Crazy Little Thing Called Love

Before I start, let me just tell you that this is not a review of the movie.  Think of this as a reaction paper. ;-)


Crazy Little Thing Called Love is the story of an ugly duckling (Nam) who had a huge crush on this highschool heart throb (Chon).  Actually, naudlot na love story is more like it.  Sa totoo lang, very formulaic yung story.  Nothing really fancy.  Just a basic love story.  It made me look back and think of my own highschool experience.  How I felt like when I learned my crush likes someone else. How a simple "hi" from him/them (yeah, I had tonsa crushes.  So sue me!) would actually make my day.  Haaaay!  To be young, naive and hopeful!


In the movie, Nam and Chon met again after 9 years.  When they met again, the feelings are still there and both are still are gorgeous.  It does not happen like that in real life.  There are some who are lucky to marry their highschool sweethearts, but that most of the time, people grow-up, grow apart and break-up.


I have attended high school reunions with my former crush in attendance.  We have become friends but I can honestly say that I have no romantic feelings for him.  I get to joke about it with him and just laugh about it.  My taste in men has evolved and I no longer find him attractive.  It's as simple as that.


Thinking of my highschool experiences makes me laugh and feel a little embarrassed at the same time.  Feeling ko kasi noon end of the world na nung nagka-girlfriend na si crush and when I found out na mestiza talaga type nya.  Now, naisip ko kung gaano kababaw yung heartbreak ko.  How life would on dish out problems more complex than your crush's lovelife.  And that you more painful heartbreaks are in store before you find "The One".  


My advice to young girls, don't take your crush too seriously.  Infatuation is something you will learn in highschool.  But focus more on things that really matter, like your studies.  If you're meant to be with your crush, life will find a way for your paths to cross.  Right now, be a good daughter and sister first.  Don't be in a hurry to find true love.  Enjoy your journey through life.    

Real Beauty

May dalawang babaeng nag-uusap sa restroom kanina. Ganito ang usapan nila:


G1: Hindi ka nagpapowder, no?
G2: Hindi eh. Masyado akong naiistress sa pagme-make-up.
G1: Magpowder ka, kahit loose powder lang para hindi ka oily.
G2: Hehe. Nahiya naman ako.
G1: Pero hindi ka pimpulin? Kahit oily ka?
G2: Hindi naman.


Si G1 ay parang source ng quarterly na kita ng make-up manufacturer sa kapal ng fonda nya. Si G2, Pinay beauty na biniyayan ng makinis na balat at medyo makintab lang kaonti galing sa healthy amount ng oil.  What bothers me about the conversation is the fact na parang requirement ang pulbos sa pang araw-araw na gawain.  Sa totoo lang, I admire and ENVY women who can afford to go out of the house AU NATUREL.     They do not feel any pressure to look good for anyone but themselves.  G1 can get her ton of make-up and shove it up her ass. Feeling ko insekyorang bongga si ate at nagtatago sya sa cake na nakalagay sa mukha nya.


Real beauty exudes when you are confident about yourself and you have a good heart.  That's the best beauty secret one could ever have. 

Soundbites: Make-up Ni Lola

*Image courtesy of PinoyGigs.com

I just showed Nanay some old pictures uploaded in Facebook by one of her nieces.  I wondered what, where and how much their make-up was back then because they all looked pretty in photos.  

Me: Nay, magkano make-up nyo noon? 

Nanay: Hindi naman kami nagmemake-up. Walang pambili. Pulbos lang ako at lipistik (walang halong eksaherada).

Me: Anong pulbos?

Nanay: Johnson!

Me: Baby powder?

Nanay: Oo.  Minsan Shiseido.

Me: ANG MAHAL KAYA NG SHISEIDO! 

Nanay: Oo, pero yun ang hiyang ko eh. 

Me in my head: Walang pera pero Shiseido ang powder? Tutyal!

