GREETINGS!! =)

Let's see if I'll be able to write a new year blog entry. In the meantime let me post these photos instead =)

BELATED MERRY XMAS AND

HAPPY HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!!

REGINE MADE ME CRY

I was able to watch Regine Velasquez and Ogie Alcasid’s wedding special entitled “A Duet to Forever” on GMA7 last Sunday night. I really looked forward for it since it’s the wedding of two of the most prominent singers in the country!

But what I really got excited with is the time where in they would have to say their wedding vows to each other. I mean, wedding vows, these are composed of words coming from the bride and the groom… coming from their hearts. Those aren’t dictated by the priest, those aren’t read on the bible, those are words that they wrote themselves, and with that you would be able to feel just how much love they have with each other. And with Regine’s vow, no doubt about it, she knows exactly how lucky she is.

I saw myself drowning in tears as I continue watching the wedding vow part, damn, I was literally laughing at myself. My mom is with me in the living room, but she is sleeping. Lights are closed, I am hugging a throw pillow, and then “sniff… sniff”, my gawd, I can’t stop crying! I was even checking my mom every once in a while to see if she’s looking at me. But you know what, I am grateful that I only got to watch it on TV, with only myself to notice me. Coz much to my dismay, I ALWAYS CRY ON WEDDINGS. Let me describe it in Filipino… ‘walang palya!’, haha! Yeah I can’t remember a wedding I attended where in I didn’t drop a tear or two.

I was able to coordinate 3 weddings already, I am not the organizer for the whole event but I am part of the team, and just imagine a coordinator, someone who is supposed to walk from every corner of the room to check if everything’s okay, will suddenly stop… stare at the couple… smile, and then whoala, cry. And when reception comes, if the onsite video happens to have an oh so dramatic music, again, I would cry. Tsk weddings, why you wanna make me cry huh? Haha!

I don’t cry sad tears, I don’t envy couples, I don’t pity myself. I cry because weddings, for me, are moments of hope. And if I may go back to Regine and Ogie’s wedding, I cried so hard on Regine’s wedding vow because she indeed gave me hope.

Regine Velasquez, as we all know, also shared a roller coaster love life. She was even caught between the regine-ariel rivera-gelli de belen triangle. We would often see her sing, sometimes get to watch her on film, or star in tv shows, but we would also sometimes wonder… when the hell will she get married, she’s getting old! I remembered asking that couple of years ago, I mean she’s like Mariah Carey (again? haha), divas who almost forgot that you cannot actually marry musical notes. Well of course not until Nick Cannon showed up at Mariah’s doorstep. And Ogie Alcasid, well, their musical notes touched each other’s lives =)

Regine was tagged as a stealer when she and Gelli de Belen had a conflict because of Ariel Rivera. And then some people judged her negatively once again when they knew about her and Ogie’s relationship, since Ogie was popularly known to be the husband of Michelle Van Eimeren. It wasn’t a smooth journey for Regine on the love department, and the more I saw myself in her. I was claimed as a ‘bf stealer’ too, and just for everyone who can’t relate to this situation, sometimes we too are victims of circumstances.

“Tinanong tayo ni pastor kung bakit tayo magpapakasal, mas madali daw kasi maging single… pero hinde. Nung dumating ka sa buhay ko, pagod na ko… at malungkot na ko.”

And then she sang Apo Hiking Society’s ‘Di Ko Malimutan’

“Naging mahirap ang simula natin. May mga pagkakataong sumuko ako, patawad mahal. Hindi ko naman kasi alam na ito pala ang sukli sa lahat ng paghihirap na yun. Mabuti na lang at hindi ka sumuko, maraming salamat.”

“I have never been so happy in all my life, thank you!”

Despite all uncertainties, I will still not get tired; I won’t lose hope on love. I will keep on praying that a good relationship will come my way. I would often tell my friends how lucky my future husband is, because I have saved a big space here in my heart to the man I will spend the most number of years with.

