Si Tonying at Ang Mahiwagang Aklat ng Kasaysayan

I have been posting and updating my list of scheduled shows per month here in my blog. I'm actually doing that for nothing. I just want to help groups advertise their shows specially the small ones since I know marketing a show is one of the hardest parts in preparing for a play. The process goes, groups contact me, and I post it on a page here in my waley-waley blog, :)))

One day, this group from De La Salle University contacted me to help them advertise their play. So I took all the necessary details and posted it here. As a reward, they included me as one of their official media partners and I got a chance to see the show for free!

I was able to watch DLSU Harlequin Guild's Tonying at Ang Mahiwagang Aklat ng Kasaysayan last October 27. It was a good show! I couldn't stop saying "wow" each time their set changes. Their auditorium is really amazing!!! Maybe I'm just used watching under rated plays in cheapaz auditoriums that a moving stage for a play is really new to my eyes.

The story was pretty well executed. There were flaws but the group was able to pull it through. I just want to comment on their lighting, the front of the stage was a little bit dark that it was hard for the audience to see the actor if he/ she is close to the proscenium arc. Nonetheless, it was a great play and I would still recommend it for watching specially to grade school and high school students.

To help you imagine what I saw, here are some photos Jigs took while we're on our seats:

The keys were handed to Tonying as the new "magtatala"

Tonying and his love interest, Clea. 

Tatalasi died after the encounter with Mangmang

When Tonying gave up everything that's important to the history, everything went out of order
See? I told you! The stage can move!! It can!

He then met several characters from the twisted history

I believe this is one of DLSU Harlequin classics. If I'm not mistaken, they staged this for several times already and I wish it'll be re-staged! I hope this will be shown to the younger generation so they'll know the importance of knowing and understanding history. 

Thank you to Harlequin Guild for giving me the chance to see their work! I'm looking forward to watch more  of their amazing shows. To other theatre groups out there, please don't hesitate to drop me a line if you need help in advertising your show. It'll be my pleasure to help. :)

- JJ

Photos are by Jigs Tenorio Photography. To see more photos, visit his facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/JigsTenorioPhotography

Getting My Groove Back

It's been years since I got all sweaty 'cos of dancing. I do choreography rakets left and right but most of the time, my throat gets exhausted more than my body does. Finally! After Jurassic years, I was able to dance my heart away again!

Thanks to Kuya Roi and Ate Laarnet for letting us (me and my high school friends, iSTARS) perform on their very special day. Their wedding's really lovely. It was very heart warming and one of the best wedding I've attended so far! :) We actually prepared two dances for the event but unfortunately, we just danced once. Reserve the other dance for my wedding!! CHOS!!

We were actually asked to open the dance floor for the after party part of the night so we chose Chris Brown's Turn Up The Music to set the vibe. The dance wasn't perfect but we really enjoyed it!! The fun part of the dance was the feeling of grooving with some of your closest friends... again! Breathtaking!

Let me share with you our little dance presentation through this video:

Hope you enjoyed it too! :)

-JJ

Singing: A Very Special Love

I once gave up on love. I came to the point that I believe, experiencing true love was just IMPOSSIBLE (yes, mega emphasis on that). I never knew that love could really make wonders until someone saved me from being in love with my self forever. From that day I realized I really am falling for this person, I decided to not let this thing go. I enjoy being with that special person and it comes with a long list of reasons why I would never regret choosing to be with him.. :)

I have the best food trip buddy.

We get along well with things. Best example of such is our food choices. We tend to eat a lot when we're together because we enjoy almost the same kinds of food- from fruits to local street food to foreign cuisine. Warning: never ask us what would we want to eat because we'll never give you a decent answer. When we say "anything", we mean it 'cause WE EAT ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING! HAHA.

Photo he took when we went to Bulacan to shoot for our documentary

I have someone to drag along wherever

I really hate doing things by myself. Not because I'm dependent but it's for the fact that I just don't want to do things ( like eating, watching plays, concerts, movies or TV shows, etc.) alone. Luckily, I found a great partner-in-crime that I can drag anywhere anytime. Hahaha! I now have a companion in all the things I want to do and to all the places I want to explore.

There's someone who understands me when my mood sucks. 

Certainly, girls are unpredictable creatures. I must know. I even give up on myself sometimes. There are days that I don't want to speak with anyone for no specific reason. I just don't want to talk. There are also days when I want all the attention I could get or just days when I feel like crying 'cause everything becomes a huge deal for me. Despite my hurricane-like emotions during these "days", he is the person who will not judge me and will stay by my side . He'll just go saying, "Okay lang yan, babe" then he will cheer me up in all ways he could try.

 CUTIEPIE.
I remember that time I was so pissed for no particular reason and he clearly knows that I am. He bribed me with my favorite milk tea and hugged me tight.

