Dear Mr. Bank Manager… [send him minced pies if you want him to extend your credit limits and compliment him in your morning show as the best bank manager in the world]

There was never a book without pictures or strips as hilarious as this. It’s enormously tough to write a book that will make people laugh like they’re watching a stand-up comedy act or a sitcom. Clueless may cross your mind when you skim through the story outline but it’s much tastier than the movie that starred Alicia Silverstone. Tag even the series of Clueless books that was an offshoot from the movie. Reading about Becky Bloomwood’s shopping catastrophe tickled my funny bone. It’s tricky how Sophie Kinsella was able to calm the readers’ frustration about the main character’s overspending. Not only does the book acquaint you with fashion finds, the labels that only the rich and famous come in contact with, and the dangers of exceeding your overdraft limit, the love angle will also leave you wondering if this is a modern girl’s fairy tale. I especially loved the boyfriend’s monologue at the end recognizing the weight of their relationship. I really liked how things jelled together at the end without appearing like the author forced a good turnabout of events.

Four bookmarks and a gift certificate at Bloomingdale’s!

30 October 2004

12MN NBC Tent, The Fort

4AM Capone’s DEFTAC Halloween Partee

Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/11/CREAM_Halloween_Ball

First off, I want to say Congratulations to Allan Marcus Co for winning the title match against Caloy Baduria!!!! Hail, Hail!

23 October 2004- Saturday started off slow because I woke up at 12nn because of a Friday night gimmick. Marc and I met at 4 PM at Greenbelt and ate merienda at Oody’s. We ordered the usual, Plate 309 [I forget the name of the dish], Green Mango Catfish, Spring Rolls and his favorite, Pandesal with Pandan Dip. After eating, we strolled off to Timezone to play Daytona. Marc wanted to play against me so badly because he wants to redeem himself [nyah nyah] coz he’s been racing badly in the Advance’s track the last few times and in the Beginner’s track, he’s yet to beat me 3 times in 40 games. That day, he still didn’t reach his goal [Tee-hee!] It was almost 6 PM so we head off to Max Brenner to meet up with Sir Mark Nep [who gave us a ride to Casino Filipino for the URCC Event]. On the way there, we were anticipating Allan?s fight. We’ve been praying and our all out support goes to him. We arrived at the venue and fortunately, I was able to sneak in my digital cam inside though it was hard and I had to elude two security guards in the process. I have to say that URCC V was more organized than the last one because they let people in earlier this time. Last time, everything was in disarray as to where we need to go. When we got inside the amphitheater, we saw our DEFTAC Makati friends and sat in their area. Darwin, Gina, Zach, Maricor, Garrick, RJ, Mark Nep and family, Shar and friends, Marcus’ parents, Christian Wong, JM among the crowd. I thought I was sitting next to Keith Martin but it was just another Afro-Am guy that had the same built. The first three fights were SOT [strike only tournament]. We enjoyed watching the next fights although we’re pretty much agitated to see the last four match-ups. My good friend Shar, Allan’s beautiful girlfriend was apprehensive about the match and she couldn’t sit still all throughout the night.

Finally, the main event! Everyone was on their feet! Shar got up and cheered loudly for his guy, chanting his name along with Cor and Gina and just supporting his man on his mission to win. I reserved my vocal cords for this last match and mustering all the courage to shout, I cheered him on and instructed him on what to do. I yelled, “Break his arm!? like a mad man in a prison cell and “Relax, Allan” like I was within his earshot. Allan looked pretty ready for this fight transitioning from one submission move to the next. Caloy was super strong and built like a refrigerator, escaped Allan’s fancy moves. Until he got caught as he ran out of space and Allan secured the armbar. The war was over in 5 minutes. What an excellent match!

Shar and I kept shouting in victory. What a win!!! She was so happy and I was so excited for her and Allan. Shar and I hugged tight and spread the love to Gina and Cor and the rest of the DEFTAC Makati Team who gave their supreme support. I was almost in tears because my energy was so pumped up during the fight. It’s different when you’re friends with the person fighting, like in URCC IV, Darwin Buenaobra fought in a match too and I was geared in high emotions that night.

After the pandemonium died out, the fighters huddled near the ring for pictures and interviews. Marc, JM and I waited for Allan and Shar. I took some pictures and before the interview started, Alvin was motioning for Shar to come over and Allan?s face lit up as he invited his girl over to share his limelight. During the interview, Allan wrapped a familiar arm around Shar, pulled her close and said happily and with so much pride, “This is my belt right here [referring to Shar.]” AAW! Isn’t that so sweet? Cheers to Shar and Allan!!!

Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/26/Makati_Gym_DEFTAC

The scuba diving boat leaves behind a couple in the middle of the ocean.  With no one in sight for miles and miles, Suzanne and Daniel turn to each other for strength.  But their strength slowly seeps out from them as sharks start to besiege them and it starts to sink in that they’re treading dangerous waters…

I would have given the movie a 4 but since it’s a bad-vibes movie, it was only a 3.  The cinematography [A general term for all the manipulations of the film strip by the camera in the shooting phase and by the laboratory in the developing phase *mcgrawhill.com] was at par with the Blair witch movie but less wobbly.  The cinematography was effective in presenting the dangers of the blue especially from the view of the castaways.  The camera was also bobbing as Daniel was checking the sharks underneath.  The movie was based on a true story, which made it a real bummer because incidents like this can happen in real life.  Incompetence is absolutely intolerable especially in cases as dire as this.  Why didn’t the crew list down the names instead of just tallying how many people are already on board?  During a tour, names are usually listed down and the tour guide gives a roll call before sightseers toddle off and as soon as they have assembled again.  It should be the case even for small expeditions like that, since scuba diving is a delicate activity.  As I sauntered toward the exit after the movie, I heard a few murmuring, “what a lousy movie.  I didn’t like it.  What was that?!”  The cinematic culture of the Filipinos is perceptible right there.  Filipinos are suckers for movies with happy endings.  Not because a movie ended with a bad note it means it has a bad taste.  I have to disagree that it was a bad film.   

The movie captured the reality that something as stupid as that can happen and it can cost lives.  Sh*t does happen.  That is why we shouldn’t take things for granted and we shouldn’t see things only as it appears on the surface.  I also liked the part where the couple were arguing who’s fault it was that they got stranded and they’ve pulled up every “what ifs” on the card.  That’s reality right there.  We like to blame.  We have 10 fingers and we like to point.  In blaming, we refuse to see our own mistakes/shortcomings.  We decide to take the easier route and pass the buck.   In their case, it was definitely NOT their fault.  Even if they came 5 minutes early [or for the girl, it was too near the due time], or take that they came back 5 minutes late or even an hour delayed, the boat MUST WAIT.  That is SOP as long as everyone isn’t on board yet.  It’s ridiculous to think that if you came back late, you’re going to be left in the middle of the ocean and be forgotten already.  The crew should have exercised utmost DILIGENCE.   In the last few minutes of the movie, somebody said that at least the girl would survive so she can recount their misfortune.  Not having any survivor made it more interesting for me because it means that the writer reconstructed the turmoil as how it could have been.  Same goes with Titanic– no survivors, except for the people who were carted to shore by the few lifeboats that the historical ship provided.  But the ones left to freeze in the night chill of the Atlantic Ocean died.  The writer for the movie had to reconstruct the terrifying experience/occurrence that could have happened.   

3 buckets [of popcorn!] 

2001 Photo. King + Jane + Gina. The legendary trio of DLSU Pol-Sci batch 99. [Jane]: Remember the time we were trying out for the DLSU softball team? How about that night after softball practice we were rehearsing that pep squad routine and you and king kept on asking me to teach you all over again? Haha! How about that time when we performed in the classroom for Fay? And everyone was looking like we lost our heads?  ::: It’s only when you share your life to others that life begins to have meaning and purpose. The time you touch the life of others is the time you really live. :::

(Scene from Exorcist) 

Regan: What an excellent day for an exorcism

Regan: I’m the devil!

Karras’ Mother: Why you do this to me, Dimmy?

Pazuzu: Your mother’s in here, Karras.  Would you like to leave a message?  I’ll see that she gets it.

Father Damien Karras: You’re not my mother.

I woke up at 3am, startled because my bed was shaking! I just watched Exorcist yesterday and I thought I only had a super-active imagination when I felt my night comfort shake underneath. Then I heard this rattling sound, like grains in a shaker cup. I lied there half-awake, in the cold dew of the morning, staring up at the white ceiling of my personal space which is known to my family as MY LIL ROOM, trying to discern what’s happening and if I’m about to enter the twilight zone. Surprisingly, I was as calm as the dead leaves in fall. After a couple of minutes, the shaking finally subsided. Still fazed from the incident, I still didn’t know whether it was just a human condition or a fact that I experienced. It was when I got to the office that I realized that it was indeed an earthquake because everyone was talking about it. I figured out later that the rattling came form the box of Nerds [candies] I had on top of my computer desk. Oh man!

