The Case of the CD-RW

It is a fact that there is an abundance of piracy here in the country. This craze has been around for several years now, lurking from perfumes, apparels, to CDs. Call me hypocrite if I say I don't buy such pirated things - I do love them for their cheap prices, but I'm not really a fan. But you can't blame me, I tend to be thrifty as often as possible (so help me God.).

A few weeks back I bought a pirated Kaspersky 2007 anti-virus pack at Star Mall (formerly Metropolis), Alabang for P50. Cheap right? That's crap. The so-called pack did contain Kaspersky - 2006 version; with of course an expired serial number. Pissed, I threw the CD out the window - okay, that one's exaggerated.

Just yesterday I bought something like it again on the same place, a Kaspersky 2009 anti-virus pack for P50. But this time, I was really pissed. No, it did not contain Kaspersky 2006, 2007, nor 2008 - in fact, it contained nothing. Just plain blah - a mischievous CD-RW.

Damn.

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A Christmas Message For You (From Me..)

...

SPOTTED: Varian's a NURSE?!

This just in:
Lonely Boy was seen playing the tricks out of his sleeves.
We all know he wants to be a writer,
and he is not much of a good "care-taker".
Perhaps he's on a re-route of careers?
Careful V, you know karma's a big, bad bitch.

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Nope, you will not be seeing pics of me here clad in an all-white silly suit. I DON'T want to be a nurse, mind you - besides, I've had enough of giddy thingamajigs with MIW (Men In Whites), so why join their party? LOL!

Here's the thing, my mom's sick and she needs to take this test to determine her body's sugar (whatever..). There's no nurse available in the neighborhood and there's no other person capable of doing such things that requires careful understanding of instructions and handling the situation - well, except me. Yes.

The needle (Yay!)

The Blood Sample (Yay! Yay!)

So that's it. I was my mom's nurse for today. But I don't want to see this even in the near future:

Varian S. Mazo, RN

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Your Christmas Look?

Cold wind..
Jam-packed malls..
Heavy traffic..

Yes, I guess it's really Christmas time for us Pinoys. Everyone seems to wear a smile on their faces - have you noticed that? If not, then look at your back, see if the Grinch is standing behind you. Scratch that. Kanina sobrang trapik dahil sa mga naglipanang mga estudyante sa kalsada na naka-porma at may bitbit na regalo or pagkain - Christmas party nila!

Naalala ko tuloy, hindi kumpleto ang pasko ko kung wala akong bagong set ng damit, mula ulo hanggang paa. Whether it would be worn on the school's Christmas party, the Christmas eve mass, or the New Year's eve mass, my get up should always look fresh - to start the next year with a new style I suppose. Project Runway? LOL!

Ang kalokohan(?) kong iyan ay nagsimula nung tumungtong ako ng First Year High School - just don't ask what year because mahina na ako ngayon sa numbers. Let me track my fashion sense during the previous Christmas seasons:

First Year High School - Foreigner Look
Uso noong panahon na iyon ang cargo khaki pants - so syempre yun ang suot ko. Tapos three-fourths shirt na color blue and gray from Human, my Garnett (the NBA player) rubber shoes, shades at - blonde na buhok.

Second Year High School - The Goth Child
On that year nauso ang elephant pants, yung nagwawalis ng kalsada na pantalon. Yun suot ko na color black, then baggy, dark gray polo from Dickies, black Nike rubber shoes, snake and barbwire bracelets at - slimy, spiky hair.

Third Year High School - Coño Kuno
Di ko tanda uso noon exactly, all I remember was I want to look rich. I sported a plain white polo, relax cut khaki pants, leather sandals by Rusty Lopez, a nice pair of bead choker and bracelet at - khaki cap from Penshoppe.

Fourth Year High School - StarStruck Ultimate Survivor
Nauso ang artista look na: printed polo at faded jeans, so go ako sa blue and white printed polo and faded blue and green jeans. Then I wore black sneakers from Dickies, rope-like necklace with pendant, garterized arm band at - brushed-up, wet-look hair.

First Year College - Coño Kuno Part Two
Trend noon ang longsleeves pero hindi polo, sweater ata iyon, basta. I wore a color white one with sprinkled paint-ish style na color blue and black from Oxygen, faded jeans, white rubber shoes, silver necklace and bracelet at - clean cut hair.

Second Year College - Flower Power
Nauso na naman ang colored polo, but this time I wore a green Lito Atienza inspired one, with khaki pants, white shoes, baller at - oasis hair.

Third Year College - Striped
Naglipana during this year ang striped polo shirts, syempre hindi ako nagpahuli. I wore a green, gray and white striped polo shirt from Penshoppe, faded jeans, chucks, dog tag, rocker bracelet at - shark hairdo.

