season 5 ended, with Izzie (Katherine Heigl) flatlining and in a somewhat dream is an elevator scene where George (TR Knight) in military uniform awaits her. It was a sure sign of death, for both of them as I initially thought. Izzie was wearing the prom dress she wore when Denny (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) back in Season 2. But the trick is, that episode left us hanging, Izzie in doubt whether to go out of the elevator or stay behind in her earthly life.

Thanks to spoilers and pictures of the cast filming season 6, we all know that George eventually died and Izzie survived.

I myself can't wait so in the spirit of listing stuff, I'll enumerate the stuff I'm looking forward to Season 6.

1.Because Izzie survives, what happens next to her? Is she and Alex (Justin Chambers) moving out of Meredith's (Ellen Pompeo) house? She obviously won't be able to practice medicine yet because of cancer and she was practically left behind by her peers. How will she take the news of George's death? The last scene they had together (other than the elevator scene) was in the second to the last episode, Izzie torned between potentially losing her memory and everything that makes her who she is or to let go and await for her death. It was a beautiful scene, when George told her she always knew what she'll do, "this back and forth is just fear."

2. Callie's (Sara Ramirez) reaction to George's death. She planned with Bailey (Chandra Wilson) an intervention to stop him from joining the army but it never happened and the next thing they knew was that their John Doe was George. It was nice of Callie to stand up for George, even after he cheated on her with Izzie, but I guess they were never meant to be together but that either doesnt stop them from being the best of friends. In the preview of season 6, Callie is seen choking.

3. MerDer married. In a blue post-it. (With Ellen's real life pregnancy, producers announced that they're kind of taking it slow on her, I personally find this a good opportunity to develop stories of other characters) How will this post-it marriage going to affect everyone? It also seemed, based on the previews that Derek (Patrick Dempsey) is being offered by the Chief (James Pickens Jr.) to take his job. Back in Season 3, the Chief chose Derek to be the next chief, but he refused and told the chief that he's the best man for the job.

4. Cristina and Owen. I am a fan of both Cristina and the actress Sandra Oh. I was shattered when Burke left. Cristina's line "He's gone, I'm free, damn it!" is an all time favorite scene of hers. It was nice to see her falling in love again. Cristina is tough as a rock but among all of them, I think she's the one who loves the most. She shaved her eyebrows for Burke (so unCristina), she met Owen (Kevin McKidd) halfway.

5. Alex Karev maturing into a responsible guy. Alex (Justin Chambers) is considered as Meredith's male version. We saw him transforming from an a** into a man declaring that his life began when he became a husband.

6. Bailey. She's my mom's favorite. And she's about to raise her child alone and that scene of hers with the chief defines the actress that Chandra Wilson is, exceptionally talented.

7. Mark and Lexie. Mark (Eric Dane) and Lexie (Chyler Leigh) sort of broke up but admit it, they look good together. With Mark's background as man-whore and Lexie's "Lexipedia" personality, their story sort of become the "lighter side" of the series.

So that's about it! Other stuff including Shonda Rhimes' symbolisms and one-liners are also something to watch out for. And the music! I know I will be moved by George's funeral.

I, for one, can't wait.

be your own hero

2009-08-31T10:25:00.004+08:00

I remember a lot of things about my grade school years and one in particular are usual questions and assignments on who our favorite heroes are.

Growing up in Laguna, our usual answers, including me is Dr. Jose Rizal. Other than the fact that every town has a monument of him and he is our national hero, coming from the same province, I believe me and my classmates felt a special "connection" with him.

But not to brag or anything, I had the idea even as a child that our freedom is not all about Rizal, nor is he the only person responsible for it. When I was about 8 or 9, a family friend gave my mom three books about heroes for us to read maybe. And so I learned about other heroes of the time and their stories, Bonifacio, Mabini, the Silangs, del Pilars, Lunas and Aguinaldo (although I later doubted his heroism due to stories pointing that he actually ordered Bonifacio's execution). It is not all about Jose Rizal.

Years later, as our family moved to Manila for our studies, I learned about heroes based on streets. Trust me it is a good history practice. My first year at the University of Santo Tomas taught me that Arsenio Lacson is a former Manila mayor, and all the nearby streets in the Espana area have something to do with Rizal (Dapitan, Dimasalang, Laong Laan, etc.).

Lately, husband and wife tandem Ninoy and Cory Aquino are our modern day heroes.

If you asked me today who my favorite hero is, I have none.

This nation cannot be changed by one person alone. We all have to do our parts, because at the end of it all, we are our own "heroes". And so having a favorite hero, to me, is disrespect to others who in their own little ways help defend our country. Bonifacio never went to battle by himself (as far as my history knowledge is concerned), he has Katipuneros. And we ourselves had declared that Ninoy wasn't alone when he said "Hindi Ka Nag-iisa".

Today, one of the most obvious ways to be our own heroes is to register and vote for the 2010 Elections and stand by it. The responsibility doesn't end when you cast your vote on election day but continues even after it, when new leaders take their posts and ask for the people's support and cooperation.

I encourage others to talk to our leaders (with the new technology, how hard can it be) and let them know what we think. Amidst the corruption and scandals and immorality in the government, there are those who are there because they simply want to serve the people.

I am deeply honored whenever I am in the presence of a descendant of a national hero, and I can never imagine how proud they are of their ancestors. I believe that much as they can, live not to tarnish their honorable name that will go down in history as a heroic family.

What happens then to corrupt leaders?

I pity their poor children and children of their grandchildrens, for their name shall always be synonymous to tyranny and corruption.

So change and be your own hero, while you can. :-)

cory stories. elections. writing. changes.

2009-08-27T13:22:00.004+08:00

It has been forever since i wrote an actual blog entry and because i've been recently writing some stuff for INQUIRER.net, i decided it is about time to post something in this blog other than my videos.

Cory Aquino coverage

On August 1, 2009 at about 3:30 AM, i got a text message from colleague and friend Marjorie Gorospe that yes, our dear President Cory Aquino has joined our beloved Creator and that tv networks are preparing to go live and air the news.

I refused to believe at first as rumors like that are but, normal. The Aquino family advised that the official announcement will come from any of them and not until I hear Senator Noynoy's official announcement did I take the sad truth of President Cory's death to heart.

At about 6:00 AM, i got a call from our editor to take the briefing of Senator Noynoy regarding details of the wake and funeral at the Cojuangco Building, a few blocks away from my office which according to some was where Cory held office after her presidency.

I was there at around 9:00 AM but if i remember it correctly the senator arrived shortly before lunch. After the briefing I went to the office to process that first video. And after that briefing, my life is all about covering Cory.

I rode at the back of a pick up when Cory's remains moved from LSGH to Manila Cathedral. It was a moving moment. That was a moment I thought I'd never see with my own eyes, it was that people power spirit that i thought i can only see in movies or documentaries. It was no longer a story, it is a now a feeling.

The Filipinos proved that we are a nation of loving men and women, a country mourning for a leader. And if i haven't been working at the time, i know i would have cried.

The cortege stopped at Ninoy's statue along Ayala Avenue where people sang Bayan Ko. As a child and even growing up, i sometimes feel ashamed singing Bayan Ko. I vividly remember, when i was in gradeschool, some of my classmates would curse the idea of singing Bayan Ko after the Lupang Hinirang and recititation of the Panatang Makabayan.

The next day was spent at the Manila Cathedral to cover the necrological services. I was seated near the media area when after Mayor Lim said his piece, he went to one corner, gave Rapa Lopa a tight hug and cried. Boys do cry.

Wednesday, August 5. I was at Manila Memorial at around 11:00 AM, full with lunch. We were expecting the cortege to arrive at around 6:00 PM but it did not. But it was ok. It was worth the wait.

I got sick the next day. But it didn't matter. President Cory's death was more meaningful to me than any other coverage, and I could name a thousand reasons why but the one thing that stands the most, is the fact that i realized that i need not be ashamed of being a Filipino.

2010 Elections

It will be my first time to vote for the Presidential post and having had the privilege to listen to some presidentiables like Roxas, Villar and Escudero, I really haven't chosen my bet. Although still early and some haven't even declared their candidacies yet, I believe they have to declare soon so that people will have a lot of time to truly think about their decisions.

We need to make the right decision this time. I do believe in people power but I do not advocate for another revolution in EDSA. Let us topple corruption with our votes.

Casting your one and only vote is not a privilege but a responsibility not to yourself but your motherland and to your children and theirs.

How will I choose a candidate?

Simple.

Genuine Sincerity and Capable Mind.

Writing

Yes, I am writing some news stories lately.

I felt different doing it again, coming from editing videos everyday. It was nice though to let words and ideas just flow. Although they are technically not my own as they are stories I just write.

I will be writing more. Soon :-)

Changes

I am more hopeful and faithful lately and credit goes to sincere prayers at night. I do pray everyday but I must admit some of those aren't coming for my heart.

Lesson? Faith works. We don't get what we want all the time because God always, ALWAYS has better plans for all of us.

A lot of new things are happening soon. Wish me luck.

Cory Aquino coverage

2009-08-02T12:37:00.001+08:00

Cory's wake in LaSalle Greenhills - son

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For Cory

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A final visit

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Family and friends pay last respects

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Blog is Love.. (and finding me in the web)

2009-07-16T17:48:00.014+08:00

blog is love - kathy g

and so after some video posts, i decided to write something entirely different from that, my web journey.

last monday while at the gym watching cnn, they had a feature about web profiles and tips to ensure that information disseminated in the web about you are accurate. its easy nowadays, just google someone's name and everything appears.

but this is not about that. this is about my sns and blogs and how i move from one platform to another.

FRIENDSTER

I opened a Friendster account in 2003, first year in college, with the hope of staying in touch with my highschool friends, getting to know my college friends, and discovering new things about my old old friends back in grade school. It didn't fail me. Back then, testimonials are a big deal. Though I don't look forward to that much as others did, its nice to hear what people say about you especially those that you don't know about. I felt particularly overwhelmed because a lot of people said that they admire my courage and how I stand up for things and reading them now made me ask myself, "whatever happened to me?" I was hooked for a few years, and then occassionally checking it, updating new photos and reading messages and yes, posting testimonials.

FRIENDSTER BLOG

Now along with your Friendster account comes the option of creating your blog. I did. It served as my creative outlet due to stressful and endless nights writing thesis, research and everything with the word "paper". I wasnt at all particular with my grammar or punctuation or language. What encouraged me to write regularly are people's comments. Oh yes. Again, reading them made me wonder what happened to me.

MULTIPLY

I opened a Multiply account because of photos and because blogs are more interactive. And then your Multiply homepage allows you to see updates from your contacts. I opened one right after college in the hopes of keeping in touch with my college friends and because I am starting to develop an inkling to photography.

BLOGGER

I created my blog because college friends Kathy, Kats and Trina have their own and because my job then required me to write a lot of things, this blog sort of documented what was happening to me back then. I write anything, random or well-thought-of things. But more often, random stuff. I write anything that pops into mind. This blog was designed, redesigned until I settled for the all-white-clean-less-is-more look.

FACEBOOK

I had to create a Facebook account because I have been hearing a lot of gaming apps in the site, one competing directly with one of the gaming brands I was handling back then. I wasn't really active in Friendster and I found Facebook interesting, though confusing. Facebook addiction didn't immediately start. It was only last year when people start posting on my site and tagging me that I had to check them all just to make sure everything is true and people wont misinterpret anything. Now, Im a Facebok freak. I check it every time I get online and I love love BIOTRONIC.

TWITTER

I created a Twitter account because my colleagues at INQUIRER.net kind of encouraged me to have one. And because I was always running out of time to write a decent blog entry, I liked the idea of a microblog. Say everything in 160 characters, now that's art! I follow major global news sites and yep, hollywood celebrities. My greatest "Twitter moment" was when Grey's Anatomy creator Shonda Rhimes answered my tweet.

PLURK

Plurk is sort of the same as Twiter, with better interaction and your plurks and replies amount to Karma points. The higher your karma is, the more icons you have until you reach "Plurk Nirvana" only to discover nothing really big. I eventually got tired plurking and check it occassionally.

BLIP

Another microblog with a twist, you can add a song to your entry. Brought out the music kid in me. It was fun until I grew tired again. Thinking of a song that best describes an entry is a little hard especially when you're a pretty busy person.

So there. That's about everything. I usually check on Twitter and Facebook everyday. In my laptop, I set Chrome to automatically open all of these sites plus INQUIRER.net, NYTimes.com, CNN.com and two of my email accounts but I usually read more on Twitter and Facebook. When mobile, I usually just check on Twitter since my main concern is breaking news and its always there.

Ask me how I maitain all of these? Well, I integrated most of them into each other. My one plurk updates my twitter, friendster acct, facebook acct and multiply. I also embedded plurk, blip and twitter to this blog for everyone to see. Then my facebook acct posts feeds from this blog as well.

I wonder what will surface a few years from now in the web, its highly unpredictable already. But one thing I realize as I look back and write this is that these things chronicled how I transformed from being the old to the new me. Amazing cause I lost track of it and but digital data kept it for me.

This isn't random. This is about Blog is Love.

Ultramarathon takes place in Sacobia River

2009-06-30T13:33:00.000+08:00

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CLARK FIELD, Pampanga - Around 130 runners joined this year's North Face 100 ultramarathon, which passed through the lahar-stricken terrain of Sacobia River. Heavy rains suspended the 100-kilometer race but eventually resumed. Interviews and video by INQUIRER.net's Marjorie Gorospe, Izah Morales and Janie Octia.

Rubilen Amit talks about her pool idols

2009-06-30T13:30:00.002+08:00

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Rubilen Amit, the country's first female world champ in pool, talks about her idols Efren "Bata" Reyes and Francisco "Django" Bustamante and shares how she felt after winning the recent Women's World 10-ball championships. Video taken by INQUIRER. net's Marjorie Gorospe at the AMF Puyat Superbowl in Makati City.

Bring back the PBA's glory days

2009-06-30T13:30:00.001+08:00

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Ronnie Magsanoc, named one of Philippine Basketball Association's 25 greatest players, shares his thoughts about the league and its players during his time. Now an assistant coach in the PBA, he also reminisces about his glory years as one of the country's best point guards. Video by INQUIRER.net's Marjorie Gorospe taken at the FilOil Arena in San Juan.

