think rainbows

Since it's all over the news, I just want to say a few personal opinions about this Azkals-Cristina Ramos issue.

As we all know, it's not the first time that the Azkals have been in this kind of situation. I do not know them personally or whatever personal activities they do so I am in no place to judge the kind of personality that they have. All I know is that they play football for the Philippines even though most of them are not purely Filipino, and everything else is based on what I see and hear on the telly, and what I read when they tweet.

Thanks to all these media interviews, we now know Cristina Ramos's side of the story. How she felt disrespected with what two particular Azkals players did. I'm all about respect for women because it's something that's so important in this world, really. And I understand that what the Azkals did was really disrespectful in a way to think that she is the match commissioner, and that she's a girl. But then, can it really be considered as something as grave as sexual harassment? I would expect men's locker rooms to be in that kind of an atmosphere in that kind of situation, but I am still not sure if the things that those guys did are enough for it to be considered as such. I think sexual harassment may be a bit too much.

She's even got James Younghusband involved, the captain of the Azkals during that match, because he didn't do anything about it; and now even the whole team, because they were all laughing at it. I get the point that the Azkals have to make up for what they did, or simply be punished. After all, what they did is still wrong and higher officials can't just let this pass, because what message would it relay if that happened? And they're going against the daughter of a former President. And there would definitely be more issues to arise. (The rape issue was totally different. I personally thought that girl involved there was kinda weird.)

Anyway, she's mentioned too that she was with two other guys when they entered the locker room. I was just thinking, didn't any of those guys she was with do something to prevent this from happenning? Didn't the first guy to enter the locker room to check and see if they were ready saw that Angel was still only wearing his briefs and not called his attention and reminded him that a girl was to enter? Didn't they at least talk to the players about the way that they're behaving right then and there? Also, why didn't they call to attention the coach and the manager or the other team officials, didn't they have to be there when the inspection happens? They knew the schedule, yes, but what if some other thing came up or they weren't aware of the time? And why didn't she tell/inform the coach or the manager first about what happened before she filed any complaints or told the media about it? That part is kinda unfair for the Azkals.

These are just my thoughts. Of course I haven't been in the kind of situation Cristina Ramos was in, so I wouldn't know how it felt or how I would react. We still have yet to hear the Azkals' side too. Although just earlier Angel Guirado tweeted something about what happened. Wherever this goes, I hope it will be fair to both sides, and that this will be the last. And why does it always happen whenever the Azkals' are in the middle of important competitions? Just when they're showing good improvement. I just hope that they still do good in the AFC Challenge Cup despite of all these issues. Good thing too that they've already left before everything went out.

Good luck Azkals!

P.S.
Not being judgemental or racist or anything, but I think the attitude of Filipino men are still different than that of the foreigners. Foreigners are more open-minded, or liberated, compared to Pinoys. 

It's that time of the year once again where we witness the 'gorgeous journey' to crowning a new American Idol. It is American Idol's 11th season this year, and the talents just keep getting better and better, and the number of auditionees get so much bigger. It is both fortunate and unfortunate in a way; fortunate because we get to see and hear all these amazing talented people while unfortunate because as we know only a few can go through.

It's not enough that you're good to be able to make it in this competition. You have to be amazing, or at least be able to blow the judges' minds away even with just one line of a song. During the auditions we've seen people who are pretty good, but they don't make the cut because something's still missing. Then hollywood week came and the pressure was so intense that a lot of the contestans suddenly were fainting here and there, as we also see more talents facing the end of the line of their journey. Not everyone can be accommodated and only the best of the best can stay.

Then the contestants are down to the top 25, and the live shows start. 13 boys and 12 girls battled head to head to sing and fight for their survival, and for a spot in the final top 13. I personally liked Jessica Sanchez's and most of the guy's performances; Colton Dixon, Phillip Phillips, Reed Grimm, Deandre Brackensick, to name a few. There's a lot of very talented guys in this year's American Idol!

After two nights of perfomances, the results are in...

It was a feeling of all sorts yesterday. I had plans of going out with friends even if I wasn't really feeling okay 100%. Then it all got confusing and slowly the plan was fading out. I still wanted to go out though, at least to make something out of nothing, or at least find something that could bring me enough fun to make up for the failed plans. (And also for that UST loss which was so sad. But kudos ladies, I still love you, and will look forward to next season!)

