manila, manila... I'd be coming back to manila...

most people from the province are too eager to go there. i did too once. i tried to get a job there. almost did. but went home after a year and a half.

i still go there whenever i could for holidays and vacation leave. i think that's just what it would be for me - a place to go to for a holiday or vacation.

when he came here, we can't bypass manila if we want to go anywhere in the philippines. everybody have to be there at some point of their journey.

we stayed at corporate inn for maybe 2 days and 3 nights and explored the manila area. it's definitely improved and cleaner.


we couldn't miss the famous manila bay sunset, strolling along the baywalk. we also tried the kalesa ride and watched movies (or tv if we're tired of walking).

the orchidarium was probably the most enjoyable part/place because a butterfly landed on me for the first time ever! i just wish there could have been more variety and more colorful butterflies.

we missed the planetarium show coz we have to wait for others to form a group of 20 pax before they'd let us in.

on our last night, we went jogging just coz we planned to do that but haven't yet. he lent me his shorts (which was dropping from my waist) and his t-shirt which was too big. it was a good thing it was already dark. :-)

manila will always be the busy place where the day seem to stretch until the wee hours of the night and yet also up and about early to start a new day.

busy, alive, hurried.

The way to heaven is not easy. Neither is going to Sagada.

Prior to the visit, I've already heard things that almost discouraged me to go there. Being that it was already planned and I'm someone who'd push through anything I've already decided to, we went ahead.

I decided to stay awake during the 5-hr drive to fully experience the horribly, terrifyingly, uncomfortable journey, as we were warned. Although I have to agree I've had better, it wasn't nearly as steep or not as dangerous as I was told and not a hell-of-a-ride like the way the book described.

It was already early afternoon when we got there. After freshening up and a late lunch, we decided to stroll around, checking out what seemed like the place's entrance working our way towards the center. Souvenir shops are everywhere (of course!) and nice little restaurants along the way. Still tired from the bus ride, we decided to have an early night, but not before making up plans.

Trekking, for most of our stay there, was the obvious plan. That's what we had to do to find most of the touristy places Sagada is famous for. Since we decided not to get a tour guide, we had to rely on our maps and travel guide book finding our way.

We saw some hanging coffins from the distance. We decided it was too risky to get near without a guide. We found one of the falls, named it the baby falls, marveled at the magnificent rice terraces and fell in love with the lush green and clean environment. It was certainly refreshing just being there.

The following day, we sought out the underground valley, passed through the cemetery (a proper one) and the echo valley but not before we took a wrong turn and ended up facing a big herd of cow which looked scary (I was wearing red and particularly afraid of cows for some reason from childhood memories).

We were already enjoying finding many things by ourselves and decided to take a different (but looked quicker, according to our map) route from the underground river to the main road. We heard voices ahead of us, decided to follow them and saw just their back before they disappeared behind the rocks and bushes.

Thinking that the river will lead us out of the cave and into somewhere eventually, we followed it and was out in the open. We were delighted to see a couple (probably the ones we heard earlier) behind us, who seems like they were following us too. Funny, innit?

A little while later and finding less and less visible path, we declared ourselves lost but persisted that there is still a way out from that direction. Since we already walked (and huffed and puffed and crawled and climbed) our way to the hilly part, going back is a tiring idea.

To save me from pointless walking and climbing, Martin, my boyfriend, would hurry ahead and holler if he found a path we can follow, otherwise he'll try another one, while I wait somewhere to rest and catch my breath. He kept encouraging me while the other couple were obviously arguing.

It was also surprising for me how cool-headed I was about the whole thing. Yes we are lost, yes we're tired but no, I'm not sulking. Hallelujah!

Finally, we were down the slope and seemed nearer the other side where we can see some locals working. That's where we want to go and up that big house (or souvenir shop). Martin, who was leading all four of us, had to find another way coz the rotten fence creaked under his weight when he tried to step on it. I was left with the others as they let me give it a try first. I was halfway from trying to climb over the wired fence when we heard him shout and a crash. We were shouting out for him asking if he's ok but he didnt answer. I hurriedly climbed and rushed towards his direction. I saw him laying on the ground but thankfully conscious. He was brushing the leaves and dirt off his shirt and trouser and looked concernedly over his left thigh which was now bleeding.

He told us that the fence gave way and he was scraped by the wire while he was falling down with it. It didn't seem like a deep cut but I was worried of infection.

This time with him injured, I was fueled with courage to get us out of there and led them across the valley of bushes. Even when he was injured, he's still guiding me, always reminding me to test the ground first before stepping.

We made it to the main road and went straight to our cottage to shower. I insisted on having his leg disinfected. After we were sure that he won't be infected and that it's clean and treated, we decided to have a quiet night. We enjoyed the warm bonfire after dinner before heading to our room for our last night in Sagada. We spent the last day just strolling and doing some souvenir shopping. We thought it was just appropriate for me to have a "I Survived Sagada Adventure" t-shirt after what we went through. :-)

Sagada is a wonderful place for both relaxation and adventure. It's a small place where I've seen more tourists/foreigners in my entire life. People are also used to them that they'd be sometimes surprised when they see fellow Filipinos. The rugged road and simple means of transportation saves this paradise from exploitation, pollution and stress of the city. I won't mind going there again.

Bicol:
Towards Open Source Country
24 July 2006 Aquinas University of Legazpi


ACTIVITIES

CD Burnfest

Several open source software will be distributed and copied for free. This will be a rare chance to grab a copy of desired program for your computing needs

Seminars and Fora

Be updated with the latest in open source through seminars and technical sessions in office productivity, internet, multimedia, server/database and other issues and concerns on open source. Resource persons will be leaders and volunteers from the FOSS (Free and Open Source Software) community.

Jobs Fair

Be employed. Know the in-demand and high-paying jobs requiring open source expertise. The jobs fair will be participated by firms who target FOSS enthusiasts and skilled computer users.

Installfest

Demonstration and workshop on the easiness of FOSS. Participants can bring their computers or laptops for installation.

FOSS and IT Exhibits

An exposition/exhibit highlighting FOSS at work, local business or organizations using FOSS in their operations, and latest IT/FOSS products and trends.

Blockbusters and Games

Experience the other side of FOSS through the cinematic appeal of movies and the excitement of games done through FOSS

Everybody's welcome to join in!

a. exhibit - showcase your products and services and occupy one (1) booth in the IT and FOSS exhibits

b. jobs fair - participate as employer to recruit individuals with open source knowledge, skills and expertise

c. sponsor/partner to either:

1. adopt one seminar/technical session by providing snack good for 50 persons (fruit juice and sandwich/cupcake). your organization will be cited during the opening ceremonies and in the conduct of the specific seminar

2. provide ICT equipment for use during the event's activities

3. provide cash donation for the food and accommodation of the guests and participants and for supplies and materials necessary in the SFD conduct

d. volunteer - participate as resource person, expert for the Installfest, Burnfest and technical sessions, and/or as volunteer for the logistics and manpower needs of the event

e. participant - attend as participant to learn free and open source software and intend to participate in all activities

For additional information, please log on to the BiOS website

or contact:
Joseph or Pao at telephone nos. (052) 821-7930, (052) 820-5385

or email at:
region5@dost.gov.ph

See you there!

because cheeky martian is trying to find a cocktail named "Crazy Mermaid", i found this cute image:

3. post first meeting/pre out-of-town trip

we stayed at home the morning we arrived - meeting mum and sis and the cats. after lunch we went to his hotel so that he can unpack and clean up. then we just slept the whole afternoon. we strolled around when we woke up.

i went to work the following day. he came by for lunch (with fresh flowers) so he was able to meet my officemates. he was the star of the day! everybody wants to shake his hand, see what color his eyes are, how tall he is.

then we had our lunch and our first picture together. it was dark and blurry though (shame). when i came back to the office, everybody's asking for him. they're all excited and happy and thought he seemed really nice and friendly though admittedly really tall(!). and so i was teased (cheekily) about that.

the rest of the week we just strolled or stayed indoor watching tv or catching up or smooching or doing random silly things. we celebrated our first New Year together with lots of firecrackers and haleyang ube (which he helped mix) and yummy snuggling close.

