Smell me!

Change program muna for this blog post.

Lagi na lang kwentong nakakadepress or what nots ang laman ng blog ko lately. For a change, konting kakikayan muna.

I read somewhere in a heterosexual magazine that Male perfumes were made for Males to like, and Female perfumes were made for Females to like, so if you wanna attract the opposite sex, then you should wear perfumes meant for them to like. Meaning, kung babae ka at gusto mo makabingwit ng kelot, wear ka ng perfume na pang kelots, and vice versa. I don't know if that's true, kasi, as for me, I like wearing scents that smell and feel good on me. I wear perfume for myself and no one else, kahit pa sabihin nating after quite sometime, you get used to the scents, and won't be able to smell yourself anymore. Anyhoot, here are some of my favorite scents, in no particular order. The first part consist of male fragrances, and the second part are fragrances for women, but I lourve wearing. Almost all of them, I have owned and used in the past.

Smell me!

MALE FRAGRANCES

Cool Water by Davidoff

This reminds me of a formal, yet enchanting dinner for two, with matching candle lights and a personal violin player. When I feel a bit romantic and all dreamy, I use this for the evening. I'm sure marami ang mag aagree na ansarap sarap mo amoy amuyin pag naka Cool water ka!

Hugo Boss

Pag ka spray ko pa lang neto, I remember late night romps, sweaty sexy slammin' on the dance floor, and wild party! This has been an enduring favorite for me. I use this when I wanna feel adventurous and a little bit wild. Medyo strong nga lang sya, pero di ba nga, a Boss has to be strong and at times, overwhelming?

Freedom for Men, by Tommy Hilfiger

I love the sporty vibe of this scent. Feeling anlinis linis ko pag gamit ko to. Sporty sya pero hindi musky. Medyo citrusy sya at me konting floral hint. This is the scent I use if I feel like I'm the little boy blue sakristan mayor that I was way back then, once more. It brings back a lot of memories, perhaps my whole year as a green archer in Bacolod, kasi this was the scent I was using way back then eh. It was love at first whiff for me.

CK One By Calvin Klein

Madaming imitations na ang lumabas na cheaper alternative ng fragrance na to, which is just proof kung gaano ka best seller ang pabangong to. Meron nga pati Green Cross ng Alcologne na same ang amoy, but nothing beats the real thing ika nga. Pag naka CK One ako, feeling classic ako, and yes, very delectable. Vanilla any(CK)one?

Aspen Cologne by Coty

Hindi sya perfume. Cologne lang sya pero ambango bango talaga. Bata pa lang ako, meron na yata nito and this is such a classic scent. Lalaking lalaki, clean cool and crisp, hindi masangsang ang pagka musky nya. When I put on this perfume, feeling corpo dude ako. Add to the fact na medyo mura lang ang scent na to compared to other designer brands, kaya its a very great buy kung medyo budjei ako but still want to smell nice.

SPECIAL MENTION

Cologne by Cologne

Years back, binigyan ako ng tita ng isa kong ex ng original na cologne na ito from Cologne Germany. Shala shala lang dahil ang mahal mahal daw nito. In fairy tales naman, ambango bango nga nya. Napa exhilirating ng amoy na parang... basta di ko ma explain! Ambango talaga!

FOR WOMEN:

Gumagamit din ako ng pabangong pambabae kasi, wala lang, gusto ko ang amoy. Walang kokontra. Here are some of my favorites.

Pleasures for Women by Estee Lauder

Masarap amuyin, pang girl sya pero di masyadong murey na murey or girlalet na girlalet. Hindi rin sya amoy pokpokin or bilat na bilat. Basta, gustong gusto ko ang amoy ng pabangong to. Naiinis nga minsan ang mga little siters ko kasi nakikispray ako neto sa kanila kaya mabilis maubos. Merong version ang pleasures na panlalake at mabango din sya pero mas gusto ko pa rin ang pambabaeng version. Eh mabango sya eh. Hindi masyadong floral. Tamang sweetness lang. I love!

Romance for Women By Ralph Lauren

Niregaluhan minsan ng isang boypren (na ngayon ay ex na nya) nya ang little sister Sarah ko ng isang buong gift set ng pabangong ito. Pag naaamoy ko sa sisteraka ko to, bangung bango ako sa kanya. Tinanong ko sya minsan kung anong gamit nyang pabango. Sinabi nya sa akin na yun nga daw yun, Romance. Sabi ko ambango bango nya talaga. Parang Jasmine na ewan. Nagnanakaw nakaw ako spray nun kasi gustong gusto ko sya, at nagagalit nga ang sisteraka kasi bigay nga ni jowa. Then one time, mega give ni sisteraka ang buong gift box set sa akin. In fairytopia, meron pang isang maliit na bote dun at hindi pa naman nangangalahati ang malaking bote ng perfume. Meron ding body wash at lotion ang set. Yun pala, break na sila ni jowa at ayaw na ni sisteraka maalala. Malas nya, swerte ko! Hekhekhek. Meron ding male version nito which is Silver Romance, pero mas bet ko pa din tong pambabae. Basta, pag feeling flirty flirty ako, I use this. Tinitipid tipid ko nga eh.

Dream Angels By Victoria's Secret

Nung nanghahalungkat ako sa mga ka girlaletan na padala ng ate galing estateys, nanotice ko tong parang gift box set ng perfumes na maliliit na bottles at merong case kung saan mo ilalagay ang napili mong parang sampler bottle kaliit na perfume. Iba iba syang scents, anim yata yun or lima. Mabango naman lahat, pero favorite ko yung Halo na scent. Girly girly nga lang sya pero in fairness, feeling angel ka nga naman talaga sa line ng perfumes na to from Sikretong Malufet ni Becki! Inaabangan ko nga kung meron ulit yung mga little sisterettes ko at nang makanenok ulit hehehehe.

