All images from the Internet

1. New Nike Running Shoes – This was one of the first items that got off the list. Dad surprised me with a pair from his recent homecoming vacation, although another pair wouldn’t be so bad, especially if it’s the Nike LunarGlide. Haha

Cost Estimate: 4,000 – 6,000 php

2. Starbucks Tumbler – I prefer the one with the “Manila” design on it, please. 

Cost Estimate: 400 / 500+ (forget the real price)

3.  Original Ray-Ban Wayfarer – My old pair of shades badly needs to retire but it won’t unless I replace it with a Ray-Ban.  ) You can get me the white one or the black one, I really don’t mind.

Cost Estimate: 4,000 – 6,000 php

4. New Guitar – The second item off my list! Again, sponsored by my dad bought from Cebu 

Cost Estimate: 1000 – 1500 php

5. New Set of .88 Stabilo Colored Pens – I have a whole set of these pens but I lost each from people who I can’t remember anymore (sad). – Advance gift from the boyfriend

Cost Estimate: 500 – 700 php (depends on the number of pens)

6. Cute Notebook – I have this thing for notebooks next to my thing for colored pens. Haha Fully Booked actually has a lot of cute notebooks, I would appreciate getting one of those.  If you’re not a Fully Booked fan, click the link for other options. 

Cost Estimate: 300 – 500 php

7. Pair of Ballet Flats / Loafers – Not particular with the brand as long as they’re sturdy. Shoe size: 7 

Cost Estimate: starts at 200 php

8. Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Nail Color – One stroke! One coat! Done! Haha Please get me the lighter shades 

Cost Estimate: 300 php

9. A Song of Ice and Fire Novel Collection by George R. R. Martin – I recently became a fan of the TV Series Game of Thrones and having the entire collection, or at least the first four books for now, from which it was based on would be really awesome! 

Cost Estimate: 1245 php (Boxed Set, National Bookstore)

10. Original Apple iPod Earphones – Available at your nearest Apple store 

Cost Estimate: 1300 php

11. Team Manila Shirt – The vintage designs would be more appreciated 

Cost Estimate: 300 – 600 php

12. Parker Fountain Pen – The cheapest fine-tip-pen is okay 

Cost Estimate: 500 – 700 php

13. Billabong Women’s Rash Guard – Long sleeves / White or Black / Medium 

Cost Estimate: 1300 php

14. Boyfriend Blazer – Not particular with the brand and the cheap ones from the department store are also appreciated 

Cost Estimate: Starts at 1000 php

15. Scrapbook Album + Materials – My old photos deserve better than a box

Cost Estimate – Starts at 500 php

16. Canon 50mm f/1.8 Lens – This year’s list wouldn’t be complete without a camera accessory 

Cost Estimate: 4000 php

There you have it, my Top 16 (not in order) 2011 Christmas Wish List.

If all else fail, a simple Merry Christmas will do.  Of course, you do know I’m kidding.haha

Image from the Internet

I wanted to watch Rang De Basanti (Color of Sacrifice) because a younger-looking Aamir Khan in the movie poster appealed to me while I was looking for more of his best films. A winner even more because I recognized one of the other casts (Sharman Joshi) as the other friend from “3 Idiots”, which is where my love and admiration for Aamir Khan was born. 

I was clueless when I started watching, as I was with the other Hindi films I watched, because I don’t usually read the synopsis. “Surprise me” is how I want to do it. I expected some singing and dancing because that seems to be their style, I also expected some drama because that’s how it was briefly introduced–an Indian drama film–but I never expected it to be so intense and emotion-heavy.

You don’t need the subtitles to recognize the drama and the pain and you don’t need to understand the conversation to cry at the right moments (if you cry easily like me). The movie will just lure you in, even the musical scoring will feed you with the right emotions. Well, at least that’s how it happened to me. Plus I liked the way they used events from the past to tell the present story, I think it was flawless and effective.

More than that, I think it’s how I can easily relate to what the movie was trying to say. And surprisingly, it’s about being in love with your country. This is me being surprised because I’m not usually the type who puts political messages on Facebook or Twitter nor the type who goes on debate about our government, but I need not to be a rebel to understand what they were fighting for. I didn’t need the experience of being a part of a student political organization to empathize. I just needed to know and at least be aware of what’s happening in my own country to make that connection.

Anyway, what I’m trying to say is that it’s really good.

