Three's Company

Elma, Than-than, and I met for a chat last Sunday. It wasn't supposed to be that way since the plan was for the barkada to get together before Oliver leaves the country. But most of them couldn't make it even the guest of honor! So I asked the two if they'd still like to meet in SM North and they agreed. What was unexpected about it was that Elma and I were without our plus ones. Jay didn't go and Biboy couldn't make it. It has been a long time since we got together "alone".

Than-than arrived almost fours hours late! He had a sudden rendezvous with someone he met at a baptism reception earlier that day. With words like, "Pagbigyan mo na ko. Matagal ng tigang ang lola mo," how could I resist letting him do it?

Elma and I just pass the time chatting about anything particularly our family lives and dreams for the future. We haven't been together for almost four months now. So there was really a lot to talk about. What is best between us is even if we haven't spoken for ages, we talked as if it was yesterday when we last spoke.

At around past 9, we went to Coffee Experience to continue the chat and wait for Than-than. He arrived at around 10.

Here are some excerpts of our conversation, at random posting:

T: Nakalimang round kami! Baka raw kasi di na maulit! Siyet, feeling ko magkaka-dyowa ako bago matapos ang taon!
J: Gaga! Libog lang 'yun!
E: Hanggang ngayon naniniwala ka pa sa love at first sight?!
T: Kala ko ba mga kaibigan ko kayo?

***

E: Ang tindi naman ng reminder na 'to! (showing the pack of cigarettes) Dati, "Smoking is dangerous to your health" lang ngayon "Smoking kills" na! Ayoko na nga! (putting the pack down)

***

Talking about lovemaking at home...
E: Hirap tsumempo sa bahay. Minsan nagigising si Faye tapos tatanungin n'ya, "Anong ginagawa n'yo?" Minsan naman kapag napansin niyang naka-panty lang ako, sasabihin niyang "Mommy, mag-shorts ka! Kita ni daddy pepe mo!"

***

Talking about Jay Manalo who visited Boardwalk's Party with Barako Boys...
E: Nagpabili siya ng kape tapos late dumating. Nagreklamo siya. Ba't daw malamig. Nagpabili uli. Sinagot nga siya nung staff namin, "E di ba kayo 'yung Barako Boys? Dapat kayo ang may dala ng kape!"

***

E: Kailan kaya tayo yayaman?
J: Ewan ko ba. Ang sa kin lang, kahit hindi yumaman basta lang may madudukot palagi. At hindi nagigipit...

***

T: Kaya pala ayaw mag-kiss kasi false teeth lang siya!

***

T: Sa Malabon kami. 'Yung PhP75 for 3 hours.
J: 'Yung hindi na pinapalitan ang bedsheet?
T: Pinapalitan naman. Well-ventilated pa nga 'yung loob kahit bentilador lang!
E: Bakit?
T: Kasi puro butas ung pader...

***

T: Di ka ba nagsasawa? Dapat naman minsan mag-kare-kare ka at 'wag puro adobo!
J: Mabuti na 'yung may adobo palagi kaysa naman para kang squatter! Minsan lang kumakain!

A Paycheck, Finally!

Angelo invited me to the Icon Christmas party last Thursday at Gov't. He was hoping that I could come so he could hand out my long overdue (according to his words) paycheck to me. So I went along with Biboy & Liezl. We arrived at 10, took three glasses of vodka (one for each of us but Biboy drank mine cuz I can't finish it), and left at 10:45. We would've stayed longer since most of the guests haven't arrived yet (Anton Diva was the first guest to arrive) but couldn't since Biboy & Liezl had an early shift the next day. Yeah, I know that it suck to left a party that early when it hasn't actually started yet. But I couldn't do anything about it. I don't want to compromise their time the next day for the party. Though, Liezl wanted to stay a little bit longer.

What's nice about it is that at least I met Angelo and Richie personally. We have been communicating only through e-mail and text messages. Angelo also introduced me to Xochi (webmaster) and Suki (managing editor) who both commended me for my write-up.

When Angelo gave me the check, he sincerely apologized for its very much delayed remittance. He also assured me that they'd give me another project as soon as one becomes available that would fit my forte.

The payment isn't as much as what I have expected. Though, it is enough to pay one of my obligations this end of the month. And the best thing is, it has finally seen the light of day. For a while, I have already dismissed it on my mind so that I wouldn't expect on it anymore...

Pinoy Bands

Lately, Pinoy music scene has been active with the help of the bands. If the decade before brought Eraserheads, Rivermaya (original), After Image, Introvoys, Yano, and the likes, this decade brings Hale, Cueshe, Soapdish, Pupil (the new Ely Buendia band), Bamboo (with Bamboo Manalac from Rivermaya as the lead vocalist), Rivermaya (without Bamboo M, of course), Browman Revival, Sponge Cola, 6 Cycle Mind, etc. Some of these bands are actually already doing gigs in clubs but it is only now that they are getting known in the mainstream media. However, I have yet to hear a band that would really stand out from them the way E-heads did. Most bands these days sounded alike - alternative acoustic. The bands that do stay away from such genre though don't really give us something substantiable.

Anyway, one song that I enjoy listening to at the moment is by a new band called Rocksteddy. It was actually the spoken words that got to me when I first heard it. Sobrang aliw nung kanta!

Para sa mga tsopeng ayaw aminin na torpe sila...

Lagi Mo Na Lang Akong Dinededma
Rocksteddy

Matagal ko nang gustong malaman mo
Matagal ko nang itinatago-tago 'to
Nahihiyang magsalita
At umuurong aking dila
Pwede bang bukas na
Ipagpaliban muna natin 'to

Dahil kumukuha lang ng tiyempo
Upang sabihin sa iyo

Mahal kita, pero 'di mo lang alam
Mahal kita, pero 'di mo lang ramdam
Mahal kita, kahit 'di mo na ako tinitignan
Mahal kita, kahit 'di mo lang alam, ohwoh..

Matagal ko ng gustong sabihin 'to
Matagal ko ng gustong aminin sa'yo
Sandali, eto na
At sasabihin ko na
Ngayon na, mamaya
O baka pwedeng bukas na

Dahil kumukuha lang ng buwelo
Upang sabihin sa iyo

Mahal kita, pero 'di mo lang alam
Mahal kita, pero 'di mo lang ramdam
Mahal kita, kahit 'di mo na ako tinitignan
Mahal kita, pero 'di mo lang alam, ohwoh..

Ngunit kumukuha lang ng tiyempo
Upang sabihin sa iyo

"Mahal kita pero di mo lang alam
Hindi mo alam kasi hindi mo naman ako tinitignan
Ayaw mo naman itanong sakin kasi baka nga naman hindi naman ikaw
At hindi ko rin naman sayo sasabihin kasi ayoko pa sa ngayon na manligaw
Mahal kita pero hindi nga lang halata
Hindi halata kasi wala naman akong ginagawa
Hindi ako kumikibo hindi ako nagsasalita WALA
Pero hindi ako TORPE
Hindi ko lang talaga masabi sayo ng harapan
Mahal kita pero dehins mo pa rin ramdam
Hindi mo ko titignan di rin kita titgnan
Lagi mo lang akong pakikiramdaman lagi rin kitang pakikiramdaman
At araw araw tayong magdededmahan
Hanggang sa tayo ay magkabistuhan
Pero ngayong malapit nang matapos ang kanta ko
Nais kong magkaalaman na
Nais kong ako na rin ang magsabi sayo ng harapan
Kasi alam kong doon din naman ang tuloy nyan
At dalawa din lang naman ang posibleng sagot dyan
Oo o hindi
Kaya eto na sasabihin ko na para matapos na
At hindi na magka-tsismisan pa
Sasabihin ko na para wala nang problema
At para hindi na rin kayong lahat nabibitin pa"

Mahal kita, pero di mo lang alam
Mahal kita, pero di mo lang ramdam
Mahal kita, kahit di mo na ako tinitignan
Mahal kita, kahit lagi mo na lang akong dinededma

Tensionado

Three fights/arguments in a month! Sino ba naman ang hindi magiging...

Tensionado
Soapdish

Tensionado
Nagulat din ako
Nung malaman na hindi lang pala ako
'Yung nanghinayang
Nung nagaway tayo noon
At natuluyan sa iyakan at tampo

Chorus:
At sandali lang
Huwag ka munang magsalita
Di ko hahayaan lahat ito ay mawala
Ang iniisip ko kung pwede pa ba tayo

At miserable
Paulit-ulit lang ang nangyayari
Paikot-ikot tayo parang bote
At nasanay ka na ba doon
At nalimutan ang aking mga tanong

Chorus 2:
At hindi malinaw
Pwede bang wag kang sumigaw
Di ko hahayaan lahat ito ay maligaw
Nagtatanong sa 'yo kung pwede pa ba tayo

Chorus 3:
At sandali lang
Huwag ka munang magsalita
Di ko hahayaan lahat ito ay mawala

Nagtatanong sa 'yo kung pwede pa ba tayo

Wedding Disasters

I haven't written about the incidents that happened during the Elloso Wedding last Dec. 8, 2005. So here they are...

