Martes, Marso 25, 2014

XO

"I am an island and you're the lone coconut tree that survived the salty waters, the coarse sand, the angry waves, and the unforgiving heat. I am an island and you grew on me." - J. Kuizon/12102012

Jake and I met while he was on his way back to the city after vacationing with his college friends in my hometown. We shared the same ride back to Manila, and due to an amazing twist of fate, got stuck in a situation that led us to engage in a conversation. First thing I noticed: he was funny. We exchanged names not numbers, and parted ways when the bus stopped in Cubao. He found me through the wonders of the Internet and we started dating when he showed up in my workplace carrying a box of six glazed donuts. I like food, he likes spontaneity. (Huwag mo akong daanin sa pagkain, nadadaan ako dyan. -Kuizon, 2012)


It’s been more than a year since Jake and I officially became a couple, and we've done our fair share of adventures and misadventures since then. He is a traveler and has been to a couple of places. I try to do a little traveling here and there as well. We're (almost) polar opposites. He's organized, I'm the hit-and-miss type. He's the let's-try-this-thing-it-might-get-us-killed-but-whatever type and I'm the no-I-don't-want-my-face-to-be-broken-due-to-stupidity kind. He's a Math genius (I'm not even kidding) and I'm, well, let's not talk about Math, okay? (He has offered to teach me Mathematics OMG I'm dying he's so sweet. Lol, no.) He likes kids, me, not so much. The list goes on an on. It's basically like this: I'm the round peg and he's the square hole.

It's a wonder that we were able to stay in this relationship longer than what most people would have expected due to the obvious differences. Maybe it's because we surprise each other. We present a different perspective to each other every time --whether it be about life, work, preferences, everything. It's great when two people have the same inclinations, because there's less conflict, there's less decision-making. But I love our little mismatched team. It makes fighting for what we have harder but worth it, so worth it. 

We get into fights. But it's all part of the deal, I guess, considering the fact that he's my first boyfriend and this is my first ever relationship. I didn't have any practice! We both aren't perfect, but we try to be the best we can be for each other.

I used to be the girl who has her own weird standards. What might be cool for other people may not be cool for me. Meeting him changed that. Who would have thought that once in my life I will be spending an afternoon listening to Gloc9, singing Sirena on top of my lungs? None. Not even myself. But it happened and it was silly. But ultimately it was fun, because he didn't just surprise me, I surprised myself. Word of advice to girls who are looking for their significant other: find someone who will bring out the person in you that you didn't think existed. (Wag lang yung mamamatay tao persona mo, pag ganun, hiwalayan mo na yan, girl.) 

One thing I'm proud of of our relationship is that Jake gets along with my family so well. He met Nanay and she liked him and it meant the world to me because my mother was a hard woman to please. She might not be here anymore but I know that she's looking down on us, shaking her head whenever we're fighting. Hehe. Jake's family has always been so nice and welcoming, and I'm grateful for that. I really am.

We still have a long way to go in this roller coaster ride and who knows what will eventually happen. But I know that if ever I'll be afraid, he'll always hold me tight, and if ever he'll want to vomit, I'll hand him the plastic bag. It'll be always like that, and it gives me the all the comfort that I'll ever need. 

Jake and I met on a rainy day. It was the best rainy day ever.




PS. I don't usually write lovey dovey boyfriend stuff but it's my blog so, yeah. 

Lunes, Marso 24, 2014

Life's a Beach (Yes, I'm Writing Again)

I know, I know. I haven't blogged since the age of the dinosaurs. I got busy with a lot of things, and last year was a tough year. It's just now that I am starting to get back on track. I recently (read: yesterday) got hired for a new job, it's for a nice company in Makati; I'm officially a Makati City girl now. God, I used to hate that place. It's like a maze, always making me feel like I'm Alice trying to get out of Wonderland. How? Via a really pricey cab. Gotta hustle though, and Makati is the ~concrete jungle where dreams are made of~ here in the Philippines. Need to toughen it up and leave behind the geographically-challenged girl in me.

Okay, back to business. A couple of days left and we'll be officially welcoming Summer 2014. April and May -- the months beach lovers and sun worshipers like me look forward to every year. Tan lines 4ever. Weather in Manila is going bipolar lately. It rained yesterday and I heard that it's also pouring in Aurora. What is up with that, gods of sunshine, soft breeze, and halo-halo? Beach trips are already planned, flights already booked, road trips are in the works, summer outfits have been purchased, and fats have been shed. We need our dose of sun, stat! 

