Vaginal Realm

I finally FINALLy got to watch Harry Potter last Tuesday, it is awfully embarrassing. And to top it off, I finally FINALLy got to watch it on IMAX. Now that makes this genuinely off-the-chart shameful. Maybe it's just me being frugal but to pop 400 bucks for a movie really spoils the fun of it. Especially when it's on Mall of Asia, tao central especially on sundays, and pretty fucking tiring just getting around one wing. I'm too passive to get off my ass lately that even watching Harry Potter didn't seem that appealing that time.

IMAX was ok. Only the last 20 minutes of the movie is in 3D. Pffft, there goes your 400 bucks. So, to do the math, if you compare it to P150/movie in Greenbelt 3, and assuming that the movie lasts for two and a half hours, you actually paid P200 more for the non-3D scenes, which makes it a rip-off. If you have the cash to burn then might as well go to Globe cinema in Gateway mall. At least they have la-z boy seats and bottomless popcorn. And they charge only P300 per head.

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I have the song Rehab by Amy Winehouse playing in my head over and over. The lyrics is funny, she had a superb voice quite similar to our own Ella May Saison (they look alike too) but softer, and the ska/blues feel of her music just tickles my ears. And the entire Back to Black album is nice to listen to, especially if you're bombarded with annoying stations like Love Radio and the likes.

They tried to make me go to rehab
I said no, no, no
Yes I been black, but when I come back
You wont know, know, know


Funny.

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Remember those flaglets that hang in jeepneys since forever? The lack of more comfortable transportation has forced me to take the all-Pinoy jeepney to work this morning. I saw this widget hanging just behing the driver's head which says:




Sexy...kung nais mo'y libre
Sa driver ka tumabi
He He He

Labels: daily mishaps

The rennovation officially kicked off last August 14. A carpenter and his team from Talisay arrived on that Tuesday morning and proceeded with tearing the entire floor apart (which I think caused the crack in the floor layout. Jeezus). They removed the then terra cotta flooring, the second floor bathroom floor tiles, and the maid's bathroom floor tiles. The kitchen counter and cabinets were also torn down and the old sink thrown away for good. It was hell, I tell ya. It was hard living in a house undergoing a major rennovation like this one, especially when you have a baby on board. The following Friday, amidst the storm, my family and I went back to my parents' house in Bulacan to get away from the hazards of construction.

So far the new flooring and bathrooms for the 1st and 2nd floors are done, and quite well if I may add. The kitchen cabinets are installed but without the handles and finishing. I needed the 2nd floor bathroom ceiling to be replaced but so far the carpenter has only been successful in removing the old one. The listels for the ceiling and flooring are about 80% installed. The wood planks for the stairs were also installed but without finishing as well.

My mother and I are having problems with the carpenter and his team. Aside from relentless requests that we advance their fees eventhough the corresponding service has not yet been rendered ("ate baka pwedeng maka-bale"), our belongings suffered damage due to misuse (either by mishandling or even USING them when they shouldn't be)including the maid's electric fan, glass covering for one of the pots, DVD adaptor, soliya divan, not to mention our food and pantry staples that they consumed for their personal use. The 25 kgs sack of rice we had a week before we left for Bulacan was emptied by the time we came back 2 weeks after. The entire house reeked more of cigarette than any other construction material. One carpenter even tried to get away with the crow bar I bought. Also, and this is the one that ticks me off the most, the carpenter doing the layout of the new kitchen counter was reckless in installing the granite for the walling that it slammed down on the kitchen counter, breaking the entire 7-foot slab into two. When I saw this happen I could not believe it (and so did the carpenter by the way he looked at me with, uh I dunno, FEAR maybe). I just turned my back and returned to the bedroom. I called my mother and told her to talk to the carpenter, as I might not be able to keep my cool if I confront him. This rennovation made me so broke that I would not be able to afford another one. Thank God that after talking to a relative who knows a bit or two about construction, that cracks sa granite ay pwedeng mawala pagkatapos bulihin. I think the carpenter is afraid that he might not be able to make the crack disappear and thus the cost would be deducted from his pay, because as of the moment they have not yet returned to finish the job.

