Wackiest Faces Caught on Cam #2

In this picture : My eldest sister Carmi and my nephew Earl Gabriel
Photo by: ME

This photo was taken during my nephew's first communion at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel in Project 6 Quezon City. Carmi asked Angela (my elder sister younger than Carmi) to take a picture of her together with her son near the altar. When Angela was about to click the shutter, a lay minister suddenly passed by causing them to laugh. Little do they know that I was actually right beside Angela holding my phone and taking pictures of them. I immediately laughed when I saw what I just captured. Angela, who's right next to me, asked why, so I showed my phone. She actually giggled and passed it to my mom and Carmi. Carmi hated the picture and she was kinda embarrassed. Angela described it as "literally laughing out loud". I uploaded the picture on facebook.com and tagged Carmi in the photo. I dunno if she'll remove it or not but still it's in my album, so we still have copy.

Jhay and the Big Screen : Avatar

I will be adding another feature here in my page entitled "Jhay and the Big Screen". Me and my movie buddy Tony has this goal to watch at least a movie or two before each month ends. I will be writing all my insights and judgments (all personal) here to give an idea to you guys about how I feel and see the movie. May this be a movie guide to y'all.


TITLE: AVATAR
Genres: Action/Adventure and Science Fiction/Fantasy
Starring: Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Sigourney Weaver, Stephen Lang, Michelle Rodriguez
Directed by: James Cameron
Movie House: Robinsons Galleria
Ticket Price: P171.00

After hours of stressful work, Me, Pj, Mitch and Tony decided to watch this film after our shift to check out the film. We've heard a lot of good response from people who already watched the film so out of curiosity, I went ahead and join my office mates in watching this. While waiting for the movie to start we had our lunch at Burger King and had a little chat. Our wait has finally ended after the clock strikes twelve.

The story was about a marine confined in a wheelchair named Jake. He was recruited to travel with his this group of scientist who's job is to study the life of the natives in Pandora. Mining a rare mineral that costs fortune is their main mission. Since living in Pandora's atmosphere is toxic, they've come up to this "Avatar Program" that would let them link their consciousness and emotions to an avatar which is remotely controlled by their human body. Jake, even if he has no idea how it is to live in Pandora, was given a chance to control an avatar. He was amazed on the beauty Pandora,learned and loved how the natives live and give importance to their world and finally made his was to the heart Neytiri, a feamle Na'vi. As days pass and as he learn their culture, he began to feel like he is one of them. In the end he fought not for the mission given to him but for the welfare of the world he learned to love and considered his own.

The movie was indeed great and full of action and suspense. We didn't watch it in 3D though. As many critics say the movie should be watched in 3D so you can appreciate the true beauty of the film. As for me, judging the plot and the story, although the film is very futuristic, some of the scenes or parts of the movie were kinda predictable already like the idea of making the main character fall in love to the world that is completely different from his. I am impressed with the effects shown in the movie so if you love animations then you should try this. All in all, for me the movie was one of those films that were over rated but just the same still the movie was good.

RATING:
3.7 movie tickets

Wackiest Faces Caught on Cam #1

In this picture (in order starting from left): Mitch, Melai, Ice and Mimi.
Photo by: Pj Bailon

I just want to share this picture I saw on one of my teammates album in facebook. This pic was taken during the christmas party of our team (Paul's Prophets). I cant help but giggle everytime I see this picture. I still remember the day I first saw this picture. It was a Saturday morning, I was lying on my bed and I was browsing Pj's newly uploaded album on facebook using my phone. My mom notice me when she woke up, I was holding my phone, laughing alone. Mimi almost lost her temper when she saw this because she's not aware that this was uploaded to the net. I definitely know how she feels because this is what others do to me. I love you mimi.

What's inside my Mind?

Recently I saw a couple holding hands while sitting in table near to mine. Maybe I envy those people who says they found their other half but to be honest I'm happy with what I have as of the moment. I enjoyed being single and gay. Still I'm looking forward on the day that I'll find my "someone". Just had this questions in my mind.

