Pichur!

Posted on August 9, 2008 at 3:47 pm | 12 Comments
Filed under Random Realities • Shameless Shot

Okay, I’m really sorry for not updating this blog for uh, almost a month? I hope you’ll forgive me. I guess, a bug bit me. Well, yeah, I have a writer’s block right now. So yeah. That’s mainly the reason why there are no updates in this blog lately. Another reason is school. Though I have lots of new experiences, I can’t post them here. By the time I get back home, most my energy has already been depleted. Then, there are still other things that I have to worry like endless paperwork, Ms. Irresponsible1, and other things that make me annoyed. Besides, the reason why I’m keeping my identity would be defeated if I published them here.

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
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
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
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
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
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.

  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. [↩]

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Family First

Posted on June 21, 2008 at 3:39 pm | 15 Comments
Filed under Random Realities

I’m not sure if you are familiar with those annoying Family First agents in the malls. Nevertheless, let me tell you about them. These agents are found in the malls, usually near the entrances. They were trained to ask this single question to the passersby: “Do you have a credit card?” Some would even follow the shoppers carrying with them a bag and an umbrella — both bearing a logo of the company — until they get an answer. Reply with a “no” and you’re safe, otherwise, you’re caught under their bait which will they make more enticing with the stupid freebies they are holding. The next thing you’ll know is that you are in their headquarters listening to an agent’s drowning voice about saving money for the future and sign what-god-knows-what contracts while drinking iced tea (which my teacher back in high school commented that there must be something in it that would make you sign the contracts) for hours. And you’ll get even pressured because for ever person they tricked into signing, all the agents would clap in unison. Scripted… Eh? Nice tactics, right? But that’s not I want to talk about.

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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Stinks and Sells II

Posted on June 7, 2008 at 9:59 pm | 4 Comments
Filed under Random Realities

I thought it’s time I should make a second part of Stinks and Sells. Besides, since I’ve been stuck here at home for the past days, I really don’t have anything to tell you as evidence by the lack of updates. Yeah, whatever. This one looks long, but it is not. Haha.

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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Protecting my Identity

Posted on May 23, 2008 at 5:02 pm | 24 Comments
Filed under Internet Insanity • Random Realities

As what I have posted in my Twitter account, I’m really tempted to divulge my real identity here. But I can’t do that just yet. Well, actually, I used to post here using my real name but since I entered college almost two years ago, I gave myself a new identity because I don’t like people from the university to know that I blog. And that was when Christian Evangelista was born.

Just a bit of background about my pen name: the name Christian is my favorite name and if I were to be given the chance to rechristen myself, I would use this name (but of course, I still love the name my patents gave to me). That’s how I decided on my pseudonym’s first name. As for my pen name’s surname, I wanted something that would suggest that I’m a Filipino. The first family name that I thought of was Bautista. But then, there is a singer here in the country by the name Christian Bautista and as i don’t want to be linked with him, I had to think of another last name that I could use. And after some brain wracking moments, I settled with Evangelista. I’m planning to add a second name and maybe, a middle initial to complete my pseudonym but I can’t think of a name that would sound good when combined with Christian. Any suggestions?

The catch is, separating my offline and online life is hard, even with a pen name. Actually, my earliest readers and online friends like Tammy and Hener (whom I didn’t meet through the blogosphere but in a now obsolete forums dedicated to Harry Potter) know my legal name which makes it a bit harder for me to keep my real identity. I just hope that those few people who know my name can keep that as confidential. Haha.

Actually, if you are a gifted stalker, you would be able to know my real name. Some of those people who know my real name are even my contacts on Friendster. This is one of the many ways that you can use to track me down. All you need to do is to check their common friends. Haha. And that’s not even the easiest way, but of course, I’m not giving any other clues about my real identity or how you may know it. Haha.

On the other hand, to make your stalking activities more easier, let me give you my number: 09158399267 (I’m a Globe user). So yeah, text me, call me, stalk me. Lol. Just be sure that you do proper introduction1. Btw, that’s not the number my offline friends know.

