roemart

[roemart]

Normalcy: Or Lack Thereof.

How time flies.

Of course I'd open this blog post with the most cliched line I could fucking ever think of. I'm supposed to be studying, well I am studying and writing something for work, but decided why not blog a little just to serve as a mental "push-up?" Have not written something on my blog for ages so decided to give it an end-of-the-semestre update.

I can't fucking believe that it's almost done. It seems that it was just a month ago that the sem has started. The good thing is, I can genuinely and honestly say that this time it's different - for better or for worse. I finally managed to have some semblance of a study habit, maybe because I need to. Still poor, by most standards and honestly, I'm not even satisfied myself but it's there.

I now know my friends. I now know who my friends are. You can really gage the type of people you'd hang out with and despite every "positivity" quote you might have read, you do choose your friends and the people you hang around with and that's okay.

However, I cannot help but to still feel alone often you know? Suicide jokes becoming more apparent but I guess that's one of my ways to cope and just laugh about it. Still been self-medicating with coffee and it's barely making a dent, but at least it keeps me look like a functioning adult.

I miss people. That I admit. I really wouldn't want to say it, but it's true. No particular relationship to say here, but I can say I miss people.

Don't really know what to do this summer as I do have a relatively boring life. I think I'll dedicate it for the mean time, hopefully at least, with doing good at my work. working out and saving money so I can enroll myself.

I do a lot of introspection. I guess maybe because I'm self-absorbed. Is that a bad thing? I'm not too sure. But what I know is, I need it from time to time to keep things in (proper) perspective. 

Am I excited for the “road” ahead? Fuck that. I'm not even excited for tomorrow.

[roemart]

ULAP

Alam mo bang kaya lang ako nag prisintang tulungan ka mag-ayos ng mga bulaklak, eh para lang maabutan kita ng bulaklak buong mag-damag? Alam mo bang kaya kita laging pinupuntahan kahit malamig ay dahil nag babaka-sakali ako sa akap mo? Mag-iisang taon na kitang nililigawan sa tingin. Mag-iisang taon na din kitang minahal.

[roemart]

Shitpost #1

I am writing this now to serve as a writing exercise because frankly, I have not been writing in free form since I can't remember to have written in a creative outlet of sorts.

And of course, as a true self-absorbed prick, I now divulge into a massive stream-of-consciousness and introspection.

I guess it's been a whirlwind of a year to say the least and declare that 2016 was a good year for me. Everything that I've always wanted sorta, umm i don't know, happened or was given and that's a good thing. With respect to the countless celebrities and icons who died and bombings and election results and a dictator getting buried hero-style, personally, 2016 was my jam.

I can't thank people enough because, for someone who's not fond of the idea of being called a genuine people person, I kinda depend on people a lot and I love people, like the concept of friendship genuinely elates me and I know it's contradictive to what I just said earlier, but I've been like this my whole life - a one, big, contradiction.

Maybe because I'm a hypocrite? I don't know, whatever.

Law school, obviously, I got what I wanted and I needed. I never doubted my love for becoming a lawyer or love of pursuing the law, but I am seriously doubting whether I really have what it takes. Just take this for example: whenever after classes, recitations or exams, my classmates would discuss answers and debate like crazed jurists, I just watch there and say to myself, "WHAT THE FUCK?!"

But maybe I'm just exaggerating, but I know you know what I mean reader...whoever the hell you are.

For my work, I can't thank my company enough because they must've been high or something because god damn it, they gave me a promotion. I know it sounds braggy and all, but believe me - I can't fucking believe it myself.

Family. Family. Family. My family is unique, but it's great. I know they are there to support me and that's all I need.

Friends. FUCK IT MAN, what would I do without them? Sometimes I even wonder if I deserve my friends because I'm not exactly the best friend in the world. For example, the wedding of one of my closest and bestest friends? I missed it. One of the most important events of his life and I was not there and I feel so guilty about it, but boy I do wish I was there because I know he knows that I am really happy for him. (Geloy ikaw to)

My current colleagues, as well as past colleagues, you are the best. Especially you Rona! Yes special mention ka. A bulk of my writing skills - or lack thereof - you sharpened it.

