Typhoon Sendong Tragedy

I can’t believe I let it pass without even writing about it.

If you are a follower of my blog since 2009 then you may already know that I wrote a blog about a Typhoon last 2009-2010 (Ondoy). Now, another tragedy has struck a part of the Philippines and not to mention that it’s something greater considering the number of lives it took.

The name of the Typhoon is Sendong and it hit the Mindanao area of the Philippines last December 2011, a few days before Christmas. While I was cozied up at work (if there is such a term as “cozy while at work), the Typhoon hit parts of Cagayan de Oro and Surigao (along with other parts of Mindanao and Visayas) but as from what I can see from the news since Luzon (from where I am was mostly not affected), Cagayan de Oro or what most Filipinos call “CDO” received the blow. Over 1,000 lives were lost. Some bodies found, some, up to this date are still being searched for.

A few days after the typhoon, the “smell of death” enveloped Cagayan. Literally. The reporters on TV said that the stench of the bodies were so revolting and heart breaking at the same time.

I could not forget that one time when I was watching the early morning news when a rescuer found a baby, only a couple months old. It’s lifeless body hung as it was covered with mud due to the landslides the typhoon caused. I couldn’t help to think that not only that child lost its life but many others as well, with families, with loved ones, regardless of the age. Another rescuer cried as she bathed the dead baby. Can’t believe I just said that. I saw that in the news day before Christmas.

Up to this day Cagayan and other affected areas by Typhoon Sendong still need our help. I don’t know if I should say this but I never heard Oprah helping the Philippines. Have you? She helps Africa and families in the US when these types of tragedies hit the countries where she calls “home” but what about other third world countries that are not of her race?

Enough about her. Bottomline is, CDO needs help. If we can’t go there to volunteer and help or donate in kind or in cash, at the very least, let’s pray for them. If you are reading this blog and you do not believe there is a God, please make an exemption at least this one time. Let’s pray for the people affected by this great calamity. While you are comfortable in your own living room or workspace, reading this, think of Cagayan de Oro.

If you would like to know how to send donations to the victims of Typhoon Sendong, please follow this link: http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=760098&publicationSubCategoryId=200

Another year, another post

I haven’t been able to post anything for the past few months. I’ve been sooo busy with my real job that I haven’t had any time for some fun and most especially for some blogs.

I hope this year I get to blog more post about movies and books. Oh, and restaurants! I soooo loooove eating! I just wish that I‘d have more time. Believe it or not, I live 3 hours from my job and I spend most of the day commuting to work. In the Philippines that’s a normal thing but in most countries, THAT IS A NIGHTMARE! Tried to move to a place closer to where I work but it’s true that there’s no place like home. I feel more comfortable living with my sister (and my parents place is just 10 to 15 minutes away on foot). And yes, it’s normal in the Philippines if you live with a family member. Plus, I get laundry and breakfast for free! He he he. (My sister has a laundry lady and “Tiya Inda” cooks breakfast for us =D)

Anyway, enough about my life. Let’s talk about more about the blogs I’ll be writing this year. There’ll be a lot of movies coming up. There’s Sherlock Holmes 2, Underworld 4 and the much awaited (I think I’m the only one waiting for it… drumroll please!) Hunger Games! – Although my excitement shrunk when I discovered who will be playing Peeta, my favorite-favorite character IN THE BOOK. Sorry Josh Hutcherson fans, I’m really not into the “boy”. I watched him when he was a child in the movie Bridge to Terabithia and it doesn’t really appeal to me. I was already in my 20’s at that time. I guess it’s the age huh? But I still have my hopes up. Perhaps he can do justice for the role of Peeta?

Moving forward, I hope I get to have blogs about restaurants and food this year! I mean who doesn’t love food? I for one has gained a lot of weight eversince my company allowed to bring in food at the office (long story) and played movies while working all day long. I only hope that I’d have more time for the movie reviews since I’ve watched so many since we started playing movies at the office. Right now I only had time to write because I’m on vacation leave for surgery. If only (I gotta stop talking about myself! This is not a diary!)

Oh well, bottomline is I wish to have more blogs and time for myself this year. Get me a new job? Or probably a new (lighter) laptop that I can carry anywhere! Donations anyone? I can write a review for that too! Hey, I have a “technical side” too!

