great and grating karaoke songs, pt. III

GREAT:

05. LONELY NO MORE, Rob Thomas
There's something cool in trying to pass up as Rob Thomas singing Lonely No More. It's like the excuse to do sexy in karaoke not for any other reason but the song really calls for it.

04. THE ANIMAL SONG, Savage Garden
I've grown tired of singing Truly, Madly, Deeply and I Knew I Loved You because they're just plain boring. In karaokes, it's better to sing fun, upbeat songs because it brings everyone to their feet, or at the very least make them listen. Especially with the lines sung in Darren Hayes' falsetto. Awesome.

03. UPTOWN GIRL, Westlife
No karaoke night ends without someone rendering a Westlife number. It's like they're the ultimate mass-producing machine of songs tailor-made for karaoke. Goofy as it may be, it's still enjoyable especially when everyone joins in the chorus.

02. SHARING THE NIGHT TOGETHER, Elliott Yamin
"This goes out to you, and you, and you know who you are." It's the most recent song that I added to my list of songs to sing in an open mic night. Definitely something in my bucket list.

01. WHEREVER YOU WILL GO, The Calling
This just proves that I can still sing "guy" songs, and that I'm actually good at it. Lol.




GRATING:

05. PERO ME ACUERDO DE TI, Christina Aguilera
Beautiful might have made it to the top ten grating songs if not for this track. Pero me Acuerdo De Ti is the hauntingly beautiful lead single off Christina Aguilera's Spanish album, Mi Reflejo. Hey, I've done worse (read: Can't Lose You).

04. BUTTONS (REMIX), The Pussycat Dolls feat. Snoop Dogg
My friends and I have this thing that the songs that we'll be singing in RedBox will be based on themes we've all agreed upon. And one of the categories is the Audience's Pick where one would choose his song from a selection of songs suggested by the other three. This proved to be a terrible idea as you can just imagine the kind of songs that each of us picked for one another. It was supposed to be Jela's song but I also had the other mic. I couldn't resist. If Nicole Scherzinger can sing it, so can anyone else.

03. I'M A SLAVE 4 U, Britney Spears
MakMak: "Get it, get it, get it, get it... whoa... get it, get it, get it, get it... whoa... get it, get it, get it, get it... uh uh uh..."
Mama: Hoy!
Cousin: Pati kasi paghinga ni Britney ginagaya mo.
MakMak: ... Uhm kasama kaya yun sa lyrics o...

02. I'VE NEVER BEEN TO ME, Charlene
This, by itself, is already a hilarious song. But when I saw it used in the film Ratatouille, it just made me want to have someone try to sing it without bursting out into a fit of giggles each time an infamous line from the song comes up. And there are certainly lots of it between the first and last notes.

01. MOMENTS OF LOVE, Jennylyn Mercado and Janno Gibbs
What I said regarding Audience's Pick, terrible idea. Me singing a Tagalog song. Ugh.

great and grating karaoke songs, pt. II

GREAT:

10. STOP, Spice Girls
It was never about vocal skills with the Spice Girls. Even with mediocre talent, they managed to produce the finest pop tracks in the 90s. And I do believe that there was a point in time that Girl Power did rule the world - it was when everyone was singing and dancing along to their tunes, munching on Spice chocolates and bubblegum, and wearing platform boots, leopard prints and all that jazz. However, it all ended when they released the movie, Spiceworld. Sad, but I still love them.

09. I WANT YOU BACK, The Jackson 5
I have to give Will Makar credit for reminding me how much I adore this song. When he performed this song in the top 24 elimination in the sixth season of American Idol, I immediately uploaded this track to my Ipod, and looked for a pair of roller skates.

08. BEAUTIFUL SOUL, Jesse McCartney
What I love about Beautiful Soul, other than it was sung by Jesse McCartney, is that it is fairly easy to sing. Well, most of his songs are actually easy to sing. Anyway, Beautiful Soul is one of the tracks that I believe, would sound good played with just an acoustic guitar.

07. HELP ME, Nick Carter
Believe it or not, Nick Carter has a very nice, distinct voice. Much like Bryan Adams, his is suited for rock-based ballads instead of the pop hits that his group has churned out for the past decade or so. I don't know why, but I love the bridge of Help Me. It's like an attempt at a toned-down tongue twister.

06. THE GAME OF LOVE, Santana feat. Michelle Branch
I also love Smooth but if I had to choose one Santana song that I enjoy singing, I'd pick The Game Of Love. And this is just because it's much more fun trying to pull a Michelle Branch than a Rob Thomas. Take it this way, Thomas is like a tiger growling in Smooth whereas Branch is like a kitten, purring in The Game Of Love. And I like the subtlety of her purrs.

GRATING:

10. SEXYBACK, Justin Timberlake feat. Timbaland
First of all, Justin Timberlake did not bring sexy back. Not with this song, nor with any of his other singles post-sexyback. Not especially with his new song, the one that features Madonna. I don't know why I sang this but it felt right at that time.

09. BUTTERFLY, Mariah Carey
It is seldom that I would attempt to do a Mariah number. One, it's a futile attempt because no one can ever do a successful Mariah other than Mariah herself. CoughLeonaLewisCough. Not even in karaoke. But back in the summer of 98, I was singing Butterfly, pouring all my heart and soul into it, when my aunt knocked on my door and told me to keep it down. I forgot that it was Good Friday.

08. CAN'T LOSE YOU, F4
I was never a big fan of Meteor Garden, much more of F4. Except for Vic Zhou. I love his hairstyle. Anyway, I caught up with the popularity of the song after having to listen to it every ten freaking minutes. It was everywhere! Anyway, I couldn't care less if I got the words right. I mean nobody could have cared less what those four were singing right? They were all busy drooling over Dao Ming Si(!) and Hua Ze Lei(!).

07. BELIEVE, Cher
This goes out to Gracie for she totally thinks that this song is the awesomeness. It was awesome right, back when Cher was still wearing her real hair. That is a wig right?

06. MY HUMPS, The Black Eyed Peas
This is what you resort to when you've had one too many karaoke sessions in RedBox that you have sung 80% of the decent songs available in their database. I have to say that it is a catchy, and rather bouncy song.

TO BE CONTINUED.

great and grating karaoke songs, pt. I

EW.com recently featured its top picks for the Ten Great (and Ten Grating) Karaoke songs.

I Want It That Way (Backstreet Boys), Before He Cheats (Carrie Underwood) and It's All Coming Back To Me Now (Celine Dion) garnered favorable reviews and scored a spot on the classic list of Karaoke tunes. Meanwhile, readers were advised to avoid singing songs such as Vision Of Love (Mariah Carey), Rehab (Amy Winehouse) and Hollaback Girl (Gwen Stefani) due to a very complex level of difficulty or just its sheer ridiculousness.

