IdolMaster!

Check this out!
!


* Video courtesy of pointyman2000.



I kinda miss these kinds of idols, when they're all dancing and singing cutely. Most of the idols now are certainly more opinionated and more informed, making them more capable of controlling their own image. But, a lot of them are certainly much less cute and energetic too - it's like the whole world is gravitating towards seriousness and gravity. X_x

Workout Journal (25th Jan to today)

* For those on LJ, I'd prefer you comment there. After all that's why I cross-posted this. (Please don't forget to read this in full!) v^_^v Thanks!

Sooooooooooooooo... I've noticed that exercising at night increases my adrenaline and my heart rate. This keeps me up at night. I'd like to exercise in the mornings but the gym doesn't open till 8:00 AM, and by that time I'm usually either preparing to go to my office, if I'm not on the way there already. It also causes me to eat more since I'm deprived of sleep, and couple that with the hectic activities of the past few days which pretty much kept me from exercising. It's no surprise that I've returned to my original weight of 128 pounds. Ugh. X_x

This Tuesday (6 February) I decided to take a huge risk and enroll in a 6-session training regimen with one of the trainers at my gym. I guess I was sold hook, line and sinker to Sir Romel (the trainer)'s unabashed pride at having greatly improved the self-esteem and health of one of his clients when he was still in Fitness First Manila - imagine, from being a gangly duckling with rather severe scoliosis, she became this beauty pageant material in three months (I saw her picture. She's not spectacular at first glance but yeah, she was brimming with confidence and that made her look very pretty in her own right.)! And so I signed up. ^_^0 I know it'll remove PhP2,500+ from my salary, but if I budget really well I know I can afford it. Besides, he really did know his stuff - besides checking my BMI (body mass index) and heartbeat, he also tried some exercises on me so he could gauge how bad the curve of my spine was and the direction of that curve as well. In fact, he's tailoring the programme to my needs so that my body won't be overwhelmed by all the physical stress brought about by exercise. AND he gave me a power stretch-cum-massage afterwards, which felt goooooooooooooood. ^_^

Sir Romel also taught me how to use all the other exercise machines at the gym and assisted me in exercises, especially the abdominal-core muscle exercises like modified crunches. And I also learned how to compute my BMI from him. My BMI is currently 24, which fits the desired BMI range for my body type of 18-24.5. But he said that the best BMI range for me would be the average, which would be at around 20-21. To reduce my BMI by 3 notches, I have to lose 6 pounds, which leads me to suppose that 1 notch of the BMI is around 2 pounds. But to have a BMI of 21, I have to weigh only 122 pounds ... which is okay, but still above my desired weight of 117 pounds. I wonder if the weight of 117 pounds might make me underweight. But is it wrong to want to know how being underweight feels like though? ^~^

I've returned to SparkPeople, an excellent site recommended by the lovely Mew Pudding on, of all places, Cosplay.com. Although if you think about it, it does make perfect sense - most fictional characters wear tight-fitting and/or little clothing these days that just the slightest flab would make you fat. The great thing about it is that there's a growing Filipino (part Fil-Am, part-Noypi) community there called Filipino Pride. I joined it and now we're keeping track of our weight, food intake, diet and exercise regimens together. The people there are so positive that it's very nice to be around them, even it's all just online. I hope my weight- and health-conscious friends (FList, hint-hint! XD) join it.

Well, I better get ready to leave for the gym soon (I'm winding up my activities for work here at the office). Tonight, I start my regimen. Good luck to me, I hope I'll be alive after tonight. v^_^0


Current Weight: 128 pounds (again!) >_>0
Current Waistline: still 29 inches though as before I can still squeeze into 28-inch clothes
Ideal Weight by 31 May 2007: 117 pounds
Ideal Waistline by 31 May 2007: 27 inches

OHOHOHOHOHOHOHO. (If you're hit by my comments, PISS OFF.)

