.

Avat-ar

2009-12-14T00:22:00.004-05:00

Update: I'll be watching the advance screening of Avatar 3D on Thursday! yahoo! ugh, the benefits of connections. :D
This is inspired by Avatar which I made for an hour (so don't mind its imperfection :P). It has an unoriginal concept, I know but I like it.

AVAT (uh-vat), noun, a visayan word for "aswang". Just with a 'v' to make it sound more 'sosi', lol.

Aswang: a witch said to prey on children Haha!
This is just for fun, of course. Ej asked me to manipulate a photo of him with a half wolf(because of New Moon,duh?), but I'm not a fan, so I made this instead(as peace offering :D).

End Of 2009 Survey

2009-12-07T15:10:00.004-05:00

End of the Year 2009 Survey Created by stangs07 and taken 2512 times on Bzoink
In 2009...
Did you do something you would never do?:	Yes!!!
Did you keep any New Year's Resolutions?:	I don't I have a New Year's resolution this year?!?!
Did anyone close to you give birth?:	No.
Did anyone close to you die?:	Yes. My grandpa's cousin, Lolo Elias. And I super regret not seeing him when he asked me to come see him a week before he died. It always kills me whenever I think about it.
Did you visit any countries?:	No.
What would you like to have in 2010 that you lacked in 2009?:	Money :D
Will any date from 2009 stay etched in your memory forever?:	Yes, my 25th birthday and I got engaged this year. :D
What was your biggest achievement of 2009?:	Helped people to be more open which got me to be more open as well.
What was your biggest failure?:	i don't think I have any significant failure this year.
Did you suffer illness or injury?:	No.
What was the best thing you bought in '09?:	My bed.
Did your behavior change over the year?:	I think so yes.
Where did you spend most of your money?:	Bills :S
Are you happier than this time last year?:	Yes.
What song will remind you of 2009?:	Down3x by Jay Sean & Michael Jackson's
What do you wish you would have done more of?:	Work. Spend time with my grandma and the rest of my family.
What do you wish you would have done less of?:	Sleep.:P (I remember taking this test before where I wished to have more sleep. I think it just came true & now I'm taking it back :P)
What did/will you do for Christmas '09?:	I don't know. I think I will celebrate it alone. Nah, I think I'll celebrate it at my uncle's.
Did you fall in love in 2009?:	I fall in love over and over again.
Did you get your heart broken in 2009?:	Yes.
Favorite TV program of '09?:	I didn't watch too much until Tayong Dalawa & Big Brother double up came on tv. Go team Melason! :P
Do you hate anyone now that you didnt hate this time last year?:	Maybe yes. :D
What was the best book you read and/or movie you saw?:	I watched a lot of movies so I can't think of any right now. hhhmmm..maybe the latest, 2012. & the book Revolution of Hope; The Life, Faith, & Dreams of a Mexican President by Vicente Fox. B's gift!
What was your greatest discovery?:	my guts:P
What did you do on your birthday and how old were you?:	Spent it with Brandon . 25! :D
What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?:	It's already satisfying. :)
How would you describe your personal fashion concept of 2009?:	minimalist. :P
Friends
Who was the best new person you met?:	A lot, and they're all the best!
Who did you wish you did not meet?:	No one.
Who was your best friend?:	EJ.
Who was your enemy?:	EJ too.:P
Who do you miss?:	Brandon, my cousins, grandma, ugh everyone.
Who will you never forget?:	everyone.
Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2009::	not be overpowered by my insecurities & be gentle, value the love that people give. we don't know when they'll leave so do whatever you can for them.
What will you always remember about 2009?:	Everything.
Aspirations for 2010...
What do you want to do in '10 that you couldn't in '09?:	Work seriously, travel,
Any resolutions?:	stop slouching, eat healthier
What different about 2010 than 2009?:	I don't know yet.
Anything you want to change about yourself for 2010?:	Hhmmm.. I don't know
Do you want to make more friends in 2010?:	Of course.
You've been totally Bzoink*d! Take This Survey \| Search Surveys \| Create a Survey

End

2009-12-04T15:12:00.002-05:00

Although I hate it now that I won't be able to write reviews anymore, it's a fact that any thing has to come to an end. I won't be closing this blog unlike the blog I had before coz I would still be writing if can. I might not be writing any paid or free reviews any more but I'm still willing to share a part of my life. :D

I'm just glad that something's making me busy now. After a year of being stagnant and unproductive. And I'm also glad that this end means: I don't need to care about everything I would be saying because no one's going to check anymore:D haha!

