MOGWAI: From mocktails to growing pains.

It was at a far corner in Cubao X with a little signage overhead like that of an old cinema house. The first time I saw it, I was welcomed with warm orange lights and messy interiors. We sat at the far corner with the sofa and a treasure chest as the table. After long, dreadful, hectic weeks, we were officially graduating students. We were just a group of friends, unsure of the future, who wanted to take refuge from the hustle and bustle of the past four years.

I don’t drink and smoke, so I was freakishly scared on what to do at a “bar”. I haven’t even heard of mocktails or semi-beers. But then Paula suggested ordering Infinite for the not-so drinkers. I actually liked it. The alcohol content was a joke and it leaves a ghastly shade of red, blue or orange (or a mixture of those colors, depending on your chosen drink) in your tongue. I swear I feel like a rockstar that time.

The food were served a bit late, but were a fun treat which sealed the deal. The mash potatoes where just so good and the potato chips were pretty decent enough to eat.

That night was EPIC. The pictures we took stood the test of time and through the painful years after college, we knew we can always go back to each others hugs and warmth. On certain days, it’s also a collection of “we-used-to-be-this-carefree” photos.

After that night, I knew that I was leaving college. That momentous first drop of “mocktail” in my mouth seemed surreal. I felt like a grown up.

The next time we were there was on the day after graduation. We were a smaller group, unlike the last time. I can’t even remember what went there. All I remember is that we were all dead tired from our graduation parties. That day was our gunshot to race for employment, maturity and growing pains.

Just a couple of months from our graduation, we saw each other again and gathered at the same place with new stories of struggles, complaints and achievements. It was my birthday and was later on the last time I set foot in Mogwai. That night was EPIC too. It was an emotional night, atleast for me. Growing pains.

We weren’t just dealing with professors but bosses, classmates to officemates, peer pressures to parental pressures. We were grown ups, or so we thought.

We weren’t just gushing on crushes, but also cherishing relationships and nursing broken hearts. That night, amidst those orange bright lights and shots of tequila, we tried to outgrow each other. And painfully so, it broke us apart…for some time.

And now that we’re all ok and ready to visit back Mogwai, Mogwai gave up on us. It’s like telling me to “Grow up now! I’ve seen enough.”

I admit.

I have only been to Mogwai thrice. That’s not really much to those who literally spent their days (mostly nights) to the goddamn spot in Cubao X, but those three occasions have been very special to me.

Three important days of my life shared with bright orange lights and messy chairs and “mocktails”.

Three important lessons of growing up, realizing the future and maturity.

Cheers Mogwai!

For what it’s worth, thanks for listening to our woes and corny jokes and childish antics.

We will miss you.

We will always be your Mogwai babies.

The perfect birthday gift

 

Please?

VAMPIRES

I admit, I'm not a fan of the Twilight Saga (or series, or whatever you wanna call it), but that does not give me any reason to despise it. In fact, I bought a copy of the first book and read it. It was just not my cup of tea. I read fantasy and romantic novels at times, but I just can't seem to fathom the mood or the aura it gives me. It's too romantic for me.

By the time the book and the movie franchise of the Twi series was being commercialized heavily through media, I was not one who immediately joined the bandwagon. I watched the movie first and found it promising, but not that interesting. It took me a few months before I actually got hold of the book. Unfortunately, I wasn't interested in reading the other books. I did watch the second movie, New Moon and that was it.

I am a huge Harry Potter series fan and I've read all the books a hundred times over I think. I've also watched the movies and has found the interest to check out Pottermore (but I still have to make time for that). Given that I know the books by heart, I have not let this to interfere with reality. I mean, I don't go around with a wand at hand and scream a jinx or a spell to random people, not even my friends. I've fantasized going to Hogwarts, but I never grew desperate of the idea. It was a fantasy, so as the books.

And that's why I could not imagine how someone would do this.

The arrest of an American man who broke into a woman's house and tried to suck her blood over the weekend has sparked discussion about the impact of vampire books and movies on youth culture.

Whether pop culture played a role in the attack remains to be seen, as 19-year-old Lyle Monroe Bensley awaits a psychiatric evaluation in jail on burglary charges in Galveston, Texas.

Found growling and hissing in a parking lot and wearing only boxer shorts, the pierced and tattooed Bensley claimed he was a 500-year-old vampire who needed to "feed," Galveston Police Capt. Jeff Heyse said.

