Red Shoe Diary

What is it with a pair of red shoes that is so intimidating? that seems to scream, "Exclusive!!!"

While waiting for the elevator one morning, an officemate across me was stage-whispering to another officemate, “Mamaya, magre-red shoes din ako.” She actually wanted me to hear her. I looked at her and she said, “Inggit ako, eh.” When the words sank in, I realized she was referring to my pair of red shoes.

That morning, I was wearing a thin white jacket, a black camisole top, a pair of black pin-striped pants with a red patent belt and my pair of red-and-white patent flats. Every time I wear a pair, someone would always comment on it. “Wow, red na red!” “Wow, red shoes!” I would always wonder why it never fails to solicit such comments. As far as I could remember, I have always owned at least a pair. I have had flats, mules, slip-ons and slippers in maroon red, ruby red, scarlet red, coral red, crimson red, burgundy red. Wearing red has never been a big deal. If every woman should have a little black dress, why not a red pair of shoes?

Actually you can wear it with white, blue, blue and white, blue and red, blue and black, white black and red, black, black and red, and black and white outfits. Kim Chiu can even wear it with yellow or green or orange or fuchsia pink and get away with it.

I think I read somewhere that, “There's a pair of Red Shoes for every type of woman -- unless of course, she hates red.”

My Birthday Dinner

37 na, wala nang urungan

Sept. 17. My siblings couldn't resist celebrating my birthday. Ate cooked spaghetti, Lea brought a cake, we ordered pizza.

Many many thanks to those who greeted and remembered. God bless you all.

For The Next Time

Rating:	★★★
Category:	Movies
Genre:	Romance

I finally managed to catch FTFT with my daughter over the weekend, first screening 1230pm Cinema 4 at SM Muntinlupa.

I went inside the theater with no expectations. I didn't read the reviews so I won't get biased. I didn't want to analyze it and I wasn't looking for depth or perfection. I just wanted to see Richard and KC together and I just wanted to have a good time after a hard week in the office.

KC could be better. Richard is fine. For someone who has watched Kamandag closely and has been watching his seryes (Kapuso po si Good Girl), I can say that, in all fairness to Chard (uy, tight kami), I didn't see a bit of Vergel or Grecko (Asero) here. He was, well, Seth.

For her first movie, KC's crying scenes are ok but please, in her next ones, kindly teach her the basics of cinematic crying (if ever there's such a thing). Because, even though her crying seems real (heaving chest, hindi makahinga, as in tears are really everywhere, etc), feeling ko hindi pang-movie. Dapat may subtlety. Also, I find the last scene kinda mawkish (mag-speech ba!).

Most of Annabelle Rama's wards are in the movie (even Eddie Gutierrez who played Richard's dad was there). I was waiting for her to show up as well.

Star Cinema had an opportunity to put some of its oh-so-many starlets to work. Especially the Pinoy Big Brother ex-housemates. Nah, forgetful faces and names.

Nor Domingo and Candy Pangilinan are the best. I've become a fan of Nor after watching his movie Bigtime. I'm sure you've also seen him in the Coffeemate TVCs.

I was amazed at KC's full figure. The cleavage! I loved her clear LV bag and the blue one (I didn't quite catch the tag, though).

And Greece is not a place for those with vertigo. Puro hagdan! But the sunset is spectacular.

So, did we have a good time? Hmmm, sige na nga pwede na. Naiyak at na-touch naman ako ng slight (even though I never did like Kuya Ipe). Basta, my last thought was, with a quick glance at Cae, who was also tearful (hay naku, madaling umiyak yan kahit anong movie as in "Best in Actress"), ang hirap talaga magpalaki ng anak. Whatever.

GMA Films, you're next. Make it (more) real.

