Sean asked me if I was going to Haribon this Sunday. From the looks of it, I wouldn't be able to.

Me: Parents are arriving tonight.
Sean: Good for you. I hope you're together sa Holidays.

He remembered last Holidays when I was alone Christmas Eve. My parents and eldest brother were abroad and my siblings opted to work.

So my parents arrived last night. Good times. A couple of nags here and there, but then again, mothers will be mothers. The highlight was my mom giving Lindt her new toys. Wow. My mom shopped for Lindt. So now, Lindt has a couple of new stuffed toys, a ball, and a dish.

They agree that Lindt is the baby of the house. And like a baby that she is, she fell asleep on my lap while my parents were unpacking. I carried her to my room.

Me: She's my baby.
Dad: Make sure she's the only baby you have for now.

I laughed at the joke.

Was texting Noelle and updating her on parental units being home and all.

Noelle: Have fun meshing. Ninang ako ha, for your first born.
Me: Yup, you really are ninang of my first born. You'll play the harp pa to my tummy when I'm pregnant.

Since my parents are home, we'll be celebrating Thanksgiving. My dad had a 7 pound turkey in his handcarry. Looking forward to it.

2009 is in fact the year of family and friends.

Noelle Cassandra and Lara Tarranco invite you to the culminating production of Marillac Girls Music Class.

When: December 12, 2009. 2 PM
Where: Haven, Marillac Hills
 
Let us celebrate music, life, and dreams in a concert presented to you by the girls.
 
Thanks to KV, Sean, Mond, and Nina for helping us.

Hope to see you there.

Philippine Daily Inquirer will feature Asia's only harpist-singer-songwriter Noelle Cassandra tomorrow, Saturday, November 21, 2009.

Ask your newspaper boy for Inquirer - and not the others. Hehe.

Sean: I made an ad with Kenneth. I didn't wanna jinx it kaya I didn't tell you until I saw it.

Sean Melendres is the lead in Tokyo Tokyo's latest commercial. He has a close up in the Pork Katsudon segment. That's him talking too.

So proud of him.

1. The Hanged Man I am going through a transition with regards to love. I am re-adjusting. I am bored because of the static relationship and am seeing the love situation from a different angle. Our priorities have changed. I need to take a step back if I want us to move forward.
2. Queen of Swords I hav...e a no-nonsense, unpretentious, direct, realistic, and straightforward approach with regards to my career. I am suppressing my emotions.
3. The Moon I need to work on my intuition. I must no longer be blind to the truth and recognize unrealistic dreams from the ones that are possible to achieve.
 
------------------------

1. Love
2. Career
3. Self-improvement

1. Queen of Pentacles My main priority right now is to be dependable, nurturing, and generous. I have a realistic view on life. I want to be secure for myself, and at the same time be there for everyone - willing to do anything without a fuss. But I must also take care of myself. I am a lover of animals and children.
2. Nine of Pentacles I need to work on my self-discipline. My financial concerns block my creative progress. I can control my feelings now but I need to look into my emotions from time to time.
3. The Star I can change my dreams, insights, and beliefs - to be happy. I need to believe I can be successful in love, work, and financial aspiration. I have to stop idealizing a person or a goal. I have regained my motivation after experiencing peace of mind. I have a better sense of who I am and where I am going.
4. Four of Wands I must accept my achievements and my responsibility. I am already freer than a bird. I need to free myself from the expectations of others. I have to dump emotional baggage. It is time to rejoice and celebrate because there are good times ahead. There is a sense of lively anticipation. I must move on after making the changes and looking at the truth of who I really am. I have freed myself from circumstances that don't suit me.
5. King of Wands It is time to go back to acting. Acting and teaching are my priorities. I should take the risk based on the insight I've gained. I have learned from my mistakes, taken stock of my limitations, and gained new abilities. I can now move forward without arrogance or vanity after viewing myself from a larger perspective. I must go out and do my thing.

--------------------------

1. Main priority
2. What is blocking me
3. Things I can change
4. Things I must accept
5. How things will progressRead More

I caught a replay of Ugly Betty on Star World. The one where Lindsay Lohan guest-starred. I like Lindsay Lohan. She's really a versatile actress. I hope she makes an ala Drew Barrymore comeback. Anyway, I caught another replay. The one with Daniel and his son. He was reading the positive feedback from MODE readers while his son was playing Guitar Hero. It was a very Nido moment. Just made me think. What exactly are my priorities now? What are my dreams for the future? These should jive. And let's just say, I figured out a way how to do this. Another thing I love most about Ugly Betty is International Relations. That's Salma Hayek's trademark. I miss you Salma. Haha. Hope to see you on the big screen soon.

