2008 Year-End Rundown of Questions

What did you do in 2008 that you'd never done before?
I really can't think of anything. I just realized I didn't do anything new and exciting. That's not cool. Oh, well. Oops. I just realized just now, 8:59 PM, that I did something new. I've tried online business. I baked this year. I baked from scratch. I made my own money (from the garage sale) and spent it all. 

Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
Surprisingly, I have kept some of my New Year's resolutions. I'm currently looking at my planner (the 2008 Belle De Jour Planner) and I am really thankful that I was able to achieve some of it. 

Here are the goals that I've set for myself:

Have a job as a nurse/Be a nurse at SLMC, MedCity, etc. - Not YET done! Finding a job as a nurse is quite daunting. But, I have faith that I will find one this new year.

Help in paying the utilities - Since I don't have a job and I got turned down in People Support (because I wasn't accepting a salary lower than Php 16,00), I really can't help in paying the utilities. 

Be a Board Top Notcher - I am not a topnotcher but I DID PASS the Philippine Nursing Licensure Examination which is an amazing feat itself. I was really ecstatic when my cousin called me to say that we passed the exam. I am now a registered nurse of the Philippines! Woohoo...

Pass the NCLEX, CGFNS, IELTS, TOEFL - Gosh! Processing my papers would take at least 9 months. So, I believe that by the end of this year, I will be able to pass the NCLEX, CGFNS, and IELTS. 

Read books - Well, I didn't read the books that I wrote here but I read books this year which is better than what I did last year. I read Alan Corey's Millionaire by Thirty, Bill Clinton's Giving, James Patterson's Along Came a Spider, and 13 Chapters of Stephenie Meyer's Twilight. The best book among the four for me is the one by Alan Corey. I suggest that you go buy and read it.

Read the BIBLE everyday - I thank GOD for letting me read the whole Bible. Well, by tomorrow I would only be around 10-15 chapters short. I failed to read my Bible selections during our Liliw immersion. But, I am really happy that I got to read about 95% of the Bible. I feel truly blessed. And, it really was a blessing. God's Word came at the right time. He really knows what I'm going through and I feel his guidance. Thanks talaga kay LORD!

Exercise, Lose at least 4lbs/month, Stop impulsive eating - I was faithful to these for about 5 months and then I fell from the wagon. Very Oprah! Haha. I even lost 20 lbs during my 5 months of faithful exercise, and mindful eating. Even though, I'm back to my original weight I am not that hard on myself. I actually feel a bit better because I realized that I could do it. If I had done it for 5 months, I could surely do it again but this time, I will not gain the weight back! I really have faith in myself and with GOD. 

Have a semi-annual check-up - I only did this once. So, maybe... It's a half-done resolution.

Save at least Php 4,000 a month - I wasn't able to do this. Too bad. But, at least my new account is still active. And right now, I have Php 4,000 in my bank. Hehe. I read or heard somewhere that in order to be great, one must have a horrible start (or something to that effect). Php 4,000 will become Php 40,000,000. I know I could do it. 

Stop cursing, Stop using the words b!tch, f^ck, Sh!t - I did not fare well on this resolution. I really have to watch my mouth more this coming year.

Did anyone close to you give birth?
Yes. My friend Shyn and her hubby Boo gave birth to a super cute baby girl named Raziella Therese a.k.a. Tetet. She's my inaanak and I am a very terrible godmother. I promise I will make-up for it on her 1st birthday next year. Promise!

Did anyone close to you die?
Nope. Thank God.

What countries did you visit?
Nada.

What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?
I would like to have more motivation/inspiration for the coming year. And, I hope that my good outlook continues. Positive thinking does a lot for you.

What date from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
June 1 and 2. The Nursing Licensure Examination. Its one of the most tiring and very anxiety-filled days of my life.

What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Being a registered nurse of the Philippines. I am a professional. This is it! I am really an adult now.

What was your biggest failure?
Biggest failure? Hmm... I really can't think of any. Maybe the fact that I 'half-reach' some of my goals. But I am looking at it at a positive light because if I could do it once then. I could do it again. 