Kung tayo'y matanda na (A Birthday Post)

I'm too old for birthday wishes - I am 37.   Secondly, when my father got hospitalized a week ago, I promised the Lord I won't be asking for anything on my birthday, or even celebrate my birthday at all, just spare him from surgery. This is why I've been trying to ignore my sister Lea's text asking what I want to get this year.   A few days before I got her text, I have actually been listing down some items I'd buy (if and when I have the money). The list includes: a pair of chocolate Crocs Malindi (which I have been eyeing after scoring a silver pair from Lea, although I'm still a Havs addict) or a pair of brown patent peep-toe pumps (kahit hindi branded) a pair of colored jeans (preferably purple, kahit hindi branded) new make-up (a blush stick would do) a new red belt (to go with my red shoes and to replace the old one I have) a new DVD player (actually, I wanted a Karavision but a simple player is more affordable) 4R picture frames (DON'T laugh now but I do LOVE picture frames) a rechargeable fan or lamp (in case of brown-outs. Again, DON'T laugh, it's the mom in me speaking here), and a dresser for Cae (what is Cae doing here? Isn't this my birthday list!).   Going over my list, I realize once again how easy I am to please. These are simple stuff, actually. For someone who appreciates towels, note pads, hankies, and pens as gifts, I guess I'm doing ok. Good girl di ba.   Last Saturday, while I was out with Cae, I saw a copy of Coraline (Neil Gaiman). I've been looking for one ever since I saw its synopsis in a magazine. And guess what, National Bookstore-SM Muntinlupa had both hardbound and paperback editions - and discounted at that! How lucky can you get. So that ends the search for a birthday present for myself - a copy of Coraline. Again, don't laugh now - I am truly, madly, deeply happy with it.   Lastly, my 37th birthday-thanksgiving prayer includes (but not limited to) my parents, my wonderful siblings and my two children who give me so much joy (kahit na minsan hinihimatay ako sa mga kakulitan). Thank you for my job (yes, 12 1/2 years in Insular Life) which enables me to keep my house and car, continue to support my family and do what I do best. Thank you for friends who keep me insane (I don't want to be sane!). Thank you for the bridges that don't burn, and the doors that don't close. Thank you, Lord, for loving me.

LICEANS BATCH 88…Christmas Party ’08…20 years after

Start:	Dec 13, '08
Location:	Hacienda Grefaldo, San Pedro Laguna Philippines

Alumni Homecoming and Christmas Party of Liceo de San Pedro Batch 1988.

Calling all graduates of LDSP Batch 88. Please subscribe to liceans88@yahoogroups.com for more details. You may contact Emily Macatangay-Arguelles +639222780683, Hilda Tabar-Cleofe +639173270324, Arlyn Calupitan +639062737373 or Albert Fojas +639208273669.

Caehl

in his new haircut

My Birthday!

Start:

Sep 17, '08

37 na ako

Signs of the Times (Mental Snapshots 0902)

I’m sure you got this Pinoy Signs email that made you cry (sa kakatawa).

 

Don’t enter your slipper

• By management

 

Bawal umupo dito

Setting is not allowed

• Management

 

Beware the fallen objects

• The Management

 

Si “management” talaga, ang higpit! Hanep!

 

In the office, we can’t get over this flyer which was supposed to give us tips on how to save during these trying times. It turned out to be more hilarious than a comedy flick, sobrang pinatawa kami.

 

Picture yourself with a placard bearing these lines:

 

UNSTABLE PRICES OF OIL PRODUCTS!!!

SOARING COST OF UTILITIES AND EDUCATION!!!

RISING PRICES OF COMMODITIES!!!

 

Nakakabitin hehehe      

 

Where else but in the flyer can you see pointers such as:

 

• When going to the restaurant, refrain from ordering appetizers, beverages and others. (Ah eh, ano pa kaya oorderin ko?)
• Stare at your bills every month. (Ano yun, para matunaw? At least hindi mo na babayaran noh!)
• Study at the point of your mean. (Ano daw?)
• Learn how to use a gift box. (Eh di ba mas mahal pag may gift box?)
• When going to a mall, agree on how much to spend or whether you will to spend at all. (It’s better to have loved and lost than never you will to spend at all, out of nothing at all).
• Spend at the point of your strength. Parang navivisualize ko si Samson dito habang tinutulak yung columns.
• But if you have a lot of, buy a brand new car. Nabitin ako dun ah.
• Under Gambling: Do not entrust your life to chance. Entrust your life to GOD. (Actually na-touch ako kasi may spiritual aspect. Parang ang dapat na kasunod nito, Jesus Saves. God knows Hudas Not Pay.)

