Mad World

I am grateful that the crude car bomb didn't go off in Times Square last Saturday. Thank you Lord! My brother's family was at Toys R Us when they started the evacuation. 

An oil spill that will hurt the economy and environment down south, school attacks/killings in China, earthquakes left and right, a bankrupt country - Greece, a controversial immigration bill in Arizona, crazy nuclear Ahmadinejad at the UN today, two wars with no end in sight, terror threats left and right -- yada yada yada from the past and present.

Are more things going on or are we just more in tune because of the speed of communication? 

This latest scare in the City? NAKAKAGALIT!!! Man made or not, sometimes this mad world makes me so mad!! I don't particularly like that feeling of helplessness. 

Okay, venting over. 

What Annapolis Seafood Palace Did Not Do

My white 3GS iPhone was stolen at Annapolis Seafood Palace, Annapolis Street in Greenhills last February 13, 2010 during dinner.

Our family gathered at this well known and patronized restaurant to ring in the Chinese New Year. Now, I was taking pictures of each dish they were bringing out for the Panto / Lauriat. I would take the shot and put it in front of me below my plate. By the fifth round, the server offered to change my plate. It was soon after this that I noticed that my iPhone was missing. Before saying anything to my cousins next to me, I checked my bag, the back of my chair, the floor. Nada. I calmly told them and they checked our surroundings with me. We had a good hunch that it was swiped during the plate changeovers, covered by a napkin or a dirty plate. At this point, we called attention to the manager in charge and the head waiter that night to see what they can do about the situation. Their answers were in these lines: “Our waiters are really busy tonight.” My relatives spoke with them again and were ignored while the manager was busy preparing checks and counting money and change. They were also brazen enough to insinuate that we were maybe joking amongst ourselves. Talking to the manager and head waiter was useless. A call to a part owner for assistance unfortunately proved futile. ”Walang magagawa eh, sila ang in charge diyan ngayong gabi.” Maybe shut the doors? Do a quick search? “Nakakahiya sa customers. Maaabala lahat.” It was obvious that their management did not have protocols in place when such incidents occur. No surprises there but it didn't just open and wasn't just some some restaurant so I guess we had our expectations. We were seated at two round tables at the far end of the restaurant, had the aquarium wall next to us and taken cared of by two servers. It was busy but not a high traffic area because we were up against a wall. Too bad there were no CCTVs. It is never right to point fingers so I won’t even go there.

The management of Annapolis Seafood Palace could have handled this a better way. Bah Humbug.

All the talk was pointless and I couldn’t sit there anymore. I left with one of my cousins and just filed a police report. For what use? Probably for nothing. I texted my younger brother right away to notify AT&T and they suspended the line within half an hour. It was ample time to hack into the phone though. We were in close proximity to cellular phone hacking/reselling haven after all. This person had the audacity to make several phone calls and send messages in that short span of time. The phone numbers are listed on the billing statement. I was tempted to play detective but why bother? AT&T will reverse all incurred charges after the fact, no pain there. Now that’s customer service.

Everyone and their mothers made the monetary value of such a phone in the black market known to me early on. I heeded these warnings, watched and guarded my iPhone so closely the whole time I was in Manila. It still got stolen. This I don’t think much of in Jersey or NYC. It’s one of those nuisances I don’t miss. I’d like to buy nice things and be able to use them freely whenever, wherever without having to feel vulnerable or paranoid.

The point of this post is not to bad mouth a business establishment. It’s a word of caution, added awareness if you must.

I can’t just suck it up, stay quiet and think “Di bale na, Hayaan na lang! Wala nang magagawa” It’s a vicious cycle there that I refuse to be part of. These days, we have various platforms, I can write about it.

I was initially cursing under my breath. The thought of having to rebuild my network/contact list made my blood boil. But this soon dissipated. Thanks to social media and technology! Identity theft also crossed my mind but realized that the stealing in this case was most likely a crime of poverty and not of passion. Good luck with your hand in this life or the next dude, I hope you put the ill-gotten gains to good use. I began to see humor in what happened to me 1.5 days before my flight back to NY. It’s just stuff. Easily replaceable. I was taken aback by the quick emotional 180. It must be from the sheer gratitude for all that was given to me and was able to do the past year. You never know, hey it could have been worse for all of us at that restaurant.

Oh the chaos that is Manila, it is truly love / hate. I look forward to my next trip back!!!
I end this by what would be cliché now - Mind your smart phones!!! And oh, don’t forget to sync, sync, sync!!