I was planning to wake up at 8 AM so I could practice some more for the number that I was supposed to do for the wedding. Even though I stayed up till 3 AM practicing, I wasn't that confident enough. There were still notes in "It Might Be You" that I couldn't hit well. "Good luck na lang sa kin bukas!" I'd say to myself. However, instead of getting up at 8, I have awaken fully at 9 realizing that with all the preparations I need to do (Angel's bath and dressing up, my bath and other "personal matters" inside the bath room, my practice, and the likes), we wouldn't be able to leave on time. Truth to say, we left at 10:30 AM and of course, it'd be impossible to arrive in SM Manila at 11 AM for the wedding. Worst, along the way, I felt a sudden tinge in my stomach because I wasn't able to the "personal matters" before taking a bath. I had to ask dad to drop me first in a Jollibee store near LRT Mento to do my deed. But alas, the cubicle wasn't working! So I had to go to the other Jollibee store in the parallel street. My only wish was that I could get to the CR on time that moment! To cut the story short, it was a wish granted. ;-)

By 11:30 AM, I receive an SMS from Oliver saying that they were stuck on traffic. If ever we are at the venue already, just get inside. I was glad that we still have time to catch up. By 12:10 or so, we reached Manila. Abot tanaw na ang SM Manila but since dad didn't know how to get there, we entered a wrong street that brought us out to Quirino station! It took us 30 minutes more to get to the venue finally - that's around 12:45 PM.

When we arrived at Max's, it seemed like Oliver and Alma arrived just a few minutes ahead of us. The guests just had soup. Anyway, the waiters started serving the food at around 1 PM. While eating, Angel complained about stomach ache. It's her turn this time! Hehehe... Biboy brought her to the nearest CR. Around 1:30 or so, the program started with a host (from Max's) who can't seemed to pronounce their surname correctly! E-lo-so would seemed forgivable but he said E-lo-sa! My golly! He also mispronounced other guests' names.

Anyway, after everything has been done, I wasn't called to sing. Due to lack of time, I guess. It was past 2 PM. I'm not complaining, though. Ayoko rin namang magkalat.

Among our batchmates, Michael Sanchez and Clark Lugtu were present. When Michael approached me afterwards, he told me that he didn't recognize me. Then, Ghil's mom saw me and said the same thing! Nag-iba raw itsura ko. Huh? How? "Lalo kang gumwapo," Ghil's mom said. O di ba? Di sa 'kin galing 'yun, ah! It was her exact statement. Hehehe...

I'm glad that Oliver and Alma finally wed after being in a relationship for 5 (or more) years. Although, till now, we still don't know why it was so sudden. Siguro, a week's preparation lang 'yun. We have yet to talk to them about it. But Vehr did assure us that Alma was not pregnant. However, so what if she is? At least we'll have another baby in the group!

What saddened me, though, is the lack of effort from the barkada to be there. Yes, it was a work day but I wanted to know if they have at least tried to get off from work to be part of the most important event in Vehr and Alma's life so far. Or getting off from work wasn't a choice at all? Wedding was on a work day so no contest! Work, it would be! What's sad more is that Vehr has been missing the barkada a lot the last few months. And not taking part in this special event would definitely be hard for him. He even asked me, "Alam ba nila?" Well, I hoped that they have congratulated them (and apologize for their absence)personally, even just through text message.

Anyway, it is just my sentimental self talking. If I have such an important event taking place in my life, I wouldn't want any single friend to be absent. Birthday celebrations happen every year but events like weddings happen once or twice in a lifetime! So I hope they wouldn't miss such...

A Wedding Favor

Oliver and Alma will be getting married tomorrow. As a request, Oliver asked me to sing only a few hours ago. Of course, who am I to resist? Oliver rarely asks for favors and besides, this is such a special event for him and Alma.

The thing is, I haven't been singing much lately and I don't know it I'd be able to pull it off with such less time in my hands. Not to mention that I have a very few songs to choose from since I don't have any time to look for CDs anymore. I'd only be relying on the CDs I've have here. First is the wedding compilation I bought for Babes and Ricky's wedding years ago. I want to sing "The Promise" but I don't think I'd be able to do it well. Ayokong magkalat! Second CD I have with Minus Ones in it is Ogie Alcasid's "Movie Moments". I'm still torn between "For All We Know" and "It Might Be You".

Oh my! I'm having jitters in my stomach! The wedding will be at 11 AM and I only have a few hours to practice! May God help me...

Hanging On...

Hang On
Gary Valenciano

Sometimes it's hard to know that it's all over
Sometimes it hurts so bad
To think that we did feel much for each other
Yet lost what we once have

To love you is one thing I can do
I have always been around to love you

But times when I'm alone I feel so empty
I've always wished you're here
And now you're gone and all is gone forever
Oh girl, it's so unfair

Remember the things I always say
I made them all so please believe the things
That I've been telling you

Just hang on
Who knows we might get there
After all the waiting done
We'll be the ones to find out
If we hang on
You know we're on our way
So just hang on

At times when I'm alone I feel so empty
I've always wished you're here
When I look at the sky
I see your memory
That was where I used to be

I love you
I always think of you
Please listen to the words I say
These words that I've been telling you

Just hang on
Who knows we might get there
After all the waiting done
We'll be the ones to find out
If we hang on

Just hang on
Who knows we might get there
After all the waiting done
We'll be the ones to find out
If we hang on
You know we're on our way
So just hang on

If we hang on...

What Goes Around, Comes Around

Amongst other things, I never thought that I'd go through the same money problems the way my parents did with each other. I grew up learning that they have fought over and over again about it so I promised myself that I wouldn't with my (then would-be) partner. But then, money matters only complicates the situation between us and it driving us both insane...

Enough.

I couldn't take anymore unreasonable jealousies and paranoia.

I need to take some break.

Enough is enough.

Up, Down, and Faster

Last Friday, Dad and I went to the Lung Center to have my asthma checked. My sister had reminded me for the check-up because they must have been studying about it at this time. My asthma must've been on a different stage already since Salbutamol doesn't work much anymore, according to her.

Dra. Bate is dad's friend. When she learned about how frequent my attacks are, she told me that I must be on Stage 2. She gave Selmeterol which works longer than Salbutamol. Then she gave me another medicine that I would take for 10 days and another type of inhaler in cases of emergency. Emergency meant sudden attacks and real difficulty in breathing. If the given drugs won't work, then we'd go to Stage 3 medicine which is steroids. I wouldn't want to go there, of course, having heard of all the side effects of the said drug. All in all, when we went to Mercury Drug to buy the medicines, they amounted to almost PhP2k! Whoa! Way too expensive! The price of good health, eh?

Eversince I took the medicines, I felt better. I now get to sleep well. Oh my! I have missed sleeping well a lot! I don't get to wake up with lack of breath anymore. But the last few days kept me quite down with muscle (left leg) cramps and colds that don't seem to go away despite having to take medicine for it. With the cramps, I thought that it was because of the cold weather. I have experienced it before when the weather was cool. However, when I searched the net for Selmeterol's side effects, muscle cramps is one of them. I only had it for a day before. Re the colds, I don't know why. At least, it's quite better now than the last two days.

What's keeping me busy these days (and puts me in high spirits) is downloading with my new DSL connection! Yey! I have been wanting to have a very fast connection for years now and I now finally got it! Kaya naman I'm using it to its fullest! Aba, PhP999/month din ito kaya kailangang sulitin!

Of Violations and Money Matters

I am raising two issues about money...

First was about the PBB episode tonight. You see, PBB has pre-empted the nomination announcement last Sunday night because there was an obvious violation of the rule that happened. The management had to discuss amongst themselves the course of action that they would likely take since it was a "sensitive" issue. Till last night, there was no clear statement re what truly happened.

Tonight, the announcement happened. It was just a simple matter and there isn't anything "sensitive" or "controversial" about it, I believe. Franzen broke another rule - mouthing of words. PBB already gave him a warning last time that his next violation would mean eviction. As simple as that! But PBB couldn't (or wouldn't) decide on the matter. They had to consult the BB president to know what to do. From Holland, they were sent a letter telling them to evict Franzen.

Cass comes into the picture. She was the one that Franzen mouthed the words to. She wants to voluntarily exit the house to replace Franzen. "Nakakaawa naman siya," she said. "Franzen violated a rule so matatanggal siya," PBB said.

That was as clear as the bright sky! Another violation, Franzen out! No one can save his ass off! Period.

But no! PBB management found a way to make this another money making scheme! Vote who you want to stay: Cass or Franzen! Wtf?! Perahan na naman ba ang mga manonood?! Not only that they do not show that they are true to their words or that they follow the rules themselves, they also show how money hungry they are! Aside from that, hugas-kamay sila! They wouldn't decide on the matter so they'd leave it to the audience! Ala Pontius Pilate!

