Lincoln Memorial, Washington D.C. in all its majesty.

places and faces.

Circa 2007. (C) Namee Navarro

Natural Suburbia: Chinese Cabbage Oven Veggie Chips

what say you? will do it this weekend!

Term Break

I went to the DLSU Law Library earlier to study. It reminded me of our high school library—same chairs and almost same tables. Only this one has more natural light and more computers.. not much books though. It didn’t have that eau de papier feel. haha! I suppose they are still in the process of acquiring more law books. There aren’t much people too, except for a few addictus law students who torture themselves by way of digesting cases during term breaks. 

Aircon: ✔✔ Lighting: ✔✔ Low Noise Level: ✔✔ Huge Table: ✔✔ Cushioned Seats:  ☒

Overall Study Ambiance: ✔✔  9/10

My Sports Com view =)

God bless us barristers! =)

Wimbledon Mock Bar Groupies

I took the mock bar exam for Rem, Ethics and Crim earlier with my close friends Di Lopez and Deo Natividad.. And man!!! It made a souffle out of my soupy brain, then served it to the dogs!!! To feel better, we decided to eat at Via Mare across the street. (yes! there’s a Via Mare in U.P.!!) The weather was a bit bipolar and Di is allergic to UV rays so she decided to bring a giant umbrella. 

While walking, we kinda noticed that people ware staring at us. haha! (feelingera talga! but it’s true! haha) So we were like.. bakit kaya? Then I realized.. ah maybe because of our color blocking? Because Di was in a purple top and I was in green. Kinda like Wimbledon. So fine.. Okay we look like groupies.

On second thought, maybe it’s not us.. Maybe it’s the giant umbrella? So I took a glance at the umbrella. hahaha! The sight was aggravating! Little did we notice that it was a giant GREEN and PURPLE umbrella. No wonder people were staring! Muka kaming mag sasayaw talaga.

And almost same bags pa! =))

God bless us barristers! 

Visitation Rights

My high school and college friends are the most sensitive breed of human beings. Experts call them sui generis. A class of their own. They easily get tampo if you don’t reply to their messages or answer their calls. They examine you why you can’t make it to their parties, dinners, lunches, night outs, movie nights, _____-needs-a-hug-meet-up or whatever event they can think of. It’s actually sweet, haha! and I believe they could be great lawyers too. hahaha!!

As you probably know, I’ve been ditching them these past few months. I assume they haven’t received my notice of leave of absence. haha! The ever-present is now branded as the ultimate flaker. And it sucks.. Big time! To add more insult to injury.. they rub it in until I get pissed. haha! It’s not my fault that bar review is this demanding and it’s not like i’m having fun here you people!!! hahaha!! #pikon

Since I love my friends so much and I miss them a lot and I need my dose of craziness to keep me on track.. I had to come up with a compromise agreement. To remove the guilt of having fun, I force them to listen to me as I read the law. hahaha!

Anna, Is and Carla are in Bacolod today to visit Miren. Patty will go to H.K. on the last weekend of November. =(( I was supposed to go with them but because of the bar exams.. I had to flake out. AGAIN. =,( For now, I’m just gona have to stare at my pictures with my friends and tell myself— By God’s grace, all these sacrifices will be worth it. My prayers will be answered. I’m going to end up victorious and I will get my life back. SOON!!!! ♥

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Visitation Rights Photos:

A Comprehensive Guide To Shopping and Casual Dining for HKG Virgins

A while ago, my barkada Tia De Guzman texted me asking how many days should they stay in Hong Kong and Macau for their vacation this December. The other day, my blockmate Grace Wilson, who is a first timer (HKG Virgin), wanted me to help her make an H.K. itinerary. Weeks ago, my sorority sister Enerz Cerilles asked me to help them find a hotel in H.K. haha! The next time another person would ask me the same questions, I’ll just tell them to read this blog for details. hahaha! 

I have been to Hong Kong a couple of times already and I feel like it’s my second home. It’s only less than 2 hours away by plane (naks!), they have great bargains, authentic Chinese food and you could really dress up during winter. As a kid, I didn’t get to appreciate it much (no Disneyland yet). But as soon as I saw their renovated airport, it was wow!

check out Chino. hahahaha! chubiboy!