Soundbites: Lola ♥ Derek

My lola and I watch the Biggest Loser Pinoy Edition every night.  When Hazel got booted out of the camp and was hugging the other contestants, Nanay said: "Kung ako yan, si Derek ang yayakapin ko."


Tama nga naman, chance mo na yun eh. 

The Art Of Flirting

If there's one thing that I'm not, it's being a flirt. I suck at it.  For example: I used to have a crush on our company doctor.  Doc Bel is one hottie who can give Hayden Kho a run for his money.  He's that good looking.  However, whenever I would run into him, I would always stutter like a blabbering school girl.  That's how bad I am at flirting.  I cannot flirt to save my life.  Until today.


After hearing mass, my mom and I went to a Starbucks near us to claim my free coffee courtesy of HSBC.  When we entered the cafe, the cutie barista caught my eye.  I was too caught up in staring at the cutie barista that I didn't immediately recognize a former officemate standing right next to me (we had a brief chat).  So when it was my turn to order, he was smiling at me as he should.  I gave him my megawatt smile, my orders and showed him my credit card and charge slips.  He was stuttering a bit when he was taking my order.  While he was processing my order, I saw my credit card just lying around, so I asked him very sweetly "Can I have my card back?" and he said "Of course. Hahaha! No, actually I'd like to keep it. Hahaha!".  I answered him with "You want to end up with utangs? Hahaha!".  This exchange actually happened with my mom sitting/waiting just a few feet away.  He actually messed up my order, but I didn't care.  He was a cutie who's probably new at his job.  
  
Some may not think that this is not flirting, but the way we were smiling and laughing, for me, it was.  It was harmless, and fun.  I should do that again soon!  

Cirque Du Soleil: Varekai

I've been hearing about Cirque Du Soleil for the longest time.  They were performing in the Venetian in Macau when my tita and I went there back in 2009.  However, we were pressed for time (and money na rin. LOL!) so we missed it.  I told myself, if they visit Manila, come hell or high water, I would watch it.


Fast forward to 2011.  Lo and behold, CDS will be performing in Manila! I was checked the ticket prices and it was pretty steep.  I really wanted to watch it, even if I have to buy the cheapest tickets.  I was actually resigned to the fact that I might miss their first ever performance in Manila.  If it weren't for JM, who saw the show in great seats, I wouldn't have thought of ways to watch the show.  JM is a great story teller, and the way he described the show made me want to watch it right there and then.  Thanks to my tita, who lend me the money to watch the show with her (besides, she needed someone to watch the show with her :P), I was finally able to watch what is truly the greatest show on earth. 


I've never watched a live circus (unless you count the senate inquiries as such) and from what I've seen on TV, there's the flying trapeze, the clowns, the contortionists, etc.  Cirque Du Soleil is more than just a circus.  The 'clowns' do not have red hair and red nose and they don't wear big shoes.  The stunts are more death defying.  The costumes are amazing.  The show is a festival of a lot of amazing things enough to give you EYEgasm.  It is an experience that I would spend for again because every centavo I spent was worth it.


I plan to save up and do what JM would be doing.  Which is to follow the "circus" around the world and watch the different offerings of Cirque Du Soleil.  Next stop, Macau.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2: The End of An Era

As the saying goes, "All good things must come to an end.".  So true.  J.K. Rowling's phenomenal series got people reading again.  In this gadget-filled age, she got people lining up and buying thick, heavy books.  And let me just say this, I will never get tired of reading this series.


I remember the first time I saw the trailer where they showed Fluffy and the 3 bidas running away from him.  I thought the movie looked promising and exciting.  I took my mom on a movie date and we watched the Sorcerer's stone.  After that, we were hooked.  My mom started looking for the books and became an instant fanatic.  


We patiently waited for each of the movies to come out.  I was excited to see what they would look like in each series because they were growing up right before our very eyes.  I was anxious to watch how they'd translate the book into the movie.  And although there would be a lot of scenes from the books that wouldn't make it to the movie, I'm still happy with how it turns out.  


