Social media snowball effect

This brewing drama/tension between two people I follow is a developing story. The problem with the digital age is that sometimes we no longer filter our thoughts and leave it out there stored in cyberspace. 

How many times have you seen someone publicly humiliate another because of their offense. As if filing a complaint wasn't enough they just had to expose all possible details of that person.  Everyone are sometimes just too damn self-righteous and opinionated. Bullying is an easy trap for many. Playing the victim card is just as easy. 

Unlike before when you utter hateful or hurtful words it will only be hearsay for some. If they judge you because of it, you don't have to care. It's a big world. Nowadays, the world is smaller in the sense that everyone can and will know. Everyone will feel a certain entitlement to judge or defend. I honestly, don't like how some people misuse and abuse the freedom to do so.

I am wondering how this tension will end up. I don't think it's worth it. There's two sides of the coin really and each has their own merits. It probably be due to the social divide and it will depend on the world you revolve in, superficial or otherwise. On the other hand, if you mean what you say shouldn't you stand by it? are you still responsible for the resulting ill-behaviors of others that were affected? 

Shit happens. But we only have one life to live, and if we have only day left, I sure won't be wasting my time watching the lives of these strangers.

About Time

The good thing about spending the weekend in this sleepy town without my own transportation is that it lets me catch up on some of the shows I missed. I usually don't watch any tv at home and I usually catch movies at the theater so if I miss it, I would end up not watching it until I've forgotten all about it or unless I find myself sitting still when the family happens to watch anything interesting which is rare.

The last weekend I was here, I finally got the chance to watch Silver Linings which was by the way so good. The big plus would be that Bradley Cooper was a joy to watch in that movie. He was good in character but still good-looking and just damn gorgeous!

This weekend, after much and several convincing from the sister, I finally watched About Time. I had no idea about this movie nor have I heard of it. All I remember was this was the name of the short stay cottage I got back in Anna Maria Island in Florida last 2009.

Apparently, the British movie was about time travel but the approach was less like "The Time Traveler's Wife" although Rachel McAdams was again the leading lady here but probably more like "Love Actually". I'm quite impatient and have a short attention span so I ended up googling the synopsis at the start. The synopsis was just ok but it didn't prepare me for the emotions that you'd get out of watching it. Good thing I still watched it anyway after reading (it eventually got a little interesting...).  It would probably have helped if I knew who the actor was or if he was distractingly handsome as say Bradley Cooper or Joseph Gordon Levitt.

image from IMDB

At the some point in the movie, the tears started and it wouldn't stop flowing way after the movie has already ended. My eyes still hurt a bit as I write this. It was crying of the good kind of way because it was in no way the pessimistic view of things but the optimistic one. 

I love the message of the movie in that it is a reminder really, for us to not let the stress and worries of our daily lives get the better of us and stop us from enjoying. I agree with the writers in that there would probably be a huge difference in our lives and other people's lives that constantly intersect with ours if we just take it easy and everything in stride. Of course, there are really bad days but if we start thinking that there won't be another day and a future way ahead, it probably won't be as bad. It doesn't mean we should be reckless as well. I guess it's trying to live our lives without regret.

Not to be a spoiler but according to the movie the secret Formula for Happines:
"Part 1 of the two-part formula: get on with ordinary life, living it day by day just like everyone else.
Part 2 live everyday again, almost exactly the same. the first one with all the tensions and worries that stop us from noticing how sweet the world can be but the second time, noticing."
Of course, this was possible because the protagonist could time travel. Instead of travelling back in time to remove inconveniences or make corrections in his life, this was the advice he was given in order to make better use of their gift. But the final lesson is something we all can relate to:

"I just try to live everyday as if I've deliberately come back to this one day to enjoy it, as if it was the full final day of my extraordinary ordinary life."

In the end, I don't really mind who the actors were. I just love the reminders from this movie. I'm so glad my sister bugged me to watch it. I also love the version of "How Long Will I Love You?" by Jon Boden, Sam Sweeney and Ben Coleman in the movie.
  

What it's gonna be 2014?

