This is what i get for being an eager beaver.
I havent seen my mail since the day i started working. I miss my YM friends, my babies in econ, my usual shirking self. Good thing though, im really enjoying my work although its getting mighty toxic as the days go by.
Let me tell you about my first day.
Thank God corporate dressing is my fashion niche. I think i made a good first impression at the office. I was in my best (quiet) behavior and i used my charms to the highest level. The people at my office are sooooo nice, it's surreal. Although my work area is pretty cramped, the atmosphere was so light and fun i cant help but feel comfy. The challenge though was to memorize all the names of the people my super told me. Of course, memorizing them on the spot was impossible, unless i have a pornographic, este, photogenic, ahehe, photographic memory. My team mate and seatmate, Ambec, is such a sweetheart. Even if i became such a royal pain in the ass, she still remains to be the cool and patient mentor. Because i am an anti- social by heart, i ate my lunch alone. First day and i already had tons to do. I had to uhm, cut stickers to cover the disaffiliated clinics in Olongapo and i had to fold 300 brochures a day.Not bad eh? And to top the day, I took a bus home, sitting uncomfortably at the tire part of the vehicle. This is what i get for being lazy. And oh, what are the chances that on your first day, a kumustahan meeting will be conducted? Duh.
Second day
I woke up at the wrong side of the bed. My dad was sick so i had to commute my way from our place to makati. I was wearing a skirt, making my chi a lot worse. Good thing i attended an orientation headed by the gorgeous HR head. HE IS A GOD. he's funny, goodlooking, a lawyer, smart, and totally married. what can i say, Life sucks. Moving on... I had to continue my folding and sticking expedition and can i just say that i have gained the expertise enough to set up my own "tapal" and "tupi" company. The stress is starting to build up. Plus, i missed the chance to see wonder girl and Sushi girl because i failed to notice the message. i was stressing myself to find a washroom because i drank one to many cups of coffee. What are the chances that the line at the washroom is sooo long and when there is only one person in front of me, she had to do more than Pee? well, apparently HUGE. grrrr... i had to walk all the way to the 4th floor of sm makati.
(to be continued.. i have to sleep)
CHANGING MY WORLD, ONE MISTAKE AT A TIME.
Thursday, April 28, 2005
Sunday, April 24, 2005
Images of (College) Life: The End
sino ang sumingit???
G(e)no (minus susy) and the Queen of Sunshine
TP/ Pinsan/ kakambal... Gorj :)
Anime and the Anime- looking
Queen of Sunshine, Tubby and Queer
The Bold and the Boisterous
Kapamilya sa Ecosoc
the Queen of Sunshine with the Future Dean of the School of economics, GC
based on popular request, Susy and AM
Grad Day is a Grand Day
Why Graduation SHOULD BE and WAS Memorable
1. I had to risk turning my friends/ loved ones/ innocent passersby into pillars of salt when i let them see me wearing sleeveless and knee- length silk dress.
2. I had to endure 30 minutes of nail- biting and hair- raising, er, hair- pulling pain when i waxed my legs, upper lip and chin in order to look decent and woman-like (I have male hormones).
3. I had to wait in line at PNB to pay for graduation clearance plus spend a lot of moolah for mall hopping, chocolate kiss-ing and other grad- related expenses.
4. It was the last time ill be getting any money from relatives.
5. I had to bribe all my friends/ orgmates to clap like crazy (and they did!)
6. I got the chance to be Paris Hilton/ Michael Jackson (ewww)/ any other paparazzi-calling celebrity for a day.
7. I had the chance to shake Dean Fab's, Sir Gollum's, Manny's and my future father-in-law's (Sir D.D.) hands. Aaaaah, the smell of success and money.
8. I had this once in a lifetime chance to see Dean Fab look like a Swiss guard/ Hogwart Native (according to Tubby). I love the outfit.
9. It's a daunting realization that I am no longer a college student and now a member of the labor force.
10. It made me realize how much i love college, my friends, my org, my life in UP.
grrrr....motmot time.
1. I had to risk turning my friends/ loved ones/ innocent passersby into pillars of salt when i let them see me wearing sleeveless and knee- length silk dress.
2. I had to endure 30 minutes of nail- biting and hair- raising, er, hair- pulling pain when i waxed my legs, upper lip and chin in order to look decent and woman-like (I have male hormones).
3. I had to wait in line at PNB to pay for graduation clearance plus spend a lot of moolah for mall hopping, chocolate kiss-ing and other grad- related expenses.
4. It was the last time ill be getting any money from relatives.
5. I had to bribe all my friends/ orgmates to clap like crazy (and they did!)
6. I got the chance to be Paris Hilton/ Michael Jackson (ewww)/ any other paparazzi-calling celebrity for a day.
7. I had the chance to shake Dean Fab's, Sir Gollum's, Manny's and my future father-in-law's (Sir D.D.) hands. Aaaaah, the smell of success and money.
8. I had this once in a lifetime chance to see Dean Fab look like a Swiss guard/ Hogwart Native (according to Tubby). I love the outfit.
9. It's a daunting realization that I am no longer a college student and now a member of the labor force.
10. It made me realize how much i love college, my friends, my org, my life in UP.
grrrr....motmot time.
Saturday, April 23, 2005
Picture, Picture! : A Narcissist in Bulacan
an attempt to be summer-y.. Look at those protruding bones! im so skinny!( i wish..)
Ang bulag sa Bulacan... Noticed the background?
Ang bulag sa Bulacan Part 2... now with the blue aviator shades!
Finally, I saw the Light!
