Filipino

ilocano = stingy (?)

Filipinos are playful and creative by nature, especially when it comes to coming up with children or shop names. Combination of several names with “h” thrown in between the letters or a parody of a controversial personality or issue, and even brand names is one of the favorite techniques.

This playful naming game applies to the specific Philippine ethnic groups too… each stereotyped with a name based on the common characteristics of the people who belong to that society.

Here’s few examples to illustrate:

Ilocanos are known for being stingy (a.k.a. kuripot).

courtesy of: http://www.threethriftyguys.com

piggybank — courtesy of: http://us.cdn3.123rf.com

Kapampangans are known for being extravagant (a.k.a. magastos)
From what I’ve heard, Ilonggo, Pangasinense, and Cebuanos are known for being fond of shopping branded clothes and jewelry.

shopping — courtesy of: popularphotographybiz.com/

There must be a grain of truth to it but I can confirm that not all are like that. My Kapampangan, Ilonggo, Pangasinense, and Cebuano friends are pretty good with their finances and do not shop all the time. Some of them are even thrifty! For my Ilocano friends, some like to splurge on branded clothing, handbags, and jewelry.

Let’s face it, not all people are the same. Whatever ethnic group or country you belong and whatever “name” you are known for… your own principle and belief still rules out! :p

For me, I’m a practical spender. The question that I ask myself when I need to purchase something is, “Is it a luxury or a necessity?”. If it’s a luxury, then no go. However, if it’s a necessity, no matter how expensive that is… it’s definitely a go.

By the way, I’m an Ilocano and proud to be one! 😀 Ta ta for now! 🙂

P.S.
Click here to learn more about the Ethnic Groups of the Philippines.

Oh Virginia!

Did you know that one of Virginia’s nicknames is “Mother of Presidents”? It’s after the eight United States of America (U.S.A.) presidents who were born there, namely: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, James Monroe, William Henry Harrison, John Tyler, Zachary Taylor, and Woodrow Wilson. 😉 Thanks Wikipedia! Click this link for more interesting facts about Virginia.

In my opinion, that’s what makes Virginia one of the most special among the 50 states. It’s absolutely impressive! I was fortunate to spend Christmas with my relatives in Virginia and visit some magnificent tourist spots. You bet! Thanks to air miles for the free airfare. Woot!

Check out our sweet photos below:

Vilmor’s (my other cousin) New House
*** He was in the process of closing his house purchase when I was there for a visit.

Buffet Time!
*** Raiding Uptown Buffet and Hibachi Grill… I may be tiny but I eat like a monster… >=D

Christmas 2012
*** I lost interest in celebrating Christmas ever since my Mom passed away when I was 13 years old. After migrating to this side of the world and spending my first Christmas here alone, I started to long for a Filipino Christmas… my holiday in Virginia filled that void and rekindled my excitement for Christmas!

Ate Pat’s lovely house

Ate Pat & TheCuriousMe

Oh Virginia… Stay put, I will surely be back sometime. 🙂 More captivating pictures coming up!

P.S.
Meeting Ate Pat was one of the highlights of my U.S.A. trip, she’s the only cousin on my father’s side that I have never met… or maybe I was just too young to remember. I’m glad that I was able to spend some quality time with her and strengthen our relationship as cousins. It’s both heartwarming and overwhelming. 😀

Boy & Cel

Within the short span of time since I’ve migrated in this side of the world, I’ve observed that some immigrants who stayed here for more than 15 years tend to hold themselves with high regard and most often than not, belittle the newbies like me.

The most painful realization is, the people who do this are not strangers but they are somewhat connected to you either by blood relation or via friends. It’s a harsh… sad… reality. No pun intended.

Sigh. I know, I’m blabbering. Shoot me.

On a happier note, my trip to Vancouver, British Columbia was very rewarding because I’ve received one of the greatest birthday gift ever! That is, meeting Kuya Boy and Ate Cel for the first time. Ate Cel’s mother and my father are first cousins. It was my cousin Jaime (a.k.a. Chancee) who introduced me to them. And what do you know… I had a chance to meet Kuya Freddie and AJ too! Awesome!

