Thank you, J.K. Rowling

Last night was so emotional, especially for us Harry Potter fans. (If you are just laughing your ass off over us guys bawling in front of our computer screens, well, GTFO. LOLJK -- no, not really). Anyway, I slept early that's why I didn't get to watch the last premiere night of Harry Potter. Typing that phrase is really heartbreaking. LAST PREMIERE NIGHT, YOU GUYS! So when I woke up at around 4 in the morning, it had just ended and I just updated myself with other people's tweets, which made me cry, too! I'm currently browsing my Tumblr page, and still feel the same emotion. Nothing will make me ready for July 14.

People whom I've just met (IRL) a few years ago are probably not aware of how much of a Harry Potter fan I am since I was 16. So let's browse through my pensieve and rekindle my early Harry Potter memories.

It all started last 2002. Actually, my high school classmates were already reading this series back in 2000, but I didn't bother to ask them about this. I even didn't watch The Sorcerer's Stone in cinema! It was just through a friendly date with my high school friend that I got to watch The Chambers of Secrets. That's when the fandom started. That time, I still couldn't afford to ask my dad to buy me these expensive books, so I just borrowed from my classmates. I remember reading them during break time, and I even didn't study for quizzes just to finish a book. Remember mIRC? I'm always on the channel where you answer HP facts and trivia lol. I also kept on reading predictions about the next HP book that time which was The Order of The Phoenix. 

Have you guys experienced watching in the front row (yes, FRONT ROW!) of a cinema? I only experienced that while watching The Prisoner of Azkaban. Back then, I think, reserved seats were not yet popular, so I just have to endure the eye strain, and of course, neck pain this had caused me. (It was worth it, anyway!) My siblings actually hated watching the films with me. Since I was the only one reading the series, I would always give unsolicited comments whenever we watch it together. Heh.

Then, 6 days from now, the last movie will hit our cinemas. And to quote a friend, "it's like something that’s deeply important to me will die on the 14th". I'll be watching this maybe a week after it had been shown here. Well, aside from fearing the emotional breakdown I might have (or probably will have!), I'd wait for my next salary which will be on the 20th. I wanna watch it on iMax with my boyfriend, and my wallet is almost empty right now lol (cos of spending way too much recently. And I'll have another post about that). Or, I could just ask money from my mom.  . The boyfriend actually bought iMax tickets and that was supposed to be a surprise! So we'll watch it on the 1st day!

And speaking of iMax, I hope this will happen, too, in the Philippines! I'm starting to think of a plan on how to sneak this out of the theater. I really need to have this!

That's it. I'll probably do another emotional Harry Potter post after watching its last film. LAST FILM. Ahh, how many times do I have to say that this is just so heartbreaking. I'm just so proud to belong to the Harry Potter generation.

To end this, I'll just share my favorite screencaps from last night. And these made me cry so hard. I really can't imagine myself when I get to watch this.

 "You two. I love you. I really do." - Rupert Grint

"And Jo, anything that I do for the rest of my career, I owe to this job. Thank you!" - Daniel Radcliffe

""Whether you come back by the page, or by the big screen, Hogwarts will always be there to welcome you home." - JK Rowling"

P.S.
See you on Pottermore, guys!

Twenty-Five

So I turned 25 last week. Yeah, sure, it was fun; got a lot of greetings from people (which always makes me giddy!), but that was also the most expensive birthday that I ever had. Lol!

The celebration started the weekend before my actual birthday. And take note, I had eaten at buffet restaurants for 2 consecutive days! I know, right?

June 18, 2011
Yakimix, TriNoma

I was always curious why this restaurant is always full of people, that you must be there 30 minutes or an hour before 11 am if you don't want to wait for available seats. I'm also a fan of Japanese food so I decided to have my birthday celebration with my boyfriend here at Yakimix.

photos from http://patokplace.blogspot.com/

And I was in awe upon entering the restaurant. It was Japanese food heaven! I was overwhelmed with all the sushis and makis that I only got to try 5 kinds. I also didn't eat rice at all cos I want to enjoy all the other food that were served there.

I almost forgot to mention the dessert area. I had fun customizing my ice cream with chocolate sprinkle and gummy bears! It's like childhood all over again!

June 19, 2011
Kamay-Kainan, TriNoma

For a change, I want to treat my family this year cos normally, my mom would cook/buy food for us during our birthdays. And when I say family, I meant 10 people. Kamay-Kainan is one of the cheapest buffets in town so it's okay. I just had a round here since I was still full from yesterday's food escapade.

June 21, 2011
Amber's Restaurant, Makati

I celebrated my birthday at work. And being the generous cat that I am (no, not really!), I decided to treat my new officemates for lunch. I bought Amber's Pancit Malabon (good for 25 people), and of course, how can I miss their famous Pichi-Pichi!

Omnomnomnom!

Amber's still the best maker of pichi-pichi! It's a good thing that it's just near my new workplace. 

June 23, 2011:

Peanut Butter Company

I promised my good friend, Anthony, that I'll treat him for my birthday. We were supposed to watch Toy Story 3 (and that was supposed to be my treat) last year, but I ditched him for a date with my boyfriend. Lol.  And it was funny cos his work normally starts at 9 in the morning, but he was already in Makati 2 hours before just to have breakfast with me.