Did you suffer illness or injury?
Maybe the last cold I got this December. It was a really terrible cold. I even have trouble breathing at night because my nostrils are filled with snot. 

What was the best thing you bought?
The best thing I bought was Alan Corey's book.

Whose behavior merited celebration?
Hmm... Behavior that merited celebration. I'd like to say that my behavior is qualified but aside from me, I would have to say Alvi. She knows the reason why.

Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
My dad. But, that's all that I will say.

Where did most of your money go?
Food, movie tickets, transportation, and books.

What did you get really, really, really excited about?
I really, really, really got excited when I learned about the Nursing Licensure Exam results. I also got really, really excited when Alan Corey sent me back an email. It was so exhilirating to find out that he's really reading his messages.

What song(s) will always remind you of 2008?
Womanizer by Britney Spears, If I Were a Boy and Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It) by Beyonce, Lucky by Jason Mraz and Colbie Caillat, Superhuman by Chris Brown and Keri Hilson, Love Story and White Horse by Taylor Swift, Ever Ever After by Carrie Underwood, So Close by Jon McLaughlin.

Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. happier or sadder? – HAPPIER!
ii. thinner or fatter? -- FATTER! But, with a more positive outlook!
iii. richer or poorer? -- RICHER! Really. 

What do you wish you'd done more?
Exercise. Really. I should've exercised more. 

What do you wish you'd done less of?
I should've complained less. There's a lot to be thankful for.

How many one-night stands?
NONE. Never will.

What was your favorite TV program?
Grey's Anatomy, Pushing Daisies, Keeping Up With The Kardashians.

Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
Nope. 

What was the best book you read?
Like I said, Alan Corey's book, Millionaire by Thirty.

What was your greatest musical discovery?
Hmm... Taylor Swift. 

What did you want and get?
Too many to mention. Probably, passing the licensure exam.

What was your favorite film of this year?
Its a between Tropic Thunder, The Dark Knight, and Iron Man. But, I am leaning towards Iron Man. And then, there's Sex and the City. There are a lot of good movies this year. There's John Lloyd's and Sarah's A Very Special Love. 

What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
Nothing really special. I turned 20. Gosh. I can't even remember what I did on my birthday. I am really spaced out. What the hell did I do on my birthday?

What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

If there's a thing that would've made my year more satisfying, that would probably be the new generation of MacBook Pro.

How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?

If it's nice, if it fits, then, go! Or, if its black and spandex, then, I'm good! Hehe. :))

What kept you sane?
My friends. The Bible. And, most especially, my sister.

Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Hmm... Definitely, Robert Downey Jr. and Patrick Dempsey (not because of Grey's but because of Enchanted).

What political issue stirred you the most?
Hmm... Nothing really. But, the political issue that made me feel great was Barrack Obama winning. Its not only a success by the American people its an achievement by the human race as a people. It made me believe that nothing is impossible.

Who did you miss?
My mom.

Who was the best new person you met?
Hmm... I didn't meet a lot of people this year. Maybe the people who bought some of my merchandise. Hehe.

The most touching experience you've had this year?
The one with Alvi and Aemiel.

What did you like most about yourself this year?
That I am very thankful this year. I am more content. I like that about me. Thanks to the LORD ALMIGHTY who speaks to my heart through HIS WORD.

What did you hate most about yourself this year?
Hmm... That I'm still lazy and I still am an impulsive something.

Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:
Storybook endings fairytales coming true... Deep down inside we want to believe they still do... In our secretest heart... It's our favorite part of the story... (Ever Ever After by Carrie Underwood).

Was 2008 a good year for you?
Very good year!

What was your favorite moment of the year?
Hmm... Like I said passing the Nursing Licensure Exam.

What was your least favorite moment of the year?
Finding out a very ugly truth.

Where were you when 2008 began?
At home.

Who were you with?
Yaya, Kamille.

Where will you be when 2008 ends?
Probably at home. But maybe we will drop by the celebration in Ayala.

Who will you be with when 2008 ends?
Yaya, Kamille, and Papa.

