And Then There Was One...

.:The Person I'm Most Grateful To This Year...:.

I think it should be obvious why she's the one I'm most grateful to this year. Simply put, it's because she's the one...

Throught The Fire
by Chaka Khan

I look in your eyes and I can see
We’ve loved so dangerously
You’re not trusting your heart to anyone
You tell me you’re gonna play it smart
We’re through before we start
But I believe that we’ve only just begun

When it’s this good, there’s no saying no
I want you so, I’m ready to go

Chorus:
Through the fire
To the limit, to the wall
For a chance to be with you
I’d gladly risk it all
Through the fire
Through whatever, come what may
For a chance at loving you
I’d take it all the way
Right down to the wire
Even through the fire

I know you’re afraid of what you feel
You still need time to heal
And I can help if you’ll only let me try
You touch me and something in me knew
What I could have with you
Well I’m not ready to kiss that dream goodbye

When it’s this sweet, there’s no saying no
I need you so, I’m ready to go

Chorus

Through the test of time

Chorus

Through the fire, to the limit
Through the fire, through whatever
Through the fire, to the limit
Through the fire, through whatever

Star-crossed lovers...

1. Gyn: I got to know Gyn through the Ph 104 class I was a teaching assistant for last schoolyear. This was sometime November last 2004. She seemed intelligent, pretty, and very nice. First impressions certainly turned out right.

As her T.A., we got along quite well, although we were never particularly close. I took a liking to her insofar as I found her very meek and mild-mannered, yet interesting. She had an aura around her that made her seem very likable, and you'd be hard-pressed to find a single person who disliked her. She was practically the angel of her batch, and everyone around her was practically watching over her.

Excluding her graduation day, I gave her roses on two other occasions, and she never knew it was me until it was almost time for their oral exams, when most of her blockmates found my weblog to look for answer guides that I wrote to help them out. I stupidly wrote there that I gave her flowers, and it ended up being the talk of the block... heh.

Regardless, I then invested a bit more time into getting to know her better. We established a fairly good relationship over SMS, as we liked to keep in touch over how the other was doing. There were some odd moments, though, where we admitted to each other that we missed one another. It wasn't something either of us took too seriously, although I certainly liked her a lot at this point already.

And then, things began to fall into place. I found out that she actually liked me, although the fact that she was pure Chinese kind of proved to be a hurdle. She didn't want to deal with that obstacle, but by May 5, about a little over a month since we admitted to each other that we liked each other, we became a couple. It was in Gateway Mall, and it was a tough shell to break through, but we did what we can to make the relationship work. So far, we've been doing a lot of things right.

It's not easy, and I never made the claim that it was. Gyn and I have so many things to learn as a couple, particularly since she's a very unique individual whom I can't read quite as well as I can most other people. Despite that, having Gyn in my life has made me immeasurably happy. I can't help but be grateful for her because she's made me feel so special in making me feel loved. That despite all my shortcomings and all my quirks, there's still something worth loving about me.

With each passing day, I learn to love Gyn more and more. With each passing day, I can't help but be grateful to her because she has been an inspiration to me, and ultimately, the person who gives me all the reasons to go on. For being all of that in my life, and even so much more, I thank her. And I love her. I love her with all my heart, and all my soul. I love her with no hesitation, with no reservations.

Thank you so much, my darling Pomelo. I love you so much, and I wish we can be together forever. I don't ever want to lose you.

Number Two...

.:The Top Ten People I'm Most Grateful To This Year:.

Number 2:

The obvious song that should go out to Ranulf...

We Are The Champions
by Queen

I've paid my dues -
Time after time -
I've done my sentence
But committed no crime -
And bad mistakes
I've made a few
I've had my share of sand kicked in my face -
But I've come through

We are the champions - my friends
And we'll keep on fighting - till the end -
We are the champions -
We are the champions
No time for losers
'Cause we are the champions - of the world -

I've taken my bows
And my curtain calls -
You brought me fame and fortuen and everything that goes with it
-
I thank you all -

But it's been no bed of roses
No pleasure cruise -
I consider it a challenge before the whole human race -
And I ain't gonna lose -

We are the champions - my friends
And we'll keep on fighting - till the end -
We are the champions -
We are the champions
No time for losers
'Cause we are the champions - of the world -

2. Ranulf: I cannot think of one other person who would be gracious enough to take me in after having been evicted from my house for a full week, let alone two months. Ranulf is definitely the person I would be extremely grateful to for having helped me out of the tightest spot I've ever been in my life, bar none. If it wasn't for him, you might say that I was definitely screwed when I got evicted from the house.

But being the life-saver that he was isn't the only reason to be grateful to Ranulf. Beyond even that, Ranulf has been a great friend you can talk to. With his unmatchable zeal in giving his all for the things he believes in, Ranulf's infectious drive never fails to will on the people around him. It's hard to not appreciate that facet of his personality, to say the least.

Well, it's definitely a year that I have to thank Ranulf for. I wouldn't even be quite sure if I'd have made it past September if it wasn't for his help, and for that and for having his amazing drive and enthusiasm rub off on me to keep me from giving up, it's not hard to see why I'm very thankful to have a friend like Ranulf.

Number Three...

.:The Top Ten People I'm Most Grateful To This Year:.

Top 3:

This song goes out to Grace. I know it's one of her favorite songs. And I guess I can't help but see why. Maybe I can't really say this song is from me to her anymore, but I know it's a song she'd love to hear, regardless.

Stick Around
by Azure

How many times do I daydream about making love to you
And take you to a special place where it's only me and you
I'll put away all your troubles on the other side of the world
And run my arms around your heart and tell you you're my girl

So let's go steal away in the night
And we'll go far away from here
To the place where our love is right
Can I take you to my world

Chorus:

Whenever you're sad, whenever you're crying
I'll be the one who wipes away your tears away
Whenever you call, whenever you need me
I'll be the one who runs to you, giving my love
Well you know how much I love you
So you better not let me down
I'm not asking for too much baby, just stick around

Forever... forever

A quiet day in the country or a rainy night in my room
We'll hide away under my sheets after the morning comes too soon
An afternoon in your eyes or a lifetime in your heart
Forever just stay long enough but it leads to take a start

Falling deeper in love with you
Will you be there to catch me girl
Are you falling deep with me too
Can I keep you in my world

(Chorus)

Oh would you come on baby
Let's go steal away in the night
And we'll go far away from here
To the place where our love is right

Oooh coz

(Chorus)

3. Grace: There is little to add to everything I have already said about Grace in the past, so I would keep this short. But it would definitely be a disservice to her if I were to ignore how grateful I should be to her for this year.

It has been a very rocky year for Grace and I. We broke up earlier this year, and despite the things that happened immediately afterwards, none of that can possibly override the fact that Grace has still been a wonderful person in my life. As a person I once loved and as a person I still care about, she will always hold a special place in my heart.

I thank her for this year, for all the lessons I learned. I thank her because despite everything that we have gone through, through all my shortcomings, it cannot be denied that the relationship we once had will forever be a special and important part of my life. I will treasure the memories, and hope for the day that we could rebuild our bridges as friends.

For now, all I can do is thank her. And leave it at that.

Rounding Things Up...

.:The Top Ten People I'm Most Grateful To This Year:.

Top 5:

This song goes out to Sacha...

