Bringing back the habit: Traveling

Passport received! This is the sign. I should be hitting the road (and air) anytime soon. It pays to drag yourself and finally fulfill a dream!

Main goal no. 2 for the year down!

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2 Trailer

I am lazy when it comes to random posting, but I am doing one because I am very excited for this film.

I am dedicating this post to Harry Potter since he's ending his story this year. This is movie history in the making!

Photo courtesy of painters.celeboutfit.com



Mark your calendars -- July 15, 2011!

Conquered Mission

I was never really good at teaching kids. And yet I have been a part of our church's Children Ministry for more than a year now. I guess that's the irony of life. It's a fulfillment for a bullied kid like me to finally feel being appreciated by kids.

That's why I felt so challenged when we held last April 18 to 20 our 2011 Children's Camp, a first for the whole JIL Area 25. I just can't take away the fear of failing to deliver as I still consider myself a newbie Christian.

But who would say no for an opportunity to share the Word and at the same time touch base again to the kid in you? It was an exciting event. Too exciting that I felt restless till it was over.

The truth is, because of my notion that it's very sensitive to teach kids -- more so teaching them the Word -- I would usually find myself undeserving to pitch. It takes more than the usual preparation; it's not as easy as conducting product training. It takes more than the talent or the experience; you have to have the heart to be effective. After all, it's not just a job; it's a responsibility. 

A Crunchy Surprise

I have been trying to look for another alternative "northbound bus food" (a coined term here -- watch out for details and a list soon!) as I feel a lot of guilt when I eat a nakamamatay na chicken skin (deadly chicken skin -- don't be bothered by the description; it's the exaggerated glutton in me). The thing is, unless I have time to prepare and eat a meal before going to work, I am confined to purchase either an edible street food or  any available cheap fast food product. You see, traveling to and/or from work is the same as meal time for me.

Then came Jollibee Crunchy Chicken Burger. While it triples the cost of a chicken skin, Php39 is considerably cheaper than that of KFC's Chik'n Fillet Burger, Zinger and, of course, Double Down.  Yes, Wow Burger should have been a better option (Php29) but I'd have to admit it doesn't have the ideal crispy taste. While not exceptionally flavorful, Jollibee Crunchy Chicken Burger is relished with a delightful mayo dressing that compliments its crunchy chicken patty. Yes, it's really crunchy! Try it with ketchup to further savor the burger experience.

P.S. I reckon this is Jollibee's answer to McDonald's Crispy Chicken Fillet Sandwich. Though similarly priced, McDonald's version looks and tastes bland while Jollibee charms theirs with a special dressing.

On second thought, I only juggle between Jollibee and KFC. Hope McDo plans to join the competition in Pacita.

I Find It Hard to Speak Up

I guess that's why I am blogging. Nevertheless, despite that, I hate sharing problems. I just used halo-halo and tithing to release all my negative emotions at that time.

I guess it's the ego in me -- that I have been used to solving my problems alone (or at least with so little help from others). I was just lectured at work yet I don't feel like throwing the lecture down to my subordinates. The bad thing is, I feel like most people are misunderstanding me.  I just can't be angry. I DON'T LIKE getting angry at all. Last time I acted too emo, I almost lost my good friends.

And so they say I'm too aloof; I say I prefer to reserve my thoughts till I have the right words to use.

And so they say I'm a snob; I say I'm not used to being noticed, and oh, by the way, it's not my fault that my eyebrows meet halfway.

And so they say I'm too assuming; I say I don't like doubts affecting my goals.

This is for the people asking. I'm sure my friends would agree that I'm too good of an actor when I am around others -- and I dare say we all are. We value trust so much, and I am no difference.

And so they say I'm too emo; I say again I just find it hard to speak up. Isn't it obvious that I am writing instead?

