twenteen

Yes, I'm still in denial.

( We were all so young. )

I miss you, seatmate. ♥

19

I'm a year older today. Gross.

No matter how bitter I am (and I know a lot of people share the same sentiment), UPLB IVs still remains my favorite tournament.

The UP Los Banos campus is just so refreshing, and the restaurants, bars and coffee shops outside are so student-friendly. Also, it's the fact that it's always held smack in the middle of the stressful semester. There's nothing more enjoyable than being in a tournament bubble, even for just three days.

( Reaching new lows of grepa-ness in LB. )

I was completely freaking out about this tournament because Jowee and I had ZERO training (mabuhay, training and tryouts). Worse, there were no more "older" people to lead prep, teams and even GAs of the contingent. Waz talaga. Step up kung step up. But, I daresay it was a great showing from the contingent. 100% break, foyeh. I will not make comments on cursed NDC break caps.

Anyway, we may have lost in the finals, may mga ipis-like elements mang umaaligid, marami man tayong lahat na hinanakit, I'm sure everyone's still ridiculously happy that the championship is ours.

Congratulations to Tet and Biboy for winning UPLB IVs!
Congratulations to Jowee, Jonjon, Yang and Tet for placing in the top ten speakers!
Congratulations to the entire contingent for breaking!
Congratulations to the new members, PJ and Mahon, for being thrown into their first Debsoc tournament!

Claire: Men are like parking spaces. All the good ones are taken, and the ones left are all handicapped.
Nicolo: You have to be some hotshot CEO at an MNC to have a good one reserved for you. Money, clearly, is the answer to both men and parking.

---

Sa isang freedom wall sa isang kolehiyo ng Unibersidad ng Pilipinas...

Hazing: Is it worth the pain?

Person 1: Oo, kung masochist ka.
Person 2: Sadist ako eh.
Person 1: Magkita tayo.
Person 2: Are you into S&M or something?

Person 1: Grabe, kaklase ka 'yun sa Geog 105! ... May exam nga kami dapat ngayon eh!
Person 2: So what kung may exam?

Person 1: Well, yeah, kung kasing katawan mo si Batista.
Person 2: Mananalo kaya si Batista sa Summer Slam?

*Person 1 bilang taong malabo sumagot ng seryosong tanong. Person 2 bilang taong pumapatol pa.

---

Happy birthday, Mels, Tet, Jewellord, Jonjon and Celeni!

OMIGOD.

OMIGOD.

OMIGOD.

Okay lang pala kahit tres ako kay Chua.



...I got the Inquirer scholarship!

OMIGOD OMIGOD OMIGOD.

---

Super freaky mystery:

When Mr. Yambot called, the name that appeared on my phone was Pluto. Promise.

Pota. Buti nalang hindi ako sumigaw ng, "Badiiiing!" when I answered the call.

Pero shet. Why do I even have the cell number of the publisher of the Inquirer?? But more importantly, why is it under Pluto's name??

Waz.

Ermenfuckingarde! The latest Amazing Race All-Stars episode was shocking! o.0

( Spoilers under the cut. )

Anyway, today was a terrible day. I woke up late for my 1 PM class--I mean, who wakes up late for a 1 PM class?? In my rush, I left my filecase at home. I also forgot to bring my allowance AND I brought the wrong notebook for my classes. Wafaz nalang talaga. Let's just say, wala akong naaccomplish today.

This week is SO off to a bad start. World, gimme a picker-upper.

---

Happy Birthday, Ate Joyce!

I can't believe you're 25 already. That's like, round-off-able to 30. o.0

I had a great day.

I got to all my classes. I passed my Justice story on time. I had a fun time during Film class. I got a reprieve from Sir Lejano for my take-home exam. I got my job interview rescheduled.

So, why do I feel so sucky?

I think it's because I watched the Season 2 Finale of One Tree Hill AND an episode of The OC. Major tearjerkers. I swear, Marissa is so screwed up. I realize now that I'm thankful they killed her off. Maybe Ryan would be better off with Taylor.

I'm such a sucker for trashy drama.

Anyway, things are starting to wind down after the hell month that wouldn't end. I'm glad that things are finally looking up.

---

Congratulations to Mark and Sha for their new baby!

Edit:

By the way, I got my Film 100 Midterms back.

Disclaimer:
I was only able to read 3 out of the 10 assigned chapters. So, Jesus take the wheel talaga. As in, take it from my hands!

I got a 1.75. OYEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH.

Actually, win-win scenario ito eh. If I got a low score, I wouldn't be disappointed (well, at least not much) because I really didn't study a lot. But if I got an okay score, I'd be pleasantly surprised. I'm just so happy it's the latter. I've been having such a crappy semester acads-wise. I think it was just about time for some good karma.

I finally got around to getting our computer fixed. Perks? Updated software. I love IE 7 and Windows Media Player 11. Kebs na kung mega-confused ako sa new buttons and layout. I just love na it's so very futuristic-looking.

