From the monthly archives: August 2007
Okay, I just finished a whole lot of training for the past two days and I’m not happy. But mostly because the second training drained me, plus there are all sorts of stresses going around that I hardly know which one to do first. Boo.
But I’m okay! I think. Haha, wait, let me rephrase that — I am okay, period. Now a boxing session please? :) (More about this on the next post :P)
Anyway, I haven’t done Friday’s Feast for the longest time, and because my brain is drained (see the rhyming), I’ll do something like this because it’s sort of mindless. Sort of, but not really.
SEE. Brain drain. 8-}
Appetizer
Who is the easiest person for you to talk to?
- Hm. I know a lot of people I like talking to…but if I had to pick who’s the easiest to talk to…it’s probably Chris, my high school friend. He calls me up every now and then and we’d get to talk about everything under the sun, even something as boring as home furniture. My other high school friend Anthony follows closely, but he’s not the easiest one for the simple fact that we can hardly catch each other on the phone, but only when we’re with Chris.
Soup
If you could live in any ancient city during the height of the quality of its society and culture, which one would you choose?
- Because my brain is tired, I’d probably pick Sumerian civilization. Only because I gave a report about this during high school years. But now that I think about it…Ancient Greece would be a good choice, I guess. Specifically at Athens.
Okay, and again, now that I have thought about it…I’d like to live during the time Jesus lived too. But I wonder how I would’ve treated him…?
Salad
What is the most exciting event you’ve ever witnessed?
- Oh dear. I don’t know. Probably the Hillsong United worship last November? Having a hard time recalling. :P
Main Course
If you were a celebrity, what would you do for a publicity stunt?
- Simply speaking, I’d probably make issues about myself and laugh about it. That’s enough publicity. Haha. Or tell everyone that my driver’s license says that I’m Male instead of Female.
Dessert
What do you consider the ideal age to have a first child?
- 28, I guess? That’s a pretty mature age enough for me. But if that age catches me still travelling and seeing the world, make that 29. :P
I still have so much to do! Actually they’re only a little, but I feel so wound up right now, that I feel like I should be doing something, but I’m not. Bah! Relax, Tina.
Boxing, anyone? ;)
Don’t tell me you still don’t have a ticket for Switchfoot‘s concert in Manila on September 10 at the Cuneta Astrodome! If you are still thinking of buying a ticket, here are some reasons why you should watch this concert.
1. Because Jerome Fontamillas, their keyboardist, is a Filipino from Pasay City who moved to San Diego. Filipino pride, mehn!
2.Because they might sing something like this:
I don’t really like Beyonce or the song, but this one just rocks. Agree?
3. And finally, the biggest reason of all is this:
For every ticket you buy, you are helping the International Justice Mission to save exploited children in the Philippines. For those who don’t know, IJM is a group of lawyers and volunteers who help in stopping child trafficking, prostitution and get minors who are convicted of crime out of prison where they shouldn’t be in because of their age and into better places like juvenile centers or drug rehab where they can recover. By just buying a P250 ticket, it will go a long long way!
So what are you waiting for? Mosh pit and Floor seat tickets are sold out, but you can still get 1000, 800, 600, 400 and 250 tickets! The venue is pretty small, so don’t worry about not being able to see them perform, because you will still be able to. :) Reserve your tickets from me, or you may also contact other Street Team members in your area to get your tickets.
See you at the concert!
I just realized I haven’t posted for almost a week! That’s a record. Besides being busy at work, I really don’t have anything to write about. Shocked? Me too.
Anyway, so the past days I’ve been busy writing short things about “him“ (I emphasize the quotes, and yes that’s a semi-new blog, go visit!), editing websites for work, reading, online training, watching this, going to press conferences, selling tickets, book shopping, working, and doing everything besides posting here. I know, I even missed the second Taste Asia event, but that was because I had dinner with two of my high school friends in Eastwood, and geography won over me there. :P My “blog social life” is dying, I know, but you guys still like me, right? *bats eyelashes* I hope so. I see an average of 7 people online everytime I check my site, so it’s got to be someone. Unless they’re all bots. Boo.
