Out with the Old...

May mga pagkakataon na sadyang said na ang utak at kaluluwa mo. Na sa sobrang pagka-said, wala nang naipipiga ni kakarampot na istorya na nais mong ibahagi sa madla.

Siguro ito na yung sinasabi nila na mid-life crisis sa pagsusulat. Na sa daming nangyayari sa buhay mo, hindi mo alam kung saan ka magsisimulang makwento. Na sa dami mong gustong ikwento, nagmistulang kalat na lang siya sa iyong isipan.

Naisip ko, gusto kong balikan ang pagsusulat? Pero pano ulit ako magsisimula?

Naisip ko rin, kung gusto kong bumalik sa pagsusulat, kailangan kong maglinis ng kalat. Overhaul kumbaga. Kailangan kong piliin nang mabuti ang mga karanasang dapat itago, at iwan ang nakaraan. Kailangang maliwanagan ang isipan para makapagsimulang ulit.

Speaking of overhaul, iiwan ko na pala itong blog ko.

Hindi dahil ayoko nang magsulat. Kundi dahil kailangang maliwanagan ang utak ko.

Lilipat lang ako ng bakod, para makapagsimulang muli.

Salamat Blogger. Hanggang sa muli.

Probinsiyana Chronicles: CAFE + Coffee.Brunch.Dessert

I promised myself that I'll make a blog review when I come back to this place. And it was a perfect timing when me and my bestfriends had a get-together after months of not seeing each other.

It was my third time to experience this one-of-a-kind cafe strategically located along Maharlika Highway of Plaridel. The place can be easily seen due to its red bricked wall and see-through environment. This small yet very cozy cafe is a perfect getaway for people who wants to get away from the noise and chaos of the city:

Ihanda na ang Auto...

Ikaw lang yata ang public figure na iniyakan ko.

Oo, nalungkot ako nung namatay si Karl Roy at Dolphy. Ngunit sa lahat ng funeral na nakita ko sa balita, sayo lang nangilid ang luha ko.

Tumingin na lang ako sa salamin ng bus nung nakita kong binabalita ka. Natanong ko ulit sa sarili ko, "Bakit ang mga weird na matitino ang laging nauuna sa hukay?"

Di ko talaga alam kung anong mararamdaman ko. Nakatutuwang isipin na kahit sa paghimalay mo, may mga taong naaalala ka. Di ka naman sing-sikat ni Piolo Pascual, o kung sinong matinee idol na sikat ngayon, may mga taong nakaka-alala sayo dahil sa iniwan mong bakas.

Kasama ka sa pagtanda ko. Kinalakihan kita hanggang college. Feeling hipster kami ng mga kuya ko dahil akala namin kami lang ang nakakaalam ng show mo na Strangebrew. Si Julia Clarete pa yung unang Erning nun, pero swak na swak pa rin si Angel na naging Erning. Lagi naming inaabangan yung show mo tuwing hapon. Malabo pa reception sa TV nun pero pinagti-tiyagaan naming magkakapatid dahil kakaiba ang palabas ninyo. Marinig lang namin yung intro na kanta ni Rico J Puno, tutok na kami. Aakaling sa una'y walang katuturan, wala kwenta. Pero sa totoo lang may mga naisisingit kayong satire jokes na grabeng pumailalim na hindi talaga mage-gets ng madla. Iba rin ang humor niyo, lalo na pag sumingit si Ramon at Jun sa eksena. At sino ba namang hindi makakalimot sa paandar mo na, "Erning, ihanda mo na ang auto," sabay sabi ni Erning, "Tama!" with matching chabakano language on the side.

Ngayon, hindi na auto mo ang ihahanda, kundi karo ng panghimlay. Napakahirap tanggapin na maglalahong parang bula ang pangarap kong magkakaroon ulit ng timeslot ang Strangebrew sa ere. Wala nang mag-aayos ng auto. Wala na ring kakain ng pinaghalo-halong weird na pagkain. Hindi na rin magdi-disguise na tubero sa Ramon Bautista at maghuhulog ng sabon para abutin mo. Wala na rin action sequence na masasalihan si Jun Sabayton na kasama ka. Wala na ring kasagutan si Erning ng "Tama!" At di man ako nakakakinig ng Brewrats sa radyo, alam kong kung ano man ang inumpisahan niyo sa telebisyon eh tinuloy niyo lang on-air.

