Phantom vs (umm) Aliens *
JuLiE
My husband and I watched a poor internet-downloaded copy of the Phantom of the Opera last night. I think he was bored the minute our computer screen showed the first scene of the movie. Halfway through the film, he was already snoring. I couldn't blame him, maybe he's not a big fan of musicals. He couldn't take the falsetto-sung dialogues of the characters. Worse is, the lyrics of the songs were hard to understand because of the poor copy we got, thus, it was not easier understanding the story itself. Good thing I have a background of the plot, which made me at least relate to the scenes. However, I was not really satisfied with the movie. I think that the suspense, romance, and drama lacks the intensity that I expected to see. But I like the music nonetheless.
---oOo---
-
To make up for the movie nightmare (of my husband) last night, we will be watching Star Wars Episode 3 tonight. I was not a fan of Star Wars. Actually, I refused to watch Star Wars because I had the notion that movies with great special effects lack substance in the story. But I take it back (for Star Wars at least) =). After watching Episode 4 (the first episode produced according to my husband), well, I was still not convinced that Star Wars is worth the fuss. But then, I still forced myself to watch Episodes 1 and 2 (I skipped Episodes 5 and 6) to prepare myself for Episode 3, which my husband is dying to see. And guess what, I think I am now as excited as him to see the movie. I was engrossed with the story and the cinematography just as everyone else is. I just hope that my husband already bought tickets or we might end up getting inconvenient seats. But then again, most people probably already squarmed in the theatres during the opening.
*they're not from earth right?
Labels: , 0 comments | | edit post
Isang Araw
JuLiE
7:30 a.m. Mag-aalarm na ang phone mo. Oras na para gumising kahit hindi pa umaabot ng 8 hours ang tulog mo. Ipagluluto mo pa kasi ng baon at almusal ang asawa mo. Ok lang basta para naman sa asawa mo =)

7:40 a.m. Babangon ka na matapos umextend ng 10 minutes. Magtu-toothbrush muna tapos magluluto na. Medyo bangag ka pa.

9:00 a.m. Ihahatid mo na sa pintuan ang asawa mong papunta sa opisina. Paglabas nya ng pinto mapapakanta ka na lang ng "Alone again... naturally".

9:05 a.m. Dahil inaantok ka pa at kailangan nyo ng baby mo ng sapat na tulog, iidlip ka uli.

11:30 a.m. Medyo napatagal ang pag-idlip mo pero inaantok ka pa rin. Kaso kailangan nang bumangon dahil sasakit na ang ulo mo kapag natulog ka pa uli.

11:35 a.m. Magsa-sign in ka muna sa ym. Titignan kung online na rin ang asawa mo. Magche-check ng email. Pati friendster na rin.

11:50 a.m. Magugutom ka na. Maghahanda ka ng almusal kahit oras na ng tanghalian.

12:00 n.n. Yayayain ka na mag-lunch ng asawa mo. Pero kumakain ka pa rin ng almusal.

12:05 p.m. Makakachat mo ang mga dati mong mga kaopisina. Lunch break na kasi. Di naman madalas maglunch out ang mga yun.

1:00 p.m. Wala ka naman magawa kaya gagawa ka na lang ng entry sa blog mo.

1:30 p.m. Tapos ka na mag-post ng entry sa blog mo. Wala ka na naman magawa kaya mgbabasa ka na lang ng balita. Ano na ba nangyayari sa Pinas?

Wala na namang bago. Jueteng issue pa rin ang binabalita. Nagpapakabibo ang gobyerno sa pagsugpo kuno sa jueteng. Trying hard panindigan na walang kinalaman si Mike at Mikey sa isyung ito. Wala nga ba? Sa kasagsagan ng isyu e naisipan ni pareng Mike na pumunta sa Singapore (uy, dito yun!). Discreet pa ang paglabas nya ng bansa. Iwas sa reporters. Pero hindi pa naman napapatunayan kaya innocent pa rin sila (mukha nyo).