Do you have a new years resolution for 2009?
Yup.

Did you drink a lot of alcohol in 2008?
Nope. I only had 1 Margarita and 1 Cosmopolitan. 

Do a lot of drugs in 2008?
Nope. Never will.

You do anything you are ashamed of this year?
Yup. 

How much money did you spend in 2008?
A lot. Really really big numbers.

What was your proudest moment of 2008?
Please refer to my answers above.

What was your most embarrassing moment of 2008?
It was in Eastwood. May tama na ako. Pero konti lang. I was shouting "Josef, Josef." We saw Josef of Big Brother and we were sort of happy and struck that we saw some kind of celebrity. Gosh. That was embarrassing. 

If you could go back in time to any moment of 2008 and change something, what would it be?
The day I stopped exercising.

What are your plans for 2009?
I have big plans for myself. 

How are you different now that the year has ended?
I am more positive. I am more content. 

What are your wishes for the new year?
Wish for my family :: Contentment, Richer in every way

Wish for my friends :: Great jobs! Great careers!

Wish for the country :: Food for everyone. Education for all. Peace. Love. Yes to eradication of poverty and hunger. Quality healthcare.

Wish for myself :: Happy life! Blessings in Love, Career, Friendships, Family, Health, Wealth, Christian Life. 

Create your own Friend Test here

Finally, Someone born on March 1

Jensen Ackles and I were born on March 1! I am always wondering who has the same birth day as I do. Finally, my favorite Supernatural brother was born on March 1. Although he was born 10 years earlier. He was born March 1, 1978 and I was born March 1, 1988. This information is so refreshing for me. Hehe! :))

Kaye is High-Maintenance

My friend Bnong once said to me that my future boyfriend is going to have a hard time keeping me happy because I am high-maintenance. I protested and said that I wasn't high-maintenance. Paris Hilton is high-maintenance but not me. And now, I'm doubting what I said before. Maybe Bnong was right. Maybe I am high-maintenance. 

Taylor Swift

With my current state of unemployment and laziness, I have been spending my time listening to lots of songs and watching to lots of television.

Now, the artist who's been playing on my iPod constantly is Taylor Swift. She has really good songs. If you are into country music, I think that you'd really enjoy listening to her. Here are my top two favorite songs from her.



I think that that song, Love Story, is part of her Fearless album which I think will be released on the 11th of November. You could pre-order in Amazon.com. Or you could just simply wait until November 11.

Another song from her self-titled album that I really love is Teardrops on my Guitar. The guy in the music video is Tyler Hilton. He's the same guy on One Tree Hill's soundtrack. He sang the song When the Stars Go Blue with Bethany Joy Lenz (a.k.a. Haley). I hope that you do enjoy this music video.

McSwimmy

I was watching last night's episode of E! this morning and I came across this video. This is just hilarious.

Gelatone

I am really digging this new found gem on Greenbelt. Its called Gelatone. A small place located at the 2nd floor of Greenbelt 3, near Music One. They serve Italian favorites like penne, spaghetti, panini but I believe that their gelatos are the hot things sold in their store.

There are several flavors you could choose from. I bought the 500 grams to share with the folks here at home. I chose three flavors - strawberry, mascarpone, vanilla with chocolate. I love gelato! It really is better tasting than ice cream. Its more creamy and more flavorful with less fat, less sugar, less air. This means that you get more from your money. I love it.

From the three that I bought, I'd have to say that my favorite is strawberry. I am a berry person. Blueberries, strawberries. I really love it.

Could you tell? I love the gelato.

What? Laarni Won?

All I could say is that the people really got it wrong. Its like Big Brother Teen Edition 2 once again. Bugoy should've won just like Robi should've won. Argh. I find this totally unacceptable. Really. Anyway, Bugoy will do even better just like Christian Bautista did better than Erik Santos.

Attract Happiness

I am making a conscious decision to think positive. I want to think positively so that positive things will happen to me. I somehow got it now. When I burden myself with negative things, my mind and heart is so burdened by it I really become an unpleasant person. When things irritate me and I retaliate with a bad attitude, my day gets ruined.