If the time comes where in I’ll get tired, or probably lose hope on love already, I know that God reserved a man for me, just in time to make me realize that all this waiting, and praying, they’re all worth it. Regine’s vow made me realize that years may gone by, but one day, someday, the wedding you’ve been imagining will come true. That someday I will be that bride, in front of the Lord, with my friends crying because the girl who used to cry all the time because of the wrong boys she chooses is finally facing her forever.

And just the same, I will still cry… I will cry as I utter my own wedding vow.

I will cry, still cry, because the hopes, dreams, the prayers, and wishes are finally coming true.

VINDICATED (Hubert Webb Acquitted)

( in connection to this post )

I woke up to the ear-splitting sound of our telephone ring lunchtime today. My friend called me up to congratulate me because Hubert Webb is finally acquitted. I was surprised and rushed to turn the TV on, and then there he was, on his orange shirt, sitting with the bunch of media men inside the press conference room of the New Bilibid Prisons in Muntinlupa City.

For 10 minutes, I still continued to surf channels and look for other news related to it just to be sure, coz honestly, it was unbelievable. It’s not that I became hopeless or I disagreed with the decision of the Supreme Court, but because the results were really sudden. Even their families aren’t prepared for the good news. But then again, if it’s good news, no matter how abrupt or surprising it is, it is still good news! =D

Just to be clear I am not related to the family at all, like what I’ve written on my previous blog related to Webb, I have always been interested to the case ever since I was 12 or 13 years old

Hubert and 5 others were given the release order at around 4pm. My mom and I watched until past 4, until Hubert finally steps out of the Bilibid prison, get into the car, and drive away to the land of the free (America?) haha! I remembered when Elizabeth Webb (Hubert’s mom) arrived at the conference room, she gave her son a tumbler with water right away for Hubert to drink. And my mom said “Pinainom nya pa si Hubert, naalala pa nya magdala ng water for her son”. It’s a simple gesture, but we find it moving. My mom and I agreed that by just looking at Ms. Elizabeth Webb’s character, you can tell that someone like Hubert couldn’t do such thing. Sometimes a mother’s love, pain and tears can speak a lot on their son’s burden. It’s always the mother who’s there to defend their son, take Hayden Kho and Jason Ivler’s case as examples. Again, just looking at their mothers, you can tell the truth of the matter. But that’s beyond the point. The reality is just so surreal, like I became hopeful on our justice system. I know many would oppose and say otherwise. But I would always be confident that the Webb’s evidences are way credible than the other party. Just to make it clear, I made sure that my opinions are substantiated prior to writing.

Seeing Lauro Vizconde’s break down wasn’t easy of course. If only the people around him helped him to move on and consider the other factors. He had closed his mind that it’s Hubert Webb. He instilled into his beliefs that the justice system is corrupt. For 15 years Hubert is in jail without enough credibility from the other party’s star witness Jessica Alfaro, but still Lauro considered the justice system unfair. For 15 years Hubert has been brave to accept all tests just to prove him innocent, but he was ignored and remained in jail. Still Lauro believe that the Supreme Court only favors those with power, when in fact Hubert being convicted took away all the family’s good reputation already.

Wherever the real suspect / suspects are, I beg you to surrender. It’s hard to accept that Lauro Vizconde will have to start again from step one. That he still has to be hopeful because if he can’t, then who else will lead this fight. That he still has to trust God despite all the uncertainties. That someone that old should still continue to fight for dear life because despite the feud between those who believe on Hubert Webb and those who don’t, in the end, we all want one thing… peace of mind for Lauro Vizconde, and rightful justice for his family. I will pray for you sir Lauro, I am happy for the Supreme Court’s decision, no doubt about it, but despite that I am also saddened thinking that the real culprit is somewhere out there… probably spent the last 15 years being nonchalant about this (just thinking of the worst)… and that sucks.

I got teary eyed on some parts while watching the live feed of Hubert’s release, like I am watching an ending to an ambivalent teleserye. Like there’s a healed paralyzed man you’re excited to tour around, like a comatose patient lost in time, like the pause button finally played again. For 15 years and 4 months, he was in jail for something he has no knowledge of. Buildings, technology, roads, fashion, everything has changed, he doesn’t know how to drive anymore for sure. But after 15 years, one thing remained; it is hope, his family… and the truth. For everyone who commented and judged me wrongly on my previous blog, let’s just hope for the best for Lauro Vizconde. And for those who agreed with me, cheers to us. For Hubert Webb, thank you for being an inspiration. Go ahead and seize the day. Bring back the 15 years lost and shout to the world that you’re free, you’re out and praise the Lord, you are finally vindicated!!

