Nightmare Before Christmas

This came to mind when I heard about the Ampatuan massacre in the news on Monday morning that claimed lives of about 40 people roughly 20 of whom were a journalist in the town of Ampatuan in Maguindanao province which is an island of Mindanao. According to the news, the victims were about to file a certificate of candidacy for Esmael Mangudadatu, Vice Mayor of Buluan who was challenging Andal S. Ampatuan Jr., son of the incumbent Governor Datu Andal Ampatuan Sr. in the 2010 National Governatorial Elections. The journalists were accompanying women of the Mangudadatu clan which is another powerful and rival clan of the Ampatuan's when their convoy was stopped by about 100 armed men who herded them to a remote hillside and attacked them with M-16 rifles and machetes. Two of their vehicles and many bodies were thrown into a freshly-dug pit and covered with earth by an excavator. Officials said that the death toll rises to 57 as of yesterday and they're still looking for more bodies waiting to be found.

I was devastated. It was barbaric and gruesome. They were slaughtered like animals. What kind of monster is capable of doing this? Can they still sleep at night or even care if they're still alive but their souls are already rotting in hell? I don't get it. How can people kill for a thirst of power? This sick for crying out loud. This is a democratic country but how come some still live in fear and no one can protect them? People are aware of what's going on in Maguindanao but they have no choice but to keep their eyes closed and their mouth shut or the consequence may be fatal. When will this civil war end?

New Moon

I saw the movie New Moon (The Twilight Saga by Stephenie Meyer) yesterday and as anticipated it was just as good as the first one.  I thought it's exciting, action-filled, the visual effects are amazing. Love 'em wolves you can almost touch their fur lol. 


I hate falling in line, I haven't slept a wink I watched this movie after my shift. I don't want to be left behind and I can't wait to see this on the big screen. I was really surprised to see Taylor Lautner's transformation not as a wolf but into a "total hunk." I'm sure he worked darn hard to get those eight packs. My sister and I can't stop giggling when every lady in the audience reacted as soon as he took off his shirt to wipe off the blood on Bella's head in the motorcycle accident scene. Obviously, his hard work paid off to get that super bod. 


The story ends with Edward asking Bella to marry him if she really wants to spend forever with him so he can change her (be an immortal) and become one of them. The movie leaves you wanting for more, I guess that's the whole point. I just finished watching Twilight on Star Movies, I've seen it four times already I guess I just can't get enough of it. 


I have a dental appointment tomorrow and it's been a while since I visit a dentist. Thank goodness I'm on leave tomorrow night also, it's five more days before 13th month, yay!  It's thirty-three days to go before Christmas I already got Christmas presents but if I can still wish for something it'd be to spend Christmas week away from the office. 

Cubao X

I went to Cubao Expo yesterday (formerly Marikina Shoe Expo) along with my sister and niece. We're in the hunt for school shoes but to our dismay, there aren't too many shoes there anymore. I totally understand why the name's changed. 


There are thrift shops that sell ukay ukay as well as all sorts of vintage stuff. There are art shops too but most of them are closed. There's nothing extraordinary about the place really. We found ourselves at the Gateway Mall then later we checked another thrift shop fronting Cubao X that sell all kinds of junk from stuff toys, ukay ukay, shoes, books, broken appliances, etc. but we didn't buy anything there either they're not cheap at all for a piece of junk. Cubao has improved a lot but I feel like I didn't miss anything. 

VANS X Slayer

I got myself a VANS x Slayer slip on yesterday I'm ecstatic about it because I bought it at a cheaper price. I mean seriously, I've owned 2 pair of vans slip ons in the past and it costs around 2-3k but believe it or not I had it for only Php900 from a warehouse sale along Edsa-Shaw. How kewl is that? 


The VANS Slayer theme pays homage to Slayer, one of the most influential trash metal bands in history. Aside from the classic slip-on emblazoned with Slayer's signature logo, they also offer skate and Owens HI models. This warehouse also sells sporting goods for brands like Reebok, Rockport, and Umbro. Where has this place been when I need it? 


I'm loving my VANS I'm pretty sure I'll be back there soon.

Check out vans slayer website here:
http://www.vans.com/slayer/

New Baby

I brought my Nokia 6500 Classic phone at Nokia Care yesterday for repair it's been acting up lately. The battery drains very easily and won't get a full charge anymore, unfortunately, it's 2 months out of warranty already. Hopefully, it's nothing major I've only had it for only a year. I hate to let it go as soon as I had it fixed I might sell it but I got envious when my sister got herself a Samsung Star touch screen phone. I told myself I'd like something edgy yet affordable just like hers so I bought a Nokia 5530 which is one of the most affordable touch phones to date from Nokia. I thought I might like LG's affordable touch phone, a KP500 cookie but I didn't like its specs even if costs so much cheaper than what I got. It doesn't have 3G or wifi, I'm more of a Nokia user anyway so I've no regrets buying another Nokia. 


It helps to do some research when buying stuff so you know what to expect especially if you're on a budget. I've transferred files from my old phone, downloaded themes and videos so far. I'm a happy camper. 


I'm so done with mid-shift I don't give a damn anymore going back to the graveyard because I hate the afternoon traffic. I need to attend to some things in the morning. It's only 54 days to go before Christmas I thought it's not too early to hang our Parol at the terrace door. It's been a tough year for my family when my dad got terribly ill but God has never forsaken us so I have all the reason to be thankful for this year. I know that it's been a tough year for our nation too. We've had tragedies that struck our nation but I still hope that we'll welcome Christmas with joy in our hearts even without the tangible things.