From now on, I will let all negativity slide. At least, I will try.

Come to me. Improved attitude, come to me. Great family, come to me. Healthy life, come to me. Money, come to me. Great job, come to me. Happiness, come to me.

Where To?

A quick one. In 10 - 15 years, I should have traveled in the following places: 

1. New York, USA
   
2. Las Vegas, USA
   
3. Boston, USA
   
4. Paris, France
   
5. England
   
6. South Korea
   
7. Hawaii
   
8. Amanpulo, Palawan
   
9. Cebu, Philippines
   
10. Camiguin, Philippines
    

I would really love to go there. I really would. 

DVD Torture

Imagine yourself in a place where everything you want is right within your reach and you can't have anything of it. 

I was tortured yesterday. Music One in Greenbelt was having a great sale. Original DVDs were being sold at half the price! Being the movie buff that I am, I was totally cringing over the fact that I couldn't buy any of it because I am trying to save money. But, darn! The Friends DVD Set was only 500 which used to be 1200. Imagine? It was terrible. If I had the money, I could've bought just about everything there. IF I had the money.

Argh...

Rain, Rain...

I remember during highschool, asian series took over the crown of the most watched shows from the mexican telenovelas. The arrival of Meteor Garden signaled the dawn of the new kind of entertainment. Of course, I am one of those people who went gaga over the boy group F4. I am one of those people who got 'kilig' over the love team of San Chai and Dao Ming Si. Meteor Garden pretty much elevated the standards of making Filipinos 'kilig'. They raised the bar high... Until Full House reached my screen.

Full House was shown on the Philippine television just about the same as Meteor Garden. I wasn't really paying a lot of attention to it then, because I was focused on another Korean drama. It really doesn't matter that I haven't seen it before. I am just so happy that I got to see it now. 

Full House is such an amazing series. I really love it. I am totally going crazy. The last time that my 'fanaticism' (Is that even a word?) reached this level was during the Meteor Garden days. More than the story, I am really drawn to the characters in the drama. I find myself smiling over the thought of Young Jae's arrogant behavior. He is so endearing. I actually don't know whether who of the two I find endearing Young Jae or Rain. Does it matter, really? 

I think I fancy Rain. I'm smitten. Really, really smitten. I can't even begin to describe it. 

Rain... Rain... Never go away...

Okay, I think I'm going to puke with what I just said. I am ridiculous. 

Because of this new found interest, I think I am going to learn Korean. And study what I can about Korean. I am going nuts!

Hay... Rain. 

What They Call Life: The Past, The Present, The Future

I just couldn't contain my excitement when I saw my highschool friend, Miguel, playing in Game Ka Na Ba. I love it. Its so refreshing to see someone from your 'past' (past here, doesn't pertain in anyway to any romantic relationship) and its even better to see them on tv. Hehe. Miguel lost some weight, huh. Ang taray! And, he graduated Magna Cum Laude at the Ateneo de Manila University. I love it. There's no doubt in my mind that he would graduate with honors in college. I love it talaga!

Makasali nga sa Game Ka Na Ba.

I just printed over 100 pages of PDF files regarding my CGFNS and NCLEX application. Gosh! I never thought that right after passing the Local Nursing Licensure Examinations, I would find myself bombarded by a juggernaut of things to do. At the moment, I have finished browsing all of them and it seems like I've got mountains of stuff to do and a whole lot of money to spend. Oh, well I believe that everything will work out well.

Yesterday, my sister and I went to Greenbelt to attend the church service and to purchase some stuff that we need. Anyway, after the mass, some of the church volunteers handed out envelopes to fund churches that need help. Then, suddenly out of nowhere some lady blurted out something to this effect, "Di nga ako binibiyayaan, bakit ako magbibigay?" (Please note that these were not her exact words. But it sure sounded like that.) My sister and I were startled. We both were saying, "Omigosh!" I was really shocked not by the thought that she didn't give any donation but by the fact that she was so cynical. Maybe she has a lot of problems right now. I pray that GOD show her the many blessings in her life. May she realize that she is a blessing to somebody and may she realize that GOD has blessed her in so many ways.

