Okay, so I haven't really been talking much about my relationship with my TV and DVD player. Not to worry, Rob so approves. In fact, he's pretty much in on the whole thing. And I call my blog Couch Potato Corner? Fine, fine...I AM A COUCH POTATO! Though I do share the TV time with my kids, most especially Rocco, who is just mesmerized with "Shaun the Sheep"(downloaded both seasons), and it is pretty funny!
Charmed is waaay over. And as I wasn't really able to catch up with Dawson's Creek and Gilmore Girls, let's skip talking about that. Heroes needs no further discussion, but can't wait for Season 3.
Everyday is like...what's on TV? Ever since I was granted a TV in my room (which was around high school), it was, what's on? what did I miss? My teacher in college, Ayi Magpayo asked us one day why we liked watching TV. My answer, though he didn't seem to appreciate it as it wasn't probably the idea he was driving at was "I just didn't want to miss anything", and it still holds true today.
I TV surf. Checking if there's breaking news on CNN, any interesting topics or guests on Oprah and Ellen, documentaries on history, weather, earthquakes and volcanoes on Discovery or NGC. 6:30pm is news time then on to what programs are on for the night. Monday there's House, Wednesdays and Thursdays are American Idol (when it's on) and CSI. The other days are pretty much random. But every night from 9-10pm is E-News and The Daily 10. I don't mind watching re-runs on HBO or Star Movies as long as I like the movie.
For quite a while now, I've been hooked on One Tree Hill and recently Gossip Girl(and Rob is too--I can't watch new episodes without him). I am also at the beginning stages of Summerland (a pretty interesting take on parenting).
One Tree Hill began similar to Dawson's Creek with a bunch of high school kids either in love or fighting all the time, but has evolved beautifully into a mature take on life. Unlike its contemporaries like The OC, etc. which are still stuck on sex and switching partners(yecch!), OTH has gone beyond that (yes, they began that way) and transcended into a weekly "food for thought" about life and love. Kudos to the writer's for it's evolution. And may I say that the epilogues or afterthoughts (mostly done by Lucas, Chad Michael Murray's character) really get you thinking. It's on it's 5th season and personally, I think its at its strongest (and little Jamie Scott played by Jackson Brundage is soooo cute!). Plus they have 3 things I am passionate about - basketball, writing and music! Can't wait until September when it returns for Season 6.
Gossip Girl on the other hand, is like "Clueless++" in TV series form. As a mom, I was a bit concerned with the storyline and its target audience. All the sex, deceit and elitism I feel, is too much for young audiences. Suffice to say that I don't let Alexa watch it yet. But as an adult, it's pretty interesting to watch. Season 1 just ended and Season 2 also starts in September.
So with those 2 shows on a break, what now? Still waiting for Heroes. And, I still need to catch up with Summerland so maybe I'll do that first.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Monday, May 19, 2008
Bugs away!
When my parents separated, my Mom, Davey and I moved into our house in Pasig sometime 1979. I remember that it looked so old-Spanish and I was so amazed at the lazy susan dining table we had. A few years later, Mom renovated the house to make it look more modern...more French-inspired.
When I was in high school, we had a termite problem. The reason why I knew we had one was because they began eating into the encyclopedias on my book shelf (yes, I said encyclopedias!no computers yet back then). My Mom called the exterminators who took care of the problem.
Since that time, I don't think we ever had a termite control service. Within the last few years I've been feeling the house rot away. It is so apparent that any movement or footsteps made upstairs resonate throughout the entire house.
And so, with the help of my brothers, I was able to put together some money to have the house treated. It's a good thing that my neighbors recommended Tita Ludy Magtibay's Systematic Pest Control services. They arrived this morning to do the treatment.
What I appreciated with this company is that Tita Ludy was on hand to supervise the job. She was pretty meticulous. Aside from that, I found out that the treatment not only covers termites, but ants, cockroaches and other pests as well. Talk about a God-send!
They were done after about 2 hours, while my kids and I were at the mall (to keep them away from the fumes). We got back in the afternoon to find dead or dying cockroaches which needed sweeping up. Instant effects! I just wished we could have had the treatment done sooner as there were areas of the house not visible to us that were just eaten away by these pesky pests!
