Thursday, December 31, 2009

Year Ender

Today, the last day of 2009, has been very interesting. I did some grocery shopping, sent gifts to friends and got into a little driving blunder when my cousin was parking my aunt's car.

No one was hurt but the vehicle got scratched on the side. It's the same car that got into a more major car accident two weeks ago and will be getting fixed once the police reports, insurance papers and other requirements get finalized. What a way to end the year.



But that's not all that happened.

Two words: The Chef.

Just when I thought he's about to become a distant memory of 2009.



Happy Happy New Year! Good, good vibes for us all!

literarybulimia@gmail.com

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Mega


Greetings from the very busy and crowded SM Megamall!

I'm currently in The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf and this guy who was such a great lay is seated a couple of feet away from me. I don't know if he's avoiding me or just doesn't remember me but he's completely not looking at my direction. What's wrong with a 'hi' or a nod? We saw each other in this same mall some time after we had some fun and everything seemed friendly and good.

Anyway, whatev.

Today's main goal for hitting the mall is to finally buy running shoes. I've been wanting to go running whenever I have time but I always ended up getting distracted by other baubles so I'd go home with everything but running shoes. I got motivated because I have stopped going to the gym ever since I got those nasty shingles on my back. I have theorized to have gotten it from that sub-standard establishment. So I thought runnning would be a good alternative until I find a better gym that isn't too expensive.



I got a pair of those Nike shoes with the iPod chip slate or someting inside the sole. I got them on sale. My gawd, running shoes are so expensivo! No wonder some people remain fat!

In other news, I've been so fed up with work lately so I'm thinking of going on a vacation next month. If only I would win Nuffnang's GlutaMAX contest! One of the prizes is a trip to Hong Kong. I'd love to go back there.

Here's to grander, healthier, happier days! Viva 2010! Happy happy new year!

P.S.
Kudos to Mega for the fast wireless Internet connection. Eyelove.

literarybulimia@gmail.com

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

The New Me


Emo no more!



GlutaMAX, See the Results.

literarybulimia@gmail.com

Thursday, December 24, 2009

Beyond Hectic


Jeezus I don't even know where to begin talking about how cramped I have been with things to do. So far, I'm 99.9% done with Christmas shopping after God knows how many trips to the mall. I've also attended three Christmas parties as of writing.

The yuletide season is exciting and fun but I now totally get how The Grinch came about.

Anyway, the parentals (plus little cousin) flew in today. So that's great. Too bad I'm not feeling so well right now. All the stress I've been under lately has taken its toll on my health.

Here's a couple of pictures from the past week.


Probably the most stressful part of Christmas is shopping for gifts. The malls are packed crazy and the pressure to give the most ideal gifts to friends and family doesn't help. I'm glad I only have two more to get.


Once... twice... three times the waiter. This is me looking like a part of the catering crew at our Monte Carlo themed Christmas party at the SMX. I only stayed for 2 hours because I wasn't feeling very well.



Last night, Jules, Robbie and I had our own little Christmas party as well at Chili's. I really had fun. Nothing beats dinner with friends and hefty servings of sinful, calorific food.



Tomorrow, I'm planning to whip up three dishes for our little Christmas eve feast. So good luck to me.

Gawd, I so want to be at the beach on New Year's. Whatev.

Happy holidays guys! Gotta go. I have to wrap our yaya's gift.

Update: I ruined our helper's present. I'm so fucking stupid I swear! I cut a whole on the sleeve while wrapping her blouse! Ugh!

literarybulimia@gmail.com

Saturday, December 19, 2009

This Morning

I hate my job I hate my job I hate my job I hate my job I hate my job I hate my job I hate my job I hate my job I hate my job I hate my job I hate my job I hate my job I hate my job I hate my job I hate my job I hate my job I hate my job I hate my job I hate my job I hate my job I hate my job I hate my job I hate my job I hate my job I hate my job I hate my job I hate my job I hate my job I hate my job I hate my job I hate my job I hate my job I hate my job I hate my job I hate my job I hate my job I hate my job I hate my job I hate my job I hate my job I hate my job I hate my job I hate my job I hate my job I hate my job I hate my job I hate my job I hate my job I hate my job I hate my job I hate my job I hate my job I hate my job I hate my job I hate my job I fucking, fucking, fucking, fucking, fucking, hate my fucking job.

