Two days ago, I wrote something about how much I love my people. Only two days have passed and I think I'm doing an about face.
Nakapag-LRT na ba kayo from Recto?
Do you notice how people act when they board the train? Boarding the train from that station is a scene straight out of a children's party, with everybody scurrying about, trying to find the next available space. It's an adult version of that old parlor game, Trip to Jerusalem.
Here in Singapore, people seem to be more giving: when they see you carrying something, they'd give the seat to you. When they see an older person board the train, they'd give the seat to her. They're very courteous people
I noticed that during my registration, NTU's staff are so different from UP's. The people in NTU are courteous and respectful of students. Some of UP's staff are some of the most bastos, power-tripping, egoistic people you can ever meet. I've met several secretaries in my college I'd be happy to strangle. I was once berated by a librarian for mistakenly leaving my stuff in his turf. As freshmen, we hated this nasty OUR admin assistant, whom we will only talk to at gunpoint.
When I opened an account at OCBC, the lady constantly apologized for making me wait-- for like, well, three minutes. It's so different from the treatment I got from the local bank I have been depositing money to for almost 10 years. The manager just looked at me with dead eyes-- no good morning, no smiles, no apologies for making me wait.
Somebody told me that one thing she liked about working here is that there are no class differences in the workplace. People don't care whether you're rich or struggling: they'll befriend you, talk to you, eat out with you. In the Philippines, parang may caste system in a single office.
We're supposed to be good people. I guess we're not anymore.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Tales from NTU
I'm baaack!
Hindi muna ako magsusulat in English. Nami-miss ko ng mag-Tagalog e. Nong binigyan nga ako ng saging ng roomate ko, nasabihan ko ba naman ng, "Sige!" with matching pa-tweetums facial expression. Nakalimutan ko, nasa SG pala ako. Two days na ako dito sa Singapore pero sawa na ako mag English.
Ang dami ko ngang nami-miss e: 'yong astig kong kumot, unan, kwarto sa Antipolo na laging nililinis ng mga maid namin; yong TV sa sala; ang manood ng CNN, The View, at The Buzz kung kelan ko gusto; ang kumain ng masarap at libre na luto ng maid namin; ang maid namin; ang ingay ng mga kapitbahay namin; yong mga taga-Summit at ang mga walang pinapatunguhan naming mga kwentuhan; yong mga damit na binili ko pa naman sa pagpunta dito pero hindi ko naman napagkasya sa bag. Dami.
Registration kanina, and for the first time, na-appreciate ko kulay ng passport ng Pinas. Well, yong dati. Green. Kasi siya lang yong green passport amidst the sea of red (China) and dark blue (India) passport na nagkalat sa auditorium. Wala akong nakitang ibang green. Sa akin lang. Kaya naman bago pa magpilipit ang dila ng Student Buddy sa pagtawag ng name ko, tumayo na ako and told her in my flawless American accent, "I'm Rachel." Chos!
May napansin lang ako don sa mga Indians. Di ba ang Pinoy, usually tuwang tuwa yan pag may nakitang kapwa Pinoy abroad? Yong matapobre hindi daw. Ako natutuwa ako, lalo na pag within campus (konti lang ata Pinoy dito). Pero yong mga Pana hindi sila nagpapansinan. E ang dami dami nila dito. Wala lang, I just find it strange.
Karamihan ng students dito either Chinese or Indian. Narealize ko, ang dami na ding mayaman sa kanila no? E ang Pinoy nakakarating lang dito pag libre.
Kanina nagchi-chichikahan kami ng roommate ko na Indian about the place we're from. And she told me that Mumbai is the best place to stay in because it's cosmopolitan. And she said that people there aren't very conservative. She asked me, "How is it living in the Philippines?" I said, "It's not as clean as Singapore. We're not as disciplined as the Singaporeans [read: pasaway kami, day!] But it's fun to live there." Later on, I said, "We're pretty conservative. If you were something like this [pointing to my signature cleavage top] you'll get a lot of cat calls."
And she said: "I thought it was fun to live there?"
Ah. What a complex topic, my country. It has its double standards, its corrupt politicians, its polluted streets, and its people who whine about their lives and blame the government for it but refuse to lift a finger to do anything about it. But it is the only place I know where I can be most comfortable, where I can speak a language that expresses my real soul and emotions, where laughter is a national sport, sex videos are for general consumption, where I can lead a life of comfort, and be around the people I love. And for most of us, that's what it is: Manila is love.
An idiot once asked, "What is there to love about Manila? About the Philippines?" Well, we do not love for any specific reason. Because that's what love is. You cannot rationalize it. It's just there.
Kaya pag may country-basher akong nakaka-usap (and most Pinoys are) I want to tell them: "You're just wasting your time. E, di umalis ka dito! Away with the nega vibes!" But I just do what a friend told me: Shut up and drive na lang ako!
