David Double Feature

This is one of the most memorable birthday celebrations that I have! Hindi lang sa birthday celebration ko ito, binyag din ng aking pinakamamahal na pamangkin, si Collin Emmanuel.

Thanks to Pic-a-booth at super nag-enjoy ang mga bisita sa mga kalokohang pinaggagagawa nila sa harap ng camera. Salamat din sa mga nagbigay-oras upang um-attend sa okasyon na ito. Sobra kong na-appreciate ang inyong pagdalo!

Birthday Celebrations 2k8

See these photos and some kwentos in my Multiply account, plus more!

Bday 2k8 Part 4

Bday 2k8 Part 3

Bday 2k8 Part 1

No Mega Moments

Biboy and I just saw Music & Lyrics on DVD. We don't really celebrate Valentine's Day. Kasi naman we celebrate our anniversaries kasabay ng birthday ko. We are in our fifth year now. Happy Feet (Fifth) nga namin! Anyway, I just thought that it'd be nice if we watch a romantic movie together. I decided to see M&L with him since he hasn't seen it. Saka it came in handy 'cause I have a copy of the film.

In one of the scenes in the movie, Drew Barrymore's character, Sophie Fisher, sees her former flame and professor Sloan Cates in a restaurant. She wasn't prepared to see him. She has been harboring ill feelings towards him for he has wronged her; using her as a character in a book he had written and portraying her as a "monster" of some sorts. She had every word that she'd like to say to him written on her head once she they meet, only that when they saw each other face to face, she didn't have the courage the muster the words. Thus, she went home feeling stupid as ever.

Gigil na gigil si Biboy sa scene na 'yun. Halos mura-murahin na niya si Sophie for not doing what she intended to do. She should have smacked Sloan in the face and made him feel the pain that she went through. Halos 'di na nga niya tapusin 'yung panonood ng movie. Then I remember his initial reaction when he saw his ex in a mall. He wanted to asked him about the book he borrowed from him but didn't return. Only that he didn't have the guts to. Oh, that guy has wronged him in every way possible, I'm telling you, so he deserves some smacking, too!

I explained to Biboy that, in life, you really don't get to have winning and defining moments with the people who have hurt you. Walang Dorina moments where you get to pour a glass of wine on Lavinia's face. Walang Myrna moments kung sa'n pwede kang maghamon ng away kay Glacilda with matching tanong kung saan, kailan, at paano ang labanan. At lalong-lalong walang Lupe moments kung sa'n pwede mong hampasin ng latigo ang ama-amahan mong umaapi sa inyong mag-ina. Bihira talaga ang pagkakataong taas-noo tayong haharap sa mga umapi at umaway sa 'tin at hahalakhak na parang wala ng bukas.

Life's sweet revenge is subtle at times. Fate has its own way of dealing with bad people. Karma, 'ika nga, na subtly dinaanan ng pelikulang M&L. Sophie got her revenge when Sloan's movie which was based on the book was lambasted by critics and failed at the box-office.

Besides, in my opinion, while it may feel good to have your "revenge," one does not need it. What is important is to let go of the past and let it be a reminder of what you were (and not what you are). Yes, people may have hurt you yet the pains should made you grow stronger and wiser. It is those who can't let go that suffer in the end. 'Di naman 'ata masarap sa pakiramdam ang magbuhat ng kabigat-bigat na bagahe habang tinatahak mo ang daan ng buhay. Not only it won't get you far, it limits your ability to deal with other people who have good intentions for you.

So stand proud despite the pains and humiliations! 'Ika nga sa Bibliya, mapalad ang mga inaapi dahil kakamtan nila ang biyaya ng langit. Like what Sophie did, by casting away her shadows overhead, she was able to go her way back into love! Di ba ang galeng?

This Is Supposed to Be Devil's Food!

Biboy baked me a cake. It is supposed to look like the one from the left but the end product turned out on the right!

Well, yeah yeah! Say it with me! It looked like a big pile of shit! Jenny even commented nicely that it looked like the one from "Blue Magic," not really mentioning the "Blue Magic ebak" na usong-uso noon sa 'min nung high school. Sabi ko nga, this isn't Devil's Food but rather Devil's Shit!

