Cray Day With Ian Somerhalder

I SAW IAN FREAKING SOMERHALDER LAST THURSDAY MY FANDOM LIFE IS NOW COMPLETE!!!!! (Well, close to being complete 'cause I have yet to see Channing Tatum, Chace Crawford, Chris Hemsworth and Taylor Lautner! Ok, so much for my fandom life being complete. LOL.) Basta I am happy beyond words! :P

Anyway, last May 24, I, together with my friends-slash-co-fangirls, Ayen and Janine, went to MOA for the Meet and Greet event organized by Penshoppe for Ian Somerhalder's fans. I was friggin' excited that I was smiling stupidly at myself on my way there. Actually, my smile never left my face the moment I saw the status of Penshoppe on their Twitter account that said Ian Somerhalder would be doing such event! I swear there were butterflies in my tummy, my fingers were shaking and my heart was literally bursting out of my chest with pure joy and utter happiness! I immediately tweeted Ayen and Janine (like me, they're a big Damon/Ian fans as well) if they'd like to come and they agreed. I even had a crappy time sleeping the night before and just forced myself to sleep. I woke up way too early and watched American Idol so I could temporarily put my mind off the anxiety that was to come.

We arrived at MOA Main Atrium barely ten minutes away 'til the interview starts. We squeezed into the huge crowd of fangirls, withstood the noise that was thousands of screaming fans and the tremendous heat (I'd never experienced sweating like that for the life of me it was gross when I remember it now! But that time, kebs lang! For Ian, go lang ng go! :D).

Then, at exactly 3PM, Eri Neeman a.k.a Boy Backup from Bubble Gang went out from the backstage. He said a few reminders and they played the behind-the-scenes video of Ian's photo shoot in El Nido, Palawan. And dang, he was gorgeous it's almost unbelievable!! Maybe he really was a vampire? ;p

Then, Eri introduced the CEO of Penshoppe and all of the people who made Mabuhay Ian Somerhalder possible, they gave a short message, took a group picture and then, Eri went on and called Ian!!!! And the crowd went even crazy wilder!!! HAHAHA!

Ian went out from the backstage taking a video of the crowd with his iPhone, smiling and waving his other free hand at the fans. He's so sexy and hot and drop-dead gorgeous even from afar, even with just a simple gray shirt, skinny jeans, black hat and his devilishly heart-melting smile on! Just like that, he effortlessly made every female and female-wannabe species swoon over him!!! And oh my goodness, when he winked and puckered his lips to blow a kiss to the crowd? That did it. I knew from then that I already lost my heart to him (if I haven't lost it to him ages ago). Charot! :p

Before I knew it, the interview was done and over with already without me understanding anything they'd talked about! :(( All I heard was screams and shrieks with Ian's every two words. Hahaha. But at least, I heard his voice even if it was muffled by the screams. :D

Anyways, my friends and I went at the backstage area even before Ian went down the stage. And how smart of us to do that because we saw him super closely when he took the stairs to the second floor and headed out of the mall! I was like screaming "Oh my god! Oh my god! Oh my god! Ian! Oh my god!" the whole time I was proud of myself I didn't faint! It was so surreal. I couldn't believe it! Never have I dreamed or even imagined in my entire life that I would see him, THE Ian SMOLDERHOTTER Somerhalder in the flesh! *insert kilig here*

It's been more than a day now but I haven't gotten over it yet. And I don't think I will get over it any time soon. Can't help it that was one of the cuhraziest days of my life and ughhh he was a dream came true. It wasn't everyday you'll get to see your biggest hollywood celebrity crush! Standing on tippy toes, getting elbowed, pulled by the hair, pushed a thousand times in different directions and stepped on the foot a hundred times over was so worth it. Every thing I do for Ian Somerhalder is worth it. If something like this happens again in the future (and I hope it will), I'll more than willingly, wholeheartedly do all of these all over again. :)

Thank you Penshoppe for making my day yesterday one of the happiest days of my life! And thank you, Ian for being so awesome! Please visit us again here in the Philippines soon! We love you! <3

Still cray cray and feeling lucky,

PS. Credits to the owner for the photos.

My First Encounter With JYH7

“Firsts” are the best things in life, don't you think? First love, first date, first kiss, first anniversary, first salary, first gift you gave yourself out of your own money, first concert you attended, etcetera etcetera. Aren't they the most memorable ones? ;)


Speaking of which, on this day last year was when I saw my ultimate crush, James Younghusband in flesh for the first time! I know this may sound absurd to you but that was one of the best moments of my life! :p


So, the Azkals had a team practice that day at Rizal Memorial Stadium and being a newly-converted football fan that time, I didn’t waste any time and headed to the stadium to watch them well, practice. Hahaha. So, I went there. Alone. But I didn’t really care and was super excited to see the Azkals, most especially James.


He was one of the early-birds. He arrived with his younger brother, Phil and man, sobrang saya ko nun. Para akong nanalo sa lotto sa sobrang lawak ng ngiti ko. Yes, smile-smile na lang to conceal the kilig but suhwear, I was screaming like a mad man in my mind that time!!! Grabeng feeling! Haha.


From the moment he arrived, to the time he went to the dugout to change for his practice clothes, to the time he went to the field to practice, to the moment he went to the dugout again after the practice to shower and change clothes, my eyes never left him. I dunno, he just have this “pang-akit look” in him even if he wasn’t really nang-aakit. Hahaha! You know what I mean? ;)


But the best part happened at the end of their practice when they were heading out of the stadium to the parking lot. I think they were heading home na. So, I went to the gate where they were going to pass and I reached the gate before they passed through it kasi nga there were fans pa asking for their pics and autograph. Medyo natagalan sila sa oval track and I was just standing there at the gate just staring at him while he was busy signing and granting photo ops with him because I didn’t know what to do. And my heart pounding like crazy that time wasn’t helping at all! So, when the time came na, ayan na. Palabas na sila, natulala na lang ako! I was super starstrucked, tounge-tied and stupefied that I didn’t even managed to take out a pen and my planner to ask for his signy! Talk about wasted opportunity!!!

You see, I am not the fangirl type that would go to any place where her crush was in and that was the first time ever I did that so I was really unprepared, I think. But then, I managed to smile at him when he passed by me (simply because I just couldn’t wipe it off my face since the moment I saw him arrived and the fact that he was so gorgeous even after a tiring practice that it was almost illegal hahaha) and guess what?? HE SMILED AT ME, TOO!!! Though, it was very brief it was super big deal to me because well, he freaking smiled to me! And it’s not everyday that there’s James Younghusband that will smile at me! Hahaha. Plus, we were like just an arm away from each other that moment so you could just imagine how kilig I was!<3 br="" lol="" shrieks="">

It was one of the happiest days of my life ever!! And I won’t forget it as long as I shall live! :)


It has been a year and still kinikilig,

I am a Workshopper!