Hindi muna ako magsusulat in English. Nami-miss ko ng mag-Tagalog e. Nong binigyan nga ako ng saging ng roomate ko, nasabihan ko ba naman ng, "Sige!" with matching pa-tweetums facial expression. Nakalimutan ko, nasa SG pala ako. Two days na ako dito sa Singapore pero sawa na ako mag English.
Ang dami ko ngang nami-miss e: 'yong astig kong kumot, unan, kwarto sa Antipolo na laging nililinis ng mga maid namin; yong TV sa sala; ang manood ng CNN, The View, at The Buzz kung kelan ko gusto; ang kumain ng masarap at libre na luto ng maid namin; ang maid namin; ang ingay ng mga kapitbahay namin; yong mga taga-Summit at ang mga walang pinapatunguhan naming mga kwentuhan; yong mga damit na binili ko pa naman sa pagpunta dito pero hindi ko naman napagkasya sa bag. Dami.
Registration kanina, and for the first time, na-appreciate ko kulay ng passport ng Pinas. Well, yong dati. Green. Kasi siya lang yong green passport amidst the sea of red (China) and dark blue (India) passport na nagkalat sa auditorium. Wala akong nakitang ibang green. Sa akin lang. Kaya naman bago pa magpilipit ang dila ng Student Buddy sa pagtawag ng name ko, tumayo na ako and told her in my flawless American accent, "I'm Rachel." Chos!
May napansin lang ako don sa mga Indians. Di ba ang Pinoy, usually tuwang tuwa yan pag may nakitang kapwa Pinoy abroad? Yong matapobre hindi daw. Ako natutuwa ako, lalo na pag within campus (konti lang ata Pinoy dito). Pero yong mga Pana hindi sila nagpapansinan. E ang dami dami nila dito. Wala lang, I just find it strange.
Karamihan ng students dito either Chinese or Indian. Narealize ko, ang dami na ding mayaman sa kanila no? E ang Pinoy nakakarating lang dito pag libre.
Kanina nagchi-chichikahan kami ng roommate ko na Indian about the place we're from. And she told me that Mumbai is the best place to stay in because it's cosmopolitan. And she said that people there aren't very conservative. She asked me, "How is it living in the Philippines?" I said, "It's not as clean as Singapore. We're not as disciplined as the Singaporeans [read: pasaway kami, day!] But it's fun to live there." Later on, I said, "We're pretty conservative. If you were something like this [pointing to my signature cleavage top] you'll get a lot of cat calls."
And she said: "I thought it was fun to live there?"
Ah. What a complex topic, my country. It has its double standards, its corrupt politicians, its polluted streets, and its people who whine about their lives and blame the government for it but refuse to lift a finger to do anything about it. But it is the only place I know where I can be most comfortable, where I can speak a language that expresses my real soul and emotions, where laughter is a national sport, sex videos are for general consumption, where I can lead a life of comfort, and be around the people I love. And for most of us, that's what it is: Manila is love.
An idiot once asked, "What is there to love about Manila? About the Philippines?" Well, we do not love for any specific reason. Because that's what love is. You cannot rationalize it. It's just there.
Kaya pag may country-basher akong nakaka-usap (and most Pinoys are) I want to tell them: "You're just wasting your time. E, di umalis ka dito! Away with the nega vibes!" But I just do what a friend told me: Shut up and drive na lang ako!
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Passion Saves the Day
Had a blast with my old Summit friends last night, when I threw a despedida before I leave on Monday. It was just an inuman--YES! and PEP style--with endless chatter about showbiz, weird co-workers, and sex tips thrown into the mix. It was great to reconnect with them. Too bad I don’t have the pictures to prove it. Neri’s camera, Bumblebee, went bonkers and corrupted all the pictures we took. Sayang. Some of them were kinda salacious pa naman. Joke!
Even if I have been gone for 7 months, there’s still this great rapport between me and these kids. It’s a stark contrast to my relationship with my colleagues at my last job. I remember being uncomfortable with most of them, having realized early on that I wasn’t, and will not be, one of them. They were nice kids, sure, but they were totally different from the kind of people in the magazine industry, which makes them totally different from me. People from our world are naturally inclined to the arts: many are into literature, popular culture, technology, films, and music. We would talk about these things for hours on end, without anybody cutting in and asking, “Ano yon, ha?” Summit has so many cultured and smart people. And I’m not just talking about the bosses. Even the fresh grads in the rank and file positions are brilliant.
I don’t wanna sound like I’m criticizing my last office, but during my 6 months there, I really felt like a fish out of water. It was a tad too conservative for my personality. It was the only place where I got called out for what I was wearing. When I was covered up, I was still called out again. It was the only place I worked in where masses are held every day, twice a day. Save for churches, I have not seen so many religious icons in one place.It made me a little comfortable, me who has an unwavering belief in the separation of church and state, and that any particular religion should not be practiced in the workplace.