That's the Green Tea Vanilla Sandwich, and OMG, it was soooo good! It's kinda expensive, though. It already costs P70 for a half-sandwich while you can already buy 2 of that at The Sandwich Guy. Heh.

And this, ladies and gentlemen, is the Fish and Diablo pasta. I really like the spicy peanut butter twist! 

So that's my 25th birthday celebration, everyone! It was really a good thing that this new company pays so much better than my previous one! LOL. And I was lucky that I got my first month salary days before my birthday. Birthday gods had heard my plead. Haha.

P.S. I'm not really using my camera that much, so I just grabbed photos from the internet. And thank God for Instagram! 

Commuting Fiasco

a.k.a I really hate my current work location!

I left my previous employer (after 4 years!), and I ended up finding a new job in MAKATI.

My friends know that I hate that city. Not just Makati, but mostly the south part of the Metro. I was born and lived in QC all my life, and going to the south is such a burden for me. Yeah, sure, I had worked in Mandaluyong, but that is still tolerable (at least in my geographical standards). For the past year, I am just 10 minutes away from work, so imagine the adjustments I have to make when I started last month -- I have to leave the house 2 hours before my shift starts. I also never tried taking the bus again to get to work. You see, during my 2nd week at work, I was late for 1 fucking minute, and it's all because this stupid bus that kept on stopping in every waiting shed in EDSA. And also, I have a motion sickness that I can't tolerate long bus rides. For serious!

Anyway, for a month of 2-hour commuting (make that 4!) everyday, I had experienced a lot of funny, scary and gross stories that I would like to share with you, guys! Heh!

1. When I was 19, I experienced being mugged on my way home. Since then, whenever I see suspicious people, I'd transfer to another jeepney or bus, and I don't care if I already paid the fare. So anyway, I was on my way home, and I was standing on the aisle of the bus since there were no available seats. And then a guy offered his seat to me. Then this guy with iPhone was about to alight the bus, but can't freaking get out since there were a lot of people blocking his way. Then I suddenly saw that the guy who offered me his seat was pushing him real hard. And I also saw him getting something from the guy with iPhone's pocket. I was tempted to alert him, but was afraid that something might happen to me. So I decided to shut up and just get my boyfriend's attention who's seated behind me. Then a minute later, the guy with iPhone went back and asked the passengers to check if they saw his phone. There I knew that it was already snatched. The boyfriend noticed that he was playing with his phone so maybe, that caught the attention of the snatcher. So freakin' scary!

2. As I mentioned earlier, I can't tolerate long bus rides. That's the reason why I have to drink Bonamine if ever I have to go to a province riding a bus. So one night after work, I was already feeling dizzy inside the bus. And it was freaking cold, too! I felt that I was about to vomit anytime, so I decided to just close my eyes and rest. Then I reached my destination, and dropped by at a convenience store to buy Doritos. I was standing in line, when I felt that I can't contain it anymore and ran out of the store. I puked in front of that store, and the security guard asked me to puke somewhere else (fuck him!). I also caught people's attention, and perhaps they're thinking that I am just drunk. That was gross, I know!

3. And this one.

I'm yet to find a place near Makati, and actually, I am beginning to get used working in this city. But ~the QC~ is still the best city ever!

Pizza All You Can

So last weekend, this happened:

My boyfriend and I decided to drop by SM San Lazaro and saw this ad. We immediately looked for Chef d' Angelo since it's almost dinner time, too. And we were taken by surprise to see the number of people inside the restaurant. It's a good thing we found a seat after a couple of minutes of waiting. I tried the salad first since the pizza was nowhere to be found. Lol, cos the moment they put the pizza on the table, it was already gone in just a matter of seconds. (I'm not kidding).

So anyway, here's what we got:

Sorry for the resolution, all we've got is Instagram. Lol!

It's just for P150 so don't expect a superb food quality. I only tried the pasta once since it's just a plain pasta. Like, sauce and noodles. No meat, etc. But I kept on getting the Four Cheese pizza! It was delicious! And the salad, too! 

So the next time I'll try this, I'll just choose the pizza and salad. I was really disappointed with their pasta. Really.

Cheapskate!

I've always been the low-maintenance type (lol?). You'll never see me buy an expensive brand if I can get a cheaper item that will give me the same (or almost the same) results. Heh. My boyfriend once asked me why haven't I purchased a ~*Starbucks*~  tumbler (bleurgh!), and I've been working in a call cennar for quite some time. I was like, "What the hell? Is that required?!". I could buy a lot of kikay stuff, (or books!) for P500+, right? I could just buy a tumbler that's just worth P100 and it will still serve the same purpose. Lol, that's why he had given me a Starbucks tumbler for my birthday last year.Yay?

So anyway, here are the cheap items I'd just discovered during the past few months.

