25 Random Things

I read quite a number of '25 Random Things' in different personal blogs and i think it is fun to write something like that plus  it is a great way to let the people learn more about you.  So, here are 25 random things about me.


1.  I am my mother's favorite.  And I'm quite sure of that.  Maybe because i did helped her a lot babysitting  my siblings and guarding our sari-sari store before.  Most of the times, I have to skipped playing with my neighbors 'coz i have to look after my brothers and sister.  I think being the eldest, i was already designated  to do that. Now, that i am working and living here in Makati and every time i would go home to Bulacan (at least once a month) she would prepare my favorite ulam for me.  We are not brought up to be affectionate to each other, but i can feel that Nanay favors me more.


2.  I sleep with six pillows and a 'maligasgas or magaspang na kumot' (thermal blanket) on my feet.  There is no way i can sleep with one or two pillows.  I have to have 2 on my head, another 1 on each sides, 1 under my feet and another one i can hug. When i have to sleep in a hotel, i would always ask for extra pillows.


The 'maligasgas na kumot'  is a must. No silk blanket please.  Mas magaspang, mas ok.  When i travelled abroad, i have to bring my own kumot.   Last February, when i went to Singapore, there's no more space for my 'maligasgas na kumot' in my luggage.  Buti na lang that the undercover of the bed is exactly the same as my thermal blanket back home.  So i removed it and used it for my feet.  The housekeeping lady in Fort canning probably wonders kung bakit ang gulo-gulo ng bed ko everyday. Hehehe!


3. I don't eat exotic food.  I always believe that God created different animals for different purposes.  Surely enough, He didn't create dogs for pulutan or bayawak and snakes for ulam.  As long as there are pork, beef, chicken and vegetables, i don't see the need to include exotic animals in my menu.


4.  I don't eat chocolates too.  Ewan ko ba, pero i am not just fond of chocolates.    My friends and my boss finds it weird pero i just don't like the taste.  I can live without them.  A supplier once brought me a pasalubong of different chocolate goodies from abroad and he just made my office mates very happy.


5.  I love Nike shoes.  I only buy Nike rubber shoes.  I just find them so comfortable.  But i'm quite picky with the design.  Yung iba kasi, baduy talaga ang design kahit Nike pa.  I own about six pairs.

6.  I like bags - backpacks, sports bags, etc.   But my current favorite is my green "Salary Sacrifice" model Crumpler bag.  It's a backpack with special case for a laptop.  Quite expensive at 6K plus but it's all worth it.  Made from Australia - sobrang tibay at comfortable gamitin.  I now have 2 Crumpler bags.  The other one is a laptop bag.  I also bought this nice orange Nike bag from Macau.  Not my favorite though, ayun naka-tago na sa Bulacan.  I now regret not buying that huge National Geographic bag from Singapore.  Mahal kasi. hehehe!

7.  I drink so much water.  If we are to follow the advise to drink 8 glasses of water daily, then i am way advance the quota.  I drink about 16-20 glasses a day and i want my water ice-cold.

8. I am not organized.  "Salaula" sabi nga.  Ewan ko ba.  Ang gulo-gulo ko sa gamit.  Even sa office, burara ako.  I tried many times to organize my stuff but it's not working.

9.  I am always (almost) on-time.   I value being punctual.  Siguro in 100 appointments, isang beses pa lang ako na-late.  Nahihiya kasi ako magpa-hintay ng tao even if ako ang hinihingan ng pabor.  Whenever we watch plays, shows, etc. you can count that i'll be at the venue before the show starts.  I once gave a sermon to my former boss when she arrived 30 minutes late to an appointment.  I forgot that time na boss ko nga pala sya.  Just imagine the look on her face and my face after.  Hahaha!

10.  I am not fond of video games.  I actually don't play video games.  When i was in in highschool, some friends would invite me to play Atari after school but i would just end up watching them or i'll just do something else.   The only game i engaged myself playing with is the infamous "brick game" where you'll just stack those bricks together as they fall.  Meron pa ba 'non ngayon?