Ally McBeal was moved from Monday to Tuesday nights. I especially like the seasons with Portia de Rossi and Lucy Liu. Then the series just went downhill after they left. Am glad 2nd Avenue is playing re-runs. I understand the show better, compared to the time RPN 9 aired it. I think it's because I'm closer to Ally's age now as opposed to ten years ago. Last night's episode was the dispute on the face mask which Elaine invented. Only Ally stood by her side. Even Georgia doubted her. Then there's John and Nell finally making things offiicial. I also caught a replay of another episode over the weekend. The one with Nell announcing to John and Richard that she didn't want children. Then again, I know people who used to say the same thing and then do a turn around. I'm one. You'll never know where life takes you.

Since there's nothing good on TV on Mondays at 8 PM (no more True Blood), I watch Private Practice. I've always liked Addison (Kate Walsh) even when she was on Grey's Anatomy. Unfortunately, this show is not as appealing as Grey's. But the acting is still good. Taye Diggs is hot. Hehe. Anyway, the episode I caught discussed voting - on how it could affect the personal relationships of one another in the staff. Addison had a point there. Sometimes, personal and professional ties just cross. You get over it. It's unfortunate if you don't. I also like her speech about wounds and on how these could cause deeper scars. Nice.

Grey's Anatomy has lost its appeal to me. It has become too Melrose Place-y for my taste. But I'm glad Izzie lived and George died. If it were the other way around, I won't be watching. I watch this show for Katherine Heigl. That's who I watch series. There must be someone to tune into. Hehe. But then there are other series that really have gripping storylines. (Ugly Betty, True Blood, Big Love, Glee). And I like that Izzie is finally with Alex. I love them as a couple.

I'm glad HBO's playing Big Love again. What an ensemble. Bill Paxton. Jeanne Tripplehorn. Chloe Sevigny. Ginnifer Goodwin. This was the series that showed the world Amanda Seyfried's potential. In the episode I watched, she was dealing with her pregnancy. I like the part where her brother Ben (played by Gregory Smith's brother Douglas) said, "Whatever you decide, I'm with you." So sweet. Lesley and I once discussed this show. Whether we'd go for Polygamy. Um. No. The idea of my husband sleeping with other women. Hell no. I don't even like open relationships, what more open marriages. Back to the show, Ellen Burstyn plays Jeanne Tripplehorn's mom - how cool is that. And I love, love, love Chloe Sevigny here.

As for Velvet, I'm still tuning in their reruns of American's Next Top Model. Cycle 6 just ended. I'm guessing they'll air Cycle 7 today.

Woohoo.
Caridee! 
Love that cycle.

It was a Baby Angelo reunion. Gemma and Apple. Diana's one of the very few people I see myself in. She said so herself. We both have full time flexible work. We teach. We act from time to time. Well, she acts more than I do. She has a new commercial (Tide) and will play Christine Reyes' mom in Precious Hearts.

"Mare, nanay roles na ko."

We talked about movies that we were supposed to be in but didn't push through. We talked about theater here and the connections. We talked about how small the world is, especially the acting circle. She encourages me to try VTRs again. Allot at least one day and do the Makati rounds. Yeah, she has a point. I'm thinking of going back anyway.

We talked about Serbis on how close we were to get cast. We wondered what if we were the ones at Cannes. Haha. Then again, it was all for the best. Besides, I like how she worded it.

"Graduate na tayo diyan, teh."

She meant stripping for art. She did in a film. I did (somehow) on stage.

Diana: Naghubad na tayo, yumaman ba tayo? Ano nangyari? Lalo lang tayong tinanong kung gusto pa natin.

Yeah.

I like her views on teaching. I told her about Marillac. Turns out our hole - the black hole - where we hide our innermost fears and most shameful secrets is the same. This is where we dig up raw emotions - when needed.

Teaching gives us our sanity.

Diana: Okay yan, Mare. Nakakagaling yan.

True.

When we played Gemma and Apple in Baby Angelo, we returned to that hole. We sang the songs and felt the lyrics. We were dressed in skimpy outfits.

Diana and I forgot how many times we've took on daring and sexy roles. Maybe because of our features. Short. Morena. With boobs. Maybe because there's something in our eyes. Something we had to deal with and taking on those roles helped.

I had problems with the HUBO role. Will's third film. Situations led to me backing out. Diana, on the other hand, was asked to step in for Therese. Well, at least we could say we're both HUBO ladies now.

