Just My Cup Of Coffee

A Recount Of My Experience With The Philippine Bureau Of Immigration (Part 2)

2014-08-26T18:56:00.000+08:00

This is the 2nd part of my post and here are my 2-cents:

I don’t have any qualms on the so-called crackdown on foreigners illegally doing business here in the country, and I definitely understand that it is the Immigration’s duty to conduct such raids / arrests. But what I vehemently object to is the fact that we got apprehended just because we look ‘Chinese’. But even so, we already have our documents on hand to prove our citizenship yet Immigration agents wouldn’t even look/scrutinize it. That is just so discriminating. I believe that’s racial profiling and racial discrimination already!

And is it lawful to apprehend an individual even if they've already presented valid proof / identification as a citizen? There is no warrant of arrest issued against us, so why is it that we were still forced to go with the immigration agents when from my understanding, the bureau should only be concerned with 'foreign' nationals?

In doing a crackdown on foreigners illegally doing business here in the country, have the Immigration made a careful background check before they arrested these individuals? I believe not, because if they had, then they wouldn't have arrested mom and I, right? But no, they just grabbed anyone they saw who looks Chinese! Again, it seems like they have something against the Chinese race. I mean, I saw some other foreign nationals in the mall that day too, but they didn't as much stop them to question them. Unfair, isn't it?

Now we were told that our documents might be fake and that they need to verify it in their office just to be sure. If that’s the case, well isn’t it a shame that government employees (particularly those conducting arrests) do not know how to spot a fake document?!

While I understand that Immigration agents are just doing their jobs, they shouldn’t make fun of the individuals that they’ve arrested. Be professional. And while people don’t expect them to be compassionate, at least be civil.

Just what exactly is the standard procedure when someone is brought into the Immigration office for verification? Tagged, picture & biometrics taken, then what? No interview? Just sit and wait for one’s release? But why so slow? That even for Filipino citizens like me and mom, verification has to take 5 hours?! I believe they need to streamline their verification and releasing process.

And just why do the agency not have someone in their office who could properly translate and communicate with those Chinese who were arrested? How do you expect them to cooperate when they couldn't understand you and vice versa?

And why is that when we asked when we could be released, we were told that the Commissioner who was to sign our release papers isn’t around to sign and so we were to stay overnight? Is that even a valid reason? Shouldn’t signing officers have working shifts so that any time a subject is cleared, they could be released immediately?!

Also, why is it that when you ask for their complete names, some Immigration agents would only provide you with their first names? And oh, some wear their IDs backwards too. Just why is it that arresting officers are so rude and so ‘matapang’ when they are arresting us, but when it’s time for us to ask for their complete names, they turn 360degrees?!

If the bureau is to detain an individual, shouldn't meals, water &/or medicines be provided for? While the immigration agents offered us water from their dispensers, we weren't provided with paper cups until after I made that interview on Bandila. Even for my mom who has to go to the restroom a number of times due to diarrhea. If I didn't make that interview, would they have been kind to give that Loperamide to my mom afterwards? I believe there was another detainee who's suffering from an eye infection that day, did they provide any medication? I believe not. As for food, no, there wasn't any portions given. Is this even humane?

I've always refused to believe that our country's government / agencies could be so disappointing. But after my first-hand experience, I'm afraid I have to say otherwise.

A RECOUNT OF MY EXPERIENCE WITH THE BUREAU OF IMMIGRATION

2014-08-26T18:12:00.000+08:00

On August 19, 2014 (Tuesday) at around 3:30PM, the Philippine Bureau of Immigration made a surprise raid (termed by GMA 7 Mike Enriquez as a crackdown on Chinese nationals illegally doing business here in the country) in one of the shopping centers in Sta. Cruz Quaipo Manila.

Here’s my personal recount of the events that transpired during and after the raid wherein which my mom & I were likewise apprehended by Immigration agents simply because we look ‘Chinese’:

Some time past 3pm, my mom who was having a case of diarrhea went to the 3^rd floor restroom of the mall to relieve herself. She was just about to turn to the corner where the restrooms are located when an Immigration agent came up to her and put his hand around her shoulders telling her to go with him. She explained that she had to use the toilet because of diarrhea, but the agent refused to listen to her and forced her to go down the escalator stairs with him.

When I saw that the immigration agent kept forcing her, I called out in a loud voice (since I was standing on the 2^ndfloor looking up towards the 3^rd lfoor) and told him “Bakit mo pinipilit at tinutulak ang mommy ko?! Senior citizen siya ha! May LBM at mag-C-CR lang naman siya ah?!”

The immigration agent then shouted back saying “Sino ka’t naglalakas ng boses sa amin?! Ang yabang mo! Isa ka rin namang Instik! Saan papeles mo?!”

I replied and said “Filipino ako, at hindi kita sinisigawan! Malakas talaga ang boses ko kahit itanung mo pa sa mga tao dito. At isa pa, pinupwersa (itinutulak? Can’t exactly recall the term I said then) mo ang nanay ko e may-LBM ang tao at kailangang mag-CR!”

Immigration agent (shouting): Boses ko rin lang to, pero nasaan ang papeles niyo?!

Mom: Saglit lang, kukunin ng anak ko. Pwede bang mag-CR na muna ako?!