I'll Be There
by the Jackson 5

You and I must make a pact
We must bring salvation back
Where there is love
I'll be there

I'll reach out my hand to you
I'll have faith in all you do
Just call my name
And I'll be there

And oh, I'll be there to comfort you
Build my world of dreams around you
I'm so glad that I found you
I'll be there with a love that's strong
I'll be your strength, I'll keep holding on

Let me fill your heart with joy and laughter
Togetherness is all I'm after
Whenever you need me
I'll be there

I'll be there to protect you
With an unselfish love I'll respect you
Just call my name
And I'll be there

I'll be there to comfort you
Build my world of dreams around you
I'm so glad I found you baby
I'll be there with a love so strong
I'll be your strength, you wanna keep holding on

If you should ever find someone new
I know she'd better be good to you
'Cos if she doesn't
Then I'll be there

I'll be there
I'll be there
Just call my name
And I'll be there

I'll be there
I'll be there
Just call my name
And I'll be there

Just look over your shoulder
Just call my name
And I'll be there...

5. Sacha: Admittedly, she's been out for most of the year as she started the year out in Japan then left to study in Canada. Irregardless, that never stopped us from keeping our friendship alive.

There's just something about being friends with a Sacha Chua that keeps one from ever having a dull moment. Whether it be her infectious impish laughter, or her extremely enthusiastic outlook on life, Sacha has always been an amazing individual who I am honored to consider as one of the best friends I've ever had.

As friends, the two of us have gone through quite a lot, even if for the most part, we haven't really been within a thousand miles of each other. It's not like neither of us know how to use the internet, oh no, we're absolutely clueless how... :P

Whether she's telling you excitedly about her latest uber-geeky escapade, or whether she soberly listens to you as you bawl your eyes out over your latest setback, a friend like Sacha is there for you when it matters.

This has been a great year for the both of us, where we've gone through a lot of changes, considering the hopes and dreams that we all strive to achieve as we try to blindly figure our way out of life with only good friends, family, and our limited wisdom to guide us along the way. It has been a crazy ride in 2005, but being friends with Sacha has infinitely made it an enjoyable one.

Thanks a lot for this year, Sach. There’s little else I can say beyond that. I hope that the next year will be kind enough to us in our journey through life. Rest assured I’ll be there for you each and every step of the way, jabroni.

Top 4:

This song goes out to Clair...

Heart And Hand
by Vertical Horizon

I know it's been a long road
To get these towns behind me and I
Will gladly reap what we may sow I am
There for you, there for me

Pictures and photographs
Memories and windows
Goodbyes and epitaphs
Heartbeats and hellos

Chorus
Are you waiting for
Heart in hand
Woman and man
See me where I stand I am
Heart
Heart in hand

These fields may hold a hunting ground
But the wolves are far behind me and I
Hear the howls and the distant sound
Of the messengers lost at sea

Into the morning light
Followed by madness
Reach through the empty fight
Searching through sadness

Chorus

I know it's been a long road
To get these fears behind me and I
Will gladly reap what we may sow I am
There for you, there for me

Pictures and photographs
Memories and windows
Goodbyes and epitaphs
Heartbeats and hellos

Chorus
Heart in hand
Ohh for a woman and man
I am waiting
See me where I stand I am
Heart
Heart in hand

4. Clair: With all the time we've spent chatting with each other via YM, with the Wednesday night dinners we shared with a few of the JGL, with the impromptu encounters we've had at the MRT as we are both on our way home, this year, Clair has been quite a revelation as far as friends go.

Thinking back upon this year, I have to say that Clair and I have been very good friends, to say the least. After all, we've gone out of our way to make time for each other, insofar as we have been both extremely busy with work, to say the least. Whether it be the most mundane of conversations about suman, or it be the deepest of conversations about our fears about our own mortality, Clair has definitely never been wanting as a source of intelligent discourse. With her very unique sense of humor and amazing capacity for empathy, you can say that there's nothing to dislike about Clair.

Another thing that definitely strikes you about Clair is that she has such a soft spot for animals. She loves cats, has a dog named Panda, and turns to mush in the face of penguins, real or virtual as the case may be. The affinity Clair has for animals becomes quite a testament for her thoughtfulness. She'd be the first to check up on you if she'd so much as sense that something's bugging you. She'd be the first to remind you that you're not alone when you feel down and out. Neither would she hesitate to help you out when you find yourself in a tight spot and in need of a listening ear.

This year has proven to be a year where all of the people in the JGL have hit a crossroad in their life, where they really have to ask themselves where they are headed, or simply affirm what they truly wish to be. The way my paths branches off within itself this past year has been approximating Clair's own path quite a bit, to the point that I can't help but feel we share a lot in common in that regard. That undeniable kind of affinity, to say the least, has enabled the two of us to be able to read each other a bit better than we normally could.

And with that, I reiterate my thanks to Clair. Thank you so much for being an amazing revelation of a friend to me. There's no doubt that we've only just begun and we certainly have a long way to go.

Hrrmmm...

I'll do the Top Ten next time. Posts are up, but no appropriate songs yet...

As for the roses episode, I'll save that story for another day.

.:Pyrolympics:.

I made a few new acquaintances last Thursday, as I went to the Pyrolympics in the Bay City with Charo, whom I went with. She introduced me to her two friends from Mensa, Apple (Who's actually a guy.), and Jeff. It was particularly amusing, especially when they were telling me that the Korean girls I saw in McDonald's Paseo were actually regulars at the place... interesting.

Our conversations were fairly varied, from sound-alike songs, to entendres in Christmas carols, to incredibly powerful vibra-modes on certain cellular phones and using it for more than just notification purposes...

Anyways, the Pyrolympics went fairly well. We met up with Sacha, Tita Harvey, Tito John, and Paolo Venegas, and then after the show, Sacha and Paolo tagged along with us to Retro bar for some beer and conversation. While I didn't bother with the beer, I still had a lot of fun with the conversation, although towards the end, I found the opportunity to pour my heart out to Sacha when she figured that I was trying to casually ignore a problem or two I was having. Mercifully, the others actively ignored Sacha and I while we were talking. That made it a lot easier for me.

I guess the frustrations over the last few days really triggered it. But I know that in the end, things will work out. However good or bad that might be.

.:Fliration:.

Over the hotline in WAVE last Thursday, I had a caller who admitted on “Something Juicy Thursdays” that she was bi and she liked sleeping with women as well as men, without her uber-conservative grandmother ever being the wiser. Well, after that, she talked to me off the air, and wanted to set up a meeting with me so she can hook me up with two girls so I can watch or join them... I even saw how she looks like. She's actually half-Chinese.

No thanks. I'm extremely content with Pomelo, thank you very much. =)

.:Grrr....:.

My phone is so old... it's annoying when it just turned itself off, and when it opened up, half of all the messages my phone used to have just plain disappeared. It's very frustrating, especially since I kept in there the sweetest messages I've ever gotten from Pomelo, so I can't help but feel bad that they're gone now...

.:The Smoothest Shooting:.

You know how I got sick again? Apparently, it was Alfred's bright idea to text me to show up for a shooting that I wasn't supposed to go to. That resulted in a relapse for me. Rotten bastich... I'm definitely miffed over that. I could've gotten some much-needed rest instead, but no....

So I'm glad that my shooting for the profile last Friday was with Allane, who is infinitely more competent with Alfred. We definitely enjoyed our time there, as we followed around our Promodizer package winner.

You'll get to watch this episode on January 14. Definitely fun, especially if you ever wonder how these promodizer people can just keep on going and extolling the lovely virtues of their products even if people just walk past them or toss them snide remarks left and right...

A Prelude To A Post...

