CB, Jr.

If I have to name Crazy Beautiful, Jr....

It's gotta be you, little sissy! ...

We're crazy, we're beautiful, and we click!

I love you Zian Zian! Happy birthday!

Tired Feet

I am overweight, in fact obese. My small feet are tired and starting to complain. They want to try to carry some more load but they are in the verge of breaking. So, stand and walk on your own, please. Pity my small, tired, crying feet.

The Child in Me

The past days to me were disappointing to some extent. There were just soooo many things on my plate I couldn't seem to swallow anymore. I thought I needed to slow down and refocus. I wondered which aspect of my life makes me really happy and complete. That's where I'm gonna stick to when all else fails.

So in the middle of work I browsed through my favorite local shop online and picked items that would complete Abram's new play and learn area. His bedroom-cum-playroom needs some fixing as we'd probably say goodbye to co-sleeping next year. I got him an easel so he'd unlearn making murals out of our walls and floor, some stacking toys, and bins to contain his small toys that are just so disorganized and normally scattered all over the house.

I didn't have these colorful bins when I was small because there were no toys to begin with. What I probably had was a dream that someday I'd gonna buy my children the toys the world could ever make and any toy store could ever sell. So I save part of my lunch money to get my son anything that would make his eyes glow. And its feels so damn good seeing him happy.

Today, while Abram took his afternoon nap, Josie, Roslyn and I put up our 7-year-old, 7-ft-tall Christmas tree to surprise the little rascal. This year, I chose not to make it monochromatic (last year wasn't interesting) thinking that such palette would bore my son's eyes as he adores colors! So colorful it is. I just pray the balls do not end up in every corner of the house and my tree lose its glory.

All three of us were in awe of what we made, and all three of us were in consensus on one thing - that we were deprived of having a Christmas tree when we were little. So I felt I was a child again. Excited for the wrapped gifts, for the Christmas carols, for the noche buena.

I could go and on.

What makes me happy and complete? Making my son happy and pampering the jealous child in me.

Garbage Truck

"Many people are like garbage trucks. They run around full of garbage, full of frustration, full of anger, and full of disappointment. As their garbage piles up, they need a place to dump it. And if you let them, they'll dump it on you. When someone wants to dump on you, don't take it personally. You just smile, wave, wish them well, and move on. You'll be happy you did."

Today, I am the world's biggest garbage truck. You are free to refuse a coffee invite from me.

Wanted: Border

My brother-in-law and now-our-"border" Direk Ray Defante Gibraltar is getting famous for his kick-ass film, WANTED: BORDER. I watched the raw cuts of the film on DVD at home and am so excited to see it on wide screen. The movie premieres November 13 at the Gateway Cinemas. It's also the opening movie for this year's Cinema One Originals Digital Movie Festival. See article on the Inquirer:

Osang as maneater

By Hazel P. Villa
Philippine Daily Inquirer, Inquirer Visayas
First Posted 22:26:00 11/03/2009

Filed Under: Entertainment (general), Arts and Culture and Entertainment

MIAG-AO, Iloilo — For a change, Rosanna “Osang” Roces does not bare flesh. This time, she eats it, and with gusto, in “Wanted: Border”—a dark comedy by award-winning Ilonggo director Ray Defante Gibraltar.

The film is one of five competing finalists in the 2009 Cinema One Originals Digital Movie Festival on Nov. 13-17 at Gateway Cinemas in Cubao, Quezon City.

Osang, star of the 1990s-era sex-oriented flicks branded as “titillating films” (“TF”), was getting cozy with the independent film circuit after appearing in “Baklas” and “Manila,” when Defante’s script came along.

“Luka-lukang project! (Crazy project!)” exclaimed the irrepressible former talk show host during an interview in an almost rundown house here, the setting of the full-length film.

The 37-year-old semi-retired actress compared Gibraltar’s film to Milos Forman’s 1975 Oscar-winning drama, “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” and just had to say yes—especially after the Ilonggo director said he wanted “bad acting.”

Stumped, Osang had to meet Gibraltar and that was the birth of this zany, thought-provoking and sacrilegious film that was scripted in the Ilonggo language, Hiligaynon.

