What Mama Has to Say...
Watching a Tagalog movie brings about a certain kind of satisfaction, at least to my pockets. One, I only have to travel to as near as SM Sucat—about 10 minutes from my house. Two, I can go only in my tsinelas and white t-shirt. Three, I pay only 90 pesos for premier tickets, and as the case was last Saturday, we only paid 5 pesos for each ticket as we had movie passes. Now, can you do all that in high-class and pompous Greenbelt 3?
Of course not! Not only that the travel will take much longer, not to mention the traffic, I also have to pay for parking. I also wouldn’t be caught dead wearing only a white shirt and tsinelas in GB3. The average price for a movie ticket is 150 pesos. And I wouldn’t dare use free movie passes in GB3—I have to live up to the pretention that I can afford to watch a movie there.
So I shouldn’t complain that I saw another mediocre, predictable, low acting quality Tagalog flick. I wanted to pay cheap so I probably shouldn’t expect heavens from it.
that's what Mama said at 8:18 AM
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Just a few weeks ago, on the way home from a badminton game, my female cousins-in-law were raving about their “crushes”. And I don’t mean here a crush on a movie-star (Piolo)/model (Jerry Yan) type of guy, but a crush on a regular private person. It’s even extra amusing because one of my cousins is already married, and she really giggles in delight when her “crush” talks to her. Plus the fact that she isn’t coy about her feelings for her crushes in front of her husband. It dawned on me during that particular car ride that I haven’t had a crush on anybody for the longest time—probably since college when I spent 2-3 years enamored with one guy (now my friends and I laugh about that silly thing—but then, that’s another story). Even with my hubby, I didn’t go through the giggly-teenybopper stage. I realize, and I explained this to them, that the reason for me not having any crushes is that I’m not really on the look out for handsome/cute men. I guess I just stopped looking a long time ago. And if I do find somebody good-looking, it’s just because he just suddenly came into my line of sight. Pure serendipity.
An old friend of the hubby visited from the US and I met him at the badminton court last night. I found him good-looking, but I didn’t actually mind him for the rest of the evening because I was too preoccupied with my new-found career as a badminton player (Naks!). At the end of the evening, he chatted with us for a while and he seemed genuinely nice. He smiled a lot and he apparently had a good sense of humor. And after he left, I just blurted out to anybody who can hear me “Ang gwapo. Sayang may asawa na…Ako rin may asawa na”. So on our way home last night, I declared to my cousins-in-law that I officially now have a crush…On hubby’s friend (name withheld upon request).
But of course, my heart (and body—hehe) will only belong to one person. I will not find anybody like my hubby. And last night before we went to sleep, I snuggled up to him and told him, “Bebeh, you are my forever crush”.
that's what Mama said at 2:14 PM
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The hubby bought the Hot Stuff on Video--the supposedly behind the scenes video of the making of the controversial magazine.
The video showed nothing new to be desired. It was just the "moving" shots of what is already in the magazine. What made the magazine controversial--particularly Maui Taylor--was not even included in the video. The hubby skipped the spiels of Ogie Diaz as he hurriedly wanted to see the videos. But I bet the spiels would be more interesting to watch (I've always liked Ogie's flamboyant delivery of the showbiz news in MUB).
I initially sent the hubby, with Julianne in tow, to go and buy a Barney VCD in Tower Records. Instead they came back with this piece of rubbish.
If you are still interested to see this flick, just buy the pirated version. Buying it at 200 php (though affordable) is unmistakably "HARANG"...In my honest opinion.
that's what Mama said at 1:01 PM
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Two of the most amazing women I know, two of my very best friends, just received the most precious gift from the Lord--the gift of a first-born child.
Both born by emergency caesarian section...Their mothers braved so many difficulties and hindrances just to have them and carry them through. They are what we can call "miracle" babies.
Last night, as I reflected on these incredibly happy moments in Larah's and Jonet's lives, I couldn't help but be awed by God's greatness. He is truly a good God.
There is no doubt that Larah and Jonet will become good mothers--as they are good sisters/wives/friends to those around them.
And for Hevn and Rafael...Know how blessed you are to have such magnificent and remarkable women as your mothers.
Cheers to the new Mommies!
that's what Mama said at 8:57 AM
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Heard this song over the radio today on my way to work. Makes me fall in love all over again. Thanks to my friend Migoy for being ready (as always) with the MP3 =)
Somewhere lost in the wind
I'm watching you
Sunlight touching your hair
And I remember
Somehow
We said that we would never stray
But somehow we lost our way
Promises too often spoken
Are easily broken apart
I'm ready this time
I know that I'm
No longer undecided
Don't wanna be a fool wondering
What might have been
Trace of forever lingering
Drawing me closer to you
A new beginning
Now I know
There is no doubt I understand
Just how fragile love can be
I can't forget
Your memory found me
Now I know where I belong
I'm ready this time
I know that I'm
No longer undecided
Don't wanna be a fool wondering
What might have been
Through every day
And into the night
With only love to guide us
I'm ready to go
Cause I've got to know
What might have been
Let the lovin' decide
I can't run I can't hide
I want you to know
My heart will show
That I'm
Ready this time
I know that I'm
No longer undecided
Don't wanna be a fool wondering
What might have been
I've searched everywhere
And nothing compares
When we've got love to guide us
I'm ready to go
I've got to know
What might have been
I'm wondering
What might have been
that's what Mama said at 9:34 AM
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Background
I finally joined my first ever badminton tournament, after being in the sport (on-off) for a year and a half. I was too reluctant to join, as I was out of practice for more than a month. But a replacement for another player was badly needed, and after repeatedly being cajoled by our group's manager, I finally relented. Plus of course, the subsidized uniform was very appealing.