Pero 'wag ka! Don't be deceive by its looks. Don't judge the book by its cover, ika nga. It actually tastes good! Masarap 'yung icing and malambot 'yung cake mismo. Hit siya actually sa mga bisita! At nang maubos, hinahanap-hanap pa ni sis!

This is actually Biboy's first baking outing so keri na. (Na-inspire kasi bago 'yung microwave namin kung sa'n pwedeng mag-grill at mag-bake, aside from reheating chuvas.) Panalo naman ang lasa, eh!

Google Sharon/Google Me

Even Google recognizes how big a Sharonian fan I am! Key in Sharon Cuneta on Google images and you'll find me on page 21 (of page 39)! Ang tindi!

Isa na sa mga pinapanga-pangarap ko sa buhay ay natupad. Last Thursday, I went to Our Lord's Grace Montessori to visit Mega on the set of Caregiver. We were supposed to watch the shooting but we ended waiting for her during breaks in her "dressing room." So habang wala pa siya, mega-chikahan lang kami nina Cynthia, Lorie, and Gigi (of Sharonians Online). During her breaks, she would just sit and watch LOTR on DVD then share stories every once in a while (about the film or anything that comes to her mind). When she was finally done at around 1:30 AM and about to go, I handed her a letter and a DVD copy of My Only Love (thanks to the gorgeous Acy - of My Only Love series - for this one!). Ayun, pinakilala na ko ni Gigi and Mega told me that she'd be reading the letter once she gets home. Konting beso and off she went.

The next day, Ren (another onliner) told me that Shawie asked about me, sorta hinahanap 'ata ako. O, di ba? Natatandaan na niya ko. That was February 8, two days before my birthday. Parang advance birthday gift ko na from her.

During the Sharon taping last Tuesday, she thanked me for the letter onstage (nasa tuktok kasi kami holding a "We Are Sharonians Online" banner) then again when we met with her at the dressing room. Touched daw siya. (Ow, di ba!) Tinanong pa nga ako kung ano raw ba spelling ng pangalan ko. 'Di niya ata naintindihan 'yung pagsulat ko ng (nick)name ko sa letter.

Ayun lang, happy na ko! I just want her to know that I exist and at least be recognized as one of her admirers. I don't ask much. 'Yun lang talaga. Pramis. Well. . . Ibang usapan na if I'd really get to work with her in the future. Heaven na 'yun! Di ba, Cynth?!

Siguro you might find it cheesy and OA and corny (and kadiri even for those snobs out there!) but I know that you admire someone, too, and you just feel that you have to meet the person. Eh parte na siya ng buhay mo di ba?

I know naman na wala pa ko sa kalingkingan ng mga matagal ng sumusuporta kay Shawie. Kaya naman mataas ang paghanga ko sa kanila. Hindi matatawaran ang loyalty at devotion nila kay Mega. Umula't umaraw, literally & figuratively - sa buhay man nila o ni Mega, and'yan sila para sumuporta sa kanya. (Balang araw, masusulat ko rin ang script na para sa kanila at hopefully ma-produce onscreen.) Hindi biro ang maging isang super (in this case, mega) fan! Kinakarir talaga. So sa lahat ng natsi-tsipan sa kanila, nek-nek n'yo! Ano ba naman ang pagkakaiba nila sa mga taong humahabol-habol sa mga nilalagawan?! Ang halos nag-ii-stalk ng exes?! Ang halos magpatayo ng shrine para sa minamahal?! Wala! Mas matindi pa nga ang mga 'yun. May pagnanasa factor! Eewness talaga! Eh ang paghanga sa isang idolo, basta ma-recognize lang, keri na. Wala naman silang hinahanap na kapalit.


(L) Sharonians Online waiting for Mega after the show; (R) Gigi (in pink), Racquel, Lorie

(R) Cynthia, still getting starstruck after all these years
Next project ko: Madonna & Barbra! (Mangarap lang ng mangarap hangga't kaya!)