Yesterday I went to PHR office in Quezon City to attend the annual summer writing workshop. I was super giddy and excited because that was the first time ever that I did writing workshop (or any other workshop for that matter) in my whole life. In fact, I barely slept the night before because I was so anxious and agitated on everything that could happen and everything that I could learn about writing and stuff. Sobrang restless ang feeling, but in a good way.


While I was on my way to the office, I was kinda nervous because I didn’t know any one there. But good thing was I met two lovely ladies: Karen and Rhozell. They’re so nice and friendly that we chatted like we’ve known each other for years! For me, that was the highlight of that day. Of course, the writing workshop was awesome but it’s just that I didn’t expect that I would be meeting new friends that time. Btw, I saw Rhozell in the LRT that morning on my way to the venue and I told that to her so super mangha lang kaming dalawa. Sabi ko pa, we’re destined to each other. Hahaha. Tapos, I’ve found out so many things in common pa! Sobrang galing! Nakakatuwa lang. :)


You know what else was super awesome? Everything was free! As in absolutely walang bayad! Yey! From the registration, to candies, to coffee, to lunch, to juice and biscuits. The lunch was superb, btw! Panalo ang caldereta at cassava cake! :D


I just love that day. I learned so many things about romance writing and I am really hoping against hope that I’ll be able to put everything I’ve learned into paper. Oh, and thanks to Ms. Victoria Amor for that wonderful speech she gave us about the dreaded “R” of every writer, the “Rejection,” at the end of the worshop. Truly inspiring!


So lemme leave you with this quote from Ms. Victoria Amor, “‘Di mo kailangang maging magaling para magsimula. Kailangan mong magsimula para maging magaling.”


Keep writing,

Dear Mama

I know you’re most likely unknowledgeable about my blog and you most probably won’t be able to read this, (believe me it’s okay and I prefer it that way. Haha.) but if you can just reach out to that little drawer in your little closet then you’ll see this little letter of mine for you. (Yes, all of my letters and presents and little gifts for my parents were given discreetly. I am not the expressive, showy, touchy-feely type of daughter. I rarely do kisses, hugs and “I love yous,” too and I most definitely abhor drama, cheesiness and mushy stuff simply because I’m a crybaby by default and I hate being seen crying in front of anyone. The only time I can tolerate such sappiness is when I watch TV shows/series or movies. So I’m sorry but this is the closest that I can get to being “sweet.” :p)


Okay, enough of my nonsense ramblings. Obviously that intro up there isn’t included in my original, handwritten (for added sentimental effect! Naks!) letter which I’ll be sharing here ‘cause I’m proud of my mother like that. I want the whole world to know just how great of a Mom she is. :)


So...

To my ever loving, dearest Mama,


Do you know why I’ve always loved watching Marvel and other superhero movies ever since I was a kid? Well, aside from the fact that I’m secretly fantasizing of becoming one and be included in “the league,” I’ve always liked the idea that there was some super guy/girl out there somewhere in the dark shadows who always had that super power/ability in his/her body and was always ready to help the humankind against the evil forces of the world. In my young mind, that sounded pure coolness and utter awesomeness. Wasn’t it? And to meet even just one of their kind would be pretty crazy.


But as I grew older, I learned that superheroes were nothing but a figment of imagination of some comics people (because almost all of these superheroes were originated from the comics before they made it to the silver screen, just so you might wanna know!) and were unreal. You could just imagine how my young heart broke into million pieces that moment. :'(


But I’ve long gotten over that sad reality now and you know what I found out? I realized that though superheroes weren’t real, that didn’t mean I couldn’t meet one in this lifetime because I surely met my real-life superhero who’s been under my nose since forever! And that was you, ‘Ma! You’re my superhero.


Yes, I know you don’t sport a cape or some ridiculous-looking costume but you sure do clothe yourself with so much love, affection and dedication for us every day which I think is far better and much cooler than those costumes! Not only that, you may not have a super ability like laser eyes, telekinesis power, etc., but you sure do have a brighter and clearer-than-any-bionic-eyes-can-see pair of eyes which can look right through our hearts, minds, feelings and expressions. It’s like even before we blurt out the words you already know what’s going on in our little brain of ours that it’s sorta creepy sometimes. Hahaha! Lastly, I know you don’t have super strength behind that cute, petite, 4”11’-little-frame of yours or you have something you’re keeping from us? ‘Cause eversince I was born you never fail to take care of and look after us even right after you go home from work. You never stopped working for our future. You always make sure we get the best of everything you can give out of your human abilities which I must say, is just super awesome of you, ‘Ma. You are nothing short of amazing. <3 br="">

With that being said, lemme just take this opportunity to thank you for all the sacrifices you’ve made for me, Cj and Papa. I won’t mention them one-by-one ‘cause this blog won’t end any sooner sa sobrang dami at sa sobrang haba ng list. Thank you for understanding us inspite and despite of everything. Thank you for your love, trust and faith that even we doubt our own selves and abilities, you still continue to believe. Thank you for never forsaking us even on the toughest of times when we choose to be our selfish, bratty, annoying selves. Most especially, thank you for sharing your life with us! I know I’m not the most adorable and least likeable daughter at times and though we argue sometimes, I can’t imagine myself living this lifetime in this world without you or with another mother. You’re my mom and I won’t have it any other way. :)


Happy Mother’s day, ‘Ma! I love you so so so so much! :-*


From your sometimes-annoying and most-of-the-time-cranky daughter,

PS. Oh, and in behalf of Cj, we are very sorry for the stretch marks. We hold ourselves responsible for that. :D

Birthday Rant

Well, guess what day is it? It’s the first day of May! Yey... Not.


I can’t believe it’s actually my birthmonth already. Just where the hell did the time go? Really? It went by so freaking fast! I don’t want to add another year to my life just yet!!!


AAAAAAAAHHH!!!!!


But I know. No matter how much I hate and rant and cuss about my birthday, it is something that I can’t stop from happening. It’s not like I can make the time stand still and never approach the dreaded day. I can only wish. Which makes me a lot frustrated because I know I can’t do something about it. Hell, I can not do any thing about it at all.


Oh, how I want to be forever young,

PS. Dear May, can you slow down a bit, puhlease? I’m begging you.


PPS. And while you’re at it, kindly be nice to me and give me lotsa money for my relatives’ birthdays this month? Gracious! They’re plenty!


PPPS. Oh and, happy day to all you hardworkers of the Philippines!

What’s Happening?

Well, the past few months have been painfully dragging for me. At least on the psychological part, since almost everyday I was talked by my parents to find a job already. Haha!


But being the lazybutt that I am, thank goodness, I still do not have a job. Hahaha. I’m sorry, dear parents.


