Friday, April 11, 2008

Hail to An Ominous Friend

This is not an ode to my new found friend. But, I believe he is worth at least one entry in my blog.

Here goes to Ominous Friend. You know who you are.

I was bored and listless one early morning and decided to say hello to a stranger.

He decided I was from Ghana. I wonder what's wrong with that considering I like being tan myself. If not for the freckles that come after some sun bathing that is.

Surely there was nothing wrong with that ? He said they were scammers. Ahh. Try again?

After long pauses between one word responses, I decided to bid him good morning and go.

My being polite caught his attention. That and how well I spell. Or was it my choice of words? At least that's what I remembered he said.

Anyway, a good natured banter ensued. And I remembered laughing at some of his quips.

Anyway, he is still a stranger. And we have both established we are not each other's types.

But, he had me laughing again after so long.

That made him deserve this mention in my cyber sanctum.

Keep reading my blog Ominous friend. Keep me company. And I shall endeavour to return the favor.

Tuesday, April 8, 2008

The Miss is Losing Weight

Well, I have been determined to lose the pregnancy weight. It was just slower than I expected because of my doctor's restrictions. That is the worse part of having a C-section. The recovery is a lot more difficult than the actual childbirth.

Anyway, weighed myself today. Lost 14 pounds in 8 weeks time of doing pilates, yoga and brisk walking.

Hopefully in the coming weeks, I'll be in the clear and could do what I love best. Volleyball.

Can't wait.

Monday, April 7, 2008

Sharon Cuneta " Mega Mom, One Great Miss

I had not been a Sharon fan. Like most of my friends, I saw her saccharine sweetness too much to take. Not that there is anything wrong with it. I also do not think it is fake at all. I believe she is genuinely sweet. It was just too much. Period.

Besides, I have not really seen any of her movies. Yes, I am in the minority here. She has legions of loyal fans. Through singlehood, changing love teams, pregnancy, wedding, weight gain and weight loss. There they are loyal Sharonians. She is very charistmatic, I'll grant her that.

But, I know about her of course. One need not look further. I see her on almost every conceivable commercial on TV. She's on the radio. She's in billboards. I don't recall her promoting any movie for the past couple of years. And still, she is one hot property.

Yet last Sunday, after seeing her interview in The Buzz, I am a convert.

This woman has class. And grace. Suddenly, I was listening to her.

The interviewed was motivated by the return to the country of her erstwhile love-team, turned husband, turned ex-husband, and father of her beautiful gorgeous first daughter, KC Concepcion.

Yes, Gabby Concepcion is in town and making a comeback. And what a comeback it was.

He is another story.

Back to Sharon. She was interviewed by Boy Abunda. And boy, could he ask the questions without sounding intrusive.

He asked a couple of pointed ones, like whether she cares that Gabby is back in town, will she mind doing a movie with him again, has she forgiven him.

I can't remember verbatim what her responses were. But, the gist of them all is that the pain is gone. She has forgiven her. That when her marriage broke up, all that mattered was her daughter KC and her happiness. Gabby practically ignored KC during her formative years. This must have hurt her as a mother.

But, a couple of years ago, KC asked to see her dad who was then already married again (for the nth time, I lost track) in the US. Sharon chose her daughter's happiness and said yes.

She never spoke ill of Gabby nor why their marriage ended in public. Apparently, she never did in private either. Because KC does not harbor any resentments, anger and hatred. I'm sure there was the "tampo".

But, you have to give credit to Sharon, this lady, KC Concepcion took after her mom in some respects. Balanced, well brought up, good sense, smart, humility, talents, and beauty.

And this is what Gabby has noticed and realized he missed out on when he met KC. And for all these, he thanked her mother.

I could go on and on about this subject. But, I will save that for another day.

For today, let me just say, I am a fan. A long delayed member of the Sharon Cuneta Mega Fanhood. But, a loyal one.

From One Great Miss to a Mega Miss, kudos and more power to you :)

Saturday, April 5, 2008

Being Rude : Australian Vs Filipino Definition

It all started when Australian 1 and I first chatted weeks ago. He is a friend of a friend. He is in the thick of his plans in visiting the Philippines. He met a couple Filipinas he liked and was hoping to meet a couple of them.



