End of Year Thoughts: Friends and More

I have met new friends and further cultivated pre-existing friendships this year. Some have grown to be more meaningful, some not so much. Nonetheless, I am thankful for the ones that I have at the moment.

Then there are those non-friends. Flames. When I think about it, there hasn't been much in terms of number. I am certain I met much less guys this 2011 compared to the past years. I don't know. Something happened. Changes. I'm not complaining because I have more peace this way. It's like I am more in control.

Anyhow, I am optimistic about 2012. Here's to more fantastic, blossoming relationships ahead!

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NYE Staples

I'm kicking myself in the head for forgetting my new year whistle. But it's ok. Here at home, my mom has managed to start a tradition several years ago with her polka dot strips of cloth every NYE.

2009-2010 

2010-2011

Tonight

Have an awesome 2012 everyone!

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End of Year Thoughts: Family

I miss spending the holidays with my family all complete and together, one zip code, one timezone. But we grow old and hopefully, apart only physically.

This year, the family was blessed with another member. She's my first niece and I have yet to meet her in person. Based on the photos, she's fabulous!

I'm spending new year's eve at home with my parents and relatives. It's great but I can't help but wish my siblings and their own families were also here. This new year celebration is meaningful because it may be the last one (until God knows when) that I spend with the parentals here at home. They're set to migrate to the US in less than two months to join my brother and sister. It's seriously scaring me but I think I'll be fine.

There are still issues to be settled but I believe that sooner or later, everything will fall in its right place, no matter the distance and time difference.

In 2012, we will begin to live different lives in separate parts of the world. I am hopeful that these changes will  indeed only make the love grow fonder and the bond stronger.

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Pictionary: Cebu Overnighter

This is pretty late, I know.

Once done with work, which is what I was there for, my Cebu tourist-y immersion together with another representative from work include the Basilica del Sto. Niño, Magellan's Cross, the Taoist Temple, Casa Verde and Shamrock.

I want to try the sky walk, the beaches and of course the lechon next time.

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End of Year Thoughts: Faith and Miracles

It's the last day of the year so I can't help but ponder on some memorable things that happened during 2011. It was definitely not an easy year. Health-wise, I feel like every single challenge was thrown at me. I'm most probably to blame for the most part but despite all that, I'm still thankful, especially for the favorable HIV screening and dengue test results.

Because of health concerns, I didn't get to visit Cebu in September. I was excited because it would have been my first time. I never really had any reason to visit but I thought I should since I've heard so much about it. But that weekend, I was a no-show for my CEB flight and flew home instead. It sucked because I really wanted to go. So I thought "Maybe next year."

Then this internship landed on my lap in October. Just when I thought it's about to end, the program gets extended. I also learned that I'll be sent to Cebu for an event. It was work, yes, and it was very tiring but I'm happy about it because it's my first and the only new place I visited this year.

It's just amazing how He finds ways at the right time.

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Pending Penises

There are two guys that I didn't get to meet recently because I was too busy.

The first one is an established marketing professional who is so nice he's bordering boring. I've been talking to him for a few weeks now. He texts almost everyday and calls once in a while. He's also 10 years older than me. I don't mind the age difference so much but I wish he would be more interesting and exciting.

This other guy that I'm supposed to go out on a date with is my friend Jeff's friend. It's so funny because of all my friends, it's him, a straight guy, that is setting me up on a blind date. I don't know anything about the guy except he has a buff body and dresses well. The latter part of course is according to Jeff's own observation. The initial plan was to go out before Christmas but with all the events class craziness among others, that didn't push through. Unless that guy is no longer up for it, we're going to have to squeeze in that date in 2012.

I would have met more guys, either for clean or dirty fun but it's either I was just uninterested or again, busy.

I hope the new year brings more happiness--not necessarily in the form of guys or dates but I wouldn't mind that either because hello, it's about time I get myself into a serious committed relationship. Major changes are right ahead, I can feel.