Celebrity Birthdays: February 10

Feb. 10: Actor Robert Wagner is 78. Singer Roberta Flack is 71. Singer Jimmy Merchant of Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers is 68. Country singer Lionel Cartwright is 48. Actress Laura Dern is 41. Country singer Dude Mowrey is 36. Actress Elizabeth Banks ("Scrubs") is 34. Writer/Educator/Critic Jerrick David is 31. Actress Emma Roberts ("Unfabulous," "Nancy Drew") is 17.

*Cake given by best friend, Elma! Thanks, gurl! Love you!

Woebegone

I'm having my pre-birthday blues. It'd be difficult to shake it off because it'll last until February ends. After my birthday comes, post-birthday blues naman. Hay!

With a deadline hanging over me, this is not good! Grrr!

You Know You're Getting Old(er) When. . .

You see familiar faces and you can't say how they are connected to you.

For the life of me, I've been seeing familiar people on the street or in malls and there are times that I can't tell whether they were schoolmates, neighbors, former students, acquaintances, (sort of/feeling) celebrities (that I've seen on TV or movies), or people I've seen on the net. OK lang naman sana na hindi ko sila makilala. The problem lies when they start smiling, acknowledging whatever connections we had. I don't smile back because what I know for sure eh hindi ko sila talaga kangitian noong araw pa. But then, I feel guilty afterwards. I mean, eto na nga't namamansin sila at ako naman 'tong nang-iisnab. Then I'd ask myself, sino ba sila? Sa'n ko ba sila nakilala? Iniisip ko rin if ever I will see them again 'cause if I will, maybe it's time that I start making ties with them. Minsan din iniisip ko kung naging crush ko ba sila dati o wala lang. Pero ang pinakaiiwasan kong mangyari ay makasalubong at ngitian ng mga taong I had "intimate relations" with at 'di sila makilala! 'Di pa naman nangyayari 'yun dahil 'di rin naman sila karamihan para di ko maalala. 'Di naman ako kalahi ni Samantha (of SATC), no. Nonetheless, I'm happy with the new connections I'm making and re-connecting with old friends and class/schoolmates.

Hay, ang buhay nga naman ng tumatanda. In a few days, I'll be turning 31. Syemas! Kailan lang ay 25 ako at pakiramdam ko ay pagkatanda-tanda ko na. Dumating pa nga ako sa point na pakiramdam ko na 'di ako aabot sa edad na 'to kaya I didn't make any much plans. (I was in a kinda "negative" state then. Ah - 20s crisis!) Kaya ngayon 'eto ako at tipong naghahabol sa mga dapat habulin.

Dati ako ang (isa sa) pinakabata sa Northfield when I first started teaching, ngayon naman ay marami na silang mga bata na kasama ko. (Kakanta na ko ng "Gulong ng palad!")

Natatawa na nga lang ako minsan sa mga kabataan ngayon. (Siyet! Kabataan ngayon talaga? Ang tanda ko na nga!) Lagi silang nagmamadali. Laging atat na atat na magkaru'n ng maraming achievements at maging successful. Parang wala ng bukas. Kaya ang ending tuloy, they get frustrated and disappointed. 'Di ko rin naman sila masisisi. Ang guide nila ay 'yung mga taong naging milyonaryo (o bilyonaryo) during their 20s. Gusto nila ma-achive nila 'yun. There's nothing wrong with that, of course. Ang siste, they don't get to enjoy life the way they supposed to. Tingnan natin 'pag dating nila sa 30s-40s kung hindi nila habulin ang mga bagay na nilampasan nila.

So kung dati ay iniisip kong di ko mararating ang 30s, ngayon ay gusto kong marating ang 40s. Sabi kasi nila, everything seems steady when you reach 40. Parang wala ka ng masyadong iniitindi. 'Di ka na maloka-loka sa gusto mong mangyari sa buhay. You just go with the flow. Gusto ko 'yun. Mabuhay dahil gusto mo. Mabuhay dahil masarap mabuhay.

'Yun lang.