So, I spent the months watching every TV series, NBA games, PBA games, football matches both locally and internationally, that I missed during those years that I dedicated my time and effort to studying. What? I just wanna have fun! Hahaha! I know my idea of fun is lame, okay? But what can I do? You’re talking to a geek right here whose idea of “having fun” is very limited to sitting in one corner holding a book in her hands and getting lost to a world that only God knows where. :D


But puhlease. Don’t get me wrong. School’s quite fun, too. There were happy times like those moments when your professor randomly made a call to your block president and informed that he wouldn’t hold a class that day, or those moments when the deadline for a particularly big project got extend, or those Intrams week, foundation days and all other classes-are-suspended-because-there’s-something-the-university-is-commemorating-days moments but come on, let’s face it. Most of the time, school’s not a happy place to be in. Talk about the term papers, plates, assignments, quizzes, midterms and final exams. And the list goes on. Oh hey, and don’t forget the not-so-nice professors! Admit it. You met that kind of person once in your life, or twice if you’re lucky enough. Hahaha. Definitely not my happy place.


However, school is one place that I’ll never ever forget. It’s where I learned most of the things that defined who I am today. More than the knowledge, science theories and mathematical analyses, it’s where I learned the values and the most important lesson in life: to never give up.


Being said that, I’m keeping my faith and not giving up. And yes, I’m going back to school in few months’ time! Yey! How cool is that! :)


Don’t stop learning,
Joey

“Bawal Maging Tanga.” “GMG!”

Nakita ko lang ang speech na ito sa link na p-in-ost nung isang friend ko sa Twitter, na may kasamang tweet na "GMG. blah blah blah" at dahil likas na mausisa ako at dakilang curious, napa-google ako kung ano ibig sabihin ng "GMG" kasi ang alam ko lang ay OMG, ODK, at LOL! Ayun, ni-click ko ang link, at nalaman ko ang ibig sabihin ng acronym na ito. Kung ano ang meaning, GMG! Joks! ;p

At bilang binasa mo na rin lang ang blog na ito, ito basahin mo na rin ang speech ni Lourd de Veyra (multi-awarded Filipino musician, emcee, poet, journalist, broadcast personality, very high hairline and activist who first became famous for being the vocalist of Manila-based jazz rock band Radioactive Sago Project.) para sa class 2012 ng UP College of Mass Communication graduates. Pramis! Marami kang mapupulot na aral! :D

*Note: Panoorin mo yung video habang binabasa mo for more chances of winning. Este, for further understanding pala. O basta para mas may impact. O, bahala ka na kung sa'n ka masaya. :))

First time akong makaka-attend ng graduation ng college. Kahit sarili kong graduation ay hindi ako nakadalo. Nung panahon ko ay hindi ako naka-martsa sa entablado. Hindi rin ako naka-graduate on time.

Seven years after ko pa nakuha ang diploma ko, pero hindi na ako nag-martsa. Parang nakakahiya na. Kaya hanggang ngayon, ay masamang-masama ang loob ng aking ina dahil hindi kami nagkaroon ng Kodak moments. Pero wala nang Kodak ngayon. Kaya sinama ko na lang siya dito. Ayaw niyang maniwala na ako ang graduation speaker ng UP Mass Com.

Habang nagma-martsa sa PICC ang mga miyembro ng UST Arts and Letters batch 1995, kaming tatlo ng best friends ko ay naglalasing, nagdadalamhati na masisira na ang buhay namin.

Marami salamat sa imbitasyon. Kahit sa ‘min sa TV5 ay parang ayaw nilang maniwala.

“Bakit ikaw?” Yan din ang tanong ko. Busy siguro si Boy Abunda. Sabagay uso naman yata ang mga patawang graduation speech. Si Will Ferrell at si Sacha Baron Cohen ay inimbatahan ng Harvard nung 2003. Alam ko ang naiimbitahan sa ganito ay yung mga middle-age na may mga mahalaga nang naiambag sa lipunan at sa mass media— bukod sa pag-endorse ng isang brand ng alak at pagkakaroon ng billboard sa Edsa na may pekeng abs. Hindi rin naman masyadong nagkakalayo ang mga edad natin.

Para sa inyong lahat: walang sisihan. At para sa lahat ng mga aktibista dito, sana ay patapusin niyo muna akong magsalita bago kayo umakyat dito at magwagayway ng banderang “Serve the People” (Tingnan natin kung makakapag-serve the people pa rin kayo habang nagsusulat ng dialogue sa telenovela ni Aljur Albrenica sa susunod na taon).

Maraming salamat ulit.

Tinuturing ko itong isa sa mga pinakamatataas na karangalan ang maimbitahang magsalita sa harap niyo— hindi nga ako gradweyt dito eh. Eh kahit nga sariling kong alma mater hindi ako iniimbitahan magsalita. Siguro kinahihiya nila ako. Hindi rin nila ako naimbitahang magturo ulit. Buti pa ang De La Salle University, na naanyayahan akong magturo nung huling term.

Hindi ko sigurado kung ano ang gusto kong sabihin.

Pero bago ang lahat, gusto ko munang gayahin si Miriam Defensor Santiago na hihirit muna ng pickup line bago mag-speech, lalo na dito sa UP. “Yelo ka ba? Para kasi ang sarap mong ipukpok sa pader eh.”

Marami sa inyo ang magtatrabaho sa mass media. Marami rin sa inyo ang papasok sa gobyerno. Malamang marami rin ang ibebenta ang kaluluwa sa advertising at gagawa ng mga kopya tungkol sa shampoo at fried chicken. Ilan sa inyo ay mangingibang bansa. May porsyento na mananatiling tambay. Ang ilan naman ay magkakaroon ng scandal video at tuluyang masisira ang buhay.

Hindi ko na siguro kailangang sabihin kung gaano kayo kapalad na mapabilang sa henerasyon. Nabubuhay kayo sa mundo na wala ka nang karapatang maging tanga, maging mangmang. Dapat may maglabas ng ganyang slogan sa advertising, “BAWAL MAGING TANGA.” Nagtatampisaw tayo sa baha ng impormasyon.

Pero hindi pa rin maiiwasan na may magtanong sa Twitter kung ano daw ang capital ng Pakistan. Kung may Internet connection ka, you could have saved yourself the humiliation of being called stupid and instead make GMG: “Google mo, gago!”

Pero ito ang problema. Iba ang impormasyon sa karunungan — ganap na talino at dunong.

Hindi lahat ng may impormasyon ay may talino. Ang impormasyon ay phone number ni Coco Martin. Pero ang karunungan ay si Coco Martin mismo. Siya at ang kanyang katawan. Yaaa-meeee.

Sa mundong umaapaw sa datos, wala na tayong excuse maging mangmang. Pero kahit si Christopher Lao ay ganap na abogado ngayon, he was still not informed. Minsan, sa pagnanais nating makakuha ng impormasyon, nakakalimutan natin ang talino, ay ang may saysay.

Eksampol na lang nito ang panonood ng concert habang nagvi-video ng performance.

Para kang tanga: ilang oras kang nakahawak sa cellphone mo, nakataas ang kamay, at sa proseso ay nalimutan mo ang dapat mong pakay: ang mag-enjoy sa konsyerto.

