Sunday, November 08, 2009

I am a gym class hero! #3

Listening to: Telefon Tel Aviv - Fahrenheit Fair Enough (2001 Fahrenheit Fair Enough)

Right now, I feel: Sleepy

Wow! It has been months since I didn't post anything new about my gym adventure. Well let me make up for the time loss.

I am now on my 2nd month of going to the gym. From the weight of 269 pounds, I am now at 249 pounds. The progression seems to be a little bit slow since I was able to trim down to 260 pounds in the first 2 weeks alone and then 250 pounds after my first month and now I am on my 2nd week of my second month and I am somehow stuck at 249 pounds. Blame the too much I deserve to drink and eat out. For the rest of November I will eat less and gym more.

Apart from the pig out and drinking session, I can also blame October since it wasn't a good month for me, thus making me too lazy to go to they gym. I can go and have a 3 hour work out but I can only do it 2-4 times a week. Congratulate me if I can finish 6 days in a week of work out.

I also lost the drive of working out since my gym instructor resigned and I felt like I was left all alone with all the progress that I made. Even with a new gym instructor, I didn't feel comfortable asking for help, I feel like the new guys is the one who doesn't care for you and doesn't even thought of taking over the gym members the previous gym instructor handled. So I decided to have my work out in the early morning (6 am.), I just have a mindset that I can do the work out on my own. Then, after a few weeks only the new instructor left again.

A few days before November came, a new gym instructor came, I thought not to seek for advice if I need a new program or for any assistance at all, since I had a feeling that this new guy won't handle my weight loss program and monitor my progress as well. But after a couple of day. After doing my usual treadmill run and the elliptical work out he approached me and said "Mag circuit ka." To which I was surprised, not from the fact that he told me what to do, but I feel like I was being given an advice to do something new. My interpretation of doing a circuit is my usual routine of doing crunches and doing some light weight lifting. I told him that I usually do my crunches first. Since I still have a big stomach, he told me that doing crunches are not recommended to me since it will just make my abs or stomach stiff having an effect of making it smaller. The new instructor told me to just do a high intensity but light work out that focuses on my cardio, arms and legs. The result will make sweat more than what I usually do.

He introduced me to a new program. The first thing I did was a bicep curl up and triceps pull down. Then he told me to run as fast as I can with raising my knees up to my waist or as high as I can. I was sweating a lot after running 8 times! I felt like I'm gonna pass out since I was running out of breath and my heart beats soo fast. I took a rest and he told me to jump with my feet together. He added that I need to jump diagonally like making a zigzag line. It made me sweat more that my shirt looked like it just came from the washing machine. After a few break he introduced me to do some dumbbells with a weight of 5 pounds and a step box. I did some lifting with the variations of either raising my knees or stretching my legs sideways or backwards with 20 repetitions each. I swear, it really made me exhausted but I can the results of what I am doing right away. The sweat coming out all over my body felt so good. Plus the fact that with each workout I can feel my heart thumping hard and fast, not to the point like I am having a cardiac arrest but I can really my heart work out as well. The last part of the program was the dumbbells work out still but this time I have to move my leg to the front while the other one is stretched backward and being the leg the is stretched. It was really a nice work out. He even boasted that I can stop using the treadmill and just do the new program he gave me. I remember him telling me "Kaya bang maglabas ng ganyang karaming pawis ang pagtakbo mo ng 30 minutes sa treadmill?" I just smiled as a sign of agreeing with his point.

The only drawback with my new program is that I felt my muscles got tightened up to the point that I find it hard to take a sit. My legs hurt big time but after a doing the new program, the pain subsides and I can withstand the cramps I am getting.

I was doing the new program for a week now. But last Friday, he gave me a new program as well. Before I do the running with my knees raised up high, he told me to run sideways 8 times. I felt my legs tightening up again since this is a new routine for me. After that, I did the running thing that I usually do as my first part of the work out, then he had me do the same thing again but this time I have a long rubber strapped around my waist with the other end attached to a pole. The effect was a mix of torturing my legs and feet but it made me sweat out a lot and feel my heart on a work out as well. But the exciting part is that he had me lift some weights. I used the 10 pounds dumbbells to do my arms raise front and side ways. He also made me the triceps and biceps work out using only 1 bar as its weight. I did it with 3 set of 15 repetitions. I did some bicep curls on a barbel while I am seated but my arms are inclined downwards. I did the shoulder lift as well and the leg curls. But the most painful part is the arm pull. I don't really know what this work out is called, I'll ask my instructor about this! It is a workout where your arm is bent on a 90 degree angle and you pull the weight backwards making your arm stretched. I felt the triceps on both of my arms hardening up and the pain is just unbearable. Good thing I was able to finish it.

