...friends and pizza...

Joy and I went out one hot Wednesday afternoon to buy something then on our way home we decided to grab some chow and settled in Da Vinci's Pizza ( Its a stone throw's away from us and I've been bugging her about not yet eating there, so we check it out). Good thing, the place was not that crowded and I welcomed the somewhat cool air that emanated from its AC unit ( though not cool enough for me, still it helps).

Joy demonstrates the art of enjoying a slice of pizza

We happened to brought along her camera so we took pictures of just about anything( an excuse to try out the new lens).

The stray cats caught my fancy while I aimed the camera at them. They were game and I think that they liked the attention:-)

...to kill a mockingbird...

I have read "To Kill A Mockingbird" a long time ago. It was suggested by my aunt. We shared this same passion when it comes to reading. Even before I started to read it, she give me a rundown of what the story was all about and she concluded that it's a classic and a good read. I take her word for it. True enough, I was captivated by the story and entertained, much more that it was told through a child's point of view.
After a time, I forgot all about that book. I left home to live in another city. Then, one day, while I was browsing for something noteworthy to read on the Internet, I chanced upon this site "World's Strongest Librarian". I find it entertaining and insightful. I read about his book reviews and there was one about TKAM. That set me off, I was eager to read the book again. After reading Josh's review of TKAM, I went out to look for the book at BOOKSALE ( to no avail) and eventually bought one from National Bookstore.
I'm not going to write here a review of my own because you're better off reading Josh' review at his site. I'm just going to share my experience while reading the book for the second time. I always have this thing when I read, that is being transported to the story. I feel like I'm a silent onlooker while the story unfolds. I forget about the time and sometimes, hunger( and that's unheard of me). Well, somehow, I can relate to Scout's ( lead character) dilemma when it comes to behaving herself as she deemed fit as compared to what was expected from her by the society she belonged to. To me that is complicated but Scout managed to overcome it with the help of her father. Scout was mindful of how people who belong to the so-called "elite" society treated those that were on the lower rungs of the social ladder. According to her, "I think there's just one kind of folks. Folks."
If you haven't read the book yet, I suggest that you do so. And see for yourself why it is such a classic story....

"They're certainly entitled to think that, and they're entitled to full respect for their opinions... but before I can live with other folks I've got to live with myself. The one thing that doesn't abide by majority rule is a person's conscience. "
-spoken by the character Atticus

...if being DIFFERENT is an abomination...

"We're frightened of what makes us different."-Anne Rice

I do my hair the same way for as long as I can remember since I started sporting a long 'do. I wear the same type of shirts and jeans. I don't do make-up and I am repulse to the idea of donning on a dress. ( weird?) I've been this way since I was little. I never thought that it would cause some untoward comments coming from prying eyes. I relate to people in a certain way that oftentimes construed as I am shy or something ( If they only know what's on my mind) I don't do small talk if I don't need to. I always try to follow Law # 4. I avoid attention at all cost because I abhor it. I'm good at being invisible ( of course, not physically) and retreating to my own world. Yes, I've been told that I am different because I don't do stuff others generally do. I don't gush over "teleserye" like normal people do. If I am to chose, I prefer spending my time with a good book than making perfunctory remarks I really don't mean. Of course, I'm not saying that I'm against what others are doing but it doesn't mean I want to be in it. In our society, there is always the consensus that we, in some way or another, should try to forge our conformity to what is expected from us. I'm not saying I'm all for breaking the law, no I'm not like that. I'm still a law-abiding citizen. Being different does not necessarily mean you run amok. To be different is just that---DIFFERENT. And I guess there's no reason for one to fret about it. I've learned to get used to hearing comments about me "being like this and not like that". Well, people are always bound to make remarks ( myself included), the trick there is how not to let it get to you. ( I've heard a comment about me which prompted this post, how's that for not letting it get to you?)....

"If being DIFFERENT is an abomination then, all the more reason to be one."

...remembering my Lola...

