Trivia Night

Last Saturday, I went out with two of my high school friends (one of whom I haven't seen for more than a decade) for trivia night at The Daily Table in Ma-a. Tin has been inviting me since last year. Recently, she has been putting off her weekend travel plans because of the rising fuel prices, so we finally had the chance.

That's us to the left of the host. (Photo courtesy Trivia Nights Pinas)

I genuinely thought I wouldn't be able to answer anything, but it's surprising what random things we have stored in our brains. And we won the night! We were lucky enough that some of the questions catered more to our age group. Most youngsters would not have heard of Diana Ross, much less know what group she's in. It was overall a very enjoyable game, with a funny host, and great company!

After the game, we went to Starbucks to chat. Tin and I meet yearly, so it was mostly Jeck who gave us life updates. But the highlight every now and then... was BTS. I'm not really a fan, so they ended up trying to convince me. Just so you know, I'm not a hater. I'm more into vocal groups like BtoB, Beast, Pentagon... and my favorites have goosebump-inducing voices (Changsub, Yoseob, Jinho, Sandeul). The sole BTS song in my K-pop playlist is a ballad called "The Truth Untold" sung by their vocal line.

I got home at around 1:30 AM. That's how much we needed catching up. Next time, we'd have to meet earlier.

National Museum of the Philippines – Davao

I read about the term microadventure last January. It is defined as an adventure that is short, simple, local, cheap – yet still fun, exciting, challenging, refreshing and rewarding. Come to think of it, as kids we had this all the time. We didn't need to travel to distant places; every new experience, however small, was an adventure.

So I made a short list of places in my area that I haven't gone to yet. Just a short one, otherwise a homebody like me would be overwhelmed. I started listing our neighboring villages, which I realized I haven't ever explored. Then I moved on to important landmarks in Davao City.

On February 28, I initially only planned to go out to use my voucher in NCCC Mall grocery, Ma-a. But then my sister wanted to come with me and that meant we'd be wandering around somewhere. After buying the groceries, she suggested we check out sewing machines in the Brother store downtown (our mother wanted to sew curtains).

So we went there and were shown the different machines available. We called our mother, and she was fine with the most basic one. We thought we'd show her the brochure first, so we decided not to buy it yet.

It was still early in the afternoon, and we were near People's Park, so off to the National Museum we went.

When the plan for the museum was first released, I thought the durian-inspired design was a bit overused and awkward. In spite of that, the final building looked neat. It is hidden by trees when you enter the park and will only be visible once you get closer. It was interesting to look at, a modern structure framed by a green canopy, with an eye-catching interplay of light and shadow.

There are four floors that are open to the public. When we visited, however, the 4th floor was closed for renovation or something.

On the first floor, we found paintings by my former high school art teacher, Sir Bong Perez. My sister was impressed! I thought his were the best paintings displayed there.

Fisherman's Village by Bong Perez

We lost track of time on the second floor, particularly the display of rocks found in the different blocks of Davao Region. They reminded me of some small rocks I collected during my high school and college field trips to the geothermal plant at the base of Mt. Apo.

The second floor was dedicated to natural history, while the third floor was about Davao's cultural heritage. Overall, there was excellent representation of Davao City.

We then had dirty ice cream outside the park. I wondered why my sister looked at me funny when I ate it all, including the bottom of the cone. Turns out the vendor, who wears a plastic glove on his left hand where he holds the cone, receives money with the same gloved hand. She thought I saw it, too. Anyway, she finished the cone as well.

Before going home, we were back at the Brother store for some last-minute shopping.

43 Years

We didn't have anything prepared for my birthday last week. We had no time to plan because things had been busy the previous few days. So it was a normal lunch at home after attending noontime Mass.

My sister, however, really wanted to go out because she filed for leave. She insisted on having a snack at Azuela Cove in Lanang, but it was too far, so I suggested places in Juna instead. She was not interested.

While looking at Google Maps again, I rediscovered the French farm-to-table restaurant in Tacunan called Tomate Cerise. This was formerly called La Fermette, and I have always wanted to go there. I showed it to her, and voilà! Instead of going far north through the city traffic, we'd go far south to the more rural part of Davao.

Inside Tomate Cerise, Tacunan, Davao City

My father was a little sick, so he stayed home; it was only us sisters with Mama.

The distance was totally worth it. The place was cozy, the air fresh, the staff helpful, and the food nice and a bit different from the usual offerings of restaurants popping up around the city. If it didn't rain, we could have enjoyed the surrounding area a bit more.

A generous serving of salad. I didn't know I could just pick and eat bougainvillea flowers.

