How the Floods Ate My Car (EDIT: Emergency Numbers Added)

EDIT: Emergency Numbers for those stranded and/or in need of help:
Red Cross:143, 527-0000
MMDA:136
Coast Guard: 527-6136
Rubber boat requests to: 838 3203 or 838 3354
Office of Sen Villar to rescue stranded people may also send SMSs to: 0917-4226800, 0917-2414864, or 0927-6751981

Also: The LRT and MRT will be running 24 hours today.

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Today was supposed to be a nice, normal day. Maybe a little rain, maybe a little wind, no big deal. But then a horrible force of nature came and ruined my day:

Climate Change Sucks Ass

I woke up at 8:30am and there was quite a downpour. I had a breakfast date with my brother and father at a cafe across the street, so I put on my rain skimmers and headed down. We were at the coffee shop until about 11:00am, with the rain pouring continuously around us.

The View From My Window: Gray Skies on a Rainy Day

My father left for home (in Katipunan), whilst my brother and I walked back to our respective apartments in Eastwood. It wasn't long before reports started to come in that different parts of QC were flooding, and at around 2:00 pm I went down to the lobby to check what was going on. I overheard that rubber boats were being dispatched to some of the farther areas because of the height of the floods, and that people were standing on their roofs to avoid it!

Our housekeeper rang me to say that my car (which I keep in my parents house), had been completely submerged in the garage. The first floor of the house had also flooded up to the waist, and she was moving as much of the living room and dining room that she could to the second floor.

My dad called me a couple of hours later to say that our street was inaccessible, and that he was staying at the clubhouse. My mom's car had not been parked in the garage, and had actually floated away. Let me repeat: FLOATED. Away.

Here's a clip of part of the Katipunan road, right across from Ateneo de Manila university.



It's now 5:30pm and the sky is completely black. I went downstairs to check how things were, but so far the floods haven't damaged Eastwood overmuch; Ortigas still happens to be accessible, but you can't get very far on C5 due to it being submerged.

One of Makati's Many Underpasses

They say that this is only typhoon signal 1, but damned if it doesn't look much higher. All my family members and the boyfriend are accounted for, though, so I think I should just count myself lucky. Stay safe and dry, everyone! :(

Other photo updates: (click to enlarge)

That little bit of white you see? That would be what's left of a car. :(

the Fort

Photos of various areas also viewable here: http://ondoy.tumblr.com

Catching Up On UP's UAAP Turn-Out!

UP Pep Squad's Competition Performance

So it seems that UP Pep Squad's routine landed them 3rd place at the 2009 UAAP last September 13, and I can't say that I'm surprised. While technically sound, I was a little disappointed that their performance lacked the unique flavor that they're known to bring year after year. I mean, who could forget 2008's Tribo: Sugod theme (tribal techno theme + grand finale disappearing act + The Naked Man), or 2007's UP Rocks theme (hello, they danced to the Ghostbusters theme? How awesome is that??)?

Don't get me wrong, though: I was impressed with this year's finale of "transforming" a carboard IKOT jeep and a bunch of pom-poms into our UP Seal (i.e. a parrot, haha), and that stunt was probably what got them into medal range. Still, I was hoping the 2-year championship streak would turn into a 3-year streak, if only because the UP Maroons basketball team is fricking hopeless (11 losses to 3 wins = 6th place out of 8 universities, sigh).

Other scores include: 1st place in Football (men's; why isn't football more popular in this country?), 1st place in Judo (women's; 3 years in a row, yay!), 2nd place in Volleyball (men's), 2nd place in Baseball (men's), 2nd place in Basketball (women's; hahahahaha, are you noticing a trend, here?), 2nd place in Swimming (women's), and a bunch of 3rd places for Tennis (men's), Table Tennis (men's and women's), Swimming (men's), Fencing (men's), and Tae Kwon Do (women's).

