Sunday, May 31, 2009

Ohana's Review

Finally! Popoy is posing here with a plate of chicken barbecue & pork barbecue... with the weirdest soup I have ever heard- Beef soup with SPAM on top. Our verdict: 2 stars out of 5. It was kind of disappointing really. The barbecue sauce marinade they used is too commercial tasting... like that in Tokyo tokyo. What I actually enjoyed, believe it or not, was the weird soup with SPAM. The noodles were crisp and the SPAM, well, you know what that takes like, YUM!!! I'm probably not gonna crave this. The ambiance is nice though, really makes you feel like summer.


Speaking of summer, we are in it's last few rays, as the skies are always cloudy and the rain just pours in the afternoon. the coolness is a welcome break. I just love curling in bed when it's raining. Zzzzz....


The rain made me late last saturday, when me and my classmates from Nihongo agreed to meet. Oh it was so nice to see everybody again! I have to say everyone is BLOOMING. Everyone doing well. ofcourse we talked about so girl stuff as we are all girls. Some talked about motherhood... and we that are single, well, e di pinagsabihan! (they lectured us!) I cannot believe Mhay our friend even said "AT YOUR AGE, you should be seeing long term relationships" heller???!!! Am just 26 yrs :p That's how Filipinos are, FYI.
Here's my godchild KenKen, Mhay his mom is so proud of her. He's beginning to be 'makulit' though... but she is glad he is healthy.
Btw, watch TERMINATOR, well worth the ticket : ) best I like so far. Christian Bale's signature husky voice in batman is showing here though! :p Night at the Museum 2 I think is better than the first one. but then, I can wait for the DVD release of this. I'm excited about Ice Age and Harry Potter.
cheers!
ro_oan

Saturday, May 23, 2009

Scrabble Rabble & Brigada Eskwela

It has been an eventful FRiDaY & SaTurday for me.
Last Friday, I joined a game of scrabble sponsored by our office. I remember rushing at 5:00pm to leave the office and hailed a taxi ride to get me to the head office by 6:00pm. And since Our Lord heared my prayer, I was at Makati in 30 minutes (really such a miracle!). My team mate consists of Mackie from Training and Kaycel, a fellow SSA from Cypress Branch. Kaycel run late and was really scared she couldn't make it. She did. She also prayed hard on the way :p We called ourselves Team Violet, as we are all a fan of that color.

I had to smile when I remember the humor of it all. Thing is, I was the one who invited them to play scrabble. Both were a bit hesistant in joining, but because I was persistent in asking them to join, they finally agreed. When we were at the table playing, surprise, surprise! They can think words faster than me AND they scored high scores! We even won TOP in the first round :p hahaha! Papilit pa kayo ha! :D (hmph! hard to get!) My role? Easy. After every turn I just say "Final Answer" to our proctor :D hehe

Unfortunately during the second round, we lost a turn as we found out there is no QUO word accebtable in the scrabble dictionary. In any case, we all didn't mind, because we all enjoyed playing! Am hoping to still join next year : )



Saturday was another kind of game. I attended another company sponsored event. It is an outreach program by Sunlife Foundation called: Brigada Eskwela or in English is simply translated School Brigade. My company Sunlife called on employees to volunteer and help clean and paint classrooms of public school.

Our school was in Taguig, about 15 minutes frive from our Head Office in Makati. We grouped ourselves into 8. With us, Marge- SSA for Visayas Mindanao Area, Irene- SSA for Genus Pine NBO, Mackie (yup same mackie from the scrabble team) & Maimai from training, Karess- SSA for Evergreen NBO and his boyfriend Allen, and there's me- Roan- SSA for Red Oak NBO with my boyfriend Popoy. The most challenging feat for all of us was painting 69 chairs, 25 tables and 3 sets of windows! I have paint on my pants, shirt, hands... it was tiring to tell you the truth but so much worth it in the end! We didn't just help the school save in Painting Cost and Labor, we also just 'bonded' with each other. It was so much fun.

I've always admired that. The feeling of Community. If only that feeling can transcend into the whole world! No discrimination! Everyone is at Peace with one another and Joyfully living. *Sigh* when will it happen in this world....

Maybe, PEACE is what HEAVEN really is.

ro_oan

Monday, May 18, 2009

Gaining Weight

I thought I was immune to the 'weight' issue until this year, I gained 9 pounds, and people noticed. Although not immediately noticeable, I do have rounder cheeks, a double chin, tight fitting slacks and my legs are just... (for a lack of a better term) thicker.

It began slowly from July of last year 2008. Changing to a less demanding job much nearer my residence definitely took its toll (More time to eat fried rice in the morning!), more time for breaks too. And as my boyfriend finally came here to Manila, we had more dates therefore more time in dining out. And let's just face it, I love to eat! Getting older isn't helping as metabolism do get slower. Plus, I am being a lazy cat when it comes to exercise.

There, there, too many factors... the end result still the same. I gained. And people started telling me "ang taba mo na" (you grew fat).