Osang plays Mama Saleng, a 60-year-old religious fanatic who owns a boarding house-cum-eatery. In her younger years, Saleng and her grandmother were accused by the townsfolk of being aswangs (nocturnal flesh eaters).

Saleng meets her human counterpart in Jessie Beltran, an undercover agent whose task during the martial law years was to assassinate activists on Panay Island. What do they have in common? A thirst for blood and brutality.

The film takes on many twists and turns, mostly focusing on how Saleng butchers and cooks her boarders. It then segues into an unexpected interpretation of the Bible’s “Seven Last Words”—with Saleng being nailed to the cross and spewing words that would probably make the religious want to flog her and the director.

Film over priesthood

The religious undertones are a product of Gibraltar’s years of study as a Philosophy student at Saint Vincent Ferrer Seminary in Jaro, Iloilo City, and University of Saint La Salle in Bacolod City.

After realizing that life as a priest was not his cup of tea, Gibraltar went to study theater and filmmaking in Manila, where he lived in a boarding house.

Gibraltar is mostly known for his 72-minute narrative, “When Timawa Meets Delgado,” which was nominated for Best Editing in the 2008 Gawad Urian.

“Timawa” was screened that same year at the Singapore International Film Festival and Copenhagen International Documentary Film Festival.

“The shock factor of ‘Wanted: Border’ is part of the cycle of violence. It’s in our system, we have to stop it,” said Gibraltar.

On the set of the film in Miag-ao, locals ogled the modestly dressed Osang, who showed off by flawlessly delivering Hiligaynon lines, before blurting out a word best reserved for the men’s toilet.

The kibitzers were taken aback for a while, then broke into laughter.

____________________

View its temporary trailer.

Photos were grabbed from Ray's Facebook account :=)

S.L.

I misssss CB! Sad that it has become my sacrificial lamb. :=( I've been busy on the F.A.R.M. blog in the past months as I aim for it to reach more people and achieve more hits! While I tucked CB for a while, my other baby is getting more popular and has even attracted media attention. Astig!

But you know, I feel more cozy here. Now I'm thinking of something to write. Currently on the lookout for more beautiful kababayans to feature here on CB. Any suggestions?

Tips to look beautiful

Beauty attracts beauty. So if look or feel beautiful, you will be surrounded by other beautiful people or rather more beautiful feelings and things around you. Here are some tips to look beautiful:

1. Your face is the most significant feature which reflects your true personality and nature. There are many aspects of a face such as skin, eyes, eyebrows, eyelashes, lips, and ears. So, to enhance the beauty of your face, you are required to make the skin of your face more beautiful.

2. Your skin can be endangered by the UVA and UVB rays. So, always apply a good quality of sunscreen and moisturizer to protect your skin from these harmful rays and keep your skin well protected.

3. Eyes are the most beautiful feature of your face. There are numbers of eye treatments such as eye-liners, mascaras, and toners to beautify the looks of your eyes. Use them stylishly to enhance the beauty of your face.

4. Lips, being the most sensual and part of your face should be beautified well. You can use different colors of a good quality lipstick and shade the outline with a lip-liner to give them a color, which suits the make up of your skin as well as eyes.

5. Hair is the crown of your face’s beauty. So, you have to give an equal importance to maintain and style your hair.

6. The beauty cannot be restricted to the beauty of your skin, eyes, lips or hair. One of the most important aspects of beauty constitutes the overall personality. This means a fit body and positive attitude for living.

7. Apart from the appearances and lifestyle, the way you dress up, is one more important aspect of your beauty. So, procure the dresses that suit your personality and your lifestyle.

From your beauty experts,

LOL! Joke lang! Happy birthday to my most beautiful friend, Myn. Stay lovable. Mwah!

"The world's happiest friends never had the same characters. They just have the best understanding of their differences."

A DIVA like no other

Once a teeny weeny, now a pretty lady...

A certified shopper...

and F.A.R.M. model...

A stylish traveler....

A food lover....

A social drinker...

Sometimes wholesome and sober...

Beautiful...

And definitely hot...

A self-proclaimed drama queen...

And a DIVA like no other!

This is a bit cheesy I know. To me she's an angel, a fairy godmother, a loving and nagging friend, a sister.

And I sooooo love her!!!!

Happy birthday MT! You are the best!