*******

I love singing so naturally, I love to do karaoke. It's the only avenue wherein I won't be mocked even if I burst my vocal chords from trying to reach the correct key. I can sing off key and I'd still receive an applause after the performance. A standing ovation if I bust a move on a happy song, or emote on a sad, love song. Another good thing is that you can choose from a wide variety of songs from all genres - whether it be a sappy, emo song from Aegis or an alternative how-the-hell-do-I-sing-this track from Bjork - and nobody will judge you, because karaoke is all about fun. Sometimes, it's about singing too.

What's more fun other than the actual singing however, is making up my own list of great and grating songs from those that I've actually had the chance to sing.

Songs that almost always, never leave my repertoire would fall under "Great". I so love them that I'd sing them to death if possible. But my listeners need variety, so there.

GREAT Runners-up:
15. BARENAKED, Jennifer Love Hewitt
14. OOPS!... I DID IT AGAIN, Britney Spears
13. I DO (CHERISH YOU), 98 Degrees
12. PICTURE OF YOU, Boyzone
11. I WANT IT THAT WAY, Backstreet Boys

And as for those which I sang because I had, at that time, overflowing chutzpah, they'd fall under "Granting". They're the "OMFG-I-can't-believe-I-did-that" songs.

GRATING Runners-up:
15. TO WHERE YOU ARE, Josh Groban
14. ALONE, Heart
13. GRACE KELLY, Mika
12. DEJA VU, Beyonce feat. Jay-Z
11. BEAUTIFUL GIRLS, Sean Kingston

TO BE CONTINUED.

domestic dreams

My mom was a bit concerned as to how I'll "survive" being alone for this long. And by "survive", she meant how I'll manage with the chores like doing the laundry and ironing of clothes, food preparation and similar tasks. I told her I can manage and that I'll take this opportunity to train myself should I ever decide to have a place of my own.





Of course it was a lot easier here considering that everything's done with but a touch of a button, and a couple of quarters. It takes about thirty minutes to wash the clothes and an hour to dry it. The only manual part would be the ironing. And I have to say that I suck at it. Badly.


I have yet to learn how my mom manages to make my long-sleeved dress shirts look fresh and crisp all the time. But I'm trying. I'm taking baby steps. There's no need to rush.

However, the current changes in the tax exemption made me strive to quicken my pace. That PHP 150K sounds so alluring.

MakMak: Bago na pangarap ko
MakMak: Hehehe
Friend ni Bernie: To marry?
Friend ni Bernie: LOL
MakMak: LOL. uu
MakMak: Mag-asawa at magka-apat na anak
Friend ni Bernie: Aw
Friend ni Bernie: Aw
Friend ni Bernie: Hahahahha
Friend ni Bernie: Loko loko ka talaga

I can tell that my mom will simply be happy to know that I did all the washing and ironing of my clothes here. But my dad, he'd be so proud if he learns of my new plan in mind. I'd let him revel in it for a few minutes, and then tell him the truth.

He'd probably end up in a hospital. And so will I.

this is my new york: it's goin' down like

After making them apologize for a few hundred times for being late, the three of us headed towards our first stop – the Brooklyn Bridge. I detest maps because it usually alters one’s perception of space. Surprisingly though, Mickey’s map, or rather his sense of direction, guided us through the easiest route. In no time we found ourselves a few steps away from the foot of the bridge. The rest of the block that we have to cross was disgustingly covered with pigeon droppings. And all we could exclaim was "oh sh*t!". Pun intended.

As far as I know, there’s nothing historically significant about Brooklyn Bridge. And its appeal to me is pretty much similar to how I appreciate the San Juanico Bridge. I don’t.

Perhaps my dislike, or indifference to bridges stem out of my fear of heights, coupled with the fact that I’ll literally be traveling, for a couple of miles, on an archaic structure which is suspended over a body of water which goes beyond my threshold of five feet. I’ve seen enough horror and sci-fi movies that warrant my fear of bridges. What if it suddenly collapses? Or worse, what if a monster or a super villain appears (ala Magneto in X3)? Broad daylight won’t stop them from attacking. Not especially when they realize that I’m on the bridge.

“Merong scene sa Sex and the City dito sa Brooklyn Bridge eh. Di ba Mickey?”

Josie’s words pulled me back from my dreadful thoughts. We've managed to reach the other side of the Brooklyn Bridge and now we're halfway back. And throughout, we’ve narrowly avoided being hit by a cyclist, skateboarder and pedestrians. Pick one. What's inevitable though is the glaring heat of the sun. It’s so hot! Much hotter than Manila, I say. And it's only nine in the morning. I’m betting that I’ll have the tan that I never wanted after this trip.

“What did you just say,” I said as I stopped walking and attempted to look at the traffic below.

“Merong scene sa Sex and the City dito,” she repeated as she sat on the bench.

“No.” I turned to Mickey and asked, “nanunuod ka ng Sex and the City?” This was followed by a mutter declaring that I’m already parched and hungry.

“Yun yung pinanuod namin sa sine. Yun kasi yung gusto ni TL,” he shrugged, and frowned, as he handed me a muffin and a bottled water. “Ayan, pinagbaon ka namin.”

“Uy talaga?” I smiled as I took it from him. “Salamat ha! Tara na,” I added as I gestured for us to head back to New York City.


“If you’re looking at Brooklyn Bridge, you know you’re looking at New York City.”

That’s what people say. Well if they’re referring to the indifferent and rude locals who seemingly forgot to bring their good manners in their hurry to shed a few pounds and burn carbs while doing their laps on the bridge, regardless if they accidentally step on a helpless tourist’s shoes, or worse, shove an innocent passerby off the metal railings of the walkway and into the traffic or the water below (which would kill the poor creature either way), then they’re not painting a very good picture of New York City.

However, it does exponentially magnify the thoughtfulness of that simple act from Mickey and Josie. Something historical in my book. Something that I won’t be forgetting anytime soon.

don't you know you're beautiful

Hey little boy with your messy hair, your simple clothes
You're seventeen and you've got a long way to go
You keep on wishing that you were made
Like the ones you see in magazines.
Now I know you'd give anything

Just to fit in. But your worth

Ain't dependent on them,
It comes from within.

*******

Don't you know you're beautiful, just the way you are.
- Kellie Pickler, Don't You Know You're Beautiful

on lesson #4

There are times that we see things that should be kept in the dark, hear things that we should not know about, or experience moments that bring us way out of our comfort zone.

What passes for difficult and trying actually develops character. Things happen because we need to learn. That's what he insists on himself just to keep his head up and his heart, or what's left of it, intact.

It has been effective so far. Though for how long it'll work is a totally different matter.

sober

I told a friend that I would not make an entry about a subject that was brought up when we talked last night. However, I realized that it's been a while since I had an "emo" entry.