Description:
Salad composed of crispy greens with the refreshing taste of mango and pomelo to remind you of summertime.

Directions:
Just toss everything in. Mix the Balsamic vinegar with the Olive oil, add a squirt of lemon to the mixture with fresh thyme –simple salad dressing

Dodgeball was plainly hilarious.  I am a big Ben Stiller fan from his movies, Reality Bites, Starsky & Hutch, Keeping the Faith, Along Came Polly, Duplex, and of course, Meet the Parents [laughed the hardest on this one!].  However, I wasn’t expecting much from this film.  But I started laughing as soon as the movie rolled.  *Ben Stiller plays the clueless proprietor of Globo Gym.  A crew of social misfits who patronize Average Joe’s, the local gym, band together to save their beloved fitness center from being taken over by their competitor, Globo Gym, a fitness club chain which is a corporate behemoth. The motley group of rejects includes a gangly geek whose illusions revolve around a cheerleader way out of his league, a self-acclaimed pirate, a young simpleton, an enthusiast of far-out sports, and a smart ass who’s actually pea-brained. Average Joe’s owner Peter LaFleur, played by Vince Vaughn leads his team of, well, losers against the cocky White Goodman [Stiller]* The cool nonchalant attitude of Vince Vaughn in this movie and Ben’s slapstick comedy complemented each other.  What impressed me is how the director was able to make the game as appealing and intense as basketball movies.  If you need quite a laugh, Dodgeball is worth your dime.

Four buckets of popcorn! and laughter!

 It was such a fantastic night that celebrated true friendships and solidarity. It was magical that my friends have come together for a nice evening of food, drinks and good times shared. I would like to thank the following people for gracing my birthday party.
 

St. Peter Barkada

It has been over 12 years that we’ve known each other from Grade school to Harold’s blood-puking incident to dancing on top of the table to Oh Carol [!] to Arabian Nights to mediator of Schmaltz to growing up to Creep midriff tops to freshman troubles [getting our girl group picked on by teachers] to cutting classes to detentions to laughing our heads off to freshman girls against sophomores group fights to leaving SPAS to growing up to still keeping it together despite the distance to growing up to Reagan, Lod and JM to childhood crushes to love interests to heartbreaks to sleeping over to staying strong together after more than a decade to knowing that old friends are lifetime friends…
 

Tin-tin- Thank you for helping to get together all of our barkada. And thanks for letting me stay over your house after the party. We were all tired but it was fun, esp. meeting Max, one-eyed Bob [uh, I can’t say the same thing about your Rottweiller. I like dogs but he was bigger than me and was so scary.] and your sexually active gold-painted turtles! Hahaha. Thank you for the bag. Add the pictures I gave you at the party to your album ok?
 

Chee- Joyce-e. Haha, sorry I kept on calling you Joyce at tha party my beautiful and ever fashionista friend. [Magsama ka sa next na VT ok!] Text me the account # ok! Let me know if you have more stuff [loved your belt esp. in the dark]. [Ms. First-in-the-buffet-area] Thanks for the gift. Thank Jeck for me too. I haven’t opened it yet coz I don’t want to ruin the wrapper. Next time, bring Jeck ok? Out-of-town trip! Thank you so much for coming even if it’s all the way from Malabon. Stay happy! Rose- Lady Nepomuceno [he-he]. It’s all good. No awkwardness ok dear? Bring him to our out-of-trip too. He’s a nice guy. Don’t let anyone make you think otherwise. I know you’re happy and you deserve it. I had fun bonding until the sun went up. Thanks for the “tingsun” tip. I’ll order 3 pumps ok? Let me know ASAP. [Grabe until 6 am no?] Haha, I didn’t even realize I fell asleep already. [Buti na lang di ka malikot matulog, haha.] Thanks for bringing me home. Tell Daddy Coolie I said thanks too.
 

Aimee- Thanks for the gift, Wendy’s and for driving us to Christine’s.
 

