I Believe in Dreams

Once upon a time in the faraway kingdom of Zamboanga City, a little 11-year-old girl had a dream - she wanted to be a writer. But she was too timid to fight for her dream, so she pursued it in secret, by writing on the pages of her diary. She would have liked to make a career out of this passion of hers, but her parents did not think it was practical, so she had no choice but to take up Accountancy.

When she graduated, she tried several jobs in that line, but she wasn't happy. There was always something missing.

Then one day, when she was feeling sad and low because she had lost her job, she received an ad in her FB mailbox. And she decided to answer.

Hi,

I got your message advertising for jobs in my Facebook inbox and I am interested in applying for the position of content writer. I do not have any professional experience in writing but it's what I love to do. I was the features editor of our College newsmagazine and I have been blogging since 2005.

For samples of my writing, please refer to below links.

http://deefoodee.blogspot.com/
http://www.deecoded.com/

I do not have an expected salary. You may pay me the minimum amount. I hope you consider my application as it has always been my dream to make writing as my bread and butter. Thanks.  

Then she forgot about it and found another job eventually. Months later, she found a reply in her mailbox.

Let's setup a time to talk tomorrow my time.  skype me.

I've have looked over your blog and I think we can do something together here at friendseat.com.

Antonio
Managing Partner

She could barely sleep that night, she was so excited. They talked and he said they liked her writing style and would like to get her onboard as a freelance writer. But first, she had to submit some articles for them to see if they could work with her, like some sort of test. He introduced her to the editor who assigned her the topics to write about. She wrote them and submitted them just before the deadline. Then she couldn't sleep well again as she waited for their response. And then:

Hey,

Skyped you before.   I want to settle the terms and get you aboard.  Love your pieces. Message me on skype at 10pm your time tomorrow.

Antonio

And they talked. He said, "We love your writing. Good voice. Young but witty." They got her onboard. And today, they published her first official by-line here.

Dreams do come true. You just have to believe.

An Oscars Event

Cate and I joined a contest held by Golden Village through their Facebook account last week and by some twist of luck, we both won a pair of tickets for this:

So we took Tatsie and Maria and headed there. Cate and Tatsie were already on leave for that day prior to winning, and my boss approved my leave even though it was kinda last minute. 

We found some "hollywood glitz" dresses in our closets, put them on, and giddily headed to the event. We had a free breakfast buffet with Choya Red wine, champagne, and Belgian chocolates. There were some photographers too, and one girl kept asking to take my picture - must be because of my outfit, I was easily the glitziest one there. Later we were also given a bag of goodies to take home - a film magazine, perfume and beauty products samplers, chocolates and shopping vouchers.

breakfast buffet

Choya Red and champagne for breakfast... mad!

on the red carpet

with a lifesize Oscar figurine

After eating, we headed inside the cinema and watched the 82nd Academy Awards live on the big screen. It's actually the first time I've watched the Oscars almost entirely (I say almost because we missed a bit of the first part) and it was a great experience. I laughed, I cried (six times, I think), I cheered. It was also like watching a movie. I'll definitely do this every year. Highlights:

-My first correct guess was the best supporting actor. I loved to hate him in Inglorious Basterds.
-My tears first started flowing when they showed scenes from the movie The Blind Side.
-I laughed out loud at the "interview" portion of Up's grandpa and the dog (squirrel!). Then the first acceptance speech that made me cry was from that film's director, Pete Docter, when he said: "My kids, Nicholas and Ellie, and my amazing wife Amanda, you guys are the greatest adventure." (I'm senti, I know.)
-The best award presenters were Tina Fey and Robert Downey Jr with their hilarious witty "banter" about screenplay writers and actors. Here's a transcript. Robert wore his signature sarcastic serious straight man face while saying all this. I love him!