For those home owners, just because everything looks a-okay on the outside doesn't mean things aren't rotting or being eaten away on the inside. Better have it checked early before it's too late and you end up spending more.
For those like me who search the web for most of their service needs, I just want to be helpful and post their contact details for your reference. Systematic Pest Control offers free inspection and estimate. You can reach them at the following numbers: 842-1083/0917-5010666/0917-5010660/0906-3013637/0920-9014373. You can also email them at ldm_858@yahoo.com or syst_pestcon@yahoo.com.ph
For now, I'll be able to sleep much peacefully knowing that at least for the next 2 years, our home is termite-free!
When I was in high school, we had a termite problem. The reason why I knew we had one was because they began eating into the encyclopedias on my book shelf (yes, I said encyclopedias!no computers yet back then). My Mom called the exterminators who took care of the problem.
Since that time, I don't think we ever had a termite control service. Within the last few years I've been feeling the house rot away. It is so apparent that any movement or footsteps made upstairs resonate throughout the entire house.
And so, with the help of my brothers, I was able to put together some money to have the house treated. It's a good thing that my neighbors recommended Tita Ludy Magtibay's Systematic Pest Control services. They arrived this morning to do the treatment.
What I appreciated with this company is that Tita Ludy was on hand to supervise the job. She was pretty meticulous. Aside from that, I found out that the treatment not only covers termites, but ants, cockroaches and other pests as well. Talk about a God-send!
They were done after about 2 hours, while my kids and I were at the mall (to keep them away from the fumes). We got back in the afternoon to find dead or dying cockroaches which needed sweeping up. Instant effects! I just wished we could have had the treatment done sooner as there were areas of the house not visible to us that were just eaten away by these pesky pests!
For those home owners, just because everything looks a-okay on the outside doesn't mean things aren't rotting or being eaten away on the inside. Better have it checked early before it's too late and you end up spending more.
For those like me who search the web for most of their service needs, I just want to be helpful and post their contact details for your reference. Systematic Pest Control offers free inspection and estimate. You can reach them at the following numbers: 842-1083/0917-5010666/0917-5010660/0906-3013637/0920-9014373. You can also email them at ldm_858@yahoo.com or syst_pestcon@yahoo.com.ph
For now, I'll be able to sleep much peacefully knowing that at least for the next 2 years, our home is termite-free!
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
our house comes to life
The number of cousins I have in Manila are about as many as the fingers on my hands. The majority of them are in Zamboanga. Recently, some of them traveled to Manila for different reasons and our house suddenly sprung to life.
The past months have been quite busy here at home. With my cousin Jaffy staying with us as he was awaiting a kidney transplant, to present as he recovers from the operation.
Early this month was my other cousin Cocoy's graduation from Law School.
It is a big thing in our family as it seems that the most accepted and respected professions are doctors and lawyers (I am neither). Cocoy's family flew to Manila to witness the commencement exercises, including his brother's Bougette (first time in Manila) and Mick. 
It was fun having them around and I know Rocco enjoyed the most as he is for some reason drawn to his three Uncles. Plus of course, how could I ever forget that Sunday...that one day of gluttony we had in Unc Bim's house...literally eating from sun up to sun down(just so sinful!). 
Imagine, non-stop eating from lunch and ending the day with Yellow Cab pizza and their lo and behold ICE CREAM! I think I gained easily 10 pounds on that day.
Since the graduation, the house was slowly vacated as Bougette and Aunt Georgette (their Mom) had to go back to Zamboanga last week, while Uncle Boy (their Dad) and Mick stayed on for my Unc's medical procedures. After enjoying their company for two weeks, they left yesterday. Jaffy is still here and so is my Mom who is watching over him. The house was suddenly not as busy as it had been and I somehow miss it. And with Jaffy and Mom planning to return to the province this May 16, the once busy household will again become a quiet one. How time flies when you're having fun and it seems that our home just won't be the same without them.
The past months have been quite busy here at home. With my cousin Jaffy staying with us as he was awaiting a kidney transplant, to present as he recovers from the operation.
Early this month was my other cousin Cocoy's graduation from Law School.
