The sensation that gripped the nation...

It’s not Influenza A (H1N1) virus mind you. Roughly two weeks ago, the virus had finally landed in the country but it wasn’t that what the people were talking about… Before the virus entered the country, a video of some sort made its way to the cyberworld.

Fine, fine it wasn’t a video of some sort. It was a sex video for crying out loud!

WARNING: If you are below 18 years old, I request you to close my blog NOW. AS IN NOW!!! I don’t want to corrupt your innocent mind. I would know if you checked this out. You’ve been warned! If you are 18 years old and above, you pervert! kidding, kidding. Be my guest. I will try to make it as wholesome as possible. Now, don’t be too disappointed!

The first thing that came to mind was, it really happens. With all these maniacs and pervs around the world ( not just in Pinas) it was just “normal”. So I was thinking why the hell is the media, the Senate and the entire country making a fuss over it??! Why am I making a fuss over it here in my blog??

Aren’t there more important matters that the senators should be dealing with rather than this?? A health threat landed our turf and no one seems to care about it. Public schools were about to start its classes that time and there were a lot of problems with our so called free education. Tell me why the sex scandal is far more important than those problems I’ve mentioned??

Okay, I get the point. The video was taken without the consent of his partner. It was supposedly a private property, hence should not have been made publicized by uploading it in the internet for the whole world to see. So what now?? This wasn’t the first time.

Being the only Catholic country in Southeast Asia was probably one of the reasons why it became such a sensation. Sige na kaliwa’t kanan ang bold movies before but this hasn’t stopped the entire country to be “conservative”. The video was scandalous to pinoys. Some might have enjoyed it but most were appalled to see people humping each other!

I’m not really that innocent to this kind of thing. Listening to BNO has made me undertand things. Yun lang your imagination works with their stories. Having boys as close friends also exposed me to these kind of visuals. They said it would be better if we knew what was happening rather than be ignorant when the time comes. This happened when I was in junior year in highschool! Boy buds have corrupted my mind! kidding. Better be equipped with knowledge daw than be engot. I would watch (with some other girlfriends) videos in their fones and be grossed up.

So with these videos in the internet, I had received the shock of my life! Para akong lola na naescandalo sa kabastusan! I never really thought that scenes like that were possible. Erlack indeed!!! The cunning linguist that the boys were telling was there right in front of my eyes. :S

I was clutching my chest while watching it (out of curiosity) and my eyes were about to pop with what I was seeing. If I would have to put it, one girl has… PERFORMANCE! sheeeesssssh!

But I still couldn’t understand why the Senate had to intervene. Okay sakin yung women’s rights. Pero marami pa silang dapat pagkaabalahan kaysa yun. The local court can investigate instead. Nagmukha pa tuloy teleserye ang senado. I mean come off it man.

free shower (photo from inquirer.net)

I understand the anger of this man ( above photo) but he should’ve respected the Senate. Nagmukhang joke time ang senado with the lack of security. Mind you, the real issue was also sidelined. Naging tungkol sa kanilang pinakatatagong pag-ibig (I was going for illicit love afffair. hindi ko sure kung yun yung tagalog) at kung anu-ano na.

I’m not sure if I would admire the bravery she has for still having guts to face the public or be disgusted with what she did. After all, she had an affair with an attached man. So recorded or not, she doesn’t really come off clean. So to speak to all the other girls he made sexy time with.

A piece of advice to those who are active: check out the nookiest places in the room for hayden ay hidden pala cameras! :)) Or better yet, do not give in, especially of you’re not officially together. At kung kayo man, make sure you're doing it for the right reason. Do it for love and not for lust. A word of wisdom from manang rach/ lexi: Girls, keep or try your very best to keep your legs crossed until you’re married. ;P

Thankfully, it sort of hushed up now. There are waaaaaay more other important issues that we need to be concerned with. If you have reached this point, thank you for wasting your time with this nonsense blog. haha! ’til then…

My sisterrific invades the sushi land :D

It's been two weeks since my one and only sister packed her bags and flew to sushi land aka Japan. I meant to do this blog before she left but I didn't have the time with all the preparations I helped her out with. Also, we made something for her kaya ayun hindi ko nagawa 'to. Whenever you feel blue, just take a look at your ging's anti-depressant. :D

She is Maria Rosario Tabamo Valencia. The only thing that differentiates our names is our second names. While she is Rosario, I am Rachel. She had to wait five years to be an ate to me. So whenever we get into a serious fight, she would always tell me she wanted to have an ate. That I was lucky that I have her. She felt that I wasn't treating her like what an ate should be treated like. I am guilty about that. Magaling kasi ako masyado and I tend to overrule her. Pero may mga times naman na masunuring kapatid ako. :))

While she always looked all glammed-up, I would be looking like a trash next to her 'coz I want comfort over style. Don't get me wrong. She feels perfectly comfortable with what she wears. Dun siguro kami nagkakatalo. Iba ang definition namin ng comfort. haha! Comfortable for her is a girly skirt and a sleeveless or whatnot (girly din dapat), sandals or cute flippies. Comfortable for me is coutoure shorts, baby tee, and battered-looking flippies. My fashion style has been an object of argument back then. At least now, I make an effort to look presentable in public. :))

Her things are always in good shape while mine always look old or broken in a few months' time. She is organized and I am the exact opposite. She loves to shop while I'd rather sleep at home. She's on the bleachers while I sweat it out in the court. These are just a few of the differences my sister and I have.

We both love pizza! yumyum! We watch koreanovelas and the hills together. We drink to heartaches and success. We love babies and dogs. We gang up on kuya. haha! We b*tch around people who deserve our b*tchyness. We both have mood swings. Sige na, just one time, we look like each other (much to our dismay! hahaha!) These are just some of our similarities.

I can go on forever telling you how different we are and at the same time how much we are alike. We've had our fair share of fights that would involve sakitan and sigawan and no talking for days, weeks even. But when we are friends, we are inseparable. Sabi nga ng nanay namin, "Hindi ko talaga kayo maintindihan. 'Pag magkaaway kayo, bawal kayo magsama sa bahay, 'pag magkabati kayo, parang hindi kayo mapaghiwalay. " I guess that's how we are.

Now that she's miles away, I miss her terribly. I have no one to piss off, ask money from, go dvd marathon with, swim with and a lot of other stuff.

She want this sooooo badly. That's why our parents allowed her to go more than anything else. If mum had it her way, of course she wanted ate here. Pap has always been supportive of whatever we liked.

I know things aren't going the way as planned but it will fall into place in His time. Just hold on and pray. May ym and msn naman to bridge the distance. :D We'll visit you soon. Enjoy the ride ate. :D

You've invaded Australia, U.S.A, Hong Kong, Macau and Korea (ano pa ba napuntahan mo?) it is now time to invade and conquer Japan. :D Teach those kawaii Japs how to speakening English. :)) You will have to effort so will become a success! Do not become a die, 'coz that's me...day! :))

I miss you sooooo much ate! We all do. See you on our visit and let's go to divi when you go home this december, my treat. I love you sisterrific. :D

Survival of the fittest :D

April 30- May 1, I went to Capones and Anawangin with a couple of my friends. :D Weeks of preparation and change of plans, last minute hassles and what-nots.

SPECIAL THANKS:

Jude --- for being the patient driver, guard, game sa kalocohan ng mga chicas na kasama niya, pagbili ng itak, pagpapahitch samin sa auto, sa bagong friendship, fun to be with, company at lahat ng masayang adventures. :D

Thea --- for being game with us, pagtambay sa condo, not treating us different, pagpapasensya sa kabaliwan ni kath, pagkkwentuhan natin, pagdadasal, pagiging generous with your stuff, sa bagong friendship, fun to be with, company at lahat ng masayang adventures. :D

Jaymie --- for being game despite the many changes and init-ulo moments, packing light, your oh so complete first aid kit, shampoo, waking up when I was waking you up (hahaha!), the brief background about stuff and the awesome company. :D

Kath --- for still going despite the very civilized way of living, not being maarte,facing the unknown and embracing it, pagiging baliw that kept mang jude wide awake and stressed (hehe), being fun despite the heartache, being tulog queen, staying up during your shift and making everyone laugh or atleast tried and the crazy company. ;P

Inna --- for tagging us along in the car (nakatipid kami), escaping just to be with us, pagtiyaga sa takot sa tubig aka ako, pagturo sakin magskimboard, discovering anawangin and kuya ariel, helping me during the trek when my short legs couldn't reach the landing, taking photos of herself (how vain can you get?) and the makulit company. :D

April 13

I sent out a general message to my batchmates about this outing we had in mind. driver and i agreed on the date. Basta kahit kaming tatlo lang nila vi eh tuloy kami.

Next thing I knew was that vi and driver went to anawangin that weekend! The best part is, both of them got into trouble for that trip.

Nagulo na rin ang plan. Instead of Anawangin, friends looked for a different, more convenient (comfort talaga hanap nila. hihi) place to stay in.

All was set with crystal beach. Okay naman yung amenities and the place itself. But when my friends checked, fully-booked pala. So they looked, looked and looked. Wala na talaga. Kung meron man, super costly.

Meron pang point na Batangas na lang daw. But eventually, we established that we will try the north for a change. Init ulo, not-so-good texchange and a lot of other uncool stuff happened before the trip. This was a day or two before the trip.