It was also the only place where I consciously censored myself. Bawdy jokes, almost a way of life in my previous jobs, where a no-no. I hated getting stuck in my chair for hours, which sometimes made my days there extremely long, even if they were far shorter than the 10.5 hours a day I had to log on during my magazine work. Corporate work just wasn’t me.
And I could tell that it wasn’t the kind of atmosphere that suited even the old timers. I haven’t met anybody who truly loved their job, somebody who can say she enjoys it. I’ve met so many who couldn’t wait to retire, because they absolutely hated what they were doing. Many of them are there for their kids, for their families. It’s admirable, but it’s also a sad way to live.
If there is one thing I learned about my last job, it’s that I am not the type who will work just for the sake of working. I also need a stimulating environment, where I can thrive amid challenges. I also need to be surrounded by people whom I love and respect, and whom I can learn a lot from. It’s hard to be simply motivated by money. There’s more to working than that.
Even if I have been gone for 7 months, there’s still this great rapport between me and these kids. It’s a stark contrast to my relationship with my colleagues at my last job. I remember being uncomfortable with most of them, having realized early on that I wasn’t, and will not be, one of them. They were nice kids, sure, but they were totally different from the kind of people in the magazine industry, which makes them totally different from me. People from our world are naturally inclined to the arts: many are into literature, popular culture, technology, films, and music. We would talk about these things for hours on end, without anybody cutting in and asking, “Ano yon, ha?” Summit has so many cultured and smart people. And I’m not just talking about the bosses. Even the fresh grads in the rank and file positions are brilliant.
I don’t wanna sound like I’m criticizing my last office, but during my 6 months there, I really felt like a fish out of water. It was a tad too conservative for my personality. It was the only place where I got called out for what I was wearing. When I was covered up, I was still called out again. It was the only place I worked in where masses are held every day, twice a day. Save for churches, I have not seen so many religious icons in one place.It made me a little comfortable, me who has an unwavering belief in the separation of church and state, and that any particular religion should not be practiced in the workplace.
It was also the only place where I consciously censored myself. Bawdy jokes, almost a way of life in my previous jobs, where a no-no. I hated getting stuck in my chair for hours, which sometimes made my days there extremely long, even if they were far shorter than the 10.5 hours a day I had to log on during my magazine work. Corporate work just wasn’t me.
And I could tell that it wasn’t the kind of atmosphere that suited even the old timers. I haven’t met anybody who truly loved their job, somebody who can say she enjoys it. I’ve met so many who couldn’t wait to retire, because they absolutely hated what they were doing. Many of them are there for their kids, for their families. It’s admirable, but it’s also a sad way to live.
If there is one thing I learned about my last job, it’s that I am not the type who will work just for the sake of working. I also need a stimulating environment, where I can thrive amid challenges. I also need to be surrounded by people whom I love and respect, and whom I can learn a lot from. It’s hard to be simply motivated by money. There’s more to working than that.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Getting That Scholarship
As long as I can remember, I’ve always wanted to study abroad. I felt the desire to do this when I was still in UP, where I was taught by professors who studied in the world’s best universities: Columbia U, Nanyang, Cambridge, Australian National University, and Tokyo University. While I have great memories of UP, I always wondered how it was to study somewhere else. I knew that studying abroad would broaden my perspective and appreciate other cultures, and of course, improve my resume.
There was just one problem though: money. Lest my dad gets all riled up, let me clarify that we’re not poor. I led and continue to lead, a very comfortable middle class existence. Money was never short. Yet, it was never enough to send me abroad. If this were the 1960’s when the peso was really strong, my dad would have. But the peso is now practically worthless, which makes studying abroad so ridiculously expensive it’s an option open only to the Ayalas of this country.
If I wanted to study abroad, I would have to get a scholarship. Not bursaries, which are mere tuition discounts, but full scholarships. The free ride. As in free tuition and stipend. As in almost impossible.
But, impossible is just a current state of affairs. The future will be different, only if you work at it.
And that’s what I did. I really worked at it. I studied hard in college so I can graduate cum laude, at the very least. I looked for jobs that I would be proud to put on my resume. I scoured the internet to look and apply for scholarships. Some people say you should plan your life. I used to have a plan. My original plan was to work for two years, then do my masters. That was the plan. But life had a lot of things in store for me.
I couldn’t get a scholarship. (Lesson number one: Don’t plan your life. It’s pointless.) I tried two schools in Canada and one in the States. I was rejected in every one of them. For every rejection that I got, I was broken hearted. It really feels like shit to have your dreams smash into pieces, and mine was smashed three times.