See, I really try to avoid using that word since its original meaning has very little to do with being emotional, sensitive or angsty. Emo describes a subgenre in the hardcore punk style of music. But as time progressed, media has associated the term with fashion and attitude. Since then it has lost its essence as any rock band that sings sappy-but-still-hard-core type of music - “emo”; anyone who wears black tight shirts and jeans, dark make up and whose hair fringe is brushed to one said of the face is “emo”; and of course, anything that tries to pass for being dramatic is now, “emo”.

But this is not about “emo”. I have something much better to write about.

Sober.

It is a pretty word. I came to appreciate it through Jennifer Paige’s song titled, surprisingly, "Sober". There’s just something in the word and in its meaning that gives off the feel of solemnity, reflection and realization. In my opinion, sober is one of those words that almost always signify something good. Or at least when it is used in the proper context.

Take for example the story behind the song:

Girl meets boy, and girl goes crazy
Boy backs away, she gets her heart broken
No words are spoken
Boy comes back and acts
As if everything is cool
Soon she's got him back upon a pedestal
She only sees what she wants to see
Love is blind, love is so misleading

And then she hits the chorus where she says that the girl has seen the light (oh what a light!) and that she’s now sober. She took her time in assessing things and decided that she will no longer take in whatever he serves her. She has seen his other side and it wasn’t exactly pleasant.

Lovely right? I just wish that her story would end there but it doesn’t.

Sobriety and addiction comes hand in hand. And most of the time, the only cure to an addiction is another distraction. Or loosely said, another addiction.

Last night, a friend asked if I’m missing someone. Neither the word sober nor Jennifer Paige was brought up. I think I’m just trying to prolong what would have been a very short, straight-to-the-point type of post.

Anyway, his question had me thinking if I’m still capable of missing anyone. I believe I’ve previously stated that I do not miss the people whom I know will be there for me like my family and my closest friends.

Missing someone requires some sort of attachment to that person. And in my case, I think I tend to miss the moments more rather than the object. And sometimes, though I know it is impossible and definitely contradicting, I miss the could've beens as well.

Girl wakes up and smells the coffee one day
Realizes she's on her own again
All alone again

Though I'm sober now. I'm back to my usual self - confident, self-assured and focused. I no longer think of weekend dates and getaways. Or prepare gifts and surprises. Or stay up late just to say good night.

But nobody says good night to me as well. And nobody surprises me even with a simple, thoughtful act. And well, I'm dateless. Which basically means, I'm alone. Calling myself single sounds pleasant and we want drama, yes?

So yeah, I am sober. That's what I tell myself.

It is weird. Just when I decided to come out, I never thought that shortly thereafter I would want to cave myself in.

But there are times, like right now, that I miss being intoxicated.

And what I would give...

x-force #002: angels and demons

Reverend Matthew Risman is the leader of the Purifiers, a group of anti-mutant religious extremists. Risman and his followers attacked a S.H.I.E.L.D. installation where they stole a heavily guarded object - the severed head of the mutant-killer, Bastion. As a response, Cyclops assembled the X-Force and sent them in to take down the Purifiers, with extreme prejudice.

Upon arriving at the Purifier compound, X-Force cut their way through the Purifiers, narrowly missing Bastion's resurrection and merging with the sentinel from the future, Nimrod. Instead, X-Force was confronted by Risman holding Wolfsbane at gunpoint. X-23 leapt at Risman calling his bluff as a shot rang out...

*******

Outside Fargo, North Dakota. The Church of The Reverend William Stryker. Now.

Agent Morales and a platoon of S.H.I.E.L.D. agents were after Risman's group and tracked them down to an old church only to find it in debris.

Eleven hours earlier.

"After all the mutants I've taken from your institute, did you really think I wouldn't kill one more?" Matthew Risman taunted Wolverine.

He's a dead man, Logan thought. Cyclops ordered X-Force to take down the Purifiers, and Rahne wanted in. I said no. So she came by herself, ahead of us, and got captured. Now she's got a bullet in her knee. Best-case scenario is she gets out of this with a limp. Worst-case is she doesn't get out.

"Fortunately for your friend, I am a man of God and decided to show her mercy not deserving of your kind... But I am only human, and have my limits. So surrender now... or she begins her eternal suffering in hell tonight," continued Risman.

"He drugged her, heroin," X-23 exclaimed still on her guard.

"Do what he says, X," Logan commanded.

"He's lying."

"We're not risking Rahne's life on a hunch... Now, stand down." He insisted as he got on his knees slowly. "You're dead, do you hear me Risman? All of you are..." Logan threatened the leader of the Purifiers before he was hit by a gun on his head.

"You have the eyes of a killer, girl. Not like Wolverine. No, he's just an animal. But you, you were bred for murder. And right now you're thinking of eleven different ways to kill me, aren't you?" Risman spoke as he faced the young lady.

"No... twenty-seven."

"Heh. I believe you."

"He will not kill her," X-23 said calling out to Logan.

"Stand the $%@# down, X! Now!!"

"This is a mistake," X-23 muttered as she followed Wolverine's command. With that, Risman ordered his guards to bind everyone.

Crap like this is why I'm no leader. Any other time, this guy would have lost his hand for that. And any other time, I'd have given in to the beast inside me and Risman's intestines would be decorating this place. But now I'm responsible for...

Wolverine was in mid-thought when a guard found out and shouted that X-23 is holding a bomb. It was her mission's contigency plan. He tried to stop her but it was too late, she already activated it. The whole building exploded along with those that are inside, except for X-23's target - Risman was alive and on the move. And now that she has recovered from the explosion, she's on to him.

After using his healing factor from the wounds he had from the explosion, Logan looked for Warpath who used the Purifiers' bodies to shield himself from the brunt. The two set off to find X-23 who was already on Risman's trail. The latter was aboard the helicopter with the cult's prisoner. X-23 managed to kill several other guards but she eventually ran out of ammunition enabling for Risman to escape unscathed.

"I'm gonna kill Summers," Logan muttered as he caught up with the seemingly defeated X-23.

Angel's Aerie, The Colorado Rocky Mountains. Now.

Wolverine is telling off X-23 for failing to inform him of her contingency plan. He told her that the two of them can be burned, blown up and take a thousand rounds in the chest but their teammates, Warpath and Wolfsbane can't. She reasoned out that they survived and saving Wolfsbane was not her mission.

"What the hell is that supposed to mean?!" Wolverine asked.

Cyclops stepped in and said, "she means exactly what she said. Her mission was to eliminate Matthew Risman, not perform a search and rescue. The situation with Rahne is your doing, Logan. Net hers. If you'd let Rahne explain what she was after, you'd have known how determined she was to get inside. So if anything happens to her now, it's on you."

"Is that so? Look, bub... Aw, hell," Logan cut his statement short as he noticed Warren Worthington coming in downwind.

"When my home is being used for cladestine meetings, yeah. I can do sneaky. Now... if anything happens to who?" Angel asked as he landed on the porch.