Ang hinaharap nating hamon ay kung paano humubog ng saysay mula sa bundok-bundok ng impormasyong ito. Uulitin ko. Napakapalad ninyo.

Kung alam niyo lang. Kung alam niyo lang kung paano ang buhay kolehiyo namin noon. Ngayon halos lahat na bahay ay may computer at Internet connection. Dati umaarkila pa kami ng computer—kung hindi sa Cubao, sa Pasay— para lang makagamit ng sinaunang Microsoft Word. Ang thesis ko pa ay sinulat sa electric typewriter.

Twenty years ago, on exactly this month, ay tinatiyaga ko ang maglakad sa ilalim ng init ng araw para manghiram lang ng libro sa Thomas Jefferson Library at British Council. Ngayon, ang kailangan niyo lang gawin ay “GMG.”

Twenty years ago, pauso pa lang ang grunge, at kinailangan pa naming bumiyahe papuntang Pasay para manghiram lang ng cassette tapes. Ngayon, GMG lang at…. Download. Ni hindi mo na kelangang lumabas ng bahay.

Huwag niyo sanang sayangin ang swerte. But speaking of swerte….

Tumigil na akong maniwala sa pagpaplano ng buhay.

Corny mang pakinggan, mas naniniwala ako sa tadhana. Kung totoo na talino at galing ang sekreto sa tagumpay, dapat wala ako dito ngayon. Hindi ako ang pinakamahusay na manunulat sa aming kolehiyo. At higit na mas marami ang mas magaling mag-isip kesa sa akin.

May paborito akong kasabihan mula sa idolo kong nobelistang si Kurt Vonnegut. “Unannounced changes in life’s itinerary are like dancing lessons from God.” Napakagandang ideya. Napaka-akmang metapora. Dancing lesson.

Sa dancing lesson, wala kang ibang pwedeng gawin kundi sumunod. Pag hinila ka dito, sunod ka na lang. Pag binaba ka, bumaba ka rin. Pag hinagis ka, magpagaan ka ng katawan.

Susugan din ito ng isa pang quote mula kay Voltaire: “I refuse to believe in a God who does not know how to dance.” Ang pagsayaw ay isang ekspresyon ng ligaya, ng laro, ng kalayaan ng katawan at diwa na mayroon pa ring sistema. Pero ako mismo ay literal na hindi marunong sumayaw.

Heto ang maiksing kwento ng buhay ko.

Pagkatapos ng kolehiyo, diretso sa trabaho sa diyaryo bilang reporter at editor. Umatend ng sandamukal na writing workshops. Nagtrabaho sa isang creative writing center. Rumaket sa iba’t ibang mga magazines. Nagtayo ng banda at nag-record ng apat na albums.

Nakapagsulat ng apat na libro ng tula sa Ingles, isang aklat ng essays, at isang nobela. Naka-tsamba ng ilang writing awards along the way. Tatlong taong gumagawa ng mga maiiksing dokumentaryo at video opinion pieces para sa TV5. Kaya heto ako ngayon, weather presentor ng Aksyon prime news.

Weather? Ang labo no? Hindi ko inakala na mag-a-ala Amado Pineda o Ernie Baron o Kuya Kim ako.

By the way, kahapon ang record ng pinakamainit na temperatura sa Metro Manila sa taong ito. 35.9 degrees Celsius. Dahil pa rin yan sa ridge of high pressure area na umiiral diyan sa Hilagang Luzon.

Nung ako’y nasa elementarya pa, akala ko magiging pintor ako. Kung hindi pintor, sundalo. Nung high school naman, gusto kong maging gitarista. Pero gusto ni Erpat… abugado.

At hanggang ngayon, feeling ng tatay ko ay hindi ako ganap na matagumpay dahil walang “A-T-T-Y” sa simula ng pangalan ko. Hindi ko naman inakala na gusto ko palang magsulat.

At hindi ko rin namang inakalang marunong pala ako magsulat hanggang second-year college. Late bloomer ako pagdating sa panitikan. Nagtrabaho ako sa diyaryo ng anim na taon. Naging editor ng magazine ng mahaba-haba ring panahon. Sino bang mag-aakalang lalabas ako sa telebisyon?

Ngayon, may tatlo akong programa: ang Aksyon (kung saan ako nagwe-weather), ang talk show na Wasak sa Aksyon TV 41 (dito iniinterbyu namin lahat, mula kay Rico J. Puno hanggang kay Gringo Honasan), at ang Word of the Lourd.

Napasok ako sa TV taong 2009, nang tawagan ako ni Patrick Paez, isa sa mga bosing ng News and Public Affairs department ng singko— noong mga panahong nagdarahop pa ang istasyon (Oo, naranasan kong magtulak ng isang bulok na Toyota Revo na walang umasikaso ng baterya). Inalok niya ako ng isang segment sa late-night programang The Evening News. Bahala daw ako kung ano ang gusto kong gawin.

“Ano nga ba ang gusto kong gawin?” tanong ko sa sarili. Eh ang kaunting nalalaman ko sa TV production ay limitado lamang sa music video. Paano kaya kung makagawa ng paraan na pagsamahin ang elemento ng MTV at ang satirikong panulat?

Dito na pinanganak ang Word of the Lourd. Medyo blasphemous; wala na akong ibang maisip na title. Ninais nitong talakayin mga paksang hindi pinag-uusapan ng “seryosong” media.

Pero sa loob lamang ng tatlo hanggang apat na minuto. Hindi kailangang sundin ang mga kumbensyon ng isang mainstream report—dahil hindi naman siyang obhektibong pag-uulat.

Walang resource speaker o case study na iinterbyuhin, dahil, bakit pa? Ang mga unang paksa ay tungkol sa pagkakaroon ng abs, ang pagkahumaling ng Pinoy sa pagpapaputi ng kutis, at ang hygiene ng mga Pinoy. Di nagtagal, ang nunal ni Gloria hanggang buhok ni Noynoy, at tumagal hanggang sa pagka-macho ni Papa Piolo at ang tili ni Midas Marquez.

Kung hindi mainit na political issue, isang paksang may kinalaman sa kultura’t kasaysayan— gaya na lang ng balahurang asal sa social media, relihiyon, pagdura, pag-utot, mga mababantot na apelyido, Rizal trivia at iba pang mga historical tsismis, etc.

Hindi ko alam kung bakit siya hit. Pero dito ngayon pumapasok ang pagkaka-pareho namin nila Justin Bieber at Charice Pempengco.

Pero dito naman ako nagpapasalamat sa Internet, lalo na sa Youtube.

Dahil sampung tao lang yata ang nanonood ng Channel 5 noon, nagdesisyon ang isang editor na i-upload ang mga sinaunang episodes ng Word of the Lourd. Kung di dahil sa Youtube, sampung tao pa rin ang nakakapanood ngayon ng programang ito. Akala nga ng iba: sa Youtube ito unang umeere—kaya naiimbitahan ako lagi sa mga forum tungkol sa “alternative media.”

