Isa in Europa

I left my keys at home....

2007-04-02T11:44:00.000+08:00

... at dahil don, pakiramdam ko ang tanga tanga ko. Good thing I live near the studio, so coming back and forth is not a problem. And, good thing we have drivers on queue, so I can just ask him nicely to bring it for me.

So here I am, sitting/squatting on the corridor, mooching wifi from the neighboring tenant. What do I do? BLOG.

And what is there to blog about? I am happy because a simple twist of fate has changed my destiny (refer to this blog ... Ok, ang OA ko...) but I am really really really excited because two weeks from now, I will be basking under the sun with my girlfriends.

Prior commitments were rescheduled (okay okay I manipulated them into rescheduling) so now I can be free as a bird! Yehey yehey yehey! Vacay for me!

Heeeniway, andito na yung susi... back to work! Set up ng ilaw time!

Bruised and scarred

2007-03-21T09:19:00.000+08:00

It's been only 3 months and I have bruised and scarred my oh-so-lovely doobiedoo. (Yes, I have decided to name my not-so-new baby doobiedoo). I know what you're all thinking, I'm such a bitch for posting this, what about the other people who can't afford it, right? YES, I AM SUCH PERSON. And the reason why I'm bitching is I promised I'd take care of this forever and ever (or for at least 4 years, then make an upgrade) but now, with the way it has been bruising and scarring, this will only last me a couple. BOO!

I noticed the pwet-like dent on top of my F9 key a couple of days ago. I keep staring at it, touching it lovingly, apologizing over and over and over again. Yes, mukha akong tanga, kinakausap ko computer ko. Now that I've been staring at it, it's so hard for me to function and work! I've been trying to remember what I did that made it that way. So far, wala akong maalala.

The second bump was discovered by my business partner Miguel when he was checking his email a month ago. He suddenly said, "Uy, bakit hindi pantay yung sa bukasan ng laptop mo?" OOOOOOHHHH shiyet. Wala pa ngang kalahating taon may bukol bukol na? Weird.

Anyway, here are the pictures:

Everyday, I see this pwet-like dent staring at me and farting me on the face...
I can hear it saying, "Ooohhh, look at me, look at me! I'm a dent in your brand-spanking-new computer!"

It's not so obvious here, but there's a protrusion on top of the button
that you press to open the computer.

DOOBIEDOO!?!? What have you done to me?!?!

Shameless plugging

2007-03-18T21:22:00.000+08:00

Gray Area Studio is now available for rent! click the image to go to the website.

Cooking pasta for one...

2007-03-18T18:20:00.000+08:00

I've never cooked for myself. If ever I get in the mood to cook (or, answering Iron Chef's chairman's Allez cuisine -- Je vais cuisine), I would usually cook for at least 3 people. Or when I was in Italy, I would cook for 4+++ people. In short, I would cook bigger servings, throw a feast, and have a gastronomical party in my tummy.

Today, however, was the first time I cooked for myself. I wasn't out to please anyone, only me. And since I had been craving for pasta, either tomato based or cream was fine, I decided to pas-tah for mah-self. The dish: Pasta All'amatriciana, Chinese style. Say whaaat?

Pasta All'amatriciana is a tomato-based dish. It's similar to puttanesca in a way that it also has chopped canned tomatoes, but instead all the veggie bits are replaced with pancetta, or unsmoked bacon. (Since we don't have unsmoked bacon here, or pancetta is waaaay expensive here, ordinary purefoods bacon would do). My version has yunnan ham, instead of bacon.

Yunnan ham is ham from.. well, Yunnan. They're usually sold in cans in Bee Tin Tin (ba yon?) a store along Ongpin. I think SRP is Php120 per can but it can laaaast a long time, since it's very salty a small piece can be equivalent to a gigantic spoonful of rice.

AAAANYWAY... Verdict is, I put in waaay too many spaghetti, cooked way too much sauce, but it was an ok ratio. Of course I shlopped everything into one big bowl and finished it. It lacked sauce when I had way too many noodles, but halfway through the noodles I had way too much sauce. Haha and I liked eating in my room, while watching tv. The ham wasn't crispy enough (I can make it crispier with bacon.) Hrmm.. should've stuck with bacon. But, I'm excited to eat Yunnan ham with rice, tho! Hahaha

Tama na. Magugutom na ako ulit.

How Boracay and I aren't meant to be...

2007-03-16T12:50:00.000+08:00

When I was a kid my family and I would go to Boracay often. Mainly since we spent our summers in Iloilo, Boracay was (well then) more accessible -- it was only a 6-hour bumpy ride to Kalibo, then another hour to Katiklan, then finally on the boat to Boracay.

Boracay then was a typical, uncommercialized island. Naabutan ko pa nga ata nung wala pang kuryente doon. Or, at least the electricity wasn't strong enough to have airconditioned rooms, so we would sleep in hipa huts, squished in between my parents, or whoever had a 5-inch space we could squeeze into.

We even had a hairdo named after the island. Remember when you were kids, you would spend hours in the water, then go up to play in the sand? At ang OC mong yaya, para naman daw hindi ka magmukhang basang sisiw, would towel-dry your hair (like a dog), leaving your hair sticking out and very unmanageable with all the sand, salt and wind. That look was our Boracay hair. My mom and titas would tease my sister and I if we had Boracay hair. Yung tipong, "Yuck! Isa! Boracay hair!!!" O kaya, "Uyyy...Boracay hair..." Weird ba?

Anyway, the last time I went was around 10 years ago. I had just started to experience the little nightlife I had, and was so excited to go to Coco Mangas and drink rhum coke. Of course that was very very thrilling for me, since my parents were the strictest when I was growing up and that was my little escapade. I loved it.

So what's the problem? you say? I feel this year, Boracay and I aren't meant to be. So why haven't you gone before that? I don't know. I've never really had the want to go. Since I was travelling a lot for the past years.. OK, fine.. OA.. I've been to Europe thrice in the 7 years, my savings were.. let's say.. close to non-existent. Why did I have to go to Boracay when I went go to the beaches in South of France -- St. Tropez, Nice, Cannes, etc, hung out in the beaches of South of Italy, and walked along the "beach" in Paris (aka Paris plage). So now that I have admitted to myself that I'm not traveling anytime soon, I'm ready to finally go to Boracay, and par-tay with my friends, the responsible side of me is holding me back.