I fantasize about leaving work right now, two hours after coming in, and never returning again. Or I can do it more professionally by passing my resignation letter today. Ahh, dreams.

literarybulimia@gmail.com

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Rock It Well


So after over three months of living under my bed, I took out my "astronaut shoes" and wore them outside for the very first time. I went to Rockwell today to buy gifts and other things. It was the perfect opportunity to take them out for a spin.



Made mainly for skaters, these shoes are really comfortable. So I didn't mind walking around back and forth, up and down. And I love it that Rockwell has such a laid back yet exciting atmosphere. It's a departure from the chaos that ensue in other malls especially during the holiday season.

Then there's the issue with the restrooms. I think Rockwell and Greenbelt have the cleanest and most well equipped restrooms.


Check out the neat hand dryers in the newly renovated restrooms on the 2nd(?) level. The only other time I saw one of these was early this year in Disneyland HK.


The latest issue of Plant Magazine is out.

Gawd, I'd totally live in this neighborhood (Rockwell Residences) if I were rich enough. The area is just so attractive. It's in Makati but tucked away from the busy district and it's embedded in lush greenery and tall buildings alike.


Anyway, my gift shopping is nearing completion. Hopefully by tomorrow, I'll be 100% done.



Today's look: Bag from Nike, shirt from Topman, pants from Cheap Monday and shoes from Supra.

I bought the bag last night. I realized the one I got from 5cm a couple of weeks ago will not be ideal for the obstacle course that I go through everyday when going to work and home later in the day. This backpack however is very promising. Even my laptop fits inside.

It's 4 am and my head is throbbing. Good night.

P.S.
Some celebrity sightings at Rockwell:
Katrina Legarda at National Bookstore
TJ Trinidad at People R People
Toni Gonzaga (and her boyfriend) at Topman

literarybulimia@gmail.com

Sunday, December 13, 2009

The Annual Christmas Blues

What is wrong with me? Christmas is less than two weeks away yet I really can't feel the "joy" of the season. It sometimes escapes me even that it's actually the holidays. I barely notice the tree in the living room, which is pretty big, Christmas songs make me lonely, and even the gift shopping that I did last week just stressed me out. For once, I'd like to take a break from being so fucking stressed out and somber and enjoy this time of the year---you know, get excited again to open gifts, prepare outfits for the midnight mass, and ham!

Christmas spirit? More like Christmas pressures.

Good thing the parentals are visting.

literarybulimia@gmail.com

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Pictionary: Rock Couture

Here's a few photos from Sunday night's debauchery at Encore (formerly Embassy) where we celebrated our Christmas party.








I didn't expect to have that much fun but I actually enjoyed the party a lot. Guess you really can't go wrong with the dancing + drinking + friends formula.

Thanks to Moya and TJ for the pictures.

literarybulimia@gmail.com

Saturday, December 05, 2009

Project Head Candy



The project that I've been losing sleep over is finally done.



This is for my sister. She will be wearing it to their Christmas party next week.



I love Carolina's! I got almost all of the materials there except for the feathers which I tore off a hairband.



Pretty cute eh? I now accept orders. Please pay in cash, card, GCs or cell phone load. JK.

literarybulimia@gmail.com

Thursday, December 03, 2009

Greetings From Rockwell



Hello there! I'm live blogging from the lovely and nicely-lit Rockwell Powerplant Mall! Hahah...

It's the first time for me to bring my computer outside by the way. God knows how much frustration I went through before finally getting my laptop connected. I had a little problem figuring out the Internet provider/server(?) here which is WiGO. Anyway, I'm not that technologically stupid after all since I'm finally able to get online--that's after the battery completely lost charge so I'm recharging right now. God bless Seattle's Best.

I didn't really intend to go out today since I already did so yesterday but my parents called me earlier asking me to buy them shirts from Collezione so I changed my mind.

As you know, these shirts with the Philippine map are very popular now. And I learned today that you can actually have yours customized. They'll let you select the colors of the shirts and the thread for the embroidery. How neat! Plus the sales reps here are very friendly.




I also picked up some stuff for my sister's head piece that I've been working on.

There's a lot of people shopping today. I should be doing some Christmas shopping myself but all I've been able to buy are things for myself. Maybe when I get my 13th month pay I'll be able to buy gifts.

Gotta go!

Update: Just got home. I'd like to commend the taxi driver of Don Brill PXL 829 who was very nice and honest. His mete works perfectly which is rare among cabs these days. Good vibes!

literarybulimia@gmail.com

Wednesday, December 02, 2009

Bye Bangs

After months of sporting the longish, emo do, I finally had it chopped.


