My Ten Guilty Pleasures.

I was thinking of what to blog about next so I went Chris Brogan's web blog once again to get an idea. Number 40 on his 100 Blog Entries list is Ten Guilty Pleasures.

Let's face it. Whether we admit it or not, we all have our own guilty pleasures. Isn't that the truth? There are just some things that we enjoy even though we shouldn't. Or at least, not enjoy it as much as we really do.

And so, without further ado, I give you my ten guilty pleasures.

10. Books, books, and more books.
I am a self-proclaimed bookworm. I have been collecting good books and been reading them since I can remember. How did this become a guilty pleasure? Here's the thing. As much as I love reading them, I have the tendency to buy books even if I still have a few at home that I haven't even opened yet. I don't know. It's the thrill of investing on good reads that gets me going.

9. Footwear
Another thing I don't mind spending my money on is on footwear. Chucks, sandals, flip flops, stilettos, flats...my current count is 25 pairs. Each size 9 pair neatly placed in its box. It's not that bad, one might think. But for someone like me who occasionally goes out and rarely finds time to chill out, it's an awfully lot. When I get my own place, I swore to myself that I'd be allocating a huge space for my shoes. Probably a closet. Haha!

8. SALE!
No matter where I go -- whether it's SM, Robinson's Place, Greenbelt, Glorietta, Rustan's -- when I find out that there's a sale, I will definitely be there! Contrary to popular belief, I don't really splurge. I don't go to a mall and spend my salary in one day. No, that's not how I go. Of course there's a budget, but sometimes, I get caught up with the beauty of buying something on sale, I go a little over the budget. Tsk tsk.

7. Food
Whose list of guilty pleasures doesn't include food? Come on! Food is always a guilty pleasure for me. Not that I'm overweight or anything. As a matter of fact, it's just recently that I was able to maintain my ideal weight. For someone like me, a 22-year-old, 5'3"-tall lady, I eat a lot. I eat as much as I cook. Whether it's Italian, Japanese, Filipino -- you name it, I'd eat almost anything. Of course, there are some food I can't eat. And I mean I can't since I'm watching my food intake to avoid kidney stones again. There are just days when I just had to eat what I can't...like nuts, chicharon, junk food. Definitely unhealthy for me.

6. Traveling
As much of a home buddy that I am, I can also island-hop as much as possible. It all started with overnight trips to Batangas, Laguna, Pampanga...and then I'm off travelling to Boracay, Bicol, Puerto Galera, Bohol for at least a week. And it was all before I worked in SEAIR. Hahaha! Such an expensive way to enjoy a vacation. Travelling is good, yes. But not if you have a limited budget like I do.

5. Romantic movies
I am such a hopeless romantic! I admit it...I am so in love with the idea of falling in love that it's so easy for me to cry at any romantic movies. From the immortal love story of Shakespear's Romeo and Juliet to the modern day fairy tale of Enchanted...trust me, I've shed a tear or two on every romantic film I've seen in the cinema.

4. The internet
It's not such a secret to anyone that I'm online almost always. Whether I'm at home or at work, I'm online. It's not only that I want to...it's also because I need to. Haha! Seriously, I know that it's not good to be in front of the computer or laptop for almost 24 hours but I can't help it. It's as if it's a reflex. Once I get to work or once I got home, I turn on the PC or my laptop and there I go...surfing the net as if I have a plan for the whole day. No wonder my blog is updated almost daily. '

3. Vanity and beauty products
I am vain! That is the honest to goodness truth. I am so vain that I don't want anyone touching my hair, especially when I've just spent such a long time brushing it to "perfection." Hahaha! Like I've always said, "Guluhin mo na buhay ko, wag lang ang buhok ko." That's how much of a vain I am. I'm not really the type who cares so much about the latest hairstyle or the trendiest fashion. But I do care a lot about how I present myself. Every month, I go to the parlor and get a hair spa so my hair will be bouncy and shiny. I get a trim every quarter so I don't get split ends. Vain enough for you? That's not the end of it. For my face, I buy Eskinol facial wash and facial cleanser almost every other month. It is a must that I have these two or else my evening routine is ruined. Make up is not really a necessity for me. I'm not one to apply a heavy make up. Just a touch of blush, application of pressed powder and a smack of lip balm and I'm good to go. Nonetheless, if ever I buy cosmetics, Care Line is the way to go for me. Of course, I wouldn't mind if my friends and family would give me MAC or Maybelline or Revlon.

2. Tennis
Not that I'm playing the sport. But watching it is as addictive as playing. Grand Slam tournaments are always a must-see for me. I would wake up so early in the morning just so I could watch a match. I would stay up all night just to finish the match. Just a few months ago, I watched the Wimbledon finals between Nadal and Federer. The match started at 9:30PM (Manila time, of course) and I stayed up until 4:30 in the morning the next day just so I can see Nadal win the title! Yes, yes, I was definitely having a hangover when I went to work but to me, everything was worth it. Even if I lost the sleep I needed to get me going through the day. How could I resist? With players like Nadal, it's obvious why I watch the sport.

