Job Requirements - Barangay Clearance

I thought obtaining barangay clearance would be the easiest.  I was wrong.  I tried getting one before I left but they didn't let me cause I wasn't a voter in Manila.  I was registered in Cabanatuan where my family lives.  I was then advised by the council to ask for a Homeowners Certificate.  I went today and guess what, they didn't give me one.  It was because my I was renting and my  landlord don't pay the homeowners.  I am doomed.  The situation was hopeless.  Goodluck to me tom!

BEWARE OF CALL CARD SCAMMERS!

In my younger years, I would be the last person to admit that I was outsmartted by anyone.  I was simply too proud to admit any mistakes I made.  Growing up, you learn to accept the facts of life and move on from it.  Today, I realise that I WAS A VICTIM OF CALL CARD SCAMS.

This is how it happened:

I will translate everything in English foreign readers.

SCAMMER(S):  This is my new roaming number.  I accidentally blocked my number, it was asking for PIN2.

ME(M):  *saved the number*  Is this you JR?( I sent him a message after few weeks)

S:  Yes, this is me.  How are you?

M:  I am okay.  I went to the dentist.  I needed dental braces.

S:  Oh so you are wearing dental braces at the moment.  You smiling more now, I bet.

M:  No, I needed braces cause my jaw is not aligned properly.  I don't have money at the moment.  I need to work.  I've been applying work.

S:  How much do you need?  I will lend you money.

M:  It is expensive!!  I need 30K-50K.  15K initial installment.  Wow!  You are rih.  I need to work so I can fix my teeth.  Hehe!

S:  Why don't you lend money from me?  I will send money at the end of the month.

M:  Loaded!  I need to enrol to SOFA for my basic sewing and pattermaking classes first.  I'll sort my teeth once I get work.

S:  I'll help you out.  Top-ups are badly needed in here.  500 peso top-up sells for 1200.

M:  Really?  Okay.  How?

S:  Once you bought all the cards, send me the pin numbers and I'll sell it in here.

M:  Okay, which service provider?

S:  Buy 5, 500 globe cards and 5 500 smart cards.

M:  Okay, I'll buy tom then I'll send the details through your facebook.  BTW, do they charge you when you call to top-up?

S:  Not much.  Text me the details tom so I can ask people who are interested.

M:  Thanks.  I'll text you tom.  I badly needed the income.

The next day

M:  I'll text you the details later.  I am feeling lazy at the moment.

S:  Okay, I will wait for your text.

M:  I have the cards now.  Which one do you need?  Smart or Globe?

S:  I need Smart now.

M:  Okay, will send you the pin now.  I'll send the details later.

S: Okay thanks.

Then I said, I'll send some later.  He said, I needed the all the cards now.  I said, okay will send them to you now.  I also added that this will help me pay 1/3 of my SOFA tuition and I thanked him.

He asked for 5000 worth of top-ups.  I didn't realise that it was a scam.  He made himself sound like my brother.  His texts are very similar to his. He even OFFERED to lend me money hoping to earn my trust.  He did.  I was desperate.  I was out of work, it was easy money.  I was an easy bait.

It was too late when I finally realise that it was a scam.  I cried for a bit but lifted everything to God.  Maybe the scammer was more desperate for money than I.  Maybe someone in his family is dying and he needed quick money.  Bad deed will not be left unpunished.  God is watching everyone.  Maybe this is also God's way of telling me that it is not yet time to enrol in that class.  Money is money.  Money can be replaced.  When my brother called me, he asked if I was hurt.  I said I'm not.  He said not to worry about it.  One of the things that I learn with life is that, when bad things happen with you, more good things will happen.  I am incredibly blessed with my happy family, everyone is healthy and I have a very loving relationship.  I will just count my blessings.  :)

I am sharing this story with you so you won't get victimised by these people.  These are their numbers, BEWARE:  09063686494 and 09163572879.

Lessons Learnt:

If it's too good to be true, maybe it is.

Be cautious especially with phone transactions.

Never trust strangers.  NEVER.

