Empire State of Mind

yeah

Yeah I'm out that Brooklyn.
Now I'm down in Tribeca.

Right next to DeNiro
But I'll be hood forever
I'm the new Sinatra
And since I made it here
I can make it anywhere
(Yeah they love me everywhere)

I used to cop in Harlem
All of my Dominicanos (Hey yo)
Right there off of Broadway
Brought me back to that McDonalds
Took it to my stash spot
560 State Street
Catch me in the kitchen like Simmons whipping Pastry
Cruising down 8th street
Off-white Lexus
Driving so slow
(but BK, it's from Texas!!)

Me I'm out that BedStuy
Home of that boy Biggie
now I live on Billboard
and I brought my boys with me
Say what up to Ta-ta
Still sipping Mai Tais
Sitting courtside
Knicks and Nets give me high-5
N**ga, I be Spiked out
I could trip a referee
...tell by my attitude that I'm MOST DEFINITELY FROM...

[Alicia Keys]
New York!!!!
Concrete jungle where dreams are made of,
There's nothing you can’t do,
Now you're in New York!!!
These streets will make you feel brand new,
the lights will inspire you,
Let's hear it for New York, New York, New York

[Jay-Z]
I made you hot n-gga,
Catch me at the X with OG at a Yankee game,
sh-t I made the Yankee hat more famous than a Yankee can,
you should know I bleed Blue, but I ain't a crip tho,
but I got a gang of n-ggas walking with my clique though,
welcome to the melting pot,
corners where we selling rocks,
Afrika bambaataa sh-t,
home of the hip hop,
yellow cab, gypsy cab, dollar cab, holla back,
for foreigners it ain't fitted act like they forgot how to act,
8 million stories out there and they're naked,
city it's a pity half of y’all won’t make it,
me I gotta plug a special and I got it made,
If Jeezy's payin LeBron, I’m paying Dwayne Wade,
3 dice cee-lo
3 card marley,
Labor Day parade, rest in peace Bob Marley,
Statue of Liberty, long live the World Trade,
long live the king yo,
I’m from the Empire State thats…

[Alicia Keys]
In New York!!!!
Concrete jungle where dreams are made of,
There's nothing you can’t do,
Now you're in New York!!!
These streets will make you feel brand new,
the lights will inspire you,
Let's hear it for New York, New York, New York
Welcome to the bright light..

[Jay-Z]
Lights is blinding,
girls need blinders
so they can step out of bounds quick,
the side lines is blind with casualties,
who sip the lite casually, then gradually become worse,
don’t bite the apple Eve,
caught up in the in crowd,
now you're in-style,
and in the winter gets cold en vogue with your skin out,
the city of sin is a pity on a whim.
good girls gone bad, the city's filled with them,
Mommy took a bus trip and now she got her bust out,
everybody ride her, just like a bus route,
Hail Mary to the city your a Virgin,
and Jesus can’t save you life starts when the church ends,
came here for school, graduated to the high life,
ball players, rap stars, addicted to the limelight,
MDMA got you feeling like a champion,
the city never sleeps better slip you a Ambien

[Alicia Keys]
New York!!!!
Concrete jungle where dreams are made of,
There's nothing you can’t do,
Now you're in New York!!!
These streets will make you feel brand new,
the lights will inspire you,
Let's hear it for New York, New York, New York

[Alicia Keys]
One hand in the air for the big city,
Street lights, big dreams all looking pretty,
no place in the World that can compare,
Put your lighters in the air, everybody say yeaaahh
come on, come, yeah,

[Alicia Keys]
New York!!!!
Concrete jungle where dreams are made of,
There's nothing you can’t do,
Now you're in New York!!!
These streets will make you feel brand new,
the lights will inspire you,
Let's hear it for New York, New York, New York

***pic from net

2009 going 2010

2 days to go and new year na nman. ano ba ang ginagawa ng mga tao bago mag bagong taon? karamihan ay nasa vacation mode na talaga...visit relatives and travel...shopping for new year handa...buying polka dots na shirt...buying round shape fruits...last minute errands and deadlines on payables. Eto ang listahan ko bago at hanggang mag New Year:

• Clean House = Check
• Clean Car = Check
• Pay Bills = Check
• Bank Stuff = Check
• Salon & Spa = tomorrow
• Planning a Trip for Family = Ongoing
• Food and Drinks for Media Noche = Dec 31
• Beach Trip = Jan 2-3
• Happy Day = Jan 4 (sana...pero wag umasa)
• Work Na Naman = Jan 05 :(

I am happy I am able to finish all my errands and responsibilities ahead of time. I want 2010 to be a better year for me and my love ones. I want to take charge of my life and hopefully coming years will be promising.

Next blog will be my New Year's Resolution...good luck!

***pic from the net

Come Closer - Iklan

this is for you Love

----------------
Come closer

Come closer
Come closer to me now
Can't wait any longer
Come closer to me now

Ah hoo what you do to me X2

I can feel you in the air
When it's like you're everywhere
And the world can disappear
Just as long as you are near

Your smile is my whole world
Come closer to me now
I've waited forever
Come closer to me now

Ah hoo what you do to me X2

Now you got me in your spell
It's the best I've ever felt
Feel you breathing in my soul
Cause I know you're heaven sent

Take all of my senses
Come closer to me now
I've got no defenses
Come closer to me now

A hoo what you do to me X2

Now MORE Than Ever

When people have been together as long as we have,
they sometimes neglect to express their feelings as often as they should.
Sometimes they forget,
Sometimes they just take it for granted
That it's understood...
And sometimes " I LOVE YOU"
just doesn't seem strong enough to express the deep emotions they feel.
I know I am guilty of not telling you " I LOVE YOU" as often as I should.
So today for all the times I should have said it,
I want to say " I LOVE YOU"...
and I mean it Now MORE than Ever!

*** hallmark card

The light in my Heart

I picture you there while I'm sitting here

Trying to distact myself from missing you so much

It's not easy...my thoughts always find a way to come back to you.

Your silhouette's in the background of every image in my mind, and your voice runs through my head just like a love song.

Sometimes I think I'll see you in a crowd, but it's not you-
It's just wishful thinking.
I want so much to be able to touch your arms, hold you close...feel your heart beating warm against mine.
But all I'm left with here is this incredible sense
of missing everything about you.
I want you to know that every day
I travel the endless stretch of time till we can be together again, and every night I keep the light on in my heart-
The light of love just for you.

***hallmark card

Merry Ba Chistmas Mo?

Merry ba ang Christmas mo? Ito na yata ang isa sa mga malungkot kong Pasko. A few minutes before 12 midnight I was still hoping Christmas spirit would visit me. I came prepared with all the gifts and noche buena food. All presents wrapped days before...went to the grocery to buy food and even ordered the famous desert from Ange.

I got gifts alrights...calls from friends and unexpected people. Nagkabigyaan na ng regalo pero bakit di ako masaya? Bakit wala pa din ako sa wisyo ng Pasko? Is it because T is away in Dubai? Is it because si J and B ay nag-ala Grinch at nagkulong sa bahay nila? Dahil ba hindi tumwag si M? Dahil ba hindi dumating ang Tatay ko? Kung ano man ang dahilan hanggang sa araw na ito ay di ko maisip. Buong araw na to ako ay natulog...nag dvd marathon ng Boys Over Flower...at eto nagsasalaysay ng walang kwentang araw ko. Ang tanging nakakatuwa sa araw na ito ay nakita ko si Jun Pyo ng maghapon sa tv.

Ako lang ata ang tao na namigay ng regalo sa lahat ng bata. I figured if I am not in the mood for this midnight celebration then at least make the kids happy. Mas naramdaman ko pa ang Pasko nung nagsisimba ako ng misa de gallo. Gumigising ng maaga at kahit papungas-pungas pa eh drive na papunta ng CCP para magsimba. Sa araw-araw na pagsisimba ko ay kinakausap ko si Bro. Nagpasalamat sa lahat ng blessings at dinasal ang aking healing.