Nakakapanghinayang. Bata ka pa. Di ba breadwinner ka ng pamilya? Di ba may pinaglalaban ka pa para sa bansa? Di ba magsusulat ka pa ng maraming libro? Di ba may mga gigs ka pang pupuntahan? Bakit bigla kang nawala?

Sadyang mapaglaro ang buhay. Pero kelangang tanggapin na nangyari na ang hindi inaasahan. Iniisip ko pa naman na kakaiba yung pagpanaw mo. Yung tipong death by music o namatay ka sa pakikipaglaban sayong adbokasiya. Pero sa ganitong paraan? Hindi yata tama.

Alam kong wala nang magagawa ang panghihinayang ko sayo. Kaya magpapasalamat na lang ako.

Salamat Arvin sa pagiging parte ng college life ko.

Salamat Arvin sa pakikibaka mo sa kalsada kahit kinukutya ka na ng ibang taong walang ginawa kundi mangutya para lang kumita.

Salamat Arvin at pinatunayan mo na hindi kelangan ng magandang mukha para makilala ng madla, maiparating lang ang iyong hangarin.

Kahit hindi kita kilala ng personal at nakita lang kita minsan na nagbebenta ng tshirt sa isang gig, nagpapasalamat pa rin ako na kahit papano, masasabi kong pisikal kitang nakita, Kahit literal na nagkabanggaan lang tayo.

Gayahin man ng iba ang istilo mo, ikaw pa rin ang nagiisang Tado. Tado ka kasi eh.

Paalam kaibigan. Nakahanda na ang auto mo sa langit.


Arvin "TADO' Jimenez

1974~2014

New Year's Epiphany

So while you guys started your New Year with a bang, I started mine with a respiratory tract infection. I never been so sick before that I thought I have german measles. I was off work for a couple of days and I hated it. Now don't get me wrong. I'm no workaholic, I just don't wanna stay home for a long time. 

But I think being sick for a couple of days gave me an opportunity to ponder on life, realizing that I've been so focused on earning money without having any goals. Yeah, I have very exciting highlights last year, like the spontaneous Baguio adventure for my birthday, the clothing line's first anniversary gig, seeing Tegan and Sara in the flesh... but these were the ONLY highlights I have last year. Maybe even my entire life.

And it got me thinking: what am I doing with my life? Do I watch too much Youtube? Am I an in-denial workaholic? Or am I just an epitome of a boring person who has this boring life?

Have you ever tried 'stalking' your friends on Facebook to see what's been happening in their life, and then asking yourself on how they manage to balance their professional and personal life?

I did. (Don't judge me)

I also promised myself to be more active on blogging than before and it's currently failing. Probably because I don't go out that often. And I want to end this shenanigans.

So I made a list of all the things I want to do not only this year, but on how possible I can make it happen. Consider this as a mandatory bucket list:

1. Be healthy. And no, it's not an excuse for a fat person like me to have this on the list, I prefer being huggable and healthy than thin and sick. And I think people should have this as a New Year's resolution instead of losing weight, coz losing weight is sooo everrated. But deducting a couple of pounds in my weight while doing it won't hurt :)

2. Travel the Philippines. I made a pledge that if ever I started travelling, I'll roam the entire Philippines first before the world. I'll go back to Baguio, Bicol, Cebu, then discover Sagada, Samar, Bohol, Palawan... the list goes on. But the place that really caught my attention is Batanes. And I will make that Batanes trip happen, alone or with the gang.

3. Travel around the world following my favorite band. I don't need to reiterate who's my favorite duo of all time, especially right now that they're permanently inked on my skin. With enough resources and money, I know I can also make this happen. I just wish my scared-shitless-because-I'm-afraid-I'll-be-lost-self will go away.

