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Thursday, April 26, 2007

[ a taste of pampanga ]

GOOD GRIEF I HAVE SUCH A CRAVING FOR HALO-HALO!
I want one!
V
V

Last April 22 I had 'em twice. Ang init parin so I want more!

Kasi nung April 22. Sunday yun. Kakain sana kami sa Chowking pero walang halo-halo dun. So sa Max's nalang. Ayos lang yung dun. Masarap naman.

Then mga 6 PM nagbrownout. Sobrang init! Nakakainis nga kasi summer na tapos ganun pa. Yun tumawag yung dad ko sa mga motel, kaso mahal. Kaya pumunta kami sa Town. Nakita ko pa nga si Charmaine eh. HAHA :p

Did you know that Nigel Barker is coming to the Philippines?
May 11, 6 PM at Alabang Town, Activity Center

Check nalang the posters. I'm not sure about the time and date eh but yeah, he IS coming.

Well anyway, siyempre alam naming bukas na yung Razon's dun. Kasi dati, naadik talaga kaming lahat sa halo-halo ng Razon's kaso malayo (sa Robinson's Galleria) kaya minsan lang. Tapos nagbukas sa ATC. So yun. Yung pic nasa taas, kuha lang yan sa Google. P60 lang isa. Nakakabusog na yun.

TRY MO HA!!! Ibang-iba talaga ang halo-halo nila eh. Want more? Click HERE.

"While yet it is cold January, and snow and ice are thick and solid, the prudent landlord comes from the village to get ice to cool his summer drink..."
- Henry David Thoreau

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chLoe was here at: 3:48:00 PM


Monday, April 23, 2007

[ summer reads ]

I'm guessing you're pretty bored right now, and since I couldn't fit this into yesterday's post, I'm putting it here.

Whether I'm at the beach, on a road trip or in a hotel, I always bring an interesting book with me. Because we're in the middle of summer right now, I thought I might post my good ol' list of summer reads.

Forever in Blue: The Fourth Summer of the Sisterhood by Ann Brashares
Rating: * * * * (compared to the previous books)

When we went to Laiya last Friday, I brought my new book along. It was called Forever in Blue. the fourth and last book in the Sisterhood series by Ann Brashares. I say it's a great read for this time of the year because the stories - Lena's, Carmen's, Bridget's, and Tibby's - all take place in summer. This book was released last February and it's quite new, so there are still no paperbacks available. Hardbound copies cost a lot - mine was P689 from Powerbooks in the Mall of Asia.

This book chronicles the last adventure of the Sisterhood before they go off to college. I've always been a big fan of them, and I was sad to see it finished. I have the other three books and they make great reads too. But we're talking about the fourth one here.

Bridget flies off to Turkey and meets a guy named Peter. What happens to Eric? Lena is in Providence and falls for Leo, who is in her art class. But she can't forget what Carmen warns her about: as soon as she forgets about him, Kostos will show up. Is there a chance he will? Meanwhile, Carmen herself is being invisible, but gets discovered by a casting director. There is a test of friendship involved. And Tibby lets go of somebody she loves, only to find out she can't.

The Pants make their rounds for one last summer before the girls say goodbye. Is this the end?

Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech
Rating: * * * * *

Salamanca Tree Hiddle is on a summer road trip with her grandparents to find out what happened to her mom. Along the way, she tells them the story of her friend Phoebe, and not until the end does she realize that she's part of it as well. She recounts her life from when she found out her mother wasn't coming back and what events happened that led to that. A lot of kilig moments involving Ben Finney, one of her close friends.

I can't summarize the story properly! But because it's that good, the book was awarded with a Newbery Medal. It's one of my pinaka-favorite books, and it's going to be a movie soon!
Playing Phoebe Winterbottom is Carly Schroeder (Matt's friend Melina in Lizzie McGuire). I don't know who plays Sal.

Fanfic @ FanFiction.Net and FictionPress.Com
Rating: * * * * * (depends on the story)

Obsessed about a pairing? Love that 'ship? Can't get enough of your favorite show? Why don't you try reading fanfic - short for fan fiction - stories made by fans just as obsessed as you! There is a wide selection of reads here, from oneshots to chaptered to poems. If you read enough, you learn the lingo! You might even try writing one yourself (I have. HA, HA.)