4. Baguio for the first time

we left Sorsogon around 7:30pm, arrivd in Manila around 5am then arrived in Baguio around noon. We decided it was better to travel continuously up north then stay in certain places longer on our way down.

meet grumpy mermaid!
tired from the bus ride, hungry, sleepy - three terrible state to be in for a mermaid. then to make matters worse, we had to walk in search of cafe by the ruins. i wasn't talking much. he was trying to make friendly chatter but i was not in the mood to talk or smile. i was hungry!

then finally, we found it and we ordered. by that time, i was slowly coming to my senses. i wasn't being reasonable and fair. i'm not the only one who's been on an almost-17-hour bus ride. if i'm tired, he's probably tired too. by the time lunch was served, i was already laughing and talking and feeling good. gosh! grumpy mermaid!

after the filling lunch, we strolled around baguio town center and went canoeing. we had a nice but tiring afternoon.

we were so distracted trying to find our way back where we're staying that i didn't notice my cellphone when we got off the taxi. normally, i would always feel for it when i get off somewhere. when we decided to just get off the taxi and walk to find our place, i reached for my front skirt pocket and felt a sinking feeling when i didn't feel my cellphone. i looked for it everywhere and even checked his bag if i put it there. we tried to go back where we just walked to see if it slipped while we were walking. nothing. i was beginning to really worry. not worrying that i lost my cellphone, but worried about all the contact numbers i have there. there are people there who can only contact me through that number. we decided to report it to the police but they were not very optimistic. i don't know the plate number and the name of the taxi. gosh! i know it's a no-win situation.

his boss offered to pay for a new cellphone but since i wanted one with camera (which costs more than what my old cellphone), we decided to split - i pay for the excess.

old phone (N2100)


new phone (samsung x660)

most of our time in baguio was spent strolling, watching tv, him working, strolling, eating, watching tv, movies, mall, canoeing, horseback riding (which is unreasonably expensive), blowing bubbles, being goofy.

that's my first real horse ride so i was really nervous but got the hang of it after a few rounds but still also happy to finish the ride. i felt my horse becoming a little impatient and i don't want to be still sitting on top of her if she decides to do something crazy or unexpected.

i was so excited whenever i can see my own breath mists when i talk or exhale. it felt like being in a western movie.

we dined in interesting restaurants - veggie, fondue, grilled, fastfood, filipino, whatever and whenever we felt like trying out something different.

one year ago today, i got my bike. i didn't know how to drive. i didn't know anything about motorbikes either. i just decided to get one and i did. it's a loan that i have to pay for 2 years. i've paid for a year, one more to go.

now, i have a non-professional driver's license, i know how to drive, i've been to as far as a 5-hour drive on my bike, i'm a member of a biker's club where i am (unofficially) the secretary and i'm loving the mobility and freedom it gave me.

next goal - drive a four-wheel.

Please be informed that your application has been placed in
our Managed Queue and will be allocated to a Visa Officer
shortly.

Please wait for a Visa Officer to advise you on the status
of your application within four (4) weeks.

Regards
Visa Section
New Zealand Embassy Manila

1. pre first-meeting

"you're very brave!" that's what i'm always told whenever they hear about my decision to meet him on my own at the airport for the first time ever. most of the time i find it ridiculous. why would it be "being brave"? i had no concern or worries meeting up with him alone. i trust him. i trust us. that no matter what happens - whether the feeling would be the same or one or both of us don't like each other the way we liked each other prior to the meeting - we would still be friends and would treasure each other as we've treasured each other before (without the being cheeky part, though).

as he was flying to manila, i was also travelling to manila. i decided to come up early so that i still have time to do some shopping. i stayed with my friend (from high school). i love her apartment! i've always wanted a lounge like hers - japanese inspired - without sofa or chairs, just pillows and a center table. i also loved her books and how she stamped every one of them "from the library of risa". i read all day waiting for her to take me out but she came home a bit late so we decided to just stay home. she experimented with some seafood leftovers and came up with a yummy seafood pasta! she's a great cook. no wonder her brother talked nothing on his friendster testimonial but her yummy dishes. we had croissant with the pasta and tall glasses of ice-cold soft drinks.

she's very excited for me about the meeting. i'm happy to catch up with her too after so many years. she's been hibernating or being her weird self (claiming she's heliophobic that's why she can't go out during the day) the past years. she's weird but it's always refreshing to talk to her.


2. airport

we both went out of her apartment the same time so she can show me how to go to her place next time i decide to visit her again. we took the mrt so we had to walk for miles (i'm not sure though but if felt like miles) but sometime before arriving at the mrt station we passed by a plant shop so it was fun since she was looking for a green plant to place on her front door.

it was still too early to go the airport so i decided to stroll around and have lunch first. i decided to go against everybody's advice and took a bus instead of a taxi. luckily i found a bus that will pass by the airport. i didn't know where to get off so i waited for the conductor to tell me. he seemed to have forgotten where i'm going that's why they were already heading towards edsa again when i realized that we're out of the airport. i was able to find the airport at last - the one with lots of cars/vehicles and lots more people waiting for their loved ones and friends and business partners or guests. i decided to make a funny sign while waiting outside.

after i've finished making the sign but not signs of martian yet, i decided to pay the entrance fee so i can wait inside the waiting area. still no signs of martian. i don't really know what to expect. some people were watching the monitor while some are eagerly waiting in line. i decided to do both.

my sign made other people laugh. it made me laugh that i made them laugh and hoping that it will make him laugh too.

there were times when i'd see a very tall guy and would think he looks like him but not. but when i saw this guy wearing an orange t-shirt, i knew ever before seeing him completely that it's him.

i crossed the street and came up to him holding the sign high. he saw me first, then he saw the sign, read it and smiled. gosh! that was so perfect. he came up to me and we hugged. hugged like it's not the first time we've seen each other. hug of knowing... of finding. after that we just stood there smiling and grinning.

while waiting for our bus to arrive, we strolled, had a wonderful first dinner, first meal together ever... one of the many first. then we got lost (another first) somewhere in gateway mall (we ended up in the parking area). then our first bus ride together, first night together, first movie we watched together (the pianist - which i didn't really like), first kiss *smiles*, my first try in a 29-seater bus (not that much different from an ordinary air-con bus), my first foot massage from him, first snuggle. gosh! so many firsts they just keep pouring. this has been the best first meeting i've had in my entire life ever!