If you’re into Hindi films or at least if you think you are (like me), if you can stand subtitles and a bit of musical acts doesn’t bother you, I suggest you watch this movie. I give Rang De Basanti two thumbs up (even the ones in my feet)!

p.s

Aamir Khan,

Someday, I will fly to India and will make it a personal mission to look for you and meet you!

The count down begins!

I will appreciate anything from the given items below, may it be one of these or more than one. I’m not particular with the brand, although I included some (okay there were a lot) especially for the gadget accessories–one of which will really really make me happy, but I’m also aware that it’s one hell of an expensive accessory.

I know it’s a template from my last year’s wish-list-post (as if anyone would remember), but basically I would be saying the same introduction anyway. For this post, I actually have a page-full of wish list but I decided to trim the list down to my best bets, two of the items by the way were already crossed out (thanks dad).

Ready?

All images from the Internet

1. New Nike Running Shoes – This was one of the first items that got off the list. Dad surprised me with a pair from his recent homecoming vacation, although another pair wouldn’t be so bad, especially if it’s the Nike LunarGlide. Haha

Cost Estimate: 4,000 – 6,000 php

2. Starbucks Tumbler – I prefer the one with the “Manila” design on it, please.

Cost Estimate: 400 / 500+ (forget the real price)

3.  Original Ray-Ban Wayfarer – My old pair of shades badly needs to retire but it won’t unless I replace it with a Ray-Ban. ) You can get me the white one or the black one, I really don’t mind.

Cost Estimate: 4,000 – 6,000 php

4. New Guitar – The second item off my list! Again, sponsored by my dad bought from Cebu

Cost Estimate: 1000 – 1500 php

5. New Set of .88 Stabilo Colored Pens – I have a whole set of these pens but I lost each from people who I can’t remember anymore (sad).

Cost Estimate: 500 – 700 php (depends on the number of pens)

6. Cute Notebook – I have this thing for notebooks next to my thing for colored pens. Haha Fully Booked actually has a lot of cute notebooks, I would appreciate getting one of those.  If you’re not a Fully Booked fan, click the link for other options.

Cost Estimate: 300 – 500 php

7. Pair of Ballet Flats / Loafers – Not particular with the brand as long as they’re sturdy. Shoe size: 7

Cost Estimate: starts at 200 php

8. Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Nail Color – One stroke! One coat! Done! Haha Please get me the lighter shades

Cost Estimate: 300 php

9. A Song of Ice and Fire Novel Collection by George R. R. Martin – I recently became a fan of the TV Series Game of Thrones and having the entire collection, or at least the first four books for now, from which it was based on would be really awesome!

Cost Estimate: 1245 php (Boxed Set, National Bookstore)

10. Original Apple iPod Earphones – Available at your nearest Apple store

Cost Estimate: 1300 php

11. Team Manila Shirt – The vintage designs would be more appreciated

Cost Estimate: 300 – 600 php

12. Parker Fountain Pen – The cheapest fine-tip-pen is okay

Cost Estimate: 500 – 700 php

13. Billabong Women’s Rash Guard – Long sleeves / White or Black / Medium

Cost Estimate: 1300 php

14. Boyfriend Blazer – Not particular with the brand and the cheap ones from the department store are also appreciated

Cost Estimate: Starts at 1000 php

15. Scrapbook Album + Materials – My old photos deserve better than a box

Cost Estimate – Starts at 500 php

16. Canon 50mm f/1.8 Lens – This year’s list wouldn’t be complete without a camera accessory

Cost Estimate: 4000 php

There you have it, my Top 16 (not in order) 2011 Christmas Wish List.

If all else fail, a simple Merry Christmas will do.  Of course, you do know I’m kidding.haha

I’ve been watching a lot of Grey’s Anatomy lately, from the first season and now down to its 7^th (better late than never). After watching the first 3 episodes and getting acquainted to Derek Shepherd’s hair, I can’t stop watching anymore. I need not to say further how great and awesome GA is. It just is. All its awards, recognitions and fans think so, too. Who am I to argue?

Now every time I get hooked to a new series or book, I blog about it and from my past entries, I usually pick a specific episode or character and focus on that. I rarely make a general review, and this post is not different (I always like starting with a disclaimer when making posts like this). For the benefits of those who aren’t watching GA, let me give you a brief background on the GA character I am featuring on this entry, Dr. Cristina Yang.