I miss having hair to cover half of my face when I try to hide from the world in the middle of the crowd or how it gets messy when the wind blows. But I need a new look so I marched into Piandre right after work last night.


The stylist actually cut it too short which freaked me out but I'm over bitching about it. I may have to actually  take time and use products on my hair now though.





Watchuthink?

literarybulimia@gmail.com

Monday, November 30, 2009

Random Rants

Red Ribbon Day


Tomorrow's World AIDS Day. As the line goes, "Spread the word, not the virus."

As for me, well, I've been restraining myself from playing around. It's been weeks and believe me it's really not easy. I've been trying to divert my attention and energy by hanging out more with friends and by doing a little shopping.

A Bag Problem

I've been looking for a good bag recently and unfortunately, there's really not a lot of choices. So the other day, after my follow-up consultation with the doctor, I roamed around Megamall and bought this 5cm bag partially out of impulse. It's the last piece so I kind of panicked. I've been eyeing on the black version of it but that one's already gone.


Not bad right?

The trusty bag that I've been using almost everyday for nearly 2 years now is so worn out it's embarrassing. It served me very well though.


This bag has been everywhere with me.

The new bag is really nice but I don't know if I can use it everyday when I go to work. I was stupid enough not to notice that it doesn't have a zipper or any sort of closure on top. Ugh. But I'll figure it out.

Music Musings

Check out the Beyonce-Lady Gaga collaboration for "Video Phone" here. Unfortunately, it's not as spectacular as I thought it would be.

I love Leighton Meester's new song! "Somebody to Love" is a smooth, sultry pop song that also features Robin Thicke's sexy vocals. The video's pretty hot too.

Another song that I have on repeat is "Power's Out" by Nicole Scherzinger and Sting. It's a beautiful duet fit for these hard times.


literarybulimia@gmail.com

Thursday, November 26, 2009

Downtown

Today I went to Quiapo and Divisoria with my friend Jen to pick up some materials for the hat that I'm planning to make for my sister (don't ask).


Quiapo. It's amusing how this place is bustling with so much life. It's a shame I couldn't get a better picture because we all know cell phones disappear in a flash around this area.

As expected, the trip was exhausting but still fun. Here's a few memorable moments in quotes:

"Bom! Bom! Bom!"
It's the lady vendor at Divi singing 'Boom Boom Pow'.

"Liveshow! Liveshow o, liveshow!"
I assumed this man was inviting everyone to come inside the dimly lit doorway somewhere in Recto. A few steps ahead, we saw a similar "establishment". Outside were pictures of scantily clad ladies. Gawd, I didn't know these things actually exist. And they operate in broad daylight!

"Wala po tayong tawiran sa gitna! Tawid kayo ng tawid! Mga tangaaa!"
He screamed like crazy to all the jaywalkers including yours truly. I swear to god I thought this traffic enforcer was losing it. My friend and I got lost in the middle of chaos that is Divisoria so we just followed everybody else. Everyone ignored him by the way.


He sells snakes by the sidewalk.

By sunset, after endless walking, the only thing I got is a pack of hair clips. We were either looking at the wrong places or Divi had a shortage of tulle today.

At the end of our unproductive trip, we decided to meet up with another friend, Hanna, who's visiting for a week. Not even the bumper-to-bumper traffic, noise and air pollution and the feeling of being filthy could stop us from dropping by Robinson's Manila for a little reunion. Not only did we get to catch up, I also got most of the materials for the hat/head piece.

P.S.
Anyone heard of Astrotel? It's like a Startrek-inspired hotel somewhere in Quiapo. Sounds interesting.

literarybulimia@gmail.com

Monday, November 23, 2009

Wake Up Call (Part 2)



I was literally shaking when the envelope containing my test result was handed to me. I was relieved upon reading 'Non-reactive' but I just had to see a doctor to have it interpreted anyway.

It's like a second chance or something. I'm not about to live a virtuous life but there will definitely be changes. I'm so thankful.

literarybulimia@gmail.com

Saturday, November 21, 2009

Wake Up Call (Part 1)



To say that the past weeks were insane would be a big understatement. It has been grueling, nerve wracking and it may just be the most difficult, depressing exprerience in a very long time.

As I have mentioned, I've had tonsilitis side by side with herpes zoster within the same week. A few days before these maladies surfaced, I met Mark. He and I had a good time together and had quite an interesting conversation which led to the discussion about HIV and AIDS.