Happy Heart By Clinique

Fan na ako ng Clinique Happy for Women. Kahit pambabae sya, merong konting hint of musk ako na naaamoy. Pero nung lumabas ang Happy Heart, I fell in love with it. Kesehodang pang murey sya! Nung Christmas Last last year, ito talaga ang pinabili kong pabango sa ate ko nung nag padala sya ng mga regalo dito. I love the funky smell of this fragrance. Bagay pati sya sa Body Chemistry ko kasi pag naaamoy ako ng mga friends ko na girlalettes na mahilig din sa perfumes, naiiba daw ang amoy when I'm wearing it.

Shania Twain By Stetson

Sa mga box ng sister in law ko nung umuwi sila dito ng kuya ko last year, madaming mga ka girlaletan as usual. Ang mga little sisters ko naman, apaw apaw sa mga pabango at mga ka cologne-nan. Isa ito sa mga pabangong dedma nila. Wiz nila feel. Nung tinry ko ispray, nagustuhan ko sya. Alam ko na kumbakit ayaw nila sa pabangong to. Me naaamoy kasi akong musky tones at parang hint ng tobacco at medyo parang merong notes of bergamot. I like! Napaka western/country ng dating. Cowgirl ang drama! Syempre dahil reject ng mga sisteraka, akin na lang. Hehehehehe

SPECIAL MENTION

Body Mist Collection from Victoria's Secret

Walang babaeng hindi naloloka sa Body Mist Collection ng Victoria's Secret, pati Victoria's Secret Garden. Ang mga little sisters ko, halos kumpleto na lahat ng scents at halos ipaligo na ang mga pabangong ito. Syempre dahil nakikiusyoso din naman ako, nakakapag spray din naman ako ng mga to, at me paborito din naman sa series na to. Aktwali madami akong gusto sa series. Secret Crush, Passionate Kisses, Strawberries and Cream, Pure Seduction, pati yung limited edition na Grapefruit Kiss. Sabi nga ng ex ko na si Baboy, magkasing amoy daw kami ng little sister nya dahil gumagamit din ng VS Body Mist si failed sister-in-law to be. Pero ang pinaka peborit ko sa lahat at halos makipag agawan ako sa mga little sisters ko ay ito.

Sweet Temptation

Para talaga syang temptation! Amoy temptatrix talaga pag inispray mo. Kikay na kikay! Hehehehe... And not to forget na pink na pink talaga ang kulay ng body mist na to. Baklush na baklush! Hehehehehe...

Body Splash by Bath and Body Works

Ito namang series na to, para rin syang Body Mist ng Victoria's Secret. Iba lang ang theme neto. Nature nature eklat ang drama. Mga bulaklak, prutas at kung ano ano pang kaeklatan naman. Madami dami na rin ankong nasubukan sa series na to. Merong cinamon ek ek, warm vanilla sugar, pear berry, pink grapefruit, plumeria, cherry blossoms, pineapple, ginger tea, night blooming jasmine etc etc. Maganda naman sya. Not as sweet as some of the VS sprays and not as girly girlylette. Although meron namang parang lalanggamin ka na sa tamis. So far ang paborito ko sa series na ito ay this one.

Cucumber Melon from Bath and Body Works

Napaka refreshing naman kasi ng amoy. Parang ang sarap sarap mong lantakan. I love this scent!

Mabango rin ang selection from Zen Zest at ok na ok kung talagang budjei na budjei ka na.
Pwede na rin ang Johnson's Baby Cologne na Heaven.

Pero ang super winner talaga na pang kurips at budjei na budjei na pabango!

BABYFLO GREEN TEA COLOGNE o di kaya yung Watermelon. In fairness ha! I swear. Mabango sya kahit mura lang, yun nga lang it doesn't stay long.

Photo Credits:

http://www.cheap-perfume.co.uk/cool-water-by-davidoff.html
http://www.hiperfumeria.com/tabac-525oz-p-346.html
http://www.amazon.com/Freedom-Tommy-Hilfiger-Body-Wash/dp/B00021VQNC
http://reminiscent-online.com/store/index.php/cPath/1
http://hintofbeauty.com/
http://www.europeantraveler.net/te-rhine_river.php
http://perfumestore.co.nz/index.php?manufacturers_id=78&sort=5a&page=3
http://www.amazon.com/Victorias-Secret-Angels-Fragrance-Coffret/dp/B0018SYDCY
http://www.fragrantica.com/perfume/Clinique/Clinique-Happy-Heart-375.html
http://butiksaya.blogspot.com/2008/05/victorias-secret-secret-garden.html
http://www.kaboodle.com/reviews/victorias-secret-sweet-temptation-body-lotion
http://bags-bags-bags-bags.blogspot.com/2008/08/bath-n-body-works-body-splash.html

Caught Between Goodbye and...

Remember CG? That crazy guy whom I took up on a bet to be his boyfriend for a week? Well let me tell you how it ended up finally.

For starters, there was a deal breaker, actually. We were together for almost a month, an longer if I just let him have his way. However, I have always prided myself for being this one word, and it just had to stop: Decent. Yes Ladies and Gents, I am and have always been decent.

Decency: That which is proper or becoming; the quality of conforming to standards of propriety and morality; the quality of being polite and respectable; seemliness; hence, freedom from obscenity or indecorum; modesty

Before we reduce the discussion to a mere definition of terms and drag the whole thing to semantics, I say I'm decent for the following reasons:

1. I believe in love and I respect relationships.
2. I am for keeps and I do not play around once belonging to someone and intend to stay kept.
3. Even with flirtation and dipping into the dating scene, I do not play dirty.
4. Before committing, I make sure to lay down my cards on the table to avoid misread signals, undue expectations and what-nots.
5. I do not take love lightly, nor use it as a word thrown in to get almost everything.

Now where was I. Oh CG, yes!

I must say that I did have a lot of fun with him. He was warm, fun, warm, funny, warm, exciting, warm, charming, warm, and oh, did I say he was warm? Indeed! He was! I must admit, it was hard to let go of what we were having, but hey, I can not continue being in a lie. Its not right. So I did what was the right, honorable and decent thing to do.

