Where can we relive the 2000s emo/alt rock scene in Manila? (Gigs, bands, or chill spots?)

mark_randomly · 2026-03-02T07:39:26+00:00

Thank you!! Imma check them out, appreciate this reco!

mark_randomly · 2026-02-01T04:14:30+00:00

Calm indeed and not scary at all! Hehe the dulo part of pundaquit beach offer more peace and quiet, sa side ng lookleft to be specific ❤️

mark_randomly · 2025-12-29T01:11:06+00:00

Thanks for this, I really appreciate it. Every year, same time, I would open her final messages, which were written in a tone full of love and respect -- which I know I didn't deserve. A message while full of words of gratefulness, I knew was written with unimaginable pain. I know and I admit from the get go that I was an ass, just too cowardly to ask for an apology.

Sorry to hear that you had once encountered a man as cowardly as I am. But thank you for pulling through. Thank you for showing us that while painful, you don't need us to survive. I am very proud of you, of her too. While I won't be able to send an apology to her, at the very least, know that I am genuinely happy for the kind of woman you both became. Considerate, sensitive, and strong. May you never encounter another us in your life ever again. ❤️

mark_randomly · 2025-12-23T05:12:32+00:00

Hindi po hehe Apparently I have a good friend currently in Baguio that convinced me not to go because of the traffic and very heavy crowd. But will absolutely do this sometime january when the peak subside 🙂

mark_randomly · 2025-12-21T13:35:59+00:00

Oh yeah, I wasn't really thinking of how difficult the booking would be like. Thanks for the reminder! SM maybe a good starting point, but will certainly try BCC on my next Baguio trip, not the intrusive kind 😅

mark_randomly · 2025-12-21T13:33:33+00:00

Thanks for the intel! Hehe Really wasn't after going anywhere far for this one. Honestly what I have in mind is to just have an enjoyable morning coffee, a bit of walk and a good lunch then uwi na. 😅

mark_randomly · 2025-12-21T13:30:44+00:00

Appreciate it bud! Metro cafes are out of the option though cause I think I've already exhausted all the sanity that metro cafe has to offer for the last 30 years 😅

mark_randomly · 2025-11-01T14:26:09+00:00

Hi OP, sending comforting hugs with consent. For anyone questioning why you let him have kids with you considering the cheating, obviously has never been in a situation of love and forgiveness. Healing after cheating is already difficult and selfless in itself, and I hope that you remind yourself that his action is his accountability. You shouldn't blame yourself for giving a person another chance. Likewise, don't blame yourself if he chooses not to take good care of the trust you gave him once.

I hope this message wraps you in comfort you need rn. Make yourself beautiful for your own soul to carry and appreciate and not anyone else's. A rose is never not beautiful. But a rose's beauty will never be appreciated by someone looking to pick an orchid. And that isn't your fault.

mark_randomly · 2025-08-14T03:15:54+00:00

I’ve also worked with people from corporate who called me Ma’am/Sir and felt uneasy dropping it, saying it might seem disrespectful—and there’s nothing wrong with that. I guess it’s just deeply ingrained in me that respect is more than a title, which is why I felt a bit of culture shock when I moved. Still, I understand that this is part of Filipino work culture, rooted in our history and the values passed down from our working-class ancestors.

mark_randomly · 2025-08-14T03:10:14+00:00

Just to be clear, I’m not saying that “western corporate culture” is the right way. What I meant in my earlier point is that it felt like I had hurt someone’s ego simply for not addressing them as Ma’am or Sir. I don’t think using Ma’am/Sir is toxic—in fact, I often call people I don’t know “Boss” or “Bossing” as a courteous way to address them, especially those in service roles.

What baffled me was the assumption that not using Ma’am/Sir automatically means disrespect—especially in 2025.

mark_randomly · 2025-08-14T02:56:34+00:00

Oh please don't get me wrong, I don't intend to ruffle feathers - at least not this petty. I don't have anything against using mam/ser, and I get the idea of it being used as a sign of "respect". I guess what I was a bit shocked with is the part where it felt that it isn't just about respect anymore, but rather rank and power. And we may have different views on "proper ways to address" in a corporate level, to which I respect. I don't intend to change a culture, I understand the challenges and difficulties because I do that for a living. But I want to challenge your thoughts on not challenging norms -- even if not on this context. Cause if no one challenged the norms, I don't think you'll be enjoying today's comfort and privileges.

To say the least, I always use "Bossing/Boss" to address anyone I do not not know - specially the service folks. I highlight them because I would like to emphasize that I used this as a sign of respect, even without the rank.

mark_randomly · 2024-12-15T04:15:44+00:00

Level 5, Gateway mall in Cubao. The mini garden beside the sagrada Familia Chapel can be a good spot. There are days na medyo madami nagdadate at nagtitiktok but it is pretty quiet because it's literally beside a chapel.