1. E.L.F Tinted Moisturizer

I was supposed to buy Myra E's Tinted moisturizer, but I came across E.L.F stall (in Watson's), and was amazed by all the cheap stuff they're offering. The tinted moisturizer is just for P125, (well, almost all of their items), and it's so worth it! I haven't had any breakouts, and I've been using this for almost 3 weeks now. I might hoard their items come payday (waterproof eyeliner pen, shimmering facial whip, eyebrow kit!). It's even cheaper in the US. Their price ranges from $1 to $3. OMG, right?

2. Human Heart Nature Balancing Facial Wash and Toner

I've always been the zit-free type ever since I could remember, Yes, there are occasional zits every now and then, but it was late last year when I've had the worst breakout ever! Facial treatment helped me get through that phase, but I don't wanna it all the time, just occasional trip to a facial center, I guess.

I was fond of reading beauty blogs / online forums, and read a lot of raves about Human Heart Nature products, so I decided to give it a try. Bought their facial wash and toner, and OMG, it worked perfectly for my skin. Lol, I maybe exaggerating here, but it took me forever to find the perfect facial wash and toner for my skin. It's organic, and cheap, too! I might as well buy their Sunflower Beauty Oil, since I read that it's a good make-up remover and moisturizer.

3.San San Mousse Blush in Mocha

I never really liked blushes in pink shade; it  just never suits my complexion. Anyway, I never intended to buy this since I always prefer the powder blush. It's so easy to apply, and I think this will last me for a couple of months. Again, NO BREAKOUTS! Heh.

4. Lewis & Pearl Body and Face Powder (Pink)

I've been using Maybelline's Clear Smooth Face Powder (in Honey) for a year now. I never really had any serious breakout using that face powder, but I dunno, since I'm already using a tinted moisturizer, I just wanted to skip the compact face powder. Yes, this is me trying to avoid zits. Anyway, I read in Girltalk! that this is really a good face powder. At first, I didn't see that as an option, cos you know, I think baby powders are just for high school students. Lol. I even started using a compact face powder in HS. But hey, I never expected that this will give me a good coverage after the tinted moisturizer. It's really light and good for everyday use. For real! But I might go back to Maybelline one of these days. Or maybe not. Heh. 

Thanks to these products, I really have a good skin right now.I will stick to this regimen for a long time. :P

So Much For My ~Resolution~

Or maybe it's not that late? It's just March, right? Lol.

So my last post here says that I wanna lose weight before my 25th birthday, and read 100 books this year. Heh. A lot of things had happened last month that stopped me from pursuing those things. I was off to a good start last January. I was really motivated to lose weight. Lol, I even had some exercise routine before going to work. And I bought a lot of books that I wanna include in my to-read list.

Then a break-up ruined it all.

Fun fact! Yes, when I'm depressed, I tend to eat A LOT. And yeah, I gained weight, and people had noticed it! It's that obvious!

I was also stuck in reading Love The One You're With for like, 3 weeks?! (I know, right?). It was just hard for me to finish it at that moment. So to sum it up, February was such a blur. A lot of things had happened, a lot of lessons learned.

Anyway, moving forward, we got back together, and things are now A-OK! So, since March had already started, I wanna try my luck again on these resolutions. Like, I am again motivating myself to lose weight. That is, and will always be a forever dilemma. Lol. But  I managed to do that last year, so I am crossing my fingers on this!

As for the book reading challenge? I am on my 6th (yeah, sore loser!) and hoping to triple the number by the end of the month! Heh.

Wish me luck!

Probably A Little Too Late For A Year-Ender Post

16 days had passed since 2011 had started, and yes, I'm just about to write my ~hopes~ and ~resolutions~ for 2011.

2009 sucked. 2010 was the exact opposite.

You see, everything went well last year. I got promoted (finally!) at work and I was transferred to UP Technohub which is like, 10 minutes away from home. I also met my boyfriend this year. :) We've also had less family problems as compared to 2009, so I guess, 2010 is really a good year for me.

So here comes 2011.

I wanted to do a Reading Challenge for 2011. I've been buying A LOT of books, but I barely read them. You know the giddy feeling of adding something to your collection, but due to lack of time, they are just piled under my To-Read books. If some are doing 100 Movies for 2011, I'd do 100 books instead. I am already on my 2nd book, (and with my pace right now, I probably won't make it). I finished Pam Pastor's Paper Cuts in 1 day. I am now halfway through Emily Giffin's Love The One You're With. I'm reading it for almost 2 weeks now, but I still haven't finished it. WHY OH WHY. Oh well, I'll try to squeeze it in so that I can finally start with Jessica Zafra's Twisted 9 (I know, I should have started with this one, IT'S JESSICA ZAFRA!)

It was also last year when I had a drastic weight loss that made everyone wonder what the hell did I do to achieve that. I dunno how many pounds I lost (since I'm not checking the weighing scale), but I know it was a lot since a lot of people were asking me what happened. Lol. It started when we had our Puerto Galera summer getaway, and upon looking on my photos, I realized that it's time to start losing weight. It went on for months, then I gained it all back since my boyfriend and I keeps on eating every time we're together. Sad, isn't? That realization suddenly occurred to me again yesterday, upon looking on my December photos. Wish me luck, I guess?

So there. I finally had time to do this since I've been thinking of writing this for days now. Heh!