After the third rejection, I decided to give it a break. During that time, I was enjoying working for YES! and I didn’t see myself leaving any time soon. But my dream, a nebulous dream somebody told me, would never die. After a year, I gave it another go. This time, I got it right. I was offered two scholarships: one in Japan and another in Singapore. With luck, timing, and persistence, I finally got it right.
A Summit girl asked me how I got a scholarship. I wanted to tell her that the stars aligned to make it possible for me, that I wanted it so bad the universe conspired to give it to me. It’s an answer straight out of “The Secret,” and may sound a little lame. Instead, I asked two friends for some tips on how you can get a scholarship.
Check all your options
My friend Jan, a recipient of the ASEAN Graduate Scholarship, offers this advice: “Google is your friend. Research, research, research. Learn as much as you can about scholarships for which you can apply.” Start by checking the websites of foreign embassies in the Philippines. You can also check the websites of the Asian Development Bank and the World Bank, both of which offer scholarships for development-oriented postgraduate studies. Check the British Council’s website regarding the Chevening Scholarship. If you want to do your postgraduate in the US, check Philippine American Educational Foundation website for the Fulbright Scholarships. Keep in mind though that these two are the toughest to get. My friend Loit, who’s now studying at the National University of Singapore, suggests that you start first in Asia, like in Japan, Hong Kong, or Singapore. Once you get an MA in those countries, you’ll have a better chance to go to the big league. Also, choose the MA degree you really want to pursue, because this would determine your career path and specialization. Unlike in your undergraduate years, you no longer have a parent to answer to, so this should be easier for you.
Don't forget your profs
Jan suggests that you keep in touch with your former professors, even after college graduation. Most universities prefer to get academic references. I’m really thankful that my former professors, like Wendell Capili, Victor Avecilla, and Pearl Manalili, never gave up on me and have always been supportive. They always found time to write my recommendations, even if they were swamped with work.
Write a brilliant essay
You only get one chance to write that application essay, so write it very, very well. “Think about your motivations and goals for graduate study, and how the program/school of your choice fits your plans. Be as specific as you can about what you want to do with the education you'll be getting for free,” suggests Jan. “Explain also why you are a good fit for the program/school. Sell yourself. In my honest opinion, it would really help if there's an element of altruism thrown into your app essay. Scholarship committees are big on applicants who want to give back to society. Of course, I'm not saying that you should make up a desire to give back when there's none.” Most scholarship providers, like the ADB and the World Bank, prefer applicants who want to return to their native countries after graduation. So tell them you have every intention to return—but only if you really want to, okay?
Choose a good thesis proposal
If you’re required to write a research proposal, come up with a topic with results that would benefit both the Philippines and the country which you plan to study in. For my proposal to a Japanese university, I proposed a study on the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement, which would bring Pinoy nurses to Japan. Loit, who also applied to that school, proposed a study of the Bureau of Customs practices and whether they follow the Kyoto Convention. Be aware of current events, because they’re usually the ones that would make great thesis proposals.
Plan your finances
Make sure you have enough money for the application process. Applying to universities costs quite a lot. You have to pay for the TOEFL, the GMAT, and the GRE—exams that are required by many graduate schools. A lot of schools also ask for an application fee, ranging from P800-P2,500. You also have to pay for copies of your TOR, diploma, and other documents from your previous university. And when you get that scholarship, you usually need to bring some cash to tide you over until you get your stipend.
The most important thing though is not to give up. Like a friend told me, it’s all about timing. If you don’t get it today, feel free to wallow in misery. Give it a week, get over it, and take another shot. If you want it really bad, the universe will give it to you.
There was just one problem though: money. Lest my dad gets all riled up, let me clarify that we’re not poor. I led and continue to lead, a very comfortable middle class existence. Money was never short. Yet, it was never enough to send me abroad. If this were the 1960’s when the peso was really strong, my dad would have. But the peso is now practically worthless, which makes studying abroad so ridiculously expensive it’s an option open only to the Ayalas of this country.
If I wanted to study abroad, I would have to get a scholarship. Not bursaries, which are mere tuition discounts, but full scholarships. The free ride. As in free tuition and stipend. As in almost impossible.
But, impossible is just a current state of affairs. The future will be different, only if you work at it.
And that’s what I did. I really worked at it. I studied hard in college so I can graduate cum laude, at the very least. I looked for jobs that I would be proud to put on my resume. I scoured the internet to look and apply for scholarships. Some people say you should plan your life. I used to have a plan. My original plan was to work for two years, then do my masters. That was the plan. But life had a lot of things in store for me.
I couldn’t get a scholarship. (Lesson number one: Don’t plan your life. It’s pointless.) I tried two schools in Canada and one in the States. I was rejected in every one of them. For every rejection that I got, I was broken hearted. It really feels like shit to have your dreams smash into pieces, and mine was smashed three times.
