WIN SOME/LOSE SOME

le 15 juin 2008

15:15 / Marikina, Philippines

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Oh my, look at the time. 15:15 and today is June 15. lolz No more tears!!! ^_^

Yesterday, I went to my beloved UP Diliman and met my good friend Ikle again. We had a lot of fun! We had a “photoshoot” and went back to our old habit of chitchatting for hours while eating fish balls and drinking C2 in the perimeter of Sunken Garden.

Anyway, I have lost my Fendi scarf!!! I LOST MY SCARF!!! It was absentmindedly lying on the top of the paper bag I brought yesterday and it was a bit windy. Maybe it flew onto the world beyond when we were headed to the main library. Oh well. LIFE GOES ON!!!

The “photoshoot” was a blast! There were just the two of us, as usual, and we have to improvise and be very resourceful considering that we just used my 2mp camera phone. Here are some of the images:

Gucci

Fendi

Louis Vuitton

Gucci again

Louis Vuitton again

Gucci one last time

It was a good thing that that spot outside the library has the most perfect lighting et al (yeah right, as if I know stuff like these!) but nevertheless we had a lot of fun!!!

Anyway, I really missed being back in the university. And so, I’ve decided to enroll again the following semester. Yep, I’m taking up non-deg units from PolSci because I’m now planning to take up masters next school year!!! Yep! I’ve already decided on this, Master in International Studies.

First, I feel that my mind hasn’t been utilized the way it was very much utilized when I was still in school. I mean, yep, at work, my French is used BUT I want to learn other things aside from the languages I got. Second, I want to increase my marketability lolz. Lastly, my parents were not able to attend any of my graduation, ever! From elementary to secondary to college graduation, NONE! So I’m going to give my last shot and finish grad school. It’s never too late, n’est-ce pas?

Anyway, fine day Sunday and I woke up very late. It’s Father’s Day and a few minutes back whil writing this entry, Kuya and I called Papa and greeted him a Happy Father’s Day!!!

Back to work tomorrow, and somehow, I don’t dread it. Maybe because I love what I’m doing now? Hmmm… maybe, but to be honest, I’m enjoying my stay there.

xoxo

Bry Dee

PEP-PY DAY, JEEZ!

le 27 mai 2008

16:25 / Makati, Philippines

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So far the day isn’t fucked up at all, except for the fact that my hanky literally flew from my hands to the railway in LRT2 Katipunan because I was frantically fanning my face (imagine the faces of the people around me who saw what happened, priceless hahaha I just give them a metallic snigger) and I’m running out of resources and payday is still a day away (I was forced to get 500 pesos from my savings, and it broke my heart because I promised not to touch it!).

But then again, as promised, I’m going to save up AFTER I get my wallet. Yehey! I’m gonna get a wallet, but not one but two! Okay, the first is a vintage monogram European checkbook and card holder (date code is 884AN - made in France April 1988, how cool is that?! I was just 3 years old at that time! It must have patina-ed like hell!) and the other one is a red Goyard pouch perfect for coins and/or my cellphone. I’m already sure that I’m gonna get the LV but still doubtful for the Goyard.

This is really the last time I’m gonna buy such things. PROMISE! I really, really promise (heard that Bryan Damasco? A promise is a promise! hahaha)

Anyway, I woke up quite earlier today because of all the hammering and tattering in our house. I went online and got an IM from Pio. He was the captain of our squad last year (and last year we got the crown back, Yay!) and a very close straight friend of mine. Since I dissociated myself from pep, he’s one of the few people to whome I’ve told this plan with. I was touched when he said earlier: “Musta ka na? Miss na miss na kita SOBRA!” (How are you? I really miss you a lot!) That is one of the coolest things I heard (or read) today. Though I’m not really keen to hear news about the squad et al, I can’t help but listen to his stories.

He asked me if I miss pep, I replied “I miss UP Pep Squad a lot!” which was an understatement, I miss pep so much that I’m aching inside hahaha I love pep, no doubt about it, but few more weeks/months/whatever, I’ll be back.