Tina: Great movies begin with great writing.
Robert: What does an actor look for in a script? Specificity. Emotional honesty. Catharsis.
Tina: And what does a writer look for in an actor? Memorizing. Not paraphrasing. Fear of ad-libbing.
Robert: Actors want scripts with social relevance. Warm weather locations. Phone call scenes that can be shot separately from that insane actress that I hate. And long dense columns of uninterrupted monologue, turning the page and for instance seeing the phrase ‘Tony Stark continued.'
Tina: And we writers dream of a future where actors are mostly computer generated and their performances can be adjusted by us on a laptop - alone.
Robert: Its a collaboration. (Tina shakes her her head.) A collaboration between handsome gifted people and sickly little mole people.
Tina: It’s really not. You should just say whatever we type.
Robert: You know what, I should say that.
Tina: Say that! (Gesturing towards teleprompter.)
Robert (looking at the teleprompter): Here are the nominees for Original Screenplay.

-I loved the furry purple skirt of Zoe's gown.
-Miley Cyrus was a disastrous presenter. She's probably kicking herself right now.
-Ben Stiller presented the best makeup award in full "Navi" costume. He even had a scene fighting with his tail. LOL!
-Best supporting actress's acceptance speech made me cry. "Sometimes you have to forego doing what's popular to do what's right."
-I cried when they showed scenes from Up. You know, that narration-less bit at the start that shows the old man and his wife growing old. That music won best musical score and when the composer, Michael Giacchino, got up to make his speech, he made me cry again. Here's what he said: "Never once in my life did my parents ever say, 'What you're doing is a waste of time.' Never. And I grew up, I had teachers, I had colleagues, I had people that I worked with all through my life who always told me what you're doing is not a waste of time. So that was normal to me that it was OK to do that. I know there are kids out there that don't have that support system so if you're out there and you're listening, listen to me: If you want to be creative, get out there and do it. It's not a waste of time. Do it. OK?" I'm one of the kids he's talking about, you see. He's talking to me. Hence the tears.
-I loved the portions when friends made speeches about each best actor and actress nominees. I loved the speech for Meryl. Laughed at the part when he said that he asked to put a cap on Oscar nominations that an actress could receive. Meryl has 16, apparently.
-I was more impressed with Meryl in Julie and Julia than with Sandra in The Blind Side, but I suppose we have to give chance to Sandra. Anyhow, her speech made me laugh and then tear up, so it's okay.

I guessed most of the winners correctly. Here is the complete list.

82nd Academy Awards Winners
Best Picture: The Hurt Locker
Best Director: Kathryn Bigelow (The Hurt Locker)
Best Actor: Jeff Bridges (Crazy Heart)
Best Actress: Sandra Bullock (The Blind Side)
Best Supporting Actor: Christoph Waltz (Inglourious Basterds)
Best Supporting Actress: Mo'Nique (Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire)
Best Original Screenplay: The Hurt Locker (Mark Boal)
Best Adapted Screenplay: Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire (Geoffrey Fletcher)
Best Foreign Language Film: El Secreto de Sus Ojos (Argentina)
Best Animated Film: Up
Best Film Editing: Chris Innis & Bob Murawski (The Hurt Locker)
Best Visual Effects: Joe Letteri, Stephen Rosenbaum, Richard Baneham & Andrew Jones (Avatar)
Best Makeup: Star Trek (Mindy Hall, Joel Harlow & Barney Burman)
Best Costume Design: Sandy Powell (The Young Victoria)
Best Art Direction: Kim Sinclair, Rick Carter & Robert Stromberg (Avatar)
Best Cinematography: Avatar (Mauro Fiore)
Best Sound Editing: Paul Ottosson (The Hurt Locker)
Best Sound Mixing: Paul Ottosson & Ray Beckett (The Hurt Locker)
Best Original Score: Michael Giacchino (Up)
Best Original Song: The Weary Kind - Theme from Crazy Heart (Ryan Bingham & T-Bone Burnett)
Best Animated - Short: Logorama
Best Live Action - Short: The New Tenants
Best Documentary Feature: The Cove
Best Documentary Short: Music by Prudence

