It's another of those WHATWEEKENDS...

Di pa natatapos araw ko, nagsimula na ulit siya.

Yesterday was a FULL day. It was one activity after another, plus a number of STDs (stuff-to-do) in between. Thank God Andrew came to pick me up, so we had some (but not enough) quality time over dinner.

Worked Friday late night into Saturday early morning, finishing test items for the UPCAT review. By 3:00 a.m., Friday clothes changed into Saturday clothes, as I had to accompany my sis to the airport for the 4:00 a.m. arrival of her fiance. After breakfast with them, I headed off to Pisay. At 6:30 a.m., I was back where I was just around 12 hours ago.

Since 5:15 a.m. Friday, the sleep that I've had til now, 1:30 p.m. Saturday, are the naps I sneak in during MRT and car rides, and power naps here at the Bio Unit, before and after the UPCAT review.

I'll be heading home to Las Pinas in a while. Though I really need to get some shut-eye, there's still a lot of work waiting for me...checking, prepping, raket for wedding fund...

It's another of those WHATWEEKENDS...

...Gusto ko manood ng Ice Age 3, 3D! I'm pretty sure it won't be as disappointing as Transformers...but that's another blog entry...

The weeks of doing what I've never done before or in a long time

Longish post. Go ahead if you wanna read about my first soccer game in a decade, or my first bar jam, or my trip back to the land of my birth.

- - - - -

For the past couple of weeks, I found myself doing stuff I've never done before or I've never done in a LONG time.

For my last week of summer vacation, I shook off enough of my tamaditis to go to the gym. Last time I went to the gym was back in college, maybe 7-8 years ago (yes, ganun ako katamad). On the day of the AI finale, I had to hitch with my sis so early in the morning, so I had to watch the finale at the gym. Thank God for exercise machines with TVs I watched the first and last 30 minutes of the show on the treadmill, hehehe. I stopped the treadmill and made an audible OMG when Kris Allen was declared the winner, which was embarrassing because I was by myself, surrounded by strangers at the gym.

Last week, I joined the majority of the Pisay faculty for a seminar-workshop in Baguio. Last time I was in Baguio was just 2-3 years ago, but I've never stayed in Baguio for more than 3 days; this time I got to stay for 5. Baguio has a special place in my heart - it was where I was born, where I grew up for the first 5 years of my life, where my destiny was formed.

I'm always with family when I go to Baguio, so being with friends and colleagues was new for me. It was also the first time I went out and about Baguio at night. For some of the people I was with, it was my first time to bond with them, even if we've been coworkers for a couple of years already. That was the fun part, because I don't really get to interact that much with my coteachers other than those from the Bio unit.

I guess the highlight of it all was getting to do something I've NEVER done though it's something I've always wanted to do - I got to perform in a bar On our first Baguio night out, we hit this nice laid back bar called Ayuyang, where there were two performers who'd let audience members jam with them every so often. A couple of my coteachers jammed ahead of me, and when I had mustered enough courage, I stepped up to play Lisa Loeb's "Stay" and "Do You Sleep?", songs that are perpetually on my setlist when I play in my room almost every night. I was so confident about those songs, but because of certain circumstances, I totally fumbled in Ayuyang I couldn't get the plucking part of "Stay", and I mixed up the lyrics of "Do You Sleep?" Haysus. It was a really funny performance, but the audience was so cool and appreciative, steady lang kumbaga, so I actually enjoyed it. Anyways, I got to redeem myself at the end of the night when the performer allowed me to try once more, so I asked my co-teacher Justin to sing while I played "Plush" by Stone Temple Pilots.

Actually, there were only about 25 people there, 15 of which were Pisay teachers. Hehehe. But it still was an achievement for me. And as we left, some of the strangers there said my attempt at Lisa Loeb was cool Ang sarap lang ng pakiramdam na bonding kayo lahat dun sa bar kahit di kayo magkakakilala. The playlist of the jammers that night was great, too - "Honestly" by Harem Scarem, "Your Love" by Alamid, "Patience" by Guns N' Roses, "Every Rose Has Its Thorn" by Poison, "Your Song" by Elton John, and a whole lot more songs that I sang to at the top of my lungs. Ang saya; gusto ko ulit ng ganung jamming.

This week, the thing that I did that I hadn't done in a LONG time was to play soccer. Justin set up a soccer date with our field bio kids so we played under the drizzle last Thursday. I believe the last time I played soccer was in HIGH SCHOOL - that's like 10+ years ago Unless you can count one of my PE classes in college - speedball (kinda like soccer, football, and basketball combined - I hardly remember the rules!). Still, that's a good 5+ years ago. I'm totally not a soccer player - basketball is my game, and maybe softball, though I last played that in college - but I kinda enjoyed last Thursday.

And the last on this list of things-I-haven't-done-before-or-in-a-long-while would be - - - to watch a full set of Nina, the soul siren My friend Sandy is in a showband so she asked us girls to watch her gig at Taboo Bar in Ortigas last night. I hardly get to see my girls so I grabbed the opportunity, nevermind that Nina is so way off my genre of choice. It was great to be with my barkada after almost half a year of not seeing most of them. We weren't complete but it was the best attendance record for a non-wedding gimik in a long while.

I'm quite amused with myself lately because I guess I'm trying harder each day to get out of my comfort zone. These things I've written aren't really off-the-charts with their awesomeness or novelty or uniqueness, but for me I'm happy that I'm getting to do a lot more new things lately.

I hope this 'adventurousness' spills onto the rest of the school year. I so want to make this school year a whole lot better than the last. Last year was nice and fun, but I totally did not make use of my full potential as a teacher. It was my most stressful year EVER - I had so many tasks on my shoulders, and because I'm such an awesome time manager, I believe I did a mediocre job on all of them. This year, I must not let that happen. Wish me luck.

"Spongebob is the most influential thing in my life..."

Me: Why, what did he influence you to do?


Miguel, my 11-year-old nephew: To have fun and to live life to the fullest.


Naks :)


In other news, this same nephew of mine recently wrote an essay for his homework, declaring his lolo (my dad) as his best friend, who always gives him good advice and is always loving and caring.

Awww :)


Darn it, the kids are growing up on us. By next year, Miguel's eligible to take the PSHS NCE! It'll be weird having someone in school calling me "Tita Mariel" :P

Post # 444: It just sucks...