Mike Abundo has put up a little missive, "inviting" people to the Blog Parteeh for the sole purposes of dukeing it out.

... IF, OF COURSE, HE ACTUALLY HAS THE PHYSICAL CAPACITY AND THE KNOW-HOW TO BEAT PEOPLE UP. X3

I'd like to go, but really. I can't. I have something coming up for work (FL, you know what this is), so no matter how this is highly tempting for me to ditch work (and really, beating him up would be good exercise!), I've got my priorities.

Besides, really. In line with my current drive to improve myself, I will prefer to take the high road for now. Meaning, I will let karma bite his ass instead. {wide catlike grin}

Oh, and I refuse to drive traffic to his site by linking to the "invitation". I'm not that low. XD

I feel so sorry for the Philippine mainstream blogging community (as opposed to the niche bloggers like us cosplayers) though. Or maybe, just maybe, I shouldn't, since a significant number of them (take note, I DID NOT SAY "ALL" or "OVERWHELMING MAJORITY"!) really just think with their dicks but don't have the heart or the balls to admit it to themselves. Seriously. I mean, Dickweed Fucktard's the best thing since sliced bread to those people, so much so that they want to be associated with him all the time. =_=0

If you're one of those people who think he is the best thing since sliced bread, EITHER YOU COMMENT WITHOUT THE SECURITY OF ANONYMITY OR JUST PISS OFF - nothing you say or do will ever change how I think of him and of everyone who associates with him. v^_^v

Blah.

I want a new Blogger layout. This one is not me, and it's also boring me to death. >_>0
If only I knew how to code... {sigh}

Getting Into Shape (Crossposted so everyone I know gets to read this)

After reading Hazel's vanity post, and re-reading sutil-chan's frequent posts on her fitness woes (too many to count v^_^0), I've decided to work out. Unfortunately, I'm not a gym rat; I really, REALLY would like to take martial arts classes, and maybe some beginner's yoga to help align my back while I'm getting fit. In any case, the gym will have to do for now because of time and financial constraints.

My biggest problem will be finding an exercise that tones the stomach BUT DOES NOT AGGRAVATE MY SCOLIOSIS. For those who haven't noticed yet, my abdomen is distended so that all my fat is concentrated there, my left leg is disaligned and I slouch forward so bad. I find it difficult to even do as much as sit up straight since it tires my back muscles. I know, I should work out my abdominal and back muscles, but like I said, the wrong exercise just might kill me (it certainly did seem like I would die the last time I did abs-related exercises - I could barely breathe and the pain wouldn't fade away four days after the exercise, even if I did a couple of stretches before and after). Sadly, I haven't had time to consult with the chiropractor I go to on this one; hell, I haven't had time to go to the chiro AT ALL. If anyone has tips, do drop a line please, because I haven't found any exercise that fits my needs at all, not even online. Trust me, I've looked; apparently fitness experts don't think people with scoliosis want to get fit too. >_<0 So far, my current weight is 128 pounds and my current waistline is 29 inches, though if I try really REALLY hard I can squeeze into 28-inch pants and skirts. I haven't been that huge since first year high school... WAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYY before I met everyone I know here. ._. (Even Mum and Dad are remarking on the roundness of my face now. Stupid Christmas chocolates. XP) My ideal weight will always be 115 pounds and my ideal waistline is still 27 inches; I hope I get to achieve that. So! With a will and a prayer (okay, make that a couple), I'm going to try and eat right, exercise right and sleep right*. Already even in this cold office I'm drinking more hot water instead of pigging out on food (though this means more trips to the toilet) and I eat fruits and vegetables on all my major meals. I skip rice when I can, and I'm working on minimizing my dependence on rice completely no matter how much I love eating the fluffy grains. I'm trying to keep my pillows as far away from me as possible since I've learned that sleeping with a pillow under your head aggravates the spine's curvature, which will make it even harder for me to straighten it (I no longer move around as much when I sleep, so usually my sleeping position is also my waking position). I'm trying not to cross my legs while I sit down and type this right now, either, for the same reason. And miracle of miracles, I haven't touched the chocolate-covered almonds that my aunt brought from the US since last week. I wonder how long I can keep this up? Sana naman hindi ako mawalan ng gana kahit hanggang March lang. I want to fit into all my new clothes, which were given to me on Christmas by Mum and my well-meaning relatives with my 120-pound, semi-flat stomach frame in mind. T^T