People at my current job couldn't care less. They haven't seen me two years ago or early last year, they really have nothing to compare. But they don't call me FAT. Because I'm not really. (wouldn't you agree?). Yet people who have known me before exclaim when they see me "ang taba mo na!" (you're so fat!) and they go through the litany of how my family is "tabain" (easy to gain weight).

At first, I just shrugged the comments of. And actually liked the idea I gained, my face isn't too long and haggard, the rounder face compliment me... which is much more ideal right. And besides, I'd rather be chubby than skinny.

When I realized I was talking like that, I realized that I am judgemental after all. That YES, I do care about how I look like... if I was acceptable. I CARE ABOUT LOOKING GOOD. I too am affected by society's standard of how women are supposed to look... the hair, the boobies, the abs, the legs, everything!

And I thought I was comfortable with my weight. I guess, I don't really know how 'weightier' people really felt like and how reality shows like THE BIGGEST LOSER really is a big change for people to change. I used to be like "what's the fuzz on losing weight?" not until you've actually gained some can you really understand.

No am not desperate that I'll be bolimic or anorexic. I just want to share my enlightenment on this. At the end, it's still a question of self-esteem.

ro_oan

Visiting the Cataniags and a Taste of Lasagna Pizza


A bit shy with our visit to distant relatives... have you felt that way? I absolutely do not know who they are. They are my cousins. My grandfather and their grandfather are brothers. Still, because I lived exclusively in the rurban Cainta, and they in the province of Abra, we absolutely don't know them. Have you ever felt like an alien in family reunions? I do. Small talks. Yet, they are important, our lives intertwined by blood!

My middle name is Catanyag and theirs is a different spelling catan"I"ag, apparently, Mamay Julian (their grandfather) got involved in some political problem where he is servicing as a driver for a district engineer. I thought this only happens in movies :p



Last Sunday, we went to pizza hut and tried the Viva Lasagna Pizza. Our verdict: 3 stars. Overkill of pasta on the pizza, and it lacks the taste of spices. If you're a tomato paste lover, then this is the pizza for you.




Hay. Am still hoping to eat at Ohana Hawiian Barbecue...

Friday, May 15, 2009

Angels & Demons Opening Night and Funny Mall Finds


Jampacked! (did I spell that right???) I hurried on my way to Glorietta Mall after office. Arrived at 6:15pm and this is what I see... A hundred people lined up to watch! 3 cinemas are showing Angels & Demons, still the earliest we can get is 9:40pm and the last full show is 11:40pm. I don't like sitting in the front rows as I get a bit too dizzy and my neck just hurts from cranking my neck up into the large screen. But, there's no more seats available, so I had to pick the 2nd row. The theater was FULL! I realized that when, while the movie was showing, the screen went blank and the sound stopped. ARGH! Technical problem at the middle of the movie?! And it happened TWICE! *#^#*^@^!!! Everybody just booed! It took about 2 minutes before the movie resumed again. Kainis!

I liked the movie I have to say, more than Da Vinci Code. The plot and the urgency of unraveling the mystery is much more real. It lacked the elaboration though, on what the anti-matter or the 'god-particle' really was and how come vatican is afraid it will be made known. Less computer graphics I think... but this is much more realistic.

We commented a lot, that's how I watch movies and I think Popoy also acquired the habit. We say things like: 'he's not the killer' or 'he's probably throwing the anti matter in to the crowd' stuff like that, to ourselves. But a man in front of us said "excuse me, sssshhhhhh!!!" HAHA! that was funny. We got shhhhdddd :p I can't blame him, I really do know people that hates that. that's why I don't ask them to go with me to the cinema! Seriously, we were speaking to ourselves and not loudly! Sorry mister if you want quiet, watch in your own home!


I had Popoy take a picture of me wearing this hat from Tickles, Chowchow hat! Chow is my term of endearment to him and it was nice to see a cute little hat like that!

Plans to go to Baclaran might be pushed to a next date... argh. I wanted to go there and try to find beads and locks. Am thinking of stringing some bracelets and necklaces. Guess it will have to wait. Hm... maybe I'll try looking for beads in Taytay. I do hope they have some there.

ro_oan








Thursday, May 14, 2009

Painting in Publisher plus Rear View Mirror Butingting (decors)



I am so proud of myself! hehe :p I made this pic using microsoft publisher. seriously, am so happy with the outcome. I didn't think I can make a print like this. This is a collection of pictures of friends from my home subdivision of St. Anthony. This is Nikka's birthday, her mommy- shann is so happy with the picture. I'm glad I was able to make her feel that way. Printed out some copies to distribute to the others.


Since I felt I was on a roll, made one more! :p this time using pictures of me and my boyfriend- Popoy. Introducing my boyfriend, Aaron Paul Aparici! :p These pix are taken from different trips we made- in Camiguin, EK, CME, Manila Ocean Park, etc. The cards theme is inspired by a card he gave me... and we both like to play cards too, especially Pyat-pyat... a variation of Pusoy. The text came from the card he gave me, and I think it captures our relationship perfectly.