End of story. Thank you for your time! Maraming Salamat Po! 8)

Three For One

I'm tired. The word tired is tired. I need a new word for tired. Can you see I'm really tired? Yes, I'm obviously tired. Iwasthisclose to having a meltdown today just from being tired. Midterms are here. Assignments that seem like term projects are in process. Final projects have been given out. Tests and quizzes to deal with. Papers to write. I was never a strong writer. Hello, a bachelor's in engineering. It just takes me f-o-r-e-v-e-r to gather my 888 thoughts together and put them in sentences. Sometimes I blog in between writing to reboot the thought process. One thing about studying here, you can hardly BS your way to get a good grade. Professors mean business.

My one fortune cookie from tonight's chinese takeout had three things to say to me. The picture's readable right?

1.) Tell me about it. Ha!

2.) I didn't get a word. I got a conversation. I had a question about our final term project on buying. Before answering, my professor had words for me about the swimwear buy project I submitted yesterday which she had already checked. My reaction to her reaction? I was floored. It was exactly what I needed to hear. I will not forget that 8 minute sprint from her office to the museum at FIT.

3.) Who needs great honor? The job that feels right next year will be more than enough.

Maybe I do know what the bejeezus I'm doing. Today's one of them days when I will choose to SEE signs. Even if it's something as stupid as a fortune cookie.

I will not run on caffeine for the rest of the week.

I will not run on caffeine for the rest of the week.

I will not run on caffeine for the rest of the week.

Okay, back to that informational interview paper.

It Has Hit Home

I feel like I've been on autopilot since I got my admission results end of November. Getting all the school requirements in order prior to registration -- tuition deposits, figuring out /accepting federal school loans and completing immunization and health forms. I was in and out of the doctor's office for two weeks. I had to get booster shots for MMR and Tetanus and get checked for Tuberculosis. The skin test for TB given to me came back positive so I had to get chest x-rays to verify having it or not. I didn't know that the skin test usually came back positive for majority of Asians until the doctor said so. Of course I initially freaked. My parents are like "oh yeah, we all have it". I go to our local hospital to get 'x-rayed' and the health dude with me said "it's an Asian thing, don't worry". A Pinoy colleague was amused at my ignorance. The whole time I'm thinking, great, how come I have never heard of this Asian TB thing before!??!!? Does everyone know but me??? Sorry, I'm Asian I'm automatically a candidate for TB?!??!! Just like that??!?! Anyways, I thought that was weird/funny. The culture things you end up discovering. My chest/lungs x-rays came back clear so I am good to go with all the medical school stuff.

Work was a little hectic too just before we shut down for the Holidays. With the economy slump, we weren't as busy as last year (eating at your desk, OT) but of course there was still prep work to be done for year end inventory in January. I had over a week off which I spent hibernating/obsessing on FIT. I only went out of the house to hear mass and hang out with my soon to leave Korean friend. As soon as we went back to work on the 2nd, it was manic again and this time, I had to tell my boss my school plans and that I wasn't going to stay on full time at Zegna. The day after, I get into that mini car mishap which I just brushed off as I wasn't hurt and had more important things going on.

My boss didn't want my resignation letter and wanted to work with whatever class schedule I would have. Maybe part time a few hours or days out of the week. This is why I tried to register for the best possible schedule. Hey, don't say no to money right? If I can have familiar work and study at the same time, why not. But this just didn't pan out. She disclosed in confidence to me that they are going to start laying people off in other departments. Our department is safe, in turn, with me leaving, I am saving one job as they're to transfer someone into ours. Since I had nothing else to lose, I just shot for the moon and asked my boss if she can just lay me off too or if I can volunteer to be let go. This way I'd get unemployment pay/benefits. But due to technicalities, this was not to be either. I think when there's a lay off due to hardship, the position should not be replaced. It doesn't hurt to ask. Anyways, I have agreed to stay on and train twice a week until the transfer's able to work independently. This starts next week. I'll be out of work by early February by my estimates.

This morning, I wake up to a text message from my good girl friend saying that she has just been laid off from Ralph Lauren which she joined six months ago. She had mentioned the possibility to me a few weeks back so it wasn't that much of a shocker. Of course there 's no way of truly preparing for it. She is handling it so well. Her news triggered a flurry of questions. I kind of freaked though with what the F I was doing. Everyone around me is fighting to keep their jobs and I'm doing the complete 180. My decision has long been made and I'm as prepared as I can be. But with the way the economy is, doom and gloom all around and then you actually know someone close, a single mother at that getting the ax. It is inevitable that you get affected and examine your work/life decisions.

I went to an early yoga session this morning. I've gotten better at quieting mental chatter after two months. As the class was winding down and we started meditating. The yogis do individual stuff to you, press your shoulders down, pray over you, help you stretch or do these swishy things in the air with their hands over your body etc. My favorite yogi noticed something was off when he came by my mat and just said, It's okay, just let it all go... With those words, I just fell apart. Flood gates opened. All the "stuff" finally caught up to me. School preparations, manic work, leaving work, the car accident, an effortless connection/friendship with a person leaving, a girl friend getting laid off, not having your best friend with you, the industry you work for currently not looking so bright and shiny, yada yada yada. As the class ended, the yogi gave me a hug without knowing any details and sent me off.