After the expiration of the one week deal thing, he urged me that we should extend, since, well, technically, we both didn't have anyone at that time. I agreed, because, well, he was...ahmmm... warm! A little sliver of sunshine for the cold bitter nights. Yes, you guessed it right, it was his killer hugs that did me in... the longing for that warm someone holding me tight and making me feel that I am the most valuable thing in this world. GOD! I miss those hugs, but, its just not right to continue. I am keeping him from the one who truly deserves him, and in turn, depriving the one who truly deserves me.

I know from the start that he was in to me, and that is basically the reason why he was so brave and forward with the deal, however, it is not so with me. The feeling is not mutual. I respond to him from a different level. In a more carnal, physical, and maybe, psychological way, rather than emotional. I do not feel any stirrings for him, really. The song lyrics put it so succintly... "I don't wanna loose you, but I don't wanna use you, just to have somebody by my side..." and on the flip side, I don't wanna be used by him just to have me by his side.

I have struggled and labored with the decision and it was one of the harder things to do, because after all, there's no easy way to break somebody's heart. Its just not right. It is becoming a vicious cycle of needs and near desperation. God! Those hugs! That's what kept me. The way he would slide his arms around me, and own me! God! The warmth! I know I am a sucker for hugs, and he just gives the most wonderful bunch of 'em! The way those arms would enfold me, with just the right pressure... WHEW!



I have tried to be gentle and drop subtle hints that what we were having just has to stop, but he always found a way around by telling me stuff like "sige na, kahit hanggang matapos na lang ang taon pwede?" And so, came the first week of the year. Earlier that week, I have been telling him that I needed to talk to him before the week ends. He was all excited and his eyes would sparkle when I tell him that. I do not know what plays in his mind when he hears the word "talk" and it just tears me up to know that I am gonna drop the bomb on him, instantly wiping that smile upon his face. Saturday... I decided I would "talk" to him on a saturday.

Little did I know that he had something planned, and I really hated it! That day, when we met at our usual coffeeshop, he brought along a bunch of white roses (insert curse word here) and a pasta dish he took time to cook (insert stronger curse word here). Before I could even recover from the initial shock, he took a small velvet box from his pocket and produced matching sterling silver rings (summon forth your worst expletive here), hugged me (GOD! THOSE HUGS!) and said "Happy 1st Month!" I can not possibly break his heart today! GOD NO! I ain't that cruel, but I also promised myself to take care of this hang by the end of this week! I have been meaning to tell him too, that he need not pay up the "ante" money that we have agreed on. He already paid me P500.00 as some sort of a downpayment, and he promised to pay the rest when checks are finally released for the salary. I can not see me divest him of a weeks worth of salary that he has slaved over just for a silly and impertinent bet. I am not cruel, and yes sir, I am decent.

The next day, I texted him. I told him I wanted to go to church with him. At first he laughed at the idea, because he knows that I may be spiritual but not necessarily religious. He just didn't know that I needed all the strength I could get to gat this right. His eyes sparkled when he saw me wearing the ring he bought. He was wearing his too. All through out the mass, all I was asking from God was for me to be given strength to do this right.



After mass, we headed to a mall. I went straight to a silver accessories shop, and I asked him to pick a fine silver chain that he liked. He chose one and I paid for the necklace. I looked for a quiet spot in our usual coffeeshop, and as we sat down, I borrowed his ring for a while, took off my own ring, strung it on the chain, and put the chain around his neck. Then I told him "This is meant for the one who deserves you. I don't. What we are doing is wrong. Its a lie. We have to stop. Before we are in too deep and believe the lie so much that all our lives would become one big lie. Right now, I have no words to ease what you might be going through. Just the thought that this is wrong and it has to stop, CG." I can't help my tears from falling, and it feels just like a break up even if it was just a pseudo-relationship. I gave him a quick hug, and let go, before he snaps out of his stunned state, and give me back another one of his hugs that might weaken my resolve and not make me leave. Then I said, "Thank you...so much..." He replied, "No, thank you... even if I knew you never loved me, you did not try to make me believe otherwise. If this is how good it feels, I'm sure, if it was the real thing with you, it would feel so much better! Swerte naman nya kung sino man sya. Thank you for the borrowed time." Then, I borrowed his phone, showed him how I deleted my number from his phone book, and in turn, showed him how I deleted his number from mine. Goodbye CG... Be happy!

After that episode, GOD I swear I need a hug!

SO Meanwhile....





Photo Credits:

http://www.thedecent.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=6&start=0&st=0&sk=t&sd=a
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewProfile&friendid=314213210
http://countrymusic.about.com/library/blviciouscyclerev.htm

Kung Hei FAT Choi

It's the Chinese New Year, and the whole Chinese community is abuzz. Pero hindi yun ang kwento ko. Hehehehe


Mega super duper gulo ng bahay these days. Wala na ang calm peaceful and serene environment. Bakit kamo? Well, umuwi na ang parents after 3 months sa estateys. Kasama nila ang big sister ko na si ate Jinky at ang tatlong chikiting nya. Si ate ang pangalawa among us broodlings and her kids Jean Jovi (obyus na ipinangalan kay papa Jon Bon) na napakagandang dalaga na, si Kyle na super kulit at ang kyut/malambing na si Erik. Riot sa bahay, and it won't be long na madadagdagan pa ang riot pag umuwi rin ang pinaka ate namin, with her hubby and her three kids din, para naman sa kasal ng kuya ko, na uuwi din with his wifey and his two kids. Kaya mas lalong super mega labu-labo sa haybols when that happens.


Umaga pa lang, kakalampagin na ako ni Kyle sa kwarto. Sya ang pinaka unang 'tao' na gumigising sa aming lahat. Syempre, gising pa ako by that time or patulog pa lang. Maglalambing na sya na ipaghahanda ko ng kanyang breakfast kasi nga daw "Cereals always taste better when 'uncle whatever' serves it." Uncle whatever ang tawag nya sa akin kasi nga daw confused sya kung ano ang itatawag sa akin. Naririnig nya daw kasi na tinatawag ako ng mga younger sibs ko na "Manoy" (kuya) at me tumatawag lang din sa nickname ko, or "toto" or langga, at inuutusan din syang tawagin ako na Manoy, kuya, tito at uncle, kaya na kompyused ang bata at hindi alam kung ano ang itatawag sa akin, kaya yun "uncle whatever" cute di ba?