NAIA Terminal 2

Most international flights leave and arrive on Terminal(T) 1. I used T3 once last month and it was my first time using T2. I wouldn't say that it is better than T3. Sizewise, T3 is bigger than T2 but it is less organised. I had my bag scanned as usual and proceeded to check-in soon after. Check in went smoothly, Thank God! I thought I will go over the 15kgs baggage allowance but instead, I still have 3kgs left. I am good with light packing. Anyway, after I checked in, I waited for my claim stub but she wouldn't give it to me, she said that I should pay your Terminal Fee first. I am gonna say this again, I hate the Terminal Fee hassle, why don't they just add it to the air fare??? Other countries do it so why can't we? They have 4 people at the Terminal Fee Section, one to check the name, one that acts as a cashier, one that checks for your flight itinerary and one that writes the details. So I paid my Terminal Fee, went to the counter and ask for my claim stub. Everything went smoothly from there. I had 3 hours to spare before my flight so I had dinner(budget flights don't give free meals btw. You have to pay if you want to eat). Cebu Pacific's flight went smoothly until the girl sitting next to me threw up all over herself and to her friend. She even manage to mess her seat. I gave her the in flight sick bag which she refused. Guess where she threw her sick? She left the open bag on the floor! Gross! Imagine my horror when I saw this, I had a window seat. I had to get up as soon as they announced that we are okay to leave the plane cause I can smell the strong acidic smell of the puke.

Credit Card Locked

Sorry for the lack of blog updates. We just had our DSL up and running the other day and I couldn't be arsed to write anything. My brain isn't functioning well. I was ill last week. I couldn't even move out of bed and I actually camped on our ground floor so I have access to everyyything - toilet, water and food. I only have coughs and colds at the moment.

I will blog about Thailand tom, I promise. I gotta update this page. Anyway, speaking of Thailand. I was trying to book a ticket online today when my credit card was locked. Mastercard has this new thing where they ask for a secure password when you do transactions online and I was trying to reset mine. I forgot my password for the nth time! I couldn't figure out what to write on the postcode section. To be honest, in my years of living in the Philippines, I never use the postal system. Yes, you are reading it right. I tried 1116 (cause google told me that that's the right post code). After several tries, they locked my account and I have to do an overseas call to unlock it. I don't want to pay overseas call so I called HSBC Philippines and they couldn't help me at all. I asked them if they could possibly connect me to HSBC abroad. So frustrating. I will deal with this later.

Guess where I am going this time??? :)

In Terminal 2

I had yet again, another sleepless night. I met up with my friend Trisha last night for a quick chat and dinner and got home by 12midnight. I plan to pack quickly and sleep but couldn't. Spend the whole night praying that my sleep will soon come and when it finally came, it was time for me to wake up again. FML.

I left my place at 6AM but my flight isn't until 10:30AM. Traffic in Manila is horrible so you have to expect the worst. The more prepared you are, the better. It was a quick travel I tell you. It only took us less than 45 minutes from our subdivision to NAIA Terminal 2.

I forgot how I hated travelling from Philippine Airports. This is how their system works:

1. Scan bag.
2. Pay Airport tax. I don't know why they don't include this on the air fare. I am assuming that it is one of the government's job generating scheme. They have at least 5 people on the airport tax section acting very unprofessional. Everyone was chatting while I was being served. One is actually eating her breakfast! How unprofessional can you get! I mean, this must be the Philippine norm but they should at least make an effort and change it.
3. Check-in bag. I was served by the worst ground stewardess ever. I don't expect them to be all smiles everytime but the one that served me isn't hospitable at all. C'mon! Service environment people!
4. Pay Immgration Charge(for using the airport). This is another stupid money making scheme of the government. They should just included this in the bill.
5. Immigration.

I was told that they have a free wifi at the airport. OMG! Free wifi with very low connection. I can't even browse any website. They shouldn't advertise free wifi next time.

People, next time you go to my country, have your money ready. You have to pay at 2370pesos (at least £33) for airport charges. Make sure you had breakfast too. They only have 1 restaurant there. Duty free is limited as well. It is as big as our Reading flat. This terminal definitely needs improvement!

PLS

Today, I found out that my mum is reading my blog. FML.

I can't make up my mind if this is funny or horrible. Hope this doesn't happen to me or to anyone I know. Lifted from FML.

Random Weekend

FML:

Last Saturday, I almost did something that I would regret for the rest of my life. HORROR story as Melay describe it. In short, if my MORALS didn't prevail, I'll be in the worst position now. I am so proud of myself for resisting. :) Email me if you want to know more about this - I may or may not tell you though.