I am not sad at all. I feel that the stars have aligned the way they should. No complaints whatsoever. I am thrilled out of my winter boots to learn and immerse myself in the field that makes my heart beat fast. But when you're in a whirl and you step back (in my case at yoga) and see it in the clear. It just hits home. Frenzied emotions I've been absorbing nonchalantly. I do not have an iron heart. I've just been well, busy. American living maybe? You have to actively catch yourself.

Whoa! Wrapping this up now. Long babbling post. I am glad that I got that out of the way. It's good to reset. I have orientation next week!!!!

Like In The Movies

I am naming this post "Like In The Movies" because that's how I felt when I got into a minor car accident after work yesterday.

I was on my way to the bank from the yoga studio where I had just signed up for 50 more classes. Music blaring, me singing then BAM!!! Next thing I know, I have my head on the steering wheel and found myself fumbling for my cell phone. I was dialing 911 but didn't even get to talk to anyone because literally two minutes later a cop knocks on my window, I see a fire truck behind me and an ambulance zip by. The cop asks how I was to which I respond: "How does my car look like?!?!?!! I was just calling 911, you guys are quick!" I guess I was in shock and wasn't thinking straight. He laughed and said "your little car's fine but now let's have you looked at first." So the paramedic started shining a flashlight towards my eyeballs and gave me the okay but still asked if I wanted to get taken to the hospital to which I said hell no! I signed release papers and they were off. At this point, I called my parents. My dad showed up a few minutes later. The cop stuck around to file the report. When he saw me and my dad assessing the damage, he used his loudspeaker (he was in his cop car) and jokingly said as if he was god: "I know a good place where you can get a good deal on the repair!"

The car that hit me from behind was a Thunderbird (so matigas ang kaha) driven by an older woman who said her foot just slipped. The car I hit was some Subaru with two people. Thank goodness nobody got hurt. I'm just sore from the lower back up to my neck. Other than that, I should be A-OK!

Oh diba? Parang palabas with the pulis and everything????! Surreal kasi nakikita mo lang to sa TV sa Pinas. I should have taken pictures!!!! Joke lang po. Now, I just need to pick up the police report on Friday and figure out the whole insurance coverage shebang. I'm dreading having to pay for anything. Wala naman akong kasalanan.

May this be my first and ONLY car accident. I was a little spooked driving this morning but all's well that end's well! CHEERS!!! Drive safe everyone!!!!

Running Like Forest

I woke up this morning all hyper from 'running'. In my dream at least.

I just started running and running and kept going!!! The scenes I ran in were a mish mash of my HS, DLSU and post DLSU days. Roads I took, hallways I walked, restos I ate at, malls I frequented. Get the picture? Ended up running in the City and then kabam, I'm awake. I saw sooo many people I knew too, to whom I just gave smiles to or waved at.

Ang kulit. Sign kaya to na I should take running as a form of exercise? kkkkkk!!!

Sana I'm running towards something positive!!!

Naku. Ang kulit ulit! YAY for kakulitan!! kkkk!!!

After Beijing

After being glued to the tube for two weeks watching the Olympics (my oh my what a spectacular! spectacular! opening/closing show ), my prime time's now about the following:

1.) reading the last of the Twilight Series


2. "Marathoning" Will & Grace


3.) Anticipating GG!!


4.) Watching the US Open. RAFA RAFA RAFA!!!

How are you coping after Beijing??

Letting One Out

OFF WITH THEIR HEADS!!!! OFF WITH THEIR HEADS!!!!

Why Oh Why?!

Sometimes I wonder why I even bother/care.

This is why - Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly.

Thanks for the hot chocolate.

FFF!!!!

Finally Freedom Friday!!!!! LOL

Data Transfer Balat

I want to yell yell yell!!! I lost all my files stored my cell phone again today!!! I want to pull my hair out. It's a good thing that I backed up most of it so I just lost the most recent ones. What is wrong with the data cable??!?!?! AAAAAHHHAHAHAAA... Old school pa kasi ako eh, my laptop is two years old and I don't have built in bluetooth. I'm going to squander my brother's bluetooth thingy nga.

What kills me is one of the files was of my niece snoring loudly in her sleep today!!! lol.

Hi Pope!

Here's to you!!! :) Totoo bang Prada ang papal shoes mo? Good choice! Daig mo kami ni Dorothy.