The movie is action packed.  The duels, the fight scenes were great!  The acting were superb.  It's amazing to see how the young trio has grown into seasoned actors.  Although there were a lot of scenes that were not in the book, I couldn't care less.  It was an amazing movie! PERIOD!


With the second part of the 7th installment, I must say that it was anticlimactic for me.  I was excited to watch the movie.  How Ron and Hermione would kiss, how Harry would defeat Voldemort, etc.  But I was thinking "What's next?".   How would life be after this.  I know I am being an emotional fool, but I can't help but be attached to the wonderfully written books by J.K. Rowling.  I am sure, a real Potterhead would understand how I am feeling.


Thank you, J.K. Rowling, for sharing that wonderful imagination of yours.  Thank you for allowing the series to be filmed.  Thank you for 10 wonderful years.  I hope you would continue on writing and sharing that wonderful and creative mind of yours.  

Horrible Experience with Globe's Customer Service

I work in the BPO industry.  As a call center practitioner, I am well aware that there are certain service levels that need to be met.  Whenever I call a customer service number, I try to be pleasant and reasonable.  I know how hard it is to work in a call center, so I try not to add to the rep's burden.  


Globe has tested my patience.  This is what happened:


June 17 


I tried browsing to go online using my iPhone on my way to work.  I was unable to connect so I thought there was something wrong with the 3G/Edge/whatever in our area.  When I got to the office, I then again tried to go online, but failed.  After my shift, I went out with my friend and told him of my problem.  He taught me basic troubleshooting for iPhone, but I still can't go online.  I tried going online via Wifi, and I was able to connect to the internet.  So therefore, my phone can still go online via wifi.


When  I got home, I tried to transfer my sim from my iPhone to my Nokia C3 phone just to check if I would be able to connect.  But I still was not able to go online.  I tweeted my concern to @talk2globe.  They asked for my number and area and I was informed that there was a problem/maintenance in our area and that's the reason why I can't go online. After two days, I again tweeted @talk2globe and was asked for my contact details AGAIN.  I decided to ditch @talk2globe and called the hotline to speak with a live person.


June 23


I called.  The first agent I've spoken to was Jun.  We tried basic trouble shooting to check if I can go online while he walked me through the drills.  When all the drills failed, he offered to escalate the concern to the proper department.  However, upon further checking, he found out that I have a postpaid account (I initially called prepaid since my plan is a hybrid plan).  He then transferred me to postpaid technical support.  The agent, Olive dela Cruz was very accommodating.  She logged a request for my concern and was informed to monitor my phone for 24 hours. After 24 hours, I tried to go online again and I still can't go online.


June 27


I called to follow-up on the status of my initial ticket.  This time I spoke with Jenny Reyes.  I asked her if something has been done to my ticket.  To my surprise, NOTHING has been done.  I was close to freaking out.  Almost two weeks has passed and they've done nothing.  She gave me a new ticket number and a longer turn-around-time of 3 to 5 days.  I was really getting pissed off.


July 3


I called to follow-up. AGAIN. I spoke with Jomar Toriego this time.  I asked him for the status of my concern.  He said that the ticket is still open and nothing has been done.  I broke down.  I was really pissed off.  Two fuckin' weeks. No definite answer.  I asked for a supervisor.  I was put on hold and when Jomar came back, he said that the supervisor is currently engaged in a call. CLASSIC! I asked for the supervisor's name.  I was told it was Ed Fernandez.  I asked for someone else and I was told that there was only one supervisor on duty. BULLSHIT!  With the number of subscribers that Globe has, they can only employ one supervisor to go on duty on a weekend?  SERIOUSLY?! 


I told Jomar that I want someone to call me within 24 hours.  I did not get any call.