Anong alternative media pinagsasabi niyo diyan? May pera na kami ngayon. Ini-edit sa mamahaling computer ang video namin. Sosyal ang nire-rentahan naming van.

Hindi ko pa rin ang alam kung bakit siya nag-click—o kung matatawag nga itong “click” dahil mas marami pa ring views ang videos ni Petra Halimuyak at yung mga videos ng mga pagong na kumakanta.

Gayunpaman, ang swerte ko pa rin dahil sa kalayaang binigay sa akin ng mga boss na isulat ang gusto kong isulat—wag lang libelous. Nagpapasalamat din ako sa Gloria Macapagal Arroyo at Kris Aquino sa walang humpay na materyal na binibigay nila. Buti na lang at hindi ako brodkaster sa probinsiya— sa mga ganun, walang sense of humor ang mga politiko.

So, muli, sa inyong lahat, congratulations. Sana lang, wag tayo lahat matusta ng rocket ng North Korea. May dahilan kung bakit tinawag itong “commencement exercises.”

Commencement dahil magsisimula pa lang kayo sa biyahe niyo sa buhay. Kaya heto na ang payo portion.

Obvious naman: pero kailangan uling sabihin. Mahalin mo ang ginagawa mo. Huwag magtatagal sa isang trabahong hindi mo gusto? Bakit mo naman gagawin yun? Dahil sa salapi?

Darating din yan, basta buhos mo lang ang kaya mo, kesyo indie film man yan o isang artikulo tungkol sa pagkain o paglalabada.

May kwento tungkol sa isang monghe sa monasteryo. Napansin ng isang bisita na walang ginawa ang monghe na ito kundi magtrabaho sa hardin buong araw.

“Bakit daw hindi nagdadasal ang mongheng ito?” Sagot sa kanya, dahil buong isip at diwa ng mongheng ito ay nakalaan sa pagdilig at pagtabas at pagtanim sa halaman, mas taimtim pa daw ang dasal nito kesa sa mga nakaluhod sa loob ng simbahan.

Wag seryosohin ang sarili. Pero teka, kelangang klarohin ko ito. Okay lang ang serious, huwag lang solemn. Walang bagay sa mundo ang hindi napapagaan ng pagkakaroon ng sense of humor.

At pinakahuli sa lahat, matutong magtimpla ng kape. At hindi lang basta kape—dapat ito ang pinakamasarap na kape sa buong mundo. Hindi na siguro uso ngayon ang uutusan kang magtimpla ng kape ng boss mo pag ikaw ay nagsisimula pa lang.

At sigurado akong may teacher kayong nagpayo sa inyo na huwag na huwag kayong papayag na patimplahin kayo ng kape ng boss ninyo. May punto naman sila. Pero parang Karate Kid lang yan eh.

Galit na galit at takang-taka ang batang disipulong si Ralph Macchio: “Nagte-training ako ng karate, di ba? Bakit inuutusan ako ng matandang guro na maglinis ng kotse niya? Bakit niya ako inuutusang magpintura ng bakod ng bahay niya?” Sa huli, naintindihan niya rin kung bakit. Wax on. Wax off. At kung ikaw ay fan ng mga kung fu movies, ang ganitong tila-mababang pagsasanay ay pangkaraniwang arketipo. Paano ka pagtitiwalaan ng mas malaking responsibilad kung ang isang maliit na gawain ay di mo magawa nang maayos?

Okey, ituring lang na simbolo ang pagtitimpla ng kape. Kung hindi kape, malamang pabibilhin ka ng blank DVD, o may ipapahatid sa iyong papeles o P2 card.

Kung ayaw mo namang magka-boss, aba…. Madali lang yan. Andiyan naman ang You Tube. Libre naman ang magbukas ng blog (Aba, maraming kumikita diyan; lalo na pag tungkol sa pagkain— kahit hindi ka marunong magsulat).

Basta, keep it real, ika nga ng kasabihan. Minsan sa makabagong mundo, sa virtual na realidad, minsan nakakalimutan natin kung saan tayo nakatungtong, kung saan tayo kumikilos.

Bilang pangtapos, gusto kong basahin ang isang tula ni Jose F. Lacaba.

NAKATINGIN SA BITUIN

Di naman panay dilim

ang gabing walang buwan

pagkat maraming bituin

akong nakita noon,

paglakad sa lansangan

nakatingin sa bituin.

Mga hiyas sa langit

(‘ka nga) nagkikislapan,

wala ni isang pangit,

wala akong makita

paglakad sa lansangan

nakatingin sa bituin.

Di ko tuloy napansin

ang dinadaanan,

kalsadang walang ningning,

pagkat talagang abala

paglakad sa lansangan

nakatingin sa bituin.

Nasalpok ko tuloy,

nasalpok ng isang paa,

ang isang tambak ng

taeng kalabaw sa daan:

paglakad sa lansangan

nakatingin sa bituin.

Santambak na kumalat

Sa kalsada’t paa ko,

Paalala ng lupa

Na paa’y nakatapak,

Paglakad sa lansangan

Nakatingin sa bituin

Sa Batch 2012, congratulations at good luck, at sana ay huwag kayong makaapak ng tae ng kalabaw sa landas niyong tatahakin. Kung sakali man, sumayaw ka na lang.

Walang arte. Walang mapalabok na mga salita. Refreshing. Yun lang ang masasabi ko. Kakaiba 'to sa mga graduation speeches na narinig (nabasa) ko. Kakaiba pa rin talaga ang mapakinggan (mabasa) ang katotohanan. Congratulations Batch 2012! :)

March: The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

Since we're observing Earth Hour right now and I can't find anything to do... I just thought of blogging about my 'A Book A Month Challenge' for the month of March. (I'm writing this post through my phone so I'm still observing Earth Hour :p)


Going back to the topic, so I've read The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky early March and since then I've been reading it over and over again. Yes, it's that good! :)


Basically, the book follows the life of Charlie---a wallflower, as the title suggests---over his first year in High School through a series of letters to a recipient whose name is never mentioned but is described to be older and wiser than Charlie.


As the story unfolds, the connection between Charlie and the reader---or in this case, me----becomes so intimate that I almost felt like Charlie was writing to me. (Sabeh?! :D)


Charlie was easy to relate to for most youth for several reasons; (1) he was experiencing grief from severe loss, (2) was starting his first year in high school struggling to find his place in the world, and (3) he was very open about what he was dealing with his feelings. I felt an honest connection with his life's highs and lows and how he's sort of distant from the world around him but so involved in everything he does. He's probably the most real and most unique character I've ever encountered reading that I wanted to hug him so much and try to make him smile just to cheer him up on certain days.


This is a book that'll always be close to my heart because it captures that bemused and confused bit of teenage life we all experienced; that part of growing up when we felt lost in a sea of faces trying to find ourselves.