How does it feel when you are holding your lovers hand?
I just want to know how it feels to loved and be loved?
In our world, is there such thing as courtship? Then how would it start? Who should initiate it?
How does it feel when your time is getting limited because you need to spend most of it with him?
Will it hurt if he scream at you because you did something wrong?
If its cleaver to talk on the phone the whole night with him, will you hang up first?
How does it feel to have someone text you everyday saying that they love you?

I know how it is to be alone and I know how to define loneliness. As time goes by it's seem like it's getting worst.

My Christmas List

Yuletide season is about to come. They say that Christmas is just for kids but I say no. We also deserve happiness during this time of the year so I come up with this list of things that I want this Christmas.


Mom's recovery
-As I've written on my previous blog, my mom just accomplished some series of cycles of chemotherapy. She's doing fine as of the moment but she still needs to be under medication for five years. After five years I hope she will be cleared by any sign of malignant cell. I just wish my mom would recover fast. I'm looking forward on the day where she won't need to medicate and live her life as normal as before. By that time I'll get a peaceful mind.

Love
-For the past 23 years I've been making things good for my family especially for my dad. I was the least favorite son in the family so impressing him made me focus on things that would give me recognition. So I working hard on my studies and studying hard to get recognitions. Now I guess is the right time for me to focus on what I've been wanting to. I'm not getting any younger as day goes by so I might as well enjoy my youth while it last. Maybe I'll hang out with friends and go bar hopping, do things that I don't normally do. Maybe I'll bump on someone and maybe we could start from there. haha..

Peace of mind
-Thing are a lot of things that bothers me in the office that would require tough decisions. As I've posted in my previous blog, I am about to decide whether I'll leave the company or stay. I dread the day that I'll have to come up with a decision because I know at some point I'll hurt someone or I would have to sacrifice something. I just wish the season would at least change my mood or better if I'll truly find the peace and happiness that I want.

Digicam / laptop / new phone
- Nothing will keep me from having this must haves this coming year. My old nokia phone died on me so I purchased a new samsung corby. I nearly cried when it first landed on my hands because finally, I have something new for Christmas. I may not be able to buy the notebook and the digicam this month but I'll make sure that I'll have it as soon as I have extra money.

Baguio get away
-My teammates and I are planning to have our grand get away in Baguio. This is what I'm looking forward to this coming January. Hope we could kiss all the stress and pressure away and just be as normal as we could during the trip.
This would be my first time in Baguio so I'm really excited. I'll make sure to bring home some strawberries for my mom when I get home.

Make over
-There are certain things in my body that I want to improve. First is my body build. I am currently weighing 155lbs., and that's way heavier than my weight before. My aim is to at least cut it to 130lbs which is my weight when I was still in college. Next is my face. I have an oily skin and there are lots of scars or pimple marks on my face so I guess this year, it's time for a change and I'll make sure this will put to action.


Well as for now I'm just listing this things that I know I want and hopefully by next year, everything will be settled. My target is actually by midyear and hopefully I accomplished this things already so I can start thinking of bright ideas to do or buy things for my satisfaction.

Half Hearted

Shopping, eat in expensive restaurants, coffee in starbucks, movie dates, bar hopping, these are the things that I personally enjoy. Wonder how can I afford to spend much money on these?

I am working as a technical support representative somewhere in Ortigas. Never did I imagine that I'll be a part of this industry because after graduation, I see my self working in an office environment doing administrative works. Anyway, I'm happy with what I have right now and the joy it gives you when you get to treat your family with your own money is just incomparable.

Good compensation comes with great responsibilities and hard work. You don't get paid to do nothing. For some, they think that taking in calls is an easy job to do. Maybe they're right, you just have to talk with your customers then that's it, easy money! But personally, I guess they're wrong. You don't just sit and talk in the office, you are also susceptible to stress. You stay all night working while others are in deep sleep. At some point you would have to sacrifice your social life.

Recently, sudden changes just happened with the company that I work with. Huge volume of calls, new targets or should I say high targets, new management and on top of that, I now belong to a new team (I transfered to a new team lead). Things in our center, if would describe it, went from bad to worst. Some agents weren't able to adopt with these changes and some weren't able to hit the new target. Most of these agent are not anymore related to the company.

