giornalediregina

          Gosh, it’s leap year today. Also, the second result day in American Idol semifinals.

          I woke up today, in a middle of such a very weird dream, and I did it without the help of a cellular alarm. I went to the bathroom to take a bath, thinking about my dream. The dream was pretty long, and there were people I know in it. The thing is, I don’t remember that dream anymore.

           I was thinking about it, perhaps, trying to remember what my dream was all about, I didn’t come up with an anwer. I dropped it off and just took a bath. I forgot all about it and headed to start a new day. It was shampoo day, and I used Palmolive green on my hair today. I’m not fond of the smell, but any Palmolive will do, at least, it would be a good hair day for me today.

           I ate breakfast and got dressed. When I was about to leave, the phone rang (the internet line) and I answered it. It was Auntie Nene, and she wanted to know if my Mom will go to their house. I called for Mom, and they talked. I left and went to school.

           I was half an hour late, but the professor didn’t seem to mind. I copied the lessons, and listened to the discussion. I wasn’t in the mood making a scene, so I shut up.

          Second period class was hard to tell from the first one, because it’s same things happened, except that we had a quiz. I was absent last time, I don’t have notes and I didn’t know that there would be a quiz.

          I wasn’t expecting a miracle or something, but there’s nothing I could really do. You might suggest that I should cheat. Yeah, “cheat”. Believe me, I thought about doing that. The quiz started, and I was really, really nervous.

          Issah was willing to slip me some answers, but I wasn’t really comfortable doing it, plus my eyesight isn’t that good. You know, Issah has tiny handwriting. She was pushing her paper towards my elbow when she noticed that my paper was completely blank, except for number one. Darn, I can’t even cheat right, because I’m not really used in doing things like that.

           Jeff, who was sitting on Issah’s right side got a perfect ten, and that’s just because he has good peripheral vision; he can read and see letters two feet away from him. But me, oh, I don’t know. I can’t do it; I couldn’t really cheat even if I wanted to because I’m too near-sighted, aside from I’m not used to it.

           Of course, I ended up flunking the quiz, but at least I didn’t cheat. Okay, I’m not trying to be the good person here; I admit I could’ve cheated if I have good eyesight.

          After that, I went on a break with Kathy and Dorena. I bought donut, soda and a dimsum. Then, I headed to the upper library. I saw the girl, who was one of my room mates in the hotel, in the upper library. She was working there. I think I haven’t mentioned it before that in this school, we have student workers just like in the U.S. When she saw me, she pulled-up a chatty kind of voice. Our conversation went like this:

Her: (Honestly , I don’t remember her name) Oh, it’s you!

Me: Yeah, it’s me. What’s up girl?

Her: Nothing much here. What are you doing here?

Me: (playing innocent) Uhm, just here to borrow a book. Am I allowed?

Her: (changing the topic) I had a fever, just after when we got back from the trip.

Me: Really? How are you now? Do you feel fine?

Her: Not really. You can bring the bag inside . . . .  (handing back my bag to me)

Me: Thank you…. (then, an idea occured to me. I went inside the shelves and pulled Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows from its shelf, and went back to the counter) Girl, do they allow collegiate students to borrow books from this section?

Her: Why, yes, of course. (She held out a hand to check the book and I handed it to her)… Mmmm. Harry Potter… you, fond of it?

Me: Yeah. . . one of my favorites (although not) You, do like Harry Potters?

Her: No. Just fill this out, (handed me a yellow card) and I need your library card. (I gave the card to me and do what she said. Then, another student worker came and they talked about something. The girl was in hurry, and I asked her to come along with me up to the fifth floor. She did so.)

            The force is so with me. You know, they don’t allow students to bring home HP 7 for some unknown “psychological reasons” but I made it. Yay, I made it!

           I went in on an empty classroom and continued reading it. I found my mark. Fifth period English ticked off and I had to go to the classroom. I was anxious to pass my term paper, which I did only last martedi. I think, I like my term paper. I’ll think about posting it here. It’s very amateurish, but hey, it’s just me who did it. No group mates at all. I was anxious to see my professor because I wanted to give her my term paper.

           And the dreadful moment arrived. My teacher didn’t accept my term paper, just because to the fact that I was absent last meeting. She said she had to talk to me in private and send me back to my seat. I was scolded in front of my classmates, and I don’t think that you can imagine how embarassed I was, even though I’m used in being hummilliated in front of many people. Believe me, I’m only human.

           I went back to my seat, just as the Solis guy showed up and sat on the next chair next on mine, where the Brewen guy used to seat. I was doing my seatwork when he dropped his pen, and I held out a hand to accept it when he picked it up, thinking that it was mine. He looked puzzled, and somehow seeking explanation for my weird gesture.

          I mumbled, “Sorry, I though it was mine”, and I realized that I was holding my own pen in my right hand. Oh my goodness, I almost died of humilliation!

          The teacher let us out early, and my classmates were happy for that, they actually left the classroom. I was pissed off, and still on my seat when I thought about borrowing a classmate’s term paper. A classmate accross from my row obliged and let me. I browsed on it, and decided that it was “downloaded”. You know what I mean. Because in the paper, I assumed that it was from the internet because some of the words and phrases had underlines under, and I just don’t get it why, except for the fact that those lines are actually links.

           I showed my work in one of my classmates, and he said it was cool. Whatever. Maybe, I really had a chance for it. I mean, come on, I exerted effort, at least.

         Then, I went to my aunt’s house to visit the baby. He’s getting bigger everyday. I helped my aunt a little, while I shared some of my experiences in living with Rebecca, another aunt of mine. We had this exchange of opinions on how disagreeable this another aunt of mine.

         Sam’s nanny, told me to get apples from the fridge because she wanted to eat. I think she’s just ashamed to ask for it, so made a little favor for her by doing what she asked. Of all the nannies I’ve seen, she’s the best, I think. You know, nannies from rural areas regularly annoy me because all they had to do is to watch local shows and when you tried joking and kidding around, it’ll take ages for them to realize that you’re joking. I mean, they don’t get the joke at all. But this one, Hannah, is way, way different from the others. In fact, whe she speaks, it doesn’t really shows that she’s from South, because she doesn’t have the thick, Southern accent.

            When Hannah speaks English, I’m impressed. She’s good, and the proper pronunciation, grammar and sentence construction are always observed. She doesn’t even watch local shows. Yes, she tunes in a local channel, but it’s just because she had to watch American Idol. But all the time she watches television, the channel is always on HBO, starmovies, ETC, Disney or Nickeledeon. I couldn’t say that she just watches it, but not totally understand it, because when there’s a punchline in an international movie we’re watching, she laughing. I tried not laughing at a punchline in THE SUITE LIFE OF ZACK AND CODY, which was genuinely funny, to test her whether she’ll laugh when she sees me laugh. Heck, she laughed when I didn’t (I was supressing a fit of giggles), which just proves that she really gets it.

          The weird thing is, sometimes, she’s the first one to laugh because she got the punchline in FRIENDS, and I have to ask her what was it because I missed it. I was like, “whoa.”

          Yeah, my sorella said that Hannah was a degree holder back in their place. I totally believe it, because she’s clever and smart.

          One more thing I like about her; for example I said, “I saw the trailler of Hugh Jackman and Kate Beckinsale’s movie,” other people would have replied, “What?” because it’s either that they don’t know who I was talking about or they don’t know Hugh Jackman and Kate Beckinsale at all. But Hannah knows Hugh Jackman and Kate Beckinsale, Heidi Klum, Katherine Heigl (she even pronounced it right), Terry Hatcher, Nicolette Sheridan, Marco Jaric, LeBron James, Wally Szczerbiak, Adriana Lima, Ellen Degeneres, Fantasia Barrino and a lot more others.

            Speaking of an American Idol winner, today is the result day. Top twenty contestants sang seventies songs and they shed off four more people. Here’s the list of the contestants who got eliminated:

1.) Jason Yeager- I knew it! I knew it that he would be eliminated, because of his back-to-back corny performances, this week and the previous. He sounded like Martin Nievera, whom, by the way, I’m not fond at all. It’s not that I hate Jason or what, but I really think he’s not an idol material, like Martin Nievera. He could be idolized if he’ll try doing action movies, or series in Hollywood. He sort of reminded me of David Borreanaz. In fact, I think that Jason Yeager is cuter than David Borreanaz. Oh please, Hollywood producers, give him a show….

