DESCOVRIR

On Stage: Mamma Mia! is Love

2012-02-07T16:17:00.002+08:00

The world loves Mamma Mia! The Musical and The Movie. OK, maybe not all (as evident in a newspaper column last Sunday of a lawyer and socio-political analyst who basically just “ranted” that he had to watch it as a dutiful husband). Anyway.

Mamma Mia! is one thing I will never get tired off. I know the songs by heart (by ABBA, the Swedish group that rose to fame in 1974 and disbanded in 1982). My exposure to ABBA’s songs was intensified when I was in the university and at the same time, spending countless sleepless nights in our university publication office, putting an issue to bed, fighting for our sanity, and with that, I heard Dancing Queen sang ala Mariah Carey, ala Miss Saigon, ala else.

I love the movie to bits. I love Pierce Brosnan even if he was fighting for his life singing S.O.S. with “the” Meryl Streep. The latter was a revelation – she had opera and ballet training and that she exceeded expectations as Donna Sheridan.

Thus, when I learned it was staging here, I simply could not wait. I wanted a very good seat however, the earliest date I liked to watch it had no premium seats left. I could not wait until the next weekend thus I got myself a lower box seat (left of stage). As I am familiar with the CCP Main Theater layout (having covered numerous events and was given a tour of the 42-year-old building when I was a newspaper lifestyle and entertainment writer, then became a magazine business and finance editor), so the seat I had was already good.

I am still high from Sunday’s musical. Here are six reasons why Mamma Mia! is so dear to me:


And they're all watching the smash hit musical

The CCP Main Theater was eventually full and at the end of the musical, majority of the audience were on their feet, dancing and waving to the encore

ABBA is ABBA. Period. They have disbanded a long time ago, but their music lives on. And thanks for the cooperation of ABBA’s genius duo, Björn Ulvaus and Benny Andersson to producer Judy Craymer, their discography's glory days continue with this phenomenal musical.
Mamma Mia! never fails to uplift me. When a former colleague gave me a copy of the Original Broadway cast recording, I shamelessly sang my heart out in my office workstation and I bobbed my head in much gusto. I was like that for two weeks straight and all the songs – even the overture and entr’acte – kept me company when I was beating deadlines and dealing with heavy, personal matters. Yesterday, I resurrected my iPod shuffle hoping I saved the album there, but no. Sad – must save later.
Mamma Mia! is by women, for women, for all. Much praises were given to the musical, evident in its continuing success since 1999. Both the musical and the movie were mobilized by the women trio of Craymer as producer, Catherine Johnson as scripwriter, and Phyllida Lloyd as the director (who again directed Streep in The Iron Lady). Women across the globe and across races and generation have danced to Dancing Queen. They are either Donna, Sophie, Rosie, or Tanya at some point in their lives. Admittedly, the musical got majority of females as audience, but yes, admittedly too, thanks to the movie, it has become more endearing to the younger generation.
The musical is about you, me, us. The men were not left out in this musical – the prolific duo of Ulvaus and Andersson as proof. The male audience could have been at one stage, Sam, Bill, Harry or Sky - even Pepper. At Sunday’s matinee, there was an old lady sitting on the second row facing the stage who bolted up during encore and danced proudly, and the rest of the audience – men, women, young and old – from the orchestra up to the second balcony – were dancing in their respective places. I wished they danced in the aisle, it could have been more fun!
I’m Donna than Sophie. Yes, I identify more with Donna. She is real. She is a woman who fell in love, got her heart broken, became a single mom, was disowned by her mother (like my mother who almost disowned me for my stubbornness, haha). But she continued, raised Sophie as a beautiful daughter inside and out, kept a scenic tavern despite the hardships, and eventually, was reunited with her love, Sam. Her songs, Money, Money, Money, Dancing Queen (with the Dynamos, Rosie and Tanya), and above all, The Winner Takes It All, sum up her ups and downs in her life, and those are the songs I closely identify with.
Mamma Mia! is fun. Need I say more? When strictly concerts and musicals prohibit clapping until an act is finished, or it is rude to cough or sneeze during the lull scenes, Mamma Mia! is nothing like that. Sunday’s audience was generous to express their appreciation by applauding one number almost after another. They expressed it even more during the encore, and the audience was wild when Ellie Leah (as Donna) asked, in Filipino, if they want more. Of course!!!
More musicals. After this opening salvo of Mamma Mia!, the Philippine musical stage will be graced by another Broadway hit. Since I resolved to see more arts and culture events this year, so this is included. Can’t wait for this, too!

On standby for schedule and ticket prices

Mamma Mia! is staging at the CCP Main Theater until Sunday, February 19, 2012. For tickets, call CCP Box Office at (632) 832-3704 or check Ticketworld.

For my review of Mamma Mia! The Musical, please visit Rediscover.

From Vision to Action

2012-01-31T21:00:00.012+08:00

Where I keep my secrets, eh, goals for 2012

Wow, we are on our last day of January 2012. That was quick!

For those who listed their New Year’s resolutions, how are you doing so far?

If you did not start yet, and deferred starting on Chinese New Year, which was on January 23, did you make it then?

If you answered no to both and shrugged your list as not doable, think again. Perhaps, you need more than just listing resolutions, you need to envision those resolutions and make them work for you.

For six years now, I made it a habit to list the things I like to happen in a year. As the year closes, I review those things for what I have accomplished, and for those I am not able to do, I carry them over and update them for the New Year. There were also times I burnt the “old list,” read aloud my “new list,” and I pray for guidance in accomplishing them.

I closed 2011 deviating for my usual “goodbye old year, welcome new year” ritual due to unforeseen circumstances. However, I started 2012 right away by polishing my “visions” for this year of the Water Dragon.

Visioning in Action

Visioning is the mental process in which images of the desired future – goals, objectives, and outcomes – are made intensely real and compelling to act as motivators for the present action.

A friend first taught the visioning process to me in 2010. The same friend taught me and two other friends a more focused, more achievable process over coffee on December 29, 2011 – a productive meeting that extended to an overnight session.

What I learned is that for our visioning to be more effective:

We have to specify our goals into four areas:

Success (covering but not limited to career, finance);
Health;
Relationships (family, friends, personal); and
Growth (education, personal development, travel)

Categorize your goals based on the four areas and list as many as you can.
Write your goal with conviction, not “I am going to,” “I wish,” and the likes. Write them as if you are already doing them, accomplishing them.
Make your goal time-bound. Specify when exactly you are achieving it.
Identify your ultimate goal per area.
As you narrowed them into four goals – one each for Success, Health, Relationships, and Growth, then narrow each of those goals into:

· Minimum (Specifying a goal that would not make you too disappointed if you do not meet it)

· Target (Aiming a manageable goal)

· Outstanding (Hitting your ultimate goal, which you will be achieving by setting yourself to hit first the “minimum” to the “target” goal)

Out of that visioning process, I am sharing with you snippets of my visions for 2012, particularly my ultimate goals per the four areas (the details of achieving them from minimum to outstanding, I am sharing at the end of 2012). Now, I am keeping my “visions” in a “pretty pink” notebook solely dedicated for this. I am treating my visioning list as a “living” document, which I am reviewing every end of the month (thus, this blog entry):

My “Visions” for 2012 (Disclaimer: I am not yet able to identify my ultimate goal under the Relationships area. It is difficult at the moment for me to set goal on that):

Success

Career:

I am bagging an opportunity to work in my company’s office/branch in Hong Kong/Singapore/Australia as a branding/communications/marketing specialist, and I am starting with this overseas post by first quarter of 2013.