We were both trained in theater and we ventured into films. Now, we're taking a break. "Tapos pag bumalik ka mas magiging passionate ka." Yeah. I remember the feeling.

It's all about balance.

Finally met with Diana. We've been discussing insurance for the longest time and I had to do research. I thought about it and decided. Why not? It's about time I get something for myself. What I like most about it is that it is three in one. There's medical-savings-life. When I die, my siblings and mom get something. I can also ask the insurance for a savings loan - if it's really needed. And of course, medical. Oh and they'll cover two child births. So that's two children. Hehe.

At 26, I've been having thoughts I've never had before. April commented on my Facebook status and said it was a mature gift. I remember Lara telling me that when she turned 25, her gift for herself was Life Insurance. Well, considering things that have been happening this year, I am in that state now. You can never predict the future. You can pursue your dreams but in the middle of the chase, life happens and you need to set your foot on the ground yet again. Insurance can help - just in case you need one.

I'm thankful that Diana offered this deal. Apparently, a couple of our other theater friends bought the same plan. She's also a holder. Thus the ongoing joke. We'll be friends for 18 more years - and if we choose to, we can continue paying for it after - just to increase the rate.

I was wording out to Diana how good it feels. It was the same feeling I had when I bought the ticket to Bangkok. Same feeling when I paid for my laptop. This was something for me. An investment.

The first thing to do by next year is to fix my SSS and PhilHealth. Will look into those two. Same mentality. You'll never know what will happen in the future. Insurance is like an umbrella. I have an umbrella every time I go out anyway. And with the insurance I finally bought, it's like I have an umbrella with me - all the time.



PS: I was signing the forms in front of Diana.
Diana: Mare, nawindang ako sa real name mo! 
But she prefers Lara. "Mas bagay sayo."

Dropped by DIWA to get a cheque. More on 'moolah.' I don't have a BDO account and I asked my boss if he could send it to the account of a former co-worker. We've done that for a couple of times now. Will be opening a BDO account soon so that I need not bother Kuya Ruel twice a month.

Yesterday, though, he asked me to drop in - as in literally drop in and say hi to the 'tropa.' So I did. I saw Ate Myles, Nina, Kuya Aries, Bernce, Kuya Marvin. I chatted with Gemma, Gena, and Amor. Thus the picture. Oh and there's Maam Ime.

Anyway, they're planning to meet up next week. I'm 50-50. It's okay if it pushes through. Okay if not. There are only a couple of relationships that you can carry with you but it's alright to reunite once in a while. I have to admit, it was fun seeing them again.

But I really don't miss that professional set up. Gena said so herself, "Hiyang ka ata sa labas." That has always been the case anyway.

Around this time last year, we watched Twilight as a group - to celebrate Agnes' birthday. So Agnes' birthday is just around the corner and New Moon will open soon. Wrangler sponsors a premiere tomorrow and Noelle texted saying she only got one ticket. "Sayang I wanted to bring you," she said. Then again, I wouldn't be able to go anyway. Parents coming in that night.

Alright. Am rambling again. Anyhoo, it's funny how life changes - even after one year.

1. Ten of Wands I take on too much responsibility and over-extend myself. I'm a workhorse and I struggle with my work load. I also hang on to people too much.
2. The Hermit I need to detach and withdraw. I must take a step back, look at my patterns of behavior, emotions, and feelings in past relationships to gain insight whether I am taking the right path.
3. Page of Pentacles It's time to be practical and realistic. I need to concentrate and focus in order to progress. It's time to set the wheels in motion to be prosperous. It is not about looking at what I've achieved but looking at the future to see what more I can accomplish.

-------------------------------------------

1. My current weakness
2. What will help me overcome it
3. New direction

In this episode, you see how Kurt struggles with his sexuality and society. How he prioritized family over career. Then there's Rachel knowing that she is not popular among her peers and is affected by this - somehow. I love it that they sang Defying Gravity to show these points.

Hogi pointed out Kurt's Shakespeare stance. Hehe. Classic theater! Cool. Lea Michele is a young Idina Menzel. With the jawbone and the powerful voice (and belt - for that matter).

I'm now an official Gleek.

There are a lot of stories in an episode. There's Artie and his wheelchair (and revelation of a stutter). Sue's softness. Handicapability. Teenage pregnancy. And the ever-spinning love triangle among Finn, Quinn, and Puck.

When Betsy told me about the Defying Gravity episode, I listened to the song on YouTube. It didn't do too much for me. When I say do much, I was still in my realistic mindset. But the episode struck my idealistic side.