* Oh yeah FL, if any of you catch me posting or YM-ing 12:00 am onwards, please call me off. I've just realized I work on semi-negative motivation, aka panlalait. Thanks. v^_^v

PORTED FROM VOX: Vox Hunt & QotD combo! v^_^v

Vox Hunt: [design is good]

Link: Link to the Voxer who has the best personalized Vox banner you've seen so far.

--> Definitely has to be sutil-chan bar none. :P (Yeah I'm pimping a friend, but so what? She really does have a kick-@$$ banner. <3 )


Qotd: Fictional World

In which fictional world/universe/land/city would you most like to live?
Submitted by glenn is the new chuck.  

--> Hmm, something shiny and happy and full of love and peace and stars and sugar and... I'm boring like that. XD

{coughs}
Okay, seriously? 

1. The alternate universe where HEROES takes place in. Just so I can have the chance to glomp Hiro. (I don't ask for much. :P)
2. The alternate universe where Sailormoon takes place in. For obvious reasons.  XD;
3. Encantadia. Really. It's supposed to be a lush governed by four seasons, four faeries, and particularly strong elemental magic. It's very pretty. *_* (Alam ko, corny ako. XD;)

At this point, it's just about any place where there is magic, so I can cause mayhem! :P

THE POWER OF NISSIE COMPELS US!!!

I enjoin all of you on my Friends' List - ALL! - to join Boys Don't Cry, Real Men Do, a fanlist dedicated to the kick-ass goddess Nissie/Rin. d^V~b

Much love to eL for putting up the site. ♥♥♥

New Year Celebrations in Makati City, 2006-2007

New Year Celebrations in Makati City, 2006-2007

Video of festivities here in Makati City. I am not liable for any neck injuries my Blair Witch-like camera work might cause. :P

Heroes 2007 Preview "Are You On The List?" (*crossposted from Multiply)

Preview Here!

Courtesy of one of my longtime friends, Ange. v^_^v Thanks for this dear! ♥ This completely removed whatever was left of my long and terribly annoying day.

Didn't have the heart to embed the video here since technically it's hers, and I didn't really ask permission to spread the Hiro HEROES love. v^_^v

Oh yeah...


BELATED MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR TO EVERYONE!!! \^0^/



Hope your holidays were grand yet peaceful, with little to no hassle on your end.

PORTED FROM Vox Hunt: My Desktop

Show us your desktop.
Submitted by Anthony.

Desktop at work. My desktop at home is somewhat the same, but it's cluttered with more icons. :3

Happy Holidays!

Desktop ko-work

PORTED FROM VOX: The Filcosplay Big Sister's Party-Hosting Guide (Was QotD: Party Time. Excellent.)

Are you throwing or attending a holiday party this year?  Any ideas/tips to share?

I attended two in this year already. One was the Filcosplay Christmas Party I helped out in, the other is the Christmas party of my company. I don't know if this counts, but my gals at the Kaka Fun Club are having dinner on the 23rd. Not to mention the family parties that each side of the parentals throw (with my family usually doing the party for the mother's side)

Here are some things I've learned about hosting holiday parties:

• Games are always good for parties, never mind if the attendees' ages range from 1 to 101. They not only let you learn something new every time (Uncle, during a guess-the kid-in-the-picture game: ****** ***! I didn't know my sister looked like that at age 10! O.o Mum (the sister in question) and us: ... >_>0 ...For serious!), they also foster group dynamics (Same uncle, this time during the let-yourself-and-a-partner-out-of-your-belt-bindings-without- using-your-hands game: Us: YOU CHEATER!!! ... True stories I tell you.). + XD
• If you are the host(ess) and you plan to have games at the party, make sure everyone in the party is wearing comfortable clothing and comfortable, easy-to-move-in shoes. Chuck your costumes and your high-heeled shoes, unless you either wear them like second skin or you are desperate for attention (in which case, you're better off trying to play with or against your crush or something than stepping on his/her toes, or worse, literally tripping all over him/her). This will be true especially for motion-based games. 
• You can never have too much dessert. Especially if the dessert is leche flan (sweet egg custard, prepared by yours truly).
• Hell, you can NEVER, EVER have too much food. And if you do, at least you have take-aways of the good stuff. I mean, really. Almost all the best food I've ever eaten was cooked and prepared for the Christmas holidays. And I know this will be very Filipino to say, but having too much food is better than having no food at all, especially in holidays celebrating abundance and thanksgiving.
• Music always sets the mood. Choose songs that fit the holiday mood, but have a more upbeat rhythm. I don't like Destiny's Child so much anymore, but their Christmas album gets everyone I know who has been in our house during the holidays partying.
• Name tags help a LOT especially in parties of 25 and more, and especially when you think these people will be meeting each other again, possibly outside of the party/holiday atmosphere. Not to mention that it cuts the host(ess), who has around a bajillion concerns in his or her mind because of the party, some slack in having to memorize who's on the guest list.
• Oh yes, always, ALWAYS draw a guest list, even if it's the people you know. And make sure they RSVP. It completely blows to invite these people and then come party day, no-one arrives.
• Always bring a still camera. If you can afford to, bring a video camera. Just make sure you get around to editing everything and sending them to the participants no more than a month after the party though. v^~^0

Alright, I can't really suggest much at the moment. My older sister is the mistress of our house and the best hostess ever, but sadly she's studying elsewhere at the moment, so I'm still learning the ropes my own way with her guidance. v^~^0

+ I swear I will make comic strips out of these. 

It's the most wonderful time of the year...

An end-of-the-year survey/meme from a friend in LJ (Paris would know her very well). Code's very basic and rather ugly in my opinion, but I don't make this stuff. v^_^0

Looking back on 2006
About You...
Name:	Ma Jocelyn Bordador
Nickname:	Joy
How old were you in 2006?:	22
What was the most important thing you discovered in 2006?:	I've changed so much in the past 8 years, I hardly recognize myself.
What will you always remember about 2006?:	It's the year I've become stronger and regained some sense of self.
In 2006 did you...
Keep your New Years resolution?:	Yes and no
Go on a holiday?:	Yes, twice. XD
Change jobs?:	Yes.
Buy anything from eBay?:	No. I don't trust them there.
Prank call someone?:	No.
Get drunk?:	Yes, but didn't have a hangover.
Get high?:	No.
Fall in love?:	Yes.
Break up with someone?:	No.
Get married?:	Doesn't apply.
Get divorced?:	Doesn't apply.
Stop speaking to someone?:	Yes.
Kiss someone?:	Sort-of, I think... do cheeks and family members count?
Kiss someone whose name you can’t remember?:	No.
Make a new friend?:	Heaps! XD
Do anything embarrassing?:	My year wouldn't be complete without having done something embarrassing. v^_^0
Do something that you thought that you would never do?:	Oh hell yes!
Do something you have always wanted to do?:	Yes
Do anything that you regret?:	Sadly, yes.
Do anything illegal?:	I hope not, but I think I did...
Break a promise?:	Sadly, yes.
Lose something?:	Too many things to count...
Go crazy?:	Oh hell yes!
Best of 2006...
Movie:	Happy Feet! XD ...Does Brokeback Mountain count? :3
TV Show:	Encantadia/Etheria, NANA, Heroes
Song:	Rose by Anna Tsuchiya tied with Glamourous Sky by Mika Nakashima (both NANA)
Album:	Blue Monsoon by Sound
Thing you bought:	See "Album". And also my shoes from Liliw. <3
Memory:	Too many to mention, but most of them seem to be cosplay-related.
Worst of 2006...
Movie:	I'll get back to you on this later...
TV Show:	Jigoku Shoujo - too many loose ends, not much sense. So much wasted potential. Oh, and House and most local soaps.
Song:	Taralets by Imago, Hitoiro by Mika Nakashima (I dislike whoever composed it XP)
Album:	That one by Paris Hilton. UGH.
Hangover:	I'll try to add that before 2006 ends. XD
Memory:	Losing stuff. Saying goodbye to my sis (even if it's only for a year). Being in the middle of fights. Being betrayed. And that one thing I don't EVER want to remember.
About 2007...
What do you want in 2007?:	Weight loss. Idealism tempered with pragmatism. A raise - I keep getting all the this-is-WAY-much-for-the-n00b-to-handle-but-let's-give-it-to-her-anyways jobs. XP
Is there anything you would do differently in 2007?:	I would definitely try to be less paranoid and less temperamental.
Do you think it will be a good year?:	I don't want to assume anything.
What do you look forward to most about 2007?:	More financial independence, emotional stability, and contentment. Oh, and the possibility of meeting people.
Do you have a New Years resolution?:	To trust more, love more, bitch less and hate less.
Take this survey | Find more surveys Bzoink - The Original Survey Site