After the third rejection, I decided to give it a break. During that time, I was enjoying working for YES! and I didn’t see myself leaving any time soon. But my dream, a nebulous dream somebody told me, would never die. After a year, I gave it another go. This time, I got it right. I was offered two scholarships: one in Japan and another in Singapore. With luck, timing, and persistence, I finally got it right.
A Summit girl asked me how I got a scholarship. I wanted to tell her that the stars aligned to make it possible for me, that I wanted it so bad the universe conspired to give it to me. It’s an answer straight out of “The Secret,” and may sound a little lame. Instead, I asked two friends for some tips on how you can get a scholarship.
Check all your options
My friend Jan, a recipient of the ASEAN Graduate Scholarship, offers this advice: “Google is your friend. Research, research, research. Learn as much as you can about scholarships for which you can apply.” Start by checking the websites of foreign embassies in the Philippines. You can also check the websites of the Asian Development Bank and the World Bank, both of which offer scholarships for development-oriented postgraduate studies. Check the British Council’s website regarding the Chevening Scholarship. If you want to do your postgraduate in the US, check Philippine American Educational Foundation website for the Fulbright Scholarships. Keep in mind though that these two are the toughest to get. My friend Loit, who’s now studying at the National University of Singapore, suggests that you start first in Asia, like in Japan, Hong Kong, or Singapore. Once you get an MA in those countries, you’ll have a better chance to go to the big league. Also, choose the MA degree you really want to pursue, because this would determine your career path and specialization. Unlike in your undergraduate years, you no longer have a parent to answer to, so this should be easier for you.
Don't forget your profs
Jan suggests that you keep in touch with your former professors, even after college graduation. Most universities prefer to get academic references. I’m really thankful that my former professors, like Wendell Capili, Victor Avecilla, and Pearl Manalili, never gave up on me and have always been supportive. They always found time to write my recommendations, even if they were swamped with work.
Write a brilliant essay
You only get one chance to write that application essay, so write it very, very well. “Think about your motivations and goals for graduate study, and how the program/school of your choice fits your plans. Be as specific as you can about what you want to do with the education you'll be getting for free,” suggests Jan. “Explain also why you are a good fit for the program/school. Sell yourself. In my honest opinion, it would really help if there's an element of altruism thrown into your app essay. Scholarship committees are big on applicants who want to give back to society. Of course, I'm not saying that you should make up a desire to give back when there's none.” Most scholarship providers, like the ADB and the World Bank, prefer applicants who want to return to their native countries after graduation. So tell them you have every intention to return—but only if you really want to, okay?
Choose a good thesis proposal
If you’re required to write a research proposal, come up with a topic with results that would benefit both the Philippines and the country which you plan to study in. For my proposal to a Japanese university, I proposed a study on the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement, which would bring Pinoy nurses to Japan. Loit, who also applied to that school, proposed a study of the Bureau of Customs practices and whether they follow the Kyoto Convention. Be aware of current events, because they’re usually the ones that would make great thesis proposals.
Plan your finances
Make sure you have enough money for the application process. Applying to universities costs quite a lot. You have to pay for the TOEFL, the GMAT, and the GRE—exams that are required by many graduate schools. A lot of schools also ask for an application fee, ranging from P800-P2,500. You also have to pay for copies of your TOR, diploma, and other documents from your previous university. And when you get that scholarship, you usually need to bring some cash to tide you over until you get your stipend.
The most important thing though is not to give up. Like a friend told me, it’s all about timing. If you don’t get it today, feel free to wallow in misery. Give it a week, get over it, and take another shot. If you want it really bad, the universe will give it to you.
Shake,Rattle and Roll
A former colleague complained about those porn sites who relentlessly follow us on Twitter, and she said she's planning to shoo them away with salt. I suddenly remembered the Manananggal episode in the first Shake, Rattle and Roll movie, starring Herbert Bautista and Irma Adlawan. It went like this, kiddos:
My favorite though was an episode starring Manilyn Reynes, where she visits a town full of cannibals. It features Richard Gomez in a cameo as a tricycle driver (yeah, right) who warns Mane that there's something wrong with the town. I tried looking for a clip in Youtube, but I couldn't find any. My former officemate's favorite episode was Undin, an episode about a monster who lurks in a toilet. He looks like this:
Faye, the friend who wanted to ward off those pesky pornographers, loved Pridyider, starring Janice de Belen and the late Charito Solis. Directed by the late great Ishamel Bernal, it's about a ref with a life of its own.
Nice dress, Janice.
There's no denying it, the 1980's had really kitschy films. But to tell you honestly, I'd rather watch these films than those who take themselves seriously but end up falling flat on their faces.
