...NOT! But I was just being the lady in red when I *finally* managed to go out for dinner after a really really toxic time at work lately. I know there aren't a lot of choices around here but this night belongs to La Vigia.



Sounds familiar? Well, not really. But it's the old BBR restaurant... Remember the one in Bantigue? Yeah, that's right. It was a good thing we were the only ones there so I had a good time camwh0ring. Tee hee.



The prices were pretty low (as one would expect when dining out in good ol' Ormoc City). Although the menu exceeded my expectation. When I was in college, the food choices weren't really many, although I really couldn't get enough of those criss cross potato fries. But this time they got appetizers, soups, pasta, chicken/beef/pork, and veggies.



But what really impressed me was the ambience. I could very well say now this is the best place to be on a "date" when you're in town. Even the sea breeze was nice compared to the stinkier ones along the coast.



Okay, let me show you more of the place.















Too much, huh? Well, can you blame me? The place had just the right "touch" and class of Tita Meging.

A friend of mine said they have a band playing on Fridays, but I haven't really confirmed that. You should definitely check the place out if you haven't done so...



All work and no play makes Maria a dumb gal.

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Kering keri!!! ^_^

I would have wanted the really short bangs... but...



..that girl in the poster is too hot for words.

So I'm back to The Mummu Returns.
Me as Anck Su Namun!
Ha Ha Ha!



Or I can be EMO Cleopatra... LOL!



I'm just being dramatic... or should I say, vanidosa.

Now, off you go...

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I almost forgot to post this one but here goes nothing...

Take your pick, girls. ^_^ Too bad most of them are taken :(




According to Patrick Ceniza:
We seldom see the words "men" and "dressing up" being used together in the same sentence. I seldom do as well. But when it happens, I cannot help but include the names of those mentioned in this list.

Men who have style are an almost rare, if not extinct, breed. Very often we see them as dressing up too safely that we are not able to distinguish Joe from John. Thankfully though, we still see a few Ormocanon men who care to dress -- not just presentably, but dress accordingly.


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Eng... eng... eng...

To see is to believe...

*

*

*

*



Look what we've got!!! Finally!!!

Click here:
http://mymaria.multiply.com/photos/album/175/Havaianas_NOW_IN_ORMOC

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Tagged by Jennykoi

Rules:

1. List the names that you are called by and name the people who call you by these names.
2. Tag ten others to do the same thing, paste the link of your entry on their guestbooks.
_______________________________________________________________________________

1. Mai/MaiMai - everyone
   
2. Maria - my family, Barks, online buddies, random people who see my necklace
3. MyMaria - most people, Kisssong Sedigo-Herrera, Nancy and Tating Ferrer, Jennifer Sano, Michele Geneston-Garcia, Paulo Garcia, online friends, chatmates, random strangers, et cetera.
4. Maia - Kisssong Sedigo-Herrera, Nancy Ferrer, Elvin Bensig, Joenel Lou Tagalog, Christian Villar, and most Paulinian schoolmates.
5. Cecilia - my primary school teachers
6. Kikay - my neighbor Earl and his neighbors
7. bao - Mika Mañago
   
8. fresh lumpia - Mika Mañago
9. Mama - Pajan Lagado, Joneza Villaluz, Maricor Eamiguel, Nancy and Tating Ferrer, Marivel Sta. Iglesia-Pizaro, Rhona Sacay-
10. Tikla/Tikolz/Tikz - Aila Sevilla, Emer Agcang, Daphne Kate Marie Tudtud, Joenel Lou Tagalog, random Barks
11. Mongs/Mongol - Michael Franco the mongol himself
    
12. Mayang - some cousins
    
13. my stupid cousin - Lady Perez and Joenel Lou Tagalog
14. itoy - Bobby Valero
15. Maria Cecilia Tan Velasquez (complete name) / Maria Silvertooth - Jennifer Sano
16. Velas - Christian Villar, Gladys Señara
    
17. holiday friend - Lavinea Hopkirk
18. sis - Archie Maraon, Patrick Ceniza, online buddies
19. bro - Oneal Aberilla, JunJun Alajas
20. bayot - Kit Bitor
    
21. Miss - people at MT Link Asia
22. Miss America - people at People Support
23. babe - most of my ex-boyfriends, Melissa Provence
    
24. Cher - Donna Omoto, John Win Loreto
25. sangay - all my Maria Cecilia sangays
26. boang - Charles Conopio, Heintje Penserga
    