LORD, I thank you for the blessings that you have given me.

Tong-Pats, MERALCO,VAT, Sisterhood

Ted Failon is one intelligent, and funny guy. He's one of the three news anchors of TV Patrol World. I listen to him every morning in his radio show with Korina Sanchez - the news commentary program, Tambalang Failon at Sanchez. In that radio show, Ted and Korina sometimes use 'salitang kanto' and Filipino slang to make their show more appealling, less intimidating, more informative, and greatly satisfying. I think just now, he was caught off guard by what he just said. While reporting in TV Patrol World, it seems like he unconsciously made a mistake by using the word 'tong-pats' (patong, or bribe). I think it was really funny.

Anyway, what's up with this MERALCO issue? I really hate that GSIS is meddling with the affairs of a private company. GSIS has a lot of trash and whatnots to fix in their own backyard and they want to fix MERALCO's problems? I think that that is just stupid. Winston Garcia is a greedy businessman who has way too much regard for his self. As much as I would like to hate the Lopezes for sort of monopolizing businesses, well, its a business. The best thing, I think, is to introduce new players to compete with MERALCO. The new ones could post competitive prices.

If I were the president of the Philippines, I would not remove the expanded Value Added Tax (eVAT) instead, I would allot the money that I gained to increase the salaries of the teachers, nurses. I would also provide for additional rooms, equipment, personnel, etc. in government hospitals, as well as government schools. The money that the government gained from the issuance of eVAT amounts to billions of pesos. The government is so stupid to give a 'stipend' kind of thing for the 'less fortunate'. You are teaching the people to rely on free stuff. You don't teach them how to be resilient, how to be resourceful. Giving them fish is not the answer. Let us teach them how to fish.

Anyway, I am looking forward to the sequel of the ultimate chick flick, The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. I feel like I am most like Alexis Bledel although, I am more of America Ferrera's size. Hehe. I hope to watch this with my close girl friends namely, Rocie, Ste, Iris, Beth, Aica.

Now, What?

I guess I am now at the point of my life where everything seems unsure, more than ever. Having received the good news of passing the June 2008 Local Nursing Licensure Examination, I thought that I would finally be able to plan my life. But, it's the other way around. There are a lot of options and I have a lot of things that I want to do and I don't know where to begin. I have a lot of goals and I don't know which one to prioritize. I really need a lot of time to think but I don't have the luxury of time. It's hard. This is hard. But, I know that by GOD's grace, I will be on the right track.

17667 MIRANDA, RN

I've always had this feeling. That I will pass. And, I did pass.

My heart is full of gratitude and praises for our GOD. LORD, I am overwhelmed, and overjoyed by this wonderful blessing that you have given me. You have given me the title of RN. Thank you for this blessing and I appreciate it very much.

I pray that I may become to grow as a loving, compassionate, intelligent, wise, GOD-fearing, client-centered NURSE. I pray that I may become GOD's instrument to care for the people who are in need.

Thank you.

TO GOD BE THE GLORY!

Finding Passion

One of the things that really irritates me is when I watch the television and when I hear people say that, "Singing is my passion," or that, "Acting is my passion." All of this they answer because they are part of a contest that is scouting to find the best new singers and actors. 

I feel like the word PASSION has become an ordinary word with an ordinary meaning. I believe that many have mistaken it for LIKE. I think that when some people say that doing this is my passion, what they really mean is that they like doing that. 

But, maybe it IS their passion and I am just jealous that I haven't found what I am passionate about. 

I'm already 20 years old and I feel that I'm missing out a lot on living because I believe that I haven't found my calling - the thing that I could be passionate about. I want to find that something or whatever that I would love doing for the rest of my life. I want to make a big impact around the world. I want the world to be a better place and I want others to follow suit.

I pray to GOD, that being a Christian, he would lead me to that special something, someone, somewhatever that I'll be passionate about.