A eto may bago. Makakatanggap daw ng dagdag na P20 na COLA ang mga manggagawa sa Region 3 at CAR. Ayos. May pandagdag na sila sa babayaran nilang dagdag na VAT. Makatao talaga ang gobyerno. Sabi ni Lagunzad ng NWPC na mae-encourage daw ang mga businesses na maging mas productive dahil sa dagdag na pasweldo. Ibig sabihin: alipinin nang husto ang mga manggagawa.

Speaking of VAT, tuwang-tuwa naman itong si World Bank sa naaprubahang dagdag na VAT. Aba'y dapat lang. Para sa kanya naman yun eh. Di bale nang mamatay sa gutom ang sambayanan...

Sa local news naman, public land daw ang Boracay kaya hindi ito pag-aari ng resort owners. Right to occupy lang ang binabayaran nila (na umaabot ng 20k-30k per sqm). Sabi ni Sec. Mike Defensor ang pagtititulo daw ng lupa ang solusyon para maensure ang business stability sa Boracay at para mag-encourage pa ng investors. E papano naman kaya ang mga locals na matagal nang naninirahan dun at nagbabayad ng tax. Di bale nang mawalan sila ng lupa basta may titulo ang investors. Wag ka na magtaka, ganun talaga.

2:30 p.m. Magsasawa ka na sa balita at mararamdaman mong gutom ka na uli. Kaya manananghalian ka na =)

3:00 p.m. Mahihirapan kang huminga dahil sa busog kaya bababa ka muna para maglakad-lakad. Maiinggit ka sa mga nagsi-swimming kaya maiisipan mong magswimming din. Para may exercise ka naman. Kaya lang magbabago ang isip mo dahil maiisip mo na malungkot magswimming mag-isa (sana weekend na lang para kasabay mong magswimming ang asawa mo). Isa pa, mukha ka nang dugong sa laki ng tyan mo.. e midrib pa naman ang swimsuit mo.

3:30 p.m. Aakyat ka na lang uli. Magdedefrost ng lulutuin mo. Manonood ng tv. Kaso walang mapanood. Gusto mo sana magvaccum ng buong bahay kaso tinatamad ka. Uupo ka uli sa tapat ng pc. Makikipagchat ka sa mga makukulit mong ex-kaopisina. Hahagap ng chismis.

4:00 p.m. Maliligo ka na nga pala. Mainit.

4:30 p.m. Maaalala mo na kailangan mo pa pala i-edit ang mga pictures na ipapaprint nyo. May 250 free prints kasi kayo sa kodak. Maiinis ka dahil ang dami. Sana 50 na lang para 50 lang ang i-e-edit mo.

6:00 p.m. Magsasawa ka na mag-edit at sasakit na ang likod mo dahil ang tagal mo nang nakaupo sa harap ng pc. Magluluto ka na.

7:00 p.m. Maeexcite ka na dahil malapit na umuwi asawa mo =)

7:30 p.m. Kaso OT pala sya ngayon =(

7:40 p.m. Wala ka na naman magawa kaya mgbabasa ka na lang ng e-book na matagal mo nang binabasa't hindi mo pa rin natatapos.

8:30 p.m. Magsasawa ka na magbasa at maiisipan mong gumawa uli ng isa pang entry sa blog mo.

9:00 p.m. Wala pa rin ang asawa mo pero pauwi na raw sya. Maghahain ka na dahil tiyak na gutom na yun pagdating nya.

9:30 p.m. Ayan, nandyan na sya! Magdi-dinner na kayo habang nanonood ng tv.

10:15 p.m. Maglalakad-lakad kayo para magpatunaw ng kinain. Kwentuhan. Balitaan.

