One of my OGTs is love for musicals and plays. I try to watch whatever play or musical I could, whenever my schedule permits.

The last play I watched was "7 Ng Umaga," which I thought was good and enjoyable, while the last musical I watched was "Footloose" (I think!).

So I'm really, really looking forward to watch "Doubt."

Chari Arespacochaga directs. And Cherie Gil has the lead role. So you have no reason not to watch this show.

Woo woo woo!

Go and see it!!!

Published Wednesday, May 31, 2006 by Clayman. |

Saturday morning had me waking up like it was a regular working day. (Not that I'm complaining).

One of our companies was sponsoring a Nihongo Teachers' Forum, in cooperation with the Japan Foundation (Manila), and I was asked to go to the forum to do a little photo coverage.

I arrived at the RCBC Tower in Makati around 8.30AM, and proceeded to the venue. As soon as I reached the venue, I felt like I was not in the Philippines anymore, not because of the physical surroundings, but because people (Japanese and Pinoys) were greeting each other "Ohayo gozaimasu! Ogenki desu ka." It's a good thing my companions weren't Nihongo speakers as well, otherwise I would have felt really stupid. Hehe!

It's also a good thing I only had to stay for the morning session, because as much as the topics were really interesting, 85% of all the presentations were in Nihongo. That gave me quite a headache. Hehe!

I was planning to take up a crash course on Nihongo at our company's training center. I even marked the date of the deadline for enrollment. Of course, when I checked my calendar again, classes have already begun! Auuuggghhh!

I'm really interested to learn Nihongo. I don't know. I want to work in Japan. I want to learn more about their culture (thanks to movies like The Last Samurai and Memoirs of a Geisha, and thanks to Louis Vuitton and Takashi Murakami, among others...hehe!). I want to visit the cities.

Alrightey, starting to babble so I should just bai bai!

Published Tuesday, May 30, 2006 by Clayman. |

Last Thursday evening, Suki and I attended the launch of Ralph Lauren's Polo Black for Men. It was held at Mati in Rockwell. I wasn't really supposed to attend the event, heck I didn't even know about it, until Suki called me Thursday morning asking me to go to the event. (I was fourth on his list. Hehe! It's okay.)

Anyway, I said yes since this was the only time that I get to attend a social event again. Hehe! The dress code for the party was hip black, and I was wearing a pink long-sleeved polo that day. Haha! Good thing I got my brother to bring some clothes. Hehe!

Uhm, the event was okay. What I really enjoyed the most was the pasta dish I ordered. I was so hungry that night I finished it by myself. Haha! The other thing I enjoyed was the free booze. I had a good two (or three) glasses of white wine. Everything else was the usual - the same set of people, the same kind of gimmicks, the same everything.

The real highlight of that night was going to Capone's in Salcedo Village. It's a straight bar! After the Ralph Lauren thing, Suki and I picked up Richie from his house and then headed to Capone's for (more) drinks, and to meet Suki's friend, Chiqui (I'm not sure if the spelling is correct). I swear this girl is SO pretty. I met her at Suki's volleyball championship game in Brent ages ago, and when I saw her, I'm like, "Suki, she's really pretty ah." Alright, I'm not turning straight here. Just to be clear.

Edsel and Roy also dropped by to join us a bit. It was great seeing those two boys together. I'm glad that they're doing well, and that they're friends again.

That's it!

Published Monday, May 29, 2006 by Clayman. |

Next to National Bookstore, I love Powerbooks.

Yeah, I do love NBS because they have a wide selection of LGBT literature, and Powerbooks has also dedicated a small section for LGBT literature. As for Fully Booked, I expected more from them. I even wrote to Mr. Jaime Daez asking him to have an LGBT section. I also included an inital list of LGBT titles that he may want Fully Booked to carry. But that letter didn't really lead to anywhere.

Anyway, I was at Powerbooks this afternoon and the first section I would go to naturally is the LGBT section.

What do I find?

Timothy James Beck's newest novel Someone Like You (!!!), already available here!!! (Zandro, are you reading this? Hehe!)

Woo woo woo!

But because the cover was a bit folded already, I decided to not purchase the book even if it's the last copy. I can wait. Besides, I still have three more books lined up for reading. And because someone told me he'll send me a copy of the book. (Hehe!)

Anyway, finding that Someone Like You copy just really made my day.