If I cried myself to sleep during my last year’s birthday (yeah, I cried my heart out), I had a silly grin on my face this year. Thank God!
(Note: “Kuya” is a Filipino word that denotes older brother or it’s also usually used as a sign of respect for older males.
“Ate” is the equivalent term of “Kuya” for females.)

I must say, I was ecstatic when I got to know Kuya Boy and Ate Cel because they are one of the few humblest Filipino-Canadian couple I’ve ever met in this side of the world. I was over the moon because it gave me hope. And most of all, it made me realized that migrating here is not an “awful” decision after all. I guess, I was a bit traumatized on what I’ve been through. Trusting people became an extreme ordeal for me.

Kuya Boy	Ate Cel

My late mom reiterated when I was growing up to keep my feet firmly planted on the ground whatever happens. That’s why, I get so annoyed when I see people fly inside a bubble like there’s no tomorrow and lambast people who are “below” them. It really gets into me and at the same time, it makes me sad.

It’s good to know though, that there are still few people like Kuya Boy and Ate Cel who did not place success into their head. Indeed, finding the chosen few made my heart burst with happiness.

bc2012- 809 — Ate Cel & Kuya Boy’s garden

Kuya Boy and Ate Cel, my heartfelt thanks for your warm hospitality, words of wisdom, and most of all, for wholeheartedly accepting me even though you have just met me . I’m super overwhelmed! See you again soon.

Click here to read related article -> “b.c. link”

Sasa & Gege

In as much as I would like to be a silent follower of Sasa (Sarah Geronimo) & Gege (Gerald Anderson)… I must say, I could no longer contain it! I’m now a super fan! My little sisters, Fritchie Anderson and DJ Mitch, are now getting infected with my “contagious” admiration for Sasa & Gege! Ha! (Click here to read related article about Sasa & Gege- “birth”)

courtesy of: sarahgeronimo.ph — Sasa & Gege

I’m really going bonkers! Out of the blue (whether I’m on the street walking or in the work place or wherever), I would “belt out” the theme songs of their two (2) movie-team up, I won’t last a day without you and Fallin’. And of course, its out of tune! :p

Catch Me I'm In Love — Catch Me I’m In Love (“Fallin'”)

courtesy of: Ashrald — Won’t Last a Day Without You

Their love team & courtship stage is sending followers all over the world in frenzy! An “old” lady like me can even feel a shiver down my spine just by watching them (even if they are just looking at each other!). Their love story is absolutely an epic!

courtesy of: PiweLoveSarahG — click image to view the video

courtesy of: kalabawmoo — click image to view the video

***Note: If you can’t understand Tagalog, just watch their actions. 😀

Sarah, being a true blue Filipina (in all ways), is definitely a rare gem! Her preference for her suitors to woo her parents first makes her a total knock out! Considering that Gege (a Filipino – American) grew up in the U.S.A., it’s fascinating to see how he abides to Sarah’s wish and follow the Filipino old-fashioned way of courtship. Also, he’s all out in shouting to the world how much he cares for Sasa, protecting her and makes time to be with her even if his schedule is so hectic! Whew! Weaklings can’t do that right M.A. and T.W.? :p

courtesy of: Ge30412 — click image to view the video

*** Note: If you can’t understand Tagalog, just watch their actions. 😀

Whether we admit it or not, we all dream of this kind of courtship and relationship. By watching Sasa and Gege’s friendship transform into something special makes us realize that dreams do come true. I guess, that’s the reason why a lot of people (young and old) are drawn to their blossoming relationship and magical moments. Aside from giving an automatic smile on our face, it certainly gives hope and inspiration to all of us. Agree?

courtesy of AshRalds — Gege visiting Sasa in her TV Commercial shoot

By respecting their privacy to date freely will definitely ease up the pressure that they are receiving right now. Like what the Popsters, Ashralds, and other Sasa & Gege’s supporters always say, the best way to help them is to work hand in hand in praying for their relationship to last a lifetime. They deserve it! Let’s unite in spreading positive vibes!

Now, while patiently waiting for the next chapter of their love story… I’ll continue reading Kate Joaquin’s “Never Gonna Let You Go – AshRald Fan Fiction” and BornToShare’s (Does anyone know BornToShare’s real name?) “Slowly But Surely – AshRald Fan Fiction”. “AshRald Fan Fictions” are an ongoing imaginary tale about Sasa & Gege.