So if your looking for a book that is worth the time and the money reading, I suggest this book. Simply because it's worth it. And with that, lemme end this post with a quote from the book:


"So, I guess we are who we are for a lot of reasons. And maybe we'll never know most of them. But even if we don't have the power to choose where we come from, we can still choose where we go from there. We can still do things. And we can try to feel okay about them." -- Charlie


Self-confessed Wallflower,
Joey


PS. Btw, who's mighty excited for the movie adaptation of Perks? I know I am! I hope it will be as good and brilliant as the book! :)

Football Weekend and Fangirling Galore

I know this is suuuupeeeeerrr late a blog already (thanks much to my ever lazy brain cells!) but Imma post it anyway!

So, last March 20, right after the successful stint of the Azkals--Philippine Men's National Football Team--in the recently concluded 2012 AFC Challenge Cup in Nepal, the team immediately took a flight back home here in Manila and being the ultimate fangirls that we are (lol! ;p), my friends aka Azkalera sisters--Ate Diana, Ate Shiela, Ika, Jona, Ayen (hi guys! :D)--and I, went straight to the NAIA terminal 3 to welcome them back! Stalker much? Nah. I prefer to call it "fangirling," thank you very much. :P

So, we waited for like an hour since their flight was a bit delayed. But it was okay. NAIA terminal 3 was a beauty so I didn't mind hehe! :)

Honestly, never have I ever imagined myself being a "fangirl" in the truest sense of the word! Really. This is the first time that I did all these things; like going to places they go to, watching their games every time I can, buying anything they endorse or something that has their logo or faces in them, etcetera etcetera. :D

Anyway, I enjoy being an Azkalera and I'm proud of it. :)

Here are the pics of our little "Heroes' Welcome" for the Azkals! Enjoy!
Joey x

Labo-labo Friday

Lately, I am thinking a lot about my life. I dunno why or what triggers this but I’ll just find myself spacing out quite often and reflecting things. Maybe this is what they call mid-life crisis? I dunno. All I know is that I believe I’m still too young to experience such a thing like that.


So maybe I am just being my weird self...in a weirder level? Ah, labo!


Anyway, to stop myself from overthinking, I went for a walk at a park. Alone. Yes, I am a loner like that. :)


So to put the story short, the walk didn’t help at all because all I ever did while walking at the park was think. Though most thoughts were very random and fleeting.


When I felt like sitting, I went to sit on a bench and rest for a while. Then, I went to the nearest mall. Good thing, because it started to rain the moment I reached the the place. Then I went to a moviehouse and watched The Hunger Games. (I’ll make kwento in a different post.) Then, I went home.


That was my Friday so far and I enjoyed every moment I spent with myself. Yes, I love myself. We could be happy just by being with ourselves. Labo ba? :D Don’t worry, di ka nag-iisa. Malabo talaga.


What’s happening?
Joey

Think Before You Speak

Couple weeks ago, the world of Philippine football was shocked with the sexual harassment complaint filed against two of the players of the Philippine National Football Team--commonly known as the Azkals--by former PSC president, Cristy Ramos. It was shocking (because I’ve seen these two players around with girls--both young and old alike--whenever I watch their games and they’ve always been nothing but nice) at the same time disturbing (because they represent the Philippines and it was such a shame if ever the complaint was ever true). You see, I am a huge fan of the team and I felt really sad about the news. And since the team is still in Nepal for the Challenge Cup, they haven’t been able to defend themselves properly, yet some people had judged them already for what they saw on the television without knowing the facts from both sides first! Really, it was amazing how people can judge other people so easily!


Then, this “Arnold Clavio racist comment” happened that created havoc in social-networking sites wherein he said,

“‘Yayabang nyo. Akala nyo por que dinadagsa kayo ng mga fans... ‘Gu-gwapo nyo eh. Parang god’s gift to women...
Ngayon, nag-sorry para daw dun sa isa nilang kasamahan. Sa’n ka nakakitang Azkals na may suso? Anong cup-b sa isang kasama? Sana nag-sorry, sorry na lang ‘di ba?
‘Di ko kayo ka-kultura... Kasi wala dito’t (pointing to his heart) wala dito (pointing to his head). ‘Di naman kayo Pilipino eh. Nagpapanggap lang kayong kayumanggi. Hindi kayo dito lumaki. Mahirap ‘yun. Insensitive.”


I know this is kind of late of a reaction already, but what the heck? I’ve been meaning to vent out since the day I saw the video so Imma rant big-time! It’s my blog anyway!


Well, I don’t care if you won’t agree with me but I think Arnold Clavio went a little overboard in here and he was so wrong in more ways than one.


Firstly, he is a journalist and as such, he ought to get his facts straight before giving comments. Did he do that? I didn’t think so. Yes, I understood he just stated his own opinion and I know fully well everyone’s entitled to that but, as I said, he is a journalist. There are certain boundaries that he must remember. He is not just speaking as an individual but as a professional as well. His words will have a great impact to the viewing public. That is the difference. Be objective, Mr. Clavio. And don't judge because you, too, will be judged.


Secondly, how do you call a Filipino a “Filipino” anyway? Just because most of the Azkals weren’t born to both Filipino parents, that doesn’t mean they were less Filipinos! As a matter of fact, they are more Filipino than you do; fighting and playing their butts off just to bring pride and glory to our country! How about you? What did you do? You insulted not just the players but their parents and families, as well! Shame on you! If being a Filipino meant to being someone like you, Mr. Clavio who seemed like a crab trying to pull people down then I wouldn’t want to be a Filipino.


Thirdly, the issue here is not about the “race” or the Azkals being Filipinos or not. The real issue is about respect and morals, to which I thought you clearly lacked.


Fourthly, the Azkals happen to be good looking. So what are we going to do about that?! It’s not as if they wished to be gifted with good looks! And just because they are handsome that doesn’t mean they are mayabang and overrated. They just happen to be good looking football players and that’s it! It’s not their freaking fault!


Lastly, I am all for women’s rights but then again, get your bleeping facts straight!


Excuse the cuss words I just got carried away. On a lighter note, though, despite all the issue that the Azkals have been facing right now, I am so proud that they’re giving their best to make our country proud! And they did just that when Philippines made it to the semifinals of the 2012 Challenge Cup for the first time ever in all of tourney’s history after that historic win over Tajikistan last March 13th! It was an epic and glorious moment for Philippine football as we haven’t reached this far before. It was utterly unbelievable.


But as we all know, football like life is not always lying down on a bed of roses. It was heartbreaking that Philippines didn’t make it to the finals but that’s the nature of the game. We can’t win them all but one thing’s certain: Whatever the outcome of the Azkals’ future games may be--win, draw or lose--I will always support and cheer for them because I am a Filipino.