Wait, that’s not what I want to talk about. ADD moment, sorry. Anyway, one of the favorite topics at work is something that I used to do (but not professionally): photography. To those who don’t know, I took up a photography subject back in college which I admit I really liked. I loved being able to take photos, to see good ones come out, to scout places to have photo shoots and whatnot. Somewhere along the way, I lost interest, mainly because it was so expensive. FYI, I own a manual SLR camera (a Nikon FM10, for those who care), and I really liked using it. But let’s face it: film and developing isn’t cheap. I wasn’t that into photography to spend so much money on film, which is why I decided to settle for point and shoot digital cameras instead. Until I stopped taking pictures altogether (I was a docu person back then; I was required to take photos) just because I felt like bringing a camera was burdensome.
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So for the past couple of days, I’ve realized that there are a lot of things I have that seem to be breaking down, or needs to be replacing. For example:
- My blouses don’t fit me anymore. Not only because I’ve grown (both horizontally and vertically), but probably because they shrunk. Then again, some of the blouses I wear to work have been with me since OJT days…that’s two years ago. Which means I need to get rid of them. Like soon.
- My bags are breaking. If it’s not the zipper, it’s the strap. If it’s not the strap, it’s the inside pocket. Or all three of them. The only bags I have left are the ones which are either too small or too big to bring to the office.
- My shoes are also breaking down. Ever since I started my new job, a total of four pairs of shoes were broken: first is the pink slip on I wore during my debut (fine, it’s about to break down, after almost four years of being with me), second is my beige peep-toe shoes which are only less than five months old, followed by my green slip ons, which is not really broken, but is almost there and finally, my pink open-toed heeled shoes which was bought late last year. What is it with shoes and them breaking down? Does it mean I use them all too much?
- My wallet is overflowing…not with cash, but with cards and receipts. Must find replacement for that too, since my some of my ATM/Credit cards are all together and they might end up getting scratched.
- Captain Tal, my beloved Nokia 6233, is also getting scratched…which means I need to get him a crystal case. And since I don’t want easily broken ones, I should start investing on a good one, yes?
Hay. Even if I already have a new job, it would take a while for me to gain financial stability. If only I have some diamond rings to sell or pawn…then again if I can afford those for myself, I’d probably be able to buy all those things I wanted up there in a snap. Plus that cute pink and white Chucks with some hearts embroidered on the side that I’ve been eyeing for so long.
Does anybody know when the next department store sale is?
Earlier today I met with a Switchfoot fan who bought a ticket from me (Hi Mitch, in case you’re reading this :)) and we got into a discussion about books. It occurred to me that it is Book Season once again!
Wait, say that again, Tina? Book Season? Is there such a thing?
Yes there is! Well, okay, I coined the term last year, after I finished emptying my wallet and buying all those books from all the book sales I raided last year. ;) That’s approximately September last year, which means Book Season starts roughly around August. Which is this month!
So to all bookworms out there, here’s what’s in store for you on this year’s Book Season!
- Powerbooks Power Sale. It’s the annual Powerbooks Powersale already! It started last August 1 and will last until August 31, with discounts from 5% to 70%. Books not marked with the very high discounts are usually 20%, so it’s a pretty good bargain!
- National Bookstore Cut Price Book Sale. This sale runs from August 15 to September 16 on all National Bookstore branches. Discounts range from 5% to 65% off. Although I’m not really that keen on National Bookstore’s book collection, I’d have to say that their new store, NBS Bestsellers, is one of my favorite bookstores right now. Just look at this book collection:
Picture from SpellMicael.comYes, it’s a BIG bookstore. I almost went crazy the first time I got in.
