September 15, 2009 - My Sanctuary
When the clock struck midnight, I was pleasantly greeted by a birthday cake by my whole family - plus dad and his guitar (O_O). It was a surprise and I was sorta surprised, just an hour before this happened, my youngest sister Rhea mentioned a lil sumthin sumthin that Kuya and Rhona had prepared and she quickly took it back saying it was blah and blah - but that didn’t throw me off, I smelled something fishy.
But honestly, I didn’t think they had baked a cake. Homemade sponge cake by my siblings? The greatest gift ever. =) Apparently, they had spent hours trying to perfect the icing - which I still criticized them about (yep, I wouldn’t be me if I weren’t critical of other people, LOL) but all in all, it was awesome.
The cake had a heart and I cut it in half. I am such an emo. / wrist. HAHA.
I was watching a movie when they took the cake from out of nowhere and then my dad entered strumming his guitar and singing Happy Birthday with my mom. Gah. Hahaha.
My family is love. ♥
-------------------
I didn't really make a proper wish on my birthday. There have been so many blessings that I figured I could go without making a wish for this year. Besides, whatever fate has in store for me, I can face it. I have taken things for granted in the past, and maybe still am, but I'm learning to accept everything I have now. :) I think being happy is everyone's wish on their birthday, and I am. That's enough for me.
I ♥ chocolates & traveling
Welcome to Renee's blog.
This is the blog of a female who has weird bouts of randomness.
Probably blacklisted at the Department of Redundancy Department. All posts are true accounts of misadventures in her life.
And you read it here first.
Geek. Dork. Bookworm. Goth. Emo. Hiphop. Music enthusiast. Writer. Poet.
This is the blog of a female who has weird bouts of randomness.
Probably blacklisted at the Department of Redundancy Department. All posts are true accounts of misadventures in her life.
And you read it here first.
Readers be warned. This blog contains silly things that may cause your brain to malfunction.
Geek. Dork. Bookworm. Goth. Emo. Hiphop. Music enthusiast. Writer. Poet.
Been there. Done that. Gone back.
I love languages, I love cycling and I love people. But most of all, I love chocolates. And writing as much as I love traveling. I am probably one of those people who cannot stick to just one thing, because I like moving around, seeing new places, learning new things and just being me.
posted by Renee at 11:52 AM
Saturday, September 05, 2009
Gah, I've been so busy with a lot of things especially with my work visa. LOL
For those who have been referred to St. Peter Paul Medical Clinic by your agencies, here's some information:
PHASE I
Fill up forms at the tables by the entrance. Make sure you bring:
a)Referral from agency
b)Latest 4pcs. 2 x 2 pictures (for HongKong, UAE/Dubai, Taiwan, Saudi, Korea)
c)Latest 6 pcs. 2 x 2 pictures (for Qatar only)
d)Latest 10 pcs. 2 x 2 pictures (for Malaysia only)
e)Latest 8 pcs. pictures, 1 x 1 4pcs & 4pcs 2 x 2 (for Qatar only)
f)Photocopy of Passport/NBI Clearance
g)Clean Bottle containing thumb sized stool sample (I brought one but they can provide you with one anyway)
h)Exact payment for Medical
Step 1 - Information
This is where all your papers are checked after you go through the initial processing. They will stamp the backside of your hand and ask you to proceed to the cashier.
Step 2 - Cashier
I paid P2,430 for the first phase of the medical exams.
Step 3 - PE, ECG
The physical exam is here. They check your weight and height first and the gruelling part starts.
For the girls, be sure to expect a violation of your body's privacy. That's all I'm going to say. Breast and anal exam happens here. No details needed. ;)
Don't worry, women doctors will attend to the ladies.
Step 4 - Blood, Urine & Stool Exam
If you're scared of needles, be afraid now. They will get your blood sample here and although the medical aides are professional.. still, it hurts afterwards. Plus, if you haven't eaten anything, you're going to get dizzy because it isn't the end of the steps. There's more.
After the blood sample, you will be given a little bottle for your urine. There's a bathroom specially for applicants. By the way, the medical centre is so strict that someone will actually watch you pee. Uncomfortable. Seriously. That way nobody can cheat the exam.
Then comes the stool exam. It was around 2pm and they gave us until 3pm to submit a sample but since the only toilet available was used for the urine exams.. well, we couldn't exactly use those. The others probably walked to Robinson's to use the comfort rooms. LOL
Step 5 - X-Ray
I was sort of surprised when I entered the X-Ray room. They were all male medical aides/nurses. Tsk. There's a partition in the rooms where you can change into the medical gowns (which are thin). Ladies need to remove their tops and bras.
Step 6 - Optometry
Here, your eyes will be checked. I'm obviously a failure here with my poor eyesight. If you don't have any glasses yet, well, you can always buy a pair there, although it's better to buy cheaper ones outside.
Step 7 - Audiometry
There is a (sort-of) soundproof room with a chair for you to sit on. You'll need to put on the headphones. They will ask you to raise your right hand when you hear any sound from the headphones. I just found out that I have mild hearing loss.. but I dare you to take the exam when you haven't had breakfast or lunch AND you're tired AND people's voices outside can still be heard. Tsk. I wanted to retake the exam when I had had proper sleep but I didn't want to delay any longer. ;)
Step 8 - Dental Exam
Before the medical exams, it is suggested that you visit your dentist. If you have any teeth that need filling or need to be taken out, please do so. It's cheaper outside. Or you could do what I did. I had my teeth checked at the center and then visited a dentist afterwards. The next day I gave them the dental certificate.