... but at least, I already had a very meaty post today. Still, I expect that by tomorrow, all but number 1 of the people I'm most grateful to this year will be brought up, AND I'll be talking about what happened at the Pyro Olympics last night. Bonding with Charo about everything from "toys" to other topics, as well as the new friends from Mensa I met, and how sheepish I was when I had to talk about U.P. around three people from the said university...

I also would want to mention how meaningful it was when Sacha and I finally managed to talk after all this time. I've been trying to find the opportunity to talk to her for since when she got back and only now did I manage to get off my chest things I simply couldn't talk about with almost anyone else except her, if only for the fact that I don't like speaking out in public about some of my issues... I guess once my conversation skillz drops, that should already give a hint that I simply am not all there...

And of course, I'd want to mention how despite a rocky start for our day, I managed to catch Gyn completely by surprise today as I went to her office to give her half-a-dozen roses. I just wanted to ask for her forgiveness for being such a short-tempered fuse the past couple of weeks in style... and I'm glad she appreciated it.

A Survey...

1. What did you do in 2005 that you'd never done before?
- Work for GMA-7.
- Live on my own.
- Break up with someone… :(

2. Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for
next year?

I don’t make New Year’s resolutions…

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
No, I don’t remember anyone close to me who did…

4. Did anyone close to you die?
If I’d count Eddie Guererro, then yes.

5. What countries did you visit?
The Philippines. Nothing more.

6. What would you like to have in 2006 that you lacked in 2005?
- Stability.
- Time to blog.


7. What date from 2005 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
05/05/05. The day. I got together with Pomelo.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Managing to juggle two jobs well enough thus far. Although lately, my health has been taking quite a hit…

Also, being a very good friend to the friends I have, despite being horribly sick and pressed for time most of the year.


9. What was your biggest failure?
My blogging.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Had a severe asthma attack just last week. I’m still trying to recover completely.

11. What was the best thing you bought?
My PSP, hands down. A close runner-up would be my Black Lotus.

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
My brother, Francis. The turnaround for him since he discovered Jesus as his Lord and Savior has been nothing short of astounding. I definitely respect him a lot more than ever.

13. Whose behaviour appalled you and made you depressed?
The politicians who can do nothing but bicker instead of look for solutions. While I’m not a fan of GMA, she’s right when she says that people have to move on and work together for the betterment of the country.

14. Where did most of your money go?
Food, rent, my PSP, and my Black Lotus.

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Pomelo. And Smackdown vs. RAW 2006. ::sighs::

16. What song will always remind you of 2005?
Kuwarto, by Sugarfree. Had to say goodbye to a lot of things in my life when I suddenly had to make some severe changes to my lifestyle since getting evicted from my house. Usher’s “Separated”, for obvious reasons. And Nina’s “Through The Fire”, as well as Lou Pardini’s “What Might Have Been”, for equally obvious reasons.

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:

A. Happier or Sadder?
No change. My life’s still a roller coaster of happiness and sadness.

B. Thinner or Fatter?
Fatter, according to a lot of friends.

C. Richer or Poorer?
Richer. I still have a bank account. Must be the second job and the countless sidelines I managed to find for myself.

18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
Blog.

19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Getting sick.

20. How will you be spending Christmas?
Strapped to a Pulmo-Aide machine, trying to recover from my asthma.

22. Did you fall in love in 2005?
Yes.

23. How many one-night stands?
None.

24. What was your favourite TV program?
WWE Smackdown, WWE RAW, Beat The Geeks.

25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
Can’t really say I do. At least, nobody comes to mind right now.

26. What was the best book you read?
Believe it or not, I’ve really read only one book, other than the stuff required for Philosophy, which makes the best book… Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.

27. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Limewire. Made me find so many songs.

28. What did you want and get?
- PSP, and Smackdown vs. RAW 2006.
- Black Lotus, and a tournament win.
- A Magic team.
- A hot Chinese girlfriend. Emphasis on hot.

29. What did you want and not get?
A vacation. Although I did go to Subic with Ranulf, Sach, Diane, and Jac…

30. Favorite film of this year?
Orgazmo. Lol.


31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 22, and spent the day with my mom, the JGL, and Pomelo.

32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
A raise, maybe?

33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2005?
I don’t have a fashion concept, period.

34. What kept you sane?
- LJ
- Pomelo
- The JGL
- My PSP
- Magic

35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Uhh… Pia Guanio? I saw her quite a bit in GMA. Sandara Park? Maybe most of the Korean hotties I saw this year in my movie binges.

36. What political issue stirred you the most?
Everything about it.

37. Who did you miss?
The best friend I ever had.

38. Who was the best new person you met?
I guess Charo… didn’t meet too many new people this year, but she was one of the few, and she’s part of my barkada, soooo…

39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2005.
Quite simply, that friends can help you out of the worst jams you will ever find yourself if you simply let them. By extension, that if you just continue to believe, you’d realize that no matter how bad things would get, in the end, whether or not you’d make it through the day is really up to you.

40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
With a year of so many changes both good and bad to me, I guess this is something that definitely hits close to home…

100 Years
by Five For Fighting

I'm 15 for a moment
Caught in between 10 and 20
And I'm just dreaming
Counting the ways to where you are

I'm 22 for a moment
She feels better than ever
And we're on fire
Making our way back from Mars

15 there's still time for you
Time to buy and time to lose
15, there's never a wish better than this
When you only got 100 years to live

I'm 33 for a moment
Still the man, but you see I'm a they
A kid on the way
A family on my mind

I'm 45 for a moment
The sea is high
And I'm heading into a crisis
Chasing the years of my life

15 there's still time for you
Time to buy, Time to lose yourself
Within a morning star

15 I'm all right with you
15, there's never a wish better than this
When you only got 100 years to live

Half time goes by
Suddenly you're wise
Another blink of an eye
67 is gone
The sun is getting high
We're moving on...

I'm 99 for a moment
Dying for just another moment
And I'm just dreaming
Counting the ways to where you are

15 there's still time for you
22 I feel her too
33 you're on your way
Every day's a new day...

15 there's still time for you
Time to buy and time to choose
Hey 15, there's never a wish better than this
When you only got 100 years to live

Sigh...

.:The Top Ten People I'm Most Grateful To This Year:.

Moving on with the list...

Unbreakable
by Alicia Keys

Intro)
Clap ya hands everybody, Uh clap ya hands
C'mon, keep it goin... Clap ya hands everybody, clap ya hands everybody
Clap ya... Let's do it, you ready? C'mon!

(Verse 1)
We could fight like Ike and Tina
Or give back like Bill and Camelle
Be rich like Oprah, N Stedman
OR INSTEAD! Struggle like Flow N James Evens

(Bridge)
Cuz HE! ain't no different from you
N SHE! ain't no different from me
So WE! got to live out our dreams
Like the people on TV

(Chorus)
We gotta stay tuned cuz there's more to see
Unbreakable!
Through the technical difficulties
Unbreakable!
We might have to take a break
But ya'll know we'll be back next week
I'm say'n this love is unbreakable...(oooh yeaa, yeaa)

Yea, clap ya hands everybody, clap ya hands everybody
Let's do it like this C'mon

(Verse 2)
See we could act out like Will and Jada (Will N Jada)
Or like Kimora N Russell make'n paper (oh yea)
All in the family! Like the Jacksons (Like the Jacksons)
And have enough kids to make a band like Joe and Katherine (yeeaa)

(Bridge)
SHE! ain't no different from me
N HE! ain't no different from you
So we! got to live out our dreams
Like the people on TV

(Chorus)
we gotta stay tuned cuz there's more to see
Unbreakable!
Through the technical difficulties
Unbreakable!
We might have to take a break
But ya'll know we'll be back next week
I'm say'n this love is unbreakable (We livin' our dreams)

(Hook)
We livin' our dreams! we liven our dreams,
we livin' our dreeeeaaams (oooooooh)
we livin' our dreams (we liven our dreams)
we livin' our dreams (We're liven our dreams!)
we're livin' our dreeeeaams (Whooaa oh! yeah yeah yeah yeah!)

