1. People are free to practice whichever religion they want. (1) (2) (3) (4)

2. You're not supposed to impose or talk about your opinion on your religion or a certain religion/s with anyone. It's typically a thorny path to burned bridges. (1) (2)

3. People are free to express their own opinion or views on things (to a legal degree I suppose).

4. Not everyone is kind, loving and open-minded —Some hate, demean and/or degrade people. (Pretty sure you're not supposed to do that in any religion, but I could be wrong. Anyone?)

5. If you're to follow the bible completely you wouldn't be able to live as you do now in our modern society. (If you're menstruating you're impure! If someone touches you-hand etc.- while you're menstruating then they become impure!)

6. People like to nitpick what's in the bible. (Gays are bad!...but so are a million other things but let's ignore that.)

7. What consenting adults do behind closed-doors (i.e. their bedroom. i.e. sex) is a private matter and should be of no concern to the public other than those involved.

8. Likening people who are gay to animals (or rather worse than animals) is derogatory, bigoted, unkind and uncompassionate.

9. Science (and life) has already proven that animals engage in "gay" sex for pleasure and/or companionship. (1) (2) (3)

10. Being in a position of influence (i.e. politician) tends to mean you look at things in a legal manner not religious manner. (i.e. Separation of Church and State but hey who does that ever in the PH?)

See YouTuber Philip DeFranco's thoughts about the issue in the video below.


11. The LGBTQ community with their friends and families are asking for the legal unions. No religion involved necessary. (but if you're okay with it, which I sincerely doubt, that's good too.)

12. Not giving them (LGBTQ) legal rights, as you would other "straight" couples, is dehumanizing and extremely prejudiced against a certain group. (and not to mention bad...just in case you forgot)

13. Being attracted to the same sex does not make you any less of a human being.

14. Saying (or Acting like) that other people are beneath you (non "straight" people) and do not deserve the same rights you have solely based on what sex they find attractive is idiotic to the highest degree.

15. The bible is literally hundreds of years old and should have no bearing in a progressive, fair and modern society.

16. Religion was made by man. (I mean that's pretty self-explanatory in itself but if you need help- here )

17. You shouldn't be wary of people without religion, you should be wary of people who need religion to be good. (I rely on my conscience to do good and be kind. Maybe some people would be lost and turn to illegal activities if their religion were to cease to exist?)

18. A lot (not all) in the bible is degrading and unfair towards women (1) (2) (3)

19. The bible were stories made by people, hundreds of years ago and were deleted, translated, interpreted, rearranged and edited by other people over time. (1)

20. How do you expect to be civilized human beings when you ostracize others for not liking the same things as you? (Are we in Kindergarten? Di tayo bati pag ayaw mo laruan ko!)


I still respect Manny for his craft and his dedication to boxing. He's an amazing boxer no doubt about that. He has represented the Philippines and has often brought us immense pride with his great passion for boxing. And I will probably continue to support him as the boxer, but I cannot upon my good conscience support him when he said that. (Read I have not lambasted nor persecuted him. I respect his religion as I respect any man's religion. I cannot force someone to like something I like. I heard his apology, whether it was sincere or not it was given when it was due and I appreciate it. But I cannot unhear his words and more importantly the words of others who think gay people should be 'converted' by knowing God. Conversion therapy anyone?.)

I know that it's not new. The super-religious-guy-says-something-against-homosexuals is not new. These are just my thoughts. I have no hate towards Catholicism, Christianity or any other religion (unless that religion is reaally messed-up) and no ill will towards people who practice certain religions. I respect yours and I only urge you to keep an open mind and do the same. *sips hot chocolate*


xx,
CJ

PS. Malamang merong mga pilosopo at sasabihing pano yung mga rapists, pedophiles, mamamatay-tao, magnanakaw etc. Malamang masama yon.
PPS. Civil unions (you know the ones not in church?) help couples with legal benefits in healthcare, insurance, tax breaks and other rights befitting a spouse.
PPPS. But aren't we ALL animals in this world? *thinks deeply while massaging feet*
PPPPS. If you practice any religion (or none) and you do good, help and are kind to other people regardless of their social status, sexual preference, education, race, economic standing etc. then I think you're an amazing human and keep doing what you're doing!