(to be continued...)

after the unpleasant experience, i wasn't too sure about the application anymore. it worries me that they will ask a different document each time. he suggested paying the airfare so that they won't ask for the sponsorship form anymore. i was hesitant. i already have a very limited time for the processing. i might not get the visa on time that means if we pay for the tickets already, there might be problems with the refunds or re-scheduling. he doesn't mind. all he cares about is that whatever we need is taken care of.

he checked the airline website and learned taht they have good policy on re-scheduling and reimbursements. so i gave it a go.

he wired the money to the travel agency, after two days, i got the eTicket. the travel agency said that's all i need.

so i prepared all the papers again, updated the bank accounts and some entries on the application form and supplementary questionnaire.


i sent it through LBC courier and hopefully by now it's already there, if they have not assessed it yet. now all i have to do is wait. website said i would be contacted if they (still) need to see some more documents. hopefully this time i sent all they need to see.

he called the immigration office in nz and they told him that i wouldn't need the letters and the pictures anymore because i am not applying on the basis of partnership and taht the only itinerary that i need is the ticket or the booking certificate.

hopeful.

habang masamang masama ang loob ko, may isang tao na nagpagaan neto.

pagkatapos kong mag-iiyak sa labas ng bpi building, sa bus, sa mrt, sa food court - naisipan kong mag-internet. kailangan kong ilabas ang sama ng loob ko. kailangan kong sabihin sa kanya kung ano ang nangyari at kung ano ang nararamdaman ko. hindi ako nagpakabait sa email. talagang nagmura ako. di bale nang isipin niyang nag-over react ako or masyado akong emotional. di bale na... basta yon ang nararamdaman ko.

pagkatapos habang hinihintay ko ang byaheng 6:30pm ng bus, naisip ko manood na lang kaya ako ng sine? kahit di maganda ang palabas, meron lang akong matambayan. at least kung maiyak man ulit ako, walang makakakita. kesa naman emote ako ng emote sa food court. baka mapagkamalan pa akong baliw.

buti na lang naisip kong bilhin na muna yong pinapabili ng kapatid ko bago pumasok sa sinehan. tyempong paalis ako sa tapat ng sinehan nang mag-ring ang cellphone ko.

sya.

hindi pa man, naiiyak na naman ako. alam ko nabasa na nya ang email ko.

********

damang dama ko ang pag-aalala mo. dahil don, lalo lang akong naiyak. grabe ang iyak ko sa fourth floor ng ali mall. buti na lang konti lang ang tao don sa floor na yon. wala naman kasing masyadong mga boutique kundi arcade at yon ngang moviehouses.

tinanong mo ako kung ano ang nangyari. hindi ako makapagsalita. tulo lang ng tulo ang luha ko. hindi ko mapigil. pinipilit kong tumahan. pero sa tuwing magsasalita ako, lalo lang akong napapaiyak.

nag-alala ako na baka i-try mong i-solve ang sitwasyon. wala ako sa mood para makipag-diskusyon or mag-isip ng solution. walang tama. wala ring mali. hindi lang nagkaintindihan ang lahat.

buti na lang, hinayaan mo lang ako umiyak. umiyak ng umiyak. nakikinig ka lang. huling tinanong mo, kung ano ang nararamdaman ko. alam ko hindi ko na kailangan pang i-elaborate. alam mo na.

matagal tagal din akong umiyak. hanggang sa medyo sa wakas, nakapagsalita din ako ng pakonti konti. pa-hikbi hikbi.

kinuwento ko sayo kung ano ang nangyari. kung ano ang nararamdaman ko. kung ano ang sabi sa akin. at kung anu ano pa.

alam ko, nag-aalala ka. alam ko na kung kaya mo lang, baka lumipad ka na papunta dito para lang i-comfort ako. alam ko. naramdaman ko.

sa buong buhay ko, wala pang akong naiyakan dahil may problema ako. kadalasan, umiiyak lang ako mag-isa. kung umiyak man ako sa harap ng ibang tao, hindi naman ako nagsasalita. hindi rin nila alam kung ano ang problema ko.

hindi pa rin nangyari sa akin yong umiyak at ngumiti sa isang pagkakataon. kadalasan, kapag umiyak ako, maswerte na kung ngumiti ako kinagabihan. matagal kasi akong makabawi sa lungkot. masyado akong maramdamin.

sayo pa lang. ikaw pa lang ang nakakagawa non.

i loved you even more. im so greatful that i have you in my life. i feel so secured knowing that you won't give up when i do.

salamat. maraming maraming salamat....

martian ko.

hindi ako yong tipo ng iyakin. hindi nga ako emotional na tao eh. nagkataon lang siguro na sensitive ako nong araw na yon. pagod, gutom, kinakabahan. hindi talaga ako makapaniwala na wala naman palang mangyayari sa lakad ko. ang dami ko nang nagastos sa pamasahe, nagpaprint pa ako. halos kalahating araw bago ko natapos i-edit para lang mapakonti yong pahina nang ipi-print. nagpa-print din ng mga pictures. isipin mo na lang yong pagtataka ko nong hingin yon samantalang wala naman yon sa nakalistang requirements. andon lang naman lahat ng hinihingi nila sa bahay. nakatago sa isang kahon. ang dali lang ipakita kung nalaman ko lang na kailangan. ang layo ng nilakad ko para lang maghanap ng internet cafe. hinahabol ko kasi ang oras para maprint ko at makumpleto yong hinihingi nilang requirements. naka-high-heeled sandals pa naman ako. pero di ko rin naihabol kasi alas dose na. so nag-decide ako na kinabukasan ko na lang isu-submit. tutal tatlong araw naman ang leave ko.

isipin mo na lang ang inis na naramdaman ko nong pagdating ko kinabukasan, iba na naman ang hinihingi niya sa akin? para bang nakakaloko na ewan? bakit di na lang niya sinabi na ay sori miss ha? partnership itong ina-apply mo, kailangan ko ng sponsorship form at kung anu ano pa. (lintek! pano naman naging partnership eh ni hindi nga kami magkasama? kaya nga ako bibisita don eh, bisita - hindi magpapakasal, hindi ako titira don. please naman miss, pupuntahan ko lang sya kasi miss na miss ko na po yong boyfriend ko)

hindi naman masama ang loob ko na hindi tinanggap yong application ko. masama lang ang loob ko sa attitude nya tungkol sa pag-assess ng papers ko. feeling ko hindi nya masyado binigyan ng tamang pansin at pagpapahalaga. yon bang guilty by assumption na ako na, ay naku! girlfriend to ng foreigner, tiyak magpapa-petition 'to don at partnership ang ina-apply neto. at yong abala na nagawa sakin dahil hindi nya pinag-aralang mabuti ang application ko bago nya binalik at pagkatapos kung anu-ano ang hinihingi. kung sinabi nya sa akin na, palagay ko miss, on the basis of partnership itong application mo. dahil don, kailangan mong magpakita ng mga katunayan about your relationship - tulad ng: letters, pictures, marriage contract (kung kasal), or katunayan na magsama kami sa isang bahay, mga conjugal properties. yong mga ganon. hindi yong basta na lang nyang sinabi, asan ang mga letters, mga pictures.

isipin mo naman, hindi pa nga nya nakikita yong application form ko, yon na agad ang hinihingi nya. hindi pa nga nya nahahawakan yong mga papers eh. kaya kahit ano pa sabihin ko, meron na syang desisyon.

kung sinabi sana nya yong tungkol sa sponsorship form, e di hindi na ako nagpa-print. hindi na rin ako nag-stay pa ng isang araw sa manila. umuwi na lang sana ako kasi di ko rin naman makukuha yong sponsorship form sa 3 araw.

maraming sana...

basta ang alam, maraming syang nasayang sa akin dahil hindi nya in-assess ng maayos ang papeles na hawak ko.

nasayang ang pera ko.
nasayang ang panahon ko.
nasayang ang pagod ko.


nasayang lang ang luha ko.