Law school friends? What is there to say? They are the greatest. You are my rock and my home and I love all of you with all of my heart.

My law school professors who makes me tremble. Thank you.

The year 2016 has ended. The first semester has ended.

Bang the doldrums, it's a new beginning.

[roemart]

Recovery Food

I guess we all have to start somewhere, where we pick up ourselves and recover after been brooding about all the crap you have taken through the years. I'm actually quite having a relatively good time right now and as much as the cynic in me is screaming that everything will turn to shit eventually, I'd like to believe that this will be relatively a long time of prosperity and this is something that I can control. How I fucking wish that I finally be able to learn how to perfectly balance my time, my finances and all the things that a functioning adult needs to do, because to be honest, I was not really a great "adult." So let's talk about this, ummm, so I finally broke a long-term relationship and all I can say is, it's been generally great. Of course, breakups are almost certain to be messy, but I kinda expected that and hopefully, she turns out okay and I really wish her all the best as she had become a big part of who I am and what I am - TODAY. As for work, work is great because I just had...ADDITIONAL WORK. I can't believe myself that I am saying that I am thankful that I am so swamped right now. I mean, it's stressful at times, but I'd take it over not having a job. I really wish that this is for the long haul, because I never really intentioned to jump from one company to another. And finally, law school. I CAN'T EXPRESS MY JOY that I am finally doing something that I wanted to do ever since. Don't get me wrong dear reader. Being a lawyer is the ultimate goal, but I'm just thankful and god damn happy that I am studying, with big thanks to my surrogate family, and I am studying in an institution that I can be proud of. I should be happy... but I can't help but to feel depressed and lonely all the time. But I don't want to give up and fucking off myself, because...because of people. Because I've met good people. From home, from work and from school and I refuse to give up hope because I believe in people, good people. And good people are worth it - ten times out of ten. Fucking hell man. 2016.

[roemart]

Let’s Talk About Pandacan - Part 1

We need to talk about Pandacan.

Pandacan, a small town in the city of Manila is the place where I was born, educated and raised. It’s funny, but I seem to have a rather strange fondness of the town and a hint of pride that I admit is bordering on cringe-levels.

However, I just want to dedicate this blog, which will serve as my love letter to this, unbeknownst  to many, historic and culture-rich town.

To tell you honestly, Pandacan has always taken the back seat to Manila’s more known districts such as Tondo, Santa Ana or even our close neighbour/rival, Paco. I remember during my college days that whenever someone asks me where I live and I answer “sa Pandacan” the reply would most certainly be, “San yon?” to which I will reply “Malapit sa Santa Ana/Paco/Malacañang.”

It’s not irritating, but to me, it’s rather saddening as this town is really rich in history and culture, but not many know it. In fact, even our town fiesta has become a second banana to Tondo’s “Fiesta ng Santo Niño,” as we share the same patron, as well as the same day of celebration.

History

Spanish Era

To give you a brief history, the town of Pandacan was established in 1574 when Franciscan priests from the Sampaloc Parish went to the area on a mission to establish a satellite parish of sorts for Sampaloc.

However, after more than 100 years, the parish separated in 1712, which gave birth to what is now the Pandacan parish.

During the Spanish times, my town grew rice and sugar, which was sold to Intramuros, which at the time, was the capital of the country and where most of the elite lives.

If you’re wondering where it got its name, it was derived from the “Pandan” plant, which according to legends, grew in abundance in the area, hence the “Pandacan” name was born.

I mentioned that my town is culturally rich and the reason for that is this. During the 19th century, Pandacan was home to many Filipino artists such as the musician Ladislao Bonus, Linguist Lope K. Santos and arguably the most famous of all, Francisco Baltazar. Commonly known as “Balagtas,” he authored “Florante at Laura” which is being taught during your second year of highschool.

Modern Era

From a farming community, Pandacan has transformed into an industrial town since we have housed fuel companies such as Shell, Petron and Caltex (Chevron,) I even remember inhaling the smell of gasoline during classes as my alma mater, Saint Joseph’s School - Pandacan, was beside the oil reservoir.

