Happy New Year!

If how you start your year is any indication of what you are to expect for the entire year then it is both good and bad for me. Good because I spent the entire day sleeping and eating. Bad because with all the eating that I did, it will be impossible to keep off the unwanted weight.

I have been successful in sticking to the Abs Diet program until December 24 when I purposely put it on hold in preparation for the binge eating that the holidays bring about and eat I did.

We had dinner at my uncle's house where they served a truly gastronomic fare consisting of kani salad, rib eye steaks, crustinis, ice cream cakes, and cupcakes by sonja's. I had a more than ample serving of each and back home before the clock stroke twelve, I had another meal, this time with lechon, chicken barbecue, buko salad, sapin sapin, leche flan, and ube.

Conspicuously missing are my mom's delicious buko pandan and the usual grilled liempo. The next day was a mere continuation of the binge eating that I did. Add to the list the suman and the bars of chocolate that I had in between meals. As if it's not enough, we trooped over to the Fort to buy Krispy Kreme's and McDonald's rice burgers.

I'm giving myself till the end of the first week of January to resume the program that I put on hold. Till then, I'm enjoying myself with all the trans fat that I am consuming.

Frenzied Saturday

Spent the later part of Saturday evening at Rockwell watching Kasal, Kasali, Kasalo. An enjoyable breath of fresh air to my already stifling day.

At the behest of my aunt, my sister and cousin accompanied me to the mall, otherwise, I would've watched the movie alone or worse, be a third wheel and chaperone my brother and Chill.

During the earlier part of the week, I originally planned on going out with a friend. Come Wednesday, I was about to cancel since someone ordered tickets from me and his only available schedule is Saturday. Gladly, being that Em-J will be in Ortigas that day, he took the responsibility of delivering the tickets. As it turns out, both cancelled the last minute. Thus, I found myself alone on a Saturday night.

I really don't have a problem with that since I enjoy solace however being that I was so preoccupied with tons of things, I don't think that being alone that night would've helped thus I decided to make new plans and fast.

My point for this post is to encourage you guys to catch KKK cause it's one movie you won't waste your hard-earned money on.

(Could there be anything more disorganized than this post? I think not! Forgive me, I'm having trouble sleeping, thanks to the cup of coffee that I had before going home.)

10 reasons why you need to watch Zsazsa Zaturnnah Ze Muzikal

Carlo Vergara's comic book heroine comes to life at the CCP once more. Zsazsa Zaturnnah Ze Muzikal is already on it's 4th run and you're someone who is not interested in theatre. Why should you watch it?

Here are 10 reasons why.

1. Original filipino musicals are hard to come by and here's one after such a long time that's really really worth it. You are all familiar with songs from Miss Saigon, Les Miz, Phantom of the Opera and oh so much more! We boost of great Filipino talent, one that can equal the greatness of the musicals playing worldwide. Support it.

2. The musical is already on it's 4th run! Clamor for such show that it runs multiple times in a span of just a year more than speaks for itself.

3. Again, it's already on it's 4th run. If you missed the first three runs, there might be no more chance to catch it again with almost all of the original cast reprising their roles.

4. The musical had four nominations and two wins at the 19th Aliw Awards. A win for Best Musical and and a win for Best Stage Actress.

5. The musical is affordable! Only in the Philippines can you find great musicals and plays at such a price. If it doesn't encourage you to try to watch the shows mounted here, I don't know what will. Case in point, the cheapest tickets for NVC's Aspects of Love that ran in Singapore is priced at P2500. More than double the amount of the Reserved Orchestra seats when it was staged here. (That's by the same company ha)

6. It is playing at such an intimate theater. Eula and Agot upclose...and it's really really close.

7. If you're straight, ladies at their sexiest. What's not to like? If you're gay, it's camp. You're bound to like it, oh and there's Dodong's noodles too!

8. It's a socially relevant musical. You take home more than just the laughs.

9. No bad reviews. What more can you ask for?

10. Most of the people who've seen the musical went back to watch it again...and again...and again!

Convinced?

Zsazsa Zaturnnah

Zsazsa Zaturnnah soars once more at the CCP!

Tickets already available!

TV Fanatics

A friend of mine, Caren, recently introduced me to Peekvid and it quickly became my favorite website!

What makes it different from YouTube, you ask? Go ahead and click on this link and find out, but if you prefer to read on, that's ok.