Kayaking in the Hundred Islands

2009-06-30T13:28:00.002+08:00

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HUNDRED ISLANDS, Pangasinan---Kayaking in the Hundred Islands National Park is now part of an eco-tourism initiative of the local government with the Department of Tourism and the Hundred Islands Eco-tour Association. Video report by INQUIRER.net reporter Izah Morales. Video taken by INQUIRER.net production specialist Janie Christine Octia.

The Forgotten War

2009-06-30T13:28:00.001+08:00

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Thousands of young Filipinos fought in the Korean War, caring to help neighbors in need. Video by INQUIRER.net's Maila Ager. Video clips of the movie courtesy of Carlo Cruz.

Sailing back to history

2009-06-30T13:27:00.000+08:00

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The Mount Everest Team is off to another adventure: On a balangay built like the ones used by pre-colonial Filipinos, team members will sail around the country promoting a rich Philippine culture. Video taken by INQUIRER.net's Janie Octia on interview by Katherine Evangelista.

What's Cookin' with AHA: Salmon with Cucumber Wasabi Risotto

2009-06-30T13:26:00.000+08:00

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Chef Michael Caffrey of the American Hospitality Academy demonstrates how to prepare a dish called Salmon with Cucumber Wasabi Risotto. Video by INQUIRER.net's Janie Octia and Rastle Lozano. Royalty-free music courtesy of Kevin Macleod.

Escudero talks to PDI

2009-06-08T17:44:00.000+08:00

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Senator Francis Escudero talks about the constituent assembly, his presidential bid, and his closeness to business tycoon Eduardo Cojuangco, among others, in a forum with the Philippine Daily Inquirer. Video taken and edited by INQUIRER.net's Rastle Lozano, Janie Octia, and Edzelle Peña.

CCP launches Cinemalaya Cinco

2009-05-22T14:53:00.000+08:00

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MANILA, Philippines-- Cinemalaya Festival Director Nestor Jardin and Competition Director Laurice Guillen talk about the films that will be shown this year. Celebrating its 5th year, this year's Cinemalaya Cinco will run from July 17 to 26 2009. Video by INQUIRER.net's Janie Octia.

David Cook dared to eat balut

2009-05-15T17:29:00.001+08:00

Season 7 American Idol winner David Cook, dared to eat balut (boiled duck embryo), shares his 'humbling' Philippine experience. The two will perform in a back-to-back concert Saturday at the SM Mall of Asia concert grounds. Video by INQUIRER.net production specialist Janie Octia.

David Archuleta overwhelmed by warm welcome

2009-05-15T17:28:00.000+08:00

American Idol season 7 runner-up David Archuleta, overwhelmed by the warm welcome given by Filipino fans, promised to give a good show with AI winner David Cook this Saturday at the SM Mall of Asia concert grounds. Video by INQUIRER.net production specialist Janie Octia.

Fil-Chinese high school league

2009-05-04T17:54:00.001+08:00

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QUEZON CITY - The Filipino Chinese Basketball League (FCBL) began more than twenty years ago and gathers teams from Fil-Chinese schools . Video by INQUIRER.net reporter Marjorie Gorospe.

Kayaking promotes tourism

2009-04-28T16:06:00.000+08:00

HUNDRED ISLANDS, Pangasinan - The organizers of the first Philippine Kayaking Series are hoping to create a kayaking "trail" to promote tourism in the country. Interview by INQUIRER.net reporter Izah Morales. Video taken by INQUIRER.net production specialist Janie Octia.

The Standing Ovation Queen

2009-04-28T16:05:00.001+08:00

MANILA, Philippines- Fil-Am performer Stephanie Reese talks about her journey from portraying roles in famed musicals to going solo. Interview conducted by INQUIRER.net Thea Alberto. Video taken by INQUIRER.net production specialist Janie Octia.

High-tech bikes

2009-04-14T16:43:00.001+08:00

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SUBIC BAY, Zambales - Lawyer Gregorio "Goyo" Larrazabal describes different type of bikes on display during the recent Terry Larrazabal bikefest.Interview conducted by INQUIRER.net reporter Lawrence Casiraya. Video taken by INQUIRER.net production specialist Janie Christine Octia at the Subic Bay Convention Center.

Bikefest promotes healthy lifestyle

2009-04-14T16:41:00.000+08:00

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SUBIC BAY, Zambales - The annual Terry Larrazabal Bikefest is a multi-discipline event that aims to promote biking as an outdoor sport. Interview conducted by INQUIRER.net reporter Lawrence Casiraya. Video taken by INQUIRER.net production specialist Janie Christine Octia at the Subic Bay Convention Center.

Filipinos put RP on Google Maps

2009-03-12T18:50:00.000+08:00

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MAKATI CITY, Philippines-- Google Southeast Asia Head of Marketing Derek Callow reveals that Filipino users are now actively contributing to the Internet giant's user-generated map-making platform, Google Map Maker, which was introduced in 2008. Video report by INQUIRER.net production specialist Janie Octia.

Mikee Cojuangco: An acclaimed show biz return

2009-03-12T18:48:00.000+08:00

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PASIG CITY, Philippines--Twelve years after her last film, Mikee Cojuangco again appears on the silver screen in a short but acclaimed cameo in the blockbuster film, “You Changed My Life,” which stars John Lloyd Cruz and Sarah Geronimo. INQUIRER.net talks to Mikee about her portrayal and a possible show biz comeback. Interview by INQUIRER.net editor Gerry Plaza. Video taken by INQUIRER.net production specialist Janie Octia.

Dolphy: forever funny

2009-03-08T19:22:00.001+08:00

Dolphy: forever funny

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PARANAQUE CITY, Philippines--King of Comedy Dolphy grants a rare interview with Sunday Inquirer Magazine and INQUIRER.net on his effective comic style that spanned six decades as he delve on his humble beginnings, his struggles as an artist, his joys as a trusted friend in the business, and his hopes for the industry. Interview by INQUIRER.net editor and Sunday Inquirer Magazine contributor Gerry Plaza. Video taken by INQUIRER.net production specialist Janie Octia and reporter Lawrence Casiraya.

Eraserheads play their 'Final Set'

2009-03-08T11:09:00.001+08:00

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PASAY CITY, Philippines--Filipino rock icons "The Eraserheads" play their "Final Set" at the SM Mall of Asia grounds. This is a continuation of last year's reunion concert that was cut short when frontman Ely Buendia was rushed to the hospital due to fatigue. Video shows the group's first three songs "Magasin", "Walang Nagbago" and "Maling Akala." Reported by INQUIRER.net reporter Alex Villafania. Video taken by INQUIRER.net reporter Lawrence Casiraya with production specialists Janie Octia and Rastle Joy Lozano. Video courtesy of MTV: Music Television

From driving cabs to sailing boats

2009-02-28T20:08:00.000+08:00

SINGAPORE—Jun Quinonnes used to be a cab driver in Manila. Now, he is part of the crew of Ericsson’s sailing team after deciding to stay on in Singapore. Prior to this job, he helped deliver yachts from Hong Kong to Singapore. Video report by INQUIRER.net reporter Marjorie Gorospe.

Karylle poses as "Maria Makiling"

2009-02-26T14:28:00.001+08:00

LOS BANOS, Laguna-Singer-actress Karylle poses as the legendary Maria Makiling before artists at the University of the Philippines Los Banos to help raise funds for the preservation of Mt. Makiling. It is now considered an eco-tourism spot. Karylle says it was but fitting for her to portray the mountain goddess because her father was born in Calamba. Video report by INQUIRER.net reporter Marjorie Gorospe.

Joanna Ampil wows Pinoy crowd

2009-02-25T13:05:00.000+08:00

MANILA, Philippines--International musical theater sensation Joanna Ampil leaves her Music Museum audience on February 13 in awe with her stirring renditions of Broadway and West End classics and Original Pilipino Music (OPM) standards. Interviews by INQUIRER.net editor Gerry Plaza. Video taken by INQUIRER.net production specialist Janie Octia.

Behind the scenes of Boy, Kris' new showbiz show

2009-02-24T10:27:00.001+08:00

QUEZON CITY, Philippines—Boy Abunda and Kris Aquino are hosts of ABS-CBN's newest showbiz-oriented show "Showbiz News Ngayon" (SNN), which offers the hottest controversies and the latest developments in the entertainment industry in a news cast format. INQUIRER.net visits ABS-CBN studios to witness live telecast of the entertainment news program. Abunda also talks to INQUIRER.net on the show and the challenges they face in producing it. Interview by INQUIRER.net editor Gerry Plaza. Video taken by INQUIRER.net production specialist Janie Octia.

Sarah, John Lloyd discuss 'You Changed My Life'

2009-02-24T10:26:00.001+08:00

QUEZON CITY, Philippines--Sarah Geronimo and John Lloyd Cruz meet the entertainment press to promote their film, "You Changed My Life," the sequel of their 2008 hit "A Very Special Love." Video taken by INQUIRER.net production specialist Janie Octia. Video clips courtesy of Star Cinema.

Karylle soars in first-ever concert

2009-02-18T11:19:00.001+08:00

MANDALUYONG CITY, Philippines—Singer-actress Karylle proves she is one of the most promising female entertainers in the country today after her sold-out Valentine’s Day concert at the EDSA Shangri-La Hotel. Interview by INQUIRER.net editor Gerry Plaza. Video taken by INQUIRER.net production specialist Janie Octia. (click here to watch video)

A day in the life of a rose farmer

2009-02-14T10:18:00.000+08:00

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TAGAYTAY, Cavite—Engineer Francis Librando is no horticulturist. But he helped build the high-tech farm facility of the Philippine Cut Flower Corp. He is now the farm manager who makes sure operations are running smoothly. Video report by INQUIRER.net reporter Marjorie Gorospe. Video taken by INQUIRER.net production specialist Janie Octia.

Hale stages gig for a cause

2009-02-11T17:58:00.000+08:00

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MAKATI CITY, Philippines-- A year ago, Hale vocalist Champ Lui Pio started the Treehouse Productions to make music more meaningful by helping raise funds for some charitable organizations. Together with local independent and mainstream bands, Lui Pio celebrates his birthday alongside Treehouse's first anniversary. Interviews conducted by INQUIRER.net production specialist Janie Christine Octia. Video taken by INQUIRER.net production specialist Rastle Lozano.

Sarah sings 'You Changed My Life'

2009-02-11T17:54:00.000+08:00

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Sarah Geronimo sings the theme song of her upcoming Star Cinema-Viva Films movie, "You Changed My Life," with John Lloyd Cruz—a cover of Janie Frickie's 1978 hit "You Changed My Life in a Moment." The movie is a sequel to their 2008 blockbuster "A Very Special Love" which opens on February 25. Video courtesy of Star Cinema.

one day makes everything okay

2009-02-09T10:04:00.000+08:00

in the pirates of the carribean, at world's end, will turner became the captain of the Flying Dutchman which meant that he has to spend 10 years at sea and only a day with elizabeth swan. but all will said was, "depends on the 'one day' ".

there are days in our life when all the sh*t becomes worth it. when all our sorrows are turned to smiles we cant remove from our faces.

and that day, today that is, makes everything brighter. and even if i know its ending quite soon,

at least i know there's this one day that i have, and no one can take it away from me.

Karylle talks about triumph, new path

2009-02-08T11:02:00.001+08:00

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MANILA, Philippines--Singer-actress Karylle showed how to turn a personal setback into a stirring accomplishment; how she emerged from the hurt and inspired all who may tread the same path. Sunday Inquirer Magazine interviews this admired celebrity for its Valentine's issue on Feb. 8 and learns more about the inner strength, determination and wisdom that drives her to overcome and triumph. Interview by INQUIRER.net editor Gerry Plaza. Video taken by INQUIRER.net production specialist Janie Octia.

Gary Granada: FILSCAP to consider case vs GMA Network

2009-02-04T15:58:00.000+08:00

by INQUIRER.net

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A morning with Alodia Gosiengfiao

2009-02-03T13:44:00.002+08:00

Alodia at INQUIRER.net. enjoy!

The Duman of Pampanga

2009-02-03T13:38:00.002+08:00

Watch this video of a Pampanga delicacy called Duman by INQUIRER.net

the mind has endless wonders

2009-01-30T06:02:00.000+08:00

there's this thing in my life right now which required me to really ponder on everything that took place.

so like a library or a computer or a database of some sorts, i was able to find what i was looking for, and that is today's AHA! moment.

i wish i can elaborate but that's all i can say for now.

the choices we make

2009-01-25T05:24:00.000+08:00

i always say that there is no such thing as right or wrong choice, cause the only thing that defines our choices are the things we do after we decide.

example 1.

i decided to shift and transfer from UST to St Paul, while most of the people I've been talking to before, while and after the decision was made was saying it was a wrong choice, i did it anyway. I proved them wrong because I made the best of what I can while in St. Paul. its not the school that matters, its YOU.

example 2.

choosing a more complicated career than a greener one. from physical therapy to mass communications. they say that only the best of the best get in that program and letting that go for a course like masscomm was a huge mistake. i proved them wrong.

oftentimes, we say that we do not have a choice, we actually do.

only that, our instincts tell us to choose the easier one, to take the shortcut and get to where were going in a snap of a finger.

derek of grey's anatomy once asked mark sloan, ' why worry about the destination, why can't it be the journey?'

so the choices we make, should be the one that will teach us the most.

it is the hardest choices in life that makes us who we are and gives us the most wisdom.

im stubborn and i dont listen to people's advice. i prefer to do things the harder more complicated way. and quite a few times, i realize that i should have listen. but i found life's greatest beauty when that happens for the simple reason that i learn a lesson.

so there's one choice that im gonna do today. before i go to church. before i sit down and talk to God.

it is a hard one, it is a complicated one, and most of all, it is a PAINFUL one.

'gotta figure this out'

2009-01-23T06:51:00.000+08:00

there's this one song of erin mccarley that id love to hear every morning, when im prepping to leave for work.