I was able to get a ride with my brother this morning. I just noticed the rosary in his rear view mirror. Common for many private vehicles here. Taxis and jeepneys have a whole new level at this, as they mix chinese good luck charms, stuff toys and pictures of saints. I'm just curious... wonder if itis like this in other countries...

Tonight we will be watching 'Angels & Demons', for sure there will be a LOT of people in the cinemas. Today is pay day plus it's a much awaited movie! I'll have to rush to Glorietta afterwork to reserve tickets for 9:40pm. Can you believe that's the earliest available?!

Wearing my new shoes today, feeling fabulous, hehe. Even did my nails last night, atleast to compliment right. Am not so good doing it on my own though, especially the application of the polish. the ones on my hands aren't too good! I couldn't get a professional do it... came home too late last night.

Weekend coming up... Might be going out with the family on saturday. I want to go to Baclaran though... tell you why tomorrow. Yehey! TGIF! Thank God it's Friday!

ro_oan

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Office View and Eating Alone


I usually get to the office first, it has perks :p I get to look down at the street from the 30th floor and drink coffee. I guess I'm one of those people that like to start the morning lazy and quiet. ssshhh! don't tell my boss ;)



Yesterday I got so much blessings. Materialistically I mean. My branch manager was kind enough to give me a thousand sodexho gc from the bonus she got from having direct agents who reached the quota (we're selling insurance by the way). And then one of the agents from the branch gave me a birthday gift (May 1st is my birthday), Guess wallet. Here in the Philippines, owning one is quite prestigious. It's not excatly designer, but still is considered 'branded'.

Ofcourse, I couldn't contain myself. Went off to the mall to buy new shoes! (much to the disbelief of my boyfriend). Sorry! I love shoes I can't help it! and besides, evergirl should have a decent pair of tanned sandals. don't you agree? Was able to buy one from Celine.



On the way home I got a bit hungry. I passed by Ohana Hawian Barbecue. This food chain I've passed so many times but still wasn't able to try the place out. I was contemplating on getting dinner... but the thought of eating at a new place ALONE is lonely! I'm so used to having my boyfriend with me to do that. This should be in our itinerary...




I ended up buying a Blizzard from DQ (the line was too long on the station, and I walked all the way from Megamall to Robinson's!). I wasn't too happy though. I tried the new flavor they have "Almond Pleasure" The texture of the whole thing isn't right! the almond and vanilla ice cream was fine. But the chocolate (the one that gives a thin, smooth coat on a swirlie cone) is just wrong. Then they placed coconut with it! I just didn't like at all. Should have gotten Caramal Cashew!


I want my Caramel and Cashew Blizzard!!!

ro_oan

How to think like a Millionaire and Working Photoshop's Magic


Listening to that Close Up theme song by Paolo Santos. It's been a while, like this song's melody and guitar playing.

My boss had me read this book "How to think like a Millionaire and Get Rich" by Howard Hill. 1995 edition, was bought for only Ps. 59. That's like a dollar. Developed a habit too of not taking off prices from books i buy. It's just surprising to see how books are so much cheaper before. The peso-dollar value ofcourse is the reason. Funny huh, how a little something like a book price shows you a glimpse of the better economic situation the Philippines had. Anyway, read this line I really like from the book: You go either forward to complete fulfillment, or you slip backward into mediocrity and merely vegetate.

Exactly my sentiment!

Bought Adobe Photoshop software yesterday and installed. I used to know how to work it... the basics. Yet last night, i just went blank! Argh, I couldn't remember a thing. Still trying to poke around... was able to try and fix this pic I had with my godchild- Kristoff. My dark circles in the original pic was pretty bad (looked like a raccoon really!) it's still pretty dark here though. Pwede na rin (this could work). I'm just too lazy to read the instructions in HELP. Wonder if there's a tutorial of this....
ro_oan

Monday, May 11, 2009

Vaccination with Harry Potter and Isang Timbang Ligo

So I had my first HPV shot last friday. No looking at the nurse... more specifically at the needle . For some reason while she's injecting, I recounted stories from the harry potter series. No particular order, just scenes. Particularly liked the one where Sirius was riding off on a hippogriff to escape being executed by a Dementor's kiss . Talk about coping mechanism. This is effective while taking a trip to the dentist. Searing pain on the upper left arm, then a numb feeling. Yes, it's over! I can't raise my arm though! arrrgghhh. Even unto the next day. Sunday it felt a lot better. Today, monday, no more pain. I'll have to do this again next month >.<

A new challenge this morning. No water!!! Apparently, there was a rupture in a pump somewhere. They're still fixing it. Ofcourse there was no notice. No preparation at all to save water in containers. And so... how will I take a bath??!!! Isang timbang tubig lang kaya! (With just one pale of water!) I can't even describe. Will leave that to your imagination.

ro_oan