Friday, April 22, 2005
Memories in Pixels
My gorgeous TP! wheeheee.. matching sacristan shirt.. :D Lab yah.
Sis and I.. windblown hair
dishwalla, queen of sunshine and Tubby
The Queer and I (iba ang posing ko dito!)
Last Gimmick of the Penguins: A Bulacan Retreat
I am one lazy girl.
Its funny when you have nothing to say but have a lot of time to write about it and everything to say when you're just too tired to even stand up.
The past week has been a happy happy joy joy week for me. I got to bond with my best friends (perks squad a.k.a liga ng mga bidang kontrabida) and my optimal date friends Susy, Geno and Frodo. Also, our barkada on the side, Dishwalla (because he's somewhere in the middle) went with us which made the entire gimmick truly memorable. For those who dont know Dishwalla, he is our most goodlooking blockmate who used to be the object of my small affection (as in super small crush lang). Anyway, it was FUN. we got to reminisce the happy freshie years, take before and after photos of our cargo pants/ rubber shoes days, and drink our way to success and happiness.
i was 5 minutes late for our appointment and i wasnt breaking a sweat. Why should i? this was tubby calling the meeting. I was soooo damn sure that she'll be late. haha.. apparently, she was already there... boohoo... talk about the girl who cried wolf.
we had to pick Flamethrower up at her place because she didnt know that the bulacan thing was that day... she just got home from baguio and according to her, she turned off her phone the entire 5 days she was there because she forgot her charger ad she wanted to preserve the battery.. whatthe?
I missed Tubby's resthouse. the huge pool, the boob-like divider between kiddie and adult pool, the North heat and salakot house. we spent the entire day just chatting, swimming, playing around... of course, I spent most of my energy reading everyone’s fortune.
Since the advent of camera phones (which I don’t have), I have learned to become a Camera freak. I have become a stark raving posing addict, a cross between Paris Hilton and Amy Poehler’s character in Mean Girls (the movie that has affected us all). Too bad for tubby, whose phone has become the medium of my torrid obsession; I consume all her phone memory.
Which reminds me, its been a very long time since the gang got completed… with the thesis, org thing etc, we seldom get to bond with Anime, Dishwalla and even Flamethrower. Thank God for Tubby passing Ateneo Law.
After playing Whoever Crossed the Swimming Pool Without Rising Above the Water will Have a Boyfriend Soon, we played Agawan ng Manga/ Mango Julius (why the title? I have no idea apart from the use of mango as the “ball”). It was so funny watching Frodo being guarded by Flamethrower. It kinda reminded me of the story of David and Goliath. After a “nice” comment made by Flamethrower, we decided to forge a new love team for Frodo. Until now, I can still feel the dagger-like stares Flamethrower gave me when I teased them.
Let me carry my own stool.. ahem.. that does not sound nice, not at all. What I meant to say was, magbubuhat ako ng sarili kong bangko. Hahaha.. although I did that when I went to have my medical exam, but that is another story.
again, ive digressed from my topic unwittingly. Anyway, we realized how talented we are when we were able to make Theme songs for ourselves. Actually, it all started when I formulated a theme song for myself… and then Mamba’s song followed… the rest, as they say, is history.
Lemme share with you some of our theme songs.
Sam Boado aka Flamethrower
“ I want sam boado to share, share the rest of my life..” (Somebody)
Yasay aka Frodo
“Yasay, I only hear what I want to…” (stay)
Eduardo aka Geno
“ Tell me when will you be mine. Tell me ‘duardo, ‘duardo, ‘duardo” (Quando, Quando, Quando)
Everyone has his own song and we were mighty creative for coming up with songs like those. hahaha.. kapal.
And the sun set. After having our dinner, we went to have a drink, Perks Squad Style. We drank a huge pitcher of Red Horse in under 5 minutes… we toasted for success, Susy and Geno’s continued relationship, and world peace. When we were slightly tipsy, we played our favorite game, the undying charades. Of course, I know how to crush the enemy… I made a cheer that would literally take their breath away, laughing of course.
General theme for the Cheer: Boom Xi Boom Xi Boom
“Boom Boom Boom, sinong di mawiwili? Dahil sa game na to, kami ang magwawagi!”
“Boom, Boom, Boom, Boom, Boom, bat ka nagagalit? Siguro ay totoo kaya naiinis”
This cheer is downright scraping the bottom…haha… But it was funny.
We retired early. By midnight, we were all sleepy and light headed. Thanks to the official barkada Girl scout, Mamba, we got to sleep inside a tent. Although with Susy, Geno, Frodo, Flamethrower, Mamba, Dishwalla and me squeezing our not so little frames inside the tent, the entire situation resembled more of an evacuation center/ sardines in a can than a camping site. Dishwalla eventually slept inside the kitchen with Tubby and Queer. I got to sleep beside Susy and Anime (who was a heavy snorer) and sometime during the night, Frodo made siksik between Anime and me. A-ha. 3 Bedmates in one night? Not bad.
I woke up early the next day mainly because I wasn’t able to sleep well. I cooked breakfast consisting of Adobo rice, tuyo and other leftovers. I actually incurred a huge bukol from cooking. It was just plain stupidity. I accidentally burnt my finger and as a reflex, I removed my hand from the hot pan… bad thing I was holding a hot shanse on that particular hand. The outcome: I knocked myself out. Stupid, stupid, stupid.
Afternoon:
What are the chances Queer will get a milk-less halo-halo? Funny.
