Philippine Independence Day Dance Festival...

After several months of tiring practices, we finally staged our performance at the St. Scholastica Academy. PFDCC (Philippine Folkloric Dance Company of Chicago,) the dance company wherein my sister and I belong to was the host company this year.. We were joined by four other dance companies.. It was a success!

Jell and I arrived at the auditorium at 1 pm.. We were supposed to be there at 12. When we got there, they were already on their costumes.. And in 10 minutes, the tech rehearsal was about to start.. Since I was really in a hurry, my stockings ripped!! Hahahaha!!! Stacey gave me an extra one before the program really started, and for the second time, it ripped again.. Hahaha!!! Me and my clumsiness... Hayyy...

Our first dance was Estudiantina. We didn't know that after Consul General's speech, they were gonna play the music right away.. There was this part wherein we'll be entering from the doors on the side of the stage.. Gillian told us that as soon as we hear the music start, that's our que to finally come out of the stage.. And you know what??? It was so dark that I couldn't see the door knob.. And when I finally found it, the God damn door won't open up right away. Grrr!!! Well, when I asked my sister about it if it was obvious, she said hindi naman daw.. (",) Thank God..

The rest of the show went smoothly...

When the show was over, we went to see our parents.. Consul General Cabrera congratulated us.. Sir Patrick, the Velarde's and Ate Millet were also there to watch us...

I've always loved to perform.. I've been doing this since I was grade 5 until highschool. I guess I'm just really proud to be a Filipino. Mabuhay!!!

Here are some pics...


Jell and I before the performance..

Us again..

Me..

Mah sis and her nice long legs.. Haha!!

Me in my Maria Clara costume..

Jell in Maria Clara..

Stacey and Jell

Celean and I in my malong

Me again with Congen

"Some people think that it's holding on that makes one strong; sometimes it's letting go..."

Everything comes to an end.. I guess you've totally forgotten all about me..


You promised to call me everyday..
You promised me you're coming back..

But from the very look of it.. I don't think you are..

All you did was take me forgranted..
You went away without a trace..

Left me with a broken heart..

I guess you never really cared from the very start..

If you only knew what I'm going through right now. It's just not the same without you. I feel so alone. It's so hard to put up a brave front and pretend that I am doing just fine when deep inside I am breaking down..

Don't you worry, I am not mad at you, nor I feel bitter about the situation.. I just have to accept the fact that this is not your world.. Thank you for everything.. For coming into my life.. For once being the reason for the sparkle in my eyes..the smile on my lips..for once being the reason to look forward to each day..

But I guess I should hold on no more.. I just have to let go.. I miss him so much...

Sad but true... =(

Updates...

June 11, 2004: Jell's Graduation...

Last Friday, my sister Jell graduated from Nicholas Senn Highschool. It was held at the Loyola University. Congratulations Jell!!! We're so proud of you... (",) You really looked good that night...

After the ceremony, we headed to our favorite Japanese resto... Tempura, Unagi, Blue dragon maki, Salmon teriyaki, Chicken teriyaki, and of course, strawberry-flavored mochi... Yummmy!!!

Jell and I

us again... (",)

our youngest sister Jam and I

Mommy and I

At New Tokyo resto

Daddy and goofy Jell

****************************************************************************************

June 12, 2004: Whattaday...

We had to wake up early to attend the flag raising ceremony at Daley Center. We arrived at the Consulate at around 8. Dad had to change into his barong. Breakfast at Pittsfield hosted by Mr. C.
After eating, we went back at dad's office.. Tried playing the piano.. My God it's been two freaking weaks since I last touched the ivory keys.. I can't even remember what my teacher had taught me since our last lesson.. I was preoccuppied with so many things that I haven't been practicing my pieces..
Went shopping with my mom and sisters while daddy was at the Chicago Blues Festival. I bought some tank tops, a pair of black flip-flops, and shades since summer's officially here... Woohoo!!! I also bought nugget necklaces which were on sale.. The regular price was $26 each, and now they're 3 for $14. (",) What was even better was, no one walks out from the store without a free gift. The sales rep would let each one of their customers pick a semi-precious stone from a small basket.. I picked the Rose Quartz coz I know that it's the love stone..