PORTED FROM VOX: QotD: Books From My Childhood

What books did you love as a child?
Submitted by hearts. 

I'll admit that some of my reading was not intended for my age group at all. I learned to read because my mother kept reading to me, though she says my entire family was amazed that I fast-tracked the process, having been able to read with little supervision or guidance at age two (sadly, I can't say the same thing for my writing skills). I guess that's why my mind progressed so much faster, why I became more finely attuned to my surroundings, and why I continue to value my time alone reading (and sometimes secretly sniffing the pages of) a book.

• A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett. Before Hollywood bastardized it, TWICE. It was my first full-length novel and I read it on the Christmas of my seventh year, the same age Sara(h) Crewe was in her first year at Miss Minchin's Select Seminary for Young Ladies. I am forever angry at the classmate who borrowed my novel for her report, because despite all my reminders she never returned it (not as angry as I am with myself though, since I never seem to learn to stop being so generous).
• Nancy Drew mysteries. The old hardbound ones that my sister had are still at home. They were very female-affirming, which is something not a lot of mysteries - and particularly not the "new" Nancy Drew mysteries - are to-day.
• The Velveteen Rabbit, printed on a paperback colouring book. It is melancholy but beautiful, and it still continues to hold a lot of truth about life today. I was happy he was reborn as a real rabbit, though sadly reality is not always as kind.
• A hardbound storybook featuring stories from Hans Christian Anderson. I don't recall the exact title, and I remember we gave this away so long ago, but I'll always love it for having the story about the one-legged tin soldier and the ballerina with the original ending.
• Cordillera Folk-Tales. They were a refreshing change of pace from Western fairy tales (since they were as colourful and brilliant as they were violent XD), AND they were very Filipino. I felt very sad when I went to Baguio for the first time only to find that the people of the Cordilleras were no longer as extraordinary as the people in the books, but I am glad to say they are still as resilient and compassionate.
• The Did You Know? encyclopeedia-almanac published by Reader's Digest, and other similar books. I remember my mind being like a sponge, wanting to absorb things about history, geography and some sciences. Too bad it still refuses to include chemistry, economics, and all forms of maths. =_=0
• Encyclopaedia volumes and dictionaries in general. Learning new words was always exciting for me.
• EDIT: I forgot to include the Choose Your Own Adventures series. It was fun to try and get a different ending each time. And the fact that some stories are actually historical fiction (I have a book somewhere that's set in the middle of South Africa around the 1970s) makes this series a great combination of entertainment and education.