Right now, we’re being transformed little by little into a commercial area as modern housing buildings, such as the Residencias de Manila, was built, but I must admit, we’re far from being truly modernized - we don’t even have our own Jollibee!

But you know what? That’s okay because for now, we have Calumigor – arguably the best Tapsilog place in the whole town.

There are many things that I would like to mention and discuss regarding Pandacan, but for now, I would leave it at that.

[roemart]

A Love Letter to The Wayfarers

(My own pair of the Ray-Ban Wayfarer.)

I first fell in love with the Ray-Ban Wayfarer way back in 2009, specifically the Original Classic Wayfarer (RB 2140.)

It was still on its early stages of resurgence, and apart from famous celebrities and known personalities, the Wayfarers are still not that known to the common person. It was really love at first sight. I use that term a lot, but not on people.

But despite the hyperbole, it's all so true. The first time I saw someone rocking the Wayfarers against the Philippines’ scorching sun, I knew that I have to own one. It looks great on everything and everyone. It was the epitome of cool.

However, it's not exactly the first pair of sunglasses that I loved from Ray-Ban, but rather it's older cousin, the Aviators. My first pair was a hand-me-down from my father…which I lost unfortunately, but back to the Wayfarers. 

(My current pair of Aviators, received as a gift.)

It's plastic, it's lightweight and it's trendy. It's a new classic and before I know it, just a couple of months later, everyone is sporting these. Whether a knockoff or the genuine one. It took the world by storm. You can see it on Katy Perry, on Robert Pattionson (thanks Twilight), you can see it on our local celebrities hell, almost everyone riding the bus at that time was sporting one. A true testament of its trendy design.

But I have to admit that the original Ray-Bans were quite expensive, and being a broke college student, of course I could not afford one. Which is why I resorted to buying knockoffs. I mean, sunglasses that features the same design, but without the "Ray-Ban" branding.

And for four years, it has become my go-to sunglasses, as I have owned a handful of these type of sunnies. It was not until I was on my second job that I afforded to buy one, but as my prescription glasses.

(My Wayfarer prescription glasses.)

Fortunately, after a year, I finally afforded my own Wayfarers and I am rocking it non-stop...except of course, indoors and during night time because only douche bags and blind people do that.

It seems that currently, more and more people are ditching the Wayfarers for another Ray-Ban's creation: The Clubmasters. The two actually looks very similar, except the latter has no plastic frames on the bottom of the lenses.

(The Ray-Ban Clubmaster courtesy of my cousin.)

But I don't care. I rock the Wayfarers one way or another. Either my sunglasses or my prescription lenses. It has become an integral part of my personal aesthetic. Just like how Karl Lagerfeld and Anna Wintour wear their signature sunglasses.

The Wayfarers: A Modern Classic

[roemart]

Suits.

(It’s not that obvious, but I’m wearing a charcoal grey slim slim-cut suit here, with my favorite blue wool tie and black cap toe oxfords. YES. I know the sleeves are a bit long.)

I have an obsession with suits. Not the TV show that features lawyers, but the one you wear during your JS Prom or some other formal event.

For me and I mean specifically me, it's quite unfortunate that wearing a full two or three-piece suit here in the Philippines is impractical because of a myriad of reasons. But I think for the most part, the reason for that is because it’s quite hot in our country and rocking a full shirt, tie and a coat can be terribly uncomfortable.

HOWEVER, based on my personal observation, we are now experiencing a rising trend on wearing suits. I've noticed that more and more weddings today are ditching the traditional "Barong Tagalog" for a classy suit or a tuxedo.

Another thing I've noticed is that clothing shops like Topman, Zara and H&M are featuring a lot of business suits on their catalog here in the Philippines. In addition to that, there's also a growing industry of high-end tailoring shops like Tiño and Felipe & Sons that will craft you your own bespoke suit.

AND I AM ABSOLUTELY HAPPY ABOUT IT because wearing it is becoming more acceptable here. I don't know how to say this, but everytime there's a chance or an event that allows me to rock a full suit and tie, I do it with fervor. I am flat-out bringing my A-game to look my best whenever I wear the suit.