Finance:

I am saving 10 percent of my base salary starting payday of February 2012.

Health:

I am hitting my weight goal of 120 lbs. and a waistline of 26 in. by April 2012.

Growth:

Religious and Spiritual:

I am starting my day right by reflecting through Bible passages and Didache 2012.

Travel:

I am visiting Singapore from November 11 to 14, 2012 for my 32^nd birthday.

Other goals that I listed that I find worth sharing include:

Success:

Career – At Work:

I am participating in three to four CSR activities for 2012.

Career – As a Writer/Editor/Blogger:

I am blogging once a week, posting quality entries for Descovrir and Rediscover. (I only blogged eight times in 2011 for Descovrir, 10 for Rediscover. How lazy I was!)

Finance:

I am increasing my “happy spending” to PHP5000 monthly.

Growth:

Development:

I am finishing two books in a month starting January 2012. (I exceeded my expectations! I already read three books for this month: PopeBenedict XVI: Light of the World, by Peter Seewald, The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom, and Breakfast at Tiffany’s by Truman Capote).

I am bursting with goals for 2012. I am achieving them with smart work and fervent prayers. If you have already set goals for yourself this year and beyond, own them. Be proud that you have such goals in mind as they make you look forward to a bright future. Once achieved, share your success. Spread the blessings.

Thus, let us all put our concrete visions into delightful results.

Murphy's Law ...

2011-10-26T00:00:00.005+08:00

... or simply an accident or plain stupidity that I am worrying about, blaming myself to bits.

Tired from researching and writing, I went to my room around 2 a.m. today ready to call it a day.

I got my phone, Samsung Omnia GT-B6520 to set the alarm. I set it aside and toyed with my iPad 2 until I decided time to sleep.

Searching for my phone, I could not find it in the dark. Until it hit me I was sitting on something hard, and voila, there was my phone. I tried to open it entering my passcode, but it would not. The home screen was just frozen. I pressed the power button for more than 10 seconds, and when it restarted something happened.

The home screen changed to factory default blue and it said, to paraphrase, to press OK to proceed to reconfiguration.

WHAT THE???

So I accidentally reformatted my phone.
Messages I kept for posterity, wiped out.
My contacts, gone. And I got no copy of them in my SIM card.

What made me cried uncontrollably was when I checked my micro SD card, the photos --- of trips local and abroad, of gatherings and dates, of the times I had with my love, of just camwhoring, gone. The folders are still there, and it says the MB size of what is in there but no images to see.

I checked the folder tree and I see they are still there, but when I clicked, it says it could not open the file and it should be opened in its corresponding application.

I am a sentimental fool. I told my teammate about what happened and how I cried over the horror of losing all those images and audio and videos (I gave up on the fact I won't be able to recover the messages anymore).

He said that they are only images --- what's important I have a clear picture of them in my mind and heart. True.

However, given the situation I am into, I am feeling that losing them (hope not, I will still try to have them recovered when I go to Samsung's technical service outlet) would be too much to bear. Those messages, photos, audio, videos are the things I feel I only have now ....

As I asked my team mate, was this Murphy's Law in action???

God's way of telling me to set myself free? He said, perhaps ....

I don't know what to make out of it --- that the universe is pretty messed up now and I had a taste of it (I also had trouble with technology while using a company tool, anyhow).

I am keeping my faith. There should be a way that I will be able to recover them ... if not ....

Maybe indeed God is teaching me a lesson here ....

I might be losing the material proof of those memories I still hold on to. But I will carry those memories with me, forever ....

Click Flicks for 2011

2011-09-11T20:40:00.001+08:00

... And did not blog about right away. But here they are. Thanks to friends and colleagues who found it fun to watch these movies, and we just loved exchanging views after.

Captain America: The First Avenger

Image from Yahoo! Movies

The mad dash to Greenbelt 3 to secure our reserved tickets on time was worth it.

It is not a great movie (and I have no basis to compare it with the comics since I'm not a fan of it), but it delivered the expected action and I think Chris Evans' looks perfectly fit the classically handsome American actor who would you like to be a superhero, like Christoper Reeve to Superman.

The movie did not fail to expound on how Captain America was first of an experiment --- both becoming a super soldier and a major propaganda product of his time. From the opening to closing, the images of America and World War II gave the film an authentic '40s feel.

Acting wise, there's nothing much to expect from Evans but Stanley Tucci (Dr. Abraham Erskine) and Hugo Weaving (Johann Schmidt/Red Skull) provided the acting prowess to this Marvel comics' title. Of course, Tommy Lee Jones' gruff Col. Chester Phillips provided the edge and the laughs for this film.

Captain America is molded not only a hero in blue and red suit --- and a shield --- but he is also portrayed to be a source of hope and inspiration. In the tradition of Marvel films, the teaser after the credit was the awaited part, and we're just excited for The Avengers next year, and for that, it is Robert Downey, Jr. that I am relying on for some acting chops on this upcoming flick.

Larry Crowne

Image from http://larrycrowne.com

I love Tom Hanks as a great actor of his time and that's the main reason why I watched this romantic comedy starred and directed by him.

A Navy veteran, Larry Crowne had been the model employee of a big-box store, suddenly found his life in a twist when he was downsized from work, citing that he did not finish college. He found his second chance in life by enrolling in a community college, specifically attending a speech class with Julia Roberts (Mercedes Tainot) as his teacher, and yes, they fell in love with each other.

The movie elicited laughs, but overall, it was lazy acting both from Hanks and Roberts. Maybe because it was supposed to be a light, feel good film that did not require acting from these caliber stars? But then, after seeing them in heavy, award-winning dramas (they previously starred in Charlie Wilson's War and are both Academy award winners), you kind of expect them to truly deliver.

For saving grace, English actress Gugu Mbatha-Raw as Talia is refreshing --- she was such a delight to watch as Larry's classmate who dragged him to scooter rides and constant fashion makeovers. The rest of the cast like Cedric the Entertainer (Larry's neighbor who constantly holds garage sale, Lamar), Taraji P. Henson (B'Ella, Lamar's wife), Wilmer Valderrama (Dell Gordo, Talia's boyfriend) seemed to be a waste as they only have very few moments to shine in the film.

Despite such, the movie really made me feel good about myself, and it is never too late to find your place, your life, your love, and for that, it's A for Hanks for the effort.

Ang Babae sa Septic Tank
(The Woman in the Septic Tank)

Image from Wikipedia

This is the best Filipino film I've seen in years, a brilliant product of both independent film genre and of mainstream success.

It indeed drawn out the huge mix of emotions --- mainly laughter. And somehow, laughing about the deplorable state of poverty in the Philippines (for which the film's setting was mainly about) was both a source of guilt, and yes, huge, huge laughter that I ended both crying and laughing at the same time (and a colleague of mine was literally sinking in his seat for his uncontrollable laughing).

From geniuses Marlon Rivera and Chris Martinez, the film is about three overly ambitious filmmakers (young actors JM De Guzman as producer BingBong, Kean Cipriano as director Rainer, and Cai Cortez as production assistant Jocelyn). They wanted to make an indie film that would reap success in both local and foreign scene, eventually winning the Oscars for Best Foreign Language Film.

Armed with what they believe is a winning script, a perfect location, and all they lack was the actress to play as Mila, a mother from the slums, who out of desperation to survive, has sold her child to a pedophile --- the tormented heroine in their film, Walang Wala (Nothing --- which translations they made was just ridiculously funny).

Until after debating among indie actress Mercedes Cabral, soap opera staple Cherry Pie Picache, they made a courtesy call and eventually chose thespian and now hugely hit mainstream comedian, Eugene Domingo, who spoofed herself in this film.