There's always someone who captures my smile

This guy loves to snap. I once described him as - a guy whose favorite sound is the click-click of the shutter as it closes and opens to capture a memory. He is the best photographer I know. I witness him shedding blood, sweat and tears as he is striving to be one of the best snappers in town and I have so much faith in him! I know he'll be successful in his craft someday, just like what he wants to be, but for me, he'll forever be that only guy who can capture  my sweetest smile. :) 

I once gave up on love but this guy made me realized that love will never give up on me... 'cause he didn't choose to give me up during those "haggard" parts of our then-starting relationship. I will never forget all those sacrifices and efforts he did just to make our relationship grow and to make me feel loved and special at all times. 

Since it's his day, it's payback time! I'll make him feel more special than eveeeeer. I'll be a better food trip buddy, and yes he can drag me wherever he pleases, I'll understand his mood swings (if he has) and I'll let him capture all my expressions for the day. HAHAHA! Seriously, I just want him to feel how thankful I am for having him with me. And... I love him so much. I'll forever will. 

I love you JiggyBoy! :D

Happy Birthday, baby. :) 

Enjoy your day! xoxo

Love,

Jhei. 

Hungry Artist

They say arts can be an outlet of a person's emotions. Great artists' masterpieces all come with a relevant and most of the time, sad stories. Their artworks are reflections of their feelings or the way the think at a certain time. I remember one movie I watched last summer, Midnight in Paris. It tells (in a very creative way) a great story of artists' lives and secrets.

Everyone can be an artist, according to some. As I go through a lot these past few days (yes, I just smile them away), I am thinking of finding a good activity to help me let go of these hidden emotions in a productive way. This led me in giving arts a shot. I don't have any pen or any coloring material that time so I decided to use MS paint. I just gave my fingers the freedom to move as they please and this is what I got: 

Ahhhh. Masterpiece

I know it's too awesome to handle. Bravo, Jhei. Bravo! It's full of emotions, right? That work is a picture of my state of mind, abstract. The color representation is so brilliant. It feels like rekindling the fire, like love or passion but I am leaving the interpretation to you. Friends, you cannot laugh. I did that with blood, sweat and tears. Art appreciation!

Now I am off to the kitchen. I will hunt for food because I am an artist.....and I am hungry. 

-JheiM.

P.S.

I know you've been holding it. You can laugh now. I can't take it anymore too. =))))))) BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA. Someday! I'll paint like Picasso can do. Or, not? :)))))))))) HAHAHAHAHAHAHA. 

Win 16gb iPod Touch from Designrs Hub!

As a celebration of their first anniversary, Designrs Hub is giving away iPod Touch units to lucky followers! I am actually crossing my fingers to win this one! :)

If you are interested to join, you can check this link and follow the given instructions. Good luck to us!

-Jhei M.

Five Movies You MUST NOT Watch If You're Depressed

The weather's acting up. If you're bored and depressed, don't say I didn't warn you. 

1. The Beach

The title and Leonardo's face might catch you (it did work for me too) but mind you, this movie is more than a movie. It revolves around the story of a man in his soul-searching adventure. As he wanders in Thailand, he knew about this beach island paradise and he tried to look for it with his two newly found friends. Successfully, they found the lovely place and uncovered the SECRETS behind it.

Of course I didn't tell you the catch. I didn't tell you that there's an existing SECRET community of soul-searchers on that island. They found the place, fell in love with it and decided to live there. You have to take note that I'm emphasizing the word SECRET here. Go figure if you dare. :D

2. In The Realm of The Senses

I dared to watch this film out of curiosity. Fvck!! Why am I always curious?!!? Anyway, this 1976 Japanese film marks a thin line separating art and pornography. It is based on a real-life story of a woman who killed (how?) her partner because she's sexually obsessed with his body. PERIOD. Hahaha! I bet you, this movie will cause you migraine, migraine and more migraine! READ: NEVER WATCH IT YOUR PARTNER.

3. A Serbian Film

I can't even tell you the story of this film. When I remember it, I cringe and I would like to slash my wrist. KIDDING- with slashing my wrist. But yeah, one thing I can only share about this film is that it is about the come back of a retired porn star. I choose not to get further from that. Huhuhu. WILD IMAGINATION STOPS HERE! Next!

4. Shooting Dogs / Beyond the Gates

Historical and political- I watched this movie over a year ago. We were required to watch it for our International Relations class. It gave me a glimpse to what was the situation in the Rwanda genocide that happened many years back. Genocide = Depression, of course. I know there was more to what this film showed but!!!! this can really stop you from breathing.

5. Requiem for a Dream

I can't clearly remember the story to be able to share it in detail (maybe my mind was somewhere else when I watched it). It is based on a novel and it tells a story of four people getting stuck with their addictions. NEVER EVER WATCH IT ALONE!

