Marc Aldrich Gopal. 22. Novena, Singapore. Filipino. Proctoid. Wanderlust-y. Leo. Atenean. O-C. Sleepyhead. Anti-mediocrity.
Potterite. Pet Fanatic. Acquired Taste. Lives life. Loves life.
You think you know but you have no idea.
Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma- living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of other's opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become.
Everything else is secondary.
Yep, its definitely been a while since my last entry. And boy, a lot, and I mean, a lot of things have happened since then. Well, I have yet to buy my own (personal) digital camera, so I hope my descriptions would be enough to paint at least a mental picture. haha Anyway, off to the major highlights of the week that was!
Alumni again? Well, coming from the Ateneo de Manila High School, I was already an alumni before even stepping into the Loyola Schools. The event I am referring to, is of course the Alumni induction thingy that the Ateneo Alumni Association organized. But then again, there are some events that aren't really about the event itself, but more of the people I was going to meet. Scrap that. It was more of the food, actually. haha Anyway, I was texting some Regcom friends, if they were coming to the event. Some of whom replied that they didn't have anything better to do, so they were planning to come. Well, me? I was bored as hell and I had my handy CRV ready to go. Anyway, the event was supposed to start at around 6:30, but I arrived at around 7:15 - hooray for Filipino time! haha Anyway, it turns out that my timing was just about perfect because in just a matter of minutes, the presentations ended and the emcees signaled the opening of the buffet line. haha Di bale nang mahuli sa iba, wag lang sa mesa. haha
At the end of the day, I was stuffed (that's what you get when you line up twice. But I think most did line up twice simply because the plates were too damn small. haha) I was too shy (shy daw o!) to participate in the contests. But at the end of the day, I ended up getting this mug courtesy of Red Ribbon Antipolo Branch (naks, parang sponsor haha) and this management book that I have no intention of reading but is hard bound so it will definitely be placed in my book shelf. (^_^)
Meet the Parents Well, my parents usually go to the Philippines every time me or my sister graduates (as opposed to us going to Malaysia.) And this time around, my parents decided to fly using AirAsia (haha, cost cutting na talaga ito! Indeed, now, everyone can fly. haha) AirAsia's planes land in the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport in Clark. We didn't want to be late, so we left the house at around 7 am - take note that their arrival was scheduled at around 12. So anyway, we took the NLEX (if I'm not mistaken) and it was honestly the first time that I rode Lorelai in speeds above 100 mph or kmph (i'm not sure haha). Anyway, we arrived in Clark at around 9 i think, and to be honest, it was like a ghost town. And then we went around to look for a place to eat. There weren't really a lot of places to eat, so when we saw the nearest McDonald's, McDonald's it was!
My sister ended up ordering pancakes. But halfway through her first pancake, she noticed this gigantic mosquito squished in the second pancake. Obviously, that was gross. I brought it back to the counter, and they gave us a new batch of pancakes. oh my. And I thought McDonald's had standards, or at least consistency when it came to hygiene. tsk tsk Thinking back, if I'd gone all ballistic, I think, they'd have given me more. haha We thought we had time to spare, so we visited SM Clark. My overall impression, it's just like any other SM. haha Honestly, it felt like I was in SM North. And I guess, that's something good about SMs, at least, they're consistent. haha Anyway, for some weird reason, we ended up 10 minutes late in fetching my parents. haha Isn't it all ironic? I mean, we woke up early to arrive in Clark hours before the plane's arrival, and ended up late anyway. tsk tsk. haha
Team GTG The day before my parents were scheduled to arrive, a representative from the John Gokongwei School of Management called me to formally invite me for this Testimonial Dinner held for honor students of the JGSOM plus those select individuals that brought honor to the school through competitions and awards. To be honest, this was something new to me. Well, not the honor student part, but the competitions and awards part. What award did I win, you may ask?