Then while we were talking, I received a text message from Coach Lala (she usually send messages to alumni as well if there are important things/events that might/would interest us hahaha). It was about rehearsals for the UAAP Opening (which, I assume, would be this July) as UP is the host this year. Jeez, I WOULD HAVE LOVED to be a part of this one, but rehearsals would be every night, and I work until 12am. Fat chance. Hahaha

But the thing is I still don’t know if I’ll be watching the opening. I just hope I’d be ready by that time.

And some members would be flying to JAPAN this Thursday!!! NOW I’M ENVIOUS!!! Wahahaha I still wish all the best for them as they totally rock, no doubt about it. Love them to pieces.

Anyway, I know everything would be fine. I can feel it. It might be gradual but I’m sure when that time comes, I’ll feel merveilleux. J’en suis sûr!

I already started saving, I finally got my bank account back (I just gave the money to Mama so that I’d no longer be going to the bank and no more ATMs).

xoxo

Bry Dee

FINALLY!!! POWERBOOKS AND GRADUATION!!!

le 10 mai 2008

13:56 / Marikina, Philippines

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I wasn’t able to blog yesterday and the other day because I was dead tired!

I only worked until 7pm last Thursday because I filed half-day leave for I have to “rest”. The following day was Ate’s graduation and I still have to arrange what Mama’s going to wear. But after leaving the office (it was raining hard!!!), I went to Greenbelt and did my usual routine when I was still working for Yellowasp: loiter in Powerbooks!

Yay! I LOOOOOOOVE Powerbooks!

I read lots of books, but on second thought, I just usually scan the pages and look at the illustrations. One particular book caught my attention:

Believe me, this is the best!!!

I really love how they define handbags:

It is interesting that handbags are correlated on how women rose to power and status, making them the emblem of how they stand in the society. Also, some bags rose to iconic status especially because of the women carrying them, like, CD’s Lady Dior after Princess Diana was seen carrying the black alligator-skin bag:

And of course, Hermès’ Kelly bag:

Oh well, still I love to have an LV!!! But chances are I won’t be having one before the month ends because of unexpected expenses. Whew! I WANT TO HAVE ONE!!!

Oh well (again), here’s a pic of the LV ads they have in Greenbelt:

Yesterday, it was Ate’s graduation. And believe me, it was very difficult to get up early! We have to be in World Trade Center, Pasay City by 7am!!! That was really crazy!!!

Here’s my sister with the green vintage Gucci bag I bought before:

Here’s Mama with the black Gucci bag I gave her two days ago:

Mama and I:

Kuya and our nephew JB (they have to wait outside because children are not allowed inside the hall):

After the long wait, mother and son reunited:

Then we went to Sta. Clara in Katipunan to say our prayers because, finally, the three of us finished our studies. It’s one important thing we can give to our parents, especially tomorrow is Mother’s Day:

That’s it, I have nothing else to write. Oh, I’m thinking if I’ll renew my gym membership because I have conflicting thoughts in my head. Qu’est-ce que je dois faire?

It’s scorchingly hot here in Manila, but typhoons are now swarming in Mindanao. What the f is wrong with the weather?!

So, everybody, GET UP AND BE ENVIRONMENT-FRIENDLY OKAY!?!?!

xoxo

Bry Dee

I STILL HAVE YET TO OWN…

le 7 mai 2008

17:55 / Makati, Philippines

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I WANT AN LV!!!

I WANT AN LV!!!

I FUCKING WANT AN LV!!!

Of course, at this point in my life that I’m starting to establish myself as a member of the workforce, I still have yet to put my money on more useful things. Also, heller, family first.

Still, I want my LV! Even just a fucking coin purse. Hahaha Just kidding. I just want one.

And before the month ends…

I’LL HAVE ONE!!!

xoxo

Bry Dee

Okay, Lazy hands!!!

le 15 avril 2008

16:55 / Makati, Philippines

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Normally, I would write entries after midnight or right before I sleep. But last night, it was different. I admit. I got so addicted taking pictures des nouveaux sacs que je viens juste d’acquérir!!!