1. that I have so much to blog about but so much to do that I can't blog (except for this 'it just sucks' piece).

2. that I have a lot of pics to post from yesteryear, but (again) do not have time to post them. Nabura tuloy forever yung iba nung nagreset yung PC.

3. that no matter how stressed I am these days, it does not cause me to lose weight the way it did during my undergrad thesis. Hehehe.

4. that all I want to do is plan for the biggest gig of my life, but (AGAIN) do not have the time to do that just yet.

5. that all I want at the end of the day is to spend time with the one who I know will make it all better, but that'll just have to wait til the weekend...

If employees can get fired because of Facebook...

...then maybe students can also get into trouble because of their blogs and social networking sites...?

Wala lang, naisip ko lang. It has been at times a dilemma what to do about inappropriate behavior of our students outside of school - in the malls, on the Internet - places where supposedly we do not have jurisdiction over them anymore.

I've seen kids in uniform (not necessarily Pisay) in the malls, smoking, very publicly displaying affection, cursing...and it always bothers me - if I were there teacher, could I tell them off even if we weren't in school anymore? Or if I read a particularly rude or even offensive blog entry, do I have the right to scold the auther if he/she were a student of my school?

People can get really defensive about this, always subscribing to the "freedom of speech" idea. But I believe that freedom comes with responsibility, and what you do outside of school or outside of your home is still a reflection of the values that your teachers and your family are trying hard to instill in you.

Andrew, who teaches in a Catholic school (and you know how Catholic schools place a premium on forming morally upright children of God), believes that we still do have to be vigilant about our students' behavior outside the campus, especially if they are in uniform or obviously displaying that they belong to a particular school. He says that wherever they go, our students carry the good name of our school, and they must take care not to do anything to smear that good name. Besides, as a person, you should always be a respectable and responsible individual, whether or not a teacher or parent is watching your every move.

Oh my, I'm turning into an adult. I'm one of THEM now. Hehehe.

Hindi, wala lang, it's just that sometimes when I read updates on Multiply, the blog entries of some kids make me flinch (don't worry kids, I'm not filing IRs or anything; I just flinch). Of course, they're emo, and high school's got them angsty and stuff. Sure, I went through the same thing 10+ years ago. But there are some words, ideas, and behaviors that the kids have today that I never would've even touched when I was a teen. I don't wanna sound old-fashioned or anything, but still nothing beats just being a good person, right? :)

Impromptu adult blog entry, inspired by today's headlines, hehehe.

Virgin Atlantic sacks 13 staff after Facebook criticism

What's up, Dacs? :D

Busy busy busy.

And it's not gonna end anytime soon.

At least the next few days will be more or less stress-free :D And prayerful, I hope.

After Holy Week, though, lotsa things are gonna start kicking in: clearing students, having myself cleared, everyday Field Bio classes, prepping for Field bio fieldwork, prepping for Biota Convention in Isabela...

In the meantime, I've tried my best to update my photos and videos...now for a bit of blogging...itty-bitty updates, really...

• Bio 1 with Batch 2010 is over. I wasn't able to take as much pics as I wanted to, but I guess I've taken a good enough bunch. Here's the last of them.
  
  
  
• The Bio Unit is fun to be with because we have a lot of laughs and a lot of eats :D These pictures prove what I just said: Post-YMSAT Eat Out, Faculty-Admin Day
  
  
  
• Feb and March was also spent attending a wedding and two birthdays. Haven't sorted out Mia's wedding pics yet, but here are snapshots from Sam's and Cherry's birthday blowouts.
  
  
  
• Haven't been able to follow up on AI as much as I want to. I'm aware of what's been happening, but I haven't actually watched the performances :( Hopefully I can catch up this Holy Weekend.
  
  
• Was able to attend a couple of gigs, which leads us to the next entry :)

Goodbye, Heath =(

His name was Heath Andrew, and he was a mighty fine actor.

And he was too young to die.

- - - - -

I tortured myself tonight into finally mourning Heath's death; the time of his death was my hell week for this school year, I didn't even have time to let the sadness and loss sink in.

Popped in the DVD of The Patriot, and cried tonight away. Everytime I'd watch that movie (I think I've done so for about five or six times already), I'd fall in love with everyone - Mel Gibson, Jason Isaacs, Trevor Morgan, Heath Ledger. But tonight, it was all about Heath.

I remember I'd always gush about Heath to Andrew after watching The Patriot or 10 Things I Hate About You (the only Heath movies I've ever watched). Then Andrew would go, "Ba't ba crush mo yan, eh mukhang unggoy?" It was from Andrew that I learned of Heath's death. Drew texted me the morning of Wednesday that Heath was found lifeless in his SoHo apartment. In the confusion of that day, I could only afford a few minutes of sadness, and then work would get in the way.

Tonight, though, I really felt the loss. I know I've only watched two of his movies, but those two would forever be etched in my memory. This great actor from Australia would've gone so much further in his career, and in his new life as a dad, of which he was very proud and excited. But now, we just have to make do with thinking of what could've been.

I can't imagine how devastated his family is feeling right now, and of course Michelle Williams. It's awfully sad, too, that Matilda Rose will grow up without knowing her father. My heart always goes out to children who lose their parents so early in their life. It's especially sad for kids of the famous because everyone knew your dad (or mom), except you (think Frances Bean Cobain and Nico Blue Hoon).

I learned from Wikipedia a while ago that it was just yesterday (February 9) that Heath was finally laid to rest in Perth. They cremated his body. And for some reason, that little fact disturbed me. That beautiful face, reduced to ashes.

Heath, may you have finally found the peace you have been searching for. You will be missed.

- - - - -

I've read that Heath hated to be typecast as a teen heartthrob, but this was the movie that reeled me in, and this was my favorite scene. Besides, I'd like to end this on a happier note.

Goodbye, Heath.

Merry Christmas, Mr. MMDA Man

Was pulled over by an MMDA man this afternoon as I was on my way to Festival Mall. Turns out I forgot all about coding, and my number was up. Siyempre palusot pa ako, though I really wasn't aware that our car wasn't supposed to be on the streets today, "Ay sir, di po ba holiday, walang coding?" :D

Seriously, I was waiting for him to just issue me a ticket. I've been pulled over before, but this is the first time it happened with me in the driver's seat, and I was alone. So, honestly, I didn't know how it all should go. It has always been my belief, though, that if it was my fault, then I'd welcome that ticket. Even before, when it would be our driver negotiating with the MMDA, I never did like giving the police 'kotong', or namedropping to wiggle out of the situation. So yeah, bring it on Mr. MMDA Man, give me that ticket. But really, I was already worrying about how much red tape I'd have to go through to get my license back.

