canoe224...a daily gust!

Chuseok 2014!

2014-09-05T12:06:00.002+08:00

thanks google

Happy Thanksgiving to all my Korean friends and former students!

thanks google

Since it is a long holiday for us working for a Korean company, everybody is so excited to splurge their hard-earned money on this well-deserved 4 days vacation. And I am just as quite excited as they are. I am so looking forward to experiencing a memorable getaway with whoever wants to join me in an adventure tomorrow.

One thing I would like to try this vacation though is dining in a Korean restaurant to feel the spirit of Chuseok. Korean dishes are undoubtedly one of the healthiest and most delicious foods in the world. The foods in the picture are so mouth watering. Hmmm yum yum!

thanks google

According to wikipedia, Chuseok (Korean: 추석),^[1] originally known as hangawi (한가위, from archaic Korean for "the great middle (of autumn)"), is a major harvest festival and a three-day holiday in Korea celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar. Like many other harvest festivals, it is held around the Autumn Equinox. As a celebration of the good harvest, Koreans visit their ancestral hometowns and share a feast of Korean traditional food such as songpyeon and rice wines such as sindoju and dongdongju.

thanks google

One of the major foods prepared and eaten during the Chuseok holiday is songpyeon (송편),a Korean traditional rice cake which contains stuffing made with healthy ingredients such as sesame seeds, black beans, mung beans, cinnamon, pine nut, walnut, chestnut, jujube, and honey.

I hope everybody enjoys their vacation! Happy thanksgiving day! Happy Chuseok!

The ET Phone Way!

2014-09-03T17:59:00.002+08:00

I am proud to say that most ET Phone teachers have these habits!

Pare, Mahal Mo Daw Ako!

2014-09-02T23:22:00.000+08:00

Wow! I thought the song and its music video were wonderful that I felt excruciating pain after watching it. Masokista! Lol

Hope this song wins the heart of the judges. Please support OPM!

#PPop

This is me. Take it or leave it!

2014-09-02T14:02:00.001+08:00

(photo taken from google)

It's been a while since I last touched and even took a peek of my blog. I suddenly felt the need to go back to writing and put into words these sentiments, happiness, joys and disappointments I have been keeping inside.

Anyway, life hasn't been easy these past few days. Challenges in my love life, career and even my relationship with the people around me have taught me so many things in terms of giving so much love and trust. It dawned on me that the things I value the most are gradually leaving me (without any trace of remorse on my part) and those that I value less are growing exponentially which sometimes wobble my sane mind, thus making me act a little weird lately. However, these situations are needed to keep me grounded, to make me realize that I am still human who fears God, values friendship and cares about the world around. I may not be the most significant person in my circles, but I make it a point to be heard and to be invincible.

This is me and I care less of what other people say about me!

My dear mom!

2014-09-02T13:38:00.004+08:00

Today, I have proven once again how much my mom loves me. Thank you very much for being the most understanding and loving mom to me. I will never get tired of thanking you for everything. I love and miss you so much! Hope to see you soon. :)

Part 3: Kakaibang Bakasyon

2011-05-05T13:23:00.003+08:00

continuation of Part 2: Kakaibang Bakasyon (here)

"Message sent." It read.

I put the cell phone back in my small striped sling bag, and sat beside him. I waited for a couple of minutes for him to settle down. Then, he looked at me strangely.

"Ok lang ba?" I asked. Though it was pretty obvious he wasn't at his best after a catharsis, but I tried my best to make him feel that I cared. Which of course I still did after what had happened.

He didn't answer. He stared at me like he was staring at a blank wall. I looked away to hide my emotions cause I was sure I would be carried away. Knowing me.

I took the pack of Marlboro menthol out of my bag and lit one stick. While I was looking at the smoke I intermittently puffed, my mind was clouded over with the memories I had with him.

It all started in May 2008.

"The chairman of the board of judges is a graduate of..." Metang was reading my profile while I was seated in the middle of other credible judges, feeling a little nervous because the audience was all eyes on me. Metang was the pageant host for the "Miss Gay Magdalena 2008".

After the successful event, it was already a tradition for the gay organizers to invite their male friends to a drinking session. That was how they wanted to culminate the event. So being very close to the organizers, they dragged me to one of the karaoke bars nearby. We almost occupied the whole place leaving a few empty tables for the 'outsiders'. The group was too noisy. Bekis and otokos in one gathering was literally a riot. It was fun though.

I was half way through finishing my fourth bottle when I saw three guys getting inside the place. They were seated at the table beside the main door. I stopped to ask Lody who the guys were.

"Ah mga taga Baanan". She told me as if she wasn't interested at all. Baanan is a town after Magdalena. "Mag-pipinsan yan". She continued.

"Ah, cute yung isa noh?". I was referring to the guy with a red hanky around his neck. He looked so baduy. His thick eye brows and curly eye lashes which were visible from where I was seated were very attractive though.

"Pakilala mo naman ako, mare!" I begged. Without wasting so much time, Lody stood up and approached the group.

"Rico, gusto ka raw makilala ng friend ko." The guy just smiled and was a little embarrassed because of Lody's loud voice. "Mabait yan, taga-Maynila." She continued.

"Mukha nga kasi ngayon ko lang sya nakita." Rico shyly replied. "Di ba sya yung judge kanina?" He asked. I was surprised. I didn't know he was there in the event. I just hoped he had a nice impression on me. I started to be conscious. LOL

"Oo, halika, pakilala kita!" Before Rico could even say a word, Lody grabbed his hand and brought him to where I was seated. I pretended not to see them coming and acted like I was startled and shocked.