I’m not particularly brand conscious as far as suiting goes as I remember my first pair of jacket and trousers was just from the SM Department Store (It’s a black slim-cut Chancellor 9000,) which was rather cheap because it only cost 2,500 pesos.

Or maybe because I’m just broke. But nah, for me, when it comes to suiting, fit is more important than the label. A thousand bucks (pesos) jacket can look dashing if it fits perfectly. On the other hand, even if you’re wearing an Armani, but the fit is bad, it will look like you just rented it. 

I respect the suit so much that it's bordering on pretentious. Funny thing is, I’ve never imagined what I will wear on my wedding, but rather...what kind of suit I will wear on my funeral.

I can see it now as I am laying on my casket. I want to wear a clean white dress shirt with French cuffs. My favorite blue wool slim tie. A black cap toe oxford. A simple blue pocket square that matches my tie. And of course, a black immaculate Italian-cut slim suit.

Even in hell I would look dapper enough. Man I wish I can wear suits more often because this is starting to get ridiculous.

[roemart]

Ang Unlad ng Pilipinas

Ano nga ba ang kalagayan ng Pilipinas? Walang konkretong sagot kasi para sakin, ang kalagayan ng bansa eh depende sa tatanungin mo.

Ako nga pala si Roemart Tamayo. 25 anyos, nakapagtapos ng kolehiyo, naka tira sa bahay na pag-aari ng pamilya ko, may sariling sasakyan at nakakakain ng tatlong beses sa isang araw o minsan ay higit pa.

Kung titignan mo ang buhay ko at ang aking social media accounts, siguro masasabi mo na maalwan at komportable ang buhay ko at sasabihin ko na tama ka.

Pero ang punto ng blog na ito ay hindi para ipag-yabang na maayos ang buhay ko kumpara sa milyong milyong Pilipino. Ang Pilipinas ngayon ay nag-hihirap. Sabi nino? Tumingin ka nga sa paligid mo. Tingin mo ba maayos ang bansa mo?

Bukod sa mga lugar tulad ng Bonifiacio Global City, Eastwood at Ayala, Makati, masasabi mo bang “world class” ang bansang Pilipinas? Teka, baka ma mis-interpret mo ako at isipin na nandidiri ako sa Pilipinas. Hindi. Mahal ko ang Pilipinas pero alam ko ang kalagayan nito ngayon.

Marami akong kilala, personal at hindi, na hindi nararanasan ang mga nararanas ko. Maraming nagugutom. Maraming walang trabaho. Sa katunayan, wala rin akong trabaho ngayon.

Sa isyu ng ekonomiya, natatawa lang ako sa mga nababasa ko na nag sasabing ang bansa daw ngayon ay nakararanas ng pag-unlad ng ekonomiya. Yung mga nagsasabi non? May magagarang sasakyan, naka-tira sa mga gated subdivision o condominium at nag-tatrabaho sa magagandang kumpanya o may sariling kumpanya. Ang ilan naman, sa ibang bansa naka-tira o pabalik balik pa.

Sa pag-cocommute, bilang isang tipikal na “middle class” na kailangang mag-trabaho, nararanas kong lumabas araw araw at sumakay ng lima o anim na beses, maka-pasok lang sa opisina. Naalala ko sa isang taon kong pag ta trabaho sa “The Fort” eh halos araw-araw akong sumasabit sa jeep para lang huwag ma late at makaltasan ng sweldo.

Halos araw-araw din akong nag oovertime para lang huwag maramdaman ang kaltas sa sweldo dahil sa buwis at kung ano ano pa.

O teka, akala ko ba may sasakyan ka! Bakit ka nag c commute. Sasabihin ko sayo na hindi kasi ako mayaman at hindi ko kayang tustusan na mag kotse araw araw at ibayad ang sasahudin ko sa gasolina at bayad sa parking.