Future Ambassador

I came across this video in youtube. He's an amazing kid. Two years and seven months old. Kanino kayang anak 'to?

He has started identifying and reciting the flags of the world in May this year when he was 2 years and four months old. Bulol na bulol pa. Now he knows 80+ flags!

Click here and be amazed. Malamang may pinagmanahan. :=)

My Refuge

I wanna go back. And keep going back.

It was distinct in there...

The bed was such a comfort. The mosquito bites didn't hurt.

The window screen was all green.

And the peeping light brought some strange feeling. I wasn't sure what it was.

In this house of olden days, I found my purpose. Read my other journal and know why.

Cory's Prayer

I find comfort in the fact that Tita Cory, who is now in heaven, continues to pray for us. Read her prayer, with solemn photos taken by my friend Joanne Tolentino.

Prayer for a Happy Death

by Cory Aquino

Almighty God,

most merciful Father

You alone know the time

You alone know the hour

You alone know the moment

When I shall breathe my last.

So, remind me each day,

most loving Father

To be the best that I can be.

To be humble, to be kind,

To be patient, to be true.

To embrace what is good,

To reject what is evil,

To adore only You.

When the final moment does come

Let not my loved ones grieve for long.

Let them comfort each other

And let them knowhow much happiness

They brought into my life.

Let them pray for me,

As I will continue to pray for them,

Hoping that they will always pray for each other.

Let them know that they made possible

Whatever good I offered to our world.

And let them realize that our separation

Is just for a while

As we prepare for our reunion in eternity.

Our Father in heaven,

You alone are my hope.

You alone are my salvation.

Thank you for your unconditional love, Amen

A Time to Change

I felt guilty that I had to come to work today. I felt it was everybody's obligation to do nothing else for the day but take part or witness the funeral of our beloved, President Cory. But I was relieved when I knew that my husband took time to attend the long funeral march. He was able to get near and he took these photos:

I regret that I had to work today. Sayang. I'm feeling weird and I have a heavy heart, literally. I pray tomorrow's a new day. For me. And for all Filipinos.

Di bale. With Cory's inspiration, I will try to be a better person. I will try to stop complaining. I will try to be more patient, gentle, and kind. I will try to understand my mother more. I will continue with my charity project and sustain it till the end. I will try to start to change.

President Cory, thank you. I will try to go back to voting. I will try to go back to praying the rosary everyday. I will try to teach my son history. I will try to follow simple rules. I will try to pay attention to others more. I will try to live simpler. I will try to keep a stronger faith.

That's how you have affected me, President Cory. You have made me try to start. To change.

Bye, Lola Cory!

My papa and I were watching The Price is Right when RPN 9 flashed a breaking news story about Ninoy's death. I was in kindergarten and it was the first time I knew about Cory, the wife of Ninoy.

Fast forward today, my family drove to Times St. to offer our prayers for the person my son would call, Lola Cory...

The whole stretch was packed with cars and there were media around so we just drove past and decided to pray in Lola Cory's parish instead...

The Parish of the Hearts of Jesus and Mary is where Abram was baptized. There were just three people inside. The church was unusually gloomy. And there was this wreath and picture of Lola Cory offered by her churchmates. It was such a lonely sight.

We stayed and prayed briefly. Abram was scared of Jesus' and the saints' images. He was raring to go out of the church when he said, "Bye Papa God, bye Lola Cory."

We passed by the house again and more people continued to fill the place.

Today, we were in plain yellow clothes. And Tweety and I wore our yellow F.A.R.M. bracelets.

Diek and Abram were in rugged yellow shirts and yaya in yellow jeans.

And we said a humble prayer to the person my son would remember as Lola Cory.

Date with an Angel

Just when I thought I'd buy a simple sandwich with the remaining P60 in my purse, somebody showed up in my office and treated me to lunch. And fine dining pa, ha!

He had: Soup of the Day, Grilled Beef and Vegetable Kebab with Spicy Tomato Sauce, Steamed Rice, Fresh Fruit in Season and Coffee

I had: Soup of the Day, Barbecue Chicken Thigh, Pickled Papaya, Java Rice, Fresh Fruit in Season and Coffee

God is great! He sends His grace through an angel. An angel who feeds you when you choose to starve or you plan to scrimp on food :=)

To return the very kind gesture, I bought him a cup of hot latte.