The movie-within-a-movie gets reborn in Jocelyn’s imagination several times --- from neo-realist film, to glossy musical, to over-the-top melodrama, to a docu drama using non-actors. Their romanticization of poverty taught these three young film makers a very hard lesson. The same goes for Domingo, who did not want to do the septic tank scene but ended down there (and no, they really did not use a filthy septic tank, as the director explained in his interviews).

The film topped the Cinemalaya independent film competition, bagging major prizes and the acting honor for Domingo, who really was in character as Mila, and gamely spoofed herself --- who started in the industry as a struggling theater actress and someone who has the heart for rising filmmakers, but the truth is she is a box-office star and a diva already --- well, in this film. Domingo, is just brilliant. Period. And she just stated the obvious about TV Patrol and other prime time newscasts these days.

And of course, who would forget the Italian coffee, "expresso"??? And such all makes this movie a brilliant piece, ironies and all it showed.

Crazy, Stupid, Love.

Image from Wikipedia

And I thought the genre of romantic comedy with an ensemble cast remained such --- but this one delivered, so far the best romantic comedy with an ensemble cast.

Steve Carell (Cal Weaver) and Julianne Moore as his wife, Emily, were married for 20 plus years. Their marriage was suddenly on the rocks when Emily cheated on Cal with a coworker, David Lindhagen (Kevin Bacon). Cal moved into his own apartment and began frequenting a bar talking loudly about his divorce, until Jacob Palmer (Ryan Gosling) took pity on him and taught Cal to how to get over his divorce, pick up the women of his choice, and even gave him a fashion makeover. But Jacob later found love with Hannah (Emma Stone).

You know that for every genre of a film like this, the characters are connected. But the connection that was revealed here was unexpected. Delightfully unexpected. The neurotic performance of Kate (Marisa Tomei) and the love struck teenager son of Cal and Emily, Robbie (Jonah Bobo) also gave this richly-laden cast of stars a further boost.

The film was funny --- poignantly funny at some points. It was also a tearjerker to some extent, especially the scene when Emily called Cal over some household chore trouble, when Cal was actually there secretly maintaining their backyard. You just feel there that they still love each other, and that made Cal realized he would win Emily back.

Personally, the film left me questioning myself --- that if I jumped out of the car right away (like Cal did after learning of Emily's cheating and wanting a divorce) instead of fighting hard for the love I believe was and still is?

Anyhow, the movie sent the universal message that love is both crazy and stupid, but if you believe in it, you will have the love you deserve. And this film, is now in my list of feel good films to watch over and over. And oh, Josh Groban was not that bad for his very brief exposure in this film.

Locked Away

2011-08-08T10:07:00.001+08:00


Image from http://www.fortifyyourfaith.org/assets/posts/19/normal/locked-heart.jpg?1244760475

Saturday night I began to lock away memories --- memories of both happiness and sorrow;

Memories cast in expensive gifts and tons of images;

Memories I am not truly willing to lock away as I still believe that things will eventually fall into place;

But I have to heal. And seeing --- or using such would only stall my healing ....

A friend said the process would be like doing Feng Shui for my heart --- I give way to a new set of memories by locking away those that mostly caused me misery and broken promises for years ....

While I have locked away the physical proof of such memories, they will forever linger. I only wish --- and I have to work on remembering only the good and happy memories, and pray that they will come more ....

It's Been Long Ago ...

2011-07-21T12:52:00.000+08:00

Image from AllGraphics123.com

... Since I first felt that warm, fuzzy feeling --- a feeling I got to experience again last night.

Call it kilig (from blushing to the nervous exchange of hi's and hello's to offering your clammy, cold right for a firm handshake to feeling like you are about to faint in excitement) or whatever, right now, I'm basking in the glow. And I like to sustain it for as long as it is possible.

I don't expect this to last --- but this kilig moment is something I need at this point.

It's also nice to see I'm still capable to make somebody smile and laugh for being me, without pretension at that. I'm still lucky I'm able to still find the joy in me, and the capacity to share that joy with others.

It's something to thank for and smile about at this very moment.

DESCOVRIR'S PICK: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows Part 2

2011-07-17T23:57:00.006+08:00

Photo from http://harrypotter.warnerbros.com/harrypotterandthedeathlyhallows/mainsite/index.html#/home

So they say the magic ends. But for the legions of fans who read all seven books and watched all eight movies of one of the most well-loved and the most successful media franchise of the century, J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series will always be remembered.

As a disclaimer, this post will not dwell on how the last installment, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows Part 2 movie, is way too different from the seventh book --- like how the previous films departed from the previous books. It is given --- cinematic license will always be there. Let us see the movie as is, just for this instance.

Effects wise, this is the most visually spellbinding among all Harry Potter films --- the flawlessly rendered CGI albino dragon was so real you could almost feel how it struggled upward and flew away from the severely damaged Gringotts bank. The film might get an Oscar nod for best visual effects. And the musical score was so hauntingly palpable. The Gothic feel --- a dominant of black and grey throughout the movie --- also deserves kudos for production design.

Casting all protective spells, particularly Professor McGonagall's (Dame Maggie Smith) fearless yet delightful commanding of the heavily armed, clay soldiers to come to life ( to paraphrase, "I've been wanting to use that spell my entire life") and the Hogwarts faculty and ally enchanting the school from He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named's army was another visual, chaotic delight. Neville Longbottom (Matthew Lewis) surely delivered especially in time of need.

Some say Harry Potter lacks the character as a man, that he is only able to do things because of the people guarding him. It could be well said also to Daniel Radcliffe --- who until to the last film that made him one of the richest stars in the world --- was still lacking the depth as an actor. He could have done better if he showed more maturity to his attack to the role --- an adolescent who had to grow up fast as a man, who had been through a lot, particularly fighting the most villainous of them all. Afterall, Radcliffe will always be remembered as the Boy Who Lived.

Alan Rickman as Severus Snape (Photo from http://harrypotter.warnerbros.com/harrypotterandthedeathlyhallows/mainsite/index.html#/home)

The most heart-wrenching (and consumed a lot of tissue papers due to a mass production of stifled to loud cries and a chorus of sniffs) and the golden moment of the movie (and faithfully the same as the book) was of Severus Snape, brilliantly portrayed by Alan Rickman. The scene when Nagini was attacking him and Harry, Hermione (Emma Watson), and Ron (Rupert Grint) were just helplessly watching the horrible scene from the outside, indeed sent chills. It also sent shivers when the camera got a shot of Snape who shaped like a coffin, an omen of his death. The tears I shed when Sirius Black (Gary Oldman) died in the fifth book and film was nothing compared with the tears I shed when Rickman was dying as Snape.

A look at how Snape protecting Harry all along induced more tears from the audience. The scene when Snape came to the Potters' rescue only to find out that his beloved, Lily Potter, was already dead, and he could only hug her and wailed for her death, was the brightest of Rickman's portrayal as Snape. It showed, not only the other side of Snape, but the other side of Rickman as an actor not only great as a villain, but an actor of substance.

Yours Severus Snape was of undying devotion and eternal love, you will never be forgotten. And to you Alan Rickman, may the acting honors you deserve be bestowed upon you for your faithful portrayal of Snape.