Thing is, Mr. MMDA Man goes, "Sige, tutal Pasko naman, pahingi nalang po ng pamasko." I guess I was by then in a state of panic mixed with hopelessness, so I gave in to Mr. MMDA Man's demand without even stopping to think or argue. I slipped him a hundred as I handed him the car's registration papers; he even had the gall to tell me, "Pakitago nalang po kasi bawal."

Out of frustration over my weak will, I started to cry the rest of my drive to Festival Mall. Besides the fact that it's hard to drive with tears in your eyes, it was also embarassing at the traffic stop with the people in the jeepney in front seeing you get all emo by yourself. I cried because I wasn't able to stand up for what I believed in. I cried because I hated myself for not telling Mr. MMDA Man that he should give me a ticket if he thinks I violated a traffic rule. My co-teacher Martin did exactly that before, why wasn't I able to do it? It makes me ashamed to admit that I took the easy way out, and I'm mad at myself for doing that.

This isn't the worst thing I've done in my life, but it sure makes me feel so low. It only confirms that I never really learned how to assert myself, how to fight for what's right.

Hopefully, I'll know better the next time around.

Hopefully, though, there won't be a next time around.

Crammed Christmas

Would you believe, I only finished my Christmas shopping TODAY, 26 December 2007. Actually I still have to shop for my friends. They're usually not on my list anymore, but since we were able to set up some Christmas gimiks, now I'm obliged to give them gifts. Hahaha, joke, gusto ko naman talaga sila bigyan ng regalo.

So there, I was only able to give SOME gifts yesterday, while the rest, including those of my parents, remain unwrapped and 'ungiven'. So before I resume gift-wrapping, I decided to blog a bit about this crammed Christmas.

Every year, my life seems to get busier than ever, and this Christmas season is no exception. Christmas is the time balikbayans usually come home, so of course it's important to spend time with them while they're here, which calls for more than the usual malling or eat-outs.

Andrew's mom came home from the States a month ago, so I got to spend some time with Andrew's family lately. I'm so happy for Drew, too, because he really misses his mom, so it really is a special treat for him when she's home. Aside from that, he also adores his 2-month-old nephew Toby (and so do I!), so family time with the Pinlacs was really a nice experience.

My kuya came home from Singapore too with his family, so I finally got to meet my 6-month-old niece Roxy, who is such a cutie! It's only during Christmas that my immediate family becomes complete, so the holidays were really fun family time with my kuya and two ates at home with their respective partners and kids. Too bad my kuya could only stay two days because his boss wouldn't let him take a long leave. Still looking forward to the 30th anyway when Roxy will formally be part of the Christian world. And, surprise surprise, Andrew is a ninong! Hehehe, even I didn't know that. So all in all, Andrew became godfather to three children this year - Roxy, and kids of his Xavier colleagues.

Other balikbayans in my circle of friends are DJ, Cathy, and Coco. Tomorrow night, I'll be having dinner with the girls and Coco at 77cafe. As for meeting up with DJ and Cathy, it's still all up in the air, but definitely I have to see these folks. DJ's who I consider my big little brother and one of my most favorite people in the world, is visiting from New York state, where he has been living for over 5 years already (I think). And Cathy, my best friend back in 3rd grade at San Agustin, is visiting from Canada. It may seem trivial to have her as a best friend for only a year, but she's part of some of my most treasured grade school memories. She's been living in Canada for almost two decades now, and it was only maybe two years ago that we got to see each other again. When we go out for dinner this year (or maybe next year?), we'll also be celebrating the engagement of another of our barkada, Stephen :)

My ZS (UP Zoological Society) friends aren't balikbayans, but I rarely get to see them as well. So Saturday night is dedicated to them. These folks made the last of my college days so much fun, what with countless hours of tambay at the Owl's Nest, or inebriated nights (or afternoons :P) at Sarah's or Ara and Lisa (did I get that right? basta yung sa may Maginhawa sa UP Village).

The Christmas break isn't only for family and friend meet-ups. There are weddings to attend, too! Too bad, though, because I had to miss Faye and Herbie's wedding last December 22, because that's when my kuya and his family flew in. This January 2, however, I will get to attend Dawn and Leo's wedding. Thing is, I haven't tried on the dress I plan to wear...good luck :))

So AAALL of this, plus SCHOOLWORK. Yikes. Wish I could split myself into 50 so each of me could take on a task that needs to be done. Hay. Oh well :P

Happy holidays!

For Andrew, on our Ninth Year

For my Andrew. HAPPY NINE YEARS, BABY :)


...You poured all this love in my heart
and now there's no way that I can lose
And when I have no faith in myself
you're the one who makes me strong...

You are the one who makes me whole
in my heart and in my soul
and just like the sun you show me the light
I'm amazed and you're the reason why.


YOU ARE THE ONE
Elliott Yamin

Sometimes I sit and I wonder
and I just can't seem to believe
What a blessing it's been to be loved
you're an angel sent to me
you're the star who lights up my sky
you're the one who made me see
that you don't need wings to fly
your love has set me free

Cause you are the one who makes me whole
in my heart and in my soul
and just like the sun you show me the light
I'm amazed and you're the reason why

Before you I was so blind
I didn't know which path to choose
You poured all this love in my heart
and now there's no way that I can lose
And when I have no faith in myself
you're the one who makes me strong
I wouldn't have a story to tell
or an ending to my song

Cause you are the one who makes me whole
in my heart and in my soul
and just like the sun you show me the light
I'm amazed and you're the reason why
You're the reason why

You are the one who makes me whole
in my heart and in my soul
and just like the sun you show me the light
I'm amazed and you're the reason why

Cause you are the one who makes me whole
in my heart and in my soul
and just like the sun you show me the light
I'm amazed and you're the reason why

You are the one who makes me whole
in my heart and in my soul
And just like the sun you show me the light
I'm amazed and you're the reason why

R.I.P. Lazarus

I guess it was not meant to raise Lazarus from the dead.