The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han Book Review

Belly had been spending all her summer vacations at the summer house in Cousin’s beach for as long as she can remember. Even though the place always felt like home away from home, she always felt like an “outsider”. It was her mom’s best friend’s summer home, Susannah. Her mom had Susannah, her brother Steve had Susannah’s sons, Conrad and Jeremiah while she had no one. This is also the reason why she always felt like she always had to squeeze in herself amongst the people around her. She tried to fit in by always proving herself worthy.

But the summer for her 16th birthday was different. She just got her braces taken off and got new contacts. She could tell that she was turning out to be a pretty young woman by how Susannah’s boys looked at her or so she thought…

Then along came Cam, whom had seen her from her “non pretty” days and still claimed that she was beautiful and he just couldn’t take his eyes off of her. If only, she could feel the same way for him. As much as she wanted that, she couldn’t for she has always been in love with Conrad, the brooding, serious and handsome older brother of Jeremiah, Susannah’s eldest son.

The summer Belly turned pretty will be a summer of new discoveries about herself and the people she loves. It’s the summer when everything changes and it may be the last she’ll spend at Cousin’s beach with all the people she cares about.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

At first I hated how Belly was. She was so naive about things, she couldn’t make up her mind and I felt that she played Cam but then I realized, she was 16. Raging hormones! Lol! I was that age once and I was somewhat like her too. I couldn’t make up my mind, not only about boys but a lot of things! And like her, I made most things “dramatic”. Things that I shouldn’t worry about, worried me too. But hey, nuff ’bout me!

I thought that I wouldn’t like the book but I did. Although I wouldn’t say that I would look for a kindle download of it or look for it from a bookstore or anything (my niece lent it to me). Probably because the genre was too young for me.

I liked her style of writing which is “first person”. Although not very many of how Belly felt were described. It left me trying to grasp how it felt like. I just based it from how I was when I was younger which I guess is a good thing and a bad thing. It leaves something to the imagination, something you can create with your own mind yet leaves you unsure if that was really how it was for Belly.

I’m glad though that it’s a trilogy which means that I will get to read about Belly as she grows older.

Oh, and I forgot to mention that I love, love, love the setting simply because it’s on a beach. Kudos to Jenny Han, I love the beach!

My favorite part of the book was when Jeremiah left Conrad and Belly in the car. Conrad was drunk at the back and Belly was in the passenger seat next to the driver where Jeremiah would sit. Conrad said Belly’s name and then touched her hair. He sighed and then… Jeremiah came back.

An excerpt from the book:

I say, “I can’t believe that you are really here.”

He sounds almost shy when he says it, “Me neither.”

And then he hesitates, “Are you still coming with me?”

I can’t believe he even has to ask. I would go anywhere. “Yes.” I tell him.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

I give it a 6 out of 10 stars. From ages 13 up to whoever still wants to read it

A Ye Dang Korean Experience

Annyong haseyo!

From www.shootfirsteatlater.com

picture from hip.hooray.com

My friend from work Sheila, loved Korean food and I told her I’ve never had any. Besides from the fact that my chopstick skills are embarrassing and useless, nobody really offered to go on a Korean “food trip” with me.

Lol! It was my first time eating Korean food last night and for me, it was another slightly different but otherwise tasty experience.

The place was at Ye Dang Korean BBQ Restaurant in Metrowalk (along Meralco Ave.), Ortigas, Pasig (Philippines). The food was authentic. As proof, the actual owner greeted us and reserved a table for us.

It was my first time eating Bulgogi, Kimchi, Korean Beef bony soup, Tteok-bok-I (I think), sweet new potatoes, spicy bamboo shoots and sweet anchovies were only a few of what I tasted. Although most of the food is eaten with an acquired taste, I loved most of it (and I say MOST but not all) and I didn’t realize that I have an adventurous taste bud until then. It was a lot different from what I eat most of the time (namely KFC, not because I like it but there weren’t many food options for lunch where I work).

I loved Bulgogi though. It was cooked in front of us. At the center of the table, there was this “thingy ma-bob” sort of thing wherein they put the small stove over it and a vent-looking like thing was on top o our table (actually, on top of all the tables). Then on top of the stove, a pan was attached to it. Our server poured over the meat with the noodles and some leafy things on the pan and cooked the meat in front of us. The beef was soft, tender and sweet. Sheila then taught me and our friends how to eat it properly, we wrapped the beef with some of the Korean sauce (that I don’t know the name of) and some fresh garlic. Then Yum-yum-yum! It was real good. Although the fresh garlic was a bit strong for me at first, I reached for another and then more. Then they had me taste the Kimchi. My chopsticks did that “flim-flam” crossing each other thing again which was very embarrassing at a Korean restaurant (or any other place) like they were resisting to reach for the Kimchi. I realized why the minute I put the Kimchi in my mouth. I didn’t even chew it at first contemplating if I should spit it out or just swallow it. Then I reached for another and then a third. It’s not something that I didn’t like actually but I don’t think that it’s the type that I will crave for either. But I think that I’ll definitely eat it again with some of that Bulgogi and I’d definitely go back to Yedang.

As for next time, I hope I won’t forget to set a table reservation ahead of time and bring enough cologne and perfume – because when we left the restaurant we smelt like Kimchi. Hahaha!

Annyong haseyo! ‘Til next time!

Who reads my blog?

Gosh! I just checked the locations from where people “check in” and read my blog from. Guess what? -They’re from all over the world! For a girl like me, that’s already huge!

There’s this person from Spain, from Canada, the US (I think), Malaysia, etc. I am so flattered and thankful that even if my boyfriend or family doesn’t regularly read my blog, at the very least other people do. So from this girl (*hint*hint-me) from the Philippines – “MUCH LOVE” to all of you and thank you so much for taking time reading my blog

I just wanna repeat that – Love, from the Philippines!

My friend’s blog!

Visit my friend Abby’s blog: http://liloldme.travellerspoint.com/

There are some funny stuff in there and some pics as well. I love how she told the story when she had a dream about the “haunted house” and her kid! Note that we actually know some of the characters in that story

Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows part II

As the movie started I told myself, “This is going to be an experience”.

Yep, I can’t say that I was wrong but can’t say that I was right either. Oh well…

This is the second installment to the last Harry Potter movie. I haven’t read the book because it wasn’t my “cup of tea” and it was too thick for me but if has the same material as the movie then I doubt that I’d be truly impressed by it – just a bit.

Well, I wouldn’t say that it was a bad movie, it just needed more kick. You know, like something was missing. I mean the effects, prosthetics and the plot were amazing but I needed something more.

It started where it let off with the first part of the movie when Harry buried Dobbie. Remember the last part wherein he caught the knife before they teleported to the safehouse? That’s the one…

Moving forward, this last Harry Potter movie recognized the characters in the other movies which were not paid attention to. Such as “Neville Longbottom”. He always appeared like a cowardly boy but in this movie, he really stood up to his potential! He was a hero – or something like that. If it wasn’t for him 2 really important characters may have died.

Along with Longbottom, there are other characters in the movie that may surprise you. Professor Snape is one of them. To know what it is, you’ll have to see his “memories” in the movie. It will explain a lot of key points ever since the Harry Potter series began. A while ago, I was just watching the “Sorcerer’s Stone” on DVD and it made me realize why he was like that.

There were a lot of characters that most Harry Potter moviegoers have grown fond of which will die too. It is a war between good and evil and some needed to sacrifice their lives. I’ll give you a clue: I was a bit teary eyed when Ron bawled (yes bawled) because someone he loved died. Oh right, Ron always did cry – in every Harry Potter movie. It’s just a matter of for what and for whom he cries for. But all in all, I felt like he shed his cowardly skin off to protect the people he loved.

Today has been a long day, I want to tell you more but I just couldn’t put it to words. I guess I’ll just give you a spoiler – Yes, Harry Potter died, and he’ll even get to see Dumbledore again and that freaky other side of Voldemort. But… it wasn’t such a bad ending. I just felt that it needed “something” more.

I’ll give it seven out of ten stars. Recommended for kids of all ages.

Shutter Island Movie Review

I was supposed to write a review about the “Daybreakers” DVD that I just watched. But then, it was movie marathon night so what’s the use of watching just one movie. It wouldn’t be called a marathon for no reason. So we (fiancé and I) watched movie after movie.

The beauty of a movie marathon is that the best movie you watched gets to stay in your mind. You just keep thinking about it until you get to share with someone what the movie was about. So here I am again with yet another review because I just couldn’t sleep without sharing it with anybody. Shutter Island is brilliant! Eventhough I was able to predict some parts. Thanks to the game Leo and I play – “what happens next”, in which he always wins except for this one. Ha!

It was year 1954 years after World War 2 has ended. The movie starts when U.S. Marshall Edward “Teddy” Daniels (played by Leo DiCaprio) sets forth to Ashecliffe Hospital in Shutter Island where the America’s most criminally insane criminals are being treated. He and his new partner Chuck Aule (played by Mark Ruffalo) investigate on the case of a missing patient named Rachel Solando.

When they start the investigation, they learn that Rachel Solando (played by Emily Mortimer) escaped the mental institution in a rather disturbing way. First, the door to her room was locked from the outside and the door was never opened the night she disappeared. There was just on small window to her room which she could not possibly fit into because it was barred. Second, it was a secluded Island for people who needed a few more “screws to tighten their brains”. Anyone and anything that goes in and out of the island is monitored by the institution so Rachel would not have possibly just ran away without anyone knowing or seeing her. If she had swum out of the Island, she could not have made it alive and her body would have washed back ashore. But she disappeared without a trace except for a note under her floorboard behind her closet. It said “What is the law of 4?” Who is number 67?” (or something like that). Eerie huh?

Oh, and have I mentioned that Rachel Solando was in Shutter Island because she drowned her three children? As if that that wasn’t enough, after she killed the kids she arranged them all by the dinner table just like they were still alive and served dinner. She is one f*cked up mother.

There are several weird things in the movie which gives in clues to what really happened but even if you think you had it figured out already, the twist will surprise you in the end.

In addition to that, U.S. Marshall Daniels always dreams of his dead wife. She gives him clues to what happened with Rachel whilst a trip down memory lane of his past. He was a soldier in World War 2 that caused him great trauma. Because of that, he became an alcoholic. After his wife died, he had to quit and get his act together. He had to know what happened to the man who killed his wife. Questions in his head led him to Shutter Island.

Well folks, that’s all I can tell you for now (Well, you can always consult good old Wikipedia). Of course I could tell you the entire movie especially the twist that will make you say “Damn! Didn’t see that one coming!” But as a party pooper (depends on how you define it), I won’t. You just have to see the movie on DVD.

Total movie time is 2 hours and 18 minutes. Rated R and I give it 7 out of 10. That’s quite high in my standards considering the movie theme is not actually “my cup of tea” but I loved watching it. Must watch with a bag of chips and ice cold beer or vodka-sprite. I know Leo and I did!

Definitely much better than Day Breakers!

*www.akasha824.wordpress.com *

Japan Tsunami Tragedy 2011

At the time that when it happened, I didn’t even know about it. I would have died with the thousands if I lived there and I felt so ignorant about it. When it happened, all I thought was how I could get enough sleep and how I would make it on time that night for the dinner I scheduled with my friends. I didn’t occur to me that somewhere in Asia, a country was in tragedy. (- In my defense, with my nature of work, I wouldn’t have time to watch TV.)

Cars, ships and buildings were swept away by a wall of water after the 8.9-magnitude tremor, which struck about 400km (250 miles) north-east of Tokyo.
A state of emergency has been declared at a nuclear power plant, where pressure has exceeded normal levels.

Officials say 350 people are dead (to date) and about 10,000 missing, but it is feared the final death toll will be much higher.

My heart goes out to all of those who were affected by this tragedy. Not just the ones who were actually in Japan when this happened, but also to those who have loved ones there.
I have only seen the videos hours ago. One of the most terrible things I have witnessed in my life. I am not Japanese but I felt the fear and the loss they have felt.
I do not personally know anybody who lives in Japan but it pains me to know that the people who were affected by this great tsunami have families, friends and lives. Although this is an immense tragedy for one of the richest countries in the world, I feel lucky that it did not happen in my home country- and I hope it never will. Look at what it did to Japan; just imagine what it will do to a third world country like the Philippines. No, I’d rather not think about it.

