Time off

I think I just need to take some time off. Hopefully this Saturday, before the review, I could do just that.

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No, I'm not graduating at the end of the term

I hope I did not forget to enroll some subjects next term - my last academic term (I still have a full term left for my OJT though). If I did, I'm doomed.

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The fast few days have been crazy

Well, it's crazy enough for me not to blog for more than a week now. So this entry will be long, and full of random stories.

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April 30, 2007

My professor called off classes today, which left us with a four-day vacation. Great. Just when I was getting the groove of studying again, this had to happen. I hate that.

I woke up late and realize I was alone. My parents must have gone to the mall, leaving me with a few strips of bacon for lunch. I opened up the computer while reading the morning 'paper. The phone rang, and this girl from Citibank was looking for my dad.

Me: Di ko alam kung anung oras sya babalik.
Girl: Sino to?
Me: I'm his son.
Girl: Ilan taon ka na?
Me: 20.
Girl: 20 ka lang? Di nga?
Me: Uhm, oo.
Girl: Meron ka nang credit card?
Me: Yup, HSBC.
Girl: Extension ba yan?
Me: Nope. Ako yung primary.
Girl: Oh. Saan ka nagwowork?
Me: College pa lang ako.
Girl: Talaga? 20?

And then I wondered if I was already that old to be studying. I know I am older than most of my batchmates, but the tone of this girl's voice really left me doubting my studying status.

Girl: Saan ka nagaaral?
Me: Sa La Salle.
Girl: Talaga? Sa Main or sa Benilde?

Ugh. Why does everyone have to ask if I am from DLSU-Manila or from CSB? As in everyone. If I was studying in CSB, I would say so matter-of-factly.

Me: Main.
Girl: Wow. Anung course mo?

And this is when her voice started to sound a bit different.

Me: Engineering.
Girl: Ah. May girlfriend ka na?
Me: Wala pa.
Girl: Talaga? Bakit wala pa?

Now she sounds like a child ready to devour a big fat piece of marshmallow. I gave my usual spiel of why I still do not have a girlfriend, which I have already memorized for convenience.

Our talk shifted from my perpetual single-ness to my bedroom exploits, which is nil, zilch, zero, if you believe me. I would not go into further details so as to salvage the little reputation I have left.

Girl: Anong gusto mong gawin ngayon?

This is the signal for me to hang-up. Even if she sounded pretty AND perky. I still have my dignity.

Feeling weird and bothered and excited, I searched the Internet to find solace. Looks like I am not the only victim of horny sales agents.

Now this experience reminded me of a not-so-nice experience I had only a few weeks ago. I accompanied my mom to Makati, because she does not know how to get there.

As she was being interviewed by sales agents (see any pattern yet?), I stayed in the office's lobby trying to organize my impending beach getaway with my friends.

I was approached by this lanky male who introduced himself. I introduced myself as well and soon, he joined me in the sofa and was asking me questions. When I told him I'm 20, he seems not convinced. Do I not look like 20, I asked myself. And then I delivered my usual spiel about being single and all, heck I just really wanted to be left alone as I have a trip to plan and a non-replying friend who still has not confirmed if he would be joining.

He asked a few more questions, and soon, he was too close for comfort. I am not really a friendly guy and definitely not a touchy-feely person.

Lanky male: May scandal ka ba dyan sa celphone mo?
Me: Wala.
Lanky male: Ow? Patingin nga.
Me: Puro ako lang.
Lanky male: Pwede ko bang makuha ang number mo?

I sat there. Frozen. And shaking. I have never been asked for my number by a fellow male specie in that way. Ten seconds of awkward silence and all I cold mutter was

Me: Secret.

It was stupid. Dumb. Childish. But he left and never looked at me again, obviously embarrassed.

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May 1, 2007

Labor Day. Again, I had no class. But I had to wake up earlier because we're spending the day in Mount Sea Resort together with my relatives from my mom's side. It was a quick hour trip from our house to the resort, which is located in Cavite. Apparently, my relatives did not enjoy our summer trip last year to Virgin Beach Resort. No, not because the place was not nice, but because the trip was long - three and a half hours to be exact - and travelling along rough roads were not their idea of a relaxing summer getaway.

The resort was fairly clean, and best of all cheap. It was not a bad Labor Day trip at all.

I love the sea, and good thing the resort has a nice view of it.

