Urbanistang Prinsesa

Let Rover teach you

2011-03-18T23:25:00.000-07:00

Think of them as your conscience with fur. These critters can teach you a thing or two about love, life, compassion and being content with what life offers you.

1. Unconditional Love and Loyalty

There may be some debate regarding this particular issue: Are animals really capable of loving us unconditionally or are they conditioned to serve their purpose to us humans?

Let's not philosophize on this shall we? romanticism or not, the point is, your pet dog, your pet cat, rabbit, gerbil or albino snake will never care if you don't have a fancy sports car, a fat bank account or a huge villa in Guam. They're not gonna care if you work as stripper, a hooker or gigolo.

So you have left their food bowl empty the whole day and may have slapped them with a newspaper for leaving paw marks on the expensive rug you just bought. But nonetheless, they're still there to lend you a listening ear when you want to rant about your pesky colleagues, a bad day at work and the guy who left you for a bimbo with bleach blonde hair.
I remember this "crazy dog lady" who used to roam around our downtown area with a bunch of dogs which look like they haven't eaten for days and yet, they stood by her, went everywhere she went, even when it meant starving to death.

People can philosophize on the meaning of unconditional love. Their call. And they can kiss my ass while they're at it.

Bottom line is, if we humans can stop saying "If" and "But" when it comes to loving and showing devotion to our family, friends and other half, perhaps, life would be a lot better.

2. Trust your Instincts

Dogs and cats can sense danger before they arrive. They know what goes on beneath the surface. Most of us have lost this ability and our judgments are sometimes clouded with our emotions that we often times fail to see the dangers we could have avoided.

Learn to see through face value and pay attention to energy, non verbal cues and that nudging feeling that never goes away.

3. Be content with what you have

Sometimes, I've often wonderedif my dogs have it easier. For as long as I got good food and clean water, a roof to protect me and a loving master, I'd be fine. But noooo... I wanted more than what life could offer me, (or at least I could afford). I wanted an iPad for reasons I'm still trying to figure out. I wanted a fat bank account, a Hummer V, a penthouse, a villa somewhere in Hawaii, and a lot more than that.

Just like any other human, I could never settle for what I already have. And don't think rich people have it easier as well. Imagine how many of them commit suicide every year. Why? Because contentment is such a foreign word for us humans.

But it's different for our furry friends. By just looking at how your cat purrs as she rests on your lap while you glide your hand through her fur or your dog waking up like everyday's Christmas, you realize that they're enjoying life's simple pleasures.

Learn to count your blessings. It doesn't take a dog or a cat to make you realize that you are living a far better life than someone else in the world.

3. Learn to Listen

I'll admit it. I could only listen to so much sob stories from a friend who has just broken up with her boyfriend or has found out that her boyfriend was cheating on her. Getting a phone call from an emotional wreck is enough to ruin my day. No offense.

But as much as most of us have no patience for sob stories and wet blankets, we also need someone to listen to us when we're having a bad day at work without them butting in on us in the middle of a conversation to answer a phone call or give us unsolicited advice.

Now that's the problem with most of us humans. WE LOVE TO TALK. We love to be heard. But we rarely listen.

That's the good thing about our pets. They're there to listen to you when you have a problem with your job, your girlfriend/boyfriend, or your life without any interruption or unsolicited advice. They wouldn't mind if you cuss or rant about people they haven't met. They're just there to give you an ear when you need one.

4. Empathy and Compassion

You've seen them in the news: A cat trying to resuscitate his dead feline companion or the dog who couldn't leave his canine friend behind in the rubbles somewhere in Japan in the tsunami aftermath.

Those snooty cynics may call it anthropomorphism. I call it a good example of empathy and compassion. How many people can actually stop by to help another person fix his car? How many people would actually risk their life to save another person from getting hit by a speeding truck? Chances are, you won't. And if there was, then kudos to those unsung heroes. But more often than not, no one would put their life on the line to save a stranger.

Reward your furry little friends with these treats:

Bad Textiquette

2011-03-10T07:45:00.000-08:00

Cellphones have become as ubiquitous as tights and bangs. Texting has also become the mode of communication du jour. It's so fast, cheap and efficient that some people are already exploiting the convenience brought about by the text phenomenon. Hence, the bad text etiquette or "textiquette". To name a few:

1. Sending cryptic text messages - If reading from a small screen isn't draining enough, try reading a text message that goes like this: H3wWWWoOh 3\/rY1!!!! Jejespeak, tween text or whatever text slang you can think of is not only crass and passe, it will also give the person you're sending the text message to a splitting headache and an eyestrain.

2. Mass texting - Nothing ticks me off more than people who send out mass texts about things we couldn't care less about: How she needs to take a crap, What her boyfriend bought her for their anniversary, Some weirdo sitting beside her in the train, etc. We are not your diary and we couldn't give a rat's ass if your boyfriend gave you a bunch of tulips for your 5th month anniversary or if he looks so cute in his Hello Kitty boxers. Seriously, get a Facebook account. Or better yet, get a life.

3. Forwarding quotes and chain texts - Not everyone has the privilege of having a post-paid plan. And converting your prepaid load to one day unlimited texting can sometimes be a pill (Only in the Philippines). And most of us have something better to do than succumb to forwarding your stupid chain texts to 50 people for the fear of getting 10 years of bad luck.

Forwarded quotes, on the other hand are fine... Unless I get 10 or more funny or inspirational quotes in one day from the same person. I don't have the time of the day to read all of them, let alone spread the love, joy and annoyance to another busy person.

4. Text flooding - Don't you just hate it when some idiot makes your mobile phone beep like crazy by sending 10 successive text messages that looks like this:

Hi!
How are ya!
What's up?
Going out tonight.
You coming?
Pls txt bak.
hahaha
are you?
dude?
hey
HEY!!
you there?
Hello?