Hayyyy... di bale, this is just the first quarter of the year.. Boo to me though, for not going this April! I'll miss you guys!

G.A.S.

2007-03-09T12:01:00.000+08:00

This is it... We've finally opened Gray Area Studios, my first big, big BIG project. Well actually, it's not a project, it's a hard core business.

Soooo, what was an artsy fartsy girl with zero knowledge in business thinking when she started her business? I HAVE NO IDEA. Nasapawan ata ako ng business ghost nung mga panahong pumayag ako. I'm playing everything by ear, with a whole lot of moolah at stake.

Kinakabahan ba ako? Hell yeah. I wish my She God would do something about this.

Turning over a new quarter-life leaf

2007-02-13T18:55:00.000+08:00

Some people have pegged 2007 as the year of the kalat (check out the blogs of Alessa and Patty), but I have pegged it as the year of the serious.

I had started the year optimistic --- optimistic that I will be someone who will accomplish something by the end of the year. And since I had accepted the fact that I will no longer be frolicking Europe this year (although the last two vacays were amazing!), I have decided I will be grab my semi-accomplished life by its horns and plough through.

Another part of my turning over a new quarter-life leaf is the Enhance thy self program Ales and I have committed ourselves into doing. The ETS program is simply stepping up a notch with our health, beauty and overall wellness. (Usung-uso pa naman ngayon ang wellness drama.) I am still trying to work on my eating bit.. I LOVE MY MEAT! But, I am already working on the others -- meaning exercise, moisturize and socialize! Haha

Now, the serious aspect of my year is business-related. Late last year I had thought of starting a business, which I did.. and now... tadaaaaa!!! Gray Area Studios is now open!

Heniway... that's all for now. I have gotten hooked on knitting too so I'm working on that.. hahahaha labo.

I AM MOBILE!!!

2006-12-12T18:59:00.000+08:00

After ten million years of deciding whether or not I should "upgrade" my close to extinction computer, I finally had the enlightenment to say, "THIS IS IT." So, I asked my Tita in the States to buy me an oh-so-beautiful toy/work thing. And what do I do when it arrives? Get giddy like a 5-year old on Christmas.

Thanks Raf, for taking the pictures!

So what happens now, you say? I will try to be of more use and not waste internet space.

How can you be tired of watching this?

2006-09-27T22:21:00.000+08:00

Quoting NBA, I love this game. :)

For those whose hearts are as big as their stomachs*

2006-09-27T21:14:00.000+08:00

*Or what I would like to call, the pleasantly plump, happily heavy, super super-sized, and what-not.

I was half-heartedly watching an episode of Ed just a few moments ago, then suddenly, this dialogue caught me.

Chubby Guy: Why did you want me to go on a diet?
Girl: To make you more healthy.
Guy: I thought you were just sick and tired of dating the fat kid.
Girl: I'm not dating the fat kid, I'm dating you...

Shet, sapol sa puso ko yon. This is for all the "fat kids" who had been hurt because of their size. This is also for all the "fat kids" who were loved for who they are. This is also for all those who love their happily heavy lovers for who they are. Thank you... (you know who you are)

Back from Gabaldon.

2006-09-21T20:07:00.000+08:00

I LOVED IT! I always love doing anything and everything Gabaldon-related (specifically for the Dumagats). Even if I couldn't physically go, I would do projects to at least help them in some way.

Anyway, I decided a week prior our departure to finally seize the opportunity. Raf asked me if he could go, and since I had always wanted to go, I decided to go with him. Besides, I was complacent (despite being unfit) because I knew Raf could carry my things in case I start feeling weak. :D But thank GOD we didn't climb any mountains or cross any hard-core rivers! (One time tawid lang, which is a-ok by me...) 30 kits of school supplies packed in my two packs are hella heavy.

Anyway, here are some pictures....

Raf and I "tenting" it out.. yes....

Tatay Rohel singing his very socially-relevant-sapol-sa-konsensiya song
while Randy and the rest of the group listen.

Melai and I have an adobo Sunday breakfast. (Check out the background...)

This is me reading Blue Day (or Asul na Araw) to the Dumagat kids.

The kids couldn't wait to get their hands on painting

Some of the kids' artworks. ANG GALING NILA!!!

All our pictures can be seen at My multiply site.

Going to the mountains* to teach

2006-09-15T20:37:00.000+08:00

For the past 3 years I have tried to get myself involved with the dumagats in Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija. I had gone there for my immersion and had vowed to help in every way I could. Ever since, the thought of teaching their kids has enticed me. But of course, the thought of ruining their lives also haunted me. (I have a paranoia complex.)

So now, finally, I have decided to take advantage of a CAREfor climb. Well, I don't want to dwell into details but for more information on the Dumagats and Gabaldon, please click this TABYENGAN link. Anyway, I am going to Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija this weekend to teach the dumagat kids the following: reading, writing, arts and math.

I am excited, but I am also starting to experience my anxiety and paranoia.

*And oh, we're really not going up to the mountains (thank GOD!!! I can't imagine carrying all those school supplies...)

Will upload pictures soon...

Too tamad to narrate..

2006-08-31T00:27:00.000+08:00

Ever since I got back, I've been feeling less than eager (is there such a term) to narrate (racontare in Italian) my (mis)adventures in Italy. So, from this moment on, this will just be a normal blog with normal ramblings and such. Maybe I'll be eager enough to racontate (wth?) my trips.

And hopefully, I'll be in another adventure soooon! (Went to Bantayan a couple of weeks ago and suffered from Murphy's Law -- it's bound to go wrong, but it was worth it!)

Cutie!