Yan ay karanasan ko palang ha. Mantakin mo ang buhay ng tipikal na Pilipino, gigising ng maaga dahil malayo ang opisina, pipila ka sa istasyon ng jeep/FX/Bus/MRT na malamang lamang ay aabutin ka ng isang oras o higit pa. Sa byahe naman, sa sobrang trapik ay normal na ang byahe ng dalawang oras na kung iisipin mo ay ilang kilometro lang naman ang layo.

Ano ngayon ang pinupunto ko? Mahirap mabuhay, mamuhay, mag trabaho ngayon sa Pilipinas. Wala ng bola bola pa. Ang solusyon na sinasabi ng gobyerno ay hindi ko maramdaman. Ang pag unlad din na sinasabi nila ay hindi ko rin maramdaman.

Hindi ako tanga, pero huwag niyo kaming batuhan ng numero, datos o kung ano ano pa dahil pag-tapos ng lahat, hindi pa rin yan makakain, hindi pa rin yan maibabayad pambili ng pangangailangan.

Madaling mag-salita na ayos ang lahat lalo na at naka-upo ka sa harap ng kompyuter, naka-aircon ang kwarto at may nginangatang chichirya na mabibili lang sa S&R. Madaling magsalita dahil hindi ka nakakaranas na maghanap ng makakain, mag-hanap ng pera pang gamot o pambayad ng mga dapat bayaran.

Roemart Tamayo, naka-tira sa Pandacan, Maynila.

[roemart]

A Review of My Car

It's not the fastest or even the most objectively beautiful car out there, but one thing is for sure, the Toyota Corolla E100 is one little tough car.

Its performance, adequate. Its look, simple, but effective. Overall, the best car you can buy with a budget of ₱130,000 -- or less.

The Toyota Corolla E100, or what we Filipinos call, the "Big Body" is one of, if not the most popular Corolla ever produced by the Japanese car maker. With three variants to choose from, namely the XL, the XE and the GLi, this car has a model that suits your budget.

The XL and XE variants feature a 1.3-liter, carburated, four cylinder engine called the "2E," which can produce an estimated output of 65 horsepower. By today's standard, it can be quite weak, but remember that this car and engine is more than 20 years old. Moreover, most buyers aren't exactly looking for a performance beast, so it can get you from point A to point B, with minimal gas required just fine.

The only difference between the XL and the XE, is the latter include additional features such as a clock, power steering and rear windshield de-fogger.

As for the top-of-the-line GLi variant, it's equipped with Toyota's infamous 1.6-liter four cylinder fuel-injected engine, which can give an estimated 115 horsepower. This is what every "Big Body" fan boy is craving for. Featuring all the luxuries that a car can offer during tha time, the GLi includes nifty features such as ABS brakes, Driver side airbags, rear seat-belts and also power steering, power windows and central locks.

All three models of the “Big Body” is available either in a manual or automatic transmission, but it’s highly advisable to get the manual for maximum feel.

Despite the measly “low” horsepower of all the Corolla variants, this car -- particularly the GLi – is surprisingly fast. It’s gracious in giving what you call a “low-end torque,” which the driver can really feel once they step on the accelerator.

Because this is the Toyota, its handling is light and easy. As for the ride, it can be quite stiff, but smooth enough that you wouldn’t spill your drinks.

A trusty mechanic attributed this to the kind of shock absorber it used and said that the gas-type shocks, used by the GLi, can be quite “tough” resulting into a stiffer ride. The XL and XE variant on the other hand, uses fluid-type shock absorbers so it may be lighter. However, this may just be a personal preference, so it’s still advisable to test drive to your own personal taste.

And true to Toyota's reputation, this particular Corolla model is reliable as hell, despite being abused and undergoing minimal maintenance works -- although any sane car owner would not do that. However, it is just a testament that ever since, Toyota has been making quality and reliable cars and endeared them to Filipino hearts.

The only criticism many can throw at Toyota is the usual, its design lacks "soul" and there are many other brands that can beat it at the "looks" department. But still, the Toyota Corolla "Big Body" is the quintessential 90s car and it's the brand's best-selling product for a reason.

[roemart]

Palag Palag sa Mount Pulag.

