Feeling a bit dramatic today...
Sunday, July 24, 2005
Thursday, July 21, 2005
It's all in the Name
I have a penchant for dating oddly named men. How many girls you know have dated a Kweku, an Irran, and a Mervyl? Maybe it's not the name. More likely I have a penchant for picking guys with commitment issues.
Maybe the reason why I end up with guys with interesting names is because the names become a self-fulfilling monicker; they end up being unique because of their unique names. And I do have to admit, it takes a lot to keep me interested in one guy.
Sometimes, I do wish I could pick out an ordinary guy. Somebody named Joey (oh wait, I did date a Joey), or Mark (hm, I've dated a Mark, too) or a Patrick (no offense to Sephie :D).
For some reason, I am convinced that I will have a son (please remain as optimistic as I am, people!). I want to name my son Jacob, aka Jake. A Jake sounds like a man, a manly man, man's man name. "Hey Jake, wanna play ball?" "Hey Jake toss me a beer!"
See what I mean?
For my future daughter, I'm partial to Dru. It does seem lame to name my daughter after a vampire on Buffy, the Vampire Slayer, but Dru seems like a hip name. She sounds like she's a tough, no-nonsense chick who can be one of the guys. It's not too feminine, but you know that she's drying her nails while she's kicking some loser's ass.
-------
I wanna speak out on the Jude Law thing. Not to excuse his infidelity, but if I were the nanny, how on earth could I refuse Jude Law? The most beautiful man on earth wants to be my sperm donor! He's hot, he's talented. He may not have morals, but that can be worked on. How can I refuse those genes?
All I'm saying is, I can't blame the nanny.
Sienna Miller is gorgeous, and can get herself another gorgeous man. It takes a beautiful person to have the self-esteem to be able to refuse another beautiful person. Way to go Sienna!
Since Jude is now single, he can make a deposit in my bank. Anytime. ;)
----
I stress, however, that this invitation is open to Jude Law and Jude Law alone. Not to you, Mr. Star Wars poseur. Whatever you heard about me is completely wrong.
"Cath, wasup, **** here, no one will ever know naman, eh, cmon just for once"
Does this line ACTUALLY work on women? Stupid!
No one will ever know? Yeah, right. You'll probably tell people that I've spread myself open, even without the benefit of the actual event.
To the man of the everchanging phone numbers (yes, you know who you are).
Screw you.
Maybe the reason why I end up with guys with interesting names is because the names become a self-fulfilling monicker; they end up being unique because of their unique names. And I do have to admit, it takes a lot to keep me interested in one guy.
Sometimes, I do wish I could pick out an ordinary guy. Somebody named Joey (oh wait, I did date a Joey), or Mark (hm, I've dated a Mark, too) or a Patrick (no offense to Sephie :D).
For some reason, I am convinced that I will have a son (please remain as optimistic as I am, people!). I want to name my son Jacob, aka Jake. A Jake sounds like a man, a manly man, man's man name. "Hey Jake, wanna play ball?" "Hey Jake toss me a beer!"
See what I mean?
For my future daughter, I'm partial to Dru. It does seem lame to name my daughter after a vampire on Buffy, the Vampire Slayer, but Dru seems like a hip name. She sounds like she's a tough, no-nonsense chick who can be one of the guys. It's not too feminine, but you know that she's drying her nails while she's kicking some loser's ass.
-------
I wanna speak out on the Jude Law thing. Not to excuse his infidelity, but if I were the nanny, how on earth could I refuse Jude Law? The most beautiful man on earth wants to be my sperm donor! He's hot, he's talented. He may not have morals, but that can be worked on. How can I refuse those genes?
All I'm saying is, I can't blame the nanny.
Sienna Miller is gorgeous, and can get herself another gorgeous man. It takes a beautiful person to have the self-esteem to be able to refuse another beautiful person. Way to go Sienna!
Since Jude is now single, he can make a deposit in my bank. Anytime. ;)
----
I stress, however, that this invitation is open to Jude Law and Jude Law alone. Not to you, Mr. Star Wars poseur. Whatever you heard about me is completely wrong.
"Cath, wasup, **** here, no one will ever know naman, eh, cmon just for once"
Does this line ACTUALLY work on women? Stupid!
No one will ever know? Yeah, right. You'll probably tell people that I've spread myself open, even without the benefit of the actual event.
To the man of the everchanging phone numbers (yes, you know who you are).
Screw you.
Tuesday, July 19, 2005
Man, I feel like a Woman!
For the first time in my entire life, I actually do feel an "adult-ness" that is entirely new and wonderous.
Of course, as soon as I say this, something will happen that will take me down a peg, and put me back on square one.
I like the person I am becoming. I like the person I have become. I do annoy myself a lot, which is not a good thing.
I feel that I now have more patience for other people (as patient as I can get--i still am a very impatient person), for where they are and what they are and why they are.
I like my body. I like how I look. I am very satisfied with it.
Gosh, I cannot believe how afflicted my self-esteem was in my early youth! How I wanted to be other people so badly!
Now, I'm just glad to be myself.
-----
The Girls are a group of friends, former acquaintances who have somehow, banded together and share innermost questions women share with their girlfriends. Of course, I've had good girl friends before, but this is the first time that I have a group of girlfriends whom I shop with and talk about everything-- uncensored!
Leslie is two years younger, and is about as experienced with men as I am. A certified shoe-aholic and shop-aholic, she is tickled that she finally has a "Sex In the City" bunch to call her own. She is the first girl in the posse I became close to. She likes to call herself the "Carrie" of the group.
Jewel is a lot like Miranda. A really tough chick. Bisexual, but is currently dating a guy. We were acquaintances before because of cosplay, but we only became close because of Leslie, her former high school classmate. She was a member of her high school basketball and soccer team, and nothing pisses her off more than men who stare at her very ample bosoms. Caution: She packs a mighty right hook. And how!
K is the youngest, also a cosplayer. Really smart, she's taking up an aeronautics something course in London (yes, England!). She's a bit heartbroken now because she broke her vow to give up her virginity to the man she'll marry, since the current Japanese dude she's seeing is apparently not the one (quite a shocker!)
I am of course the oldest and guess what role I just assumed? Of course, I just HAD to be in PR, just like Samantha!
Nikki Alfar
Tobie Abad
Gabby Lee
Andre Mischa Cleofe
Of course, as soon as I say this, something will happen that will take me down a peg, and put me back on square one.
I like the person I am becoming. I like the person I have become. I do annoy myself a lot, which is not a good thing.
I feel that I now have more patience for other people (as patient as I can get--i still am a very impatient person), for where they are and what they are and why they are.
I like my body. I like how I look. I am very satisfied with it.
Gosh, I cannot believe how afflicted my self-esteem was in my early youth! How I wanted to be other people so badly!
Now, I'm just glad to be myself.
-----
The Girls are a group of friends, former acquaintances who have somehow, banded together and share innermost questions women share with their girlfriends. Of course, I've had good girl friends before, but this is the first time that I have a group of girlfriends whom I shop with and talk about everything-- uncensored!
Leslie is two years younger, and is about as experienced with men as I am. A certified shoe-aholic and shop-aholic, she is tickled that she finally has a "Sex In the City" bunch to call her own. She is the first girl in the posse I became close to. She likes to call herself the "Carrie" of the group.
Jewel is a lot like Miranda. A really tough chick. Bisexual, but is currently dating a guy. We were acquaintances before because of cosplay, but we only became close because of Leslie, her former high school classmate. She was a member of her high school basketball and soccer team, and nothing pisses her off more than men who stare at her very ample bosoms. Caution: She packs a mighty right hook. And how!
K is the youngest, also a cosplayer. Really smart, she's taking up an aeronautics something course in London (yes, England!). She's a bit heartbroken now because she broke her vow to give up her virginity to the man she'll marry, since the current Japanese dude she's seeing is apparently not the one (quite a shocker!)
I am of course the oldest and guess what role I just assumed? Of course, I just HAD to be in PR, just like Samantha!
Nikki Alfar
Tobie Abad
Gabby Lee
Andre Mischa Cleofe
Monday, July 18, 2005
A Week in Narcoleptic Hell
I now realize why I was a klutz with bad skin as a teen--it was because was constantly sleep-deprived at the time! It wasn't because I didn't want to sleep. It was because I couldn't. I was constantly reading, daydreaming, watching tv,burning telephone lines, passionately into the Band of the Moment or crushing/swooning to realize that it was already 2 am on a school night.
Cathy now knows that she needs her sleep. Yes, sleep is indeed my friend.
The rumor was only the start of a week where technology and my mind seemed to work against me. It has been a very busy week, adjusting to my new routine, of being up late at night to submit stories on time to my editors in the US, then waking up at 5 to get to work for the Boss.
This Monday, on the way to the gym, my foot fell into a gap between the metal grating that covered a deep gutter in Pasay Road. I had not realized that some bufoon had sawed off a key in the grill, creating a hole big enough to accommodate my foot. Poor me has a dark, dark bruise near my elbow and my left knee. Had I not been holding on the jeep I was going to board, I would have dislocated my hip.
Tuesday,Wednesday, and Thursday was a blur, and I had literally traversed all of Manila in those two days. Days seemed to blend into each other, and I recall feeling the same light-headedness I felt the time I stayed up for THREE STRAIGHT DAYS to finish my thesis. Though I don't drink coffee, it had sustained me through that entire time.
I was supposed to meet my sister on Friday afternoon for an afternoon of shopping fun. I was on my way to deposit cash into my BPI Family Bank ATM using their Express Deposit Machine in their Park Square 1 branch when the machine not only ate my card, it also ate my P 1000 deposit! An hour of consternation later, I was told that I could only retrieve my card on Monday, but they would have to verify whether I did deposit money into my account. If verified, they would only credit it to my account on Friday!
Saturday afternoon through early Sunday morning devoted to a night out with the girls. After spending hours at the Starbucks near the Robinsons Galleria theaters, we decided to take the party to Libis. It was in Libis where I realized that I had left my wallet at Starbucks! I literally felt my knees buckle as I mentally ticked off what important documents I had in my wallet. It was at this time that I felt grateful that the machine ate my ATM. I called every person I could think of who lived in the Pasig/Mandaluyong area to plead, if they can go to Rob Gale and ask the Starbucks staff if they had found my wallet. My friends were either asleep or out of the house. (Me: DUH! of course, it's a Saturday night!) After ascertaining that only my debit card was in danger, I called the card company to have it cut.
Thank you, thank you honest Starbucks employees for keeping the wallet and giving it back when I returned the next day! Oh joy! My card was still cut, but at least I have it back, and I knew that my money was safe.
A lesson learned: I need my eight hours.
Cathy now knows that she needs her sleep. Yes, sleep is indeed my friend.
The rumor was only the start of a week where technology and my mind seemed to work against me. It has been a very busy week, adjusting to my new routine, of being up late at night to submit stories on time to my editors in the US, then waking up at 5 to get to work for the Boss.
This Monday, on the way to the gym, my foot fell into a gap between the metal grating that covered a deep gutter in Pasay Road. I had not realized that some bufoon had sawed off a key in the grill, creating a hole big enough to accommodate my foot. Poor me has a dark, dark bruise near my elbow and my left knee. Had I not been holding on the jeep I was going to board, I would have dislocated my hip.
Tuesday,Wednesday, and Thursday was a blur, and I had literally traversed all of Manila in those two days. Days seemed to blend into each other, and I recall feeling the same light-headedness I felt the time I stayed up for THREE STRAIGHT DAYS to finish my thesis. Though I don't drink coffee, it had sustained me through that entire time.
I was supposed to meet my sister on Friday afternoon for an afternoon of shopping fun. I was on my way to deposit cash into my BPI Family Bank ATM using their Express Deposit Machine in their Park Square 1 branch when the machine not only ate my card, it also ate my P 1000 deposit! An hour of consternation later, I was told that I could only retrieve my card on Monday, but they would have to verify whether I did deposit money into my account. If verified, they would only credit it to my account on Friday!
Saturday afternoon through early Sunday morning devoted to a night out with the girls. After spending hours at the Starbucks near the Robinsons Galleria theaters, we decided to take the party to Libis. It was in Libis where I realized that I had left my wallet at Starbucks! I literally felt my knees buckle as I mentally ticked off what important documents I had in my wallet. It was at this time that I felt grateful that the machine ate my ATM. I called every person I could think of who lived in the Pasig/Mandaluyong area to plead, if they can go to Rob Gale and ask the Starbucks staff if they had found my wallet. My friends were either asleep or out of the house. (Me: DUH! of course, it's a Saturday night!) After ascertaining that only my debit card was in danger, I called the card company to have it cut.
Thank you, thank you honest Starbucks employees for keeping the wallet and giving it back when I returned the next day! Oh joy! My card was still cut, but at least I have it back, and I knew that my money was safe.
A lesson learned: I need my eight hours.
Thursday, July 14, 2005
Tuesday, July 12, 2005
Sex, Lies, and Voyeurism
I just heard the most fantastic, the most outrageous rumor about myself last Saturday night that I just had to correct this aspersion! It beats the rumor I heard in college about my friend Don King (he's Chinese, don't ask) hiring two hookers as a gift to himself on his 20th birthday!
The rumor goes like this: I was reportedly in a drinking session with several members of the anime community when I had sex with my 18-year old ex-lover, while he was wearing a borrowed Ragnarok Priestess costume, while anime community staple Vincent Ternida was watching!
Okay, okay, first things first: I DID have sex with the 18 year old in question.
While I am not adverse to a little role-playing, I'VE NEVER had sex in costume...yet.
I DID NOT ever join a drinking spree with the anime peeps. Please! I did with some J-rockers, but that's that.
I WAS NOT ever in a drinking spree with Vincent Ternida.
I MOST CERTAINLY did not have sex in front of him!
As far as I know, the only sentient beings that have seen me do the deed were 1) an ex-member of a j-rock band who was pretending to be asleep.
2) a cat.
I also heard that I am now being referred to as "the slut of the anime community" na "pumapatol kung kani-kanino" (to my non-Pinoy readers, that means: who sleeps with anyone who would have her). I know the people who have said this about me, and I am saddened that they have pre-judged me so.
What makes me a slut? The fact that I had a blabbermouth of an ex-boyfriend who revealed everything about our time together as a bet in a card game? The barely-legal nookie I had with an 18 year old bishonen? You can ask HIM. He started the affair! Okay, I may have exercised poor judgment at the time by agreeing to it. But you know the thing about mistakes? You learn from them. I did. I'm sorry. I got my just desserts. Get off your high horses, people!
While I do relish my reputation as a vixen, the sad truth is, I've probably had my heart broken more times than I've broken hearts. Nice piece of fiction, folks, but get your facts straight.
Somewhere in this city, a very bad 18-year old boy is in need of a good spanking!
The rumor goes like this: I was reportedly in a drinking session with several members of the anime community when I had sex with my 18-year old ex-lover, while he was wearing a borrowed Ragnarok Priestess costume, while anime community staple Vincent Ternida was watching!
Okay, okay, first things first: I DID have sex with the 18 year old in question.
While I am not adverse to a little role-playing, I'VE NEVER had sex in costume...yet.
I DID NOT ever join a drinking spree with the anime peeps. Please! I did with some J-rockers, but that's that.
I WAS NOT ever in a drinking spree with Vincent Ternida.
I MOST CERTAINLY did not have sex in front of him!
As far as I know, the only sentient beings that have seen me do the deed were 1) an ex-member of a j-rock band who was pretending to be asleep.
2) a cat.
I also heard that I am now being referred to as "the slut of the anime community" na "pumapatol kung kani-kanino" (to my non-Pinoy readers, that means: who sleeps with anyone who would have her). I know the people who have said this about me, and I am saddened that they have pre-judged me so.
What makes me a slut? The fact that I had a blabbermouth of an ex-boyfriend who revealed everything about our time together as a bet in a card game? The barely-legal nookie I had with an 18 year old bishonen? You can ask HIM. He started the affair! Okay, I may have exercised poor judgment at the time by agreeing to it. But you know the thing about mistakes? You learn from them. I did. I'm sorry. I got my just desserts. Get off your high horses, people!
While I do relish my reputation as a vixen, the sad truth is, I've probably had my heart broken more times than I've broken hearts. Nice piece of fiction, folks, but get your facts straight.
Somewhere in this city, a very bad 18-year old boy is in need of a good spanking!
Monday, July 11, 2005
Make-up 101: Lips
Oh my, the end of the tutorial. How time fles *sigh*
Might as well move on to the integral part of the series: Lips!
Girls already know the basics, right?
Step 1: Line the lips with lipliner in a shade similar to lipstick
Step 2: Fill in the lips with lipstick. I don't use lip brushes though it does provide more control. I'm just lazy that way. Again!
Step 3: Apply silicon-based lip gloss for shine.
But wait! I have a tip!
The point of the whole lip thing is to emphasize the fullness of the lip. I read somewhere that men associate full lips with fertility (not sure with that!), reason why geishas, flappers and Bett Boop apply lip color to only the fullest part of the lip.
ONe of my make-up pet peeves is the greasy feeling I get after applying lip gloss. Since the aim of lip gloss is to catch light and emphasize the middle of the lip, try applying lip gloss only on the middle part of the upper and lower lip. Avoid the icky just-ate-a-greasy-plateful-of lechon feeling without skimping on the beauty!
So there! I hope you guys picked up a thing or two (or maybe I should learn a bit more) about applying make-up for daily use. Til the next tutorial! Ta-ta AND mwah!
XOXO
Nikki Alfar
Tobie Abad
Gabby Lee
Andre Mischa Cleofe
Might as well move on to the integral part of the series: Lips!
Girls already know the basics, right?
Step 1: Line the lips with lipliner in a shade similar to lipstick
Step 2: Fill in the lips with lipstick. I don't use lip brushes though it does provide more control. I'm just lazy that way. Again!
Step 3: Apply silicon-based lip gloss for shine.
But wait! I have a tip!
The point of the whole lip thing is to emphasize the fullness of the lip. I read somewhere that men associate full lips with fertility (not sure with that!), reason why geishas, flappers and Bett Boop apply lip color to only the fullest part of the lip.
ONe of my make-up pet peeves is the greasy feeling I get after applying lip gloss. Since the aim of lip gloss is to catch light and emphasize the middle of the lip, try applying lip gloss only on the middle part of the upper and lower lip. Avoid the icky just-ate-a-greasy-plateful-of lechon feeling without skimping on the beauty!
So there! I hope you guys picked up a thing or two (or maybe I should learn a bit more) about applying make-up for daily use. Til the next tutorial! Ta-ta AND mwah!
XOXO
Nikki Alfar
Tobie Abad
Gabby Lee
Andre Mischa Cleofe
Sunday, July 10, 2005
New Life
After arguing with the fates, pleading to God for years, and whining to my friends, I'm finally getting my ducks lined up in a row, standing firm at my place in the sun, and getting my life in order. Finally!
I started out in my new job last July 1. No, I haven't resigned from Mr and Mrs. Boss. I got me a new job as a features (but sometimes news) writer/photographer for Asian Journal, a newspaper in LA, San Francisco and Las Vegas (yes, in the United States) that caters to the Fil-Am market. My aunt, who reads the paper, congratulated me for my new second job, and I'm just relieved that I feel that I am getting the life I've always wanted, that things are working out my way. It's a nice feeling, of being settled, of knowing where I'm headed. Of knowing that life is on my side. To not feel anxious about the future and of my capabilities.
That I don't have to keep raging, struggling and fighting for what I want. To finally have it *just like that*
I guess if things are meant to be, then they happen *just like that*
My new job entails travel around the Philippines (yay!) covering and writing news (not so yay) and writing feature articles of things that catch my fancy (major yay!)
Last Thursday, I had my first photo assignment! My hands trembled as Miko, my Philippine boss, handed me his verrry expensive Nikon D70. With excitement and trepidation, I took photos of the new Greenbelt malls, anxious to get my shots all right. I learned a lot of new things that day. I've never handled a D 70 before, and Miko kept complaining that his camera's auto-focus capabilites were already shot after only a year of use. I made a mental note not to buy a Nikon. It took me some time to get the hang of the camera, so some of my pictures were out of focus or too dark. I feel that for an amateur, I did well.
I still can't believe that I'm being paid to take photos! I'm not as good as I want to be, but I am determined that I do well in my new job.
My checklist
Live alone-check
Be healthy and physically fit-check
Emotional and mental stability, overall positive disposition-check. No more drama, I hope!
Job I love-check
Man in life-ergh, not at the moment. I need to prove to myself first that I can make it in the Big, Wide World.
I started out in my new job last July 1. No, I haven't resigned from Mr and Mrs. Boss. I got me a new job as a features (but sometimes news) writer/photographer for Asian Journal, a newspaper in LA, San Francisco and Las Vegas (yes, in the United States) that caters to the Fil-Am market. My aunt, who reads the paper, congratulated me for my new second job, and I'm just relieved that I feel that I am getting the life I've always wanted, that things are working out my way. It's a nice feeling, of being settled, of knowing where I'm headed. Of knowing that life is on my side. To not feel anxious about the future and of my capabilities.
That I don't have to keep raging, struggling and fighting for what I want. To finally have it *just like that*
I guess if things are meant to be, then they happen *just like that*
My new job entails travel around the Philippines (yay!) covering and writing news (not so yay) and writing feature articles of things that catch my fancy (major yay!)
Last Thursday, I had my first photo assignment! My hands trembled as Miko, my Philippine boss, handed me his verrry expensive Nikon D70. With excitement and trepidation, I took photos of the new Greenbelt malls, anxious to get my shots all right. I learned a lot of new things that day. I've never handled a D 70 before, and Miko kept complaining that his camera's auto-focus capabilites were already shot after only a year of use. I made a mental note not to buy a Nikon. It took me some time to get the hang of the camera, so some of my pictures were out of focus or too dark. I feel that for an amateur, I did well.
I still can't believe that I'm being paid to take photos! I'm not as good as I want to be, but I am determined that I do well in my new job.
My checklist
Live alone-check
Be healthy and physically fit-check
Emotional and mental stability, overall positive disposition-check. No more drama, I hope!
Job I love-check
Man in life-ergh, not at the moment. I need to prove to myself first that I can make it in the Big, Wide World.
Tuesday, July 05, 2005
Food for Thought
Walang kwenta ang Pilipinas
By: jawbreaker. (isang ordinaryong office worker na ayaw na magbayad ng tax...ever!)
Hindi ko na mapigilan ang sarili ko. Sukang-suka na ko sa mga nangyayari sa bansang 'to! Walang katapusang corruption, walang kamatayang pangbabatikos, pagbabatuhan ng tae at pagpapa-taasan ng ihi ng mga pulitiko sa bawat isa, walang tigil na imbestigasyon ng kung ano-anong isyu pero wala namang matinong resolusyon, walang puknat na pag-aagawan ng kapangyarihan sa pagitan ng mga partido, patuloy na pagdami ng tamad at tangang Pilipino, patuloy na pakikipaglaban ng ideolohiyang wala namang silbi. Ang gobyerno ng Pilipinas, talo pa ang septic tank na hinihigop ng Malabanan - saksakan ng dumi at napakabaho. Kaya hindi nakakapagtaka na ang Pilipinas ang isa sa pinakamahirap at corrupt na bansa sa mundo. Kasi lahat sila bulok, lahat sila walang kwenta. Lahat sila sugapa sa kapangyarihan at sa pera.
ANAK NG TETENG! !$#%Q!&!* @!!!!!
KAHIT KRISTIYANO AKO, HINDI KO MAPIGILANG MAGMURA AT HILINGIN SA DIYOS (MINSAN NGA PATI SA DEMONYO) NA MAMATAY NA SILANG LAHAT AT I- BBQ SILA NG HABANG-BUHAY SA IMPIERNO. SINONG "SILA"? EH DI MGA CORRUPT NA GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS AND WORKERS, MGA TAMBAY NA PILIPINO NA ANG LALAKI NG KATAWAN PERO HINDI NAMAN NAGTRATRABAHO AT HINDI NAGBABAYAD NG TAX, MGA MAYAYAMAN AT ARISTANG TAX EVADERS, PATI MGA AKTIBISTA, NPA AT IBA PANG IDEOLOGICAL GROUPS NA HINDI NAGBABAYAD NG TAX PERO PANG-GULO!!! MAMATAY NA KAYO!!!
Lagi na lang sinasabi ng mga pulitiko: Ipaglaban ang masa! Tulungan ang masa! Mahalin ang masa!
PUNYETA! MASA LANG BA ANG TAO SA PILIPINAS? SINO BA TALAGA ANG BUMUBUHAY SA PUNYETANG BANSANG TO? SAAN BA GALING ANG PANGPAGAWA NG MGA TULAY AT KALYE? SAAN BA GALING ANG PORK BARREL? SAAN BA GALING ANG PERANG KINUKURAKOT NYO? KAMI NA MGA MANGGAGAWA AT MIDDLE CLASS NA BAGO PA MAKUHA ANG SWELDO BAWAS NA - KAMI ANG BUMUBUHAY SA WALANG KWENTANG BANSA NA 'TO!!!!!!!!! BAKIT YANG BANG MGA MASANG YAN NA LAGI NA LANG SENTRO NG PLATAPORMA NG MGA PULITIKO EH NAGBABAYAD BA NG TAX???!!!! F**K YOU! KAHIT ISA SA MGA NAG-RA-RALLYING MGA SQUATTER NA YAN, KAHIT SINGKO HINDI NAG-RE-REMIT YAN SA BIR! PERO PINAPAKINGGAN BA KAMI NG GOBYERNO? LAGI NA LANG OPINYON NG MASA ANG INIINTINDI NG GOBYERNO. KUNG SINO ANG NAG-RA-RALLY, SA EDSA, SILA ANG NASUSUNOD. KUNG SINO ANG MAS MALAKAS SUMIGAW PERO WALA NAMANG ECONOMIC CONTRIBUTION, SILA LAGI ANG FOCUS PAG MAY PROBLEMA. SILA LAGI ANG BIDA. KAMING MGA ORDINARYONG OFFICE WORKERS, OFW'S, LABORERS AT IBA PANG NAG-TRA-TRABAHO AT NAGBABAYAD NG TAX - KAMI ANG NAGPAPAKAHIRAP PARA BUHAYIN ANG PILIPINAS. KAMI ANG MGA TUNAY NA BAYANI NG BANSA!!!
Tuwing nakikita ko ang payslip ko, nag-iinit ang ulo ko at gusto kong maiyak sa inis. Napakalaki ng tax na binabawas sa akin pero ginagamit lang sa walang kwentang bagay ang perang pinaghirapan ko. Lahat ng pagtitipid ginagawa ko para suportahan ang sarili ko, pamilya ko at ang punyetang bansang to. Ni hindi ako makabili ng chicken and spaghetti meal sa Jollibee kahit gutom na gutom na ko. Nag-tya-tyaga ako sa waffle na tig-P10, o kaya pag may konting pera, junior bola-bola siopao sa Mini-Stop sa halangang P20. Eh kung yung pera ko na pinapangbabayad sa tax sa kin na lang napunta, eh di sana nakakapanood pa ko ng sine at least 2 beses sa isang buwan. Nakabili na sana ako ng bagong rubber shoes. Nakapagpagawa na sana ako ng sarili kong bahay. Yung tax na binabayad ko, karamihan nun derecho sa bulsa ng mga corrupt na mga government officials at workers. Habang hirap na hirap akong i-budget ang pera ko, sila naman nagpapakasarap sa mga mansyon. SUV's at luxury cars pa ang dina-d rive nila, samantalang ako sa pedicab lang sumasakay!
P****** INA! PERA KO YANG PINAPAGPAPASASAAN NYO!!!!! Yung tax na binabayad ko, pinapangsuporta sa mga mahihirap. Saan ba galing ang pera pangpagawa ng housing at pagtulong sa mga mahihirap, di ba sa mga manggagawa na nagbabayad ng buwis! Pero karamihan ng mahihirap, kung umasta kala mo inaapi sila ng sobra.
SA TOTOO LANG NO, KAYA ANG MGA MAHIHIRAP LALONG NAGHIHIRAP KASI MGA TAMAD! Ang daming mga tambay sa kalye na walang trabaho pero ang laki ng katawan. Eh kung sila ba nagkargador sa pier eh di sana may pera sila.
TAPOS WALA NA NGANG PERA, ANAK PA NG ANAK! PUNYETA! LALO NYO LANG PINAPADAMI ANG TAMAD AT TANGA SA MUNDO!!!!! Naaawa ako sa mga batang pakalat-kalat sa kalye at namamalimos. Imbes na nag-aaral, dumadagdag lang sila sa bilang ng mga future criminals sa Pinas. Hindi ako magtataka na yung batang nakita kong namamalimos sa Cubao, pagkatapos ng ilang taon cellphone snatcher na.
YUNG MGA MAGULANG NAMAN DYAN, COMMON SENSE LANG! HIRAP NA HIRAP NA NGA KAYO SA BUHAY, MANGDADAMAY PA KAYO NG IBA?! PAPARAMIHAN NYO PA LAHI NYO!
Palibhasa walang mga trabaho at walang pinagkaka-abalahan, kaya nagkakalabitan at nagsusundutan na lang maghapon, magdamag. Sa totoo lang, nakakabilib. Kasi kahit sa ilalim ng tulay o sa kariton lang, nakakabuo pa rin ng bata! Ibig sabihin, maabilidad ang mga Pinoy. Kung gugustuhin, gagawan ng paraan. Kahit sa makipot, mabaho at maduming lugar - SOLVE! Isa pang mga grupo ng tao na nakakainis, yung mga aktibista, NPA at kung ano-ano pang ideological political groups. Sabi nila, mahal na mahal nila ang Pilipinas kaya pinagpalalaban nila ang kanilang mga adhikain.
PUNYETA! EH HINDI RIN KAYO NAGBABAYAD NG TAX! ANG KAKAPAL RIN NG MGA MUKHA NYO! MGA IPOKRITO! MAHAL DAW ANG PILIPINAS AYAW NAMAN MAGBAYAD NG BUWIS! BAKIT MAY BIR COLLECTOR BA SA GITNA NG MENDIOLA AT EDSA?! MAY TAX COLLECTION BA SA BUNDOK?! WALA DIN NAMAN KAYONG MGA TRABAHO! KUNG MAY TRABAHO TALAGA KAYO, HINDI KAYO MAG-RA-RALLY DAHIL SAYANG ANG SWELDO NYO PAG ABSENT KAYO! PAANO NYO MAIPAPAKITA ANG PAGMAMAHAL NYO SA PILIPINAS KUNG WALA NA KAYONG GAWANG MATINO KUNDI MAG-RALLY AT MAMUNDOK??!!! ISA PA YANG MGA MAYAYAMAN AT MGA ARTISTA, NA NANGDADAYA AT HINDI NAGBABAYAD NG BUWIS. ANG KAKAPAL NG MUKHA NYO! ANG DAMI NYO NA NGANG PERA NANGDADAYA PA KAYO SA TAX!!!! HINDI NYO NAMAN MADADALA SA IMPIERNO YANG MGA KAYAMAN NYO. MASUSUNOG LANG DUN YAN. KAYA LALONG BUMABAGSAK ANG NEGOSYO DITO SA PILIPINAS, KASI MGA NEGOSYANTE MANDARAYA. PATI SHOWBIZ INDUSTRY, BAGSAK NA DIN. KARMA ANG TAWAG DYAN. MGA BALASUBAS KASI.
Sana magkaron ng POLITICAL AND NATIONAL CLEANSING.
- Alisin (mas maganda kung patayin na lang) ang lahat ng pulitiko at political families sa puwesto
- Tibagin ang lahat ng mapanirang organizations at grupo.
- Itapon sa malayong isla o kaya i-pwersa ng hard labor ang mga sobrang tamad na mga Pilipino.
- Ihiwalay ang mga bata sa kanilang mga tamad at tangang magulang
upang makapag-aral sila at maturuan na maging mabuting tao at mamamayan.
- Magkaron ng bagong lider na walang political ties at utang na loob sa kahit sino.
At higit sa lahat, dapat tax payers lang ang pwedeng bumoto!
Kung kinakailangang magka-giyera para magtino ang mga Pilipino, ayos lang. Masyado na kasing matigas ang ulo ng mga tao dito. Gusto ng kalayaan, pero hindi naman handang panagutan ang responsibilidad ng pagiging malaya. Meron daw pinaglalaban na prinsipyo at adhikain pero takot namang mamatay para dito. (Sa mga nakaka-alam sa anime na Gundam Wing, yan ang inspirasyon ko sa new Pinas hehe. I love you Zechs! I love you Treize!)
Hangga't hindi nagkakaron ng radical change, patuloy na walang kwenta ang Pilipinas at patuloy na magiging tanga ang majority ng mga Pilipino. Sa dami ng nag-mi-migrate na Pilipino sa ibang bansa, dadating ang panahon na minority na lang ng population sa Pilipinas ang may utak. Yung mga magagaling na Pilipino, malamang maubos na. Sobra na kasi silang na-fru-frustrate at na-de-depress sa mga nakikita nila. Ilang taon pa at aalis na rin ako sa Pilipinas. Wala kong balak na magkaron ng pamilya sa isang bansa na hindi pinapahalagahan ang kontribusyon ng mga taong tunay na bumubuhay dito. Kawawa naman ang magiging anak ko kung dito sya mabubuhay. Sa totoo lang, broken hearted ako. Minahal ko din ang bansang ito. Pilit kong pinagtatanggol kahit bulok. Nakarating na ko ng ibang bansa, pero pinili kong bumalik. Pero ngayon, ayoko na. Suko na ko. Sayang lang ako sa bansang to. Simple lang naman ang hiling ko. Gusto ko lang mabuhay ng tahimik at maayos. Gusto ko na kahit paano eh maipa gmalaki ang Pilipinas. Pero wala eh. Doomed to be jologs ang bansang to.
Alam ko marami pa ang umaasa at naniniwala sa pagbabago. Good luck and God bless! Sana tama kayo at mali ako.
By: jawbreaker. (isang ordinaryong office worker na ayaw na magbayad ng tax...ever!)
Hindi ko na mapigilan ang sarili ko. Sukang-suka na ko sa mga nangyayari sa bansang 'to! Walang katapusang corruption, walang kamatayang pangbabatikos, pagbabatuhan ng tae at pagpapa-taasan ng ihi ng mga pulitiko sa bawat isa, walang tigil na imbestigasyon ng kung ano-anong isyu pero wala namang matinong resolusyon, walang puknat na pag-aagawan ng kapangyarihan sa pagitan ng mga partido, patuloy na pagdami ng tamad at tangang Pilipino, patuloy na pakikipaglaban ng ideolohiyang wala namang silbi. Ang gobyerno ng Pilipinas, talo pa ang septic tank na hinihigop ng Malabanan - saksakan ng dumi at napakabaho. Kaya hindi nakakapagtaka na ang Pilipinas ang isa sa pinakamahirap at corrupt na bansa sa mundo. Kasi lahat sila bulok, lahat sila walang kwenta. Lahat sila sugapa sa kapangyarihan at sa pera.
ANAK NG TETENG! !$#%Q!&!* @!!!!!
KAHIT KRISTIYANO AKO, HINDI KO MAPIGILANG MAGMURA AT HILINGIN SA DIYOS (MINSAN NGA PATI SA DEMONYO) NA MAMATAY NA SILANG LAHAT AT I- BBQ SILA NG HABANG-BUHAY SA IMPIERNO. SINONG "SILA"? EH DI MGA CORRUPT NA GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS AND WORKERS, MGA TAMBAY NA PILIPINO NA ANG LALAKI NG KATAWAN PERO HINDI NAMAN NAGTRATRABAHO AT HINDI NAGBABAYAD NG TAX, MGA MAYAYAMAN AT ARISTANG TAX EVADERS, PATI MGA AKTIBISTA, NPA AT IBA PANG IDEOLOGICAL GROUPS NA HINDI NAGBABAYAD NG TAX PERO PANG-GULO!!! MAMATAY NA KAYO!!!
Lagi na lang sinasabi ng mga pulitiko: Ipaglaban ang masa! Tulungan ang masa! Mahalin ang masa!
PUNYETA! MASA LANG BA ANG TAO SA PILIPINAS? SINO BA TALAGA ANG BUMUBUHAY SA PUNYETANG BANSANG TO? SAAN BA GALING ANG PANGPAGAWA NG MGA TULAY AT KALYE? SAAN BA GALING ANG PORK BARREL? SAAN BA GALING ANG PERANG KINUKURAKOT NYO? KAMI NA MGA MANGGAGAWA AT MIDDLE CLASS NA BAGO PA MAKUHA ANG SWELDO BAWAS NA - KAMI ANG BUMUBUHAY SA WALANG KWENTANG BANSA NA 'TO!!!!!!!!! BAKIT YANG BANG MGA MASANG YAN NA LAGI NA LANG SENTRO NG PLATAPORMA NG MGA PULITIKO EH NAGBABAYAD BA NG TAX???!!!! F**K YOU! KAHIT ISA SA MGA NAG-RA-RALLYING MGA SQUATTER NA YAN, KAHIT SINGKO HINDI NAG-RE-REMIT YAN SA BIR! PERO PINAPAKINGGAN BA KAMI NG GOBYERNO? LAGI NA LANG OPINYON NG MASA ANG INIINTINDI NG GOBYERNO. KUNG SINO ANG NAG-RA-RALLY, SA EDSA, SILA ANG NASUSUNOD. KUNG SINO ANG MAS MALAKAS SUMIGAW PERO WALA NAMANG ECONOMIC CONTRIBUTION, SILA LAGI ANG FOCUS PAG MAY PROBLEMA. SILA LAGI ANG BIDA. KAMING MGA ORDINARYONG OFFICE WORKERS, OFW'S, LABORERS AT IBA PANG NAG-TRA-TRABAHO AT NAGBABAYAD NG TAX - KAMI ANG NAGPAPAKAHIRAP PARA BUHAYIN ANG PILIPINAS. KAMI ANG MGA TUNAY NA BAYANI NG BANSA!!!
Tuwing nakikita ko ang payslip ko, nag-iinit ang ulo ko at gusto kong maiyak sa inis. Napakalaki ng tax na binabawas sa akin pero ginagamit lang sa walang kwentang bagay ang perang pinaghirapan ko. Lahat ng pagtitipid ginagawa ko para suportahan ang sarili ko, pamilya ko at ang punyetang bansang to. Ni hindi ako makabili ng chicken and spaghetti meal sa Jollibee kahit gutom na gutom na ko. Nag-tya-tyaga ako sa waffle na tig-P10, o kaya pag may konting pera, junior bola-bola siopao sa Mini-Stop sa halangang P20. Eh kung yung pera ko na pinapangbabayad sa tax sa kin na lang napunta, eh di sana nakakapanood pa ko ng sine at least 2 beses sa isang buwan. Nakabili na sana ako ng bagong rubber shoes. Nakapagpagawa na sana ako ng sarili kong bahay. Yung tax na binabayad ko, karamihan nun derecho sa bulsa ng mga corrupt na mga government officials at workers. Habang hirap na hirap akong i-budget ang pera ko, sila naman nagpapakasarap sa mga mansyon. SUV's at luxury cars pa ang dina-d rive nila, samantalang ako sa pedicab lang sumasakay!
P****** INA! PERA KO YANG PINAPAGPAPASASAAN NYO!!!!! Yung tax na binabayad ko, pinapangsuporta sa mga mahihirap. Saan ba galing ang pera pangpagawa ng housing at pagtulong sa mga mahihirap, di ba sa mga manggagawa na nagbabayad ng buwis! Pero karamihan ng mahihirap, kung umasta kala mo inaapi sila ng sobra.
SA TOTOO LANG NO, KAYA ANG MGA MAHIHIRAP LALONG NAGHIHIRAP KASI MGA TAMAD! Ang daming mga tambay sa kalye na walang trabaho pero ang laki ng katawan. Eh kung sila ba nagkargador sa pier eh di sana may pera sila.
TAPOS WALA NA NGANG PERA, ANAK PA NG ANAK! PUNYETA! LALO NYO LANG PINAPADAMI ANG TAMAD AT TANGA SA MUNDO!!!!! Naaawa ako sa mga batang pakalat-kalat sa kalye at namamalimos. Imbes na nag-aaral, dumadagdag lang sila sa bilang ng mga future criminals sa Pinas. Hindi ako magtataka na yung batang nakita kong namamalimos sa Cubao, pagkatapos ng ilang taon cellphone snatcher na.
YUNG MGA MAGULANG NAMAN DYAN, COMMON SENSE LANG! HIRAP NA HIRAP NA NGA KAYO SA BUHAY, MANGDADAMAY PA KAYO NG IBA?! PAPARAMIHAN NYO PA LAHI NYO!
Palibhasa walang mga trabaho at walang pinagkaka-abalahan, kaya nagkakalabitan at nagsusundutan na lang maghapon, magdamag. Sa totoo lang, nakakabilib. Kasi kahit sa ilalim ng tulay o sa kariton lang, nakakabuo pa rin ng bata! Ibig sabihin, maabilidad ang mga Pinoy. Kung gugustuhin, gagawan ng paraan. Kahit sa makipot, mabaho at maduming lugar - SOLVE! Isa pang mga grupo ng tao na nakakainis, yung mga aktibista, NPA at kung ano-ano pang ideological political groups. Sabi nila, mahal na mahal nila ang Pilipinas kaya pinagpalalaban nila ang kanilang mga adhikain.
PUNYETA! EH HINDI RIN KAYO NAGBABAYAD NG TAX! ANG KAKAPAL RIN NG MGA MUKHA NYO! MGA IPOKRITO! MAHAL DAW ANG PILIPINAS AYAW NAMAN MAGBAYAD NG BUWIS! BAKIT MAY BIR COLLECTOR BA SA GITNA NG MENDIOLA AT EDSA?! MAY TAX COLLECTION BA SA BUNDOK?! WALA DIN NAMAN KAYONG MGA TRABAHO! KUNG MAY TRABAHO TALAGA KAYO, HINDI KAYO MAG-RA-RALLY DAHIL SAYANG ANG SWELDO NYO PAG ABSENT KAYO! PAANO NYO MAIPAPAKITA ANG PAGMAMAHAL NYO SA PILIPINAS KUNG WALA NA KAYONG GAWANG MATINO KUNDI MAG-RALLY AT MAMUNDOK??!!! ISA PA YANG MGA MAYAYAMAN AT MGA ARTISTA, NA NANGDADAYA AT HINDI NAGBABAYAD NG BUWIS. ANG KAKAPAL NG MUKHA NYO! ANG DAMI NYO NA NGANG PERA NANGDADAYA PA KAYO SA TAX!!!! HINDI NYO NAMAN MADADALA SA IMPIERNO YANG MGA KAYAMAN NYO. MASUSUNOG LANG DUN YAN. KAYA LALONG BUMABAGSAK ANG NEGOSYO DITO SA PILIPINAS, KASI MGA NEGOSYANTE MANDARAYA. PATI SHOWBIZ INDUSTRY, BAGSAK NA DIN. KARMA ANG TAWAG DYAN. MGA BALASUBAS KASI.
Sana magkaron ng POLITICAL AND NATIONAL CLEANSING.
- Alisin (mas maganda kung patayin na lang) ang lahat ng pulitiko at political families sa puwesto
- Tibagin ang lahat ng mapanirang organizations at grupo.
- Itapon sa malayong isla o kaya i-pwersa ng hard labor ang mga sobrang tamad na mga Pilipino.
- Ihiwalay ang mga bata sa kanilang mga tamad at tangang magulang
upang makapag-aral sila at maturuan na maging mabuting tao at mamamayan.
- Magkaron ng bagong lider na walang political ties at utang na loob sa kahit sino.
At higit sa lahat, dapat tax payers lang ang pwedeng bumoto!
Kung kinakailangang magka-giyera para magtino ang mga Pilipino, ayos lang. Masyado na kasing matigas ang ulo ng mga tao dito. Gusto ng kalayaan, pero hindi naman handang panagutan ang responsibilidad ng pagiging malaya. Meron daw pinaglalaban na prinsipyo at adhikain pero takot namang mamatay para dito. (Sa mga nakaka-alam sa anime na Gundam Wing, yan ang inspirasyon ko sa new Pinas hehe. I love you Zechs! I love you Treize!)
Hangga't hindi nagkakaron ng radical change, patuloy na walang kwenta ang Pilipinas at patuloy na magiging tanga ang majority ng mga Pilipino. Sa dami ng nag-mi-migrate na Pilipino sa ibang bansa, dadating ang panahon na minority na lang ng population sa Pilipinas ang may utak. Yung mga magagaling na Pilipino, malamang maubos na. Sobra na kasi silang na-fru-frustrate at na-de-depress sa mga nakikita nila. Ilang taon pa at aalis na rin ako sa Pilipinas. Wala kong balak na magkaron ng pamilya sa isang bansa na hindi pinapahalagahan ang kontribusyon ng mga taong tunay na bumubuhay dito. Kawawa naman ang magiging anak ko kung dito sya mabubuhay. Sa totoo lang, broken hearted ako. Minahal ko din ang bansang ito. Pilit kong pinagtatanggol kahit bulok. Nakarating na ko ng ibang bansa, pero pinili kong bumalik. Pero ngayon, ayoko na. Suko na ko. Sayang lang ako sa bansang to. Simple lang naman ang hiling ko. Gusto ko lang mabuhay ng tahimik at maayos. Gusto ko na kahit paano eh maipa gmalaki ang Pilipinas. Pero wala eh. Doomed to be jologs ang bansang to.
Alam ko marami pa ang umaasa at naniniwala sa pagbabago. Good luck and God bless! Sana tama kayo at mali ako.
Sunday, July 03, 2005
Make-up 101: Cheeks
Welcome to a Slinging Ink Tuesday, I know you all missed me ;D! I really couldn't help it that I was downed by the sniffles!
I don't mean to get cheeky on you guys, but really, the way some girls blush can be so '80s!
I dare say, experiment, go crazy, but not with the blusher! I mean, go crazy and experiment on how to apply blush in the best way to suit your face, and what hue to use. I usually apply blusher on the apples of my cheeks. So smile and blush away!
Remember that the aim is to make your cheeks look like it has the glow of natural health, the flushed look after a good workout or a brisk run. Say a big NO to the urge to power-blush! You know what I mean! You are not going to a catfight on Dynasty. Besides, that show (god bless those shoulder pads) has long been cancelled. So should power-blushing. Leave those angry red streaks to the 80s punk wannabes.
There are many kinds ways to achieve that glow. Some people don't look good in blusher, and would be better off using sparkly bronzer for their cheeks. Some people, like my sister, like to use lip and cheek tints.
Lip and cheek tint hint! Do NOT dot the apples of your cheecks with the colors then spread! It will leave a ghostly red dot on your cheek and color that seems to have been smeared towards your ears! Say no to blusher comets! For liquid or cream blushers, do as the sister does: She applies a dot of the stuff on a damp sponge then applies it on her face. Remember that a little goes a long way. I think I should switch to liquid blusher, since it does seem to impart a more natural glow.
Oh and please remember to wash your blush brush every month! An unclean brush can lead to "overblush," and you may miscalculate and inadvertently give yourself the "power blush" look. I wash mine in a shampoo-and-water solution, rinse it out then let it air dry.
More of the Tuesday gang!
NikkiAlfar
Tobie Abad
Gabby Lee
Andre Mischa Cleofe
I don't mean to get cheeky on you guys, but really, the way some girls blush can be so '80s!
I dare say, experiment, go crazy, but not with the blusher! I mean, go crazy and experiment on how to apply blush in the best way to suit your face, and what hue to use. I usually apply blusher on the apples of my cheeks. So smile and blush away!
Remember that the aim is to make your cheeks look like it has the glow of natural health, the flushed look after a good workout or a brisk run. Say a big NO to the urge to power-blush! You know what I mean! You are not going to a catfight on Dynasty. Besides, that show (god bless those shoulder pads) has long been cancelled. So should power-blushing. Leave those angry red streaks to the 80s punk wannabes.
There are many kinds ways to achieve that glow. Some people don't look good in blusher, and would be better off using sparkly bronzer for their cheeks. Some people, like my sister, like to use lip and cheek tints.
Lip and cheek tint hint! Do NOT dot the apples of your cheecks with the colors then spread! It will leave a ghostly red dot on your cheek and color that seems to have been smeared towards your ears! Say no to blusher comets! For liquid or cream blushers, do as the sister does: She applies a dot of the stuff on a damp sponge then applies it on her face. Remember that a little goes a long way. I think I should switch to liquid blusher, since it does seem to impart a more natural glow.
Oh and please remember to wash your blush brush every month! An unclean brush can lead to "overblush," and you may miscalculate and inadvertently give yourself the "power blush" look. I wash mine in a shampoo-and-water solution, rinse it out then let it air dry.
More of the Tuesday gang!
NikkiAlfar
Tobie Abad
Gabby Lee
Andre Mischa Cleofe
Taking Over the World...One Costume at a Time
Hello guys and welcome back to my domain! I see that a lot of people have come in while I was out! Welcome, welcome, and I'm glad to meet you, too!
It has been a good week for me, Cosplay wise. First up, I was a judge at the 2005 Toys and Collectibles Convention! Was glad to see a lot of familiar faces, especially familiar faces trying out new things!
It was rad to finally be a judge at a cosplay contest! I never thought that I was gonna be asked, and it was so hard to keep it a secret because I wanted to be impartial. I only told people about it on the day of the con itself. I now realize what goes on in judging a costume, and I sincerely believe that it has helped me become a better cosplayer in the process.
First up, I never thought that the modeling portion of the costumes whizzes by so fast! As a performer, that few seconds feels like an eternity onstage. But as a judge, I barely had time to jot down my scores. As a result, me and my fellow judges listed down when we could and caught up with the scoring during the breaks in between the batches.
Number two, I realized how important the stage performance part is in the cosplay. Even if the cosplayer is a veteran and/or an acquaintance, I had a hard time recalling the cosplayer during the "catching up" period, unless he/she gave a remarkable performance.
I now know that even if a costume is impressive, a good performance during the stage exhibition is also an integral part of the criteria. Even with a "B" costume, an "A" caliber performance can put a cosplayer dead even with a cosplayer wearing an "A" costume. However, cosplayers must be careful that they don't end up maiming the judges during fight scenes!
Number three, Audience impact matters, but it's not as important as it's all cracked up to be. I was just so pleased at how dedicated some people were in putting together their costumes. I now know that it doesn't matter to the judges whether or not you made your own costume. It matters to you, as a cosplayer, to take personal pride in your work. And I feel that it matters to me to make my own costumes, because I feel proud to strut in something that I made. And believe me, even if your costume is crap, it shows.
Then yesterday, my Slave Leia profile was put up in the Bikini Builder's website!
Click me!
Gyahaha!!! Power, power, POWER!!! Nah, just kidding! I am just glad that I am able to help better the local cosplaying community.
I'm just happy that cosplay has taken me to unexpected places in my life. At the beginning, I had a hard time explaining to my parents, and even myself, what was it about cosplay that fascinated me so. My love of competition? It fulfilled my creativity? Despite the politics inside the community, I'm just happy that I am so fulfilled by this craft. I'm eternally learning new things about costume construction and myself, and I feel that I have LOTS more to learn. I'm still surprised that I've even been asked to judge. I have miles to go, miles to go.
It has been a good week for me, Cosplay wise. First up, I was a judge at the 2005 Toys and Collectibles Convention! Was glad to see a lot of familiar faces, especially familiar faces trying out new things!
It was rad to finally be a judge at a cosplay contest! I never thought that I was gonna be asked, and it was so hard to keep it a secret because I wanted to be impartial. I only told people about it on the day of the con itself. I now realize what goes on in judging a costume, and I sincerely believe that it has helped me become a better cosplayer in the process.
First up, I never thought that the modeling portion of the costumes whizzes by so fast! As a performer, that few seconds feels like an eternity onstage. But as a judge, I barely had time to jot down my scores. As a result, me and my fellow judges listed down when we could and caught up with the scoring during the breaks in between the batches.
Number two, I realized how important the stage performance part is in the cosplay. Even if the cosplayer is a veteran and/or an acquaintance, I had a hard time recalling the cosplayer during the "catching up" period, unless he/she gave a remarkable performance.
I now know that even if a costume is impressive, a good performance during the stage exhibition is also an integral part of the criteria. Even with a "B" costume, an "A" caliber performance can put a cosplayer dead even with a cosplayer wearing an "A" costume. However, cosplayers must be careful that they don't end up maiming the judges during fight scenes!
Number three, Audience impact matters, but it's not as important as it's all cracked up to be. I was just so pleased at how dedicated some people were in putting together their costumes. I now know that it doesn't matter to the judges whether or not you made your own costume. It matters to you, as a cosplayer, to take personal pride in your work. And I feel that it matters to me to make my own costumes, because I feel proud to strut in something that I made. And believe me, even if your costume is crap, it shows.
Then yesterday, my Slave Leia profile was put up in the Bikini Builder's website!
Click me!
Gyahaha!!! Power, power, POWER!!! Nah, just kidding! I am just glad that I am able to help better the local cosplaying community.
I'm just happy that cosplay has taken me to unexpected places in my life. At the beginning, I had a hard time explaining to my parents, and even myself, what was it about cosplay that fascinated me so. My love of competition? It fulfilled my creativity? Despite the politics inside the community, I'm just happy that I am so fulfilled by this craft. I'm eternally learning new things about costume construction and myself, and I feel that I have LOTS more to learn. I'm still surprised that I've even been asked to judge. I have miles to go, miles to go.
Wednesday, June 29, 2005
Friday, June 24, 2005
Urashii!
Mga kababawan ng isang anime otaku.
Urashi!!!
Ipapalabas na ang Cowboy Bebop sa Animax! Yess! Ibig sabihin pwede ko na uli ilabas yun Faye Valentine costume ko sa Animax Carnival!
Grabe that costume is a reminder of my "Cosplay-zilla" moment. Imagine, I spent P 5,000 because I was obsessed to get the character and costume exactly. I think I should revamp the costume. Watchathink? Should I re-do it in pleather or stretch leather na?
Yehey! Magagamit ko na sha uli! Yehey! Cowboy Bebop! One of the coolest anime ever!
Urashii!
Tapos, tapos, first time ko napanood yun Sayuki Reload: Gunlock sa Animax. Grabe, I know not watching it is blasphemy for someone who calls herself a Saiyuki fan, . Pero as in crush ko pa rin si Cho Hakkai!
Which Saiyuki character would sleep with you?
Bishie!!!
isa pa!
bishie uli!
Genjo Sanzo
Which Saiyuki Character are you?
brought to you by Quizilla
Genjo Sanzo--Work can get in the way sometimes, but
be patient and he will never leave you,
although he may be overly-short tempered.
Who is your Saiyuki boyfriend?
brought to you by Quizilla
CHIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII~!!
Urashi!!!
Ipapalabas na ang Cowboy Bebop sa Animax! Yess! Ibig sabihin pwede ko na uli ilabas yun Faye Valentine costume ko sa Animax Carnival!
Grabe that costume is a reminder of my "Cosplay-zilla" moment. Imagine, I spent P 5,000 because I was obsessed to get the character and costume exactly. I think I should revamp the costume. Watchathink? Should I re-do it in pleather or stretch leather na?
Yehey! Magagamit ko na sha uli! Yehey! Cowboy Bebop! One of the coolest anime ever!
Urashii!
Tapos, tapos, first time ko napanood yun Sayuki Reload: Gunlock sa Animax. Grabe, I know not watching it is blasphemy for someone who calls herself a Saiyuki fan, . Pero as in crush ko pa rin si Cho Hakkai!
Which Saiyuki character would sleep with you?
Bishie!!!
isa pa!
bishie uli!
Genjo Sanzo
Which Saiyuki Character are you?
brought to you by Quizilla
Genjo Sanzo--Work can get in the way sometimes, but
be patient and he will never leave you,
although he may be overly-short tempered.
Who is your Saiyuki boyfriend?
brought to you by Quizilla
CHIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII~!!
Tuesday, June 21, 2005
Why I'm Not Sold on the 'Yan ang Pinay' Movement
Some people may find it strange that I'm not all rah-rah about the "Yan ang Pinay" movement, since I'm usually a rabid supporter of causes on women, and I'm proud of being Filipino.
However, I don't--and I can't--subscribe to a cause that I feel is a quick reaction, a palliative, to yet another thing that happened to offend our prickly national pride, no matter how noble the intention is. I've seen this before in my line of work. Congressmen would quiclkly jump to the defense of the Filipino at the first report that we are being slighted by foreigners without verifying reports, often making a mountain out of a molehill.
First of all, what is the "negative" perception of Pinays? That we are sex objects? Mail Order brides? Domestic help? Sweetheart, Pinoy Pride aside, our country's sad economic reality has forced our people to migrate wholesale, much like the Irish during the turn of the 19th and 20th century. The world knows this. Sex object? What woman isn't a sex object, either willing or unwilling? Italian women don't mind their wholesale reputations as bombshells, do they? Bottom line, YAP will not solve this "negative" perception, nor is a step toward a solution. We cannot convince foreigners who have preconceptions of what a Pinay is even if he or she meets a Pinay who isn't a sex object, a domestic help, or a mail-order bride, even if he reads article after article on the virtues of the Filipina. Blogging about the Pinay will merely flood the web with more chatter.
Second, changing the definition of the label "Pinay" is merely the different side of the same coin. This still promotes the same "herd" mentality that promoted the "hostile" image in the first place. Intellectually, we know that not all the French are rude, Not all Englishmen have bad teeth, not all Japanese have a driven work ethic. Good or bad, a label is a label. I don't think all foreigners are stupid enough to judge an entire race of women because of the decisions of a few. To assume so is demeaning intellectually, depriving people of the thought process to actually judge for themselves and form their own opinion. Aren't we also perpetuating the same prejudice, casting the same judgmental eye, on our Pinay sisters who decided to sell themselves because of their own will or for economic reasons? Maybe we should try saving those who were truly exploited by white slavery rings. Besides, shouldn't we consider people as individuals rather than attach a reputation to them, deserved or undeserved?
Lastly, are we, as a people, so insecure and have no self-esteem so as to be offended by the fact that some Pinays have chosen to be prostitutes, Domestic Help, or Mail-Order brides? I feel that the YAP movement has more to do with ego than with patriotism. In Cebu, onions are called "Bumbays." I don't hear protests from the Indian community. People poke fun at the French's reported snobiness and they take it in stride. The English make jokes at their own reputation of being hygenically-challenged. These Pinays may have given Filipinos a bad name so it needs to be "changed." Unless we, as a people, stop complaining, get some discipline, follow laws, and become kind people, Pinoys will always get a bad rap.
I'd like to talk about the woman I admire the most. My aunt, Marietta,put herself through college, has been the breadwinner of our family, has been my mother figure, and survived cancer. Could her attributes have something to do with being a Filipina? Partly. But it has more to do with the fact that she's an amazing human being.
NikkiAlfar
Tobie Abad
Gabby Lee
Andre Mischa Cleofe
However, I don't--and I can't--subscribe to a cause that I feel is a quick reaction, a palliative, to yet another thing that happened to offend our prickly national pride, no matter how noble the intention is. I've seen this before in my line of work. Congressmen would quiclkly jump to the defense of the Filipino at the first report that we are being slighted by foreigners without verifying reports, often making a mountain out of a molehill.
First of all, what is the "negative" perception of Pinays? That we are sex objects? Mail Order brides? Domestic help? Sweetheart, Pinoy Pride aside, our country's sad economic reality has forced our people to migrate wholesale, much like the Irish during the turn of the 19th and 20th century. The world knows this. Sex object? What woman isn't a sex object, either willing or unwilling? Italian women don't mind their wholesale reputations as bombshells, do they? Bottom line, YAP will not solve this "negative" perception, nor is a step toward a solution. We cannot convince foreigners who have preconceptions of what a Pinay is even if he or she meets a Pinay who isn't a sex object, a domestic help, or a mail-order bride, even if he reads article after article on the virtues of the Filipina. Blogging about the Pinay will merely flood the web with more chatter.
Second, changing the definition of the label "Pinay" is merely the different side of the same coin. This still promotes the same "herd" mentality that promoted the "hostile" image in the first place. Intellectually, we know that not all the French are rude, Not all Englishmen have bad teeth, not all Japanese have a driven work ethic. Good or bad, a label is a label. I don't think all foreigners are stupid enough to judge an entire race of women because of the decisions of a few. To assume so is demeaning intellectually, depriving people of the thought process to actually judge for themselves and form their own opinion. Aren't we also perpetuating the same prejudice, casting the same judgmental eye, on our Pinay sisters who decided to sell themselves because of their own will or for economic reasons? Maybe we should try saving those who were truly exploited by white slavery rings. Besides, shouldn't we consider people as individuals rather than attach a reputation to them, deserved or undeserved?
Lastly, are we, as a people, so insecure and have no self-esteem so as to be offended by the fact that some Pinays have chosen to be prostitutes, Domestic Help, or Mail-Order brides? I feel that the YAP movement has more to do with ego than with patriotism. In Cebu, onions are called "Bumbays." I don't hear protests from the Indian community. People poke fun at the French's reported snobiness and they take it in stride. The English make jokes at their own reputation of being hygenically-challenged. These Pinays may have given Filipinos a bad name so it needs to be "changed." Unless we, as a people, stop complaining, get some discipline, follow laws, and become kind people, Pinoys will always get a bad rap.
I'd like to talk about the woman I admire the most. My aunt, Marietta,put herself through college, has been the breadwinner of our family, has been my mother figure, and survived cancer. Could her attributes have something to do with being a Filipina? Partly. But it has more to do with the fact that she's an amazing human being.
NikkiAlfar
Tobie Abad
Gabby Lee
Andre Mischa Cleofe
Sunday, June 19, 2005
Queers and Fears
From correspondent Ilyn Florese-Alanguilan, a report on Thom Filicia's visit to Manila.
Just covering all my bases people ;) Enjoy!
Gerry and I left San Pablo at around 7:30 am and reached Alabang at around 9:00 am yesterday. Had breakfast, got my stomach acting up again so I bought medicines then went to the activity center. We found out that we should have bought their book the day before for us to get 'tickets' to sit inside the cordoned area. We could've bought a copy, but the day before? Hmmm... I'm not like that, considering where I'll be coming from.
We tried to find a good place to stand and found one near the back. At around 10:15, there was a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Homezone to open an exhibit of the work he did for the US Pavilion at the World Expo in Aichio, Japan. Then he was led to the stage where he was introduced by Daphne Oseña-Paez (I didn't know until yesterday that she's pretty in person). He commented at every one of his credentials Daphne was enumerating. He's happy and proud of what he did without sounding that he's bragging about it.
Thom with Daphne
He told a story about having 17 meals until since arriving Friday morning. "Didn't we eat just awhile ago?" Thom and Kyan would say to each other. Well, I'd say, welcome to the Philippines! :) Then, yesterday at their hotel, they were supposed to eat breakfast and when they asked around, they were led to the restaurant where a long table with a lot of women were there. "Kyan, I think they are trying to convert us."
Anyway, he conducted a lecture about the US pavilion, about design, did a critique on the works done by the PSID students and answered questions... similar to seminars we've been attending during our conventions. His manager, who looks also like a bodyguard, was laughing hard because Thom was funny and yes, he is charming.
Thom in action
Book signing was next. But unlike what happened there at Greenbelt, the ladies had a grand time taking pics with him even during the opening of exhibits. And even after book signing ended, Thom stood up and signed more books along the way. Then it's done. We bought some stuff and went home.
Thom charms the ladies
It was fun. Thanks to my husband for coming with me, and who was not embarassed of taking Thom's pic in a sea of women.
--------
I think I've been partying waaay too much lately. I need a break.
As someone once told me, "Sleep is good. Sleep is your friend."
Indeed.
Fete de la Musique was somewhat of a disappointment for me. Didn't enjoy the heat, the crowds, and the unruly and unwashed youth, whose idea of teenage rebellion was to get drunk and pick fights. While I bumped into many old friends and acquaintances, the crowds made it impossible for me to locate and unite my disparate group of friends, scattered across the fair grounds.
Anyway, it got too overwhelming that my brother, his girlfriend, her sister and I motored over to Absinth. Turned put that the samba band that played at the Fete had also headed there, along with other Fete refugees.
So there I was, dancing by myself and minding my own business, as I was wont to do in these places, when a girl with a pixie haircut and in a funky skirt decided to join me. So I decided to jump on for the ride.
Things got pretty heavy between us, as she grabbed my hand and led me to the VIP section. Once there, she decided that she wanted to get funky, so I thought, cool, let's get funky.
Bumping and grinding, pelvis against pelvis, sweat against sweat. I did my best to follow her rhythm. It got pretty hot. I had to admit that I was a bit turned on by it all. She whispered in my ear that everybody in the room envied us. I didn't really care because I was lost in the music.
Truth be told, I know I had told you guys that I have never been attracted to women. Well, there was this one girl. Just one. I was 22. I thought I was going nuts when I was almost paralyzed by my massive crush on her, because I know that I'm not a lesbian. Anyway, I decided to keep my distance and my feelings for her went away.
She got tired, so we plopped down a couch and cuddled. As I stroked her leg, we shared information about each other. Her name was Marge, 21, and yes, she was gay. Duh! she exclaimed. Wasn't it obvious? I replied that I don't like to assume things about people. I've danced with other strangers before, some of them women, but just because we decided to get down and dirty doesn't make them gay, right?
She told me her girl was out of town,so I asked her, won't her friends think that you're cheating on her girlfriend? She told me that her girl is probably cheating on her with a guy. Besides, it's like we we're doing anything wrong. I asked her wasn't her GF gay, too? She said that she likes to go out with "straight" women.
Anyway, my cellphone beeped. It was my brother, who told me we had to go. So Marge and I left the VIP section. I thanked her with a peck on her cheek. I didn't ask for her number because a) I'm straight b) I figured that if she's realy interested, she'd ask for my number.
Later that night, I dreamt that I bumped into her while I was on holiday in Spain. We chatted for a bit, then she asked me why didn't we exchange numbers when we first met? Then she gave me her number.
Damn, I really should've asked for her number.
Just covering all my bases people ;) Enjoy!
Gerry and I left San Pablo at around 7:30 am and reached Alabang at around 9:00 am yesterday. Had breakfast, got my stomach acting up again so I bought medicines then went to the activity center. We found out that we should have bought their book the day before for us to get 'tickets' to sit inside the cordoned area. We could've bought a copy, but the day before? Hmmm... I'm not like that, considering where I'll be coming from.
We tried to find a good place to stand and found one near the back. At around 10:15, there was a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Homezone to open an exhibit of the work he did for the US Pavilion at the World Expo in Aichio, Japan. Then he was led to the stage where he was introduced by Daphne Oseña-Paez (I didn't know until yesterday that she's pretty in person). He commented at every one of his credentials Daphne was enumerating. He's happy and proud of what he did without sounding that he's bragging about it.
Thom with Daphne
He told a story about having 17 meals until since arriving Friday morning. "Didn't we eat just awhile ago?" Thom and Kyan would say to each other. Well, I'd say, welcome to the Philippines! :) Then, yesterday at their hotel, they were supposed to eat breakfast and when they asked around, they were led to the restaurant where a long table with a lot of women were there. "Kyan, I think they are trying to convert us."
