googlism

dahil tinatamad ako magkwento.. [highlights are mine]

from http://www.googlism.com/

ava is on a sound footing
ava is only 55 miles from branson
ava is bull shoals lake
ava is a set of rules used with activision's games of vehicular combat
ava is a set of guidelines used with interstate '76 and i'76 nitro pack multiplayer
ava is an information and communications source for the entrepreneur of film and video business
ava is on the side of a proper scientific analysis of all relevant factors
ava is a "home base" to support and connect colleagues throughout the world
ava is there for you
ava is comprehensive
ava is also a member of the tri
ava is now 7 --> wish ko lang.. hehe
ava is characterized with an amazing amount of detail for a very fine furniture appeal
ava is the daughter of montage tervuren foundation british import
ava is restricted to a schemes base of mozart variations
ava is located in the heart of the hills of southwest missouri
ava is not primarily a social organization
ava is a strong advocate of ethical psychic practices
ava is a planet covered in fresh water streams and rivers
ava is not perfect though
ava is hebrew for "overthrowing"
ava is committed to present programs
ava is pleased to once again be offering a portfolio preparation workshop for high
ava is more like girlfriends of similar age than mother and daughter
ava is also looking for volunteers to help with administrative work
ava is a non
ava is excited and delighted to host this listserv for professional managers of volunteer programs
ava is here for and trying to serve
ava is a realistic cca
ava is an attempt
ava is way ahead of mom
ava is effective against inhaled anthrax and offer compelling case histories to support claims that it is not safe
ava is to be able to evaluate the achievement of its objectives in relation to access and widening participation
ava is
ava is effective against anthrax
ava is responsible for administering the united states' ivv program
ava is different to any other channel
ava is a beautiful kitty with leopard like spots and huge green eyes that will stop you in your tracks
ava is our nation's most unique televised tribute in honor and respect for our country and those who have defended it and are currently defending our freedoms
ava is the stately and proud hilltop methodist church
ava is nestled in the beautiful ozark mountains area of southern missouri
ava is a receptacle for client's personal information
ava is a beautiful
ava is a tool for desk officers to work on all sorts of dossiers relating to permits or legal provisions
ava is seekking to eliminate the sot by working within a large coalition including trade associations representing convenience stores and restaurants
ava is pleased to recommend creditcards
ava is niet gebonden aan een opzegtermijn
ava is an animated human figure
ava is determined to find a place where she and her crazy mother can settle down
ava is a nationwide provider of accessible vehicles for people with disabilities
ava is prohibited
ava is a "common" house sparrow
ava is an electric and natural gas utility
ava is the distributor of such brands as ar
ava is a beautiful name
ava is primarily a way of organizing autovigilantes into "chapters"
ava is up to 200%
ava is a novel with almost no exposition
ava is very straight forward about providing information
ava is designed to align the goals of investors and our various operating units by providing a means to measure the effectiveness of our operational -->> go Thomson! hehe
ava is developing several new award/patch programs nationally
ava is becoming known as an information resource
ava is being administered to military personnel under threat of imprisonment
ava is a family
ava is approximately 2
ava is strong enough to make a life for herself despite her disappointment
ava is concerned about the bar
ava is also the world headquarters for the missouri fox trotters horse breed association
ava is a very special rottweiler who just underwent spinal surgery for fibrosarcoma and must have follow
ava is located in vallila
ava is a nonprofit organization composed of volunteers
ava is critical to the continued success of all our programs
ava is available to customers that connect their t1
ava is allready almoust fin & int ava
ava is working with congress to ensure that the higher funding levels from the house bill are accepted
ava is in fine form
ava is the oldest american organization of token collectors
ava is a very large lazy house dog -->> hahaha
ava is still young
ava is continually courted by a bold gilbert --sino si gilbert???
ava is a small energetic town with a quiet country atmosphere
ava is currently a student at berklee college of music
ava is absorbed onto aluminum hydroxide
ava is a licensed clinical social worker and is our international coordinator
ava is cleaner
ava is so adorable -->> i'm enjoying this. hehe
ava is so very enthusiastic and impressed that he decides to -->> ava is a SHE
ava is a state
ava is fluent in japanese and has spent a semester in japan studying both language and art -->> nope, i'm taking Mandarin classes. :)

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if i were rich...

Naisip ko lang, kung sobrang yaman ko, hindi ko gagamitin yun pera para bayaran ang utang ng Pilipinas. Gagamitin ko yun para ipambili ng plane tickets tapos ibibigay ko sa lahat ng nagsabi sa kin ng "Ayoko na sa Pilipinas", "Alis na tayo dito", etc.

Pag may nasasabi sa kin ng ganyan, gusto ko sagutin ng "Tutulungan na kita mag-ayos ng gamit." Ewan ko, basta ayoko nakakarinig ng ganito. Nakakainis. Nakakasira ng araw.

Ok lang naman umalis, pero sana mas maganda ang dahilan. Mas matatanggap ko pa kung sasabihin mo sa kin na gusto mong makakita ng snow. Gusto ko din makakita nun noh. hehe

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haay.. yan muna. ang aga aga eh. tsktsk

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how's me?

feeling a little weird..

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recently watched movies:

Nasaan Ka Man
Batman Begins

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just finished Gilmore Girls Season 1 (sinong may season 2, pahiram! hehe)

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was supposed to start reading "The Devil Wears Prada" but will insted try to finish Mars this week, then read the book

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done with 2 essay outlines, 1 more to go! yey! (doing the actual essay is a different thing, though)

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done with 2 recommendation letters, 2 more!

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done for the day. an entire lifetime to look forward to...

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Nabuur: Mutendere, Zambia

This is posted in the News Section of Nabuur.com.

Nabuur is about people helping people, in the big things, in the small things. Whenever we lend a hand, we can change somebody’s life. Ralph Sebente, the active local representative from Mutendere in Zambia, shared this story with us.

“Due to the effect of HIV/AIDS many orphans are spilled in the streets roaming it. Yesterday morning coming from posting a "Get well soon" card to the Wares family at the post office, on my way to the school I passed by 'Vinga bakery' within my community.

I noticed a boy staring into the window of the bakery. I stood behind him, could be 7 or 8 years. He did not notice me because his eyes were glued on the good things inside.

After a few minutes I spoke to him. "Son, would you like some of those?"

The boy quickly responded, "O, yes I would"

Then I went inside bought a loaf and two cap cakes put them in a plastic bag and handed the bag to him. I turned to walk away and then felt a small hand touching me.

I turned around the child said, "Mister are you God?"

I failed to hold tears from my eyes. True we are never more like God than when we give because God so loved the world that He gave.”


The Neighbors of Mutendere are building a school. If you want to help, visit them at Mutendere.nabuur.com/

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natawa naman ako dun..

nakuha 'to dito.. paumanhin po sa kanya kung ilalagay ko dito ng walang paalam. (bati tayo ha? hehe)


Here's to the men we love, here's to the men that love us... Since the men that we love, aren't the men that love us ... screw the men... here's to us.