Review: The Dark Knight

If you haven't seen the current Batman sequel, you should set a date and watch it.

When I read the reviews from Yahoo and Eonline, I thought that the critics were exaggerating regarding how great this film was. They weren't. The movie sure lived up to the hype that was surrounding it. I'd have to say that so far, this is the best movie I've seen this year.

Although the Batman is the hero of the story, I'd have to say that Heath Ledger's performance as the Joker is outstanding. He was really freaky. He sort of reminded me of Dr. Hannibal Lecter in The Silence of The Lambs. I was shocked, thrilled, and dumbfounded by the Joker. I even caught myself gasping with mouth open. I'm not kidding.

The sounds were great. We watch the movie at Glorietta 4's THX Cinema, and believe me when I tell you that my feet were trembling. They were shaking everytime there's an explosion. The whole experience was riveting. Fascinating.

One might think that this movie is like the typical comic book super heroes. You know the typical storyline of the hero being confronted by the evil in the world and at the same time fighting his own demons and battling with the desire to regain normalcy in life. And, of course, there's the love angle part but, this Batman is not your ordinary superhero flick. It's complex. I believe that there is depth in our hero's character that the director, Christopher Nolan was able to tell the audience. Then, there's the ultimate villain, Joker, motivated by gratification of causing pain and fear among the people. Joker's character, which was impeccably played by Heath Ledger, is what made this movie different and great.

I think Heath outshined them all and it sucks that this is the last film that he finished. It's disheartening to know that we could not see his growth as an actor. It sucks, really.

I also would like to commend Gary Oldman who played the role of the Lt. James Gordon, and Aaron Eckhart who played the role of Harvey Dent/Two Face. Although they played a supporting role, they did a great job!

The actors were perfectly cast. I loved everyone of them. They bring something good to the table.

The movie is not just a movie. It really is an experience. It is an exciting ride you don't want to miss!

I Dream of NYC

For a couple of weeks now, I've been searching about everything about New York City - from the different hotels, the places to visit, the best time to go to NYC - everything that a traveler needs to know when visiting NYC. In my case, a wannabe traveler.

I'm salivating over the fact that someday in the very near future, I could go and visit NYC and really have a blast with my sister or with my family or alone. I really don't care who I'm with I just want to visit the place.

I don't know why I became so hooked with this city. Maybe its because I am a fan of Sex and the City and the movie Serendipity. I really don't know. I just feel that I was meant to go there. I feel that New York and me have a connection. I feel like I am meant to experience that place.

I know it. I will go there. I know. I just know.

Being unemployed has given me a chance to think, to reflect, and most especially, to watch movies. I have seen more movies these past two months than what I have seen the past year. I have seen Sex and the City, Get Smart, Wanted, The Happening at the theaters. I also saw Once, The Shawshank Redemption, Disturbia, Silence of the Lambs, and Shakespeare In Love through DVDs (Original DVDs, mind you!).

I want to watch the following at the theaters: Hancock, Batman, Eagle Eye.

I also want to buy DVDs of Ocean's Eleven, Twelve, Thirteen. Hehe...

This is such a total waste of space.

It was me time today. I went to H Salon to pamper myself. My mom sent some money to have my hair cut, and a foot spa with a pedi. Its no big, really.

The best part of my day was being able to watch the movie Wanted at the G4 theatre. The movie stars Angelina Jolie, Morgan Freeman, and James McAvoy.

I believe that this movie is the most action-packed movie I've seen since Mission Impossible III (which is not at all that heart-thumping). The movie is very entertaining.

McAvoy (Wesley) is a 'lost' boy who doesn't 'fit' in. He's got a lot of angst and personal problems. Now, his world gets rattled by the death of his estranged 'father' which was made known to him by the uber ripped and edgy Ms. Angelina Jolie (Fox). Confused, beaten, and scared from the chase by the so-called 'murderer' of his 'father', he decided to join forces with his father's 'Fraternity'. There, he learned how to be an assassin. He kills people that is revealed by threads, literally.

Now, at the end, he learned that he was working for the people he thought he was fighting against. Very ALIAS. The name of the culprit - SLOANE. Very Alias!