Susunod na mangangalampag ang beybi na si Erik. Fun daw si uncle kasi ako lang ang nakikipagharutan sa kanya kasi nga yung mga 'girls' hindi nga naman pwedeng makipag royal rumble dahil mga dalaga nga at me mga 'delicate parts' na pinoprotektahan, kaya ako ang paborito nyang gawing trampoline at kung anu-ano pang horseplay. Hehehehehe...

Tapos si Jean Jovi, magpapadownload ng kung ano anong mga ka eklatan, at makikipag usap ng mga ka girlaletan, including the twilight series, na magkukunwari naman akong nagustuhan ko kahit sukang suka ako sa pagka trashy soft porn teenage eklavu ng series. Ayoko naman maging kontrabida sa mga chuva ng nagdadalagang pamangkin kaya, go lang ng go.

SI Ate Jinky na siguro ang pinakapaborito kong kapatid sa lahat. Syempre walang may nakakaalam na pamilya ng blog na to kaya, kebs. Hehehehe. Sya kasi yung may pinakamadramang mga tagpo sa buhay at nakakarelate ako kahit kumpetensya sya for the "Best in Original Script" sa buhay. Basta, labs na labs ko si ate Jinky.

Ebribadi hapi naman. Ang dalawa kong little sisters, abala sa mga kagirlaluhan na dala ni ate. Pati na yung bagong mga gadgets, laptop, psp, iphone, digicam at kung anek anek. . Meron din mga gadgets si little brother at hindi na makausap at hindi alam kung alin ang uunahin sa ps3, psp at wii na mga games na dala para sa kanya. Hindi naman ako naiingit kasi di naman ako techy talaga. Happy na ako sa isang buong "Twilight" series, ang last book sa Harry Potter na ngayon ko pa lang talaga mababasa, ilang pirasong Armani Exchange na shirt, South Pole na sweatshirt at pants (kasi feeling ng nanay ko teenager pa ako kaya mga emo-emohan at punk punkan na mga bagay ang dala for me) at sa mga lambing at yakap ng mga kyutipie ko na mga pamangkin.

Kahapon, nagbobonding kami ng pinakabunso namin, kasama si Jean Jovi. Medyo hirap sa adjustments si little sister kasi nga, hindi na pwedeng nandito sa bahay lagi si boypren kasi andito na nga ang parents at angulo-gulo na nga dito sa haybols. Nagpagusapan ang love love lagablab, at ang kalechehan na kung tawagin ay "BALENTAYMS!" Olats nanaman this year kasi wala nga akong date. Walang prospect. Wiz!



Kaninang umaga, nagsisigaw si Jean Jovi na kinakatok ang pintuan ko. Lumabas naman agad ako para malaman kumbakit apurado ang lola. Excited na excited ang lola at may pajump jump pa na nalalaman sabay hila sa akin pababa sa dining area.

Shock!


Me red roses sa mesa, isang malaking box ng tikoy at isang net ng maliliit na mga oranges na nakapatong at isang pulang sobreng ampao. Para daw sa akin. Tinanong ko kung kanino galing. Me dumaan daw kanina na naka kotse, pinabibigay daw for me. Kung Hei Fat Choi daw. Ayaw sabihin ang pangalan, basta ibigay na lang daw sa akin. Tinanong ko kung ano description. Chubby daw na insik. Tinutukso tukso na ako ni Jean Jovi... mukhang magkakabalentayms date na daw ako! Sino ba daw?

Tangina! Eh halos lahat ng mga nagugustuhan ko eh tabatchoy na insik eh! Sino ba sa kanila?

Toink!


Binuksan ko ang ampao, na merong bagong P100 bill na malutong lutong pa, nilantakan ang orange at tikoy, at iniakyat sa kwarto ang mga roses. Kung sino ka man, maraming salamat at Kung Hei FAT Choi! Saka na nating pagusapan ang Bale-balentayms na yan. [=)

Photo Credits:

http://www.patchun.com.hk/english/cny_nian_gao.html
www.pinoyexchange.com
http://xkcd.com/223/
http://www.rapides.k12.la.us/chapmanm/Winter%20Fun.htm

Posible

Posbile bang mawalan ng broadband connections ng mahigit sanlingo?


Posible bang di maka pag update ng blog dahil dito?


Posbile bang magkandaloko loko lahat ng online game accounts dahil wala ka nga connection?


Posible bang mawala sa sirkulasyon at mabaon sa dami ng bactrack na blogpost na kailangan mo basahin?

Posible bang may importanteng mga bagay sa email na lalagas na lang dahil hindi ka nga maka check ng email mo?

Posible bang mawalan na lang ng gana sa dami ng kwentong gusto mo na sana i-post kaya wag na lang?

Posible bang mapikon sa rason nila na nag si-systems upgrade?

SA GLOBE


POSIBLE!

NAKNAMPUTCHA NAMAN GLOBE OH!

Wanggo

What do you get when you mix the Waltz with the Tango?

A Wanggo?

This has been a funny line that we quote from a movie that I can not recall anymore what the title is. People from the Pub Office way back when I was still Editor In Chief of the School Publication "The Purisimian" Of Colegio De la Purisima Concepcion in Roxas City, Capiz would always crack up when we remember this. I miss Harold "Jaja" Buenvenida, Thea Acielo, Laarni Pagharion, and the rest of the Pub Guys, and the RSA, or the Russian Secret Agents, but that is another story for another day.

Today, Wanggo is no longer the dance that is a cross between a Waltz and a Tango for me. It has become the badge of courage, in the continuing dance of life, and perhaps, a twirl with death; and Wanggo speaks. Allow me to let him speak for himself.

"My name is Wanggo Gallaga. I'm twenty-nine years old, I'm a writer, I'm HIV positive, and I'm telling my story so that others will be aware."



