Random Detox » High School

NBA Fever

Gim — Sat, 12 Jun 2010 15:52:55 +0000

I didn’t think it could happen ever again- but it did. After 12 long years, I’ve finally caught the NBA fever one more time. I used to be crazy over the NBA.

I was introduced to basketball by way of trading cards, which started as a fad during my grade school years (like that deep wrinkle treatment my mom was so obsessed with). I remember back in grade 3, me and a number of my friends would sneak up and out over the heavily guarded school fence, cross rush hour traffic, and into Filbar’s along Mango Avenue. There we’d grab a handful of packs of NBA trading cards and traded them off right then and there. My idol was- yep, his Airness- Micheal Jordan.

I didn’t know anything about basketball then. I just loved how they depicted this cool dude literally defying gravity and the way the cards shimmered and glowed underneath the harsh fluorescent lights. Pretty soon, I found out that the guy wearing that number 23 jersey was famous and that I could make money selling his cards. So started my obsession of collecting Jordan cards, in the process learning about basketball.

Pretty soon I was in high school and the famous Utah Jazz-Chicago Bulls rivalry began. Needless to say, I got caught up in the thick of it. I won- and lost hundreds in bets with cousins, classmates, and even jeepney drivers. Those were the good ol’ days of basketball, where people from all walks of life were glued to their TV screens the moment the Playoffs started. Of course, a lot of the hype surrounding the game could be attributed to Jordan. His seeming defiance of the laws of physics awed people to no end.

When his Airness suddenly went into retirement, so did the magic, the rivalry, that seemed to make fans out of ordinary folk. College life soon caught up with me and I lost all interest in basketball.

Flash forward 12 years later. The finals started last week with the Boston Celtics clashing with their bitter longtime rivals the LA Lakers. I was at home channel surfing and I happened to chance upon a game. Suddenly, that spark that I thought was lost when Mike called it quits came rushing back. I found myself cheering for the Celtics.

In school last Friday, a TV set was stationed out in the walkway. A throng of students, parents and faculty crowded round the TV. It was game 4 of the Celtics-Lakers game. Despite the heat and the sweat and the crowd, I stood there and cheered as my team won that match. And that was when it hit me- I’ve gotten my love for the game back.

Tags: Detoxins, High School

The Rocker- movie review

Gim — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 17:28:44 +0000

I heard that Starmovies is going digital very very soon which means that I won’t be able to catch it anymore (unlike those acnepril reviews) unless I buy a digibox and pay the increase in the current monthly rates our friendly neighborhood cable station is planning to add in order for consumers to avail of Star. So I am trying to tune in to as much Star programs as I could- while I still can, which was how I came across The Rocker.

The Rocker is one of those feel good, zero to hero movies that follows the misadventures of a drummer for a local Cleveland band (Vesuvius). As soon as the band starts getting fame, a big record company approaches the group and makes them an offer they couldn’t refuse, with a hitch- they have to get rid of their drummer. Feeling betrayed, the drummer vows to start another band that will soon eclipse his original group. Twenty years later and the drummer, Robert “Fish” Fishman, is stuck in a measly desk job that he hates. His luck soon turns when his nephew, who is in a high school amateur band (A.D.D.), asks for his help replacing their drummer who couldn’t play during prom night. So begins Fish’s second chance at adolescence and his ultimate rise to meteoric fame.

While I felt that the plot was not that original, I really found the sound track very refreshing. Most of the songs done by A.D.D. were catchy and I found myself humming along as they played. I Googled the songs to see if they were original and was surprised to find out that they are. I was also surprised to that A.D.D.’s fictional lead singer Curtis Powell, is played by a real-life musician (Teddy Geiger) and that all of the songs performed by A.D.D. are actually his. However, despite its refreshing repertoire of songs, The Rocker is still unfortunately, best known as the least profitable film of 2008, having grossed less than 7 million. Considering that they spent 15 million doing this movie, that’s quite a loss.

Tags: Eclipse, Google, High School, Movie

Bully

Gim — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 03:14:51 +0000

I normally consider myself a pacifist. I don’t believe in fighting and violence (Violence in video games don’t count). But there always comes a time in a guy’s life that requires him to don helmet and shield and fight. For some, that moment comes early in life when circumstances force them to literally take up arms. For others, it comes waay later in life when they fight their own selves in a virtual mirror match- an internal struggle that leaves them tired, haggard, but ultimately at peace (to craft wedding invitations or not).

You wanna mess with me, punk?

For me, the call to arms came when I was in my freshman year in high school. That was the year I transferred from a preppy, “upper class” school (read: swimming lessons, dance and ballet) to a more rough and rowdy technical school where we learned to fix engines, wired circuits, create metal tools.

As you would expect, my former school background ensured that I would be scorned and laughed at by my new classmates who considered me somewhat of a sissy. The taunts came often and became more cruel by the day. Then came the pranks. My water jug would suddenly go missing only to show up hanging from the gym’s ceiling later in the afternoon. My basketball inexplicably grew a hole during gym class and I ended up failing that gym class test ’cause I didn’t have a ball to bring to class. There were thumbtacks on my seat, notes pasted on my back. Though they were annoying me, I tried my best not to pay them any attention. However, that patience was bound to break.

It happened one sweltering afternoon during shop class. We were tasked to make a device designed to adjust levers on machinery from a block of metal. I’ve been working on my project for the better half of a year. I patiently sawed it (by hand), filed it, drilled it and made sure it matched the specifications of the draft. I was hoping to submit it as an entry to a contest sponsored by Bosch. I finally finished it and had just chrome-plated it when my teach called me up to the faculty room for a consultation. I left my precious project sitting on my work bench. When I returned, lo and behold, I found three symmetrical holes drilled into my project. For a full minute, I just stared at it in disbelief. Who would have the gall to destroy something I’ve worked on for so long? The faces of my tormentors flashed before me. I knew they’d done it.

Without a doubt I knew.

So I stormed out of the shop and into the school grounds. I was in a rage. I’ve never felt this angry before. It wasn’t long before I found them. They were lounging by the soccer goal guffawing and grinning- all happy at my obvious distress. As I approached, the ringleader (the biggest and rowdiest of the bunch) called out to me, What’s the matter? Holes in your gear puller? That did it.

