DIFFERENT
Butterflies and Blood.
He’s always been imagining weird things like butterflies and blood together in one thought. As if they’re in any way related. As far as I’m concerned, butterflies and blood shouldn’t be placed in one concept. I argue about it like crazy because I couldn’t, for the sake of my sanity, picture a scene with butterflies and blood on it (the beautiful insects don’t even have red for blood). They’re very different from each other. They do not go well together and I couldn’t believe he’s imagining things like that. He’s not even a rocker! I frown at him while he just smiles like a lunatic and finally walks away before the pillow I throw at his direction hit him.
He paints his favorite characters on his canvass, little by little every minute and when I look again, he’s done. “How stupid is that?!” I usually comment. “What a waste of time,” I say. My tongue sticks out to him when he looks at me with his “What did you just say?!” look. After gaining back his composure and examining his artwork, he retorts back how stupid it is for me to give a damn care about his creativity. “Mind your own business!”
He insists on getting a cup of coffee from Starbucks when all I want is an iced coffee and a crepe from Café Breton to satisfy my sweet tooth. I tell him Starbucks coffee is overrated and he says, “You’re just saying that but you’re actually one of us Filipinos who’s addicted to overpriced coffee – Starbucks or not.” I glare at him and finally give in to 3 in 1 coffee. Just to be even.
He lets me drive his car once in a while even if he’s not drunk. He just slumps on the passenger seat, utter a prayer, and close his eyes while making me tell what the heck I’m doing zigzagging on an expressway. He doesn’t really act surprised when I step on the break suddenly, throwing him forward. “We’re not really in a hurry,” he mutters with a sigh, “take your time. You and I have lives to live still.” I’ll feel silly and guilty for driving his car but he doesn’t mind. Really. He just says those things because he’s trying to make me laugh (though he fails miserably) and relax. When he drives, he’s good at it but he pretends to be cooler than the usual. He swerves in and out traffic smoothly but I know he’s also nervous as hell. “You know, your mother will understand just in case we go home with a slightly scratched car,” I assure him. “Yeah, after she disowns and kills me,” he shrugs. But still, he lets me drive his, er, their car once in a while.
He also tells a joke or two but just like what I said, he doesn’t really do a joke justice. Maybe because he takes so much time in telling the joke that by the time he’s already on the punch line, I’m bored. But I force a laugh you know, just to satisfy him. But I’ll genuinely laugh later on when he laughs at himself. I tease him how corny he is. He’ll shut up for a moment, ponder on what I just said, and roar with laughter. I’m the one left looking at him incredulously puzzled. He defends himself. “At least I make you laugh and I see the sparkles on your eyes.” I keep silent for a moment and I scream, “BADUY!!!” And he laughs even more. Even if I hit him with anything within my reach, the sparkle doesn’t leave his eyes.
He’s also fond of the rain. When stuck in traffic, he’ll say “I wish it’ll rain,” much to my annoyance. Somehow, he manages to make the nimbus clouds hear his plea. When it starts drizzling in the afternoon, I blame him. And he couldn’t blame me because he knows I’m a beachcomber. I thrive in summer, in everything sun-drenched. “You shouldn’t look too gloomy when it rains, you know.” That’s what he tells me while handing me a mug of coffee (yes, 3 in 1). I frown at him and stare at the window being pounded by nature’s wrath. “And what the heck should I do with this?” I ask pointing at the darn raindrops lambasting our front yard. “Embrace it.” Before I could even give him the “What?!?” look, he has already seized me by the hand, half-dragging me to the door. Not knowing what he’s up to, I immediately set the mug on the porch table. “What the heck are you doing?” We were standing on the middle of the garden, soaking wet under the rain. He faces me and says, “Escaping! I’m escaping with you!” And he leaps around like a boy. I resisted the urge to shout “baduy!” against the roaring wind. Instead, I laugh. He takes me by the waist and whirls me around like crazy. Like crazy!
Now that I think about it, maybe butterflies and blood do make sense.
USAPAN
Usapang Bangag
I had the most harebrained night ever last Friday. I loved every moment of it.
We were supposed to go drinking a few bottles of beer but the coin decided for us – coffee. But we were like drunks anyway. So it really didn’t matter what we drunk that night. Coffee or beer or wine – whatever! We were crazy!
The conversation there was 99% weird, funny, and crazy and 1% half-weird, half-funny, and half-crazy. I can’t say “wala kami sa sarili namin.” That’s just not the case because we were usual ourselves that night. And our real selves coming together created one deadly combination.