..i just learned today that according to Article 90 of the Revised Penal Code: "crimes punishable by death, reclusion perpetua or reclusion temporal shall prescribe in twenty years." This means that 20 years after the Vizconde Massacre on June 1991, the criminal liability of the people behind it would be extinguished.

Twenty years after... June 2011... the candle of hope and justice is running out of flame, lets move quick, we don't want a teleserye without ending.

CORY AQUINO'S SWEDISH MEATBALLS

My mom tried it… ‘sabe ng mom’ di kasing gaya syempre.. haha!

Here’s a recipe of one of Noynoy’s favorite comfort foods. This was often cooked by President Cory Aquino during their stay in Boston from 1980-1983.

Turns out, Noynoy loves meatballs either in spaghetti or Swedish dishes. “Mom’s meatballs were huge!”

Former President Cory’s Swedish Meatballs

Meatballs:

2/3 kg ground beef

1/3 kg ground pork

200 g celery

50 g garlic

Carrots, finely chopped

Salt and pepper to taste

In a bowl, mix the above ingredients.

Form into balls, then deep fry.

Set aside on a plate.

Sauce:

250 g button mushrooms

2 c all-purpose cream

Onions

Garlic

Liquid seasoning

In a separate pan, prepare the ingredients for the sauce.

Saute mushrooms in little garlic and onions.

Add cream and seasoning.

(from here)

..it tastes good btw! =D

THANKS!

weehee. i am nominated once again for the Philippine Blog Awards!

Only this time the category's quite awkward haha. but it's actually pertaining to this post, for a single-post category, so there you go! THANKS AGAIN PBA AND FOR THE

NOMINATION!

MUCH LOVE =D

The Philippine Blog Awards (for Luzon) will be held on December 12 at RCBC Plaza, Makati.

----------

UPDATE.

I am also nominated for this category

Now that's more like it =D I didn't won last 2008 and I am not expecting to win this year, but being nominated is more than enough! Congrats for the other nominees!

ROSARIO

ROSARIO - STUDIO 5'S ENTRY FOR MMFF 2010.

My friend tagged me this on fb. I was impressed with the prod.design =) i hope philippine cinema would continue to flourish.

"Her love and her passion will be her greatest tragedy"

ON HUBERT WEBB

The list of shows I watched tonight is a bit heavy for the soul actually.

The first one, The Final Destination (4) on HBO. I really don’t know why I am such a fan of this gruesome movie, but ever since Devon Sawa started the premonition of deaths, i just became enthusiastic with the plot. Haha. After watching it I decided to switch to Star Movies, and Drag Me To Hell didn’t ended yet. I saw myself laughing at some parts of the film, but the heck, this is one crazy movie!

And lastly, I watched Cheche Lazaro Presents: Dalawang Mukha Ng Hustisya on ABSCBN. A documentary about the Vizconde Massacre. Being a Communication student, documentaries and the like really gets my attention. And this one, i must say, is well done.

Anyway, what really struck me with the show is how it got me to sympathize with Hubert Webb. The primary suspect for the murder case. Investigations for unresolved cases and its mysteries are just some of the stories that I enjoy watching. I can still remember how this murder case became a hoopla in the 90’s. But at that time, my basis for judgment is only what I see in the television, I mean, I don’t have my own speculations, theory and logical explanations for it. The media says its Hubert Webb who has to go to jail, then I have to hate him, just because.

I also remember Jason Webb!! I remembered my friend Cello (she is Ms.Ganda, the one who sang Payong,tagalog version of Umbrella), we were classmates during our freshmen yr. in St.Paul and we would get excited to watch the progress in the Vizconde massacre, bec.I like Jason Webb and she likes Hubert Webb =) I saw Jason again on TV, and just the same, he looks adorable and cute… but of course a lot older.