I charged headlong into the group, grabbed the leader by his shirt and pulled him to te ground. He got up and started punching and kicking. I responded by lashing out with a series of punches scoring a few to his midsection and face. The rest of the gang was stunned at what was happening that they just stood aside and let us punch it out. However, the bully got the better of me as he was considerably waaay bigger. He kicked me to the ground and for a moment, I just lay there, the wind knocked out of me. I could hear laughter and I knew it was directed at me. I decided enough was enough. So I got up and charged for a second time. I managed to grab his neck into a chokehold and succeeded in pulling him to the ground. I then straddled him and proceeded to punch him repeatedly in the face until he bled. I suddenly was aware of a complete silence. I didn’t stop punching him until one of his teeth flew out and I felt hands pulling me and away from my adversary. It was his mates. They were begging me to stop. So I stood up, looked them all in the eye with all the hatred I could muster and walked away.

Not us, but how we probably looked like

They never bothered me again.

Oh, as for my adversary, we became fast and close friends.

Tags: Detoxins, High School

Glee

Gim — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 02:43:49 +0000

Imagine a team of American football players looking all badass in helmet, pads and spikes suddenly start swaying their hips, tapping their feet and pointing to the ring fingers of their left hand to the tune of All the single ladies.

Auditioning for an alternative career in case football doesn't work out

Just click on the picture for the full video.

Now ain’t that a sight! I literally couldn’t stop laughing! It was just pure, unadulterated FUN. Welcome to Glee.

If there’s one word to describe Glee it would be WHOLESOME FUN (elliptical would be another word to describe it). Er, make that two words. When she first introduced Glee to me, I wasn’t expecting to enjoy it that much thinking that it would be just another re-make of High school musical. Since it was the middle of the Christmas break, where bumming was the IN thing to do, I decided to go ahead and watch it. And- surprise! Not only did I like it, I was hooked! I couldn’t stop watching episode after episode. And I couldn’t stop laughing! The series is definitely refreshing and the song selection delightful. I found myself humming / singing the songs while doing other stuff. I just love their repertoire. The characters are also easy to like (believe it or not, my fave character is the show’s antagonist Sue Sylvester!).

Scary. But likable.

So for those of you looking for a fun, lighthearted, refreshing break, this show’s for you.

Tags: Detoxins, Election, High School

Thankful for My Best Friend

Gim — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 18:05:41 +0000

I’ve been getting depressed lately.

I don’t know why.

I’m alright one moment and suddenly, wham! There goes the blues.

I guess I just feel…trapped.

It’s as if gravity is pulling me down and keeping me in the one place in the world that I want to break free of. I don’t want to stay here anymore. god knows I’ve been wanting to go someplace new for so long now- get a tv stand, join the workforce, settle into something different, travel the world with her. Oh, the things I want to do! I wana spread my wings and fly.

I was blog hopping the other day and I stumbled upon a post our friend Dee made. She was recalling the events of the past decade and what she has accomplished so far. I was reading the post when it hit me. In the past 10 years (10!) since graduating from high school, I haven’t done anything but study. Study to finish college, study to become a doctor, study again for my master’s degree…it’s been a whole decade spent on books, books, and more books. For what? For the future. It’s always the same reason, to build a better future.

But would it be worth it? This future that I am investing so much sweat, emotions, and tears in? Would it be really worth it? I guess only time will tell. For now I am just so thankful I have someone to talk to during times like this.

She never lets me down.

And she always knows how to cheer me up.

Thanks for being there- oweis.

I love you.

Tags: Detoxins, High School

Author

Flisha — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 13:58:26 +0000

The hills and mountains of Zamboanga in aptly named Buenavista, which means "Beautiful View".

On my 27th birthday

Buenas! I am Flisha Fernandez, a Filipino; firstborn to a prominent newspaper editor-in-chief (rest in peace, Papa) and a Philosophy teacher (now Vice President of Academics of my alma mater); and eldest of three sisters.

I consider Chavacano my first language. I speak fluent English, passable Tagalog, unrecognizable Visayan and am learning Japanese.

I entered school at the age of four, at a nursery called Tanglao. I spent two years of kindergarten, six years of elementary, four years of high school and four years of college at the Ateneo de Zamboanga University. I graduated cum laude, top of my class and top 3 in my batch in 2003.

Journalism and I have a love-hate relationship. I grew up writing poetry and short stories (I even attempted a novel at the tender age of twelve, and I hold my cheesy, unpublished and unread work dear to my heart. ;-P). In high school, I joined The Blue Eagle, our school paper. I won many awards and writing competitions in my time, mostly from my news and feature articles. I failed to garner the top position of editor-in-chief in my senior year, which contributed to my disillusionment with journalism.

A girl on the brink

I took up Computer Science in college, in a bid to challenge myself (Math, next to Filipino, was always my weakest subject) and separate myself from the world of literature. I was quite active in organizations — helping to revive the fading debate society, becoming one of the core founders of the computer society and working as the editor-in-chief of the Beacon Yearbook. After graduation, I found work as a programmer for the local government before returning to my alma mater to become a systems developer and part-time instructor.

I completed two years of a masteral degree at the Ateneo de Manila University. I am currently working as a SAP specialist for Hewlett-Packard.

Gracias con vos otros and I hope you enjoy reading my blog!

*Updated October 2009

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Post tags: Competitions, High School, Manila, Zamboanga

Tags: Competitions, Detoxins, High School, Manila, Zamboanga

Barkada Christmas Reunion 2008

Flisha — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 04:38:00 +0000

Barkada is a Filipino word that loosely translates to “circle of friends”. But it’s really more than that. It’s more like a “pack” (as in wolf) of humans, that’s what it is. It signifies a deep bond, a strong sense of identity, and unlike other sets of friends that change with the passage of time, a barkada almost always stays the same.

That’s the case with mine, anyway. We all met in high school, the seven of us. Each and every one of us probably has his or her own version of how we became friends, but I will tell you mine.

