Throwback Thursday: Who's your Boss?!

At the BOSE.

Customer: I lost my Bose account.

Doy: I am sorry to hear that your "Bose" loss his/her card. May I have the name of your Bose?

Customer: John Doe

Doy: How about your Bose's account or card number?

Customer: 1234567890

Doy: When did your Bose lose his/her card?

Customer: Just today.

***** Can't locate the information *****

Doy: May I have your Bose's Social Security Number?

Customer: Blah blah Blah

Doy: May I place the call on hold whilst I try to locate the information?

Customer: Uh, yeah.

On mute:

Doy: Guys, patulong naman hanapin yun account ni Customer, nawala daw yun account ng "Bose" nya.

Team: "Sige, anong name?"

      "Baka sa west region yan na system"

      "Try mo sa ibang screen, or yung name search"

      "Sa Pegareach open mo"

Team Leader: "Doy, hold time"

Doy: Thank you for patiently waiting... Unfortunately..

Customer: I have the old account number, Blah Blah Blah..

Doy: Oh, it's a BOSE account.

Took about 30 minutes to reliaze that it was indeed a "Bose" account and not a "Boss'" account. 

Kasalanan talaga ni Customer yun eh, sumasagot pa eh! Haha.

SOUPer (Sabaw) Moment on a Friday

Nakakatuwa yung maka-experience ng "sabaw moments", yet nakakalungkot kasi minsan wala akong kasama to witness it. So, iku-kwento ko na lang:

Eksena sa jeep.

Manong Driver: "May bababa po ba sa Festival Mall?"

Katahimikan.

Manong: "May bababa po ba sa Festival?"

Nakabibinging katahimikan. Part 2. Obviously, walang bababa.

Manong in his 'wag-kang-susuko' moment.
MAY BABABA BA SA FESTIVAL? SUMAGOT KAYO!!

Pasahero, all together now: WALA PO!

Manong: "Ayan, sumagot kayo kung wala eh di wala. Pag di naman ako dumaan nagagalit kayo, tapos ang dami nyong sinasabi.. Blah blah blah blah. (Repeat until fade).

Go for Manong Driver!! 😜

Forgive me, Blog.

Dear You,

Forgive me for not updating you lately. As you can see, I have been busy with "things" these past few weeks. I have been here, there and everywhere, literally, doing er, uhm.. anything. After the 4-hour slow movie by Lav Diaz, I have been to an Italian Film festival [insert an Italian love song], fan girling to CinemalayaX, drinking mojito on a Friday night, Aunt-duties on a family event and recently to Rak of Aegis, an original Pinoy musical. Plus, a quick stop at Tous Les Jours for some English 101. So, you see I am quite busy so I hope you forgive me.

Heck, why am I even explaining myself to you. Are you some kind of a boyfie that needs some updating of my whereabouts? Haha. Ume-explain lang. 😜

Fine, I have been out week after week watching films, not just films but great films. Geek yeah? I am really not a cinephile but I appreciate awesome and mind-boggling films. It gives me the joy of nothingness. You know that feeling? The feeling of going forward, that there is life despite and in spite of. The immense feeling of being there, yet you are somewhere. The astonished feeling you get, and everything happens so suddenly. Get that, Blog? We are talking about films, right? Uh ooh, sorry, I got carried away. Haha. Walang basagan ng trip. 😁


So here's a photo diary for you, my blog:

New Breed

Francis Xavier Pasion director of Bwaya

Ricky Lee for Hustisya

Joel Lamangan director of Hustisya

But yeah, I have been Fan Girling in the recently concluded Cinemalaya X and I am privileged to have witnessed 5 entries. I even met some of the directors and the highlight, of course is having another photo op with Arnold Reyes, whose entry by the way won Best Film in the Directors Showcase.

Arnold Reyes (my Dodong), KASAL

So there, that was my weekend for the past 2 months. 

'til next time, okay? thanks. bye.

xoxo

Dyownee

Norte, Hangganan ng Kasaysayan. Let's mindfuck.

I don't normally review films, I just don't. Probably because I find that I have an eclectic taste in movies. Or I don't want people to think I am "pa-deep", which I am not. We are just different. And to have a difference, is to have an identity. (Ma-isingit lang)

So this is the first time, and hopefully not the last, I will TRY to review a film. And  I'll just make it short and simple.