*opens eyes sleepily, closes eyes and dozes off again*

zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

whole household is already up and awake (quite surprising because it is still vacation time for the kids). i felt my cousin stir and carefully inched her way down the double-deck bed. i decided it's time to get up and start my day (excitedly but sleepily), finish what i came there to do and go home. home where my bed is.

my cousin left to work early so i was left to do my morning business. i decided to skip breakfast. sa labas na lang kasi magpapabarya naman ako. dog decided i'm not a baddy and left me alone (finally!).

i went out prepared to have several cutting trips before arriving to my destination but it must be my lucky day - an FX taxi to cubao saved me from going up the LRT station. with my big Pooh On-The-Go bag, i was seated comfortably making plans. carrying the heavy OTG bag would be a problem. so where can i leave it? mum suggested i leave it at the amihan booking office saying that i already have a ticket leaving at 4pm. unfortunately, the booking officer wanted to see my ticket so i said, "oh, i don't have it here. my friend has it." but she's not easily fooled. she asked, "under what name were the tickets reserved" damn.

i had no choice but to carry the bag. i walked from cubao bus terminal to the cubao MRT station. by that time i was already tired and sweaty. i bought some donuts to go. i wasn't able to eat it though.

Buendia station.

That’s me. I got off the coach and walked out of the station. Good thing i only have to ask for direction once and I was on a jeepney, on my way to the embassy (we’re on a taxi the first time). And I also remembered where to get off. Yey!

By now, I know the routine at the lobby so it wasn’t so amusing anymore. Since I have my traveling bag with me, the guard has to inspect my bag especially since the inspection thingy went off a couple of times. I told him it must be the buckles of my belt. And so it was. He recognized me from the day before and wished me good luck. A nice guy.

The waiting area was full of hopeful visa applicants:

Four friends. One was a winner of “Go to NZ to watch Lord of the Rings” (or something) contest. They will go there to apply for a job once they’re there.

Three follow-ups.

Two work permit applicants. They took so long!

One family. Mum eager to experience skiing.

Me.

I was praying to get the same visa officer whom I talked to the first time. She seemed junior to the other one but at least she was nice and friendly. So I did but she didn’t even remember me. How many applicants do they get and how much thought does she give to each application?

I told her I was the one she told to give letters and pictures the other day.

Visa officer: Are you angela?
Mermaid: nope.
Visa officer: ohh.
Mermaid: you told me to show letters and pictures.

*shuffles through the papers*
*sees this one*

Visa officer: I’ve seen this one.

*duh! That’s coz you saw that yesterday!*

Visa officer: and I said I knew where this is.. *tries to remember*
Mermaid: Sagada.
Visa Officer: Yesss.. I remember. Are these all of the pictures?
Mermaid: Yes.

*shuffles again*

Visa Officer: don’t you have a more recent letter?

*duh! In case you haven’t noticed, that’s chronologically arranged. Maybe you would notice if you start actually reading and less just shuffling it*

Visa Officer: ahh.. this is for partnership. That’s why I asked you for the letters and pictures.
Mermaid: nope, it’s not. I just want to visit him.
Visa Officer: who is this Martian?
Mermaid: my boyfriend.
Visa Officer: so it’s partnership.
Mermaid: but I am not applying on the basis of partnership.

*getting confused*

Visa Officer: Who’s paying for the airfare?
Mermaid: he is.
Visa Officer: We need a sponsorship form like this one. *shows sponsorship form*
Mermaid: But he can’t sponsor me coz he’s not yet a NZ citizen or resident
Visa Officer: where is he based now?
Mermaid: in NZ
Visa Officer: what’s his nationality?
Mermaid: British.

*looks at the seemingly senior (or just knows more) visa officer*

Visa Officer: What should I do with this?

*tells her the story but another visa officer is talking on the phone*

Visa Officer: Just a moment, ma’am.
Visa Officer 2: He still has to fill up the sponsorship form.
Visa Officer: There ma’am. He has to fill up the sponsorship form, have it duly signed by the proper authority. He can download it from the website, www.imm *looks at the computer or paper, writes down the website address*

*doesn’t even know their website address!*

Mermaid: but ma’am….
Visa Officer: we need the sponsorship form especially since you have an open-dated reservation.
Mermaid: what open-dated?
Visa Officer: you want to stay in NZ for 2 months.
Mermaid: I’m only applying for 34 days, ma’am.
Visa Officer: then you have to change the date you’re leaving NZ. You placed here September 2 but *shows booking certificate* you’re leaving here September 3.

*frowning and tries to remember if she’s mistaken. Sees that she wrote the correct date*

Visa Officer: Oh, this one is from Singapore. I thought…

*gets a pentel pen and ticks the dates of entry and departure to and from NZ*

Visa Officer: but we still need the sponsorship form because he’s paying for the airfare.
Mermaid: Ma'am can I just sumbit the form to follow?
Visa Offer: *shows me a portion on the supplementary questionnaire* you see ma'am i can't accept your papers now because you don't have a "good travel history"

Mermaid: but can I just post it. I live in Sorsogon.
Visa Officer: Ok, you can post it to us and if you have the sponsorship form, I’ll accept your application. *saying these as if she’s doing me a big favor*

Confused.
Frustrated.
Irritated.
Angry.
Tired.

Cried.

Contemplate – kulang ang mga pinggan
Punctuation – pera para maka-enrol
Ice Buko – nagtatanong kung ayos na ang buhok
Tenacious – sapatos na pang tennis
Calculator – tawagan kita mamaya
Devastation – sakayan ng bus
Protestant – tindahan ng prutas
Statue – ikaw ba yan?
Tissue – ikaw nga!
Predicate – pakawalan mo ang pusa
Dedicate – inatay ang pusa
Aspect – pantusok o pandurog ng yelo
Deduct – ang pato
Defeat – ang paa (ng pato?)
Detail – ang buntot (ng pato?)
Deposit – gripo (call DIPLOMA if DEPOSIT is leaking)
City – bago mag-utso, a number to follow 6
Cattle – doon nakatila ang Hali at Leyna
Persuading – unang kasal
Depress – ang nagkasal sa PERSUADING
Defense – ginamit ng mga pangsulat sa kontrata sa PERSUADING
It depends – kainin mo ang bakod
Shampoo – bago mag-labing-isha (11)
Delusion – maluwang (kapag maluwang ang damit, eh DELUSION)
Delivery – walang bayad. Kapag working lunch, eh DELIVERY na ang tanghalian
Profit – patunayan mo
Backlog – bacon saka egg
Beehive – magpakatino ka
CD-ROM – tingnan mo ang kwarto
Debug – ang ipis
Defrag – ang palaka
Defense – ang bakod
Defer – ang balahibo
Deflate – ang plato
Detest – ang eksamin
Devalue - yan ang susunod sa letrang V
Devote - ang boto
Dilemma - bronwout, ah!
Effort - dun nagla-land ang efflane
Forums - apat na kwarto
July - nagsinungaling ka ba?
Thesis - ito ay...

Isa na namang kapana-panabik na araw sa buhay ng isang hamak na clerk ang naganap. Sa wakas natapos ko din ng medyo maayos naman ang annual report na dapat sana ay last year pa sinimulang gawin.

Bago kasi ang public relations and information director kaya sige lang, ok lang na hindi nya pa nagagawa yon sa oras na dapat ginagawa nya na. Bago na nga, di pa marunong mag-computer! So ano nga naman ang ma-eexpect mo, di ba?

Ilang linggo na ang nakakaraan (buwan na nga yata) nong magpa-encode sya ng composition ng editorial board nya. Hindi ako kasali. Sa isip ko naman, ok lang. at least bawas trabaho.