10:45 p.m. Papasok na kayo ng kwarto. Magpapahinga. Kwentuhan. Harutan. Maiinis ka dahil nilalait ng asawa mo ang dati mong crush. Mayayabangan ka sa kanya. Maiinis ka dahil masakit ang balakang, likod, legs, dibdib at binti mo dahil buntis ka tapos hinaharot ka pa. Maiinis ka dahil pnromise sayo na imamasahe nya ang masakit mong likod kaso tinulugan ka naman. Maiisip mo na pagod nga pala sya sa trabaho. Kaya hahayaan mo na lang syang matulog (wala ka rin naman magagawa).

12:50 a.m. Hindi ka pa rin inaantok kaya mag-iinternet ka na lang uli.

1:00 a.m. Sasakit na naman ang likod mo kaya hihiga ka na at pipiliting makatulog.
Labels: , , 0 comments | | edit post
Feel the Pain
JuLiE
I remember an article written by Bo Sanchez entitled "Feel your feelings and then let go". He says that negative emotions are windows of our soul, which teach us about who we are and what we need from God (he's some sort of a religious writer). He says that the only way to get rid of a negative emotion is to recognize it, feel it, and then let it go. We should not try to repress it , or cover it up, or hide away from it. Because how can you let go of something you have not held, he says. Makes sense huh?

The article had an impact on me the time I read it. (Heck, I even wrote an excerpt in my journal!) See, I think I am guilty of repressing negative emotions (anger, guilt, self-pity, sadness..) because I always choose not to be affected to spare myself off the suffering. I thought that a feeling is a choice. It's just a matter of perspective. However, I realize that a negative emotion can not be repressed or denied. It comes back or comes out in other forms we may not be aware of.

In the latter part of the article, Bo says that you should allow yourself to feel the pain. Accompany it. Breath into it. Don't judge or critize. Just feel it. And after a while you'll feel the anger or pain or sadness loose its urgency and power.

Guess what, I am getting good at that right now!
Labels: , 0 comments | | edit post
Running After Tax Evaders
JuLiE
It seems like the BIR is doing a good job running after tax evaders under its ongoing Operation: RATE. I've read that it has already filed cases against famous showbiz personalities Richard Gomez, Regine Velasquez, and recently Judy Ann Santos. BIR says that 92.5% of these showbiz personalities pay only about 0-1.5% tax on their gross incomes. Now, why am I not surprised to know that there is widespread tax violation in the entertainment industry?
---oOo---

Aside from showbiz personalities, BIR also have filed cases against some big companies (Mendez Medical Grp., Columbia Sports, CAP, PT&T..), a former AFP comptroller, Taulava (basketball star), and Douglas Quijano.
.---oOo---
-
Finance undersec Bonoan said that "Power and fame are not tickets to immunity". (Really?) And in fairness, there is a good indication that they might be true to their words. But not until they run after the 'bigger' fishes (politicians e.g. the President herself, big time businessmen, e.g. Henry Sy, Lucio Tan..) will my apprehensions dissipate.
.---oOo---
-
I just hope that tax collections go to where it should go. Meaning, not to the pockets of greedy and shameless politicians (which is quite unlikely).
.---oOo---
-
An issue came out that the BIR runs after entertainers who sided with FPJ last elections (i.e. Juday and Goma). Like duh?! Ikonek ba lahat?
.---oOo---
-
What bothers me is an article in Inquirer last week (I'm not sure if its in the Editorial because I could not find it in the Archives of its website anymore) that says something to the effect that it would already be easier for the common people to accept the increase in VAT, after all, the 'big fishes' are already made to pay the right amount of taxes. Am I the only one who thinks this is absurd? This VAT issue is not an issue of bandwagon effect. Increase in VAT is widely opposed because of several reasons and not just the mentality that 'many people do not pay taxes, why should I?'