"Grandmother-grandchild relationships are simple. Grandmas are short on criticism and long on love."-- Author Unknown

Today is my Lola's birthday. She would have been 95. I grew up so attached to my grandmother that it seemed like I was never going to be away from her. She doted on me to the point of being her favorite among her grandchildren. She was always there for me and at that time, I really did not care about anything as long as she was there. I could never do wrong in my Lola's eyes. I've done a lot of mischief in my youth, but it was tempered by my Lola's admonition. I could not recall any instance that she scolded me. She was there when I got drunk for the first time, while I was bawling my eyes out, mumbling about going to New York; Lola was there, whispering words of comfort, until I fall asleep. She took it upon herself to give me “baon” for school. My being a morning person, I think, I got it from her. She always tells me that it’s not good to wake up very late ( true enough, my mother has no problem with me when it comes to getting out of bed during school days, most often, I even wake up ahead of her). My grandmother has told me a lot of things that nowadays can be construed as old wives’ tale. But then, sometimes, there’s some grain of truth in it, it's just up to me to discern it. There are some aspects of what I am right now that would have not been there if my Lola was not around while I was growing up. She had given me something far better than any material thing and sometimes (especially those times when I badly needs someone to just be there) I wish she’s still here. Too bad, I really did not give much attention to her when she was still around, I was too eager at that time to leave home and to attend college in another place.
Lola will always be a part of me albeit she's gone now. Happy birthday, Granny.

...poignant rendition...

One of the songs played during the funeral mass of former President Corazon Aquino, which I can say is one of the most fitting tribute to a an extraordinary leader. And I'm not just saying this just because I'm a fan of Lea Salonga. Anyone can see it for themselves...

...poem...

I'm a frequent visitor of Paulo Coelho's blog since I'm his fan in FaceBook ( one good thing I got from the site). I came across his forum about the one poem that strikes you most ( your favorite poem to keep it simple). I remembered that I used to have a book of a collection of poems from various known poets. It really belonged to my aunt in her school days. The pages were already brittle and yellowed. I left the book at home and I can't recall where I have put it in the many boxes of old books and paper I have. Anyway, here's one poem that I like the most.

If
by Rudyard Kipling

If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you;
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too:
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or, being lied about, don't deal in lies,
Or being hated don't give way to hating,
And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise;

If you can dream---and not make dreams your master;
If you can think---and not make thoughts your aim,
If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two impostors just the same:.
If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,
And stoop and build'em up with worn-out tools;

If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings,
And never breathe a word about your loss:
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: "Hold on!"

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with Kings---nor lose the common touch,
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you,
If all men count with you, but none too much:
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds' worth of distance run,
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And---which is more---you'll be a Man, my son!

...do you Facebook?...

Since the advent of the network site Facebook, people around the world has been captivated by it, to put it mildly. Other network sites has taken the backseat since FB came. I guess for someone who is really into networking then this may be heaven to him or her. I mean you can just put any stuff about your self--status updates, photos, applications, online games, etc. You can even get in touch with people whom you haven't heard in like, a hundred years? ( okay, I'm going overboard with the hundred years here) But the point is, you can just do about anything here and that's what make it so popular with the hoi polloi.

I have accounts in different network sites--Multiply, Friendster, MySpace and Facebook. No, I'm no networking nut, heck, I don't even feel comfortable meeting new people. Then why all these sites? Well, I get involved with them for the different purpose they served. I was into Friendster first, then Multiply. I registered for MySpace because it was one way that I get to keep in touch with my cousins in Canada ( for free). Plus, the one thing I like about this site is that I get to look for songs I like and put it in my own playlist. At the moment, I logged in at Myspace just to listen to the songs in my playlist. Then my cousins, moved to Facebook and that how it all started for me. I heard about reports on issues regarding the use of Facebook---about how they will keep your information and photos you uploaded even if you delete your account. It got me wary for a while. But then it did not deter me from uploading photos anyway.

I'm impressed with people who have so many friends on their profile. ( I've been a Facebook user for quite a time now but my friends remained below 30...it just goes to show that I'm no people person...) They must be very, very friendly I suppose. Anyway, I guess its cool to meet new people so you can add them to your friendlist. I'm just wondering though, how can you say someone is your friend? It is just because you came from the same school years ago or he or she happened to know someone you knew also. I guess I misunderstood the word "friend". Well, just a thought....