I decided to go with one of the original plans to meet up with my Mom. Then I thought we should just go out and eat, and bring one of my second cousins with us. Fortunately it pushed through, and I had fun with my cousin. He sure looked like he had a lot of fun too. =D

One of his favorites was Sbarro, so we at there but too bad his favorite pizza(Chicago White?) was not yeat ready when we arrived. He chose to eat Baked Ziti instead, and I chose this all-meat pizza which I tried for the first time. It was pretty nice, and very filling. =D Sbarro still had a Valentine's Day feel to it, thanks to that heart display right above my cousin's head.


Then we went to Timezone and let him play whatever games that he wanted to, until all the credits from the card was used up. He still wanted to play more but accdg. to the boss (my Mom), we had to go home since it was already getting late. There's always next time, Migs! =D

So I was still able to turn things around for yesterday. I guess plans with friends could just wait for next time. :)

*another late post*

February 11

Whenever there's a special occasion or a celebration with the whole family, great food will never be out of the picture. I'm lucky to be part of a family which such great cooks! (I'm not sure if I will ever be able to do what they do.=P)

This time, one of my mom's uncles (which makes him my Lolo) came here for a visit from the States since he had a class reunion to attend. This means...family reunion...and food!!

my niece's work of art

Food courtesy of my Tita, and my Mom of course. =D
Shrimp, Pansit Malabon, Fried Chicken, Bopis, Lumpia (Vegetables), Salmon(Sinigang?), Lechon, and fruits and kakanin for dessert. =D

 Since it was also almost the birthday of one of my second cousins, we surprised him with a small impromptu cake and ice cream birthday party. More food!

The birthday boy (in yellow) with his brother and second cousin.


Awesome day spent with the family, and food! =D

Next food feast: February 25, Ate Libay's birthday =D

*another late post*

Well, what do you know, New Year is ushered in, Chinese New Year passes by, and then it's Valentine's Day. Honestly, every year, I always think if I'd be spending Valentine's Day differently than the last. So far, it has always just been the same, just another ordinary day. (Except for the surroundings probably.)

This day still had a different atmosphere to it even though technically it's still an ordinary day. Early morning I keep on seeing people carrying bouquets of beautiful flowers, which made me realize when will I receive another beautiful bouquet.

At the office, some of my officemates gave chocolates to everyone in celebration of Valentine's Day. The Ferrero and the M&M's are still in our refrigerator. Thanks Alvin and Kevin!

On my way home it was the same, people with different Valentine's day gifts were all around. I decided to stay away from the mall, which was a good idea I think. We had a some sort of a special dinner at home. Mom cooked pasta and bought a cake, and I bought some roasted chicken. Perfect way to end a day dedicated to love, to be with the ones you love, and those who love you.



Mom and I also had a pre-Valentine date the Sunday before Valentine's Day. Since we were fans of the Star Wars series, we decided to watch Star Wars Episode 1 3D at the cinemas then had dinner at Joey Pepperoni, her treat this time. Thanks Ma! =D

As what they always say, Valentine's Day is not just a day for couples and the like. As long as you have the people you love around you, friends, family, partners, you can always celebrate Valentine's Day in any way. Feel the love! =D <3

*late post*

Sundays are usually rest days for us at home. But this time, we decided to go out and pig out. =D

February 5, 2012, Kuya was craving for some Papa John's pizza, so after we heard mass at Malate Church, we decided to have an early dinner at Papa John's Greenbelt branch.

Would you trade your car to start your own pizza business?

I'm not sure if it's super big news right now in the whole entertainment industry but Lucy Hale, who is more popularly known as the one who portrays Aria in the series Pretty Little Liars, is coming to Manila this week. She tweeted before that she was coming here by March, but I guess plans changed. She's here because she's the newest endorser for Bench clothing.

I didn't really know Lucy Hale that much before Pretty Little Liars, but when I started watching PLL, you just can't simply ignore her. Not just because of her unique style in Pretty Little Liars and that black hair with streaks of pink in it, but because you'll notice her as the girl who hush-es in the opening credits of the show. Anyway, to make the long story short, she may not be my favorite but I really like her and I would love to see her in person if I ever get the chance while she's here. (I'm particularly interested in her lips by the way. It always attracts my attention.)