FanFiction has specific categories, and characters. You can find stuff more easily here, because it's sorted by category. FictionPress I think is managed by the same people, only this is a bit different in the sense that it's more YOU. Less organization, and you can post your own thing here. It doesn't have to be a certain TV show or movie or book. You can post your autobiography, for all I care. So if you are looking for loads of great stuff to read, get 'em here!

Live and love summer! And books! Try trading some good reads with your friends - it'll give you something to do. Go to the beach! Take your book with you! And of course, don't forget your iPod. :P

"All ignorant that soul that sees thee without wonder"
- William Shakespeare, Passionate Pilgrim 3

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chLoe was here at: 9:31:00 PM


Saturday, April 21, 2007

[ beach weekend ]

You know who you are. You said we should be on trips by now. And you were right.

We went to the beach yesterday (by the way, this is an edit post, in case you noticed). Initially it was just a road trip to Batangas, because my dad had a hearing there and us girls - that's my mom, my sisters and I - were just in for the ride. Pero the day before we left they told me we might be going to the beach. THAT SOON? WAIT. I wasn't prepared for that. I need an advance warning for things like that. Besides, wala 'ko sa mood nun.

But there was nothing I could do; you couldn't reschedule a somebody else's hearing for the sake of your own mood swings, so there. It took us seven hours to get to Batangas. Mind you, if it's a beach, it should be on the tip of an island. So seven hours. We got lost along the way and wasted about an hour's journey in Batangas City, which by the way was in the OPPOSITE direction. By the time we got to the resort I was extremely bored. Ilang oras ka ding nakaupo sa kotse, no?

And then there was the beach. At first it didn't look like too much of a beach. After lunch, my sisters and I went to explore. I think I was in "the mood" by then. HA, HA.

So you're asking, where is this beach? It's at the very end of Batangas. If I tell you I went snorkeling in the Mindoro Strait, you should believe me. It's that far. The place is privately-owned, I mean a resort, but the beach is public. If you get what I mean. It's called Laiya Coco Grove, in San Juan, Batangas.

Which brings me to my next point. Would you believe, there are four pages of pictures of LCG on Google? Well. Anyway. Most of them are misc, but there are a few good ones too. There's even a website: HERE. Hm. So the mountain at the right side of the beach was Mt. Daguldol. Hm.

A lady showed us a cottage and we were asked by our parents if we wanted an overnight stay, to which we said Kahit ano (any of which), our usual reply. So we stayed!

Only me and Arielle and Nadine actually went in the water. We built sand castles, etc. etc. I swallowed sea water, etc. etc. ...

And soon it was low tide. And I mean LOW. Because the shoreline had receded to about ten to fifteen feet, and what was once there was not. I was struck to think that we had been swimming in among seaweed, sand crabs, hundreds of tiny snails, and many other little creatures of the sea. My mom and I spent some time on the non-beach looking and poking at them. The water left was dirty, there was a lot of mud, and seaweeds - brown, mushroomy ones - formed a line on the boundary between sand and sea.

And so after several hours in the sun, during which Nadine collected a variety of shells, I climbed a lookout post on a coconut tree and cursed for fear of going down (SH*T!), we explored the stretch of beach that was the Coco Grove, and wrote our names in the sand, it was finally time to settle. Our family was the only one on the entire resort (excluding the happy campers in the lone tent on the beach), and it was good, because it was quality time with them 'rents and sibs. Since we had not originally planned on staying overnight, we had leftovers for dinner - cold chicken and all. But it still tasted good.

There were strange marks on the sand, like that of a little ribbon snake, extremely thin and loopy, and since we were the only ones there, I got kind of scared. But never mind, because morning came soon.

By then the water had risen a little. The ocean was beautiful. But! The peace was destroyed soon after, because a lot of people came. It was a large prayer group from Antipolo and they held a little Mass on the beach, which was fine because...

We went out into the sea. Sigayan Bay to Mindoro Strait. To think that it was only a strait and you could see Mindoro and Puerto Galera (another of the more popular beaches here) on the other side! We were on a boat with those things on the side to maintain balance - like we did before in San Fabian, Pangasinan when I was seven, the first beach I ever went to. There were two guys with us. One was Mang Nardo, who controlled the engine, and the other I don't know who.

Last night I had already decided I was going snorkeling for the experience, and I knew I could potentially be scared. But today I just went and jumped off. At first I sank. My head went below but I wasn't scared at all. I put on the mask and went in again. And brought some salt water in to my nostrils. Again and again I tried, and failed. I was always getting salt water in - nose or mouth. Finally the other guy told me to blow. BLOW AND SUCK. KEEP THE TUBE ABOVE THE WATER. Okay. So I clung on to the ladder at the side of the boat, and went in again. So much better.

