Dear Most High, please let me find the office depot card, please let me find the office depot card, please let me find the office depot card, please let me find the office depot card.
8/10/05 8:18am
WOOHOO....found it! The best thing about it is now my laundry is seperated and ready to go! Mercury still sucks!
8.10.2005
8.07.2005
Happiest Place on Earth?
We're going here 
on Monday. As much as I don't want to be in the office, it's going to be a tad bit nerve racking considering we have a big event on Thursday and we're supposed to sell out on tickets.
Besides that, I'm not really looking forward to the heat and all the kiddies running about. Maybe I'm just being bah-humbug but damnit, it couldn't have come at such an inopportune time! Everytime I'm there, I also keep thinking of how happy can Disneyland be? It's a company that was started very long ago and had a different focus then. Now, the corporation has presented stories in a way that can be compared to how fastfood has stormed the nation. Disney has managed to dull down stories as much as their big name studio friends who make the movies that tell half truths.
Why am I being so cynical lately? Vacation time...
on Monday. As much as I don't want to be in the office, it's going to be a tad bit nerve racking considering we have a big event on Thursday and we're supposed to sell out on tickets. Besides that, I'm not really looking forward to the heat and all the kiddies running about. Maybe I'm just being bah-humbug but damnit, it couldn't have come at such an inopportune time! Everytime I'm there, I also keep thinking of how happy can Disneyland be? It's a company that was started very long ago and had a different focus then. Now, the corporation has presented stories in a way that can be compared to how fastfood has stormed the nation. Disney has managed to dull down stories as much as their big name studio friends who make the movies that tell half truths.
Why am I being so cynical lately? Vacation time...
8.05.2005
AAARRRRRGGGGGHHHHH!!!
With the good comes the bad. I had a good day today...press conference this morning w/food and government officials talking about how the Voting Rights Act needs to be reapproved by the US Congress...came back for about an hour and then went to lunch and had the BEST MEATLOAF EVER!!!...took a nice tour of the Hollywood Hills, Lake Hollywood, drove by the Hollywood sign and salivated over all the super nice haciendas in the Hills...came back to the office and was let off early. Hoped to spend time with someone I haven't seen all freakin' damn week and now there's some stupid emergency and I'm back at work...again...writing in this damn journal...friend is getting a pedicure...my head feels heavy and all I want is a damn hug...IS THAT TOO MUCH TO ASK?! motherfucker!
Winding down
It's late and I just got home about 15 minutes ago. Can't go to sleep yet so doing some winding down. I have so much pent up emotion right now.
I've been working like mad lately. Even friends who contact me at work can't get a hold of me.
We had to go to a movie premiere/screening of Miramax Films "The Great Raid" tonight. It was extremely difficult to watch scenes of the movie since the entire time I kept thinking about my relatives who lived through World War 2 and the Bataan Death March. I've been asked to keep my critiques to myself until after the next screening next week but hey, who's going to tell?
I kept waiting for something to be pronounced correctly by the purow/putit in the production. There were a couple of Tagalog words muttered by one of the actors but for the most part, everything else was pronounced with a very westernized tongue. I had a bit of a problem with the flawless makeup some of the women wore, particularly in the so-called battlefield and war-torn country. I didn't expect for them to show much of the story from the perspective of the Philippines and its people, the country that was raped by BOTH SPAIN AND THE UNITED STATES. I guess the edit would have been a little too long to show all of that. So what's it come down to, people? I think we're going to really need to start making our own damn films since none of the major western production companies are going to do it...ideal situation, no?
Sometimes I see these things and think, "Are we, as Pilipinos, ever going to break out of the mentality that we're not good enough to be in the forefront of media outlets or even in society?" How long are we going to settle for being portrayed as the "supporting actors?" I hear way too often, "Oh, it was a great story. Really shows how the Pilipino People are so caring." Always taking care of other people aside from themselves. It's a paradox that I see often, even from those in our community who feel they are trying to break the cycle. They're waiting for the next super power purow/putit to save them from themselves. When are we going to start taking care of ourselves? When are we going to begin telling our own stories and SUPPORTING each other through that?