2006-08-10T20:31:00.000+08:00

Someone mistook my email address for her friend's and sent me a couple of pictures of her son, Gil. I just want you guys to see how cute he is. Pwedeng pag-lihian. I'd translate her email to English if I knew how to speak Portuguese. :)

Oh, trivia trivia.. there are a kazillion Silvas in Brazil, like Reyes or Santos here in the Philippines.. so imagine how common Isa Silva or Isabel Silva is.

Stromboli 3

2006-08-03T22:12:00.000+08:00

Prior to our climb, we spent the entire afternoon going around and lounging at the beach. The town itself was amazing, but I wasn't too fond of the beach. Maybe it's my colonial mentality talking but I wasn't turned on by the black sand and black stones. Here are some pictures:

Me having lunch

Me and Annie outside our hotel room

Me and Annie (again) walking along their narrow streets (all their streets are this narrow)

Me and Micki on the peak of the town

The beach

The "sand" that's found on the beach

If there's one thing I regret not doing, it was to not rest before the "climb". I had not slept well the night before, (actually, I was not sleeping well when I was in Italy) plus I was walking around the entire afternoon. I should've stored my carbs and I should've rested at least for 4 hours. (I had the time anyway.) BUUUT, since I was trying to make the most out of this helluvanexpensive weekend, I pretended I was fit enough to do whatever the hell I wanted to. I was so psyched to climb the volcano. I'm sure I would do my mountaineer boyfriend proud.

The climb was roughly 900 meters. The first 600 were trails and the rest were all ash. We left around 6 pm to get there around 9 to see the eruptions (with lava and smoke and the entire shebang) then get back by 10pm or so. It was a piece of cake, to be honest. But (deng deng deng), since my blood was low that time, I couldn't handle the altitude and the steep climbing. After 300 meters I backed out. Yes, the wuss in me sought it best to just go down, since I was slowing up the group. What a disgrace! To think I was the most excited to go up! Oh well, if I can't do it, I can't do it, right? Sayang lang, I could've made Raf proud.

to be continued ulit...

Singit lang..

2006-08-02T18:56:00.000+08:00

Alessa "tagged" me...

Four jobs I've had in my life:
1. Contributor for iConnect's website
2. Billing deparment at Makati Med... was I a "biller"?
3. Fundraiser
4. "Designer" kuno/Art teacher

Four movies I'd watch over and over:
1. 3 Ninjas (potangina)
2. Amelie (helps me with my close to non-existent French)
3. I don't know
4. I don't know

Four places I've lived in:
1. Sanlo (2 houses)
2. Pesaro, Italy (for Oscar's BMT)
3. Manhattan & Paris (for vacay-tion)
4. Reggio Calabria, Italy

Four TV shows I'd like to watch:
1. More episodes of G.A., D.H. and P.B. (Prison Break)
2. Jem and the Holograms minus the low-quality recording
3. Coupling Season 5 (wala na)
4. Drawn Together

Four places I've been on a vacation:
1. Rome
2. Sicily
3. London (last year)
4. Scotland (last year)

Websites I visit daily:
1. Google mail
2. Multiply
3. Yahoo mail
4. Google.com

My favorite foods:
1. Isaw kina Nel
2. Menudo/Mechado something with tomato sauce
3. Sandaya's beef yakiniku
4. Ginataang kalabasa with tuyo

Four places I'd rather be right now:
1. Beach
2. Beach with Raf
3. Spain
4. Anywhere but here (na kasama si Raf)

Four friends I think will respond
1. I
2. have
3. no
4. idea

Stromboli 2

2006-08-02T16:01:00.000+08:00

I couldn't back out. Heck, I had already paid €71,00! (Talagang garapalan e, hindi man lang nag-round off nalang to 70...) Sayang lang ang tatlong-libong piso ko (plus plus plus). So anyway, us three girls brought goodies (gastos nanaman), packed our bags and got ready.

Since we lived 50 minutes away (by foot) from the school, so we got picked up early early morning to catch the 7am boatride to Stromboli. Our trip went like this: We took a Roro from Reggio to Messina (Sicily), then drove from Messina to Milazzo then took a SuperCat from Milazzo to Stromboli. The trip took close to 3 hours. Normally I would just drop dead and sleep until 2 minutes before reaching destination, but for some strange reason, I couldn't sleep at all. Or it was the mababaw kind of sleep -- the one that gives you a big headache when you wake up.

But.. my first view of Stromboli was breathtaking..

The volcano. You can see the steam/cloud coming out from its crater

The city

I loved the architecture!! It made me feel I was in a small Greek town. (Although I have yet to see one).

To be continued ulit..

Stromboli

2006-08-01T17:22:00.000+08:00

Stromboli is said to be one of Napoli's pride and joy. Stromboli is the name of an active volcano, which releases clouds during the day, and erupts during the night. Or baka meron din during the day, hindi ko lang napansin. Anyway, Stromboli is also the name of the island. Stromboli is also a place for the richest of the rich. In short, because of its touristy tourist spots, touristy din ang prices. SHET.

The university I went to,Università per Stranieri Dante Alighieri, every so often, plans excursions around Italy during the weekend. This was one of them. Part of the itinerary was to climb the volcano and to see the eruptions at night. I thought I would want to do my mountaineer boyfriend proud, to climb up the volcano, take pictures, and be a mountaineer (not a mountaineer's girlfriend). So, us three girls decided to go.

The initial expenses for the trip €71,00. (In Italy they use commas sometimes), which we had to pay a couple of days before the trip. It was quite pricey but the person in-charge told us it covered everything... so, ok na diba? BUUUUT, the day before we left the PIC (person-in-charge) gave us a sheet saying in order for us to go up the volcano, and see the island, and to eat, we had to pay around €30-40,00 extra. TANGNANGSHIYETSIYAAAAA.

(to be continued...)

I. AM. BACK.

2006-07-24T01:02:00.000+08:00

It seems that those 10 weeks have come and gone so quickly. I still remember going to the interview, mucking it up (again, change m to f), receiving the good news (?) that I was one of the four people accepted, having to explain that I had to leave, packing, saying goodbye, getting on the plane, going to school, learning how to cook (for survival), learning how to wash clothes (again for survival), having to put up with Italian bastards (will kwento next time), packing again, saying good bye, getting on the plane and voila.