Norte, Hangganan ng Kasaysayan a 4-hour film by Lav Diaz (2013)

Intellectually disturbing and stimulating. The artists (Sid Lucero, Angeli Bayani, Archie Alemania, Soliman Cruz, Hazel Orencio and Mae Paner) are all spot on, as if they were really crafted for their characters. Great cinematography, an art for slow cinema.

The story is spellbinding, will definitely leave you confused and dumbfounded. And I am like, "4 hours is not enough, I wanted to see more". This is the kind of film you would want to discuss, debate and "mindfuck" (as Sid Lucero's character says) with someone over coffee or beer. Good thing, I was with Carlo who stayed for another 3 hours going through the film or it will be so painful not to let the sickening feeling out after watching this darn good film. And that for me, is a sign of an epic of awesomeness (great) film.

And I'm pretty sure, Carlo and I will talk about this next week, next month and next year with the same intense we had after watching Norte.

See for yourself, and if you need someone to "mindfuck" with, holler me. *wink*

Am I worth the headline? A throwback thursday entry: SOUPer Moment

Ever since the multiply page got demised, my interest in blogging went kaput. However, when I met Mila the Joker (and with the encouragement of Carlo) I decided to start "sharing stories online" again. 

I don't know why, but often times I am caught in the middle of craziness and moments I cannot explain. This experience can either be funny, can really be an epic fail or simply put my "sabaw moment".

As my first throwback thursday (TBT) entry, I will share a 'sabaw moment' I cannot forget: 

Location: Jollibee (which I will not mention the branch, baka sumikat pa sila) LOL

I ordered breakfast meal while waiting for my sister. I had a medium-sized pineapple juice which to my surprise doesn't taste like pineapple. It was bland, as if it was a mix of 1/4 juice & 3/4 water with a very little hint of pineapple flavour. 

I had to call the attention of the crew, not to complain, but to ensure that the next one to order will not have the same experience. I didn't even plan requesting for a replacement, however:

Crew: "Mam, pacencia na po. Sige, Sabihin ko po sa kitchen" 

Me: Okay, sige thank you.

Few minutes after, he went back and asked for my receipt. 

Crew: Mam, sige palitan po namin yung juice nyo. Nagtimpla na po ng bagong juice. Kunin ko lang po resibo nyo. 

Me: Ah, okay. Sige lang. Thank you. 

Again, few minutes passed the crew handed me my receipt & the juice. 

Crew: Okay na po ba?

Me: Yes, okay na. Thank you ulit. 

Then came the 'manager', I assumed because she's wearing a different uniform. She approached, and.. 

Manager: Ma'am okay na po ba yung juice nyo? Sorry po kanina hindi maayos yun timpla. 

I was thinking, wow this is definitely a good customer service, checking customer's satisfaction.. Or so I thought. 

Manager: Ma'am in behalf of the company, we thank you for the immediate feedback and pacencia na po ulit. Ito po oh, (handing me "SOMETHING") as sign of.. I forgot her exact words, it could be loyalty or for my honesty, I dunno and I don't care, because at that moment, I was either fighting myself not to cry and die laughing in front of the manager. 

Because to my surprise, she handed me their daily newspaper with "Property of Jollibee" stamped on it! 

I mean, what the?... I was expecting their tuna or peach mango pie at the least, but a newspaper? Come on! 

Can anyone figure out why a newspaper?.. Darn. 

Just Do Eat.

Why do they call it a DIY food? When all you have to do is choose, point and decide what to put in your pizza, salad and/or burger. Why not call it "PIY" for point-it-yourself, or better yet have every single ingredients packed with detailed instruction & DIY at home, just like how you cook an instant noodles. Voila!! My DIY project! Or Whatever. LOL.

I have heard and read about the do it your own resto, and I must say it's a hit. I have tried the Project Pie with my friend, Ianne and love it the first time. Though it would be more fun especially for the kids and the not-so-kids anymore, if you will actually create your own pizza by putting the ingredients on the pizza dough. But the thought of it, could be a little messy. Nonetheless, i love that I was given the liberty of creating my own pizza with my own flavour. 

Not bad for 285php for a 4-slice pizza.