Well, firstly, it wasn't an award that I won personally, but an award that we won as a group. You see, we joined the Loreal E-strat Business Game (together with most senior Management Majors) primarily because of the grade incentive for one particular subject. I teamed up with two guys from Management Engineering - Lance, my co-intern in Unilever, and Jedrick. Honestly, we never really expected anything to come out of this particular team-up (woshoo... haha). I mean, we worked for it, but there were so many teams competing, and relatively, we weren't really a power-house team. But anyway, we did our best, and eventually, we placed second in the Philippines and if I'm not mistaken, seventh in the world. In all fairness, its not exactly a bad place to be in. Anyway, the E-strat Business game was in one way, a numerical overload. I mean, it dealt with so much factors - essentially placing the team in the position of CEO of a virtual cosmetic company - Prima, in a virtual first-world country. Well, I'm not really great with numbers, (though I did try my best!)so what I'm really proud of was the business plan. And what made me even happier was that 25% of the grading for the business plan was for the layout! haha Needless to say, it was my time to shine. haha Anyway, posted below is the frontcover of our Business Plan for Prima - with the tagline, Bringing out the Beauty in You.
Yes, I know its quite simplistic, but I think, the dramatic pose of the girl says it all. (and it kinda reminds me of a pose of a certain FMS kabarkada of mine in his web portfolio *ahem* haha) And I did have to restrain myself from going all ballistic with brushes and overlays because eventually, that would look tacky. haha Anyway, this was the first time I actually was able to meet the Dean of the School of Management, And he was even happy to say that this wasn't the last time that we were going to be honored for this "achievement" because he said that there was going to be an awarding on the side of Loreal Philippines. O di ba!? Twice the honor, but more importantly, twice the food! haha Plus, there's supposedly a prize for the winners. Hopefully, its a trip to Boracay (just as Jedrick said) *fingers crossed* Anyway, I'll take about this more once the awarding for the Loreal Philippines' side is over. haha
Trip - Revisited Well, I've finally passed all the interviews for Trip's company, and I actually had to come back 3 times for interviews and one last time for the job offer. Well, it was all in all, a very tiring experience. But there was something missing from all those visits to this company's headquarters in Makati. What you may ask? Well, its not what, but who... Trip. Trip was not there in all 4 visits of mine to the company. Not that I was specifically looking (i'm not that much of a stalker haha), but Trip just wasn't there. Where did trip go!? *sigh* so this is what it feels like when you finally find inspiration, and then you lose it. *sigh* haha
Baccalaureate Mass Just like it has always been done in the past, the Ateneo organized its Baccalaureate Mass in the morning - to be directly followed by the graduation practice. Well, I honestly did not want to go to the mass - primarily because Lorelai's coding day is Friday (so if ever I wanted to go, I had to wake up at around 6). God, I hate color coding. tsk tsk But anyway, I still had to go to the practice afterwards. So in a spur-of-the-moment kind of way, I decided to go to the Mass also. I sat beside Dang and her mom during the ceremony. Thanks for adopting the poor orphaned Aldrich that morning. haha However, I noticed that a lot of graduates didn't bring their parents along as well. Anyway, it was the first time I was able to hear a homily from the Very Reverend (yes, its not only reverend, but very reverend) Daniel Patrick L. Huang, the provincial governor (if I'm not mistaken with his title) of the Society of Jesus here in the Philippines. It was the usual all-out Ateneo Mass - complete with incense and flower-ridden backdrops. But having had my share of Ateneo Masses, I think they did do some cost-cutting. tsk tsk
Graduation - This is IT! There comes a moment in everyone's life where you realize that one chapter of your life has finally come to a close. And nothing else screams chapter-ender than one's College Graduation. To be honest, it was all just a blur - filled with camera flashes, hugs and trading of grad pictures. It is indeed funny how fast time flies. Well, I did graduate Cum Laude (with honors) in a course that I am very proud of. There was also that moment when you had to take a bow center-stage, and I think, that was the most overwhelming moment of all. I don't think I paid attention to anything or anyone at that moment. All I was thinking off were all the things that I did for the past four years rushing through my mind - business plans, quizzes, orals, 3 hour long tests, oral defense, recitations, practical exams etc. that has led me to that point - yes a graduate, a cum laude graduate.
Needless to say, my parents were there. And they took the medal from the usherette and put it on me. Honestly, I think this was also an overwhelming moment for them - a milestone for them, just as it is for me. I am, after all, their first graduate. The events afterwards, were all so emotionally-filled. haha It still amazes me why singing the school song feels different during graduations. haha *sigh* and indeed, my college life is over. And now, I am officially Unemployed. haha
Anyway, I took lots of pictures during the graduation - which I will be uploading soon, in my Multiply. haha But before that, I still have to make a multiply account soon. That's it for now. Hope everyone's having a grand time despite the heat. Indeed, summer has begun! Ciao!
Reading: nothing! haha Hearing: Soft purring of the Aircon. Feelin' thankful.