"Don't look at me - ask Xavier junior here. He's the one callin' the shots," Logan quipped pointing at Cyclops.

However, the X-Men leader refused to give Warren any details, requesting that he stay out of this matter. But Warren wouldn't budge and kept on asking what was going on.

"It's Rahne. She's been captured by the Purifiers." Warpath gave in and squealed.

Angel wanted to alert the rest of the X-Men about this incident but Cyclops stopped him. He said that if they get the X-Men involved, they'll be putting Wolfsbane at even more risk and guaranteeing that someone on their side will get killed. Furthermore, he informed that Wolfsbane was with team because she just found out that Reverend Craig has joined the Purifiers.

"She wanted revenge," X-23 stated.

"No! You don't know Rahne, she'd never want that," Warpath rebutted her. "When Rahne and I first met, she knew all about my brother and we used to swap stories. I told her about Johnny and she used to talk about Craig. Rahne told me that Reverend Craig believed that she was a test from God. That she was a living sin, sent to him for cleansing. But she had to find out the truth about him on her own. Craig wasn't just the man who raised her. He was also her father."

Meanwhile, Rahne is now held captive somewhere in the base of the Purifiers. A few moments later, Reverend Craig walked in on her cell. She asked him what was he doing with the Purifiers. He said that he used to think that he was alone in fighting Satan spawns like her but he realized why he was made to suffer for her existence. He injected a drug into her system that made Rahne seemingly paralyzed as he proudly stated that he'll be her inquisitor. He will listen to her sings and make her amend to the Lord for poisoining Eden with her wickedness.

Through the observation booth, Matthew Risman seems concerned about the newly-resurrected Bastion. He stated that Bastion won't meet and speak with him. And he has taken over the group.

"... What do you think you are doing?"

"Bastion," Risman seemed surprised as the sentinel just stepped in. "Reverend Stryker left specific instructions for Rahne Sinclair. She was chosen to..."

"Kill the mutant."

"What? I can't... Please let me explain, there is a plan."

"No. We have analyzed your 'plan'. It has a 99.74 percent probability of failure. Its failure has already begun. The X-Men have sent their trackers and killers after you, Matthew Risman. Wolverine, Warpath and X-23. Even as we speak they are raiding Purifier bases. They will torture and kill every Purifier they find, all to recover their teammate. And eventually, Matthew Risman... they will kill you," Bastion warned him.

Risman reasoned out that Stryker entrusted him with two tasks should he ever be killed - to protect the Oracle and to create the Choir. However, Bastion said that William Stryker was a flawed man and eventually asked Risman if he was defective as well raising a powered up arm at him. "We know how to eliminate the mutants but you do not listen to us. Yet your mission is to eliminate mutants. Why will you not obey your own mission?"

"No. No, I'm not defective. I'll listen."

Bastion then informed him that the X-Men are the greatest mutant threat in this timeline or any other. And that no existing terrestrial force can guarantee the total elimination of that group. However, prior to his restoration, he was made aware of a creature with the ability to infect and absorb organic matter, converting it into sustenance or infusing it with its own sentience. But the creature was reverted to a nascent form and left on the bottom of the ocean by the X-Men. And he already sent a team down to investigate, knowing that the creature will find them.

"Does your creature have a name?" Risman asked.

"Magus."

*******

Now I'm giddy. Magus was a foe of the X-Men way, way back. Although its most recent incarnation, if I'm correct, is the Phalanx. This book is really doing its history assigment and I love how they made it appear that everything that happened years back has an effect in the present. They did not sever the continuity which almost always happen when new writers step in and take over a book.

The twist on Logan being a team leader is great, as it has been the goal of Kyle and Yost to show his other side - the more responsible one. They did a good job on that one. And Cyclops is definitely getting bolder as the story progresses. I like it.

And of course, any book that features Angel is just plain cool.

this is my new york: if it doesn't end well, then it's not yet the end

Trying times will always come and go in our lives. They’re inevitable like change, death and taxes. Sadly though, many are easily discouraged by the slightest misfortune that they encounter. They’re too focused on being negative and downtrodden when they could as easily think that whenever there’s depression, prosperity and good times are not far behind. It’s a cycle; nobody deserves to be damned forever.

Take for instance the history of the place where I’m at. More than anything else, Wall Street has always been the physical manifestation of economic and financial power. This has been the place where economic systems were formed, where trade and politics meshed, where elitism and innovation proliferated, and cut-throat capitalism flourished. This area houses landmark sites which include the Federal Hall, the Trump Building, the Trinity church, and of course, the New York Stock Exchange. All of which has witnessed the rise and fall of Corporate America.

From the Wall Street bombing to the worldwide economic downturn during the Great Depression, America’s financial district suffered tremendously, stagnating growth and progress for several years. And it wasn’t until the 60s, when the World Trade Center was constructed to help stimulate urban renewal in Lower Manhattan that large, powerful firms began settling in the area. This has revived the area for what it was known for albeit shifting the nexus from Wall Street to the Trade Center Complex. Once again, it has become the financial heart of the world. Until the tragedy that was the 9/11 – when al-Qaeda terrorists intentionally crashed two jet airliners into the World Trade Center. Not only did America’s economy significantly plummet, but numerous properties and more importantly, thousands of lives were destroyed and lost on that day. But America has picked up its pieces and acted upon the revitalization of its financial district spurring development, and reclaiming the glory of Wall Street.


It’s a twisted cycle, life. It’s something that we just have to accept - our journey won’t ever be complete without a few bruises and losses. But as long as we keep our spirits strong and stand up each time we fall, we’ll always be triumphant. Be positive, be hopeful.

Like how I am being hopeful for my friends to arrive anytime soon. A few more minutes alone in this cold, with these pigeons and add the reeking steam from the sewers, will force me to go Trump on them.

ang sarap dito

This morning I was ranting on how overly tan I've become since coming here to the States. I might as well say goodbye to rosy skin and say hello to bling blings because I'm going ghetto.

However, just as I was halfway through the video that I'm supposed to carefully listen to but I'm not as I'm busy doing something totally unrelated to work, I noticed that my skin color has changed from roasted to jaundice-like. And it really freaked me out.

I could clearly remember Aladdin saying, in his slightly-thick Turkish accent, "do not drink the water in the fountain. There has been a contamination in the uptown area so it's not safe to drink from it for at least the next few days."

This he said as I was about to go home. When I have already drank about half-a-liter of water from the said fountain.

I wasn't that concerned at first because I've always believed that I have a strong immune system. I rarely get sick. I'm like Wolverine, minus the claws and the regenerative powers and the hair. As far as I can recall, the last time that I got really sick was way back in second grade. I had this high fever and I was dreaming that I was Mario and this huge bullet-shaped cannonball, you know the one that appears from either edge of the screen, was after me. And I was in stage 8-2. That's my sickness barometer - if I dream of anything Mario-related then I'm most probably unwell.