What if Franzen wins against Cass? Kalimutan na lang ba? Patawaran, ganun?!

Fuck off, PBB!

***

Second, Biboy did not receive his salary again! Without notice, memo, or words from the HR! I told Biboy to not sit this one out. It is in total violation of what he deserves. To hell with the papers that they haven't worked with yet! It's their problem so why would Biboy suffer for it?! He doesn't have a single cent on his pocket and he needs his salary!

The thing that infuriates me more is the HR's lack of courtesy to inform Biboy about the situation. They could have told him that he would not get his salary because of such and such reason. Aside from that, they should have the decency to at least do something about Biboy's money problem. They shouldn't assume that he could get people to help him with it or lend him the money for awhile. Besides, pinaghirapan niya 'yun kaya bakit kailangang ipagkait sa kanya?

TMC HR, fuck off!

I Confess

I confess. I didn't have any intentions of going to the Madonna Album Launch Party at Club Government last November 11. I wasn't really much of a club-goer and for sure, finding friends to come with me would be such a drag since they are not Madonna devotees. However, the moment Ian (aka Leon) texted me the message that Madonna would be giving a message to Pinoy fans directly from New York, I had a change of mind. Hey, hearing Madonna speak to *us* would be awesome! So after a few hours, I found myself asking friends to go the party. Of course, THE message was my main selling point! I felt that it did excite most of them but in the end, only three could make it (apart from Biboy who is already a given company of mine - whether he likes it or not!): Imee (Biboy's sister), Charm (Imee's friend), and Joanne (my college friend).

I confess. I couldn't help feel disappointed whenever bad things happen to the events I planned. I know that there's no such thing as a perfect event but at least, there's something almost perfect, right? Last February (mine and Babe's birthday celebrations), the barkada ate at Tia Maria's Tomas Morato. The meal and the service was such a disappointment that we didn't enjoy it at all. This time, before going to Club Government, we ate at Chef Donatello in Megamall. Unexpectedly, the meal was not as good as I thought it would be. I almost choked in eating the white-sauced spaghetti that Biboy had ordered for me because of its texture. Imee and Charm lost their appetites eating the blandly-tasting baked macaroni. While, Joanne wasn't able to finish her seafood pesto pasta (even though it was good) because of its amount.

I confess. As if the dinner incident wasn't enough, we lost our way going to Club Government! When we got there, we were shocked to find that the place was tableless and chairless! After the almost 30-minute long walking that we did to find CG, sitting comfortably in a chair would be the best thing that could happen afterwards. But no! We had to stand in front of the bar while waiting for the "show". The whole set-up of the place was no biggie for me. I feel bad, though, for the rest of the group who might've expected something comfy, especially for Joanne who just wanted to sit, relax, and puff the night away.

I confess. The so-called-message was a bull! It was a generic party message: "Hey, boys! I'm watching you!" Huwattt???! Matawa-tawa na lang ako matapos kong marinig 'yun. But inside, I felt so embarassed having to drag my friends in the club just to hear her say those words! To appease them, I just asked them to leave (kasama ako, sympre!).

I confess. The experience wasn't so bad as it may sound. If only I am with Than-than or a group of Madonna suckers, I could've stayed long. I might even dance the night away! Even Mother Henry's (of CG) hosting was good. It was also nice meeting a fellow Maddie fan whom I'm conversing with through YM every now and then. However, my concern is the people I'm with. I couldn't have them stay an hour or two more when I felt that they don't have any plans of dancing at all.

I confess. Even if the experience turned out the way it did, t'was okay for me. I'd know what to do now next time. All for the love of Madonna! A. Men. ;-)

Shout Outs! Happy birthday to my two best friends: Than-than (Nov. 10) and Elma (Nov. 13)! You are my sources of strenghts in troubled times and I'm thankful for the days that God has decided to give you to us! I love both of you! *kisses kisses*

Sex and the Law

I was in a trivia chat room when we (along with some other trivia freaks) encountered some peculiar laws on sex in the US. These laws are so outta this world that you'd actually think they are made up or are just jokes. But they are not. They are true and they exist! In fact, US has the most laws (particularly in sex) than all European countries combined!

Here are excerpts and beside each one are my comments:

1. In Bakersfield, California, anyone having intercourse with Satan must use a condom.
-- What I wonder though is, how does Satan look like? And how big is his dick?! He'd probably have the biggest! You know, knowing how fragile his ego could be...

2. In Oblong, Illinois, it's punishable by law to make love while hunting or fishing on your wedding day.
-- Who'd go hunting or fishing on their wedding day, anyway?

3. In Minnesota, it is illegal for any man to have sexual intercourse with a live fish.
-- This is a shocker! How could someone have sexual intercourse with a fish when fish themselves can't do it?!

4. No man is allowed to make love to his wife with the smell of garlic, onions, or sardines on his breath in Alexandria, Minnesota. If his wife so requests, law mandates that he must brush his teeth.
-- I'd request that, as well! It's common sense! Americans must be so stupid that law makers had to make a law regarding it!

5. Warn your hubby that after lovemaking in Ames, Iowa, he isn't allowed to take more than three gulps of beer while lying in bed with you -- or holding you in his arms.
-- Hey, they're in bed, for chrissakes! It's uncomfortable sleeping in a stained sheet, much so wet with beer!

6. Bozeman, Montana, has a law that bans all sexual activity between members of the opposite sex in the front yard of a home after sundown -- if they're nude.
-- So have sex in full clothing?! Does that include not taking out any genital parts?

7. In hotels in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, every room is required to have twin beds. And the beds must always be a minimum of two feet apart when a couple rents a room for only one night. And it's illegal to make
love on the floor between the beds!
-- To avoid making noise, I suppose!

8. The owner of every hotel in Hastings, Nebraska, is required to provide each guest with a clean and pressed nightshirt. No couple, even if they are married, may sleep together in the nude. Nor may they have sex unless they are wearing one of these clean, white cotton nightshirts.
-- Awww... Cleanliness is next to Godliness!

9. An ordinance in Newcastle, Wyoming, specifically bans couples from having sex while standing inside a store's walk-in meat freezer!
-- Imagine the sweat and the sexual juices combining with the meat! Eeow!

10. A state law in Illinois mandates that all bachelors should be called master, not mister, when addressed by their female counterparts.
-- And this is because...?

11. In Romboch, Virginia, it is illegal to engage in sexual activity with the lights on.
-- For what reason, may I ask?

12. In Merryville, Missouri, women are prohibited from wearing corsets because "the privilege of admiring the curvaceous, unencumbered body of a young woman should not be denied to the normal, red-blooded American male."
-- Besides, who still wear corsets in this day and age?!

13. It's safe to make love while parked in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. Police officers aren't allowed to walk up and knock on the window. Any suspicious officer who thinks that sex is taking place must drive up from behind, honk his horn three times and wait approximately two minutes before getting out of his car to investigate.
-- Awww... Courtesy is chivalry!

14. A law in Helena, Montana, mandates that a woman can't dance on a table in a saloon or bar unless she has on at least three pounds, two ounces of clothing.
-- Why can't they just ban dancing on a table in the first place? Period!

15. Anywhere in the U.S., it's illegal to use any live endangered species, excepting insects, in public or private sexual displays, shows or exhibits depicting cross-species sex.
-- Do we really need to see how animals mate?! Pervs!

16. Lovers in Liberty Corner, New Jersey, should avoid satisfying their lustful urges in a parked car. If the horn accidentally sounds while they are frolicking behind the wheel, the couple can face a jail term.
-- Do it in the back!

17. In Carlsbad, New Mexico, it's legal for couples to have sex in a parked vehicle during their lunch break from work, as long as the car or van has drawn curtains to stop strangers from peeking in.
-- Yeah, be discreet about it!

18. Women aren't allowed to wear patent-leather shoes in Cleveland, Ohio - a man might see the reflection of something "he oughtn't!"
-- Wear leather panties, as well!

19. No woman may have sex with a man while riding in an ambulance within the boundaries of Tremonton, Utah. If caught, the woman can be charged with a sexual misdemeanor and "her name is to be published in the local newspaper." The man isn't charged nor is his name revealed.
-- The question is, who is the woman in the ambulance? The patient? The nurse? Or just a bystander picked up? Hmmm...

20. It is illegal for any member of the Nevada Legislature to conduct official business wearing a penis costume while the legislature is in session.
-- What is a penis costume?!

21. Cats and dogs must have a permit to have sex in Ventura County, CA. Fairbanks, AK, does not allow moose to have sex on city streets.
-- There goes the animal rights! Even they should follow the law!

22. Sexual positions other than missionary-style are illegal in Washington D.C.
-- I won't ever have sex in Washington! Capital Boring! (What could sex be without these positions? Click only if you're at the right age, pls!)

23. It's illegal for a man to curse while having sex with his wife in Willowdale, OR.
-- So no dirty talk for her!

24. In Harrisburg, PA, sex with a truck driver inside a toll booth is illegal.
-- Oh my! The toll booth lady must really be good to juggle two demanding jobs at the same time!