Imagine getting 15 voice messages from the same person. Pesky much?

5. Texting in the middle of a conversation - It's just plain rude when someone you're talking to just whips out her phone and texts away while you're ranting about an asshole of a colleague or finding your boyfriend is seeing his ex and gets back to you with a "...Oh I'm sorry, what was that again? Who's seeing who?"

6. Random texting - Texting random numbers not only shows your lack of social skills but also a very risky thing to do. If you're lucky, you might be texting a pedophile, the seaside strangler or some psychopath on the loose. Remember how your mom used to tell you not to talk to strangers? Text messaging is no exception.

Prom 101: Austere Dress Codes for Prom Night

2011-02-06T11:03:00.000-08:00

Austere dress code policies pose a very big problem during prom night. It delimits your choices for that perfect dress for prom. And there is absolutely no way you can go to prom looking like you're on your way to Sunday school.

But don't fret it. Just because your principal thinks today's fashion is a little vulgar for highschool doesn't mean you have to dress up like granny to avoid detention.

These dresses will get you covered.... literally.

One Shoulder Strap Dresses

Look elegantly sexy with one shoulder strap dresses. It's a perfect alternative for bare back halter dresses and tube dresses as it gives you just the right coverage. It highlights your shoulder and neck, and draws attention to your hair. So just a tip ladies, make sure your hair is perfectly coiffed for the occasion. Also, choose a one shoulder strap dress in satin, silk or any liquid fabric.

TIP: Choose an empire cut dress to hide your tummy. :)

High Low Hem Dresses

Want to show off your gams but your school has policies against hemlines that go above the knee? Don't sweat it. High-low hem line dresses lets you show off your great legs without breaking the dress codes. It's fun, flirty and graceful at the same time.

Tutu Dresses

Another alternative for mini dresses are the tutu dress and bubble skirt dresses. It not only shows off your gams without raising any eyebrows but it also lets you have fun without worrying over tripping over your long dress.

An added benefit: Tutu dresses and bubble dresses are versatile so you can wear them to the after prom party.

Sleeves

Whether you're afraid of getting the slip after prom or you're trying to cover up your arms, you can never go wrong with sleeved dresses. But you don't have to cover them all up. you can opt for off shoulder and boat neck to expose your shoulders. Sheer sleeves in lace also gives that sexy vibe without showing those arms.

Batwings, capped or kimono style sleeves on prom dresses are also great options. they cover up your arms without looking too stern and out dated.

Another way to balance out the look is to shorten the hemline.

Cover ups

Shawls and boleros are also a great way to cover your arms. Go for sheer, liquid fabrics for shawls in the same shade as your dress, or silk or satin boleros with ruffles to add a little umph to an otherwise plain dress.

I found gold in Cyberlandia

2011-02-04T21:53:00.000-08:00

And it only takes 5-20 minutes per day.

I already have a full time job and taking on another job which entails another 4 hours of my time is close to impossible, unless I'm android. But then again, single people like me don't live on an income that's enough to pay the bills and ensure survival for the next 15 days alone. I also want a fat savings account before my beau and I decide to settle down. I want to travel the world and have enough pocket money to shop and pay for a decent hotel accommodation. And most importantly, I want to buy an iPad without slaving for more than 10 hours a day for another year or two to pay for my credit card bills (LOL. ambabaw.)

It's not that I'm earning a minimum wage income. But I have a lifestyle to keep up and what I'm earning right now is not enough to finance my so-called philantropies (I am still, after all a social creature. NAKS.). Hence, the search other money making ventures. The internet is teeming with dozens of lucrative opportunities... But weeding out the possible scams is no walk in the park. (NOTE TO SELF: never believe anything in Craig's List. It's a cesspool for scammers). Good thing there are reliable review sites like PTC investigations and yahoo answers which provides legit answers from the users themselves.

So what have I been blabbing about for the past 2 minutes?

Bux. Paid-to-click.

Now before you close your web browser and turn the other cheek (or google for porn websites or check out your facebook page), you might want to reconsider giving it a whirl. I myself was a bit skeptical about PTC but I checked their forums, read the reviews and asked around as well. Besides, signing up is free and easy and the information they're asking is not enough to create damage.

To create an account, click the links below and click Sign Up or Join:

NOTE: You need to have a Paypal and Alertpay account as well. That's how you're gonna get your money. :)

For Neobux, click the banner below to sign up.

For Onbux, click the banner below to sign up.

For rjbux, click the banner below to sign up.

For iibux, click the banner below to sign up.

For Clicksia, click the banner below to sign up.

For Buxmatrix, click the banner below to sign up.

Sign up is really easy, and like what I said, you don't need to provide your credit card number and what not.

FAQs:

1. Alright, I have just signed up. What now?

Click View Advertisements. You'll be provided with links to the ads you're gonna view. You are given a few seconds to view the ads before the payment is credited to your PTC account.

2. How much do I get per click?

$0.01-$0.02 cents per click. Don't be fooled by PTC's offering more than $0.02. More often than not, they're scams.

3. 1-2 cents per click? Are you nuts?!

Well, miners don't get huge-ass chunks of gold right? They get teenie weenie nuggets which they collect melt and mold into gold bars. It's the same thing with PTCs. 4-5 clicks a day. and it's not just once a day. You'll be given ad links to click every 15-20 minutes or so. Keep clicking and clicking and you'll be surprised how much you'll be earning.