11. I grew up reading Komiks.  Name it - Hiwaga, Funny, Pinoy, Wakasan, etc.  That is my Tita's influence on me.  I got so addicted to Komiks from elementary 'till highschool that I would save my P50.00 daily baon then just to buy the latest Komiks from the suking tindera sa palengke ng Balagtas. There was a time i have so much Komiks that i rented them out to neighbors so that i can buy more komiks from the rent money.  That also influenced my limited ability to draw.

12. Ayoko ng mga ulam na matatamis. Hamonado, tocino, paksiw na lechon, sweet and sour pork/fish.  For me kasi dapat dessert lang ang sweet.


13.  I almost drowned when i was 10 or 11.  'Di alam ng parents ko 'to.  Tumakas lang ako no'n to join my cousin Leo and Tito Penchot na mag-swimming sa rampa (a river-like irrigation system sa lugar namin).  Both of them are good swimmers.  I was trying to learn how to swim at langoy aso lang alam ko.  I didn't realize na malalim na pala yung napuntahan ko.  When i tried to stand up, i couldn't reach the bottom.  I panicked.  I think i yelled for help.  Biglang sugod si Leo at Tito Penchot sa 'kin.  They both grabbed me and pulled me to safety.  Will never ever forget that.


14.  I am claustrophobic and the worst experience was when I got stuck in the elevator thrice.  These three incidents happened in Cityland Pasong Tamo Tower where we have an office at the 32nd floor.  The elevator suddenly stopped in between 31st and 32nd floor.  I was hyperventilating already.  The other 2 people with me are worried as well.  Two days ago kasi may news na elevator na bumagsak sa isang office sa Ortigas.  No cellphone signal but we managed to advice the building administrator through the emergency call button. Pero 15 minutes pa rin kami trapped inside.  They forcibly open the door and literally pulled us out.  The picture under exactly replicates our situation then.

15.  I don't like slow people or people with no sense of urgency. 


16.  I have TMJD or  Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJD).  I was diagnosed to have this about 4 years ago after i noticed some pain and cracking in my jaw. TMJD is a disorder that affects the functioning of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), more commonly referred to as the jawbone. It attacks the muscles and cartilage throughout the face, head, and neck.  I believe that it is one reason why i always have a migraine.   The illustration below shows the difference between a normal TMJ and the 'abnormal' one. 

17.   I love Zamzar and Limewire for my iPod downloads.   


18.  I started wearing blacks when i started gaining weight.  Almost all my t-shirts are black.  Despite working out at the gym and several diets, i hardly lose weight.  That's why i gave up already and just enjoy life as it is.  However, after consulting a feng shui master, i started introducing colors to my wardrobe - at least sa mga damit ko pang pasok sa office.


19.  I love sili, patis and all spicy food!  I am so fond of sili and patis, i literally eat it with any ulam.  I guess that was my father's influenced on me.  For me, it's not just right to eat breakfast, lunch or dinner without sili and patis.  and the spicier the sili, the better! Yum! Yum!!!

20.  My most embarrassing moment was when i ate in this restaurant (Mr. Choi's Kitchen) and when i asked for the bill, i realized i don't have my wallet with me.  Buti na lang the resto is just a stone-throw away from my place.  I immediately called my friend/housemate and requested (read: begged)  him to bring me my wallet.


21.  I hate math and all mathematical applications. This hate-relationship between us started in elementary and it never changed.  The only thing i like about math is counting money and only if it's MY money.  

    
22.  I know how to make Rellenong Bangus from scratch. Yup! that includes cleaning and deboning the fish, preparation of stuffing and stuffing the fish itself.  Since i'm a food lover, i have learned to prepare and cook a lot of different dishes.  I started cooking when i was very young.  Back then, my mother would always ask me to cook lunch or dinner while she is busy running some errands.  


At first, i don't like it.  I hate chopping onions and garlic.  But since my mother gave me no choice, i have successfully mastered the art of sauteing.  I started experimenting now and then and i was able to concoct my own dishes.  It was fun cooking.  I like going to the market and buy the freshest ingredients and impressing everyone with my cooking.  I am now the designated cook during special occasions in the family.  But what i hate most is doing the dishes.  I'll cook but someone should clean after.


23.  I believe in ghosts.  I have my own ghost story to tell.  Year 2000.  Glenn (a housemate and a very good friend) and I just transferred from our old boarding house to our new apartment in Makati.  The house is about 50 years old and is completely vacant. We have no furniture nor appliances.  All i have is just an electric fan and a mattress.  