 

Inside a tricycle:

Miss, gusto kita makilala

Nguni’t ako’y abala

Sa aking manibela

 

(at least, careful si driver sweet lover di ba?)

 

In a nearby village:

Junk Shop

By Eric Bote

 

(O ha, bigtime na si Bote!)

 

And since we’re on the subject, the story below is a contribution from my officemate Abi.

 

Enjoy it people. Make laugh, not war.

 

It was jazz an ordinary day. The skies were clear, the birds were chipping. Ang ganda-ganda ng araw! Nasa SM ako noon at katatapos ko lang mamili ng groceries. Timing naman nasa foodcore si Angel Locsin, nagpro-provoke ng movie nya. Grabe, andaming fans, pull-packed talaga! Dahil fans nya rin ako, nakipila rin ako.

 

Then suddenly, out of the loo, may bumulong sa akin ng: “Indaaaayyyy. ……”

Huh? It sounded like a familiar sound. Who can it be now?

“Dodong!” sigaw ko.

 

Napalakas yata voice ko. Kasi the other fans turned their backs to their behind at napatingin sa amin. Sabi ko “Sorry, I didn’t mean to be loud and proud.”

 

Hinawakan na lang ni Dodong ang kamay ko at lumayo kami from the crowd.

 

"Kamusta na Inday? Do you come here open? tanong nya.

“Bihira lang, Dodong. I’m just droppings by. Ethnic and schedule ko eh” sabi ko.

 

Memories came flushing in my mind. How can I forget to remember Dodong? Siya na may mata ni Piolo, dimple ni Aga, at bigote ni Rex Cortez. he’s every woman’s dreamboat. I was just starting my tour of duty kay ate noon nang unang makilala ko si Dodong. Contraction worker siya sa ginagawang bahay sa tapat namin.. Naging kami for a while then after that were not an item anymore.

 

“Tanghali na Inday. What did you say we have lunch together?” tanong ni
Dodong.

“I don’t mine” sagot ko.

 

Sa restaurant, nilapitan kaagad kami ng waiter. “What’s your odor sir?” sabi nung waiter kay Dodong.

 

“Do you have porkshop?” tanong ni Dodong.

“Yes sir” sabi nito. “Our porkshop with a resistance to the teeth of boast of our chef. Domestic careful selection of pork with little fat of female liking is used. The exquisite cooking which repeated trial and error and was completed. it also has healthy vegetables with salad feeling fully” dagdag niya.

 

“And you mam?” sabay tingin naman sa akin.

Hmmm… mukhang masarap yung porkshop. Pero I’m cutting down on my carbon kaya pinigilan ko.

“I’ll just have water, thanks. Liquidate diet ako eh.” sagot ko.

 

Pagkatapos kumain, nagyaya si Dodong manood ng sine. Teka teka, this is going too far. Besides, it’s a long, long way to run.

 

“Reality chess, Dodong. May asawa na ako, si Jay. As a mother of fact, I’m happily married” pagmamalaki ko.

“Di na pwede yung tulad ng dati. Sorry pero I didn’t expect you still have more feelings than I expected. i don’t want you getting the way. Past is fast. Therefore, cause and defect.” dagdag ko pa.

 

Tumahimik sya. Parang may language barrel na namagitan sa amin. The seconds that passed seemed like fraternity. Di nagla-on, nagsalita na rin sya.

 

“I don’t care less!” sigaw ni Dodong.

Shocks, give me a brake! The nerd ng taong ito para sigawan ako! To think it’s his other woman that caused our separation to part.

 

Kinabahan na ako. I felt speedbumps all over my body and was having panic attach. Tinalikuran ko siya at nagmadali akong lumakad palayo. Pero sumunod pa rin siya like a monkey on my butt. Hanggang sa makakita ako ng security guard. Biglang nawala si Dodong.

 

“Excuse me kuya, pwedeng magtanong?” sabi ko sa mamang guard.

“Of course miss, I can help you with my pleasure.” sagot niya.

“Saan po ba ang exit? Could you point me to the right erection? I got lost in my eyes.”

“Diretso lang.” sabi niya. “Then turn right anytime with care.”

“Thanks for your corporation” sabi ko.