Here they are:

… the Jean Paul Gaultier!!! (Yes, I bought it… no matter what)

a Bally messenger bag!!!

Finally, something that I could use!!! It’s much more difficult to look for bags like these because handbags and purses are more prevalent. I really, really, really love the hardware they used in Bally:

 

It looks quite beaten down (I have to stuff scarves inside so as to make it retain its shape) but nevertheless I love it! But since I have to go to the gym today (as yesterday, I wasn’t able to workout… first bead in a string full of unfortunate events hier!!!), I used the Gaultier. The chain makes it look a little gay, but it’s androgynous (according to my colorblind eyes).

And then, as I’ve mentioned earlier. This chain of unfortunate events:

1) April 14 is Monday. I work out every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Since I was on leave last Friday, it left me with a 3-day vacation (just in time for my birthday.. meaning I didn’t work out last Friday). But when I woke up, Mama left and I was left with Kuya (who was sleeping) and my nephew JB. I was rushing (as usual) to fix myself and get ready with my work out clothes in the bag. Then all of a sudden. My nephew cam up to me and said that he’s hungry. So there, I’ve got no choice but stay as I can’t just let him fix his own food or mama would come home with a messy kitchen. NO WORKOUT FOR 5 DAYS!!!

2) I was busy scurrying as there was this shitty rain and I have to look the gate. Holding a pink umbrella (yes… so gay, as I remembered Mama asking me that she’d use my maroon umbrella when I was still in trance mode in my bed), I was trying to lock the gate while the skies above were swarmed by big nimbus clouds. Then I was walking fast to get to the trike terminal and stuffing stuff (ID, keys, cellphone, iPod) into my bag. Then, when I was already inside the trike, somebody texted me and I noticed that my stylus was gone! Wow! I don’t have any stylus left!!! (I lost the first one in an escalator connecting SM and Glorietta. Imagine the scene I made as I poked to save that stylus). Now, I only use my fingers and just imagine how tasking it was to check the check boxes.

3) I went to BPI - Concepcion to withdraw money. There were two ATMs. Before I even came up to the machines, I overheard a couple complaining that the ATMs are malfunctioning. I still bothered to use them since I needed the sum. I used one machine, waited for 1500, then transaction cancelled. Okay, next machine. Ditto. Then, I tried again the previous machine. Nada. Then I went to the guard outside told him the shit that was happening. Then he said to me to try again (with him overlooking my transaction), then Voilà! There was my 1500. But wait, along came out the transaction slip and POOF! 3000 was debited from my account! This is a disaster since I already told myself I have to be a miser for the days to come since I have spent quite a sum (no.. make it a lot!) buying stuff, and those BAGS in particular. Bye bye 1500!!! … on second thought, why would I allow that? I came inside the bank and rant my innings out. Tomorrow, I’ll know if they returned my money in the account.

4) I rode an FX going to LRT2 - Katipunan. The fare IS just 15. But wait, this moron-of-a-driver refused to give me the exact change. He owed me 5 pesos. Okay, for some it’s just 5 pesos but I strongly believe that we shoud all honestly earn what is due to us. I work hard for every single peso in my payroll account and I won’t allow abusive drivers like him. So, it started with just a polite request, then all of a sudden he started ranting. Oh my. I was trying to compose myself and tell him politely but authoritatively what he was lacking. It was a great case of self-control, and knowing how I “would have” normally behaved, he’s off to Hades. But my eyes suddenly dimmed and blurted out “Huwag nga kayong madugas Manong!“…and I was told to get off the FX. Nice. Very, very, very nice!

5) On the shuttle going home, there was this dispute between the drivers and the passengers because one FAILED to pay the fare. I already gave my 100 pesos and expecting for my change. Then when we were at Masinag. The driver literally stopped before the intersection and halted everyone just to figure out why is he lacking 50 pesos (I just found out that very instant that the fare is no longer 45 and is already 50… great). You see there was this small group of middle-aged people in the shuttle and they were talking like it’s just 12:00 noon. They were the one manning this soul-search, and they were pretty annoying. Turned out, the most talkative one thought that his friend payed for him as the ywere claiming earlier that they have paid the full amount. Twerp. That’s the reason why we have this saying “Maraming namamatay sa maling akala”. You SHOULD have asked first, moron, and not assume immediately. And with that, it costed me 20 minutes of my resting time. TANGA!

Hay… it was a shitty day. Then I recalled. Monday. April 14. It was raining. It was Monday when we broke up 3-months ago, and yes, it was January 14. Heaven wasn’t raining but it was me pouring my soul out as tears leaked my eyes. I recall this song of The Carpenters “Rainy Days and Mondays“. But in all fairness to me, I wasn’ t melodramatic. I was just thinking that we were together for three months, and it has been three months since he left me.

Ikle once sent me (a forwarded message from Sir Mel) a message quoting Paolo Coelho, something like loving is short and forgetting is forever. This is what I’m exactly feeling. But I’m more sober now. Maybe la raison pour laquelle I’m very fixated with designer bags lately is because I feel a certain boost in confidence and flatter myself on how keen my eyes were when it comes to these things. Yep, it was quite costly what I’m hunting for, but it really makes me sober.

At this point, I’m in no position to love another person. I just want somebody to talk to because being quiet makes me melodramatic and quite abusive of myself. I no longer want to physically hurt myself. I no longer want to be insecure. This shitty fluctuation of emotions is unnerving. I just want this phase to be over with.

On a lighter note, yesterday, I was able to knot a tie for the first time!!! It was because we are obliged to look formal and business-like for one whole week because of this merger between our company and Reuters. I refuse to wear the typical business whatever other guys are heralding of, so preppy is just my thing (and I love preppy). I was wearing this light-colored argyle sweats and a snobby-private-school-like tie.  This is my first half-Windsor attempt:

And we (Faye and I) celebrated our birthday in Yellow Cab with Jaime and YL:

But wait! When I was in MRT yesterday, I saw this very goodlooking bagage:

… and thanks to the zoom of my cellphone:

… It’s Pierre Cardin!!!

Lastly, when I just got off from LRT2 in Gateway, I saw an old couple pulling their LV luggage… it was very nice (the luggage, not the couple) and I was green with envy.

Okay. What I have shitty wrote is quite a lot.

xoxo

Bry Dee

FIERCE PURCHASES!!!

le 14 avril 2008

00:26 / Marikina, Philippines

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Oh my!!! Who would have thought that I’ll be able to buy 2 authentic Gucci bags in one day!!!

Here are my new babies:

and

It was quite a happy day for me!!! I’m really, really, REALLY been reading and searching a lot about authenticating designer handbags over the net and I think I’ve learned enough to go to field work.

Yes, I was able to buy Kenneth Cole Reaction, Nine West and Nina Ricci before but, of course, some sort of prestige is affixed to THE brands.

This is quite a lucky day for us. Right Ikle?

I saw this Jean Paul Gaultier drawstring bag earlier (it got chains.. who cares), and finally, something “androgynous” (as most of the things I’ve searched and bought benefit directly my sister as I never used handbags and stuff like that… I just love the thrill of looking and finding THE bags):

I still haven’t bought the bag because I wanted to authenticate it first over the ladies of TPF (though I think JPGs are not that prone to being replicated and knockoffed, better be safe than sorry… money is still money).

(Fingers crossed… I IMPLORE THAT IT SHOULD STILL BE THERE!!!)

But still, the holy grail for me is to find an authentic LV out there. I mean, yes, there are “LVs” in the stacks but using basic knowledge I’ve acquired from the TPF ladies on how to spot the fakes from the real ones, I was able to determine that, so far, what I’ve seen are knockoffs. And imagine, I was beginning to think that the ones selling them don’t have any idea that what they are selling are designer stuff, but LO AND BEHOLD, those LV knockoffs COST A LOT than you’re average bags in the stacks. Maybe they think that all LVs coming to them are authentic. Oh well. To each his own.

xoxo
Bry Dee