Hong Kong International Airport. 1999 or 2001

AH1N1 HK trip with the family! =))

Yes, I know a handful of stuff about HK. But it’s just kinda like a Bachelor’s Degree in Hong Kong Major in Shopping. haha! For those who seek help on what tourist spots to go to.. I know nothing. I haven’t even been to Victoria Peak, Ocean Park or Madame Tussauds! Moreover, there aren’t that many interesting historical places and museums to see that I know of.

If it’s your first time to visit this shopping paradise, I suggest the following;

(1) Finalize your shopping and food budget.. ECONOMY or QUALITY?, FIESTA or BUSINESS CLASS? =)) For me, it’s okay to bring baon snacks, especially if you’re still on allowance and the trip will be without adult/parental supervision. haha! Like when I was there with my friends in 2005 for the Disney opening, we brought cup noodles, canned sausages, Cheezwhiz and crackers! Just remember to seal them properly and place them inside your check-in luggage. 

(2) Familiarize yourself with their public transportation system— specifically the MTR. It’s their underground version of the LRT/MRT. If you know how to read the LRT/MRT map, then you’ll easily get how the MTR goes. Per-trip tickets are bought from the machines, as shown on the picture below. Should you wish to purchase the stored-value ticket (the Octopus Card), you can purchase one from the counter for $50. When you’re already well acquainted with their streets and the stops, take the bus. It’s easier! Worse comes to worst, just take a cab going to the mall or back to your hotel. =))

(3) If you intend to bring children with you, HONG KONG IS STROLLER FREINDLY, PLEASE BRING ONE. Or if you can bring a nanny, feel free to do so. Children easily get tired and cranky when they’re out the whole day. A stroller would be the perfect place for a “time out”. haha! Plus! It could be used as a push cart for all your shopping loot. =)

That’s my close friend Carla and those are my goddaughters Ashley and Andi. Both kids had “S” that night!!! hahaha!! 

(4) Prepare your outfits! =) Always travel in style! (Even if you’ll just go shopping at Mongkok hahaha!) If the trip is anytime between November to early April, chances are, the weather might still be a bit cold (like Baguio in December I suppose). The people in Hong Kong really dress up.. and I mean DRESS UP! The goal is, TO BLEND IN. =) Don’t worry! People there are not judgmental if you wear boots and coats. hahaha =) No one will say at the back of their minds “oh, e di ikaw na! Nag boots hindi naman bagay” hahahahaha!! =) Be brave and put on those knee-high bootsand fur coats!!! Oh but please make sure they’re comfortable. We don’t want see a repatriated dead toe. =) Check out the photos below, I included the dates, so you can gauge the weather temperature based on clothing. hahaha =) or better yet, check weather.com before you pack. =) 

Mommy and Namee. January 2010

Mom at HKIA. March 2011.

With Ashley again =)

aw poor Andi! haha squishing herself! December 2009.

(1) Nikki my stylist/travel buddy! November 2010.

(2) With Namee in her pink boots! December 2010.

Patty, my high school batch mate and college barkada. =)) haha! January 2011.

If you go there around May to October, like here in the Philippines, it will be hot and/or rainy. Shorts and dresses are advisable. Or just wear what you usually wear in Manila. haha! Make sure to bring a handy dandy umbrella. 

June 2009.

HK-Macau June 2010.

(1) Hycel in her summer dress at the ruins of St. Paul. 

(2) Group shot with my cousins Minstrelle and Hycel. HK-Macau July 2010.

April 2011.

(5) Eventually, you will get tired from walking. There would be no personal drivers who will wait for you outside the mall or the hotel. You’re gonna have to commute (But if you’re like my mom who is not much into MTRs and busses, just take a cab; or if you’re rich, make use of the chauffeur services of the hotel. haha!). So I suggest you buy a bottle of water or gatorade from the nearest 7-11 before you start your day. haha! Choose the size that could fit in your purse so it could be easily carried around, and besides, they don’t give plastic or paper bags. You buy it from them for a quarter. 

Tita Myra, Minstrelle, Namee and I. screw poise! haha (Tung Chung Station)

(1) Milk tea break means squatting along the side walk. =))

(2) My best friend Amica, sitting on her luggage by Monkok station. 

