Materialism

Since Christmas is all about getting gifts... I decided to join the bandwagon and post the top ten items on my extensive Holiday wish list.

Though, on the back of my head I'm thinking: "It's time I gave myself some goodwill...I buy stuff for myself this year...Never mind friends who never call or pesky relatives.."

10. Notebooks, Coloring Materials and Pens
Call me old school. I still get the best results when I think with a pen and some paper in hand. So, if you wanna go the cheap route; give me some ball point pens, pencils, notepads, post its and whatever else you can find in your local bookstore under 50 pesos. Times are hard, I don't mind cheap at all.


9. Plastic Containers and Boxes

Another sign of unavoidable aging: my compulsion to organize my stuff. While I like the appeal of a "this is not a mess, this is art!" room; sometimes it appears a little too juvenile. Call it maturity, call it OCD, call it plain twentysomething despair, quarter life crisis. I simply cannot tolerate stuff lying about anymore. You can buy these at your local bookstores, department stores and hardware shops. Is cheap, useful and I will be grateful.

8. Soap, Bath Gel, Shower Gel, Bath Salt or Body Wash
Since I like taking a bath so much. Anything that can aide my in my soapy endeavors will be much appreciated. My choices vary from drugstore bough shower gels to expensive cult brand/designer stuff. But my rule of thumb is: if it is sud-inducing, I will most likely like it.

7. A Book
I'm not very picky when it comes to books. I'd read anything just to get to the bottom of things. But I do have favorite genres. I like chick lit, history, politics, philosophy, comics and crime books. And whatever you do, don't even think about The Alchemist.

6. A Laptop Computer

Since I currently don't have one, I need one. Haha. This is probably the priciest item on my list. Something I don't expect on Christmas morning.

5. Stiletto Pumps

Since I wear a size 4 and a half, it's usually very hard for me to find shoes that fit. Which is a tragedy since I am secretly in love with shoes. I don't care what brand it is as long as it's my size. I just need new stilettos. Black, Red, Hot Pink and Yellow are my top picks.

4. Philosophy Purity Facial Wash and Toner
This worked miracles for me this year. I want to spend 2009 with this facial wash.

3. A new mobile phone
This is such a common item. Everyone has this on their wish lists. But I'll put it here anyway. I'm not sure what kind of phone to get so I just stick with basic stuff: great reception and user-friendly. I have my eye on this phone though, the nokia 6300.

2. A kickass journal
Contrary to popular belief, I'm actually very organized. I like scheduling things, making sure I do things on time. I'm also not scared of breaking my plans for some other worthwhile activity (but not before rescheduling other stuff). This journal suits me better than the coffeehouse ones.




number ONE: SOME PEACE AND QUIET I need a vacation.


kthnx. :D

Your Objection Gets My Nod

A good newspaper is never nearly good enough but a lousy newspaper is a joy forever.
- Garrison Keillor
That Old 'Picayune-Moon
Harper's September 1990

I have just read a very, very, very disturbing pooled editorial by a certain group of student journalists from sorta reputable school. Now, am not one to gripe and flail around muddy uni politics and I am not about to start defending Ateneo. Mainly because I believe Ateneo is not without faults.

As a prelude to writing my "no-i-am-not-defending-Ateneo" post; I read A WHOLE LOT of reactions from Ateneans who blog, non-Ateneans who blog and even tuned in to my college friends' whole discussion on the said editorial.

Being someone who served twice on a student publication's editorial board, I can enumerate lots of reasons to be simply appalled at the editorial. But I will just stick to one.

Not for want of facts or drive or even form. I was appalled at the lack of logic. A journalist doesn't simply report and quote various sources (like wikipedia, which was apparently consulted for this editorial). A journalist is supposed to make a coherent and logical story out of all the data collected. Moreover, sifting fact from fiction from downright incoherent thought is one of the main reasons why it is imperative for journalist to have some grasp of reality and logic.

The mere fact that the editorial seemed like a distorted group of arguments with nothing connecting A to B makes it a bit taxing to read. And when it finally dawns on you what the editorial was really about (read: bitterly bashing Ateneo), you cannot decide whether to laugh it off or demand those editor's heads.

I laughed it off.

At first.

Then I told myself:

Fine.

Taga Ateneo ako.

Fine.
Nakaka offend nga ito.

Nakakaburat nga. Slanderous ang piece na ito. Oo, maraming mayaman sa Ateneo at oo, sanitized environment ito. Maraming elistang walang alam sa paghihirap ng Pilipinas sa Ateneo.

But still, Ateneans; though slow to the chase have usually stood their ground on pertinent issues. Is that merit enough to go to hell? Is supporting a reproductive bill unchristian?