GI JOE:

I saw GI Joe with my friend Doja. I love the film and it kept me focus on the screen the whole time but then again, I went drinking with a friend prior to the 8PM film. Ehehe! For girls, you'll see loads of topless guy in the film. I particularly like the Asian guy. His body is HOT but his face is not(I think actually he's okay although he isn't my type)!

HAMLET:

I am not the Shakespeare type but Jude Law is starring as Hamlet and that's good enough reason for us to go. He is a HOTTIE! Alfie was the first film that made me fall for him. His body(Oh gosh, Am I really talking about buff guys again???) is more like my type. Hahaha! I have to say, I have a hard time keeping my eyes open through out the whole play. It was 3 hours long! Think I am not posh enough for Shakespeare. Are you?

Dear Mum outside the Wyndham's Theatre. She wants her photo taken with Jude Law poster on the background. She bought a mug as a souvenier together with her usual Play Pamphlet(I can't remember how you call it now, sowie!).

Photo taken inside the Theatre. Isn't it posh?

Shaky photo taken by Morellis before we got told off by the Usher. NO PHOTO BEFORE AND DURING THE PERFORMANCE - His words.

Photo taken right after we got off the coach. Yes, we don't like to waste time!

And,

I am starting to pack my stuffs that I am gonna send back home. I am feeling sad but I don't wanna show it to anyone. Who wants a downer right?

Double FML

Today, while browsing the dating website that I recently joined in, I saw 2 people that I used to work with. FML.

OMG! This dating website is addictive! Not that I am desperate or anything, it's just that,it would be fun to see someone with no strings attached. Like, Let's meet up and bye. Very convenient for me as I am leaving soon. No harm done. There are few people who are interested to chat but I am not. Hahaha! I have to go out with a good looking guy. My standards are still intact!

On another FML entry - Our trip to Koln and Prague was cancelled cause we needed one more person to complete the tour. Guess it wasn't for me. I will still be in Belgium and Netherlands next week - cutting the tour in 5 days instead of the original 10. Nevermind. I am lucky enough to be able to see Europe. 4 years ago, on my 20th bday, I wrote Euro Tour on things to do before I die and now my dream is becoming a reality. Thank you Papa Jesus.

Anyway, I was speaking with one of my exes friend. The first ex that broke my heart. I am just happy to hear that they are all in touch and are doing well. Didn't ask about my ex apart from if he's married. It's none of my business really. I am happy being single, Thanks Very Much! :D

Dating Website

Today, I joined a dating website. FML.

I have a very good explanation to this. I have to scratch the itch. I think it's time for me to start dating again. 8 months is enough time for me to prepare myself for dating - I am emotionally prepared this time, I can recognise deal breakers and red flags. I know what I want and I am not afraid to break things up if things are not working out. I am comfortable with being just with me if things don't work out. Okay enough talk with the new Ailema.

BTW, I am going to Europe next week. I haven't confirmed the Czech Republic and Germany trip with Jack yet. Last time I ask, he said we still need 6 more people to complete the tour. I haven't packed anything yet. I am not stressing this time, I wanna enjoy every minute of Europe. So, 7 weeks.

Strike Three

Today, I learnt that my celebrity crush is gay. FML.

How can I not spot the queer??? Do I need to join a gay training or something? :-P

Phil's London Bday Celebration

Yesterday, I went to London for my friend's, Phil, Bday Celebration. Few things that I discovered last night:

a. The guy that I had a crush on is GAY. How can I not have gay vibes? This happened twice this year. Both guys that I had crush on are GAYS!

b. One of the people that I used to work with is getting married. I am sitting with girls so we goss most of the night.

c. I MISS THEM! :-P

I had a fab night with them! Me and Petal met up to have a head start drinks - we need our chatty hats on with the aid of alcohol. We both had double shots of vodka lemonade and lime and Midori with lemonade. We were warmed up when they arrive. Me and the girls caught up with office gossips and danced for about and hour before we left. I let loose this time! They must be shocked for seeing me dance for the first time. I loved every moment of last night! Shame I live in Reading cause I left before 12, what a party pooper! Was home just before 2AM (cause they only have the slow train available). Woke up with a bit of hangover this morning but happy with the memory of last night. :)

