Sensibly Poignant

Something about Random Photos...

2012-01-01T04:04:00.000-08:00

For 2012, I hope that I could blog more and take more beautiful photos. Here are some of the photos I took from my trip at Malagos Garden in Davao last October 2011.

Something about 2012...

2011-12-31T23:50:00.000-08:00

Thank you 2011, Hello 2012!

Something about Challenge #5...

2011-02-26T13:40:00.000-08:00

Day tour challege in a Visayas or Mindanao City...

City of choice: Iloilo City

It started with a to-do-list turned to an all year round challenge. I spent the day with my friend/competitor and had one of the best times in my life. It was an all day laugh trip and adventure.

We got lost, ate one whole chicken, listened to what it seems like an never ending speech from local officials, met interesting people... All in all, a wonderful experience.

It was supposed to be a one time deal, but I ended up looking forward for another adventure (similar to this) with him.

Something about Independence Day...

2011-02-14T15:02:00.000-08:00

I was supposed to celebrate Independence day today but I ended up receiving this from someone ...

Something about Gratitude...

2011-01-08T21:38:00.000-08:00

I’ve always been a to-do-list girl. I list everything that I need to do, who I want to be, and what I need to achieve. What most people don’t know is that coupled with my obsession in listing everything, I used to believe that I know exactly who I will be at a specific time of my life.

In the perspective of the School Girl Nina, by the age of 25, she is on her way as one of the best lawyers in Manila. Having graduated in the University of the Philippines Law School and having earned the number one spot at the recent Bar exam, her success in her chosen field is inevitable. She doesn’t mind being single, believing that not all people are destined for marriage, and probably she is one of those people who are supposed to spend the rest of her life alone, and quite frankly, she doesn’t mind at all, and actually loving it.

But reality strikes and at the onset of my 25th, I was thinking what have become of me. I used to know what I want and exactly how to get it, but at that moment, I was clueless. I didn’t know where to start because I don’t know where I’m supposed to go. It was as if I went blind.

For a person, who find happiness in planning, and in getting what she wants, it was a very confusing time. I was questioning the person I had become. I was thinking that I was a failure. I am not a lawyer. I did not attend UP. I am single but no longer believe that I am destined for solitary life. I felt I was dissappointing a lot of people, most especially myself.

It was just fortunate that I was surrounded by people who have been a very good influence on me. They continuously inspire me to build new dreams, to achieve them, and never give up. Having been blessed with a family that loves me, friends that support me, and faith that uplifts me, hesitations and doubts became an option, and I choose not to be affected by them. I choose to continue being happy, building dreams, and achieving them.

On the last day of my 25th year, I realized that although I am not the person I thought I would be at this age, I could honestly say that I am happy of the person that I’ve become and it is all because of everyone that has been part of my life.

I hope that this is enough to express my gratitude. Everyone who became part of my life, inspired me to be the best that I can be. Every moments, every conversation, every experienced shared, will be treasured. I am really thankful that you allowed me to become part of your lives and that you let me show you glimpse of my true self.

Thank you.

At the onset of my “new” year, I promise to always choose to be happy, determined to make the best out of everything, continue creating opportunities, be thankful for each experience, and to continue to dream, aim, and believe.

Something about my to-do-list....

2010-07-07T15:17:00.000-07:00

I got inspired by the 50 things to do in Manila piece I found at www.spot.ph. I created this additional 2010 to-do-list based on this article and hopefully, I get to finished this before the end of this year.

Eat Ox brain at Shawarma Center. It is located at Salas Street, Malate, Manila
Watch a film at Mogwai, located in Cubao Expo.
Try imported beers and cocktail drinks at Murphy’s Pub in Makati
Visit Bookay Ukay, a second hand bookstore, at Maginhawa St., UP Village, Diliman, QC
Photoshoot at Paco Park
Try Beer Ice Cream at Elfav at 2/F Pergola Mall, Paranaque City
Photoshoot at Chinese Cemetery
Go to Club Mwah
Visit La Solidaridad book store at Padre Fauna Street, Ermita, Manila
Photoshoot at American Cemetery

Here’s the status of my “original” 2010 to do list:

Buy a dog – Done! His name is Coachie, and he’s simply amazing.
Go back to Palawan
Take more photos
Spend more time with friends
~~Fall in love~~ - not feasible this year.
Go to Luneta
Go to Pasig Forest Park – Done! Had a photo shoot with my College Best Friend J
Buy new lens – hopefully wide angle lens
Buy new phone – Done! Thanks to Sir Law
Attend mass regularly
Learn to Drive
Do something I haven’t done before – DONE!!!!!!! Thanks to teacher Yeye!
Do something that scares me
Out of the country trip

Something about you....

2010-07-05T10:12:00.000-07:00

"I'm always on the move. It was difficult for me to stay put. I walk, when I need to think. I stroll when I need to calm down. I run, when I need to feel free. And yet, I often find myself coming back to you. Yes, only to you. My path seems to always lead to you."

Something about coachie

2010-02-20T13:28:00.000-08:00

I was supposed to name him Johannes, but his previous owner already had a name for him... To avoid confusion, I decided to maintain his name...

Please welcome - Coachie

He was born on January 1, 2010 and as of February 21, he is my baby =)

Something about Stacy...

2009-12-26T03:44:00.000-08:00

I just remembered why I've always wanted a Golden Retriever because of her....

Something about Coron Palawan...

2009-12-19T04:16:00.000-08:00

I fell in love with Palawan when i visited Puerto Princesa last year. For this year, I'm back in palawan, to experience another adventure with my friends.

Something about the weekend photoshoot....

2009-03-17T15:08:00.000-07:00

Subject: Ange and Yuel

Something about 2008...

2009-01-05T23:02:00.000-08:00

2008 was definitely a great year for me. I thank God for all the opportunities He presented to make it one of the best years of my life. I do hope and pray that 2009 will be as wonderful (if not better) year for me.

My 2009 Goals:

Compose a blog entry in French
Watch and understand a full length French Film without english subtitles
Learn to drive
Visit Coron, Palawan

In 2009, I plan to take more risk without comprimising my values, to be more open minded, and to continue everything I started in 2008. I hope to have more out of town trips and adventures with friends. This year, I will be more successful in achieving what I want and I will be happy!

I have a feeling that this will be a great year for me.

Wish me luck!

Something about the Disaster Cookie...

2008-11-11T20:54:00.000-08:00

What I've learned in making cookies:

1. Follow the recipe
2. Know thy salt. 1/2 tbsp of rock salt is diffrent from 1/2 tsbp of iodized salt.

Why? measurement is important in baking and if you want to make your cookie salty instead of sweet, then use 1/2 tbsp of rock salt...

well... at least I learned.

Something about Recipes

2008-11-09T21:48:00.001-08:00

Unposted photos from Recipes

wonderful food (love the gising gising) and friendly staff

Something about commuting to Libis

2008-11-04T20:56:00.000-08:00

"Wala akong sense of direction!"

Alam na to ng mga taong nakakakilala sa akin, so inorder not to get lost (again!), I usually prepare a map or research how to get to the place I'm going to.

I recently transferred to another job in libis so as usual, I made an effort to research ways on how to commute from Marikina to Libis. I found three ways. So for those who are "direction challenged", like myself, below are ways to commute from the City in the Pink of Health to Libis:

1. Shuttle to Ortigas/Makati - Shuttle services are located at Greendale in Bayan and at the Concepcion Church.
2. Via Cubao. Take a jeep/fx/bus to Cubao. If FX, better take Aurora bound vehicles kasi if you take the P. Tuazon FX, you'll have to walk pa towards Aurora. But if Jeep, either Aurora or P. Tuazon is ok kasi the P. Tuazon Jeepneys pass by Puregold/Mercury Drug. The terminal of Libis bound vehicles is at the Puregold/Mercury Drug in corner Aurora Boulevard.
3. Via Rosario, Pasig. Terminal of San Joaquin/Rosario jeeps are beside Sport Center and near the Marikina Bridge in Bayan (near Pizza Smile). Ask the driver to drop you off in Rosario and just take the Cubao bound jeep.

