Havianas Cartunistas

Back when I was still unemployed, I often think of what I'm gonna buy with my very first paycheck. Espresso machine: this is what I was really aiming for. Then again, now that I am working, all I can afford with my earnings are those 3-in-1 coffee drinks. And I can get those for free from Mom. Next best thing: apparel--second on my "Things-I'm-Going-To-Buy-When-I-Earn." This is where flipflops comes into picture. Even before this whole "Havaianas hype" hits the Philippines, I already knew what Havaianas are. Famous Hollywood people are already into it, some, wearing it to Red Carpet affairs. Curiosity prevails over me. I have had to get me one of them slippers. Reality bites: Havianas doesn't come cheap, to some extent, really over-priced. Then again, sometimes you can get away with little indulgence.

13 paychecks later--I bought my first-ever earning investment: Havianas Cartunistas. Trust me, I would've bought it sooner, it's just that I have this whole "procrastination-when-buying-something" thing. That's a whole nuther' story. Hehehe. Anyhoo, come Summertime, buying beach footwear would be necessary. I asked a friend what she thinks will suit me. Since I can't wear them new metallic ones (for girls), I should go for the Brazil designs. I did have a hard time buying my pair though. There were no stocks of the one I chose. I've been to all "All Flip Flops" stores to no avail. So last Monday, decided to check out the newly opened "Serendra" at Fort Bonifacio. Found out that there's an "All Flip Flops" boutique there. Their store was huge with lots of designs and colors. I was torn. Sat there and tried a few. Orange or brown?! In the end, I found chemistry between the brown Havaianas Cartunistas and my feet.

Cutscene: Cashier. "Cash or charge?!" Still, they're expensive. "Why not just buy ordinary slippers?" "Do you really need to spend a fortune on a pair of slippers?" For me: NO! But that's not the point I'm making. I'm saying that this is indulgence for me. Yes, I'm stingy, but once in a while I want to invest on something I want, something I aim for.
So, no judgments please. I'm happy with my purchase. I wear it to bed at nightime when it's sleeping time. Hahaha. Really, it's nice...

--> An indulgent post from March this year

TimeePalooza 2007

To all my love ones who were present on my "debut" last January 20, 2007 at my place... Guys and Gals, thank you oh so much for being there..

Even if the present people were only a handful..my, we painted Merville red and white.. woohoo!! Hehe..

· To my family.. thanks for all the support and food you brought for that wonderful time..(kahit naubos un food..tuloy ang ligaya)

· To my extended family... Tita Ayie...for painstakingly coordinating the event and for the cake (that everyone, and I mean everyone..adored!) Ms. Alice and Ms. Amel... for celebrating it with me...

· To the Meanboys: Cyrus, Ralph, Jio, Erwin, Robin, Tito Paul and ubod ng mean na girl..kumareng Loti... much appreciated your effort in going there even if you guys are busy nowadays from work and babysitting...hehehe

· To my Nunee... even if you still have jet-lag and was really really sick... you completed that whole event.. I missed you... (chinita ka na)

· To Mom... well, for everything...

· To those who greeted my on the 19th... People, thanks for remembering... I admit it was another milestone in my behalf...

Everyone who's everyone... ang saya diba? kahit konti tayo... the most important people were there... thanks for taking time out of your hectic lives and celebrated my special day with me... I'm just a call away for any invites from you guys... be it birthdays, weddings or christenings...Hehehe I'm there....

Again... my deepest gratitude for being with me on my 21-year journey... until then... next palooza... when I'm 50 years old...Hehehe

--> My gratitude blog from January of this year

StarBucks 2007 Planner

"Konti na lang...mapupuno na. Buy pa tau ng frap and yung Christmas Traditions flavors. Sige na, please, para mapuno na yung akin. I so want that planner na!!" These words (or somewhat different yet the same) are what most people would hear when the Holiday season arrives. Starbucks Coffee started this craze a few years ago, and has been, since then, very successful in it. Thousands of people, any market, line up to get their hands on these planners. What's so good about this planner anyway? Basically, nothing. You can buy a cheaper planner at any bookstore and you won't even have to endure a month of caffeine overdose from all those coffee drinks you need to acquire them stickers. You see, for those people living outside the coffee world radar, in order for you to get this prized planner, you hafta buy 21 coffee drinks in Starbucks. One drink = one sticker. Twelve regular drinks for the right side of the sticker card and Nine Christmas Tradition blends for the left side. Yes, 21 stickers. See the hype? It's the perfect marketing strategy for them. And people are really getting into it. Some would race to fill up their cards and see who gets to redeem a planner first. I know a friend who redeemed her planner a week after the promo started. Another thing, I like last year's planner better than this year. 2007 planner is bulky and huge. And, it has no coupons.