Thanks and see you again, soon!

Travel Hip and Cool. Call Us!

Have you thought of quitting your job for a week to see the sun in Phuket? Or have you considered discovering what your partner really likes to do by traveling Europe around with her? Are you going to that board meeting in Geneva?

For both business and leisure tavelers, we can absolutely help you plan your trip, almost hassle-free!

Our company, AAA Travel Service, Inc. offers inbound tours as well as local tours, international/domestic ticketing and documentation service. Our counter staffs are trained to use the GALILEO, AMADEUS and ABACUS airline reservations and ticketing for faster and easier bookings and access to vital flight information.

AAA Travel is a licensed Travel Agency. It is a member of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and participates in the Bank Settlement Plan. It is also an active member of the Philippine IATA Agents Travel Association (PIATA).

Our counter staffs are capable Travel Counselors with six to eleven years experience in the industry and the documentation staff have been on the job for eight to fifteen years.

So, does your brother in Las Vegas need that long-overdue visit from someone who cares? Or better yet, you simply want to test drive your new DSLR by taking photographs of beautiful, exotic places around the globe?

Call us now at 8927135 or 8186469 and look for Jet :=)

You may also email us your inquiries and requirements at AAATravel09@gmail.com

We hope to do business with you soon!

Food, Friends, and Fatalistic

It's good that it didn't take months for us to meet again. The pepper rice and banoffee still have a bit of an after-taste.

Who cares? There's no easier way to either celebrate or destress than food, food, food! We had these at Burgoo -

nachos salad

grilled chicken steak

seafood jambalaya

...plus another round of pasta and salad for the guys (I didn't even notice). So what was the dinner for?

It's official! Jed is the incoming Vice Consul and Third Secretary of the Philippine Embassy in Singapore! And he wanted this photo of him showing off the proof!

I cried for two reasons - my friend got the post he wanted and was so happy for him; and I'm gonna miss my dear Mr. Perfect. The photo of me forcing to smile was taken after the tears were wiped away. It's difficult, pano na ang dial-then-meet-a-friend-mode ko when he's already a plane-ride away?

Another thing to be happy about was Aga's appointment as Chief of Staff of PSALM (and he'd still remain OIC for corporate planning). Hands down! But his beautiful new house excites me more!!! I lovett!!

About me? Nothing, I just wanted their company. Relieves me from the stress my dramatic life gives every now and then. My never-ending drama led to another banoffee and three helpful cups of coffee. I also had some good news that I swore I'd never disclose publicly - just learned that some people are following my life story ala-paparazzi and making gossips out of it. So better be safe.

The evening ended with the two guys arguing about what " fatalistic" means. Jed used it in the context of one being overly pessimistic; while Aga thought it describes someone who accepts that all things are predetermined by fate. I was the arbiter and I promised to google it the minute I get home. The loser treats us for dinner the next time.

Before I could even google, both texted me insisting they were right:

Aga - from dictionary.com: fatalism - the acceptance of all things and events as inevitable; submission to fate.

Jed - from thesaurus.com - fatalistic - expecting bad outcome; dark, cynical, pessimistic, depressed, gloomy...

I think both makes sense. I just hope the next dinner is NOT on me.

Awwww....

My nephew Justin's recent photos:

His mom typed this message for me on YM. This got me a bucket of tears.

"HELLO BIBI, MAG-INGAT KA DYAN, SA BAHAY NYO PO, BYE BAM, ABRAM DI PA TAU NKKARARO DYAN. MATAGAL NA KITA DI NKKARARO GUSTO NA KITA MAKARARO ABRAM KAYA GUSTO KO MAKAPUNTA DYAN.ABRAM GUSTO KITA KARARO NAMIMISS NA KITA."

I'm gonna see you soon, my baby!

To the Friend I've Never Met

Dear God, my wish for today goes to the friend I've never met.

Give her more years to live, more blessings to share....

Protect her body from the cold of winter, with Your love and grace keep her warm and safe...

For her children, give her more wisdom to impart, a strong character to keep, and the needed strength to carry them through...

Please guide her family, never let them fall apart and make their every moment a moment of bliss and peace and love....

Make her more endearing to others, and surround her with good and happy friends...