I started following Bench on twitter today since I found out that they were doing a contest to give away passes for Lucy's event on Saturday at the SMX Convention Center. You'd just have to tweet an exact phrase to be given by @benchtm, then if you're one of the first 10 to get it correctly, you win a pass to the event. When the time came for the contest, I tweeted, and then I left the office. As I got home, I totally forgot about the contest already. It was only when I checked my twitter again that I remembered it. Good job dindin! You are one of the first 10 to tweet correctly! But your time's up!

...

Seriously, I was like WTF?! My heart went funny. It was a once in a lifetime experience to see Lucy Hale in person but I missed it. I had it, but I lost it. I didn't make the deadline; I had to email my details until 8pm, I arrived home at around 7:30-8, and I checked my twitter at around 8:30-9. It sucks big time and I really feel so bad. But it's over now. Just like what Aslan said, "Things never happen the same way twice dear one." (This is what I'm talking about. Check the P.S. section.)

Sigh, Lucy Hale, I missed my chance big time. I guess it wasn't for me. But I really want to see you in person. As well as Troian(especially!), Ashley, and Shay. I wish you'd come back here for Pretty Little Liars and bring them all with you as well as the Rosewood guys. I guess I'd just have to torture myself for now with updates about your Manila visit. Have a good one! As bad as I may feel right now, it's still more fun in the Philippines anyway.

Hugging away for comfort

Before I turned 20, I've always thought my lovelife was boring. Nothing special in it. I fall for a guy who's either taken, pursuing someone else, or who just doesn't really care at all. That's just about it. And I was fine with it. I wasn't so emo-ish about it although yes, it is somewhat sad, because the feeling's not reciprocated of course. The ultimate wish then was to have a boyfriend. (kahit nga ligaw lang! LOL.) Wish granted. After i turned 20, things changed.

It was almost everything I wanted. It was lovely, fun, I didn't want it to end. But months before I turned 22, I finally woke up from the dream. It was heartbreaking. It was horrible. You know how they say that the first cut is the deepest? I think that's really true. Lucky are those who didn't even have to go through that. Anyway, that's not the point of this post.

I snapped back to reality. I was back to having the boring lovelife. At first I had a hard time adjusting, because as shy as I am to admit it, yes I wanted a second chance with that past love, but it never happened. So I had to learn to move one. We all have to at some point, right? It took me a pretty long time, but at least I can say that I'm past that now.

I've started liking, falling for guys again who's either taken, pursuing someone else, or who just doesn't really care at all. But unlike before, it wasn't so easy to be just fine with it. It's still sad of course, but I had a different approach to it now. If before I would easily be content as long as they're there or as long as the kilig factor with simple gestures that they do is there, it's fine. But now, when I like someone and find out that he's taken or even just pursuing someone else, I would just suddenly back out. As if I could teach my heart to suddenly stop beating 'no? I would start thinking what's the use of liking him if that's the case? In simple words, mas palaban yata ako nuon kesa ngayon. I even probably had more confidence then, than now? (Or, no, that's not the case naman yata. Ay ewan.)

But I still get past the early I-like-you-but-I-changed-my-mind phase. I mean, I couldn't really just shut down what my heart feels. It will feel what it will feel, and I have to go with it; so I give in. I've missed the kilig feelings. When your crush talks to you, or texts you, or even just looks your way and he almost catches you looking at him. As well as the butterflies in your stomach when he compliments you, or when you daydream about the two of you. There's a lot more emo-ness in me these days, thinking about things like how I can never actually be with him, or how impossible this seems, and thinking about just giving up. But I don't wanna lose the feeling, so I just let it be. If I like him, I like him.

I've really noticed changes on how I approach love now, after everything that has happened. There's probably fear, or caution, but I'd like to believe too that I haven't lost hope, or rather that I won't lose hope. (And that I stop becoming so impatient.) I've always prayed for love in my heart. One heartbreak doesn't mean the end of love for me. Things may have changed but love still remains. Sabi nga ng Powerpuff girls, love makes the world go 'round 'diba? I guess I just have to do the waiting game again.

P.S.
Cupid! Next time, hit both? As in 'yung sagad sa buto? =))