Finally, we went back to the original plan, Anawangin. :D Let's go survivors! Last minute as in last minute, hindi pwede yung auto, hindi pinayagan. Chain reaction. From thirteen...

There were six left. Six individuals with different personalities. Parang reality show talaga. :))

Meeting place pa lang gulo-gulo na. Una brooklyn then q's place. Nagkakawalaan na mga friends. Finallly nagkita-kita then headed to thea's.

Mali ang pinuntahan namin. Lakad ng onti, tambay sa 711, tawag galore kay thea, away sa guard at tambay sa lobby.

May moments na iniisip namin baka sign na ayaw kami patuluyin kasi puro sablay. But we were already there, might as well go with the plan.

Tambay at thea's while killing time and helped with the stuff we were bringing. We finally left the metro around 4am. The trip was smooth and cuh-razy!!! Napapayosi na lang si mang jude sa inyo eh.

We stopped over in the market, got everthing else that we needed for survival. Food, food, food and ITAK!!! :)) We got in Pundaquit, unloaded our stuffs from the car and transferred it to the boat and sailed our way to Capones.

I didn't know we had plans to go to Capones until we were in the car going to thea's. haha! Panalo talaga ang game plan namin.

But as soon as I saw the island, I was tranced by its beauty. :D Unadulterated, virgin piece of island. No people, no pollution, no noise... just pure serenity and silence. :D Something you can't get in the hustles and bustles of the metro.

The beautiful island of Capones :D

We took in the fresh air, enjoyed the sight and decided to go check out the lighthouse. It's a must-see to all those who go to the island. Let the challenge begin! :D

Lakad-lakad lang, onting akyat tapos baba. Then it was all waves and water baby. Our bangkero, kuya ariel (you're the best bangkero there is!) kept on asking us as we were making our way thru the waves. " Kaya niyo ba?" several times. We would give him a cheery reply, "Kayang-kaya kuya!". After what seemed like ages, I asked, "Are we there yet?" in an annoying voice like that of in the movie. hahaha!

Maya-maya eh tanungan na kung malapit na ba kami.Uh-oh! Half-way thru pa lang daw. If we went back, we wouldn't achieve anything, if we continue, we would have the adventure of our lives. So game, tuloy lang kahit sobrang lakas ng waves, splashing our faces with saltwater and the rocks were killing our feet!!!

Two hours of pure trekking, pain and hardship, we made it to the lighthouse. :D Rewarding naman talaga ang hirap. The view was sooooo awesome! :D It really is a different world up there. Kita mo yung dagat at lahat ng magandang bagay aka me. hahaha!

I simply enjoyed the silence and meditated. :D Ang sarap ng feeling na tahimik lahat, naririnig mo lang eh yung alon. Iba talaga yung feeling. :D At dahil may signal sa Capones, I got a call from my mum. Nakakatuwa talking to her while I was up there. If she only knew the things I had to face to get there. She would be extra proud of me. hahaha!

Thanks for the photo vi ;P

After an hour of pure bliss, it was time for reality again. Back to cruel waves and thorny branches! Two hours of adventure again. But it was already high tide so kuya ariel made re-routes. Hangga't kaya umiwas sa tubig,umiwas kami. Pero nung hindi na kaya, wala kaming nagawa kundi lumusong sa alon na pwedeng pagsurf-an ni cody of surf's up. hahaha! There was even an instant na no choice but to "walk" in the middle of deep blue sea (exagg yun ha). Eh si dakilang swimmer panic mode kagad. Mamatay na lang kesa pumunta sa gitna ng kawalan. Ayun, bagsak si vi. Sorry na. Nagpa-alon alon kami hanggang narating namin ang safe shore and we rejoiced for the gift of life and adventure. :D

Akala ko talaga trapped for life na kami dun. A gazillion thanks to kuya ariel! :D Kaya pala tanong ng tanong kung kaya kasi hindi biro. We couldn't have made it without you. Sa uulitin. :D

We rested for a bit and then headed to Anawangin. :D I LOVE IT! The perfect get-away. NO electricity, no signal. Perfect! :D

De-bomba ang tubig , PBB style ligo, bonfire for life. Kwentuhan, laro, inuman.Panalo yung hangin nung madaling araw. :))

Excuse me but I can't let this go... Campers: Sir, pwede makisali? Wala kasi kami magawa. Naboboring na kami.

Jude stood up and took care of it. Naboboring nga naman kasi sila. =)) No wonder walang nakihalubilo sa kanila.