(6) As you plan your trip, choose a hotel that’s near or has access to a mall or the MTR. I know of 3 main regions (let’s say it’s their mini Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao), these are Hong Kong, Kowloon and the New Territories. Make sure not to book your hotel in the New Territories! If your trip is really bongga, might as well stay at the Peninsula, Kowloon or the Mandarin Hotel, Hong Kong. If you have the budget, Holiday Inn and Marco Polo (both in Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon) are the most convenient. They have big rooms and mall access. If you don’t mind walking and staying in a cramped room, B.P. Hotel, Hotel Kimberly, Park Hotel and Shamrock along Nathan Road are just fine. There are other nice hotels to choose from. But it’s better to check the reviews online before booking. I usually book mine via agoda.com then counter check it with tripadvisor.com for the reviews. My mom always tells us and her friends never to book Panda Hotel. We haven’t stayed there though, but she thinks it’s a bit far and their rooms are gross and their beds are like concrete slabs. haha.. just sharing =) 

(7) If you haven’t arranged your transfers/pick-ups yet, I suggest that you take the airport train to your hotel (around Php600 for a one way trip). From the airport, it has 3 stops, i.e. Tsing Yi, Kowloon and Hong Kong. From those stations, there will be airport train busses that will take you to your hotel. I promise you, their seats are better than PAL’s or Cebu Pacific’s! =)

It’s fast, spacious, scenic and clean! 

(8) FOOOOOOOOOD!!! For P.G.s like me, it matters! hahaha! I like checking-in at Holiday Inn because the room comes with free breakfast buffets. Lots of fresh juices, giant yakults, dimsum, cereals, bread, pancakes, eggs ben, scrambled eggs, noodles, fish and above all.. CRISPY BACON. The fresh juices are individually packed in cute bottles, like those they sell in Citysuper!

My dad likes eating at turo-turo-ish restaurants there. The servers usually don’t speak english and they look untidy. You literally “have to make turo” your order. hahaha! Their lechon macau and peking duck (as we call it here) are awesome!! Nothing beats Chinese food in China/HK. hahaha! 

There are also clean looking restaurants with weird names but they serve great food! I wonder why they name them with color- adjectives then followed by an animal. Say.. Golden Dragon, Emerald Scorpion or Red Cheetah. HAHAHAHAHA

My favorite authentic Chinese restaurant is behind Sogo. I hope I could tell you the name, but there are no english translations of anything. If you see a Bonjour behind Sogo, near the Excelsior exit, it’s about 3 to 4 establishments away from that. They have the best noodles in town! =) Just tell them “beef!” “wanton!” “orange soda!” “bill!”.

Now, there’s this Japanese restaurant called Sushi One in front of Park Hotel and Ramada, beside Charlie Brown. After 9pm, all their sushi plates are HALF OFF! It’s a good deal if you want to have a semi-fancy late dinner. hahaha

As for street food, I suggest you try the bacon wrapped hotdogs, sausages, squid balls, crab cakes and veggie kebab. 

You can buy them from counters like that. hahaha the dirtier the better! =)) Try their waffle-like bread also.

If you like munching on beef jerkies, there are Bee Cheng Hiang stores around H.K. There used to be one here at Shangri-la Mall ages ago! If you plan to go to Macau, the street that brings you from Senado Square to the Ruins of St. Paul is the Beef Jerky Capital of Asia. hahaha! They even have chicken flavored beef jerky and beef flavored chicken jerky. hahaha =)) Go to each store and ask for free samples of each flavor, they usually give a generous amount. There goes your free lunch! =)) hahaha If you’re really makapal, make baon two cups of rice. hahaha =))

Now, that’s me, modeling Bee Cheng Hiang’s golden chicken coin. hahahaha what a dork. hahahaha =))

For local sweet delights, you could go to Hui Lau Shan (there’s one every block haha) and Honeymoon Desserts (they have it in iSquare Mall-infront Holiday Inn and Ngong Ping Village). But if you prefer Ben and Jerry’s, visit them along Kimberly Road or Times Square. 

(9) For an alternative scenic route, take the Star Ferry going to/from Kowloon (Tsim Sha Tsui)/Hong Kong (Central). It will only cost you HK$2.50-3. 

