Racism

As a pasalubong from my aunt in Canada, she sent me an award-winning book called "Book of Negroes" by Lawrence Hill. The novel describes the tribulations that befell the African men and women as they were kidnapped from their homelands, starved and tortured physically, mentally and even spiritually and shipped to the United States only to be sold as slaves to landowners. With Aminata Diallo as the primary protagonist of this heart breaking story, she reveals how she has lost her family, her freedom, her rights and how she has strove to win them all back.

The story is a beautiful unfolding of wisdom and character. Aminata speaks of her many beliefs and thoughts only to reprimand herself in the future for her foolishness. As she ages, the reader can comprehend the gradual maturity in her voice and thoughts and for that I believe that Lawrence Hill has truly made a masterpiece. I am completely moved by his story - the Blacks truly have a beautiful story behind them - they are a strong race, a strong people to have endured all these pains.

It is sad to think how people can be so prejudiced, rallying against other races without respect to others' feelings, thoughts and life. It would be hypocritical to say that I don't practice some discrimination in my end, though. Being a Chinese in the Philippines, I have plenty of non-Chinese friends inquiring if my family permits inter-racial marriages. Since I'm not purely Chinese, yes we do. For others though, marriage with a Filipino is often looked down upon leading to many disowned sons and daughters. It seems so easy to say we should abolish racism, but to be honest, I guess it is the violence and lack of equity practiced in this bias that should be erased.

Personal biases and preferences will always survive and it is a way of life - the same way you cannot stop me from having an icky look once a big hairy man walks in front of me wearing just a sando top. Cultures bring up particular etiquette and beliefs that mold each person's perceptions. It cannot and shouldn't be held against anyone, it is only when we start seeing and treating others unjustly (humiliating them, torturing them, not giving them a chance, not treating them humanely, etc.) that we truly become uncouth and at times, criminal.


Picture is from http://www.innisfil.library.on.ca/userfiles/image/bookmap/Book%20of%20Negroes.jpg

Free Hugs Campaign

Everybody needs a hug once in a while.



I first watched this during the MarCommAsia event last month and I tried to hold back tears. It's a heart warming video, coupled with a good song, with a very provocative theme. Free hugs anyone?

You Got Fat

While we were at a meeting this morning, our treasurer looks at me and tells me, "Kat, you've gotten fat." That statement was enough to shake in some panic into my system. Afterward, we went out to have lunch and our sanitation officer reinforced it by saying, "Yeah, you did. Your cheeks has more volume now and so does your shoulders." My shoulders??

Sitting in the office isn't exactly the easiest way to avoid getting fat. I've tried swimming lessons, but apparently, my coach isn't a disciplined disciple as well. The best villains I can point my fingers to are: fast-food consumption, cold drinks, desserts and the lack of will power to do something about it. I really should start re-doing that food diary, though a little more exercise might do the trick.

Leaving the house at 5am and returning by 8pm doesn't really leave much time for exercise. The feared word: "Diet" seems to loom above my head. Have I reached that brink of desperation so quickly?

I am not fat, I just got a little bigger - and the culprit lies in my lifestyle. Must change it soon, before I balloon!

Pick Up Strategy # 1

Life has a very interesting way of toying with my day. I felt that I am going to be a mess for today - having less sleep than usual, I dragged myself out of bed, took the shower half asleep and got dressed. On my way to my usual spot where I hail my FX, a guy riding a bicycle passes and whispers a fleeting, "Hi sexy". It didn't occur to me that it would de ja vu into a bigger act by the latter part of the day.

After my first work, I headed off to my second work (yes, I have two jobs) which is roughly 30 minutes away. I had to walk some streets, ride an fx and walk again to the office. While half-hurriedly avoiding puddles, walking on the bumpy skinned road, I noticed a guy wearing a white shirt riding a bike behind me. Suspecting he's an innocent passer by, I didn't pay him any heed.