Glenn went home to Isabela for a vacation so i was left all alone.  I slept at around 10pm at my room at the second floor.  It was December and a bit cold. I covered myself up with my kumot. Suddenly i was awaken by some noise.  I heard someone dragging himself up to the stairs.  I think fast.  Was it Glenn? How can that be possible? I double-locked the main door. There's no way he can get himself in.  


Then, i just felt a sudden gush of cold wind. I peeked at the room. My electric fan is turned off and all the windows are closed. I panicked and immediately covered myself again. Then, the door to my room creaks open. I was totally awake and muttering some prayers.  I heard and felt the wooden floor creaks as well. Whoever that person is... he is heading towards me.  I peeked from my kumot again and saw a very pale, wet and covered with mud set of feet.  I dare not look up.  I am so afraid of what i might see.  I crawled into a fetal position and prayed. After 30 minutes or so, i felt the weird coldness is gone.  I peeked again and the feet is no longer there... and it's already half past three am. I will never ever forget that experience.




24.  I like removing my shoes at the office.  I don't wear tsinelas though.  But i am more comfortable just wearing my socks under my desk.




25.  I like commuting.  The company paid for my driving lessons at A1.  My brother, Rex, thought me how to drive using our jeep back home.  I know how to drive.  But i am just more comfortable to commute than to drive.  Parking will never be a problem. I can sleep or do something else while traveling. There are plus and minus to it but i am a commuter at heart.   


     

Meet (the) Boxer!

We have a new dog and it's a rottweiler. I was hesitant at first to have a dog which is known for its aggressiveness.   I heard rottweilers are commonly used for dog fights.  Some say that they are more aggressive than pitbull and doberman dogs.  But when i first saw this cute little puppy, i instantly had a changed of heart and mind.  He would just follow you and never leaves you whenever you put him out of his cage.  He is so shy and naive and even more tamed than Spock and Teacup - our 2 mixed-breed chihuahuas/mini-pinscher. I named him Boxer.  

Anyway, i still did some research about rottweilers and according to Wikipedia:

The Rottweiler is a breed of domestic dog known for its medium to large size and its strength. They originate from Rottweil, Germany and were known as "Rottweil Butcher's Dogs" (German: Rottweil Metzgerhund) because they were used to herd livestock as well as pull cartsladen with butchered meat and other products to market.^[1] Some records indicate that earlier Rottweilers may have also been used for hunting although the modern Rottweiler has a relatively low hunting instinct. It is a hearty and very intelligent breed.

The Rottweiler was employed in these traditional roles until the mid-19th century when railroads replaced droving for getting livestock to market. While still used in herding, Rottweilers are now also used in search and rescue, as guide dogs for the blind, as guard or police dogs, and in other roles.^[2]

Eleksyon 2010: Who Am I Voting For?

This election, i will definitely exercise my right to vote.  I have been doing so for the last three  or four elections.  I believe that it is not just our right but it  is also our obligation to our country.  I am tired of broken promises and the usual political antics but i never lose hope that someday our country will get back to it's feet and reclaimed the same level of glory and prestige our nation used to enjoy during our Lolo's and Lola's time.

For the last month or so, i have been exchanging opinions and views with friends and acquaintances about  our individual choices among presidential candidates.

I have a friend who is for Gilbert "Gibo" Teodoro.  I asked him, "You were one of the victims of typhoon Ondoy. You're apartment in Q.C. was submerged under water for three days, Gibo was the head of the National Disaster Coordinating Council and the secretary of the Department of National Defense (DND) during that time, are you satisfied with what he have accomplished to help the victims? 'Di ba, you never saw a shadow of help from the government?"

My friend said that tragedy of that magnitude will overwhelm anyone.  I said "yes".  But if you are marketing yourself with the slogan "Galing at Talino" and you have all the resources of DND, i would be expecting a lot more.  Survivors in areas like Pasig (Pasig na lang ha) have to stay on top of their roof for several days without food, medicine and blankets because the rescue efforts are so slow and disorganized.  'Di ba sa ganitong sitwasyon natin dapat nasubukan ang "galing at talino"? Gibo should walk the talk.

