Am I Reincarnated?

Reincarnation is still to be proven but a lot of people have been made into believing this phenomenon as they have seen some similarities or have been in situations that made them truly believe that they have past lives. So let me just tell you what I know about this topic. Our universe holds a lot of mysteries and sometimes we wonder about those. I, myself, have been intrigued with life itself. I don't hold any religious principles while writing this. I don't have scientific evidence either to prove myself. In fact, I'm not going to prove that I'm right. I'm simply writing this one to voice out my curiosity of the topic and hopefully, in turn, would make you curious, too.

I heard my friend before that soulmates are actually one spirit that was divided into two. Well, I don't actually believe in the possibility before. I have read a lot of books about reincarnation and life after death but they only made me question on the topic more. I have also heard about urban legends, for example, the similarities between Abraham Lincoln and John F. Kennedy. It's a popular legend, some of it aren't true. But there are similarities.

You might wonder what happens when a person dies. After a person's death, his spirit or energy ascends. Where to? Legends have it that when another person dies, another one lives. Those legends might not exist until today if they didn't have a little truth in them.

The spirit might look for a vessel to transfer to: another being. If it doesn't find one, it will stay until it can search for one. The vessel and the spirit must match; otherwise, it will leave the body sooner as it gets there. Spirits may have memories; only that they are trapped into our subconscious. During deep meditations and sometimes, in our dreams, those memories would seep through. Of course, you might not remember it or regard it as something not true since it didn't actually happen in your lifetime.

Today, I have found out something. If legends were true that I have lived after a person died. The most likely person who have been my past life was Yusaku Matsuda. He was a Japanese actor and he died on my birthday. I have always been fascinated with Japanese culture and arts since I was a child and have always dreamed of going there. Also, it was my childhood dream to be acting in the theater. I would usually write scripts for our school plays and would make short films for the amusement of others. It could happen to anyone but this one fact, startled me. Yusaku's mother had intentionally recorded a wrong birth date on his records. The same as mine. (Please refer to my previous post Happy Birthday from Mom).

Well, that's all for now. I don't fully believe in the theory myself but I always keep an open mind to "what if's" and other possibilities.

Hunger Games

When my friend introduced me to this book several months ago, I was wondering if it was worthy to read. I've read the first book which moved me to tears with sentimental scenarios but I seem to be restless without reading the other two books of the trilogy.

I was able to get hold of a copy but haven't pulled myself yet into reading them until the movie adaptation to the first book was released.

My friend and I were satisfied with the actress who portrayed Katniss Everdeen. She played it well and although some parts of the movie were altered from the original part of the book, we were able to go home with smiles on our faces.

Then, I realized that I want to know how it would end. So I started reading the second book to the series: "Catching Fire". Again, I relived the feelings I had when I read the first book "Hunger Games"--the desperate call for survival, the adrenaline that rushes to me like I myself was a tribute: a chess piece to a game that reeks of death, manipulated by outsiders.

I was able to go through the second book with a thousand questions on my mind. And the most unexpected thing happened, I began to start reading the third book--eager to know how the story would unfold and end.

But it wasn't at all pleasant to read. I felt emptiness upon reading it, like my very life was being sucked out from my body. The fire of idealism covered almost all the pages of the book but ended into the throngs of realism.

Was it real...

When all you hear are lies, you won't be able to identify the truth anymore. Reality becomes twisted and you would find yourself mistrusting people around you.

You will have a faint grasp of what's real and what's not. But you still cling to the hopes that you will be able to find something true behind those lies, just so you could get a grip of what little sanity is left within you.

The third book, Mockingjay, gave me only one unified feeling after I read it: Emptiness with a Sad truth. The truth that things won't go your way, that some things are meant to be played, that sometimes you have to keep a role to present.

But surely, one can only hope that after being mentally tortured., you would lose a part of yourself: your sanity. And that even though how you push it out of your head, the memory would sink in back like a mist.

...or not real?

The Vow

Today, I plan to make it up for lost time with my best friend. We haven't seen each other for days and I really miss her so much. So I planned to treat her out for a movie and since The Vow is in cinemas.

The film, The Vow, showed up during Valentine's Day in the U.S. and only now was it shown in theaters here in the Philippines. But I did not dare miss it (especially because Channing Tatum is the lead actor). The story tells about how a married couple who suddenly drifted apart because of an accident that cost the woman's memory.

Paige, played by Rachel McAdams, doesn't have any memory of her husband, Leo (Channing Tatum). Her recent memory was being in law school and engaged with her former love, Jeremy. She can't remember being in love or married to her husband.

Realizing this, Leo was determined to retrieve her memory and get their married life back on track. But it wasn't that easy.

I was intrigued with how the characters will get back together. I sent my best friend a message to meet me in the theater. I got there first--just 15 minutes before the first showing comes up. She was on her way. I bought two tickets for us and waited for her. I was a bit hungry so I thought of buying some popcorn and drinks for us. While I was at the counter, I turned my head around the area looking for a sign of my best friend when I suddenly caught a familiar face...a very familiar face: my boyfriend... with another woman. Well, that pretty much settles everything.