Shameless Anniversary Video

2009-11-26T05:27:00.004-05:00

I know this is kinda funny. But when you love, you would want to fulfill your shameless desires:P And this is one of the many:D Enjoy the effect of tonsillitis, says Ej. :D

So this explains why EJ got an instant goatee in our previous video:D

EJ: Happy Anniversary baby!
Cathy: Happy Anniversary baby! ...I mean happy anniversary to my baby, not you:P

Happy Anniversary Brandon, who after 2 plus years, I still find so cute :D haha! I've been telling you that baby, right?

Hugs & Tons of Love,
Cathy

Win $5000 With iLASIK Video Contest!

2009-11-17T16:17:00.008-05:00

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Incendia Health. All opinions are 100% mine.
Last September, I wrote about iLASIK Video Contest where you could have a chance to win $5000! And so far, there are a lot of people who have already submitted original music videos, videos on boxing and swimming, and videos that just show how their daily lives would improve with iLasik. But the real good news is… you still have a chance to join and win!

As I’ve said before, aside from $5000 grand prize which will be selected from all submitted videos, you can also win the HDTV package — a $2,500 value and The Flip UltraHD™ camcorder — a $199.99 value, where one will win these in each category.

This “You Gotta See This” iLASIK "You Gotta See This" Video Contest is sponsored by AMO or Abbott Medical Optics Inc., a global leader in ophthalmic care. They want you to share your video so they would know how better vision could improve or has improved your life.

And so again, here is what they invite you to participate in:

1. Make a video and submit it under one of these categories.

• “My contacts are getting in the way of my good time”
• “My favorite sport or activity would be so much cooler with better vision”
• “You should see life after the iLASIK® Procedure”

2. Tell your friends to vote for your entry. Voting will end on December 10th, 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time. Your votes are one of the factors that will help you win the prize.

Go visit their site and enjoy making the video. Also, don’t forget to tell your friends about it! Goodluck! :)

2009-11-15T13:29:00.002-05:00

Kanye West : Yo Cotto Imma let you finish but PACMAN is the BEST BOXER of all time! :D

haha! peace! :P

CONGRATULATIONS again Pacman! I love youuuuuuuuu!!! mwah!

Chola Makeup Tutorial

2009-11-12T14:09:00.004-05:00

UPDATE: I just checked her youtube account and found out that she's half Mexican and half Filipino. Haha! See what kind of humor we have. :D

Yes I watch makeup tutorials. But this? is different. :P ugh, I love her. She makes me laugh:D

How Old Is Old Blog Contest Winners!

2009-10-16T11:45:00.005-04:00

Hey guys, I’m so sorry for the delay of announcement, but here are the winners of my little blog contest!!!:D --- How Old Is Old? It was difficult to choose so I used random.org. Also, I divided the ads. Thank you to all 30 qualified people who joined this contest. I know there were some who blog about it that didn’t comment (one of the important rules) or favored not to join but rest assured I read your entry, and so I thank you too. I appreciate all your effort guys. :) Your entries enlightened and inspired me, and made me laugh and cry. So my deepest appreciation to you all.

Without more ado, here are the winners! :D

Winner of $25 is ANGEL OF MAYHEM

Winner of a month ad space 125x125 @ Also Mommy, TH's Corner, Another Contest, Name Sherry, I Luv Contest, Sherry Rambling and a month text link @ There is Happiness is GRACE

Winner of a month ad space 125x125 @ Heart Random, Isherrygo.com, Iblogaholic, Sherry Contest, Wishing Her and a month text link @ Twins Happiness is BAILEY BARETTO

So Mr. Dick, send me your paypal e-mail id. Ms. Grace and Ms. Bailey, send me your 125x125 ad. Congratulations! Thank you to all who joined and who sponsored. :)

Potato Cheese Balls

2009-09-30T15:24:00.002-04:00

Ingredients and est. price in peso for 5 to 8 servings

½ kilo potatoes

100 g quickmelt cheese (grated)

50 g mozzarella cheese (sliced into cubes)

3 pieces fresh eggs

100 g all-purpose flour

100 g bread crumbs

TOTAL: PhP154.72

Boil potatoes till soft. Peel the skin and mash before putting the cheese. Divide into equal portion and shape into balls. Dredge the potato balls on egg, all-purpose flour and bread crumbs. Use the tefal brick chicken fryer to fry until golden brown.