Published Sunday, May 28, 2006 by Clayman. |

Anna Wintour via Here and Devil Wears Prada Poster via Here

Leave it to US Vogue editrix Anna Wintour to face adversity with grace and style.
News dailies and style magazines have reported that Anna Wintour showed up at the VIP screening of “The Devil Wears Prada,” held last week.

And what does she wear to the event? Prada.

Guests and reporters were quick to observe that Anna wasn’t wearing her signature eyewear, but she did have even better accessories that evening to take care of her – boyfriend J. Shelby Bryan and her beautiful, beautiful daughter, Bee Schaffer.

Reports also said that Ana was persuaded by Meryl Streep to attend the screening. (Streep plays Miranda Priestley, the character in the novel that so many people say have been based on Anna.) Streep was able to persuade Anna to go, “assuring her that her character was an amalgam of other fashion arbiters - ladies like Diana Vreeland, Polly Mellon, Grace Mirabella and Liz Tilberis," reports say.

And did Anna cross paths with former Vogue assistant-turned-chick lit goddess Lauren Weisberger?

News reports quite a source, "They purposely seated Lauren and Anna on opposite sides of the theater, as far away as humanly possible."

As soon as the credits rolled, Anna left the theater.

Asked what she thought of the film, her spokesman said, "She thought it was very entertaining. It was satire. What's not to like?"

Published Saturday, May 27, 2006 by Clayman. |

The company I'm working for had a birthday get-together for the April-May celebrants. I've already attended one of these before, and it was nice to see that the company has activities like this for its employees.

What was extra special about the recent get-together though was that my dept. would already be the one in charge of the program. The HR dept., which used to handle everything before our dept. was separated from HR, was the one in charge of the logistics. There were four of us who were organizing the activity. (Three girls and the only guy, me.)

I told them that I wanted the get-together to have a theme, and since I haven't had a vacation this summer, I might as well bring the vacation (atmosphere) to me. Hahaha! I was thinking Hawaiian, and my manager suggested a luau theme. So a luau theme it was.

The event was also one more baptism of fire for me because I was told that I'd be hosting the program. Hehehe!

Over the weekend, I dragged my Mom and Jean with me to look for props for the program. I was in charge of the leis and the props for the game. Good thing my Mom knew where to get these things. Hehe!

Monday afternoon, we prepared for the affair. All I could say was, "Production ito!"

I got to buy really colorful leis for everyone. Hawaiian music was playing in the background (I love Limewire). The Birthday banner had grass skirts, lifesavers, goggles, and a lost bikini top for decors. The gifts were adorned with leis. (I attached those leis with mini-cards to the gifts all by myself, hah! I'm so proud of those gifts! Hehe!)

Anyway, as soon as all the guests arrived. They were asked to wear the leis to feel the "luau" mood. The program started with an informal introduction of everyone.

The game we prepared was the oh-so-difficult limbo rock. Hehe! It was great seeing everyone get up from their chairs and joining the game. I was able to find "Limbo Rock" in Limewire so that made the game more fun.

The other fun part of the program was the consequences. We asked someone to do a Tahitian dance. Then another person had to dance to "Tiny Bubbles & Pearly Shells." There was someone who had to model a sunscreen lotion. And then another person was asked to do an interpretative dance to The Little Mermaidís Under the Sea.

It was really hilarious. And it was great to see co-workers willing to look foolish in the spirit of fun. Hehe! (Hey, if I had to make a fool out of myself, then so should they. Hehehe!)

To cap the activity, we sang "Happy Birthday" to the celebrants, and cakes were served to everyone.

It was a good birthday get-together I think. Personally, I needed to loosen up more. I was a bit conscious. Maybe in the next get-together, I'll really let go of all apprehensions and be the first person to make a fool out of himself. Hehe!

For the love of the company.

Published Friday, May 26, 2006 by Clayman. |

Check this out. Found out about this really exciting news from Chari.



Cast includes Jamie Foxx, Eddie Murphy, Danny Glover, Beyonce Knowles, and Jennifer Hudson.

Ooooohhhhh!!!

Everybody now, "And I am telling you... I'm not going... You're the best man I've ever known..."

Hala!

Published Thursday, May 25, 2006 by Clayman. |

Got this from Chari who got it from Rony and Bam....

I've been wanting to do this list, but I had to end my old blog and it took some time before I started this one.

Anyway...

