RHEA ARCILLA and RHEA SANTOS

Hey there :) Yeah, I'm back. And, surprise! I was not gone in four months :p Anyway, hope you guys are all doing fine. I bet you're wondering what I've been up to. Well, I'm still on my Hotel and Restaurant training, that would end up mid-June. So far, I'm enjoying my training. It really feels good to be in this training class. Not just I gain additional knowledge, but I met a lot of new cool friends, ages as young as 16, and old (but not so) as 39. I'll tell you more about my training class some other day.

- - - R H E A A R C I L L A and R H E A S A N T O S - - -

I used to be ashamed of my name. A four-letter lame name. Which also happens to be a brand of an isopropyl rubbing alcohol. Whenever somebody ask my name, I would just give them my last name. Arcilla sounds better than that germ-killing solution brand.

As a kid, I used to wonder why my good parents gave me that poor name, when my brother has a good one; Euvene Ray. Three names combined, from Papa's name and his father and Mum's father's. I used to envy his name when we were kids. My parents should have given me two names, as well. They could have combined the names of my Grannies. My name should have been a good one. Something that's pleasant to the ears.

When I was growing up, I asked Mum as to how they named me. She made me laugh as she revealed that I was named after that rubbing alcohol. "After I gave birth to you, it was RHEA RUBBING ALCOHOL my disenfectant". When she was asked by her nurse what to name to her first baby girl, she looked at the table beside her where RHEA was sitting. It made me laugh. I knew she was kiding, but who knows?! Maybe it's true.

When I my eyes opened to the cyber world, I had to use another name that would sound good, and that would make me feel sexy :). Andrea Erika, from "Andy", my first crush in College, and to still have a touch of my sucky name, "Rea". "Erika" is named after my favourite Brazilian volleybelle, Erika Coimbra.

I met a lot of cool people online then, and they call me by my 'screen name', Andrea. And, it felt good being called that way. "Hi, Andrea". "Kamusta, Andrea?" That sounded awesome to me.

It was early 2000, around 2002-2003, when I first heard of a broadcast journalist named RHEA SANTOS. "She's a nice newswoman, and pretty as well, but her name doesn't fit her", my first impression. It didn't take too long when she became so popular in the news world. It was just then when I became proud of my name.

The people I met online continued to grow. I still use Andrea as my online nick, but I would immediately explain to them, especially to the coolest ones, that it's not my real name, but RHEA. I realized that it felt better to be called by my real name than Andrea. But still Andrea sounds sexy :)

Before, when I would say that my name is Rhea, they would go, "Rhea? As in RHEA RUBBING ALCOHOL?" and I would go, "Yeah, rubbing alcohol, and I kill germs, so I will kill you!". But now, people would be, "Rhea? Rhea what, Rhea Santos?", and it feels good :) Then I would kiddingly say, "no, I'm not Rhea Santos, I just look like her, but I'm not her. I'm glad I share name with an outstanding mediaman. Intelligent and pretty.

Why did it have Miss Rhea Santos to get in the way for me to appreciate my name? Anyway, since that realization, I made Miss Rhea as one of my favourite TV personality, not because I owe her the conception, but because she deserves it.

I would like to dedicate this special entry to my idol, Miss Rhea Santos, as she celebrates her 30th birthday. To Miss Rhea, I wish her all the best in the world. More success in life. And, I wish to meet her in person :) Happy Birthday :)

It Was A 'Friendly' Date

I did not get enough sleep the night before Saturday. Excitement was the main reason. On the big day, luckily, I was not late as opposed to what I used to be when we were still dating.

While waiting, I was figuring out where he would take me. He said it is a surprise. Few minutes later, an SUV was honking, and then rolled its window. OMG! It was him!

My heart was beating crazily as I hopped in his car. I could not believe how successful he is. The car is his brother’s, he told me, but still he is a successful guy. He noticed the smell of my hair as I buckled up, “You’re still using the same hair conditioner” And, I was giggling deep inside. We were so quiet the first few minutes. I don’t know to him, but me, I was so nervous. I didn’t know what to ask him. The questions I gathered the night before Saturday vanished.