My Partner
I found a very enthusiastic partner in Je. Prior to our practice session, she had only played three times in her entire life. Nevertheless, she didn't let that discourage her from joining the tournament. She inspired me, and let me use here a new pinoy vernacular, na "kare-reen" na ang tournament.
The Practices
Je and myself joined my husband's tuesday and thursday group. ON tuesday, our first practice day, as expected we lost by a big margin in each of our two games-having scored zero in the first sets. The court's resident trainor offered his services, specifically to Je (I would have gotten us a free course from my hubby), and before the night was over we were booked for an hour's session on the next play date. When thursday came, we played one game, and this time, we were a lot better--having scored 6 in one set. The time for the training session came. The result? We had very sore legs during the next 2 days. Getting out of the car and climbing up the stairs took a lot of effort (and caused a lot of pain). My partner's knee problem was aggravated as well.
The Tournament
I was so proud of my partner, she came very early last saturday (after having gone out with some of our teammates the night before). As agreed, we wore matching black sweat pants (we were sure we wouldn't win, at least we wanted to look good). We each lost our mix doubles games with our respective male partners (btw, both of us didn't practise with our mix partners). Oh, I think it's worth mentioning that I did one good cross-court drop, which the opponent failed to catch (I'm smiling from ear to ear). At around past ten, match control informed us that our ladies doubles game was up. We both geared up in our Pink WDY shirts, and I wore my daughter's PPG pink necklace-wala pa-cute lang. After 10 minutes of waiting, I asked match control for our schedule, and to my shock, he informed me that we won!!! Our opponents didn't show up!!! Now, I have to give it to my partner and myself--we showed up despite our fears, in the spirit of sportsmanship and teammanship. And our courage paid off =) And I guess, PPG Bubbles indeed has powers.
The Future
We excitedly planned for our next tournament day. We might upgrade our gear and buy matching skorts (shorts inside a skirt). I'm hoping we'd get a male umpire and our legs (ok, Je's legs to be precise) will distract him. We also plan to schedule another training session and join the tuesday and thursday playing groups again. Career na talaga! But then, my partner's knee problem concerns me, so I think that has to be our priority.
We are not aiming to win. For sure, the players in the next round are all good, after having beaten their opponents in the elimination round. We are only hoping to score, at least more than 5 points, to be exact. I'm going to buy Je the same PPG necklace, just to make sure that Bubbles' PPG power will work for us again.
that's what Mama said at 7:21 AM
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- Ano nauna, CD or CD Player (a more hi-tech version of the "manok-itlog")?
- Sa Japan ba, panahon pa rin ng Hapon?
- Kapag ba bumibili ng Happy Meal dapat masaya ka?
Ako may tanong rin, it's been bugging me for so long...
Bakit ang tao pag namatay, inuuod, pero ang uod pag namatay, hindi tinatao?
that's what Mama said at 1:41 PM
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Oil prices have gone up again. So what else is new? No, I'm not going to discuss the theory of supply and demand--The reason why I shifted from Business Econ was precisely because I couldn't make heads or tails out of it.
Just for some trivia...From the time I started driving (some 8 years ago or so), pump prices for premium gasoline have risen by more than 200%. Shell Velocity (you're reading it right, I'm not patronizing my employer's product) now costs 26.88 pesos per liter. In a year's time, it may reach the 30 pesos per liter mark.
that's what Mama said at 7:28 AM
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Now what am I going to write about….This question has been bothering me for the last 5 minutes....
I could write about the fun conversation I had with the hubby this morning in the car, talking about the PBA days (and players) of old, of Allan Caidic being feared by the Chinese in the Asian Games because of his shooting prowess, of Alvin Patrimonio being the first multi-million salaried player in the league, of Ginebra’s ‘Bahala na si Lord’ championship win, of Benny Cheng being told by Jaworski “mag-foul ka nang mag-foul basta dapat masaktan sila!”, of the great days when Billy Ray Bates and Michael Hackett teamed up for the barangay….Oh, what wonderful memories, I wish they would show those games on TV again.
Or, I could write about how it amuses me that the phrase “cannot be” always triggers the reply “borrow one from 2” (in a sing-song manner)…I mean, that’s a realization that in our days, subtraction is taught in the same way by schools in every part of the Philippines. Try it in the workplace, it’s fun.