All the memories I can remember about the Vizconde massacre came back. It’s not like I was involved in it, but I recall, maybe being an aspiring media practitioner as I am, I was very eager to watch all the news related to the case. I remembered hating Hubert Webb. But realizing now… was it really Hubert Webb who should be there in jail for 15 years?

The US Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) certified that Hubert was in the US from March 1991 to October 1992. The Vizconde was murdered at June 30, 1991. There was even a video of him and his relatives playing on the snow with the date 1991 on the lower right corner of the screen. Lastly Hubert also requested for a semen sample of Carmela Vizconde if it would match his, since Carmela was raped before being murdered. After 13 years since Hubert requested for it, the Supreme Court finally agreed. The NBI, however, informed the Supreme Court that it no longer has the specimen and other laboratory reports, photographs and documentary evidence related to the case because it turned these over to the Parañaque RTC in 1996.

The family is very hopeful that the DNA test will be there salvation since if the Supreme Court couldn’t show the said specimen, the chances of Hubert to be released is higher.

Don’t get me wrong though, I also sympathize for Lauro Vizconde, the father of the family. How can I not be, he lost his wife and children while he is in the US. This is his fight. But then again, how can he still say that the justice system is unfair and that those with money and power are the ones who always win, when the accused Hubert Webb has been in jail for an agonizing 15 years.

I apologize for having a biased opinion, but I just based this primarily on evidences. What is Jessica Alfaro’s inconsistent statements against a certification that the accused is abroad the day the incident happened and that the accused is brave enough to challenge the court for a DNA test. I don’t know how I never considered these factors way back. Maybe because I am not that critical yet. Or maybe because Mara Clara influenced me that the underdog is ALWAYS right. I really don’t know, but so far, I am convinced that it’s not Hubert Webb.

I just hope that Lauro Vizconde would not be naive to consider all factors. I mean, would he rather have no suspect or accusing a wrong one? Whatever it is, the truth will always prevail, I believe on that. It will… in time… hopefully soon. 

update is HERE

CONDOMS AND RH BILL

NANAY: Anak? Bawal makipag-sex. Bata ka pa! Baka mabuntis ka.
ANAK: Bawal bawal ka diyan! And so what kung bata pa ako? Makikipag-sex ako kung gusto ko no. May condom naman. So hindi parin ako mabubuntis. Ang sarap kaya! Try mo!

- from tumblr.


benta yung joke!!

pero yung point? di ren.. matagal na po may condoms, langgam lang ang may di alam nun. matagal naren sinasabing one way to prevent unexpected pregnancy is to use condoms. so why blame RH bill? dahil ibibigay sya ng libre ng ilan at dahil madali na syang makukuha/mabibili? then what makes you? a freeloader? gumamit ka lang nun kase libre? ano ka purita? tsaka, matagal nang madali makabili ng condoms, sa dinami-dami ba namang nagkalat na Ministop noh!

admit it, most couple use the withdrawal/ calendar method, sabay tanong: 'sure ka nilabas mo?'.. BOOM, 9 months after.. 'feeling ko di mo nga nalabas' haha! c'mon c'mon, PATI BA GOBYERNO MAMIMILI PARA SA INYO? IT'S YOUR CHOICE, IF U WANNA GET PREGNANT, DO SO, GOOD LUCK SAYO, AS IN GOOD LUCK! =D

HELLO BOY!

DONT LET INSULT, FEAR AND GUILT HINDER YOU FROM FULFILLING YOUR DREAMS
- Boy Abunda

Just got home from an interview with Mr. Boy Abunda, but we had some drinks after so the update’s quite late, haha.
I have always admired him and his words =)

WANSAPANATAYM IS BACK!

I'm sure many of you are familiar with ABSCBN's fantasy series every Sunday night entitled 'Wansapanataym'! The show that makes values formation a lot entertaining.

Well guess what, it's back! Here is a teaser of Wansapanataym, coming this September, still of course in the Kapamilya network! Bring back FLAMES too! hahaha!

PS: I used to cry on its theme song =( haha!