He explained to me that I need to do some weight lifting so my muscles won't sag and have a form. At the same time it can train my arms to do more repetitions when I do my dumbbell work out. He told me that I can do the said work outs every other day. So I have 2 new programs for me. One is for burning my fats and for heart conditioning and the other is a weight lifting one.

Right now, my arms hurt as they are stiff and I can't even stretch it straight. It is somehow bent. Imagine that you have a broken arm and you have a arm sling strapped around your neck. That's how my arms look like. But hey, no pain no gain right? SO bring it on!

I can't wait for Monday. Here comes the pain!

Have a great Sunday everyone!

Thursday, November 05, 2009

Bonding time!

Listening to: Regina Spektor - Prisoners (2002 Songs)

Right now, I feel: Lazy

Last night was a good one. I dated two girls in one night! At the same time! Hahaha! Actually I went out last night with my girl Ayann and our friend Eunice.

We agreed to meet in SM MOA so we can go around the place and then have dinner at the dampa area in Sea Side. Eunice treated us for dinner since my Ayann treated us in Yellow Cab last month.

It was a great feeling being able to see and keep in touch with a friend who used to be a colleague in our previous jobs. And now we share the laughter, the pain and the insights. Too bad Jaja (another good friend of ours) wasn't able to come. It seems like she's too "busy" at her new job. Well just let the photos do the talking. =)



You can check the photo album here.

It was really a great night. I wish we can do this again.

Monday, November 02, 2009

Halo-Halo espesyal #13

Listening to: The xx - Basic Space (2009 The xx)

Right now, I feel: Happy

Before I go on and blog non-stop, I want to greet November a big welcome! I was so excited for October to pass. That month wasn't really for me. If you've checked my facebook profile and twitter page, you'll see that October wasn't my month. I went through too much problems in such a rapid succession that I almost burst out to outer space.

Good thing it is November now. I can move forward and just forget everything that happened bad about last month. Sorry guys if I didn't blog that much.

I ended October in a good way. I met my friend Marvin and had a drinking session. I really needed a break and meeting a friend and drinking will be a big reward for me at least.

After that, November 1 greeted me with a radiance. But sad to say, my legs hurt so much that morning that I had no choice but to skip the time to go with my siblings to Manila Memorial Park in ParaƱaque. Thanks to my last gym session and a new program.

Speaking of gym, I am still locked down at 249 pounds. I have a new gym instructor and he advised me not to do any crunches anymore since it'll make my abs tighter and it will not trim down. He gave me some new workouts that requires the use of dumbbells. He made me do some knee up runs and some leg bending with the dumbbells that left my leg hurt so much. I can't even bend it and it's hard for me to take a sit. But the good thing is that I poured out a lot of sweat! Can't wait for another work out tomorrow!

Back to my story, they had plans of going to Bulacan after visiting my brother's grave in ParaƱaque. So I was left all alone in our apartment on a Sunday. I just watched some TV and I focused of watching the NBA. I was watching the New York Knicks versus Philadelphia 76ers game. It was supposed to be a boring one as Philadelphia was giving a beating to New York. But then at the closing period of the final quarter, the red hot Danilo Gallinari poured in the much needed three pointers to tie the game. The bad thing is that New York wasn't able to sustain the momentum as the 76ers came back and totally clobbered the Knicks 141-127. What made me focus really on the game is for New York's rookie Jordan Hill. I wasn't able to see him play. He only played on their opening game against the Charlotte Bobcats for only two minutes. He was the 8th draft pick of the Knicks, but it seems like the team who drafted him is not interested with his talent and skills as the team prefers to get Stephen Curry, a speedy guard who just fits the team's run and gun offense.

On that day I was also on a multitasking since I was checking the NBA site and monitored the other games that was going on that day. The Washington Wizards iced the New Jersey Nets. Is Agent Zero really back now? Will he be able to bring the Wizards to be an Eastern conference contender?

One team that I really want to watch was the Cleveland Cavaliers. As they beat the Charlotte Bobcats 90-79. It was a good thing for the Cavaliers to get a win on their last 2 games as they lost the first 2 games. They're on such a slump after acquiring the Man of Steel, Shaquille O'Neal.

Afternoon came and I watched The Simpsons Halloween marathon. It was really great to watch them. As I was watching, I was also checking the internet. I was able to get a copy of a Return to Castle Wolfenstien game. However, I can't run the game even I was able to install properly.

Ayann came to my house after telling her I was all alone. She stayed till the next day. She brought me some brownies and a graphic novel compilation from Summit Media. The title is Underpass, it is a horror graphic novel from the best people in the comic industry. The likes of Gerry Alanguilan (Wasted) and Budjette Tan (Trese) contributed to the said compilation. I was really surprised to have a copy of it as a gift. Ayann knew that I wanted it since I was about to buy a copy of it a few weeks back. Because of that I gave her a nice hug and kiss before going to sleep. Thanks by!

You can check more info about the book through this site and this one also.

Monday came and I was all alone in the house. I continued to check the cyberspace and I was able to watch MTV for hours. I was able to watched this video that I was waiting to watch from start to finish so I can know the artist and the title of the song. A few weeks back I was able to discover the band Passion Pit with their catchy song To Kingdom Come. I was able to discover a new band, The xx. The band is from London and their self-titled debut album is getting much attention to the music world. Their single and video Basic Space is getting airplay in MTV. I can't wait to have a copy of their album.

Here's their video of Basic Space.



The band is an indie pop group that has a trace of electronica and dream pop. Their influence range from Aaliyah to Justin Timberlake.

You can check more about The xx through their official site and their MySpace page.
I miss my blog friends. Russ and Vayie, I promise I'll do some major back track reading to your blogs.

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Post-traumatic syndrome

Listening to: Cut Chemist - The Garden (2006 The Audience's Listening)

Right now, I feel: Tired

October is not my month. I just feel so stressed with everything happened the whole month. I don't want to recall the days that passed. I just want to move on. I can't wait for November.

I just want to share what I made just a few minutes ago. Something I did on the spot.

Post-traumatic syndrome

Tired and weary
I seek for something to make me free
Scared and trembling
I keep on running away from such pain
It brings me misery
Too much agony has consumed me

As time goes by
I can't stand the anxiety
The fear of getting hurt again
Everyday feels like it is the very day
That the world went away

I feel broken
I cannot be fixed
I cannot be healed
I feel numb
I felt something has struck me
Yet nothing has inflicted me to feel it
Everywhere I go
Paranoia runs through my veins

Everyday seems to be of a past
Like a ghost that haunts me
Craving for my soul
To torture it for eternity
I long for my sanity
I search for something I cannot attain
My sanctuary to call my own

Friday, October 23, 2009

Grrrrrrrr!!!!!!

Listening to: Slapshock - Anino Mo (2002 Project 11-41)

Right now, I feel: Furious!

Isang tanong lang. Bakit ang unfair unfair ninyo ha? Ang tagal tagal kong nanahimik at nag tiis tapos ganito na lang ang trato pag dating sa akin. Napaka unfair ninyo yun lang!

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Music is my food for the soul #3

Listening to: silverfilter - In a Manger (2009 Devotion)

Right now, I feel: Exhausted

(Note this post was edited last October 15, 2009. I was sleepy last night that my thoughts became in-cohesive.)

Yesterday, at 9 pm. I went to Route 196 for the first time. I was there for silverfilter's album launch. It was my first time to see him play live and my first time to be able to get an album of his.

I still remember the gig last night. It was a blast though I wasn't able to finish the whole show. I was sleepy since I was up since 6 am yesterday. I was so excited and happy to be in the album launch.

Silverfilter's real name is Cyril. I have heard of him before since a lot of people were clamoring about his 1st album (which is an EP) titled "In the Mean Time". It was 4 years back that I became more in love with electronica. Especially the local electronica artist.

I have been following him around his My Space account and now his Twitter. I love the remixes he did on Wolfmann's Diner and Bagetsafonik's Travelouge album. The tracks he made on the said albums are the first time I heard of his music.

He's more into the techno, house and dance side of electronica. Though he has this chill-out and Nu-skool breaks influences in him. I have been clamoring for his albums but too bad, I can't find all of it. Cy, please re-issue your albums. Kahit para sa akin lang. =)

It was really nice meeting this guy. I was able to buy his new album plus I got a shirt which is really cool! (Though it didn't fit, I know I'll be able to wear it one day!) I was able to get a freebie too! His compilation of his remixes he did for different artist and bands! It is titled "The Interpreter".

He had his album launch dedicated to the victims of Ondoy. All of his earnings will go to the said people. It was really so nice of him to do that. Wala talaga siyang kikitain dun. Lugi na nga siya sa gasolina pa lang ng kotse niya. But then he didn't hesitated to do such act. It is the reason why I went to his album launch. Just to join and support his cause. The great music and the album is just a bonus anyways. And meeting him? Well, that's the prize I get for coming that night.

He had other artist perform for his event. As he said, "I want all untapped artist have an exposure." It was really a great idea. More exposure means more chance to hone their music skills. I love this one artist (though I forgot his name) that uses voices coming from radio news anchors and other stuff, then he'll add some blips and other electronic effects in it. It feels like I am on a plane. The hip-hop artist NothingElse also preformed. He came from the hip-hop collective called A.M.P.O.N.

When it was silverfilter's turn to perform, I left my table and stood up as I watched him. He played some remixes from his new album. It is really great to meet and see this man perform. I was really in the mood to dance but my body was too weak and sleepy.

Cy, thanks a lot for the great night. Bitin ako pero I'll see you again in one of your gigs. God bless us for musicians like you!

Monday, October 12, 2009

Something to sing along (Music is my food for the soul #2)

Listening to: Nine Days - If I Am (2000 The Madding Crowd)

Right now, I feel: Mad

Right now I am not in the mood. It has been days, the reason I wasn't able to update my blog. Something is not right. I just wish I can see and hear everything I want. Just for the sake to have everything be all right. Is it my fault? Am I too cautious with everything? Am I over protective. Am I possessive? I am not sure. But I wish I know. Here is something I am singing for the nth time. You can listen to it here.

If I Am by Nine Days.

So you're standing on a ledge,
It looks like you might fall
So far down, or maybe you were thinking about jumping
And you could have it all,
If you learned a little patience
For though I cannot fly,
I'm not content to crawl
To give me a little credit,
Have in me a little faith
I wanna be with you forever,
If tomorrow's not too late
But it's always too late when you've got nothing,
So you say
And you should never let the sun set on tomorrow,
Before the sun rises today

If I am,
Another waste of everything you've dreamed of, I will let you down
If I am,
Only here to watch you as you suffer, I will let you down

So you're walking on the edge,
And you wait your turn to fall
But you're so far gone, that you don't see the hands up held to catch you
And you could find the fault,
In the heart that you've been handed
But though you cannot fly,
You're not content to crawl
And it's always too late when you've got nothing,
So you say
But you should never let the sunset on tomorrow,
Before the sun rises

If I am,
Another waste of everything you hope for, I will let you down
If I am,
Only here to watch you as you suffer, I will let you down...

So you're standing on a ledge,
It looks like you might fall...

If I am,
Another waste of everything you've dreamed of, I will let you down
If I am,
Only here to watch you as you suffer, I will let you down

The answers we find are never what we had in mind,
So we make it up as we go along
You don't talk of dreams, I won't mention tomorrow
We won't make those promises that we can't keep

I will never leave you
I will not let you down
I will never leave you
I will not let you down...

Tuesday, October 06, 2009

Good morning!

Listening to: The Fray - You Found Me (2009 The Fray)

Right now, I feel: Glad

Good morning! I am back on a blog roll here! I woke up around 5 am and it is the 3rd time in 5 days that I woke up early and I woke up in the morning! I wish I can really do this, I mean be a morning person since I really used in staying up late till dawn. Thanks for the 6 years of being in the call center industry. I just had a great breakfast. A neck part of chicken, some bacons and egg with coffee to start my day. After that, a cigarette and watching some TV, I am ready to face the world.

I got a lot of things to do today. For starters I am now re-sizing my MP3 collections to a lower bit rate. Though they say higher bit rate sounds better, I prefer having it in a normal rate of 128kbps to save space. Though I have 500 gigabytes of hard drive, I want to save space so I can store my whole collection.

Here are some other things I have to do the whole day:
- Pay my brother's tuition
- Look and buy a decent wireless router
- Bring the car to the car wash
- Set up the wireless network at home and make it secure
- Arrange my photos to different folders
- Farmville mode! =)
- Gym work out

Hopefully I can finish updating my photos and my MP3 collection too as it will really be a tedious task.

How many MP3s? I have 66 artist with a hundred plus of albums so that more or less 1,500 tracks.

Well, I better get off going now and do all the task for today.