Immigration agent: Sandali lang! Papeles niyo muna!

Me: Pwede bang papuntahin niyo muna ang nanay ko sa CR? Hindi naman kami aalis dito e. Kung ayaw niyong maniwala, e di samahan niyo siya sa CR. LBM yan e.

Immigration agent: Teka lang, pakita ng papeles niyo.

Me (gave a plastic envelope containing photocopies of our documents ranging from my passport, SSS ID, voter’s ID, PRC license to my mom’s passport, naturalization papers, SSS ID and voter’s ID. We also had the hardcopies of our expired & stamped passport included inside the envelope): Eto o, Filipino talaga kami.

Immigration agent: Baka peke naman mga to.

Me: Pwede bang makapag-exam at magkaroon ng PRC license ang isang hindi Pilipino? At paano naman magkaka-pension sa SSS ang nanay ko kung hindi siya Pilipino? At paano naman magiging peke ang passport at IDs….kung peke e di ibig sabihin gumagawa ng pekeng documento ang gobyerno natin?!

Immigration agent: Sumama na lang kayo sa opisina para ma-check namin ang papeles ninyo.

Me: Pwede nating tawagan ang PRC ngayon para itanung kung totoong pumasa ako ng board exam at kung totoo ba itong hawak kong PRC license.

Immigration agent: Hindi na. Sa opisina na lang. Malalaman natin dun kung totoong Pilipino nga ba kayo o hindi, e mukha kayong mga Chinese.

Me: Hindi palibhasa mukhang Chinese e Chinese citizen agad!

2^nd Immigration agent then appeared by our side to see what’s happening and I once again explained our side, but he was also as stubborn as the 1^st agent and even told us that we’ll get handcuffed if we don’t go with them!

Mom: Sige na, punta na kung punta! CR lang muna ako!

Immigration agent: Dun na lang sa opisina mag-CR.

Me: Ano ba kayo?! May-LBM nga ang nanay ko e! Napipigilan ba ang LBM?! Kung ayaw ninyong maniwala, samahan niyo na lang siya sa CR at bantayan. Hindi kami aalis dito nho!

Immigration agent then asked 2^nd immigration agent for another backup. When 3rd agent came, one of them accompanied my mom to the CR, while I closed our stall space.

We were made to file along with the other individuals who were likewise apprehended. During the lineup, I approached another Immigration agent (a higher-position agent) and told him that mom and I are Filipinos and that we have documents to prove it, but he only said “mamaya, tulungan mo muna ako mag-translate sa Chinese na ito (pointing to a Chinese woman with a child)”

But after helping with the translation, I was told to fall in line again as the bus that was to transfer us to the Immigration office in Intramuros has already parked.

We filed towards the bus and during the travel, I kept asking another Immigration agent beside me where we could get medicine for my mom’s LBM. And I was told:

“Magpadala ka na lang sa taong susundo sa inyo at magdadala ng document ninyo sa opisina”

To which I replied:

“Sir, dala namin ang papeles namin. Kanina ko pa pinapakita ang pruweba na Filipino kami, ayaw niyo lang maniwala. Wala bang clinic ang office niyo?! Kung wala, baka pwede na lang magpabili sa inyo ng gamot gayong hindi niyo naman kami papayagang lumabas?”

The officer beside me didn’t reply. Instead questioned me with stuff, all of which I answered to my best knowledge. During the bus trip, there were some negative stuff said by the immigration agents of the individuals that they’ve apprehended, but I’d rather not share it. Some words they used were vile and derogatoryand it pains me to see how unprofessional our government agents can be.

Upon reaching the Immigration office, we were initially brought to Room 316 and our wrists taped with maskin tape serving as our count tags. Again, I asked some agents for Immodium / Loperamide, but was told that their clinic had already closed.

After a while, batch by batch (I believe 10 in count) we were brought to Room 402 where our individual photos and biometrics / fingerprints were taken.

We were likewise asked to fill out what seemed like a biodata. Since most of those apprehended do not understand the document, I was asked to help translate for them. The immigration officers kept telling me to cooperate with them by helping with the translation so that we could all go home quickly. I did as they told, but it was apparent that they weren’t letting me and my mom go asap.

When I asked them when we can be released, they told me that “The Commissioner who is to sign your release papers is not around. You might need to stay overnight.”

After our biometrics were taken in Room 402, we were brought back to Room 316. There we all waited to be called for questioning whatsoever, but the whole time that we were there, we weren’t even interviewed or checked.

It was only when Bandila’s reporter Jasmin Romero came asking if anyone of us could speak English that I decided to go for an interview. I wasn’t really in it for an interview, but I felt that we were wronged and thus I decided to speak up.

I told the reporter that I can fluently speak 3 languages & that I was a Filipino. Told her that during the arrest, my mom was having a case of diarrhea and we showed our docs but the arresting agents just wouldn’t listen and wouldn’t believe us; that they were rude and didn’t even scrutinize the documents we showed them!

When I was asked why we were apprehended along with the others, I told the reporter just what the agents told me; that we look “Chinese” and that’s just it. I was asked a couple more questions, but Bandila aired only about a minute of it and excluded the parts where I said my sentiments.