After doing some research online, I stumbled upon some articles that indicate herpes zoster and swollen lymph nodes are some of the possible symptoms of HIV. Naturally, I was stunned. Each piece of information seemed to point at one direction. I got concerned so I did even more research.

After a week of meeting Mark and suffering from tonsilitis and herpes zoster plus a lot of research on the Internet, I was a wreck. I started recalling instances when I wasn't being careful enough. Out of the many exploits I've indulged in, I could recall five to be unsafe.

I started talking to friends who also got worried. But being the good friends that they are, everybody assured me that it's surely just me and that everything's ok. It comforted me how they said I'm just overreacting but some of them still encouraged me to get tested.

I did want to get tested as soon as possible but I had to wait for a couple of days due to a tight work schedule.

In the course of almost two weeks, I couldn't stop thinking about how I would tell my situation to my family in case I find out I am HIV positive. I haven't even come out to my parents about my sexuality yet and now, HIV?! How would they deal about this double whammy? How the hell am I supposed to spend the rest of my life knowing that I may go a lot sooner than everybody else?

I also got to thinking about how I've been living this past few years. While I wouldn't call my lifestyle wild, I have been subjecting myself to a lot of risks and haven't been 100% careful either.

I went to church this Sunday after work. I also prayed every night and every morning. I even asked the few friends that I confided in to say some prayers for me as well.

At first, it seemed like a far fetched idea since I have been careful almost all the time. But the thing is it only takes one time. I was reminded I am not invincible. And I exposed myself to great risks---for what, a few minutes' worth of fun and pleasure?

I imagined the guys I would call (after not being in touch for so long) to inform them and suggest that they get tested as well in the event the result turns out to be positive. I tried to be optimistic by thinking of the "perks" like having an interesting story worthy of a book or even a reality show! I also thought of getting involved with an organization and help spread awareness about HIV/AIDS. The thought of me having a clear purpose and direction in life somehow made the whole ordeal bearable.

This Wednesday, I finally went. Before getting my blood sample, the nurse(?) briefed me about what would happen in case I turn out to be HIV positive. He told me not to panic and coordinate with them. They would then refer me to the government for a reconfirmation test and help me out with the insurance. He also informed me that they will not divulge the matter to my company as there had been cases where the employer lets go of an employee upon learning the latter was HIV positive.

I was anxiously filling up the form (the one that has questions like "Multiple sex partners?") when this nurse continued to talk about the possibilities. He kept emphasizing that I should never panic and told me that they once had a patient who committed suicide after getting the unfortunate test result.

Once done with the procedure, he told me to get the result after three days. The experience is far from over.


literarybulimia@gmail.com

Sunday, November 15, 2009

Legendary

This man is incredible. He's like up there with the Tiger Woods, Michael Jordans, Michael Phelps and the rest of the record-breaking sports luminaries.


I hope Cotto's doing alright. He got beaten up pretty badly.

Congratulations Manny! Not sure about your political intentions but your athleticism is phenomenal. You make us extremely proud.


Photo: pacquiaovscotto.com

literarybulimia@gmail.com

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Orgagasmic

And she does it again.

I resisted to post another video but it's too sick I just can't stop myself.



The song is catchy, the dancing is hot, and the fashion, jeezus (McQueen S/S 2010!). This will be hard to top.


literarybulimia@gmail.com

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Health Woes

My back is not completely well yet. And as if the swelling is not bad enough, just yesterday, disgusting rashes have started to spread on the same area. This shit is very disconcerting.

But it doesn't end there. Just the other night I had to see the doctor again. For the nth time this year, I once again have tonsilitis. My parents are concerned and suggested that I undergo a tonsilectomy. But I'm scared of the general anaesthesia.

Just last week, I was hanging out with this guy and we got to talking about STDs until he told me I should get an HIV test (he gets it yearly). I didn't really give it that much thought until this past couple of days. Dont't get me wrong, I do play safe but there's about five times when I foolishly didn't (the condom broke once).

I highly doubt it but can HIV detected through a CBC blood test? Can it least manifest any signs? My company physical exam tests turned out good.

Gawd, the paranoia is killing me.

literarybulimia@gmail.com

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

The New Just Dance

Love this.



P.S.
I got my new computer today. My Aunt gave it to me. Awesomeness.

literarybulimia@gmail.com

Saturday, November 07, 2009

Brokeback

One of the things I hate doing is spending money on medicines. But I had no choice today as my back has been killing me.