During the successful "Pulong Binalaybay, 2008, Mother John Iremil Teodoro, Tatay Leoncio P. Deriada, and the bunch of us writers were enjoying lunch and Tatay admonishes Mother John, Me and my writing duo, Bryan, that we should be very careful because Wanggo has come out. I chcukled immediately... "Wanggo, A waltz and a tango," I chimed. "Not just that," Tatay Leo continues, "he also announced that he is HIV possitive." There was a Karen Carpenter moment, then... There was a kind of hush. Then I go... "Wanggo who?" Mother John answered that Wanggo was the son of Award Winning Director Peque Gallaga, and was a lifestyle writer himself. One amongst us. The last statement struck a nerve. One amongst us... A writer... make that a gay writer.

I may not know who Wanggo is, but I know who Peque is! But of course, he is a proud son of Bacolod, and I was one among the many members of the theater group during my short stint at the University of Saint La Salle Bacolod Integrated School, way way back 1996 when I was in 1st year highschool, no make that grade 8, and the theater building we call home was named after him. No need perhaps to enumerate the sterling films he made, and the numerous protege's he has produced in the many semesters he taught and the workshops under his tutelage; one worth mentioning is the yearly Negros Summer Workshop, running alongside the Summer Iyas National Writers Workshop, where I was awarded a fellowship two summers ago.

The reality of the HIV/AIDS danger has never been an alien concept to me, as I was a peer counselor/facilitator during my days as a Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Chairman, when I was selected to be trained as a peer lecturer by the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, but now, more than ever, the menace's ugly head rears once more, and closer than it did years back.

It is such a sad fact that after we had conducted seminars around the city, targeting people within our age bracket, our HIV/AIDS peer lecture series was canceled due to a lack of funds, support and perhaps, red-tape, as after all, the RITM of the DOH is dependent on funding for its many projects.

I feel a renewed sense of duty and responsibility, and just as it was before, I gladly count myself in, with this crusade in the best way I know. Let this blog post be my small, humble but well meaning contribution to the crusade.

For now, then, this is my small contribution to the crusade.

I may not know you, Wanggo, and you may not know me but then again, let me step up and dance in with your crusade. The Waltz of a brave soul and the Tango of Life in the clutches of a deadly menace.




Watch Wanggo Gallaga tell his story in StoryLine in ANC, this Friday, January 16 at 6 PM, with replay at 11 PM.


Spread Love

Not the Disease!


Photo and Text Credits:

Ian Rosales Casocot's Blog
http://eatingthesun.blogspot.com/2009/01/way-we-live-now.html

ABS CBN ANC
http://abs-cbnnews.com/anc/01/14/09/my-name-wanggo-gallaga-and-im-hiv-positive

http://meaningfuldistractions.wordpress.com/2008/06/

And Your Name Is...

Hah!

I know your name now! OO Ikaw nga! Hehehehe... Ang pangalan mo pala ay

Gino dela Peña! Yes... the McDo guy!


KAPUSO Pala sya. Nilaunch sila ng Artist Center noong August 2007 pa sa S.O.P at tinawag na Bratpack...

Totoy na totoy pa oh!

Ito ayon sa isang article ni Ruel Mendoza na lumabas noong 2007 sa Pep.

"Una sa listahan si Gino dela Peña, 20 anyos na commercial model. Si Gino dela Peña marahil ay may dugong banyaga pero Pinoy na Pinoy ang dating. Isang tidbit tungkol kay Gino ay ang pagbili nito ng P50,000.00 worth na Tricks Gel para lang manalo sa isang contest kung saan makaka-date niya ang kanyang showbiz crush, ang two- time FHM’s No.1 Sexiest Katrina Halili."

Daanin ba sa gel or jologs lang talaga? Hehehehe Peace!

Ito na yata ang gel!

Ito pa...

Sabi naman ni Alwin M. Ignacio:

These fine looking talents are mostly professional models, familiar faces that have appeared on print and TV ads, some of them even scions and daughters of prominent families.

The line-up consists of nine men, nine women, three kids and two singers — GMA’s Brat Pack, Batch 2007.

Gino dela Peña

What sets Gino dela Peña apart from the rest of models-turned-showbiz wannabes is the fact that he knows hard work (being a part of a real estate company that buys and sells beach properties in Palawan) and he is spiritually grounded (he plays an active role in a healing Christian ministry group that helps people with physical and spiritual disabilities). One wonders what this young man is doing in the world of entertainment.

“When I was in my teens, I did not find show business attractive. I even had an aunt who wanted me to join TGIS, but I politely declined, being an obedient son to my mom. That time, I would rather finish my studies first. In addition, I was very active in sports like soccer and basketball so the lure of entertainment was not very appealing to me. Only when I joined modeling (did I become) curious about it and the possibility of being part of it. I was wondering how actors can do what they do, especially the ones who (make) it appear so easy,” relates Gino.

“I put my heart in everything that I do, whether it’s my real estate business, the healing ministry that I am part of and now, being in showbiz. Once I put my heart into it, it becomes a passion and you know that when you work out of passion, it is still hard work but somehow, it becomes tolerable because you are inspired by the simple reason that you love what you do.”

Aside from these three men, other “brat packers” to watch out for are twins Bebs and KC Hollman, who personify sugar, spice and all that is nice; the fabulous Fariñas siblings Cristina and Rye; Lawrence Gutierrez from the clan that produced Richard, Raymond and Ruffa; and the lovable tots Nicole Dulalia, Iking Magundayao and Renz Valerio.

Mahilig pa naman ako sa preppy/yuppie!

Shempre din me nahalungkat ako na mga fexchures!

Masakit ang batok nya!

Use tulala and tigalgal in a sentence







The stiff neck look








Letch, nung una identical checkered shirt... Pati ba naman suit? Meant to be ata ah!


Kaya lang...







Goodluck sa inyo ni Katrina Crush mo pare

Hehehehehe
So yun, his name is Gino

At ang masasabi ko lang talaga ay...



KAREN PO!

Photo and Text Credits:

http://www.pinoyexchange.com/forums/archive/index.php/t-311798.html
http://www.candymag.com/teentalk/index.php/topic,181589.0.html
www.pep.ph

It's A Date!