After my interview, an immigration agent came up to my mom and handed her a Loperamide. After a few more minutes, another one came with another tablet and checked with my mom if she’s feeling alright. Funny how an interview could turn their cold treatment around, don’t you think?

We were detained inside Room 316 till past 9pm. During that time, I was texting, calling and coordinating with our friends for someone who has any connection(s) inside the Immigration.

A friend of ours apparently made a few connections and our names were then called out and we were made to sign in our document photocopy that we already received back our original IDs.

We were released around past 9:30pm. Our friend wouldn’t tell me if there was a facilitation fee or not. But upon our release, I asked the immigration agent who apprehended me and my mom for his name, and all he provided was “Ma’am, Rick (or was that Ricky) lang po”.

And that’s the recount of my experience with the Immigration. My 2-cents to follow.

Update On My Style Blog URL

2013-01-13T19:02:00.005+08:00

Hi peeps!
I know I haven't been updating here in this blog.
But here I just wanted to inform you guys,
Especially for those who've bookmarked my style blog,
That you kindly update your links to the following:

http://jaztified.blogspot.com

Thanks, everyone!
See you there!

I'm Gonna Be Your Sister In Fashion

2012-09-02T16:32:00.002+08:00

I'm starting something fashionable soon!
Can't tell you much of the details yet,
But rest assured I'll be your sister in fashion :)

Stay atuned to more updates!
Have a great afternoon ahead, sistahs :)

Nameless But Powerful

2012-08-09T15:34:00.003+08:00

And so it came as a regular monsoon without a proper name,
But which left the country's National Capital Region (NCR) submerged in gushing flood waters.
It was so terrible a monsoon, that some FB posts labeled it as 'ASSUMING'...
Simply because the monsoon was probably thinking itself as a typhoon instead,
And as such took much liberty in wreaking typhoon-like havoc in the metropolis!
Others on the other hand,
Had captions that suggested that,
SuperTyphoon Ondoy (which caused the country some serious damage last time in 2009)
Had been put to shame by this Nameless Monsoon,
Which rivaled,
No, surpassed,
The former's amount of rainfall!

I,
On my part,
Couldn't help but try and christen it with a name.
Coz after thinking that the worst was over after nearly 2days of continuous outpour,
The monsoon gave us another kick and struck with much vengeance!
As such,
I christened it "Monsoon del Rosario"
After our country's former karate champ, Monsour Del Rosario.
Haha!
But then again,
Even if I didn't christen it with that name,
Someone in Twitter gave it the name "Tina Monsoon Palma"
After a famous news anchorwoman here in the country.
Haha!

But seriously,
Name or no name,
This deluge brought with it 3 days of harsh rains,
And caused so much flooding and landslides again in different parts of Luzon!
Here are just some of the pics:

Manila City Hall

Marikina City

Valenzuela City

It's devastating to look at the pics or to be hearing /watching the news....
Left and right, stranded people were asking for rescue and help;
With many trapped on top of their rooftops for days, shivering in cold with nothing to eat/drink.
It's heartbreaking really to see just how many and how severe these people were affected :(
Even the rescuers and volunteers had all their hands tied up....
Day and night,
They tirelessly plod through the waters and risk their own health & lives to save those of others.

So hats off to all of these heroic individuals, whose names we might not even know!
Not a lot of people would even dare what you've done!

But on the other hand,
Those who aren't able to help out in the rescue operations,
Poured their hearts out in the relief operations to make sure that those rescued would have a little something to go by.
Day and night, with little break,
They pack as much relief goods as they can,
In the hopes of reaching it to those in need at the fastest time possible.

And again,
I salute these individuals, whose names we might not even know!

But you see,
If there is something that is evident in trying times like these,
It is the fact that the Filipinos are very resilient;
Their spirits are strong and as most would aptly say in these watery scenarios, water-proof!
It sure makes one proud to say (and I quote Mark Gosingtian):
"Where I come from, everyone is a Hero."

And aren't we all?
So let's do our share and give as much as we can spare;
Whatever grace that has been given to us, let it pass unto others.
Whether others would know of our names or not,
Let's do whatever we can and afford to do/give.
And just like this nameless monsoon that's as powerful as that of a named typhoon...
May our efforts (as little as they may seem) send a powerful message across to all:
"Where we come from, everyone is a Hero."

An Unica Hija's Life (Or The Lack Of It)

2012-07-27T10:38:00.000+08:00

Ever since I was a small, people never failed to ask me how it’s like to be an unica hija. And usually they would catch me responding “What about it?!” in my casual, nonchalance tone that is coupled with the typical shrug of a shoulder.

Why?

Well, ‘twas never really a big issue for me, I mean, being an only child – the sole beneficiary of my family’s fortunes (teka, meron ba? Maybe I should go check with my mom on this matter first, haha!).

When people give me the oohs and the ahhs of what they consider to be a privileged life, I have just one retort: “Big Deal…..It’s not as if my mom is the Queen of Persia and my dad is Bill Gates or something that I would inherit an entire empire of sorts.” But then again, it would be hypocritical of me to say that I don’t want no part in those family fortunes, right?