Although this story could be portrayed as just another one that shows how Americans save the day, yet again, it also shows how vital it was to work with the Pilipino rebel soldiers. Before we get all pro-US, let's also remember that these same "rebel soldiers" were probably also the same ones who revert to fighting the US Baboys after they didn't want to get out of the country. The movie also neglected to show the exchange of the "deed" of the Philippines between Spain and the US. I guess that would have added a little more time to the movie than they wanted to, as well.
Overall, this movie was fine in showing the struggles and disparities of war, as well as the so-called true heroes. It shows the benefits in working with a group of individuals from different backgrounds, as well as highlights the historical significance of the piece. It's definitely something everyone should see. But I highly urge that this is definitely not where we, as Pilipinos and Pilipino Americans should stop. Fine, support a "mainstream" movie that takes place in the Philippines but let's work towards stopping Hollywood and the entertainment industry, as a whole, it's exoticism of the country and its people. I love meeting entertainment or corporate types who love to tell me how "exotic" my look is after they find out I'm "FIlipino." "I love that country. The people are sooo beautiful and oh so friendly!" It's a good thing they haven't opened their eyes to how the Philippines' people are just accomodating them in order to become as capitalistic as it's dominators in hopes of gaining more financial wealth than its oppressors so they can be just like them! Who's the bad guy again?
Aside from that, I'm exhausted, braindead and really, truly missing personal time.
I've been working like mad lately. Even friends who contact me at work can't get a hold of me.
We had to go to a movie premiere/screening of Miramax Films "The Great Raid" tonight. It was extremely difficult to watch scenes of the movie since the entire time I kept thinking about my relatives who lived through World War 2 and the Bataan Death March. I've been asked to keep my critiques to myself until after the next screening next week but hey, who's going to tell?
I kept waiting for something to be pronounced correctly by the purow/putit in the production. There were a couple of Tagalog words muttered by one of the actors but for the most part, everything else was pronounced with a very westernized tongue. I had a bit of a problem with the flawless makeup some of the women wore, particularly in the so-called battlefield and war-torn country. I didn't expect for them to show much of the story from the perspective of the Philippines and its people, the country that was raped by BOTH SPAIN AND THE UNITED STATES. I guess the edit would have been a little too long to show all of that. So what's it come down to, people? I think we're going to really need to start making our own damn films since none of the major western production companies are going to do it...ideal situation, no?
Sometimes I see these things and think, "Are we, as Pilipinos, ever going to break out of the mentality that we're not good enough to be in the forefront of media outlets or even in society?" How long are we going to settle for being portrayed as the "supporting actors?" I hear way too often, "Oh, it was a great story. Really shows how the Pilipino People are so caring." Always taking care of other people aside from themselves. It's a paradox that I see often, even from those in our community who feel they are trying to break the cycle. They're waiting for the next super power purow/putit to save them from themselves. When are we going to start taking care of ourselves? When are we going to begin telling our own stories and SUPPORTING each other through that?
Although this story could be portrayed as just another one that shows how Americans save the day, yet again, it also shows how vital it was to work with the Pilipino rebel soldiers. Before we get all pro-US, let's also remember that these same "rebel soldiers" were probably also the same ones who revert to fighting the US Baboys after they didn't want to get out of the country. The movie also neglected to show the exchange of the "deed" of the Philippines between Spain and the US. I guess that would have added a little more time to the movie than they wanted to, as well.
Overall, this movie was fine in showing the struggles and disparities of war, as well as the so-called true heroes. It shows the benefits in working with a group of individuals from different backgrounds, as well as highlights the historical significance of the piece. It's definitely something everyone should see. But I highly urge that this is definitely not where we, as Pilipinos and Pilipino Americans should stop. Fine, support a "mainstream" movie that takes place in the Philippines but let's work towards stopping Hollywood and the entertainment industry, as a whole, it's exoticism of the country and its people. I love meeting entertainment or corporate types who love to tell me how "exotic" my look is after they find out I'm "FIlipino." "I love that country. The people are sooo beautiful and oh so friendly!" It's a good thing they haven't opened their eyes to how the Philippines' people are just accomodating them in order to become as capitalistic as it's dominators in hopes of gaining more financial wealth than its oppressors so they can be just like them! Who's the bad guy again?
Aside from that, I'm exhausted, braindead and really, truly missing personal time.