So far, when people ask me how my trip was, I just plainly say that it was interesting. It wasn't breathtaking or marvelous or what-not, it was just plain interesting. Sure I might seem like an ingrate, but, it was all that it was... just plain interesting. Nothing more, nothing less.

Had I known then, given the choice, I would politely decline this "scholarship". I realized, after reading Alessa's blog, that the timing for this was off. Sure, I did 10 weeks of learning Italian and not having to pay for anything, but 10 weeks is only 10 weeks. It won't (and didn't) give me enough knowledge to carry on a decent and serious conversation, and it won't (and definitely didn't) give me enough knowledge to teach.

Sayang lang talaga. Hassle pa yung nawalan kami ng internet, tuloy, nakakatamad magkuento kung ano mga nangyari. But anyway, I'm getting too ahead of myself. Now that I'm back, I plan to focus on the following things:

1. Jump start my so-called career: Up to now I still don't know what I want to do with my life, and since another window has opened, I feel I just poured gas into this big bonfire of confusion. Alessa was right, by leaving, I put my entire life on hold, but now I have to work on harder just to prove myself worthier. Haaaayyyy...

2. Get in touch with my artistic side: I met this brilliant lady in Rome, who painted (using watercolor) tourist spots in Rome. Ang galing, OA sa galing. WATERfreakingCOLOR. Amazing. I remember, a few years back, what my art teachers used to tell me, "Alam mo, sayang ka. May talent ka, tamad nga lang." I remember how much I used to love painting with watercolor. I loved the challenge. Sayang. Tamad lang kasi ako.

Here she is with her artworks (Will scan some soon)

3. POFTP!! OUTREACH!! FUNDRAISING!!! I just realized, while I was away, that not only am I a SOA (socially-oriented Atenista) but I am an active SOA. 10 weeks of not doing anything socially-relevant was just plain wrong. Hopefully I can get to kickstart my fundraising projects soon.

So yun nalang muna. Will write again soon.

Happy Birthday Micki!!!

2006-06-23T20:04:00.000+08:00

Yesterday, 22 June, was Micki's birthday. We prepared a picnic party for her. We prepared for around 20 people!!! Without water!!!!!!! Will upload pictures soon.

Stromboli and Marina di San Lorenzo

2006-06-18T03:45:00.000+08:00

Still no internet.. more pics can be found at my multply site.

In Absentia

2006-05-28T19:55:00.000+08:00

I never realized how internet-dependent I was (yeah, right!) until we lost our internet connection. It was around a week ago when I realized that the WIFI of our neighbor was not working. Strangely enough, I was able connect (meaning the source did not ask for a Network Key [or WEP] of some sort), but the computer wasn’t able to receive anything.

The first thing that came to my head was their server is down…kasi diba kung hindi na ako pwede mag-access ng internet, dapat hindi na ako makakapasok? Pero nakakapasok naman ako, Very Good pa nga yung signal e. Kaso nga lang, wala akong natatanggap. Anyone who can share their thoughts on this? Maybe you can help me? It has been a week or so since our last internet connection (via WIFI). Please (pretty please), e-mail me or reply to this entry (please don’t use the tagboard – I might not be able to see it in time).

Hayyyy how upsetting. Feeling na tuloy naming, parang Big Brother na kami: no communication to the outside world!!! Anyway, I’m giving this a week more, hopefully it will be fixed by then. In the meantime, I will depend on kind neighbors and friends who will let me use and abuse their facilities.

Went to Catania, Sicily for the weekend… will write about it soon!

B(lo)ody Plumpin'

2006-05-17T20:58:00.000+08:00

To continue with my previous post, Cuccina-io Cuccina-yeah wanna plump your body baby, here are some pictures of my daily routine:

Here I am cooking lunch while Annie washes the dishes

Photo-op muna bago mag lunch

I promise I won't cook tonight. (Yeah, right!) Tangna ang taba ko na.

Finalmente, i fotografie!

2006-05-17T04:36:00.000+08:00

And now I present i bursisti (the scholars):

Clockwise from L-R: Annie Luis, Jerome Sanchez, Me, and Micki Poso.

Since Reggio Calabria is surrounded by the sea, here are some pictures of.. what else...

Well, more to come. Haha tamad na ako mag upload. Sorry. More can be seen at my multiply site.

Cuccina-io Cuccina-yeah wanna plump your body baby

2006-05-17T03:10:00.000+08:00

(Please sing to the tune of... I forget the title... please messsage me if you know.

If there's one thing I hate about Italy is cooking is so enjoyable!!! In the Philippines, I try to avoid cooking, mainly because the heat and the humidity make it more like a chore than something enjoyable (besides, that's what cheap labor forces are for.. evil). But here, ahhh mannaggia, with the cold and the rich ingredients, I can't help but cook.

I also like cooking here because it relieves me of dishwashing duties. I loathe dishwashing and I try to avoid it as much as I can. So, being the escapist that I am, I choose the chore I would rather do, which is cooking.

So for the past week that we've been here, I've been busting my ass in front of the stove. And, surprisingly, they turn out to be quite tasty. They're not five-star-restaurant quality, but they're comfort food, which is probably worse because one cannot help but gorge down (chow = ciao hehe corny) comfort food. BOO!

So, in effect, after one week of staying here -- after a week of experimenting, eating, eating a lot, and the siestas in between, we have, sad to admit, expanded our stomachs (and so much more). We've already heard from two Italians that we have gained weight! Ahhhh Managgia!!! Ci siamo ingrassati! (literal translation: we have fattened ourselves up!)

Kabobohan at kabobohan

2006-05-15T20:38:00.000+08:00

I forgot to lock my keypad before putting it in my bag.. and guess what!!! It sent messages to Raf... They were Mothers' Day messages pa to Raf. Major engeng... so, Handy Dandy tip #4: ALWAYS LOCK YOUR KEYPADS!!! I just spent 200 bucks sending good-for-nothing messages!!!! Ahhhh mannaggia.. sono come un pollo!