My Top 5 PSP Games - Part 1

I am no games expert but I greatly appreciate all types of virtual gaming -- interactive, online, handheld. After all, boys are bound to grow up addicted to gaming. At one point in time I'm sure most of us became so preoccupied with playing Super Mario Brothers, right? (Or at least those who grew up in the '80s and '90s). And we all know that boys don't just easily outgrow this behavior. I remember staying up overnight during college days just to enjoy Command & Conquer: Generals and bumming over WarCraft III: Reign of Chaos the summer after I graduated.

This post is a dedication to the kid in me that still enjoys simulated gaming. Furthermore, it's to show my appreciation to the first "gizmo" I purchased out of my own sweat, my 2006 Sony PSP.

This is Part 1 as I intend to do some more gaming in the future.

5.) Toy Story 3 The Video Game

More of a commemoration for the movie, playing Toy Story 3: The Video Game is to delight my nostalgia for the third and best installment of the most beloved children's film franchises of all time (It sounds like a PR statement but I stand by the description!). The game shows another-point-of-view retelling of the "toys' story," taking us firsthand on the adventures of almost every character during each period of the film. Aside from Woody, Buzz and Jessie, you even get to play as Squeeze Toy Aliens and as Green Army Men, thus eliminating redundancy despite an almost routine gameplay in story mode. Of course it gets exciting as you go further into the story -- and again character switching is the best part of it all! If at some point you get bored, there are mini games for Woody, Buzz and the Aliens that are equally entertaining. On top of that, the visuals certainly feel like you are in Pixar universe!

4.) God of War: Ghost of Sparta

Why only the sixth God of War game (or second for PSP) of the series? Well, it's because this is only the God of War game that I was able to finish! LOL! My first take on Kratos's adventure was its "first," released via PlayStation 2 (which was not even mine; I was lend some hours to try it). I was fascinated by its engaging visuals and challenging gameplay that I instantly installed God of War Chains of Olympus on my PSP. However, I lagged within the middle of the story mode and got frustrated with it, thus I quit. Nevertheless, when I heard that a new one was coming to PSP (again), I readily gave it a try. This time, though, it was surely a blast! Putting all my learnings from playing some of its predecessors definitely helped me all throughout the game. What sets apart God of War series entirely is that you get to still enjoy all its signature trademarks on different yet entertaining stories.

A Tithe Testament

¹⁴ This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. ¹⁵ And if we know that He hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of Him. 1 John 5:14-15 (New International Version, ©2011)

I have been reassured, and it is not a false promise. Last week's emergency would have left me ranting until now if I have not put my faith in Him.

Five years ago I had a different notion about tithing. I considered it as a church's "cover-up" just to get money. Yes, that's how evil I was, but I was proven wrong, very wrong.

Going back to God was my greatest turning point. I had my greatest realization; I was incredibly changed.

03.31.2011, within that day -- actually approximately within 8 hours -- we had to urgently raise a big amount of money (apologies but I am not giving details to maintain some privacy). After getting that emergancy call, I had to struggle over all sorts of thoughts and emotions, to the point of thinking halo-halo would help. There were sadness, anger, blaming, questioning and even a feeling of excitement to a new life challenge -- it was crazy. While at that moment I became a worrier, for some reason, there was calmness overall. If I were the same person, I would have felt hopeless.

I am a fan

Thia Megia wowed the judges 
by singing "Out Here On My Own"

Escapism via TV. It is this part of the year that I always get excited to catch a new season of American Idol. I became an avid fan, though, only since Season 5. At that time I fell in love with Katharine McPhee. But, of course, I was aware it's been in existence for 10 years now - wow, 10 years! My first glimpse was in Season 3 which made Jasmine Trias a celebrity. It was a breakthrough for Pinoys. And this year, yet another Pinoy made it - only till Top 10, though. Sadly, Thia Megia didn't make it further into the competition. Nevertheless, she won a fan out of me. Yes, I am digging her voice much like how crazy I am with Adele at the moment.

Let me share her AI journey via her i-Tunes music:

UPDATED: Thia performing "Chasing Pavements" on Live with Regis & Kelly! Whoa! If she could have sang some Adele, I wonder what would be the outcome. Hmm...