I can still remember what I saw down there. When I tried Googling pics of coral reefs, I couldn't stomach it. Because what I saw down there is something you can't see in a picture, something you have to experience yourself. The depth of the sea - fifteen to twenty feet I think; the magnificence of the colors of the fish - blue, violet, bright yellow, zebra-striped; and the size of the corals - the size of a bedroom - was absolutely breathtaking and awe-inspiring. Very beautiful.

But like I said, you can get overwhelmed. Sometimes you can't stomach it. I was both at the same time, in awe and overwhelmed. This is a strait! Very small compared to the actual sea! And yet - very deep and rich in marine life. I always made sure to keep something familiar in view - the underside of the boat, my sister's foot - so I wouldn't get too scared. Fish were all around, the corals were below. And I have to admit this: I got kind of freaked. But don't get me wrong. It is absolutely beautiful. If you ever go to Sigayan Bay or Mindoro Strait, never forget to snorkel. It's an experience of a lifetime, and you won't forget it. Can't even describe it, because it will always be more than words can say.

Moving on. Back at the beach itself, you will probably see a lot of vendors peddling their wares - "Ma'am sampalok kinse lang" - but you watch out for the pearl vendors. They are mostly Badjaos, and they sell genuine pearls, straight from the sea, at only P100. How much of a bargain is that?

If you talk to them, they might even show you the oyster shell where pearls are just beginning to form. There are black ones, and pink, and blue (South Sea pearls I think), and of course white. Just think: a pair of earrings and a ring made of REAL pearls for P100. Plus you'll be helping the Badjaos. Sinisid pa nila yan para sayo! :))

Going back to Manila took only four hours this time, and we saw Christopher de Leon campaigning for vice mayor or governor I think, but for now, boy am I tired.

"Moral indignation is jealousy with a halo."
- H. G. Wells

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chLoe was here at: 8:13:00 PM


Saturday, April 14, 2007

[ confirmation ]



My sister was confirmed today. Pic/s - finally!

In pic: Me, Dad, Adrie, Diane and Mom

"And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit."

- Acts 13:52

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chLoe was here at: 4:54:00 AM


Tuesday, April 10, 2007

[ benedict loves you! ]

Hahaha...basahin niyo to nakakatuwa...chinat ako ni Benedict tapos nagkwento...close kami eh! XP

benedict: Hi Celine!
benedict: I just found my crush on our section
me: yeah?
me: roselyn?
benedict: U got it
me: and so?
me: what happened when you found roselyn?
benedict: I just fell in love in our swimming party last month
me: and then?
me: how?
benedict: I just.... saw her so gorgeous.... u're with her on that pic posted on yahoogroups ryt?
me: yeah..
me: ehm benedict, what about ashley?
benedict: Uhmm.....she's still my crush but roselyn is for 27 ok?
me: okay..
me: cno pa naging crush mo sa 27?
benedict: Uhmmm........ Besides roselyn, my life-long friend in Neopets
me: isabelle?
me: hahaha >:)
benedict: Roselyn is very gorgeous in her summer outfit and so is Issa
me: what about the others?
benedict: Roselyn is the most gorgeous in our swimming party why?
me: who are your past crushes in 27? :))
benedict: Uhm....can't we talk about the past crushes cuz ALL THE GIRLS FROM 27 IS GORGEOUS! [thank you, Benedict]
me: yeah who are they?
me: i mean your past crushes?
benedict: from....
me: 27?
benedict: Uhm.... can't remember
me: who can you remember.. anyway..?
benedict: my favorite pic there is you and roselyn (who's d 1 wearing a blue bathing suit)
me: yeah and so?
me: why, because roselyn is there?
benedict: yup
benedict: and she's gorgeous when she wears that outfit
me: yeah?
me: you should've seen her in PE swimming classes..
benedict: Uhhh.... I wish I could recieve a kiss from her but still on that outfit
me: why?
benedict: cuz...... if i cud remember... she's d only 1 wearing a blue bathing suit
me: yeah..
benedict: so..... what makes u agree
me: with what?
benedict: the thing bout my crush
me: she's wearing blue, i agree with that.
me: anyway.. who are your past crushes?
benedict: uhmmm..... issa, i think
me: and?
me: kei? julia? nina? louine?
benedict: r.... still accepted
me: which one?
benedict: kei.... i think
me: oh okayy.
benedict: uhmmmm.... can i copy the pic between roselyn and u?
benedict: or... u hav a pic of Roselyn?
me: yeah sure
me: ehm.. i'll just send you the pics in your email, alright?
benedict: sure
benedict: i just like roselyn's summer outfit
me: oh okay
"Either he's dead or my watch has stopped."
- Groucho Marx