Conversations with A - Part One Posted at 11:43 PM
I'm not sure if other bloggers do this, but before I post an entry, I type entries in Notepad, try to minimize the disorder, and think whether or not it reveals more than what I want to - quite like a screening process ala MTRCB. haha Anyway, the following entry was a long one I typed several weeks ago, but I decided not to because I felt that for one, it wasn't really concise, and two - it did show much vulnerability on my part. But as I browsed through my folder of un-posted entries, I changed my mind for this one. There's this part of me that thinks that I will regret this decision while a bigger part of me wants to post it, for reasons beyond my understanding.
Something happened this afternoon. But before I narrate today's headlines, I think a little refresher is needed. haha So anyway, way back in grade school, I didn't exactly have lots of friends. Well, I think I had friends, but I never really had close ones. But, that was the case for school-based friends. Back at home however, I did have close friends. Having spent almost all of my childhood years in the same house, situated in a small compound with basically other children who spent their childhood years at that same compound - we were bound to be close, in one way or another. I think, I had elements of the usual Filipino childhood - playing Agawan-Base, Patintero, Taguan and all the other games Filipino children play. And eventually I had several close friends. Heck, I even played basketball with them. That has to count for something. haha
But then, high school came along, and quite unlike the ease of studying when I was in grade school, there was so much pressure, the challenge for time management was ever present. I think, they also had their own problems adjusting to their respective schools. As high school went along, I found my set of great friends, and I would like to believe, so did they. And so, we all drifted apart. And every time we see each other, there would be that exchange of awkward smiles, a simple recognition of what was.
However, something different happened earlier. There were some issues with my CRV this morning, so I had to have it checked up. Mang Roger, my driver, said that he knew someone who worked for Honda Philippines but he had to get the number from the father of an old friend of mine. Hmm, for the sake of his privacy, lets call him A. You see, Mang Roger was A's family driver for the longest time. And since A also owns a CRV, he already knew and trusted someone regarding CRV things (notice that I have no idea whatsoever about cars. haha). So anyway, I accompanied Mang Roger to their house, and for the first time ever in a very long time, I talked to A. He was kind enough to actually wait for the repair man with me and Mang Roger.
So, there we were, waiting for the repair man to arrive. Mang Roger was trying his best to see what he could do. A and I on the other hand were able to catch up with what's up in our lives. I told him about my upcoming graduation. He told me about his studies, about him graduating next year and all that. And its funny how awkward that conversation was. For one thing, we were definitely older. haha My oh my, we both sounded and looked older. And it was just all so weird. This was one of the guys who shared my childhood secrets just as I shared theirs. This was the guy who was always best in playing Agawan-Base and was second best in patintero (only because my arms were longer haha.) We, together with two other boys, founded our compound's first ever makeshift Tree house, which lasted for about 7 and a half days - termite infestation tsk tsk. He and I would always pool what was left of our allowances every friday to buy isaw in a makeshift stall just beyond the gates of our compound.
And now, there we were talking about courses, careers and future plans. He was even happy that I was actually driving now. You see, quite unlike myself, he learned driving very early. He asked me what my course was, and quite like an automated response, I said, Management Economics. Though he tried to hide it, I sensed this feeling of hesitation - of him wanting to ask something, but was quite unsure whether he was in the right position to. Then, I told him that he could go ahead and ask. And so he did.
"Whatever happened to being a doctor?" Well, I said what I always say - I can still be a Doctor of Economics or Business Administration. And he laughed. So did I. He went on to say, that its still not the same. And I agreed. You see, quite like myself, A didn't have the gift of tact, nor the sensitivity to know when to stop talking. haha But I guess, I was comfortable talking to him about it, about where I am, what I have done, and what I intend to do with my life. And so I did - all while waiting for that damn Honda person to come.
Was it weird talking to someone whom I haven't had contact with for the longest time? Definitely. But we share something beyond being just neighbors. Filipinos call childhood friends, kababata. Yes, A is my kababata - one of the very few who knew my childhood dreams, my naive plans as to what I wanted to do with my life. And I guess, if there's one thing that I regret, its that in the process of growing up, we grew apart. Talking to him, and answering his questions made me realize how different my life is, to what I expected it to be. In one way, he reminded me of who I was in the past, and how much I have changed. Though I didn't really expect anything that day, talking to A made me step back and see my life's bigger picture - of how I have lived it until now.
to be continued...