Bigla na lang, isang linggo bago ang deadline ng annual report, may bagong set ng editorial board members. Aba! Isipin mo ba naman at kasali pala ako? Encoder daw. Hala, sige na nga. Encoder na kung encoder. Meron ibang layout artist (draftsman ng school) kaya kampante naman ang isip ko na madali lang trabaho ko. Ano ba naman yong mag-encode. Yon naman talaga ang kadalasang ginagawa ko.

May orientation meeting pa daw. Ok naman ang plano. Maraming gustong gawin. Kesyo gusto yong may class tapos gawing standard ang design/layout para di na palit ng palit every year. Ok naman din para sa mga gumagawa. Menos trabaho. So after ng meeting, masaya ang lahat. Klarado ang gagawin. Ni hindi nga ako kasali sa usapan eh. Bakit ba eh encoder ka lang naman.

Pagkatapos, kung kelan Friday na, saka sasabihin, ako na lang daw ang maglayout kasi hindi pwede yong layout artist. Nanganak daw ang asawa. Namputsa! Bakit ba sanay na sanay kayo sa ganyan? So kelan nga yan kailangan? Lunes daw. Syet talaga! Ano na naman ibig sabihin neto? OTy na naman?

Kaso mo, nong uwian na, lumapit sakin yong director. Naawa ako sa itsura. Parang wala na sa sarili. Pawisan na at ni hindi na makaimik o makapag-utos. Hindi na nya kasi alam kung ano iuutos nya sa dami ng kailangan pa nyang tapusin na sabay sabay ang deadline.

So naawa naman ako. Kakaawa naman talaga kasi. At least di naman nya ako pinipilit na mag-OT. Alam naman kasi nya na matigas din ang ulo ko pag pinipilit. Hehe.

So punta ako sa opisina kahit Sabado, at kahit wala pang request. Care na kahit di ma-credit yong overtime. Naawa kasi talaga ako. Buti na lang medyo maganda ang mood ko. Kahit nagiging makulit sya at medyo nagsasalubong ang kilay, ok lang. deadma lang.

Kaso di pa rin natapos nong sabado kasi meron na naman syang dinagdag na kailangan pang i-encode. Sabi ko di na kami punta sa opisina ng Sunday, masyado namang abuso na yon. Lunes na lang, tutal tapos ko na naman i-encode. Bale layout na lang. ano ba naman yong lagyan ng mga pictures at anik anik yong buong report. Hehe. Tapos ko na naman yong pinaka-cover. So madali na lang yon.

So ngayon nga, medyo maaga ako pumasok. Aba at ang lola wala pa. Ano ba yan? Parang di deadline ngayon ah?

Pero ok lang. Di ko naman sya kailangan para magawa ko yong trabaho ko. (ang taray!). So simula na ako mag-layout (kuno). Maya-maya dumating na. Meron na namang pinapa-dagdag! Naku naman!!! Bahala na. Kung matapos, e di ok. Kung hind, hayaan mo na. Ganon talaga ang buhay.

So continue lang ako sa ginagawa ko. Nong makita ko wala namang ginagawa yong kasama ko sa kanya ko na lang pina-encode yong dagdag. Tutal encoder din sya para sa annual report. So ang tinutukan ko lang, yong layout.

Madali lang naman kasi konti lang yong pictures. Kaso medyo bumabagal ang processing ng laptop na ginagamit ko kaya maraming lapses.

Katagalan, natapos din. At ang masaya, hindi ako pressured or harassed. Very easy lang ang pakiramdam ko. Yong bang feeling na alam ko matatapos ko. Di ako nagpadala sa pressure or sa negative vibe. So kahit na rush ang trabaho, masaya pa rin ako in the end. Medyo ok naman ang kinalabasan ng ginawa ko.

At least kung di man kagandahan yong designs, masasabi nilang kasi madalian lang. What more pa kung maraming time di ba? Hehe. Mayabang ba ang dating? Di naman. Masaya lang sa kinalabasan at sa attitude ko sa paggawa nong trabaho.

Hay! So ngayon pasalamat sila sa “angels”. Kasi wala namang ibang gagawa non sa ganong kakonting panahon. So pasalamat talaga sila sa amin. Hehe.

Bow!

So after waiting in line for all the naval officers, students and other guys to finish taking a bath (that's where my dad stays now), i was finally able to shower and clean up and head to the NZ embassy.

The taxi driver was kind enough to take us (my dad and me) there (without asking too much) and so i was still fresh and clean when i walked up the BPI Buendia Center Building. There was a specially assigned security guard for NZ embassy guests only.

special guard: saan po kayo ma'am?
ma'am: NZ embassy po.
special guard: purpose?
ma'am: magsusubmit po ng documents
special guard: ilan po kayo?
ma'am: isa lang
special guard: paki-fill-up po dito. tapos pahiram po ng ID nyo.
*scrambles to get ID, gives it to the special guard who gives ma'am a visitor id*
special guard: 23rd floor.

My dad decided to leave me now coz he has other things to do himself.

(ding)
*gets in the elevator*

(ding)
*gets out*

another guard: good morning, ma'am! pa-check lang po ng bag.
another ma'am: saan po cr nyo?
another guard: sa labas po ma'am. for personnel use lang po yong dito.
*another ma'am goes to find cr*
another guard: good morning, ma'am. pa-check lang po ng bag.
*ma'am looks back*
another guard: ma'am, bag po.
*ma'am looks back again*
another guard: check ko lang po yong bag ma'am.
ma'am: oh.. me? *smiles*

(beep beep beep)
another guard: ano kaya 'yon, ma'am?
ma'am: baka yong cellphone po.
another guard: sige na po ma'am. ok na po.

*ma'am goes inside embassy office. waits in line*

embassy staff: anong purpose?
ma'am: mag-susubmit po ng documents
embassy staff: pangalan?
ma'am: mermaid po
embassy staff: ilang application?
ma'am: isa lang po
embassy staff: ok. paki-off lang po ng cellphone.

*turns off cellphone. opens door*

ma'am: oopppss! how do you open this?
applicant: ok na. bukas na.

*smiles*
*waits*
*looks around*
*reads*
*pretends to read*
*can't understand what im reading*

visa officer: number 10?
*gets up, walks to the visa officer window*
*shows visa officer all papers*

visa officer: yong mga letters po?
ma'am: anjan na sa loob
*visa officer shuffles the papers*
visa officer: yong mga pictures po?
*ma'am got confused*
ma'am: ano pong pictures?
visa officer: pictures po ninyo.
*ma'am remembers she might have brought one picture, rummages through her envelope, found it, smiles and gives it to the visa officer*

Visa officer: eto lang?
Ma’am: opo. Di ko naman po kasi alam na kailangan ng pictures.
Visa officer: ma’am kailangan po kasi yong mga letters na magpapatunay ng relationship ninyo tapos mga pictures.

Ma’am: nasa bahay po kasi.
Visa officer: taga-san ho kayo?
Ma’am: Sorsogon pa po
Visa officer: ay ganon? Baka po sa email, meron kayo. Kahit san naman pwede yong email di ba? Kahit mga chat ninyo tapos mga pictures
Ma’am: wala pong ibang pictures eh. Yong sa cellphone lang po.
Visa officer: pa-print nyo na lang po. Kailangan po kasi yon para hindi na maghanap yong visa officer.

*ma’am goes out to look for an internet café*
*walks*
*walks*
*asks a policeman. Pointed to ayala avenue*
*walks*
*walks*
*walks*
*still walking*
*walks*
*walks some more*
*can’t text or call*
*grows tired of walking*
*decides to take a bus*
*looks up and saw the building to the airline office, smiles and surprised she’s walked that far*
*looks out the window while bus passes by*
*gets off bus*
*walks some more*
*goes up an overpass*
*walks*
*walks*
*waits for a bus*
*rides the first air-con that she sees*
*realized the bus goes back to where she was from*
*gets annoyed and ashamed with how stupid she’s been*
*gets nervous that she might have taken the wrong bus*
*comforted when another passenger said he’s going to the same place*
*looks out for that passenger*

he jumps, I jump.