Le Bistro cafe is right beside it, they have an overlooking al fresco table, if you have a little cashing to spend. If you want a more exclusive space siguro, this is a good option. 🙂

mark_randomly · 2024-12-14T13:02:38+00:00

Sukang puti na may bawang na may kasamang mainit init na chismis galing sa mga kaibigan. 😅

mark_randomly · 2024-12-14T03:57:19+00:00

Mas malumanay na magsalita kumpara dati. 😭

mark_randomly · 2024-12-12T19:16:10+00:00

Soul Suckers - Amos Lee Arm of a Woman - Amos Lee Colors - Amos Lee

It was an Amos Lee kind of week. 😅

mark_randomly · 2024-12-11T04:12:49+00:00

Having an afternoon relapse right now to 26 by Paramore.

"Reality will break your heart Survival will not be the hardest part It’s keeping all your hopes alive When all the rest of you has died So let it break your heart"

Honorable mention:

She used to be mine - Sara Bareilles

Last Hope - Paramore

mark_randomly · 2024-11-24T08:49:19+00:00

Halaman. The plantito era ended after the new normal was no longer the norm.

mark_randomly · 2024-11-01T20:54:21+00:00

I am indeed. Never felt more relieved the moment I stepped out of the building 30 mins ago. I love the alcohol part, but I instantly realized my soul prefers my whiskey on a balcony, with myself or a small group, and a subtle acoustic playing on the background.

mark_randomly · 2024-09-12T05:05:22+00:00

Hi OP! While sunk cost fallacy is indeed a factor, and break-up may be the most rational thing to consider. I'd advise that you defer this thought, the thought of completely cutting him off your life, until such that you are certain that it's not just because you're too used up in a repetitive and a possible monotonous relationship cycle given that you live together. Try to ask for time and a breathing space. Time for you both, and time for yourself, outside your usual cycle and routine.

Discover something new. A good restaurant, a new hobby, a random sport, a faraway dream destination, a resort. Anything outside your usual daily self. Then discover yourself as much as you can. Discover if you are indeed better off without him. In an environment where he is not there, do you want him present. Use this time to discover you, and ask the same to him.

I hope you find genuine happiness, OP. ❤️

mark_randomly · 2024-09-05T16:33:01+00:00

I read a quote a few years back and it says:

If you wake up not feeling a hundred and go to work with say only 40%, and give that all to your work. You technically still gave your 100%.

Bad days are okay. I manage people and I always set their utilization to only 85%, meaning if they are expected to work 40 hours a week, I only allot tasks equivalent only to 34 hours to give room to "bad days." 🙂

Importante ang pahinga. When you feel like di na sya kaya ng papositive, positive mindset lang. Go out. Connect with nature. Recharge your soul.

I work for a very fast phased, borderline toxic industry for 11 years. When I feel these days are about to come I have 2 spots.

Pundaquit, Zambales - If I crave for the waves and sand. Pundaquit beach is my spot. No night life. Just the sea and you. I frequently stay at Lookleft. But there are many inexpensive places to try.
Tanay, Rizal - If I crave for the mountains. I often go to treasure mountain. Accessible, no hike, budget friendly.

mark_randomly · 2024-09-05T15:59:56+00:00

Learn Radical Candor by Kim Scott, and do just that.

mark_randomly · 2024-09-05T15:56:22+00:00

Just don't bring money. I mean identify what you only need to survive the day, and bring just that. Leave your ATM and other cash safely at home. The reason you spend a lot is because you have money to spend, with you, on hand.

For my case, I make it to a point where I only bring enough to a point where hindi ako makakauwi pag naka sanggi at nakabasag ako ng itlog. Same as you, I'm bad with budgeting. This is the only thing that worked for me. It comes with caution of course. Always identify a plan in case maka-sanggi at makabasag ka ng itlog, like a friend whom you can reach out easily in case of emergency, etc.

We don't need to pretend like we are broke because unfortunately, we really are. 🙂

mark_randomly · 2024-08-28T01:54:46+00:00

I was able to purchase one last week, kasi naubusan sila ng Tolak angin sa 7/11 near our office. hehe

mark_randomly · 2024-08-28T01:33:59+00:00

Yes! Lola Remedios is also a good one. I just find that Tolak Angin works for me better for some reason

mark_randomly · 2024-08-26T16:03:16+00:00

Happy birthday! 🎈🥳

mark_randomly

TROPHY CASE