On Yet Another 'Amazing Race'

After my last trip out of the country, Cuz and I are scheduled to meet in Thailand this Friday. Oohhh... how sosyal! It'll surely be another one helluva 'race'. Race against time... (Must finish shoppin'!) Race against the military tanks (hahaha, mala-Saving Private Ryan?) ... Race against slip disk pains and heatstroke (but am still bringing a light jacket).

Cuz and I emailed all day counterchecking our THINGS TO BRING. I am bringing Geebee, my Gameboy so that I have company during my 3-hour trip. Cuz thought I was funny because I am still bringing shampoo. I hate hotel shampoo. They make my hair extra dry and lifeless. Don't wanna destroy my damn curls!!! I am just soooooo omega excited! Am planning to pack tonight.

Will post pics from out trip. In the meantime... pag-tiyagaan niyo muna ang mapa ng Thailand.

On How Successful Women Should View Marriage

In a brief conversation, a man, speaking to a woman, was out to pursue the question, "What kind of man are you looking for?"

She sat quietly for a moment before looking him in the eye and asked, "Do you really want to know?"Reluctantly, he said, "Yes" as she began to expound..."

As a woman in this day and age, I am in a position to ask a man what he can do for me that I can't do for myself.

I pay my own bills.

I take care of my household without the help of any man- or woman for that matter. I am in the position to ask, 'What can you bring to the table?'"

The man looked at her. Clearly he thought that she was referring to money.She quickly corrected his thought and stated, "

I am not referring to money... I need something more. I need a man who is striving for perfection in every aspect of life."

He sat back in his chair, folded his arms, and asked her to explain.She said,

"I am looking for someone who is striving for perfection Mentally. I need conversation and mental stimulation. I don't need a simple-minded man.

I am looking for someone who is striving for perfection Spiritually because I don't need to be unequally yoked... Believers mixed with unbelievers is a recipe for disaster.

I need a man who is striving for perfection Financially because I don't need a financial... burden.

I am looking for someone who is Sensitive enough to understand what I go through as a woman, but Strong enough to keep me grounded.

I am looking for someone who I can Respect. In order to be submissive, I must respect him. I cannot be submissive to a man who isn't taking care of his business. I have no problem being submissive... He just has to be worthy.

God made woman to be a helpmate for man. At this point, I can't help a man if he can't help himself."

When she finished her spill, she looked at him. He sat there with a puzzled look on his face, and exclaimed, "You're asking for a whole lot!"

To which she gracefully replied..."Only if you think I'm not WORTH a lot."

Got this from KC Concepcion's Multiply blog. Very nice.

On Starting Anew

It's as if I was in a coma for so long and Prince Charming finally kissed me on the lips to wake me up from my deep slumber.

I'm back! And I've never felt SO good. Life has been nothing but generous to me... Business has been action-packed. My projects are all finally over and I can sit back, relax, and wait for the dough to start pouring in. I have an upcoming trip to Bangkok with Cuz... something that has had me awake and restless for the past few nights. I'm just soooooooooo excited to leave!!! And then there's this undeniable twinkle in my eye that only love and passion can provide. ;) I've been so blessed.

And hopefully, now that I'm 'awake', I can get to write more entries again. Ahhh...

This was taken during my recent Bohol vacation. That was just THE most perfect day...

On My UltraElectroMagneticJam Day

Kudos to Jam 88.3 for a great album! Well done! Loved almost all of the Eraserheads classics on this helluva revival CD. Indeed a tribute to the great ones, whose songs once served as our background music every summer when my cousins and I would play mahjong the minute the clock struck 1. Those times were awesome...