Lazarus is my two-year-old Canon Powershot A95. It conked out on me sometime March, which was too bad because I wasn't able to bring it during Field Bio (which reminds me...di pa pala ako nagkukuwento about Field Bio! Hehehe.) Buti nalang may Bio cam back then, so I had a digicam to use during FB.

So there, when it started taking weird pictures last summer, I took it over to Canon, along with Drew's digicam. Buti naman naayos, and for free! Thus I baptized my digicam (after two years in my possession, hehe) Lazarus, because it was back from the dead.

Last September 8, Laz was with me in Antipolo for my friend Karen's wedding. The night went well (super late nga lang kami ni Andrew - damn faraway Antipolo weddings!), and Laz was still able to take around 40 pics. Then all of a sudden, di na bumubukas yung shutter

I took Lazarus to Canon once again, and the lady there told me the sad sad news - it would take PhP9110 to buy the part they need to replace, plus an additional PhP1900 for service. Which essentially means Laz is retiring, and since I do not have funds for a new camera, I am now without one. I was so proud and happy pa naman when I first got Lazarus.

Tama si Lod sa sinabi niya, "Eh di wala ka nang life ngayon?"

Haaay, sadness. Last Thursday was the start of the Humanities Festival, and I felt so incomplete because I was simply watching the festivities, and I couldn't take pics.

Extra bad trip pa because there are two big gigs coming up - Elliott's Manila visit, and Sugarfree's gig with the Manila Symphony Orchestra. I guess I'll just have to borrow my dad's or Andrew's digicam first.

Oh well. Happy birthday to me.

P.S. Salamat nga pala sa lahat ng bumati sa text, sa Multiply (though the PMs are hard to view now, aren't they?), sa Friendster, sa YM, sa personal :) Thank you all for remembering!

On being gorgeous

Was waiting by the fountain at the Glorietta Activity Center one afternoon. Right across the nonfunctional fountain was a tall, broad-shouldered, handsome Caucasian guy with nice dreadlocks. He seemed to be waiting for someone, anxiously looking around every now and then. May ka-date ata. So everytime he'd come into view (he was kinda walking around, I was just sitting beside the fountain), sisilip ako.

Finally, my sis arrived, and I pointed out the Gorgeous Glorietta Guy to her, and to my dismay, his date apparently had already arrived. And hello...napaisip ako kung date ba niya yun or friend lang niya? Hehehe.

Um, let's just put it this way. Nasayang ang beauty ni Gorgeous Glorietta Guy sa girlfriend niya. Malamang Filipina yung girl, kinda on the chubby side, and, I'm sorry to say this, not pretty at all.

I know this sounds (and it really is) judgemental. But it's just that...ang gwapo nung guy eh! Hehehe. Wala lang, feeling lang namin ng sis ko mang-lait :D Kapal namin, kala mo kung sinong mga beauty queens :D

Sige na, aminin, haven't you ever asked the question "How did a gorgeous specimen like that end up with a girl like her?" Promise, nakapagtataka. Yun na siguro yung tinatawag na "true love" o di kaya yung hilig ng mga dayuhan sa "exotic beauty" :P

- - - - -

So anyway, I naisip ko tuloy, ang hirap maging girlfriend (o asawa) ng napagwapong lalaki. Because people would always expect you to be on the same level of beauty as that of your partner (and of course, vice versa). Kung hindi, lalait-laitin ka lang parati, just like what my sis and I did this afternoon :D

Napepressure tuloy ako kay Drew (Naks kabig hehehe. Baka magselos eh, kasi tumitingin ako sa ibang lalaki ). But yeah, I do feel the extra pressure of having to look good beside my good-looking boyfriend, because I know very well that people might see us and say "Yun yung girlfriend ni Andrew?!" (sabay they shake their heads, tsk tsk).

Though I must say I felt extra proud of Drew today. Haha, a past student of mine, asked me if the guy who picked me up from school last Wednesday was my boyfriend. Ang gwapo daw kasi. Hehehe. Palakpak tenga naman ako para sa mahal ko diba.

- - - - -

So di bale nang hindi kagandahan ang girlfriend ni Gorgeous Glorietta Guy, wala na tayong magagawa dun. Besides, di ko na rin siya makikita.

- - - - -

Also, I'd just like to announce that Drew and I...















...will be celebrating our 9th year together this coming September 28

Ay wait, hehe, wrong guy

My Basti

Review: Pisay The Movie

I don't know if I can write an objective review about this film, being the Pisay fanatic that I am.

Spoilers abound, though this movie can't be destroyed much by spoilers, I believe. There are no twists to be wary of; it's really just a simple but heartwarming retelling of what Pisay life could be - if you're from Pisay, you probably already know what's in the movie, especially if you were a student there way back in the '80s.

- - - - -

Before I launch into my LENGTHY (sorry) review, let me just say a few words about the soundtrack that I do not have yet. Yup, I don't have it yet, but I am excited by the names that adorn it. Check it out for yourself: http://www.pisaythemovie.com.ph/soundtrack.html

I've explored the Pisay-Eheads connection in my blog before. It was the same entry where Auraeus commented that he's thinking of making "Manhid" his next feature film. Sana matuloy yun! Kickass soundtrack yun, for sure!

Folks from the "Pisay" movie have commented on my blog and I hope that would lead to stocks of the CD and the "Pisay" shirt being sold in Pisay mismo.

- - - - -


I love Pisay, the school. It's like what Hogwarts was to Harry Potter - a place where he found himself, a place where he belonged, a place where he realized what he was to do with his life. (From here, you'd have to pardon the Potter references; I just finished Book 7, hahaha.)

I love Pisay so much that I came back to be part of her again physically (because of course once you've been through the halls of Pisay, you're forever a part of her already).

So anyway, enough about me; let's talk about the movie :P

I like the way the story was presented - here we saw how the lives of a bunch of kids were changed as they made their way through that part of the life they will forever remember fondly not just as their "high school days", but as their "Pisay days".

The story is told as the Harry Potter series proceeded - year by year. In each level, we get to know more about a certain character, or a pair of characters. We see what dilemmas they are going through; for the pairs, it's what brings them together and, later, what drives them apart.