But I haven't had that dream. And I'm really feeling okay except that I'm famished. I haven't had lunch yet. And I don't think I will as the cafeteria, as well as all the restaurants including fast food stores in the area, has been ordered to close down for the day. I think it's terrific that they're all this concerned about health and all but a few germs won't kill them. Well at least, I think it won't. Back in the Philippines, a crisis like this would probably be taken lightly, if not ignored. I guess we're just built tougher.

So I must either be hallucinating or the building has the most terrible lighting. Either way, it's going to be Coca Cola from now until I get home.

now i'm drooling

X-FORCE #007

Written by CHRISTOPHER YOST & CRAIG KYLE
Art and Cover by MIKE CHOI & SONIA OBACK

“OLD GHOSTS” PART 1 (OF 4)

X-Force is still reeling from the aftermath of their first mission, but there’s no rest for the wicked. Mutantkind’s enemies havemultiplied, but Cyclops has a new target for his black-ops team...and even X-Force doesn’t believe who they’re going after next.

Superstar artists MIKE CHOI and SONIA OBACK are on board as one of the X-Men’s oldest foes returns!

this is my new york: when you're alone and life is making you lonely, pt. II

"Well New York residents are made up of different races. I thought you were a student," she reasoned out.

"Sus, nambola pa."

"Hindi nga. And you speak the language well."

"Most Filipinos do. Anyway, I'm just staying for the weekend. I'm actually based in Maryland. Just here on a business trip. Ako nga po pala si Mak. Kayo po?"

"That's good. My name's Cora."

In that short span of time I have learned that Ate Cora hails from Pampanga (that's why I was a bit cautious not to say anything against the Government when we talked about the current political and economic issues in the Philippines). She's a mother of three kids - the first two are studying at LSGH and the youngest at OB Montessori. She has been working here since 1995 (or is it 1985?) but her last visit to her home country was two years ago. She is very fond of the Rockwell area where she just bought a three-bedroom condominium unit. And she also used to shop a lot at Greenhills when tiangge's proliferated the mall.

"I've never really aspired to work here but these past few weeks has shown me things that made me think otherwise."

"Maganda magtrabaho dito para makapag-ipon. Pero, not to sound selfish, dapat dumaan kayo sa tamang paraan. I mean, sayang ang pinag-aralan niyo kung pupunta kayo dito at tatanggap lang kayo ng trabaho na hindi angkop sa tinapos niyo. Sayang ang pinag-aral sa inyo ng magulang ninyo kung ganun."

"Opo naman. If ever, second job na lang yun mga ganun. I've been in this field far too long for me to just throw the experience away just so I can be here. If I'll be leaving my home, it should be for something worthwhile. People should never settle for anything less, just because."

The train halted on Wall Street Station. I thanked Ate Cora for the assistance and for the pleasant chat.

"It's always good to see a kababayan here," she said, widely smiling.


I know. Familiarity dispels the lonesomeness that otherwise looms over Filipinos, and almost everyone else, in New York City. Then again, it's not just in NYC, it happens everywhere.

I returned her smile as the train sped off. Once again I'm alone in this strange city, hopefully not for long though.

this is my new york: when you're alone and life is making you lonely, pt. I

I'm going downtown.

I'm supposed to meet Mickey and Josie at the Subway's Wall Street station by seven. And it's already six forty-five. I had trouble dragging myself out of bed as I only had two to three hours of sleep last night. And I was such in a hurry that I did not bother availing of the inn's free breakfast, and more importantly, I wasn't able to wait for Brad to wake up. I'm not really one for goodbyes but knowing that there's not a chance in the universe that our paths will ever cross again, I wanted to. But he was still asleep and I'm already running late.

I rushed down to the Subway only to find out that I'm in the Amtrak station. So I walked, trying to keep my cool, searching for a signage or an arrow, or even for a yellow brick road. After ten minutes, I finally tracked down the right station. But NYC's subway transport is a bit complicated for novices like myself so I had to ask the ticket guy for directions. He said that I should take the train going to Downtown 2.

"Are the lights much brighter there," I mumbled as I took the card.

"What?"

"Nothing," I said half-smiling as I turned my back and headed to the waiting area.

The subway was everything that I imagined it to be. There was a relative feeling of darkness, the air was a bit clammy and everyone was seemingly conscious of their surroundings. I have to say though that the station was clean, save for the air pollution coming off from some hobo in the corner. Perhaps.

"Excuse me, is the train for Downtown 2 coming," asked a Chinese-looking lady. I always find it entertaining when strangers ask me for directions. It makes me feel that I look approachable (or knowledgeable) which opposes the notion that I'm a snob.

"Oh. I think so. Otherwise the guy in the booth wouldn't have sold me this," I answered as I showed her my ticket, assuming that what I just said was correct.

She walked a few steps towards a poster which I have failed to notice when I first got in. "But it says here that there is a scheduled maintenance and that the passengers for Downtown 2 should take the direct train."

"I see. Well, I guess it won't be coming. Are you also heading that way?" I asked. Stupid question, I know.

"Yes, I'll be going to Jersey. And you? We better go the other side," she said as she lead the way to the other platform. We came just in time when the train stopped to take in some more passengers. We chose the free seats nearest the doors.

"It is a bit complicated, the New York subway," I uttered as I tried to start a conversation.

"Oh yes. It takes some time to get used to. You just have to check out announcements like the one posted earlier. You are going where?"

"I see. But it is convenient and fast right? I'm supposed to get off at Wall Street. It comes before your stop, yes?"

"Ah yeah. It's a few stations from where we boarded. I'll let you know."

"Thanks. You are a Filipino po?" I just have to ask. I sort of know based on her accent and demeanor but I wanted to confirm it.

"Ay oo. Ikaw din," she said beaming.

Her question made me laugh. "Opo. Ate naman, hindi naman ako mukhang Amerikano eh."

TO BE CONTINUED.

this is my new york: finding warmth

It has been said that nothing good happens after midnight. But seeing all these people hanging out on the streets of New York City at two in the morning seems to prove it otherwise.

The bus dropped me off at 35th Street and as I stepped down on the pavement, I paused (for dramatic effect) and reveled in the fact that I am in New York City. Wow. This is really happening.

So I headed down to the hotel where I'll be staying in, briskly walking, taking a whiff of the city air which doesn't really feel any different from what I breathe in Manila. Except perhaps that NYC's is much colder. And smells of indifference.

I passed by Madison Square Garden. It's no Statue of Liberty nor Empire State Building but weirdly, I feel much more excited seeing The Garden than any other tourist spot here in NYC. I feel an affinity for the place. This must have been brought about by my being a Mariah fan. It was her concert in Madison Square Garden pre-Butterfly era that introduced me to the person behind the Voice, behind the songs that I've come to love. To me, it was like sacred ground. Not that I'll kiss the lobby floor or anything but I just feel happy that I've seen it, that I've been here. Like I said, weird.

