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Nikay Paredes; 20 yrs. old; Cebu City, PH





Tuesday, June 30, 2009
First Japanniversary

It's been a year, okay?


Friday, June 26, 2009
Sad.

Today, Michael Jackson died. So it goes.

Sunday, June 21, 2009
Father's Day

As an early Father's Day gift, my mother and I went on a makeover mission in Papa's office last week. Mama is a firm believer of the correlation between a decent working environment and good work performance. We managed to accomplish the following in a day.

Obviously the "after" pics look better because I used a DSLR (versus the camera phone in the "before" photos.) Rest assured, I didn't mean for this to be like those weight-loss testimonials where the "after" pics turn out better only because the client is smiling and/or displaying proper posture. Sheesh. Anyway, click to enlarge.



Step One: The Table. We changed the carpet to something less loud as stepping on a big rug gives me the feeling that I'm about to be engulfed by some fibrous, albeit fab creature. The receiving area chairs were transferred here because they looked more regal. We also tossed in new chair pillows.

We transferred the small table (with a red-and-orange garnishing) to this area. The orange lamp is by far the most awesome thing in the room. As the saying goes: "We love lamp."



We got rid of the chairs that didn't belong and the fridge that needed to meet its maker. Seriously, even opening that thing would cost you your appetite. We used the shelf near the desk as a display shelf for family photographs and the like for, you know, inspiration.



An understatement: Papa loves plants. Hence the planter (yes, those things have names) had to be in a spot where people could actually see it. To guide your vision, we put an accent chair, which I call the Memory Chair because Papa bought it with a fellow judge who recently passed away.



The ultimate goal was to create a space where one could ballroom dance in. I'm kidding.

The corner table, made with scrap wood, was Papa's project. The red rug tells another story. Mama finally purchased that thing when we were convinced the calligraphy was indeed gibberish.

By now you've probably guessed that we watch too much Lifestyle Channel, and you're right.

But also consider that this gesture cannot even be on equal level with the things this man has done for us. He is a man devoted to his craft and to the people he serves. He is an excellent father.

H♥ppy Father's Day, Papa Menmen!


Saturday, June 20, 2009
Body Boo-Boos

An observation: When I go home to Cebu, I catch the flu. When I'm back in Manila, I almost always have a sty.

I was attempting to clean the bedside table when I saw a single piece of Amoxicillin from last semester's swell. Hooray, I thought. My life is average.

Tomorrow's post will be better, iPromise.

Wednesday, June 10, 2009
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"Love is what's in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and listen."

- Bobby, age 7.

P.S.: Is it a coincidence that this kid's name is Bobby?

Saturday, June 6, 2009
Two Purpled Thumbs Up



Yesterday was Queen Mother Jane's birthday and what better way to start her 49th year than a morning at the gym. I on the other hand went down to Comelec and registered because you can't criticize what you don't understand.

I'm so cool like that bai. But really, I was looking forward to a bad experience and true enough, it did disappoint! Something like: here's a form, bye. Go to that table over there, wait for me. Place your right index finger on that shiny thing. No, your other right. Uh, is this your name in Facebook as well? Can I... add you?

True story. Another non-fictive tale is the one in the pub where the waiter looked at me and judged me. And justice was concretely served in a glass of Ultimate Mojito.

Mmmint-leafy justice does not come cheap, shall cost you 268 pesos.

Tuesday, June 2, 2009
June already

In Cebu, heading northwest, I saw this announcement in a bakeshop.



I have a good feeling about this.

June already. Believe it. I'm going back on the 14th. Last semester funk. I've been telling myself to stick with three pages a day until school starts.

Sunday, May 17, 2009
Though unintentional

I channeled Joan Baez today.





My first godchild, Nathan Ibraham Sevilla the Adorable, was Christened this afternoon!

Friday, May 15, 2009
Why not

I am reading through Facebook memes and I realize that everyone has a Crazy Uncle who's usually brutish, fatal and single/separated/already dead.

In another life, we're all bad-ass and winging this shiz.



"I am the greatest man that ever lived. I was born to give and give and give."

Thank you, Weezer.

Sunday, May 10, 2009


To the Woman
who taught me

everything

is better
with coffee—



Happy Mother's Day! &hearts



Photo by Antoinette Go