Huna-Huna ni Jory

Saturday, May 02, 2009

PHOTOGRAPHER TO THE BEAUTY QUEENS
My life's been busy as a photographer to the beauty queens. My so called affair with the beauties started way back 2005 when I was the correspondent for the website www.opmb.com for the Miss Earth. When I came back from NY, I became one of the official photographers for the website because of my Canon SLR. And I'm loving it now because I get paid and I get to meet the beauties and be friends with them. Here is a sample of my photo.

for more photos visit www.opmbworldwide.com

jory 10:02 PM
0 comments

Sunday, February 08, 2009
I HATE THIS PART...
Wow! I haven't written in this blog for a long long time. I don't know why I stopped updating. It's just that things are not well with my life. I don't have the inspiration to write. Or I just deny the fact that drama is a part of life. Although there are so many happy thing I have to mention like working in Oracle and winning the samba dance at our Xmas party, Miss Earth 2008 experience, my happy and exciting love life, and my loving friends. There's is no push for me to write. I just hate this part when there's drama in my own life. It's so not me.

I hate to write about this. But it's a fact of life. I need to accept it.

It's all about my dad. My dad had a stroke last November 11, 2008. The right part of his body is paralyzed. He had to undergo brain surgery and had to stay in the hospital for two months. I am very thankful that he is safe and is now recovering at home. I am also thankful for Oracle for the insurance they have for my dependents, my parents. Though the insurance covered 500 thousand, it was not enough to cover all the hospital bills.

Where to find the money to pay for the hospital bills? That is the question. A very big question. We have to raise another 500 thousand to pay for the doctors' fee and the rest of the hospital bills.

The pressure is on me. Though all of us are trying to look for the money, I know I will the only one the pay for it in the future. Mom even said to me: Let's ask your aunt and tell her that you're gonna pay her 10 thousand a month. So that's it. I'm gonna be the one paying for it.

This post is so not me. But that's the fact of life. Life wouldn't be sweet if not for the problems.

I'm praying hard that this will pass soon. I know God wouldn't leave us in this trial.

To all my friends who supported my, my sincerest thank you from the bottom of my heart. To my beloved, thanks for standing by me through all this. To my family, we'll be together in this trial for our beloved Jose Rivera Sr.

Any idea where to get money? LOTTO, perhaps?

jory 10:52 PM
4 comments

Friday, September 19, 2008
I'M BACK!!!
It's been 6 months since my last entry here in my blog. Wow! It's been a while. Sooo long... Many things happened... So many stories to tell... But I don't have the time to tell them all...

What I'm gonna tell is that I'm back to reality. WORK. I'm happy I have a job now. Actually, a nice-paying job with ORACLE Philippines. Thanks to my friend Eloise for submitting my resume here. I actually had my phone interviews with the manager when I was still in New York. So that was in March but I started with the company September 1. I love it here in Oracle. My teammates are really nice: Precy, Mariel, Nick, Liezel, Perci, Fiel, Roy and Ms. Weng(my manager). There's free flowing juice in the pantry, biscuits in the afternoon, fruits on Tuesdays and chips on Fridays. So far things are good here in Oracle.

But I'm actually blogging now because I miss NEW YORK! My life in New York! Everytime I see anything about NY, it makes me smile. I've lived there for 18 motnhs. It's been a part of my life. I miss my AIESEC friens, my PWC friends and my Filipino community in NYC. The exciting city! Someday, I'll be back in NYC!

To all my friends, JORY IS BACK WITH REVENGE!!! So wait for my posts...

jory 9:40 AM
4 comments

Monday, March 17, 2008
I Heart New York!
Time flies fast. So fast, indeed. My New York life in 18 months. Wow! It's hard to believe. It seems like yesterday when I arrived JFK. And in three weeks, I'll be back in the Philippines.

It's sad to leave New York. My friends. My PWC officemates. My AIESEC family. My cousin Kae. My 7 Train to Times Square. My E train to World Trade Center. My PATH train to Exchange Place. My sofa bed in Apartment 3A. My PWC cubicle. My PWC volleyball team. My dance student Helen. My math student Monte. My housemates Eding, Nelfa, Belen, Sely and Mommy Pen. My Opol people. My cousin Kae. My WESTERN UNION money transfers every payday. My broadway musicals, ballet and opera.

New York. New York. What a great city.

My life in New York has taught me so much and I know I've done so much in life. Supporting my family financially. Travelling around the country. Being able to buy the techy gadgets. Experiencing corporate America. Making new friends. Surviving New York. Building a new house for my family.

Probably the most productive 18 months I've had. What an accomplishment. So much stories to tell. So much memories to cherish.

I lurrrrrrrvessssssss New York!

jory 6:24 AM
5 comments

Friday, February 15, 2008
More shopping madness, Power dressing for Valentines, Losing 10 lbs and Becoming Vegetarian
I didn't go to work yesterday because the train to work wasn't running. I got bored. So bored. Good thing Tetel is on a day-off. Thus, we decided to go shopping. The good thing too is I get my refund from New York. Yahoo. So off I went shopping. Like CRAZY. AGAIN!!! For yesterday, I bought one CK sneakers (white with black stripes), one COLE HANN top-siders, one Calvin Klein belt and two Banana Republic dress pants. What's with the brand name craze?!?! But hey, I deserve these. I've worked hard and sent half of my earnings to my family. It's high time to buy something for myself! What a poor excuse. LOL!

So in two weeks, I have 4 pairs of shoes, 4 dress pants, 1 belt and 3 dress shirts. That's the craziest two weeks I've ever had. Define splurging!!! LOL!

And since it's Valentine's day. And I don't have a date. I decided to dress up. For the love of myself. LOL! I love the pants. It fits me well. And to my surprise, it's a 30. I used to wear 32. More surpise, I can fit in small size for shirts. WOW! The 10 pounds I lost was more than I expected.

FYI, I'm trying to be vegetarian. The word is trying. Since i've been used to eating meat, I can't help but crave sometimes. But I'm doing good. Really Good.

Here's the pic. Now tell me what you think?

jory 2:05 AM
2 comments

Monday, February 11, 2008
Shopping like CRAZYYYYYY!!!!
It must have been the influence of Carrie from Sex & the City. I've been watching the episodes lately. And in this particular episode Carrie bought a Dolce & Gabbana shoe. In my mind, I've never had any designer shoe. So last Monday, off I went to Macy's and bought a Calvin Klein boots and Stacy Adams office shoe.

But then I thought, I should buy some nice dress pants and shirts. Thank God for my talent. I had some extra cash from teaching dance last night. Early today, I went shopping like crazya and fitting different pants and shirts. I went home with two dress pants (GAP and Banana Republic) and three dress shirts (two Banana Republic and one GAP). Wow! Five pieces.

Never mind the cost. But hey, it looks good on me. I feel so empowered. Yahoo!!! Thanks to Carrie!

jory 2:22 AM
2 comments

Saturday, January 05, 2008
THE YEAR THAT WAS (2007)
One whole year of being away from the Philippines. Whheeewww! I never thought I'd survive America. So what were the highlights of year 2007?

Travel: Chicago, Washington, Baltimore, Philadelphia, Tennessee, Wisconsin

Sideline jobs: tutoring Math for Monte, teaching ballroom dance to Helen, singing during Filipino parties, dance partner during sweet 16 parties

People: My PWC Volleyball Team (Dena, Mike, Twins, Stafford, Ray, Safiya, Clement, Michelle), PWC Officemates (Dao, Zen, Angie, John, Cristina, Jenny, Rodney, Kerstine, Mpai, Chris, Sia, Karen), Opol Residents Organization, Filipino Friends (Jonner, Vince, BLD, SDA People), AIESEC (Danielle, Sarah, Stephen, Leo, Costa), New Yorker Friends (Jonas, Ian, Binh and Klaressa),

Housemates: Tetel, Belen, Eding, Nelfa, Mommy Pen

Sending money: I still have my Western Union receipts with me. I don't want to sum it up anymore. I know I sent a big amount of money to my family this year alone. WOW!

Gadgets: I think this year is, by far, the best for me in terms of acquiring Techy gadgets. I have an 30G Ipod Video, Sony PSP, Apple MacBook and Canon 10 MP Digital SLR. Yahoo!!!

Special people: Kae, my cousin and the queen bitch. She has been my everyday companion to the gym. I miss her cuz she moved out of the apartment. I miss being random and crazy with her. My boyfriend. It's been another year with you. Thanks for holding on. We may be miles away but we managed and survived the relationship. I LOVE YOU!

I'm looking forward to 2008. What are my plans? Build a new house for my family. Wow! I couldn't believe it. I'd saved enough money to make a new one for them. Get a new job. I'll be back in the Philippines by April. As soon as I'm done with my vacation, I have to start looking for work (God knows what's best for me. In tagalog, Bahala ka na LORD.)

I'm thankful that 2007 has been a good year for me. Hope 2008 will be better.

jory 4:30 AM
1 comments

Saturday, December 15, 2007
MY PWC FAMILY

PWC GEMS Team

PWC New York Volleyball Team

jory 4:32 AM
0 comments

Thursday, November 29, 2007
AIESEC GLOBAL VILLAGE 2007
my Philippines Booth (Thanks to Dept. of Tourism for the posters)

with other participants

jory 2:56 AM
1 comments

Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Thanksgiving Day Parade
It was my first time to see the Macy's parade. It was fun. Saw some famous faces. Children were happy. Weather was nice. I said to myself, "I'm gonna miss New York when I go back home".

jory 4:19 AM
0 comments

Thursday, November 15, 2007
Mamang Pulis, Wag Po... Wag Po...
I was on my way home after going around the city. I took the train and it was past 12 midnight. Since the train was almost empty and I was tired, I decided to let my feet rest on the empty seats. I closed my eyes. But a kick on my foot woke me up. It was a NYPD cop telling me to get off the train. So I got up and got off the train.

COP: You should not do that on the train. (putting my feet on the seats)
ME: Im sorry sir.
COP: Do you have an ID?
ME: Yes sir. (I pulled out my wallet and gave him my Philippine Postal ID)
COP: You don't have a New York State ID or driver's license?
ME: No. Im not a resident or American citizen. Im here on a visa.
COP: How long have you been here? And do you plan to stay here?
ME: One year. My contract will be over in 5 months and I'm going back.
COP: Where are you from?
ME: Philippines
COP: You should go to the judge the next morning and clear this out.
ME: Ok sir. (I was still calm cuz I know it was not a major offense)
COP: But I can't issue you a ticket cuz you have no valid ID.
ME: I dont bring my visa with me all the time, sir. I dont want to lose it.
COP: Did you know that I can put you to jail? (thinking I was Illegal Alien)
ME: (silence. thinking what would happen to me if I'm in jail.)
COP: So where do you live?
ME: Woodside
COP: Do you have a cellphone?
ME: Yes.
COP: Do you live alone?
ME: No. I live with my aunt.
COP: You took the train in 155th st. right?
ME: Yes sir.
COP: With a friend?
ME: Yes. (a friend brought me to the station)
COP: Ok. I'll forgive you for now. (Train arrives)
ME: Thanks sir!

I got inside the train feeling relieved. But then it crossed my mind. Why would he ask where I live? Why would he ask if I have a cellphone? Why would he ask if I live alone? Now that's weird. And to top it all, he knew what street I took the train. Hmmm... Maybe he was trying to hit on me. Police officer, you should have said it straight. I would have readily said YES. I have this weakness for guys in uniform. And he was a tall, dark and handsome guy! The more it adds to his manliness. ARRRGGG! Too late for me. I should have known earlier that that was his way of picking me up. But my mind was occupied with the thought of being inside the jail and. LOL!

Until then, officer... LOL!!!

jory 4:44 AM
4 comments

Saturday, November 03, 2007
Halloween 07: Best in Costume
Vince and I decided to join the Halloween parade in Manhattan. We met at 6 in his office. We changed there and went to the parade straight. While walking around, people were asking to take a picture with me. They were so amazed with my costume, especially the feathers. There were even two press people who interviewed me (in video). It was fun!!!

After the parade, we went to a bar in Manhattan. When we got in, the host approached me if I want to join their contest. At first I was hesitant. So I told him/her (cuz he's gay dressed in drag) that I'll think about it. We were walking around. Then another guy dressed as priest asked me to join the contest. So I thought that it wouldn't cost me anything. I approached the host, gave me my number and a free drink cuz they like my costume. There were 30+ contestants. Their costumes were really amazing. I know that prepared for it. They were dressed as ICE QUEEN, ROMAN SENATOR, GREEK SOLDIER, SNOW KING, DRAG QUEENS and a lot more. I was the FILIPINO GODDESS. Hahaha! Wearing an ethnic inspired costume. Then the contestants went on stage one by one. It was fun on stage cuz I felt like a MISS UNIVERSE contestant. Hahaha! I said, this is an experience. I was there to have fun. Then they announced the top 5. To my surprise, I was part of the top 5. WOW! I felt like a winner. The other contestants were so prepared for their costumes but were not included in the top 5. My costume was supposedly my AIESEC conference costume for the presentation about the Philippines. So we had to parade again. People had to clap for the costumes they liked. And the "intergalactic adventurers" won the contest. There costume was really fancy, complete with scepter and lights blinking in their body.

Then at 11, I decided to go home and Vince went to his friend to have dinner. I have to leave cuz I have to send money to my mom. Hahaha!!! WESTERN UNION time. hahaha!!! I dropped my stuff home and asked Peachy, my high school classmate, to accompany me. I was still wearing my costume when I went to send money. Peachy said that I can cause traffic. Then while walking, this one old lady saw me. She smiled and bowed her head. Peachy and I were surprised why and we laughed as Peachy said maybe she thinks Im a goddess. Hahaha! I sent the money and headed home. On our way back, the same old lady bowede her head again. Hahaha!

Then at 1 am, Vince and I decided to visit a local Latino bar so we can dance. This is our fave bar since it's near us and it's free. So we danced and had fun. Then all of a sudden the lights were on and a guy started talking in Spanish. And we didnt understand any word at all. Hahaha! He was talking and then grabbed me. I told him that I don't understand. He asked me where I'm from and told him Philippines. He told me that there having the costume contest. Hahaha! And Vince was dragged too to join. I was "miss Filipinas" and Vince was Britney. There were 15 contestants this time. The costumes were: ZORRO, LAS VEGAS SHOWGIRL, DRAG QUEENS, ARABIAN SHEIK and a lot more. Then we paraded again. Vince and I didn't understand any word at all cuz it was all in Spanish. But everytime he says MISS FILIPINAS, that's when I go in front to parade. Then they announced the top 3. I was part of it together with Miss ARGENTINA and Miss EGYPT. I think that Miss ARGENTINA went to this bar to win the contest. He/She was dressed as Snake Queen. Gosh, she/he had a 10 foot long stuffed snake. It was very fancy. I know she'll win that contest. Then we started to parade again. Egypt was eliminated because there were few people who clapped for him. It was between me and the snake queen. Then the host decided to break the tie. He said we're gonna dance to the Reggaeton. Hahaha! Then I showed them my moves. They were amazed with how I gyrated. The host asked me if I'm indeed FIlipino cuz I danced like a Latino. But then Miss Argentina/Snake Queen was a bit old and cant dance like me. And so I emerged the winner!!! Yahoo!!!! People came to me and asked to take pictures with me. They gave me a bottle of wine as my prize. Well, I didnt mind the prize at all. I felt happy that I won and proud of being Filipino!!!

P.S. I forgot to bring my camera that night. So I have only one picture taken by my friend during the first bar contest. I didnt have a pic when I won. Huhuhu!

jory 10:11 PM
2 comments

Friday, October 05, 2007
LOVE OR CAREER?!?!
Whoever thought that choosing between career and love is easy? I know that most people would tell me that I should take the path that will give me a good future, a stable and high-paying career. Well... Well... Well...

My manager and I had a talk regarding opportunities with other PWC countries. He gave us a chance to choose any PWC country we want and he will back us up with our applications. He recommended Australia, Canada or any country in Europe. So, the Immigration Department of PWC US gave us a list of contacts of international PWC offices. This would be a good opportunity for me, to further advance my career. And next week will be the Global Independence Meeting for PWC. Managers and Partners accross the globe will be here in our office. There will be two days that they will allot to talk to staff to ask any questions or to seek opportunities abroad. So this is the big event I will be waiting.

But. A big BUT. My boyfriend texted me that he wants me back in the Philippines. With him being so sweet, I could easily gave in. He said that he wants me to be with him and he doesn't want me far from him. And I miss him so much. SO MUCH!!!! Argggg!!!! He said, "because I feel so alone deep inside me without you."

I'm torn. I know a lot of people would love to be in my position. This is a kind of opportunity that everybody wants. Wasting this opportunity would be a foolish decision. But I'm a fool. I love him and I want to be with him. So I think I'm going home to the Philippines and choose to be with my boyfriend. That's what I have in mind for now. Things might change. Fate may lead me to a brighter future. I don't know. I think choosing love over career is a great risk. But life is all about risks anyway.

My love, I'm giving up this opportunity just to be with you. And I know I'm not making the wrong decision. Prove it to me that it's worth the risk.

I LOVE YOU!

jory 2:20 AM
7 comments

Thursday, September 27, 2007
Nashville, Tennessee
I went to Tennessee for the weekend to give myself a break from New York. I had a great and relaxing time. It was a laid back place. Calm and quiet. I arrived Friday morning and Brendon picked me up with his convertible. I so love love love the car. very fancy! From the airport, we went to his place where he lives with Alan, his boyfriend. I rested for a while cuz it was a two hour flight. Then after, I started to play around with hig cute doggy, Frankie. Brendon and I had a great time watching cheerdance competitions that he recorded from previous years. We met Alan for lunch. They look good together. Alan is white and Brendon is black. They are a sweet couple. We went home after lunch and had a short nap before hitting the gym. We went to watch Resident Evil after dinner.

Saturday, we have to wake up at 8. I went with Brendon to his work. He is a choreographer and cheerdance coach. I so want his job. What more could be fun? He loves cheerdancing and that's what is work is. So I was there watching him coach his team. Then after the practice, we went home to have lunch at Waffle House. We headed for the city after our eating. I like Nashville downtown cuz it's calm and with less people. There's so much space to walk, as compared to Times Square where everyday is a riot. We went home about 3 pm to watch movies in their place. After watching 3 gay movies, we headed back to the city to have dinner in Hard Rock Cafe and went to a bar. We got tired early so we went home.

Sunday, it's another practice day for Brendon. So i went with him again. This time, it was for hours of practice. The Saturday one was only two hours. I had fun watching those girls dance. I was also able to talk to some of the mothers who watched their daugthers do tumblings and stunts. These girls are so talented. They finished at 5 pm. Then we went home with pasta waiting for us. Alan cooked the pasta. Then at 6:30, Brendon brought me back to the airport for my flight to NY.

Thanks Alan and Brendon for letting me stay and showing me around. Thanks to Frankie my doggie love!!! I'll see you again soon...

jory 2:18 AM
1 comments

Tuesday, September 25, 2007
congrats bro!
My brother makes me so damn proud! After months of reading books and sleepless nights, his bar exam is over. Bro, whatever the results may be,I'm still so proud that you have gone a long way like this. I never even thought that he will be in law school much more taking the bar exams. It's not that I underestimated my brother's intelligence. But I know that he has always been academically challenged as compared to me. And when he decided to enroll in law school, I saw his determination and drive to be successful.

Congrats bro!

Thanks to Julius and Dindin for sharing their notes to my brother. That's a big help! Congrats to both of you too. Im so proud of you.

jory 2:27 AM
0 comments

Monday, August 27, 2007
goodbye 24... hello 25...
Wow! Time flies fast. I cant believe I'm already 25. Wheewww!!!

Looking back at being 24, I had one of the best year in my life. It was life changing year. Moving to New York for my AIESEC traineeship. Being able to support my family and brothers' education. Buying my own laptop and PSP which I have always been wanting to. Travelling to different states aorund the US. Meeting new friends. Adjusting to a new place and culture. Watching broadway plays. The list goes on... SO much to say about being 24. But the bottomline is I had a blast at being 24.

I just hope and wish that at 25, things will be better. way way better.

And how did I spend my birthday? I went to Long Island to sing for this group of FIlipino families. Their children had a summer recital for piano and violin. My aunt asked me if I could sing for them last Thursday. Wow, a lot of pressure for me cuz the last time I sang for them I did a very impressive performance of TUKSO LAYUAN MO AKO. And I had to top that performance and do a better song. So I decided to sing Filipino Folk song and Yoyoy Villame songs. LOL. The first medley was funny. Cuz I started with an operatic voice for my intro line. And then shifted to a funny voice when I started to sing Sitsiritsit. The other songs were BALUT and WARAY-WARAY. The people were laughing hard. And after the performance, the shouted MORE. I told them that they wait and we should have lunch first. And then this American guy approached me. He told me that he was ready to sit back and relax to listen to my opera song but when he heard that I shifted to my funny voice he burst into laughter. After lunch, everyone was eager to listen to my next number. I sang YOYOY songs: Granada, Butsekik and si Filemon. They were laughing like crazy. I had them sing with me too. And one of the ladies started to pass around a hat to put money and I got 70 dollars. Yahoo! Not bad.