 OK, maybe I'm being a bit too harsh on the whole "vampire" thing. I may not be a fan of Twilight, True Blood or the Vampire Diaries, even one of Anne Rice's vampire series, but there's one story on vampires that I appreciate, Elizabeth Kostova's The Historian.

I'm just clueless on how one person can be affected or infected with such notion of acting or being a vampire?

I guess they have to separate fiction from reality. These novels, movies and TV programs are all fragments of man's imagination, they are all fictitious accounts of these creatures. There's a reason why they're called fantasy novels, fiction stories and TV drama.

There's nothing wrong with patronizing vampire novels and the likes, but I just hope that we should know the difference between the truth from fantasy.

BRIDGE TO TERABITHIA: Not your typical children's book

Andrei had a school project where they were to do a book review of any John Newberry book. I was the one who searched bookstores after bookstores just to look for these books, but I had a hard time. Luckily, a book assistant at the Powerbooks in Glorietta REALLY knows her books and told me that John Newberry was not an author, but an award-giving institution. It recognizes children's books by giving it a Gold or Silver medal.

So this lady showed me the books with the John Newberry stamp of approval. These are books that ranges from the mundane to the surreal. Since my brother was not much of a reader, I chose a book that would somehow interest him to read and so that I will not be forced to do the book review too. The book that I chose was the Bridge to Terabithia. I know that it has been adapted to a film before and if Andrei would really not want to read the book, we can just watch the movie.

But Andrei finished the book, and even did the review all by himself, though he asked for little grammar checks here and there. He said that it "caught his heart" and that "true love flows". So I got curious, what kept my not-so reader brother to actually attach himself emotionally to this story? So yes, I read the book.

At first, it was all about normal issues that kids go through. Peer pressure, family issues and dealing with the opposite sex who wants to be friends with you.

Jess was a simple boy who only dreams to be the fastest runner in their school. But all that vanished when a newbie beat all of the boys as the fastest kid in school. What makes it more annoying to him is that this kid was a girl, Leslie. But their differences was not much of an issue as they developed an unlikely friendship. A friendship that both helped them to conquer their fears and widen their imagination.

They built the kingdom of Terabithia and became rulers, king and queen. On Christmas day, Leslie gave Jess an art set with paints and brushes, as he dreams of becoming an artist someday. Jess on the other hand gave Leslie a dog they named Prince Terrien or PT for short. PT was honored as the guardian and court jester of Terabithia.

Together, Leslie and Jess conquered the enemies of Terabithia as they face their personal enemies at school. But one tragedy changed all there is between them. Leslie died when she was trying to reach Terabithia alone. Jess has been invited by their music teacher at an art gallery in Washington. It was hard for Jess to accept this reality but then he realized that Leslie taught him that fears are to be conquered and life must go on despite difficulties.

In his attempt to continue ruling Terabithia, he brought her sister May Belle and she became the new queen of his and Leslie's kingdom, thus passing on the legacy that Leslie gave him.

I have been wanting to read a book that will thug my heart just like what The Lovely Bones did to me. I never thought that I will get this from a children's book. I was on the verge of crying when Leslie died and my heart was crushed with Jess' reactions to it.

I am still lost for words on what to say about how this book affected me. I just hope that people, no matter what their age is, would continue to open their minds into a whole new world of fantasy.

There are a lot of things that are needed to cite from this book but I suggest that it is always better that you try to read it.

As for me, I am glad that my brother enjoyed READING A BOOK. I've always prodded them to read the Harry Potter series since they enjoyed the movies. To read a book is another experience from watching a movie. It lets your imagination run wild and play your own movie inside your head.

I'm a happy sister!

Sweet Mint

My throat has been sore since last week.

I have been eating tons of sweets these past few days. This may be a tonsillitis infection, I think so.
And the culprit?

I was passing the Candy Corner stall at SM Bicutan when I saw these starmint candies, or better known as peppermint candies. I bought 70 pesos worth of these babies and ate them the whole week.

i am addicted to it now that amidst my sore throat, all I want is that minty sweet goodness parked in my mouth as it melts in my tongue.

My sister has been bringing home these candies before but they were of the cane version.

I'm all for sweet and minty nowadays. Chocomint gelato, Peppermint Mocha, starmint candies, hot choco with mint, dalandan juice with mint leaves, or even a mojito.

I need help.

What about Grissom?