"I've never been so deep inside a shadow, I've never been so insecure of what I know"

there are things that i have to figure out, and i guess that's the same for everyone else, but really, how do you figure out something.

as for me, i do a lot of analyzing.

playing chess during my younger years taught me a lot of 'thinking how your opponents think' and dancing to their tune without actually dancing it.

watching a lot of films gave me the feel of being the third, outside person in a story where there are three versions of truth, the first side, the second side and the third, the one which really occured, free of biases or personal assumptions.

producing for a 'target audience' in college made me analyze and to always, before anything else, put myself in the shoes of all who i know will reach whatever crap im doing. and to always answer the question, why do they need to know about this.

i analyze and sometimes overthink.

i figured out a lot of things in my life, years after they happened. because back then, i never had the courage to analyze and accept the ugly truth.

i have always wanted to be a doctor, but i know i will never be. because i am not made to be one. and now, looking back, had i been a doctor, id be a struggling to be good and probably unhappy.

there's a bunch of things that i need to figure out, but maybe not today, maybe tomorrow or the next day or never.

and quoting a line from mccarley's song again,

i want to make this right.

2008 ended and 2009 started at WORK.

2009-01-01T12:48:00.000+08:00

and i love it.

i almost finished editing a show yesterday and welcomed 2009 getting shots and soundbites that we need for today's videos and watched grey's anatomy marathon.

by 8am, i was prepping to go to work and process videos that came from everywhere. i wasn't cramming or freaking out, i am, i would say at my chillest/coolest state. its almost 6pm and i am at the moment rendering our daily newscast which we shot today as well.

and i cant believe it.

for the past few weeks, i freak out a lot. i rant a lot but now is just chill. i miss chilling.

i guess im loving work more and more. im not really looking forward to sleeping tonight.

btw, i am the only one processing videos today. i love my job!!! woohoo!!!!
(not another may-masulat-lang-entry)

life is one BIG PARTY - wanie's year ender

2008-12-27T20:17:00.000+08:00

it was one hell of a year. i took risks, i acted based on my impulses. sometimes i was thinking, sometimes i wasnt. but the thing is, i was blessed. and for that i am so grateful.

allow me to take you through a year long party of my life.

JANUARY 2008.
i was still with AsianLogic then as their PR assistant but i barely had a break even with my vacation leaves because the company just floated at the London Stock Exchange-AIM and i had to help organize a party in London from where i am, Manila. but i found time to party. it was st paul qc's fair and being the "ate" to a lot of girls, i supported them all the way. even if i was the only one from my batch (at least people there didnt made me feel that way).

FEBRUARY 2008.
i applied for a new job (which is my job right now) and got in. i always knew id get in. why? the job interview i had with then INQUIRER.net multimedia editor Joey Alarilla was by far among the most INTELLIGENT, most INTERESTING conversations i ever had in my entire life. it wasn't about showing off to get the job, it was about ME talking about my hopes and dreams and where i see technology in media is going. while on the process of excitement for an exciting journey ahead of me, i had to face the reality that i am leaving my job, a second home to me in last few months or so. but we all had to move on and so i did.

MARCH 2008.
as if saying goodbye to your old job isnt enough, my good friend ferry is leaving for Canada, for long. and though it pains us to see one is leaving, we didn't had a choice but to bid her goodbye and wish her luck. I started working for INQUIRER.net and whoa. that was just that, WHOA (in a good way)

APRIL 2008
i met lea salonga, dream come true. enough said.

MAY 2008
more parties and more adventures. and by party i dont mean big parties. just small drinking sessions wherever life takes us. went out to a few trips which by the way made me do things i don't usually do.

JUNE 2008
i spent my birth month working. and i somehow conquered my fear of heights. my birthday was spent covering the opening of classes making me follow Department of Education Secretary Jesli Lapus wherever he goes. and that was cool. sometimes i need that rush to remind me why i do what i do. oh yes, i got to cover the most powerful human being in the country today, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo at the Independence Day celebration.

JULY 2008
more petix, more dinners. trip to up north

AUGUST 2008
im off to a better career surprise. and more work for me. and oh, i got to watch Cinderella with good friend Trixie Ambrosio. That night was fun, and another dream come true. and oh, who would forget Eraserheads reunion concert? Most of my friends were there but only saw 2 of them. two reasons: The Fort looked small because it seemed that the entire country was there, and second, i was there on coverage.

SEPTEMBER 2008
my first trip out of the country for a Google coverage. i love traveling but every time we would want to go somewhere i would want it to be in the country that's why there was never an out of the country thing. why see the world when you haven't explored the beauty right in front of you? (that's patriotic, but that's me). but then again its work and nothing wrong about that so went to Singapore for 2 days. i love my new post at work, where i get to edit videos although i must admit i miss going out.

OCTOBER 2008
fun fun fun! our department had a trip to baguio with everyone (except edz) and we all had a blast. ghost hunting with these people is so cool. we'll never stop laughing with 'its too smoooooool', 'spelunking', 'umf' jokes. i love my job. i will always do.

NOVEMBER 2008
it was a trip down memory lane, we had a major gradeschool party! yes with my gradeschool friends. though work is a little crazy because of a lot of things we had to do, it was great. and too bad, i lost my phone and 500+ worth of phone numbers and emails.

DECEMBER 2008
had a blast at our Christmas party and had this journey to conquer my stolen phone which ended in an amicable settlement in my favor. so i bought a new one. and oh, i got to cover lea salonga as she sings this awesome song of a MMFF entry.i must say this is a generous Christmas for me cause i know i made some people happy.

____

i learned a lot this year but i guess the most important lesson ever was the fact that you can enjoy and party and work all at the same time. and that i know i learn from work and the people i work with. though i still believe there's a small boundary that separates work from who you are and that there's a need to live that other life, its all a matter of BALANCE (which i fairly suck at).

life is short. and we don't have the slightest idea when it's gonna end so party, enjoy and seize it!

cause the greatest dream can only be achieved when you're having fun.

i am grateful

2008-12-14T16:23:00.000+08:00

The last few weeks of my life had been a roller coaster ride, primarily because of work and a whole dozen other things that I have to deal with, the mobile phone issue to be specific.

I have moved on and in fact bought a replacement but the person whom I prayed for (Yes, i did pray for the person, whoever he may be, to take care of my old phone) sent me an email thus leading to a new journey, of trying to get my phone back, hopefully.

I now sit in front of our pool, watching over cousins whom i havent seen in weeks. Theyre playing at the pool and im typing a blog entry. I promised them we'll go out when the closest mall opens.

I miss being a kid. All I worry then was when the weekend will come, I dont even bother reviewing notes over the weekend. It was a life that I may never have again in this lifetime.

I love my job, it was, it is and it will be the craft I know I was born to. But sometimes, as in any other passion, we seek for a break, for a time-out, for a rest, because we need our space.

That though maybe impossible and for the fact that in my job, everyday is new, every video is different, and you are as good as your last video/article, i choose not to take a break.

I just miss hanging out with friends, missed two dinners over the week.

Continued 12.14

And i am grateful for everything, just about everything.

panalo si pacman!

2008-12-07T08:13:00.000+08:00

woohoo!

http://sports.inquirer.net/breakingnews/breakingnews/view/20081207-176612/Pacquiao-TKOs-De-la-Hoya

what i miss about my gradeschool years.

2008-11-04T15:44:00.000+08:00

had a blast with my gradeschool friends last sunday, the people who saw me laugh, cry, and everything that could happen to a child. they saw how immature and childish i was but then again, after more than 15 years of friendship, we spent a day (and night) like it was only yesterday.

i miss being so early in school, like really early. i dont know what happened.

i miss going home during lunch breaks. yes, we were given the freedom to go home if we want to. in an hour, i can have lunch and power nap and go back to school for chitchats or games.

i miss playing stupid-funny games at the end of each day or the serious talks we used to had whenever there are problems.

i miss walking around the school, just walking.

i miss the teasing, the paiyakan, the asaran and all that tuksuhan.

i miss the tension that i feel everytime i go to school without homework.

i miss performing for school programs.

i miss being the student council president because at 12, how are you suppose to lead a bunch of gradeschool kids.

i miss being with my best buddies all day everyday even on weekends when we tambay everywhere, learning to cook, watching stuff, playing, joyrides, and all.

i miss going to mabitac church just for the climb actually.

i miss my teachers. no im not the teacher's pet cause more often than not, i cause chaos with my stupid mind-buggling and impossible questions but then again they love me. cause at the end of the day, i do my responsibilities.

i miss walking from and to school. my home is so near, it takes me 5 minutes to get to school.

i miss crazy projects.

i miss terror teachers.

i miss arguing with teachers. yes, i argue too much i think. i made some teachers cry, well the whole class did.

i miss not worrying about tomorrow.

i miss not thinking about taxes and salary deductions, etc.

i miss sleeping so soundly at night looking forward to what's going to happen at school.

i miss not wanting for my mom to bump into one of my teachers, scared they might told her of my kalokohans.

i miss hakone, i miss bebang, i miss dianne, and all of them.

i miss clarence and arguing with him, and putting up a fair fight to this rivalry that we had since we were like what, 4? that taught me a lot though. and the guy will always be a reminder to me that i should keep up and be better.

i still wait for pictures of last sunday's party. i hope to see them soon.

realization 101

2008-10-25T05:09:00.000+08:00

nasabi na lang namin 'to sa umagang chickahan.

'kapag maunti ang pera, maunti ang problema; kapag maunti ang powers, maunti ang kalaban.' - mami

the pad paper rule.

2008-10-06T13:54:00.000+08:00

by jarvik and wanie

pag hiningan ka ng papel, wag mo nang dagdagan ng pencil/ballpen.

we can't have it all. CC: MASSCOMM SOCIETY

2008-09-27T13:06:00.000+08:00

i know it's not easy and this could be the hardest, most painful thing you'll ever experience in your life, but i am telling you, from somebody who had been in your position few years ago, this won't be the last. the real world can be more cruel. and even if you give your best shot at something, you will be called the worst.

cry all you want and rant for as long as you can but at the end of the day, you have to learn that in this life, WE CAN NEVER HAVE IT ALL. we lose some, win some. yes painful but you have to rise above this and be brave enough to face the reality that shit happens even to those who don't deserve it, even to those who obviously gave more than their best, to those who poured their hearts out and sacrificed even the most precious things for our dear masscomm society.

that is a reality we can't change. and that is something we must accept.

we may never get a grandslam in this cheerdancing competition but they can never break our spirits.

we may never be considered the best every year but they can never change the fact that when masscomm calls for all its children, including those who have once danced, cheered or joined the pep, they come ROARING.

we may lose games every year, every competition, everything, but trust me when i say, that you will never lose your masscomm family.

we can't have it all because if we do, there'll be no more reason to give our best shot at every thing.

rise above this and take this as a challenge to do better next time.

nothing that i say will make you feel better, but if it'll be of any help, id like you to know that whenever im down with work or with reality and with anything random, i look at pictures, i recall all the tears shed and i am glad because i know that when everything else crumbles down, the family you call the MASSCOMM society is there.

so cheer up, and rise above this.

remember, we are the mighty masscomm. and yeah, shit happens to mighty people and unfortunately, even the MIGHTIESTs can never have it all.

when to stop.

2008-09-14T10:52:00.000+08:00

i often wonder when's the best time to stop something, anything, everything. and sometimes, i even ask myself if the act of stopping ends it all.

i wanted to end something last night and somehow did. i stopped.

i was afraid to make the same mistakes i did a few years ago and fall on the same trap that changed my life forever. i was tired. i was exhausted.

this morning i realize that i just needed a break. and that instead of taking this burden as it is, take it as an opportunity to make things better, in my case, to make up for all my stupidity in the past.

we often forget to see the bigger picture in this great scheme of things.

so when to stop? you'll know it when you do. but right now, i plan to run and keep going.

(note: another one of my non-sense-i-want-to-write-lang entries)

(UPDATE) Eraserheads concert cut short, Buendia rushed to hospital

2008-08-31T09:19:00.000+08:00

here's an update on Ely Buendia

http://blogs.inquirer.net/soundtrip/2008/08/30/eraserheads-reunion-cut-short-buendia-rushed-to-hospital/

Eraserheads concert cut short, Buendia rushed to hospital

2008-08-31T06:37:00.002+08:00

here's the story:

http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/entertainment/entertainment/view/20080830-157767/Eraserheads-concert-cut-short-Buendia-rushed-to-hospital

and here's the video:

http://www.inquirer.net/vdo/player.php?vid=1484

congratulations PTRPs.

2008-07-31T04:37:00.000+08:00

Alright, let me set things straight.

My first course in college was Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy at the College of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Santo Tomas. I thought I wanted to be a doctor then but things changed or I just realized that I wanted to do something else. December of 2003, during the Christmas break, I had the feeling that I am not happy anymore and so I made one of the most unexpected decision (because I don't usually quit things), and what I would say one of the most important ever in my life, I decided to shift to a communication course and the rest as they say is history.

And so, I proudly present to you, the UST CRS BSPT Batch 2008,
officially PTRPs, 100% passed.

(at least this is my block and so many of us shifted)

i miss.

2008-07-19T08:05:00.000+08:00

i miss the following:

1. my masscomm family. ive been through a lot of shitty stuff in college and they were there, not necessarily to help but to just sit with me, and cheer me up, with whatever jokes and simple assurances that we will get through it. and that no matter how some people made our lives a little miserable, we turn those into funny things.
"tapos na ang maliligayang araw nyo- _ _ d _ _. hulaan nyo na lang.

2. my esl friends whom i will always nag for projects and for endless requirements and who at the end of each friday, will go out with me and have fun. these people opened my eyes to sooooooo many things. the differences in our generation was an advantage as they share what they have with what i know. my esl family, i would loved to dance one party again, if only i could.
3. i miss goofing-with-spons-retreat-monster-look-for-your-school-in-barcelona days with sponsie. how i miss our chats, every working day. to whom i say good mornings and hey, im-leaving-office-na-see-you-inawhile-hi-mulong-metro-rail-torture.

4. i miss reading.

(to be continued, i promise to finish my book tomorrow at 1700hrs)

once in a while.

2008-07-16T18:32:00.000+08:00

once in a while its comfort to open your heart and know someone is genuinely listening.

once in a while it makes me feel more human when i open my ears to listen to someone and actually say something that makes sense.

once in a while, it's funny to find yourself walking in the rain, at the end of a very long day, crying, because of something you haven't thought of for a while.

once in a while, it's necessary to realize that all that shit makes us stronger and grateful that we have small things in life that makes it worth living.

once in a while, we need to remember that we can't have it all.

and once in a while, a sigh, a smile, a tap, a hand, a hug makes all the difference.

nothing will ever be the same.

2008-07-12T05:49:00.000+08:00

change is inevitable. we either adapt to change or we get left behind.