It was the first day of high school, and that was the day I met Chris, a boy who would be the greatest friend of my life, and perhaps, would mean a little bit more. He was standing by the window on the second floor, or maybe I was the one standing. It was so long ago I forget. He asked me what time it was, and I answered. It was that simple, but I saw him first on that first day, and he saw me first, and that creates a bond, and somehow we ended up walking home together, and every day thereafter.

There was another boy we walked home with, and his name was Donnel. And that’s how we three got close, walking home together. I would always walk the farthest, and Donnel the shortest.

During class, I sat next to a short girl, Katrina, near the front row, by the window, even though I was a head taller than everybody else. I always had a problem reading the blackboard, because I needed better glasses, so I chose that spot. (I always needed better glasses, every year.) I would often ask her what was written on the board, and often borrowed her notes, and that was how we became friends.

Kat had a friend whose name was Jotie. And they walked home together every day, though not with Chris, Donnel and me, because they had another route. And that’s how I knew him, because of Kat. I never did have much in common with Jotie, but I do remember we shared a love for music, especially Celine Dion. That love for music brought me a lot of grief in the later years, because I could not sing to save my life, but I thought I could, and so did everyone else.

The two other people in my barkada I had already known before high school, Raquel and Brian. And so I suppose it was natural that we would gravitate towards each other once more. Brian, especially, meant a lot to me. We were very close in elementary, but to my bewilderment, he vanished in the fourth grade, only to reappear for a day in the sixth grade, to tell me he had transferred school. (If I knew how to then, I would have said, wtf?) Needless to say I was very happy to see him return to our school the year after.

My friendship with Raquel had always been very tenuous, and perhaps that is the reason we took care not to offend each other. I don’t think we ever even quarreled in high school. (Whereas, with Chris, it was pretty much every week.) But as quarrels go, the two of us had already had our fair share before high school. We had to give it a rest, didn’t we?

Our friendship was founded in four short years, but the seven of us have been friends for fourteen years and counting. We broke paths a long time ago, and built separate lives. But there’s an invisible magic string that binds us close, and we will always find ways to come together again.

Note: The picture above is a collage that Jotie made. It’s from our slumber and pool party in Astoria Regency Hotel last December. Thanks, Jots! Love it like Manolo Blahniks!

Tags: High School, Holidays, Personal

Berchmans Christmas 2008 Reunion

Flisha — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 04:49:00 +0000

I’ve got a few too many school years under my belt, but none mattered more than the four years coming-of-age high school.

First loves, first broken hearts, first passions. Those really were some of the best years of my life. I learned about life, I found myself, and thanked my lucky stars I wasn’t alone in the growing up.

I am no longer that close with my friends in high school. But it’s nice to see the whole class come together again, from time to time, even when really we no longer have anything in common but memories.

The reunion gets smaller and smaller every passing year. So many people are leaving town for a better future abroad. And really, who am I to judge? Someday I will probably leave as well.

Here’s the all of us who went to the reunion. From left to right: Husain, Jet (Janine’s boyfriend), Janine, Aeneas, Brian, Gim (my boyfriend), Shane (Brian’s boyfriend), Jotie and Raquel. Katrina took the picture.

Raquel and Jotie.

Husain with wife and kids.

Husain and Aeneas.

Brian with boyfriend Shane. Oh to be young and enjoying love’s first blush.

Katrina, home for the first time in seven years.

Jotie with his new iPhone.

Brian, with the happiness that comes in making choices.

Raquel, blooming with an engagement.

And me.

Note: Pictures were taken (by everybody) with Jotie’s newest toy, a Nikon DSLR. I postprocessed them in Photoshop. Thanks, Jots!

Tags: Detoxins, High School, Holidays

Eraserheads: Reunion Concert DVD Arrives January 31, 2009

Flisha — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 00:13:00 +0000

This is so high school, the Eraserheads. It was the time of alt rock, and they were the Beatles.

Ely Buendia, Raimund Marasigan, Buddy Zabala and Marcus Adoro reunited in concert on August 30 of last year, an engagement cut short after Ely almost had a heart attack and had to be rushed to the hospital. They were able to perform half of the planned 30 songs.

Sony BMG has just announced that the Eraserheads: Reunion Concert DVD will be released on January 31, 2009. All 15 songs are included “plus bonus features of behind-the-scene footages, rehearsals, etc“.

The tracks include Alapaap, Ligaya, Sembreak, Hey Jay, Harana, Fruitcake, Toyang, Kamasupra, Kailan, Huwag Kang Matakot, Kaliwete, With A Smile, Shake Yer Head, Huwag Mo Nang Itanong and Light Years.

Tags: High School, Music

Acne Blues

Flisha — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 10:00:00 +0000

There was a time my face was peppered with acne. That was in sixth grade, and thankfully all traces of acne receded by the time I was in high school. Talk about a potential awkward coming of age! (No, all my awkward moments were mostly weight-related.)

Perhaps because I get pimples so very sporadically, I have no idea how to treat them. What I’ve always done is to pop them. Basically I just rub and rub at it, until the white goo comes out and it stops hurting. It bleeds a bit sometimes but then it’s gone the next morning.

Not so lucky this time. I got an acne a few months ago, like a little white bump on my face. It didn’t hurt or anything, but it bugged me so I started rubbing at it. I took like 30 minutes rubbing idly on the bed, but it wouldn’t come off! Concerned, I went to the mirror and was horrified to see that I had a big red splotch on my face, completely rubbed off! Eeeekkkk!

The next day it was still a big red spot. Like a painted blush on a doll. But it didn’t look so good on me. I spent the last few months hiding behind my hair, and now it’s faded but I think it’s permanently scarred my face. Sigh.

And no, no pictures, no siree. I’ll keep that shame to myself (you will only see the cake of makeup I’m wearing, yupdidoo).

I may perhaps just seek acne treatment next time.

Tags: Detoxins, High School

WaiverWire for Fantasy Footballers

Flisha — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 15:08:00 +0000

My boyfriend loves to play computer games. He’s a pro at CounterStrike, but that game bores me to death. He loves DOTA (what does it stand for anyways?) and Wesnoth. He introduced me to Utopia (and for a season or two I let it dominate my life until I decided to quit and return to normalcy).