Name ten of life's simple pleasures that you like most, then pick ten people to do the same. Try to be original and creative and not use things that someone else has already used.

In no particular order:

1. Finding a good LGBT book or movie title in any of the local stores...

2. Getting a copy of a must-have Vogue issue at half the price...

3. Meeting amazing people in rural areas who shall be namelesss to millions, but are very much deserving to be honored and celebrated (compared to so many people we always see on the papers and unfortunately, are considered by many as "role models"...)

4. Looking at old photos...whether it's your baby pics, your elementary school pics, or your college days...it's always nice to look back at the past to see how you've changed as a person...

5. Playing with kids...whether it's my nephews and nieces or the kids from the institutions...they bring so much joy all the time...

6. Hearing someone say "Thank you..." or "Please..." People rarely use these words nowadays.

7. Having a friend you can trust to be there for you when you're carrying the weight of the world...

8. Spending a weekend by yourself...it isn't bad at all...you can take doing things as long as you want, without having to worry that your companion is already getting bored....

9. Having a good dinner after a long, stressful day.

10. Reading long emails from friends living abroad...

Wow, I'm already done with the list?! I have so much more to add. This is why I love stuff like this. I get to ponder on things I don't get to think about during my usual schedule.

Uhm, who do I tag to do this list too? I don't want to pressure anyone so I'll leave it up to you if you want to do this or not.

But please leave a message if you do plan to come up with your own list, so that I can go read them.

Published Wednesday, May 24, 2006 by Clayman. |

(Left)Trying to be a Taho Vendor and (Right)That's Me and Marian


Tito Crispin Does Magic


Every Pinoy's Favorite Bee


The Party Eggs Making Group


Kuya Joseph and Ate Cherry Watch the Kids at Work


Kuya Gelo and Ate Pepen Talk about Dish Gardening


Whoever Said that Face Painting Was for the Kids?


Raprap and His Friend Enjoy Nilupak


Happy Saturday: Volunteers and Kids

Saturday was quite eventful.

Though I slept a little after one am on Friday night, I had to drag myself out of bed at 7 in the morning to go to the Kiddie Fest of the Program for Street Children of the Ugnayan ng Pahinungod. I promised Joi I would serve as one of the hosts. So tired as I was, I got up early and headed to UP-PGH for the activity.

The activity started at 9 in the morning. There were about 70 kids from 7 institutions that attended the activity. I have been with several of the kids in previous Pahinungod projects so it was really nice to see them once again.

You will love them. How can you not? Once they recognize from afar that it's you, they'd be race each other to get to you, to give you a hug (more like pulling you from all directions...haha!), while screaming, "Kuya Angelo!!!" So it is always nice to be around these children. (By the way, the kids of YWCA were looking for you and your Mom. I just had to tell them you were at work.)

The first part of the activity was a magic show. Tito Crispin Reyes from the Inner Magic Club entertained the kids with magic for about an hour and a half. In addition to Tito Crispin, two figures who are quite popular among children were also present to entertain the kids - Jollibee and Nestle's Chuckie.

What I found amusing was that the volunteers were also very much excited by the mascots, wanting to have their photos taken with the mascots. Haha! The oldies (yep, that's me and a number of other older Pahinungod volunteers) just watched the students and the kids pose with Jollibee and Chuckie.

By 11, the kids were divided into groups for the main activity of the day. A workshop on various livelihood projects that the kids can start in their own home without having to shell out a lot of money. These projects included yema making, nilupak making, ice candy making, garden salad making, dish gardening, party eggs painting, handpainted handkerchiefs, and cardmaking and origami.

I didn't join any of the activities. Instead, I visited each group workshop. I may not have learned how to cook nilupak but it was nice seeing all the children very eager to learn.

When the sessions ended in the early afternoon, the kids (and the volunteers as well) were treated to ice cream, cotton candy, taho. There was also a face painting booth which almost all kids lined up for, rather than going for the ice cream or cotton candy.

The activity ended at 3PM. It was really enjoyable. Two of my good friends from work, Cathy and Shyrel, dropped by and spent an hour with the kids, so that was really nice.

This activity with the kids is unquestionably better than spending Saturday at the office (even if I love my job and I don't mind working on Saturdays.)

Published Monday, May 22, 2006 by Clayman. |

One more reason why I love going to the countryside is I get to see how ingenious Filipinos are. This is certainly evident in the handicrafts, the woodwork, the textile designs and other products that I'm sure is present in almost every province.