Ahahahahahahaha.

XDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD

Daily Romantic Horoscope

Dear Ligaya,
Here is your couple's love horoscope
for Saturday, November 25:

Your need to save the world rarely conflicts with your need to keep Sweetie happy, but that might happen today if you're not careful. Try to narrow the gap between the two, if possible.

---> ZOMFGWTFHBBQ?! @_@000

Horoscope courtesy of Astrology.com.

Quote of the day. Slightly bigoted but definitely hilarious. XD

"Any man who takes unconscionable advantage of a woman in need should be boiled in Shell oil and closeted with a faggot who is a cannibal."

- Dr. Thelma Kintanar, Women's Studies professor, UP Diliman as quoted from Presea (of Quiescence)

Mudra, I love you forever. ♥♥♥

For those who can relate, go and spread the love! XD

EDIT: Thanks for the correction mudra. v^_^0

Ang Buhay Nga Naman.

Nakakatuwa.
Sa bihira kong paspasang pag-e-emo nang todo-todo sa LJ, 'yung mga hindi ko pa inaasahang sasagot ang una't una pang sumaklolo sa akin.
Ngayon alam ko na kung sino ang mga tunay kong kaibigan. ~_~

Kilala ninyo kung sino kayo. Maraming salamat sa inyo.
Ang hinihiling ko na lang ay kung sakaling magkita tayo muli, hangga't maaari, magpanggap na lang muna tayo. Magpanggap kayong hindi ninyo alam na namomroblema ako, at magpapanggap ako na masaya ako. Masaya na rin naman ako dahil narito kayo at kapiling ko, sapat na 'yun.

Muli, maraming salamat sa inyo.

PORTED FROM VOX: QotD: Heaven Scent

What is your favorite scent?
Submitted by Erinen. 

My favourite scent would definitely be "Oceanus Eau de Toilette" by The Body Shop. It was introduced to me by one of my sisters - I forget which one - and I've been hooked since. I don't know if it ties in to my solar zodiac sign especially because of  the irony involved (Pisces ... about as watery as you can get, but I CAN'T and DON'T SWIM). And neither do I know how Ms. Anita Roddick and her team managed to blend together tuberose, water lily, violet, jasmine, rose, lily of the valley, musk, berries and wood. But ever since I sprayed some of it on the back of my hand, I has always been to me, as the Body Shop website puts it, "a fresh, clean fragrance reminiscent of crisp sea air." Even now when I spray it on I remember the few beach trips I've been to, and I feel much lighter - more floaty if I think about it. 


Unfortunately, I've heard it's being phased out. ;0;


Here comes my second favourite scent - A Touch Of Pink by Lacoste Parfums! Very fruity and summery. 

The Hand of God

This will be a series of vignettes where I try to articulate my daily experiences with my Lord and Saviour. Yes, I am Catholic, and I'm proud of it. I know I am not perfect, I know no Catholic is perfect (a Pope is only infallible when he designates dogma and writes encyclicals, and many saints are known for being tempted and even for succumbing to temptations), but it is my earnest belief that working towards being an excellent Catholic is enough. I also believe that there are no coincidences, that events happen for a purpose that I may not yet understand or witness until the far future. But usually, that purpose, to me anyway, is to show me how lucky I am that I am still able to enjoy my life as it is right now.


I took a jeepney on the way home after taking the Light Rail Transit, and grilled the driver into submitting to my demands to bring me to Reposo Street, a part of which is immediately outside my village. But then he brought me down at a stop along Sen Gil Puyat Avenue (Buendia) that was MUCH farther from the stop that faced Reposo Street. I was fuming at the driver for having the gall to say he'd pass through Reposo; the next time I ride a jeepney I should check if its driver means it will pass THROUGH or BY my destination.