Reading: Blog Roll Hearing: Fergie - Clumsy Feelin' thoughtful
Conversations with A - Part Two Posted at 07:34 PM
Looking back at the past 20 years that I've had to live (where, I can honestly remember only 15 of which), I feel that I was definitely idealistic as a child. As early as 10, I had this rough sketch of how I wanted my life to turn out. And right in the middle of that plan was of course my desire to be a doctor. Everyone knew it. My family. My friends. Even the neighbors. haha And as soon as I received my acceptance letter from the Ateneo High School, I felt relieved - after all, though it may not be directly related to my soon-to-be medical career, it was what I saw (and still see) as the best high school around, the perfect school to prepare me for further studies to achieve my degree.
And so there I was, in the relatively sheltered environment of the Ateneo High School. Four years of unforgettable memories, pushing boundaries and learning the whole falling-down,dusting-myself-off and trying-again cycle. And in those four years, I never really thought of an alternative career, in effect, there was no plan B. So there I was with Justin, rushing to this building in UP after having gotten word that the UPCAT results have been released. Though I've never really formally said it, knowing that I didn't get into the program that I wanted was one of the earliest but definitely most devastating blows in my plan - the first time that something did not fall into place. Having had no prior experience like that, it was definitely something I would never forget - my very first what-do-I-do-now? situation.
I can't really remember who said this, but supposedly, best way to deal with disappointment is get down, get through and get over. For one thing, I was definitely down. It was towards the end of my high school life, and I was not going to be studying in the college that I wanted. Instead, I got accepted into my first choice in the Ateneo Loyola Schools. I guess, that helped me to get through. But I guess, that question that really renders me speechless, is whether I have honest-to-goodness really gotten over all of this?
And this question becomes harder to evade these days particularly because I'm done with college - I've finished my Bachelor's Degree, a course that I never really planned for nor wanted, but I've done well in, if I may say so with all humility (haha). I think everyone knows that we face a multitude of decisions every day - so many doors that are there for us to choose, but once we do choose one - in doing so, the rest in one way or another are closed in the process. So I guess, my dreams of being a doctor is a life that I could have lived, but was not able to. And I doubt that this experience of mine is an isolated one.
We've all had our childhood dreams and aspirations - moments in the past where we've been blessed with the innocence and naivety to actually dream without limitations, to aspire without pretensions. But in the process of growing up, we realize that not everything in life follows how we planned it to be. We learn that life is everything but fair. And in that process of slowly breaking down our idealism, people lose their innocence. Through it, we adjust out expectations, we set ceilings for our dreams.
Growing up, I never really was aware of how sheltered my childhood was. And in one way or another, I believe that children should have that right to a sheltered childhood - of not having to be anything but children, that chance for boundless dreams and an era of innocence.
Not qualifying for the program that I wanted in UP was just the first bruise of many. At that time, I never imagined pain beyond what I felt. But boy, was I wrong. In the process of growing up, we experience moments that break us. A philosophy teacher of mine said that at the end of the day, we're all broken people. Its inevitable. And I've had my own share of moments like these. People handle them differently. And so do I. Looking back at the life that I have lived, undoubtedly, it is a life definitely off from the way I planned. I guess its more than just making lemonade when life gave me lemons. Heck, I made a f*cking assembly line of lemon-based products.
Faced with situations like these, I dealt with them the best way I could, with the best of my abilities and with full use of my conscience. Along the way, I know that I've hurt other people, just as others have hurt me as well. But if there is one thing that I am proud of, its that I never really did set out to hurt people intentionally. For one thing, I know fully well how it feels to be hurt. I think everyone has had their share of that. Which is why I wonder how people can sometimes forget how horrible it feels to be hurt and just seek to intentionally hurt other people. Maybe they have been hurt too many times? Or maybe they haven't really been hurt enough?
Looking back, I didn't live a perfect life. I didn't get to live my life according to how I planned it. People have walked in and out of my life just as I have walked in and out of theirs. People have hurt me, just as I think I've hurt them. But at the end of the day, it is still my life and I wouldn't trade it for anyone else's. Though my problems would oftentimes leave me looking for that reset button, they are mine and mine alone.
So I guess I got more than what I bargained for when I talked to A. Yes, give me seemingly shallow questions and the free time to actually let all my thoughts to ferment and you get this load of philosophical crap. haha But I guess life can't always be full of glory moments. That life is just too good to be true. And well, when things are too good to be true, they probably aren't.