So to recap: UP women's teams place in medal range for Judo, Tae Kwon Do, Basketball (hahahahaha), and Swimming, while the men do well in Volleyball, Fencing, and Football. Yes, UP women are macho. :D

Also, I had hoped to see Arnis enter the UAAP before my college years were over, but I guess we've got a bit longer to wait. The last time I competed in what our association would call Pre-UAAP tournaments, we'd already had UP, ADMU, UST, and DLSU with legit teams, so all that was left was actually doing the paperwork. :( Oh, well.

I'm admittedly not much of a sports fan, but what graduate doesn't want to see their alma matter do well? Hopefully the UP Pep Squad will retake their throne next year, and here's hoping that our Basketball team (Women's, hahahaha), continues their uphill trek!

Avast Ye, Me Hearties! I Spy The Great White Forest!!

It's Talk Like A Pirate Day and we mustn't play favourites with fuzzy happenings. All ye wenches'll be getting the piratey treatment today, and what better way to introduce ye all to the great White Forest Cake of the vaunted Red Ribbon inn?

It was a dark and stormy night when my well-hung first mate and I sought shelter at the shining beacon of light called the Red Ribbon inn. They fed us breaded fowl and mushrooms, spaghetti with meatballs the size of the moon, and gave us iced tea to drink.


Whilst there, we happened upon a lonesome King, a leader of cannibals, and a small and curious cabin boy. There were games then, and a battle of wits that my first mate won! (He happily pocketed a piece of paper promising 300 pieces of gold, but gold that could only be spent at the inn. :( )

After this, there was dead quiet across the inn. A strange light show played across a white sheet before at last the White Forest was unveiled! The White Forest cake was a heavenly mix of white chiffon and maraschino cherries, whipped cream and white chocolate shavings. It was truly a feast for any pirate to behold!


We were so enamored with the cake that a mighty battle ensued to see who could win it. Yarrr! Of course, me first mate and I came out on top, barely escaping with our lives but satisfied in the knowledge that the treasure was ours! :D

The White Forest Cake: Bursting with piratey goodness!

Now available at 560 pieces of gold for the regular size, and 335 pieces of gold for the junior size, wherever Red Ribbon cakes are sold. (Or not! As of the posting of this entry, only select branches carry this cake. The Libis branch is one of those that carries it, so head on over to sample your very own slice of White Forest!)

SOLO Presents: Old Manila Photography Contest

click to enlarge

Solo is launching its ground breaking online Old Manila Campaign Contest to celebrate its new website and the new Old Manila Graphic Tees Series! SOLO wants you to "Discover YOU"! One can just join the contest, by buying any Solo Old Manila Tee and photograph themselves wearing the tee. Contestant can use their creativity and graphic elements using available vectors online, then upload it to the Solo website at www.solo.com.ph. As the contest progresses, anyone registering on the site can vote and even share entries on their Facebook walls. The winning submissions win cash, gift certificates, G-Shock watches from Time Depot and becomes the next face of Solo! To join, go to www.solo.com.ph/postermaking.

To Join:

• Male or Female, at least 18 years old
• Residing in the Philippines
• Contestant can be an individual or a team which consist of a model and a graphic artist/stylist
• Individual entries can be both graphic artist/stylist and model, and if chosen will receive both prizes for winning model and winning graphic artist/stylist
• Have a remarkable/unique Solo Personality
• Doesn’t have a modeling/endorsement contract with a clothing line or competing label
• Images should be:
  • 450 x 573 pixels, RGB format
  • At least 72 DPI Resolution
  • JPEG File
• Entries must be submitted between September 1 to November 30, 2009
• To see complete Rules and Regulations go to www.solo.com.ph/postermaking/mechanic

Sounds pretty interesting, right? I'm not sure if I'll have time to join, but given the ample time period, I just might try my luck! :D

Good luck, ladies!

Headbands Are Love: A Peek Into My Collection

As a certified Shopaholic, I've admittedly dabbled in a plethora of clothing and accessory trends. The layers of Swarovski crystal bangles, the huge "statement" rings, the handmade cameo vintage necklaces-- I've tried them all at one point or another.