4. But seriously, 1-2 cents? That's gonna take forever to grow... right?

well, there are other ways you can speed that up:

Referrals = have people sign up and make you as their referrer (for the lack of terms). For every ad they click, you also earn 1 cent. So imagine if you can sign up 5-10 of your friends. I wouldn't recommend renting referrals from these sights though... Just tell your friends to create account, or better yet, get the code for the banners and referral links and post it to your website or facebook account. Don't forget to tag them. :)

5. I'm signing up my grandma for an account from one these PTC's. is that okay?

Sign up your dog, for all I care. For as long as they're fine with just clicking their way to the bank, then I'm cool with it. But remember, you're only allowed to use one computer. If you have logged in and clicked links with the computer you're using, your grandma, or dog or whoever it is who has an account with the same PTC you're using, will only be able to log in and click on ads after 24 hours. The same rings true with two or more people with separate PCs or laptops in the same location. Only one of them can access the PTC site. The rest will have to wait until tomorrow to log in and earn.

QUICK TIP: If your sister beat you to logging in to neobux, make a beeline to Starbucks and get frap while you click on ads. :) An hour internet there will only cost you P100.00.

6. I'm tired of click ads. What else is there to do?

Other PTC's, like Clicksia, offer the following:

Sign up offers
Traffic Exchange
Referral

It's the Climbs...

2011-01-09T00:02:00.000-08:00

Binasa ko ulit ang post ni Lourd de Vera. Oo, tama siya. Umasal lamang tayo ayon sa ganda. Pero me kulang. Paano naman yung mga taong hindi umaasal ayon sa yaman?

Oo. Me mga ganoong tao. Kung naaalibadbaran ka sa mga nag-iinarteng mukha namang tsonggo, tiyak mas maiinis ka sa mga taong hindi naman ganoon kayaman pero kung umasta, eh feeling anak ni Lucio Tan.

Social climber. Kat-kat (ayon pa sa mga kaibigan kong laking Davao at hanggang ngayo'y tambay pa rin sa Kebab sa harap ng Arreneyer). At kung anu-ano pa ang pwedeng matawag sa kanilang uri. Kung bakit mayroong ganoong tao sa mundo, maraming maaaring maging sagot: Maaaring Peer pressure o kaya nama'y Marketing tactic (Siyempre, ayaw mong hiyain ang sarili mo sa boss mo't mga business associates niya kung nagmumukha kang basura diba?). Puwede ring may toyo sa utak (Illusions of Grandeur kung baga. Sige, you're excused).

Pero kahit ano man sanhi ng ganitong klaseng asal, (whether excusable or not), hindi mo mapipigilan ang pagkayamot ng mga tao sa kapaligiran mo. Kung may right kang mag-astang burgis, may right din kaming laitin at hiyain ka.

Mga gabay para makaiwas ng ostracization dulot ng pagiging Social Climber:

Unang una, gusto kong magpasalamat kay Lourd de Vera sa pagbibigay inspirasyon at lakas ng loob para ibahagi ang aming saloobin tungkol sa mga tyonggo at baboy damong nag-iinarte at sa mga dukhang nag a-ala Paris Hilton.

1. Kung pupunta ka lang naman ng coffeshop para ipagmalaki ang iyong bagong iPad, Macbook, iPhone, laptop at kung anu-ano pang mamahaling gadget, bumili ka naman ng sarili mong kape. Huwag magpalibre o makiinom sa kape ng kasama mo. Kung me pera ka lang naman pambili ng mamahalin mong kagamitan, siyempre naman makakabili ka rin ng isang basong kape sa Starbucks diba?

2. Kung gigimik kasama ng mga sosyalera (o kunwareng sosyalera) mong barkada sa isang mamahaling bar, mahiya naman kayo sa balat niyo kung magtitiis kayo sa isang kapiranggot na order ng french fries at isang basong iced tea. Ano? tigdadalawang stick kayo ng french fries at ipapasa pasa niyo ang iced tea?

3. Kung nakapasok ka sa VIP section ng isang exclusive party or bar, o nakatsamba kang nakakain sa isang mamahaling restaurant, umasal lamang ng tama. Huwag tarayan ang waiter o waitress, lalung lalo na kung mukhang mas mayaman sila sa iyo. Huwag mang head-to-foot at manglait ng ibang tao lalo pa't nakapasok ka lang ng libre dahil sa mga kasama mo.

4. Kung nakakain sa isang mamahaling restaurant, huwag magmarunong at magkunwaring naiintindihan mo ang mga nasa Menu kung ayaw mong magtiis sa itlog ng isda at sinabawang kuhol. Magtanong sa waiter kung anong maiirekomenda nila sa iyo.

5. Hindi porke't mamahalin ang damit mo eh magmumukha ka nang mayaman. Hindi lahat ng couture ay bagay sa lahat ng tao sa lahat ng panahon. Huwag pilitin ang sarili sa Gucci tube o Prada stilletos kung magmumukha ka namang suman sa sikip ng damit mo o kaya'y mukhang binudbod na luya ang paa mo. Huwag ka ring mangarap sumuot ng Jimmy Choo flipflops kung mukha namang magsasaka ang iyong paa. Magpapedicure ka muna.

6. Kung update ka ng update sa Facebook para lang makita ng buong mundo na ang gamit mong pang facebook mo ay ang iPhone, iPad, Samsung Galaxy Tablet o Blackberry mong second-hand, utang na loob. Hindi kailangang malaman ng buong mundo kung anong kulay, hugis at laki ng jebs na lumilitaw sa inidoro mo.

7. Kung sales lady ka lang ng isang prestihiyoso at sosyaleng establishment, huwag umastang ikaw ang may-ari ng store, restaurant or shop na to. Hindi ko kailangan malamang mahal ang binebenta niyong mga damit at maaaring hindi ito kaya sa bulsa ko dahil alam kong hindi mo rin to kayang bilhin kahit mag-ipon ka ng isang taon. Huwag magtaray. At next time, bawasan mo make-up mo dahil nagmumukha ka nang payaso.