'Til next time. Ciao! Reading: Blog Roll Hearing: Daughtry - Home Feelin' philosophical.
Of Airconditioned Jeepneys and other experiences... Posted at 11:16 AM
Well, this week was filled with so many stuff to write about. So anyway, here it goes:
ONE I finally was able to go to Spirals in Sofitel Philippine Plaza. Well, I've been there before, but for a private function of Unilever so I wasn't really able to formally eat their famed buffet. For one, I loved what the waitresses wore - it was like Chun Li (from Street Fighter) meets Gabriela Silang. haha Plus I also adored the plates and utensils that they used - it was all soo quirky and classy, and it sooo complemented my own taste. Note to self: buy stuff like these once I have my own place. I didn't like the cups that much, but then Mandy pointed out that there were spiral decorations in the cups, simply because the restaurant was of course, Spirals. haha Well, that certainly was not one of my brightest moments. haha Well, the food was so-so, I mean, being the son of a hotelier, well, I've had my share of buffets - heck, I can't even remember all of the hotels that I've been to. So i guess, my standards are higher than the regular person. Plus, I still can't get over the fact that I had to pay for the meal. haha I usually just sign the officer's check thats that. haha But anyway, it was a great experience all in all. I especially loved the lamb chops (as always) and the pistachio ice cream. And I just found out that I don't like raw oysters after all. Its like tasting the sea. ew. haha I didn't touch the sushi bar as well. Oh, and Mango Cheesecakes are love. haha And I guess going to the ice cream bar the seventh time is probably one of the worst decisions i've made this month. haha I was so friggin' full. haha
TWO Well, as I was going to a hotel, I wanted to arrive in style - so I brought Lorelai, my CRV along despite the rising prices of gasoline and the fact that I didn't know how to get there. So with the help of my trusty EZ Map and with the moral support of Mandy, I was able to get there! haha So I passed by Ateneo, White Plains, I wreaked havoc in Edsa not knowing which lane I had to be in to properly U-turn, and then it was all just smooth sailing all the way until the end of the MRT route. And then, it was just going through Diosdado Macapagal Boulevard and then off to CCP. And then I remembered, I have been to this place - CCP, Star City and all that jazz before. Yep, once for this English play I had to watch and then another time when I was young and my cousins brought me to Star City. So anyway, it was a surreal experience. God - it was only a few months ago that I was struggling with just changing lanes. haha And now, I have conquered EDSA! And they say you haven't truly learned how to drive until you've driven in EDSA. So I guess, I finally know how to drive? haha maybe. or then again, maybe not. haha
THREE I've started playing Final Fantasy 12! haha this was of course because it was recommended by two FMS haha - Justin and Nikolai. Well, I'm already in the Sandsea part, and can I just say, I am soooo sick of sand! and I was browsing through my walkthrough and I still have a long waay to go! Who's my favorite character? Fran. hands down, Fran. She's even two levels higher than all my other characters. haha Plus, I love the way she says "mist" during the different scenes. haha Also, she kinda reminds me of Lulu, if she mated with a rabbit and had a child that is. haha This game is soo friggin' long. Which really isn't a bad thing, specially since these days, I have all the time in the world. haha
FOUR I have also started watching Damages - again, as recommended by Justin. And Can I just say, I totally love it. Well, its like Law and Order meets Devil Wears Prada. Everything is just soo competitive, intense and manipulative, I looove it! haha I love the character of Patty Hewes. I mean, here eyes are sooo innocent, yet the next moment, they transform to scary and intimidating ones. I think Glenn Close has perfected her portrayal of this character. I've just finished watching the third episode. And just like all good things, they usually come to a quick end, so I am really trying my best to control myself because I might end up watching the whole season in one sitting, just like what I did with heroes. haha
FIVE I went to Makati for an intense day of testings and interviews. Oh my, can i just say, I hate coding. Why the hell did my coding day have to be Friday!? OMFG, its always interfering with my plans. So, I couldn't bring Lorelai to Makati and I was left to take a jeepney to the Q. Avenue station to get to Makati. It was of course rush hour, so we were like a can of sardines, I didn't even have to hold on to anything because there were so many people that I sure wasn't going anywhere. haha And, the humidity didn't help at all. It was 8 in the morning mind you, and it was humid as hell. Oh crap. I hope the rainy season comes soon. please.