I find the Cubao route economical, the Shuttle service the most comfortable (kaya lang punuan at minsan haba ng pili) and the Rosario route the fastest.

Something about Brida

2008-11-02T03:33:00.001-08:00

I've been reading Brida by Paulo Coelho for quite sometime now (i've left the book in marikina... i have been staying at our house in san mateo for the past week) and a certain question in the first few chapters of the book has constanly been running in my mind.

It was the question asked by Magus to Brida that will determine if she will be accepted as his student. There is no right or wrong answer but she must provide an honest answer.

The question: Would you give up everthing you had learned until then - all the possibilities and all the mysteries that the world of magic could offer you - in order to stay with the love of your life?

I've discussed this with few friends and reconstructed this question as "will you give up your goals to be with the person you love?". We have come up with "ifs" before answering this question. like:

... if he/she really loves me he/she won't make me choose
... if he/she is the right person, then probably I will
...etc, etc, etc...

Some just gave an outright "No" but none willingly said "yes" without the word "if" following their affirmation.

My answer to question was:

"Yes... If I didn't get the scholarship, If I won't become an FSO, or a diplomat or everything I thought I would be, I know that I will be disappointed... but If I won't have the kind of family I've always wanted (and prayed), I will be broken hearted. I think, I can deal with disappointment but not a broken heart"

Looking back, I'm not sure if my answer is idealist or just plain stupid. I know that I still want to get a scholarship, to become an FSO, diplomat and to be a lot of things. But I also know that eventhough I get all that, if I had no one to share it with, I will be extremely lonely.

I just hope and pray that I'll achieve my goals and make my dreams into a reality - to be the person I've always wanted to be with a healthy, stable and loving relationship with the family I built.

Something about Palawan

2008-10-14T17:50:00.001-07:00

Something about Elle Wood's Speech in Legally Blonde...

2008-07-05T11:09:00.001-07:00

On our very first day at Harvard, a very wise Professor quoted Aristotle "The law is reason free from passion". Well, no offense to Aristotle, but in my three years at Harvard I have come to find that passion is a key ingredient to the study and practice of law, and of life. It is with passion, courage of conviction, and strong sense of self that we take our next steps into the world, remembering that first impressions are not always correct. You must always have faith in people. And most importantly, you must always have faith in yourself.
- Legally Blonde

Passion as defined in Merriam-Webster.com is the emotion as distinguished from reason. Although I am not in the place to reject Aristotle’s belief, I do believe that passion plays an integral part of determining the enthusiasm (or lack of) of an individual given the sets choices presented to him. Having known through experience that without passion for some people, success is hard to reach.

Passion coupled with determination and with faith in yourself is a lethal combination. It does not guarantee success but it makes it more achievable. Passion inspires you to do what you want but the faith you have in yourself conjures certain abilities and will power that drives you to get your heart's desires.

Though, I do find it rather fascinating how some individuals finds success without “It”, I still believe that doing and achieving something that makes you happy is one of the most fulfilling things in life.

Something about Aidan...

2008-06-28T09:58:00.000-07:00

Believe it or not, photos below were take from a barkada get together.... We were simply captivated by Aidan's charm that we ended up taking his photos more than our usual pacute group pictures :)

Something about the rain...

2008-06-22T06:31:00.000-07:00

Unknown to the danger it conveyed, I was comforted by the sweet caress of the breeze, the rhythmic sound of the rain and the sugary taste of the memories in conveyed.

Something about my Basic Photography Class

2008-05-30T20:42:00.000-07:00

For five Sundays, I have attended th FPPF Photography Workshop. I've learned a lot about the basics. For a hobbyist like me (and even for amateur photographers), I highly recommend the workshop at FPPF. Below are some of the photos I took/submitted during our 5-day workshop.

Something about the sea urchin, the chubby girl and the rock!

2008-05-25T17:21:00.000-07:00

The sea urchin and the chubby girl from high school gang up to celebrate the rock's achievement...

Congratulations Batus!!!

Something about the Song,,,

2008-04-13T18:10:00.001-07:00

Have you ever heard a song that captivated entirely the feelings you had for someone that it just brought back bittersweet memories?

One of my officemates sent me this song and it just.. HIT me

Boys Don't Cry

Plumb

You sit there on the couch
Sipping your scotch and ice
You turn the TV on
And tune me out again

So what would you say to me
If you could talk to me
You could ask anything
I wouldn't lie
But you're okay with this
Damaging awkwardness
So I'll just play it safe
And keep it inside
'Cause boys don't cry

I used to hold your hand
So tight there was no question
But now even when you're near
I've never felt so alone

So what would you say to me
If you could talk to me
You could ask anything

I wouldn't lie
But you're okay with this
Damaging awkwardness
So I'll just play it safe
And keep it inside
'Cause boys don't cry

If you just stand beside me
I'll keep you in my life
Tell me how much you love me
And I'll be just fine
Don't be afraid of me

So what would you say to me
If you could talk to me
You could ask anything
I wouldn't lie
But you're okay with this
Damaging awkwardness
So I'll just play it safe
And keep it inside
'Cause boys don't cry

*********************************************************

nina: ang masasabi ko lang (all I can say is).... this song is for me... hahaha

officemate: kung sino man siya. walang gamot ang pagiging "pipi", lalong walang hand signals para sa "blind" so malamang bingi din siya. Hahaha. Makakatago ka rin ng mas karapat-dapat para sa'yo.. =) (who ever he is. there is no medicine for someone who can't speak, hand signals for someone who is blind so probably he is also deaf. Hahaha. You will meet someone who is worthy of you.. =))

Something about Portofino Beach in Cebu...

2008-03-27T17:53:00.001-07:00

If you want a different perspective in capturing the beauty of the Sunset... Go to Portofino Beach in Cebu!!!

Something about being a bookworm...

2008-03-02T16:26:00.000-08:00

When I was a child, my dad would often bring me to the National Bookstore branch at Cubao. Being the spendthrift that I was (and probably still is), I would never buy something that I think that is too expensive, so every summer, during National Bookstore's sale, my dad would bring me again to this paradise and he'd let me choose books I longed to read. It doesn't matter whether it was published even before I was born, as long as the synopsis calls for me, I know that it will be mine to read.

I remember during my sophomore year in High School when the Asian Crisis started and when the fall of the value of Peso got my heart broken. Foreign books only cost around Php30 then, that is easier for me to save up, but after the devaluation of our domestic currency, the prices of the books I loved rose up to Php100, and that is enough to have my heart broken with regrets.

Being the bookworm that I am, I raided 3 bookstores to find numerous books for my heart's delight.

First Stop (02/28/08): National Bookstore @ Araneta Center, Cubao, Quezon City.
(The books I bought were at least 50% off)
- Someone to Love by Jude Deveraux
- A gift of love by Judith Mcnaught, Kimberly Gates, Andrea Kane, Judith O'Brien and Jude Deveraux
- Pants on Fire by Maggie Alderson

2nd Stop (02/29/08): Powerbooks @ Shangrila Mall
(For my supposed trip to Bohol this summer)
- Your Guide to Bohol Philippines by Quennie Sanchez-Bronce, Honey Jarque Loop and Daniel Carpentier

3rd Stop (03/02/08): Book Nook at Blue Wave Mall in Marikina
(2nd Hand Bookstore, the most expensive book I got here costs Php75)
-Catriona by Jeanette Baker
-Vanity Fair by William Makepeace Thackeray
-The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton
-Le Divorce by Diane Johnson
-The Pursuit of Happiness , Government and Politics in America by John A. Moore Jr. and Myron Roberts.

Something about travel destination Wish List...

2008-03-01T01:59:00.000-08:00

For this year, I hope I get to go to the following destinations:

1. Cebu
2. Bohol
3. Boracay

Something about wala lang...

2008-02-22T07:07:00.000-08:00

I took this photo last night...

Something about the Year of the Earth Rat Forecast...

2008-02-13T16:08:00.000-08:00

I got this from one of my officemates...