2.) Alexandrea Lushington- I was surprised. I always liked this girl because she was tall, slender and good. She looked my sorella, if my sorella’s height shoot up a little bit taller, and her pimples would clear up.

3.) Alaina Whitaker- I’m no fan, but still surprised why she got eliminated. They could’ve chucked out the rocker nurse, who scares me, by the way.

4.) Robbie Carrico- Hallelujiah! I’ve been praying for him to be eliminated! No star quality at all, and it seemed to me like he’s faking this “keeping-it-real-thing” at all. I’m glad, for the first time, judges picked a right person to be eliminated.

            I wasn’t sad to see these contestants go, as much I did to Colton and Garrett’s elimination.

            Before going home, I finished an episode of Cory in the House in Disney Channel.

            Cory’s friend, the blond guy won being the class president, and he was establishing platforms. I laughed hard when the principal asked him, “Do you have any platforms or anything?” and he answered, “I don’t have platforms, but I have things in mind to do in school while I’m the class president.”

           And there’s this Candy girl who always contradict him. She suggested that the school should have a pep squad. Mina, Cory’s other best friend and crush, was delighted with the idea. Since Cory’s advice is important to his blond friend, he suggested to do that for the sake of his crush, Mina, who was clueless about his feelings towards her.

           Candy, on the other hand, was impressed on Cory. She thought he was a cool guy and worth to be crushing on. On Mina’s encouragement, Candy finally asked Cory out. Cory just obliged to make Mina jealous. Cory became slave to Candy’s every whim and she had him to lift her on a cheer routine. Cory got injured, and Candy felt guilty, so she nursed Cory in the clinic. Cory’s phone rang, it was on speaker mode, and for some instance, Candy found out from the other line that Cory was just using her to make Mina jealous.

          Cory was sorry for real, and he made it up to Candy by showing his school spirits. At the beginning of the show, Cory mentioned that there were two things he wouldn’t do in his life, and that’s “one, I wouldn’t give away money and two, I wouldn’t sing this song”, which I think he reffering to the school hymn. Cory sang the school hymn, which reminded me of a native tradition, “harana”, with the whole school singing with him.

           Candy was touched, so she forgave Cory. Cory excused himself and handed out money to the students who sang with him.

           I went home and ate dinner. Guess what’s for dinner tonight? Dimsum again, and it’s twice the size I ate earlier in school. I watched a replay (American Idol) with Mom. She made her bets, and she got Robbie Carrico right. I logged in after washing and started viewing profiles in myspace. And right now, I’m viewing Josiah Leming’s page.

            I was jetlagged, so I rested for few days. I didn’t engage into activities that will contribute to headeache such as using the computer, watching television and playing piano.

            When I last logged-in here, I wrote about my trip. It was okay, but I wasn’t satisfied.

            On my Mom’s birthday, I gave her the gift I bought at Duty Free. It was a coffee mug, with a “mother book”. I wished her a happy birthday. She thanked me for the gift and left for work. I did my term paper in English and I was up until one in the morning.

           I was glad about my research paper, because I’ve discovered so many things, like finding out that Rachael Ray is a chef. I thougt she’s just another Oprah Winfrey-wannabe.

           I was late for school the next day, so I didn’t go at all. I printed my term paper, and went to my aunt’s house to visit the baby. He’s growing an inch, everytime I see him, I swear. He learned how to emote now, but he’s doing it in a funny way. You know, sniffing and wrinkling his nose first before crying. He’s growing cuter and cuter everyday, too.

           I ate lunch there, and Sam’s mother, my cousin told me about her trip to Stockholm. She said that this weekend, she’ll be traveling back to Sweden again. I had to get to school to pass my research paper, and she went with me. My professor wasn’t there, and my classmates already left. I asked someone from that class where was the prof, and he said she’s absent, and they didn’t sign any attendance at all. I was doubting, so asked another classmate, and this time, I asked the one who has a reputation of telling the truth. I was far convinced that the professor was really absent, so I went to the upper library and read Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

            Oh no. I was right. Months ago, I downloaded HP 7 on the Internet. People call it e-book. I printed the Hp 7 e-book and started reading it. It was fake. I had doubts, of course, but since the contents were all related to the previous Harry Potter books, I believed I’m reading the real one. I wasn’t satisfied with the ending, but of course, I was convinced that it was really Harry Potter 7, so I got along with Joanne Kathleen. If she wanted it that way, no one would could ever change it, because she was the writer.

            And it’s just yesterday when I saw a real HP 7 book. I checked the contents first, and it was the same thing I saw in the reviews in the Internet. I recalled the book which I believed HP7 seven. The characters were complete, but it wasn’t written in J.K.’s style. I mean, I know how Joanne Kathleen Rowling writes, because I read her previous six books, but the seventh, which was the fake, was way far from it.

          Let me tell you about the fake, downloaded HP seven e-book.

          Harry was fetched from the Privet Drive by his two friends, Ron and Hemione. Then, they went to the Burrow to attend Fleur and Bill’s wedding. During the wedding, they were attacked by Death Eaters and dementors. They retreated to Number 12 Grimmauld Place, also known as the House of the Blacks. 

            Harry and his friends left the Order to do some stuff about the Horcruxes. Harry’s birthday came after Fleur and Bill’s wedding. Harry and Ginny had some moments, which were only for adults. That’s the time I started having doubts. You know, Harry Potter Series are children’s books, so it shouldn’t have something like that, and I know that J. K. Rowling would be aware of that. It wasn’t JK’s style to add some adult contents on her books, so had doubts.

            Harry and his friends received some stuff in Dumbledore’s will, and those things were given by Minerva McGonagall.

             Then, when Harry had the six Horcruxes, he’s still one short, he found out that he’s a Horcrux himself. That problem added difficulty in defeating Voldemort. The last duel came simple. It came when people wasn’t expecting it. In some reasons that I don’t need to elaborate, Pansy (parkinson) betrayed them, handed out Harry directly to Voldemort by using a portkey. Then, it all happened. The action I mean. But it came so easy and simple. He killed off Voldy, without anything unsual. I haven’t seen a real “duel”, let alone with magic wands, but expected that some running, hiding from bullets (or curses) and taking cover behind tables, chairs, cars, et cetera, like Owen Wilson in Shanghai Noon or Tom Cruise on Mission Impossible II. You know what I mean.

          Harry killed Voldemort off, like Kenshin Himura slashed Shi-shio, and he went comatose, ending up in a hospital bed, then he wakes up with everyone at his bedside, celebrating. Just like what always what happens in the end of every Harry Potter book.

           But in the “real book”, which I found in the library, and had a National Bookstore tag price on the back, everything happened in a different way. Like Harry left the Privet Drive with whole bunch of escorts, and they duplicated Harry by some of the characters drinking Polyjuice Potion. If you’re an avid, reader, you’ll know what I’m talking about.

           Fights and duels happened in the second chapter of the book, and there were early casualties of war, like Mad-Eye Moody, who died, and George, who lost an ear.

           After that, Harry stayed in the Burrow, celebrated his seventeenth birthday there, received the stuff in Dumbledore’s will, given by Rufuf Scrimgeour (not Minerva McGonagall), and attended Fleur and Bill’s wedding. That’s just how far I’ve read, and I’ll surely tell you about it when I finish the book.

          I went back to my aunt’s house, and played with the baby. I watched American Idol with Sam’s nanny, Hannah. It’s the top ten boys’ turn to perform.

TOP TEN “BOYS”

Michael Johns- Well, he’s not good at just one thing. He plays tennis too, and pretty good at it. I found his performance boring. I mean, the song was good, his vocals were good, but there’s something missing, I think. It wasn’t like his last performance, wherein, he rocked and the whole crowd was working. According to Paula, he was charming, but I don’t think so. I agree with Simon, who said that it was a weak choice of song. He could do better, with other songs.

Jason Castro- I love the clip about him. He said something which sounded like interiews weren’t his things, and he was good at music, but not at anything else, especially in words. True enough, based on the clip, wherein he had to do several takes for a single clip. Tsk tsk tsk. I think I should show you:

           Haha. He wasn’t as good as last time, but he still worth keeping in the show. I think I wanted him to see performing without a guitar. We all should see that. I love the song, and it was really romantic. I think he already established a fanbase, just like David Archuleta. He’s eyes were so cute. It’s beautiful, and it matched the dreadlocks. The smile was killer, too.

