My Saturday

I definitely had a blast last Saturday!

I decided to take the afternoon off so I could proceed to the Shangri-La Mall for this year's EIGA SAI (Japanese Film Festival). This is actually my first time, and I was honestly excited. Plus, it's for free! The mall actually had the French Film Festival the previous week which I failed to see unfortunately.

Originally, I was supposed to see three films, scheduled for screening at 2PM (Blue) , 5PM (Kamikaze Girls), and 8PM (The Stars Converge). Since I was early, I decided to just wander around at the adjacent mall where I was able to buy a bargain VCD title (ALMOST A WOMAN, which I must say, is a great film) and a pair of pretty flip-flops for my feet were aching due to the low-heeled sandals I was wearing that day.

I had lunch at Tokyo Tokyo (since I was craving for their Red Tea these past few days) then proceeded to the sixth floor for the festival. I was there at exactly a quarter until two. However, the attendant told me that tickets for the 2PM screening is already sold-out. I learned that tickets were already disposed of as early as 11 AM. Gum! I was told to go back at around 3PM for the distribution of the tickets for the 5PM screening and I did. And when I asked if it is possible to avail of the tickets for the 8PM screening, too, I was told to just go back around 6PM. They said that as much as possible they want more people to see the films, and not the same group over and over. I understood.

The film I saw was hilarious. I even forgot that I was alone that time. In the row where I sat, it was obvious the four of us were all by ourselves. Talk about single night out, huh!

Below is the synopsis of Kamikaze Girls from the EIGA SAI official website:


Momoko (Kyoko Fukada) escapes from the boredom of life in her humdrum rural hometown Shimotsuma by swathing herself from head to toe in doll-like “Lolita” garb. One day she meets her diametrical opposite on the fashion scale, the surly black lipstick biker chick Ichigo (Anna Tsuchiya, winner of a 2005 Japan Academy Prize for best newcomer), who takes a liking to Momoko’s unexpectedly gutsy nature and the two form an unlikely alliance. Momoko consoles Ichigo after she suffers a broken heart at the hands of a local pompadoured lothario, and uses her embroidery skills to embellish Ichigo’s biker uniform for the graduation ceremony of a respected senior. In return, she takes Momoko to the best Lolita boutique in the city where her sewing skills gain her a chance to work for her favorite designer. However, Ichigo’s fellow delinquents don’t take kindly to her friendship with Momoko, which leads to a final showdown with the gang boss. Severely outnumbered, Ichigo looks doomed until the loyal Momoko rides to her rescue. A mildly surreal, frenetically comic journey into Japan’s youth subcultures based on a graphic novel by cult manga creator Novala Takemoto and directed by TV commercial maestro Tetsuya Nakashima.

After the film, I went straight to the Krispy Kremes' outlet at Megamall. As I ordered my chosen variant, I was handed a original glazed donut instead. I told the staff I got the wrong one, but she said: "Ma'am it's on the house!" I didn't know that was their trademark whatsoever. It was my first time to go there, but I had the chance to sample their donut last year when an author brought us two boxes.

This was my choice that day. Yummy to the max!!!

hope this isn't true!!!

You Don't Have a Boyfriend Because You are Too Busy

While a relationship sounds nice, you're strapped for time Whether you're legitimately busy or just making excuses... ... You don't give men enough of your time. As nice as "instant love" would be, there's just no such thing.

Why Don't You Have a Boyfriend?

yet another triple treat

I had the chance to watch three amazing films these last few days, all of which were incidentally the third installment of the original ones.

First stop: Shrek the Third




Definitely hilarious! I find the scene where Shrek was somehow overwhelmed by the thought of ogre babies surrounding his house the funniest in the movie. Also, the scene where the fairy tale women join hands to topple down Prince Charmingalso caught my fancy. And after all these years, we come to know Snow White as a prima-donna and Sleeping Beauty, still sleepy (haha!)

Scoop: Could there be some "reuniting" between Cameron Diaz (Princess Fiona) and Justin Timberlake (King Artie) after this? It seems they're both cuddly and flirty wherever they go (as evident in the ex-couple's promotional stints around the world).