Year of the Earth Rat Forecast

Rat	The Rat-born feels lucky because 2008 is their year. It signals new beginnings and opportunities both in life, career, and love relationships. For some, there is the urge to move to a new place to seek greener pastures. Goals this time will be easy to achieve as the Rat is more determined to succeed. In love, the Rat will meet a new love prospect, and relationship that started this year has a high chance of lasting for a very long time. For married Rats, having a baby is auspicious.
Ox	Your hardwork during the previous years pays off during the year of the Rat. Even if you don’t look for it, luck will track you down. It’s just a matter of choosing the right opportunity that will present itself to you. Some will enjoy a career boost from their bosses or moving to another company with tons of benefits. For those who incurred loans the past year, this is a nice year to settle your financial obligations.
Tiger	The year of the Rat opposes the luck of the Tiger-born. If last year is smooth-sailing for you, you will find yourself with unforeseen problems this year. However, if you keep focused and always have a back-up plan, then nothing can stop you from getting your goal. Also, you need to get along with the flow of events. Resisting change can spell disaster for you. In love, there’s always a room for improvement.
Rabbit	The Rabbit is in harmony with the Rat year but there is a need for cautiousness. Though generally a lucky year, you need effort to make luck possible. Investing money may also be tempting but watch out for unwise decisions. If in doubt, seek the opinion of elders or your mentor. Being in contact with people full of negative energy can also be detrimental for the Rabbit and this can affect health.
Dragon	You are fiery and this sits well with the Rat year. You can make things happen even if you will it. It is a nice idea to begin a new phase in your life like a new job, getting married, living independently, and the likes. You are full of charm and single Dragon will find themselves swamped with admirers.
Snake	This is your love year. A new love prospect is likely by the middle of the year. If you and your partner survive a difficult first half, marriage is likely by the second half of the year. Your career will be have good luck as well as you get support from someone older than you. Financial luck can come when you least expected it so this is the year for you to concentrate on what you can do and put worries away.
Horse	The horse-born will find this year a bit hard and unpromising. It is best for the horse to stick with the tried and tested formula that he applied in his life the past year. Even if there’s room for improvement, venturing into the unknown is not advisable. However, studying is favored this year. Add another diploma to your belt. Patience is called for this year.
Goat	The Goat has a lot of nice surprises and celebrations in store this year. Rewards from the past year’s efforts will be given this year. Financial stability is not a far-fetch idea. On the other hand, you must not be too trusting even to friends. Being used is possible so be careful. Love relationship will be more passionate and intense than usual. Having a baby is possible.
Monkey	Stop clowning around this year and be serious in life. However, the year of the Rat is favorable for the monkey-born and he will find support from family and friends. There’s a need to be more responsible in career and life in general. And always be sensible. Being emotional can cost you a lot of wrong decisions. Love life takes a backseat this year. You need to focus more on life-long plans.
Rooster	Always put your best foot forward and you’re on your way to a lucky and prosperous year. But be warned because being too successful can make you forget your good manners. Finances will be stable. Make sure that you invest your money or save it in the bank for future use. For some Rooster-born, buying a new house or condo is possible. Social life will also take off to new heights and single Roosters will meet a love partner.
Dog	Just be patient and your loyalty will be rewarded. You’ve had a hard year last year but everything’s looking rosy now. However, avoid breaking your back while working too hard. Take some time off this year to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Treat yourself to some travel and shopping. In love, your sweetheart can be too clingy. Your domestic life needs some changes.
Pig	Think prosperity and it will be yours. The pig’s luck moves uphill this year. You have to be more aggressive though so that you’ll reach your goals ahead of time. Family and friends will show support if you need them. In love, getting married is possible. Relocation is not advisable this year but you can buy a property, and maybe just rent it o

Something about the Little Mermaid...

2008-02-12T08:26:00.001-08:00

"Up where they walk, Up where they run
Up where they stay all day in the sun
Wandering free... Wish I could be...
Part of that world"
-excerpt from Part of Your World (OST Little Mermaid)

I grew up watching Disney animated fairy tales. One of my favorites is the story of the little mermaid named Ariel and how she traded her voice to have a chance with his prince. It is a typical and-they-live-happily-ever-after story, little did I know the Disney version has a different ending from what Han's Christian Andersen made.

The original Little Mermaid is also about a little mermaid who lives with his father (Sea King), five older sisters and her grandmother. It was their custom that when a mermaid turns 15, she will be allowed to go to the surface and see how the land creatures' world. When the Little Mermaid turned 15, she saw a ship with a prince and fell immediately in love with him. Like the animated version, the prince fell off the ship and the Little Mermaid saved him while bringing him to the shore. The shore was near a temple and she waits there until a young girl (from the temple) finds him.

In the story, it was explained (by the grandmother) that humans have a shorter life span as compared with the mermaids. The mermaids can leave up to 300 years but when they die, they will turn into sea foam and they ceased to exist; whereas, humans have eternal souls that goes to heaven upon their death. With this knowledge and the love she felt for the Prince, the Little Mermaid went to the sea witch and traded her voice for a potion that could give her legs. It was also told that if the prince will love and marry her, she will gets a soul but if he marries another, she will die with a broken heart following the first day of his marriage.

Once she gained her feet and met her love, the prince was attracted to her to the point where he considered her as a potential wife if he was unable to marry the girl from the temple. When the prince's father ordered him to marry a princess from another kingdom, he said that he could only love the young girl from the temple and if not her, he would choose the little mermaid who was beginning to take the place of the girl from the temple in his heart. But when the prince finally met the princess, he found out that she was the same girl in the temple and decided to marry her.

After their marriage, the little mermaid's heart was broken and she realized the things that she has to sacrifice for him. She later saw her sisters and told her that in exchange of their hairs, the sea witch gave them a knife that would help her to become a mermaid again if she kills the prince.

Because of the love she has for the Prince, it was impossible for the Little Mermaid to take his life. So at the morning after the Prince's marriage, the Little Mermaid jumps to the sea, her body turns into foam but unlike of the under mermaids, she turned into an eternal spirit and becomes a daughter of the Air.

Moral of the Story: When we fall in love, we risk a part of ourselves to gain an opportunity to fulfill the possibilities of a happy ending. But sometimes, we don't get what we hoped for and have our hearts broken. But this failure should not be a reason to blame others for our despair. It was our choice to give (or accept) love, our choice to share a part of our selves, our choice to give them a chance to be part of our lives. But they also have a choice... that we have to respect even though it would hurt us.

Who knows... Maybe, the reason why we cry today is also the reason why we will smile tomorrow.

Something about Koreanovelas...

2008-02-10T18:43:00.001-08:00

I have always enjoyed watching koreanovelas. It all started with the Endless love series and got more hooked after watching Song Hye Kyo in Full House as she played Han Ji Eun (Jessie Han in the tagalized version).

A couple of months ago, just before starting this blog, I swore to stop watching korean soaps because it made me (more) idealistic. I've always believed in true love, in soulmates, in finding/waiting for that special someone who would give me a kind of love that will last for a life time. I have always thought that I was this kind of person that is worth waiting, worth pursuing, worth loving.

Having to grow up in a family that turned romantic movies into reality made me more akin to believe that there exists a perfect love story. The moment I heard my grandma's story on how she met lolo made me feel that I too, will have that kind of story. The way she described me the place she met lolo, how she got there and how she unknowingly made him fall in love with her made me believe that just like her, I will experience that kind of love and story with this special person that God destined for me.

Few months ago, I thought I had met him. It was the first time I actually felt connected with someone. It was the first time I genuinely fell in love, the first time I took a risk and the first time (and hopefully the last) I really got hurt. I knew that I have fallen before, but what I felt at that time was different but like the other times, the outcome was still the same. I got hurt and he moved on. At that time, I swore never to watch romantic comedies, read books about true love and of course stop my obsession with koreanovela.

I swore not to be over dramatic, to change my thinking about love and life... to simply put, to stop being me - optimistic, childlike and hopelessly romantic. I promised never to think about him and when his thought came rushing in my head, I try to brush it off by all means... going to the gym, writing, watching movies, going out with friends and I even tried dating...