25. Kingsville, TX, has a law against two pigs having sex on the city's airport property.
-- Babe should be warn about this!

26. Washington state has a law against having sex with a virgin... even on her/his wedding night.
-- So when can they do it? No wonder that virgins in Washington are non-existent!

27. It's illegal to masturbate while watching two people having sex in a car in Clinton, OK.
-- OK... Perv!

28. There are men in Guam whose full-time job is to travel the countryside and deflower young virgins, who pay them for the privilege of having sex for the first time. Reason: under Guam law, it is expressly forbidden for virgins to marry.
-- OMG! Chastity must be a word taken out of their dictionary!

29. In Connorsville, Wisconsin no man shall shoot off a gun while his female partner is having a sexual orgasm.
-- There shouldn't be any interruptions during orgasm!

30. In Detroit, couples are not allowed to make love in an automobile unless the act takes place while the vehicle is parked on the couple's own property.
-- Quite fair, isn't it?

31. In Florida it is illegal for single, divorced, or widowed women to parachute on Sunday afternoons.
-- Because...?

32. An excerpt from brilliant Kentucky state legislation. "No female shall appear in a bathing suit on any highway within this state unless she be escorted by at least two officers or unless she be armed with a club".
-- Good thing that Diana Zubiri didn't pose on her bathing suit in Kentucky!

33. The following important amendment however is to be considered here: "The provisions of this statute shall not apply to females weighing less than 90 pounds nor exceeding 200 pounds, nor shall it apply to male horses."
-- Because they can't distract the traffic?! How biased! And male horses on a bathing suit????!!!

34. In Oxford, Ohio, it's illegal for a woman to strip off her clothing while standing in front of a man's picture.
-- Huh?!

Sources:
Strange US Sex Laws
Sex & The Law
Weird Sex Laws

So you think that you had enough? Let's go around the world this time!

1. Most Middle Eastern countries recognize the following Islamic law: "After having sexual relations with a lamb, it is a mortal sin to eat its flesh."
-- Thou shalt not eat the one you had sex with!

2. In Lebanon, men are legally allowed to have sex with animals, but the animals must be female. Having sexual relations with a male animal is punishable by death.
-- I sensed discrimination against gays...

3. In Bahrain, a male doctor may legally examine a woman's genitals, but is forbidden from looking directly at them during the examination. He may only see their reflection in a mirror.
-- Hmmm... Why not make this a universal law?

4. Muslims are banned from looking at the genitals of a corpse. This also applies to undertakers; the sex organs of the deceased must be covered with a brick or piece of wood at all times.
-- With a brick?! Good thing that it's dead! Ouch!

5. The penalty for masturbation in Indonesia is decapitation.
-- Oh my! I must've been decapitated a million times in Indonesia!

6. In Hong Kong, a betrayed wife is legally allowed to kill her adulterous husband, but may only do so with her bare hands. (The husband's lover, on the other hand, may be killed in any manner desired.)
-- I sensed discrimation against women...

7. In Cali, Colombia, a woman may only have sex with her husband, and the first time this happens her mother must be in the room to witness the act.
-- Talked about a traumatic first time, eh?

8. In Santa Cruz, Bolivia it is illegal for a man to have sex with a woman and her daughter at the same time.
-- And yet it is legal to not do it at the same time?!

Source: Bizarre Sex Laws

Oh boy, oh boy! Am I lucky to be living in the Philippines or what?! *wink wink*

Quote Unquote

I haven't been updating this blog for the last few weeks. My life isn't exactly uneventful. I just don't feel like writing especially that I have nothing good to talk about. I even delayed on updating the blog. However, finally, yesterday I had the urge to work on it. And today, I'm gonna write something. Let me do this post by putting some quotes from people I've encountered these last few weeks...

"Sir, pumayat ka..." were the words of my former student, Annabelle, in Fatima when we chanced upon seeing each other in Red Ribbon, Grand Central. I told her that I was down with dengue virus and flu for almost two weeks, thus I lost weight. I thought that that was it when Tita Vangie and Ate Thet also mentioned my weight lost. It would be nice to know that I'm getting thin (although I'm not big) but they made it sound uncomplimentary. Hindi naman ako buto't balat ngayon but I came to realized that I haven't been eating the way I eat before I got sick. Mabilis ako mabusog ngayon (which is nice because I really don't wanna gain so much weight since I'm not doing any hard labor or exercises).

Another thing that contributed to the weight lost are my frequent asthma attacks. I haven't been sleeping well because the lost of breath would wake me up early in the morning. The medicine that I am taking doesn't seem to work well. Not to mention the cough and colds that trigger the ashtma more. It went on for almost two weeks! It's a good thing that Tita Vangie recommended another medicine that she took when she was in the US. It worked really good! In a matter of minutes, my breath had cleared and so are my nose and throat.

So probably, because of the recent developments, I'd be back in better shape in a couple of weeks. I don't wanna gain too much weight, though...

***

"To tell you the truth, the workshop is full..."

I went to GMA-7 to enroll in their Film and TV Production Workshop on Oct. 28. Sad to say, nasaraduhan ako ng slots. Ga, the frontman, however, told me and the rest of the wannabe-enrollees to at least get interviewed. The team may open another batch because of the turnout of enrollees. He also said that the workshop was on a first-come first-serve basis so we should have enrolled prior to that day. Unfortunately, when I called them a week before, I wasn't inform about it. That's why I went there in full confidence. What I didn't realize, though, was there were so many wannabe-workshoppers!

Anyway, so I was in the waiting area for a couple of minutes when it was my turn to be interviewed. Direk Ryan (didn't get his surname), the workshop facilitator, told me that we have three options. First, if the management would let them open another batch which is quite a shot in the moon since they have already exceeded the maximum number of 30 workshoppers the other day. 50 na that time. Still, he said he'd try to fight for it. Second, I'd be on the wait list. In case someone backs out, I might able to get in. Since it's a first-come first-serve basis, in my opinion, I don't think I'd get in. Sa dami ng applicants before me, they'd get in first before I do! Unless everyone in the sure batch backs out! Third, sure bet would be February, the opening of the next workshop!

I thought of contacting Tita Racquel (Villavicencio) through dad because she might be the script writing facilitator. However, I didn't want to drop any names on my behalf. Kuya Alvin also contacted someone about it but I didn't know who. The thing is, the help is fully appreciated but I want to get in on my own. Luckily, Direk Ryan thought that my application form is quite impressive. It seemed like I was really into doing it. I hope it would give me the edge next time.

If I only knew back in high school that I would really be into movies, I would've taken up Mass Comm. Anyway, I'd just do my best to go within my dreams reach...

***

"Sorry for the delay, ah? Hinihintay lang namin ung payment ng ads..."

Three months have passed and I haven't received any payment from the magazine! What pisses me off the most is that I had to ask them first before they'd tell me. Parang lumalabas pa na ako ang naghahabol when in fact, it was them who owe me something! I even received a "Hus this?" message when I sent the editor a message a few days before. He told me that he lost his pay fone book and he hasn't updated it since. So imagine, I was waiting for his message for nothing! It meant that if I didn't send him any message, I wouldn't hear from him again. How about sending an e-mail? Has he lost my address, as well?! Kung ganito ang kalakaran sa writing business, luluwa ata ang mga mata ko sa paghihintay!

See? I told you that I have nothing good to write about... *sigh*

When You Thought It Wouldn't Happen To You

For about two weeks now, I been having an on and off fever. It started two Mondays ago. But after Tuesday, fever was gone. The Saturday that came after, Biboy and I met in Megamall. However, I went first to LRT Northmall to buy some supplies. I didn't realize how heavy the stuffs were that half of the way through Megamall, I felt pain in my right arm. I was perspiring a lot so my shirt was all wet. Not to mention that it was also raining then. When I got off the MRT, I decided to ask Biboy to fetch me because I really couldn't hold on to the baggages anymore.

In Megamall, we went to see a movie. T'was cold inside the theater especially with my shirt being wet. After dinner, we went home. That was the time I had the fever once more. Feeling ko nabinat ko. The next morning, my right arm was hurting a lot. But the pain eases about two days after, But the fever was on and off. Throughout the whole week, I was feeling so weak. I have lost my appetite, as well. I just eat so that I could put something in my stomach and to gain some strenght. I've been feeling dehydrated, too, the whole time.

I thought to myself that I must've had an infection: pulmonities, probably. But it wasn't. I didn't have the obvious symptoms so I was feeling lucky that I didn't have the dreaded disease these days. As it turned out, after the blood tests, I had the dengue strain! Probably, during the first time I had the fever, I got it. However, there are already anti-bodies produced against it in my blood. That is not to say, though, that it won't develop into a different dengue strain. I have to be wary with the changes that may occur in my body like bleeding and rashes. The good thing is, my platelet count is normal and far from danger.