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Tired Traveler

Sleepless and with only oatmeal in my tummy, I went to the airport around 11:30 am and found the longest lines, the biggest crowd of travelers I've seen in NAIA Terminal 3. It was crazy. Everyone's going on holiday trips.

It seems like the airlines/airport can't keep up with the volume of travelers though. My 1:30 pm flight to Iloilo was moved to 4:25 pm due to technical reasons. Just what I needed. I was really looking forward to sleeping in the plane and more in the hotel before meeting friends for dinner. But I didn't need to be more stressed about it so I just decided to grab a sandwich and some cookies.

Thank goodness my brother sent me his old Blackberry. It was fun hottie watching (there were lots) but I couldn't do just that for 3 hours.

Four o'clock rolled around and still no boarding announcement. My suspicion was confirmed when I saw the Cebu Pacific ground staff at our gate handing out Jollibee meals. More waiting, 4:45 pm was our new estimated departure time.

As there were too many exhausted travelers waiting, a lot of us had to settle for the floor. I had my Chicken Joy Japanese style. It ain't Bon Chon but hey.

The rest of the time I spent walking around, browsing online and live Tweeting my flight delay debacle.

Surprisingly, I didn't hate the experience so much. I just wanted to make sure that the flight doesn't get cancelled altogether. It was out of my control so I might as well take it lightly. Besides, other people, including elderly and handicap ones, were also subjected to the same inconveniences.

It was already almost 6 pm when we finally left Manila. I was out for the most part of the flight. You can just imagine how glad I was upon landing ILO. I couldn't wait to get to my hotel.

Then, just when I thought things were looking up, it turns out they didn't have the exact room I had my friend reserve.

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A Chill in the Air

Stop stuffing your face with potatoes and what-not! JK.

How I wish you were here. I walked along Makati Avenue alone last night. I looked for a cake to no avail. Got a cab at the same spot.

I hope you're doing good and taking care of yourself. Happy Hanukkah!

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Holiday Rush

Just a few hours before Christmas and I still don't know how and where I'll be by midnight. It's my first Christmas away from home any family member. I've attended four parties but really, all I've been wanting to do is get more sleep and relax. It's been pretty hectic lately.

All I did today was do my laundry and clean the bathroom. I've been so busy I haven't had time for such mundane activities. I wish I had more time to do other things. Don't even get me started about gift shopping.

In the meantime, I desperately need a haircut so I have to go. Enjoy the holidays!  Merry Christmas or Happy Hanukkah everyone!

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Pattern at POEA

Is it just me or is this so Jonathan Adler?

Oh, these government offices.

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The South

Greetings from Cebu! I'm only here for a night for work but I'm glad to have made this trip because I've never been here. I know.
 

The way from the airport.

Dinner treat by our host.

I was supposed to visit in October. I even already had tickets. But something came up so I was a no-show. Anyway, I'm beat. The event was insane. Good night.

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Stress Express

It's a whirlwind of activities. Done with events but there's one more final presentation this Saturday. The former went pretty well. As for the latter, we barely have anything to present. Then there's work. I intended to blog more but alas I'm always out of energy.

It's been some time since I last had a complete 8-hour sleep. Even when I was at home, I didn't sleep long enough. Naturally, my body is reacting to the stress. I've had this heartburn for almost two weeks now and my throat has also given in. I'm a mess.

I'm running on vitamins and a whole lot of stubbornness. I hope I make it to next week when hopefully, everything will be more laid back. Again, hopefully.

literarybulimia@gmail.com

The Neighborhood Tailor

Greetings from my hometown! I'm here for the weekend to attend my cousin's wedding.

After the festivities, my pops and I walked to the neighborhood tailor today. It's the same one who has been making our barongs since I was a lot younger. He also made the military-inspired pants that I designed back  when I was in fifth grade. Yeah, I started early.

It's good to know he's still around. His shop reeks though. I'm glad he's quick so we didn't have to stay there for very long.