I find it stupid on how women koreanovela choose when it comes to love triangles. They often fell in love with a hard headed man who always hurt them and take them for granted. Whereas, there is another man, who would give everything to them if only they would give them a chance. I always exclaimed that if I were Han Ji-Eun (Jessie Han) of Full House, or Shin Chae-Kyeong (Janelle Shin) of Princess Hours, or Park Eun-young (Ariane) of Spring Waltz I will choose Yoo Min-Hyuk (Luigi Yoo) over Lee Young-Jae (Justin Lee), Lee Yool (Troy Lee) over Lee Shin (Gian Lee) and Phillip over Yoon Jae Ha (Christian).

Its funny when you find yourself in a middle between two persons who says they love you, one who treated you well and the other who for the most part makes you cry... You will choose the one who hurts you and just see the other one as a friend.

Few months after, after the so called drama in your life, you still find yourself watching romantic comedies, reading love stories and obsessing with koreanovelas... and as much as everyone feels that you haven't change, you know that deep down inside that you have. That eventhough you still believe in true love, in waiting and in soulmates... something is missing and you know it will never be the same... And as much as you want everything to go back to normal, you know that at that moment it is not possible and all you can do is hope and pray that someday it will...

Something about the A Walk To Remember Syndrome...

2008-02-08T19:35:00.000-08:00

"Love is Patient. Love is Kind. It does not Envy. It does not boast. It is not proud. It is not rude. It is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always preserves"
- 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

I first heard of this quotation when I watched A Walk to Remember on cinema with my brother. I must admit that even though I graduated in a Catholic University, I am not familiar with the different passages in the bible. This particular verse enticed me because of how it defines love as something self less and pure.

The movie itself was very appealing especially for people who believes in true love, in sacrifices and in waiting. In the movie, Jamie Sullivan would always say "I'll pray for you" to Landon Carter. In the book, it was impliedly stated that what she really meant was "I'll pray for you to love me". The love she shared with Landon Carter was an answered prayer and a special gift from God that she considers a miracle.

There was a scene in the movie where Landon said "She makes me want to be different...better". As soon as I have heard this line and coupled with my tendency to be overly romantic, I got infected with a social disease that I would like to call "A Walk to Remember Syndrome".

People affected by this syndrome usually has a tendency to bring out the best in individuals. It usually makes a person a hopeless romantic, a patient lover and relatively, a more forgiving person. At its worst, this syndrome makes a person to be to be overly vulnerable and gullible. The effects of the "A Walk to Remember Syndrome" is mostly dependent on the characteristics on an individual. Its outcome my either be good or bad, depending on the situation, faith and emotional prowess of an individual.

A lot of people suffers from this syndrome, especially the ones who fall in love deeply and/or easily. But if we are the kinds of person who loves patiently, kindly, unselfishly and purely, having the "A Walk to Remember Syndrome" is something that we should not be afraid of... hence, it should be something that we should be proud of.

*********************************
Cry
From the Movie "A Walk To Remember"
Sung by Mandy Moore

I'll always remember
It was late afternoon
It lasted forever
And ended too soon
You were all by yourself
Staring up at a dark gray sky
I was changed

In places no one would find
All your feelings so deep inside (deep inside)
It was then that I realized
That forever was in your eyes
The moment I saw you cry

The moment that I saw you cry

It was late in september
And I've seen you before (and you were)
You were always the cold one
But i was never that sure
You were all by yourself
Staring at a dark gray sky
I was changed

In places no one would find
All your feelings so deep inside (deep inside)
It was then that I realized
That forever was in your eyes
The moment I saw you cry

I wanted to hold you
i wanted to make it go away
I wanted to know you
I wanted to make your everything, all right....

I'll always remember...
It was late afternoon...
In places no one would find...

In places no one would find
All your feelings so deep inside (deep inside)
It was then that I realized
That forever was in your eyes
The moment I saw you cry

Something about Random thoughts about love and life for the day...

2008-01-27T15:32:00.000-08:00

I went to the gym... One of my officemates commented that I'm gaining weight again. Before, it doesn't really matter for me if I'm fat, if I'm ugly or if my hair is messy, for me, what counts is what lurks between our ears. But now, it seems different. I now believe with the overall package - beauty, brains, attitude, family, career, love life... everything.

I wonder sometimes how I became like this. The overachieving/good girl girl I was has turned to an overachieving/good girl who wants to look presentable and somehow wishes to be a head turner just for once. Pathetic eh? I don't know what came over me and why I have become like this, but I guess it comes with a reality that I am not getting any younger anymore.

Call it Quarter Life Crisis, but now, I'm in the verge of crying out at loud and telling the world "It is now or never". I'm pushing myself too hard to get that undeniably goal to get more education, that scholarship that I have been dreaming to achieve ever since my dream to become a lawyer halted.

Last night I spoke with one of my best friends. It was kinda weird hearing us talk about our love luck. It was weird because back in the day, we just talk about our plans in the future, namely, career, career and career. Love Life has always remained in the back seat but lately, it was otherwise. Again, I think it comes with a reality that we are not getting any younger but I guess it makes us wonder why we aren't in a relationship, whereas, most people we know are. Call it the conceited genes, but it does make us wonder. We are not that bad looking, we are definitely smart and we have are goals all mapped out but how come with that area, we currently have none. My shares of love luck consists of heartaches while hers is more of a hopeful realization. But don't get me wrong, we are not in a hurry to be in a relationship. We agreed that there is nothing wrong with waiting, but while doing that, we won't spend our days crying out at loud for our prince charming for a happy ending. We plan to make this wait as fruitful as possible, by doing what we want, having fun, achieving our dreams and of course meeting other people.

Guided by Faith, equipped with prayers and the belief that everything is possible... if it's meant to be, he'll come back to me

Something about Baguio...

2008-01-21T16:24:00.000-08:00

I can't remember how many times have I visited the Summer Capital of the Philippines, but my most recent stay there proved to be one of the best.

After almost three months of planning, natuloy din sa wakas!

view at Good Shepherd's Convent

Family Portrait at Bell House in Camp John Hay

Kunwari stranded sa Camp John Hay

photo at Kennon Road (muntik na kami mastranded dito)

Scarf Selection at Strawberry Farm

Can't wait to go back... Pagbalik ko dun, sana mapuntahan ko na ang mga falls sa may Kenon Road at ang Asin Hot Spring...

Til next time

Something about the Break-up Season...

2008-01-15T16:58:00.000-08:00

"All sound has died out, and the cold, dark night fills the room. Unable to get to sleep, holding on to the covers. Suddenly, that's when it strikes, as if your chest is being squeezed and wanted to cry. A painful and uneasy feeling. From the depths of the heart, a thing called "loneliness" will come

- From Boys Be... (Episode 10-Autumn Chapter Episode 3:Solitary Cross)

Within this week, two of my close friends just declared that they are indeed breaking up with their respective partners. It made me wonder again, that a “break-up season” might exist. I made a web search and found a number of articles about the unofficial “break-up season”.

Study shows that the period after the December Holidays and before Valentine’s day are when people considers more in breaking up with their partners than any other time of the year. It is said that the reason why this happens is because people tend to put off breaking up with their partners to spare the possible pain and resentment of their ex loves during the holiday season. We all have this idea of spending Christmas and New Years with smiles on our face and breaking up with someone during this period is believed to be cruel, spiteful and inappropriate.

I hope couples will get by this season...

Something about the meaning of my name...

2008-01-12T09:55:00.000-08:00

I got this while I was blog hopping...

What Nina Means

You are very intuitive and wise. You understand the world better than most people.
You also have a very active imagination. You often get carried away with your thoughts.
You are prone to a little paranoia and jealousy. You sometimes go overboard in interpreting signals.

You tend to be pretty tightly wound. It's easy to get you excited... which can be a good or bad thing.
You have a lot of enthusiasm, but it fades rather quickly. You don't stick with any one thing for very long.
You have the drive to accomplish a lot in a short amount of time. Your biggest problem is making sure you finish the projects you start.