Watch the Philippine Azkals game tomorrow as they battle Palestine for the third place, will yah?
Joey x

A Book A Month Challenge

This is a super late post because I am super lazy to blog. So last February, I kind of challenged myself to read a book or two every month. And by book I mean, a three hundred or so pagelength kind of novel. This book is what I read last month.

I'm a certified bookworm since I can't remember when. Saying I love to read is an understatement. Reading, to me, is like an addiction, a stress-reliever and a leisure rolled into one. If for some other people, their guilty pleasure is, eherm, food; mine's books. (Although I admit I love to eat, too! :D) Going back to books, I dunno why but I have this inexplicable wonderful feeling every time I open a book and its familiar yet indescribable scent fills my nostrils; and how the pages rustle every time I flip them next. Ah, heaven!

For the last decade or so of my life, I have read quite a number of books/novels/short stories already. It's such a shame though, that it's just now that I got to read Pride and Prejudice, that classic of a historical romance novel by Jane Austen. Bummer, I know.

Anyways, Pride and Prejudice is about...

The classic tale of love and misunderstanding unfolds in class-conscious England near the close of the 18th century. The five Bennet sisters – Elizabeth, or Lizzie, Jane, Lydia, Mary, and Kitty – have been raised well aware of their mother's fixation on finding them husbands and securing set futures. The spirited and intelligent Elizabeth, however, strives to live her life with a broader perspective, as encouraged by her doting father.

When wealthy bachelor Mr. Bingley takes up residence in a nearby mansion, the Bennets are abuzz. Amongst the man's sophisticated circle of London friends and the influx of young militia officers, surely there will be no shortage of suitors for the Bennet sisters. Eldest daughter Jane, serene and beautiful, seems poised to win Mr. Bingley's heart. For her part, Lizzie meets with the handsome and - it would seem - snobbish Mr. Darcy, and the battle of the sexes is joined.

Their encounters are frequent and spirited yet far from encouraging. Lizzie finds herself even less inclined to accept a marriage proposal from a distant cousin, Mr. Collins, and – supported by her father – stuns her mother and Mr. Collins by declining. When the heretofore good-natured Mr. Bingley abruptly departs for London, devastating Jane, Lizzie holds Mr. Darcy culpable for contributing to the heartbreak. But a crisis involving youngest sister Lydia soon opens Lizzie's eyes to the true nature of her relationship with Mr. Darcy.

The ensuing rush of feelings leaves no one unchanged, and inspires the Bennets and everyone around them to reaffirm what is most important in life.

Jane Austen satirizes society superbly in this romance about a young woman---Elizabeth Bennett, to whom you will come to love---who learns about her own prejudices and a man---Mr. Darcy---who learns to temper his pride.

The dialogue is brilliant though in old-ish English kind of way. The fun part of the book, aside from the 18th century etiquette and manners and puns on social class, is no matter how many times you read this book, the prose is so fresh that you always wonder if Lizzy and Darcy will hook up! :)

Pride and Prejudice is a classic work of literature that you should dare not miss!


Go forth and read,
Joey

Perks of Being Single

Well, it's officially February 14th on this side of the globe and it's
a special day (for most of the couples out there) so allow me to greet
y'all a very... "Happy Hearts' Day, everyone!!" Yay! Great!

It feels great, right? It's great if you are with someone romantically
and your relationship is going perfectly well. Then, your special
someone will bring you to a dinner date that he personally arranged
for you, you'll exchange gifts with each other, you'll dance and the
sappy story goes on and on until you-know-what-happened-next. Kidding! :))

But what about those people who happened to be included in the
so-called 'love-less' population? Can't we be happy, too? Well, news
flash, we can. Yes, me included. In fact, there are perks for being a
bonafide single on Valentine's day. Here are some:

1. You don't need to buy your partner a special gift. Can you just
imagine the money you're gonna spare and the hassles you're going to
avoid from just the thoughts of what present to give him/her? For sure,
that is one thing you'll be most thankful about for being single!

2. You don't need to go to a spa or salon or boutiques to look
extraordinary just so you can impress your date/partner. You'll be happy
you've kept yourself from making a serious damage in your bank
account/credit card with those...unbelievable things!

3. You can eat all you can and all you want without having someone to condemn you for
being such a glutton or how bloated you can get out of eating those
chocolates you so love.

4. You can do pretty much whatever you want. No one is gonna get mad
at you if you choose to ditch your partner and marathon movies/books instead.
Also, you can wear your favorite baggy clothes and sweat pants like how you
used to without having someone to tell you to glamorize yourself a
bit more. Hell, you can even skip a bath if you want to and nobody
will even care!

5. You are not required to date. If you're a guy, you can give as many
flowers and chocolates to as many girls as you like without bothering
to think about a jealous girlfriend to nag at you for being so 'generous' even if those girls you have
given those gifts to are your girl best buds. The same goes if you are a
girl, you can receive as much chocolates and flowers as you can
without worrying about your boyfriend warning you to accept them not. As
well as in dating, you are free to accept or decline any invitation to
go out with whoever you want. You're free as a bird!

6. You can sleep the day off if you wish without expecting someone to
disturb you. I value my rest so much because I have a hard time
sleeping at night due to my freaking insomnia. So, for me, long hours of
undisturbed sleep is a total pleasure and absolute happiness. But it's
just me :)

7. Lastly, you can spare yourself from all the pains, heartaches and
drama if your partner chose to play jerk on you and decided not to
show up on your date. Or, you can keep yourself from the
disappointment if your partner's idea of a Valentine's date didn't
meet half of your expectations of how you wanted it to be.

So there you have it, folks. The perks of being a bonafide single on
Valentine's Day. You see, being single also has it's own advantages, too.
And just because you don't have a special someone yet, doesn't mean
you wallow in misery and self-pity in one corner of your room and cry
your eyeballs out like it's the freakin' end of the world! Remember:
Happiness is a choice and a matter of perspective. Choose to be happy
whether you're single, in a relationship or it's bleeping complicated. :D

And don't forget to spread the love,
Joey

PS. Oh no, I'm not suggesting all you committed people to ditch your
partners to experience these things! Please, no. And I don't wish to
encourage you single guys/girls to remain single for the rest of your
lives, either! This blogpost is entirely for entertainment purposes only. At
para masabi lang na may Valentine blogpost ako. Lol! :p
Seriously though, date if you must and fall in love. It is the best
feeling in the world after all. And I strongly believe that each one
of us deserved to love and be loved in return. ;)

PPS. I can't believe this blog already has 3k+ pageviews and
counting!! Yayyy! I'm soooo happy!!! Thank you so much to each and
every one of you who take your time to check out my posts and read them. I truly and
sincerely appreciate it!! Thank you soooo much!!!! xoxo

For The First Time

I've been a big fan of the PBA (Philippine Basketball Association) since childhood days and ever since, I have always wanted to watch the games live. Or even just once in my life. What fan who calls herself one won't want to, right?