It is a big thing in our family as it seems that the most accepted and respected professions are doctors and lawyers (I am neither). Cocoy's family flew to Manila to witness the commencement exercises, including his brother's Bougette (first time in Manila) and Mick. 
It was fun having them around and I know Rocco enjoyed the most as he is for some reason drawn to his three Uncles. Plus of course, how could I ever forget that Sunday...that one day of gluttony we had in Unc Bim's house...literally eating from sun up to sun down(just so sinful!). 
Imagine, non-stop eating from lunch and ending the day with Yellow Cab pizza and their lo and behold ICE CREAM! I think I gained easily 10 pounds on that day.Since the graduation, the house was slowly vacated as Bougette and Aunt Georgette (their Mom) had to go back to Zamboanga last week, while Uncle Boy (their Dad) and Mick stayed on for my Unc's medical procedures. After enjoying their company for two weeks, they left yesterday. Jaffy is still here and so is my Mom who is watching over him. The house was suddenly not as busy as it had been and I somehow miss it. And with Jaffy and Mom planning to return to the province this May 16, the once busy household will again become a quiet one. How time flies when you're having fun and it seems that our home just won't be the same without them.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Jun Lozada must leave LSGH
I have no political affiliations at the moment. I believe that majority of Philippine politicians are corrupt. I don't believe a thing they say. Sad, but true. I am still hoping for real change but until we Filipinos start voting wisely, this change will not come soon.
After Chavit Singson, my first reaction is that anyone who comes out now spilling dirt on someone else is just as dirty, has his own political agenda and should not be trusted. This is my opinion. Years of deceit and political blunders has just molded my mindset this way.
Coming from a family of La Sallites, and being an alumnus of DLSU, it is but natural that I would want my son to be a La Sallian as well. And so he is. We all know that the tuition at LSGH is very costly. The school year has ended and we are still making tuition payments.
When Jun Lozada was first reported to be "seeking shelter" at the Brother's house at LSGH, I was quite concerned with the security situation in the school. Naturally, I was thinking more for the welfare of my son and the other students more than the safety of Mr. Lozada.
I was advised that LSGH hired additional security just for Mr. Lozada. If this is true, I honestly hope my tuition payment was not used as part of that. I also heard that during the high school prom, the students had to walk the length of the parking lot to the ramp of the gym due to the security limitations brought about by Mr. Lozada's stay. School activities are limited to a certain time due to the 'curfew' set, also due to the security situation. Imagine the inconvenience this guy is creating at the school.
I firmly believe that Jun Lozada has worn out his stay at LSGH and should find alternative shelter. Perhaps go home. What I don't understand is that, if Mr. Lozada claims that there are threats to his life, why in God's name would he be doing the rounds of Manila schools, and then Iloilo and Cebu???!!! This is very suspicious to me.
I am also afraid that the La Salle brothers, whom I have the utmost respect for as some also happen to be close friends, are too close to this issue. Too close that the issue just might blow up in their faces and affect their credibility and the very institution they stand for.
I am sorry. I just don't trust Mr. Lozada because I see him as a crook who got off easily by blowing the whistle on his partners in crime. Inunahan lang niya sila para maabswelto. This does not make him a hero, nor someone to look up to and idolize. This is a mentality we Filipinos must learn to let go of. He should not be given celebrity status. He should also pay for his actions. I do agree that prolonging the proceedings in the Senate are a waste of time. It's actually getting pretty boring and the political agenda's of some of the Senators are so obvious that it really does look like grandstanding. Let's bring it to the proper forum. Bring it to court and if they are confident that there is enough evidence, it would not be that easy to manipulate the court, or at least, the educated viewing public.
If GMA really wants to show that she is against corruption, she must be willing to give up her husband to be investigated. If she is in on it, prove it and oust her-legally.
This is so tiring. As a member of the LSGH parents association, I demand that Mr. Lozada be removed from LSGH premises prior to the start of the next school year. I don't see why my son, and the other students be put in harms way for this man. I just don't see it. He has what, 3 or 4 sons enrolled there. I thought he was broke? Very suspicious.
Just wanted to share the feelings of a concerned parent.