Then I had dinner with my aunt and cousins. It was a good day. Good one to start being 25.

jory 11:16 PM
0 comments

AIESEC US Conference and Vacation with cousins
I went to the AIESEC US Summer Conference in Chicago last August 10-14. It was so much fun doing all the activities and meeting new friends. Here are some highlights.

August 10: Arrived 8 am in Chicago from NY. Went to Chicago downtown Aiesecers at 10 am. Went around the city and had deep dish pizza. toured the city with free trolly. slept at the beach for an hour. I loved Chicago. Very clean and less people unlike NY. arrived at the hotel at 7 pm in time for the opening ceremony. party was at 10 pm with Hollywood theme party. They gave an award for the best dramatic performance in sa dance. A fellow Aiesecer (half filipino-half german) danced salsa with me. And the next thing we know that it was only the two of us left in the dance floor. The other people cleared the floor to give way for us dancing.

August 11: Sessions and talk. We had a slumber party. It was fun pillow fighting. Met Angie from Arizona and danced with her the whole night. She's a very sweet girl.

August 12: Global Village day. I wore my famous bahag. hahaha!!! People were amazed with the costume. I felt like it was a Miss Univerese beauty pageant. hahaha! I brought dried mangoes and otap for the participants to try.

August 13: I had a chance to share my experience to the AIESEC members about my life on traineeship and how it impacted me and my family. One guy wrote me a letter that he was touched with my story and how it affected my family.

August 14: Goodbye time. That was sad. Seeing new friends leave. Wish it was longer. My cousin picked me up from the hotel and I stayed at their house in Wisconsin.

After the conference, I stayed with cousins' houses, Ate Yen and Jacklyn. Jacklyn is new here in US. She married and American. I stayed with her for two days. And I had a great time cuz she cooks all the time. We went bowling with her husband and in-laws. It was nice just to relax and not think about work. Life there was slow unlike NY. And Friday night, I went back to Ate Yen's house cuz Kuya Vince arrived from Baltimore. We played poker and I won 20 dollars. The next day we went shopping in the outlet store. I bought sandals, bag and jeans. Wow! It felt nice to shop. hahaha! Then sunday I have to some back to NY! SIGH....

Random Aiesecers

Party time: rock & roll, slumber and Hollywood. Getting the award for best dramatic performance in a dance with Roan.

Presentation during Global Village (parang national costume parade)

With ate yen & Jacklyn

jory 11:02 PM
0 comments

Sunday, July 29, 2007
who would have thought?
I'm home on a saturday, it's surprising. LOL. My weekends are always crazy with birthday parties and dance classes. But I decided to have a quiet Saturday afternoon and stayed home.

Then I decided to read the old blog entries I have. An entry dated October 16, 2004: in the afternoon I had a chat with my friend ERIC, who's now in US for some job training. Is life in the States really exciting as what I've seen and heard??? Well, time will come when I can answer that.

It made me think... That very day I wrote it, I had no idea at all nor any plans to go to the the US. The question was then a question waiting to be answered. And now is but the right time to answer it.

It's been 10 months since I arrived here in New York. wow! 10 months flew too fast. Yes, life here in New York is exciting, fast-paced but stressful at the same time. Everything here is fast, 50 times faster than Manila. I feel like 24 hours is not enough to fit in a day's schedule, always running out of time. New York's night life is probably the most exciting. As they say, it's the city that never sleeps.

It took me 6 months to feel settled here in NY. I always had the feeling that I don't belong here and that people were too crazy and unfriendly for me. But then I got used to it, I have to be one of them. To adapt so I can survive. Now, things are easier for me to handle. I rarely cry nowadays. LOL. I used to cry everyday when I was new here. LOL.

I'll be home my end of March 2008. And I'm excited to be back home. For now, I have no plans of staying here in New York for good. Though I love the city, I still prefer a laidback life in the Philippines. New York stresses me out too fast. And it's hard to find some quiet place here cuz everything around you is fast. It's not as easy like in Manila when I'm burnt out that I just take a bus and go far away from Manila where things are quiet and peaceful.

I think I'm like my dad who prefers the simple, slow-paced and laidback life. No complications. No dramas. But I am a brave soul, I know. I want to discover new things in life. Try things beyond my comfort zone. If I dont like it, then I can always go back to the way I am used to.

I LOVE NEW YORK!!! But to live here??? NO!!!

But coming to America gave me an opportunity... a life changing opportunity... for my family and my career... and it gave me a chance to travel to different cities around United States...

To end this entry, I want to post another question. What is it like to travel Europe? LOL. Well, it has always been my dream to go backpacking around Europe. Who can ever tell that in the near future I can answer that question? DREAM BIG, JORY... DREAM BIG...

jory 8:48 AM
0 comments

Tuesday, July 10, 2007
updates... updates...
I've been so occupied and busy these past few months. And it's totally crazy. 24 hours is not enough within a day.

Well, work is still the same. Nothing new. Except that one of my close friend here at work is going back to the New York Main office. And I will miss her during lunch times. Jenny (from Guyana) is her name. She's my 'mommy' here at work. We go out to have walks during lunch time or eat at the park. Talk about anything. Also, Dao (Thai) and Zen (Indian) are our lunchmates if we eat at the conference rooms.

And at night I go to the gym with my cousin Kae and our friend Esteban. We call Esteban 'papi'. Meaning daddy in Spanish. He's from Ecuador. Kae and I join the aero dance classes and do some abs after it. Then we hang out at the park before going home. Take some before hitting the shower. Sleeping time is at 1 am.

But what makes me crazy are my weekends. I now teach ballroom dance. This weekend alone, I had two dance classes of which I earned 75 dollars. Not bad. I even refused one student cuz I was so tired. I had no energy left. Weekends are also for parties. I always have invites for parties. They invite me so I can sing and dance for them. They laugh so much with my singing and my jokes.

No out of town trips yet. Except for Long Island trips and the beach. But soon I will plan one. When I have the luxury of time.

jory 4:03 AM
1 comments

Wednesday, April 04, 2007
Holy Week: The Filipino Way
It seems like an ordinary week here in New York. People walking fast. Tourists going around the city. Professionals going to work.

But it's the Holy Week...

I'm in a senti mood now. I've been here in NY six months already. I miss home. I miss my family and friends. I miss my loved one. And now that it's Holy Week, I miss the Philippines more. There will be no procession on Good Friday. No water and light blessing on Black Saturday. No washing of the feet. But most of all, no 'salubong' on Easter Sunday. Waaaaahhh!!!

As a kid, Holy Week is a major highlight. That is when me and my cousins go to mass every Thursday and to see that washing of the feet. And we sing our own version of the 'baho ang mga tiil' song. We're so bad!!! It's the time when the priest removes the socks and the choir sing the 'washing of the feet' song. Thus we made our own lyrics. We also want to see who is JUDAS ISCARIOT among the chosen people who play the disciples. On Good Friday, we join the procession around the town. When I was young, I always want to be at the back of the statue of VERONICA during processions. I don't know why. But I'm fascinated with how beautiful she is and with the face of Jesus on the cloth. My cousins also joke around our aunts and uncles if they make a short cut. Instead of going all they way to Luyong Bonbon for the procession, they cut their way in Bebe Bito's house and go back to church. hahaha! And at the end of the procession, we have our BINIGNIT!!!! We also kiss the crucifix during Good Friday Mass.

But the highlight of the Holy Week is the Easter Sunday. It was my childhood frustration to be a singin angel during the Salubong at dawn. I haven't missed one Salubong. Even if I was in Manila then, I never failed to call my cousin during the singing time just to hear the angels sing 'Reyna sa Langit Maglipay'. Now that I'm here in New York, I'm still calling my cousin just to listen the angels sing. I already texted here earlier that I'd be calling her for the event. hahaha!!!

Im taking a leave on Thursday and Friday to hear mass and probably visit different churches around New York.

I wish I was home at this time of the year...

jory 2:42 AM
1 comments

Tuesday, March 20, 2007
PHILADELPHIA, DELAWARE & MY MACBOOK
I went to Philadelphia & Delaware for the weekend with Kuya Vince and Girlie. It was a very time constrained trip cuz I have to be back to NY for a singing engagement for Sunday. We went around Philadelphia so quickly and took pictures. We also had a taste of the Philly Cheesesteaks. Then after Philadelphia, we rushed to Delaware and went on a shopping spree. And I bought my MACbook. Yahoo!!! It was expensive. But I know it made me happy, it was a gift for myself for working hard.

Then on Sunday, I sang for this group of Filipino families here in NY. During the program, I sang JUST ONCE. They laughed cuz in the middle of my song I told them to vote for me 1-866-IDOLS-01. hahaha!!! But after the program, it was the jamming session. That was where they laughed their hearts out. I sang my famous 'da coconut nut' with other Filipino songs. After every song, they always shout 'more, more, more' and it was hard for me cuz I was so unprepared. I practiced my Just Once with the pianist only before the show. And the jamming songs, I did it on the spot. But I had fun doing it and making them laugh.

Philadelphia

My MAC

jory 12:52 AM
3 comments

Thursday, March 08, 2007
DO I KNOW WHAT I WANT TO DO?
I say a yes and a no.

Someone I don't know and haven't met personally sent me a message in Friendster telling me that he's a bit jealous that I have my 'to do list' and I am certain of what I want in life. Plus, the pictures I have of my trips in the Philippines, in Asia and in US made him amazed and envy. He, on the other hand, is not certain of what he wants in his life. He said my profile made him ponder on what he wants in my life.

Now, here's what he doesn't know.

I started my career with Thomson as a data analyst. I stayed with the company for 3 and a half years. And from Manila, I moved to New York to work as a data quality analyst with PricewaterhouseCoopers. But is this the career path I really want to follow? A career in finance? Most people who are close to me tell always tell me that I'm in the wrong job and that I should be in a job related to performing, public relations or media. Now, that Friendster guy made me think huh. Yes, I would really love to have a job in another field. But it's too risky for me. The arts business is not easy to penetrate. One should be extremely talented so people will pay much attention to you. Mediocrity is not acceptable. I know I'm into the arts: I can dance, sing, choreograph, make people laugh and think creatively. But I'm scared. Yes, I am very very scared. I could not risk a shift from finance to arts just to follow my passion. There are hundreds of extremely talented people out there, even thousands. And I don't know if my talent is at par with them, if not greater. (I hate you Mr. Friendster!!! You bring out my frustrations) But then, I'm not complaining here. My job is very high paying. But do I really love my job? That is the BIG question. As they say, find a job that you love to do most and you'll never have to WORK a day in your life.

There are just things I need to consider: financial stability, career growth and my family.

But I make it a point that I pour out my love for the art. I'm taking Latin dance class in Times Square. I sing in weddings and parties. I choreograph dance presentations. I watch fashion related events and beauty pageants. I watch Broadway musicals.

Somehow I wish I have the courage to make a career shift. Somehow I wish I'd be the one on Broadway stage performing. Somehow I wish I'm brave enough. I wish… Sigh...
P.S. Hey Mr. Friendster Guy, you made me cry!!!!!! Thanks for giving me a little courage. It's brave enough for me to write about this.

jory 5:47 AM
2 comments

Wednesday, February 28, 2007
WASHINGTON,DC & BALTIMORE,MARYLAND
I had a blast with my weekend with Kuya Vince and Girlie. Thanks Kuya Vince and Girlie for showing me around!!!! Salamat sa libreng hotel at food... hihihihihi!!! sa uulitin!!!

Ang saya saya!!!!! Nakakatuwa yung DC namin. Lakad talaga at nilibot ang buong DC. hahaha!!! kaya pag-uwi sa bahay, pagod na pagod ang ga paa. At nung Sunday, di namin alam na may snow pala.. at medyo malakas ang snow. Manonood dapat ng sine. kaso walang cinema na malapit. ang ginawa namin? pumunta kami sa patterson park at naglaro sa snow, nagslide at nag ice skating. hahahaha!!! at ang sarap ng burger sa five guys!!!!!

Washington,DC

Frustrated figure skater… hahahaha!!!

Pictures galore with Kuya Vince and Girlie… nakakatuwa mga pics namin…

Playing in the snow….

jory 2:07 AM
1 comments

Wednesday, January 17, 2007
CHICAGO
I spent my weekend with my Rivera cousins (Ate Yen and Kuya Vince). I think it was three years ago when the three of us had dinner in Giligan's Makati. And we laughed at the moment we were together but this time in Chicago. Who would have expected that we will have our get together again in another country.

It was so nice seeing both of them. When Ate Yen picked me up in the airport, I was close to tears. I just had to stop the tears to flow. I felt so happy seeing my close relative from the Philippines. And Kuya Vince too. He was my officemate in Thomson for 3 years.

Thank ate Yen and Binoy for the accomodation and the drive around Chicago. And the food. And the Margarita. hahahahaha!!!! I will surely be back in Chicago.

jory 7:53 AM
2 comments

Monday, January 01, 2007
HOLIDAY ADVENTURES

playing in the snow

lake tahoe, nevada

san francisco, california

jory 3:22 AM
4 comments

Tuesday, December 12, 2006
LION KING
It was NOVEMBER 30, 2006... When I first crossed out one of the 10 things to do in my life, to watch LION KING in Broadway. After doing choreography for two different LION KING presentations, I always dreamt of watching it on stage. My LION KING choreography was patterned after the Broadway show but with the improvized costumes and choreography. But the two presentation has got me the first prize for both occasions. So, I wonder how it would be to see it live on stage with the fabulous costume and choreography.

When the show was about to start, I had an overwhelming feeling. It' s a dream come true!!!!!!! When the first note was sung by Rafiki, it made me cry!!!!!! I didn't know why. But I couldn't stop the tears to flow. I know that was the moment that I have been dreaming of.

WOW! That was the best I've ever seen in my entire life... the stage design... the songs... the costumes... the lights... the choreography... Simply amazing... I couldn't put it into words how beautiful it is... You have to watch it so you'll understand...

If I only have the talent, I want to audition for a part... Someday... Someday... Watching it is enough for now...

Well, one down.... 9 more to go... I think SKYDIVING is next.... yahooo!!!!

Sidenote: In the middle of the show, I got a text from my Mom. She was asking if I have already sent the remittance money to her. Hahahaha!!!

jory 10:37 PM
3 comments

Sunday, December 03, 2006
PROUD TO BE PINOY (AIESEC GLOBAL VILLAGE)
Sino ang may sabi na magpapatalbog ako??? Hahahaha!!! Siyempre, kailangan diva ang dating. Yung mga bisita ay tuwang tuwa sa costume mo. Sexy daw. hahaha! at siyempre, maraming nagpapicture with me. hahahaha!!!

Mabuhay ang PILIPINAS!!!

My Philippine booth… my pics around the Philippines in the background…

With other delegates

jory 12:04 PM
2 comments

Tuesday, November 28, 2006
American Museum of National History

Jurassic Park

Gosh, the preserved animals are so amazing… it got me scared when I thought that all of them might move… hahahaha!!!

jory 5:15 AM
1 comments

Wednesday, November 22, 2006
FALL PHOTOSHOOT

With klaressa and kae

Nang mamulat si EBA sa harden ng Eden… bwahahaha!!!

America's Next Top Model???

The rape scene… hahaha!!! Raped by girls… hahahaha!!!!!

jory 10:34 PM
3 comments

Saturday, November 18, 2006
VIEW FROM THE TOP (EMPIRE STATE BUILDING)

NEW YORK! NEW YORK!

OH MY GOD!!! THE VIEW MADE ME CRY!!!! SO BEAUTIFUL!!!

jory 12:34 PM
3 comments

Wednesday, November 08, 2006
MY PWC CUBICLE
me, my IBM laptop (office stuff) and my HP laptop (BLOOMBERG TERMINAL)

jory 1:54 AM
4 comments

Saturday, November 04, 2006
THINKING OF YOU... ALL THE TIME...
I'M MISSING YOU TERRIBLY!!!

U1!!!

I LOVE YOU VERY MUCH!!!

jory 8:18 AM
2 comments

Thursday, November 02, 2006
HALLOWEEN PARTY IN NEW YORK
It's my first halloween. Siyempre, di ako magpapahuli kung costume ang pag-uusapan. Dapat star pa rin. hahahaha!!!!!

DEVIL OR ANGEL?
(VICTORIA'S SECRET MODEL)

jory 12:52 PM
5 comments

Monday, October 23, 2006
AIESEC US 50th ANNIVERSARY PARTY
I went to the 50th anniversary party of AIESEC US in Marriot Hotel in Times Square. It was a formal gala dinner. So, I have no choice but to wear my formal attire. If I could olny wear my jeans and my sandals, I would love to be comfortable and be myself. Hahaha!

It was the first formal dinner i went to in my whole life. The invitation said that it was a three course meal. And it costs 250 dollars. Yes, you read it right. It's 250 dollars!!! But good thing it was paid for by Aaron Winters of AIESEC US who was the one in charge in arranging our supporting documents for our US. I was so happy to finally meet Aaron personally. We have been exchanging emails for a few months in the preparation of our visa. THANKS AARON WINTERS!

Wow! I never dreamed of attending a party with all American people wearing their formal dresses and their suits. It was like in the movies.

But what surprised me was the food. I was expecting so much food because it costs really much for paying the event. However, we were served with mushroom soup, chicken and cake. And that's it. No more refill. Bwahahaha!!!

What I realized while listening to the the speeches the AIESEC US people gave was 'Jory, you are so lucky to be here'. I was a dreamer and dreamt of a good life. But it was more than good that God gave me. Probably, it's the best.

My 250 dollar food

Dao (upper left), fellow PWC trainee from Thailand
Aaron (upper right), AIESEC US

Dancing the night

jory 12:37 AM
0 comments

Friday, October 06, 2006
MY VERY FIRST BARBIE
When I was a kid, I always dreamt of having my own Barbie doll. I envy my girl cousins who dress up their dolls and make some make believe stories using their dolls. What I had were toy guns, race cars and helicopters.

But it never crossed my mind to buy one Barbie for myself. What I wanted was someone to give me a Barbie as a present.

WOW! The long wait is over. Yes, at 24, I had my first BARBIE DOLL. Thanks to my special someone!!! He gave it to me as a 'farewell' present before I left for New York.

That was the best 'farewell' gift I received. The other gifts my friends gave me were bag, jacket and tie, among others. Things very useful for me here in New York. But that Barbie doll represents a fulfillment of a childhood dream. Though the gift was not practical and useful for me here in New York, it was more of a 'symbolic' dream-come-true.

I will take good care of that Barbie doll. Dress her up like a New Yorker. Buy her expensive accesories. Pamper her.

And by the way, her name is U1. (picture to follow)

jory 2:01 PM
3 comments

Sunday, October 01, 2006
FROM NEW YORK WITH LOVE!!!
It's been a week since I arrived here in New York. The city that never sleeps, as the song goes. Wow! Been doing a lot since day one. Meeting relatives, going around Manhattan, shopping with my cousins, dining out with AIESEC US, riding the subway trains, enjoying the cold air yet a sunny day. Been to many places to: Broadway, Times Sqaure, Bryant Park, Jersey City, MAdison Square Garden, Ground Zero (World Trade Center) and a lot more. I also visited the building of Thomson New York Office. It feels so nice to be part of the Thomson family in Manila and now I get to see the Thomson office in NY.

Thanks to Kae, Mommy Pen, Ate Janice, Uncle Bob and Family, AIESEC US and PWC for the welcome they gave me. I feel at home here in NY.

I'm looking forward to the 18 months that I'll be here in NY.

I'm missing my family, friends, Gail, my beloved and the Philippines.

Pics to come...

jory 10:45 PM
0 comments

Sunday, September 03, 2006
U.S. J-1 VISA APPROVED!
I couldn't sleep well the night before my US visa interview. I felt uncomfortable and nervous. Uncomfortable because I don't know what will happen during the interview. Nervous because I don't know what will be the result of my interview.

It was at 4:30 am that I have finally decided to finally get up from my bed and psyche myself up for the upcoming interview scheduled at 7:20 am. I checked that all my application forms, letters from PWC and AIESEC, passport and other supporting documents are in my clear book. I finished preparing at 5:30 am and immediately left the house. Before hailing a cab, I dropped by the church to say my prayers and asked for God's guidance. I know that whatever the results will be, God knows that it's good for me. I arrived at the US embassy 6 am. Though it was still early, the line was long outside the embassy. I joined the long queue of US visa hopefuls. While waiting for my time to submit my forms, I got to know Joy who also applied for J1 visa. She told me that it was her second time to apply for a J1 visa. Her first attempt? She got denied. That scared me a lot because we have almost the same documents: letter from the employer, certificate of eligibility for J1 visa and personal supportindg documents. It dawned to me that even though I have an assured job in the US, I still am not assured of a visa. Gone were the high hopes. Then after submitting my documents, I got my number and waited for my interview time. I sat beside Joy and asked her for some tips of the interview. We said our prayers together. Then we had our fingerprint scanning and waited for our number to be called by the interviewing consuls. When the consuls started opening their blinds, my heart started to beat faster. It was that decisive moment. There's no turning back.