Girly Dates

I had a great time today! I met up with my friend at 11AM but she was late, typical for a girl. We didn't have any plans, we just both wanted to go on Thames River Cruise and Westfields. So when she finally showed up 30 minutes late, I ask her what she wants to do first and she said River Cruise. We spend an hour and a half on the boat gossiping about her trip back home, her boyfriend and our upcoming trips. :) Today we both discovered that the best way to get a tan is to take the Thames River Cruise at 12noon. Don't go in the shade. Ehehe! After River Cruise, we went to Westfields where we spend the whole afternoon shopping! Westfields has a good balance of High Street and High End Brands. The best part of all is the most of the shops are on sale at the moment! I almost got myself a Miu Miu wallet, my existing wallet definitely needs to go. It's literally falling off. :( Anyway, before leaving Westfields, we saw Randy Santiago. *convo at the end of the blog* We wanted to do another River Cruise so we went back to Westminster Pier but it was closed. We then went to the park across and spend an hour there relaxing and reviewing the whole Randy Santiago incident. We walked from Trafalgar Square, to Leicester Square to the Gay Strip thru Tottemham Court Road. In short, we went to where our feet took us. I am so tired now but I have to let the Randy Santiago incident let out of my system. :)

Pre-tan Ailema and Doris. All smiles. :)

Photo at the London Eye.

Photo on the River Cruise. That's the Tower Bridge on the Background.

This is Westfields' toilet waiting lounge. Reminds me of the Philippines minus the 25 pesos fee. :P

Me with Mr. Randy Santiago.

I was walking towards the Mulberry Shop when Doris stop.

Doris: Oi! (Hey!)

Me: Stopped

Doris: Picture!!!

Me: Sino ba yan? (Who is that?)

Doris: Randy Santiago

Me: Looking apologetic. Sorry po, di ko kayo napansin kasi nakafocus ako sa Mulberry Store. (Sorry I didn't notice you. My mind is on the Mulberry Store)

The thing is, Randy Santiago or rather, the Santiagos are famous Filo Actors. I grew up watching their noon time shows from when he was working in GMA to ABS-CBN. It was embarassing but he was very nice about my stupidity. :)

Steam Bath, Sauna and Back to Sauna Again

STEAM BATH AND SAUNA(26 May)

My friend Amy left today. They were checked-in in Novotel from Tuesday 'til Thursday. She asked me if I want to try the Steam bath and Sauna at their Hotel. Since I haven't tried those facilities before, I said yes straight away. I am sucker to trying out new things this year.

3 bloopers from the day

First: I was putting my two piece top when the clip at the back came off. I had to tie the back. I guess that's my swimsuit telling me that I put on weight. :-P

Second: We couldn't open the Sauna door! We both tried pulling the Sauna door but we couldn't open it. We panicked! Guess we have to push next time.

Third: After leaving the Sauna, we wanted to use the pool but it is cleaning time. The sign says, open from 10AM to 6PM but it didn't say, close from 12noon - 2PM for cleaning.

STEAM ROOM AND SWIMMING POOL(27 May)

I got a text again from my friend Amy inviting me for another round of Steam Bath and Swimming Pool. Since I'm free, I said yes. It was fun getting steamed. I like seeing my skin glow after the process. We then went to the pool and we both discovered that we can't swim! Thank God the pool is only 2 metres deeps. We stayed there for a bit before we went to the Oracle.

Lessons Learnt:

Never stay in a cheap accomodation. I like the feeling of being pampered!

Check the hotels facilities and make full use of it!

Print Crazy Part 2

Another Matthew Williamson for H&M Sarong(which I will use as a scarf)

H&M dress

I am going crazy with prints at the moment.

Yesterday has been a good day for me. I went to college, had a nice lunch and chat with my girl friends, went shopping, saw Angels and Demons which is good by the way (Thank God for the Rome trip. I can totally picture the whole place although the tour guide told us that they weren't allowed to shoot in the Vatican City ), saw American Idol, had a sit down dinner with friends and got drunk.

I woke up with hang over this morning and diarrhea. Too much info, so typical of me. :-P I went grocery shopping today and made sweet and sour Chicken, met up with a friend and almost bought DVD's cause got ID'd on the till. I showed my ID but they were looking for a VALID ID. My college ID with birthdate doesn't count. I was disappointed. I had Azumi, Wasabi and Priceless on my hand. I was planning to have a Foreign Film/Action Night. :(

Amsterdam is NO GO!!!