Happy Mommas' Day

2006-05-14T16:53:00.000+08:00

Happy Mothers' Day to all the Mothers, sick-and-tired-of-being Mothers, retired Mothers, GrandMothers, Great GrandMothers, soon-to-be Mothers and wannabe Mothers. I hope you enjoy your very special day.

Will upload pictures soon, promise!

So far, so good

2006-05-11T16:45:00.000+08:00

Today is our fourth day here in Reggio Calabria, and so far, everything is A-O-K. We've been trying to live as normally as possible, which I think is difficult considering that our life is well, surreal.

We've already started with our classes, but first, we had to take a diagnostic exam to gauge our proficiency in Italian. Since I only had minimal formal education, the rest was experience (nak),I stuck to basic Italian. Besides,it has been years since I really learned the language, grammar et al.

Our daily schedule is like this: Our classes are 9-10.30, 11-12.30. I usually wake up around 6 to cook and prepare breakfast. Cook, you say? Yes, I am the cook. I cook and cook and cook, three meals a day. Shocking to believe, even my own mother is astonished, but yes, I cook. I have been cooking, loving it and cooking some more.

We usually get home around 1.30 and I cook lunch. Since most of the stores are closed 1-5 pm, I lounge around the house, do chores and what-not. I discourage myself from going out because going out = spending. I even discourage myself from going to the Chinese clothing store (abbigliamento) downstairs even if sweaters cost 6 Euros, and jackets 10.

Classes are ok, Annie and I are taking basic Italian, whereas Michelle is taking Intermediate and Jerome is taking Advanced. Oh, before I continue, here is a picture of us four.

Ay, ayaw gumana nung external hard disk ko. Next time nalang... to be continued...

FINALMENTE!

2006-05-08T04:42:00.000+08:00

After 30++ hours of traveling, I am proud to say that we have finally arrived at our destination. The flight itself was so-so, I really wouldn't recommend China Airlines to anyone. The food was ok, but they don't have individual screens at the back of the seats (which is a big requirement for me).

Our layovers were pretty long, and it was very tiring, since we had to wake up from deep sleep to get out of the plane and what-not. In short, kakabitin yung tulog. I prefer Emirates over this, kasi sila at least tag 8hours yung biyahe.

So, we arrived at Reggio Calabria stinky, tired and groggy (well at least I can say that for myself). As for the others, who I will introduce in my succeeding entries, were ok. I guess they're better with coping than me. The association who organizes this scholarship met us at the airport and they brought us here, cooked for us.

The apartment we're staying at is quite huge. 3 bedrooms for 4 people is not bad at all. It's very spacious, plus there's a kitchen w/ dining, 1 1/2 bathrooms, and terraces outside our rooms. And it's a good thing the neighbor has WIFI. We're mooching off them right now.

Tomorrow is our day of rest. Tuesday we take a profiency exam for our Italian. O mio Dio, prega mi. Ho domenticato tutto di mio Italiano.

Dizizit!

2006-05-06T13:15:00.000+08:00

This is it! I'm off to the airport... til my next entry... ci vediamo. :)

The Curse of the Bloody Mary

2006-05-06T10:02:00.000+08:00

I've always thought that I have outgrown this curse. BOY AM I WRONG! This started when I was 16. A day before going to Boracay, I got... dendenden, my period!

Since then I've always had the Curse of the Bloody Mary. My theory is that because of the anxiety of the travel, the body has a difficult time coping with the stress, and voila, a day before, it suddenly releases hell in liquid form.

My trip last year also was such a hassel (not hassle, but HASSEL). I remember backpacking to Scotland with my period. I also had going home. Basta.HASSEL.

Sooooo.. after a month of waiting, right on the day before I leave, the crimson tide decides to gush in and grace me with its presence. Hayyyy stress.

Long-overdue Thanks

2006-05-05T14:00:00.000+08:00

I would like to take this opportunity to thank my editor, and probably the only one patient enough to read this. Raf, not only are you the shoulder I lean on, the hand I hold, and the heart which mine belongs to, but you're also my best friend, my boyfriend and now my editor. I love you.

Sorry for the cheesy-weezy love shit. I am currently suffering from separation anxiety.

Of toilets and what-not

2006-05-04T22:17:00.000+08:00

I just realized I revealed a little bit too much about myself in my previous entry, but since the damage has been done and I'm too lazy for damage control, I decided to write an entry about... (drum roll please...) TOILETS.

My trip last year has helped me with this little entry, and because of my strong feelings toward this great piece of ceramic craftmanship, this is for the weary travellers who have undecided little bottoms.

Most train stations and airports are ideal for the upset (stomach). Train Stations and airport WCs (or water closets for the Americanized) are big, spacious, and most important, clean. They welcome the tired traveller with open arms and sing, "Come on, abuse me, I'll like it" (borrowing from Silverchair's song, Abuse Me). This is great for those who cannot use cramped transport WCs to save their lives.

However, most train stations' wcs are monopolized by Mr. Clean, or Mc Clean, or the entire Clean family (sorry, I forget) who requires the exhausted traveller to shell out a few coins. So, handy dandy tip #3: bring lots of coins! for you never know when you'll need loose change. Ok, not a lot, but just enough for you to be able to use the toilets thrice.

If you're going around the city, I discovered that the best place, if you're really desperate, is to go to small, close-to-empty cafes. First, this is great because of my toilet theory: the less people inside, the lesser chance they'll use the toilet, ergo, more time for things to air out. Busy restaurants are definitely a no no!Second, it is highly probable that the employees use the same toilet, so cleanliness is guaranteed. Overall, however, most restaurants and cafes have clean, ready-to-sit-on bowls, so one wouldn't have a problem.

Of course, it is quite rude if one would just go in such venue and abuse its facilities. Ordering a cup of tea or a cup of coffee would do, but if you're having stomach problems it's better to stay off the caffeine and the cream for a while. Well, actually, tea will soothe one's protesting stomach. And, it's mandatory for one to leave a tip, it's just common courtesy. (Handy dandy tip #3 also applies)

Oh well.. if you have a stomach of steel or have a fixed schedule, I applaud and envy you. If you're like me, then, believe me, I KNOW what you're going through.