            Randy said that having the guitar was charming, cute and all, but the vocals weren’t that great, but okay. Paula contradicted him, and she told him that she thinks Jason was cute. She said she wouldn’t like to see the guitar next week. Simon said that the song was horrible. No way, Simon.

Luke Menard- I’m very surprised to see this guy still on the show. They shoud’ve eliminated him instead of Garrett Haley. His last performance was, uhm I can’t find the right word, except for ugly and he should be out. I guess looks matter. He sort of resembles Orlando Bloom on the forehead and Hugh Jackman in the lower portion of his face. However, he got better this time, and the performance was kind of jazzy. The clip showed that he was a member of an acapella group, which toured out of United States . So, he’s a professional singer to me now. Not a “carpet cleaner” he had always claimed anymore.

           This week, he received a positive feedback from Randy. Randy said that it was much better than the last one. I totally agree. I think, I saw that kind of performance in theater plays. I love the way he performed this time, and I agree with Randy again, the song was difficult, but he was successful in attempting to make an unforgettable performance.

           Paula said that she was glad that it had been a great week for him this week. As usual, Simon was being picky again, and now, I don’t what he said.

Robbie Carrico- I forgot Robbie’s perfomance last week. I don’t know why, but his charm wasn’t working on me. Mom said that he doesn’t have star quality at all. I don’t see why the judges still keeps him.

Jason Yeager- Oh, the Martin Nievera dude. I appreciate that he worked hard to make his performance better. But I just remember his performance because it was cheesy. He was dancing, and I was like, “ew”. He sort of reminds me of David Borreanaz (ANGEL), but when he sings, I forget all about his resemblance to David Borreanaz because of that Martin Nievera-ish voice. I think it’s my second time to say that I don’t like Martin Nievera. Maybe, when David Borreanaz, I mean Jason Yeager got eliminated, he should try pursuing a career in Hollywood. With looks and smile like that, surely, he’d be the next Brad Pitt or Tom Cruise.

Danny Norriega- This kid got talent. I love his vocals, and when I hear him with eyes close, I could imagine another Mario Vasquez or Elliott Yamin. I’m not saying that he’s ugly, but what I’m trying to say is that he’s not masculine-looking. Looks like gay, in short. I have nothing against gay people, but it’s just weird to see him move his head like that, and I think, he’s acting as if he’s Mariah Carey or Whitney Houston when he performs. He maybe imagining that he’s a diva while he’s performing.

             The clip showed Danny, telling about himself being used to be in a punk-rock band. They thought they we’re cool, and they performed, but later on realized that they sucked so they just broke up. How sad. But I’m happy for Danny because he ended up in American Idol. I think I love his performance. A blogger in americanidol.com said that it was a hundred percent better than the last one. I don’t agree, because I think Danny Norriega is consistent with his performance, and although he’s better this time, it doesn’t mean that he messed up last time. I heard different; I love Danny’s Jailhouse Rock.

             I agree with Simon, that Danny Norriega was “fun”. I love it the way he move his head while glaring at Simon. Danny Norriega could possibly be the next Americal Idol.

David Hernandez- I love him because he looks like Jay Sean. I love the smile, the dimple and everything about him. I’m surprised to know that he’s a gymnast, and won several gold medals. I love his performance this week. Very sexy. Excellent choice of song too.

David Cook- I love this guy! I think he’s cool, and unlike some rockers in the show, his voice was so soothing. I was never a fan of a rocker, but I really appreciate David Cook’s style. The clip was so funny, showing him saying hyphaluting words during interviews because he’s a “word-nerd”. “Optimistically pessimistic” is a word surely I’ve never heard. David is the first person I heard saying it.

            The way he performs was so energetic. It’s just like you’re watching a concert, because David includes the crowd in the performance. He urges the audience to sing along with him by winking, pointing, and gesturing as if saying “come here”. He definitely rocked the house.

            Randy said, like me, he also loved David’s picking on the audience as if he was in a real rock concert. Paula said that the band was “on fire”, and she was happy about it, based on what the rest I’ve heard. Simon heard different; he said that David doesn’t have a lot of charisma. What the heck the Simon was talking about? David is oozing with charisma and appeal, and a lot of people agree with me, including Paula and Randy.

            When David heard that, he said to Simon ”Unfortunately, I don’t have to win you over with my charisma, I’ve got to win these people over,” and the crowd went crazy and applaud for David Cook. I, too, want to stand on my feet, and scream at the top of my lungs, “Go, David!”. Randy and Paula were happy to hear that, too. Then, Simon went on again with his litany and scolded David, just like Ma’am Onell does, whenever I said something that I believe, not wrong, but targets her ego. Of course, I do that in class only, not in real life. I love Ma’am Onell because she was smart and intelligent, and she thought me most of what I know in English.

             Paula said women like smart men. Indeed. But I hated Paula for that, because it appeared to me that she’s crushing on my David Cook.

Chickezie- I don’t have much to say for this guy, except for the fact that I like his eyes and the way he smiles, which I found very charming. But the performances and vocals didn’t get my attention at all. And I always take a leak or get some food from the fridge when it’s Chickezie’s turn to perform.

            By the way, I’m wondering why Ryan (Seacrest, who else) refer to him without a surname. If I wasn’t mistaked, his surname was Eze. I guess, if you say “Chickezie Eze”, it would sound very much redundant.

           As I’ve said earlier, I haven’t got much to say for this guy, but I was highly amused with him when Simon reminded him of the “horror show” he did last time. You know, wearing a red suit, but it appeared orange on television. Chick said he loved the suit, and Simon asked him if he’s gonna wear it again. Chick replied, “I can’t wear it on tv, I can’t wear it twice, (sounded something, “it’ll look like a replay”), only you do that!” Haha. I think Chick was just getting back at Simon for calling him hideous. Everyone laughed, and Simon wasn’t mad; he went along with the joke, actually. For your information, I had to watch that episode over and over just to get the lines inside the parentheses on my last sentence.

David Archuleta- Saved the best for last, others say. All I could say was, David Archuleta is a crowd favorite. It’s proven before that crowd favorites are unbeatable, even if they’re losing. Look at Mark Caguioa or Kobe Bryant and their teams. Even if they lose the game, they still act like winners, because the crowd is with them. Our little David is just like the same; a crowd favorite. I’m not saying that I don’t like him, in fact, I really do. Alongside with Danny and David Cook, I predict that he’s going to make it to the top 3 males, or even better, the next American Idol. You know, he had the blessings of Kelly Clarkson when he sang in front of her in a hotel lobby.

            Mom said that she liked David Archuleta. Me too. I love the voice, but the not the song. I understand that it has message on it, but I was never a fan of John Lennon, because I think John Lennon was a boring type of musician. Thanks to David Archuleta, I learned to love his song. I won’t be posting clips for David Archuleta, because his video clips are hundred percent available in youtube, itunes and in many websites. Plus, I’m definitely sure that readers (if there are) already heard of young David.

            It’s the girls’ turn to sing tonight, but I have to miss it, due to tutoring lessons with Benedict. But I’ll be back just in time for the replay. God be with you, Ramiele.

            I finished with The Immaculate Deception. You know, the that I was trying to finish since last week. And now I’m worried about the fines in the library. Oh no. I’ll tell you about the book next time I logged in.

          It really feels good to be home. I’m home. Yay, I’m home.

          I think I’ve mentioned about me, leaving the town for a tour. You know, it’s a school requirement. We’ve been to the Holiday Villas in Olongapo.

          Let me make up for the wasted time.

          After logging out from the Net, I started packing right away. I had a fight with Mom, and believe me, it’s the most inappropriate time for us to fight. I mean, I had leave the next day, I need allowance but Mom was mad at me, and she might refuse to give me.

           At the end of the day, we compromised, she still mad at me, but she knew that I badly needed to go. 

             I woke up on time the next day, Mom gave me what I needed, I said goodbye to her, hugged and kissed her, and left. I reached school before sunset. Students were all over, also the organizers. I checked in my name, and I was assigned to seat in Bus 2. Chaos was all over, and I was annoyed with the event organizers. They should’ve not been called “organizers”, they should be called “disorganizers”. Thanks to them, the departure turned into disaster.