1. Starbucks
It all started in 2006 when I made caffeine a habit and Starbucks was the only coffee shop that could satisfy my need for coffee. Yes, it's true. Coffee is sort of a "must" for me. To get me going. Caffeine stunting my growth did not scare me. I was tall enough for my age. If I wasn't able to drink coffee at home, I'd make sure that I get one at work. Starbucks is the way to go. The hot white chocolate mocha is my vulnerability. Well, a mocha frappuccino will do but the white choco mocha is my drink. Damn! The price I would pay to drink coffee.

And that, my dear readers, are my ten guilty pleasures.

Care to share yours?

How I Went from Very Shy to Less Shy.

(Disclaimer: This blog post is a suggested topic in Chris Brogan's web blog. To view more of his blog topics, visit www.chrisbrogan.com)

For those who don't know, I'm a very shy person. If anything, I'm the most timid person you'll ever know. And if I was one of the seven dwarfs, I'd be Bashful. Yes, people. Believe it or not, I was an introvert. Was being the operative word.

If you knew me back when I was 10 years old, you'd probably know me as the girl who sat in one corner of the room, not talking to anyone unless talked to. I was the girl who didn't feel comfortable to show off her talents. I was the kid who was the least bit confident about herself. At school, I rarely ventured out of my shell to chat with other students at mealtimes or before and after classes. I was so shy that I wouldn't even tell the nurse in the hospital that I was scared of injections (note: I am no longer afraid of needles).

And then came high school. I realized I was too comfortable in my own little world that not many people know who I really was. So I had to do something. I knew that if I didn't solve this problem, I'd have a problem in the future. So I joined school organizations. The school paper and the glee club, to be precise. Fortunately for me, it worked. Somehow, joining these organizations has helped me become more open to people, more sociable. Before I knew it, I've gained more friends than I could possibly imagine. What's even more surprising is that the name "Margie Francisco" was starting to catch on to other batches.

When I got to college, I realized I have stepped into a whole different world. College was more challenging to be sociable. Then again, to my surprise, everybody was starting to know who I was. The "legend of Margie" started the moment I became a class representative in first year. Soon, they knew me as the neophyte feature writer who wrote a great article on the new dean of student affairs. The rookie writer would become the eventual editor-in-chief of the school paper. Students and teachers alike knew me as the "girl who gets sent to numerous seminars and conferences to represent the school." With that hanging over my head, I was able to be more outgoing, more assertive, more poised than I was before.

Of course, now that I work in a magazine, it helps that I got to be the way I am today. I wouldn't be able to do my job if I wasn't that much confident. But hey, there's still that part of me that is shy. Yes, I'm still soft-spoken at times. I'm still the discreet type of girl. What I'm trying to say is that I was able to transform from this very coy little girl who didn't know how to fit in...into a young lady who discovered that being shy is never going away and waiting for an "extreme" extrovert to befriend me is not an option. I became this young lady who was successfully shy.

Hmm...I wonder if Jesus Christ had shy people in mind when He said, "Blessed are the meek."

With everything accounted for, I've learned that being shy has its strengths and weakness. Truth be told, there are days I wish I'm more extrovert that I can be. But then again, I love being the shy type.

Yes, I was a very shy person back then.

Now...

I am proud to say that I am less shy than I was before.

What My Birth Date Means for My Love Life.

I woke up to the sound of my cellphone's message tone alert. I struggled to open my eyes, thinking I needed more time to sleep. But the curiousity at the back of my head would not let me. "Who would text me at this time?" I thought, thinking that it was only around 3 or 4 in the morning. Finally, my eyes open to the pitch dark room. I saw a light gleaming slightly at the corner of my eye. I reached for my cellphone -- four messages. I clicked on "Read" and saw who the messages were from. All from one person, my friend Doray. All messages were quotes.

Damn! I should have gone back to sleep.

And I tried. But I couldn't. So I got up, went to the bathroom to freshen up, and opened up my laptop. I remembered it was the first day of the US Open Grand Slam. The moment I turned the television on, Rafael Nadal was playing against Phau.

As I logged in my desktop, I had the slightest idea of what I should do. As if on instinct, I typed the website address of Blogthings to see what kind of survey I can answer. There was a particular test that caught my eye: What Does Your Birth Date Mean For Your Love Life?

Your Birthdate: April 13

You don't love lightly.

For you, love is always a serious undertaking.

However, you are able to love many types of people.

You can bring out the best in almost anyone.

Love surprises you often.

You never know when or where you'll find it next.

Number of True Loves You'll Have: 1

Number of Times You'll Have Your Heart Broken: 5

You are most compatible with people born on the

4th, 13th, 22nd, and 31st of the month.

Oh my...

I have to say, I can believe it. Love is a serious undertaking for me...and I guess that's the reason why until now, I have yet to be committed to someone.

I was stunned to see the "statistics," actually.

I was especially surprised to see the birth dates of the people I am compatible with. Hahaha!

4th.

13th.

22nd.

31st.

Let's not be hasty about this. I'll take it in stride.

That's it! Gotta go!

I'll see if I can drop by later to do another entry...

When a Good Day Went Bad.

It's always nice to have a long weekend from time to time. I get to take a break from work, I get to just stay home and watch a movie, I get to surf the internet for fun and not for work. Hahaha! You'd think that because it's a long weekend, there's nothing to spoil the day. Oh you thought wrong...and I mean wrong with a capital W.