In general, these films are really good. I'm not telling you to not watch them. I actually enjoyed them but I won't dare to watch them again. :))) (LOL I know I should stick to watching cartoons!) Just don't watch them alone or while you are in extreme sadness. I'm saving you for a long-term depression by giving a heads up of what to expect. :)

- Jhei M.

Keeping a Lost Soul

I always envy those who grew up calling friends as "friends since birth". I know people who were together for over twenty years or for as long as they can remember and I envy them a lot. I grew up going places. Moving from one place to another, transferring from a school to a new one, meeting new friends and then bidding goodbye.. that has been my thing. I've never been familiar to a place or even a face.

I was longing for a sibling, an older brother or a younger sister to be particular. I wished I had someone to play bahay-bahayan with or someone who could hold the other doll for me. I remember those times I play Chinese garter with chairs or those times I play multiple roles, I'm the customer, the cashier, and the manager all at the same time. I wished there's someone I can argue with, someone I can cry with or just someone...someone to grow up with. After 20 years, I thought it's now impossible but through some twist of fate, it did happen.

I don't know if I can consider this 16-year old as my sister. I honestly want it to be that way. But yeah, things are too complicated to put things like that. It seems like we're keeping a lost soul. She's someone who tried to escape from the harsh realities of life and we became her refuge. She's broken and as much as we can, we're trying to fix her.

She became an eye-opener for me. Whenever I look at her, I see my younger self. I cannot imagine how strong this girl is! If I had the same drastic experiences, I could just die, right then and there. Knowing what she had gone through, I learned to appreciate my life and my very kind parents more. "Hey, Jhei! You are damn lucky!".

I choose to share that luck.

It feels good when she calls our home as her own too. We admit that we are starting to love her as part of our family and just by knowing that she enjoys the little happiness our family can share, we feel like we've received a lifetime reward. I'm looking forward to singing and dancing or watching good movies with her or maybe we can travel together. I hope we can share more experiences together, as a family.

The sad reality is, I know changes can happen with just a blink of an eye. She can choose to leave and find her soul in another place. She has a life behind her and I know we cannot take that away from her. But I don't want this dream turned reality to end too soon. I'm so tired of saying goodbye to people I learned to treasure and I don't want her to be just like any other playmate I had. If that time comes when she chooses to be with her own family again, I would accept it. But I'll always remember that once in my life a girl played as my sister and I will forever be thankful for that. :)

Versus.

You know you are bored when you start doing weird and senseless things. :))

One afternoon, while playing with my web cam, nakaisip ako ng BRIGHT IDEA! Ting! I then started snapping my weird facial expressions to put them together like this:

So much for the messy hair. I DON'T CARE!

HAHAHA. :))) I can't help but laugh when I see this. =))) I was thinking of doing this with Spongebob and Squidward but...uuhmmm... too lazy to "stalk" that sponge in his squarepants! Next time! 

I think there's nothing wrong with having some ME time and go crazy alone once in a while. After all, it's Monday (again) tomorrow and I still have pending tasks to accomplish and deadlines to meet. . Curse you, monsoon! Mas mataas na sakin yung trabaho ko dahil sayo. Oh well, I can do this! Kristen Stewart's epic face says so. 

The rain without a name

This rain is unstoppable!  

Mala- Waterworld na yung peg ng NCR. :( And according to PAGASA, it will be raining until tomorrow. Nooooooo! :( I'm not sure what will happen to Luzon in the next 24 hours if this rain would not stop now! 

Our place's condition earlier this day and it got worse! :(

Areas around the metro are still flooded and flash floods and land slides took place already. 

*photos are not mine

Subdivision along Araneta Ave. Quezon City 

19.8m water level in Marikina River

Rescue operations in Las Piñas City

It's getting dark and there are still families that need to be rescued. Nakakaloka! I'm hoping 

that this rain would stop and flood will subside soon! 

This is really alarming. Hindi naman ito nagaganap before. What is happening?!? Tsssk. Anyway, it's not the right time rant about these things. What Filipinos need right now is help from their countrymen. If you want to extend help to the victims of this calamity, check this link [https://www.facebook.com/notes/office-of-the-student-regent-university-of-the-philippines/up-systemwide-relief-operations/456642361037389] so you can contact these organizations from the University of the Philippines. Mga Iskolars ng Bayan in serving the people, indeed! 

It's nice to know that in times like this, we become selfless by  helping others. Let's just continue bringing love to our countrymen and forget any differences in all aspects. I WISH. 

And to you harsh rain without a name.... STOP NOW. Matunaw ka na and leave Philippines alone, keri?!