Anyway, after navigating through several dark, creepy blocks, I arrived at the hotel. But I won't fool myself, it's an inn but they call it a hotel, so whatever. I've had difficulty in confirming my reservation days before my trip so I was a bit wary on how my conversation with the frontdesk will go about. Good thing though that the clerk was friendly so things did go smoothly. Unfortunately, my bed was given to another client as I was "late" but he'll be giving me another one just for the night. I'll just have to transfer rooms the next day though. I'm tired so whatever works.

I went to room 301 and cautiously opened the door knowing that it is highly probable that my roommates were already sleeping. I tried to make my way in the dark, grasping at bed posts all the while trying to avoid walking on the clutter. Messy roommates. Two minutes in here and I already feel like a University student. Awesome.

As I was trying to figure out which empty bed was mine, one of my roomies got up and walked towards me.

"Charlie," he asked in a hushed tone.

"Oh sorry. I'm not Charlie," I answered back trying to make out his form as the guy stood in the shadows.

"Oh yeah. I just thought you were the other guy," pointing to the lower bunk on my left side. "You just got in?"

"Yep. Bus came in late. Or too early. Whichever you prefer. So, do you know which is E?"

"Hmm. I have no idea but it's any bed that isn't occupied I guess"

"Alright," I answered as I put in my bags on the upper bunk, assuming that it was mine. "Hey sorry if I woke you up."

"Oh don't worry, I couldn't sleep," he said as he walked closer seemingly inspecting the bed. The light from outside the window gave me a better look at my roommate. He's probably a student in his 20s, spikey blond hair, blue eyes, pierced ears, nicely toned, and dressed only in his boxers. They certainly grow them differently here than in Manila.

"I'm not quite sure why but yours doesn't have a sheet," he whispered as he went back to his bed, reaching for something.

"Ah okay. I can just go down and ask the guy on the counter for one."

"If you want, you can use my blanket in the meantime," he offered as a neatly-folded blanket was handed over to me.

"Are you sure? I mean I could..."

"It's okay. I'll just use those," pointing to the white sheet spread over his bed. "Anyway, it is my last night here." He added smiling.

"Ok. Thanks. By the way, I'm Mak." I reached out my hand to properly introduce myself.

"Oh. I'm Brad. Nice meeting you. So, I'll let you settle in and stuff first," he responded as he shook my hand.

"Right."

He went back to his bed and turned on his music player while I resumed unpacking some of the stuff that I'll be needing. After a quick shower, I went back to my bed and was ready to doze off when Brad asked if I'm about to sleep as he propped himself up on the top bunk parallel to mine. And even if I wanted to say yes, I couldn't. I wouldn't.

Brad bid me a good night's sleep before he went back to his bed. I looked at my mobile to check the time. It was thirty past three. He kept me up for an hour as we talked about New York City, their politics and economy, and life in general. The talk was, however, delightful. In my opinion, it is the definition of an ideal conversation - spontaneous and reciprocal - he had something to say, I had something to share. Every bit of it was comfortable. Well, maybe I was a bit conscious given the glaring circumstances but nevertheless, there was familiarity. Plus, it was refreshing on my part to be able to conduct a dialogue using English all throughout. I love it and I want to get used to it. Sadly even if I still wanted to chat, I can't. He wore me out and doing it in hushed tones doubles the effort exerted.

As I closed my eyes, I realized that there must be something in the NYC air that keeps its residents up at night. There is indeed a difference but it's not really so much about it being apathetic or well, indifferent. Everyone here in the Big Apple, both dwellers and travelers alike, treat everyone else as a stranger by default. But once they meet someone whom they could relate to and bond with here, I bet they wouldn't feel the chill.

this is my new york (prologue)

8 million people reside in New York City. Every year, the metro gets about 40 million tourists. And each of them has a story to tell about their time at the Big Apple.

I have heard my fair share of those tales. Most are fascinating, stories that are so colorful and vivid that it has momentarily enticed me to want to experience it first-hand. On the flip side however, there are those that tell of recklessness, estrangement, despair and danger that abound the city.

If you think about it, there really is so much to say about NYC - the highly-stylized skyscrapers, brownstone townhouses and shabby tenements, iconic monuments, food and shopping, nature-tripping, theatrical arts, subway and yellow cabs, crime, and the plain hustle that is to be in New York City even for just a day.

I never did any research prior to my journey. Well maybe just a bit. But I never prepared an itinerary. I wanted to be spontaneous. This trip isn't so much about being in New York than it is about me. I turned my back on security and comfort when I boarded the bus four hours ago. I want to see what it's like out there. What I'll be like out there - alone, with a few million strangers. And honestly, I am scared.

In a few minutes, I shall the walk the city that many people have talked about. I will walk and watch and listen. I will be a witness to everything so I may boast about its beauty and bitch about its ugliness. I want to have my own story.

This is my tale. This is my New York.

smart don't make you cool (annex)

THREAD: What should I do to marry a rich guy?

I'm going to be honest of what I'm going to say here. I'm 25 this year. I'm very pretty, have style and good taste. I wish to marry a guy with $500k annual salary or above. You might say that I'm greedy, but an annual salary of $1M is considered only as middle class in New York. My requirement is not high. Is there anyone in this forum who has an income of $500k annual salary? Are you all married? I wanted to ask: what should I do to marry rich persons like you? Among those I've dated, the richest is $250k annual income, and it seems that this is my upper limit. If someone is going to move into high cost residential area on the west of New York City Garden (?), $250k annual income is not enough.

I'm here humbly to ask a few questions:
1) Where do most rich bachelors hang out? (Please list down the names and addresses of bars, restaurant, gym.)
2) Which age group should I target?
3) Why most wives of the riches is only average-looking? I've met a few girls who doesn't have looks and are not interesting, but they are able to marry rich guys.
4) How do you decide who can be your wife, and who can only be your girlfriend? (my target now is to get married.)

Ms. Pretty

Dear Ms. Pretty,

I have read your post with great interest. Guess there are lots of girls out there who have similar questions like yours. Please allow me to analyse your situation as a professional investor. My annual income is more than $500k, which meets your requirement, so I hope everyone believes that I'm not wasting time here. From the standpoint of a business person, it is a bad decision to marry you. The answer is very simple, so let me explain. Put the details aside, what you're trying to do is an exchange of "beauty" and "money": Person A provides beauty, and Person B pays for it, fair and square. However, there's a deadly problem here, your beauty will fade, but my money will not be gone without any good reason. The fact is, my income might increase from year to year, but you can't be prettier year after year. Hence from the viewpoint of economics, I am an appreciation asset, and you are a depreciation asset. It's not just normal depreciation, but exponential depreciation. If that is your only asset, your value will be much worried 10 years later.

