As what I’ve said, I have nothing to share with you, so I’m going to post here things that has something to do with my sembreak. But before I go to that, let me greet everyone a Happy Halloween! Cheers!

Days of the semestral break (including holidays and weekends): 22
Remaining days: 2 (More! More! More!)
Tweets: 33
Plurks: 82
DVDs used: around 7 (but they’re not full yet)
Average file download per day (via Torrent): 1 GB
Albums downloaded: around 5
TV programs followed: 10
Podcasts subscribed: 8
Blog updates: 2 (including this)

Uh, I guess, that’s all for now. Well, this entry’s purpose is just to update this almost-dead blog. Yeah, that’s why there’s nothing too savvy.

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A lot of things happened since the last time I posted an entry here. Each week was very rough for me. I had to endure miles of rocky and steep roads. Every day, I was looking forward for the end of my last class of the week. Struggling throughout everything was what I always did while I was missing in action over the Internet. Luckily, I was able to survive for a month, and most importantly, the first semester with only few scratches.

But what was essential for my survival were the days when there were no classes. Those were the times when I gathered the strength that I needed for the coming week.

Homecoming

Last month, there was a general alumni homecoming in my old school. After two years (the last time I went there before this was back in first year college), I was finally able to visit my old school. A lot of things has changed since I graduated. Most of the rooms are now air-conditioned, and there’s also a new lounge where students can spend their break time. Despite all of these, the population dwindled. Some of the rooms now are vacant (including the last room we last used back in high school).

I arrived there hours before the program started. I was glad that I brought my iPod. Listening to music is a good way to let time pass. Oh, there was also a bingo game. God, I miss high school. It was fun watching it. There was even this round where more than thirty people who won… and the price at stake? PHP 500.00. In the end, they decided that there should only be two winners, who each got a half of the price.

The program started an hour and a half late. Nevertheless, I was glad to see my high school friends and old schoolmates. It was really fun to see them again, even though there were only a handful of us who attended the homecoming. We talked a lot of things, but the main topic of our discussion (LOL) was our valedictorian. There was this rumor spreading around (I’ve talked about it on Plurk), and, well, it was really intriguing to talk about. A few said that it was true. There was still a part of me that didn’t want to believe. I wanted to see him/her. Alas, he/she did not show his/her face that day. On the other hand, due to some unexpected events, I finally saw that person last Tuesday. And now, I confirm that it’s true. It’s no longer a rumor, it could be even a broadsheet’s headline tomorrow and for the rest of the year! Haha.

Siiiiing!

During the night of the last day when I had to work with my groupmates, we went to a place where a microphone, a TV showing various scenery (no naked ladies included) and highlighting lyrics, a comfy sofa exists. Oh, our instructor was also present during the event. Actually, the girls in my group were the ones who planned it. They have a crush on our instructor, and every time I hear them talking about him I wanted to throw them out. Well, it was a crazy night. But no matter how they forced me, I didn’t sing. Singing was never my talent. If I were to sing, I would sound like reading a poem. But watching them sing was fun. I guess, I finally got to like them as groupmates (except for the naive and stoopid member of the group, who was fortunately missing in action during that night). The sad parts were that I lost my new umbrella, I spent around PHP 500.00 on that day alone, and I arrived home one day after I left.

TV Shows & PS2 Games

Two weeks ago, I started downloading TV shows again via BitTorrent. So basically, my eyes are glued to my notebook’s screen (which is suffering from jaundice, I think) whenever I got the chance. Currently, the shows that I download are Heroes, House, Grey’s Anatomy, Naruto Shippuden, The Amazing Race and Survivor (US version, not the local one). Hmm… any suggestions?

Recently, a package arrived from my uncle and aunt who reside in Texas, USA. They gave us loads of new PS2 games. Syphon Filter: Dark Mirror is one of them, and I’m liking it. There’s also a game intended for my young cousins. It’s called Ape Escape 3. I tried it, and I should say that it’s fun. The gameplay is different from the other games that I’ve tried. There are at least four other games but I can’t remember their titles. Sorry.

Wait. Don’t forget Vimeo. I simply love the site. Its layout is simple but cute. And it’s got a good community. Here’s one of the videos I found on the site.

Obviously, these are some of the things that will keep me occupied for the rest of my semestral break. Hopefully, I won’t get bored for the next three weeks.

This Blog & Beyond

During the past month, I was trying to think of something new to put here on my blog. Obviously, my site is getting boring. It’s so evident in the number of comments that I receive. I wanted something new, but most of the things that I though of are not suitable for my blog…

How do I make a video podcast without exposing my face, voice, or anything that is related to me?