==

This morning when I woke up, I suddenly had the chills and this awful pain in my stomach. It was unexplainable, until it dawned on me that my late grandma (a.k.a. Mang) paid me a visit. After Mama 'spoke' to her, while stroking my back, I cried non-stop. Then after a few minutes, I was back to normal. The pain was gone. It was Mang's birthday last 16 January and I wasn't able to drop by the cemetery. I am so guilty because lately I haven't been praying for her as often as I used to. CS was kind enough to accompany me earlier. I brought white flowers for her and Lopang (my grandpa). I miss her so much and I sure wish she could be with us now to enjoy all these 'successes' I am reaping. I'll take her to trips with us, for sure! But I know that she is happy, wherever she is now. I love you, Mang. And thank you for still looking after me.

==

We are cooking up two mall tours aside from the already sure projects with have with MAGGI, PBA and PLDT. I feel so damn good! The stress is crazy, but expected. Preparation time is always the most hectic. Am looking forward to another smashing year for the agency and I hope I can help more people with these projects. Life is good...

On Rewarding Myself

I will be back here in no time and I'm super duper excited!!! I'm treating Cui and Dexter to Singapore and we leave on the 28th. Last year was a tremendous year for the agency and I am proud to say the rewards have been overflowing. I can't wait for them to see this place! And the Night Safari... and taste all the yummy food there.

Cuz, see you super soon!!!

On Starting The Year Right

Majestic Boracay... Certainly my favorite piece of paradise. Cuz and I were there last January 3 to once again relax for 3 whole days before heading back to the harsh reality of work and deadlines. I took this picture using my N70 and the sepia setting added much drama to this already beautiful scene.

The weather was just right. It drizzled at night but that didn't dampen our spirits. We had an awesome time and to pay tribute to that wonderful vacation, I'd like to turn back time a bit and reminisce on the things I experienced there...

1. I will never forget that moment when Cuz and I were walking along this new strip along "D Mall" and by the time we got to the end of the road, I was the ONLY person wearing a bikini! Everyone was already in regular clothes and I felt like Paris Hilton in a room full of nuns. People gave me 'the stare'. So that's how a goldfish feels like!

2. I will never forget the sumptuous dinner we had on our last night there. Mouth watering crabs and grilled fish. It was to die for! Every time I remember that meal, I could feel saliva starting to well up inside my mouth. It was that f*%&$# good!!!

3. I will never forget my weird sunburn, especially since I still have it. Didn't take off my super short shorts the first time we went sun bathing. And in just a few minutes, the mark registered already. Darn! Then come Day 2, I dropped the shorts and just wore my skimpy string bikini. That left a mark too. You can now say I am tri-colored. Hahaha!

There are a hundred and one reasons why I will never forget my latest trip to Bora. But what was most special was the fact that I once again got to spend time with Cuzzy Wuzzy. We intend on going to Bohol next year and I'm sure that'll be a blast too.

Thanks for the wacky time there, Cuz! See you on the 28th!!!

On One Orgasmic Experience!

He was standing just a few feet away from CS and I. I can't believe that I was just blogging about this guy a few months ago... and last night... ooohhhh... last night was indeed the best 1-hour of my life.

At around 5:30pm yesterday, CS and I headed off to Greenbelt 3 to catch a glimpse of our prince charming. By the time we got there, there was already a line of equally excited women dying to see our dreamboat. The Greenbelt 3 Fountain Area was transformed into a small concert venue, complete with trees lined up with Christmas lights and a white tent over our heads. There was a bit of a riot at the entrance because of some dazed security personnel but CS and I were able to successfully squirm our way in. Once seated, I almost screamed at this one security guy who kept asking CS and I to move seats. GRRR!!!

A little before eight... my heart was racing so fast I couldn't see straight. Then, at around 810, he came out from his tent and OHMIGAWD, was he HOOOOOOOT!!!