Lod- [The Thorn-among-the-roses] Thank you for coming even if you sacrificed your other friend’s party coz we kept on insisting you stay with us. [We missed you kasi the last time e] I’m glad to know you are passionate about the profession [Ala Gaylord Focker, haha.] Thanks for being the eternal photographer of the party [Haha]
 

People Support

Your presence was what made the party for me because it has been with you guys that I’ve spent most of the last 9 months. The last 9 months was extremely memorable because it felt close to a family. The whole morning group encountered problems but like a family, even if there are things that we don’t like about one person, we look beyond the imperfections and accept the person whole-heartedly. We’ve shared so much almost everyday the whole day in the past 9 months [from to first impressions to low IQ and EQ sups to operations issues to dancing during ops to non-stop chikahan and laughing and singing to flag-raising to operatic moments to grievances to sharing our personal lives to learning to career goals to encouraging each other and supporting one another to food trips to team outings to elevator-threatening incidents to different characters to a camaraderie that no other team can top to pounding energy that lights the whole floor to continuing that relationship. It had been one incredible experience that I miss so much.
 

Gina- My sister, the one who was truly my anchor throughout the whole PS experience. Thank you for letting me know when I’m right or when I’m wrong. Thank you for being the most supportive, encouraging, level-headed person I know. You make me strong even if I’m really weak. And I relate to you the most when it comes to values and dealing with people. Your emotional quotient is extremely high and you are a beautiful person. Thank you for the fashionable bag you and Alma gave me and for coming to the party even if you have work the next day that gave you only 3 hours sleep. That was really thoughtful.
 

Icko- [Sinong bestfriend mo doon? Siyempre si Icko lang. Even if you had to change teams] You were first the reason I made it through the 2 nights of training and the intrigues. Now, you are the reason why I want to be my best. You are the nicest person and you are my example of how pure and unconditional friendships can be. Thanks for always remembering me and texting even if I don’t get to reply until weeks later. I miss our lunches and pig-outs and hurdling the first few months on the floor. Still haven’t opened your gift coz it’s beautifully wrapped but I’m touched by the effort of you being there, traveling from Taguig, even it was short coz you had a shift the next hour. Thank you so much girl.
 

Tata- I know you wanted to come [bagamat nagtatampo ka kasi naglaho na lang ako parang lobo sa langit, haha, lalim ng tagalog ko! Just like your journal coz you are very proficient with heavy tagalog words]. Thank you for texting and calling me to greet me and check-up on me. I miss you sis. Don’t take your health for granted. I will visit soon.
 

Mia- [Our-own-songbird] It’s good that you and Malaya take care of each other. She’s your angel and you have been everything to her. Continue nurturing her with love and support. I will be here for her. I’m her magician after all [he-he]. Be good girl. Cherish the company you have in PS because we treasure the insurmountable amount of energy you bring each day. Thanks for the white top and skirt.
 

Kenny- Allyn has really said it all in a nutshell. You are a unique individual. When you enter a room, you just capture everyone. Your positive aura is spotless. The sunshine of DR. As sophisticated as his name sounds: Kenny Flake but as casual as your-friend-next-door. You will remember him even if you have only met him once. Thanks dear for reaching out to me last December. Our parties were on consecutive days and you haven’t had sleep, but you came. My ears will only be filled with chill-out project tunes. I love the CD esp. the ribbon =) Thanks for letting me in your life. Let’s keep trying and enrich what we love to be a part of [wink!]. Looking forward to our Cal Carrie careers! Cheers!
 

Alma- Hey sweetie. Thank you for the bag. I really like it a whole lot. And thank you for the sweet note and for coming to the party. You are a welcoming addition to the morning group and we absolutely adore you and the quiet calmness you bring sometimes. Thank you for the New Year message, I appreciate it a lot. I’m just here if you need an alarm again in the future.
 

JM- The ever-talented and comical JM… who makes everyone laugh simply by being his fun and loving self. I remember the period I shared with you when I was completely down. You were my saving grace that time, helping me pray and cope up with it. You are highly intellectual than most people take you for. It takes a lot of wit, gestures, and grace to turn the laughing knob a notch higher than the usual. The Coke-bit was exceptionally funny. I just love being around people like you. [Oh, I loved the necklace!!! I was about to buy a new one, what timing] Thankee JM!!
 