The past two days were generally all right. But an "OK" day doesn't necessarily mean that I didn't go through some bad moments here and there. Truth of the matter was there were a few situations I wished I could slap the person with some common sense. A person has this tendency to be so repulsive, I feel so sorry for that person. But my parents taught me well. Instead of retaliating in such a horrendous manner, I chose to take the high road -- strike back with poise, class and wit.

As some of you may already know, we've been living in a rented condominium unit. Therefore, it's not a surprise that from time to time, people who are interested in buying the unit come by to see the place. Yesterday was no exception. At 1:00 in the afternoon of a rather beautiful Sunday, the owner of our condo unit sent a text message to my dad saying she's coming by with some people to see the place around 4pm. Of course, we had no choice but to say yes. It was a Sunday afternoon. A family day. And to entertain strangers on a Sunday, of all days, is a big fat bummer.

We managed to clean the unit -- although our place wasn't messy at all -- with an hour to spare. I was personally anxious for the people to arrive. Just because I wanted to get it over with so that my family and I can go out and spend some quality time with each other. We were already dressed to go so that as soon as these people leave, we can leave as well.

I was sitting by the dinner table with my laptop, typing and retyping some articles for work. My brother was in his room working on the website for his client. My parents were in their bedroom, watching television. And then they arrived. The owner with the prospective buyers -- 6 visitors total. The moment I saw the people interested in buying the place, I knew I didn't like them. And they were about to prove why.

As I stood by the door to let them in, a woman, probably in her mid-40s, stopped in front of me and said, "Ikuha mo nga ako ng tubig, dear, at uhaw na uhaw na ako. Pwede?" Imagine hearing that in a very bossy tone. Without saying a word to her, I went to knock on my parents' bedroom to let them know that the expected visitors were here, and proceeded to the kitchen to get water for the woman.

My parents came out to meet the owner and the other people. While my parents talked with the owner, I was left to accomodate the others. That's when I heard the woman's comment, "Ang daming gamit naman dito. Ang sikip!" I couldn't control myself. I had to say something. "Five people are living here, Ma'am. What did you expect?" She looked at me as if I disrespected her. I guess she ignored me because the next thing I knew she called someone from outside and told her to take pictures of the place.

The girl did what she was told to do. But then another problem was about to emerge and I was not going to let it pass. After taking a picture of my parents' bedroom, she tried to open the door to my brother's room. She turned to me and said, "Pabukas nga. Kunan ko lang ng picture."

Snidely, I replied, "May tao dyan, baka gusto mo katukin para makita mo kung bubuksan." She looked at me and was about to say something when I cut her off. "Although I don't know why you have to take a picture of my brother's room. Nakunan mo na ng picture yung room ng parents ko, di ba? The rooms are identical." She looked at the elderly woman sitting on the couch and as if by order, she went out and waited with the other people.

The older woman stood up from the couch and handed me back the glass I gave to her earlier. She looked at me as if she was about to scold me. And I think she was going to until the owner asked her what she thought of the place. She said in a condescending tone, "Masyadong masikip. Ang daming gamit." When my mom heard this, she said in an equally sneering manner, "Pag binili nyo ito, unfurnished. Gamit namin ito, anong akala mo? Sa iyo mapupunta lahat ng nasa condo?" The tension was rising, everyone could sense it. But at least the word war didn't start as the woman chose to go out and leave with the others than go head to head with my mom. Good choice.

So there our family was. Standing side by side in our home while the others stood outside as if they are afraid to trespass once they enter the condo unit. Before they left, the owner of the unit walked over to us and apologized for the "bad attitude" of her company. Of course, being the civilized people we were. We accepted the apology and decided to forget about those people.

After this encounter, I realized that there are some people who grow up backwards. Unfortunately, these are the people who only think they are the important people in the world. How sad it is for them.

Just this morning, the owner once again texted my dad, saying that her company behaved very badly and despite their interest in buying, she was not offering it to them any longer.

The Randomness of Me.

It was just one of those days when I thought to myself, "To hell with planning what to do today!" I just the urge to blog, without a care if I would make any sense, not minding if it's going to sound crazy at all, not thinking if it's going to make a difference or not. Right here, right now, I'm practicing spontaneity, something I'm trying to instill in myself for the past few months.

Sociologist and social philosopher Helen Lynn once said, “Our whole life is an attempt to discover when our spontaneity is whimsical, sentimental irresponsibility and when it is a valid expression of our deepest desires and values.” So here I am trying to be unconstrained..at least for the time being.

To-Be's...
a cosmopolitan
- because I want to travel around the world

an established writer
- because I dream of sharing stories of my adventures and misadventures, of tales about love and life

a sought-after editor
- because eventually, I'd like to become the person who helps out an aspiring writer reach his/her dreams

Will-Buy's (in the next 12 months)...
a Sony Ericsson P1i
- because it suits my lifestyle now that I'm working

a Creative ZEN 4GB
- because it's something I could use for work and for pleasure

Will-Eventually-Have's (in the next five to ten years)...
a credit card
- because in the future, this will come in handy

a condo unit
- let's face it, I'll need to move out when I'm old enough to start living on my own

a car
- because I'll need my own transportation so I can go to wherever I need and want to go to

a postpaid line
- because in the long run, postpaid will be an advantage for me

a laptop
- because a brand new laptop is really what's going to help me


So far, this is what's on my mind. Haha! Don't worry, I'll be back as soon as I can.