According to my mother, she contacted a few who can or might know someone who can finish the job left hanging. With all the headaches this carpenter and team brought us is unbearable. So until new people come over to finish the job, the first floor is full of construction materials like plywood, formica, tiles, and cement, while the second floor is only but slightly usable. And this is still exclusive of the finishing touches like varnishing, painting etc. etc. I don't know if this is for the better or not, as a low-ranking white-collar worker like me have almost emptied her coffers by spending almost a hundred grand on Wilcon alone, exclusive of materials bought from the nearby hardware and construction fees for those bastard carpenters. Pay me 100k per month and I'll recover from this before you know it. Oh well, at least it bought me some time to recuperate.

So, as of now, I am officially broke.

Labels: nonsense

So this is what it's like to be married, huh? I guess I was a big fool to rush in like that. I never imagined it would be so god-damned difficult. But I'm strong. I won't fall. I have to be strong.

Ellen, be strong.

As each day passes I'm beginning to marvel at how we as a couple were able to patch things up and keep on moving. It's a wonder how, at the end of the day, we still remain the husband and wife that we are now. I'd hate to think that we're staying together for the sake of the kid. Heck, God knows how I love him so, but sometimes our own selves make things so difficult to work out. He's so assuming of what I think, and I on the other hand am too passive to think of anything. This is where the fight usually stems from. And then it leads to another thing, and another...until I for myself become too tired to talk. I'd just close my eyes, turn my back, and let things cool down. Sort of like sweeping dirt under the rug instead of out the door, you might say. But I don't know. I'm just not the type who would want to quarrel about something so...senseless. If these same things happen to another person, I'd probably advise to brush it off and talk. Talk. Now that's something we rarely do. Somehow I feel that we're not on the same plane, and no matter how hard each tries to reach out to the other somehow things get really shaky. Simply put, he won't talk to me.

Don't get me wrong, though. We have a lot of good times. However, the intensity of happiness from lighter days is far less than the damage brought upon by the senseless quarrels that seem to occur day after day that it wears you out faster than the laughter regenerates you. I'm a strong woman; heck, I've been through worse emotional turmoil, but by God this is just too much.

Believe that these are all tests. If we pass them, we will see brighter days altogether.

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Of course we had a fight again last night. He was bitching about all night long it made my head ache. I think I remember him saying something like I'd get what I've always wanted for (or what I deserve) soon. And I swear to God as soon as I fell asleep I had a dream of him endorsing annulment papers to me the next day. Jeezus, this is really stressful. I hope it won't happen though. I'm willing to try and try until things get running smoothly. As I've said I'm a strong woman. I'm a big girl, I can take it. I'm just not so sure about him.

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I know you're reading this. You're probably looking for proof that I'm unfaithful. Believe what you will. I'm too tired of convincing you otherwise. F*ck it.

Labels: mush

Your Japanese Name Is...

Hitomi Nakamura

There's a Chance You Could Be Violent

Overall, you're a pretty chill person - and you have a good handle on your emotions. Sometimes your anger gets the best of you, and end up regretting how you act. Try to curb your temper more often. It only has to get out of control once to do some damage.