Or, I could write about the interesting online conversation I had with my good friend Dun….But then again, that’s mostly off-the-record. =P
Hmmm….It’s already 12 noon…And my stomach’s been grumbling like crazy. Gotta go! I better get Carla out of her seat and away from her meeting.
that's what Mama said at 12:05 PM
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I'm still raving about "Fifty First Dates", and speaking of which, here's an interesting survey on Fifty Firsts which I couldn't reply to in friendster due to that bummer-of-a-firewall. So here goes:
1. 1st school you attended: Nursery School in Dampalit, Malabon
2. 1st friend you had when you entered school: don't remember
3. 1st ambition: to be a doctor
4. 1st award you received: Best in Conduct (!?!?!?!)
5. 1st hero: don't remember having one
6. 1st time you were sent to the principal for disciplinary actions: Believe it or not, 4th year HS, graduating with honors, I was told to go to the principal's office for wearing square pants instead of the required skirt
7. 1st time you failed in school: 4th year college, BA118 (SUPER DUPER ADVANCED ACCOUNTING!!!)
8. 1st college entrance exam you took: UPCAT
9. 1st teacher in college: One of our great writers, Mr. Jose Dalisay (he'd alwasy tell stories about his days as a student activist and of his eventual exile in the US during the Martial Law years)
10. 1st job: Staff Accountant at BSPI
11. 1st goal you achieved: finishing school (ON TIME!), probably
12. 1st crush: too many
13. 1st person who gave you flowers: si Vimuel yata...hi there wherever you are!
14. 1st date: that was in Dairyland Restaurant in Malabon
15. 1st boyfriend / girlfriend: the one i was with in # 14
16. 1st kiss: =P
17. 1st movie you watched with a bf / gf: don't remember, but it was in SM City
18. 1st fight with a bf / gf: can't remember
19. 1st break-up: bad bad thing I did
20. 1st time you cheated on your bf / gf: my lips are sealed
21. 1st gift you received from a bf / gf: a card?
22. 1st gift you gave to a bf / gf: a card too i think
23. 1st record you bought: bagets soundtrack yata
24. 1st song you sang infront of many people: Probably it was during my performance in the "SOUND OF MUSIC" in our school when I was in 2nd year HS
25. 1st musical instrument you learned to play: Piano
26. 1st concert you watched: Patay na patay kay Randy Santiago
27. 1st celebrity you saw in person: forgot!
28. 1st TV show you really liked: i've been a couch potato since birth
29. 1st book you bought: probably a sweet dreams pocketbook
30. 1st sport you played: "touch ball"?
31. 1st sleepover: grown up na ko! while doing our marketing plan
32. 1st terrible fight: ?
33. 1st prank: never, mabait ako
34. 1st inaanak: i forgot which one, i was too young
35. 1st debut party you attended: there were too many during that time
36. 1st time you entered a bar: i think it was the Goldmine disco in Hyatt Terraces Baguio (yup, naabutan ko pa yun!)
37. 1st bestfriend: The one I could remember was Frida from Grade 4
38. 1st wedding you attended: probably a relative's
39. 1st person who greeted you on your last birthday: my bebeh
40. 1st friend in friendster: Alvin
41. 1st time you got lost: my mom said in SM Makati
42. 1st cellphone: Nokia 1610 (deadly weapon)
43. 1st cellphone ringtone: standard ring
44. 1st collection: stationery and SANRIO stuff
45. 1st time you felt proud of yourself: can't remember
46. 1st time you saw a ghost: probably when i was young and too feverish and having hallucinations
47. 1st rollercoaster ride: Space Shuttle in EK
48. 1st time you tried smoking: matanda na ako...4 years ago!
49. 1st alcoholic drink you had: juice with Fundador
50. 1st time you spent the night alone: can't remember, and I'm not scared of sleeping alone
that's what Mama said at 2:21 PM
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I had lunch with my bestfriend of more than 10 years. Just before she arrived, I already decided on getting a mozarella panini and a glass of iced tea. When she arrived and it was her turn to order...without a thought, she ordered the same.
Looking back, I realise that my bestfriend and I do share a lot of things in common...Here are some of them:
1. a knack for giving good advices to each other--but not necessarily practising them in our respective lives (hahahaha)
2. similar facial features that we've been mistaken for sisters
3. my father and her mother are born on the same day, and ended up as classmates in elementary school
3. we both grew up in the north of Metro Manila, and are now married to men who both grew up in the south
4. more on our husbands...they are of similar built and height (and not to mention...vices!)
5. we each had a dillemma in our personal lives, not at the same time, but almost of the same situation...ok ok....we were both TORN BETWEEN 2 LOVERS at one point in our lives.
But more than these coincidences...What I love about our friendship is the way we know right away if somebody's having trouble, the way that we continue sentences for each other, and the way we can second guess each other. Hahaha.
that's what Mama said at 1:05 AM
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I heard Japayukis earn a minimum of 100 $ a night, and if you are really talented, you can earn up to 1000 dollars a night. And that is only for entertaining guests. There's a common notion that all Japayukis are prostitutes. However that is not usually the case. Most are dancers, singers, or escorts and they bring home hard-earned money. And decent too at that. Hmmm...If SAP demand dwindles, I think I'd consider going to Japan. But first, I gotta lose weight!!!
that's what Mama said at 1:02 AM
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