I was shaking when I paid at the counter. I wanted to go to him and punch him in the face but he already went inside the theater. So I gave him a message asking if the woman who's with him is his girlfriend. He replied like he was oblivious to the situation. He's a total jerk. When I told him that I was in the theater he finally told the truth...through text messaging. (gawd! he doesn't even have the balls to be honest!) Thank God my best friend arrived and I tried to hide my shaking. My best friend hates him to the core. Now I know why.

The movie was already starting when we went inside and I couldn't internalize the first scenes because of what I had seen. He was texting me trying to apologize (which was pointless and downright bullsh*t) and that he wants to be a better man and that he tried to work things out between us (he was talking nonsense). I said my last goodbye (it was futile to continue with the crap) and told him that he was the biggest mistake that ever happened in my life.

It was ironic experiencing those things while watching a romantic movie. I was more than glad that my best friend was there to support me. She made me laugh and we made silly jokes while watching the movie and I realized how much I missed her. I realized how so much time I had wasted with dating and having relationships with a bunch of A holes. I was more than determined to pick myself up and get on with my life.

I cried a tear or two when the movie ended. Partly because I'm hurt but mostly because I'm relieved. Relieved that I knew about it before it was too late. The movie showed unconditional love and proved that if things are meant to be...they will be. I want to believe that there's someone meant for me too. Maybe not now, but there will be. I deserve a chance to happiness. I'll search for my ever after.

Something Borrowed

I've seen this movie title in my best friend's computer files. I'm a little curious about it since I saw the trailer but I never had the chance to watch it. The movie is a film adaptation of Emily Giffin's novel with the same title and was released last year. Well, just recently I watched this movie after a heated conflict with one of my colleagues, hoping I'd get that "feel good" feeling I get in some romantic movies. So I watched it and turned out I was wrong. Terribly wrong.

The movie seemed complicated on how the characters make it too difficult to be with each other by hiding secrets and telling lies. The story was dragging that I'd really prayed that the movie would end in an hour. I felt awful about Rachel, played by Ginnifer Goodwin. She's a wimp, inferior...someone who can't decide for herself. And she's a lawyer for Christ's sake! How did she become a lawyer in the first place? Don't get me wrong. I don't mean any harm...but aren't lawyers supposed to be fighters? I just don't get it. For several years, she let her best friend, Darcy (Kate Hudson) overcome her. She hid in her best friend's shadows all her life and it took a lot of reality checks before she saw the big picture.

Her former crush and best friend's fiance, Dex (Colin Egglesfield), is a total douche bag. Rachel and Darcy don't deserve a person like him. He's not man enough to have his own decisions. It seems that he's just playing along with the women. I don't even know why (after all what happened...after Rachel finally got to see her flaws and be with her best friend) she still chose to be with the guy. It's terrible. I actually believe that she's better off with Ethan (John Krasinski). Both women deserve someone better.

The characters have hidden affection for each other and the whole scenario seemed to be a big rat race full of regrets, silenced words and unrequited love. Maybe this kind of scenario happens in real life but if it really exists, I don't want to be in any way part of it. It's too complicated, drastic and pathetic. And all for the sake of what they call "love". 

But love doesn't ONLY exist in romantic relationships. It also exists in your relationship with the people around you...your friends. Friends should be seen as your equal and not a competition or whatsoever. If I will be given a choice between my best friend and a former crush, I'd choose my best friend...every time. I'd choose to be straightforward and honest with my best friend. She won't get away with something that will make me truly happy and I would be the same to her. It's a pact of trust and loyalty. Lying to her would eat me up and foreseeing how badly she'll get hurt if I do this/that would totally break my heart. 

I guess love can be Something Borrowed. If you can't pay it, better return it.

Unofficially Yours

No strings attached, no 3rd party, no parental objection, no peer pressure.
So how do you make a conflict out of a seemingly perfect love story?
The story tells about two people who had their hearts broken before.
One, came from an 8-year long relationship but is ready to face the challenges again of a new love.
The other, left by the man she loved for 5 years, has closed her doors and let her fear of loving again grow within her.

My friend and I, watched this movie a few days ago. He could deeply relate with the story and he was almost close to tears when he remembered his loved one. (how I envy him. haha)
 It's a feel good movie. Although I can't fully relate to it, I remembered a lot of my friends in this same scenario. (Not being unofficially someone else's but making sacrifices or letting go of opportunities just to be with their loved one.) And since I can't really relate to it, I can only give you some reasons why you should/should not watch it because I don't want to spoil it all for you.  Here it goes:

Why You Should Watch It
1. You (for men) can find the girl of your dreams in this movie: Beautiful and Hot Angel Locsin. (maybe one of her daring movies?)
2. It tells you not to give up on your dreams and to grab every opportunity. Don't hold back because your loved one says so. Remember: If he/she loves you, they will let you "grow".
3. As what of my friends would say. "Love conquers all, even fear."