I think not.

Christ believed in uplifting those who had none, He hung out with poorest of the poor and most importantly; He preached tolerance.

Which is why I am surprised of the lack of tolerance these supposedly Christian editors have for those who need a bill that will uphold their human right to health. I am sad to see bright minds believe that overpopulation is something that can be treated with band aid solutions (like post natal care, more health care providers, etc).

We are a nation faced with poverty and overpopulation (mainly due to the lack of resources for recreational activities)

In Filipino: pag gigil, walang makakapigil.

We need preemptive solutions to overpopulation. Corollary to that point, the RH Bill is geared towards protecting those whose pregnancies could be caused by sexual abuse or will have high risk pregnancies. Conversely, it is also for those who cannot support a child (or another child for that matter). Access to better health care and more options is a great step towards a healthier country.



To be Atenean means to become a person for others. This person will put their name and reputation on the line for what they believe is right. I am proud that some members of the Ateneo faculty gave a voice to all those who are in dire need of reproductive health care.

NO PREGNANCIES = NO ABORTIONS.



===
I don't so much mind that newspapers are dying-it's watching them commit suicide that pisses me off.
-Molly Ivins

*I also find it misleading that the statement issued by some members of the faculty are quoted and stabbed at relentlessly as the stand of the whole institution.

A Time for Thingies

"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: To everything there is a season....A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace."

this week so far: a time to keep friends close. i've been running into old friends for the last three days. i wonder if the universe is telling me something.

blast from the past

i kept no pictures of you. not because i never wanted to remember but because the memories were vivid enough. after almost half a decade, i still remember. i find it foolish that i still remember those hallways, that car seat, that pair of shoes.

though i don't resent it; i believe my memory isn't doing you justice.

now, some coherence is in order

the past weeks have been tiring, stressful and rewarding. it's been a combination of being really pissed off at something and actually being happy. but this post is about something more important.

i want to talk about the animated feature: Bolt.

yesterday, i dragged character c to watch Bolt. i realize that while most people our age were watching (or raring to at least) Twilight, we were lining up at Glorietta to watch a kiddie flick. the thing is, i've never read the Twilight books. add that to a lot of bad reviews from my friends and my love for dogs...

endpoint: we just had to watch Bolt.

admittedly, Bolt isn't as irreverent as Madagascar 2. it doesn't have a lot of slapstick in it. the great thing about it is, it actually gives you a lot of themes to work with.

i'm not giving a synopsis of the film. but i do encourage people to go and see it. i have four reasons for doing so.

1. it has a cute hamster character (the one in the ball thingy)
2. its characters (animal and human) are all round characters or at least undergo some kind of epiphany; making the film enjoyable for those who like character development that go well with the plot.
3. it explores our perceptions of reality, kindness and love.
and lastly, any dog with super powers is a winner for me.

reading the news: not healthy

a recent study by the World Health Organization (WHO) concluded that reading or watching the news on a daily basis is not beneficial to general health. being in the know can actually cause heart disease, cardiovascular failure or obesity.

i am just joking.

but seriously, sometimes ignorance is bliss. now that i've gotten into the habit or reading the news every time i log on to the internet; i find that i'm collecting reasons to be seething. i read US news, local news and international news. and evry goddamned day, i find an a-hole or two that i want to kill with a fork through his penis.

howells. back to reading the news.

An Angry Taxpayer

I have always tried not to write anything political on my personal blog. I'm OC like that, my politics is usually relegated to the columns I write. But today, I can't help but be unhappy and seething.

1. I cannot believe that Jocjoc Bolante is readily taking us for fools. His story is worse than a grade schooler's explanation of a missing chocolate bar. Does he think that people will actually buy the "Malacanyang/GMA had nothing to do with the plundering? They knew not what he was doing" story?
Given, he has taken pains to look like crap (as in nakakaawa naman ang matanda..leave him alone!?) BUT LOOKING FORLORN SHOULD NEVER BE AN EXCUSE. You cannot show up and say; "hey, i'm sickish and old...please don't prosecute me for the gross injustices I did against Filipinos.." THE LAW SHOULD DEAL WITH YOU. YOU SHOULD BE PROSECUTED, YOU BASTARD. I am all for ethical treatment, but to treat Mr. Bolante as a VIP is an insult to everyone else in this country. My anger can be justified. I'm one of the millions of Filipinos whose paycheck gets hacked to pieces because of the GODDAMNED INCOME TAX. I'm part of the many who aimlessly push their carts in the grocery store because EVERYTHING IS MORE EXPENSIVE WITH RVAT AND I CANNOT GET MY PESO TO STRETCH MORE. I have every right to be mad at Mr. Bolante, he has spent and wasted tax payer's money. He should pay up, even if he has to pay up with pounds of his own flesh. I mean that literally.