It's March already and before you know it, the year will again be coming to a close. I miss 2012 and how epic that year was, filled with adventures and countless firsts! I've been trying to figure out what this year would be and so far it's been quiet. It's as if I'm back to the monotonous life I fell into before that site assignment. Sure, I've been in and out of the country but it was mostly to this good old, sleepy town in the outskirts of the city. It's not that bad but so far I haven't found anything that interesting. There's not much to do for entertainment, and being a Muslim country, there are a lot of restrictions than what I am used to. Add the fact that I don't have my own transportation considering that it's not very commuter friendly here. Gas is so cheap that most households have at the minimum 2 cars. A full tank of relatively high-grade gas a 1.6 liter car would only cost about $15. If only I can take some home during these frequent visits.

I want to travel.
I want to tick off some items from that list I made late last year:  Come into my World (of random ramblings): 2014 to do list:
I want to get involved with charities, projects, someone (yes, I still have to add that).
Basically, live life and not just get eaten up by work.
I just hope some of these will become a reality.

Pentatonix!

I'm actually on a WickedManila high/hangover. The show just closed last night and although I didn't get to watch again especially on their last show, (though I badly wanted to), I've been stalking those instagram posts and videos of random people and the cast members themselves. I turned into an online semi-fan of the show and the touring company. Thank God for hashtags! Unfortunately, I've already dedicated an entry each to Wicked since after watching the two shows, one in Seoul and one in Manila, I know I have to write about something else. Maybe next time, when I get to watch it again in some other country. Still deliberating on whether or not, I will drop a note to Suzie Mathers as Glinda on a tumblr page, real Wicked fans have set up for her.

So instead, I will rave here of another musical addiction of mine, Pentatonix! I am so hooked on this group as well. I am tone deaf and sing off-key but I do enjoy random music from time to time. I've watched all their performances in The Sing-Off 3 through youtube (again thanks technology!) several times already. I like most of their performances but the following stand-out:

Video Killed the Radio Star - it was so fun to watch this one and their choreo.

Sometimes, it's a tad bit hard to believe that they are singing a cappella. Also, they should be listened to with decent headsets to give justice to Avi and Kevin, dubbed as 'meat and potatoes' by the judges.

Dog Days Are Over - their performance level here was just intense!

from then on, they've been putting out great a cappella covers on their youtube channel such as the Daft Punk medley among others:
 

Just recently, Say Something by A Great Big World. I particularly liked their cover considering I wasn't a fan of this song which I first heard from the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. Somehow their cover is sad in a good way and soothing.


The first songs I legally downloaded from Itunes are from their Christmas album.

 I did say I'm hooked on this group. I hope there'd be more fans so that they'd cast their nets in Asia one of these days, then we'd get a chance to catch them live! So if you liked any of the videos, go ahead: like, share, subscribe!

If you still aren't overwhelmed, do check out their performance in youtube of Ellie Goulding's I Need Your Love during the finale of last year's the sing-off (2013). Again, they were awesome! And the live clips of them singing an original "Natural Disaster". Watch out for Avi's bass with great headphones if you can. Don't say I didn't warn you though.

I know that this is the most youtube embedded ladden post but one last. This video has that vsco-ish filter vibe. Love it! Just the kind of feels for a dreamy date. (probably too old for that, but hey a girl is a girl and she can still hope right?)

Happy!

I'm a drama queen but if I can I try to be more positive. This song just exudes good vibes. I feel like breaking out into a dance when this plays.

"Clap along if you feel like that's what you wanna do"

Pearl shopping

Surprisingly, when a visitor asked me for good places to eat, buy and see here in our beloved country I had to think about it. You'd expect me to blurt out right away being the local here and be able to give them great tips but then my arsenal was mostly composed of mundane city stuff. I had to contemplate what's a "definitely Pinoy" experience that sets us apart from other countries. Also, I had to consider the fact that they only have time to go around after office at 5pm for 4 days. So, when asked what is "fun" in Manila, I had to double check what his definition of fun was. For me it depends on what kind of fun you are looking for. We couldn't guide them through the city though during their short stay so they ended up just going around the (EDSA) Shangri-la Mall and Megamall shopping for dried mangoes which were just walking distances from where we are at during the first three days. 