(Chorus)
N we gotta stay tuned cuz there's more to see
Unbreakable!
Through the technical difficulties (uh)
Unbreakable!
We might have to take a break
But ya'll know we'll be back next week
I'm say'n this love is unbreakable
SING IT ONE MORE TIME NOW!

Ya'll know we'll be breakin' up!
But we just might be back next week (haha)
This love is unbreakable

(Hook)
Break it down Break it down, like this...
(Yea!) No thing, No money, No sin, No temptation I'm talkin' bout loving
No thing, No money, No sin, No temptation I'm talkin' bout nothing
No thing, No money, No sin, No temptation I'm talkin' bout nothing
No thing, No money, No sin, No temptation I'm talkin' bout nothing (YEEEEAAAAA!)
Unbreakable!
Yea yea yea! (Yea yea yea)
Yea yea yea!
Unbreakable!

We just might be breakin up But ya'll know we'll be back next week,
I'm say'n this love is unbreakable!

7. Abby: It should come as no surprise whatsoever that I'd be grateful to her, after all has been said and done. With everything that has happened over the past year, I guess we really have gone through quite a bit, although things were slightly more eventful during the first half of the year.

When things didn't work out for me with my previous during May, you might say that it was Abby who was there, although she wasn't particularly on my side. The fact that she's been there for me, regardless, has definitely helped me make it through. Perhaps I would have a couple of gripes here and there about how she wouldn't hesitate cutting me down if she sees it fit, that kind of candidness has never failed to help me keep things in perspective.

There's very little else I can say about her that I haven't already said in the past, to be honest. Regardless, it's definitely been a good year for the both of us, as we continued to make headway into our lives, making sure to keep each other abreast each step of the way.

I thank you for this year, Abby. I hope that our friendship continues to grow in the way we manage to be very open and honest with each other. It certainly makes things much better for the both of us to be open like that.

You've Got A Friend
by James Taylor

When you're down and troubled
and you need a helping hand
and nothing whoa nothing is going right.
Close your eyes and think of me
and soon I will be there
to brighten up even your darkest nights.

You just call out my name
and you know whereever I am
I'll come running oh yeah baby
to see you again.
Winter spring summer or fall
all you have to do is call
and I'll be there yeah yeah yeah.
You've got a friend.

If the sky above you
should turn dark and full of clouds
and that old north wind should begin to blow
Keep your head together and call my name out loud
and soon I will be knocking upon your door.
You just call out my name and you know where ever I am
I'll come running to see you again.
Winter, spring, summer or fall
all you got to do is call
and I'll be there, yeah, yeah, yeah.

Hey, ain't it good to know that you've got a friend?
People can be so cold.
They'll hurt you and desert you.
Well they'll take your soul if you let them.
Oh yeah, but don't you let them.

You just call out my name and you know wherever I am
I'll come running to see you again.
Oh babe, don't you know that,
Winter spring summer or fall,
Hey now, all you've got to do is call.
Lord, I'll be there, yes I will.
You've got a friend.
You've got a friend.
Ain't it good to know you've got a friend.
Ain't it good to know you've got a friend.
You've got a friend

6. The Just Geeks League: Before I give my thanks to my barkada, I'd like to point out first of all that I'm not a geek... heh.

But seriously, there’s no definite timeline when our little group formed, but it’s definitely a great group of friends, nonetheless. All of them have, in one way or another, been there for me in a pinch, whether it be Clair and the 100++ chat conversations we’ve had online, or Sean with the time he helped me out to get rent , or Sacha and her amazing thoughtfulness, or Charo and the steaks and happy kittens, or Peppy and his deadpan humor, it all just comes together for all of us and makes me incredibly thankful that I have friends like them. There’s nothing more I can ask from this group of friends.

In a year that has been filled with trials and tribulations, these people have come through like no other. I’m just very grateful to have found people like these, if only for the fact that never before in my life have I had a group that I can truly, truly call my barkada. This group is definitely that and so much more. I can't help but wonder if things would turn out this way had I done a few things in my life differently, from not choosing Eco. 102 or simply not ever having run into Sacha five years ago, period. All things considered, life has been good for all of us. We've gone through challenges and showed what we're made of, and we've gone through it knowing that whatever happens, the JGL will be there for one another.

I know this thank-you note is incredibly short. But despite that, you know how deeply I appreciate each and every one of you. I am very grateful for having you people in my lives, and making it infinitely more wonderful and happy.

.:And Here It Comes:.

I took time off of work to finally meet up with Sacha, Clair, Sean, and a few other friends, all the same. It was a fairly interesting time, to say the least.

I went to Sacha's house, and was feeling like I had an incredibly splitting headache. A change of plans took me with Sach and Tita Harvey to Shoemart to look for gifts for Sacha's godparents, and it was a fairly interesting ride. Tita Harvey was kind enough to give me a small bottle of White Flower, which definitely eased the pain, as we then went along and just spent time talking and waiting for the gift wrappers to get to wrapping the packages they bought. I kept on making jokes about the wrappers getting a recording contract, heh.

So afterwards, we just stayed at Choc.Nut, and Tita Harvey was wondering about what we think parents shouldn't be worrying about when it comes to their children's significant others, as I was pointing out that sometimes, parents worry more about somebody's looks than the guy's stability. Tita Harvey then essentially brought up that she's glad Sacha's friends like to talk to her, and told me to not hesitate to strike up conversation with her whenever I could.

Soon enough, Justin, Sacha's friend, arrived, and he was followed by Paolo Venegas shortly afterwards. It was pretty amusing when we got to talking about various topics, including travel, food, James Bond, crazy stories at work, and so forth. It was also Dom's birthday yesterday, and the moment Charo got there, the craziness ensued.

Sacha called up Dominique, and we were talking to him by passing the phone around us all. Soon enough, I talked to him with the requisite radio lingo, then told him that I'd be passing the phone to his darling, while winking at Charo.

Charo picks up the phone, then does her best Sacha impersonation...

Dom: Hi, honey! Now that's the voice I wanted to hear...

At that point, Sacha unconsciously raises her eyebrow. Heh.

All in all, we had a great time, and I'm glad to have managed to bond with Tita Harvey that day, even just a bit. I know I'm the outspoken type, but I hope that regardless, I'm still capable of giving good conversation...

.:Realism And Idealism:.

When it comes to love, I wouldn't be a fool and believe that it conquers all. Financial hurdles are hurdles you cannot just bridge with love. Love doesn’t pay the bills.

That’s why I believe that economic status can and will present a barrier for relationships.

But race? Preconceived notions about another person? I’m sorry, but I don’t take too kindly for that.

Neither do I take too kindly to people who hit the ground running over a little setback like that.

I hate it. And I’m severely disgusted by it.

More Thanks...

.:Today's LSS:.

Goes out to the Slycesoft Commune...

