A Cheaper Gift

Weeks before my birthday, I have been researching and reading reviews for a gadget that I have been eyeing since last summer. I wanted it so bad that I nearly deprived myself of other necessities just so I could purchase it. In fact, I was setting aside a portion of my meager salary for this particular indulgence.

I am not really "maluho" as others perceive. People close to me can attest to the fact that I don't easily take out cash from my wallet. I even earned the moniker "Maku" which is the shortened form of "makunat."

I have to admit though that I spent quite a lot during my first few years of employment. The thrill of finally earning my own keep overwhelmed me. Gone are the days when I had to beg for money from my folks for everything that I needed. All of a sudden, I was the master of my own pocket! I spent uncontrollably on things that I didn't actually need. When my wallet could no longer satisfy my urge, I applied for a credit card, which made things even worse, but that's another story.

My "lavish" spending didn't last that long. Thank God! I soon realized I had to shape up and do something about my finances. Spending too much on items isn't practical at all. As long as I still have 2 decent pairs of jeans and a couple of presentable tops, I'll be fine. This change of heart probably comes with age. When I was younger, my idea of self-image and self-worth was mainly based on the brands that one has in his closet. Now that I am older, I have learned that one's self-worth depends on his abilities, competencies and achievements.

The item which I was supposed to treat myself with suddenly became an unnecessary distraction. I opted not to purchase it, at the last minute. I figured, if it isn't something I need, why bother?


POSTSCRIPT: I bought a cheaper item, instead. :)

A Day In the Life of....

There was a time that I got so hooked in watching reality shows. Survivor, Amazing Race, The Bachelor, The Bachelorette, For Love or Money, The Third Wheel, Blind Date, Millionaire Matchmaker, Beauty and the Geek, Pretty Wicked, High School Reunion, the list just goes on and on... The concept is so unique, unleashing in me the "voyeur in disguise." I love the idea of following people around -- finding out what makes them tick, what makes them laugh, what makes them cry, what makes them who they are.

I wonder what it feels like having cameras around to document your every move. Is it really possible to show the real you when you are aware that somebody is filming you? Somebody told me that one way of finding out whether a person is for show or for real is when you catch him off guard,that is, when he is at his most unguarded moment. And obviously, moments like these only happen when cameras are not rolling.

I have outgrown reality shows. Sure, I still get a glimpse of a few when I channel surf but to stay tuned until the episode finishes?? I would have to think twice.

Isn't it ironic? That a concept branded as "reality" TV can be so unreal???

500 Days of Summer: My Fave Movie of 2009

I have been raving about this movie since last year. It's not what critics would say a critically-acclaimed movie but personally, it's one of those I enjoyed to the hilt. It's witty, well-thought of and the plot isn't something that you find in ultra cheesy romantic comedies.

The beginning scenes kept me hooked. It helped that Zooey Deschanel was irresistibly charming and darn pretty. Next to Alyson Hannigan of How I Met Your Mother fame, Zooey is quirky in a disarming kind of way.

Back to the story of Tom and Summer. Halfway into the movie, I was starting to be convinced that I am Summer. Indifferent and insensitive to the affection being offered by someone who thinks I am a clone of Diane Kruger (that was an exaggeration!). I have always been cynical and jaded especially when emotions are at play. I don't give my trust right away, I always feel that people are nice to me because they want something in return. To me, one's kindness is always triggered by an ulterior motive. With Summer, she loves to make fond of Tom's vulnerability. She is aware that Tom would do anything for her, and so she plays along. Tom becomes an unsuspecting victim of Summer's manipulative nature.

Tom, on the other hand, loves too much that sometimes he forgets himself. He loves freely without expecting anything in return, he loves dearly with not a care in the world. Ironically, his love and affection isn't reciprocated nor appreciated by the person he gave his ALL to.

Close to the ending, I realized I'm not Summer. I am Tom.

My Happiness, Your Misery

What if your own happiness becomes the misery of others? Will you give up your own happiness in order to please them?

I have always been a believer of chasing one's happiness. However, it doesn't come easy. Just when you think that you have found it, along comes a multitude of complications.

Is there a single person out there who can be COMPLETELY happy? By that I mean, to be happy with no worries, no fuss, no prejudices. Happiness that is liberating, not restrained. Is that even possible?

"Ang gusto ko happy ka!"

For my birthday, I received a phone call from a dear friend who is currently based in Abu Dhabi. Without getting into details (because she just might smack me right in my face), her call just made my day..

To you Chons:

We haven't had a lengthy discussion over this new development in your life but, without you telling me, I know that you are genuinely happy. Needless to say, whatever decision you make, I will be right behind you. I certainly appreciate the trust you have given me these past few months. For that alone, I am grateful to have been called your friend.

I know we have the same sentiments about matters pertaining to love. We are both romantic, we love too much that mostly we end up getting hurt --- but hell, that's what loving is about --- SELFLESS.

You have once called me your love guru. Oh, dearie, you just might regret this one. Here's a tip: If I give you a piece of advice, please do the opposite. It might save both our lives.

I have always believed that we should go after what makes us happy. Because ultimately, finding one's happiness is the greatest achievement of all.