2. What opposition? There is no opposition.

it could get worse...

i had a fight with character c last night.

bouts of self doubt

Ok. So maybe this is all my fault. Ok. Not a maybe. This is all my fault. Why is it that I have all these thoughts about whether character c and i will last? why am i even thinking about that? i don't think he's done anything to sound the alarm. so why am i thinking like this?

i sound all whiny. gad.

grief passes somehow.

"And yet the compensations of calamity are made apparent to the understanding also, after long intervals of time. A fever, a mutilation, a cruel disappointment, a loss of wealth, a loss of friends, seems at the moment unpaid loss, and unpayable. But the sure years reveal the deep remedial force that underlies all facts. The death of a dear friend, wife, brother, lover, which seemed nothing but privation, somewhat later assumes the aspect of a guide or genius; for it commonly operates revolutions in our way of life, terminates an epoch of infancy or of youth which was waiting to be closed, breaks up a wonted occupation, or a household, or style of living, and allows the formation of new ones more friendly to the growth of character. It permits or constrains the formation of new acquaintances, and the reception of new influences that prove of the first importance to the next years; and the man or woman who would have remained a sunny gard."

-Ralph Waldo Emerson

~*~
it's been a tough week. but it's also been most rewarding.

changing times

things do change a lot. i think the le familia really has to live with me being away. please family, give me a break.

inasmuch as

admittedly, i've been very busy as of late. i took on two full time jobs, am moving out of my mom's, moving in with character c, etc.

that's not exactly what i want to talk about here.

lots of people i know will agree; my life is nothing short of a fantastic roller coaster adventure. there's always some goddamned exciting or emotional thing happening everyday. i think that my definition of a "normal day" is a far cry what a normal day should really be.

but then again, it's all a matter of perspective.

i can trip/have an embarrassing fall while commuting or walking round ortigas (or wherever my clumsiness strikes), be drenched in the rain, walk in a flood or forget my wallet AND STILL consider the day i had a great day. i tend to laugh everything off.

i've reached this point where anything can be funny. when i look back on the bad things that have happened, i always find something funny about them though i may still feel defensive, irate or sensitive about an issue.

everyday is just happy. i can't stay sad for too long. it takes too much effort and energy to rant and rave. i just want to stay happy.

my life is not all peachy. but i choose to cope and be positive.

that and i have an arsenal of alcohol and ciggies to back me up. nyahahahahahahaha.

character c

i'm an irrational girl. i demand things. but i think like a guy. for all it's worth, thank you for putting up with me. i wouldn't put up with myself even if i'd be paid to.

poke the penguin!

panda and me.

we've been laughing so hard. ^__^

moving on up

I have two jobs now. Having them will raise my net worth to around 30k a month. My mom has already told me to get an apartment.

Everything is going as fast paced as I can handle.

I'm happy about all this. I really am. But I know that certain people in my life won't be too happy to hear about these developments. Hay. I shouldn't care, but I do. I wish that they could just be happy for me. Everything is going my way and it never hurts to wish a friend well.

sinisinta kita

punyeta. in love talaga ako.

happy 4-1!

finally, am home

there are limits to my generosity. i've spent a week minding character c's family. so much so that we have been mistaken for a married couple many times. i know that character c and i move with a certain synchronicity. we move together, we think along the same lines. yes, it had the makings of two people meant for each other. something that i have missed because character a and i barely spoke the same language.

everything is just very comfortable with character c. am happy about that. what i don't like is being judged. i mean. c'mon now. we're the only ones willing to sleep in the goddamned hospital and you blame us for that? if you really didn't one us to be there, then someone else should have volunteered to do it instead. complaints without viable alternatives are a pain in the arse.

speaking of pains in the arse. his brother, (let's call him suzie) is another gigantic pain in the arse. he does need my help. i cannot imagine someone who claims to want to go into foreign service not understand BASIC concepts such as sustainable development, neo-liberalization, trade liberalization.

my gaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaad.

his stupidity appalls me. aside from his utter lack of respect for me and his brother (who is consequently sending him to school; whom he called useless crap), i am irritated by this brandishing of stupidity. i cannot.get.over.his.ignorance.

going the family way

i've been with character c and his family for almost a whole week. what this spells for our relationship is yet to be seen. suffice to say, it hasn't been smooth sailing. it's the first time we're stuck together for a really long time. it's not really that bad. just a little unsettling. i do have to get used to this somehow.

hot head

ewan. ang init ng ulo ko lately. grabe.