I had some old button-down shirts altered. They're pretty decent but are too big. Hopefully the result will be good so I can finally wear them soon after being stored in the closet unused for years. They're too nice to be put to waste. By tomorrow, I'll be able to get one to check the fit. Is he fast or what? I'm not sure how much it's going to cost (thanks to pops) but I don't think it's as much as it is in Manila.

When we got there, he was working on a pair of Levi's jeans which he was supposed to reduce to 31" from 40". According to my father, who is a loyal client, this tailor used to be based in Manila. He also used to have other tailors working for him. But they were too stubborn so he decided to get rid of them and go solo. I wish there were more like him who prioritize craftsmanship and not just money. His work is clean and he really understands tailoring.

Also, there's something wonderful about going to that tailor today with my father. It's just like the old times.

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In Motion

See what has been draining me physically, mentally and financially.

This Tuesday, our event will cap off this class with a party featuring a fashion show of 60 looks from 4 collections. We have been slaving over this so I really hope everything turns out fine.

Let me know if you'd like to come. :)

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Us and the City

Well, if you're tired, you take a nap-a, you don't move to Napa! It still makes me laugh. It's one of my most favorite episodes. Plus 'Moon River' is a beautiful song. Everything is just gripping, so emotional.

All I was missing tonight were pink Louboutins. *sigh*

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Penguins in Manila

It has been around for some time now but I never got the chance or the interest to go to Manila Ocean Park until this weekend. My parents were visiting and they brought my 10 year-old cousin so I suggested paid the place a visit.

I personally thought the rates were quite steep but I guess it takes that much to maintain such demanding facilities. It was a good time to go because they recently launched a new attraction; penguins! They are the cutest! See how adorable they are and the rest of their marine living friends below.

What a fun weekend. I still think of those penguins fondly.

literarybulimia@gmail.com

Fight!

This battle is certainly not easy. The numbers are alarming and no one is spared.

Even when I'm not active in the playground, I still get scared. And it's not just because I'm paranoid like that. Talking about it is one thing, actually doing it is a different story. It's a long, hard battle--and yes I'm aware of the naughty pun. I'm not one to preach because I've done some mistakes in the past and who knows up to when I can play my cards this well? Then again I think it's the same experiences that warrant me to sound the alarm. It's not fun being subjected to such emotional and mental turmoil while waiting for the test result.

So think about it. Yes, long and hard. Think before you fuck, before you suck or whatever it is that may expose you to risks.

On a lighter note, here's some Gaga goodness for some encouraging musical scoring.

Take care.

literarybulimia@gmail.com

Save the Date

See you.

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Sweet Saviors

There's so much going on right now and I can barely keep up. It's one of those times when I seriously, yet again, just want to break away and breathe. But since that's impossible right now, I try to relieve myself with more feasible options.

This one, unfortunately, is not very good for the waistline.

Thanks to relatives in Dubai and a friend who recently visited Austria and another friend who went to Japan.

It doesn't help that I've stopped going to the gym but what the fuck. I need the sugar rush and as much endorphins as I can get.

literarybulimia@gmail.com

The Boy With the Star Tattoo

I'm telling you it is such a small gay world. Seriously. It's not even funny.

After over a year, we see each other again. The moment I caught a glimpse of him I started rummaging through my brain trying to find a name for that face, for that tattoo. Then I remembered. And because I'm curious and perhaps also stupid, I managed to end up in the same jeepney as him... and his male companion.

So it looks like he still lives in the same place. I think about that time we met. We talked and walked around a spot near my place then ate a little. It was intimate but not carnal. He was charming but also quite lonely. He was also younger so I had my inhibitions, doubts. Then, we stopped talking to each other. After some time, I tried to meet up with him only to be cancelled on at the last minute. Something came up. He admitted it was because he was seeing someone else that night.

Then over a year later, here we are. Me, exhausted, just got out of work, with my earphones on, heading home early on a Friday night. Him, with that tattoo, carrying a guitar, and if I'm not mistaken, more muscular although still a little short. I think he recognized me. We exchanged a few glances. Those eyes. We didn't talk to each other though.