I want to defy gravity again - but I still have to accept my limits. After all, I'm recognizing these better now. If it needs work, then I do the work. If not, then I just 'hide' it. If not possible, then just accept that it is in fact a limitation.

It is also interesting to note that the Defying Gravity segment made me think of my Junior ACT boys. Then there's Artie's Dancing with Myself which reminded me of Make Believe's Mean Girls.

Yes, I love teaching. But acting will always be a first love.

Setting everything up so I can go back next year. I say next year because I will have to stay home for now. Staying home because parents are coming home tomorrow.

There's this personality test. Arrange these animals in order of preference. Cow. Horse. Monkey. Sheep. Tiger. My preference. Tiger. Horse. Sheep. Cow. Monkey. So it's Pride. Family. Love. Career. Money. 

True. True.  

with fake brother Paul and fake sister Apple
And to think, before this shoot, Paul was my 'boyfriend' and Apple was my 'girlfriend.'
They had a shoot together before this one too - they were siblings so they already had something to work with.
As for me and Paul and me and Apple
We had to adjust the body language
Especially the touch
Fun shoot though!

Dail has a billboard in Leyte.
Nice!

BE A PART OF THIS ONCE IN A LIFETIME EVENT

The Leyte-Samar Photography Club is bringing in the MASTERS OF THE MASTERS as they host a Prestigious Photography Seminar workshop on POTRAITURE on November 18-23 at the
Asia Convention Center.

Featuring the Portrait Master himself MR. IBARRA DERI and his equally talented daughter multi-awarded portraitist MS. DAIL DERI.

So proud of you.
Have fun, Dailalicious!

1. King of Cups I am stable, wise, diplomatic, generous, and supportive. I am emotionally secure and keep my head in a crisis. I act from controlled emotion rather than instincts. I have accepted my limitations. Tolerance and self-discipline have created the change I seek. There is also a person who has powerful influence over me and changes me for the better.
2. The Empress I can utilize my strengths by developing these and taking action. I need to remember my compassionate and creative side and nurture this. I surround myself with art and beauty. My mother will be an important influence.
3. Eight of Swords This will lead to a situation where I feel fenced in and have no freedom to choose. My ideas are scattered and have no sense of direction. But this will only concretize if I myself think this. What I can do is to focus and find clarity. Only I can rescue me from myself. I may be restricted by real events but it is my attitude toward it that matters. I always have a choice.
4. Death I need to develop my attitude toward changes. I need to accept new beginnings and endings that come along with it. I have to adapt to transformation. I need to let go of the past. I shouldn't be afraid of being true to myself.

------------------------------

1. My current strength
2. How I can utilize it
3. The road it will lead to
4. What strength I need to develop

It was great seeing Hogi yesterday - even if it was just for 20 minutes. She finally met my siblings. We walked (with no direction, hehe) and chit chatted while I had Plato Wraps.

Very Time Traveler's. Hope to have our Rachel-Monica moment soon, breast friend. Let's bring the Male Phoebe!

Oh and she'll introduce me to Christian Bautista soon.

New Site

Upcoming Gigs
November 20 - Nissan, UN Avenue, 6 PM
November 21 - PLDT's Mall Tour, SM North Edsa, 2 PM
November 27 - SIMPLY UNFORGETTABLE (Jose Mari Chan and Claire Dela Fuente), SM North Edsa Sky Dome, 8 PM
November 28 - PLDT's Mall Tour, SM Bacoor, 2 PM
November 29 - Robinson's Manila, 6 PM
November 30 - Robinson's Metro East, 6 PM
December 11 - Robinson's Metro East, 6 PM
December 14 - Robinson's Galleria, 6 PM
December 16 - Robinson's Midtown, 6 PM
December 17 - Robinson's Galleria, 6 PM




Her latest single Runaway (originally by The Corrs) is currently playing on Star FM.
To request the song, text Star FM Request Noelle Cassandra Runaway and send to 29765.

Watch out for her second album Amazing under VIVA Records
And her posters for Wrangler Jeans.

Sooooooooooooooooooo proud of you.

1. The Hermit I feel burdened. I am afraid to reveal a secret. I need to be alone so I could search for direction. I am withdrawn.
2. Ten of Wands I take too much responsibility and over-extend myself. I resign to being a work horse and struggle with my workload.
3. The Hierophant I conform and I study higher values.

Hay. After a month of practice, I will be doing different spreads every day. Looking forward to that exercise.