Indeed, the Harry Potter films made success out of Radcliffe, Watson, and Grint, but their lack in acting depth was complemented by the cast of the finest English actors ever assembled for a mega film franchise. Of course, Ralph Fiennes as Voldemort was still terrifying that I heard a kid or two from the audience cried once when he came out in a wand duel with Harry. Julie Walters as Molly Weasley had her moment when she said to Bellatrix Lestrange (Helena Bonham Carter) "Not my daughter, you bitch" and killed the witch at that. Though I am wishing Carter had been given more exposure in this last part of the film franchise --- she is just seductively terrifying. David Thewlis as Remus Lupin still did not disappoint but he had to die too soon. The return of Michael Gambon as Albus Dumbledore was also anticipated in the film, though he indeed lacks the charm of the late Richard Harris as Dumbledore. Them and among the other English actors who graced the Harry Potter film series, they made the story of Harry Potter real for us all.

And rather than casting real "adult" actors as the adult and parents Harry, Hermione, and Ron, the young actors were also made the grown up versions of their characters and that did not disappoint, especially Ginny Weasley (Bonnie Wright) who gave a peek of an elegant, grown-up version of her, which is not too far behind.

Overall, David Yates did not disappoint and end the final Harry Potter film with a magical bang. This is my next favorite film after Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (directed by Alfonso Cuaron). They are the best for me because among the books and the films, these have been the most real, most dark of them all --- magic aside, it exposed the trio of protagonists to the reality that there is evil out there and they --- we --- all have to grow up in character and depth to conquer such evil, including our own.

As for the cinema experience, I had to content myself watching it in 3D. I have been wanting to see it in IMAX for a seemingly borderless, visual experience. I might see again the film, this time in IMAX, to make sure the film is wide and would entice me all over again, this time, from all angles.

And until the credits rolled and the screen went black, I did not left the cinema, among a number of moviegoers, making sure the film really ended. But the magic that is Harry Potter will forever remain.

Where Did my “Half” Go?

2011-07-10T23:28:00.003+08:00

What I meant was my first half of 2011.

It has been 6 months and 6 days since I last posted.

A couple of things have happened according to my plans.

Many things did not happen during the first half, but I am sure they will be realized before the year ends.

There were many things that I did not expect to happen, and I am still grappling with their impact on me.

To recap, I posted my 50 Must Do’s for 2011, and so far, these were I have accomplished:

Career

1. Write more! I am still a contributing writer for a monthly health magazine, though I miss writing for their sister magazine for parents. I also got back writing for an industry magazine (though for some reason, they still have to release that first quarter 2011 issue). I also was contacted again to write for a personal finance magazine where I used to work as a managing editor. My gig courtesy of my former senior PR associate is still continuing, and I will be marking my first year with them. Looking forward to more journalistic pieces to publish!

2. Snoop within. Yes, I am looking for an opportunity to continue working for my company, this time, overseas. I have discussed this with my manager and I have to lay out my plan to achieve this by 2012 as initially discussed.

Emotional, mental, and well-being:
1. I am trying my very best to be inspired – ALWAYS.

2. I am trying my very best to be more caring to my family.

3. I have to learn to be more forgiving – to forgive that person and to forgive myself.

4. I am learning to be more patient to that person, to myself, to my current situation I am into.

5. Be more respectful.

6. I am truly thankful.

7. I am always asking for more strength, and the Lord has not forsaken me.

8. I am praying my hardest and …

9. … and working my smartest.

10. I am looking forward to take a much deserved break on November.

Finance:

1. I bought a variable term, life insurance last June.

2. I enrolled in my company's stock purchase program and it will start this August.

3. I am planning my purchases - no splurging; I became less generous to myself (often is bad though and is open to abuse); less feel good buying; less comfort food tripping.

4. I limited my "happy spending" to twice a month, within PHP2,000 to PHP4,000.

5. I have invested in a mutual fund, not for me, but as a gift. Many opposed to my decision, but my point is, I promised this as a gift. Even though the recipient disappointed me, hurt me many times over, I am not the one to break my promise. I will do my very best to fulfill a promise - that is my belief.

Health and diet:

1. I try my best to look (more) after myself regarding my colloidal, non-toxic goiter (opt for surgery?) and irregular period due to adenomyosis - which my OB-GYNE-SONO referred me to an oncologist since my left, ovarian cyst is quite persistent ....

2. Exercise:

a. I try to exercise daily using the figure twister and arms and tummy trimmers

b. I brisk walked/jogged once or twice a week last summer – I have to continue.

3. I eat in moderation (heavy brekkie; set lunch; light dinner; one morning snack; one afternoon snack; evening snack, optional, but not recommended)

4. I already have lessened my gourmet coffee once a week (at times, none!) or when only meeting my friends (especially when I have not seen them for the longest time and we would bond over coffee and long talks).

Travel:

1. Travel locally twice to thrice this year – looks like it will be for first quarter 2012, with a ticket already to Palawan.

2. I traveled to Melbourne, Australia last March and spent two weeks there – visiting the National Gallery of Victoria; The Ian Potter Centre; the University of Melbourne; seaside destination Sorrento, and I went around the city and the neighborhood and rode the tram by myself. I spent mostly for my own, proving I am self-reliant and will not be of burden to anyone.

3. I am planning to travel again – I set my heart to go back to Melbourne for my birthday to catch the King Tut exhibit. Considering my finances, instead of the original two weeks, I might just stay there for a week. Or I might not, as many concerned about me do not want me to get hurt any further when I return to Melbourne ….

Relationship:

1. I continue to be a faithful and an understanding fiancée – but the situation is not what I am expecting to, considering a promise was made on my last night there in Melbourne ….

2. I am managing my expectations about my man and toward the relationship – but the situation is different now and I am keeping my distance, I am holding on to my faith to him and this relationship ….

"Me":

1. I have started to give back - more - to the community and to those who are really in need. I joined a company CSR effort; a friend’s birthday treat to a home for the aged; and I am looking forward for more opportunities to pay it forward.

2. I have only finished 2 books this year – The Informant, Tuesdays with Morrie, and The Wisdom and Prayers of the Pope (Benedict XVI). Finishing now the 33 Concise Strategies to the Art of War. I bought several books already, and magazines and journals, my reading list just keeps longer! I must finish lots of good books, really!

Such were the things I have done and have happened during my first half of 2011. And as I first wrote, much as I like to stick to my vision, I did experience major stumbling blocks and I am still dealing with such ….

How’s your 2011 so far?

Descovrir's 50 Must Do's for 2011

2011-01-04T23:28:00.005+08:00

Pardon the shadow and my scrawling, but this is how I started my "visions," drafting them starting New Year's Eve 2010 using this Time Check Life Planner (designed by TV host and motivational speaker, Anthony Pangilinan)

Another New Year - another set of wishes and resolutions - and it would take us 365 days to make or break them.

Rather than call wishes (wants and desires) or resolutions (a course of action determined or decided on) as such, I call them my must do's - my "visions" for the new year, specifically for my career, emotional and mental state, family, finance, health, "me," and relationship, and what I "must do" to realize my visions.

Career:

1. Write more! I will get in touch with my former bosses/interviewees/PR contacts to inform them I will be active writing again as a contributor for select publications (as my diversion/sideline). I will do such because I sorely miss journalistic writing - but I am grateful that I am enjoying this opportunity to apply my experience to writing and editing for corporate needs. Also, I am thankful for my senior associate (back in a PR company) for considering me to join her in a writing opportunity, which is still continuing until now, and my boss from a 12-hour time zone difference has been very patient with me and I am learning a lot from him (although I have not seen him or spoke to him yet, only by email correspondence – the wonders of technology, eh?)

2. Blog more! I joined opportunities to monetize my blogs, Descovrir and Rediscover. However, I was not able to fully maximize that so I will do so this year by blogging once or twice a week (for increased visibility).