On their last night though, we finally got the chance to take them to Greenhills. I just remembered that a lot of folks especially from the US tend to buy local crafts and jewelries when they find themselves in Metro Manila. So we decided to take them there. They find these things as really cheap here in comparison to their home country. Fortunately, my other colleagues already knew of a store where our other counterparts have bought their souvenirs and they knew how to check. This was a relief since I don't know anything about pearls. I've been buying from time to time from vendors in the local beaches or markets at really cheap prices ($1 for a pair of earrings). All those time, I just assumed they were real pearls although I didn't know what real meant. After last night though, here's what I learned:

1. The more rounded (and whiter) they are, the more expensive they get. (Higher quality)

2. Deep sea pearls are expensive (they showed us a strand which went for about PHP60,000 or $1,500. They were a little big for my taste though but when you placed it side by side with the other pearls they do stand out. From afar, they were almost the same.

3. Freshwater pearls (some cultivated) have varying qualities as well.

4. If you lit a pearl, it shouldn't burn or change color. I'm not convinced on this one though because they only use a lighter and just a few seconds (not even 5). There's not even enough time for the heat transfer! High grade/denser plastics can probably withstand the same (or other reinforced material)

5. Here's a little interesting one: If you try to rub two pearls together, you should see scratches and bits of powder scraping off (pearl powder/essence?). But just rub the pearl even with your finger and the scratch should be 'wiped off'. I guess at some point if you keep on doing this you'd end up scratching off all the pearl though.

The last one got me curious so I tried it out on the 'pearls' I found at home. The two pairs below are from Palawan and cost only $1 each pair. Scratching them was easy:

Rubbed them with my fingers and well they went back to normal:

I tried it on three more: from SM, Boracay and H&M:

The ones from SM and H&M though were too smooth it was hard trying to get them scratched. Either they weren't real or they painted some sort of coating on them or I still have a lot to learn about pearls.

I ended up buying this silver necklace (no idea on the percentage) with pearls for just Php150 ($3). Considering the price of accessories these days, I'd say it's not bad at all. The earrings I got for free as a treat from the visitor for taking them out.

And oh Koreans sure now how to haggle! I can learn a few things from them too. Anyway, I'm still no expert when it comes to these things but at least I learned a few things. Hopefully next time it'll be about gold/silver.

Suwon Fortress

Before my deputation in Korea, I was more or less living a sedentary lifestyle. Sure I did participate in a few (almost nil) fun runs which wete limited to 3k but other than that, I was pretty much a lame klutz. Of course, my apartment, Poong Lim I-won in Seohyeon, being so close to the Tancheon river jogging path and while mending a broken heart, jogging turned into a most favorite and healthy diversion especially at night.

Then I met these really cool people who became my family there and we ended up sharing one adventure after another. Some of these adventures were on the physical side. It was a struggle for me at first and this Suwon hike/climb was one of those initial struggles. Why? 

For starters, we came from an all-nighter at the jimjilbang (which was quite an experience by the way). I was definitely sleep-deprived. We then 'danced' on the blazing 3pm Korean summer in the middle of a soccer field.

And then, since it was still a Saturday and we were trying to kill time, three of us decided to explore the fortress since it was supposedly nearby the train station we were at already (Suwon). Cristy, who is from Suwon, pointed out that we can just walk to the Fortress instead of taking a cab. She can remember parts of it but not all. However, she had an aversion to these huge tourist maps so to make the long story short we probably had to walk a good solid 2-3km (or maybe even more because of the wrong turns here and there) to get to our starting point, which was a steep set of stone stairs! I was definitely thinking to myself at that time 'What did I put myself into?' My two companions were exercise freaks who were doing the insanity workout while I had little physical training. 

I don't know how but somehow I was able to pull through sacrificing the speed of the group in the process as I really could no longer keep up. Reaching the top and seeing the vicinity at the fortress was rewarding though.

The pictures are lousy but they're the best I could manage with my phone and my condition at that time. We walked a few more and ended up at some gate.

Unfortunately, we weren't able to go around as much due to my pace so my two companions finally decided to refuel. Finally!

In the end, I was really proud of myself and I still am. I'm really glad I did it.

It was that memorable I guess but I just didn't have the time to write since the hike last July 2012 until now upon seeing this twitter post which was very nostalgic:

 

Biking in Suwon! That would be great! If you're out there, you should give this a try.

P.S. I miss Korea so much, the adventures and the people I shared these experiences with.

Everything is awesome!

Well this post is not about how life or all that jazz is awesome. While life is awesome if you try your darn best to appreciate the littlest and simplest of things, I simply just want to rave how fun the Lego movie is! Also considering the fact that I ended up watching this alone. Yes, I watched a movie alone for the first time. It was weird but not too lonely I guess thanks to this fun movie and also because I was in a small theater in the company of strangers. Or probably I am more the stranger being the visitor in a foreign land.

(Cameo appearances by some of the collectibles.)

I'm a fan of Frozen (wicked feels!) so I had to go see this movie as everyone kept saying it was that good or even better. Of course, I had my biases and while I wouldn't say I love this one better, the stop motion effects were great. The story was also awesome. It was spot on, on the topic of creativity and freedom which lego has pretty much been known for since I was introduced to it during my childhood. And yeah, I do sort of selectively collect those minifigures so it was exciting to see them 'come to life' so to speak. For some of us, it would also probably feel nostalgic of your younger years with lego.  One thing's for sure, this is the first series I am willing to spend money on to collect all 16 minifigures. Hopefully I'm not too late yet.

So far I have the Panda but I asked some friends to help me catch up so now I also have Emmett and WyldStyle. Yay! 

Business travels

Since I joined this company about 7 years ago, I've been fortunate enough to have travelled places whether on a short term or long term basis. It's not that they are all fun and leisure, of course they come with their share of hardships and gratifications, of pros and cons. But just like in life you try to make the most out of it.

Having moved to a new role, I found myself hopping on to airplanes as if they are taxis. It's fun, interesting but sometimes boring and tiring. I am not sure if I've lost that restless feet I used to have when I was younger where I couldn't stay put and I had this urge to go out and explore. Or whether I just got tired and lame. Nonetheless, what I find difficult now, odd considering my age, how it seems that now I have to be really careful. Safety first. 

As much as I'd like to be out there and make friends just like I did back in Korea. Somehow especially where I am now, I don't feel as safe. I already had one episode though thank goodness it wasn't that bad since I wasn't prepared for that one. I don't want to be snobbish or anything and I really want to get into conversations but I have to be really careful and be on guard. Being a woman and alone is tough when you're travelling while men can just make friends all they want with whoever. *sigh

Wicked

I am not a theater goer. I am not cultured enough or of high society to be up to date with these things. In fact, I've only watched two shows: Cats and Wicked. Three if you count Cirque du Soleil's 'Varekai' which was also amazing by the way.

I got to watch the Manila-run of Cats with none other than Ms. Lea Salonga because of the cheap tickets my mom scored. That was my introduction to the wonderful and amazing world of musical/theater productions. And I must say, wow! These shows are amazing, the talent, the storyline, the props, songs, everything, basically how all these different elements come together.

Fast forward to 2012, while I was mending a broken heart, I met these really great people who was up for adventures. To make the long story short we ended up spending a short day at the emerald city during this mid-August holiday. I was brimming with emotions. It was awesome, amazing, great, wicked! It was too much of an emotional and sensory high for me. We were seated way at the back (since it was a bit unplanned and spur of the moment, we didn't have much choice for good seats at good deals) but boy I loved it just the same. After that, I wanted to watch it again to the point that I was willing to shell out more money... But well, that didn't push through. Nonetheless, I was more than happy to have watched it with amazing friends/family back in Seoul. That experience was among the best.

Feb. 2, 2014: as this day drew nearer the excitement just got harder and harder to contain. I got better seats and I got my sister and another girl friend to share this experience with me. This time around I was reliving the whole show, reminiscing and anticipating. All the time I was giddy and full of emotions. The tension was especially too great as it got nearer to 'Defying Gravity', so much so that I had to channel my energy to something which ended up to be my scrunchie. (I would have held hands if there's someone who had offered but alas there was none! :P) Of course, having watched Frozen, I was introduced to Idina Menzel who gave life to Elphaba, I made a few comparisons. Maybe it was a little weak and I was trying to imagine if it was the 'Idina Menzel' who sang that part, I would have probably cried. Yes cried and not just teared up. But I got to appreciate Suzie Mathers as Glinda more. She was refreshing to watch (and listen to but so was everyone).