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the year that was..

Akalain mo yun? Nung June 7, 1 year na kong nag-wwork! Ano ba dapat ang reaction ko? hehe

At dahil nga 1 year na kami ni Mai (sabay kami pumasok), hindi kami nakatakas sa kantyaw ng Team. Actually sabay din kami nag-exam, interview, training. Lahat na ata sabay kami eh.

Anyway, ayan tuloy, nag-lunch out kami sa Recipes in Greenbelt.


medyo malabo ang pix: Kat, Rania, Cielo, me, Mai, Niño


After lunch, bumili naman kami ng pasalubong sa Gonuts Donuts para sa kabilang Team. Buti na lang din sabay kami ni Mai, at least share kami sa libre. hehe


picture muna sa elevator: Mai, Kat, Me


After 1 year, what now?

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rubbing the eye with dirty hands is bad.. (a true story)

I went to American Eye Center this morning. The eye check-up was originally planned last March but things always came up whenever I went there. But yesterday, my right eye was really hurting. It wasn't sore or anything but it did hurt.

It turns out that I have a little eye infection. That's what you get when you rub your eyes with dirty hands. So, I'll avoid doing that from now on. However, you can also get it from dust and other pollutants. This is Metor Manila, so I guess I can't do anything about that. (On second thought, I can wear sunglasses. Hmmm...)

Anyway, nothing serious (I hope so). I just have to put some eyedrops 4 times a day for 1 week. And if symptoms persist, consult the Doctor again.



This eyedrop cost me Php279.50. And guess what? It's just 5ml! So, I'll have to be very careful when dropping them. Its a good thing, I can reimburse this. (Lord Thomson is generous when it comes to medical/optical stuff). By the way, I didn't pay anything for the check-up because it's also covered by our Health Care provider. (Thomson should pay me for advertising the company. haha)

I also got a raffle ticket from Mercury Drug. If luck gets on my side, I'll drive home a new Mitsubushi Adventure GL.


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New Learning: The eyes are connected to the throat. I could taste the eyedrop shortly after I've put them in my eyes. (doesn't taste good..)


Out of curiousity, I checked out my Doctor's profile. His name is Carl James Chua. Impressive. Seems like I'm in good hands. :)

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my bestfriend's bday

This photo was taken at NBS in Glorietta adn I'm posting it here without asking his permission. And dami kasing kumakain kaya dumaan muna kami sa NBS to check out some books. Actually, siya lang naman ang titingin ng books.



I found out that he just brought a Green Iguana the other day. It was a dream come true for him in a way as he had been wanting to have one since HS but could not find one, so he just contented himself with a Philippine Iguana back then. He was the pet lover in the class - exotic/unusual pet lover that is. He'd take care of iguanas, turtles, monkeys (yes he brought it to school 1 time), even a bayawak, etc etc. We call his place a zoo.

He found an interesting book that night but had no money to buy it. So while he was busy reading (and taking notes! I saw him wrote some notes on his palm) I got a copy and went to the counter.
Then, I handed it over to him on the way home.



I wish he had a happy birthday...

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Anak ng Jeuteng!

PAMPANGA Representative Juan Miguel "Mikey" Arroyo, national police chief General Arturo Lomibao, and three congressmen from Albay province received regular "payola" from "jueteng," a self-confessed operator disclosed to the Senate on Monday. [taken from INQ7.com]

Parang nangyari na to ah? hmm...

The Estrada presidency was soon dogged by charges of plunder and corruption, and he was reported by his adviser Edilberto Lacquian to spend long hours drinking with shady characters. In October 2000, an acknowledged gambling racketeer, Luis Singson, governor of the province of Ilocos Sur, alleged that he had personally given Estrada the sum of 400 million pesos as payoff from illegal gambling profits. [taken from Answers.com]

Ano bang meron sa Jueteng na yan? See Randy David's article

Kung totoo nga yan, mai-impeach din kaya si GMA? Magkakaroon kaya ng People Power 4? Magiging Presidente ba natin si Kabayang Noli? Ayayay!

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7:59pm

7:59pm na pala?

Parang kanikanina eh 6:17am pa lang. Malapit na ko mag-14 hours dito sa office. Ano ba yun.

Pero ok lang. Medyo productive naman ata ako ngayong araw. :)

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missing in action

Hindi ko alam kung may nakapansin na nawala ako ng ilang araw nung nakaraang linggo. Siguro naman meron. Umuwi ako ng Nueva noong weekend tapos pumunta ng Baguio noong Tuesday and Wednesday. Dumalaw kasi yun kapatid ko na nakatira na sa Davao kasama ang wife nya at yun panganay nila. Naiwan sa Davao yun mas bata, si Giero. Dumalaw din yun panganay namin na pinsan kasama yun buong family nya.

Syempre, magulo sa bahay dahil ang daming bata batuta. Ngayon lang kami ulit nakumpleto na magkakapatid. Ako at ang apat kong mga kuya.


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Pumunta kami sa Baguio. Sa pagkakatanda ko, ngayon lang kami nag-bakasyon na magkakasama. Well, hindi rin pala kasi hindi kasama si Dikong. Siya ang taong-bahay. Hindi kasi kami talaga lumalabas na sama-sama. Ewan ko ba kung bakit.

Hmm.. pangalawa na pala yun. Kasi, noong ikinasal si Mel (siya yun sinundan ko), pumunta kami lahat sa Davao. Gastos! Hindi ko alam kung bakit hindi ko siya tinatawag na Kuyang pero yun ang dapat. Sabagay, hindi rin naman nya tinatawag na sangko si Sangko. Ricco lang ang tawag nya. Kaya ok lng din siguro.

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picture! picture!

Day 2 na yun mga pix dito. Noon lang kasi ako nakabili ng battery para sa Digicam.


First Stop: Philippine Military Academy



Ang kulit ni Ken (bunsong anak ni Kuya Renan) at ang sarap nya asarin kasi inis na inis talaga siya. hehehe



Kuya Renan (Kuya #1) with Ken



Yellow Team: Kuya Renan, Ken, Mommy
Nakakatawa talga sila. Magbabaon lang ng damit, magkakakulay pa! haha



Sangko (Kuya #4) with James
(si Dikong Randy ang original kuya#2 but he had cancer when he was 3. tapos ang kuya #3 ay si Dikong pero hindi siya kasama.)



Mel (Kuya #5) with Rovic (oo, galing sa Tabing Ilog ang pangalan nya. showbiz! wehehe)



Red Team: Mama, Kylie, Karen, cadet 1, cadet 2, Mel, Rovic, Ate Vangie
Ayos talaga yun mga damit nila.



Si Ninang at ang chopper.
Isa pang member ng Red Team! hehehe



Ang kaisa-isahan kong picture. Mahirap talaga maging official video at camera woman.



forward, march!
nasa gilid si Ate Wilma, Sangko at James

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Second Stop: Chinese Temple


Welcome to China!