"Hi po." His courteousness abruptly changed my mood, from the state of shock to bliss. Igat!

"Ay, magalang hinde balasubas." I murmured to myself. "Hi! Canoe pala." I offered a hand shake which he gladly accepted. "Rico po." He replied with a cute smile that showed off his dimples.

His hand was big and cold. I know that a person who has cold hands has a warm heart. And that was how I felt that night. He was so kind and polite that I sometimes caught myself unconsciously smiling while looking at him.

It was so surreal. I thought it was just a dream but when I woke up, he was already beside me on the bed sleeping like a child. Then I vividly remembered what happened that night and how we ended up in each other's arms. The four corners of Wendy's resort's air conditioned room were our solemn witnesses. That thought made me smile. I thought I found the other piece of my slippers. I thought.

I looked at him and kissed his forehead. He slightly opened his eyes, then held my face. We kissed passionately, an affirmation of our budding relationship.

(to be continued)

(Pics were grabbed from Google.com)

A month from now...

2011-05-04T15:55:00.002+08:00

Where will I be?

Hmmmm...let's say, if I had millions, where would I go?

Definitely, I'll be around the world visiting all the beautiful places I have been ONLY in my dreams...countries I have only seen on TV, on the internet and in the movies. But since, canoe224 is super insolvent, I'll just settle for a-week or so vacation in Macau. Yipey!

Ikaw? What would you do One Day? LOL (parang Charice's TV ad lang ah!) click (here) to watch.

Anyway, I'm so uber excited because on June 4, I'll be in Las Vegas of Asia, Macau. It will be my first-ever out of the country trip. My dear friend Cindy Patag is living and working there so I need not worry about the accommodation. Thanks, mare! Don't worry I'll be your 'mayordoma' while I am there. Hihihi.

Right now, I don't know my itinerary yet, but I'm sooo looking forward to visiting these places.

And many more.

In June, one of my posts will definitely be full of pictures of me in Macau. (kakasuka cguro nun) LOL! I'll have my picture taken with all those beautiful scenery. Do wait for it. Chos!

Excited na me much! And adding to my excitement is the presence of my other super friend, Pops. She will be there too to spend lavishly his millions. Good luck to us! Love it!

Wait for me Macau, I'm cumming! :D

(pics were grabbed from Google.com)

And the whole world stopped...

2011-04-30T18:02:00.021+08:00

Yes...it did stop to witness the Royal Wedding of the century, the beautiful couple, Your highness, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge William and Kate.

The Royal Kiss

Last Friday, April 29, 2011, I was both sad and furious. Sad because it was the last day of my favorite soap Imortal which starred Angel Locsin and John Lloyd Cruz.

On the other hand, I was furious because Prince William got married to Kate Middleton, whom he had spent eight years with. Chos! Nevertheless, while watching the ceremony, I was appeased by the sight of another handsome prince who can still be fantasized as our future prince charming. Ika nga sa mga souvenirs, 'Don't worry, you can still marry Harry'. So girls, don't lose hope...just continue to dream that one day Prince Harry's path will cross yours! LOL

Drool! It's hot in here! LOL

Anyway, the wedding was indeed a modern day fairy tale. The event was so surreal. Ang pag-ibig nga talaga, walang piniipili...*Sigh*.

Here are some pics:


The simple yet elegant wedding gown, fit for a modern day princess.


exchange of vows

The beautiful couple

My wish is for them to live happily ever after.

Part 2: Kakaibang Bakasyon

2011-04-28T17:34:00.002+08:00

continuation of Part 1: Kakaibang Bakasyon (here)

(wish ko lang)

"What are you doing there? Why are you hiding in the dark?", asking him with so much hesitation and curiosity.

I moved hastily to his direction. As soon as I got to where he was standing, I was panting but found pleasure in seeing him once again after so many years.

"Wala lang! Nahihiya kasi ako sa inyo. Kilala mo pa ba ako?" , he asked. He was reluctant to smile but managed to do so after I warmly tapped his shoulder.

"Oo, naman. Kaw pa makakalimutan ko." I looked at him from head to toe like a policeman making sure I got the right person. He seemed to have lost weight and got darker. His eyes were pale as if they were begging me to take him back.

"Musta ka na? It's been 4 years since I last saw you." I haltingly asked while the scene at the bus station in Cubao started to flashback.

That was mid September in 2008. I was teary-eyed that time, watching him getting on the bus without saying a word. Now, I wanted to know the reason why he decided to leave me and never kept in touch. But I was rather tongue-tied and speechless. At the back of mind, I was juggling between staying for a while to have a small talk and leaving him behind since my beki friends were already waiting. But my feet were glued.

"Eto, na-mi miss ka.", he took my hand like what he always did when he wanted to say something important. My feet began to shake. "Nabalitaan ko kasi kahapon na andito ka, kaya pumunta ako dito. May tatanong lang ako sa 'yo. Importante lang." He continued.

"Ano yun? Wag naman sana tungkol sa pera." I joked.

"Ganun ba talaga ang tingin mo sa akin". He replied and was red in the face.

"Ano ka ba, di ka na mabiro." I answered, but I knew that I did it to imply something. I wasn't generalizing all of them, however, let's face it, that is the truth. " O ano nga yun tanong mo?". My remark sounded like I was excited yet anxious.

"Seriously, mahal mo pa ba ako?". I knew it. "May iba ka na bang kinakasama ngayon?" He was very serious this time around.