He was asking about flights, fares, best time to travel. Coming from the tourism industry, I gave him some ideas and tips and links to domestic flights where he could purchase tickets.



It lead into him being very open about the Filipina ladies he meets online. How some Filipinas actualy scammed them of money. Apparently, on his last visit to the Philippines he was supposed to meet with a Filipina from Iligan. He thought she was"the one" and they connected rather well. He was sending her money. And when he was in the country, she stood him up.



Being Filipina myself, I am aware how blatant scamming had been around here. But, so it is in other parts of the world too. Based on what I read online, there is a number of scammers from Nigeria, Russia, Thailand too name a few.



Though, I am not one to pass judgements on anyone Filipina or not. I am of the opinion that to avoid being scammed, people should be more careful and less gullible.

I told Australian 1 so. But, I guess he had his mine made up. Or in denial.

He said he was just generous. It's not the money. And not only online that people scam him of money. Even his male friends scam him.

Hhhmmm.

"In that case" I told him, "Maybe should really look into why this happens all the time to you then? You are the common denominator. Maybe you should say no."

:That's it, I can't. I have a soft heart" he replies.

An gullible fool is more like it. But, of course I can't say that. His already fragile ego can't take it.

More of him tomorrow.

Friday, April 4, 2008

To Catch a Liar

I was browsing through random profiles on dating websites the other night and who do I find?

My ex's profile. It was funny, really, seeing him on the internet after more than a year of not speaking to him.

See, Ex-fiancee and I broke up early last year. I was still pregnant with our son then. But, I can't take the disrespect anymore. Too much lying, cheating, verbal abuse.

I know women, especially Filipinas, who will stick by their partners no matter how badly they're being treated for the sake of the kids. I've never been one to follow conventions. Nor norms.

Besides, coming from a family with separated parents, I believe it's more cruel to stay together without respect and lots of animosity, and without love.

So, I broke up with him.

But, I offered friendship. For the sake of our children. I asked him to be present when I give birth to our son. I emailed. Left messages on the phone. No replies.

I gave birth. Still I communicated with him. Only to find out that he was in the country. My former colleagues in the hotel industry saw him in his favorite hotel. I called the front desk and asked to be connected. He answered. When he heard my voice he hung up.

Fine. I just wanted him to know that he is welcome to come and see his son if he wanted. No objections from me. He never came. Not even a polite hello.

Truthfully, I have lost all respect for him as a lover. I was hoping he'd still have some left as a father. I guess I was wrong.

It was devastating to say the least. My heart broke for the baby most of all. How can a father be so cold and not see him? To spite his mother?

Months passed and I've actually forgotten about him. I got busy with work. Now, a single mother of two, I have to be wise with my finances.

Out of the blue, he communicated. I was hopeful that we could be friends at least. Be civil and adults. We have kids together after all.

So i listened patiently to his carefully laid out sob story of how he had an accident and that he was in coma for a week. And how during this time he was diagnosed with brain cancer and has only 2 years to live.

"How horrible", I thought. How sad for any human being to be under that scenario. He is after all still a human being.

"When did all these happen?" I was genuinely concerned

"Around May" was the reply

"An entire week in May?" I verified

"Yes, almost 2 weeks actually. And I was on a wheelchair, and had to have a minder all the time. Can't drive on my own. I'm practically like a vegetable" he replied, obviously encouraged by my concern.

"And after that?" I egged him

"After that I had to stay home and not work. And that's why I can't call or email" he said, obviously justifying why he cant call or email me back.

"Hhhhmm, so you were practically sick the entire month of May?" I asked again.

"Yes, I had just regained my strength", he confidently replied. That was October.

" So how can you be in Manila June 3rd?" I went for the kill.

There was a long, and I mean long, pause. And, I wasn't trying to be mean, or anything. But, I kept thinking to myself , let me see you get out of this one, you slick, sly, lying twit! You should've lied better if you wanted my sympathy

See that's the thing about liars, they forget little details. Like, how I caught him in his favorite hotel, in his favorite room.