Sorry. This is not your usual travel blog entry because I barely travel and I’m not really inspiring.

However, this experience is just too…good and significant to not write about it. This blog post is dedicated to the Mount Pulag Community, particularly the graduates and teachers of Mount Pulag Elementary School.

I’m not exactly the sentimental type, nor the “wanderlust” kind of guy. If it wasn’t for my good friend Geloy, I would not even bother to pack and go out - which fortunately I said yes to.

So we arrived at the community of Mount Pulag at around 3 or 4 in the afternoon, where we were welcomed by its VERY cold breeze and warm people. For our accommodation, we were hosted by the Baban Family, which were really friendly and nice… it’s like… I arrived at home.

Even before going up, we were told by Atty. Chris Linag of Juan Portrait that we would be helping the community celebrate its 2nd graduation rites for the students, who are all (obviously, duh) residents of the mountain.

What surprised me was that literally EVERYONE was helping with the preparation. Even the ones who doesn’t have a kid graduating from the school. There were people carrying logs, arranging the stage, cooking food. It’s just like what you see in the movies, except this time, it’s real.

After a couple of hours and a hearty dinner, one of the teachers told us that the graduation ceremony will start at around 9:00 a.m. so we better rest early because it’s going to be along day tomorrow.

Come the actual graduation ceremony, the school was jam packed by a mixture of spectators, teachers, school staff, guests, parents and of course, the graduates. One of the guests for the ceremony, whom we call “Kuya P,” was actually one of the founders and benefactors of the community.

After the awarding of the diplomas, he gave a lengthy and inspiring speech to the graduates, which then proceeded to a number of “kodakan moments.”

But the biggest treat surprise was when the graduating students of Mount Pulag Elementary School dedicated a song of gratitude, which made the parents, and the teachers, cry tears of joy.

It was so strange, but in a good way. It felt weird for me and I can’t ignore the fact that this is probably one of, if not the most amazing things I have ever witnessed.

It was a combination of pure HAPPINESS, PRIDE and GRATITUDE. I witnessed something that I haven’t seen in a long time.

Happiness not because of a new gadget, a new car, a new shoes or the likes, it was happiness from the parents that despite them not having the opportunity to finish school, here are their kids achieving it.

Pride, coming from the teachers because they are so proud of their students that despite the many hardships and struggles, they finished school and will now go on to the next stage of their education.

Gratitude from the students because they are thankful to both of their parents and teachers, because without them, they would not have made it.

Almost everyone is in tears! It was the most majestic thing I’ve ever seen. Even more majestic than the views of the mountain itself.

It was sheer pure joy.

[roemart]

6 3-in-1 Coffee Brands Worth Tasting

I’m not doing anything substantial as of the moment so might as well do this. I’m a huge coffee lover and I mean that in general sense. Brewed, Instant, pre-mixed, dirty, cheap, artisan or whatever. As long as it’s not decaf, I’ll love it. Anyway... The Philippines love coffee but the ones you usually found in homes are the Instant coffee. I mean why not? Just add hot water and you enjoy coffee. I LOVE BREWED but most of the time and when money is scarce, the 3 in 1 coffee can also provide the kick but for only 6 pesos. Enough ramblings. Let’s get this shit started. 1. Nescafe Original 3 in 1 Coffee

My go-to brand because of its availability. It has the taste that night owls and office drones have come to love. For the flavor, it’s undoubtedly coffee-tasting albeit a bit too sweet. BUT the good news is, more coffee for you since you can add more water without sacrificing the taste. Verdict: “Super pwede na.”

2. Nescafe Creamy White 3 in 1 Coffee

Nescafe boasts that it has REAL MILK IN IT. HEARD THAT GUYS?!?! REAL MILK ON INSTANT COFFEE!!  Bonus: It has Daniel Padilla and Kathryn Bernardo advertising it although I’m not sure how that helps the taste. It’s too sweet and it’s legitimately creamy. Verdict: “Masarap siya but it’s like, you’re not drinking real coffee.” 3. Kopiko Brown 3 More in 1

I started drinking this brand during my internship at the Philippine Daily Inquirer.