My classmates liked it, so I like to share it too:)

Baby Rein's Christening

2009-09-29T12:14:00.005-04:00

2 weeks ago, EJ was trying to make his niece’s thank you christening card but I noticed that he didn’t know where to start. As his good friend (ahemm:P), I volunteered. I know I haven’t done something like it before but I wanted to try. And I did it! I’m glad Reina’s mom and dad love my design. I heard from EJ that they like it so much that they want to put my design into a tarpaulin. I didn’t believe until they sent an mms earlier of Reina’s christening. :D I’m just so proud. :) Sometimes it takes someone to appreciate my work before I could appreciate it, myself. Or maybe I’m just naturally humble. :P

EJ's mom and dad with Reina's parents Kuya Mark and Ate Swina

I can't say no to cute Reina :D Wish to see her grow up

Anyway, Happy fiesta to my little town San Miguel! I missed the crispy lechon :(

Flood Disaster

2009-09-27T15:10:00.009-04:00

EJ. Trying to keep my bag safe and dry. I came from class yeterday and this is what welcomed me. Just thankful that we live in the 2nd floor. These photos are nothing compare to what others have experience and still experiencing.

A month's worth of rain came down in 6 hours in Manila. This disastrous event killed a lot of people, many have lost their homes, and nothing to eat. For those abroad who would like to
help in some way, it's easy to contribute for relief by donating online
through Ayala Foundation. Go to http://www.af-usa.org/donate_now_form.asp and select Philippine National Red Cross from drop down.

For people in the Philippines who would like to help, go to 'Tropical Storm Ondoy: How you can help'

Let's help flood victims. Please forward this to your friends too.
Thank you.

Fill up my contact form if you have any more questions regarding how you can help. Thank you very very very much. Be blessed.

Names

2009-09-24T14:29:00.004-04:00

I’m quiet sure that any one of you who’s reading this entry have searched your name in google or any other search engines. It could also be your husband, your wife, your ex, or any one that you're curious to know about.

At namesdir.com, you can find this names directory which was purely created for entertainment and curiosity. You could even add your name or a new name using their ‘add name form’. I just added my full name there so you would find me under Catherine if you’re going to search using my first name. You would find me too using my last name under Salazar. You would also see the most popular names in their directory.

As I’ve said, this site was made for entertainment and curiosity only. So you wouldn’t find any person’s email address, phone numbers, occupation or anything there. But it would sometimes help you find your old friends, family, schoolmates, and classmates. If you have any questions, you can check their FAQ section or send them a message using their contact form. Enjoy searching. :)

Win $5,000 In A Video Contest!

2009-09-20T13:49:00.001-04:00

If you’re one of those people who have already tried the benefits of iLASIK procedure or who’s life is still affected by blurry vision (and you might just win the cash price and get an iLASIK procedure), you can surely join this contest!

But first, what is iLASIK? Lasik is short for laser assisted in situ keratomileusis. It is the most commonly performed laser vision correction procedure for patients suffering from nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia) and astigmatism. The iLASIK procedure is revolutionized by the use of two computer-guided lasers instead of one as in earlier generations of LASIK.

This “You Gotta See This” iLASIK Video Contest is sponsored by AMO or Abbott Medical Optics Inc., a global leader in ophthalmic care. They want you to share your video so they would know how better vision could improve or has improved your life.

So here is what they invite you to participate in:

1. Make a video and submit it under one of these categories.

• “My contacts are getting in the way of my good time”
• “My favorite sport or activity would be so much cooler with better vision”
• “You should see life after the iLASIK® Procedure”

2. Tell your friends to vote for your entry. Voting will end on December 10th, 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time. Your votes are one of the factors that will help you win the prize.

Aside from the one grand prize of $5,000 (the approximate market value for the iLASIK Procedure) , three first and second prize winners will also be selected (one per video category)!

First Prize: HDTV package- a $2,500 value

Second Prize: The Flip UltraHD ™ camcorder- a $199.99 value

Visit their website and go to their page for more detailed rules. Have fun in making the video and good luck! :)

I Am Sam

2009-09-19T11:41:00.005-04:00

I have watched this movie few years ago and it became one of my favorite lifetime movies. It’s one of the movies I won’t ever get tired of watching over again and shared to any people I come across with.