I came across this article a couple of weeks back and I felt quite bad about it. Could this mean that there is a littler possibility for a Grissom comeback?

Well, I'd have to wait for a miracle right?
Come back Griss, we miss you!

Mischief mis-managed.

It wasn’t the send-off I was expecting.

Yes, I’m talking of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 movie.

I was disappointed, but that didn’t mean it wasn’t any good. It was good, actually and quite moving but as a reader who has devotedly stuck to the books, it was quite disappointing. Ok, I know that there really are some details that have not matched the books from the previous film adaptations as well, but the stuff I was waiting for weren’t just little details. They were the suspense and the chills that the original scenario got me while I was lying in bed reading the battle at Hogwarts. And the deaths of Fred, Lupin and Tonks weren’t given much justice. I feel sadder for them.

That said, I almost found myself sulking behind my 3D glasses inside the cinema while the movie plays in front of me.

That’s quite a harsh review, but let me get this straight; it wasn’t bad at all. My heart was beating furiously as the characters put up their momentous scenes as though these were their onscreen farewell to the fans that have devoted their childhood in the corners of their room reading the books and lining up the cinema whenever the movie will be shown.

But it was such a comfort watching the movie with fellow Potterheads. It was easy to say so because of the collective reactions from the audience during selected scenes. In previous films, whenever you caught a glimpse of the Weasley twins, you always expect yourself laughing even before the punch line was even said, but during the last scene were they were seen checking on each other, got a collective “awww” reaction from the audience. This, owing to the fact that they knew the fate that’s awaiting one of the twins, Fred.

The triumphant feeling when Mrs. Weasley beat Bellatrix that eventually blasted her into smithereens (though I don’t remember if she died in such a manner). The slow, controlled breaths as the Prince’s Tale (Professor Snape’s confession, for non-readers) unfolds, you knew right then that people were expecting to get emotional with it. And lastly, the dread of seeing the screen go black and see the credits go on, because it only means that it actually is the end.

Funny though, as the credits were shown, almost everyone inside the cinema were still seated, as though waiting for something “magical” to happen. I have watched the entire Harry Potter film adaptations and this was the first time that people were stuck in their seats even as the names of the production crew of the film were shown onscreen. Usually, after every film, I would feel excited for the next movie, but this time, there are no more movies to expect. I guess that was one of the reasons why everyone seemed rooted in their seats. The reality just sunk in that there will never be another Potter film to wait for.

That’s the movie production saying “Mischief managed!”

But really, who cares if the movie adaptation ends here? For Potterheads, as Neville amptly said, Harry will always be in our hearts (or something like that).

So in reality, that's "Mischief mis-managed!".

Click on the photos and see them evolve through the years. Got this from TUMBLR.

I found a fitting review for the latest Harry Potter movie. Read it HERE.

The case of the missing Grissom

I love CSI…and I never tire of declaring this.

This past long weekend, my kapatids found ourselves watching CSI Season 11. I recently purchased a pirated copy and was disappointed that it only has 15 episodes instead of 22.

But we enjoyed the stretch nonetheless. With a lot of interesting crimes that involved bombs, latex-wearing serial killer, wolves vs. vampires and a lot more of a psycho serial killer, the season was the bomb! (pun intended)

But something still doesn’t feel right. I’m having a bad case of missing Grissom, more than Sarah does. Grissom and his wise words, and his exasperation on unsolved cases; his intensity and the love for bugs

He is, after all, the “father” of CSI. He was the uncool hero. The uncool hero who doubles as a nerd and possesses a weird, but sometimes, acceptable outlook in life.

He was the original thinking man of CSI.

I’ve read recently that Laurence Fishbourne, the actor who replaced Grissom, would not return next season and it got me hoping that maybe, MAYBE Grissom can come back.

But that would mean a lot of complications to the team. Catherine has replaced him, even overtook his office. Catherine’s position is now Nick’s, so is her office. A lot of adjustments if you ask me, but the most intriguing would be his marriage with Sarah.

Would Ecklie allow them to work together in a team or would Sarah have to be carried on another team? Or Grissom could replace Ecklie? But that would only mean that he will see less action on their cases.

I wish he never left. I wonder what his views would be regarding the cases he missed. Dr. Jekyll, Squeegel, Justin Bieber’s Jason McCann…the possibilities are endless.

I miss him. 

Come back Grissom, and don’t forget to bring back that “bug-loving” swag of yours.