At dahil ultimate survivors kami, walang may tent!two sleeping bags, banig and blankets. I felt the uneven sand against my back. Dapat nag-comb muna kami ng sand. :)) There was a canopy of stars above. :D I've never seen sooooo many stars in my life until that night came. Sobrang in love ako sa stars! Ang ganda-ganda talaga! :X

The next day, I sunbathed, skimboarded, and trekked again. I surely will never forget this one heck of an adventure. :D Not only was it the way I pictured it (well, almost like I pictured it), I gained two new, awesome friends in Thea and Jude aka the kilig team. :D

It was really meant that the six of us made it to this trip. Hindi kakayanin ng iba ang hirap na dinanas natin! Umuwi man tayong puno ng galos at sunog, soooooooooooobrang worth it. :D

After being survivors, amazing race naman drama namin to make it to mum's flight. whew! Don't you just love reality game shows? :D Outwitted the treacherous waves. Outplayed the "naboborings". Outlasted the wild. 'til our next challenge team survivor! :D

p.s driver, next time pag sinabi kong game, game kahit anong mangyari. sama ka na next time ha. :)

Tatalon ka pa ba?? ;P

April 28, creative shot shooting. :D I really wanted to have a creative shot for my grad pic. But because of the feedbacks about the official photography, I didn't get the package. Importante lang sa nanay ko ay ang makita ang bunso niyang nakatoga. Yun lang solb na siya. :D Okay lang dahil at least I have free reign on what I would have for my creative shot. :D

I knew what I wanted. Be an athlete. That's what I am. Hindi man nakalaro sa collegiate level, naglalaro ako given the chance. I played for ecosoc and during the ecolympics. :D Those were the best times. I was able to play the game of my life and enjoy big time. :D

But I shy-ed away from the volleyball limelight for my creative shot. I wanted a different sport. Something more challenging and exhilarating. I saw the perfect sport and shot. :)

Inspired by The Hills. I sooo love the chic yet athletic look. :)

I must tell you, rugby is a serious sport. So I was all settled with this creative shot. One drawback. I can't find a rugby jersey that would perfectly fit me. So I opted for soccer. Nilalagyan din naman sila ng face paint di ba?

So I was hooooot Beckham. :D

My sister and I couldn't find the perfect timing for a jumpshot. Numerous attempts, all failed. I finally conceded.

When I got bored later that afternoon, I wore the jersey again and set the timer. I jumped with sooo much gusto in our kitchen area. Easy lang kayo, aayusin ko yan sa photoshop para magmukhang sa field ako tumalon. I got a few good shots. yey!

Panalo di ba? :))

Spot the difference... sorry na pangit talaga paa ko!

See the blood clot?? nakakatense!

Ang mahiwagang tanong...Tatalon pa ba ko?? Ang sagot: OO NAMAN! Saya-saya tumalon eh. :D 'til then...

Freed :D

It's been over a week but I still feel refreshed and light-hearted. :D I guess that's how it really is.

Last April 25 and 26, I had my Youth Life in the Spirit Seminar. :D Weeks of anticipation and finally it happened. I'm not really new about this 'coz my dad has been active in the community (Pag-Ibig sa Diyos) since I was a kid. My parents joined the community when I was a kid so I have a background about the whole thing. Yun lang medyo nag-drift nung tumanda na ko kasi wala na kaming Saturday classes.

Anyway, I wasn't really that excited about the YLSS... at first. I'm the kind of person who would pray alone at my own pace. I learned in BLD that the more people that pray together, the better. Kailangan ng ibang tao at sama-sama kayong magdadasal.

So there I was, spending my entire weekend listening to testimonies and looking back at my own life. I have come to the conclusion that I was so blessed. Hearing testimonies and what my co-youth have gone through made me realize a lot of things. Though I didn't have everything I wanted when I was a kid and until now, I HAVE EVERYTHING that I NEED. That's what matters. Necessities and not luxuries. :D

I have learned a lot in that YLSS weekend. Words are not enough to express how I felt. I never knew such thing existed until I have experienced it. Having slained by the Spirit was the most liberating feeling in the whole world. Akala ko dati, acting lang yung mga bumabagsak. It actually happens in real life! :D

I didn't have any hang-ups going to the YLSS so it was easier for me to open up. There was just one thing that was making my heart heave. That was the most difficult thing for me. For me to let go. But when my shepherd, Ate Maan, whispered in my ear, "Rachel, let it go, let God". I tried to remember it one last time and let it go. I soflty fell to the ground. The next thing I knew I was speaking in tongues. :D Thank you Lord! I was immobilzed. I sooo wanted to move but I can't.So I just relaxed and said nothing but give thanks to God.

Siguro nawiwindang kayo mabasa 'to kasi hindi talaga ako yung tipong ganito. But I have found my niche. I know I'm not perfect, sooooo far from being perfect but I have learned to be good. Try to be good.

Sira ulo pa rin ako, baliw and what-not but life has a deeper meaning now. :D I am now extra careful with my actions and words.

I have been freed from all the burdens I was carrying all this time. Iba talaga ang feeling. :D To God be the glory! :D 'til then...