However, the one trend that has seemed to stick with me through various hair styles and overall fashion changes has been the one and only "statement hairband". I'm an absolute sucker for these things. I love the large flower types, the assymetrical chiffon layered-types, the Gothic Lolita types, and of course, Gossip Girl's sweet little ribbon-on-the-side type!

I've been collecting these little lovelies for the better part of a year now, and let me tell you that I've built up quite a collection from various stores. I've bought from multiply sellers (all handmade, thank you very much!), typical girly accessory stores in malls, and heck, I've even bought a few at Comic Con! I've selected my absolute favourite pieces to share with you all, and (when possible), I've included a link to where they can be purchased.

Yes, the flower really is this huge.

To start things off, I'd like to present my biggest headpiece. This is the largest flower that I can bring myself to go out wearing, and even though I've seen people wear bigger ones, this is my limit. Lol. I bought it in Girl Shoppe at the Eastwood Cybermall for about 150 pesos (maybe less). It's one of my few statement headbands that are on the cheaper side, and I love it to bits! Who says that fashion has to be expensive? Haha.

This actually has a silver glitter headband, which thankfully doesn't show because of my copious amounts of hair. I actually found this at the Manila Comic Con (a gothic lolita outfitter was selling it), and I was on the fence about buying it because I didn't really fancy the silver bit. But I tried it on anyway and realized that you couldn't even really see the headband! Since I really did love the over-the-top flower and feathers combo, I ended up snapping it up. :)

I also bought a slightly more sedate single-flower headpiece on a black glitter band from the same seller, which I wear when I'm feeling girly. I can't remember how much this was, but it couldn't have been more than 250 pesos. If any of my readers happens to know the designer and/or her website, please comment! I'd love to put her link up.


These next couple of headbands are actually by designer RoyAnne Camilla. They were on the expensive side, but you have to admit that they have that unique quality about them without being as over-the-top as the first two. These are perfect for evenings out and/or formal functions since they're really classy and fairly unobtrusive.

The only quibble I had about them was that the steel headbands, while sturdy, tend to make my scalp ache after a day's use. You don't feel the pinch when you slide them on, but after 12 hours wearing it... trust me, you'll feel it.

RoyAnne makes her headpieces in limited edition quantities, so each piece goes for about 500-650 pesos. You can check out her online store here.

This next one is a pretty typical sidebow headband, but the little twist is that it has a bit of silver lining as an embellishment to the bow! It's a lovely little thing, perfect for when I feel like putting on my favourite pink sweater and some Maryjanes. :D This is yet another headband from Girl Shoppe (their headbands are cheap and I kinda sorta go there once a week, haha).

This last piece is my latest purchase. I got it from Etsy, though I did find out later on that the seller also has a local multiply account. There was a bit of trouble with shipping (mostly because Air21 sucks and she ended up having to ship later via JRS), but in the end everything worked out. It's huge and gorgeous and perfect for parties, and the best part is that the plastic base doesn't give me a headache when I wear it!

Prices are a little steep-- approximately 500 to 600 pesos per headpiece, but Designer Ahyen Largado can be counted on to deliver original designs. Check out her site here.

If any of you ladies out there know about some interesting accessory stores (be they on multiply or in a mall), drop a comment and let me know! I'm always on the lookout for the next cute headband! :D

The Hair Story Continues... From Vulcan to Vamp!

I've said it before and I'll say it again: I am obsessed with changing my hair! If you follow my blog at all, you'll have noticed that my hair-changing trend occurs as soon as my hair grows enough to warrant a hair cut. If it hasn't grown sufficiently in a month or two, I'll change the color, texture, or either rebond or curl it.

Since my 'do has outgrown it's old rebonded-wth-bangs look, I've been going crazy trying to figure out what I want to do with it next. It wasn't long before I realized I missed having lovely curly hair, and voila! Here are my before and after pics:

Goodbye, Vulcan Hair!