You are usually the best at everything ... you strive for perfection.
You are confident, authoritative, and aggressive.
You have the classic "Type A" personality.

What's Your Name's Hidden Meaning?

Something about January 9...

2008-01-09T07:37:00.000-08:00

YOU BORN TODAY: You're extremely purposeful and resourceful. Once you set your cap for something, nothing will hold you back. Basically, you're ambitious, but your goals are personal. You have a strong sense of personal responsibility. Many of you are workaholics. You always bounce back from adversity. You're very strong. Your year ahead focuses on partnerships and close relationships. (from Philippine Daily Inquirer, Horoscope, January 9, 2008; C2)

*********

I don't believe in Horoscopes but it is still fun reading them.

Something about January 9... it's my bday :)

Something about my New Year's Goals...

2008-01-06T11:52:00.000-08:00

Every New Year, I usually set up goals that I would like to accomplish before the year ends, kaya lang, last year kasi, hindi ko nagawa lahat ng sinet ko so I was planning not to make one this year. Pero dahil nakaugalian na, or wala lang talaga ako magawa ngayon, I decided to make my yearly list.

1. Take photography class
2. Learn to swim
3. Go to Boracay
4. Ayusin na ang mga scholarship applications (kung hindi ko gagawin this year, hindi na ako mag aapply ever!!!!!)

:)

Something about my favorite quotations from 2007...

2008-01-01T15:02:00.000-08:00

In 2007, I have read a couple of books, watched a number of movies (from cable channels or movie house) and T.V. series, and spoken with several individuals. I have enlisted my favorite quotations and tag lines from the books that I have read, from the movies and T.V. series that I've watch and from the people I have interacted with

"Sa mundo ng kuwari, lahat hindi impossible" - Tsuper (rebut nya sa lahat ng tumangging sumasagot sa mga what if questions nya pag lunch

"And everytime she does something that tells you she's no good, you ignore it and everytime she comes through and surprise you, she wins you over and you lose that argument with yourself that she's not for you" - from The Holiday (problema ng mga taong nagmahal at nasaktan dahil sa mga taong hindi naman "good enough" for them)

"If I had quit, all I would have had was that life that I lost, insteady I get to save lives. Everyday I get to save lives" - from episode 41 of Grey's Anatomy (for learning from the mistakes we made and for moving on)

"Life is too short or too long for me to allow myself the luxury of living it so badly" - from Eleven Minutes by Paolo Coehlo (Para sa mga tao na pinili mamuhay ng masaya)

I also like a quote from American Dreamz but I can't find the exact words President Straton said when William Williams was about to blow up himself using a bomb he found in the studio. It's about living in reality. Than eventhough it seems easier to live in our dreams, reality is still far better than it.

For this year, I promise to make my dreams into reality. To stop, picturing what my life should be but instead going after what I really want. This year will be a year when I fulfill my goals.

Pray for me :)

Happy New Year!!!

Something about Tom Riddle...

2007-12-30T01:41:00.000-08:00

“Hey, he wants to talk to you”

“Why?”

“He just wanted to greet you. He might call you today”

I put my cellular phone inside my pocket, hoping what she said was true.

“He said that he is nervous, he might just send you an SMS message instead”

(Here we go again)

“ You know, he called 3 days ago. He said that its Christmas and he’s alone again”

(I thought he don’t believe or celebrate Christmas)

“He also wonder if you now have a boyfriend, I told him that we no longer talk about it”

*********

Toot-Toot

1 Message Receive

"Merry Christmas. Not sure if you are still mad at me, but I would just like to greet you a Merry Christmas"

Toot-Toot

1 Message Receive

"Merry Christmas. Not sure if you are still mad at me, but I would just like to greet you a Merry Christmas – Tom Riddle”

……….

Options – Open – Options – Reply

Thanks… Merry Christmas din

Options – Send

…………

Toot-Toot

1 Message Receive

I wish you well for this coming year. Merry Christmas

……….

Options – Open – Options – Reply

I hope you finally find what ur looking for

Options-Send

(I also pray that you'll find your happiness and never let it go once you have it... You deserve to be happy, lagi ko naman sinasabi sayo un, lagi ko din pinagdarasal un....)

……….

Toot-Toot

1 Message Receive

“Thanks... sana ikaw din... Always take care of yourself"

……

“Hey, did you reply to his message?”

“Yes, why?”

“He said he can’t sleep and he is really happy”

*****************************************************

And every time she does something that tells you she's no good, you ignore it. And every time she comes through and surprises you, she wins you over, and you lose that argument with yourself, that she's not for you. - From the movie "The Holiday"

Something about Saturday Night Gimik...

2007-12-15T14:29:00.000-08:00

Our Saturday Night Plan was canceled so I ended up going to the Marikina River Park Christmas Bazaar with my mom and dad.

Marikina River Park Nigh Lights

Tiangge

Marikina Christmas Bazaar '07

Dad and Mom at Marikina River Taxi
(route: Riverbanks to River park, and vice versa)

Marikina River Park at Night

But then, my friend Jackie texted me and found myself, 2 hours later, with my High School friends, enjoying the saturday night gimik we originally planned.

Frozen Margarita

Group Pic

Pretty Ladies :)

Jamming with the band :)

Class Pic? (FYI... the guy in maroon is Uni's BF)

After the get together, we went to OLA Church for the Simbang Gabi.

Something about Our Team's Christmas Party...

2007-12-14T18:43:00.001-08:00

Below are the pictures taken during our Team's Christmas Party. And as always, we have a theme for this event -headdress

Santa Hat

Headband

Mask

Bandana

Team Picture :)

Something about Job Application Offers...

2007-12-09T19:12:00.000-08:00

For less than a month, different individuals suggested/advised me to apply for another department/company. To date, I am considering trying a different career path provided by the options my family and friends found for me. The following are the Job Titles/responsibilities that they thought I would like (or fit my credentials), thus, suggesting that I should apply...

1. Financial Analyst Position - The job entails processing requests and reports for clients and presents it to them. The job seems to be very challenging and knowing that the top two students of our graduating class are the one responsible for this makes it very competitive.

2. Client Support Analyst Position - For the first year, the Analyst would be helping out clients with their querie. After a year, he/she will be given a certification about the process learned and if one becomes an expert about the product and the process, he/she will be give a chance to travel abroad, present the product and train the clients. I like this job because of the travel options, and that it is a morning shift job.

3. Economist Position at a competitor company - I like the idea of working at this firm. I know that it will be a challenging job and I will really use the potentials that I have. I know that I can do more things and I would really love to explore it. The training abroad is also something that I look forward to, it is something that I always want to have.

I am actually considering apply to at least one of these. Wala naman mawawala sa akin if I try.

Something about "The Holiday"...

2007-12-09T07:32:00.001-08:00

I just got off the TV and can't stop thinking about The Holiday. It's about two different women, who leaves from different continents, who managed to find what their looking for when they switch houses during an ordeal in their lives. It got me when Amanda started the movie by saying this:

"I've found almost everything ever written about love to be true. Shakespeare said "Journeys end in lovers meeting." What an extraordinary thought. Personally, I have not experienced anything remotely close to that, but I am more than willing to believe Shakespeare had. I suppose I think about love more than anyone really should. I am constantly amazed by its sheer power to alter and define our lives. It was Shakespeare who also said "love is blind". Now that is something I know to be true. For some quite inexplicably, love fades; for others love is simply lost. But then of course love can also be found, even if just for the night. And then, there's another kind of love: the cruelest kind. The one that almost kills its victims. Its called unrequited love. Of that I am an expert"
from the movie "The Holiday"

Iris, played by Kate Winslet, was devastated to find out that the person she is in love with (who also cheated her), just got engaged during their Christmas Party, while, Amanda played by Cameron Diaz, just kicked out his boyfriend after knowing that he cheated on her. They came to know each other when both agreed to take part of a home exchange holiday, so Iris flew away to Los Angeles, California and went to Rosehill Cottage at Surrey, England.