...final goodbye...

Tell me not, in mournful numbers,
Life is but an empty dream!
For the soul is dead that slumbers,
and things are not what they seem.
Life is real! Life is earnest!
And the grave is not its goal;
Dust thou art; to dust returnest,
Was not spoken of the soul.
-HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW-

Today the Filipino nation bid their final goodbyes to the one and first ever woman president of our nation. A lot has been told about her--from her being a simple housewife to later on as the one responsible for the termination of the much clamored dictatorship that had been holding our country in paralyzed for a number of years. Former President Corazon Aquino had exuded the traits of what a leader should be. And no one can top that.

...death is no end...

I took one day ( that was yesterday) from posting something on my blog. I felt that I have nothing to write anyway. Since rediscovering my fondness for putting into words my thoughts on just about anything, I make it a point to at least post something on my blog everyday. Yesterday, there was really nothing. I mean I could not come up with anything to write about. I woke up past seven yesterday morning and when I turned on the TV, I was met with the news of the death of our former President Corazon Aquino. I was taken aback for a moment and I stared at the TV screen for awhile. "Tita Cory", as she was called by her friend and supporters, finally just bowed down from this life. There are a lot of things attributed to her especially the People Power in 1986. At that time, I was almost 10 years old. I remembered the L-sign (or Laban). I have only vague memories of that time in our history. Cory Aquino, until her death, remains a humble and unassuming individual. And she remained steadfast with her faith in God.

...just them...

I watched the movie entitled "Knocked Up", a couple of days ago. It was replayed for how many times already and I watched it once again. The story is simple and quite hilarious too. But what caught my attention was the song played at the end while the closing credits rolled. I liked the song and try to sing along but the only part of the lyrics I get was the word "daughter". Earlier, during lunch, it was shown again in HBO and guess what, I watched it again until the end. When I got back to my computer, I Googled the movie soundtrack then downloaded the song from Limewire. Anyway, I thought it would be nice to make another slide show of my nieces' pictures and with this song in the background. I'm a doting aunt to them in my own sometimes childish ways. I'm pretty sure they still know I'm the aunt, even if one called me "panda" and the other one imitated the "oink..oink" sound of a pig...:-)

...what I love but can do without...

Tofu Biryani

I've been known to always love to eat. I can't deny it besides I don't want to. I'm not the type who will starve myself ( if only I could). I've tasted a variety of cuisine ( thanks to my friend ). We recently had dinner at Persian Palate, this time I ordered something new, called Tofu Biryani. It was good but probably for someone who is used to eating meat, you're in for a different taste and texture.

cereal with milk

My usual breakfast even if I get an upset stomach afterward. ( I have this thing about milk).

oatmeal with Milo

Back home this was my breakfast everyday except on Sundays. Its easy to prepare and can be whip up in a matter of seconds or minutes.( actually it was my mother who always prepare this for me)

enjoying my oatmeal

...book in waiting...

...note on the first page...

...the book...

I've been known to frequent BookSale whenever I get the chance to visit one. Books just give me something to drool over. So a few days ago, I think, Joy and I went to Robinson's to buy some groceries and afterward, I went to BookSale. The smell of books just makes me wish to stay there for a long time and read all those books. As usual, I started on the magazines rack, particularly, the one with the Runner's World.( i can only afford the back issues) When I did not see anything new, I begun my journey toward the books. Most of them were paperback. After awhile, I turned my attention to the center where a table was covered with books and there was a sign hanging above, announcing that the books were on sale. I scanned every book, most of the authors I'm not familiar with. Then something caught my attention. A black hardbound book. I like the way the title and the name of the author were etched on the cover.The pages were somewhat yellowed but I think it was really the color of the paper used. The book was entitled "Jesus, The Son of Man" by Kahlil Gibran. He also wrote "the Prophet". The author's name was also the reason I bought the book plus it only cost ten pesos. At the moment, its waiting for me. I've already perused the pages so its only a matter of time when I will sit down and give it my undivided attention....