We played Tong-its and I actually won. It was fun raiding their money. Hahaha…
Finally, homebound. It was a peaceful night… peaceful because we weren’t as boisterous as the trip going there. Almost everyone was asleep. Again, I don’t sleep in any moving object so I spent the entire time thinking… and yes, I was able to watch the most beautiful sunset ive ever seen in my entire life. Having my friends with me made everything more perfect… and it was that exact moment when the red sun finally bade its last light that i knew... they were my home.
Its funny when you have nothing to say but have a lot of time to write about it and everything to say when you're just too tired to even stand up.
The past week has been a happy happy joy joy week for me. I got to bond with my best friends (perks squad a.k.a liga ng mga bidang kontrabida) and my optimal date friends Susy, Geno and Frodo. Also, our barkada on the side, Dishwalla (because he's somewhere in the middle) went with us which made the entire gimmick truly memorable. For those who dont know Dishwalla, he is our most goodlooking blockmate who used to be the object of my small affection (as in super small crush lang). Anyway, it was FUN. we got to reminisce the happy freshie years, take before and after photos of our cargo pants/ rubber shoes days, and drink our way to success and happiness.
i was 5 minutes late for our appointment and i wasnt breaking a sweat. Why should i? this was tubby calling the meeting. I was soooo damn sure that she'll be late. haha.. apparently, she was already there... boohoo... talk about the girl who cried wolf.
we had to pick Flamethrower up at her place because she didnt know that the bulacan thing was that day... she just got home from baguio and according to her, she turned off her phone the entire 5 days she was there because she forgot her charger ad she wanted to preserve the battery.. whatthe?
I missed Tubby's resthouse. the huge pool, the boob-like divider between kiddie and adult pool, the North heat and salakot house. we spent the entire day just chatting, swimming, playing around... of course, I spent most of my energy reading everyone’s fortune.
Since the advent of camera phones (which I don’t have), I have learned to become a Camera freak. I have become a stark raving posing addict, a cross between Paris Hilton and Amy Poehler’s character in Mean Girls (the movie that has affected us all). Too bad for tubby, whose phone has become the medium of my torrid obsession; I consume all her phone memory.
Which reminds me, its been a very long time since the gang got completed… with the thesis, org thing etc, we seldom get to bond with Anime, Dishwalla and even Flamethrower. Thank God for Tubby passing Ateneo Law.
After playing Whoever Crossed the Swimming Pool Without Rising Above the Water will Have a Boyfriend Soon, we played Agawan ng Manga/ Mango Julius (why the title? I have no idea apart from the use of mango as the “ball”). It was so funny watching Frodo being guarded by Flamethrower. It kinda reminded me of the story of David and Goliath. After a “nice” comment made by Flamethrower, we decided to forge a new love team for Frodo. Until now, I can still feel the dagger-like stares Flamethrower gave me when I teased them.
Let me carry my own stool.. ahem.. that does not sound nice, not at all. What I meant to say was, magbubuhat ako ng sarili kong bangko. Hahaha.. although I did that when I went to have my medical exam, but that is another story.
again, ive digressed from my topic unwittingly. Anyway, we realized how talented we are when we were able to make Theme songs for ourselves. Actually, it all started when I formulated a theme song for myself… and then Mamba’s song followed… the rest, as they say, is history.
Lemme share with you some of our theme songs.
Sam Boado aka Flamethrower
“ I want sam boado to share, share the rest of my life..” (Somebody)
Yasay aka Frodo
“Yasay, I only hear what I want to…” (stay)
Eduardo aka Geno
“ Tell me when will you be mine. Tell me ‘duardo, ‘duardo, ‘duardo” (Quando, Quando, Quando)
Everyone has his own song and we were mighty creative for coming up with songs like those. hahaha.. kapal.
And the sun set. After having our dinner, we went to have a drink, Perks Squad Style. We drank a huge pitcher of Red Horse in under 5 minutes… we toasted for success, Susy and Geno’s continued relationship, and world peace. When we were slightly tipsy, we played our favorite game, the undying charades. Of course, I know how to crush the enemy… I made a cheer that would literally take their breath away, laughing of course.
General theme for the Cheer: Boom Xi Boom Xi Boom
“Boom Boom Boom, sinong di mawiwili? Dahil sa game na to, kami ang magwawagi!”
“Boom, Boom, Boom, Boom, Boom, bat ka nagagalit? Siguro ay totoo kaya naiinis”
This cheer is downright scraping the bottom…haha… But it was funny.
We retired early. By midnight, we were all sleepy and light headed. Thanks to the official barkada Girl scout, Mamba, we got to sleep inside a tent. Although with Susy, Geno, Frodo, Flamethrower, Mamba, Dishwalla and me squeezing our not so little frames inside the tent, the entire situation resembled more of an evacuation center/ sardines in a can than a camping site. Dishwalla eventually slept inside the kitchen with Tubby and Queer. I got to sleep beside Susy and Anime (who was a heavy snorer) and sometime during the night, Frodo made siksik between Anime and me. A-ha. 3 Bedmates in one night? Not bad.
I woke up early the next day mainly because I wasn’t able to sleep well. I cooked breakfast consisting of Adobo rice, tuyo and other leftovers. I actually incurred a huge bukol from cooking. It was just plain stupidity. I accidentally burnt my finger and as a reflex, I removed my hand from the hot pan… bad thing I was holding a hot shanse on that particular hand. The outcome: I knocked myself out. Stupid, stupid, stupid.
Afternoon:
What are the chances Queer will get a milk-less halo-halo? Funny.