IN A MAJOR WAY =)

CAREER MOVE NI VENUS.. VASELINE ENDORSER =P

IM STILL PROUD OF YOU.. TOP 5 OUT OF WHAT.. 82, 83 COUNTRIES? NOT BAD!

THOUGH FORGIVE US FOR THE ‘MAJOR MAJOR’ JOKES.. ADMIT IT, IT WAS KINDA AWKWARD. HEHE. BUT THEN AGAIN, THANKS FOR LETTING US FORGET YESTERDAY’S GRIEF AND FOR A WHILE, WE SMILED… IN A MAJOR MAJOR WAY =D

FLIPTOP

FLIPTOP- THE FIRST FILIPINO RAP BATTLE LEAGUE.

You guys should check fliptopbattles in youtube. These young emcees are really good. Creative with their lyrics, funny and clever at the same time. Another talent of Filipinos that we should be proud of!

Believe me, they’re funny at times, although you might wanna turn down the volume in case you don’t want your parents to hear those people cursing each other hehe.

Some may not understand its sense… but i see art in it, check my profile and it isn’t really something that would give you the impression that I appreciate these stuff, but surprisingly I did, I was really impressed with the freestyles, and that itself is art!

I personally like LOONIE, DELO, TARGET AND SKARM… who’s your favorite? =)

KIDS OH KIDS!

SERIOUSLY?? Gawd.. tricia santos has now become a trending topic in twitter. Well to be honest.. i felt really really sad. Not because on what happened to tricia but with the reality of character shown on these teenagers. International housemates proved to be a lot more mature than those Filipinos. A reflection of a bigger picture in the society. Btw, that Joe, his morals are way darker than his skin (sorry, sorry).

And now going to the fan page. Honestly those fan pages are soooo polluting the good image of Facebook. I am appalled on some certain 'admins' who act as if they're all that. I don't really like joining fan pages.. I have like 6 or 7 pages and they're all related to my interest and passion like digital art, music, and the businesses of my friends. Some pages are way senseless, pointless, vague, conceited, hypocrite.. and i'm sorry.. but dumb as well!

PBB biased all the way, teens killing the ozone layer for being so plastic, fan pages and admins that are even worst than reading a Jejemon text message... these certain petty parcel of my time do irritate me and i actually don't know why. Kaasar =/

JUST GOT INKED

A FIRST TIME VOTER!

GOT SCARED AT FIRST.. PERO I SMILED WHILE SHADING FOR GIBO’S NAME ALREADY. PARANG THIS IS IT, A FULL PLEDGED SUPPORTER ALREADY =D

whoever wins.. sana hindi si *illa* hehe =)

HAPPY VOTING 1ST TIME VOTERS!

ps: i didn’t fall in line, as in dere-derecho.. swerte!

TEAM G1BO!

it is such a privilege to be one of the organizers on last week's event sir =D

I AM SURELY PRAYING.. AND HOPING.. AND PRAYING AGAIN.. THAT YOU WILL BE OUR NEXT PRESIDENT.

INTELLIGENT, OF GOOD CHARACTER, FRESH, DOESN'T NEED ANY OVER THE TOP ADVERTISEMENT AND FAMILY MEMBERS TO PROMOTE HIMSELF..


HE IS SIMPLY THE BEST!

seriously.. let's vote for G1BO.. i have never been this passionate of a supporter to a candidate. Maybe because I am so sure that I ain't going on the wrong direction.

GREEN GREEN THIS MAY 10... NUMBER 8 BABY! SULONG GIBO!!!

WOW IT'S BEEEEN A LONG TIME!!

I lost inspiration to blog. Hai. Anyway let me share some random thoughts.

1st.. drink all you can at CANTINA.. for P115 only! why am i stuck here at home? simple lang.. di ko ren masusulit ung 115 dahel i dont really drink (as much as possible) beyond my limit. sayang lang ung 115 na yun.

2nd.. i was supposed to go to Gibo's meeting de avance, but didn't, a certain client needs to meet me asap. sorry gibo =( i watched the live streaming instead =)

3rd.. Coheed and Cambria here in Manila on July 30? Man this year is the sh*t! Kings of Convenience, Dashboard Confessional, JT, John Mayer, Tears for Fears.. AYOS! More details on the coheed and cambria concert soon at manilaconcertscene!