8.01.2005
Home Sweet Home
Found out someone attempted to break in to my mom's Pathfinder last Friday in broad daylight. Those are some fuckin' balls! Then, when they call the police for a report, they're told that they'd have to fill out a form online! What about the people who have limited or no access to the internet, as well as those who don't know how to use it?! My poor mother. No one has shown her how to even turn on the computer. I went ahead and filled out the stupid form online for her and sent the Stockton Police Department a nice little message.
From: Gerlie
Subject: Police Reporting
Date: August 1, 2005 11:08:28 PM PDT
To: police@ci.stockton.ca.us
Cc: Mom, Mike, Dist6@ci.stockton.ca.us
To whom it may concern,
My parents experienced an attempted auto theft last week in broad daylight. Although their car was not stolen, the feeling of violation on their personal property and well being continues to linger.
An attempt was made to contact the Stockton police department to report the crime shortly after the discovery of their damaged vehicle. The person they spoke with informed them that they would not send out a police car and instructed my mother fill out a police report online. I was a bit taken aback that the only option presented to them was to fill out the report online. I realize that the online reporting may make the process a bit more efficient. Is there any other way to get access to your services for those with 1) limited personal access to the internet, 2) limited or no knowledge of how to use the internet? I am concerned because having access to this type of technology is not always afforded to those of older age nor to those at low levels of income.
The crime happened on Friday, July 29th around 5pm. I did not hear about the news until today, 8/1/05. Because my parents have limited knowledge of the internet, I filled out the application for them even though I now live in Northridge in Southern California. If you would like to reference the temporary police report number, it is T05001721. It was submitted today, 8/1/05 at 19:12.
I applaud the technological advancements the Police Department and the City of Stockton have made with offering online services but I hope provisions have been made for those who have yet to afford access to those technolgical advancements. I have already suggested to my mother that she and my father look into advocating for a neighborhood watch program if there is not one already, as well as working with the local neighborhood council or their city council district office to ensure the well being of their neighborhood. Should you hear of more crimes in that area, I strongly advocate that police cars perform periodic drive-throughs on top of residences' efforts to maintain the well being of their communities.
Sincerely,
Gerlie Collado
Thomas Edison High School - Class of 1997
Stockton resident - 15 years
I took the liberty of copying their council district office, as well as one of my dingbat brothers who hasn't taught my mom how to use the freakin' computer! I promised mama I would teach her basics as long as she learned how to check her voicemail on her cellphone. No voicemail, no internet training. :-)
From: Gerlie
Subject: Police Reporting
Date: August 1, 2005 11:08:28 PM PDT
To: police@ci.stockton.ca.us
Cc: Mom, Mike, Dist6@ci.stockton.ca.us
To whom it may concern,
My parents experienced an attempted auto theft last week in broad daylight. Although their car was not stolen, the feeling of violation on their personal property and well being continues to linger.
An attempt was made to contact the Stockton police department to report the crime shortly after the discovery of their damaged vehicle. The person they spoke with informed them that they would not send out a police car and instructed my mother fill out a police report online. I was a bit taken aback that the only option presented to them was to fill out the report online. I realize that the online reporting may make the process a bit more efficient. Is there any other way to get access to your services for those with 1) limited personal access to the internet, 2) limited or no knowledge of how to use the internet? I am concerned because having access to this type of technology is not always afforded to those of older age nor to those at low levels of income.
The crime happened on Friday, July 29th around 5pm. I did not hear about the news until today, 8/1/05. Because my parents have limited knowledge of the internet, I filled out the application for them even though I now live in Northridge in Southern California. If you would like to reference the temporary police report number, it is T05001721. It was submitted today, 8/1/05 at 19:12.
I applaud the technological advancements the Police Department and the City of Stockton have made with offering online services but I hope provisions have been made for those who have yet to afford access to those technolgical advancements. I have already suggested to my mother that she and my father look into advocating for a neighborhood watch program if there is not one already, as well as working with the local neighborhood council or their city council district office to ensure the well being of their neighborhood. Should you hear of more crimes in that area, I strongly advocate that police cars perform periodic drive-throughs on top of residences' efforts to maintain the well being of their communities.