3. Snoop within. This is my little brother’s advise to me – to watch for permanent, regular job opportunities within my company. After all, this is not just a company – this is “the” company in my record of companies’ I joined since 2002. I will also look for overseas opportunities this company offers, preferably in Singapore or Australia.

4. Be a columnist? I am considering offering myself as a columnist for the two publications I have been writing for as contributor for four years now. My topic – personal finance. I say, I am knowledgeable about the topic since I served as a managing editor for the first personal finance magazine in the Philippines. And I was with them for two years and 11 months. I want to develop further my personal finance know-how by regularly writing about it, with the purpose of helping women to be more money-savvy.

5. Teach. Our company conducts training every often and I like to teach Effective Business Writing (and I believe this is a required training for new hires). I have been invited to teach News Writing, Features Writing, Investigative Reporting, Interviewing Skills, Copyreading and Headline Writing (both English and Filipino) in various schools, colleges, and universities in the Luzon region. I have also been invited as a judge in campus journalism contests in both elementary and high school in the city/division and National Capital Region levels. Citing such stints – combined with my professional, journalistic experience and what I learned from my masters’ classes, I think am equipped to pull off the 2-day training our company is providing. I already told my bosses about it and I really hope they would consider. I like to start with this by first quarter of this year.

6. Write a book? Or compile my “best” Descovrir entries into a book – just thinking ….

7. Write a novella? Just a thought ....

Emotional, mental, and well-being:

1. Be inspired – ALWAYS.

2. Be more caring to my family.

3. Be more forgiving.

4. Be more patient.

5. Be more respectful.

6. Be more thankful.

7. Be stronger.

8. Pray hardest and …

9. … Work smartest.

10. Take a much deserved break.

Family:

1. For Mommy - be in the best of health. I also like to:
a) enroll Mommy in a computer tutorial class or buy her a book on computer use and practice at home;
b) enroll Mommy in SSS [in our company HMO renewal, I already enrolled her in Philhealth]);
c) open a bank account for her as our gift on her 60th birthday next month
d) take her to an out-of-town trip for her birthday or
e) give her a "me" day - where she can go to the salon or spa or shop and dine in a very nice restaurant

2. For my Brothers - the best of health as well. I also do hope they reconcile their differences already, and I will:
a) inquire on their behalf for the placement test offered by the Commission on Higher Education (they had to work and stopped studying when our father died almost five years ago - they are doing well on their jobs now that passing the placement test would help them advance to take their masters - if they would consider it)

Finance:
1. Save not lower than PHP1,000 from my monthly salary. Higher amount to save is better, of course.

2. Buy a variable term, life insurance by end-April 2011.

3. Save PHP5,000 monthly from my sideline/s starting May 2011.

4. Enroll in my company's stock purchase program for the offering by June 2011.

5. Complete payment of my old debt to my brother by April 2011 (I acquired this debt when we moved in to our current house - and I really had no money then ....)

6. Start paying for my laptop by May 2011 and finish by October 2011.

7. Plan my purchases - no splurging; become less generous (often is bad though and is open to abuse); less feel good buying; less comfort food tripping.

8. Limit my "happy spending" to twice a month, within PHP2,000 to PHP4,000.

9. Get a credit card for travel purposes (i.e. ticket purchases, overseas expenses) - I really have to think long and hard about this one as I am not a fan of credit cards....

10. Avail of a multipurpose loan from Pag-Ibig by first quarter of 2011? To use for my upcoming trip - just a thought ....

Health and diet:

1. Look (more) after myself regarding my colloidal, non-toxic goiter (opt for surgery?) and irregular period due to adenomyosis.

2. See a dentist and have major dental work done.

3. Exercise:
a) Exercise daily using the figure twister and arms and tummy trimmers
b) Execise daily (when I am not having my period) using Ab Rocket
c) Brisk walk/jog once or twice a week

4. Eat in moderation (heavy brekkie; set lunch; light dinner; one morning snack; one afternoon snack; evening snack, optional, but not recommended)

5. Have gourmet coffee once a week or when only meeting my friends (especially when I have not seen them for the longest time and we would bond over coffee and long talks).

6. Lessen my sweet craving (resort to yoghurt when craving or have a coffee with non-fat cream minus sugar).

Travel:

1. Travel locally twice to thrice this year - Tagaytay for sure. Bohol? Cebu? Davao?

2. Travel overseas once or twice this year - Australia for sure. Singapore?

3. Travel solo and go on a retreat on my 31st birthday.

Relationship:

1. Continue to be a faithful and an understanding fiancee.

2. Manage my expectations about my fiance and toward this relationship.

"Me":

1. Formally withdraw from my master's program (I am discouraged to continue because when I last asked for an extension, the department chairperson seemed to not like me to go on with my studies).

2. Enroll instead in open university? Just a thought for now ....

3. Give back - more - to the community and to those who are really in need.

4. Read more often - read more of the classics, inspirationals, and literary journalism. Immerse also myself in world affairs by frequently reading international news magazine.

Such are my must do's for 2011. Some are doable and can be accomplished this year; others I can start this year and on. Others are reinforced "do's" since I have been doing them already.

And much as I like to stick to my vision, I am sure to experience some stumbling blocks and such should be considered as I face them. Forecasting is also a must.

The important thing is, I have these visions to guide my 2011 to a better, if not, the best year.

What are your must do's for 2011?

Adios, 2010, Hola, 2011

2011-01-01T02:58:00.001+08:00

Image from http://movingimages.files.wordpress.com/2010/12/goodbye-2010-hello-20112.jpg?w=847&h=567

The year 2010 filled me with trials and triumphs, of joys and tears, of successes and failures.

I succumbed to the trials, to the tears, and to the failures - almost. But being surrounded with family, old and new friends, and God's never-ceasing guidance, I chose to be stronger and sturdier - after all, the visions I had for the relationship aspect of my life had "only" been my worst for 2010.

I have been blessed with a newfound career in the corporate setting (and before the year ended, I have been renewed for another year for the same project I am hired for). Coming from an unexpected source, I got a sideline that pays me well. I still got to write for two of the country's longest-running health and parenting magazines.

I also took time to have my health checked and I am following the experts' advise. What I found out are not exactly good, but I am not terminally ill either. I just have to really take good care of myself.

To compensate for my flagging self-esteem, I discovered the inner vain in me and started to buy and wear dresses and skirts. I have been complimented for such and my fashion purchases for 2010 totally revamped my closet that have seen from the thinnest to the medium-sized me now.

And before the year ended, I won my battle - my relationship have been mended. I do not know what 2011 holds for us, but I will remain faithful, resilient, and understanding to set this relationship to newer heights.

I am thankful that 2010 made me tougher. There are rough roads ahead, but with the blessings I am given and for the blessings I am able to share, there is no rough road for me and I will only aim for and bag triumphs, successes, and joys.

Good bye, 2010, and thank you.

What is in store for us this 2011?

Ms. Lynda "The Grinch" Corpuz

2010-12-27T01:39:00.001+08:00

Yes. I've been grinchy and grouchy for weeks now.

Blame it on hormones, my medication, my short fuse, or simply things that are really "wrong" by my standards, like the following:

1. Kids playing in the supermarket. Where in the world are the parents or the guardians or the nannies, leaving their kids unattended - running around the jampacked, cart-to-cart shopping alleys. Many times I turned my cart and I almost knocked off kids who suddenly blocked my way. Definitely the adults accompanying them would hear a mouthful from me (in rapid-fire English or Filipino): "If you can't take care of your kids while shopping, then don't bring them here. This is not a playground, this is a supermarket!"