STILL GOT IT WRONG.

Guess I spoke sooner than I ought to.

But seriously, who cares?! Miami Heat was beat by the Dallas Mavericks in six games!

Take that LBJ!
I wonder if LBJ will end up just like John Stockton and Karl Malone, two of the "Ring-Less" basketball greats.

But let's see, maybe I am speaking too soon again.

So that's bye bye NBA for now and hello PBA!

Ginebra won last night. :)

ADELE-ightful choice of music

Music is my constant weapon.

Whenever I am happy, I belt out a song, without even bothering the tonal quality of my voice.

Whenever I am mad, I sing Tagalog-staples-of-hate song.

And whenever I am sad, I drown myself with songs and lyrics of loneliness and heartaches.

And so, I am picky with my playlist. A song on my playlist can last as long as a year. I remember obsessing over Sarah Bareilles’ songs in 2009, Katharine Mcphee’s in 2010 and now, I am all over Adele.

I cannot even remember how it all started. I was a fan of Chasing Pavements when it was first released a couple of years back, and upon learning of her new album, I was curious of the songs she has in stored.

First of the tracks that I listened to was Rolling in the deep, and upon watching it on Glee, I also tracked Turning Tables.

These two songs started to get my “LSS” mode on. I couldn’t stop singing it in my head. Then I started looking for other songs on her album 21, and from there, I came across the song Someone like you, Don’t you remember, Set fire to the rain and Rumor has it. Just recently, I also got to listen to her song Take it all and her version of The Cure’s Lovesong. All these songs have been well documented on my Tumblr account and some of my friends have been fans too.

Mia and I even wanted to start a campaign for Adele lovers through Adele-icious.

Adele describes her songs as “heartbreak soul”, as most of the tracks in her recent album are centered to her personal heartaches.

I am a fan, and people might say that this obsession can be a fad as her album is scorching hot at the charts, but as you have noticed, among her songs in the said album, only 3 has been played at the airwaves. I really admire most of her songs and I think that some of it was not at par.

I don’t go all-out Adele with banners and posters and every what-nots around there. I am a fan of her heartbreaks and how she deals with it through her songwriting.

Really, I am a fan.

MOCHI MOCHI Anone!

Traditional mochi is a Japanese rice cake made with glutinous rice. Polished glutinous rice is washed then cooked, after which, it’s pounded to make the pliable, moldable mochi. A special kind of mochi called daifuku has various sweet fillings, like anko (red bean paste). It is then rolled into a soft ball, then dusted with cornstarch so they won’t stick. 

 I have been a fan of mochi since I started obsessing with froyos (frozen yogurt). I would always have almond mochi or strawberry mochi as topping for my froyo. It was just recently that I started to eat the real thing. I was in Binondo, Manila when I first saw a rack full of flavored mochi goodness! I started with ube, mocha and banana at first. Then with the pandan and chocolate varieties. Later on, melon and choco-orange mochis were also at hand at the Eng Bee Tin shop. I was in love with the ube and chocolate mochi.

I also got to try Polland's own version of mochi and it was ok too. My bestfriend Mia, who was also a fan of the chewy goodness that's mochi, always gets a pack or two from me when she was still working in Makati. But now that she's been out there in QC, I buy mochi only for me. I have also tried their mochipia, which is a genius combination of mochi and the all-time favorite hopia.

 My boss knew of my obsession with mochi, and so from her recent trip to Taiwan, she brought me this:

I can't wait to try this!
*giggles*

BITTERSWEET

I was given a copy of the book, The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold.

I was hesitant at first because the book has no recall whatsoever, aside from the fact that it has been materialized in a movie in 2009.

I have the right to hold judgment as I have bought random books that turned out to be a waste of time and money. Horrible finds.

But then I gave it a try, and boy I made a right decision. It was an awesome read.

I just finished reading the book last night and the euphoria of how I managed to get through this melodramatic book still hugs me like a mother does to her child. It was hard to find the right words to explain the whole book and yet, it came to my head swiftly. BITTERSWEET.

Susie Salmon is fourteen then when she was raped and murdered by the most unlikely suspect in their neighborhood. With the end to her life is the beginning for her family and the people around her. The whole family; Jack, Abigail, Lyndsey, Buckley and even Grandma Lynn as well as two people she has last made connection with on Earth; Ray and Ruth.