My favorite though was an episode starring Manilyn Reynes, where she visits a town full of cannibals. It features Richard Gomez in a cameo as a tricycle driver (yeah, right) who warns Mane that there's something wrong with the town. I tried looking for a clip in Youtube, but I couldn't find any. My former officemate's favorite episode was Undin, an episode about a monster who lurks in a toilet. He looks like this:
Faye, the friend who wanted to ward off those pesky pornographers, loved Pridyider, starring Janice de Belen and the late Charito Solis. Directed by the late great Ishamel Bernal, it's about a ref with a life of its own.
Nice dress, Janice.
There's no denying it, the 1980's had really kitschy films. But to tell you honestly, I'd rather watch these films than those who take themselves seriously but end up falling flat on their faces.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Gossip Girl Season 3 Wish List
The third season of Gossip Girl will premiere on September 14 (hm, that’s the birthday of my former editor and a former YES! staff) but this early, the web is abuzz with all the behind-the-scenes pics from the show. I for one is super kilig over photos of Chuck and Blair smooching, and I’m really looking forward to see how these two emotionally-handicapped characters will pursue a relationship. But there are other things I also want to see in the third season:
1.An explanation as to what happened to Poppy. I can’t believe they wasted several episodes and dragged Georgina out of that Bible freak community only to let that story arc fall flat. It was a waste of a good line from Georgina. Remember “Tell Jesus the bitch is back?” Well, I want to see how she bitched around to get Poppy.
2.Vanessa to have a story of her own. You never see what really makes V tick. I want to know more about her background, her family, her motivations. You only see her getting involved with somebody else’s man. If they can’t give V a story arc of her own, they might as well kill off her character.
3.Better hair for Blair Waldorf. Her hair in the BTS pics look limp. Where’s the trademark chocolate brown locks that we all fell in love with during the first season? Bring them back!
4.Either Rufus and Lily get married or they break up for the last time. Actually, I prefer the last option. Can you imagine Serena and Dan living together in the same roof? All those hormones shouldn’t be contained in a single place.
5.A great performance from Hilary Duff. The inclusion of the Duffster has riled some GG fans. I’m pretty okay with it, but some fans feel that she’s using the show to jumpstart her moribund career. I hope she does well to prove the bitchy naysayers wrong.
6.Jenny to stop wearing that horrendous raccoon eye makeup. She wiped it off during the last few episodes of season 2, but I read somewhere that Taylor Momsen is going through a punk phase, and may bring her new style sense to GG’s set. Oh, please.
That's the list. Before I go, here's one sweet pic of CB togther:
Aaaw!
1.An explanation as to what happened to Poppy. I can’t believe they wasted several episodes and dragged Georgina out of that Bible freak community only to let that story arc fall flat. It was a waste of a good line from Georgina. Remember “Tell Jesus the bitch is back?” Well, I want to see how she bitched around to get Poppy.
2.Vanessa to have a story of her own. You never see what really makes V tick. I want to know more about her background, her family, her motivations. You only see her getting involved with somebody else’s man. If they can’t give V a story arc of her own, they might as well kill off her character.
3.Better hair for Blair Waldorf. Her hair in the BTS pics look limp. Where’s the trademark chocolate brown locks that we all fell in love with during the first season? Bring them back!
4.Either Rufus and Lily get married or they break up for the last time. Actually, I prefer the last option. Can you imagine Serena and Dan living together in the same roof? All those hormones shouldn’t be contained in a single place.
5.A great performance from Hilary Duff. The inclusion of the Duffster has riled some GG fans. I’m pretty okay with it, but some fans feel that she’s using the show to jumpstart her moribund career. I hope she does well to prove the bitchy naysayers wrong.
6.Jenny to stop wearing that horrendous raccoon eye makeup. She wiped it off during the last few episodes of season 2, but I read somewhere that Taylor Momsen is going through a punk phase, and may bring her new style sense to GG’s set. Oh, please.
That's the list. Before I go, here's one sweet pic of CB togther:
Aaaw!
Saturday, July 18, 2009
YES!
I started reading YES! in college. Back then, even before it became a cultural phenomenon, the mag was already a standout, in the sense that it took its subjects seriously, and its readers even more seriously. For a couple of years, I was hooked on the magazine. I knew then that if there was one Summit title I’d love to work for, YES! would be it.
The YES! team, circa... I dunno. I forgot to get a digital copy of the last staff picture. Gab, do you still have it? :) (L-R) Mommy Analyn, flamboyant Gab, lovable Candice, handsome Anna, the venerable Pete, short-haired me, the hot Nat, stylish Melissa, and the cute as a button Glaiza.
I only got the opportunity to send my application to the magazine when I was suspended from work, a few days after Christmas in 2003. I got a three-day suspension for being late 11 times in a single month. While my then editor seethed at my display of irresponsibility, I was happy to be stuck at home, surfing the Net. Those were Facebook-less days, so if you’re bored, like I was, you’ll end up logging on to Jobstreet. I didn’t know what hit me, but I suddenly thought of sending a resume to YES! One month later, I was in. Thus began the four years that defined me, as much as my years in UP did.