Kylie - ang panganay na apo.
Dati pwedeng pumasok sa loob nyan. Tapos pwede ka umakyat hanggang sa mataas na part. Hindi ko alam kung bakit naka-lock na.



Hindi ko alam kung anong nakasulat. Basta yan yun nasa wall.

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Third Stop: Strawberry Farm


Mainit kaya hindi na ko lumapit. Pero jan daw nag-shooting dun sa movie ni Robin and Rica.



Ang Strawberries ay parang Stars. Pareho ko silang hindi masyadong gusto. hehehe



peanut brittle, strawberry jam, lengua de gato



strawberry wine. masarap siya, in fairness.

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Fourth Stop: Market

Walang picture kasi hindi ako bumaba.


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Fifth Stop: Lunch sa Jack's Rice

Wala ding picture kase gutom na ko eh!


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Sixth Stop: Groto

Medyo umuulan kaya madilim na yun mga pix.


Ngayon ko lang nalaman na mga Heswita pala ang nagpatayo ng Groto.



Si Ninang habang nagtutulos ng kandila



Hindi na daw kaya ni Mama na umakyat kaya sa may baba na lang siya magdadasal.



Si Mommy habang nag-aalay ng bulaklak.


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After nun, umuwi na kami. Nakakapagod din pala.



Lion. La lang..



mga bored sa sasakyan kaya video muna.

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singing our hearts out

Habang nanonood kami ng mga roomates ko ng Search for a Star in a Million at Pinoy Pop Superstar (sayang, hindi nananlo si Brenan), nagkayayaan kami mag-videoke. Dahil late na nun at nanonood nga kami, napagkasunduaan namin na kinabukasan na lang.

Ayun, 9pm ng gabi nung Monday, pumunta kaming 3 sa IO sa Jupiter. Off peak yun kaya for Php180, pwede ka mag-videoke for as long as you want (syempre hangga't open pa sila.)

Ang saya! Tatlo lang kami pero sobrang ingay namin. Sinilip nga kami nung isang staff dun, akala nya ata may kung anong nagyayari na.

Eto ang ilan sa mga paborito ko na kinanta namin ng todo bigay.


Addicted by Simple Plan

I'm tryin' to forget
But I'm addicted to you
But I wanted
And I needed
I'm addicted to you
Now it's over
Can't forget what you said
And I never
Want to do this again
Heartbreaker
Heartbreaker
Heartbreaker


Just Like a Pill by Pink

Run just as fast as I can
To the middle of nowhere
To the middle of my frustrated fears
And I swear you're just like a pill
Instead of makin' me better, you keep makin' me ill
You keep makin' me ill


Survivor by Destiny's Child

I'm a survivor (What?)
I'm not gon give up (What?)
I'm not gon stop (What?)
I'm gon work harder (What?)
I'm a survivor (What?)
I'm gonna make it (What?)
I will survive (What?)
Keep on survivin' (What?)


I Don't Want to Talk ABout It by Rod Stewart

I don't want to talk about it, how you broke my heart.
If I stay here just a little bit longer,
If I stay here, won't you listen to my heart, whoa, heart?


I'll be there for You by Bon Jovi

I'll be there for you
These five words I swear to you
When you breathe I want to be the air for you
I'll be there for you
I'd live and I'd die for you
Steal the sun from the sky for you
Words can't say what a love can do
I'll be there for you


Grabe, and dami naming kinanta at 2am na kami umuwi.

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love

Noong isang gabi, sabi ni Gerry sa Stained Glass, ang Love daw ay hindi gaya ng kidlat na bigla na lang dumadating. Para daw itong ambon, na unti unting pumapatak at sa pagtagal mamamalayan mo na lang na basang basa ka na.

Hindi yata ganyang ganyan ang pagkakasabi pero parang ganyan sa pagkakatanda ko. Wala lang. Naalala ko lang.

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distracted

This morning, while the Trainor was discussing about the Pivot Table in Excel, I was browsing through some articles in Inq7. Pasaway talaga ko. Sa harap pa man din ako nakaupo. I can't help it. It's not my fault that the Internet is accessible in the classroom and YM is not blocked.

Distracted that I am, I came upon the Youngblood article entitled Broke. This time, I was really distracted. I emphatize with the man. Is life here really hard? How hard will it get? Libre pa rin ba mangarap?

At the end of the article, the man wrote that he hoped the pickpocket who stole his money was able to feed his kids on that day. Akalain mo? Hope is still with us.

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1 cancelled appointment & 2 emails

I was supposed to have a phone chat with Maaike today between 8-830pm regarding Dambadeniya and Nabuur in general. I was actually excited and quite nervous about this. I can't imagine myself talking with Maaike over the phone. She's one of those people who continually inspire me and I really look up to her.

Maaike by the way is the Online Communites Manager of Nabuur. She is Dutch and that is one reason why I'm nervous about the phone chat -- it has been half a year since I met her (online) but I still don't know how to pronounce her name properly.

Anyway, an hour before the phone chat, my mobile phone signaled "attention: low battery." I had to send her an email informing her to call me on my direct line, instead. Almost an hour later, her husband sent the below.

Hi Ava,

I am writing on behalf of Maaike Karemaker, my wife, to let you know she has been forced to reschedule your meeting with her that was set between 14.00 hours and 14.30 hours. She's extremely sorry to cancel, but another important appointment took far longer than expected. Please confirm this message when you've received it, so Maaike can rest assured you're not waiting for her to contact you.

Kindest regards,
Ruben Karemaker

Associate Legal Officer
Trial Chamber II
United Nations International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY)

I replied to Ruben and asked him to inform Maaike that it was fine and that she didn't have to worry. At least I have a couple of days more to figure out how to say her name right. :-)

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Then, another email came. It's from Sunil. He's the Local Representative of Dambadeniya, Sri Lanka (a village in Nabuur).

Dear Ava,

Being such young your attempts to offer a helping hand to utilize your
expertise  we always appreciate.My elder son is already 24 years and I
told him about him as he too study in computer science.

We are now planning to initiate a book exhibition along with leadership
development programme for the school children of the villagers as they
are deprived those facilities.

I will send more details later

Regards
Sunil

I replied thanking him for the kind words and informed him as well that I'll do my best for the village. But I forgot to remind him that I did not study Computer Science!

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random thoughts...

Yesterday was our 2nd day in Mandarin class. Grabe, para kaming nasa Kinder ulit na nag-aaral ng alphabet at kung pano magsulat. Last week, akala ko hindi ko kakayanin na ma-memorize yun 37 MPS (Mandarin Phonetic Sounds) para sa class kahapon. Buti naman at medyo alam ko na. Dun na lang ako nalilito sa characters na medyo magkakamukha gaya ng chi, èng, sz; at saka shr, dz.

