Bedrooms with White Shelves

In an attempt to move on (though this is a way too early announcement), I will be moving to a new space... like 5 steps from my old space and into a new one (read: new room). Our house needs repairs (really!) and after much discussion about our house dream renovation, I get to move to my parents old room!

This time, I get to decide as an adult on what I want my room to look like and to keep myself inspired and focused on this dream project, here are my room pegs:

(Photos are not mine but pinned and re-pinned from Pinterest)

I've always been in love with white shelves and queen size beds, so hello Universe! #youknowthedrill

If I were a boy...then I wouldn't be writing this post.

Not to be such a total girl about it, but last night, for the love of me, I experienced my first ever car flat tire.

Two years ago,after attending my birthday party, my good friend Rolls experienced a tire mishap while driving at South Expressway and my guy friends came to rescue and got home at around 3 in the morning. They showed me pictures of Rolls’ flat tire and it sure looked scary but she was able to change tires and go home safe after getting it fixed. She was driving alone and it’s a good thing our guy friends were there to help.

That’s one of the reasons I am not much into getting my own car. I more interested in getting my own townhouse/condo/house and lot because I am very big on getting my own space and have no qualms about commute . Plus I don’t really know if I am really ready for such responsibility because: 1) I surely can’t change tires, 2) my attention span in all the car-mechanical-talk is just about 5 minutes 3) I enjoy being the passenger after learning how to drive when I was seventeen.

It’s a good thing I noticed the strange sound coming from my side because I could’ve gone out of the University campus easily, but God doesn’t put helpless naive people like me in places where I could not be helped. I parked the car right infront of my office building at half past ten in the evening and while waiting to be rescued, my mom called for help and within 5 minutes, the nice people from the University Police Force and UPLB’s Community Support Brigade (CSB) immediately came over to help.

Last night it slowly dawned on me that my father’s gone because if he were still alive, he’d know what to do with the tires. It’s a good thing he kept all his complete tools inside the car, I just need to organize it. But when we were “rescued” last night, I was told that “since we’re all girls, I might as well get the dragon-something-something-to-lift-the-car-up”, so that I won’t have to get down on all fours. ( I did get on my all fours trying to help the guys out, only to be told that I lifted the car a little too high than what is required so I had no choice than be one of those girls who sits on the side walk, waiting for the fixing to be done.)

Flat Tire

Ransacked the caru to find the tools

So my next peg is to channel the Mechanic Megan Fox in Transformers into easily checking the car like it’s some sort of make-up kit.

Photo from Google

But damn, I wish if I get a tire mishap again, I was hoping to look this good:

The Demure (Source)

The Posh (Source)

The HOTTIE (Source)

Someone told me before that when he was a teenager and he asked his dad to teach him to how to drive, he was told and taught how to clean the car first, then change tires and finally the atras-abante (forward-backward) then proper driving lesson/training/self-discovery. You see, my father did not want to teach my sister Aprille and me how to drive, it was my mom who secretly enrolled me and my sister to a driving school (actually it was Aprille who went to a proper Driving school, I was taught by a freelance driver-trainer) so that we know how to drive before we turn 18.

If it wasn’t for my sneaky mom who made sure that we’d learn how to drive, then I wouldn’t have the chance to rush my dad to the hospital. I know some people would ask how can I drive without knowing the basics such as changing tires, but believe me, I wanted my father to teach me but we just couldn’t last a 15-minute driving/safety session without getting into some petty father-daughter argument.

Oh dear Good Lord, please do not let me entertain the thought of marrying someone, getting in a relationship with a guy just so I have someone to change my car’s tires. 

I told you if I were a boy, I definitely would not be writing this post.

Why the controversial (EO) Executive Optical's "Don't be a loser" billboard got the flak

After the much tweeted/blogged about controversial BAYO What's your Mix campaign, here comes another controversial ad campaign. I just saw their latest billboard last Tuesday, as me, my sister and cousin were walking the streets of Alabang.

Executive Optical is actually my go to optical shop for the following important reasons:

• They give the best rates on ordinary lenses (read: affordable). Some charge Php 450,  Php 350, but EO charges Php 250 for the ordinary lens (not the multi-coated ones). I don't use the multi-coated lens anymore because I use contacts almost all the time.
• They have a wide variety of (safe) colored contact lenses. 
• They have my favorite and good saline solution for my contacts (Brand Manufacturer: Sauflon, but my alternative, affordable Plan B is Lens Care) 
• They frequently have discounts and SALE (on contact lenses and eye glasses frames)!

I've always been pretty amused by their campaign about getting our eyes checked and it just so happen that I was also on my way to the nearest EO to get my new contact lens. Last Tuesday, I was able to notice their newest billboard.