Although I have to admit, I was a bit confused with their sale. National Bookstore uses sticker tags to tell what kind of discount the book will be getting (same as Powerbooks), but not all books were marked there earlier. Maybe they’re not yet done with it? Anyway, Bestsellers is located at the 4th floor of Robinson’s Galleria, beside Pizza Hut Bistro. :)
28th Manila International Book Fair. Every book lover in Manila’s dream. :) This event will be held at the World Trade Center (Sen. Gil Puyat Ave. cor. Diosdado Macapagal Blvd., Pasay City) on August 29 to September 2, 2007, from 10:00am to 8:00pm. If you don’t want to go to Powerbooks or National, you can go here and avail of the 20% off discount on ALL books, and get to visit other bookstore/publisher booth as well, with the same (and sometimes more!) discounts. Every time I’ve been there, I get so overwhelmed at the number of books I see, I hardly know where to start! Other activities are also done during the Book Fair, like book launches, story reading, workshops and writing contests, so that’s something to look forward to as well. :)
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Is there anything else I missed? If there is, then let me know so I can update this one. :) I’m definitely planning to do some serious book shopping this month (good luck to my credit card!), but I only have two things to buy in mind as of now (an office Bible and Blue Like Jazz by Donald Miller). If you have any suggestions, comment away! I’m open for suggestions. :)
Come to think of it…I think after this Book Season, I really need to start saving up for my most wanted piece of furniture that I think every bookworm, even if he lives in in Orlando rental home, must have: a sturdy bookshelf. Agree?
This is one of my favorite photos that I took with my trusty (and unnamed) Sony Cybershot digital camera. This was taken summer of 2006 at Barangay Caragsacan, Dingalan, Aurora, during our 2006 GK Youth Summer Build. Believe it or not, the year before that, that line of houses weren’t even painted fully yet, which is why the time we went back, it was such a pleasure to see that the community is thriving.
Back in college during my YFC days, I was usually assigned as the official photographer/documenter of our activities since I was the VP for Documentations. That was why I usually hold most of the digital cameras. The thing with being in this position is that you take all the pictures but you are not in the pictures. Then again, I’m not much of a picture person (especially if it’s solo), so I don’t really mind. That much. :P
I haven’t been using much of our digital camera nowadays because I sometimes find it a hassle to bring around. Although to be honest, I kind of regret not bringing it around because there are certain moments that just have to be captured, you know? Like when you and your friends are eating out and talking, or when you see a dress that you like but don’t have money to buy yet, or when you suddenly see a celebrity out of nowhere — photo opps! Those kinds of things. It may not be a powerful dSLR like my teammate uses; it doesn’t have to take a really powerful camera to capture a moment, right? Well, at least not always. ;)
I must learn to start carrying my camera always, donchathink?
This is a sponsored post.
“That’s what the right person does. But they don’t create it. Only the Creator can create…You’ve got to deal with your heart. Because until you can be trusted with your own heart, you can’t be trusted with someone else’s.”
- Savannah Philips, to her best friend Paige Long, Savannah by the Sea, p.300
The past couple of days, a friend and I have been talking about something we have stopped talking about for a while now: our love lives. Or lack thereof. :P Note that we stopped talking about it. Sure, we teased each other about it, but it has been a long time since we talked about it in a serious sense.
Let me give you a background of our little group. Out of the four of us, only one of us is currently in a relationship. One is still not allowed to have a relationship, while two of us are already “legal” but alas, we’re still NBSB (No Boyfriend Since Birth). And there’s still no one in sight who will take that status away.
I’m not complaining about that, really. Ever since I graduated, I more or less decided that I’m not ready for any relationship yet. I feel and know that I still have a lot of growing up to do before I can get into one. Of course, I want whoever that is to be the one I’m going to end up with forever, right? So I know I gotta be prepared for this, mehn. Like know how to cook a complete meal, clean the house from top to bottom, travel, travel, travel and all that.