Fourth Year College - Emo On The Go
Fresh na fresh pa sa memory ko ito, uso ang ka-emohan dito sa bansa. I wore a white skinny jeans from F&H, black and gray striped semi-fit shirt with emo guy print from Penshoppe, black with white lines knitted cardigan from Bench, black and gray checkerboard sneakers from Vans, black and white checkerboard belt and bracelet, black rosary necklace at - shabby hair with bangs.

Whew! I had fun reminiscing my younger years - my very own memories of the Christmas season. Too bad I don't have pics to share (Was that really too bad? Buti kamo wala! LOL!). How about you, what's your Christmas look for this year?

This year, I'll go Preppy Style.
I'm so excited!

Happy Christmas in advance!

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Virus-Friendly Talk

A typical friend-friend discussion. Definitely not a by-product of creative juices.

Amir: Hey Var! How have you been? Tagal nating hindi nakapag-usap ah.

Varian: Amir? Uy, long time no see tayo ano? Eto medyo busy sa work, gabi na lang ako nakakapag-online life ng matino. Kaw musta?

Amir: Ah talaga? I'm doing fine. Naku, speaking of online life, pareho tayo, tuwing gabi na lang din ako, pero...

Varian: Pero... what?

Amir: My PC has this virus, I think. Well, nagtotopak lahat ng browsers ko, hindi ma-remember mga passwords ko sa lahat ng accounts ko, so I'm having a hard time. Asar...

Varian: Hala, hassle nga iyan. Pero naa-access mo pa rin naman lahat ng accounts mo?

Amir: Yup, maliban nga lang sa isa na talagang di ko na ma-access ng matino.

Varian: Don't tell me Multiply?

Amir: Nope, XTube; agaw trip no?

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Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID)

a psychiatric diagnosis that describes a condition in which a single person displays multiple distinct identities or personalities (known as alter egos or alters), each with its own pattern of perceiving and interacting with the environment. The diagnosis requires that at least two personalities routinely take control of the individual's behavior with an associated memory loss that goes beyond normal forgetfulness.
Source: American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)

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Elsa Sari-Sari Store

Move over Mr. Magorium and Willy Wonka!
Ito ang aming tindahan..
At ang ilan sa aking mga kamag-anak..
Bow..

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CRonicles

CR + Chronicles = CRonicles

Ok, ok, lame equation.
Pics taken from the days of my online absences just recently.

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Circus (Album)

Rating:	★★★★★
Category:	Music
Genre:	Pop
Artist:	Britney Spears

Catchy, nasty, juicy, Britney – that’s how I will describe Pop Princess [now Queen of Pop according to Danja] Britney Spears’ sixth studio album. Undeniably, this is her best to date. Spears has managed to morph the pop-bubblegum side of Britney, the mature lyrics of In The Zone, and the dark, electro-pop beats of Blackout into one of the most anticipated albums of all time, Circus. Her collaborative efforts with producers Max Martin, Bloodshy & Avant, and Danja still proves how Britney’s music is in a class of its own. Spears’ Circus is comprised of memorable choruses, danceable beats, and haunting lyrics where most of the songs are a potential smash hit – even the bonus tracks. Here’s my power ranking (bonus tracks with separate ranking):

1. Circus
One of the strongest songs in her career – and probably her best ever (Piece Of Me now drops as my 2nd best Britney song). Circus incorporates the sexy, Asian beats of I’m A Slave 4 U and the concept of Piece Of Me. But this time, Spears tells everyone that she’s the ringleader and she always blasts her shows on fire. Clearly through this song, all eyes are set on her.

2. Womanizer
The intro and first few beats suggest weirdness – but wait till you hear the chorus! Womanizer’s catchy, addicting melody surely gets heads boppin’ and asses shakin’. The plus factor here is the lyrics which tell women empowerment, where Britney dictates that a certain lad is in no way of harming her feelings – don’t dare to front for she knows what you really want.

3. Kill The Lights
Danja plus Britney Spears is never a miss when it comes to insanely energetic tracks. Kill The Lights captures the nasty, lively beats of Get Naked (I Got A Plan) and the message of What It’s Like To Be Me. Though it's believed as Piece Of Me part two, this new Danja-Spears masterpiece is beyond the expectation; there’s more to her than what you hear – pure satisfaction.

4. If U Seek Amy
Probably one of the cleverest songs ever produced in the music industry. The tandem of Max Martin and Britney Spears is really timeless, and worth hearing as always. Addictive melody and catchy lines are the main course of this track, where Britney tells a two-sided story: one about Amy and one about her. Not convinced? Just read the title as fast as you could to decipher; I know you’re like all of the boys and girls begging to do that to Britney.