On her birthday, grant her with anything, from the simplest to the grandest thing her heart desires!

And one last thing, give us the chance to meet one day!

So there goes my simple wish for the friend I'd love to meet!

Threesome at Gymboree!

After the uber-fun evening at the Astoria on Friday night, it was mommy-bonding time for me, Jet and Susan on Saturday at Gymboree Trinoma. Of course, with our hyperactive little tots!

Jet, myself and Susan went to the same school (SMA batch 94, 92 and 93)

thumsuck break for my Abram

while adorable Alex and cutee Ara played indepedently

We chatted for only an hour (bakasyonista Susan and Alex had a hectic sched!), comparing notes and sharing stories about who else but the kiddos!

Tita Jet cuddling with 29-mo-old Abram

Tita Susan beaming with teeny-weeny Ara, who is 27 months old

Tita Jane starstrucked with Alex, who's turning 3 this month

Ara's the most sensible. Abram's like a gradeschooler reciting the countries of the world. Alex's the elusive, shy-type who's drawing a lot of attention ala-celebrity!

We couldn't get the kids to stick together for a picture

It's so fulfilling to be moms. While we touched a bit on past love affairs, kakikayan and other girly stuff, there's nothing really more interesting than our being doting mommies to our midgets. Time's too short but we enjoyed every bit of it!

Abram gave Barbie dolls to his two girlfriends

With Jet and Ara and the Brigola siblings and Alex

The brief date ended with hugs and lots of kisses!

Alex and Abram finally met in person!

Jet and Ara and dad Melvin drove us home and we enjoyed an extra hour together.

Life is so beautiful when you have nice friends and yes, makulit kids like our Abram, Alex and Ara!

Cory

Let us honor honest governance. Let us celebrate democracy.

Let us join together in prayer for the healing of the person who has ruled honestly, and restored democracy in our country.

Check out http://www.coryaquino.ph to learn more about Cory.

Photo credits: PCIJ

Baao's Most Beautiful People

There are many things I am not. And with my limited capacity as a person I might not have achieved as much as other people have accomplished in their lives.

But what I like about my not being a been-there-done-that-kind-of person is that, I never languish over the fact there are many people out there possessing the wealth, passion, looks, talent, skills, and power that I certainly do not have. I look up to them like a guileless little child admiring superstars!

I am happy to say that my small and humble town Baao has brought up quite a number of exceptional young people knocking off in their respective fields and interests:

There's my favorite Broadway star Emily Britanico-Morales, who's wowing the world with her outstanding musical talent...

And her brother Evan Britanico, who plays and promotes world music and shares with little children his knowledge of melody and harmony...

There's Jonas Palencia making my jaw drop for graduating with distinction from no less than the Harvard...

There's businesswoman-housewife Mia Barandon-Bulalacao who's paying back a hundredfold to our Alma Mater by giving our ole childhood school that renewed, august look....

Oh, and there's goodlooking Dino Badilla, the young commissioner and assistant secretary uniting, inspiring and empowering the youth, and serving Baao in little ways without fail...

There's the dignified auditing-firm partner Francis Albalate who serves as the best example for budding young professionals and humbly making ways to help the disadvantaged...

And not being biased, my friend Cherry Pinoy who remains low-key despite her professional achievements, and who discreetly sends little children to school...

There's Francis Jonathan Sumayao spreading the Word of God around the globe through his songs...

And there's the very young and promising Sandra Sanchez, beautiful, modest, unassuming... an epitome of good character and generosity...

There's my brilliant cousin Dr. Rey Oronan, caring for animals and protecting their rights...

There's Atty. Tomas Ballesteros, planting trees, walking miles to green the world...

And of course, there's Bernadette de los Santos, promoting organic farming, living the art of artful recycling, my inspiration, my motivator, my friend...

I am not like any of them. So what I do is to make use of the simple English writing skill Ms. Melinda Besinio taught me in high school. To talk positive about people. To motivate and inspire friends. To honor the education my parents gave and I strived to finish. To promote a cause.

I may be limited, like you are. We may not be excellent artists, good providers to our families, we may not have passion for anything. We may not be as bright and wealthy as the lucky ones. But I bet there is something good inside of us, no matter how small that something is, that we can share. That we can nurture. That we can pay forward.