During the course of waiting for my number, I saw happy faces who got the yellow card which means visa approved. But more faces were sad when they were denied of a US visa.

My number (2201) was flashed on the board to proceed to window 7 for my interview. I took a deep breath and stood with my head up high.

(not the exact words really but the thought is)
Consul: Good Morning jory!
Jory: Good Morning Sir!
Consul: How are you feeling today?
Jory: I feel great. Thanks for asking, sir. How about you?
Consul: Great. What are you going to do in US.
Jory: I'm going to the US for my traineeship with PriceWaterhouseCoopers and AIESEC US.
Consul: Why did you choose to have a traineeship in the US?
Jory: It's for the good of my career to gain more knowledge in data quality analysis.
Consul: So, you graduated from the Ateneo. AB Economics. What did you do after graduating?
Jory: Fresh out of college, I joined Thomson Financial.
Consul: How is your family situation?
Jory: My family is doing quite well. My parents and my brothers are all in the province.#
Consul: When do you plan to arrive in US? (he was signing my papers and got a yellow paper)
Jory: Hopefully before September 15.
Consul: Jory, you proceed back to the pavillion and the courier will have your visa delivered.
Jory: THANK YOU SIR!

I was so happy when I went out. Then it dawned to me that I'll be leaving my special someone, my family, my friends and my room. MY COMFORT ZONE.

I called Gail and told her the news. Then I cried!

So many things to think of... So many belongings to pack... So many things to finish at work... And I haven't started one yet...

I have to arrive in New Jersey last week of September. It leaves me with three weeks to prepare before I start a new life in US.

Excited but sad...

jory 9:10 PM
9 comments

Saturday, August 26, 2006
I'M 24!!!
Goodbye 23! Hello 24!

How time flies so fast. It seemed only two days ago that I was 7 years old. Only yesterday when I graduated high school. 6 hours ago when I joined Thomson for my first job as a data analyst.

And I wake up the next morning... I'm 24!!!

I could say that I had a wonderful year when I was 23. I visited a number of Philippine places: La Union, Vigan, Hundred Islands, Ilocos Norte, Cebu, Bohol, Camiguin, Bataan and Pagsanjan Falls. I also had the chance to try the rides in Disneyland HONGKONG, to roam around MACAU and to enjoy the wonders of the world in SHENZEN,CHINA. I met new friends. Found my special someone who I want to grow old with. Had a stable career .

I wonder what's ahead of me when I'm 24?!? I wish a life 24 times better than what I have now. A better career. A happy lovelife. A life well-lived. A year full of adventure and travels.

I hope things will work out as I planned them. With the guidance of God, I know I will accomplish my dreams for my family and for myself.

I'm looking forward to another year. I'll do my very best. And I leave everything else to God. He knows what's best for me.

HAPPY 24TH BIRTHDAY JORY!!!

jory 12:32 AM
4 comments

Tuesday, June 13, 2006
FOR A DEAR FRIEND
When things go wrong and not the way you want them to be, that's the time I am very very very thankful for my friend GAIL. These past fews weeks, I've been into deep thinking of the things happening in my life. Somewhat a rollercoaster ride of emotions. Spare the details.

Thank God I can dial local 4428 for a friend anytime I'm in the brink of losing my sanity. For the past two paydays, Brother's Burger became our hideout. The first one was Gail's moment to share her emotions about this particular guy who she met recently. But that meeting should have been long due years ago. hahaha! I was there to listen. Of course I can relate to her long-distance affair because I once had that kind of relationship. After eating our burger, I told her we go people watching. We point out randomly of the people who pass by and make our own stories of what the specific person does, where he's going, what's his problem. Just anything that comes to mind. We laughed and laughed because of the crazy things we have thought of. Hahaha!! The second Brother's visit was my moment. I told her of what I've been thinking lately about my current relationship. This time we didn't go people watching cuz we were seated far from the window. Instead, during our merienda, we asked Gigz to join us. We insisted that she tell us a depressing story about her and her husband. We didn't want any happy stories. We wanted a sad one and let her be one with our emotions. Hahaha!

Gail and I share a very beautiful friendship!

Thanks for saving me the last time I almost lost my sanity. And thanks for saving me this time around.

One thing I know, I can always count on Gail!!! SALAMAT DAI!

jory 8:43 PM
6 comments

Friday, May 12, 2006
HONGKONG, MACAU & SHENZEN ADVENTURE
HONG KONG

DISNEYLAND

MACAU

SHENZEN,CHINA

jory 5:54 PM
1 comments

Saturday, April 15, 2006
GOOD FRIDAY IS INDEED GOOD!!!!
I got home from work at 9 pm. Yes, I did report to work on a Good Friday. And here's the good news I got on a Good Friday.

My phone rang without a number reflected on it. And I knew that it was an international call. I was not expecting any call since it's a holiday. I said hello and that's all I could remember after hearing from Norica regarding the news about the AIESEC traineeship. Yes, I passed the AIESEC traineeship for Pricewaterhouse Coopers New Jersey. I was shaking and could not believe what I heard.

Thank God!!!!! It's true, everything has it's time and it's purpose.

Below is the mail I got from Norica:

Dear Jory,

Once again I confirm your being selected for the PwC traineeship in US. Congratulations! Together with you there will be another trainee who I will put in you in contact with ASAP (Duangdao is from Thailand and you will be working in the same team with her having similar job descriptions).

Next week you will be contacted by Aaron Winters (AIESEC in US) in order to sort out all the paper work that needs to be done (please make sure you will have the SN ID as well- if it's not yet in Insight, we have to see when you will have it there so we can also do the matching in the system). Aaron will also provide support with the reception in US, so please feel free to ask him anything that is related to that.

As soon as you have your paper work (visa etc) ready you can prepare to embark upon a wonderful experience in Jersey City together with PwC. Since I will be out of the office until Tuesday next week, I will not call you too soon. Please expect a phonecall from me on Tuesday/ Wednesday so you can ask all the questions that you may have in mind.

Enjoy your week-end:-)
Norica

Norica Buzoi
Global Coordinator PwC-AIESEC Partnership
PricewaterhouseCoopers
Woluwe Garden (E326)
Woluwedal 18 B-1932 Sint-Stevens-Woluwe

jory 12:06 AM
14 comments

Friday, March 31, 2006
NORTH LUZON TRIP
PANGASINAN (HUNDRED ISLANDS)

sunrise

pose sa isang island

view from the top

emote

pose

pose na pud

LA UNION (surfing)

big waves

splash

pose with the surfboard

sarap magsurf

practice

sarap talaga!!!!

VIGAN

heritage village

kalesa ride

bell tower

kampanera

antique bed

pony ride

PAGUDPUD

windmills

beach

beach pa rin

pang model na pose

Paoay church

sand dunes (parang desert)

jory 7:06 PM
4 comments

Friday, March 10, 2006
OF FLOWERS AND LOVE

(6 months after you gave me the flowers)

the leaves wilted
the flowers withered

but the thought remains

and the love will continue to grow...

I LOVE YOU VERY MUCH!!!

jory 6:04 PM
2 comments

BEFORE & AFTER

BEFORE & AFTER

Gusto ko lang tumawa!!!! hahahahaha!!!!

jory 5:32 PM
2 comments

Thursday, February 23, 2006
ULI NA TA?
(this happened September 25, 2005)

naa koy textmate for a month and a half pero wala pa gyud mi nagkita kay busy siya kay daghan man ginaasikaso. grabe ang among text-text kay nangabot na ug 1000+ iyang messages sa akong inbox. mangatulog ming duha usahay kay alas dos na sa kadlawon tungod lang kay sige ug text. ayha pa gyud nahitabo nako nga magbilar tungod lang sa text. sa tinood lang, dili gyud ko sumhan nga itext siya kay malingaw ko niya. kana pud bitaw nga everytime naay moabot nga text message nako, i secretly hope nga gikan sa iyaha. nyahahaha!!!!! nagpadayon gihapon mi sa situation nga textmate mi ug panagsa nga tawag and chat sa YM.

gibuhat na nako tanan nga akong pwede buhaton para lang gyud nako nga makita siya pero wala gyud siya nisugot kay wala siyay panahon ug dili pa daw siya ready. ingon pud siya nga haggard looking daw siya kay daghan siya gibuhat and kulang siya sa tulog. ingon pud siya nga dili daw pwede siya magpakita kay daghan pa daw blemishes iyang skin. and so i waited for "our own good time"... yes, i waited patiently...

then usa ka kadlawon niana (after a month and a half of waiting). nagtext-text mi. giignan nako siya nga naa bored kaayo ko. naa ko sa tunga-tunga sa taft avenue nag-inusara kay gitabangan nako akong kuya sa iyang gibuhat for his school pero sige ug lakaw-lakaw akong kuya. sige lang mi ug text-text adto para malingaw lang ko. alas tres na to siya sa kadlawon pero mata pa ming duha.

and while texting each other, gikalit lang siya ug text nga 'ULI NA TA?'. Nitubag pud ko nga 'sige ba, anhian ko nimo?'. Tubag lang pud ko kay nisakay ko sa iyang joke. Then nagtubag siya 'I cn see you frm whre I am. :-)'. Nakulbaan ko!!! Grabe!!! Gikalit ug kusog ang kuba-kuba sa akong dughan. Pero nagkatawa lang ko in my mind kay gibinuangan siguro ko niya. Of all the places and time nga pwede mi magkita, nganong didto pa gyud sa tunga sa dalan ug kadlawon na to. Dili sad ko mutuo nga naa siya kay wala pa gyud mi nagkita ug kabalo ko nga dili pa siya ready.

But when I turned my head to see if he was really there looking at me, nakakita ko ug car nga nagpark sa likod nako. Then ang car nagpablink sa iyang lights and giduol paingon nako. Ug kadtong naklaro na nako ang nagdrive sa car. I couldn't believe!!!

Siya gyud diay ang naa sa akong likod ug ganina ra nagtan-awa nako. Adtong higayuna, feeling nako nga mura ug romantic movie nga iya kong gisurprise. Then slow motion tanan. Kilig kaayo ko!!!!

Ang tubag sa pangutana?

YES, GIULI MI... GIHATOD KO NIYA SA AKONG BALAY...

jory 1:23 PM
6 comments

Wednesday, February 22, 2006
A DAY I CALLED YOU MINE... MINE ALONE...
Everything seemed to me like a dream that day. But it was all for real. I never expected that even for one day, just one day, I can call you mine. Though time flew that fast when I was with you, I will never forget every single second of that day. I can vividly remember the moment you said 'I'm here' until the time you said 'goodbye'.

How could I forget the way you held my hand as we walked the beach, those crazy stunts you made on the sand, and lying on the sand under the sun just talking about anything.

When your body grew tired, I wanted you to relax and I gave you the best body massage I could offer. As my hands gently touched your body, I know it soothed your weariness and muscle pains you felt. And you feel asleep.

As I look at you in your peaceful sleep, I fell in love with you even more. Carefully staring every inch of your face. Your eyes that showed me love even without the words. Your lips that kissed mine. Your ears that attentively listened to me. Your face, oh that face. Your face that I could never resist to look at. And in the middle of the night, we both woke up. You held my hand and put it around your body to hug you in the cold night. You slid your right foot backwards, put it into the middle of my feet and locked your right foot with my left foot. I was literally sleeping in heaven because that was very first time I slept beside you.

Honestly, I have been waiting for the day that I wake up in the morning and all I see is you when I open eyes my eyes and to utter the words 'I LOVE YOU' and 'GOOD MORNING' as I look straight into your eyes. All I thought it would only be a dream. But that morning, I woke up beside you and that was probably the most beautiful morning I ever woke up with. And time passed by, we were just curling up under the blanket, giggling and cuddling each other. The most romantic of all the mornings I ever had in my 23 years of existence.

But how could I stop time? In a flash, I just heard you say 'goodbye and i'll miss you'. Then we separated ways.

I have nothing more to ask from you. You have given me your precious time. You have allowed yourself to be vulnerable before me. You have unselfish thoughts for both of us.

YOU HAVE SHOWN ME LOVE IN THE MOST SPECIAL WAY.

I can't find the words except for these....

I LOVE YOU!!!

jory 2:53 PM
3 comments

Tuesday, February 14, 2006
VALENTINE MESSAGE FROM HIM
sent February 14, 2006, 9:41 AM:

Happy Jory's Day. For me synonymous ka ng LOVE cause you're giving me so much of that. The first time you call my name, though it would sound the same, I know something in me has changed forever!

And I say:

You can never be prepared for the moment that will change your life forever.

jory 2:11 PM
0 comments

Monday, February 13, 2006
THE BISDAK BLOGGERS GET TOGETHER PARTY
Kapoy na man ug sulat pa uy. Pictures na lang ipost nako ha. hahaha!!!

sa gateway mall, ang meeting place

palit ug LRT tickets

sakay ug jeep paingon sa place ni padre

pose gyud… murag naa sa Europe… hahaha!!!

mga name tags

group pictures

asus, mawala diay ang solo pictures nako??? Hahaha!!!

jory 7:20 PM
5 comments

Thursday, February 09, 2006
THOUGHTS FROM HIM
a poem he wrote for me:
Maybe in life, people come to us in a flash.
Unexpectedly, sometimes quietly, sometimes with such fanfare.
But they do come. You'll never know when they'll leave, or how.
But when you look into their eyes, you don't doubt they were meant to come.
Meant to be part of your life, if only briefly.
Or when their hands hold yours, you somehow know its magic.
And you wonder why they could be so precise about you, and you to them.
Or how easily you could both acknowledge your unmistakable chemistry.
Or how sometimes, you both need no words... just...

his text message sent last Feb. 5, 2006, 11:32 PM:
I have finally come to terms with the fact that I like Jory. It's possible I had liked him months ago and I didn't even admit that fact to myself. I have also denied that there was something to all our communication in the past and his many invites. I refused to see something beyond the confines of friendship. I had been afraid to fall for a guy so taken, and especially, someone like him. I barely knew.

It was within my power to end our friendship and ignore his communication, but i didn't. And it was because I like him. To my mind,our communication was nothing for as long as i could resist his invites. Little did I know that he can hold his own surprises and insists, slowly but surely break into my comfort zone, rattle my equilibrium, and allow myselfto be vulnerable before him. I learned my lesson: not to overestimatemy emotional strength.

And I say:
With you, I have known love... I LOVE YOU!!!

jory 10:02 PM
4 comments

Monday, February 06, 2006
THE PALAWAN ADVENTURE

SIGHTS IN PALAWAN

UNDERGROUND RIVER

STARFISH ISLAND

POSE JORY… POSE…

ISLAND HOPPING PICTURES

YUM YUM

CROCODILE FARM

BUTTERLY GARDEN

WOW!!! I JUST LOVE THE VIEW!!!!

STAR NA STAR… HAHAHA!!!

jory 3:40 PM
4 comments

Wednesday, January 18, 2006
PIT SENYOR!!!!! (SINULOG 2006)

jory 4:35 PM
4 comments

Thursday, January 05, 2006
WHITE WATER RAFTING
Grabe kalingaw sa adventure nako uy... Lami kaayo mobalik... Wow!!!

kulbaan na tawon

AMBAK!!!!!

excited na magsugod

body boarding

waaaahhhhh!!!!

natuwad intawon

pose gihapon bisag nagkalisod

lingaw kaayo!!!!

pose

nasampungan ang nawong ni mamash

circle of beauties

jory 3:47 PM
3 comments

Friday, December 30, 2005
ARNIE
My ex-boyfriend Arnie is scheduled to leave for COLOMBIA tomorrow. Yes, he will be spending his new year in the airplane or somewhere not in the Philippines.

He got matched to a school in Colombia to teach English to students. This by the way is his AIESEC Internship. He is the first in our batch to get a match. But he won't be alone there cuz another batchmate, Trinie, got matched also in Colombia.

Anyway, back to the real purpose of this entry. I wish Arnie all the best in his endeavors in Colombia. I know he will enjoy his time there because he is so excited and has so many things in mind on what he's going to do in Colombia. I am happy for him at the same time I am a bit sad. Why? Because he won't be here anymore in the Philippines. I think I will miss him. Although we live our own separate lives (I mean not in a relationship anymore), I still got to visit Arnie and stay with his family in Marikina during weekends. I will miss him not as a boyfriend but as a friend. I will not go further into details but telling it that I will miss him, I think, is enough.

Take lots of care Beboy! Pakabait ka ha!

p.s. May boyfriend na pala si Arnie. hahaha!!!

jory 6:22 PM
0 comments

Thursday, December 22, 2005
THE LION KING
Last December 17, Thomson Phils. had its Christmas 2005 party in Shangrila Makati. The party theme was "Thomson at the MOVIES". The group presentation was assigned every floor. The 17th floor was assigned the fantasy theme for the presentation. I decided that we go for DISNEY movies since it's a fantasy one.

I chose LION KING because this particular movie/musical is close to my heart. This musical has captivated me with the props and music. WOW! That's all I can say everytime I watch the video of the LION KING musical.

It was not easy staging a production even with just one song from the movie. I chose the song "THE CIRCLE OF LIFE". On the stage performers, it was rather easy because all they have to do is walk on stage and remember where they should position. But I admire their guts because I know they are not performers. The harder part of the play was the making of the props and costume. I am thankful to Hope Vega's team and Sir Joey for coming up with those beautiful props and costumes for the play.

The whole production was a blast. Everytime an animal comes out on stage, the people clap and get amazed. I also thank that I have those graceful dancers as lionesses. Watching the video of the play, I can hear the people shouting and clapping their hands. WOW! It was so satisfying to hear people cheer and appreciate the play I directed.

The LION KING was judged the BEST MOVIE presentation. Other entries were CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON(20th floor) and AUSTIN POWERS(18th floor). The group won PHP20000. And I also won PHP2500 for the STAR OF THE NIGHT award.

emote

with the lionesses

with sir joey (rafiki)

the whole cast

THE STAR OF THE NIGHT

jory 8:09 PM
1 comments

Tuesday, December 06, 2005
THE PHOTOSHOOT

THE SERIOUS LOOK

LIPAD JORY LIPAD

HIGA JORY HIGA

POSE LANG KAHIT ANO

jory 3:46 PM
3 comments

Tuesday, November 15, 2005
THE SINGER TURNED DANCER-CHOREOGRAPHER
Last year's Thomson TownHall, I got to perform a solo part singing the very comic song "DA COCONUT NUT" which really made people laugh their hearts out. This year, I got another presentation for the Townhall and it's a dance presentation. The big bosses of Thomson approached me to choreograph a Filipino dance for the presentation. I immediately thought of a particular dance which collaborates all the the different Filinipino ethnic dances but using only one music. There were Muslim fan, Singkil, Manobo, Asik and Ifugao dancers. And I put myself in the Ifugao dance because I particularly liked the costume. Hahaha! It was really daring.

After the presentation, I was really glad to hear people's comment that they liked the dance and it made them enjoy the show. It was my only consolation.

Enjoy the pictures!

THE DANCERS
GIGS
JOI
JASSIE
EMILY
STRIKE A POSE
IN THE DRESSING ROOM
DANCING
SERIOUS!!!!!

jory 3:47 PM
2 comments

Tuesday, November 08, 2005
WINDSURFING & JETSKIING
Last sunday I had the chance to jetski and to windsurf in Batangas. It was one hell of fun. I got to drive the ski up to 35 kph and boy it was fast. Plus, there is no traffic. And the windsurfing was really good. I got to practice my balancing skills and to coordinate the body with the wind. It was difficult at first. But when you get the concept on how to make it move, that's when you begin to enjoy the ride.

I JUST LOVE THE BEACH!!!!!

just starting

moving faster

waaaahhhhh!!!! ang sarap!!!!

training with the instructor

starting to learn it

looks like a pro

jory 6:11 PM
2 comments

Monday, October 17, 2005
GIRLS... GIRLS... GIRLS...
I am a beauty pageant fan. But I am not a frustrated beauty pageant contestant. Hahaha!!! Last week, I had the chance to go on a one week caravan tour with 24 MISS EARTH candidates from different countries. It was an opportunity to talk and know more about the girls. I took pictures of them everywhere they go. I had the chance to dance with them.

The caravan went to Pagsanjan, Tagaytay, Cavite and Calatagan. The girls had courtesy calls, tree planting activities, parties, swimwear and talent competition and fun on the beach and waterfalls. It was a tight and hectic schedule. But the girls managed it, maintaining their poise and grace even under pressure.

Thanks to OPMB for making this possible. Visit www. opmb.com for more pictures. Actually, I was sent by OPMB to be with Miss Colombia because it was OPMB who sent her to the pageant. I was assisting Miss Colombia, Lia Correal, during the activities.

I will miss the girls!!! It was one week with them and we had a hell of fun!!!