Though I expected that he was going to ask me those questions since I had heard before from one of his friends how much he wanted to go back to Manila with me and how he regretted leaving me for no reason. Was it really for no reason at all? I didn't think so. There must have been something that led him to leave me. I was dying to know.

"Bakit mo ko iniwan?" My voice was a little shaky. I could feel the pain inside but I was able to contain the tears from pouring out. I wanted to make him feel I was OK and had moved on.

(tahan na beh)

"O, di ka makasagot....", before I could even finish it, he hugged me tightly and started to weep like a little boy. The poor boy melted my poor heart...again. He continued to blubber until his lacrimal glands had nothing to secrete anymore. Yes, literally. He wasn't the usual cry-baby but I didn't know why he was one that dawn.

Approximately after 25 minutes, the relatively romantic scene was rudely interrupted by a text message from my friend Lody. (Rudely talaga) LOL

"Annacel, ano na? San ka na?" The message read. As I was composing my reply, he sheepishly sat on one of the rocks near the Acacia tree. He covered his reddish face with his big hands while gasping.

I told Lody and the rest of the bekis to go ahead and just wait for me at Boybi's house. It would take me sometime to appease him. Besides, he had lots of explaining to do, and I was ready to listen.

(to be continued)

(pictures were grabbed from Google)

Born This Way

2011-04-27T16:40:00.000+08:00

Lady Gaga's famous song has touched a lot of people who are not content with how they look like and who they are. And I am one of them. Listening to it made me realize how crazy I am to think about changing myself by going under the knife. A terrible idea for an insolvent guy. LOL.

Then, this week's episode of Glee was all about loving who you are which I was extremely touched and moved. This poignant episode has just confirmed my realization that I should love myself more no matter how I look like and who and what I am.

When did it start?

Ever since I started watching Hollywood movies back in high school, I kept on thinking how other people from the other part of the world possessed that beautifully shaped high-bridged nose. (Well, I need not look outside of the vicinity to kill myself with envy because most of my friends and colleagues are also 'blessed' with such a beautiful nose). Since then, my insecurities crawled up my head and several lame questions started to pop up. How come I have a big flat nose? Why do I look like this? etc., as if I looked like a monster or an alien. Check ko nga uli! Hihihi

Complete lyrics: http://www.directlyrics.com/lady-gaga-born-this-way-lyrics.htm

Admittedly, my lack of self esteem and confidence was due to the fact that I was not the way I wanted to look like. And yes, it affected me as I was growing up. I even tried clipping my nose with a hair clip before going to bed thinking it would look better the next day, but only to find out that it left some red marks on my nose reminding me of how silly I was. Wasn't it an act of desperation? Poor child! Hadn't I got bullied by some children, I wouldn't have gone to that extent. I think everybody understands that that's how some children feel when they get bullied or teased by the people around them.

Lately in America, incidents on teenagers committing suicide because of bullying have been on the rise. In fact, it is ranked 3rd as a cause of deaths among the teens. It is very alarming because it is uncontrollably happening in the so-called the land of the free. Good thing it (killing myself) didn't cross my innocent mind.

"Whether life's disabilities
Left you outcast, bullied or teased
Rejoice and love yourself today
'Cause baby, you were Born This Way"

But now, I am a changed man. Like Gaga's song, I have to love myself for who I am. Though, having a nose job sometimes crosses my mind, but it has never become a big issue lately. God has created me this way. He knows that this one fits me and my personality. And because of who I am and what I look like, I have gained so many friends, have earned respect, have been successful(?) in my career and have been happier(?) than ever. Bakit may question mark? LOL

Then in the future, when I become a billionaire, I'll definitely have a nose job...and many more, to achieve my dream look...

(Channing Tatum)

Walang bayad ang mangarap...but it should be feasible! Hahaha

Anyway, here's a video of the song 'Born This Way'...but it's an acoustic version cover by Tyler Ward ft. Alex G, complete with lyrics below.

Enjoy!

Born This Way Lyrics

It doesn't matter if you love him, or capital H-I-M
Just put your paws up
'Cause you were Born This Way, baby

My mama told me when I was young
We are all born superstars

She rolled my hair and put my lipstick on
In the glass of her boudoir

"There's nothin' wrong with lovin' who you are"
She said, "'Cause he made you perfect, babe"
"So hold your head up, girl and you you'll go far,
listen to me when I say"

I'm beautiful in my way,
'Cause God makes no mistakes
I'm on the right track, baby
I was Born This Way

Don't hide yourself in regret,
Just love yourself and you're set
I'm on the right track, baby
I was Born This Way

Ooo, there ain't no other way
Baby, I was Born This Way
Baby, I was Born This Way
Ooo, there ain't other way
Baby, I was Born-
I'm on the right track, baby
I was Born This Way

Don't be a drag, just be a queen
Don't be a drag, just be a queen
Don't be a drag, just be a queen
Don't be!

Give yourself prudence
And love your friends
Subway kid, rejoice your truth

In the religion of the insecure
I must be myself, respect my mouth

A different lover is not a sin
Believe capital H-I-M (Hey, Hey, Hey)
I love my life, I love this record and
http://www.elyricsworld.com/born_this_way_lyrics_lady_gaga.html
Mi amore vole fe yah (Love needs faith)

I'm beautiful in my way,
'Cause God makes no mistakes
I'm on the right track, baby
I was Born This Way

Don't hide yourself in regret,
Just love yourself and you're set

I'm on the right track, baby
I was Born This Way

Ooo, there ain't no other way
Baby, I was Born This Way
Baby, I was Born This Way
Ooo, there ain't other way
Baby, I was Born-
I'm on the right track, baby
I was Born This Way

Don't be a drag, just be a queen
Don't be a drag, just be a queen
Don't be a drag, just be a queen
Don't be!