For one, an increase in VAT does not take into consideration the root cause of the problem (the fiscal crisis as the government claims). What it offers is a mere quick-fix solution to satisfy the demands of our creditors (IMF, World Bank). Second, an increase in VAT will be worsened by increase in the prices of goods and services (is it not apparent that the consumers are the ones who will shoulder this?). And lastly (I think), 78% of us do not even earn enough to meet the daily cost of living of P492.19 (Ibon facts and figures)... do I need to explain why the people need not be further burdened by an increase in VAT? Geeez!
Labels: 0 comments | | edit post
LiFe'S a BeAcH!
JuLiE

I'm movin', I'm comin'
Can you hear what I hear?
It's calling you my dear out of reach
(Take me to my beach)
I can hear it calling you
I'm comin' not drowning,
swimming closer to you

-from THE BEACH soundtrack


















Where: SILOSO BEACH, SENTOSA ISLAND RESORT, SINGAPORE
When: SUNDAY, MAY 22, 2005
Labels: 0 comments | | edit post
Of Headaches and Heartaches
JuLiE
I just woke up with a throbbing headache.

After a long argument with my husband last night, I went to bed while he did something with the computer. I was already about to sleep but then I thought of something that made me cry (some personal stuff I'd rather not divulge in this entry). No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't seem to stop the tears from falling (I really hate that!). So I cried my heart out, which my husband did not notice because we had our backs to each other.

When he was finished doing what he was doing, he noticed that I was still awake. He laid beside me and asked me if something was wrong. He even massaged my head with katinko. Then I started crying again. He urged me to tell him what was wrong (I guess he assumed that it still had something to do with the fight we had). After I calmed down a bit, I told him my reason. Then without even a one-word comment, I heard him snoring his way to sleep. Oh well...
--oOo--
I just couldn't bring myself to sleep last night because of headache, heartache, nasal inflammation, and shortness of breath (it really gets more difficult being pregnant when your tummy gets bigger). So I made myself a cup of hot choco and read Dan Brown's Deception Point. I slept at around 3am (I'm so sorry baby for tiring you..)

--oOo--
This morning, after my husband was off to work, I went back to bed and dozed off to a peaceful and uninterrupted sleep. NOT! Unfortunately, the condo management scheduled a fumigation this day and later on decided to turn on the fire alarm for no apparent reason (there's no fire for God's sake!). I couldn't help but curse them in my half sleep.
Labels: , 0 comments | | edit post
"When you become a mother you'll know"
JuLiE
I am really starting to hate my sister. She has been a very different person since she started going out with her, umm.. "boyfriend". She fails her subjects (I'm not sure if she attends it in the first place), doesn't go home for days (and looks sad and restless when she finally gets home), lies and makes up stories most of the time (and expects us to believe), and God knows what else she does to destroy herself!

I believe in the fluidity of gender and the need to liberate homosexuals from a conventional, oppressive and discriminating society. However, learning that your own sister has become one of them can be rather shocking, believe me. But I know that despite my not-so-positive reaction to her new relationship, I will be able to accept the fact that my sister has taken steps towards her own liberation. After the shock has worn off.

But not anymore. Not after seeing what that fucking relationship has done to her. Not after the pain she causes my ever loving, understanding, and forgiving dad. She might be feeling misunderstood or alone or whatever. But she doesn't even give an effort to be understood. Instead she continues to distance herself from us.

I still have nothing against same sex relationship in general. But I have everything against 'this' particular relationship.

Anyway, the latest news is she hasn't returned home for almost two months now. My dad does everything to contact and look for her. But you cannot find someone who refuses to be found. The pain she causes my dad is practically killing him. He couldn't eat nor sleep because of so much worry. I urged him to stop looking for her and assured him that she would soon find her way back. Give her space, it might be just a phase of some sort. Otherwise, she wouldn't learn her lessons. Lalo lang magmamatigas yan dahil alam nya na hinahabol-habol siya... But my dad would not listen. Again, in an effort to reach my sister, he went to UP last Saturday (he learned that she was taking summer classes) and finally saw her. He literally begged her to come home. She promised to come home the next day. But as expected, it was an empty promise. I hate to say "I told you so"...