Never Gonna Let You Go - AshRald Fan Fiction — Click the image to read the Never Gonna Let You Go – AshRald Fan Fiction

*** Note: I haven’t met Kate yet but I saw her “script” via Facebook. She’s a 17-year old fan of Sasa & Gege. And she has the making of an excellent writer! Whoa! I suggest you check it out. Keep it up Kate! 😀

*** Note:I just discovered the Slowly But Surely – AshRald Fan Fiction! Please give me a buzz if you know the writer’s name so that I can post it on my blog. 🙂 I’m so excited to start reading it. I’m sure it’s as awesome as Never Gonna Let You Go. Wheeey! Way to go BornToShare! 😉

***Update: I’ve read Slowly But Surely and I admit… I cried!!!!!!!!!! OMG! Wendelyn Dianne (@wendelyndianne) is such a passionate writer! You betcha! Finally, after researching her name for ages, I found it! Thanks to Kate (@imisshockends) for ending my “agony”. 😀 I’m just so happy because they are also now my twitter friends. I love AshRald and AshRaldTOS! 🙂

P.S. OMG, did I just sound like a PR Manager for Sasa & Gege?

More Sasa & Gege videos:
http://ashrald.com/videos.html
http://ashrald.com/videos.html

tequilla +

So… Am I a drunkard now? Nah… Just wanting to spice up my life. Ha! :p

The 7th birthday party of Zane Matthew (A’s son) turned into “oldies” soiree! As usual, I was oblivious about the details of the affair. Shhhhh… my attire was kinda out of place. Anyhow, I did manage to pull it off. Thanks to the Lia Sophia bling-bling. I must admit, it did give a “classy” impact on my chic rocker (a.k.a. rakista) babe look. Come on Chris W., I know you agree. 😉

The after party left a feeling of deja vu! (click here to read related article -> “paralyzer”). I think, I should change my name from “the curious me” to “the clueless me”? The after party was held in A’s residence. It was lightened up by her gorgeous “Pakistani” daughter, S. Whoa! S is so fond of Pakistan and sure has a talent in mimicking the Pakistani accent (no pun intended). She’s totally amazing!

In no time, the tequilla (+ bacardi) session started rolling! And what do you know, the topic was directed to my single status! It can’t be helped… they all have partners and I was the “lonesome” spinster in the group. Ha! All I can say is, most of the time, it pays to enjoy “singleblessedness” before converting to “couple trouble” status. (click here to read related article -> wedding)

Thank goodness! The hoopla about my single status got diverted when they all started doing the videoke. Filipinos love to sing and can definitely carry a tune more than anyone else in the whole Universe (Ignore me. It’s innate for me to be patriotic! ). And Ellen DeGeneres surely agreed! :p

However, there’s always an exemption. I’m one of them. I can do some “jiggy moves” but I can’t really sing (click here to read related article -> “singing”). It drives me nuts! Arghhhh! :p

Conclusion:
Tequilla + Videoke + Light Bantering + Excellent Company = Super Duper Mega Over Stress Free Night!!!

Love it!!!!!!!!

P.S. I love tequilla! Promise!

birth

It felt like a million years had passed since my last post. Ha! Did you miss me?

We had a long weekend last week but for some reason, I did not manage to write even a single article. I was able to rest, recharge, and unwind for a bit though.

Anyhow, last Sunday night, I was fiddling with my phone and checking some Filipino YouTube videos when I saw Sarah Geronimo and Gerald Anderson’s production number in ABS-CBN’s variety show, ASAP. Their “electrifying chemistry” was so evident that I felt some goosebumps while watching them. Sarah and Gerald (a.k.a. Sasa & Gege) are both famous celebrities in the Philippines (and all over the world where there is a Filipino channel).