Sincerely,
Gerlie Collado
Thomas Edison High School - Class of 1997
Stockton resident - 15 years
I took the liberty of copying their council district office, as well as one of my dingbat brothers who hasn't taught my mom how to use the freakin' computer! I promised mama I would teach her basics as long as she learned how to check her voicemail on her cellphone. No voicemail, no internet training. :-)
7.30.2005
The Hunt
PREPARATIONS
Time to feed one of my cravings......shoes!!! I haven't purchased any cute ones in a while!!! I can't even remember the last time I got new shoes! When these cravings hit, you just have to satisfy them or it's going to start eating at you! Ladies, you know what I'm talking about. Now find the right ones, that's the fun of the hunt! Anyone who can locate these gets a prize!
THE PRIZE
WOOHOO! Found them in tan in a random store AND they were on sale! My day was made! :-)
Time to feed one of my cravings......shoes!!! I haven't purchased any cute ones in a while!!! I can't even remember the last time I got new shoes! When these cravings hit, you just have to satisfy them or it's going to start eating at you! Ladies, you know what I'm talking about. Now find the right ones, that's the fun of the hunt! Anyone who can locate these gets a prize!
THE PRIZE
WOOHOO! Found them in tan in a random store AND they were on sale! My day was made! :-)
7.23.2005
Babies solve everything
Too many complaints and negative energy right now...but baby made me feel better.
7.21.2005
F*$%in' Flips!!!
I HATE CRAB MENTALITY!!!! Learn to be freakin' supportive, damnit! Oh...are you feeling neglected...ohh...let me baby you so you can feel better about yourself! Get over it already, f*$%ers!!!
7.20.2005
It's coming...
Ah...it's that time of year again and things are moving as swiftly as they should. There are always suprises along the way but for some reason, FPAC is way too blessed for bad things to weigh it down. It was really hard for me to completely stay away so I'm playing a very very minor role. At least I hope I am. :-) So it can get a bit hectic, but damnit, I love this stuff!!! AND there is hope that changes are a good thing!
7.10.2005
Successes
A clear example of what you can do when you focus. Unbeknownst to many, my Joe-y was so scared getting on a rink that was just a little larger than the living room in his house, especially since he's never really ice skated. I've always believed he could do anything and this is proof. He's starting to embark on some new things in his life and I have full confidence that everything he has worked for will completely pay off. He's still kind of close to the wall in this picture, though. A kid almost knocked him down as he was approaching the turn. ahahaha!
7.06.2005
Think again!
For a while, this summer was looking to be a somewhat relaxed one. I figured with some things taken off my plate, I'd be able to relax and take in the sites more often than not...right...spoke way too soon! Is this really something that I have to accept about my life...moving from one project to another? There has to be an end sooner or later, right? But then there's always something that replaces the other. Maybe this is a challenge to simplify my life a little more. Otherwise, I see no opportunity to get my room clean anytime soon! Boo!
7.04.2005
Transitioning...still
Yes, I do love my job. I'm learning a ton each day and I'm able to give back in ways I never thought I would.
When I was in my prior position, I had my day job and so many other things going on outside of work. Now I find myself in a position where I'm required to do some of the projects i used to do outside of my job and find myself with a little more free time than I thought...well, in between projects, that is. So what am I left with now?
I've been told that my true nature leads me to constantly look for new things to do aside from my daily grind. I think that sums up the majority of my life. So I think it's just a matter of figuring out other things I can spend my time doing, aside from the "community projects" I've been invovled with for the past year or two. Transitions are good, right? Maybe this is a good time to start focusing on me again.
When I was in my prior position, I had my day job and so many other things going on outside of work. Now I find myself in a position where I'm required to do some of the projects i used to do outside of my job and find myself with a little more free time than I thought...well, in between projects, that is. So what am I left with now?
I've been told that my true nature leads me to constantly look for new things to do aside from my daily grind. I think that sums up the majority of my life. So I think it's just a matter of figuring out other things I can spend my time doing, aside from the "community projects" I've been invovled with for the past year or two. Transitions are good, right? Maybe this is a good time to start focusing on me again.
6.28.2005
I'm doing...
I'm enjoying where I am a lot more than where i was a five months ago.
I'm not working a 9 to 5 job.
I'm working for a community I really care about.
I get to throw fabulous events for big and small funders/supporters.
I get to check out other events that affiliate groups throw and meet all sorts of interesting people.
I'm healping to increase the perpetuity of one Pilipino organization.
It's all about the money but all for the good reasons.
What if I can be more effective if I wasn't an official member of one group?