Whether it's the weavers of Sagada or the craftsmen of Paete or the burnay makers of Vigan or the other artists from the provinces I have been fortunate enough to visit thanks to volunteer work, I am always left in amazement seeing how gifted and talented Pinoys are.

Above are the latest addition to the list of handcrafted products that I was impressed with, and that makes me very proud to be Filipino.

The first three are greeting cards, while the fourth one is (obviously) a bookmark. Guess what these are made out of. Surprise, surprise, the women of Kiloloron, a village in Real, Quezon make these paper products by hand using coconut fibre, rice husks and cogon grass.

I found out about these wonder women when I visited the immersion volunteers in Real, Quezon a couple of weeks ago. Since I visited on a weekend, the shop where these handmade products are made was closed. Huhuhu!

But according to what I've read, this simple livelihood project helps support 47 women and their families. In case you don't remember, Real, Quezon was one area that was buried by landslides in November 2004. Before the Guinsaugon tragedy, there was the Real tragedy which was also one of the worst tragedies.

So you see, these products aren't just physical proof of the Pinoy's talent, these products also tell of the resilience of the Pinoy during times of adversity.

I couldn't help but be impressed and inspired.

Published Sunday, May 21, 2006 by Clayman. |

Today was quite a good day. I had my evaluation with my manager, and so far everything is looking good.

My manager informed that I would already be made into a permanent employee. Now that's something considering that I've been with the company for only three months so far, and the usual probationary period is six months.

So the fact that I'm being regularized quite early only means one of two things - either I'm doing quite well with the work that I'm doing OR that I'm so bad at it, they have to make me a regular employee already so that I can be supervised. Haha!

During the discussion with my manager, I was really touched by her kind words. She told me that she thinks I would go far with my capabilities and work attitude. She told me that I've been doing well with the tasks that were being assigned to me. I went through the evaluation form, and let's just say I got teary eyed after reading my manager's comments. I really appreciated all her kind words and the "grades" that she gave me.

Anyway, aside from that, I went to the movies with Sean, Romil and their friend, Dan. We watched Da Vinci Code at Market Market. The movie was well, a movie. To be honest, after I watched the movie, I started asking what all the fuss about the movie was. I didn't feel the movie to be close to real. It was very fictional for me. And above all, it didn't really make me question my faith.

Da Vinci Code was just another movie for me. Why all the hullabaloo about it? The movie also didn't really make want to read the book. I thought watching the movie would spark my interest in the book, but it didn't. I'm much more eager to read the Timothy James Beck novels

As for the movies, I'm much more eager to watch X-Men III and Pirates of the Caribbean.

Published Saturday, May 20, 2006 by Clayman. |

I've started to catch up on my reading once again. It's probably a sign that I've already adjusted to my new schedule at work, and in general. Haha! The last two books I've read were Annie Proulx's Brokeback Mountain and David Stukas's Someone Killed His Boyfriend.

After that, the only books left for reading were Sophie Kinsella's The Undomestic Goddess and Plum Sykes's Bergdorf Blondes.

Uhm, I've had both books since late last year but have chosen not to open or read them yet because I think I've had an overdose on chick lit after going through four Kinsellas and one Weisberger. Oh, add to that Jerry Oppenheimer's unauthorized biography of Anna Wintour. Yeah, that's a lot of chick lit I should say.





A couple of weeks ago, with nothing to do I decided to finally open Sophie Kinsella's The Undomestic Goddess and started reading. Just a quick review, I didn't enjoy it that much because I was already too familiar with the Sophie Kinsella formula. The novel's heroine, Samantha Sweeting, was all too similar to the Shopaholic series' Rebecca Bloomwood. The only change this time was the venue where the character was.

While it was still funny and with a hint of drama, conspiracy (yes, conspiracy!) and romance, I read the book only because I don't want to be left hanging. (Although when I think about it now, there was a great chance one could have predicted what the ending was going to be.)

Kinsella also mentioned the Philippines. (I should have marked what page it was. Haha!) Before Sweeting was hired by a couple in the English countryside, the rich couple had a Filipina employee.

I also wanted to finish this quickly so that I can finally start on Timothy James Beck's He's the One. My friend Zandro, who's on the other side of the world, was the one who introduced me to this wonderful author (or I should say authors. Find out here why.)