On the other hand, when I've read about the DIY salad, I was thinking, Seriously? Salad at your own risk? Probably because am used to the ceasar, thousand island, asian & vinegrette-kind-of-salad. So the thought of making your own salad, from the base to the dressing, is a totally new experience for me. Out of curiosity, we went to Juju Eats and found out ourselves.

 I chose to have their house mix plus 3 freebies (slices of green mango, grilled zucchini & cherry tomatoes) and paid additional 25php for slices of chicken inasal. My choice of dreasing was a bit safe: honey ranch which to my surprise complement the green mango & chicken. I am a happy camper for 185php. :)

The place was crowded on a Sunday, maybe because we went there during lunch time. The interior was okay, and the trivial wall about veggies/food added coziness to the place.

Will definitely go back to try other salad as they boast 5000 combination according to their website.

I have yet to try Burger Project and Slappy Cakes. Let's see.

On the other hand, do you know a place where I can have a 'do-it-your-own' coffee?! Or cake, perhaps? Hmmh.. Just a thought.

Are you loving to love or are you loving to be loved back?

And I wonder, must the love you give be reciprocated? Romantically speaking, is there such thing as an unconditional love?

How far can you go in the name of love? Tell me, are these worth it?

1. It took 3 months before the guy accepted the "In a relationship" status with you. I mean, what's the dilly-dallying for?

2. In a year of being together, you only see each other less than 10 times? And thats either the 15th or the 30th? Is your relationship a payroll system?

3. On your birthday, he stood you up and instead had some 'drinks' with his buddies.

4. You thought you have already broken up because you haven't heard from him for 3 long months. His reason: he thought you were mad.

5. On Valentines day, you were wearing the "Love is the answer" shirt and was excited the whole time becoz you are 'going out' for real, just the two of you. Yet, you ended at his place and waited patiently until the next year's Valentine's date. Epic fail.

6. You're having lunch at his place, was upstairs doing something when a text came.. 'May ice cream sa baba' or 'Kakain na'. Wow! How sweet.

7. He only said "I love you" once and the rest are said via text with virtual hugs and kisses.

8. Spent more than 2000php for a birthday gift and ended getting a "beso" in return. Buti pa ang SM Advantage, may perks.

9. You put an effort in making a birthday video message with your favorite Taylor Swift song and thankful that you get a "Like" on Facebook 2 days after. Thanks to his persistent cousin who nudge him to like the post.

I could go on and on and on with a long list, but I had to stop myself. This entry was made not to humiliate someone, I had to do this because I want the person to realize all her worth. For all the things that had happen, she deserves real happiness and be treated fairly. I may have poor judgment about the guy, I don't know but that's just me. He must have his own reason on why he allow these things to happen in the relationship. It could've been his first ever relationship, I don't know. But must he do that?

I read from somewhere that, a healthy relationship is one where two independent people just make a deal that they will help make the other person the best version of themselves. I may not be the right person to talk to about having a 'perfect relationship', but this I leave to her.. Must we stay in a relationship that is unhealthy and abusive?

NO. Protect yourself.

Oh and by the way, did I ever mention that it was after all a "long-distance relationship"? Just Imagine, Las Piñas to Makati. Need I say more?!

It's been a year, Premier Team!

With our SME Gavin and Shannon. 

March 15 marks the anniversary of this picture, this photo was taken at Pan De Amerikano for our 2 SMEs. For some, it was just an early dinner, good food and good laugh. For me, it was a celebration of friendship.

On the 14th of March 2014, another photo was taken at Don Day to celebrate another year of blessing, a friend's promotion and a reason to go home late. Haha. But for me, it's a different way of celebrating yet another year of friendship and for being ourselves again despite the differences, changes and challenges that had gone through the year.

Don Day Korean dinner with the Premier peeps.

If there's half-Aussie half-Pinoy, I'd be half-Prem and half-KANA, to which I have been grateful. More than anything, being with these people gave me the opportunity to know and to let me in in their world. We may have had our share of misjudgments, immaturity and misunderstandings but at the end of the day these are the things I'd say made us a better version of ourselves.

Send off party for the SME.

Thank you.

Angel G. for explaining "Balance Offset account" in layman's term, for putting up get together and for giving sensible advises when all else is about to fail. Thanks for introducing chap chae and melona ice cream. Congratulations on your promotion!

