PrOjEcT 34/365: Listless

It's been a while since my last blog, I've been busy most of these days and as I parked at an alley, I saw this sleeping dog who seemed to be without a care in the world. It slept soundly that I envied its deep slumber. I wish I had a good night's rest too, but instead, all I get in the morning is a heavy feeling of drowsiness and fatigue, worsened by waking up to the blaring sound of my neighbor's radio... *sigh*

PrOjEcT 33/365: WAAAA!

5/21/09

WAAAA! Just when I wanted to relax and watch the American Idol finals, THIS happens!!!! WAAAA!

PrOjEcT 32/365: Sky Flakes

5/20/09

As I was driving on my way to the review center today, I realized I forgot to bring my ever-present sky flakes crackers. I worried all the way to the center. Luckily, one of my classmates from college also attended the review and she brought a pack of snacks and shared it with me. I'm saved!!! God really provides when you need it the most!

I try to make it a point that I carry along at least one pack of these especially when I know I'd be gone from the house a long time. These crackers come in handy during times when I get very hungry during long lectures and thus helping me avoid tummy aches. This simple pack of crackers is my savior from endless tummy aches and hyperacidity attacks. Sky Flakes... don't leave home without it. :)

PrOjEcT 31/365: Take the Plunge

5/3/09

4.5ft... hmm.. not too tough eh? Anyway, no matter how things seem simple, never underestimate any task laid out before you. Give it all you've got. That way you won't get stuck with second bests and half-hearted accomplishments. Make sure that task is worth it though.. And when you made up your mind, hold your breath and take the plunge!

PrOjEcT 30/365: Superman!

5/2/09

Wooo~ My few seconds off the ground felt like I was flying like Superman. Great view, Thrilling ride, Fun company. Had a blast!~

EAT Danao (Extreme/Eco/Educational Adventure Tour) is a new adventure park in Bohol. an ecotourism concept set up to benefit the Municipality of Danao, Bohol and its people. This is an LGU initiated and run facility with a huge nature park that used to be the base camp of the revered Boholano Hero Francisco Dagohoy who led the longest Philippine Revolutionary Movement1.

Activities included:
-Suislide -check
-River Trecking
-River Tubing
-River Kayaking
-Wall Climbing
-Organic Farm Visitation
-Camping
-Bird Watching
-Boulder Rock Climbing
-Rappelling
-Root Climbing
-Caving

One down 11 more to go... :)

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1http://www.eatdanao.com/
photo taken by Mdes. Tnx!

PrOjEcT 29/365: Open Doors

5/1/09

They say Bohol sinks a little every month of May. It's because people of all walks of life takes a quick trip to the land of chocolate hills to be a part of the daily fiesta happening at different towns there. We're no exception to that. We were invited by my friend to spend the weekend at her hometown. Boholanons are very hospitable and they opened their homes to us with no questions asked. Had a wonderful weekend there. Hmm... I have a feeling this will be a yearly event. (hint hint) ;)

PrOjEcT 28/365: MangO BangO!

4/30/09

Mango Bango! A passion fruit, enjoyed through a myriad of ways. From unripe green mangoes paired with salty bagoong; yellow, dried, packed, world class export product; diced and cut for salads; squeezed and purified juice or cool, sweet, iced candy, mango is such a versatile fruit. With its universality, there's no wonder both Philippines and India chose mango as their national fruit. Both countries contribute to the world's supply of this sweet tangy fruit. Mango thrives well in tropical areas and bears abundantly during summer. More mangoes for me! Weee! :)

PrOjEcT 27/365: Confessions

4/29/09

Confessions of a binger. (Not THAT kind of addiction as opposed to what u may think) It's one of those days when you just crave salt, salt and more salt! Doritos is one of the favorite binge cure. Absolutely crunchy and yummy. Bad for your health but simply irresistible... ;P

PrOjEcT 26/365: Sweet Dreams

4/28/09

To sleep a soundless sleep,
to dream endless sweet dreams
cradled by a mother's love
not a care in the world

Ah... the joy of innocence...
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photo by eralynn. thanks! :)

PrOjEcT 25/365: Blank

4/27/09

Ever felt that you have so many things to do and so many things you want to happen all at the same time and every time you do something, it's just not good enough? Facing a brick wall at every turn? Running in all directions... Well, that's how I feel. Like I'm stuck in the middle of nowhere. Not going forward nor going backwards. I'm at a standstill. Everything goes blank. It's one of those days when you think of the future and everything seems bleak and so far away. Like a fast track train I missed out taking, and I'm stuck to where I am. Stuck... don't know how to get there... Lost