Photo Source

Ok I admit. Unlike the netizens who got mad at this campaign for being racist, my thoughts were a little (tee-hee) different.

My thoughts were:

• This happens in real-life, good looking girls prefer "different guys" or exotic as my bff would say. ( Enter Andrew E. rapping to humanap ka ng panget song).
• I did not even notice the cauliflower vs real flowers hidden meaning. (The ad means the other guy gave cauliflower and not real ones due to poor eye sight, so he lost to the one with "glasses").

I've always been in love with Advertising and it's one of my favorite subjects back in college. But this billboard, technically speaking, gives a different meaning because though it's not really about the color of the skin, but the positioning of certain subjects in the poster. 

Billboards, like posters, are meant to give instant messages in a few seconds because they are made to be "passed by". People do not have the time to stop, think and analyze what is the real meaning of the ad. Since majority of individuals, especially now, are more visual and color-associated, it's no wonder that they took notice of the difference of the color of the skin, rather than the message about not-getting-the-real-flowers-due-to-poor-eyesight. 

And because of the influence of media, globalization and exposure to western culture and skin whitening products, the subject of color/race/mix will always be sensitive to us. 

Just my two cents.

Review: Why I will NOT buy Maybelline's Clear Smooth All in One Shine Free Cake Powder again

I will NOT be buying Maybelline Clear Smooth All in One Shine Free Cake Powder anymore.

Source

The first time I was attracted how it's pink and affordable (Php 249.00). But the first day I used it the cake powder cracked. Maybe I just got the crappy one so I just mashed it and poured the powder into my empty can of Maybelline's Clear smooth mineral foundation.

Source

I bought the refill, few months later, giving the product model (not the brand, because I've always loved Maybelline because it suits my skin well) a chance to redeem itself. It works well if you use it on it's refill case, but when I transferred it to the main compact,for the second time around, this is what it looked like:

Then my sister showed me this and I wish I had known this sooner:

Photo from Beautydepartment.com

But then, I don't want to go through the hassle of repairing it every time it breaks. So now I'm on a quest to find a reasonably priced foundation. Make up junkies say that we ladies shouldn't crimp on foundation, but I'm really loving Maybelline's Clear Smooth Mineral Loose powder foundation. I just wish it didn't cost that much. (Php599.00).

Silly things you see at the Supermarket

Two Sundays ago, my sister and I were at the supermarket when we saw one of the strangest thing at the beauty section:

At first, I thought it was a toupee, but my sister knew better. It came with a headband so...

Tadaaaa! 

Instant side swept bangs! 

Would you buy this portable bangs to join the "side-swept-bangs bandwagon" ?

Dear Tatay (Dad), I realized I've never written you a letter

If I could get another chance, Another walk, Another dance with him

I'd play a song that would never ever end, How I'd love love love, To dance with my father again

I just realized that I've never really written you a letter. Except the "take care" notes that I've posted all over our house's back door and at the back of you bedroom. I swear I'm writing this letter the night before you died, I thought of reading it out loud when it's my turn to look after you. But then, you were never the confrontational/open forum type. Maybe that's why you left before I even had the chance to read my letter to you.

Father's day is coming up on Sunday and I browsed my planner last year. We didn't do anything special on your day. I think you and Mom are at grandma's. I was out having coffee with Jihan. Who would've thought that we'd never have a Father's day physically together again?

You know, when you were on your deathbed, even when you were still alive, it took me one whole month before I could enter the master's bedroom. I can't seem to get the picture of you throwing up in the toilet bowl out of my head the last time you were at home. I didn't know it was that serious but I am thankful that I was given a chance to drive for you one last time.

You see, I know and I am completely aware that I am not a Daddy's girl. God knows I wanted to be one and how I long for an older brother. Maybe that's the reason that I have solid male friends that I easily get along with. It was like a frustration. But I think we were like Bella from Twilight and you're Charlie. You don't hover. We co-exist peacefully when we're alone in Jubileeville and we share that comfortable silence. We don't talk to each other that much. But now, you're gone, I hate to admit that I do get your point now.

Remember when I was in first grade? You saw me reading the local "Funny" comics. You hated that I read comic books so you threw it all away. If you have not done that, I wouldn't have grown interest to indulge myself in books, eventually became a writer which turned out to be my passion.

Remember when I first got my camera? I was clicking here and there emptying out films. Mom scolded me how it costs money to have it developed. So when I had my last film developed, I didn't have money to pay for it. It was on standby at the photo studio shop for the longest time, then I found out you paid for my developed photos and took it home. Remember when I was smiling so hard in front of the camera that you ordered me to relax my muscles so I can have a natural smile? That's how I learned how to get my trademark smile.

I did not understand why you have to buy 4 life vests the first time. It turned out that you wanted us to have our own life vests when we first went to Puerto Galera.