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chLoe was here at: 1:39:00 PM


Wednesday, April 04, 2007

[ give it to me ]

I am obviously writing this on a late night. I am obviously harried. And you obviously understand that.

LDN - Lily Allen
You just have to love Lily Allen. She's an outspoken, sassy lil miss. You can tell by her songs. This one showed all that. "When you look with your eyes everything seems nice, but if you look twice you can see it's all lies."
Give It To Me - Timbaland ft. Nelly Furtado and JT
Three of my favorite artists in one song! How cool is that? Not crazy about the video though. Haha. "If you see us in the club, we'll be acting real nice. If you see us on the floor, you'll be watching all night. We ain't here to hurt nobody, so give it to me give it to me give it to me. Wanna see you work your body, so give it to me give it to me give it to me."
Candyman - Christina Aguilera
Xtina's tribute to the Andrews Sisters. Love the marines thing and the music. It has a 1920s feel to it. Sweet! "Tarzan and Jane were wingin' on a vine. Candyman, candyman. Sippin' from a bottle of vodka double wine. Sweet, sugar, candy man."
Grace Kelly - Mika
This is kind of funny, but it speaks for itself. Kaching! "I could be brown, I could be blue, I could be violet sky. I could be hurtful, I could be purple, I could be anything you like."
What Goes Around Comes Around - Justin Timberlake
The thing is, I just don't like Scarlett. I love the song though. Remember Alicia's "Karma"? The lyrics go - what goes around comes around - don't they? This song lasts around seven minutes. "Is this how we say goodbye? Should've known better when you came around, that you were gonna make me cry."
How To Touch A Girl - JoJo
Who doesn't love JoJo? Her voice is amazing! After two albums though I thought her songs were getting quite repetitive - same beats, if you know what I mean. This one is different. I like the style and the music on this thing. "You'll go far in this world if you know how to touch a girl."
Collide - Howie Day
Can't get enough of this. I've played it hundreds of times in a row, and have heard it on The Perfect Man movie. "I'm quiet, you know; you make a first impression. I've found I'm scared to know I'm always on your mind."
All At Once - The Fray
Gotta love The Fray. Their lyrics are amazing, the piano is unique, plus Isaac Slade is a great singer. That's what makes them my favorite band. I especially like this song (after getting tired of How To Save A Life and Over My Head). The last part is what really got me - listen to it. "Sometimes the hardest thing and the right thing are the same" - how right of them.
Cold As You - Taylor Swift
I'm liking country because of this. I love the lyrics - they're heartbreaking. Perfectly suits my favorite ship, Draco/Hermione; as a matter of fact, I got this song from a fanvid. "And now that I'm sitting here thinking it through, I've never been anywhere cold as you."
Look After You - The Fray
I don't need words to explain this song. Love love love it. The emotions are...strong. You might have heard this on One Tree Hill. "If I don't say this now I will surely break, as I'm leaving the one I want to take. Forgive the urgency, but hurry up and wait. My heart has started to separate. Oh be my baby."
Beautiful Liar - Beyonce ft. Shakira
They looked so much alike there were times I couldn't even tell them apart! I love the moves on the video, and the song showcases both their vocal talents - very different, but good together. As somebody on TRL said - two of the most beautiful women in music today in one song! Not to mention that I love Spanish. "He said I'm worth it, his whim desire. Yo se cosas que tu, nunca querres saber. He kissed me, his one and only, this beautiful liar."
Girlfriend - Avril Lavigne
I thought - wow, Avril, is that you? Then again, I think she did that cheerleader-music kind of thing to show us she can do anything - with a little mockery on the side perhaps? "Hey hey, you you I know that you like me!"

Some of these are kind of last-week, and some even last-year. But I just can't get enough of 'em. :)

"Art, like morality, consists in drawing the line somewhere."
- G. K. Chesterton

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chLoe was here at: 10:27:00 PM