*gets off the bus*
*reloads cellphone*
*walks again*
*walks further more*
*smiles and remembers walking along that path with a martian*
*buys phonecard*
*gobbles a grande-sized crème brulee zagu*
*calls home to text dad to meet up with me*
*waits and had lunch*
*dad arrives*
*mum got confused so dad has to go back to get my bag*
*goes to internet café to start printing emails and chats and pictures*
*chats with martian*
*dad arrives with my bag*
*returns again to tell me his cellphone got snatched from the MRT*

mermaid: what?!!!

*texts my cousin to fetch me*
*logs off and calls my cousin and mum*
*waits*
*waits*
*waits*
*can’t text cousin coz my battery is drained*
*looks around*
*waits*
*waits*
*looks around*
*pretends to read*
*waits*
*gets really annoyed and tired*
*feet hurts like hell*
*gets tired of waiting*
*goes to the foodcourt*
*takes off my sandals and puts on a pair of sneakers*
*feels a little relieved*
*calls mum*
*mum texts cousin*
*waits*
*thinks of where I can stay for the night if gets really annoyed with cousin*
*calls mum again*
*cousin already waiting at meeting place*
*meets cousin*
*dinner*
*goes home*

*chats with cousin a little about my favorite topic – martians!*
*cleans up*
*pet dog barks at me like crazy*
*still barking*
*in bed, still barking*
*dozed off*
*dogs barks again*
*barks to my ear*
*barks terribly*
*tired and annoyed and pissed off*
*wants to strangle dog*
*dog barks still*
*mum of the house yells at dog*

mum of the house: pag di ka tumigil, pupukpukin kita, patay ka bukas.

*miraculously, dog whimpers silently*

silence finally.

i decided to report to work even though i was already on leave. i thought it's best to use my leave credits wisely.

first things first.

check if our fax machine is working. it is but for some reason still can't receive fax from NZ. so i had to go out to
1.) check my email for any updates from the airline
2.) to scout for a telecom office where i can receive the fax
3.) have my address changed on the bank certificate and the bank book
4.) follow up another bank certificate from a different bank

bank cerificate ok (the other one from metrobank i wasn't able to get because the staff said it takes a week to process while when i applied for it the other staff said to return after a day - inconsistencies!)

i can't call from my cellphone again so i had to be online every few minutes to check with him if he was able to send the fax or not. thankfully, he was able to send it to the second telecom office.

after we're sure that he was able to fax though that fax number, i emailed the airlines to fax me the booking office through that line too and hoped they check their email reguarly.

by the time im finished with all that, it was already lunchtime. i went home for lunch and went to the office to help out a little before going back to see if i have a new fax.

luckily the airlines are really reliable. so i was able to breath easy when i already have all that i need.

pretty soon it was time to go home, get my things and head to the bus station.

had to have a quick bite because the bus is delayed and im already really hungry and a little tired from the whole day's work.

i didnt feel good when the bus starting to drive away. i'm not used to travelling anymore. i decided to just sleep the bus-sickness away. i can't be too haggard when i go to the embassy office.

the week is full of action. i'm out of the office almost everyday to follow-up papers that i need for my visitor visa application.

i emailed the travel agency to book my flight and also to ask for a booking certificate (not being online just when i need it is really annoying and tiring coz i have to go out during office hours). i also have to get the money to open my dollar account. i bought some additional dollar so that i dont have to close the account when i have to withdraw the money. after opening the account, i have to wait after a few days before asking for a bank certificate (which is better than if i have to wait 6 months!).

everything is organized. planned to the very detail. but sometimes you can't tell nature what to do. it just does.

typhoon caloy decided it's time to pay bicol a visit and stayed so long we weren't feeling very hospitable anymore. it was a thursday.

i have a bus reservation to leave sunday so that i can submit the papers first thing on monday of the coming week.

i was hoping this was just an overnight very-heavy-rain-with-strong-wind typhoon. but it wasn't. caloy continued to circle around the bicol region until the following day, friday. of course if i wasn't able to go to work, all the other office workers wouldn't too, including bank staff. the irony is that now that i have all the time to call all the agencies that i've always wanted to call but couldn't because they would put me on hold for hours and i can't do that at the office - i can't! i can't text, i can't call long distance.

i went to legaspi the following day, saturday in hope that i can contact anybody from manila. nada. even internet cafes are offline.

so i had no choice but to reschedule my ticket and leave monday. it's pointless going to manila wihtout the papers that i need.

luckily, by the afternoon of sunday, i was able to call NZ. boy was i glad to hear the phone ring! *smiles*

so i asked him to check my email, in case the airlines already sent me the booking certificate or if they tried to contact me in any way. he did and told me that the airlines tried to fax me the booking certificate but couldn't get a fax tone. tried to call my cellphone but can't.

that was a relief. to hear that they were prompt and they tried to contact me any way they can.

sometimes it's refreshing to get a prompt response when transacting business in the philippines. and it still happens, thankfully...

Inquire
- how to wire money to Western Union
- what are the requirements to open a dollar account and how much is the initial deposit needed
- ask if the bank issues bank certificate or bank draft

Follow up
- follow-up if leave form is already signed and approved

Accomplish
- application form
- supplementary questionnaire

Check
- www.nzembassy.com/philippines
- double check my length of service from employment certificate and my monthly salary

Making Plans

We have already agreed that our next step is for me to visit him in Christchurch but no definite plans yet because he still has to save up for my airfare.

If I have never procrastinated for the longest time, I shouldn’t have waited until he saved up enough for the airfare that we’re advised not to pay for yet anyway.

Once he had saved up enough, he checked out the embassy website for all the requirements and things I have to do to apply for a visitor visa. Still I thought it was still a long way ahead to start working on it.

It was only lately that I checked out the website and downloaded the application form.

I read everything I need to know about applying for a visitor’s visa and even the things I have to do when I get there.

We also checked with the travel agency to make sure we have enough fund for the tickets.

Now that I’m informed and we have enough fund, the journey begins.

Checklist

I have three checklist or list of requirements that I’m comparing, so far they say the same things, that I would need the following:

A completed, signed application form
Application fee - if you want to stay in NZ for more than 59 days, below that processing is for free (which would be the case for me so yey! It’s free)
A valid passport valid for three months
A recent passport size photograph which will be attached to the application form
Evidence of financial support while in NZ.

Aside from those requirements, the manila NZ embassy also wants:
Supplementary questionnaire
Leave certificate from employer.
Confirmed 2-way booking certificate from travel agent/airline showing onward travel

Application Form

You can download the application form and fill it up. The first time I browsed through it, I found it totally silly that according to the category section, I only have to answer question A26 to A29 of the form. When I got to the specified section, I found out that I only have to answer A29! Gosh! Of course I didn’t believe that it would be all I have to fill up but just the thought of it made me giggle.

When I reread it, I found out that I have to fill up all the items, aside from the questions on specific categories like limited purpose visa, for purpose of a culturally arranged marriage (I can’t believe there is still arranged marriage to this day! What happened to love?), legal guardians and other special visitor categories.

Upon knowing the list of things that I need, I emailed the embassy to know how long it would take for my application to be processed.

They said that for an application with good travel history, it would only take up to 5 days. For applications that may need verification of documents or interview, it may take up to 45 days.