Step 9 - Psychological Exam
At the X-Ray section, they give you the sheet for the psych exam. It consists of a "complete the sentences" part. ;)
There is also a draw-a-person test plus an abstract exam as well for everyone. :) And then there is a "resident psychologist/psychiatrist" or at least the psych test checkers that will want to clarify some of your answers. Like they did with mine. But I won't go into any details.
After a day or two, you can return and follow up at the "release" section. ;)
PHASE II
When I went to follow-up, they told me to go to the cashier and pay for my vaccinations. I had to get Hepatitis B and Tetanus shots so that was an additional P650. After paying, I went straight to the Step 2 room. The doctor gave me the shots one after the other. My arms became numb afterwards. LOL
And that's it. The doctor told me when to return to get my results.
-----------------------
After getting my results, I had to wait for two days for the medical center to forward the results to the Brunei embassy before I could apply for my work visa. ;)
All else is history. Work kills me. LOL
For those who have been referred to St. Peter Paul Medical Clinic by your agencies, here's some information:
PHASE I
Fill up forms at the tables by the entrance. Make sure you bring:
a)Referral from agency
b)Latest 4pcs. 2 x 2 pictures (for HongKong, UAE/Dubai, Taiwan, Saudi, Korea)
c)Latest 6 pcs. 2 x 2 pictures (for Qatar only)
d)Latest 10 pcs. 2 x 2 pictures (for Malaysia only)
e)Latest 8 pcs. pictures, 1 x 1 4pcs & 4pcs 2 x 2 (for Qatar only)
f)Photocopy of Passport/NBI Clearance
g)Clean Bottle containing thumb sized stool sample (I brought one but they can provide you with one anyway)
h)Exact payment for Medical
Step 1 - Information
This is where all your papers are checked after you go through the initial processing. They will stamp the backside of your hand and ask you to proceed to the cashier.
Step 2 - Cashier
I paid P2,430 for the first phase of the medical exams.
Step 3 - PE, ECG
The physical exam is here. They check your weight and height first and the gruelling part starts.
For the girls, be sure to expect a violation of your body's privacy. That's all I'm going to say. Breast and anal exam happens here. No details needed. ;)
Don't worry, women doctors will attend to the ladies.
Step 4 - Blood, Urine & Stool Exam
If you're scared of needles, be afraid now. They will get your blood sample here and although the medical aides are professional.. still, it hurts afterwards. Plus, if you haven't eaten anything, you're going to get dizzy because it isn't the end of the steps. There's more.
After the blood sample, you will be given a little bottle for your urine. There's a bathroom specially for applicants. By the way, the medical centre is so strict that someone will actually watch you pee. Uncomfortable. Seriously. That way nobody can cheat the exam.
Then comes the stool exam. It was around 2pm and they gave us until 3pm to submit a sample but since the only toilet available was used for the urine exams.. well, we couldn't exactly use those. The others probably walked to Robinson's to use the comfort rooms. LOL
Step 5 - X-Ray
I was sort of surprised when I entered the X-Ray room. They were all male medical aides/nurses. Tsk. There's a partition in the rooms where you can change into the medical gowns (which are thin). Ladies need to remove their tops and bras.
Step 6 - Optometry
Here, your eyes will be checked. I'm obviously a failure here with my poor eyesight. If you don't have any glasses yet, well, you can always buy a pair there, although it's better to buy cheaper ones outside.
Step 7 - Audiometry
There is a (sort-of) soundproof room with a chair for you to sit on. You'll need to put on the headphones. They will ask you to raise your right hand when you hear any sound from the headphones. I just found out that I have mild hearing loss.. but I dare you to take the exam when you haven't had breakfast or lunch AND you're tired AND people's voices outside can still be heard. Tsk. I wanted to retake the exam when I had had proper sleep but I didn't want to delay any longer. ;)
Step 8 - Dental Exam
Before the medical exams, it is suggested that you visit your dentist. If you have any teeth that need filling or need to be taken out, please do so. It's cheaper outside. Or you could do what I did. I had my teeth checked at the center and then visited a dentist afterwards. The next day I gave them the dental certificate.
Step 9 - Psychological Exam
At the X-Ray section, they give you the sheet for the psych exam. It consists of a "complete the sentences" part. ;)
There is also a draw-a-person test plus an abstract exam as well for everyone. :) And then there is a "resident psychologist/psychiatrist" or at least the psych test checkers that will want to clarify some of your answers. Like they did with mine. But I won't go into any details.
After a day or two, you can return and follow up at the "release" section. ;)
PHASE II
When I went to follow-up, they told me to go to the cashier and pay for my vaccinations. I had to get Hepatitis B and Tetanus shots so that was an additional P650. After paying, I went straight to the Step 2 room. The doctor gave me the shots one after the other. My arms became numb afterwards. LOL
And that's it. The doctor told me when to return to get my results.