Angel M. for the many things we have in common, for the "letting go-moving on" moment. The crying galore over Starting Over Again, for the videoke session and for calculating the interest for me. I look forward to the many things and adventure we will soon to have.

Baj for "wala lang moment". End of story. Haha. For the trauma you have caused me when I wore the "pang-mahjong outfit". I swear, I stop wearing that top again when you told me its a mahjongera outfit. For the many "off-the-record" kwento and for showing how you truly care and love your father :) and still, I am not goin to wear that mahjongera outfit. Maybe in another lifetime. Hah!



Carlos (+) for the never-a-dull-moment days, your dance move, the quick banter and politically injected sarcasm. I hope you see us from your "earthworm's eye-view" wherever you are.

Chris (+) for sharing the same passion and interest for films and plays. Thank you for introducing MUBI.com and for the word "somnolent". You ended your own "film" with such grace and I am proud to be part of it.

Dhang for being our "financial advisor", for letting me know that Aussies financial tax year starts on July and for showing how it is to be "grace under pressure" mode despite the chaos around her. Literally, with the "chaos" around her? :)

Erin for patiently putting liquid eyeliner on me and for giving me the idea that despite wearing glasses, your eyes should always look sexy and made up. Every. Single. Day. For the many pictures taken in your high-tech camera and for the pep talk on hyperthyroidism.

Kaye for the 'I don't care attitude', the bathroom size mirror in your station, and for being such a hot-momma to a wonderful daughter and that kabogera hot pink swimsuit.

Kat Tiu for teaching how to hoard iced tea and apple juice when everyone else is having orange or melon juice in the diner. For your "minsan-lang-humirit-pero-sablay" moment and for saying, 'ang payat ko'. I thank you. For showing how strong a person can be despite the odds of losing both your loved ones unexpectedly.

Mommy Mhel for your motherly instinct, the 'pugal currency' and eating nilagang kamote with nutella. For giving me an idea of wearing 'binaha-kami-outfit' on a weekend shift. And that, basang-basa-sa-umagang-kay-ganda-swimming-on-my-own moment in Sariaya, Quezon, truly memorable. Lets cross our fingers guys!

Phil for the ruffaness in you. I meant, finesse. For sharing the same interest on big bags and for saying whatever you want to say without the intention of hurting others and still hurting others. Hehe. From the 'pangkabuhayan showcase, provincial and pang yosi lang rate, Manpower school of achara making to motorcycle package. Haha!

Roma - I think this would have to be on my next blog entry, the space is not enough. Char! Thank you for introducing me to the world of ansha, hanash, warla, okane etc. with you, I have learned how to be as patient and understanding as I can be. For the many MRT and bus rides we've had, for the food trip and craziness and for always stooding me up kapag may lakad, salamat! Haha. And I thank you for challenging me when you said, 'Ano bang sabi sa PIMS?'. That I cannot forget.

TL Ron, for letting me speak and be heard. We may not have a perfect 'leader-follower' relationship because you gave me away (Char) but I'd say I learned from you how to take things easy and learn it the hard way. For the 'what-if' question and answer portion, for the laughter and mood swings Thank you. :)

To the Prem Team (tranche 1 and 2) for making me feel I am still part of the team and for making me do my "job" and still remain friends with you guys. Cheers to all the wackiness, the laughter and for the friendship and for the things I have learned from you and for sharing a bit of your world.

P.S.

Please do not read this in the office (or get caught for that matter) or you guys will receive an email from me and Ness. Hahah.

Dyown

Sariaya, Quezon

Well done, Vikings. Well Done!

I have been to 3 or more buffet resto, and one of my fave was at The Heat, Shangrila. But when I was invited to an all-you-can-eat feast with my former KANA team, I think I have a new addition to my fave glutton adventure.

The team went to Vikings to celebrate the 100 Club's Service Excellence award. I personally knew the architect and I am not being biased, but I must say I was impressed. More than the food and the chaos, I would say we all love the vibe and the ambiance. Oh, and the first thing I checked was the washroom. It was love, their wash bin sink and the mirror! As much as I would like to take an obligatory mirror selfie, I had to stop myself or I will end up being the butt of a joke.

I like that the owner did not only focus on the food, but the whole place. The interior was great, from their ceiling to the flooring. Even the plates (not just the ordinary white plate, it got details) and their cute miso soup pot that I wish I could take home as a souvenir. Haha. 