27. loves - Rommel Aberca
28. dai - Pajan Lagado, Archie Maraon, TL, ML, some people
29. Chen / Mei Xi - Daphne Kate Marie Tudtud, Liu Xiu En
30. Xu Mai - Andrei Cuizon, Akyu Pepito, Cliffton Capanas, Mary Anne Tan, Lady Perez
31. subwhoofer/megaphone - my Barks
32. M - D
33. Jellybean / bestie / BFF / tikitikols / Ewok - Daphne Kate Marie Tudtud
34. BaBaaa - Kristina Procesa Cataag

*This is all I can think of for now... I'll add more if I remember them ;)



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Havaianas (pronounced ah-vai-YAH-nas) has become a household name for fashionistas and students alike. Gone were days of Spartan and Islander. I’m pretty sure that since Havaianas’ popularity grew here in the Philippines in 2004, perhaps a pair must exist in every home by now. But what is it really and what is so special about it?

It is claimed that the addictive nature of these flip flops is largely due to a 42‑year‑old secret rubber formula, which makes them butter-soft, bouncy, flexible, and durable. According to the manufacturer, the Zori (a Japanese style sandal) was the inspiration for the creation of the Havaianas sandal in 1962. In Brazil, where Havaianas originates, these are worn by all personalities from the average citizen to dignitaries and celebrities. Since being introduced to the United States, Havaianas have created an unprecedented cult following. Now referred to as the “best rubber sandal in the world,” Havaianas can be seen gracing the pages of the hottest fashion and sport magazines, strutting down the runways at New York Fashion Week and featured at red carpet events like the Oscars. Stylish Americans, including top athletes, rock stars, and celebrities demanded the butter-soft comfort of these inexpensive flip flops, making Havaianas available at the most chic retailers and surf boutiques.

However, here in the Philippines, it seems like a luxury to be able to buy a single pair of Tops, the simpliest and cheapest model of these flip flops. It was some time in 2006 when I bought my very first pair of Havaianas, just because everyone in my class back then was going gaga about them -- and then comes peer pressure. I believe it was priced almost 800 pesos for a metallic gold pair then and I promised myself I would not buy any more of these impractical things. Nevertheless, 2 years later, I was able to collect over 50 pairs already. Take note: These weren’t all priced the same. Some of the Havaianas I got were unreasonably priced at over 2000 pesos, and that’s exclusive of shipping costs; and most of the pairs I got were well over a thousand bucks. Why? Because they are, in fact, limited editions and “rare” pairs.

When people ask me why the craze? I simply say, it’s not about the Havaianas anymore, it’s the hunt. But right now, I think I need psychotherapy or rehabilitation. Ha ha! But wait, let me try to justify things first. I have won 2 very exclusive pairs of Havaianas for the past 2 years. You see, every summer, Havaianas Philippines holds a contest. In 2007, I was one of the 50 winners and received the exclusive Take Us To The Nearest Beach pair. Then again, this year I was among the lucky 70 people to receive the limited edition Flipping for the Beach pair. These are among the highlights of my so-called Havaianas addiction.

Among my prized possession now are my WonderWoman pairs, the Chisos from Japan, the Sayegusa (Tortoise & Hare), the Saks Fifth Avenue pairs, the glow in the dark pairs, and the Luke Stedman pairs (Tonight We Ride and Bones) to name some. Each pair has their own story to tell. Some of the pairs I got come straight from Brasil (yeah, it’s a lot cheaper there but imagine the freight charges!) and more than half of my collection I purchased online. Ahh, the art of Internet shopping. We have Ebay, Multiply, online stores of fellow Havaianaticos, et cetera. Think of the convenience -- no waiting in line at the cashier and no frustration of not having them your size! But alas, I can personally vouch that quality control is indeed a problem with these flip flops. I used to be a size 37/38 for a year, then came the new models and now I’m a size 35/36. No, my feet did not shrink. They’re still 9.25 inches.

I always look forward to an MYOH event. It’s the annual “Make Your Own Havaianas” experience. You get to mix and match colors of straps and soles, then put in pretty crystals and stylishly cute pins on them. Mind you, the lines get longer each year! Another unforgettable Havaianas event I attended was the Free Kick. You need to get a goal to win a prize. I got myself a Havaianas lanyard and water bottle after successfully scoring with my 3^rd kick of the soccer ball. We also got our pictures taken with the hot Brazilian models. Tee hee.