-----------------------
After getting my results, I had to wait for two days for the medical center to forward the results to the Brunei embassy before I could apply for my work visa. ;)
All else is history. Work kills me. LOL
Friday, September 04, 2009
For a direct hire in Brunei, you need to prepare two sets of the following documents, arranged in this way as well:
1) Contract duly notarized by the Magistrate Court (w/repatriation clause)
2) BUR 500
3) Visa Approval
4) Labor Quota
5) IC of the Employer, or anyone in the business registration (Sec.17 or Form X)
6) Bus Reg. Sec. 16 & 17
7) Copy of the Passport of the Worker
8) Authorization of the one submitting the documents from the employer
9) Payment: Verification fee = B$19.00
Authentication fee = B$42.50
NOTE:
1. All pages of the contract must be signed by the employer
2. Salary must be based on the Job Order/Manpower Request
3. Bring the original BUR500 & Visa Approval
* Usually, the documents will be provided by your employer. However, I had to pay for the authentication verification fees.
--------------
Also, after all these you need to start work officially. After three working days, you need to go back to the embassy with these:
1) Certificate from the employer (stating that you have worked for 3 days and will continue to do so when you return from the Phils)
2) Certificate from the employee (stating the same thing)
3) Pay slip for three working days
They will then process your OEC (Overseas Employment Certificate). This way you don't have to go through the process in the Philippines (where the lines are super long and tiring).
Normally the OEC will be issued after you have your work visa and have undergone the medical exam in the Philippines but since 2006, the embassy has issued a memorandum that they can release OECs to new workers provided they meet the requirements stated above.
-------
If you have any questions, let me know.
1) Contract duly notarized by the Magistrate Court (w/repatriation clause)
2) BUR 500
3) Visa Approval
4) Labor Quota
5) IC of the Employer, or anyone in the business registration (Sec.17 or Form X)
6) Bus Reg. Sec. 16 & 17
7) Copy of the Passport of the Worker
8) Authorization of the one submitting the documents from the employer
9) Payment: Verification fee = B$19.00
Authentication fee = B$42.50
NOTE:
1. All pages of the contract must be signed by the employer
2. Salary must be based on the Job Order/Manpower Request
3. Bring the original BUR500 & Visa Approval
* Usually, the documents will be provided by your employer. However, I had to pay for the authentication verification fees.
--------------
Also, after all these you need to start work officially. After three working days, you need to go back to the embassy with these:
1) Certificate from the employer (stating that you have worked for 3 days and will continue to do so when you return from the Phils)
2) Certificate from the employee (stating the same thing)
3) Pay slip for three working days
They will then process your OEC (Overseas Employment Certificate). This way you don't have to go through the process in the Philippines (where the lines are super long and tiring).
Normally the OEC will be issued after you have your work visa and have undergone the medical exam in the Philippines but since 2006, the embassy has issued a memorandum that they can release OECs to new workers provided they meet the requirements stated above.
-------
If you have any questions, let me know.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
So.. there are two cases of the swine flu virus in the Philippines as of today. I'm really worried because my mom and big brother are coming home this week and I hope they don't catch anything before they get here because they'll have to go through quarantine. There's just something about that that scares me. Don't ask.
Aside from the swine flu that struck the country, the next big piece of news that everyone keeps talking about is the scandal involving Katrina Halili and Hayden Co. I go to Facebook, Plurk and other social networking sites and people are asking for links to the sex video that has been floating around the net. (O_O)
"Walang babae na nasa matinong kaisipan ang papayag na i-video habang nagtatalik" No woman in her right mind would allow herself to be taped while having intercourse, says a radio newscaster. I agree. But we live in a world where reality is distorted and some women find it alright to keep a souvenir of their intimate times.
This scandal was all it took for the government to start thinking of ways to protect women and from other videos from being uploaded on the internet. All I can say is that they can't stop this. The internet is a bigger world than our real one. It's difficult to limit what you can and can't do because people are going to find ways around these barriers. It's a hacker's job.
I think the authorities should look into the movie industry and stop making all these movies that encourage porn/homemade videos. Sexy actresses make it big and why the hell is that? They should be using the money to make decent movies, or at least hire better screenwriters who are original so they can stop "borrowing" ideas from foreign films.
Gah.
Yes, I am a bit irritable today. And I have to be in the clinic in a few hours because my little brother is down with the flu and hasn't slept properly due to an earache. T__T At least my headache is gone. I pray that I stay healthy. Go body resistance, go!
Aside from the swine flu that struck the country, the next big piece of news that everyone keeps talking about is the scandal involving Katrina Halili and Hayden Co. I go to Facebook, Plurk and other social networking sites and people are asking for links to the sex video that has been floating around the net. (O_O)
"Walang babae na nasa matinong kaisipan ang papayag na i-video habang nagtatalik" No woman in her right mind would allow herself to be taped while having intercourse, says a radio newscaster. I agree. But we live in a world where reality is distorted and some women find it alright to keep a souvenir of their intimate times.
This scandal was all it took for the government to start thinking of ways to protect women and from other videos from being uploaded on the internet. All I can say is that they can't stop this. The internet is a bigger world than our real one. It's difficult to limit what you can and can't do because people are going to find ways around these barriers. It's a hacker's job.