...soaking in the sun after a run...

...enjoying each other's company...

I joined another race yesterday but I'm not going to discussed here about it per se ( I have another blog solely for my running pursuits). What I'm posting here was what I did after the run. Joy decided that we go to the beach since its a coincidence that the said race was held in Lapu-lapu City where beaches were aplenty. We opted to go to Portofino. After relaying to my friends her plans, Joy made reservation at the said beach. So yesterday, after resting for awhile from the run, we headed to the beach. It was a Sunday, so it was literally crawling with people. It rained early in the morning and during the race but by the time we got to the beach, the sun was out in its full glory.

Jingle and Fritzie busy at work

Jingle and Fritzie were relegated to the task of grilling the meats and fish for our lunch grub. They were good at it actually and I can only watch in anticipation because I was really hungry at that time( I was already seeing daggers from hunger. Joy bought me a siopao to stave off the hunger pangs that was persistently nagging at me but after one bite, I had to put it aside, it did nothing to sate me) Eventually, we got to eat lunch and I was a happy camper once more. There were lot of talks going around in our table while we ate and the same time took turns in chugging a mixture of vodka ( The Bar vodka), Sprite and ice. It was okay. Our conversation ranged from FarmTown( take note); Bing-bing's( my cousin) boyfriend, Josh and just about anything we could come up.

...we could not stop talking about anything....

....especially about FarmTown....

Thumbs up to Joy for making sure this get-together possible. She's someone you really can expect to go the extra mile when in comes to things like this. I also got the chance to hang out with my "folks" ( jingle, fritzie and mae ann). Lotlot, Joy's cousin was also there and she was responsible for our first ever picture while on the run ( see my blog). Bing-bing and Josh had a great time also. To wrap it up, I had a good time ( though it was dampen with my terrible headache and my desire to just sleep it off) yesterday. And I also got to taste The Bar ( new discovery).

...the thing is...

I've been reduced to do some heavy thinking about what I am becoming gradually as a person. For starters, I'm not really good to be around with when I'm in my baddest mood. There are times that trivial things annoyed me so much that I have to locked myself inside my room to stop me from lashing at anyone. Sometimes, I think that I don't really belong here or anywhere for that matter. I can be surrounded with friends and seemed to enjoy their company, but deep inside, I always have this incessant feeling to get away and just be alone. I guess that's the reason I don't have many friends. Fortunately, the few friends I have right now, go out of their way to put up with me. I'm familiar with the saying that "No man is an island." but frankly, I don't even understand what it means. At some point, human beings will interact with each other because we are wired to do so. I guess I'm the loose end that fell between the cracks. I avoided situations to be around with people because I don't want to put up pretenses. If I only I can go through the motions of facing them uninvolved.
There were times I experienced feeling so detached from anyone and anything. It looked like I was there physically but I felt like I was some place else. Absurd as it may sound but I liked that feeling but then it didn't last long because after you slept it off, reality came crashing down again. A reality that I'd rather not be in but I don't have a choice. I'm afraid of becoming callous to the point that I will cease to hit it off with anyone---especially to those that matters.

...just visiting...

AJ came here for a short visit. Its been two months since I last saw her. She slept beside me for two nights and we had to watch cartoons before she finally decided that she's ready for bed. When I woke up early this morning for my usual jog, I was surprised to hear some sounds in my room when I came back from the shower. When I got out of bed, she was still sound asleep and when I came back, the TV was on and there she was, watching cartoons in DisneyChannel. Good thing that she was awake already because they had had early trip back home. I accompanied her to the bathroom and let her brushed her teeth and we went back to my room to let her dressed. I gave her a coin purse and inserted some coins and 20 peso bill. She asked me how much does it cost for a Jollibee meal( its her favorite). Probably she was wondering if the 20 peso bill I gave her would be enough. I helped her carry their bags since her mother ( my sister) has her hands full with AJ's baby brother. When they were inside the taxi, I just waved goodbye to her. I was thinking of giving her a kiss but I was preoccupied with settling their bags on the front seat and when I was done, she was already inside. And off they went. It seemed like she was not here...

...my bumblebee...