“So, where we’re going”, I started. He said he’s taking me to a nice, far, place. I knew there was nothing to worry, I still trust him. Then we talked about a lot of stuff, as he drives, but then most often we were so quiet. Maybe we were adjusting ourselves. It two years ago the last time we went out. After two hours, we finally arrived at the ‘far’ place. OMG! This is the same city where he first proposed his feelings to me, will he do it again this time?

We dined-in at an American-setting restaurant. Again, there was a lot to talked about while we were eating, but not about us. After having our dinner, we walked to a nice park, with nice temperature, a bit cold. I thought it was a nice place for him to tell me about what he feels, but still, he didn’t say anything about it. He didn’t even tell me about dating new girl, nor asked me if I was dating. Until it was getting late, then we went back to his car, and drive back home. It was just a ‘friendly’ date, I told myself, as we were getting in the car.

On the road, he kept on noticing my figure. I look slimmer than before, he insisted, but I wouldn’t believe him. He even asked me why I lose weight. Deep inside I was, like, “it’s because I’m missing you”. I liked it when he passed his fingers through my hair, touched my shoulder to check if I feel cold or sleepy. Shit! I wish those touches mean something. I really miss you! :(

He dropped me home, and the ‘date’ was over. And, no talking about the stuff I wanted to talk about happened. I t was totally a friendly date, I realized. It was fine with me, at least I was able to spent some hours with him. I wish, though, he would still invite me again next time. And, if that happens, I swear, I will be the one to open the issue between the two of us. I really want you back! :(

I'll do whatever it takes
To turn this around
I know what's at stake
I know I've let you down
And if you give me a chance
and believe that I can change
I'll keep us together whatever it takes

Monthly Forecast

My monthly Chinese calendar forecast for this month says that this Lunar March (April 4-May 4) is a fortunate month for me. Such, all my previous problems are gone with the wind all of a sudden. Money matters also says good. But what made me more elated is my love forecast for this month. It says I'll have many chances to get acquainted with my dream lover.

To tell you guys, I'm a bit cynical about Chinese Horoscope. "It only applies to Chinese", I thought. But what if I try to believe in them, even just once?

Last night, I received an SMS from someone whom I did not expect to send me an SMS. I don't think you would guess him, either :p Let's just say that his SMS brought a HUGE smile on my face as I read his message. So huge that mum and my brother gave me a stranged look and wondered who sent me the message. Okay, Im not gonna take this too long. It was my dear ex boyfriend. Yeah, the same guy I've been babbling about the past years. My one and only dear ex. So, what was in the SMS that caused the big smile? He is inviting me out!! He even used the term, "date".

I was so excited, I couldn't sleep last night. I thought of the things this guy might ask me , thinking of how I would answer them, I was thinking of what I should ask him, how would I behave, stuff like that. But, of course, at the same time I was nervous. Maybe the reason of inviting me out is to let me know that he is engaged, and he'd introduced to me his future wife, that he's inviting me to their wedding. Or, maybe he's leaving to work to another country. Maybe he meant by date is a 'friendly date'. Please, God, no :(

Saturday will be the day. Wish me luck, guys. Hope nothing would get in the way. Help me pray for a beautiful weather on that day. Who knows, this might be what my monthly forecast is saying :) Btw, he's monthly forecast for April also says his Romantic Star appears and shines bright this month.

This Blog Is Not Abandoned

(as yet. Hehe)


Yup, I'm still here. Wow, four months in silence! Man, beat that! Hehe. Same here, I thought I was dead, too. I was not moving. Or, I'll just say that I was too lazy to update you with my lifeless life. Nothing much interesting about the past months, but then there were things that I should have let you know; (but still...lifeless)

Two months ago, I undergone a dental treatment called, Root Canal Treatment. At first, it sounded horrible to me, since I have a dental fear. Good thing, my dentist knows a very good endodontist. And, this guy helped me overcome my fear. I used to dread dentists, but now I can go to them ALONE! And, with excitement :) However, though, I'm feeling something weird with my treated tooth. Part of me was thinking maybe the treatment failed, but when I went back to my endodontist, he said that there's nothing to worry. I hope so, too. I hope I'm just overreacting, since it is my first time to have such treatment. But, I'm currently seeking another dentist's opinion, so fingers' crossed.