I don't even have go to the issue of the Ampatuans to expound on his incompetence.  This power-tripping clan have amassed ammunitions and high-powered guns with "Property of the AFP" engraved on most of it and have openly organized and controlled a sizable group of private armies.  This happened during Gibo's term as the secretary of the Department of National Defense.

 We all know what happened next - the infamous Maguindanao Massacre.

Another friend of mine was for Manny Villar.  The guy who brands himself "Mr. Sipag at Tyaga".   Villar came out with loads of 60-seconder commercials (some are even longer, i think) of poor kids singing Villar's plight to poverty.   We all know that Manny Villar is the richest among candidates. Him being a Billionaire.  He owns Manuela Malls, Star Malls, Camella Homes, Vista Land, etc. etc.

Villar's campaign capitalized on his being poor. One of his commercial said his brother died because they're poor.  Later, it was found out that his being poor is not so true.  Her mother is a wholesaler in the 'consignacion' and market vendors buy their shrimp supplies from her.

So, hindi sila yung tipo na naglalako ng hipon sa palengke na walang pwesto.

And why would you swim in a sea of garbage as advertised on radio and tv? To catch shrimp? I don't think so.

Manny Villar's father works for the Bureau of Fisheries (BFAR) that time and that is how they got the connection. His father's position at BFAR secures Villar's mom would always get the freshest shrimps at cheaper price.

Villar's wealth surged questionably. Reports of land grabbing in Bulacan and other areas where his companies have developments surfaced recently.  He would always dismissed these issues as 'politically motivated' and 'black propagandas' fabricated by his detractors against him.

Until now, he has not directly answered the accusations hurled against him about the C-5 Road Project controversy where at least six of his subdivisions 'coincidentally' benefitted from the 're-alignment' of the original plan.  Certainly, i don't like my next president to stay mum on issues of graft and corruption.

The other presidential candidate running second/third place in the surveys is former president Joseph "Erap" Estrada.  I will never go into details.  But this is the same president the people removed from office through a peaceful People Power II because of his involvement in Jueteng operations and payolas, his kerida's lavish lifestyles (remember Boracay mansion), stock manipulations, unexplained bank accounts (Jose Velarde accounts), midnight cabinet, etc. The list goes on and it only illuminates how corrupt his government is. He thought his allies in the senate is enough to protect him from impeachment. But no.

I was in EDSA II.  I was one of those who walked from Makati to EDSA because  i too am tired of the rampant abuses of Erap's government to the people.  And the rest is history.  He stepped down from power and was eventually convicted of plunder.  He said EDSA II is a mistake.  I don't think so.  EDSA II symbolizes the power of the people to fight those who are blinded by greed and power.

Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino Jr. is the leading candidate in the surveys. This morning, Iglesia ni Cristo announced that they are supporting the candidacy of Noynoy and vice presidential candidate, Mar Roxas.  Noynoy was a three-term senator prior to this election.  He is a bachelor and he came from a family of heroes being the son of Cory and Ninoy.  They said Noynoy hasn't done much as a legislator.  Fabricated issues about him being mentally unfit have been surfacing.  He used to be known as the brother of Kris Aquino -  and even that is being used against him.  I know Kris Aquino is sometimes obnoxious but that is Kris Aquino not Noynoy.

Noynoy may not be the best president this country will ever have (just in case he wins the election) but he pledged one thing -"Hindi ako magnanakaw!" And i believed him.  Corruption is the biggest problem of this country.  They said 200 Billion pesos are pocketed by corrupt government officials and their cronies every year.  This is tax payers money. Yours and mine's hard-earned money.

Noynoy, despite being the son of a former president and himself,  a government official did not enrich himself.  In fact, he is one of the most modest presidential candidate based on their  statement of assets, liabilities and net worth (SALN).

This election, i definitely hope for a better president.  I hope that we will be able to unite as a nation and have a leader who will wake us from our slumber.   A president who will put the country first before his own personal interests and businesses.   A president who will not only be matalino but with a heart and compassion for our fellowmen. A president who will not steal and stand against the vultures in the government.  That is why in this coming election, i have never been this passionate to cast my vote.  Because i know that my president will not only bring hope but deliver results in this time where we needed it most. Si Noynoy - ang aking Presidente!