Urbanears Bagis

It has been almost three weeks since I started using my new earphones, the Urbanears Bagis. I've been using them everyday.

I did my research before the purchase and as many reviewers warned, the bass on these is less than stellar. I also noticed that when I tried the sample. It's actually the reason why I took almost an hour in Digital Hub. I couldn't decide. There were other choices but the Bagis were the cutest. I know. Shut up.

The sound quality is not bad at all. My Philips were just better in that department. But you know what happened to those. I'm past the lack of bass issue especially since the earphones cancel out noise excellently. I could close my eyes in the middle of a busy street while listening to Guetta (which is obviously highly not advisable) and I wouldn't know where I am.

One of the things that I hated about my last earphones was the wire. It gets so messy and unsightly. While the Bagis does not eliminate that problem completely, the combination of fabric and TPE cord looks less jarring when it does twist. Although if not for its noise minimizing purpose, I could've done without the fabric and just have it TPE all the way since the former is more resistant to coiling.

Another factor that made me switch is the fact that I can also use these with my phone because it comes with a built-in microphone as well as a remote for easy call answering and ending. The remote is especially important to me because it also allows me to play, pause and surf through songs without having to take out my iPod.

The packaging, of course, is awesome; very quirky and modern. It made the unboxing more fun.

In the box were the actual earphones, three pairs of rubber ear buds in different sizes, a stereo adapter, an Urbanears sticker which is now on my laptop, and 1-year premium warranty. I chose orange because I've done white before.

An additional quirk is the snap construction of the ear phones which allows you to "connect around your neck". It's a cute feature, but I'll pass on that suggestion. It does show the brand's attention to design though.

Urbanears Bagis are not perfect but so far, I'm satisfied. The sound quality is acceptable enough, they look good, and the remote and mic are making me happy.

Click here for more information.

literarybulimia@gmail.com

Declutter

I have trouble letting go of possessions, no matter how old or useless. It's the hoarder in me.

Yesterday, I decided to finally get rid of some of the shoes that I no longer wear. It took me some time. They've been sitting on the rack for months. It wasn't until recently that I've finally come to terms with the idea that they have to go. There's less clutter but there's at least two pairs more that I also have to get rid of.

There just comes a time when you have to stop holding on to things that no longer do you any good.

literarybulimia@gmail.com

Copywriting Class

Remember that cutie classmate of mine from last term? Well, we're classmates again in one of my classes. This time, he sits a row behind me. But enough about him. I think I've already mentioned that the prof in this class is difficult. Let's change that to "strict".

The second meeting was way better than the first one. He didn't seem that uptight this time. He made us write essays on our first meeting and returned our graded work last week. While the papers were being distributed, he announced that there were two outputs that stood out and that he would read both in front of the class. The good news is one of those was mine. The not-so-good news mine had the lower score of 97 and the other one got 99. I know, I know. But it would have been really great to score the highest. Oh well. I hope there's more cool activities ahead.

P.S.
I also learned from last week's class that cutie classmate and I are practically neighbors... Stalking isn't technically illegal, is it?

literarybulimia@gmail.com

6

I feel like such a bad mother. This baby turned 6 two days ago and I didn't even remember. It has crossed my mind several times since last month though.

It's not much, I know. I barely have readers but that's okay. I didn't start this blog for anyone else but myself anyway. I do get giddy over new followers and new comments and hits but ultimately, the goal is to "express, not to impress" as my college mentors said.

It has come a long way from this to whatever it is now. I like to think that, to an extent, it has grown with me. From that boring night in 2006 to this boring day in 2012. Oh how time flies.

I've talked about several issues (personal or otherwise) and has featured many characters by whom, in one way or another, I was touched literally and figuratively. Hahah... I love how I have been able to document all that so once a while, I go back to my own stories and ponder on the changes (or lack thereof) that occurred.

I have to admit. Lately, I haven't been feeling like airing out any of my thoughts. Maybe it's just a phase, I don't know. But come to think of it, I haven't had any blog hiatus since I started this little personal online nook. I know some bloggers do that. But not me. Whether out of town or out of the country, I've always made it a point to update this and save my stories here. I guess it's a commitment that I've subconsciously made to myself and I wish to hold on to that for as long as I can.

As for you, the millions and millions (Hah!) of readers that have shown interest in my stories, thank you.

More stories, more characters and more fun in the Philippines coming up!

literarybulimia@gmail.com

Broken Glasses

It's the end of an (eyewear) era. I found them broken in the pouch that I keep in my backpack a few weeks ago. It wasn't until recently though that I felt how much of a loss this is.