My two new best friends

2006-05-04T21:39:00.000+08:00

I ran the last bit of my errands this evening (aka shopping) and I discovered two new best friends. To those who don't know me, my stomach and bowel movement have an intense love-hate relationship with the toilet, which, according to Raf is because I was not potty-trained properly when I was growing up. Anyway, everyone I know knows how mucked up (again, change the m to f) my stomach can get. Wait, I'm getting off track...

While buying my must-haves for the trip, I discovered my two new best friends: 1: Freshening Professional FLUSHABLE Toilet Seat Cleaner (sold at PCX) and 2: Plush BIODEGRADABLE Hygienic Toilet Seat Cover (sold at Watsons). Isn't technology amazing?!?!?? I got so excited when I saw these. I love them, I love them, I love them!!!!

For the future travellers out there, I highly recommend you buy a few packs of these for your trips. These come in handy-dandy travel-size packs and boxes, so they're practically weightless and easy-to-carry. The toilet wipes are individually packed, so you can remove them from its box and put them anywhere. So actually, these are really great for everyday use. Well, you never know when you'll have to go...

Pasalubongs

2006-04-25T19:12:00.000+08:00

Please, please, please, pretty please don't ask me to buy pasalubongs. Remember, I'll be living off $200 lang for two months. To make the long story short, wala akong pera, so I'm apologizing in advance. Hehe Thanks!

I'm leaving!

2006-04-25T19:10:00.000+08:00

Finally, I have a tentative schedule for my trip. It'll be from May 6 to July 12. So, for those who want to have things bought, please let me know. Take note: July ang end-season sale sa Europe! Cheap cheap cheap clothes!

Handy Dandy Tip #2: Planning (in detail)

2006-04-17T21:04:00.000+08:00

I should've put this under Handy Dandy Tip #1, but I forgot, so I've decided to let all OCness go and let this be. Well, anyway, "backpacking" is a really memorable experience, from preparing to coming home. What's important is everything should be planned. Well, not up to the nitty gritty, like ETDs and ETAs, but at least to the areas where you're going and around when you're going. Unless you're flying, then you should really plan all the details. (Please refer to the bottom part of this entry to find out other handy dandy tips.)

It's ideal for a traveler to have relatives or friends in all parts of the world, for the simple reason that with relatives or friends come an extra bed, some free food, and a "local" who knows where one should go. Taking advantage is too strong a word, because more often than not, these kind and helpful people will be more than willing to host you. I'm sure you'd do the same if they came to our little third world country.

It was fortunate for me to know people in the right places, who, not only shared their homes, but their time and food as well. It was only there I literally felt the cliche mi casa es su casa. But, if one is not as fortunate as me, one can always go to hostels (most hostels range from 15 - 30 euros/night, depending of course on the season). If one does not have the budget, or is bolder or braver than the average, there is a network of couch-lenders who have, well, couches to spare. Check out Couch Surfing or Hospitality Club. I am hoping that everyone in the network's trustworthy (aka NOT PERVERTS), and since my experience in Europe was more than pleasant, (doi, nagboblog nga ako e), my trust level for them is high. Unfortunately (or fortunately) for me, and to preserve my parents' sanity, I did not experience the whole couch-sleeping experience.

Anyway, that's it' for now. For those who read my blog, and for those who will plan to try out Couch Surfing or Hospitality Club, please, please, please let me know how it goes. I'd love to hear from you! Email me!

Blast from the past 3: London and UK (part 2)

2006-04-15T00:48:00.000+08:00

Carrying on.. we arrived at Victoria Coach around 9pm, and spent around 3 hours at the chair-less bus station. We literally had to sit on the pavement. Hindi ko alam kung bakit sila walang silya. O baka engeng lang kami at hindi na kami naghanap? Ewan ko. Nakakataka.

Anyway, our itinerary for Edinburgh was to take the 10-hour bus ride to Glasgow, then an hour and a half ride to Edinburgh. It wasn't so bad, since we Filipinos are used to long, uncomfortable journeys. At feeling voyagers (nak) kami, syempre larga naman kami.

Halfway through our trip, while we were at one of our many pitstops, one of the passangers had an epileptic attack. Syempre yung mga ibang pasahero medyo namoblema na, dahil nakagat ni babae yung dila niya at bumubula na ang bibig niya ng dugo. Buti nalang tsismosa at may alam sa ganyan tita ko, kasi pinakialaman niya. (Malamang, baka galawin nung mga mokong at kung ano pa mangyari sa babae).

So my tita explained to the other passengers that the lady was having a pit. Syempre yung isa, nakakatawa lang, kasi pagbalik nung ibang mga pasahero, siya yung nagkunwaring bida na maraming alam...Hirit pa nga siya sa iba, "Oh, she's 'avin' a fit. Just leave 'er alone, cos somethin' might 'appen to 'er." booooolshet. E siya pa naman yung nagpanic nung una.

Anyway, we arrived at Glasgow around 10 am, and our trip to Edinburgh was at 3. Buti nalang malamig doon at hindi kami pinawisan, so ok lang na tumagal pa yung mga suot namin. Dahil wala kaming magawa, umikot-ikot kami (typical tourists).

From the bottom of my heart, let me tell you that Glasgow is one hellovapanget city. It's pretty ironic since they consider Glasgow School of Art to be one of the best in U.K. Basta, hindi maganda aesthetics nila. Parang sinalpak-salpak lang yung mga gusali. It's not like Paris where everything's uniformed and up to 6 stories high only. (Triviatrivia... trivia trivia.. The Parisiennes are very strict on building restrictions, so as to not ruin the facade and aesthetics of the entire city. Of course the buildings should never be taller than the Eiffel Tower. The only building that's more than 6-stories tall is Montparnasse, the train station, and the owners and builders had hell [aka the locals] breathing down their necks. --- Please correct if I'm wrong. Ate?)

Anyway, my tita and I were walking around, getting bored. When, lo and behold, I chance upon an Italian restaurant with a catchy sign. Thank God I have a wandering eye. Being the person that I am, I had to have my picture taken.. of course I couldn't resist. Here goes..