This time he’s into fantasy football. I suppose since he played a bit of soccer in his high school days, he’s feeling the bond. Since I’m so eager to remove him from the RPG world (it’s taking up all his time and not making him any money so what’s the use?), I decided to steer him to WaiverWire Beta.

It’s the best place for him to start learning and engaging in fantasy football. It’s built as a social network, so he can find gurus to teach him the ropes. It’s got statistical analysis software and player comparison charts to help him in creating his fantasy team. Plus, it can even send game updates straight to his mobile phone so he won’t have to be locked to his laptop all day.

In the spirit of social networking, I hope one day WaiverWire can create embeddable widgets for posting on other blogs and websites. It’s still in beta, so who knows?

Tags: Detoxins, High School

Late Night Chat Fest

Flisha — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 12:00:00 +0000

Gim and I were cuddling on the bed last night when…

*Beep beep*

Gim sits up and reaches for his phone.

090823112**: Hi.

Gim: Quien este? (Who’s this?)

Me: Stalker!!!!!

Gim: Delete, delete!

Me: Noooo!!!!!!!!!!! *Grabs Gimmi’s phone*

*Gimmi and I energetically tussle on the bed, fighting for phone domination. I win, natch.*

Me: (typing furiously on his phone) Hi back!

Gimmi: Flifli!!!!!!!

*I smile impishly. After a few moments… Beep beep*

090823112**: Hehehe. Ctt?

Our Phone: Who’s this? ASL?

090823112**: Uhm.. I’m Charlie. Kaw? (You?)

Our Phone: James.

*Gimmi and I break out in giggles.*

090823112**: Hi James. U stud?

James: 4th Year High School. You?

090823112**: Ah. College na po. San ka nagstudy? (Am in college. Where are you studying?)

James: Ateneo High. What year you?

090823112**: Uhm 4th po. Nursing. Lang taon ka na? (How old are you?)

James: I’m 15. Do you have a picture? Pwede pasend MMS? (Can you send a picture via MMS?)

090823112**: Ah ic. Yep, meron. Kaw? Ala aq xtra load. Hehe. Nxt tym. K lng b? Wat yr kna? (You? I don’t have load. Next time, ok? What year are you in?)

*Boring messages in between. Charlie seems to be very interested in James.*

James: What would you say is your most beguiling feature? Who do you look like, celebritywise?

090823112**: Nah.

James: Oh, I see. Have you heard of the current global financial crisis? What are your thoughts on that?

090823112**: What about it? Nosebleed man ako sau. (You’re giving me a nosebleed.)

James: Joke lang yun. What do you prefer? Short or long?

090823112**: Please specify. Anung long or short? Hehe.

*More giggles from Gim and Fli*

090823112**: Hehe. Bata ka pa. (You’re still a kid.)

Fli: What do we reply, Gim??? You have any more interesting questions in mind?

Gim: I know, I know! *types something on the phone and shows it to Fli*

Fli: (squeals) Gimmi!!! Don’t send. Here, let me. *Grabs Gim’s phone.* Uh- Whoops!!!!!! Oh no!

James: Hehe. Pasensya ka na ha, if I’m a bit direct. But I’m kind of curious abt guys…

Fli: Gimmi!!!! Look what you made me do!!!! Na!

090823112**: Ah, ic. Gnun b? Hehe. Y curious? Uhm. Wat yr kna b? Uhm. Im a bi po pala. (Ah, is that so? What year are you in? By the way, I’m bisexual.)

Fli and Gimmi break out in laughter. Uhm, ya. We know.

James: What city are you from pala?

090823112**: Zamboanga, Tumaga. (Our hometown)

Flisha and Gim: Shit! Hahahahahaha!!!!

James: Pasonanca. Summer Hills. Meet tau. (Let’s meet.)

090823112**: Huh? Now? I wud love to. But its late na. Are u allowed 2 go out at ths tym pa?

090823112**: Hope I could get d chance 2 knw u bter.

James: By the way, u never asked, bt im a girl pala. U lyk girls ryt?

090823112**: Huh? Are u? Ow? Are u kiddin me? Wats ur name?

James: James. Short for Jamie.

*Long pause.*

090823112**: Can we tok?

James: Is there a prob? Ur bi, right? Me too…

*Very very long pause. Disappointed, Gim and I start to turn in for the night.*

*Beep, beep*

090823112**: Hehe. Rili. None. Nice. Wat r u doin.

(Sudden change of tone. Sounds very manly. “Nice.” in the Philippines is an expression often used by young men, rarely by women.)

*Flishi and Gimmi break out in loads of laughter.*

Conclusion: He really is bi.

Tags: Detoxins, High School, Zamboanga

Bohol Tour Part VIII: Snakes and Flying Lemurs

Flisha — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 19:15:00 +0000

Who would think one day in Bohol would spawn so many posts? Well, it did fly by so fast. Let me introduce you to Prony.

Prony is a python. A big python. Very big. Too big for it’s age that even veterinarians are stumped.

I could tell you all his stats but -ahem- I left the video back home (with my boyfriend). Didn’t fit my flash drive. ‘Coz I wasn’t supposed to place it in my flash drive. Was supposed to burn to DVD but my boyfriend’s laptop was only CDRW. Durn.

Anyway, basta he’s enormous. Although I’ve never really seen another python to compare. The last time I saw a live snake was back in high school when I ran screaming from my bedroom in the middle of the night because I found a long green snake slithering underneath my bed. (You would think I’d get a phobia from that incident, but surprisingly, no.)

As interesting as Prony is, I found his keeper much more so.

Here is Marimar. She is a drag queen. Ya. If not for the awful hair and makeup though, you’d think she was a girl. Except when she opened her mouth, that is.

She’s a hoot. And yes, she is named after Marimar, the super popular Mexican telenovela starring Thalia. Can you tell from her appearance?

Nah, me neither. Heh.

Marimar doesn’t technically take care of Prony. Her older sister does that dirty job. She’s in charge of the entertaining Prony’s foreign visitors.

For example, she loves to tell her clients that she once won a (gay) beauty pageant, using this very interesting swimsuit that she made herself!

Do you know what it’s made of?

