Like an old man scribbling out his dying days, I shall blog about my first days in Azeroth. Okay srsly enough with the drama. (Lame) screenies for everyone!

As a personal rule in MMORPGs, I only play support or tank. Since there seemed to be too many tanks in the guild I was joining, I started out as a Night Elf priest. It was okay, I got the hang of it playing this character. I hit level 10 or so in a couple of days then, after some account issues, I restarted as a Human priest.

Before I continue, don’t judge me for choosing Alliance! I’ve heard it all! And after playing for a couple of weeks I think I get what all you Horde folks mean. *WINK WINK*

So anyway, Human priest. The starting town was way more fun to be in, and Stormwind was awesome— You walk in the Valley of Heroes and awesome music plays, it has the grand entrance and all. Had a bunch of firsts from that point on… My first gryphon ride:

My first instance, the Deadmines:

My first tram ride from Stormwind:

And then there’s Ironforge:

A friend toured me through here, the land of the Dwarves, and it’s even more epic than Stormwind. I love the design of the city, like a fortress, like a machine of awesomeness. Check it out:

Obviously my screenies aren’t all that awesome, I’m using an old low-specs laptop here at the hotel. I cannot wait to get home to my gaming PC and fire up all the settings!

Aaaaand that brings us to today. Today, almost hitting 21. Today, maintenance (which is the only reason I’m not playing). Today, the day we decided…

…to move to Horde. HAHAHA.

In fact I just got back from buying The Burning Crusade, so I can rock a Blood Elf of awesomeness.

So concludes this indulgent blog post. I think I can still manage to keep a healthy social life, and get enough sleep. I only play 1-4 hours a day, including lunch breaks (1 on days when we go out)… except on weekends, I think I play for at least 8 hours. So don’t give up on me yet. I may not be ruined just yet *shakes fist trimphantly* :D

Charlie Brown chocolate mousse and a Woodstock plushie I bought

The Charlie Brown Sampler

Snoopy!

Poor Charlie…

In that last picture, the cup reads “Charlie Brown wins your heart with his losing ways. It always rains on his parade, is baseball game, and his life.” While we were there, we were joking about how depressing that sounded, but I used to read the comics as a kid and I knew it was true. Sad, but that really was his appeal. Poor Charlie.

More pictures on my Facebook. I loved it, so I might go back sometime to try some of the other stuff. :]

Bolt. I loved this one! Fun, funny, cute and made me cry a couple times (well, that’s not exactly hard to do). I’m glad Disney can still make stuff like this, I heart Mittens! Though I wish Jack Black did the voice of Rhino, it would’ve been perfect.

Fast & Furious. Screw the Tomatometer, this movie was awesome and a bag of chips! Well granted, you don’t watch this movie for story per se (though we didn’t expect the Braga revelation), the level of awesome from the opening scene was just too high up there, that story and plot twists are just a bonus. Dominic > you. :]

Marley & Me. Another dog movie, so worth the watch. It wasn’t the kind of dog movie I was expecting (see: Beethoven) and I like Owen Wilson in it. Also, Marley reminds me so much of Bruce, my Belgian Mal. I cried at the end. Anyway if you love dogs and you haven’t seen this, I recommend it.

He’s Just Not That Into You. I’ve pretty much been in the mood for chick flicks recently, and this came just in time. As you know, I did read the book, and this was an entertaining summary. I’m not ashamed to admit that I could relate heavily to some issues here, but I won’t say whose and what in particular. I’m pretty sure we can all find something to relate to in it. Also, lol @ alternate Bennifer.

Ever After: A Cinderella Story. Did I mention I was in the mood for chick flicks? So yeah, it was worth going back a decade for. I’ve already seen this movie but I felt like watching it again. Top-notch if you ask me :D

Pride & Prejudice. So now I feel guilty for never picking up the book even though I’ve considered it a dozen times. This movie is really good, and I get to swoon over it because I’m a girl. YAY! I absolutely love Mr. Darcy, and he has a couple of scenes that I can watch over and over. Now this is a romance movie, because it actually is romantic.

27 Dresses. Nothing particularly special about this romantic comedy, but it was definitely likable, and so I liked it. :]

X-Men Origins: Wolverine. Half an hour before we watched the movie two days ago, it’s Tomato rating was at 79%. Right after we watched it, it had gone down to 64%. Now, it’s at 37%. Personally, I still found enough from it to enjoy a bit, but still… it was pretty bad.

Been watching Heroes, Scrubs S8, Whose Line Is It Anyway? S4, and the stuff on TV (like Hell’s Kitchen and Ugly Betty hahaha). On my movie waiting list right now are Slumdog Millionaire, JCVD, Valkyrie, and 17 Again (don’t judge me).