4th.. saw this link at twitter (I dont have twitter.. i was just lurking at Bubbles Paraiso's tweets) and became more proud of my bet G1BO! I'm also happy that Ruffa G's for Gibo. i love her! and so is Raymond Guttierez, Miriam Quiambao, Daphne Osena Perez! Posh people love gibo =)

5th.. again.. gibo.. again.. sorry im a passionate supporter! i was watching 'You've Got Mail' when my mom and i realized that gibo looks like tom hanks! =D

6th.. I just watched DEAR JOHN.. and damn it made me cry.. shameless to say.. i was crying a lot when John was talking to his dad in the hospital, argh! I actually thought I wouldn't appreciate this.. but yeah i did. Good thing it didn't primarily focused on love. AND WHOA, CHANNING TATUM is delicious as always, I've always been a fan baby boy =)

AYUN LANG. BORED. MAINIT. CIAO! =D

formspring.me

Ask Me anything http://formspring.me/faorani

what's your favorite movie and why? :)

shox. madami! pero sige i'll name two.. phone booth and terminal.. what's common bet.the two? besides the uber charming main character (colin farrell & tom hanks).. eh they only use one setting. phone booth and airport, ang simple nung plot but exciting ung sub plots,basta astig =)

Ask Me anything

ANOTHER SCARY COMMUTE STORY

from kristine singson

BEWARE: PUTANGINANG (selected) CABS/TAXI »

January 13, 2009
Superklasse Wednesday


After four months of not going to a club (LITERALLY), I finally did to show some support for one of my best friends, Mel and to see friends who I haven’t seen for the longest longest longest time. It was the first time I’ve ever set foot in Encore (to think I used to go to Embassy every week). It felt surreal to be out and without my boyfriend, LJ, who couldn’t come due to an early class the following day.

I only had 4 drinks: 3 Amaretto Sours and a Mai Tai. It felt good seeing a lot of my friends. We took so many pictures that my fully charged camera went low bat. Anyway, Mel and I decided to leave Encore by 2:30 A.M. Our friends stayed behind since the club closes at 3 A.M. Mel and I were taking separate cabs since she goes home to Mandaluyong and I to Makati. I WAS COMPLETELY SOBER. Not even a bit tipsy.

I remember telling her as we were leaving the club “It’s my first time going home in a cab alone from this club.” Mel was a bit concerned, even offering me to stay over her place for the night.. I told her not to worry, I ALWAYS get home safely.

So we went to get our cabs and I made sure Mel got into her cab first. Then I was looking for a cab who wouldn’t fix the price (you know how it is at The Fort) and there was one who volunteered that he’d use the meter. So I took his offer. I distinctly remember most of the waiting cabs were DAVIS cabs. Mine was not. And I was so damn stupid not to get his taxi’s name and plate number.

In the middle of the ride, I started changing into regular shorts and top. The driver wasn’t looking though but suddenly his hand reached for behind and I was surprised. He was saying, “MAY NAHULOG. Wallet mo ata.” I found a 50 peso bill on the floor. Then he said, “Ang dami mo sigurong pera. Mayaman ka noh?” I didn’t answer. I started getting nervous. I started looking for the cab’s number (which is usually written on the side of the doors). There were faint markings but it couldn’t be understood. The driver noticed my agitation and said, “Anong hinahanap mo? Plate number? Bigay ko sayo.” I was like, “Never mind.” I did NOT want him to know I was getting nervous already. Plus we were so near my house. I thought, what could go wrong?

But something did. Three streets away from my house, the cab driver “hit” a pothole or hump or whatever. He pulled over to the side and said, “Tangina, pano na yan? Na-lock yung steering wheel. Hindi ko maikot.” I was just looking at him, confused. I have no knowledge of cars so I do not know if he was bluffing or not. The meter was 75. I gave him a hundred. He had no change daw so I was like, “Fine, whatever. There’s nothing I can do about it.” I stepped out of the cab, in the middle of Bautista Street, a long street but near my house. It was almost 3 A.M. When I looked back, the cab was gone.