Merry ba ang Christmas mo? Sana nman para kahit isa sa atin ay naramdaman ang Pasko. Happy Pasko sa inyong lahat na MAHAL ko!

All I Want For Christmas Is YOU - Mariah Carey

I don't want a lot for Christmas
There's just one thing I need
I don't care about the presents
Underneath the Christmas tree
I just want you for my own
More than you could ever know
Make my wish come true
All I want for Christmas is... You

I don't want a lot for Christmas
There's just one thing I need
I don't care about the presents
Underneath the Christmas tree
I don't need to hang my stocking
There upon the fireplace
Santa Claus won't make me happy
With a toy on Christmas day
I just want you for my own
More than you could ever know
Make my wish come true
All I want for Christmas is you
You baby

I won't ask for much this Christmas
I don't even wish for snow
I'm just gonna keep on waiting
Underneath the mistletoe
I won't make a list and send it
To the North Pole for Saint Nick
I won't even stay awake to
Hear those magic reindeers click
'Cause I just want you here tonight
Holding on to me so tight
What more can I do
Baby all I want for Christmas is you
Ooh baby
All the lights are shining
So brightly everywhere
And the sound of children's
Laughter fills the air
And everyone is singing
I hear those sleigh bells ringing
Santa won't you bring me the one I really need
Won't you please bring my baby to me...

Oh I don't want a lot for Christmas
This is all I'm asking for
I just want to see my baby
Standing right outside my door
Oh I just want you for my own
More than you could ever know
Make my wish come true
Baby all I want for Christmas is... You
All I want for Christmas is you... baby (repeat and fade)

In A Relationship...Whootttwhooot

I was browsing through my FB when I stumbled upon an update from my friend G. Change in relationship status from "Single" to "In a Relationship". I was shocked for I just saw him yesterday morning and didn't mention anything. I knew he was seeing someone and told me it is getting serious.

He's been a friend for sometime now. Though we don't see each other often we manage to catch up everytime we talk. We know what is going with each other and manage to keep each other posted on anything. He's been single for a while,  had his share of the dating scene, meeting up people and have been in a long search for his half. There is always that "almost relationship" encounters but the girls turn out to be users or losers. But I guess that is God's way of saving him for the right one.

I remember we had a chat a few days back and was talking about being single and lonely especially on Christmas. But what do you know the unexpected happened and just right about before Christmas.

I am super happy for you friend. You deserve it and I hope she turns out to be THE ONE! You restored my faith in LOVE. Yahoooo for you!

Emotion = ANGRY

Emotions = ANGRY
Level = 10
Reason = Stupid and Annoying MORON
Action Plan = Ignore the Stupid-Annoying-MORON
Rationale = He thinks he is smart...But of course I am SMARTER!

SUCKS TO BE YOU!

Cosmic Symphony

I used to dread Fridays and weekends but beginning to love it again. Time to party, get together with people, hangout without thinking of tomorrow's work. I had a great time last Friday and this weekend...and looking forward to the next one. We planned some activities next week...will go play badminton, catch up with friends on some hangout time, maybe a bit of jogging, more shopping and chillax time with Family. I just did most of my shopping this week and a bit more later then go to mass. I am glad to feel happy on weekends again. Looking forward to vacations and holidays. More time for things I love to do, more time to study, more time to workout, more time for friends and people I love. More I LOVE time. More Me and Them Time.

Crossing my fingers. The universe is conspiring and this is what you call Cosmic Symphony.

***pic from the net

Fall For You - Nina

the song I would love to keep singing over and over...