It’s made of Prony’s shedded skin. Yah.

All togeher now, Ewwwwww!!!!!!

Hahahahaha! I wish she would have worn it so I could photograph her haha.

She says it’s very uncomfortable to use. Itchy, she complains.

I wonder where it itches most.

Ok, let’s go back to Prony. Here are a few pictures of the snake with its fans.

Yes. Those are people INSIDE the cage. TOUCHING Prony.

It’s a good thing Prony already had his meal a few weeks ago or else he might think twice about letting people fondle him so carelessly.

I kept my distance and stuck to taking pictures, nevertheless.

Look! That thing’s even bigger than my Gim!

Freaky.

It’s apparently in hibernation, as Marimar tells us. That’s why she let us inside the cage for a little meet and greet.

It eats live chickens.

I wish we could have seen the feeding…

Anyways, enough of Prony.

Let’s have a look at a flying lemur and it’s baby!

Here they are!

I know, it’s kind of an awful picture. But it’s the only way I could take a clear picture of the baby.

Can you tell where the mother ends and the baby begins?

Can you even tell those are two separate animals?

Yeah, I had trouble at first too. Haha.

The mother is hanging from the branch, by all four legs. In between’s her little baby. Aww.

Here are more pics of the two feeding on some leaves.

I don’t know why they’re called flying lemurs, though. Maybe they can fly when they’re in the wild. Oh, I do hate animals being caged.

Except for Prony. I don’t think it would be a good idea to release him into the wild.

Or Marimar.

Well! That concludes my series on Bohol. Until my next visit!

Read the other Bohol posts…
Bohol Tour Part IV: Hinagdanan Cave
Bohol Tour Part V: Panglao Island Beach Resort
Bohol Tour Part VI: Philippine Tarsiers
Bohol Tour Part VII: Statues and Churches

Tags: Bohol Tour, High School, Photography, Travelogue

Rollercoasting

Flisha — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 08:33:00 +0000

Just because…

…I miss them. Hehehehe. I am so senti, I know!!!

This was taken a few months ago when my barkada came over to Manila and we spent a day at Enchanted Kingdom. We’re on one of the smaller rollercoaster rides here. (The Space Shuttle was broken, alas :[ )

I was just browsing through our photo CD and found this one to be quite representative of our friendship. Hehehe.

Raquel and Donnel (front of the pic), always buddies. They’re the bad guys, they love to tease. One time I was reciting a poem in class, and I was so passionately focused on the force of my speech and the appropriateness of my gestures I totally mispronouced the word “invitation”. I know! How can you mispronouce that??? (I said it as een-VAI-tei-shun, like you know, een-VAIT)

They’ve never let me live it down.

Me and Chris (at the back), forever best friends. We’re the good ones, we always try to be nice to other people. Hehehe. But weirdly, we end up squabbling all the time. I think not a high school week went by without us screeching at each other for some trivial matter. Hehehe. It always resolved itself, though. Oh and we love giving each mementos. I’ve gotten so many mugs, figurines, letters and photos (Of himself. That I did not ask for. But that he gave anyways.) from him my closet’s overfull and I think most of what was breakable… broke.

Shhh!!!

If Kat were there, she’d be seating next to Jotie (in the middle). They’re always together, too. And if Brian were there, he’d sit anywhere he liked, but maybe he’d try to be nearer Kat.

(They had a thing. Or, well, he did. Hehehehe. Double shhh!!!)

Oh gosh we’re all so grown up now. But we’ll always be high schoolers at heart.

Tags: High School, Manila, Personal

I Won an iPod Shuffle!

Flisha — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 12:29:00 +0000

Remember a few weeks ago I blogged about Yugatech and Tradeport giving away five iPod shuffles for the launch of the Tradeport forums?

Well, guess what?? Yugatech released the contest winners a few days ago, and I actually won an iPod shuffle!!! Yeah!!!

I’ve joined quite a few online competitions over the years but this is the best prize I’ve ever gotten hehehe. I think it’s karma. I gave the same exact iPod shuffle (except it was silver) to my sister for her high school graduation last March. Now I have one too, in blue! (It’s really more of a violet color but since my favorite color is blue and it’s close enough when the light shines on it in a certain way, why not call it blue?)

Have a look at my new iPod! Hehehe.

Isn’t it pretty? And just because lately my traffic’s been rising (due to Entrecard, thank you very much!) and I’m elated at being able to monetize this blog (due to SocialSpark, thank you thank you!) and I’m feeling pretty (due to Gimmi telling me so, thank you love)…

Hehehehehehehe!!! That’s me right after a bath! I was so excited to use my new iPod I couldn’t wait!

Thank you Yuga and Tradeport!!!

Tags: Competitions, Free Stuff, High School, Tech

Boyzone’s Coming Back Now

Flisha — Wed, 28 May 2008 08:31:00 +0000

I’m coming home now…

Been so long now…

Gonna get there somehow…

And this where I’ll stay.

Weeks. Days. Hours. Minutes.

‘Til I’ll be home.

Hehehehehe. I still know the words after all these years! Omigod have you heard the news? Boyzone’s back!!!!!!!! Aeeeeiiiii!!!!! (screams and runs around in ecstasy)

Omigod. (giggling and reminiscing high school times)

I love(d) Boyzone. Stephen was the love of my life. I wrote him (them) a love letter. About how someday we’d meet and fall in love. Hekhekhek. I got a thank you fax in return. I lovingly kept it. A year later I opened it. The ink had faded and all I held was a blank sheet of memory. I was heartbroken.

Then Stephen came out as gay. I was hearbroken again.

Then I loved Ronan. I heard his mom died. I cried for him. I think I wrote him another letter. And then he married Yvonne. And I was heartbroken for the third time!

And then the band broke up. By that time, really, what was I to expect??? A mended heart? Haaiill no!

Heheheh. Ahhh, the memories. (I’m breaking out in a huuuuge fond smile right now hehehe)

I remember one time I didn’t sleep because Channel V was showing their concert Live in Winchester or something like that hehehe. It was the time they were known best for “Love me for a Reason” and they were just introducing “A Different Beat” and they were wearing those aluminum-foil like clothes, like they were super flashy astronauts and there was lotsa fire displays and dramatic entrances hehehehehe. And then they threw off their jackets and sang in their white sleeveless tight shirts. Hehehehehe. I was sooooo in love!!! And I sang along with them, and I cried when they sang “Let It Be”.