4. Start a blog series. I always wanted to have this "blog-serye" to practice my writing skills. I don't know what concept yet but I hope it will come in my dreams. Where's lucid dreaming when you need it?

5. Start reading... again.

6. More tattoos, more fun. As the Pringles commercial once said, "Once you pop, you can't stop!", or that Kardashian thingy, "Once you go black, you'll never go back." I recently got inked with my tattoos #2 and #3 and it was phenomenal. I missed the feeling of needles rubbing my skin as well as the sound of the machine. I plan on getting tattoos as an annual thing, specifically every July which is my birth month.

7. Buy a new guitar and start doing renditions, or recording my first compo :)

8. Continue my hobby as a photographer.

9. Continue blogging, based on un/fortunate events or whatever the shit I want to blog.

I guess that's about it for now. List may change if there's another epiphany and events will happen in no particular order.

Probinsiyana Chronicles: Willy's Diner

I'm no food blogger so please be nice to me.

I tend to pass by this small diner along McArthur Hiway in Baliuag on the way home or when I'm in SM Baliuag to buy groceries. My curiosity grew fonder so with a little persuasion with my boyfriend, we tried it out.

This small yet cozy diner can be found inside Caltex Compound, right across SM Baliuag.

Subconscious Sunday: The Haberday Muah Muah Tsup Tsup

Dahil di kita ma-contact sa phone mo ay dito na lang ako magpapag-ibig mode. pagbigyan mo na ko't minsan lang naman 'to.

4 na taon na pala tayo. Parang kahapon lang naka-dreadlocks at naka-floral polo ka pa't nagpapaalam sa ama ko na liligawan mo ko. Ngayon naka-clean cut ka na't busy sa pagiging merchman ng clothing line natin.

Ngayong isang taon na naman ang nadagdagan sa buhay mo, nawa'y mas maging wais at mapagmatyag sa pagbabago sa mundo. Ako'y lubos na nagagalak dahil naumpisahan mo na ang isa sa mga hangarin natin sa buhay, ang magkaroon ng sariling business.

Kung ang iba'y may throwback Thursday at flashback Friday, ako naman ay may subconcious Sunday.

Marami pa kong stolen shots mo, kaso wag na lang baka mapikon ka na. Alam mo namang troller ang girlfriend mo, hehehe.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SAYO MAMAW MY LAB SO SWEET MUAH MUAH TSUP TSUP. Kampaii sa'yong pagtanda (muahaha) at sa marami pang taon nating pagsasama 


Nagmamahal,
Ang iyong Panget

TnS Concert: The Aftermath

November 28, 2013. Day 3. Still no progress. I find myself watching Youtube clips of Tegan and Sara's Concert here in Manila. I don't feel like eating and the only friend I have right now is Cafe Rumba from Frappino. Coffee and rhum combined to fill my stomach and wandering mind.

I tried to make myself busy by reading other blogs, watching other videos, shop for groceries, even cut my hair off... but alas, it still ends on reading articles and watching videos about them.

Confirmed. I'm not yet over it. Post Concert Depression is hard to deal with.

This may take a while.

They're Not Your Hero But They Drove Us Wild

I was up all night monitoring Instagram and reading all tweets from what happened last night. My back aches and my feet are shitty sore from walking and running from place to place. I only got 3-4 hours of sleep but amidst all these, I'm not complaining.

Months of planning and preparation was done and now it finally happened. I've been on the road for 2 days straight, travelling from Bulacan to Makati to Taguig just to make my ultimate dream come true: to meet Tegan and Sara in the flesh.

Probinsiyana Chronicles: Frappino Coffee, Shakes and Desserts

I've been a coffeeholic since my college years and has been part of my system until now. I'll be grumpy as fuck without having a doze of caffe latte or even an espresso shot. If ever i'll donate my blood to someone, he/she'll be super hyper coz my blood's more on caffeine rather than red and white blood cells.

