Been a long while since I last posted an entry.  Like,  a freakin long time.  I just wanted to share this portion of my life before 2015 ends. This has been my life in pictures :

Tyson's Test

Figure it out TL Tyty! Here's your exam.

Time Just Breezes By Ever So Fast

It was as if I farted, and then almost 5 months have passed. It feels awfully fast. I still remember the last time I posted an update on my journal. My old boyfriend came over for a drink and it was a blast!

And true to form, I haven't heard from him since LOL.

I am in a good place right now. Well sort of. I am head over heels in love with my boyfriend of 3 months, my mom is leaving for Germany next week, and I am currently working. Well.. sort of in a good place.

Which comes into mind a question that so few of us ask: Why do we get so hung up on negative thoughts when good things are happening.

I think it's because of the fact that usually after a high, there will always be lows. And more usual than not, the lows outweigh the highs. Well to me at least. But don't get me wrong. I am very thankful that I am blessed with amazing things happening to me.

But then you ask, why am I so hung up? 

For starters, its the love thing. You fall in love, things go awry, break-ups happen. You get hurt and left dazed and confused. The aftermath is worse. Long sleepless nights, thinking about what could have been or what might have been.

It's totally normal. We are indeed, human after all. But we still stand up, and fall in love all over again. I know, I'm a crazy human being, but at least I am still a romantic, and not a ball full of cynicism.

Then there's my mom. She's migrating to Germany and will stay there for a while. I haven't been away from her in ages. I don't know how to live without her. Right now am in a stupor and still unable to fathom what effects it would have on me. Am starting to feel depressed, hence the need to vent out using my blog.

Last is my job. It's a so-so job. Not really something to brag about, but it pays the bills.

So this is where I am at. 2013... what a year of roller coaster ups and downs. And still, We have a month and a half to go before 2014 comes into view. I really am hoping for sunshine and butterflies and rainbows in the future.



Thanks for reading my blog beautiful stranger.
Blessings to you.

♥Carla♥

And so we meet again...

I don't know what it is, or why I keep going back to the same guy, but as you can see, he's my eye candy. Right now, we agreed to be platonic friends, though I don't know if that'll last. What seems to hold me to him is his mom. She has stage 4 cancer and I am so pissed that I am unable to do much for her. She's a nice woman and I pray she would be ok.

On the other hand, it's better to be friends with him instead of trying to think that you can reign and tame a wild horse.

Sometimes, we love too much and soon, we tend to try to control other people's actions. I guess we are just afraid that they'd leave you. What I learned from my relationship with Kenneth is to let the young have their freedom. It's funny because we had a better time last night than any other times we were together.

What the hell am I writing LOL. I guess I'm still infatuated with him. I mean, who wouldn't be? He looks like a movie star! But he's still the same sweet Kenneth.

♥a blessed day to you, person reading my blog♥

My YouTube Fixation - itsjudyslife

Somehow, I already stopped watching TV, and shifted to watching YouTube videos instead. Initially, I was into makeup videos. Then, I discovered full length TV shows and documentaries, and even movies. But one thing I cannot live without is my daily dose of itsjudyslife which I watch religiously.

Photos are owned by Michael Clinard
( http://michaelclinard.com )

It's a daily video diary or vlog of a couple named Judy and Benjie, and their daughter Julianna. She really does lead a very glamorous life. Her YouTube fame started from humble beginnings. She started filming beauty tutorials about 5 years ago... and then suddenly turned into one of YouTube's beauty gurus.

I love watching them because one, she is Filipino, and also, they are an amazing family with Asian values and over all, they are genuinely nice people.

They also travel a lot. They even went to Batangas last year which was pretty cool. Even though they lived and grew up in the US, you can see that they still appreciate our Asian heritage. Judy with her close-knit family, and Benjie with his fascination with beer and the Japanese culture (he's part Japanese, part Irish).

I have watched them from being this young couple, to a family of three. They even filmed Julianna being born!