By tonight, we'll be going back to the hospital to have my platelet count. As of the moment, I was given supplementary medicines.

It's Now Official!

I don't have a job! Actually, it could also be unofficial. I don't know. But for sure, I'm out of the job. I have sent a message to my employer asking for a break to think things over. In the SMS, I told him that I am freaking out and feeling like I couldn't do a job. I told him that I was out of town and couldn't find a signal. Therefore, if he wanted to talk to me, he won't be able to. Thinking that he'd get the idea of the difficulty in reaching me, he assumed that it was my way of saying that I want out. He then sent me a message saying that it seemed that I didn't want to talk anymore. If so, just please return this and that.

If he was disappointed with how I have treated this situation, I understand. I'm not so good with confrontation (or confronting my feelings) especially if it involves people that I care about. However, frankly speaking, I am disappointed, too, with how he dealt with this. He was asking for the "papers" I worked on for about a week. As if everything in them were his ideas. Of course, I'd give them to him. I have no reason of keeping them. What I'm concern about is that he failed to at least acknowledge that I have worked my ass off during the times I was in his office. In case we'd talk, I would even tell him not to pay the hours I spent in the office. Pampalubag-loob kumbaga. But he didn't even say anything about it. As if telling me that I didn't do anything! When, in fact, he told me earlier that he'd be paying me for the feasibility study. I'm offended... Oh well, I can't do anything about it anymore. I guess this is the payment for what I did.

My other concern, as well, is that I don't want him to think badly of me. However, it would be inevitable. I just have to accept it. Besides, I couldn't help it if people would think so and so about me. My greatest adversary, though, is myself. I hope that I could get over this. The sooner, the better...

Freaked Out

It has been four days and I haven't reported from work. Last week, I said that I was sick. Today, I didn't say a thing. I just turned my fone off. The truth is, I am freaking out! I still have no clue on what to do. I have been praying and asking God for answers. I don't if I had already received them and just didn't recognize it or He was leaving me to decide on my own. Last night, I have dreamt mostly about death and impossible situations happening. I'm not sure if the answers were hidden behind those dreams.

What's worst is that I am feeling guilty with these absences. My employer is very kind to me and the last thing on my mind is hurting him. I don't have any idea what to say to him. And I don't just want to go back to work with this on my mind. Basically, that is what bothering me the most. I don't want to leave him empty-handed or disappointed on me. It would hurt me a lot if leaving him would 'cause a rift in our relationship. I'm afraid, though, that if I continue, he'd end up disappointed, as well, because I won't be giving my best efforts.

Oh, God. Please give me the wisdom to decipher what to do and the courage to do it...

On Video: Pa-Siyam (RP 2004)

Pa-Siyam came out a few months after the highly-successful Pinoy horror flick Feng-Shui. Of course, good publicities for the film were left and right. I had my doubts because it was from Regal Films. Regal Films and horror are words that truly don't jive with one another. Most Regal horror films are highly commercialized that stories are being overlooked. True enough, when the movie came out in theaters, it turned out that the good publicities were all hype!

When I went to the video stores, Pa-Siyam was available. I wasn't really too keen on watching it but I told myself, what the heck? Let's see what is it all about. I wasn't expecting anything good. I wanted to know how the movie truly sucked!

Pa-Siyam is about five siblings who came back to their hometown to bury their mother. The reason for her death was still unknown to them. After the burial, the family held the traditional 9-day novena (pa-siyam). From then on, a series of weird events happened to them. Until finally, they were able to uncovered the truth behind her death.

The moment I put the disc in, I started flipping the remote control - fast forwarding the film when there were no dialogues spoken. Actually, you really wouldn't miss a thing because, for a so-called horror film, it dragged a lot! There wasn't even any scenes that would make you crawl out of your skin. So, for a horror film, this movie sucked big time!

HOWEVER

For the movie to work, one should not take it as a horror flick but rather a psychological thriller/drama kind of movie. The strange events weren't scary but rather weird. So the weirdness of it all wouldn't get one scared but rather seek answers. Besides, there is nothing scary about your own dead mother trying to make her presence felt among her children. A dead relative isn't the best one to use as a horror creature.

Because it is oh-so-slow, you have to sit right through it till you get the answers. In that respect, it is already a psychological ride ala A Tale of Two Sisters. And I suggest that you stay put because you might never know, you may get the suprise twist of your life! But of course, it really isn't that twisted but commendable enough to pull you through and rip your heart out in the end! Trust me, if you were one of the siblings, you might think of killing yourself afterwards!

Pa-Siyam has the distinction of using the being "the first horror movie to be shot using high-definition digital tape with original live audio on the soundtrack". For that, it is really commendable! From that start of the film, it would really make you get the weird feeling. The use of green color for the entire film was great! Plus, music soundtrack was eerie! It would make you feel like bawl yourself to death while credits are going on. But the story surely needed some more polishing.

My recommendation, try Pa-Siyam. Just do as I tell you and you won't get disappointed.

Conglomeration of Smilies

I have a job. Yehey! I should be rejoicing, right? Actually, I don't remember if I did rejoice about it. I know that I did feel glad when I was offered the job. It was a case of "ask and you shall receive" kind of thing. When the opportunity came, I immediately grabbed it without really thinking the things that would be asked from me. The cards were laid on the table yet I didn't go through each and every of them. I was looking after the fact that it would give me the future that I was hoping to have. What I overlooked is the hardships that it would entail to reach that aspiration.

Don't get me wrong. I am not someone who would just give up because of the difficulties of the job. But my dilemma now is that I don't have a clue re my job. It isn't my forte. I know that I said that I was told about the job description before accepting it. I was even given a few days to think about it. However, the problem was that I didn't think of it thoroughly. I became blinded with what's ahead and not with what's in front of me.

Self-fulfilling Prophecy
Biboy had already warned me about the job. Back then, I didn't understand why he was rejecting the idea of me accepting the job. Then, dad said "Try mo muna ng one week. Baka di mo magustuhan." That shocked me even further! How could he say such a thing? How could Biboy react that way? Was there a sign on my forehead that said "Danger ahead"?

What to Do?
I don't know. I'm filled with confusion at the moment. This week has started on the wrong foot. First, I was awaken by my best friend's message saying that his father has passed away. Second, I was so disappointed that we couldn't even be with him in this time of turmoil because his father's dying wish is to be buried in Pangasinan where he has spent his last days. Pangasinan isn't unreachable but it is just too far. It makes me terribly sad that I couldn't be with Than-than these days.

Third, I came to realize that I don't know what I was doing in my job. I don't want to disappoint my employer because he has put all his trust on me. He has high expectations of me. He even said "Excited na ko sa maaari mong gawin!" I'm afraid that I won't be able to live up to his standards because I don't understand what I was doing. Not to mention that I don't want to disappoint myself.

I have also other worries. For one thing, I am alone with the job. No help whatsoever. I have to decide on my own and come up with the best possible plans that would fulfill my employer's vision. Sure, he gives some output once in a while or pitch in some ideas. But the fact remains that it's gonna be all on me and he himself doesn't have much idea on what to do. That's why he hired me for the job - not exactly for my knowlegde but for the passion he sees in me! But the passion is slowly dying down everyday. It isn't giving me enough strenght to hold on and continue with what I'm supposed to. Every waking day is becoming a struggle.

What have I put myself into? Moreso, the pay isn't that encouraging enough...

When Fate Play Its Dirty Tricks
As if all the confusion was enough to keep me stranded, there goes another situation. Biboy lost his *new* celfone! Someone stole it from him on the bus! OMG! A new and expensive fone given as a gift to him by his father! Just last Saturday, the rift between them have seemed to smoothened out. All is well, ika nga. But how could have this happened?! Nananadya ba talaga ang pagkakataon?

He's definitely gonna receive some blows from him and his mother since this isn't the first time he lost a fone. He was already marked for life by the incident before and now, he'd just gonna prove them right. Aside from that, it was an expensive fone!

Biboy initially wanted us to replace the fone. I know how scared he must be feeling. But what will it do? We don't have that kind of money to buy such fone. Using a credit card would just drown us more in debts since we have been paying more debts as it is today. He said that he would pay it using his salary. How? He won't be making enough money to survive his everyday expenses and the would-be payment.

Bakit Ganito?
He's been feeling down about his job. He wants to quit.

I am having doubts about my job. I feel like like quitting before it's too late.

What should we do? Why is this happening to us? Could someone please give me answers?

I'm Not Usually This Vocal But...

Representatives from Prudential Life Plans have been calling me for 3-4 months now. They have told me to pick up the "free" insurance plan that they would give me in their office. Because I don't usually go (and don't feel like going) to Makati, I wasn't able to drop by their office. Until a few days ago, a representative told me that the insurance plan was in Ortigas already. Feeling quite bad about not getting it-- you know, I felt that I should at least be grateful that I'd be given an insurance plan for free, I decided to go and get it.