- meredith grey, season 4 episode 1 of grey's anatomy.

i wonder why people are afraid of change even if know that probably, it's about the fear of not knowing what to happen next, or what should be expected. and in the long run, they forget to enjoy the thrill of the unexpected.

we have all changed and CHANGE is a big word. it's about taking your first few steps when mom or dad used to hold your hand. it's about holding a spoon first time after being fed all your life. it's about sleeping alone in your room after spending mornings and nights beside someone. it's about using a ballpen and you can't erase what you wrote when you're used to mistakes because a pencil and eraser will go hand in hand. it's about checking if you have a letter online and not the mailbox or the mailman. it's about dealing with choices you have to make, it's about growing up, it's about changing.

i have my own set of fears on changing and i think that's ok.

why do we fear change? maybe because of the thought that after this, nothing will ever be the same and we'll miss it.

and sometimes, "change is everything" - meredith grey, season 4 episode 1 of grey's anatomy.

a happy thought.

2008-06-28T05:49:00.000+08:00

for the thesis gels cc: Masscomm Batch 2009

2008-06-22T12:43:00.000+08:00

i just thought of writing this because some of you (4th year mc students of st. paul) have been sharing your ordeals and others, and i feel overwhelmed for this, ask for some advices and tips for thesis.

1. know what you really want to do with your studies. focus on one thing. if it's attitude then it's just that. i know this should had been settled during the proposal stages but then again, you'll still be challenged by the many things you can do in your studies. it sounds and feels nice to be a bit heroic by being able to do a lot of things but guys, be humble enough to accept the fact that you are limited by time, and maybe resources. and then again, if you really want to pursue those goals, you will, even after thesis.

2. believe in yourself. we practically have 3 advisers in our studies, the official thesis adviser, the statistician, and our panelists but at the end of the day, its what you learned and believed in class that you will do. you are challenged by what statistic method or test you shall use, or should you present each table for each question in your survey or should you present a summary and so many others. sometimes, the advise you receive from our mentors are different from what your heart tells you. i am stubborn and i don't tell you to do the same thing, but there are so many things they told me that i didn't followed. and that i think enabled me to defend my thesis well for the simple reason that i believe in it.

3. no matter how stressful it is, enjoy it. there are so many things that you are doing, from letters, to approvals, to videos, questionnaires and tabulations and all those stat shits, always find a reason to smile once in a while. why? you might never be given an opportunity to do something like this again so do it well, and SEIZE it.

4. love your partner. you will get into arguments and you will curse her at times but that is normal. arguing means you are both thinking and not arriving at the same conclusion is better than being passive. no matter what happens, it is your partner that will stand right next to you and will stick with you when the dreaded questions start coming.

5. never aim for the 12 balls. and this is the hardest thing because that always seem to be the end goal. 12 balls is just a medal you receive during graduation and something you write in your resume but the difference that you make in your respondents is what thesis is all about. when you aim for the 12 balls, you get lost you forget the significance of your study and you don't meet the objectives. you become twice the loser. but if you focus on your significance and your objectives, you win once and for sure, the 12 balls will follow, and you win twice.

this is just a little something for the big sister in me. ive been hearing a lot of GREAT things about your batch, SPUQC ABMC Batch 2009. and if being there on your defense day will mean something, i will be.

if there's something i am always proud of you, it's the fact that i witness how you've turn from girls during your freshmen year to responsible young ladies leading our dear alma mater and masscomm family today.

PS. pagkatapos ng defense, text text lang kung san ang gimik!

wavelengths.

2008-06-17T17:57:00.000+08:00

i love it when i find people who thinks in the same wavelength as i do. that gives me the feeling that i know im not the only one or at least im not abnormal but kidding aside, that's a very affirming thought.

(to be continued... i cant gather my thoughts right now for some reason)

but really, when you talk to someone who thinks the same way, would you ever ran out of things to talk about?

22.

2008-06-10T11:33:00.000+08:00

i have always had birthday blogs and in the previous years, i wrote long entries. i want this year to be different so instead of words, i'll post some pictures.

i goofed more.

i dreamed higher.

i ran faster.

i doubted, but did it anyway.

i tried conquering heights,

and conquered it.

i stood my ground and stayed focused.

and im off to fly in no time.

so that's janie wanie@22, i know what i want and i am staying on top to keep it. thanks to all the greetings in sms, emails, yms, comments and all, really appreciate it!

I was watching Grey's Anatomy last night and time and again, they made me love life even more so I leave you with this line from Meredith:

"Don't wonder why people go crazy. Wonder why they don't. In face of what we can lose in a day, in an instant, wonder what the hell it is that make us hold it together."

a dose of kc concepcion, twice a day

2008-06-01T19:30:00.000+08:00

no, i am not a fan but i do admire her advocacy and humanitarian works which by the way, i only heard from stories of friends and not really from publicity stuff.

i covered an early morning Walk the World event by UN-WFP who appointed KC as Philippine Ambassador Against Hunger so obviously she was there. This has got to be one of the hardest coverages i ever had because everyone seems to want to have a picture taken with her so i had no other choice but to do the interview, a video interview at that while walking, walking FAST! despite that, i was able to get a decent interview at least. she asked if i knew erika tapalla (INQUIRER.net's multimedia specialist) and of course i do so we sort of started a short chat on that when i realized we just watched Caregiver last night and my mom wanted to find out where the British actors came from, and KC gave me the answer.

forward to 3 in afternoon.

i was on my way to the Asian Poker Tour when we recognized each other in the lobby again. thank God, i was able to relay Erika's message! and she thanked me again and even asked when the video might be coming up online. well, it was so nice of her to even recognized me when i know, i am not someone people usually remembers.

anyway, now i know, KC is genuinely nice and no doubt she really is blessed. i just hope she remains grounded despite her accomplishments in life, as a person and as an actress.

that's the highlight of the day, a dose of kc concepcion, twice a day.

freedom.

2008-05-23T21:25:00.000+08:00

what could i say, i love shonda rhimes! you can check out Grey's Anatomy writers blog at this link.

for me, it was the best season finale because of one thing, it is hopeful despite the hurts, and the letting go's and the uncertainties. it was actually uncertain because (spoiler alert!)the episode ended with derek asking meredith to wait because he has to clear his conscience, in short, ending things with rose.

i am so proud of cristina yang! she's back in the game and even better!

and how i love izzie and alex in this episode. the reason behind alex's arrogance and toughness outside is finally revealed! that made me cry! as far as i can remember, this was the only episode i saw tears from his eyes. izzie was there of course being a good friend, or i hope more than that.

people from time to time need inspiration and in my career path and my life as well, i consider grey's anatomy my source of inspiration dose. career path takes it from the creative genius of the creator of the series and there'll always be life lessons in each episode.

there are a lot of things i admire about the show, but if there's one thing that stands out the most, it is their ability not to use a line or a dialogue yet say it all.

i am now looking forward to season 5, another long wait!

talking to gary valenciano

2008-05-22T10:39:00.000+08:00

i was planning to blog about this while the memories are still fresh but i had full day yesterday and had to share all my days kwento with papa as he left for yet another voyage early this morning.

iya tipped me off with their shoots for national geographic so i dropped by and got an interview with donita rose and kuya kim. gary v was scheduled at 7pm which was in conflict with a prior appointment, the press and vip screening of the new Indiana Jones flick. While waiting at Gateway mall in Cubao, I tried my luck and asked iya if there was any chance we can do an interview earlier than 7pm and they said, yes.

of course we all know gary v is one of the best but i am not a big fan and still not after the conversation but one thing i can say is i admire him. aside from the fact that he performs very well and he's one of the nicest guys in the industry, as an artist, he is open and looking forward to the innovations of technology that can somehow affect his career, or well at least how people like him do business.

things we talked about after the interview? stuff like web broadcasting, how blogging and social networking sites changed the way he communicates with fans, how videos in web are more personal, how there's HD and small gadgets can do so much better, the day when songs will be given for FREE and recording artists will only earn from live performances, and so much DIGITAL MEDIA stuff! Thank God i read a lot and i didnt run out of ideas to share with mr. pure energy.

as ive said before, i get a boost of inspiration when i meet people who are not afraid to evolve and revolve.

so there, i am only using my mobile phone as modem because for some reason, our pldt dsl connection is down.

my life in review

2008-05-17T16:56:00.000+08:00

no reason at all. just that my eyes are swollen and i am home on a saturday night which is unusual :-) it's either one of three things, family day, work or coffee night with friends.

as the title says, my life in review. I'll try to remember as much as i can; all my plans and goals that i wish to accomplish, and i actually had to read a previous blog entry to write this one.

1. my master's degree. well, it didn't pushed through because i got a new job which is a bit complicated (in terms of schedule) than my previous office hours job. although i have signed forms and completed all necessary documents, i had to wait to get to the "regular mode" first before going back to school. but that's alright, i am still looking forward to being over with it by 25.

2. the singapore trip with jarvik. i haven't save up for this! they were so many expenses this past months but i will try my best best to have enough sources by september of this year.

3. a job in singapore or new york? well, not at the moment as i currently am enjoying my job as online videographer. and as mushy as it seems but i see myself doing this for even, forever. i see a lot of shortcomings on my part but i try to study my craft still. if i can, i do some experiments and i do a LOT and i mean a LOT of readings and reviews and tips and suggestions in making effective videos.

4. learning. i might not be able to go back to school this year but with the people i met these past two months, i learned so many my blog wouldn't be able to contain all of them. i will elaborate a few that really made a mark:

a. if you're in media, you won't see your own work.
b. there are people who will try to bring you down when they can and you have to stand still, or stand a bit higher and do your job, but do it well, you'd be better than others.
c. discrimination is inevitable but determination is the key. forget them.
d. be good with names. you never know when you'll bump into someone again.
e. our country is blessed with talented people. let's make some effort in helping them.

so that's basically that. i may be writing this because i am gaining another year old next month but technically it's really because of the swollen eyelids which i hope gets better tomorrow so i can go to work at Enchanted Kingdom (trivia: i haven't been there, ever! i have vertigo.)

i am freaking enjoying Grey's Anatomy (i've said this a lot of times!) but yes I am and kinda sad because it's Season Finale next week so have to wait again for a few months for Season Five. I love the last scene of last episode when Meredith reveals something about her mom, when we thought we knew everything about Ellis when she died, we don't. and though we thought we understand why Meredith is acting the way she is, we don't.

anyway, have a great weekend!

so you think i'm broken?

2008-05-17T10:03:00.000+08:00

"fix me"

-meredith grey.

season 4 of grey's anatomy will have its 2-hour finale next week. why?!?!?!?!?!

oh well, at least it's not on the weekend i'm out of town.

yun lang!

you must see Ploning

2008-05-05T06:01:00.001+08:00

i had the privilege of interviewing the producers probably a month ago before Ploning was shown to the public and i know right then that it was passion that drove them to do it despite all the odds.

the story was simple. Ploning is a quiet, simple, call it typical kind of lady you often find in the province, a woman of few words if i may say. people come to her for all kinds of help. what seemed to be her life long struggle is waiting for Tomas, the love of her life to come back from Manila and while waiting, a young boy called Digo became sort of a son to her.

some of the dialogues were delivered in Cuyonan (tama ba?), the dialect in Cuyo Palawan but most in Filipino. the dialogues were very simple but trust me, the words will hit you in ways you wouldnt imagine. meryll soriano delivered this line (not these exact words, but something to this effect), "kung baka naging matalino ako, hindi sana ako ganito kababaw at kasaya".

really now, it's not something we do realize everyday.

as much as i want to divulge what the story is about, i won't. it's up for you to find out. we almost watched the film twice to understand the characters. il give you some tips though on what you should look out while watching it.

1. symbolisms. every thing has a meaning. true to what Ploning always say, the film used symbols that are really there for a reason, from the indigo dye to the rain to lychees, even a cat in a frame, etc.
2. Ploning's dialogues. the less words, the more serious the message she's conveying. read between the lines, that's the key!
3. characters. there's some sort of then and now type of thing so be sure to remember the names and what role they play in the past and in the present.
4. camera movement. need not say anything .
5. musical scoring.

my final conclusion of this film is, it's not something you get to see everyday and not something our local producers will be willing to invest in most of the time. the last time i cried in a film was like years ago, and yesterday, i did. and those tears were not out of sadness but for two things: for hope and for a great work of art.

if there are local films that you should see in your lifetime, Ploning must be one of those. it may not be perfect as nothing is, but it's way better than some of the box office hits that people crowd every now and then.

and oh, one more thing, the actors and actresses did a great job in giving justice to the characters. i never really liked judy ann santos, ever! but this movie made me believe in her acting skills, that her acting ability is more than the just the girl i usually see crying on telenovelas or the maingay/funny/babaeng bakla in some of her movies. you don't have to be a fan of hers to appreciate her as Ploning and the film itself, you just have to get up, line up, buy a ticket and watch Ploning.

hopes and dreams and idealisms.

2008-05-03T11:19:00.000+08:00

i havent blog for a while and there are a few unpublished posts that i dont want to post but i promised today, i will blog!

i had an interview with tvc director/cinematographer paolo dy (yes people, the guy behind QWERTY) about joining On the Lot and his opinions on the local film industry. After the interview which is something to watch out for at INQUIRER.net, we were able to talk about our opinions about films, local and international as well as the future of media and the digital world. I really enjoyed that because primarily, I was talking to someone who knew and understand what's in store for us in the future with the fast evolving technology and someone who is prepared for it. something that is rare because i know more people who are not yet ready for the big shift!

change is, as always, inevitable.

i may sound biased because i am a digital media major but we have to get to our senses that everything is going digital, not that people who aren't familiar with technology would become useless, but their experiences and knowledge should be combined with technology so we can still produce the same but hopefully, a BETTER PRODUCT. i saw a fantastic movie (in the sense that the visuals and effects are good) a few days ago but got a bit disappointed finding the storyline too simple and a talented actress' ability undermined. the point im trying to make is, the stories and messages aren't improved DIGITALLY though they are better delivered with the help of technology. Unfortunately we lack good materials and even if we have them, they are shown to a limited number of people disabling to penetrate the "money-making" market.

i have my fair share of not wanting to change or make a big shift or take a huge step and leave something i used to do behind (one of them being a Nokia user forever then suddenly become a Sony Ericsson user). but most of the time, there are more things outside our boxes and it's nice to know those stuff and trust me, i sometimes feel that my brain can't contain all that information anymore.

so at the end of this day and this entry, i hope and i dream and i vision a world open to the changes that the digital revolution is offering. i remember my digital news teacher told me that digitization isn't just about changing or shifting but convergence.

someday, people will understand why i can stay all day in front of my computer, watching my favorite tv series or even movies, why i hate when people ask me to fax something when i can email it to them, why id rather talk to people in instant messengers rather than sms, why when im in front of my computer, i feel connected to the rest of the planet.

one month.