About a month ago, a college friend got married. Malou, one of my nicest college friends exchanged vows with her good man, Gregg. The ceremony made me weep. As I watched my good friend walk down the aisle, I was imagining myself doing the same while the man I've ever dreamed marrying to waiting on the other end. Too bad, in reality, this man is the same one I lost years ago. I promised myself to move on, but I still miss him. Anyway, tying the knot was not the only event that day. Malou gave birth five or six months ago, so they had the baby's christening on that same day, just right after the wedding ceremony. Another thing I envied of her. During my Grade School, every time I answer on my classmates' 'autograph book', there was always this question, "at what age you imagine yourself giving birth", and I always put "24" on the line. It didn't change up to High School. Giving birth at 24 is cool, so my kid would have the same birth year sign that I belong to, I thought. Too bad, I don't think I could pursue that. I'm almost 25, and single.

So, what I've been up to? This will shock you, but I still don't have a job yet! I know! I've been a year bum, and technically not a 'fresh graduated' anymore. The past few months, I thought, maybe what I need is an intensive training. Maybe the reason why I always get rejected is my lackness of experience and not possessing much training certificates. So, I enrolled for a training in hotel and restaurant services. I started my training last April 1, and will end in 3 months. So far, I'm enjoying it. My classmates are all good and hopefuls as I am. So, wish me luck. Hope the skills and certificates I'd gain from this training would help me land a nice hospitality job.

Speaking of hospitality jobs, as I started my training, a friend left to work in a cruise ship. Furdie, whom I met more than a year ago in the hotel where I had my internship, is now applying what he acquired from his school to the people at the luxurious Costa Crociere bound to Italy. Truly as Hotel and Restaurant Management, or other Hospitality course graduate, working in a luxury ship is a dream came true. Hope I'll have mine to come to life, too :( Anyway, to Furdie, you take care over there, and good luck ;)

I can't believe that I'm still useless to the society for a year now. But then, I'm not losing hope. I almost did, but thanks to the big Guy upstairs, he didn't let me to. Today, as we celebrated the resurrection of Christ, it brings more hope to me. A new life, a new hope, as they say. Happy Easter to the Christians :)

Hope you guys are all doing fine are all doing fine. Until the next FOUR months! Hehe :p

P.S. Dessy, I still haven't received your email confirmation on allowing me to view your blog. LOL! :p

I'VE BEEN 'VAMPIRIZED'!

(Wait, this is not a movie review :p )

Yup, I'm one of you who were so excited about the film. Yeah, I'm talking about TWILIGHT. (I'm assuming that everyone who read this entry has the idea about the movie.) Well, I'm not really a big fan. I wasn't even able to read the book, but I'm still planning to.

Last week, the wait of the fans finally came to an end as Twilight premiered here. It was my privilege to be one of the limited fans who saw the blockbuster film on its red carpet premiere! I had hard times securing invitations for that night, but thank God, it was worth it. Before that, there were days that I couldn't stop thinking about the story. There even times that I saw vampires in my dreams, not same as in Stephenie Meyer's dream, though. The vampires in my dreams didn't even look like Edward Cullen. I don't know, but I became addicted to it since I saw the trailer. Thanks to Aaron. I was hooked by its romantic twist. It was like a drug that badly needs to be in my systems. LOL. Thanks to those videos on Youtube, they helped me supply the 'drug' that I needed. :)


Before I saw the film, I was already exposed to the negative reviews that's been everywhere, since it was released in the US a week before in some other countries, including mine. And, I would say that I was almost discouraged by those evaluations. But then, despite those unsatisfied comments that I gathered, the positive ones still had the advantage.

