Blog // Rude People

I am going to talk about here about my recent experience with Rude People last month. I was on my to the train station. It's summer and I usually take the shortcut by entering a "High End" shopping mall along Ortigas (High end?) I always walk there because it's convenient, air-conditioned and it's not polluted. And because the Security Guards always see me, I've became acquainted with some of them. They always greet me and they don't even check my bag anymore. Sometimes they will ask me why am I too early or if I finished my job early etc... I don't know their name and they don't know mine too. Regardless, I talk to them once in a while.

And then one day. After I got off from a taxi, I walked towards the entrance of the mall; a white car parked in front of me. I was like... "This is not the place for unloading the passenger"... couldn't they see the sign? But I just ignored them. From that car, a woman of late forties got off together with her husband. She was carrying an LV bag, the usual see-through blouse and some black slacks with her super high heels (I bet it was CMG). She was very petite. While her husband... If I can remember correctly... he was wearing a CK Shirt. They were talking in English which is very common in that area. I was on my way to the entrance. I was walking ahead of this couple while all of a sudden the woman pushed me aside so that she will be the first one to be checked by the guards. I was like... "What did just happen?" Her husband eyed me from head to toe as if calculating the price of what I was wearing at that time. I felt terrible and I wanted to pushed the woman too... but no! My mother raised me well. And then they stopped just in front of the main entrance. They were conversing. When it was my turn to be checked... the guards greeted me warmly.

"Good Afternoon Maam... You're early today."
I answered "Good Afternoon. Yes. Thank you."

The guard didn't check my bag... she only smiled at me. I saw the expression of the couple who eyed as if wondering who I was. I gave them my sideway glance, chin up, stomach in and went on my way. If you will only see the expression on the faces... it was extremely hilarious.

Why? Because I was carrying a huge backpack for mountain climbing, my favorite almost faded pants from Forever 21, my overly used sketchers running shoes and a simple loose blouse. That's all. The brands were pretty average and I didn't even have any accessories on. I think it was a huge blow for the couple that the Security guards greeted me warmly and didn't check my bag despite wearing average brands of clothing. I don't care about her LV bags or any high end brand they have... I am not even sure if they are all authentic. I don't like those brands! and even if I have all the means to buy them... I will not. I prefer edgy average brand that suits my personality. I go to thrift shops, vintage shops and wherever as long as I can buy clothes that only me can have. I hate wearing clothes that everybody wears.

I therefore conclude that RUDE people like them... do really exist. So, for them... wearing branded clothes and jewelries defines respect and "SPECIAL TREATMENT"? Hell no. You know what, I give more respect to people who are outrageously HUMBLE yet outrageously RICH. I know a lot people who are like this. Some of them are businessman, company owner, CEO, Boss, people who have high position in a company... but when you see them they look so simple and sometimes average. They maybe wearing and carrying branded things... but they don't really show them off. Because for them... it's a NECESSITY not a FASHION TREND and definitely not a ticket for special treatment.

This is one of the reasons why I don't shop at that mall. And no, I am not a hater. It's just that, I didn't deserve to be treated that way. When somebody pushes you aside all of a sudden, what will you do? How will you feel? Will you just walk away? Yes you can ignore, but let's be honest here... deep in your mind, you will feel offended.

Have a great day everyone.

Remember... the price of your clothes can never define you, but the way you wear them and the way you carry yourself.

Sincerely,
Erica/Erix

Things that made me happy:

1. My perfect grade in Project Research and Development.
2. After long three weeks of being sick, I can finally say that I feel better now. I am still weak but at least the pain is gone.
3. Shopping school stuffs. I felt like I was in elementary... shopping for pens and notebooks. I was so excited yesterday. :)
4. Watching Japanese Animated Films.
5. Re-watching "The Tudors". I can't get enough of my Anne Boleyn addiction. I want all the history books about her.
6. Conversing with Japanese people in Instagram. A very short chatting about the photos they posted. :) Why? Because most of them are really good in taking pictures. Their styles vary from time to time... and I LOVE looking at their pictures. :) It tells a certain story about the place they've been to that makes me want to go there too. This is the reason why my desire to visit their country again increases as the days go by. :)