By the terms we use in Wall Street, every trading has a position, dating with you is also a "trading position". If the trade value dropped we will sell it and it is not a good idea to keep it for long term - same goes with the marriage that you wanted. It might be cruel to say this, but in order to make a wiser decision any assets with great depreciation value will be sold or "leased". Anyone with over $500k annual income is not a fool; we would only date you, but will not marry you. I would advice that you forget looking for any clues to marry a rich guy. And by the way, you could make yourself to become a rich person with $500k annual income. This has better chance than finding a rich fool.

Hope this reply helps. If you are interested in "leasing" services, do contact me.

signed,

J.P. Morgan

*******

POSTSCRIPT. This was from an e-mail forwarded to me months ago. Apparently, the text was lifted from a forum of some kind. I never found the appropriate opportunity to post this until my previous entry.

smart don't make you cool

Or does it?

Not when almost everyone else is busy worshiping athletic prowess, ethereal looks and whatever is in the pop culture nowadays more than intellectual capability. More than heart, soul and wit.

Whatever happened to substance over form?

It is true though that physical attributes tend to be a lot more noticeable at first as compared to personality. But in time, if the person is funny, smart and motivated they tend to get more and more attractive and likable. The same way a very beautiful and hot person can become less fascinating when one finds out that they are lacking any good qualities other than being an eye candy. But technically they'd still be hot and pretty.

Back then, or maybe even now, during lucid intervals, I would have traded a few brain cells for some of that sex, drugs and rock 'n roll lifestyle of the good-looking-but-not-so-bright crowd. Well maybe I'd take two out of those three.

It is tempting to say that being smart is better than being pretty. But that is a ridiculous statement. It's like asking which is better between dancing and singing. Or if Mariah is better than Madonna. I so wanna say she is but I have to be fair. Damn objectivity. The two are not mutually exclusive. In fact, they can coexist to form a potent, dangerous combo. Look up blessed, and lucky.

However, for the sake of an argument, let's say that those two traits are exclusive. You can only be either just beautiful, or just smart. Never beautiful and smart.

It has been said that life’s bitter battle is won not by the fastest or the strongest or the most dashing man, but sooner or later, it goes to the one who thinks that he can.

So smart people win, yes?

Beauty fades with time. And pretty is relative - it is defined by one's self, by the people around him or her and by the media. There are standards to conform to, if one wants to keep his or her pretty.

Smart, on the other hand, sticks around. Unless something really tragic happens to one's brain. Smart people think. Therefore, they adapt to the changes. And given enough time, smart can evolve into something beautiful (hello gym, spas and GQ/Vogue!).

In the end though, either quality can get a person far in life.

Think of it this way, if you want to be the next top model, being pretty equals fierce. However, if you want to be a doctor then smart will get you places.

But then again, most doctors are pretty too. What I said, lucky.

*******

POSTSCRIPT. I've been trying to write this for ages. Finally. And it was a portion of a short chat last night that triggered me to work on this piece; even if the original idea was lost as new concepts were introduced. But whatever.

iitywimwybmad

My bus ride back to Washington, D.C., was rather uneventful but it was rather more pleasant as compared to my ride going to New York. I was the last one who got in the bus so naturally, my seat would be somewhere in the back. I sat beside a safe-looking, blond guy at the farthest row. He looks like a university student and I confirmed it as he brought out a thick, hard-bound chemistry book. Chemistry, bad memories. Bad, recent memories.

Anyway, it was a four-hour drive and I've already perused the pictures that I took in New York for three times now. I was looking for something else to distract me. I've watched, disgustingly, as the lady on my left bid that she can devour the entire apple, which she coated with peanut butter, in two bites. And she did. Goodness. This from a woman who looks like a model, body and all. But it was only a minute's worth of fun.

Then it happened again. He accidentally nudged my right arm with his chemistry book as he kept on propping it up whenever he needs to use his other hand on his mobile phone. He's been conversing with a certain "Maricarmen" thru SMS since we boarded the bus. Smiling, and sometimes giggling and blushing, by himself from time to time. Ooh, puppy love.

I didn't really mean to do it. What happened was unintentional. I accidentally read one of his messages as he held the phone at the proper angle wherein I can clearly see the LCD. The message read: "Wow. I am actually impressed for the first time. I didn't know you had it in you. This excites me."

We were both excited. But more like curious on my end:

Whatever happened to the "short" in Short Message Service? I thought that IM talk is the hotness right now for the youth of America. Well, this gave me that idea:


I remember having sat down with my brother to watch Bring It On: All Or Nothing before I left for the States. I was supposed to go hang out at the Power Plant Mall but I got caught up watching Hayden Panettiere make a fool out of herself. And even if the movie was god-awful, it was without its humorous moments. One thing that I've noticed is the blatant use of IM lingo in the movie. Definitely an obvious attempt at sarcasm.

SCENE 1:
Winnie: I am so over it, and as your BFF... (Best Friends Forever)
Amber: Oh, if we're speaking IM, you're more like a BFH. (Bitch From Hell)
Winnie: MYOB (Mind Your Own Business)
Amber: BMA (Bite My Ass)
Britney: WTF, guys? (What The F*ck)

SCENE 2:
Camille: So? Do you think I'm gonna let this barbie looking heifer come up here and talk about ma momma?
Britney: Heifer? Did you just call me fat? And I did not just talk about your 'momma'!
Kirresha: FYI, ya did. (For Your Information)
Britney: You speak IM? NFW! (No F*cking Way)
Camille: Oooh this girl just called you the 'N' word!

IMO, I think IM talk is really cool up to a point. IYKWIM. Most of the time, its attempt to simplify messages often makes it more complicated. And this may lead to misunderstandings as the message will be interpreted through another's POV. That's why I've never been a big fan of IM talk, TBH. Most of my text messages are somewhat, slightly shortened, if not fully spelled out. Unless I'm trying to fit in a novel in a three-part SMS.

IRDK where I'm headed to with this entry but, W/E.

first saturday: the benefit of getting lost

It was ten to three when I went back to Kohl's. I decided to take Ate Rita's offer to drive me down to Westfield. So while waiting for her to finish up, I continued my chat with Ate Maria while she sorted out clothes that has been tried on in the fitting room. And after a few minutes, Ate Rita walked out of the stock room and asked me to follow her to the parking lot.

"Ingat kayo ha. Basta don't be afraid to ask. Mababait naman ang tao dito and they will surely help you out. Magagaling ang mga Pilipino tandaan mo yan. Kapag nawala ka at wala ka ding mapagtanungan, tawagan mo ako. Alam mo na number ko ha," she reminded me as she bid us farewell.

"Sige po, salamat ate."

The drive didn't take long. Ate Rita dropped me off the bus stop near the Montgomery Mall. She instructed me to take the bus headed to Rockville. But she also gave me her number just in case. She apologized for being in a hurry as she will be late for her next job. Ah, the beauty that is America. Having a second, third or nth job. Multiple income. Hmmm... very tempting.