When I entered their office, there were lots of people "claiming" their "free" insurance plan. There were also noises coming from the other rooms where people were talking. Because of that, I felt anxious about the whole thing. Did I make the right choice? A guy (whom I forgot the name) came to me and said that he would be assisting me. Assist me with what?! Can I just get the insurance and leave?

So I was taken in a room where three other groups were talking. From the moment I sat on the chair, the guy began explaining about their saving/pension plan. Uh-oh, I told myself! I think I knew what was about to happen. He talked about savings, death, emergency, and the works! The usual speech of someone selling an "insurance". I listened to him attentively yet not really absorbing what he is saying. At the back of my mind, I felt that I was about to get duped.

After all the talk, he mentioned about my credit card being the one responsible for the payment of my so-called savings. That was the time when I knew that I had to speak up. He asked me for my credit card but I refused. I asked him, "So it would mean that I have to pay for this savings along with my purchases? E de lalaki ang gastusin ko niyan imbes na makatipid?" Of course, he then proceeded with his recorded speech.

"Sir, savings nga po ito. At least may makukuha kayo 'pag nangailangan kayo..." His words are to that effect.

"Oo nga. Still, kailangan ko ring bayaran yan. Sa'n naman ako kukuha ng pambayad niyan? Poproblemahin ko pa yan!"

"Pwede n'yo naman po i-terminate. Saka kung ano lang ang kaya ng budget nyo."

"Ayoko pa rin..."

"Try lang po natin. Tutal for approval pa lang ito. At least na-try n'yo. Ngayon lang po namin ito ino-offer..."

"E kapag na-approve, ano na gagawin ko?"

"E sir..."

This time, I felt that I need to stand my ground. "Look, I appreciate and understand your explanation. The thing is, wala akong ipambabayad diyan. Wala nga akong trabaho, e. Iintindihin ko muna 'yung gastos ko sa ngayon kaysa sa susunod pa."

He again talked about having financial problems in the future. I know that my reasoning about not thinking about the future is wrong but hey, I have to get my point across to this man! So I further added, "Ganito kasi 'yun. I went here cuz you have been calling me several times. I felt that I should be at least be grateful to what you're giving me. But I was told that it was free..."

"Free nga po itong insurance. Pero kasama po kasi sa package 'yung savings plan..."

"E de ganun din? Hindi pa rin free! Isa pa, you're telling me that you are offering this today." Actually, may sinabi pa siyang 1 minute lang ang ibibigay sa 'kin. After that, the offer is no longer available, parang ganun. "You are not giving me enough time to think. You are putting me on the spot. At hindi tama 'yun! To add to that, you're pressuring me..."

"Sir, kailangan po kasi ng pressure dahil nagyon lang 'to..."

"'Yun nga 'yung ayoko, e! I don't want to be pressured with these kind of stuffs!"

Medyo natahimik na siya. "Okay, sir. Pirmahan n'yo na lang po itong free insurance plan."

"And then what?"

"Wala po. Free 'yan. No obligations."

So I did. Afterwards, I fill out the raffle coupon. Then I left...

Before I left, though, I heard the agent saying to his co-agents, "Di ako nagwagi." Pasensya ka! Ako napunta sa 'yo, e!

I don't usually talk like that to "strangers". But I felt that I was deceived and I didn't like it. Ako pa ang lolokohin nila? I know how their speech works! I was trained in a computer-selling company for a week after I graduate. I was also deceived then. I thought that I was getting a job, 'yun pala pagbebentahin ako along with some other duped people. (Ang siste, they would tell that if you buy the computer on that day, free printer will be given! Only for that day kasi last day. So the customers are forced to make a decision. When in reality, you are paying for the printer, as well! Kasama sa presyo 'yun! Because I don't like pressuring people to buy stuffs from me, I left the so-called job as soon as the training was over.) Aside from that, I know how the pressure tactics work! I won't be put in agreeing with a situation that I would regret afterwards! I'm not that stupid!

Here my other thoughts re what happened. How could I buy from an agent who is younger than me? How could he made me believe that he was already saving for his future? Yeah, right! Aside from that, how could I be convinced by someone who spells "transfer" as "transper" and "lump sum" as "lumsum"?!

If the insurance was really "free" from anything, why couldn't they send it at home directly? At least, they wouldn't be hassled to call us every now and then. Palibhasa may hidden agenda! They want to bring people in their territory and pressure them from giving what they want!

Isa pa, how would I know the offer was legit? May magagawa pa ba ako kung hindi?!

The moment I felt anxious, I thought of "Family First" immediately! My advice, never ever receive free movie tickets from "Family First" representatives! Because once you do, they'd ask you for your name and number. They'd call you and ask you to come to their office. Before you know it, sinisipsip na ng mga linta ang dugo mo!

Credit card companies should be reported to the proper authorities! They shouldn't be giving names and contact numbers of their account holders. This is definitely an act of violation! Savings nga pero talong-talo ka naman sa interest na babayaran mo! Iisahan n'yo pa kami! Utot nyo!

There is nothing wrong about insurance plans as long as you get them from legitimate sources or referrals from people you know. Maybe PLP is legit but the way they do their business is wrong!

Lastly, I guess, there is really no such thing as "free" in this world!

Surprise, Suprise? Not!

Mark Feehily of Westlife finally came out of the closet and admitted that he is gay! He has this to say:

I want people to know the truth. I am gay and I'm very proud of who I am. I'm not asking for sympathy, or to be a role model for someone else. I simply felt it was the right time to tell the truth. In the past I haven't felt the need to say anything about my sexuality. But I want people to know I'm very comfortable with who I am. I'm not worried about how people react because I'm happy being who I am. I'm still the same person the day I was before. I'm sure Westlife fans will be pleased I'm happy. I don't think it changes anything. All the lads in Westlife have settled down and are in relationships, so why can't I be?

Good for him! After all, it is quite obvious. (Is it or it is just me who noticed?) I knew it all along. I have sensed him a mile away the way I did with Stephen Gately of Boyzone. The difference, though, is that I had a crush on Stephen and I loathe Mark! What is so obviouse about Mark's gayness? Oh, c'mon! Whose self-respecting straight man would have Mariah Carey's poster mounted on the wall of his room? Unless it shows a naked Mariah in it with all her two tons of breats in full glory! Aside from that, does a straight man singer belts out a tune everytime ala Mariah?!

I can relate, though, to why decided to come out. He is in love (with another member of a boy band just like Stephen)! Who wouldn't want to express to the world the feeling you have for your special someone? Even I decided to tell my close friends about myself when I first had a relationship. (Not the first time I fell in love. That's a different story!)

But let me comment on the words "What A Waste" at the bottom of the front page. I hope that it is referring to another topic and not Mark's sexuality. Because saying that wouldn't be so appropriate at all! I've heard several "homophobes" or "not learned" ones utter the word "sayang" when they learn that a certain guy they know turned out to be gay. How could being gay be "sayang"? Would you be less of a person if you are gay? Would you turn out to be embarrassing to belong to the human race? I don't think so! There are gay people who are better than their straight counterparts! Who would want an egotistic and self-righteous straight man beside them more than a responsible and caring gay guy?

Courtesy & Jealousy

We have met lots of customers. Of all ages and personalities. Of course, there's nothing irritating like a customer who would bombard you with text messages re their orders or your whereabouts during pick-up/delivery. Some people would also act as if you owe them something and want their stuffs be done right at the time they made the order or payment. Of course, no matter what their quirks are, we still try to deal with them pleasantly. But there are times that they go overboard. The times when they be so demanding to the point that they disrespect us. Treating us as if we are their slaves and we are at their beck and call. When that happens, we talk to them about it and not receive any orders from them. No matter how large their bill is. It is not the amount that matters to us. It is the service we provide them and the fact that we are able to work hand in hand. If they start to act like we are their slaves and they are our master, then good bye! So long!

One other type of customers that I find irritating, too, are the ones that treat us like "call boys." These people are the type who are quite embarrassed with their purchase that during deliveries. They tend to pay and leave immediately. No small talks. No smiling. Not even a "Hi". As if saying, "Let's get this over and done with! Pronto! Then I don't ever want to deal with you again." Why? Because mostly, these guys are the closeted ones! Okay. Fine! Stay in the closet! But again, at least be nice to us! We are not your servants!

Speaking of "servants (kuno!)", when I am in a mall and a guard or salesperson greet me, I greet them back. Or I nod my head to acknowledge their greeting. Why? Because it is not just the polite thing to do but the right one! How could you ignore a person who had greeted you? They have made an effort to greet you so would at least smile back at them or acknowledge them as a person?

In line with that is when people hand out your fare to the driver, common courtesy would tell you to at least say "Thank you" to the one who helped you. Is it really such a hard thing to do these days? Sobra na bang bastos ang mga Pinoy sa kapwa Pinoy?!