Joe: A Filipino Rock'sical

Photo from Ely's Planet

"Hindi pwedeng dun ka lang sa gitna, you have to make a stand!" - Jocas

The Philippine Stagers Foundation has become one of my favorite theater groups after I had watched their "Ako si Ninoy" production. Then came "Cory ng EDSA" then... I craved for more. Luckily, this year, I got a chance (again) to see another masterpiece of Atty. Vincent Tañada!

The play "Joe" revolves around the story of an award-winning playwright (Jose "Jocas" Castillo) and his friends and their six-month journey of finishing a play about the Philippine National Hero, Jose Rizal. It covers their life as play makers, friends, lovers and Filipinos. The play also gives a glimpse of the past by showing "untold" stories about Rizal's "real" relationship with Josephine Bracken.

What I love about the play is how it shows the relationship between arts and history. I find it brave enough to admit that arts, most specifically theatre, sometimes gives us discrepancies with facts and realities. I've been wanting to see (or make) a play talking about "Arts for arts sake" and finally, thiziziiit! As a thespian, I'm fully aware that sometimes in the field of performing arts (these days), we show what the audience wants to see not what the audience wants to know. But I still want to believe that in Theatre, there will be no safe side option. Arts will always make you choose between two sides, the brave one or the extremely courageous one... or die (okay, I'll reserve this part for another post haha!). I also liked the "sacrifice" angle of the story. It's like... Theatre, history or love?... or die again? Kidding!

As expected, I had a crush on their stage design, music and choreography. They used rock music, as their title suggests but hmmm... they had a little hard time pulling that off. I still like them doing ballads and the like. Nonetheless, they were still great!

If you want to watch "Joe", PhilStagers, here's the schedule, ticket price and how to get a ticket:

July 29 Tanghalang Pasigueno (at the back of Pasig City Hall) 8am, 11am, 2pm, 5pm

August 4-5 SM North Edsa Cinema 9, 8am, 11am, 2pm, 5pm

August 7-9 Dagupan Convention Center 8am, 11am, 2pm

August 11 Teatro Marikina 8am, 11am, 2pm

August 12 SM Centerpoint Cinema 1, 8am, 11am, 2pm, 4pm

August 18-19 SM North Edsa Cinema 9 8am, 11am, 2pm

August 25-26 SM North Edsa Cinema 9 8am, 11am, 2pm

Ticket Prices: P250

How to Get Tickets: Available at the venue. Contact +63927-391-3447. 


Source:  http://chris-db16.wix.com/stagers#!vstc1=page-3

Honestly, I want to watch it again. :D

Rain Rain Rain

Rainy days have come! It's the season you have the licence to stay at home, relax and amuse yourself. From my end, I don't have much to do when I lock myself at home. Today, I decided to try something new. 

Since I love singing my heart out that sometimes I don't care if I hit the right notes or not, I did a cover of Up Dharma Down's Tadhana (one of my favorite songs) to kill time. Let me share my music video with you, guys. Charot. Hahaha. Forgive me 'cause I'm not a pro! I'm just having fun! :D

*insert thunder and lightning*

Ooooppppsss. Sorry. I think it rained harder. Hihihihi. :D

Breaking a Leg

Out of Focus
One of those moments I am somewhere
else while on stage 

"I miss seeing you on stage", Jigs said to me.

I say that to myself too. I miss performing on stage and letting out every single worry this grown up life caused me. I miss the curtains, the lights, the smell of the fog machine and the shaky feeling while doing my thing. I'm on that I'm-craving-for-you-because-I'm-missing-you level for MY stage. Yeah, I claim it as my own. The stage has become my home. From the day I stepped on it, it has been a safe place for me to express myself without inhibitions. When I feel I'm down, the stage becomes my refuge. The feeling of stepping on it is the best feeling I know. It's my portal to another world. The stage is one place I can be myself or whoever I want to be. 


I'm not the best stage actor. I'm actually far from being good but I know I CAN perform. I sometimes fail in giving justice to the roles assigned to me but I always make sure I give my best. There are still skills  I need to develop or things I need to learn or unlearn. In short, I need more workshops and experiences (I NEED MONEY AT THIS POINT).

I think this being-away-from-my-stage phase is being too melodramatic. I can't help it! I want to perform again. I want to dance the stress away or sing my heart out. It's the only way to keep my sanity. Things recently are not cooperating with my dream of being on MY stage again. But I know, I should never close doors for my passion (I will never will!). As long as I am young, I want to explore this Theatre world which I am aware has a lot more to offer. 