I quickly learned that YES! is not a place for the mediocre or the onion-skinned, both of which I am. All egos are left at the door. You can pick it up before you leave—if you ever get to leave at all. There was a time when we worked a total of 24 hours in Galleria. When we left at 7 AM, we were too tired and too bleary-eyed to remember to pick up what was left of our egos.
But I owe a lot to YES! It taught me to think on my feet. And if UP taught me how to stand up for myself, I learned from YES! that you also have to choose your battles wisely. Pete Lacaba taught me that the phrase “brief fling” is redundant, that there’s no such word as “furnitures,” and that word “bumubulusok” means a fast, downward movement. Anna Pingol taught me, through example, that a good relationship with your subjects will help you get that interview. Nat Clave taught me how to discern what makes a good and bad photo. Joan Ariete introduced me to Haruki Murakami and taught me to never lose faith in myself. Divine Mesina taught me that opportunities are fleeting, and that you have to grab it as soon as you see it. Judy Dimayuga-Magdame told me not to get married—an advice I have no problem following. Candice Lim taught me that I should be comfortable in my own skin—which I took too much to heart. Glaiza Seguia, my office panda, taught me what the word “momol” means and that it’s cool to be kind. Analyn Alcala never failed to encourage me to go for the guy I like, even if it’s wrong in so many levels. Roan Pena was my walking, talking boutique shop. Gabby Villegas taught me to... um, never mind. Melissa de Quiros gave me fashion advice. Jo-Ann Maglipon taught me that there’s no greater job in the world than to write and get paid for it.
Batanes team-building, year... I forgot. What is obvious was this was taken during my rebonded hair days. I have now accepted the fact that I will always be curly, no matter what I do. (L-R) Fatima Parel, Diwa Gacosta, the now New York-based Joan Ariete, me, and Anna. That's Nat comfortably lying on Batanes ground.
When I left YES! after 4 years, I took on a well-paying government job. It wasn’t what I expected. After years of being creative, of being encouraged to think, act, and write well, it left me feeling unfulfilled and unchallenged. It made me realize I wasn't made for the corporate world. I realized how I much I missed writing, and how much I miss being a reporter.And that's what I plan to do after I'm done with school.
Let me get this straight: I no longer plan to return to YES! I leave that to the next generation of reporters. But in spite of how hard it was, I’m glad I worked there. I met and worked with some of the most brilliant people. And I know I will not be going to NTU if not for my experience in YES! For that, I am eternally grateful.
Judy Magdame, pixie-haired me, Nat, Jo-Ann, Pete Lacaba, Fatima, and Divine Mesina. Seated: Anna.
The YES! team, circa... I dunno. I forgot to get a digital copy of the last staff picture. Gab, do you still have it? :) (L-R) Mommy Analyn, flamboyant Gab, lovable Candice, handsome Anna, the venerable Pete, short-haired me, the hot Nat, stylish Melissa, and the cute as a button Glaiza.
I only got the opportunity to send my application to the magazine when I was suspended from work, a few days after Christmas in 2003. I got a three-day suspension for being late 11 times in a single month. While my then editor seethed at my display of irresponsibility, I was happy to be stuck at home, surfing the Net. Those were Facebook-less days, so if you’re bored, like I was, you’ll end up logging on to Jobstreet. I didn’t know what hit me, but I suddenly thought of sending a resume to YES! One month later, I was in. Thus began the four years that defined me, as much as my years in UP did.
I quickly learned that YES! is not a place for the mediocre or the onion-skinned, both of which I am. All egos are left at the door. You can pick it up before you leave—if you ever get to leave at all. There was a time when we worked a total of 24 hours in Galleria. When we left at 7 AM, we were too tired and too bleary-eyed to remember to pick up what was left of our egos.
But I owe a lot to YES! It taught me to think on my feet. And if UP taught me how to stand up for myself, I learned from YES! that you also have to choose your battles wisely. Pete Lacaba taught me that the phrase “brief fling” is redundant, that there’s no such word as “furnitures,” and that word “bumubulusok” means a fast, downward movement. Anna Pingol taught me, through example, that a good relationship with your subjects will help you get that interview. Nat Clave taught me how to discern what makes a good and bad photo. Joan Ariete introduced me to Haruki Murakami and taught me to never lose faith in myself. Divine Mesina taught me that opportunities are fleeting, and that you have to grab it as soon as you see it. Judy Dimayuga-Magdame told me not to get married—an advice I have no problem following. Candice Lim taught me that I should be comfortable in my own skin—which I took too much to heart. Glaiza Seguia, my office panda, taught me what the word “momol” means and that it’s cool to be kind. Analyn Alcala never failed to encourage me to go for the guy I like, even if it’s wrong in so many levels. Roan Pena was my walking, talking boutique shop. Gabby Villegas taught me to... um, never mind. Melissa de Quiros gave me fashion advice. Jo-Ann Maglipon taught me that there’s no greater job in the world than to write and get paid for it.