I rode the jeepney and when I looked out, was surprised that I saw the guy riding his bicycle behind, looking straight at me. He seems to be riding towards my jeepney, and I had this strange feeling of discomfort. Apparently, jeepneys have faster engines than pedal bikes so I expected to lose the guy eventually and was thankful when he was out of sight after the jeepney swerved past several other cars.I thought I was safe.

When I got off though, I saw him closing in. I rushed towards the sidewalk, but of course trying to be a little discreet about it - I don't want to be vain for the wrong idea. He was slowing down to keep with my pace, and he suddenly turned towards a vacant slot as I hurried by. I heard him call out to me "Miss, Miss" I would've ignored it had I not heard him slightly shuffling at the back, like he was really trying to follow me. I turned the corner, which is a one way road and being a pedestrian, I can counter flow, but being a biker I hoped he couldn't, but he persisted. I made a split second glance and he continued, "Pwede bang magpakilala? (Can we get acquainted?)" I didn't stop walking, made a short hand gesture said "no" and then moved on. He says, "Ah, I see" and I felt him move away.

To be honest, having a guy chase a jeepney just to get to know you sounds both bizarre and weird but at the same time quite flattering. It felt like one of those provocative love movie scenes wherein the main male character chases the female protagonist - it just doesn't seem to exist in real life - or on a regular day to day sort of thing. I totally know that the whole chase scene would've been squeal-generating on screen, and that my cold hearted rejection would be a complete anti-climax! Being singled out does make me feel exquisitely special, but something I don't want to entertain further in that sort of situation.

I've often said that my friends are all very pretty and the only reason why I was a boyfriend is because I practically chased him off the very edge of a cliff, and his only options were me and the dangerous pile of sticky bones and rocks hundreds of feet down. Being the pretty and beautiful ones, my friends have received the compliments of many staring eyes, the interest of the guys and the like, while I would sit at a corner and appear, quite frustratingly, amused at being wall-flowered. I was the smart one, and the smart ones aren't especially sought after. My boyfriend though gave me the best answer ever to this everlasting self-esteem bash - "Does it still matter now that you have me?".

Analog Soul Trinoma Opens today!

I am so stoked.

Currently, I am working part time as a Marketing Associate of Analog Soul, a graphic design apparel label. The brand and items are "made in the Philippines", sporting designs from local graphic designers and artists. Lately, they just released a couple of shirts to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the late Benigno Aquino. Click here and here to see the shirts!

Yesterday, I was with Analog Soul as they arranged and put up their third store, in Trinoma! It's soft opening today and I am completely excited. It was the first time I was part of a store opening, or to be more accurate, to be involved in the production of a store-in-opening.

It was real fun and I enjoyed the whole experience of putting clothes into hangers, shopping for furniture (although I never really had much of an opinion), cleaning up the place, etc. I had to leave earlier than the rest of the crew though, as it was nearing midnight and I had a 6 am work to go to the next day (which is today, and yes I was late for work, huhuhu).

I wish I can pass by the store later after work.

Dysmennorhea Blues

WARNING:
**Some statements may be a little too visual.

Right now, I feel like my entire reproductive system has withered and has sagged down to my crotch, slithering away in streams of blood running out of me - bleeding me to a state of delirious fatigue. Oh my dying vagina. Every month I feel the desire the pull out my uterus from my body, leave it on a clean table until it's all well then return it back to its proper place. The throbbing pain is at times beyond my level of tolerance and its intensity would translate further into headaches and a sudden sensitivity to smell, sound, temperature - any slight difference can irritate me or just simply throw me to the next toilet wanting to vomit.