-------------------------------
There's a right or wrong to know for everything
And the truth is somewhere written in between
But there's always something missing in the dark
There you'll find the true condition of the heart

Well, I can visualize the pieces of a dream,
And it's not as far away as it may seem
But if truth be told, it is you that holds the key
To the question that defines my destiny

chorus

I've been in love, a time or two
I've seen the world, when i'm with you
I wanna fly and spread my wings
I don't wanna cry, I wanna sing
I wanna live and take a chance
I'm not afraid to love again
I wanna fall, fall for you
And I want you to fall for me too

I've hadplenty conversations with my heart
Coz I want this thing to work, not fall apart
So, I ask my heart how it can be so sure
And it answers me because your heart is pure

I have every expectation that is true
Coz my heart won't lie to me, much less to you
But if truth be told, it is you that holds the key
To the future that becomes our destiny

chorus

Unto the mountain snow that melts into the stream
My heart goes like a river to sea
To the heavens up above,
I pray to God our destiny is love

Asan ang Pasko?

Malamig na ang simoy ng hangin. Madaming parol at ilaw ang nakasabit sa mga bahay at pasyalan. Malapit na magsimula ang simbang gabi. Madami na din nagtitinda ng bibingka at puto bungbong sa mga tabi-tabi. Nagsimula na ang mga tiangge (bazaare) magbukas hanggang hating gabi. Kabikabilang mga selebrasyon ng Christmas Party.

Pero bakit ganon? Bakit hindi ko maramdaman ang pasko? Nagsimula na ko mamili ng pangregalo pero di ko pa din maisip na 14 araw na lang at pasko na. Bakit nga ba ganon? Dahil ba bihira na sa ngayon ang nagreregalo? Dahil ba ang mga tao ay aligaga sa kung ano pang bagay at nakakalimot na sa tunay na halaga ng pasko?

Oo nga at magastos ang pasko at kadalasan butas ang bulsa ko sa kakabigay ng regalo. Nung bata pa ako madalas ako ang nakakatanggap ng regalo at pinagluluto ng magulang ko. Ngayon ako ay nasa edad na ako nman ang dapat magbigay at maghanda ng noche buena. Sinimulan kong gawin to mga ilang taon na ang nakakaraan mula ng ako ay magkatrabaho.

Taon-taon pinipilit ko na maghanda at maging masaya ang pasko kasama ng pamilya. Pinauuwi ang mga pinsan mula sa Cebu para makapiling namin. Simple man ang regalo ko ito ay galing sa puso at pinaghirapan. Para sa akin ang pasko ay okasyon ng pagbibigay at pasasalamat. Ako ay mapalad na nagkaroon ng maayos na buhay kahit na madami akong pinagdaanan na paghihirap. Para sa akin pera lang yan...di nyan mapapantayan ang kaligayahan na mabibigay mo sa kapwa mo. Konting sakripisyo at minsan lang to.

Asan na ba si Christmas Spirit? Sana nman dalawin nya ako.
***pic from the net

Workout and Diet Plan

I have been meaning to work out, go on a strict diet and lose some weight. Reason primarily for health and vanity is secondary. Been putting it off for so loooong. Finally was able to start yesterday...hopefully be able to continue until I reach my desired weight. Just doing my usual workout routine (which is proven effective ever since) at home for now and hopefully enroll myself in a gym nearby work by January.

Routine:

• Stretching
• Cardio: Jumping Jacks, Jog and thinking of getting myself a skipping rope
• Arm workout: dumb bells
• Tummy, Love Handles and Butt: Ab Rocket
• Waist: Figure Slimmer
• Legs and Butt: Squats, Leg Swings
• Cardio: Jumping Jacks, Jog
• Cool Down Stretching
• Hydrate while doing your routine

Food Intake:

• Make sure to eat breakfast and don't skip the main meals. Eat less during dinner. Try to avoid Carbs especially rice. If you can do the after 6PM diet (no food intake after 6PM) then that would be better. Out body burn less calories during the night because of lack of activity.
• No or Less Salt, Sugar and Oil
• No color on liquid intake (in short water lang pwede)
• Do a calorie count (I am on a 1,200 calorie per day)...measure your intake (Ex: 2 matchbox size lean meat, half cup rice, 1 cup of steamed vegetables and 1 fruit). Download a calorie list and substitute over the net. Will look for one and publish later on.
• Know the food substitute (Ex: 1 cup rice = 2 slices of white bread= 1 cup of pasta = 300 cal)
• Better to cook your own food so you are sure what's in it. Avoid buying fast food
• Eat more vegetables, fish and fruits (not the sweet ones for they are packed with glucose)

Will post more diet and exercise materials on my upcoming blogs. Day 2 ko today...Goodluck sa akin! Sana mapanindigan ko to.

Star ng Pasko

So far one of the best station id of a tv station (ABS CNB) for Christmas...may recall and ma LSS (last song syndrome) ka talaga

Star ng Pasko

Kapamilya Stars

Kung kailan pinakamadilim
Ang mga tala ay mas nagniningning
Gaano man kakapal ang ulap
Sa likod nito ay may liwanag

Ang liwanag na ito
Nasa ‘ting lahat
May sinag ang bawat pusong bukas
Sa init ng mga yakap
Maghihilom ang lahat ng sugat

Ang nagsindi nitong ilaw
Walang iba kundi ikaw
Salamat sa liwanag mo
Muling magkakakulay ang pasko
Salamat sa liwanag mo
Muling magkakakulay ang pasko

Tayo ang ilaw sa madilim na daan
Pagkakapit bisig lalong higpitan
Dumaan man sa malakas na alon
Lahat tayo’s makakaahon

Ang liwanag na ito
Nasa ‘ting lahat
May sinag ang bawat pusong bukas
Sa init ng mga yakap
Maghihilom ang lahat ng sugat

Ang nagsindi nitong ilaw
Walang iba kundi ikaw
Salamat sa liwanag mo
Muling magkakakulay ang pasko
Salamat sa liwanag mo
Muling magkakakulay ang pasko

Kikislap ang pag-asa
Kahit kanino man
Dahil ikaw Bro, dahil ikaw Bro
Dahil ikaw Bro
Ang star ng pasko

Salamat sa liwanag mo
Muling magkakakulay ang pasko
Salamat sa liwanag mo
Muling magkakakulay ang pasko

Ang nagsindi nitong ilaw
Walang iba kundi ikaw
Salamat sa liwanag mo
Muling magkakakulay ang pasko
 (3 X)

Dahil ikaw Bro, dahil ikaw Bro
Dahil ikaw Bro
Ang star ng pasko!

***pic from the net

Another One Bites the Dust- Part 2

Here is the continuation of the wedding story. As predicted I was teased right when I entered the church until I left the party. First it was my friends...then up to the Mother Of the Bride. Wedding bashing went as:

• "ticking time bomb yan si...kaw kailan?"- my war bro
• "ikaw ang tagal....bilisan mo na?"- MOB
• "who you with? any boyfriend?"- guy in the party
• "wala kang plus one?"- newly engaged friend
• "next time sana wedding mo na attend namin ha?"- my co-worker
• "bago ako...mauna ka."- single gal with a new bf who is at her early 20's
• "naka 2 na kami o...ikaw kahit 1 wala pa"- mommy with 2 kids
• "baka mauna pa si... kesa sa'yo"- a friend pertaining to a sister of our friend who is in college

I am single but that doesn’t mean I don't have a life. What's up with these people? A person does have an option to get hitched or not. I do enjoy my singlehood and not even thinking of jumping yet. My other friend sympathized with me for he gets a lot of teasing on gatherings as well. Admittedly we do get lonely and also hope for that day when you will say your “I do's". But then people are cut differently...maybe I am not meant for that getting married thing. If it happens then so be it and if it doesn’t then that's life.

I did get proposals before but declined them...I don't and will never get married for the wrong reason. As for the people who have blissfully found their other half...I am happy for you. You are one lucky couple to have found your THE ONE (will write more about this on my coming blogs). Congratulations friend!