To her, watching their every struggle to move on from her death and finding happiness eventually was both bitter and sweet. For in their sadness, she felt missed and in their happiness, she has been missed.

Susie was just starting to live her dreams when a man took it away from her. The only refuge to her desperation is seeing Lyndsey grow better in time. Sisters do quarrel a lot. They seek attention; they compete on anything especially for the affection of their parents. But no matter how hard they pull each other’s hair, or say the harshest words at each other, sisters have a special bond that even your bestest friend cannot give.

The way Susie watched over Lyndsey and how proud she felt for her, breaks the barriers of their sisterhood rivalry. Susie might have been stuck on her 14 year old self, but her heart and her head grew to a woman, to the big sister she’s supposed to be.

Being apart makes love grow deeper. This was true in the case of Jack and Abigail, Susie's parents. I guess their fallout was not entirely caused by Susie's death. It was in the intent to break out from the routine of their family ties with Abigail, and Jack's intent to keep everything to a whole new routine. It's in these intentions that they collided and sought refuge in someone else. Len and her dreams for Abigail, and their kids for Jack.

It may have ended nicely for them, but I am still unconvinced with Abigail, because if not for Jack's heart failure, will she ever return to her family?

And who says young love doesn't last? I am dumbfounded by Sam Heckler's eternal love for Lyndsey. He and his brother, Hal, has been a great help to the Salmons. I could not wait to find such great men in my life. :P

Sam had to endure college for Lyndsey. That really sealed the deal with them. As for Ray and Susie, time and separation is nothing to their love. Years after Susie's death and they still yearn for each other. Though Ruth has been a great friend for Ray, his heart never forgot the girl that she wanted to be the "moor" for. 

I found Buckley to be such a sweet kid, and I feel the pain in his innocence to deal with Susie's death and their mother's departure. And I feel for him as well after seeing his mother who has abandoned them for eight years. 

Grandma Lynn served to be the calming force in the family, amidst her loud statements and vague views in life. I actually liked her.

As for George Harvey, the murderer, every serial killer has a mental incapacity or emotional tortures from the past that are too hard to bear. Watching CSI made me realize that not all serial killers are just psychos and bloodthirsty individuals. They sometimes have a story to tell or a mistake to realize. Their satisfaction will never be enough, hence their serial crimes. He is a sick man though. 

It may seem like a typical family story, but nothing is typical with a family story seen through and narrated from a dead girl in her own heaven.

Now that is another topic.

The basketball gods must hate me.

It wasn't my year. I just knew it.

Wait, it wasn't my year in basketball.

Ginebra lost to Talk n' Text at the Finals and the Lakers bowed to Dallas, earlier than expected.

It's enough that one of my hated teams won and painstakingly beat my team in PBA, but come on. MIAMI HEAT going to the FINALS?! The basketball gods must hate me.

It wasn't just then that I bashed "King" James also known as LBJ (can't have his name printed here.NOPE.) And now, I'm about to eat my words. Or not.

In a miraculous turn of events, the Miami Heat and Dallas Mavericks are heading to an NBA Finals collision of some sort. That, after betting that Chicago Bulls and Oklahoma City Thunder will be the ones battling it out. A younger team with Derrick Rose and Kevin Durant. Come on! That's like the youngest rivalry in years now.

Or maybe I'm just a bitter fan. A bitter LA Lakers fan who was disappointed and scared that LBJ has a clear shot to get a ring, and even the Finals MVP title to boot.

What's worse is that I am no fan of the Mavs. I can't root on some team that I barely know the players, save for Dirk Nowitzki, Jason Terry and Jason Kidd. While I was a fan of Jason Kidd, it seems that it's not enough to go with Dallas.

And now the worst, I am betting my shoulder-grazing feather earrings that the Miami Heat will win this one. I admit, I loved D-Wade, but since his partnership with LBJ, he was kind of a collateral damage. Suffice to say, the Bosh-Wade-James trio really made a whole lot of difference to the team. That, with the guidance of Fil-Am coach Erik Spoelstra.

So YES, I am rooting for Miami Heat.
1.) because of my former love for D-Wade
2.) because of the teamwork they built regardless of their "superstar" status and
3.) because of Pinoy pride.

But let me get this straight -  I am rooting for Miami Heat as a team with the better chance at winning the Finals, but I am still not rooting for LBJ or whoever he thinks he will be after this Finals series.

Gahd, the *bitter* truth hurts.