Why You Shouldn't Watch It
1. The characters are too good to be true. (I don't mean the looks.) They have no flaws in this movie, especially the male character.
Mackie Galvez is played by John Lloyd Cruz, portrayed as your typical guy-next -door: VERY nice, VERY charming (seems perfect to me).
Angel Locsin is Ces (short for Princess. i don't know what her last name is). She is the PERFECT girlfriend material: beautiful, sexy, independent and career-driven. You can actually wrap her in a box and give to your mommy.

Some would actually compare this movie with Friends With Benefits. Well, they're somewhat alike with the "let's-have-sex-but-we-are-not-committed" part but I think it's more similar with the movie No Strings Attached (gawd. maybe I should make a review about this too. this was released last year). The same concept of believing that two people can have a non-committal-only-sex relationship in the beginning but found themselves falling in love with each other in the end. (When I think about it, they are ALMOST the same)

P.S. I must say the movie poster is the best I've seen in Filipino romantic comedy movies.

*Official movie poster from Star Cinema

I'm Getting Married

My sister and I happened to pass by a thrift shop located on the 2^nd floor of a shopping mall yesterday. They sell a lot of items in the store but what we did not expect to find there is a: WEDDING DRESS.

 It's an A-line dress resembling an A and flows fluidly from bust to hem.

It has a cathedral train which is commonly used in formal weddings.

The sleeves cover the arms from the shoulder to the wrists and are made of lace.

It has a scoop neckline which arcs down from one shoulder to the other in a “U” shape.

(The neckline can't be seen clearly because I'm still wearing a shirt underneath.)

The dress is still in good condition. The laces are not torn although the sleeves on the wrists look a bit flaxen.

The dress costs Php 850 only!

My sister wanted to buy it, asking me to wear it on my wedding. But I refused vehemently. Usually, wedding dresses are kept by their owners because they serve as reminders of their wedding, which is a very special event for every woman.

I can't stop wondering how it got there in the 1^st place. Knowing that it's already used, I might end up in a “Shake, Rattle & Roll” movie.

(While taking these photos, everyone in the store were staring at us. Gawd!)

Captcha and Etc.

I know we're all familiar with this:

We usually encounter this when we're making an account or a request on a specific website.
We call it CAPTCHA.
CAPTCHA stands for Completely Automated Public Turing (Test to Tell) Computers and Humans Apart. It's a computer-generated security measure to determine whether the request comes from a computer program or a genuine human being by distorting TEXT (see picture above). Basically, it's a visual-perception task.
Normally, humans don't have problems with this simple task. It only becomes a challenge when you have visual impairments.




 
Recently, I discovered this feature on Gmail. I was about to send an e-mail (for the longest time) when something like this showed up:

It was 2:00 in the morning and I could barely read so maybe I could do Math! (I don't know what do they call it. geesh!) It'll give you time to solve these simple problems in a minute (60 seconds!)

There's actually no problem with these measures created by websites. But I sometimes find myself in trouble from time to time because of some scenarios. (And I end up smiling at myself for making mistakes. hehe)

Worst case scenario #1
You haven''t slept yet because you're trying to meet a deadline. You send an e-mail to your client or you send (whatever you're working on) online and then MATH! (Cram!)

Worst case scenario #2
You are in a hurry to send an e-mail and this comes out. You're on the last item then suddenly your screen shuts off. (Power shortage)

Worst case scenario #3
You're sending an e-mail and this showed up. Someone's peering at your computer screen (may be your nasty brother/sister or your high school enemy), and you try to solve the problems uncomfortably making sure you won't make any mistakes. (Gotcha!)

The next time you find yourselves facing this problem on your screen, what do you do?
a.) Look for your eyeglasses or corrective lenses
b.) Grab a calculator
c.) Count with your fingers
d.) Mumble some numbers
e.) Cover your screen
f.) Curse a mouthful


If you can think of other worst case scenarios, please leave it on the comment box. Thanks! ;D

Happy New Year

I've been pretty busy for a while and I was not able to post anything new here on my blog. (gawd) I know it's awful leaving my blog like this. So this 2012, I'll do all my best to post something new. (I'll keep my fingers crossed). Have fun reading ;D

In Time

There is definitely no doubt that Justin Timberlake is the new 'it' in Hollywood. Who would've thought that former 'N Sync dude can actually act? From singing and rapping pop tunes on MTV to landing a lead role in the action-packed sci-fi movie IN TIME. Paired up with Amanda Seyfried (she's a doll) playing as Sylvia Weis, the one and only heiress of a business giant, Justin Timberlake as Will Salas was determined to tilt the balance and change the system.


The film tells about genetically-engineered humans in the distant future living in a world where age is just a word and barely a number. No one looks older than 25. Everyone has the chance to immortality. But not everyone lives that long. In a world where TIME has become a currency, one has got to check the time always. It somehow reflects the real world wherein the rich gets to spend all the time they want while the poor barely wastes a second working their ass off for what little they get. Knowing how the world revolves around time, Will and Sylvia plans to steal what was already stolen.