If Baao is inhabited by people like those I think are the most beautiful, maybe I will start packing my house, leave my job and stay there for the rest of my life.

On a less serious note, maybe it was coincidence that I chose all good-looking people, beautiful inside and out! I love beautiful. Like you and me.

Naga City: a shining light of good governance in the Philippines

I am posting World Bank's full article on Naga City:

June 26, 2009 — It only takes a spark, the old saying goes, to get a fire going. And World Bank Country Director Bert Hofman hopes that the establishment of the Naga City Governance Institute (NCGI) could inspire and trigger a bigger "fire" that would bring about improved governance in other cities and local government units in the country.

WB Country Director Bert Hofman signs a commitment of support and solidarity for the Naga City Governance Institute

Speaking before officials, civil society organizations, civic leaders, and citizens of Naga during the launching of NCGI, Mr. Hofman said that the city “is one of the shining lights of good governance in the country today.”

Naga is the country’s most awarded city, having won around 150 international awards and more than 50 individual awards on effective urban management and good governance. It has received distinction from various government and non-government organizations for providing decent shelter for its urban poor; for developing effective and efficient use of information and communications technology; for promoting good governance; for public service; for being the most business-friendly city; for participatory planning; for good practices and innovations in government procurement; for being clean and green; for being women-friendly; and for being a hall-of-fame awardee on innovation and excellence in local governance.

Only recently, Naga has also been considered one of “the most child-friendly cities” in the country.

Name any award and Naga City has gotten it.

But the challenging question, according to Mr. Hofman, is “How do we scale up the success of Naga and spread it across the country?”

One of the answers, he says, is NCGI. “I think NCGI is the first step in scaling up the success of Naga to other cities, to other municipalities in the Philippines, and to other regions and the rest of the world,” said Mr. Hofman. “It is going to serve as a catalyst and inspiration from which other cities around the country could learn from.”

Naga City Mayor Jesse Robredo said that NGCI is the city’s response to the challenge of growing, promoting, and sustaining local governance innovations in the city and the rest of the Bicol Region. LGUs from outside the Bicol Region are expected to benefit, as many LGU officials and decision-makers are coming to Naga to learn from its experiences. Specifically, the institute will engage in research, training, networking, and advocacy programs to help local government units (LGUs) deal effectively with day-to-day government issues.

Mayor Robredo said that both the Bicol region and the country will be better served if the quality of governance improves at the local level, as it is the key in reducing disparities and inequities among groups and sectors of society. “Good governance is important because it brings communities together in mobilizing resources that promote economic growth and equitable social development that directly benefits the people,” he stressed.

Mr. Hofman said the World Bank Group is willing to work closely with NGCI in terms of exchanging information and views on governance. He also signed a “commitment of support and solidarity” to help NGCI document home-grown best practices, increase best practices, establishing partnerships and advocating for policies that will improve local governance.

“The WB thinks that governance is important in alleviating poverty. The link between good governance, service delivery, and better outcomes for the poor is very strong. That is why the WB is interested in making governance work both at the local and the national level,” Mr. Hofman stressed.

Other personalities who signed the commitment of support and solidarity for NGCI are Blandino Maceda, Regional Director of the Department of Department of Interior and Local Government; Leonor Briones, professor of the National College of Public Administration and Governance; Guillermo Luz of the Ayala Foundation; Harvey Keh, of the Ateneo School of Government; Jaime Jacob, commissioner of the Presidential Ant-Graft Commission; and UP professors Ernesto Serote and Ricardo Nolasco.

They were joined by representatives of Romeo Escandor, Regional Director of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA)-Region V and Fr. Joel Tabora, President of Ateneo de Naga University.

On Making Choices

Today I am both happy and pissed. So I chose to write a bit about what I feel.

I am happy because I finally found what I love to do. My happiness is defined by ME alone. I chose who to marry. I chose my friends. I even chose to burn bridges with those who tried to mess up with my freedom to choose.

And I will continue to do anything based on my own judgment. And I will choose who to listen to.

My new-found sisters I choose to love and support

I choose who to love, who to befriend, who to support. I choose who to help. God knows the reasons behind my choices. Why he allows me to continue? Because He knows those reasons are good, beyond human understanding.