live Oscars on the big screen

a shot of us in the elevator

Cate & Rodel Turn 28

For Catey's birthday, I thought of recomposing a song and serenading her with it. Since she loves Glee, I decided to use "Take a Bow." I rewrote the lyrics to suit her, printed it out for my flatmates, then we rehearsed it in the living room while the birthday girl slept in our bedroom. We had bought some cakes and drinks and arranged them on the table, intending to surprise her at midnight (of March 7). After two rounds of singing, we were the ones who got surprised when the birthday girl walked in on us. Caught in the act, we had no choice but to break into the birthday song. Tsss.

Here we are in all our off-key glory. It's the thought that counts, right? My favorite part: "Don't tell me you're auntie 'cause you're not. Catey when I know you're only 28 years old." In Singapore, "Auntie" is the term used to address old women, like the equivalent of "Manang" in the Philippines.

Then we had some cake and the traditional mocktails - apple juice served in wine glasses. Afterwards, we asked Cate to open and model our presents for her, which were all dresses.

Catey's cakes (that choco fudge one from Breadtalk is my fave)

the traditional celebratory mocktail toast

Cate's gifts (the third one is from me & Gelle, I fell in love with it at first sight in Hula & Co)

The next day, we headed to Simei Green condo for Cate and Rodel's joint pool party celebration. Rodel's flatmates cooked all the food, and they were all so delicious! Quote from Chi: "Whenever Rodel or Monet has a birthday party, I always make it a point to attend even though it's far away, because the food is so worth it!"

the twins and their birthday feast

guests are smiling despite the sweltering heat

Later in the afternoon, we changed into swimsuits and took a dip. You can't help it, it was sooo humid! Next thing you know, we had made cheerdance formations in the water. Thanks to Brian for gamely being our photographer!

the first formation

a more difficult formation

9 99'ers

My high school classmates Jotie and AJ (and AJ's girlfriend) came to Singapore for a vacation last week. We met them for dinner in Makan Sutra Gluttons Bay last March 2. It was a high school batch reunion in Singapore - 9 99'ers (Ateneo de Zamboanga 1999 high school graduates) together!

Dinner in Makan Sutra Gluttons Bay

3 Colombiere ducks + 1 Gonzaga pirate + 5 Berchmans mohicans 

= 9 99'ers from Ateneo de Zamboanga

my high schoolmates - Berchmans mohicans

a cake for the birthday boy, Jotie

The 6 Jars Of A Millionaire Money Management

My friend Maya forwarded this to me. I think it's a good idea. I'll try it in April. I can't do it in March because I have to allocate every cent I've got for when my mom and brother come visit this March end.

Money management is one of the important aspects of developing your millionaire mindset. You need to successfully develop a certain money management habit into your monthly routine. One of the easiest method to manage your money is taught in the Millionaire Mindset Intensive by T.Harv Eker

This easy millionaire money management system involves having at least 6 jars. The idea behind these jars is to burn into your subconscious a millionaire mindset about monthly money management. Once you’ve set the methodology a natural habit or your monthly routine, your monetary problems and worries will gradually disappear.

The six jars are to be labeled as:

Financial Freedom Account (10%)
Long Term Savings and Spending (10%)
Education (10%)
Play (10%)
Give (5% - 10%)
Necessity (50% - 55%)

The percentage attributed to each jars above, represents the percentage amount of money which you must put into the jars every single month. All you need to do every month is to allocate a certain amount of money for the money management jars.

Remember, you need to turn this into a part of you. Make it your natural money management habit. Here’s a secret of the millionaire mind for you. In order to do this, you need to ensure that you do it every single month without fail. As such, you must start with an amount which you can really afford. You can even start with $1.00. You can certainly afford to spare a dollar for the money jars couldn’t you? Yes, just allocate a dollar a month to the jars to start with. Of course if you can afford to allocate more, the better.