The film is loaded with reasons on why you should watch it. Firstly, Amanda Seyfried never looked this great on film. She was absolutely HOT and GORGEOUS. Her hair suits her perfectly and blonde shouldn't be her color. Second, it'll help you realize that no matter what the currency is, being rich isn't synonymous to being alive. Third, it's an undeniably great film and you should watch it because IN TIME made OUR TIME worthwhile.

Happy Birthday From Mom

My mom sent me a text message today. It was a beautiful poem and on the last part it says 'Happy Birthday Anak (daughter)'. I was surprised so I confirmed what I read asking her if it's really my birthday. And she said, YES. I asked her for more details on what year and where I was born. She was trying to call me but I didn't answer. Something inside of me was starting to swell.

Was it knowing that I've been looking at the wrong stars? Some people believe that the day of our birth predetermines our destiny. Knowing that belief, I should be looking at Scorpio (the Scorpion), instead of Capricorn (the Goat). My horoscope today on Scorpio tells me that helping other people today will help me open my mind and discover new ideas and that now is the best time for me to start something new. On the other hand, Capricorn tells me that I should let go of my worries and hold off accepting invitations from someone who's coming out too strong. Well, neither doesn't apply to me at all.

Shouldn't Capricorn say something like, "You have been fooled. Today, you will find the truth. Please refer to your mother."
And shouldn't Scorpio say something like this, "Ah. The truth has led you to me. You have been blinded for years. Please forgive your mother."
But the stars didn't mind or else other persons with the right birth dates might be confused. So horoscopes might only apply to those who have the right birth dates. And that excludes me. (geesh! pass me that newspaper please)

I don't completely believe in horoscopes and I should be making my own destiny because I have free will and choices laid out in front me.

Was it learning the fact that I've been carrying a fake birth certificate all the while and that my birth was registered 16 years after I was born? Was it reading on my birth certificate that I was born on the 22nd day of December? Or was it because my mom knows the real date of my birth yet she kept it for years and still registered a phony date on my birth certificate? Was it wearing blue topaz earrings when it should be citrine?

I don't know exactly if the date of birth a part of one's identity. I know this sounds foolish. But I've been carrying that phony date for years. Does it mean that I'm phony too? I feel cheated. Betrayed.

Halloween Costumes 2

Hallow's Eve with Kids

Halloween Costumes

Tired of wearing the same costumes over and over again to every Halloween Party you attend to? Want to be a head-turner and earn everyone's attention? Halloween is near and you're still rummaging on your trunk looking for a cool costume. You're probably browsing the internet for some weird ideas on what to wear. Don't fuss and see how these kids roll with their costumes. Maybe you can learn from these kids a thing or two on what's hip this Hallow' eve.

OMG! Did she just stab herself to death?!

Step aside Edward Cullen 'cause here's the real vampire.
 (I didn't know that drinking human blood can increase your blood sugar. haha)

Ang isn't the Last Airbender.. this kid is! See the arrow on his head? 

This cute little girl poses to the camera as a white fairy.
 Isn't she adorable with that hand gesture?

This kid has no idea what hit him! haha 

Thanks to these kids, they made our Pre-Halloween Trick or Treat a success.

Praybeyt Benjamin

It seems like every Filipino is watching this movie because of Vice Ganda. Filipinos adore him because he's witty, sarcastic and hilarious! In his latest movie, Praybeyt Benjamin, he plays as Benjamin Santos VIII from a long long line of Benjamin Santos(es) who played their part in Philippine history. He is a homosexual who entered the military in the midst of a civil war in order to save his family that were taken as hostages by terrorists. Together with his douche bag friends, they were determined to save the country and prove to everyone that they're not a bunch of losers.

Why Should You Watch It?
1. Vice Ganda is "unkabogably" funny. His lines were totally sarcastic. (Don't you just love sarcasm?)
2. The cast were almost loaded with HOT, able-bodied and handsome men that will keep your mouths watering until the end of the movie (that is if you're a woman or gay).
Note: If you're a straight guy and you drooled over Derek Ramsay, then you should probably get out of the closet and have your gender changed. =D
3. It'll tell you to be real and pursue whatever makes you happy.
4. It gives hope to losers not to commit suicide.
5. It portrayed perfectly how lousy Philippine security is.
6. You'll love Nikki Valdez's hair! (I'll be a copycat with this one!)

Why You Shouldn't Watch It?
1. The special effects were awful.
2. Some jokes weren't funny at all.
3. The story was, as always in every Filipino movie, predictable.
4. The scenes were fast-paced and the characters' expressions were unnatural and automatic. They left no room for either reason or comprehension.
5. They made it toooooooo obvious that it's a comedy and Vice Ganda is the main character! (geesh)
6. Luis Manzano was completely out of place and out of story!

So that's 6 reasons to watch it and 6 reasons not to. hahahahha.
The film is under Star Cinema and Viva Films. It's written and directed by Wenn V. Deramas.

What's Your Number

How many guys did you sleep with? 1? 2? 3? Over 20?! People would think that you’re a slut for sleeping with over 20 men; although not at the same time. 