We were like walking disasters and we vowed never to go out together again because we’ll probably die of laughter. Or maybe we’ll just take a chance again. At least we’ll die of laughter. Hahahaha!
Usapang Pagkain
I found one survey in the bulletin board and I just want to answer it because it’s all about food! Yey! Hahaha! You know, diet really doesn’t work for me. So don’t even push it. Don’t worry, I’m fasting this Lent. This survey only makes me think of food. At least I have somewhere to vent out my "hunger" instead of reaching for the real thing.
1. Fave street food?
Lots! Fishballs, squidballs (ones found here in Makati), deep-fried chicken skin, calamares (na cuttllefish naman yata instead of squid), corn on the cob (with lots of butter and a modest spprinkle of salt), mangoes (with sweet and spicy alamang), siomai (with extenders and all), and Japanese cake (love the hot, melted cheese inside).
2. Fave pasta?
I don’t usually order tomato sauce-based (red) pasta if it’s not Jollibee or McDo. I like Pinoy sauce (sweet) with my spaghetti. I’m more of a cream-based and oil-based seafood pasta person. I’m craving Amici’s seafood pasta now! Too bad, Piadina doesn’t serve their architteto anymore. Bummer!
3. Fave food pag summer?
Everything cold! Halo-halo, mais con hielo, ice cream, ala mode concoctions… but I really, really love saba con hielo! With lots of milk, of course. And, Indian mangoes with alamang! (Syempre hindi ko ‘to isasabay sa pagkain ng halo-halo! Hahah!)
4. Fave food pag umuulan?
Champorado!!! I love the version at home but when no one wants to cook, Tapa King’s champorado is good enough.
5. Fave food pag nanonood ng sine?
Popcorn from Chimara (sour cream) or fish and fries (cheese) and iced tea from Taters or hotdog bun from Smokeys.
6. Fave night-out drink?
I’m not a "night out" person. But if ever forced to order a drink, I would have to pick margarita. Frozen, with lots of salt on the glass’ rim. At sige na, isang bote ng beer (San Mig Light) na ilalagay ko sa basong maraming maraming yelo!
7. Favorite softdrinks?
Coca Cola (regular, I’m not a fan of the Light and Zero version) and Sprite.
8. Fave drink/food pag galit or pag wala sa mood?
Usually when I get up from the wrong side of the bed, I drink Chuckie (yes, my chocolatey buddy) or Starbucks’ Iced White Chocolate Mocha in the morning to perk me up the entire day. Works for me everytime.
9. Fave cuisine?
Indian and Persian cuisines are on top of my list (aside from Pinoy fare). I just love the spices, the naan and pita breads, the curry and the kebabs.
10. Fave dessert?
Anything creamy and sweet. Leche flan (Red Ribbon’s baked leche flan is yum!), Ice Cream (Selecta’s Brazo de Mercedes Special Edition ice cream and Amici’s cheese gelato), Cakes (Red Ribbon’s custard roll and Polly’s chocolate cake), turon ala mode or con chocolate (or anything with bananas on it), chocolates (Meiji Black, Curly Tops, Galaxy)… Waah! Lahat!
11. Fave breakfast?
Lahat ng -silog (especially tapsilog). Haha! Pancakes and waffles also, but not everyday. Kung on the go, McDo’s corned beef or franks meal, and mcmuffin (with all the works, and orange juice please).
12. Fave kind of chocolate?
Black or dark. I like bittersweet chocolates.
13. Fave food na iniihaw?
Bangus and tilapia, barbecue (pork, isaw, liver, chicken)...I love grilled food because it’s healthier (or at least I’d like to think so). Haha!
14. Fave food na may sabaw?
Eeek! Hindi ako mahilig sa may sabaw. Although I eat nilaga, sinigang, etc., they’re the last kind of dish I’d want to see on the table. Hahaha!
15. Best place to have coffee?
Anywhere with friends.
16. Best palaman sa tinapay?
Butter and strawberry jam (turo ni Anj), peanut butter, and tuna/sardines for loaf bread. I also love the palaman of Pan De Manila because they come in small packages that’s good to go. Their crunchy peanut butter , coco jam, herbed butter, and cream cheese are great with their hot pandesal.
17. Milo or ovaltine?
MILO! I’m such a Milo baby. I grew up drinking Milo.
Wow, I can go on and on about food. I just can’t help it! I mean, I really, really love to eat especialy when I’m out with my family and friends. My family is sort of traditional when it comes to restaurants though. When with our father, we usually go to Seaside/Dampa because he likes to eat hearty meals of seafood. When at home in the province, we go for the usual homecooked meals, which are also delicious and unforgettable. Hahaha! I’m more adventurous with food when I’m with friends because we try different restos most of the time. Aside from just being plain hungry, eating for us is a good excuse to talk, talk, and talk.
Live, love, and eat!!!
Usapang Creative
I’m currently taking my time off the serious stuff. And one way to take my mind off the serious stuff is to do creative stuff. I’m into my scrapbooking again. At least that’s what I call it though I’m really a non-conformist with this hobby. I don’t follow any rules. I just cut and paste and write. Hahaha!
SCRAP. I have lots of scrapbooking materials at home because I’m fond of buying and hoarding papers, embellishments, and stickers. This February, I made one for a dear friend. And I was surprised that it took me only one day to do an accordion scrapbook and an embellished corkboard! Hmn, time to make another one! Yey!
SNAP. And what will I do with those hundreds of photos in my drive? Well, I’m sort of "digiscrapping" them. I’m using the term digiscrapping for the lack of word to describe what I’m doing. I’m not using any digisrap stuff. I just embellish the photos with effects I find in Ulead. Ulead is one software I use for my photos. It’s so easy to use (version 3.0, that is)! I have always wanted to learn Photoshop. But there’s so little time. I wish I bugged our graphic artists to teach me but they’re just so busy most of the time. One of these days, I’ll be back - armed with Photoshop skills! Hahaha!
I was thinking of opening another blog to present my venture to the creative world but I had to stop myself for fear of not being able to continue what I have started. So I had them all in my Multiply blog (available only to my direct contacts).
I love doing something creative because it means I’m INSPIRED.
LATTE
I’m staring at the coffee cup in front of me like it was my crystal ball and I’m one fortune teller waiting for the signs, the predictions, the kahit na ano basta mukhang hula that would swirl around the glass. The latte inside the cup is swirling alright but no image is forming on the thick froth. Anything? Nothing? I forked a piece on the espresso brownie instead and popped it on my mouth.
You know how long I’ve been drinking coffee? I’m not sure. I was young then. Maybe grade two or three when my grandparents introduced me to coffee. They love this drink. Among their bottles of imported coffee (which was sent by our grandaunts in the US), they love drinking Sanka. (Sanka is one of the world’s first brands of decaffeinated coffee. Yes, the one with a bright orange handle.) I tried the black version, what my tatay usually drinks, and I hated it. I associated coffee with old age.
But I did change perspective.
Overtime, I grew to love coffee because my college friends loved it. So much that we’re having coffee nights for three to four consecutive days in a week. It started there and the fascination continued. I’m not a hot coffee drinker by the way. I love the iced varieties.
But tonight is different. I grabbed the mug’s handle and placed the rim on my lips. I sipped lightly. I realized one thing after I failed to recognize what bean I was drinking.
You know, my fascination with coffee is not really about the taste, the variety, the make, the brand, or the presentation.
It’s on what it has brought me over the years… the nights, the feelings, the thoughts, the reflections, the stories, the friends.
UNATTACHED
You shouldn’t question me if I hate Valentine’s. I DO NOT HATE HEARTS’ DAY. I’m amused. So don’t go around hating me because unlike other singles, I don’t show any resentment, skepticism, or detachment towards this day.
I just hate it when my status - single and unattached - becomes an issue that gets totally out of proportion when this day nears, and eventually comes.
Okay fine, I admit. Sometimes, I have the emotional depth of a stone. I wouldn’t even try contending this because I know that my defenses, as strong and high they may seem, never work when it comes to other people’s interpretation of me. I can agree and deny and still, they have questions and doubts. But me being insensitive and un-malisyosa is not a valid reason to judge me for my lack of attachment to a human being of the opposite sex.
What would make you stop questioning me about my choices on lovelife (or the lack of it) and finally shut up? Not all people on earth are desperate to find the perfect someone. I certainly wouldn’t go out my way to find it. Especially not right now when I have lots of things to work on. (Like having a life, for example.) Maybe some other day. Or next year. Or whenever.
I hate it when people (mostly acquaintances) pry for answers to the question "Bakit wala kang boyfriend?" Sometimes, I just smile and laugh and say, "Ganon talaga eh, wala pa." Other times, when I’m in no mood to be nice (which is probably most of the time), I retort back, "Dapat ba meron?!" I just couldn’t see the point, you know. Don’t rush me. It’s not my fault if I’m taking my time. Look, I’m not in prison and I’m not dead. Having no boyfriend is not a sin and not a curse.
I don’t really explain why so people naturally assume that it is because of chance (was that by choice or by chance?). Friends say I’m so pihikan. That I’m too choosy for my own good. Some say I’m so hard to get. Guys get intimidated when they see my so-called achievements (Hah, I didn’t know my being a magna cum laude can spoil my level of attractivene to others… tsk, tsk… I shoudn’t have graduated as one then… NOT!). Or maybe I’m plain boring. I hate the night life and I don’t go to parties (unless forced and begged). I don’t drink and smoke and get high. "Or maybe I’m just plain ugly?," that’s the suggestion I usually toss when the theories end. Can we just put it this way: It was by chance AND by choice.
Should I panic now? C’mon, I’m only 23. And that’s pretty young if you ask me (or anyone). If some people my age are now married and have children, then they should be the ones panicking. Sila yun eh. I will probabaly be suicidal if I’m the only one on this planet who is unattached. But I’m not. As a matter of fact, I know a lot of ladies who don’t have boyfriends and they’re not suicidal. They’re happy and fine.
Maybe being attached or unattached springs from the life you had and have. I’m happy the way I am because I’m happy with the people I have - supportive family, kunsintidor relatives, and fun-loving friends. I have people who support, care, and love me that sometimes, asking for one more seems too much already. Garapal na masyado.
Next time, don’t ask me "why?" Ask me "when?"
Para maiba naman. 
RED-LETTER
Because it’ll be Valentine’s in a couple of hours or so, I want to have an entry in honor of 2008’s Hearts’ Day. Yes, just because.
Mitch, Candice and I were hanging out in Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf the other night. Mitch with her yosi and hot choco, Candice with her usual hot brew and a lonesome oatmeal/raisin cookie, and moi with my iced caramel latte and a slice of triple decker cheesecake (yum!). Okay, dessert aside, we were talking about Valentine’s and how do we plan to spend it.
My answer is my answer for the past years I spent on earth, "treat it like an ordinary day." Mitch, who has a boyfriend, doesn’t like going out on a Valentine’s night. Of course. Crowds and reds don’t mix well together. Candice, who’s turning into a beet red lady refused to say it with her own words. "I want a date." Oh no, not really a date but she wants to go out in a dress. My suggestion? "Inuman tayo!" (I know, this is one of my praning suggestions!) Nothing beats a good ole’ pigging out of innards with chugs (for them) and sips (for me) of beer on a night when restaurants are filled with lovers doing whatever lovers do. (Er, please, Valentine’s doesn’t give anyone a license to go way beyond the PDA limit.)
Anyway, as I’ve told before, I maybe apathetic when it comes to Valentine’s (maybe because it really doesn’t apply to an unattached lady like me) but I perfectly understand the meaning and the hype behind this red-letter day. So, if Candice wants to go on a date, she can (and she will, go girl!). If Mitch wants to celebrate Valentine’s on another day, then she can do so. And if I want to spend the day surfing the net and writing entries or just simply eating and drinking, pagbigyan n’yo na ako.
And yes, we all want to fall in love.
Nasa timing lang yan.
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A Questionnaire…
[which I'm not fond of posting on the bulletin board.]
[01] Are you currently in a relationship? Nope.
[02] Have you ever been given a rose? Yeah, but nothing near romantic.
[ 03] What is your all-time favorite romance movie? Cutting Edge (Because I’ve watched it more than a dozen times and I still get kilig everytime Doug and Kate skate together.)
[04 ] There’s no number 4 question.. Bakit naman wala? Can I just make up a question like "Who Is Your Crush?" and answer it with "That’s too elementary, man!"?!
[05] Do you believe that everyone has a soulmate ? Hmn, hundred questions and doubts aside, yes!
[06] what’s your current problem? What to do with my life (that’s an answer, not a question).
[07] Have you ever had your heart broken? No, not yet (and that’s the truth!)
[08] Your thoughts of online or long distance relationships? They work… for some people.
[09] Have you ever seen a friend as more than a friend? With my current list of friends, nope. Haha!
[10] The person you’re with right now, do you want to spend your life with? Who’s the person we’re talking about?
[11] How many kids do you want to have? 1 or 2.
12] What is/are & your favorite colors? Green and white.
[13] Who are your celebrity crushes? Hindi ako mahilig sa artista eh. Feeling ko bading silang lahat. Hehe.
[15] Imagine you’re 79 & your wife just died, would you get re-married? Er, no.
[16] At what age did you start noticing the opposite sex? I didn’t really care.
[17] What song do u want to be played at your wedding? Marami. List to follow.
[18 ] Do you like anyone? Of course! I wouldn’t live hating everyone.
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HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY, EVERYONE!
Spread the LOVE!