Here are some pictures with the girls:

MISS COLOMBIA... MY BABY

MISS HONDURAS... Ruthy, a sweet charming girl

MISS PANAMA, she's a head turner

MISS PANAMA in her swimwear

MISS RUSSIA, she's lovely to look at

MISS RUSSIA in her swimwear

MISS UKRAINE, a crowd favorite

MISS SERBIA, she's a goddess

MISS SERBIA, she will be a great contender for the crown

MISS SERBIA in her swimwear

WITH SOME OF THE GIRLS

jory 5:38 PM
6 comments

Monday, October 03, 2005
32 FEET UNDER WATER
I had my first taste of the Underwater Experience, Scuba Diving. The idea started when I wanted to go on vacation. I thought of something new. And since I love the water so much, I thought of a new thing to do. Not the usual swimming and strolling on the beach. DIVING!!! All I wanted then was to take pictures of myself underwater.

WOW! It was an experience of a lifetime. Good thing is I'm an experienced swimmer and diver because I live near the sea. My Scuba instructor even laughed at me because he was the one catching up with me under water. I swam too fast, he told me. And to my instructor's surprise, I swam so deep for a first timer. For beginners, it must be only up to 20 feet deep. But i went even deeper, 32 feet!!! Wow, I didn't know it was that deep because I enjoyed swimming with the fishes and looking at the corals.

And guess what? I found NEMO. hahahaha!!

I will go scuba diving again!!!

close up shot
without the mask
ang saya!!!
32 feet deep
the corals
corals again
I FOUND NEMO!!!
NEMO AGAIN

jory 2:38 PM
3 comments

Friday, September 02, 2005
I'M READY TO CONQUER THE WORLD
After completing all my requirements and undergoing four panel interviews, I was told that I passed AIESEC's International Traineeship Exchange Program. I got so excited when I read the text message from AIESEC ATENEO. It was one of the best birthday gifts I received.

AIESEC's program, to put it in simple words, is a program for Filipino youth to have an internship in any country around the world. It's also a venue for cultural exchange since AIESEC aims to foster global understansing among youth. It aims to discover and develop the potential of the youth and have a positive impact in the society.

They will find a match for me, a company from another country that needs my service. I applied for both management and development trainee. My top three choices for destination are Thailand, Italy and USA. I

I hope I can find a match sooner than I can think of!

I'm all set to see the world!!!!

jory 5:52 PM
6 comments

Tuesday, August 16, 2005
AS IT TURN 23
I had fun being 22. What's ahead of a 23 year old JORY???

I will be 23 this coming August 26. WOW! I smelled, loved, smiled, cried, jumped, frowned and walked for 23 years here on earth. In my existence of 23 years, I have worked so hard and accomplished what I aimed for. But still, I have my dreams of the years to come.

I will not talk of any emotional sentiments I have in this entry. Instead, I will make a few wishes for my birthday. Hopefully, they will come true.

MY BIRTHDAY WISHLIST:
1. To visit my family and spend time with them.
2. To visit my family and enjoy eating mom's spaghetti and dinuguan.
3. To visit my family and go to the beach in OPOL.
4. Flowers and Balloons on my work desk
5. Birthday cake with candles
6. New RED shoes
7. shop for new pants, shirts and underwears
8. to travel to another tourist spot in the Philippines
9. to buy an IPOD or a new television set for my pad
10. To visit my family in OPOL!!!!!!

Oh goodness, how I miss my family so much!!!!!!! I want to be home sooner!!!

I hope I will have another year of good health, success and blessings.

jory 5:09 PM
1 comments

Thursday, August 04, 2005
OPOL: ANG AKONG YUTANG PINANGGA
Dili angay ikasubo ang pagbiya sa yutang natawhan tungod kay nangandoy ang usa ka yanong lungsoranon nga ugma damlag mahimo siyang bantugan ug tinahod nga lumulupyo sa iyang munisipyo. Nibiya ko sa akong minahal nga lugar para manimpalad ug maningkamot nga makab-ot ang dugay ng gipangandoy. Nanglimbasog intawon ang usa ka PROMDI sa Manila para lang mahuman ang pagtoon sa kolehiyo. Dugo, singot ug pakigbisog ang akong puhunan para molampos sa Ateneo De Manila University.

Apan taliwala sa akong nakab-ot karon, anaa gihapoy haw-ang sa akong gibati... ANG KAMINGAW SA YUTANG NATAWHAN... Matod pa, THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE HOME... Tinood kana, kanunay nga maghatag ug kalipay ang pagbisita sa akong minahal nga OPOL... Ug bisan na lang ang paghuna-huna sa mga buhing handumanan isip usa ka lumad nga lumulupyo sa OPOL, magkatawa na lang ko sa akong kaugalingon... I MISS OPOL... I MISS BEING AT HOME... I MISS BEING AT PEACE...

OPOL BEACH

Ang OPOL sikat tungod sa iyang mga beach resorts. Ang "PULO", kanang island nga naa sa pic, is a must go kung naa ka sa OPOL. Mao na siguro na siya ang ika 7108th island kay mawala man na siya kung high tide. Hahaha!!!

OPOL MINI ZOO

Mao kini ang bag-ong attraction sa OPOL. It’s mainly and OSTRICH and CROCODILE FARM pero ilang gibutangan ako mga peacocks, sheep, manok and other animals.

PAGSAULOG SA OPOL PLAZA

Mapiyesta man, Pasko or Charter Day, dili gyud mawala ang dakong pagsaulog sa OPOL PLAZA. Adtong bata pa ko, naa gyud ko pirmi sa front line dapit sa stage. Magdinner gyud ko ug early para lang dili ko mailugan sa akong pwesto sa atubangan. Ang mga taga OPOL sad dili na pugso nga magperform kay always willing kana sila

PABUTO SA PASKO

Dili kompleto ang pasko sa OPOL kung wala ang GRAND FIRECRACKERS SHOW. Magsakit na lang gyud imong liog sige hangad kay dugay man kaayo mahuman ang show.

THE MOST LIGHTED HOUSE

Naay pacontest ang mayor sa most lighted house sa tibook munisipyo. Magpapildi lugar akong mga pamilya?? NO WAY!!! Kanang balay sa taas kay sa akong lola sa mother's side then sa ubos kay sa akong lola sa father's side. Bongga kaayo di ba?

REUNION

Makompleto diay ang pag-uli sa OPOL kung walay reunion nga mahitabo? Hahaha!!! Last year's Christmas party for the RIVERAs was a HAT PARTY. Every party kay naa gyuy theme. Ang walay costume or props, dili makasulod. See? Even akong lola kay nag wear gyud ug pink nga kikay hat. Hahaha!!!

MAMASKO SA MGA PARENTE

Bisag tigulang na mi, mamasko gihapon mi ba. Among ingnon ang mga tito ug tita nga chaperone mi sa among nga younger cousins pero siyempre apil mi sa budget para sa ilang ihatag. Hahaha! Wais kaayo noh?

BIBA UG KWARTA

It's NEW YEAR'S GRANDEST EVENT. Mao na siya ang hulatan sa akong mga silingan. Ang akong lola sa mother side kay mag-biba ug coins every new year. Lingaw kaayo tan-awon ba nga mag-ilog sila ug coins then bahala masamad ug magisi ang mga sanina basta lang naa makuha nga coins.

PARTY SA KANTO

LET'S MORNING THE NIGHT. Mao na ang motto sa among silingan. Binuntaga na ilang inum ug sayaw. Tan-awa na akong uncle nga nakayellow. Gabii pa lang sayaw na siya, pagkabuntag kay sayaw gihapon. Lingaw kaayo kay moparticipate pud tanan, apil ang mga girls. Ang ilang style ana, naa usa nga maglead sa group then ang uban mosunod ug sayaw kung unsa ang step sa leader. Bisag bugal-bugal nga step, sunod gyud gihapon sila.

MY FAMILY

Unsa man ang gikamingawan sa tanan? Akong pamilya of course. I miss my mom's dinuguan and spaghetti!!! It's heavenly!!! Asa man diay ko moliwat sa akong pagkasinger? Sa akong dad!!! Mingaw pud ko sa akong mga brothers. Yes, we are all boys!!!

It's really nice to be back home. I feel relaxed and peaceful. I hope makauli ko sa fiesta this first sunday of September.

jory 5:58 PM
6 comments

Wednesday, July 20, 2005
THE MEN IN MY LIFE
MY FATHER: He is my no. 1 fan and my avid supporter. He believes in me so much that he encourages me to further develop my talents: gave me encouragement to enroll in voice classes and to excel in academics. He provides the family with our needs, never to miss his responsibility as a loving father and husband. There are two unforgettable moments that prove my dad's love for our family. First, I saw my dad cried in front of me upon knowing that I had a boyfriend. He told me "Hindi naman ako galit sa yo, tinatanong ko lang kung toto ba yang boyfriend mo si Paulo". That statement made me realize how my dad loves me so much and he cares for me. Second, it was when I accompanied my mon to the OB GYNE to have her check-up. I was there listening to the doctor about my mom's results. One line struck me the most, "Ma'am, you are a lucky wife. I don't see any foreign particles in your organ. Your husband is faithful to you". From then on, I really look up to my dad. I never heard any intrigues of him philandering or having affairs with other women. Even when they have small fights with my mom, it's my dad who cries because he loves my mom so much.

MY BROTHERS: I have three brothers. Yes, we are all boys. When I was younger, I was not close to Jay-Mar, the eldest. We usually end up fighting over anything. It was not until we got into college that we became close. He even confides his frustrations in love. My dad told me that when he had a drinking session with Jay-Mar, my brother confessed that he envies me because all of my family and relatives' attention are directed to me. It's JORY... JORY... and always JORY. Ecoy, who is next to me, is a cerebral palsy. Most of my relatives say that he looks like me. He stays in the house most of the time with his yaya, Auntie Edith. Everytime I visit CDO, I always make it a point to spend time with Ecoy and play with him. He needs more attention and I give it to him. The youngest, Louie, is my "kakulitan" back then. We always play those crazy 'superman' games and laugh crazily watching CARTOON NETWORK. When he reached the adolescent stage, I miss him as my playmate. We never got to play those silly things we did before.

PAULO: He is my first boyfriend and now my bestfriend. If I could imagine growing old with someone, I think it's Paulo. I know he's still waiting for me!!! Hahaha!!! Nobody thought that the relationship I had would end because we loved each other so much. Everyone was in shock when they learned I broke up with Paulo when I found a new love interest, Arnie.

ARNIE: My second boyfriend. Of all my boyfriends, Arnie is the one I showered most of my sweetness. During his birthday last year, I gave him a bouquet of flowers (4 dozens of white roses) and filled his rooms with 20 balloons. I also gave him a charcoal painted portrait during Christmas. When I met Arnie, he has this ocassional mood swings. But after patiently understanding him, he has changed a lot. And I mean A LOT!!!!

TOLITS: I had a short-lived relationship with him as my third boyfriend. I met him over the internet. We started out as cyber lovers and eventually decided to meet personally. The most unforgettable memory of our relationship is my trip to Thailand, Malaysia & Singapore where he paid for all the expenses. Lucky, isn't it?

GHARYJOHN: To my cyberfriends, I am known with my screenname as GharyJohn. But Gharyjohn is not a fictional name that I thought of. He was once my "kabarkada" and a suitor. He is a famous public figure in my hometown because he is "CRUSH NG BAYAN" and a great dancer. Up to now, he still tells me of how great his love is for me. But unfortunately, I could give him back the love he is due. I will always treasure him as a friend.

NIGEL: He is MY FANTA!!! Why? He fulfilled my fantasy of becoming a mistress. Need I say more?

jory 7:27 PM
1 comments

Tuesday, July 19, 2005
THE PINOY POP SUPERSTAR EXPERIENCE
Believe it or not, I actually tried my luck in becoming Philippines' next Pop Superstar. I almost made it... well, almost...

My ex-boyfriend encouraged me to try singing as a career. When he found out that I could sing well and that I teach voice classes, he encouraged me to audition for GMA 7's PINOY POP SUPERSTAR. At first I was hesistant because I didn't dream of becoming famous and becoming a public figure. But after much thought of it, I gave in to the idea and mustered my courage to line-up under the scorching heat outside GMA 7 compound in Timog together with my friend Oreo Vamenta. I brought with me my requirements: two 3R pictures (whole body and close-up), birth certificate and valid ID.

Although I arrived early, there was already long line for those who want to try their luck to be seen on national television. So, my friend and I lined up and waited for our turn to get inside the vicinity. When we got in a room where they collected our applications, a lady announced the rules and other important things regarding application. My turn then came and I handed my application. The lady then asked me "you're 21 already?". She continued,"Sorry, but the age limit is 21 and you'll be 22 in the duration of the contest". She handed back my papers and I bowed my head down. It was the end of my venture into showbusiness.

But wait JORY.... luckily, another lady approached and got my papers. She scrutinized my looks and my outfit. She stared closer at me. Hmmm... it was the star factor she was looking for. She got a piece of paper and handed it to me: AUDITIONEE #459. Yehey! I got in!!!

Next step to stardom was singing "a capella" song in front of RC BALTAZAR. While waiting in line for long hours because I was no. 459, I saw familiar faces who joined singing contests on TV. There was one who was a Grand Finalist in MTB's Star Quest, another was a semifinalist in Star for A night and many others were Star In A Million monthly contestants. I even overheard two girls chatting about their past audition experiences. Wow! Almost all of them were veterans in the singing competition arena. I, on the other hand, was a first-timer.

It was my turn to sing my song of choice. Before entering the audition room, my heart started to beat faster, my knees shook and my palms sweat. I slowly walked towards the center of the room where the microphone stand stood still. I got the mic and introduced myself. RC, the resident critic, noticed my hands shaking and laughed at me. I told this is my first time to line up and audition for a singing contest. Then, I started to sing the chorus part "WHY GOD WHY?" from the musical Miss Saigon. RC commented on my performance that it was a bit shaky because I felt nervous. He wrote something on a piece of paper and handed it over to me. It read: CONGRATULATIONS FOR PASSING PHASE 1 AUDITIONS. Yehey! I'll be coming back for the 2nd auditions.

I came back as early as 9 am for the 2nd day of audition. Out of 600 plus in the first audition, we were a hundred left for the 2nd round. We were seated chronologically, according to our original number. So, I was still at the end part because I was no. 459. It started past 10. I waited until my turn... waited... waited... and waited. It was until 7 pm that I had my chance to sing. I was hungry and tired. DEAD TIRED!!! My energy got drained of waiting for my turn. So, I walked past the cameraman and went to the center of the "stage". I decided to sing "I Will Be Here" because it's something close to my heart. I started from chorus, "I will be here when you feel like being quiet, I wil listen". Then my mind totally went blank, I forgot my lyrics!!!! I really don't know why in this crucial part??? But I just don't know what line to sing next. What I did? I repeated the first line and realized it was the end of the road to fame.

"Jory, do you know your lyrics?" That was what I heard from the audition master. I smiled at him, that was all I could do. Then he told me to try my luck in the coming auditions and be sure of my lyrics next time.

I was contemplating of trying again and come back for the next auditions. If I sang my signature song "THROUGH THE FIRE", could it have changed my life? But I think singing as career is not meant for me. I'm happy and satisfied singing for my family and friends. My heart is contented when they appreciate my singing performance. Kung kumanta naman kasi ako talagang performance level kaya wala silang masabi. Hahaha!!!

Singing is my passion... but as a career??? hmmm... I think I have other things where I could excel best...

jory 8:02 PM
4 comments

Monday, July 18, 2005
MINSAN LANG AKO NAGING BATA
I'm 22 and I still feel young at heart. But as I live each day, life seems to get more complicated: more responsibilities and more problems to face. With this situation, sometimes it makes me think and wish I didn't grow up. When I was a kid, all I had to think of was to eat regularly, to sleep on time, to play with kids and to attend school punctually. There were no bills to pay, no piled up works to finish, no "weird" people to understand and no broken hearts to mend. Life back then as a kid was simple yet filled with so much fun and memories.

This a trip down memory lane:

- cassava cake used to be my favorite merienda during nursery days
- my cousins G-anne and Tipol were my bestfriends during day care: we danced to "TINANA" during our Christmas party, we ate CSM and NUTRIBUN during recess, we were the stars of the class
- I was awarded best in MATH during my day care graduation
- I attended the recognition day when I was in grade one, not as an honor student but a dancer for an intermission number
- Patintero was the neighborhood kids' favorite past time. I even have this scar on my right foot because of playing Patintero
- my cousing G-anne, Joan, Champ and Tipol were my playmates: I was Donatello in our NINJA TURTLES and was YELLOW TIGER FOUR in the BIO KIDS.
- GI JOE was my family's first pet dog
- I love eating at my neighbor's house because they eat CORN RICE and DRIED FISH.
- I wasn't in the honor's list until I reached grade six
- Nanay Bebe Koking is well loved because she pays for my BINGO cards
- Kundisi, Skul Bukol, Tsinelas lata, Piko, Taguan, Lambing na Lambing, Seven-Up, Skati/Maro, Bika-Bika, Balay-balay and Bulan-bulan were the kids' games in the afternoon
- I had my first crush in Grade 5, Dennis Capuyan.
- my cousin Estee and I sang 'A Whole New World' during their town fiesta
- I had a SPIDERMAN costume.
- Flores de Mayo is a must attend event. Complete attendance for the whole Month of May.
- I had a VINA MORALES tape because I loved singing SANA'Y IKAW NA NGA.
- Manilyn Reynes and the TUESDAY GROUP was my favorite in That's Entertainment.
- Purefoods and Alvin Patrimonio was the team I cheered for PBA, Larry Bird and Boston Celtics was for NBA
- Every 10 AM during school days, I hit the plaza to buy Nang Belen's BINIGNIT. It was heavenly!
- I was the star dancer together with cousin Jacklyn in our LAMBADA and EH KASI BATA dance number
- As a beauty pageant fan, during summer, I shout my favorite candidates' names before jumping into the river from the top of the bridge. hahaha!!!!
- Auntie Edith, my brother Ecoy's yaya, was my "kakampi"
- I loved eating Cheez Curls paired with Chocolait
- I was grandparents' pet Lola Esther/Mamaten and Lolo Briccio/Papacio, they usually give me what I ask for... even until now
- Mighty Kid was a favorite shoe brand
- going to Timoga Pool in Iligan was always a special event for me
- Corpus Christi was my school
- Filipino week during my grade six days: I won second place in elocution, first place in interpretative dance (I acted as BALIW) and best actor for our Flipino playfest.
- I was a volleyball varsity from Grade 3 up to Grade 6, exempted from attending Saturday PE classes
- When I was in grade one, I had this favorite short pants that I really loved to wear. Why? Becaude after our classes end, ESTEE, LILIBETH and I play Chinese garter. hahaha!!!

My greatest frustration as a kid was to be the singing Angel during EASTER SUNDAY SALUBONG. The closest I got to it was assisting those little angels in singing but I had no wings like they had. Hahaha!

I was once a kid and I enjoyed my childhood a lot. My parents never deprived me of what a kid should have. Memories of my childhood would always make me smile. It's nice reminiscing those days where all you did was to play and to have fun, not thinking of what lies ahead.

ANG SARAP MAGING BATA ULIT!!!!

jory 7:03 PM
3 comments

Wednesday, July 13, 2005
IS APATHY A SIN?
Gail called me up to ask if I want to go with her to Standard Chartered to withdraw money. Our office's payday is on the 13th and 28th by the way. So I told her I'll come with her because I don't have cash on hand.

We were strolling along Ayala Avenue on the way to the bank when we suddenly thought of going to the "GLORIA RESIGN" rally in Paseo. It was out of curiosity. Trip lang namin!!! For a usual working day in Makati, Ayala Avenue is jammed with cars and big buses. But today was unusual: Ayala Avenue was packed with people shouting for Gloria to step down. Vendors of dirty ice creams, peanut, fishball, green mango and even balloons were also scattered in Ayala. The Makati City Government is strict with the proliferation of these kind of vendors along Ayala but today was an exception.

Gail and I were laughing hard as we approached the crowd gathered around the stage especially set-up for today's big rally. We didn't have any other reason to be in the rally, it was simply "pakikiusyoso". We took pictures of the teenagers chanting and swaying "GLORIA RESIGN" flags. We posed and smiled on camera with the protestors in the background. Gail even joked that if a TV reporter would approach us we will answer her questions in slang English.

It was fun indeed. However, it was apathetic. But I choose to be in apathy with the current political turmoil the country is experiencing today. I'm not pro or anti GLORIA and I love the Philippines so much. But with the recurring political rallies calling our heads of state to resign? I'm fed up!!! We haven't learned our lesson from EDSA 1 and EDSA 2. Will there be another impeachment? Will this be another PEOPLE POWER in the making? We overuse the term "bloodless revolution" and it seems to lose it real essence. I hate to say it but it's true!!!

When can we learn to trust the government that we ourselves have established and the government officials that we ourselves have have put into office? When can politicians be public servants? I hate their loyalty to their political parties!!! They should serve the people first, it's their first call of duty, not their own political allies and interests.

I know there's hope for this country. But is my apathy a grievous sin? I think not.

smile talaga anoh?
malapit yan sa stage
confetti
flags (collage by Gail)

jory 4:22 PM
0 comments

Thursday, July 07, 2005
SCHOLARSHIP UPDATES
I just read my admission letter today because I had it mailed directly to my permanent address in Opol. I got so excited upon receiving the letter. I tore the LBC plastic immediately and opened the contents of the envelope: the admission letter, acceptance of admission, financial assurance form, health certificate form, guidelines and confirmation of readmission.