We played Tong-its and I actually won. It was fun raiding their money. Hahaha…
Finally, homebound. It was a peaceful night… peaceful because we weren’t as boisterous as the trip going there. Almost everyone was asleep. Again, I don’t sleep in any moving object so I spent the entire time thinking… and yes, I was able to watch the most beautiful sunset ive ever seen in my entire life. Having my friends with me made everything more perfect… and it was that exact moment when the red sun finally bade its last light that i knew... they were my home.
Tuesday, April 12, 2005
Charlie, Charlie!
Hide and Seek
I do not like scary movies. I dont like being scared. Although I still watch scary movies (the Ring with Scarlet and the ex-bf, The grudge with gorj, and I know what you did last Summer with Assunta and Violet), I'd prefer chick flick/ action films any day.
So there.. why the hell did i watch Hide and Seek anyway? It wasnt intended, i tell you. I just so happened to lose the vote.
The entire Friday gimmick, aside from being the "welcome back" party for Queer, is due to the SMB party at Mega. We cannot say no to the lure of alcohol. But bratinella that i am, I refuse to brush elbows (literally) with the sweaty and sticky. What can i do? i hate crowds. Plus, i saw the return of the comeback of the matrix fashion.
Susy and Geno were supposed to be with us. however, they went mall hopping in makati so my impatient friends decided to go inside the cinema. I wanted to watch Be cool but Queer wanted to shake inside his boots so fine... we went to see Hide and Seek.
I never realized how gay queer is until he shrieked like a girl (with matching throwing of the popcorn a la Tito vic and Joey films) inside the movie house. He was the only one who screamed... seriously. Tubby and I moved an inch away from him lest we get beaten up by the anonymous person whom Queer accidentally threw his popcorn at.
we were 10 minutes late so we missed some of the vital info about the movie. nevertheless, we got the hang of it, thanks to the frequent flashbacks.
the film was hmmm, ok. i mean, it wasnt that flat out bad but i've seen scarier scary movies. But all we can say is that DAKOTA Fanning is scary. hehehe.. we have officially built a fans club for her.
This post is edited in order not to spoil the movie. i tend to give a detailed description so i'll just shut up.
I do not like scary movies. I dont like being scared. Although I still watch scary movies (the Ring with Scarlet and the ex-bf, The grudge with gorj, and I know what you did last Summer with Assunta and Violet), I'd prefer chick flick/ action films any day.
So there.. why the hell did i watch Hide and Seek anyway? It wasnt intended, i tell you. I just so happened to lose the vote.
The entire Friday gimmick, aside from being the "welcome back" party for Queer, is due to the SMB party at Mega. We cannot say no to the lure of alcohol. But bratinella that i am, I refuse to brush elbows (literally) with the sweaty and sticky. What can i do? i hate crowds. Plus, i saw the return of the comeback of the matrix fashion.
Susy and Geno were supposed to be with us. however, they went mall hopping in makati so my impatient friends decided to go inside the cinema. I wanted to watch Be cool but Queer wanted to shake inside his boots so fine... we went to see Hide and Seek.
I never realized how gay queer is until he shrieked like a girl (with matching throwing of the popcorn a la Tito vic and Joey films) inside the movie house. He was the only one who screamed... seriously. Tubby and I moved an inch away from him lest we get beaten up by the anonymous person whom Queer accidentally threw his popcorn at.
we were 10 minutes late so we missed some of the vital info about the movie. nevertheless, we got the hang of it, thanks to the frequent flashbacks.
the film was hmmm, ok. i mean, it wasnt that flat out bad but i've seen scarier scary movies. But all we can say is that DAKOTA Fanning is scary. hehehe.. we have officially built a fans club for her.
This post is edited in order not to spoil the movie. i tend to give a detailed description so i'll just shut up.
Monday, April 11, 2005
When You Look Like Your NBI Clearance Picture, It's Time to Consult Vicky Belo
Your mood does affect the way you look.
This harsh realization occurred to me when I finally got my NBI clearance. God, it was ugly. I’m not talking about the harassed looking, zit- infested ugly… its more like the non human, gargoyle ugly. My eyes were looking at different directions (imagine that), my nose looked like amushroom and my lips were in a smacking position (I was trying to wet my lips before I took the picture. Bad thing is, the picture was being taken during that attempt to look fresh). So much for trying to look normal. What the hell is the NBI clearance for? It was supposed to verify that I do not have any pending criminal case but with that picture, I just might be imprisoned for looking so butt- ugly.
Mommy, I don’t want to work anymore.
This harsh realization occurred to me when I finally got my NBI clearance. God, it was ugly. I’m not talking about the harassed looking, zit- infested ugly… its more like the non human, gargoyle ugly. My eyes were looking at different directions (imagine that), my nose looked like amushroom and my lips were in a smacking position (I was trying to wet my lips before I took the picture. Bad thing is, the picture was being taken during that attempt to look fresh). So much for trying to look normal. What the hell is the NBI clearance for? It was supposed to verify that I do not have any pending criminal case but with that picture, I just might be imprisoned for looking so butt- ugly.
Mommy, I don’t want to work anymore.
Of Love at First Sights: a Movie Review
Last friday, i was able to watch two great movies, a twisted love story courtesy of my friend G and the other one, a psycho thriller with Tubby and Queer. Both movies were able to invoke the necessary feelings for me to like the film although during most parts in the movie HIde and Seek, my eyes were closed and my ears covered so i wouldnt hear the sound... (I'm not a huge fan of scary movies, I get scared).
CLOSER
I am not a huge fan of Julia Roberts, although I tend to watch most of her films unwittingly. (wait, i think I saw almost all her movies except Steel Magnolias and Erin Brochovich. weeeeird). but can i just say, this is her best acting performance I've ever seen.