As for the other guy, he might be the boyfriend, the guy he saw that night instead of me, I don't know. I was more interested in what's inside the Topman bag he was holding.

After a few minutes, it was time for me to alight. I contemplated on giving him a look before stepping out but I didn't. I just walked away, picked up my laundry and headed home.

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Random Rants

November Friday

Italian film fest. Tofu chips. Japanese dinner. City lights. McDo. Late night walk. MFG. 11.11.11.

Bench and Georgina Wilson on ANTM

Georgina for Bench Body. Shot in Greece. Not my favorite photo of her.

This hasn't been shown on local cable yet but I already saw the entire episode online. Uhm, that's it? I expected girlfriend to get more airtime than 5 seconds. Great publicity for Bench though. Filipino fashion designer Michael Cinco is also on the show. His creations will be featured on the final runway show which is kind of a big deal.

The One That Got Away

I'm still warming up to the song but the video is touching. And OMG Diego Luna!

It's refreshingly "normal".

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Crucifix

Have I told you my mom brought me a crucifix? Yeah. The last time they were here she noticed the absence of such in my room so when they came back last week, she brought me one. Not contented with that, she also left me with this wooden, foldable frame with holy images on both sides. It's like she's trying to perform an exorcism. A simple, minimalist cross would've sufficed really.

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Patchi

Thanks to my sister, I got a taste of Patchi, the revered brand of chocolate from Lebanon that opened an outlet at The Fort several months ago. Popular among celebrities, savoring this confections may just be considered a luxury.

This definitely ain't Goya. It's creamy, smooth, not too sweet, but I'm not sure if that justifies its price.

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Consumer Corner: Bench Fix Agent Bond

When it comes to hair styling, I've always favored the bed head look. I like the wash-and-wear principle so I can save time and worry less about locks being out of place. But when I do feel the need to change things up a bit, I normally brush my hair up (when it's long enough) for a sleeker more polished look. I have a thick head of hair so it's not easy. That's when Bench Fix's Agent Bond Styling Gum comes in.

Gum not gel.

I've been using Bench Fix hair products for years now and I'm very satisfied. First of all, they're inexpensive yet innovative, they come in different sizes, and are now available in department stores.

When we went to the SLIMS show at Fashion Week, I forgot to bring my hair paraphernalia (styling gum and a comb) so I went to SM Department Store and thankfully found Agent Bond in sachets (3 for only P15!).

PFW S/S 2012

Never mind that I did my hair with my bare hands. It looked good I think and as with all the Fix products I've been using, it also smelled great. I also like how they rate the shine and hold levels. It makes for easy decision making. Agent Bond gets a 4 at both components.

If I had more time, I would've been able to achieve a cleaner effect but I'm pretty happy with the way it came out. I find it really awesome that I can achieve the shiny, sleek, look free of worries about stubborn locks  without getting professional help. It just saves me time and moolah.

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Big Bad Wolf

OMG. Have you seen this?

I died. It's genius.

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A Visit to the ER

It's a good thing I no longer get nauseous over needles. As a kid, I'd practically faint.

Waiting for the result at the ER.

I spent an hour or so at the ER today. Not exactly how I would prefer to spend the first day of the month, or All Saints' Day, or any day for that matter but I just had to go because I was starting to freak out.

It started with a rash that appeared on my right arm the other day. I thought it would just disappear but it didn't and even spread to my legs. I called several clinics including those in malls but no derma was around so to the ER I went. It was a difficult decision because I seriously dislike hospitals. I was very uncomfortable there. There's just so much negative energy I think.

Based on my CBC results, nothing seems to be wrong. Platelet, white blood cells, etc. are normal. And except for the paranoia, I feel excellent really. No fever or vomiting so we're pretty sure it's not dengue. The doctor said it's a non-specific viral infection and prescribed me antihistamine. I'm hoping to see a derma before the weekend.

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