Both women met new friends that helped them in their own journey of self discovery. Iris befriended Arthur Abbott, a 90-year old writer, who in his own way, made her realize her worth. She also met Miles, who is probably her male counterpart. Just like Iris, a "nice guy" that was always hurt by women he loves. Amanda met Graham (Iris' brother) and his two kids Sophie and Olivia. Initially, Amanda doubted her ability to sustain a healthy relationship, Graham made he go out of her shell to take chance and believe.

The story ended with a realization for both women. Iris realized her worth, found an amazing friend and finally moved on with her life. Amanda on the other hand, discovered the joys of crying, learned to relax, and learn to take chance.

Other favorite quotes:

Arthur Abbott: Iris, in the movies we have leading ladies and we have the best friend. You, I can tell, are a leading lady, but for some reason you are behaving like the best friend.
Iris: You're so right. You're supposed to be the leading lady of your own life, for god's sake! Arthur, I've been going to a therapist for three years, and she's never explained things to me that well. That was brilliant. Brutal, but brilliant.

Iris: it doesn't matter how many new haircuts you get, or gyms you join, or how many glasses of chardonnay you drink with your girlfriends... you still go to bed every night going over every detail and wonder what you did wrong or how you could have misunderstood and how in the hell for that brief moment you could think that you were that happy. And sometimes you can even convince yourself that he'll see the light and show up at your door. And after all that, however long all that may be, you'll go somewhere new. and you'll meet people who make you feel worthwhile again. And little pieces of your soul will finally come back. And all that fuzzy stuff, those years of your life that you wasted, that will eventually begin to fade

Iris: And every time she does something that tells you she's no good, you ignore it. And evertime she comes through and surprises you, she wins you over, and you lose that argument with yourself, that she's not for you.

Something about being photos taken by a Frustrated Photographer...

2007-12-08T21:32:00.000-08:00

I woke up early just to take photos. Out of all the pictures I took, this is my favorite.

Maybe I should start taking photography classes. I really want to take beautiful pictures

Something about an Offer

2007-12-04T08:00:00.000-08:00

I spoke with a college friend and she said they are looking for a Financial Analyst in their department. I told her that my manager asked me not to leave the group since most of the seasoned analyst has already left. This is what she said:

“Ah ganun ba,, ahehe.. try mo ren, minsan nangongonxensha lang yang mga managers mo,, pero ang tanong ginagawan ba nila ng paraan para di masyado mataas turnover ng dept nyo? Kung wala,, mgdecide ka na.. “

(Really… ahehe… just try it, your managers are just trying to make you feel guilty,, the question is, are they doing something to solve the high turnover in your department? If not, you should decide now.)

Well... she has a point

Something about photos I took during our Company's Christmas Party...

2007-12-02T17:00:00.000-08:00

Photography is my "thing" right now. I am still in the process of learning portrait, indoor and spontaneous photography. Out of about 100 photos I took during our company's Christmas Party, the following photos are my favorites:

Maybe I should stick with Macro Photography...

Something about a photo...

2007-12-01T10:43:00.001-08:00

I found this from my cousin's blog. This was taken during the late 80's or early 90's... Mukha akong gagawa ng kalokohan at hindi mapagkakaila na isa akong makulit na bata. My eyes show a very distinct emotion and state of mind. I was happy and content.

hoping my eyes would smile like this again...

Something about Episode 41 of Grey's Anatomy...

2007-11-30T23:24:00.000-08:00

During the 2nd season of Grey’s Anatomy, Izzie fell in love with one of her patients - Denny Duquette - who is suffering from a heart condition. In order to get a heart for Denny, Izzie cuts his LVAD wire to worsen his condition but Lizzie made sure, that Dr, Burke (Head of Cardiothoracics) will be able to save him. Denny did get the heart and proposes to Izzie, but he also died afterwards. Because of this Izzie admitted that she was the one who cut the LVAD wire and left the internship program.

Excerpt from Grey’s Anatomy (Season 3, Episode Title: Oh, The Guilt, Episode No:41)

Izzie: I have 8 million dollars.
Chief: So I’ve heard.
Izzie: I can do anything I want.
Chief: Just about.
Izzie: And all I wanna do is a running whip stitch,
Chief: My first year as an intern I had a stable cardiac patient who blew out his lung while I was transporting to CT and I called in a code, but by the time they got there he was dead. If I had put a chest tube in right away--
Izzie: You made a mistake.
Chief: But I stayed and I worked and I learned. I never made that mistake again. If I had quit, all I would have had was that life that I lost instead I get to save lives. Everyday I get to save lives.

If we fail and then stop trying, there is a possibility where we will be remembered as someone who (please insert failure/mistake/error) and be disappointed all of our life. But if we moved on and learn from the oversight we made, we will have the chance to succeed, be happy and we might even save lives (by helping others by not making the same mistakes we did).

So the moral of the story: Learn from the mistakes we made and move on

Something about this day...

2007-11-29T08:52:00.000-08:00

I admit, I am a total clutz. Marami na akong nabasag na pinggan, baso at bote ng soft drinks. Ilang beses na rin akong nadapa at natapilok. I also lack sense of direction at ilang beses na rin ako naligaw (this is another story), pero ngayong araw na to nagasgasan ang tuhod ko...

Though maliit lang ang sugat ko, makirot din naman ito... pero walang sinabi ang naramdaman ko sa naramdamang takot ng mga kababayan natin sa makati ngayong hapon.

Around lunch time, I heard my uncle saying there's a coup d'é·tat attempt at Makati held by the Magdalo Group. I immediately went to GMA and ABS-CBN's web site to find out what was really going on. I learned that Senator Antonio Trillanes and Brig. Gen. Danilo Lim were calling for the resignation of the President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. Sen. Trillanes was allegedly involved in the Oakwood Mutiny in July 2003. The duo was supported by former Vice President Teofisto Guingona and if I my memory serves me right, they marched up from Makati Trial Court (where the trial for the Oakwood Mutiny was held) to Manila Peninsula. I was scared of what was happening and my primarily concern was the safety of my friends (who are in makati area) and the possible effects of these events in the economy and the political stability of the country. The government gave them an ultimatum to surrender at 3 pm.

Later in the afternoon, I received a phone call from one of my friends saying that they received an email from HR that all night shift employees are advised not to come to work that day. I immediately tuned in to the latest news and found out that:

1. Trillanes and company are already inside Manila Peninsula Hotel
2. Manila Peninsula's guests are being evacuated from its premise but media personalities refused to leave.
3. A tank entered Manila Peninsula's lobby and the Special Weapons and Tactics commandos (SWAT) were outside Manila Pen to arrest the rebel soldiers, they were wearing gas masks.
4. Tear gas were fired inside the hotel. According to the news, gunshots were also heard.
5. Eventually, the rebel soldiers surrendered. Trillanes said that they decided to come out for the safety of the civilians.

After they surrendered, media men who stayed at the hotel's premise were arrested and the videos they got were allegedly confiscated. Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro said that they received an information that some rebel soldiers might disguised themselves as members of the media and that is the reason why they took into custody the journalists still present in the location. Later, it was also announced that there will be a curfew starting at 12 midnight to 5am. It was a good thing that all night shift workers are exempted from this. At least we know that some business will still function normally.

Some people were also thankful for the presence of the media men during the siege. They felt that without them, it might have ended with blood shed. The event that occurred today brought up different points of views. Some believed that it was necessary and others thought that it was a waste of time that caused an abrupt business and brought in another reason why the country is unstable.

At the moment, I am just relieved that no one was hurt during the incident. I just hope that the same will be said to our country.

Something about an Old Email...

2007-11-29T08:28:00.000-08:00

I was reading through my old email and found this from one of my classmates.