Now back to the flip flops. What I really love about them is that they dry fast. Get them wet then just leave them at a corner, come back in a few minutes, and Voila! They’re dry as dust! Unfortunately, with every pro, there seems to be a con. As of to date, I know of 8 different people personally who managed to break their straps that now deem their Havaianas unusable. Tsk tsk tsk.

So, is that reason enough to stop this insanity? I’m not really sure. Is this the Imeldific Syndrome? I have yet to find the answers to that. To ReHav or not to ReHav? That is the question.


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Published Aug. 25-31, 2008. EV Mail.

In case you didn't catch last week's issue... here's what you missed -- only the Best Dressed Women of Ormoc!



**Congrats to my manang, Joneza!
From Ken's bulletin:


~~OUT NOW IN NEWSSTANDS!!
Check out the Best Dressed Men of Ormoc!!!
Grab your EV MAIL copy before they're sold out!!!

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It’s been so long since I first questioned myself that. I think it was around the time I heard the song which goes, “Are you gonna stay with the one who loves you or are you going back to the one you love?” by Glen Frey. And right now, I got my answer… finally.

THE ONE WHO LOVES YOU… That is my answer.

Do I need to explain? Okay, let me try. For years, my Barks kept debating which really is which. These were the times, more often than not, when we’ve had too much alcohol to function… or discern between what’s legal or not. Hehe. Over the summer, there were those times when we were wide awake and sober while we talked about this topic over coffee in the afternoons. But it just hit me recently that THE ONE WHO LOVES YOU is my choice. Why? For these simple reasons, IMHO:

1. The one who loves you won’t hurt you.


2. The one who loves you will love you like no one else.


3. The one who loves you won’t take you for granted.


4. The one who loves you won’t let you down (as much as possible, anyway).


5. The one who loves you is the one worth giving all your love to.

So that’s it, boys and girls. I didn’t need to dig deeper anymore because these things are really what count for me. Gone were the days where I kept chasing (pavements?) the so-called impossible dream and the endless search for happily-ever-afters. I’m not even trying to convince myself anymore. I’m done with my illusions. I woke up to reality and realized a lot of things (and people, too) that I have taken for granted myself.

In other words, it all boils down to the one who stays — in spite of everything, even in deep shit. The one who loves you will not make you into someone you’re not, and you yourself will not change for that person. If a person truly loves you, he/she won’t get turned off with whatever it is you do. And if you do something really crazy, he/she won’t stop you, BUT he/she will do what it takes to get you back on track. That person will let you be yourself, be who you really are; and you don’t even have to try to impress him/her because if that person loves you unconditionally and completely, he/she will accept the real you.

Perhaps destiny doesn’t have to take forever. It could be serendipity for all you know! But really, enough fantasizing already and face the music. Time to get real.

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Mary of Brazil is here in Ormoc City! So in honor of her birthday tomorrow (Sept 8), let me blog for the greatest woman ever. Mama Mary. I don't think I need to go into details about who she is, what she has done, et cetera... I have always believed in her, although I'm not that religious to pray the rosary every day. But she has all my love, faith, respect, and all of the above. :)

I feel so blessed to be able to meet her at Fatima Church today as soon as she arrived... and so lucky to be with her on the vespers of her birthday. It was amazing being there amongst children offering flowers... a soul-filling and elevating experience.

Managed to take some shots with my cam phone:





Isn't she beautiful? Ah, the most beautiful lady ever.

Which reminds me of the time the Lady of Medjugorje came to visit. Yup! She came to the Philippines (Cebu) some time in January and I also had a chance to meet her.



She is also very beautiful, noh?



Just had to take a souvenir shot... Tee hee.

Salve Regina, mater misericordiae: vita, dulcedo, et spes nostra, salve. Ad te clamamus exsules filii Hevae. Ad te suspiramus, gementes et flentes in hac lacrimarum valle. Eia, ergo, advocata nostra, illos tuos misericordes oculos ad nos converte. Et Iesum, benedictum fructum ventris tui, nobis post hoc exsilium ostende.

O clemens, O pia, O dulcis Virgo Maria. Amen.

Happy birthday, Mama Mary!!!

With all my l♥ve and prayers,

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ATTENTION ALL SHOPPERS!!!

Someone is using my photo without my permission in EBAY.PH!

Click on this link!

You should recognize MY WATERMARKED image found in my Havaianas album (http://mymaria.multiply.com/photos/album/19/19) ...



The seller is a certain 123trixie2008... with obviously 0 feedbacks!

I don't know how to report this... Anyone knows how???

Please be warned, everyone! Here's a screenshot:



Thank you tatzzz for giving me the heads up!
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