I had a really great time. So happy to have been able to watch this again. I would watch it again if I could afford it, had the time and someone would watch it with me (and of course if there are tickets left). I am just happy and content  that I was able to move around my schedule to be able to make it to this show. Until next time!

Don't ask

There's an unwritten rule that you just don't ask women

A. Their weight

B. their age

Most women are sensitive as either A or B or both increases. Many may be offended but oftentimes as the numbers get higher they evade the question some more and in some cases may lie about it. It may be shallow or due to insecurity but it is also in part due to societal constructs and norms.

At my age, there are a few other questions that are starting to get to me/my friends:

C. Why are you still single?

D. When are you getting married?

E. When are you going to have a baby?

Honestly, I am still fine as it is and if it weren't for the number and what most people that I share the same number with are now doing, I don't feel old at all. But somehow, it's like I now have this ticking clock about to explode anytime that is trying to kick me out of my youthful existence (starting from the way I dress). Sure, I know there's something I'm missing but what can I do? For many of us, it's not like we don't exactly want to (many feminists would probably be shaking their heads) get into a relationship or get married, or have a baby. We also do but sometimes, even the answer escapes us but that doesn't keep us from living and loving life. For fear of the judgement, I'd rather avoid than address the question. Ultimately everyone comes up to the conclusion that it is all my fault and there's something wrong with me (i.e. I am too choosy or whatever.)...

All the love in the World

Boracay 2013

I may have found my new "theme song".

All the Love in the World

The Corrs

I'm not looking for someone to talk to
I've got my friend, I'm more than O.K.
I've got more than a girl could wish for
I live my dreams but it's not all they say
Still I believe (I'm missing) I'm missing something real
I need someone who really sees me...

(Don't wanna wake...) Don't wanna wake up alone anymore
Still believing you'll walk through my door
All I need is to know it's for sure
Then I'll give... all the love in the world

I've often wondered if love's an illusion
Just to get you through the loneliest days
I can't criticize it
I have no hestitaion
My imagination just stole me away
(Still...) Still I believe
(I'm missing) I'm missing something real
I need someone who really sees me...

(Don't wanna wake...) Don't wanna wake up alone anymore
Still believing you'll walk through my door
All I need is to know it's for sure
Then I'll give... all the love in the world

Love's for a lifetime not for a moment
So how could I throw it away
Yeah I'm only human
And nights grow colder
With no-one to love me that way
Yeah I need someone who really sees me...

(Don't wanna wake...) And i won't wake up alone anymore
Still believing you'll walk through my door
You'll reach for me and I'll know it's for sure
Then I'll give all the love in the world
(Don't wanna wake up alone anymore...)

Old school

Who writes greeting cards and sends them via post nowadays? Apparently, a lady I met in Seoul but is now back in her home country who doesn't even celebrate Christmas does! Albeit arriving late, this was instead a welcome surprise to kick start the new year. So blessed and lucky to know these people. Seoul will always have a special place in my heart mostly because of these people with whom I shared all those amazing adventures with.

Hello 2014!

To Him be the glory!

P.S. I should probably change my facebook name to my real name because this card was addressed to a certain Joyce Demet. Haha

Let it Go

Last night's girl talk with some of the girls I met in Seoul was refreshing. Also, finally being able to openly admit to common friends what I did and the regret for friendship wasted and sorely missed due to my stupidity and weakness was liberating. It was something I tried to avoid and hide though obviously they knew. At the same time a certain kind of peace moved in its place. It was really great to have been given the chance to stay for a while in Korea- to meet all these amazing people and share in all those amazing adventures. Life is good. 

Another great year I hope.

2012 was an epic year rich with experiences and adventures.

2013 was a year of learnings, lessons of letting go and moving on.

2014, what will you be?