Closer is a story of four people caught in the intricate web of love, hate, and infidelity. The gorgeous Jude Law plays the character Dan, a struggling writer who falls in love with Alice (Natalie Portman), an American Stripper from New York. She is young, beautiful and carefree. It was love at first sight... until Dan meets Anna, the divorced photographer while Dan was getting his picture taken for the book he wrote (ironically about Alice). Anna is the exact opposite of ALice: mature, reserved and mysterious. Dan, a sucker for whirlwind romance, falls in love with her instantly... and Alice is actually aware of this but remains quiet to preserve her relationship with Dan.
Due to a prank initiated by Dan, Larry the dermatologist, played amazingly by CLive Owens, meets Anna. Sparks fly istantly, and next thing we know, Anna and Larry are officially a couple. The four meet again in the opening of Anna's exhibit and the attraction between Anna and Dan cannot be ignored. they hook up without the knowledge of ALice and Larry, now the husband of anna.
My God. This story is depressing. I've never seen a movie so.... arresting. The dialogues were beautiful, heartfelt, sexual and honest. I cried not because it's mushy, not because its heroic (remember the fight scene in LOTR 2 and 3?) but because I've never seen love depicted that way... both a debasement and a truth. The movie shows how things can get really ugly when you succumb to the intensity of falling in love. You hate the characters of Dan and Anna, but at the same time, you can never say for sure that they're wrong. You can feel their pain, their despair, their guilt... it 's like opening your wound and putting lemon, salt and tequila on it.
This movie unleashes raw feelings and every movie fan should watch this film.
(to be continued)
CLOSER
I am not a huge fan of Julia Roberts, although I tend to watch most of her films unwittingly. (wait, i think I saw almost all her movies except Steel Magnolias and Erin Brochovich. weeeeird). but can i just say, this is her best acting performance I've ever seen.
Closer is a story of four people caught in the intricate web of love, hate, and infidelity. The gorgeous Jude Law plays the character Dan, a struggling writer who falls in love with Alice (Natalie Portman), an American Stripper from New York. She is young, beautiful and carefree. It was love at first sight... until Dan meets Anna, the divorced photographer while Dan was getting his picture taken for the book he wrote (ironically about Alice). Anna is the exact opposite of ALice: mature, reserved and mysterious. Dan, a sucker for whirlwind romance, falls in love with her instantly... and Alice is actually aware of this but remains quiet to preserve her relationship with Dan.
Due to a prank initiated by Dan, Larry the dermatologist, played amazingly by CLive Owens, meets Anna. Sparks fly istantly, and next thing we know, Anna and Larry are officially a couple. The four meet again in the opening of Anna's exhibit and the attraction between Anna and Dan cannot be ignored. they hook up without the knowledge of ALice and Larry, now the husband of anna.
My God. This story is depressing. I've never seen a movie so.... arresting. The dialogues were beautiful, heartfelt, sexual and honest. I cried not because it's mushy, not because its heroic (remember the fight scene in LOTR 2 and 3?) but because I've never seen love depicted that way... both a debasement and a truth. The movie shows how things can get really ugly when you succumb to the intensity of falling in love. You hate the characters of Dan and Anna, but at the same time, you can never say for sure that they're wrong. You can feel their pain, their despair, their guilt... it 's like opening your wound and putting lemon, salt and tequila on it.
This movie unleashes raw feelings and every movie fan should watch this film.
(to be continued)
Sunday, April 10, 2005
All is Fair in Love and Bureaucracy
Now I know what irks me.
Yesterday, I went to Megamall with my ultimate date pals, Tubby and Queer (POX-y Cleopatra no more). While mulling over San Miguel Draft and the driest sisig this side of the planet, I started sharing my frustrations regarding my attempt to get an SSS id and NBI clearance. This started a debate with Queer and 20 minutes of anger management.
The Scoop
Since I have a lunch date with G at 1 pm, I had to wake up early to accomplish the needed employment requirements. Together with my mom and dad, I hauled my sorry ass to Frisco to apply for an SSS id. Apparently, that branch relocated to another branch just within the vicinity. We then went to the new building and alas, it is still in the process of moving. My mom was pissed (of course) because she thinks it was highly irresponsible to close the old building when the new one is still under construction. We then went to SSS’ main office located at East Ave. and spent 20 minutes looking for its entrance (because all car entrances were locked). Wasting precious minutes, my mom and I decided to let my dad park somewhere else and walk our way inside the building. At the front gate of the building, we were greeted by a screaming guard telling everyone that only people who will be paying their accounts are allowed inside. A-ha! The culprit: the four- day work day for government offices. Great… So I woke up early, harassed my parents to drive me there and ended up accomplishing nothing. That’s my pissed off story number 1.
Moral of the Story: I am not digging this 4-day work day… it might be applicable to other government agencies but considering that this is a service oriented department, it should have thought of its customers first, their convenience, their schedule, their time. Apparently, the government is concerned with the amount of money it will save but not the repercussions. I am totally for the cost-cutting measure, just as long as the QUALITY of the service is not compromised.
Next Stop, City Hall. I was crossing my fingers, hoping that the offices are open, and thank God, they were. Only thing is, I had to line up for several hours to get my NBI clearance. Imagine this: a hundred or so people, sweaty people, waiting in line under the punishing heat of the sun, most of them speaking loudly because just like me, they hate government inefficiency. I was pissed, in heat, sweaty, hungry and late for my movie date with G. And having my mom with me for the first few hours, shouting my name and ordering me what to do is just the icing on my razor cake. You know how I hate crowds, hate being bossed around, hate the heat, hate lines, and hate inefficiency. That day was pure hell for me.