8. Gaya nga ng sabi ni Lourd de Vera, "Huwag artehan ang pananalita. Wag lagyan ng impit at kulot ang dila mo - unless lumaki ka sa US, nag-aral ka sa mamahaling paaralan, nakatira sa isang exclusive subdivision, o nanggaling ka sa pamilya ng mga panginoong may lupa."
Sa tingin mo, matutuwa sayo ang driver ng jeep at mga pasahero nito kung ganito kang pumara: "Manong, make para by the kanto po."

At huwag kang Inggles ng Inggles, lalung lalo na kung mali-mali lang rin naman.

9. Huwag mag kunwaring first time mong sumakay ng jeep o trike sa buong buhay mo. At huwag, inuulit ko, huwag magkunwaring nandidiri ka sa mga fastfood gaya ng Jollibee at mga karinderya dahil alam naming ito lang ang sumasagip sa iyo sa panahon ng kagipitan. Huwag maging ingrata.

Sarili mo lang ang niloloko mo.

10. Kung may dalang mamahaling gadget gaya ng DSLR camera, laptop o tablet, huwag magtiis sa MRT o jeep. Hindi respeto o paghanga ang makukuha mo. Siguradong holdup ang aabutin mo.

11. Kung ipinaglalandakan mong partyphile ka't kasama mo ang mga alta sociedad sa mga sosyaleng gigs sa makati, malate at kung saan saang ekslusibong clubs at parties, siguraduhin mo namang may laman ang wallet mo, kahit pamasahe pauwi sa bahay niyo.

12. Isang malaking, major-major NO-NO ang pagtatanong kung magkano ang kinikita ng ka-date mo.

13. Simplicity is beauty. Ibig sabihin, hindi mo kailangang lumabas ng bahay nang nakaheels at naka lipstick kung bibili ka lang naman ng toothpaste at toyo sa kapitbahay mo.

14. Kung balak mong mag-invest sa mamahaling cellphone, mag postpaid ka nalang rin. Mamahalin nga cellphone mo, wala ka namang load. Sira pa rin ang diskarte mo.

15. Mag-ingat sa pagsuot ng fake. Wala kang mauuto sa Oakey shades, Live's jeans at Bulagi na bag.

16. Huwag mong piliting bumili ng mamahaling gamit kung alam mo namang hindi kaya ng suweldo mo o budget ang nanay at tatay mo. Hindi mo obligasyong gutumin ang sarili mo ng ilang buwan para makuha lamang ang minimithi mong Prada na bag. Bakit? Makakain mo ba ang bag na iyan kung gugutumin ka? Mas lalong hindi obligasyon ng Mang at Pang mong ibenta ang nag-iisang kalabaw nila para makabili ka ng Samsung Galaxy Tablet o Macbook.

17. Huwag parating umasa sa libre. Maganda nga damit mo pero ultimo mineral water mo, iaaasa mo pa sa kung sinu-sinong sa tingin mong mahuhuthutan mo.

18. Huwag maging matapobre. Hindi porke't umasenso ka na sa buhay dahil may nauto kang 4M (matandang mayamang madaling mamatay) o dayuhang mayaman ay may karapatan ka nang mangabuso ng hotel staff at maligo ng alcohol matapos mahawakan ng 24 karat mong kalingkingan ang isang batang lansangang nanlilimos. Matutong lumingon sa pinanggalingan.

19. Hindi porket nakalabas ka lang ng Pilipinas ng isang beses ay jet setter ka na. Wala kang karapatang idiin sa kausap mo kung anong meron sa Singapore na wala sa Pinas, lalu't lalo nang first time mo pa lang nakapunta sa ibang bansa. Hindi mo lang alam, mas well travelled ang kausap mo.

20. Huwag maging ambisyosa. Babaan mo ang standards dahil mapapahiya ka lang kung ipinipilit mo sarili mo sa isang guwapong mayaman. Ang hinahanap nila sa babae ay may breeding, hindi mukhang asong galisin.

Dahil ang tunay na lalaki...

2010-11-06T23:18:00.001-07:00

Naglalaro ng Robot Unicorn Attack. LOL!

I don't know if it's the prospect of seeing a silver unicorn with rainbow colored mane getting decapitated or the cheesy soundtrack that keeps me playing this game for hours.

But bottomline is, IT'S JUST SOOOO FREAKIN GAY, YOU'D LOVE TO PLAY IT OVER AND OVER AGAIN... and rant about it... :)

hmmmm.... could be the dolphins too.

Implementation of the Speed Limit: Epic Fail

2010-11-05T21:11:00.000-07:00

Seriously, your measures have done nothing but worsen Davao's traffic situation. Yes, I understand... Your intentions are pure.... maybe. But seriously, it has done nothing to solve our traffic problems.

For starters, there are traffic lights sprouting all over the city like wild mushrooms. What Davao needs are traffic lights that ACTUALLY WORK, not traffic lights on every corner. I'm not exactly an expert on traffic management but I don't think it takes a rocket scientist to figure that we don't have to turn this city into one, giant christmas tree with red, yellow and green lights to avoid bottlenecking in our highways.

And then, there's the ridiculous speed limit. 40 kph for Petesake? Seriously. We might as well employ someone's grandma to drive our jeepneys. Yes, I've heard of the recent brouhaha over the "uso-uso" jeep incident, but do you have to take it out on everyone else? Okay, so that sounds a bit calloused. But here's a proposal. Instead of employing that stupid speed limit, why not ban the modifications on jeepneys? Or if you really, really have to implement a speed limit, why not increase it... AAAND ban modifications on jeepneys?

And why do you keep on pickin on motorcycles anyway? First, there was the banning on the modifications on motorcycles. And then there was this recent hubbub over the motorcycle pipes. Not every motorcyclist is as indolent and stubborn as you think. Now, if you still have a problem with other people with motorcycles, take it out on the "habal-habal" drivers. As a matter of fact, why not ban them as well? They've done nothing but worsen our impending traffic situation. And most of those drivers don't have licenses, just so you know. They don't even wear helmets.