Peaceful Hosted on Zooomr

Being the active family that we are, we played frisbee and volleyball,

Volleyball Hosted on Zooomr

billiards,

Hustler Hosted on Zooomr

rode the slide a few times,

Pose Hosted on Zooomr

and made our way through the obstacle course.

Yeehaa Hosted on Zooomr

I also swam around 20 laps in the pool. I am ecstatic about this, for I have been extremely out of shape lately.

But I made sure I had time to relax, escape from the city, and work on my tan.

Tan Hosted on Zooomr

All the activities and prolonged exposure to the sun left my body beat. Not exactly what I had in mind for a summer getaway. By the time we got back to the city, my brother had this brilliant idea of catching Spiderman 3. How could I resist a free movie?

Despite not being able to walk, my sister, brother, and I went to SM Southmall catch the last full show. I liked the movie, but I hated the ending. It was really underwhelming. It was a really long movie, but I never felt that it was a dragging one. I actually did not feel sleepy, which is unnatural of me, despite the fact that it was already late and my body was screaming to get some rest.

Due to a very bad decision I made, we had to walk to our house after the movie. That was probably the worst torture my body felt. Of course, nothing would ever top my cleaning visits to my dentist, but that is another story. Expectedly, I was a full hour late to my class the next day, which starts at 1030.

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May 4, 2007

We took our second quiz on Engineering Economy today. I was scared of this quiz because a) I did not prepare well, because I was busy looking at my friend's photos from their Puerto Galera trip, which I should have made if I was not taking this stupid summer class, and b) there is this nasty rumor that students who pass this dreaded second quiz can be counted in one hand.

It went well fortunately, but not after I had sweat buckets. The aircon of V501 (or was it V503?) needs to be fixed pronto.

Guilar has linked to my blog and posted this very flattering entry. Thanks for that - it really boosted my confidence. But even better, it reminded me that I still had to submit articles to my organization's newsletter. Check out Guilar's blog.

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May 5, 2007

Jamie left me a comment in my Friendster that she has already received my package. But I already knew that, thanks to Google Checkout's excellent tracking service. That plus the free $10 is great and all, but if only they get more merchants and offer lower standard shipping rates to the Philippines, they would be even better.

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It wasn't crazy at all, was it? It just is a huge relief for me to finally finish this entry I've long wanted to post.

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Manny Pacquiao and Final Exams

Can Manny Pacquiao record a song that does not have the word laban? The novelty is wearing off.

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I took my first final exam today. It went okay, I think (and hope and wish). Four more to go. Ugh. Was it a mistake to study in La Salle? Was it a mistake to take engineering?

Why am I asking these questions when I'm a few (hopefully) terms away from graduating?

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Out and about

The term is ending and my body is being battered again. It was Friday and I concluded that I needed to reward myself.

I was out and about after my last class which ended at 6 PM. I went to the nearest decent place I could think of, SM Mall of Asia.

I was in time to catch the fireworks. Despite having seen the shebang a dozen of times, it still excites me to an extent.

While waiting for the show, I took some requisite mall pictures.

After the fireworks, I immediately felt the hunger inside my stomach. My last food intake was the brunch I had at 9:30 AM. Since I'm trying to save dough to pay off my iPod nano, I got supper at everyone's favorite joint, Jollibee.

It's amazing how they have the guts to label themselves as fast-food when my food probably would not arrive if I didn't do a follow-up. And get this, I made the follow-up 10 minutes after I placed my order. I know Jollibee serves volumes of people but they sure can improve their service.

Their 39-ers was surprisingly good, and by good I meant it was plentiful enough to fill me up. My stomach has been empty for around 9 hours or so and I would gladly take whatever I could get. Be it shit like the lumpiang shanghai I got or not.

Feeling full and bloated, I decided I needed to take a walk. I discovered that the Bowling Center is opening on the 1st of May. That's good news! I also passed by Topman which is a must. A few meters ahead, a bunch of people were abuzzing. Apparently, the launching of Paris Hilton's Heiress perfume was downstairs.

There were a handful of well-dressed guests. I am guessing they are trying to be part of the who's who of high society based on the number of photogs clicking at them. Great! Skanks attending a skank's launching. I kid.

I saw a bunch of people huddling beside Marionnaud, and naturally I decided to check it out. I did not realize I was beside Tim Yap before doing his thing in front of the camera.