Tutoo ba ito? http://www.pep.ph/news/20492/Eraserheads-to-stage-Final-Set-on-March-7 ?



Taena! Kung tutoo, ito na yung sinasabi nilang opportunity knocked twice and this time hindi ko na talaga papalampasin ito. Rason na kung rason na hindi ako lumuwas for that legendary night nung August. Maraming mali sa timing nun. Walang pera, walang oras, walang... basta... wala, hindi ako nakapunta, pero tangna naman, gago na ako kung papalampasin ko tong second chance na to!

It's a date repapeepz! Oi! Manila here I come! Bahala na si Batman, isama mo na si Robin (hindi Padilla ha!) si Batgirl, pati na ang buong justice friends at justice league. Luluwas talaga ako for this one. It's a Date kasi nga.

1. Baka last chance na to at never na mauulit sa kasaysayan ng musikang pinoy. Kinalakhan, kinainlaban, iniyakan, kinatuwa, kinalungkot, kinatulugan, kinagisnan, kinaibigan, minahal, ikinabuhay at maaring muntik ko na din ikinamatay ang mga awiting ito, at palagay ko, nararapat lamang na kumpletuhin na ang Eheads experience ko, coming full circle nung una ko silang narining, nakita live dito sa Iloilo, pinuntahan para makita ulit sa Bacolod, at ngayon nga, sa muli/huling pagkakataon.

2. I deserve a break. Yun na yun. Kung bakit ako tila nabuburn out ay di na mahalaga. Ang importante, ito na yun. THES ES ET! Kaya Manila, here I come. Nung nakaraan, napaaga ang schedule kasi lumuwas ako September. This time, late naman, kasi nga baka makaluwas ako ng February, pero whatever! Pupunta talaga ako!

3. Paberdey ko to sa sarili ko! Dapat lang! I deserve only the best. Kahit sabihing bale at abanse sa kaarawan ko, kiber na! Happy Birthday to me!

4. Perfect timing ito. Dahil hindi ako nag school this sem, pasok sa banga at swak na swak! Wala akong aalahaning finals, walang exams walang school load! Yahoong yahoo!

5. Bigyang closure ang relasyon namin ni Ely. Hekhekhek... yun na yon! Wag nang kumontra, pwede ba!

NOW! Sana hindi kwentong hana barbera ito ha! Maexcite na ako't lahat tapos maaunsyami naman pala! Huwell... as it is... It's a date!

A few things on the sides shempre...

1. Alangan naman mag mamanila ako for that sole reason? Konting kape kape at ikot ikot sabay kembot would be nice. Can anyone show me around?

2. The more the manyier sabi nila... kaya oist, sabit naman ako jan kung pupunta din kayo... hekhekehek

3. Tiket tiket tiket! Saan makakabili? Puhlease... pagbilhanan!

4. Afterglow... shempre pagkatapos ng concert, magmomoment... sabit ulit ako senyo puhleeeaazzeee!

5. It's a date... sabi ko nga di ba? Date di ba? Meron ba jang pwedeng kahawak kamay? Yung tipong ihaharap ko kay Ely sabay linya na "Sori Lee" (tawag ko sa kanya, kasi ang labtim namin Lee-Low; Lee for Ely Low for Luis! Parang Gel-o ba, for Angel-Piolo! Wag na kumontra kasi!) "Kailangan na matapos ang awitin natin. Sinubukan natin pero sadyang kinulang tayo sa sukat at sa bandang huli, hindi nagtugma ang iyong music at ang aking lyrics. Sya pala si ______ (peel een da vlanx) ang bagong saliw ng musika sa buhay ko. Maaring di man sya musikero pero maaring alam nya ayusin at maibagay ang sintunadong musika ng puso ko na sinira sira ng mga nagdaang mga awitin sa buhay ko. Mamahalin nya ako at di iiwan. Magiging matatag sya sa mga naging kahinaan mo. At sana, sa huling kumpas ng maestro, kantahan mo kami ng awiting sana'y di na magwawakas. Tapos uulan ng malakas. Tapos magdadramahan. Papatak ang luha, left eye, pabor sa kamera, konting blur, tutulo sya pero di lalampas sa lower lip, papatakan ng ulan, maghahalo. Zoom out! Tapos tatawagin kami sa stage, sasabihin nya, "Para sa yo to Luis, at sa bagong nagmamayari ng puso mo. Pahiram muna ng linya sa commercial, na hindi man tayo magkakatuluyan sa bandang huli, ikaw pa rin ang namumukod tangi sa lahat, at magiging aking
Huling El Bimbo. Kung sasaktan ka lang nya, lagin bukas ang Tindahan ni Aling Nena! Para sa yo ang kantang to! Rakenrol ka! Tapos kakantahan kami ni Ely ng "Tuwing Umuulan at Kapiling ka!" Etchos! Barikos! Basta! KA Date! Hehehehehe. Gaya ng sabi ng Student Comelec sa skool, the table is now open for nomination for the position of Luis' Official Date... sama mo na pati ang chair, open na din! Hehehehehee!

WEEEEEEEEEE!!!

See you there! RAKENROL!

Photo Credits:

http://metropolol.wordpress.com/2008/07/15/eraserheads-reunion-concert/

Moment

Sa mga hindi makarelate kung anong kalokohon ito, magbasa muna dito. Now where was I... Ah, oo, magmomo-ment na nga pala ako...

Hey There Again,

Kumusta naman? Nakailang French Fries ka na ba today? Alam mo, sikat na sikat ka na ngayon. Overnight success at Instant Sensation ka na. Instant pa sa Instant Lapaz Batchoy! Parang just Add Hot Water lang. Alam na ng lahat ang storya ng buhay mo, at lahat nakurot, nakiliti at nakarelate sa storya mo. Grabe na to the max ang reaction at mainit na pagtanggap ng mga tao sa yo. Marami na ring umaaway away sa akin at umaagaw agaw sa yo. Ayan, I'm sure marami na ang magpapasaya sa yo ngayon. Up to the point na willing silang kumain ng french fries na sinawsaw sa chocolate fudge buong buhay nila. Ganun ba talaga? Parang sabi lang ni Chaka Khan na "We're through before we start?" Hindi mo man lang ako nahila hila patungong kung saan saan.