For the past few days I've thinking hard for something that would make a huge change in my life. I have been thinking of leaving my present company and move to a another where I could get what I truly need and that is growth. It's been a year and a half already that I started working as technical support agent. I can still remember the day I first step in the glass doors, full of dreams and ambition. Dreams that I know will be very hard for me to achieve and ambitions that I really need to work hard.

But of course, leaving my first job is a tough decision to do. I saw a lot of job openings that offers good compensation and career growth. But still I may need to consider few things that will happen as soon as a leave. I will be asking help from few people who could give me good advise regarding this. I just hope I will choose the right decision.

Bonding with My Best Friends

I recently went to Manila to spend time with my best friends. I guess it's been a month already since I last saw them. The three of us were all busy with our work as of the moment. KC and I are both working as a call center agent while JR is working somewhere in taft. Basically we dont have time for each other since my days off would be on weekdays while KC and JR are on weekends. Though it's not hard to communicate nowadays, still the feeling it gives when I'm with them is what I missed so much. I get the chance to talk to KC and for his future plans. He's about to leave his company now and move to NCO as a credits and collection agent which is a U.K account. JR also has plans on leaving his current work by next year. I as well have plans on leaving my work as an agent and maybe settle to a lighter work (maybe an administrative work would do).

Since JR arrived late, I was able to talk to KC a lot. He told me stories about his buddy. It's been a month now since they became together. Honestly, I never envied KC having "someone to share your day with" but to tell you guys frankly, I'm looking forward on that special day that I'll find someone I can call mine. KC normally asks me to go out and have some fun (I just don't like the idea of going out in a bar and wait for someone to say "Hi, who's with yah"). He says I'm getting old already. Looking for that someone was not my priority as of the moment.My idea about love is that "it will come unexpectedly" so why waste time looking for that someone when God will deliver it to your doorstep, in your convenience. But maybe Kc is right,maybe its my fault that I'm still single, or maybe cupid is lazy to strike his arrow on me.

After enjoying our time at chowking, we went straight to the 4th floor of isetann recto not to look for a giggolo but to sing our heart out. This is what I miss the most. I just hope we could do it often. We've been doing this for past nine years since we became friends. In the midst our differences lies this one thing that is common to the three of us, MUSIC. Among the three of us KC has the nicest voice which is kinda obvious because he had formal trainings while JR and I just had this passion for music and also with singing. We even had our own CDs. Yes, our own voices recorded in CDs and we're not talking about just one but three. I still have a copy of those CDs (though not all) and I uploaded that in youtube. I can still remember the feeling it gave us when we first had our own CD.

We ended the day playing our favorite computer game (frozen throne). This is where JR is good at. This game is about strategy on winning the game and making your hero strong. In life, that is where JR is good at, he's good in strategy. Imagine being a bread winner at an early age of 18. Managing their finaces as well as looking for his siblings is not easy to do. I admire his courage and that is something that I don't have.

I arrived home at 1am hoping the day would not end but still I'm looking forward to another get together with with these guys. Maybe we can try bar hopping next time. haha..

Stress Relievers

Pressure, demands, lack of sleep or just too busy. These are the factors that triggers stress. We all know its hard to deal with it but there's always a way out. Here is my list of ways to deal or relieves STRESS.



Have a Full Body Massage

-This is the most effective way to relieve stress. There are a lot of spas that offers full body massage which uses essential oils that relieves stress. Service fee ranges from P200 to P500 or if you have enough budget then you can also try massage that has sauna bath and buffet meal which ranges from P800 to P1000 depending on the package.


Treat Yourself to the Salon

-Try a new look. This will somehow boost your moral and change your mood. Cut your hair short or have it permed. Enjoy your time sitting under the hair steamer while reading a fashion magazine. By the end of the session you'll have a free back massage too.


Go on Shopping

-After a long weekend you deserve a break. It's your pay day. And shopping malls normally have sale during these days. Have a look at the trendiest shoes available in store. Try those new clothes on and see if it fits you. This adventure makes more fun when your with friends.


Watch a Funny Movie.

