Tutorial Lessons...

A lot of my friends are having a difficult time posting their comments at this site. So, I thought of giving them tutorial lessons on how to go about and hit the comment section.

At the bottom of each entry, you will find:

Written By BelleWitch aka Louella Time 2:52:00 PM 2 comments

Click on the "comments" link and a new window will pop up. Write your comment on the box that says "Leave your comment".

Below the box, this is what you'll see:

You can use some HTML tags, such as ...

Comment moderation has been enabled. All comments must be approved by the blog author.

On "Choose an identity", "Google/Blogger" is the default option. Simply click "Name/URL" below it to automatically unchoose it. Two boxes will surface under "Name/URL". Write your desired name on the "Name" box and leave the URL box as it is (optional).

Lastly, click on "Publish your comment" and viola! Your comment will be posted upon the author's approval. Easy, right? How about a return demonstration right about now? Hehe...

A Peek To The Men's World...

I was so sleepy yesterday. I fell asleep the whole time Father Jun was giving his sermon. Ugh! I didn't have enough sleep the night before.

We were in Calaca, Batangas for the victory party of my husband's team. They were celebrating for winning the village league (where Mhark was hailed as MVP) and bagging the second place in the mayor's cup (where Mhark was included in the Mythical Five).

We started our journey at 2pm from our place. We had to beat the traffic on SLEx. We arrived in Tagaytay at 5pm and traveled 45 more minutes to a private beach resort in Calaca.

We were 13 people in the car. The number of the passenger dwarfed the Innova. Haha! There were 10 guys and two girls--who were also from the neighborhood. "Where are the the wives and the kids?" I asked Mhark. "Baka nauna na," he replied, both of us were thinking it was a family affair and that the family we often see at each game would be the same faces we'll see at the victory party.

So, we reached the resort at sundown. We saw more senior (citizens) guys. They offered us to have dinner first. Only then did I remember that I haven't had breakfast yet. I just ate some chips and drank Virgin Blue Cola when we had the yosi break in Tagaytay.

Just before we finished our meal, we saw a number of girls with a gay company. Uh-oh! I had a hunch that it was going to turn out bad. And it really did.

After eating, we dipped for a swim. When we came back from the beach, we were instructed to move to another cottage. The one with the videoke would be used for another purpose. Some chauvinistic purpose!

The next thing I knew, Mhark was already asking for me to permit him to watch a "show". That shed the light to all the comotions. It wasn't a family affair afterall. It was a party made "for the boys only." Ugh!

I asked Mhark if he knew how the party would turn out. He said he wouldn't dare bring me had he known. Well, that made sense. Bringing a wife/gf would spoil the fun. Hah!

I gave Mhark ten minutes to watch the show. The guys were shocked. A husband asking the wife to let him watch a stripper's show? Let alone telling her about it, man! Are you outta your mind???

Yup, guys... We're that open to each other. Afterall, I would pretty much prefer the truth over a lie which is supposed to protect me. Protect me from what?! Protect my ass! {Excuse my language... I'm making a point here!}

If you allow a man, really, he becomes more hesitant to do it. Maybe his brain started to work after getting a "yes" from me. So, I had to kid him to get some "ice cubes" for me and to take his time for him to go to the "mess" hall. After a couple of minutes, he came back. What? Can't take the sight of flabs, eh? Hehehe!

And he didn't go back until the sound system got broken and all the dissatisfied groans could be heard from the mesh hall. Storm "Butchoy" might have heard my prayers. Haha!

I thought that was the end of the dirty "guy" business. Turns out to be just the start...

Later, Mhark and I were already preparing to sleep in one of the vacant huts. But my cp battery needed recharging so I climbed out of our "bed". I left Mhark knowing that it's already past his bedtime (he usually retires at 9pm).

Just a few minutes after, I saw more girls marching toward the mess hall. Some of them stopped at the hut near ours. A couple of them even sat in the "bed" where Mhark was sleeping. I really panicked. I hurriedly climbed down from the hut where I was charging my phone. Guess what? I slipped! Got some bruises in my left leg. Waaaah! My scream woke Mhark up. He hurriedly went to my rescue. He was surprised to see company.

He just took our things and we decided to move to another hut. From the hut where we moved to, we could see some senior guys approaching the girls. They were negotiating with the gays, who were actually the pimps of the hookers.

Mhark and I really felt uncomfortable. It was something we've only heard other people talk about. It was the first time for us to witness something like it first hand. If we only had an available car to drive us home, we'd get home as fast as we could. Both of us felt morally corrupted. You see, a dirty act looks dirty from afar but it's a lot dirtier upclose.

So this is the men's world--women, alcohol, cigarettes. And for some--drugs. Scary... Sneaky... Here are the family men who looked so dignified while they were with their families and there they are doing some monkey business. They make me want to throw up!

When we reached home the next day, we were just so glad to be back home. Eventhough we were so sleepy, we felt the urge to attend the mass. We need our souls to be cleansed after being exposed to the deeds that stained our souls. And just to connect yesterday's celebration of Pentecost to the experience, I wonder where have the gifts of the Holy Spirit gone for these men. Tsk! Tsk! Tsk!

My Beloved Nanay

Happy Mother's Day to the best mom in the world!!!

The most gorgeous....

The most loving...

The best teacher in life...

The best friend...

The sweetest...

We all love you, Nanay!!!

Thanks!

Nice to know that people from all over the world and the Philippines are checking out my blog. Thanks, guys!

This is the list of the locations of my visitors:

1.) Philippines --
a) MINDANAO - Midsalip, Zamboanga del Sur; Cagayan de Oro City;
b.) VISAYAS - Cebu City; Jaclupan, Cebu; Mandaue, Cebu; Cordoba, Cebu; Iloilo City; Tacloban;
c.) LUZON - Baliuag, Bulacan; Malolos, Bulacan; Bagong Barrio, Bulacan; Benguet; Mabalacat, Pampanga; San Fernando, Pampanga; San Pascual, Tarlac; Damarinas, Cavite; Bacoor, Cavite; Batangas City, Merville, Rizal; Malanday, Rizal; Cainta, Rizal;
d.) METRO MANILA - Manila; Makati; Caloocan; Las Pinas; Paranaque.