It pains me so much to know how much my dad is suffering by what is happening with my sister (and to think that this is just a part of our dozens of other problems). If only I'm with him in the Philippines, I would have already shaken him up to make him realize that he can choose not to suffer. That he doesn't have to be miserable and he has to move on, wait and have faith that everything will be alright. But of course he would just answer me (like he always did) that "..a parent doesn't give up on his child. When you become a mother you'll know".

That is exactly why I love my dad so much. Because no matter how much we fail, we are assured that we still have someone to run to. He guides us to what is right but never condemns us when we do wrong. Instead, he would understand and give us more love and support. Yes, he doesn't give up on us. He never did.

When I become a mother, I'll know.. But will I? Will I be as understanding and loving and forgiving? I have yet to find out...

In the meantime, I think I'm still on the verge of hating my sister... for the pain she causes my dad.
Labels: 0 comments | | edit post
Onli in Pinas
JuLiE
Magka-chat kami kaninang umaga ng kaibigan ko. Nakwento nya na pupunta dito sa Singapore yung ex nya (uy friends pa rin sila!). Tinanong nya kung may gusto akong ipabili. Hmmm... konti lang naman:

1. Ensaymada ng Muhlach;
2. Polvoron, Brownies, at Pastillas de Leche ng Goldilocks;
3. Cheez Whiz (malaki) - basta gusto ko Cheez Whiz, ayoko ng iba!;
4. Tender Juicy Hotdog - chicken/beef franks lang ang meron dito;
5. Sinigang Flavored Mix - mahal kasi dito un, dupang yung mga pinoy na nagbebenta;
6. Ludy's Peanut Butter - gusto ko matuto kung pano magluto ng kare-kare;
7. Puto, Kuchinta, Suman - yummy almusal!;
8. Tuyo/Danggit - mmmm... sarap with scrambled eggs!;
9. Fish Tocino ng Capiz;
10. Itlog na maalat;
11. Chicharon ng Bulacan;
12. Mochi ng Pampanga;
13. Longganisa at Tocino ng Pampanga's Best;
14. Isang kaing ng Mangga - 'di masarap mangga dito, lasang gamot!;
15. Dried Manggoes ng Cebu;
16. Graham Crackers;
17. Marang - wala pa ko nakita dito nun, pero durian marami;
18. Pastel ng Camiguin - peyborit!;
19. Sebo de Macho - would you believe, S$3 (P150) dito yun?! E bente pesos lang kaya yun!;
20. Green Papaya Soap - haha! magpaputi ba?!;
21. Bagoong ng Barrio Fiesta;
22. Pan de Sal;
23. Cheese Bread;
24. Strawberry Jam ng Good Shepherd's; at syempre
25. Winston Lights na blue - para kay Onac =)

Ayan, konti lang naman. Hindi naman siguro nakakahiya noh? =)
Labels: 2 comments | | edit post
Defenses
JuLiE
I don't believe in long term relationships.. or so I thought.

Blame it partly to the fact that I have been raised in a broken home that I used to believe that even the best of relationships don't usually last. I mean, it's nothing but normal to see break-ups, divorces, and infidelities happen in what used to be a 'perfect relationship'? You may think that I'm a pessimist, thanks, but I'd rather be thought off as a realist. It is realistic to believe that people tend to change.. in their thoughts and emotions. One day you could be genuinely happy being in the relationship, and the next thing you realize is it's suicide to stay further in that relationship. That's just the way it is. The best thing to do is move on. That's life.

Blame it partly to the fact that I have been raised in a broken home that I have subconsciously (or consciously, I'm not quite sure) built my defenses around me. That to be able to face my fear of pain and rejection, I chose to believe that relationships don't usually last. This prompted me to distance myself (to certain degrees) from people. Don't get me wrong, I assure you that my social skills are on an acceptable level. It's just that I tend not to give away myself too much (if at all).

But should it be that way?