What draws me to them is how simple they live their lives, but how glamorous their life turned out to be. They travel to different countries and places, and wherever they go, there are fans who greet them and give them gifts. While Judy was pregnant, they received tons of gift from all over the world!

It is nice to see a really nice family with great values to be as successful as they are. One of these days, I will try to emulate what Judy has done.


Check out one of their vlogs:

http://www.youtube.com/user/itsJudysLife/videos

♥Blessed day to you, person reading my blog♥

Chinese General Hospital - Avoid if possible! (review)

I recently underwent an operation to remove gallstones. It would have been perfect, save for one thing: The insurance company did not pay for my operation. I was left with a bill of almost 100,000 pesos!

After much pondering, I now know that the problem was with the hospital itself.

Usually, based on experience, once you go into a hospital, you give them your health card and then, they would cross-reference it with your plan versus the procedure that they would be performing.

I remembered asking them to make sure that the procedure was covered. The doctors kept reassuring me that, yes, it was covered. What they failed to inform me was that they did not swipe the health card, nor did they call the insurance company Intellicare. They just asked my mom, a civilian, with no knowledge whatsoever of how to deal with insurance companies, to call Intellicare and verify if I was on "active" status. Of course, my membership was active!

I went to the hospital at around 10AM... the surgery was scheduled at 7AM the following day. The funny thing was, Intellicare only informed us that it was not covered during the time that I was in the recovery room of the ER.

They could have at least informed me prior to my surgery. I ended up a prisoner of Chinese General Hospital since I had no money to pay for the surgery. But through God's help, and through the aid of family and friends, enough money was raised. I was literally a prisoner. I was not allowed to go out of the ward. I asked to be transferred to the charity ward, but they said that I have to pay the entire bill before they can transfer me there. Ironic right?

One of these days, I would find a way to abolish that policy of theirs. I heard there was a woman who gave birth and was not able to pay her bills. She has stayed in the hospital for 1 year.

I have more to say, but will just probably edit this at a later time. We are looking at possible legal actions against the hospital.

♥ Have a blessed day, person reading my blog ♥

Back To The Jungle

Its been over a year since I last worked. I left the workforce because of boredom. I was exhausted and mentally fatigued. The amount of stress was so intense that it manifested in the form of excruciating pain via my lower back.

I am starting my new call center life in a company near SM San Lazaro. Gathering the requirements was already a challenge. I spent a huge amount of money just trying to get medical clearances from different specialists. However, I was rewarded by having an awesome schedule. Hard work paid off.

I already got a deeper tan just by walking around the metro getting stuff done. How I wished it was from frolicking on the beach.

But it was successful and I basically got everything done right on time. Earlier we had our orientation and was extremely surprised that I got a great schedule.

Anyways, let's see what happens.

That ain't me. Just a hint as to what I do.

Stuff I Do When I Am Bored

I have many friends and most of them are male. ^^ So when we're bored, we drink and do pictorials. Then I edit them to make it look sorta magazine-ish. Here are some samples of what I do:

Will post some before and after pics when am not too lazy. LOL.
Good day to you, person reading my blog. ♥

How to go to BIR Intramuros - RDO 030 and 031

I have looked for instructions to BIR in Intramuros all over the net and found none. Hence, I'm putting up an easy to follow guide. As long as you know how to get to Quiapo, its easy. I went there last week to have my RDO code updated to 031. FYI, they have both 030 and 031 RDO alongside each other.

So basically, the easiest way is via LRT. Go down Carriedo station and walk till you reach Quiapo church. Go towards the right side of the church - right side means the church's right when you are facing the front of the church. You'll know because it's where the jeepneys pass by. Ride a jeep with the sign that says PIER 15. You can ask them to drop you off at BIR, or just look for the Jollibee that looks like this:

This Jollibee would be at the right side of the road once you pass it.
That blue and yellow jeepney there is the Pier15 jeep.

Here are some other landmarks. First thing you see once you alight the jeepney is this statue:

Walk towards the opposite direction from where the statue is facing. If you're facing this statue like how I took the picture, then walk towards the right.

The walkway below leads towards the building entrance.