I think the authorities should look into the movie industry and stop making all these movies that encourage porn/homemade videos. Sexy actresses make it big and why the hell is that? They should be using the money to make decent movies, or at least hire better screenwriters who are original so they can stop "borrowing" ideas from foreign films.
Gah.
Yes, I am a bit irritable today. And I have to be in the clinic in a few hours because my little brother is down with the flu and hasn't slept properly due to an earache. T__T At least my headache is gone. I pray that I stay healthy. Go body resistance, go!
Saturday, May 09, 2009
If you've visited my Tumblr page, you will realize my renewed interest in comics and the like, and therefore today, on one of the most important days of the year, I'd like to share one.
Credit: Toothpaste For Dinner
You don't need to be a genius to understand why Mother's Day celebrations are usually more widespread than Father's Day ones. I don't mean to say that mothers are superior to fathers (although yes, I agree there are specific aspects moms excel in) but it's probably due to the fact that we lived in our mother's wombs for approximately nine months.
My mom is not a perfect person, she has a lot of flaws but as I grew up, I witnessed how hard she worked to take care of her family, and she always kept things to herself because she didn't want to worry anyone. Now that I'm older though, she shares some of her burdens and secrets with me. She had to deal with a lot of teen angst coming from me. I wasn't always on good terms with her.
But my mother will always be one of my heroes. I look up to her when I'm hurting. I guess I learned how to bottle up my feelings from her. I know it's not good but I can't help it. As long as others are happy, it's okay for me to hurt inside. Of course, after a while I have learned to stop hiding too many feelings. :)
I can't be with my mom today since she's still in Phils but I constantly let her know how much she means to me. She is moved by little things we do for her, that it becomes wonderful to surprise her sometimes. My kuya is a mommy's boy though. And I am jealous of him when he gets his way. My dad always comes to my rescue though. :D
My parents.. They can't be replaced. Hindi ko sila ipagpapalit.
Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers out there! This is your day. ^______^
mŭ qīn jié kuài lè! ! 어머니날 축하합니다 ! Joyeuse fête des mères! Feliz Día de la Madre! Selamat Hari Ibu! 母の日おめでとう !
Credit: Toothpaste For Dinner
You don't need to be a genius to understand why Mother's Day celebrations are usually more widespread than Father's Day ones. I don't mean to say that mothers are superior to fathers (although yes, I agree there are specific aspects moms excel in) but it's probably due to the fact that we lived in our mother's wombs for approximately nine months.
A mother's love for her child is like nothing else in the world. It knows no law, no pity, it dares all things and crushes down remorselessly all that stands in its path.
-- Agatha Christie
Motherhood is not for the faint-hearted. Frogs, skinned knees, and the insults of teenage girls are not meant for the wimpy.
-- Danielle Steel
My mother had a slender, small body, but a large heart - a heart so large that everybody's joys found welcome in it, and hospitable accommodation.
-- Mark Twain
My mom is not a perfect person, she has a lot of flaws but as I grew up, I witnessed how hard she worked to take care of her family, and she always kept things to herself because she didn't want to worry anyone. Now that I'm older though, she shares some of her burdens and secrets with me. She had to deal with a lot of teen angst coming from me. I wasn't always on good terms with her.
But my mother will always be one of my heroes. I look up to her when I'm hurting. I guess I learned how to bottle up my feelings from her. I know it's not good but I can't help it. As long as others are happy, it's okay for me to hurt inside. Of course, after a while I have learned to stop hiding too many feelings. :)
I can't be with my mom today since she's still in Phils but I constantly let her know how much she means to me. She is moved by little things we do for her, that it becomes wonderful to surprise her sometimes. My kuya is a mommy's boy though. And I am jealous of him when he gets his way. My dad always comes to my rescue though. :D
My parents.. They can't be replaced. Hindi ko sila ipagpapalit.
Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers out there! This is your day. ^______^
mŭ qīn jié kuài lè! ! 어머니날 축하합니다 ! Joyeuse fête des mères! Feliz Día de la Madre! Selamat Hari Ibu! 母の日おめでとう !
Friday, May 08, 2009
Because I do not like to dwell on the heavy stuff too much (see previous blog entry), I am going to lighten the atmosphere. Does everyone watch American Idol? I've been following this season's progress since the first episode and I was just shocked that Allison was voted off. I know I'm not the only one who thinks this way. Adam will always be in the safe zone, heck, I bet people would be surprised if he didn't win this season.
Why the title? Well, I love watching movies and various TV shows. Ever since I can remember, I'd always been fascinated about learning things on TV. Yes, I know that some things you learn from the tube isn't always good.. but for me, the information you get from the media is neither good nor bad unless you decide what to do with it. That's when things become more complicated.
Other than the many Japanese and Korean dramas I have watched, and blogged about over on the other side, I have my share of favorite shows from the West.
Here are my top five American shows:
WARNING : SPOILERS INCLUDED.
1. Supernatural
A story about the Winchester brothers, Sam and Dean are thrust into the world of destroying demons, vampires and werewolves. Having watched Charmed, Buffy and Angel, this became my next favorite show. And although I just started watching it early last year, I have never missed an episode.