There are also those kids who kept running up on a going down escalator and vice versa, and the adults would just called their kids instead of tucking them and not letting them out of their sight.
Don't get me wrong - I like kids, and with less effort on my part, kids get to like me. What I don't like are the adults not really knowing how to take good care of their kids, especially when in public places. If the kids are accompanied by their grandparents or elderly guardians or adults who really are looking after their wards but the kids are just too slimy they got away from them, I let it pass. But for the rest, no. Please, bring your kids to where they can freely play then.

2. Abusive taxi drivers. Definitely, I'm not alone on this one - this is one big thing to be pissed off. Despite the Oplan Isnabero campaign, there are still cabbies who are out to rip you off. I often ride cabs these days, especially when I wake up late and rushing to be in the office not later than 11AM. Some drivers have all these tricks to outwit their passengers - from rigged meters, to refusing them a ride, to contracting them for a fare, among others.

At times, especially when going home late, I offer an extra amount so they would agree (since my place is far). At times, I agree to give them the additional amount they asked for so I could just get home. But those drivers who have all these dirty tricks up their sleeves definitely heard a mouthful from me - and so far, I've reported three of them in a span of two weeks.

My teammates heard me lashed out for the first time on one cabbie for demanding to give him extra when our destination is only to Quezon Avenue (coming from our workplace, with one teammate to be dropped off in Cubao - and the rate for this is usually less PHP100.00). OK, it was heavy traffic that night but what made me furious was that it was an MGE driver, and MGE is one of the four taxi franchises accredited by our company to drive their employees safely to their destination - and this one driver of them is an abusive one.

Oplan Isnabero is said to continue even after the holidays. Good then. To report an abusive taxi driver, call or text the Department of Transportation and Communications hotline: •7890 •0917 247 0385 •0919 222 7462

3. No coins, no purchase? I don't think it is our fault, customers, not to have coins with us when we buy from your store. Say, if you buy worth PHP415.00, and you give PHP500.00, the cashier would ask if you have PHP15.00 so she/he would give you PHP100.00 as change. If you say none, she/he would say, "Ma'am, wala po akong isusukli (Ma'am I don't have any change here ...)," implying to not purchase from them if you can not produce the coins they are asking for. Is it your fault that the store doesn't have any coin or bill of a lesser amount for change? Come on!!!

I heard one friend lashed out to a cashier who did this to him. And really, it was a big bummer. To avoid such inconvenience, I often give them the coins or the bill they asked for. But when I sensed that the cashier is just being lazy to sort change for me, I say with conviction that I don't have that amount. I, like most of us, customers, work hard to be able to buy from their stores, and the cashiers or the sales ladies/men are also expected to deliver, especially that they are in the business of customer service.

4. Poor restaurant/fast food service. Last week, I ordered a spaghetti and ham and cheese pizza (I think) meal from Fatboys Pizza Pasta at Eton Centris Mall. The place was small and we were less than 10 diners I think, and my order took more than 15 minutes. I kept silent but the customer after me was already complaining, asking why the spaghetti was taking too long. When my meal was served, it was not warm enough that in less than five minutes, it was cold already - and pizza and pasta should be served hot. I did not complain and I ate it so I could take my medicine already.

The other customer was also pissed off with the spaghetti order (whom she asked to be for takeaway instead since it was taking eons to be served) that she went up to the cashier and asked the order to be cancelled. After, the crew went on bickering and blaming each other for that cancelled order and who's going to be responsible for that. I felt ashamed for them and for the store owner - the crew kept trading barbs to each other, and to think there were diners enduring their poor customer service that night.

I couldn't take it so I also walked up to the cashier, and to the best of my ability, talked calmly about the cold meal they served and the annoying bickering they're into - I said that in English (often, when pissed off, I speak in English) that I'm not sure the cashier and the other crew members there cared to understand what I was telling them. I swear, no matter how hungry I am, I will not eat there again.

5. Limelight stealers. I am a listener, a patient and an engaged one, especially when people I am with have very interesting things to say. Most likely I got this trait from years of working as a journalist, interviewing all kinds of personalities. I have high tolerance for monologues.

What I don't like though are people, especially when it happens that it was me who needed to be listened to, would steal the opportunity to talk from me, and instead talk about themselves - and tell things that are not connected at all to what I was sharing with them. Often, I let such instances go away. But lately, I kept withdrawing and let them blabber until the supposed-to-be-conversation-that-turned-into-a-monologue would die a natural death. And lately, I have been avoiding such kind of people.

This list of super pet peeves of mine could go on and on. Of course, when patience could be extended, I do stretch my patience. But things like this are really not worth my patience. But then again, who wants to be stressed with such pet peeves?

I just wish people to be more considerate. And hopefully, when the holidays and the annoying happenings associated with the occasion are over, Ms. Lynda Grinch would be a little of Ms. Congeniality (I can't be totally Ms. Congeniality, it is not me, and you're being warned).

60 to 30: Ending to Beginning

2010-11-11T23:56:00.000+08:00

I am ending this night frantically beating a deadline (and seguing to blog to unwind a bit).

I still have to pack for my travel.

I will close this last night of my 29th year with a prayer of gratitude:

- For all the things I am blessed
- For all the challenges I hurdled
- For the successes I had in my career and my quest for writing
- For my parents who raised me despite all the hardships
- For all our relatives who helped out to ensure I would get a very good education
- To my brothers who especially on valiant occasions, serve as my protector (mostly, they are my tormentors, haha)
- To all the friends who saved me from troubles and accepted me as I am
- The acquaintances, the colleagues, the mentors, the celebrities, the personalities I met and exchanged thoughts with, saved and learned a thing or two or more
- For discovering what it is like to love and to feel like to be loved
- To get hurt, cry, stand up, be normal, then crying again, but standing up once more
- For staying strong, and stronger

Thank you.

I am starting tomorrow with a prayer, and on my way to travel - to isolate myself even for four days to renew my spirituality, rediscover my faith, and cap this journey with a recharging experience.

Indeed, thank you that I am here.

And I look forward to becoming a better person for you all, those who believe in me, and for those who will come and be part of my life.

60 to 30: Can You Read My Mind?

2010-11-11T00:51:00.003+08:00

I am filled with the following - so far:

My trip this Friday to Monday;

This, well, seemingly, uncomfortable, unfolding happenings at work;

The past, the not so distant past, the present, and whatever the future beholds;

My health, with all these tests and doctors' visits;

Digging for something, something which I don't know what it is;

Blogging about how cluttered my mind is at the moment;

Keeping the tears away, as for some reason or another, this is a crappy night ....

I turned my attention to watching The Mentalist, and Simon Baker (the lead character as Patrick Jane) - and now Currie Graham (the recurring character of Walter Mashburn) - amused me with their overload of good looks, effortless onscreen charisma, and very endearing characters they are portraying. But they were only my relief for about an hour - they are celebrities and totally far from my reach ....

Currie Graham, Robin Tunney, and Simon Baker in the episode, Red Hot
(Image from http://www.cbs.com/primetime/the_mentalist/photos/Episode_8_Gallery/1/0/)

Now, I am lost again. I hate myself every time I fall into this state - or lack of.

I must focus to fully reassess myself.

And I really look forward to have this trip the start of my becoming a better person.

Yes, I have to be a better person for myself - not for anybody else. If only Patrick Jane could read me now ....

Behind the Scenes

60 to 30: Perfect Day

2010-11-10T00:30:00.001+08:00

This Tuesday may not be the "perfect day" for most of us. But, is there really such a perfect day?