Wala pa din ako alam sabihin in Mandarin, maliban sa Ni Hao. Kelangan daw muna kasi matutunan yun characters. Tapos nun, pagtatambal-tambalin yun characters. Parang sa Grade 1 (b-a : ba; k-a, ka). Ganun ang ginawa namin kahapon (p-i : pi; ph-i : phi).


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Kagabi after class may nagyaya sa kin na lumabas. Nagpunta kami ng Bagaberde at si Nyoy Volante ang magpe-perform. Ang tagal nya bago dumating. Medyo ok naman yun naunang band. Unlabeled ata yun name nila. Ok yun boses nun gitarista at nung kahonista (ano ba tawag dun?). Yun girl na vocalist, pwede na rin. Medyo nag-fflat nga lang pag masyado mataas. O baka pagod na siya.

Iba iba din yun genre ng kinanta nila. Eto yun mga natatandaan ko: Love Moves in Mysterious Ways
Better Days, Shy Guy ("i don't want somebody who's loving everybody"), Kahit Kailan, Elesi, Hinahanap Hanap Kita, Yes Yes Show.

Hindi ko matandaan yun title nung ibang foreign acoustic songs.

Tapos may nakipag-jam na lalaki sa harap. Maganda naman boses nya. Kinanta nya yun It Might Be You (with feelings) tapos sabi nung crowd: more.... Ayun, kumanta pa sya ulit ng All My Life.

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Mag-aalas-dose na ata nung nagperform si Nyoy. In fairness, magaling naman pala sya. Una nyang
kinanta yung You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling tapos Kiss ("you don't have to be rich, to be my girl). Kaya nya pala yun mga ganung kanta.

Tapos nun mga love songs na: Because, Nasaan Ka Na?, Panalangin, Crazy for You, etc. naputulan pa siya ng string ng guitar kasi masyadong passionate. hehe

Kumanta din pala siya ng Anak kasi may nag-request na balikbayan na babalik na sa States. Kinanta nya kahit hindi nya memorize ang lyrics.

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Wala daw pasok sa Korea office bukas kasi Children's Day. Buti pa sila.

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I won't be working for 2 days! Yey!

Nasa training ako ng Data Analysis & Manipulation using Advanced MS Excel sa Ateneo Information Technology Institute.

Sana hindi boring.

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May nagyaya din sa kin mag-Palawan next week. Kaso hindi ako pwede dahil may hinihintay ako na interview. Yep, tinawagan ako ng Producers Bank. Dapat nung Tuesday pa yun kaya lang hindi ako pwede kaya na-resched.

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Ang haba na ata ng napost ko. At mukhang wala namang sense. Oh, well.

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nakuha ko 'to sa blog ni Tish

Your Birthdate: March 19

Your birth on the 19th day of the month adds a tone of independence and extra energy to your life path. But at the same time, it poses a number of obstacles to overcome before you are able to be as independent as you would like. The number 1 energy suggests more executive ability and leadership qualities than your path may have indicated. A birthday on the 19th of any month gives greater will power and self-confidence, and very often a rather original approach. However, a somewhat self-centered approach to life that may be in conflict with some of the other influences in your life. This 1 energy may diminish your ability and desire to handle details, preferring instead to paint with a broad brush. You are sensitive, but your feeling stay somewhat repressed. You have a compelling manner that can be dominating in many situations. You do not tend to follow convention or take advice very well. Consequently, you tend to learn through experience; sometimes hard experiences. The 19/1 is a loner number and you may experience feelings of being alone even if you are married. You may take on a tendency to be nervous and angry.

What Does Your Birth Date Mean?

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Encantadia

Ngayon nga pala ang start ng Encatadia. Nanood ako kagabi nung "the making". Mukhang maganda. Sana..



photos from: http://www.igma.tv/sphotos.php?showid=110

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bored

Holiday ngayon pero pumasok ako. Walang masyadong ginawa kaya medyo nakaka-bore. Holiday din kasi sa ibang countries, pero 2 lang ang nakita ko na announcements - from HK and JP lang.

Please note that Hong Kong office will be closed on 2 May 05 (Monday) due to Additional General Holiday for Labour Day.

Please note that the following dates are public holidays in Japan, our office will be closed:

29 April (Greenery Day)

3 May (Constitution Memorial Day)

4 May (National Holiday)

5 May (Children's Day)

Buti pa ang Japan, ang daming holidays. Anyway, wala din atang pasok sa Korea at Singapore dahil walang nagungulit na clients.

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Dambadeniya

Children's Balloon Blowing Competition in Dambadeniya, Sri Lanka



Nakakatuwa yun picture! Ang kulay kasi nung mga lobo. Nakakainggit din kasi parang ang saya ng New Year Celebration nila.

Galing nga pala yun picture na 'to kay Sunil. Si Sunil ang Local Representative ng Dambadeniya sa Nabuur. Siya ang main contact namin sa community.

Sabi nya, male-dominant society daw doon kaya ang boses ng mga kababaihan ay hindi napakikinggan. Ang mga kalalakihan kasi ang bread winner ng pamilya. At isa sa mga paraan para maisaayos ito ay ang tulungan ang mga kababaihan na magkaroon ng pagkakakitaan. Dito daw magsisimula ang mga pagbabago.

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let it sting..

Yan and status ko ngayon.
Pero mukhang mag-iiba na sa mga susunod na araw.
Sana nga.

Ilang araw ko ding ininda yun a.

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Speaking of sting, Annual Physical Exam namin ngayon. Medyo masakit nun kinuhanan ako ng blood sample. Ang tagal pa bago nag-stop nun pagdugo.

Normal naman daw ako. hehe

Pero wala pang result yun Xray and Urinalysis (wala kasi akong dalang sample).

Medyo nanibago lang ako sa mga tanong kanina.


Doc: Single?

Ako: Opo.

Doc: May anak?

Ako: wala po..


Doc: nag-sisigarilyo ka?

Ako: hindi po.

Doc: umiinom?

Ako: (medyo natigilan..) occasionally. (yes, times are changing. hehehe dati mabilis pa sa alas-4 sagot ko na "hindi po")


Doc: magpapa-genital and rectal exam ka ba o hindi na?

Ako: hindi na po (scary!)


eto naman habang naghihintay ako ng turn ko na magpa-Xray:

Manong (ndi ko alam ang tawag sa kanya eh): hindi naman po kayo buntis?

Ako: hindi po.. (ano dw?)

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moving out of the comfort zone..

I received an invitation for a Career Orientation Seminar last week. The company did not divulge its name but mentioned that they are into rural banking and microfinance. The invitation said we were shortlisted from through the Placement Office. True or not, it was still an ego booster. =) I checked the email addresses and found out that Francis was also invited. I texted him a couple of days before the COS if he is coming or not. He was still unsure and so was I.

Anyway, both of us came today thinking that it was Planters Development Bank. However, it turned out to be Producers Bank. All of my expectations went down the drain. My mind was a clean slate when the orientation began. The orientation started at 930am (though the invitation said 9am). We were about 20. Everyone came from the Ateneo (batch 2003 and 2004) and each of us knew at least one person in the room.