-Laughter still is the best medicine. Go on a movie date with your office mates (they need this too) and watch the funniest and wackiest movie. Laugh as hard as you can to release those tension and notice a lighter feeling afterward.


Your Comfort Food

-Have a feast once in a while. Eat your pepperoni pan pizza or try that creamy carbonara. Sundae with hot fudge is also a must try. Eat as much as you can but remember to visit your gym buddy the other day so you don't get overweight. You don't want to have another reason to get stressed.

How to Make Simple Oatmeal Cookies

Baking cookies made easy. The smell of freshly baked oatmeal cookies completes your Sunday afternoon with kids.

you'll be needing :
4 cups of oats
1 1/2 cups flour
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
1 1/2 cup brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup unsalted butter
2 eggs

optional:
raisins
chocolate chip
peanuts

Here's how we do it:

* Preheat oven to 350 degrees
* In a large bowl, mix butter and sugar until soft and creamy (make sure you chill the butter before using)
* Add the eggs and vanilla. Beat these ingredients together
* Add all the remaining dry ingredients then continue mixing
* In a tray, place the cookies in a cookie sheet (don't forget to grease these sheets so cookies won't stick)
* Bake this for about 10-15 mins or until golden brown.


Best served with hot coffee or chocolate while chatting with your friends or while home with your family. Nothing compares the joy of eating with your loved ones.

Sometime Somewhere

We speak but the words we say mean nothing
We smile but the smiles we give are wanting
We look upon each other's eyes,
No spark, no glow, no real signs, but we both know
This is all for show

Until that sometime, somewhere,
We could show the world we have each other
Sometime, somewhere, we need not hide our feelings
We just keep on believing
That we both have the time together
Sometime and somewhere, our lips would be free at last
To say the words we've hungered to say
And we won't have to worry, we smile, we won't say sorry
One look and we have cast our fears aside

Sometime, that sometime we'll turn to forever for all time
Somewhere, our somewhere would not be just one place but everywhere

Until that sometime, somewhere,
We just have to be content with stealing glances
Somehow, content with saying nothing, smiles that are always wanting
Though deep inside it hurts because we know that our love,
Like love is what it is, it's what we got
Our love, like love will have to wait until that sometime, somewhere


________________________

This was composed by Mr. Ryan Cayabyab and sang by Ms. Regine Velasquez. Just want to post this and hope you guys will check on the lyrics. The message of the song was about two hearts that will never be together. I personally love this song maybe because I can relate to it. I feel sad and gloomy everytime I listen to this song.

My best friend's boyfriend - Will it last?

As we all know same sex relationship is now accepted not just here in the Philippines but around the globe. Men are now very discreet when it comes to their identity and if you don't know how to determine whether the guy is gay or no, then you are one of the many people that were deceived by their looks. They are everywhere. You can find them in the school, in the office, sometimes they're also in the least places you could think of like in the gym and maybe, just maybe your he is professor in culinary arts.

My best friend is one of them. His name is KC. He's currently working in Eastwood, Libis as a call center representative. To tell you frankly, if I dont know him I would think he's straight. He is very discreet in his own way. From the way he moves to the way he look. You definitely won't think that he's gay. We've been friends since we're kids and same goes with our family. We've been friends since I was in second year highschool and he was in his first year. So more or less we've been friends for nine years already. We already know each other's differences and get along with each other through the years. Kc loves exploring things and doing things that he haven't experienced yet. I can tell that he's one of the bravest friends that I know. To be honest I feel safe whenever he's around. He became my security blanket especially at times when I feel I'm alone or whenever I have problems.I can laugh as much as I could and cry at times. He's always there when I need someone to listen, he's always there when I need a friend.

This story that I'm going to tell just happened recently. Kc went to a bar in Cubao to have some fun with his officemates. If I recall it right the bar's name was "Palawan" and if I'm not mistaken, this bar is like a haven for men who prefer to hook up with same sex. The day before this I was with him. He told me that he is planning to check what's with the bar and he'll tell me whether the bar is fine or not. So come the next day I went to their place and looked for him because we have plans to go out. His mother was worried already because Kc left the house last night around 8:00pm and it's already three in the afternoon and he's still not home. I tried to call him yet there's no answer so I decided to tell her mom that I'm gonna leave and be back next day. The other day I texted him and asked what happened. He told me that he went to palawan and hooked up with this guy and went to he's place at Taguig to do their thing. From that point on Kc addressed this guy as he's boyfriend.