             After an hour seemed a century, we climbed aboard the bus. Everyone was content, until our adviser read a list, and she said those people who weren’t on the list should climb down the bus. I did what I was told and I followed her. At the lobby, many people were there, and there names weren’t also called. I don’t know what that means, but they wanted us to transfer to other buses. I don’t know why, and I didn’t ask why. They read another list wherein our bus numbers were indicated. I probably missed my name, so I went back to Bus 2. I was nervous because our adviser might find out and send me out of the bus. If that happens, I’d die of shame.

             So far, my little secret wasn’t discovered, because I told everyone else that my name was on the list. I end up sitting with the cute dude from the school near my former school. I saw him at the lobby a little earlier, and I laughed at the shirt he was wearing. He was wearing a black and red striped shirt, his chest bobbing out of it. I laughed because I’m not used seeing him like that. He noticed and ask why I was laughing. I didn’t tell him it was the shirt.

            He wasn’t that much of a chatter, but I was glad that he didn’t ignore me the whole trip. Actually, he oftenly asks me whether we still far from the destinations. We even engaged in few, long conversations. He told me about his old school, which was near mine. He told me how he travels and I told him about mine.

           You know, it’s good to sit with him, because I could lean on him and it’s comfortable. It’s not that I was flirting with him, or something; it’s just a move for convenience.

           We had a drive-thru breakfast in Jollibee, and it was eleven o’clock in the morning when we reached the destination. The hotel was Mediterraenean style (I really hope I spelled it right), it consists of several buildings, and has a big pool in the middle.

            Before anything else, we went straightly to the convention hall to eat lunch. Everybody was parched and staring, so we ate dinner first. The meal was great, and I love the dessert. I mean the desserts. There were several kinds of cakes, and I had tasted them, except for the chocolate flavored. The iced tea was unlimited, and the only problem was the people were so many, and it would take you half an hour to get a meal. Did I mention that the dinner was buffet?

            After eating lunch, they let us check in our rooms. It was all hassle. Two hours later, we got into our suit, and I pretty loved it. There were 5 single beds and a king size, 2 bathrooms, one has a bathtub, dinner table, three dressers, complete set of dining utensils, a microwave, 21 inch tv and 2 comfy couches. The interiors were not too much and the furnitures were classics.

            After lunch, we assembled in the lobby and headed to Ocean Adventure. I’ve been there before, so I wasn’t impressed with sea lions and dolphins, as was my first visit. Everyone was annoyed with the “disorganizers” because Ocean Adventure didn’t provide snacks for the late comers and I was one of them. Never mind the pasta, but I was parched from head to toe, I needed the fruit juice. I couldn’t buy because you know the business; they’re overpricing every item.

           I entered the aquarium alone, and took pictures. I was a scary, big loner for others, but I’m comfortable that way. I went back to them just in time the dolphin show started. Pretty impressive. I mean, I was impressed with the dolphin trainers. You know, it’s hard to train fishes. It was followed by the sea lions’ show. Same old tricks along with the same old script.

             After that, we went back to the hotel for dinner. I bathed and changed, curled up on the bed and watched television, while everyone else was having fun. If you could call knocking from room to room and chatting with everyone fun. Carla went inside our suit and smoked. I hated her so much for that. God knows how I hate people who smoke in the presence of non-smokers. In fact, I was pissed off, especially on Carla. That lesbian. I told them to shut the door in the terrace when they’re smoking because I’m allergic to that thing. I said they might get me to a hospital in the middle of the night if I started itching, and they don’t want that so they did as I said. Of course, it’s a lie, I’m not really allergic, I just hate the smell.

            I watched Night at the Museum on Starmovies, while everyone was out. I’ve seen that movie so many times, I think, for like eight times, and I could even recite the lines along with the actors.

           And there’s this one girl who looked so familiar to me. I don’t know where I’ve seen her,but I know I did. She liked watching television too, but only local channels. Duh, as if we don’t have cable. What’s the point of watching local shows when you have so many options? I can’t see the logic on that. Besides, there were so many interesting shows on cable rather than GMA 7 or ABS-CBN. Good thing, my room mates were also interested on the show I was watching, and she was outnumbered.

           Or knocked on our suite, and he asked me if I wanted to play chess. I was pretty bored with television so I played with him. The thing was, he always loses. I wanna say, “Man, give up. You can’t beat a legend.” Haha. Finally, he felt tired so he went back to their room.

           My room mates went back to ours, pretty clear that it was lights out already. Those girls were nasty. All they have to do all night was to gossip. I couldn’t even relate, because I don’t know who were they talking about. I just heard few names that I know, but I was not interested. We expected to have a minibar inside our suite, so we didn’t bring any food with us. Alas, the fridge was empty, and we starved all night long. Finally, we called it a night, and everyone settled on their beds.

          The girls were talking about nasty stuff, such as sex, and I found it disgusting. And being a virgin was like you have herpes or whatever disease, according to the conversation.

          It was one o’clock when all finally slept.

           The next morning, I woke up very, very cold. I took a bath and got ready for breakfast. There was a seminar after breakfast. The speaker was totally annoying, because of his crazy accent. I couldn’t understand a thing.

           After lunch, we went to SMBA aka Jest Camp. I’ve been there before. Same old show for the survival. I went alone to take pictures. I was at the bottom of a tree when two guys went towards my direction. They entered the huts and asked me if someone was living there. As far as I could remember, there was. You know, the Aetas. I’ve seen them the last time I visited the place. The shorter guy offered me to took my picture, but I refused because he doesn’t know the right angles, for sure. I did the same just to be polite, and he gamely pose in front of the hut. He thanked me and left to join the taller guy, which I think, was an Arab, who was now climbing a tree.

            They left and I went to the tree house. I couldn’t climb because I was wearing a dress. Dress, man, dress. How foolish to wear that kind of clothes for a mountain hike.

            When I got tired, I went back to the gate, and sat on a monoblock chair. Lee approached me, and borrowed my cellphone. I departed from her because she was smoking. You know how harmful it is for our body.

           I climbed in the bus and just rested. My seatmate asked how I was when he saw me. His name was Jeff, I think. We arrived at the hotel, and the “disorganizers” handed out meal stubs for the pool side dinner party. Then I started worryin about my swimwear. I had tank tops, but shorts came short, and no one was willing to lend me.

          I managed to pull a pair of shorts, but it was really uncomfortable. After dinner, Bikini Open started, and one of my room mates joined. She had a statusque frame, just like model, and she was towering over other contestants. She walked like a model, but she lacked confidence. Anyway, it was her first time, so that was okay. There were lots of overtrying contestants, but the boys were crazy about it. Call it lust. The guy whom I pictured in front of the Aeta hut made a scene.He kissed the hand of Pauline, a classmate of mine, when she walked.

           Pauline was very, very pretty. When I first attended the class, she caught my attention because of that pretty face of hers. She was also tall and skinny. She seemed so nice, too.

           Ara won. She was the girlfriend of my team mate. Lesbian, I say.

          It was the boys’ turn to walk. The Arab I’ve seen earlier was one of the contestant. So far, he was the strongest candidate for the title. I was right, he was an Arab. He’d be so hot without chest hair, I think. He should’ve shaven his chest.

         He won, and everybody was happy because it was swimming time. I change and dipped the pool. I didn’t stay for long because I was exhausted. I went back to the suite, and changed again, and curled in front of television. It was nearly midnight when everyone came back. This time, we have a lot of food. They stayed up for more gossiping. Again, I wasn’t interested, but I stayed up with them anyway. I was interested in cheese rings and taquitos, to be honest.

             We went to bed finally.

             The next day, the final day was exhausting one. I packed my things as I watched Oscars. We checked out and left the hotel. We did some shopping in Duty Free, and had lunch in a bistro, in front of the Teriyaki Boy. There were lots of lots of foreigners all over the place, and they’re dominating the place. I bought a present for Mom; a coffee mug with a motherbook. It was suited for her, and has ribbon on it, so I don’t have to wrap it. I also bought a kingsize Snickers, and my voice was hoarse until now because of that.

            We arrived at school and I started for home.

           I thought I was watching American Idol via satellite. It was way late. Thanks to the net, I could myself updated.

          I had a severe headache yesterday, hence, I watched the American Idol. It was the girl’s turn to sing.

TOP 12 GIRLS

Alaina Whitaker- I don’t know the song she sang, but I wasn’t moved by it. I don’t even remember it.