On my way home last Friday, I was surprised to hear an old familiar ringtone that I usually set for my old phones only during Christmas time. Yes, it’s only August, but some people are already using We Wish You a Merry Christmas as a ringtone. Although I have yet to hear actual Christmas carols being played, it’s amusing to hear that this early in the year. Well, that’s Christmas in the Philippines for you. :)
One of the best things I like about earning my own money is the fact that I can buy gifts for my family using my own savings. It feels good to be able to finally give something to my family and loved ones instead of being the one on the receiving end. This Christmas, if I get to save enough money, I’d buy some Body Shop for my mom, men’s apparel for my dad and brother, Avon make up for Bea, Apple stuff for Happy’s MacBook, books for Tuesday and of course, natural pet food for our cats and our hyperactive dog Batman. :P
Not to be cheap, but I always appreciate being able to save a bit of money from the actual stuff I have to spend for Christmas gifts. Who doesn’t? Makes me wish CouponChief.com coupons can be used in local stores in the country, not only online. Oh well. I’ll start saving once the -ber months come in. :P
Right now, I just turned the TV off, I’m listening to LifeTeen.com’s Sunday Sunday Sunday podcast in preparation for tomorrow’s mass and I just cracked my Bible open for the first time the past few weeks.
To be honest, it feels kind of…weird, yet strangely familiar and comforting. I haven’t done this for the longest time, and I feel like I’m groping in the dark.
A couple of weeks ago, my friend Tuesday sent me an article talking about The Flight of my Life, and this particular line that the author quoted from George Verwer struck me: “Christians have to relearn their faith from scratch at every stage of life.” From scratch, huh?
I guess I’ll go out and come clean again: I haven’t really been praying as much as I used to for the past few days. Or weeks. Sure, I do the prayer before meals (and I admit to missing that too), the little, “Hello, Lord”, the quick, whispered novenas and other prayers…I tell people I will pray for them, but I am having a hard time remembering them there too. I figured I owe a lot of people a lot of knocks on Heaven’s door and I am pretty sure God must be wondering where I am every morning which is when I set my prayer time schedule. And I could only imagine Him seeing me asleep, or doing something else and waiting patiently for me to wake up or stop what I’m doing, pick up my Bible and talk to Him. As in really talk to Him, the way I do before.
I found this link while reading Massa P‘s latest entry: happy numbers. Say that again?
I’ve read of perfect numbers from Rom, but happy numbers? Happy numbers? Since when is a number happy? Heck, when was anything in relation to Math happy? (Well, okay fine, Math did had it bright moments in my memories, but not always)
According to Wikipedia, a happy number is:
A happy number is defined by the following process: starting with any positive integer, the following process can be applied: replace the number by the sum of the squares of its digits, and repeat the process until the number equals 1 (where it will stay), or it loops endlessly in a cycle which does not include 1.
For example:
72 = 49
42 + 92 = 97
92 + 72 = 130
12 + 32 + 02 = 10
12 + 02 = 1
That kind of makes sense. Let’s try another one, a bigger number. Like…365.
32 + 62 + 52 = 70
72 + 02 = 7
72 = 49
42 + 92 = 97
92 + 72 = 130
12 + 32 + 02 = 10
12 + 02 = 1
Excuse me for being so geeky…but coolness!
And if there’s a happy number, apparently, there also is an unhappy number. Like, 366.
32 + 62 + 62 =81
82 + 12 = 65
62 + 52 = 61
62 + 12 = 37
32 + 72 = 58
52 + 82 = 89
And so on…
Well that was cool. However, this statement kind of made me feel like someone’s pulling my leg with this entire happy number thing:
If a number is happy, then all members of its sequence are happy; if a number is unhappy, all members of its sequence are unhappy.
Um. Right. Doesn’t that sound like a joke to you or something?
Anyway, just some randomness this Friday. I’m semi-sick, but I think I managed to get out of the fever zone but now my nose is stuffed and my throat is still scratchy…but I’ll survive. Total rest this weekend, definitely. :)
Happy Number Friday, everyone!