The highlight of the trip, however, was chatting with the drivers during our rides. The taxi driver going to Tacunan questioned our choice to travel that far just to have a snack. When the taxi entered the compound of the restaurant, he exclaimed, "Mura ma'g manukan!" (It looks like a chicken coop/farm!)

Our Grab driver going home detoured inside a subdivision in Catalunan Grande. It was where he grew up, and he pointed to the house of his father.

When we got home, my father told us Kuya Jay from Bohol visited. We invited him again to visit the following day.

* * *

From the Mass that day:

"Fasting is the prayer of the body," the priest said in his homily. He also added that this Lent, we should strive to fast from the 3Ps: pleasure, possession, and power.

I am grateful for another year. <3

Love-hate Relationship

"Love-hate relationship," started kuya Alfer. That was his relationship with his mom. He told us in the most honest, uninhibited eulogy I have ever witnessed.

Love-hate relationship -- that is me and my parents. But mostly love... I hope. So when I heard kuya Alfer relate his story, I started to cry, although I tried so hard not to. That was the first time I ever cried in a funeral, and I couldn't even get out of the packed canopy tent to hide my face because of the sudden rainfall on a sunny afternoon. In our own language, when it rains while the sun is out, we say there's a "Pista sa Langit" (Feast in Heaven). And there really was a celebration in Heaven that day because it also happened to be Mama Mary's birthday.

After a short while, I could hear a few sniffles here and there. What a relief! I was not alone then.

August

Last August had been quite eventful for my otherwise boring life. Firstly, I had an extremely bad scare because, having obsessive-compulsive tendencies, I usually don't lose things. This time though, I completely forgot my wallet at the PAG-IBIG office after paying. I only found out when I was back home and it was already dark, plus it was a Friday. Losing money was not the problem because I already paid everything to my monthly dues. But I had all my important IDs in that wallet that just imagining myself trying to file for every lost ID was dreadful. It would cost me a lot of time, energy, and money.

But I couldn't do anything yet but wait. I was hopeful that I left it at the PAG-IBIG office because that was the last place I went to before going home. The other possibilities were that I got robbed in a jeepney or it somehow fell from my bag, which were both highly unlikely.

So the next day, Saturday, I went back to the office. Luckily there were people because some employees were working over time. I asked the security guard if they had a wallet in their "lost and found" box. He got it out and it was full of unclaimed IDs and cards of all types! Unfortunately, mine were not there. He told me to go back on Monday and directly ask the cashier of the counter where I left it.

So I went back and thankfully, thankfully! I've never been more thankful in my life. I got the wallet back and everything in it! Salamat sa mga maayong tawo sa kalibutan!

After more than a year of trying, I've finally finished my Spanish tree in Duolingo. Duolingo is an app for learning languages. This does not mean though that I am now fluent in Spanish, it only means that I finished the tree haha! If I'm going to rate my self, I might be kindergarten level, or grade 1? So unless I continue studying, practice writing, and listening, I will be stuck in basic Spanish.

* * * * * *

I have been catching up on superhero movies last month, Marvel and DC. I did not bother watching Iron Man 3 and Thor: The Dark World; they both looked bad on trailers alone. I was Team Cap on Civil War, preferred Ant-Man to Deadpool, and honestly liked Batman v Superman. I watched the ultimate (longer) version. Speaking of Batman v Superman, someone made a RETRO trailer. What if Michael Keaton and Christopher Reeve had made this movie? Check out the trailer below:


* * * * * *

Finally, I made a website for the Diocese of Digos for the Evangelization 2033 movement of the Catholic Church. I hope you could visit the site.

~julienne

xxxii

New year, new home

I've never been truly independent. By that I mean having the chance to decide and provide for oneself without need for or the influence of someone else. I guess that stems from how I and my siblings were brought up.

I was always envious of independent kids. From what I've seen, they were the ones who did their work while their parents looked from afar, just guiding them when some things go wrong. With my family, there's a lot of spoon-feeding, even when you don't want it. And though it masks itself as 'being supportive,' it creates a culture of dependence. It's very limiting and unhealthy, depriving us of growth.

Because I lived with my parents, the only solution I could think of was to move away. So I did. But what's ironic is that my mother's accompanying me still. Part of the reason is because my grandmother said so. Hay family! They are both endearing and annoying.

In other news, I've started using the envelope system for budgeting. Hopefully it works out because I have a mortgage to pay now. As for work, I'm currently juggling several web projects because, you know, the bills!

That's it I guess. It's still early in the new year so best wishes and may the Lord bless and keep you this 2015!