Thank You
by Alanis Morissette

How bout getting off of these antibiotics
How bout stopping eating when I'm full up
How bout them transparent dangling carrots
How bout that ever elusive kudo

Chorus:
Thank you India
Thank you terror
Thank you disillusionment
Thank you frailty
Thank you consequence
Thank you thank you silence

How bout me not blaming you for everything
How bout me enjoying the moment for once
How bout how good it feels to finally forgive you
How bout grieving it all one at a time

(Chorus)

The moment I let go of it was
The moment I got more than I could handle
The moment I jumped off of it was
The moment I touched down

How bout no longer being masochistic
How bout remembering your divinity
How bout unabashedly bawling your eyes out
How bout not equating death with stopping

(Chorus)

yeah yeah
ahh ohhh
ahhh ho oh
ahhh ho ohhhhhh
yeaahhhh yeahh

.:The Top Ten People I'm Most Grateful To This Year:.

And so we continue with our countdown...

8. The Slycesoft Commune: It's impossible to come up with a list of people I'm grateful to this year without these people showing up in my list. Considering that the first half of my year was spent mostly in misery upon being evicted from the house, and I had no idea where I would end up next, considering how horrible the timing was. I lost my teaching job, I was just starting off with Pomelo, and lots of other problems creeping up one after the other.

To find myself living in the Eastwood Condo with Ranulf, Mark, and Jac for over two months was nothing short of a miracle. And more importantly, I didn't just find a place to stay in and play X-Box and go online with DSL, I actually discovered very unique friendships with the people in the commune. I'll reserve what I have to say about Ron for another day, but Mark and Jac were people I never even knew the previous year, and now, I know that these are people I can count on in a pinch. As far as I'm concerned, the eviction has done me more good than harm, ironically, as I have found great friends I never would've ever discovered otherwise.

I don't think I could put it any more eloquently. The Slycesoft Commune was an experience that will last me a lifetime, if only for the sheer amount of growing up I inevitably went through by staying with these people for that long a time. I will always be grateful to them for having let me be part of that experience, if only for a while. Special mention also goes to Diane Lazaro when it comes to this, considering the amazing mushroom dish she made while she was staying there, albeit barely.

I'm very grateful to you for the memories we shared this year that will last me a lifetime. From all the ideals and ideas of Ranulf to the amazing unflappableness of Mark to the very colorful stories Jac had to share *coughlcoughycoughncoughdcoughocoughncoughgcoughrcoughecoughgcoughocoughrcoughicoughocough*... lol.

Thanks, everyone. I'll always treasure this.

.:Amusing:.

I forgot to mention that when I was at E.G.G. last Wednesday, I actually ran into April Rojales, my blockmate. It turned out to be pretty amusing, to say the least, since we had some quick stories to swap, particularly about the time I met a certain horse in GMA-7... ;)

Damn...

.:I Miss Teaching:.

Being in the academe has helped me keep my mind sharp, keep me thinking on my feet, all in all preventing me from being the slouch that I seem to be today when it comes to blogging...

Ah, well. A double-dose of the top ten thank-yous for next time...

.:Christmas...:.

I'm sick and tired of it turning into "Santamas". The cartoons I saw on Christmas day never even seemed to remember what Christmas really was about. It turns into a Santa wankfest, and it's sickening. No wonder kids turn into materialistic little monsters during these holidays.

I never expected gifts this year. But I guess one that I got makes me thankful above all.

My mom gave me a Pulmo-Aide machine. Perfect for my asthma.

Now, that's a gift I can use...

W-ell...

.:Today's LSS:.

Goes out to the number 9 person I'm most grateful to this year... I hope she does find someone who's strong enough to be her man.

Are You Strong Enough To Be My Man?
by Sheryl Crow

God, I feel like hell tonight
Tears of rage I cannot fight
I'd be the last to help you understand
Are you strong enough to be my man?

Nothing's true and nothing's right
So let me be alone tonight
Cause you can't change the way I am
Are you strong enough to be my man?

Lie to me
I promise I'll believe
Lie to me
But please don't leave, leave, don't leave

I have a face I cannot show
I make the rules up as I go
So try and love me if you can
Are you strong enough to be my man?

My man......
Are you strong enough? (to be my man....)
Are you strong enough?
Are you strong enough? (my.....man)

When I've shown you that I just don't care
When I'm throwing punches in the air
When I'm broken down and I can't stand
Would you be man enough to be my man?

Lie to me
I promise, I'll believe
Lie to me
But please don't leave

.:I Did This Before, But...:.

Comment and ...
1. I'll respond with something random about you.
2. I'll tell you what song/movie reminds me of you.
3. I'll pick a flavor of jello to wrestle with you in.
4. I'll say something that only makes sense to you and me.
5. I'll tell you my first/clearest memory of you.
6. I'll tell you what animal you remind me of.
7. I'll ask you something that I've always wondered about you.
8. If I do this for you, you must post this on your journal. You MUST. It is written.

.:She's Baaaaacccckkk!!!:.

Sacha's inviting the JGL to meet up with her at her house tomorrow afternoon. I prolly can't go, but I hope you guys can.

Anyways, I went to the airport yesterday with Ranulf, Tita Harvey, and Kathy. It was particularly fun, although I was tired and under the weather. Methinks I'm really sick... heck, I really am sick. Bad cough and cold, tonsilitis... this is why we graveyard shift people should have night differential pay...

So when we got there, I ended up having to pay thirty bucks to get back in because I stupidly went out the gates, and at that very moment, I saw Sacha going down the ramp. Methinks it was the hat that gave her away, although I figured her hair would be quite longer by the time she got back.

Coordination issues happened left and right, but we finally got a hold of Ranulf and went back to the van to take Sacha home.

Marcelle: Coordinating with my boyfriend was tough.

Once we got back to the Chua residence, we had lunch, and then swapped stories here and there. I was feeling so sick so I decided to get some medicine for myself, but didn't feel like leaving, until I discovered much to my delight that Datablitz Megamall already had Smackdown vs. RAW for the PSP. That was my cue to leave, and I then headed off there, updated my firmware (Buh-bye, homebrew. Ah, it's worth it.), and started playing while strapped to the Pulmo-Aid machine at the house...

.:Christmas Parties Galore:.

Last Tuesday, I had a Christmas party with Day Off, and it was at Music Match. It was particularly amusing because aside from me singing "Modelong Charing" which completely took Ms. Carmina aback, we also had fun trying out every song we can think of to use. It was really cool.

Then yesterday, I was at the Radio Partners Christmas party, where I was essentially just passing by for the food, really. With all my troubles lately, there really isn't much I can say about that party, except for the fact that I finally met Peachy after all this time. She still recognized me as a KC listener back in the day, but I guess she was genuinely surprised to have found out I'm working for WAVE now.

I'm actually genuinely surprised I'm still working for WAVE up to now. I'm going to be absent all the way to Friday because of my condition right now.

Later, there's also a Christmas Party for the News and Public Affairs department of GMA-7. Interesting, to say the least...

.:Let's Partay...:.

After the quick time I spent at the Radio Partners celebration, I then headed to the E.G.G. for the Game Journalist's party, and it was great to have finally seen Jac, Jonas, Clair, and Dom after all this time. There was a tournament for Dead Or Alive 3 going on, and I placed second. Not bad for a first try with the game, as I'm mainly a DOA2 player,truth be told. It was a nailbiter of a match, though, and I acquitted myself quite well enough, to say the least.

So all in all, I guess it was a good few days as of late. I'm a bit exhausted and under the weather, but seeing Sacha back and seeing some of my other friends whom I haven't seen in ages. I'm happy, to say the least, but no thanks to my health. I'm happy in spite of it, in fact.

.:The Top Ten People I'm Most Grateful To This Year:.

Let's continue our countdown, I guess...