Alexandrea Lushington- I love her performance. It was a typical American Idol performance, but she added some spices, and I love her get-up. You know, suspenders and flare jeans.

Amanda Overmyer- Honestly, it’s a real mystery to me why she was still in the show. They should’ve chucked her out, or didn’t pick at all, because there wasn’t anything special about her, except for her style. Gothic, punk, whatever you call it, but it looks scary. The voice is awful too. I’d be happy to see her on the show if her voice is like Aimee Lee of Evanescence. Pardon the spelling, please.

Amy Davis- I don’t remember what she sung, and it definitely didn’t move me, okay. Hate the performance.

Asia’H Epperson- Nice vocals, I love the performance, so energetic, and she seemed a fun person. I just don’t get the H in her name. She definitely made her dad proud.

Brooke White- She’s only 24? Are you kidding me? She looks like 39, seriously. Thanks to David Cook, I loved the song “Happy Together”. Simon said she reminded him of a dishwashing paste (or liquid, can’t remember) commercial, which was joyful, sunny and yellow. Just like Tellytubbies. I hate that show, for your information.

Carly Smithson- Tsk. Man, I don’t like the vocals at all, but the judges seemed to hear different. They all liked her. Who wouldn’t like a professional singer? I think I just learned to dislike her, because of the issue with her past career. You know, she was from Ireland, and a recording artist, even have an MTV video of her own before she joined the idol. She should give chance to others, because she’s through.

Joanne Borgella- Very beautiful girl. And big. I heard that she’s a plus-size model. The thing is, she messed up. I think she was just nervous.

Kady Malloy- Cool. I love the dress, but not the performance.

Kristy Lee Cook- I think she’s the girl who sang “Amazing Grace” during her audition, and Hollywood Week. Yup, twice. She thinks it’s a safe song.

Ramiele Malubay- Oh, the pinay. She reminds me of Raven Simone. She’s pretty and small, just like a typical Pinay. The judges were amazed by her big, powerful voice, and it’s still a wonder to them where that voice came from. They couldn’t believe that that small frame is capable of producing tones a la Mariah, Whitney, or Dianna Ross. Actually, in the Philippines, especially in Philippine Showbusiness, there are a lot of girls like her. You know, small, but terrible. There’s Jonalyn Viray, Sarah Geronimo, Rachelle Ann Go and Sheryn Regis. I couldn’t go on further with the list, sorry. She even sang a typical singing contest show, “You don’t have to say you love me…..” which is always sung in amateur singing contest shows in the Philippines.

Syesha Mercado- My favorite. But what’s up with the name? Anyway, she wowed the judges, and I think, she’ll make it to the top.

             My Favorites: Syesha Mercado, Ramiele Malubay and Asia’H Epperson.

             I’ve been reading a book by Iain Pears, entitled “The Immaculate Deception” since Monday. Usually, it only takes a day or two for me to finish an entire book, plus a summary and review online, but this one, oh, I don’t know. I’ve been forcing myself to read it, but it was so boring. In fact, my favorite subjects, Art and History, were on the book, so I’m expecting that I’d bury my head on it to finish it right away. But no, I always fell asleep, and sometimes, when I’m fully conscious while reading it, my mind seemed to wander off from it.

            When I found it on the library, the title caught my attention. “The Immaculate Deception”, pretty catchy, don’t you think? I borrowed it right away, thinking it was like Da Vinci Code or something like that. Heck no, I was bored to death when I started reading it. Let me tell you about the parts I’ve survived reading.

             Flavia di Stefano, a newlywed and Italian Art Theft Squad head was appointed to go after a missing painting, a Claude something, which was borrowed from Louvre Museum for a complimentary exhibit, secretly, by the Prime Minister. They had to do it secretly to avoid public hummiliation. I’ve learned that it’s against the law, in Italy, to pay for ransom. It’s illegal, and one who paid for ransom should go to jail.

             The borrowed painting was recovered, and it was really confusing how, but I’ll tr my best to tell you. Flavia’s old boss and mentor, Taddeo Bottando helped her out. He thought it was Maurizio Sabbatini who stole the painting, because he’s the only person who’s capable of stealing the painting with such drama, like wearing a Da Vinci mask, and handing out Belgian chocolates before leaving the place.

            Meanwhile, Flavia’s husband, Jonathan Argyll was accross the town, researching on a painting he found in Bottando’s apartment. His research about the Immaculate Concepcion Painting  would be his retirement gift for Bottando. He discovered some mysteries that could lead to another, which made things more confusing.

            After Flavia recovered the painting by illegally paying the ransom, which was from Maurizio Sabbatini’s money, sent by a relative, Maurizio died. Actually, he died before the negotiations. He drowned from a tub of plaster. How weird. I think Bottando’s all behind, and here are my reasons:

1.) Bottando was in his way of retirement, and his pension was small. I think he needs money for an extravagant retired life.

2.) He argued with Flavia who’s to hand the ransom. He won, took the money in the dark, and Flavia assumed that he was trading the money with the Claude painting. He came back to Flavia’s car without the money, but the Claude painting was with him.

3.) He was involved in some missing-paintings-issues, as the investigator, and the book didn’t indicate that he resolved even a single case.

4.) He pinpoints people, and he seemed to know who stole this and that, and was very sure of it.

5.) He suggested the perfect time for swapping, and that was the final day of his job before his retirement.

              You know, what I really liked to know is who stole the painting. I don’t care what’s deceptive with the Immaculate Painting. A review said that the novel was magnificent. Liar.

            I think I have to go now, because I have to pack for a three-day tour. I’d be gone for so long, and I think I won’t be writing here until Martedi, unless, the hotel I’ll be checking-in is Wi-Fi. I’ll be leaving the town, tomorrow, five o’clock in the morning.

            And awhile ago, I visited americanidol.com, and Garrett, Amy Davis, Colton Berry and Joanne Borgella were out of the show. Good grief! I expected to see Luke Menard and Jason Yeager to be out of the show. But Garrett and Colton, no way. They’re so talented and had great vocals. Maybe, my vote really matters. Looks like Idol judges got rid of Ellen Degeneres look-alikes. Man, keep this in mind; if you get in American Idol in the future, never say you look like Ellen Degeneres, even if you really are. People who admit it were always chucked out of the show. I still know one more person who looks like Ellen Degeneres, but still on the American Idol. Unlike Colton and Garrett, he didn’t say it, so he stays.

            Man, I’ve been out for days because I was struck down with fever. Again. This time, it’s not dengue or what, but a simple sore throat or, what others referred to as tonsilitis (did I spell it right?)

            It’s really hard for me to swallow food, even my own saliva. I don’t know where it started and its cause. Everybody blames the bad and cold weather, and I just let them do that. I didn’t know the cause myself, so I let them do the worrying. However, I’ll tell you my activities that could possubly contributed and worsened the sickness.

LUNEDI: After training, we went swimming at the school’s Olypic size swimming pool. With cold temp and all, sure, that gave me cold. On the shower, Joy spilled it that the coach wants me out of the team. I was like “What?” Anyway, they said I have caused him so much trouble because of my numerous injuries, according to the rumors. Okay, I was rejected, and I’m so embarassed to admit it. Anyway, I won’t stop there. So what if I don’t get discount? I love the game and I won’t let him stop me. He’s not even a man, because he couldn’t face me and tell me the problem. After all I’m not after the discount, I’m after the excercise. I don’t know what to do yet; should I confront him or just leave the sport? Well, I’ll worry about that later.

             I went to bed, confused.

MARTEDI: Went with Mom to the market. It’s my first time in seven years to go to the Molino Wet Market. The people now in the market are way younger. I mean, those people should be in school, and they have to work despite of their early age. I saw this strawberry jelly hanging somewhere, and I asked my Mom to buy me a pack, because it looked so yummy. I was right. Before she could pay for it, I reached for one, tore the wrapper and tasted it. MMMMMmmmm.

               Then, we went to Auntie Nene’s house, and I peeled 250 quails eggs. Man, could you imagine that? My thumbs were numb after. There’s this kid from Statefields, whom I thought a retarded. He doesn’t look like one, in fact, he was well-groomed. Clean, smells good, wearing his school uniform and all. He asked me if I was new, and it took me a decade to realize what he was asking. His friend said that I’m not, because he saw me few months ago. I explained myself: I said I wasn’t new, they rarely see me because I only stay there if I don’t have classes.