SIX So after the testing in the morning, I had to get to Ayala Avenue for my Interview. So, there I was in Buendia, under the sweltering heat of the sun at noon. And then I stepped into this jeepney and suddenly, all the humidity seemed to disappear ala humidity void. haha And then I realized, the jeepney I stepped into was AIRCONDITIONED! OMFG, I've heard about these things in other blogs, but I didn't expect to ride it anytime soon. And so there I was, and believe me, it was a surreal experience - quite like having a first hand experience of how a first-world Philippines would have felt like, even for just a few minutes of air-conditioned glory. haha My my, airconditioned jeepneys. . . haha. And its all for the very very very reasonable price of 10 pesos. I still can't get over it. haha
SEVEN I usually don't type details about interviews that I've been so as not to jinx them. But there's just one thing I have to say, I've just been to my quickest job interview ever. So, it was scheduled for 4, but as usual, it started at around 4:20, and by 4:27, I was already in the elevator on my way back to the ground floor. That has got to be a record! haha Honestly, I felt that she was really very busy so she had to rush the interview, but I really feel that I liked the job description. Its all about glamour, as in the glamorous side of Marketing - in-store promotions, creative concepts, advertisements etc. Oh my, it's all so exciting and probably the closest thing I'll ever have (as of now) to working in a Mode-like Company Environment, ala Ugly Betty. But, its not a publications company. haha She said she'll get in touch with me next week. God, I hope she does. I'd love to have her as a boss, she's just soo power-woman-ish. haha
Anyway, thats about everything, I think. haha Til' the next loop. Ciao! Reading: Yahoo! Mail. Hearing: Jordin Sparks - Tattoo Feelin' satisfied
New Layout - Reflections V6.x *~Pastel~* Posted at 10:45 PM
Well, after over a day solely devoted to creating a new layout, here it is! My loyal readers, if ever you do exist, I present to you, .:Reflections:. Version 6.x entitled *~ Pastel ~*.
Honestly, I am still partial for my fourth layout - yep, the one with the curves, the sparkles and the circles. (If you remember that, then you really are a loyal reader.) haha But this layout is spectacular in its own right - particularly the colors, and oh yeah, the fact that there are actually 5, yes five (Reflections Version 6.1 to 6.5), different headers that randomly loads every time you visit this blog of mine.
Now, don't resist the urge to click on your refresh button (at least five times) to actually see all five colored layouts. God! I sooo love pastel colors. haha By the way, each header has its own loose theme particularly based on one song. Good for you if you can actually identify the songs. And I just recently discovered the amazing powers of Flickr. If you own any of the pictures that I used, just give me a heads up so that I can give credit where its due.
*whew* I'm tired. Anyway, just go right on and see all five headers for yourself. And better yet, tell me which one you like the most. (^_^) I'll post a more coherent entry soon. haha Now, I'm off to rest. Ciao! Reading: nothing! Hearing: Mariah Carey - Touch My Body Feelin' accomplished.
I think this has been talked about over and over again. I mean, numeruous blogs have posted entries and entries about it. It even was talked about in Entertainment Tonight. Heck, Randy even gave it a standing ovation. Paula , well, was Paula Abdul. And Simon even called it a breath of fresh air - daring and one that stood out by a mile.
What the hell am I talking about? Well, I'm sure you know, its David Cook's version of Mariah's Always Be My Baby. Oh my god, it was so goddamn different. I mean, who would have ever thought that a male pseudo rock star would ever sing a Mariah Carey song? I mean, Mariah Carey songs are called such, simply because of Mariah's trademark notes and what-cha-ma-callits. But then yeah, its different and surreal hearing this song from a male perspective. Who would have thought!? haha
*sigh* this makes me want to learn how to sing really bad. ha ha If only God gave me the gift of song...sadly He chose not to. Sobra sobra na siguro? (ngek.) But in my defense, I can sing Always Be My baby ala David Cook, pero puro flat nga lang. ha ha Anyway, here's his version embedded in this post for you to watch if you lived under a rock for the past week and was unable to watch it.
'Til next time! (^_^)
you'll always be a part of me
i'm a part of you indefinitely
don't you know you can't escape me
darling cause you'll always be my baby Hearing: David Cook - Always Be My Baby Watching: David Cook - Always Be My Baby Feelin' amazed.