What's Up: My Emotion (Thoughts and Opinion) // Eat // Movie // Walk

 ( View on Instagram )

 I went out with my mother yesterday. I've been sick for almost 2 weeks now and it's making me depressed. Aside from that, there are people who are becoming an addition to my depression. These people don't know how to be "Considerate". Sometimes, I want to teach them about this word, but it will only cause a big fight... And I hate fighting with people who are so closed minded because they will NEVER EVER listen to the words you will say. Even if I am CORRECT... I will never be for them. So that's it. I had enough. I decided to ignore them and do whatever I want. I just hope that they will not mind me too. I just can't understand why do they spend their precious time to me if they consider me as someone WORTHLESS? Can't they just let me be? Just leave me alone.

 

They are the reason why I sometimes want to go somewhere far away. Away from their non-sense babbling, rambling, grumbling, backstabbing. Away from their piercing insults, knife slashing words that can instantly kill my self confidence, the harshness of their opinion controlled by their hatred towards me. When I am with them... I get tired easily since they talk a lot. They don't give me an opportunity to talk and express my mind. I have no chance of defending myself against them... Yet, defending myself will ALWAYS be in vain.

 

Do you know how I feel? I am very TIRED. I am so sick and I want to break away from them... If I have the chance to shut their mouth and mind... I WILL because I want peace of mind. And this "Peace of Mind" can only be achieved if they will stop torturing me with "Comparison" and their "Sickening" behavior. Of course, they will not.

 

I think this post is full of HATRED. I will not apologize. It's about time for me to release my emotional stress... This is my blog, my page... The only space where I can express my mind without the intervention of those inconsiderate people.

 

______________________________

 

I ate out with my mother yesterday. With all the pasta that I tried to swallow... I was so sick after eating. I needed to finish everything because the food was quite expensive and I hate wasting money. In the restaurant, everywhere I turned my eyes into... I only saw people holding their phone...

1. Four member family who was not talking with each other because every member was busy updating their SNS Accounts.
2. Couple on a date who's not talking with each other... Yes... phone in their hands.
3. Grandparents who looked sad because their grandchildren were busy with their phone. These old people were left alone watching others who were busy with their gadgets.

And I got sick from watching them. Yes, it was not my business to mind them and since I didn't voice out my opinion that time... I didn't do any damaging act. However, I just feel sad how the world changes into a place where people are becoming technology controlled human beings. Hey, just so you know... I didn't even use my phone at that time because I want to talk with my mother in person and not in cyberspace.

 

______________________

 

My mother and I watched "Maleficent" starring Angelina Jollie and Elle Fanning. I was not in the mood to watch a movie, but since my mother suggested that I should watch in order to forget my sickness even for a while... I gave in with her invitation. It was a good movie though... A different story about True Love.

 

We walked and walked and walked after... Honestly, I am starting to hate the atmosphere in shopping malls. Why? Because I can only see PHOTOCOPIES of one another. It's like a place where they manufacture men and women, boys and girls who look the same. What is happening? Maybe you'll ask "Why, aren't you the same?" Maybe I am guilty... And I am afraid that sometimes I am tempted to do the things that they normally do... What is Normal? What is Ordinary? If  almost all people are doing this specific thing, wearing this specific clothes, buying from this specific shop and eating the specific food...  That's it! It's all about going with the flow and following others... The TREND. But I don't like to follow. (I will make another post about "Becoming Who You Truly Are").

 

Okay, that's enough... What I said above... I am sorry if I have offended you. I am very sorry. I just want to be honest and let myself all out.

 

( View on Instagram )

 

I think we burned all the calories from all the walking we did. At a coffee shop, we sat down for a while. That's where I used my phone to update my Instagram account. I didn't take any "Selfie" or "Shamelessselfie". I rarely do that... I like taking pictures of foods and things... not really bothering to alter every details of the picture, like using Photoshop. I don't like deceiving people... men who are easily attracted to pictures of beautiful girls. I like using filters... and enhancing the color of the surroundings... that's all! But erasing every mistake I find in the picture... no.

 __________________________________

 

I was not feeling good the whole time, the whole day... but I pretended to be okay. It was difficult for me to breathe and I was dehydrated but I didn't want to go home yet. Home means... my dismal room, lying in my bed and thinking about my sickness. But... we needed to go home...

 

( View on Instagram )

 

I said this so many times here in my blog... I don't drink coffee. I stopped drinking coffee. However, this chocolate is one of my favorites... I just couldn't help to buy this yesterday. I've been looking for this for a long time! I was so happy.

 

So now... maybe you'll think that I am a total hater... this post is really random. RANDOM.

 

Have a great day everyone.

 

I am praying for my fast recovery.

 

Sincerely,

Erica/Erix

 

 

 

 



 

What's Up: I Am Sick // 10 Movies I Watched and Re-watched

Hey, it's been a long time. Honestly, I am not in the mood to write, but I have a lot of time, so why not?

A lot of time? Yes. Summer class is over. Clap! Clap! Clap! BUT!!!!!! First Semester will start on June 21, 2014, which means I only have a few days to take a rest and have fun.

Scratch that. Have fun? How can I?!!!!! I am so sick right now and I can't have fun. I am so frustrated to the point that I cried all night because I can't dance, I can't go to work, I can't go outside, I can't meet my friends (I needed to cancel my dinner date with them). Because of these... I feel fat even if I am not. I am being a Drama Queen here again... sorry for that. Aside from that, I can't talk to my friends about my situation because they're happy and I don't want to disturb them and be a burden again.

I went to the hospital today and changed my doctor. With all honesty, the first doctor who checked me up was not very convincing. When I saw him... I could feel a negative energy. Aside from that, he looked very nervous when he saw me and he looked funny... weird... strange. He didn't even check me well. I complained to my mother, but she said we'll go back again if my condition will not change because we couldn't go to the hospital the next day (Saturday) because it's my Defense day for my Project Research Development... I must be present.

The Doctor who checked me today is my grandmother's doctor. When I saw her and interviewed me, I can say that I was at ease the whole conversation. When she touched me to check a part of my body, her touched resembled my mother's and I like her instantly. She gave an additional medication and told me that I needed some test which means that I need to go back again... I am so tired, but it's for my health so I must endure, right?

I feel alone but not sad nowadays that's why I spent my time watching movies and dance videos. I swear!!!!! I am going to dance when I get better. I miss Zumba so much. I miss it terribly!!!!

Here's a list of the movies I watched for the past few days. (All pictures are from google.com)

Tonari no Totoro (1988)

 

 

I'm a fan of Totoro. I did drawings of this character when I was in highschool. Re-watching this movie made me feel nostalgic and it's like I was transported back to the past. :) It's a good movie for children. You can learn a lot of lessons here. I don't have a sibling and I envy Mei-chan for having a sister. :)

Nobody Knows (2004)

 

 

It's a great movie. I laughed, I cried but I felt so sorry most of the time. It's a good movie for family and for those women who are going to be a mother in the future. When I finished watching this, I swore to myself that I will NEVER neglect and/or abandon my children in the future, that I will be faithful to my husband and dedicate myself to my family.

 

The Secret World Of Arrietty (2011)

 

 

I had a good time watching this even if it caused me a very painful headache the next day, since I watched this late at night. I thought it was a romance film but fortunately it was not. I love the plot that's why I plan to look for the novel to read it. The movie and novel are always different, right?

 

Paprika (2006)

 

 

Weird. Very strange for me. I enjoyed it though. When my student learned that I watched this, he looked at me and said "You're very weird Teacher Erica."

 

Howl's Moving Castle (2004)

 

 

Howl is my crush right now! hahaha! Yeah. I think he's very cool and his love for Sophie is quite PURE. I want to experience that too. Pure Love. <3 <3 <3 It's one of my favorites from Studio Ghibili. :)

Kiki's Delivery Service (1989)

 

 

Do you want to be a witch? Kiki is one of my favorite witches in town! This is a good movie. That's all I can say. I don't want to be an spoiler. :)

 

Lady Jane (1986)

 

 

Are you a Tudor History enthusiast like me? The if yes, I suggest this movie. This is the story of Lady Jane, cousin of Edward the VI, son of Henry the VIII from his third wife Jane Seymour. Lady Jane is one of favorite Tudor women, maybe second to Queen Anne Boleyn. This movie is not Historically accurate though. Nevertheless, the actor and actress made the it very real. I was so into it the whole time. If you like Tudor History, please contact me... and let's have a chat because all of my friends can't relate with me. They now consider me as a History Freak.