I guess that’s all for now.

PS: Tomorrow is a Google-less day for me!

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Since yesterday, my Lolo’s second death anniversary (where a big roasted turkey was served for lunch, no I didn’t eat it), I’ve been trying to brainstorm on what to put on my next update. I decided to make my own review of the apps for the iPhone and iPod touch. Well, I’ve been planning to make one ever since I updated my iPod touch’s software to the iPhone software 2.0 (which I had to buy online). Yesterday, I started to take screenshots of the various apps I use. As a proof, check out the Flickr photo set I’ve made. But obviously, this is not the review I’m talking about. LOL. When I try to start my post, I always find myself starring at my monitor.

So what am I doing right now? I’ve been flipping channels for the past eight hours. The local networks were airing cartoons this morning so I switched to the cable channels. The following are some of the shows I’ve seen today:

I declare The Moment of Truth is the craziest TV show I’ve ever seen. LOL. It’s a very simple game show, but it could leave your life devastated. As what the name of the show suggests, the contestant has to tell nothing but the truth. The questions were too personal. There was this question that goes like: “Do you keep a spreadsheet of the names of the girls that you’ve slept with?” Crazy, eh?

Last Sunday, I found out that our cable provider has added Nat Geo Adventure to the plan we’re subscribed with. It was only today that I’ve seen some of the shows in this channel. There was this program where they featured people climbing huge rocks without any ropes. It was amazing. I didn’t know that it is possible. Cool.

Over National Geographic Channel, I’ve watched various shows. NGC never fails to amuse me with their shows. On a related note, if I heard it correctly, in one of National Geographic Channel’s documentaries, it claims that you’ll spend a total of 19 days in your lifetime just for looking the remote control. Now, that’s a big waste of time.

Uh, this post is getting random-ish. I should end it soon. Just a final note, okay? I’ll try not to use Google and any of its services for a whole day (or longer) sometime this month. Yes, it’s a challenge. And I’m pretty sure it’ll be hard. I use Google on a daily basis. It’s the only thing that makes me keep going. Whatever. Oh well, it should be fun. We’ll see if I can live for a day without Google Search, Feedburner, Reader, Calendar, YouTube, Calendar, and whatnot.

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This year, we have seen drastic changes with prices of the basic commodities we have in the market. The buying power of peso has significantly dropped. Uh, why am I talking about economics? Haha. But you get the point. The poor people were pushed farther beyond the poverty line. I guess, even the richest families in the county could feel the effects of this crisis. No one can’t deny that we are experiencing such problem.

For the past two years, my daily allowance was PHP 150.00. And that was more than what’s enough for me. I could still get savings out of it at the end of a tiring day at school. When this school year had started, I realized that PHP 150.00 is no longer enough for me. I asked my mother for an increase, and fortunately, she agreed. But even though I have PHP 200.00 now, I still have to ask myself if my remaining money could still get me back home whenever I spend for something. It’s scary, you know. What if I spent more than what I could and that has left me only a few coins? What if all the ATMs went offline simultaneously? What if no one was willing to lend me money? What would happen to me? Where would I spend my evening? In my friend’s apartment? Well, that’s something that I don’t want to experience.

So where does my allowance go? Fifty percent of it goes for my jeep and tricycle fares. Around 28% is dedicated for my lunch, and the rest is for my other expenses such as photocopies of our lectures¹, pre-paid load, and whatnot. Seriously, two hundred pesos is not enough, but I’m not going to ask for another increase in my allowance.

For the next two weeks, I’m absolutely sure that I’ll eat in a fast food chain at least five times. Don’t ask how I knew that. Obviously, that’s not going to help me with my allowance problem and the two hundred-peso challenge will be more difficult than ever. You see, when I eat at a fast food chain, I always get tempted to buy the most mouthwatering meal (which is always the most expensive meal) plus a yummy dessert. Can you suggest something that will prevent me from looking at the menu? Haha.

This only means that I have to extensively cut my expenses. We are no longer in those days when PHP 200.00 can buy many things. For the mean time, we have to say goodbye to our luxuries. But then again, let us not lose hope that in the near future, we can say hello again to them.

So… </blogging> eh? Well, I hope not.

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1. I’m tired spending for these. I’ve got tons of photocopied materials in my room already and I’m pretty sure that I’ll have more of them.