I am sad. I am so looking forward to going to Amsterdam but I f*cked me and my mum's trip to Belgium by booking an early trip back to London. When I say early I mean 8AM! I know I still have opportunity to travel to Netherlands as my friend is residing there but I wanted to make this trip perfect for my mum. I don't want to beat myself up for this. Move on Ailema, Dance!

Lesson Learnt: It pays to be meticulous.

The drama behind the Portsmouth/Gosport Trip

I was very tired Friday night. I went to catch up with friends and I didn't get home til midnight. I then woke up at 6AM the next day. My sister was nagging the whole time, complaining about her course work deadline and how she doesn't want to go on a trip with us. She felt like she was obliged to do it. My mum told her not to come but she kept on talking for at least two hours until I got fed up and said F*ck off. She was hurt but I had to do it. Man up I say.

I was swearing the whole time we were on the bus. I have a very good reason this time, I was holding my pee and travel time took almost 2 hours. What's worse, we were on the slow lane. I definitely damaged my reputation. Oh well, as I always say, the damaged has been done. Anyway, it was a fun day. As soon as we get to Portsmouth, we took the ferry to Gosport so we can get a good angle of the Spintaker Tower. :-P No seriously, Gosport was recommended by my Kuya Mike's officemate. The place was okay. I've never seen so much retired people in my life. His friend is over 60 by the way. No wonder he liked the place. We left Gosport after lunch and went to Nando's(I am on Nando's diet now). We took photos in Portsmouth and went in a big ship that they turned into a museum. Bonus points for the steam engine festival. Fun day all in all. :)

Dear Mum and Kuya Mike both in Red. :)

Me and My Mummy dearest.

Everyone seems to like the unwashed hair look. What do you think people?

Yeah, smile random kid! :P

Plant sale in Gosport.

Flying Kissu!

Tank Dress and Green Cardigan from Zara bought over 2 years ago,Sandals(which I am working to death at the moment) and ethnic necklace from New Look, bag from Primark and very old Jacket from Maldita

clubbing plan gone SO wrong

I was having a good day yesterday. Everyone was commenting on how different I looked - my happiness was radiating from the inside. Good sign eh? Everything was working well, I had a nice lunch with friends, planned a night out with people in a month's time until I had an encounter with one of my friends. This is how it goes:

Ailema: Okay, since you can't come on the planned night out, maybe we should plan something with you next week. What do you want to do?

Friend: I want to go clubbing.

Ailema and Friends: We don't want to go clubbing. We already planned the clubbing night a month from now. Plus we want to do variations. Why don't we do something else?

Friend: I want to go clubbing. Why can't we go clubbing?

Ailema and Friends: We don't want to go clubbing. We want to do a day trip.

(this conversation dragged for almost half an hour, going round in circles, friend swearing the whole time)

So I finally had it and I sadi F*ck off. He said f*ck off, pulled a dirty finger and walked out. Seriously, I don't have time for this thing. I don't give a sh*t. This is so immature.

last day at work

I was planning to do a discreet exit when Paul Rogers, the guy who called to lay me off, went to my desk and personally thank me for my service. Hahaha! So much for my plan. This guy totally ruined it!

My last day felt like any other day. It didn't make me sad. On the contrary, I was excited to leave the place although I have no new job to go to. In my mind, being laid of is both a blessing and a curse. I get to spend all my time by myself, I can make plans with people without thinking of work. On the other hand, I will have a lot of idle time - time to think about the ex. It was horrible thinking about it now cause I know my mind will betray me again, replaying scenes both happy and sad about my past. Money is another issue too. With so much plans I have in mind, I need a job to support it. Asking from mum is not an option as she is letting me stay for free including food. Good thing I have savings but I hate to see my saving being depleted. :-P

CONCLUSION: I need a job or any money making scheme.

WAKE UP CALL!

I went to the Filo weekly practice cause I've got nothing else to do. When I was in a relationship, I used to spend all my weekends with my ex. So obviously I have to fill my schedule up now that we aren't together. Anyway, since I've been spending loads of times with my family and friends, I noticed that I've been gaining weight as well! The weekly buffet, the endless dinners and the chocolates took its toll on my body! I measured my waist up and it's gone up to 26.5 inches! I even tried my sister's playsuit and I couldn't fit in. I was planning to wear the playsuit in Italy! :( I am not over reacting here people. I am 5 feet 2 inches with a small frame body. I can't have 26.5 inches waist, 50 kgs weight! I am on crash diet at the moment. My trip to Italy is in 6 days.