Dr. Cristina Yang is one of the main characters of the series, best friend of the main protagonist and has been part of it since the first season. She’s the perfect epitome of a “career woman”. Top of the class, always on her foot, not used to failing, passionate on what she does, she makes sure to get what she wants—a typical success junkie. She’s on her way to becoming a great Cardiothoracic Surgeon.

Then one day, Cristina undergoes a very scary experience when a grieving dead patient’s husband returned to their hospital and started shooting all the surgeons in the building. To make a long story short, Cristina was one of the doctors who suffered a post-traumatic stress disorder. She wouldn’t hold a scalpel; she wouldn’t go near an operating room; she just doesn’t want to be a surgeon anymore.

Something happened and scared the hell out of her. She stopped doing what she loves the most. The thought of being a surgeon stresses her and the idea of operating doesn’t interest her anymore. All those even with all the support she’s getting from her friends, mentor and husband.

So why did I choose Cristina and why this [sad and pathetic] part of her life? Well, it just made me realize that even those people who are great already and so sure of what they want to do, question themselves given the right kind and amount of stressors. There will always be a moment of doubt, a moment when you just can’t ask yourself anymore to do what you used to love doing. I now find it normal that sometimes people just lose confidence and trust in themselves. Every person is entitled to be scared once in his/her life, they even have the rights to cry their heart out, scream and be mad all the time. I’ve accepted that, too.

Cristina eventually left the hospital and ended up working in a bar. She gave up on the career she has always wanted even though before, she can never picture herself working not as a surgeon.

Images from the Internet

Surgeon [slash] Bartender

I can’t tell you anymore what happened next, because I really don’t know. I haven’t watched the succeeding episodes yet. But this I can tell: knowing Cristina, she’ll be back soon. She’ll be a surgery junkie once again. She just needs to find that “push and release” and she’ll be cutting again in the operating room. She can’t stop being a surgeon because it will always be her love and I think she’ll never find a great reason to move on from that chosen path.

But for now, she needs the time (at least, on the current episode I’m on). It happens. It sucks a lot, but it happens… and it can also be true for those who are… behind the cameras.

-0-

One of my favorite Cristina Yang scenes

CRISTINA: “Get out of bed, we’re gonna be late.”

MEREDITH: “I have a feeling.”

CRISTINA: “You have a feeling?”

MEREDITH: “Yes.”

CRISTINA: “What kind of feeling?”

MEREDITH: “Like I might die.”

CRISTINA: “Today? Tomorrow? In 50 years? We’re all going to die eventually. Now we’re late! Let’s go!”

MEREDITH: “Oh Cristina, c’mon!”

CRISTINA: “What? I’m being supportive.”

MEREDITH: “Really?”

CRISTINA: “Yeah, this is me being totally supportive. Go on.”

MEREDITH: “Okay. The man I love has a wife and then he chooses her over me. Then the wife takes my dog. Well, she didn’t actually take my dog. I gave it to her. But I didn’t mean to give it to her, I meant to give it to him, and that doesn’t change the fact that she’s got Derek. And my McDog. She’s got my McLife! What have I got? I can’t even remember the last time we kissed. Because you never think the last time is the last time. You think you have forever, but you don’t. Plus my conditioner decided to stop working and I think I have brittle bones. I need something to happen. I just need a sign. I need a reason to go on. I need some hope, and in the absence of hope, I need to stay in bed and feel like I might die today.”

CRISTINA: [pauses, then drags Meredith out of bed] “Whatever. Everybody has problems. Get your ass out of bed and get to work. NOW! Move, move, move!”

Origin: First heard from Party Pilipinas A-team Director, Mark Reyes

SPOT THE HIDDEN MICKEY

The title and the short definition above sum it all, no need to further expound. The only thing that I need to mull over is the answer itself to the question posted above, which I honestly don’t know (or so I think).

My love notes, by far, for this week.

Note #1: Kitten Love

Kitten's Day Out in a box

It was Kitten’s day out yesterday. We met at Megamall (closest mall to his work) around 4pm after his shift, bought some stuff for him while making plans, decided to hit the movie house first to check the schedules, bought our tickets then went straight to Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken for merienda. Movie date was Fright Night, which I liked (reminds me to download to original movie), then chilled at Starbucks before we finally went home. 