Peekvid is home to streaming tv shows so you don't have to wait for the local UHF channels to air the next season of your favorite tv show to find out what happens to Sawyer, Kate and Jack. What's even better is that you don't have to download the files so it doesn't take up a lot of space in your 10GB hard drive.

But wait, there's more...it's also home to some of the famous asian tv dramas so you can watch My Girl all you want without having to go to Quiapo to get a copy of it. They even have the first few episodes of Maging Sino Ka Man so if you're dying to find out how Bea and John Lloyd came to be, now's your chance.

Selle! The third season of Desperate Housewives is already there! Happy watching!

One for the Camera

Having loads of fun at the QM Christmas Party!

Croc's

I went to Rustan's last night and saw the Croc's display. On a whim, I decided to purchase one for myself thinking that I deserve a much better pair than the sorry excuse that I was wearing. I failed to consider the fact that I won't be able to wear it to work because it's rubber! So, I'm still stuck with my tired looking "converted slip-on".

Oliver and Clarice both mentioned that the pair that I got looks as if it costs not more than Php 200. It made me start to think if it was really worth it especially after they pointed out that tons of similar looking pairs are available at just a 16th of it's regular price?

Rob was the first one who introduced the special shoes to us a few months back since he badly needs it for his work being that he is usually on his toes. I admit that I was not impressed with the design because it looks like something that you can buy from Divi but I was convinced otherwise after trying it on. Cheap looking or not, I guess it's the comfort you can't really put a price on.

Christmas Wish List

I don't usually receive a lot of gifts during the Christmas season partly because most of my relatives and some of my friends believe that upon reaching a certain age, one should outgrow the practice of being in the receiving end of gift-giving. Nonetheless, I'd like to post my wish list.

1. Night by Elie Weisel

2. A Pen - I already received one thanks to the QM team

3. Hot and Cold Thermos

4. 2007 planner - I already gave my sister my Starbucks planner since it is way too bulky

5. Dream Jungle by Jessica Hagedorn

6. Sneakers

7. An Obagi set

8. Walker's Butter Shortbread Cookies

9. Caramel Cake from Estrel's

10. Monster Shirt series from Zara

11. Measuring Cups and Spoons

Can't think of anything else as of the moment. Any gift whether it's on the list or not will be highly appreciated.

High School Musical

For fans of mainstream musicals, tickets to the stage adaptation of the Disney hit "High School Musical" are already on sale now! The show is scheduled to run from Feb. 23 - 25 at SM Megamall with Karel Marquez in the lead role.

One for the Camera

Just another day at work.
Finalizing plans to attend our Christmas party.

24 Season 6 prequel

The recently released DVD boxed set of 24 season 5 has the prequel to the sixth season. As all 24 fans know, the 5th season ended with Jack Bauer abducted by the Chinese government. If you're dying to find out what happens, go check it out.

Abs Diet

We went to Fully Booked at Rockwell last Sunday and I found my way down their "Health" aisle, an aisle I don't normally bother going to. Glaring in it's neon orange light is David Zinczenko's The Abs Diet. Now, though I claim to be already ballooning in weight, diet is not something that I am remotely interested in particularly because of my lack of discipline. Also, because of my schedule, I often find myself just eating one meal a day. I thought this should be enough to keep my weight in check.

I picked up the book and the very first claim that I saw was the fact that eating just a meal a day is not going to keep the pounds off. On the contrary, the effect is just the opposite. There are other interesting things in the book such as alternatives to junk food whenever you feel the crave. An example would be to pick up a bar of Snickers instead of Three Musketeers if you feel like having a chocolate. The Abs Diet is a simple plan built around 12-nutrient packed foods that should be included in each of the 6 meals that the diet requires one to eat.

Now, a little daunted by the price at almost a thousand bucks and the realization that I'll never follow the diet anyway, I returned the book and left.

Two days after, I already have my own copy and I have to say that I am enlightened. More than capitalizing on weight loss, the book also focuses on trying to eat healthier without restricting yourself to difficult to prepare meals. The author also hesitated in having the word "diet" attached to it because "it's been twisted around to mean something that you follow temporarily" as he aims to have this program used by everyone for life.

If you are on the look out for a great weight loss program, try to check the book out. There is also a program online that you can follow for $9.99 a month. I also checked the forums and the reviews for this program have mostly been positive. Albeit easy to follow, I will not give my word to the very very few people who read this blog that I'll adapt this diet due to the fact that the lure of Tim Tam's and McDonald's shakes are too irresistible for me but I'll try.