Di bale, ganun talaga. Pag kasikatan nga naman at kislap ng tagumpay ang kakaway, makakalimot at makakalimot ka talaga. Sa dami nga ba naman na nilang gustong magmahal sa yo ngayon, ano ba naman ang laban ng murang pag-iibigan natin, kahit ito pa ay wagas at dalisay? Pero gaya nga ng sinabi ng isang kaibigan ko, suka na lang daw ang dalisay ngayon. Di bale, subukan ko na lang maging masaya para sa tinatamasa mong success. Iisipin ko na lang na minsan, kahit isang gabi lang, naging masaya tayo, at naging akin ka. Kahit ga kisapmata lang ang bilis nun. At least, tumibok ang puso ko kahit gaano ka iksi ng panahon.

Hindi ko hihingin sa yo na kalimutan ang lahat at taikuran ang ningning, pero...ngunit, subalit, datapwat kung nanaisin mong talikuran ang lahat, at isipin ang pagmamahalang namamagitan sa atin, kung mamarapatin mong gustuhin na ako ang makakasama, wag kang magdadalawang isip, dahil andito lang ako. Sabihin mo lang na ako talaga ang pipiliin mo, at buong puso akong kakanta ng mga linya ni Ate Shawie...

"Balutin mo ako sa hiwaga ng iyong pagmamahal, limutin ang magpaglarong kinang ng tagumpay..." At ikaw at ako, maghahawak ang mga kamay, at tuturuan ang mga puso ng isa't isa na umibig ng tunay...

Syanga pala... salamat sa shirt na bigay mo. Shirt na sabi mo, kaparehos ng suot mo dyan sa patalastas mo, at nagpapatunay na minsan, naging atin ang isa't isa!



Lubos na Nagmamahal,


Luis


TOINK!

PERZLAB

Hey there,

Alam mo, nalulungkot ako sa istorya ng buhay mo. Naiyak nga ako eh. Parang kwento din ng buhay ko. Lagi na lang talo. Laging iniiwanan. Hindi nga lang sa restawran ko sila nakikilala. Iba ibang lugar din. Hindi rin sila lahat anak ng kumare ng Nanay ko. Pero, lahat sila, iniwanan din ako. Hilahin din kasi ako eh. Madali din akong ma amaze. Madaling maloko. Mabilis mayaya at kaladkarin kung saan para maglaro, at paglaruan. Pero mas bilib ako sa yo. Mas matapang ka. Kaya mong ngumiti pa sa harap nya at sa pinagpalit nya sa yo. Kung ako yun... galit galit na! WAR kung WAR! Bitter no? Buti na lang ang sarap sarap ng smile mo, pampatamis ng bitterness. Hayaan mo na, buti nga at di kayo nagkatuluyan eh. Malandi kasi sya talaga. Can't you see? Kasama na nga asawa't anak nya, nakukuha pa nyang makipagngitian sa yo. MAHAROT SYA!

Naiintindihan ko ang nararamdaman mo, dahil madalas at makailang beses ko na ding naramdaman yan. Di bale, wag ka na sa kanya. Akin ka na lang kaya? Dun na tayo sa ibang kainan. Gumawa pa tayo ng mga bagong alaala na pwede nating balik balikan. This time, magkasama tayong mag re-reminisce. Minsan, hahayaan din kitang ikaw ang humila hila sa akin. Kalimutan mo na lang sya. Di bale kung sya ang First Love Mo. Basta't ako ang Last Love Mo. Ang Iyong Huling El Bimbo...



By the way... what's your name?


Hehehehe... Senxa na po... malakas ang tama mo sa ilusyonadong Magbabatchoy.
Ganda pa rin kasi ng kanta ng Ex boypren kong si Ely eh... Hehehehehe
Seriously... Ikaw ang first love ko... este, first crush sa taong ito...
Pero alam mo, mas masarap isawsaw ang french fries sa strawberry sundae. Super inis nga ako nung na phase out yun eh. Oh well...

Kyut ng smayl mo talaga... Love ko to!

Turning Point

"Eternity"

I feel I have reached a turning point in my life.

This actually started as early as October. Days when I felt apathetic, lackadaisical and static. It feels like a lot is going on even if my body just sits pat there and refuses to move along with the waves that wash upon my brain and perhaps, my soul. I felt bored and sluggish, but something inside me acknowledges that up ahead, there are bigger things.

At first, I blamed it on the SAD or Seasonal Afflictive Disorder, but the Holidays have come and gone, but the feeling persisted like an overdue hang-over. Then later, a friend dropped hint about undergoing QLC or Quarter-Life Crisis. However, if this is Quarter Life Crisis, how old then should we expect people to live? In my case, that would be a preposterous 120 years, if that was true, and that is if it is a crisis on my quarter-life; you do the math.

I have always been a speed demon and a daredevil, this much I know, but my body just seem to bid me to wait and not expend energy that it just kept storing. I hate the inaction but I cannot seem to coax my body to follow suit. It seems to be gearing up for something big. It is working against me, and just lets my brain go the way of the wind. I think I know what is happening. I am at a major turning point, where I am at the brink of a major change that is about to happen, and my body is gearing up for that most exciting event. As such, with the barging in of the new year, let me take stock of a few occurrences, by departments, and in no particular order. If I have time, I may post a longer blog for each but for now, some bird's eye view.