SO, going back to my story. I was ranting about these things when Queer told me that he was actually in favor of the 4-day work day thing. I contradicted his statements by telling him all the repercussions of this policy and things got heated and literal (with me using a bad example and Queer taking it at face value). Knowing us, it was normal to debate on a lot of things. We have no problems with that. Things took an ugly turn when Queer and Tubby started talking about instances when corruption is accepted, and when money can be used to leverage a person’s standing. That hit a nerve, not only because of my excruciating experience with bureaucracy but because ever since I was a kid, the thought of getting ahead of others (through the person’s smart ways or the other person’s stupidity) does not sit well with me.
I have problems with corruption. I HATE IT. The reason, I think, that it’s so prevalent in our country is because we tend to tolerate it and even succumb to it. Maybe it’s just me… I have always hated the idea of people abusing their power/ wealth to get ahead of others. Heck, I have difficulty in accepting the “save” concept (saving a person space in a line even when he’s not there). I mean, people behind you have gained unwanted varicose veins and an additional 2 inches in their calf muscles from lining up while you can just barge in, late as ever, and accomplish everything without breaking a sweat. That, in my opinion, is not a case of playing it fair.
I guess my dad’s principles rubbed on me. For him, money is not everything… yes, its easier to pay your way to getting what you want, if you have the money, why not? But try putting yourself in the other person’s shoes, one who does not have a lot of money to make the system work for him. Again, you can counter that it’s their choice, it’s their fault for not working hard enough. But then again, that’s not always true. Sometimes, even if you’re working your ass off, you only get enough money to feed the family, hence, not enough money to pay for “express” services.
I hate unfairness, I hate corruption. I value other people’s opinion if they think these things are alright and acceptable but I’d rather not discuss those opinions. Condoning these things, I think I can tolerate, but flat out encouraging them is something I can’t handle. I don’t think I ever will.
One more time: I hate lining up, I hate crowds, I hate government inefficiency. But as much as I abhor these things, I have to face them, just like the other people. Why not? We’re all the same, anyway.
Yesterday, I went to Megamall with my ultimate date pals, Tubby and Queer (POX-y Cleopatra no more). While mulling over San Miguel Draft and the driest sisig this side of the planet, I started sharing my frustrations regarding my attempt to get an SSS id and NBI clearance. This started a debate with Queer and 20 minutes of anger management.
The Scoop
Since I have a lunch date with G at 1 pm, I had to wake up early to accomplish the needed employment requirements. Together with my mom and dad, I hauled my sorry ass to Frisco to apply for an SSS id. Apparently, that branch relocated to another branch just within the vicinity. We then went to the new building and alas, it is still in the process of moving. My mom was pissed (of course) because she thinks it was highly irresponsible to close the old building when the new one is still under construction. We then went to SSS’ main office located at East Ave. and spent 20 minutes looking for its entrance (because all car entrances were locked). Wasting precious minutes, my mom and I decided to let my dad park somewhere else and walk our way inside the building. At the front gate of the building, we were greeted by a screaming guard telling everyone that only people who will be paying their accounts are allowed inside. A-ha! The culprit: the four- day work day for government offices. Great… So I woke up early, harassed my parents to drive me there and ended up accomplishing nothing. That’s my pissed off story number 1.
Moral of the Story: I am not digging this 4-day work day… it might be applicable to other government agencies but considering that this is a service oriented department, it should have thought of its customers first, their convenience, their schedule, their time. Apparently, the government is concerned with the amount of money it will save but not the repercussions. I am totally for the cost-cutting measure, just as long as the QUALITY of the service is not compromised.
Next Stop, City Hall. I was crossing my fingers, hoping that the offices are open, and thank God, they were. Only thing is, I had to line up for several hours to get my NBI clearance. Imagine this: a hundred or so people, sweaty people, waiting in line under the punishing heat of the sun, most of them speaking loudly because just like me, they hate government inefficiency. I was pissed, in heat, sweaty, hungry and late for my movie date with G. And having my mom with me for the first few hours, shouting my name and ordering me what to do is just the icing on my razor cake. You know how I hate crowds, hate being bossed around, hate the heat, hate lines, and hate inefficiency. That day was pure hell for me.
SO, going back to my story. I was ranting about these things when Queer told me that he was actually in favor of the 4-day work day thing. I contradicted his statements by telling him all the repercussions of this policy and things got heated and literal (with me using a bad example and Queer taking it at face value). Knowing us, it was normal to debate on a lot of things. We have no problems with that. Things took an ugly turn when Queer and Tubby started talking about instances when corruption is accepted, and when money can be used to leverage a person’s standing. That hit a nerve, not only because of my excruciating experience with bureaucracy but because ever since I was a kid, the thought of getting ahead of others (through the person’s smart ways or the other person’s stupidity) does not sit well with me.
I have problems with corruption. I HATE IT. The reason, I think, that it’s so prevalent in our country is because we tend to tolerate it and even succumb to it. Maybe it’s just me… I have always hated the idea of people abusing their power/ wealth to get ahead of others. Heck, I have difficulty in accepting the “save” concept (saving a person space in a line even when he’s not there). I mean, people behind you have gained unwanted varicose veins and an additional 2 inches in their calf muscles from lining up while you can just barge in, late as ever, and accomplish everything without breaking a sweat. That, in my opinion, is not a case of playing it fair.