2008-04-17T17:09:00.000+08:00

today April 17th, i celebrate my first month at inquirer.net and for this id like to write some stuff that have happened that wouldn't have occurred if not for my work.

1. i met lea salonga. this has to be number one. yes, i would have the chance to watch her, and be a few seats away from the stage but talking to her and actually interview her don't happen often in life. i thought that i might have the chance to meet her years from now but God is good, He made it happen quickly.

(the following are in random order na)

2. going to embassy superclub. people close to me know that i am not a party person and i wouldnt spend my hard earn money to go to something like embassy. no, i have nothing against it. but i would prefer chats over dinner or coffee, or a movie or by simply staying at home and kwentuhan until the wee hours of the morning. but with my new work, i had to cover events taking place in embassy so i dont have a choice.

3. playing guitar heroes. thanks to alex and relly who brought me to a wii place in katipunan to actually work but before work started, play muna. im not a rockstar and as i told them, i never had the patience to learn playing the guitar. but guitar heroes is an exception. ended up playing for hours and actually wanting for more.

4. realizing that though being a journalist is a cool job, it is a tough one. if there are so many stories, which ones do you select to cover? if there is none, how do you get one? you always have to be at your best when covering events.

5. i learned that it is possible for me to function well even if i haven't got 8 hours of sleep.

6. and i guess the most important thing that happened is the realization that though it is a tough job, when you love what you do and you are passionate about it, you do it, and you do it well. for that i am very grateful to the Lord, opportunities like this don't come easily.

(the next ones, mga wala lang)

7. sitti and i have the same laptop computer.

8. bianca gonzalez is very humble and she really appreciates it when people leave comments in her blog. she's a perfect model of POSITIVISM.

9. toni gonzaga is not suplada.

10. a DJ Tiesto exists and he's famous!

11. Kopi Roti does not use a coffee machine but sticks to the traditional style of brewing coffee.

12. A lot of people are trying to take advantage of technology to create innovations and businesses which is a good thing despite the fact that some people aren't ready to accept these changes.

13. People get amazed when i hold the camera, i fix the lights, and actually interview them.

14. There are a lot of historical places in University Belt. How came I didn't knew that?

15. I've entered Yuchengco Museum. Funny is, I've been working in that building for almost a year and never have I tried to get inside.

16. I knew where Kitchie Nadal lives.

17. Because I hate my recorded voice, Karylle told me i have to learn to modulate my voice so it wouldn't sound squeeky. Up to this day, I haven't worked on it.

yun lang! more to come!

God is good, all the time. All the time, God is good.

wan yir of wandering

2008-04-13T17:30:00.000+08:00

today, the thoughts that wander celebrates its first year online. i remember that day in the 27th floor of yuchengco tower rcbc plaza. i saw trina and kathy's blogspot accounts and i wanted one for myself. my blog was originally in friendster.

the title came easily. why? because the best thoughts i ever had came by wandering whether at sleep, taking a bath, on my way to places or just when i stare at the ceiling or walls. after a few months, my good friend sweetness pie kathy galang (the best writer i ever knew), added a tagline, sharp mind, unhealthy body.

if i were to define my blog in one word, its magulo. though i am a communications graduate, i prefer blogging using my own style, its my blog anyway and i am not going to be graded. the mix of filipino and english sentences. my favorite one-liners. my entry ends with title and stuff like that.

i blog about what i have in mind.

my favorite post is that about my happy thoughts because doing it was so much fun and yes, every thought made me laugh.

ive always kept some notebooks with essays in it and the thoughts that wander is its online version.

people told me they were inspired by some of my entries and that is one of the best compliments one can ever get. especially when what you wrote is exactly what others wanted to say. as they say, great minds think alike.

i want to blog everyday if i can especially nowadays when each day is different from the other. i want to blog because it has become my shock absorber.
i want to blog because even if i simply type words, i felt as if someone is listening.

wander with me in the years to come.

for now, let me savor the thought of wan yir of wandering.

fulfilling.

2008-04-11T06:46:00.000+08:00

i am grateful with recent events because not everyone can proclaim that they find fulfillment in their jobs.

masaya ako pag may kausap, kachat, kasulatan... kasi masaya makipagcommunicate o makipagtalastasan lalo na sa mga topic na sobrang nagkakasundo kayo.

kanina kami nila jarvik, sed at naj, tambay kopi roti at jabee at kwentuhan lang at eto mga hot topics:

1. career mode, asan ang mga alumni batchmate namin ni jarvik.
2. mga kwentong masscom ng st paul, pagplano sa cheering next year.
3. revelations! i love it!
4. mga hypothetical what-ifs.

i havent been talking a lot lately like before when i used to work in an office. now, i am always on the go and the very few times i talk are when in the following:

1. pagbayad ng pamasahe
2. pagdating sa venue ng presscon, interview
3. pagorder ng food
4. pagtanong sa mga tao dahil baka nawawala na ko
5. pag tatawag sa mga friends dahil sobrang saya di ko na macontain

with my new work, i get to share with the whole world what i see, what i hear and what i learn and believe me, it is fulfilling.

things do fall into places.

this was never my dream but ended up loving it anyway.

andae-dae pang kwento na dapat malaman ng mundo at sana magtagal ako sa trabahong to para mabigyan ako ng pagkakataon na ibahagi ang mga kwentong yun.

within the week, i was able to do two stories on two of my favorite bloggers and that is fulfilling.

when i was in my previous work, some people didn't liked that idea that i was asking for more when in fact, i am very fortunate daw with where i was and what job i have. i told them, i am fortunate, i am happy, i am grateful i am blessed.

but sometimes, the only thing logical is to move forward, to level up because the human ability is limitless and there is always something more. it's not about being ambitious and not contented. it is about thinking of ways to improve your craft and your self. it is about maximizing your potentials as a creation of the Lord.

there is always something out in the world to explore. dream big.

my goal is to go to a world event in July of this year. i have to fulfill that dream.

at the end of the day, when u love what you do, there you define the word,

FULFILLING.

(ang nonsense ba? gabi na kasi eh.)

it doesnt get any better than this.

2008-04-03T19:59:00.000+08:00

today was extra extra special.

i offiicially tell my multiply world, i am fan of sitti. yes the bossa nova queen.

i first met her in may of 2006 during my internship at Groupee TV produced by GMA New Media Inc. but she was just starting then. I had no idea who she was and even though my boss, Rica already told me she sings bossa nova and people showed me a copy of her album, I still had no idea who I am supposed to wait for in GMA Studio 1's dressing room. While waiting, a simple girl came in with a few people with her, and were seem to be at a lost. I politely asked, you are? She said, I am Sitti. That memory is still vivid I can still remember every single thing about it. And so she sang.

I have always loved bossa nova but because that genre wasn't as much famous as it is now, I had completely ignored the idea the country could produce a bossa nova artist so good, it can melt me like foreign acts do.

She first sang Tattooed on my mind and oh, the camera men, engineers and tech people with me at the control room were mesmerized and left in awe. She was so damn GREAT! After the interview with hosts, she sang, I assume her most famous hit, Para Sa Akin. To prove that people behind the camera can't get enough of her, her tapes were played during the next tapings wherever there's a chance.

FastForward. I buy her albums and drop by her mall shows whenever there's a chance. I haven't seen a concert of hers since schedule always isn't cooperative.

When I was on my way to Panglao Bohol, I read in a magazine that the place I am heading to is Sitti's favorite beach.

So last Sunday while thinking of stuff I need to produce for work, I thought of doing some features on summer. The first one I did was a video taken in one of the stores in Greenhills showing the latest swimsuit designs and I need a celebrity I can easily made contact with and is so in love with the beach. Then the Chief played the song, With or Without You, Sitti's version.

And then I called her manager and arranged stuff.

This morning, while sitting at StoneHouse playing tennis on my mobile phone, Sitti came by and said, Hello Janie.

And we rolled at the penthouse with her summer stuff and must-have's and some photos from her laptop which by the way is the same as mine!

So to end this and as a preview, here's a photo taken by Naj Dantes after the shoot and yes, it doesn't get any better than this!

More photos to come after I upload my video works.

a glimpse of new life

2008-03-26T08:11:00.000+08:00

i havent written a nice entry lately and though my days are mostly spent at home uploading videos, the entire family is currently addicted to a game called, dynomite.

i am writing this in a computer shop here at matalino st. quezon city. i decided to that instead of wasting 2 hours of my time before the next scheduled shoot, i should just upload the videos i finished already.

life really is a wheel. not just with the concept of up and down but because you never know where it's going to take you. i came from an online marketing and public relations job and now, i am into journalism and video production. from corporate weekdays to casual everday (yes, including weekends), from 9:00 - 18:00 schedule to everyday-is-different time zones, from waiting for instructions and new projects from higher ups to making decisions entirely on my own.

i realized that in the two jobs that i have, i was always the first one.

1. ESL's PR Assistant. This post was created when the new Marketing Director came in and I was the first one.

2. My job now is like that. I was the first videographer.

It is scary. Why? You have no one to ask how the job should be or should not be done.

So that's about it. Still not a nice entry but still an entry.

first real working day almost at end

2008-03-18T18:47:00.000+08:00

wheew.

and that's an understatement.

my job was a 360degree turn from my previous job and even though i had a background in this field, that was like 2 years ago where i don't technically stand on my own. today, that was tested.

first, id like to thank INQUIRER.net Hackenslash Reporter Relly Carpio for the following:

1. For tagging me along his coverage today.
2. For giving me background on how stuff works in the world of Journalism
3. For sharing his thoughts on our gadget so i could maximize its use
4. For being so nice to me I was immediately at ease
5. For introducing me to his wife who was tough and nice both at the same time.

First days like this get brighter when God sends people like them.

The day hasn't ended yet. I haven't uploaded two of my video reports for the day and thanks to Toshi, its uploading them while im writing this blog.

I got to do a lot (and i meant TONS) of research of anything and everything worth reporting. Tomorrow, I'll get to really be on my own, thanks to Trina, Jarvik and Kitkat for helping me. Another wheew.. got to do research and prepare some questions and sequence guides.

But in the end, the byline says it all. That was all Llanesca wanted, and now I understand her more. That byline takes all the stress away.

beauty contests and all

2008-03-11T06:52:00.000+08:00

Alright, I bet most of you have seen this video if not watched the show itself last Saturday. Being interviewed is Janina San Miguel who won Bb. Pilipinas World that same night. Initial reaction is laughter, shame, ridicule and all the nasty and cursing words one could ever throw at someone who preferred to answer in English but turned out was not very articulate in that language.

Most subjects since gradeschool are taught in English and until college, even in graduate school. Our constitution itself is in English, speeches, executive orders, proclamations, ordinances, etc. I'd like to think though that most Filipinos still construct their thoughts in Filipino.

I admire people who speak and use Filipino in their speeches especially when they use "old" Filipino words, and I can only find a few of them now. I admire people who speaks English fluently and confidently. But I am indifferent to those people trying to combine them both in one sentence, a product popularly known as "Taglish" which is to me is an insult to both languages.

The title, Binibing Pilipinas to me is simply Filipino, but spiels, questions, rules and everything are in English. I do understand the fact that because whoever wins in the competition gets to represent the country in international beauty pageants, people vie more for those who can answer questions in English, properly and confidently. In these pageants though, there are other countries who would not be ashamed to take with them an interpreter and indirectly tell the world that they can not speak English but then again, do people or judges take that against them?

For me, the issue of Bb. Pilipinas World 2008 Janina San Miguel is another case of loss of nationalistic spirit. She may have thought that if she dares answer the question in Filipino, people may laugh at her more, but her confidence in using a language she is not so familiar about puts her more in peril (she's still lucky she gets a title). People assume that those who speaks in foreign languages are always smarter than others who prefer to speak in the vernacular. A non-sense sentence in English, French, Chinese, German, Spanish, etc. at the end of the day is still non-sense compared to a single perfect thought spoken or written in Filipino. We again lose one important point in all that we do, the essence.

I was never a fan of beauty pageants and never in my wildest dreams have I ever dreamt of becoming one. Others justify pageants that because it was called a "beauty pageant", the only basis of who gets the title is beauty, looks and not brains. I am not saying one has to have beauty and be geek to get a title, but a little pinch of intellect is necessary. Young girls look up to title holders as role models and what a role model would we have if they can't even construct a simple sentence in English.

We may laugh and ridicule all we want, but when we reflect about it, this boils down to poor quality education which is often a result of a corrupt government and government systems.

fast paced.

2008-03-06T07:26:00.000+08:00

the week started just fine but i didn't anticipated it'll pass so fast.

this is my second to the last week in my soon-to-be ex-job so all my projects should be completed before i leave especially the more complicated ones that i myself am hesitant to pass to the newbies (with an S because there'll be two but i'll just be meeting one of them as she starts work on my 2nd to the last day). adventures like poster-framing at recto is top priority as well as shirt and caps printing all come in uberly CHEAP prices (thanks to my exposure to places like recto and kamuning). a friend once told me that because i work in a corporate environment, it's not a worry to spend some thousands for frames in a mall where i can get it for only a couple of hundreds in recto because it's not my money. but i told her, maybe because i am concerned not with my job but to the company i work for and that we famously call, "kawang-gawa".

a good friend is also leaving for canada and we had a party the night before she leaves. talk about cramming. i havent feel though that i am not going to see her for a long time. for me and joyah, this is just one of our inuman sessions.

despite the bulk of responsibilities at hand, i feel a bit bored because my regular chatmate sponsie is out of the country and i had no one to share my boredom with.

i missed aan's play.

il watch 3mcdm's play tomorrow.

i want to spend the weekend resting.

time flies fast. it does.

that feeling of being a part of "something"

2008-02-28T13:40:00.004+08:00

I have always told a good friend, Trina Federis, that at some points in my life, I want to be like her. A person who is "mulat" to the sad realities of the society and who's convicted to something and knows how to fight for that thing she believes in. I lack her courage and I lack her wisdom in such things. There were people who makes jokes out of her participation in such movements and when I at times, belong to that group of people, I feel ashamed because at the end of the day, the street is the one place I want to be at.