I am pissed. Because with happiness and success come bitter people. Or rather, crabs.

But then again I think it's part of it. So I just choose to wallow in pride and happiness for the people and events that are happening to me right now. These people and events are the choices that I make. And they make me happy.

Speaking of crabs, I can't eat them. They give me allergies.

Pepper Rice, Banoffee and 2 Guys for Dinner

My very good friend Jed and I met on Monday night for dinner. We were supposed to hit Pepper Lunch at Shang but I didn't want to walk that far so I suggested we eat at Sizzlin Pepper Steak at the Megamall Atrium.

Jed had the signature beef pepper rice (my fave):

And I had chicken pepper rice (beef is better, now I know):

It was fun being with an ultra-kind and positive person.

Jed told me Aga felt bad that I didn't greet him on his birthday two weeks earlier. So I sent a belated text greeting. We didn't know he was eating at a nearby resto, alone! Nice coincidence!

We met up and had coffee and banoffee pie! Found a new favorite (I ate another half the day after).

We spent the rest of the evening talking about Aga's new house in QC (which is so nice! job well done, jo!), Jed's upcoming posting abroad (my future ambassador friend, go go go!) and my new ventures - F.A.R.M. and Buttons to Hope. I told them how I really love what I'm doing right now compared to my past business ventures. The difference, Aga said, is that there's CSR in what I do this time. And that's what's giving me the sense of fulfilment.

Corporate social responsibility, hmmm. I want to blog about it! Thank you Bro for these really amazing guys. When I'm with them, I'm usually overjoyed. And I get fatter.

Abandoned (2)

All my life I tried damn hard to be good so he would be proud of me. But I guess I wasn't that good enough.

Papa God, thank you for your overflowing love and understanding. With you, I'd never feel abandoned.

Why Do People Lie?

Came across this interesting article:

Why Do People Lie?

There are various reasons why people lie. Here are some of those...

• When they were young, they try to make up things just to get themselves out of trouble or run away from the punishment of their parents. They escape the fear of being reprimanded because of the mess they got themselves into. That is why they structure stories just to cover it up.


• At some stage in their teenage years, they want to be acknowledged and accepted by their chosen peer. That is the reason why they tend to formulate stuff about themselves just to make them acceptable and presentable to others. They do this because they think this is one way of blending in or making themselves popular.


• As they grow older, their knack in saying false statements becomes more developed. In the workplace when they do not meet their deadlines, their initial action is to tell their superior that they got sick or they had an emergency to attend to at home.


• The dangerous thing about it is that if this becomes a habit, people would not trust them anymore. If lying becomes habitual, they tend to lie about everything - and even lie to cover up an existing lie. They become what you call as compulsive liars. They are the ones who can't resist the lure of lying. They feel they are compelled to lie at any given circumstance.

Mythomania: A Terrible Addiction Of Lying

• Now you know the answer to "why do people lie?" To these people, lying has become an integral part of their life and has become an obsession. They would essentially lie about anything and everything. This addiction really is scary. If truth be told, we call it mythomania.


• Mythomaniacs lie for no explicit reasons. They make up stories to make themselves acceptable and meet other people's standards, and feel good when doing so. Getting informed about the ways to tell if someone is lying can help greatly in warding off mythomaniacs.


• They lie to feed their appetite of lying about almost anything, be it big or small. This is so because the joy of getting away with a lie often propels them to continue their deceptive activities. Mythomaniacs can be very persuasive and convincing, and they have already mastered the art of deceit.


• Grave dishonesty often makes it impossible for us to put our faith on another person who lied. Because the problem of faith is on the line, coming clean about the lie as soon as possible is the best way to fix fences. Know the ways to tell if someone is lying so you don't only know why do people lie, but also know how to avoid being lied to.

I know of some people who I think are mythomaniacs (or close to being one). When I do encounter them, I only do two things:

1) Pretend that I'm listening. and 2) Puke in the ladies room right after.

I'm CRaZY B_TCH today!

Homebody

I am advised by my boss to not come to the office nor work from home because I have a common cold. If I do not work I don't get paid. If I don' get paid for too long we'd go begging in the streets.

Look what this insane AH1N1 publicity is doing to people.

The good thing is, I'm enjoying the 5th day of my forced vacation with my one and only. And that is beyond compensation.