---

Majority of 2015 I was feeling unqualified and insatiable, unworthy and bullheaded. I was feeling down but I didn't really like that; It didn't feel good so I trudged on. I denied what I was feeling and the more I did that and the more my life refused to adhere to what I was envisioning, the heavier my heart sank.

In retrospect I didn't realize that I had a lot going for me this past year, i.e. my blog. It's easy to overlook the small accomplishments in face of your perceived "goals" or success. I like to think I've grown this past year. :)

I already know and understand everything below but I do slip sometimes so I like to remind myself of these nuggets of wisdom. Here are five things I want to take in with me into 2016.


Never compare your life to others
It is extremely easy to compare how your life is going to your peer's when you open your Facebook. Extremely easy. Those "instagram models" and young hot celebrities that go to exotic places before they're even legal to drink can make some put on those emerald green shades.

But you have to understand, what people post on their social profiles are highlights of what they want you to see.  Most of these are stories they concocted to make it seem like their life is smooth sailing all the way, but it's rarely that. Everyone has struggles, they might not just post it.


Your success is defined by you. Not by your school, parents, friends and society.
Have a great job after college. Get an amazing house by 30. Have a family before 35.  Retire by 40. Have your own thriving start-up as soon as you can. Etc. Etc. Etc. You know how that goes.

Remember, this is your life. Your rules. Success for a fisherman is getting enough to sell and take home for the family whilst success for a CEO might be closing a billion-dollar deal. Success is subjective. It's a state of mind. It differs from person to person.


Celebrate those "small" accomplishments!
Getting up early for 2 weeks straight after perpetually being a night owl. Quitting caffeine after years of being a coffee junkie. Signing up for a dance class when you have two left feet.

Those things might seem inconsequential compared to your other "real" "adult" goals, but habits and long term success start from those little seemingly inconsequential things. So pat yourself on the back. It might not seem much for now but keeping to consistency very rarely doesn't pay off.


If your friendship/relationship becomes toxic. Walk away.
Friends. Family. Business. Bottom line if they're hurting you even after civil communication and trying to understand them, just leave. Not that you should burn bridges, you should just walk away.

It's not giving up. It's choosing your happiness.


Don't be afraid to say yes. Don't be afraid to say no.
It's tricky. "Fear of missing out" is a real and valid thing. It's also not good to agree to everything then force yourself to enjoy it. But once you get to master it you know who to say no to or who to say yes to. Including opportunities.

My blog didn't start picking up until late 2014 to early 2015. At the start of last year, I've been consistent with posts, pictures and updates. I said yes to most opportunities that fell on my lap. Opportunities that made me grow as a professional and as a person and if it weren't for that I wouldn't have met new and interesting people. I wasn't afraid to say no too. Other things that fell on my lap felt off-brand and just off  period, so I politely refused. And that's ok.


How about you? Any life lessons you learned last 2015? How are you planning to attack 2016? :)


xx,
CJ

---

Happy Holidays! Hope you had a satisfying Christmas. Whether it was boisterous or a quiet affair or you prefer to skip over the occasion for reasons, it's all good. As long as you're happy. For me personally, it was the same as last year. Kids running around. The teens grouping in one corner. The parentals catching up/cooking/watching. Me and my sister - on the sofas. We did the get-together a couple of days earlier, so by Christmas eve I was pretty much over it.

And the brooding/anxiety/pity party in my head starts anew.

Let's take in the fact that it's a few more days 'til the new year. Days. DAYS. That fact is eating my brains out because life + career + expectations + reality isn't all what I had in mind by this time of the year. Sigh.

Listening to
The Weeknd's new drops.





Reading
Breakfast with Scot. I will get to it swear.

Watching
The end of the year fly by.