But if you can’t resist² me, I suggest that you follow me on Twitter and Plurk. Also add me as your friend, contact, fan or whatever on Last.fm, Facebook, Flickr, Delicious (The new Delicious site is… delicious!), Google Reader, and Digg. But erm, there’s no 100% guarantee that I’ll reciprocate. XD

So, what’s with the title? Well, I dunno if I’ve already introduced you to the word pichur. Haha. Obviously, it’s synonymous to the word picture. Use it in a sentence? Okay, here we go: Have you seen NYTimes’ feature on Angelica Panganiban’s photoshopped pichur? I guess this word was created circa 2005 by my chemistry-teacher-slash-adviser who has pronunciation problems.

Because I’m really out of words, I’ll be using photos to express myself and I’ll try to put a short description. Hopefully, this will work. And uh, I hate to admit it but this post is very random.

Let’s get the film rolling!

Agony in the Garden - March 25, 2005

I’m pretty sure I’ve already posted this photo here. This is one of our heirlooms. My Dad reckons it was sculpted around the last quarter of the 17th century. That makes it more than a century old. Every Holy Week, we go to Dangwa Flower Market (near UST) to buy flowers for the procession. The float is designed with various flowers. Around six in the evening, the procession starts. But lately, I didn’t like how the float was decorated (2006³, 2007, 2008). My Grandmother insists on buying white flowers only. It looked too simple to me. Currently, this photo is in Flickr’s Explore. Uh, if you have a Flickr account and you like this photo, please add it to your favorites and leave a comment as well. Well, I’m not coercing you. Haha.

Eat - December 24, 2006

A little bit of history about this phone: before it landed to me, my younger and sister and mother used it. Well, I’m not really a fan of phones. So even though it came from the Jurassic Era, I really don’t care. Lately, it was malfunctioning which forced me to use the other old phones here at home. But now, it’s working again. The culprit was its bloated battery. On a related subject, I’ve already owned one Smart, one Sun, and four Globe sim cards. Currently, I’m using two Globe sim cards. One is for my offline life, and the other is for my online life (but I don’t regularly use it).

Fully Booked - April 06, 2008

You know how much I love books. Books are the fuel of my life. WTF?! I really enjoy reading books, that’s why I don’t mind spending hundreds of Pesos on them. Yeah, reading is an expensive hobby. Unless you have other resources like borrowing reads from the library or from your friends, you’ll surely get broke. But owning a copy is still different, eh? Right now, I don’t have anything to read. The books in the local bookstore don’t look interesting to me. Someone suggested a Chuck Palahniuk book to me, but after reading the synopsis on the back of his book, I hesitated. I think I will not like his style, besides, the synopsis kinda scared the hell out of me. I badly want to visit a Fully Booked store!

Bread Talk - August 08, 2008

I have to say that Bread Talk is officially my favorite bakery. The presentation of their pastries and breads is awesome! I always salivate when I see breads (and not to mention cakes) from Bread Talk. And oh, the structure of their shops is also cool. Simple but amazing. The only downside is that their breads are expensive. Oh, look at that sign! The “NO PHOTOGRAPHING, no smoking, no eating/drinking, no shoplifting⁴” sign can’t stop me from taking photos of this amazing bakery!
PS: I submitted this photo to the Flickr 888 pool.

Print Cartridges - August 09, 2009

I’ve been bragging on Plurk that I’ve used my HP 56 Print Cartridge (as seen on this photo) for a staggering two years. What’s more is that I didn’t have to buy a new cartridge because I used up all of the 19 milliliters of ink but because the cartridge malfunctioned. That’s how tipid I am with ink. Haha. You see, I usually use “fast draft” for Print Quality (for text). Well, the quality is good and the text is still readable. Yesterday, after checking the prices of the print cartridges in four computer shops at SM City Pampanga, I bought the cheapest HP 56/57 print cartridge combo-pack for my old printer-slash-scanner-slash-copier I’ve found. I was able to save more or less PHP 1000.00. In one of the shops I’ve visited, if you bought a HP 56 and HP 57 print cartridges separately, you would have to pay them for PHP 2680.00 (I’m glad I didn’t buy from that store)! Now, that’s an impressive deal! I guess, those are that last print cartridges I would buy until I graduate from college. Haha.

Uh, I guess this worked for me! w00t! I now have my first post for this month. I actually enjoyed doing this. I’m off to visit your blogs, then, I’ll try to catch the Olympics (read this article: 10 Fascinating Facts About the Ancient Olympic Games) later.