I guess it's a perfect day when:

When a nun was so accommodating but was not in a hurry to collect payment for your upcoming retreat;

The baristas at Starbucks had a good laugh over your and your colleague's funny exchange of lines, mimicking a commercial;

When the same baristas were so nice with you and was so apologetic when you got stalled in the line;

Your teammates kept you laughing over email exchanges for an upcoming bowling game;

A friend met you after work, had tea with you, and drove you home while he blasted his iTouch with Filipino songs and sang along with them (before that he was singing you religious songs);

When a colleague raised a possible opportunity which widens your career option within the company ....

= = = = =
Such happenings made my Tuesday. Far from perfect (since there were glitches), but definitely way far from terrible!

And to cap this evening, I came across this new single from Scotland's singing sweetheart, Susan Boyle; her cover of punk legend, Lou Reed's song, Perfect Day:

Let's all have a "perfect" Wednesday. Good night.

60 to 30: Star

2010-11-08T23:11:00.003+08:00

Image from http://www.advocacysouthwest.org.au/

While reading the e-book version of Steve Chandler's 100 Ways to Motivate Yourself as part of my chosen online training, a pop-up window appeared, meaning, I have a new email.

I clicked "OK" and the subject was, Customer Feedback. I sat up straight to check it. It was from my manager, sharing that the management is extending its "thanks" for a job well done on a 1-pager document I minimally edited/proofread. The email's opening had a dashng star on it, and I scrolled below to see the big boss's email stating our team did a great job for that deliverable.

I replied a simple thank you to my manager. But I can't help think about how ironic life really is:

I did far harder, far miserable work in the past but I commendations from my superiors or those who get to see my work were rare. I got used to it and it became a routine and I felt I'm stuck with a low pay for too much work that I decided to call it quits.

But for this 1-pager that I finished for about an hour, my manager was generous to share, to extend to me what the big boss thought of about the work we delivered.

At times, we sweat, we toil hard in life for a little appreciation, but appreciation never came.

We feel bad about it that we get to reduce ourselves to becoming a non-appreciative person, too.

We fail to recognize that there are those who try to make things lighter for us, and yet we push them away because we hardly appreciate ourselves.

For those who were pushed, they kept insisting themselves to the one who pushed them away, limiting their world on that person, and missing far greater opportunities awaiting them.

It's a process - a long, tedious process.

Thank you if we get appreciated.

But let's always remember that we do what we're doing because we like it, and not to score stars to get noticed.

If others don't like what we did for them, or just plainly, suddenly, don't like us anymore, let them be.

We are a star in our own right.

We don't need to bag a star from those who don't really know our truest worth.

60 to 30: Skirt Flirt or Shop Stop?

2010-10-27T23:16:00.000+08:00

A quick trip to the mall to buy our afternoon snack led me and my teammate to __ and saw this dark grey and (grey and beige), A-line, belted, and semi-ruffled (at hemline) skirt. At 20% off! It also comes in lemon yellow color but that's too bright for me.

Once I saw something at a store, I know it's for me. I'll fit it, I'll ask for sizes (I'm bordering from small to medium, at rare times [luckily!] large] or ask for another color if I'm being hesitant. But most of the time, since I always knew what I like, I'd definitely get it for myself.

Back to that skirt. So far, I already have a black, ribboned, paneled A-line skirt; a navy blue, pencil skirt, and a printed, full skirt. I need to add either brown or grey to my skirt staples. But these skirts were bought only about a week apart each, among other items of clothing that are kept in my cabinet and still waiting to be worn.

And my horoscope today somehow bedevils me to justify another flirty affair with a skirt:

"At the moment, it's all about how you look -- because that will have a direct impact on how you feel, which will have a direct impact on how you act. See how this works? Might be time to do some serious shopping."

I won't stop after buying that skirt as I'm building up my really "feminine" wardrobe. Sure, I can afford it since I have "happy money" for this kind of "to-die-for" purchases. But an upcoming trip, the holiday season of spending and giving, giving and spending, and financial planning for 2011 in order, I really have to think long and hard about this skirt. But as my teammate asked me, " did you ask if there's still any size? Or do they still have stocks of it (the dark grey skirt)?"

I better go to sleep and dream about this. Maybe I'd have my answer tomorrow ....

And if it's gone by the time I'm ready to buy that skirt, that only means it's not meant for me.

60 to 30: Purple, Grey, Blue Tuesday

2010-10-26T22:02:00.002+08:00

Another epiphany this morning, coming from a very shitty Monday night.

I decided to go to work wearing a plain, purple/lilac top; topped with plaid, grey boyfriend blazer; flattened my tummy with a black, garter belt, and a navy blue pencil skirt from (PHP699.00 from Meg).

Pardon the bad hair day. So after taking these photos during our lunch break, I headed to the ladies' room and tied my hair, and let go of the belt and wore the boyfriend blazer freely.

As cited, I'm really your jeans-kind-of-a-girl, thus it's always a challenge for me to wear a skirt or a dress these days (after many years of avoiding them). But I'm learning, and I'd do better with those staples - soon.

*Special thanks to my teammate for taking these photos of me.

60 to 30: So Many Questions ...

2010-10-25T23:24:00.000+08:00

HER (9:56 PM): your friends there know that you ended our relationship already?

HIM (9:58 PM): they know we split up

HER (9:58 PM): you told them that you ended it via email?

HIM (9:58 PM): no

HER (9:58 PM): why not?

HER (9:59 PM): that’s what really happened right?

HER (10:00 PM): please tell me – if it wasn’t my fault (as you said in your email) that you fell out of love with me, then why am i hurting about us?

HER (10:03 PM): i wonder though what your friends think of me, if they only got to hear your side of the story …

HER (10:03 PM): i also wonder, like you said, you asked (ex-wife) several times to get back with you even after all that happened between the two of you

HER (10:04 PM): why can’t you reconsider me? us?

HER (10:05 PM): when i am here loving you despite it all?

HIM (10:07 PM): must you keep going on about it

HIM (10:08 PM): not in the mood and i need sleep

HER (10:11 PM): i am only asking.

HER (10:11 PM): you rest now. i think i also have too. i’m having chills here.

HER (10:16 PM): i am only asking, ___ . it’s not easy being left out not knowing what you did wrong ….

HER (10:18 PM): good night.

60 to 30: Rainy Blue Friday

2010-10-02T00:29:00.001+08:00

After September that was mostly dry and sunny, we welcomed October 1 with a rainy Friday.

And since our company allows a relaxed wear on Fridays (of course, still subject to dress code), I went to work wearing this:

Black jacket from G2000; long, navy blue shorts from Tomato (PHP300); gray, peep toe wedges by Predictions from Payless Shoe Source (PHP945.00)

I got the shorts because it looks like a skirt, it's comfy, and it's blue (my first navy blue piece that I could use for office and casual wear, too). Although I look small wearing this ensemble (judging from this photo), my whole day was super comfy, super relaxed! Thanks to my teammate who took this photo - a whole body shot of me for this week of fashion blogging! (As opposed to 3/4 body shots I managed to take of myself using the timer and used for the earlier blog posts, sheesh).

This wraps up my week filled with fashionista epiphanies, haha (nothing for Thursday though, as I didn't wear anything new that day).

Indeed, meticulously choosing what to wear (out of my stock of unworn clothes) made my mornings this week. The process took me off from dwelling about my dilemma to start my day (although before I sleep, the nagging thought creeps back - except Wednesday night after the shoot that I slept right away - no dinner at all and no time to worry for me).

So, what's for us all next week?

60 to 30: Comfy Brown Wednesday

2010-10-01T23:58:00.000+08:00

Following Tuesday's floor walk, the next day was a hectic day (that started as 7:30AM - early for me these days) working with our visitors for a photo shoot.