I'd want to learn more about our history, how our country from having the best growing economies in Asia has befallen to corruption and to dirty politics. I want to find how from having noble statesmen (the likes of Ninoy Aquino, Jovito Salonga, etc.), my generation has to choose between the evil and the lesser evil. But I am not quite sure if that's even the point or that's the direction I want to head to. The question I need to answer for myself is what to do after answers to those questions come.

I am not sure who falls under the category of "middle class" and "masses" though I pretty well know who the "elitists" of this country are. I am not convinced as well that though the masses comprise the larger number of voters in the country, it is the elite who decides who gets to serve (?) the people.

Trina believed that the problem is that "hindi pantay-pantay ang mga tao sa Pilipinas", which meant may mayaman, may mahirap, the rich are powerful while the poor are powerless. Only the rich has accessed to government services and the poor don't have. The mainstream media provides information only the elite will benefit from, and quoting Trina's words, "Anong mapapala ng mga ordinaryong tao dyan?". And when once I told her that all of us are rich, I was ashamed when she answered me, "Oo, yung iba mayaman sa pang-aabuso".

With the scandals that continuously haunt the Arroyo administration, most popular of which is the current ZTE-NBN saga, my conscience asks me to at least, do something and be convicted. I am certain of my conviction to our country, how to fight for it is still in the works, in my mind.

A few weeks from now, two to be exact, I will be working as a Journalist (I don't say I will be a Journalist, because that thought overwhelms and scares me so) and that I'd like to use that as my means of being a part of this "something". Yes, as a part of the media, I am not allowed to take a stand (at least publicly and in my reports), and should report a story in all points of view. But first and foremost, I am a citizen whose obligation to her motherland should be upheld at all times, most of all, when she needs it the most, when she has fallen to the pit of evil. I hope I can fulfill that noble role of being the "watchdog" and I hope that could be accepted as my contribution to that "something".

Now seriously, I am not yet sure of what I am trying to convey.

Tomorrow, there'll be an interfaith rally happening just outside my office or at least a few blocks away from it. I want to be there, I'd always wanted to be at the street to fight against the tyrants of the country. The tyrant whom once replaced a tyrant.

But will I be courageous enough?

mr. goobly niko meyter tyler.

2008-02-27T05:01:00.000+08:00

people usually say that buying your first DSLR camera is like getting married. and i am not saved from the dilemma between choosing two established brands in the industry, Canon and Nikon. In the end, i chose a Nikon D40X.

i formally introduce to you a new addition to the "Breathe Alliance",

Mr. Goobly Niko Meyter Tyler
(thanks to Ice, Jarvik and Chi for the name)

i cannot say that i am an expert in photography because i am not but i'd like to think i have the "touch" i could further develop in the future given the right opportunities.

using my Sony Ericsson K810i 3.2 megapixel camera, I have been taking pictures of people, events and anything possible.

when we watched a concert weeks ago, i have taken great photos but unfortunately, due to lighting and to the limited capacity of my mobile phone camera, some photos were not worth uploading.

so when my dad asked me if i would want to buy a new digital camera, i told him the best decision would be to buy a DSLR.

we've been scouting and checking prices to different malls and last Monday, dad decided we'll buy one.

STOP 1. Canon, Cyberzone, Megamall. The price of a Canon DSLR 400d is reasonable but unfortunately, there's no free bag. and mom and dad hated that.

STOP 2. Silicon Valley. They have the bag, the price of a Canon DSLR 400d is the same as Canon's, but, they don't accept cards through EPS which is our preferred payment method.

STOP 3. 5th Avenue, Shangri La Plaza Mall. I saw the Nikon D40x which is cheaper and I think better since I wanted a Nikon camera from the beginning. We were going to buy it, just that, like Silicon Valley, they don't accept EPS cards.

STOP 4. Mom and Dad went to Hidalgo, Filipino photographers' haven to compare prices and thank God, they were able to buy one at Mayer.

I have always been a VISUAL person. My medium, video and web says it all. I hope that with Goobly boy, i can begin a new craft. For months now, I don't have a hobby (ask me to define hobby, it is a craft for me). A lot of people were suggesting i try sports but i guess that's just not me.

Wish me and Goobly luck.

the "deal" is done - the moves

2008-02-20T07:21:00.000+08:00

i promised to write this entry with the title the "moves" but i wanted to keep my line "the deal is done" so there, here's the blog entry i promised everyone.

(if you're thinking why i have chosen the word "deal" in the sentence the deal is done instead of "deed", it is primarily because i thought of this whole dilemma as a sort of a game show like deal or no deal, there are pros and cons, risks to be taken and a great amount of trust to rely on one's instincts.)

today, february 20th 2008 (2.20.2008), i officially tender my resignation as Bayview Technologies, Inc.'s Public Relations Assistant.

before i write my personal thoughts about it, let me share a few reactions from people i told about this big decision of mine during the "thinking" stage.

mom, "ha? iiwan mo na sila jeff?" (jeff is our marketing director)

papa, "oh, pano, ano gagawin mo?"

jarvik, "go na yan mami!"

spons, "go go go spons!"

katz, "im proud of you wanie"

trina, "janie:kontrobersyal"

kathy, "once in while, certain sacrifices have to be made to pursue your dreams"

bossing barbs, "welcome sa life na walang life"

pat gadi, "ate janie, im so happy for you."

this is the deal, i've been offered a job to work as an online videographer in one of the country's leading news website and in fact, included in top ten websites in the Philippines. My heart is overwhelmed and broken both at the same time. For one, an opportunity to fulfill my dreams has arrived, and another, I had to leave a company who has taught me a million things, from work-related stuff to trivial matters we sure during lunch breaks and in between working hours.

there were several offers from other companies in the past which i shuned because believe it or not, i am very happy with BTI. And I can prove that with almost a year of productive and fruitful stint with them so trina was surprised when i broke the news to her.

it wasn't an easy decision and i consider this one of the toughest i have made. i was tortured for more than a week. but as kathy said, certain sacrifices have to be made.

spons said i'llbe floating after i tender my resignation, and she was so damn right! my last day will be on the 14th of march, just enough time for the company to look for my replacement and so there'll be a proper turnover of my responsibilities as well as files, projects that i am currently handling.

one thousand and one thoughts are running in my head right now, primarily because my plan to go back to school might be temporarily put on hold as my new job will certainly take much of my time. but i think that is acceptable, at least most people say it is.

so there, at age 21, i experienced a first. a first resignation, on my first job, my first ever serious career opportunity.

the "deal is done, so help me Boss."

2 funerals, quattro-kopi roti night, a new havis and more than 24 hours awake, literally.

2008-02-13T05:20:00.000+08:00

5th of february. went to st. ignatius chapel at camp aguinaldo for one of my loved professors in college has lost a son. mr. pedroche's son, david died at age 45. i was with trina, guia and iya and decided to be left behind as aan & EC company are coming.

9th of february. sed & the SJ gang planned to have this after-thesis-proposal-defense party which only naj and sed attended. of course, the ever supportive "ates" jarvik and i, plus the new worker girl, chi and jovy and paj were also there to share the fun. after consuming a tower of draft, we decided to have coffee so we headed to kopi roti, which also was naj and sed's sort of baptism to this cool coffee shop. they were surprised by the prices of coffee and a kopi roti visit will be incomplete without the infamous, kopi bun. thanks to chi for the treat. and thanks guys for our "note comparing sessions" regarding our dear old people from the mc department.

10th of february. a sunday family day. what was planned to be spent in bonifacio high street with our dog kerck ended up in podium as my brother was hesitant to bring our dog along. after the lunch at banana leaf, we moved to st. francis for the family piracy day and then to mega to check on my dream gadgets and bought a new pair of havis i've been looking out for some time.

11th of february. expect the unexpected. but that's another story. will write another entry about that.

12th of february. ate kathleen send me a note on ym that ms b's dad just died. a few weeks ago, i accompanied ms b to hap chan to buy one of his dad's favorite food and then the night before, ms b and i are talking over the phone and enjoying a conversation. i had to text people again about it and seemingly, i felt as if i am a messenger of death because the last time i sent a note to all masscomm batchmates is about the death of mr. pedroche's son. i hope and pray that this is the last tuesday wake because another one might be too much. aan and company picked me up at shell in edsa corner buendia and headed to san pablo. we left the city at around 1:30 am and i arrived home past 3:00 am. i wasnt able to catch a sleep on the way as i am not used to and when i got home, i was hungry i ate something and i was afraid to immediately sleep as i was full. i headed to sleep at past 4:00 am and what do i know, it's already 6:30 am and i have to get up for work.

thought: a lot of things have happened in one week. time flies fast. and no matter how spons and i complain about how slow 6:00 pm and 7:00 pm approaches every day, at the end of the week, we always get the feeling that it's so fast, another week has passed us by.

i am going to make a lot of tough decisions in the days to come, so help me God.

crayola.

2008-02-07T01:47:00.000+08:00

because i cried so hard last night i thought of writing an entry about the instances i usually cry.

when im extremely mad. i dont shout and i dont confront people when im mad, so instead, i burst into tears. i have learned that rather than giving out hurtful words that i'll later regret, its better to shut up, isolate yourself, pick up boots, call jarvik, then cry. and that's been a practice a lately. (salamat jarvik, sabi mo nga, tama na ang crayola, pero sige, iiyak mo lang yan)

when people leave. my father is a seaman who works about 10 months at sea and stays with us for vacation for about 3 months. i grew up this way but every time he leaves for work, i cry. i don't know why, even though i know that he's coming back and that i should have been more mature to accept that reality, i still can't help but cry.

when i feel pressure and failure is almost real. i have received overwhelming trust in the past and at times, nowadays and though i dont know why such amount trust is given in the first place, i do not have a choice but to live to that. i dont like to think that others look at me as someone who makes things happen but that's usually the case, and sometimes, i just cant, i just cant make the impossible, possible. i cry. so after crying, i can believe the words my boss usually use to describe me, "you are a superstar" and always "use your charm" (especially for financial issues).

when i am so damn, tired. when i start working on something, nothing can stop me. at the height of working on the project, i exhaust all my efforts and i don't stop until i reached that satisfaction of quality necessary on a project. sometimes, i know it isn't right as i infect people of exhaustion. but after this is over, i sit down, "tulala" and suddenly tears shall fall.

when i remember old friends. yes, they still affect me. i value friendship too much i believed people are there to stay forever.

when im in pain. physically. an old friend and i were in a public transpo, nang manggigil sya at mangurot, i cried, in front of people we don't even know. it was an innocent cry, masakit talaga.

when a discrepancy issue is at hand. ok, stop. this is going to make me cry hard and i don't want to sport crying eyes at office today as it is chinese new year.

KUNG HEI FAT CHOI.

crayola.

the conversation worth blogging

2008-01-22T06:02:00.000+08:00

[10:54] pre_t3x: sino?
[10:54] janie_christine: and i cant
[10:54] janie_christine: let that memory linger forever
[10:54] pre_t3x: well then just leave it as a memory
[10:54] pre_t3x: that uncontolably pops up
[10:54] janie_christine: and we cant let it so
[10:55] pre_t3x: if it does pop up, we just have to deal with it
[10:55] pre_t3x: and try to forget again
[10:55] janie_christine: so just a cycle
[10:55] janie_christine: di ba hindi healthy yun?
[10:55] pre_t3x: try it hanggang sa maimmune ka na
[10:56] pre_t3x: and convince youirself lang
[10:56] janie_christine: haay
[10:56] janie_christine: back to basics
[10:56] pre_t3x: na go lang ng go
[10:56] janie_christine: back to zer
[10:56] janie_christine: zero
[10:56] janie_christine: go lang ng go
[10:56] janie_christine: tawa lang ng tawa
[10:56] pre_t3x: no naman
[10:56] pre_t3x: never sa life ang nagbaback to zero
[10:56] pre_t3x: kasi every moment we learn
[10:56] janie_christine: oo nga noh
[10:56] pre_t3x: so moving forward tayo palagi
[10:57] pre_t3x: walang zero:)
[10:57] janie_christine: :-)
[10:57] janie_christine: i need to be inspired
[10:57] janie_christine: how?
[10:57] janie_christine: ang galing
[10:57] pre_t3x: marami inspiration around
[10:57] janie_christine: yan mga sinasabi mo
[10:57] janie_christine: hindi yan
[10:57] janie_christine: masasagot ng wikipedia
[10:57] pre_t3x: sometimes we dont take the effort to find the,
[10:57] pre_t3x: haha yeah
[10:57] janie_christine: i will write a blog entry
[10:58] janie_christine: about this conversation

recent.

2008-01-21T09:28:00.000+08:00

i've realized that it's been awhile since the last blog entry was written and so i write this one.

1. i saw someone last thursday who told me she finds my blog entries very funny and i don't know how to react.

2. i was given full access at st. paul qc's fair this year and i so love this. in exchange, i stamped their an entire ream or circle of rides' tickets, aside from the sponsors' database i gave aan and moral support that i've showered them over the years.

3. i am working on my graduate school application. so far, i was able to get one from ms. verona and ms. bello in exchange of chocolates.

4. i've bought a php1000 for only php600, thanks to post-holiday sales and discounts.

5. i've found my adidas body spray at sm centerpoint watsons'. it's very rare. the ratio, out of 5 stores that i've visited, only 1 of it has one.

6. reading a lot. wikipedia has become my constant companion. although i don't 100% trust it, i believe majority of its contents are accurate and true, but nonetheless, main ideas are there.

7. organizing my footwear. i have a lot and the shoe rack which mom and i supposed to share isn't even enough for my shoes alone. so i decided to choose which ones need to be there, the ones i usually use, and the other ones i rarely use or bought just for special occassions. collecting shoes is my passion, rubber shoes and slippers in particular. current favorite is rox and the brazilian branded slippers from dad.

8. a breather from work. after quite a few busy weeks, i am currently doing nothing allowing me to write this blog entry and which also is the reason why i've been in wikipedia a lot.

9. i was invited to judge at this year's Karol Awards for the music video category. Thanks thanks to those who've thought of the idea, and it is as always, an honor to be of service to the Mass Communication Society.