Valid Passport.

I already have my passport for a year already and it wouldn’t expire in the near future yet so that’s already done and checked.

Recent passport size photo.

I’m still trying to feel for a prettier-me day. *smiles* I want to look nice and friendly so that the visa officer wouldn’t doubt that I will not go return to the Philippines. Plus I’m also trying on my clothes to see which one looks the most smart-looking combination.

Evidence of Financial Support while in NZ.

This one is tricky. There are different examples of evidence. Bottom line is, you have to have at least NZD1000 for each person included in the application or NZD400 if the accommodation is already paid for or a completed and signed sponsorship form by a NZ citizen or resident.

Evidence can be in the form of:
a. Cash
b. Bank draft or certificate supported by bank book showing savings history
c. Personal assets - land titles, shares, stocks, business registration, etc.
d. Employment certificate showing monthly income, supported by income tax return
e. And if you're self employed, provide business registration, permit, SEC, bank acccounts, income tax return

I have enough savings for the NZD400 that they required because my accommodation is free (I'm staying with him for the duration of the trip) and I also have some peso deposit on my own account.

Supplementary Questionnaire.

This one is just like the application form but with additional information specifically if you have a good travel history (meaning, if you travelled to any two of the listed countries: NZ, Australia, UK, USA, Canada) and your level of education. (I wonder, would your application be affected if you're a college graduate or not? Just asking...)

Leave Certificate from Employer.

This is not a problem since they can't wait to get rid of me. *giggles*

Booking Certificate.

Since they don't recommend to purchase the ticket before the application is approved, a booking certificate to show that you have travel arrangements and will leave NZ when the visa expires.

So these are the things I have to prepare and collect to apply for a visitor visa to NZ. And now I have to get going...

Mnsn gus2 natin sbhn na msya tau pr0 anumng plit ntin mging msaya hhnpin prin ntin ang 1 ta0 n ngppsya stin…
E1 q kung cn0 sau..
Skin kc..
“si Mr. Bean…”



3 lalake ngksala sa tribu.
CHIEF: Kyo dala tig 10 prutas na pare2ho tpos kyo balik.
Una bumalik c Juan me dala santol.
CHIEF: Psok mo lht santol pwet mo, pg ikw nangiwi o nangiti, patay ka.
Pnasok ni Juan una santol, nangiwi. Patay.
Sunod dumating c Pedro may dala ubas. Pang10 ubas na xa ng mpangiti. Patay.
Ngkta c Juan at Pedro sa langit.
JUAN: Buhay ka p sna Pedro, kung d ka nangiti sa pnghuling ubas. Bkt ka b kc nangiti?
PEDRO: Nkta q kc c Berto, may dala langka!


hAvinG s0mEoNe to remember is pLeaSiNg enOuGh to D hEarRt.. iT dOeSn’t mAtTer iF u remember Me OnCe in A wyl, wHat mAttErS iS.. We’Re FRNDS aT all tyms..


I hd a drim Lst nyt I was n d beach wokng..
I saw God..
caRRyng u, nd I askd:
LORD wats d problem?
He answrd:
My child, “NADALI KAN LAFAYETTE”


Kht nasan k kht wala k s paningin q
Kht aLa k s tbi q
Kht gano k kaLayo skn
Tandaan mo:
Hindi kta nkikita..


“anyone can make you smile or cry, but it takes someone really special to make you smile when you already have tears in your eyes…”


Titser: Class, wat r d dfferent colors of banana?
Mark: Mam! brown mam!
Titser: tarantad0! My br0wn b n saging!
Mark: Tarantad0 karin! NILAGANG SAGING, bobo!


GOD makes life a little rocky…
Not to grind You into Dust…But…to polish You into a brilliant Gem!

Ever felt like you want to be with a person so much it sends chills through your spine? If I have a nickel for all the times I did, I’d be well off now. :-)

It’s not even planned or calculated. It’s amazing how even when I’m watching a horror movie I would feel the urge to be with him. Maybe that’s the reason I’m not so afraid watching horror movies. Lol!

I can already imagine how it would go when we’re already together:

6:00 a.m. snuggling
6:05 a.m. still snuggling
6:10 a.m. waking up
6:12 a.m. tickling
6:15 a.m. smooching
6:30 a.m. still smooching (oopss!)
6:31 a.m. have to get out of bed (darn!)
6:35 a.m. shower
7:15 a.m. breakfast (tasty toast and yummy bread)
7:45 a.m. time to go to work
7:59 a.m. smooching before getting inside the office
8:30 a.m. calling to remind about lunch date ;-)
8:31 a.m. working
8:40 a.m. remembering last night (smiling)
8:45 a.m. can’t resist anymore (calls just to say hi)
8:55 a.m. goes back to work
9:00 a.m. gets busy finally (hehe)
10:00 a.m. meeting (but doodling and thinking of martians)
11:30 a.m. a little hungry
12:00 nn lunch date (yum!)
12:45 p.m. prepares to get back
1:00 p.m. back to work
1:45 p.m. thought of something funny (texts him)
2:00 p.m. working
3:00 p.m. really busy
4:00 p.m. can’t wait to go home
4:30 p.m. gets a call (giggling)
4:55 p.m. gets ready to go home
5:00 p.m. waits outside
5:10 p.m. strolls
5:30 p.m. gets tired and sleepy
5:40 p.m. going home
6:00 p.m. helps with dinner
7:00 p.m. dinner (veggie pasta, yum!)
8:00 p.m. washes dishes
8:45 p.m. cleans up
9:00 p.m. snuggles in bed
9:05 p.m. you don’t have to know that anymore! *giggles*

life is short, live it!
love is rare, grab it!
anger is bad, dump it!
fear is awful, face it!
memories are sweet, cherish it!
cute tayo, accept it!

once there was an island where the feelings live. it was announced that the island was going to sink in the ocean. Feelings prepared to leave.
love asked richness: can i come with you on your boat?
richness: sorry but many gold and silvers here.
love: sadness please stay.
sadness: i'm sorry i want to be alone.
love: happiness i'll go with you but happiness don't hear what love said.
time: love, come i'll take you with me.
love felt so blessed and overjoyed asked, why did you help me time?
time: coz only time is capable of understanding how great love is.

as the moon winks at you tonight, i wish sweet dreams embrace you tight.. i hope your day was quite alright and now i bid you a lovely goodnight.
sleep tight!

saying to live by...
do unto others what they paid for
an apple a day is not an apple at night
when the cat is away the mouse is alone
if others can do it, don't help

may your salty nights be peppered with spicy love
may you bask in lemon dreams, sleep on strawberry bed inside a vanilla room...
in short... have a yummy night

pedro bumps a forener
p: ay sori
f: sori 2
p: sori 3
f: wat r u sori 4?
p: (kala mo bobo ako ha!) sori 5
f: i think u r sick!
p: hahaha! sick daw, six gani

Memorandum No. 16, s. 2006

Subject: Designation as ICT Campus Coordinator

In addition to your functions, you are hereby designated as ICT Campus Coordinator. As such, you are to exercise its powers, duties and responsibilities as defined in the attached terms of reference.

This designation shall not entail additional compensation except reimbursement of travelling expenses and allowances for official travel relative to this function.

This designation takes effect upon receipt and shall remain enforced until revoked.

Signed.

Just this Saturday, I saw an extravagant display of "love" when an allegedly millionaire Norwegian married a nineteen-year-old Filipina. I don't know if theirs is a wedding out of love but I'm pretty sure they wanted everybody to know about the event.