I guess my dad’s principles rubbed on me. For him, money is not everything… yes, its easier to pay your way to getting what you want, if you have the money, why not? But try putting yourself in the other person’s shoes, one who does not have a lot of money to make the system work for him. Again, you can counter that it’s their choice, it’s their fault for not working hard enough. But then again, that’s not always true. Sometimes, even if you’re working your ass off, you only get enough money to feed the family, hence, not enough money to pay for “express” services.
I hate unfairness, I hate corruption. I value other people’s opinion if they think these things are alright and acceptable but I’d rather not discuss those opinions. Condoning these things, I think I can tolerate, but flat out encouraging them is something I can’t handle. I don’t think I ever will.
One more time: I hate lining up, I hate crowds, I hate government inefficiency. But as much as I abhor these things, I have to face them, just like the other people. Why not? We’re all the same, anyway.
Wednesday, April 06, 2005
Wednesday is Couch Potato Day
CSI
I watched three CSI episodes today.
My brain is bombarded with CSI jargons like Alternative Light Source, Post Mortem, COD, Asphyxiation and others. What can i say, im a CSI freak. Actually, it never dawned on me how obsessed i've become until that fateful day when i asked Queer for an update on his CSI viewing. He told me that he watched the episode about the case where the sister of a murdered woman brought a new evidence. I sharply told Queer that it was the episode where Nick was wearing this horrible brown turtleneck. I mean, duh, even if i werent a huge fan of the show, a fashion booboo will always be stuck on my mind.
anyway, i caught the first episode of CSI: NY. It was waaaay better than Miami's Pilot episode. Plus, gary sinise is really a good lead CSI, although Gil Grissom is still the best for me... You see, i think that the best determinant (thesis ito) of a true blue CSI fanatic is when you start finding William Petersen hot... and seriously, i am six episodes (and three beer cases) away from liking him.
Can i just say, though, that NY has a bigger laboratory than that of Vegas. they have more high tech equipment (check out their autopsy table!) but i think the lab looks like a huge warehouse... and the lighting is a bit overdramatic. But in general, it has a great overall aura, more like las Vegas (bluish background, night shift).
AMAZING RACE
I think I'm bad luck. (Almost) every team im cheering for is booted out of the competition. First it was Debbie and Bianca, then its SUsan and Patrick and now its Brian and Greg. Sayang. they're so hot pa naman. Now, I'm hoping Alex and Lynn will win... (Although i like Meredith and Gretchen, i think their time is almost up). If the Lord is fair, He wont let AMber and Rob win.. hehe.. (im just being bitter).
My brother told me that the Amazing Race has never been to Japan.. i wonder why...
wait, i can't write well. I'm currently chatting with Tubby, Mamba and Queer. AS the adage goes, you cant serve two masters at the same time..
oh well.
I watched three CSI episodes today.
My brain is bombarded with CSI jargons like Alternative Light Source, Post Mortem, COD, Asphyxiation and others. What can i say, im a CSI freak. Actually, it never dawned on me how obsessed i've become until that fateful day when i asked Queer for an update on his CSI viewing. He told me that he watched the episode about the case where the sister of a murdered woman brought a new evidence. I sharply told Queer that it was the episode where Nick was wearing this horrible brown turtleneck. I mean, duh, even if i werent a huge fan of the show, a fashion booboo will always be stuck on my mind.
anyway, i caught the first episode of CSI: NY. It was waaaay better than Miami's Pilot episode. Plus, gary sinise is really a good lead CSI, although Gil Grissom is still the best for me... You see, i think that the best determinant (thesis ito) of a true blue CSI fanatic is when you start finding William Petersen hot... and seriously, i am six episodes (and three beer cases) away from liking him.
Can i just say, though, that NY has a bigger laboratory than that of Vegas. they have more high tech equipment (check out their autopsy table!) but i think the lab looks like a huge warehouse... and the lighting is a bit overdramatic. But in general, it has a great overall aura, more like las Vegas (bluish background, night shift).
AMAZING RACE
I think I'm bad luck. (Almost) every team im cheering for is booted out of the competition. First it was Debbie and Bianca, then its SUsan and Patrick and now its Brian and Greg. Sayang. they're so hot pa naman. Now, I'm hoping Alex and Lynn will win... (Although i like Meredith and Gretchen, i think their time is almost up). If the Lord is fair, He wont let AMber and Rob win.. hehe.. (im just being bitter).
My brother told me that the Amazing Race has never been to Japan.. i wonder why...
wait, i can't write well. I'm currently chatting with Tubby, Mamba and Queer. AS the adage goes, you cant serve two masters at the same time..
oh well.
All in a Day's Work
That is so funny.
I just read Tubby's most recent post. haha..talk about cybersex. I think one of the reasons she passed law school is that God wanted her to have kick some balls, the legal way. I mean, with the rate of sex- related messages/ attention tubby is getting, she could be a billi0naire just suing all of them.
COnstruction worker:
miss, ang laki ng B**bs mo!
Tubby:
*whappack* subpoena!
Trike Driver:
miss, anong number mo?
Tubby:
*slap* i'll see you in court!
GR:
Tubby, ang laki ng kaha mo pero wala kang puson.
Tubby:
How do you like a larger prison where you can park your sorry little ass?
Yeah, tubby, that's what im talking about. Save the bosom-rich sisters from everyday harrassment!
... moving on.
Ok. so dilbert knows that he's dilbert. I should be panicking right? amazingly, it was only a mild panic that lasted for hmmm, approximately 30 mins. I dont know. Usually, i would be in a severe case of paranoia/ distress, trying to reverse the effects of the revelation. AFter some time, i realized, What for? nothing happened, nothing is happening and i bet nothing will be happening. I'm sure the temporary insanity ended the moment i realized it only takes two minutes for me to lose interest.