He couldn't reply . And I took pity on the guy, so I said "It's fine really. It's in the past and if you're asking for an apology it is taken. Let us just be there for the children".

But, of course I was seething inside. I was beyond mad. I couldn't believe his tenacity to keep lying till the end.

He didn't reply.

Months passed and I had a serious financial problem. See Ex-fiancee, did not offer any assistance the entire time I was pregnant, nor when I gave birth, nor after. And my sonwas and still is an expensive baby to keep. The childbirth alone cost me 100k. It was a difficult C-section. Then there are the vaccinations, vitamins, formula, diapers, clothes, nanny. The list is endless.

But, it's fine, he is all worth it. Him and his big sister. But, that's another story.

So, anyway, I though I could ask for some assistance from Ex-fiancee. He earns ten times over what I earn after all. I asked for 30k. Philippine peso. Just one time.

His reply was very eloquent. He told me to leave him alone.

What an extraordinary man, right? I have not met a lot of men like him my entire life. Thank God! And I hope I never will.

So here I was, reading his profile. And I can't help laughing at how hilarious he was. Age, 40. Wrong. You're 42. Said he had been hurt and is looking for someone to rebuild his heart.What a joke. Looking for someone who believes in trust (you know the word?), fidelity (beg your pardon?LOL), honesty (LMAO at this point) and respect (duh!).

Oh man I've forgotten what a bad liar he was. Or how good.

But something else caught my attention. Has Children? None.

I see. Bastard.

And that was when I lost all respect for him as a human being.

I pity the next woman he lies to. Starting out his "new life" with a lie as ours ended with his lies.

Is it true what they say, once a liar, always a liar?

Online Engagement of Another Fabulous Miss

A friend just emailed. She's engaged to someone she's been dating for 10 months now. And she met him on eharmony.

Now, this friend of mine is no typical Filipina either. Her family moved to the US during the late 80's. We were in high school then. Much as i grieved the loss of a book addict like myself, I was very happy for her and her family who are almost like my second family too.

She is one smart, fabulous miss too. Owns her business since she was 25. Owns her house. Has her own car.Manages her own finances. She is feisty as well. She once broke up with British hottie because he just can't stop drinking.

That final night he picked her up en route to a date, and he was already half drunk. So my friend just slammed the door on his face after she kicked him to the curb. Literally.

What can she say, love the accent, but hate the booze. So off you go now luv.

Now, that she is finally getting married to someone who seems really sweet, well brought up, responsible man, we can all wish her well.

I have a couple other friends who met their husbands online and are currently still in marriage heaven. It can work, they said. Not everyone on the net is a perv, nor scammers. Just use your good sense in picking out the bad ones from the good ones like you would in real life dating.

So true.

Well, I'm in no hurry to meet him. Whether online or in real life.

Out of Pandora's Box, Straight to the Closet

I have just started to blog anonymously. The operative word being anonymous. I know, call me a coward. Call me a snob. Call me a bitch. Call me anything but a liar. Through this blog, I will let my inner bitch come out. Or inner truth. I don't know. Even I don't know that yet.

Thing is, I have always looked for a way to purge my thoughts. My deep seated anger. My demons. My fantasies. My hopes. My desires. My messianic tendencies. My insanity.

I need to get out of the box. But, I'm not a fool. I can't afford being ostracized just yet. I have kids who depend on me. So, straight to the closet I go.

You see, I live in an intimate city. Everybody knows everybody.

I live in a pretentious community. You are not supposed to show your "ugly" side. Everything has to glitter, even fake gold.

I live among hypocrites. They can't handle the truth. No one tells you the truth to your face. But, everyone bitches behind your back. They don't expect you to tell them the truth either. After years of resisting this double standard, I just didn't bother.

I live among the country of the guilty. Dominated by the religion of the guilty. There are so many guilts in my religion. Pre-marital sex is wrong, abortion is wrong, divorce is wrong. Heck, how do you explain the sires of your priests?

But, I'm digressing.

For now, let me welcome you to my inner sanctum. The space where you have a glimpse in the life of One Great Miss. Let the misadventures begin.