P.S. Hay, ano ba ang mood ng post na 'to? Cheery o sad ba? Kagagaling lang namin ng Disney on Ice. May epek kaya 'yun sa mood na kinalabasan ng post na 'to?

Uncut & Unabridged

Uncut & Unabridged: A Post-Birthday Blues Post Part 1
There was something I have realized just today: I can't write well when I'm bothered with sad thoughts. Words easily come to me when I'm happy. Words, definitely, flow like water in a leaking faucet when I'm angry. But when I'm sad, it seemed difficult to express myself no matter how hard I push myself into doing such. So with this, I'd like to get those thoughts out of the way.

Retracing the events that happened, it all started on the night of February 11. My birthday would've had a perfect 3-day weekend if not for the event that transpired that night.

On the 9th, Biboy had planned a full body scrub and massage for us at Fitness First in Makati. Matagal na niyang ini-sked 'yun for our anniversary. It was refreshing and relaxing, of course. Iskobahin ba naman ang buong katawan mo, eh. (Actually, it was the coffee scrub that Biboy liked so much.) Besides, it was my first time kaya enjoy.

Afterwards, we decided to watch The Messengers but opted not to. Bukod sa kukulangin kami sa budget (since we still had plans on the next two days), Tita Josie was waiting at home. I had asked her to babysit Angel during the day.

However, prior to going home, I purchased Madonna's The Confessions Tour CD+DVD at Music One in Greenbelt 3. It was locally released that day, and unexpected at that. I was thinking that it'd be release within the month but not on that day. T'was a good (bonus) birthday gift, though, from Warner Bros. and the Queen herself. After her docu, this is one of her most anticipated releases. Last year naman, there was a 24-hr Madonnathon telecast over at MYX. So I technically spent my birthday with her.

The next day, February 10, was my birthday (and Biboy and I's anniversary). We spent the night with Shawie on her My Mega Valentine Two concert in Araneta. Medyo di pa nga ako solve on seeing that concert. I thought that a follow-up concert a year after was too soon. Aside from that, I feel that I have been seeing a lot of her during tapings so it wouldn't be bad if I miss the concert. However, the thing is, the more you see her, the more you want to see more of her. She has a way of pulling you towards her. She is bubbly, charming, and very much endearing. (That is why Biboy said that he wants to be friends with her, "Parang ang bait-bait niya.") The moment she opens her mouth, no holds barred talaga. Gladly, she didn't fail us that night. She had given us a night filled with fun and wonderful music! She had ended our day with great memories.

February 11 was Lea Salonga Uncut concert. Apart from being a Sharonian, Babs, and Maddie fan, I have expressed here how much I adore Lea. Her I Am But A Small Voice album (as in LP!) was my very first favorite album, along with Like A Virgin. Because I have already met Shawie, it would've been a great pleasure if I could meet her and have a picture taken with her. (Saka ko na kakaririn ang pagmi-meet kay Babs at Maddie, if ever I'd see the chance to do such!) Kahit hindi ko na mapapirmahan 'yung CD leaflets ko as long as I'd get the chance to let her know that I exist, OK na sa 'kin 'yun. Kaya naman kinapalan ko na ang mukha ko by asking Tin that we'd join them (she'd be with the AFLS group) if ever they'd meet Lea after the concert. She agreed naman so I became super excited that night.

We arrived in PICC 15 minutes before the show time. Hindi naman 'yun dahil sa super excited kami. We just made sure that we wouldn't be late because we arrived 5 minutes or so after on the Tomorrow concert. It was in CCP and the show started on time. We wouldn't want that to happen again so hindi na kami nag-dinner. We just ate a few pieces of siomai in LRT Monumento. However, the concert started 15 minutes late.

Also, I made sure that I had a camera with me. During the Sharon taping, I wasn't able to bring it because my sister used it. Hinayang na hinayang ako nun, s'ympre.

Mega-text din ako kay Tin to make sure that she'd meet us after the concert. We planned to meet before the concert because we haven't met each other in person yet. Our correspondences are only through our blogs, YM, and sms. Unfortunately, hindi napaaga ang dating niya.