For now, I'm struggling my way to reach those lifetime goals. I must help my parents first then I'll consider coming home to MY stage as a reward. So life, bring it on! And to myself: Break a leg! :)

Words from a Papa's Girl

June 17 '12. Celebrating fathers' day

“Friends come and go” – That’s one of the few things my father has instilled in me since I was a child (until now). Those words may seem too simple but looking back to the years I went through, that statement holds truth. Papa taught me to be strong and stand on my own every time I fall and everyone else doesn’t care. He told me not trust everyone around me because only few of them will stay with me until the end. And I thank him for that. I thank him because I was able to get rid of those people who aren’t real and treasure those who never left (and will never leave) me behind. I am thankful to him because he brought out that tough girl in me but I am more thankful to him for many reasons.

I thank him for fetching me ANYWHERE when it is raining really hard or it’s too late and dangerous.

I thank him for teaching my 9-year old self how to drive a manual car.

I thank him for buying me things I didn’t even ask for.

I thank him for saying he’s proud of me when he watched my first stage play.

I thank him for always saving me from people’s judgments.

I thank him for always protecting me.

I thank him because he let us share the best of nature together. I remember those late night walks with him, those times he’ll let me ride on his bike then we’ll go to the park. He’s also the one who lets me bathe in the rain with him. “Bageng, umuulan o, sarap maligo. Tara, ligo tayo” – those words mark a very happy rainy day.

Papa and Little Jhei 

I thank him for every happy meal. The best part of being his daughter is the food experience. He cooks really well and I’m very proud of him because of that. He’s the master chef of my life and no one will ever replace his throne.

I thank him for making me his princess. I was called as “Papa’s girl” back then because I always want to be with him. I cry when he’s out of my sight and I get jealous when his friends joke around and say “Akin na lang papa mo”.

I am lucky I grew up with my Papa. I got to enjoy things with him unlike others who get in touch with their dads through phone calls because they work overseas or the others who never knew their fathers. I got to live through those I love you’s every morning and those random lambings from a dad a girl will always cherish.  Yes, I am lucky and I thank Papa for making me feel (always) that I am.

Thank you’s are not enough to give him back everything he has done for me. There are still things I need to do to fully make him feel that he did a good job raising a child like me. But I hope he knows that still, I am always thankful because I know I’ll never reach this far without a father like him. If he’s not here, I may have just broke down that time I was really weak. If he’s not here, no one will remind me that I have parents (specially a father) who’ll always at back. 

I love you, Papa! 

Happy Fathers' Day!

Firmoo: Free Sunglasses for Bloggers!

I'm in love with eye wears (all kinds) and I just got two pairs of sunglasses for free today! :)

The package came while I was preparing my late lunch

Thank you, Firmoo for these two awesome pieces

I love the colors! Plus, it came with really stylish cases. :) I really wish I could use them soon. (C'mon rainy season!)

Firmoo is a China-based online store for eye wears whether shades or prescription glasses and they are offering a great deal for bloggers like me! Just send an email to liwenjie@yahoo.com and with 'Free Sunglasses' as subject, tell them that you are a blogger and you want to try their products. Don't forget to include the link(s) to your blog(s)! Just wait for their reply and in a week or two, you'll receive the sunglasses of your choice from them!

One thing more! If you are not a blogger and you want to try their product, they give free glasses to first time buyers, too. You can check their website for more details.

Personally, I'd like to try their Bifocal glasses. Their pieces are so unique and stylish! (You can check them out from the link posted on my sidebar) I'm sure I'll be buying from them one of these days. :)

Thank you, Firmoo!
Goodluck fellow bloggers! :)

Miss Independent

Happy Independence day! Charot. This post has nothing to do with the June 12 celebration.

I know we all love receiving gifts. From the shiny to the funny ones, we treasure everything that was given to us. After all, it's the thought that matters. But for me, there are gifts I treasure the most. The ones that I'd like to keep for a lifetime that even my great grandchildren will take care of.

One of them, I received few years back during my 18th birthday celebration. For me, it's one of the most thoughtful gifts I had. Fun, hilarious, witty, crazy and full of love... it's so me! So yeah, I'm sharing this audio-visual presentation a dear friend did as a gift for me. READ: This was shown to all our guests during my birthday party! I was so embarrassed at first but the latter part put me to tears. :)

I've been wanting to share this video but my computer skills are so average I needed a little help to get it online (yeah even gifts are given online nowadays). I never get tired of watching it! Seeing my young self always reminds me of those carefree days. Those were the days when everyday is full of new adventures with friends and those were also the days I don't care how I look (it shows). So I thank Eks for stalking me, grabbing my non-sense vanity photos as well as my childhood uhugin pictures, and putting them together in this very cuhrazy video. I thank her because this always makes me feel that I am loved, no matter what.

Thank you for this gift, Eks. Thank you for the wonderful gift of friendship! :) Cheers to more years of love! 