Batanes team-building, year... I forgot. What is obvious was this was taken during my rebonded hair days. I have now accepted the fact that I will always be curly, no matter what I do. (L-R) Fatima Parel, Diwa Gacosta, the now New York-based Joan Ariete, me, and Anna. That's Nat comfortably lying on Batanes ground.
When I left YES! after 4 years, I took on a well-paying government job. It wasn’t what I expected. After years of being creative, of being encouraged to think, act, and write well, it left me feeling unfulfilled and unchallenged. It made me realize I wasn't made for the corporate world. I realized how I much I missed writing, and how much I miss being a reporter.And that's what I plan to do after I'm done with school.
Let me get this straight: I no longer plan to return to YES! I leave that to the next generation of reporters. But in spite of how hard it was, I’m glad I worked there. I met and worked with some of the most brilliant people. And I know I will not be going to NTU if not for my experience in YES! For that, I am eternally grateful.
Judy Magdame, pixie-haired me, Nat, Jo-Ann, Pete Lacaba, Fatima, and Divine Mesina. Seated: Anna.
Friday, July 17, 2009
Ideas for Candys Lim's Wedding
Thanks to Manang DVD, I recently saw the first season of True Blood, starring the amazing Anna Paquin and the hot Stephen Moyer. Aside from the superb acting and interesting takes on small town life, I love watching it to see what Sookie Stackhouse (Anna) would be wearing. So far, my favourite is this:
Sorry I couldn’t find any pic that would show the lower part of the dress, but I guess you already have an idea. It’s a one-piece dress with a full skirt. I really like it, and may even ask our trusted mananahi to make me one. I wanted to wear something like this in Candice (aka Candys) Lim’s wedding next year. It’s a long way from now, but I’m really excited, because I heard that her boyfriend’s friends are really hot. Hehehe! She’d probably kick my ass (literally) if she sees me with a dress with a plunging cleavage.
I actually have an idea of what my hair would look like. My natural hair is really curly, but I want something wavy. Like this:
I’m not sure if I can find a hairstylist who’s skilled enough to tame my hair. But I can always dream, right?
Sorry I couldn’t find any pic that would show the lower part of the dress, but I guess you already have an idea. It’s a one-piece dress with a full skirt. I really like it, and may even ask our trusted mananahi to make me one. I wanted to wear something like this in Candice (aka Candys) Lim’s wedding next year. It’s a long way from now, but I’m really excited, because I heard that her boyfriend’s friends are really hot. Hehehe! She’d probably kick my ass (literally) if she sees me with a dress with a plunging cleavage.
I actually have an idea of what my hair would look like. My natural hair is really curly, but I want something wavy. Like this:
I’m not sure if I can find a hairstylist who’s skilled enough to tame my hair. But I can always dream, right?
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
UP
Me, at 21, shortly before I graduated. This was taken by Mhadz Cadang, my thesis partner and friend.
I first arrived in UP Diliman as a chubby, 17-year old insecure English major. I graduated the valedictorian of a class of 38 kids, confused, a little glad that high school was over, but scared of what the future may bring. The first few months of my stay in UP were the hardest—I had a hard time fitting in, I couldn’t find my way through the library’s chaotic system, and I really missed my high school friends. What made it hardest though, was that I wasn’t performing well in school. I was simply not prepared for it. As nice as my high school teachers were, they were nowhere near the calibre of my UP professors. The first year was, to put it mildly, a completely pain in the ass.
Things changed though during my second year. I accepted the fact that I wasn’t cut out to be an English major, and shifted to another course. In my new course, for the first time, I met people whom I could really be friends with. I was no longer just jumping from one classroom to another. I met teachers who liked me, and whom I liked in return. I accepted that I can’t always be the best, but it doesn’t hurt to try to be. I also learned that it’s okay to miss a couple of classes, as long as you don’t make a habit of doing it. I learned how to deal with the conyos and the jologs of the world. I learned that you can choose to be both, and be proud of it. I learned not to care about what people may say, just as long as what I was doing was true to what I really am. I learned how to stand up for myself. I learned how to charm my way to a professor’s conscience. I learned how to take care of myself. I learned how be an adult.
Now that I’ll be going back to school, I miss UP. I miss walking in campus. I miss eating in the cheapest, dirtiest carinderias of Krus Na Ligas. I miss my professors, and their infinite wisdom. And yes, I miss the conyos, the jologs, the tibaks, the artists, and even the apathetic kids. I miss all of them. I miss all of it.
It’s strange to fall in love with a school. But I guess I love UP. And even if I’m going to study in one of Asia’s best universities, I’m sure, I will never love it as much as I love UP. Never.
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