July 6


I got tired of calling them to follow-up on my concern. I went online and tried on their chat support.  Here's the transcription:



Nicole: Hi! how can I help you today?
PP: can you check on an open ticket number for me?
Nicole: Yes, can i have it?
PP: ok
PP: nnc110600087418
Nicole: May i know your full name?
PP: Pinay Psycho 
Nicole: May I ask for other contact details in case there’s a need for us to get in touch with you, May I please ask for your email address, landline numbers or alternate mobile number?
PP: 09181234567, 1234567
PP: pinaypsycho@kyeme.com
Nicole: Thank you
Nicole: may i know your date of birth for verification purposes Ma'am?
PP: 1/23/80
PP: still there?
Nicole: As checked Ma'am, we have not received any update yet from our technical department regarding your complaint.
PP: it's been two weeks and no updates yet?
PP: i'm always on the go, i need to be able to access my work email when I'm not in the office
PP: all the people i've spoken with have all given me the same lame answers
Nicole: Yes Ma'am, they are still checking on it. Please wait for further updates, i will follow up this case to them
PP: how long do i have to wait
PP: i specifically told jomar that I want someone to call me within 24 hours and nobody did
Nicole: Kindly wait for update within 24hours
PP: this has gone on for two week!
PP: seriously?
PP: can i have your name and employee number please?
Nicole: i apologize for the delay Ma'am, i have escalated the concern to them already, please wait for feedback within 24hours
PP: can i have your name and employee number please
Nicole: My full name is Nicole Jumarang and employee number is 2439.
PP: it's seems to me that all you people want me to do is wait
PP: i have been waiting for almost three weeks and nothing has been done with my case
PP: do you understand how frustrating that is?
Nicole: Yes, i understand and i sincerely apologize for that .
PP: i want to cancel my account
Nicole: Rest assured that you will be given feedback in 24hours
PP: if this is not resolved in 24 hours, the next time i call will be for cancellation
PP: please put that in my ticket
Nicole: Okay, i already note it down.
PP: I will wait for an update within 24 hours. Thanks.


Globe should invest on their customer service/support.  I've had problems with Globe before and they do not meet the turn-around-time they provide their customers.  They should invest on better tools to help their agents give better service to their customers.  It's a shame that it has all come down to this.  I've had the same number for the past 8 years.  I switched to Globe when I bought my first camera phone (Nokia 3650) since they were the first to provide GPRS settings for mobile internet.  I wouldn't want to cancel  my plan, but they leave me with no other choice.

Movie Review: Bridesmaids

Disclaimer: I do not claim to be a movie expert.  I am writing this review based on how I feel about the movie as an audience member. I do not know anything about cinematography or editing or directing.  Don't worry, no spoilers on this one.


"Bridesmaids" on IMDB


When I saw the trailer of "Bridesmaids" on TV, I thought it was gonna be the feminine version of Hangover.  Boy, was I wrong.  "Bridesmaids" is not about he misadventures of the the bride and her bridesmaid on her bachelorette party.  It's about a woman in her thirty's and her search for what she wants in life.  The movie is funny, but it's way more than cheap laughs.  


The bida, Annie (portrayed by Kristen Wiig) was someone I could relate too.  Her best friend is getting married and she was, well, rock bottom.  Everything was coming up roses for her best friend Lillian, and she seemed like she got all the thorns.  Since her bakeshop closed down because of the recession, she works a job she hates, her room-mates are siblings from England who doesn't have any respect for her privacy, she drives this Über-bulok car.  On top of that, she's the fuck-buddy number three of a first class dick.  


Kristen Wiig played the part real well.  She looked hot, she was funny, she was believable.  She made me cry.  I guess, I can relate because I'm a thirty-something who still can't figure out what she wants to do with her life.  I can relate because my best friend got married last year and she's now having a baby and everything seems to be coming up roses for her.  I am not saying that I have hit rock bottom, but I can relate to Annie's failure to fight for what she wants.


My favorite line from the movie came from Annie's mother: "Hitting rock bottom is not really a bad thing.  Because when you're at the bottom, there's nowhere to go but UP.".