1st year tells us of the story of Rom and Wena. They are brought together by the universal need to belong - Rom was an alternate (accepted as a scholar once the original qualifiers gave up their slot) and his first friend in Pisay was Wena; Wena was (I would assume) a Catholic-private-schooled-rich-girl. Even though they would initially seem worlds apart, they somehow found each other in the dizzying place and time that is the Pisay Freshman Year. Lots of Pisay kids would feel lost in this initial foray into the world of Pisay. And when you find someone special to hang on to, it would probably be the greatest feeling in the world. Too bad though that their companionship led to Rom's less than satisfactory grades (at least, to his Physics teacher, Ms. Casas), and they were forced to spend less time with each other. The final scene for Freshman Year was quite touching - each was shedding a tear as they looked at the batch ranking that revealed that their separation had done the other well academically. No words passed between them, because I guess it was a painful truth that could not be spoken about. Can't say I was forced out of a high school relationship, but I would understand the pain of having to not be with someone because it would actually do you good. That's just so sad.

2nd year tells us of the story of Mat. He's this jolly kid from the province - a hero in his hometown for having passed the Pisay entrance exam. He tries his best to succeed in his studies, but he is distracted by mean upper-classmen (di ko estudyante yung nang-bully sa kanya, pero balita ko total opposite nung character niya yung totoong student, hehehe) and his longing to be home with his folks. His efforts to survive the struggle for existence come a little too late, and he fails to make the mark. This part made me cry, because I remembered my batchmates - my friends - who had to say goodbye after Sophomore Year. Kuya JC was a good friend, and since he lived in Iloilo, it would be 10+ years before I would see him again after our sad goodbyes in the back lobby on one of the last days of Sophomore life. Thank God for SMS, we get to keep in touch more often now :)

3rd year tells us the story of Liway and Andy. The symbiosis that they form was supposed to be just for academic purposes, but they learn more from each other than they initially intend to. Andy becomes more socially aware thanks to Liway's personal stories, and Liway associates Andy's chem lessons on catalysts with her own purpose in life. Sadly, real life takes charge, and Liway has to flee to political safety without even getting to say goodbye to Andy or even her friend Wena. Today, maybe, we don't have much of a politically-charged atmosphere that forces people into hiding. Or maybe, at least not like how it was in the '80s (or am I just being naive?). So I can't say that I've lost someone to circumstances so much bigger than I am. But still I felt for Liway as she had to leave Andy and everything else she has come to love in Pisay, because, of course, her place was with her family, and it wasn't in this country anymore.

4th year tells us of the story of Euri. His story, just like all the other stories, is one tale that keeps retelling itself through dozens of Pisay scholars. He actually verbalizes the dilemma at one part of the story, something like 'Would you actually know what you really want to be when you're just 12 or 13?'. Of course, this is in reference to the contract that Pisay scholars must sign as they enter a SCIENCE high school. Once you're through with Pisay (or Pisay is through with you :P), you have to take a science or technology course in college to make sure that what the Filipinos spent for your high school education would not go to waste. But what if, during the course of your high school life, you realize that you're made for something other than science or technology? What if your passion ('cause that's what really matters, right?) lies in creating plays or novels rather than in performing experiments or discussing scientific theories? Obviously, Mat's character was based on Solito himself. And I guess there goes the answer to the question - it doesn't matter where you end up, as long as you excel in whatever endeavor you eventually end up with. But of course, the operative word there is EXCEL. You can't be just another playwright or singer or priest or whatever if you're from Pisay. You've got to be superb in whatever field you chose.

The movie may be compartmentalized into year levels, but the stories that unfold before us are not merely tales of high school kids from different points of view. I think they're not even themes exclusive to Pisay kids. Puppy love, academic challenges, personal struggles, the search for your true self - everyone goes through these at some point of his life. It's just nice to see how it is dealt with the Pisay way - with physics exams, geom problems, chem experiments, and bio practicals to help you along the way ;P

No, seriously, in Pisay, we all start out on more or less common ground. In your first year, you're all newbies, clueless as to what this thing called Pisay has in store for you. And that fact alone bonds you for the next four years of blood, sweat, tears, and (of course) smiles and laughter. Some circles of friendship may be exclusive for the first couple of months (years?), but you'll learn to love that bunch of people known as your batchmates, and after Pisay, you'd feel more of the Pisay bond when you get to meet people from batches that came before and after you. Who knows, you may even find that special someone from the ranks of Pisay scholars that span the decades (hopefully not too far up or down, though, haha!). I did, right smack in my batch :)

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Fun/funny moments from the movie:

* Minggoy was an endearing character. I CRIED when his story ended. Again, I remembered our batchmates and Pisay friends who have gone ahead of us. Two from Batch '98: Oliver Ang and Marvin Abing.

* Seeing Ma'am Paulette! Hahaha, the reaction of the crowd was funny when Ma'am shushed the LQ-ing pair in the library. (Same reaction for the Ma'am in the girls' dorm)

* The Corkboard. When the Pisay shoot wrapped up, one of the last scenes was shot in the Bio 1 room. Supposedly, they also shot scenes in the Bio Unit, but I don't think that made it to the film. So anyway, after the shoot, we were looking for our corkboard (the unit's bulletin board), asking the crew where it could have ended up. It never came back to the Bio Unit. Then upon watching the film, Menggai and I saw the corkboard one last time. It was the corkboard with all the student pictures which the Director (Doktora) was looking at to reminisce about some students who had recently graduated. I didn't notice it at first, but the green and yellow art paper on the corkboard looked eerily familiar...

* The extras! Hahaha, of course it was fun seeing former students, especially my former advisees, in the film. It just so happened that Ria Caringal sat in front of me. I had no idea she was in the film until I saw her scenes. So I'd tap on her shoulder and say, "Haha, that's you!" Hehehe.

* Pisay. Photogenic pala siya. Ang ganda siya tignan sa movie! It was funny though seeing the renovated flagpole area (notice the missing flowerboxes?) and the ASTB in the background during the creek scenes. The ASTB was just grassy area until our Senior Year. And the dismantled aircon vents (from the lib) - they used them as backdrop!

I regretted Imago not using Pisay as a venue for their vid shoot a couple of years ago (their former manager asked permission but the plan never pushed through), because I thought it would be cool to immortalize Pisay in a music vid. But Solito's movie is far better than the immortalization I had hoped for :)

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Official website of the film

Up for nasal surgery

Magpapanoselift ako.