What’s Your Number is a romantic comedy movie starring Anna Faris as Ally who read an article on a magazine that women in America slept with 10.5 men in their lifetime on average. She later found out that the article was based on a Harvard research that tells about the number of guys you sleep with is related to the number of chances you end up getting a decent marriage or worse…not getting married at all. Learning that women who slept with more than 20 men have 96% chances of being unmarried, she started to become frantic and took a little too desperate measure. 

Having 20 men in her life whom she dated and had sex with, Ally is determined to find the man among her exes, hoping they changed over time and one would be decent enough to be her partner in life. But first, she needed to find them so she asked her neighbor Collin (Chris Evans), who was always naked at his doorstep with only a towel to hide his penis, to help her in exchange of letting him use her apartment as a hideout to get away from women whom he slept with. Together, they searched for Ally’s husband-to-be and unexpectedly finding true love at arm’s length. 

Although I’ve read a lot of negative comments about the movie, it didn’t stop me from watching it. (No one can stop me from watching Chris Evans' body. haha!) Some would say that I’ll be wasting my money and time if I watch it. I say, it’s worth it. Yes, there are some things that made people think it’s crappy. But looking through the whole movie in a different light than most critics, made me realize a lot of good things about it. 

It’s a fun-watch movie with friends and Anna Faris won’t fail to make you laugh. There are scenes that would make you feel sad though and will help you realize some matters about relationships. The movie isn’t plainly about falling in love. It’s also about moving on and letting go of your pasts, being yourself and accepting one’s flaws. So if anybody asks you what’s your number? Don’t fret. It’s just a number.  

How to Avoid Alcohol-Related Harm

Binge drinking has become a trend on adolescents and young adults alike.  It is described as drinking heavily in a short period of time for the purpose of getting drunk. It is potentially harmful and can cause short-term and long-term harms.

Short-term harms can be related to health, accident or crime. Persons under the influence of alcohol may experience nausea, vomiting, headaches, possible memory loss (blackout) or worse, alcohol poisoning which can lead to one’s death. Alcohol affects judgment and cognition putting the person at risk for accidents, theft and shame. Research has shown that alcohol has been a factor in sexual offenses, burglaries and street crimes. Long-term abuse of alcohol may lead to liver or brain damage. 

Some people may find it difficult to abstain completely from alcohol. Even non-alcoholics have a hard time controlling their alcohol intake when pressured during a social event. In order to avoid potential harm brought about by alcohol intoxication, here are 5 reminders you should know next time you prop a bottle to your mouth:

1. Eat before/while you drink. One of the reasons why a person’s blood alcohol concentrations rise quickly even after a few bottles is because he/she drinks on an empty stomach.  Eating will slow the absorption of alcohol in the stomach; although the effect is temporary. It will also keep your hands off the bottle for some time. Just remember to avoid salty foods as it will make you thirsty.
2. Don’t rush. Drink slowly and don’t finish your drink in gulps. Take sips and avoid “rounds” as it will make you drink faster just by keeping up with the others.
3. Know your limit. If you know that you have a low tolerance for alcohol, choose beverages that have low alcohol content. Be aware of what you drink and learn how to say “no” if you feel nauseated or if you feel like you had enough. Don’t push yourself.
4. Make space. Alcohol may cause vasodilation and others may vomit. The effects may differ from one person to another. But both can rob you of your body’s water and electrolytes. It is important to stay hydrated. Drink cold water in between drinks and try to busy yourself with other things. Dancing, chatting with friends, or playing games would keep your mind from alcohol.
5. Be with the right people. It is important that you drink with people you know and trust. They will be the ones to interrupt you if they recognize that you had enough. Stay close to them and avoid being alone with strangers.  

References:

Binge drinking: the facts http://www.drinkaware.co.uk/facts/binge-drinking

The effects of binge drinking http://health.ninemsn.com.au/azindex/689748/binge-drinking

BLACKOUT

I woke up with blurry visions on my mind. I stared blankly at the ceiling asking myself if I was dreaming. I could not recall what happened last night. It was too fast that I seemed to lose track of it all. Finally, the idea sank into me. I had a blackout…again.

It was 9:21 PM and the constant knocking on my bedroom door woke me up. My two girl friends, Ruby and Chin, came over to ask me out for a drink. I was hesitant at first. I was not prepared but they were able to convince me with their eager persuasions. At exactly 10:00 we hailed a cab and went to the bar where we used to drink.

Conversations poured in as we filled our glasses with vodka alternating it with beer. Bottle after bottle after bottle, we drank. The liquid seemed tasteless to me that I would finish my drink in a few gulps. It was more than a month since my last alcohol intake.

 I can still remember entering the club and having a conversation with another friend. Beer bottle in one hand, I kept talking but I can’t remember now what I was talking about. That was my last clear memory and everything else were glimpses of what seemed to be a nightmare.

The next day, my friend showed me pictures of last night and I looked at them confusingly. She told me stories of what happened and I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. “Oh no, not again,” I thought. Unknown to them, I’ve been experiencing blackouts several times before. Usually every time I indulged in alcohol.