Don't be drag, just be a queen
Whether you're broke or evergreen
You're black, white, beige, chola descent
You're lebanese, you're orient
Whether life's disabilities
Left you outcast, bullied or teased
Rejoice and love yourself today
'Cause baby, you were Born This Way

No matter gay, straight or bi
Lesbian, transgendered life
I'm on the right track, baby
I was born to survive
No matter black, white or beige
Chola or orient made
I'm on the right track, baby
I was born to be brave

I'm beautiful in my way,
'Cause God makes no mistakes
I'm on the right track, baby
I was Born This Way

Don't hide yourself in regret,
Just love yourself and you're set
I'm on the right track, baby
I was Born This Way

I was Born This Way, hey!
I was Born This Way, hey!
I'm on the right track, baby
I was Born This Way, hey!

I was Born This Way, hey!
I was Born This Way, hey!
I'm on the right track, baby
I was Born This Way, hey!

Holy Week

2011-04-21T02:00:00.001+08:00

Holy Week in Christianity is the last week of Lent and the week before Easter. It includes the religious holidays of Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday (Holy Thursday) and Good Friday, and lasts from Palm Sunday (or in the Eastern, Lazarus Saturday) until, but not including, Easter Sunday, as Easter Sunday is the first day of the new season of The Great Fifty Days. It commemorates the last week of the earthly life of Jesus Christ as recorded in the Canonical gospels. (Wikipedia.org).

Almost all parts of the world highly celebrate this event with notable observances in Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Italy, Mexico, Peru, Spain, Vietnam and of course here in the Philippines. And for the only catholic country in Asia, the traditional practices are still predominant especially in the country side, more so among the devotees. Although, as times went by and with the big impact of modernization, the tradition has been considered insignificant especially to the youths. Sad to know.

However people celebrate the Holy Week...be it climbing a mountain, swimming in a beach, I still do hope they find time to visit the church or at least pray. We all know how Jesus suffered on the cross just to save us all.

Enjoy your vacation everyone!

In The Name of Love

2011-04-20T20:44:00.000+08:00

Long wait is over...after more than two years, my angel will finally be seen on the big screen. Angel Locsin was last seen in the movie 'Love Me Again' along with Piolo Pascual.

'In the name of love' is scheduled to be released on May 11, 2011 as Star Cinema's 18th anniversary presentation. The movie is also starred by Mr. Aga Muhlach and Jake Cuenca.

Watching the trailer was so exciting. I am so looking forward to watching the movie this coming May.

Here's the link: http://inthenameoflove.starcinema.com.ph/

Part 1: Kakaibang Bakasyon

2011-04-15T20:47:00.004+08:00

(Pic grabbed from Clarkberg Weblog)

"Pssst!"

I turned around...but there was no one except for the dried leaves scattered all over the place. My feet brought me to the end of the street where my friends were chatting indistinctively.

"Pssst! Gusto mo?". A ghastly deep voice coming from behind the Acacia tree 5 meters away.

It seemed that my friends didn't hear the voice because they were still busy debating who was more popular the Superstar, Nora Aunor or the Star for all Seasons, Vilma Santos. I just couldn't relate to what they were saying but I couldn't help smiling because of how they comically narrated every single detail of their experience during the so-called 'excursions'.

Despite the fun, half of my brain was busy thinking whose voice was it I heard a while back. And various thoughts of a ghost in the tree, a 'call boy' waiting for a victim or just a 'PLU' itching for a one night stand crossed my libidinous but anxious mind.

The place was not popular for ghost nor guy hunting. None that I heard of since the first time I visited back in 2005. But there was something or someone that night...I heard it!

While we were treading our way back to a friend's house, I couldn't keep my eyes off the acacia tree.

"Hoy! Masasagasaan ka sa ginagawa mong yan?" Metang interrupted.

"May narinig ka ba kaninang sumisitsit sa atin?" I asked.

"Ganyan ang tama talaga ng lambey...lalo na pag iced tea ang chaser. Hihihi". laughing out loud, leaving me behind.

For the nth time, I glanced at the tree which was surrounded by bushes swaying to the cool breeze air. Then suddenly, a shadow started to crawl out of the dark.

"OMG"...I screamed.

(to be continued...) Part 2 (here)

Daily ba talaga?

2011-04-11T17:25:00.002+08:00

(ganda ko lang dito ano? lol)

It says above '...a daily gust'.

Pero bakit parang weekly nalang ang pag a-update ng blog ko? Tsk Tsk. I have also been wondering why and planning to change the caption to '...a weekly gust' instead. What do you think?

Haist, the world already has a lot of problems and I just don't want to bug you with this insignificant question...Besides, di lang talaga daily ang outburst ng emotions ko. There are times that I just feel indifferent and the thought of scribbling whatever it is I am feeling just intensifies the flare-up.

So, why bother to write daily if you can't find time to do it and if you don't even know what to blog di ba? At bakit ka ba na momroblema ha? Making a mountain out of a molehill ba drama mo? Nababaliw na ata ako? PAK malamang! hihihi.

Anyway, isa sa mga insecurities ko kasi ang pagsusulat. I admire those people who could write down their thoughts easily without fuss. They are simply gifted and that's one thing I want to acquire. I hope it's never too late yet. I'm not pushing myself to the limit though, but I just feel that this is one of the ways to improve myself. However, there are times when nothing really comes out of my head leaving the 'draft' space blank. And it usually takes time for me to harbor good thoughts again.

A good writer doesn't need an inspiration to be able to come up with a good post. I need one coz I am not good enough at this stuff. Pero wala eh...wala talaga...wag na ipilit!

Bahala na!

I'm in pink again...

2011-04-08T17:26:00.001+08:00

Thanks God, I'm in pink again.

After my escapade last weekend in Laguna with Pops and Mega (I will post our adventure next time), I was down with a flu. This is the third time that I have been sick this year. And I am so worried that my immune system is getting weaker and weaker.

I remember when I was in my 20's, I always boasted that I had never stayed in the hospital for over a day (as a patient of course). And that I was so healthy that even common colds infected me so intermittently. And it held true until I was in my late 20's.

Yes, I was as fit as a fiddle during those years. I could drink till I dropped without a hang over the next day. I could smoke a pack or two every single day. I could party all night and could sleep at noon after a great 'love-making' with someone or after a good laugh with friends. But gone are the days!

So, I asked myself why I am becoming sickly these days?...why do I easily get infected with common colds?...why do I often get sick after a hard core drinking session?

Am I getting old? Did I abuse my health too much when I was way younger? Or is it just a part of the cycle? A cycle that everybody passes through before they bid goodbye to this world? Morbid, isn't it? But it's the reality we have to face. Not playing God or something, but I am pretty sure I am reaping now what I sowed before. And there's no one to blame but ME.

If there was a way for me go back to my college days, I would definitely do it and whisper to my then fragile and vulnerable body to take it easy. I would tell myself not to drink as if it were my last...as if there were no alcohol tomorrow...puff cigarettes as if it were going to make me look like a man...astig! Or I could have 'listened' to my bed when he 'told' me to make him sleepy.

But everything has already happened...maybe for a reason. But it's never too late yet. I believe so.

Now, I am trying my best to stay fit. Nothing beats moderation in everything.

Here are my plans:

1. Hopefully, I will be able to control my alcohol intake.

2. I already started cutting down the number of sticks per day. I just hope it goes perfectly well.

3. Play Bubble Shooter until 1:00 am only. Hit the bed right after.

4. Get at least 8 hours of sleep.

5. Eat healthy. Add fruits and fresh juices on the list.

6. Exercise...Nahhh! When needed.

And the list continues...

Well, I have been convincing myself to follow these lies. LOL. But only today that I finally had a firm decision to do it step by step.

I don't wanna be stricken by common colds or FLU again thru those ways. It's hard to be sick especially if nobody takes care of you. It only makes me feel more homesick.

Do you think I can do it?

April Fools' Day

2011-04-01T22:10:00.001+08:00

A lot of you don't exactly know the real me. At work, I may be the person who makes dull moments wacky and eccentric, but little did everyone know that I am a deep person inside.

So here are 10 things you'd wish you didn't know about me. LOL

1. I like reading books...especially suspense-thriller novels

2. I grew up in a big city

3. I had a relatively wonderful childhood

4. My father is proud of me

5. I have never been in love

6. I am so confident with my skills

7. I have no insecurities

8. I hate Filipino soap operas

9. I don't miss my family at all

10. I am a 35-year-old virgin

Happy April Fools' Day! Read between the lines...

Wrong Mistake

2011-03-30T20:28:00.003+08:00

No offensement...I mean offense meant. LOL. Just for fun.

One of the things that make our job as teachers fun and exciting is the fact that we ourselves make mistakes (being mere mortals), be it the vocabulary we use, our difficulty in explaining some highfalutin words to our students, the regional accent and pronunciation slips or even the grammatically incorrect sentences we teach our students. Ika nga, correcting an incorrect sentence with another incorrect one. Adding insult to injury ito. 'Ooh my Gad'! (with short a /ae/) Hihihi.

In my 8 years in this business, I have witnessed a lot of these common errors made by our very own teachers....yes you heard it right. Nakakahiya pero nakakatuwa...Hihihi...relate din kasi ako.

But what makes it funnier are the errors made by our ESL students. Though I have gotten used it, but when I hear some of them every now and then, it still gives me a reason to smile.

Here are some funny situations:

Teacher: Have you had dinner, Jack?

Jack: Yes, teacher.

Teacher: What did you have?

Jack: I ate a cow.

Teacher: What?! A live one? That's too big...(sabay tawa)...Jack, you mean, beef!

Jack: Yes yes...and also a kitchen. (instead of CHICKEN)

-----

Student: Teacher, have you eaten yourself already?

Teacher: (Smiling) No, not yet.

Student: Oh good. Let's eat each other. (instead of TOGETHER)

Teacher: (Sumakit ang tyan sa katatawan sabay sagot) Why not?

-----

Teacher: Kevin, does your daughter use the school bus everyday?

Student: No, sometimes I ride her to school. (instead of DRIVE)

Teacher: (Incest ito!)

-----

Teacher: Do you have an English name?

Student: (Korean accent) Yes, LION

Teacher: Really? King of the Jungle! Great.

Student: No

Teacher: Oh sorry! Can you spell your name please?

Student: R Y A N ...LION

-----

Teacher: Hi Jenny?

Student: Teacher, sorry I can't accept your education today. (I can't study with you today.

Teacher: Why not?

Student: Because my baby is eating my breast. (bastos na bata)

-----

Teacher: Hi John, how are you?

Student: Uh, teacher wait I'm f@#king my car. (They often mix up P & F, plus the problem with pronouncing "R")

Teacher: What? You mean, parking!

Student: Ok, Ok...Whew! I'm hard. (instead of IT'S DIFFICULT)

-----

Teacher: What did you do last weekend?

Student: I moved my house, teacher. (instead of MOVED TO ANOTHER HOUSE)

Teacher: Wow! You are so strong! (sabay ngisi)

-----

And the list continues...

Sana ...

2011-03-28T20:58:00.000+08:00

8 straight hours na puyatan last Saturday.

Ang resulta? Walang humpay na tulugan last weekend. I can say, it was one of the most unproductive weekends I've had. It was very irksome. Sorry.

Because of the exhaustion, nothing really comes out of my head. I was both physically and mentally drained. Though we will get an extra cash for the 'job', it still doesn't suffice. Lalo na kay Kuya Chris who worked from Friday night to Sunday morning with very little sleep. I really hope the management recognizes his efforts.

Kaya dahil walang magawa, napagtripan ang sarili na kunan ng litrato...hihihi

Sana ganyan nalang ako para di ako napapagod at labis na mag alala sa buhay... but there are really things in life that we can't easily get.

Sana mayaman nalang ako...so I don't have to work.

Sana may pakpak ako...so I could travel around the world...for free.

"I wanna be a billionaire so freaking bad"...biglang nag-ring ang phone...

Kalerke! Back to reality. hihihi

Sleepy monday....ZZzzzzZZZzZZzzzzz

Hanggang sa muli!

Goodbye Prestige...

2011-03-25T17:22:00.002+08:00

It all started when I decided to look for a more stable job back in 2007. I didn't mind being offered a 'hefty' *&#@ a month, almost 40% lower than what I had been bringing home then as a free lance teacher, so long as it was a COMPANY where I could fulfill my obligation to my country (pay tax), and enjoy government benefits like SSS, Pag-ibig and Philhealth, which I had practically 'evaded' for almost five years.Thanks to the two government agencies, I am now thirty thousand pesos poorer. Hahaha

To make the long story short, it all started with that firm decision. And until now, I have been reaping the fruits of my hard work. Yes, I am an example of a deserving and loyal employee who has risen from the ranks. Naks! Or maybe the company just didn't have any choice?! lol

DESERVING because I never get tired of learning and improving myself. I have found my niche, something that I have been searching for for a long time. And I can say this is my PASSION. The promotion was just a bonus, the icing on the cake. It was the things and the knowledge I have learned and shared to my students and colleagues that are more valuable.

LOYAL because despite what happened, they still got me back and wanted to work with and for them, which I fervently accepted.

And this office has been the solemn witness.

But today marks the end of our roller coaster teaching life here at Prestige Tower. The sight of teachers packing their valuables, ready to leave anytime is disheartening. Echos! (At least) a few people are sad because they have to tread two blocks more from the jeepney or bus stop. But on the whole, it's a new challenge and a new phase in our career. San ang challenge dun? Ah, challenge sa pag-empake. hehehe.

Busy-busihan kuno!

Hala! Magbibigti na sya!

We will really miss Prestige Tower.

tambayan ng mga smokers

This building has been my second home for more than 4 years. A lot of great memories that perhaps most of us would carry til we get old, especially for the pillars of the company (I am talking about the oldies, T' Cherylle, T' Jojo, T' Rose, T' Mae, T' Ivy, T' Jeff, etc., including myself). LOL!

(A view from the window...not a very enticing sight, but good enough to escape from the stressful and tedious job. Did I just say that? Just kidding! The job per se doesn't wear me out. Pero minsan mga teachers na pasaway ang nagbibigay ng sakit ng ulo! Hehe. Sometimes I think of breaking the glass window and jump! But my sane mind says that life is so beautiful to just end it that way. Ewww morbid!).

More than anything else, we will miss the convenience the area provides. If we wanna have a dose of caffeine, coffee shops that are sprouting like mushrooms are just cartwheels away. For food lovers, clean and cheap restaurants are just around the corner to fill our hungry tummies. And the most famous one is the Banchetto.

it is set up every Friday from midnight onwards

Yumminess...sarap ng barbecue...especially their isaw!

But then again, we all have to move on for the better. Parang relationship lang. Ano raw? Hehehe. And we are moving to a smaller office. Ay better nga! Better for the owner...less expenses...and more and more 'LESSES'.

Hala...good luck sa lahat! Hope everybody gets to enjoy the new office, the new environment and the new challenges ahead.

I am simply happy

2011-03-24T16:12:00.002+08:00

I am single but definitely not lonely.

Despite being single, I still can afford to smile...and why not? I have every reason to be glad, gratified and content. You see, having no partner doesn't mean losing your appetite to live. Instead, it should inspire you to continue doing what your heart desires. Who knows, somewhere out there, beneath the mango tree...someone is appreciating your good deeds and beautiful heart, and eventually falls for you, at the right time. Amen? Alien!!! lol

Seriously, it's been years since my last relatively long relationship, and to be honest, looking for a new HEADACHE and PLAYMATE sometimes crosses my lewd mind...joke! hehe. But it is not something that I can't live without. Right now, I am happier than ever.

One reason I am happy are my ever supportive friends who are always there to tickle my fancy. Hahaha.

Cindy, Mega, Pops, Keanna, Andrea and Lady Gaga are my closest celebrity friends. I am quite aware that in this business, finding true friends is no picnic. (Parang true lang ah) lol. And I am grateful that I have found these people. Who would believe that we hit it off right away the first time we met? It's like we had been friends before we even started to crawl.

Though nowadays, we don't get to see each other that often because some of them have gone international while others opt to avoid the limelight. But when we are together, it's literally a riot!

Cindy is now happily whoring around Macau (joke), Pops is busy with her public/community service, Andrea (pano ba maging isang ina) has turned her back on "Bekilandia', Lady Gaga is busy with her provincial tours and out of town shows, Keanna has a tight schedule serving the gods and goddesses, and Mega is sedulously searching for a night's hook up. Hahaha. But among the fairies, I always hang out with Mega, especially now that she is one of those who add to the multifaceted social problem of unemployment. To be fair, it's her choice to be jobless.

With the presence of these people, physically and spiritually, I don't think I will need a partner, thus no reason to feel blue. The happiness we share with each other is incomparable. We are like family.

At napakanta ako.

"We are family
I got all my sisters with me
We are family
Get up everybody and sing"

And here's a video of the song complete with lyrics. I really enjoy listening to The Chipmunks & The Chipettes' version of 'We are Family'.

So, to the Beks who think they are lonely because they are loveless, try to appreciate the little things that give you happiness like; your family and friends' love and care, the polluted air (hehe), the food you eat, the social networking, etc. You will realize that THEY (men) are dispensable.

To my dearest friends, Thanks for the friendship!

Lesson learned

2011-03-23T19:04:00.000+08:00

While money is indeed an important part of life, it is not always everything. There are things that money can't buy. At least for me.

Can we buy love?...Maybe! But not genuine.

Can we buy happiness?....Sure! Shower me with the latest gadgets and I'll be happier than ever. Hit your wife or girlfriend over the head with a new mink coat, she'll be your slave for a week or two. But not geniune.

For most of us, Bekis, especially those who prefer to have a relationship with a 'straight' guy (kuno), we believe in the saying 'the more money we have the more 'love' (or should I say LUST?) we get in return'...tama? tummooohhh! lol.

We think that we can keep our partner by providing him all his needs. At tayo namang mga tangengot, we work our ass off, busting our buns just to make sure he is happy...he has new kicks...new jeans...a new cell phone...etc. What do we get in return? Are we genuinely happy? Do we find satisfaction in doing so? Dami naman tanong teh! Hehe.

They say there is joy in giving...weeeeh? talaga?...Hmmmm...somehow, it's true, but come on?! It is so phantasmagorical! You are not living in this damn world for that selfish reason alone. OK, that maybe valid for others but it shouldn't be the ONLY one. My take on this...don't ruin your life by always being on the whims of others, especially the users.

So, why all the ranting and raving? Oo nga naman! Bitter lang po. lol.

Well, this post will hopefully remind me of my shortcomings and stupidity. I can't say I am over it. And I don't know either if I still want it, but one thing I'm sure of...I will NEVER be naive and gullible again.

It dawned on me that these people only want one thing...my beautiful body! Echos. They will ONLY send an SMS when they are in dire need of cold cash. (Good thing, lately, I haven't had lots of it). Hehe. Or anything they can get from you. And if you have nothing to spit up anymore, they just leave you like rubbish. Tsk tsk tsk...Bad kayo!

Good news is, it's never too late to change (the types of partner not the preference). Hehe

It's a difficult process, though. An uphill climb. But it is a work in progress.

I have learned the ropes now.

Tips for Success: The Do-It-Now Habit

2011-03-22T08:30:00.003+08:00

Questions?

Do you feel overworked and think that you have too much to do? Are your goals unreachable and think that the light at the end of the tunnel is nowhere to be seen?

Why do you think some people are more productive than others? Do you realize that you can do what others can?

For example, Cathy not only takes care of her three kids, but works 30 hours per week and runs an Avon or Sara Lee business from her home. Yet her house is always clean and she prepares delicious, healthy meals for her family.

Michelle, on the other hand, has one daughter, doesn't make money, has no time to do her housework and prefers buying food at the nearest carinderia.

Both Cathy and Michelle are undoubtedly good mothers, but why are they so different? Why is Cathy so efficient?

To be more like Cathy and less Michelle, break two bad habits and form one good habit.

Two Bad Habits (by L Ron Hubbard)

1. The first bad habit is to look at a piece of work you are supposed to do -- a task, a program, a communication, an assignment or - and put it aside to do later.

Instead of acting, you read it, digest it, think about doing it, consider the problems, sigh, and put it down to do later. Nothing is accomplished. A total waste of time.

2. The second bad habit is taking a piece of work, look at it and refer it to someone else. Even though it's your job, you try to get someone else to do it. The other person eventually sends it back to you. A total waste of your time AND the other person's time.

One Good Habit

"Do it Now."

"One of the best ways to cut your work in half is not to do it twice."

"If you do every piece of work that comes your way WHEN it comes your way and not after a while, if you always take the initiative and take action, not refer it, you never get any traffic back . . . "

"In short, the way to get rid of traffic is to do it, not to refer it; anything referred has to be read by you again, digested again, and handled again; so never refer traffic, just do it so it's done."

"So if you are truly a lover of ease, the sort of person who yawns comfortably and wears holes in heels resting them on desks, if your true ambition is one long bout of spring fever, then you'll do as I suggest and handle everything that comes your way when it comes and not later; and you'll never refer anything to anybody that you yourself can do promptly."

"Do it when you see it and do it yourself." -- L. Ron Hubbard

For example, your boss asks you to submit your report before the week ends. You spend more time to think of what to write on the blank Microsoft WORD 2007 page and realize that it is still Monday, so you close the page and browse other websites that would make your day. Now if you wait for another day to finish the report and suddenly find out that you lack the information and data needed, you will definitely cram thus sacrificing the quality of your report. In the end, your boss gets angry with you risking your job security.

As another example, you notice your car tire is a little low and you fill it right now. If you wait, you get a flat tire while driving to work. You are not only two hours late for work, you have to buy a new tire.

More examples:

Your food explodes in the microwave? You clean it up now.

Your group needs a decision from you? You make it now.

When you jump and do things at your first opportunity, you stay in better control of your job and your life while earning hours of extra time to use however you wish.

How to Form the Do-It-Now Habit

The best time to get into a do-it-now habit is, of course, RIGHT NOW!

1. Take a stack of papers, task or any kind of cluttered mess that you need to handle.

2. Take the first item.

3. Deal with it, handle it, do it now.

". . . take the initiative and take action. . . ."

4. If you find it hard to do it now, remember the reward. If you get your work done in half the time, how will you spend the OTHER half of your time? Earning more money? Starting new projects? Having more fun? The choice is yours.

Give it a try.

Now!

Useful Office Rules

2011-03-21T19:59:00.006+08:00

Check this out...funny!
Let the world know that you are guilty.

10. Never walk without a document -- People with documents look like hardworking employees headed to important meetings. People with nothing in their hands look like they're headed for the cafeteria. People with a newspaper in their hand look like they're headed for the toilet. Above all, make sure you carry loads of stuff home with you at night, thus generating the false impression that you work longer hours than you really do.

9. Use computers to look busy -- Any time you use a computer, it looks like "work" to the casual observer. You can send and receive personal e-mail, chat and have a blast without doing anything remotely related to work. These aren't exactly the societal benefits that the proponents of the computer revolution would like to talk about, but they're not bad either. When you get caught by your boss -- and you will get caught -- your best defense is to claim you're teaching yourself to use new software, thus saving valuable training dollars.

8. Messy desk -- only top management can get away with a clean desk. For the rest of us, it looks like we're not working hard enough. Build huge piles of documents around your workspace. To the observer, last year's work looks the same as today's work; it's volume that counts. Pile them high and wide. If you know somebody is coming to your cubicle, bury the document you'll need halfway down in an existing stack and rummage for it when he/she arrives.

7. Voice mail -- Never answer your phone if you have voice mail. People don't call you just because they want to give you something for nothing -- they call because they want YOU to do work for THEM. That's no way to live. Screen all your calls through voice mail. If somebody leaves a message for you and it sounds like impending work, respond during lunch hour when you know they're not there -- it looks like you're hardworking and conscientious even though you're being a devious weasel.

6. Look impatient and annoyed -- According to George Costanza, one should also always try to look impatient and annoyed to give off the impression that you're always busy.

5. Leave the office late -- Always leave the office late, especially when the boss is still around. You could read magazines and storybooks that you always wanted to read. Make sure you walk past the boss' room on your way out. Send important e-mails at unearthly hours (i.e. 9:35pm, 7:05am, etc.) and during public holidays.

4. Creative sighing for effect -- Sigh loudly when there are many people around, giving the impression that you are under extreme pressure.

3. Stacking strategy -- It is not enough to pile lots of documents on the table. Put lots of books on the floor, etc. (thick computer manuals are the best).

2. Build vocabulary -- Read up on some computer magazines and pick out all the jargon and new products. Use the phrases freely when in conversation with bosses. Remember, they don't have to understand what you say, but you sure sound impressive.

1. MOST IMPORTANT -- DON'T forward this to your boss by mistake!

http://titlletatlle.blogspot.com/2011/03/10-office-rules.html

Elly and Eric's Wedding

2011-03-18T19:14:00.003+08:00

According to the dictionary, the word 'wed' is from the Greek word which means 'pledge'. It is such a powerful word that the couple involved should be strong enough to accept the responsibilities that go with it. Both should be emotionally and financially ready as well.

That promise of love encompasses everything no matter what country it takes place and what culture it is a part of. And everybody around just hopes it would last forever. Well well well, it still depends. Believe me...been there done that! lol.

Tomorrow, our Korean director will tie the knot here in the Philippines. Though they already had a Korean ceremony last year in their country, the bride wants to experience how it is to be wed in the Philippines with her Filipino friends and colleagues around as witnesses of the poignant occasion and of their undying love. Plus, they have been living here for quite sometime and plan to stay here for good.

In Korea, the traditional wedding ceremony is more than just a union of two individuals, it is also joining of two families. Parents play a very important role in the ceremony because their blessings would mean bounty and success in marriage. This event, which is often long and elaborate, is popularly known as 'Taerye' or 'Great Ritual'. Nowadays, a lot of Korean weddings resemble Western marriages but despite these influences, Koreans still keep some of their traditions intact.

How I wish it would be a Korean traditional wedding. Perhaps, it would be more exciting. Nevertheless, we still look forward to celebrating with them their most memorable and important day. And like I said, it doesn't matter where the 'pledge' takes place and what type of ceremony they follow, as long as they keep that promise for life.

Best wishes, Elly and Eric!

(picture was grabbed from Elly's FB. Thanks)

Feeling a little better.

2011-03-18T13:09:00.004+08:00

These past few weeks, I have been stricken by this common cold and it has never left my fragile system for God's sake till now. And I am the type of person who doesn't really take colds medicines and just depends solely on home remedies like drinking a lot of water or hot calamansi juice and a long rest which I can't afford to do these days because of my tight work schedule.

Because of this, I haven't been in the mood to write anything in this blog. I hope to get well soon.

I wanna be in pink again. Please pray for my fast recovery.