I was never a fan of Apple. I remember getting the iPod Mini as pasalubong from the US back in 2004 and throwing it down the garbage 6 months later when the battery died--for good. I never felt excited about a new Mac or a new-gen iPod or even with the release of iPhone in 2007. Since that battery incident, I had always doubted its quality. For me, Apple products are just pretty. A ridiculously high-priced nice-to-have. And that's about it.

But after the move to Sing, after acquiring this high dependency to technology and experiencing the ease of having everything within your fingertips, tables turned--and I had a change of heart.

I share everyone's grief on the death of Steve Jobs. Whether a user for decades, or a  recent convert, we all got struck by this sad news. Because what he did was something great. What he was, is "insanely great".

I'm holding on to the last two weeks of my youth. I know, after I turn 25, there's no other way but to face reality and deal head-on with grown up issues.

For the longest time, I've shrugged off any question relating to the future—my career plans on top of that list. Maybe it's pride. I hate the idea of people dictating what and what not to do. I've always been independent and I have succeeded in a number of ventures on my own. I did not need you before, why would it be any different now? But my better guess is fear. I'm afraid that if I do sit down and analyze my life for the past years, the number of failed plans and expectations will suck the air out of me and leave me to die.

I've had big plans for 25. It's been good 3 years for career and amazing 24 years overall. But just like any other 25-year-old, I can't help but think that I could have done more, achieved more. I can't help but question the decisions I've made and wonder how different my life would have been had I not done this and that, had I not chose this over that.

So before I completely fall into deep depression, let me just cherish my remaining weeks of a carefree and routine life. What happens next, I'll keep you posted.

What's your color?

If you've been following my twitter account, you probably know by now that there are only three things that I care talk about: my love for travel, work (and my attempt for work-life balance) and politics.

Now I don't claim to be up-to-date with each event in the political arena. And neither do I claim to be a perfect, law-abiding citizen to deserve having strong opinions about our demented government. To be honest, my involvement can be pretty much summed up into paying taxes and voting during elections. The words most probably stem out from the underlying truth that I care, just that I opt for a discreet way instead of doing public demonstration.

In a country where you're as good as your surname, it's easy figuring out how most of our officials got themselves into the dirty game. Political dynasties are as common as generations of celebrities populating our local TV. And just like these celebrities, all they need is a famous parent (or even a distant relative) to get the job, regardless of whether they have the necessary credentials or work experience. Whatever the motive, whether it's rooted from a calling or sheer pressure from the clan, it will always be an easy win. And if they turn out to be a horrible actor or a second-rate leader, it doesn't matter. They will be left with big bank accounts, and us, with bad TV and another million worth of debt in World Bank.

With this undeniable advantage, on top of an easily-swayed and forgetful voting populace, it leaves a very slim chance to those unknown, who also want to chase their political dreams. While in paper they prove to be excellent candidates for the job, we all know it's still a long journey to get elected. I've come close to contact with these brave souls—some go as far as doing door-to-door, others put up and maintain their own fan pages in facebook, while their rivals have an army doing all the Nitti-gritty of an effective (and extravagant) campaign. As much as I admire the unwavering perseverance, I feel more pity knowing how all efforts (and money) will go to waste come Election Day. An idealistic mind, coupled with blood, sweat and tears are not enough. And it doesn't take a Rocket scientist to figure that out.

That's why it's intriguing how many still desire a seat despite the odds turning against them. I've seen others run, lose and run to an even higher position next time around. I mean, it's messy, seemingly hopeless and even life-threatening, why still get into it? I, too, envision change. Frankly speaking, my resume can top half of those vying positions in my local district, but you don't see me marching on the streets, armoring a fake smile and convincing my dear neighbors to cast their votes on me. Even if I had millions to shed for posters, flyers or shirts, I won't invest hard-earned money to fulfill a far-fetched dream. And while perks of being famous are inviting, it's not worth trading up privacy and peace of mind. And I know I speak on behalf of the majority.

So, does it now boil down to thirst for power? Or to greed? I mean, what else could it be? And if I turn out to be right, how different are they now from the crooks we currently despise? How sure are we that they're nothing like the more popular names in quest for power? And while we judge mainstream candidates by their (or lack of) political track record, the party they support, or their chosen advocacy, should we not also put same amount of judgment on the newcomers? And if we do elect them just because we think they're the lesser evil, how sure are we that come face-to-face with tons of money, they won't binge? How sure are we that after a full term in the office, they won't be craving for more?