I have seen a lot of comments regarding the Tsunami and the earthquake. Some said it’s “the wrath of God”. Some said that “the world is coming to an end”. Others mentioned “tectonic plates are moving, etc.” and it’s the “2012 blah blah blahs”. Some even thought, “I wonder how Maria Osawa is doing?” (Right, funny). A lot of people have opinions about what happened. But what about, “I’m just glad I’m alive”?

When tragedies like this occur, I just tell myself that it all happens for a reason. If the person who is reading this, was affected by the earthquake or the tsunami in Japan or even if you just know someone there, tell yourself that everything happens for a reason. Honestly, it will help you cope with all that has happened. That mantra has helped me in a lot of ways.

I’m not sure when Japan will recover from this calamity but I’m sure they will.

Here is an article I got from Google: http://www.npr.org/2010/12/21/132242941/strong-earthquake-near-japan-triggers-tsunami-warning

A year since I last ate Mac and Cheese

It’s been a long time since I last wrote a blog about myself. I think it’s about time that I should.

Although I would and could not write everything that’s on my mind, most especially the things that upset me now, at the very least I will write “like” a “preview” of my thoughts and my personal life.

First, I’d like to say that it’s been a year. It’s been a year since one of the biggest revelations in my life happened. What can I say? I live a simple life. Simple enough that I had never any huge problems (well ofcourse until January 7th 2010). It caused me to loose 10 pounds in less than a month. If you want to loose weight, my tip is to create a problem that won’t let you sleep and make you lose your appetite. That is what I did. It’s been a year since I last ate Mac and Cheese due to that problem. An issue that made my trust issues in people a lot worse. It made me think if I really should follow my instincts. I can’t tell you what it is actually about (which basically means this blog is nonsense), oh bother! I know I really shouldn’t be mad of the accomplice but of the actual culprit but what can I do? – Let’s just say my heart gets in the way.

Moving forward, my trust issues and that thing that happened a year ago made me rethink (once again) of some people who I thought, thought about me as family. I mean, I’m not a TOUCHY-FEELY person (and I would like to emphasize that in caps lock!) and I don’t hold hands with another girl (nor with my mom) or even for the sake of taking pictures and pretend that “we’re all good”. Ugh! It’s so hard to tell you what it’s all about and yet not to tell at the same time!

Okay, so here it goes: I have people, acquaintances, and friends in my life who may think that I’m a rigid robot who doesn’t have feelings at all because I refuse to hold hands or kiss their cheeks or say something brilliant like “Gosh! You’re like my sister! I so love you!”

The truth is I’m a really sensitive person. I just don’t like being touched. Not by the female or male population. Well except for my boyfriend. (Nor do I say I love you just for the sake of saying it. When I say I love you, it means that I really do or I’m thankful of what you did for me.) I mean literally. Perhaps I wasn’t able to explain that very well…

I would state an example. Let’s say that it’s New Year and I’m at a friends place with his family. At the count of midnight where it marks the New Year, they kiss, hug and greet each other while I sit on the couch just silently smiling while I watch them do all that. That doesn’t mean that I’m a cold b*tch who doesn’t want to have to do anything with them. It just means that I find joy in watching them and that…I don’t like being touched by people (even “if” it is my own mom). It would feel awkward to me but it doesn’t mean that I don’t care about them. It doesn’t mean that I will not miss them if they leave or if I don’t see them.

If I were a guy, it wouldn’t be such a huge issue. But since I am a girl, expected by society to be “sweet” and emotional and “showy” with my feelings, when I refuse to hug someone or (just an example) my best friend on New Year most people will think that I’m this stiff person.

By acting the way I do, I know I have lost some people who could be potential friends. And even though I’d love to say that if they didn’t understand the way I am, they don’t deserve to be my friends, it depresses me. Yes depressing is the term. It just doesn’t sadden me, it’s actually depressing. Why? Because some people that I have lost have been actually my friends and they just didn’t know that I am the way I am. Am I wrong here?

You may ask why it is related to that of what happened a year ago. It is somehow linked but if I chose to elaborate, I would have to tell you everything and I don’t want to (not entirely). But tell you what – If you understand the way I am and you have been in my situation and you have lost friends the way I did or simply want to be my friend casting aside all the trust issues that I (perhaps you too) have, then I might just tell you what it’s about.