Loving
The cool nights.

Wishing and Hoping and Dreaming
********** *** ****** ***** ****
It's a secret. I decided to go the superstitious route this time. Talking and writing about it before hasn't made anything materialize so...


How was your Christmas? Get anything you really wanted?



xx,
CJ


PS. The post title was a reference to an old movie, shown in the movie Home Alone.

---

Facebook / Twitter / Instagram

Watching Just watched
Inside Out. Oh my God did anyone else get teary-eyed (or made silent waterfalls?) because I was trying so hard not to let my tears fall. Damn good movie. The morose parts for me definitely went over my younger siblings' heads. I can't wait for them to watch this again when they're significantly older. (I think it's an eldest child syndrome. Or just an older sibling thing.)

Listening to
Justin Beiber's Purpose and Selena Gomez' Revival.
Yeah I know. But they both have been making some pretty stellar tunes lately.

Purpose has a more house/techo "dance" type of beat to most of the songs and is definitely a more personal and introspective album. The lyrics are deep and mature.

Revival is a bit more varied when it comes to the sound, but Selena's voice is showcased in all her songs. They finally figured out that her voice works well with sultry and not too complicated when it comes to notes. Also has some pretty personal lyrics and great dance beats.

Recommendations:

Selena Gomez - Revival

• Good For You
• Camouflage
• Sober
• Same Old Love
• Hands To Myself (Sexy club sounds + Quiet sensual whisper-singing)
• Me & The Rhythm (Has a very 80's feel. So freaking good.)
• Survivors 
• Rise (The talking bits reminds me strongly of early 2000 songs)
• Me & My Girls (Sexy Strong "Girl" Anthem. "Hispanic" vibes.)
• Perfect (Slow beat. For that ex who's moved on to another woman.)

• I'll Show You
• What Do You Mean?
• Sorry
• Love Yourself
• Company
• No Pressure
• The Feeling (Like a Do I love you? or Do I love "love"? kind of vibe)
• Where Are You Now
• Children (Youth Anthem. Excellent dance beat.)
• Purpose (Great slow "ballad".With clips of Justin's very insightful monologue.)
• Been You

Reading
Breakfast with Scot
...Or bought a new book with the intention of reading it. I couldn't put it down at the store when I read the first few pages. I had to get it. I'm not usually into memoirs or biographies but this just rings my Feminist, LGBQT-supportive and "fuck-gender-norms" heart.

Read other people's reviews and the book's summary - Goodreads

Creating
This update post.

Wishing
For the clarity of mind to vote for best person for the Presidential seat. If not I feel like I wouldn't vote at all.

Hoping
For a big change career-wise before this December ends. *Offers up hair to gods.*


How about them people running for congress eh? For curiosity's sake who are you voting for? (Any position)



xx,
CJ

If you've been slowly but surely bombarded with random Christmas songs at the store, at the mall or radio then you know Christmas is upon us. It's not as worse as November wherein after the first week every single day, wherever you go there will be a yuletide jingle playing. *Let's get through October - and its holidays- first shall we?*

That's when you realize that a year has gone by and think what the hell I'm still here? But I am glad I've been consistent with my posts. My subconscious probably decided it was finally time to review the rest of my shit that's just sitting here.


Reading
I have been reading a lot of ebooks lately. Mostly fanfics. Actually only fanfics. But omg it's so hard to find one wattpadd ebook that has good grammar and a clear pov (I've read ebooks that switch from first person to third person omniscient without warning)

Listening to


Watching
Rick and Morty Season 2


If you're into Adult Cartoons (Family Guy but leagues better) and/or Adult Swim on Cartoon Network. This is god-sent. Despite the obvious stupidity it's smart and adresses t....just watch the fucking show.

Thinking
How people can be so close-minded as to hate the word feminism. There are some extremists who take it too far (that's why they're called extremists) but isn't that much more reason to rally and support the cause more so people know what real feminists (people who support the social, political and economic equality of ALL -yes LGBT too- sexes) look like?