Metaphysical Properties: Rose Quartz is the love stone. Adds positive love energy to relationships. Compassion and forgiveness. Calming, helps clear stored anger, resentment, jealousy, fears. Replaces negativity with harmony. Helps to balance upper four chakras and eases sexual/emotional imbalances. Enhances self-confidence and creativity.

When we were about to leave the store, one of the sales rep randomly picked a bunch of semi-precious stones from the basket again and he wanted to give us more besides from those we got earlier. I was really surprised when what I got from was another ROSE QUARTZ... I mean, he didn't do it on purpose.. I didn't even tell him to give me that kind of stone again..It just happened.. Now I've got two Rose Quartz gems(",) Perhaps I could now be lucky in love.. Hahaha!!! (",)

When we were done with our shopping, dad called us up and told us to meet him at the venue of the Blues Festival (which meant we had to walk another half a mile..) Dad wanted us to appreciate those kind of music.. (blehhh!!!) He was the only one who enjoyed it..
Anyway, it was a very tiring day... I even fell asleep in the car while we were on our way home.. (",)

the flags in half-mast because President Ronald Reagan passed away...

dad and I after the flag raising ceremony

that's me.. trying to play the piano after.. hmmm.. 2 weeks??? without practice that is...

my chubby arms and fingers...

i just had to take this photo.. these musicians caught my attention while walking along State street. They were playing a certain song which was really really nice.. It sounded so familiar.. Yet, when mom asked one of them what the title was, he said that it was his composition and he's still trying to come up with the title.. I swear! sobrang nice nung song.. they were using acoustic guitars.. the music kept playing inside my head until i reached home... (",)

that's me.. donning a blonde wig in a souvenir shop.. mommy said i look like a Chinese Barbie..hahaha!!!

Cath at the Chicago Blues Festival...

so tired...

Camping in Galena...

We spent the Memorial weekend camping in Galena. My family together with my dad's officemates and their respective families stayed at the Palace Campground from Saturday until Monday morning.

Satuday: Convoy with Tito Rey and Tito Noel. Our car was so full with all the camping gears that my mom had to ride with Tito Rey, Tita Baby and Pao. Dad told me that I should tell him stories so he won't fall asleep. It was a looong 3-hour drive. My dad's other officemates went there earlier. We came late because we had to attend a wedding. When we arrived, their tents had been set-up already. They were preparing for dinner.. Grilled pork-chops, tilapia, chicken and a lot more.. After dinner, they were teasing me.. Telling me that they had brought beer.. (I don't know.. Tingin nila sakin malakas uminom..Di naman..Hahaha!) They even asked my dad if i could drink.. Hello! I'm 22 na no! Tanda ko na.. Please.. Hahahaha! Dad just said, "yeah.. sure.. she's old enough na.. pero occasionally lang.."
I ended up sleeping on Ate Millet's tent together with Sir Pat, the Velardes, and of course, Ate Millet.. My second family.. (",) They told me to just bring my sleeping bag in..

Sunday: We didn't know it was gonna rain early in the morning.. Yup! Sobrang lakas ng ulan.. Nabasa nga ng konti yung mga kasama ko eh.. =( And me? I was in deep slumber.. Yeah, I didn't even notice na mejo pumapasok na un rainwater sa tent... Tulog na tulog ako.. I think I woke up at lunchtime.. around 12 maybe.. I was the last person to wake up.. I think 30 kami lahat na nag-camping.. When I got out from the tent, nasalubong ko dad ko.. I told him sarap ng tulog ko.. He told me, "Buti ka pa anak.. E kami binaha sa tent.." Yup! Sa sobrang lakas ng ulan, pinasok un tent.. What was funny was, i think it was around 5:30 in the morning, and my dad got out from the tent with a bucket full of rainwater.. Ate JV told me later, "Hindi ka ba nakokonsensha.. Nabasa sila ng ulan, and ikaw, tulog na tulog.." (",) Hey! I didn't know that was gonna happen.. Hahaha! I think that was one of the highlights of our camping.. Hahaha!
At around 1 pm, we all decided to go swim.. It wasn't a huge pool, but hey!!! We still enjoyed playing "it".. I haven't gone swimming for a year so I was excited to take the plunge.. Hahaha!
When we came back, again, time for merienda.. You know what I noticed among Filipinos? Never nawawalan ng food pagdating sa mga outing.. Kumpleto parati.. We ate deep-fried chicken wings, grilled squid, and more barbecue... (",) After dinner, the "oldies" decided to visit the nearest casino at Dubuque.. My mom wanted to come but she didn't bring any valid i.d. good thing that i have her voter's i.d. in my wallet.. She wanted me to come.. At first i was i bit hesitant coz i was kinda sleepy na.. I was already in my sleepwear..But my mom was really persuading me to come.. Not long after, i gave in.. The road was really dark and quiet.. Reminded me of provinces back home.. We passed by the Mississippi river.. After a 15-minute drive, we finally arrived at Diamond Jo Casino in Dubuque, Iowa. It was a floating casino.. It was actually my first time to go inside a casino. Slot machines for an hour.. I ended up winning $300. Talk about beginner's luck.. Hahaha! Not bad huh??? Well, gambling is not my thing.. I was just so excited about the whole thing since it was my first time nga.. (",)