(10) Disneyland!!! I suggest that you take the MTR going there because the car-trains from Sunny Bay to Disney are designed specifically for them. When you’re there, please please please wait for the fireworks display, and find a spot where there’s a perfect view of the castle. You won’t be disappointed! =)

Andi caught the big “S”!! hahaha =))

(11) Shopping!!!! *I can already hear the angels sing* =D

If you plan to go high end shopping, like Chanel-ing or Louis Vuitton-ing, it’s all over the place! You could check the Ocean Terminal/Harbor City at Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui if you’re in Kowloon, or Sogo/Times Square if you’re in the H.K. side. (Did you know that the L.V. store in H.K. is the largest next to the Champs Elysees boutique?)

Infront Gucci along Canton Road. hanap ka ng turista.

Mall No. 1: There’s one H&M store along Canton Road, right across Gucci and Prada. In the same establishment as H&M, I think the mall is called Silvercord, there’s an outlet store for designer items named Kimberly. They carry mostly Gucci, Burberry and Balenciaga. Actually, there are lots of secondhand stores along Haiphong Road, but the bags are still a bit pricey. Might as well buy at the boutique. There’s also a decent fastfood area in Silvercord called Food Republic.

Food Republic. “S” alert! hahahahaha =) When I’m not in the mood.. I really am not in the mood. hahahahaha =))

H&M Silvercord.

Mall No. 2: My favorite is Elements.. the mall that connects to the Kowloon Airport Station. Their floor plan is divided into five elements (um. we should have guessed some more)— metal, wood, earth, fire and water. The interior changes as you enter each zone. 

They have H&M, Origins, La Prairie, etc., lots of restaurants and an organic grocery. If you wanna go ice skating, they have an olympic size rink too. hahaha! (parang MOA lang ang or Mega Mall before haha!) Their rest rooms are also nice. It kinda looks five star, to the point that it’s okay to sleep on the floor. 

Mall No. 3: The Harbor City/Ocean Terminal mall is also a place to visit (as mentioned earlier it’s along Canton Road). They have Citysuper (grocery) and a fastfood area on the top floor. They also have a high-end children’s section (kinda like Prada for kids/babies). Faces is their health and beauty section on the far end side. It’s where all the make-up brands reside. When you’re in Harbor City, try to locate their upper viewing deck. It’s a great place to take photos, have coffee or sip some wine.

Harbor City/Ocean Terminal also has sarap burger joints! You might want to try eating at BLT- near the viewing deck and Freshness Burger-on other side of the world, near the Terminal. 

Mall No. 4 and 5: Times Square and Sogo (H.K. Side). Sogo is kinda like Rustan’s 10 years ago. Low ceiling and cramped. They have the exact same boutiques as the ones in Kowloon. Although sometimes their items are cheaper, because of the discounts haha. Times Square is the mommy version of Shangri-la Mall here when it comes to layout, but it has better architecture from the outside. Here’s the insider scoop.. the top floor of Sogo is used as bazaar place in the weekends for high end brands. And one of the upper floors of Times Square corporate center has the same version as that of Sogo’s top floor. Not only that! There are also hidden restaurants that only a few tourists know about. The challenge is.. to find out if there’s a bazaar and to look for the elevators and escalators that would lead to those floors. I leave that to you =) 

Times Square. 

One of streets outside Sogo and Excelsior. 

Mall No. 6: The Citygate Outlet Mall. To get there, take the Tung Chung Line of the MTR. (We usually ride from Tsim Sha Tsui station then switch lanes at the Lai King interchange station. Same route as Disney, but don’t go down at Sunny Bay) It’s a bit far from the city, about 30 minutes or so. There, you could find factory outlets of Mango, Roxy/Quiksilver, Diane Von Furstenberg, Burberry, Coach, Evita Peroni, Giordano, Crocs, Esprit, Benetton, Ice Watch, Nike, Adidas, Sasa, Bally, C.K., R.L., Ecada, Laura Ashley, Vivien Tam, etc. When you’re hungry, there’s Food Republic, McDonalds, etc. 

