it's a girl thing

For the past few days I have noticed that I have non-nonchalantly throwing sharp comments on people. I have this irritating feeling flowing all-over me that I become too nitpicky on things (Oh yeah, fine, I am naturally like that but I am extra-critical, lately). I am not as tolerant as I can be. I whine more frequently. Then, on another instant, I sink into sentimentality. I suddenly start to miss things, people and stuff. Out of the blue I want to be touched. I also feel like bursting into tears for nothing. WHAAAAH!

Tell you this is happening in flicks of seconds (Nah, that's exaggeration.) I am going haywire!

Is this part of the reason why women are labeled as erratic? Maybe. We really are.

This is killing me. It's as if am sick or what have you. Truth being, I guess this is just part of that mood swings that is a result of the biological changes occurring monthly in women. I've also read in one article that there is really a link between moods and hormones. It says:

Although mood disorders and depression may occur at any age during a woman’s life, women seem to more vulnerable during times of hormonal fluctuations such as the menstrual period, pregnancy and perimenopause, according to a report released by the Society for Women’s Health Research in November (2007).

During times of hormonal flux, many women are able to emerge relatively unscathed. But for others, a normal hormonal transition can trigger mild to severe mood disorders including depression and bipolar disorder. “Science has revealed clues as to why these changes may occur in some women,” says Peter Schmidt, M.D., an investigator in the National Institute of Mental Health’s Reproductive Endocrine Studies Unit, “but further research is needed to definitively show what causes depression and mood disorders in women during hormonal transitions.”

Now, I say, it's fun being a girl...most of the time.

self-talk

Fortes Fortuna Adiuvat. Remember the first time you read that maxim? Remember that smile on your face when you learned that such old Latin maxim literally means fortune favours the brave. Now, isn't that true enough?

Yes, that was coward. Yes, you allowed being unpopular eat you and let another opportunity pass you by. And yes, that was indeed stupid. 'Nuff for the self-blame. Regret all you want, sorely but it's all water under the bridge. Guess, you just have to learn to have more of that go-get-it attitude. Lesson learned: Never base your decisions on what other people would think or say, especially if the choice you're going to take is one which is important for YOU. Queber? You worked for it, and you deserve to fight for what you have toiled for. And you know you wanted it badly. It's not your fault that others are mediocre.

Don't Settle. Speak up. Fight. Be brave.

Lest you'll miss all the chances, they aren't unlimited. That you fear.

ramblings on public trains

I am a commuter.

Everyday of my life, I ride jitneys, tricycles, buses, FX and trains going around the metro. And thank God for the trains here in the Philippines! They made my life easier.

During my younger years, I do not like riding in trains. The smothering heat inside its cars makes me all sticky and smelly. Not to add the bodies that is all around you. It was as if a chemical reaction will happen that would set the trains to explode had everybody else stay a little longer than the whole trip duration. Riding trains in the Philippines back then is like subjecting yourself to torture and punishment being all cramped. Not to mention the threat of being picked-pocket. Well, I have to say that things have improved already. The trains are now air conditioned and several cars are provided solely for women, children and the senior citizens. Am not sure about the pickpockets but I do feel safer now compared before.

In every State an improved means of transportation is an indication of progress. There is a lot to improve for us, though.
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Last Saturday on board the MRT on my way to Cubao, I took a seat in one of the train cars which is not exclusive for women. Meaning, there would be men in those cars. (Well, I was just too lazy to walk a little further down the station. Besides, I came from Taft station thus there are still more room in the cars.)

So, from Taft to Cubao obviously people started to fill the train cars to the brim--literally. I just realized that Filipinos do not care about boundaries. I mean, physical boundaries. It's alright for almost everyone to stand skin to skin with strangers. I didn't like it. I feel so unsafe as I stood up from my seat walking through the door and my body is touching all these people as I walk out.

I have been to several countries and I rode on their trains. (That is why, I was later convinced to ride on our trains) But I never encountered overpacked situations such as ours. It's culture so I believe.

But can't we at least respect space?
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More on the previous observation.