Anyway, before I start writing on Timothy James Beck, you may want to read an excerpt from The Undomestic Goddess here, whether you're a chick lit fan or just looking for a book that's not too heavy.

Also, here are three books that I am definitely looking forward to read. Awwww! I hope that by the time I finish the two Beck novels, one of these books would already be out. Haha! But I doubt if it will be available that soon here.

National Bookstore, Powerbooks and Fully Booked people, I hope you're reading this.



I fell in love with Daniel and Blaine (the book's main characters) even before I got through half of It Had to Be You. And by the time I finished it, I am already in love with Timothy James Beck. It was such a good read because I felt that everything about it was so close to the real situation - the characters, the plot, the drama, the romance, the emotions. I've never been to New York, but it's quite easy to transform the setting of the story to Manila or to whichever city you're living in.

I'm really glad that the authors decided to do a follow-up on the story of Daniel and Blaine. Now I don't know which one to read first, He's the One (the second novel but with a completely different set of characters and storyline) or I'm Your Man (which I think is the continuation of the Daniel-Blaine story).

Anyway, there's a new title and I can't wait to read it as well. I'm really hoping that it'll be good. And I'm hoping more that it'll be available here in Manila.

Read about Someone Like You here


As I have mentioned before, Alex Sanchez is one author I wish I had read when I was growing up and sorting things. And as I have also said before, I think his books should be included in the reading list of every literature class of every high school. I'm sure his books have helped a lot of people already.

I know the chances of him reading this is very remote but just in case. Alex, please, please, please have another Rainbow novel? Or if possible two more? Just so you can have five books in the Rainbow series. Think about it. It would look great as a gift set. Kidding aside, please write more about our three boys. If I may be so bold as to suggest, Rainbow 4 may be about the college years. I'm sure readers would love to know how Princeton went for Kyle, whether Jason got into Tech, and what of Nelson? Rainbow 5 can be about their post-college and entry into the real world, perhaps. Just some thoughts.

Anyway, back to reality and to the present, you can read the first chapter of Getting It here.





Michael Thomas Ford is the other Ford I am very much into (the other one is Tom). I've read some of his essay compilations (Alec Baldwin Doesn't Love Me Anymore) but what I really enjoyed were his two novels Last Summer and Looking for It. Again, I loved the two novels because of the closeness to reality of the various aspects of the story. It felt like reading about a good friend's story.

And so when I found out that there will be a new Ford novel, I couldn't help but get all excited. I hope this new novel also becomes available here in Manila. You can get Looking for It and Last Summer at National Bookstore.

To get an idea about Ford's new novel Full Circle, go here.

So these are some of the titles I am looking forward to read. If you have any recommended titles, whether it's chick lit or queer, let me know.

Published Thursday, May 18, 2006 by Clayman. |

As most people close to me would know, I have a thing for bags. I don't know. I think it all began back in high school. I remember skipping lunch and doing some extra work just to be able to purchase a bag that I like. In college, I kind of stopped buying bags. When I started earning, then the collection began again. Haha!

I don't know. I think a bag is a security blanket for some people. We'd feel naked and vulnerable without it.

Lately, I've been having a thing for totes, especially big ones. Tote bags are just so convenient. If you're in a hurry, you just dump everything in the bag and you can go. No need to open and close zippers, no need to rearrange stuff because of limited space, no need to change bags that often (unless it's another tote).

Here are some bags which I am currently loving, but unfortunately, are just way beyond my budget. Haha!




Prada Scamosciato: I saw a Japanese guy carrying this bag in Malate. I thought it looked cute. And then I saw the very familiar inverted triangle logo on the side of the bag. Aaah! Prada! I couldn't help but think, "Mrs. Prada, you've done it again!"

What I love about this bag is that it's colorful and playful. It's perfect for weekends or maybe casual Fridays at work. And it's actually one of the best bags for summer I think.



Chloe: Whether you're a Chloe fan who wants a souvenir from the Phoebe Philo era or just a plain bag-aholic, I think this Chloe tote is one that would look great to a bag collection.

Does it look too feminine? I think the color and the grommets give it a hint of masculinity. And if you'll notice, the structure of the bag is quite simple but sturdy and this is one of the reasons why I like it. Plus it's not slouchy at all, so you wouldn't have to worry about straightening it up so often. Haha! You can carry it to the office, and then you can bring it to dinner with friends on a weeknight.