The man who he thought killed his father, was his father after all. If only he learned about this earlier, he wouldn't have killed him.

Now, the best fight scene I've seen since I-don't-know-when-or-what was his fight scene at the textile building. I think that it was really cool. He's only got two guns, and just lived through the shooting by getting his predator's guns.

Morgan Freeman and Angelina Jolie were perfectly casted. Although James McAvoy delivered a wonderful performance, I think that Shia LaBeouf could've done the same. I was hoping that he could've 'upped' his acting.

All in all, it was a very entertaining movie. The ticket price is very worth it.

Review: Once
written on June 20, published just now

DISCLAIMER: I'm not good in writing synopsis.

The first time I heard the song 'Falling Slowly', I was immediately hypnotized by it. It captivated me and made me want to watch the movie 'Once'. The song stood out from all the Academy Award Nominees. I knew when I heard it, it would win. It did.

After many months of just knowing the song, I finally got a copy of the movie. Today, I bought a VCD of the movie. I actually wanted to get a DVD copy but there are none. But even though that's the case, I still bought it. I don't want to miss the opportunity to watch this movie.

The movie is a story about a GUY who met a GIRL. But, unlike your typical Hollywood boy meets girl kind of flick, the movie's strength lies in the sincerity, and simplicity of its storytelling.

The guy, whose girlfriend left him for London, is a guitarist and a vacuum cleaner mechanic. He sings at the streets to let his songs be heard and earn some money. Then the girl came. She really liked the song of the guy. They strike a conversation and then, she learned that he was a vacuum cleaner mechanic and as fate would have it, she has a broken vacuum cleaner. Then they met again.

She was really very nosy but likeable. She asked him who his songs were for. He said his story - he told how his girlfriend screwed him and who was now in London. During their conversations, you would really see, feel, and hear the chemistry between them. Its impossible not to.

She, on the other hand, is a mother of a little girl. His husband wasn't with them. She tells that their relationship wasn't working, although she wishes that there is a father who would help in raising the child.

The story continues as they create, and record songs with a band. They created a great demo CD.
Now the guy, is to set out for London. He wants the girl to come with him. But she doesn't. Her husband wants to work things out. I know that he really likes her. And, I know that she feels the connection, too.

The movie is so enthralling. The movie was done in such clarity and such honesty, you really believe that this story is happening. You begin to sink into the magic of human connection. You believe that what's happening is real.

My favorite part of the movie were the last 3 - 8 minutes before the credits. It just showed how deep the connection really is between them. The part I loved most was when the guy was walking in the airport. I think he was crying. That really touched me. I think the guy was torn whether to pursue who he loved before or the new found love. That was heart breaking. I loved it.

The picture quality wasn't great, of course. I think they used a regular camcorder, although I am really not sure about that. But I think, that it really didn't matter because you are into the story. Actually, the poor quality of the cinematography added to the truthfulness of the story.

I think that the spontaneity, the build-up of how the songs were sung in the movie were really good. Its not like your typical Hollywood musical where out of nowhere people will sing and dance. Its not believable. Unlike this movie, there's a reason and a story behind every song. I liked the way how the songs were sung and how it was incorporated into the movie.

I love the songs. The songs were great. They have this deep quality to it. The songs that were sung are the type of songs that make your heart ache. You would really feel every word, every melody. Glen Hansard (the Guy) is a great singer-songwriter. I love him!

If you haven't seen this movie, you should grab a copy and watch it. It will make you believe that it is possible to find something great in the simplest of ways.

Is Maria a Kobe?

I am following theWimbledon matches through television and the net. I find tennis very entertaining and intense. I must have gotten the knack for the sport from my father who is a tennis addict.

In the past few weeks (counting the time the Celtics defeated the Lakers), I have been reading a lot of 'hate' articles for Kobe. It feels like whatever team that Kobe is playing against is favored to win. They don't like Kobe. I really don't understand that.