PrOjEcT 24/365: Long Wait

4/26/09

Decided to have my hair cut, yesterday actually, but there was no electricity in the whole visayas! So, my hair had to wait for another day. Me and my girlfriends went to the parlor. We booked at the counter around 2pm and I asked the receptionist how far along the queue was I. Then she replied that I was next. So, I was thinking, okay this won't take long. It was past 3 when me and my friends were getting a little frustrated. It's been an hour and my stylist isn't available yet. We followed it up and was told to wait yet again. Another hour past and still there was no stylist. Hmm... This is getting on my nerves. I was really upset. A lot of customers who just walked up were already being serviced. I got up and told the receptionist where the heck is my stylist?!? And soon enough there was the assistant ushering me to my chair. I was half asleep half famished and a whole lot grumpy by that time. My stylist came and he explained why it took him so long. He was doing some rebonding on a client before me. So that's why they made me wait. What irked me the most was that the receptionist did not inform me beforehand that it was going to be a long wait! Sigh, sometimes people aren't just trained to think of others, making customer service way too lousy. Anyway, I had my hair cut done finally and we went to grab some dinner. Dinner made me feel so much better -cure to any pg's (patay gutom) tantrums. :p

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pic taken by a friend at the parlor's lounge. thanks ye :)

PrOjEcT 23/365: Good Finds

4/25/09

Amidst a myriad of clothing, under piles and piles of fashion accessories, there is no other feeling like finding a good quality find that suits you. Just like when you find a good friend amidst thousands of unfamiliar faces. Real friends are like rare diamonds, difficult to find but once found, lasts and shines forever. They stick to you like glue, thinks like a bird, laugh like a hyena, but protects like a doberman. I'm always greatful to have found my set of friends. They're rare finds and I'd be sounding selfish but I'd like to keep them forever. Friends4keeps always! :)

PrOjEcT 22/365: Push - Pull

4/24/09

Upward, Side ward, push, pull, whatever you do, there are just some things that won't budge. Like a mountain obstructing your way to your destination, there are obstacles that one can't just dig a hole into it to go through it. One has to accept the fact that there are just some things that can't be changed no matter what you do. There is however a way of solving this enigma, if one can't change the obstacle, one has to change the way one sees it. If we perceive a thing to be a problem then it IS a problem, however if we see it as an opportunity to grow and learn then it is of great advantage. What a big difference it makes from changing one's views -from a problem into a learning opportunity. Another example would be if one can't change a friend's attitude, one can merely change his view of his friend to better understand him. Changing one's perception is a valuable weapon in adapting to life's changes and harsh realities. Problems are always there, it is just a matter of thinking that they really are problems or if they are something else. It's your choice :)

PrOjEcT 21/365: Lost and Found

4/23/09

It's funny when you lost something and you keep on looking for it but can't find it. You've looked everywhere, turned every stone, scrutinized every corner and still can't find the blasted thing you've lost. But finally, when you gave up looking for it and days, weeks, even months pass by and you forgot about the search, it suddenly pops up out of nowhere. This is the case of my Microtex lens cleaning cloth. I've been looking for it since February. I need it to clean my camera lens. And now that I've found it, joy! oh joy! Feels like a father who've had his son returned home from running away. Sigh... the irony of life. You just don't know what joke life pulls on you, makes it more interesting. :P

PrOjEcT 20/365: Hanging Out

4/22/09

Mr. Bob Ong's line "I miss hanging out with you," brings on a lot of memories. A little cheesy but it rings true.

Daily adventures, afternoon drives, food trips. Those were the days. I miss even our daily squabbles when we fight on the littlest of things. Like two sides of a coin, totally opposite and yet we get each other. We used to play every summer, saw each other's silly childhood fantasies -you wanted to own a helicopter or become an ambulance driver, and I wanted to be the little mermaid or a princess. We were dead serious then. We saw through each other's awkward growing up years, mostly embarrassing moments, you knew my secrets and I knew yours, yet you did not laugh at me. We were totally inseparable, like siamese twins. Used to call me up when you had problems and I ran to you when I needed a shoulder to cry on. We've been through a lot. Good times and bad. And there's still a long way ahead of us. We may not see each other that often anymore and we may be busy with whatever, but I know I'll always have a friend that will be there for me wherever, whenever I need one most. Missing you lots... :(

PrOjEcT 19/365: oweeenge...