Of course, it does feel nice to have an inheritance all to oneself without having to bear with all those atrocious and never-ending feuds that bigger families often mesh around with each other….but that life considered by some as privileged comes with a price. And as unbelievable as it may sound, life as an only child involves so much complexities and rigidity that it could actually turn one into a rebellious freak or a neurotic shrink. Tell me, how often have you seen kids who are so damn introverted that they’re practically considered autistics by some others when in fact they’re not? And how often have you heard of the saying that solo kids are spoiled brats and no less? Let me bet on it ---- MOST OF THE TIME, if not ALL the time.

And just so that you would know, I was mercilessly teased way back my elem days with statements and codenames like “May sariling mundo yan!” or “Ermitanya”. People never seemed to understand the reason why I shy away from other kids and why I retract to myself. The answer, well, as it seems, is quite plain & simple. It’s just because I don’t have no brothers and sisters to develop those social interaction skills with. And trust me, siblings are a HUGE factor in building up those types of skills.

Now to make a long story short, I was only (really) able to get through that stage during my college years but not before I was branded yet by some ungracious folks as a BRAT. Jeez. Now where the hell did that came from? I may be temperamental and demanding on certain times, but am definitely no spoiled brat. And the proof? Well,

1. You know those tantrum shows? Especially the ones that involve flailing of the arms and the legs? Well, those are good parent blackmail systems that bratty kids employ in which I couldn’t. Now how do you suppose I could be a spoiled brat when am not allowed to throw goddamn tantrums?! Heck, I am not even allowed to drop a single tear should I don’t get my way with things!
2. If I should want for anything, the closest I get to owning it is when I employ hard labor. Yes, I literally have to work my butt off before getting a taste of what I want or what I need. Now who says parents give their unicas whatever they want?! That’s bullsh*t to me.
3. And of course, I have a brat-exterminator for a mom

Well, if you aren’t convinced of an unica's less-than-privileged-life, then consider these:

- I wasn’t allowed to go out with my friends until late in high school.
- And the only time that I was able to go out with them was during our Junior/Senior’s Night. Yes, those times only.
- Cinderella time? Nah! She’s far better off! I got a freakin’ 7pm curfew!! (Dinner hasn’t yet been served and I’m like halfway back from where I came from!)
- When finally I was allowed to spend time with friends, I get multiple ‘checkup’ calls from mom as to the exact location I am in, and whether there are any guy friends around my 1-km radius, and of course, blackmailing me isn’t out of the question just yet……”get your butt back home before 10pm or else you’re disowned!”
- Way back during those lonely nights (and I have every single night of ‘em) where you can’t find anyone home to mess around with (remember: you ain’t got brothers or sisters to keep you company), I end up talking to a wall. Poor wall, I bet it would’ve screamed “Get a life and leave me to my walled silence PLEASE!”

So, still think an unica hijas life as cool?
Better think again.
It ain’t what it seems.

Friends I Keep

2012-06-20T18:54:00.005+08:00

We meet so many people in our lifetime.
And it is quite impossible for us to recall each one of them,
More so, have a personal relationship with them.
Hence,
Some would probably be just that --- an acquaintance,
While some others might go the distance to end up as our friends (or enemies) at one point in time, or for the rest of our lives.

And more often than not,
We further classify our friends according to our personal categories of, such as, but not limited to:
Best friends, good friends, friendly-friends, so-so friends, and so on and so forth.
Some of these we cherish and hold on to,
Even if it’s just for a moment.
While some others we simply choose to let go,
At some point in time.

I’ve made a lot of this sorting thing over the past couple of months.
I’ve picked out some people who I’d probably end up staying friends with for a long, long time.
While I opted to discard those others to whom I feel indifferent and practically no friendly inclinations to, anymore. ..
Anymore in the sense that,
Perhaps these so-called friends lost the interest they had for me, or I just simply lost the zeal I had for them.
And then again, it could as well be that we just got to each other’s guts so much so that it warranted going our separate ways.

It’s not that I enjoy slashing people off my list,
But having a lot of friends doesn’t guarantee my happiness.
It’s the quality, not the quantity, that counts.
And with that, I’d rather have a select few, than a random handful.

So how did I pick out the ones worth keeping?
Well,
I didn’t.
They picked me =)

They were the ones who managed to stick by me in whatever it is I am going through.
Good or bad, they didn’t let go.
Unlike some others,
Who I initially thought would be there for me but who turned turtle on me in the end.
Funny how some things / events can bring out the true colors of people huh?
But I don’t have any regrets.
Whether or not I initially had the wrong set of friends is already moot at this point in time.
What’s important is that I have a good set of peeps, now, at this time, that I can proudly call my friends.

Wherever You Are

2012-05-31T17:04:00.000+08:00

I love to see the ocean's beauty

And the moon that shines above

Alone in the sand looking at the stars

Wishing someday I would find true love

Would it be nice to see the morning

With the one you love the most

Would it be nice to say goodnight

To the one you hold so close to your heart

To your heart.

The wind that blows the dove

Is the wind that blows my love

Hope it'll find its way to you wherever you are.

I love to sit in fields of green

Looking deeply through the sky

Watching the birds as they fly by

Hoping someday fate will bring me true love

Would it be nice to hold someone

So dear, near your heart

Would it be nice to hear those words

I love you from the one that you love

That you love.