So there I was dragging my feet, plodding with a plastic full of cloth, blinking only momentarily when an old man went towards me. As I squinted I realized he too was dragging his feet, but then he had his hand on his stomach.

At the exact moment we passed by one another, we both fell under a dim streetlight. But it became clear to me that his face, with cheeks that told of fallen teeth and fallen tears, was twisted.

I stopped to ask if he needed help. He replied that he didn't, but he was just so tired and wanted to rest.

So we stayed near the railings that kept the sidewalk from the street. I asked him if he was alright, clever girl that I was. I never even asked his name.

His answer stunned me. He told me in a halting, raspy voice, that he was dying of a gastro-intestinal haemorrhage, and so much blood poured out of his anus. Even then he tried to ask for financial help just so he could arrange a decent funeral for himself from numerous government officials, who all sent him away saying "Please follow it up some other time." Now he was trying to make his way back to his residence in a faraway area of Cavite, but he showed me that he had no money in his pocket.

For people not in the know, it costs approximately PhP110.00 to get to Rosario, a town in Cavite, from Makati, our current location - that's one jeepney ride to the bus stop (around PhP12.00) and one bus ride to Cavite (at least PhP90.00). It's a steep amount even for me, what more for an dying old man with no stable source of income? And he lived so far from the capital, near Batangas!

I kept him company while persisting with my questions and attempts for small talk. I asked him why he of all people did it; didn't he have children who should by now be taking care of him? He said that nearly all of them couldn't make it, they were all living in the Visayas (I never bothered to ask the exact province), and even the money they sent wasn't enough to ensure that he could at least live the rest of his days as comfortably as possible, where he was cut off from them save for one who also was occupied with work.

But at this point I was still a bit sceptical - I can be such a sucker for sob stories like this, I am a true bleeding heart. So I only gave him PhP30.00 in coins. I asked him if it was enough. He thanked me graciously and then limped towards the jeepney stop I was dropped off earlier.

Then I realized how dire his situation was, so I quickly ran back to him. Good thing there were no jeepneys yet to bring him to the nearest bus stop, but then again he still wasn't quite there yet. I decided to give him the clean PhP100.00 bill stuck into my wallet, plus PhP10.00 in coins. He smiled widely, showing me an earnest, toothless grin, and told me repeatedly, "Maraming salamat po! Kahabagan nawa kayo nang Diyos at pagpalain kayo." ("Thank you very much! I pray that the Lord has mercy on you and blesses you.")

I stayed by him until I found a jeepney that would take him to his desired bus stop and ran to it, yelling for the driver to halt. I assisted him as he climbed painfully into the jeepney, telling the driver not to suddenly start driving while the poor man was only halfway up the steps I checked my wristwatch for the time; I was sure that my mother, who didn't know of my sudden decision to go to Divisoria beforehand, would be waiting at home, furious at me. Then I remembered that I didn't give him the PhP20.00 I had in coins.

I wonder why I didn't give that old man my extra money. I supposed the PhP110.00 was enough. Or maybe part of me still didn't want to believe his story, or I just hoped I could hop on another jeepney from the same stop that I knew would pass by my village.

But as it turned out I would have no use for the PhP20.00. After ten minutes of waiting, I ended up walking (and even running) the rest of the way home.

Addendum: There's a very inspiring video here courtesy of Click The City. Clipcast link posted for its relevance (and because the actual video won't embed here for some reason, sigh...).

All things new...

Thanks to the Good Lord in Heaven that I've got a job again, finally. And I hope this job allows me to attend all cosplays and all other events, especially in the coming months when virtually everyone and her mother is having an event. I'll upload my picture here at work tonight when I've got the IR device - and hopefully the internet - running again.

But first, to get my cold out of the way. XP

Oh yeah to the Cortez and Bordador clans: If and when you read this, I'd like to know your opinions... would it be grand to have a super-huge YM / MSN chat meet-up? Just comment with your email address so I can send you mine. ^.~