While you’re in Citygate, might as well go to Ngong Ping! (hahaha this is the only tourist spot that I could suggest, so I hope you find it interesting) From Citygate, you could ask the concierge to give you directions. haha or just go out of the mall and follow the signs. =)) Ngong Ping is that mountain place where the giant buddha is. You have to take the 20-minute cable car ride to get there. At first, I wasn’t excited about it. I was thinking, why in the world would I want to spend money just to see a giant statue on top of the mountain.. I’d rather spend it for shopping! hahaha! And it was also pretty scary for me, since I don’t like slow moving contraptions suspended hundreds of feet above the water. But I was wrong, Ngong Ping Village is really nice! It has a shopping arcade, a theater and a couple of restaurants.

The place was freezing cold! If you’ll be going there November- April, just to be sure, bring scarves and beanies to keep you warm.

Mall No. 7: The next shopping spot that I know of, is Mongkok. From the Mongkok MTR station, exit where the Ladies Market is. (note that they’re only open from 5/6pm-11:30pm) I’m guessing it’s their street version of Divisoria or a low scale Greenhills/Tiendesitas. haha! Remember to bargain before you buy the item! The H.K. souvenir shirts are usually 5-6 for HK$100. There are lots of shoe stores (more of rubber shoes though, like Nike, Adidas, etc.) around Mongkok that offer great discounts. Ask around where Langham Mall is. (From what I remember, their street is parallel the Ladies Market) Infront Langham, beside Bonjour, is the Cotton-On outlet. You might want to check it out. =) 

Mall No. 8: IKEA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Take the MTR, exit on Exit E. Go to the upper basement of the Parklane Hotel. 

Mall No. 9: If you’re still apt for more outlet shopping, visit Ap Lei Chau (not sure, but they pronounce it as one swift APLI-CHOW). There, they have the Lane Crawford warehouse and Joyce. It’s not advisable, but if you have the time, then by all means! =) From Causeway Bay, take Bus 92 and go down at the Ap Lei Chau estate. 

That’s probably it! Told you this will be comprehensive!! hahaha =) I salute you if you really read the whole blog. =)) Even I get dizzy just scrolling through the page. haha! But I assure you, this is really helpful! And I guarantee, by the end of the trip, your inner shopaholic vibe will be unleashed!

ENJOY!! PASALUBONG!! I’m craving for those chicken coins!!! hahahaha!!

Chronicles Of A Social Golfer

About a month ago, my dad organized a golf tournament for his law batch. It was held at Intramuros— one of the shortest courses there is, here in the Philippines, as I was told. Of course, we, the Navarro children, (except Namee) had to be there. Chino (who was the Philippine Junior Golf champion during his time)

Chaffy (who was also a Philippine Junior Golf Champion on a different age division and who currently beats our dad and his golf buddies in their random golf games)

and I. (hahaha yeah it ends there no golf title so far and no plans of getting one. If there is such a thing as a social drinker, then call me a social golfer. As long as I have a cute outfit for golf, then I’m good to go)

My dad’s brother, Tito Bul also played.

That’s Tito Bul, beside Chaffy. He has been playing golf for more or less ten years now. 

My dad has been playing golf since 1990. 

That’s him!

As of the last count, he has eight golf bags with eight golf sets here in the house and a cabinet, full of drivers and putters. We could easily wage war against our neighbors using golf clubs. haha! He was the one who taught us how to play golf. He hired a pro just to show the pro that we’re already good. hahaha!! Since he was the one who organized the tournament, he had to be on the last flight. Yey! That means no sermon for my sabog game. I can’t help it! I get automatically tired after hole No. 12.

Some years ago my pro (yes, i had a pro/coach) told me that I have the best swing amongst my siblings. I am a natural. My dad explained to me it’s because I’m a good dancer, i know how to balance (and I actually believe him. hahaha! parents are allowed to bring praises like that to their children). Pre law school, our after-church sundays are spent in the driving range where our mom could see us practice. She can’t go to the fairway with us.. she will collapse due kaartehan from complaining about the heat and from walking. 

To be honest, I haven’t played golf in the fairway for almost 6 years now. I remember practicing in the driving range 2 years ago though. haha! Law school eats up your time to do fancy stuff. It was my first time to play in Intramuros. We usually play in Eagle Ridge and East Ridge where my dad is a member. Or Capitol, since it’s near our house. I felt confident since I’m used to really long courses. My brothers said, Intramuros is an easy course. So I told them to eat my dust. I was ready to face the sun and walk the ramp. I prepared the cutest salmon-pink golf bag there is and the preppy golf attire.  I didn’t prepare for the act of golfing itself because I figured one or two days in the range wont make me win that tournament, plus, I am reviewing for the bar. 