I'd love to see myself one day

In the arms of someone

Who will share his life with me

Selflessly......Someday......

You will find your way......To me......

* This is the lyrics to South Border's 'Wherever You Are'.
Nice, isn't it?

I guess I can relate well with the message of the song.
Hope you like it as well.

Thrilla In NAIA

2012-05-10T18:29:00.000+08:00

I'm sure you've all heard of the NAIA Terminal 3 brawl between Mon Tulfo, Raymart Santiago & Claudine Barreto sometime last week, right?

If not,

I suggest you google out the words Thrilla In NAIA to get acquainted with all that raucous, haha!

And while I cannot pinpoint who started the fight,

Reports state that,

Raymart & Claudine's group baggages were offloaded by Cebu Pacific,

And that Claudine wasn't too happy about it.

Now,

Not only was she unable to hide and keep her irritation,

Reports mention that she verbally abused some airport personnel who were trying to assist them with their concerns.

Then came Mon Tulfo and his cellphone trying to take some visuals of that particular scenario.

And all hell broke loose.

Those were, of course, according to media reports.

And while I do not know how accurate it is,

It is to my opinion that anger & fistfights resolve nothing.

But instead,

Bring so much unnecessary pain and hostility.

Who amongst us haven't ever been inconvenienced by another before?

I know I've been, and on countless times even.

It's rather irritating, to be honest.

But what right do we have to wring out our irritation unto another?

I mean,

We are of course entitled to voice out our complaints,

But that doesn't imply that we should curse or use derogatory comments,

And verbally or physically assault others.

No,

Nobody is entitled to that, in my opinion.

So definitely calm and ease your storms,

And do watch out for what comes out of your mouths.

Much the same,

Mind your actions.

Coz it is but usual for people to retaliate.

So if you don't want to be bruised,

Better don't go in that direction.

Now with regards to privacy,

I believe that when one signed on as a media personality,

Your every action is subject to public scrutiny.

So if you don't want people to catch you with your pants down,

Then be mindful of where you are and what you are doing, all the time.

'nuff said.

It's Never Easy Saying Goodbye

2012-05-03T15:13:00.000+08:00

Today,
My grandpa was laid to rest beside my grandma.
Having lived a full and fruitful life;
All 96 years,
It's a nice thought that he's already in eternity with our Lord,
Whom he loved so deeply.

But while I've been prepared years before for this day,
And while I'm really really happy that he's with our Lord in heaven already,
There's still that part of me that feels deeply saddened at this parting.
I know I may not be that close to my grandpa;
After all,
The times I shared and had with him together,
In comparison to my relatives and to some others,
Were but just a minute season.
But be that as it may,
The memories live on through the years.
And probably,
All throughout the remaining days of my life.
So I think it's not hypocritical to say that,
Eventhough I'm not that close to my grandpa,
I cried and grieved as much as those who were.
But really now,
Can it ever be easy saying goodbye?
Am afraid not.

We love you, Angkong.
Mom and I will deeply miss you....

Escape

2012-04-22T17:20:00.001+08:00

Cool gentle winds blowing from the south
Relieve the heat a scorching sun could wrought
Clear azure waters calling out from sea
As corals ‘neath tempt a touch from thee

Fine powdery white sands cover the land
Children of all ages play in ‘em sand
Colorful paraws line the fancy shore
Lure its viewers to sail some distant shore

Palm trees sway with grace and with elegance
Picturesque of a true magnificence
Beach bars sizzle up with trancelike cadence
The night unfolds some pleasant experience

Heavenly bodies glimmer in brilliance
To mesmerize a captive audience
Castles adorn the plainness of the beach
Fire dancers light the dimness of one’s reach

So sojourn this wondrous paradise
Rid your worries & cares alongside
Whether it by chance or by fate
Go and just escape!

The Joys Of Solitude

2012-04-16T18:12:00.000+08:00

I told a story one day
To a friend having a bad day
Of a woman who prayed she may
LIve a life happy & gay

A trip down memory lane
To a past she longed to remain
But hounding her much the same
A heart rife with treacherous pain.

A week of vigil caused her strain
A week she struggled to keep sane
And languish she chose to refrain
So end an affair that mustn’t remain

To solitude she thus turned to game
In solitude she thus found her aim
Promise of happiness then easily came
Now sorrow won’t have its victorious claim

The joy of solitude she now alludes
To a dash of brightness she so exudes
A rather tranquil life this all preludes
Another drama it definitely precludes.

So this I say to you my friend
Things will not always go your end
But your heart should know how to mend
As you later learn how to fend.

Dealing issues with a right attitude
Will lead you to a higher altitude
And as you build on your fortitude
Bask then in the joys of solitude

(composed for a friend who's needing some comforting....)

Look Of The Day - Mystyle / StyleBible

2012-03-30T09:59:00.000+08:00

Hey Hey!! I'm StyleBible's Mystyle Look of the Day, AGAIN!
Thank you, StyleBible!!