After Chavit Singson, my first reaction is that anyone who comes out now spilling dirt on someone else is just as dirty, has his own political agenda and should not be trusted. This is my opinion. Years of deceit and political blunders has just molded my mindset this way.
Coming from a family of La Sallites, and being an alumnus of DLSU, it is but natural that I would want my son to be a La Sallian as well. And so he is. We all know that the tuition at LSGH is very costly. The school year has ended and we are still making tuition payments.
When Jun Lozada was first reported to be "seeking shelter" at the Brother's house at LSGH, I was quite concerned with the security situation in the school. Naturally, I was thinking more for the welfare of my son and the other students more than the safety of Mr. Lozada.
I was advised that LSGH hired additional security just for Mr. Lozada. If this is true, I honestly hope my tuition payment was not used as part of that. I also heard that during the high school prom, the students had to walk the length of the parking lot to the ramp of the gym due to the security limitations brought about by Mr. Lozada's stay. School activities are limited to a certain time due to the 'curfew' set, also due to the security situation. Imagine the inconvenience this guy is creating at the school.
I firmly believe that Jun Lozada has worn out his stay at LSGH and should find alternative shelter. Perhaps go home. What I don't understand is that, if Mr. Lozada claims that there are threats to his life, why in God's name would he be doing the rounds of Manila schools, and then Iloilo and Cebu???!!! This is very suspicious to me.
I am also afraid that the La Salle brothers, whom I have the utmost respect for as some also happen to be close friends, are too close to this issue. Too close that the issue just might blow up in their faces and affect their credibility and the very institution they stand for.
I am sorry. I just don't trust Mr. Lozada because I see him as a crook who got off easily by blowing the whistle on his partners in crime. Inunahan lang niya sila para maabswelto. This does not make him a hero, nor someone to look up to and idolize. This is a mentality we Filipinos must learn to let go of. He should not be given celebrity status. He should also pay for his actions. I do agree that prolonging the proceedings in the Senate are a waste of time. It's actually getting pretty boring and the political agenda's of some of the Senators are so obvious that it really does look like grandstanding. Let's bring it to the proper forum. Bring it to court and if they are confident that there is enough evidence, it would not be that easy to manipulate the court, or at least, the educated viewing public.
If GMA really wants to show that she is against corruption, she must be willing to give up her husband to be investigated. If she is in on it, prove it and oust her-legally.
This is so tiring. As a member of the LSGH parents association, I demand that Mr. Lozada be removed from LSGH premises prior to the start of the next school year. I don't see why my son, and the other students be put in harms way for this man. I just don't see it. He has what, 3 or 4 sons enrolled there. I thought he was broke? Very suspicious.
Just wanted to share the feelings of a concerned parent.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Another year older
I turned 36 last Sunday. Rob asked me if I was happy. I could only shrug my shoulders and give a wry smile.
I find it really weird that I always feel melancholic during and around the days that lead to my birthday. It has been this way ever since I was about 10. I have been trying to dig deep down to find out what could have caused me to feel so depressed in the hope that I could acknowledge and get over it. Was it events during my childhood? Is it the anxiety over getting old? Funny thing is, no matter how hard I try, I can't seem to shake it off.
It bugs me because I want to be joyful, I want to FEEL it. It bugs me even more that I have to force myself to perk up because I want to share the joy of my family. But I don't really feel it. Believe me I've been trying. Calling Dr. Phil?...
Could it be a fact of life that birthday celebrations are just really meant for kids? One where you are excited to receive presents, have people genuinely sing the Birthday Song? Feel the magic of it all. Could it be as one gets older, it should no longer be a celebration? A countdown maybe?
No. I refuse to think of it that way. I want to think and believe that it is a celebration of ones milestones. How far you have come. How much you have contributed to making this world a better place. Maybe that's just it. I don't feel like I have done much yet. I don't feel completely fulfilled. Maybe I equate it too much with money. Maybe my idea of a celebration is something I have not been able to do yet. Perhaps I am expecting too much? Expecting something magical to happen. Maybe I'll always be a kid at heart.