When I find myself in times of trouble, mother Mary comes to me

Speaking words of wisdom, let it be…

And in my hour of darkness she is standing right in front of me

Speaking words of wisdom, let it be…

Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be…

Whisper words of wisdom, let it be…

Heheheheh. And I screamed and cheered when they did “So Good”.

We’re gonna be so good

Like I knew we would

Like only we could

Come on and hear me now

Gonna be so good

Cos it’s understood

Like I knew we should

So good now, baby!

Even though the lyrics were pure nonsense hehehehe! I still loved their dance moves though, oh and yeah they were showing off their arms again hehehehe.

And then when they finally finished, I was one with the fans shrieking “Encore! Encore!!!!!” And then they come out again with “A Different Beat” and there I am cheering and screaming their names! Hehehehehe.

Omigod. Sooooo crazy!!!! Hehehehehe. And then Channel V reran it over and over and over. And I didn’t stop watching, I swear!!!!!!! And that’s why I didn’t sleep the whole night until the next day when they finally started showing their regular eps.

Hahahah, gosh, I was so crazy.

Migod. And they’re back! And they’re hottt!!! (Well, okayyy maybe not so much anymore hehehe.) Lookie at these new pics!!! They’re making a comeback and going on a tour and everything! Omigod omigod omigod! Heheheh!

They’re nekkkidddd! Omigod omigod! Hahahaha! Were were these pics when ten years ago???? Heheheh wow is this real??? I think it’s Photoshop hehehehe. Looking damn fine, though! Hehehehe! Nekkid Keith! Nekkid Stephen! Nekkid Ronan! Nekkid Mikey! and Nekkid whats-his-name. Oh Shane. Right. Like my friend Brian’s boyfriend. Hehehehe. Oh. Now I regret making that comparison. Hahahahaha!

Stephen! What is that female butt doing behind you??? Didn’t you already come out years ago??? I should’ve guessed, when you were asked what you wanted most in life and you said you wanted to sing a Disney song. Hahahahahaha. And all those high notes of yours. But, really, you did a great job in Hercules. (He sang “Shooting Star”.) Hehehe. I still love you. Now only like a sister, though. Hehehehe.

Whooo! Ronan I’ve never seen you this nekkid before. Oh right. I just saw you in a hat and nothing else two pictures ago. Heheheheh. Wow I didn’t know all this lay underneath your clothes. Hehehehehe. He was so dreamy in the vid for “A Different Beat”. You should Youtube it.

Okay this looks awkward. Hehehehe. What does Yvonne think of this??? And your babies!! Honey, you look like you need less tight pants, too. Just saying… Hehehehehehe.

Hot! Keith isn’t my fave boy but he looks way hotter than everyone else right now hahahahah.

Don’t they look cuter covered up? Hehehehehe.

Okay now let’s have a giggle and look at some old pics. Gosh I had to search and search for these. Back in high school when the Internet was still new and nobody had blogs yet and everybody had a website in either Tripod or Geocities (hehehe) there were soooo many Boyzone websites! We even had these “rings” of websites affiliated with Boyzone and we’d be emailing each other Boyzone stuff and all. And there were “zines” which was like the beginning of social networking I guess heheheh. I’d download all these scanned pics of Boyzone (‘coz nobody had digital cams then and so everyone would just scan from mags and post the pics online, complete with that plaid pattern that comes with scanning at too high a resolution hehehe).

Ahahahahahahahah!!! Awww. Haha. Hay. Don’t they look so clean and sweet here? Hehehehe, they made all the girls fall in love! Especially Stephen with those puppy dog eyes and small feminine face. Hahaha. Ayayayay. And Ronan, so cute and dreamy. Heheheh. And the backups singers. Hehehe just kidding. I’ll always remember Mikey’s birthday! Because it’s the same as mine! Hehehe!

Hmmm, I think this is in their “A Different Beat” days. They look a bit older, but just the right age. Not too preppy, not geeky, just casual and hot. Hehehehe. But why does Shane look like he wants to rape me or something? Nooooo!!!!! Hahahahaha. I never really liked that guy. Creepy. Hehehe. And I don’t think he sang ANYthing except for back-up melodies. Really. Keith had those few moments of British rapping or he would do those conversation parts in the song. Hehehe. “Weeks. Hours. Minutes.” Hahaha. And Ronan and Stephen let Mikey sing a whole song too! It wasn’t made into a single though. And I forget now what it was. Heheheh. But poor Shane, I don’t think he got a break. Maybe that’s why he looks so surly. Heheheh.

Hahahahah! This is so “Love Me for a Reason” time. Have you watched that vid? It is THE most corny vid ever! Hehehe. I used to cringe whenever I saw it (though at the same time tried to shake the cringe off and sing along at the top of my lungs hehehe). I can tell from Ronan’s geeky haircut. See, that’s why I initially like Stephen. Ronan looked like a nerd!!! Hehehe. He sure grew up nice though. Hehehe.

Here, see. Ronan’s all manly man. This is from… hmmm… Could it be “Isn’t it a Wonder”??? Was that the song title? I’m not sure. I think not. But hey, Ronan’s supposed to be wearing the sleeveless top not Keith! Maybe I’m wrong… Oh but I remember this is one of the vids where I sooo fell in love with Ronan. Heehee. Perfectly dreamy.

Gosh. Memories, memories. There are geekier pics of them, too bad I can’t find them anymore. Hehehe.

I am soooo excited for their comeback! They’ll be touring and stuff! Whooh! Hope they got some new sounds! Accckkk! Still can’t believe it. Hehehehe.

For more info:

*Boyzone mania ensues*

*Runs to gorge Youtub vids!*

Tags: Detoxins, GeoCities, High School

2009 Japanese Government Scholarships Open

Flisha — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 08:58:00 +0000

I know two people who have just received the 2008 Monbusho Award, and they both are now in Nara Institute of Science and Technology (NAIST), the very same gakko (school) I visited just last March.