Reverse Aging

Last week, a conversation at work touched upon age. I was asked how old I was again and I said "oh I'm 25." A coworker said, "but wait, aren't you a year younger than me?" and I said "yeah I am" to which she responded "but i just turned 28 that means you're turning 27, how can you be 25?!?" I had to re-think what I just said and do the math then we started laughing. Yep. I am 26 and this is the first time EVER that I forgot how old I was. Majority of the time, people think I'm waaay younger here in the US anyway so I don't feel the need to hide my real age. Thanks to being petite and Asian. This threw me off though. Why am I forgetting my age all of a sudden?!

Esep esep. When you're younger you have thoughts of what life ought to be at this/that age. Maybe, finish school at 22/23, get a career-driven job at 24/25, settle down at 26/27, have children at 28/29 and so on and so forth. But when you actually start "living" your life and find it different from these preconceived notions then the concept of numbers is just but lost.

***I'm taking my time but I'm actually looking forward to my 30s. I say this to my coworkers and I think only one of them agrees with me. The rest just think I'm looney for looking forward to aging. But in the mean time, Yes I AM 26. woohoo!!!!! i lav et!

***(baka when I reach 30 ayaw ko na. haha!)

Exercising My Right

I voted today. I don't know why I never did back in Manila. Pwede naman sa US Embassy as an absentee voter. First timer. Haha :)
So who's going to emerge super after Super Tuesday!?!?!

My Vote

I'm not quite sure if I'm a democrat or a republican. Does it even matter? I haven't been living in the US long enough to know. I'm sure they all mean well. I'm picking my candidate based on who "speaks to me" and who might be able to address "my needs". I've watched countless debates for both parties on all the different networks. The youtube ones, the newspaper ones and just recently the Obama vs. Clinton one on cnn with the LA Times. It was a good debate. They actually had time to discuss and not just take aim at each other. Talk's all about a democrat winning the presidency regardless of who runs for the republicans. History in the making. First woman president or first African-American president? The republican candidates just seem so blah.
I'm reading up more on all of them. It really does matter now as I'm here. We'll see come Super Tuesday.
For now, my eyes are on Superbowl Sunday. I'm strill trying to understand how football works.

Hoy 1 Week Ka Na Lang Ah

My shoti had just gotten out of the shower. He poked his head into my room and said "Hoy!! One week ka na lang ah." Just dawned on me that I have to friggin start packing. I'm unbelievably swamped at work. Just haven't been aware of the time. Feeling ko Friday na dahil Sunday nasa trabaho ako. I might have to come in this weekend too. AYAW. p-a-g-o-d na ako! I'm so harassed!!!
The annual Christmas party in the City tomorrow night should be interesting. We all deserve hard drinks on Zegna. tsk tsk

On Real Love

"if someone's love or existence would allow you to let something that would normally turn you off keep u in a cloud, you are in the fantasy of the relationship and not reality
that is a good thing. you are reacting realistically but it doesn't change your feelings. it doesn't work that way "
- something from Frasier per my coworker
We were having one of our discussions.

Oops I Did It Again

I always, always forget to bring a towel in to the bathroom when I take a shower.
me screaming: "erik!!!??!?!?! mommy??? daddy???!!!" (kung sino man nasa bahay) "kuha mo ako towel!!!!!!!"'
then I hear a "ANO BA YAN?!?!!!" and a katok
voila, towel's there. no wonder I forget.
tsk tsk tsk

No Sense To Me

Okay, so they're giving out illegal immigrants licenses in California. Medyo tumaas ang manipis kong kilay. When I just moved here, I had a hard time getting a driver's license. You see, you have to qualify for certain points here in NJ to get one implemented after 9/11. I had my US passport, my SSN and it still wasn't enough. I needed mail addressed to me sent by a bank, government or by a certain type of qualifying institution. Since kakarating ko lang, wala pa akong mail from anywhere. We tried opening a bank account so that I can get statements. They gave me a hard time because they were asking for a driver's license. The Dept of Motor Vehicles didn't want to give me a license because I didn't have valid mail. Ilang balik kami sa iba ibang bangko at sa DMV just to straighten it out and get everything together. ALL DONE LEGALLY and how it should be done. Bakit sila hindi?

Oh diba, catch 22. Dito na ako ipinanganak at lahat lahat sa lagay na yan. As a natural born American Citizen, I had every right and dinaan namin sa butas ng karayom. I don't blame them after 9/11 but come on, so they don't believe in their own passports and SSNs validity? Tapos namimigay sila ng identification sa mga illegals just like that? I just don't get it at all. Something's a bit wrong with the system.

Question Answered

I dreamt of a person I haven't seen in I don't know 14 years just after I got back from my birthday trip to Toronto. I even told a person or two about it as it really was out of the blue. I had no idea what happened or where this person ended up. As in NO IDEA. Question answered the other night online. I almost fell out of my chair. I thought that was amazing if not a little freaky. I sent out a mental question out to the world and I got the answer unexpectedly without any effort. Yun lang. Natuwa lang akong kaunti.