I don't understand why you seem to be paranoid all the time about locking doors, electricity, security and safety. It turned out that it was for my own good because I've lived alone in Manila for 10 years and I never got mugged face-to-face. If I lost something like a wallet or a phone, it was something out of my area of responsibility and not a product of my own carelessness. If you hadn't trained us to be boy-scout alert like that, then we wouldn't be this "aware".

Remember when you were demonstrating safety precautions when going home alone at our house. You demonstrated how to take the keys and put it to safety, you demonstrated how not to get out of the car first. I was seated at the back seat and I keep rolling my eyes, now I am ransacking my brain out trying to remember. I wish I had listened more.

Remember when I first brought home a guy I was dating back in college? You did not like him but you couldn't tell it to me. Mom had to translate your disapproval for me. You were right, Dad. He was such an ass. I don't know how you can tell from a far that he is a jerk, it took me a few more months to finally figure it out. The next one that I brought home, you seem to feel okay with him. Maybe because you know I can swallow him up in one big gulp. But then, after we broke up, I never brought any guy home again, until I am dead serious about him.

Remember when we were talking about my Makati Senior Citizens Trip for my Graduate School Class? I asked for your opinion and have written my final paper taking off from your point of view. I got a really good grade in that class Tatay. Remember I showed you that white little slip with my grades when you were in ICU? I am now working on my thesis and will graduate like what I promised you, because I want to make you and Inay proud.

I'm in touch with my reality that you're gone, but sometimes it just feels like you only moved abroad. Maybe that's our coping mechanism, and maybe because even when you're gone, I can still feel you around. Sometimes, I even forget that you're gone. When I see the car in the drive way, I sometimes forget that it was me who drove the car and parked it that way.

I miss having drifted off to sleep with the lights on in my room, because I know at 530 in the morning, you open the door of my room and turn off the lights. You were saying that your electricity bill went up since I moved back home, because I fall asleep with the TV on, and sometimes while reading a book. But Tatay, I wake up a lot early now, with no qualms. I'm the one who's feeding the dogs now and they know your magic stick. One point from that wand they already know that they have to behave.

I hope you don't mind Tatay, but I've taken over the bathroom. This morning I saw the several bottles of your anti-hypertensive medicines that I've seen for years. Lately, I'm scared that I might be needing one soon. I've developed this insane paranoia, maybe it's psychosomatic, maybe it's trauma. The only thing that relaxes me is by praying.

I never had the chance to say I'm sorry. I wanted to, during the last week, but the doctor said that there's a huge chance that your hearing has already been impaired. So during lunch break, I frequented buying candles to light up a candle for you at St. Therese, sometimes in San Antonio church. I cannot really verbalize what I want and what I am praying for but God knows the desires of my heart.

We were never the vocal type of saying our "I love you's" but I'm glad I was able to say mine when you were still conscious. I hope, even I didn't get the chance to read this letter to you, you would know how we feel. You know, Inay (Mom) still hasn't returned from work yet. She never left your side since Day one, from the moment you were admitted in the emergency room, from the time that your oxygen went down in the ICU, when you were transferred to Manila, then back to Infirmary, at home, at the chapel and finally at the memorial park, she never left your side.

Ten years ago

...

I know she misses you and your driving because she can no longer fall asleep whether seated at the passenger or backseat when I'm driving. It was like she's hanging on to dear life when I drive because I know it's only you that she trust when travelling. You were never the kind who likes to use the car's horn so I somehow adopted the practice. The car has a few scratches from my driving now, Tatay, but I hope you won't get mad. Inay and I often get into petty arguments about my driving because she's being a backseat driver when she doesn't know how to drive. I know she misses seeing you behind the steering wheel, so I promise I will be more patient with her because I remember how you get mad at me when you see me arguing with her that she'd end up calming both of us down.

Thank you so much Tatay, for the lessons. Until now, I am still learning from you. Thank you for still being around. I know you're watching over us. I know it must have been really scary for you to go through that medical condition. I hope you don't mind that I have taken pictures since day one, because I want to look back at this experience. I remember when you were in a coma, when I feel so down like I wanted to just fall right into depression, I am reminded that if you, who is on a GCS coma state of 3, the lowest coma scale meter, is still breathing and fighting for your life, then why  can't I, who can walk around normally and breathe on my own. You've always been a fighter, that's why you were already a miracle on your own. Most people who went through your condition only lasted for less than 24 hours, the most is a week, but you were able to pull through for 2 months and a few days. You left when you felt that we have already adjusted and can make it on our own. You left before school starts so that your friends can still see and visit you and so that I can move on with my studies because I got thrown off my study mode the day you got sick.

We love you Tatay. Thank you for putting up a good fight. I know you did it for us.