Heheheheheheheheh I couldn't help it!

Of course my tita couldn't resist too! (To be continued nalang kasi hindi ko mahanap yung picture...)

P.S.This is me, writing a postcard to my family and Raf while waiting for the bus (ooh, Eheads song).

Gaya-gaya, puto maya

2006-04-14T23:13:00.000+08:00

I got inspired to name my blog Isa-In-Europa after reading Tanya Conlu's blog, who's in Nigeria right now. Her entries are interesting. Visit http://tanyainnigeria.blogspot.com to read her fascinating entries. Manang (??) Tanya, salamat guid. And thanks to Tita Gwen who told me and Raf to read her blog.

Blast from the past 2: London and UK (part 1)

2006-04-14T13:48:00.000+08:00

Last year, I was fortunate enough to stay with my Ninong and Mommy in Paris, who was, at that time, the military attache (and wife of) of Philippines to France. That saved me a great deal because I didn't have to worry on paying extra for lodging, food, and internet access.

So my first "spending" trip was with my tita (cousin of mother) in London. She's currently studying physiotherapy (or kung ano man), and at that time, wanted to go to Edinburgh, Scotland. Since anyone can drag me and my pittance (pity allowance) anywhere, I tagged along with her.

Unfortunately, my trip to London wasn't as smooth as I had hoped it would be. It all started with my ticket-purchasing. Everything had gone smoothly til the time I had to pay. Since I don't carry that much cash with me, I pay with my credit card. My first one got rejected, good thing I had two others. The second one was ok. When I asked for my card, the teller didn't want to give it to me! I was shocked, confused, upset and emotional, so, naturally, I cried. (boo!) Come to the rescue naman ang Ninong ko.. he called me up and talked to the teller, asking why it happened, etc. etc. I called naman my Ninang here in the Philippines to call my Ninang in the States. But, in all fairness, it was a terrifying experience. I didn't know what was wrong, and why it happened. I panicked.. what if they suspect me to be a big-time credit card fraud? What if they ask me to be detained in their office to be stripped search? (Too many fiction running in my blood, but I did think about that while I was in the office.)

Anyway, turns out the bank where our accounts were (Merill-Lynch) suddenly stopped transacting business with non-American clients (or something like that), so they closed all of our accounts. Naturally, the credit card got cancelled too. Apparently, my Ninang didn't receive the letter ML sent. So the card was practically worthless. Anyway, to be safe, I asked them to write a note saying my credit card was confiscated, blahblahblhalbah, which they did naman. So, awa ng Diyos, sobbing aside, I was able to buy my ticket.

I left for London the next day and met up with my Tita around noon. Since our Megabus left around midnight, we had the whole day to walk around. She decided to meet up with her friends, who at one point in their teaching careers, taught at the British School in Manila. Then we just hung around London (Ooh parang malaking park).

Teachers Caroline, Tita AJ, Kirsty and me having lunch

Me at Picaddily Circle (please correct if I'm wrong)

Me trying to get some shut-eye while waiting for the bus at Victoria Coach
(not Victoria Court!)

Anyway, to be continued na yung susunod. Masyadong mahaba na ata e. Just remember, Handy Dandy Tip #2: Plan plan plan ahead!!! Most modes of transport in Europe are cheaper if you book them months ahead. One of them is Megabus, a bus service that starts their fares at £1.00. For airlines, check out Ryan Air and Easy Jet. But if you're the type who wants to hop on a train and go, the best is to get a Eurail Pass. However, Eurail passes are not valid in the U.K., but it's great for the other parts of Europe, especially for trains that do not need reservations.

To be continued...

Blast from the past 1: Dubai Airport

2006-04-12T00:23:00.000+08:00

These taken at two of the kazillion gates at the Dubai International Airport. When anyone tells you that Dubai has the nicest airport, believe them. Well, it's been years (before last year) since I last saw an international airport, so I really wouldn't know what the other airports look like. Anyway, since I took the cheapest of all cheap-ass flights, we were at the airport at the oddest time.

Handy dandy travelling tip #1: I am NOT a believer of tourgroups (I think packaged tour groups are for the rich and lazy), so I believe that you can experience Europe the cheaper way. Handy dandy tip #1 is that you should always choose the cheapest flights, unless you have a bazillion miles on your (or your parents') mileage. The cheapest airlines are those from the middle east (Emirates, Qatar, etc) -- this will save you around $100. And, it's ideal to travel on a budget while one is young, so as to not suffer from any physical ailments when one's ass is numbing from sitting in coach for at least 20 hours.

Besides, airplanes have catered to the ADD (Attention-Deficiency-Disorder) market, or for those who get bored easily. There are individual screens on the seats at economy class. Since most of the young ones are tv junkies, this wouldn't be a problem. In fairness, they also have good movies. This is where a first saw Dot The I, a great movie by Gael Garcia Bernal.

Anyway, back to the airport. The first picture is a picture of a gold palm tree. Exagg noh? Now, I'm not sure if it's real gold, but when my mom told me I should watch out for golden trees inside the airport, I didn't expect to find this. Ano naman ang purpose nila sa golden tree diba? Answering questions you might have, no, I did not attempt to touch it. Coming out of the flight half awake and well, sabog (for lack of a better term), touching the tree would ice the cake of looking like a druggie and getting arrested. So no, for my own protection, I did not touch the tree.

All this flying makes me curious on my upcoming trip. I wonder which airlines we'll choose. Ooh is there a chance we get upgraded to Business class? Haha dream on.

It's confeermed

2006-04-11T21:13:00.000+08:00

I found out a few days ago that I was not supposed to tell anyone about my scholarship. Turns out, they wanted to ask me details on myself (I think they couldn't read my CV). Anyway, the NCCA lady said I should wait for the letter that confeerms I got the scholarship.

Segue, this is the reason why I write confirmed as confeermed...

Two girls walking and talking...
Girl 1: Uy, ano ang difference ng confirmed sa confeermed?
Girl 2: (With a matter-of-fact tone) Pag confirmed, hindi pa sigurado, pero pag confeermed, siguradong sigurado na.