Sean Penn is undoubtedly one of my favorite actors. His character in this movie is Sam Dawson whose intellectual capacity was of a 7 year old. This is also his daughter’s age, Lucy Dawson played by Dakota Fanning--when he was fighting for her custody. The story evolved between the love of his father to her daughter despite of his mental illness and how the two’s struggle teaches his ruthless lawyer Rita Harrison Williams played by Michelle Pfeiffer the value of love and family.

If this was a real life situation, I don’t think it would finish like how it ended, though. But then again, it’s just a movie. Going back to my needed reaction for this, I am so much moved by the lines thrown by each character. ‘All you need is love’-said Lucy. She almost resembled Ewan McGregor who said the same exact lines in Moulin Rouge, like she’s too old to know about love. So who would not get their heart smashed? Only if the judge heard those lines right there and then, the movie would have ended by then.

I also thought that Sam and Rita would build their own love tale but that’s another story and I know it would only make the movie unreal and more complicated. Not only that the movie taught their viewers about love, family and parenthood but also friendship. They featured 3 people with disabilities who played as friends of Sam and indisputably added a real touch to the movie. They strongly stayed behind Sam no matter what it takes and taught us the value of friendship.

I am Sam is truly a powerful movie that makes most people cry who ever get a chance to watch it. It brought me so much impact that I even want a sequel of the movie where Lucy is already a teenager. That makes me wonder.

Submitted to: Ms. Saturday in Tagalog (again) :)

My 5 School Facts

2009-09-17T19:03:00.008-04:00

I am so dead. It took me years to do this tag and I even forgot the person who tagged me! I'm so dead! But I researched so... it’s Pinknote. :P Hihi! And I would just like you to know guys that I appreciate all the tags and awards that you're sharing. I just got little time to write.

So here are just some of the facts. As if you care. :)

1. I won 1st in a poster and slogan inter school competition sponsored by Rotary Club and defeated 7 boys. :) Hey, it was tough! I don’t think they just let me win because I’m a girl. :P

2. I always feel that I was given the special treatment in grade school because of my last name and because the principal was also my grandmother. :D

3. Although I think I really talk a lot in this day and age, I was always awarded ‘most behaved’ in class. Believe it or not.

4. I was always our class secretary, club secretary, school secretary. I remember getting tired at any point so it became one of my reasons to run as school president in grade school and college. I failed to win so I ended up being the secretary. And that’s a lot of job than the president! Duh, that was my most-abused-position. :P

5. At this point, are you not noticing that I am intelligent and smart? ... I am, haha! I was always on the list of honors students. I was our Kinder class valedictorian and that got me a chance to see my dad for the first time. That’s when I also had my first speech in public! I was 6 and really not aware of what I was talking about, lol :D “Good afternoon directress, Mrs. Danganan, friends, teachers, parents, especially to my grandparents-who have helped me all the way…Blah, blah, blah.” I might post a photo of it. :P

Here's one shameful thing I want to share. When I was removed from our college dean’s list, I felt really terrible, went to a mall’s towel section and cried there. :D I really felt good afterwards. :P

Wait, I need to stop now before I reach 100000000000th fact. :D See, I behave too much. :)

Feel free to tag your selves. :D Or I'll probably do the tagging later when I'm not lazy.

Recovery Date

2009-09-16T13:13:00.004-04:00

This September is the 20th National Alcohol & Drug Addiction Recovery month. This reminded me of my then boyfriend who was an ex drug addict. He was in rehab few months before we met. Then the relationship got out of hand and we broke up. I think the worst part of every relationship is trying to save it even if it’s not worth a try.

After all, I stayed because I wanted to help him. But he started blaming me about his change and forced me to watch him using methamphetamine with his friend. That’s when I knew he’s still not fully recovered. But I’m glad he’s okay now. Although kidding aside, I think the best persons he should have talked or dated with are those who have experienced the same to better help each other.

There are surely thousands of dating websites in the internet but it’s never easy to find your perfect match. But who would have known that at RecoveryDate, they would help clean and sober people in recovery from around the world find their pair. If you’re one of them, you could sign up for free, post photos, and make your own profile just like any other dating sites. You can find someone who’s interested in dating, online flirting and even just friendship. You can write something about you and about the ideal person you’re looking for.

RecoveryDate is not only a dating website that features people who recovered from alcohol and drug addiction disease but also those gamblers anonymous, eating disorders, alanon, narcotics, and a lot more. Their website is user-friendly so it wouldn’t be hard for anyone to navigate their systems.