             I was eating fishballs, left my own bowl when I had to, and he poured his own sauce on mine. Golly. I stopped him on time, but some of the sauce flowed. I still ate it anyway, because i’s shameful to waste food, and Mom said that she knows the kid. I forgot the name. Then, he suddenly asked if I had a boyfriend. I said none, of course, there wasn’t really someone. I was shocked because it appeared that he was patronizing me. Well, that’s what I think. When I said none, he said that he has a cousin who’s looking for a girlfriend, and he wanted me to be his cousin’s girlfriend. How weird. Someone spilled sauce on my toes, and I had to excuse myself because I had to wash. He seemed ashamed of himself, and didn’t talk to me the rest of the evening. I saw him play the guitar, and he was good.

MERCOLEDI: The cold and fever developed overnight. I wasn’t able to get up for school. Mom asked if I had trouble in school, I said that I don’t have troubles, I just don’t feel well. I slept, as I shivered the rest of the morning. I had to go to Benedict to help him with his homeworks, but I wasn’t well, so I went back home and just watched American Idol. I refrained myself from doing things that can cause headache, like reading, surfing the net, watching television, etc, but I can’t really hel it. I mean, during my stay at the house, what should I do? Sleep all day?

             Yesterday’s theme was sixties. It’s the boys’ turn to sing.

David Hernandez- In The Midnigt Hour” I love his voice. He is handsome too.

Chikezie Eze- “More Today than Yesterday” What a name. His voice is good, but bad choice of song. Doesn’t suit him, I think. Simon said he was hideous, from head to toe, especially with the red suit. I agree with Simon. Though, Chick has a nice smile.

David Cook- Hmm. Another David. I love his version of Happy Together. I’ve heard others sing that song, but it never struck me. I mean, it didn’t catch my attention. He’d be the next Chris Daughtry, I think.

Jason Yeager- “Moon River” Well, he’s cute but it’s not enough. He sounds like Martin Nieverra, and I forgot to mention that I never liked Martin Nieverra. So overtrying. Bad choice of song, I think. Paula said that song was very sentimental to her, because she did her first ballet recital with it. Simon said it was also sentimental for him, because he-related-his-puppy-to-the-song. A-hole.

Robbie Carrico- “One” I liked it. I was never a rocker, but I found the performance so striking. Ryan said he’s Justin Timberlake, dressed as a rocker.

David Archuleta- “Shop Around” My favorite, and definitely the crowd favorite. He has the 90 percent probability of being the next American Idol. He has it all, and according to Randy Jackson, he’s born with “it”. I don’t know what “it” he was talking about, but I love the kid. He was seventeen (I think he turned seventeen during the Hollywood Week, because he was only sixteen when he auditioned), and the judges were amazed of his voice. It was very matured, according to them. They rated him number one performer of the night. Well, I don’t know the song, but I enjoyed it. After receiving comments from judges, he was so happy. Genuinely happy. He was so giggly all over since the beginning, and extremely cute. I don’t mean “cute” as in Leonardo DiCaprio, but “cute” like Sam, my nephew, and he is six months old. I think everybody thinks that, too. Ryan keeps calling him “Little David”.

             In fact, he was enjoying the audience’ presence, and Ryan Seacrest, jokingly left him in the stage to enjoy. When Ryan mentioned the numbers for David, he said “You could only vote for him, not actually adopt him.” Haha.

Danny Norriega- “Jailhouse Rock” When I first saw him, I thought he wasn’t good. I mean, I thought he was trying-hard, Idol-wannabe, but when I heard him sing, man, he was awesome. The only problem is, he looks gay. I have nothing against gay people, but it doesn’t really look right on television. I found his performance cute, even Simon said it was “grotesque”. I’ve seen a video of Danny in youtube.com, singing  “Chain of Fools”, and it was gay, really.

Luke Menard- “Everybody’s Talkin’” Nice voice, but not a striking performance. Simon was right, his performance won’t be remembered, and would be easily forgotten.

Colton Berry- “Suspicious Mind” Yet, another Elvis song. It was cite, but not as striking as Danny’s “Jailhouse Rock”. I love the voice, but bad choice of song.

Garrett Haley- “Breaking Up is Hard to Do” I love the voice, and even if they say that the performance was boring, I really, really loved it. He looks weird, but in a good way. Beautiful eyes, though. Those curly locks are “authentic”. He’s got style, yet, not overtrying. I totally disagree with Simon that he looked terrifying, had been locked up in his room for a month and needed fresh air. Sweet Garrett didn’t feel bad about it, instead, he took it as positive criticism. He has sense of humor, too. Colton Berry said that he looked like Ellen DeGeneres, and Garrett said, “And I, too, look like Ellen DeGeneres”.

Jason Castro- ”Daydream” I love the song, and his voice. It’s all original, and I think, he’s got a fair chance to win the title. Everybody said so. I love him the way I love Jason Mraz.

Michael Johns- “Light My Fire” I think he’s been doing this for a very long time, because he sounds professional. Randy even said, “It’s as if I’m watching a real rock legend”. That’s right. I love the voice, and nice choice of song. Energy was a hundred and one percent, and star quality was present. Too bad, there were issues about him. You know, there are things circulating in the Net that he already have a record deal, and even made money out of it, before he auditioned the show.

             I’ve got several favorites: David Archuleta, David Cook, Jason Castro and Garrett Haley.

           I just fixed my new Myspace and Tagworld account. I don’t know what to do with the tagworld, because I declared it frozen, months ago, when I concentrated on the other, which has been hacked last last week. I’m still uploading photos in my myspace. Thank God, I saw Sadtears’ profile (the jordanian rapper), and I just added him in my new myspace. He’s so cute.

             I finished Trib Force yesterday.

TRIBULATION FORCE

             This is the third installation of the LEFT BEHIND series, written by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins.

           Buck went back to Chicago after the pre-press conference meeting of Carpathia with the world leaders, wherein Jonathan Stonagal and the other guy I forgot the name were personally murdered by Carpathia. Nicolae shot Jonathan in the head, and it passed through his skull and shot the other guy, then hypnotized everyone to forget about what happened. He was almost successful, but Buck wasn’t hypnotized, though he didn’t tell the world the real story, but to the TribForce members.

           Buck and Chloe were confused in each other’s feelings, and they were playing games, and it was cheesy, corny and all, but I like it. Wow, so hopeless romantic of me. There’s this part which I really liked, wherein Buck was scolded by his boss, Stanton Bailey because he saw him on television, eating a cookie, while on duty. Buck was eating the cookie not because he was hungry, but because he promised Chloe that they would it their cookies at the same time. Isn’t it so sweet? Chloe was in Chicago, and Buck was in Jerusalem, when they eat the cookie. Of course, their watches were synchronized.

            Chaim Rosenzweig introduced Buck to his friend Dr. Tsion Ben-Judah. Buck asked Ben-Judah’s help in interviewing the two “witnesses”, Eli and Moishe, who were preaching in the Wailing Wall. Buck doesn’t speak Hebrew, so he somehow thought of getting an interpreter. What I like about this two “witnesses” is that they speak Hebrew, but people undestand them in their native languages. For example, Buck speaks only English, but he could understand them fully even if they speak Hebrew. Isn’t amazing.

              Meanwhile, Rayford was recommended by Hattie to be Nicolae’s official pilot. Rayford had no choice, so took the job.

             The day after Buck’s encounter with the witnesses, it was Tsion’s big day. I don’t know what they called it, but it’s like a conclusion reading. Ben-Judah’s research was about the Messiah, and CNN financed it. It was aired all over the world, live. According to his studies, Jesus was the Messiah. All they (he and his students) had to do was to outline the qualifications for the Messiah, based on the prophecies of prophets like Daniel, Ezekiel, Isaiah, and many more. There were 106 qualifications, and they eliminated and voted off the other candidates who didn’t have the qualifications and their searched narrowed, until there’s only one candidate remaining, and that was Jesus Christ.

             Tsion even compared his research to the mailing system we had today. A letter always land on the hands of the right recipient, because of the address. His conclusion angered the Zealots, and e forced to hide.

             After the proclamation of the Messiah, Buck went to attend the treaty signing between Global Community, formerly known as the United Nations and Israel. The GC was to protect Israel from invaders in seven years, in exchange for Chaim’s formula. That’s when the Tribulation began.