Whatever it is, of two things I'm only certain—one, we have a messed up government and two, an untrusting nation as by-product. And until the wannabes find a way to resolve our core problems, change remains an impossible dream. And that just sucks.

..... and i know you miss me

sorry for the lack of post, but do follow me on my mini-blog:

http://twitter.com/glaizaminel

xoxo

i've always thought about coming up with my own. here it is! and.. no, you'll not see this in facebook :)

1)      I'm at my worst when things don't happen as planned, or when I'm hungry.

2)      I'll probably win in an egg-eating contest.

3)      I hate the feeling of being inferior or failing.

4)      My priorities never changed through the years—God, Family, Work/Studies, Friends, Boyfriend—you may contest but that's the truth.

5)      I'd rather get stressed from too much work than spend 8 hours of doing nothing or anything routinely.

6)      I claim to be a people-person, but lately I've been feeling out of place.

7)      I'd rather be a geek than popular.

8)      I don't have any other influences other than my parents and my sisters. Sometimes I get too influenced that I forget to trust my own taste or decisions.

9)      I love eating healthy foods but I cheat sometimes especially if it's Cheetos or Pizza or any meal from McDonalds.

10)   When I get rich I'll get a liposuction—for my arms and legs! Haha!

11)   I've put up a blog to challenge my writing skills. I've always thought that I'm good in Math—hence a booboo in English. But apparently, not quite. I get good feedback from my entries.

12)   Sometimes (or often) I think about clearing the air with each person whom I've had issues with. I think about sending them a sorry email or text or any form of sorry message.

13)   I desperately want to drive. But the thought of hitting someone freaks the hell out of me.

14)   I love to travel. My jaw drops out of envy every time I see my FA friends' facebook or multiply pages.

15)   As much as I enjoy having tons of gimiks or trips or events to attend to during the weekend, I'm really a homebuddy—I never get bored in the house; the couch is my favorite companion.

16)   I got accepted in one of Tokyo's universities as an exchange student back in college—but the financing institution backed out. I think that was my first real heartbreak.

17)   I'm sweet to my family, friends and boyfriend—but I'm guilty of being a brat or giving them an attitude sometimes.

18)   I miss being on top of everything. I'm yet to find my comfort zone in the corporate world.

19)   I have to get my life moving—get a better paying job, take up masters, and get another certification.

20)   If I can go back in time, I will not quit from the batch cheering squad. And I'll take ballet lessons instead of piano. I'll also raise my hand whenever I know the answer or ask the teacher whenever something is unclear to me.

21)   I love dancing—but I only get to dance now in Gold's group exercises.

22)   Waiting ultimately tests my patience. And I fail almost every time.

23)   I'm a sentimental person. I can't seem to throw away even the most trivial things—receipts, movie tickets, boarding passes, even tissue from a restaurant! I love making scrapbooks too but I stopped after 1^st year college.

24)   I want to take up law—but I don't intend to practice. I just want the challenge, and the title J

25)   I was named after American actress/ singer Liza Minnelli. They just added "G" (all my sisters' names start with G) and took out the "lli" to make it sound unique.

Since I've already given up my access to snoop around shared drives of people's laptops in SGV, I settled watching the latest episode of Gossip Girl in youtube's blurry, cut-in-five upload. I loved the episode! This new twist might just be the redemption it needs from the excruciating Chuck-Blair yes-no-yes-no to love drama that has been dragging me for the past weeks. Thank God, at least one of the remaining 3 series I still tune into still feel like entertainment. Prisonbreak and Hereos are just too painful to watch nowadays. Prisonbreak just had to bring in the irony of the main antagonists being the good guys just when they have used up 3 seasons pointing all the catastrophes of the brothers' lives on them. The first part of season 4 was great but after the failed attempt for escape yet again, it began to feel exhausting that you tolerate the watching just to get everything over with. And as for Heroes… it's just immensely messed up! All the talks about the "future" seem to be never ending. What a huge disappointment for someone who worshipped season 1. I'm yet to watch the latest episode—apparently, there's another volume. 4 seasons in barely 2 years. Tsk tsk.

Anyway, I should stop. I don't do reviews so why am I sounding like I'm making one?

I should start getting my brain working. Sorry for the lack of post. Maybe I'll write a better one as soon as other blog sites fail to amuse me anymore.

Just a shoutout to my favorite, Jenny Cenzon! Congrats on passing LAE! :) Wow, I can't help but remember that FX ride from review school to our condo--the time when we agreed to take up Law after a few years of corporate experience. Good Job Jen! :D

As for me? Maybe in 5 years time. Haha!