Ayos..

So anyway, I received the e-mail a few days ago.. this is what they wrote:

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

MS. ISABEL L. SILVA

Dear Ms. Silva,

Congratulations! You are among the four (4) scholars who will be studying Italian language and culture at the Dante Alighieri University for Foreigners in Reggio Calabria from May to June 2006 under the sponsorship of the Office for International Cooperation of the City Government Reggio Calabria in collaboration with the Associazione Culturale Italia-Filippine.

Reggio Calabria will provide for the airfare Manila-Reggio Calabria-Manila, school fees, board and lodging and a small allowance for the local transportation. The NCCA will give the scholars a pre-settlement allowance of $200 each.

You are expected to shoulder your pre-departure expenses (processing of passport, Philippine travel tax, airport tax) as well as the health insurance and visa conversion fee upon reaching Italy. These last two items combined will cost around Euros 40.

For further information, please get in touch immediately with... (name and contact information withheld)

Very truly yours,
Deputy Executive Director

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

I got to talk to one of the ladies also (as mentioned earlier) and she also told me about the $200 allowance..geezlouisesantamaria, nagulat ako na ganun lang yung ibibigay sa amin. Fine,fine I know I shouldn't complain, but it's hard to live within that amount of means (labo). I know I'll be able to make it if I don't spend at all, but it's friggin' Italy.. tapos maabutan ko pa yung sale.. tapos may mercato days pa.. Ayayayayay, I can start to see my funds deplete right in front of me.

I hope they provide the food. Yun yung sabi ng girl e.. they'll be delivering food and/or groceries to our flat every so often. I hope they do that. don't think we'll be able to live on $200 just for food. ANyway, tama na complaining, baka maudlot pa.

The "SCHOLARSHIP"

2006-04-07T11:12:00.000+08:00

This is for those who plan to take it next year... taken from: http://www.ncca.gov.ph/about_ncca/an-italiancourse.php

Scholarship in Italian Language and Culture

The National Commission for Culture and the Arts welcomes applicants for four (4) slots of scholarship in Italian Language and Culture which will be sponsored by the Office of International Cooperation of the City Government of Reggio Calabria in April-May 2006. The scholarship will include the air fare Manila-Reggio Calabria - Manila, visa fees, school fees, board and lodging and medical insurance.

The scholarship is part of a long-range objective of the City Government of Reggio Calabria to increase possibilities for exchanges between the people of the Philippines and of the southern Italian city which is the second home to a considerable number of Filipinos, including many second generation immigrants.

Applicants are expected to have a basic knowledge of the Italian language. The sponsoring body specifies that ‘besides being armed with the desire to improve their knowledge of the Italian language, the selected candidates need to have serious cultural and professional preparation and interest, as well as a certain projection to develop in the near future, tourist, economic and cultural activities… that could contribute to the diversification of job opportunities for Filipinos in Reggio Calabria.’

The four (4) successful applicants will take a course in April-May 2006 at the Dante Alighieri University for Foreigners at Reggio Calabria.

The NCCA is responsible for screening the four scholars while the Municipality of Reggio Calabria, with the collaboration of the Asscociazione Culturale Italia-Filippine, will provide assistance related to the university, board and lodging, medical insurance and other needs of the scholars.

Applicants are required to submit a letter of application, resumé with an ID photo, transcript of records, and two (2) letters of recommendation that will vouch for their academic and professional performance/background. They will also be requested to prepare a re-entry program upon their return to the Philippines.

Deadline for the submission of application is 27 February 2006 .

Surrealism at its finest

2006-04-06T11:56:00.000+08:00

Two days ago I received good news that I have been awarded a 2-month scholarship to study in Italy. I found it surreal because I knew (at the bottom of my heart) that I will not be awarded the scholarship. I mucked up (change M to F) the interview so badly I dismissed the idea of leaving.

Well well well... let me start from the beginning. Sometime end of Feb my former boss, Spanish classmate and good friend Rhea Alarcon mentioned that NCCA is looking for Italian-speaking college students or young professionals to go to Italy for 2 months to study Italian language and culture at the Dante Alighieri University in Reggio Calabria. It's an all-expense paid vacation, este summer course. Syempre ako, fight naman, with minimal hope because only 4 will be chosen.

It was 3 days before the deadline when I heard of it.. I called NCCA to ask for an extension pero ayaw nila, so larga naman kami ni Carmie. I harassed Rhea and Ate Mhir for letters of recommendation, while I spent quite a number of hours writing the application letter. (Wow, parang college ulit). Good thing na photo-finish namin, on my birthday pa! (Maybe birthday luck was on my side)

I didn't hear from them for a month or so, and when I'd follow up, they'd say they'll just contact me. So ako naman, assuming that I mucked it up (change M to F again), went on with my life and started planning and preparing for Art Adventures.

Quite honestly, I had lost all hope and forgotten about it when I got an email sometime end of March saying that I needed to be interviewed. Since I was more excited with Art Adventures than with the scholarship, I really didn't look forward to it. Then interview came and went (and I really MUCKED it up!) and lo and behold, they award the scholarship to little old me!

I think I was the most nonchalant scholarship grantee EVER. When NCCA called to say that I was the scholarship, all I said was, "Oh... ok. Thank you." (Taray diba?) I even said I'll think about it.

So after talking to Alessa and Raf about it, I decided to go. What's 2 months anyway? And sabi ni Alessa, we can continue when I get back this July. Si Raf naman, will have training in the States around the same time I'll be gone (I think), so it will be a win-win situation for us. At least we're both out of the country at the same time.

The excitement is starting to pile up already. Maybe 2 weeks from now I'll be so obssessed with it I won't be able to function.

Just so you know, I'm leaving end of April to 2nd week of July (I think). Basta, malabo pa detalya. In the meantime, while I change this super generic template and learn HTML, this blog will contain my future adventures and my blasts from the past (I'll be posting tidbits of my trip last year).

So, as the Italians would say, bienvenuti!