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1. That’ll be her name here in my blog from now on. Also, I believe that the whole class now knows how much I hate her. Wait, have I mentioned about her here in my blog?
2. LOL. What’s wrong with me? Resist?! Seriously?
3. Weird. I can’t find a photo of this in my Flickr account taken back in 2006.
4. Uh, I’m not sure if it’s a “no shoplifting” sign. The illustration was so vague.

I can still remember when I graduated from pre-school, we were required to state our dream career, as if we hold the future and can predict what would become of us after our life as pupils and students. What I answered was either I wanted to become a dentist or a doctor. During those years, I’ve also fantasized of being an astronaut and a firefighter. I really don’t know why I fantasized those things. Probably, those were the occupations I’ve always seen in the TV.

I guess, I was forced to make an essay about the future — the title varies, like “X Years From Now” and “In the Near Future” — when I was in first grade. Actually, I’ve grown tired of writing such essay. Predicting the future is not really for me — crystal ball, tarot card and palm readings are not my thing. Hehe. Since then, I’ve always written that I wanted to have my own house (a mansion if possible, haha) and car, my own family, and be a successful *insert occupation here*, and of course, be rich. But that was revised back in first year high school. Instead of writing the occupation that I wanted, I wrote “… and have a good job in the future.” instead. I didn’t specify the work I wanted anymore. That is because that was time when I started to have a doubt about my future. I really didn’t have an idea where to go. Suddenly, the path was gone and I can’t control the steering wheel.

Miraculously, the winding and rocky road was back, just in time for my application in various universities during my final year in high school. I’ve come to a decision what course I wanted to take. The only mistake that I made was that I allowed my father to get inside my small car. He tried to pull my hands from the steering wheel and he even threw me to the back seat. But wait, that’s not all. He tugged all the seat belts of my car and he made sure I won’t be able to escape from them.

I bargained with him, I asked him if I could still control my car, besides, it is my car. He agreed with me. I planned to get out of my car. But it was a trap. He told me that I shattered his dreams when I almost decided to get out of my car and shifted to another course. And that was the last thing I wanted to hear from him. I will never forget that day when he told me that. The thing is, he has crushed my dreams.

Now, I’m suffering from the things he has done. My humble car has suffered from damages for the past two years and I still have to struggle for another two years. I still don’t want this course that he chose for me. Right now, I’m still on the back seat of my car, trying to reach for the window’s controller and crank it down so I could breathe fresh air.

Yes, that’s right. I still haven’t learned how to love my course… and I still have plans to shift to another course, even though I’m already a third year college student. But some part of me thinks that it will be impossible. My dad won’t let that happen. Perhaps, he’d permanently glue me on my seat if I were to mention about any of my plans.

But of course, I’ve already made my Plan Z. The plan that will save me from falling off a cliff. But tonight is not the right time to mention it. All I can say is that it’s a tricky maneuver and I have to wait for the finish line to do it.

Dreaming is free, I know. And dreams should not be something that is plausible, what’s important is that we know how to dream.

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I’ve heard about Moo — a printing company based in London — a year ago, since then, I’ve been drooling because of their famous Moo MiniCards. These MiniCards have a vital statistics of 28mm x 70mm with a Matt laminate finishing. They’re so small but they’re still attractive and cool. You can get Ready Made MiniCards, or you can design your own with your own photos. On the reverse of the card, you can place up to six lines. You can even choose the color and font that suits your needs.

Back in February, I subscribed to Flickr Pro account. Surprisingly, a Pro account comes with ten free Moo Minicards. I immediately chose my favorite photos and ordered them. The waiting period was very long. There was even a point when I thought they would never arrive safely here in the Philippines. It took a month before they arrived. It’s my first package from London and I was like sniffing the envelope trying to smell London. LOL. Call me crazy but I don’t care. (I’m really dreaming of London. Haha. Someday, I’ll treat myself a trip to London). I was so happy with them. They’re simply beautiful.

Last May 03, I decided to order 100 Moo Minicards. Even though they’re quite expensive, I didn’t hesitate to order. After a month, they were still in the mail. And that was the time when I started to panic. I thought to myself that perhaps, they were lost in the mail somewhere in Japan or Madagascar. Haha. I asked my younger brother every now and then if I received an email when I get back home. Last week, I concluded that they were really gone and maybe, they’re back in Moo’s Headquarters in London. I was really sad because they cost me around $30.00 (that includes the shipping and the plastic Moo MiniCards holder).