And this is the building entrance:

This first building houses RDO 030. For RDO 031, you have to go towards the back of the building where there is a path leading to the next building. I couldn't take enough pictures because I was in a rush, but somehow, at least you would know what to expect when going there.

I went there during summer, so a word of advice: bring an umbrella, a pen, something to drink and a hand fan.

Have a blessed day, person reading my blog. ♥

The New Year

There's something about the new year that makes everyone hopeful. I guess it's the idea of a fresh new start. As with everyone else, I too am hopeful. We started the year right. Me and my family had a wonderful time. Beginning with our clan reunion, our family has been around since the Spanish era.

My immediate family was tasked to do the decorations for the reunion and we're proud of our work, with what little budget we had, and all we had was the decors  my Aunt in Houston sent us. Overall, it was a mini success. 

Looking back at the past year, it was full of really high-highs and very low-lows, if you know what I mean. I'm still stuck in a rut, but at least I know what direction to take. Plus, we have a very good chance of pulling up our financials within 2013.

For all it's worth, I think this year would be brighter. 

Happy New Year to you, person reading my blog. ♥

Not All That Glitters ...

Some great things can only be yours for a moment. In this case, it was a record. 2 days. It was a whirlwind love affair. But was not meant to be and never will be. For reasons only I can fathom. But it was the greatest moment in my history, hence, immortalized in my blog. Idol. Good vibes to You, person reading my blog. -Carla-

Are we too old to grow up?

Image Source: Joystique

Ever wonder why you suddenly feel depressed without even knowing why? One of the reasons can be attributed to getting older.

Suddenly, the things that you used to love to do, turns out to be more exasperating and consumes you. People you are used to talking to suddenly seem so irritating. And the worst thing is, you can't enjoy the things you used to enjoy when you were younger.

I sometimes stop and think about what would my generation be like when we are at our 70's or 80's. Just like the photo above. Are we still on our computers and hand-held devices? Would we still go on rock concerts and play video games in malls? Would we still have sleep overs with alcohol to keep us amused? And the biggest question is, would we still be allowed to play even if we are older?

As you get older, things become more complicated. Bills, family, more bills, and a hell of a lot more of those young people who seem to get on your nerves. Universally, each generation seem to think that the generation after them are more stupid. In all honesty, I think there's some truth to it.

As time progresses, each generation seem to be less mindful of others. They tend to get ruder, more obnoxious, and uncaring. The younger you are, the more superficial you tend to be. I can attest to that. Am not that old, but I did learn how to appreciate people. These days, you're appreciated if you are in vogue. Forget it if you are smart or funny, or both. People would rather hang out with the most gorgeous friends, even if they're as stupid as a rock sitting on the curb.

Oh well, I guess I am getting old. Ranting like this. 

-To the person reading this blog, good vibes to you-

♥Carla♥ 

A Devastating October

I am hanging out at my friend's attic as I type this blog entry. Lying down on the sofa at 1:51am, trying to sort things out. It's pitch black dark here, but the temperature is perfect. A lot of things happened during the past week. The most unfortunate of which is the passing of my beloved pet dog Edward. Most people have no idea how painful it is to lose a loving pet. He caught leptospirosis and his kidneys were destroyed. Our only consolation was that he was well taken cared of all throughout that ordeal. We will miss you tremendously.

Choices

Each of us has the right to do what they want to. I choose to be a lazy bum and not blog today. Jorosz is here.

So, You Think You're All That?

image courtesy of Getty Images

Yes this is a rant. That's what blogs are for and no, I won't disclose you're name due to the fact that I still find you respectable despite of our conversation. Yes, you know who you are.

However which way you meant it, or whichever way you say it... it still comes out as pure insult. Even if you meant to say good things, you placed your foot in your mouth. Which definitely puts you way below of what I originally thought of you. What a way to judge my character, after only meeting you briefly. Once. So many years ago.

I do realize that people judge you with the type of people you associate with. But for me, I never think of people as different classes. All people are the same, regardless of race, religion, social status, or eating preferences. I too am guilty of prejudice, but I keep it to myself. Why? It's to avoid insulting others, or embarrassing them which you blatantly did to me.