Note #2: Pouch Love

Isang bagsakan

While waiting for Jayem yesterday, I stopped by some of the stores to entertain myself a bit but then I ended up buying more than what I initially intended to. Sucks a bit, I thought at first, but then I’m happy now after convincing myself that these items were on sale and some were below one hundred (so there). Another one to blame was that the OC-ness in me kicked-in, so after grabbing the first pouch (intended to replace my vanity kit), I thought of all the other stuff I have that also needs “pouching” and “organizing“, so by the time Jayem arrived, I already have 4 pouches to pay for.

Novelties Pouch, 79.75php

Cosmetic Kit, 199php

Novelties Pouch, 79.75php

Hard Drive Pouch from Case Logic, 399.75php

Finally,

Note #3: Pinoy Love

Miss Shamcey Supsup, Miss Universe 3rd Runner Up (Grabbed from the Internet)

It’s a proud and happy day for the Philippines as the world hailed Shamcey Supsup  Miss Universe 3rd Runner Up 2011. She’s not only a real epitome of beauty (no doubt), but she also definitely has the brains reflected on how confidently and gracefully she answered her question. A lot of people would have imagined her to place higher, but then again Top 5 IS Top 5, 3rd Runner Up IS 3rd Runner Up and we can’t take that away from her. Congratulations, Miss Shamcey! You are now one of the proudest daughters of our country.

That damn moment when all you want is to enjoy a cup of coffee then you find an “added flavor” on it after consuming half of that creamy, brown liquid.

My friend asked me to withhold the company details until they settle the case

Taken after my friend went down to this vending machine supplier office that also sold them this cup of coffee. She’s okay, by the way. Well she still doesn’t feel right, just by the thought of it makes her feel queasy, but nothing too extreme (thank goodness!).

And this is why 3-in-1 coffee is better. =))

For the benefit of this blog, I will refer to August as “this month”

Ever since I was a kid, the older folks have always referred to August as the “ghost month”. Business is usually down, financial difficulty is a common complaint and losing is just an easy task. For me however, this month has been an eventful one, even more than what I expected it to be.

A month with my dad around can never be a ghost month. There’s always something to do, there’s always somewhere to go and there’s always new stuff to look forward to. His presence brings in a lot of energy in the house and not to mention, so much noise. So how can it be a dead month when I can never expect a passive day with all our usual routines being disturbed with this single entity, who is my dad.

Complete. The day after my dad arrived

This month added another year to my brother’s existence. He is now officially 3 years of age. Stronger, smarter, bigger, taller, faster, noisier, louder, naughtier. The latter part, I swear gets in to me. How can so much life and force be contained in a 3-year old boy’s body. Sometimes, I think it’s like he’s being possessed with Taz, only Mikoy doesn’t spin around like Taz. But we love him nonetheless, and this month proved, materially speaking, how loved and spoiled that kid is. I never had his birthday when I was a kid, with all those clown and magician. Don’t get me wrong, I wasn’t jealous; I was the one who suggested the magician, just showing a point how this month didn’t seem like a ghost month for us given how we celebrated my brother’s 3rd birthday. Oh well, it’s not every year he turns three.

Mikoy's 3rd bday on a box

My career as a star also debuted this month. =)) Okay kidding and exaggeration aside, I was talking about that three-second cameo role on the movie, Tween Academy: Class of 2012, which by the way is still showing. As our director said, you can have your appearances on several TV shows but a full-length movie is forever, even if it is just a three-second appearance.hahaha

3:00 – 3:03 then hit pause. Lady in pink. =))

The red carpet premiere was also something, might I just add. Walking on the red carpet feeling like a star (major LOL), watching it with your friends who has their own three-second of fame and cheering inside the movie house as you see yourselves on the big screen–those are definitely not something you experience on a ghost month.

Early birdies. L-R: Jorron, Rish, Aileen

And speaking of career, the decision to officially end my career as a “double agent” was made on this same month. As mentioned on some of my entries before, while I work as a writer for one of the biggest networks in the country, I also freelance as a media assistant for a foreign publication company. I think it’s about time that I make this move and stop caring on how much I can get in a month with two jobs and start thinking ahead and what could really give me satisfaction and fulfillment on this aspect of my life. Though I will be losing that job, it’s still not a ghost month for me because I know that by the end of the day, I will gain more.

A quote from an Indian friend, Niyas, that day he decided to leave his job

This month also gave me the opportunity to be part of a very momentous event, some say it might even go down the history. I had the chance to be part of the team behind the coverage of the Pacquiao-Marquez World Press Tour 2011. Okay just to be clear, the real event was in September, but the planning stage and the time I got the news that I was going to be one of the writers for the event was this month, so there! I cannot deny the awesomeness and pride I felt in being part of an event the world got to witness, and as one of my co-writers said, “ang pogi nito sa resume”.hahaha And oh, here’s the link to one of my closest shots of the two great fighters.