Talk about emotional frigidity.
My thesis partner and pseudo-cousin Gorj applied in thompson financial, which is not far fetched. we are econ students/ almost graduate. apparently, he applied for the position of drumroll please... SPanish translator!
Again, its not really farfetched since he did take up several units of spanish. To his horror, the exam was to translate accounting terms. hahaha.
But wait, there's more. he actually got high grades! he is being interviewed this very moment. Good luck, gorj! you're the best!
Mamba, on the other hand, got really disappointed when she got interviewed for this other bank. Let's call the bank, Bank of RP or BRP. Mamba thought that for entry level positions, BRP pays relatively higher compared to the other banks, i.e the hateable bank. apparently, it only pays below 8k, non negotiable.. uh-oh. warning bells clinking inside my head. What about Friday greenbelt nights???
oh well. this is what organizational behavior class calls nonsatisfaction and marketing termed as dissatisfaction, where the outcome is lower than the expectations. boohoo.
I just read Tubby's most recent post. haha..talk about cybersex. I think one of the reasons she passed law school is that God wanted her to have kick some balls, the legal way. I mean, with the rate of sex- related messages/ attention tubby is getting, she could be a billi0naire just suing all of them.
COnstruction worker:
miss, ang laki ng B**bs mo!
Tubby:
*whappack* subpoena!
Trike Driver:
miss, anong number mo?
Tubby:
*slap* i'll see you in court!
GR:
Tubby, ang laki ng kaha mo pero wala kang puson.
Tubby:
How do you like a larger prison where you can park your sorry little ass?
Yeah, tubby, that's what im talking about. Save the bosom-rich sisters from everyday harrassment!
... moving on.
Ok. so dilbert knows that he's dilbert. I should be panicking right? amazingly, it was only a mild panic that lasted for hmmm, approximately 30 mins. I dont know. Usually, i would be in a severe case of paranoia/ distress, trying to reverse the effects of the revelation. AFter some time, i realized, What for? nothing happened, nothing is happening and i bet nothing will be happening. I'm sure the temporary insanity ended the moment i realized it only takes two minutes for me to lose interest.
Talk about emotional frigidity.
My thesis partner and pseudo-cousin Gorj applied in thompson financial, which is not far fetched. we are econ students/ almost graduate. apparently, he applied for the position of drumroll please... SPanish translator!
Again, its not really farfetched since he did take up several units of spanish. To his horror, the exam was to translate accounting terms. hahaha.
But wait, there's more. he actually got high grades! he is being interviewed this very moment. Good luck, gorj! you're the best!
Mamba, on the other hand, got really disappointed when she got interviewed for this other bank. Let's call the bank, Bank of RP or BRP. Mamba thought that for entry level positions, BRP pays relatively higher compared to the other banks, i.e the hateable bank. apparently, it only pays below 8k, non negotiable.. uh-oh. warning bells clinking inside my head. What about Friday greenbelt nights???
oh well. this is what organizational behavior class calls nonsatisfaction and marketing termed as dissatisfaction, where the outcome is lower than the expectations. boohoo.
Tuesday, April 05, 2005
Headlines from the Techno-challenged
darn it. Im bitten by the lazy bug.
At long last, my computer is fixed. this goodfornothing pc of ours is ruining my good mood. I mean seriously, three crashes in less than a year? that's baaaaad....
anyway, another good news. Thesis is finished! wahooo! no late night cramming, editing hell and guilt from shirking. My college academic life is over.
aargh, wait. can i rant for a moment.
waaaaaah! my parents didnt allow me to go to Puerto Galera! i should have known... my dad has this unfounded sea phobia and my social life is taking all the damage. now i wont be having my last college vacation.. :(
anyway, this is funny. I actually got accepted in the hateable bank... eew... but no, when they called, i told them i was busy so i cant have my medical exam. i lied (miriam santiago-ish laugh). I dont really know why i didnt terminate the application that very moment but letting them wait felt really good. take that!
great news again.
My soul sistah Tubby got accepted in Ateneo (arneo) law school! congratulations sis! well done. I'm sure, it will be Legally Blonde Part 3.
ooops, which reminds me, i have to finish all my requirements for work... I'm so excited!
wait, this is such an ugly post... lemme put on my thinking cap and i'll be back with more interesting stories.
At long last, my computer is fixed. this goodfornothing pc of ours is ruining my good mood. I mean seriously, three crashes in less than a year? that's baaaaad....
anyway, another good news. Thesis is finished! wahooo! no late night cramming, editing hell and guilt from shirking. My college academic life is over.
aargh, wait. can i rant for a moment.
waaaaaah! my parents didnt allow me to go to Puerto Galera! i should have known... my dad has this unfounded sea phobia and my social life is taking all the damage. now i wont be having my last college vacation.. :(
anyway, this is funny. I actually got accepted in the hateable bank... eew... but no, when they called, i told them i was busy so i cant have my medical exam. i lied (miriam santiago-ish laugh). I dont really know why i didnt terminate the application that very moment but letting them wait felt really good. take that!
great news again.
My soul sistah Tubby got accepted in Ateneo (arneo) law school! congratulations sis! well done. I'm sure, it will be Legally Blonde Part 3.
ooops, which reminds me, i have to finish all my requirements for work... I'm so excited!
wait, this is such an ugly post... lemme put on my thinking cap and i'll be back with more interesting stories.