Favorite quote: "Just because people treat you like just some loser, it doesn't mean you are one. The thing that matters most is what you think of yourself. If there's something you really want or someone you want to be, then the only person standing in your way is you." – King Artie

Next: Pirates of the Carribean: At World's End




As for my opinion, this is by far the best among the three Pirates film. And Elizabeth Swann (Keira Knightley) being voted as the "Queen" was interesting enough. It's actually a surprise for me to see all the pirate lords, and Captain Teague (Rolling Stones' Keith Richards), the Keeper of the Code for the Brethren Court, who is also Jack Sparrow's father. And after a somehow turbulent romance, Will Turner (Orlando Bloom)and Elizabeth was finally married, and eventually had a son by the film's closing credits.

Something to look forward to: Jack Sparrow's search for the fountain of youth in film 4 (or am I just wishing?)

Third blast: Ocean's Thirteeen




Despite some critics' claim that the second one was lame since it just banked on Julia Roberts (which I think is unfair), this film just isn't the same without her. A few minutes to the film would even hear Linus (Matt Damon) asking Danny (George Clooney) and Rusty (Brad Pitt) where Tess (Julia) and Isabel (Catherine Zeta-Jones) were, to which Danny replied, "This isn't they're fight."

It's great to see these boys again; this time coming to the rescue of one of their pals, Reuben (Elliot Gould), who was tricked by Willie Bank (Al Pacino) of his investments in a soon-to-open hotel casino.

This is what I call smart action. I mean, you wouldn't have to be violent and bloody. What we get is serious problem solving through the help of state-of-the-art gadgets and healthy inputs from the rest of the gang. Plus, fans were definitely thrilled by the surprise cameo by no less than Oprah Winfrey!

The catch: Undoubtedly the three yummylicious leads – George, Brad, and Matt. Keep on coming, guys! You have a huge following!

Ever heard of the AGE 28 SYNDROME?

"You deserve to be with somebody who makes you happy. Somebody who doesn't complicate your life. Somebody who won't hurt you." - Dr. Finn Dandrige to Meredith Grey

I need my knight-and-shining-whatever! And by that I mean right now.

I'm usually not the type who would fret about silly things that really do not matter...at all. But when I turned 28 a few days ago, it just dawned on me how boring my days have been. Yes there were moments I spent with friends, but it's an entirely different thing. When some friends were complaining before about "their clocks ticking" I usually just shrugged my shoulders. It's an altered scenario now. I call it the "age 28 syndrome".

I've seen enough, experienced enough, achieved enough, or at least this is what I think so, for now. Of course I still have my hopes and dreams. And someday, somehow, I will be able to accomplish them. It's just that I feel like I have so much more to give, so many things to offer, and yet no one else to have it. Am I not entitled to happiness? I'm not saying that being in a relationship is synonymous to being happy, but then hey, at least I'm more confident now and more mature than ever. If I get hurt eventually, then so be it. Nobody said there aren't bumps along the way.

A friend recently told me to give my heart a chance; that at least I let myself be happy this time. Forget about the compatibilities whatsoever, and that I just allow myself to savor the feeling right now. For someone who has always counted intellectual compatibility as the greatest qualification, I guess I'm willing to compromise at this point in my life. And yet another thing bothers me – financial security. I believe most women would agree to me on this one.

I grew up in a not so well-off family. My mom struggled just to send me through college. And up to this day, were still in the state of "just getting by" every day. And I'm tired of that. I know I'm not lackadaisical when it comes to my profession and God knows that I'm working so damn hard, and I intend to do it for as long as I could. I'm just being honest about this since I am left to pay the bills (not most of them anyways, but next year I probably will). I just want to make sure that the one I will be settling down someday would offer me some kind of security that I wouldn't have to tire myself up and look wrinkly even before I turn 40. I need to be assured that my kids will be well provided and that from time to time we'll still have enough money to spend for out-of-town trips or even a picnic at the park. It would be silly of me to ask for a tycoon, and I guess I wouldn't even match to their types, huh! But really, are these too much to ask for?

Moments are indeed what make me beam lately. Exchange of words aren't even necessary. But am I getting across?

To sum it all up: FOR CRYING OUT LOUD...!

SO MANY THINGS I'M THANKFUL FOR

I am so ecstatic words are simply not enough!

1. I got my EMG-NCV results yesterday and all were negative for cervical radiculopathy. Thank God! I remained positive these last few days although I must admit I was a little frightened since my research told me that worst cases would require surgery. And those tests were way too excruciating! The leaflet was lying after all. All those currents in my pulse points, I could still feel them right now. And the electrode needles on my nape were utterly unbearable. I could even sense the laboratory technicians were hesitant to give me the tests, but since those were ordered by my doctor, they administered it anyway. Always having had high tolerance with pain, I took on the torment and never said a single complaint. It was a delayed reaction for me. When I boarded the bus, everything just sinked in. It was as if I was knocked down and all my joints were aching. It was too late when I realized that I should have taken the cab instead. When I reached home, I slumped straight into bed. I decided to take the day off the following day to at least gather some strength before I face my manuscripts again.