I'm no stranger with that kind of work since when I was managing editor of MoneySense I took charge of our cover photo shoots (even interviewed the personalities). So I decided to wear something comfy (and our team lead allowed us to wear jeans, yay), so assisting Wednesday's photo shoot was a breeze with me wearing this:

Sage/dark brown tunic with brown, woven belt (small size) by twentyone from Forever 21 (PHP1025.00)

I wore this with black, skinny jeans and my gray, peep toe wedges (with matching my barely used huge, gray, ladies' bag), and later that day, I had my hair in an updo for a fresher look.

We encountered glitches during the shoot, and glad we were able to pull them off. Despite such, I was still feeling comfy. Our visitor from Mexico perkily exclaimed very early that day that she like what I'm wearing and it was so cute with the belt on (and she was perky until we packed up at 5:30PM!!!). Yey for the fashionista effort!

This indeed was a comfy wear that surely will be included in my staple wardrobe.

60 to 30: Dark Olive Tuesday

2010-10-01T23:13:00.003+08:00

Yes, I had another epiphany on Tuesday morning (like the one I had last Monday) that I decided to wear this:

Short length, dark olive dress (small) with black belt, Love 21 from Forever 21 (PHP1428.50)

I bought this sometime in July and I've been meaning to wear this to the PPO season opening last month. But that didn't happen as agreed with my former officemates. Rather than my yellow hanger wear this in my closet for long, I decided to wear this to the office instead - another first in my office girl life.

I only wore tiny, silver stud earrings for this since the shoulder blades are adorned with black, shiny, medium-size buttons encased in silver.

As this is short, so I was always struggling to wear it decently especially when walking and seating - I kind of regret wearing it that day since it slipped my mind that we would be hosting visitors for a floor walk - on all three floors of our company. I wore this with my "killer" shoes for the sake of vanity:

Faux, brown snake-skinned (or alligator, haha) shoes from Janeo (Apologies for the dust gathered under the TV table on the background)

I endured the pain and I think it paid off. One of the visitors commended that me and the other ladies hosting the floor walk were all nicely dressed welcoming them - a stark contrast to their jet-lagged, rugged attire.

Since its sleeves are openly wide, I had to wear a black tube top inside, and I didn't have a jacket/blazer with me that I endured the office airconditioning, only covering my arms and legs with my pashmina.

Whew, what I day that I am able to pull this off - but I swear I'll not wear this again for another round of floor walk. No. Never.

60 to 30: Coping Through Praying

2010-09-28T22:21:00.004+08:00

I try to sleep.

I wake up and convince myself this will be a better day.

I hold back the tears.

I tell myself, I am strong, even when I am not.

I am busy at work. But a quick trip to the loo make me think too much that tears freely fall.

For three days now, I am getting by, praying for serenity:

"Lord grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,

the courage to change the things I can, and

the wisdom to know the difference."

This prayer attributed to St. Francis of Assisi calms me when I need to be calm.

So far, I am getting by.

I am still looking forward to the day that all my questions will be answered; all the things uncleared will be cleared; all that is needed to be said would finally be said ....

One day ....

60 to 30: From Tearful Sunday to Skirt-y Monday

2010-09-27T22:27:00.010+08:00

I am emotionally and mentally and spiritually battered, bruised, crucified, despised, humiliated, hurt, miserable, scorned for months now.

Yesterday was too much, that I spent the rest of the day crying, and slept with a throbbing headache and puffy eyes. I told my youngest brother about it and he consoled me, and a dear friend assured me it's OK to cry, and even sent me songs to cry with.

But when I woke up earlier, I thought of prettifying myself - if I am unwell inside, I should, at least, try to look well outside.

So that's what I did, and I believe I am able to pull it off. My teammates noticed my change in wardrobe (from my staple slacks and jeans), and I joked to them I woke up and realized that I am a lady so I wore a skirt, haha.

In my eight years of professional life, today is the first time that I wore a skirt to the office (I think the last time I wore a skirt was back in college!)

Full, knee-length, printed (of black, gray, and pink) skirt from Tomato (PHP275.00, 50% off from PHP550.00); gray, peep toe wedges by Predictions from Payless Shoe Source (PHP945.00) and peeping behind me is my Ab Rocket, Abbie

I sent photos of this skirt to a friend and she liked it and suggested bright colored top to match this. I don't have a bright colored top to suit the skirt, so I wore this with a black top (that I forgot where I bought it, probably in one of those tiangges at the mall).

Thumbs up: What I liked about this skirt is that it suits my conservative style - it is a full skirt and it runs below the knees - even when I sit, it still covers my knees. And it's a steal for half a price (I bought this from Tomato outlet in La Fuerza Plaza 1, Pasong Tamo, Makati City).

I feel all right today, fashion-wise, and I look forward to have a restful sleep. And tomorrow, I might have another epiphany (hahaha!) and I might wear any of those unworn dresses/slacks/tops I bought the past months.

And yes, for us ladies, sometimes, fashion is the cure.

60 to 30: Single

2010-09-26T18:11:00.004+08:00

When your friend in Facebook changes his/her status from in a relationship to single, that causes a buzz.

You see it in "petty" fights between young couples. But to see someone who's almost 50 do it, it must be something - something childish, something immature, something unexplainable.

When you're the partner of that person, what would you do? Be abrupt too - change your status from engaged to single?

Considering previous instances that this person hurt you, this Facebook status change is the ultimate cue for you - you're better off with someone who's mature enough, and caring and understanding enough, to be human enough to tell to your face - and not course it through e-mail or freaking Facebook - that he/she no longer loves you, that he/she never loved you at all, that he/she is done with you, so f*** off.

But if you still believe there is hope, you can hang in there until that person learns to acknowlege you, be content with you, and try to love you. Like how you hanged in there for four months and four days since that person dumped you - or 3 years, 2 months, and 8 days of believing that what you're sharing with this person is all worth it.

It's your choice. The best to do now is to hang in there for your dear life - not for his or hers.

I'm hanging on to my dear life ....

60 to 30: From Deadlines to Dresses

2010-09-16T22:58:00.008+08:00

I blogged I'd start with daily blogging starting September 12 to November 10 - but since Monday, I wasn't able to.

For updates:

Work. I had deadlines to beat ang glad I beat them.

I rediscovered I still have the knack to discuss confidently about personal finance, which I shared with my team mates yesterday - and I will share here in detail in the coming days.

Vacation Leave - NOT! I was supposed to be on vacation leave today but spent it in agitation and frustration over how poor the public service system and the customer service of the giant mall brand here - and I experienced both today. I'm too exhausted now to detail, but I owe myself to blog about them, as today's really a test of patience for me - and I failed it.

Fit-ty Me. What I'm excited about now is - I bought my fitness companion, and I'll assemble it later. And I'm christening my Ab Rocket - Abbie. Yey!

And when I had my weight checked at a health kiosk, I weight 129! That's 1 or 3 pounds less since I last checked more than a month ago!!! That's still normal for my built but I want to lose four pounds more in 1 month! And get rid of the flabby tummy.

Abbie the Ab Rocket

Dress Success. Yes! Despite the overpass climb, the jeepney commute, and the long day of standing and walking, I pulled off this Collezione Philippine Map dresss shirt! I first wore this with a maong shorts that's just below the knees. But today, I wore it as it is, whew. Though I'm still conscious about the tummy, but good thing this is black. I bought another dress last Tuesday and I do hope I'd be able to wear it with more confidence.

At a fitting room earlier

There goes my updates. Back to work tomorrow and another deadline-beating day so I have to call it a night. And I must stick to my 60 to 30 mission.