I got these from Cotton On in Hong Kong. I had the dark lenses replaced with prescription ones. I miss wearing them and the fond reactions I got when I had them on.

But it's one of those good things that had to come to an end. I wore them to their capacity anyway. Besides, soon enough, I know I'll be seeing things from a different view. A better one.

literarybulimia@gmail.com

It's About Time

There's something wrong with this picture. I study, I work and since October, I have also taken on an internship which is ending in a month. No wonder I've been so tired and stressed and have been getting sick lately. What gets me is I don't think the rewards are worth it.

Well, school is fine. In fact, I find my self excited to go to class every once in a while.

The internship was initially enjoyable. Lately though, it's been a drag, mainly because of the excessive number crunching. I have never done so much Excel work in my life. Talk about brain hemorrhage.

As for the work that I do at my uncle's company, well, I'm not even a regularly employed there. The job is uninspiring and the pay is bad.

I just realized that I've been wasting so much time doing things that I don't enjoy. That has to change. I have to turn things around.

This touching TV commercial hits the spot quite accurately.

literarybulimia@gmail.com

Breaking Down

The connection between the washing machine and the water supply is leaky non-existent (I had to pull it off). I am so done with this internship. Everyday, I analyze numbers and court Excel from start to end. There are tasks that need to be done at my other office. One of our new professors seems difficult to deal with.

One more little mishap and I'm bald-Britney-with-a-green-umbrella.

I need to go shopping. I want a facial. I want a massage. I have to survive until Friday. I cannot wait for the long weekend.

literarybulimia@gmail.com

Lovely Breakfast

McDo pancakes and fresh strawberries. Two of my favorite things in one breakfast.

Talk about starting the day right.

literarybulimia@gmail.com

Consumer Corner: Philips In-Ear Headphones

There's nothing like drifting away from the rest of the world than slapping on earphones and let good music take you elsewhere. That's how I make lemonade out of lemons when taking the bus or the train or when flight attendants play a game onboard when all I really want to do is sleep. So when my Philips earphones broke the other day, I was so pissed. I only had them for 5 months. That was my second pair. The first one also broke after a few months of use. Same problem. Some wires close to the jack probably snapped and only one earphone worked. It could also be my fault as I like to put my tiny, old school iPod in my pocket where it's tight and gets beaten up when I move around and I store it in this small compartment of my backpack with the wire wrapped around it. Still, at P800+, I expected more. It's too bad because the sound quality was really good.

Being the mild hoarder that I am, I've been keeping the original packaging of both earphones complete with receipts and plastic bags. Partly because there's a warranty not that it still matters now as I'm pretty sure it's no longer covered.

Anyway, I'm done with those Philips earphones. I'm now trying Urbanears, a Swedish brand.

It's partly mostly because of it's aesthetic appeal (neat packaging!) but we'll see if it starts and ends there.

literarybulimia@gmail.com

Planners

For someone who is not really a fan of planning, this is too much.

Blank 2012

One I bought because it's cute and the artwork and text were done by good friends. The other one was gifted to me. I'm still not sure what to do with both.

literarybulimia@gmail.com

Sparklers and Tearjerkers

It's a new year but for some reason, I feel like nothing has changed except for the last two digits on my calendar.

I welcomed 2012 at home with my family, or at least those who were still there. We sort of celebrated it with my sister too who is in Dubai. It makes me wonder if that's how we're going to spend the following holidays once my parents leave.

It was great to be home. I got to bond with everyone; cousins, nephews, nieces, friends. But a certain pain would pierce through my now less toned chest. It has always been the plan. I've been hoping for it to push through. People asked me how I feel about it and expressed my support for it but it wasn't until recently that I realized how difficult it's going to be when my parents leave for the US and me left here with no immediate family member in the same country.

I always thought I was independent enough. Hah! Now each time I think about it I get so damn emotional making me want to fly back home and just relish the time we have left together.

I understand. I have siblings and I'm sure there have been many instances when they've wanted to jump on the next flight just to hear my parents say everything's going to be okay and feel their embrace.

Oh gawd. The things I'm saying now. This is supposed to be how we spent New Year's Eve with sparklers, polka dots and drinking at the side of the street.

I know I just said it seems like nothing much has changed. Well, now that I'm thinking about it, brace yourself.

literarybulimia@gmail.com

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!

literarybulimia@gmail.com

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!

literarybulimia@gmail.com

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.

literarybulimia@gmail.com

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.

literarybulimia@gmail.com

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.

literarybulimia@gmail.com

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.

literarybulimia@gmail.com

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.

literarybulimia@gmail.com

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!

literarybulimia@gmail.com

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!

literarybulimia@gmail.com