2. My X-ray result is not that good, but I am thankful still. The doctor said that instead of the S-curve that our neck bone should have, mine is now erect. Surgery is not an option, and my doctor does not approve of one since it's a delicate procedure. For now, I am taking some muscle relaxants to ease my nape pains. He said it can mostly be due to the nature of my work, having been sitting most of the time. I found out some people around the office have been diagnosed with the same condition previously; we were even prescribed the same medication. Whatever happens, I'm keeping the faith.

3. I accepted a new freelance writing assignment yesterday. I'll just stay mum about it, only until after my first article gets published next month. It's for a quarterly seafarers' news magazine. My sincerest thanks go to Doren for recommending me. Thanks, sis! You really are a gem! After four years of solid friendship, you have proven time and again how much you believe in me. You just don't know how sad I am that we are not together this time, considering it ought to be our final battle in graduate school. But you know I'm always there for you, like I know you are for me. Ask me for help, and I wouldn't hesitate, except on financial matters of course. It's obvious you earn more than I do and I heard your new business is doing well. Just keep up the good work, sis! You're getting there...

4. Two former GS classmates have enrolled their thesis this semester and I'm so delighted for them. I was actually beginning to worry since this year is supposed to be their last in the five-year period for a master's degree. I have so much confidence in these girls; they're definitely among the brightest in our classes together. Good luck, Kitche and Angie!

5. I am thankful... for friends. As simple as that. For staying with me through tough times and for remaining "real" and avoiding to be "overcritical". And believe me, I do know how to treasure them. Nobody has the right to question me. We're way okay than you could ever imagine. I'm not the type who would put someone so important in my life in a position that she will feel uneasy. I need not explain further.

of these hullabaloo, my double procedure, and my recent birthday

All these hullabaloo about this and that has kept people distant. As I said before, I'm not in this world to please people. I do what I deem I ought to do, based on what I believe is right, regardless of how people might react. Yet it might seem to some that it's as if I'm running away or something. But the truth is, I would rather protect myself than succumb to something that would slowly kill the slightest respect and dignity that is left in me, whether for a situation or for certain individuals.

Since I could no longer contain the nape pains and numbness of some fingers on my right hand (been experiencing it for more than a week), I decided to see a specialist last Friday at Saint Luke's Medical Center. I was sort of thinking a McDreamy type (wishful thinking, huh!) for I was assigned to a neurologist. I'm not saying I was disappointed or anything, yet I would rather have a female doctor check on me. Just like when it comes to dental problems, I prefer a lady dentist, too.

I was advised to undergo two procedure. The first one was an X-ray, both for front and lateral view. I was able to do it that same day. But the second one, the EMG-NCV (Electromyography-Nerve Conduction Velocity), was scheduled for tomorrow. The test is not that scary, based on what I read on the leaflet so far. There would be needles involved, yet not that painful, with only some tingling sensation; and it would normally last for an hour. What I worry for, honestly, is the result afterwards. EMG-NCV will determine whether I have problem/s with my nerves and muscle coordination. Although the most important asset in my job are my eyes (which unfortunately, in a few years time, would already qualify for laser surgery, unless I have my astigmatism corrected soon), I cannot just disregard my hands as well. I'm just praying that if ever I would need other procedure afterwards, therapy would help bring everything to normal. I leave it all up to the Lord.

I "celebrated" my birthday yesterday quietly, mostly in bed. I couldn't even remember when was the last time I got sick on the very day of my birth. I still don't feel well; I still have the flu and my throat still feels dry. I took some tablets this morning and I hope I could regain my strength in preparation for my tests tomorrow.

I had some time with my closest friend from college last Saturday. Mitch and I had a blast sharing stories over pizza and pasta. Then we headed to the mall to buy ourselves some flip-flops, for unfortunately, our feet were sore due to our pointed shoes that day. We were laughing so hard by the end of our "strolling", for after minutes of looking for each other, we finally met, this time carrying some paper bags in our hands, for we have actually bought things along the way.

In the office, my ever-loving and appreciative boss treated us to lunch and merienda in the afternoon. I also received gifts from friends, who really are "my friends" every sense of the word. The greetings I received yesterday via SMS also made my day.

Good luck to me!!!