The WORKING COMMITTEE.

So yeah, there was a little outpour that I called out as a "blessing" last Staurday.
Still, the fun run pushed through and who's the happiest of all?

THE WORKING COMMITTEE of course!

It was worth the rain shower!
Screw that - it was all worth it. :)

I am my father's DOUBT-er.

I have always been confident of the future.

Of what lies ahead for me. Of what and where I wanted to be.

But lately, I’ve been tumbling down. Losing focus. Questioning myself. Doubting.

Will I ever reach that goal? Am I destined for such happiness?

Whatever confidence I had before, it all came crashing down in front of me. I’ve always been hopeful and dreamy and cheerful. But I don’t know what I am now. I’m afraid to take the next step. I am crowded with emotions.

Most of all, I fear.

The past few days, and even months, were crazy. Literally. One thing I learned from it though is that LOVE, in all its glory and universality, changes the game. It can destroy or improve your game plan. It can change your life forever.

Here I am tumbling down. Losing focus. Questioning myself. Doubting.

Or maybe, maybe I’m just tired…and hurting.

Rain, Rain, GO AWAY!

Ever since the start of the year, we, at the company, has been organizing (and agonizing) an event that was supposed to happen last April. But due to some changes of plans it was moved to May 8 and now May 28.

It is a fun run event and I am, in all honesty, an events coordination neophyte. Handling PR and Publicity, and later on external communications for PhilSPADA, I was literally choked with worries and questions on what to do next. Good thing our boss and head organizer Sir Bob has been cool as a mentor for both Uly and me (neophytes).

We've braved this stretch and are just a few days from our actual baptism of fire, so to speak. And that's when "tragedy" struck us.

Chedeng, a tropical typhoon, has been teasing us of the weather condition on Saturday. We've been monitoring updates from the web and the news and literally checks the skies for a glitch or a small sign of a possible outpour on Saturday.

Trust me, we all wanted to get this over with. Not because we just want this to end and move on to the next one. Well, yes, that's one, but we just really wanted to literally see the sun after a long season of heavy clouds and dark skies.

We're literal as that.

And so we are praying, pleading even, for the rain to go away and give us that precious ray of the sun.

Rain, rain go away
Come again another day
We just wanna run out and play

And now for plugging,

Weirder

Am I ready to move on?

It’s been weird.

These past few days are weird.

And I think, I think I’m scared.

But I guess I should give it a try.

Let’s see.

Stay calm.

But it’s only easier said than done.

It is weird.

SALAMAT Tita!

For some years, I was associated with a community-based foundation that organizes charitable works every once in a while, medical missions and even gift-givings every Christmas.

It has been two years now and I almost forgot how it felt to give back. Not just the usual giving through donations, but being actually in the forefront, extending warm hellos and exchanging stories with the direct beneficiaries.

It's a good thing that the company where I work brought me back to that old feeling -  of the overwhelming outpour of gratitude from once lesser lonely individuals. We are ardent supporters of Bantay Bata 163, where every department and branches of our office nationwide have atleast a can to fill with 5-peso coins. (we try to stick to that)

After collecting and filling up 45 cans full to the brim, our boss decided to hold a turnover activity for the kids. Aside from actually giving our donations through the coinbanks, we prepared a little "party" for the kids at the Children's Village in Norzagaray, Bulacan.

Over 50 kids were in attendance that ranges from different ages and different stories. Regardless of it all, happy faces welcomed us and warmed our hearts as they endlessly say "Salamat Tita!" everytime we give them something, from little candy bags to the bags of school supplies and food items we prepared for them.

These kids, with their sweet smiles and hearty laughs will surely melt any rock-solid heart. It almost brought tears to some of us who joined the activity. Truly satisfying.

The kids weren't allowed to be photographed on close range. Most of our photos have kids with blurred faces (as per Bantay Bata).

Now my head is in circles and is asking my self why have I abandoned the foundation that helped me throughout my college years. I'm afraid of changes, but change has to start within me. I needed to straighten things out and with that, I'm opening my heart to those that needs a helping hand.

It's always nice to give back. And so I will. AGAIN.
And this time, I hope to keep this promise. PROMISE. :)

HAPPINESS is still ablur

Melted MARCH-mallows

I have just opened this account since February 22 and gahd, am I disappointed!

I don't have any blog post for March! After all those that it has thrown at me, I haven't got a say the whole month? Or maybe I'm just too busy with my Tumblr account.