Anyway, he conducted a lecture about the US pavilion, about design, did a critique on the works done by the PSID students and answered questions... similar to seminars we've been attending during our conventions. His manager, who looks also like a bodyguard, was laughing hard because Thom was funny and yes, he is charming.
Thom in action
Book signing was next. But unlike what happened there at Greenbelt, the ladies had a grand time taking pics with him even during the opening of exhibits. And even after book signing ended, Thom stood up and signed more books along the way. Then it's done. We bought some stuff and went home.
Thom charms the ladies
It was fun. Thanks to my husband for coming with me, and who was not embarassed of taking Thom's pic in a sea of women.
--------
I think I've been partying waaay too much lately. I need a break.
As someone once told me, "Sleep is good. Sleep is your friend."
Indeed.
Fete de la Musique was somewhat of a disappointment for me. Didn't enjoy the heat, the crowds, and the unruly and unwashed youth, whose idea of teenage rebellion was to get drunk and pick fights. While I bumped into many old friends and acquaintances, the crowds made it impossible for me to locate and unite my disparate group of friends, scattered across the fair grounds.
Anyway, it got too overwhelming that my brother, his girlfriend, her sister and I motored over to Absinth. Turned put that the samba band that played at the Fete had also headed there, along with other Fete refugees.
So there I was, dancing by myself and minding my own business, as I was wont to do in these places, when a girl with a pixie haircut and in a funky skirt decided to join me. So I decided to jump on for the ride.
Things got pretty heavy between us, as she grabbed my hand and led me to the VIP section. Once there, she decided that she wanted to get funky, so I thought, cool, let's get funky.
Bumping and grinding, pelvis against pelvis, sweat against sweat. I did my best to follow her rhythm. It got pretty hot. I had to admit that I was a bit turned on by it all. She whispered in my ear that everybody in the room envied us. I didn't really care because I was lost in the music.
Truth be told, I know I had told you guys that I have never been attracted to women. Well, there was this one girl. Just one. I was 22. I thought I was going nuts when I was almost paralyzed by my massive crush on her, because I know that I'm not a lesbian. Anyway, I decided to keep my distance and my feelings for her went away.
She got tired, so we plopped down a couch and cuddled. As I stroked her leg, we shared information about each other. Her name was Marge, 21, and yes, she was gay. Duh! she exclaimed. Wasn't it obvious? I replied that I don't like to assume things about people. I've danced with other strangers before, some of them women, but just because we decided to get down and dirty doesn't make them gay, right?
She told me her girl was out of town,so I asked her, won't her friends think that you're cheating on her girlfriend? She told me that her girl is probably cheating on her with a guy. Besides, it's like we we're doing anything wrong. I asked her wasn't her GF gay, too? She said that she likes to go out with "straight" women.
Anyway, my cellphone beeped. It was my brother, who told me we had to go. So Marge and I left the VIP section. I thanked her with a peck on her cheek. I didn't ask for her number because a) I'm straight b) I figured that if she's realy interested, she'd ask for my number.
Later that night, I dreamt that I bumped into her while I was on holiday in Spain. We chatted for a bit, then she asked me why didn't we exchange numbers when we first met? Then she gave me her number.
Damn, I really should've asked for her number.
Saturday, June 18, 2005
Her Story
Reading the conclusion of Jonas Diego's A Girl's Story was like putting down a very satisfying novel. The storytelling was sharp and lyrical, the art was very effective in moving the story along. It may not have had a happy ending, but the story was thought-provoking and resonated emotionally.
What appalled me more than the guy's lack of compassion for a fellow human was his refusal to take responsibility for his actions. This is on top of my list of pet peeves. Every action has a consequence, a principle that is oft repeated in religion and science.
This is what I don't get with society: People love to hear stories of sex and scandal, but refuse to acknowledge the flip side of the coin.
This morning, after a night of partying, my girlfriends Jewel, Leslie, and I got to talking about our lying friends and gynecological stories. The conversation rolled at how people only want to acknowledge the good part of themselves, and would go to great lengths to lie about their weaknesses. People like them don't care if they step on toes, as long as they look good to those who they think matter.
Leslie noted that people only want to hear her sex stories, but her friends felt uncomfortable when the conversation shifted to the not-so-pleasant side of being promiscuous. Leslie and I are well aware that being sexually active could get us diseases or pregnant, and we are responsible enough to take precautions and look after our health.
Personally, I, too, am trying to find balance between my good and bad sides. I am struggling to acknowledge and accept my undesirable traits and embrace these weaknesses.
The more people try to cover up weaknesses, the weaker a person's foundation becomes. Leslie had earlier spoken about why the Japanese economy faltered as spectacularly as it did. I couldn't help but notice the similarity.
What appalled me more than the guy's lack of compassion for a fellow human was his refusal to take responsibility for his actions. This is on top of my list of pet peeves. Every action has a consequence, a principle that is oft repeated in religion and science.
This is what I don't get with society: People love to hear stories of sex and scandal, but refuse to acknowledge the flip side of the coin.
This morning, after a night of partying, my girlfriends Jewel, Leslie, and I got to talking about our lying friends and gynecological stories. The conversation rolled at how people only want to acknowledge the good part of themselves, and would go to great lengths to lie about their weaknesses. People like them don't care if they step on toes, as long as they look good to those who they think matter.
Leslie noted that people only want to hear her sex stories, but her friends felt uncomfortable when the conversation shifted to the not-so-pleasant side of being promiscuous. Leslie and I are well aware that being sexually active could get us diseases or pregnant, and we are responsible enough to take precautions and look after our health.
Personally, I, too, am trying to find balance between my good and bad sides. I am struggling to acknowledge and accept my undesirable traits and embrace these weaknesses.
The more people try to cover up weaknesses, the weaker a person's foundation becomes. Leslie had earlier spoken about why the Japanese economy faltered as spectacularly as it did. I couldn't help but notice the similarity.
Monday, June 13, 2005
Make-Up 101: Eyes
Alrighty people, let's hustle. Moving on to the eyes.
Now men, women may seem to be risking blindness when they put on eye make-up, but really it's all for your benefit. Why the heck would we go through all these lengths to be pretty? Now when the make-up people say they want to "make the eyes pop," it means to make the eyes more noticeable.
Girlies, DO NOT look for them fancy ways of creating the illusion of bigger eyes or what not: that's not what this series is for. All I'm teaching are the basics.
Oh, and another thing: One of my pet peeves is when women color both their eyes and lips too strongly. Pick one area. Choose. Make up your mind. What's your asset? What do you want to emphasize? The eyes or the lips? If you're not appearing on TV, there's no use getting over-painted. P.S., don't forget to shape yer brows people!
Now that that has been established, let's move on!
Step 1: Put on eyeshadow. Now, I'm not a big fan of eyeshadow because there's so much room for goof. So to minimize goof (and having to re-do your eye-makeup), choose neutral colors like browns and pinks, something close (but not too close!) to your skin tone. Choose 2-3 shades you really like that belong to the same color family. Make an imaginary line dividing your eyelid into two or three. The darkest shade will always go to the part nearest the lashes. The lightest shade near the brows. DO NOT over-shadow or you'll look like you have a shiner. Black eyes, in my book, are unattractive. Think of your brows as the border. DO NOT put shadow past the part of your eyelid under where your eyebrows end. This is the imaginary border. However, this is not a hard or fast rule so go ahead and experiment!
Note on shadows: I am not a fan of blue or green eyeshadow, because of the aforementioned margin of error. However, I've seen morena girls with green eyeshadow and look fab. So my tip, keep it sheer, and use shimmerry, not matte eyeshadow. Or else you'll look like Mimi from The Drew Carey Show.
Step 2: Apply eyeliner. My sister uses liquid eyeliner, but I prefer soft-tipped pencil eyeliner that smudges easily, because it doubles as eyeshadow when I am in a hurry. I just place my finger over the corner of my eye, gently drag, and voila! Line the part of your brows where skin meets the lashes. I don't put eyeliner under my eyes because a) that's so 80's! b) Philippine humidity quickly gives me raccoon eyes c) more risk of poking my eye out? No, thank you!
Step 3: Pencil in the brows. Just trace in the lines and follow the shape so your eyebrows. YOur eyebrows should looked "filled-in" and "groomed." Use just enough pressure to darken your brows just enough so skin won't peek through the brush.
Step 5: I know Kurl-lash looks like an implement of torture, but it really does make your eyes seem wider. I swear! So close your eyes and curl away, then apply mascara. My sister is using Ever Bilena Mascara gel, perfect for the daytime, and it also doubles as an eyebrow groomer when I'm too lazy to use eyeliner (why, yes, I'm a lazy oaf).
Tip: Sometimes I apply black mascara at the outer part of my lashes, and clear mascara at the hairs closer to the corners of my eyes for a "Betty Boop" effect. Very dramatic.
I hope I haven't overloaded your brains with too much information, since you still have FOUR more people to visit! Hope you enjoyed this stop! Ta-ta!
Nikki
Alfar
Tobie
Abad
Gabby
Lee
Andre
Mischa Cleofe
Now men, women may seem to be risking blindness when they put on eye make-up, but really it's all for your benefit. Why the heck would we go through all these lengths to be pretty? Now when the make-up people say they want to "make the eyes pop," it means to make the eyes more noticeable.
Girlies, DO NOT look for them fancy ways of creating the illusion of bigger eyes or what not: that's not what this series is for. All I'm teaching are the basics.
Oh, and another thing: One of my pet peeves is when women color both their eyes and lips too strongly. Pick one area. Choose. Make up your mind. What's your asset? What do you want to emphasize? The eyes or the lips? If you're not appearing on TV, there's no use getting over-painted. P.S., don't forget to shape yer brows people!
Now that that has been established, let's move on!
Step 1: Put on eyeshadow. Now, I'm not a big fan of eyeshadow because there's so much room for goof. So to minimize goof (and having to re-do your eye-makeup), choose neutral colors like browns and pinks, something close (but not too close!) to your skin tone. Choose 2-3 shades you really like that belong to the same color family. Make an imaginary line dividing your eyelid into two or three. The darkest shade will always go to the part nearest the lashes. The lightest shade near the brows. DO NOT over-shadow or you'll look like you have a shiner. Black eyes, in my book, are unattractive. Think of your brows as the border. DO NOT put shadow past the part of your eyelid under where your eyebrows end. This is the imaginary border. However, this is not a hard or fast rule so go ahead and experiment!
Note on shadows: I am not a fan of blue or green eyeshadow, because of the aforementioned margin of error. However, I've seen morena girls with green eyeshadow and look fab. So my tip, keep it sheer, and use shimmerry, not matte eyeshadow. Or else you'll look like Mimi from The Drew Carey Show.
Step 2: Apply eyeliner. My sister uses liquid eyeliner, but I prefer soft-tipped pencil eyeliner that smudges easily, because it doubles as eyeshadow when I am in a hurry. I just place my finger over the corner of my eye, gently drag, and voila! Line the part of your brows where skin meets the lashes. I don't put eyeliner under my eyes because a) that's so 80's! b) Philippine humidity quickly gives me raccoon eyes c) more risk of poking my eye out? No, thank you!