4/21/09

My attempt at food art. Not bad isn't it. :p

I was seating next to my uncle over dinner and he was on the phone with his friend talking about stuff. It took a long time for them to finish the conversation, so I busied myself with what was in front of me -lots and lots of orange peel. We just ate a whole orange for dessert, keeping in mind the current outbreak on Influenza A (H1N1). "Mag-celeen everyday," keeps on popping on the television. So I thought why not eat a real orange for some Vitamin C's. At times like these, be prepared, eat right, take rests, reduce stress and boost your immune system. :)

PrOjEcT 18/365: zZz

4/20/09

After a long weekend getaway, nothing beats the call of a well made bed... gonna catch some zZz... :p

PrOjEcT 17/365: Challenge

4/19/09

Hair raising, heart pumping, adrenaline rush is what extreme sports is all about. Most people cringe at the idea of scaring yourself to death with extreme activities like bungee jumping, sky diving and paragliding. Me, I'm different. I'd like to think of myself as an adventurer. I like to raise my limits, know what I can do. Of course I have yet to try those extreme sports I've mentioned and I get scared every time we wait in queue for our turns in any activity. My hands turn cold, my heart beats faster, and my mind goes mushy. But when I'm there and doing whatever and being successful at it, there's no other feeling like it. Elation, euphoria, freedom, like a balm to every addict's cravings.

Today, I was faced with a sport less extreme than I have mentioned, but enticing nonetheless. I took up the challenge of tackling the waves of Camotes. I wanted to try out skim boarding. I've heard a lot about it. My more sporty friends are experts on it. I too want to experience the joys of successful runs. Skim boarding is an adaptation to surfing. Since the Philippine coastal waters do not have much great waves as in other parts of the world, many pinoys have opted for this substitute. The earliest known records dated way before the 1970's. Pictures of lifeguards were taken, skimboarding on the shores of Laguna Beach California using plywood circular boards. Later, in the 1970's skim boards took the shape of the more familiar surf boards, making it more efficient and easier to control. Tex Heines started the first skimboarding business naming it after his wife Victoria. Victoria Championships are held yearly at the beaches of Laguna beach California1. Although it comes for the shadows of surfing, skimboarding is considered to be a water sport on its own right.
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1 wikipedia.com
photo taken by a friend. thanx bro :)

PrOjEcT 16/365: Scribbles on the Sand

4/18/09

A fave pastime while lounging around the beach is doodling on the sand. Much like the invisible ink, sand does not reveal any trace of words scribbled onto them after the waves washes over it. Children can enjoy endless number of sand to draw on without ever worrying of parents scolding them for making a mess, while teens can make graffiti without being chased by cops, and comrades can write symbols that binds them together, forever enthralled on the waves of time. Beach goers can express their secret thoughts on a medium that will never divulge their secrets to anyone with the turn of the tides. How clever! I've never thought of this before. Secret lovers can even share intimate moments scribbling love notes on the sand keeping them secret from the ever seeing eyes of the public.

Whether it be done alone or with company, with meaning or not, whatever you write, it's an entertaining way of expressing ourselves and passing the time at the beach.

There are endless possibilities with what you can do with a little bit of effort and a whole lot of creativity. Enjoy your summer! ;)

PrOjEcT 15/365: Mystic Island

4/17/09

Camotes is an island found at the eastern side of Cebu, west of Leyte and north of Bohol. After three hours in transit, we arrived at the mystical island. Its azure blue skies and clear waters greeted us as we stepped out from the ferry. Never have I seen a sky so blue and waters so clear anywhere else. We then settled ourselves in Santiago Bay Resort. My friend led us to a hang out place by the beach. The locals were so hospitable that we felt right at home with their family. Kuya, the head of the family, is a great cook. He set before us scrumptious native dishes made of seafoods freshly caught from the deep waters. Ate assists him in running their livelihood together with their children. We ate our lunch and spent the day enjoying this magnificent island known as Camotes. :D

PrOjEcT 14/365: Packing up

4/16/09

Packed up my travel companions, my backpack and my camera bag, containing all my essential items for the upcoming trip.