And I even professed my dismay of being unable to write these past few days in Tumblr. Yes, I vowed to "blog more", but guess what, didn't happen!

Now that is SUPER FAIL!

NBA Blake Griffin Weekend

Last year was a blah. The Slam Dunk Competition was a complete joke and the All Star Game was filled with injured starters (who weren't able to start at all).

This year's All Star Weekend has to be a good one..and it is.

BLAKE GRIFFIN DAY 1

Saturday morning got me all occupied watching John Wall, DeMarcus Cousins and Blake Griffin busting the sophomores in a game I expected for the Rookies to win. I got my wish and John Wall was named MVP.

Blake wasn't given too many exposures for he will be dominating the 3-day festivities. Besides, they wanted a healthy, injury-free "Beast" for the Slam Dunk Competition.

BLAKE GRIFFIN DAY 2

All Star Saturday. Shooting Stars competition was won by the Atlanta Team, while the Skills competition had Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors. The 3-point shootout was a huge surprise. Miami Heat's James Jones won against Boston Celtics shooters Ray Allen and Paul Pierce. For a moment there, I almost forgot that JJ was a part of the final shootout. There were so much hype for Ray and Paul. Well, so much for the "stars" I guess. That win got Dwayne Wade (and his girly brooch) on his feet. Oh and yeah, there was the Slam Dunk competition too.


There were a lot of theatrics that involved a teddy bear, a lost kid, 2 balls, McGee's mom and a loud Kenny Smith. But through it all, Javale McGee and (wait for it) Blake Griffin went one on one in what seemed to be the best slamdunk showdown in years now.

Blake's homage to Vince Carter's elbow ripping slam was his best while I thought that McGee's 2-ball slam was very genius. Serge Ibaka should be given props too, for his effort and creativity with the stuff toy dunk, but there you go.

The car dunk by Blake? I find it too..flashy. But Baron Davis sure had a lot of fun watching it. Nice pass too. The problem with McGee's final dunk was that he kind of gave up the theatrics to do a clean slam that should have been his first act. Honestly, it's hard to regain the hype after Blake's "dramatic" shot.

And yes, Blake got the trophy. I wish to see him again next year along with Dwight Howard, Nate Robinson, Vince Carter and (wait for it) LeBron James, who have been promising to join year after year. (and not really doing it) Now that is something to watch out for.

BLAKE GRIFFIN DAY 3

The crowd chants "we want Blake!"
Kobe dunks on LeBron.
DWade injured.
Boston stars snubbed.

This is an all-out All Star game.

The East first five, led by (wait for it) LeBron James did the chalk toss.

But Kobe is in it to win it.
LeBron put out an amazing triple-double stat, but this wasn't enough to give the Eastern squad a win. West won the game with 148-143, naming the Black Mamba as MVP.

Kobe is now a four-time All Star MVP, tied with the most number of ASMVPs with Bob Pettit. Kevin Durant could've won co-MVP, but it's in LA so better give it to the guy in LA.

Kobe proves to be the brightest star in the city of stars, but definitely, Blake Griffin has KO'd this festivity with a dominating 3-0 win.

Rookies. Slam Dunk. All Star Game.

You go Blake! Yey for Kobe! Now get back to work.

Confuse-you's

How do you know what's best for you?
Is it better to settle on what's only good for you?

It's a constant battle between gut-feel and paranoia. It's hard to decide on what you should do and have in life.

I had a little conversation with friends some days ago. As the "grown ups" that we are, we talked about our jobs. The other feels contented on the laid back atmosphere of his job, where he can freely do whatever he wants on certain days. The other, feels contented on what she's experiencing at her current workplace as well. As she puts it, it's a great balance of work and play. Both seemed content and happy on where they are, but admits that there will be a time that all the happiness and contentment will fade too.

I agree. Life isn't always about apples. Life can be about lemons too. Or life can be about red, shiny apples on the outside, but bland and dry on the inside. Life can be about lemons, but given the right mixture becomes sweet and refreshing.

I think a huge part of these still goes on the person's wants and needs. Some people finds stress and challenges an ideal situation, while others prefer to have time on their hands. Some would want to be somewhere in between. Someone like me.

Life has a lot to offer. All we have to do is choose. It's the deciding part that's hard. Especially when you don't know what or who gives you happiness and contentment.

And that's me. Confused as always.