After the prayer, we were asked to introduced ourselves and share our expectations while the facilitator wrote them on the manila paper. I haven't done this since college and it reminded me of school days. The company background was presented the whole morning and questions were entertained. The facilitator said we were free to leave anytime we want if we feel that we don't fit in.

Lunch was served (for free). And when we resumed for the afternoon session, there were only 8 of us left - Miss Maricar (talk about one cool mom! she was an IS major batch 2004), Jill, Alex, Francis, Nic, George, Roy and me.

An overview of the Management Trainee Program was presented. After that, we were given 30min to think if we were going to remain to be interviewed. Almost everyone was hesitant because the trainees will be assigned for a time in the provinces (rural areas that is) as part of the training and will be actually doing field work. Field work means looking for microfinance clients, borrowers, etc. We were actually warned about this during the morning. I remember the Corporate Planning Officer said, "This is not the microfinace that you are thinking, which is the sosyal microfinance. It's different."

We remained.

We were panel interviewed by batch - 3, 3, and 2. I was in the last batch with Nic. While the first batch (Francis, Jill, George) were being interviewed we had our merienda (again for free.. hehe) and discussed about our plans and what we think of the opportunity. We exchanged phone numbers afterwards. They were such inspiring people.

Then, it was our turn. The questions were: What can you contribute? How are your people skills (pertaining to the grassroots)? How do you think Microfinance will help the poor? Is it ok with your parents if you are going to be assigned in the provinces? Do you know how to commute?

We will be informed of the results in 2 weeks time.

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turning chinese..

well, not really..

I have just enrolled in a Basic Mandarin Class in Tower Languages Tutorial Centre. Classes will be held every Tuesday from 6-9pm and Module 1 will take 15 weeks to complete. We are only 6 in class (2 of them are my officemates!) and the classrooms are really small I'm not sure if we can breathe in there. Nevertheless, I'm quite excited. At least I have something new to look forward to next week. :)

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back from Subic...

Last weekend, I was in Puerto Galera. It was fun and it was one of my best out of towns, ever. But how come I didn't write anything about it? Well, I figured Ate Cla, Guiller and Kuya Rolls will do the postings and I'll just end up repeating them.

This weekend, I was at Grande Island Resort in Subic. It was our Company's Summer Outing. The sand is not white and the shore is narrower. But what the heck, we have the whole island for ourselves. The rooms are nice. And there's a buffet! I don't even remember how many times I've said, "this is the life..."


waiting for the bus: mitch, me



look who got on the bus! (Bus #9): ellen, ferdie, john d, mike,
shaun, mitch, karlo, ralph, me, roanna, mimi, ian



ang tagal umalis, picture muna ulit: kat and me



we need to take a short boat ride to get to the island..



that's our ride..



mainit talaga dito as in, pero kailangan naka-smile pa rin:
lindsay, rj, lyn, micth, me, kat



the island..



it's the thomson invasion!!!



picture muna ulit. inaayos pa daw ang rooms namin



actually, ang tagal bago kami nakapag-check in.
after lunch na kami nakapag-ayos ng gamit.


this is the man-made lake in the middle of the island.
semento nga lang yun ilalim nya kaya medyo malumot
yun ibang parts. in fairness, maganda sa picture! hehe


here's our cottage..


a little further down our cottages...


After the siesta, the Amazing Race started.


the HelpDesk Team: Vince, RJ, Gerry, Ellen, Ian, Norman


Norman, Ian, Gerry (he was awarded the Iron Man), (where's Ellen?)


Sayang, hindi kami nanalo. We were leading the race until the 4th stop. But it was fun cheering for them. Dapat may award din kami as best cheeerers.


kakapagod pala maglagay ng pix. bukas na ulit yun iba...

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a couple of hours later..

It lasted for an hour.

I walked straight to their table and he stood right away when he saw me. I was quite nervous and maybe he was, too. Then, he introduced me to his friends. And that's with the capital S. Goodness, there were 3 tables full of his friends. So, it wasn't really surprising if I only remembered 1 name. I was introduced as the bestfriend.

We talked. Talked about the usual things -- where I stayed, how's work, how's life. Then, I also asked about the same usual stuff -- where they are staying, how's school, how's life. I was texting while we talked. He was eating. I don't know how I felt but somehow he seemed a little tensed. He kept punching me whenever he would say something. I told him to stop but he didn't. He used to do that. Somehow, it felt like the good old times.

Then, we took a picture. A few minutes after, we left and took a walk. They need to go back and have some rest. I need to go home, too. While walking, we talked about relationships. Same as before, I am not committed to anyone. He is in an "semi-kinda" relationship and he said it is better that way.

We arrived at the elevator. Their car is parked in the upper level. It was time to say goodbye. I did and wished them good luck for tomorrow's competition. He said goodbye and asked for a hug. "What's with you," I asked. "We don't do that. We're not that close." Then, I laughed. "We aren't?," he answered. "No," I replied back. "Why should we," I asked. He told me maybe he just missed me, that's why.

to be continued...

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the week that was...

In the 10 months that I've been working, Career High ang araw na 'to! Kakaiba. Hindi na ata ako huminga buong araw. (ok, exaggerated na yun. hehe)

April 15, 2005 Stats:

60+ emails
4 phone calls (1 from US,1 from UK, 2 from HK, 1 from SG)
20 pending client requests (ayoko na mag-Monday)

TGIF talaga! Buti na lng may company outing kami bukas. We're going to Subic! Yey! Sana masaya at madaming food.

Oh well, dami pa sana kwento kaya lang may nagtext. Kaladkarin talaga ko. Konting pilit lang, pumapayag agad. Ano kayang mangyayari mamya pag nagkita kami? Next time na ang kwento.

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got this from my email...

FINE
This is the word women use to end an argument
when they are right and you need to shut up.

FIVE MINUTES
If she is getting dressed, this is half an hour.
Five minutes is only five minutes if you have just
been given 5 more minutes to watch the game
before helping around the house.

NOTHING
This is the calm before the storm. This means
"something," and you should be on your toes.
Arguments that begin with 'Nothing' usually end in
"Fine"

GO AHEAD
This is a dare, not permission. Don't do it.

LOUD SIGH
This is not actually a word, but is a non-verbal
statement often misunderstood by men. A "Loud
Sigh" means she thinks you are an idiot and wonders
why she is wasting her time standing here and arguing with
you over "Nothing"

THAT'S OKAY
This is one of the most dangerous statements that
a woman can make to a man. "That's Okay" means
that she wants to think long and hard before deciding how
and when you will pay for your mistake.

THANKS
A woman is thanking you. Do not question it or
faint. Just say you're welcome.


Send this to the men you know to warn them about
future arguments they can avoid if they remember
the terminology!

And send it to your women friends to give them a
good laugh!