P.S.
Speaking of steering wheel, I hope you don't mind that our car's becoming girlier and girlier because I bought a steering wheel cover but with tweety bird design in exchange for the malfunctioning triple A batteries for your oxymeter. Aprille and I were going after the hot pink steering wheel design but we couldn't find one at HandyMan store. 

Quick Review: Little nook called Kaska Deli

One thing about first day of school week in UPLB is the the opening of several shops within the UP gate vicinity. There were at least 4 shops that opened from first week of June 2012 alone.

While looking for a quick bite for catch up, we saw a tarpaulin sign of a newly opened shop located on the 2nd floor of Vega Center:

 Table numbers were "standing" on a bread:

Because we were not feeling so adventurous, we ordered the safest ones:

The raspberry and lemon tea (php25)

 The Kaska Plain burger (Php100+)  I think. Fries came with burger. The burger and ingredients seems fresh. :)

Sour cream flavored fries (Php95)

 Quick Review:

• Owner says wifi is still in the process of being installed.
• Reasonably priced.
• Lacking in tissue on every table (you have to ask for it, but hey they just opened last June 8, only 6 days old when we went there.)
• Taste: 2.5 out of 5 (considering I have a very plain, basic, simple taste palette)
• They serve pasta and rice meals.
• Food Presentation: Ordinary

My family are huge fans of pesto, but I was not able to try their pesto-based dish. But it smells good. Maybe I'll try it some other time.

In lieu of a father and a brother, I have 8 [boy]friends instead

I honestly do not know how someone who likes make up, girly things, who "becky-speak" can be called one of the boys and literally be treated like one.

The night after my dad was buried, I was dropping off my nephew at his house, car on hazard lights, when 10 minutes later, this tricycle driver coming from nowhere at nine o'clock at night, drunk, went on full stop, almost smashing himself behind the lamp post at the back of the car, near where I was tentatively parked. He then challenged me to get out and made a huge scene about the positioning of my parking. My sister, got out of the car and to settle whatever misunderstanding since no one died, no one crashed, this drunk, ass-of-a-man was just scared out of his skull that he thought he was almost killed.

He actually asked my sister if it was her husband who's driving. Her husband?! He had been screaming his guts at me for a good whole 5 minutes at my window ( I did not get out of the car)  and did not know even recognize that all along, he's been shouting at a FEMALE. When he learned that I am a female driver, he mellowed down and everything was settled. I thought it was such a complete waste of energy. I just said my scripted sorry because 1) Don't bother because he was obviously drunk, 2) Anger is a useless emotion 3) Never argue with an idiot because he will surely drag me down and beat me with experience.

I still drove all the way home, semi-shaken, because I'm thinking how it would be like had it been my father who's driving. My father's been driving for 35 years with professional driver's license, and his license was never ever confiscated. I don't know how he settled whatever mishap he went through whenever we're in Manila, because I've always been aware that I got my temper from him.

Now, out of necessity, I really have to clean up my act when driving. My dad's not around to drive for me anymore and I do not have a brother to ask if he can play chauffeur for me. It would've been easy if I'm driving an automatic car, but no, my Dad prefers stick shift, so I always have to be attentive to the car's engine.

Today, my friend from grad school BBM'd me out of nowhere:

BBM screencap with permission

 I just remembered you, I'm thinking, you still have a "guy" in your life in the presence of your guy friends even though your dad is no longer here.

 

 My 8 [boy] friends Rogus, Ellis, Jim, Yay, Poch, Jan, Dodi and Marco (photo shown at the photo booth print out)

I've been friends with these guys since high school, and they were my welcome bandwagon when I went home two years ago. They were with me the first time I shed a tear from my broken heart, when I just want someone to hang out with, when I didn't have any female friends yet in graduate school, they went medicine hunting with me on a good Friday night when my Dad needs medicine that can't be bought at  the country's main drugstore, and they were full support from the moment my Dad was first transferred to the resurrection chapel and finally to his grave at the memorial park where he was finally laid to rest.

I don't know how I have learned to decode their inside-male-only jokes that I paid for the price of being one of the boys that they pick on me like a little sister. I don't mind, I don't have a brother, so these silly bickering and banters were actually the highlight of my days.

 

Photoboth experience with these guys always seem like a death defying experience. It was so much fun and undeniably noisy that people near the booth at the parties where we went to, stop by and watch us make fun of each other in front of the camera. 

Then we all get out of the booth, laughing and all sweaty.

When we get visitors at the hospital, my mom would introduce my guy friends to her guests as her "sons" a.k.a. Kristine's friends. So in lieu of a father and a brother, I am thankful and blessed that I have 8 wonderful [boy] friends, who, as per Rogus' exact words: "We go as a Team!"