 

Buti na lang nandun si kuya. Pero saglit lang, I smell something peachy. As I turned, nakita ko na namang nakasunod si Dodong! Delaying static lang pala kanina ang pag disappear nya.

 

“Nyahahaha! You can run but you can hide, Inday. No matter where you go, there you are!” pananakot nya.

 

Oh no, is this the end? This is too much, I feel degradable. My world started falling afar.

 

Then suddenly, Jay come from behind! Dodong was caught to the act! In the matter of minute, it’s all over. I’m out of arm’s way.

“Thanks Jay, my love. But how did you?” bago pa man ako matapos, sabi niya:

“I was in the neighborhood. Fans din ako ni Angel eh. I heard you shout but at first I didn’t give it a thought. Pero nang makita ko kayong magkahawak ng holding hands, then i give it a thought. I know something is a missed.”

 

From then on, Dodong did not brother me again. In fact, he didn’t even sister me. As in platonic at wala na talaga. Pero kami ni Jay, heto, shoot sailing pa rin ang relationship. Lalo pa ngayon, open na kami sa isa’t-isa at walang exhibitions. i feel I’m on cloud. 

 

Warning: Laughter is the best medicine.

Mental Snapshots 0901

Oh my, I really miss blogging a lot. Sometimes I wish I have a laptop and could go online anytime. I find it so tedious to turn on our PC at home, that and our slow dial-up connection courtesy of PLDT Vibe.

 

Well, the past weeks saw us paying our last respects to my uncle, Mama's youngest bro, who succumbed to heart attack at the age of 58. I remember him taking care of us when we were kids in QC while my mom was still working.  In the mid-80s, he went abroad and left his family.

 

After this, our relationship with my aunt became unpleasant and this of course affected their children, my cousins. I found this sad considering those three kids were my only first-degree cousins from my mom's side (there are four of them actually, the other one being Mama Diche's daughter who lived with us for a while). That’s why I have this certain longing for cousins. I never had a cousin who’s close to me or one whom I grew up with. Unlike my three siblings who each had a cousin-barkada.

Anyway, our plan was to have my uncle laid to rest in my mom's lot in Biñan, beside Mama Diche. But Choy (Christine), the youngest of his three children, came and requested that she be allowed to take care of her father’s burial. Choy brought along her husband and two kids. They so reminded me of her when she was young. Considering she wasn't given a chance to know her dad well, I find this admirable. 

 

Imagine, she grew up not knowing her dad, all of a sudden he’s back but he didn’t come home to live with them. I remember Choy, who was eight or nine then, with an innocent look on her face, telling us, “Pag naman nakita ninyo ang Papa ko, ipakilala ninyo naman sa akin.”

 

While we weren't given the chance either to talk much, I am happy that I saw her again. She married quite young and I'm glad that she seems to have a good life. Her eldest brother is now in the US with his family, and her Ate is now an optometrist.

Then, there's Alex's Mauban project which is burning his pockets and into which he spends most of his time and energy. Harvest season will soon come. I can’t wait for the day when sacks of rice are being dropped off at my doorstep. Rice all you can, Capiz family!

 

Cae is still not over Edward Cullen and the Twilight series. Twilight the Movie is coming to the Philippines on Nov. 20. As early as now, she’s making plans how to get to the theater as early as she could. She seems to have forgotten Ney

Dimaculangan (6cyclemind), tsk tsk. Typical of Cae. 

On the other hand, my little (or should I say big) prince is attacking his books like crazy. Caehl has grown tired of his Almanac (after mastering the 12 months of the year, the 7 days of the week, animal kingdom, Solar System, USA’s 50 states, and the flags of the world) and his books Birth of Christ and Jeremy Fisher. Actually, we were scared when for a time, he was staring at the Table of Elements. I told him, “Chemistry is for Ate Cae, not for you yet.” He’s a TV junkie. He loves MYX Daily Top Ten, horse racing, and videoke (yes, he is into singing. I hope this is not because I was so fond of videoke nung naglilihi pa ko). His current favorites are KC Concepcion, Hale’s Leap of Faith, and watching his videos in my cellphone. Below is his photo wearing Ate Cae's headbands. He puts them on, covering his eyes, and says, "I can't see." Now, he wears one below his nose while reading, and when asked what the headband is for, he says, "Glasses to read."