Oh, and before we forget

"Whatever"
...it's a woman's way of saying *FCUK YOU

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another day's gone

530pm na, nandito pa rin ako sa office kahit hanggang 3pm lng ako today. Well, ok lng din naman kasi hindi naman talaga ko nagwowork. At saka may aircon dito! hehehe Ang init kasi sa boarding house kaya mas ok na dito. Hindi ko din masyadong feel mag-stay dun because the landlady is back!!! (waah...)

Wala din masyado ginagawa today sa office kasi holiday sa Hong Kong dahil Ching Ming Festival daw at sa Korea naman dahil Arbor Day. Actually, Hong Kong lang naman ang pinakamakukulit na Account Managers at clients. Ewan ko ba kung bakit ang dami nilang tanong at gustong gawin sa buhay. Minsan mapapaisip ka talaga, minsan naman nakakabobo.

Kahapon din, wala masyadong work kaya nag-ssurf lang ako. Ayun tuloy, pati ang Googlewhack (nabasa ko 'to sa blog ni Omi) pinatulan ko na -- pero hindi ako successful. =( Hindi pa rin ako nakakahanap ng "the one". Pati nga yun officemate ko napapaisip na rin ng word. Nandamay pa ko! hehehe

Ayan, malapit na mag-6pm. Siguro hindi na mainit pag uwi ko. Kaso, nakakatamad pa rin umuwi.

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what's wrong with hello???

haay.. nun isang araw pa ko nag-ttry magpost ng pix pero ayaw nya. meron pa bang ibang way para maglagay ng pix?

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i want to write!!!

I have been wanting to write about 2 things since saturday night, but i'm just too lazy to do so. I wish there's such a thing that could straight away transfer what one is thinking into writing.

It's been almost a week, I should've recovered from my "vacation mode sickness". I thought the vacation would revitalize me, but it feels like I'm drained all the more. I want to stay home -- to sleep, eat, watch movies, listen to music, read, write.

I'm not sure why I feel tired. Work doesn't feel like work after all and I really have lots of free time. Why, then do I feel like this? Maybe it's the thinking that causes the weariness. I really am thinking too much these days. (Those Jesuits! They are to blame for this.. haha) Sometimes I think too much I feel like I'm going to throw up. No kidding. And recently I've been having some flashes of growing up memories. Last time, I posted this,

"EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW.... that her childhood may not have been perfect... but it's over..."

Most of the time I'm glad they're over, but there are times I wished they weren't. And I wished it were different. Oh, well.

Could it be that I, the cheerful and high-spirited me, is suffering from lifeache? I hope not. I'm too young to be diagnosed with this. Someone cheer me up, please...

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back to work

I was supposed to be at work at 10am but I called in sick and told my Senior I'd be coming at 2pm, instead. Of course, I wasn't sick. I just wanted to sleep some more. Well, that's one good (?) thing about my work, I can take a vacation anytime I want to (except of course, when there are too many people taking a leave on certain dates) and I can call in sick, when I want to sleep some more. And yes, they know I'm not really sick. ;)

5 days of not coming to work and here's what welcomed me:

2 500++ unread emails! (but of course, not all of them are for me.) Around 2 450++ are still unread until now. And I have no plans of reading them.

I found out that I was scheduled for my presentation/ certification exam at 10am today! It's good that I called in sick because I'm not prepared for it and I'm still on vacation mode. I was rescheduled for tomorrow, so I better prepare tonight and impress them. Pressure!

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back in Manila

After a 10-day vacation...

woke up at 330am
rode the bus back to Manila at 410am
arrived at the MRT North Ave. station at 630am
arrived at my boarding house at 7am

Several knocks/bangs on the door, I still could not get in. Manang Letty is still on vacation. I don't want to call up our landlady and probably she's in the province, too (w/c is good -- no, that's actually great! I wish they'd come back next year.). I called up Ching one of my roomates but there's no answer. I tried again, but to no avail. I thought of calling Monique, my other roomate but realized she's still in the province as well, because school is over. Next option, Jeline. Called both her numbers but she can't be reached. I called Ching up again, but all I got was her Usher ringback tone. I only got one more option left -- to calle up the landline # hoping that somebody would be awakened (or irritated) and eventually come down and answer the phone. It's a good thing Jeline's roomate, Jack, is already preparing for work. She got down and finally I was able to get in.

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happy fiesta!

Fiesta sa 'min ngayon (well, kahapon na pala 'yun). Daming food! Yey! Syempre, sinabay na rin 'yun binyag nuung pamangkin ko. At ninang ako (nadagdagan na ang pagtataguan ko 'pag Pasko).

Nag-invite ako ng ilang tao pero 3 lang nakarating. Si Rowick na HS friend ko at si Miguel & Adnan na batchmates ko sa Gabay. Sayang, walang souvenir pix. Wala kase battery 'yun digicam.

Umalis din agad si Rowick kasi may work pa sya bukas at may date ata ngayong gabi. Si Migs at Adnan naman around 6pm na nakaalis. Kain kase ng kain (joke lng! baka mabasa nila. hehehe) Buti naman at nakasakay sila ng bus kaya nga lang medyo na-traffic sila kasi madaming lumuluwas ngayon.

Tulog na yun mga tao dito sa bahay. At yun mga kuya ko, ayun... solb! hahaha uminom daw ba kasi from sun up to sun down.

Haay.. Monday na! Ibig sabihin, papasok na ko bukas. Ayoko pa!!!! (Ayoko na...)

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My Japanese name is...

If I were to use the name I was baptized with, my Japanese name would be Chitose Ashikaga Ieyasu.

On the other hand, using the name in my birth certificate, it would be Akemi Ieyasu.

But last year, I've finally decided which name I will use for the rest of my life (and maybe in the after life, as well) -- Arisa Ieyasu. And it's official! (I'm still complaining to my mom though, on why I was the one who had to pay for the amendment fee when it wasn't my fault in the first place.)

Take The Kawaii Japanese Name Generator by Shuichigami today!
Created with Rum and Monkey's Name Generator Generator.