American Idol 6 has been a laugh so far. Freakshow talaga, can I just say? Promise, there's something wrong with the people in Seattle. For the most hilarious performance, I'd think it's a toss-up between Big Red (Bohemian Rhapsody) and Bushbaby (Tearin' Up My Heart). And as usual, I love Simon. Right after Randy and Paula said yes to the 6'7" woman, he said, "You just let in a giraffe!"

I've been trying to make myself feel better after cutting so many classes these past days. My solution so far is to hold all-nighters and catch up on my readings. Enpordat, ubos na ang kape sa bahay at ang body clock ko ay thrown off. I don't even have anything to do anymore but I just can't sleep! Waz. Nevermind that I have to be up by 8 AM tomorrow later.

I miss Debsoc! Ang tagal ko ng hindi tumatambay. :{

It's the UPJC Apps' Acquaintance Party tomorrow, at kamusta naman ang theme ng mga apps namin: political killings. As in, may konspeto pa ng imbitasyong orbituary. I go for morbidness? If that's your thing, nasa Vinzons lang po kami bukas. Drop by.

I went out with Jonats today, wahoo! Long long long time, no see. Meron pa kaming nalalamang hanapan along the pillars of the Quezon Hall. We explored The Block--the non-grepa side of grepaness. Pero after like, 10 minutes, pumunta na rin kami sa grepa side. Hindi namin napagkaila na grepa din kami. Infernez naman, today's dinner with Yabut reminded me of old commuting adventures. We even used that mega-tawiran in front of SM North! It was fun... in a you-could-almost-die sort of way.

Anyway, let me quote my ever-favorite Filipino teacher. SHABU: Salamat Hesus at Biyernes uli! I just wanna get through tomorrow then crash.

---

Happy birthday, Carlo!
Welcome back, Misha!
Congratulations for passing the LAE, Gino!

Happy New Year!

Ermengarde, I am breaking out thanks to all the smoke of last night's fireworks. This is terrible! Does this mean I am doomed to be pimply for all of 2007?

The holidays have been rather uneventful. The best parts, of course, were the noche buena and media noche. The worst parts would have to be the gajillion family reunions. Today, we invited some relatives over for lunch. Not only did they come late, they stayed until 11 PM. WARLA! I mean, who does that?? Mga bwiset talaga.

Kinarir ng tatay ko ang New Year. He bought a bundle of fireworks and sparklers. Infernez naman, ngayon, masasabi ko na nakasubok na ko ng Super Lolo. Our dogs were panicking yesterday, though. They hate the loud explosions. Lucky and Aubrey were sorta used to it. This is their second New Year. Coco (our Labrador puppy), however, was driving herself crazy.

I don't usually feel the New Year's celebrations. I hate having to rethink the year and assess the next. It's too much stress. But last night I tried to humor it. And so, I listed down my resolutions. Guess what? I listed down thirty 30--take note na naalala kong one to ten lang pala ang numbers that are spelled out. Good luck talaga with my resolutions. I'm giving myself til the end of January. By then, I predict I would've broken all of them. As of now, I am breaking one. I promised I would be offline by 1 AM.


I have my first Quotable YM Conversation of 2007, as usual, care of Alvin.

alvin: may naisip akong style sa dbate
alvin: i shall refer to my opponents
alvin: using first name and the first letter of their last name
alvin: so you're Claire C.
alvin: Blonde is...
claire: badeeeng
claire: Claire J.

( Also, here's my first songpost for 2007. )

We finally decided where our family's going for our summer vacation! We're heading to Spain and Portugal. Oyeh foyeh! Our parents are trying to teach us what little they remember of their Spanish subjects when they were still in UP. I know one phrase now: Como se llama. Siyempre, of all sources, I learned it from Hips Don't Lie by Shakira.

Most people have been grumbling that they don't feel the holidays. Christmas came too early. They don't have money. These are sad times. Blah blah blah.

Strangely enough, I'm feeling very Christmas-y this year! I'm loving the (non-existent) cool air, the long nights and the Starbucks Christmas drinks.

I'm off to Subic tomorrow. I'll be back on the 29th. See you all then!

Happy Holidays!

Kadiri talaga. I'm so effin' lazy! I sleep at around 5 in the morning and wake up at 3 in the afternoon. If I manage to wake up earlier, I just lie in bed until God-knows-when.

All these family reunions aren't helping either. I've been eating and eating and eating. The first thing my 8-year old cousin told me during dinner was this: "Ang taba na ng mukha mo." Shet.

---

Edit:

I couldn't not post this picture. Here's my favorite picture for Christmas 2006:


FinCom Cheer @ the UPDS Christmas Party

Yang says: If your Karma Deflector ain't foolproof, make sure your got you're trust old Karma Absorber ready to save the day. :}

---

Happy, happy birthday to Felise, Daniel and Xan!

Weird, huh? It isn't enough that my sister and I have the same birthday. Her boyfriend has to join in too. Wafaz!

Legalized!

I'm eighteen and I'm lovin' it I barely realized it.