Even if I feel so somber, I am definitely thankful. Thankful for another year. Thankful that I can still celebrate it with my family. That I am still here, and that there are people that love me enough to actually celebrate. I really don't know what it would take for my feelings to change. I just hope I can figure it out soon, because I really don't want next year to be just another birthday...maybe I can try a different approach next time. We'll see...
I find it really weird that I always feel melancholic during and around the days that lead to my birthday. It has been this way ever since I was about 10. I have been trying to dig deep down to find out what could have caused me to feel so depressed in the hope that I could acknowledge and get over it. Was it events during my childhood? Is it the anxiety over getting old? Funny thing is, no matter how hard I try, I can't seem to shake it off.
It bugs me because I want to be joyful, I want to FEEL it. It bugs me even more that I have to force myself to perk up because I want to share the joy of my family. But I don't really feel it. Believe me I've been trying. Calling Dr. Phil?...
Could it be a fact of life that birthday celebrations are just really meant for kids? One where you are excited to receive presents, have people genuinely sing the Birthday Song? Feel the magic of it all. Could it be as one gets older, it should no longer be a celebration? A countdown maybe?
No. I refuse to think of it that way. I want to think and believe that it is a celebration of ones milestones. How far you have come. How much you have contributed to making this world a better place. Maybe that's just it. I don't feel like I have done much yet. I don't feel completely fulfilled. Maybe I equate it too much with money. Maybe my idea of a celebration is something I have not been able to do yet. Perhaps I am expecting too much? Expecting something magical to happen. Maybe I'll always be a kid at heart.
Even if I feel so somber, I am definitely thankful. Thankful for another year. Thankful that I can still celebrate it with my family. That I am still here, and that there are people that love me enough to actually celebrate. I really don't know what it would take for my feelings to change. I just hope I can figure it out soon, because I really don't want next year to be just another birthday...maybe I can try a different approach next time. We'll see...
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Generation Gap
With all the cold and snowstorms happening above us in China, we have been fortunate that the cold air from up there blows down to us here in Manila. It's been nice and cool lately...the perfect weather for colds and flu. There's this bug circulating in the house. I caught it first, now Alexa has it. Good thing I was able to take some precautionary measures and was able to avoid a full blown cold, cough and flu. What bums me is that I missed Jason's Combo Dance class at my gym this week. It's something I look forward to every week (aside from Sunday basketball).
Anyway, Mom and Aunt Jean flew in from Zambo. We had breakfast this morning and as usual indulged in their usual pastime...talking about other people. It was funny that as I sat there listening and exchanging views about marriage, parenting and everything else, I could not help but notice that no matter how hard we try to bridge it, there will always be a gap that generations just cannot reconcile. It's not that its a bad thing. I guess it's just that each person is comfortable with their own time and experiences that anything different would seem outrageous and extraordinary.
Is it that as we reach a certain age, we stop trying, or refuse, to learn about new things and experiences? We limit ourselves to that which are familiar and 'safe'.
As I listened to my Mom and Aunt react with horror at youth behavior today, I could sense within myself the feeling that, at least with them at this point, the old will stay with the old. I wondered if I will also feel the same about Lex and Rocco once they become teenagers. I mean, I would like to think that right now, I am making a conscious effort to know what is happening out there so that I will be able to understand and deal with it once it starts hitting closer to home. It's a fervent hope.
If I were to compare today to "my generation" a couple of decades ago, there has been so much change...how much more with my Mom's generation? But if I really think about it...it is just evolution. Everything was and is still connected. During my time, technology was just on the verge of bursting out. We didn't have mobile phones or computers, or the internet. But I wouldn't say it was less happy times than it is today(except that we were much younger and didn't have to worry about work and bills, etc.). I kinda liked the idea that we looked forward to going out to play with friends, hours of endless conversation on the telephone, Saturday morning cartoons, etc.
Today, at least for Lex, it's texting or chatting, watching MTV and going to Starbucks (go figure). But I know that in a few months, she will want to start going out with friends, and then--parties. I know eventually I won't be able to stop her. But with all the vices that are becoming increasingly socially acceptable, the only thing I can do is equip her with the knowledge that will allow her to judge and decide for herself. I'm pretty sure I'll still raise the roof now and then, but I guess it's only normal because I care for her. I still hope with determination that I don't cut myself off from the evolving world. This is now the world my kids are in. I can't reject it. I have to somehow find a place for myself in it so that I can still stay close to them and not be relegated to wallpaper. It may be a daunting task, but I have to try. For their sake...and mine.