_________________________________________________________________
The admission letter stated:

CONGRATULATIONS. We are pleased to inform that, after a rigorous evaluation of your qualifications, you are hereby offered admission to the Asian Institute of Technology for the following study program:

Program of Study: MASTER
School: School of Environment, Resources and Development
Field of Study: Regional and Rural Development Planning
Duration of Study: 04 August 2005 - 25 May 2007
Arrival Period: 01 August- 03 August 2005
_________________________________________________________________

In the lower part of the letter, it stated that I got a 50% AIT FELLOWSHIP/SCHOLARSHIP. Out of the normal 48 number of credits for master's degree, I have to pay 24 credits during my first year in AIT. The last 24 credits will be covered by the school. However, the payment will sum up to $7800... yeah it's in US DOLLARS!!!! WHEW!!!!

Where will I possibly get that amount in less than a month?

So, I'm decided to defer my application for the coming semesters, either January 06 or August 06. Since the school enclosed a confirmation for readmission, I have to fill it out and declare that I can't possibly enroll this coming August due to financial matters . But the catch is I can apply for reconsideration for a full scholarship. Yehey!

My parents got excited at the same time worried because of the money needed for enrollment which we could not furnish in the time being. There's no assurance that I could avail of full scholarship. I have to seek financial assistance through private donors or other scholarship organizations. I have months ahead of me to plan and to act on how to get that 50% of my tuition fee. Thanks to my Tito Oscar who's willing to help me out in seeking financial assistance. He asked me to draft a letter indicating my situation and to furnish other documents as he will be endorsing to government offices and private organizations. I'm also planning of finding a second job since I will be starting with my new shift which is 12 noon - 8 pm. I could work part time, like 7 am-11 pm or after my 8 pm shift.

Things are getting clearer and brighter towards pursuing my master's degree. I've been praying for this particular course and I know I want to achieve my dream career in development economics. Well, I hope everything will push through as planned.

I'm doing everything I could. I lift everything else to God, if He wills this for me!!!

I will soon conquer AIT!!!! And in the future, ADB (Asian Development Bank) or the World Bank...

jory 9:03 PM
1 comments

Tuesday, July 05, 2005
IN THE STATE OF AMBIVALENCE
My dad called me to tell me that I got a letter. He told that I got admitted for a master's degree in Regional and Rural Development Planning in AIT (Asian Institute of Technology) in Thailand. I was so happy to hear the news because I've been praying for it. But my dad told me that we have to pay certain amount.

So, I called the AIT admissions office to confirm if I was given a scholarship. The girl asked for me application number. She said I got a 50% scholarship from the school.

I'm so happy as of this moment because I've proven to myself that I have what it takes to be admitted for a master's degree but I'm worried and sad because I don't know where I would get cash or any form of financial assistance to pay for half of the tuition fee and expenses.

I'm thankful my prayer was answered. My only dilemma is the other half of my tuition. Where and how will I get that amount???

Help me God!

jory 5:04 PM
6 comments

A BIRTHDAY GREETING FOR A DEAR FRIEND!
I'm known to have a very sharp memory of dates, places and people. But how could I forget a birthday of a dear friend? And I could not forgive myself for that!!! I really don't know why I've forgotten his special day. This may be late but here it is:

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TOLITS!!!!!

jory 2:14 PM
0 comments

Monday, July 04, 2005
THE MP GATHERING
Warning: If you don't understand Bisaya, don't ever dare reading after this line.

Pahibalo: Kung dili ka kahibalo ug binisaya, ayaw na ug pamugas. Dili gyud ka makasabot!!!

Kini nga entry akong ipahinungod sa akong mga higala sa MP nga misalmot adtong EB ilang Kuya Sagi: Montroy, Eric, Pyre, Linus, Madam MBN ug Sagi. Kini sila ang akong mga higala nako sa kahanginan. Naila-ila nako ni silang tanan pinaagi sa usa ka Bisaya Yahoogroup nga panglalaki (pero naay usa ka member nga 100% biologically babayi).

Nagsabot mi ni Eric nga magkita sa Jollibee Boni alas singko y medya ang takna sa hapon. Wala damha nga maulahi ko sa sabot kay taga Boni man ko. Apan wala gyud nako mapugngan ang akong pagkakatulgon kay gakudaay na man gyud ako mata, busa natulog ko mga alas kwatro. Pagmata nako, nilapas na man diay ang 5:30. Hahaha! Namuti na ang mata ni Eric ug Kuya Mon ug hinulat sa Jollibee. Dali-dali gyud ko ug ligo adto uy. Wala nay lugod-lugod pa, basta lang makasabo payts na. Dili na man kinahanglan magshampoo ang WAPO (opaw ba sa binali). Pag-abot nako sa Jollibee, naa na si Kuya Mon ug Eric nagtabi-tabi sila didto. Maayo na lang kay dili ako ang pinakaulahi miabot kay gihulat pa sad diay si Pyre. Samtang naghulat nga moabot ang maanyag nga si Pyre, sige ug text si Nigel sa akoa kung asa na daw mi ug unsa na amo gibuhat. Si Nigel diay kay kauban gihapon namo sa group pero dili man siya kauban sa maon EB busa mangutanahay na lang siya sa akoa. Hulat gihapon mi kang Pyre, murag namuti na gyud ang kalimutaw ni Eric kay isang oras na hulat nila sa Jollibee. Ingon dayon si Eric, "kung dili pa moabot si Pyre mga alas diyes, molakaw na ta ha". Hahaha!!! Hay salamat sa Diyos, kay giabot ra gyud si Pyre mga alas sais medya. Ambot nganong nadugay pud to si Pyre. Basig natraffic ang MRT nga iyang gisakyan. hahaha!

Nagtext dayon ko kang Kuya Sagi nga pasakay na mi sa MRT. Pagsulod namo sa istasyon nag-una na si Kuya Mon kay naa na man siya prepaid ticket, suki man siya sa MRT gud. Didto mi gipwesto sa atubangan dapit para gamay ra tao. Pagsulod namo sa train, dili man kaayo guot pero puno-puno. Mao pa ni Kuya Mon, maayo unta tong guot kaayo kay magbag-id bag-id ang mga panit ug mga unsa pa diha. Ingon pud si Kuya Mon nga naa daw siya mahinumduman nga kaagi ni Nigel anang mga lamian nga panghitabo mintras mosakay ka sa train nga guot gyud kaayo.

Pagnaog namo sa Cubao nagbalhin dayon mi sa LRT line 2. Miagi mi sa Gateway Mall nga pwerteng kanindot ug bugnaw kaayo. Si Pyre kay murag nasaag sa Manila, kung biyaan nimo siya ra usa kay mawala gyud siya sa lugar. Sakay na pud mi ug train paingon Katipunan kay didto man ang sabot ni Kuya Sagi nga kuhaon mi. Maayo na lang kay sweto ko sa Katipunan kay kung dili, di ra tanto nga nawala mi. Pag-abot na sa Starbucks Katipunan, nakita dayon nako ang kaanyag ni MADAM MBN. Diri gyud mabalibaran iyang presensya kay mag-amag man gyud, murag bag glow in the dark. Mogawas gyud ang iyang katahom. Ila-ila dayon namo si Kuya Sagi kay wala pa man namo siya nailhan sa grupo. Gikan pa man gud siya sa laing nasod. Hala, sakay dayon sa Starrex paingon sa balay ni Kuya Sagi.

Pag-abot namo sa balay, aysus, murag palasyo!!!! Puro mga glass ang decorations. Hadlok magkiat-kiat kay makabuak unya. Nah, dili ra igo ang ikabayad. Didto mi nanglingkod sa veranda overlooking some parts of Marikina.

Sugod na dayon kaon namo. Lami kaayo ang sinugba nga baboy ug pusit uy. Naa puy pansit ug sampayna/dinuguan. Siyempre, dili gyud mawala ang beer ug ilimnon, vodka and tequila. Banat gyud ug kaon intawon kay gipang-gutom man mi. Ug usa pa, libre tong kaon. Lami man gyud ang libre bisag unsaon. Hahaha!!!

Mintras nagkaon mo, nanawag si Nigel nako ug nangumusta. Giistorya pud si Mon, si Eric ug si Sagi. Kuba-kuba pud akong dughan kay si Nigel man ang nanawag. Hahaha!

Miapas dayon si Linus kay eskwela pa man siya. Si Linus, nagdala-dala pa ug pwerteng dakoang bag murag mosaka ug bukid.

Pila ka minuto human miabot si Linus, nanawag na pud si Nigel sa akoa. Ingon niya nga naa daw siya sa ilang balay. Ug iya dayon giistorya si Linus, murag ilang gisabutan nga bantayan daw ko kay giingnan ko ni Linus nga siya daw bantay nako adtong gabhinua.

Human namo kaon kay istoryra-istorya ang bisag unsa nga mahisgutan namo. After pila ka oras kay nangabot man to kuaban nila Kuya Sagi sa laing grupo, sila na pud ang gikaon. Kami misulod mi sa balay para magvideoke. Banat dayon ug kanta si Kuya Mon. Siya gyud ang opening number singing a Martin Nievera song. Paulahi pud lugar diay ko? Kanta pud ko sa akong national anthem na KAHIT ISANG SAGLIT. Si Eric dili palupig, bangka pud siya ug iyang kanta murag isa gyud to ka CD iyang gihurot ug kanta. Si Linus grabe ang shagit para mokanta. Si Pyre kay medyo behave pero kanta gihapon siya. Pakodak sad lugar mi mintras naglingaw-lingaw ug kanta. Daw be kay nakita man nako ang ARAY nga kanta. Aguuuyyy, pwerte ra ba gyud ko mokanta anang mga kiat-kiat ug uwag-uwag with matching bawog-bawog sa tingog ug biad sa lawas. Lupig gyud si Mae Rivera nako. Wala siyay ikabuga sa akong performance sa ARAY.

Sa gawas, daghan na nangabot nga laing mga amigo nila Kuya Sagi. Si Linus tua miapil sa ilang grupo. Si Mon ug Eric nagpabilin ra sa sulod kay namugas ug kanta. Ako ug si Pyre nag-guitar sa gawas, didto sa lutuan dapit.

Gikalit dayon ug ulan ug kusog, bisag gusto na namo mouli dili gyud makauli kay gibundak man ang ulan. Sudlonon pa gyud ang balay ni Kuya Sagi busa naghulat mi didto nga moabot ang taxi nga gipatawag. Alas tres na sa kadlawon mi nakauli. Kahulugon na kaayo ang akong mata tungod kaduka na gyud ko.

Ninaog si Linus sa Crame ug human kami ni Pyre sa Boni. Si Mon and Eric na lang ang nabilin sa taxi, ambot kung asa to sila gipaingon. hahaha!

Niabot ko sa akong balay mga alas kwatro na to. Nagtext dayon ko kanilang tanan na giabot na ko sa akong balay. Nagpahibalo dayon ko kang Nigel through text nga nakauli na ko gikan sa party. Nanghilam-os, nagbrush, nag-ilis... tulog na dayon diretso. Ning mata ko alas dos sa na sa hapon.

Lingaw kaayo ang EB. Hinaut nga dili masumham si Kuya Sagi ug invite namo.

Till the next EB mga higalang BISDAK!!!!

jory 1:23 PM
3 comments

Thursday, June 30, 2005
HALFWAY THROUGH THE YEAR
At the start of the year, I made a "things to accomplish for the year 2005" list. Today is the last day of June and halfway through the year. What have I accomplished so far?

visit a derma: yes, I visited a dermatologist last month because I had skin blemishes after the Boracay trip. Though originally I planned to visit the derma para MAGPAGANDA. hahaha! well, the derma also gave me some tips on skin care. That would be qualified then.

trips every month: This plan is doing quite well. I visited different provinces outside Manila every month. January- Cagayan de Oro; February-also in Cagayan de Oro; March- Cebu, Bohol, Camiguin, Cagayan de Oro; April- Subic; May- Boracay and Tagaytay; June- Pagsanjan.

spend time with Arnie: Every weekend is scheduled to be with Arnie and to sleep in their house.

new items/gadgets: I have the portable DVD player with a 7" inch screen.

exercise: I got hooked into swimming, it's fun and healthy at the same time.

I hope that the months to come will be more productive and fruitful.

jory 2:28 PM
1 comments

Tuesday, June 28, 2005
WHO DO I LOOK LIKE?
Have you ever experienced a stranger telling you that look like someone famous? I had this experience while riding a bus on my way home. My seatmate in the bus suddenly talked to me and told I look like someone who models BENCH clothing. I was hoping he would tell me AUBREY MILES (wishful thinking). Hahaha!!! But of course, I didn't have the long hair to qualify as Aubrey Miles. Then he told me... JOHN HALL.

But some of my friends and acquaintances have other famous personalities they associate me with:

from my officemate Gelyn: ALI PEEK (the basketball player)

from an acquaintance in Singles for Christ: VIN DIESEL

from my former land lady Ate Vlads: TYSON BECKFORD

from someone who saw me bathing in Panglao, Bohol: CESAR MONTANO

THE ONE AND ONLY JORY

jory 11:28 AM
2 comments

Monday, June 27, 2005
OF BOYFRIENDS AND THEIR FAMILY
I really don't know why but I am close to my boyfriends' family. Well, except for my 3rd boyfriend Joselito. There's a certain part of me that tells me that the easiest way to win a boyfriend's heart is through their family. I know it's difficult to establish a relationship with the whole family because it's a man-to-man relationship. But I easily manage to mingle with the whole family and win their approval.

Paulo's family: I was in 4th year high school when Paulo's family transferred to their new house just across ours in Opol. Since he was the new guy in the block, he didn't have lots of friends then. His first playmate was cousin. I didn't pay close attention to Pau until my cousin introduced him to me. To make it a long story short, he became my boyfriend after a few months. Pau's mom, Auntie Bebot, knew about our relationship and was supportive to both of us. I remember vividly one afternoon when Pau's mom approached me and told me, "magdadate raw kayo ni Pau bukas ng hapon sa LimketKai Mall". WOW!!! It was his mom telling that I have a date with his son. Hahaha! Pau's siblings, Jepoy and San-San, are also close to me. Everytime I visit their house, they always make me comfortable and make me feel at home. Their home was like a second home to me. Everytime they celebrate a special occasion, I'm always invited. Just recently, Pau's dad who's in the US is my YM chatmate. He's asking updates about his son Pau and his studies. Up to now, his family thinks Pau and I are still in a relationship when in fact it's been two years then when we ended our relationship. Though Pau is my ex, I still visit his family everytime I go home in Cagayan. And I see no changes on how they treat me. Above all, the friendship between me and Pau has remained strong.

Arnie's family: I met Arnie's family during my second meeting with Arnie because we went to his house in Marikina. Arnie introduced me to his mom, Tita Cecille, and his sister, Charie. I was a bit nervous that time because his mom asked me a lot of questions. Then I found out that she's fluent in bisaya. Then we started talking in Bisaya. Hahaha! You just don't know how our conversation went. If you're bisaya, you will know the feeling of knowing a fellow bisaya and talking endlessly. Hahaha! From then on, I frequented Arnie's house every weekends because I felt at home. His mom would cook biko, binignit and other delicacies. Well, the only disadvantage with being close to the Arnie's family is we can't go out just the two of us. Everytime Arnie asks permission that we plan to go out, his mom would always asks many questions. And it would end up that we go out with his mom and sister. Hahaha! But his mom would pay for everything though: movies, food and shopping. Now, my friends know that my weekends are spent in Arnie's house.

One thing I learned from this is SECURITY. At least you know that you have the family on your side. Hahaha!

A piece of advise then: be close to the family!!!

jory 9:49 AM
4 comments

Tuesday, June 21, 2005
OF LOVE AND SACRIFICES
Arnie, my boyfriend, was admitted to the hospital because of dengue fever. I was worried the whole time he was confined.

He was confined Wednesday afternoon. After knowing it, I immediately left the office and went straight to the hospital in Marikina. I admit that I really don't like visiting the hospital but it was my boyfriend who was confined. At 10 pm, I left the hospital to sleep at Arnie's house to accompany her sister. Arnie's mom stayed for the night in the hospital.

To make things more complicated, Arnie's sister got sick Friday night. So, I have to sleep for the night in the hospital to accompany Arnie and assist him with whatever he needs. His mom had to look over his sister who had a 39 degrees fever.

It was not easy assisting and looking over someone in the hospital. I could not get a good night's sleep because everytime a nurse comes to the room even at wee in the morning I have to get up and help her with Arnie. Also, my mind is so bothered with the thought that I'm supposed to stay alert because I'm looking over someone who had dengue fever. I could not concentrate on my sleeping.

I also got to wipe Arnie's whole body with water and alcohol using a face towel because he could not take a bath. I have to carry his dextrose stand whenever he needs to go to the comfort room. I have to open his bottle of water and Gatorade because he feels so weak. I have to have the tissue paper specially cut to Arnie's liking. Above all, I have to overcome my fear of injections and blood.

It drained my energy because I have to take a bath at 6 am though I didn't have a full night's sleep to make it in office on time. After office, I have to travel again to Marikina by MRT and FX to be in the hospital before 8 pm.

It was tiring but it was worth it because I know I did it for someone I love so much.

Now that Arnie is out of the hospital, I can take a sleep... a real sleep!!!!

I LOVE YOU ARNIE!!!

jory 2:54 PM
3 comments

Tuesday, June 14, 2005
THE SO CALLED MISTRESS
I never imagined that my fantasy of becoming a "mistress" would soon come true. Hahaha! Yes, I'm a mistress as of this moment. This guy who happens to like me is a husband of ten years and a father to a two year old boy.

Back then, I would always think that it would be so cool that as guy I would have a relationship with a married man. Isn't it funny that a mistress is actually a man?

But I told him that we should not invest emotions because he has a responsibility to his wife and to his kid. And to add to it, I simply can't have him because he is legally married. He told me that he loves being with me because he likes to talk to me and to kiss me. Well, he showers with with his sweetness.

Last week, we dated for four straight nights (monday to thrusday). Monday, he came to my office, walked our way to Glorietta, ate at KFC and watched me swim. Tuesday: he dropped by my office at 4 pm, he went to the pool for his swim, met me after his swim, ate at TOKYO-TOKYO and then we walked along Buendia from RCBC to Dian St. Wednesday: met him at Megamall to see his friend and ate at Kitchen Soup. Thursday: met him in MRT Boni Station and went straight to my house. Friday: he decided not to meet me. It was too much to meet everyday.

And now I know how it feels to be a mistress... At least I can tell it to myself that once in my life I've been a mistress... Hahaha!!!!

A few stolen moments is all that we share... you got your family and they need you there...

jory 2:28 PM
4 comments

Friday, June 10, 2005
A SAD FRIDAY MORNING (a tribute to Mitzi and Maffet)
It's been quite a while that I haven't cried.

But I woke up this morning with tears flowing down my eyes. There were two reasons why I cried: my long lost friend Mitzi Virtudazo and my dear friend Maffet Ceballos.

Before I woke up, I dreamt that my college barkada had a reunion. While talking to my friends in my dream, it dawned to me that I haven't seen or heard anything of MITZI for the longest time. Mitzi is a very close friend during college. She's from Cebu and we speak the same language. She's also a fellow Ateneo Scholar and my neighbor in Marikina back in college. We shared so many things in common and we always enjoy each other's company. After graduating in college, we moved to one house together with Marvin in Boni, Mandaluyong. During our one year of living in one roof, I have known so much about her. Sometimes, we would spend the night talking and laughing our hearts out. When we grew tired, we would sleep together in my bed. Unfortunately, she has to leave the country. She followed her sister to Singapore. After she left, I never heard anything of her.

Back to my dream, Mitzi then came to the gathering. I was so surprised that I hugged her tightly and cried. I missed her so dearly that I couldn't even speak a word but tears flowed down my eyes.

When I woke up, I found myself crying over my friend Mitzi... I know she's happy right now with her baby and her husband... I MISS YOU MITZI!!!!

After crying over Mitzi, I got up and immediately took a bath. After I finished dressing up, I woke Maffet up and told her I'm about to leave for office. She hugged me tightly and thanked me. Maffet is scheduled to leave for Ireland later tonight.

Then I started to cry again. It dawned to me that I will be alone again in my room. After one month of "adopting" Maffet in my house, she will finally leave for Ireland for hew much awaited work. She came to Manila and stayed in my little room to fix her papers for her employment in Ireland. One month after rushing, going to offices, asking information and getting lost in the Metro, Maffet is ready to conquer Ireland. I fondly remember one incident where we were trying to find the Irish Embassy. A friend of her gave her this particular address but it was a wrong one. The embassy was not at that address. So we had to roam around Makati and ask people. We got lost. Thanks to Gail who immediately responded and gave us the correct adrress of the Irish Embassy. Whew! That was an experience.