Kc looked happy as day goes by so I ask what's goin on. So he tells me futher stories about the guy. He say's the guy is married with two kids but his wife is at Japan and the kids are in the province. The guy also offered Kc the place and was asking him to stay with him. Kc had doubts with the set up so he refused to besides he can't leave her mom alone. After a week he told me that he's with another guy. I dont know what happened but I didn't bother to ask because that's too personal. I asked who this guy is and he replied with a smile. I guess he's in love so I asked futher questions. The guys name is Maco and they met in chat. Maco is a culinary arts teacher in a University somewhere in Manila. They meet up and get along with each others company and according to Kc he was Kind. Kind in the sense that the guy always pay the expenses whenever they go out. I dont know Maco personally. I haven't got time to meet up with him but Kc is already planning to set a date where we have time to go out and finally meet each other.

One day I texted Kc if he's free for the day because I'm planning to go out to unwind. He replied yes so I immediately went to their house to pick him up. I was planning to play frozen throne (a LAN based game) with him at morayta. On our way his phone rings and it was his boyfriend Maco. Maco is currently at Monumento and was asking Kc to pick him up at Doroteo Jose. Kc looked confused at moment because he don't know whether he'll go or not. He's confused because if he decides to go then that means he'll have to leave me. I just listened and waited for his decision. This somehow became a test for Kc as to whether drop me just for he's boyfriend or tell a lie and stay with me. At that point Kc is already asking what to do but I just replied "I dunno" or "You decide". In the end he decided to pick up his guy and leave me behind. I didn't say a word because I was shock. I told him "it's okay" and "I'm fine". I just feel like I'm betrayed or maybe Im just jealous or maybe I'm mad. I didn't realized that Kc, my bestfriend can do that. Although it may look like the situation is just plain and simple still it hurt me. It pains me to see him walking and leave me just for this guy he just knew few days ago. Actually I'm not mad because he did that. I guess I'm mad because of the fact that I asked him if he's free for the day and he says yes when all he'll do is just dump me and leave me behind. Although he texted me and said he'll be back still the fact that he leave is painful.

I learned something on that day. It openned my eye to the posibilities that all the people around you will eventually leave. They have their reasons to go and you can't blame them. They leave because they choose to walk with love instead of friendship. They choose to fly instead of looking up the sky and sometimes they choose to risk everything and leave all they have behind. Maybe I'm right. Maybe Kc is brave. Maybe he's brave to leave his friends or maybe he's just trying new things on his own. I just wish he'll be happy to whatever the results may be. As for me, I still consider Kc as my bestfriend and what ever life would give him, I'll still be here for him. For me our friendship which was built for years will never be changed by this situation.

I just hope their relationship would last.

A Fight Against Breast Cancer

Just last June of this year, my mom was diagnosed to have a breast cancer. We went to Medical City in trinoma (just a clinic which is closest to our place) to have my mom's breast checked because she was telling us that it hurts. She told us that she can feel a lump for both breast. Good thing was we had this checked right away. The first doctor checked my mom's breast and told us that the moment she land her hand on the left breast she was able to feel it. She was shocked because it was huge. According to her the size of the lump was same as the cap of a regular size alcohol. For the right breast, it took her 3mins to locate it. It was smaller than that of the left. Doc said the lumps should be removed and have it undergo a biopsy(a process of checking whether the lump was malignant or benign)The doctors were telling us that we shouldn't draw our conclusions yet until we see the results of the biopsy. Dra. referred us to another doctor (if I remember it right, he was Dr. Jorge) which is a surgeon. So Dr. Jorge checked my mom's breast and explain the situation which we are already aware of. He asked us which kind of biopsy we want because we can choose either Incision or Excision (not sure though of the spelling ahaha..). Im not certain about the meaning but as far as I know the other one means to remove the whole lump and the other one means to get a part or a tissue of the lump. We asked for the Doctors opinion and ask which is the best. In the end, she had to undergo both types. They removed the whole lump for the left breast(which is huge) and since the lump on the left is pretty small then the doctor suggested that they will get a part of the lump for testing. So the following week my mom had a minor operation for the biopsy and waited for another week to get the result the we are all dreading.