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people who remembered and who almost forgot (but remembered, still..)

salamat ng marami,

sa mga naunang bumati:

kuya gary, a. kaye, ateng, jerome

sa mga nanggulat:

a. cla, guiller, a. kamille, a. sally, a. fritz, miguel, k. rev (oo nga pala, nakasalubong kita sa walkway)

sa mga naki-celebrate sa office (na pinakain ng malabon, bbq at cake!):

mia, lyn, rj, sheila, marc, karlo, mitch, Lindsay, kat, rania, mai, niño, gerry, ian, ellen, jecyn, mimi, roanna, jolet, john D

sa mga naki-celebrate sa bahay:

mommy, daddy, ninang, mama, ate wilma, ate malou, kuya renan, dikong, kuya abet, rb, kylie, karen, ken, james

sa mga bumating kapitbahay (na pindalhan ng pancit! hehe):

lola titang, kuyang feddie, ate precy

sa bumating kapitbahay na kamag-anak na nakasalubong sa daan matapos ang misa:

ate ila, ate yolly, ate emer, lolo jack

sa mga nagtext:

riza, hazel, miguel, guiller, princess, irone, hanna, lesley, poyen, cielo, ate luvy, de-anne, noemer, janina, milen, k. peterson, francis, josephine, krizia, a. fritz, sangko, ate tess, reggie, karen claire, kathryn, chi, marjh, christopher, rowick, ara, gica, ate det-det, adnan, ching, rania, monique, renil, dyan, ate malou, a. cla, joanne, frederick, a. sally, mabel, k. mackie, elmer, lou, mel, lyn, kat, ralph, mike, ronelle, mai

sa mga bumati sa friendster:

kuya gary, a. kaye, ateng, vida, amvin, a. cla, nancy, reginald, anselmo, mark

at syempre sa Kanya!

sa mga humabol:

jerome, lindsay, joan M., joan C., rache, a. ria, rowena, ninang ito

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on turning 21..

3:31am

It's my bithday. Yey! Hmm.. maybe the title should be "on being 21," instead. But then, I haven't spent a whole day being 21, so I can't really say anything about it yet.

Ngayon lang ako ulit mag-bbday dito sa Nueva since college. Lagi kasing natatapat sa finals week and bday ko nun 1st - 3rd year. Tapos nun 4th year, I spent my bday sa Silent Retreat in Baguio -- yun ang best bday ko, so far! =)

I left the office quarter to nine and I was at the terminal at 10pm. Kaya ayun, inabutan na ko ng bday ko sa bus. At 1210am, nandito na ko sa bahay.

Ano nga bang ginagawa ng 21? Pero may nagsabi sa kin, kung sakali daw hindi ko pa alam, pwede na daw ako mag-boyfriend. hehehe (napapangiti na lang ako pag naalala ko yun)

Hmm... Let me see. Ano bang plano ko sa buhay? May nabasa ko, dapat daw isinusulat yun kaya eto:

plan 1: Mag-aral sa US next SY 2006
This means kailangan ko na tapusin ang application ko for SIT (School
for International Training): 3 more recommendation letters,
2 transcripts, 1 English Language Certification, updated resume,
and essay questions

plan 2: Pag hindi ako natanggap sa SIT, work pa rin sa Thomson Financial
Pero mag-aaral pa rin ako (either short courses or post graduate
subjects, or a foreign language)until May 2006 at mag JVP sa June
2006

plan 3: Work sa Thomson Financial at kumuha ng MBA sa Ateneo Business School next SY 2006


Haay.. ang buhay talaga. Happy birthday na lng sa kin! =)

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nakita namin yun sign na 'to sa kisame sa Mine's View Park. ndi ko alam kng bkt inilagay yon dun. cguro paborito itong tagpuan ng mga... hehehe

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picture, picture!

yey! marunong na ko maglagay ng pix. salamat kay ate cla (salamat dn dun sa kahapon =hug=)..

mukhang masyado kong naaliw sa paglalagay ng pix, i should be working!!!

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The Morning After Breaking the Silence (Scholar's Retreat) -- Good Sheperd, Baguio [francis, noemer, me, tin, rafael]

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March 27, 2004 - on the way to Nueva [janina, mike, lou (sleeping), me]

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keeping my fingers crossed..

[click, click... SMS received]

message: c r--a to, r u interested to join wrldyouthday? nagwwork ka na ba? ...teks bak

i replied: yep. nagwwork na. f i can afford it, y not? ..bkt po?

r--a: kse pwd ma-avail for free yun airfare. sn ka ngaun? bsta txt me if ur interested..

me: tlaga? d2 ko sa makati nag-stay.

r--a: meron free orientation sa Mar12 5pm sa Max Cab. may interview dn. kilala mo ba c fr. balaria? cya yun nagsbe kay i-n. ndi to advertised kse opportunity to get a shengen visa. sa germany kse yun venue. kya invite ka dn ng iba pa.. bsta txt me pag punta ka.

me: salamat sa pag-invite! punta ko, sure. text kta

r--a: ok. bsta txt me pag punta ka. may # ka ba ni j--n?

me: d2 dn c j—n sa makati.. dapat labas kami pero ndi n2loy..

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isa sa mga paborito kong kwento...

Long Walk to Forever
by Kurt Vonnegut, from Welcome to the Monkey House

They had grown up next door to each other, on the fringe of a city, near fields and woods and orchards, within sight of a lovely bell tower that belonged to a school for the blind.

Now they were twenty, had not seen each other for nearly a year. There had always been playful, comfortable warmth between them, but never any talk of love.

His name was Newt. Her name was Catharine. In the early afternoon, Newt knocked on Catharine's front door.

Catharine came to the door. She was carrying a fat, glossy, magazine devoted entirely to brides. "Newt!" she said. She was surprised to see him. "Could you come for a walk?" he said. He was a shy person, even with Catharine. He covered his shyness by speaking absently, as though what really concerned him were far away--as though he were a secret agent pausing briefly on a mission between beautiful, distant, and sinister points. This manner of speaking had always been Newt's style, even in matters that concerned him desperately.

"A walk?" said Catharine.
"One foot in front of the other," said Newt, "through leaves, over bridges--"
"I had no idea you were in town," she said.
"Just this minute got in," he said.
"Still in the Army, I see," she said.
"Seven more months to go," he said. He was a private first class in the Artillery. His uniform was rumpled.His shoes were dusty. He needed a shave. He held out his hand for the magazine. "Let's see the pretty book," he said.
She gave it to him. "I'm getting married, Newt," she said.
"I know," he said. "Let's go for a walk."
"I'm awfully busy, Newt," she said. "The wedding is only a week away."
"If we go for a walk," he said," it will make you rosy. It will make you a rosy bride." He turned the pages of the magazine. "A rosy bride like her--like her--like her," he said, showing her rosy brides.
Catharine turned rosy, thinking about rosy brides.

"That will be my present to Henry Stewart Chasens," said Newt. "By taking you for a walk, I'll be giving him a rosy bride."
"You know his name?" asked Catharine.
"Mother wrote," he said. "From Pittsburg?"
"Yes," she said. "You'd like him."
"Maybe," he said.
"Can--can you come to the wedding, Newt?" she said.
"That I doubt," he said.
"Your furlough isn't long enough?" she said.
"Furlough?" said Newt. He was studying a two-page ad for flat silver. "I'm not on furlough," he said.
"Oh?" she said.
"I'm what they call AWOL," said Newt.

"Oh, Newt! You're not!" she said.
"Sure I am," he said, still looking at the magazine.
"Why, Newt?" she said.
"I had to find out what your silver pattern is," he said. He read names of silver patterns from the magazine. "Albemarle? Heather?" he said. "Legend? Rambler Rose?" He looked up, smiled. "I plan to give you and your husband a spoon," he said.
"Newt, Newt, tell me really," she
She wrung her hands in sisterly anguish. "Oh, Newt--you're fooling me about being AWOL," she said.