To go to the look of the day gallery,
Click on the photo above :)

I'll Keep Your Heart Safe - Manila Streetstyle / Mystyle

2012-03-17T07:52:00.000+08:00

It's been awhile,
But I'm back up on Manila Streetstyle's mystyle page once again!
Yey!
Do check the feature by following the link below:

I'll Keep Your Heart Safe - Manila Streetstyle / Mystyle

Thank you once again, Manila Streetstyle!! :)

Turning Korean

2012-02-19T09:39:00.000+08:00

Just when I decided to go for a new hairstyle,
My hair deemed it fit to look fabulous today!
Hmph!
Tama bang magmaganda bigla?! Haha!
But I went to my trusted salon nevertheless for my hair's much needed chop & re-perm.
Would've wanted to have it re-colored as well,
But my hairstylist advised me not to....
At least, not yet.
Just so that my hair can get a breather.
Ok, I guess....
That way, I save a couple of thousands for now, hehe.

So rooted to that salon chair I was.
And if what people say is true,
Then I shall have a fuller butt by the time I'm done, haha!

But after some 4hours of incubating the seat (so to speak),
My butt didn't get fuller.....
But my hair did!

Don't I look more Korean than Chinese now?
Haha!

Can You Handle The Truth?

2012-01-26T20:00:00.000+08:00

What is it about the truth that always makes people cringe?
What is it about audit that puts people up on their guards & at their defensive stances?
What is it about this lady that they so love to dish their dirts about?
And just what is it about the truth, as they claim, that this auditor, seemingly wields that puts a many uncomfortable in their own skins & at their own functions?

I can sum it up in one word:
Fear.

People fear the probability of a loss,
Which I can very well say is, usually, tied to the exposure of one’s misconducts & malpractices.
Yep, it is true…
People hate having their secrets exposed as much as they loathe those individuals who know only to speak of the truth.
Funny isn’t it?
That while they can never be upfront & tell it to you straight-out that they’re displeased with the truth you’ve told,
They hold it against you who can.

Too bad that some people feel and look at it that way.
And it’s such a loss.
Coz the practice of the audit profession is on the improvement of systems & processes;
And in providing value to management.
Definitely,
We, auditors, are no personal assailants & we are not hired to be spies or personal investigators,
Unless of course, there is fraud involved in the process.

So the question now is,
Is there any?
I refuse to comment….
How about,
You tell me.

Nothing to say?
Then hear this:

If you look at it,
It’s a perfectly normal state of mind….
Fear….
And I can definitely understand that we all have our own interests to protect,
But jeez,
Some individuals can be just way too overboard.
And I believe,
It is that same fear that has driven some into ways and means that do not befit their status or reputation.
And it’s such a shame,
Coz there never was a level playing field for this contender.
Tell me,
How can one single individual become a threat to an entire congregation related by blood or that associated by trait?
Unless they really do consider the individual to be THAT good & THAT capable.
If so,
Then wow!
That just made someone mighty damn proud!

I ponder upon all these questions now….
Now that I’ve bidden my adieu to the company that has, I believe, in more ways than one, made my shell a bit thicker, helped my mind to get a little bit more sharper, and made me that much stronger;
And I’ve come to realize a few things:

The truth will, almost always, hurt.
But it will soon be a lot worse…
If there’s no one to play the devil’s advocate, or the bad guy in situations such as this.
And when that time comes,
My fear is,
Can they handle the truth?

The Reason I Blog

2012-01-06T19:47:00.000+08:00

I had always loved writing.
Even back when we were still kids in school, I loved the way my classmates would cry out every time our teacher gives us seatworks or assignments that had anything to do with written compositions.
Yes, I was THAT weird.
Always thrilled at the thought of an essay test or a written school work, while most of the kids around me loved to tinker with decorative art and drawings.

And oh, speaking of the latter,
How I hate ‘em!
I hated drawing sessions and all those art activities!
Coz not only was I devoid of any artistic sense of style, my fingers could doodle endlessly but come out with still plain sticks and stones as complete figure characters!
What a bummer huh?
Isn’t it just weird that a hand that could scribble beautifully (according to those who’ve seen my penmanship) could have such a lousy diagramming skill?
Can’t have ‘em all, as they say.

But I digress.

The reason why I’ve always loved putting down my thoughts on paper,
Is ‘coz of the fact that it has always been easier for me to express myself, my thoughts and my feelings in writing, than by communicating it via spoken words.
You know, I wasn’t a very articulate kid then,
And neither am I now, actually.
Perhaps, the culprit is in the manner that I was raised.
Wasn’t really encouraged to speak my mind.
Not only that, but I’ve met a handful of mean teachers who’d shot at me if and when I try to reason with them or anything.
So, I guess the only outlet that I had for releasing whatever’s inside of me at a point in time is through scribbling.
And thus my love for the write-ups.

Up until my collegiate years, I’ve kept a small journal with me, but sad to say,
With all the residence transfers that I’ve had had in the past, I couldn’t seem to locate that diary anymore.
And after that, when the corporate world came knocking at my doors,
I sort of forgotten about my love for this silent communication channel.
That is, until some 8 years back when I chanced upon a not-so-acquainted-acquaintance’s blog being featured in Inq’s YOU BlogAddict.
Only then did I learn that there’s such a thing as an online journal, or a weblog, as we call it now.
And the rest, of course, is history.

So here I am, 8 years from where I started this online journal thingie (which I thought would've worn out in just a couple of months’ blog postings),
I didn’t even realize that I’ve accumulated more than 500 entries already!
And I can’t believe that am here blogging, still!