See you all on Saturday. ♥

Class is over, the torture isn't. I have to wait til October 19 for my absolute freedom. And then, three days after, NDC na. That's one week in Baguio, with seven (or more?) grueling debate rounds. Oh, sembreak, where art thou?

I became (relatively) productive this week! Actually, all out nga eh. I can't remember the last time I slept on my bed. If I sleep, I fall asleep while working on the computer, or while reading my research. Finally, tinamaan na ko ng responsibility. How late, I know. Tapos na ko makakuha ng dos sa Pol Sci exam ko, ngayon lang dadating ang aking bibo-ness.

---

This song is my current favorite. It's a must-download!

Your Ex-Lover's Dead
The Stars

When there is nothing left to burn
You have to set yourself on fire

God, that was strange to see you again
Introduced by a friend of a friend
Smiled and said "Yes, I think we've met before."
In that instant it started to pour

Captured a taxi despite all the rain
We drove in silence across Pont Champlain
And all of that time you thought I was sad
I was trying to remember your name

This scar is a fleck on my porcelain skin
You tried to reach deep but you couldn't get in
And now you're outside me you see all the beauty
Repent all your sin

It's nothing but time and a face that you'll lose
I chose to feel it and you couldn't choose
I'll write you a postcard, I'll send you the news
From the house down the road, from real love

Live through this and you won't look back
Live through this and you won't look back
Live through this and you won't look back

There's one thing I have to say so I'll be brave
You were what I wanted, I gave what I gave
I'm not sorry I met you
I'm not sorry it's over
I'm not sorry there's nothing to save
I'm not sorry there's nothing to save

---

Happy, happy birthday Evette, Arianne, Alvin, Minay and K.Lo!

Oh yeah, October babies!

And since we're on the topic of birthdays, I totally haven't given out invites to everyone. But yeah, go to my debut. :)

First of all, congratulations again to my STC kids, for breaking in NashDC! You guys did great, after the cramming of reg and the lack of training. I'm so happy for you guys. :) As for Octos... well, pabayaan niyo na yung mga yun. It's not worth it anymore. I'll talk to you guys during training. :) No training on Wednesday to give the Nash contingent a time to rest. Training resumes on Monday next week.

Also, congratulations to my buddies, and the DebSoc applicants who made it through the first part of the application process! Malapit na, candidates na kayo for membership. Just do your best during the Final Interview.

Belated Happy Birthday to Jowjow and Celeni!

Wuuh. We have to make a short film for Hum 2 about Flor Contemplacion. Kamusta naman ang crime scene at bitay scene. Ang haggard niya, ayoko na talaga. Pakshet nalang talaga ang mga taong nagsasabing dahil lang walang math ang courses sa CMC, ang dali-dali na. Okay, fine, hindi nga kami nagnunumero--well, except CommRes--but that doesn't mean cheafaz ang college namin no.

Woot, CRS on September 4! I love pre-enlistment, although it quickly wears off once the sem starts. But anyway, excited pa rin ako. I'm taking Film 100 and Film 110 next sem. Any good professors?

I love the news report I got from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of Camp Karingal Police Station. Attempted homicide, grave threats, and illegal possession of explosives. Saan ka paaaa? :P Major thanks go to Inna, who braved the place with me. Note to selves: Don't go to those places in strappy tops and miniskirts.

Inna: Kuya, saan po yung CID?
Policeman: A, doon, may shortcut. *points to some freak-ass forest-like, talahibang Salvage Hotspot area*
Claire: Ah hindi, iikutin nalang po namin.

I swear, police departments are so depressing and so Third World! And that blotter was huge-ass big. Feel na feel namin ang pagka-Pandora's Box niya nung binuksan namin. Hemingways, my first journalistic assignment is only half-done. I've gotta do a kick-ass job at making my news article. Good luck nalang diba. Hate na hate ko pa naman ang paggawa ng headlines. Man Run Over By Car is just so WRONG. I wanna stuff the proper articles in between the words.

OMG, let's watch The Devil Wears Prada and Shock Value! Anyone who wants to? :D

Happy Birthday, Inna!

Mahina Gaga! Wow wow wow, you're twenteen. Today is the start of the 3-month period where you're a whopping three years older than moi. Hee hee hee.

Thanks for everything. Ikaw pa rin talaga ang best road trip partner to Makati dahil kahit nag-i-illegal U-Turn ka, magaling ka namang manuhol. :P Here's to more shopping trips (kebs kung kailangang paghintayin si Yabut), pig-out sessions (libre c/o Yabut again), Johnny Questing and Rent Sing-Alongs!

...At kahit naunahan na tayo ni Joan sa ating Lake House guy, pretty at witty pa rin tayo! :P *hugs* ♥

I feel so blech lately. I've cut a couple of classes (sorry, Dana and Joe). I still haven't started on The Republic, and my JC position paper. Debate is just as bad, if not worse.

Earth eat me na talaga.

I'm so stressed and frustrated! I mean, I try to take things one day at a time, but sometimes, they come together and attack me all at once.

Hemingways...

Happy Birthday, 3sa!

I remember our colored pens and baboy ways. Partner, I miss you too much. :P