Believe it or not, you can have this authentic Chloe for P9,000. (Still shocking for many, but trust me, that's cheap already for Chloe.)Ask me where. Hehe!



Hermes Birkin: No explanation needed for this one. Here is the venerable bag on the first issue of Men's Vogue. Many would probably ask if a guy would even consider purchase this. (We're not even talking about using it.) But hey, if you could afford it, then go for it. Hermes has finally given the male species a Birkin, be thankful for that. Haha!



Team Manila Tote: Who says patriotism is uncool or too old fashioned? Not with Team Manila. Loving the Team Manila people and their work. Here's one tote you can proudly carry around whether in Manila or abroad. I like it because it lets the carrier show off her/his Pinoy pride, while making him/her still look modern and unique. Pinoys stand out, they say. You'd surely stand out more when you carry this. And the price isn't bad at all. I've been eyeing one, and I'm crossing my fingers that I can get it really soon. Haha!



And of course, the Prada messenger bag, which is still on top of my wish list. I got a source where I can get an authentic one for the fraction of the original price, but no need to get this yet. There are other immediate "stuff" that need to be addressed. Haha!

I'm still convincing someone to sell me his pre-owned Prada messenger, and I'm hoping he'll already budge. Hint, hint! You know who you are. Haha!

Alright, so these are my favorites right now (except for the Prada messenger, which shall always be a favorite. I love it because it's classic and timeless!). I'm sure there are a lot more other bags that are also as gorgeous (or even more), but these are my choices.

What are yours?

Published Wednesday, May 17, 2006 by Clayman. |

Fold those Jeans and Carry those Shoes


River's Almost All Dried Up During Low Tide


No Need for a Bangka


With Volunteer Thea and Abi and their "Sister"


With Pokwang and Kiray at a Foster Parent's House


On the Other Side is the Barangay


Same River, But High Tide


The Beach Is the Backyard of the Barangay


A couple of weeks ago, I spent my weekend at a barangay in Real, Quezon. There were two volunteers deployed in the barangay for an immersion, and I was assigned to visit the volunteers to see how they were doing.

The Summer Immersion Service Program of Pahinungod is really close to my heart. I handled the program for two years, and it has really changed my life and my limited world view. It is for this reason that I keep on helping the program in whatever way I can, even if my schedule is already toxic enough. Haha!

Anyway, to get to the barangay, my co-volunteer Jaylyn, and I had to take a four-hour road trip. There are vans in Legarda that are bound for Real and Infanta. The trip was quite comfortable. I got to sleep, and when I'm awake I got to feast my eyes on the panoramic view of the countryside.

When we reached Real, we had to cross a river to get to the barangay. We could have also gotten to the place by land, but that would entail a very, very bumpy ride. Anyway, as soon as we got to the meeting place, we saw the volunteers on the other side of the river get on a bangka to cross the river and fetch us. The river is not that deep and it already leads to open seas. During low tide, one could actually cross the river on foot. (We got to do this and it was really nice.)

As soon as we reached the barangay, we went to one of the volunteers' home to meet the foster parents, to take a break. We also went to the other volunteer's home to meet and greet the family.

I wouldn't describe the community as poor. But they're not rich either. I guess the most appropriate word to describe their life is "simple." At the home where I stayed in for the night, the dining room was also the living room. There was electricity, but no telephone lines and definitely no, DSL. Water came from a spring in the mountain. There was a small yard in front of the house, which also served as the working area of the foster father who works as a fisherman.

The food was also simple, but no one would complain because they were really fresh. The fish that we ate was fresh catch by the foster dad, and the vegetables cooked with the fish came from a nearby garden. To cool us in the afternoon (which got really hot), we had a "split." It basically crushed ice, topped with sweetened banana and its syrup, and with milk. You get a big glass for only 8 pesos. Homemade pancakes and banana cue were being sold by neighbors for 5 pesos.

In the evening, mosquito nets were set up. (I haven't seen or used mosquito nets for the longest time.) There was no airconditioner or electric fan, but past midnight I found myself wrapping myself in a blanket because of the cool air coming in from the sea.