And since coffee is essential for my every day life and there are times were you're too lazy making one, looking for coffee shops here in my hometown was a bit of a challenge. See, I'm a girl born, raised and living in Bulacan and as we all know, evolution of such province is not that rampant. I remember back in college, we need to go to SM North Edsa, Trinoma or even in Cubao just to experience exquisite coffee such as Starbucks, Seattle's Best, Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf etc.
That's why I'm so thankful that more than 3 years ago, Frappino Coffee, Shakes and Desserts was born.

Gee... That Was Quick!: A Benefit Review

As fond as I am on painting my face with different cosmetics, the lazy I am on removing it. That's why my journey on searching for the best make-up removal was toilsome. 

There was the old school Petroleum Jelly for eye make-up removal, Clinique Rinse-off Eye Make-up Solvent, St. Ives Make-up Remover and Facial Cleanser that I loathed for so long and the list goes on.

But after the long journey, I found the best make-up remover that best suits my needs.

I was with my colleague when we discovered a make-up bazaar in Centris station, just beside my workplace. You can find almost all the make-up brands - from MAC to Urban Decay to NYX Cosmetics - It was an orgasmic experience! It was the bazaar's last day at that time and I wasn't planning on buying anything until my colleague convinced me, since I mentioned to her before that I was looking for more make-up products for my sideline as FMUA. And I wasn't disappointed because I found the most effective make-up remover: the Gee... That Was Quick! Make-up Remover by Benefit Cosmetics.

The performance is as effective as its name :)

Kuripot Problems: The DIY Lipstick Palette

I'm sort of "kuripot" when I buy stuff. I really don't care what brand it is as long as it's beneficial for my well being. But when it comes to cosmetics, I always rely on brands that are proven and tested. I don't mind buying costly make-up products (Mac, Urban Decay, Benefit etc.) but I'm not afraid on trying new cosmetics that are cheaper than the norm (Avon, Sophie Martin).

So I was cleaning my make-up case when I realized that my Sophie Martin lipstick collection's blunting out. I remembered I have to buy an empty lip palette so I can melt my lippies and mold it so I can take it wherever I go. 

I searched online and found out that there's one available in Seush in Trinoma (the same store where I bought my make-up case). But man, these are gold! A magnetic palette costs 800php - 900php, and it doesn't include the empty pans.

Brace Yourselves...

Since mawawala na ang blog feature ng Multiply, na-export ko na lahat ng blogs ko dito sa Blogger account ko, Yay!

So brace yourselves, old blogs from Multiply are coming...



P.S I know I know tamad na naman akong gumawa ng blog. Please check the blogs from 2009 and 2008.

Probably Not But Most Definitely: An Imago Review

Oct 26, '08 

Category:

MusicGenre:Alternative RockArtist:Imago

(Published for the first issue of The Malolos Academe, June-October 2006)

“We are phrases less spoken,
Abbreviated most of the time…”

These are the lines that always stay in my mind every time I listen to Imago’s first track “freefall”, which is also currently played on air today (NU107.5). It defines people as “taken for granted; wallflower, outcast of society”. Such profound words can only be heard in one of the most influential bands of our generation, Imago.

Maybe you’re wondering, what does “Imago” mean?

According to dictionaries, scientifically speaking, “imago” is an insect in its mature adult stage after metamorphosis. In psychology, “imago” is the Latin word for “image”. But for me, Imago is simply a band you can’t ignore.

The band was exposed in 2001 in their debut album “Probably Not, But Most Definitely” under Viva Records. The band members were Aia de Leon (vocals/rhythms), Zach Lucero (drums), Tim Cacho (lead), and Arvin Gatmaitan (bass). Their tribal-mantra-alternative-rock package doesn’t sound like any band I know. The distinct music of Imago is evident in this album. Every time you listen to each track, you feel like you’re in another dimension. Or if you’re listening to some of its tracks like “Bathala” or “Laya”, you feel like you’re in touch with mother earth. Some of their most popular tracks are “Rainsong” (which was also used in the movie “Tatarin”), an ala-tribal song with undecipherable lyrics, “Otherwise”. A feel-good melody and a profound message to boot (“…and on the fulcrum we stand on, we aim for a better view/but then you trip over faultlines of which you never knew/then you start to mail all of the blame/find it on your backdoor next day…”), and “Idlip”, which showcases the tremendous belting of Aia’s ala-Tori Amos/Bjork. It was also Aia who made the album’s lyrics, thanks to her incredible poetic songwriting skill. Their first album was not that successful, despite also of their lack of exposure.