The taste is delicious. A bit chocolatey actually. Of course, it has the signature sweetness profile of a “brown sugar” variant. I can explain the chocolatey taste because after about 2 years of drinking it, I managed to check the ingredients and voila. it has “malt” and cocoa powder in it, like the ones used in Milo or Ovaltine. Verdict: “Masarap pero parang pang bata.” 4. San Mig Coffee 3 in 1 Mix

Drank this at the office since it’s free. Well, can’t say much but it does taste “okay” to me. I’ll lift a phrase on Spot.ph’s review and say that it’s a good alternative when you got tired of Nescafe. Verdict: “Wala ng Nescafe? Sige okay na to.” 5. Great Taste Original 3 in 1 Coffee

Now this is coffee because it really does taste coffee. I mean that in the best way possible.

Who would’ve thought that a 3 in 1, premixed, instant coffee would taste legitimately coffee?! It’s also available in TWIN PACKS!!!! Congrats Great Taste! 

Verdict: This is my personal favorite. I advise you to taste it for yourself. Suck that purists. 6. Great Taste White 3 in 1 Coffee

This is what my friend usually serves at his house.  Although it tastes quite okay and this seems to be his favorite, I have a hard time loving it the same as the original.  Verdict: “Nag titimpla ka tapos, natapon mo yung creamer sa kape mo.”

 NOTE: All of the 3 in 1 coffee reviewed here are only the ones personally tasted by me. (Photos are not mine and are taken on the internet)

[roemart]

When Life Fucks You In The Ass, Lube Up

There comes a time in your life where you’ll want something so bad, that you are willing to do everything, go to every length just to have it. Even if you are stacked against all odds, still, you pursue that “something” like a dog chasing a bone. What’s my version of that? Law school. I say this ALL THE TIME that if you’re one of my friends, you’ll already be annoyed by now. I’ve wanted to become a lawyer ever since in my early days of high-school. This is not something that I just realized during college as some sort of vanity post-graduate degree. It’s not merely a dream, It’s a goal. It’s how I envision myself in the future. A lawyer. But not just any lawyer, a lawyer that graduated from a well-known and prestigious institution.

Before you brand me as someone who’s shallow and say “If you really wanna be a lawyer, the school won’t matter.” See here’s my problem. I’m a fuck up. I’m basically a failure. Not just in my eyes, probably to most eyes. If you ever get to see my transcript, it’s not exactly shining with flying colors. I failed getting into the school that I wanted when I was going to college. So now that I’m gonna study again, I said to myself, “Why not try the big schools again?” Maybe things are different now. Maybe, maybe I can do it now. And luckily I did pass one of those so called “prestigious” universities. It was the happiest day of my adolescent life. But sometimes, when life is about to fuck you in the ass, you can’t do anything besides just to lube you asshole. I passed. I even attended for 2 weeks. But since I don’t have work yet and money is a bit scarce, I had to stop. It was painful. I think I almost cried. But there are things in life that you just can’t have right? WRONG! NO. I’m not giving up. I’m did not give up my dream but merely delayed it. I will try again next year. I will be a lawyer. On this lifetime. Because nothing can take this away from me. I’ll work my butt off. Save enough cash and do it again. I want to know if I can do it. I want to know if I can make it. I’m almost there. Wait for me.

[roemart]

In Shambles

If life gives lemons, then life must have sent me baskets. Currently, the state of what is going on around me is absolutely nuts. This is probably my lowest point so far and it’s kind of wearing me down a bit.  Of course there are people who have it worse, I don’t mean to undermine what they’re experiencing but man, I could write a novel if I have the patience.

I just recently cancelled my Facebook account just to sort things out. Even though things are crappy lately, I just received a semi-positive e-mail. Here’s me hoping for the best.

With everything happening bad, I can’t help just to leave it all and just live in the wilderness. But hey, I have been living like this ever since I can remember and it either makes me or breaks me. 