The trip to Real, Quezon was really relaxing for me. It's definitely not a "dream vacation," if what you mean is de luxe travel and accommodations, but for some reason, the simplicity of it all is what provides the relaxation. More than just living the simple life for a day or two and seeing that I can survive without all the toxicities in the city, I guess the most important thing I got from the trip is a reaffirmation of what I really want to do when the right time comes, and if it's really meant for me.

In the meantime, I'll have to be content with the annual immersion program of Pahinungod.

Published Tuesday, May 16, 2006 by Clayman. |

Two of the Pieces on Display (Images via Vogue.co.uk)

It was on a Sunday afternoon a couple of weeks ago.

Since there wasn't much to do and the summer heat was just a bit too unbearable, I decided to head to Greenbelt to spend time with myself. Haha! On the way to Greenbelt, I remembered about the Christian Lacroix exhibit at the Ayala Museum. I've been planning to go and see it, but I just haven't found the time until yesterday.

As soon as I reached Makati, I dropped by the Ayala Museum to check out the details of the exhibit. Since there was nothing really planned that afternoon, I bought a ticket and took the elevator to the 4th floor where the exhibit was.

When the elevator opened, I couldn't help but get all excited. I swear this is such an OGT! But who wouldn't get excited? Sixty-three (63!!!) haute couture pieces and a number of pret-a-porter pieces were on display.

At the entrance to the gallery, the original sketches of some of Lacroix's couture pieces were hanging on the wall, a video of previous couture shows was also playing. It was a tease so good that you'd immediately want to go inside the gallery already.

The pieces were not encased in glass, and the reason for this, according to the curator, was to give the viewers a more intimate experience with the pieces. I think I had the most intimate moment with the pieces. Whereas the other viewers would just read the description of the dress, look at it for a minute or two and then move on to the next piece. I wanted to examine every detail and take it all in. I must have looked stupid or weird, because the guards in the exhibit hall would catch me with my face too close to the dresses.

One word. Amazing.

Awww! I was in heaven for about the hour and a half that I was there. You look at a piece, and you can just imagine how many hours of work were put in creating that dress. You can just imagine how talented the people who embroidered, or beaded, or painted the dresses are.

Each piece was really filled with intricate details, and I was just in awe really. Some of the pieces are already more than a decade old, but they still look very much wearable and timeless.

I've never seen such amazing craftsmanship and handwork on a dress. Plus the fabrics that were used would excite any fashion lover - tulle, organza, brocade, crinoline, gazir silk, tweed, chiffon, satin, fur - were all transformed into works of art. (I think that haute couture pieces are not just dresses. They're really works of art, when you see them up close and personal. No wonder they cost tens of thousands of dollars.)

In addition to the pieces, there were also a number of other artworks by 15 contemporary artists.

(Suki, don't hate me. I didn't ask anyone to go with me because I didn't want you or anyone to be waiting for me. You know I hate making other people wait.)

Published Monday, May 15, 2006 by Clayman. |

I've been thinking about how my first entry for this new blog should go. And frankly, it has been difficult.

Did I want it to be dramatic? Did I want it to be funny? How did I want it to sound? Do I want to be good enough to be featured in a daily, or perhaps inspiring enough that it would make me write a book?

Now that I'm writing this entry, I am now starting to see how this first entry should go - real.

And so I think it is fitting that this blog and this first entry is entitled, "Where to Now?" because that's the real situation I am in right now.

As several friends would know, a lot of things have happened in the past couple of months. Some of these things were expected and welcome. Others took me by surprise. I wasn't prepared for the deluge of all these events, and it has left me questioning myself and the Big Guy up there, "Where to Now?"

I have been emotionally wandering around these past few weeks, just trying to sort things out, hoping to see what the next step should be. It hasn't been easy but I am slowly trying to find myself and where I should be heading. There have been mistakes, but we're all allowed to make some, right? There are friends to thank. There is a Big Guy and Our Lady to thank more - for the guidance and for the friends they've sent over at the darkest hours.

Now that I've started to blog again, I see this as a sign of taking another step forward. There have been several good and not so good things that happened recently, and I'll be posting them really soon.

I don't know what the next few weeks, month, years hold (who does?) but I guess the only thing to do is just keep on taking the next step forward. There may be time when falling down would happen, but it's all part of the journey, right?

I guess the important thing is to always keep yourself in check, asking for directions from trusted people, and constantly asking...

"Where to now?"

If you'd like to see the past, go here.

Published Sunday, May 14, 2006 by Clayman. |