Mom was diagnosed to have a stage I Breast Cancer and Grade 1 (Grade 1=malignant cells multiply slowly; Grade 2=Moderately Fast and Grade 3= Fast) for the gravity of the malignant cells. I was with my sister and with my mom when the break the news. Of course we were in shock but in calm condition (me and my sister talked about this before going to the clinic and we agreed to stay calm and never show weakness in front of our mom if the result will be bad). My mom wasn't able to absorb it right away until we went home. My mom was in tears during our way home. All we can say was nothing but power words and encouragements that she can get through this, WE can all get through this. We inform our friends and relatives to pray for our mom atleast for spiritual help and moral support. Angela did some research about my moms condition while I asked my collegues (mostly certified nurses) about the information they know.

My cousin's wife Ness called Angela the moment she heard the news. Her mom was a cancer patient before and was a survivor. She told us the doctor that took care of her mom was her friend and she recommends that we seek assistance with the same doctor. Doctor Precilla Cagiua was a resident doctor in University of Sto. Tomas and also in St. Lukes hospital. She told us that Dra. Precy was good so immediately we went to UST for consultation. Dra. Precy told us everything we need to know and in the end we were advised to have moms both breast removed. Dra. precy is an Oncologist and dont do operation so she referred us to Doc. Olalia which is good because he was a maxicare affiliate doctor. Mom had to stay in the Hospital for five days for the operation. The expenses were covered by the health card and Philhealth so we didn't encounter much problem(although the card was maxed out and we need to cash out P60,000.00 for the professional fee and other expenses in the hospital).

After a month, mom was able to recover about last operation and was ready for the next step. Actually to be honest, we thought we're good after the operation but we are dead wrong. The breast that they got from mom undergone some testings. They found out what exactly is mom's status. They told us that mom's Breast Cancer stage was II and the gravity of the malignant cells was Grade 3. Dra. Precy suggested that mom undergo six cycles of chemotherapy to make sure that all the malignant cells in moms body will be removed. So come August mom had her first cycle of chemotherapy. Dra. prescribe some medicines that will somehow help my mom suppress some effects of the chemo drugs. But as expected, she lose weight and wasn't able to eat well. She also lose her hair as well which for me is too painful. It gives my mom a mark that she was not well and she was medicating. All the our neighbors found out our moms condition which we want to avoid because we don't want them to talk to our mom differently and we don't want them to ask about her condition because that would only let our mom dwell in sorrow and maybe she will feel sorry for herself. During the course of her chemotheraphy, she was advised o use a facial mask and was advised to avoid eating fresh foods to avoid getting bacteria and the like. On the 4th, 5th and 6th day after each cycle she is advised to inject a Granocyte (which will help her boost her immunity or enhance the production of white blood cells). Every monday of the 3rd week she needs to take a blood test just to check the status of her blood and during tuesday or thursday(which is the schedule of Dra. Precy in UST) she will have her regular check up. She sometimes had some problems like having extremely bad tooth ache that alarmed us because we saw our mom in tears because of the pain. She can't take meds that are in the family of mefenamic acid so the doctor prescribed other pain reliever.

And on this day, my mom just had her 6th and final cycle of chemotheraphy. We are all happy for our mom. She made it. WE made it. We did not let our mom fight in the battle field alone. We were all by her side during the entire battle. Each member of the family had their own contributions whether its big or small. All take their part and cooperated well. We were a team. I Just realized that during this times you will never let a member of a family down. You'll do everything and anything to save reason why you're here. If my father would see us, I know he'll be happy and I know he'll be proud of what we've done and what we've accomplished. I just wished he was still here. But wherever he is right now, I know he's looking for us.

"In the end all will be okay. If its not yet okay then its not yet the end."