HOW IN THE WORLD WAS HE ABLE TO DRIVE AWAY IF HIS STEERING WHEEL WAS “LOCKED”?

I called my boyfriend up AND THANK GOD HE ANSWERED HIS PHONE. He was sleeping already, good thing the call woke him up. I was trying to remain calm. I told him my dilemma. Suddenly an empty cab drove by. A DIFFERENT ONE. I hailed it. I had probably less than half a kilometer to my house which was three streets away. The cab took me in and I ended the call.

Two more lefts, it was my house already. It was Camalig Street, then Bigasan Street. Suddenly the driver went left, the street just right before my house, Camalig. I said very politely, “Kuya, MALI. Atras ka, atras ka. Sa kabilang street pa. One more left.” The driver just kept driving like he didn’t hear. I said it again. Then he stopped and looked at me. Then he said, “Bayaran mo na.” I was weirded out. I was like, “Why? This is not even my house. It’s on the next street.” Besides, we haven’t traveled far. The meter was still at 30 pesos.

SUDDENLY, without warning, the driver grabbed my neck and jumped to the back. My first thought was, “ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME?!?!?!?”. But his grip was getting tighter and tighter. I literally couldn’t breathe and felt my consciousness slipping. As we were struggling, I kept scratching at his eyes and reaching for the lock of the left door. He was on top of me hitting my head repeatedly while his other hand around my neck. I was choking and choking when I realized the left side HAD NO FUCKING LOCK, which means I couldn’t get out. Which means I had to try my luck on the right side. Imagine my struggle to get to the other side as a full grown, heavyset man kept bashing my head, scratching my face, pulling my hair and hitting me. I kept scratching his eyes. It was all I could do. When his grip loosened a bit, I managed to open the right door with so much effort. Unfortunately he pulled me back with my hair. Imagine MY TERROR as the door closed again!!!!! I couldn’t scream anymore. Besides, who would hear me I was inside a fucking car. My neck was so sore and I was close to fainting. I kept scratching his eyes and reaching for the door until by some miracle, I opened it fully and screamed with what was remaining of my voice.

The driver said something like, “Tangina, it’s not worth it.” And literally kicked me out of the car. I rolled out onto the street with my shoulder bag which was slung around me the whole time with its remaining contents. The driver suddenly sped away. Till now, I don’t know his motive, whether it be rape or hold up. Or both. Or murder.

So there I was in the middle of the street, barefoot. Then I realized why the hell am I so wet?! I realized I was sitting in a pool of my own blood. There was so much blood dripping from the right side of my head, it was like a half-closed faucet if you get what I mean. I started screaming for help.

This time the apartment I was right in front of lights’ went on. Imagine the horror on these people’s faces as I literally crawled towards them bloodied and barefoot. When I reached out to them for help, I saw my arm. It was covered in blood. And I could feel that I was losing so much more. I asked for a cellphone. I still had the consciousness to call my boyfriend. The people who took me in were nice enough to let me call. They talked to LJ and informed him of what happened. They even cleaned me up. Suddenly there was the barangay people and witnesses. That’s when everything became hazy. The barangay people said that they had to take me to the hospital because I was losing so much blood.

I was taken to Makati Medical Center ER. I still remember as I was being loaded onto the wheelchair the horrified looks of the people outside the hospital. I even had a high school batchmate who was assigned as my nurse, Erika Bautista (THANK YOU SO MUCH). In her own words she said that when I came in I looked like I was already in critical condition. I am not exaggerating when I say this: I WAS LITERALLY COVERED IN BLOOD. Head to foot.

Everything was in a daze after that. All I remember was the blood. Under my nails, on my face, on my hair, on my neck, my chest, my legs, my toes. Even my armpits had blood. Truly, I have never seen so much in my whole life. My face started bruising up so much I could see my right cheek even if I look straight ahead. I also had so much hair falling out because the guy kept on pulling it. But what bothered me was the blood that kept dripping continuously from the right side of my head… and the pain. The doctor said the cut was so deep it LOOKS LIKE I WAS STABBED. It was really bad. I wouldn’t stop crying. I hate the sight of blood and here I am, a walking bloody blob. My first medical gown was drenched in blood. So they had to change it. I changed my medical gown four times before I was discharged. That’s how bad the bleeding was.