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Updates

Multiply announced its closing last April. We were given until May 6 to backup all our files and posts, I think. But that time I had too much to do and put it off, until I checked May 7 and it was all gone. Too bad, I wonder what things were posted in that account. I will never know :(

May 2: Went to Cagayan de Oro with my brother. It was my first time travelling beyond the Calinan area and I was excited to finally see Bukidnon and CDO. Unfortunately, I had very high expectations and went home disappointed. Passing by Bukidnon and seeing a prevalent kaingin practice and the 'chocolate mountains' near Cagayan made me appreciate more what Davao's invisible heroes do everyday to keep the city clean. But we can do better.

Buda, on the other hand, is another thing. Because we took the air-conditioned bus going there, it didn't have much impact on me. So I suggested we ride the open bus going back, the closed bus experience is dizzying anyway. And that was enough. I want to go back there. Buda is wonderful to behold even in the afternoon, and the low temperature makes it even better. I was like "the Shire!" or "Rivendell!" the whole time. :)

Pasalubong from my boss and friend, Jeruel, a Tampa Wedding Photographer. Thank you! Now all I need to do is find out how to use these tools hehe.

 

Moving to Bloglovin'

So you've probably heard about Google Reader's decision to shut down the service this coming July. And in my search for an alternative, I've come across Bloglovin' again. What made me finally decide to use this bloggers' favorite is its ability to import your Google Reader data. I haven't tried other readers, but if you're still looking for one, why not join me? Go here to import your reader to Bloglovin'. You can also follow my blog here.

In other news, I'm joining Aileen Kim of House of Isla Blog in her drawing challenge. This is her list:

1. Yourself
2. An animal
3. An object in the room
4. Favorite piece of clothing
5. Fashion Illustration
6. Something Involving water
7. Inanimate Object come to life
8. Nature-inspired
9. Something Vintage
10. Design a book cover
11. Your favorite person
12. Someone or something from mythology
13. Someone or something from fairytale
14. Imaginary Garden
15. A structure or a building
16. A typographic quote
17. Inspirational poster
18. A pattern
19. Travel Poster
20. Things in the kitchen
21. Botanical
22. Favorite Craft tools
23. A Collage
24. Something Whimsical
25. Weather
26. A quick gesture drawing
27. In the style of another artist
28. Blog header or logo
29. A notebook design cover
30. Draw Yourself drawing

UPDATE: 4/4/13 Feedly is a much better reader. Import GR, more options, can read full articles just like THE Reader.

XXX

Liebster Blog Award

Thank you Cham for this award! I'm still a little shy about this, but I'll try my best. :)

The Liebster Award is given to "up-and-coming bloggers with less than 200 followers." Liebster means dearest in German.







The Rules are:

• Share 11 Facts About Yourself 
• Answer the Awarder's 11 Questions
• Ask 11 Questions of your Own 
• Nominate 11 Bloggers

MY 11 FACTS

1. I eat ice.
2. I still keep my anime and x-men cards.
3. I had one stuffed toy as a kid. It was wrapped in its original plastic container and hung by a window.
4. Because I'm not touchy feely, my friends tease me when it's time for beso-beso.
5. I took Applied Mathematics in college.
6. I rarely drink while eating.
7. KFC's mashed potatoes... yum!
8. I smell... uhm, things.
9. I have a weird way of holding the spoon and fork.
10. At 8/9, watched Marcellino at the cinema on my own. My mother shopped while waiting.
11. I still play our old cassette tapes.

CHAM'S QUESTIONS

1. How would you want to die? while sleeping
2. What was the reason why you cried the last time you did? Les Mis the movie musical
3. What do you consider your most precious material possession right now? JUST ONE. Aside from the Bible, it's the family history book of clippings that my grandfather made. I'm filling Frodo's shoes.
4. If you were to have only one parent, who will you choose - your Mom or your Dad? hmmm, I can't choose :(
5. What is the job you'd love to have forever, even without pay? researcher/librarian/film art crew
6. How much would you need to be paid, to kiss someone of the same sex? Does kissing my baby sister to sleep count?
7. One book you've read and didn't like the ending. Change the ending. Breaking Dawn. I will make the characters sit through the whole negotiation part instead of stand.
8. The first human you're going to bite for blood after waking up and realizing you've turned into a vampire? I will randomly pick a trapo (bad politician)
9. If you'll be allowed to eat only one food for the rest of your life, what would it be? potatoes
10. Three (3) words you'd tell your 13-year-old self. Seize the day (since Carpe Diem has only two). Dead Poets Society <3
11. Ube na lasang Tae OR Tae na lasang Ube? (English Subs: Purple Yam which tastes like Poop OR Poop which tastes like Purple Yam?) Defend your answer. :D Ube na lasang Tae of course, because Ube is food and Tae is not. I have the benefit of not knowing what poop tastes like. :)