Your Political Profile:

Overall: 65% Conservative, 35% Liberal Social Issues: 75% Conservative, 25% Liberal Personal Responsibility: 50% Conservative, 50% Liberal Fiscal Issues: 100% Conservative, 0% Liberal Ethics: 25% Conservative, 75% Liberal Defense and Crime: 75% Conservative, 25% Liberal

Labels: nonsense

Solenne was baptized as a Christian last Saturday. Man, time flies so fast. It didn't seem like four months ago she was wrapped in a pink blanket at the hospital nursery. She grows so fast, too. By now she probably weighs an estimate of 7 kgs, double her birthweight. She got her Otosan's extremities, long and slender, while she got her skintone and hair color from me. She loves to sing, hugs her muymuy and hotdog pillow like crazy, and is fond of watching TV. Her hair is already long enough to be tied with pretty little ribbons. And just recently we bought her new pairs of shoes because booties doesn't suit her anymore. Give it a few more weeks and then she'll start crawling. Haaay.

Sig and I are giddy with excitement the night before. Bibinyagan na si Solenne, we sighed. It was a milestone for her and for us as well. It took us one month to prepare for this whole event, and that excludes the planning that took about another month. Now, being the first-born that she is, of course we parents are excited with all the planning stuff. Let me recap the steps that led to this wonderful celebration:

We started by listing down the things to do, which we narrowed down to six:

1. Pick a venue for the reception - funny, this was actually at the top of our list
2. Pick a church, which ironically should be within the vicinity of the reception
3. Souvenirs
4. Cake
5. Invitation
6. Guest List

After considering our options, we chose to have the reception at Cafe Ysabel at San Juan. Aside from being homey and cozy, the food is just superb that we believed everything they serve would appeal to anybody's discriminating (or jologs) palate. Plus, the staff were really courteous and helpful. We went there 3 weeks before the scheduled date to do some food tasting, and finally decided on a sit down menu that comprises a full meal - salad, soup, main course, dessert, coffee/tea, and drinks. We initially wanted it to be July 28, but since this date was unavailable we settled for August 4 instead. The restaurant manager was not around that day so I went back two days after to pay the downpayment. August 4th it is!

Cafe Ysabel, 455 P. Guevarra Street, San Juan. From Ortigas, turn left (or right if you're from San Juan town proper) at Wilson Street. Landmark is Metrobank at the corner of Ortigas and Wilson. Go straight ahead until you reach a mini-crossing at the end of Wilson, at which turn left to P. Guevarra Street. Landmark is Asiatrust Bank at the corner of Wilson and P. Guevarra. Within 100 meters you will reach Cafe Ysabel at the left side of the road. Perfect date resto. Price is about average, expect to shove out P500 per head which includes a main course, dessert or salad, and drink. Our set menu costs P605 per head + 12% VAT. A P10,000 DP is demanded upon closing of the date.

Next, after paying the downpayment that Tuesday, I met with Sig and went to Santuario de San Jose inside East Greenhills Subdivision. The church proper is really pretty (and quite big for a subdivision parish) with huge stained glass windows and gold as the main color theme althroughout. The baptistry is located in a separate room at the right side of the altar, where there is a life-size idol of the Risen Lord and bowl for pouring of the Holy Water. The church and the baptistry are air-conditioned, which is suitable for a baby wearing an elaborate lace and organza christening gown. The church staff are very friendly and helpful, plus they have a working fax machine through which I sent Solenne's birth certificate and list of ninongs and ninangs. The parish priest Fr. Noel was also very nice, himself a light-hearted person and would sometimes be a funny bone in an otherwise awkward ceremony.

Santuario de San Jose's office is open from 8am to 12nn, and 1pm to 5pm with telephone number 725-2044, fax 724-4139. Baptismal charge is P1,500, which includes the priest's fee, use of airconditioning system, and candles for the sponsors. The baptismal certificate would be available within a week after the ceremony. For baptism, they only require a photocopy of the child's birth certificate. A form is also required where you list the names of ninongs and ninangs. I might be wrong, but there are only 4 pairs of ninongs and ninangs in the form, so I guess better check if they will allow more sponsors beyond that.