Monday: I was the last one to wake up again.. Paggising ko, nagliligpit na sila.. i just had breakfast [jeprox with calamansi as my sawsawan..(yummiest!) rice, tomatoes] then took a quick shower.. we all decided to eat lunch at McDonald's.. Then we proceeded to Huntley (Outlet Store.) I ended up buying a new pair of jeans and a pink anorak from Gap, a pink sleeveless shirt and brown tee from Aeropostale.

We all enjoyed our stay in Galena. The town was very peaceful. It offers numerous sites to behold.. A perfect place to relax and unwind.. I'm looking forward to another camping... (",) I think we all are..

Galena Pictures..

that's me.. on our way to Galena.. (",)

i just had to take to this picture... i love it.. (",)

a house from Galena town

more houses..

one of the streets in the village..

tents (",)

more tents..

bonfire

before we left the campgrounds

i missed the call... =(

the guy called me up last night but unfortunately, i missed it. i was so preoccuppied with the computer that i didn't hear my cell ringing. he just left a voice mail and i kept it playing until i fell asleep..

Someone's always saying goodbye...

I hate goodbyes..It really breaks my heart to see someone walk away.. Specially someone special.. Last Tuesday, the guy had to go back home.. It has just been a week since he left yet it seems like forever..

It was just perfect that we spent quality time together before he left.. We strolled along Lake Shore.. Watched Troy..
The saddest part was on the eve of his departure.. While having dinner, I was trying to hold back my tears.. But when we were in the car, I suddenly burst into tears.. I just had to cry..

here's our last pic.. this was taken on the eve of his departure.. my eyes look puffy..

Myles: "There's someone here in Chicago whom I look forward to seeing everyday.. If you were in my shoes, would you leave or would you stay...?"

When Can I See You Again... - Babyface

When can my heart beat again
When does the pain ever end
When do the tears stop from running over
When does you'll get over it begin

I hear what you're sayin'
But I swear that it's not making sense
So when can I see you

When can I see you again
When can my heart beat again
When can I see you again
And when can I breathe once again
And when can I see you again

When does my someday begin
When I'll find someone again
And what if I still am not truly over
What am I supposed to do then

Please hear what I'm sayin'
Even if, if it's not making sense
So when can I see you

[HOOK]

Please hear what I'm sayin'
Even if, if it's not making sense
So when can I see you

[HOOK 2 times]

hopeless case...

i've been really trying to lose weight.. some people tell me that i am not fat, but my sisters tell me that i am.. =( i really wanted to lose the flabs on my tummy.. can someone please tell me how... please oh please...

and today, just when i thought i won't eat a lot, i mean i just had some chicken wings with no rice.. here comes my mom, giving me a bowl of strawberries with whipped cream on it.. i mean, how can i resist that!!! favorite ko un e...

the culprit..

Another Disastrous Picnic...
May 22... another memorable picnic... hahaha! this time around we checked the weather forecast.. only to find out that they too, would be wrong at times..
i remember it was still sunny when the guy picked me up at home. we went straight to the residence. left at around 3 pm to pick up friend B at his place.. when we got to the condo, we kinda noticed that the weather wasn't fine.. when we got to the picnic place it started to drizzle.. but still, we insisted on staying.. haha!!! it was really windy that day i swear! anyway, the food was good.. chicken and pork barbecue.. yummy! when we couldn't stand the cold anymore, we all decided to just go to the condo and eat there... well.. i just hope that next time we'd go for a picnic, perfect weather na... really sunny... (",)

here's a glimpse of how the weather was on that day...