Wishing
That people stop hating the word Feminism and using the term "Feminazis" to describe women who whole-heartedly present personal, deep and passionate encounters and thoughts they have on the matter. Discounting the whole movement because of extremists (which a lot of political, economic and social groups have) is not only unjust but perpetuates the thought that we don't need equality and all feminists are spouting nonsense, non-issues and just want to burn their bras all day and kill men. You know just because.

Wearing
My favorite gray shirt and cycling shorts. Thinking of doing yoga before I sleep...hmmm

Loving
My consistency with writing! Yay!

Needing
A massage!

Feeling
Neutral. But a little happy. Happy-Neutral?


xx,
CJ

READING
A lot of Hello Giggles' articles, Buzz Feed, Up Worthy and Refinery29 again linked from Facebook. I always read their stuff but I just recently realized that a lot of what I read since time immemorial were from these particular sites.

I used to read a lot of Thought Catalog but it got a bit too "whiney" for my taste.

WATCHING
THIS.

Spoiler : Yes. She never gets an actual answer. She's so much better off without him but that doesn't make what they had any less real.

LISTENING TO

Honestly, why are people hating on him still? He was a douche. But we have to realize that he was young, he's got a ton of money and he was thrust into the limelight at a very very young age. People seem to forget that he's actually very talented. I just like that he's doing music still and it's very... now.

I like it. Especially the beat.

THINKING
About volunteering. I already submitted the forms so I wouldn't have to think too much over it (and/or chicken out while thinking).

FEELING
Light. I just submitted updates to a project I'm doing for a client and it was stressing me out the past few weeks because I was continuously putting-off doing it. That and I wasn't excited about the project. What can I say I'm very idealistic particular.

WANTING
A shit load of money to fund my early retirement to the beach/forest.

NEEDING
Or feeling the need to watch Hoarders. It's sad, scary and all too real. But I can't help watching their conclusion.

WISHING
To finally [finish the project so can get the moneyz] to book the ticket to get me to the beach where my friend's at.



xx,
CJ

"You wear too much makeup."

I've been so obsessed with this web drama lately because...

• It has 2NE1's Dara and Winner's Seung Yoon.
• The second guy is SUPER adorable. SUPER ADORABLE.
• The acting is nice. Most of the time it falls in the typical "K-drama style" of acting and the sound effects are most of the time completely unnecessary but I get it (it did come from a web-comic after all) I think they wanted the show to be edited "comic-style" hence the sounds effects.

I've been feeling a little dismayed peppered with a pinch of annoyance because I have to go through interviews again. If you've been in employment for the past few years you've gone through at least a handful of interviews some of which were absolutely dreadful.

Aside from the fact that you need to answer the most stereotypical, trite and flaccid interview questions 100 times, you get sized up by receptionists and/or other interviewers who look totally uninterested and act vapid. You know the types right?

I've been lucky to come across good-natured fellows who are up to snuff about the recruitment process, but man you really get to know the term "backwards" when you've been interviewed in the Philippines, by a Philippine company.

It's come to my attention that what the hell, am I really attracting these types of jobs or am I not looking hard enough...am I even good enough? I've literally went for careers I wanted and made sure I was the perfect candidate. Still...ughhh.

Sigh.

READING
Prelude to Foundation by Isaac Asimov. Science Fiction is definitely one of my go-to genres. I'm into Adventure and Fantasy and Thriller but Science Fiction definitely has my heart.

WRITING
This (slightly depressing) freaking blog post.

LISTENING TO

I love the very very 80's - Early 90's vibe this has.

WATCHING
Watched Jurassic park 1 & 2. Looking forward to watching Jurassic World after I'm done with the 3rd installment.

WEARING
My flowy bohemian top with Spiderman pajamas. Don't worry, it looks as ridiculous as it sounds.

THINKING
About repercussions of actually going to one of my interviews.

FEELING
The opposite of elated.

LOVING
Being in bed. All. The. Time.