Those who don't like horror movies or are frightened by noises in the night might need a friend or two to accompany you while watching this since this show is within that genre. Okay, so I lied, I have missed ONE episode entitled "Bloody Mary", I just remembered today, haha. Didn't want to watch it alone. I'm such a sissy. :D
Anyway, this season is just about to reach its end, with the Apocalypse near, and Lilith breaking all the seals to Hell's Gate. In the last episode, Dean and Sam have a confrontation and Sam being the stronger of the two (with demon blood and all) won the fight, but I am not sure what happens next. I am so hooked to this.
Supernatural sort of reminds me of Mythquest, an old TV show that was about discovering myths. Here, the ghost stories from various cultures, from the lady in white, the rakshasa to the boogeyman make the show very interesting to watch.
Of course the two hot lead actors (Jared Padalecki/Jensen Ackles) had everything to do with my love for the show. ;) Watch out for Dean's witty lines/antics that add a lot of humor to the show.
2. The Big Bang Theory
My friend recommended this to me and at first I was really skeptical because, well, I had enough shows to watch and it might just disappoint me. It didn't. In fact, I fell in love with the characters.
I heart Sheldon Cooper. He is just so undeniably charming~ in a really geeky sort of way and he is probably so oblivious to the fact that a lot of people like him for being a genius, not to mention a bit anti-social. You should see how he deals with people. ;)
His roommate Leonard is no exception. Meet his mom, the psychiatrist who feels the need to analyze every situation and every person that comes her way. But he fares better than Sheldon in the social scene. :D
They had a perfectly normal (in their own definition) daily routine, and in comes their new neighbor Penny, with average intelligence, the girl-next-door type, and that's when new friendships are forged. When Leonard and Sheldon speak Star Wars/Star Trek, I feel like Penny. Totally has no idea of what any of them is talking about.
3. House M.D.
I was watching House M.D. while everyone else was into Grey's Anatomy. After three seasons of House and then trying out Grey's A, the latter just didn't feel right to me. This is probably because I miss the ever-witty Dr. House (Hugh Laurie gives an excellent portrayal) and his legion of slaves, er, I mean, fellow doctors.
Watch out for Season 3 of House when he's on the plane and a Pinoy stewardess speaks in Tagalog. I don't know if she said Nilalagnat ka ba or Nalalagnat ka ba due to her heavy American accent which she felt like she needed to lather her words with. GEEZ.
I also miss CutThroatBitch, or Amber if you prefer. Why did they have to kill her off in Season 4 ? I was having so much fun seeing her and House bicker nonstop. Definitely a good match, not romantically though.
4. Prison Break
When my brother told me to watch this with him, I went "Gah, I don't like TV shows with action." but the first episode had me 'glued to the screen', unblinking (oh yes, I am a fan of overusing hyperbole). I probably said the word "cool" too much while watching the pilot. A structural engineer who had himself thrown in prison just to save his brother who was accused of a crime he didn't commit. Get this -- he helped design that prison and so he had the blueprint tattooed onto his whole body, every nook and cranny.
Along the way though, many people got involved and what started out as only him and his brother breaking out of prison turned into almost ten people. And yes, all hell broke loose afterwards. After breaking out of prison in season one, many other challenges faced the brothers and the other convicts. Of course I can't really spoil everything. You just have to watch it for yourself. Look at me, I was never into action-packed shows, but a TV show with Wentworth Miller as the lead is definitely worth watching. :D (He made me like guys with shaved heads. HAHA)
5. Gossip Girl
When I was younger, I got to watch Beverly Hills 90210 and other teen programs involving scandals and such but Gossip Girl takes it to a whole new level. We get to see what kind of insane tactics the elites have to come up with get something they really want. People want to be rich all the time ~ but we know that being rich isn't everything.
I'm certain that there are real people out there with lives just like these characters. Honestly, I don't watch the show just because of its plot, but also because high-end fashion is the shiz. :D I love Serena's hair, she doesn't need to comb it for it to look good. ;)
Runner-ups
Dollhouse
After Buffy, Angel and Firefly, Joss Whedon whips up another creation, entitled Dollhouse. I was quite curious when I found out about it. Contrary to what people say, that people are just watching it to show respect to Whedon, I am watching it because of its unique story.
Wiping out people's minds and putting in a whole new personality is enough to intrigue me. Since I studied psychology, I know how very complex human beings are and you can't just wipe out memories like that, there MUST be repercussions. Eventually, a few will come back. This show is one way for me to be more in touch with the psyche of people.
The season's finale was aired a few hours ago.
Lie To Me
This show is only in its first season. Just like Dollhouse, it has a connection to psychology, heck I think everything has a connection to it, but this one deals with the science of lying. How can we really tell if a person is lying? Before I watched this show, I believed that the only reliable device to use to check if someone's lying is the lie detector test, also known as the polygraph. But even that can be cheated.
In Lie To Me, Dr. Cal Lightman is a deception expert, he is a psychologist who studied facial expressions and body language. Believe me, it's a very informative show.