And going back to the jeepneys. I don't understand why you tolerate having them stop by every corner they see and holler for more passengers that don't even bother to get in their jeepneys. Not only are they causing a bottleneck in the Toril, Matina and Bahada areas, but they're also earning the ire of most of their passengers who are in a rush to get to work on time. And then, there are passengers who don't understand the purpose of a waiting shed and can't read road signs like "No Loading and Unloading".

Your father's administration has proven itself effective on keeping the peace and order all over the city. But you can't even improve our current traffic situation. Harsh much? No. Because I have every right and reason to rant about it, being a resident of Davao for 20 something freakin years and a concerned citizen.

Now, don't get me started on the sikads, and taxi and jeepney drivers frequently switching lanes.

Happy Halloweenie!!

2010-06-23T06:27:00.000-07:00

I know it's not the time of the year yet but like what I've experienced some time ago, it's better to come prepared than to come up with something stat, just a few days before the big Halloween shindig. Yeah, I know... Halloween's just for kids and I'm too old to go around the neighborhood to ask for candies and stuff. But heck with it! I'm only gonna be someone else like, ONCE A FREAKIN YEAR! So spare me the yapping. Anyhoo, since I will never be caught dead donning the usual Halloween generics (e.g. fairy, mermaid, genie, a disney princess, a sexy goth or a vampire) and steam punk is a little too elaborate (not to mention, expensive and taxing for my taste), I decided to tap my inner geek and be one of those kick-ass comic book/video game/Sci-fi characters (And seriously, Catwoman and Wonderwoman is out of the question). I've only come up with 5 characters so far so I might need a little help on how I could get their look for less.

And if you have a better idea, give me a holler... Or post a comment here. Any other character suggestion is greatly welcome here.

Princess Leia Organa, Star Wars

With this one, I think I'll go for the more secured, God-forbid-it-might-fall-off-or-break-apart free, tamer and cheaper version of this costume. It looks pretty much like a wardrobe malfunction waiting happen but I'd be happy to risk it.

Another downside: I have barely 4 months to get rid of my love handles. :(

Lara Croft, Tomb Raider

This is one of the easiest costumes to put together. A black or sky blue XXS tank top, a pair of mini cargo shorts, work boots or military boots, knee socks, a couple of holsters, a pair of plastic hand guns, braids and a cuff bracelet in leather and I'm good to go. The only problem is, Where the hell am I gonna get those boots for less than 500 bucks?

Zoey, Left 4 Dead

Suppose I get a tad too lazy to wear anything a little dramatic, I'd go out as Zoey from Left 4 Dead. Red track jacket, a pair of jeans, black sneakers, straight hair tied up in a messy pony tail and a pair of hand guns. Heck, I could even dress like her every freakin day, sans the guns.

Miho, Sin City

Yeah, yeah, I don't look oriental enough to pass for this look, but hey, Never underestimate the power of a good liquid eyeliner, straightening serum and flat iron. :)

Queen Gorgo, 300

I know I said before that I'm over those long, flowy dresses and the whole Grecian vibe is a little passe but I'm willing to give Queen Gorgo a try. Besides, it shows just the right amount of flesh and by the looks of it, it looks pretty easy to put together.

been awhile...

2010-05-29T05:37:00.000-07:00

Yeah, yeah... I know I haven't been blogging for the past few days... weeks... months... I do have a life you know... :) well, I'm currently working on my second attempt on concrete poetry so stick around... :)

xoxo.

formspring.me

2010-02-03T23:53:00.001-08:00

Ask me anything http://formspring.me/oinky

Pinoy nga naman: My most favorite Pinoy quirk of all times

2010-01-29T10:46:00.000-08:00

Pinoy nga naman. alam na nga tae, inaamoy pa. :) hahahaha.

Di mo gets? o kunwaring clueless ka lang? eto sayo.

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Lalaki, nakita ang asawang kakalabas lng ng CR, nakatapis at naka balot ang buhok sa tuwalya.

Lalaki: hun, bagong ligo ka?
Babae: hindi hun. feel ko lang magmukhang bumbay. eto o, turban ko. cute noh?

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henyo, nakitang nagmamop ang janitor, biglang huminto't nagtanong:

Henyo: kuya, nag ma mop ka?
Janitor: (nag mala Socrates). Hindi iho, nagsusulat lang. Laki ng ballpen ko noh?

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Dalawang kolehiyala, isang La Sallista't isang taga UP, naglalakad sa kalye't nakakita ng tae sa kalsada.

La Sallista: ewwwww. is that tae. (sabay turo sa tepot)
taga UP: hindi mads. chocolate yan. tikman mo nga.

-----------------------------------------
(inspired by Vice Ganda)

mag BFF, naglalakad sa mall, nakakita ng buntis.

bff1: ay, buntis?
bff2: hindi. may kabag lang. tadyakan mo nga.

mag BFF, patuloy sa paglalakad sa mall, nakakita ng pilay.

bff1: ay, pilay ba siya?
bff2: hindi mads. trip lang niya. bagong dance step.

------------------------------------------
magbabarkada, nagbabasketball. yung bola, gumulang sa damuhan at nadaganan ang tepot ng aso. Si player one, dahan dahang pinulot ang bola at inamoy.

Player 1: T**g i*a tol, me tae sa bola natin. shet talaga, ang baho. (sabay amoy ulit) T**g **a pare, ang baho talaga!
Player 2: talaga bro? paamoy nga.

Learning through writing

2009-09-08T12:18:00.000-07:00

"Foreign exchange is easier if you have the right tools."

I said it. Flat out loud.

"Eh?"

"Foreign exchange... Forex. You were looking for an online racket right? But the software could cost around $500."

My best friend gave me a perplexed look as he continued to listen to me explain the basics of foreign exchange and the necessary softwares.