WANTING
A place of my own.

NEEDING
A place of my own.

WISHING
For my own island. You know what I mean?

Someone needs to tell me "You go Glenn Coco". I need a pick-me-up.


xx,
CJ

I saw this YouTube video and I completely agree with everything here. Catcalling serves no good purpose for any party. And these disgusting men need to be called-out.

But when I looked at the comments I was appalled. These people think that women dress the way they are to GET cat-called at. As if that's what women's main purpose in life — get the attention of men. These people (boys mostly) think they are entitled to give lascivious comments about them and their body and think that's ok. That that is acceptable. And that THAT is their right. Because why wear clothes that accentuate your female silhouette if not for wanting men to harass you on street? Right? RIGHT?

WRONG.


So wrong. Girls, yes I use the term girl not woman, because girls as young as 10. TEN. Get harassed. And do you think they wear provocative clothing? It's these pedophilic people who sexualize young girls. They're the ones who have a problem with girls, going about their day being girls. These people think that we should fix girls. We should teach these girls to be afraid of their bodies and cover them up and if they get harassed it's their fault not the harassers.

Another thing. Clothes. Women, regardless of what they wear. Hijab or not. T-shirt and pants or not. Dress or not. Still get harassed and/or raped the same. Why can't women wear whatever the hell they want whilst not being branded as a whore or a slut? Why can't we respect women and their decisions with whatever they want to do with their body?

Next is men thinking that they are entitled to catcalling, name-calling and harassment because a woman is right before them. They believe that it's the woman's fault that men react like that. As if women have a sign over their heads or on their clothes that says

"PLEASE HARASS ME TODAY! I NEED CATCALLING TO VALIDATE MY FEMININITY AND QUALITY IN PEOPLE ESPECIALLY IN MEN'S EYES."



They feel like these women compel them to act like beasts. No brains. No conscience. No decision-making capability of their own so they're swayed by their animalistic urges by what they see. Which makes them no different from plain animals.

Not only does it put the few good men out there in bad light but it assumes that they have no thinking capacity of their own. It teaches other people (men and boys) them that this is acceptable behavior. This is what men do to become men. This is what women and girls like. They act coy but they like it. Silence means yes. No means maybe. Pakipot lang yan. Ganyan talaga babae. Sa una ayaw pero magugustuhan ka rin nyan. Nyan. Like a thing. Like a thing to be whistled at if you what they see pleases them and put them down when it doesn't.

To people think it's just a normal greeting on the street, it's not to most women. People think most women are paranoid but when the odds are always against them who wouldn't?

When one goes about her day a complete stranger greets her or comments on any part of her is it supposed to feel welcoming? Would that be a compliment?

Because when a woman tried to respond to the greeting by saying thank you — since people think it's JUST a compliment — the stranger followed her, because he thought that because she responded, she was interested.

Tell me, how fucked up is that? She wanted to think positive. She thought it WAS just a compliment according to what people keep telling her. To just "take" the compliment.

If you don't respond = Prude, Ingrate, Paranoid, Bitch, Stupid.
If you respond = Interested, Slut, Whore, Asking for it, Stupid.

Either way you run the risk of still being harassed, mugged, raped, killed in any which combination if the attacker decides so.

It makes me so angry and so upset that people ,and not only men, who think like this. And then I see posts saying...

I'm so sick of people saying they're feminists.
You're gay because you're a feminist.
Only gay men support feminists.
Femenazis are everywhere.
Ugly women made feminism.

And then I saw this comment.

---

Now, listen me out.

---

LISTENING TO

"Shame on me for changing...No no. Shame on you for staying the same"

READING

xx,

I never really made a kind of "official" post greeting this blog and everyone who reads it a Happy 2014 . Something like a re-cap of the past year.

So I give you five of the most popular entries from 2013.



And now, a little music to skim through this very short list. (What? Ariana Grande again?!...I know ok, I like her and Mika. And you gotta admit, it's really catchy.)