9. Gia: that's my partner in the mornings at WAVE. Whether it be the moments we spend just talking about anything and everything on or off the air, or the mere fact that it's a lot more fun to board on radio when you're not alone, there's very little more I can say about her other than she's been such a great boon to me. I highly doubt I'd have the perseverance to go on with work if I were still boarding on my own on a daily basis. The sheer boredom would've murdered me.

So for all that, Gia, my wholehearted thanks. One can only hope we'd somehow end up being the next Chico and Delamar, but hey, it's not up to us to determine that...

Whooo!!!

.:Today's LSS:.

This goes out to Team TX, if only because of the title...

You Can Do Magic
by America

never believed in things that I couldn't see
I said if I can't feel it then how can it be
No, no magic could happen to me
And then I saw you

I couldn't believe it, you took my heart
I couldn't retrieve it, said to myself
What's it all about
Now I know there can be no doubt

You can do magic
You can have anything that you desire
Magic, and you know
You're the one who can put out the fire

You know darn well
When you cast your spell you will get your way
When you hypnotize with your eyes
A heart of stone can turn to clay
Doo, doo, doo ...

And when the rain is beatin' upon the window pane
And when the night it gets so cold, when I can't sleep
Again you come to me
I hold you tight, the rain disappears
Who would believe it
With a word you dry my tears

You can do magic
You can have anything that you desire
Magic, and you know
You're the one who can put out the fire

You know darn well
When you cast your spell you will get your way
When you hypnotize with your eyes
A heart of stone can turn to clay
Doo, doo, doo ...

And If I wanted to
I could never be free
I never believed it was true
But now it's so clear to me

You can do magic
You can have anything that you desire
Magic, and you know
You're the one who can put out the fire

You know darn well
When you cast your spell you will get your way
When you hypnotize with your eyes
A heart of stone can turn to clay
Doo, doo, doo ...

You're the one who can put out the fire
You're the one who can put out the fire
You're the one who can put out the fire ...

.:The Top Ten People I'm Most Grateful To This Year:.

Let's start this off.

10. Team TX: I have to say that being a part of Team TX has certainly helped my Magic career along, enabling me to win a tournament this year and figure past the eliminations of quite a few others. That, and the fact that the guys on my team have been great company all the same, from whatever kind of conversations we'd find ourselves in...

I highly doubt you guys would be able to read this, but thanks. You've definitely made my Magic career more successful and even more interesting.

.:Saturdate:.

I think Pomelo's post about it captures the moment a lot better, but needless to say, the both of us are teh suck at bowling. I got a score of 72. She got a score of 35. Those are both baaaaad scores. Heh.

.:The Tournament Recap:.

I really don't feel like writing a complete report, so I'll just stick to talking about highlights that happened during the whole mess.

I came in fourth, and I guess I should be grateful I got that far. I fell to Cheng's Mishra's Workshop deck, which is pretty much one of my nightmare matchups, to begin with.

In any case, congratulations to Mike Juan, who then beat Cheng in the finals with his Golden Dragon deck. In the middle of their match, we were talking about random CBR stuff like who would win between Darkseid and Thanos, or who would win between Superman and Captain Marvel. Or the Flash versus Superman, among other things.

To get to the tourney, I hitched with Quiccs, and we then hitched with Dave and JT after we met them in the Fort. On the way there, we were talking about using toenail clippings as Spirit tokens or Melokku tokens that we can flick when they take lethal damage. Heh. And then memories of childhood came along when we started talking about that age-old threat to kids who refuse to behave: Ibibigay ka sa Bumbay, gagawin kang biskwit. Talk about being politically incorrect, but I suppose it worked. I can imagine how many kids refused to carol in front of an Indian's house in Manila...

So en route to the tourney, we picked up Paolo Go, and it turns out that there are turning out to be a lot of people going for a PSP now. Amusingly enough, even Mondu's going for one, himself.

So we got there, and it looks like Mike was having a clearance of sorts, so there were so many giveaways being handed out that we couldn't even keep track of it anymore. From stickers to dolls to jackets to handbags, just wow.

Afterwards, we were then playing a few games of Magic, and the tournament was going fairly well. It was amusing how I finally won against Ann, considering it was a Sui black versus Doomsday matchup that I was liable to lose to for the most part. The match I had against JT, on the other hand, was nothing short of exciting. I was down to one life, and I had to roll for Mana Crypt. I won the roll, then comboed out on that turn. It was definitely a nail-biter... heh.

In any case, afterwards, I then had a very nerve-wracking third game against Paul, who was running UW Fish. I was doing my combo, then in the middle of it, and en route to a massive Mind's Desire, he cast Gilded Light, which prevented me from targeting him until the end of the turn. So I continued the combo, replayed stuff from Yawgoth's Will, bounced my Necropotence, then promptly cast Time Walk to take another turn. I then wound up with nine storm the next turn, and won as he used Force Of Will against me twice. I couldn't use the Beacon kill because it was out of the game thanks to my discard off of Necro.

Anyways, here's how I pulled that off...

Brainstorm, Dark Ritual, Black Lotus, Lion's Eye Diamond, Ancestral Recall. Paul counters that. Then Cabal Ritual, Chromatic Sphere, drew up and cast Duress. Paul responds with a Gilded Light. At nine storm, I cast Mind's Desire. It's ten copies of the spell, and there was a Mystical Tutor, a Brainstorm, and a Yawgmoth's Will among the cards flipped. I replayed Rituals and other stuff left and right, just so I have the Chromatic Sphere in play, a Brainstorm in hand, and a Timetwister in hand as well. One of my Brainstorms from the 'yard yielded Demonic Tutor, and I used it to fetch Time Walk, then cast it. My opponent's locked down because he tapped out with a Defense Grid in play. I cast Doomsday, drew one card off Necro, then I bounced Necro to my hand, and then ended my turn.

Next turn, I cast Brainstorm, drawing Tendrils, Dark Ritual, and Doomsday. I cast the Ritual, cast a Cabal Ritual in hand, then cast Doomsday with B floating. I was at 4 storm. I then used the replayed Chromatic Sphere to draw the Brainstorm, then cast it, drawing Dark Ritual, Cabal Ritual, and Duress. I then cast the two Rituals, putting me at 7 storm. I then cast Duress, then cast Tendrils of Agony, winning me the game with 9 storm.

At one point in the tournament, things got exceedingly funny because other than the requisite Christmas songs like “Miss Kita Kung Christmas”, there was also the fact that someone asked Mondu what his real name was. It was actually “Roderick”, and we never let him hear the end of it... heh. Roderick. He shouldn't have told us about that... I was ribbing him so many times from ribbing him about his name to ribbing him about his age, and it was just crazy.

And yeah, they had a buzzer ballpen during registration. I think it definitely fooled a lot of us... ah, well.

Perfect way to end the year for us Vintage players, I guess.

.:Hurricanes And Homosexuals:.

I don't know what it is about religious conservatives, but they seem to consider homosexuality to be the worst sin imaginable, as they blame just about anything that goes wrong in the world with them.

Hurricane Katrina? Homosexuals. AIDS? Homosexuals. Pedophilia? Homosexuals again.

I would've been laughing if only it didn't screw them over. The inanity is clear, because there seems to be this amazing selective amnesia being brought about when gay people come into play. Religious conservatives would say that gay people are “an abomination” according to the Bible, but then, would dismiss as “inapplicable” other segments of the same book they're quoting from (Leviticus.), such as being put to death for not observing the Sabbath, or laws on what is and is not kosher.

It's sad that in a progressive world, something that is supposed to help us transcend humanity, religion, instead discriminates against a group of people.