By the way, there are several "The Abs Diet" books out there so it might be confusing as to which one to get because they all look similar. The parent book "The Abs Diet - The 6-week plan to flatten your stomach and keep you lean for life" is the one pictured above. The other books are supplements to guide you in preparing your meals and in doing the exercises because the parent book only has a week-long sample of what you can eat.

Sassy Girl

I have been part of the "Sassy Girl" phenomenon. I remember Jaz persuading me to watch the DVD. Not a fan of Koreanovelas, I wouldn't give it the time of day but am I glad when I finally gave in because it was enjoyable. I ended up like Jaz persuading others to watch it simply because I wanted to share the "experience".

I guess the phenomenon is not limited here in the Philippines because Vertigo Entertainment, producers of "The Grudge" and "The Lake House" has acquired the rights to Sassy Girl. Playing the leads are Jesse Bradford and 24's Elisha Cuthbert. The screenplay will be penned by "Bend It Like Bendham" screenwriter Gurinder Chadha. (Incidentally, she will also be directing two tv successes, "Dallas" and "I Dream of Jeannie")

Apart from Sassy Girl, Vertigo Entertainment has several adaptations in line. One of which is the Philippines' very own "Sigaw".

Harry Potter Fan

WB already released the teaser to the 5th installment of Harry Potter and I am excited. I didn't like the book much but I guess it would translate better on screen because of the exciting fight scenes.

Harry Potter Order Of The Phoenix
Uploaded by Mediabom

Fleur de Lys

Feeling extremely bored and craving for coffee late on a Saturday night, I asked my sister out. We went to Fleur de Lys, a dessert place in Tomas Morato that Choy recommended almost five years ago. (Despite the fact that I used to live just a few blocks away, I never got around to visiting the place. I finally got to try their food just this year with Glenn while looking for a not so ordinary coffee place.)

Falling in love with their dessert waffles, we went back the following day. The waffles were great, both the dessert and savory ones. We had the bacon waffle and for the dessert variety, we had the mangoes, banana, and the one pictured above, strawberry. (If you're not fond of strawberry jams, skip it.) In fact, it's the only complaint that we have. The waffle was already heavily soaked in the syrup, making it really sweet, that my sister heaved a sigh of relief after finishing it. The rest of the waffles are really good. For the banana waffle, they used peanut butter as their syrup. How imaginative is that? The mangoes and cream had caramel syrup, defintely my favorite.

We also tried a couple of their cakes, pictured above is "Joaquin and Fleur de Lys" their own version of a chocolate mousse. I might be mistaken but I believe I read in their menu that this has a hint of Bailey's but I was not able to taste it. This is a little plain for me, it kind of tasted like KFC's chocolate mousse but it's still good. It doesn't leave you with the heady chocolate taste.

The place is affordable, coffees are priced from 95 - 125. The waffles from 100 - 150 and cakes from 90 - 125. This is a great alternative from the very commercial coffee shops around. If you're in the area, make sure you drop by. They are sharing the same building as Popular bookstore and Belo's. Hard to miss.

We'll definitely be back.

Boob Tube Addiction

Being a self-confessed TV addict, here's what's been keeping me happy these days:

Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip - The best new show of the season. The greatest news: It's been picked up to run it's full course. Yey!

Boston Legal Season 3 - Though Parker Posey stayed on for just an episode after the premiere, Craig Bierko made up for it. The series is still funny.

Desperate Housewives Season 3 - Way better than last season's almost non-existent storyline. "Bang", their 7th episode was hyped up but it lived up to the hype. I have to say that it's the best episode thus far. I won't say more to avoid spoiling it for those who haven't seen it yet.

Lost Season 3 - Though I believe that it already deviated from what the original mystery was, the latest installment is also better. Way way way better than last season's.

Heroes - NBC's breakout hit is interesting and exciting. Though another mystery is already too much for me, I still watch this show if I have the time.

Prison Break Season 2 - My interest for this show is already waning. The storyline is already stretched thin and the twist on Holly Valance was just way too disappointing.

Bedridden

I got out of the hospital last Friday but was still in a lot of pain the past few days that sitting in front of the computer for more than 15 minutes is impossible.

