From August, 2008

Define Euphoria

National List of Passers 2007 FOREIGN SERVICE OFFICER WRITTEN EXAMINATIONS Held 19-21 December 2007 (Released: 29 August 2008) Department of Foreign Affairs – Philippines Gaaawd. Just when I start envying my friends (especially Bebs) for reaching new heights in their careers, something like this comes my way. From a thousand examinees, now we’re down to 58. (Yeah, the mortality rate in FSO Exam makes us all go suicidal.) I didn’t expect this. I absolutely hoped for it but not expected. I mean, come on, the questions were like: Formulate an ECONOMIC policy for the Philippine Embassy in Paris and back…

Hada and Other Confusions: Batangan Tagalog

“Hahada laang.” This was what I told my new housemates in UP Diliman when they asked me where I was going. They laughed their guts out. I didn’t know why. But I laughed with them. Pretended I was getting the joke I didn’t even realize I cracked. I added, “Bakit? Gusto nyo sumama?” And they…

The Line That Must Not Be Crossed

Another short conversation with a friend over Yahoo Messenger. Yoshke: Done reading? Friend: Aye aye. Sweet. Mushy. Yoshke: Should I say “Thanks?” Friend: lol. How come all your short, short, short stories are about friends falling in love? Yoshke: NOT ALL. Just the ones I post on my blog. Friend: Tell me, are you in love with a friend? Yoshke: No. 🙂 Friend: Don’t tell me it’s me. Yoshke: Whoah, is it just me or it really turned windy here? Friend: You’re corny. Yoshke: And you’re presumptuous! Assuming much? Friend: So why the fascination? Yoshke: I just love writing about it…

Top 18 Most Annoying Types of People (Part 2)

I originally wrote this part for crunkish.com, an amazing website that we put up. Hehe. Anyway, Let’s continue with the bashing. Hihi. If you missed the first half, click here. But first, a disclaimer: I’m actually guilty of being one (or maybe two or more) of these. Go figure. Haha.

How My Friends See Me: Twisted Impressions

Last week at the apartment… Glenn: Do you have a copy of the first three seasons of House? Yoshke: The first two are with Dohna. You’re addicted, aren’t ye? Glenn: Yeah. (He paused a bit and then continued talking.) Every time I see Dr. House, I am reminded of you. No offence meant. Yoshke: None taken. Haha. May I know why? Glenn: You’re both sarcastic. Yoshke: Damn, I thought you’d say we’re both brilliant. Hahaha. Laughter. Silence. Yoshke: But, you know, it takes wit to be sarcastic. So I’ll take that. Haha. … Last year in Robin’s car, on the…

7 Missed Calls

Seven missed calls. When I saw this flashed on my cellphone screen this morning, I knew my day would end this way. In a walk along this road connecting the college to Commonwealth Avenue. With you. It’d been a while. “How have you been?” Your voice was a bit shaky. If I didn’t know you better, I’d say you were nervous. “Great,” I answered with a slice across my lower face. “And you? How’s London?” “Well, it’s still London.” A slight laughter went through your lips. And then, silence. I tried to come up with something to say to keep…

Top 18 Most Annoying Types of People (Part 1)

Humans are social animals. This means that we have to live both as individuals and as members of a group. Sometimes, however, we just find ourselves not getting along well with some types of people. No matter how much we try, we find it extremely difficult to like some people for reasons ranging from little nasty habits to utter viciousness. Throughout the day, we encounter countless types of people. While some are truly delightful, others are just plain vexatious. They may be our friends or family but there are just something we love to hate about them. Here are the…

Movie Rundown: The Dark Night (And Other Batman Movies)

Note: I was supposed to write a full-blown genre criticism of The Dark Knight but I figured writing something too Film-graduate-ish is uncalled for. So here are some random thoughts about it and the other Batman movies. For what it’s worth, I saw the following movies again recently. You know, just to refresh my memory. The Dark Knight (2008) Genre: Action, Thriller; Director: Christopher Nolan Stars: Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Heath Ledger, Gary Oldman, Aaron Eckhart, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Morgan Freeman One of the things I hate the most is too much hype. This unsolicited noise has always spoiled fine movies…