The Catholic church essentially put the blame on homosexual priests as being behind the horrible spate of pedophilia early this year. It's sad to point out that such an argument is not true: pedophiles are not homosexuals. It doesn't matter if their quarry are young boys, they are not automatically homosexual because of it. To blame homosexuals for it, and to ban entry of homosexuals into the priesthood, is to clearly ignore that all priests, regardless of sexual preference, are supposed to be celibate, so what does it matter what their preference is?

In fact, is it even still a preference? There's enough research to suppose that a lot of it has to with genetics, to be honest. So by that logic, shouldn’t we now suppose that it's the doing of the One who made this genetic setup possible? Of course not. I certainly wouldn't say that. But the fact that such a notion is there should already be proof that we shouldn’t be discriminating on the basis of sexuality. We're not supposed to discriminate against somebody because of their racial makeup, or because of even their religious preference, so why should sexuality be any different, especially when it's clearly something that can be tied in to genetics?

It's positively retarded how conservatives just assume homosexuality is an abnormality that can be cured. It's not a disease. It's not a conscious choice someone just makes. Which of us straight people can actually say we made a conscious choice some time ago to be straight people? It doesn't work that way for us. Why should it work that way for them?

I honestly have no idea where this rambling is leading to, but I just wanted to decry what I felt had to be decried. I hope I made some sense... heh.

Ho-Hum

.:An Idea:.

Each day I do a "Top Ten Person I'm Most Grateful To This Year", my LSS for the day will be dedicated to the person.

Sounds cool.

.:Non-Event...:.

The GMA Christmas party isn't for another hour or so, and the wait has been mind-numbingly long. If it's any consolation, Smackdown vs. RAW 2006 should be out by Saturday, if things do go my way...

Ah, well.

Hmmm...

.:Mmmm... More Userpics:.

Now that's cool.

.:She'll Be Back Soon...:.

Sacha's coming back on 21. That'd be really great. I miss that girl. Heh.

And yeah, I can't help but remember when we last chatted with her via voice, and we kept on using CB Radio language.

"Sacha? Do you copy? Over!"

That was a riot...

.:Christmas Meh:.

This year has got to be the weakest showing for Christmas in my life. I haven't seen less decorations and Christmas hoopla than in years past.

I don't know if I can blame the economy, or just simply a dwindling enthusiasm in the season.

But the Scrooge in me likes it. Maybe people are actually remembering it's Christmas and not Santamas?

I know it's a bit Christocentric to call it Christmas instead of "the Holidays", but what can you do, neh? Christians pretty much turned an erstwhile Pagan festival into something that is undoubtedly laden with so many Christian overtones it'd be hard to turn it non-secular again, not that I want that to happen.

Oh, well. Christmas. It's coming, and you can't stop it. But it's just not the same this year...

.:The Top Ten People I'm Most Grateful To This Year...:.

And now, 2005 leads us to the Top 10 people I'm most grateful to this year, and like always, we count down all the way to number 1, on a day-by-day basis.

But since there were so many people who I want to thank but couldn't fit into the top 10, lemme start today with an honorable mention instead of the official top 10...

Maia: I guess I have to thank her despite having seen her only once this entire year. She's provided me countless hours of company when I'm boarding alone, as I get to talk to her via chat. It's been nothing short of a great ride of a year for me, and most of the time, Maia's been there to listen. You can't help but be thankful for that.

Thanks, Mai!!!

Random Thoughts All Over The Place...

.:WTF?!?:.

Watch the video and weep at the inanity.

This is just crazy.

.:Whoah!!! I Wanna Watch!!!:.

"RAW presents the Road to WrestleMania

Date: February 24, 2006
Venue: Araneta Coliseum
City/State: Manila, Philippines


On-Sale Date: Thursday, December 15, 2005, at 9 a.m.

Ticket Information: Ticket prices: PHP 3,300; 2,000; 800; 400

Reserve now at 9115555 and www.ticketnet.com.ph or go to your nearest SM ticketnet outlet for tickets. Hurry as tickets are being sold fast."

You now know what to get me for Christmas. Those tickets are gold, I say! Gold!

.:King Kong:.

I am in no position to write a review right now, but the movie dragged. A lot. Nice special effects, though the CGI wasn't as good as LOTR, and I mean simple stuff like how Kong should be handling Anne, among other things.

I guess I'd give it a B or a B+. I hate to have to see insects of the size that they were in the film, though. Jack Black was a riot to watch, though.

.:In Lieu Of An LSS Today, Here's A Cool Quote...:.

"We're all going to hell. People like me just make sure the rest of you enjoy the ride."

.:The Weekly Crush:.

I'm going to be extremely wrecked by this schedule if things don't change for me... I realize that a weekly schedule of editing and then mastering would definitely prove to be quite difficult for me to execute, all things considered. Oh, well.

We started around eleven in the morning, and then finished at half past midnight. You have to realize that doing that every week can be very tiring, and takes your sleeping schedule out of whack. Ah, well. I guess I'll figure something out after all has been said and done, more so when the mastering for the episode would start at seven in the morning. Also consider that prior to Friday, Thursday will have to be editing day. More non-stop craziness.

.:Juniors Division?!?:.

The Smackdown Juniors Division has to be one of the worst ideas the WWE has ever thought up. Really horrible, to say the least.

.:Rice, Rice, Baby:.

It's amazing how the Filipinos have taken to heart the notion that rice is the staple food in any meal. We eat steaks with rice. We eat lamb chops with rice. We eat just about any viand with rice, and in fact, some viands are even made to include rice, particularly food such as Bicol Express. Foreigners at times would practically wonder about this curious practice endemic among most Asians.

What makes it even further amusing is that even when it comes to dessert, Filipino cuisine still has rice. Look at all the desserts we have that involve rice. Chief amongst those would definitely have to be suman.

Suman is cheap, and provides you with the burst of energy that you need from carbohydrates, and of course, sugar, assuming you use a topping.

I couldn't find a chart denoting the nutritional values of suman. Oh, well.

.:Sheer Exhaustion Again:.

I was up for practically 34 hours before I finally succumbed to sleep. After all has been said and done, I just ended up feeling so sleepy that my alarm didn't wake me up anymore. I missed going to work to WAVE again.

Let's face it, I really am not motivated to go to work to WAVE anymore. Call me unprofessional, but it doesn't help when your bosses are more of the same. They'd be ignorant of your progress as an announcer, oblivious to the contributions you are making to the overall improvement of the station, and completely inutile when you are asking for permission to do something that could only make things better for everyone.

Yes, I feel I deserve a raise. But no, that's not the only reason I'm not happy with my work in WAVE, to begin with. I've already gone at length with this the last time, but I don't think anyone can fault me for complaining that my work definitely goes unappreciated in the station. Being given a raise isn't the only way to show appreciation. You can be so much as told so, your suggestions for your own program can just simply not be red-taped to oblivion, and those are just a few ideas that come to mind.

It doesn't make sense at all how they think that people can just go and work without question despite the fact that their work isn't being given due recognition.

Let's make this one even more blatant... look at how bad Anne has it, despite winning a KBP Golden Dove Award. Where are the plugs? Where are the commercials airing out the fact that she did? I don't know with you, but that's retarded. They should milk that kind of success for what it's worth and use it to enhance both Anne and the station all at the same time. Instead, it's up to the jocks to drive home the point, while a more savvy company like, oh, I don't know, RX, would use a plug every hour on the hour to bring up how they won this year's KBP Golden Dove Award for best FM station.