But in 2004, Imago had a big comeback with their new carrier single “Akap” on their new released album “Take 2!”, which was also their independent album under an independent company, Thirdline Inc. in addition of their comeback, the band officially welcomed their new member Myrene Academia as their new bassist, which is also the bassist for Sandwich. The album, produced by Varispeed Productions (a production company of Raymund Marasigan and Buddy Zabala of Eraserheads) and was mastered at Tweak Studio owned y Zach Lucero, is a testament that there is much room for indies - those with raw talent at least - in the Philippine music scene. This album, however, is much different from their first album. “Unbridled” is the best word to describe the overall tune of it. They became experimental to some tracks, which was mixed upwith some rap upbeat like “Reset” and “Gratitude”, but some tracks remained as alternative as ever, without that ethnic beat they used to do in their first one. Some popular tracks include “Freefall”’ “Taning”, and “Anino”.

Aia’s lyrics are still as pensive and poetic as she did on their first album. Tim’s riffs are sharp, underscoring the band’s raw rock influences. Zach still got that beat, and new member Myrene provides the heart-pounding bass. In general, Imago flaunts a familiar sound in this album, with fresh influences that give it modern – even an electronic – twist.

The verdict: want something mellow but no too emotional? Then their first album is a must-buy. You can request for it at Tower records. But if you want something playful, grab a copy of their second album, which has also some bonus remix tracks.

Posted via Blogaway

Posted via Blogaway

The Con

Oct 22, '08 (a veeery old album review)

Category:	Music
Genre:	Alternative Rock
Artist:	Tegan and Sara

I'm such a sucker for alternative music.Though I appreciate all the genres - from emo, to ska, to hardcore, to post-punk, to goth - I still return to that reason why I became a believer in the power of rock.

Alternative was also my refuge when I get tired of all the growling, screaming and screeching that the other genres cater... and yeah, yeah, sometimes it's cheesy blah, blah... But it's a consideration when you listen to Tegan and Sara's new album, THE CON.

No, I'm not saying their songs are as tacky as the others, but their lyrics may move you in a certain reaction whenever you can relate to their songs. Kinda like saying OMG's and "s#!+!" un every line you hear (that is, if you're in tack with your emotions).

Honestly, I never heard of Tegan and Sara before. I just accidentally passed-by their myspace account through a common friend...

Okay, I made that 'accidentally passed-by' part. I discovered them through a friend of mine out of curiosity. But curiosity paid off and the lesbo twins didn't let me down - yes, my dear friends, they are twins and lesbians, making them and their music more interesting.

BACK IN YOUR HEAD was the first song I heard from them, and it was an instant hook-up. Sara's voice is really a catch, giving a kick to the song and that rollicking "hagod" in every end. While both twins are similarly involved in vocals and instruments, the singing of the lead melody usually goes to whichever twin wrote the particular song. You can tell their difference with their voices - Tegan has an aggressive voice, while Sara makes a sweet, mellifluous, laid-back tune.

The album showcases their misfits in their life, love, hate, and of course, their sexuality. There's the rebellious sound of NINETEEN, were it reflects Tegan's personality (sometimes she feels back in her immature days), and my personal favorites BURN YOUR LIFE DOWN with the cunning words "keep on fighting t remember that nothing is lost in the end,"; the ever emotional FLOORPLAN which draws a feeling of holding on but a need to let go coz you feel this kind of pressure; the martyrdom of SOIL, SOIL were it is obviously seen in the chorus, "All you need to save me is call/ And I'll be curled on the floor hiding out from it all/ And I won't take any other call."; the witty CALL IT OFF were you think that maybe you would have been something you'd be good at; and the revelation song LIKE O, LIKE H that explains their gender witht he catchy lines, "S.O.S. to my mother..." and, "Like Oh, Oh, sugar spell it out..."