            Carpathia bought shares in media, and Buck was forced to work for him. Carpathia always favored Buck, so he made him his publisher. Buck’s salary was more than anyone could ever imagine, and his credit card was unlimited.

             The book ended when Buck married Chloe, at the same time, Rayford married Amanda. Bruce officiated the double ceremony. US President Gerald Fitzguh warned Buck about the upcoming World War III, between Nicolae Carpathia and American Militia Forces. The president opposed the “one-world” idea of Carpathia, and he’s willing to take side with England and Egypt in World War III.

              The book was full of conspiracy theories, and it was futuristic. You know, it was published on 1996. Almost twelve years ago, if I’m not miscalculated. They have emails, cellular phones, phone jacks, you name it. But I didn’t see any “text message” or “cameraphones, flashdrives, USB’s and IPods”. But they have laptops and desktops and internet. It was one of my favorites, of course.

            Yesterday, I picked a fight with Mom, that’s why I never had the chance to go to the awarding. Man.

            Because we’re on a fight, I tried doing what Valeria Bellator; hungerstrike. But I didn’t lasted in 24 hours. I told Yin about it, and she wished me luck, as if saying that I won’t last until dawn. She’s right. The first thing I did today was to eat.

            After doing what I had to do, I practiced piano, and I was bummed, so I turned the television on. Nothing good on air. I don’t watch TV during mornings, so I’m not familiar with the shows. I found UNDERDOG DVD tape under my computer table, so I played it.

UNDERDOG

Starring: Alex Neuberger, James Belushi, Jason Lee

               Underdog, aka Shoeshine, was former part of a canine unit. You know, the team that consists of trainers and sniffing dogs. I forgot to mentione, he was a beagle. Like Snoopy. One time, he smelled something from a box, in front of the mayor’s public speech. They thought it was a bomb; it was just a ham, a gift from National Pork Association to the mayor.

              Underdog walked out, so disappointed to himself. Then, he was kidnapped by Cad, Dr. Barsinister’s partner. Dr. Barsinister was a mad scientist, and he formulated a substance that will make its users superpowers. Actually, it wasn’t superpowers, but animalistic skills. When you swallowed a capsule, you’ll be able to fly like an eagle, you can run fast like a jaguar (or cheetah) and you’ll have the strength of massive animals like elephants.

             Dr. Barsinister tested it on animals, and fortunately, Underdog was the lucky one. He grew strong over midnight, and he escaped the duo. Jim Belushi’s car hit him, and he was surprisingly alive, and the car was ruined.

            Jim Belushi’s son, Jack, didn’t like the idea of having a dog around. But when he learned about teh fascinating abilities of the dog, they became bestfriends. They gave him the name Shoeshine, because he licks shoes. Shoeshine was happy having a family and being an ordinary pet. Jack jsut convinced him to superhero stardom. Soon, he was out there saving everyone who’s in trouble.

             Barsinister learned where was Shoeshine, so he kidnapped the father and son to force Shoeshine to give his powers back. Barsinister extracted the powers from his DNA, and headed to the city hall. They planned to blow up the city with the formula, that will make every citizen follow orders from him like dogs. Shoeshine got his powers back, just right in time. He fought the bad guys and saved the whole city.

            Barsinister and Cad was imprisoned, Jack’s dad was restored into service, and Shoeshine remained underdog. His real identity was hidden of course.

              The movie was good, the plot was simple, and the characters are very few. You won’t get confused in the plotline of the story because every scene clearly showed the story. I could give 7 out of 10 stars.

             We ate lunch, and watch television. I was watching v-ball when Kuya Elson arrived, and he asked me to the homework of his other son. He left right away, and instructed me to send the file to his email.

              I went online and started uploading photos.

Yay, it’s over! We won! We won the championship!

            Lemme get to the details first.

            I woke up exactly seven twenty in the morning, by the sound of my alarm clock. I procrastinated a bit, and bought breakfast, ate and took a bath. I hurried to school. I saw my team mates on their way to the nearest bathroom to change, I joined them, and when we passed the schedule board, we checked it, and saw the changes in our game. Instead of having it by nine am, we would have it one o’clock in the afternoon. Then I sat with my teammates, and I’m impressed because all of them made it so early. Crissie was pissed off because was really sleepy, and she forced herself to get up, just to see the schedule being moved. It didn’t affect me at all.

            We just watched the teams playing, and studied the winning team’s moves. We decided to change because it was so chilly, and we don’t have anything to cover our bare legs. We’re wearing shorts, of course, but those weren’t enough.

            You-know-what won, and they had been given a time to prepare for the next game with us. For the meantime, it would be men’s v-ball game. It was our men’s team, versus the men’s team of you-know-what. Our men’s team won, and that’s because of the number 8 dude. Oh my gosh. That’s all I could say. He is so hot. Unfortunately, he’s taken, because I saw him introducing this cute little chic as his girlfriend. The girlfriend was pretty, I think. When the people saw her, especially the girls, they looked like jealous. Me too, I’m jealous. Haha. Anyway, I was just adoring him because he was so skilled, and I love his eyes, but the rest of him wasn’t worth remarking on. It’s the eyes, man.

            The Solis guy was good too. He’s my classmate in fifth-period English, and I love him. I mean, I love the way he plays, He’s good, but the number 8 was better. There’s this tall benchwarmer who sat, cheered and jeered with us. I was wondering why he wasn’t in the court. You know, he’s tall and all, and he could help the team win by blocking. The libero, who was also my classmate in fifth period classmate, went out of the game so that the tall benchwarmer could play inside. Man, when I saw him play, I knew it. I knew it why the coach keeps him on the bench. He messed up, sorry to say. He was always confused, and so slow towards the ball. Good thing he was tall, if not, he could never be accepted in the team. He sounds so corny too, by the way.

            The coach removed him out, and he went back to where we’re sitting and went back to out business, which was jeering and cheering. We sort of bonded, if you ask me, because we wear same uniforms, and it felt like we know him for too long. Actually, my team mates knew him for so long, but me, I’m new, remember? He promised me that he’d watch our game later this afternoon, in exchange for us cheering his team.

            It was so close, and the boys won. Thanks to the number eight guy. We left the gym to eat lunch. I only had cheeseburger because I don’t feel like eating, while the others ate massive meals.

            As soon as we’re done, we went out of the caf, and saw the Solis dude with Jack and Greg. Honestly, I never knew their names before, but the games drew us closer. I don’t know what happened to me, and I’ve gone crazy, and asked for Solis’ autograph and picture. He wasn’t a beauty, though, and I was just doing that to push him to the edge. He seemed so flattered, and he was modest to sign for an autograph when I asked him. Unfortunately, I don’t have paper in my bag, so I took out my bandage and let him write on it. Greg stood up to get something, and when he got back, he was carrying sheets of tissue paper with him. He gave it to me, to give it to the Solis dude. His name was Alfred, it turned out. So then, I’ll stop referring to him as the Solis dude. He thought I was serious, but of course I wasn’t.

            So far, it was very hard for him to write on the tissue paper, so when we had to left, his number was the only thing he accomplished writing.

            When we got back to the gym, it was deserted, except for the boys who were playing v-ball. We borrowed a ball, and transferred to the tennis court, and played there. We changed in due time, and the people started to arrive. We did the warm-up routine, brushed up our reception skills and practiced position spikes. I asked Amy, Issah, and some others to sign an autograph for me, in the tissue paper. Amy took it seriously; she even wrote “thanks” in the tissue paper, while Issah just laughed at it, but signed anyway, and her message said that she just signed the tissue paper because she doesn’t want to upset a person who forgot to take her medications. It’s more likely a practical joke, but I know, some people won’t find it funny, but I’m just up to seeing their reactions when they were asked by someone for an autograph and picture.

            The Miranda guy was sitting near the committee’s table, cuddling his girlfriend. The next game was theirs, you know. The other boys started to arrive, including Alfred, Greg and Jack. I gave the pen and tissue paper to Alfred to finish his autograph.

            The game started, and I wasn’t included in the starting six. The first set was good for us; the force, the momentum, the luck and the Holy Spirit was with us. We finished the first set, 25-15. The next set was even better, but the coach replaced the middle-hitter and utility so you-know-what team almost reached an all-score with us. Well, almost.