Blackouts, as what Dr. Aaron White would describe, are episodes of amnesia (partial or complete loss of memory), during which subjects are capable of participating even in salient, emotionally charged events - as well as more mundane events - that they later cannot remember. (Blackouts are not to be confused with the act of passing out.) These periods of amnesia are primarily “anterograde”. It means that alcohol impairs the ability of the person to form new memories while he/she is intoxicated but does not erase memories that were formed before intoxication.

 People around you would not even notice that you are experiencing this kind of condition because you are able to do things—simple and/or complicated, like driving a car, talking to complete strangers, dancing on top of a table, crying out loud and other complicated and sometimes humiliating behaviors.


There are actually two qualitatively different types of blackouts: en bloc and fragmentary blackouts. People who are experiencing en bloc blackouts cannot recall any details from events that ensued while in the period of intoxication, regardless of efforts by others to facilitate recall. It is as if the process of transferring information from short-term to long-term storage has been completely blocked. It is also unclear when this type of blackout ends because people tend to fall asleep before they are over. However, they are able to keep information active in short-term memory for a few seconds that’s why they can do even the most complicated things.

Fragmentary blackouts on the other hand, involve partial blocking of memory formation during the events that took place while in the intoxicated state. People who experience these are often aware that they are missing pieces of events after being reminded that the events occurred. Reminders would cue some recall of some missing information. According to research, these are more common than the en bloc type.

What causes these blackouts? Research suggests that drinking large quantities of alcohol precede blackouts. Also, gulping drinks and drinking on an empty stomach, each of which leads to a rapid rise in alcohol concentrations in the blood. Women are also at greater risk since they have lesser body weight and proportion of body fat than men.

These blackouts are potentially dangerous since people under the influence of alcohol are fearless and mostly go beyond their limits. People experiencing these were reported to get involved in crime or accidents. Lucky me! I have trusted friends who laugh at my silly antics but would always keep an eye on me making sure I don’t get into trouble and we would always go home together safely.

References:

Alcohol, Memory Blackouts and the Brain

By Aaron M. White, Ph.D.

http://www.enotalone.com/article/11280.html

Alcohol-induced blackouts are not
reserved for alcoholics

http://www.hazelden.org/web/public/ade080218.page

Skin Care 101

Want to have younger, healthier looking skin without spending too much? A lot of women would resort to products shown on television and magazines but would later realize that they're paying beauty at a high price. However, with recent studies at hand, all you need is to be informed.

Let's talk about BROWN SUGAR. Yes, brown sugar. Do you know that brown sugar can actually help you achieve that smooth skin you desire? Brown sugar comes from the crystallization of sugar cane juice and is unrefined and minimally processed. It's natural and there's no risk of damaging your skin from harmful chemicals. It also contains B vitamins that act as antioxidants and help reverse the signs of skin ageing.

Here's 3 easy steps on how to use BROWN SUGAR as a facial scrub:

1. Open your pores.
Wash your face with mild soap and lukewarm water. Heat will dilate your pores making it easier for sugar granules to reach and clear impurities.

2. Apply brown sugar on your face.
Gently rub it on your face areas in a circular motion avoiding the eyes. The granules act as an exfoliant and remove dead skin cells and impurities. Doing it in a circular motion will also improve your blood circulation.

3. Rinse.
Finally, wash your face with cool water. Dry and apply your facial moisturizer to keep your skin supple and well-hydrated.

You can do this skin regimen twice a week for smoother, beautiful skin.

References:
What Are the Benefits of Brown Sugar As a Skin Exfoliator?
Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/156037-what-are-the-benefits-of-brown-sugar-as-a-skin-exfoliator/#ixzz1aUFojSHj

Friends with Benefits

“So gather up your jackets, and move it to the exits - I hope you have found a friend. Closing time - every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end.” – Closing Time by Semisonic

I can’t stop myself from singing this song over and over again. I think it’s what they call ‘last song syndrome’. It just keeps playing on my head after I watched the romantic comedy movie Friends with Benefits.

The story was set in New York and Los Angeles. Jamie (Mila Kunis) is a head hunter (recruiter) in New York City and Dylan, played by Justin Timberlake, is an art director of an internet company in Los Angeles. It’s a 6-hour flight from New York to Los Angeles or vice versa. So how did they meet? This is your typical story of boy meets girl however, not as lovers but as friends. Jamie’s task was to recruit Dylan as the new art director for GQ magazine in New York. Dylan got the job offer but LA was so much different from NY that Jamie had to convince him to accept it so she could have her commission for recruiting him.

Together, they went to explore New York City and Jamie showed him all the reasons to stay. She was the only person Dylan knew in the whole city so they spent a lot of time doing things together. They became good friends and eventually had ‘casual sex’ (as they call it) which marked the beginning of a seemingly complicated love story.

For one thing, friends don’t make out with each other (unless they’re too drunk to realize it). Both of the lead characters got tangled in their we-can-have-sex-with-no-commitments friendship. And in almost half of the movie, you can see Justin’s butt. I mean it. Anyone can have sex whenever and with whoever they want, but with friends? It can’t be avoided that emotions would get involved. Dylan’s co-worker, Tommy (Woody Harrelson), helped him realize that. One would definitely fall for the other and the risk is that the feeling may not be mutual. It can also be that both would fall for each other but the relationship may not work out as expected and their friendship would go down the drain. Well relationships are complicated, don’t you think?