Watermelons Accross the Universe Posted at 09:57 PM
Today has got to be one of the most boring days ever. I mean, I didn't have anything planned. And these days, its just too humid to be impulsive. Not really sure what the connection is, but trust me, its there. Plus its hard to be impulsive without an allowance. haha
So anyway, I played Final Fantasy until all my characters were level 30. Yep, I'm OC that way. Mind you, this is two levels above the recommended level for that part of the game of the walk through I'm using. haha Overachiever? nah. Bored?Bingo! But then something's wrong with the disk, and the next scenes wouldn't load. I think I need to buy a new FF12 disk. Oh well. Or then again, maybe its just God's way of saying that I need to find something more productive to do with my day.
Thanks to subtlebliss' file, I know have the studio versions of all Mariah Carey songs sung by the American Idol Top 7. Can i just say, this is a new found discovery. haha But, after a while, I totally had major LSS with David Cook's Always Be My Baby. Crap. How severe? To give you a clue, my sister knocked on my door just to ask me to stop singing. Talk about reality check. haha
While downloading the file (which was 38 MB but took almost two hours tsk tsk), I watched a movie that I downloaded yesterday - its entitled Across the Universe. Well, most people either hear of movies from television ads,movie posters, movie reviews or through word of mouth. Well, I heard about this movie through this television in the MRT last week. I was on my way to Makati for yet another interview, and as I was about to ride a train back to Quezon Avenue, there it was - claiming how this movie was supposed to blow me away. Eto naman si gago, naconvince. ha ha So I downloaded the movie which was easy enough - thanks to the powers of torrent.
Quite simply, it did blow me away. Todo todo to the next level. First of all, I didn't know that it was a musical. haha I thought it was the OST that was playing during the preview, I didn't know that they would sing for about 90 percent of the film! haha Plus, the symbols and images were overflowing. It even came to a point that my brain was too tired (or too lazy) to interpret anymore. I was just like - oooh, colors... pretty. haha Everything was sooo whimsical. Yep, whimsical is the perfect word to describe the film. Its like Big Fish meets Moulin Rouge with a little bit of Chicago and the Vietnam War on the side. haha Plus, there was this scene with strawberries! Oh my god, have I ever mentioned how much I love strawberries!? haha And there the character was, just squishing strawberries for his "art". Strawberries are not for squishing, they're for eating! (god, i sound so shallow right now. haha)
So anyway, after that, I walked the dogs. And along the way, people were looking at us, well not us, but them. haha My dogs are so adorable, especially Goblet. Yep, head turner talaga. haha And people on their cars would literally pull down their windows, brave the humid afternoon air, just to get a better look at my dogs. haha Yes, I'm soo proud. And yes, they love the attention. Damn dogs. haha I'll post newer pictures of my dogs soon. Plus as an added bonus, I think my cat is looking better (and more alive) than ever. So i guess, the time is right for another photoshoot. haha
After that, I went on to buy a watermelon in this fruit stand near our compound. I'm really amazed as to how this fruit stand has grown. I mean, it used to be a seasonal stand - you know, the ones that spring up like mushrooms during christmas and are then washed away just as people start tightening their belts again come january. But, this particular one has stood the test of time - I mean, it has been there for over two years now. And in the informal fruit stand industry, that's certainly staying power. (crap, what the hell am I saying here. haha) So anyway, I bought this huge, and I mean huge watermelon for just 150 pesos. Which is actually a hell of a lot cheaper than supermarket prices and its big-ass watermelon, so I guess its all value for money.
And another thing, its the one with the stripes. Well, in my very shallow understanding of watermelons, there are two major types of watermelons in the Philippine market - the striped watermelons, and the watermelons with the pure dark green skin. As a child, watermelons with the pure dark green skin were more abundant. But now, I hardly see them anymore. I wonder why? (this entry is getting shallower by the second. haha)
Moving on, I was excited to get back to the house to chill the watermelon and savor its watermelon-ny goodness. Yep, you know that you're really bored when the highlight of your day is to crack open a fruit. haha Well, if there's one thing weird about me, I only eat the top and the bottom 1/3 of sliced watermelons. I don't eat the part with the seeds. I just eat the red part without the seeds and the remaining green part just barely as it reaches the skin. haha Weird di ba? Or just plain lazy.