Seriously?!?

I don't like to judge. I can honestly say that I am not the type of person who criticizes every little thing about something or someone. But I have to admit...there are instances where it comes to a point that you can't help but say something about it. Maybe "to judge" is too harsh of a phrase to understand what I'm trying to say. After all, "judging" gives a negative connotation. How should I put it? Hmm...ah yes. There are certain instances when I just can't stop being opinionated about people or things.

After all, am I not entitled to have an opinion of my own?

This past week, I have stumbled upon some "unusual" things. Seen it, heard it, experienced it. It was never really my place to complain or say something about it. Although, I think I was more considerate than I should have been, if you ask me. So here I am blogging, not to rant but to simply share with you a few observations.

My dear readers, what you are about to read maybe funny or impossible to happen. But believe me, it happened! And so, I ask...

Have you ever heard of anything more ridiculous than the following situations?

• A man in his mid-50s is complaining that he doesn't have any money at all and he's blaming it all on his wallet which was supposed to give him luck.

• Husband and wife of middle class status is suing MERALCO for overcharging them and for cutting their electricity. Note that their latest bill was P600.00 and the deadline of payment was two weeks ago.

• A man says he is about to leave his in-laws' home and yet manages to stay for another two hours because he was smoking cigarettes as if there was no end.

• A woman who have just gotten in the MRT signals you to make room for her so she could sit down, despite the fact that it's already full. What's worse is that she has the audacity to complain how uncomfortable she feels sitting down.

• A woman in her late 20s curses at every chance she gets while talking to someone on the phone because the jeep she's in is not moving at all due to the heavy traffic.

• A man incessantly moves around his seat on the bus while the young lady sitting beside him is trying her best to be still and not to fall down.

• With just a few seats left, a young lady is forced to sit in between a guy who smells like a walking cigarette and another guy who smells like he's bathed in Axe.

• An elderly man -- probably in his 60s -- is all dressed up in tight pants, fitting shirt, high-heeled shoes. Let's not forget the dangling earrings and hairband as accessories.

• A couple is sitting comfortably in one corner of a coffee shop: kissing, hugging, snuggling. That's subtlety in their own little world.

• College students are constantly talking to each other about their hunk professors their crushing on. The downside? They make it seem like they're the only people riding the shuttle.

• A woman, probably in her 40s, is in the wet market wearing a very fitting leopard-print shirt which looks like a baby tee and pedal pushers, which showcases her rather huge butt and her bulging curves are exposed.

Maybe it's just me. Maybe I'm being too rigid. But I can't help it. When things like that happen, I just can't help but think to myself, "what were they thinking?"

I leave you with just one question...

Seriously?!?

Meeting People.

I've been talking about a few people here and there so I might as well "introduce" you to some of them. This is just to give you an idea as to who my friends are.

Meet my family.
Meet the parents. Mama and Papi are my sources of strength. They are my support team from beginning til end and I don't know where I would be if not for them. Mama and Papi are the reason why I love what I'm doing...because they taught me well. They never forced me to do what they want. They simply encouraged me to pursue what I want. Love, support, respect, care...for all of that, I am forever grateful.

If I am my parents' princess, you can expect that this princess has two knights to protect her from harm. My big brothers, Kuya Rom and Kuya Miguel are my knights in shining armor. They're very protective of me...so boys, beware. Haha! My brothers, I admit, can be a pain in the butt at times but rest assured, when I need help, my brothers are there!

Meet my boss.
This is Monica De Leon -- otherwise known as Ms. Mons. She's my ever-so-patient boss who teaches me what I need to know about the magazine business. She is the reason why I'm all of a sudden becoming more talkative now. Hahaha! Ms. Mons is actually a Scholastican. She graduated AB Mass Communications minor in Broadcast Journalism in 2003. I guess it's luck that I got to work for someone I can share interests with.


Meet my bez.
Chi, as many of us would call her. But to me, she's my one and only best friend. My bez is actually living in the US right now so it's kind of hard to bond with her now than we did before. Nonetheless, we keep in touch as much as possible. People said that we looked alike but I guess that's because we were quite inseparable. Now, well, we're living our lives from different ends of the world. She's got a boyfriend and I'm still single. She's still turning heads like back then when we were still in Colegio de Sta. Rosa (CSR) and I'm, well, turning heads nowadays. Haha! Yes, I know it's a little narcissistic but hey, I'm just telling you what people are telling me now.

Meet my "anak" and my "bru."
Alla and Euki -- we go way back in grade school. Just like Chi, these two people have been a part of my life ever since my CSR days. Alla and Euki are the best of friends. They call each other, "zie." Alla is my "anak"...I don't know how or why or when exactly but she started calling me "naynay" and that was it. Euki is known as my "bru," as in "bruha." She's the friend whose hair I've been always been jealous of.
As of the moment, these two are trying to make me go to CosPlay on October 12. Unfortunately, I can't make a commitment since that day is a Sunday and Sundays are reserved only for family.