MAX3D Peeps

The gang was here. I know the MAX3D group is so much bigger [over 30], but the half that really matters was there and I’m grateful you were there. It’s been three years and we do different things now [most are still in school, CS really destroyed your college life, haha.] but the group is as tight as it has always been. Thanks for all the mems: from eating and eating with paul, hanging out at different condos, CS, CS, CS, CS, clan games, alienating those who aren’t from MAX, Enchanted Kingdom, birthdays, the shop’s annivs, booze sessions at Taal, Club V to Quezon trip [Haha, jaszi!]. [Lahat kayo laugh trip talaga!] Ozzy- Our ninja turtle. My closest in Max for weird reasons [haha!]
 

Neil- Thanks for coming even if you came all the way from Laguna and from a delivery driving the DT. Looking forward to our next trip! [even if you elbowed my left pelvis]
 

Boom- Thanks for coming all the way from Pasig to Pque and bringing Mart along. Talk to you soon ok boomee? Hope you had fun. Thanks for coming early, that was a gift for me.
 

Thank you for coming Iñaki, Sayad and Mart. Looking good Iñaki. Lay off the food Mart and your joints [the actual bone thing] are crazy =) Tell Ms Camsy dearie I said Hi. Thank you all of you guys. Even if I only got to spend 5 minutes with you, I know you don’t hold it against me [tee-hee!]
 

Jaszi- I know that Bulacan is the farthest of all who came to the party. FINE! Thank you for coming. Haha, really thank you for being there even if you came from another party. Don’t pick your nose anymore so it won’t trigger any vomiting scenario ok? Hahaha! Just playing.
 

Leni- Thank you bringing out the cake. That was some talk in the parlor and thanks for taking my picture all the time. Haha, loves it! Make a public apology about the WTC and don’t do any terrorist attack anymore ok? Tell your dad happy birthday for me and sorry that I wasn’t able to drop by anymore. Hope you had a good time at White Cove last year with the group. You’re always appreciated.
 

PIQC Friends

Thank you for being with me through good time and tough times. [I don’t get to tell you guys how much you mean to me and you don’t receive much Thank You[s] from me.] Thank you sticking up for me and for getting me through high school in one piece. Mark, Sean and esp. Grace, you were my backbone. Thanks for being my choreographer during the muse-escort event. Even if you weren’t able to make it to the party, I just love you guys. Sean, thank you for dropping the gift off my place. I knew you wanted to come but since none of PI friends can go, of course you opted not to. I haven’t opened the gift yet [smile] but I’ve read the small note and I like it a lot with our small pictures printed. That was so sweet. I miss our Libis nights with Mark a lot where I just bite both of your ears off from all the babbling I make and making both of you so tired from all the dancing and carrying my stuff. You both take care of me a lot and you are the foundation of who I am right now. Thank you and Mark for being with me all these years despite the time and distance. Grace, thanks for getting me for the shoot and for letting me borrow your gowns or dresses [Aaw… you are the only person I let my pride down and borrow stuff from, my dear Achi] I got your message Achi and I understand. Sean, thanks for picking up Ezra the time I had a crisis and you guys rushed to my house to accompany me.
 

DEFTAC Peeps

Thanks guys for coming. Thanks James for being the first person here. I respect that a lot. Thank you Sir Mark, Zach, Carlo, and Antz for greeting me beforehand. I fancy the yellow-striped top Antz. Absolutely loves it! I’m sorry guys if I wasn’t able to spend time with y’all. Gina, I’ll talk to you soon ok [wink]. Shar, I understand kiddo why you weren’t able to go. Thanks for the sweet message. I wish you could’ve met some of my friends. I miss you and let’s talk soon okidoki? Lots to catch up on. Thanks JM, Jeff and Garrick for coming. Thanks C-dub [Chris] for going to my party right after the other party you had to go to. Kulit ko kagabi sayo no? Haha. DLSU Peeps My crazy college friends. Girl power and femme fatale. Arezu, I know you were supposed to go. We missed your presence. Gina, when you get back, see us asap ok? Belated Happy Birthday girl [my college best bud who considers me the bad apple of the group.. haha] King- What can I say? You are the closest girl friend I have right now. I know I can tell you everything and not be scared of being judged. Even if we have strict standards on how to deal with things, we don’t treat each other with that holier-than-thou attitude. We can be left in the most isolated boring area and still manage to have fun and do some crazy stuff. I Love you soul sis.Teej- Thanks for coming Teej even if I wasn’t able to talk to you at all. See you this Wed ok? Dinner in Makati ok? 

Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/28/Cushees_Birthday_Bash