Ya-huh. Hehehe.

- - - - -

I'm up for polypectomy/endoscopic sinus surgery on June 25 to remove a nasal polyp that has been causing much discomfort lately.


According to MayoClinic.com, nasal polyps are "soft, noncancerous (benign) growths that develop on the lining of your nose or sinuses".

The surgery will remove the polyp I have in my nose, which a CT scan showed was originating from my right paranasal sinus. A simple AAAH will show you that the polyp has already extended into my nasopharynx (upper part of the throat behind the nose). Yak ba? Hehe, sorry :D

It has probably been around for quite some time, but I only actually saw it in mid-May, and it seems to be getting bigger still. It's keeping my right nostril consistently congested, and its extension into my throat makes me snore so horribly - it's embarassing and burdensome and quite scary too. People who have seen me sleep have definitely HEARD me sleep (right FB folks?) :P

The surgery will be performed through the nose using an endoscope instead of through an incision above my gums. Thank God I won't get cut up! Though they'd be sticking stuff in my nose :P

This'll be my first ever operation - my first time to be anaesthetized! This won't be my first major hospitalization, though. Just last year (July 2006), I was confined for about a week because of dengue.

So yeah, I'll be missing school again for quite some time - two weeks to be exact, similar to my leave last year. But at least this year I'm missing out on Ecology (last year it was Evolution, which I'd hate to miss again this year). I haven't told my students yet as my co-teachers and I are still fixing up the skeds. Surprise nalang sino yung mga magsusub sa akin hehehe.

I'm quite excited to be undergoing something major. I'm a bit worried, though, because based on what I've read on the net about nasal polyps, there seems to be a chance of the polyp growing back :( Besides having to go through the discomfort again, hospitalization (especially with surgery!) is VERY costly. It doesn't help that I don't have medical insurance - a necessity, yes I know, but it's a long story why I don't have one yet.

What I'm really looking forward to after all this is the capacity to breathe again freely. And to sleep soundly (soundlessly?). And not to be ngongo when I deliver my lectures in school :P

Makeover of the Mighty Dacs

Sunday, May 27, 2006 - 6:14 PM

For the longest time, I've ignored this blog. So now that I have a bit of time, I've been exploring the new Blogger.com.

The template seems to be easier to manipulate, but I'm still learning. So far, I have yet to bring back the vidclips and blog links I used to have in my sidebar. Will most likely work on that tonight. Just have to go to mass in a while.

BRB =)

Monday, May 28, 2006 - 12:04 AM

There! Done with the Mighty Makeover. Was able to restore the audio (Now Playing) and video (Now Showing) widgets, as well as the blog list (Blogrounds) and the tag board (Quack Back).

As for Blogrounds, I kinda rebuilt it from scratch. I relied mainly on my Blogrounds when I blog-hopped, so I don't really have all those blogs bookmarked on this PC. So when I switched to the upgraded template, the HTML for that part of the sidebar disappeared. So it's mostly Pisay folks there, thanks to the blogroll of our batch blog :D

If any of you wants to be added to Blogrounds, just Quack Back or post a comment here :)

I can't remember if I've had Miron as the featured song here, but anyway there it is now. I actually posted this on my Multiply and dedicated it to Batch 2007. Going over the lyrics, I figured this is also a fine choice to start off the schoolyear.

"Kelan ka ba sasalang?
'Di ka aantayin ng mundo
Iikot ng iikot 'to
'Di ba nakakagigil?"

On friends and weddings

Longish post. If you don't wanna bore yourself, go straight ahead to the pics :D
http://elenadacs.multiply.com/photos/album/70

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My college friend Ei got married to her guy Chippy last May 5 in the faraway land of Antipolo. The ceremony itself was a simple, no-frills, down-to-earth wedding. Sadly, as the couple was saying their vows (which, by the way, were the most sincere vows I've ever witnessed *tear*), the church band was having their frickin practice just beside the church. What the hell was up with that.

The reception was rockin. Literally. It was held in the garden of an old house slash art gallery also in Antipolo. When we got to the place, one of my first thoughts was - What the heck? Some of the guy guests changed into jeans and shirts! Daya! Hehehe.

So yeah, it was a really cool, laid-back thing. Gals were free to wear slippers if their heels were killing them, smokers just went on and puffed away, the bride even changed into blouse and slacks once the program (which was short and sweet) was over. The food was delicious (sushi! cheesecake!), and the entertainment was awesome. It was one big jamming session.

There was the awesome awesome girl duo (Lee and Lexi, tama ba?) that played really long and wonderful sets. There was the band (of Cholo?) that did nice covers of some Fall Out Boy songs and some stuff from the '90s. There was Bobo, Chippy's brother's bandmate from Australia, who had a really amusing song about his foreskin. And there was the fantabulous Johnoy Danao, who the couple invited to play the hit Bridge song "Kahit Na", a song that practically told the story of Ei and Chippy. Johnoy didn't really expect to play much I guess, but his wonderful Dave Matthews and Coldplay and Oasis covers kept him in the spotlight for quite a while.

Of course the pro-musicians who really deserved that spotlight, pero ang panalo ay ang pinaka-wala-lang sa mga tumugtog - ako! Hahaha! Most of the girls had gone up front and sung already, and it was just Karen and me left. The whole time I was watching the girl duo perform in front, I was really envious, wishing I could be even be half as talented as them. Then my friend Sam started egging me on, telling me to play something - anything! - para maitayo ang bandila ng picnics barkada namin. So I yielded, thinking that maybe I could play a decent song. I was also thinking that if I mess this up, at least I tried and I won't go home thinking "what if?!"

So yeah, I played a couple of songs which I didn't quite manage to pull off properly. STP's "Plush", siyempre, with Drew and Sam on vocals. National anthem ko na yun sa gitara. Lisa Loeb's "Do You Sleep", with Christi on vocals. And the Eheads' "Ang Huling El Bimbo", with my drunken friends on vocals, and Martin saying something like 'times like these you don't need talent but friendship.' Hahaha, langya. And then Ei sang "Minsan", which was also from the Eheads. You know, just like our good old picnic days at UP.

The last two pics in the album I posted here are actually from a different get together, about a week after the wedding. Us girls and Coco decided to hang out at 77cafe along Kamuning. Fun, because their FA (fine arts) barkada from UP also turned up at the place. And then the Pisay boys aka Galera Army Boys also spent the night there while waiting for their bus trip to Galera.