One is my former professor from the Ateneo de Zamboanga University, Ms. Erlyn Manguilimotan. I remember she was applying for the Monbusho award last year just as I was applying for my Masters in Ateneo de Manila University. I am so happy that she finally got her dream, she was accepted at NAIST (Computational Linguistics Lab, wow!) and is now undergoing Japanese language training at Osaka before heading on to her PhD at NAIST.

The other person is Eng (I forgot her last name) from the Ateneo de Manila University. I met her very briefly a few months back when I was visiting the Engineering department because I was interested in doing a collaboration with them for my thesis project. She is also at NAIST, under Professor Minato (Biomedical Imaging and Informatics).

The Monbusho Scholarship is again open for Filipino applicants. There are 6 kinds of scholarships:

Teacher Training Scholarship

open to teachers (elementary / high school) or academic staff/members at a teacher training institution

must be under 35 years of age and have at least 5 years of experience

Japanese Studies Scholarship

1-year period of studying Japanese language, life and culture

must be between 18 to 29 years of age and at least in their 3rd year of majoring in Japanese Studies

Undergraduate Scholarship

undergraduate-level studies in humanities, natural sciences or social sciences

must be between 17 to 21 years of age (as of April 1, 2009)

Research Scholarship (may lead to a Master’s degree or a Ph.D.)

research in a field related to what was previously studied within the scope of humanities, natural sciences or social sciences

must be under 35 years of age

Professional Training School (Senshu-Gakko) Scholarship

3-year non-degree program at a Japanese vocational school in the following fields: Civil Engineering, Architecture, Electrical Engineering, Electronics, Telecommunications, Nutrition, Infant Education, Secretarial Studies, Hotel Management, Tourism, Fashion / Dressmaking, Design, Photography, etc.

must be between 17 to 21 years of age

College of Technology Scholarship

4-year non-degree program at a Japanese school in one of the following fields: Mechanical Engineering; Electrical and Electronic Engineering; Information, Communication and Network Engineering; Materials Engineering; Architecture and Civil Engineering; Maritime Engineering; etc.

must be between 17 to 21 years of age

© Flisha for Random Detox, 2008. | Permalink | No comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: High School, Japan, Manila, p1, Zamboanga

Tags: Academics, High School, Japan, Japan, Manila, p1, Zamboanga

My Friends and I

Flisha — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 12:15:00 +0000

Detox Tip #8: Unwind with friends.

My barkada and I went out for dinner and drinks last night. We had an enormously good time – even if we all we did was sit, eat and talk about Brian. Hehehe. I’ll blog about that some other time, but for now I just want to display pictures of my friends. The last time I waxed sentimental about my friends, I showed horrible old pictures of us. This time, I’ll not wax anything anymore, I’ll just show their pictures.

This is Donnel – famous in high school for his (overcoming) stutters; infamous for his senior year love triangle with *beep* and *beep*. Hehehe.

This is Raquel – famous in high school for her grades and good looks; infamous for dating AJ. (Hehehe!)

This is Jotie – famous in high school for his sassy humor; infamous for … his sassy humor, I guess. Hehehe.

This is Chris, my bestest friend of all – famous in high school for his friendliness and perfectly well-kept spaces; infamous for his many fastfood-nicknamed (boy) crushes.

This is me, famous for my love of boy bands (Ronan, how could you forsake me?!?); infamous for my (often tragic) journalistic attempts and apparently, (as my supposedly best friends informed me over laughter and lattes) my many (painful) connections with the floor.

We were just missing two – Brian, who’s on vacation in Pagadian, and Katrina, who’s probably never coming home (but is in HongKong, as of the moment). But it was hilariously fun, anyways. We even made a decision to meet up in Manila in two months – and got the tickets too! There’s no going back!!!

For more pictures of our first get-together of the year, visit this link.

Tags: High School, Manila, Personal

Spending Christmas Eve with Gim

Flisha — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 15:11:00 +0000

Detox Tip #7: Shrug off all your worries and learn to be thankful.

Gim got off hospital duty early on Christmas eve, yay for me! His schedule is very hectic these days. He works every day, in three-day segments. On the first day, he has a 36-hour shift starting around 7am, which of course lasts onto the next day, and he’s off at around 3 or 4pm, if he’s lucky. He gets to sleep that evening, and the very next day he starts at 7am again for a 12-hour shift, which ends at 5 or 6pm, again, if he’s lucky. And the next day, the cycle starts all over again. I get to see him so sporadically.

On the 24th, he had just gotten off his 36-hour shift, so we were able to attend evening mass at the Sacred Heart chapel in Ateneo. It’s our Christmas eve ritual, we always go to mass. Lest you think I’m a religious girl, it’s been eons ago since I attended mass regularly. In grade school and high school, I used to attend mass every morning, with my friends. In grade school, because our Religion teacher would always give us a quiz every morning, asking us what the officiating priest’s homily was about, or what the response psalm of the day was. Hehehe. I hated those quizzes. I was almost always late to school. In high school, arriving early to attend mass became a habit. Not because I liked to go to mass; it had more to do with my closest friends’ liking to go to morning mass. Hehe. And I did so like my friends. I remember enjoying sunrises at the backfield with Chris and Don, especially on one of my birthdays… I miss those days. Anyways, in my first year of college, I tried vainly to maintain that habit. But with Chris gone to WMSU and Donnel not always attending mass either, I lost the wanting. Ever since, I haven’t gone to mass regularly, if at all. When I met Gim, he was very religious. Attending mass every Sunday, and serving at the altar most mornings. I’m afraid, due to my influence, and of course MedSchool!, his appetite for religious ceremony has waned. He, however, has managed to force me to attend mass at least three or four times a year, most notably on Christmas’ eve, New Year’s eve, Easter Sunday and his birthday (not mine, because on that day, we get to do what I want, which rarely calls for a Church visit, hehe).

Hmm, I’ve gone off topic. Hehe. Anyways. Before going to mass, we exchanged gifts. I got him a silver bracelet (well actually, it was stainless steel hehe) and a cute polo shirt which he had received earlier. He got me a lot of different things, which I’ve previously mentioned: a pair of earphones, a shoulder bag and three pretty bracelets.