10. lea salonga will play cinderella this july.

the people of 2007 a year ender (part 2) special cc: trixie, kathy, chi, jarvik, nascel

2007-12-27T11:26:00.000+08:00

meredith once had a near-death experience and she kept saying "people are what matters" after that and in line with that plus because i want to be somehow productive today i am writing this to acknowledge the old and new people of 2007 who made it extra special.

Old Peeps.

1. Trixie Ambrosio. We were classmates since 2nd year college but we weren't really friends. Just a simple hi/hello when we bump into each other or when check our assignments, paperworks, etc. She has helped me a lot during the Youthink days because she was the one who provided most of the speakers, thanks to ate zy! But other than that, i just call her sponsor because i kept nagging her that our financial problems will be solved if only the Ambrosio Family will sponsor our event. She started working on April 16, 2007 at Solar Entertainment in their old office in Jupiter Makati which i passed by every night on my own home. With that, we started to go home together when we can every night after work. Then we became chat mates because of the boredom entailed with our jobs. Sponsor became my good good friend who would listen to my rants, to my sulit lunch and to my career issues and plans and vice versa. We were like that for a few months until we became busy with work. I never thought we would be good friends, moreso because we were already out of college but life is cool. She was also my partner in coming up with the best motto in life of all time, "tawa lang ng tawa, go lang ng go."

2. Kathy Galang. We are good friends but due to unfortunate circumstances (itago na lang natin sa codename na "ban kami" ang issue na eto) we werent able to talk as much as we used to before that happened but Kathy or Sweetypie will always be my Sweetypie. She is part of the infamous Feeding Program to which we still continue to do today and also a good listener when it comes to career issues and all that. Even though we dont see each other as we used to in school, yahoo messenger and multiply is keeping us in touch.

3. Chi Realizo. We both entered St. Paul in 2004 and we had our Pagudpod Trips and Pep days together but because i had to go ahead of their batch, we didnt had time to talk or check on each other. This year, we shared a lot of bottles of alcohols, coffees, kopi buns at kung anu-ano pang pagkain. and more than that, we shared a lot of jokes and tawanans!

4. Jarvik Toledo. This was the biggest surprise of 2007 because when people learn that she and i are somewhat good friends, they either don't believe or can't believe its real. Who wouldve thought we'd be good friends?! But we do a lot of cool stuff and all of them are funny. We go to places without any concrete plans and we laugh and our favorite thing, we dream. We dream of Graduate School, of Singapore, of a DSLR, of a macbook, of books, of mcdreamies, of career, of keds, of maraming pera so we can shop until we drop, of kawanggawa only to stop thinking, "bukas na, gabi na."

New People.

1. Jeff Mann. He is our Marketing Director and surely taught me a lot about communications. I am very well aware that i have a lot of things to learn and i am thankful he is willing and patient to me with that. He is like a father to me. His old school of thoughts compliments the techie knowledge of mine of which i always share with him.

2. Ram Ragandan. He is my Communications Manager and is also teaching and sharing a lot of things about work, life and everything. He is my boss but he never made me feel that way because he is always ready to hear what i am to say.

3. Nascel Panti. My evil twin sister. She had to leave us for her dream of becoming a journalist. I miss her everyday at work when all we do is make lait other people with our code names!

4. Grace Gavia. My Tila girl, tawa lang ng tawa.

5. Perds Penaranda and Mark Mangona. I want to apologize for the countless times I nagged them with work!

6. Paolo Santos. Mr. Chillax, my kasabay pag-uwi.

7. Christian Chua. forever seatmate, thanks for the rideS home.

8. RC Saludo. She is the marketing manager of a subsidiary company. She is like a little big sister.

To the people not mentioned here, it doesnt mean you aren't special. It's just that you were already special even before 2007 came and that i will forever be grateful for.

People are what matters.

the year that was, the janie wanie year-ender special

2007-12-18T06:51:00.000+08:00

status: im at the office and there's not much work YET and since i want to be productive i am now writing my year-ender special.

i have always written articles like this since 2002 i think but all kept in my pc and this is the first this is going public to this blog. wander with me, enjoy.

2007 was a year full of swings and endings and beginnings.

January. A Busy Headstart.
I didn't had time to take a break during Christmas as i was busy preparing for Youthink on February. Plus a concert to be sponsored by the Executive Council is also taking place on the last week. I wasnt the head of this event but because the organizers found me, i have to see them through to all the planning and organizing stages. Also, we went to St. Paul Tuguegarao for their Centennial Celebration. Talk about multi-tasking because even when we were supposed to enjoy Tuguegarao, our phones kept on ringing for inquiries about the concert. Thank God there was no signal in the cave adventure otherwise it would all have been spoiled.

February. Rising Above.
It didn't go well as much as we'd like to. MassComm month didn't started well as we had so much trouble dealing with finances but we rose above these trials. 2 in the morning still in the venue looking for possible sources of money. 100pesos was the only amount i have (enough for a cab home) because Jen took everything i have, including the coins and paper bills tucked in between papers and notebooks. Thanks to my hidden sources at home, i managed to have a CheesyBaconCheesyVolcano delivered the day after for Patricia. and though most of my sources went to masscomm, i made sure elmo will come to life on the 9th and probably, that'll be her last birthday that will celebrate as good friends. Youthink was a so-so for me. I am taking all the responsibility if it didn't go well as compared to previous youthinks. But i am proud of my batchmates, because despite the differences, we managed to have it! Who would forget the equation, 150pesos for a sponsored participant= 1 quiz and 1 youthink=1 modular exam. and oh yes the KAROL AWARDS! Of course we won again. Thanks to Cholo, Chelsea, Charming and Chito for accompanying us everywhere we go. Without you, we would have spent wasted times waiting for transpo.

March. Ending.
Yes, we are graduating and somehow in between, i am having an emotional dilemma because i dont know what happens after march 21st. though it was a busy month with the poetry reading and press conference, i can't help but think of the thought of ending my school life. it wasn't actually graduation for me, it was ending. at graduation, i even thought of it as just one of our school activities and the day after, il wake up again early in time for my classes. tons of work came in specially with the docus and programs that need editing work. thanks to toshi and chiyo for managing all those gigabytes of videos. it was also my first glance at the working world. i had my first job interview which eventually became my first job. on the 22nd, a day after graduation, i agreed to become Bayview Technologies/ESL-Asia's Public Relations Assistant.

April. Adjustments.
It was so much different living in my new world. Also, it was also the time we decided i face my discrepancy issue with health and all that. Unfortunately, the results wasn't in my favor and the people i used to speak and hear my grunts everyday are out in the world searching for themselves as well. i had no choice but to carry this burden until around the end of the year.

May. Tantrums and Breakdowns.
The discrepancy issue was on top of my head everyday, every single second. Everything around me reminds of such issues. I go about my daily thing just for the sake of going about it. In short, wala na akong direksyon. I didnt forgave myself for the discrepancy to which i have no one to blame.

June. Toughest Birthday.
It was suppose to be one of the happiest birthdays since i am turning 21 but no, it wasnt. the discrepancy is stiill haunting me. but on the 10th, i decided to move on, i bought the secret. and moving and healing follows after.

July. New Friendships.
it was about this time that pumba (aka jarvik) and i read each other's blogs and chats and multiplys and so i found a new friend in her. tamang petiks lang at walang kwentang usapan brought us closer, and so Pumba and Boots became good friends. It was also this month that i learned that power is going to have a baby!

August. Transitions.
Work is now becoming busy unlike the past months when we rarely do stuff. Buwan ng Wika. :-)

September. Define Busy.
Oh yes, i have to organize an event in Barcelona from my seat here in Makati. Phone calls, Tons of Emails and negotiations and the event was a success. This month helped me realized that yes, we are living in a borderless world. People i did business (with a big amount of pounds and euros) gave me a good quality work without even knowing how i look like and to whom my voice became familiar. I also got regularized at work which made me bought the "CHIEF" to help me organize myself. But still, hindi pa rin ako organized. it was also st. paul's sportsfest and even though masscomm didnt got the cheering championship, we remain to be the over-all champs.

October. Balik St. Paul at Inuman Nights.
There were several opportunities to visit St. Paul, to accompany MLQ3, to watch aan and batchmates' theatre play and ang dame namen inuman nights nila jarvik and chi. from meatshop to circle cafe to 9 ball to regular friday nights at starbucks in mega. name it, we have it! My CAP Euro event in barcelona was also a success.

November. Si Trillanes at Manila Peninsula.
Oh yes, on the day of the stand-off, my officemate Paolo and I had to walk from the office to the Ayala MRT Station and see armored trucks and military men walking around the Greenbelt/Landmark/Glorietta Area as if it was an ordinary day. tuloy ang ligaya namin nila peewee at pumba!

December. A new way to celebrate Christmas.
It was my first corporate christmas party and i was part of the organizing committee. i'd say it was so much different from all the parties i had in the previous years. why? because the people who were always serious with work are suddenly strangers to my eyes, and i say strangers id love to be my friends! party friends that is! i get to know my co-workers more and more and more!

and so that was 2007.. with parties to come for our batch and the xmas dinner pumba, peewee and boots will celebrate at circle.

tuloy ang ligaya, tawa lang ng tawa, go lang ng go!

Angel Condensada

2007-12-11T11:32:00.001+08:00

i sooo love this!

deadlines.

2007-11-20T12:18:00.000+08:00

ang paborito kong gawin sa buhay ko ay bigyan ang sarili ko ng deadline. wala lang.. kasi mas may naaccomplish ako pag ganun. pag open deadline, nakakalimutan ko na or relax ako. working under pressure is my one of my most loved state of mind. sabi nga ni nascel, push the limit!

dahil ke jarvik, naisip ko ilagay ang mga deadlines ng buhay ko, natupad at di natupad. (if you're having the feeling that i am being too arrogant, sorry, this is just for plain fun.)

mga natupad:

1. matapos ang elementary na meron ng 20 medals. oo, adik ako sa medals. kasi yun mga bata at nanay nun una ko nakatanggap ng medal sa buong buhay ko, tuwang-tuwa sa akin. dahil makati un medal, tinatanggal ko at sasabihin nila na wag mo tanggalin, dapat proud ka. sumunod naman ako, kahit di ko pa alam ang meaning ng salitang proud at kung bakit proud pag may medal. kaya sabi ko, paggraduate ko ng grade 6 dapat may 20 medals ako. bakit 20? kasi pag 21, ambisyosa. haha! hindi, kasi nursery, ang alam ko hanggang 20 pa lang. di pa masyado un 21 pataas, no joke.

2. mamemorize ang multiplication table pagdating ng grade 1. multiplication table at hindi finger math. ewan ko. feeling ko nun invicible pag nakakapagmultiply na walang kamay na ginagamit.

3. matapos ang elementary by 12 years old. naging sakitin ako nun grade 1, kaya natakot ako na madelay kaya binigyan ko sarili ko ng deadline.

4. chief girl scout medal scheme. sabi ko in one year, no extensions, dapat matapos ko eto. muntik na ko magextend. pero kinareer ko ang position paper kung bakit deserving ako sa award. un, ayos!

5. matapos ang college within 4 years. ang una kong course na PT ay di ko alam bakit ko kinuha, windang ako at eventually, narealize ko na gusto ko magsulat kaya nagshift ako. kasama nyan ang pangamba na malelate ako paggraduate. pero di ako nagpatalo. kumusta naman un 31 units ang load ko for 4 semesters plus the extra subjects nun summer. isang beses lang ako naging regular student sa st. paul, nung last sem ko na.

6. magkaron ng trabaho a day after graduation. eto ang isa sa mga akala ko kalokohan ko lang. seryoso ako sa job hunting, pero hindi ako seryoso sa possibility na matatanggap ako. i want to learn how to go to an interview, how to meet corporate people, how to present myself kasi gusto ko laging chillax lang. di ko akalain pagkakatiwalaan ako ng mga tao ng responsibility ng isang PR assistant. kaya nun mareceive ko ang message na "we wish to present you our job offer" after receiving my diploma, naisip ko, salamat sa deadline. natuto ako maging responsable.

7. maging regular in 6 months. ganyan naman usually sa lahat, pero kasi, my boss is a perfectionist and i didnt expect to be regularized in 6 months.

8. magkaron ng pangarap na pda on my first year working. ayan, si chief ang produkto ng pawis at puyat at antok ko.

9. matuto ng mga bagay-bagay given a time frame. lagi yan. lalo na sa mga computer issues. scripting, editing, coding... after a month, dapat alam ko na ang isang bagay.

- alam kong mga kababawan lang ang mga natupad ko. pero mababaw akong tao, simple lang pangarap ko sa buhay. matupad ang mga goals ko. iba ang pinaghirapan. may magazine article ako, napublish na sa magazine sa macau, at kahit hindi nakalagay pangalan ko, tanggal ang pagod. oo.. sabi ko dati, sana bago ako mamatay, may mapublish akong sinulat na hindi sa school paper.

eto naman ang mga deadline ko in the future:

1. get a job in new york or singapore at the age of 25. bakit new york at singapore? dahil new york never sleeps at singapore dahil pangarap namin yan ni jarvik.

2. matapos ang masters degree at the age of 25.

3. maitayo ang pinaplano kong company na may pangalan na Instincts before i reach the age of 30.

- Eto lang muna, magmeemeeting na kasi in awhile.

