An "Inside" Story: What's *Usually* in My Bag

I've always been more apt to hanging out with guys rather than girls because of my interests. (Cars, video games, sports, even other women!) But despite the countless similarities between my guy friends and I, I feel more conscious of my gender due to their constant asking of "Why does a girl always bring a bag?"

Huh. That got me stumped for quite a long while since I didn't like lugging around any type of bag except during school.

...But, that was a few years back. I've recently unlocked the achievement of making myself become more of a girl to be more presentable once I set foot on the career world. Even so, I still am puzzled as to the answer of my friends' query. Here are the contents my bag for instance (take note: I am not a ~*kikay*~ girl):

Story of a Spendthrift: Recent Purchases and Other Whims

Today, I'll pick one from the endless list of things I'm bad at and talk about it here.

Whenever I have cash and something within my budget catches my eye, the next thing I know *bam!* I'm already holding it in my hands. At least this only applies to books and sometimes, food. As for usual girly things such as clothes, I'm very tight-fisted on my cash. I only go for cheap, but comfortable and unique pieces for my wardrobe. A simple way of putting this is I'd rather splurge on novels than on ~*fashion*~.

Recently, I bought items belonging to both categories. Here's a photo (since most blog readers would like posts with pictures in it):

Guess which between the novel and the skirt costs more?

....The novel! (Surprised, aren't you?) The vintage skirt with the adorbz color combination only costs Php130, roughly $3. I bought it from Martina's OnlineShoppe on Facebook. Their shop has affordable and one-of-a-kind finds, so I didn't think twice ordering the skirt.

The Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close novel has been on my watch for a couple of weeks now, but I only got to snag a copy just recently. Here it costs Php 555 or around $13. Also, I included the Top Gear mag (for the love of ALL types of cars!) which I collect every month for the lulz.

Although I'm getting a Kindle Touch soon, my splurging on books won't end due to me still preferring the feel and smell between the pages of a book. (Readers will understand!!!) See, I'm really bad when it comes to handling my own money; to think I'm almost going to graduate from my business-related course.

"Fashyown" Related: Outfit Post

A good friend, Adi Leuterio (he haz a blogspot too! adileuterio.blogspot.com) took shots of me one fine Wednesday afternoon. I didn't want my blog to turn into anything fashion-y but what the hell.

Still not gonna create a Lookbook account, tho.

Top: thrifted

Pants: Soul Lifestyle

Wedge: bazaar

Things To Ponder On Thursdays: Random Couple-y Activities

I posted this a few months back on my Tumblr. Forgive me, I haven't exactly the time to create a fresh post because of school requirements which I'm unfortunately married to. So, here's a post for my ~*weekly thing*~:

I think one reason why most couples don't work out is they've become too routinized. Familiarity breeds contempt, as they say. Nevertheless, the pair can still find fun and spontaneous things to do together. Here's some activities I thought of (while washing the dishes. IKR):

• Take turns playing a childhood game that you never got to play. It could be involving a toy (hopefully nothing of the kinky kind) or a video game.
• Instead of just chilling at home, the both of you could do chores around the house. Not only is this fulfilling for the parents, but household tasks are more fun when you've someone to help you.
• When watching a movie in the theater, throw little pieces of popcorn on heads of other people. Do this as long as you can without getting noticed.
• Make blackout poetry.
• Buy a cheap film camera. Try capturing moments which define you both as a couple or whatever theme you like. Make most of the shots! Don't forget to develop the roll of film.
• Try finding a simple recipe that both of you can conjure. Who knows, one of you has an untapped potential becoming of a chef.
• Speak in a weird dialect for a day, i.e. Pig Latin or Pirate.
• Play hide and seek in a library, without much noise of course.
• Have a blank or ruled journal. Both of you can write little notes when the two of you are on dates. If one is out-of-town, let that person bring the journal and jot down what happened or other little nothings.
• Trace schedules of local bands' gigs. Appreciate homegrown talent!
• Exchange a pair of socks. It's the closest the both of you can get into literally being in each other's shoes.
• Horror movie marathon! See who gets spooked out first.
• Take a class together, something you're both interested in. Not only you guys could have more time together but it can also hone your skills and talents.
• Exchange personalities for a day. Tell people that you're him and vice versa. Pick up even the littlest mannerisms of your significant other.
• Go to a music CD shop. Stick little Post-its on the back of each case, indicating whether the artist is good or bad according to your taste.
• Watch a senseless cartoon together and try finding profound meanings for each scene.
• Promote healthy competition! Start a video game or something of the sort at the same time and see who finishes first.
• Find a place where the both of you can watch the stars together. Name as many constellations as you can. If the both of you don't know much, bring reference with you.
• Have a "gift theme" per month for the lulz. Take note that it doesn't have to be expensive.
• Create an invisible friend for a day.Talk to him, introduce him to your friends or whatever you like. When people say you've gone crazy, tell them "Hush! You're hurting his feelings."
• Have a backwards date! Do everything backwards from what you normally do on a date.