P.S.
I am really fond of shutter shades (eye wears in general) and yeaaah, Jollibee. :) but I was never an eskimo, just to clear things out. =)))

If the video isn't playing (i think it's not), you can check it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mKaEpTd2NRE&feature=g-upl I told you I'm not good at these things!

The Emo Train

It's that feeling again.

It's one of those days don't feel good about yourself. It's when you think the Earth's gravity is strong that for no reason, you feel very down and you can't even lift yourself up. It's one of those awful days you miss your friends or important people who can make you feel that you're better than anyone else. Today is my "one of those days."

(getting off the emo train in this station)

Lalala. I'm hoping for a happy weekend. This has been too much.
I want to flyyyyyyyyy!

Win Forever 21 Shopping Spree!

I recently joined an online contest by Samsung Philippines and I need help from other people to win. Samsung is giving away a DV300F camera plus a shopping spree from Forever 21. So would you guys help me to win this? Pretty please? I promise I'll be sharing P5,000 worth of shopping spree to a lucky friend. It's the first time I'm doing this and I'm really crossing my fingers! How? Here's the mechanics:

1. Like Samsung Cameras PH on Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/samsungcamerasPH
2. Go to this app:  https://www.facebook.com/samsungcamerasPH/app_427849530561543 and allow it to load.
3. Now, open a new tab copy this link (https://apps.facebook.com/427849530561543/?entryId=1244137743) click enter and just hit the VOTE button. 
4. Follow my blog on NetworkedBlogs or Bloglovin (you can find the widget on the sidebar).
5. Comment in this blog entry with your Full Name, Facebook account and email address. 
6. Contest ends on July 20 and the winner will be selected through Random.org.

Remember, you'll only win if I win. :) So, win with me! Please help me and share my photo to your friends too! Good luck to us! Thank you! :D

Call Me, Maybe

That moment you're crushing on someone.. so deep.. so real.. then you'll realize, he's more of a woman than you are. Slash wrist.

In this world full of pink flowers and butterflies, my single friends think that they'll remain single for eternity. Whenever they rant about their crushes who are probably crushing on or dating other crush-able guys, I smile (widely) and tell them: BEEN THERE, BEEN THAT and I just thank the heavens for giving me my much deserved love from a real man last year after being hooked for someone, you know... but that's another story!

Seriously, what is happening? How can  "guys" out there pretend to be real and break girls' hearts? Is it the latest trend that even Carly Rae's music video (watch it here) tells a story about it? So paasa. I don't have anything against gay people, I honestly love them but only those who are true to themselves. I actually give a hands down to those who are courageously coming out of the closet. I respect them for being MAN enough in not hiding their real color: PURPLE. (Commercial: oh, how I love purple!Kei.) I just don't understand those who let girls fall to them, text them, chat with them, date them, play with their emotions and just leave them with this line: Pasensya na, hindi ko na kasi kayang itago e.


Fvck that statement. 

Yeah, they may have reasons for being gay and they have more complicated reasons for not telling they are one but there should be no excuse in playing with people's hearts. As what a local song says, "At kahit ano pa ang gusto mo, basta't wala ka pang tinatapakan na tao, ituloy mo lang ito", in making life decisions, one should be considerate with others. No one should get hurt nor destroyed.

So for the peacocks out there hiding their feathers behind their girlfriends OR PLANNING TO DO IT, spread your wings or your colorful tails! Stop using girls to tell the world you're a man. There is a better way to prove that you are a REAL MAN. :) 

*bato bato sa langit, ang tamaan huwag magalit*
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Para wala na talagang magalit, I'm sharing this video of Barack Obama's version of Call Me, Maybe. :) Enjooooy!

Genious! :D

June 8 na, Di Ba?

Anong petsa na ba? Ang tagal naman. 

I haven't been in a good mood since last night and I woke up early this morning on the wrong side of the bed. I went to a family gathering a little bit gloomy but I need to not let them notice my condition... or else. So I tried my best to conceal my state, switched on my laptop, started making looooooooooong threads with my "emo" TUKSiFriends and the rest's history.

Blame this photo

We started reminiscing our remarkable experiences during college, constantly exchanging I love you's and I miss you's.... and we're not even drunk. I'm not sure what will happen if we all see each other again. I think I should advise the management of our planned destination to activate CCTVs and tighten their security...just in case (alam niyo na, baka may magkapatayan sa pagmamahal). LOL.

I feel so lucky happy to have such amazing friends. They never fail  to blow the bad vibes away and to paint that smile on my face. They are the people who'll understand everything about me and will not make any judgement on my decisions but will point out the wrong ones. I love them to bits for they are the CRAZY bunch who will be willing to bitch slap anyone for me (hello, minions! CHOS!).

I know that I'll be having the same mood I had last night as I switch off this laptop tonight. But I thank TUKS  for today, they saved me from a feeling I thought I couldn't handle on my own.