First up, a food "review" of sorts on this Korean dish. Click me or the image to take you to the magical post.


This was when I decided to get highlights and contemplate on why anyone would want to get their hair dyed gray. Click me or the image to take you to the magical post.


I still very much like the quad 'til now. They're not smooth and "buttery" but I like the colors and the case. But regarding this powder, I don't like anymore. The packaging is flimsy as f*ck and the lasting power isn't made for humid places. Click me or the image to take you to the magical post.


My allergic reaction this Maybelline primer was so astounding I looked like I had red rashes on my face. The beauty treats one leaves a lot to be desired, for something so popular (always sold out according to the SA). Click me or the image to take you to the magical post.


Last but not the least, my "love letter" to Ethan Peck. Wherein I croon sweet nothings to him. Click me or the image to take you to this very handsome and magical post. Tee Hee.

PS. Do you have a "popular list" too? Leave it down below. :)

Note : Bitter Ocampo meaning "Bitter/Sour" is derived from Deither Ocampo a local TV Personality/Actor here in the Philippines.

Maybe it's just me, but I've always been fascinated by secrets and codes. My first foray into the exclusivity of knowledge was with Morse Codes and Braille.

Now I've never learned, or even attempted to learn because it's more complicated than it looks. (Note to self : Movies = Lies ) Or it may be because I'm physically callous and deaf. (Let the training commence...to the bat cave!)

Image by badashclimber.blogspot.com

Apart from my still ongoing fascination with codes namely the two aforementioned things, I have this weird fixation with people using gay lingo. 

Or more specifically Filipino Gay lingo. Which is so hard to understand if you don't have an inkling about local culture, celebrities/personalities in the Philippines (sometimes foreign celebrities are used) and have the basic syllable replacements down pat.

Here's a sample.

Givenchy/Janno Gibbs = `Bigay, to give' (Janno Gibbs is a singer/local tv personality)
Gelli de Belen =`Selos' / To be Jealous (Gelli de Belen is a local tv personality)
Baliwag =`Baliw' / Crazy (Baliwag is a brand of Lechon / Roast Pork)

So being the avid "Googler" that I am. I looked up how to decipher this linguistic exclusivity that has garnered my quirky interest.

And lo and behold, there's a blogpost and even a Wikipedia page dedicated to it. Don't you just love technology?

I know for a fact that some of these aren't even being used anymore and newer terms are being added to the roster and I don't think I can keep up unless I surround myself with people who talk like this. I should just stick to knowing the basics and common terms to save face because I know for sure I will butcher the words, misuse them and quite possibly embarrass myself.

Itech, gibsung ko na sa inyo yung link : http://badingtionaryphoenix.blogspot.com/2010/10/tagalog-gay-lingo-101.html

Note : To the owner of this site. I thank you for your time in immortalizing these sacred texts into the web. Kalerky lang nung na kita ko!

Lil Latina Fashionista nominated me ages {1 year or so} ago for this blog award, and I'd just like to thank her :) Thanks girl! The original badge for this award was actually different; I didn't like it so I made a new one.

Source : santabanta.com

Remember the lists and those resolutions you wrote {or thought of} at the beginning of 2012? Yes, those lists. The “I will vow to eat only organic stuff and exercise more” and “I won’t spend so much on clothes and makeup so I can travel more” Etcetera. Etcetera. Etcetera . Do you know why they went haywire and never seem to push through, which in turn leaves you feeling depressed and which consequently makes you completely forget those promises and then New Year comes around and you’re back to doing what exactly?
 
Making promises you know you can’t keep? Or showing the world that, here you are making more resolutions {most of which are the same ones you made the year before} which will fizzle out before you reach the middle of the New Year.

Why does this happen?

Starting my post with something light, fluffy and, well, vain. I have an upcoming post about the New Year and goals and stuff and hauls and hauls and more hauls. And some reviews on the side. And music posts too! I miss doing those. Anyway, cheers for the new opportunities and meeting new people, and let me leave you with a very inspiring quote for this 2013.