Meet my baby.
Yes, I'd consider him as my baby. This is Karl. He lives with his parents, Tita Irene and Tito Jun, his sister Nikki, and their yaya, Ate Beng. Karl is two years old and he asks nothing but pasalubongs from me every time I get home from work. He's my hyperactive, uber cute neighbor baby who I love so much! I don't really care if I spend a little for him. He calls me his "Te." He likes it when I bring him marshmallows and popcorn. For some reason, he senses whenever I have Jollibee meals at home because almost always, when I am about to eat, he'd be kicking, yes kicking, on our door and he'd get the french fries. He's also the baby who likes to get the magnets from our refrigerator. Even so, he's the baby I will always love.

Meet my "subtle" friend.
Subtle is the modest thing to say about her. Haha! People, meet Ate Det. She's my friend who likes giving understated paramdams, to say the least. Ate Det is one of the college friends I've kept in touch with after college. I guess it's because we have common friends outside St. Scho. All right, so she's not my best friend and I couldn't say she's one of my closest friends. But, I guarantee you, Ate Det is a friend I can count on, even if I just needed somebody to tell what's bothering me. She's a shoulder I can lean on.

Meet the sister I never had.
Meet Jalila. She's been my friend since I was in fourth year high school. We've become friends because of the CSR Glee Club. I don't know how the friendship started. I guess it just sort of happened. I'd consider her as the sister I never had. I don't know...of all the friends who call me Ate Marge, Jalila is probably the closest friend I could say I've become comfortable with. Part of the family? I guess you can say that. Haha! Let's not go deeper into that. She's my friend and I love her. Period.

Meet the bunso.
Adrian is Jalila's little brother. If only he was indeed little. Haha! He's taller than his siblings. If Jalila is my sister, then I'd of course consider Adrian as my baby(?) brother as well.
There is a reason why Jalila is quite bitter with me when it comes to Adrian. It's because every time he drops by my school back then, I'd always treat him out. Jollibee, Starbucks, you name it. I'd go out of my way to treat him. I don't know why...he's like my baby brother. Haha!

Meet my aspiring writer.
Every aspiring editor needs an aspiring writer. As for me, Jan is my apiring writer. For the past few weeks, I have been editing his writings and whatnots, and it's been a great experience for me because so far, he's very happy with the way I edit his work. He gives me such a wonderful feeling with his approval of my work. Oh...by the way, he's the big brother of Jalila and Adrian. There's a four-month gap between us...there's no need to call him Kuya. Hehe. Jan...well, not only is he my aspiring writer, he's also my one-man cheering squad. Haha! Yes, I have to say, whenever I am about to do something or have done something, he's always there cheering me on. Aspiring writer, great visionary...might be the next Bo Sanchez. Watch out for this dude! He and I...we're going to be a team. Hahaha!

Well, I guess you've met the people you needed to meet...for now. Hang on for my next blog entry.

Ciao,

Being a Geisha.

I am having second thoughts on whether or not I should be blogging about it. I feel that I would come off as narcissistic when word gets out about this particular entry. But I guess I'm entitled to a momentary lapse. Maybe it's the vanity talking, I'm not sure but whatever it is, I just have to let it out.

The past week, I have this awkward feeling that I am like a geisha. It's absolutely absurd, I know, but in a way, it feels good. That despite second-guessing yourself, you are still capable of attracting someone.

"You cannot call yourself a true geisha until you can stop a man in his tracks with a single look." The very words of Mameha when she was teaching Sayuri about being a geisha. Call me crazy, but each day for the past week, there were moments when I felt I was the beautiful Sayuri.

Monday, August 11
Work day was over and I was walking from the office to Ayala Avenue so I could take the bus up to Buendia LRT. On my way there, I stopped by Greenbelt Chapel to hear mass. I remember the Gospel so well, "If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you will, and it shall be done for you." Maybe it was my subconscious, I was thinking about finding love. I prayed to the Lord, "I'm not asking You to send him to me now but I pray He'll find me in the most unexpected time." At that moment, I felt someone was watching me. I looked behind me and there was a guy staring at me. Actually, it wasn't any guy. It was Jason, a seminarian I know from San Isidro Church. He was one the guys I could stare at for a while, if given the chance. Hehe. I looked back at the Lord's image up on the ceiling. I could just imagine Him laughing at the thought, I smiled and silently prayed, "that's a funny one, Lord."

Tuesday, August 12
I was running a little late for work. I left home at 9:15 in the morning and I had to be in the office at 10:00. There was no chance to wait for another bus so I had to take the one waiting by the bus stop before it went. There weren't people standing, fortunately, but I was kind of bummed out that there were no seats left somewhere in front, if not in the middle section. Just when I was about to go to the back seat, a guy (and a good-looking one, at that) courteously stood up and offered me to take his seat. I felt myself blush at his gesture, all I could do was smile and say, "thank you." He just looked at me and smiled back as he went to seat in the far end.