The show ended at past 10. We went out of the auditorium and waited for Tin and the rest of the group at the lobby. Naghintay rin ako ng text niya pero wala. I tried calling her but it was out of reach. I thought that she could still be inside the balcony area because there were no signals there. We have waited for about 10-15 minutes until Biboy saw people rushing backstage. We went inside to check the commotion and found people lining up to meet Lea. Of course, nagmadali kami sa pagpila rin.

There I found Tin and the AFLS people waiting. Medyo sumama ang loob kasi 'cuz we had waited for her in the lobby. Pa'no kung naghintay pa kami nang mas matagal? We could've miss that chance to meet Lea. Anyway, I just dismissed those thoughts. Finally, I was just a few steps in meeting Lea! I had prepared the camera, took it out of its casing. I had prepared my CD leaflets. Nag-practice na rin ako nang pwede kong sabihin sa kanya.

Should I say "Hi"? Then what? Should I say that I read her blog? Should I say that I tried adding her in my friendster list but she rejected it? Should I say that I'm really such a fan of hers and I have been wanting to meet her for a long time now? Should I say how much I enjoyed the concert? Should I say that it was my birthday the other day? Should I greet her "Advance Happy Birthday"? Should I kiss her?

All those thoughts ran through my mind while we were waiting in line. I felt anxious and excited at the same time. Habang may pumapasok na tao at lumalabas, patuloy naman kaming lumalapit sa pagkakataong hinihintay ko. I admit, I'm quite intimidated with Lea compared to Sharon. May pagka-snob kasi ang dating niya compared to Sharon's warm and welcoming features. Or I guess, di pa lang ako sanay sa kanya. That is why I want to be with her even if for just a few seconds. But of course, it won't be enough to get to know her. Pero carry na!

Dagdag pa sa kaba ay ang kasungitan ng nag-aasikaso sa pila. She'd say in a fierceful manner, "Isa-isa lang. We won't continue unless aayusin n'yo ang pila."

Then, just two people in front of us, she uttered, "Tapos na po. Wala na. Uuwi na siya." Those words broke my heart. Imagine, sobrang lapit na namin. How come the others were given the chance and we weren't?

We still waited for a while till Lea's mom, Ligaya, came out and told us, "Uuwi na kami. Gabi na."

The others pleaded, "Kahit sandali na lang? Konti na lang naman kami..." But they fell on deaf ears.

"Naghihintay pa 'yung anak niya sa kanya," she finally said. Sino ba naman ang tututol pa sa mga salitang iyun?

Pero naghintay pa rin kami kasama 'yung iba. Baka magbago pa ang isip nila. O kaya naman, we could take a glimpse of her once she goes out of the room and leaves the auditorium.

"Wala na siya," the fierceful lady said.

All we could do was sighed. Then, suddenly, Lea came out the other side. She waved and smiled at those she had seen. I took out my camera. Clicked it. But all I got was a shot of Chari Arespacochaga. She went to her van and there was a commotion once again. People ran towards her. May nadapa at dumulas pa nga para mahabol lang siya. They took pictures of her. Biboy tried his darndest to take some but failed.



When it felt like nothing good could happen anymore, Biboy and I left after I met Tin, who was quite disappointed herself. They didn't get the chance to talk to her that night nor take pictures with her.

Before going home, kumain muna kami sa turo-turo beside Star City. Biboy asked me in a worried manner, "Disappointed ka, no?" I answered affirmatively. Imagine, I was so close into having a wish fulfilled yet I fell flat on my face.

"May susunod pa naman," were his next words to comfort me.

Yes, I know that there is. However, it couldn't change the fact how I got my heart broken that night. When we got home, I slept it off. But I had dreams about it.

I carried that heavy feeling all throughout the week. I didn't listen to any to Lea songs. I change the channel everytime MYX would show her "Promise Me" music video. I just couldn't bear going through the said heartache again. Even as of this writing, masakit pa rin siya. Napapaluha pa rin ako.

It wasn't just a fan's disappointment that I feel, it was a dream made and shattered at the same time...