When I was faced the dilemma of getting or not getting married, I confided to my dad that I was down-to-my-gutt scared. He only asked me one thing: do you love him? I answered yes. He said that that is reason enough. But it didn't change anything.. I was still scared! He assured me that there is really nothing to be scared of. All I have to do is hope for the best and expect the worst (cliche). Expect the worst by being a good and loving wife. Give and don't expect anything in return. Have faith in life he said.

That's when it hit me.

I still believe that relatonships have a tendency not to last and people still have a tendency to change. But whatever happens is whithin our control. We have the choice whether to keep a relationship stronger or let it fall into pieces right before our eyes. You don't expect the worst by preparing yourself for the pain that comes with it but by preventing it to happen (expect the worst by being a good and loving wife). And you don't face your fear of pain and rejection by building your defenses, thus, sacrificing happiness and fulfillment.

I didn't believe in long term relationships but people tend to change.. in their thoughts and emotions. And I think I have changed.
Labels: , 0 comments | | edit post
Pakikipagsapalaran sa Manok
JuLiE
Kung hindi ko lang iniisip ang pagtitipid, mas gugustuhin ko nang bumili ng chicken in special cuts. Yung tipong legs lang o breast lng o wings lang. Pero dahil mas mura ang whole chicken, yun ang binibili namin kapag nagrogrocery kami.

Dati ay wala pa akong kaalam-alam kung pano maghiwa ng manok (palibhasa baguhan ako sa kusina). At medyo natatakot ako (o nandidiri) dahil ang whole chicken dito sa Singapore ay, wag ka, kasama pati ulo at paa! O diba? Paano kung tukain ako nun?!

Sabi ng asawa ko madali lang maghiwa ng manok. Hiwain muna ang ulo, leeg, tpos legs at wings. Huwag kakalimutan ihiwalay ang paa ng manok sa legs. At syempre tanggalin ang kuko sa paa. Sino nga ba naman ang matutuwang pumapak ng paa ng manok na may kuko pa? Kapag fully mutilated na ang manok pwede na hiwain sa gitna. Ihihiwalay ang pitso sa, um, ribs. tpos pwede na hiwain ito sa kng gaano kaliit o kalaki mo gusto. Sisiw lang pala e!

Pero hindi pala ganun kadali lalo na kapag daig pa ng cutter ang kutsilyong gamit mo. Sinunod ko naman ang sinabi sakin pero nang matapos ako ay nagmistulang binaboy ang manok ko. Nakakalungkot.

Ang natutunan ko sa karanasan sa paghiwa ng manok, bukod sa paggamit ng matalim na kutsilyo, ay dapat alam mo ang anatomy nito. Dapat alam mo kng saan ang joint na naghihiwalay sa wings at katawan, o kung hanggang saan ang buto ng leeg.. para hndi ka mahirapan sa paghiwa. At syempre, isa pang natutunan ko ay kahit ano pang pambababoy ang ginawa mo sa manok, hindi rin naman ito mahahalata pag luto na. ;)
Labels: , 0 comments | | edit post
Basically...
JuLiE
Reasons why I am here:

1. Despite my innate dissentment of going with the flow, I find myself inspired to create my own blog after reading several blogs of acquaintances;

2. I have a lot of time to waste;

3. I am bored;

4. I aim to diffuse my boredom to those who are also bored enough to at least scan what I have to write.

Exposed?

It is a contradiction to be posting my journal online since I am a very private person. A friend once commented that one will never know what's on my mind unless one gets to know me really really well.. which, according to her, is very difficult. Not that I am intentionally trying to be out of reach. I don't know, this is just the way I am. Aloof maybe. But here I am.. exposed.

The challenges though:

1. I am not quite sure if I will have anything interesting to write about considering my very mundane life (how's this: I spend the whole day at home.. alone);

2. I have underdeveloped writing skills;

3. I have the propensity to procrastinate;
`
4. I still have a lot to figure out with this blog thing.
`
So basically, this is it for now. Wish me luck!
Labels: 0 comments | | edit post