Constantine was mesmerizing! We simply could not take our eyes off him. Tikboy was such an angel to have lined up at 6am just to get our tickets!!! It was SO worth it!!! His deep set eyes and soft lips were just a sight to behold. I was screaming that whole 1 hour and CS and I would alternately shout "I love you, Constantine" at the top of our lungs. There was this one lucky bitch from the audience who was able to take home his towel! So disappointing that he didn't throw it our way. Our seats were awesome! It was a few feet away from his tent so imagine our disbelief when we saw him up close. I swear, I almost fainted (and one lady actually did!). His musical director was Jay Durias of South Border. He was awesome! Loved his songs and his voice! I've never been so in love!!! OHMIGAWD!!!

Sana ako na lang yung microphone niya... sana ako na lang yung blazer niya... hell, sana ako na lang girlfriend niya!!! When he took off his blazer, the crowd went wild. I almost fell from my chair (and note that I was STANDING on it, not sitting on it). I love you, Constantine! I love you forever!!! It was one of the best, most exciting nights of my life.

On These 25 Precious Tickets

On our way home from our PLDT meeting, CS and I passed by Greenbelt 3 and I screamed upon seeing this huge streamer hanging from the building facade. CONSTANTINE was staring right at us!

We quickly got the number to call for inquiry on the event. His concert was set for November 17... and that's... 24 minutes from now!!! After talking to an Ayala Center representative, we learned that since we have no Ayala Discount Card, we just need to present a P500 single proof of purchase to the Greenbelt 3 Customer Service to get free tickets. While CS was on the phone, I was still driving. Before reaching Magallanes, we both decided to go for it and go back to G3 to purchase something worth P500! Despite the traffic, unbelievable price of gas0line and the hassle, we headed back.

Once we got to the Greenbelt Customer Service counter, we were informed that they will still be releasing the tickets tomorrow at 11am!!! CS and I then rushed to Music 1 to buy two CDs (MYMP's double CD and the Memories of Love Live Concert CD) and almost kissed our P500 receipt from M1.

Here's the thing. We have tons of stuff to do at the office so tomorrow, we asked Tikboy (my trusty messenger) to be at Greenbelt by 6am to FALL IN LINE. Only 25 TICKETS will be released!!! I am so keeping my fingers crossed! Constantine is such a dreamboat and we will see him tomorrow no matter what!

Tikboy is our biggest bullet. Wish us luck!

On What Lies Ahead

This has been my company's best year yet. I am immensely grateful for the 'overflowing' blessings (that's how Chilie put it earlier today) we have received. We started 2005 with really good projects, and it poured non-stop from there. I had a meeting with my clients from PLDT this afternoon and they guaranteed me projects until December. Whew! Just when I thought things will slow down, God surprises me again with this! Yey!

But then just a few minutes ago, I received an email from one of my other clients informing me that they're awarding this project we bidded for to another agency. My heart sank. We really prepared for that bid! But like I always say, "hindi siguro 'meant'". God has his reasons and I am still blessed in other ways. Admittedly, I'm starting to get a bit tense for next year. I now have 5 employees under payroll so I have to work extra hard to ensure that we're all set for 2006.

The only thing that calms me is prayers. GOD WILL PROVIDE... as He has always done in the past three and a half years of brainbeam's existence. GOD WILL PROVIDE, MAY. GOD WILL PROVIDE.

On Finally Taking That BIG Step

After almost a decade of being 'blindly' in love with BIG, I finally let go. I finally released this chain that's been tugging me deeper and deeper into this black hole. I am free... and it feels fuckin' great!

History was made last Oct 29 when I finally had the nerve to tell him that having him in my life is causing me more pain and harm that good. I have reached the end of my rope and my eyes were opened to the truth that I have made up all these 'dreams' of us getting back together. It was never bound to happen. And it never will. Because now, more than ever, I am determined to not let him walk all over me. It was a long, sweet journey of highs and lows. This roller coaster of a ride has reached its destination. I'm proud to come out of this a winner. I am at peace with myself and I am grateful for friends and family for being supportive and loving and showing me that life doesn't end here. It's just a new, fresh beginning for me. And I can't wait to start!