The real thing that makes it difficult for me is that I don’t like having multiple accounts. One account is enough. So in some of my accounts where I use my real name, there are a number of people I met online who are included in my friends list. As for my accounts where I use my pseudonym, there are a few people I know from the offline world especially my high school friends who are in my contact list.

Yeah, I’m dead. My identity is being jeopardized. Haha. Well, someday I’ll post here my real name (and maybe, even my course). But then again, what will I do with my pseudonym? I’ve grown used to it and discarding it could be very hard for me.

  1. I rarely use this number so don’t expect a reply 100%. [↩]

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Earsplitting Volume

Posted on May 18, 2008 at 3:46 pm | 18 Comments
Filed under Daily Dose • Music Mania • Random Realities • School Sabotage

iPod touch med grön Apple-sockaEven though I have an iPod touch, I’m not one of those people you see in public places especially in public utility vehicles and malls with their earphones on and listening to music. I love my ears more than music and I don’t want to be deaf and use hearing aids.

The volume on my iPod is currently set on 25%. I usually don’t go beyond that point except for attacks of the LSS. The engine of the vehicles and other roadway noises simply drones the music that comes from my iPod, so instead of increasing the volume, I simply turn it off. Besides, there are other things that I can do during my jeepney rides. I usually study my lessons while waiting to reach for my destination. Sometimes, I read books to avoid boredom or if I’m with somebody that I know, I chat with him/her about various things: demanding and perfectionistic instructors, how I miss my high school life, insensitive blockmates, and toxic subjects.

Okay, back to the subject…

So when do I use my iPod? I use it whenever I’m in my favorite place in school: the library or anywhere there isn’t much noise. The library has been my cradle, it’s where I feel at peace. Hu? What am I talking about? Well, if you had very noisy blockmates with mouths larger than a car’s tire, you would know what I mean. There are times when I even go to the library just to listen to music. Lol. I’m really thankful that the library is just a few steps from my room.

And oh, lately, I’ve been listening to music during my Rizal class. Everyone in the class couldn’t hide their boredom. Some talks with their seat mates, some are busy pressing on their phone’s keypads, others would even dare to sleep. Good thing my professor sits on the back of the room while listening to the reporters. That’s why I dare myself to listen to music even though my class is going on. And I’m pleased to tell you that I wasn’t caught… ever. Actually, during my last three Rizal classes, I was not only listening to music but also reading a book that has nothing to do with the Philippine’s national hero.

While on the subject, I just want to mention that I really don’t know why we have to study Rizal’s very detailed life. I think, the authors of the book that we are using included all the information that they could get about Rizal. I don’t know why almost everything has to be precise. Some of the not so important events that happened to Rizal were also well documented. As a matter of fact, there are times when the book mentioned not only the date but also the time when this and that happened. Aren’t the basics enough?

Take the following excerpt as an example:

… the two tourists [Jose Rizal and his friend Maximo Viola] went to Brunn. According to Viola, “nothing of importance happened” in this city.

Why add that if “nothing of importance happened”? Duh. And now… I’m bombarded with unimportant dates, names, places, and events that I’m not even sure if I could and how I would apply them once I landed with a job. Haha. (I’m not saying that RA 1425 aka Rizal Law should be abolished. What I’m saying is that the basics are enough, we don’t need to know all the places Rizal visited during his lifetime. Besides, what sense of fulfillment would you have if you memorized them?)

Before I close this entry, I just want to talk a few things about Death Cab for Cutie’s latest album: Narrow Stairs. First, I want to say that it’s a nice album, but not as good as Plans. My favorites from the album are: Your New Twin Sized Bed (I can’t get it out of my system), Bixby Canyon Bridge, No Sunlight, I Will Possess Your Heart, and You Can Do Better Than Me. And oh, have you seen I Will Possess Your Heart’s music video? Well, Death Cab rocks!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pq-yP7mb8UE

Well… you look so defeated lying there in your new twin sized bed. XD

PS: Yesterday, iTunes mistakenly recognized my iPod touch as an iPhone. WTF.

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