When LJ arrived the hospital, I forced myself to be cheerful. I smiled and said “HAPPY MONTHSARY!” It was our 2nd monthsary. Geez what a way to spend it. Till now this hurts me, thinking how ironic the situation is. He said the wounds on my head were like the claw marks in the Jurassic Park movie logo. B, no words can express what I feel towards the situation and how grateful I am that you were there. Basta alam mo na yun.

Anyway, after a few hours, I got a CT scan to detect hemorrhages and X-Rays. Good thing it all came out negative. But I had so many wounds and lacerations on my head. They had to STITCH THE RIGHT SIDE OF MY TEMPLE AND ANOTHER ONE AT THE BACK OF MY HEAD. But there are still minor wounds all over my head, even the inside of my ear has blood till now. Till now my hair is all stiff and sticky from the blood. They shampooed my hair in the hospital but a lot of it still haven’t come out. (I woke up today with dried blood on my pillow).

The first time I saw a mirror, I could not believe my eyes. I thought it was just dirt and dried blood but then I realized I had a giant bruise on my right cheek and deep scratches on my face. I got a Wet One but it just won’t come off. I had to face it, my face was really fucked up. My neck had strangle marks, my jaw was swollen, I had two semi-black eyes, my cheeks were patches of black and blue and the abrasions and cuts were deep on my face. I look like the Bride of Chuckie.

After they sutured me, I became delirious for sometime. Not knowing what I was saying to LJ but he said I was acting strange and started rambling about random things that I don’t remember.

The police came and they got the license plate of the cab DAW from the witnesses but they weren’t sure if it’s accurate. We’re still planning an investigation. I lost my school ID, cellphone, cash and camera. The only things that I salvaged from the incident were my shoes, a brush and a dress. They were covered in blood as well. Now, the question is, are the first and second cab incidents related? Is it a Modus Operandi?

Anyway, I’m out of the hospital now. My body is aching all over and my face looks like Pacquiao practiced on it.

The reason why I am writing this note is TO WARN EACH AND EVERYONE OF YOU PEOPLE TO BE CAREFUL. I never ever thought such a thing could happen to me. I thought it only happens in the movies. Imagine, I was just a street away from my home and THIS HAPPENED. A STREET AWAY. Thank God I wasn’t drunk, Thank God the guy did not have weapons (I think), Thank God some kind souls helped me. Thank God I had the presence of mind not to remove his hands from my neck but to scratch his eyes out and reach for the lock. Some girls initial defense would be to un-strangle themselves but I didn’t. I let him strangle me. My main objective was to get the damn door open and escape.

The doctor told my boyfriend I was lucky to be alive, before leaving the hospital. As I was struggling inside the taxi, I did not see the whole “your life flashes before you when you’re dying” thingy.

NO. That’s why I fought against him as much as I could. I told myself over and over again, “NOT TODAY… NOT TODAY… This isn’t how I should die. I’m too good for this.”


I SAW the reason why I should keep on living. That’s why I’m still here today.



PXG 725 or PSG 725
White Taxi


PICTURES AFTER: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=139338&id=751877234

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THERE ARE STILL KIND CAB DRIVERS SO HOPE WE WON'T GENERALIZE THEM BUT... TRUE LET'S ALL BE CAREFUL, THOUGH I DON'T KNOW ANYMORE WHAT IS CAREFUL SINCE I FEEL TOTALLY SAFE IN CABS, NOW... LRT NA LANG SIGURO? HAI, IF ONLY WE CAN ALL HAVE OUR OWN CARS, BUT OF COURSE WE CAN'T SO I GUESS LET'S JUST HAVE STRONG FAITH IN GOD AND LIKE WHAT I'M DOING... ALWAYS PRAY ONCE YOU ARE IN A PUBLIC VEHICLE =)