So how do you use this basic money management system? Lets take a look at it now. To make calculations easy, lets say you are allocating $100 to the jars every single month. Here is how to break down the $100 into the jars:

Financial Freedom Account ($10.00)
Long Term Savings and Spending ($10.00)
Education ($10.00)
Play ($10.00)
Give ($5.00)
Neccessity (%55.00)

Once again, you need to turn this into your money management habit. Thus, allocate a monthly amount which you are sure you can afford. Start small. Managing small amount of money is easier. Raise the amount gradually as and when you can afford to add more. Do not fail to do it on a monthly basis.

Just do it. Go get yourselves 6 jars to manage your money with.

Back in Hougang

Last Saturday, we were unceremoniously kicked out of our flat when our landlord found out that we were harboring an "illegal tenant." He gave us a week to leave. See, we didn't know that it was an offense because in Hougang we had let Tatsie and Dada live in our flat without informing anyone. But ignorance of the law excuses no one, so we had no choice but to comply with our landlord's demands.  Since our deposit was forfeited, we decided to just rent a room this time, one without an agent because an agent's fee costs a half month's rent. That very night we did our research and made some calls so that the next morning we viewed three flats and chose the second one, then moved in last Thursday. The good news is that the place is cheaper because I'm rooming with Cate and Tatsie once again, but even more than that, it's prettier. Ervyn and Maria (another friend of Cate's) are renting out another room in the same flat. Our new flat is in Hougang again, and it's nearer my office. It's a blessing in disguise after all.

Ikea-furnished living room. Love the couch!

Love the mood setting lighs

Our living room TV, though we also have one in each room.

Mirror mirror on the wall... and the landlord's prenup pic

Our landlord and his wife's Mr and Mrs Smith pic

...and I love the composition of this shot

Our lovely spacious kitchen

roomies once again

ABS CBN Interview

I don't really have time to blog because I'm supposed to be writing something else (which I will blog about one of these days if it turns out okay) but I just have to blog about this like right now. This afternoon, we were interviewed by ABS CBN's Ryan Chua about absentee voting and the automated voting system. They were most impressed with Tatsie's IT person's POV answer about system glitches and testing. Problem is, we forgot to ask for which show it's supposed to be for. Err...

UPDATE: Apparently our footage was chopped up and shown on different programs: Umagang Kay Ganda, TV Patrol, Bandila and on ANC (ABS CBN News Channel). Here is the video of the segment from Umagang Kay Ganda that showed me speaking while below is the TV Patrol version where I don't speak but a close up of my face and my messy hair is shown.

Anyhow, here are our pics.

the news anchor and the camera man

during the actual interview

with the news anchor, Ryan

reporting to you live from the Merlion Park!

(I've always wanted to do this.)

Stomp Love Stories

We entered a contest on Stomp. It was a Valentine's Day contest for the most touching love story. Since I didn't have a love story of my own, I volunteered to write down Gelle's and Chi's respective love stories in their point of view. We didn't win, though. Too bad. Here were our entries nonetheless. Check them out!

Gelle's story
Chi's story

Development Stages of a Woman

Found this on Facebook today. LMAO!

Life Before Google

[source]

Inventory

I was packing my clothes today and decided to do what my friend Kris did and make an inventory of them. I threw away a bunch of stuff that I haven't been wearing lately and am left with:

54 tops 
25 dresses
5 skirts
2 trench coats, 1 cotton jacket, 1 blazer 
14 shorts/jogging pants/pedal pushers
5 leggings, 4 jeans, 3 slacks
8 shoes, 3 flip-flops, 8 sandals (but I regularly wear only 2 sandals and 1 flip-flops)

It isn't that bad, right?

Rollercoaster

This week has been one hell of a rollercoaster of emotions.

Highs.

Lows.

At each peak, my poor palpitating heart a victim.

Heart month indeed.