Long, Lazy Weekend

Wala lang, I suddenly felt I ran out of blog ideas for CRaZYB.

Anyways, I have four days off this weekend. On Thursday, I was down and felt flu was starting to get me. I chose to stay at home to give consideration to my colleagues who are leaving for mission next week. I couldn't afford spreading the virus especially now that everyone's uber-paranoid with the confirmed case of AH1N1 in the office. But good thing mine's the nasty, regular flu I get many times in a year. I asked my titas who are leaving for the States Sunday if they were willing to have lunch with me despite my sneezing and occassional coughing. They didn't mind so we went out for lunch at my fave Italian resto, Amici.

Went back home early afternoon and had leisurely walk around the village with my hyperactive Abram. No matter how I wanted to isolate myself from him, I just couldn't evade the joy of being close to him.

I rested on Friday but had to bring Abram to the barber by late afternoon. It was his fifth haircut. Unlike the first time, when he was really at ease, the succeeding visits were difficult. The sight of Cuts for Tots alone was already pain for him. The toys hardly helped. Torture it is for him everytime, but what can we do? Good thing there were Josie and Yaya Rose to assist. I was hiding the whole time.

An hour at Gymboree and half an hour at Timezone made him forget the challenging experience.

Josie suggested I buy Abram a pair of flip-flops (without the back straps) so he could get used to it. He is in Crocs all the time. You see, sometimes I forget buying the essential stuff. I was amazed Abram's feet have grown really big. This one's his third pair of Havaianas. Parang pang first grader na. Lookee:

Today's my time to be lazy. But I've been sitting in front of the computer for hours already. I hope the sneezing goes away soon. Btw, I didn't have fever, just sinat on the first day. Tomorrow's another day with relatives. Monday, hopefully, is back to work for me.

Crazy Busy Me

I miss writing in Crazy Beautiful. The past weeks have been hectic. Hmmm, I have to admit I kinda neglected CB because I had to update the FARM blog everyday - and that is either during lunch break or Abram's daddy-time in the evening. Anyways, I had highs and lows as usual.

• My cousin Alfred returned to Alberta the other week after a month vacation in Manila, Bicol and Bohol. I was so impressed by his perseverance at work - from being a crew, he was promoted to manager (surpassing two levels) in less than a year of working in McDonalds Edmonton. And he's bringing his family to Canda next year! Im so proud of you, Pid. And by the way, he had real quality time with his wife that another baby is on the way!

• I was in crying mode the past week as my favorite nephew Justin and his mom and lola moved to Bicol after daddy Alfred left for Canada. I'm missing my first son Chum-Chum a lot! Can't imagine how it would be like when he leaves for Canada for good.

  

• Then it was Abby's time to go. Abby's been my reliable yaya and (personal assistant, hehe) for almost two years. Although she had shortcomings, I could stay cool and less worried with her around the house. She practically knows everything, especially my needs and wants and do's and dont's. So it was hard letting her go. Abby will continue college this semester and I am proud and supportive of her. Haaay, goodbyes.

• New yaya came two weeks before Abby left - I imposed a transition phase. After three weeks she needed to leave and I let her. The poor lady was beset by marital and financial problems back home and we realized it was difficult for us to keep her. We were scared she might snap. She took nothing from us but my sis-in-law's Victoria's Secret bra!

• For a few days we had to be home early as our other kasama Josie is on day shift only. Another yaya came late last night so I haven't had the chance to interview her. I hope she is the one na.

• I got a really nice-special-expensive-shocking-unexpected gift from a friend which I'm loving a lot! Thanks thanks thanks my fairy godsister!

• My honey wore his chef hat on Saturday for his simple birthday dinner at home with close friends. Have to go back to the gym this week after eating these:

• We attended, for the first time, the annual family day of KAIBA (an organization of Baaoenos based in Manila) on Sunday to promote F.A.R.M. bracelets.
  

  

Crazy Busy, that's me.

Sister's Day Out

Spent Wednesday last week with our dear ole Lola Madre.

Buying Spanish books with favorite apo - she'll teach school kids the language

Well-deserved lunch of caesar's salad, pasta and pizza at Amicci

Non-stop chika time

and some exercise, too!

Visit us again grandma!