5. Shattered Glass
A killer track, the other side of Spears’ Everytime. The lyrics lets loose the revengeful side of Britney, as she tells the person that she’ll be haunting his dreams and everything they had before is now broken. Features a massive beat with the verse and transforms into an enticing one with the chorus – cool concept.

6. Unusual You
Bloodshy & Avant returns with Spears through this epic, sparkly ballad. The electro-mystical beats incorporates Britney’s vocals and gels well. It tells how Britney found an unusual kind of guy which she expected to break her heart. Sweet.

7. My Baby
Like Everytime and I’m Not A Girl, Not Yet A Woman, this track reflects the woman in Spears. Her vocals are so smooth and sweet; it suggests how a loving mother she is to her two sons – for without them, how can she get through everything?

8. Out From Under
Though this is only a cover song, Spears still managed to nail it; this break-up song is like Shadow in a notch higher. Full of emotions and sincerity with her vocals saying “let’s just say goodbye forever”, you can tell that her rendition is better than the original.

9. Lace And Leather
Cute melody, mature lyrics – this song suggests how Britney is really close to Madonna’s music. This fantasy courtesy of her is undeniably a must-have!

10. Mmm Papi
Naughty, racy, sexy. Brings out the wicked side of Britney and her Toxic-ish attempt in vocals. Grab her tight and don’t let her go, she’s you “mami”, alright?

11. Blur
It’s like Early Mornin’ part two – a song about a date-rape incident. The Danja spark is not really in the right place here.

12. Mannequin
Insane beats, crazy drums, so-so lyrical content. Britney, what were you trying to say?

Bonus Tracks:

1. Trouble
Another Bloodshy & Avant masterpiece! Features dark, electro-pop beats that is in-line with Spears’ vocals; I think this should replace Blur instead.

2. Quicksand
Lady Gaga surely knows how to do right songs. The balanced beats and juicy words in this track suggest a possible hit, if not a bonus track. Should have been in the place of Mannequin.

3. Phonography
Spears’ lets out her nasty side here again with the help of Bloodshy and Avant. It has an insane beat and an addictive chorus which tickles everyone’s attention.

4. Rock Boy
Danja proves again that his chemistry with Britney is undeniably worth of listening through this up-beat track.

5. Rock Me In
Close to Do Somethin’, but slips a little bit when it comes to being catchy.

6. Amnesia
Weird beats like Mannequin, but has promising message and vocals from Spears.

Radar
I’m not going to rank this one because we all know that this perfectly fits in Blackout. Definitely one of the best Bloodshy & Avant and Britney collaborations; dark, sexy, addictive – and I still can’t understand why this is a bonus track here.

Ego-boosters (BOOM!!!)

Disclaimer: this is a feel-good blog entry. 

Mom's back!

Yes, after being in the hospital a few days ago, she's finally home - and recovering! Thank God!

Episode #125

Haven't finished my episode's fucking script yet - oh well. Hello college days! LOL! I promise I'm gonna finish you - swear; redundancy.

SM Muntinlupa: CRAP

I went there this afternoon to buy stuffs for my mom and for a gift. The mall was sooo BIG - had a lot of time to choose between sorts of options on where and what to buy. That was a sarcastic note though.

13th month!

Makukuha ko na bukas! LOL! Hmm.. is that different from the "bonus"? Sorry, newbie on this one.

Keyboard drop!

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JC Tiuseco: First Pinoy Sole Survivor

Congratulations JC Tiuseco for winning the first season of

You are the true Pinoy Sole Survivor!

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Who should be the first Pinoy Sole Survivor?

Spoilers about JC Tiuseco winning the first title of Pinoy Sole Survivor erupted a couple of months ago in the world wide web. Apparently, the alleged winner is yet to be proven since the finale of the first season of Survivor Philippines will be shown live(?) tomorrow.

Unlike the disaster Pinoy Idol, Survivor Philippines has set a mark on Philippine primetime TV viewing by winning the weekly ratings every night - welcome back the glory days of Paolo Bediones and Extra Challenge. Execution-wise, well done; consistency, a bit off. Though all in all, the show's indeed a success.

Now that only two castaways remain and the title will be announced to whom by tomorrow, I shall say my final piece:

I go for JC Tiuseco. I need not to elaborate. JC is my Pinoy Sole Survivor.



For more info, check out:
The Survivor Philippines Official Site
Survivor Philippines dotComers
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Lapitin ka ba?!