After the mass, we went home. I was expecting noche buena, and I kind of (I am shameful to admit) threw a fit because my family had *finished* it. To be fair, there was very little of it in the first place. To console me, Gim cooked for me ham and egg. *sigh* I miss those days when my dad was still alive. We’d always have food on the table during the holidays, all day long until the very next day. We’d all eat together on the table at dinnertime, or lunchtime, every day (not just the holidays). The house would be lighted up with parols, Christmas ornaments and Christmas lights. There would be lots of picture-taking, story-telling, gift-giving… It seems, with the passing of my father, those little joys have passed on as well. These days, the members of my family eat whenever time they want. Gifts are given rarely. The only Christmas ornament is the Christmas tree, and that was put up at the late date of December 24 this year. And there is no more picture-taking or story-telling… All of it is sad, really. So I envy greatly families that are still intact, and hope fervently, that I get my own family and my own home as soon as I can. A few more years, Gim and I always say. By 2009, we’ll both have graduated. He has another year to go for his internship and licensure exams. By 2010, he’ll be a doctor. Maybe by 2011, after a year of saving up, we can get married. Or maybe earlier. I look forward to that day.

I sound like everything is bad right now. That’s not the case. On the contrary, everything is becoming better. Though Gim and I are not often together these days, with me living in Manila and him in Zamboanga – we’re both happy that we are moving forward with our lives. He’s becoming a doctor, and I am studying for my Masters degree in the school that I had always wanted to go to for a long, long time. We’re calling this our state of delayed gratification – both of us allowing this meantime suffering (that of being apart) to achieve a greater good (financial stability for the realization of our lifelong dream – get rich and get married, hehehe). Financially, we’re less broke. We’ve paid off our dear old Pao. Wow I just realized I had blogged that, I haven’t realized I’ve been blogging for so long! We’ve been able to buy the gadgets we’ve been lusting for, for so long – me a laptop and a digicam (and an air conditioner for my room hehe), him a camphone. We even have postpaid lines now. Also, I am on better terms with my family. Things were much, much different a year or two ago. Much worse off. (I only blog about happy things hehe.)

So I’m very thankful, for my life. And though I am not religious, I do believe in God. And am thankful, for His many blessings. (And Gim makes me pray before I eat.)

Here are some pics we took on Christmas eve:

Me opening a present from Gim. “Gimgim, these aren’t the chipipay earphones I asked for, are they???” I was just joking when I asked for earphones, and I was dismayed to find that’s what he gave (not chipipay though) ! But he was just teasing me! His real present was the bag, and the bracelets, and a belt. *chagrined*

Posing in front of our Christmas tree. With the bag. Heehee. Melisse, Gim and I put up the tree and the lights. It looked so forlorn, without ornaments, because our dogs ate them. No, really. Thankfully my mom and/or Trisha added the poinsettias.

Gim’s turn. Doesn’t he look sexy in that shirt? No, that’s not the one I bought, unfortunately. Mine looks much better! *sticks tongue out*

Gim thoughtfully posing with the bracelet I gave him. I feel so chipipay I only had one present to give. To my defense though, I gave him a lot of pasalubong presents like chocolates, a polo shirt, a back scratcher, a travelling pillow and a sleeping eye mask. Er… yeah.

“Stop taking pictures of me!” Oh, I am not the paparazzi, you dolt! Hee, kidding lang, Gimpooch!

Oh! Now I remember why I was so upset when I got home. Chris had texted me during the mass that Donnel was in the hospital, and that it was an emergency, we should visit him. Gim and I rushed to the hospital right after mass, fearing for Donnel’s safety. When we got there, he was comfortably lying on the bed, everything seemingly alright, and the rest of my friends sitting around him, chatting as though nothing was the matter. I asked twice what was wrong with him, and they could not say. It turns out he was simply feeling under the weather and they were having tests done to see what was the matter. And that was an emergency, Chris??? Hmmpppfff! (Serves me right for not having called to check first.) Anyway, we stayed there around 30 minutes to chitchat and take a few pics, and it was around 11.30pm or later by this time and Gim and I hadn’t had anything to eat since lunch… Well, you can see how hungry we were when we got home. But anyways, it was fun to see Donnel at least once this holiday season, even if it was in a hospital.

For more of my holiday pics, click here. Happy New Year!!!

© Flisha for Random Detox, 2008. | Permalink | No comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: High School, Holidays, Manila, Zamboanga

Tags: High School, Holidays, Manila, Personal, Tips, Zamboanga

Counting My Luck

Flisha — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 07:10:00 +0000

Urgh I’ve had a rash of bad luck lately.

Right before coming home from Manila I broke my eyeglasses so I’ve been abusing my contact lenses by wearing them all day resulting in eye strain and headaches.

Last week I attended a Christmas party and ended up losing my ATM along with P1000 worth of cash. Ouch.

Today I’m down with the flu. I wasn’t able to attend my high school reunion last night at Antonio’s and I probably won’t be able to make it to Sta. Cruz Island tomorrow. Huhuhu.

But I’m trying to cheer myself up by posting this pic of me on the 24th, busily unwrapping presents from Gim and putting on my new bracelets. He gave me three bracelets, a shoulder bag and a pair of earphones to replace the ones that recently broke. He’s such a sweetie.

I’m hoping my streak of bad luck has ended, beginning with my recent P300 win at Auction.ph. They’ve got another giveaway, this time the prizes are these:

Creative 2.1 Subwoofer System
Php2,000 Gift Certificate on any Nokia Stores
Shell-Ferrari Model Cars
Apacer USB 2.0 Drive
20 pcs. Auction.PH T-Shirts
2 accounts for 1-year Free 1GB Hosting and Domain

I definitely want that Nokia gift certificate! I’ve been meaning to buy a new cellphone, since a Sun Cellular cell site has just been built right beside our house! Yay, a good signal from Sun, finally!

So what are you waiting for? Go join that contest!

© Flisha for Random Detox, 2007. | Permalink | No comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: High School, Hosting, Manila, p1

Tags: Free Stuff, High School, Hosting, Manila, p1