Usually, I won't give a damn but sweety, I don't think you are in the position to belt out the insults. Take a long look in the mirror and tell me what you see. Because as far as I'm concerned, I see a sad, sad, little man.


Good vibes to you, person reading my blog

-Carla-

Passport Renewal via DFA Megamall

So my passport would be expiring soon, hence, I decided to have it renewed. My mom had hers done and had a wonderful experience with DFA main. I wanted to try the branch at Megamall, and to my surprise, it was a very pleasurable experience. Before anything else, you need to set an appointment online. Note that the Megamall branch has a different web address. Just go to http://www.megamall.passport.com.ph

First thing you need to do is arm yourself with the required documents:


1. Your old passport
2. Photocopy of your old passport
3. A valid ID
4. NSO Birth Certificate
5. Photocopy of your NSO Birth Certificate
6. At least Php 1,500.00 (kasama na din pang food trip hehehe)

Their offices are located at the 5th Floor of Megamall. If you have your own vehicle, better enter through the multi-level parking area to the top-most floor. From there, you're literally 20 steps away from DFA. But if you're going through the mall, enter through Mega A. Just look for Movietime on the 4th floor, and take the nearest escalator adjacent to the movie houses. The pathway to DFA is flanked by 2 shops: Bruno's Barbershop and Zerona Laser Slimming:

Sorry for the blurry pic ='>

You'll see steps leading to the DFA office:

You really have to wait for your exact scheduled time, else, they won't let you in. But there was a small queue forming already so I decided to stand near the door and was rewarded by being the first one in! First step is the information counter, where they will verify your documents. I forgot to take a pic of that.

The next step is processing where they will make sure that you are really scheduled for that time slot. You  have to get a number first and wait for your turn. This would be your queue number for the next 2 steps.

queue number

The process is quick and hassle free. Unlike before where you have to wait in line outside the scorching sun, here, you wait in comfort. The entire office is air conditioned to death, so its quite comfortable and peaceful. After this, you proceed to the cashier to pay. Note that you only pay the passport fee here. Courier fee is at the end of the process, before you exit the office. Here are the fees:

Php 950.00 for regular
Php 1,200 for express or rush processing

Fee for courier door to door delivery via LBC is Php 120.00.


Next is encoding where they take your picture, thumbprints, and re-verify your address. I suggest you primp up while waiting for your number to be called. You wouldn't wanna look like a hag in your passport photo...Lol.

waiting for my number to be called. I was relegated to number 20 =)

I waited 5 minutes and was out! Oh before you leave, you have the option to have your passport sent through courier via LBC. I opted for that since it was basically the same as paying for fare when commuting. Less the hassle. It actually took me less than 30 minutes to finish everything. It took me longer to find a good restaurant. LOL. I have to also commend the staff's hospitality and warmth. They are friendlier and more accommodating, especially the cashier lady. Remember the time when the staff at DFA acted as if you owed them your life?

This is me after... on the bus! Told you it wasn't hard at all. I still look fresh LOL.

Good vibes to you, person reading my blog ='>

-Carla-

BLACK OUT CALL

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Today, October 2, the Supreme Court sitting en banc is set to hear several petitions for prohibition against the Cybercrime Prevention Law.

If the high court junks these petitions and disapproves the request for a temporary restraining order (TRO), the Cybercrime Prevention Law will take effect the following day, forever changing the Internet la

ndscape in the Philippines -- possibly even killing Internet freedom.

AS A SIGN OF PROTEST, PLEASE TAKE DOWN YOUR PROFILE PICTURES AND COVER PHOTOS AND CHANGE IT TO SIMPLE BLACK IMAGE.

We also call on website administrators in the Philippines to take down/blacken their websites starting 12 midnight in protest of the looming implementation of the draconian law. There are several plugins available in the net to do so (GIYF).

With enough websites participating, we can be a formidable force that can compel the government to think twice.

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Our dear Filipino netizens, the government is taking the Internet away from us. It is but just to reclaim it in all ways possible.

NETIZENS OF THE WORLD, UNITE!

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Please share and repost

An Afterthought

Yesterday, I officially became a stalker. Well, not the obsessed kind. I sifted through this blog and found the first post I had. I realized it started because of one person, which I'll call Cloud. He was my first true love. He was way younger than me. Up to this day he's still mad at me and still, I am clueless as to why. Shows you how much of an ignoramous I am during that time. I still keep his letters, even the last one he gave me when we broke up.

I never had the chance to ask him why it was over, but I guess I already knew... and don't know if I will ever have the chance to ask him again. Since that day, he never spoke to me. His is the only birthday I never forget. This month is his birthday month.

Cloud is every girl's fantasy. A knight in shining armor... although during those days he was nerdy, but that was what was so adorable about him. It was funny because we loved Spongebob so much. He was 10 years younger than I am, and I still smile when I think about the first time we met in person. EDSA Shangri-La. Starbucks. He ran and hugged me. The Cloud I remember was very intelligent, sweet, honest.

I guess I was wrong for being a bitch. But hey, everyone makes mistakes. And this was the biggest ever. I envy the girl who would carry his name.

My last memory of him was also in the same area where we met. Corner of EDSA where the Shrine of the Virgin Mary is. It was raining and was very dark. Regrets often come in the end... but I smile each time I see him all grown up. IMY Cloud.

good vibes to you, person reading my blog 

-carla-

Men You Would Want to Avoid

Something happened today that got me into thinking about men. Over the years, through my relationships and interaction with them, I came up with a way to sort of organize the types of men you want to hang around with, and those types you wanna steer clear of. May it be romantically inclined, or otherwise.

The Over-The-Top Amplifier

He's the guy who would give you the stars and the moon, and would tell you everything he can think of just to get your pants off. I have met quite a few of these guys. He'd tell you how amazing your body looks like even if you are as fat as me, which is really, FAT (sexy chubby naman hahaha). He's the one who would say he loves you already and would love to spend the rest of his life with you, and all this on your first date. How to deflect his moves? Well for starters, never ever believe what a guy says especially if its all hyperbole, or in layman's term, full of sh*t. The ego loves being stroked, so just keep reminding yourself that it's still your first date. Hold off and don't be swept off your feet yet.

The Liar

This one is so easy to spot, but a huge percentage of women tend to miss it on the first round. If you have a gut feeling that he's lying about some of the things he is telling you, then believe that gut feeling. 90% of the time, it would say you're right. And it's a scientifically proven fact. I dated this guy who suddenly disappeared for a week. Even his family was looking for him. I knew right there that he was with someone else. He kept telling me he was with a friend, and the friend vouched for him, and was very good at all the detail. But something was amiss and being the sleuth that I am, I asked everyone, all our common friends since something was not right. It was very hard since I barely knew his friends because they lived so far from where I am. But the few weeks before that, I have been hearing snippets of conversation in the background about this certain girl. I was familiar with the girl since they go to school together. A friend knew where she lived, and you guessed it, my now ex was there.

The Wallflower

Have you ever been on a date where you notice that you have already said everything you can possibly say and all you get is a silent nod? You know he likes you a lot judging from past conversations .. but in person, he's a total dud. Well, in my experience, I give these types of guys sort of a 2nd chance. 1st dates are sometimes too nerve-wracking for some guys. But on your 2nd date and he's still a bore? I would definitely avoid them. I recently went out with this guy who had absolutely nothing to say. At the most, he would utter 2 syllables. So I thought, maybe he's nervous. So on the 2nd date I decided to spice it up with some alcoholic beverages. Even if we were totally wiped out, he bored me to death! Unless quiet is your type, I'd say avoid him.



That's all I can come up with for now. I'll think more about it while I'm in bed. This day was a total dud too. Found out stuff that left me loopy. Will talk about it some other time. Good vibes to you, person reading my blog.

-Carla

(credits: photos were lifted from Getty Images)