Would it be the same case if I were to be with another ethnic organization?
How affective do I really want to be?
What kind of affects do I want to instill in my community?
I can't change the world on my own. I don't know why that thought ever entered my mind...wishful thinking...maybe.
It's a job...it's a career? Still thinking. It'll definitely develop into something, that's for certain.
I'm not working a 9 to 5 job.
I'm working for a community I really care about.
I get to throw fabulous events for big and small funders/supporters.
I get to check out other events that affiliate groups throw and meet all sorts of interesting people.
I'm healping to increase the perpetuity of one Pilipino organization.
It's all about the money but all for the good reasons.
What if I can be more effective if I wasn't an official member of one group?
Would it be the same case if I were to be with another ethnic organization?
How affective do I really want to be?
What kind of affects do I want to instill in my community?
I can't change the world on my own. I don't know why that thought ever entered my mind...wishful thinking...maybe.
It's a job...it's a career? Still thinking. It'll definitely develop into something, that's for certain.
6.27.2005
Starting off the week...
How is it that pain becomes more intensified as we get older...more so with women, I guess?
And how is it that the first phone call I get this freakin' morning comes with a huge dose of attitude and rudeness even if it's not my fault!?! MF!
Trying to stay positive...the long weekend will definitely not come too soon!
trying to fight off emotional meltdown...damn these freakin' hormones!
i just want to crawl into a little hole and sleep until tomorrow...
And how is it that the first phone call I get this freakin' morning comes with a huge dose of attitude and rudeness even if it's not my fault!?! MF!
Trying to stay positive...the long weekend will definitely not come too soon!
trying to fight off emotional meltdown...damn these freakin' hormones!
i just want to crawl into a little hole and sleep until tomorrow...
6.26.2005
Spirituality and Freedom
To the so-called progressive freedom fighters out there who do not feel that religion should not play a big role in fighting for freedom, I have two words for them - liberation theology.
For the less materially blessed - of necessities and wants, those who really have nothing as strong as their spirituality to make it through; may the blessings of The Creator shine upon you always. Nothing will ever be as strong as your faith and no one can examine it better than you.
Fanaticism kills.
For the less materially blessed - of necessities and wants, those who really have nothing as strong as their spirituality to make it through; may the blessings of The Creator shine upon you always. Nothing will ever be as strong as your faith and no one can examine it better than you.
Fanaticism kills.
6.20.2005
Ano ba?
An LA hip hop group just put out a new cd which contains a Tagalog song penned from one of their members, I'm sure. It's not the most content driven Tagalog track. But I see it's significant purpose of helping to open doors for other Pinoy artists to introduce their songs to the masses and show how enlightening a Tagalog rap can be other than talking about eating adobo and wanting to be friends instead of getting married. Overall, the cd is full of dance beats which will more than likely be played out at all the clubs this summer.
My first question, where did all the content go? Did their meaningful lyrics go out the door the minute they finished recording the track about getting retarded and took on a female member?
This is one of my favorite hip hop groups. They have been originals throughout their entire career. What kills me the most is their Tagalog track was released in the Philippines with a special promo disc containing a video shot with a bunch of booties shakin' everywhere, as I'm told. It just seems that they have started to fall into really being in the limelight and producing tracks that those who are not as interested in content would definitely purchase, aka, the masses. If that's really the case, sige. I support them but don't think I'll be polluting my ears with a ton of their tunes any time soon. Please don't get too retarded.
My first question, where did all the content go? Did their meaningful lyrics go out the door the minute they finished recording the track about getting retarded and took on a female member?
This is one of my favorite hip hop groups. They have been originals throughout their entire career. What kills me the most is their Tagalog track was released in the Philippines with a special promo disc containing a video shot with a bunch of booties shakin' everywhere, as I'm told. It just seems that they have started to fall into really being in the limelight and producing tracks that those who are not as interested in content would definitely purchase, aka, the masses. If that's really the case, sige. I support them but don't think I'll be polluting my ears with a ton of their tunes any time soon. Please don't get too retarded.
6.10.2005
6.07.2005
What happened?
Did I just attempt to apply for a position and just get turned down for it? "No thanks, but I'm sure we'll be able to do more with you in the future." I sincerely hope so. Luckily, this is a good friend and there are ways of getting around this one. Oh yes, he will give in.
6.02.2005
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