Anyway, Mom and Aunt Jean flew in from Zambo. We had breakfast this morning and as usual indulged in their usual pastime...talking about other people. It was funny that as I sat there listening and exchanging views about marriage, parenting and everything else, I could not help but notice that no matter how hard we try to bridge it, there will always be a gap that generations just cannot reconcile. It's not that its a bad thing. I guess it's just that each person is comfortable with their own time and experiences that anything different would seem outrageous and extraordinary.
Is it that as we reach a certain age, we stop trying, or refuse, to learn about new things and experiences? We limit ourselves to that which are familiar and 'safe'.
As I listened to my Mom and Aunt react with horror at youth behavior today, I could sense within myself the feeling that, at least with them at this point, the old will stay with the old. I wondered if I will also feel the same about Lex and Rocco once they become teenagers. I mean, I would like to think that right now, I am making a conscious effort to know what is happening out there so that I will be able to understand and deal with it once it starts hitting closer to home. It's a fervent hope.
If I were to compare today to "my generation" a couple of decades ago, there has been so much change...how much more with my Mom's generation? But if I really think about it...it is just evolution. Everything was and is still connected. During my time, technology was just on the verge of bursting out. We didn't have mobile phones or computers, or the internet. But I wouldn't say it was less happy times than it is today(except that we were much younger and didn't have to worry about work and bills, etc.). I kinda liked the idea that we looked forward to going out to play with friends, hours of endless conversation on the telephone, Saturday morning cartoons, etc.
Today, at least for Lex, it's texting or chatting, watching MTV and going to Starbucks (go figure). But I know that in a few months, she will want to start going out with friends, and then--parties. I know eventually I won't be able to stop her. But with all the vices that are becoming increasingly socially acceptable, the only thing I can do is equip her with the knowledge that will allow her to judge and decide for herself. I'm pretty sure I'll still raise the roof now and then, but I guess it's only normal because I care for her. I still hope with determination that I don't cut myself off from the evolving world. This is now the world my kids are in. I can't reject it. I have to somehow find a place for myself in it so that I can still stay close to them and not be relegated to wallpaper. It may be a daunting task, but I have to try. For their sake...and mine.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
It All Works Out...
So, yeah, I hardly slept the other night. I was so bothered by my blunder, even if I kept reminding myself to be kinder to myself(did that make sense?).
I mean, from experiences in the past I know now that no matter how bad things get, it all works out in the end. I still needed to bug myself so that I would at least try not to be so careless again. At my age, it seems to be happening more frequently(scary thought huh?).
Anyway, I did not find the receipt. But Lex and I headed out to Greenhills anyway to buy her shoes and try to refund the game. Wonders of wonders, the game was available and so we were able to do an exchange instead, even without the receipt! TYL!!! It all worked out!
By the way, I have added a new element to my site, the 'My Song of the Week'. Since I love music, I will be sharing my favorite stuff and maybe you'll like it too. This week it's Newton Faulkner's "I Need Something". First, you should check out how this guy plays guitar--awesome! Next, listen to his lyrics. I hope you'll feel hopeful and inspired as I am every time I hear this song.
I mean, from experiences in the past I know now that no matter how bad things get, it all works out in the end. I still needed to bug myself so that I would at least try not to be so careless again. At my age, it seems to be happening more frequently(scary thought huh?).
Anyway, I did not find the receipt. But Lex and I headed out to Greenhills anyway to buy her shoes and try to refund the game. Wonders of wonders, the game was available and so we were able to do an exchange instead, even without the receipt! TYL!!! It all worked out!
By the way, I have added a new element to my site, the 'My Song of the Week'. Since I love music, I will be sharing my favorite stuff and maybe you'll like it too. This week it's Newton Faulkner's "I Need Something". First, you should check out how this guy plays guitar--awesome! Next, listen to his lyrics. I hope you'll feel hopeful and inspired as I am every time I hear this song.
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