Am I being negative? (haha) Well, a lot of people (including me) would think negatively about friends being lovers. But this movie would actually make you try it for yourself. It pointed out the positive things in friends-turned-lovers relationships.

1) You feel comfortable with your partner. (You would be able to talk a lot of things without feeling awkward or shy.)

2) You won’t feel insecure about your body when having sex. (I think that’s the same as no. 1)

Let’s just pretend that there are a whole lot of reasons. (hahaha) You can tell me after you’ve watched the movie. =D

Why you should watch it?

The chemistry between Justin Timberlake and Mila Kunis would make you think that they would really look good together in real life.

It’s a “feel good” movie. It’ll help you unwind from all the pressures at school, home or work.

The movie isn’t all about sex, although there’s a lot of kissing, groping etc. Looking beyond the foreground story or the central theme, you’ll learn some of life’s lessons that gave the movie a sweet touch.

Anyhow, I won’t spoil the movie for you. I’ll leave to you the rest and try to figure out if good friends can be lovers (for real)? One thing’s for sure; I know who I want to take me home. =D

No Other Woman

“A story about love and marriage, a test of trust and fidelity”

I saw the movie trailer on TV and what really caught my attention were the stars who played the roles on this movie. Sharmaine Escaler, played by Cristine Reyes, is a simple yet amazingly beautiful housewife married to an equally handsome husband,
Derek Ramsey as Ram Escaler. Ram who wanted to overpower his father and impress Sharmaine’s dad built his career and eventually met the seductive heiress, Cara Zalderiaga (Anne Curtis), on a business deal that later turned into an adulterous act.

My best friend and I talked about the movie days before its release and we excitedly placed our bets on the two lead actresses as to who could act better. I on Cristine Reyes and she on Anne Curtis. She admired the actress since high school and she liked the whole ‘mistress, 3^rd party, or other woman’ idea (because she could relate?? haha).

The movie turned out to be a blockbuster in Philippine cinemas since its first release. This is an adult romantic Filipino movie but it was Rated-13. Luckily, I got in even though my friend made me look like a grade school student guilty of watching an adult film. I had fun watching the movie. The script was a blast which really showed the Romanticism of Filipinos (and I mean Romanticism, not at all romantic).

I was really amused by Carmi Martin’s role as Christine’s mother.  She actually gave the viewers a boost with her wittily-delivered pieces of advice.

Some of my favorites were:

 “Ang mundo ay isang malaking Quiapo, maraming snatcher. Maagawan ka. Lumaban ka!” (I really like this one in particular!)

“I-pack mo na yang Lucy Torres mo. Ilabas mo na diyan si Gretchen Barretto. Ako na ang bahala sa red stilettos mo!" (This brought laughter to the viewers.)

And with a conversation with Cristine:

Cristine: Ano bang mas mahirap kalaban? ‘Yung putang mahirap o putang mayaman?

Carmi: Pare parehong puta lang ‘yon! Kaibahan lang yung mayaman bumibili ng hermes sa mall, ang mahirap Greenhills.

These are also my favorite lines from Cristine and Anne.

Cristine: Mamaya makita mo pang nilalagyan ko ng lason ang pagkain mo. Joke lang. Off ang humor ko ngayon.

Cristine: Sabi nga nila the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. Pero sa ganda mong ‘yan, marami ka sigurong alam na shortcut.

Anne: I don’t need to read your research report to know the market. I know all about the market because I am the market.

But what really amused the viewers were Cristine and Anne’s reiterations:

Cristine: Salamat sa pagkuha mo sa asawa ko.

Anne: I’m sorry.

Cristine: Bilang supplier ng resort nyo.

Cristine: Ano nga ba ang tawag sa mga katulad nyo? Ahas. Bikini mo ba ‘yan o balat mo?

Anne: You can call me whatever you want. Snake, bitch or other woman… But I promise you,
I will never be a pathetic and boring housewife.

It has the mood of a cinema and the appeal of a soap opera that creates a charm to make you want to repeat the lines over and over again, the makings of a true-blue Filipino film. It actually reminds me of movies from the 1980s like: Cherie Gil’s “You’re nothing but a second rate, trying hard copycat.” in the movie Bituing Walang Ningning
; Hilda Koronel’s “Once, twice, thrice? Gaano ba kadalas ang minsan?” in Gaano Kadalas ang Minsan; and Vilma Santos’ “Para kang karenderiang bukas sa lahat ng gustong kumain.” in Palimos ng Pag-ibig. This is probably because the story was written by Keiko Aquino, Jay Fernando and Kris Gazmen backed with a power cast of script consultants from Viva Films.  

Derek Ramsey’s acting was okay but the two lead actresses embraced their characters and welled with emotions that some of the viewers actually laughed and cried by the scenes that they gave out some side comments while watching the movie. They even hated Anne Curtis for her role as a mistress and empathized with Cristine Reyes.