T-day came. The tea-off was not round robin. I freaked out! That means, you have to hit the first ball infront of everyone on the first hole. I prayed to God that I wont mess it up on the first hole. Chaffy didn’t want to be on my flight to be specific. He said “baka mahawa ako sayo, gusto ko mag champion”. Skills that kills daw siya. The nerve!! Chino, the kind-hearted one stayed with me.There were four of us in the flight, Chino, Tito Ed (my dad’s client), my dad’s classmate- whose name I forgot and I. I was the only social golfer. Chino hit first, and man! It was “one on”! (meaning, the ball landed on the green with one hit, the green is that light yellow green area around the hole). It was my turn already. I was sweating like crazy and it wasn’t even sunny. Then, bowm! Perfect swing! I hit the ball perfectly (thank God!!!!!). It was like the spirit of Annika Sorenstam that guided me. haha not! God answered my prayers further because Tito Ed and Tito XX hit O.B. (out of bounds) their balls went to the other hole. I felt like a winner already. hahahaha! One down. Seventeen more holes to go. I think it was in hole No.5 that I started to lose balls. Fine, Intramuros is a short course BUT!! There are lots of water hazaards and sand traps!!!!! It wasn’t a walk in the park.

Water hazaards are called JABONG here in the Philippines. I know right! (that’s my flight in the photo) 

Woot! In that hole, I managed to hit the ball hard enough to make it cross the lake.

There was one time, when I used the sand wedge, all the sand went to my face. Good thing my cadie was the only one who saw it happen. Sand traps are called sand. hahaha or sund. =))

That’s me, looking for my lost ball. It went inside the wooden walk way. I refuse to believe it went in the water. =))

How could you not enjoy the company of my flight?! We went O.B. all at the same time! hahaha! Making Chaffy’s theory correct. 

I had so much fun that day. I effortlessly won first runner up in the ladies’ division of the tournament! hahaha! 

Dad and Atty. Bohol as presentors. haha!

I love Intramuros. Its walled city.. not much of their golf course. Even though I didn’t play well, I got to have a trophy and really nice candid photos. =) (Chaffy won first runner up for longest drive only. haha yabang kasi!)

Photos: (C) Benny Dychanco

77 days to go before the 2011 Bar Exams! God bless us barristers! =)

Beyond Gucci: How To Survive G.B. For 14hours With Php200

TASK:

To study in Greenbelt, Makati from 8am to 10pm with only Php 200.

PRINCIPALS:

Kayla E. The Frugal Bar Reviewee.

Cash at hand: Php200

Personal Survival Tools on the right hand photo.

Casie N. The Economical Bar Reviewee.

Cash at hand: Php200

Personal Survival Tools on the right hand photo.

ACCOMPLICE:

Anina G. The Senior Law Student Make-Up Supplier.

Cash at hand: more than Php200

THE HOW TO:

The task is prima facie impossible. But we controverted the presumption. Oh yes we did! That’s how tipid we are. We wanted to study out the whole day to break the monotony of studying for the bar. Why Greenbelt? Because I like how it smells. Plus, we wanted to drop by S.M. to check some make-up stuff during the break. hahahahaha! Our only obstacle was the budget. So, we came up with schemes to make it workable. 

(1) Eat something heavy before you leave the house and don’t bring a car. Dress up nicely.

(2) Bring your personal survival tools.

(my list: WATER BOTTLE [very important. preferably bought from the coffee shop where you intend to study. i.e. Starbucks, in my case— so as to erase the suspicion that you didn’t order a drink from them], TISSUE, WET TISSUE, CITRONELLA PATCHES, TOOTHBRUSH, TOOTHPASTE, MAKE-UP, HAIR CLAMP, HAND SANITIZER, iSHUFFLE and PENCIL CASE)

(Kayla’s list: A FRIEND THAT WILL BRING A WATER BOTTLE, EYE SOLUTION, MOUTHWASH, EAR PLUGS, HAND SANITIZER, LASH CURLER, MAKE-UP, SUN GLASSES, PENS and PONY TAIL)

(3) Bring baon food and don’t go to starbucks right away. 