"naks! kaiyak naman.. uy, clasmeyts sori kung d ko kyo naapproach nung nglight ng candle, ksi ayoko ng umiiyak. gusto ko laging masaya.. anyway, i-take ko na ang chance na 'to to really say how much thankful i am to be part of 4e2.. maraming maraming salamat clasmeyts kasi pinakisamahan nyo ko for 1 whole year khit na sobrang gago ko.. Thank you kalai na laging nagtatantrums pero mabait..neena na palangiti and sobrang approachable..gian b. na hanep sa kakulitan..,madee na tahimik pero galing sumayaw and matalino..g-anne na masungit sa umpisa pero mabait pag nakilala mo na..jihanne na sobrang hanga ako sa pagkareligious and cyempre sobrang bait..ryan na pasaway class pero game nman sa lhat ng school activities.. evanene na matalino at mabait pero deaf and blind pala..joke..nina c. na katakot pero ok ksama at tunay na kaibigan..che na intimidating sa start pero grabe pala ang bait,looks can be deceiving ika nga..marc na sobrang dedicated sa trabaho..gian e. na ok ksama at kausap.. glaiza na sobrang tahimik pero sobra namang bait talo pa c mother teresa..ronchie na astig sa lhat ng bagay..mer na kikay,astig tumawa and sobrang ok rin kasama.. mike na idol ko sa sobrang responsible..kat na sobrang hinhin pero magaling sa class..jill na super sarap kasama and mother na mother talagang magcare..viel na beauty and brain..maebelle na makulit, cute and beautiful in and out..des na outspoken and mabait..francis na y-speaker and astig rin sa kabaitan..pauline na matalino and approachable, pearl na true THOMASIAN may puso, talino at cyempre katawan na ginagamit sa paglilingkod sa DIYOS,TAO at sa BAYAN..trapper na pasaway pero astig naman sa mga ideas and opinions.. lou na future sister calalo and grabe rin sa pagiging approachable..rhealyn na isa pang makulit and super saya kasama..richelle na mukhang mataray pero ok palang kasama and cyempre one of the beautiful girls in e2..kathleen syjuco na hayop sa katalinuhan..cara na isa ring katakot sa umpisa pero ok rin palang kasama at kaibigan..effie na sobrang tinis ng boses, pero in fairness mabait and laging nandyan ..anne and mahinhin and classic filipina kung gumalaw at magsalita.. pam na always there to listen and to help.. and nina v. na good leader at serbisyong totoo. I know na magiging bihira ko na lang kayo makikita pero tandaan nyo na never ko kayo makakalimutan kasi you all have been part of my life..(",) "

... parang kailan lang nung nag aaral pa ako... I miss school

Something about Practice Shots...

2007-11-28T18:40:00.000-08:00

Wala ako magawa pag kagising ko so nag take na lang ako ng pictures habang umaambon...

By far, this is my favorite photo... I took this few weeks ago...

Something about Conducting my First Interview...

2007-11-28T10:47:00.000-08:00

I was asked by my manager to join them in conducting the interview of one of the applicants for the research analyst position that was posted more than a week ago. I will be part of a panel, which consists of my manager and senior analyst.

I was both excited and scared during the interview. Excited because it's my first and scared because she might notice my inexperience with the process. Though, I have acted as a pseudo recruitment specialist when my dad asked me to help him prepare his students for their job interview, this is totally different. During the simulated interview with my dad, it was easier for me. I don’t really need to assess whether applicant’s personality and capabilities fits what we are really looking for. I just asked them a couple of questions usually asked during interview and afterwards, gave them an advice what the company looks for and the answers they usually want to hear. During the “real” interview, I have to help our manager and senior analyst to determine if the applicant would perform well in the job or if she would enjoy what we do and if she will be able to interact well with the rest of the group.

Before, I would often tell my family and friends that it would be nice to work in the Human Resource Department because I will have to power to hire or fire an individual. Little did I know that the initial process of screening out applicants proved to be really hard since you have to get to know the personality and the capability of the applicant during that 30 minutes interview.

Well, I just hope that whomever we choose, he/she will adapt well and easily with the new environment that he/she will be put into.

Something about Old Photos..

2007-11-18T17:56:00.000-08:00

I was looking through my files and found this photo I had with a friend. It was taken in April 2006 at Montemar beach in Bataan during our company outing. We were wearing our "I love New York" T-Shirt that was given to us as a "pasalubong" from our boss in NY.

More than a year after....

Looking at these photos made me realize that although a lot of things has changed, there are some other things that will remain the same.

Something about an Attempt to Write a Short Story...

2007-11-17T07:40:00.001-08:00

“I have moved on” I said laughing “Ilang beses na ba ako nasaktan? I’m used to this”

“Somehow I am having trouble believing that” Patty said “Because if you really are, you wouldn’t say that, on and on, as if you are trying to make yourself believe”

“Ewan ko sayo, pero yun ang totoo!” Well, kung ayaw nila maniwala, bakit tanong pa sila ng tanong, I just said to myself. Yes, he was my first boyfriend but it doesn’t mean that it was the first time I fell in love. They should have known that!

“O ba’t nakakunot na yang noo mo” Mitchie said “napipikon ka na no?”

“kasi naman, what’s the use of asking kung hindi naman kayo naniniwala”

“Tanya, I’ve known you since High School. I know when you’re happy, when you’re sad or when you are pretending to be happy” Patty said “And clearly this is one of those days”

“Bahala kayo if that’s how you think, but I am over it! Believe it or not”

“Well, if that’s what you say”

I met Mitchie when we were in 5th Grade, she was one of the smarter kids and I was, well, one of the irresponsible ones. I have always joked that I have a Monday-Tuesday-Wednesday-Thursday-Friday sickness, I am not sure how we came to be friends, but I’m sure glad we did. Patty, or Pat as we fondly calls her, was my High School seatmate, and like Mitchie, I considers her as one of my best friends.

“so ano na? Aamin ka na ba? Pat said laughing. They know they are right and that I am still affected with what happened to me recently. I’ve broken up with my friend turned boyfriend and the sad part is, the relationship did not even last more than a month. I ended up having a failed relationship and lost a friend that is really important to me.

I met him at work. Most people weren’t surprise when we started “seeing” each other. The chemistry was always there, we would just wind up together talking about a lot of things, without even noticing that are officemates are actually looking at us, and having various discussions, when there will be an us. As quickly as it started, the relationship turned sour right after I said yes. The expectations we had from one another was too much that we hadn’t expected that it would be something we wouldn’t meet. We would fight every week, about subjects that never bothered us before. We would often question our love for one another and the fight incessantly about small things. The worst part was when we call each other names and just ended up hurting one another.

Mitchie and Patty were right. I still think of him but as much as they wanted to hear it, all I can do is lie, and hope the maybe someday, I might get myself to believe the words I constantly say – I have moved on, ilang beses na ba ako nasaktan? I’m used to this.

Something about this Weekend's Boredom...

2007-11-11T10:10:00.000-08:00

Since I bought a new toy (my new camera), I have been living in a budget and I just can't wait until our next pay day. I can't wait to indulge myself with a macchiato or a frapuccino at my resident caffeine provider - Starbucks. I used to go there two to three times a week (I know it is too much), but now, I was forced to limit my visits to none. To defend myself, coffee at Starbucks is really effective. I don't know why, but it really makes me wide a wake unlike any other coffee I have consumed. As a night shift employee, this is really essential.

For the meantime, I halted my usual weekend trip at the mall or at the gym and busied myself with books, computers and of course, learning photography. I must admit that staying at home had been a different experience for me. Before, I was completely satisfied staying put. I never felt a nagging feeling that I should be somewhere else and doing something different. I used to welcome the time to relax but now, I was constantly trying to think about ways to keep me going.

When I started this blog, I said that I want to figure things out in a slightly altered perspective and that I'd like to get to know myself better. My experience that lead me to be this way still haunts me until today, especially this weekend since I don't have the luxury of having a planned activity that forced me to reflect.

As much as I wanted to say that I am "completely ok!", I am not. I am still healing and learning to cope up with everything. Clearly, the flicker of hope that I wanted to extinguish, is still burning in me. I just hope that someday, I would say, that "all the disappointments and all those tears are I have shed are all worth it!", because I have emerged to be a stronger, better and happier person because of it.

Something about this weekend's boredom? well, it made me remember who, what, when and why I began to act like this.

Something about Undas...