South Park
An animated show about four kids living in South Park, Colorado. They started out as pretty normal kids until they learned the vocabulary of the streets, which include vulgar terms that I might or might not mention here once in a while. :D
I didn't watch its first season which dates back to the late 90s but I have watched enough to consider myself a fan. Cartman is my love. Haha. He makes the meanest statements and the rudest jokes. If you're not offended that easily, give this one a try. Plus, Cartman still plays with toys and has tea parties. ROFL
He's thefat bigboned kid. ;)
Credits: All photos courtesy of TV Yahoo! :)
I realize this is probably the longest post I have on this blog. Just goes to show that I really heart tv shows. ;)
How about y'all? What's your favorite TV show? :)
Why the title? Well, I love watching movies and various TV shows. Ever since I can remember, I'd always been fascinated about learning things on TV. Yes, I know that some things you learn from the tube isn't always good.. but for me, the information you get from the media is neither good nor bad unless you decide what to do with it. That's when things become more complicated.
Other than the many Japanese and Korean dramas I have watched, and blogged about over on the other side, I have my share of favorite shows from the West.
Here are my top five American shows:
WARNING : SPOILERS INCLUDED.
1. Supernatural
A story about the Winchester brothers, Sam and Dean are thrust into the world of destroying demons, vampires and werewolves. Having watched Charmed, Buffy and Angel, this became my next favorite show. And although I just started watching it early last year, I have never missed an episode.Those who don't like horror movies or are frightened by noises in the night might need a friend or two to accompany you while watching this since this show is within that genre. Okay, so I lied, I have missed ONE episode entitled "Bloody Mary", I just remembered today, haha. Didn't want to watch it alone. I'm such a sissy. :D
Anyway, this season is just about to reach its end, with the Apocalypse near, and Lilith breaking all the seals to Hell's Gate. In the last episode, Dean and Sam have a confrontation and Sam being the stronger of the two (with demon blood and all) won the fight, but I am not sure what happens next. I am so hooked to this.
Supernatural sort of reminds me of Mythquest, an old TV show that was about discovering myths. Here, the ghost stories from various cultures, from the lady in white, the rakshasa to the boogeyman make the show very interesting to watch.
Of course the two hot lead actors (Jared Padalecki/Jensen Ackles) had everything to do with my love for the show. ;) Watch out for Dean's witty lines/antics that add a lot of humor to the show.
Sam: I've got a theory. Sort of.
Dean: Hit me.
Sam: Well, thinking about fairy tales.
Dean: Oh, that’s... that's nice. You think about fairy tales often?
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Sam: (staring at frog on the road) Yeah, you’re right, that's completely normal.
Dean: All right, maybe it is fairy tales. Totally messed-up fairy tales. I'll tell you one thing, there’s no way I'm kissing a damned frog.
(3x05-Bedtime Stories)
2. The Big Bang Theory
My friend recommended this to me and at first I was really skeptical because, well, I had enough shows to watch and it might just disappoint me. It didn't. In fact, I fell in love with the characters.
I heart Sheldon Cooper. He is just so undeniably charming~ in a really geeky sort of way and he is probably so oblivious to the fact that a lot of people like him for being a genius, not to mention a bit anti-social. You should see how he deals with people. ;)
His roommate Leonard is no exception. Meet his mom, the psychiatrist who feels the need to analyze every situation and every person that comes her way. But he fares better than Sheldon in the social scene. :D
They had a perfectly normal (in their own definition) daily routine, and in comes their new neighbor Penny, with average intelligence, the girl-next-door type, and that's when new friendships are forged. When Leonard and Sheldon speak Star Wars/Star Trek, I feel like Penny. Totally has no idea of what any of them is talking about.
Leonard: We need to widen our circle.
Sheldon: I have a very wide circle. I have 212 friends on myspace.
Leonard: Yes, and you’ve never met one of them.
Sheldon: That’s the beauty of it.
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Penny: I’m a Sagittarius, which probably tells you way more than you need to know.
Sheldon: Yes, it tells us that you participate in the mass cultural delusion that the sun’s apparent position relative to arbitrarily defined constellations at the time of your birth somehow affects your personality.
Penny: (puzzled) Participate in the what?
3. House M.D.
I was watching House M.D. while everyone else was into Grey's Anatomy. After three seasons of House and then trying out Grey's A, the latter just didn't feel right to me. This is probably because I miss the ever-witty Dr. House (Hugh Laurie gives an excellent portrayal) and his legion of slaves, er, I mean, fellow doctors.
Watch out for Season 3 of House when he's on the plane and a Pinoy stewardess speaks in Tagalog. I don't know if she said Nilalagnat ka ba or Nalalagnat ka ba due to her heavy American accent which she felt like she needed to lather her words with. GEEZ.
I also miss CutThroatBitch, or Amber if you prefer. Why did they have to kill her off in Season 4 ? I was having so much fun seeing her and House bicker nonstop. Definitely a good match, not romantically though.
House: "Don't pin this on Christ, he's got enough nails in him..."
Cuddy: "Dr. House! Need you here."
House: "No thanks. Lotta sick people. I might catch something."
Nun: "Sister Augustine believes in things that aren't real."
House: "I thought that was a job requirement for you people."
4. Prison Break
When my brother told me to watch this with him, I went "Gah, I don't like TV shows with action." but the first episode had me 'glued to the screen', unblinking (oh yes, I am a fan of overusing hyperbole). I probably said the word "cool" too much while watching the pilot. A structural engineer who had himself thrown in prison just to save his brother who was accused of a crime he didn't commit. Get this -- he helped design that prison and so he had the blueprint tattooed onto his whole body, every nook and cranny.