8am: So we first went to Mc Donald’s G.B.1/3. We found a table with cushioned seats at the corner. Perfect for long haul studying. (take note we didn’t order anything yet, but Kayla planned to buy coffee)

11am: We were so engrossed with studying that we forgot to order food. =) Soon after, we brought out our packed lunch and ate. It was better than McDo food. hahaha!

12:30pm: We met up with Anina then went to Starbucks, Fully Booked, G.B.5. She ordered lunch and ate, while we studied. I just had my water bottle refilled. 

2pm: RECESS! During recess, we usually ransack Anina’s make-up kit. We love looking over her stuff then ask the same questions about it most of the time. hahaha! I sure hope she’s never sick of answering. =)) #soupybrains AND we ate our baon peanuts (brainfood!) and carrot cake.

2:30pm: TAX TUTOR TIME!! 

Atty. Aznar, who is currently a tax practitioner, volunteered to teach me the V.A.T. Law. She’s so nice!! and garsh!! She really is a good teacher!! 

*Thank you so much Azzy!!!!! mwah!!!!

(Azzy was my classmate in Corporation Law class, and I am their adopted 4C-2010 blockmate. woot!)

5pm: Our brains were soupy as soupy can be. We had to walk around then go to S.M. (tada! i didn’t expect that it was such a long walk!!) While at the department store, I tried Majorlica Majorca’s Lash Expander. BY FAR IT IS THE BEST MASCARA IN THE WHOLE WORLD!! (and that would require a separate blog. maybe next week.)

6pm: Dinner at Bonchon. (another long walk on the way back to society) This time, of course we ordered already!!! woohooo!!! #finally After eating, we bumped into Tita Ting! Such an inspiration! I told her that we’re taking the Bar Exams this November. She was like “you’re going to take it abroad?” haha i was like “no! here!” (i hope i did not give her the involuntary duh look)

(4) If you want to eat dessert and study some more after the break, ask you parents to pick you up. 

Classic Confections’ Mango Torte was divine!!!! Studying Legal Ethics suddenly became a piece of cake. Thank you parentals!!!!

THERE!!! 

✔ Study Quota 

✔ Break time fun

✔ 200-peso budget

✔ Greenbelt ambiance 

✔ Take home snack for Kayla

78 days to go before the 2011 Bar Exams! God bless us barristers! =)

(can somebody notify me if i’m counting the days correctly? =) Thank You!)

Les Isle Philippines

No man is an island.. as a familiar saying goes. In our speech class way back in high school, i was assigned to deliver a 2-minute extemporaneous speech on that quote. I forgot what i said. haha! But you know.. it’s a common fallacy to call the Philippines, The Island of the Philippines. It is not composed of just one island and Philippines is not the plural form of Philippine. It is an archipelago— a group of islands (thus, the archipelagic doctrine found in Article I of the 1987 Constitution). I’m sure i didn’t talk about the Philippine archipelago in high school! I probably talked about something like a person can’t survive without company. Batman has Robin. Captain America has Bucky. Darna has Ding. Rico Yan has Vhong Navarro in the movie Got To Believe. Shaider has Annie. Even The Lone Ranger (who isn’t so alone after all) has Tonto. 

Au contraire, there will be days that you just want to be left alone. Like me, today i didn’t go out of my room (well, kinda). hahaha! ‘Tis the season to be sluggish falalalalalalalala! I did not aim for the to-look-presentable mission stated on this blog. I was just too tired to dress up. 7am earlier, Annie brought me coffee. I drank it then went back to bed. =) I eventually woke up around 8am, as my friend kept on ringing my phone. I suddenly realized it was 12nn already, the tummy was grumbling like crazy! I snuck out for a couple of minutes to grab lunch then went back. Annie told me that my mom’s asking if ill study out, i said “no, ill just stay in my room”. Then Annie again went back to tell me that my mom said that i should take a bath already and be dressed up by 4pm because she wants to go to Shangri-la Mall. I told her, pasabi kay Mommy hindi ako sasama, baka pumunta akong Starbucks nalang. Around 10pm my mom texted, asking if i went out. I replied “nope, im tamad to go out pala talaga today”. I barely spoke 50 words today. I was an island (or in an island?). An island wearing the DLSU P.E. shirt. 

79 days to go before the 2011 Bar Exams! God bless us barristers! =)