Akira (1988)

 

 

I can't say much about this movie. The graphic is not so good because of the fact that it was made in the 1980's. The plot is quite dismal and depressing. I don't want to live in this era. Never! If you are a Shounen fanatic.. this movie is for you.

 

Perfect Blue (1988)

 

 

Do you want to be famous? Will you do everything to be known? Well, this movie is about an ex-J-pop artist who decided to pursue an acting career, but during the process something peril happened. Did I like the movie? So-so. I just hate watching women being violated.

The Girl Who Leapt Through Time (2006)

 

 

This is the 5th time I watched this. I already watched the Live action movie 4 times. I read the novel too. I therefore conclude that every version has a different story line. Nevertheless, I like this movie even if the ending is very depressing. It made my heart broken.

I still have a lot movies to watch, a lot of Tudor History book to read and a lot of Totoro drawings to finish... Good night everyone!

Stay healthy!

Things that made me happy:

1. Eating Meiji Chocolate.
2. Listening to Zumba music and imagining myself dancing.
3. Studying how to play "Greensleeves", an English folk song during the 16th century, the Tudor Era.
4. Reading Tudor History Books.
5. That I am still alive.

Made With Love 12: Carrot Patties // No Meat Patties (Low Calorie)

 (Photo by: Erica/Erix)

 

Hello there guys. Today's lunch is homemade sandwich with carrot patties. :) I need a low calorie food that can make me feel full because I will be sitting for a long time today. I must edit some part of our research papers. I made this Carrot Patties last April but my friends told me that the taste of oatmeal (which I used as flour) was overwhelming. That's why I decided to revise my recipe. I am going to share it to you guys. Don't worry because this time... you cannot really taste the carrots and oatmeal.

 

 

Carrot Patties Recipe

Calories: 49 Calories

 

Ingredients:

 

2 Medium Carrots or 1 Large (Grated)

1 Cup Spinach (Roughly chopped)

1/2 White Onion (Minced)

6 Cloves Garlic (Minced)

2/3 Cups Instant Oatmeal

1/4 Cup Bread Crumbs (Fine Bread Crumbs)

1/4 Cup Cornstarch with water

1 Large Egg

1 Tbsp. Onion Spring

1/4 Tsp Black Pepper (Grounded)

2 Tbsp. Soy Sauce

Olive Oil (For cooking)

 

Procedure:

1. Wash the vegetables in water with baking soda. Baking soda helps remove the pesticides sprayed on the vegetables. Make sure to rinse well. :)
2. Sautee garlic, onion and onion spring until garlic turned golden brown. Add carrots and spinach. Mix well for 1-2 minutes. Transfer to a mixing bowl.
3. Add egg, oatmeal, bread crumbs, black pepper and soy sauce. Mix well. Then, gradually add the cornstarch mixture.

 

Done. Transfer the patties into a microwavable container and put inside your fridge. This is perfect for sandwiches or burgers. You can add tomato ketchup or any sauce you want but for me I used my homemade Okonomiyaki sauce since I made a lot yesterday. I hate wasting food... as much as possible I utilize everything inside our fridge. :)

 

Good Luck!

 

Happy Eating!

 

 

Sincerely,

Erica/Erix

Blog // What To Do When you Encounter: Groper, Mugger and Pickpocket (My Experiences and Advice)

It's been a long time since my last post. I've been busy in Graduate School. Summer Class is giving me a MAJOR headache and I was so angry due to some circumstances and people. However, I am active in Instagram and Facebook. I usually post photos of foods that I cooked. I am talking to people from around the world... Indianapolis, Japan, U.S.A. U.K.. Sometimes, talking to strangers makes me happy because even if they don't know me, they give me food and health advice.

So this post is all about my BAD EXPERIENCES. I think I can actually say that I attract Gropper, Mugger and Pickpocket. I have a lot of experiences with them and if I'm going to state everything here... this will be a very LONG post.

GROPER

According to freedictionary.com Groper means:

As an anime enthusiast, I always see the scene where a Japanese high school student was being groped by a man, usually old salary man. And I always think "What a horrible man?! What a horrible thing to do?! Such a pathetic man."

However, I never really thought that I will experience this... a number of times. Not necessarily at the train... but usually in the Jeepney (one of the Philippines' mode of transportations), bus and fx/van (one of the Philippines' mode of transportations).

Two of my worst experiences:

1. I was walking at the mall. It was around 7:00 pm and I needed to catch the van to my home. I was always in a hurry because the line would build up. During this time, FX was seldom in the area where I needed to ride it. So, while I was walking I noticed a man following me. I am very sensitive outside, I know if there's somebody looking at me or following me. He was tall, middle age, a little fat (the usual beer belly man) and he looked like a maniac. He got something in his pocket and displayed his thick wallet. I avoided him and tried to take the long way to go down to the first floor but he was very fast. The next thing I knew he was already by my side. He asked in a very eerily low voice "How much for one night?" I looked at him and I really wanted to hit the man on his face but I tried to calm down because I don't want to cause a scene in public. I just looked at him with my very angry face and reported the man to the security guard. I don't know what happened next. Maybe you'll think that the reason why he approached was because I was wearing a very sexy clothes but NO. I was wearing my usual loose black shirt, overly faded pants, chuck taylor and backpack... I wondered... do I look like some kind of a cheap girl?
2. In jeepney. I was about to get off because I noticed that all the passengers were man... some of them are dirty looking (I'm sorry but I am just being honest here.) There were others who smelled like liquor... like beer and who looked drunk. I didn't get off because I already gave my payment to the jeepney driver and I didn't want to waste my money. I was wearing my tight jeans, rubber shoes, loose 3/4 blouse and my backpack. The usual... as much as possible I don't want to show so much skin because of my first bad experience. I noticed and felt the elbow of the man sitting beside me feeling up the side of my stomach. I tried to move to show that I was aware of what he was doing but his elbow continued to move around until it reached the side of right breast. Since the jeepney driver was driving like a crazy man, I needed to hold the bar attached to the jeepney to support myself. So my right hand was holding the bar for support. I looked at the man. He was another old fat and dirty old man. He smiled at me... like a maniac and I was overly grossed out. I wanted to punch him on his face when he winked at me but as always I calmed down and told him "Excuse me mister, but your elbow is hitting me, could you please stop digging it on my body?" One man noticed the irritation on my voice and he scolded the man beside me. I wondered again... Why do man do this "Grope" thing to other woman? If they want to touch someone, why not their wife? if they do this to their wife... it's LEGAL and NATURAL but doing this to other woman is IMMORAL and GROSS.

Advice: My mother scolded me BIG TIME when I told her that I answered back to these man. She advised me not to talk but to avoid them in any possible way. JUST DON'T TALK. Because she knows that if I am very ANGRY and MAD... I can do ridiculous things.

MUGGER

In the city where I live... Muggers are very common and their population is increasing these days. They are associated to the prostitutes who are working at night somewhere near my hometown (According to the man who helped me during my worst experience with a mugger.)

My worst experience: I was on my way to the FX Terminal, the time? 5:00 am. It's very early. I'm always early to avoid rush hour and traffic jam. I was with my mother but she couldn't walk fast because she had just an operation. She told me to go ahead without her. I was carrying my backpack. I am really slim and light nowadays and if somebody will try to pull my backpack... I will definitely fall down. So it happened. I felt like somebody was trying to pull my backpack and I heard the zipper of my bag unzipping (My hearing ability is very good). When I looked back, I saw a man. His right hand was on the zipper of my bag and I caught him unzipping the zipper of it. I was like "What the hell are you doing?" He told me... "I was just trying to help you zip back your bag because it was unzipped." Of course, only a fool will believe his lie. I called my mother who was slowly approaching me and one man tried to catch him but the Mugger was very fast.

Advice: Always carry your backpack in front of you and make sure that your wallet, your phone or anything very important are at the bottom of your bag. Nowadays, I always do that. I usually use two phone...so that in case somebody will get the other one I still have another to call my mother or father or anybody for help.

PICKPOCKET

The usual. Pickpockets. These are the people blessed with flexibility. No matter where I am... I encounter them. Train, Bus, Jeepney, Street. How many bags have been slashed because of these pickpockets who tried to get things from it? In my case... many bags. Define many... more than 5.