"And that's how it works." I concluded rather triumphantly, slapping my knee as I looked his way. I was met with a raised eyebrow and crossed arms.

"Okay, who are you and what did you do to my bestfriend?"

"What?"

"Seriously... You can't even stand watching Bloomberg for fifteen seconds and you're raving about the benefits of delving into foreign exchange?"

He let out a giggle of disbelief as he patted my back. "How did you become such an "expert" on foreign exchange all of the sudden?"

"I wrote an essay on it... well, ten, actually."

"10? Are you kidding me? Who'd be crazy enough to let you write 10 essays on foreign exchange?"

Blame it on essays.ph.

Some people write to earn. I, on the other hand write (in essays.ph) in order to learn.

Why not?

Salary's just besides the point. Heck, if I'd like to earn big bucks, then I would've become a call center agent by night and risk looking like a zombie by day.

No thanks. I'll pass. I have yet to sacrifice my social life, the only thing keeping me sane and human for the moment.

Okay, maybe salary was the major reason why I stumbled upon their ad in jobstreet.com. I was flat out broke when my students left for Korea after my brief tutoring stint a month ago.

My social life was at stake and I needed to look for a new part time job fast.

Desperate as I am, I decided to scour Cyberlandia for possible career opportunities, most of which turned out to be scams (Note to self, never look for jobs in Craiglist.com). Finally, after scouring the net for more than 8 hours of supposedly my sleeping time, I landed upon this curious ad by essays.ph, stating their need for 99 writers. Great. Another scam. Not falling for that again.

But rejection upon rejection by high nosed publishing companies made me decide to give essays.ph a try. Could be worth something, I thought.

Fast forward one month and two weeks later, I'm sitting in Starbucks, enjoying my Dark Mocha Frap in my Ukay ukay Bohemian frocks bought with my very first salary in essays.ph. (P710. Yeah boy!) and writing this blog.

Yeah, I know. I can get more than P710 bucks if I got my behind off my swivel chair and look for a real part time job but then, I can't complain. I've learned more about different career options in health care and foreign exchange than I would with watching Bloomberg and listening to my friends talk about life as a nurse. And meeting new friends from all over the country is an added bonus.

Dad wasn't all too happy with my part time job or my career choice. I remembered having a chat with him over pizza and garden salad one night and hearing him say most writers only get rich when they're dead. But that didn't stop Stephanie Meyer from writing those craptastic vampire love stories (no offense to Twilight fans). Nor did it stop Bob Ong from publishing his pseudo-intellectual ramblings and laughing all the way to the bank (Not that I hate Bob Ong). And it's not stopping me either. Well, I haven't earned much to prove him wrong but when you're passionate about your craft and getting more out of it, who needs to prove anything?

“THREEPENNY OPERA: OF POVERTY AND POLITICS”

2009-08-17T10:51:00.000-07:00

“Remember, if you wish to stay alive/ For once do something bad and you’ll survive.”

- (Brecht)

Anton Juan couldn’t have been more right when he said Brecht and Weill’s masterpiece is swak na swak with our current political situation. And he couldn’t have a chosen a better time to stage this musical, what with the upcoming elections, the 1M peso dinner extravaganza, and the ongoing battle against CHACHA and corruption.

Set against the underground world dominated by gangs of thieves and murderers, prostitutes and beggars (appropriately named Tondon), the Threepenny Opera chronicles the crimes and loves (?) of the bandit and infamous womanizer Macheath or “Mack the knife”.

Originally, this was set in the bowels of London back in the 1920’s but the characters and the plot reflect very much our society now. Peachums and Co. ran by Mr. and Mrs. Peachum mirrors not only the infamous syndicates that employ street children and beggars for profit that thrive in the streets of Manila (or maybe even the whole country), but also a corruption riddled system that governs this country. Peachums and Co. lives not just in the innards of the city but also in the government (ever wonder where the bulk of our taxes go?) and the bigger banks where

“presidents hide, stash away their loot, and from where we try to get our sad pensions from – if poor ex-public servants can even find a branch near their barrio—OF IF THE MONEY ISN’T GONE ALTOGETHER AND THE POOR SENIOR CITIZEN IS SIMPLY TOLD THAT THERE IS A HALT IN HIS PENSION without prior notice or explanation.” (Juan)

It is all too familiar, from the ties between Tiger Brown and Macheath, Pirate Jenny introducing an innocent child to the world of prostitution, to Macheath’s foiled execution. Somewhere in the past (or even recent) issues of the Philippine Daily Inquirer or Manila Bulletin, the same things have been accounted for more than once.

Juan has also injected Filipino elements all throughout the play. The tiered padyak, the centerpiece of the set, is not only used to facilitate the change in the set but also “the prison of taxonomies that the powerful traps us in” (Juan). And at some point, doesn’t it remind you of the skyscraper slums prevalent in the inner regions of the city? Then there was the reference to Balut and the improvisations. Victoria rhymes with __________. I think you know what follows.

A social commentary you say? Right you are. But this is not meant to debase the Philippine society (And since when has Juan dela Cruz ever taken offense on something that’s true?). It aims to provide us an awareness of what is happening right now, as if the media hasn’t hammered this enough in our consciousness by now. But I guess this awareness is the very reason why this [Threepenny Opera] simply worked.

So what keeps a man alive, asks Brecht. Macheath answers,

“… He lives on others; He likes to taste them first, then eat them whole, if he can; forgets that they’re supposed to be his brothers, that he himself was ever called man.”

And it doesn’t take a member of the lumpen class to figure this out.

FEZBOOK

2009-07-13T21:33:00.000-07:00

So I "accidentally" clicked the ignore button when you sent me a friend request in Facebook.

Deal with it.

Don't give me that melodramatic crap about asking me why I didn't add you. I don't know you and it hasn't exactly crossed my mind that I wanted to get to know you.