Two days ago, when I got home from school I saw a small package with a familiar label on our dining table. The package was very dirty (it might not look dirty on the photo, but it is). I was really shocked when I saw it. My Moo MiniCards had arrived at last! I was saying “Dumating din sa wakas!” like a mantra for a few minutes. Now that I have them, I can’t wait to give them to my friends even though they perfectly know my email and phone number.

My next target is their StickerBooks. God, I really love their products! Now, I have to look for a good blogger out there who can buy me a StickerBook. Hehe.

If you want to see more photos of Moo’s products, check their group pool @ Flickr!

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I asked my high school friends if these nagging agents already asked them with the same question. Well, they were. These agents are actually getting into my friends’ nerves. But me? No! I was never asked with that stupid question. Haha. I guess, they don’t perceive me as someone who is old enough to have a credit card. But I’m not saying that I have one. LOL. My Dad actually asked me if I wanted a credit card but I didn’t accept his offer.

Earlier this year, I had a hard time convincing a bank teller that I’m already a college student. During my summer classes, my instructor asked me how old I am (and I was the only one who was asked with that question). Last week, during our first meeting in my major subject, my professor asked me “Dear, are you lost? This is not high school.” Yesterday, another instructor told me “Mukha kang totoy!” If you were to compare me with my younger sister (who is a graduating high school student), maybe, you would say that we were born on the same year or I look younger than her.

When will this stop? I’m not enjoying it really. Well, I used to but not anymore. Maybe, some of my younger readers look older than me. I’m 18, a junior student and I don’t know if people will believe me.

I know, I’ve already ranted about this… but then again, this is my blog! Haha. I’m just really annoyed. For the past two years, I’ve been on constant stress, but it looks like that it didn’t affect my appearance. If this year was stressful enough for me, we would be able to see it draw lines on my face. Maybe, I have this power that can retain my youth. Haha. Now, I should be included as one of the main characters of Heroes.

I’m actually tempted to go to the liquor store in the mall and see if the cashier and guard on duty would stop me. Hahaha.

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So why am I talking about such stupid observation? Well, yesterday, I was able to force my Dad to buy me a new spectacles. My last prescription glasses was made back in the second half of 2006. I really wanted a thick-rimmed glasses but as what my father had predicted, I look weird with them. So I’m stuck with a half-moon rectangular spectacles (but they’re not perfect rectangle) made from metal.

Being a four-eyed man can be sometimes frustrating. There are things that you can’t do correctly with your eyeglasses on. Uh, I can’t think of a situation that I can use as an example or am I just imagining things? Haha. And of course, it’s expensive. The frame costs around Php 5000, and that’s just the frame. The lenses can also be costly especially if you want multi-coated lenses (just like me) to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays. Plus, you need regular visits with your ophthalmologist. But at this point, I can’t part with my glasses. Whenever I use a computer or watch TV, I badly need to wear my spectacles, otherwise, I’ll get dizzy.

Uh, if I were you, I would not dream of wearing eyeglasses. Haha. I want a 20/20 vision!

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Here we go…

Is Twitter stinking?
And will Plurk sell?
Our maid stinks
She’s messing with my appetite and it’s annoying, really.
Death Cab for Cutie sells
But DCFC’s “Plans” sells better than “Narrow Stairs”, IMO
The new Indiana Jones movie stinks
It’s the worst movie I’ve ever seen in my entire existence
The new favicon of Google stinks
Sorry, but I really hate it
I want to watch Kung Fu Panda
Alas, I don’t have moolah… it stinks
Going back to school stinks
And being a junior stinks too
‘Cause it means I’m getting older
SmallWorlds sells
Uh, have you heard of it?
My blog starts to stink
That’s because of the lack of updates
Dora the Negrang Lakwatsera still stinks
And I think Spongebob doesn’t stink anymore
(I realized it’s not for kids, if you know what I mean. Haha.)
This Grass Text Effect sells like donuts
I just wish it’s not complicated. Haha.
I’m running out of ideas to make this a bit longer…
And that simply stinks
I noticed that majority of the things I’ve mentioned stinks. Blah.
Uh, how come I can’t think of something that sells?
Pinoy Idol stinks
I can smell it without even watching a single episode of it
I’m betting Survivor Philippines will stink too
David Cook sells even better than donuts do (haha)
And I’m wondering when he’ll release his next album…
That will surely sell
Firefox 2 was a sold out
But Firefox 3 will surely beat its ancestor
Shaving stinks
Me doesn’t like it
I’m just glad PBB is almost over…
It’s one of the stinkiest TV shows evah!
I guess, I should do this regularly
Because I really enjoy doing it.
I hope this post will sell (haha)…
And that you are not stinking!

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