Beach outfit: check
Sunblock: check
Sunglasses: check
Towel: check
Toiletries: check
Extra cloths: check
Cash: uhmmm... rain check?!?
Cam, battery, charger, mem cards, tripod: triple check ;)

Hmm... all set for my trip on the morning to Camotes Island with friends4keeps. Weeee! So excited! :D

Project 13/365: Music 101

3/15/09

Pop, Rock, RnB… Whatever you fancy, all of us enjoy music in one form or the other. It may be that one is a creative artist who makes all the fascinating melodies and lyrics or it may be that one simply enjoys listening or dancing to the beat. Music has been through a lot. It has cradled humanity with its ability to extract our feelings and let it out to the world since time began. Oh, it might not be the same music as we know today. But, I’m pretty sure man has encountered music even before they noticed it was called that. In ancient times they had ceremonies accompanied by the beating of instruments and expressed themselves in ritualistic dances.

With the advent of radios, tvs, and other technologies, music has been propelled into a whole new perspective. Improved global communications made music a universal phenomenon exposing audiences to a wide variety of genres surging the rise of demand on music ingenuity. This in turn made music a viable industry encouraging new artists to come up with their individual techniques turning the wheels of music evolution.

Imagine a world without rhythm, tune or music. It just won't be the same. It would be dull, gray, and pretty much monotonous. Music has evolved as man has. From blues to jazz to RnB, classics to ballads to pop. One can’t truly appreciate music without looking through it’s past, knowing where it came from and where it is now. :)

By the way this is my ipod, one of the innovations of modern technology that helps the music industry. My Mommy2 gave it to me for graduation. I’m not very techy and I’m still working out the kinks on this thing, not to mention its software makes me wanna…! Anyway, even though it’s not the latest and topmost model in the ipod series, I would have to say this beats them all. It all boils down to sentimental value and well it stores all my favorite songs so, I get benefits. ;)

PrOjEcT 12/365: Movies Galore

4/14/09

I came across my collection of movies and animes. Although it's a small collection, I take delight in watching them over from time to time. I'm the kind of viewer that if she likes a movie, she watches it over and over again. Like a kid watching Aladdin all days of summer and memorizes the lines of Princes Jasmine, Aladdin, Abu and everyone else's. That's me. I never did get tired of watching Aladdin that summer. It was fun running lines with my cousins. They memorized the lines too even the gestures and facial expressions. I laugh at myself remembering how silly I was. But then, those were the days when I had pure fun. The innocence of it all. Not a care in the world. All your worries centered on little things that can easily be solved. Sigh, those were the days of fantasy, fairy tales and happy endings. I sound like an oldie...(nieh) :p Well, back to my movies :)

PrOjEcT 11/165: Fasten Ur Seatbelts

4/13/09

"Please keep your seatbelts fastened while the sign is on" Heard this too often when I ride the plane in transit. As being said quite too often, we sometimes take this safety precaution for granted. Especially within our very own cars, we feel very safe that we skip this simple yet vital task of putting our seatbelts in place. It can be uncomfortable as it constricts us in the seat or it falls high on our collarbones near the neck, however, these simple belts has an extraordinary task. They keep us safe in our seats and save countless of lives during untoward incidents. As a driver, I always see to it that my passenger is safely seated. It wouldn't hurt to heed this advice. Safety first! :)

PrOjEcT 10/365: Tranquility

4/12/09

Finally my dad got his wish! He's been hounding us all to go to the beach because he wants to take a dip early in the morning when the sun is still mild and sleepy. We even had a day's practice of getting ready for the trip. He woke us up the day before but we were too slow to beat the sun. The next day we finally give in to his wishes and woke up really early for this expedition. We went to a resort in Samar, a neighboring island to Leyte. Connected by the famous San Juanico Bridge. It took around an hours drive to reach the resort. We settled ourselves near the pool. While my dad took a dip in the cool waters, me and my mom went to order our lunch and explored the vicinity. Right through the beach goers, restaurant, nipa huts, and resort rooms, we spotted a little fishing nook at the end of the resort. It took my breath away. It exuded a tranquil, calm effect that I wanted to stay there the whole day and just appreciate its beauty. Too bad when we ask the receptionist if we could have our lunch there that it wasn't allowed. Though it was not too bad since I was able to see a magnificent view on that day and marvel at man's creation in sync with God's :)