Newt imitated a police siren softly, raised his eyebrows.
"Where--where from?" she said.
"Fort Bragg," he said.
"North Carolina?" she said.
"That's right," he said. "Near Fayetteville--where Scarlett O'Hara went to school."
"How did you get here?"
He raised his thumb, jerked it in a hitchhike gesture. "Two days," he said.
"Does your mother know?"
"I didn't come to see my mother," he said.
"Who did you come to see?"
"You," he said."Why me?" she said.
"Because I love you," he said. "Now can we take a walk?" he said. "One foot in front of the other--through leaves, over bridges--"

They were taking the walk now, were in a woods with a brown-leaf floor. Catharine was angry and rattled, close to tears. "Newt," she said, "this is absolutely crazy."
"How so?" asked Newt.
"What a crazy time to tell me you love me," she said. "You never talked that way before." She stopped walking.
"Let's keep walking," he said.
"No," she said. "So far, no farther. I shouldn't have come out with you at all," she said.
"You did."
"To get you out of the house," she said. "If somebody walked in and heard you talking to methat way, a week before the wedding--"
"What would they think?"
"They'd think you were crazy," she said.
"Why?" he said.

Catharine took a deep breath, made a speech. "Let me say that I'm deeply honored by this crazy thing you've done," she said. "I can't believe you're really AWOL, but maybe you are. I can't believe you really love me, but maybe you do. But--"
"I do," said Newt.
"Well, I'm deeply honored," said Catharine, "and I'm very fond of you as a friend, Newt, extremely fond--but it's just too late." She took a step away from him. "You've never even kissed me," she said, and she protected herself with her hands. "I don't mean you should do it now. I just mean this is all so unexpected. I haven't got the remotest idea how to respond."
"Just walk some more," he said. "Have a nice time."

They started walking again."How did you expect me to react?" she said.
"How would I know what to expect?" he said. "I've never done anything like this before."
"Did you think I would throw myself into your arms?"
"Maybe," he said.
"I'm sorry to disappoint you," she said.
"I'm not disappointed," he said. "I wasn't counting on it. This is very nice, just walking."

Catharine stopped again. "You know what happens next?"
"Nope," he said."We shake hands," she said. "We shake hands and part friends," she said. "That's what happens next."
Newt nodded. "All right," he said. "Remember me from time to time. Remember how much I loved you."

Involuntarily, Catharine burst into tears. She turned her back to Newt, looked into the infinite colonnade of the woods.
"What does that mean?" asked Newt.
"Rage!" said Catharine. She clenched her hands. "You had no right--"
"I had to find out," he said.
"If I'd loved you," she said, "I would have let you know before now."
"You would?" he said.
"Yes," she said. She faced him, looked up at him, her face quite red. "You would have known."
"How?"
"You would have seen it," she said. "Women aren't very clever at hiding it."
Newt looked closely at Catharine's face. To her consternation, she realized that what she had said was true, that a woman couldn't hide love.
Newt was seeing love now. And he did what he had to do. He kissed her.

"You're hell to get along with!" she said when Newt had let her go.
"I am?" said Newt.
"You shouldn't have done that."
"You didn't like it?" he said.
"What did you expect?" she said--"wild, unbridled passion?"
"I keep telling you," he said. "I never know what's going to happen next."
"We say good-bye," she said.
He frowned slightly. "All right," he said.

She made another speech. "I'm not sorry we kissed, " she said. "That was sweet. We should have kissed,we've been so close. I'll always remember you, Newt, and good luck."
"You too," he said.
"Thank you, Newt."

"Thirty days," he said.
"What?" she said.
"Thirty days in the stockade," he said--"that's what one kiss will cost me."
"I--I'm sorry," she said, "but I didn't ask you to go AWOL."
"I know," he said.
"You certainly don't deserve any hero's reward for doing something as foolish as that," she said.
"Must be nice to be a hero," said Newt. "Is Henry Stewart Chasens a hero?"
"He might be, if he got the chance," said Catharine. She noted uneasily that they had begun to walk again. The farewell had been forgotten.
"You really love him?" said Newt.
"Certainly I love him!" she said hotly. "I wouldn't marry him if I didn't love him!"
"What's good about him?" said Newt.
"Honestly!" she cried, stopping again. "Do you have any idea how offensive you're being? Many, many, many things are good about Henry! Yes," she said,"and many, many many things are probably bad too. But that isn't any of your business. I love Henry, and I don't have to argue with you!"
"Sorry," said Newt.
"Honestly!" said Catharine.
Newt kissed her again. He kissed her again because she wanted him to.

They were now in a large orchard.
"How did we get so far from home, Newt?"
"One foot in front of the other--through leaves, over bridges," said Newt.
"They add up--the steps," she said.
Bells rang in the tower of the school for the blind nearby.
"School for the blind," said Newt.
"School for the blind," said Catharine. She shook her head in drowsy wonder. "I've got to get back now," she said.
"Say goodbye," said Newt.
"Every time I do," said Catharine, "I seem to get kissed."

Newt sat down on the close-cropped grass under an apple tree. "Sit down," he said.
"No," she said.
"I won't touch you."
"I don't believe you." She sat under another tree, twenty feet away from him. She closed her eyes.
"Dream of Henry Stewart Chasens," he said.
"What?" she said.
"Dream of your wonderful husband-to-be," he said.
"All right, I will," she said. She closed her eyes tighter, caught glimpses of her husband-to-be.
Newt yawned.

The bees were humming in the trees, and Catharine almost fell asleep. When she opened her eyes she saw that Newt really was asleep.He began to snore softly.

Catharine let Newt sleep for an hour, and while he slept she adored him with all her heart.
The shadows of the apple trees grew to the east. The bells in the tower of the school for the blind rang again.
"Chick-a-dee-dee-dee", went a chickadee.
Somewhere, far away, an automobile starter nagged and failed, nagged and failed, fell still.
Catharine came out from under her tree, knelt by Newt.
"Newt?" she said.
"H'm?" he said.
"Late," she said.
"Hello, Catharine," he said.
"Hello, Newt," she said.
"I love you."
"I know," she said.
"Too late," he said.
"Too late," she said.
He stood, stretched groaningly.
"A very nice walk," he said.
"I thought so," she said.
"Part company here?" he said.
"I thought so," she said.
"Where will you go?"
"Hitch into town, turn myself in," he said.
"Good luck," she said.
"You, too," he said. "Marry me, Catharine?"
"No," she said.
He smiled, stared at her hard for a moment, then walked away quickly.

Catharine watched him grow smaller in the long perspective of shadows and trees, knew that if he stopped and turned now, she would run to him. She would have no choice.

Newt did stop. He did turn. He did call. "Catharine," he said.
She ran to him, put her arms around him, could not speak.

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