According to the doctor, I strained a muscle located right below the right shoulder blade. The damn thing has been bothering me for two days now. The swelling has been getting worse. I'm suspecting it was caused by not doing enough stretching before pumping iron at the gym last Wednesday.-- Maybe I should switch to running?

Hopefully, this gets well very soon. Until then, I'm downing pills for dessert.

literarybulimia@gmail.com

Wednesday, November 04, 2009

Too Much Hype, Too Bad

If I were younger and less jaded I would've been scared to death by Paranormal Activity. But knowing that it's just a movie pulled down the thrill factor for me. The entire time, I kept wondering how they shot the scenes and shit like that.

Don't get me wrong, it had some freaky scenes. The part where the girl said, "I think we're going to be ok now" is very disturbing.

I'm not totally disappointed because it honestly doesn't suck but it's really a bad idea to watch a movie with so much expectations. I wanted PA to mess with my mind and keep me from sleeping but it didn't.

I watched the movie half past midnight. Maybe I should've turned the light off? Maybe the alternate ending is more my type of terror?

Anyhow, watch it (alone, during the night just like I did, but with the lights off) and tell me what you think.

literarybulimia@gmail.com

Tuesday, November 03, 2009

Paranormal Activity

Ok, so I just got a copy of this movie--from a sidewalk along Buendia no less (sorry Optical Media Board, curiosity can't wait). I may or may not watch it later tonight. It's literally in my bag right now. I was thinking of watching it in a theater but I'm not even sure if it's going to be shown here in the third world.


It's been a while since I've been scared shitless by a horror movie so I hope this one doesn't disappoint. Blair Witch Project is the first thing that I recall giving me major creeps and that's a long time ago. Both movies have the same mockumentary treatment.

This should be a good post-Halloween scare if it lives up to the buzz.

literarybulimia@gmail.com

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Market! Market!



Today I went to Market! Market! specifically to drop by the Artwork store to register for their t-shirt design contest. I found out about it when I passed by their branch in Glorietta 5 this weekend. The G5 store already ran out of registration forms and shirts so the sales staff instructed me to visit the one in Market! Market! since they still had some left then.

I love The Fort and I've been there a lot of times before but this is only my second time in Market! Market! since it's not really a favorite hang-out of mine. So just imagine my disappointment upon finding out that the Artwork store also already ran out of contest supplies. The staff suggested that I can go to the Bicutan branch but there's no way in hell that it's happening. MM alone is already a stretch.

Despite the unexcitement of walking around the very crowded mall aimlessly, I found a few pleasant surprises within MM.

(Sorry about the quality of the pictures. I didn't bring a camera and I was trying to be as discrete as possible.)


Is it called Superbench because it's super big?

First off, MM has got to have the biggest Bench store I've ever been in. It's like a little department store complete with footwear and toiletries.

Then there's Mental. I've read about it before. It's good to know they're expanding. I love the concept of the store and the clothes are not bad either. In fact, I love some of the pieces there, very edgy.


This store is fun, fearless and fashyon.

It was hard restraining myself from any purchases. I already bought some unnecessary stuff this weekend so I stopped myself from getting stylized shorts or weird mummy key chains. But Mental is in my mental list of stores to visit again.


That's one of the sales reps at the side dressed like a nurse. I love it.


Now if we can just get H&M over this side of the world, I'd be a very happy third world shopper.

My jaw dropped when I saw this store. BSX! It's the same store in Hong Kong where I got 14 pairs of their adorable socks! I didn't know there's BSX here! Jeez, who did the PR work for them? Anyway, of course I had to check. They do have the same socks but the ones here are more expensive than the ones I got in HK.--Apparently, BSX is a cousin of Giordano.


The center is very Ayala Malls isn't it?

After eating at Sbarro, I just bought some essentials at the supermarket then strolled around Serendra.

Market! Market! isn't so bad after all if not for the slightly cluttered corridors and dizzying people traffic. But I guess that's a good thing for them considering how the economy is.

Oh, and by the way, there was a guy jacking off at one of the urinals inside the 3rd (?) level restroom. The pervert was already "doing his business" when I went in. There was nobody else inside and I thought he was just peeing until I sensed him looking at me the entire time and he seemed to take forever at the urinal. When I was washing my hands, I took a glance at him and confirmed that he was indeed not just taking a piss. I didn't panic or anything. I just ignored him and left. But now that I think about it, I should've fished out my phone and recorded the spectacle while the bastard was hunched over the poor urinal.

literarybulimia@gmail.com