            I didn’t have the chance to play, because we finished the game early. If we had third set, probably, I could’ve got inside the court. Anyway, it doesn’t matter, as long as we’re the champion.

            The score was 24-18, in favor of us, of course, and the other team was pressured, and I could say that because they’re messing up. I knew it because it happens to me. I got shaky all over everytime the opposing team scores. Just like last summer.

            When the final hit was put out, we jumped out of joy, and paraded the whole court, while hugging each other, and slapping each other on the back. I saw Alfred, and asked for my pen and tissue paper back, and he said that Jack took it. I asked Jack where my things are, and Jack said it was with Greg. I asked Greg, and guess what; he said the pen and tissue paper were with Alfred. Man, I started a joke, and now, it’s on me. I was tempted to beg to them to return the pen to me because it was expensive, and I couldn’t afford buying a new one in next week’s allowance, but I realized, the more I beg, the more they’d think it’s funny keeping it.

            I still continued asking for autographs, even though I don’t have a pen and paper, but I pretended to be digging in my bag for it. Crissie just laughed, and she thought I’m retarded. My own team mates refused, especially Liezel because there’s no way that somebody would idolize her. You know, because she was naïve.

             Everybody changed, including me. I slipped on my Capri pants and gray shirt. I didn’t take off my shoes because I forgot my slippers at home.

            The men’s v-ball game started, and the force was with the boys. Number 8 dude was so great. Someone cheered for him, and that’s how I learned that his name is Patrick. Patrick Miranda. The tall benchwarmer sitting with us went in on the game, someone cheered for him. His name was Patrick. Not again. We have two Patricks in the court.

            The game ended, and we won. You-know-what team was twice to beat, so they we’re give thirty minutes to rest, before the second game begins. This time, instead of three, they’d have it five sets. Man, that’s too much. I prayed for them, and played with Issah, Joy and Krisel in the courtside while the gym was empty.

            After thirty minutes, the game started. I nearly tore my throat cheering for the men’s team. The game lasted until five sets. Man, I was tired as ever. I accidentally touched a Chinese guy’s you-know-what because of clapping. I don’t know how it happened; he was just standing, and had his lower body very, very close to my head (I was sitting). When I clapped, my hand accidentally brushed his you-know-what. Ew. I hope he didn’t notice. I swear, I didn’t mean to do that.

            During a time-out, I asked the Miranda dude if he could sign an autograph. He just laughed, as I pleaded over and over. He’s so nice. I couldn’t sense any arrogance, even though he flies (jumps) like a god.

            Our men’s team won, and they did pretty much the same what we did earlier this day. You know, parading in the gym while hugging and slapping each other on the back. They took pictures, and the coach told us that we shouldn’t have changed, so that it would look good in the picture.

             On my way home, I saw Charles, Bj and two of their gay friends. I stopped to say hi, and but they let me stay over to hear some scoops. Charles was pissed off with Kathy because of the Victor guy. I don’t care that much of it, because I don’t know that Victor personally, and I haven’t even met him. I just listened, as one of his friends, who was always amazed with my height pinched my arm over and over. I asked why he’s doing that, and he said, he wishes he could have arms like that. Yeah, right. I went to Charles’ house to retrieve my ball. We played for few minutes, and we stopped because I felt like pooping. Charles told me to do it at his bathroom, but I refused because I couldn’t do that. I told him about my day, and asked about his. It was fine, though. 

            I went home, wash and ate before going to bed. I didn’t sleep, because it was almost dinner. I just continued reading TribForce until Mom arrived. We ate dinner; I emptied the dishwater, and cleaned up the cat’s litter in our bedroom.

            Happy hearts’ day.

            By the way, I don’t refer to this day as Valentine’s Day simply because I don’t know who that Valentine person is, and according to our minister, Valentine (Valentinius) was a centurion, or commander of a legion in Rome, and when they won the battle, he let his soldiers to rape all the women in that particular land they conquered. I heard that story a very long time ago, when I was an avid churchgoer. I never knew if that story is true, because I couldn’t check it on the net. You know, the connections are down since yesterday, and I’m just writing on a word document, because, like what I’ve said in the previous entries, writing here is simply a self-obligation.

                I forgot to write about “The Last Sacrifice”, which I finished last venerdi, before going to the five-pm v-ball training.

“THE LAST SACRIFICE”

by Sigmund Brouwer and Hank Hanegraaff

             This book was the sequel to ”The Last Disciple” of the same writers.

             Vitas had escaped, and forced to aboard the ship to Egypt, to flea from Nero’s wrath. He met John, son of Zebedee. He was in despair, weeping for Sophia, and John showed him absurd kindness. The captain even thought John was his slave, because he was taking care of Vitas when fever struck Vitas.

           Meanwhile, Damian captured the wrong guy. His name was Ruso, a senator and friend of John. He arranged John’s escape. Damian was too soft for torture, so he let Ruso go. Ruso never spoke a word. He grieved for Vitas and Sophia’s death. He learned that he captured the wrong guy and set out again to pursue the real John. His hunt for John led im to Vitas.

           At Jerusalem, Maglorius was with Bernice. It’s not that they were an item or whatever, but they were good friends. Maglorius hadn’t left Jerusalem because of the Bellator children, who were in the slums. Valeria, with her hair short, was pretending as a boy and working as an apprentice to the glass blower. She left Quintus under a blind woman’s care.

             Before Damian found Vitas, Alypia paid him to look for the Bellator children. The authors didn’t specify what will Alypia do with her stepchildren, but she wanted them to be delivered to Florus, who was an enemy of the children’s late father. But I think she wanted them dead. Baby Sabinus was left in care of Sophia and Vitas’ slave.

            Another war broke out in Jerusalem, and this time, it was between the upperclass Jews and zealots. The Bellator children were literally trapped in between the battle. Joseph the Courier arranged for the escape of the children, but the two didn’t show up because they believe Maglorius wanted them dead, and they saw him with Joseph.

           Sophia and Ben-Aryeh arrived in Patmos, and the letter they were carrying led them to another believer’s household, Chara, the wife of the midget. I forgot the name of the midget. Chayim was chasing after them, not knowing that his dad, Ben-Aryeh was with Sophia, under Helius’ order. The local soldiers of Patmos decided to keep Sophia because they realized the price on her head was expensive. But Chayim knew better, so he pretended that Sophia wasn’t Sophia. Sophia and Ben-Aryeh aboarded the ship, with Zeno. I don’t know what happened to Chayim.

           The book was complicated as the first one, but it was not confusing. In fact, it was really, really great. I enjoyed reading it. The story was so unpredictable. There were new characters, but just as the old ones, one was related to another. I just don’t see yet Leah’s relevance in the story.

            In addition to Nero’s devious antics was marrying a boy. Ew. The young man’s name was Sporus, and I reckon he was only fourteen to seventeen years old. I can say it because of the character’s innocence. Nero wasn’t gay, bisexual or something, but one thing is for certain. Nero was crazy. Sporus wasn’t aware of Nero’s feelings (or lust) him. Nero had the best doctors in the empire to cut Sporus’ you-know-what. Nero said to Sporus, “You will become a goddess, because you will marry a god”, before he underwent the operation. Ew. Nero intended to tour Greece with him, after they got married (now what, honeymoon?) and Helius was very jealous of him. I think Helius was jealous because he likes Nero for himself.

            Nero drowned his stepson, too. I think people with fame and money always go crazy in the end. Like Britney Spears. She was rich and famous, and she almost did all kinds of publicity stunts, like showing off her you-know-what by not wearing an underwear. Same goes for Paris Hilton, Lindsay, Amy Winehouse and Nero too.

           One thing I noticed about the book; evil people were fat and ugly (except for Helius and Nero) and the good characters were the beautiful ones. 

            Now, it’s time for my predictions: Chayim will marry Leah, Damian and Valeria would be as soon as they meet each other. I don’t know yet what will become of Maglorius and Queen Bernice. John, son of Zebedee will die, and he would be with Jesus Christos in heaven. There would be a final battle between Nero and Vitas.  

             But there’s one BIG problem: the third book wasn’t written yet. I hope the authors are working on it. I visited the books’ website, (www.decipherthecode) and there’s only two books yet. It means it would months, or even years before the third book arrives in the country. Man.

            I could give the book 10 out of ten stars. See it for yourself.