Step 3: Pencil in the brows. Just trace in the lines and follow the shape so your eyebrows. YOur eyebrows should looked "filled-in" and "groomed." Use just enough pressure to darken your brows just enough so skin won't peek through the brush.
Step 5: I know Kurl-lash looks like an implement of torture, but it really does make your eyes seem wider. I swear! So close your eyes and curl away, then apply mascara. My sister is using Ever Bilena Mascara gel, perfect for the daytime, and it also doubles as an eyebrow groomer when I'm too lazy to use eyeliner (why, yes, I'm a lazy oaf).
Tip: Sometimes I apply black mascara at the outer part of my lashes, and clear mascara at the hairs closer to the corners of my eyes for a "Betty Boop" effect. Very dramatic.
I hope I haven't overloaded your brains with too much information, since you still have FOUR more people to visit! Hope you enjoyed this stop! Ta-ta!
Nikki
Alfar
Tobie
Abad
Gabby
Lee
Andre
Mischa Cleofe
Sunday, June 12, 2005
He's here! He's Queer! and He's HOT!
The many faces of Kyan Douglas
HE'S HERE! HE'S HERE! My favorite gay guy is here! Kyan Douglas, the grooming guru of the fab show Queer Eye for the Straight Guy came to Manila to spread his message of positivity and self-improvement.
I've been popping pills like crazy since Thursday, determined that I be well enough to go meet Kyan on Saturday. Because of the damned weather the skin on my hands has broken out in rashes and I've been feeling feverish, and I got my period on Friday. I was a giant walking ache.
I staked out the place as early as 10:40 am. There were already a few stragglers there. I've been debating for the past couple of days whether or not I should buy his book, which I've already read thrice. But sensing that the only way I could get thisclose to Kyan was if I had a book signed, I decided to splurge. (bye-bye this week's budget!)
First one in, first one seated. I got the best seat I could, by the aisle in front of the stage. I dozed off in my seat as I waited, still feeling light-headed. Thank goodness I was wearing an unconstructed coat. When I woke up, the place was packed. All allotted seats were filled, and spectators and fans surrounded the cordoned area in the middle of the mall.
He arrived right on time. Girls started to scream, and he had a hard time getting the crowd to quiet down and hear what he really wanted to say. Poor Anton San Diego. He was the host, but nobody was listening to him.
Kyan spoke for the next thirty minutes about his life, how he got the Queer Eye gig, and his latest job as the first male spokesperson for L'Oreal cosmetics.
The reason why I like and identify with Kyan so much is because we have the same personal motto: To become the best person we can possibly be. He spoke about his life growing up, gay and Catholic in his hometown in Florida. He was a thin, shy, and awkward teenager, who disliked everything about himself. At age 15, he decided that he was sick of feeling that way and decided that he wanted to be fulfill his potential (lucky him! I reached that point at the age of 23). He studied Eastern philosophy, became active in yoga, watched his health and diet, and became a positive person.
He became involved in beautifying people by becoming a hair colorist. He excelled at his job and one day, one of his clients suggested that he audition for a show her friend was casting. We know the rest.
He encouraged everybody to "know thyself"--yes, it's unoriginal but it still rings true--to keep a journal, to become better on the inside. Feeling better inside, he said, will create ripples and affect how you look and feel outside. He also urged everybody to become the best at what they are doing, in whatever job or task.
For me, Kyan is the embodiment of how becoming the best you can be lead to success and other unexpected blessings. He is passionate about beauty. He worked as a salesclerk at cosmetic booths in department stores, before becoming a colorist for Arrojo Studios and a stylist for magazines and TV shows. He was perfectly happy and content and good at what he was doing and the world became his oyster.
He then answered questions submitted earlier about himself, his views on Manila and his stay here, and the show. One girl asked Kyan to marry her. Women screamed as Kyan slowly got down to one knee, then stood back up and said, "Sorry, maybe in another lifetime!"
As I lined up to get my book signed, the uber-strict handlers forbade me to have my pic taken with Kyan. He heard this and was kind enough to say "Oh okay, then you can take a picture of me while I sign your book!"
Kyan signs my book!
I told him that his message resonates. He seemed touched by what I said and thanked me.
Kyan signs more books
As I headed to the exit, I noticed that Kyan's car was parked near the entrance. So I decided to park myself right there and take more pictures. People multiplied as soon as word got out. Good thing I was in the middle of the landing, right behind the guards. People started to push when Kyan headed to the car, as I vainly tried to get a good picture. The poor girls who were near the stairs (it was only about 3-4 steps) tumbled down the pavement as they bore the brunt of the force of the "domino effect." I think one of the girls was the president of Pinoyslayers, the local Buffy fan club. I looked at them and tried to see if I could do anything, but other people had already helped them to their feet. Besides, I was no longer feeling too well, so no gatecrasher stories for you guys!
I slept until 8, and decided that I didn't want to be sick alone and went home to Parañaque.
Oh well, I have my book, I have his autograph, and I met Kyan. I am a happy munchkin.
Friday, June 10, 2005
Sinners and Saints
Enter the world of Sin City, where men are men, dames aren't all who they say and nobody plays by the rules. Everybody has a secret, and it's only a matter of time before it catches up to them.
I haven't read all of the seven-or-so graphic novels where the movie was based on, but I was thoroughly impressed by the ones I have. It reeks of sex, deception, crime, mental instability, and the agony of desire.
Because I had very definite ideas of the characters of the celebrated graphic novels, I was afraid that I was in for a disappointment. I wasn't.
The movie interweaves three of the novellas in the "Sin City" graphic novel series, where the characters from other novellas make an appearance. (The Babe Wore Red sequences were so brief, I didn't count it in).
To someone who has not read the novels, the connecting scenes of the movie may seem forced, stretched just to make the film appear as if it were one straight story. I also feel that the movie lumbers at parts because the directors wanted to be unerringly faithful to the comic. Reading "Sin City" then watching the movie "Sin City" for me was a jolting experience. The use eye-popping color in a sea of black and white was a visual treat. It was the novel, in the flesh. For the novel's fans, this should be a pleasant experience. I mouthed lines as they were being said. However, I felt that it wasn't wise to directly lift a lot of the dialogue from the comic. Some lines that worked for the novel seemed ludicrous when spoken out loud.
Robert Rodriguez cast the right people. Except for Brittany Murphy, who I felt didn't have the sass or the bravura of Shelly. Shelly was cheap, but undeniably sexy in an earthy way; she was ugly but she had a confidence about her that made her alluring. Murphy did get Shelly's cheap-ness, but I felt that her interpretation of Shelly was too jittery. While some actors didn't resemble their comic book counterparts, everyone had the mood and the menace down pat. I especially loved Elijah Wood as the sweet-faced cannibal Kevin. Look out for cameos by Frank Miller and Robert Rodriguez.
Among all the characters, I connected the most to Gail. I loved her costume, and I loved her gleeful bloodlust. Hm, what does that say about me? I guess I still have a lot of aggression to work out.
Would I recommend the Sin City graphic novels? Yes.
Sin City the movie is a film for fans by fans. I guess you just have to be a fan to thoroughly enjoy it.
Monday, June 06, 2005
Make-up 101
Okay folks we now begin our lesson on painting human faces. It's in time for the first week of classes and the inauguration of the Slinging Ink Writer's Web group!
If you have been a very good girl (or boy) and religiously follow the tenets of good skin care (enough sleep, water, cleanse/tone/moisturize), then you wouldn't need this tutorial. But not everybody could be a very good girl (or boy).
This is a practical guide on how to put on make-up on your face for everyday activities. I won't recommend painting your face all the time, since the skin needs a rest from all that gunk. But when you need to hide some blemishes here and there, my sister and my model, Grace demonstrate a quick fix.
1) On a clean and oil-free face, dab on a little concealer on blemishes, like Grace's zit. Focus on the bottom side of the pimple. Cover up under-eye circles, the sides of the nose, anything that's darker than your natural skin color. There are several colors of concealer that can be matched to skin tone or to counter-act the color of the blemish. Green concealer only works for fair-skinned people.
2) Dab a little foundation on a damp sponge (or your fingers)
3) Blend. Make sure any trace of concealer mixes in with the foundation. I like using liquid foundation best because it dries easily but doesn't leave my skin dry. I like Mary Kay medium coverage foundation, but use Nivea Natural Tinted moisturizer when I get lazy. I use Max Factor cake foundation in Tawny Beige when I know I will be photographed.
4) Don't forget the neck! You wouldn't want to look like you fell face-first into a bowl of flour. This will ensure that the color of your face matches your neck. Remember that your face will be more tan than the rest of your body. But you already know that.
5) Apply pressed powder to set. My sister and I use Godiva pressed powder. We like the consistency of the powder, and it blends well with make-up.
I hope I do Kyan proud!
----
Dear boys who are boys.
The principle of this entire exercise is simple. Pretend the face is a wall with chinks and holes. You are about to paint this wall. Concealer is the masilya or putty used to smoothen everything out. Foundation is akin to the primer coat of paint, powder is the final coat of paint. Intiende?
In the immortal words of Jonas Diego, "Concealer before foundation makes you a sensation!"
Could that statement be any more gay?
----
P.S. DOES ANYBODY KNOW OF A WAY I COULD GET INTO THE QUEER EYE PARTY 7 P.M. GREENBELT BAMBOO PARK WITHOUT GATE-CRASHING?
ONWARD HOY!
If you have been a very good girl (or boy) and religiously follow the tenets of good skin care (enough sleep, water, cleanse/tone/moisturize), then you wouldn't need this tutorial. But not everybody could be a very good girl (or boy).
This is a practical guide on how to put on make-up on your face for everyday activities. I won't recommend painting your face all the time, since the skin needs a rest from all that gunk. But when you need to hide some blemishes here and there, my sister and my model, Grace demonstrate a quick fix.
1) On a clean and oil-free face, dab on a little concealer on blemishes, like Grace's zit. Focus on the bottom side of the pimple. Cover up under-eye circles, the sides of the nose, anything that's darker than your natural skin color. There are several colors of concealer that can be matched to skin tone or to counter-act the color of the blemish. Green concealer only works for fair-skinned people.
2) Dab a little foundation on a damp sponge (or your fingers)
3) Blend. Make sure any trace of concealer mixes in with the foundation. I like using liquid foundation best because it dries easily but doesn't leave my skin dry. I like Mary Kay medium coverage foundation, but use Nivea Natural Tinted moisturizer when I get lazy. I use Max Factor cake foundation in Tawny Beige when I know I will be photographed.
4) Don't forget the neck! You wouldn't want to look like you fell face-first into a bowl of flour. This will ensure that the color of your face matches your neck. Remember that your face will be more tan than the rest of your body. But you already know that.
5) Apply pressed powder to set. My sister and I use Godiva pressed powder. We like the consistency of the powder, and it blends well with make-up.
I hope I do Kyan proud!
----
Dear boys who are boys.
The principle of this entire exercise is simple. Pretend the face is a wall with chinks and holes. You are about to paint this wall. Concealer is the masilya or putty used to smoothen everything out. Foundation is akin to the primer coat of paint, powder is the final coat of paint. Intiende?
In the immortal words of Jonas Diego, "Concealer before foundation makes you a sensation!"
Could that statement be any more gay?
----
P.S. DOES ANYBODY KNOW OF A WAY I COULD GET INTO THE QUEER EYE PARTY 7 P.M. GREENBELT BAMBOO PARK WITHOUT GATE-CRASHING?
ONWARD HOY!
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