Anyway, in another story, I met this guy tonight. For "security" (for myself!) reasons, let's just not name him here. Hehehe. We just talk for a few seconds while doing "business" with each other. Biboy was waiting then. When I came back to him, he instantly guessed that I have a crush on the said guy! Of course, I can't deny it. I'm no good in lying. Besides, according to him, it was written all over my face! Like a "schoolgirl" with a crush! May pahimas-himas pa nga raw ako! Which for me wasn't consciously done. I was just making a gesture like a hand shake.

So ayun, he was kinda jealous about him. But I tried to appease him. It was just a crush. Besides, he's "straight". What can I do about that, eh? Still, he was jealous. However, after a while, he said, "Come to think of it, though, he's kinda cute!" From then on, he also developed a crush on him! Pagsaluhan na lang daw namin! Hahaha! :-p

Not a Bogus SMS After All

Two to three days ago, I received an SMS from my friend Ne-an saying that she'd be leaving soon and that she'd already applied for roaming activation of her SIM card. I read it while I wasn't that fully awake yet and took it as a joke. I thought that the punch line was it was her SIM card who'd be roaming around the world. Something like that.

Today, Wheng called to asked me if Ne-an had left the country already. I said no and that the message was a joke. She told me that there wasn't any punch lines in the messages esp. with the last one she received from her. The message said that she's already in the airport. Wheng even called her in the office and was told that Ne-an already resigned. "Mag-aabroad ata," was the reply she got when she asked whether they know why she resigned.

I still couldn't believe it because it was so sudden. I just had spoken to her a week ago re the magazine and she didn't say a word. I told Wheng to call her house and ask. She did and it was confirmed! She left for Germany as a delegate for the coming "World Youth Day" and would go to Italy afterwards. Sa Italy, dun na siya "magtatago".

I feel so bad because amongst my college friends, we three are the only ones that are in constant communication. Nabawasan pa. Not only that, the thought of her going "TNT" is quite bothersome for me. I fear for her life. I know that she's one tough woman but still, I am scared for her. I also feel bad that I didn't respond to her message. If I did so, I would've known that she was truly leaving the country. I could've said good bye and good luck at least.

I know that she has plans of going abroad but I didn't expect that she would leave without a warning or at least good byes. I guess she felt embarrased with what she is about to do. But I'm not ashamed of her. I salute her for her guts and determination to have a better life.

I'm hoping the best for her.

***

Speaking of SMS, I went through Biboy's messages earlier. I don't really do it but I just felt like doing it earlier. There was a message there from so-called Chika Babe. The message says: "Good night. Good luck tomorrow. Sa-rang-he."

As soon as he woke up, I asked him who that was. He told me that it was me. I said that I don't remember texting such message. Then, he search for the number and as it turned out, it was my Chikka account number!
Hahaha! So silly of me! I swear, I don't remember sending that message!

The Invasion of the Foreign Bodies

For someone who is "sobrang malikot" as Angel, it is quite unbelievable that she hasn't been in some sort of a "major" accident like hurting her fingers in an electric fan or something like that. Once, she tried plugging the t.v. onto the socket in the kitchen. Good thing that I was able to stop her because the plug isn't that secure enough. "Wag mo na uulitin yan," I told her. "Makukuryente ka! Alam mo kung ano ang mangyayari pag nakuryente ka? Mamamatay ka!"

Then, when we were back inside the house, Angel said, "Da, di ko na uulitin 'yun, a?"

"Bakit," I asked.

"Kasi mamamatay ako pag inulit ko 'yun. Ayoko pang mamatay," she added.

It's amazing that she already understood the concept of death even at the age of 3. Maybe not its whole definition but at least she gets to understand a little.

Anyway, her not being in a "major" accident is too good to be true. Before 12 AM tonight, Ginger noticed a styrofoam ball inside her nose! It is really small and could fit well inside a nose. It is the one being used in bean bags. Who knows how long it has been there?

Afraid that I might push it further while taking it out, we decided to bring her to the hospital. It was a simple procedure really. It didn't take 5 minutes to take it out. Dad told me that I should have just taken it out myself. It cost him PhP1150.00 as damage kasi. Such a big amount for something so fast and easy. However, it is better to be sure than sorry. I don't wanna take any chances.

As it turned out, the nurses said that she was the sixth child who came in the emergency room with the same situation. "Uso yan," one of the them said. Children seemed to be putting stuff inside their noses lately.

I still hope, though, that no major accident would happen to Angel other than that. I don't think that I would be able to handle if she gets hurt really bad...

Stupid Ka!

The Correspondents featured the topic of "Child Pornography" tonight. What struck me the most was the 9-yr. old girl who took off her clothes while she was being photographed and video taped. It really broke my heart as the bugaw instructs her on what to do. "Put on your panty," she would say. "Take them out slowly." I can't help but imagine Angel in that situation. I would really kill the person who do such thing to her!

"Child Pornorgraphy" and "Pedophilia" are always related. According to the report, it started here in the Philippines during the 80's. Some of Apocalypse Now's film crews who happened to be pedophile's dated children in Laguna and gave their families money. Learning how easy it is to do it here, other foreigners started going here to seduced young boys and girls into having sex with them. Even though the authorities had seized some of those foreigners, till now, the crime is going on.

I remember suddenly this comment that Rosch, Biboy's co-worker, made re Michael Jackson and the kids that he supposedly abused. He said, "Hindi naman totoo 'yun, e! Gusto rin ng mga bata 'yun!" I swear, if he had said that in front of me, I could slap his face! How dare him to say such things! He doesn't know a single thing about children and abuse. Ang tanga-tanga mo! People who are as dumb as you should rot in hell along with the pedophiles! Mas masahol ka pa nga sa mga pedophiles!

Icon, Scanned

The front page and the article itself
Click image for bigger picture

Mga Pusang Gala Review

Another thing that wasn't printed in the magazine was my review for the movie itself, Mga Pusang Gala. I wasn't inform about it so I was surprised not to see it on the magazine. Nanghinayang nga rin Direk Ellen and just asked me to send her a copy. She'd be putting it on the movie web site.

***

Mga Pusang Gala
By Jheck David

More than anything else, Mga Pusang Gala is a story about everything human! It tackles the issue of relationships and the struggles within to find fulfillment that one longs to have. Because it is theatrical in nature, it seemed to flow poetically. Each move, each line, and each detail follows a rhythm and style.

Mga Pusang Gala has heartfelt and gripping emotions that transcend to the screen onto the audience. Because the characters were realistically portrayed, one can’t help but relate to them in one way or the other. One will also smile and react because of the crisp dialogues and the situations that seem too familiar to ignore. The way the story was presented maybe an exaggeration but it never fails to speak to us as if reminding us that we all have been there.

What was best about the film was that it leaves no room for moral judgment. The characters were painted in all its vivid colors. Take them as they are. Love ‘em or hate ‘em, it’s up to you. But one could never doubt how complicated (or uncomplicated) relationships could be. There are no easy ways through it and out of it.

Written by Jun Lana and Rody Vera under the direction of Ellen Ongkeko-Marfil, Mga Pusang Gala follows a parallel story between two single and aging gay man and a woman who yearn for a full-time commitment from the men in their lives. It is led by Ricky Davao and Irma Adlawan.

Ellen said that this is her statement on the bold genre. Funny, though, that I never saw this as a “bold” film if it relates to the occasional sex scenes in the movie. Sex is nothing but a part of what being human is all about. But if bold meant that it dares to tackle the inner feelings and digs deeper into the psyche of a person in love (and not in love) without pretensions, then, it is bold!

If I would sum the film up in a few words, I’d say, “Kuwento ito ng mga totoong tao sa totoong buhay!”

Si Ellen At Ang Mga Pusang Gala

I finally got a copy of ICON. I bought one for myself and another for Biboy. I was supposed to have a complimentary copy courtesy of ICON itself but I have to get it in Makati. I don't feel like going there yet. But I'd want to get it. Maybe once I get my fee in the office which is in Makati, as well. Yes, you read it right! Angelo told me that I'd be receiving a writer's fee. They are just fixing things up. Magkano kaya 'yun? Hmmm...

Fortunately, most of the writing I did re Direk Ellen was intact. Some words or phrases were changed but they were just a few. It was such an overwhelming feeling seeing my name and work printed in a magazine! Feeling Carrie (of SATC) tuloy ako! Hehehe...

Anyway, here's the article that I originally wrote. If you want to see the changes, get hold of the magazine! :p

Si Ellen at ang Mga Pusang Gala
By Jheck David

“Love is genderless! So is sex,” were Ellen Ongkeko-Marfil’s powerful words when I met with her for a coffee and a little chat somewhere in Tomas Morato. This is her statement when it comes to making movies that seem to be breaking the standards of Philippine cinema. For one thing, her latest project called Mga Pusang Gala is a story of parallel lives between a woman and a gay man: both single, aging, and longing for a commitment from the men they love. Second, this is her take on the bold genre which usually is men’s territory. “Most of the time, the women became objects in the movie and it’s the men enjoying the sex. I want to show that women enjoy sex as healthy as men do,” she says.