Another One Bites the Dust- Part 1

Everyone in my circle are either married, getting married or pregnant or engaged. What's up with that? Am I the only one left (I still have Ms. B around...hehehe. So Ms. B don't jump yet)?

I will be attending another wedding tomorrow morning. A dear friend of mine finally decided to tie the knot. They have been together for years and of course the next step is to get married.

For sure I will get a lot of teasing from my coupled friends. I have been attending weddings alone and without a date ever since they knew me. Always called on bouquet throwing...I had to hide or go out all the time. There were instances I wasn't able to escape but lucky not to be on the spotlight. What's with that bouquet and garter crap. Whoever invented this stupid activity must be really crazy. This is like cursing all the single people and parading them to everyone. Take your pick...they aren't taken yet.

This is my pre-wedding story. Will be writing the second part of this story after tomorrow. This should be interesting. Since I am there might as well enjoy the food, ignore the teasing and have fun with friends.

Healthy Eating

I have been craving for soup, sandwich and fruits lately. Don't have an appetite for heavy meals or rice. Last week was pasta week. This week it's soup, sandwich and fruits. After the Soup kitchen incident I ended up buying the soup at Chef d' Angelo..their bacon and potato chowder taste good considering the price (Php 55.00). Though the serving isn't much and just good for starters not as a whole meal. This inspired me to cook my own chowder.

Went to the grocery and got some stuff right after work. For the Bacon Potato Chowder: bacon, carrots, potatoes, onion, milk, whole corn in can, cream of chicken and croutons. Then some fruits : Cantaloupe, grapes and strawberry. I bought an Italian BMT at Subway (Php 99.00 for sandwich of the day). Barely finished the whole sandwich and the other half ended as my breakfast today.

My own version of the Bacon Potato Chowder

Market Cafe, Hyatt Hotel and Casino

I was fortunate to try several hotel buffets in the metro but by far Hyatt Hotel and Casino in Ermita, Manila is one of the best. They have wide selection of food : Chinese, Italian, Japanese, Deserts, Roast and Grilled (steaks, lobsters, fish, etc), Salads, Fresh Fruits, Drinks (free flowing of soda, coffee and beer). The ambiance is bright but relaxing plus the staff are friendly and service is great.

It was Mr B's birthday and we decided to eat at Market Cafe in Hyatt. I also celebrated my birthday here with M, family and a few friends last May. This place is usually packed during lunch especially dinner. Lunch are served from 11AM-2PM while dinner at 7PM-10PM daily. The rest of the day they serve the usual menu.

Hyatt Hotel and Casino Manila

1588 Pedro Gil cor M.H. Del Pilar, Malate,

Manila, Philippines 1004

Tel: +63 2 245 1234 Fax: +63 2 247 1234

Email: manila.casino@hyatt.com

Ratings: Taste: 5 out of 5; Food Quality 5 out of 5; Price 4 out 5 (Php 1, 490 lunch & Php 1,650 dinner); Sanitation: 5 out of 5

Top to Bottom: Tempura, Steak, Grilled Bacon and Tomatoes, Salad, Steamed Lobster & Stir Fried Shrimp, Grilled Lobster and Kani Roll, California Maki. (I failed to take photos of other food...I was enjoying myself too much. )

Hate Wednesday

Tomorrow is Wednesday...coding day again. I hate it when I can't drive my car out because I had to wait long to get a cab. Morning rush of course...had to walk 4 blocks to get to the corner street where I have better chances of getting a cab to work. Pag minamalas ka it's either it is super hot or raining hard. Then after work rush...everyone is itching to come home. So here we go again...I had to find a good spot where no one else is hailing a cab (which is very unlikely here in the metro). It's either you stay home late and avoid the traffic rush or squeeze your way with the other commuters to fight over that one karag-karag taxi.

Wednesday BS! Bad morning madalas tuloy dahil sa paghahanap pa lang ng taxi toxic na. Goodluck na lang with me tomorrow. Hoping for luck!