But then, with all the odds and circumstances--namely studies, studies and studies (hehe!)--it was just last Friday that I was able to watch PBA live! Yey! Finally! :) (Believe me, I was all giddy and excited that I barely slept the night before! Hahaha.)

So we went to Smart Araneta Coliseum later that afternoon. We stayed at the parking lot first so we could greet the players before the game. (Note: That was a trick I learned from Ate Diana. Hehe.) Fortunately, we saw Cyrus Baguio (of the Alaska Aces and my longtime crush ever!!! *shrieks* lol) and boy, my heart raced like hell I was afraid it would leap out of my chest! I was so starstrucked, stupefied and tounge-tied that even after I took a pic with him I was just looking at him like I was a some kind of a schoolgirl who met her ultimate crush for the first time and he was some kind of a dream came true! Oh wait, I've a huge crush on him, right? So it was definitely a dream came true! :D

With Ate Diana and Melizza :)

With my fellow first-timer (haha!), Izza. This was taken during the 2nd game between Bmeg and Meralco :) Kung maka-pose, 'kala mo nasa NBA eh no? :p

My first live PBA game experience was so fun! I couldn't quite describe the feeling but it was awesome seeing your favorite players/teams do their thing in the court right before your very eyes. It felt surreal. And I'll most definitely be watching again! :)

Credits to Ate Di for the photos! <3

Jeremy Camp Rocks Manila

It has been an amazing weekend of praise and worship as Jeremy Camp together with his band and Adam Cappa rocks Cathedral of Praise Manila with a 3-night concert series for absolutely free!

Yes, it's 4Real! :D

Jeremy Camp was in the Philippines over the weekend for a series of 3-night concerts in our church, Cathedral of Praise. Pastor Sumrall invited him over to minister for our unsaved kababayans. And what a great harvest it was, for over 2000 Filipinosgave their hearts and surrendered their lives to Jesus Christ---that included two of my friends which I am so happy and thankful about if I may add :)---after the weekend crusade! Thank You, Jesus!! I am certain there was a big party thrown in heaven over the weekend for those 2000+ souls saved that I could even imagine the angels singing, dancing, leaping for joy and praising God at the feet of His holy throne! Oh, okay that sounded soooo peculiar, right? Like, almost out-of-this-world? I guess I just got so overwhelmed and utterly ecstatic with what Jeremy Camp said about how heaven feels like! I can't wait for that day to come that we'll be seeing Jesus face to face. Can any thing be more exciting that that?? :)

Thank you Adam Cappa and Jeremy Camp for coming to the Philippines!

We're so blessed to have you! We had so much fun! I pray and hope that you will come back to Manila soon! I also pray to God to guide and protect you guys as you travel back home. May the presence of the Lord be with you always as you continue to minister and touch other people's lives through your music! :)

Blessed beyond belief with your ministry,

Joey

PS. Credits to Cathedral of Praise Facebook page for all the photos :)

UFL 2012 Kicks Off!

Today was soooo much fun! It was such a memorable day for me as a
football fan. Not only because did I meet (and got to have a pic with)
my favorite football players but because I got to meet new friends as well. :) I went to Rizal Memorial Stadium earlier today for the opening ceremonies of the UFL and my football-crazed weekends (the Pinoy style) have officially started again as the United Football League's Season 2012 kicked off with two-game opener between Kaya Cignal FC and Philippine Air Force Phoenix FC, and Green Archers United FC and Loyola Meralco Sparks FC. :)

I've been an Azkal supporter and a football fan for over a year now. Since then, I made it a point to watch the games of my favorite football clubs that it became a habit already. Automatic na yan. Saturdays and Sundays are for UFL. Nothing can get in the way! :D

So when the UFL Cup ended last year, I missed watching football games
live (and free admission at that! :D) big-time! Good thing though the
off-season just lasted for a month! Now, it's back and I just can't
get any happier! Here's to another great football year in the
Philippines!!

Congratulations btw, to Kaya Cignal FC and Loyola Meralco Sparks FC
for taking home the wins of today's two-game opener! Kudos to United
Football League and AKTV for the successful opening!!!

Cheers,
Joey ♥

PS. Pics to be posted tomorrow :) goodnight! XxxO

Resolutions 2012

Happy New Year everyone! (O di ba, 2012 na pero late pa rin ako.

Huling-huli naman sa greeting ko di ba? After exactly a week? Hahaha!)

Anyways, isn't it c-uh-razy how time flies so freaking fast? One week

has already passed and before we knew it, it's Chrismastime once

again. So, bago pa ako abutin ng end of the world ('wag naman sana), eh ililista ko na

ang aking New Year's Resolution 2012 edition. (Oha? Anlakas lang

maka-topic ng formal essay nung high school! :D)

Honestly, I don't do New Year's Resolutions (except for those days

back in high school when we were asked to write an essay about it by

our English teachers right after school resumed from the Christmas

breaks; which I never did take seriously, btw. :p may maisulat lang

hahaha!) because I believe we don't have to wait for a brand new year

to come to start changing ourselves for the better. We can always do

it at any day at any time of the year. However, I thought of writing a

list of resolutions this year that I intend to keep and not break, for a change. Wala lang. Trip ko eh. ;p So, here goes my list:

1. To attend the service every week for the whole year. I've been

wanting to have a complete church attendance for 2 years now but I

just couldn't cut my breaking-this-goal streak :(

2. To spend less and save more of my money. I'm not a big spender but

I'm not thrifty as well. So this year, I want to be wise in terms of

my finances.

3. To be more patient in everything because I'm not. Yun na.

4. To watch over my diet and exercise regularly (which I've broken

already...so on to the next).

5. To have a better social life than a virtual life because you see,

I'm a big internet freak and social media fan. :D

6. To space out not so often. Dahil lagi akong nawawala sa sarili :D This year, slight na lang hahaha!

7. To blog at least once a month! :)

8. To travel more!!!

9. To watch PBA live at least once! Simply because never have I ever done this! I've watched

professional football matches live many times already but not

basketball games.

10. To go and watch Eat Bulaga in Broadway Centrum!!!! This is one of my dreams that I super want to come true this year! Dapat siguro no. 1 to noh? Lol!

11. To see the sunrise a lot this year because I always wake up late. Boo!!! :(

I want to be a happy morning person :)

12. To sleep longer at night because insomnia sucks.

13. To learn to play a guitar or any musical instrument.

14. To make new friends.

15. To spread nothing but goodvibes and stay away from negativity.

16. Lastly, to...fall in love. (Ansabeh? ;p)

And there goes my New Year's Resolutions. Walang kwenta 'di ba? Hahahaha! Do you think I can fulfill 'em

all? Or, which of these do you think will I break first? :D

Will try my best to change for the better,

Joey

PS. Dear friends, if there's something about me you want me to change,

feel free to say. It's just a comment away. I'll gladly add it :)

PPS. What are your resolutions? Share! :)

PPPS. Change doesn't happen overnight so wear enough patience! We can do this! Bring it on 2012!!! :))