I feel sort of hopeless and yet still yearning for things to get better. My life is in shambles that I just need an outlet of sorts. Blogging is that.  Still feeling lucky though, it’s not a secret that my family can be quite “overwhelming” and that’s putting it nicely. But what I lack in that aspect, I make up with friends. I know i’m not the most ideal pal but when things like this happens, I can turn to them and that’s a good thing.  Things will get better and I know it. Things are bad but I don’t quit easily because....

[roemart]

The Pinoy Karinderya

roromusic2009  

(photo credit goes to  roromusic2009 from Photobucket) Okay, this blog post is the result of my late-night craving for fried chicken that made me go out and look for something to eat at this ungodly hour.

Ah the Pinoy karinderya. It has been one of the lasting staples of our culture. For me, I would consider this as the local version of the American diner. You gotta admit, it has great similarities.

Home-cooked meals, fair prices, a homey ambiance and of course, accessible to anyone. However, unlike diners where meals are mostly cooked on the spot, food on a karinderya are already cooked. Only left for you to do is to point out which viand (ulam) you want to go with your rice. Hence its popular nickname “turo-turo”.

Eating in a karinderya can be quite enjoyable. Especially if:

A.) It’s the closest source for a hot meal B.) You’re a foodie-hipster C.) You appreciate and love home-cooked food D.) You’re broke and this is the only one you can afford

Karinderyas and Tapsihans tend to overlap but let me present it to you this way. All Tapsihans are karinderyas but not all Karinderyas are Tapsihans (clear enough? okay).

Great thing about this Philippine version of eatery is it allows a wide selection of food for you to eat. From the always mentioned “Adobo” to more local specialties like “Sisig”, “Sinigang” and other pinoy food you can think of. What’s more, it usually comes with free  unlimited “sabaw”! Or soup if you want to sound more posh.

But word of caution though, specially to foreigners and the pasosyals that might read this blog. The quality of the food tends to vary from one establishment to another but mostly, it’s tolerable enough and delicious even. However don’t expect gourmet shit in here as you’ll only get what you pay for.

[roemart]

Her

Whenever I watch a movie, I tend to get hung-up on it long after I finished it. I develop this momentary obsession of sorts about that particular film wherein I have to know who directed it, where was it shot, what other films the actors and actress have participated in and so fort.

I always somewhat relate to the characters. I know its pathetic but I sometimes idolize them and wonder how my life would be if their situations happen to me or how is it to live on that picture's universe. But no film let me feel these things than the movie "Her". I got affected so much that I just had to BLOG ABOUT IT because whatever.

For those who have not watch it yet, the plot is about a guy who falls in love with his Operating System/Virtual assistant. The plot seems silly but Theodore really hit me. I just seem to find myself relating to him that much that even I find it fucky.

It just hit home so hard the way he reminisces, the way memories play out and how his attempt at moving on and interacting just resonates so much. At one point, his date even calls him a "creepy guy" which just gives icing on the cake.

Mind you that this is not a review of the movie but more of a personal essay on how it really relates to me. Almost everything he does, I can see myself doing the same and it's pathetic.

A movie about an awkward guy who has an awkward relationship having awkward sex.

WOW. Just WOW

I think I'll give a second viewing since I'm that hung-up.

[roemart]

A Series of Unfortunate Events

What do good writers do when something bad happens to them? They write about it. 

Because that's what you're supposed to do, that IS the right thing to do and that is the predictable way to go.

To say that the past few events that happened was unfortunate would be an understatement. 

Lets count them. Well, for starters, I lost my pet cat Sandy wherein eventually I discovered that it's already dead. Losing a pet is never easy. Specially when you get used to them cuddling up when you return from work.

I lost my job. It was not surprising though since most of us (well at least on my department) expected it. Its funny that its the same thing that happened last year.

The problem with getting close to your colleagues is that you become so much accustomed to them that they begin to feel like family. It's a cliche thing to say but it really does feel like it.  To shake things up, may car broke down earlier. It was the least of my problems and also some minor debts while you're at it.

The future is bright I know it. Its as bright as the FLAME inside of me. Nothing can deter or stop me from reaching my goal. I just need to vent out a bit. And this is my blog. So there you go.

[roemart]

OHH OHHH TEEE DEEE HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHA