Fort Santiago, Manila

Fort Santiago, Sta. Clara St., Intramuros Manila (L-R) A welcoming nationalistic sight, Two guardia sibils, Mang Tonio and his stallion Dodong, yours truly having a good time with free mangoes  from a caretaker, a facsimile of the Noli Me Tangere, and the gateway to Fort Santiago's rich history.

One of my officemates arranged an educational tour to the Manila's infamous Walled City with the whole department and I cannot help but to feel excited for it. Hey, I've been staying in the metro formore than two years now and I only have been to Luneta Park.  It had been relayed to me that we will meet at 7:45 am and provided the Filipino time culture, I assumed it was 8 am. I was at our rendezvous earlier but an hour and a half later, I had not a seen a single familiar soul. I did not message them either. Out of boredom, I mixed with a throng of people going from site to site so I won't get lost.

A couple of minutespassed and I found myself walking to strange streets that feels like I am out of the country. No deafening honking, no irritating litters--the paradox of the city. The place had really preserved its Spanish architecture. I feel like strolling the sidewalks of Europe for a cup of coffee. Bars, restos, boutiques, and offices are housed in such rich remnants of the past. A romantic place for dates and many other social events too.


Fort Santiago is one of the best attractions of the Walled City. It showcased the Philippine National Hero Jose Rizal's memorabilia like his suits, operating tools, works of art and some of his family's fine chinas and furniture. You might be interested to peek the dungeons and prison cells.

Five Things Bored People Do

Whatever your interest is, for sure you have things get done to remedy boredom. Check if we have the same list.

1.Coffee cavort.  As a self-declared coffeeholic, taking a sip once in a while is my favourite pastime. I am fine with frappe, espresso, cappuccino, but black and brewed really excites me (I am having one at the moment)!

2.   Books affair. I grew up with them. Small talks bore me and this is my first resort.

3.   Music mania. Anything that has to do with music keeps me from boredom. From surfing the latest track of any artists, to watching YouTube covers, to hitting the karaoke version on the Search field. Playing the tracks of my liking with Sethe (my six-stringed lover) keeps me sane too and it’s just too relieving.

4.   New hobbies/interests galore. Boredom leads me to mountain hiking, hitting the gym, hopping art fairs, writing as part-time job, checking out foreign language classes, etc.

5.   boredlass.blogspot.com. Needless to say, boredom brought me here. For when you have raging ideas in mind amidst endless ennui, penning it is the best catharsis.

Snapshot Brings People Together

123, Flash!

Taking photos are one of me and my sister’s favourite boredom alternatives. Mundane weekend scene is me and my camera on one  hand, dragging her from bed for a snapshot. One click and then I’m out. After work, our favourite pastime while waiting dinner is sit in front of my laptop and take series of photos.  

If you're sick of our faces, blame Boredom.

Aside from this, I do not know what other things we can do much productively together when boredom strikes. Haha! She likes to eat. I am not fond of food. I read books. She is thoroughly dozed off after one page. I love to play words. Her passion are numbers. Outdoor stuff thrills me. She better curls back to bed.

Common Misconceptions on Pixie Cut

Boredom took me to the nearest salon.

For 20 years of existence I could not remember to have locks cut like Anne Hathaway's or even Dora's. Just the idea is enough to freak my Maria Clara mother out. Of course she wants her baby girl to have her crowning glory long, shiny, and black. I did have a few attempts to break the rule back then. Obviously, none of them was triumphant.

The moment I got my college diploma, I landed a job miles away from home. And being away means independence. And being independent means no mom ranting if I get a pixie cut!

Basically I have three reasons in mind. One, to get a cut that’s a bit distinctive.  It's boring to always belong. Two, to materialize what I long yearned. Hmm, sorry mama! And finally, to have an easy-to-go hairdo. With dry, frizzy strands, I really am tired of ponytails, and straightening, and hair relaxing, and oh finish the list for me.

Fright and wariness were not out of the picture though. I was so accustomed with long locks that a pixie might stare back alien. But it is between pulling it off or let it pull myself down. I have to be proud of my new cut! Yeah, it feels so damn light without the mane in my back.

But what pixie cut might connote to some…

Pixie = Low maintenance

That's a big lie. I need a trim every month or two, has to spend with wax, volumizer, hair sprays, brushes, blower etc. Expert pixie cut hairdressers are hard to find and a bit expensive as well. I spend less on shampoo though!

Pixie = NO to rounded face

It has been instilled in my 1 MB memory that pixies never look good at round/oblong face. Boy, I think I got a perfect circle I could substitute Yahoo Messenger's icon. But who cares!

Pixie = Broken-hearted

I got mine prior to my break-up. My decision has nothing to do with a wrecked heart or what. It was purely experiment of which I kinda like.I can't think of going back.

Pixie = Lesbian

"What happened to her!"

"So you really are coming out?"

What's your order Sir err, Ma'am?

These are just few of the deafening queries I have to entertain when I am back to town or when I bump with former classmates and acquaintances. As if I owe them an explanation. Well, I should have been warned when the stylist asked; " Are you sure, you want to do this Ma'am? You will look like a lesbian." I gave her a dry, 'so-what' look. Would they ever understand not all lesbians like short hairs and vice versa?

Though I promised to grow my hair, I had it trimmed again five hours ago. The sweet shampoo scent, heaven-like massage, and gentle combing is so relaxing I could not resist the call of it. And so what if I have to cut my hair often? The universe knows there is nothing wrong with that. And so what if it does not suit my face. Stare until it wears you off. And so what if they thought I am heart-broken. They can’t help me out in case I am. And so what if I look like a lesbian? I could really care less. And it shall be a pleasure.

You might also like The Problem with Pixie Cut

  

Vanity vs Narcissism

Excessive pride in one's appearance, qualities, abilities, etc.-that is how dictionary.reference.com defines vanity. I really have no idea why I attached the photo and have vanity as my theme for my first post.

First, maybe to tell the world I have my vanity moments too. Second, maybe I just want to flaunt my new pair of shoes (definitely loco with killer heels). And third, maybe I am extremely bored waiting for my meeting that I could not think of any good topic but self.

Boredom made me buy heels.

Vanity is a kind of thing that is inexcusable to anyone I think. Our human nature just loves the limelight in various aspects. Sometimes, it is simply irresistible to advertise our emotion on getting the latest gadget, eating in a fancy resto, or hopping the pristine beaches in Spain.

Personally, I am guilty of using narcissism and vanity interchangeably. However, it had been cleared to me that a certain dose of vanity is a positive thing over narcissism. As define, narcissism is more of an obsession with looks, status, or anything.

But how are you going to tell if a person have gone to be a certified narcissist from being vain? One of my favorite blogs, Psychology Today diagnosed one to be a narcissist if he/she:

1. Got an ultimate self-importance (I am the most significant person in this room.)

2. Has lavish fantasies (Hey, I can do anything I want. I have the power!)

3. Believes she is unique (Nobody can ever understand me but those individuals of the same IQ, economic status, etc.)

4. Loves admiration to the nth level (Look at these shoes, they so cool right? There is no one here got the same as this.)

5. Is arrogant (No one has ever beaten my sale status. Stop trying man!)

Well I think there are a lot to add in the list but I think these are the most basic. 

They say posting of things about yourself is not a bad thing especially if you haven't trampled anyone's right. It is a way of expressing who you are. It is about branding oneself. The thing is maybe to maintain a healthy dose of vanity. This will actually inspire the individual strives to be better.