"Friendship"

Friendships:

Noticeably, my Christmas list this year was relatively shorter. I usually prepare 'generic' gifts for 'everyone' so I wouldn't forget 'someone', and usually end up with less than I prepare. This year, I had a lot of 'left-overs'. I thought that maybe, it's just that I wasn't able to meet up with these people and give out my generic gift to them because of my ramp-up job this year. Then again, yesterday, I met with a group of them over coffee, and I never bothered to give out the packs I prepared. Then, I remember my decision not to send everyone in my phone book a Christmas/New Year message. I know I have never been a believer of 'mass friendships.' I always say that I allow people to hate me. They have every right to do so, but if they do, they have to fall in line and get a priority number and wait for their turn to 'hate' me. This year, I feel that the ticket counter has just closed down. I have also never hesitated to burn bridges with friends who have either drifted, fell out of grace, or whatchamacallit. I have never hesitated weeding out my list, as I know it is impossible for me to be friends with everyone. This year, I have started picking weeds in my "like them but not really my friends" garden too. Friendships in question are all being addressed in the most efficient of manners, and all those not passing are being cut off with surgical precission. In effect, I cleared up space in this department.

"Destiny"

Relationships/Romance:

I have said goodbye to almost everyone who had me on a hang, whether by choice, or actual participation, in the flesh, or in my fantasies. I have replaced my phone's wall paper and Divine Violinist has played a final somber note in our final tryst in dreamland. CC has also received three declines in a row, and hopefully, he does get the message that I am not there at his convenience, whenever he 'finds' time for an evening or two. Old flames have also started backing off, perhaps because of CG, and our pseudo-relationship. Speaking of CG, I bid goodbye to him too, though quite belatedly, and this deserves a post on its own. I have dropped all those 'could-be's and those 'not really going any wheres'. Therefore, the playing fields have been leveled, and only serious stake holders will be allowed from henceforth. No more kibitzers.

"Mind-heart"

Professional Concerns:

Even professional dealings and concern are being carefully weighed and hand picked. I do not feel a propulsion to say yes to all professional requests, even if I had the time, if it shows no lasting impact, and appears to be spur of the moment invitations and engagements. I have also dropped and quit two web-content writing 'jobs', and a few 'consultancy' rackets as well. To date, I have declined engagements as mundane as judging a verse choir, and an invitation to spread my tarot for the new year. Speaking of spreading my tarot, I will also post my new year spread in a future blog.

"Illumination"

Studies:

This is by far the hardest choice I have made because I labored over this one for days on end. I have decided to go to the Registrar and withdraw this semester. I know a lot of people will have oppositions to this, but it is not an impetuous decision. I felt it start when I suddenly dropped out of the rat race to the bar exams a semester ago. I just felt that the pace was not right for me. I do not feel the need for speed, and needless to say, my relationship with the law books have gone a bit sour. This does not mean that I will completely abandon Law School. I still do want to become a lawyer, however, I just need time and slack right now, and instead of begrudging and the skull-drudgery task of dragging myself, or hauling myself off to school, I decided to pull on all stops and just rest for this sem. Just this sem... Call it burn out, but I think I have to simply recoup and gather my steam back. After all, it is just less than ten subjects left for me, and I do intend to finish up. I just need a break right now.

So far, these are the departments that have taken much turns at this point. More and more I begin to understand what is happening with me. IT is more than just a biochemical reaction of sorts, or an imbalance of hormones. I feel it in my bones! After all, my coming birthday on the ast day of March this year marks an important day for me. I will be three decades old. Three has always been a mystical number for Wiccans and other religions of the old path. I think I know what I am looking at right now. I am making way for a bigger, better, brighter me. I am very much excited, and I am sure that what is happening right now is a prelude to a new chapter as it unfolds. Needlessly, let me get right the term that has eluded me, and that I have skirted around, in an effort not to sound braggadocious.

Allow me to say it then...

I think I'm at a turning point.

The batchoyan has undergone a few construction and renovations.

I think I am undergoing a METAMORPHOSIS.


Sorry Mariah... I am no butterfly... I am...



The phoenix is an enduring symbol rebirth. It has always been the fire phoenix for me no matter how over rated, because, time and again, I have been burned to ashes, but continue to pick up the pieces and emerge anew.

But now, I feel differently...

I am burning bright... with perhaps a cold and lonely heart... BLUE! Yes, blue...

After all, blue flame is much more intense and hotter than orange or red...

The Blue Fire Phoenix is in its wake of emerging... A turning point... A metamorphosis...

I am excited for my next Incarnation!

Here's to my future AVATAR!

WATCH ME SOAR!


Photo Credits:

http://feed.e-khmer.net/
http://www.chinesenames.org/
http://meanttobetogether.org/
http://chineseculture.about.com/
http://www.freewebs.com/xcrystalxkatanax/

Laban o Bawi?

Nakakaynes naman tong prediction na toh! Maganda na ang simula eh... Meron pang however sa dulo! CHE! This is from http://pinoybusiness.org/2008/11/04/born-in-the-year-of-the-goat-year-of-the-ox-2009-predictions-and-forecast/. Parang Laban O Bawi ba?

A prediction in the year of the ox this 2009 is that a person born in the year of the Goat (1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003), can look forward to better luck in love in 2009 – both for male and female. A single Goat will be luckier than the previous year when it comes to dating, in fact being single and free could have contributed to this change of fate. While those who are already in a relationship would be looking forward to a more harmonious relationship, although the year could also bring them more time off from each other.


However, the Goat should watch out for love triangles that can destroy the otherwise harmonious relationship with their partner. And with two stars of Gossip shining upon them, the Goat should learn to stay quiet and just work harder, remembering to mind his own business and not sticking his nose on others, otherwise, it could only lead him to more trouble.


But despite this, the Goat can expect to have better interpersonal relationships. And with the star of Grace guiding him, he will be able to acquire help from people with influence. Promotions, which could include salary raise, and personal developments are also waiting for the Goat in 2009. Indeed, everything seems to look better.


One thing that the Goat should also watch out is the physical condition of his/her partners, and with the star Gua Su shining on him, he is likely to feel lonely along with other emotional problems. While everything really seems to look better, there are still quite a number of negative or unlucky stars shining on the Goat, threatening his health and interpersonal relationships, that is he should always be conscious and pay attention to these departments so as not to hinder his career development.

Hehehehehe...
Come What May...
And if all else fails
There is always that hot mug of coffee
And batchoy of course!

Photo Credit:

www.bluebison.net