I still want to help him. So I would probably direct him to RecoveryDate. Everyone would stop getting addicted to anything else but to love :D

25 Birthday Wishlist

2009-09-15T16:52:00.008-04:00

Someone who joined my contest (I have to find again who she is:P) {update: she left a comment, now I know it's Dinah!} suggested that I might want to write 25 things to do before I reach 25 but I think that’s unobtainable so I tried to write down 25 things I want for my birthday instead. :) My cousins were asking me any way so here:

1. The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown
2. The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy (I’m not sure if I have this book or if I got it from my grandpa’s bookshelf. But I really forgot if I finished it so I want to read it again)
3. Veronika Decides to Die by Paulo Coelho
4. The Last Song by Nicholas Parks (been donkey's years since the last time I read a romantic book, so I want this one. I enjoyed The Notebook so I might like this too)
5. Dreams from My Father: A Story of Race and Inheritance by Barack Obama or any book that’s worth my time. No lousy books please. :P
6. And with those I have mentioned above, I want to have an Amazon Kindle or Sony Reader (although I don’t think I could use their Wifi here but still!) ... I also want some of my blog entries published :) That would be so sweet!
7. I still want a Wacom Bamboo
8. A new mp3 since my brother took his when he was here :(
9. A new laptop (unsure about the specifics because of all the new gadgets that are coming out of the market)
10. A USB Drive
11. Sony Memory stick pro duo for my camera
12. Oh well, a new canon digital camera :(
13. Money and more money! :P

Ok, I know they're expensive :P But it isn't bad to dream, right? Continue...

14. A new sketchbook & mediums I could use (I think I have forgotten how to doodle already, I miss traditional art) :(
15. A long hour massage and spa
16. Vintage style dresses and bags
17. Pair of skinny pants
18. Hat pants too!
19. Pair of shoes (Hint: I like people are people’s :P)
20. A very big pillow, comforter set and bath products :D
21. A month grocery or until the end of this year :D (plus my dog’s food)
22. I really really want a male Shih Tzu puppy, preferably black with complete papers and vaccine or any dog smaller than my dog Babols :P
23. I also want to travel and have my passport asap! Bwis*t!
24. Surprises!
25. Well, I have nothing more in mind now :P So let me end this with a more achievable wishes, lol. Healthy lifestyle, healthy lovelife, great opportunities, happiness and peace of mind for me and my loved ones. :)

My boyfriend's going to be here on my birthday :D that's one wish soon to be fulfilled too!:D So to any of you who’s generous enough, or just simply want to give me something for my birthday, thank you and blessed be! :D

p.s. I also want a tattoo. :(

Lost In Translation

2009-09-08T15:03:00.007-04:00

Tita Jean, Stefan, John, Ej and yours truly. Few hours before they left.

My cousin Stefan asked me to make a a video of him on YouTube to show his talent(which he calls unique:P). He's just so cute and adorable that I bite his ears so he could play my pc games. :D Also, I realized that this artistahin and shameless personality really runs in our blood. :P Although we really had a hard time understanding each other for I speak only little of his known language, I know we somehow grasped ideas through the use of signs and broken english. I hope I didn't misunderstand him when he said "Ate Cat, Youtube me" :P

Lines...

Stefan: I live in spaghetti. (this made me laugh. only bacterias could live in there I think)

John: Chickenjoy! (his favorite Jollibee food. When they arrived here in Manila at 12 am more than a month ago, we looked for a 24 hour open J store until 3 am just to satisfy his cravings:S)

Tita Jean: Sabi pa nung bata, "ang taba taba nya"(she went to a store that morning and a kid said it to her, that she's fat. I love how my aunt just laugh about it:P)

EJ: Where, where, how hawa what grade are you in school? (Lol EJ, you're lost in traslation too haha!)

Me: Spraken Noh Gerrrman (Was that Russian or Nihonggo? Lol, I love how I sounded so stupid:P)

I'll be watching this video over and over. I miss you all. I always wanted to see my cousins grow. :( Hope to really see you next summer. :)

Bookshelf

2009-09-04T12:53:00.003-04:00

Only a few people know that I’m currently taking a caregiver course. I initially thought that it’s as easy as one, two, three but I was mistaken. What a shame. It’s as shame as I’m not really going to talk more about it. :P

It’s just funny to think that even doctors, nurses and other medical graduates here in the Philippines take that course. Up to this moment, I still don’t understand their point of studying that course if they had already spent years of eye bags out of studying. Not to mention their same white uniforms and piles of medical student books. Oh well.

I’m now in my human kinetics module and I’m sick. I know it’s not an excuse not to listen to my teacher’s discussion about these bones and muscle parts I have to memorize. Though, I’m glad I got only 1 mistake earlier during our quiz even if I wasn’t really paying attention in class because I’m sick. But it also is helpful if we students got health medical books on our own, right? Just like at topmedicalbooks.com, they have best medical books in there that they could offer at a fair price. You could check the medical books you’re looking for on their category column.

Well I guess a medical book will be on my bookshelf soon, huh? Hi teacher:D Thanks for the concern. She was damn so serious about sending me to the hospital earlier. But thanks for sending me home before the class ended too:)

How Old Is Old?

2009-08-17T11:52:00.012-04:00

UPDATED TODAY, AUG. 19TH, 2009. CHECK THE ADDED PRIZES OF SPONSORS BELOW. :) THANKS A LOT!

I'll be turning 25 on October 13th. Sometimes it makes me feel too old but sometimes not. Am I old when I reach a certain age? Or when I already got white hair or when I lose my teeth?:P At this very moment, I really don’t know how old is old. So, I think it’s cool to hear your opinion about this coz I’m honestly tired of hearing myself. :P

And to encourage you more to share your opinion, I’m giving any blogger that joins a chance to win $25 via paypal!:D

So here’s a little something I invite you all to participate in!

1. Blog about ‘How old is old?’
It should be at least 50 words. You could write it in any way you want. Ex., 65, it’s when most people retire and blah blah… or when an individual is already sexually active etc, etc. There are no rules as to how daring you want your answers to be. :)

2. Your post must contain a link back to this post.

3. Tag at least 5 people and let them know about it.

4. Subscribe to my feeds (I would subscribe back:D). If you got a blogroll, I do exchange links too:D

5. Let me know that you entered this contest by leaving a link to your post on my comment box below.

ADDITIONAL PRIZES:
a month ad space 125x125 @
Also Mommy
TH's Corner
Another Contest
Name Sherry
I Luv Contest
Sherry Rambling
Heart Random
Isherrygo.com
Iblogaholic
Sherry Contest
Wishing Her

a month text link @
There is Happiness
Twins Happiness

Deadline: October 12th.

Winner will be selected and announced on my birthday, Oct. 13th. I’m actually thinking about giving like 2 more $25, tickets for Twilight 2 Saga: New Moon Movie, and more. But I think that would really depend on how many participants I’d have in this little contest.:D If any sponsors would like to help, I would really much appreciate.:P

For now, I’m tagging 25 people from my Who’s Hot? Blogroll and Cbox:)
13th Witch All About My Life Chickletz Chitchat About Entertainment Chris Red Crash Crissy Haven DedeAndro Dhemz DJ Tammy Faye Gemmerz Happi Lizzy MarkG87 Meiyah Miaka Yuuki My Meryl My Passion Pink Notes Diary Pluma Ni Jepoy Ruby Posts SassyChicks's World Space Of Reality Walk With Me

Good luck:)

Why is My Blog Called Cathara?

2009-08-09T12:16:00.007-04:00

And so I was created and now, I’m coming out from my shell. I am no longer premature, I am in my perfect season to get hatched. It's up to you on how you want to take me and what I say. Sunny side up? Scrambled? Boiled? However you want it my dear readers, that's fine. As long as you keep the yolk, the core of it, coz it's my favorite part.

I miss my long hair:(

If you’re an avid fan of my blog (lol, just to make myself feel good), you would surely notice my new layout! :) Well, I made it like a month ago but I was a little bit hesitant about posting it. It’s probably one of my shameless desires and I realized I should just post it coz I put a lot of heart and effort when I made it.

My idea was exactly as how Cathara describes my blog. I realized that I’ve been changing my blog layout every few months because of my dissatisfaction. So I decided to make something that would make me stop changing, and that is to put what I desire. I guess I'd leave this new layout for a year :P

For the past 2 years of blogging publicly, I’ve considerably changed. And before I reach my mid 20 on October, I wanted to dare myself of doing something a little brave and daring like this. For some, I might be deliberated a sleeper, but I think if I started early, I would just be too premature to start. As they say, there’s always a right time, and I feel that today is just too perfect to begin.

So obviously my layout shows me (blushing :P) coming out from an eggshell. Well, to make you fully understand, it would be best to share why my blog’s name is Cathara and what its subtitle means. I’ve been blogging for a long time already but I think no one really knew what it precisely means. Now it's time to reveal it.

Cathara- it is a combination of the 1^st syllable of my name and Bathala (God). According to Philippine mythology, Bathalang Maykapal, or Bathala, was the Supreme God of the ancient Tagalog and King of the Diwatas. Derived from the Sanskrit term Bathara Guru (for the same deity), the concept of Bathala, as with many beliefs in pre-Hispanic Philippines, owe a huge debt to the Hinduism of the Srivijayan Javanese. All of these beliefs were soon changed after the Spaniards set foot on the islands. Spanish missionaries used Bathala as a way for them to convert the Tagalogs into Christianity by associating him with the Christian God. (…more meaning at Wikipedia)

And because I love Japanese, Zen, Buddhism, their culture, kimono, everything about Japan actually, I decided to make it Cathara instead of Cathala coz Japanese’s L is mostly R.

I know sometimes I’m of two minds and I’m radically a follower so in this way, it gives me a crtain feeling like I’m the commander in chief, I’m the author of my life, I have my own philosophy, and I rule. This is like a part of my spiritual journey and self exploration.

And to speak of spiritual, coincidentally, do you know that there are really people I have talked with and encountered in this cyberspace that connects Cathara with religion? Well, that I would discuss on my next post.

Ika’y hinugis at pinaahon sa lupa, pinagkalooban ng talino at diwa (actually a verse from ‘Bathala’, a Joey Ayala song) means you were formed and taken out of the earth, given the intellect and soul. And so I was created and now, I’m coming out from my shell. I am no longer premature, I am in my perfect season to get hatched. It's up to you on how you want to take me and what I say. Sunny side up? Scrambled? Boiled? However you want it my dear readers, that's fine. As long as you keep the yolk, the core of it, coz it's my favorite part.

I Love You 3 Times Too Cory

2009-08-05T06:17:00.008-04:00

I'm a martial law baby. Yet, our freedom and democracy were given back after EDSA 1 Revolution in 1986. Now, Cory Aquino's dead, our first woman president who won because of snap election, who became one of the most influential women in the world, who fought for our democracy, and who never stopped believing in Filipino people even after many coup de etats.

Like her husband Ninoy, who was assassinated after he came back from America, I love Cory Aquino 3 times too.

1st, when she became an instrument to take our democracy back.

2nd, when she stepped down from her power peacefully and for having no interest of running again.

3rd, when she loved our country more than herself until she died.

This is a poem made by Benigno Aquino for Cory Aquino while he was in prison. Jose Mari Chan put a melody in it that makes me teary-eyed every time I hear it. You can hear it here and see Cory's images too.

I have fallen in love

With the same woman three times;

In a day spanning 19 years

Of tearful joys and joyful tears.

I loved her first when she was young,

enchanting and vibrant, eternally new.

She was brilliant, fragrant,

and cool as the morning dew.

I fell in love with her the second time;

When first she bore her child and mine

always by my side, the source of my strength,

helping to turn the tide.

But there were candles to burn

the world was my concern;

while our home was her domain,

and the people were mine

while the children were hers to maintain;

So it was in those eighteen years and a day,

till I was detained; forced in prison to stay.

Suddenly she’s our sole support;

source of comfort,

our wellspring of Hope,

on her shoulders felt the burden of Life.

I fell in love again,

with the same woman the third time.

Looming from the battle,

her courage will never fade.

Amidst the hardships she has remained,

undaunted and unafraid.

She is calm and composed,

she is God’s lovely maid.

Some clips of EDSA 1 Revolution. You could see many Filipinos who joined the revolution.

Goodbye Cory, you'll always be remembered. Thank you very much.

Lola Bunny

2009-07-14T13:57:00.007-04:00

My Lola is my teacher. She taught me a lot of things in life, the good and the bad. Well, she was really a teacher though, a retired one. Her sisters were principal, superintendent of commission on higher education, so they always had powers to monitor my outside/inside school activities which I always hated. At 2, I started going to school with her. I got into quiz bowls, I got academic awards, scholarships, but it was never enough for her. One time at the end of elementary school year, she didn’t attend the ceremony because I only got 3^rd honorable mention award. She was dissatisfied. To my disappointment, I wore stockings (was the only 1 wearing it one out of hundreds of students) instead of socks (which the school asked us to wear) during the ceremony as sort of my little protest. I frowned in all photos that were taken. My grandmother always wanted me perfect. Imperfection was not in her dictionary for me. I never really had her full support with my love for arts. It took a while for her to realize that it’s one of the things I love doing. It took other’s praises for her to believe that I am good at it.