On Missing My Gay Magnet

Best friend Nel has been out of the country for a few months already. Almost too long I'm starting to go ballistic here. Rumor has it that he will be back by November but according to his last e-mail, he wants to pack his Pinoy bags and settle there for good.

I terribly miss him and just seeing this picture makes me wanna cry! I miss his stupid jokes and how he sheds light on my melodramatic scenarios. I'm sending this giant hug into the void and hope it reaches him. Till we see each other again.

HUMMING WHAT TUNE? Don't Know Why by Norah Jones

On What I Have Been Up To

Work has taken over my life. My calendar for the year is all filled up that I can't even squeeze in a much needed vacation to Singapore. MILO, MAGGI, PLDT, PBA and STANDARD CHARTERED have kept us all on our feet. We wake up at 5:00am only to go home at 11:00pm, still with tons of work left. The greatest reward though is that this has been our best year ever and I got to travel and help a lot in the house, which is what really matters.

I missed blogging and talking about my day. But even my passion for blogging had to be set aside because of the many things we have to settle here in the agency. Anyway, I am eating dinner as I write this... yummy Chao Fan, tofu and kangkong with bagoong from Chowking (this is the ultimate combo, I tell ya!). After which I have to go back to work. I haven't slept since yesterday so imagine how sore my eyes feel. Anyway, who's complaining? I'm blessed and I'm lovin' every second of this...

On Some BIG Weight On My Shoulders

I just want to send this out to the world...

For almost a decade now, I can say I have only been TRULY in love with one person. I have had several relationships after our short (but sweet) love story, but he's really the one guy I can never seem to forget. I simply cannot get over him. I have never, up to now, really moved on. I keep thinking it's a pathetic, sick cycle. One moment I choose to ignore my feelings for him, the next moment, I realize I can't live without him. Then the next moment, I abhor him after he does something horrible or something that would make me feel mounds of jealousy. Then again, I fall into a trap and wish we were back together. This has been going on for years and I still have no clue as to when this will finally end. And HOW it will end, for that matter.

THIS IS SO FRUSTRATING!!! My mind is driving me crazy. The past week has been a surge of various emotions, as I have spent almost everyday with this person. He sucks the life out of me, really. I can't explain the power he has over my being. He knows how to switch the right buttons. His effect on me is unexplainable, I can't even begin to describe the kilig, pain, confusion and happiness.

I am so blessed. God has been immensely generous, especially with the rewards I am reaping at work. My family is in excellent condition and I have the support of dear friends and relatives. I am contented. But now, with this latest turn of events, he rocked my already stable, smooth-saling boat. And the weird part about it is that there is nothing in this world that I want now, more than anything, but to be with this person again. Lord, I pray for clarity, that I may be able to make the right decisions from hereon. I trust you have something planned for me. Please guide me each step of the way.

On That Deadly Fontejon Charm

On That Deadly Fontejon Charm
Originally uploaded by blue curls.

Tito Arns, Tito Erns, Toch and Pepoting... my mom's brothers and the coolest guys on the block!

TITO ARNS is the grooviest. He works for a 'call center', but in the QA department. He's the most hip, I must say... knows the latest dance moves and updated on what teens are into nowadays. Ninong! Hehe. TITO ERNS is the funniest. He currently resides in Texas with Tita Aning and their youngest, Erick. He makes FANTASTIC chicharong bituka. Everybody was sad when they left again late last month, especially since there's no other person who can prepare chicharong bituka like he does. Hahaha! TOCH (short for Tito Chit) is the youngest and most serious. He's very simple and kind-hearted. I really pray things will work out for him. PEPOTING is the coolest! Hahaha! We don't even call him Tito anymore (pero Tito Pemps talaga siya). He's my agency's treasurer and my ever dependable adviser. Super OC, like Monica in FRIENDS. Loves to clean... to the point of sweeping some of our neighbors' houses. Such a great character!

Our family is a riot and with these guys around, you're always in for a good time. But most importantly, they are all very loyal, hardworking and loving. At sige na nga... deadly ang charms. Hahaha!