I consider myself lucky because I live in a country where every corner has a pristine seaside gem waiting to be visited. Even my own province has its fair share of amazing spots, and I dream to visit each and every one of them. On the other hand, I consider myself unlucky because I live in a country where the price of visiting some of the said gems is worth a month's rent. Sometimes, more expensive. So many destinations, so little time (and money.) 

I usually daydream of becoming a travel writer, jumping from place to place, experiencing cultures and learning the definition of beauty through people, food, and life. Earning money while doing what majority of my age group want to do. Documenting how spectacular a place is through words. Ahhhh, I want to be a travel writer when I grow up. It's like living summer every day, every freaking day. (Sorry, I'm a big fan of the season, here are the reasons why.)

I went to the beach last weekend with Neng. She's one of my favorite people in this planet and it's always fun trying new adventures with her. We left Manila at dawn and came back to the city just around dinner time. It was spontaneous, it was fun. I can't remember the last time we went beaching together but it was funny seeing that we still have the same travel staples: a pair of sunnies, comfy bikinis, a book, and a sarong which is very useful for random shenanigans under the sun. 


To never losing our wild streak.

She's busy with her own stuff and I'm busy with mine but a getaway like this makes me thankful that I have a friend like her. A friend who I can send a message in the middle of the night asking to come with me to the beach the following day and comes with me without hesitation. (Even if she's saving up for a bigger adventure the following week.) Thank you, Natalie Jane. 

It's so funny that I have decided to write again. Sorry for the lack of consistency in this entry. It's like a collage of random thoughts. I'm sorry, I haven't blogged in a while. I will try to write a better entry next time. 





Summer forever!!!

Martes, Oktubre 30, 2012

KOI NO YOKAN

Koi No Yokan is a Japanese term for the sense upon meeting a person that the two of you are going to fall in love.

It is also the name of Deftones' new album that will be out this November. The band has already released three singles -- "Leathers" which was up for free download on their website, "Tempest," and the latest, "Rosemary."



I think Rosemary is the "Sextape" of this record. They have the same effect. Okay enough blabbing, just listen and fall in love please.



Lord bring them back to Manila please I am begging you.

Tiffany & Co.

So one of my best friends, Tiffany, got married over the weekend.


Valerie, the bridesmaid, Tiffany, Erwin, and Francis, Valerie's husband.
I love you Valerie!


Best friends since high school. 


Trolling.


Ze lucky guy.


It was fun. It was crazy. It was Tiffany's wedding.


I should get married soon. Uhmm nope.


Yes, cute.




Was hanging out at the back eating cake. Yep, I was that enthusiastic to catch the bouquet.


My beautiful beautiful friends.


The bride getting teary-eyed and emotional. "Thank you Erwin kasi umattend ka." referring to her groom. 


Happy friends.

I think I need to get married soon. Any takers? OF COURSE I'M KIDDING.

Unmarried people, better read this. :)

Sabado, Oktubre 13, 2012

An open letter to Craig Anderson

Dear Craig Anderson,

I first saw your half-naked beauty on Tumblr in one of the posts of that account about surfers/surfing/the beach I follow. I am a sucker for messy hair and shy smiles, btw. Your abs, uhmm they're okay. Your name wasn't in the post so I patiently browsed more than three thousand notes just to see if one of them has your name. Luckily, I found a comment saying that your name is Ando. Not that helpful really, because I had to Google "Ando surfer" just to know your real name. And your birthday. And your height. I read somewhere that you're just 5"9? Perfect! Not that tall. You won't date someone taller than you, right? Au revoir supermodels! Not-so-tall girls celebrate! 


I was quite disappointed when I learned that your Facebook is full and you don't  have Twitter. Try Twitter, you'll enjoy it, I swear. I saw your old Myspace and Ebay, too. Useless. Until I tried my luck with Instagram and there was your page in its hipster glory, ready to be stalked filtered photos and all. Too bad you don't post that many pictures of yourself. Just places you've been to and weird shit and cool stuff like that owl sitting on a bench which you described as your new friend. Oh and you like cats. You like cats! I love cats. Isn't this the universe telling us that we should be together?