When I finally saw Twilight, unfortunately, somehow, I agreed to some of the negative comments, but I still would say that I loved the movie. They say that it's a love-it-or-hate-it movie, well, I loved it. And, I'm looking forward to the sequel.




Late July this year when I first heard about the movie Twilight. By then, I had no idea that it was a book-based one. Without seeing its trailer, and just basing on its synopsis, I immediately turned it down! I'm not actually a vampire-movie fan, that's why it was just easy for me to reject Twilight. I was, like, "Another boring vampire story". Yup, it's not fear that refrains me from liking vampire stories, but I thought vampire movies were boring. Sorry. Well, that was before. Early the next month, Aaron posted the trailer on his blog, and that was the first time I ever saw it. Man, I was surprised that I liked it. I took back what I commented the first time around. "This is something cool to look forward to", was the only thing I said right after viewing the trailer. "Why not give this film a chance to prove that it's not one of those that I thought were boring", I thought.

Month later, everywhere I go, people have been talking about Twilight. The novel and the movie. I've been hearing the term "Twilight" everywhere. Radio. Theater. Grocery. And so, I started to read more about it, its background, the author, and all. (Except for the book itself) With the information that I gathered, I fell in love with it, Twilight. I promised myself to watch out for this one. "I'm not gonna miss this one", I swore.

Another thing that added up to the excitement was this "vampire" episode on Tyra. (I think it was Tyra's Halloween special.) The episode was, yes, as I've said, about vampires. Since Twilight was still in my head, I paid attention to the show. Tyra investigates vampires, are they true, and all that. Well, to my surprise, vampires are indeed, REAL! Tyra had "vampire" guests on the show! From watching the interview, I was impressed by them. They didn't look harmful. They seemed nice. And, they weren't boring. LOL. I was shocked that those vampires really drink blood. Human blood!! I was like, 'seriously'?! They do it humanely, though. A needle and another stuff are used to transfer blood from somebody to a glass, like a wine glass. Next, they were asked if they eat flesh. Unfortunately, Mum was around then, and she changed the channel. Anyway, one more thing that I found out about vampires is that, some of them, or maybe most, are not into sex. I know! Pretty much weird, yeah. I was impressed, though. Now wondering if they sleep in coffins? Yeah, they do. Well, at least the male vampire guest. He even showed his casket. And, it was scary! One thing that I liked the most about them is that they can read other people's mind. The special ability that I would want to acquire.

It's funny how I was attracted to something that I used to refuse to even talk about. All I needed was a 'twist'. :) Now I even want to be one of them. The vegetarian type, though :p I've just been vampirized!



How can I decide what's right
When you're clouding up my mind?
I can't win you're losing fight
All the time

How could I ever own what's mine
When you're always taking sides
But you won't take away my pride
No, not this time
Not this time

How did we get here?
When I used to know you so well
How did we get here?
Well, I think I know how

The truth is hiding in your eyes
And it's hanging on your tongue
Just boiling in my blood
But you think that I can't see
What kind of man that you are
If you're a man at all
Well, I will figure this one out
On my own
(I'm screaming, "I love you so")
On my own
(My thoughts you can't decode)

Do you see what we've done?
We've gone and made such fools
Of ourselves
Do you see what we've done?
We've gone and made such fools
Of ourselves

There is something I see in you
It might kill me
I want it to be true

Together

I've been feeling down these past few weeks. Nope, nothing to do with my dear ex. Man, I think I'm moving on :) Anyway, being with my old college buddies (few of my sets of friends from my batchmates from my "first-time-around" college) somehow made me feel enlighted, even for a while.

Our Alma Mater is now celebrating its 80th Foundation Day this month. And, last Friday, the prestigious Miss Campus coronation night was held. Actually, the pageant is called, Miss NTC (National Teachers College-My Alma Mater). Everybody looked forward to that special night, since the said pageant only held every five years. Everybody was so excited, especially those beauty pageant fans, including me :)

In the said night, some of my coolest old college batchmates came to see the show, and so, I had a great day. Or great night :)

NTC-Hotel and Restaurant Management batch 2001-2005. Except me, who just graduated this March :p
Rhea, Miss NTC 2003, Nelda, Denise, Gladys, Marianette.