We were never that open with each other not until few years back. Whenever I want to say something shamefully important, I write a long letter to her and she sometimes read it in front of me. I grew up knowing that the only opinion that matters at home is the parents’ and showing respect is to shut up. I had to be home before 6 pm or I get to be beaten by a broomstick or my grandpa’s belt. I remember when I was 10; my grandmother burned the books and toys that were given by my neighbor because she doesn’t want me to play with him anymore. I never had a chance to play with him again, not even a chance to say goodbye. And that’s the kind of discipline I strongly disagree with.

Yet what I have written above are just few of the things I hated about her strictness. She applied to us how she was brought by her parents during Japanese and Spanish era. She’s multilingual. Whenever she’s mad, she talks oddly. She likes jewelries and I don’t. She likes perfumes and I only like cologne. We only have the same opinion with nail polishing. But despite of our differences in tastes or beliefs, despite her being over-protective, I love her very much. I love my Lola because she is my mother. And she loves me for being rebellious.

She protected me and fully trusted me when I have already proven I could stand and make her proud in any way or another. She defended me against every people who disgusted me because she spoils and loves me. One time I was grounded during vacation and my aunt took my mobile phone. She blamed me for something I never really did I swear. So I used our home phone to call my friends. My aunt came with our 18K phone bill. My grandma acted so mad and I uncontrollably cried. When my aunt left, Lola just laughed, said it’s ok, and we both ended up laughing.

I adore her generosity too. And she never really wants people to know that she have helped this or that person. Everyone who knows her call her Mommy. She was like the mother of all mothers in our small town. It is funny that even our neighbors ask for her advice about things that should only be discussed privately.

Well, that’s my grandma, very strict, very unique, very funny and very lovable. There' s so much more to tell about her.

But for now Lola, I love you. Happy 81^st Birthday and thank you for the great genes :P

Iran Woman

2009-07-08T01:57:00.000-04:00

Tip my hat off to you

Why Rain Man

2009-07-06T00:37:00.006-04:00

Honestly, I first thought it was just a classic, not so interesting, and a boring movie to watch. But I tried to focus first before throwing criticisms on the movie simply because we were asked to watch it. And then boom, at an instant, I didn’t even want to shut my eyes for a split second because it has caught my attention. How could I have not ever watched such wonderful movie when I’m an addict movie viewer, myself? Alright, I’ve probably misjudged it in the first place because Tom Cruise was in it; he’s for actions, love stories, and anything that requires his good face. And once again, I was wrong about him. He had internalized his character as a villain so naturally that his transition to change into a concern young brother to Raymond was so smooth and perfect. And for Dustin Hoffman, he’s simply spectacular. I thought Sean Penn in ‘I am Sam’ was the greatest so far when it comes to character like his but Mr. Hoffman proved himself too much that I would never question his Oscar win for this.

So as for the title ‘Rain Man’, I really thought it is how the institution called him, like called each patients special names to recognize them easily. :) That is a funny thought I know, but not until this scene in the motel came where Charlie discovered that ‘Rain Man’ is actually Raymond. All the while he thought Rain Man was one of his imaginary childhood friends who sing for him whenever he gets scared. The name was taken from Raymond’s name which was only mispronounced by Charlie when they were young and still together. Raymond was only forced to live in Wallbrook institute because he had burned Charlie in hot water which caused his trauma in it.

Well, everything in the movie is beautiful. It’s one of my favorite lifetime movies from now on and I also got a lot of favorite lines and scenes from it. Like in the casino where Raymond was counting cards, when Susan kissed him and he only described it wet, no feeling at all. And when Charlie asked him ‘Am I using you Raymond?’ and he said ‘Yeah’. Also, when he was asked by the doctor if he knows anything about autism and if he is autistic. He only said ‘I don't think so. No. Definitely not.’ :D

Not only are these autistic savant people got high intelligence but they also answer so cleverly that make the scenes so comical. Their no eye contact, repeating words, high memory, intelligence, etc are undeniably hard to consider. I believe that it takes a very patient person to understand and take good care of them. With a brain like Rain Man, I think only an autistic savant would solely discover how their brain really works.

Submitted to: Ms. Saturday in Tagalog :)

So I'll be back, yes. First, I need to have an internet connection. Second, I need to increase my page rank again :D, so, I'm going to run a contest very soon :) Cash is the prize baby! Watch out for it :D

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