I guess I grew fond of my webbie.
‘Coz it is here, in this blog space, and upon reading through my posts, that I got to understand myself,
To know and see through my emotional spells & complexities;
To relive the things that brought me to tears, scared me out of my wits, grossed me out from the insides, induced me to anger & had me in fits of laughter;
All of which were to eventually plant the seeds for my growth into a much, much better person (I sure hope so).

Then of course,
I enjoy being of help to others,
Being a source of inspiration for some,
And a source of distraction for still some others as well *lol*

But you know what’s really kept me blogging through these years?
It’s having you guys aboard,
And making my life in this wired world a pleasant, wonderful experience!
Till the next post!
=)

Racism In The Wake Of The Sendong Tragedy

2011-12-22T14:22:00.000+08:00

We all know about the tragedy that struck Cagayan de Oro and Iligan provinces last December 16-17;

Tropical storm Sendong came as swift as a thief in the night

And wiped out homes, villages, localities, and more sadly, lives.

Some thousands of bodies ended up dead in its aftermath;

With countless more still unaccounted for as of the date of this entry.

And while those who have luckily escaped death’s hold have their lives with them,

They have nothing more with them:

No homes to return to,

No belongings to own,

And mayhap,

No family members to give what little comfort there might be.

It’s such a painful time for the entire country,

Especially now that Christmas is so very near.

As such,

Donations have been pouring over from all across the nation,

And yes,

Even from abroad.

And while we all know that donations (as huge as they could get) won’t exactly help rebuild every victim’s lives,

It will sustain much, and give some level of comfort to the victims….

That they are not alone in their grief,

And that they are not alone in their rebuilding efforts.

So it came as a surprise when I’ve read a certain article in the blog news (I’m not going to mention the article though) and its subsequent viewer comments against a particular race;

Who these people believe aren’t doing much in the wake of the Sendong tragedy.

It’s sad hearing about such negative wordings / comments.

That even in the spirit of willingly giving to those in need,

There’s still those who make comparisons about which particular race / sect in the community that gave more.

And the negative vibes doesn’t just end there.

These people had the nerve to generalize the race as being opportunistic in a land that is not their own.

Very sad.

And as much as I would’ve loved to dish out my thoughts on these people,

No,

I’m not letting myself be like them,

And neither am I stooping down to a racist’s level.

In my opinion,

It’s not right to make racist comments and criticize a particular race for not giving or for giving less!

Who knows,

The race that they’re so mean to,

Have given way beyond what’s necessary, as they chose to do things silently, without any ostentatious display!

I mean,

Let it be.

If anyone wants to give or not, let them do so at their own will.

Now,

If you’re obliged to give more, then do so, but,

Don’t compare what you’ve given to those what others have willingly extended likewise!

It’s already a tough time for the country,

So any type of help, be it great or small, counts a lot already, don’t you think?

So stop those racist comments and way of thinking,

And try to bring about better vibes for our countrymen in need!

Looking Fab At, Gasp, 34!

2011-12-11T21:45:00.000+08:00

Turned another year older, and wiser, today.

But I’m lucky to say that I still have my youth,

And do not look a day past mid-20s

Haha.

Seriously,

I have the Lord to thank for that.

And good genes,

And a little more effort (of course) in taking care of myself.

This year has been a fashionable year for me;

What with me taking up fashion styling,

And actually getting to do some real styling work!

That,

Plus the fact that I started a new blog; a fashion blog,

That I still maintain up to now (and hopefully in more years to come too)!

I’ve been featured in some fashion weblogs,

And have been privileged enough to get invites to Philippine Fashion Week!

It’s super nice, this year.

That while it’s not exactly what I wanted all in all,

It’s still like icing on the cake =)

So here’s a big big shoutout to the Lord for giving me another year of blessedness,

And to my mom, who has always been very supportive of me, even through my ups and downs.

I couldn’t have been here, fabulous, at this age without you both!

What A Girl Wants....And Needs

2011-11-26T15:46:00.000+08:00

Is to find a guy who….

Thinks she’s as hot and beautiful,
In an oversized sweatshirt and jeans,
Just as she is in a minidress
Coupled with 3 inch heels.

Tells her she looks gorgeous,
Even without makeup on.
And is proud to show her off,
Sweats, wrinkles and all.

Calls back when she hangs up on him,
To whisper “I’m sorry, babe” when she goes grim.
Understands her perennial mood swings,
And accepts her with no attached strings.

Endeavors to respect those who are important to her
Even if they reflect none of her.
Values the things that she holds dear
When they may be of nothing dear.

Stays awake just to watch her sleep,
And cuddles her in his arms when fear emerges with a leap.
Stays by her side unconditionally,
When others on her side leave her eventually.

Holds her hand in front of his friends,
To tell them that she’s not one of his trends.
Constantly reminds her of his love for her,
And just how lucky he is to be with her.

Subtracts unfavorable events from her past
To add good ones that’ll last.
Multiplies to her much of his joys,
While dividing much of her sorrows.

Understands the complexity
Of her individuality
And allows for her freedom
When it needs to be

Is strong enough
To stand his ground
And be the man
Worthy of her hand.