I understand that many women share my experience and with the ones I spoke with, they provided me with remedies that worked for them. Here are some that I can remember:
(1) My mom always told me that drinking a glass of cold beer or red wine would help drain away the clogs causing the pain. A glass of coke could also do the trick. For some reason, by the time I am twisting and knotting in pain, I'm in no mood to drink anything, much more, anything cold.
(2) Anesthetic medications like Ponstan or Dolphenol are recommended by some peers. My dad argued that if I can bear it, don't take the medications else I'd end up becoming dependent.
(3) Quiapo Pampareglas. Like a glass of coke, the pampareglas are really strong, bitter medications that unclog one's menstrual track - notably, these are some of the stuff abortionist women would drink to unclog their reproductive systems. I guess my embarrassment to buy surpasses that of my need to overcome the pain.
(4) A doctor told me to stay away from the cold, especially cold drinks, and salty foods a week from my menstruation period. Unfortunately, I don't really know how to discern salty from non-salty foods - unless the food tastes hopelessly salty, I don't seem to notice.
(5) Mom and a couple of married friends told me that it'll be gone by the time I get married. I think its a euphemistic way of telling me, sex would cure this terrible ailment for good. Apparently, that is still a far point in my life.

I can say that these remedies do help sometimes but nothing ever beats a hot compress on my tummy and between my legs, a candy in my mouth, a ready toilet at my disposal and a whole day to rest - praying Oh Holy God.

My Top 12 Music for October

1. Chairlife - Bruises
2. Jason Mraz and Colbie Callait - Lucky
3. Eden's Bridge - More Than This
4. Kenny Rankin - Pussywillows Cattails
5. Alicia Keys and Jack White - Another Way to Die
6. Bjork - Dull Flame of Desire
7. Elvis Costello - Pills and Soap
8. Chillitees - Sama Na
9. Royksopp - Poor Leno
10. Late Night Alumni - Beautiful
11. Jazzanova - No Use
12. Pussycat Dolls - Whatcha Think about That

Policemen and Hold Uppers

On my way to work this morning, our FX was stopped by a policeman in the middle of Espana. The cop has the distinguishing beer belly bulking from his almost bursting uniform and an plastic-looking, but I-am-not-doubting-it's-real ArmaLite hanging around his thick neck. He was an ironic looking cop actually, as his big gun seemed overwhelmed by the enormity of his stomach and he fails to institute himself as a credible character. In a way, I thought he was going to take advantage of the poor FX driver and I would be late for work again because of they would have to engage in "negotiations". Thankfully that was not the case.

The policeman instructed the FX driver to look at the far right, where two men were being handcuffed by a group of crocodile policemen. One was in a white loose fitting shirt and baggy shorts, while the other man had a spot of red on his forehead, I assume to be blood, sporting a working man barong and slacks. They were caught hold-uppers of FXs (the policemen also pointed that these people had guns) and the policemen wanted us to note that there is still a sense of responsiveness in the police force and that civilians should be wary that hold ups really occur and should therefore be cautious in the future.

Sometimes I sit back and wonder if the police force is truly virtuous and dignified individuals and that only a handful of corrupt ones have tainted the image of their patriotic and humanitarian nature. Sometimes I contemplate whether they are really not as prejudiced and pathetic as how many others have portrayed them. I've heard stories from friends and families who have experienced a policeman "hold-up", needing to give out money to the smiling crocodiles and their bloody yellow teeth of greed. I've heard how they converse with all the lines of a Fernando-Poe wannabe, trying to pull off superiority regardless of reason. But then again, I cannot blame them, some drivers and citizens are equally arrogant and temperamental. They may try to catch real hold-uppers, but in a sense, I believe they should also reassess themselves if they are that pristine to cast the first stone.

I Don't Want To Get Married Yet

Once again, I would like to apologize for not updating my blog for the longest of time. Apparently, I've had quite a number of new adventures which has hindered me from doing so. One significant event that has occurred recently is the wedding of my second cousin, Cedric, who happens to be the grandson of my grandfather's older brother.

The whole day, I could not deny sensing a nameless and faceless fear, until one of my uncles approached my dad and asked, "When will it be your turn?" hinting my surrender of carefree days of single-blessedness. My dad replies with, "Soon. I may be a grandfather next time we meet." That was enough pressure to send alarms ringing, let me correct that, bonging. I felt a strong urge to tell my dad, "Don't say that! You're making me effin' uncomfortable", but of course I don't have that sort of guts.