When I got her e-ticket from the airline office, it saddened me to see her go. But at the same time, I felt so happy that after all those sacrifices, sweat and tears, Maffet will be in Ireland soon.

Maffet and I hugged each other tightly and cried... cried... and cried... I will surely miss this girl. Thanks Maffet for cleaning the house and doing my laundry... hahaha!!!

As you conquer Ireland, I wish you luck and the best for you!!! Take care of yourself!!!

To Mitzi and Maffet, this entry is dedicated for the friendship we've shared... I LOVE YOU!!!

jory 12:24 PM
2 comments

Monday, May 30, 2005
LOST AND FOUND
I was once lost because of SFC(singles for Christ)... but I found myself also because of SFC: a deeper, better and renewed JORY.

LOST, DEVASTATED and SHATTERED. That was what I felt before joining SFC because of a sudden end of a happy relationship. Just when you know that everything seems perfect and seamless, then it will come to an end.

That very special relationship with a friend ended because of his struggle and personal issues of his sexuality and his spirituality. It was a fight between following his homosexual inclinations and his service to GOD through the SFC. Yes, he was a member of the SFC community.

After the break-up, I lost my sanity. My work was affected. My friends saw me crying. But I admit that it was not the person I was crying over. I cried because the relationship we had was one of a kind.

Letting him go also unloaded the burden in me. Having a relationship with him made me realize that I was a culprit in his dilemma. I saw him in pain of this particular dillema. No one in the SFC community knew he was gay. Yet his members look up to him because he was a trusted leader and an inspiring speaker. I remember his words "I give a talk on personal healing yet I myself am not healed because of my sexuality"

It was hypocrisy. A betrayal of trust to his friends, family and the community.

Then I thought of joining SFC because it's the only way to understand the situation.

Joining the SFC community entailed a lot of discipline and patience. I attended the Christian Life Program every Thursday for 12 weeks: listening to speakers and sharing my thoughts after the talk. After my 6 pm out in the office, I have my Salsa Dance class for about an hour. Then I immediately leave the building just to catch the CLP talk on time. It was too exhausting but I survived that gruelling routine. I didn't miss any of the talks!!! Perfect attendance!

But during those talks, I had my struggles believing and trusting the speakers especially the men. Ideas would rush into my mind everytime a male speaker gives a talk: What if he's gay like my ex-boyfriend? Would I still believe in him? Is he a hypocrite??? It was a difficult fight for me. I had to overcome what I had in mind and to give everyone a benefit of the doubt.

I fought, struggled and won.

After winning my personal battle, I did not only bring back the sanity I had but I gained more than what I expected: new friends in the community, a grounded faith and a more personal and intimate relationship with God.

As an active member of the community, I serve the Gawad Kalinga Ministry specifically the tutorials for less fortunate kids. Just recently, I attended the Singles Weekend Retreat in Tagaytay from which I learned some new ideas and lessons: courage & insecurity, anger, true & false humility, guilt and repentance.

And now I found myself belonging to the SFC community which at first was the reason why I got lost...

MASAYA MAGING SFC!!!!

jory 1:57 PM
3 comments

Tuesday, May 17, 2005
JORY STRIKES AGAIN!!!! (BORACAY ADVENTURE)
The POISON EATERS are back!!!!!! Ayee, Shela and I call ourselves the POISON EATERS. The group name was derived from the news headline: "30 PUPILS EAT POISON, KILLED". We laughed so hard when we read it that we decided to call ourselves the POISON EATERS.

Two months after our CEBU-CAGAYAN DE ORO-CAMIGUIN-BOHOL trip, Boracay was the destination for our next trip. Compared to our 4 province trip, this time we had all the time to relax and savor the white sands and waters in Boracay.

Here are the highlights of my BORACAY trip:

- met new friends: GERALD, CHRISTIAN, NING-NING, JING, ACHENA and JEZER
- had a mini show during our second night... bonfire dancing and singing THROUGH THE FIRE
- watched and cheered for the University of Mindanao in the Nestea Beach Volley
- enjoyed drinking my BANANA-AVOCADO shake in JONAS
- picture taking with Ayee doing our stunts
- seen BORGY MANOTOC, MARC NELSON, TISHA SILANG and JAY-R among others

The most memorable of all was on our way home. Ayee and Shela were fast asleep in their beds. I was roaming around the ship, Our Lady of Medjugorje. In the dining area, some passengers were singing in the videoke. I stopped, sat down and listened to their singing. The lady beside me asked if I wanted to sing. I told her I don't have any coins to pay for the songs. She told me she had a few and asked me to sing her song. So, I agreed and sang SOMEWHERE DOWN THE ROAD. After heartily singing my heart out, people around me clapped and cheered, They were asking for more. And to my surprise, they were giving me 5 peso coins just to sing more songs. Some requested their favorite songs. I also sang my videoke favorites: KAHIT ISANG SAGLIT, JUST ONCE and IKAW ANG LAHAT SA AKIN. But I could not let the night pass without singing my signature song: THROUGH THE FIRE. The passengers were so amazed that I belted out the high notes without faltering. I was so happy performing in front of them and seeing them appreciate. It was my MINI CONCERT!!!!! hahaha!!!

Here are few pics taken in Boracay:

MY SAND ART
ang cute!!!!

MY SOLO PICTURES
sun bathing
the coconut model
akyat pa
tampisaw sa buhangin
model na model ang pose
the bridge
the gymnast
the sand balls
dapa sa buhangin
sa bato
sa ibabaw ng bato
sandal sa bato
the swing
the swing 2
ang ganda ng likod

STUNTS WITH AYEE
ang bigat
lipad ayee
wala lang
liyad pa ayee
the best ito
nasa ilalim

SUNSET
with me
with parasail
the best sunset pic
with other people
ako yang nakaupo

HENNA
fresh pa lang
emote

A TYPICAL BORACAY DAY
kids at the beach
playing around
making sand balls
the locals
afternoon rest at the beach

jory 11:41 AM
5 comments

Thursday, May 05, 2005
THE TRANSFORMATION
the JORY that was and the JORY that is now

early high school

high school graduation

college pic

latest pic

jory 9:48 AM
4 comments

Monday, May 02, 2005
A YEAR AGO....
I remember vividly every detail of what happened exactly one year ago... APRIL 30-MAY 10 2004.... My First out of the country trip.... THAILAND, MALAYSIA, SINGAPORE...

I miss my friends who were with me on our "BACKPACK" travel to Malaysia and Singapore... Fendi: his role as Nimfa (the maid) and the Princess Sarah Story... Bating: her golden singing voice and her sensitivity.... Chloe: her unpredictable silly antics and her peeings on the street of Malaysia and Singapore... Tolits: his hospitality and his kindness.... I MISS YOU GUYS!!!!!!!!

This is one adventure I could never forget. It was filled with so much adventure and laughter.

Unforgettable moments from the trip:
- stayed for only six hours in Singapore
- walked around Kuala Lumpur with a gumamela on my right ear
- the stories, the songs and the jokes we shared while on board the train to Malaysia
- travelling alone from Manila to Bangkok
- the tambayan, MBK mall
- walking in the rain just to see the Petronas Twin Towers
- partying in Landmark Hotel in Bangkok
- the delicious noodles in Penang
- the drama session and the fashion show in our room in Penang
- the Roselle Nava and Basil Valdez concert in BKK
- the MAC make-up make-over in Malaysia

What made this trip really memorable??? I think it's the group that made it more fun-filled. We were all "game" and we went along with each other well. There was never a dull moment with Fendi, Bating, Chloe and Tolits around.

I know it's hard to repeat this kind of adventure with the same people. Why? We now take different roads and it's a miracle that our paths would cross again. Fendi is busy preparing his papers for his wedding in Sweden. Chloe and Bating are enjoying their lives with their own boyfriends. Tolits is now commited to a Thai. We may now have separate lives to take but the memories will still remain.

I MISS YOU FENDI, BATING, CHLOE & TOLITS!!!!!!!!!!!

PETRONAS TWIN TOWERS
ON BOARD THE TRAIN

jory 3:20 PM
0 comments

Wednesday, April 20, 2005
THE GRANDE ISLAND (SUBIC) EXPERIENCE
Thomson Phils. had its annual summer outing last April 16-17 at Grande Island for the second time. Last year's outing was in Grande also.

Anyway, our bus left Manila at 7 am. It was exciting because almost all of the employees from the Securities group were in the same bus. Along the way, the bus driver told us something using his microphone. So, an idea popped into my mind. Since it was kinda quiet and boring, I got the microphone and started to sing along with the music from the radio and cracked some jokes.... ala stand-up comedy. Then the driver turned on the TV with the videoke. Well, it was singing time for me. So, I started to singing along with the videoke. They clapped and laughed. I also had the audience particiapate. I walked around the bus and randomly gave the microphone to the people in the bus. Anyone I picked cooperated and sang their hearts out. Thanks to those who were game. Even some known shy-types in the office were forced to sing. Hahaha!!!! It was fun!!!!

When we arrived at the ferry port, we waited for about an hour because we were scheduled for the 2nd trip. We took pictures and waited patiently. We were hungry then because it was past 12 when the ferry arrived. Upon arrving at Grande Island, we immediately ate our lunch.

About 3 pm, the Thomson Adventure Fun Race was set to start. Instructions were given to the players, I was one of them. Our team composed of Nilo, Sir Joey, Monchie and me. It was a two hour adventure race composed of mental and physical challenges: brain twister puzzles, swimming, running around the oval 4 times and diving. And we won 2nd place!!! Yehey!!! Winning PHP12,000!!!!

I took a rest after the game at the room. I was with Kate and Mon, we were only three in the room. After resting, I went to the beach to take a swim with the Securities group.

At 7 pm, dinner was served!!! But the Island experienced electrical power shortage while having dinner. But the dinner was sumptuous. INIHAW NA PUSIT, INIHAW NA MANOK AT INIHAW NA LIEMPO!!! Yummy!!!!! Thank God, the lights came back before the party started. There was a program with games and the Beach God and Goddess contest. After the program, the live band started singing. Well, the group asked me to perform. I asked my sparing partner, JOI DAGOT, to sing with me. And the all laughed their hearts out when they heard us sing and saw how we performed on stage. It was a PERFORMANCE LEVEL singing and acting. We sang HALIK, THROUGH THE FIRE and PAGDATING NG PANAHON. Also, the whole Securities group went on stage to dance. It was one hell of a party!!!!

We all left the venue to hit our rooms for the INUMAN SESSION. It was also a chance for the group to get to know the new hires from other teams since our group has grown that big. Tequila, Bailey's and other drinks flooded that night.

I woke up at 7 am and had breakfast with Kate and the other groupmates. The food was not delicious at all. I ate for the sake of eating.

When I finished breakfast, I had a photoshoot with JOI and KATE... parang daw professional kasi photoshoot talaga... hahaha!!!! We striked our poses with confidence!!!!

We went swimming after the shoot. But I did not enjoy the swimming because my legs were painful. The adventure fun race made my legs hurting... huhuhu!!!! So, what I did was to take pictures and direct what my team mates should do to make a good pose.

Then after eating lunch, we headed for the ferryboat. We were scheduled to leave the island at 1 pm. We were given a box of wine each. It was heavy but we all carried it from the port to our respective buses.

On our way to Manila, we had this little guessing game contest. I delivered famous movie lines and they have to guess who the actress was and from what movie. We were all laughing because some line were unknown to them and some made some wild guesses but ended up getting the correct answer.

We arrived Manila 6 pm. I headed straight to Arnie's home!

IT WAS AN EXPERIENCE!!!!

Next stop..... BORACAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

strike a pose

sa ferry

ang taray ng headdress

with kate

while waiting for the ferry

inside the ferry

THE SECURITIES GROUP

pauwi na

jory 2:18 PM
0 comments

Tuesday, March 22, 2005
CEBU-CAGAYAN DE ORO-CAMIGUIN-BOHOL TRIP
I had a lot of fun during my CEBU-CAGAYAN DE ORO-CAMIGUIN-BOHOL trip with AYEE & SHELA. It was one of a kind backpack travel. The unexpected things happened like sleeping in a tent because the rooms were fully booked, running out of cash (Thanks to Ayee), eating IHAW-IHAW in the pier, going inside the cinema just to sleep for a while and a lot more. In the trip, we realized the importance of taking a bath, a good night's sleep and the value of money. But above all, it was a great experience.

WAG MAGING DAYUHAN SA SARILING BAYAN!!!!

AIRPORT
ayee, shiela and me waiting for our flight to CEBU

me and shiela inside CEBU PACIFIC

CEBU
WELCOME TO CEBU!!!!

MACTAN SHRINE

LAPU-LAPU SHRINE

MAGELLAN'S CROSS

outside MAGELLAN's CROSS

STO. NIÑO de CEBU

BASILICA DEL STO NIÑO

FORT SAN PEDRO

STRIKE A POSE!!!! (FORT SAN PEDRO)

ANG TARAY NG KUHA ANO??? (FORT SAN PEDRO)

TAOIST TEMPLE
INSIDE TAOIST TEMPLE

FRUSTRATED BEAUTY QUEENS (TAOIST TEMPLE)

PAGODA BEAUTIES (TAOIST TEMPLE)

WHAT'S WRONG WITH THE HEADING?

PUSO (steamed rice in COCONUT LEAVES)

CAGAYAN DE ORO
CAGAYAN DE ORO PIER

ACACIA TREE in MY HOMETOWN OPOL

first dip at OPOL BEACH

boat ride around OPOL BEACH

pose ulit (PULO ISLAND)

ang clear ng water(PULO ISLAND)

WOW!!!! ang ganda ng pagkakuha noh? (PULO ISLAND)

PULO ISLAND

motor bunlot ride

CAMIGUIN
ferry ride to CAMIGUIN

motorcycle ride (4 of us in a motorcycle, including the driver)

our ride

WHITE ISLAND

LOOK AT ME!!!! (WHITE ISLAND)

AYEE STRIKES A POSE (WHITE ISLAND)

THE BEACH BABES (WHITE ISLAND)

PANG-FRIENDSTER PIC (WHITE ISLAND)

COLORFUL SARONGS (WHITE ISLAND)

SUNSET

OLD CHURCH RUINS

ANG SEXY!!!! (ARDENT HOT SPRING)

SMILE!!!! (ARDENT HOT SPRING)

ANG KAPAL NG MUKHA KO!!! (ARDENT HOT SPRING)

THE TENT WHERE WE SLEPT (ARDENT HOT SPRING)

OUTSIDE ARDENT

KATIBAWASAN FALLS

SUNKEN CEMETERY CROSS

PASAN KO ANG CROSS NA YAN

ANG GALING NG MODELS KO!!!! WINNING POSE!!!!!

STO. NIÑO COLD SPRING

HAWAK PA NG MAHIGPIT!!! (STO NIÑO COLD SPRING)

LIYAD PA (STO NIÑO COLD SPRING

BOHOL
ABOARD TRANS ASIA TO BOHOL

OUR TOURIST ACCOMODATION BEDS

SANDUGO/BLOOD COMPACT

BACLAYON CHURCH

BACLAYON CHURCH (400+ YEARS OF EXISTENCE)

THE TARSIER

BEAUTY AND THE BEASTS (hahahahaha!!!!)

THE TARSIER

ANG CUTE!!!!

LOBOC RIVER

FALLS AT THE END OF LOBOC RIVER

ANG BABAE SA FALLS

CHOCOLATE HILLS

ANG MGA DIWATA SA CHOCOLATE HILLS

BILAR MAN MADE FOREST

HANGING BRIDGE

LOBOC MUSEUM

LOBOC CHURCH

LOBOC CHURCH

HINAGDANAN CAVE

MGA NYMPHA SA BATO

ANG MAHIWAGANG NYMPHA

PANGLAO BEACH

SIRENA SA TUYONG LUPA

SMILE PA!!! (sayang ang workshop ni DIREK)

PINSAN NI CESAR MONTANO NA BAKLA!!!! (sabi ng isang taga BOHOL yun ha)

SARAP MALIGO!!!! (PANGLAO BEACH)

THE SHADOWS (PANGLAO BEACH)

ANG MGA PAA (PANGLAO BEACH)

ANG HAYOK SA PICTURE (PANGLAO BEACH)

ISA PANG POSE SA IBABAW NG PUNO (PANGLAO BEACH)

AYAW TALAGA PAAWAT (PANGLAO BEACH)

WITH AYEE (PANGLAO BEACH)

WITH SHIELA (PANGLAO BEACH)

SA TUKTOK NG PUNO (PANGLAO BEACH)

THE ACROBAT (PANGLAO BEACH)

THE BUKAKA STYLE (PANGLAO BEACH)

BOHOL PLAZA HOTEL

jory 1:47 PM
4 comments

Friday, March 04, 2005
SALSA!!!! I MISS SALSA!!!!!!
While listening to SALSA music, it dawned to me that it's been a long time I haven't danced the passionate and sexy SALSA. Since the start of the year, our group didn't have the chance to have another SALSA session because everyone had their own activities. Wow, it was ages ago! And I think I could not remember the combinations/patterns anymore. But I remember the SUZY Q, swivel, salsa walk, prom, Cuban side, cross and side cross, cumbia and double cumbia.

How I miss SALSA and our Tuesday and Thursday sessions!!! It was our form of exercise at the same time our outlet of our inner desires.

It is sad to note that our group will never be complete anymore. Our dear and beloved SALSA instructor, Sir Francis Gaspar, is not connected with THOMSON anymore.

I MISS YOU GUYS! (Freda, Gigz, Gail, Vernie, Monchie and Sir Francis). I MISS OUR HAVANA CAFE NIGHTS!

VIVA SALSA!!!!

jory 10:21 AM
2 comments

Thursday, March 03, 2005
GET TO KNOW ME MORE
TEN Places I've visited
1. Camiguin Island
2. Subic
3. Boracay Island
4. Taal Volcano & Batangas
5. Bangkok, Thailand
6. Singapore
7. Kuala Lumpur & Penang, Malaysia
8. Legazpi, Bicol
9. Cebu
10. Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija

NINE Random Things About ME:
1. I'm a sucker for ROMANCE
2. I'm a frustrated performing artist
3. I feel that someday I will become a politician
4. I have this great crush on TYSON BECKFORD
5. I value my family and friends so much
6. They say I'm thoughtful and with so much sense of humor
7. I'm an active member of SINGLES FOR CHRIST
8. I love to travel and meet new people
9. SWIM!!! SWIM!!! SWIM!!!

EIGHT Things I Want To Do:
1. FIND A NEW JOB!!!!
2. Travel around the Philippines
3. Get a master's degree before 25
4. Spend a vacation with the whole family
5. Give more care and attention to my brother, Ecoy.
6. Visit a dermatologist
7. Spend more time with ARNIE
8. Visit Cagayan de Oro as often

SEVEN Ways To Win My HEART:
1. Thoughtful
2. Close to my Family
3. A good conversationalist
4. Honest
5. With a Sense of Humor
6. Lots fo Hugs & Kisses
7. Spend more time with me

SIX Things I Believe In:
1. GOD
2. Reincarnation
3. Soulmate
4. Innate goodness in every person
5. Karma
6. Beauty in every person

FIVE Favorite Items:
1. My OLYMPUS Digicam
2. My portable DVD Player w/ a 7" screen
3. My NOKIA 3650 mobile
4. My LA COSTE wallet
5. My RED SHOES

FOUR Things I Do Everyday:
1. Take a bath
2. Check my email
3. Talk with ARNIE
4. Sit-ups/Crunches

THREE Things I'm Afraid Of:
1. DEATH
2. Rejection
3. Accidents

TWO Things I'm Trying NOT to do:
1. Gain weight
2. any forms of dishonesty to friends and loved ones

ONE Person I'm thinking as of writing this entry:
1. JORY RIVERA... isn't that Narcissistic??? Hahaha!!!

jory 10:57 AM
1 comments

Monday, February 28, 2005
RED CORNER & SWIMMING
After my contract expired with Fitness International and learned that they're closing, I thought I would never find another less expensive gym where I can work out after office. I did my exercise with my friends Ayee and Shela in Salcedo Park: jogging around the park and skipping ropes. We enjoyed our jogs and walks around the park. But eventually Ayee and another gymmate, Meg, enrolled in RED CORNER in HOTEL INTERCON because they found out that they offer a cheap package at PHP 8000 for six months. Since I have no cash to pay for that big amount, I stayed with Shela in doing our jogging and skipping rope in Salcedo Park.

Until one morning, while talking to Gail on the phone, she told me that there is a corporate account offer in RED CORNER and it's PHP 3500 for one year!!!! Without hesitation, I said I will apply for that package. Imagine that price?? My friends paid PHP 8000 for six months while I paid PHP 3500 for a year. WOW!!! That was a nice offer!!!!!!

And now, I'm having the time of my life in the gym!!! I'm fully utilizing the privileges offered in the gym. But what I'm hooked into right now is SWIMMING in the INTERCON POOL. And swimming almost EVERYDAY. Hahaha! It feels so nice to bathe in the pool and to make few laps. It's a form of relaxation and exercise. It's hitting two birds in one stone.

So you don't have to ask where will I be later after my office...

JORY

jory 11:15 AM
0 comments

Monday, February 14, 2005
A GOOD START
After writing an entry of my blessed 2004 and asking how I could top it, well... well... well... My year 2005 started with a blast.

My Uncle Bob came home for a vacation from USA. I was the only one who knew of his coming. We also planned a surprise party for my grandmother's 72nd birthday. When he arrived here in the Philippines, I met him at his hotel in Ortigas. Then, I saw this portable DVD player with a 7 inch screen. It's really beautiful and handy. So, I asked him if I could borrow it. But deep inside my heart, I wanted to ask him if I could have it instead. Hahaha! After unpacking, he gave me chocolates and cash. Wow! I didn't ask for it but I could not refuse it. I'm not a fool not to accept that big amount. At 3 am, we went to the airport for my uncle's flight for Cagayan de Oro. Then, I went home to get some sleep.

But it was not only my uncle who will be home for my Lola's Birthday party. I went home too, after a week. I took the first flight which is 5 am on February 5. When I arrived home, my neighbors and cousins were surprised to see me. It was unusual for me to have a vacation on a February. Thanks to my uncle who paid for my plane ticket. Yehey!

What I did for the party was to go around and to video cousins and my Lola's friends for their birthday greetings. I was also my uncle's assistant during his stay in Opol. Wow, he was calling my name from time to time when he needs something. I also went swimming with Daisy, GharyJohn and Jerry. And shopping... shopping... shopping with my Uncle and Lola. I hate to say it but I am my uncle and lola's favorite. Sometimes I feel guilty because my cousins and uncles ask my lola and uncle for something but they can't have it. But when I ask them, I could surely get it. Also, my uncle gave each of my cousins 500 pesos. All I thought no one knew my uncle gave me 4000 pesos but my older brother teased me that I had a large amount of money on hand.

The party was a blast!!! My lola cried while watching the tribute I made for her. I collected her old pictures and the interviews. We had a mini theater especially built for the video presentation. And there were many visitors... the house was FULL... wow! I couldn't believe that the house could fit in that number of visitors...

February 10. The day after the party, my uncle and I left for Manila. The next day my Lola followed us.

My lola and I accompanied my uncle to the airport for his flight to New York. After that, my Lola and I stayed in Taft for the night. My lola was getting herself ready for her scheduled BOTOX operation in VICKY BELO CLINIC. My Lola is Kikay!!! She want to remove her wrinkles in her face. She spends so much just to make herslef beautiful. And I mean it when I say so much...

I assisted my lola and accompanied her going around the mall for shopping. Of course, I got to choose want I want and had her bought it for me. Hahaha! And I got to choose where I want to eat out.

February 12. My lola had her botox operation. The doctor was nice to us and explained everything.

Febraury 13. My lola left for Cagayan de Oro. And guess what, she gave me something to spend. hahaha!

But what I'm most happy about??? My uncle gave me his PORTABLE DVD PLAYER WITH A 7" SCREEN. Yehey! My uncle told me that he gave me the most expensive gadget he has ever given to any of my family. Lucky me!!!!

Well, isn't that a good start for the year??? I hope it will continue for the whole year... I'm praying!!!!

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!!!

jory 9:13 AM
1 comments

Wednesday, February 02, 2005
THOUGHTS I LEARNED FOR TODAY
1. NEVER use God's name in telling someone how angry you are or how much you hate him. God knows how to forgive, how come you can't?

2. Before telling a person that he has an evil soul, examine your life first. If you think you are cleansed from all the evils in life, then you have the right to say it.

3. How do you measureness evilness? How evil is hypocrisy?

4. Is it hard to say "I'M SORRY" and mean it when you say it? It will now make you less of a person.

5. It's hard to be rational at the same time emotional.

6. You always have a choice: to tell in a humble and heartfelt manner or to threat in a harsh and rude way. I think the first one is the good option.

7. You can do nothing about your regrets. Whatever happened in your life was bound to happen. If you keep on telling yourself that you regret your past, I think it's time to move on. You can do nothing to change the past.

8. If you cloud your heart and mind with dark and selfish thoughts, then most likely all that will come out from you will be nothing but bad ideas and words. Purify your heart and mind. Perhaps that will make things clearer.

9. LEARN TO LOVE YOURSELF FIRST!

10. BE TRUE TO YOURSELF!

jory 2:35 PM
1 comments

Thursday, January 20, 2005
THE YEAR THAT WAS
How could I ever forget such a productive and fruitful year for me? And I think it's hard to top the events that happened in just a span of one year. How could I beat that?
Here are the highlights of my spectacular year 2004:
1. Feb 27-March 1: went to Boracay... all expenses paid!!! plus I won a DKNY shades worth PHP 8500, a GUCCI perfume worth PHP 2500 and $50 cash, as in dollars. Isn't that a lucky start for the year? It was a truly memorable vacation indeed. Thanks to OPMB website!!!!
2. April 17-18: went to Grande Island in Subic for the company outing... won the amazing race contest...
3. April 30-May 10: my first out-of-the-country... went to THAILAND, MALAYSIA & SINGAPORE... here's the catch.... it was all paid by my "good friend" Devin... isn't he a very nice guy? Even some of my pasalubong, he paid for it... I hope to meet another Devin someday and bring me to Europe... hahaha!!!! Thank you SPYDIE!!!!
4. July- October: Christian Life Program for Singles for Christ... It was a nice and enriching experience... after all, God has given me so much blessings... I think it's high time to give back what is due to Him...
5. September 5-8: went home to CDO to celebrate fiesta... when I went to college, I never had the visit my hometown and celebrate fiesta there... it was too expensive for a three day visit... now that I'm working, I filed a leave and went home... it was nice seeing the people again celebrate fiesta, the parades and the nightly presentations... the sunday night concert was a blast... whew!!!!!!
6. December 21- January 3: went home again for Christmas vacation... also went to Camiguin for two days and enjoyed the WHITE ISLAND and HOT SPRING... it was a nice and relaxing holidays...
7. enrolled myself to gym classes and dental make-over... it was time for me to take care and pamper myself... I want to see myself in a nice shape... also, it was a form of stress reliever for working so hard in the office... I also had a dental make-over by my friend Dr. Rhea Rosales. I am grateful that she has worked hard for my perfect smile. hahaha!!! Thanks DOC!
8. salsa classes... as a dancer, it's nice to learn new form of dances... thanks to Sir Francis, Gail, Gigs, Freda and Vernie.... VIVA SALSA!!!!
9. new friends... I gained new friends in the gym, RTU, SFC and OPMB... it's nice to have new friends around... they make me happy everytime I'm in their company... SHELA, MEG, AYEE and LANI are my gym friends... The RTU Volleyball Team is a bunch of striving athletes who I have given my full support in their games.... special mentions are SANTY, SABTAL and PHLAFE for their loyalty... BONG, ATE CORA, JACK, GLENN, ATE LORNA and KUYA ROGER are the people who guide me in my spiritual journey... my cyber friends in OPMB who I met this year and shared a lot of moments with them (Binibini screening nights, Boracay, Xmas party, parties for the balikbayans)....
10. ERIC, FENDI and DEVIN... they are my closest cyber friends who became my real life friends... ERIC is my everyday chatmate... FENDI is an occasional caller... DEVIN??? never mind... hahaha!!! he's my ex-boyfriend...
11. BONG... I met Bong in SFC... He's my close friend in the community... through him, I met other friends like SANTY and SABTAL... This friend is fun to be with... He's intelligent and proud of his accomplishments... But when it comes to love???? hahaha!!! never mind!!!!!
12. KATE and GAIL... Need I say more??? they are my treasured friends... they are also my officemates... Kate is the happy go lucky type of girl... she has a lot to learn... Gail is the intellectualy matured one and I consider her as the "best" friend I ever had... I shared so much with this girl, especially laughing moments... hahaha!!! Thanks GAIL!!!!
13. ARNIE, my BOYFRIEND... this guy has taught me so much about LOVE... He's the loyal type... although I had my share of infidelity, he stayed and sticked with me... But I've learned so much now... I LOVE YOU ARNIE!!!!!
14. My family.... of course, they are always there to support me...
15. GOD... this year, I got closer to Him... I have strengthened my faith in Him... He has given so much... He loves me so much...
I know year 2004 is hard to beat... But I'm looking positively... I hope that this year would also be a blast!!!!!!

jory 3:53 PM
1 comments

Wednesday, January 19, 2005
DUE TO PUBLIC DEMAND
It's been a long time since I last visited my BLOG. My friends are telling me to update my entries. Even Gail told me to delete my site because I don't have anything new for people to read.

Since the last time I posted an entry, I have so many stories to tell. But I think it would take a lot of time. The best way to concretize all the things that happened? PICTURES... I'll post pictures to let you know what has happened in the past few months... It's better that way, I think... These pictures were taken using my new digital camera which by the way bought without much thinking... While eating at TOKYO-TOKYO, Gail shouted "Jo, bili ka ng camera"... then voila, I had a new OLYMPUS digital camera on hand... hahaha!!!! ENJOY THE PICS!!!

RIVERA FAMILY

CAMIGUIN ADVENTURE
CHRISTMAS PARTIES
CHALA & GAIL (Thomson XMAS PARTY)
SINGLES FOR CHRIST
RIVERA XMAS HAT PARTY
SERIÑA XMAS PARTY
SIBOL TUTEES XMAS PARTY
FRIENDS
GYM FRIENDS in STAR CITY (Sheila and Ayee)
RTU FRIENDS (Santy and Sabtal)
MY PICS
FIREWORKS IN MY HOMETOWN
SWIMMING
MY BOYFRIEND ARNIE

jory 5:47 PM
1 comments

Thursday, October 28, 2004
I'M SO HAPPY!!!!!!!!!
Last night, I had the chance to perform in front of a crowd, the THOMSON Philippines employees. I've been with the company for more than a year but last night was my only chance to showcase my talent.

I performed solo singing DA COCONUT NUT. I have to make a dramatic entrance to get everyone's attention. After the song GO THE DISTANCE, I got down the stage and sa with the audience. They were asking why I wasn't up stage with the other performers. I just kept quiet. The choir started singing the intro of DA COCONUT. As soon as my part started, I stood up and sang my heart out. So, they all turned their heads to the back finding where the voice came from. HAHAHA!!! I performed with all my best giving the audience my best shot.

What made me happy was seeing the foreign visitors in their standing ovation... As a performer, nothing is sweeter but the appreciation of the audience...

I'm living my dream as a performer!!!!!

till the next entry!!!!

jory 2:52 PM
3 comments

Tuesday, October 26, 2004
WHAT A BUSY WEEK
Friday (Oct. 22)... I finished my gym and dance class 8 pm... then met Bro. Bong to watch volleyball in San Juan... went to sleep at 4 am...

Saturday(Oct. 23)... woke up early... left the house at 11:30 am...went to bowling tournament... played bowling until 6 pm.... met OPMB friends at 7 pm in Intercontinental Hotel... went to Parañaque for dinner... met Didi, Urduja and Andres (still OPMB friends) in Greenbelt at 11:30 pm... the group separated at 2:30... at 3 am, went to my fellowship for SIngles for Christ... went swimming until 4:30 am...

Sunday(Oct.24)... woke up 7 am... had breakfast... had an activity until lunch... after eating lunch, went to Boni to teach the kids.... played with 3-5 year old naughty kids... went to mass from 4:30-6 pm... had dinner with Bro. Bong, Ronnie and Sabtal... went to office to meet Saddam and Gail... went home 1 am...

what a busy weekend!!!!!!

the result???? NO VOICE & DROP DEAD TIRED!!!!!

till the next entry...

JORY

jory 4:35 PM
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Wednesday, October 20, 2004
WHEN CUPID SHOOTS THE WRONG HEARTS
How could forbidden love be a perfect affair? While I was listening to the song “Love me for what I am”, bittersweet memories of my boyfriend, Paulo, came into my mind. The song’s powerful lyrics revealed how our forbidden love came to be. The moments that Paulo and I shared together would never be forgotten. They were the treasures I could never afford to exchange. But most of all, my relationship with Paulo made me realize that not only was I secure in his arms but also that I am accepted by my parents for what I really am.

“We fell in love on the first night that we met.” As Paulo was holding and squeezing my hands, he came nearer and whispered words in my ears. It was New Year but all I could hear was nothing…. nothing but the words “I LOVE YOU” that kept reverberating in my ears. As soon as the firecracker were about to explode, I tried to yell but all that came out was air with no sound. That was how raw my emotion was --- indescribable, ineffable --- as silent as the New Year’s celebration spoke. My emotions then were so silent --- yet very eloquent --- that they were only comparable to describing to a blind man since birth the color of the sky. People continued to celebrate the New Year with their firecrackers, noise barrage and torotot. It was as if the joy of the people celebrating New Year was dedicated to the joy Paulo and I were feeling that very moment. Paulo and I smiled at each other celebrating our new start, a new life together.

“Together we’ve been happy, I have very few regrets” From then on, excitement filled my days every time I went home after my exhausting whole day class. My daily routine abruptly changed from the usual home-school-home to home-school-home-kanto. I dramatically adjusted my schedule and heartily gave time to be with Paulo. After every dinner, I groomed myself and then went to the kanto. The fun started with my neighbors and cousins. We gathered every night to talk about what happened for the day and to crack jokes. One night, a memorable incident happened. While the group was laughing and chatting, I felt something that I couldn’t understand. My feet started to tremble and the earth suddenly moved. Paulo slowly moved towards me. He held my hand, put it in his lap and gently caressed it. Paulo stroked his index finger on my palm. My neighbors laughed boisterously on the joke my cousin had told. The stroking continued as it gently spelled the words “I LOVE YOU”. Cupid’s arrow has struck my heart. I wondered why the arrow didn’t kill me. The world started to revolve faster, faster than I could endure. The uniqueness of Paulo’s way of expressing his feelings impressed me more. Paulo’s head rested on my shoulders. I silently sang, a song of rejoice and happiness. Paulo turned his head and voila, he gave me a kiss. At that very moment a pair of wings sprung up my back, while a magnificent and extremely blinding aura engulfed me to the soul, and brought me to what they call heaven. I was awestruck.

“The ordinary problems have not been hard to face. But lately little changes have been slowly taking place.” It was a beautiful night. The moon shadows were hugging the glistening evening sea. We sat on the sea wall. Paulo’s hand embraced me tightly that no air could even pass through. We talked about so many things especially of my going to Manila for my studies. He asked me not to go to Manila and I explained to him my reason. But in the back of my mind, I wanted to stay and be with him forever. He begged me as if he wanted to kneel before me in order for me to give in to his persuasion. Tears began to fall from his eyes. I was tempted to say yes but I could not. The bright moon enlightened me. Tears also began to fall from my eyes. His lips touched the tip of my nose, then his lips moved down. He kissed me gently, then hugged me. The twist and turns inside my lips were so passionate. The cold wind breeze from the sea started to blow. We continued to kiss and then, he intentionally bit my tongue. We laughed stood up and went home for dinner. We bid goodbye to each other. He went to his house and I continued a few steps and then I arrived home. My parents and younger brother were there. But there was some kind of unreasonable silence that seemed inevitable for me to take for granted. I was puzzled with the kind of expression they were showing. I thought that it was just a bad day for my parents. After they had finished eating their dinner, my parents went up to the master’s bedroom still quiet. I finished eating my dinner with such enthusiasm looking on to the not-too-distant tomorrow that awaits Paulo and me. No one could ever stop me from being happy that night. As I was finishing my glass of water, my father called me and requested me to come up to the bedroom. I still felt happy that time thinking they were to congratulate me for my scholarship in the Ateneo. I smiled at them. And my father started to talk and asked me the question I never imagined I will hear from him, “Totoo bang boyfriend mo ‘yan si Paulo?” I felt the world was starting to crumble, and the whole world was blaming me all for it. The persons I never expected to know about my relationship with Paulo began questioning me about it. And it started to rain outside, just like it was raining inside me --- within my very soul. The silence that I uttered said it all about the truth. My father repeated that unexpected question. There was silence in the room. “Jong, hindi kita pinapagalitan. Tinatanong ko lang kung totoo ba.” As I was crying, my father held his tee shirt and stretched it to gently wipe the tears that fell from my father’s weary eyes.

“You’ve got to love me for what I am for simply being me”, the song continued while I was staring closely at our picture, Paulo and I together, resembling sweet lovers who can never be torn apart. How I wish Paulo was here beside me hugging me, kissing me and biting my tongue as he always did. In his arms, I felt the heat of his love embracing me. Then, a tear gently rolled down on my pale cheeks.

If not for Paulo, I would not have known the essence of being loved not only by him but, most importantly, also by my parents.

The moments… the love… the tears… attested it all.
THE LOVE STORY OF JORY RIVERA & MARCO PAULO ALIPIO

jory 4:15 PM
3 comments

Tuesday, October 19, 2004
TIME WAITS FOR NO MAN BUT TRUE LOVE CAN WAIT FOREVER
It was dark and gloomy outside as the rain started to pour. I was staring closely at the raindrop slowly streaming down the leaf, gently moving to reach the tip of the leaf, helplessly hanging, rapidly falling down the thirsty soil, bursting out as it reached the ground and disappearing from my very sight. Hearing the sound of the wind blowing and feeling the cold breeze touch my cheeks, I swayed the rocking chair to the beat of my heart skipping.
The swaying continued until I heard the voice of a little girl that caught my attention. Her question woke me up completely from my half-asleep state.
“Lolo, why are you sad?” My brother’s granddaughter repeated her question. I held her tiny hands tightly and put my face near her innocent angelic face.
“No,” I bravely told her.
“If you’re not sad, then how come I saw you crying?” I embraced the curious kid, carried her in my arms and gently put her on my lap.
“I’m not sad nor lonely, my little girl. Indeed, I’m very happy this very moment. We don’t cry only because we feel hurt and alone but we also cry for we feel loved and important. When you become old and grey, like I am right now, you will finally know why we cry when we are happy.”
The little girl stretched out her hand. I felt her soft palm touching my cheeks and wiping the tears that fell from my eyes. I touched her hair and brushed it with my bare hands.
“Listen closely, my dear little angel. I will tell you a story that almost made my life complete and perfect. Well, almost…”
Memories came rushing into my mind: the endless nights of chatting, the long talks on the phone, the jokes that we both boisterously laughed at, the fears that we both had before meeting each other, the nervousness I had in meeting him for the first time, the moment we hugged each other and finally felt the heat of his love, the time we shared together, the kisses and the hugs on the road, the train and bus rides, the make-over in Malaysia, our one and only picture in Singapore, the drama session and the beauty parade in Penang, the trip to Grand Palace, the dance in Landmark hotel, the shopping for the “pasalubong”, the memorable last night in his room and the last hug I got before leaving Bangkok. It was too fast…. short but filled with those moments worth to be treasured.
“This is a story of a great and unselfish love, little child. Listen to this and remember every detail of it.”
And here it goes, my dear child…

I knew it was him… It was him that I’ve been waiting for… It was him that I’ve been longing for… It was him that I’ve been praying for…
He came into my life when I least expected it. Everything went well with my life until he came and made it perfect and complete.
We started out as cyber friends, constant exchange of posts and emails. We were plainly friends and nothing more. But as everyday passed by, I could feel that there is something more than friendship that I felt for him. I eagerly wait to see his name on my email or his message on the board. I patiently hang around and wait to hear that buzz on my Yahoo Messenger.
It was him who made me look forward for another minute or an hour. I never imagined myself staying awake until wee hours in the morning just to talk and to chat with him. I would stay up to two in the morning in the office, with only my computer giving light in the vicinity. My office was literally empty but deep inside my heart I was filled with so much excitement and love. It was him who completed my night. Then as I lay myself to sleep, I always await the moment I wake up and begin another day with him. And this happened almost everyday….
We were miles apart... we were an hour apart… connected only by the advances of technology. But it did not hinder our relationship to grow. Instead, it made us stronger and bonded the relationship. We have proven everyone wrong, all of them who were against us. It was you and me against the world. But it was you and me who ended up victorious.
We had to move this relationship to another level. Thus, we decided to finally meet. This was the decisive moment that we’ve been waiting for, find out if we would work out when see each other in person. We had our own share of fears. What if one would not like the other when we finally meet??? What if??? How would we say it???? Is it as simple as saying “I don’t like you”??? We had fears that we wasted all our effort and time if this won’t turn out as expected.
Everything was ready, all set for our meeting. I got my passport on a Tuesday, bought my ticket the next day and flew for Bangkok Thursday. I said to myself before that I will never tell anyone of the plans until I have my ticket and passport on hand. And it was surprising indeed that I told my parents and friends of my trip to Bangkok only on the day before my flight. There was nothing stopping me… I’m ready to face all the consequences ahead.
My heart started to beat faster as I boarded the plane for Bangkok. And it got faster as the time progressed. But as soon as the plane landed, there was no turning back. I felt nervous at the same time excited. Different thoughts came flooding into my brain… how would he look like in person??? Will he like me??? Will I like him??? The fears came back. What if one doesn’t like the other???? What if???? Whatever turns out with this meeting, I am ready to accept it.
I got down the plane, walked until I reached the Immigration officers, handed out my passport and continued thinking of what will happen to both us.
Upon reaching the waiting area, I instantly recognize the familiar face of his friend, Jeremy, waving the instantly made personalized welcome banner for me. It made me laugh for a while because all I could see was a blank paper with nothing written on it. But staring closely, the words “welcome to Bangcock” were written. Jeremy took a picture of me and then immediately called “MY BABY” telling him of my arrival. We took the cab and headed straight for my baby’s house. When we arrived, I felt cold and trembling.
Then suddenly the world stopped for a second as I laid my eyes on him for the first time…. the one I’ve been longing to see. And I instantly knew that he was the one… the one who will complete my life…. the one who will make it perfect… the one who I want to share my life with…
We hugged each other tightly. It was that hug that broke all my fears…. the hug that made me feel his love…. the hug that promised me happiness… the hug that made me feel secure…. the hug that brought me the world… the hug that made me knew he was everything to me…
Everything happened so fast when we shared time together. All I could remember are the hugs and kisses while riding the train to Malaysia and the bus to Singapore, the walk under the rainy night to Petronas Twin towers, the hot and delicious noodles we shared for dinner in Penang, the steel rod that almost risked our lives in Bangkok, the long talks before going to sleep, the NESH sign that gave him an idea on what to call me, the song “I will be here” which we both liked, the ala Princess Sarah story of Jeremy, the two shirts of the same color and design that we each had, the boat ride to the Wat Arun temple, the new room he had which he transferred to on the day I arrived, the new friends (Bating, Beget and Jeremy) who were with us during our travel, the movie we watched in MBK and the list goes on… It was until I got my last hug from him and realized that that was the end of our time together. It went too fast, I know. I never paid attention to the time when we had our moments until I was standing in front of the plane.
We were both sad to leave each other. But I have to be back in Manila because I have my work and he has to stay because ha has to make a living in Bangkok. And as he walked his way outside the airport, he stopped, turned his back and gave me that smile… it was the smile that made me think of the future that await both of us… the smile that assured me that everything will be smooth after this… the smile that gave the whole world to me…
I smiled to myself.
We continued to live our separate lives but also knowing we have each other. It was back to what we used to do, the endless nights of chatting and talking on the phone. But it will be different from now on… if before I loved him like loving someone who I have created in my mind… now, I’m loving the very person in him…
Everything went perfect and smooth, as expected, but not until I got an email from him on a bright and sunny Monday. At first I felt so excited to hear some news of how his weekend went by. But I was wrong!!!!!! DEAD WRONG!!!!!
Speechless and crying. It was my initial reaction when I read those words of goodbye, the sudden end of a happy relationship. Although I tried to hold the tears back, I could not resist the force. The emotion was too strong to fight back. My cheeks were wet with the flooding tears that fell from my weary eyes. And I was left with no words to utter that very moment.
What I felt was not pain but emptiness... I felt so empty that everything drastically changed... I felt so empty to set someone free... I felt so empty thinking of the happy memories... I felt so empty knowing I can never call him mine... I felt so empty looking back of those happy days.... I felt so empty that I know I had what I wished for but he belongs to Someone, the One up above, who could provide him real and unending happiness.... I felt so empty... I felt so empty… I felt so empty... I felt so empty...
I knew it was him… It was him that I’ve been waiting for… It was him that I’ve been longing for… It was him that I’ve been praying for… But it was him that I couldn’t have forever…

“But why does it have to be that way, Lolo” The little girl laid her head on my chest and felt my heart beat.
“My dear little girl, it has to end that way. There are things we ourselves have to answer… questions that seem to bother our lives… questions that we need to resolve… but these are questions that we can never fathom…”
“My child, always remember this story. Every time you feel alone and sad, think of this story and feel his great and unselfish love that very same way I felt it. And don’t forget to tell this story to someone you know who is sad, to all who feel unloved and to your grandchildren like what I’ve done to you”
I will continue to love to him.... for loving is the greatest thing I could ever give.... for loving without asking anything in return is noble.... for loving does not stop at any point...
I will wait for him. If he won’t come tomorrow, the next day or maybe next year, then a lifetime is worth waiting for him. But if I can’t have him this lifetime, my soul will patiently wait for lifetimes just to have him. It is the emptiness in my very soul that would continue searching for him. And it will never be tired until I have him, until I can finally call him mine and until I could have him forever…
“One last thing my little girl, I forgot to tell you his name. Just in case you will get to meet him one day, tell him that I’ve been waiting for him. His name is DEVIN MONTEVERDE"

jory 12:00 PM
1 comments

a hectic monday
I came to office early because I was assigned for the 8-5 pm shift. I finished my task early. I was kinda bored. Thanks to Gail who saved my sanity. Hahaha!! She texted and asked me to go to the hospital, Makati Med. Her tito Tarcs had an andioplasti. Gail asked me to bring some stuff to office. While going through his tito's things, I came across a book where a paper was inserted. It was an "IF I DIE" list. Tito Tarcs listed things to do in case he dies. Knowing his situation, one could not discount the possibility of death. By the way, Tito Tarcs had a heart attack last week. He had to undergo some procedures. I thought his "list" was realistic as well.

I left the hospital and headed back to office, bringing Tito tarc's bags. And guess what? I brought with me Tito's brown bag which I really liked!!!!! I think it looks nice on me. hahaha!!!!

Lunch time approeached fast. Arnie came at exactly 12 noon. We went to RCBC Bldg for lunch. We decided to eat at Mexicali. Arnie had Chicken Ensalada with rice and I had Garden Burger. Arnie told me that they were planning to have a family vacation in Bangkok this weekend. How I wish I could be with them. But I couldn't!!!! I have no vacation leaves left. Also, I've been there last May with my ex-boyfriend, Devin.

I accompanied Arnie to ride a jeepney and gave him a kiss when he boarded the jeep. I LOVE YOU ARNIE!!!!!!

When I got back the office, my cousin in Germany, ATE PING, was online in YM. We chatted, chatted and chatted. I told her of some news about our hometown OPOL. How she misses home. Well, me too. But I'm closer to home than she is. She is miles and miles away.

5 pm came so fast. Gail and I decided to pay Tito Tarcs a visit. He was confined in the ICU-HEART section. When we came in, I saw lots of machines connected to his body. Monitors, dextrose, heart machines and wires... But Tito Tarcs managed to put a smile on his face. And don't forget the shades. He was wearing his shades inside the room. Gail told me that Tito Tarcs is a VAIN. Hahaha!!!

WHile watching TV inside the hospital room, I ate two chicken buns. After a few minutes of chatting, Gail and I decided to come back to office. On the way back, Gail, inspired by the movie SASSY GIRL, asked me to exchange footwear. I was wearing her high heels all the way from the 4th floor until ground floor. We were laughing hard!!!!

Gail went up to office and I continued a few steps to reach LKG TOWER for my gym. WHen I came in, the aero class started. I was late for our daily dose of chismis before aero starts. My gym friends, ayee and meg, asked why I was late. I told them I went to Makati Med. The class ended at 7. I didn't attend the yoga class because I have to do my weights. And I also have to leave early for my choir practice. After taking a bath, I ran down as fast as I could. WHile waiting for a cab, JIM BO & MONWIN (my high school classmates) passed by. SO, I came along with them. They asked me to come along with them for dinner. But I told them I'll be back after my practice. I headed straight to the choir practice.

My fellow choir members from SINGLES for CHRIST decided to have our practice at Jack's house instead of doing it in the church. We had our vocalizations but I think it wasn't enough. Also, I'm a bit frustrated with the way the choirmaster is teaching us. Having some knowledge in music and my studies in voice in UP COllege of Music, I think the choir master lacks some important technics in teaching his choir. Well, he's the teacher. I did my part early because I asked them I'll leave early for a dinner appointment. I left 9 pm.

I hailed a cab and met MAU, JIM BO and MONWIN. They were eating at NORTH PARK. Mau paid for the bill. We went to Mau's place to meet Dennis (my first crush). Hahaha!!! I had this great cursh on DENNIS because he is superior in academics and is very good looking. He was our class valedictorian. He was a complete package!

I left the gang early becaue I have to go back to the choir. Well, commitments... commitments... commitments...

I brought with me stir fried noodles for the choir. When I came back, they were singing the song for the last time. After the practice, they ate pancit canton and my stir fried noodles. We were watching the SFC RELOADED video where they presented a dance.

I went home together with Sis. Jing, Bro. Bong and Bro. Junrey.

I slept at 12 mn.

Thanks God for a wonderful day!

till the next entry...

JORY

jory 9:19 AM
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Monday, October 18, 2004
I FEEL BLESSED & LUCKY
My involvement in teaching the less fortunate kids is one way of thanking ang giving back what God has given me. He has given so much!!! And I think it's high time for me to give Him what is due to Him.

Immersing oneself is also a wake-up call.

Sometimes in our life, we feel that there is more to what we have right now. We want the latest model of mobile phone... we want to eat at expensive restaurants... we want more branded shoes and clothes... we want more money... we want more, more, more... But haven't we noticed that we have more than what others have???

We should count our blessings... NOT OUR MISERIES & PROBLEMS...

Just look at people around you... and feel blessed!!!!!!!! We are not deprived of a decent house, of a stable paying job, of eating more than thrice a day, of a good and quality education and of a loving family and friends.

This is one situation of a kid who is part of our sunday school. He is always sleepy at noontime. Why? Because he is deprived of an 8 hour sleep... His siblings who go to school early morning are the ones who sleep at night. While those who don't need to wake up early stay awake even until wee hours in the morning. They have to wait for the night batch to wake up. And when they get up, it would be the time for the others who don't have to wake up early to sleep. THEY SLEEP DURING DAYTIME WHILE THE SUN IS FAST RISING....

Aren't you lucky enough???

On a personal note, I feel so blessed and lucky all my life. I have a loving and supportive father. I have a caring mother, a good cook and good friend of mine. Brothers who are all close to me. My elder brother used to be my enemy. But things have changed. We now share and confide to each other. My cousins? We are very close to each other. We use to plan costume parties and to go to the beach early mornings. My aunts and uncles are the ones who support us cousins in all of our plans. They give us advices especially when we need it.

My friends... oh, lots of them... I always enjoy the company of my friend... My High School friends... my Gym friends... my College friends... my Thomson friends... my voice-class friends... my Thailand friend... my OPMB cyberfriends.... and other acquaintances... WOW!!! I go along with them... We sure have fun all the time...

My close friends: DINDIN (college classmate), KURT (high school classmate) , GAIL (officemate), MARVIN (my voice teacher), TIN (my housemate), MARVIN (my housemate)... these people are those who spend time with me more often... I have this special bond with them for some specials reasons... We go along well with each other's company...

MY BOYFRIENDS: MARCO PAULO ALIPIO, DEVIN MONTEVERDE & ARNIE ALAIN HORTAL... These there people are the people I LOVED with all my heart. They will always have a special place in my heart!!!! Paulo is my boyfriend for four years. Devin for 5 months. ARNIE for a year and a half ( and still counting). I am lucky when it comes to my lovelife. I am very close to my boyfriends' moms, TITA BEBOT (Paulo's mom) and TITA CECILLE (Arnie's mom). I have this certain appeal to my boyfriend's mom. HAHAHA!!!

The year 2004 would be an unforgettabe year for me. I would say this would be the luckiest year I have in my life. I would start with my trip to BORACAY last February 27-MArch1. It was all expenses paid. I didn't pay a single centavo for my BORACAY vacation. We stayed in an expensive hotel and served with delicious food. To add to that, I also won $50, a DKNY shades worth PHP8500 and GUCCI RUSH perfume. Isn't that lucky??? I had my vacation for free and I brought home those expensive prizes. THANKS TO OPMB!!!!! Boy, I'm sure you will envy me... But wait... there's more.... come April 30-May 10, I went to a vacation outside the country. Actually, it was double purpose. One, vacation and two, to meet my boyfriend DEVIN. I went to THAILAND, MALAYSIA & SINGAPORE for my vacation... three countries in ten days... WOW!!! That's amazing!!!!! But, but, but... What made it more exciting??? My boyfriend, DEVIN, paid for all my expenses... Imagine, three countries for vacation and he paid everything... THANKS TO DEVIN!!!!!! Next would be my joining SINGLES for CHRIST. My involvement in SFC has changed my views in life. This is one way of thanking GOD all that he has given me. THANK YOU LORD!!!!!!

How lucky are you then???

til the next entry

JORY

jory 2:33 PM
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A WONDERFUL WEEKEND
I went to Arnie's house and had a great time with him and his family. What I really love when I'm in Arnie's house??? THE FOOD!!!!! hahaha!!!! We had Sauteed Vegetables, Fresh Tuna and Bangus from General Santos. It really feels heaven when eating Fresh fish. Well, it's rare that you find anything fresh here in Manila.

I feel blessed to have ARNIE in my life. Not only I have ARNIE in my life but also a family as well. I'm very close to his mom and sister. They consider me as part of their family. That's why my weekends are scheduled for Arnie's family. If a weekend would pass and I couldn't visit them, his mom would tell me that she misses me and that it's been a long time that she hasn't seen me. Hahaha!!!

I spent time with Arnie in his room. We slept after I typed the test for the kids in my "sunday school". We woke up 9 am.

After Sunday's lunch, I left their house because I have to attend to the "sunday school". I teach the less fortunate kids and spend time with them. I left Arnie's house at 1 pm. And how I prayed so hard that I wouldn't get caught in traffic. Well, God is indeed listening to our prayers. I arrived at the school on time!!!!

Class time. The kids were really makulit!!!! They were running around, jumping, shouting and tumbling. They were separated by grade level for their diagnostics test. I was assigned to GRADE 2. It's really frustrating to see the kids not being able to read and not being able to solve basic arithmetic problems. I think the quality of education in the Philippines is reflective of the students' capability and knowledge in all the basics. I even heard a kid complaining that she grew tired. Imagine, she was answering only the first page. WOW!!! In general, the kids couldn't comprehend the exams. So, what other kids did were roaming around and playing around.

But these kids were lucky because they ate STARBUCKS pastries for their merienda. But I presume they didn't know what STARBUCKS is and didn't know how much it costs. LUCKY KIDS!!!!

After the tutorials, I went straight to the church to attend mass. I was part of the choir assigned for that paticular mass schedule. All of them wore their uniform. But since I'm a new member of SINGLES for CHRIST, I wore a different shirt which was a yellow one. We sang our hearts out for God. There was one particular song, ANIMA CHRISTI that had a voicing. But since I didn't know how the tenors should sing it, I sang the melody with the soloist. HAHAHA!!!

I went home after the mass ended. I took a rest but will be back to meet Bro. Bong after the 6 pm mass. I lay down in my bed and got a book. I read parts of the book BY THE RIVER PIEDRA I SAT DOWN AND WEPT. When I got the text from Bro. Bong that the mass has ended, I left my house and went straight to the church. We fetched Bro. Bong's friends: SANTI, RONNIE and SABTAL. His friends are really tall and they are volleyball players. Bro. Bong has this great crush on RONNIE and SANTI. Two time??? HAHAHA!!!! But it's SANTI that's closer to his heart. But physically, he likes RONNIE more than SANTI. Confusing?? Yes, it is. We had dinner in PARES. It was a sumptuous one. We all had fun teasing BRo. Bong and Santi. We were asking them of their future plans. HAHAHA!! They were in hot seat. When I left to buy my GOLDILOCKS wheat bread, RONNIE accompanied me. WoW!!! Ronnie is towering!!! His height is 6'1". But unfortunately, GOLDOLOCKS was closed when we got there. HUHUHU!!!

After dinner, I had a heart to heart talk with BRO. BONG regarding his complicated love life. Indeed, very complicated!!!!!!! He has a relationship with JEFF but this guy has a girlfriend who is pregnant. I told him to move on. The situation calls for it. He has to let go of JEFF because Jeff has to face his responsibilities as a loving husband and soon to be father. On the other hand, he has this special friendship with SANTI. But it turns out that he likes RONNIE, Santi's good friend, more than he likes SANTI. Getting complicated?? HAHAHA!!!

My SUnday night ended with a few pages of the book by PAULO COELHO. When my eyes grew tired, I closed the book and went to sleep.

I had a long and wonderful weekend.

till the next entry...

jory 10:35 AM
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Saturday, October 16, 2004
WEEKEND NA!!!!!!
FRIDAY. I was late in coming to office 'coz Gail and I woke up late. We were tuned to watching the RED VIOLIN but we were so sleepy at 2 a.m. and decided not to finish it. I was also dead tired because I was making the TUNA PASTA while watching the movie. So, I immediately fell asleep when we hit the bed. It was 7:30 a.m. when we rose up from the bed. After preparing, we left Gail's house at 8. Whew, it was heavy traffic in C5 road. I arrived the office at 9:30 and I'm 30 minutes late. Good thing, our office is not strict when it comes to punctuality. Hehehe!!! Gail went straight to Makati Medical Center to pay Tito Tarcs a visit.

I had wheat bread, tuna pasta and Sunkist juice for breakfast. While eating, I read the posts in the OPMB website and did my daily tasks for work.

At 10:30 am, I left the office carrying my bag. OFF TO THE GYM!!!! Yehey! It was office hours but I left my work. Hahaha!!!! I did my bench press, vertical flies, abs workout, etc... I saw Lani in the gym and had a chitchat with her. After my weights, I went to th sauna room alone. It felt so nice seeing myself sweat. It was relaxing.

Lunch time. I had tuna pasta again.

In the afternoon I had a chat with my friend ERIC, who's now in US for some job training. Is life in the States really exciting as what I've seen and heard??? Well, time will come when I can answer that.

My gym friends, Ayee and Meg, and I had a conference over YM. We were talking about Kenneth, as always. Kenneth remains to be a mystery to us. We were planning the costume party for halloween.

When I checked OPMB, DYLAN was busy posting his messages. By the way, DYLAN (not his real name) was my boyfriend. So, we had exchanges of posts in OPMB until we had a little misunderstanding over this certain topic. His bestfriend, JEREMY, read our dispute in the net. He gave me a call and asked me if I was okay. I told him that there's nothing to worry about. I was in total control of the situation.

DYLAN's real name is DEVIN. He's in Thailand right now. We had a short-lived relationship but filled with memories worth to be treasured.

Enough of DEVIN!!!!!!

Moving on, I went up the 20th floor to have merienda with Gail and KAte. After eating, I got the cassete player from the HR. I set up the sound system for our SALSA class. Yehey!!! Dancing time!!!!!

Gail, Freda, Osang and Monchie came to practice SALSA. Freda showed us her engagement ring and told us of how her boyfriend proposed. LOVE!!!!! Oh love...

When we finished, I immediately left the office for a meeting for SINGLES FOR CHRIST. I arrived early for the meeting. I was chatting with my fellow SINGLES.

The worship started at 8:30. We sang praise songs and prayed. Then, there was a forum after. I also had my time to share about my reflection about last week's "sunday school" with the kids. I was really touched. I will write a separate entry for this one.

The assembly ended with a prayer. Bro. Bong and I went to McDo to meet a fellow "teacher". We saw Kuya Roger and ATe Lorna, the chapter head for Couples for Christ. We had a nice and interesting conversation over coffee and french fries. They shared their love story. We also had the chance to ask them about love. Then came Jaq and Glenn (they are lovers). We also asked about their current relatioship.

It was going home time but Bro. Bong had to meet another person, his special someone. But that someone was already fast asleep. Along the way, we saw our fellow SINGLES in the karaoke bar having some drinks. We shouted at him. He invited us over and gave us a treat. And of course, I would not let any minute pass without singing my signature songs: JUST ONCE, THROUGH THE FIRE, KAHIT ISANG SAGLIT & IKAW ANG LAHAT SA AKIN. Bro. Bong has two bottles of San Mig Light while I had a pitcher of water. I don't drink!!!

It was almost 2 when we left the karaoke. I went home straight and went to bed.

It was a long and tiring day.

SATURDAY. I woke up at 10 am. I felt refreshed.

It was time to wash my clothes!!!!!! While waiting for the washing machine to finish washing my clothes, I ate a slice of bread with tuna spread along with my MANGO juice.

I left the house at 12 to practice for the choir in the office. I have to practice my solo part for DA COCONUT NUT. We were almost complete.

As I am writing this enrty, I'm about to leave the office. I'm going to my boyfriend's house. Oh how I miss my boyfriend ARNIE so much. I go to his house almost every weekends. Well, I wasn't able to visit him last weekend because he didn't let me do so. He has to study hard for his finals.

I'm bringing him three big bars of SNICKERS!!!! I LOVE YOU ARNIE!!!!!

Off to ARNIE's house!!!!!!

till the next entry...

jory 2:39 PM
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Friday, October 15, 2004
MY FIRST BLOG ENTRY
This is kinda exciting... my daily electronic diary!!!! My BLOG site would be my outlet in pouring out everything that I feel... may it be my happiness, my frustrations, my hidden desires, my inner most secret... everything unedited...

THIS IS THE REAL JORY!!!!!

thanks to GAIL for introducing this great site....

jory 2:19 PM
1 comments