Along the way though, many people got involved and what started out as only him and his brother breaking out of prison turned into almost ten people. And yes, all hell broke loose afterwards. After breaking out of prison in season one, many other challenges faced the brothers and the other convicts. Of course I can't really spoil everything. You just have to watch it for yourself. Look at me, I was never into action-packed shows, but a TV show with Wentworth Miller as the lead is definitely worth watching. :D (He made me like guys with shaved heads. HAHA)
T-Bag: You know, it vexes me that I'm made out to be the bad guy in the room. It's not like y'all are incarcerated for stealing girl scout cookies.
Abruzzi: None of us murdered any girl scouts in the process.
5. Gossip Girl
When I was younger, I got to watch Beverly Hills 90210 and other teen programs involving scandals and such but Gossip Girl takes it to a whole new level. We get to see what kind of insane tactics the elites have to come up with get something they really want. People want to be rich all the time ~ but we know that being rich isn't everything.
I'm certain that there are real people out there with lives just like these characters. Honestly, I don't watch the show just because of its plot, but also because high-end fashion is the shiz. :D I love Serena's hair, she doesn't need to comb it for it to look good. ;)
Georgina: I gave up my old ways when I let Jesus take the wheel.
Blair: That is a Carrie Underwood song, not a life choice!
And who am I? That's one secret I'll never tell. You know you love me. Xoxo, GossipGirl
Runner-ups
Dollhouse
After Buffy, Angel and Firefly, Joss Whedon whips up another creation, entitled Dollhouse. I was quite curious when I found out about it. Contrary to what people say, that people are just watching it to show respect to Whedon, I am watching it because of its unique story.
Wiping out people's minds and putting in a whole new personality is enough to intrigue me. Since I studied psychology, I know how very complex human beings are and you can't just wipe out memories like that, there MUST be repercussions. Eventually, a few will come back. This show is one way for me to be more in touch with the psyche of people.
The season's finale was aired a few hours ago.
Laurence: (about the Actives) Don't think of them as children, think of them as pets.
Claire: Is that supposed to be funny?
Laurence: If your child starts talking for the first time, you feel proud. If your dog does, you freak the hell out.
Ballard: Tell me about the Dollhouse.
Joel Mynor: The Doll... Uh, it's pink, and it opens up, and there's teeny furniture, and you put the boy doll on top of the girl doll and we learn about urges.
Lie To Me
This show is only in its first season. Just like Dollhouse, it has a connection to psychology, heck I think everything has a connection to it, but this one deals with the science of lying. How can we really tell if a person is lying? Before I watched this show, I believed that the only reliable device to use to check if someone's lying is the lie detector test, also known as the polygraph. But even that can be cheated.
In Lie To Me, Dr. Cal Lightman is a deception expert, he is a psychologist who studied facial expressions and body language. Believe me, it's a very informative show.
Cal: (to Gillian) You know, you were very good back there, with Mrs. Burch. Very nurturing. Maybe you should get a puppy. I could talk to Obama's people.
Cal Lightman: The average person lies 3 times for every 10 minutes of conversation.
South Park
An animated show about four kids living in South Park, Colorado. They started out as pretty normal kids until they learned the vocabulary of the streets, which include vulgar terms that I might or might not mention here once in a while. :D
I didn't watch its first season which dates back to the late 90s but I have watched enough to consider myself a fan. Cartman is my love. Haha. He makes the meanest statements and the rudest jokes. If you're not offended that easily, give this one a try. Plus, Cartman still plays with toys and has tea parties. ROFL
He's the
Eric Cartman: Hippies.They're everywhere. They wanna save the earth, but all they do is smoke pot and smell bad.
Mr. Garrison: Who was in charge of the feminist movement of the early '60's?
Cartman: A bunch of fat old skanks on their periods.
Mr. Garrison:
Doctor: Making breasts larger is a beautiful and wonderful thing. Making them smaller is…insane.
Cartman: You so much as TOUCH kitty's ass, and I'll put a firecracker in your nutsack and blow your balls all over your pants.
Stan: Jesus, Cartman.
Cartman: Well, I'm just sayn', man, seriously, don't mess with kitty, man.
Cartman: It's Christmas. We officially missed it. It's Christmas Day and I'm in Canada.
Kyle: Yeah, but I got my brother back.
Cartman: Yeah, you got your brother back but I didn't get any presents. And what did I tell you, Kyle? I told you if we didn't make it back in time for Christmas I was gonna whoop your ass, didn't I? Now you're gonna get it, motherfucker. That's it, you and me. Right now. We're having it out. Come on. Come on.
[Kyle slaps Cartman]
Cartman: WAAAAAAAH. WAAAAAAAAH. MOOOOOOM. MOOOOOOM.
Credits: All photos courtesy of TV Yahoo! :)
I realize this is probably the longest post I have on this blog. Just goes to show that I really heart tv shows. ;)
How about y'all? What's your favorite TV show? :)
Thursday, May 07, 2009
Yep, I have re-designed my blog to a more simple template and it seems to be less cluttered to me than the previous one even if green is one of my favorite colors.