I am not interested in tying the knot just yet. Sure, I may have occasional fleeting thoughts of how I want the celebration to transpire, but pushing those fancies aside, I do not believe that I would like to lose my freedom soon. My dad's cheery answer was not helpful to what I was and am feeling. I have resolved, and have made an agreement with my boyfriend, that I will be open to the idea of marriage by the time I reach 28, which is 7 years from now. By then, I hope that I've already established myself financially and emotionally to be pimped for marriage. Even though I know that whoever I will marry can and should be able to support my weight, I do not intend to be dependent on my spouse especially for my monetary needs.

In a way, I felt like a false clown, shaking the groom's hand and wishing them congratulations, but deep inside, I know I was thinking.. "Man, you're done for." Although I honestly do wish them good health and a good life together, I guess its the reality that marriages are not analogous to a stroll in the park or a flighty day at the beach. And I guess I'm still to immature and unseasoned to display the wisdom of deciding and accepting finality.

Pre-Loved Books for Sale

Over the weekend, I decided to do a couple of chores, among which is to clean our library. I've realized that our gluttony for books has already begun to cause so much clutter in our household that I decided to dispatch some of them by selling them online.



Below is the table of titles available with their corresponding authors and prices, I've also included some notes so you can gauge the quality of the book. To see photos of the books click here. For more information about a particular book, simply click on the corresponding image found in the link above. Italicized items are no longer available.

---------------
15.00 Php

The Best Laid Plans by Sidney Sheldon
Note: Paperback, Torn Cover, Yellowing Pages, edge stained (RESERVED)

Mr. Murder by Dean Koontz
Note: Paperback, Torn Cover Page, Plastic Covered, Yellowing edges (RESERVED)

---------------

Php 20.00

A Walk to Remember by Nicholas Sparks
Note: Paperback, Creased Cover, Yellowing Pages(RESERVED)

A Bend in the Road by Nicholas Sparks
Note: Paperback, Creased Cover, Yellowing Pages

---------------

Php 30.00

The Tolkien Reader by J.R.R. Tolkien
Note: Paperback, Creased and Yellowing Edges

Notorious Women
Note: Paperback, Plastic Covered

Scary Stories for 10 Year Old Kids by Helen Paiba
Note: Paperback, Creased

A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle
Note: Paperback, Plastic Covered, Yellowing edges(RESERVED)

Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine
Note: Paperback, Yellowing edge stains(SOLD)

Phantoms by Dean Koontz
Note: Paperback, Creased cover(RESERVED)

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
Note: Paperback, Yellowing edge stains,

---------------

Php 50.00

Shakespeare The Poems edited by David Bevington
Note: Paperback, Plastic Covered, Yellowing edges

How To Lose A Guy in 10 Days by Michelle Alexander and Jeannie Long
Note: Paperback, Plastic Covered, Edge stains

Wishes, Lies and Dreams by Kenneth Koch
Note:Paperback, Plastic Covered, Edge stains (RESERVED)

The Other Side Of Midnight by Sidney Sheldon
Note: Paperback, Plastic Covered, Yellowing edges(RESERVED)

---------------

Php 70.00

Don't Give It Away by Iyanla Vanzant
Note: Paperback, Plastic Covered, Edge Stained

---------------

Php 100.00

Once Upon A Heroine by Alison Cooper Mullin and Jennifer Marmaduke Coye Note: Paperback, Plastic Covered, Slight edge stains

The Enemies of Leisure by John Gery
Note: Paperback, Plastic Covered, Top edge stains (SOLD)

---------------

Php 150.00

Veronika Decides to Die by Paulo Coelho
Note: Paperback, Plastic Covered (SOLD)

The Interpretation of Murder by Jed Rubenfield
Note: Paperback, Slightly creased cover

Princess Nevermore by Dian Curtis Regan
Note: Hard Bound, Plastic Covered, Edge stains

The Seven Spiritual Laws for Parents by Deepak Chopra
Note: Hard Bound, Top edge stains

---------------

Php 250.00

Girl With A Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalier
Note: Hard Bound, Slightly creased (RESERVED)

--------------

Php 300

A Painted House by John Grisham
Note: Hard Bound (SOLD)

--------------

For photos of the books, click here.

If you want to see the whole thing organized in a table, click here.

--------------

If interested, you can:
send me an email: anonymouskat@gmail.com or
send me a text message: +63917-8223111

Terms: COD
Open to Metro Manila people only.

Bookmarked

I would like to apologize to Joanne for taking so long to do this tag.

The rules:
1. Pick up the nearest book of 123 pages or more. No cheating!
2. Find page 123.
3. Find the first five sentences.
4. Post the next three sentences.
5. Tag as many people as you want.



The Book: My workmate's Dieting for Dummies

The sentences:
Also, opt for lean cuts of meat such as those from the round, loin or leg (beef sirloin, ground round, or top round; pork tenderloin or loin chop; or leg of lamb). Select lean and extra lean ground beef. Unless you're eating fat-free cold cuts, be extra cautious in the deli; many have more fat than lean meat per slice.

Thank God I'm not in a diet, I don't understand all these beef parts.. yet.. haha

Tagging:
Sheng
Joy
Debbie
Nora
Jenn

Creative Award

I received a tag from Joy. Thank you so much.



The rules are :

*The winner may put the logo on his or her blog.
*Put a link to the person you got the award from.
*Nominate five blogs.
*Put links to the blogs.
*Leave a message to the nominees.

I’ll give the award to:
Carol
Maicel
Lizzie
Pretty Me
Eds

Can You Say "Splurge"?

I rarely splurge, but there will always be an exceptional case where I would feel extremely compelled to and would willingly give in to the temptation.

The much awaited International Book Fair commenced yesterday. It will run until next Tuesday, September 16, 2008 at the SMX Convention Center, just beside the Mall of Asia. An annual event, it is a highly anticipated occasion for book lovers as they can find good reads at discounted prices. In addition, I love the fact that I can shop for books in just one area, rather than jumping from one bookstore to the next to canvas and compare prices or to search for hard to find covers.

I am still rewriting my schedule in order to accommodate another visit to his bookworm paradise. I had been hesitant to make a few purchases yesterday and needed to sleep over it. Now that I have, I decided that a few more buys won't hurt. Right?

Nang Dahil Kay Aguinaldo

This morning was the most entertaining live show I've ever experienced in my whole commuting life.

While riding the FX, the passenger hands his payment to the driver, who promptly returns his change.

The following conversation is a rough transcript of what I remember happened after the transaction:

Passenger: Kulang ng 5 piso.
Driver: 35 pesos na po ang pamasahe.
Passenger: 25 lang bayad ko sa iba
Driver: 35 na po ngayon. Nagmahal narin ang gas.
Passenger: Anong mahal ang gas? Bumaba na ang presyo ng gas.
Driver: Bumaba nga, pero ikompara mo naman sa itinaas niya.
Passenger: Ano tingin mo sa akin? Tarantado?
Driver: Kung may problema kayo sa pamasahe, ibintang nyo sa gobyerno, kaya nagmamahal ang lahat... hindi sa akin. Ang taas ng dila nyo eh.
Passenger: Hindi naman sa gobyerno problema ko eh. Ang problema ko ay dinadaya mo ako na ang mahal mahal ng sinisingil mo. Tanga mo.
Driver: Tanga ka rin.
Passenger: Di naman pera ang problema ko, hindi ka tapat sumingil. Di na ako sasakay sa FX mo ulit.

So they were cussing at each other and calling each other names.. for the sake of 5 pesos.

They sounded like the verbal bitching in a Marimar segment.

Another One Bites the Dust

Tuesday wasn't a very lucky day. Aside from a dysmenorrhea attack, my shoe let me down.



This, by the way, is the first shoe I've ever painted. Despite sentimental value, it still goes to the trash can.