Won't Last A Day Without You Movie Poster Sarah Geronimo Gerald Anderson

So, why am I blabbering about them? Honestly, I’m not an avid fan. However, after spending 3 hours of my Sunday night and 12 hours of my Monday searching YouTube videos about them, I was completely hooked! It’s crazy! I can’t stop giggling and smiling while watching their interviews, production numbers, the “Sasa & Gege” web show, and most especially the series of enchanting videos on the Sasa & Gege “love” story made by the Ashrald (group of avid Sasa & Gege fans). I was totally impressed!

hot number! click image to view the video	“i found the best” 😀 click image to view the video
click image to view the video	click image to view the Sasa & Gege “love” story

I’m fully aware that I’m too old for this twitterpated (a.k.a. “kilig”) moments but what the heck. I can’t help it! :p Watching Sasa and Gege is a perfect stress reliever! What I find it endearing is that, they emit sparks and positive energy without being sensual. It’s similar to NOT wearing revealing clothes yet you still exude x-factor and undeniable appeal. You know what I mean.;)

courtesy of: push.com.ph (photo) / janineskieful (video) — click image to view the video (Power of Touch)

courtesy of: sarahgeronimo.ph (photo) / outrigger85 (video) — “fallin” 😉 click image to view the video

Sasa and Gege is such a refreshing pair. I like Sasa because she’s the epitome of a true blue Filipina. She deserves to be happy and free. My fondness for Gege started when he made Sasa smile again.

courtesy of: krtime.com — Ki Tae Young & Eugene (married)

Truly, Sasa & Gege is a birth of a new smile… new hope… and new love(?). 🙂

big sister’s house

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Note: See related articles:

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Being a stranger in a foreign land is one thing, not knowing anyone is another thing. That’s what happened when I went to Singapore few years back. At that point in time, I was getting drowned from too much struggles.

I seek refuge in Joan’s dig. I was a total stranger to her but she gave me a warm welcome like a long-lost sister and helped me out in getting settled in her place. I call it, “The Big Sister’s House” . Sounds familiar eh?

We were five housemates (indicated below), strangers at first, and eventually became one big happy family. 😀

Big Sister (Joan) : She’s in charge of the overall management of the flat.
She also makes sure that we are all good despite her hectic schedule. Thanks Big Sis!

Manager (Jessie): Mostly, he takes the tab whenever the whole troupe goes out.
Aside from being the big wig, he’s also our tour guide and comedian. Ha!

James Lee (Jamo): He usually gets his way. No, he’s not a spoiled brat.
Shhh… I taught him how to mop the floor because he doesn’t know how to do it. According to him, he already mastered it to perfection. He thinks the house is cleaner now whenever he’s on duty. 😀

Tito Glennie (Glenn): He’s a casanova in the making… Err… That’s what he wants to portray. LOL
He likes experimenting and cooking tons of food. However, after spending so much time cooking, he usually ends up eating a take out. (Read between the lines.)

BonBon (TheCuriousMe): Cooks “paksiw” (sour fish) all the time.
I was on a tight budget at that time so I frequently cook fish, either “paksiw” or “sinigang”. Both are sour Filipino dish.

We all love to take it easy and live life to the fullest!

I consider my housemates in Big Sister’s House as my life-long friends. A true gem that’s difficult to find! Hopefully, we will have an awesome get together one of these days. Miss you guys! XO

pacific place

We stopped by in Pacific Place, an Asian mall, for lunch as well as to buy a vinegar (“sukang Iloko) from Northern Luzon, Philippines. I ordered sashimi and sushi, my favorite Japanese food, for the main course and halo-halo, a Filipino dessert, for my sweet treat.

While I was waiting for my halo-halo order, I was able to sales talk a Chinese guy in buying a kare-kare, a Filipino dish, in that food stall. At first, he was hesitant because it’s beef, but he can’t seem to resist it because he kept asking me if it’s really good. Eventually, he gave in.

When he saw the halo halo that I bought, he also ordered three cups. Ha! I should have asked for a commission from the owner eh?

Anyhow, my nephew, Rhajz sat four tables away from us because the table that we were currently occupying was too small. I was eyeing the chicken feet he bought and when I was about to join him,when we saw a pretty lady shared the table with him. To give them privacy, I stay put on my sit.

His mom and I kept laughing because Rhajz was blushing tremendously and he can’t seem to eat properly because of the pretty lady. True enough, when he joined our table, the one serving of chicken feet was left untouched. He said he was too shy to eat it in front of the pretty lady.

And the clincher? The pretty lady is pregnant. Ha! Too bad.. so sad.. for Rhajz.

back to road trip finale

mistaken “nationality”?