Well, these are just some ideas of mine. You can alter it according to your taste or whatever. The important part here is to have a blast. =) You can do this with a bestfriend, too!

image slightly unrelated, but Keiichi Morisato and Belldandy is my favorite anime couple!
*credit: Google Images*

Slowpoke is Slow: A 2011 Year-Ender Survey

I'm not sure about you guys, but 2011 for me can be summed up in one word: LEGENDARY! *yes, that is supposed to be said in Barney Stinson's voice*. So as a commemoration and a toast to the awesome year that has passed, I filled up this survey:

1. What did you do in 2011 that you’d never done before?
It's something pretty small but meaningful--celebrate an anniversary with a boyfriend. Yes, it's my first time. Don't judge meh!

2. Did you keep your New Years’ resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
Well, I kinda forgot my last New Year's resolutions...Derp. But I kept track of the ones I made this year, so huzzah.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
A friend I met in college did! The dad's my ex-boyfriend/High school friend so I was updated.

4. Did anyone close to you die?
Cloud, my family's 12-year old Japanese Spitz. :infinitecreyz:

5. What countries did you visit?
Sadly, none for this year. Just you wait, 2012!

6. What would you like to have in 2012 that you lacked in 2011?
Motivation, time management, 3 piercings in my right ear, a Kindle Touch, better money-saving skillz

7. What date from 2011 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
November 19, 2011. I've crossed out something on my bucket list, and that is to meet one of my childhood heroes: Barbie Almalbis!

My Thing For Music: The Local Band Junkie In Me

For more reasons than one, I'm glad I grew up here in Davao City. The environment here is relaxed, reflecting the city's every facet. So, surprise! The local music scene is exactly how the city is.

Despite Davao City not being targeted for international bands to rock out, local big bands have come to the stage. Here are some that I've attended:

accidental posing with Chicosci's vocalist, Miggy Chavez, at the CAP Auditorium

*12.18.09*

This Gathering: Franco band at Jickong's Bar, Torres

*10.23.10*

Attack of the South: Urbandub at Matina Town Square

*03.26.11*

(credits to Maritoni Nanini)

5x5 Artwork event featuring Up Dharma Down at Abreeza-Ayala Mall

*9.16.11*

Barbie Almalbis back-to-back with Franco at Abreeza-Ayala Mall

*11.19.11*

Through attending those concerts, my ears have been graced by the music of homegrown and emerging talents. To name a few, there's Jad Montenegro (who has already released two teasers of her EP, check it out!), To The Tune of Lilies (listen and download *for free!* their EP on their Facebook page) and Lost Tribe. There are three fellow Davaoeño bands/artists who etched their names in the Philippine music scene as a whole--eevee, Nescafe 3-in-1 Soundskool 2009 winner; Skeights, Pilipinas Got Talent Season 2 finalist; and Julie "Juris" Fernandez, acoustic group MYMP's  former vocalist.

For those who desire to have their music heard in events, there are Battle of the Bands held in almost every school; the Mix Sikat contest, sponsored by Mix FM Davao 105.9; and Killerbee FM Davao 89.1's Indie Night held every Monday. As for venues which cater jam sessions and walk-ins, Davao has Sa'Less Diner and Moozika, Lion's Reggae Bar and Plates, Durian Bar, and Matina Town Square (Taboan and Kanto Bar) with locations ranging from downtown to the south of the city. (Note: These are only some of the events, venues, and bands which Davao offers and not the complete list.)

For the listeners ('cos it's considered ~*hip*~ to support the local music scene and that includes me!), those gigs give out a most "chillax" mood. I find myself just sitting down and feeling all the tension go out of my body. I observe others, who are doing the same and who lazily chug a beer from time to time. Gigs in malls are comparable, minus the alcohol of course. But wherever the venue is, the vibe is more or less the same.

So if you're a Davaoeño searching for more justifications to love the city even more, drown yourself in the local music culture. And if you're a traveler who has just set your foot here, do just the same. Life is here, people!