Well, at first I didn't want to join the hype. Especially last year when I got mine, 3 weeks into it, I got lazy and handed my planner over to the dust and dirt inside my cabinet. This year wont be any different. But, since Nunee gave Starbucks gift certificates and so did Viveca, (my GC's amounted to a P1,000), what was I supposed to do with it? Might as well, right? So last January 08, I finally redeemed my planner at Alabang Town Center.

This planner is different since I was the one who really spent for the drinks for the stickers. Unlike last year where I got a lot of help from friends and family, which by the way, a lot of people do. Not really buying their own coffee, just asking for the receipts and stickers of other people who don't care.

Anyhoo..four days into it, and I still have the urge to write in it and update it. Let's see how long before my trusty drawer inherits this so-called hyped up planner.

--> Original post from January 2007

Pride

Tim, you're more sinful than the average person. And the sin you're most guilty of is

PRIDEIn this context, Pride is defined by an exaggeration of your worth and power in an attempt to feel superior to others. Pride can lead you down the wrong path when you feel like you have to be the best at everything. This kind of compulsion to achieve can get in the way of your ability to connect respectfully and equally with others.Historically, Pride has been seen as the worst of all the deadly sins, as it is believed to lead to all other sins and to recklessly cruel behavior. In a religious context, Pride was originally cast as the human attempt at godliness. People were supposed to be humbled by their mortality: But being prideful was seen as the ultimate denial that humanity was at the mercy of God.Modern-day psychology, though, also recognizes the benefit of possessing a certain degree of Pride. In this light, Pride in this regard, is akin to self-respect. Taking Pride in a job well-done and a life well-lived is generally considered to be healthy. This view of Pride evolved, in part, due to the cultural shift in the Western world from being purely God-centered to being more focused on individual achievement and actualization. Contemporary theologians continue to debate these multifaceted opinions about Pride, its merits and pitfalls. And even today, many people feel personally conflicted about how much Pride is a good thing. This conflict is largely because modern popular thought still tends to see arrogance and boastfulness as negative components of pride. And because of this many people teeter between wanting to bolster their self-esteem through Pride while still remaining modest.Despite all of these philosophical ambiguities, though, your particularly high score on Pride indicates that you may be falling into the trap of believing (whether you recognize it or not) you're invincible and unequaled in talent. If you aren't careful, your drive to excel at all costs may ultimately be your downfall, possibly leading to mental anguish and isolation. Beware of prioritizing your achievements and talents above all else. And especially be wary of using them as a way to feel separate from, and superior to, others. Excessive pride can actually be a detriment both to your self-esteem and to your relationships. If your pride drives you to treat loved ones or subordinates poorly, this can chip away at your connections — connections you ultimately need and want, and undermine your humanity. And if your expectations of yourself are so unrealistically high that you're never pleased with yourself or others (you're only human, after all), you will likely find yourself chronically dissatisfied with life.

I recently took a test in Tickle.com about how sinful I am. And the paragraph above explains how a bad-ass I am..hah! I wish. So, am guilty of being too much of a jerk, and I don't disagree. If you're to survive this world, you gotta take matters into your own hands, and I don't mean involving yourself into crimnal and illegal acts, but taking your life and controlling it. I may sound like those villains in the movie, but who gets the most glory and respect? I may come off too strong or a wacko to you, but trust me on this one, I know what I am doing. Hey, I believe in the test, and I'm seriously considering lessening my evilness. hehehe.. Antidote for this sin is humbleness. And i know my place, the irony is, I am somewhat humble. Long explanation, I just am. Funny, I never thought of myself as a person with pride. More of Slothness, really. But after reading the results, well, I hafta agree.

It's how I wanna live. I am prepared for the consequences. Blame my surroundings or whatever...I don't care. Maybe if I get back my contentment and find inner happiness, I won't be that sinful anymore...

--> Getting there, this one also from January of this year

I Want My Life Back!

Funny how i am already complaining about life when i am only 20 years old..well, it wasn't always like this..i used to be happy with everything..i was contented..i have a cool family, rockin friends, loving girl, and i have my school..