And basically, that's what happened today. God, this has got to stop. These are days before I start my career, the days before I begin the "rest of my life", and I'm spending it slicing watermelons and watching musical-movies. And I was reading other people's blogs (yep, voyeurism at its best), and at least something is happening with their lives - whether career ba yan (naks naman), or family life, or love life (yihee!) - basta there's something there. Crap. Whats the point of living if I don't spend each day worth remembering? All that carpe diem crap. Ika nga ng bagong sun silk promo, make your life happen. (I still honestly don't know how that relates to one's hair, but oh well.) *sigh* tomorrow will be another day. yes, another day.
Reading: Harry Potter Six for the nth time. Hearing: David Cook - Always Be My Baby *yet again* Feelin' bored.
Gooood, today was one hell of a long day. Yes, i've been complaining about my life (well, the lack of it actually) the past few entries, and now here I am complaining how many things I had to do. Ano ba talaga ang gusto mo, Aldrich!?
So anyway, I went to yet another interview yesterday. Crap, when will this ever end!? I don't want to sound like an ungrateful b*stard, but well, I'm just soooo eager to start work already. Its just that I'm slowly decomposing at home, and honestly, I'm just so used to the stress, the deadlines and all of that, that I am just looking forward to having all those back in my life. (this is just sooo unnatural di ba!?) haha Its just like going cold turkey on deadlines and pressure. =(
One thing I accomplished today, I finally drove into Makati! yay! Actually, I've been to Spirals in Philippine Plaza which is in Roxas Boulevard and is actually farther (farther ba or further? haha my grammar is slowly deteriorating.. tsk tsk.) than Makati, but well, Makati is a totally different place. I mean, its got one-ways, and strict-ala-first-world-caliber police officials, so I had to make sure that I wasn't swerving or anything. haha Yep, it was definitely a waste of gas, and it was definitely tiring - especially with the option of just riding the MRT, but well, I wanted to try it, even just once di ba!?
Anyway, I was there waiting for the interview and I saw a familiar face there, a fellow Atenean. Knowing that she was an incoming senior, it was obvious that she was an intern for that company. Yep, and I felt really envious. Honestly, it felt like she was doing loads of work, being productive and all, while there I was - in all my unemployed glory, sitting on a stiff couch together with other shortlisted candidates. This just makes me miss my internship days in Unilever. God! I loved my internship days and I soooo miss working in the World Class Excellence Department. haha that department is just sooo fierce. haha , I mean, it was challenging yes, but I loved the people that were there, and the fact that I was contributing something concrete to the company. The fact that we also had an allowance of course helped as well. haha
I really miss the feeling of having something to do. haha And I was talking to a friend yesterday, and she was saying how unnaturally stressed I was about being unemployed and all that. She also said how this period in our life should be enjoyed. Chill, relax, chillax? But the thing is I can't! Usually, I loved summer vacations because I knew how precious that short period of time is before school was to begin again. Yes, for students, they have something to look forward to, well not really "look forward to", but well, at least some part of their life is for sure, something definite. But for me, there is nothing definite. Crap, I don't even know if I'll find a job that captivates me anytime soon.
And when I came back in the afternoon, it turns out, Meralco was repairing something concerning the wirings, so there was no power for the whole compound. Crap. Not only was it in the afternoon, but were right smack in the middle of summer. God! I mean, it was sooo hot that my dogs finished the water in their water bowl. They've never done that, ever. That's how hot it was. So after just a few minutes at home, mama and I did what any rational Filipino would do - rush to the mall and savour its aircon-ny goodness. haha But we did buy some things - specifically for the car and some bits and pieces for my bathroom. And then, we just spent the whole afternoon going aroun the mall, until it wasn't really hot and humid anymore.
Oh and the renovation/repainting of our house continues! And it now has reached my room, as well as my sister's. Crap, now, all my things are tucked away in some unorganized box. All of my designs have been torn down. I'll try to post a picture of my room before so you'll have an idea. And my room is now in shambles. I mean, its like friggin' ground zero. So today, I'll be sleeping downstairs. haha For the first time ever, i'll be sleeping in our first floor in my trusty ol' sleeping bag. I bet Goblet and Cielo would simply love that. haha
Anyway, that's it. everything's just a mess and its been a long day, but at least something is happening to me, a break from the monotony of my bum-ness. Yes, Aldrich, God sometimes listens, and what do you do when he gives you what you want? You complain. Great. Just great. haha
'Til the next loop!
Reading: nothing! Hearing: Mariah Carey - Always Be My Baby Feelin' tired as hell.