I have been gone for too long. How long has it been, two months? And I do not even know where to begin my story. And what I have been doing during my hiatus. But I will try to keep it as brief as possible, which is of course difficult for me since I like rambling on and on about the same thing until I feel better.
Early April I was busy preparing for our flight back to the Philippines for my brother's graduation and a week before that scheduled flight, we received a call from relatives that my (paternal) grandmother had passed away. I cannot describe how I felt then, and being the one to tell my father the news while he was at work.. it was agonizing. My mother (who was already in Phils) was the one who called me, and as soon as I said "Hello?", she began crying and my heart stopped. The kind that isolates you from the world. And then she told me. I was devastated because my kuya had just visited her days before telling her that she should be strong, and that she would see her great-grandchildren~ :( My kuya probably felt worse than I did. He had always been close to that side of the family and I am close to my mom's side.
That wasn't the only tragedy that befell our family while we were there. My aunt Daisy was confined to the hospital a day after we arrived due to her heart disease (enlargement of the heart I think) and I visited her asking her to be really strong for herself. And I thanked her and kissed her. It was the least I could do. She was the one who took care of kuya and me while we were studying in the Philippines. Her lungs were very weak as well so she had a tube down her throat while we were talking to her. Not a sight I want to see again, ever.
A few days later, we got into an accident. Our jeep's brakes malfunctioned and we crashed into a parked truck. Thank goodness nobody was hurt but we were all rattled. It was the first time I was involved in an accident and I could play it in my mind numerous times in slow motion and still shudder at the memory. Because we were just about to get to the highway then. What if we lost our brakes there? I think there would have been major damages.
I began to think that a cloud of bad luck was surrounding our family. Just a few days before kuya's graduation! Tss. So we couldn't visit my aunt in the hospital because aside from not having any transportation, there was still my grandma's funeral expenses and such that my parents had to deal with.
And then the last strike came. My aunt passed away. She had been in and out of the ICU, and her frail body probably could not stand it so she had let go. It hurt a lot. I don't know how many days I cried after that, more than when my grandma died (at least that was due to age / natural causes!). While she was in the hospital, my aunt had a notebook with her always, and although the medicine she was taking was messing up her reflexes, she managed to write a few things. I will never forget her words "I don't want to die yet. I will keep fighting."
So you see, my life was in a dark hole for the past month or so. But I still want to look at the bright side of life. My brother managed to finish his Engineering degree and graduate on time, my little brother is newly circumsized and I still have a boyfriend (will explain later).
My aunt and my grandma were two very important people in my life. I grieved for them because I would not be able to see them anymore but I know they are in a better place. And perhaps the sun shines brighter there...
I have been gone for too long. How long has it been, two months? And I do not even know where to begin my story. And what I have been doing during my hiatus. But I will try to keep it as brief as possible, which is of course difficult for me since I like rambling on and on about the same thing until I feel better.
Early April I was busy preparing for our flight back to the Philippines for my brother's graduation and a week before that scheduled flight, we received a call from relatives that my (paternal) grandmother had passed away. I cannot describe how I felt then, and being the one to tell my father the news while he was at work.. it was agonizing. My mother (who was already in Phils) was the one who called me, and as soon as I said "Hello?", she began crying and my heart stopped. The kind that isolates you from the world. And then she told me. I was devastated because my kuya had just visited her days before telling her that she should be strong, and that she would see her great-grandchildren~ :( My kuya probably felt worse than I did. He had always been close to that side of the family and I am close to my mom's side.
That wasn't the only tragedy that befell our family while we were there. My aunt Daisy was confined to the hospital a day after we arrived due to her heart disease (enlargement of the heart I think) and I visited her asking her to be really strong for herself. And I thanked her and kissed her. It was the least I could do. She was the one who took care of kuya and me while we were studying in the Philippines. Her lungs were very weak as well so she had a tube down her throat while we were talking to her. Not a sight I want to see again, ever.
A few days later, we got into an accident. Our jeep's brakes malfunctioned and we crashed into a parked truck. Thank goodness nobody was hurt but we were all rattled. It was the first time I was involved in an accident and I could play it in my mind numerous times in slow motion and still shudder at the memory. Because we were just about to get to the highway then. What if we lost our brakes there? I think there would have been major damages.
I began to think that a cloud of bad luck was surrounding our family. Just a few days before kuya's graduation! Tss. So we couldn't visit my aunt in the hospital because aside from not having any transportation, there was still my grandma's funeral expenses and such that my parents had to deal with.
And then the last strike came. My aunt passed away. She had been in and out of the ICU, and her frail body probably could not stand it so she had let go. It hurt a lot. I don't know how many days I cried after that, more than when my grandma died (at least that was due to age / natural causes!). While she was in the hospital, my aunt had a notebook with her always, and although the medicine she was taking was messing up her reflexes, she managed to write a few things. I will never forget her words "I don't want to die yet. I will keep fighting."
So you see, my life was in a dark hole for the past month or so. But I still want to look at the bright side of life. My brother managed to finish his Engineering degree and graduate on time, my little brother is newly circumsized and I still have a boyfriend (will explain later).
My aunt and my grandma were two very important people in my life. I grieved for them because I would not be able to see them anymore but I know they are in a better place. And perhaps the sun shines brighter there...
Taken near our grandparents' grave. Both my father's parents are gone now.