Couch potato much. :D

March 31: Appetizer

Victim: One of the senior designers. Keyboard, mouse, watch and monitor in a nice little package. Hid all sharp objects. The rest of them after the jump.

April 1: Main Course

Victims: Someone from business side (top), and the two senior designers (YES, one of them got clingwrapped again haha). Also wrapped the honey jar (don’t ask why we have one there) and one mug, sealing random stuff inside.

Extra: Masking tape under the optical mouse. No picture sorry, but the guy actually thought we messed with the wiring lulz.

April 1: Dessert

My favorite! Victims: Creative Director (top, booyeah!) and everyone else in the office, because those keys are the keys to the bathroom (yes, they are locked). On the bright side, they had a valid excuse to sink their hand into jello. I mean come on, who doesn’t want to do that at least once in their lives?

Btw, I did NOT do any of these pranks. I just cheered, laughed and took pics. After work, we hit this restaurant in Aberdeen, what I had was pretty good.

Anyway, for the pranks, credit to the boys who keep life interesting. Hope you had a fun and brawl-free April 1st, pranksters! :D

No don’t try to play dumb with me, I know what you’ve been up to. Just because I’m stuck here doesn’t mean I don’t have my sources. Huh? What? Yeah I know everything! Want proof?

Yeah I know it was your first time at the NAIA Terminal 3, and I know you thought it was nice. You even took a picture while waiting for the plane because you were an hour early.

And then you almost didn’t have enough for the cab ride to the hotel because you didn’t have all your money exchanged, and you were panicking, but got there with 6 HKD to spare. Then you had enough to get from the hotel to the office, and didn’t work that day. You like the atmosphere at the office and you’re really excited about the project. I mean, that’s the kind of thing you usually blog about!

And that’s not the worst part! When you get home, you have my Write Post page open all night but what do you do instead of type? You watch movies! You watched that movie Twilight, which btw you said you didn’t really feel like watching in the first place. According to my buddy Plurk, you even thought it was just “alright” after watching it. Psh!

And that other movie, One Night with the King, was it? You watched it 5 freaking times! I know it was about your favorite story in the Bible and you liked that Luke Goss guy in it, but could you not have watched it one time less to, I don’t know, post a two-sentence update on me?

Don’t think I don’t see you munching through that giant bag of Lay’s!

Have I not been good to you? I never gave you problems when you used the auto-upgrade plugin. I didn’t randomly eat up your posts (no matter how tempting that was) and I always tried to look my best in your custom themes. I mean, I know you’re busy and all, and I know this is just a phase. But you can’t keep me out like this! It takes two to make this relationship work, that’s all I’m sayin’.

You know what, I don’t want an explanation anymore. I’m just gonna take a walk through the archives. Don’t wait up for me.

Yours truly (though you make a sucky owner sometimes),
mufflednoise.com

P.S. This week’s spam is particularly weird.

5. Because of the changing Google logos, occasionally reminding me to celebrate people that I don’t know wouldn’t normally pay tribute to.

125th Birthday of Walter Gropius (May 18, 2008)

4. Because of Google Maps, which have been the cause of many arguments between people who think they know rooftops, and have brought us Atlantis.

Because I refuse to believe their “logical” explanation. Lulz.

3. Because when you search for “french military victories” and click “I’m Feeling Lucky”, it will lead you of this very sad history lesson:

Try it. And if you’re French, I’m sorry.

2. Because you can come up with very interesting search suggestions as you type.

Click it or open in a new window, it’s surprisingly insightful (and funny).

1. Last but not least, because Google co-founder Sergey Brin reminds me of both Zach Braff and Jerry Seinfeld.

And this is reason enough.

So for all you Google-lovers out there, don’t take her for granted. If I missed a good reason in this short list, let me know! :P

As believable as that story is, I’m afraid it isn’t true. If by any chance you insist on believing it then, yay for me! :D

Truth is that work has sucked me dry of all blogging skills — pulled out a black crayon and scribbled all over my heart cutouts. Lolz. Seriously though, I’ve just been busy. Not miserable, mind you (I happen to really love my job) but yeah. This blog tends to suffer at crunchtime, because the pink bunnies convinced me that my readers were very understanding. Yes, you shouldn’t believe everything you read — the pink internet-savvy bunnies are actually very wise and gentle creatures.

Belated Happy Valentine’s, and I promise to be a good blogger again. For the bunnies.