Have we not realize that full-packed trains could mean overloading? Filipinos are never wary on these. From time to time our headlines would always bear news of sinking ships, buses turning turtle, and what have you because of accomodating passengers more than it's safe limit. In far flung provinces it is normal for people to squeeze human beings together with chickens and vegetables in every little space available in jitneys. Atop would be another roughly 20-30 people sitting under the sun and hoping to be transported alive to their destinations. It actually seems fun and practical, but is it safe? Think about it?

Under the law on transportation, common carriers are burdened with that extraordinary diligence in transporting persons and goods. This would include enough supervision on the number of passengers a certain vehicle must load for a certain trip. Apart from convenience and comfort of commuters, our transporation authority must first and foremost ensure safety. Check overloading, please.

On the other hand, I urge all Filipinos to look after ours as well. Don't squeeze in yourselves in our trains (or any transpo for that matter) just to get to some place.

Discipline.
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Walking out of train stations is also a feat. Filing for tickets is one as well, but getting out is more stressful.

I do not understand why most Filipinos don't know how to queue in line. There are those who will cut through or nonchalantly squeeze in. We are all in a hurry, people! Besides, getting out will be much faster should everyone find a more disciplined way of filing themselves in line.
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Til here, I still have to catch the train for school.

vday rantings

Arrggghhh! This Valentine fever is stinging me, and I despise it!

Call me a sourpuss, but the flowers and the chocolates are nauseating. I am a romantic person and I strongly believe that affection needs to be expressed. I believe that little nothings can really mean something on a special occasion. I am just like any other hopeless romantic who does feel giddy about giving gifts, most especially receiving them. However, I just find it very impractical to spend so much money on things that would later wither. Besides, during this season most prices of the sweety-itsy-bitsy things rise exponentially.

Please do not get me wrong. I also love receiving somethings from my special someone—I am sentimental too. I also believe that little nothings can really mean a whole lot on special occasions. I am just scornful that Valentine’s Day is becoming more like a fad than a day of celebrating love—and love at the truest sense of it. I feel that our society have evolved into being materialistic, where we have grown to equate love with mere provision. (We have seen this in family set-ups. But I will discuss that in a different article). Love need not be grandiose because it is already big and powerful in itself, if we will only appreciate it.

Love can be declared in a million ways and shouldn’t be hyped in one day alone. Today I realized one thing—Valentine’s day may be special but not more special than any other day. Each day of our lives is an opportunity to share and show love to those we care about. Let us learn not to limit love on flowers and chocolates or on a day alone. Let us recognize that constant expressions of love--a touch, a hug, a kiss, a smile, time and laughter shared, words of encouragement and affirmation, and several acts of service-- on ordinary situations.

flowers and traffic

Valentine's Day have became a commercial fanfare, especially so here in the Philippines. Stores are dressed in pink and red tinsels. Restaurants and bars offer so much discounts for couples who intend to celebrate the "love day" with some food and wine. Chocolates, stuffed toys and flowers are the top commodities for this week. Little nothings that spells love all over. But no matter how lovers want to express their romanticism, practicality still kicks in.

I live near the flower market known as Dangwa. It was popular ever since I remembered for its good quality flowers traded from Baguio at its very cheap prices. Over time, it has became more and more popular to many people including those who can really afford those designer flower arrangements. And since Valentine's day is nearing, (that is two days away as I write this), people start swarming to Dangwa. There are actually two times of the year when this is phenomena happens: V-day and All Soul's Day.

During these times there are just two things that I have observed whenever these come. One, the prices which used to be affordable suddenly escalate by the minute. One must have the dexterity (and the patience) to ask around to compare prices. It pays to do this for you to get the best value for your money. Be equipped with the skill to haggle. Second, traffic is a build up. Apart from the influx of consumers, cars line the sides of the main road for parking. This congests the usually cramped street all the more. I am more concerned about the second one over the first considering that I am a daily commuter. The usual 5 minute ride takes 30 minutes which actually seems forever. Hopefully, in the spirit of love we can work towards community sensitivity as well.

Nonetheless, I am amazed on how we Filipinos exert the extra effort of showing one's affections. Cheers to those who are brave enough to let the world know he is capable of sharing love.

Advance Happy Vday everyone! Spread love.