Miss NTC 2003-Rose Ann P. Cortez, from my department, Hotel and Restaurant Management, who now works as a bartendress somewhere in Singapore. Yup, she just went home to attend and pass the crown to the new Miss Campus.

Miss NTC 2003 Rose Ann, and the 2nd runner-up Miss NTC 2003 Gladys. Both are graduated from Hotel and Restaurant Management, three years ago. Gladys now works as a bank secretary.

Jerome, the one at the center, now works as a linen and laundry supervisor in a four-star hotel. The girl at the left side, Nelda, is extending her school terms due to some reason, and will be graduating next year in March.

It's nice that most of my college buddies are now with stable jobs, and most are applying what they aquired from college, while me, just sitting at home. Actually, I've been trying, but I've been always rejecting.

Anyway, I then realized how good it is to sometimes go out and spend your time with your old friends. It would mean a lot, I thought.

It doesn't matter how far apart we are now

You can add up all the miles in between

If you take a good look all around now

All you see is you and me

When I look at myself in the mirror

I see you standing there smiling at me

And I'm right back at the beginning

Lost inside this memory I won't ever let go, all that I want to hold onto

That we belong together

Like the moon and stars and midnight

We'll be strong forever

Cuz we belong together

Doesn't matter how long that it takes you

Cuz I'll always be right by your side

And even when darkness awaits you

I'll be there to be your light

It's a hard lonely road, when you're standing outside in the cold

Sometimes it's hard to learn to let go

Life always knows the right moments to show you what you needed

Scheduled Delivery

For those who are not aware, I just added a year to my life on Wednesday, August 6th. Thanks to all those who remembered it, btw. Anyway, my birthday did not end in a delighful way. For some reasons, something made my special day a depressing one. I was down up to the next day. I'm not gonna babble about it, don't worry :p

Out from somewhere that 'next day', I got home ten minutes before two in the morning, so technically, it was Friday already, 8th of August. Seemed there was a reason to cheer up again after my depression on my birthday. Well, there was something special about that date and time, 2 A.M.

Just few minutes before 2 A.M., I couldn't make myself at ease; I was so tense and excited at the same time. I can't remember when was the last time I've felt this kind of excitement, with heart beating so fast, feeling so alive in that early dawn. Well, actually, that excitement was not about me or something on me, but about someone else. Nope, not a guy, sorry :p

A good friend from college was scheduled to give birth at around 2 A.M. on August 8th. Yup, "scheduled"! :p It's gotta be their first baby, so there was a lot of pressure. And, oh, isn't it cool to have a baby born on 08-08-08? She was really aiming for that date, because she believes that "8" is a lucky number.

In my room, I was really excited that night. I couldn't sleep, as if it were me giving birth, lol. I'm not sure, though if it is ‘excitement’ that an expectant mum feels when she’s delivering a baby. I think it’s more on nervousness that she feels once lying in the delivery room.

I wanted to be at the hospital along with her family, but ..I chose to just stay at my house because of this fear of hospitals.

Rona Rosario, the new mum, is not the first one to become a mum in our group of friends. We are nine, sometimes ten, in the group. Two are men. Before Rona, we had two who became mummies first. But, unfortunately, I was not able to follow their pregnancies. I just found out that the two had already given birth, in different times. Now that it's Rona's turn, I make sure that I keep myself updated on her condition. And, though, I didn't get to see Rona in her pregnancy, due to fear, (Yeah, I have this weird fear of pregnant women) I always make sure that I check up on her once in a while through SMS. Until the big day came.

Unfortunately, so far, I still haven’t seen the new mum and her baby, since they are still in the hospital recovering. I have to wait for a couple of days till she gets home. I, along with my friends, am so excited to see them :)

Anyway, this special entry is dedicated, of course, to my dear friend, Rona. Congratulations to you and to your man :) Good luck, as you go through the parenthood. Jeez, I’m really envious of you being a mum, and aiming your target birth date, lol.