Of course there are some tracks that'll fit your mood, like the techno jive of ARE YOU TEN YEARS AGO (thanks to Hunter Burgan of AFI for the extra effects), the oriental concord of KNIFE GOING IN were Sara dedicates the song to some Emy, the angsty lines of HOP A PLANE which goes, "You take a second/ take a year/ you took me out and took me in and told me all of this/ and then you take a moment/ take a year/ you help me out and listen to you/ taught me all of this and then...", the semi-garage tune of the album title track THE CON, and the plea of DARK COME SOON with lines, "Everything I say, I say to me first/ everything I do, I do to me first... Hold out for the ones who know will love you..." Enough said.

Although some of their songs are distinguished as "emo-ish" due of having the same theme, the rarity of Tegan and Sara Quin's songwriting defies who they really are. They don't give a shit on any dissent or discrimination they receive, especially on their music video's for The Con and their recent one Call it Off. And no one's gonna stop them in making good music.

Girl power to them...or should I say, "L" power?



~ Rima Santos

The Day My World Stood Still

Okay, alam kong isa pa 'tong overdue post. Medyo busy kasi ngayon sa Training Department dahil sa new trainees and the upcoming Superbowl. Nangangapa-ngapa pa ko sa mga gawaing Trainer, kei na?


Just wanna share this story because this was so far the most awesome experience that I've ever had. Abot-langit ang tuwa ko dahil ngayon ko lang ito na-experience sa isang kumpanya.




January 29, 2012. Sunday. maaga akong pumasok kasi akala ko marami akong gagawin nung araw na iyon. May nabanggit pa saken na magkakaroon ako ng briefing about some tasks. It's kind of unusual because fixed ang schedule ng Training Team ng Saturdays and Sundays. And just as i thought, empty ang bay namin. Ako lang talaga ang pumasok sa Team namin. 

Ngiting Hanggang Makati

Tama nga ang sinabi nila, good things come to those who wait.

January 6, 2012, kinausap ako ng Operations Manager ng kumpanya namin. Di ko sukat akalain na ang pag-uusap na iyon ang magpapabago sa takbo ng buhay ko. Pilit kong itinago ang saya ko nung araw na iyon pero may tumatakas na ngiti sa aking mga labi. Sabi saken ng Manager, huwag muna kong magsasalita sa nalaman ko, pero ilang minuto pa lang ang nakakalipas may ilang taong lumalapit na saken at binibigyan na ko ng pagbati.

Happy New Year!!! (Oo na late na greeting ko)

So where do I even start?

First of all, I wanna greet everyone a prosperous new year! I hope everyone enjoyed the booze and all the food-you-can-eat and of course, the fireworks. Me? I had work on New Year’s Eve (pretty sucks) but I rushed to the bus terminal in Cubao so I can go home as fast as I can in Bulacan to be with my relatives to welcome the new year. Luckily, I went home at exactly 12mn with flying colors :) I was so scared to go home coz I’m frightened with fireworks, but I went home safe and sound with complete fingers and body parts (whew!)

Anyway, I know most of you will have their own list New Year’s resolution. But for me, there’s only one thing that I want to achieve, to continue what I’ve started… and that’s to do blogs again.

The reason why I joined Tumblr is because my Multiply account’s getting mobbed by online stores. I used to blog a lot way back in college. But ever since I started working, my ‘regimen’ went chaotic. I never have time to make a new one and I was being devoured by procrastination due to reblogging ang reposting other photos, ehehe. 

Unfortunately, hindi siya effective. Though hindi na ko nagpo-procrastinate sa website na yun, bigla naman akong nanawa. As you can see, ultraelectromagnetic-late na ang mga posts ko. Yan pa yung mga blogs ko nung nasa college pa ko. Amag na amag na. Maybe it's also a sign na tigil-tigilan ko ang paggawa ng wala 'pag may free time ako. Maybe it's also a wake up call to stop making excuses and being such a lazy beeyotch.