2007-11-01T14:32:00.000-07:00

Undas a.k.a All Saints Day is a widely celebrated feast in the Philippines. It is the time when we usually visit the graves of our departed family and friends to offer prayers, flowers and love to show that they are still remembered.

When i was younger, we used to go to Sto. Tomas, Batangas to visit "Super Lolo" (my grand father's dad). Undas was like Christmas to me because I would be spending the whole day visiting relatives (dead or alive) and the rest of the day at "Pansol", a hot spring near Batangas. My lolo (Grand pa) and lola (Grand ma) would indulge themselves with the hot water flowing at pansol and my mom, her siblings and their husbands/wives would spend time with their children while and at times, spending a couple of their time near the pool, for a massage. I remember having the time of my life that even at my sleep, I could still feel that I am floating, surrounded by hot waters and laughers from my cousins and my whole family. This tradition continued until it was decided to transfer Super Lolo's remains to his hometown at Tupi, Cotabato.

This year, we celebrated Undas with our family. We were no longer at Batangas and we didn't spend the rest of the day at Pansol but we still celebrated it with our Family, having the time of our life, just as it should be.

Something about my New SLR Camera...

2007-10-27T15:06:00.001-07:00

And the Winner is....

Canon EOS Rebel xTi 400D

Why I bought it?

picture setting (mainly for the monochrome settings)
dust control system
availability of materials for future enhancements

Added bonus: My dad owns an old model of a Canon SLR, which includes a couple of lenses, which is most likely compatible with my Camera... yey!

Camera Kit Includes:

Camera Body (including an eyecup, body cap, installed battery for the date/time clock)
Lens: EF-S18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 II (including lens cap and dust cap)
Battery (NB-2LH) and Charger
Interface Cable (IFC-400PCU) and Video Cable (VC-100)
Strap with eye piece cover
Other: 1 GB memory Card and Camera Bag (discounted item/freebie)

*** Special thanks to my mom for accompanying me to Hidalgo and for not judgin me for buying such an expensive toy/gadget... :)

Something about Buying my First Digital SLR Camera...

2007-10-20T11:05:00.000-07:00

I have wanted to learn photography as long as I can remember. But the ever changing demands of what I think my so called life should have kept me from really pursuing it… well, until now. I have been doing my research to find which SLR camera suits me. I have finally narrowed it down into three:

Pentax K100D Super
Canon EOS Rebel xTi 400D
Nikon D40x

Pentax K100D Super

Features:

6 mega pixels

Image stabilization

Dust Control System

Why I like it?

Small and light weight

Great for traveling

Has great reviews from amateurs and professional photographers

Suitable for beginners

Relatively cheap

Why I’m hesitant to buy it?

limited choices for lens
It seems like not so many stores in the Philippines offer this camera (per web research only, so no violent reactions please)

Canon EOS Rebel xTi 400D

Features:

10.1 Mega pixels
High Shutter Speed
Dust Control System
High ISO Settings

Why I like it?

Small and light weight
Great for traveling
Personalized Picture Styles that allows users to customized the settings for each color modes , ensuring that the most suitable style will be chosen/made for every subject matter
Wide Range of Monochromatic Colors (this one I really, really like)
Service Centers available in Manila
vivid colors

Why I am hesitant to buy it?

Expensive

Nikon D40x

Features:

10 Mega pixels

Small and light weight

Why I like it?

Small and light weight

Recommended for beginning photographers because the LCD gives out information on how the camera settings will affect the photo and gives you helpful hints or recommendations to have a better photo (e.g. hints that the light is poor and recommends to use flash).

Captures vivid colors

High image quality

Why I am hesitant to buy it?

Limited choices for lenses
Does not have a dust control system
Expensive
One of my officemates has a Nikon D40, which is very similar to Nikon D40x.

Something about Quarter Life Crisis...

2007-10-16T17:52:00.000-07:00

For the past days, weeks or even months, have you ever felt a sudden urge to reevaluate your choices, lifestyle and the friends that you have?

Whether the life that you have is exactly what you expected or hoped for while growing up?

Have you started doubting the choices that you have made that lead you into thinking that there is something lacking, something that you should be doing or something that should’ve already achieved at this day and time?

Has any questions or worries about stability, relationships and achievements suddenly bombarded your mind?

If the answers for these questions are mostly yes, then there is a possibility that you are experiencing a quarter-life crisis.

Quarter-Life Crisis (QLS) is a period in a person’s life that usually occurs from ages 21 to 29. It usually associated with uncertainties following the transition to adulthood. Insecurities about accomplishments coupled with worries about the future and frustration about choices, lifestyle, friends and romantic relationship are usually the key elements of this interlude. Other characteristics of Quarter Life Crisis include:

Disappointment of the outcome of the choices made
Boredom with social interactions between friends
Urging to settle down and finding the “One”
Having a constant feeling that time is running out
A belief that everyone is doing better than you and that you should be doing something that shows your true talent/abilities or intellect
Nostalgia about elementary, High School and College Life

Basically, QLS brings a certain reevaluation of one’s life that is usually unsatisfyin to what was expected to achieve.

Quarter-Life Crisis is a common phenomenon these days. A lot of individuals our age are currently experiencing signs and anxiety brought by this period. But like anything else, this is a transitory phase that could bring positive changes in our lives depending on how we act on the reflections made at this period.

All of us had some choices that we possibly regret but we should also remember that we also had our own share of fun and laughter. Life that we have now might not be the one we expected or hoped for, but this is something that we chose and we ought to enjoy.

Life is simply how we make it.

Something about Starting Anew...

2007-10-15T12:45:00.000-07:00

"Sensibly Poignant", born on October 15, 2007, will now be a continued and slightly innovated way of an old blog that had been an outlet of an emotional banter of a lady that saw her life as a process of mischief, love and ambition.

Life as defined will show the struggles of a 20 something woman, who is showing signs of a quarter life crisis, trying to figure things in a slightly altered perspective.

I'm starting this blog with a broken heart, dreams and an altered personality. Hoping that through this blog, I'd get to know the "new" me, and hopefully love her more than I loved the person I was.

Sensibly Poignant

Something about Random Photos...

Something about 2012...

Something about Challenge #5...

Something about Independence Day...

Something about Gratitude...

Something about my to-do-list....

Something about you....

Something about coachie

Something about Stacy...

Something about Coron Palawan...

Something about the weekend photoshoot....

Something about 2008...

Something about the Disaster Cookie...

Something about Recipes

Something about commuting to Libis

Something about Brida

Something about Palawan

Something about Elle Wood's Speech in Legally Blonde...

Something about Aidan...

Something about the rain...

Something about my Basic Photography Class

Something about the sea urchin, the chubby girl and the rock!

Something about the Song,,,

Something about Portofino Beach in Cebu...

Something about being a bookworm...

Something about travel destination Wish List...

Something about wala lang...

Something about the Year of the Earth Rat Forecast...

Year of the Earth Rat Forecast

Rat

Ox

Tiger

Rabbit

Dragon

Snake

Horse

Goat

Monkey

Rooster

Dog

Pig

Something about the Little Mermaid...

Something about Koreanovelas...

Something about the A Walk To Remember Syndrome...

Something about Random thoughts about love and life for the day...

Something about Baguio...

Something about the Break-up Season...

Something about the meaning of my name...

Something about January 9...

Something about my New Year's Goals...

Something about my favorite quotations from 2007...

Something about Tom Riddle...

Something about Saturday Night Gimik...

Something about Our Team's Christmas Party...

Something about Job Application Offers...

Something about "The Holiday"...

Something about being photos taken by a Frustrated Photographer...

Something about an Offer

Something about photos I took during our Company's Christmas Party...

Something about a photo...

Something about Episode 41 of Grey's Anatomy...

Something about this day...

Something about an Old Email...

Something about Practice Shots...

Something about Conducting my First Interview...

Something about Old Photos..

Something about an Attempt to Write a Short Story...

Something about this Weekend's Boredom...

Something about Undas...

Something about my New SLR Camera...

Something about Buying my First Digital SLR Camera...

Something about Quarter Life Crisis...

Something about Starting Anew...