After eating a mouthwatering lunch at Yip Hong, a famous Chinese Restaurant in this side of the world, we decided to go to Superstore to buy weekly food supplies. With my nephew in tow, I was grinning while pushing the cart when I saw a Chinese lady looking and smiling at me.

I thought she’s the same lady that I often had a chance encounter whenever I go to work but I was wrong. All of a sudden, she stopped near our cart and asked me something. The brief conversation went this way:

Lady: Hi! Are you from Huangzhong?
Me: Sorry?
(I had a clueless expression on my face… I did not quite catch what she said)

Lady: Huangzhong, China.
(Smiling with a twinkle in her eyes)

Me: No. Do I look like a Chinese?
(I was laughing while talking.)
Lady: Yes.

I just smiled and then we went separate ways. I still have that smirk on my face when I turned to my nephew, James.

Me: Do I look like a Chinese?
James: No. You look like a Canadian.
(Looking at me with an incredibly serious expression on his face)

That did it. I can’t stop laughing while pushing the cart. Merci Beaucoup James! You’re such a sweetheart.

One last note, it’s really strange because I got that all the time…wherever I go, whoever I meet. Ha! I’ve been asked if I’m a Dutch, French, Latin American, Indonesian, Malaysian, Singaporean, Thai, and Chinese.

I must be a human chameleon? What do you think? 🙂

Philippine Flag — Proud to be a Filipino 🙂

English

I’ve always thought that if you have good command of the English language, it will be enough to make you “global”. Hence, I did everything within my mighty power to learn English even though I abhor the intricacies of its “technical” aspect.

A lot of people say I speak and write English well… Hmm.… I might have succeeded in a certain way but I know in my heart that I still have a long way to go.

My accent turned topsy-turvy after communicating with people having various mother tongue such as:

Filipino (Ilokano, Tagalog, Bisaya, Ilonggo, etc)
Dutch
German
French
Singaporean Mandarin
Chinese Mandarin
Cantonese
Hokien
Bhurmese
Bhutanese
Nepalese
Indonesian
Malay
Arabic
Ethiopian Language
Hindi
Tamil

I usually adapt the most prominent accent but my tongue seemed be confused on what accent to follow. Strange huh? Even so, I did manage to improve my accent slowly and it got better when I worked at HSBC. We were dealing with American clients, so, we were taught to neutralize our accent to minimize communication barrier. After a few months, I can already speak English with that American twang.

However, when I went to work in Singapore, I needed to unlearn that American twang and speak English the “local” way inorder to get the message across and minimize receiving blank stares. (See related article -> Singlish).

Now, I need to unlearn the Singlish and bring back the North American way of speaking English. It’s a work in progress and it’s a bit difficult because I’ve also adapted the unresponsive nature of Singaporeans. It’s a total struggle!

Looking at the brighter side of things, I know things will work well in the next couple of months. The naturally bubbly, giggly. and chatty me will soon surface.

How to think English is also added in my to do list. Don’t get me wrong. I’m not removing Ilokano and Tagalog in my system. I’m a Filipino and will always be. I just want to improve myself and make my Mama proud (wherever she is now). (Note: Writing is given. :p)

Thus, my mantra now is:
“I must speak English and think English.”

Why don’t we do this together? Aja! 🙂

Alec Baldwin

While we have something to be happy for comes the end of Thursday, The Soulful Vixen has some other reasons: aside from the fact that Friday is the start of the weekend, she just happened to get a tweet from one of the most versatile actors of all-time, Mr. Alec Baldwin, who recently joined Twitter few weeks ago.

I know the whole story because I am following @TheSoulfulVixen.

So, it started with just a simple tweet about The Rolling Stones songs. Mr. Baldwin tweeted several of his picks. The Soulful Vixen in return mentioned ever liking “Time Is On My Side”. Charmed! And just like that, Mr. Baldwin didn’t hesitate to tweet more of his picks to The Soulful Vixen which are pretty much blues and in line with “Time Is On My Side”. And that makes The Soulful Vixen one helluva lucky girl!

So what’s the big deal? IT IS A BIG DEAL to get a tweet from the one and only Alec Baldwin. After all, he’s not just an actor you see on TV. He appears on film, stage, and television. After all, he IS Jack Donaghy from 30 Rock on NBC.