Lahat ng bagay sa buhay ko ang tingin ko katuwaan, kalokohan. at ang motto ko na "tawa lang ng tawa, go lang ng go" ay effective naman. minsan may sadness pero normal yun. kasi kung laging masaya, hindi mo bibigyan ng halaga ang mga bagay na nagpapasaya sayo.

i've finally learned to breathe.

word of the day

2007-11-16T07:02:00.000+08:00

heal

1 a: to make sound or whole <heal a wound> b: to restore to health2 a: to cause (an undesirable condition) to be overcome : mend healed— William Power> b: to patch up (a breach or division) <heal a breach between friends>3: to restore to original purity or integrity <healed of sin>

source: Merriam-Webster

365 days ago

2007-11-12T01:38:00.000+08:00

(written november 11, 2007, 23:15)

tonight, bigla ko naisip where was i 365 days ago. maarte lang talaga ko sa mga ganitong bagay kahit di halata. anyway, eto ang mga kaganapan 365 days na ang nakakalipas.

nag-aaral pa ko. oh yes, fresh last semester of my college life. naaalala ko na unang araw pa lang, tagumpay na, at andame assignment kaya naging tambay kami library at suki ni photocopier. excited na ata kami nun at halos araw-araw may picture si majo. ngayon, im a working PR girl.
fresh from bohol at ang aming condo, ay amin na talaga. salamat sa bingo. ang sarap ng feeling. nakatulog na kami ng mahimbing. ngayon, erratic ang pagtulog ko.
first blood. araw-araw kaming naglalaro at nanggago. si roncal, seatmate, cheat, chat, lahat. si joyah at tammy, ultimate seatplan ito.. sila ice, amparo at karen, tambay pa rin sa 3rd st. kahit ayaw ni cleto.. si lai bday nya, si karen, tagatawa pa rin. sila kitkat at cecil at lin, nasa kabilang side namin. namimis ko sila kasi ngayon bihira na magkita at magtext. i miss our boycotts. si trina, ayun, kumakain sa klasrum at natutulog kaya pla pinili ang sulok na pwesto. lahat halos ng class namin sa admin kaya naman tv barn and ate nena i miss. tambay ng canteen.
ec is priority. nagpakabusy na ko dahil time to shine. kumusta naman kasi yung sembreak pa lang nakapila na ke sr. lucilla ang proposal, midnovember pa naapprove kaya yun, sira ang plano. araw-araw follow up pero maraming mas mahalaga kesa sa akin. ngayon, natatakot na si COO at CFO kapag lalapit ako para magpaapprove ng company expenses sa PR activities. banned na din ata ako sa accounting department.
ang kapal ng notebook ko. masipag kasi ako magsulat. ngayon si chief na. 1gb ang sd ko. san kpa?
si patricia. lagi kong kasama nun, takbo dito, takbo dun. papirma everywhere, laging work at ngaragan. ginigising ko yan araw-araw kasi kung binilang ang pagkalate nya, malamang FA na sya. pero we dont talk anymore. di ko rin alam kung magkaibigan pa kami. ang bottomline ay kasalanan ko kung ano man ang mga naganap. masaya na sya and she deserves that. for whatever its worth, im proud of her.
nangagarap ako where will i be 365 days from now, i mean noon. di naman ako dissappointed dahil nagawa ko ang mga pangarap ko noon pero may ilang bagay na di nagawa. kasi nga didnt we almost have it all? ngayon, nangangarap pa rin ako. at nagrereminisce.

ang tanong, bakit 365 days ang araw sa isang taon?

masarap magreminisce pero stop muna.

why?

bukas na lang, gabi na.

PS: jona, sana ay natuwa ka.

they set him free.

2007-10-26T11:51:00.000+08:00

i was at large, disappointed.

executive clemency once became an important issue in my life. not because i was ever convicted but because during my thesis days, all of which was spent inside the Correctional Institution for Women, most inmates have hopes that at some point, the president might have some of her precious time taking a glance at their case and granting them pardon. this is one of their very few hopes, the other being able to get a good lawyer to help them get a parole, or a media coverage to get the authorities' attention which really isn't easy.

but then erap, a former president guilty of plunder, plunder for heaven's sake. witnesses risked their lives during the impeachment trial, and people went out to edsa to oust him. and he was convicted and now granted pardon.

i may not be in favor of his pardon, but i may not in favor of the one who granted it as well.

i feel bad (and this is the understatement of the year) for those inmates who have shared their lives with me. them, whose guilty of murder because they were abused or that's the only option that they have to defend themselves and their loved ones. them, who were betrayed and deceived by people without conscience and we cannot blame them either because of their lack of knowledge of such things. them, who are rotten inside the institution despite their old age, whose families have left over the years. them, whose merits are better than erap's, whose crimes are less graver than his. them, who are ordinary citizens and whose cases remain in paper without a public lawyer to process them.

even those inmates whose terms have already been served remains inside the jail. why? because necessary signatures of authorities concerned take years to be written. and here we are, granting pardon to a man who betrayed not only a single soul, but the entire nation, who had the choice between what is right or wrong.

my point is that if gma thinks erap deserves to be granted pardon, she should, first and foremost, consider other "more deserving" inmates. am i convinced gma granted erap pardon out of her good will and conscience? no i am not. with the bribery and the recent scandals of her government, everything remains a lie unless proven true.

the izzie-alex of it all

2007-10-24T08:07:00.000+08:00

disclaimer: for non-GA fans, its izzie stevens and alex karev, characters of grey's anatomy.

i had always wanted them to be together even if alex was at first rude towards izzie, posting the bethany whisper photos all over seattle grace. but even if he's alex, rude and unkind, everyone knows deep within that he's not. he is the male version of meredith grey, according to shonda rhimes. that's why he can't seem to handle a relationship, but after four seasons, with izzie being engaged with denny and hours after, he died and now george, and alex being tied up with addison and ava or rebecca, it was a surpisingly twist in last week's episode of grey's anatomy.

it was alex who took izzie from denny's dead body and carry her home.

and he helped her moved on, only that she wasn't ready.

now that he knew izzie fell in love with the married george, he pretended not to care again. was he insulted because it's just O'Malley? or because after all these time, he's still not yet over izzie?

i guess, the "keep it down" line and kleenex says it all.

apologies. i'm just to excited and ecstatic about them.

attn: masscomm classmates

2007-10-15T13:44:00.000+08:00

was just chatting with the ever busy kathy galang, and she said they were interviewed this morning by dlsu students for their documentary and she missed those days when we do one. during the days when:

1 docu = 1 extra work

1 YOUTHINK = 1 modular exam

it's a super happy thought for me. primarily because im still tied up in a project with you-know-who. anyway, i can't help up but laugh and kathy's laughter, have we been talking about this face to face, resounds still.

wanie as an events coordinator

2007-10-11T10:54:00.000+08:00

yes i am. even during high school, with most of events coordinating tasks are voluntary and never paid for it which really was never an issue since i enjoy doing it and i love the fulfilling feeling when at day's end, you see all your efforts translated into something, larger than life.

as a public relations assistant at my company, one of the biggest challenges is that our target market is global. and though we are based here, we aren't supposed to market here. even if we do online advertising campaigns, sometimes, we are required to attend shows from all sorts of places and thus, coordinate an event.

if the event is to take place in hong kong or macau, what we need is to just do the designs, send them over email and the people from our office there will take care of it. but if not, we coordinate the event from here to there. looking for people we can work with via web, endless phone calls, and tons and tons of emails.

my first taste of events coordinating in my company is the CAP Euro Barcelona 2007 joined by leading casino affiliates in the industry. we have a booth to design, some info sheets and a give away poster (500 each), sash, business cards... and there's the hotel accomodations, payments, search for models and furniture.

so it took me about 2 months to finally settle with a contractor. we dont basically need a contractor, we need a GOOD one since we have no idea what to expect and we dont know anything about them. let me enumerate ( i love doing this!) a few things that made this events coordinating a little stressful.

1. emails arent answered immediately. yes, takes a few days before you get an answer.
2. the event is in barcelona, which means we are 6 hours ahead. at 5:00 PM, an hour from the end of my work, will they start working and attending to their offices which means, i have to stay a bit later at the office.
3. not all of them are good in english. some, really terrible! and even though you're nice and all, they won't talk to you because you dont speak their language.
4. i am here, they are there. i cant monitor the quality, the process, the status of our stuff. and i do worry with those stuff.

but all efforts paid off. sabi nga ni jarvik, sulit ang pagod. it was a good, successful show. even if im not there, at least, i know a job was accomplished and hopefully, they did enjoy.

more to come. to be held in london, macau and manila.

umiyak ng walang dahilan.

2007-10-09T10:19:00.000+08:00

weird na kung weird. gr.

nagrerevise ako ng mga contents ng mga website namin para umayos ang SEO nila... at medyo nauubusan na ko ng creative juices dahil kakatapos ko lang sa isang website, pero di ako pwedeng magstop dahil naghahabol ng mga deadliest deadlines. kaya naisip ko, dahil na rin sa sitti ang background music sa mongolian quick stop, why not chillax, listen to sitti para makapagwork.

at eto na... sitti's version of how did you know and bakit ngayon ka lang at ako ay nalungkot, naantig, naluha, naiyak. wala naman dahilan. hindi ako nakakarelate sa mga awit na yun kung experience ang pag-uusapan. ang weird talaga.

ayun, pero ok naman na. natatawa na lang ako.

minsan, may topak talaga ang mga tao na hindi maipaliwanag pero siguro that sets us apart from other creations.

october na pala.. malapit na magpasko. ang weird namin kasi di kami mahilig magdecorate pag christmas.

sabi nga pala ni meredith, "no matter how badly a thing is hurting us, sometimes, letting it go hurts even worse"

this is a weird day. i am weird person.

my work nights

2007-10-04T16:28:00.000+08:00

due to some things that need to be done and to the fact that afternoon in barcelona is evening here, ive been spending extra hours in the office, making phone calls, sending people messages for an event our company is joining in Barcelona. unfortunately, we don't have any contact in Spain so all transactions are made from here to local contractors there.

i am a bit stressed because another extra work that involves number is also being assigned to me and my manager. although it was not included in our job description as we are the "communications department", we had to do it as no other people can do it. siguro, mabait din talaga kaming mga tao.

my big boss and one of my officemates are already in Barcelona for the event but our contractors have been sending me emails even if I've told them its best to contact the people there. but i don't have a choice so i stay here late at night, making sure things are well.

i am not complaining as i really do enjoy events thing. it's just that since vertigo, my being antukin was much much more aggravated and i hate it. antukin na nga noon, mas lalo na ngayon.

anyway, i know it's worth it. i'm learning to love the job even more... because its simply, unpredictable.

life is good, life is sweet. life is everything but ordinary.

sorry. windang na kasi nasa meeting sila so walang sumasagot from Barcelona.

yun lang. work nights are cool.

words aren't always what they mean. cc: aan aquino and jarvik toledo

2007-09-23T07:53:00.000+08:00

im the most stupid person when it comes to reading between lines. im so straightforward you can always say you hate me than me interpreting your actions or id rather you telling me that in front of my face than hear it behind my back. yes, take the pain, id rather know.

when people say, they want to bring the friendship back even though im hesitant, people advised to be nice, because that move of saying those friendship words is an effort. and so, be nice, be good. and that's what i did. what do i get? the exact opposite of lets bring the friendship back.

im not hurt. seriously. because this is the moment of my life, when i learn to love myself even more, to see what ive missed in the last 21 years of my life. and someone, who plans to ruin it wont succeed.

im just pissed off. why?

because though i accepted that i was wrong, i was indeed right. garsh.

happy thoughts. nothing. i just want to acknowledge a few girls who's making life bright and shiny lately. their company, is the best.

1. sweet. kahit di ka masyado nagtetext at nagpaparamdam, i love our kwentuhans. you are the little sister i never had. i dont mean to be mushy and all, and even if wala ko nacontribute sa pagkatao mo, im so proud of what you've accomplished specially sa EC. it was my bright idea to recruit you from my day one of being the evp last year. unang editorial cartoon mo pa lang, hanga na kami, seryoso! pinapahunt pa kita noon kila trina. anyway, thanks for all your help, especially with my artsy requirements i cant handle and for listening for my life's grudges. how i wished nasa EC pa ko edi ang saya sana. let me know if i should wait for you, sabay tayo magmasters! or law school. you will be dean at ako ang president ng skul. haha. winner.

2. pumba. who would've thought we'll be friends, oh, good friends, textmates when something happens at kahit walang kwentang usapan tulad ng mga linyang, "wala na ko sa banda - alex." at sasagutin ko ng "wala na sa banda si alex bossing - extra". o di kaya ng sagutan ng iba't-ibang kulay o prutas. o db, nonsense? si pumba na ata ang exact opposite ko pero kami ay magkasundo. kahit sinasabi mong wala kang bilib sa sarili mo o ang mga taong nakapaligid sayo, ako meron. kaya mag-apply ka na nga editor dun sa binibigay ko sayo. sa shaw lang yun! what is starbucks tayo lage lage pag rich na tayong muli, ako pala malapit na. salamat sa paghihintay nyo ni chi sa gateway for meatshop at yellowcab kahit sa seattle's best tayo nauwi. salamat sa mga breathe songs natin, sa breathe alliance, at higit sa lahat, sa pagturo mo sa akin para huminga. hindi ko sasabihin na you are the "ate" i never had dahil sabi mo nga, ang buhay ko ay may plano ay sayo ay wala. haha.. pero jona, salamat at kahit wala na tayo sa st. paul, we were given a chance to get to know each other more (yun ang mga hirit, pag di mo pa mahal, db mami?) hehe. pumba, hinga lang... magiging ok ka din. mahahanap mo din ang para sayo. tama na ang psp. maawa ke buwi.

3. sa lahat ng chatmates ko sa makati at pati un mga nasa qc na rin! hindi man boredom 2007 ang drama ngayon, at least, may napaglalabasan ako ng sama ng loob kapag gusto ko ng iuntog ang ulo ko dahil sa trabaho at vertigo.

4. ke nascel, my evil twin sister at office. ayoko magsalita, dahil last week mo na. ggrrrr.

5. sa mc society, it was nice knowing there's a always a reason to go back to st. paul.

6. at shempre, ke Bossing up there (ay hindi pala sya gurl) na walang sawang sumusuporta sa mga endeavors ni wanie sa buhay nya. hanggang ngayon, humihinga pa.

at nga pala this is my 100th post for blogger, not sure though for multiply. wala lang. centennial entry.

vamonos!

CONGRATS MC VOLLEYBALL

2007-09-21T06:19:00.000+08:00

shempre champion!

to katre: tayo pa ba naman magtatago sa isa't-isa!

test entry from chief

2007-09-19T18:32:00.000+08:00

if this works just fine, tagumpay kami ni chief. yehey

a new addition to the family, chief. CC: PUMBA and SGT. PEPPER

2007-09-19T07:44:00.000+08:00

thanks to dad and my techy self, we now have a new baby named, "CHIEF"

why chief?

1. i want his name to start with CH since none of my gadgets does (toshi, ipe and boots).
2. CHIEF for all GA fans is a big thing and personally, i'm a fan of the CHIEF's extra marital affairs with THE ELLIS GREY.
3. CHIEF will be handling my now busy schedule, CHIEF will absorb my thoughts anytime, anywhere i feel a sudden urge to write. in short, the CHIEF is the boss.

i still haven't completed the contacts and software that chief needs but will surely do within the day.

CHIEF! welcome to the family.