Just a while ago, I came home from Cheska's place, where her mom cooked dinner for Ei's despidida (the couple is going back home to Australia this Saturday). I've got no pictures from that party, which was basically just eating and jamming din lang. But at least I came home with that nice, fuzzy, warm feeling you get after spending quality time with folks who mean the world to you.

Congrats Ei and Chippy! And thanks for making your wedding and homecoming a wonderful excuse for the girls to see each other again and make time for each other after SUCH A LONG TIME. Bon voyage!

Mega-update, for those who care

What a summer.

And it isn't over yet - it can't be! I still have so much stuff to do...

A few posts back, I listed down what was up with my summer - BIOTA, Field Bio, Intel.

Biota went well, I was able to deliver the seminar-workshop without much hassle - never mind there were a couple of important stuff I forgot hehehe.

Field bio was a blast! I haven't really blogged about it yet, so in the meantime let the pictures speak for themselves - http://fieldbio2k7.multiply.com/photos

As for the Intel thing, my co-teacher Edgar (who is now with our unit - welcome to Bio!!!) and I will be evaluating the program so the school would know if it can be held for the faculty on a bigger scale later on. Kami lang ni Edgar na-assign dun, kasi ang buong Bio (well, most of them) are currently in Iloilo for GLOBE training. I wanted to join them, but our house is maid-less so I have to be around to help out. Also, puno na rin slots for the training, haha. Bad trip lang kasi magbo-Boracay sila after! Grrr!!! *Inggit*

Aside from Edgar, we also have two new additions to the Bio unit - welcome Ma'am Dawn Toledo (Pisay '97) and Sir Justin Guce (an orgmate of mine from UP)! The Bio unit will also be saying goodbye to Ma'am Chu Duallo (kasabay kong pumasok sa Pisay), and also temporarily to Ma'am Ninna Espiritu (off to make herself smarter still - study leave).

So with about two weeks to go 'til work officially starts again, I'm still pretty busy.

I'm not yet cleared :( Have a couple more reports and a portfolio to finish for clearance. Grrr again.

Also working on some review material for the in-school UPCAT review for the seniors. And still some miscellaneous stuff to keep me busy. Yehey.

Online, I've also been quite busy uploading pics at my Multiply. Mostly pics of stuff that has kept my sked tight right after Field Bio ended - Ei and Chippy's wedding, Chu and Joel's despidida, Mom's Day.

Wrote a post on Ei and Chippy's wedding already, will post that right after I publish this one. Kwento about the despidida and Mom's Day are right there already in their respective photo albums:


Ei and Chippy's wedding


Chu and Joel's despidida


Mom's Day

Other new albums are:


Bio1 dissection for SY 2006-2007


Batch '07's grad

So far got nothing to post about one of the loves of my life - music. Haven't gigged in so long =( Anyway, summer's been fun (field bio rocks!) so it's alright =)

Nobody propose marriage to me tonight...

...because I don't have a place for that ring :D


Was letting Rosal watch the Shape of Life episode that featured the flatworms this morning. Just as I pointing out to them that the image on the TV was a flatworm, the next scene floated in and featured a human. So I jokingly waved it off, telling the class that THAT wasn't the flatworm.

Masyado ata akong na-excite, tumama tuloy yung ring finger ko sa desk where the TV was placed. So the joint started to hurt and swell, to the point that my co-teacher Menggai thought it was prolly dislocated.

Had my mom (who's a nurse) take a look at it when I got home. She said it's just prolly a sprain. She put this splint just to make sure it's immobilized so the swelling won't get any worse.

H0pya, ang hirap tuloy magtype! (type...delete...type...delete)

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Tama ba? Sa right ring finger ang engagement ring?

TRIVIA: I am indeed wearing a wedding ring. On my left ring finger is my lola's wedding ring. Amma gave it to me so I'd always remember her and Lolo. Lolo died when I was 8; I'm hoping Amma would still be with us when I get my own wedding ring.

Of prom nights and quitting bands

Last night was the 3rd prom I've been to in my life. Finally, Andrew was my prom date*. Back in 3rd year, I was with my batchmate Marc, while I went stag (stag din ba tawag sa babaeng walang date?) during the 4th year prom and the gradball.
*Thanks very much to the Prom Committee for allowing us to bring guests (else wala akong way papuntang prom!).

Well, I realized one thing. Rather, I remembered one thing last night - I DON'T FRIGGIN' DANCE. I don't. Period.

So why the hell did I make my way to the dance floor with Drew? Well, I didn't want to be a bad date. So after a long while of sitting by ourselves at the table (everyone else was dancing), I mustered the courage to invite Andrew to dance. F*%*, big mistake. I just felt like I wanted the floor to open up and swallow me whole.

C-R-I-N-G-E.

But because I love my guy, I TRIED. Too bad it didn't work out.

Which is sad, because Andrew loves to dance. In fact, he's a great dancer. High school palang, pansin ko na na ok galaw ni Drew. Sorry nalang but he ended up with a girl who'd rather headbang to the music than dance to it \m/

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Speaking of headbanging to the music - there's one band whose music we won't be headbanging to anymore, at least not live.

Chris Cornell, formerly of Soundgarden, is also now known as the former vocalist of Audioslave.

Yup, the guy quit the band, citing personality conflicts as well as musical differences.

Not a totally bad thing, because along with his quitting Audioslave comes the release (on May 1, 2007) of his 2nd solo effort "Carry On". Also, his Audioslave bandmates have reunited with former vocalist Zack dela Rocha - Rage Against the Machine will be performing at the annual Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival on April 29. Not sure though what the RATM's future is beyond Coachella.

- - - - -

Last night's sounds were great. Though I think it was more of the faculty that enjoyed it rather than the students. The band was The Bloomfields, a band I got to know in 2005 during the BIOTA Convention at La Salle Greenhills, which is the band's alma mater.

They play rock and roll from the 60's, so that's the Beatles, the Beach Boys, etc. Last night they also previewed a song from their upcoming album (to be launched in March - it's about time!) - a revival of a Marco Sison song, I think. I really dunno the singer or the title, but the lyrics go "Ale, nasa langit na ba ako...". I remember singing that song when I was a kid.