Wednesday, August 13
Once again, I was on my way home, taking my usual route. I was minding my own business, listening to music as I walked the calming walkways of Greenbelt. I passed by Ayala Museum Cafe. I wasn't doing anything. I was merely glancing here and there to see what's going on around me. The moment I glanced at the cafe, a waiter stood beside me, smiled, and said, "Hi Ma'am, good afternoon! Care for some coffee?" It was a little uncanny, I must admit. Waiters never said that. Nonetheless, I simply smiled back at him.

Thursday, August 14
I was craving for Japanese food so I decided to eat at Teriyaki Boy. It took an order of ebi tempura, tamago sushi and bottomless iced tea to satisfy my craving. Three words: I-was-full. Haha! I don't know why but I just couldn't resist Japanese food. While I was eating my lunch (yes, alone), I couldn't help but notice there was this waiter who keeps looking at me. It wasn't in a weird stalker kind of way but...it did make me feel rather conscious. Then again, he was cute. Hehe. But still, the constant glimpses were starting to take effect on me. He was always the first one to come whenever my iced tea was already half empty. He was the one who took my order, who got my check and who said the usual, "Thank you for eating, Ma'am. Come again," when I was on my way out.

Friday, August 15
Compared to the past few days, this was probably the strangest day I've had since the week started. It happened during my lunch break. I passed by Glorietta 3 and saw laptops and digicams and MP3 players on display. I just happened to look at a few laptops, particularly the Acer Aspire One. Before I knew it, three guys were surrounding me: one was telling me the specs of the laptop, the other was showing the new brochure of electroworld, while the third guy was standing behind me, waving the brochure as if it was a fan. He kept saying, "Baka naiinitan pa kayo, Ma'am." Bloody irritating. I had to look at the guy irately just so he would stop.

Five days. I really did feel like I was a geisha during those moments. How funny it truly was.

Well, I guess that ends my entry now.

Confession.

Time flies by so fast and I guess you're already tired hearing it -- or in this case, reading it -- from me. But I can't help it. It just hits me as if my pet cat, Gab, climbs up to my face just so he can wake me up in the morning. The analogy is weird, I must admit, but it's the closest thing I could come up with in the middle of the day where I should be eating lunch. Instead I am in the office, following up on important things that needs to be taken cared of ASAP.

So how come I can still blog in the middle of the day?

Because it's everyone's lunch break and I can't work on it unless I can talk to somebody about it.

So here I am, blogging. I'll probably be rambling before I realize it so I'm already apologizing if I don't make any sense right now. Hehehe.

There are actually lots of things I'm really happy about but recently, I've been smiling a lot...even if there's really no reason to smile, it's just there. And it's not just any ordinary smile. I don't know...from the way people have been describing it to me, it's a "glowing" smile. A smile which signifies that there's something in my life that I'm really happy about and that seems to spark something within me. I tried to think of reasons why I'm like this and I've come up with...

• Work has been a blessing. Each day, I'm looking forward to going to the office and work on my desk. Funny how I never felt like I just started working last June. It feels as if I've been working there for a year or so. It's just one of the greatest feeling and I wish that feeling will not leave me.
• Independence rocks! Being able to buy things for myself, on my own, is simply overwhelming. When I bought my first pair of shoes, I was just so proud. It really goes without saying that you'll know the value of money once you start earning.
• I don't know if this is actually true for all people. Maybe it's just me. Since I started working, I have become closer to friends who have been working than to my college classmates. I don't know. Maybe it's the thrill of having something in common with my working friends -- the ups and downs of work. Hmm...it's a good thing I have yet to find a downside to my being editorial assistant.

Were you thinking any of the reasons I've just said? No? I guess it's time to tell the truth.

Readers and bloggers, I have a confession to make. The truth is this...and only this.

I am in love.

Yes, it's true. I am in love. But not with anyone. For your information, no one has yet to make me go weak on the knees and make me smile from the morning I wake up until the night I go to sleep. No one has yet to make my heart skip a beat with a simple touch and make my heart melt with a simple smile. No, unfortunately for those who wish there was already someone who can do that to me, sorry to say, there's none yet.

But I am in love. No one knew about it but I've been watching Meet Joe Black over and over again for the past two weeks.

There was something about that movie that made me feel like I was really in love. That's why I was watching it...again and again and again. It wasn't because of Brad Pitt, let me tell you that. But it was because of something he said. It was because of that one line that made the whole movie...great.

"Take love, multiply it by infinity and take it to the depths of forever...and you still have only a glimpse of how I feel for you."

When I heard these words, I wished it was said to me. I wish there was someone who could declare that much love for me. Call me corny, call me too mushy, I really don't care. But the moment Brad Pitt delivered that most endearing line, I wished for that someone to tell me the exact same thing. Because that's how I would have described love. Those words were the most perfect, most fitting description I have ever heard of about one of the most indefinable feeling in the world.

Doesn't it feel good to be in love?

There you go.

I've told you all about me being in love.

I guess the next time I'd say I'm in love, I'd figure there is already someone who has made me fallen for him.

In God's time, I know he will come.


Until then,

Sharing My Future.

During the chat that Jan and I had yesterday afternoon, it got me thinking what I will blog about next. After much thought, I have decided to blog about future plans. It's funny, actually, considering that I didn't intend to share this anytime soon. In a way, it's all thanks to Jan...his exuberance in sharing his plans got to me. Now, I can't seem to wait any longer to share my plans with those who read my blog.