After all, he starred in movies like Beetlejuice, Great Balls of Fire, Miami Blues, Alice, Prelude to a Kiss, Malice, The Getaway, The Shadow, The Juror, Notting Hill, State and Main, The Acting Class, Mercury Rising, Cats & Dog, Pearl Harbor, Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within, It’s Complicated, and a LOT MORE. Which earned him two Emmy Awards, three Gold Globe Awards and six Screen Actor Guild Awards.

IT IS A BIG DEAL because out of thousands of followers he has, and millions of twitter followers that are probably tweeting him, he happened to tweet to The Soulful Vixen.

IT IS A BIG DEAL because The Soulful Vixen got in to the first 100 tweets from Mr. Baldwin.

IT IS A BIG DEAL because I betcha, she’s the first and only Filipino to be tweeted by a Mr. Alec Baldwin.

And why not? If you want to find out, you gotta follow @TheSoulfulVixen.

Pictured below is a screenshot of Mr. Baldwin’s tweet, telling it all in caps as to put emphasis on the songs he liked from The Rolling Stones.

alecbaldwin-thesoulfulvixen — Alec Baldwin’s tweet to TheSoulfulVixen

viewpoint

courtesy of dreamstime.com — love triangle

Ready?
(Note: Check out the article “baffled?” for a sneak preview of this article.)

Mitch (served as the moderator)

Pro Yno
believed that Yno can take care of the relationship better than Alex.

Scott

made an effort to be neutral but obviously Pro Alex
hoped that Yno is the type who’s there even if how many years have passed like Alex

Robert

clearly Pro Alex

TheCuriousMe

cautiously Pro Yno

Below are insights of the “relationship council” about the issue:
(Just a heads up, Mitch and Scott preferred to throw more facial expressions than comments.)

In the end, what’s important the most is the guy who accepts Buffy’s imperfections and will move the earth just to be with her. And of course, the love should be mutually shared by both parties.(found in cool vs class)

Darn! Be it Korean, Taiwanese, Singaporean, Filipino and American TV Series… it seems like this is even better than all the TV Series that I’ve watched! Whoa! I wonder what will be the ending of this intricate love story?

Will Buffy end up with Alex? or
Will Buffy end up with Yno? or
Will Buffy end up with someone else?
Will Buffy end up unattached?

What’s your take on this? 😉

situation 1

“The communication between the guy and the lady resurrected after few months. An opportunity paved the way for them to be in the same time zone in which gave the guy a chance to visit the lady and “propose”. Is it happily ever? 😉 Think again… Last minute, the guy chicken out due to petty (childish) reason. O_O ” (found in my thoughts… exactly!)

Scott: It will make anyone wonder what Yno would have done.

Robert: Imagine how boyish it would be to approach the girl and the guy is already pissed. Of course, he will most probably blurt out in front of other people “what are you doing and who is this guy?”
Considering the fact that Alex is more of a serious type person and a lawyer, if I were him, I would have probably taken things literally.

TheCuriousMe: Thats the point, he’s a lawyer. He should very well know that there’s always the other side of the coin. You cannot give a verdict based on a circumstancial evidence. You have to see both sides.

go back to viewpoint

situation 2

Alex is expressing his intent to reunite with Buffy after several years of being “apart”.
Yno yearns to be a part of Buffy’s life
Buffy is somewhat growing closer to Yno but trying to restrain herself because things seem to be bizarre at the moment.

together

Robert:
I have ended a relationship before and I’m a man. I could simply move on real quick because it didn’t affect me or I cannot move on and can’t let go because I still want the girl back.

Buffy is being too hard to herself. She is driving Alex away because of bitterness or anger. And there’s a bit of denial on that.

TheCuriousMe:
May the best man wins! Obviously Alex and Yno are just more on hype. No concrete action. They should buck up!

go back to viewpoint

situation 3

Why don’t just Alex muster up the courage to go to Buffy’s place directly talk to her?

courtesy of http://www.animalclipart.net — bok bok bok!

Robert: How will Alex do that now when it shows that Buffy is already entertaining Yno? I’m a guy, I would be crushed.

TheCuriousMe: Alex chickens out easily. Possibly, Yno is also a chicken in the making.

go back to viewpoint