You see the disparity? You see why for even less pay, guys like Jose don't mind doing the graveyard shift for RX? It's because there's a sense that you're part of a team. Of a family. WAVE has turned into an undertide of factions that are never outright spelled out, but will always be observed when push comes to shove. I wish I could say that I could do something about that, but I definitely can't.

I’ve been nothing but disappointed, particularly with how mistreated me and my partner have been in the graveyard shift. No night differential despite the higher susceptibility to health issues, clearly underlined by the bout I had with the flu last Saturday.

Ah, well. They killed my second wind already. They can't expect a third wind from me without proper motivation.

.:Argghh:.

Script writing was finished at 1:30 PM, but the meeting started at 5:30. We ended up finishing our meeting so late already that I just couldn't help but feel very exhausted after all has been said and done. Moo... I really wanted to sleep a lot, but didn't expect that I'd sleep through my own program for it... ah, well. Let's just see how things would work out, soon enough. If I take another pay cut come next payday with WAVE, then I don't particularly care anymore. I'm frustrated, demoralized, and about pissed off already, anyways.

Considering how much initiative I've put into improving my craft, I don't think it's still my fault anymore.

Wahahahah...

.:I'll Talk About Something Very Interesting Next Time...:.

Over at the Comic Book Resources Forums, a lot of very inspired debate over various topics such as gay marriage and feminism and the female sex drive. I would definitely love to talk about those topics when I find the leisure. But for now, lemme show you an article on gay marriage that should get tongues wagging for or against it...

A Loss For True Conservatism
by David Shuster

On Tuesday, eleven different states outlawed gay marriage.

The basic argument I heard was not about marriage (more on that below) but about being gay. And a majority of voters seem to believe that homosexuality is an "immoral lifestyle choice."

Hmmmm. The problem is that anybody who has a relative or friend who is gay also knows it is not a "choice." It is something wired into the genes of approximately 3 or 4 percent of the human population in every single culture on the planet. Secondly, when it comes to morality, consider this: While the Bible does suggest homosexuality is an abomination (Leviticus 18:22), The Bible also says in Leviticus 25:44 that we may possess slaves, both male and female, provided they are purchased from neighboring nations; Exodus 35:2 says that my neighbor who works on the Sabbath should be put to death; Lev. 19:27 expressly forbids men from getting their hair trimmed; Lev. 11:6-9 states that touching a dead pig makes us unclean (Are you ready for some football?) and Lev. 19:19 forbids us from planting two different crops in the same field or wearing garments made of two different kinds of thread. The penalty? Lev. 24:10-16 suggests we stone people to death.

Maybe some Americans want to return to the days of slavery, devout observance to the Sabbath, long hair, all cotton clothes, and stoning people... I would prefer that our society move forward.

And the best way to move any society forward is to strengthen the family. I adore my family and consider them to be the best part of my entire life. And I'm absolutely convinced that "marriage" fosters social cohesion, emotional security, and economic prudence. That's why I'm baffled as to why we would keep such an institution away from anybody. (I'm not talking about "religion-sanctioned marriage," I'm referring to the civil institution of marriage—the kind that involves a "state-sponsored" license.)

The fact is, the couple down the street... whether they are straight or gay, has no bearing whatsoever on my marriage or yours. Gay marriage could only undermine or delegitimize straight marriage if it were a real alternative. But, do you know any heterosexuals who could be persuaded by law (or anything else for that matter) to have sex with or marry someone of their own sex? I don't.

Any intelligent and logical thinking person must know that gays are not going away. So why not coax these human beings into traditional values? Marriage reinforces a healthy social trend... and it provides stability. Isn't that what conservatism stands for?

If we really want to improve and strengthen the institution of marriage, instead of passing laws that exclude couples, shouldn't we be focused on why 50% of all marriages end in divorce? Why not pass a law that requires all couples (as some churches do) to meet with a pastor and talk about hundreds of issues before the marriage. Or how about a law that says you can't marry anybody you met in the last 24 hours?

Unfortunately, logic and common sense to be in short supply these days. Instead, we have an endless supply of hatred and fear. Why is that?

More of my commentary when I find the time to do it... heh.

.:More Wacky Pictures:.

Teh Cuteness!!!


More Teh Cuteness!!!


My Eyes! They Burn!!!


Teh Goggles! They Do Nothing!!!

"Tell him to his face that he's gay, I dare you. That's not straight-up defense, though. ;)

Hehe...

.:Today's LSS:.

Anything For You
by Gloria Estefan

Anything for you
Though you're not here
Since you said we're through
It seems like years
Time keeps draggin' on and on
And forever's been and gone
Still I can't figure what went wrong

I'd still do anything for you
I'll play your game
You hurt me through and through
But you can have your way

I can pretend each time I see you
That I don't care and I don't need you
And though you'll never see me cryin'
You know inside I feel like dying
And I'd do anything for you
In spite of it all
I've learned so much from you
You made me strong
But don't you ever think that I don't love you
That for one minute I forgot you

.:Wednesdate:.

Gyn and I watched Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, although we didn't get to finish it. Still, we definitely enjoyed the movie, although I think I was paying more attention to her than the film. I've seen the movie already, and Cho Chang, barring her Scottish accent, has nothing, absolutely nothing on Gyn. :)

Neither does Moaning Myrtle. :P

Before that, though, we had a lovely dinner at Italliani's. I had GC's, so I definitely made the most out of them. Heh. I still have a few more GC's, though... so I'll keep them for another special date with Pomelo. Outback sounds good to me...

.:Hosting...:.

Was hosting for TGI Friday's Christmas party last Tuesday. It was definitely interesting to say the least, but I'll talk more about it next time... give me next week to start resuming normal blogging operations again. I'm using this week to relax, relax, and relax. I just had a very good massage that involved the masseusse actually using the Mexican surfboard on me. Just a bit more pressure, and I would've been tapping out. Lol.

In any case, the hosting gig went really well. And watching the TGI Friday's branches perform their various presentations definitely proved impressive to me, all things considered. I'll write more about it when more comes to mind, but it was definitely a great night. I'm a bit fuzzy on the details back then, though...

Someone did try to do a backflip and landed on his face... he was taken to the hospital. Poor guy's eye was bleeding. He was trying to show off in front of Mocha and her cute backup dancers...

.:Grrr....:.

WWE Smackdown vs. RAW has been delayed for until December 15 for the PSP. I guess it can't be helped, though, as one of the cutscenes in the game was the Undertaker hitting a Chokeslam on Eddie Guererro (R.I.P.) into a coffin in a Buried Alive match. I think that removing that cutscene is for the better, though morbid curiosity dictates to me that I want to see it...

Pictures!!!

.:A Picture Says A Thousand Words:.

Whenever you do something evil, God kills a kitten.


Something tells me he won't just go and leave you coal on December 25...


Nobody can beat them. NOBODY!!!


Look who's talking. I take it that's a pink cowl as well?



Compare and contrast.


The epitome of hawtness...

Whoo!!!

.:More To Come In The Near Future...:.

Right now, I just thought I'd show you guys a picture...

That was me at a tournament, with the store owner's cousin.

.:Wednesday Coinkidink:.

I met up with Pomelo yesterday, and lo and behold, Charo was on her way home while we were there, so we all ended up riding the MRT... heh. It was pretty funny, really, as Charo was talking about being a matchmaker, and I took that to mean "bugaw", and Gyn was violently reacting as her grandmother was a matchmaker...

Ah, well...

.:Overslept:.

I ended up oversleeping yesterday. I guess 36 hours of being awake can do that to you...