This is not a resolution or a promise. This is something that I should’ve done before.

I’ll do my best to go back on blogging. And I know 2012 have a lot to offer me. So bring it on and let the blog-o-thon begin.

Cheers to our new chapter!

~ Rima ^_^

artwork by Nana Gregorio

So Long Astoria, Aloha Milkyway

Aug 9, '09 10:35 PM

photo by me, inspired by Up Dharma Down's album "Bipolar"

She was waiting for him under an unloading area along Makati with a cigar on her hand and a phone on the other. It was a windy Thursday night, and she was planning to go overtime since she was absent the other day due to a burial that the whole country mourned and sympathized.


She was stuck in the middle of everything and decided to go back and watched the history in the making. She called the force desk informing them that she can't make it, but she called-in late, marking her very good record into a very bad schedule adherence that missed her chance of getting that retention fee after her contract.


She promised herself to regain her absence since it was her day-off. But something was telling her to move back and get out of that place. She was not herself that day, so uncertain of her feelings, trying to figure out the mixed emotions she's having. She was already in front of the door leading to the area where she'll dwell again with strangers that she'll never meet in person, only voices that commands and demands and don't give a damn of the service that she offers. Her head tells her to go inside, but her feet pleads to run. She needed to make a choice quick, on that spot were she'll make the most cliched or the dumbest decision of her life.

The Underdogs of Underground

Oct 29, '08 8:52 AM (An article for good brother friend band of mine ^_^)

Thunder Torta, photo by moi

Thundertorta demonstrates to us what is like to be a real underdog.


“Madaliin mo na ‘yung mga konseptong iniisip mo nu’ng mabagal ka pa.”


This excerpt from the Markus Highway interview that I recently read from a magazine made me realize one thing: “Puta, may atraso pa pala ako. Eto na gagawin na!”


This article has been way overdue. But I think there were pros why this feature has been delayed for months now.


I had an interview with this band last March, the same day I had the interview with Ultimate Ube. Imagine, after finishing my OJT in Malolos, I went straight to SM Marilao to interview the Ube boys, and then straight to Sta. Maria just to have this… uh, formal conversation with them. It was a very awkward moment that time, trying hard – as in literally trying hard – to cope with these guys that I barely know… well, that was 7 months ago.


After being invited and joining their gigs in Manila, and after joining their sessions, I finally realized – this are the pros from the con. This band is deep. I can’t write an article about them without dissecting. There’s a need to enter and understand their cosmos. This is new shit.


And indeed, their shit is good – even glorious. I may be overstating it, but damn, there’s something good in this band.

Return to My Center

Oct 21, '08 12:31 PM

This song has been playing on my mind for a week now, and I still have no plans of changing it.

I'm in a crisis, deep crisis. I need a miracle.


"It's been too many nights
It's been too many nights
It's been too many fights..."


Sembreak, end of the semester that I curse. Everything's sinking in now.

I started my first semester as a Student Assistant, with hell as my office and Lucifer's succubi as bosses. Don't forget golumn as my co-worker.

I tried and struggled to do what they please. I did everything to survive in their discerning looks and gestures whenever I did something wrong. I tried to be deaf whenever they have their conference on what to cook for another gossip recipe. Salvation was hard to find...

And there's my yaya who's in her late-50's disguised as a mid-30-i-look-so-young-i-don't-look-like-I'm-in-menopause. I tried to understand her features and personality. I tried to like her. But I guess when occasional menopause hits you, no "friend" or favoritism is an excuse.

Through this semester I've been sleepless and reckless because of this. Too many debates and fights in my head regarding this issue, aside for the in-demand and impromptu projects that you need the skills of David Blaine to do it. I thought these creatures only exist in fairy tales and in the government, but I forgot that where I work is the government of the institution that I'm into. The high-profit, low-quality institution I'm into. I like to learn, but I will never learn with this kind of institution. Only a handful of people only survived to strengthen the weak and to feed the minds of the oppressed. I like to learn, but I will never be proud of this institution.

Ive made my decision. I will never go back there. I don't want to be part of hell.