The next weekend after our food-tasting session, we went to Divisoria to look for souvenirs. We had a lot of ideas, and we went all over 168 and Divisoria malls to look for them, only to find what we wanted in a quaint shop within the jungles of the streets of divisoria itself. A personalized glass paperweight bearing Solenne's picture with some little message of thanks. It costs P30 per piece for 30 pieces and would be finished within 2 days. The first batch they got the message all jumbled up. Seriously, we wrote the friggin' message down. How the hell can they get it wrong? So we gave them another two days to fix the fuck up. The souvenirs come in its own little red box.

Due to time constraints and the unavailability of our desired baker, we decided to forget about the cake. Heck, as if the guests would have spare room for cake with all the food they'll be served with.

The invitations were designed by myself and printed using company resources (ssssh!!!). I just had to purchase nice board paper and formal invitation envelops for 30 invitations, costing about P250 at National Bookstore. We have a good enough laser printer here in the office, so why would I use my own or pay for it? No way.

Now, the guest list. Initially, we listed down 29 guests, 3 of which might not make it, so that makes 26. But OF COURSE, the Filipino that some of us are, they would tag along their bf/gf/friend/whoever even if it says in their invitation "We reserved 1 seat for you". And then my sister had to tag along 2 of her children's nannies, and my father invited my aunt and her husband and her son with her girlfriend...SO *surprise surprise* on the day itself there were 39 people, 4 kids (as opposed to only 1 officially invited) and 2 unexpected nannies. That shot up our total bill to a bit above P28,000 all in, less the downpayment of 10K. But then again, all the guests were happy and filled to the throat with their meals and all of us had a great time, catching up and spending another golden moment together, so I guess it's worth every penny.

Solenne's gown and booties was made using a hand-embroidered lace and organza gown by deconstructing my own gown. The fabric was given to me by my mother. I simply paid the tailor for labor and a few beadwork she made at the train of the gown. It costs me a meager amount of P500, but believe me, whe you purchase a less elaborate gown at Rustan's, it costs P6,500. I guess it's because of the concept of the designer and the fabric that makes it so expensive. When I went to the couturier I already have the design on hand, so in a week's time she was able to finish the dress.

All in all, it was an unforgettable experience. Solenne was baffled with the number of people wishing her well. With all those blessings, I know she will have some kind of a life ahead.

Oh, and did I mention that everyone thought she is soooo beautiful? *snicker*

See more pictures here.

Labels: bubu

I tendered my resignation today. I will no longer be an employee of ePLDT effective September 15, 2007.

This is long overdue. I remember planning this for the longest time again and again. It's about time I mustered the guts to prepare my resignation letter and tell my boss that I'm leaving. Although, I must say my entire two-and-a-half year stay here ain't really that bad. After all, I learned a lot during my tenure that would be a real help in my professional career. Plus, their name made my resume seem super. I guess I got my overtime work's worth after all.

The transition would mean a big change for me. New office, new peers, new rules. Blending in yet again could prove to be hard especially when the new environment seems as frigid as my would-be new office. Did you ever get the feeling of aloofness when all the people are either coños and what-have-you's? I never really get along well with those kind of folks.

As for the new job, I have a feeling that they are trying to get their every penny's worth. I honestly do not believe that I am deserving of the level they are offering, and somewhat fishy that the initial offer was one level lower than this one. That first offer I refused because we did not agree on the compensation package. Now they offered new terms: they offered a package a bit above my asking BUT the position is higher. Initially one would be happy with this but if you analyze it further, you'd realize that they were giving me extra load for every penny above their initial offer. That's smart of them, but I am so desperate to get out of here that I'm gonna take a bite of that apple.

I'm doubtful if I could prove my worth, and eventhough I've been serving as a supervisor-level for almost 3 years I still am not sure if I can take bigger steps now. I mean, come on. It's absurd, bogus even. I'm 25 for chrissakes. But hey, if they so think I'm fit for the job, then I will place faith on their judgement. After all, it's their company who's gonna crumble if I screw up. *lol*

Wish me luck. May I find my employer of choice with this one.

*zhwing!*

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