But before I go on with this entry, let me point out that what I am about to write is actually a compilation of my Dear Diary that I have kept safe and hidden from the public eye. What you are about to read are bits and pieces of how I have envisioned my life to be. A summation, if you will, of all the plans I have for myself. It took me 22 years to think it through...and now, I think it's safe to say that I can share these plans with you, though I am still open to changes, as I know that everything I have planned for myself is still up for the Lord's approval. What you are about to read in this blog entry, my dear readers and fellow bloggers, is a rough description of my plans for myself.

o O o

Career
I would start working as a writer, learn the basics and trades of writing in magazines. I would continue learning about writing as I go through each day in the office: research, interview, compilation. I would then learn the more extensive processes of journalism -- pre-production, production, post-production.

After working as a writer, I would be promoted to one of the senior editors. With my knowledge on the field, I'd be able to contribute more on the magazine, with the help of the network of people I have made when I was a writer. I'd be thinking out of the box for the magazine in order to produce a better, if not the best, magazine than before.

On the side, I'd be writing my own book. A light novel, I would imagine. I would send the manuscript to a well known publishing house. After they review it, they would tell me they would love to publish it.

Given that feeling of accomplishment as a writer, I would have a career change and establish myself as an editor. I would love to be the one that writers would go to just so they can publish their book. Writers would think of me as the editor who is hard but fair; the editor who acts as a boss when needs to and drops it when the writer just need someone to talk to.

And then, I'd have my own publishing company, where I'd be able to publish my magazine and my books.

This will be my life as a careerwoman!

o O o

Love, Marriage, Family
I'd meet the guy I've been praying for in the most unexpected way. Though I cannot say how, I can guarantee that meeting him will be one of the biggest surprises of my life. Because that's how I want the Lord to let me know that...it's going to be him. In the future.

My first will be my last...and that, my dear friends, is enough said.

I will get married by the time I'm 27 years old.

We will be married in front of family and friends at the Shrine of Jesus (the church near SM Mall of Asia). The reception will be held at the SMX Convention Center.

My husband and I will be living in a house located either in Makati or in Manila. We'd have three children. Two boys and a girl.

The boys will go to an exclusive boys' school while the girl will attend an exclusive girls' school from elementary until high school. Just the way our parents did when they enrolled us at our schools.

College will be their choice.

Every weekend is for family...especially Sundays.

This will be my life as a familywoman!

o O o

Maybe I should stop for a while. It may be a little too overwhelming for you to read it. I was a bit overwhelmed while writing this.

Until my next entry,

Random Thoughts.

It has only been four days since I last posted my blog entry and I admit it...I missed blogging. It's not as if there was nothing to write about. One way or the other, I would have thought of a topic and started rambling on about it. No, it's not about the topic. More about availability. The past days have been a rather "hectic" schedule, so to speak. It wasn't work taking up my time. It was actually the social engagements that have been taking up most of my time.

Friday (after work): I met up with my professor at Powerplant, Rockwell.
Saturday: Hung out with Alla and Euki at Glorietta, Makati.
Sunday: Family gathering at Manila Memorial Park, Sucat, Parañaque to commemorate Lolo's third death anniversary. Lunch at Flavors of China, SM Sucat.

You see, I was always out. I could have done my entries when I got home but I just got so tired after every gathering, I'd much rather sleep than log on to my laptop and blog away.

So here I am now, doing my 62nd post for my blog. I figured...I'd just write aimlessly. I'm bound to make sense after a while. Hehe. I shouldn't really think much about what I'm going to write. After all, this is my blog. I can post anything I want to post. And then...at the moment I hit the period key of this laptop, I remembered reading a blog entry of a friend of mine -- Vica, who's celebrating her birthday today -- about her random thoughts. Yes, maybe I'll just do that.

Can you believe that at this early, there are a lot of things going on in my head?

1. Monday = start of work week. Yahoo! I can't believe I always look forward to going to work.
2. I'm craving for Japanese food. Maybe today, I'll eat lunch at Okuya.
3. It's amazing how phoney some people are. The person who made my fourth year college a living hell was suddenly sucking up to me and my mom when she saw my name as editorial assistant of InFlight magazine. Tsk tsk. How low can you go?
4. I'm 22 years old -- wait, let me rephrase that. I'm 22 years young and my dad still doesn't want me to watch R-18 movies. And by R-18 movies, I mean movies like Sweeney Todd, Wanted and The Bank Job. Hahaha! (note: I've seen these movies, by the way)
5. I've gained weight and I love it! I'm proud to say that I'm no longer underweight. I'm 110 lbs and I can't be happier than I already am.
6. I have tentative plans on Friday and I'm hoping those plans would push through. Let's not reveal what I have got going for that day. After all, I'm gonna blog about it the next day if it's a go signal.
7. I'm more conscious of how I look now than I did before. I don't know what's up with people these days but many of them have been telling me that I've grown more beautiful than before. What the hell is going on? Do they want something from me? Hmm...
8. I'm a very happy person these days. I think it's because of work. Of course, friends speculate that I already have a love life -- which is absolutely untrue!
9. I'm getting 8 hours of sleep and it's one of the best things ever!
10. I miss Starbucks' white chocolate mocha frappuccino.
11. It's great to have my own phone line in the office!
12. I need (and want) to buy another cellphone. I wonder how long it's going to take me to save up enough money to buy Sony Ericsson Z610i?
13. I need a digital recorder for work. I'm waiting for CD-R King to restock ET-838.
14. I'm also saving for a new flash drive with bigger capacity. At least 4GB. Come on, CD-R King! Show me what you got!
15. The countdown begins to October 23 -- High School Musical 3: Senior Year.
16. Another countdown begins. Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince shows November 21.
17. I heart Luke Ford. Hahaha! The guy who played Alex O'Connell in The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor. I didn't really enjoy the third installment of The Mummy as much as I'd like to but I do love Luke Ford. Another Australian actor on the rise!
18. I wonder what I'm going to wear to office today?
19. What time is it? I'm hungry.
20. Breakfast is ready. Great! Just in time!