On More Of My Favorite HK Pics

Here's the Lovers in Paris, este, Lantao pala. I was so proud of them for being strong enough, still, to climb the countless numbers of steps to the great, big Buddha. Way to go, Mumski and Panda!

On My Favorite HK pics

On My Favorite HK pics
Originally uploaded by blue curls.

Small, medium and large! Hahaha! This was taken at Ocean Park and boy, was it THE perfect representation of Dex, Cui and I. Cute!

Dex could be mistaken for a giant Philippine Airlines pillow.

On HK's Staple Food

On HK's Staple Food
Originally uploaded by blue curls.

There was this little resto near our hotel (don't know the name, can't read Chinese) which served awesome, mouth watering noodles of EVERY kind. Their egg noodles were thin, tasty and the servings were enough to feed a land of giants. Here's Cui showing off his braised beef noodles, a far cry from what Chowking serves, I tell you. Mama and Papa on the other hand were both engrossed on my beef noodles. Check out their chopsticks on my bowl!!!

We ate at that restaurant twice. They had one food attendant who spoke a little English, so it was at least easier to order. I SO felt the language barrier there. Lost in translation kaming lahat! I had noodles, noodles and more noodles that whole stay in HK. Think I only ate rice there twice. Their servings are soooooooo big. Sa bagay, maglakad ka ba naman wherever you go, talagang kailangan ko ng isang bandehadong kanin to be satisfied. At eto pa... they don't serve water in the restaurants there, just tea. And I hate tea! So bloated kaming lahat kaka-Coke. Sad!

That's why when we got home, pass muna sa Chowking and Henlin... Hahaha! It just brings back too many noodle memories.

On My Brothers' First International Flight

On My Brothers' First International Flight
Originally uploaded by blue curls.

Look at those smiles!

Cui and Dex were just as excited as Mama and Papa. The three of us were seated several rows behind them and Papa kept going back and forth from their place to ours just to check up on his baby boys.

We took pictures from almost every angle. It was such a fun plane ride. We didn't even sleep. Kwentuhan galore talaga! We loved the food that PAL served while listening to the NINA Live CD over the headphones. We watched in anticipation as the Hongkong lights welcomed us. We were ready to shop, shop, shop!!!

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A SPECIAL BIRTHDAY SHOUTOUT TO DEX! I LOVE YOU!!!

On My Immediate Urge To Blog

On My Immediate Urge To Blog
Originally uploaded by blue curls.

Guilty as charged!

I haven't blogged in ages and I feel like throwing up just thinking about it! I missed this! Just a quick rundown...

Our HK family vacation was a tremendous success! Although I wasn't able to shop as much, the sights we visited were awesome! I particularly loved our trip to Lantao to see the biiiig Buddha sitting on top of this mountain. Will post pictures soon.

When I got home, I was back to being a workaholic. In fact, just came from Iloilo over the weekend for an event. Projects keep coming. I had a a bid briefing this morning in Nestle and I'm looking forward to working on the concept. Hopefully we bag it!

It's been a downpour of blessings and I couldn't thank Him enough for being so generous and loving and for always looking after me and my family and the agency.

More stories soon. Lemme just get back to doing my events plan for a PLDT Launch...

On Working With A Fantastic Team

Tomorrow will be the tenth day of the MILO ENERJAM school tour. I can't imagine working with anybody else but these eight wonderful people, who gave much life and COLOR to a concept I never imagined would turn out to be as amazing and as fantastic. It's crazy-happy!

My hats off to Mona (Spike), Menchu (Split), Rain and Rej (Spike), Babes (Kicksta), Brian and Lester (Toughneck), Michael (G), Genesis and Francis (Stretch) and Don (Shoot). You will most certainly reach places, with your persistence, strong will, kind hearts and beautiful spirits. Here's to the next 90 schools! Way to go!