A birthday wish unfulfilled...

Desires of the heart crushed into pieces...


Ang langit sa `yong puso muntik nang mailapit
Nguni't `kaw na ngayo'y alaalang kay pait...

Note:
Began at 3:29 AM
Ended at 6:33 AM

An Ode to Thee

During the past few years, whenever I get to attend friends's wedding ceremonies, I couldn't help getting misty-eyed. Mostly, it was because of sentimental reasons. Another time has passed. Another journey has began for friends. However, behind it, how I wish that someday, it'd be me and you who'd face the altar someday; proclaiming to the world the feelings we have for each other; promising to be together till the end to one another. It may sound cheesy but that's how love and marriage could get most of the times. Yet, no matter how baduy it may be, it is what most people aspire for - a love to last a lifetime bonded by matrimony.

With a love that's different like ours, I am not sure if we'd ever get to see that day or if it'd be in our lifetime. Let me assure you, though, that we're as good as being married. So, till then, I'd gladly dedicate this song to you. You have asked me if it was okay if you call me yours four years ago so let me give you these two words this time.



In a while, in a word
Every moment now returns
For a while, seen or heard
How each memory softly burns
Facing you who brings me new tomorrows
I thank God for yesterdays
How they led me to this very hour
How they led me to this place...

Every touch, every smile
You have given me in care
Keep in heart, always I'll
Now be treasuring everywhere
And if life should come to just one question
Do I hold this moment true?
No trace of sadness
Always with gladness
"I Do..."

Now a song that speaks of now and ever
Beckons me to someone new
Unexpected, unexplored, unseen
Filled with promise coming through.
In a while, in a word
You and I forever changed
Love so clear, never blurred
Has me feeling wondrous, strange.

And if life should come to just one question
Do I face each moment true?
No trace of sadness,
Always with gladness
"I Do..."

Never with sadness...
Always with gladness...
"I... Do..."

On this day, let me thank you for coming into my life. Thank you for walking out on me when I'd told you that I wanted just to be friends at that moment. Thank you for insisting that you'd rather not be friends if I won't be with you. Thank you for not letting me make the biggest mistake of my life. Thank you for not giving up on me.

I've had four wonderful years with you and am still looking forward to more years.

If we're in a different place or time or in alternate universe, I'd still say "I do..."

My Numbers Today: 2 9 3

It's my 29th birthday today! I have so much to be thankful for! For one thing, being alive for 29 years is the best gift so far. Life hasn't been all pretty and I'm grateful that I was able to withstand the events that stink.

I started the day with prayer. Then I went to SM Supermarket with dad, Angel, and Biboy (who had spent the night before here at home) to buy ingredients for spaghetti. Afterwards, I spent the day in the kitchen cooking spaghetti, frying crispy chicken, and making vegetable salad. With the help of Biboy, of course. Thank heavens that nothing much went wrong with my cooking unlike last year. We had a sumptuos meal!

Aside from my birthday, Biboy and I are celebrating our third year together! He's one of the people that I'm thankful for. He's a reminding presence that life is truly wonderful! I love you so much, Bi!


Special thank you's for all my friends who didn't forget to greet me in this special day of mine! Thank you for the love and friendship!

02/09/2006 6:24 PM
Imee: Happy birthday! (when told her that it was also my and his brother's anniversary) Talaga? Hapi anniversary s iño!

02/10/2006 12:19 AM
Liezl: Jeck hapi b-day!!! Txt u n lang me sunday kung pano ha. (Will see "My Mega-Valentine Concert" with her this Sunday.)

02/10/2006 12:49 AM
Ginger: kuya hapy bday!

02/10/2006 12:49 AM
Bangge (straight from Singapore!): gurlash happy birthday..!! cencia na ngaun lng ko nkpgtxt.. ayos ko kc ung spass ko d2 prng wrk prmt bka mga 2wks pa mrlse.. glbe kbabyn 2 kya prng roamng rin musta na diyan? .. c",) (I miss her a lot! Siya ang kaututang-dila ko tungkol kina Jang Geum at sa PBB.)