April 01, 2006..a milestone, as many people would say, happens..i graduated college. Now, for some, this is really an achievement, and fact of the matter is, it is! Perhaps, graduating from college, as many of you would put it, marks the beginning of the life of one person.. Sure, i believe it..until you start looking for work.. Trust me..looking for work ain't something to look forward to..(to the undergraduates..i am not telling you to dread your graduation day, but rather, enjoy the time you have left with your friends and peers in school)

As I've said, i was happy and contented..that is..until..i started working. I consider my work to be a filler while i look for real stable job.. No complains whatsoever with what i'm doing even if it's somewhat routinary.. The office folks are great.. It's like being back in school again.. And you even have to compete for grades.. But when the inevitable happened..i started loathing everything..and i mean everything! My schedule was shifted in the afternoon.. For some, this is a dream come true.. You don't have to wake up early, you get to save `cause your expenses would only just be for transportation and merienda, and in our office, mid-shifts are the down time.. There aren't a lot of work to be accomplished in the mid-shift! And the surprising thing is..i am actually doing good in my job.. i rank at performances and even receive excellent ratings for my job.. i know these luxuries..and i am slightly benefitting from them.. but what i have to give up is unbearable..even for me! TIME..yes, time! You see..i also have work on Saturdays..and that day is supposed to be my Me-time and time for leisure.. Of course, if your shift falls in the afternoon..then that day is practically useless.. Time has really affected my relationship.. A week will not pass by without fights and possible break-ups.. Is it normal: yes! Is it bearable: no! it's not only my relationship that's affected.. even my family time suffers.. i have to fit in people now.. and i am a person who do not like schedules.. can you believe that everything in my life right now is planned? that is so not me.. i like being surprised and not being in a routine.. but now, in order to exist and at least see everyone close to me smile, i have to give exact time and days that i'll be able to see and be with them.. I hate that.. whatever happened to spontaneity? back in school..when we wanted to go out..a venue and time would be sufficient.. Now, you have to ask your friends in advance and give a week's notice before you get an answer.. That's another thing that sucks.. You dont get to see your college friends as much anymore.. All those promises that you all will go out at least once a month and keep in touch..na-da..zilch! Not counting of course those joke quotes and funny messages they send once in a while.. But that's nothing compared to the bonding moments you have when you guys go out together.. And, of course, my relationship. We're on the brink of breaking up..and neither one of us can't find any solution for this conflict. It's not us..it's the situation.. How i wish that statement is the reality.. Yes, we may blame the situation and my job and her schoolwork..but if we're really that into each other..this "time" thing won't cause this much damage..

I love her..and she's worth it..but the obstacles and all things negative is really making it hard for her to believe that.. i am going against my family sometimes just to make things work..and that's okay for me.. i know what i'm doing is questionable, but who cares, i know the consequences of my actions.

I WANT MY LIFE BACK...
I want what i used to have with family, friends, and Nunee..
This is my birthday wish..to be able to be the Timmy i was..
I don't wana give up anyone or anything..
But somehow..i just might..

--> More current one, tis’ from January of this year

Changes, Cancer and Closure...

As most of you know..i have changed over the past year! most of you say its all for the good..people like me then..but am more likeable today..but at what price did i hafta pay for achieving this new found persona?! il tell you..the pain of not having the one thing you have always wanted..and it kills you every damn day knowing that you have no chance in hell..in getting what you wish for every night before you go to sleep..or even at daytime and constantly it's in your mind and you think of things that you know will never happen..by means of bein busy..you temporarily forget the one thing..but after all was said and done..you find yourself alone and doin nothin..and slowly the thing that you want to get over from..comes back and destroys all the happy moments when you were busy and replacing it not with bad moments..but much worst..the feelings of the past when you were happy and the thought of not having what you want..which is much worst..id take any blows or scratches any time of the day..because i know in a couple of days..it'll heal..but that kind of wounds will take a lifetime just to heal!! just like the song says: there is always something there to remind me.." you stroll along the mall and you see the resto you guys ate at..you specifically remember what she ordered and how many straws did she use..or the dvd release of the movie you went out to see with her..or just a simple store you walked in and saw this perfect top that would be perfect for her..walking past a coffee shop and a stream of flashbacks and countless fun times are thrown into you..enjoying a friend's party and the host takes out a familiar cake..turns out twas her favorite when you guys were still going out..memories, memories and memories..will it ever stop? will you ever be cured?!

The agony of waiting and hoping is like cancer..slowly eating you deep inside and in a matter of moments..your dead! contrary to popular beliefs..Rebounds are never the answer!! you fall into a trap of misery and you just cant get out even if you try your best..take for instance my closest friends..one of them still dwells over last summer..his summer love..but for me..ts more of a "summer tragedy" rather than summer romance..this guy is strong..but the mighty have fallen with a statement, lies and 1 angry boyfriend..he hides his troubled self with comments and other girls..now twas another memory for most of us..but i can see it in him that ts goin to take more than "pechy" to cure and resurrect his old self..another friend who happens to be really happy for the first 3 years i have met him..but his world was shattered when the love of his life left him to die in the abyss of singleness..ouch! i even felt the pang of his frustrations and his defeat to another guy..he says he's okay..and yes i believe him..but knowing him..up to now..if she returns, he'll accept her in a heartbeat..now that is true love! removing the shallowness aside..you can sense the longingness and wretchedness in this two guys! i feel for you..and yes we have to move on..yes i know forgetting is never an option..give me one good instance that you forgot the love of your life..and hoping for a chance will always linger in your mind..this things will never leave you..you just need to learn how to live with it..