Days before 'd day, everybody's already talking about it - officemates, neighbors, strangers - everybody. Why? Because there were talks of a "parade" in a carriage around town. Pretty exciting, isn't it?

I almost forgot about it (as I'm not one to remember things that don't directly concern me) when my mum and I passed by a church overflowing with people. Just then I remembered what/whose wedding that was suppose to be.

Out of curiousity (and coz I wanted to see how "fairytale-like" the carriage is) we went in and saw the newly-weds still at the altar - with the endless picture-takings. We walked around the corner and saw this kalesa - decorated with flowers - daisies and anthuriums. Now, I don't mean to be mean but I didn't like it. Anthuriums remind me of burials. The daisies would have been fine if they were blended with other nicely-colored flowers. Overall assessment - not romantic at all.

I did like the bridesmaids thought. They were all dressed in baby pink asymmetrical dresses with little tiara-liked headbands. They all looked yong (expectely coz the bride is still very yong) and still wanted to play.

After maybe an hour (it felt like it anyway) of waiting, husband and wife finally stepped out of the church. Inch by square inch (they were tiptoeing along squares lined up across the churchyard) they walked - girl holding her scalloped wedding dress in one arm (with a very long train which were made fun by streetchildren behind her back) while holding her husband's hand in another. The husband didn't seem at ease walking though. Towards the end, nobody's sure who's helping who.

Now comes the moment of truth - getting on the carriage.

The ever graceful bride tried once, twice and finally, at the third managed to get on and inched inside the now wobbling carriage. The groom went after and yep, luckily made it but not gracefully.

It struck me as weird when the girl paid more attention to the crowd - smiled and waved and muttered something while her husband seemed like he was talking to her. Very, very odd.

The carriage finally made its way out and we prepared to go, too. Coincidentally, they went towards where we're going so that we seem to be driving behind them. I found it fun so I decided to stay behind. Along the way people came out to see the "show". To add humor the naughty horse pooped. hehe. Not something you would see in Julia Robert's wedding.

Well, we only went as far as the street leading to our place came. It was the talk of the neighborhood when we got home. A few minutes, we heard fireworks, presumably from the wedding. Really over the top.

Today it is still the office topic. Turned out the couple were already drivng around town since lunch, and the wedding didnt't start until 3pm! They invited almost everybody then they were complaining that it was so messy. lol! You just can't have everything.

Everybody wants their wedding to be unique, spectacular, magical ... ever after. Some even uses gimmicks like saying "I do" while hanged, exchanging vows under water (even on shark tanks!).

How far will you go to be unique?

I am having an internet-withdrawal syndrome. My offline office workload has decreased dramatically since the reorganization of key administration officials which I should really be grateful about but not when I can't do the things I want to do when I have some free time - internet.

There was a time when I almost felt like I've had enough of being online so all I ever did was talk to my boyfriend online, nothing more. I don't even read the news anymore (which I did during the first few months of having unlimited online access), don't have something to google about, got bored with friendster and rarely forwards mails anymore. Now I miss all that.

I miss being cretive. Blogging made me wanna learn little coding and designing here and there. The more I learn, the more I find out that there's little I know. No matter how hard I work at it, there would always be those really cool blog sites and new features and add-ons and everything that I still haven't done or possibly can't do because I don't have the newest software or the most hi-tech gadgets. But as much as it frustrates me, at the same time it inspires me.

Blogging aside, I also wish that I can upload and upload and upload all I want without having to transfer building just to do so (it's for our official website). Now that it's up, most of the work is to keep updating it. I am so willing to work on updating it everyday, if they'll giveme the freedom. I like working on it, not only because it's easy to upload and edit and stff now that it's finish but also because I like knowing that what I did would be out there for everybody to see, that in my own little way, I'm helping promote my agency.

I've always wanted to put up a website but I can't barely fill up my blog, let alone mainatain a website. What could I possibly put there that would be remotely interesting? I am not a celebrity, not a very outgoing person. I'm pretty sure I would be a very boring housemate if I ever joine Pinoy Big Brother. hehe.

So, working on our official website sort of gives me the chance to be a part of a website project without having to do something drastic as to chop my hair just to be able to write something interesting on it.

*giggles*

It's final, I'm officially one of the staff of the newly established ICT Office. Yey! I've long since wanted to be a part of it, well, I am already, just wanted it to be official. I was designated as the secretary - part of the core team. Basically, I work hand in hand with the Director so it's quite an interesting work.

Aside from clerical work, I'm also part of the maintenance committee where we're assigned offices to maintain their ICT facilities, system analysis and development where I'll work with some three others to analyze the system needs of offices and as web editor, all I do recently is upload updates but it's already quite fantastic.

These are the types of work that I will do willingly and lovingly - no pushing needed - because I love learning new things. I love being able to think and work. I like being treated as equal and my views heard, even if I rarely speak. hehe.

And just this afternoon, I was told to prepare job order designating me as the campus coordinator, which is quite thrilling and pressuring at the same time. Thrilling to be given the honor but pressuring since there are a lot others who I know would be willing to be assigned as well.

It just seems funny though that there would be committtees where I, as secretary, am a member as well as being a coordinator. Which role shoud I assume if I'm representing myself twice? Lol!

Now I understand why some people write such long slashed designations when signing letters - it does exist. What about if I have to write something to the coordinators as a secretary... Should it go... Dear Mermaid.. Very truly yours, Mermaid? Already, this sounds so promising.

Should have seen it coming, right? hehe. I think it's only appropriate that I joined a rider's club coz I'm very curious about the whole experience of driving and I haven't really been anywhere with it but house and office.

I wasn't able to join their first ride but I was there for the 2nd one. If you have been to Baguio or Sagada or somewhere else where the road is the same winding, curvy one, then you'd be able to imagine the way.

Everybody warned me about the road and reminded to be careful.

The first few curves were fine. I was actually grinning while daydreaming coz it reminded me so much of the way from Baguio to Sagada and that took me to a really happy memory. Wished my martian was there to share it with. After I guess a dozen curves, I was beginning to feel the pressure of the terrain we were driving through. It's an endless curve - left and right. There are no straight road/street anywhere but it was so much fun! Really, really fun driving with 17 other bikers. I was more just following, following and never letting the bike in front of me out of my sight. I didn't know the hand signals and all the sounds and stuff. I didn't even know I have to turn the headlights on. So it was an informative drive.

When we got to where we're going, we drove around the towncenter first before deciding to proceed to the venue. The guys hurried to get fishing rods. I didn't know what to do so I just stayed indoors with the girls and watched TV. When I got a little bored, I went out. Someone lent me the fishing rod he was using. The problem is - I haven't really fished before. They told me to just throw it in the water and let the fishes bite the worm on the hook.

My first attempts were all futile so I decided to transfer pond. Luckily, there was maybe enough fishes on that one. I was able to catch 2 medium-sized tilapia. Yey!

We had our special meeting shortly after lunch and prepared to go home after that. The fishes that were caught were transferred into a bigger container and we were invited to buy as much as we can. I declined coz I wasn't prepared to take home fishes. Maybe next time.

The drive back was slow but was probably the best part of the drive so far because I was able to enjoy the driving with a group especially when you see all the headlights on and in single pile. Amazing!

I have been hibernating from the cyberworld mainly because I don't have unlimited internet access anymore. The office we transferred to is not online yet but we're working on it.

I've been to places I've never been to, met someone for the first time after 26 years (well, we really believe we should have met lifetimes before), experienced so much I can't even imagine where to begin.

Promise I'll post the pictures here as soon as I have it worked out. In the meantime, I'll write about stuff that I think remotely interesting. *smiles*