Direk Ellen had her humble beginnings in theater since college from the time she entered show business via PETA (Philippine Educational Theater Association). From then on, she had worked for Star Cinema as supervising producer and most recently, was the program manager for GMA Television Network’s News and Public Affairs division handling several shows like I-Witness and Debate among others. From time to time, she was given directorial projects for several shows like Maaalala Mo Kaya, Pira-Pirasong Pangarap, and GMA Telesine which fortunately received awards and recognitions from both local and international television award-giving bodies. Her last television effort called Walang Bakas for GMA 7 in 2004 was awarded Best Drama by the Catholic Mass Media Awards (CMMA) and was a runner-up in the Asian Television Awards. Perhaps, this directing ingenuity came from the fact that she was trained under the helms of film auteur such as Lino Brocka, Ishmael Bernal, Mike de Leon, Joel Lamangan, and the likes.

Despite her success, she had an on and off romance with directing. She would give it up whenever a different project would come along. But after her first venture into her own movie directing, she knew that the love affair was here to stay. She made her mark via the critically-acclaimed digital movie called Angels under Star Cinema. Even though the film failed to be received nationwide because of limited distribution, Direk Ellen saw the possibilities in digital technology. Thus, she founded Erasto Productions. “My vision is to go ahead with alternative film making,” she explains. “I want to learn digital technology and push it mainstream. I want to go against to what is the kalakaran: not be dependent on the stars.” For her, the story should always be the first priority followed by good actors. Aside from that, having her own company would mean that she get to own her work.

So, in cooperation with Atty. Joji Antonio of MLR Films, she produced and directed its initial offering, Mga Pusang Gala. “This is my offering to so-called dying industry. I refuse to say that it’s dying,” she relates. However, she adds, “Maganda rin ang merong death. Pag me dying, may growth.”

Mga Pusang Gala is an adaptation of the Palanca award-winning play entitled Mga Estranghero at ang Gabi. The screenplay was written by the playwright himself, Jun Lana, along with Rody Vera.

While venturing on the project in another film company, Direk Ellen was initially asked to tone down the gay character and focus the story more on the woman. She refused to do it. She felt that “magkapatid kasi ang issue ng gays at women. There are differences but then they are also very close.” She further elaborates, “My statement always will be love is genderless. I respect women, men and gays. I believe that this is just the body. It is the souls that love each other.”

With that, she also tried to break stereotypes with her characters. “Dati, couturier si Boyet. But we made him a romance novelist. Also, Jun initially thinks that with Marta’s relationship, sex is enough. I disagreed because a woman always looks for the emotional commitment.”

Mga Pusang Gala served as the opening film for the recently concluded Pink Festival. It has deservedly garnered numerous praises from critics and ordinary audience alike. However, Direk Ellen may have tried her darned best to uplift the social concept of her characters but there are still who thinks otherwise. “I don’t expect to please everybody,” she says. Besides, for her, what is at fault is the whole social conditioning. “You might think that my characters are laughable and stupid. They’re crazy and love addicts. But women were raised with a fairy tale: waiting for a man to kiss her so she’ll wake up. They were taught to believe that the biggest event in their lives is getting married. So how could you be otherwise? How could you not be a love addict waiting for somebody to marry you? It was an imposition, actually. Her being so-called crazy was an expression. And an exaggeration at that! But believe me, there are women like that.” In addition, she explains, “Where do the gays come in? Gays were supposed to be liberated kasi they go against the society, di ba? But in trying to be women, they embrace the whole concept and serve the men even better than a woman.” Not that she agrees with gays being subservient to men. “Dapat kasi stronger ka ‘cause by virtue of being gay, nag-be-break ka na ng social norms. Unfortunately, that’s not exactly true.”

Direk Ellen has high hopes for this film which earliest title was Libog at Kabilugan ng Buwan. “I really feel that my movie will appeal easily. It may be quite intellectual in some aspects but I have so many themes that are so-ordinary life. It is basically about human relationships that even the most intelligent people could relate to because, one way or the other, they had become crazy when they fell in love!” Because her production outfit does not have much means and machinery to promote the film, they are relying on the word-of-mouth. And, I could say that she indeed had chosen the best mouths to spread the word: that of the gays. “Sabi nga sa akin, pag nakuha ko ang pulso ng mga bading, tiyak na dadalhin nila ang mga kaibigan nilang babae para panoorin ang pelikula!” That is not to say, though, that she is using the gay community for her own benefits. In fact, she feels fortunate to have them as friends and colleagues in the business describing them as her angels in life. “I’m even closer to them than with my women or male friends,” she proudly admits.

When asked for a message to the gay and lesbian community who seemed to be benefiting well to her latest venture, she ends, “I hope that this film empowers gays and lesbians even more!”

I know that it will, Direk!

Till now, I'm feeling ecstatic about the whole thing. I told my barkada to grab a copy and support me with my very first printed article (and hopefully not the last)! I'm also thinking whether I should tell dad, Ginger and my other friends about it. Mahirap malagay sa alanganin, e. I don't want this to be the start of something I would worry about for a long time. If you know what I mean. I've so many things to think about and I don't wanna create another trouble.

Anyway, while I was rejoicing about the article, I can't help but feel conscious that my picture was the only one left out in the Contributors page. I wonder why. Is it because the picture I've sent wasn't so glamorous? Or it si because they ran out of space and decided not to put mine? Should I feel offended about it or just let it pass? Oh well...

ICON Out

The fourth issue of ICON is finally out! Ergo, my article's out already! Yehey! I haven't seen it, though, because I didn't have the chance to go out of the house these last three days. Angelo just informed me through e-mail.

Just tonight, I received an SMS and a call from Direk Ellen thanking me for the "wonderful" article. I haven't told her yet about the magazine because I wanted to read the article first. Baka kasi may nabago. But then, she loved it! She told me that I have written all the important details of our conversation that other writers missed. Hay, kakataba ng puso! She asked me whether I'd be writing continously for the magazine but I said that I don't know. "You should continue writing," she said. Naks! Sarap naman pakinggan! I asked her to write Angelo na lang and tell him how "wonderful" I am. Hehehe. She would daw.

Anyway, I'll get a copy tomorrow. Excited na ko! Although hanggang ngayon, di ko pa rin alam kung may bayad ako run. If I were young, the payment's not gonna be a problem. Before, ang nasa isip ko, di baleng mababa sahod as long as you enjoy and love what you do. But the situation's different now. I am not just living for myself. I have Angel to look after. I have to earn and save for her future.

Kalat! Sabog!

I just got home from the interview. And boy, do I have some not so good news! I feel like that I made a mess out of myself. That I didn't get my point across.

Sarah, the one I spoke to on the phone, interviewed me along with a Korean woman whom I suppose is the owner of the place. It was after I took the 45-question test on the computer. It was easy. Simple grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension. I think that I did well on that. What troubling me was how I conducted myself during the interview. I feel like that I didn't get to answer the interviewers' questions very well.

One question that I think I made a mess out of was how would I encourage Koreans to study English in the Philippines whose English is only a second language? It was asked by the Korean woman whose name didn't register on my mind. I answered that Filipinos, most of the times, speak "perfect" English than those in the US. "Perfect English? Filipinos?" wondered the Korean. And then I mumbled words even I can't understand. I lost it!

I have used the wrong word for it. It should've been "better" instead of "perfect". Why do I say so? When it comes to teaching the English language, count on the Filipinos to do so because we know the rules of grammar. Unlike the Americans who tend to slack off on their grammar because it is their first language. They don't care whether they have spoken proper English as long as people get to understand. It is like the way Pinoys use the Tagalog language. Ask Pinoys on when to use "daw" and "raw" and I'm sure, they wouldn't know the difference.

That should've been the "perfect" answer to that question! And my oh my! I only said half of it!

I hate it that the synapses on my brain don't get to fire up in a spontaneous manner. It's only after I made the mistake that I get to realize what I have said wrong. Of course, it'd be too late to change anything.

The Korean woman also asked me how would I adjust myself to teaching adults like businessmen when I only handled children and teens. Silly me! I said that it wouldn't be a problem because I have mingled with adults, too, like my co-workers. I should've said that it really wouldn't be a problem because I have handled adults. Back in Fatima, professionals like dentists, medical technologists, even businessmen became my students! Why oh why didn't I think of saying that?!?!?!?

Luckily, Biboy was there to meet me in Megamall after the interview. I needed someone to be there with me. I was feeling so low.

One of the most used comfort words he said was that in case they won't accept, "it's their loss!" Such good words, right? But those words could only be powerful if they get to suffer because they didn't hire you. Their world would still revolve even without you, right? In relationships, you'd only get to know that not having you is somebody's loss when he comes running to you and say that his life is no better with you!

Sarah told me that she'd just call me to inform me about the result. I'm not hoping much for it anymore. I feel like I sold myself short. Maybe I'm better off as a writer...

Note: The movie poster is entitled "Please Teach Me English"...