At around 3 AM, I received a call from Babes in Abu Dubai.

02/10/2006 07:28 AM
Jennifer Toneza: Nothing takes God by surprise. He knows the future and can therefore guide us through its trackless ways...

Look ahead n seek God's way!! Happy bday! (This was an unexpected message. Jenny was a good friend in HS and we've lost touch eversince. Till I saw her again mid-last year in McDo. We've exchanged numbers but really didn't make much communication. I appreciated it that she remember my birthday! Thank's, girl!)

02/10/2006 07:38 AM
Mean: Hapi bday po! I knw ur hapi naman so la n kng mahihiling para s u kundi good health and a fruitful year. God bless.

02/10/2006 09:00 AM
Leo: Jheck, hapi bday! (One of my good friends in college whom I've been missing a lot. Siya naman ang kaututang-dila ko tungkol sa mga movies nung college. According to him, he isn't updated with movies lately. Been engrossed with work and gf, now wife.)

02/10/2006 09:01 AM
Epoy: Gud morning jek, happy birthday! Sa nxt saturday ba? I might b in batangas. (Will celebrate next Saturday with friends. It was supposed to be tomorrow but I decided to move the date. I wish that her Batangas trip won't push through next Saturady.)

02/10/2006 10:00 AM
Alma: Jek HAPPY BRTHDAY! - ver n alma

02/10/2006 12:05 PM
Bhe-bhe: Happy bday! Have a fruitful career, floursihing lovelyf and loads of true frnds. Luv u! Hope dis year i have d date ryt. (Yes, you did! She got confused last year. Hehehe. Check out this post. Thanks, girl!)

02/10/2006 12:23 PM
Mommy (from Oman): Jek happy bday. Wish u all d best more bdays 2 come & life fild w spirit wondrus joy, hapines, succes.

02/10/2006 01:03 PM
Vehr (now greeting from Dubai!): jek hapi bday. un chika abot pl d2. pg ngtxt k try mo sa dati kng #, tsaka d2. musta nlng s lahat.

02/10/2006 04:59 PM
Jen P: happy birthday sweety! have a great one! (When told about the anniversary) wow! =) happy anniv to u both! 3 yrs and going strong! thats great! =)

02/10/2006 05:10 PM
Wheng: Hi. Jeck, happy bday po!

Leigh called. I have spoken to her in YM earlier but she was completly unaware of the date. When reminded, she immediately called me. Ayaw niya raw kasi malagay sa journal ngayon for being pasaway! Hehehe. Don't worry. Greet mo rin naman ako last year. But guess who'd be on the list now? Read on...

At around 8, best friend Elma called. I've asked her to drop by the house. She did along with hubby, Jay. Then Than-than called using a different number. Hmmm... Kung hindi ka pa tinawagan ni Elma, di ka pa ata babati, eh! Tsk tsk tsk...

02/10/2006 08:18 PM
Bi: hapi 3rd annivrsary. i will luv u kht anu p mangyri.. hapi bday din. (He left before 8 PM. Love u lots!)

02/10/2006 09:45 PM
+639178578203: Hi po. Arnel to, I jas wntd 2 wish u a hapi birthday. Nd hop dat things wil workout btwin d 2 of us dis year. (Thank you for the greeting! Let's make time decide on the fate of our friendship...)

YM messages recieved from Maan (from Japan), Nean (from Italy), Mama, spaceman_spiff (who somehow gave Biboy a wrong information about the profession I so-called gave of my hubby: siya raw ba ung engineer? hahaha! he immediately apologized, though. blaming it on his bad memory), Ryan, Tita Dolly (from Oman), Nica, RJ (from Texas), & DJ.

Thank you, friends! If you are not on the list, it means I didn't receive a greeting from you! Bad kayo! (Pasensya na at demanding ako! Birthday ko, eh!) Calling Gilbert and Joanne!!!! Last year pa kayo, ah! *grrrr*

Related posts (aside from the links above):
*Subject: What could be greater than this?
*To Bi or not to Bi

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*