Fast forward to June 8, pretty please? :) Sasabog na kami sa dami ng mga kwento namin e. TISSUE MOMENT!

Beki Linggo for Dummies

For the girls, have you ever felt that you're a beki (gay) stuck in a woman's body? I know I'm not the only one. I'm naturally kalog and very random that I often make the people around me burst into laughter without any intention of it. Sometimes my bekiness exceeds the highest level. Just last week, I went to my mom's hometown, Quezon province for some occasion. I was trying hard not to say anything from the gay language because people from the province may think I'm crazy. But there are still times I can't drop the chos-es and chorvas in normal conversations. Receiving a weird expression from my auntie and uncles after replacing an important word in the statement with a beki term, I then rephrase it to a more human language. So right now I'm sharing you a collection of few beki words to understand me, as well as my friends and all the beki people out there. :)) Some I got from  friends and online beki accounts, some I constructed by myself. Enjoy!

So there! I have a challenge for you, let's practice and USE THEM IN A SENTENCE. :D You can comment away for your bonggang beki sentence! 


PAK! 

Mom's a Warrior

If I'm going to live in another lifetime, I would love to be her daughter again.

Mama and Jhei

I know it was never easy to be my mom as I was growing up (and old). I may not be that child who's hard to handle (because like she said, I WAS a good girl) but I know that aside from my needs,  my mom had personal matters that she needed to handle too. Being able to surpass the trials and at the same time provide my needs only proves that indeed, she's a strong woman. She had me inside her womb during those hard times she experienced at her early age. Being that young, she was able to manage to stand tall and proud. And despite all challenges she had to go through, she never gave me up. For that, I salute my Mama. 

Together with Papa, she was able to send me to good schools.  But schools are just institutions, for me she's more than that. I am aware that I may have not made it without her. My mom was one of my best teachers and up to this day, I'm still learning because of her. One great lesson I learned from her is how to treasure people. Every time Mama let me come with her to meet her friends and I witness how bonded they are even through the years, I realize how important it is to maintain relationship with people who matter. I am more grateful to her because of this. 

<3 you Mama!

I admit that I am not a perfect. There I things I know I shouldn't have done as a daughter. I made her cry a couple of times because of disappointments and looking back to those instances, I feel really sorry for breaking her heart. She made a lot of sacrifices for me and no one could ever do that, except her.

My mom may look so weak and vulnerable but no, after all the challenges we faced, I can testify that she's a tough one. She may have cried a lot but look at her now, she's still fighting and I know we (with papa and me) can surpass any trial that will come our way. :) I feel so lucky to have a mother like her that I couldn't ask for more.

Happy Mothers' Day Mama! 
I love you so much. 

Pan de Amerikana: A Masterpiece in Marikina City

I grew up in the City of Marikina and being away from that city for almost 8years, I still call it home. I don't know how it happened but one fateful day, the roads led Jigs and me to Marikina. I've been wanting to bring him there and show him places I'm sure he'll love but surprisingly, I was the one who was brought to a place I loved (even at first sight).

After grabbing our lunch in that shala SM Marikina, Jigs asked if I know the place where a famous cafe restaurant is. Unfamiliar with the resto's name, I said no. Good thing we're bored and I have my laptop with me, we were able to google it. So there, with my Marikina City map in my head, we were able to reach this beautiful place! 

Pan de Amerikana Marikina Branch facade
photo from their multiply site

 The place's basically an art gallery-chess themed restaurant. As what I told Jigs, "parang nilagay lang nila lahat ng massight nilang anything, pinagsamasama tas yehey! may restaurant na!". Yes, it seems like they just put everything together and amazingly, it looked good.

Just look at this old kalesa inside the restaurant! 

Pan de Amerikana's interior

How can I ever wash my hands with those super cute colorful jars? :D

Another beautiful thing in this place is that you'll never get bored! You can spend the whole day here eating, reading your favorite book, surfing the internet (they have free wifi), sleeping (they have super comfy duyans), chilling on their tree house or playing chess. There are a lot of relaxing activities you can do there!

Swing.. Swing..

Gonna climb the tree house! It closes at 5pm. 

And then... there's the hanging bridge! :D Yaaay!

We also played chess. :) Guess who won! LOL. :D

 We left the place before six with our happy hearts and full tummies! Their food were great and in an affordable price! They serve the best (and very huge) pandesal at only six pesos each! (I bet you, it's really big!). As much as we want to try all of the food listed in their menu, our bodies couldn't handle it anymore. So we're planning to come back, bring our friends to share the experience and try all the food! I'd also love to visit their Katipunan branch! :D

Jigs and Jhei-- Love on Top... of the tree. :D :D

photos are by Jigs Tenorio
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Pan de Amerikana's Address:
(MAIN BRANCH) #92 General Ordoñez Corner Maroon St. Marikina Heights, 1800 Marikina Heights, Philippines

It's The End of the Tunnel

Finally it's May!

April was a tough month for me. It was full of ups and downs (mostly downs) but hey, I survived and I'm still fighting! I'm finally feeling that positive vibe that everything's falling in its proper place. Aside from that the old Gossip Girl is back, doors are finally opening for me and my future.

I will be soon on top! :)

I see light! 

After all those what happened, I thank all the people who held my hands, carried my back, pulled my hair, pitched my nose and slapped my face just to help me get through the rocky  road I took. During times like those, people who are really true to you will stay. Good thing I have a bunch of them. :D

In the end, I was a tough girl and no one/ nothing can pull me down. And now, I'm a lot STRONGER. :) That's why I'm sharing this beautiful cover of Kelly Clarkson's single.

TO ALL FIGHTERS OUT THERE, Stand high and proud.

Crazy Cousins

Happiness and energy! Forgive us for being too crazy.
Will have more of this this coming weekend! I'm so excited!

Matanglawin: My Short TV Act

Remember the TV appearance I shared last time? (see post before this)
Well! Here it is! Sorry for the audio I forgot to put up the volume while I was watching.

This was aired this morning and I recorded my part to show it to my kids in the future (CHOS!) Hahaha! It was my first acting stint on TV. My first TV appearance was for a contest in a noon time show. I think it's best to save this kind of opportunity PLUS! it just feels good to see yourself doing the thing you love the most. :)

Playing Saint

It was a plain Monday when my phone rang, an unknown number appeared and being my suplada self I didn't answer the call. Few minutes after, I received a text message saying that she's from ABS-CBN and she needs three guys who can act for a Matanglawin episode. (Dundunduuuuuun! This calls for a "job") At first I didn't even understand how and why I was contacted but beacuse I love this kind of task, I gladly accepted the challenge. I tried to reach my orgmates and friends and luckily, I was able to get three talents needed for the taping.

The following day, when the shoot was about to start, one researcher informed me that I'm going to be taped too! They're lucky I brought my acting skills with me, or else. LOL.

So there, I played saint, literally HAHA. I was St. Teresa of Avila, the levitating saint. Let me share with you how I floated for a couple of seconds.

I had to be pulled up from a tree as the director shoots my feet and the ground READ: We had to repeat it a couple of times for the different shots and angles. They were amazed how strong my arms are (thank you dancing for making that possible). I had to bear the pain it brought afterwards, though. The lack of stretching and warming up made my arms immovable for days. 

Despite the body pain it caused me, the taping was a happy experience. I met good and friendly people, learned a lot from them and most of all, I was able to forget life's toughness even for a while. 

Until next time! ;)

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Please watch Matanglawin's Lenten Episode on April 8, 2012, 9:30 am on ABS-CBN! :)

He 'BLUE' my mind away

Jhei and Jigs

Hi there my happy pill! <3 I LOVE YOU! 

:D Please!

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For that sweet little girl

Time flies so fast. Everything happens with just a blink of an eye. YOU are growing up too fast and before time snatches away all your memories of me, I'd preserve them in this post. 

I still remember what I felt when I first saw you. You were so small I couldn't even touch you 'cause I might break your tiny bones. But as you were growing up, I couldn't resist carrying you and playing with you just to see your sweetest smile. You were my source of joy during those sleepless mornings because of college. Every morning, you will crawl up to my bed, kiss my cheeks and shout to my ear just to wake me up. No matter how sleepy I am, just with the sound of your laugh, I feel charged again for the long day.

You're the smartest child I ever knew. At your early age, when you can't even compose a complete sentence, it's surprising you can identify all of your body parts! You have a good memory. You easily remember faces and names, identify different animals, colors, and shapes! I can't wait 'til you enter school. I'm pretty sure you can knock off other kids effortlessly. 

You are my favorite Disney Channel buddy. There were times we just spend the whole morning or afternoon watching cartoons. We sing and dance along Dibo and his friends, or play and learn with Mickey Mouse inside his clubhouse. You look best imitating Goofy's hotdog dance! :) Maybe in the future you'll be a great performer just like me (well I'm not great, I'm just a performer). If we're not watching TV, we play inside our bedroom and take silly picture of ourselves. I love how photogenic you are. I don't care if my Facebook albums are full of your photos, I'm just proud of a niece like you.

And I know I'll be more proud of you few more years from now. You are smart, talented and adorable. Never forget that I'll always be your Tita Ninang and I'll be there anytime you need my help. Your parents (Ate Kitty and Kuya Gary) are so lucky to have you. I wish I'll have a child like you in the future. :)  I love you Kuling. :) I miss you so much!

You're really growing up! :)