And with that, I leave you all to eat my breakfast.

Single and Loving It.

I've been single for the past 22 years of my life. I never really looked for that someone I'd spend my life with because I've always believed that when the time is right, someone will find me. Until this very day, that is how I've thought that special someone and I would meet.

I have to admit, being surrounded by friends who have boyfriends and girlfriends of their own, it's a bit tempting to find a love life of my own. But mainly, it's quite irritating because every now and then, my friends would tell me that they want me to go out with them, only to find out that they're bringing their boyfriends along while I go solo. It's rather exasperating, if you ask me, really. But I've always figured...when the time is right, the Lord will let me know that I'd meet the one I'm meant to be with. And it's really not by blind dates that I imagined I'd meet that special someone.

So here I am again, blogging about something I don't usually blog about: love.

Recently, I've been asked by my coworkers, "Marge, anong name ng boyfriend mo?" It's just now that I found out that they thought I was already in a relationship. Funny, I've always thought I gave off the "single and available" vibe. Turns out, they thought I have a boyfriend for a long time. I don't know why they would think that or how they could think it. Then again, I thought it would be better to just blank my head about it.

So I'm single. So I'm not looking for a relationship. So I'm not interested in anyone.

So what?

I'm happy. I'm free. I'm living life the way I want it.

Don't get me wrong, I want to be with someone in the future...but when it comes to big things like that, I do believe...all in God's time. I'm sure that when the time is right, I'd meet that one person and we'll fall in love and we'll be happy together. He's just around the corner...or maybe somewhere out there. Either way, he's going to find me.

All in God's time.

That's all that matters.

It's Official.

I know I've been working for InFlight magazine for a while now. But it's just now that it finally hit me. As if I have just realized that I am the editorial assistant of the magazine. Yes, the August-September issue of InFlight is out now and I cannot believe that I am reading my name in the magazine!

It's crazy! I'm overwhelmed...I'm overjoyed. I simply can't say enough to express the happiness that's come over me the second I got my hands on my very own copy.

Never in a million years did I think this was possible to happen. I know I’ve always dreamed about it; I’m sure that I’ve always imagined myself being part of a magazine. But the truth is...I never thought I’d actually do it.

I can’t stop smiling. Every moment that passed by today, my happiness simply overcame everything. It’s wonderful! I love this feeling that I’m having. It’s as if nothing could go wrong...as if nothing else mattered...as if I’m meant to be here. It’s just amazing. I thank God for giving me this great and fulfilling job. It’s already a career, if you ask me.

Welcome aboard to SEAIR InFlight!

That kept playing in my head. Over and over again, a voice would keep saying those precious words.

Praise God!

I am the editorial assistant...

Everything just keeps getting better and better.

Now I can’t wait for our October-November issue.

Well, my entry ends here for now.


Ciao,

The Beauty of Shopping.

If you would ask me to name my top five hobbies, I would say...

1 - singing (Obviously! I would sing any song, anytime, anywhere.)
2 - writing (Duh! Why would I be an editorial assistant if I didn't like doing this?)
3 - cooking (Yes, I do love to cook.)
4 - eating (Of course, if I love to cook, I certainly love to eat!)
5 - shopping (It's probably the one hobby I'm enjoying recently.)

Ah yes...shopping. It's a hobby I'm finally enjoying. I remember a few years back when I used to ask my parents for money so I could buy a thing or two for myself. Then I started working...and now, I'm able to buy things for myself. I love it! It's one of the greatest feelings I've ever had. The fact that I am able to do this now...is simply amazing! I love being able to be able to buy the things that I want, to buy the things that I need. I love this feeling of independence. I've said it before, I know, but it's true. I don't think I can say it enough.

I went out today. Just for fun, I've decided to buy something for myself. I've always wanted to buy slacks. Not just so I can wear it to work, but I'm much more comfortable wearing slacks than denims recently. After looking at slacks from different stores, I ended up buying three pairs of slacks from SM Department Store at Mall of Asia. Oh yes! Three. And no...I wasn't overdoing it. Hey...I'm not the type to splurge every time I go shopping. They were on sale...how could I possibly pass up a sale? 50% off on the slacks! Come on!

So there! Another shopping galore for me. Check them out!

Till next time,