PrOjEcT 9/365: Antique

4/11/09

Antique is what comes into mind when I see our dining chair. It's been with the family for years, well, since I was born. Safe to say the house and the furniture is my age... Oops! I hope you don't think I'm ancient too. Anyway, It's antique for me in furniture years. I consider it as such because antiques are rare, exceptional items and is invaluable in my family because of its sentimental values. It has witnessed my early days. It held me through countless meals and even endured my playful nature. We used to teeter on its two hind legs and played balancing acts during meals. I had my fair share of mishaps with the balancing act though. Guess it was the chair telling me to stop or its come back for me playing with it. Sitting back on this chair brings an air of nostalgia, with its battered back and hind legs it still stands in our dining room. I love this chair! -reminder of my mischievous days, witness to my childhood and growing up years.

PrOjEcT 8/365: Erm...

4/10/09

It's a little hard for children to describe their parent's relationship. At least it is true for me. I find it a little confusing as to really what my parent's relationship is all about. It's kind of boggling since they don't have a perfect relationship. I usually witness them squabbling about most stuff, almost all the time but then the next instant they're back to being this sweet and lovey-dovey couple in the picture. It drives me insane. It's a bipolar relationship where they are this extreme about it, like katie perry's hot and cold rendition. love and hate. I guess it's none of my business anyway. But what I realize is that, all of these things that happened are important. It only signifies that they still have a healthy relationship. We might not understand at first glance but all the arguments big and small makes their relationship grow stronger. It means that they still care for each other even after 31 years of marriage, the fire is still there. They can still push each other's buttons and make it all better in the end.

I may not understand their quirky kind of relationship, but one thing is clear. They love each other and I'm happy about it. Hang in there mom and dad. :D

PrOjEcT 7/365: Summer Treat

4/9/09

Summer has finally come! With this hot, hot weather, there's no better way to satiate the heat than eating cold treats, like halo-halo, ice candy, ice cream, shakes and more. Here's one way of enjoying the ice cream treat. Sandwich the ice cream in between two cones and start by rolling the cones in your hands then lick. Yummy!

I think my dad invented this method, or at least he introduced it to us. It's not patented if that's what you think. ;p He likes eating ice cream with the cones. My brother probably got it from him too. He eats like 3 to 4 cones in one setting. My parent's favorite flavor is durian. Which personally, I dont get it. It smells bad and the taste doesn't suit me either. Anyway, I like double dutch... The vanilla and chocolate melts in your mouth, with peanuts and marshmallow surprises! Mmm!

Hope you enjoy your summer treat! :D

PrOjEcT 6/365: Delish

4/8/09

Hmm... This is one of the perks when I go home. My Dad always makes sure that he feeds us with the best kinds of food available and I thank him for that. He usually asks mom to order seafoods, which he knows we rarely get to eat in Cebu because we can't afford it on our monthly allowances. (^-^) She orders our fave crabs, scallops, sharks' fin, prawns and a whole lot more...

Eating crabs can be quite tricky, laborious, messy, fascinationg, entertaining and satisfying all at the same time. I admit, it's not on the top of my list to order on the first date. It can give the wrong impression on your date, you know. ;) I seldom eat it in restaurants even. I prefer to eat it at home, then I can indulge and enjoy this delicious dish without inhibitions. My fave part is the joint between the legs and the body. Quite challenging actually, since you have to fish out the nooks and crannies to get the all so yummy crabmeat. In the end, it's all worth it. It melts in your mouth and you can relish its freshness and sweet crabmeat taste. Mmm, makes my mouth water just thinking of it. Finger-licking good! I also get to have my aunt's famous manok bisaya and my mom's chinese style misua. I always ask them to make one for me everytime I go home. Well, this topic deserves another blog all on its own. Just thinking of home-made dishes and traditional food makes me miss my home even more. Sigh.. :)

PrOjEcT 5/365: Ride Home

4/7/09

I marvel at the improvements made with travelling these days. What took 4hours a trip years ago only takes half an hour today. It makes travelling way easier and convinient.

I went home for the Holy Week boarding a plane. Instead of attending to church rituals, we opted to stay at home for the week and relaxed. It is nice to spend time with them under one roof once in a while since our family is scattered all over three islands. My Parents and my eldest brother stays in Tacloban, me and my sister stays in Cebu, while my other brother stays in Manila.

I was glad that I was able to reconnect with my family this week :D

PrOjEcT 4/365: Cup shared with precious friends

4/6/09

Today I didn't bring my camera. I regretted it the instant I entered the mall. I gingerly used my cellphone instead.

I went to meet up with my friends. One of which came to Cebu for a quick stop. She was on her way to Surigao to surf for the Holy week. We chatted away at Bo's coffee shop in Ayala Terraces. I also met up with my Taiwanese friend. We knew each other from our french class. She's very bubbly and funny that I enjoyed her company a lot. I introduced her to my long time friends James and Chay. Before long, Chay had to go for her trip to Surigao. It was then the three of us (James, Judy, and me) then Tee came to join us. We had dinner at Hukad and took a walk around Ayala. Just some window shopping. I was so happy that Judy and my long time friends hit it off. I hope I'd see her before she leaves again for Taiwan. :D

PrOjEcT 3/365: Puso Making

4/5/09

I know this one's a late entry. "Puso Making"

My grandma is one of the most important people in my life. Without her, I wouldn't even exist. She has this habit of going on long drives, but when u reach your destination, regardless of how long and how far u drove, she'd immediately ask when we're going back. It gets a little tiresome when you drove the car for around 5 hours and all she wants to do is go on another ride. She tends to make up little excuses just to get out of the house, like when she wanted to have her hair done in Naga because it only costs 10php or she wants to have her cloths repaired there because it's way cheaper, not considering she'd pay a lot more for the gasoline and not to mention our neighbor owns a parlor next door. She's also claustrophobic. She has a little trouble in confined spaces. It's not that serious but there is a slight agitation, I can tell. She gets a little tense especially when we ride in elevators. She also has lots of other quirks in tow. Despite that, I still love her and I do try my best to make her comfortable. She's 87 years old and she deserves to be happy.

On this day, she wanted to go to her hometown in Naga. It's a place south of Cebu just after the town of Minglanilla. It's one of her favorite places to visit. She likes to talk to her relatives and know how they are doing and of course, to enjoy the ride. This day, we came to visit because one of her friends died. We paid our respects then went to spend some time with Tiya Juanit. The picture I've shown is not of my grandma but of my Tiya. She's the reason I enjoyed this trip particularly. She lives in one of my grandma's lots. She's a very warm person and I like her a lot. I saw some lucay leaves on her porch when we arrived and I immediately had an idea. I'd ask her to teach me how to make the traditional Cebuano puso.

"Puso" also known as hanging rice is a dish originating from the province of Cebu. It was made from lucay leaves (coconut leaves) woven to the shape of the puso (heart). The puso is then filled with uncooked rice and steamed. It is served by slicing it in half and eaten as finger food. Puso is great paired to some grilled dishes or any other pinoy foods. It was very exciting learning something out of tradition. I like the heritage and honor it brings to being a Filipino. I know it's not much and not that hard but at least I learned something that makes me proud to be pinay! :D

PrOjEcT 2/365 Sutzhie Day

4/4/09

Dogs are man's best friend. A lot of people go through great lengths at making their pets comfortable as much as possible. Here is the case of Sutzhie. Her owner, my cousin, had to go away for the weekend and they had to leave the little bundle behind. So they asked me to house sit and well, take care of Sutzhie. Being a dog lover myself I certainly did not mind the task. I was so looking forward to bond with her. She was a spirited, energetic little thing that it was always a joy taking care of her. At last the day ended and it was time to sleep. The thing with little Sutzhie is that she likes to sleep next to a human. She's so malambing that I didn't mind the somewhat sleepless night I had. I was worried that I might squish her in my sleep. Thankfully she survived the night without a scratch. :D

PrOjEcT 1/365: Shopaholic daze

4/3/09

Project 365 is like a photo-diary in which one has to take a photo that somehow summarizes what you did on that day.

So here goes for my first day... I was doing my errands when it happened I came by National bookstore in SM. I was thinking, since I'm here, might as well get my Laking National card, which was due ages ago. As I was talking to the lady at the customer service booth, I saw some twilight books on the floor and asked her if they were for sale. Unfortunately, they were on reserve. I was deflated thinking that I still can't buy a set. The lady then went on that there were some available on the stands... I hurriedly checked the area and lo and behold! I saw the entire saga for sale, in shiny covers!!! Hmm... my shopaholic hands were itching. I was weighing the pros and cons if I buy on the spot. I ended up buying them and I can't stop smiling to myself. I've been waiting since I heard about the books and I finally have a set. weeeeeee :D