Unless you could give me one... atleast ONE valid reason why I should click the accept button, I'm sorry man...

Life's a bitch... and so am I... Live with it.

The 25 year old college kid...

2009-07-04T03:17:00.000-07:00

Picture me...

in a pair of pinstripe shorts, flip flops and an aeropostale shirt with a bunch of books on her way to the campus. She wastes her energy in rallies fighting for student rights and what not (one or two maybe), org meetings and video games on her spare time. She comes home, does her homework, catches up on readings before tossing them on the table to catch some ZZZ's for tomorrow's exam... So what's the big deal?

I'M 25 YEARS OLD DAMMIT!! And this ain't even graduate studies....

What worries me is that when the rest of my contemporaries are out there in the rat race and milking it for all its worth, I'm here reliving my college dreams and nightmares... Nobody even believes I'm straddling between youth and quarter life.

You think I'm lucky? Think again. Coz when you're all spending your own hard earned cash, I'm partly living off on my parents salary! And I should be stressing out on tax and bills, not on reaction papers on Anglo American New Criticism... Which reminds me, why didn't they ever teach us that back in AdDU? anyway...

I'll take this as a 2nd chance to right all my wrongs back in college. I guess it's never too late... :)

When beauty becomes beast

2009-06-18T07:50:00.000-07:00

": And lo, the beast looked upon the face of beauty. And beauty stayed his hand. And from that day on, he was as one dead."
-Carl Denham, Kingkong 2005

Boy sees girl, sees her hair shine with the light from the sun. Boy falls madly in love. And in a not-so-strange twist of fate (and a little bit of luck, I may add), a series of events in your typical mainstream coming-of-age-flick fashion leads Girl into the arms of Boy... And the rest is history.

Fast forward three months later. Her hair still shines with the light from the sun. Still the same pretty smile. But boy finds not the fair creature he once pined for but a vile, lecherous beast with a capital "B" (for major bitch of epic proportions).

So what went wrong?

Familiarity breeds contempt is just a simple way of putting it. Let me give you an insight on love at first sight: There's a reason why Friar Laurence's letter didn't make it in time for Romeo to learn the tragic news of Juliet's alleged passing through Balthasar. Had they both lived, things would'nt have been any prettier either.

So just a word of warning kiddos, the next time you find yourself beguiled by little miss Mary Sunshine's captivating smile, remember :

"Even the sweetest of candies can be as sour as hell inside."
-Detective Vera Cruz, Jawbreaker 1999

CONDEMNING THE SINNER

2009-05-23T19:06:00.000-07:00

"But when they persisted in asking Him, He straightened up, and said to them, 'He who is without sin among you, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.'"

-John 8:7

Here's what's sending the showbiz world into a big media frenzy: An issue involving a hunky doctor turned actor, a sexy reality TV star and a racy video. Now let me ask you, how does something like this surprise anyone? ParisHilton shocked the whole world when videos of her giving someone "the head" leaked in the internet and wala... A new star is born... And that was years ago. Her friend Kim decided to follow suit and well... what do you know? another celebutante is born....

So what exactly has turned this issue involving a racy video into one big media circus?

Here's what made such a ruckus on this issue. An actor turned politician decided it would be a good idea to join the ride, well, with the elections fast approaching and all. and here's what he has to say about Hayden Kho (apart from calling him a "pervert of the highest kind"):

""Ang isang doctor ay kailangang maging kagalang-galang sa kanyang pagkilos. Kailangang respetuhin niya ang dangal ng lahat, at tratuhin nang may respeto ang bawat tao."

Senator Bong Revilla has gone as far as pushing for the revocation of Dr. Kho's license, citing Section 24 of the Republic Act No. 2382 or the Medical Act of 1959 whereby immoral or dishonorable conduct are among the grounds for reprimand, suspension or revocation of a doctor’s certificate of registration. Not that I mind at all. Besides, I do think being an actor and a doctor is like mixing polka dots and pinstripes... They really don't match.

He added, “Hindi siya marunong gumalang sa kababaihan. Para bang wala siyang nanay o mga kapatid na babae. If you ask me, wala itong tao na ito sa tamang pag-iisip, and according to the Medical Act, this doctor can also be punished for insanity. Buwang itong doktor na ito...” Nice speech, coming from someone who's been involved with one too many women.

If that was not enough, GABRIELA decided to hop in the bandwagon. Look, don't get me wrong. I have nothing but praises for GABRIELA for championing women's rights and all but getting all showbiz-y with all these? I would have expected something better from GABRIELA.

And it just keeps getting better and better. Lolit Solis decided it would be fun to drag Rufa Mae Quinto into all these, alleging that Dr. Kho admitted to having a short lived affair with the latter after Katrina Halili. And the plot thickens....

Look, I'm not taking sides here and I'm certainly not a big fan of this celebrity (ex) doctor (Nor was I ever a fan of Dr. Vicki Bello and Katrina Halili...). All I'm saying is that this brouhaha about the Hayden Kho videos is blown way out of proportion. Come on! Don't these people have bigger issues to deal with like poverty and making this country a crime free and child friendly place to live? And Lolit Solis is still as obnoxious as ever. What with her consistently switching sides... Are you with Dr. Kho or against him? Make up your mind por favor.

But don't get me wrong... I am in no way condoning such intolerable acts committed against woman. I still am, after all, a self respecting woman. So before you jump the gun and accuse me of chauvinism, I hope you understand what I'm driving at here.

I'm getting old..

2009-04-23T00:50:00.000-07:00

It is when you feel like your music preference tends to get stuck in one era or worse, tend to backtrack to decade earlier that you get the feeling that you are, indeed, getting old.

It took me months to figure that out. I remember my mom tuning in to this station in the radio, featuring songs by Frank Sinatra, The Platters, The Monkees, Spiral Staircase and what-have-yous. I think I'm headed to that direction.