But that’s how it always goes, right? We don’t grow wise overnight, and neither do the people around us. So we’re “doomed” to go through (or suffer) these things a few times before getting it right. That’s both the danger and the beauty of it. We just have to take comfort in the fact that this world isn’t out to get us, despite how crazy a ride it takes us on.

Right after parting with them, I beelined to the bookstore and bought my second book of the year — He’s Just Not That Into You by Greg Behrendt and Liz Tuccilo. I tell you, this Greg guy is annoying as heck! He thinks he’s so smart just because he managed to get his act together and land a seemingly perfect wife. Tsch. And what I hate about him the most is that deep inside, I know he’s right.

And as his co-author Liz says, it’s hard to digest. I finished the book in a day (thanks again to Cat for recommending it!).

If there’s anything I want to get at, it’s this — in my opinion, the week before Valentine’s happens to be the most tragic time of year. I noticed that people tend to think of the bad stuff around this time, not the good. Why is that? Well, I guess you can blame it on the bookstores, the publishers, the authors, the ancient Egyptians and their crazy ideas.

(Advance happy hearts day!)

“Canape” sofa by Lila Jang. If I had this, I wouldn’t be able to shake off the feeling that it does crawl around the house when I’m not looking. I’d jump into the room shouting “Aha!” every hour or so.

“Knife” coat hooks by Tianyi Chang. For the secret psycho killer in all of us.

“Divided” sofa set (by whom, I have no idea). Because yo momma always told you not to play with the black paint. I keep thinking — black waffles.

“Bad Table” by Straight Line Designs. I want this, but it sets a bad example for my dog Bruce. And last but not least —

“Paint or Die but Love Me” by John Nouanesing. One of the creepiest yet coolest furniture designs I’ve seen. Serve a red-candle-lit dinner with red wine, extra rare steak and bowls of ketchup, and you’re all set. Unfortunately this is only a concept, so to all the bloodthirsty furniture fans out there, keep dreaming.

1. If you’re going by cab, you have to choose carefully.
   • Reason: Some of them charge extra when traffic is heavy, and some just decline when they know it’s a tough drive to your destination.
   • Tips: It’s always best to tell them where you’re going first before getting on, to avoid having to get off if they decline, and to avoid surprise charges. Also, try to pick the company-owned cabs (they’re not white — some of them are MGE, R&E, EMP and Sturdy). They generally don’t decline and don’t charge extra. If they do, try to negotiate and make sure you know when it’s too much. Sometimes, Filipinos are willing to give up to Php20 (in extreme cases, Php30) extra to cab drivers if they know traffic is really that heavy. Never agree to a no-meter run, that is NEVER allowed, no matter how they try to convince you (they sometimes do that to trick foreigners).
   • Story: The day after the meeting, they were fooled into paying Php200 for a Php100 trip, because the driver told them that he wasn’t running on a meter. In fact, he charged P250 but finally accepted Php200.
2. Cabs usually don’t give change if it’s less than Php10, maybe even Php20.
   • Reason: It’s considered a tip, whether or not you intended to give any. It’s the custom and in general, nobody complains. I guess it’s pakikisama, the Pinoy concept of getting along with others (meaning, don’t go fighting with him over Php5).
   • Tips: Just try to be reasonable. Remember the denominations — Php5, 10, 20, 50. If you have the exact fare (by exact we mean anything with an extra of not more than Php10), then pay that. If not, prepare to let go of anything under P20. Try to read his body language for a second too — if he looks like he’s reaching for change, then wait for it. If not, let it go. Ask for anything over Php20, unless you agreed on paying extra for traffic beforehand. Better yet, you can also just give a tip of around 10%, less hassle.
   • Story: One of them took a cab somewhere the day before our meeting. After paying, he was waiting for his Php16 change. The driver wondered what he was waiting for, and asked in a mean voice “Change?”. He realized the driver didn’t want to give it back so he just declined and got off.
3. In most cases, cabs don’t have receipts.
   • Reason: The system hasn’t been officially rolled out until recently (last year), and implementation will take a while.
   • Tips: If you need your fare reimbursed, just write down the plate number, taxi name and fare. Driver name if you think it’s necessary, they won’t mind. Afterwards, have it signed by the driver.
   • Story: Our guests thought all cabs had receipts, because airport taxis right now have them.
4. Jeepneys and busses can stop anywhere, sometimes even in the middle of the road.
   • Reason: One reason is that in most cases, it’s really okay to stop anywhere (as long as you move to the side). Another reason is because vehicle stops in general aren’t observed that much, except when there are traffic police around. Another is that many drivers just don’t think about the trouble they could cause others when they do that. It’s worse for busses since they’re at least three times the size of jeeps. Also, we do have bus stops, but again unless there are cops, they usually aren’t followed.
   • Tip: Just say “Para” where you want to get down. If the jeep/bus isn’t on the right side already, it’s best to say “Sa tabi lang po” which literally means “Just at the side”, but connotes something like “Please move to the side so I can get down.” Otherwise they might stop right there. You can also just tell the conductor or driver where you need to get down when you’re near. That way they can plan a “legal” stop for you. If the vehicle is stuck in traffic, it’ll most likely open the doors for anyone who wants to get down, even if you’re not at a stop. You can get off, it’s completely fine, but be careful and watch where you step — get to the sidewalk as soon as you can.
   • Story: They didn’t get to ride either of these, but they were absolutely fascinated (or confused) by this idea.
5. Fares for busses are based solely on the memory of one person.
   • Explanation: For busses, you don’t pay as soon as you get on. You pick a seat and wait for the conductor to approach you in a short while. He has a bunch of “tickets” in his hand, and he’ll ask you where you’re going. Depending on your destination, he’ll give you tickets with prices adding up to your fare. Pay for it, and hold on to the tickets. Near the end of the route, someone will board and check the tickets, to see if you’ve paid to reach that far. Chances are, you’ll never get your ticket checked (unless you’re riding from end to end in the route). That’s why in theory, if the conductor’s memory is bad, you can get away with not paying at all. But Filipinos generally even raise their hands so the conductor knows to ask for their payment.
   • Tips: Don’t take this for granted, because drivers and bus conductors can be pretty nasty when you try to cheat. Conductors have a very good memory. Also, if the conductor doesn’t have change for you yet, don’t worry if he leaves for a bit because he’ll come back for you. However, do count your change, just in case.
6. Jeeps are also based on a trust system.
   • Reason: They don’t have any means to make sure everyone pays — no pre-boarding payment device, and no conductor. Though they sometimes have assistants beside them to collect for them, jeepneys generally operate under the premise that everyone pays. In theory, you can jump down at a stoplight anytime without paying, but save for very very rare instances, nobody does this. People also pay the right fare, by default. They’ll ask you where you’re getting off (and if you didn’t pay right away, where you got in), and they trust that you’re telling the truth.
   • Tips: Pay as soon as you board so you don’t forget. Check the fare matrix, or ask how much it is to get to your destination. You can ask someone beside you, or the driver himself. Then you hand it out to the driver — if you’re not within arms-reach, then other passengers will automatically pass it for you so just hold your fare out and say “Bayad po“.
7. Travel is measured by time, not distance.
   • Explanation: If you ask someone how far a certain place is, chances are he’s going to tell you how long it takes to get there. For instance, “it’s an hour away”, “thirty minutes away”, or “just five minutes away”.
   • Reason: The level of traffic is the greatest factor when traveling, distance is generally irrelevant. You can get somewhere near in an hour, and also take an hour to get somewhere three times the distance, all depending on the traffic.
   • Tip: Ask Filipinos who go through that route. When you ask, also mention the time you’re heading there — rush hour traffic is the worst in the Metro.
   • Story: They told me that almost everyone they met here mentioned the traffic to them, so on the way back to the airport for their 8pm flight, they left at 3:30pm just to be sure.
8. The trains aren’t as efficient as the Hong Kong MTR.
   • Reason: The railways don’t cover much ground. They only serve to connect some main destinations, so just check their routes.
   • Tips: Remember that some people take the word “train” as the PNR (the oldschool railway system) that goes to the provinces. So if you need to ask around, remember the 3 lines: MRT, LRT and LRT2. They’re all connected somewhere, so ask someone you trust beforehand, otherwise you can ask the guards at the stations how to get around. And by the way, it can get extremely packed during rush hour.
9. Door locks are very very important.
   • Reason: Safety first, but this isn’t a general “just in case” tip. Muggers may be lurking nearby, and there are different ways they can take advantage of unlocked doors.
   • Tips: Basically, if you don’t want to be mugged, lock the doors whenever you ride a cab, any car, even an AUV or “FX” — the white SUV-type vehicle with extra seats at the back.
   • Story: After telling them this, they joked that they wouldn’t be able to sleep at night. I found it amusing that it doesn’t bother us Filipinos, but when you think about it, it is pretty scary!

Those are pretty much all the tips I had to give them, but I’m sure there are other important things I missed. If you’re a foreigner here, it’s best to travel with someone who knows his/her way around if you’re not going by cab. If you are going by cab, just remember the tips up there, and you should be fine.

As for my guests, I hope I didn’t scare them. But we agreed that it’s better to tell them now, rather than having them learn the hard way. After all, I’m pretty sure they’ll be back. ;)