2.) New Zealand -- Wellington; Auckland.

3.) Saudi Arabia -- Riyadh

4.) USA -- Redwood City, California; Richmond, California; San Marcos, California; Stockton, California; Baytown, Texas; McKinney, Texas; Wingate, North Carolina; Roanoke, Virginia; Brooklyn, New York.

5.) Norway -- Oslo.

6.) East Timor.

7.) Japan -- Tokozawa, Saitama.

8.) Germany -- Frenchen, Nordrhein-Westfalen.

9.) Qatar -- Doha, Ad-Dawhah.

10.) Korea -- Seoul.

11.) France -- Basse-Normandie; Genas, Rhone-Alpes.

12.) Dubai.

13.) Malaysia - Shah Alam, Selangor.

14.) Poland - Krzeszowice, Krakow.


Feels great, guys!

xoxo, ella

No Wake-Up Tickles?

I woke up this morning at 10:30am. I was so lazy to get out of bed. I know Mhark isn't home. He kissed me goodbye at 7:30 this morning. He went off to his 13 hrs review session...

When he reminded me about it yesterday, I panicked. I've gone used to waking up late and he's already up, sitting in his study table, his head--buried in the thick books he's reading. In between reading, he'd climb up the bed and tickle me in his lame try to wake me up. He'd start doing it at 7am and would annoyingly repeat the act every hour. I hate it when my sleep is interrupted. So I thought I hated it when he bugs me in my sleep!

Only to find out this morning that I badly miss it! Mhark just kissed me lightly--on my eyes and on my lips-- before he left. I was so sleepy to respond.. Where are the tickles? My body clock is erratic. It slightly woke me up at 8:30--no tickles yet? At 9:30--again, no tickles? At 10:30--wake up, sleepy head! So I forcefully dragged myself from slumber.

Why do we always realize the value of something--or someone--only when there's a threat that we're going to lose it?

So, it'll be every Friday, eh? No wake-up tickles? Until middle of June? Ugh!

Confessions of a Real-Life Gossip Girl

One of my daily routines is checking out Brian Gorrell's website for new posts. Last night, I read about Tim Yap's so-called charity event side by side KC Concepcion that happened the day after Easter. Brian even posted my pictures. The post ended up warning KC to stay away from Tim and the GG (gucci gang)--a group Bx accuses of snorting coke.

Then, I browsed thru the comment section and OMG--! One comment says that this certain reader saw KC in a party snorting coke like a pro!

Now that's a comment I found juicier than the blog entry itself. Phenomenal!

Being a self-confessed celebrity gossip girl, I quench my thirst for input daily by going to tabloid (ABANTE, TALIBA, PHILSTAR) and et (PEP, YEHEY) sites. Maybe that's the basic reason I got curious about Bx's blogspot--the scandal that involves Filipino celebs. I also joined yahoogroups that send me daily input of showbiz and even political personalities. The dirtier-darker-juicier, the better!

Some totally shocked me, especially if the "blind item" involves a personality that I truly like. Then, I learned to shrug them off me, thinking that these celebs won't even give a damn about me. Hehe! So now, I even found the stories amusing!

Being in the gossip "business" for quite a long time now, I also learned that many writers and sources of these juicy items just either fabricate or semi-fabricate them. Total fabrication is a total make-up story. 100% Lie. Semi-fabrication is a story that was spiced up to make it incredibly marketable to gossipmongers like me. So one should learn how to discern. Naks! Such a deep word for a very shallow matter.

Wonder why I waste my time on petty things like these? Well, it is a vice that I can't get away from. Haha! Just like a cigarette to smokers, liquors for alcoholics, sex for SA's, casinos for chronic gamblers... This is my addiction! I like to be updated because I find the lives of these celebs fascinating. The price of being at the top (?)... Makes me wonder if I would really like to be where they are. Well, I guess NOT! I like where I am better. An spectator... A loser who feeds on the latest explosive scandal to erupt!

Happy 4th Month To Me!

It's my 4th Month at CBB as an online english teacher! So far in my career background, my lifespan in a company lasts only for four months. And since there are no resignation letters yet at hand, so I guess, CBB is lucky enough to have broken the record! Hehehe!

I found teaching a very noble and rewarding job. Especially when I get assigned to another classroom and my former students ask their new teacher where I was. Such a heartwarming experience! And I thought my passion was writing! Turns out that teaching is!

In my four months of teaching, the students who had created an impact in my life are Amy (I really cried for days when I got assigned to another classroom...), Stone (he used to cheer me up each time), Darlene (Stone's loveteam), Hanju (I have already mentioned him in my past entry), Beckham, Lukas (she's a girl!) and Marine Boy (I mistakenly called him a "daughter" so he decided to add "Boy" to his name), among many others!

Although I know that my career path would be directed to Nursing eventually, I want to enjoy these moments and cherish the undescribable feelings that teaching has brought me. Aja!

Another Late Night Talk With Vee

I woke up really late today. 1pm! That's why I got to work 8 minutes late. Huh?! {Well, the other reason involves an explanation not suitable for public reading. Hahaha!}

I went to sleep at 3am last night. Veeya and I talked for three straight hours again about life. It's funny because we always come to so many realizations while engaged in this intellectual talk of ours.

We talked about her visit to her hometown in Davao and how good it felt to be home once again. I agreed. I felt strange because, although I miss Naga, I don't feel the same way when I go visit the town where I grew up. Maybe because now, "home" for me is a place where I am with Mhark. He is my home now.

Then, we talked about this white mocha that she tasted when she was in Davao. It was the best one she's ever had. But how can she tell? It was the only mocha she's ever had. According to her, the experience brought her to another realization. She's found the best mocha. And eventhough she knows there might be a mocha somewhere that might taste better, she's sticking with the one that she found as "the best".

Well, that made me realize that that's exactly how I feel about the love that I found in Mhark. It is indeed the best for me. And since I haven't experienced any other, I have a hunch that there could be someone out there who's better. But I'm staying with the one who I believe is the best. Afterall, it's in him where I found contentment and bliss! So to hell about finding a better-looking, richer, more intelligent, sexier and more promising guy. I'm sticking with what I have, my best "mocha" in the whole world!

So, yes, Vee! Mhark owes you bigtime. Thanks for making me appreciate my long-found "one great love" more. I'm looking forward to having another late-night talk with you--over a bulalo or a bottle of shared Mountain Dew. Hehehe!

Which Spelling TV Series Do You Like Most?

1.) Charmed2.) 7th Heaven3.) Kindred: The Embraced4.) Sunset Beach5.) Melrose Place6.) Beverly Hills, 902107.) Pacific Palisades
8.) Twin Peaks
9.) Fantasy Island
10.) The Love Boat

Post your answers and justifications in the comment section .

Thanks!!!


xoxo,
*ella*

Goodnight! (Or is it Good morning?!)

It's 12:30am... I should already be sleeping. But my body clock is again going against me. Stubborn body clock!

Tomorrow (technically, it's today) is another day to conquer. To Diane Lovelace: you'll make it in your interview, Dear! I'm positive about that. Just be yourself and you shall make it!

Funny because just about now, my husband is singing the Pido Dida themesong "Ang gusto ko, Mahal... Laging sabay tayo.. Kahit sa pagtulog, Mahal..." and I am lost in the middle of this post. I better wash myself now and climb to bed. The king is waiting. And he's pissed off because they lost the championship game for the mayor's cup this afternoon. I told him to look at the bright side. At least, their team is the second best among the 12 teams that competed. At least, he is part of the mythical five. But he wouldn't listen... For now, he's just pissed off because he could've won that game and brought home another mvp award.

Oh, he's smiling... Is he trying to seduce me? Better not! Hahaha!!! I have a very busy day ahead of me. So, he better not... Hmmm... Let's see... His smile tells me I'm not winning. He is! *wink*

Goodnight, guys! Sweet dreams, Philippines! Mwah!

The Encounter...

October 7, 1998

I was invited by my friends to sit-in in their PE class so that we can go home together. And so I did. While their instructor was giving them some instructions, my friends introduced their class officers to me by using pointing fingers.

"That's our class president," Rose said. My brows arched. I was also the president of our PE class and our Nursing Class, so I was disgusted to see another class president who doesn't seem to care about the world. He was busy playing fools with his friends at the back row, creating so much noise. I asked what his name was and Liza said, "Mhark Paiton" (I thought it was spelled Mark Payton then). I found him irritating but I couldn't help but stare. Rose noticed me and she pointed to me his girlfriend.

"And that's his gf," as if to warn me.

"Poor girl," I said, "cause I think he belongs to Edel now!"

Edel is our friend who didn't have a boylet yet... Rose had Echo, Liza had Oms, I had Mark S. then... Though those boys are not yet our bfs, we already claimed them as ours... Hehehe! Later that afternoon, we met up with Edel. I excitedly told her that I found the perfect guy for her. She laughed hard when she learned the name... She knew him because they went to the same high school. Rose also went to the same school. Edel said no girl in her right mind would hook up with Mhark Paiton!

October 10, 1998

Edel and Rose had to attend their high school homecoming. So after class, Liza and I went with them. Since the homecoming was supposed to be lunchtime and we went there at 1pm, some of their former classmates had already gone home. It was quite boring cause I barely know anyone, except for Keff, who was earlier introduced to me by Rose. We just went around the school. And as we were approaching the drinking fountain, I saw a guy in the sink... I couldn't understand why all of a sudden, my world stopped... I could hear bells ringing inside my head and I could hear a music playing in my mind: "The closer I get to touching you... The closer I get to loving you..."

"You remembered that guy?" Rose brought me back to reality. "He's the one you matched to Edel."

"So what do you think?" I asked Edel.

"He's got the looks but not the background. Hehehe!" Edel said.

After a few minutes, we decided to call it a day. So, we mounted a jeepney going back to pueblo (the city proper). It was still waiting for some more passengers. So we were kidding around. Then, at the guard house near the gate, I saw Keff talking with some guys. I thought it was polite to wave bye-bye to him. So I did. Unfortunately, Keff didn't notice me. Instead, one of his friends did. We exchanged a dozen of bye-bye's until the jeepney finally left.

Rose noticed us. "I thought that guy was for Edel. Why were you flirting with him?"

"No, I wasn't!" So I explained the whole scenario but Rose wouldn't buy it.

Later, I learned from Mhark that after the jeepney left, he asked Keff who I was. He told Keff that he was smitten by my smile and that he wanted us to be introduced. So they used his motorcycle to run after us. Too bad, they thought we headed for the university campus...

October 12, 1998

We were having our final exams. Keff went to our classroom to borrow a pen. I let him borrow mine. He said Mhark was extending his regards to me. Rose was quick to ask, "Di ba may gf sya?" (He has a gf, right?)

Keff said they were already in the process of breaking up. I don't know why but I was glad to know that fact!

October 29, 1998

Enrollment time! My other Mark was helping me out with my enrollment process. But that day, I came to school really late so I wasn't able to meet him up at the gate. And since we didn't have cellphones yet during that time, my friends and I were having a hard time looking for him. Then, at the pathway, we met Mhark with his gf. I thought they already broke up!

Rose noticed my reaction. She was quick to be on my defense. She went to Mhark and asked him, "Did you see Mark S.? He's Louella's bf, you know..." Mhark just stared at her. He couldn't stare at me.

Later, he explained that he and his ex patched things up during that time.

I wasn't able to sleep that night. I don't know but I got so affected...

The Courtship...

Do you believe in the old saying that says, "Easy to get, easy to forget?"

I don't...

Why?

Here's the story.

Prologue:

My first boyfriend, Arnel, got my answer to his proposal in just one magical night. It was a school affair when he finally had the guts to ask me to become his girl. Although, he had already been hitting on me weeks before that night, I still count it as a one-click courtship. We lasted for 1 month and 5 days... Too short for a relationship. Then I thought maybe the length of courtship had to do with it. So my next boyfriend, Brian, had to court me for four months! He started courting me on my 15th birthday [March 12, 1996] and he had me as his girl on July 16th of that same year. Result? We lasted for 1 month and 10 days... At least, it was 5 days longer than the first one. Conclusion? The period of courtship does not guarantee the length of the relationship!

My husband got my "YES!" in 6 days. Though technically, I should only count five. Here's the detail.

November 20, 1998

Mhark sent me a love letter. I was so excited about it, I read it infront of my BOO-mates and two male oldie-classmates. One of the oldie-classmates recognized him as Mr. MVP in their place.

November 21, 1998

Mhark and I talked for 3 hours at the KIOSK of the College of Education... There, we asked about each other's family, likes, dislikes and those basic stuff.

November 22, 1998

We didn't see each other. Technically, this should be counted off.

November 23, 1998

Monday... I don't remember what happened during this day but he was around me, I'm sure...

November 24, 1998

It's a tuesday... He waited for my class to finish at 7pm. He was already outside our classroom since 4pm. But he disappeared between 6:45 and 7pm. Later he explained that his ex-girlfriend asked for a talk and was asking him back. Too bad, he was already determined to pursue me. He gave me a long-stemmed rose and 3 Toblerone Chocolates on our way out of the campus. I was truly flattered. He escorted me home and greeted my mom, "Happy Birthday!"

November 25, 1998

He said he had to attend a debut where he is one of the escorts who will give the debutante a rose. So, he just walked me to the jeepney stop.

November 26, 1998

I still had no idea I would become his girlfriend on this day. My day started really early and ended really late. In between classes, he was always visible. So, that was nice. After classes, I had to attend our editorial staff meeting at The University Digest. He was patient enough to wait for me for four long hours. He was there, just at the corner of the meeting room and mosquitoes are feasting on him. Oh, such a poor guy... Surely, his hardwork has been paid off that very day. After the meeting, it was raining so hard. We didn't have an umbrella and we have to go home cause it's getting late. He took a medium-sized towel from his pocket and handed it to me. I think that was really gentlemanly of him!

Since it was already late, we agreed that he will only walk me to the jeepney stop again. While the jeepney was still waiting for more passengers to fill it up, Mhark was waiting down by my window. He suddenly said he wanted to tell me something important but it can wait until the next day. But I was so persistent that he spit it out that very moment or else...! So, he had to say the line, "I love you!"

That did it!

I got off the jeepney [surely the dispatcher was cursing our asses down because he had to call for two more passengers, instead of one]. Then I saw Mhark trembling, he thought I'd eat him for telling me so.

I asked him why he said what he said. Can he defend it? Can he handle it? Or me? We had a long discussion... I told him about my past boyfriends, past suitors and what went wrong with them. I asked him about his past girlfriends, past flings and what went wrong with them. We shared each other's passion in life, each other's expections and dreams and plans... And it took us 2 1/2 hours before he had to walk me back to the jeepney stop because i had to catch the last trip. While I was mounting the jeepney, I said, "Yes, we are..."

He asked, "What? What do you mean?"

I said, "That's it. See you tomorrow... Take care and good night!"

I saw him jolly-jumping his way to the waiting tricycle...

November 27, 1998

I woke up late. I didn't go to school that day. I don't know how to face Mhark. For sure, he would be looking for me and I didn't want him to see me.

Edel, Rose and Liza told me later on that Mhark was all smiles the whole day. It was weird because all the three of them got pissed off because I didn't show up. So they suspected I already accepted him. And they were not wrong!

Common Fashion Blunders

Before I start my article, (article daw, o? hehe!) I would like to congratulate my dear husband for bagging the championship in a basketball league in our village... I'm so proud of you, Mr. MVP... Take home the mayor's cup as well, Mahal. I'm positive that you can do it. Loves you, Papito!

*****

Common Fashion Blunders:

1. Peek-A-Boo! >>a result from wearing a high-waist panty in a hipster jeans.. such an eyesore. your panty has no business showing up unless it's the latest thongs from Victoria's Secret. duh!

Remedy >>Wear a boyleg panty when wearing hipster pants.

2. Trapped in Straps >>another version of peek-a-boo, only, it involves brassieres. this happens when you wear either spaghetti-strapped, racerback or halter tops with regular bra straps showing up.

Remedy >>Wear transparent bra straps. There are also funky, stylish straps that's worth showing off. You can also opt for a freebra. It's more convenient.

3. Jewel-Wreck >>i pretty much hate to see a jewelry and accessory mismatch! never mix silver and gold, antiques and modern nor pearls and diamonds. it totally wrecks your get-up!

Remedy >>For your wedding ring, choose a two-toned band since you get to wear it all the time.

4. Color-Coding >>don't make a traffic statement out of your fashion sense. don't wear a pink shirt and a pink pants with your pink bag and pink shoes that matches your pink hair accessories. uh! no more elaboration needed.

Remedy >>Try to match some neutral colors to contrast to your main motif for the day.

5. The Pot At the End Of The Rainbow >>i'm actually just talking about people who love contrast so much that they apply it to their fashion sense. they pledge to have all the rainbow colors present in their everyday get-up. shocks! i need an eyedrop for this one!

Remedy >>Contrast works if you mix dark colors with lighter shades and remember to have a maximum of only 3 different colors in your outfit.

6. Snow White >>the super pale people who only wear whites and other neutral colors. boring is synonymous with ordinary.

Remedy >>I'm not asking you to be superbold. Just add a little color to your apparel.

7. The 5 Minutes Of Fame >>costumes that are seasonal. nothing's wrong if you want to look like the models in the fashion magazines but remember, most of these clothings are either not suitable to your kind of lifestyle or not practical at all.

Remedy >>Always keep a set of basics in your wardrobe: the little black dress, a pair of jeans, nice-fitting shirts and some accessories that you can easily mix and match.

*****

Will be researching further on this issue so I can add some more fashion blunders and remedies in my next post. Extra Tip for today: Invest on sexy undergarments because it's easier to feel sexy and beautiful if you know you are wearing a nice pair of undies!

A Tribute to Mr. Aaron Spelling...

Browsing through my past posts in my blogs (I have four), I chanced upon a post entitled, "I Want My Cole Back..."

Nope. I didn't have a boyfriend named Cole. Hahaha! Cole was a character in my all-time fave tv show, "Charmed". He was vanquished by the charmed ones because he was a demon. But he was also the love one Phoebe, one of the charmed ones. I even pleaded to Mr. Aaron Spelling, the producer of the show, to revive his character and prove that love conquers all. Well, there's a knock from reality there. Sometimes, love just isn't enough...

Going back to Mr. Spelling... I searched his name in wikipedia to know what he's currently brewing... I haven't seen new shows with his label, "Spelling TV" on it...

Then I learned that he died more than a year ago... I became sad. I don't know why. We didn't have the chance to meet in person but... He touched my life! Looking upon his accomplishments, I realized that most of the tv series that I have learned to love were his production.

One is the famous "Beverly Hills, 90210" where we loved the twins, Brandon (Jason Priestly) and Brenda (Shannen Doherty) and their friends: Kelly, Dylan (Luke Perry), Steve, Andrea, Donna (played by Tori-Aaron's daughter), Valerie, etc.

Another is "Melrose Place", a spinoff from Beverly Hills where some characters would cross over from the two shows. We adored Heather Locklear here who played Amanda. My fave lovers here are Billy and Alison. Some notable characters are Jo Reynolds, Jake (the biker hunk), Matt (their gay neighbor), Dr. Michael Mancini and wife, Jane. Later, Michael had an affair with a fellow doctor, Kimberly Shaw. It had a lot of twists and turns and more exchanging partners.

One of my most unforgettable series is "7th Heaven", which became a family affair that even my Mom and Dad would watch with us every Saturday night. It's a story about a family whose head is a pastor, Rev. Eric Camden. His wife, Annie bore him 7 kids: (Dr.) Matt, Mary, Simon, (Rev) Lucy, Ruthie, and twins--Sam and David. To add to the family's big number is the lovable dog named, Happy.

Other notable productions of Mr. Spelling: the vampire soap opera, "Kindred: The Embraced"; the horror serial drama, "Twin Peaks"; a cruise ship-set series, "The Love Boat", visiting the mysterious, "Fantasy Island"; and the soaps, "Pacific Palisades" and "Sunset Beach" --a worldwide phenomenon hit where his son, Randy, played a minor role.

So, thank you, Mr. Spelling for these shows which have partly molded my personality. You left a legacy, Mr. Spelling!

DVD Marathon...

Long weekend! It's Children's Day in Korea on Monday so we get to enjoy 3 rest days straight. Spent the 1st day enjoying a dvd marathon of one of the tv series that I really got hooked to: Prison Break.

I already finished the first two seasons. So I'm in the third season now. Up to the last... And now I'm waiting and hoping for a fourth season. I'm quite addicted, eh? Well, yes! My husband and I are quite addicted to it. For once, we agreed on something. Haha! Such a rare incidence in our daily lives: to have the same choice.



Well, it was his idea that we buy a dvd copy of the said series after learning that it involves some sort of floor plans. He, being an architecture grad, got curious and was really bugging me until I finally gave in to buy a copy of it.

While watching the first few episodes, I even fell asleep. I didn't find it interesting plus the sight of prison and prisoners wasn't that appealing to me, you know. Until I caught eye to the handsome Michael Scofield... Haha!

The series turned out to be have an appeal. Brilliant script! And I love the pacing... And adding some spice are the interesting characters of T-Bag (Theodore Bagwell), Fernando "Sugar" Sucre, Lincoln Burrows (Michael's Brother), Former CO Brad Bellick, Former FBI Agent Alexander Mahone, James Whistler, among others. And the interesting and sizzling women: Gretchen "Susan B." Morgan, Sofia Lugo, Dr. Sara Tancredi and Atty. Veronica Donovan.

How a structural engineer plans the escape and evades the deadliest men.

Watch out for season four! Sara is making a comeback. Turns out that her "beheading" was just a ploy...

I Got My Voice Back!

After five weeks of struggling against a hoarse voice and delivering a good class to Korean students, I finally had my voice back! Whew!

Thanks to my kind TL (team lead) who assigned me to classrooms that provided me with ample time of voice rest and less stress. Thanks, TL!!!

I had been in a state of paranoia because of the doctor's preliminary diagnoses during my appointment with them. I swear I really regret why I didn't go immediately to a specialist (ENT) and instead, set and appointment with general practitioners. Ugh! Can you believe that the two doctors on duty in a lying-in clinic said they had to rule out a case of hyperthyroidism and a possibility of laryngeal fibrosis. Ugh! I panicked... I don't want to experience what my sister, Leda had been through. I've seen how hyperthyroidism had almost killed her spirit!

But being too familiar with the disease, I wonder if I really am inflicted of it. I don't feel any palpitations and I didn't lose weight (I even gained). The only thing that's changed in the past few weeks is my appetite. That's because I thought I was pregnant so I programmed myself to eat more for the baby's sake. Turns out to be another false alarm so I'm back to my old "no appetite" self...

Then I did some research over the net and also did some browsing through my books... Turns out that the higher incidence of thyroid issues leading to a hoarse voice is hypothyroidism and not hyperthyroidism. And in my research, I have reached a conclusion that I am just having another case of chronic laryngitis (because it has already hit more than 3 weeks) and that I need only voice rest..

Voice rest... And I thought I was already that sick! Those incompetent doctors have raised an unnecessary fear in my heart. Hah! Sometimes, it really pays to go to a specialist rather than incompetent general practitioners who lacked research on certain diseases.

Anyways, I am just glad I had my voice back and I promise never to overuse it again. Thanks goodness!

When Love Begins...

We saw a movie once again! After five and a half months... The last time we saw a movie was on Christmas day, to support the MMFF. And now, we picked a Filipino movie once again. I used to be very picky with the movies I chose on movie houses. It's very seldom that I see a Tagalog movie. But I feel like the Philippine movie industry needs support and so, this is my way of supporting them. Hehe!

When Love Begins... A romance flick which brings back memories of our (Mhark's and mine) earlier moments together. You see, for relationships which has lasted this long (we're turning 10 in November) with practically spending almost every day of it together, things get as casual as they can possibly get. There are even times like I feel as if we're siblings. Huh?! Gone are the corny sweet moments... But we can see that the love and care are still there. It's just that the romantic side of the relationship needs heating up. And movies like the one we saw help in heating it up.

On the way home, we talked about the first time we saw each other. I told him again about the song I heard in my mind: "The closer I get to touching you... The closer I get to loving you..." He said he got glued to my smile. And that he wanted to make advances to me right then and there. A feeling that he hadn't felt for other girls. Hehehe! Iba talaga ang dating ko. Nakks! Then we talked about the moment we realized that it was love. Haaay! It's such a nice feeling to bring back the raw feelings... And to look at how time has deepened and strengthened those feelings...

Love begins when you least expect it. If love will deepen... That depends on how both parties work things out. My favorite part of the movie was when Mrs. Caballero (Boots Anson-Roa) said: "Sa simula, kayong dalawa lang. And in the end, kayo pa ring dalawa. Kaya sa pagpili ng mapapangasawa, dapat bestfriend mo. Dahil ang romansa, nawawala..."

I'm glad I married my bestfriend!

Rest Day!?!

Esor, so sorry, dearie. I wasn't able to text back last Sunday. Izza didn't confirm if she was coming to our supposedly "date". Plus the PMS really knocked me down the whole day! I planned for another date which was supposed to happen today but Izza couldn't make it. I'm really sorry, sweetie! Maybe I will find the courage to text you and I hope you hadn't left yet when I found it.

Vee, welcome back to your real world! I haven't downloaded the photos yet. I couldn't find the USB of my cellphone. And I'm so tied up with Mhark's errands. I'm his newly appointed secretary. The man hasn't registered his design firm yet and he's got me working for him already! Ugh!

Today's been a lazy day. Nothing big has really been accomplished but too many good news arrived! Whoah! Something big is going to happen towards the end of this year and I am so looking forward to it!

Question

I started my day checking my friendster for new messages, new comments and new friend requests. I approved some friend requests and one new comment. Then, I read two new messages. One came from Carding, a former colleague at Convergys, who was asking me where I am working now. The other one came from a stranger who had this subject: QUESTION.

I curiously opened it, thinking it was another forwarded message that I will be dumping to the trash bin as soon as I see its content. But I was wrong...

It had a question: Are you really married? Because looking at your pictures, you look like single to me.

Initial reaction? Flattered. Then I started to become annoyed. Why? I often get this kind of comments from people who hardly know me. They immediately jump into conclusions by just basing on the way I dress myself. Some even think I'm easy because I somewhat look liberated for the standard of some.. Narrowminded little a**es!

I love to dress sexy. My husband has even gotten used to it already. It makes me feel good. But that's just all about it. No other motives about hooking up with some guys or whatever. I'm quite contended with the man I am with for more than 9 years now. Not looking for any other.

It's a nice feeling to be noticed, to be praised. But I don't let the air go up in the head. I treat appreciation from both males and females equally. So for those guys who think I'm easy -- try me! And for girls who think I'm slutty -- eat your hearts out! Nyahahaha!

Ouch!

Monthly period is one of the things that I dread and pray to miss but it really comes regularly. So when I got pregnant, I was ecstatic because it would save me 9 full months of menstrual cramps. But my ecstasy was cut short because after only three months of missed periods, I had them coming again. Less regularly this time but equally painful and dreadful.

I completely stopped taking medications because I developed dependency and tolerance. At first, one pill could kill the pain. After 6 months, I had to double my dosage because one pill isn't effective anymore. And half a year after, I needed three pills to achieve a pain-free day. And then, it started to become scary. I am becoming dependent to it. So I decided to tolerate the pain as much as I could and resort to home remedies like hot compress and no-salt diet. It worked for a while but then the pain grew more and more intense.

Now, in the middle of the class, I felt intensity 10 of that pain. So I decided to give in. Just one pill... I need it to be able to concentrate on my class...

And, viola! The pain was gone. I was able to go on with my ADL's like it was an ordinary day. No first days were! Hehe... Now, my only worry is that I might become dependent to these painkillers again. Addict! Whoah!

Saying Goodbye...

"See you next year, Mom! I love you. Take care of your health. Don't forget to apply the hot bag every time you can. Call me often..."

Two hours sleep. Five minutes more of physical touch. I just wanted it to last forever. I wanted to just stay there hugging my mom. Smelling her natural scent. Feeling her warm touch. I'm just loving the moment. And then, it was time to break free!

Going home was the hardest part. Finding the house empty.. Good thing I had to run some errands so it can buy me time. I wouldn't feel sad that much. I will be kept busy the whole day and throughout the night.

And so I enrolled my nephew at La Salle Zobel School til 12nn and rushed to the office for a 1pm meeting. Then worked til 11pm. Huh! I hadn't noticed the time. Sadness hasn't sinked in yet. My mind is just so tired to think after lacking sleep and having to spend an exhausting 21 hours!

After sleeping for six hours, I woke up the next day feeling so down. There it is... The feeling of emptiness again. I wonder until when I would have it inside..

I hate goodbye's. I always have. Whether I am the one going away or I am the one left, I feel the same weight of pain. The simple sight of an airplane can send me to tears without much effort.

Sometimes, I wonder why do we have to leave? Why can't we just stay? Why can't I just gather all the people I love, put them in one container and then bring them with me wherever I go without having to worry for their fare, etc? Absurd, huh? But that's just how I think.

Maybe I will outgrow this one. Maybe I won't..

BabyKillers: GTH!

I don't know how someone could come up with the idea that I could have killed my own child, in my womb.

My friends knew how I support the ProLIFE advocacy with my heart and soul. When people come to me to ask how to get rid of an unwanted child, I deliberately give them the name of a 'pampakapit drug' named duvadilan. The one I took for myself when my OBGyn told me that my baby wasn't holding on too well.

I abhor abortion more than a massacre. Because I feel for the innocent who is unable to protect his life. I feel for the angel who could have grown up into a fine young man. I feel for the blessing who could have completed a mother's life! I feel for the Creator who feels rejected for the gift He handed a parent who is not ready to face the consequences of his/her action.

So when I lost my child. I cried hard. Is this what I get for advocating against abortion since I was 10 years old? Why is it that other mothers, who hurt themselves intentionally just to get rid of the life in their womb, were still blessed to deliver a healthy and live baby? Why do I have to suffer the pain of losing a gift? Am I an unfit mother? Are my experiences with a nephew whom I mothered for four years still left me an unfit mother?

Upon analyzing all that has happened right after my miscarriage--the destruction of my relationships from three people who killed innocent babies--led me to realize that the loss was not for me to feel at all. It was for these babykillers. And God made sure that I break away from these people before I could have another baby--one whom I will deliver healthy and alive. A baby that these babykillers would not enjoy as their own.

Hah! The realization didn't come early. Had I known that He was just preparing me for the perfect situation, I would have not shed tears for the loss of these unworthy people. I would have celebrated for every minute of it as I am now. Once realization hit me, I was able to enjoy my life better. I get to live life fuller.

And so babykillers, you can now rot in hell for all I care! I'm not hating, I'm just so happy that you're all out of the scene. I hope the babies don't haunt you in your dreams... They maybe too young to know... They may only be a blood to your eyes... But they have soul and in death, their eyes were opened! So, goodluck on own peace of mind!

Missing My Hometown...

JUST A THOUGHT:

I miss the laid-back life in the countryside though I have also learned to love the adrenaline rush in the city. I miss Naga, its people and the superstitions we used to see as "laws" that if we break them, we'll be doomed. I miss my innocence, my ignorance and my youth!

My innocence. Yes, in my whole stay in Naga, I was innocent the whole time. I haven't known a man's touch then. I had boyfriends but I didn't get intimate with any one of them. {Hahaha! As if there were a lot of them! I only had two past bf's.} Another point of innocence. Back then, I chose not to mind the people who sabotaged me or those who spread bitter gripes about me. I believed in the principle: What you don't know won't hurt you. So it was my friends and allies who took the battle for me because I chose not to fight back against these detractors. When I transferred to Zamboanga, I only had myself to turn to. I didn't bring along my fans with me, you know. And these chavacano bullies really unleashed the little monster in me. Haha! That's when I learned to be vigilant of the people around me. I wanted to protect myself from these bullies who were good at backbiting as well as face-to-face slandering. So, I let go of my innocence and ignorance.

When I was in Naga, I was too trusting. Since we know everybody in the neighborhood, there is no reason to be cynical and paranoid. We know we could trust our neighbors. But that's not the thing in the city. The people who always show their nice sides could only be putting on a show. So I learned to be careful, cynical and sometimes, paranoid. I opened my eyes and ears, and I always wear an alert mind even in sleep.

My youth... I miss it. I was active in the academic subjects, in extra-curricular activities and I still had time for friends and church. That's because there were no tv's, no laptops, no malls and no traffic jams to waste my time on. There are only my school, other schools, community projects, beauty pageants, and church organizations to be busy about. I could stay as late as 4am the next day and still manage to wake up as early as 7am, just in time to attend my classes. But now? I see to it that I get at least 6 hours sleep or I'd get foggy the next day. Technology and smog are really toxic to one's state of mind.

Although opportunities are endless here in the city, the amount of joy that the simple life of my hometown is incomparable. I wish I could spend at least 2 vacation weeks back in Naga by next year...

Genie, are you there? Can you please grant me this wish?

Another One Late Night...

It's nice to be missed! Veeya and I had another late night chit-chat at the Bulalo Stand in Boni. Up until past 1am... But this time she did all the talking, most of the time. Hahaha! I was adviced by my doctor not to talk too much. Imagine?! I CANNOT LIVE BEING COMPLETELY SILENT FOR ONE SOLID HOUR! Especially when I'm with chatty friends. I admit, I am not that good of a listener. I'm better at talking, talking, talking... Silence is just not my thing. So all these ideas flowing freely in my mind right now? Well, I put them into writing. But it's quite frustrating. My mouth is faster than my fingers. Ugh!

So a lot of ideas are still currently floating in the clouds of my thought. I wish I could pop them like balloons!

So please understand if I have some sort of flight of ideas these days. Because that will be in me until I completely get my voice back and the swelling of my throat stops and I can speak as much as I want again. Then I can go back to my old self with limited ideas hanging in my head because most of them were already spit out. I am so dreaming for that moment to come soon, more than anything else in the world right now!

Well, back to Veeya and mine's date. Hehe! Shoo-shoo homophobics. Hahaha! Seriously, Veeya really enjoyed the night because I didn't interrupt her at all --or did I? Maybe a fewer times than in the past nights. Hahaha! You know how a conversation between two wise girls could go from one topic to another. All of it interrupted at one point. Mind you, we do not recycle topics but it seems like we still have so much to talk about. Now, that's what you call a conversation!

One of our topics was about us both being addicted to blogging these days. She's currently conceptualizing a post with the working title: "Poisonous Sperm". It would be about "doing it" too early and destroying what could have led to "forever". Hehehe! So Vee thought of drinking the poison gradually to make her system numb that it couldn't harm her anymore. So I said that if it were only a virus, and not poison, then maybe we could apply the concept of vaccination--introducing a small amount of weakened or dead virus to get the system to produce antibodies so that when the body gets exposed to the real disease then it won't get sick anymore because it has produced enough antibody to fight the infection. So maybe we could change the title to "Viral Sperm"? Uh-oh! It doesn't sound good. So maybe we should stick with the original title. So how can you drink the poison and not get harmed by it? Here's what we came up with: an antidote. Right? Every poison has an antidote. So I hope that Veeya could figure out what that antidote is. I am so looking forward to reading her next post. Haha! I got it linked in this site. Please click: Veeya Melgazo under "SENSIBLE BLOGGERS".

Flattered...

I just checked my friendster account to see new posted bulletins, viewers meter, new friend requests, new comments and new messages.

I was surprised at what was waiting for me at this site. Although I am not happy with my viewers meter to-date, I have fewer visitors this month than last month. (Can you believe that my stats reached more than a thousand in March?) I think that that has something to do with my primary photo. Haha! Last month, I posted a more seductive photo of mine wearing a swimming attire. But now that I changed it into something where I was wearing a conservative outfit... Where have all the cowboys gone? Hehehe!

Now, the bulletin... I got somehow annoyed at first because one of my friends re-posted my personal post, "LETTING GO..." Hey, that's plagiarism! But upon having thought it through, I came up with rationalizations that led me to a feeling of flattery. I'm flattered, Nykki... Peace! Hehe! Maybe you thought that was a forwarded, re-posted article coming from a brilliant website or something. Hehe! That was me actually pouring out my latest feeling toward my in-laws. I'm letting go of the anger and resentment... I forgave... But didn't forget! Hehehe!

Then I checked out my new comments. Wow! (That's all I could say!) Well, read and see for yourself:

* ejay
* Posted 04/21/2008 11:30 pm
* Ei!bin waiting for ur next bulletin...pls. dont kip us waiting,marame kng reader d2.if i may reveal,hehe.la ng buhay ang friendstering,boring...my rgards to mark n ur family (if u cn as wel xtend my rgards to marks family,beter.bt am afraid 8s a nop.hehe..neweis,pls tel mark to upd8 me bwt hs status 4 bord exam...GOOD DAY AHEAD...ciao.

# Qurrataini
# Posted 04/21/2008 11:05 pm
# hello weng..

I am a nurse by profession but a journalist by passion and a teacher by vocation!

nice ang site. at least now, may isa pa akong pagkakaabalahan basahin this summer ^^ Journalist ngang dating ah! hehehe anyway... {have a nice day! -graphics}

O, di ba? This is the life!!! Hahaha!

Messages... Well, this was sent a few days ago, but it still lingers in my heart:

From: Jenifer
Date: 04/12/2008 6:31 pm
Subject: bulletins
Message: Hi der! I enjoyed reading the bulletins you posted. Interesting gad le!.. Ingatz. God bless

What a way to start your day, di ba? I feel like I'm a little Brian Gorrell... Hahaha! Maybe that's why I got hooked to his blog. Because I have been in his shoe. Even before he had been.

So, thanks for making me feel good today, guys! Now, here comes the pressure to feed you with bulletin posts regularly.. It's nice to know that a lot of people took notice of my writing. Thanks again!

I'm Back, Students!

Aaaaaw! It's so moving that some of my students really missed me!

Hanju, one of our problem studes, had logged in using my name. Haha! He had always been a pain in the neck. He loved messing up the screen, pressing the control key continuously when his mic was not working and clicking the laser pointer when it was being used by the teacher. He angered other students and wrote Korean characters--this is a big no-no!

One time, I logged in early. He was already in the cyber room, messing up the screen. When he saw my name appear, he typed, "uh-oh!" and a startled smiley. I told him to continue what he's doing since the class hasn't officially started yet. But once the class starts, I would have to clear the screen and he should stop drawing. He agreed. While he was drawing, I typed on the text box, asking him if he was tired. I know how some of my students were coerced by their parents to attend the class even if they were exhausted from school and the academy. The academy means the piano, flute, dance, taekwondo, ballet and many more lessons they have to take. Hanju didn't reply. I added, "Hanju, I understand that it's your exam time this week. All of you may be tired from studying but I want you to be considerate of your fellow students who want to learn, okay? I know you are a kind student but you are just tired. So I hope you would take a rest so that you would behave in our class. Is that possible?" He finally replied, "You are a very kind, Teacher Ella."

That did it. He hadn't bullied anyone in my class since. He would even give stars to everybody, including me. Wow, that's a transformation! After a week, I was transferred to another classroom that doesn't cater to him. He asked his new teacher where I was. Now, that's something.

Teaching is so rewarding especially if you put your whole heart to it. So the four days that I have been away felt like hell. I missed the kids... I missed the challenge... I missed editing our modules... (peace, module writers!) I missed my colleagues... And now I'm back!!! So welcome back, self!!! Hahaha!

Talkative?!

My voice was hoarse since March 23rd. The day after the Island Cove adventure with Mhark, Ato and Vee. I decided to have a check-up only last Tuesday. And the doctors noticed a lump on my neck. Now, that needs a lot of diagnostics first before we can be sure what it is. And I'm getting nervous. I really hated doctor's appointments. You'll never know what might be wrong with your body and it kinda scares me.

Anyways, back to how my voice got hoarse. When we were at the pool, I was able to gulp a lot of pool water (imagine the amount of urine I drank!?!) during the slide experience. You know how chlorine and urine can become corrosive to your throat. The next day, I got a sore throat and a mild fever. I didn't bother to self-medicate. I thought household remedies could do the tricks.

The following week had been stressful at work. There were so many students and we lacked teachers. So we had no break time and we had to open a lot more classrooms! So I was talking 9 straight hours with unruly students who keep messing up with the screen and writing Korean characters... Aaaaaaaaaaaaah!!!

But I didn't want to take a leave because I know how it would affect the others teachers if I didn't report for work. There were times when my voice would get better and work was not that stressful. But when I'm close to healing, there goes another classroom crisis again! Oh, no!

And so, I had to have a voice rest for 3-5days. I'm on my 7th day and my voice is getting better. Tomorrow is another battle to face. I hope we have less stressful classes this time. Please! Just for one more week so that I can have my voice back!