These were some of the scenes that proved to be tear-jerkers:  

Upon learning from Cara that her husband cheats on her, Sharmaine ran to her room and cried her heart out. Ram was trying to comfort her but to no avail. She was crying in pain, hatred and disgust. You can really tell from the way she acted on that scene. She was screaming, pulling her hair, scratching her skin, clenching her fists, gritting her teeth saying, “Alam ko! Alam ko naman eh!  Ang sakit sakit lang nung marinig ko! Hindi ko dapat ginagawa ‘to pero ginagawa ko dahil mahal na mahal kita!”

When you truly love someone, it really can’t be avoided that you feel pain along the course of your relationship.  You might probably agree that pain is love’s twin. As what Cara said, “I’m not going to give up Ram without putting up a goddamn fight.” Love would make you do things beyond measure and Cara did what she thought was right. She fought for her love even though she knew that it was wrong from the start. She begged Ram not to leave and love her back in return. She was almost on her knees begging for his love which was contradictory to what she said before “no emotional attachment”. She went through denial before she finally realized that she’s really a mistress.

Added to that is the scene where Ram was in the hospital and Sharmaine was on her side tightly holding his hand with Juris’ song “Now That You’re Gone” playing in the background.  His wife was in tears and by the time he opened his eyes, you could actually feel that forgiveness, love and understanding took place.

Although the movie was somewhat stereotypical and predictable, it gave smiles and tears to its viewers and all of us went home satisfied. But my friend was still crazed over the movie that she actually posted Anne Curtis’ photo as her profile picture! In reply, I have Cristine Reyes on my profile.  hahaha

Note: All lines are from the movie "No Other Woman" by Star Cinema and Viva Films;  Ricky Lee's Trip to Quiapo: Scriptwriting Manual

Sleep Sleep Sleep

I wasn't able to update my posts recently. I've been away from the computer for a few days and I'm trying to make up for it. Whew!
I can't sleep today. It's almost 10 in the evening. I think I need to stop drinking caffeinated drinks like Coca Cola, especially Coca Cola. (been telling that to myself for 10 years already) Can someone help me on how  to get myself to sleep?
Someone told me that counting sheep actually helps. Well I've tried that once. I got my eyes closed and counted with my mind. (I didn't count aloud). I was on the 4779th sheep when I dozed off for I-don't-know-how-long and then my mind was alerted by my subconscious that I need to continue counting. So I continued with the 5272th sheep (because I wasn't sure what numbers I missed) and I wasn't able to sleep for the rest of the night. (My mind told me that it's more important to count sheep than to sleep).
Another person also told me to drink milk before going to bed. Research actually revealed that the amino acid L-tryptophan aids in having a good night's sleep (blah blah blah). Surely, it didn't help at all. I spent the night in the toilet because of lactose intolerance.

Hey! Talking about sleep actually makes me sleepy, don't you? I think I've just discovered one way how to get myself to sleep! Eureka! hahaha! (I must be crazy). Well I need to get some rest now. Good night and let's call it a day. =D

So Uncool

When I thought everything was okay, it wasn't. It was twilight. I never saw it coming. I was sick for 2 days and I felt  nauseated. My fever was subsiding and I assumed myself that everything's fine with me. I was about to close the door when all of a sudden I lost grip and everything went black. Next thing I knew I was on the floor and I heard my siblings' voices rushing to my aid. I fainted.

Waking Up

I woke up with a stiff neck and an aching body. I have a low grade fever and mild palpitations. Yesterday, I only had palpitations. Now, I feel worse than ever. I still have work later this afternoon. (Oh no!) I haven't been sick for months. (sigh) I think I'll go back to sleep. I need rest.

Lub Dub Lub Dub

My heart is pounding against my chest. I looked at my watch and started counting. 1 2 3...125 beats per minute. I am not exaggerating anything. I can even feel the beats on my throat. It's been quite a while since I had palpitations like this. Sometimes there's pain on my chest but quite tolerable. i don't know what's going on. I haven't taken any medications or caffeinated drinks. I think I need a visit to the doctor. What do you think?

Afternoon Sleep

I had nothing to do at home so I slept. Well for a fact, I was just being lazy. I just wanted to get more sleep, that's all. But of course, it didn't work out quite well. You see, I'd been tossing and turning on my bed. I was having nightmares...again. At first, it wasn't that bad. However, there came a part where I couldn't stand it any longer that I had to wake myself up. Whew! The feeling afterwards was not at all pleasant. I tried to remember what I had dreamed of but I couldn't make heads or tails of it. The setting was a very familiar place to me. I tried to tell my mom about it and I felt worse than ever.
"I had a dream mom."
"What is it?" she asked.
I was trying to recall what happened. "I dreamed that we went back to our old house."
Delighted by what my dream would imply, she said, "Oh! We could live there again."
She really sounded ecstatic.
It wasn't what I had in mind. I took a hold of myself, "And I was burned to death in that house." Literally.

Next time, maybe I should not sleep in the afternoon. Noted.