I think that Kobe is just trying to prove himself that he could win a championship without Shaq. It seems that his motivations may not be right, but give him a break. Every player wants to be THE PLAYER to bring their team to victory. Every player has dreamt of being the 'savior' of the team, the 'indispensable' player.

Now, this week is tennis at Wimbledon. Of course, I am rooting for my favorites Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic (who, by the way lost Round 2 to Safin). For the females, I am rooting for the following women (in this particular order: Maria Sharapova, Ana Ivanovic, the Williams sisters, and Daniela Hantuchova).

Here's the thing, I think that Maria is experiencing the same hate articles as Kobe. I couldn't understand why. They whine about her grunting which they think is disrespectful, they complain that she is too hung up on fashion rather than her game. They just diss her - a lot, and its really irritating me. Can't a girl be pretty and have game? Its like stereotyping blond women as airheads. Its so wrong.

This year, Maria, Roger, and Serena, came out the Wimbledon courts sporting cute outfits (although Serena's frock was off track). I think the clothes were really very pretty to the point that they upstaged the game itself. It may sound wrong, but it's inevitable. Sporting tournaments are an advertiser's paradise. Aside from religion, and politics, sports is what most people get passionate about - supporting their favorite team whatever it takes.

Why don't we enjoy the game and stop dissing the players? After all, they are part of the reason why we watch it.

Wow. This has been a rebirth for this blog. I thought I wouldn't be able to write again but I did. I am. This feels weird. Staying at home doing nothing. Wah. I'll write something better. I just need to write again. Even if it's nonsense.

I don't want this to end.

I just realized that the past Christmas vacation is going to be my last 3-week long Christmas vacation. I can't believe it. It's going to be at least 3 months before I graduate. The real world is inevitable.

Here are my plans after I graduate:

1. Review for the Local Board Exams.
   
2. Take the Local Boards. Pass with flying colors. Sana top-notcher.
   
3. Take the NCLEX, CGFNS while scouting for a job as a nurse at either St. Luke's Medical Center or Medical City.
   
4. Work as a nurse 2 years tops at either the ER, CCU, ICU, OR. (Departments shown in order)
   
5. While working, I would process my VISA, Passport, and other immigration stuff for working at USA.
   
6. While I am working in either New York, New Jersey, Los Angeles, Chicago, Boston, I would like to pursue either a Master's Degree or I'd like to proceed with Medicine.
   
7. Hopefully, I'll own a posh apartment.
   

Ayun. I'm ambitious. Hehe… But before I head out for my real world goals, I'm here to ask for my last school incentive to my parents, my titas and titos. So, here it goes:

1. A Php 50,000 shopping spree.
   
2. Mac Book Pro 17"
   
3. Sony Cybershot DSC T-200
   
4. iPod Touch 16 GB
   
5. Gold's Gym Glorietta Subscription for 1 year

Watching Oprah three times a day has become a habit of mine for the past 2 weeks. Oprah is shown at 9 in the morning at the Hallmark Channel (Channel 37 for Sky Cable Subscribers), then at 11 AM at Studio 23, and at one o'clock in the afternoon at Hallmark. Actually, there is still a primetime showing of the talk show at 9 in the evening but I don't watch that. My eyes are glued watching either Grey's Anatomy, The Amazing Race Asia, and Pinoy Big Brother.

Today, the Studio 23 episode was enlightening. Really.

See, I've been stuck for the past few months wondering how great life would be if I could be rich in an instant. I dreamt about having my own place at One Rockwell or at the Manansala Tower or The Residences at Greenbelt or even have our own house and my own room at Bel Air, Makati. You know, the good life. How great it would be to have my own car and money without having to worry about the payments for utilities because I have sufficient money in the bank to cover it. But, today's show revealed that even in the tiniest place, people could actually live comfortably and happily. The episode asks us this question: How much do you really need?

I pray that I may genuinely realize the value of what I have and be content and be happy with it.

I want to congratulate myself for not missing any workouts this week. Woohoo. I love it. I hope that I'll be able to maintain this.

I'm deeply disappointed that I didn't follow my study schedule for the board exams. Oh, well. I could start over.