You see, you can tell the age of the person by the music he or she listens to. My ipod playlist never got past Usher's last hit and the rest? It's all Smashing PUmpkins, Jeff Buckley, Incubus, Garbage and Jason Mraz. The most novel you could find from my playlist was a # 1 hit in the Billboard top 10 some 2 years ago. I was not even a big fan of Emo. Not that I hated the whole trend though. I'm just not a big fan. So what does that tell you?

I grew up in the era where real musicians made REAL music. And I'm not even talking about the Spice Girls and the whole boyband, girlband bubblegum pop phenom.

bakasyon...

2009-04-02T06:57:00.001-07:00

even students need a break.

CUPID'S ARROW

2009-03-10T00:16:00.001-07:00

"According to the Asiatics, Cupid's bow is strung with bees which are apt to sting, sometimes fatally, those who meddle with it."
- Maria Edgeworth

What if I came to you one day,
clenching a bloodied arrow on one hand,
and clasping my wounded chest with the other;
blood flowing copiously through the tiny slits of my fingers?

To cast a stone...

2009-03-08T00:46:00.001-08:00

We do have a penchant for nitpicking other people's fault, physical or otherwise... But sometimes, we fail to see our own shortcomings. Let's face it. nobody's perfect. We're just flesh and blood after all.

But hey, we do get a kick out of seeing people stumble. That's how crude we pinoys are. We still haven't transcended from our knack for slapstick humor.

But wait until the joke is on you and you start to ask, "What in tarnation is so darn funny??!".

Guess we're not so perfect after all.

Why breaking up with him is never an option

2009-03-04T21:37:00.000-08:00

3 years, 8 months and 21 days. How we managed to put up with each other's idiosyncracies and what not still remains a big conundrum. But here's just a couple of guesses, to name a few.

1. Love. Cliched but very true. Besides, if this ain't love, then I don't know what is.
2. The last cutie I meet is either gay, taken or into some kinky sex trip involving 3 girls or more, farm animals and what not.
3. It's not everyday I get to meet and fall inlove (eventually) with a guy who'd still think I'm the hottest girl alive since Taija Rae, after I fart like a foghorn, barf in his car, and neglect showers for a week.
4. It's not everyday I'd meet someone who'd come up with the cheesiest shit like "Miniscall kita kasi na mi miss na kita."
5. The thing is, I still am like any other girl. I fall for a guy who makes me laugh so hard I'd crap my pants.
6. Enormous... talent? The guy's a good dancer, choreographer, skilled mechanic, great actor, certified funny guy, great cook, plays the guitar and drums, etc. There's nothing that guy can't do except sing. (And if you're thinking about something else, well, yeah... that's besides the point)
7. He's no singer but he sings with all his heart. I don't mind being serenaded by someone who sounds like a howling dog.
8. I hate the idea of being a damsel in distress but it won't hurt to have some big hunk of a guy to protect me when the occasion calls for it.
9. Being treated like a princess is one of my guilty pleasures.
10. We're just so perfect for each other: He loves to cook, I love to eat.
11. Believe me. That guy knows how to put make up on.
12. He's a better shopping buddy than some of my gal pals. no offense.
13. He's hot... in his own little way.
14. A guy who's not afraid to show his sensitive side isn't someone you bump into everyday. He cries in the movies, prefers romantic comedies over slasher movies and gives me most of the popcorn. But don't get me wrong though. Between me and him, he is still the one wearing the pants.
15. Kids? he loves them to death. And he wants one of his own too. Well, not that I have a problem with that but now's definitely not the right time.
16. The things he makes me do when he goes all goo goo eyed on me.
17. Don't be fooled. Beyond that tough, macho layer lies a sensitive soul sans the songwriting poetry shit.
18. I can't exactly imagine being stuck in a house with any other guy than him.
19. The way he chuckles.
20. The way he bites his lower lip and gives me the "come hither" look... sexy...
21. The way he raises his eyebrows.
22. The way he raises his eyebrows AND bites his lips and gives me the "come hither" look.
23. How he convincingly acts like a queer.
24. The way he makes fun of me in a not so irksome way.
25. How he manages to stay up so late to wait till my shift ends at 6 am.
26. How he'd rather not be anywhere else without me.
27. How I'd rather not be anywhere else without him.
28. Our farting sessions.
29. How he shifts from being a proud lion to a cute little kitten when he's with me.
30. He babytalks.
31. How he makes pigs look like the cutest creatures alive. He even calls me one too.
32. When he tries to lull me to sleep with his humming or the sound of his snore, even when we're just on the phone.
33. His husky voice when he has just woken up.

So much ado about Balentyms...

2009-02-13T05:09:00.000-08:00

Ah love... l'amour... It's in the air... Like an epidemic that has plagued every freaking nitwit on the face of this planet: Guys in their best shirts going gaga over little miss hard to get, swooning her with a bouquet of flowers while girls gush about a dinner date for two. Love songs blasting on the radio. A chockful of romantic comedies on HBO. Awwww...

It's sickening.

I'll give it 3 days. The fog will rise. The magic fades: Lil ol princy turns back into a frog. Your coach turns back into a pumpkin. And you little duckie, will be back in your tattered rags and into the dark, smelly cellar you call "reality".

Face it. It's only just one of those days when he's nice to you. And the worst part? You have made the capitalists even richer.

this must be cockroach love...

2009-02-06T05:48:00.001-08:00

i was searching some inspiration for a recent "project" i have (and yes, you guessed it. It has ALOT to do with cockroaches) and i stumbled upon this webcomics about... well... Loving a Cockroach!

Strange much? Not when you're Alexander Danner and Neal Von Flue. It's a whole new perspective on those little critters we have grown to hate.

5 ways to love a cockroach

enjoy and happy valentines!

hithit buga...

2009-01-26T03:15:00.000-08:00

My first take on concrete poetry....