Anyway, I thanked her before she went on her way. The latter is still something that I need to think about, thoroughly.

Montgomery Mall seems promising. It is quite a big complex which houses major retail stores in the US such as Macy's, Sears and Nordstrom, and branded shops like Abercrombie & Fitch, GAP and Banana Republic among others. In short, it's a shop-a-holic's heaven. And as I walked towards Old Navy's entrance, I tried to think of valid reasons that I'll be telling my mom as to why my clothes increased exponentially upon my return. Well, they are having a clearance sale and opportunities like this should not be missed.

I found out later that most of the shops have a clearance sale as well. And even before I could find the item that I really came here for, both my hands are already carrying shopping bags which items totalled to approximately a hundred bucks. Talk about overspending. My mom will kill me. If she finds out, that is.

So before I burn my entire allowance on unimportant items, I went to the electronics department at Sears and bought myself a camera. And my new BFF shall be the reason why I'll have the grandest time here at the States. I am so thrilled. And, I only got it for around $800. It's not the latest model but it'll do.

I decided to call it a day as my wallet is now a thousand dollars thinner and headed to the bus stop. I managed to catch the Rockville bus which dropped me off at the station. However, I needed to catch another one that'll pass Washingtonian Boulevard. And that other one remained unnumbered and unknown until after I have walked a couple of miles and stopped on several waiting sheds. And even if it was still sort of bright outside, it was already past seven and the area is already getting creepy. I asked the fellow sitting beside me if he knows which bus I should ride on. He pondered for a moment and suggested that I take the one headed to Lakeforest, the bus to route 54. I thanked him and went on with my sightseeing. The joy of having bought myself a new camera seems to have a lasting effect as I did not get mad even with all these unfortunate circumstances.

The bus came after what seemed like an eternity. It was the last trip so several people are already flocking the doorway to get a good seat. And as I hopped on, the guy behind me asked if I'm from the Philippines.

"Yep. Kayo ng ate mo," I asked innocently as we sat down.

"Ate? Officemate ko siya."

Oh. "So you're also on a business trip. Where are you staying," I quickly asked trying to cover up my booboo.

"Sa Residence Inn."

"Really?" Wow. Just wow. I don't know if my eyes gleamed or anything but in my head it did, blinding and all. "Doon din ako. Kailan pa kayo dumating? Hanggang kailan kayo dito sa US?"

Our conversation went on until we have reached our destination. In that short of span of time, I've already accumulated almost all the information that I needed. Almost, except:

"Hey," I called out as they were about to enter their building's door. "I'm Mak by the way." I'll be damned if I won't be able to get their names. Or at the very least, his. It's always good to have new friends. "If you guys aren't doing anything tomorrow, maybe we can go exploring or something."

"Sige. Pero simba muna tayo ha."

"Do you know any nearby Catholic church?"

He took a map out of his pocket and smiled. "See you tomorrow."

"Right. Good night."

The day ended well. Seems like this will be a very interesting summer.

first saturday: meeting maria

I had to resist sleep. The last thing that I need is a jetlag. In this case, however it is inevitable but I might as well try to adjust to the time here as soon as possible. I have lots of things planned out for this trip and I need to be fully awake in order to accomplish them all. Of course.

So I dressed up and hurried out, all ready to do some exploring. But I dashed back to my room and grabbed a jacket.

I forgot how chilly the wind here is even if it's like twelve in the afternoon. And since I have a very low tolerance for cold, I needed a jacket at the risk of looking stupid amidst a crowd of Americans who, at this point, are wearing their skimpiest and thinnest clothes. I guess that blending in is already out of the question. For now.

The apartment is located on a semi-residential area, and a few blocks away is Gaitherburg's strip mall which consists of a movie theater, a health and sports club, bars and restaurants located by the lake, a bookstore, boutiques, and retail stores like Target and Kohl's, that provide the essential commodities and services to the town's residents.

Strip malls are cute. They're so suburban. I'm not quite sure if there is one in the Philippines unless we count outlet stores and the likes of Quiapo, Baclaran and Divisoria where retail/wholesale business establishments abound.

Anyway, I went into Kohl's first and not long after, I overheard two sales ladies talking by the shirts section. In Tagalog. Sabi na nga ba I'll meet a Pinoy here in Maryland sooner or later eh. I approached them and said hi.

"So how's the Philippines," the older woman asked as she continued folding the shirts. "Anong bago sa atin?"

"Let me see. When was the last time you came home?"

"2000."

I tried to think of something relevant but nothing came to mind. "Heart Evangelista is now a Kapuso?"

"Ah. Ayaw ko sa kanya. Sobrang arte. Kapamilya kami. Wowowee nga pinapanuod namin kapag may gathering kami dito. And speaking of, punta ka sa Saturday. We're having this dance. A sort of fund-raising project for our friend who needs to undergo chemo," the other lady replied. "Kailan ka pa dito? Mag-aaral ka?"

"Ah hindi po." Sabay blush. "I'm here on a business trip. I just got here last night. I barely had a full night's sleep yet."

"Jetlag? Nako tama yan. Wag kang magkulong sa kwarto mo. Maglakad-lakad ka. In a week's time, ok ka na."

"Opo. Ah, ate..."

"Maria. I'm Maria. And she's Rita," said the younger-looking lady.

"Ate Maria, do we have like a bigger mall, anywhere near? There's a Target down the street where I can do my groceries but like you know, stores like GAP or Old Navy and stuff?"

"Ah. You can go to Westfield Montgomery or in Lakeforest. I'm just not sure which bus you should be taking," she paused and looked for Rita who seems to have disappeared. "Tanong natin kay Ate, baka alam niya."

Apparently, she went a few racks to the left where she's now returning the clothes that she was folding earlier. "I'm off by three. If you want, puwede kitang i-drop off doon. On the way naman. Ikot ka muna tapos balik ka dito and look for me."

"Ayan. That's a good idea. Just look around first," Maria seconded. "Oh, here, get my number just in case. Do not hesitate to call me in case you need something. Saka yung sa Sabado ha. Punta kayo. They'll be glad to see you guys."

"Sige po. Salamat ate. Balik na lang po ako in case. Ikot muna."

The conversation actually went on longer than what I wrote in here. We talked about the reality that is America and compared the lifestyle of living here and in the Philippines. They gave me tips and pointers on how to go about, on how I'd be able to blend in. But most importantly, they made me feel welcome.

That's one good thing about Filipinos abroad. I've often heard how receptive and hospitable they are with the newbies who come in. I guess it's mutualistic - where each party thinks of the other as the closest, or latest thing that he or she can call home.

But I'm sure not all Filipinos are like that. I'm glad that I've come across two that are. It's just my luck.