My worst Experience: The year was 2011. March. I was on my way to my friends house. That day was our graduation party. I brought two bags with me since I will sleep in their house. My phone was in the front pocket in order for me to easily grab it if ever my friend will call me. However, I forgot that the place is a famous spot for pickpockets. As I was walking, suddenly the two women who were walking in front of me slowed down their pace. So it took me a long time to walk to the FX Terminal. When I was there, I noticed that the front pocket of my bag was opened. I got nervous and I knew that my phone was already gone. But I still checked... and I was correct. I was in trouble because I don't know how am I going to contact my parents and my friends. I don't have a phone. Luckily, I found a local store who offers "Pay Phone". I called my mother and told her about the incident. She was very mad and scolded and asked me to go back home... but I insisted on going to the party because my friends were expecting me. Fortunately, my friends cheered me up the whole night. We danced, sang and have fun at the club.

Advice: If ever you're going to visit my country (Philippines) I suggest not to use your phone in public (if it is an iPhone or any expensive phone) because they are being targeted by these people. Make sure not to register the complete name of your contacts because these pickpockets might try to contact them and ask them for anything (which happened to my friend... she thought I was the one she was talking with). If you have the means... buy a cheaper phone so that you can still contact your friends or family in case of emergency.


These are my experiences. I learned a lot from them and it made me very sensitive with my surroundings. I still encounter them... but at least now... I know how to handle them. Please... don't ever attempt to fight with these people if you want to stay alive. Just give them everything they will ask you. Your life is more precious than your money, phone or jewelries. You can still buy them but you cannot buy another life. Just be careful and focus on your surroundings. Make sure not to look strangers on their eyes because some of them know how to hypnotize people.

My country is a very Beautiful country... but with these people I sometimes want to move to another country where I can't meet them... or seldom meet them.

Good Luck everyone!

Stay Safe

Sincerely,
Erica/Erix

Things that made me happy:

1. Cooking Japanese Food.
2. Reply from Ms. Nami (Author of justonecookbook.com). She's very nice! I want to meet her someday!
3. Talking to my friend Mutsuko-san. We both like Tofu. :)
4. Talking to my friend about all my worries.
5. Playing guitar.
6. Preparing my breakfast in the morning.
7. Talking to people in Instagram.
8. Eating healthy and delicious food.

Made With Love 11: Anko Blueberry Roll

Good aftie everyone! Today's snacks are:

1. Anko Blueberry Roll
2. Fresh Melon with drops of blueberries

Ingredients:

Homemade Anko (recipe from: justonecookbook.com )
Loaf of bread (white bread or wheat bread)
Blueberries
1 Cup of Melon

Procedure:

1. Spread the anko onto the bread and sprinkle the blueberries.
2. Roll the bread
3. Put them inside the toaster and toast for about 3-5 minutes until crunchy. Cut into three parts.
4. Serve

I made Dorayaki last week. I made my homemade anko using Azuki beans which I bought from Asian Market on my way home from work. Since I still have a lot of Anko and I was too lazy to make Dorayaki, I decided to make breadrolls for my snacks. My mother tasted it and she said that it was delicious. I am so HAPPY!

Happy eating guys!

Sincerely,
Erica/Erix

Made With Love 10: Berry Happy Breakfast (Blueberry and Strawberry Toasts)

Good Morning! Today's breakfast are:

1. Whole wheat sugar free baguette with pasteurized cream cheese, strawberries and blueberries.
2. Basil, Bell pepper, tofu and mushroom omelet.
3. Iceburg Lettuce
4. Tomato
5. Garlic Ranch

Very light breakfast for a Lazy Day. Haha! Just kidding. I will be studying the whole day and I will try to beat procrastination. I have a lot of things to do for the Graduate School and I haven't finished any task... yet. My mind is very confused and I don't know what to do with someone! I am frustrated and I feel pathetic. However, making delicious and colorful breakfast every weekend makes me forget all the bad things around me. :) Cooking is an art and I LOVE arts... so I always enjoy. :)

Have a great day everyone!

Don't forget to think happy thoughts! Let's all be happy and stay positive. :)

Sincerely,
Erica/Erix