Can I bring you home?

And this chandelier was a sight.. 

The chandelier

The food was awesome, and the choices were not bad for the price. I literally went around the place to check all the food. I would want to try everything but I had to stop myself from overeating. I fell in love with their Thai Pomelo Salad, and the grilled salmon was a hit for the whole team. The cheese pizza was another team's favorite, but I wish they would serve more because I had to go back twice to get myself a slice. 

I had this twice. 

When I'm still part of the KANA Team, we all bonded because of food and even call ourselves the Breakfast Club, but I never thought that the boys all have the sweet tooth. The dessert station (and this, I missed to take a photo) was a surprise. They went back literally 2 or 3 times already before I finish my third plate (yes, I'm on a diet). They all love this 'mysterious cake', I call it mysterious because the boys can't figure out what cake was that. JR says it must be dulce de leche, the other one says it's brazo de mercedes and the other says yema cake. Aren't they all the same? They all can't tell because it was hidden under a huge serving of yogurt which they all love. It was probably that good because when I get to the cake station, i see no sight of brazo de mercedes, yema or dulce de leche. It's either that the cake goes by a different name, or that the boys were just playing another joke on me. I have yet to find out. Even without the mysterious cake, I did enjoy the crepe and their puto bumbong for dessert.


The whole dining experience was great, and I can't wait to go back to try other dishes though I wish some of the crew were all attentive and efficient. I had to ask twice to follow up on my shabu-shabu soup before I get the hot pot and have to ask few times to clear the empty plates on our table. And I think they have to train some of the crew how to respond on situation like this:

At the steak station: 

Foreigner: Well done.
Crew: Your welcome Sir. Thank you. 
Paul: Lutuin mo daw maigi yun steak ni Sir! 

Funny and amusing. Despite that and some missed opportunity, I will definitely go back to Vikings and recommend the place to family and friends. Besides, I still want to try the 'mysterious cake'. 

Well done, Vikings. Well done!

VIKINGS

SM North EDSA

4/F The Block, SM City North EDSA Quezon City

376-3888, 376-4888, 376-5888

Random.

Who you are is up to you. Never, never give them the power to define you. 

During one of the girls' night out, one of the cousin said 'Repel love because you surround yourself with single friends who are comfortable with their status. You should surround yourself with married people and have a be "available" attitude.'

Would you? 

I don't think so. Being single doesn't mean that you know nothing about love. It's about being content and, hopefully, that takes you on the right path. Sometimes, I see more pain and misery from women who think they should be in a relationship, because of the pressure they put on themselves and of what others say. 

Do not get me wrong. I am surrounded with happy people, I love weddings and I am friends with people who were in and out of a relationship. But I also love being with my single friends, most of them the happiest. I guess no matter who you are friends with, happiness comes within. You don't need anybody to complete you because you most definitely are not a half of a person. I believe that the right person will come along eventually and will take your hand gently, without pulling it.

We, (single friends) are probably using our single time wisely, exploring new aspects of life, working on our own goala and working on ourselves not because that will make us more attractive, but because we love ourselves.

But until the right one comes along, I am happy and will continue to be the happiest regardless if I am single or in a complicated relationship. 😁😄

Happy Birthday, Blog!

Today marks my yet another blog's first day. Thanks to Carlo who encouraged me to start blogging again. I ask him and Billy over dinner, kung ano naman isusulat ko? Sabaw moments again? Well why not? I have a lot to share. 😜

But today, I am thinking of writing something about my birthday. A birthday prayer:

Thank you, Lord, for giving me another year of life.
Thank you for all the people who remembered me today through good wishes,
Thank you for all the experience of this past year,
for times of failure which reminded me of my own weakness and my need for you,
for times of success which will always be happy memories,
for times of joy when the sun was shining,
for times of sadness which drove me closer to YOU.

Forgive me for the hours I wasted,
for the chance i failed to take,
for the opportunities I missed this past year.
Help me in the days ahead to make this the best year yet,
and through it to bring happiness to my loved ones  and joy to YOU. Amen.

It was a wonderful 30-ish years of my life, and I can't wait for more years to come. There is no better way to celebrate it but with my family. 😍

Happy Birthday to us, my dear Blog! (Your first day)