Some of the team behind the coverage. L-R: Kuya Andy, Shaun, Rish, Jorron, Direk Mark, Jaypee, Ms Lui, Ate Lea

It was a jam-packed and relatively great month. It has its down moments but not enough to merit a “ghost month” label. Changes were made, decisions that will surely affect the succeeding months but I’m up for it. And as I end this entry, as I finally let go of the this-month-August description, I still can’t believe that it’s September already.

Candace from Phineas and Ferb. Love the looks of her face on this one. *original image from the Internet*

It has been more than 2 years now since that blessed day my mom showed me the papers. Two long years of roller coaster, love-hate relationship with the baby brother I thought I would never have. Don’t get me wrong, I love him in every way and just like my parents, I’m willing to give and sacrifice my life for Mikoy.

Yesterday, we celebrated his birthday. Everyone was so excited to see him do his I’m-three-years-old hand gesture.

Mikoy: I'm three years old!

And because he has badgered us night and day to take him to the mall, off to MOA we went.

First stop: Lunch at one of the family favorites, The French Baker.

Next stop: Mikoy at Lego’s play area

Mikoy's building blocks

Side trip: Birthday balloons for Mikoy

WIth Mommy

Last stop: Ice cream parlor

He's a messy eater

Next week, my dad, who works overseas, will be here so we’ll probably celebrate his birthday again. Yep, that’s how lucky and loved my brother is. He has a dad who spoils him, a mom who takes care of him and a big sister to get crazy with.

Happy birthday, baby bro! Love love. <3

As of December 25 last year, these were the items crossed out of my wish list.

But like what I said, the “people concerned” continued to grant some of the items above even after Christmas. Here’s the updated version of the list now.

1. A new pair of shoes – Yes, it has to be one of those platform shoes or boots. Cost: roughly around 1500php – Christmas gift from my mom.  

2. Lens Hood for an 18-55mm Canon lens – I prefer the petal-shaped, thank you very much. Cost: roughly around 650php

3. Lens Cleaner - A Lenspen would really do.   Cost: roughly around 200-300php - Got the original one. Cost me more than my estimated price, but it’s okay. 

4. Plastic Box Container– A bonus item.haha But if you must, you may also include some silica gels, too. I’ll be using them as an alternative for my camera drybox. Cost: less than a hundred  - Okay, my mom went for the bonus item.hahaha She knows where to get a cheaper one. Thanks, Ma! 

5.  500gb External Hard Drive – Again, I’m not really particular with the brand as long as I can store my heavy photos.hehe This one’s pricey, though. Cost: about 4000php

6. Jacket -  I’d appreciate a black Boyfriend Jacket, thank you very much!  Cost: price starts at around 1o00php, depends on where you are buying  I saw one that costs 1200php. Ask me and I’ll tell you.haha – From boyfriend with love. He had me choose what I want so he didn’t have to think. 

7. Hard bound copy of Vampire Academy: Last Sacrifice - I’d love the smell of a new book. I don’t mind paper cuts, too.  Cost: roughly around 600-800php - This one’s not exactly a hard bound copy, it’s not even a book. Kath was kind enough to give us ebook copies. Oh well, I was planning to complete the book collection anyway (yes, even after reading them all). Might as well start with the first book. 

8. Canon EF-S 18-200mm Lens – I’d die if I receive one for Christmas.haha Cost: roughly around 36000php. I know, it’s a lot! Maybe next year, perhaps?  - I didn’t die last Christmas, I did on my bday though. Bday gift from Daddy. He didn’t get me Canon though. I told him I’m okay with a Sigma lens, it’s cheaper than Canon but works well just the same.  

9. Camera Bag – A generic brand will do, doesn’t have to be a Canon bag.  Cost: price starts at 1700php, again depends on where and what you would buy  - Another one from the boyfriend. Got this one just last month. 

10. Lens UV Filter for an 18-55mm Canon Lens -  Handle and pack it with care.  Cost: roughly around 600-700php – Got this one on a discounted price. 

So that gives me two more items to cross out from the list. I’m thinking I can get the last two myself. And now that I’m almost done, I can probably start drafting my next set of wish list.