Bahala ka kung paano mo iintindihin ang tanong ko, at mas lalong bahala ka kung isasalamin mo ba rito sa mga sasabihin ko ang pagkatao mo. Inuulit ko: bahala ka.

Pala-kaibigan, isa yan sa mga natatanging ugali na meron ako na talaga namang ikinagigiliw ng lahat. Pakiramdam ko nga, hindi buo ang karakter ko sa istorya ng buhay ko kung wala sa akin ang katangian na yan. Sabihin man nating natural iyon sapagkat wala akong kinamulatang kapatid, ngunit nangingibabaw pa rin para sa akin ang mabuting naidudulot ng katangian kong iyon.

Marami akong kakilala. Marami na akong nakilala. Marami rin akong gustong makilala.

Karamihan sa mga kilala ko ay lapitin ng suwerte. Hindi ko lubos maisip kung sadya bang malas ako o ano, pero iba ang kapit ng suwerte talaga sa kanila. Tipong mananalo't-mananalo talaga sa bawat pa-raffle na masasalihan. Saya di ba?

Meron din namang ilan, na sana ay hindi talaga ako kabilang sa kanila, na lapitin ng kamalasan. Aaminin ko, pabaya ako - sa loob ng isang araw ay hindi pwedeng hindi ako mabunggo doon o matalisod diyan kahit isang beses lang - ngunit hindi naman siguro iyon kasing malas ng tulad sa iba pang kakilala ko. Siguro hindi ko na dapat banggitin pa ang mga kamalasang iyon.

Mangilan-ngilan naman ang lapitin ng engkanto, espiritu, at kung anu-ano pang lamang lupa. Matawa ka man sa nasabi ko, pero wala akong pakialam na sasabihin sa'yong naniniwala ako sa kanila. Hindi ito biro, hindi ito drama. Nasa sa iyo rin naman kung maniniwala ka - pero doble ingat din sana. Mabuti na ang takot at handa kesa sa matapang at tanga.

Yung iba naman ay lapitin ng babae, pero hindi naman babaero; lapitin ng lalaki, pero hindi naman lalakero; lapitin ng bakla/tomboy, pero ano, kuwan, basta. Mag-isip ka na lang.

Marami pa akong kakilala na lapitin ng kung anu-ano pa, pero hindi na ako magbabanggit pa't baka abutin tayo ng umaga. Basta ako, alam ko sa sarili ko na lapitin din ako. Tinatanong mo kamo kung lapitin ako ng ano? Sige. Pero bawal tumawa. Peksman?

Lapitin ako ng taong may tali - nakatali ang puso, utak, kamay, at lahat pa ng bahagi ng katawan na pwedeng itali; nakatali ang prinsipyo, pananaw, at pagmamahal.

Oo, hindi ko rin alam ang kasagutan kung bakit at pagod na akong ulit-ulitin ang tanong na "bakit?". Isa lang ang akin: Ayaw kong manira ng buhay ng may buhay - minsan ko ng nagawa, kaya't ayaw ko ng ulitin pa.

Ikaw, lapitin ka din ba? Ingat ka - bahala ka.

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Pasko na dito sa Munti..

Christmas decoration ng Muntinlupa City Hall.
Well, not bad, way better than the previous years I guess.
Ang lameg na dito sa Muntinlupa!!!
;-)

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Anong Karir Mo?!

What: Beginnings At Twenty Plus Christmas Party '08
When: December 8, 2008
Where: Spicy Fingers, Greenbelt 1, Makati City
Theme: Anong Karir Mo?!
More pics to come - hope so.

So I ended up wearing something I didn't plan before (Jump: http://hawouino.multiply.com/journal/item/270/Christmas_Party_Costume_Dilemma); I was the night's Justin Timberlake-ish Club DJ - don't try to argue or I'll scratch your face! LOL! I made efforts to really look cool and unique amongst my office mates, but unfortunately it wasn't enough. Ms. Rachelle took the grand prize for Best in Costume for she was a Geisha, beat that! LOL! Nevertheless, I won a raffle worth P500 and our presentation (the new employees) which I choreographed was indeed loved by our bosses so they gave our group P3,000; we're 12, so that adds P250 to my cash; at the end of the night, I was P750 richer - not bad.

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Britney Spears - Circus

Her second single off of her 6th studio album with the same title. Circus captures again the wild side of Britney Spears. Definitely way better than the I'm A Slave 4 U video, but this is not her best - Womanizer is. Still, SMOKIN' HOT!!!

Britney Spears @ Good Morning America, Dec. 2, 2008

The complete video; Womanizer and Circus performance, plus the humongous Circus-inspired birthday cake! Isn't that sweet?