I Beg You: Do Not Spoil "Deathly Hallows" For Me!!!

It's been 10 years since the first installment of the Harry Potter series were introduced to us. Now, the final book, the finale, the ground breaking revelations, the end of an era as we know it, judgment day, came. And it was last Saturday. This is not a review about the book because the fact is, I haven't read it yet. I don't even have a copy of it. Used to be, I get my copy from my Ninang in the States. But since this is the momentous one, I wanted to buy this one on my own. So why haven't I purchased my copy yet? Simple. I'm still reviewing. I'm reading books' V and VI first before taking on the the "Hallows."

So what's the purpose of this text? Simple again. Like what my suggests and ask, Please, I beg people, do not spoil the book for me. I try to stay away from Internet as much as possible. No website is safe. Every blog has its own version of reviews and comments. That's fine. I've solved that. I just stay away from websites. A fan submitted this desktop wallpaper that contains all the people who perished in the series. A fine tribute. But it almost ruined the era for me. Good thing I had good reflexes. hahaha. By far, I think Wikipedia wins the best spoiler award. As I've said, I was reviewing, so I decided to look up Horcruxes. Even the article about it contains stories about how the book ended. My gawd! Still, I turned it off before it turned messy. Websites and the Internet are easy to avoid. But what about the people themselves?! People blabbing about how good the book is, which is fine and cool; but loudly? Dude, at least wait a week before shouting around what happened in this chapter and that chapter.

Best cure for these spoilers: grab a copy of the book and go nuts!!!

Better solution that moving to China or Russia. At least there you wouldn't understand anything even if their talking about this page or that page.

Technically, we can't call them spoilers anymore since the book's already in circulation. But you know what I mean. This is legendary. People deserve to find out the ending the right way. Call me sentimental or corny, but unlike people who want to finish it as soon as they paid for it, I want to read the last pages of this history in a perfect place. Somewhere where it's serene and calm. A perfect way to end an era.

Cheers...

--> Posted last July 2007

"Gaano Kahirap ang mga Transcriptionists?!"

On picture: Ayala Avenue in front of 6780 JAKA building at about 1:30 p.m. on July 12, 2006. Shown in this photo is a girl being pick-pocketed by two un-seemingly transcriptionists. The authorities already raised its highest alerts for the apprehension of these individuals. Photo was taken by this captionist who wants to remain anonymous and asked to be called Arch.

[Music]
>> It's so sad what has happened to the once promising Transcriptionists...
>> And sa harap mismo ng opisina at hindi man namili ng hinoholdap..adik pa yung tinalo!!!
>> Ganyan na nga lang siguro ang kahihinatnan kung hindi na maalis ang LOB team na ito sa under P10,000 salary...

It's Been a Year since I Graduated!!!

"Herald the Bedans coming..."

Today marks the First-year anniversary of me having a degree and joining the professional world. In short, it's been a year since I graduated college. Left the old school halls, the crazy professors, the chaotic Mendiola, and more importantly, left "The Den."

Watching Ron's graduation last Friday really made me think what I have been doing with my life over the past year: Nothing! Well, not really nothing, but I feel like I'm wasting my degree and education. I know I have to find something that will make use of my expertise. (Yeah, right! Expertise..haha!) Anyway, like I said while at Ron's graduation, the moment I saw the new graduating batch, grazin' St. Maurs' in our custom, unique Red Togas, taking pictures with batchmates--it hit me! One year had passed. There's already a new batch of fresh graduates that the corporate world will prioritize in hiring. Arrgghh..I keep reverting to the whole "professional world." I am writing this as a tribute to that "graduation feeling." My apologies.

This year's graduation was quite speedier that ours, last year. Looking from the stands, I was one of those kids last year. Face full of hopes and their minds, naive. Very excited to embark on new challenges the corporate world offers. True, I felt and believed that. BUT, nothing beats being in school.

This 2007 San Beda College Graduation rites was a momentous one. This marks the graduation of the first female batch of my beloved institution. OLD SCHOOL San Beda is no more. After struggling with the reality of the Bedan culture dying and perishing with the entry of these ladies, watching them march and accumulate numerous awards, you really get that sense of proudness. I may not be a part of that batch, but Ron is. The proud boyfriend I am when she went up the stage, with her parents, to receive her Academic Distinction award and other extra-curricular activity awards. Clicking here and there. How come I didn't get a single Academic award during my time is another story. And why she gathered ridiculous amount of glory and how smart she is, is for another blog! Hehehe.. Hey, I did get to go up the stage last year with Mom and Dad to receive a gold medal. A Loyalty Award. For being a pure-blooded Bedan through and through. Not a lot of students have the privilege to say that they are pure-breeds.

Pure-breeds. After the first Lionesses marched out from the Den, that word is just a mere memory of the glorious days of our school. But am I complaining? NO. Gone are the days where I raised hell on campus just because they won't allow us to sport our hair long and wear our pants tattered. My personal vendetta against the then admin are just chapters in my history books. The first female batch, hate them or love them, did my school proud.

Now, as I've said, I feel old because of the new batch of graduates. Then again, that's part of life. Sure I miss my MEAN BOYS and how we painted the school RED!! But there're a lot of things to look forward to. Especially now that Ron's gonna start her professional career.

What's important now is I make my alma mater proud!

"For San Beda, our country, and God!!!"

Go San Beda Fight!!! Go San Beda Fight!!!
--> Obviously, an April post

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