I hope this band goes far. They're really good and fun to watch (sorry, as I said, I DON'T DANCE). And prolly the younger gals will fall for their moptops and suits, too. Check them out at www.thebloomfieldsband.com. Or join their mailing list at launch.groups.yahoo.com/group/thebloomfields

Nasaan ang bagyo?! Nasaaan?!!!

Long weekend? Long post!

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What sucks about yesterday's suspension of classes (eh wala namang bagyo pa!):

1. Dahlia and Jasmin didn't get to take their Long Test # 2. That's bad? Yes, for me it is. Kasi dapat LT nung Thu, no classes sa Fri, tapos last lesson sa Mon, kasi perio starts Tue. Now what?

2. I found out about the suspension as I got off the MRT at the Ayala Station. Bad trip, kasi had I known I'd have a 4-day weekend, I would've brought home stuff to check and stuff to do! Currently on my table are test papers and other stuff I could've brought home to finish. Grrr.

What's OK about yesterday's suspension of classes, or what's OK about the storm not hitting Manila yet as of last night:

1. Hindi binagyo ang Sugarfree album launch. Though hindi naman talaga ako pupunta, at least natuloy yung event w/o the hassle of bad weather.

2. At least the kids have time to do all the requirements they need to finish before the onset of perio on Dec 5. Good luck folks! Please try your best not to cram anymore projects or exams. Make the best use of this 4-day weekend!

3. I got to sleep in the whole day! Hehehe.

4. I got to upload gig pics and vids. Check em out!

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From the LOKOMOTIV gig at AL'S Bar/Rock Radio in BF Paranaque (11/25/06):
Southern Grass jamming - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZNYLP56unQU
Lokomotiv's Five Alive - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t0UcujrNlSY
Lokomotiv's Heart in Two - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zKt308CNgwo
PICS - http://mightydacs98.multiply.com/photos/album/56

Ang galing ng Lokomotiv. I really missed watching Wolf and David play. Pero at least kung States-based na sila, a bigger audience will get to experience their rocking performances.

The American guys - Ryan the vocalist, who's from Oklahoma, and Danny the bassist, who's from California (tama ba?) - were terrific. Ang solid nung Lokomotiv as a band. And they're really nice! Nagpa-autograph ako nung CD inlay - something I haven't done in years, I think. I was (yet again) a giddy highschool kid na na-starstruck sa mga band folks. My hand was actually shaking as I let Ryan and the band sign, hahaha =) But yeah, they were really nice; kita mo sa pakikitungo nila that they like meeting the fans.

Tapos nakakatuwa pa kasi si Dino (I hope I remembered his name right) who was Wolfgang's roadie back then was also with Lokomotiv that night. Tinuro pa niya sa akin sino pa yung ipapasign sa CD (kala niya siguro di ko makikilala yung band members hehe).

The night was surreal. Couldn't believe I was in the same room w/ David Aguirre, hehehe. That guy is a truly awesome guitar player.

Oh, btw, front acts Kinkyhooters and Southern Grass were also great! Gotta watch out for their albums, sana ilabas na soon.

Too bad Drew and I couldn't stay for DRT anymore. 11pm na kasi nagsimula yung gig, tapos halos 1-hour sets yung bands. So as Lokomotiv wrapped up at 2am, I definitely needed to go back home (nahiritan pa nga ako the next day kasi late na raw ako umuwi, pffft). Eh balita ko nag-Razorback reunion pa raw after DRT. Grrr, sayang! Razorback w/ David Aguirre! Hmph.

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I've also finished uploading pics and vids from the Admit One 5th Anniv Party Part 2:
Fatal Posporos' Pudgy: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OoxbKO0NQFE
Fatal Posporos' Sili Song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e80dls4LFgQ
Twisted Halo's Hiram: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=01ls-RbgjRI
Twisted Halo's Undress: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MrnV0Y2WfEA
PICS - http://mightydacs98.multiply.com/photos/album/55

This was yet another Admit One party for the record. Ang saya-saya seeing the orig lineup, though hindi ko na naabutan yung Cambio and Dicta License. Last time I saw Fatal play plugged was in 2003 or 2004 pa ata, nung buhay pa yung dating Rock Radio Cafe. So I was really really happy to watch them again. Too bad wala si Annette; Abe Billano took over drum duties instead.

And, of course, Twisted Halo. Nag-usap kami ni Vin after their set, and he expressed his happiness in what their set turned out to be. Ang ganda kasi ng tugtugan nila. I couldn't pinpoint what was different about it, basta pakiramdam ko it wasn't the usual Twisted Halo set. Even Jal's basslines (yup, Jal played 2 songs!) were different. Kumbaga, para silang ganadong-ganado tumugtog.

At siyempre, hindi ko na pinalampas yung pagkakataong i-record yung "Undress". Since it will forever remain an unreleased Twisted Halo track, getting it on video was the next best thing. Ilang beses ko na pinanood yung nirecord ko, and I still can't get enough of it.

What surprised me, though, was what Vin said. Sabi niya, playing that set made him realize na tama yung ginawa niyang pag-alis sa banda (and the band breakup that followed). They've had their time na rin daw kasi. Tama na yun. And, that night, seeing and hearing the crowd sing along to almost all the songs, natuwa siya, slightly regretting na bakit hindi ganun yung reaction nung crowd dati (well, at least that's how I interpreted what he was saying), pero bottomline is that he was really satisfied sa tugtog nila nung gabing yun.

Ako naman, sabi ko, kahit man lang sa Admit One anniv nalang sila tutugtog, maghihintay ako taon-taon. Hehehe.

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And some other stuff I was able to upload to Multiply:

Maligayang Pasko - Some alternative Christmas songs to listen to: http://mightydacs98.multiply.com/music/item/23

Datu's Tribe Kwentuhan Session vids, w/c have long been posted on YouTube na rin:
Karne: http://mightydacs98.multiply.com/video/item/12
Lakambini Bottom: http://mightydacs98.multiply.com/video/item/13

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O ano? Nasaan na yung bagyo? Sana makadaan na siya by this morning, because I want to attend the Rock Awards tonight!!! Pleeease!!! (Pero sana hindi naman malakas yung tama ng bagyo, para hindi rin makadulot ng matinding pinsala sa atin. Masyado na kasi tayong kinakawawa ng tadhana.)