And yet there will always be a time..that will end, not all of your misery but more of a pain reliever..just like chemo..it never kills the cancer..but it makes the pain bearable..that is when you finally get your closure..the feeling is unexplainable..closures are never fun..if you receive closure..then the things you hoped for didnt go as planned..it means you will hafta settle for somethin..which is fine..if you really care for this person that much..then you will take whatever she hands to you..if friendship is the only thing she can offer you..then by all means take it..rather than swimming in the sea of misery and depression..a lifesaver of companionship will help you survive all of this..so even if closures are scary..it is the only thing that will somewhat cure you and set your life back to normal..it is only in closure that we find ourselves escaping from the desolate world of melancholy..so for people like us..be strong..ts so easy to say yet ts so hard to instill..you may never get what you have always wanted..but dwell on the fact..that somehow without that one thing..your life would be the same boring routine and uninteresting..and the fact that once in your life you felt happiness..even if its just for a short period of time..it is still happiness.. ;)

--> Wrote this in September 2005

School Orgs, Senior Year & Busyness

Being busy is something that I needed to feel. I have changed for the past year and the new me, I think is much, much better than the old me. I mean, I am more school-oriented nowadays and more friendly than I was before; and my friends can attest to that. You see, your first impression of me will probably be "suplado," which I don’t deny. Hey, you just gotta know me to know me..nywey back to busyness..first semester is almost over and what a semester it is..well 4 weeks and countin..and ts my last semester in school..imagine that! finally leaving the den..well hopefully..only a certain bitch stands in my way of marching in march..why the busyness?! because i started participating in school activities and active in school organizations..i thank Ryan Skalaw for givin me a position in his org..dun wory dude..ts gonna be interestin..hehe!! in this org..am meeting people..not just people but friends..and this friends are a breath of fresh air..after what happened to my kada..we havent exactly did nythn that will prove a point in school..but were workin on it..promise members and school community..we will make a difference..we have to!! hahaha..ts kinda scary since the current year being my senior year in college..almost over..almost done! and its true..ts scary to graduate! the responsibilities will be serious and there wont be dean's listers to back you up..that i can manage..since i am great..hehe..but havin to wake up every day and not go to Mendiola will be a very weird feeling for me..for 15 years i've been doin that..and in a couple of months my only view of Mendiola is if some idiots tries and tries to ruin our country with their protestings and rallies..most of all i will miss the people inside the den! we were actually talking about what would everyone feel after taking our final exam in the second semester, the last subject exam and signing our exam release form..for the last time..it would be very emotional..recently just had our retreat and the team building session was quite emotional..no one cried..but you can feel the sense of togetherness and brotherhood of everyone..that is why ts scary to graduate..i am rily rily gonna miss my ABE!! that is why i keep myself busy in school today and spend much time with the boys..so to my new friends..lower years and batchmates..ThnX for making the first half of my senior year..fun and memorable..hope that til the end..the fun will never stop!! oh yeah..3rd street na!!!

--> Posted way back in September 2005

Top Ten Summer Moments of 2005

Here…as promised…are my Top Ten Summer Moments of 2005..mapa-nega or posi…they’re all memorable!! So, with no further adoOo:

10. Last day of Junior Year in School..Erwin's Bday celebration at Tapika..started y'know what!! [March 18, 2005]
9. Driving Lessons at Sucat..oh yeah!! [last week of March]
8. Certain realizations of certain personal stuff!! [all thru out summer]
7. March Twenty sumthn conversation wid a Friend..intense eh!! [March 20-sumthn]
6. Movie dates with my Friends..all of the summer movies rocks!! [all thruout summer]
5. End of the Summer everyday gimmicks with a friend!! [last 2 weeks of May and first 2 weeks of June]
4. StarWars Episode III:Revenge of the Sith movie screening/reunion with my HighSchool Kada..we were complete!! [May 20]
3. Equitable PCI Bank OJT experience..[April 18-May 28]
2. Breakfast Supersize guesting with my bestbud Cy..in their segment Atomic Bam..i look good on TV!! [April 29]
1. StarBucks West Ave..nuff said!! [April 19]

You see...Summer of 2005 was the best ever...t'was a very interesting season with lots of new experiences...I just don't see any season this year that’ll top it. Maybe Christmas…but I don't think so...unless...well, Santa brings me better present this year!!

--> Original post: June, 2005