How could I possibly not notice him with that fuchsia ensemble and heavy clown-like makeup?! He was actually taller than what I expected.

I was this close to asking him for a photo, but the inner Proud Philip in me prevailed. So I settled with the stolen photo above. I left the area chuckling because my friends and I had this Tim Yap joke which I suddenly remembered. I chuckled, and left the site.

I was craving for blueberry cheesecake, and since my usual dessert haunt Chocolat does not have that, I went to Conlin's instead. They've got a small and cozy interior. While waiting, I drooled over the chairs. I want them for our house.

And looked at the paintings that they were actually selling.

I eventually decided to be seated outside. And this was how I accidentally discovered the most secluded, quiet, and peaceful area inside the Mall of Asia.

It was beside the IMAX Theater and has a great view of the Hotel Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila, plus the parking lot. This is where I peacefully enjoyed my delicious blueberry cheesecake.

Having satisfied my craving, I went for another stroll and ended up in Powerbooks. It has been a while since I have read a comic book so it was very refreshing for me. It was getting late so I decided to make my way home.

But a crazy idea hit me - I wanted to get some drinks. No, not because I saw Tim Yap, nor because I got to read a few pages of a Dilbert comic book. But because I wanted to take my mind off the disastrous quiz I took that noon. Because I suddenly missed our org's party, and well, because I missed drinking alcohol.

Off I went to Mojito Bay, where else. I love Mojito Bay!

They offer cheap drinks and even better, give 50% discounts on selected drinks. Woohoo! They actually give discounts from 8 PM to midnight, unlike a place I know near school, which offers cheaper beers at noon.

I asked the waiter which drinks were on discounts, and he mistakenly included some drinks which I remembered were not included the last time I went here. Nevertheless, I ordered a new drink - blue pineapple shuffle. It was actually greenish.

Over at the other table were a handful of Chinese men with a bunch of whores, complete with a female pimp! It was actually my first time seeing this scenario, and I was really really amused. I would've taken a picture if I was drunk. Fortunately, I wasn't. Minutes later, one of the guys handed some cash to the pimp, right in front of me. I thought how a lucky bastard I was for witnessing this.

Thus, I ordered another drink. As I was suspicious of a discount-related error, I asked the female waitress again which drinks were discounted. Yes, the shuffle was not included. Here I was trying to save as much moolah as I can by going to Jollibee, only to blow it all over a cocktail. But I was feeling happy, so I ordered a mojito.

I really love that drink.

On the street downstairs is this band performing in front of a group of seated people. Apparently, the Mall of Asia is now offering a buffet dinner with a live band performance. I do not know if I like that idea, since the band that night was playing sucky music. Heck, I caught a few couples doing some ballroom dancing on the streets! In front of dozens of people. I could just smile at their nonchalance.

Feeling tipsy (and happy), I decided it was time to head home for good. But the waiters put all their attention on the Chinese men and their bimbos that it took me years(i.e. 30 minutes) just to get their attention.

I got my bill, but it did not include the mojito I ordered. For a split-second there I actually considered to keep my mouth shut and just pay for the shuffle, but being the good guy I really am, despite feeling just a bit tipsy, I paid for the two drinks.

I headed home, just in time for Pinoy Big Brother. I slept, I woke up with a mild hangover. I felt shit. All week long I lacked sleep.

Sometimes I wonder why I continue to drink alcohol despite feeling really shitty the next day with a stomachache, headache, and muscle pain.

Because I'm weird like that.

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About the post that I can not finish

For the past few days weeks, I've been trying to blog about what has happened to me the past few week. But no matter how I try, I seemingly cannot, for the life of God, finish it.

This week I had to deal with two more quizzes. Ah yes, the sorry life of a student.

Being in university, in a trimestral university to be specific, is like being in a battle with hordes of horse-riding quiz knights pointing their spears straight at you, ready to puncture and deflate your bubble. They keep on coming, right after the other. You can hardly breathe, and yet, here comes another quiz knight right in front of you.

Okay, I'm getting a wee bit all-over-the-place here. But to be honest, the past week has left me dull. Useless. I feel like a walking vacuum right now. I feel that all the creative juices I had (if I had any) has been sucked dry by a barrage of mean examinations. Can't think, can't write, can't type. Is the calculator the only thing I can work with now?