Apart from the pain, my stay at The Medical City was a pleasant experience. Everyone at the hospital, but one, was friendly. This helped in removing the atmosphere of being in one. The nurses took time out to ensure that I was as comfortable as possible. The headnurses from the ER and the floor also visited to see if there was anything else that I needed. It was a small gesture but one that is very much appreciated. Food was also good. We actually looked forward to every meal that is served at the hospital. A far cry from the usual hospital fare that looks and tastes bland.

It would have been the best experience had it not been for the technician who took my x-ray. I was in a lot of pain and can barely stand but he did nothing to assist me. He probably enjoyed the fact that I was wincing in pain trying to manage to walk to the x-ray table, how much more getting on top of it. Sweet revenge for rousing him from his sleep? Oh well, you can't have everything.

I am also thankful to Clarice and Ruby who stayed with me at the ER from 2am till 11am, nevermind if they have people waiting for them. To my sister and cousin who stayed with me day in and day out trying to get by with as little sleep as they can manage and also to Oliver who stayed during my last night to let my sister and cousin finally get some rest.

I was instructed by the doctor to stay in bed for two days straight. It was not as boring as I thought it would be but I got addicted to Pinoy Dream Academy being that it was on more than once daily.

Exhausted

I don't and haven't claimed to be the best. Having been in the call center industry for almost 5 years now, I still believe that I have tons to learn. When I started out as an agent, I used to think that managing a call center only entailed making sure that your agents show up to work properly trained. I have come to realize that there is so much more to the call center industry than that.

I just hope that people in upper management, most especially those that don't have any experience running a call center, be as accepting and as willing to listen to inputs from others who are more familiar with it's intricacies and limitations.

Grrr!!!!!!

I am appalled.

I don't usually write about things that irritate me, I usually run to Jencarps who (whether she likes it or not) would listen to my tirades. More often than not, after talking to her, I would be more collected and calm and would not give the matter any more thought but in this case I am willing to make an exception.

I have found myself threatened by two people I barely even care about. (Threatened in the cheapest sense.) Please. I am shocked by the brazen way you two uncaringly spit out the words "Ipapatumba" and "Ipapapatay" when I did you no harm.

The first threat happened so long ago and I have chosen to maintain my silence all throughout the many more dramas and verbal spews that I have heard. The recent one when that person said "Kaya na nya kong harapin?"

Such gall! May I remind you that you accused me of lying when I told the truth. You tried to twist the story to make me look like a liar and my friend who I have been honest too suddenly had the tenacity to question my integrity. If I choose to keep things from you about my personal life, that is my right. Again, let me remind you that we're not friends. I don't have to tell you things. I will skip the fact that we found out that you have been accusing me of things which you yourself have been doing. Now tell me...baka ikaw ang dapat mahiya.

The second threat happened just recently while I was quietly minding my own business listening to Valjean belting. Please please please! You don't even know me! The saccharine sweetness that you're fed is only an eighth of a sugar coated rotting pie.

Mas marami kayong paguusapang dalawa. Leave me be.

Five Weird Things About Me

I was tagged by Selle to list down 5 weird things about me. (By the way, everyone who answered this "weird" meme started their post with almost the same line.)

I am having difficulty coming up with my own "weird" list because I don't tend to do things differently from others and if it's a widely accepted practice done by almost everybody, it is defined as normal, right? Ummm...I don't really mean that, I just can't think of a paragraph to start this post.

1. I like things to be really organized that I need an organizer to organize my organizers. Really. For instance, I have several notebooks at work to keep track of what I'm doing. I have one for internal trainings, one for my to-do lists, one for process observation notes, one as a scratch whenever I feel like doodling, and on top of that I still have a journal.

I also come up with all sorts of trackers, quick links, and folders in the shared drive.
With the intent of keeping things organized, it usually becomes more disorganized.

2. I'm not a music fan so don't ask me about the latest releases. However, if I hear something that I like, I can listen to that song repeatedly for days on end.

3. Similar to Selle, I have my own weird way of eating one of my favorite chocolates. Twix! I start with eating all the chocolate and caramel and save the biscuit for last.

4. I love cakes...but when I dine out, I really have difficulty choosing which cake to try that I end up not buying one. In fact, I haven't bought a slice of cake in ages. Nevermind if I salivate daily over the displays at Goodies & Sweets and Coffee Beanery on my way to work.

5. Lastly, I love expired chocolates. All chocolates have the same distinct taste when it expires that I just can't say no to. In fact, the chocolate drink of a famous coffee shop became one of my favorites because it tastes just like that!