Hello, Vampy Curls!

You also can't see it much in the photo, but my hair is a dark brown now. :P What I like about this style is that you're *not* supposed to comb or brush it, but just slick it with mousse and go. Completely wash and wear and I love-love it to bits. :D

I've been growing my hair since I had it cut page-boy short two years ago, but I can never seem to settle on a single look. At this rate, I'm going to have to keep cutting the ends (to get rid of the rebond/curl/whatever-chemical-I-choose-to-drench-my-locks-in-damaged ends), and I'll have medium length hair forever!

Still, I think it's a small price to pay to get to change my look every month or so.

In any case, I've been waiting for some free time to open up as I have a ton of stuff to blog about (art exhibit photos, job shift, birthday plans, etc.), so watch out for more posts this week!

Have a great week, everybody!

(See past hair posts here and here!)

Birthdays, Romance, and the Circus, Oh My!

Pass the ketchup, kthnx.

My birthday's coming up in a couple of weeks and as far as super special activities go, I'm pretty stumped. Cosmo says that birthday girls should celebrate with candlelight dinners and moonlit walks along the beach, but that's not really my kind of romance.

Last year, I went with my boy to the Manila Ocean Park and had little fishies eat my feet at the foot spa. (It was ticklish, and unpleasantly so.) The shark aquarium was awesome and frightening at the same time, and I was kind of glad we missed Feeding Time by a minute and a half. Also, an old friend who I wasn't speaking to surprised me with a dozen red roses, and I tossed them out because I

a) Don't like flowers and
b) I was pissed at him.

I suppose that the ironic thing about last year's birthday was that the best part was when JC and I took a break at a cookie cafe. We held hands and ate cookies and drank too-sweet soda that was sorely overpriced. Utter perfection.

I've been asking friends and family for activity suggestions, and I've gotten everything from "crazy motel party" to "enter a hotdog-eating contest" to "cruise down the mean city streets whilst pelting older couples with viagra". (Hey, an active sex life is important in a relationship, and mature couples would be happy with the boost!) I'm not feeling particularly drawn to any such thing, though perhaps a quiet night is the way to go. Lazy cuddling is something I've never done on a birthday, and we all know how important intimacy is for couples getting on in their old age. ;)

Oh well! I guess it's a toss-up between spending a quiet birthday inside or club-hopping and getting drunk. I'm too young for the former and too old for the latter, so perhaps a mish-mash of both.

I guess I'll find out in a couple of weeks!

*You guessed it, folks: Still nothing about the circus. One day, I'm going to actually go to a show and write about it and then I'll surprise you all. Hah!

Event Announcement: 7-Eleven's Big bite Match Finals

The 7-Eleven Big Big Match Finals results are out! Feast your eyes on the Top 25 Gastronomic Giants of the Philippines:


Sadly, my plans to enter as Lightning Lizzy was thwarted by the fact that it takes me five minutes to eat one and a half hotdogs, after which I start to feel woozy from all the processed meat. Fun.

Still, that won't stop me from pointing and laughing watching as these stalwart individuals face off at the big event.

Finals will be held at the SM Mall of Asia on September 26, 2009 at 5:00 pm. Be there to watch these guys and gals duke it out for the grand prize of P500,000! :D

JIV Manila Presents: Venusian Principle

Well, it's that time of the year again, folks. I've been painting my little butt off for the past few weeks, and I've got 9 paintings going up at my art group's latest exhibit.

click to enlarge

"The Venusian Principle" will run from September 4 to October 3, 2009. It will be held at the "My Little Art Place" gallery at 222 Wilson Street, Greenhills, San Juan City, and will be featuring the works of Ice Basit, Liezl Buenaventura, Lito Casaje, Juno Parungao, and Claude Sta. Clara.

Opening night will be held on September 4 at 7:00pm (yes, there will be cocktails and wine). Hope to see you all there! :D

For directions to the gallery, please visit the My LAP website here.