MY 11 SIMPLE QUESTIONS

1. Complete the sentence. I'm a frustrated _________.
2. What was/is your favorite toy?
3. What one time in history would you like to travel back to?
4. Name the artist who most inspires you. Why?
5. For you, what are the 3 most important virtues?
6. If you were a fictional character, who would you be?
7. Song/Book you wish you wrote:
8. When in need of some information, do you first turn to a) someone, b) a book, c) google?
9. (from Walden) What do you want to dwell near to?
10. (from William Blake) Does a firm persuasion that a thing is so, make it so?
11. (from PP) Do you believe in faries?

I know it says 11 nominees, but I still need to find more, so I nominate Ailen, Chi, Crybaby, Jeruel, James, LA, Nej  and anyone who wish to do this and answer my questions. :)

P.S. I would also love to know your anwers Cham ;)

Merry Christmas

And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. ~ Jn 1:14

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New Site: Folkerie

Inside Llewyn Davis

I have a new site up, shared with my fellow folkniks Lorie Ann and Angely Chi. This is one of the things I've been busy organizing the past weeks. The site is a work in progress. We'll see how this works out and what needs improvement.

Check out "Folkerie" where we celebrate Everything Folk! If you love folk music, films and art, among other things, then join us as we discover and rediscover beloved folk acts. Submissions and comments are also welcome.

We talk about the Coen Brothers' newest movie, Inside Llewyn Davis, in our latest post.

How to deal with a grieving cat

Last week we had four cats. By the end of the week, we had one left. Our grumpy old neighbor had another poisoning spree. I wonder when he would change, that man. From what we've gathered, there were five casualties: two dogs from our neighbors and three of our cats. But what troubles us is the state of the one remaining. She is about a year old, still a kitten by age, and very close to her brother, mother and father, the ones who died. I believe when my father buried the carcasses, she wasn't around to know and sniff them goodbye. Now when we feed her, she always stops and looks around like she's expecting the others to come. She also cries differently and is constantly searching. It's very heartbreaking to see. So how do you help a grieving cat? Because I really wish she moves on sooner than later...

Coincidentally, I was reading London's White Fang and The Call of the Wild the time that our cats died. :(

29

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One year more and I'll be 30!

He Knew He Was Right on the New Lens

So I got a new lens!


It's just a tumbler. =)

This is the free item I received from Canon for buying a lens last year. I've waited six months for this that I thought they ran out of stock and it would never come. But here it is delivered yesterday afternoon.

Fortunately for me the mail-men came after I cried my eyes out from watching He Knew He Was Right, a 2004 BBC miniseries adapted from Anthony Trollope's novel about a young married couple's breakdown. It would have been too embarrassing had they arrived earlier. Seriously, jealousy with paranoia is tragedy.

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I thank God for this borrowed time and my mother for giving birth to me on this day 28 years ago! =)

Freedom

Freedom lies in being bold.
Robert Frost

For what avail the plough or sail,
Or land or life, if freedom fail?
Ralph Waldo Emerson

Freedom is not something that anybody can be given. Freedom is something people take, and people are as free as they want to be.
James Baldwin

There are two freedoms - the false, where a man is free to do what he likes; the true, where he is free to do what he ought.
Charles Kingsley

All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us.
Gandalf (The Fellowship of the Ring movie)

So, if the Son makes you free, you will be really free.
John 8: 36

We are free, of course, but let not your freedom cause others, who are less prepared, to fall.
1st Cor. 8:9

The Lord is Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.
2nd Cor. 3:17

Then you will know the truth and the truth will make you free.
John 8:32

Do not be conformed to the world where you live, but rather be transformed through the renewal of your mind. You must discern the will of God, what is good, what pleases, what is perfect.
Romans 12:2

---

Starting today, I will be working from home again.

The other day, I received my final clearance from DOST, where I got my college scholarship. As I got out of DOST's gate, I was greeted by a dove. And then it flew...

Productivity report for 2010

Sixty-five good enough photos, a lot less than what I took the past two years. That says a lot about my enthusiasm this year. It's way below zero.

I still don't have a thesis proposal, though I've already come up with a topic.

Work has been uninteresting.

Haven't read much.

So, yeah, madam crystal ball was wrong; 2010 is not my year.

...

On a happier note, Christmas is coming fast, and I want to make/paint cards for everyone. I should do it! I'm glad I've been posting regularly. Thanks to several inspiring artists I've recently discovered from music, traditional art, calligraphy and photography.