Just when I was about to work on that forsaken blog post today, Zooomr has decided to move to Mark III. Great. After deciding a few days ago to upload all my photos to Zooomr and make it my primary hosting service, this happens to me. Oh well, I guess I have another reason to delay that entry.

I have considered completely forgetting about the past few weeks and just start blogging anew. A fresh start, that is. But the blogger in me refused to cooperate. That damn attention-whore mofo.

Before I only have academic homework. Now I have blogging homework.

And I am completely lagging behind.

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He is Lucifer

I am angry. Very angry. No, make that mad. Fuming mad.

My professor at Transmission of Signals laboratory scheduled a makeup class today. Why? Because he was absent for the last three meetings, that's why.

So I got up early, made coffee, left the house and flagged the tricycle. And then the text message came. He can't make it. YET AGAIN.

Good thing I've always been a bit tardy and was still inside our village. Or else I will never ever forgive him for canceling when I'm halfway to school.

And no, he cannot set a makeup class next Saturday and ruin my summer getaway that I've been dreaming of since last year's summer getaway. I just will not let him do that.

Never underestimate an insomniac who got up early to attend a subject that should not have been on a weekend. The same insomniac who had summer classes last year (and will have summer classes this year) and who is allowed only a two-day beach vacation each summer.

God I need some sleep.

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Post-Valentine Roll

After a lame Valentine's, I was on a roll today.

I had promised my best friend Maricar to take her to the movies today. Even though I teased her that she'll receive no flowers, I felt that it was appropriate to give her a gift. It is hard to pick a nice inexpensive gift with 10 minutes to spare, so I was sweating profusely and in panic mode.

Good thing there was Marks & Spencer, the savior that it is as always.

Of course, we can't decide where to get lunch. We ended up at Duke of York Pizzeria.

The place was cozy and well-lit.

We got the garlic & shrimp, and barbecue-something pizza.

I ordered the Queen's sampler

and she chose the Manhattan Brooklyn sampler.

The food came cold but tasted okay. I loved the pizza, especially the garlic & shrimp half. The fries looked like it came only from the supermarket's frozen section, while the cajun chicken strips were forgettable. I was not sure of her spaghetti though.

I am not sure what I was doing here. Either I was sneezing or praying.

My friend was strangely shy that day.

We watched "The Messengers" afterwards. We have this hobby of seeing together comedy films disguised as horror flicks. While others are screaming their lungs out, we are giggling at the idiotic moments unraveling before our very eyes.

She went home after that, and I attended my first and only class. But not before she toured me in her campus.

I was on a roll. And so were my grades. Rolling down the cliff they go. My first quiz in Signal Processing was a disaster.

I decided to go see the World Light Expo along Coastal Road in the hope of distracting me. But the ticket price was too steep for a student like me. I know it is pretty and all, but I'd rather waste my 300 bucks on coffee or good food.

And that is where I stopped rolling.

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Mozart Effect

That's it. Another term, another slew of botched quizzes. It hit me then that if I want to get rich and buy useless stuff later in my storied life, I better get my ass working right now.

So I've gone classical. Ever heard of the Mozart Effect? One study suggested that listening to Mozart (or any classical music for that matter) will increase your performance in class. I was THAT desperate, so...

For the past two days, I was listening to Vivaldi. Great stuff, actually. I listened as I reviewed. I listened before I slept. I listened while riding the bus. I had Vivaldi for breakfast.

Now, I cannot verify if it worked or not (I hope it did), but what I know was that I got weird looks as I bumped my head up and down like a rabid pianist. Treat this method with caution, people.

But that wasn't enough for me. Hell, if I wanted better grades I must as well feel like I could really get them. I needed to dress the part as well. So may I now present to you, Top Nerd.

That knitted jacket was my dad's way back in the 70's. Yes, it smelled like aparador.

Now I have had a few similar fashion blunders quirks. There's my "punk" phase.

I had a penchant for things cranial.

My heroes? Simple Plan and Avril Lavigne. You may now shoot me.

Next came my athletic look. I used to wear these wristbands all the time.

I even came to my cousin's wedding looking like the top seed at Wimbledon. The image still haunts me to this day. Notice the cute kitty drawing on my bedsheet. I hate pussies. Except the other kind.

Over the years, I managed to collect necklaces

and caps.

I am not promising to look like this everyday. It will just cause too much damage in my already crippled life.

Will the Mozart Effect work? The Top Dog Nerd will have to wait and see.

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