Now let's talk about your surfing. Okay so I don't know shit about surfing but I love the beach so if ever we get married, you can surf while I get a sexy tan. Don't worry I'll be watching you the whole time. I'm kidding. I'm not the marrying type. I live in a country with lots of surf points, though. Try visiting the Philippines and see for yourself. I can even be your tour guide. For free!


If those above aren't creepy enough, I also hounded YouTube for videos of you. Surfing ones and interviews. This one's my favorite. You amazing you. 


One last thing, you should ditch the grandpa clothes and try dressing up nicely. Or not. You'll still look good anyway. Nevermind. Dress the way you like. Or don't dress at all. That would be better. I wonder if you smell good. I hope you smell good. 


There's a one in a bajillion chances that you will stumble upon this blog and read this so if ever that happens, please don't take this seriously. It's Sunday here in the Philippines and the weather is nice outside and it inspired me to write this. The weather made me do it.


Think about that offer about visiting the Philippines. 


Love,

Joaz

PS. I am also obsessed with Brandon Boyd and Tom Hiddleston. Don't feel too special.


--

SUNDAY CREEPY SUNDAY.

Biyernes, Oktubre 12, 2012

LIVE

The first ever concert I watched was a Rivermaya gig. I was in fourth grade, I think. All I can remember is that Bamboo was drinking lots of water during the whole thing and the crowd went insanely wild when they played Hinahanaphanap Kita.

When I was in high school, the closest thing to a real concert I have experienced were the parties thrown by our school. Riot of bad sound systems, awful programs, and local teen boys playing Slapshock, Cheese, and Greyhoundz covers. By the way, one of those teen boys is my brother.

College was a blur of underground band gigs. Attended a Sepultura concert, too.

When I started working, I got to watch three international bands: Arch Enemy, Deftones, and Incubus. The Killers, almost.

The music, the adrenaline, the screaming, the sweat, the mess. That special kind of high. Shouting "oh my god" and "fuck it, this is really happening!" Nothing beats watching a band play live. It's the only time you can punish your vocal chords and feel delighted and giddy the day after. You can't utter a word but you also can't stop grinning and humming like an idiot.

The Philippines is rarely visited by foreign musicians I actually like. So here I am bored out of my wits listing down the bands I want to see live.

RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE



They say rap-metal is dead but I don't care what crap other people say and I wouldn't miss an RATM concert even if I have to sell one eye for a ticket. This article got me excited.

STING (and THE POLICE, hopefully)



They might be old but their music is ageless. It might be impossible for them to reform and make records but at least one of them is still active. Speaking of which, Sting is coming to Manila on December 9 for his Back To Bass Tour! Tickets cost fucking insane though. More deets here.

M83



If you like indie-electronica then you have probably heard of M83. If you haven't, just watch the video above and understand why I want to see them live. Better if I have a few friends with me who are willing to dance it all out and go batshit cray.

PHOENIX

There's something about French bands. Especially this one. They all look like overall nice dudes and I can imagine the event to be extra chill and laid-back.



WOLFGANG



Yes, because I haven't seen them play live. 

BLOC PARTY



Dear Bloc Party, Now that you're back together please visit the Philippines and let us experience live music from you. We're a tiny country, yes, but you have lots of fans here, I swear. You can have the concert in a small auditorium to make things intimate something like that Toe concert I didn't attend. Love, Joaz.

Part 1 of the very long list. Sorry for a month of not updating this baby. 

Lunes, Agosto 27, 2012

Cafe Cristina: Homey. Cozy. Yummy.

I always hear my sister mention Cafe Cristina. It's where she and Neng usually hang out to study. Conveniently located along Marcos Highway, the place is homey and cozy with earth-colored interiors, adorable mismatched decors, good food, and friendly staff. 




Took the corner seat where I can observe everyone.

Crispy Pork Chop
Breakfast ala Cubana 
Pork Tocino
Toffee Fudge Cake
Chocolate Cookie
Neng's White Chocolate drink is yummy.
Cheeseburger and chips.
Big-ass tuna pie.
The ambiance is nice and the food is perfect. The only problem I have with this place is the music they play. I was expecting Au Revoir Simone or The National but they're playing Sitti.

Anyway, I have made up my mind that I'm gonna regularly visit this place. Too bad they don't have a Facebook fan page. Here's the map instead.