This may not be what every girl wants,
But this is what this girl needs =)

Wolf In Sheep's Clothing

2011-11-06T10:44:00.000+08:00

A soft voice.
Such sweet smile.
She traverses the halls,
With head bowed low.

Gentle in ways,
Careful in words
Picturesque of
A kind-hearted soul.

But what you see,
Ain’t what lies beneath.
What she truly is,
Will soon be revealed.

Meek as sheep,
That, she may appear.
But take caution my dear,
Coz she is a beast.

She’ll take advantage,
And that is certain
So be wise & vigilant
Of the wolf behind sheep’s clothing.

There's Always A Good In The Bad

2011-10-29T09:34:00.049+08:00

I attended Veejay Floresca’s show in Philippine Fashion Week 2012 alone this year.
Actually, a former styling classmate of mine and I were supposed to meet up that night
So that we could watch the show together.
But things turned out differently than what I expected.
First, I got caught up in a 3-hour traffic.
Yes.
I drove out of the house around 6PM for a show that’s scheduled at 9:30PM.
I was expecting a little bout of traffic, maybe a 1.5hours delay,
But no, I got to the SMX Convention somewhere between 8:50 – 9:00PM!
Oh my poor feet!
Then to make matters worse, the queue to the entrance was exagge!
And I couldn't find my classmate!
Goodbye good front seats,
As I took the 5th (or was it the 6th) row.
Oh well, at least I got seated still.

I chose a seat at the farthest end of the 6th row (where the runway ends)….
Just the perfect place to get some decent photos
As the models will take a bit more time to pose for the photographers.
So ok, I’m all set….but very much alone in a room full of small groups.
Luckily,
This gorgeous girl approached me
And asked if the seat beside mine has already been taken.
I said no,
And everything else after that was just memorable.

Looking back to that evening,
I can’t help but really believe that there’s always something good for every bad that happens.
I mean,
If not for that gruesome 3-hour traffic that I (particularly my feet) had to endure,
The long queue which led to distant seats,
I never would’ve met the gorgeous face that is Cindy.
And if not for her,
I don’t think I’d ever come close to being introduced to Veejay himself!

Such a wonderful experience,
A blessing in disguise, isn't it?
=)

Here's a pic of the gorgeous Cindy that I got to meet in PFW 2012:

And here's my pic with the talented designer, Veejay Floresca.

Thank you once again Cindy for introducing me to VJF & for taking this photo for me!
=)

Mystyle | StyleBible.ph

2011-10-27T16:11:00.000+08:00

Black and red. A bold statement, especially if you consider the sheerness of the top and it’s almost open back! Not exactly my usual style preference, but since it’s Philippine Fashion Week, I decided to make a bolder statement this year by going with sheer bold cuts, strong colors and yes, even sexy textures (snakeskin clutch, that’s you!) Toned down the bold & sexy references with some lovely pink heels and some monochromatic accessories.

This is what I wore, by the way, to Veejay Floresca's show in Philippine Fashion Week last Oct. 25, 2011. And guess what, I'm StyleBible's Mystyle Look of the Day today (Oct. 27, 2011)! Cool!!!

You can follow the feature by clicking the link below:

Mystyle StyleBible.ph

Don't Make It Hard, Ladies

2011-10-19T21:40:00.000+08:00

If you don’t love the guy who’s courting you,
Don’t make things difficult for him.
Be honest & let him move on.

In the same way,
If you love the guy you’re dating,
Don’t make it hard for yourself.
Tell him & strike a chance at a relationship.

This is what I often tell my friends who ask me if I am for or against a long courtship period before saying ‘Yes’ and stepping into a “In A Relationship” status.

I don’t know about you,
And of course, this is simply my opinion,
But I see no point in going through all that pretenses
I mean,
Don't we all try to hide our not-so-pleasant attributes & camouflage our true colors during the courtship period?
Come on, let’s be honest,
Aren’t we all at our best behaviors,
And then we simply slide away into our normal selves when we are already in a bf-gf status?
Yes, we do.
So what’s the use of having an extensive courtship period?
It just prolongs the false pretenses & shadows the reality.
Which we don’t really need in the long run,
‘Coz if we are really, seriously, considering spending the rest of our lives with a particular person,
We would want to get to know the true person as early on as possible,
And we want to be honest, right from the very beginning.
So the lesser time we go through all that make-believe crap,
The more time we have for getting to know each other’s quirks & traits...
To finally know if we really are meant for each other.

Besides,
It’s already so damn hard to conceal our true feelings,
So why make it doubly hard by complicating matters & letting guys feel the exact opposite of what we feel
(i.e, we pretend to like them when we really don’t, just because we don’t want to hurt their feelings; or, that we don’t have a thing for them when we really do, just so that we won’t look too desperate),
And then go worrying & crying should they persist or give up at what they do.

So let’s skip through with it all and be honest.
And make things a lot more easier for ourselves, shall we?

Soiled Carwash

2011-10-09T16:03:00.000+08:00

Just what is it with the weather
That it seems to like pouring itself down on me whenever I have my car washed?!
And that is about 99.9% of the time, if you wanna know.
And consider this……to think that it is always sunny and bright when I bring my auto into the washers!
Pffffttt!!!